High Commissioner Neeta Bhushan poses for a photograph with the Indian diaspora in New Zealand during the Republic Day Celebrations held at the Indian High Commission in Wellington, New Zealand, on Jan. 26, 2023. High Commission of India in Wellington, New Zealand/Ruchika Jain Photography

New Zealand

Vibrant performances mark India's Republic Day celebration in NZ

Indian High Commission in New Zealand celebrated the Republic Day of India with a grand celebration at the new High Commission Complex in Pipitea, Wellington.

Published:7th Feb, 2023 at 3:19 PM

Indian High Commission in New Zealand celebrated the Republic Day of India with a grand celebration at the new High Commission Complex in Pipitea, Wellington.

High-level New Zealand officials were in attendance at the event, including Diplomat Deborah Geels of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade, Deputy Speaker Greg O'Connor, and Labour MP Vanushi Walters.

Artists performing traditional Indian dance at the Republic Day Celebrations held at the Indian High Commission in Wellington, New Zealand, on Jan. 26, 2023.

India and New Zealand have a long history of friendship, with seventy years of diplomatic ties.

In her speech, Neeta Bhushan, India's High Commissioner to New Zealand, highlighted the strength behind this shared bond.

Artists performing traditional Indian dance at the Republic Day Celebrations held at the Indian High Commission in Wellington, New Zealand, on Jan. 26, 2023.

Drawing on strong historical, cultural, and sports connections and people-to-people relations, Bhushan affirmed that “the essence” of democracy lies within India's constitution, which has been firmly upheld since 1950.

Children from Wellington School singing 'Mere desh ka pyara jhanda' at the Republic Day Celebrations held at the Indian High Commission in Wellington, New Zealand, on Jan. 26, 2023.

Little children from Wellington School charmed the audience with their inspiring rendition of 'Mere desh ka pyara jhanda'.

Artists performing traditional Indian dance at the Republic Day Celebrations held at the Indian High Commission in Wellington, New Zealand, on Jan. 26, 2023.

Members from India's diaspora kept tempo with traditional music and uplifting Bollywood numbers, all adorned in regional costumes.

The vibrancy extended to performances representing diverse cultures — Gujarat, Assam, Rajasthan, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Punjab were among them- united under one roof for this special celebration.

Artists performing traditional Indian dance at the Republic Day Celebrations held at the Indian High Commission in Wellington, New Zealand, on Jan. 26, 2023.

Members of the Indian diaspora posing for a photograph during the Republic Day Celebrations held at the Indian High Commission in Wellington, New Zealand, on Jan. 26, 2023.

Members of the Indian diaspora performing a patriotic Indian song during the Republic Day Celebrations held at the Indian High Commission in Wellington, New Zealand, on Jan. 26, 2023.

Artists performing traditional Indian dance at the Republic Day Celebrations held at the Indian High Commission in Wellington, New Zealand, on Jan. 26, 2023.