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