Excerpt

India’s Independence Day, observed annually on August 15, commemorates the nation’s independence from the UK. 

On August 15, 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru, who had become the first Prime Minister of India that day, raised the Indian national flag above the Lahore Gate of the Red Fort in Delhi. 

On each subsequent Independence Day, the prime minister of the day has raised the flag and given a speech.

The Indian independence movement is well known for its largely non-violent resistance and civil disobedience approach, led by the Indian National Congress, the first modern nationalist movement to emerge in the British Empire in Asia and Africa. 

From 1920 until the declaration of India’s independence in 1930, the Indian National Congress was led by celebrated Indian lawyer and anti-colonial nationalist, Mahatma Gandhi.

Facts about India’s Independence Day

1. India shares their Independence Day date with the Republic of Congo, South Korea, North Korea, Lichtenstein and Bahrain.
2. The date originally proposed for India’s Independence Day was June 3, 1948, but at the behest of Lord Mountbatten, was moved to August 15, 1947 to align with the end of World War II, symbolising a new beginning for India and a smooth transition of power from the British Empire.
3. The first variant of the Indian flag was hoisted on August 7, 1906, in Parsee Bagan Square, Kolkata. The flag was then changed in 1931 to the current flag of India which features an Ashoka Chakra, 24-spoke wheel, symbol in the centre.
4. There is only one place that can manufacture and supply the Indian flag, the Karnataka Khadi Gramodaya Samyukta Sangha in Dharwad, Karnataka.
5. Each year, independence day celebrations have a theme that aligns with the government’s aim of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047, which would mark 100 years of independence.

Indian success stories in Canberra…

A vegetarian’s dining ‘dream come true’

Chatkazz is a vegetarian’s dream come true, with more than 250 vegetarian dishes on offer, says owner Ravi Bakrania.

“The three founders of Chatkazz wanted to cater to the vegetarian audience because, as vegetarians themselves, they were struggling to find vegetarian food in Australia,” he says.

“Chatkazz is 100 per cent vegetarian, and we are beginning to expand our vegan options as well. 

“We already have 30 to 50 vegan dishes, but there are more to come.”

Chatkazz offers dishes from all across India, including Mumbai street food, the much loved dosa from southern India, and the popular fusion Bombay Chinese style, such as vegetable manchurian dry.

Ravi says they have options for all appetites, with popular entrees including Papdi Chaat, crispy flat puri’s topped with boiled potato, chana, sweet yoghurt and a mix of chutneys, to the popular northern style paneer tikka, and paneer masala curries.

“We also have a paan shop next door, which offers mouth refreshments and betel leaf,” he says.

Chatkazz Canberra, Level 1, Shop H70-71, The Marketplace Gungahlin Shopping Centre. Call 6231 0421 or visit chatkazz.com.au

Custom designed homes for any budget

“Building a house is a dream for so many people, and it really makes us proud to be able to help people achieve this dream, and build it to their vision,” says owner of Taz Building Group Sumandeep Dhillon.

“We are custom builders, so we are flexible with not just the plans, but the materials, too. 

“I think we might be the most flexible builders in Canberra.”

Sumandeep says that because they are not constrained by housing plans like other, bigger building companies, they can truly work to any budget, and can build any type of house.

Thanks to this flexibility, Sumandeep says they have built houses all across Canberra.

“I have built so many houses in Canberra that most people know me now,” he says. 

“It’s very nice to have built not just houses, but relationships too.”

Sumandeep says they can also help Canberrans with knocking down a house and rebuilding their dream home.

Taz Building Group, 46 Hoskins Street, Mitchell. Call 0481 875645 or visit tazbuildinggroup.com.au

Distinctive candidate for Murrumbidge

Amardeep Singh, the Liberal candidate for Murrumbidgee, is a standout contender in this election, says fellow Murrumbidgee resident Avneet Bakshi. 

“Singh’s extensive charitable work during the 2019-2020 bushfires, along with his efforts with Turbans 4 Australia and Ken Behrens Helping Hands during covid, highlight his commitment to social inclusion and support for the underprivileged,” she says.

Avneet says Singh has been proactive from the very start, being one of the first candidates to launch his campaign after his preselection in February.

“His visibility in shopping centres, community events, and his active presence with his team underscore his dedication and approachability,” says Avneet.

His ability to engage with a broad spectrum of voters is further illustrated by his involvement in Landcare projects, says Avneet, including founding the Friends of Molonglo Valley Green Spaces and Parks and pioneering the Denman Prospect mowing group.

“Singh’s extensive community roles, such as serving as a co-convenor of the Molonglo Valley Community Forum, vice chairman of the Canberra Interfaith Forum, president of the Federation of Indian Associations, and active member of the Sunrisers Rotary Club and the Royal Commonwealth Society, showcase his deep connections across various societal groups,” she says.

“Despite his strengths, Singh faces challenges from both, extreme right-wing individuals who may struggle with his identity as a turban-wearing migrant and leftist critics who oppose the Liberal Party. 

“As the election on October 19 approaches, all eyes will be on Singh to see how he navigates these dynamics.”

Amardeep Singh, call 0403 588352 or visit amardeep.com.au