Event organizer and Canadian Indian Association member Hassu Bihari dreamed of a celebration in which “all Indian community members come together to Celebrate India’s 70th Independence Day under one roof.” Her wish came true as Miltonians of all ages streamed through the doors of the Lion’s Club in traditional attire on August 13, 2017. In a DIY ode to the flag of India, children wore white shirts with slashes of bright orange and green duct tape as they raced through the room, ribbons trailing from their wrists.
The evening included a full schedule including patriotic songs, speeches, awards presentations and a number of classical dances from local groups representing the various states of India. ICA President, Nilesh Patel commented on the celebration, “It’s a really proud moment. With this, we are empowering and educating our children to hold onto a culture which was created over 5000 years ago.”
The evening’s ceremony follows on the heels of a previous gathering at the FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton. Having received permission from the Town of Milton, 50 witnesses gathered early on the morning of August 6, along with councillor Mike Boughton, and Senior Counsel DP Singh from India’s Consulate, to watch the raising of the Indian Flag. Both ceremonies recognized merged cultures through the singing of the Indian and Canadian national anthems.
Canadian Indian Association Director Jagmohn Mainra, was a diplomat for the Indian Foreign Service. After a lifetime of travel, he followed his children to Canada in 1999. “My children wanted to come to Canada because it was ripe with opportunity, and a good place to settle down.” Mainra, who attended the evening’s event with his wife Neelam, now lives in Milton and works in the food By Kaitlyn Patience Photographs by Denise Cooperwhite industry, importing goods from India.
The celebrations pay respect to the Indian Independence Act, which took place on August 15, 1947, and legislative sovereignty was transferred to the Indian Constituent Assembly from British Rule. The development of the festivities was supported by a number of local Indian groups, whose goal is to “help unite various Indian cultural associations…and project a common identity based on their Indian heritage, and to celebrate Unity in Diversity within the region of Halton.” (Hassu Bihari)
Photos by: Denise Cooperwhite
