Indians march in Melbourne on Jan 26

Melbourne, Jan 25 (UNI) Indians settled in the Victorian capital city here would participate in a march to celebrate the 57th anniversary of India's Republic Day.

Mr Butshiken Singh, Consul General of India would hoist the Indian tricolor in a function being organised at his Toorak residence and read the message by President A P J Abdul Kalam.

Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria (FIAV) is co-organiser of the flag-hoisting function at Consul General's residence.

The participants have been urged to move to Melbourne CBD to participate in the Indian contingent for 2007 Australia Day Peoples March.

This South Pacific country celebrates Australia Day on January 26 and every year people from different ethnic backgrounds participate in the Peoples March which concludes at picturesque Alexandra Gardens after winding through city streets.

Indian contingent, according to a FIAV press release, would march with a 'dhol' (Indian drum) player to make the participation in the march a ''fun experience.'' FIAV President Shabbir Wahid has urged the Indian expatriates to ''demonstrate to all Victorians our collective pride in our ethnicity and heritage by walking together in traditional regional dress and finery''.

"Of course this is also the Anniversary of our Republic Day.

There will be a flag hoisting ceremony at the residence of the Consul General for India at 0900 hrs. Details will be provided shortly," he said.

The Goan Overseas Association is also organising an event in Fawkner to mark the Indian Republic Day.

Similar flag-hoisting functions are planned to be organised in the state capital cities and national capital Canberra to mark the 57th anniversary of the Indian Republic Day.

UNI