Indians celebrate Republic Day in Australia

Melbourne, Jan 26 (UNI) Indians celebrated the 58th Republic Day across Australia with flag hoisting and cultural programmes marking the event.

Consul General Butshiken Singh unfurled the tricolour and read out a message by President APJ Abdul Kalam at a function organised at his Toorak residence.

The participants at the function then moved to Melbourne CBD to form a part of the Indian contingent for Australia Day Peoples March.

Australia Day coincides with the Republic Day and every year, people from different ethnic backgrounds participate in the Peoples March at picturesque Alexandra Gardens here.

Indian contingent marched with a 'dhol' (Indian drum) to make the participation a ''fun experience'', an FIAV release said.

Meanwhile, 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.'' A cultural programme will be organised at the conclusion of the march in Alexendra Park.

The Indian participants' gusto, and 'dhol' beats, also made it to the national news on free-to-air television channels.

Victorian Premier Steve Bracks and the Lord Mayor Cr John So joined the march along with thousands of the Melbournians.

The Goan Overseas Association also organised an event in Fawkner to mark the Republic Day.

Reports of similar functions are being received from various state capitals and major cities in the region.

UNI