Indian festival celebrates 70 years of independence

Roma Street Parklands today came alive to the sounds, taste and visual delights of Indian culture as the India Day Fair gets underway.

Attending the celebrations today, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said this year’s Fair was particularly significant as it also played a major part in helping celebrate 70 years of Indian independence.

“It’s such a delight to be here today to join with the Indian community and hundreds of other Queenslanders immersing ourselves in Indian culture,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Whether you’re here for the fantastic cuisine, the colourful parades or the joys of watching and maybe even participating in some Indian dancing, today’s Fair has something for everyone.”

The Premier said the Fair also celebrated Queensland and India’s strong relationship which has gone from strength to strength over the years.

“This close and enduring relationship is enriched by cultural exchange, strong ties in education and business, and significant bilateral trade and investment,” the Premier said.

“Today, India is one of Queensland’s biggest export markets, with our exports to the country representing more than 61 per cent of Australia’s total exports to India.

“India is also now the second-largest source country for international students choosing to study in Queensland and our State boasts around 74,000 residents of Indian ancestry.”

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Grace Grace said the Indian community has a long established presence in Queensland and can be found in all areas of Queensland life including business, education, hospitality, sport and entertainment.

“The Indian community is a great example of how multiculturalism enriches this state and brings many benefits to all of us through a greater awareness and understanding of other cultures,” she said.

“There could be no better location for a celebration of Indian culture and their independence day as well, as the fair is taking place alongside a statue of Mahatma Gandhi unveiled by the current Indian Prime Minister in 2014.

“This event is just one of many that are currently taking place throughout Queensland as we celebrate Queensland Multicultural Month.  

“The Queensland Government contributed $6,000 towards this year’s and next year’s India Day Fair through the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland grants program.

“Events such as these are a great example of how we can celebrate the many diverse cultures in Queensland by coming together in a spirit of community,” Mrs Grace said.

“The smiles on the faces of all those here today are clear evidence of Queensland’s embrace of multiculturalism,” Ms Grace said.

For more details on Queensland Multicultural Month events and activities head to www.qld.gov.au/multiculturalmonth

Media contact:

Premier's Office:            Geoff Breusch   0417 272 875

Minister Grace's Office: Martin Philip     0427 919 548