India's Republic Day coincides with Australia Day
26th of January is a day of celebration for both Australia and India. While India celebrates in Republic Day, Australia too celebrates its Foundation Day. Satyen Mohapatra rells more...
26th of January is a day of celebration for both Australia and India. While India celebrates in Republic Day, Australia too celebrates its Foundation Day.
Interestingly it was on Jan 26, 1788 that Captain Arthur Phillip, commander of First Fleet of British Admiralty, along with his officers rowed to Sidney Cove in eastern Australia and took possession of the land in the name of King George III.
Talking to Hindustan Times, Deputy High Commissioner Lachlan Strahan said, "Tomorrow, 430 Indians will become Australian citizens as part of Australia Day celebrations," he said.
"Australia Day marks the beginning of the European settlement in Australia and the foundation of the modern Australian state."
He said in the 19th century, Jan.26 was being celebrated in few parts of Australia because Australia had not yet become a nation. Once Australia came into being as a nation in 1901, the day (Jan.26) was adopted as the National Day, he added.
"We have public holiday all over Australia on Jan 26, and variety of functions, big parties and fireworks are held. Australia Day celebrates the establishment of a diverse multi-open Australian society."
We created Australia Day Council in 1946 for raising awareness regarding the Day, and since 1960 the Council has established Australian of the Year Award, Young Australian of the Year Award (16 year-30 years), Senior Australian of the Year Award (over 60 years) and Australia's Local Hero Award.
This year the Australian of the Year Award has gone to leading psychiatrist Professor Patrick McGory, he added.
"In India as Australia Day coincides with India's Republic Day, here we celebrate India's Republic Day and don't try to have competing events. High Commissioner and myself will be going to witness the Republic Day Parade tomorrow to acknowledge India's Republic Day," he added.