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India’s 80th Independence Day was marked in Perth on August 15, 2026, with a flag-hoisting ceremony at the Consulate General of India, bringing together veterans, community members and friends of India as celebrations took place across Indian diplomatic missions in Australia.
The Perth ceremony began with Vande Mataram, reflecting a major theme of this year’s national celebrations marking 150 years of the national song. Young performers from the Indian community presented Vande Mataram, which was also rendered for the first time during Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort in New Delhi.
Consul General of India to Western Australia and the Northern Territory Kajari Biswas then hoisted the national tricolor, after which children from the Indian community led the gathering in the Indian national anthem.
Biswas later read the Independence Day address of President of India Droupadi Murmu, delivered to the nation on the eve of Independence Day. The address looked back at the freedom movement and the challenges that accompanied independence, while placing much of its focus on India’s development and its ambition to become a Viksit Bharat, or developed India, by the centenary of independence in 2047.
Murmu highlighted India’s economic growth, expansion of infrastructure, digital transformation and social welfare initiatives, noting that more than 250 million people had been lifted out of poverty in recent years, while food security support now reaches more than 800 million people and healthcare coverage extends to hundreds of millions.
She also highlighted the growing role of women and young people in India’s development, pointing to women’s achievements across education, entrepreneurship, the armed forces and sport, as well as a recent successful rocket launch by a young team with an average age of 28.
The President acknowledged Indians living abroad and officials serving in diplomatic missions, commending their role in enhancing India’s “prestige and honor on the global stage.”
Her address also reflected on India’s place internationally, describing national interest as the foundation of its foreign policy while emphasizing peace, cooperation, dialogue and a rules-based international order.
Against that broader national backdrop, Perth’s commemoration placed culture and community at the center of the morning.
Perth-based Bharatanatyam dancer Dr Sharanya Ravi performed Namo Bharatambe, a solo tribute to Mother India drawing on the Bharatambe Guru Stotram. Ravi, who trained in the Kalakshetra tradition under Padma Bhushan awardees V.P. Dhananjayan and Shanta Dhananjayan, performed to a composition sung by Bijeesh Krishna with lyrics by Manju V. Nair.
Sanskriti Seniors followed with patriotic songs, while children from the community also took part in the cultural program.
Consul Naresh Kumar, Head of Chancery at the Consulate General of India in Perth, delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the community groups, performers, children, volunteers and attendees who contributed to the celebration.
The Perth gathering formed part of Independence Day commemorations held by Indian diplomatic missions across Australia.
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