A ‘privilege’ to share Indian culture at independence celebration
SENTENCES imposed by Judge Tony Couch in the Queenstown District Court yesterday were.—
Stuart Craig Robertson (38), film production worker, of Queenstown, drinkdriving (676mcg), Marina Dr, fined $400, court costs $130, disqualified six months.
Jaco Snyman (28), farm worker, of Riversdale, refusing to provide blood specimen, forbidden driving, Invercargill, March 4, fined $400, six months’ community detention, 12 months’ supervision, disqualified 28 days.
Anthony James Henry Robertson (36), of Queenstown, aggravated disqualified driving, Shotover St, June 22, 120 hours’ community work, six months’ community detention.
Oliver Elkington (18), of Fernhill, dangerous driving, failing to stop, Shotover St, July 29, fined $1000, court costs $130, disqualified six months. — PIJF court reporter Guy Williams
INVERCARGILL’S Indian community got together yesterday to celebrate 75 years of Indian independence with a big ‘‘jay hind’’, or salute to India.
About 100 people gathered at the Invercargill City Council to raise the flag and sing their national anthem, the Jana Gana Mana, to mark the important day.
Indian Community in Southland trust chairman Vinay Sood said it was a great opportunity for the community gather to share their culture with others.
He believed there were about 1000 New ZealandIndians living in Southland.
‘‘For all Indians and KiwiIndians in Southland it is a privilege and honour that we can celebrate this date here.
‘‘It is great to be able to bring a bit of our culture and traditions to Southland. It is about the community coming together.’’
Anu Elizabathe John agreed. ‘‘It is my roots and it is what I represent. So this day is very special. Despite [all being] very different from each other, the truth is that we all came united because of the independence.
‘‘So it is a very motivational and inspiring day for all us.’’
The celebration also had a presentation from children who performed traditional dancing.