Anil Kapoor lights up I-Day celebrations in Melbourne

Bollywood superstar Anil Kapoor unfurled the Indian flag at Federation Square on Saturday to commemorate India's 69th Independence Day.

"As India makes progress in leaps and bounds and marches to become an economic superpower, we as Indian global citizens have to take upon ourselves further this cause of growth and progress," Kapoor said while addressing an enthusiastic Indian-diaspora crowd.

"Whatever professions we practice, whatever avenues we foray into, let's promise ourselves that we will always strive for excellence," said the superstar who is in Melbourne to attend the 40th Indian Film Festival.

It was for the first time that the Indian flag hoisting ceremony was held in Melbourne's bustling Federation Square which is considered to be the most popular venue for public events in the city.

"Victoria and India enjoy a very close relationship," said Victorian Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley while speaking at the function.

"Victoria is proud home to Australia's largest Indian community which is making outstanding and growing contribution right across our society ,across many fields of endeavour and activity," he added while paying tribute to a 100,000 plus Indian community which calls this tiny Australian state home.

A number of other luminaries also attended the function.

"It's time for reflection because ours is a young, restless, impatient nation one with great aspirations and one certainly in immemorable words of prime minister about our tryst with destiny continues to resonate till this date," said newly-appointed Indian High Commissioner to Australia, Navdeep Suri.

Indian Consulate General in Melbourne, Manika Jain also attended the function to celebrate the occassion.

The flag hoisting function was followed by a dance competition and other cultural programmes presented by, among others, well-known Indian television and film stars.

(Paritosh Parasher can be contacted at paritoshparasher@yahoo.com)