President Droupadi Murmu addressed the Indian diaspora and Friends of India at a community reception held today in Auckland. The reception was attended by the Minister of State, Government of India, George Kurian, Lok Sabha MPs Jugal Kishore Sharma, Saumitra Khan, High Commissioner Neeta Bhushan and a large gathering of the Indian diaspora. 

 

In her address to the Indian diaspora,  President Droupadi Murmu said that India has become an example of a vibrant democracy in the world and is going to be the third-largest economy very soon. She said that New Zealand has the expertise and experience to contribute to the growth of India, especially in the field of education. President Murmu expressed happiness that Indian festivals like Diwali, Onam, Holi and Pongal are celebrated with joy in New Zealand. She commended the Indian diaspora for upholding Indian festivals, traditions and customs.