The Consulate celebrated 68^th Independence Day of India on 15^th August by unfurling the tricolour at CG’s residence.   Consul General Ms Manika Jain read out the  Hon’ble President’s address to the Nation in Hindi to the gathering.   About 100 persons attended the morning function.  The Indian AFL Team (Australian Rules of Football) also attended the flag hoisting ceremony.   In the afternoon,  the Consul General   inaugurated the ‘Museum India’ at Little India, Danadenong.   Museum India is a project which came about with the help of the Federation of Indian Associations Victoria(FIAV) Inc and the local government.   An Indian origin medico, Dr. Dinesh Parekh, donated his collection of more than 1200 artefacts for setting up “Museum India”. The Consulate, High Commission and Pravasi Bharatiya National Committee have supported this project and it has the support of the Victorian Multicultural Commission.   Hon. Matthew Guy, Victorian Minister for Planning, Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship, Hon. John Pondazopoulos, MP from Dandenong, Mayor of Dandenong Hon. Jim Memeti and other local dignitaries were present on the occasion.  In the evening, Consul General hosted a National Day Reception for the Australian dignitaries, officials, academicians, consular corps, leaders of the Indian community and Indian businessmen.  More than 120 invitees attended the Reception.    Hon. Matthew Guy was the Chief Guest on the occasion.   The Reception was also attended by Hon. Judith Graley, MP representing the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Lisa Singh, Senator for Tasmania,  Hon.Bruce Atkinson, President of the Legislative Council, Hon. Christine Fyffe, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly,  Hon. Ted Baillieu, Former Premier of Victoria, and Hon. Inga Peulich, Cabinet Secretary. 

An interactive meeting of leaders of the Indian community based in Melbourne was convened at the Consulate on 23^rd August 2014 at 4:00 pm.  More than 20 community leaders from different Indian associations based in Melbourne attended this meeting.     In her opening remarks, Consul General Ms Manika Jain briefed the community leaders about activities relevant to the community undertaken by the Consulate during the current year since January 2014.  The current issues of Indian community were discussed and remedial measures suggested in the meeting.