The Sydney Royal Easter Show, more commonly known as the Easter Show, is a celebration of Australian culture and the flagship event of the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales (RAS), a not-for-profit organisation founded in 1822 to measure and maintain excellence in agriculture. Not only does it celebrate the contribution of agriculture in Australia, but it also applauds its highest achievers in agricultural excellence.
At the opening of the Indian pavilion, the visiting delegation from India was led by officials of the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), a government of India enterprise, promoting Indian trade globally.
In his inaugural address, RAS Chief Executive Michael Kenny thanked the government of India and said, “None of this would have been possible without the contribution and support of the exhibition organisers, and I must thank ITPO for their involvement and support of this event.”
Praising the contribution of Indian migrants to Australia, Kenny said, “Today there is a community of nearly 400,000 Indian Australians who contribute to the greater national community in their roles as farmers and rural workers as well as teachers, doctors, accountants, engineers and researchers.”
For 14 days during the Easter Show, over 85 exhibitors from India will be housed in the Guest Nation India Pavilion.
Following the launch, the boutiques, laden with exotic and colourful garments, including embroidered and ethnic wear, were an instant hit. Curious show goers checked out traditional gifts, fashion accessories, cosmetics, handcrafted jewellery, and traditional mouth fresheners. A magnificent range of home furnishings including carpets, artwork, bed linen, crafted leather goods and unique tableware were on display.
In her remarks, Shubhra Singh, Executive Director, ITPO expressed her gratitude to the organisers for hosting India at the Show and said, “ITPO is committed to showcase India’s excellence in diverse fields especially trade and commerce.”
Singh extended an invitation to Australian officials to participate in trade expos to be held in India and said, “India and Australia are traditional partners with shared values -pluralism, tolerance, openness and respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights. We are keen to expand our economic partnership and strengthen people-to-people ties.
B. Vanlalvawna, Consul General of India in Sydney was also present for the launch and spoke about the Indo-Australian trade relations.
The exchange of Akubra hats and tri-coloured India show ribbons by dignitaries of both nations was a gesture of cultural solidarity. Indian classical dancers heightened the spirit of celebration through their graceful performance.
Within the Pavilion, Beyond India will be serving contemporary cuisine from India and surrounds including samosas, curries, pakoras and more.
Exhibitors at the guest nation pavilion have so far opined that they have had a feeble response in terms of crowd turn out. A common piece of feedback is, “There is no visible branding outside the hall.” Others feel, “The organisers should have run a campaign, and promoted the event highlighting India’s participation.”
The visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Australia in 2014 rekindled an interest in strengthening Indo-Australian ties. Modi’s visit was viewed as significant in efforts towards striking a deal for a free-trade agreement between both nations.
On the world stage, India and Australia have come a long way. Both nations have shared trade ties as early as the 1700s – when exports of Australian coal were shipped from Newcastle to Bengal in 1799.
The Easter Show is the largest annual show in the southern hemisphere, with over 800,000 footfalls and visitors from more than 60 international destinations. Every Easter, the country and city join together at Sydney Showground in Sydney Olympic Park, for a fortnight of agricultural competitions, animal experiences, live entertainment and carnival fun.
The Guest Nation India Pavilion can be visited at Riverina Avenue, Sydney Showground Hall 3, open daily from 9.30am to 8.30pm
The Guest Nation India Pavilion can be visited at Riverina Avenue, Sydney Showground Hall 3, open daily from 9.30am to 8.30pm
*Written by Royston Rebello , a lover of literary and musical works
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