Every Aug. 15, the people of India celebrate and commemorate the country’s independence from the United Kingdom, an event that took place in 1947.
It is a well-loved national holiday in India.
For the second year in a row, Sault College Students’ Union (SCSU) is putting on a special celebration to commemorate that Independence for student’s studying at the college, and interested members of the community.
“We first celebrated India's Independence day last year,” said Noah Rego, vice president campus connections of SCSU. “It was well-received last year and we had a good turn... the students seemed to enjoy [it].”
The idea of having a local celebration first came up as a suggestion.
“Last year, one of our international Board of Director members suggested the idea to us and we brought the idea to the college. They welcomed it,” says Rego.
The celebration feature speeches from members of the student union and college departments.
“There is also a message from one of our international students,” said Rego. “After we have finished the speeches, we will then hoist and raise the flag of India where it will fly freely after the event.”
Although the college helps to run the event, it is organized primarily by the student union.
Rego notes that the president of SCSU, Ahamad Alkosani, did the “bulk amount of planning.”
“We aim to make every international student’s college experience a comfortable and fun one,” says Rego.
“To do this, we try planning and making events orientated toward the international body at the college.”
The event is taking place on-campus on Aug. 17 at 10 a.m.
For those in the community interested in the ceremony, the event will also be broadcast live on the Sault College Students' Union Facebook page.
“Everyone is encouraged to tune in and participate.”
