Indian Independence Day celebrated at the home of Sligo Rovers as its local community marks special bond with the club

Irish Independent

2 days ago

It is the voice of former club President and native of India, the late Johnny Chadda which echoes around the ground as the teams take to the field of play at every home game in The Showgrounds.
While an event to celebrate the occasion was cancelled in Dublin as a result of a number of assaults on members of the Indian community in the capital, the Sligo gathering went ahead with a strong message from all present focusing on the importance of inclusion and diversity.
One of the event organisers, Nicholas Paul, spoke of the events leading to Indian independence, drawing parallels between his nation's struggle and those faced by the Irish in the 1920s around the time of the War of Independence.
"Today is a wonderful reminder that we share a common past and future.' He said this shared future revolves around 'love, respect and working together.'
The Indian national song was sung by Srikan Dawn followed by the raising of the Indian Flag while the Indian National Anthem was also played to celebrate the occasion.
Cllr Donal Gilroy, Cathaoirleach Sligo County Council thanked the Indian community for the invitation saying the impact of former club president, chairman and treasurer, the late Johnny Chadda on Sligo Rovers and the Sligo community meant The Showgrounds was a fitting place for the ceremony to be held.
"The Indian community has been one of our most active community groups. Your contribution to Sligo life has been significant and meaningful.'
Cllr Gilroy also referred to the difficulties experienced by the Indian community in Ireland in recent weeks saying, 'We are here to show the people of Sligo are welcoming to communities, especially the Indian community, who come here to work and be part of our community.'
Those sentiments were echoed by Sligo Rovers CEO Andrew Feakins who remarked, 'The Indian community and Sligo Rovers have a longstanding, historical relationship that has gone back many years, particularly relating to Johnny Chadda who was an icon of the club and it is wonderful once a year to celebrate the independence of India and not to forget the struggles, the challenges, that have taken place for that community and the Irish community in their history of struggles against the oppression of the British empire.
"The rise of the voices that project hate and division should be drowned out by our solidarity in community, solidarity in diversity and inclusion of all ethnicities not just throughout Ireland but throughout the world.'
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The recent attacks on a number of Indian individuals in the Dublin area was strongly condemned by President Michael D Higgins.
'The recent despicable attacks on members of the Indian community stand in stark contradiction to the values that we as a people hold dear. That any person in Ireland, particularly any young person, should be drawn into such behaviour through manipulation or provocation is to be unequivocally condemned."
To mark the strong links between the local Indian community and the county, forged by former Summerhill teacher Mr Chadda, a cheque was presented to the Sligo Rovers CEO by Anirban Bhanja, President of the Indian Association of Sligo.
This was described as, 'A token of appreciation for the decades long, deeply rooted relationship between the club and the Indian community in Sligo. This gesture reflects our enduring bond and shared history with the local community.'
Inspector Angela Cummins also addressed the assembled audience to highlight the contribution of the Indian community adding these links can be further strengthened.
'We enjoy very rich collaborations that grow from strength to strength every year. In every walk of life you are welcome."
And, with a reference to the ongoing Garda recruitment campaigns, she added, 'Please come to us if there are any issues. We would love members from all our diverse communities to join An Garda Siochana because we represent you all.'
The message of solidarity towards the Indian Community was also highlighted by Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O'Callaghan following a meeting he held with Ireland India Council and the Federation of Indian Communities in Ireland, to discuss recent racist attacks on members of the Indian community.
'Any attack against innocent members of the public such as those suffered by members of the Indian community are totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Attacks on individuals because of their inherent characteristics including race are abhorrent to the values of our republic and are condemned by any right-thinking people,' stated Minister O'Callaghan.