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The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
President Michael D Higgins blasts ‘despicable' wave of attacks on Indian community in Ireland after festival cancelled
President Higgins also expressed his gratitude to the Indian community for their contribution to Irish life VILE ATTACKS President Michael D Higgins blasts 'despicable' wave of attacks on Indian community in Ireland after festival cancelled MICHAEL D Higgins has blasted the 'despicable' wave of attacks on members of the Indian community in Ireland. The President hit out in a stinging statement following the spate of racially-motivated assaults in recent weeks, which have prompted safety fears. Advertisement 3 Thousands gathered outside the Dail last month to protest against racism following the assault of an Indian national in the Tallaght area Credit: Getty Images - Getty 3 The Ireland India Council has called off the India Day festival at Farmleigh this Sunday, citing safety concerns Credit: � 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved On Monday, the Ireland India Council announced it will not go ahead with the India Day festival at Farmleigh in the Phoenix Park this Sunday because of safety concerns. President Higgins, 84, said he wished to express 'the deep sense of gratitude we all in Ireland owe to the Indian community here. 'We are all mindful of the immense contribution this community has made, and continues to make, to so many aspects of Irish life, in medicine, nursing, the caring professions, in cultural life, in business and enterprise, to cite just some.' Higgins continued: 'The recent despicable attacks on members of the Indian community stand in stark contradiction to the values that we as a people hold dear. Advertisement 'UNEQUIVOCALLY CONDEMNED' 'That any person in Ireland, particularly any young person, should be drawn into such behaviour through manipulation or provocation is to be unequivocally condemned. 'Whether such provocation stems from ignorance or from malice, it is essential to acknowledge the harm that it is causing. 'Such acts diminish all of us and obscure the immeasurable benefits the people of India have brought to the life of this country. 'Ireland has long been shaped by migration, both outward and inward.' Advertisement Higgins - whose second term in office comes to an end later this year - added: 'Those who left our shores carried our culture and values into faraway lands, often depending on the generosity of strangers.
Irish Independent
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Gardaí to increase patrols in ‘key locations' as President Michael D Higgins condemns ‘despicable attacks' on the Indian community'
Today at 10:01 Gardaí will increase patrols in 'key locations' in Dublin and are 'examining certain online content' in the aftermath of a number of recent attacks on members of the Indian community. It comes as India Day has been postponed in the aftermath of such incidents, with President Michael D Higgins today condemning 'despicable attacks on members of the Indian community' as he expressed a 'deep sense of gratitude' for their contribution to Irish society.
Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
What Ireland president said on migration, online hate after racist attacks on Indians: ‘…to lose a part of ourselves'
In his condemnation of recent racists attacks on Indians in his country, Ireland President Michael D Higgins made some key points about migration and its role in society. 'Ireland has long been shaped by migration, both outward and inward," said President Michael D Higgins.(X/@PresidentIRL) 'Ireland has long been shaped by migration, both outward and inward. Those who left our shores carried our culture and values into faraway lands, often depending on the generosity of strangers,' his statement read. {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} He said 'shared human experience' should inform how we must treat 'those who have come to make their lives here (in Ireland)'. 'To forget that is to lose a part of ourselves,' he stressed. He mentioned social media platforms among the shared space that 'should never be poisoned from messages of hate'. He further expressed worry for what he called 'the most fundamental and enduring instincts of Irishness… hospitality, friendship, and care for others'. On the Indian community, in particular, he wrote: 'We are all mindful of the immense contribution this community has made, and continues to make, to so many aspects of Irish life, in medicine, nursing, the caring professions, in cultural life, in business and enterprise, to cite just some. Their presence, their work, their culture, have been a source of enrichment and generosity to our shared life." {{^usCountry}} His detailed statement came after at least two major incidents: one in which a six-year-old girl of Indian origin was assaulted and racially abused; the other an assault on an Indian taxi driver by two passengers who told him to "go back to your country". {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} His detailed statement came after at least two major incidents: one in which a six-year-old girl of Indian origin was assaulted and racially abused; the other an assault on an Indian taxi driver by two passengers who told him to "go back to your country". {{/usCountry}} Read More {{^usCountry}} As security worries mount, one of the country's largest celebrations of Indian culture was postponed. {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} As security worries mount, one of the country's largest celebrations of Indian culture was postponed. {{/usCountry}} {{^usCountry}} The Ireland India Council announced: "We feel that the situation at the moment for holding India Day is not conducive. 'Extreme-right propaganda' on the rise, says cultural council chief {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} The Ireland India Council announced: "We feel that the situation at the moment for holding India Day is not conducive. 'Extreme-right propaganda' on the rise, says cultural council chief {{/usCountry}} {{^usCountry}} The association's co-chairman Prashant Shukla said in an interview that 'extreme-right propaganda' is on the rise, and there is a false perception being fueled that immigrants are to blame for Ireland's housing problems. {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} The association's co-chairman Prashant Shukla said in an interview that 'extreme-right propaganda' is on the rise, and there is a false perception being fueled that immigrants are to blame for Ireland's housing problems. {{/usCountry}} President Higgins' comments, thus, come at a time also when far-right populist figure and former ring fighter Conor McGregor has announced to contest the Irish presidential elections later this year on an anti-immigration stance. McGregor, 36, has met Donald Trump at the White House and is one of many European right-wing allies of the US president. 'Ireland is at the cusp of potentially losing its Irishness,' McGregor has said, claiming that rural towns in the country are 'being overrun by immigrants'. Immigration has indeed become an issue ahead of the elections, though still not at the front of people's minds, the BBC reported. But for the first time ever it is a consideration, said the report, analysing the mood a year after riots broke out in Dublin. The Dublin riots, sparked by the stabbing of three children and a staff member outside a primary school in November 2023, led to fake news and disinformation on social media that demonised asylum seekers and other immigrants. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Hindustan Times
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
'India Day' celebrations in Ireland postponed amid increased violent attacks on Indians
The annual 'India Day' celebrations in Ireland, scheduled to take place on Sunday, were postponed amid the recent spike in violent attacks on Indians in the country. India Day celebrations mainly feature an array of Indian and Irish songs, classical and Bollywood dance, music, and cultural presentations.(X/@iic_info) Prashant Shukla, co-chairman of the Ireland India Council, said on Monday that it was not a "conducive" time to hold the event, which is coinciding with the Indian Independence Day, August 15. Shukla made the remarks after meeting with Irish deputy prime minister, Tánaiste Simon Harris, to discuss the Indian community's concerns over the violent attacks in recent weeks. 'We discussed a range of issues, particularly safety and security of Indians in Ireland,' Shukla told reporters after the meeting. He added, "We want to make an announcement, as we feel the situation at the moment for holding India Day is not conducive. We will review the situation and announce new dates." Meanwhile, deputy PM Harris also took to X and thanked the "very positive contribution" of the Indian community to Ireland. "Today, I met representatives of Ireland's Indian community. I completely condemn the despicable acts of violence and racism that we have seen against some members of the Indian community in recent weeks," Harris added. The Ireland India Council has been organising India Day every year since 2015 at Dublin's Farmleigh House and Estate at Phoenix Park, in collaboration with the Irish government and community organisations such as the Federation of Indian Communities in Ireland (FICI). Last week, the Garda National Diversity Unit of the Irish police said that it was looking forward to joining the event as an opportunity to 'provide any help and reassurance in light of recent concerns'. India Day celebrations mainly feature an array of Indian and Irish songs, classical and Bollywood dance, music, and cultural presentations, including fashion shows and a craft market. Prashant Shukla told reporters, "The main purpose of India Day is friendship and the celebration of freedom, not only by the Indian community but also the Irish community. It is an unfortunate decision, but (members of the Indian community) stand by it because it is the correct decision." More concerned about 'social media perception' Revealing that hundreds of performers and volunteers had been preparing for the event throughout the year, Shukla said that the tense situation forced them to take this "very, very difficult" decision. "Above all, the safety and security of the members of the Indian community and wider Irish and multinational communities is more important than anything," he added. Further, Shukla noted that more than the safety at the event, the community was concerned about the "perception in the social media created by some extreme right and extreme left propaganda". "They also create a perception that Indians have taken over the streets and the housing problem is because of the Indians. So, we just want to balance these counter-narratives," he said. Meanwhile, Dublin's Archbishop, Dermot Farrell, issued a strongly worded statement this week against the "unprovoked" attacks. 'It is time to call out those who peddle racial hatred. It is time to stand up to those who seek to divide our community through rumour and malice,' said Farrell's statement. It further read, "The truth is that the Indian community in Dublin comprises many people who have come to Dublin to make an important and valued contribution to our society. We are all familiar with the vital presence of Indian professionals in our healthcare system, without whom many healthcare needs simply could not be met. Others apply their skills in other important sectors of the economy and also contribute to funding public services through their taxes." The Irish Embassy last week reacted to the recent violent attacks on Indians in the country and said, "We condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms. They are an assault on the values of equality and human dignity that Ireland holds dear.' The embassy further said that racism and xenophobia have no place in Irish society. It added that the actions of a few do not show the true spirit of the Irish people and will not be accepted. After reports of a brutal attack on a 40-year-old Indian man at Parkhill Road in Dublin's Tallaght suburb last month, several instances of similar targeted attacks on the community across Ireland have emerged. Most recently, an Indian-origin woman alleged that her 60-year-old father was subjected to racial harassment and inappropriate behaviour by a couple of young boys, likely aged around 7 or 8 years old, at a bus stop in Dublin. The woman claimed that the boys first asked for selfies with her father but then, they began mocking him while one of them allegedly tried to grab his wallet from his pocket. On August 1, the Indian Embassy in Dublin issued an advisory to its citizens, asking them to "take reasonable precautions for their personal security and avoid deserted areas, especially in odd hours". The embassy said that it was in touch with the Irish authorities regarding the increased instances of physical attacks reported against Indians.
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First Post
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- First Post
NYC dances to India's beat: Independence Day ignites Battery Dance Festival with ‘Shakti' fervour
On August 15, marking India's Independence Day, the festival will host 'India Day,' a showcase of 'Shakti - Divine Energy,' a mixed programme featuring dance and cultural performances by global artists, paying homage to the female essence and creativity. New York city's longest-running public dance festival will commemorate India's Independence Day on August 15 by hosting an array of cultural performances focusing on the essence of 'Shakti' – the female divine energy. The 44th Annual Battery Dance Festival, which brings together diverse dance companies from around the world, will run from August 12-16. On August 15, marking India's Independence Day, the festival will host 'India Day,' a showcase of 'Shakti - Divine Energy,' a mixed programme featuring dance and cultural performances by global artists, paying homage to the female essence and creativity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'The last two years we had a very strong focus on 'Purush', male dancers, and this year we have switched it around and we will have a strong focus on 'Shakti, divine energy,' Founder and artistic director of Battery Dance Jonathan Hollander told PTI in an interview. The specially curated day will have seven different groups which will offer their 'creative take on the essence of the feminine principle in creativity and in life itself. It's a really important theme for today's world, where there's so much conflict, fracture and unknowns,' Hollander said. 'Mother and the female essence is something that we all can relate to', at times like these, he said. The India Day Programme is supported through grants from the Consulate General of India in New York and the State Bank of India, New York. It will feature the Nandanik Dance Troupe from Pittsburgh with choreographer and soloist Subhajit Khush Das from Kolkata in a new production on the Goddess Kali. Other works that will pay tribute to the female essence will be by choreographers Bijayini Satpathy, Maya Kulkarni, Lada Pada, Sonali Skandan, Swathi Gundapuneedi-Atluri, Subhajit Khush Das, Renjith Babu and Malini Srinivasan for dancers and dance companies from Kolkata, Pittsburgh, New Jersey and New York in the styles of Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, and Uday Shankar. Emphasising the theme of the 'India Day' performances, Hollander said that on a political and social level, women's rights and respect for women and the way 'we all relate to the women in our lives, this is something that can never have too much attention." With artists from across India and the US coming together for various performances, he underscored that this speaks to the highly skilled and creative diaspora of the Indian culture in North America. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Battery Dance Festival is New York City's longest-running free public dance festival, drawing a combined audience of over 12,000 in-person and over 10,000 virtual viewers every year. 'We are all seeking a moment of refreshing ourselves, refreshing our minds,' Hollander said, speaking about the message of the festival. With people consumed with the news every day, many are left wondering, 'What is the next crisis or what is the next horror that we're going to see and feel?' he said. 'And when you're sitting at the park, in a community of people that many of whom you don't know, and you are shoulder to shoulder with people of all cultures, ethnicities, ages, I think there's a sense of celebrating human nature and celebrating what we have in common,' he added.
