Waterford communities celebrate India Day together at Ardkeen Library

Ardkeen Library celebrated India Day over the weekend, along with members of the Indian community in Waterford, Waterford Indian Sangam, and Waterford Council of Trade Unions (WCTU).

The library welcomed many people across the communities of Waterford for the celebration of both India and Ireland. 

Tracy McEneaney, Executive Librarian, Waterford Libraries, explained the reason behind organising the event. 

“We are lucky to have an Indian community that enriches Waterford.  

"The appreciation and esteem that the Indian community is held in Waterford was very much evidenced by the fantastic turnout on the day and by the support we received from local businesses in helping us put the event together.”

WCTU commented: "Well done Waterford Library services for hosting this wonderful event, and to all who attended to demonstrate their solidarity with the Indian community and to reject the pernicious ideology of those who try to bring hate and fear to our communities."

Cancellations

The event was held amidst a vulnerable time for the community. 

In the past few weeks there have been a series of racially-motivated attacks on men, women and children from the Indian community. In Waterford, a six-year-old girl was assaulted by teenagers and was told to "go back to India". 

In Dublin, celebrations for India Day in Phoenix Park were postponed in the wake of the attacks. The day was to be a celebration of both Irish and Indian culture.

Co-chairman of the Ireland India Council, Prashant Shukla, explained that the postponement was due not to safety concerns but fears "about the perception on social media".

He said: "The main purpose of India Day is friendship and the celebration of freedom, not only by the Indian community but also the Irish community. 

"This is an unfortunate decision, but [members of the Indian community] stand by it because it is the correct decision."