New South Wales MP, Jodi McKay walked into the state Parliament on Thursday but unlike everyday, she wasn’t dressed up in her formal wear like her counterparts, instead, she chose to wrap a sari around herself and dress up like a ‘desi girl’. Thursday was an important day not only for India but for the Australians as well because McKay had introduced a motion in the Parliament and sought to recognise 15th August as the Indian Independence Day. Co-incidentally Aussies celebrate Australia Day on 26th January which happens to be the Republic Day of India. McKay looked delighted about the motion to recognise Indian Independence Day since the freedom for the country had come after a long struggle and sacrifices according to her. Mentioning Mahatma Gandhi, McKay said that he and other freedom fighters who were behind several non-violent protests and civil disobedience movements should be remembered on this day for their contributions.
Jodi McKay was in India during the Republic Day celebrations this year and she said that understanding the significance of both the days will help our understanding of India as a strong democracy. SBS reported that McKay advocated friendly relationship between India and Australia and said she was proud to be the representative of Indian electorate in the NSW Parliament. Two other MPs who also spoke on the motion beside Jodi McKay were Julia Finn and Hugh McDermott. Dr Yadu Singh, President of the Federation of Indian of Associations in NSW said it was a significant move for the Indian community in Australia and shows the keenness of politicians to engage themselves with the community.