While India may be thousands of kilometres away from Rotorua, it was very much to the fore at Waiariki Institute of Technology yesterday.
It was the 64th anniversary of the day the country gained independence from the United Kingdom.
Celebrations was held at Mokoia Campus with a large crowd enjoying singing, dancing and traditional.
Director of special projects for Waiariki, Paramdip Singh, said the day was very important for Indians to commemorate.
"We remember all the martyrs who gave their lives for our freedom from British tyranny. Coming together today helps people feel at home and happy. New Zealand and Waiariki is giving us an opportunity to celebrate our culture."
Mr Singh said students from India made up 15 per cent of Waiariki's student body but 76 per cent of the international student population.
Enjoying the festivities was Ajay Sarangal, who has lived in Rotorua since 2010 and graduated with a graduate diploma of health management.
"It's really, really good to be able to get together and see our flag hoisted, it makes me proud of my country," he said. "This reminds me of home, the community here is very close."
The story of August 15, 1947, and Britain's partition of the subcontinent is told by Salman Rushdie in Midnight's Children.
Waiariki also hosted its open day yesterday with high school students and those thinking of studying next year touring the campus. Free entertainment was provided, with free sausage sizzle, music, workshops and demonstrations.