The Ireland-India Council has postponed this year’s India Day celebrations in Dublin following a series of alleged racially motivated attacks against the Indian community.
The event was originally scheduled for 17 August at Farmleigh House in Phoenix Park. Organisers had planned to celebrate “Irish-Indian culture, music, dance, and friendship,” but safety concerns have now led to a delay.
The council said it will announce a new date for the celebration once the situation allows.
Andrea Gilligan spoke to members of the Indian and Pakistani communities on Lunchtime Live, highlighting the fear caused by the recent incidents.
Ardash Shukla, owner of Delhi2Dublin, said the postponement was not surprising given the current climate.
“The Indian community is very sensitive, and we want to stand in solidarity with the victims,” Shukla said. “Many friends in Dublin are scared to go out for daily activities, even something as simple as buying groceries. Every outing comes with questions: is it safe? Is this the right time?”
Shukla added that he now accompanies colleagues home from work because he feels it is too unsafe to leave them alone.
Rahul Bedi, a journalist based in New Delhi, told Lunchtime Live that racially motivated attacks against Indian and Pakistani communities are occurring across the western world, not just in Ireland.
Sarah, a guest from Pakistan, emphasised the importance of events such as India Day. “These celebrations often become multicultural and provide excellent learning opportunities for others. They bring people together from different backgrounds,” she said.
Damien Lee, co-chair of the Ireland-India Council, outlined the growing fear among the Indian community in Ireland.
“Imagine being thousands of miles from home in your early 20s and facing intimidation or physical attacks. It makes public transport and daily life frightening,” Lee said.
He also highlighted the vital role the Indian community plays in Irish society.
“Our health service depends heavily on Indian-born workers; 55% of nurses this year were Indian-born, compared with just 22% from Ireland,” Lee said.
“Beyond healthcare, the Indian community is crucial in IT, banking, and insurance. Ireland’s economy and public services rely on them.”
The recent attacks have attracted attention in Indian media, raising concerns among families of the diaspora.
“There’s widespread worry for sisters, daughters, and friends who have come here,” Lee added.
“These attacks undermine the sense of safety and belonging for our community.”
The Ireland-India Council said it remains committed to celebrating Indian culture in Ireland but will prioritise safety for all participants.
Organisers thanked the public for understanding the postponement and emphasised that community solidarity is more important than ever.
Members of the Indian and Pakistani communities have expressed hope that increased awareness will lead to stronger protections and safer public spaces.
Authorities continue to investigate the incidents, and the council is liaising with local officials to ensure future events can be held without risk.
The new date for India Day will be announced once security measures and community concerns are fully addressed.
