India Day celebrations in Ireland, one of the largest events showcasing Indian culture and Irish-Indian friendship, have been postponed due to rising concerns over the safety of the Indian community following a series of violent and racist attacks. The Ireland India Council, the organizer of the event in partnership with the Irish government since 2015, announced the difficult decision on Monday after meeting with Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris.

Prashant Shukla, co-chairman of the council, stated that the current situation is not conducive to holding India Day, emphasizing that the safety of the community is the foremost priority. The event, which was scheduled for Sunday at Farmleigh House and Estate in Dublin's Phoenix Park, typically features a variety of cultural performances and attracts a large audience. The council said that a new date for India Day will be announced once the situation improves.

The postponement comes in the wake of increased reports of physical assaults against Indian citizens in Ireland. Earlier this month, the Indian Embassy in Dublin issued a safety advisory, urging Indians to take reasonable precautions for their personal security and avoid deserted areas, especially during odd hours. The Irish Embassy in New Delhi has condemned the attacks and confirmed ongoing police investigations.

Several disturbing incidents have been reported in local media. One incident involved a six-year-old Indian-origin girl who was assaulted and subjected to racial slurs in southeast Ireland. Another case reported by The Irish Times detailed an attack on an Indian taxi driver in Dublin, who was hit with a broken bottle by passengers who told him to "go back to your country". An Indian-origin woman reported that her 60-year-old father was subjected to racial harassment by young boys at a bus stop in Dublin. Other incidents include a 40-year-old Indian man beaten and stripped by a teenage gang in Tallaght, and a 32-year-old Indian data scientist who suffered a fractured cheekbone after being attacked by teenagers.

Tánaiste Simon Harris expressed his condemnation of the attacks, stating that he was "deeply concerned" about the incidents, particularly the involvement of very young individuals in racist activities. He also acknowledged the positive contributions of the approximately 80,000 Indian people living in Ireland to various sectors, including the health service. Minister of State for Migration, Colm Brophy, also voiced his concern over the rising attacks, and called for the incoming Irish police commissioner to prioritize the issue.

The Green Party has also condemned the rise in racist attacks and called on the government to expedite the implementation of anti-racism measures. Councillor Lourda Scott, Equality Spokesperson, described the recent attacks as deeply alarming and called for a stronger response from the state. She supported the Ireland-India Council's call for a dedicated, cross-departmental task force to tackle racist violence.

The Ireland India Council has requested that assaults on Indians be classified as hate crimes to ensure proper recording, investigation, and prosecution of such offenses. They are also advocating for legislation to hold parents accountable for the repeated violent actions of minors.

Archbishop of Dublin, Dermot Farrell, has urged the public to report any racist attacks they witness to the police. He also expressed his support to the Indian community in Ireland, recognizing their integration into Irish society and their contributions to essential services.

The decision to postpone India Day reflects the gravity of the situation and the commitment of the organizers to prioritize the safety and well-being of the Indian community in Ireland. The council hopes to reschedule the event once the situation has improved, reaffirming India Day's values of freedom, friendship, and unity.