00:00India's global star Ram Charan did the honour of hoisting the Indian national flag at Melbourne's
00:06iconic Federation Square to celebrate the Indian spirit and recognise every Indian as a representative
00:14of Indian cinema. The iconic chief guest for this year's festival, Charan's ceremonial act,
00:20marked a beautiful and proud moment in the vibrant festivities of the Indian Film Festival
00:26of Melbourne known as IFFM 2024. Ram was honoured with the prestigious title of Ambassador of
00:35Indian Arts and Culture by the Victorian Government at the annual IFFM Awards which
00:41took place last night at the iconic Palace Theatre. His ceremonial act as a true Indian
00:47filled with pride hoisting the flag amidst hundreds of diaspora Indians who gathered
00:51to witness the moment which was in turn a joy highlight of the event. Federation Square in
00:57Melbourne was filled with joy, fervour and pride as its fans and supporters celebrated this deeply
01:03emotional and joyful moment with their favourite star Ram Charan. In its 15th year, the IFFM is
01:10the largest celebration of Indian cinema outside India and it runs from August 15 to August 25
01:18this year. Ram Charan's presence and participation underscored the festival's commitment to
01:25celebrating and promoting Indian culture on a global stage. The hoisting of the Indian
01:31tricolour was a symbol of unity and cultural pride resonating deeply with the festival's
01:36international audience. Ram expressed on the occasion, it's such a proud moment for us all
01:43Indians to be here hoisting the Indian flag in Australia. I have such fond memories of being here
01:49in Australia having shot for a movie 12 years back in Melbourne and Sydney. Back in the day there
01:55weren't so many Indians and to see so many Indians here today truly makes me so proud. We are truly
02:01going global and international platforms are recognising our culture and cinema. Now I feel
02:07the future is all on the young people gathered here and that excites me to see the future is so bright.
