The city of Sydney in Australia tonight lit up its iconic Town Hall to show solidarity with the people of India who are battling the ongoing Covid-19 wave.
Built in the 1880s, Sydney Town Hall has been a major landmark in the heart of the city for over 130 years, with its steps possibly Sydney's best-used rendezvous point. Today it is a workplace, hireable venue and a seat of local government.
"Tonight we have lit Town Hall in solidarity with the people of India. India is in the midst of a humanitarian crisis due to the global pandemic, and we know it has deeply affected our city’s Indian community," tweeted Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore.
"The City of Sydney offers its sincere condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives as a result of Covid-19 and those who continue to be directly affected by the pandemic in India. We share strong ties with India and our Indian population is a vibrant part of our harmonious and multicultural city," she added in a series of tweets.
The Mayor of Sydney batted for support to the Indian community in these trying times, saying "our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic situation, including the Australian citizens who have been unable to travel home".
The Consulate General of India in Sydney was quick to acknowledge the remarkable gesture of the city authorities.
"Iconic Sydney Town Hall was lit up in support and solidarity with India. Thank you @cityofsydney Hon'ble Lord Mayor @CmoverMoore Dy Lord Mayor @jessaroo," it tweeted.
