October 2023 Special Edition of Desi Australia Digital Magazine

WHAT’S INSIDE

24 Appreciating Multicultural Media @ NSW Parliament House

Celebration of Ghazals by Sudeep Banerji and Srijani Ghosh

Janmashtami festival by Hindu council of Australia

An impressive evening with Karthiga’s ‘Kothai’-devotional dance

36 Sydney Sanskrit School students receive Ministers Award for excellence in Community Language

38 The new HomeWorld Leppington opens for business

40 Premier launches new ‘Faith NSW’ coalition of religious communities

42 The Saree Club Visits Canberra

The “Amhi Ek Kutumbh” team created the ‘Samuhika Choodi’ pooja celebrations

PUBLISHER

Desi Media Group (Desi Australia Pty Ltd)

Editor-in-chief

Arti Banga

NSW Editor:

Harmohan Walia

Sales and Marketing:

Dimple Deez

Victoria Editor:

Daljeet Bakshi

Queensland Editor: Priya Singh

ACT Editor:

Rajni Ghai Malhotra

Western Australia Editor:

Ankita Tandon

South Australia Editor:

Daljeet Bakshi

Designer Ravi Mathur

Address: Desi Australia Pty Ltd

PO Box 102, Casula, NSW 2170

Email : info@DesiAustralia.com

Mob: 0433121339

Hello Everyone,

It has been busy last few weeks as we stepped into the festive season and there has been various celebrations in the South Asian community. We have tried to bring to you the coverage of some of these events incase you missed to be part of it.

In this edition we are also introducing you to a very special girl who is a warrior and is on a continuous battle to fight her Williams Syndrome- a genetic disorder that affects many parts of the body. Facial features frequently include a broad forehead, underdeveloped chin, short nose, and full cheeks. I am sure her story will inspire may around us.

Please feel free to contact us on info@DesiAustralia.com if

Arti Banga Editor-in-Chief

you have any stories to share with the wider community.

Keep sending us your words of encouragement and feedback as it is truly motivating for the entire team at Desi Australia.

DesiAustralia.com “Keeping you connected”

Australia’s Pivot to India – A Indo-Australian Relationship

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Charlton MP recently released his book titled’ Australia’s Pivot to India” speaking volumes on Indo-Australian relationships and cultural political and traditional ties.

It was an interesting evening when Dr. Andrew Charlton and the MP released

this 240-page book at Parramatta, Riverside theatre where Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was the chief guest who released the book.

While the release function was on, I was very keen to flip the pages of the book, where I found a treasure of information researched and presented . The book as being separated into four parts titled Acquaintances, Friends, Family,

by Chandrika Subramanian

New Approach to Relationship by Hon. Dr Andrew Charlton

and Partners, each has many interesting chapters.

His preface very clearly states the purpose of the book, emphasising the importance of having and healthy, longstanding relationship with India.

He foresees the Indian connections as vital and mentions three – “C” s the Commonwealth, Curry, and Cricket,

and four – “D” s Democracy, Defence, Dosti ( friendship), and Diaspora as a pivot.

The book mentions the ancient geological discontinuities and quotes scientists to establish evidence about human links between India and Australia.

He states that his previous visit to India was to launch a book on global economics. The front cover flashes the picture of Indian and Australian prime ministers, and the back cover has the

smiling author. He is confident that India is set to become the next global superpower where its population plays a predominant role and will exceed the US and China combined in 2050.

He welcomes to embraces the opportunities for collaboration and cooperation in multiple areas to strengthen the security and prosperity of Australia.

The Riverside Theatre was full of party members, the Indian diaspora, and celebrities.

Australian Director Louis Abdilla films ‘Troubled Truth’ in India

What inspired you to pursue a career in film production?

As a teenager growing up, I would hire 6 to 8 films each Sunday evening from the local video store and watch them throughout the week. I enjoyed watching films of all genres; I could write pages and pages of my favourite films, there are just too many to list. This was my inspiration to work in the film industry, the love for films and its story telling.

How do you approach the creative aspect of film production, such as script writing and visual style?

It begins with the characters to create a story that is believable, I always ask myself on what I have written, is it believable? can it be possible? During the writing process, I like to visualise the scenes in my head, in many cases I may visualise the scene first and then begin writing.

How do you typically plan and manage the various stages of film production, from preproduction to post-production?

I start by building the best team possible, people who are passionate, creative, and hard working. The film industry is not glamorous, you have to put in long days to get the scene completed. On the flip side it is also a very rewarding feeling once the day of shooting comes to an end, the feeling we have all achieved something special and creative.

How do you handle conflicts or differences of opinion within a production team?

This is a great question, as there can be many opinions – ideas on set, from the script, to the character’s traits, the style the crew wants to shoot, and so much more, there really is no right or wrong in many cases, sometimes you have to go with your gut feeling, the way you see the story play out, although I rarely turn down an opinion or idea from anyone, you never know they may just drop a gold nugget right in front of you. You really need to give people time and hear them out, then make a decision, the key is not to ponder on the information for too long, you need to act fast with a decision being made,

wasting time on set will blow the budget.

Can you explain your approach to location scouting, set design, and auditioning?

Again, build the best team around you as much as you can, you need to trust the team - put faith in them, give them ownership, they will do the heavy lifting in getting the job done. My role is to review the information being presented to me and I would say that around ~80% of the time, the team hits the bullseye, the rest I’m finetuning.

What role do you play in the post-production process, and how do you collaborate with editors and post-production teams?

Once the film is shot, in some ways this is where the hard work begins, Editors need to review so much footage then start putting it together to build the story, vary the shot size & angle, getting the pace right, getting the sound right, building the sound tracks, using the right transitions, improving the colour and much more, there really is a whole heap of work with

Post-production. I like to edit the rough cut myself. Then surrounding yourself around a great team to bring the edit to life. The end result must engage with the audience to emotionally connect to the story through the characters. The audience has to walk away wanting more.

I heard you’re working on a film which has been recently shot in India, a place called Jalandhar in the district of Punjab. How did things go?

Yes, we just returned from shooting this week. It was a tough shoot as the timeframe was extremely tight, halfway through the shoot we didn’t think it was possible to get all the shots in. The team worked very hard to ensure we got all the shots by the end of the shoot. I was very happy with the end result, and very proud of the cast and crew, they came through big time. What is the film based on?

It is a drama based around a character who returns home from Australia to India as his father is very ill, things quickly get out of hand and he finds himself back in his old ways, trying to do right. Unfortunately, he gets himself into a whole lot of trouble.

The movie’s title is Troubled Truth?

Yes, that’s right.

How did you handle all the logistics of shooting in another country and where was the main crew from?

We had two fantastic professionals on the ground in Jalandhar, Sunju and Balvir, who made everything happen from locations, to props, putting the crew together and catering. They did such an amazing job, a lot of hard work from these two guys which was done over months of planning. The department heads, Sunju (1st Assistant Director), Gagan, Rohit,

Ranjeet, Gogi and their teams were all locally based with an enormous amount of talent and experience, it was such a pleasure to work with them all.

Are the actors from India?

Yes, the main cast is predominantly from India with many years of experience working in Bollywood. We also had some newcomers which performed at a high level, they have a very bright future in front of them.

How did they go? Was it difficult to source the actors?

I was extremely happy with their performances, they were all professionals at the top of their game, it was very pleasing to work with such a talented cast. I was fortunate to work closely with one of the leading actors Anand, who also assisted me with the casting of the actors. Anand has been working in Bollywood movies for many years. A true professional.

Were there any actors from O/s, and if so, how did they fit into the movie?

Yes, the main actor was Varun Tiwari who was born in India and living in Australia for the past 17 years. Varun fitted in perfectly and is very well known in the Indian community in

Australia. We also had a few other actors from Australia who played minor roles.

What was your experience like in India, was it your first time?

Actually, it was my second time, I travelled to India about 10 years ago to Bombay and Gujarat for a friend’s wedding. The experience was truly amazing, the locations we shot the film at were very special. India has shown significantly economic progress from my visit over a decade ago. Quality of life is increasing, and business is thriving. I had some great chats to the locals, and all were in favour of the progress in a very optimistic way. Mainly attributed it to the strong leadership of Prime Minister Modi.

What was your fondest memory of India?

This really is a clear and easy answer for me, I was lucky enough to travel with my wife Veronica and brother Joe, we all left India with very fond memories, the greatest being of the hospitality from all the lovely people we met. It was extremely heartwarming and genuine outpour of kindness and love. The delicious vegetarian Punjabi food will be missed. I have no doubt that we have made lifetime friendships and we can’t wait to go back to India to do it all again.

Commemoration of Mahatma Gandhi’s Birth Anniversary - ‘Gandhi Jayanti’ the University of Technology Sydney

The one-of-a-kind, MAHATMA Peace Symposium 2023, “My Land, My Story - Meri Kahaani, Meri Zabaani”, an Australia-India Cultural Synergies initiative of Saroni Roy Foundation (SRf), brought together luminaries, government leaders, multicultural community leaders, pioneers of peacebuilding, to perpetuate & celebrate Gandhian principles and values.

Sydney, 29th September, 2023 – Building on last year’s remarkable success of the MAHATMA Peace Symposium 2022, Gandhi Jayanti hosted for the first time at the Parliament of NSW, this year actor & artist Saroni Roy, Founder & CEO, Saroni Roy Foundation and Director, SRf Creatists, scaled up the scope of the global community forum and hosted the MAHATMA Peace Symposium 2023 (MPS2023), as an Australia-India Cultural Synergies Initiative.

A tribute to the global peace hero Mahatma Gandhi, the MAHATMA Peace Symposium is a global community forum to discuss Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of sustainability, real development & focusing on the Gandhian philosophy and concept of Satyagraha, Sarvodaya, Swaraj, the “Constructive Program”, and its articulation in the UN-SDGs.

“We at SRf believe that inclusive & peaceful societies lead to prosperous economies, and MPS highlights the ethos that structured peace education is key to creating a paradigm shift in the way world thinks about peace. To achieve this, we implement a 3C’s approach by tapping into cultural economy, creative economy & the circular economy.” said, Saroni Roy, Creator & Producer of MAHATMA Peace Symposium.

Beginning with a Smoking Ceremony performed by First Nations elders Uncle John & Aunty Liz, followed by a Welcome to Country

and the unveiling of award-winner First Nations Artist Presten Warren’s unique artwork, the MAHATMA Peace Symposium 2023 was a true celebration of Australia-India Cultural Synergies.

“I wanted the vision & themes of MPS 2023 - “My Land, My Story – Meri Kahaani, Meri Zabaani”, an AustraliaIndia Cultural Synergies initiative, to be articulated through Art.”

Gandhi’s 154th Jayanti’, hosted at Sydney (UTS)

Saroni worked remotely with Presten, to curate an authentic and exquisite piece of art, ensconced in the Gandhian values of Ahimsa, Sarvodaya, Swaraj, - peace, love, and reconciliation. The intricate patterns portray the Australian Indigenous peoples’ journeys and camps, which span across the vast expanse of the country, representing the diverse tribes that comprise a unified nation. Moreover, the artwork incorporates the Indigenous, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flag colours & Indian flag colours, embodying the ancient Australian connection to India - the links between Australian Aboriginal and Indian tribes, aligning with the theme of India’s G20 Presidency - “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth •One Family • One Future” - drawn from the ancient Sanskrit text of the ‘Maha Upanishad’, celebrating and strengthening Australia-India bi-lateral relations. The artwork was also rendered on a Gajji silk saree handcrafted by the artisans of India, an Australia-India cultural synergies heritage piece, draped by Saroni.

These ethos were also articulated by parliamentarians and dignitaries including The Hon. Warren Kirby MP, State Member for Riverstone, Chair, State Parliamentary Friends of India, The Hon. Jacqui Munro MLC, The Hon Sanjay K Muluka, Consul & HOC, Consul General of India, Sydney, The Hon. Patricia Garcia AO, through their keynote addresses, and by MC Preeti Thadani, in the presence of Councillors, Centre for Australia & India Relations representatives, multicultural community leaders, media and peacebuilders from diverse parts of NSW.

The event featured live concert by actor & artist Saroni Roy and the world-acclaimed violinist Sagar Nagaraj, powered by SRf Creatists & Australian Indian

Orchestra (AIO). They mesmerised the audience by their performance of a medley of Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite songs in three languages, namely, ‘Vaishnav Jan To’, ‘Raghupati Raghav’, ‘Ekla Cholo Re’, showcasing CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) artists from India and Australia, as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and to all creatives and artists creating a peaceful, inclusive world through art, capturing the essence of SRf Creatists. Adapting to the pandemic restrictions, Saroni remotely worked with musicians/artists based in India to curate this authentic and exquisite piece of art, ensconced in the Gandhian values of Ahimsa, courage, determination, solidarity, harmony and peace.

The Global Peacebuilders Forum 2023 featured social impact leaders like Dr Scott Watkins, Chair, Pollinate Group, Professor Dr Devleena Ghosh, University of Technology Sydney, Cr Barbara Ward, Advisory Board, UNAA NSW & Moderator, Saroni Roy. The panel discussion focussed on “My Land, My Story - Meri Kahaani, Meri Zabaani”, deep-diving into the ancient/historical links between Australian Aboriginal and Indian tribes. And how the Gandhian values of Satyagraha, Sarvodaya & Swaraj, Gandhi’s “Constructive Program”, his ‘Village Economy Model’ was a forerunner to today’s Sustainable Cities. Underscoring the 5Ps of Peacebuilding: People: “My Land, My Story - Meri Ka-

haani, Meri Zabaani”. Peace: Satyagraha, non-violent approach. Giving people agency; Planet: Our relationship with the planet; Prosperity: Economy, Sustainable Cities and Communities; Partnership: Significance of collaboration, networked multilateralism. Shared responsibility and global solidarity; it was a call-to-action for responsible global citizens to get involved in finding constructive solutions to problems, rather than just leaving responsibilities to the government.

The event proceedings concluded with a formal vote of thanks to dignitaries, sponsors, media partners, volunteers, and supporting community-organisations, followed by a community-networking over refreshments.

This news release contains forwardlooking statements or statements of future expectations based on currently available information. Such statements are naturally subject to risks and uncertainties. Therefore, in no case whatsoever will SARONI ROY Foundation and associated organisations be liable to anyone for any decision made or action taken in conjunction with the information and/or statements in this press release or for any related damages. SARONI ROY Foundation and associated organisations shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.

Annual Breakfast @ Parliament House of NSW, Thursday 19th October

Nutrition Australia will celebrate National Nutrition Week 15 -21 October to raise awareness of good nutritious food and the positive impact it has on our mental and physical health. . Nutrition plays a vital role in our wellbeing particularly with the prevention of diseases such as diabetes, heart, children’s & adult obesity. The week coincides with United Nation’s World Food Day 16th of October. This year NANSW is also promoting “ Our Planet Our Plate” along with our annual key message Try for 5, aims to draw attention to the important role vegetables play in our health and wellbeing and promotes healthy eating and encourages Australians to increase their vegetable consumption. Only 7% of adults and 5% of children eat the recommended serves of vegetables each day.

The annual breakfast is their signature event and this is year it is proudly hosted by the Hon Premier Chris Minns. “We highlight our work and progress towards improving the health and eating habits of all Australians, progress on nutrition policy, product development and nutrition advocacy and hear from the keynote speaker and the panel. We also hear about the initiatives and leadership the government is currently undertaking in relation to nutrition, prevention and health outcomes that will help build NSW health and further strengthen work in the health sector” said Cr Barbara Ward. Amongst the guests will be high profile guests rae, key health professionals, researchers, government officials, educational institutions influencers and decision makers such as CEO’s of the corporate sector, Industry leaders, farmers, agricultural institution, advocacy groups, community leader’s media and the public at large. Our aim is to give hope for a sustainable and healthy future for all Australians through our many programs including “Healthy Lunchbox & Reclaim the Lunchbox” programs delivered across NSW

schools as part of NANSW’s work with the Ministry.

Nutrition Australia New South Wales (NANSW) is the national peak nutrition education organisation providing scientifically based nutrition information. They are a charity organisation and their aim is to promote the health and wellbeing of all Australians by encouraging them towards optimal health through food variety and physical activity and since 1979. They promote, advocate, develop and deliver programs to educate and raise awareness of healthy eating and the impact nutrition and choices we make has on our well-being. Their programs include prevention, early intervention, self-management, modification and regression of many chronic conditions.

NANSW provides a range of services including the latest information on nutrition and current food and health trends, highprofile seminars for the general public and health professionals and media commentary. Their services include nutrition training, presentations to workplaces, early childhood and out-of-school-hour care services, Reclaim the Lunchbox sessions for parents, menu and canteen assessments and audits, community outreach and team-building programs, cooking demonstrations, one on-one and family consultations, nutrition seminars and conferences.

NANSW works with Dept and Ministry of Health supporting their programs, government, universities, schools, corporate sector, food and other related industries, researchers, community groups, the general public and some of Australia’s most influential food and nutrition experts, together making Nutrition Australia a key nutrition voice. They made submissions to the Parliamentary Committee in relation to Child Obesity and lobbied governments on the impact of poor diet on mental and physical health.

This is to help inspire all Australians to Healthy eating awareness campaign for National Nutrition week (15-21 October 2023)

The “Amhi Ek Kutumbh” team created ‘Samuhika Choodi’ pooja celebrations

by Anita Nayak Prabu

The “Amhi Ek Kutumbh” team created the ‘Samuhika Choodi’ pooja celebration to carry on our traditions. It started in 2022 and will be continued every year, we hope. This year, it was celebrated on Sunday, 27th August 2023, @ The Australian Hindu Multicultural Association in Marsden Park, Sydney. This event was well organized under the leadership of Smt. Kamakshi Shenoy, Shri. Hemant Nayak Benne and the entire AEK team of Volunteers Ladies of all age groups participated in this puja. Under the guid-

ance

Started with lighting lamp in front of Tulsi, Followed by offering Haldi Kumkum flowers, Then Abhishek was performed to Surya – 5 times facing east direction. Also, Pour water five times to Tulsi by each lady and pradakshina. Then all the choodis (in odd numbers) with Veedo’s were kept near the Tulsi katte.

Naivedya was offered to Tulsi by all ladies.

of Smt. Kamakshi Shenoy, the Samuhika pooja was conducted as below,

Choodi Puja is one of the unique traditions GSB Sumangali (Married women) followed in Shravana. It is worshipping the Sun god and holy Tulsi plant. Being away from home, we miss celebrating choodi puja with family and seeking their blessings.

created the celebrations

Then everyone offered Lhayii (since it was Ekadashi on that day, puffed rice was offered instead of rice) to Surya and Tulsi 5 times while taking pradakshina. Tulsi arti was sung with performing arti using incense sticks. Also, the Tulsi mantra was chanted by everyone.

“Thulasi shree sakhi shubhe, papa haarini punyade, Namasthe Naradanuthe, Namo Narayana priye.” Later, one choodi and veedo were kept near Tulsi while all other choodis were placed back in the poleru, and all ladies walked towards the main entrance for the Dwara pooja.

Aarti was performed at the main entrance of the temple hall, with one choodi being kept by each lady and entering the hall by placing the right foot first. Then, offered choodi to the deity. Finally, aarti was performed to the god in the sanctum

sanctorum. After puja, Veedo was offered to respective husbands, choodi was exchanged between all the ladies and blessings were sought.

A lot of detailing and effort were put in to ensure all these rituals were conducted according to our traditions, with all ladies and men actively involved in each preparation. On the day, Ladies volunteered to be a part of multiple groups associated with the preparations for this puja as below,

Tulsi Katte was beautifully decorated by Meghana Kamath, Deepti Nayak Benne, Rajashree Shenoy, Gouri Pandit Pai, Ramya Kini, Deepa Bhandary, and Renuka Mahale.

Traditional Rangoli done by Ashwini Kamath Mahale, Anita Nayak Prabhu, Priyanka Shanbhag, Shubha Shenoy, Rasika Kini, Ashwini Mallya and Nandini Kamath.

Other setup was done By Lakshmi Pai, Akshaya Shenoy, Namrata Kamath, Swathi Prabhu, Priya Hegde, Smitha Kamath, Archana Kamath and Pavitra.

Men actively looked after the food department, and a few also captured beautiful moments throughout the celebration. Adarsh Shanbhag managed his Drone to capture amazing clips from a decent height; Chidanand Nayak and Vaman Hegde took many video shots, and Naveen Shenoy did photography.

Heartfelt thanks to our sponsors ‘Shri Dhabha Shri Parathas, at Blacktown’ and ‘Bake n Flake, Vegetarian Bakery at Parklea Markets in Sydney.

To conclude, all the efforts by the AEK team and everyone participating made this event a grand success. We look forward to such Samuhika celebrations in the future as well.

Veg Spoons brining loving people together

Veg Spoons started in April 2022 is a sheltered place for vegetarians, vegan or anyone who

Veg Spoons helps its members to know about different vegetarian restaurants, cafe, food trucks, tiffin services, or any bakery needs around Australia. Members can freely ask and discuss about their vegetarian requirements and look for recommendations from fellow members. It’s started from Sydney and slowly covering other places as well.

A vegetarian diet is one that doesn’t include any meat or seafood. The diet offers all the essential vitamins and minerals necessary for long and healthy life provided they are well balanced. . Implementing this food habit reflects the people’s contribution to the principal of ‘LIVE & LET LIVE’ /

all vegetarian together

who like to know more about compassionate lifestyle.

ganized a very special meetup at Gawi shelter in paramatta park and around 70 families (180+ people of all ages) from different part of Sydney got together and had fun filled activities, food exchange and much more wherein everyone enjoyed a lot. Young Kids sang songs and recited Bhagwad gita shlokas. The decoration, food preparation and all arrangements were so selflessly done by the Vegspoons community members and they deserve a great Salute for their efforts.

Veg Spoons is not just a group of vegetarian food lovers but it’s becoming a family away from home. Founding members keep planning new activities every month to engage the members and bring some new activities, meetups or events. Do join Veg Spoon and spread the word. Let’s celebrate vegetarianism together.

The initiative started by Rohit Gupta and his wife Ritika Agarwal in April 2022 today have 8500 members in facebook group. They work hard to organise restaurant meet ups, picnics and potluck at different places to bring people together to celebrate different food cuisines and network. They also arrange virtual food recipe contests in the group during different occasions for members to share and learn from other’s

food recipes. Their passion and dedication to bring all vegetarian food loving people under one umbrella is remarkable. The group meet ups are not just to have vegetarian food together, admins also plans to keep games and activities for both kids and adults. The meals and meet ups are designed to make enjoyable memories for all its members.

On World Vegetarian Day - 1 October 2023, Rohit , the founder of Veg Spoons or-

‘AdWXÔÀff´fSX¸fû ²f¸f ’

Raghav Handa’s TWO

‘TWO is a must see for anyone wanting to see Kathak dance transformed into a mesmerising and witty contemporary performance.’ – Australian Arts Review

Central to traditional Indian Kathak (pronounced ‘Kah-tahk’), the dancer must never touch the drums. The musician commands and the dancer must follow. That’s the rule. But what happens when roles are reversed and the dancer takes control? Dancer Raghav Handa and maestro tabla musician Maharshi Raval’s rulebreaking, intergenerational bromance sits at the heart of TWO.

For 10 years, Raghav and Maharshi have built a friendship typically discouraged by the hierarchy between the dancer and musician in Indian Kathak. Higher in the pecking order, the musi

TWO challenges these dominant ideologies through a highly physical dance vocabulary and by introducing elements of ‘live-responsiveness’ and unpredictability to the relationship between musician and dancer. The old ways are disrupted and suddenly the roles of ‘leader’ and ‘follower’ are up for grabs. While motivated primarily by a love and respect for Kathak tradition, TWO throws open the doors of the discipline and stretches the limits of musician/dancer interactions. In so doing, it speaks not only to the principles of Indian Kathak, but transcends formal and cultural specificity, interrogating shifting power relationships and inviting audiences to consider the profundity of collaboration.

TWO represents a significant step in Raghav

ture growth and enrichment.’ Maharshi improvises the music during each performance. The rhythms of this fast-paced show are different each time – no two performances are the same. In this comedic, joyful celebration of collaboration, the pair present a charming, playful testament to friendship, respect and creative trust. Filled with impressive physicality, virtuosic music and witty encounters, Raghav Handa’s TWO is an expert, tongue-in-cheek demonstration of respectfully challenging tradition and the true power of collaboration that follows.

Duration: 60 minutes, no interval

Tickets are $25–35 from pica.org.au School bookings are available. To book your school group, please contact education@pica.org.au

Diwali Festival of Lights

Empowering Women about Healthy

Heirlooms in the digital age

What counts as an heirloom in a rapidly changing digital world?

“A loved one wishes to inherit nice things from you. Not all things from you.” ― Margareta Magnusson

Every year before the festive season starts, I indulge in an important ritual. It has nothing

to do with idols, lamps, and incense but is critical for a successful slide towards the end of the year. My annual rite of passage that I simultaneously look forward to and procrastinate till the last minute involves going through my saree collection.

Like many of my generation who grew up in urban India, I did not wear sarees while in school and college. My first experience of wearing a saree was on Teacher’s Day in grade ten when teachers got a break while senior students dressed up and pretended to teach the lower grades.

In a rare photo of myself at that time, I stand stiff and unsmiling, wearing a pretty saree borrowed from my youngest aunt, annoyed at having to manage a slippery fabric instead of roughhousing with my classmates in my sturdy uniform.

The saree trail

In the weeks leading up to my whirlwind arranged marriage that would whisk me from Mumbai to Maryland, I selected suitably grand sarees – a peacock green Kanjeevaram, a pink Paithani, a sunflower yellow Pochampalli. Yet, when I landed in the US on a cold December evening, I wasn’t sure if I would ever get a chance to wear those gorgeous sarees.

As a graduate student who worked in a laboratory, I switched to jeans and jackets. I seldom gave thought to the expensive sarees that remained at the back of my closet. They got their turn occasionally when I attended weddings or other functions, most often when I visited India. I wasn’t particularly attached to them but they were a reminder of my faraway

There is so much we inherit from our ancestors that doesn’t have a physical trace but inhabits our living space, our actions, and even our thoughts.

Women & Talking Healthy Relationships

homeland. Until I returned home.

One of the many joys of work life in India was the opportunity to wear various kinds of outfits. From trendy Western outfits, and colorful kurtas paired with stoles to wonderful sarees of various textiles and textures, I tried everything. My saree collection grew to include everyday crepes and cottons, to designer prints, and exotic weaves from many states. It was easy to accumulate and hard to part with most of what I acquired.

Moderation vs Materialism

My mother who wore sarees every day had a practical outlook on materialism. As a family, we occupied a small apartment, and since space was limited, so were our possessions. Her prized sarees were from her wedding decades ago and my maternal grandmother who lived with us, took great care of the sarees she had collected over the years. While they both appreciated the finer things in life, their practical streak dictated daily life.

We wore our clothes until we wore them out or outgrew them. Textbooks were handed down to younger siblings unless the syllabus changed or we began pursuing a different course of study in our college years. Most things served a purpose and were seldom replaced unless they stopped being useful.

Did we have any heirlooms?

I remember trying on a precious diamond ring that belonged to my grandmother. Although she and I shared a love-hate relationship during my teens, this ring fit me (and not my mother) perfectly. It had three brilliant diamonds in a classic setting. Of the

modest jewelry collection that they treasured and guarded with great care, this was the only piece that appealed to me.

“Will you give me this when I grow up?” I asked my mother softly, making sure my grandmother didn’t overhear my request. My mother didn’t reply then because the item was not hers to give, it belonged to her mother and she would choose the recipient. Years after my grandmother’s passing, on one of my visits, Amm took out the box and handed me the ring. It still fit. “You can have this,” she said.

I protested. But we both knew that it didn’t fit her and Amma didn’t want to mess with the exquisite setting. To me, that ring is a family heirloom, not for its market value but for its intrinsic worth as a physical link that connects me to my mother’s family and her history. I wear it often and feel a visceral connection to the women who came before me.

Paring down possessions

At each of my moves across countries, I have had to pare down my possessions. Some things were easy to discard and others brought me to tears. Books, photographs, kitchen ware – each category had items that were hard to part with. Yet, I persisted, trying to match the recipient with the object in the hope that it would be used, if not valued in the same way.

Heirlooms are defined as valuable objects that have belonged to a family for generations.

In today’s culture of rapidly changing technology where new versions of devices

supersede old ones constantly and not-so-old things are considered ancient, I wonder what will count as an heirloom?

What is the thing that I should hold on to and pass on as an heirloom for my children? I doubt my sarees or even my grandmother’s jewelry would be considered a valuable heirloom. Should I keep those items safe for posterity or use them while I live?

Prized family traits

I look at a picture of my parents that sits on my nightstand and pose the question silently to Amma. The answer lies in the soft smile on her face. Whether or not I wrap myself in a saree that belonged to her or wear her mother’s ring, what she has passed on to me is what sustains me today.

I see my greying hair that is a lot like hers in that photograph, I read her neat handwriting in a book of shlokas, my brother says he hears her voice when I speak, and my daughter asks me to cook something my Amma used to make.

There is so much we inherit from our ancestors that doesn’t have a physical trace but inhabits our living space, our actions, and even our thoughts. The treasure trove of those intangible but invaluable memories gets handed over not on a particular day but with each word, breath, and smile.

Like invisible digital footprints, that is all that I will be able to leave behind for my twenty-first-century family.

Author Rajani Rao

This article was first published in India Currents

NSW

Appreciating Multicultural @ NSW Parliament House

The event was organise to appreciate that how Multicultural media outlets play an integral role in the communities and giving voice to their culture and identity – while also keeping them informed of the important information.

Many of the National and Liberal party members were present there to highlight the importance of multicultural media for diverse,

vibrant and thriving society and how they always Engaged Multicultural Media when they were in the Government.

As a Member of Parliament, the former Minister for Multiculturalism and now as Shadow Minister, I have always tried to make a concerted effort to ensure that multicultural media outlets are treated with the respect they deserve, reflecting

Liberal and National party organised Multicultural Media Cocktail Reception at the oldest Parliament House in Australia.

Multicultural Media

the high standard in which they are held by our many multicultural communities.

Member for Oatley and Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism MP Mark Coure said in his speech “Multicultural media played a crucial role during the pandemic in providing information to communities across the state in a challenging time.

“The pandemic provided one of the greatest challenges for the media as a whole, as the fast-changing health advice along with the rise of misinformation created a significant degree of confusion and uncertainty in the community.”

Coalition’s have track record of supporting a number of initiatives to help multicultural media, including:

4New funding for language services that ensures that all key Government announcements can be translated and shared with multicultural media.

4A requirement for council partnership grants to allocate 10% of promotional budgets to advertising with multicultural media.

4Frequent briefings with multicultural media in conjunction with NSW Health, ensuring health advice was providing in a timely and consistent manner.

4Conducted regular interviews with multicultural media, ensuring diverse communities were kept up to date with priorities and initiatives designed to make their lives better.

4Advocated across Government for agencies to increase their engagement with multicultural communities

4Hosted the annual Premier’s Multicultural Communications Awards to recognise excellence in the multicultural media industry.

MP Coure also highlighted how Multicultural media played a crucial role during the pandemic in providing information to communities across the state in a challenging time.

As the pandemic provided one of the greatest challenges for the media as a whole, as the fast-changing health advice along with the rise of misinformation created a significant degree of confusion and uncertainty in the community.

In his final speech MP Coure mentioned that “On behalf of the NSW Liberals and Nationals – I want to express our deepest thanks and appreciation to the many multicultural media outlets which serve our state, and say to them, my door is always open and I am committed to continuing our great work together.”

Celebration of Ghazals by Banerji and Srijani Ghosh

Sydney Ghazal lovers were mesmerised by a majestic musical concert “Reflections- Celebrating Ghazals” with Srijani Dan and Sudeep Banerji on 2nd September @Civic Theater Hurstville, NSW.

Sudeep Banerji, a well-known singer and composer in the realm of ghazals, came

from India to perform at this live event. He was trained under the legendary Begum Akhtar gharana by Smt Shanti Hiranand ji and has composed more than 100 albums. Additionally, he has had the privilege of collaborating and performing on stage with almost all the music industry superstars, including Lata Mangeshkar, Jagjit Singh, Asha Bhosley, Mehdi Hassan, Ghulam Ali, Farida Khanum, Hari Haran, Ustad Radhid Khan, Pankaj Udhas, Anup Jalota, and many others. More than 10 ghazal albums feature music and vocals by Sudeep. Two of his albums, “Ae dost teri dosti” and “Irshaad” had been nominated as the best ghazal album in GIMA AWARDS.

Singer Srijani Ghosh, who resides in Sydney, has performed live in both Australia and India. She has a number of Bengali albums to her credit, and she most recently collaborated with Hungama Music on the release of her Ghazal Single Reflection, which has received a great deal of praise from both critics and listeners. Srijani recently had a performance at the World Music Festival in Udaipur, where she won the hearts of millions of spectators and was profiled in several prestigious newspapers,

By: Rekha Rajvanshi

by

Sudeep Ghosh

including The Hindustan Times.

With her flawless voice, Srijani opened her show in the Civic Theatre, which was packed with fans of the Ghazals. She sang some well-known songs, like “Jiya Lage na,” “Salona Sa Sajan hai,” and “Aaj Jane ki Zid na karo.”

A variety of well-known classic ghazals, including “Vo jo Ham me tum me karar tha,” “Sarakti Jae hai Rukh se Naqab,” “Hosh valon ko Khabar kya” and “Aapko dekhkar Dekhta Rah Gaya,” were then performed by contem-

porary ghazal singer Sudeep Banerji. Srijani and Sudeep also sang some of the popular duets too like “Duniya jise kahte hain” etc.

The audience participated in their singing, cheered along to the music, and loved each and every ghazal. Like all wonderful things, the concert had to come to an end. Sudeep captivated the crowd with a medley of classic cinema ghazals as he concluded the performance. Abhijit Dan on Tabla, Debz Guha on keyboard, Deeksha Vijayakumar on guitar, and Venkhatesh Sritharan on flute provided the music for the vocalists. In her compering, MC Shailja Chandra used some literary elements and poetry.

Music aficionados will remember the Ghazal concert for a long time.

I give it a shot

What do you do when you come out into this world at 41 weeks only to be sent directly to the ICU breathless, bruised, battered and blue with abrasions due to lack of water…. You tell yourself….. am not just any

baby..! am Sana and I am prepared for the battle. Sana B did just that, she grew up to be a fighter.

The Williams Syndrome diagnosis came much later when Sana was g months old. Poonam her proactive mother, a remarkable lady who

I am not just any baby..! am Sana and I am prepared for the battle

has made her daughter her life’s mission had unwavering faith and knew that the challenge was going to be colossal, as the spontaneous deletion of 26-28 genes on chromosome #7 at the time of conception, was not a matter to be taken lightly. The deletion can occur in either the egg or the sperm so nobody can pinpoint accurately at the cause or blame anyone in particular for. It was indeed the hands of God that sent Sana to this home where everyone held hands to lift each other and never brooded over the past but acted to resolve and emerge victorious. It is likely that in most families, the child with Williams Syndrome is the only one to have the elastin gene condition in his or her entire extended family. The ominous statistic of Sana being 1 in 10000 was not comforting but instead made Poonam all the more determined to fight all odds to prove that Sana would be different…not just different but exceptional.

Poonam’s crusade began as soon as Sana was born. At this point she was in the dark and many questions assailed her as she wondered what

exactly was not right with her baby. Sana had difficulty swallowing and constantly cried as severe reflux issues robbed her of quality sleep. Poonam battled endless nights of sleep deprivation as she had to sing rhymes for hours just to get Sana to sleep. Eating was no joy as Sana was not equipped with the ability to chew and thus had to be tube fed. Every mouthful that she took put a smile of relief on this anxious mum’s face. The support of the extended family gave Poonam the strength and the energy to do endless research as well as the opportunity to reach out to specialists both local and abroad.

The diagnosis when it finally came posed more questions for the family as Williams Syndrome was а rare genetic condition and research on it was still ongoing. As developmental milestones, posed greater hurdles for Sana and simple acts of crawling. rolling over, sitting and walking proved challenging, Poonam realised that early intervention would be the answer. She sought the advice and help of many different caregivers and physiotherapists; occupational

therapists and speech therapists were assigned on a regular basis to help Sana and continue to do so.

The start of Sana’s school life was exacting to put it lightly. The simplest of tasks posed the greatest challenges the school was huge and navigating the area in search of her classroom itself was a task. Sana had trouble with basic selfcare skills, lacked social skills and could not adhere to the rules assigned by the establishment which were all considered a norm by the school administrators. It came as no surprise when the

school counsellors suggested that as Sana would find it tough to keep up with her peers, a school for children with special needs would be a better choice. Poonam waged her own wars with these unfriendly establishments that could not provide the inclusive environment that Sana needed to help her cope with her delay in global development.

Sana too was very much on her own with no friends as nobody understood her predicament.

The world of academia could do little for her and authorities suggested transferring her to a school for children with special needs. This riled Poonam to the core as she did not see any visible handicap in her child who exhibited so much potential. She endeavoured to look for a school that had an inclusive programme that catered to other multiple intelligences like the performing arts besides just focusing on passing exams and scoring in core subjects all of which needed reading, writing and comprehending. These were her greatest banes.

Poonam knew her daughter would reach great heights if given the right opportunity in appropriate fields. At the same time, Sana had other bigger issues to tackle. She had to undergo eye, ear and dental surgeries. She has a hole in the heart and suffers from heart murmur but doctors are positive that everything is under control. She has a fear of flying and hill areas upset her and this leads to anxiety but our fighter remains resilient. Though her fine motor skills were weak and holding a pencil was a chore, she broke all boundaries and started learning to play the piano and drums. It was not smooth sailing but

after years of practice, patience and persistence, she has now advanced to creating her own melodies. Sana’s talents did not stop there as her singing prowess has earned her accolades. She started taking this passion seriously and is taking regular lessons in classical singing.

Another feather in her cap is that she has mustered the confidence to perform on stage and has also delved in public speaking. Recently, while on a holiday cruise with the family, she took part in a Karaoke Superstar competition where she, despite being the youngest participant beat more able contestants to win the runners-up Golden trophy. She not only earned prizes but praises as well.

Sana’s virtuosity extends to dancing and that too she executes with a passion and her ability to strive higher led her to choreograph a performance for a big group of family members on the occasion of a family wedding. She is a born entertainer and never makes excuses for herself. She rises above her debilities and puts many of us to shame. She is into cooking now and bakes cupcakes besides concocting her version of chicken wraps. Her lack of eye, hand coordination and poor muscle tone have not deterred her from taking part in sports. The lack of gross motor skills and upper body strength were waived aside by Sana’s true grit and will-power which she believes are all that one needs to win the day. She has improved vastly in badminton, table tennis, swimming and snorkelling. Poonam has found an instructor in her daughter who never ceases to amaze her. The energy this child puts into all that she aspires to achieve is commendable. Her “I have got it” policy has helped her overcome all her fears and doubts. She attempted parasailing, a mean feat for even the toughest of us, but her adventurous streak saw her enjoying the experience immensely. Sana’s phobia of heights has become a thing of the past. Having a daughter as daring as Sana, has seen Poonam going on roller coaster rides thus overcoming her own fears.

What started off as daunting tasks, as a result of Williams syndrome such as drawing, tying shoe laces and writing independently, now do not intimidate Sana. She pretty much handles herself with minimal assistance. It has not been easy for Poonam too as she has been the driving force to propel this progress and achievement. Poonam was apprehensive to have a second child as she wondered if the new addition would have enough of her time and attention.

With the support of her husband and Sana’s innate ability to ‘never say die’ Poonam is on to creating another genius in Shaurya, her son who has carved a name for himself in table tennis by representing the state.

The most charming trait that this beautiful child has is to share her love and kindred spirit with all those who are lucky enough to meet her. She is receptive to mood changes and her empathetic self can reach out to the loneliest souls. Poonam relates how on a holiday at Gold Coast, they were out on a shopping spree when they chanced upon a salesperson who appeared rather pensive.

Whilst everyone would have attributed it to job stress, Sana’s discerning self, saw beyond the lady’s quiet demeanour and sensed her sadness within. Sana’s emotional intelligence moved her to ask, “Is everything all right with you?” The lady despite her initial surprise, could not hold back her tears and confessed that she was miss-

ing her mother who had passed on recently.

Sana without any hesitation asked if she could give her a hug and did just that. She encompassed the lady with the love and warmth that the lady was clearly missing. The hug reminded the lady of her mother and the solace she received from this child who was a total stranger overwhelmed her. When they revisited the same shop, Sana insisted that they meet her again and of course the lady never forgot the perceptive girl who had brightened her day with just a hug. That’s the magnanimity of Sana who reaches out to anyone who needs a smile.

Now 14, Sana’s social circle has expanded to include a small group of friends who understand her and provide the support she needs from time to time. Now that Sana is growing to be more independent and has greater knowledge of her condition, she has decided to open up and share her experiences so that people would better understand Williams Syndrome which is

also known as the Happy Syndrome as people with this condition often have outgoing friendly personalities and tend to be sociable. A better advocate than Sana cannot be found to promote understanding of this condition as she independently pioneered a presentation in front of her whole year group. True to her nature of leaving no stones unturned her event was complete with her cupcakes and all She made photobooks and had question-answer session to make it not only meaningful but educational as well.

Sana was equipped with answers and made her family beam with pride as she surpassed all initial apprehension and doubts to announce to the world that she had arrived safely though her journey had begun tumultuously.

The family is currently looking forward to the events lined up for Sana in the coming months and to kickstart it, July has been declared the Williams Syndrome month. A peek into the event sees a programme named Walk for Williams and Art Nights and if you look closely you will see the main character of this tale shining her bright light and making her presence felt as the excitement will drive Sana’s adrenaline to do the unimaginable.

“Sana’ in Spanish means to heal, recover and improve and it is clear to see that when the good Lord was creating our Sana, He made no mistake. Sana has healed, recovered and continues to improve not stopping just at herself but inspiring all and sundry that it is easy to simply blame everything on the unfair Hand of Fate and resign ourselves to merely existing but Life is a precious gift that must be cherished and it is up to us to live it well. Although Sana had help along the way, it was sheer hard work and belief in herself that saw her through the many hurdles that came her way. Sana learned very early that life is like the igniting of a match short and beautiful so what is important is that you burn brightly.

Sana, Sana… they all call me, God hears me… I always say

Sana, Sana… they all feel me, God hears me… for I pray Sana,

Sana… they worry for me, God hears me… I am okay

For the Heavens know…Everything will be all right

Author: Susy Narayanan

This article was first published in Inspire 360

Janmashtami festival by Hindu council of Australia

Hindu council of Australia organised Janmashtami festival in The Ponds on 9th September 2023 after a gap of 6 years. Festival was attended by more than 1000 devotee along with many VIP’s like Alex Hawke (former Immigration Minister), Sameer Pandey (mayor Parramatta council), Warren Kirby(member of state for Riverstone),Benjamin Susai represented Blacktown mayor. Councillors from Blacktown council Mohinder Singh, Jess Diaz, Allan Green and Peter Camilleri. Festival started with Pooja by members of ponds communities and Hindu council followed by brilliant cultural performances from various dance groups. Awards were given to the winners of best dressed Krishna and Radha by distinguished guest.

Australia school of meditation and yoga presented musical fusion of bhajans and songs which kept devotees chanting Hare Krishna and hare Rama. Prasadam was given to devotees thanks to Gaura travels. Festival concluded with kids breaking Dahi handi full of chocolates and all kids were given one packet of sparkles as a gift. Another wonderful and well organised event by Hindu council to promote rich culture of India.

An impressive evening with Karthiga’s ‘Kothai’-devotional

Kothai, the story of Andal much praised Vaishnavite devotee uniting with Lord Vishu in holy matrimony, was recently performed in Sydney by enthusiastic, young Bharatnatyam performer Karthiga Manoharan.

by Chandrika Subramanian

Vaishnavism – a part of shanmadha sthapanam of Adhi Sankaracharya,a cult followed by devotees who worship Lord Vishnu. Alwars, the twelve saint poets have been the torchbearers of the Vaishnava cult. Their distinguished work engages rich Tamil to praise Lord Vishnu.

Andal or Kothai’s divine collaboration commenced when she was adopted by Periyalzhwar, who was also one of the great Alwar saints. He was a priest in the Srivillipuththur temple. Andal grew up amidst Vaishnava philosophy and Vishnu cult as her lifeline.

Kothai is the only female poet and devotee with two magnificent works Thiruppavai and Nachiyar Thirumozhi deal with the paramount love, described so succulently, her love and passion for the Lord. Nachiar Thirumozhi

means Consort of the Lord Vishnu. Thirumozhi means holy saying.

This unique work illustrates the love, suffering, and pains of separation that she undergoes in various degrees, while her search for ultimate happiness – aiming to unite with Lord Vishnu in holy matrimony. She envisioned Lord Vishnu not as God but as her consort. Each Thirumozhi is unique with its own theme, distinctly depicting her love and longing for Lord Vishnu. In particular, Nachiyar Thirumozhi brims with erotic passion for the divine.

Karthiga Manoharan has chosen these challenging compositions to explore Nachiyar Thirumozhi in her own in Bharatanatyam, as a solo performer. A senior student of Kalakshetra trained Guru Anusha Dharmaraja, sees Nachiyar Thirumozhi as the benchmark for the empowered woman. In a patriarchal society, Kothai was challenging the societal stigma through her expressive language describing her

with ‘Kothai’-devotional dance

love and erotic emotions.

Karthiga has choreographed her selective choices from Nachiar Thirumozhi under the guidance of her Guru, ‘Kalapooshanam’ Anursha Tharmarajah, Director of the renowned Natyakshetra School of Dance in Sydney. Completing her Arangetram in 2017, she spent time mastering her craft by performing at cultural events both as a soloist and as part of an ensemble. She has conceptualised and produced thematic videos on Subramania Bharathi for Thigada Chakra and Kamban Kazhagam Australia. In 2023, she organised the phenomenally successful production, Anangu Aivar, which raised $15,000 for Palmera Projects. Her artistic pursuit is to seamlessly blend and express the melody and rhythm of dance.

Karthiga’s artistic expression goes beyond Bharatanatyam, as her passion for the Thamizh language, is involved in debates and speeches for various organisations. In 2023, her research paper on ‘Challenges experienced by the youth in Diaspora’ was recognised at the 11th World Tamil Research Conference in Malaysia. Her love for beats was expressed in learning Mridangam under ‘Sandror’ R. Suthanthiraraj (Ganalayam) is a talented visual artist who now specialises in customising dance spaces and Mridangams. Her painting talent was displayed by the Krishna painting, which was the only decoration on the stage, which made the audience focus only on the dance without any distraction.

The first item of the night commenced with the Thiruppalli Ezhuchi – a song to awaken Lord Vishnu and continued with Kothai Kauthuvam. Kavuthuvam means a hymn, usually sung in praise of deities, popular as an invocatory piece. Starts with the rhythmic recitation of sollukattus- a bunch of words, followed by lyric recitation in the same rhythmic metre, later a melodic rendering of the lyrics ends with a bunch of words. Karthiga’s efforts in presenting the Kauthuvam were praiseworthy.

Her Manal Veedu’ – ‘Sandcastle’, Andal and friends making castles in the sand and pleading with the Lord not to damage their creations was a visual treat.

The next item explores Kothai’s separation from Kannan, Viraham., which establishes her intimate relationship with the Lord and her waiting and longing for the Lord’s arrival, out of desperation, she calls out to a passing bird, with companionship, and in exchange requests it bring her Lord to her without further delay. Karthiga’s expressions brought out Kothai at her most vulnerable; yearning with all her being to unite with her Lord.

A special mention is needed on the item titled ‘Varanamayiram’. While Andal is recounting Her dream of Her marriage with Lord Vishnu. She describes that she dreamt of the Lord’s arrival, walking majestically amidst a thousand elephants, and married her by going around the Holy Fire holding her hand. She describes the wedding many scenes such as priests chanting mantras in the presence of Holy fire, all the decorations, various rites followed in a wedding, the presence of demigods, the noise of the musical instruments and blowing conches, and the wedding dais decorated with pearls. Karthiga justified this part of the programme through her elegant expressions, emotional gestures, and body language.

The next item continued with exploration involving a combination of both sexuality and spirituality, curiously questioning the taste of her Lord’s lips. She raises questions,’ Do they have the smell of camphor? Or do they emanate the sweet scent of lotus blooms? Do those divine coral-hued lips taste sweet? I long to know what the mouth of Kannan smells and tastes like.’ The artiste mesmerised the audience with the lines beautifully penned by Andal.

In Thillana, Kothai searches for Kannan in Brindavan, where she meets various Gopis who have been blessed to spend time with Him. She asks the Gopis whether they have seen her Kan nan and receives mixed responses describing their own experiences with Him.

Overall, Karthiga has impressed the audience by engaging her artistic talents, communicative eyes, elegant body language, rhythmic foot works, and choice of songs. The entire show was an effort successfully presented with the combined help of guru Anursha Tharmarajah on Nattuvangam, Ahilan Sivanandan’s Vocal

and Music Composition , Janakan Suthanthiraraj’s Mridangam, Kranthi Kiran Mudikonda’s Violin, assistance of Sri Seran Sribalan in choreography, Venkatesh Sritharan’s flute, and costume design by Chithra Manoharan.

Sydney Sanskrit School students receive Ministers Award for excellence in Community Language

Every year up to 10 students from community languages schools are recognised for their hard work and excellence through the Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Student Achievement.

This year six Students of Sydney Sanskrit School (School Of Vedic Sciences) were shortlisted for and were presented the Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Student Achievement in Highly Commended and Commended categories.

Commended Award

Sathvika Suresh (Junior)

Highly Commended Awards

Sion Chakalabbi (Junior), Siri Hosur Sunil (Junior), Manognya Ghanalinga (Senior), Ankita Iyengar (Senior), Neha Natarajan (Senior)

Did you know?

NSW is one of the most successful multicultural societies on the planet places with

specific programs to promote culture and harmony. 35,547 Students are currently studying in the Community Language Schools Program. Chinese, Arabic, Korean, Vietnamese, Greek, Tamil and Japanese have the greatest number of students studying in community language schools in 2023

2023 is the 31st year of these awards. Students from Arabic, Armenian, Assyrian, Bangla, Chinese, Filipino, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Tamil, Marathi, Malayalam, Nepali, Persian, Polish, Russian Hindi, Indonesian, Sanskrit, Sinhala, Swedish, Thai, Tibetan, Ukrainian and Vietnamese were this year’s recipients. It is significant to know that six languages are from India.

The ceremony took place in Sir John Clancy Auditorium, University of New South Wales. The event was led by one of the 2022 community language ambassadors, Abi Antonito.

Community language schools are a significant part of education in New South Wales. The NSW Department of Education constituted the Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Student Achievement, thereby promoting multiculturalism.

Aunty Maxine Ryan welcomed the gathering to the country and emphasised the significance of consistently passing on one’s cultural identity to younger generations. She has passed on her passion for Aboriginal arts and crafts to grandchildren, especially Shell art which she learnt from her mother.

The Minister’s Award recipients of this

year led the evening program with Prof. Ken Cruickshank, Director of Sydney Institute of Community Languages Education(SICLE) announcing the winners. The Hon. Prue Car MP, Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, was the keynote speaker. She spoke on the increase in grants for community language schools by the department. Such initiatives have encouraged several students to pursue learning their native language and increased cultural awareness.

This year saw 230 students nominated, with 94 senior and 135 junior nominations from 32 different languages considered for the awards. The award categories include ‘commended’ and ‘highly commended’ under junior and senior categories and Minister’s Awards.

The event also had a performance by the Tibetan Children’s School of Newcastle and

Hunter Region, a piece of music called the Potato Palace using the traditional Tibetan guitar called the dramyin.

Each year new Ambassadors are announced at the NSW Community Language Schools Program Annual Minister’s Awards. The evening concluded with the announcement of new Ambassadors for 2023.

The new HomeWorld Leppington

HomeWorld, Australia’s biggest building co-operative that develops and manages display villages for 50 leading builders, has officially opened its newest display village in Leppington, Sydney.

Situated on the corner of Emerald Hills Boulevard and Farmer Street Leppington, this new display village showcases over 90 different home designs and the latest in design trends from over 30 leading builders, providing a convenient destination for anyone who is thinking about building to find their perfect home design.

HomeWorld CEO Phil Jones said: “This is our 3rd HomeWorld display village in the South West, and we will continue to commit to this growing region with future villages already being planned and developed.

Our first display village in South West Sydney was at the Hermitage in Gledswood Hills and it showcased 58 display homes. Our previous village here in Leppington had 60 display homes and this new village boasts 94

brand new homes to explore.

HomeWorld Leppington is a premier destination for display homes, providing people in the south-west and the greater Sydney regions. with a place to be inspired and to discover their new home building options.

“The 30+ leading builders here at the new HomeWorld Leppington showcase a range of designs that can suit different

lifestyles and budgets”.

“Whether you are looking to do a knock down and rebuild, or you have secured a new block of land in

Sydney, the Builder’s here at HomeWorld Leppington have sales consultants on site ready to help you find a design that will work for your land and your needs.”

“With so much on offer, we encour-

Leppington opens for business

age everyone to come down and take a look at the new village, explore display homes, talk to the builders and compare home designs and promotions said Jones.

The village, which has been open to preview since last year, is now open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm.

To find builders, display homes, village maps and more information, please visit: h]ps://www. homeworld.com.au/loca=ons/leppington/

About HomeWorld

Since its establishment in 1986, HomeWorld has grown to a coopera=ve of more than 50-member builders across NSW, with 5 villages in opera=on across NSW with two more villages in development/construction phase. HomeWorld are proud Major Sponsors of Sydney Thunder BBL and WBBL, as well as Naming Sponsors of the HomeWorld Thunder Nation Cup.

Premier launches new ‘Faith coalition of religious communities

Premier Chris Minns, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey, Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper and Lakemba MP Jihad Dib joined more than 200 faith leaders and community members at a gala dinner on Tuesday to mark the launch of Faith NSW, a coalition of faith groups across our state.

The coalition - comprised of Islamic, Hindu, Christian, Jewish and Buddhist communities - aims to build stronger relationships between the respective communities, and foster greater engagement with the NSW Government on common issues and areas of importance.

‘Faith NSW’ communities

The event, held at Sydney Olympic Park, saw a special Faith Award and Churchill Fellowship Report by Faith NSW CEO Murray Norman presented to Mr Mookhey and Mr Dib on behalf of Faith NSW for their unwavering support and friendship to faith communities in recent years.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“New South Wales is enriched by our vibrant multi-faith communities, and I was honoured to attend such an important event.”

Faith NSW co-chairs Darren Bark and Surinder Jain said:

“We are incredibly fortunate and grateful to live in NSW, one of the most multicultural states in the world.

“No matter our background, our faith or the language we speak, everyone is welcome and has a place to call home here in NSW. This is what makes our state the remarkable place that it is.

“We thank the Premier and the NSW Government for their steadfast friendship and resolute support. We will continue to work together to ensure all people of faith have the freedom to practice that faith, and live safely and securely in our cohesive, multicultural society.”

About Faith NSW:

Faith NSW, also known as Better Balanced Futures, represents the united faith communities across Australia and NSW.

Faith NSW is committed to fostering robust, l mutually respectful relationships between the faith communities and engaging with all levels of government, and each other, to address common causes and interests. Through these collaborative efforts, we strive to build a more socially cohesive society that celebrates and upholds a rich freedom of religious belief and practice.

Photo Credit: Giselle Haber

The Saree Club Visits Canberra

By: Ravinder Kaur Bali

One sweltering Sydney afternoon in December 2018, eight Australian women of sub-continental descent met for tea in Dural. Their commonality? All of them arrived wearing saree, the rectangular piece of cloth that has graced the lissom frames of Indian women for millennia. These eight were united in their love and admiration of saree, an attire that, to them was more than something one dressed up in. It was an embodiment of their pride in being women, it carried the memories of their mothers and grandmothers that they had left behind; most importantly, it encompassed the promise and fulfilment of goals and aspirations they had set themselves as they had made a new country home.

Less than five years later, their numbers swelled a dozen-fold, twenty-four of them undertook a journey to Canberra, September, spring and the Floriade having all

conspired to make this, their first interstate trip possible. With Poornima Menon, the founder of the Saree Club at the helm, the trip was more than a fun-day out. It was to be a meet-up with their sisters in Canberra, where saree-love had been quietly budding in recent years, and lo! Canberra had numbers almost matching those of the visitors from Sydney.

The trip was undertaken in a 25-seater bus that collected its passengers from two Sydney locations and was soon on its way. With twenty Club members, three hopefuls and one mother-of-a-member (who could not make it herself), the introductions and chatter were soon replaced by the Antakshari singalong that unites all Indians anywhere. With one tea-stop at Goulburn,

where large Sunday crowds prolonged the interval somewhat, the bus still made it to the Floriade in good time.

At the Floriade grounds, we caught up with a couple of the Canberra saree lovers and one of our own who was in Canberra with family. Thereafter, the Club members separated into 4-5 groups, fanning out to enjoy and admire the different floral displays depicting the 2023 theme of Floral Wonderland. There were pics aplenty, and

Canberra

visitors too, who were more than happy to click them for this vibrant group of women who had descended onto the Floriade in colours and energy to match. As the couple of hours allocated to the Floriade drew to a close, the ladies all got together, and Poornima went live on Facebook, showcasing the Saree Club against blue skies and the floral backdrop, and putting together an impromptu ramp walk.

Soon we were on the bus and on our way to the Parliament House where we met up with the 20-strong host group. In the Great Hall, and framed against the Arthur Boydinspired tapestry, we all formed a circle, hosts and guests united by saree love, and introduced ourselves, sharing stories and anecdotes about how our love of sarees had strengthened, rekindled or revived, after years of living in Australia. In addition, Club members Yamini, Winky, Kalrav and Manisha spoke at length about what being Saree Club members meant to them, and how Saree Club had evolved, not merely

in numbers, but in terms of its community involvement and investment in issues that were of prime importance to migrant Indian women, issues pertaining to health, well-being, professional growth, and the growing menace of domestic violence. Poornima and I tag-teamed, underlining that while the saree was foremost an Indian garment, and wearing it a nod to our traditions back home, it was also an instrument whereby we sought to assimilate into the Australian life, by participating in the endeavours of charities like Our Big Kitchen that stood for the generous and giving Australian spirit. As we streamed out of the Great Hall, one of the majestic marble staircases framing the foyer beckoned as the perfect backdrop against which the Saree Club and our Canberra hosts could have a group photo. While still on the staircase, Manu Thakur, one of the young and bubbly Canberra ladies who is with Radio Manpasand, went on air, enthusing about the visit of the Saree Club. One of the Canberra ladies had her husband along, a keen photographer who was happier, than most husbands are, to indulge a group of women who wished to make the most of magnificent backdrops and foregrounds, which included the murmuring Reflec tive pool, as well as the towering spire of the Parliament House.

We boarded the bus again, to make our way to the ‘7 By the Lake’ Indian Restaurant, where a sumptuous three-course lunch awaited us. Famished by then, yet

satisfied with our visit, we sat down to lunch with our Canberra sisters, finally able to mingle less formally with them, and to extend to them our invitation to visit Sydney for any of our upcoming Saree Club events. With new friendships forged, and promise of exciting and fulfilling times ahead, we thanked the restaurant staff and took leave of the Canberrans. As the bus wound its way back to Sydney, our energy remained undiminished, as we sang, joked and talked, assured that what we had accomplished was not just our first inter-state visit, but that we were now poised to make more such visits. These would help the Club grow into still better and more versatile versions of itself; more importantly, it signalled a greater future commitment of the Club to community.

‘One Humanity’ concert, Adelaide

Her majesty’s Theatre witnessed exquisite display of dance, music

By: Daljeet Bakshi

Exemplary display of cultural music and dance supporting a humanitarian cause. One humanity concert to support those impacted by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

Glittering Her Majesty’s Theatre Adelaide witnessed awesome aura of music and dance. The setting was absolutely exquisite.

“One Humanity Charity Concert” community fundraiser was a spectacular ensemble of talented artists and performers from multicultural backgrounds. This show was made possible by Adelaide Festival Centre, SA Government, University of Adelaide, Pinnacle College, UNHCR, Australian Relief Organisation, Australian Migrant Resource Centre.

Master of Ceremonies Shanelle Franklin & George Donikin. Dr. Aslan Mehmet (Managing Director & Host of the event), Farhan Shah (Artistic director and per-

former), Keith Preston (Event & Production Coordinator).

Marvellous performances by :

4Farhan Shah & Sufi Oz

4Elder Conservatorium- Songs of Hafez Shirazi, Robert Macfarlane (Tenor) & Stephen Whittington (Pianist)

4Meraki Ensemble

4Turqaussie Jazz Band

4Syrian Performance

4Whirling Dervishes

4Macedonian Folkloric Ensemble Sloboda

4Volya Ukrainian Cossack Dancers

4AlBayyara Dabkeh Group

4Compania Alma Flamenca

1200 plus attendees in the event showed the multicultural spirit of supporting a cause . The attendees included the dignitaries and

people from multicultural backgrounds . Those who attended included The Hon Chief Justice of South Australia Mr Chris Korakis, The Hon Minister for Multicultural Affairs & Tourism Zoe Bettinson MP , Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs & Tourism The Hon Jing Lee MLC, The Hon Lord Mayor of Adelaide Dr Jane Lomax Smith, Ms. Louise Miller Frost MP, Ms Adriana Christopolous chair for SA Multicultural & Ethnic Commission, Councillor Ms Quin Tran, Mr Merv Yazerloo and representatives of the multicultural community groups.

A special thanks and appreciation goes to team member Nishtha Verma, Saravan Ravichandran for awesome photography.

Adelaide all set to host the 2024 Australian Sikh Games

By: Daljeet Bakshi

The Games will be held between 29 - 31 March 2024 in Adelaide , South Australia . These games will witness mammoth gathering with the attendees coming from interstate and international visitors too and games will see participation of many teams. During the poster launch event of the games new committee of Adelaide foe the games shared the presentation with the attendees. The event witnessed attendence of Parliamentarian’s , community members , representatives of various cultural , sporting groups , community leaders. Langar if tea and pakore was served during the event .

Hindi Diwas Celebration Indian Consulate, Sydney

The multicultural, vibrant Sydney in Australia witnessed the celebration of the 75th “Hindi Diwas”, the day when Hindi Constitution of India, at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center (SVCC), Consulate General of India, Sydney

The Indian literary and Art Society of Australia (ILASA) with its vision of paving the path for the next generation with open welcoming hands and, the determination of creating memories, stories and imprints of our literary heritage, joined hands with SVCC to shape the event into one of the memorable “Hindi Diwas” celebrations in

Sydney. Founder of ILASA renowned poet and writer Rekha Rajvanshi and Niyati Mehta, the director of SVCC worked hand in hand for the celebration.

With an open invitation to everyone the prelude was set with ICCR and ILASA Sydney reaching out to people to let them know the completely different style of this year’s celebrations.

At 4:00 p.m, the SVCC director Niyati Mehta welcomed the guests which included eminent contributors to Hindi from Australia such Dr Shailja Chaturvedi, Anil Verma, Mrinal Sharma, Siddhant Nakra, Abhishek Tongia and Nimeesha Gupta (wife of Consul General Manish Gupta). Sri Manish Gupta gave the welcome address and presented his views on the beauty and importance of Hindi, its heritage and relevance in keeping the generations connected.

This year’s celebration started on a totally different note, with introduction of five eminent poets and writers of Hindi literature and discussion on their works. Life, notable works and,

By: Riju Bhargava

Celebration at the Sydney

was recognized as official language in the Sydney on 14 September 2023.

styles of Munshi Premchand, Mahadevi Verma, Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, former Indian prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and multi talented Mannu Bhandari were discussed.

Dr Manu Mukta Manav International Youth awards in Australia for 2023 was presented to Sonia Sadiq Gandhi, founder and CEO of India Australia Business and Community Alliance and Dr Mohit Tolani, award winning dentist and community worker by Consulate General of India. Angvastra and certificates were presented. These awards are a testimony of their noteworthy contribution in the community services and professional excellence.

Then came the fun filled surprise as Rekha Rajvanshi explained the design elements of

Hindi poetry, the science and facts, the rules and examples behind it, and gave the audience a free hand trial for poetry writing on a surprise topic, which was “Ocean” or “Saagar” as called in Hindi, in eight to ten lines in 10 minutes.

Three winners were announced - Dr Suman Agrawal (first), Riju Bhargava (second) and Samay Jain (Third) were awarded the prize by the Consul General. They finally narrated their award-winning writings.

Mrs Nimeesha Gupta read out some short poems from her latest book “Choti si

Mutthi”. The event culminated with mutual introduction and constructive discussions among the guests which included young children as well. A sumptuous refreshment was hosted by SVCC, Consulate General of India, Sydney.

It was heartening and an enlightening event, showcasing the beauty and strength of Hindi literature, and how strongly it is thriving outside India as well.

We will see you soon again. Until then, best wishes for a passion filled thriving life.

Photo credits: Harmohan Walia

About Saffron Day: Deyaan was only 7 years old when he tragically passed away while on a family holiday in 2016. Not long before the trip, Deyaan and his older sister had learned about organ and tissue donation at school. They told their parents they wanted to be organ donors one day to help save the lives of others. Little did Deyaan’s mum and dad know that a few months later, they would be faced with the decision to donate his organs. Their decision to honour Deyaan’s wish saved four lives.

Saffron Day was started in memory of Deyaan, to raise awareness for organ and tissue donation. Saffron symbolises courage and strength, qualities seen in little Deyaan. Orange was also Deyaan’s favourite colour. A pinch of Saffron goes a long way, as does

the generous gift of organ donation. To learn more about Deyaan’s story, visit saffronday. org.

Getting involved in Saffron Day is easy, here’s what you can encourage others to do:

4Wear orange on Friday 22 October and

share your photos on social media (or send to our team to share on DonateLife’s social media channels) with the hashtags #SaffronDay #doitforDeyaan #donatelife

4Start a conversation with your family and friends about organ and tissue donation and of course, encourage them to register at donatelife.gov.au/saffronday

Saffron Day is coming up on Friday 22nd October, in memory of seven-year old Deyaan Udani, and to raise awareness for organ and tissue donation in Australia.

Dussehra Exhibiton

By: Shantana

“Two years ago, I was thinking on how I can empower women and bring all of them under one roof to promote ethnic wear and support them in Business. And that is how Dussehra Exhibition started” in the words of Sydneybased entrepreneur, Urmi Talukdar, who recently organised Ethnic Bazaar Australia.

Urmi is a Business Analyst and associated with the Bank for the past 15 years. While she

is a full-time working mum, she completed her Graduate Certificate in Marketing and Digital strategy from UTS, as she wanted to reinvent her career and do something she is passionate about.

Urmi Talukdar is mother of a beautiful daughter Rianna and wife of Suman Shaha Deputy Mayor of Cumberland.

Urmi has a vision and is sharing her exciting venture that will not only empower but E-power all the existing and aspiring business owners. She is introducing Ethnic Bazaar Australia’s Digital platform e-Bazaar. And will launch Ethnic Bazaar Australia’s digital/online platform dedicated to support local businesses mainly run by women and helping our community to find their signature style.

She is bringing an online platform not only to sell goods but also to engage with consumers directly and build a relation through online

marketplaces, where businesses can reach more people 24/7.

Amongst the prominent guests who attended this event were NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison,NSW MP’s Donna Davis Julia Finn, Stephen Bali, Australia’s first Origin Lord Mayor Sameer Pandey ,Deputy Mayor Suman Saha, Clr. Moninder Singh, Clr. Livingston Chettipally, Melissa Monteiro, Durga Owen etc.

Ethnic Bazaar brings Dussehra Exhibition once a year. The wide range of Indian Ethnic stalls put up during the event attracted visitors from far and wide. This provided emerging women

entrepreneurs to showcase their products to the community alongside other artists.

Fashion show

Fashion shows are a way for designers to exhibit their extravagant styles and designs to other people. In this event the goal was to promote Indian Ethnic wear within Australia, this was beautifully orchestrated by Debasrita Mukherjee’s Collection. The models were dressed in beautiful ethnic attires to showcase the rich Indian cultural heritage.

Dance

Dance is a form of artistic movement used to express a person’s innermost feelings and various stories through emotionally captivating performances. During the Dusshera exhibition dance schools such as Natraj Dance Academy, Nartaan Institution of Performing Arts and Kiyara Dance Academy showcased the rich Indian cultural heritage through their entrancing dance performances from a diverse range of states.

Photography and write up. - Shantana Deka Dutta

Onam Celebrations

A momentous occasion unfolded in Sydney as the World Malayalee Council Sydney Province successfully hosted the WMC Multicultural Onam 2023, showcasing a splendid amalgamation of culture, unity, and celebration. The event marked a significant milestone, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds to appreciate Kerala’s vibrant culture and spread a message of hope and goodwill on a global scale.

By: Deepa Sujit

Irfan Malik (WMC Australia Chairman), Babu Varghese (WMC Sydney Province President) Deepa Sujeet Nair (WMC Sydney Province Secretary) and Kiran James (WMC Far East and Australia Region Chairman) were instrumental in organising this cultural feast which was a blend of the ancient with the modern.

The event, held at St. John XXIII Catholic College Hall, witnessed a convergence

of cultures, embodying the essence of multiculturalism. The event’s focal point was the multicultural Onam celebration, exemplifying diversity in its truest form. Attendees from various backgrounds joined in the festivities, celebrating the

essence of “Vasudaiva KutumbakkamOur Global One Family!”

The event was attended by dignitaries, community leaders and councillors from across Sydney.

Everyone were wholeheartedly embraced by the spirit of the event and collectively played a role in its remarkable success. The event’s every facet was brought to life by their presence and active involvement, infusing it with energy and vibrancy. The true essence of unity that the event aimed to convey was underscored by their unwavering support and the power of coming together to celebrate culture and diversity was showcased through their enthusiastic engagement.

The celebrations were hosted by MCs Karthik Mohandas and Manasi Khanna Bhatia. Ahalya Rentala, Director for Rotary Club The Ponds also played a crucial role with the coordination of this event.

The heart of the event was the aweinspiring Mega Thiruvathira, a traditional

Kerala dance form, performed with grace and fervour by a gathering of 200 talented women. This mesmerizing dance left an indelible imprint on the attendees, showcasing the strength of unity in preserving rich cultural traditions.

Adding to the grandeur was the inaugural presentation of Keralanadanam, a popular Kerala dance form, marking

its first-ever performance in Australia. The dance resonated with the audience, highlighting the universal language of culture that transcends geographical boundaries. The ambience was a testament to the power of unity, with cultural performances.

The Mega Thiruvathira and Keralanadanam dance were choreographed by Lekshmi Sujith with groups based

on suburbs led by team leaders.

The team leader for Keralanadanam was Poornima Rajeev. The team leaders played an integral part by coordinating and managing practice and preparation. Sujitha Sugunan, Joint Secretary of WMC Sydney was the dedicated WMC representative, who played a vital role, along with Priya Balan, who is also an Executive Member of WMC.

The WMC Multicultural Onam event, beyond being a celebration, embodied a message of hope and goodwill for humanity at large. The event’s success illuminated the World Malayalee Council Sydney Province’s commitment to fostering connections among diverse communities and perpetuating cultural legacies.

The WMC Multicultural Onam event was a resounding success, leaving an indelible mark on Sydney’s cultural landscape. Through the Mega Thiruvathira, Keralanadanam, Chendamelam, and the multicultural Onam celebration, the event exemplified the power of cultural unity and the potential for building bridges across continents. As attendees departed with hearts full of joy and camaraderie, the event’s legacy is destined to inspire similar endeavours in the future.

JAI HO!

AUSTRALIAN INDIAN ORCHESTRA

SET TO ‘LIGHT UP’ SYDNEY IN UPCOMING DIWALI CONCERT

60-piece Australian

Orchestra returns with a scintillating program, “Symphony of Lights: Diwali in Concert” to kickstart the festive season

JAI. HO. - two words that ignite the passion inside Indians and spark the Diwali season. Riding the momentum from the runaway success of their debut sold-out concert “Sydney to Mumbai” at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music on 13 August, Sydney brothers Sagar and Suraj Nagaraj are bringing back the majestic 60-piece Australian Indian Orchestra to the grand Chatswood Concourse on November 10, 2023 at 7pm.

The inaugural concert saw audiences delighted, starting with a fusion of “Waltzing Matilda” played on the sitar and “Vande Mataram” performed boldly with the trumpets of the AIO. The program featured a variety of lyrical classics to blockbuster, roaring tunes as well as a grooving jazz number, leaving the full house on their feet long after the final notes.

To capture the true spirit of Diwali, “Symphony of Lights: Diwali in Concert” will not only bring together 60 of the finest Australian and Indian musicians, singers, and dancers, but also showcase masterpieces by Beethoven, Mozart as well as feature the symphonic premiere of A.R. Rahman’s Jai Ho.

Sagar Nagaraj, 26, Concertmaster for the AIO said, “Being part of the pure magic on stage and seeing the entire auditorium on their feet, we were truly inspired to

continue building on the vision to connect Australians and Indians through music.”

Renowned Sydney-based vocalists Avijit Sarkar, Ruhani Dhillon, Vikas Kolar, and Rucha Lange will bring the stage alive with in-demand Indian instrumentalists including Abhijit Dan on tabla, Tanim Khan on Sarod, Behzad Ansari on santoor, Mayank Singh on Electric Guitar, Sadiq Rehmani on Acoustic Guitar, Bobby Kumar on bass guitar, Satyajeet Roy on keyboard and piano, and Preetam Telugu on Drums.

Combining these leading Australian and Indian musicians on stage will create an unforgettable musical experience for the audience attending. The concert will feature some of the most memorable songs from celebrated Bollywood movies and artists across the decades, including Mohammed. Rafi, Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, Hariharan, Shankar Mahadevan, Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, Arijit Singh and more.

Artistic Director & Conductor of the Australian Indian Orchestra, Suraj Nagaraj, 20, who has single-handedly arranged the program of songs for the entire symphony orchestra performing, said, “As Australia’s first and only Symphony Orchestra dedicated to performing Indian music, and the biggest collaboration between Australian and Indian musicians, our aim is to meld

the best Indian musicians with Australia’s finest orchestra members, whilst strengthening the strong link between Australia and India. We are confident that the program we have pulled together for our second concert will be another landmark event for the cultural fabric of music here in Australia.”

“Symphony of Lights: Diwali in Concert” is set to be the spectacle of the year, and will appeal to all cultures and music lovers. Book your tickets today at AIO.org.au and make it a festive season to remember.

About the Australian Indian Orchestra

The AIO is Australia’s first and only Symphony Orchestra dedicated to performing Indian music. Formed in 2023 by Sydney brothers Sagar and Suraj Nagaraj, the AIO brings Australian and Indian musicians together to create a truly unique musical experience. Celebrating the diversity and versatility of the cultural fabric of music in Australia, the AIO is set to be a cultural gem and inspiration for future generations of musicians in Australia and around the world.

For further information or requests for sponsorship, media interviews and photographs please contact: Sagar Nagaraj, General Manager, admin@aio.org.au, 0434204870

Tickets from $49 are available now at AIO.ORG.AU

Indian

Hindi Diwas - ILASA Inc the Storytelling Tradition

To strengthen the bonding between the generations and their culture, both language and literature play an imminent role. across different continents, a possible gap emerges between generations about their literature

By: Riju Bhargava

ILASA Inc, the “Indian Literary and Arts Society of Australia”, is an unique organization, that carries the goal of promoting Indian languages and literature in Australia, with a vision “Our Language, Our Culture, Our Identity”.

Rekha Rajvanshi, founder and coordinator of ILASA, a renowned poet and author of 11 books, says “Encouraging people to express in their language and promoting literature is not only important to keep them connected with their roots and cultural identity, but also helps in an ongoing flow of creativity. And that is what I believe in dedicating my life to, for people, here in Australia”.

Carrying the same vision in eyes and love for the languages and expressions in hear, ILASA celebrated the “Hindi Diwas” at Tribute Room, Pioneer Theatre, Castle Hill on 24th September 2023.

There were a multitude of events throughout the program, which started with the national anthems of India and Australia and remembering the traditional custodians of the land. Indian

tradition of lamp lighting signifying the dispelling of darkness and igniting of thought and enlightenment of knowledge and wisdom was performed by dignitaries MP Mr. Mark Hodges, Councillor Barbara Ward, and Councillor Reena Jethi. Each of them signified the importance of language and literature for development of a multicultural nation like Australia.

ILASA honoured two well-known personali-

Keeping Tradition Alive

role. With increasing movement of generations literature and culture.

bearer, made Punjabi more prosperous with his poetry books alongside his relentless community work.

This year’s celebration witnessed the life and thoughts of famous Hindi poet Mahadevi Varma, by none other than her grand daughter, Anubha Varma. It was nostalgic to dive down the memory lanes and learn how Mahadevi Ji’s style of writing emerged, her love for animals and nature, her life and family.

Charles Thomson, an actor and Hindi lover served as our keynote speaker. Charles passionately organizes Hindi and Sanskrit forums in the Indian state of Rajasthan. He motivated everyone to speak in our own language Hindi with a sense of pride.

Third time in row, ILASA conducted a storytelling/monologue competition on Hindi Diwas. This year, 12 extremely gifted individuals, ranging in age from 35 to 98 (yes you read it right, 98) participated, showing that age or time is never a limiting factor in pursuing your passion. They either wrote their own stories or narrated other written stories. Two renowned Hindi theatre artists Vipul Vyas and Saba Zaidi Abdi, and a retired professor of Hindi, Gaytri Singh served as eminent judges for this competition.

Ingita Chaddha’s story on “dementia” won the first prize. Renu Singal and Nisar Sirguroh won the second and third price respectively. Other participants were Manish Jha, Roshanlal Gakhar, Riju Bhargava, Rajendra Tewani, Ritu Kulshrestha, Tarun Malviya, Jyoti Dogra, Samay Jain, Ranjana Kumari and Parag Patki.

Sewa Singh Redhu, the program’s emcee, captivated the audience by speaking in the purest form of Hindi. Taufeeq Ahmed Sheikh, a gifted actor from Sydney, performed a unique performance ‘Virasat’ on the occasion.

Snacks and tea were available throughout the event.

ILASA extends its gratitude to the sponsors CMRC Melissa Monteiro, Devendra Gupta, Gambhir Watts, Shan Ruprai and Artisan House. Thanks to Team ILASA Abhishek Tongia, Mrinal Sharma, Riju Bhargava, Samay Jain and Aali Chandra, who helped with arrangements and Radio Darpan team Dr Shailja Chaturvedi, Pradeep Upadhyay, Rakesh Pandey and Yateen Gupta.

ILASA warmly welcomes everyone who is passionate, expressive and believes in making the community richer. Communication is the key to move ahead with time and right perspective, but language is what makes people come closer.

ties who have been serving their languages and making the community richer in knowledge and heritage. ILASA’s Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Mr Tara Chand Sharma and Mr. Harmohan Singh Walia. Mr. Tara Chand Sharma made initiated Hindi classes in Australia about 4 decades ago and ran a campaign for including Hindi in the Australian Curriculum under Hindu Council’s umbrella thus made a significant contribution in the field of Hindi. Mr Harmohan Singh Walia, a Sydney 2000 Olympic torch

Photo credits: Harmohan Walia

Dubbo Support Center

Unity, Diversity, and Community

The event, which took place on September 23, 2023, showcased a profound commitment to inclusivity, bridging cultural divides, and providing essential support to the residents of Dubbo and the surrounding regional areas.

The program commenced with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the Wiradjuri people, the traditional custodians of the land. Ms Vijaya Nadendla, Manager of the Indian Support Center, served as the Master of Ceremonies, guiding the attendees through an inspiring

program that was broadcast live worldwide on Facebook and YouTube.

The program began with the ‘Welcome to Nation address by Aunty Sandra Riley. The symbolic opening of the Dubbo Support Center was conducted through a Lamp Lighting ceremony, graced by esteemed personalities including The Hon Mark Coulton – Federal Member for Parkes, The Hon Dugald Saunders – Member for Dubbo, The Hon Stephen Lawrence MLC, Mayor Councillor Mathew Dickerson, Aunty Sandra Riley, Mr Shibli Chowdhury – Coun-

Mayor Mathew Dickerson presenting a plaque marking the Opening Ceremony of the ISC’s Dubbo Center to the management team of the Dubbo Support Center in the presence of dignitaries and guests

In a momentous event held at 3/43 Macquarie Street, Dubbo, NSW, the Dubbo Support Center was officially launched, marking a significant milestone in fostering unity, cultural diversity, and community well-being for the people of the Dubbo region.

Inaugurated: Fostering Community Well-being

cilor and Chairperson for Multicultural Advisory Committee, Councilor Matt Wright and Councillor Josh Black graced the occasion.

Distinguished guests, including The Hon Mark Coulton, Federal Member for Parkes; Mr. Dugald Saunders, Member for Dubbo; The Hon Stephen Lawrence MLC; and Mayor Councillor Mathew Dickerson, shared their insights and visions for a united, prosperous community and role the Dubbo Support Center could play in supporting this vision. The Hon Mark Coulton said that it is just the right time the Dubbo Support Center is established, while Dubbo is on a strong economic growth path.

Mr. Subba Rao Varigonda, President of ISC/ Dubbo, welcomed the guests and discussed the planned services and the organizational structure of the Dubbo Support Center, emphasizing the center’s commitment to community welfare for the people of Dubbo and the region.

The cultural program featured melodious performances by Mr. Vinod Rajput, a talented singer and geophysicist from Sydney, highlighting the vibrancy of Indian heritage and

talent. The event emphasized the significance of cultural exchange, dialogue, and understanding between the Indian diaspora and the wider community. ISC, a multifaceted institution, stands as a testament to the power of unity and the strength of diversity. Mr. Subba Rao Varigonda, President of ISC/Dubbo, remarked, “Today marks a new chapter for Dubbo, where unity and cultural exchange will thrive. The Dubbo Support Center is a beacon of hope, support, and inclusivity.”

Mayor Councillor Mathew Dickerson stated, “I am thrilled to witness the inauguration of the Dubbo Support Center, a testament to our community’s commitment to fostering opportunities and ensuring every resident has access to the support they need.”

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Rizwan Raza, Treasurer of ISC, expressing gratitude to all attendees, supporters, and contributors. A delicious lunch, was enjoyed by all, fostering a sense of camaraderie and community.

The Dubbo Support Center is a communi-

ty-driven initiative dedicated to providing guidance on immigration, legal matters, and support during personal or community needs. Through cultural exchange and celebration, ISC aims to create spaces where diverse cultures intersect, learn, and build enduring friendships.

Indian Support Center Inc was established in March 2015 with support from the NSW Government. Over the years, ISC has grown into a formidable community organization. Located in Wentworthville, NSW, ISC’s services include Harm Prevention and Domestic Violence Victim Support, Digital Education for Seniors, Consular related support including Notary and JP support services to migrant communities from the Indian Subcontinent region living in NSW. ISC has now expanded its operations into the Dubbo region. In the Dubbo region, DSC plans to provide the same services but will cover the mainstream Australian and Aboriginal communities.

This press release is authorized for release by Mr Subba Rao Varigonda, JP President of the Indian Support Center Inc!

Lamp Lighting ceremony to mark the opening of the Dubbo Support Center by Aunty Sandra Riley, The Hon Mark Coulton, the Hon Dugald Saunders Member for Dubbo, The Hon Stephen Lawrence MLC, and Mayor Clr Mathew Dickerson

SAFAL Fest Gala Awards Night 30th September

The SAFAL Fest gala awards night was a great success at the Pioneer theatre Castle Hill on 30th of Sept.

It was well attended by 250 people and the dignitaries included The Hon. Mark Buttigeig MLC representing Steeve Kamper NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Mark Hodges State MP for Castle Hill, Charishma Kaliyanda State Member for Liverpool, Peter Gangemi, Mayor of Hills Shire Council, Sarkis Yedeliyan, Mayor City of Ryde, Mr BK Anand Indian Consul Indian Consulate Sydney , Clrs Sameer Pandey Parramatta Council,Barbara Ward Ku Ring Gai Council, Usha Dommaraju Camden Council, Sreeni Pillamarri Hornsby Council, and distinguished guests from the Afghanistan , Indian,

Bangladesh, SriLankan and the Nepalese Community

Recognition Awards we’re given in 3 Categories

a) Life time Achievement Award

b) Significant Contribution Award

c) Community Recognition Award

The Awards night began with the Curtain Raiser from the SriLankan Dancers, Followed by Singing , Dance and Instrumental performances by Winners of SAFAL Fest Competition from India,

Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal

The Winners and Runners Up of SAFAL Fest Competitions in Singing , Dancing, Instrumental and Poetry Slam and the judges, Panelists, Moderators all received awards and Certificates.

The Gala Night ended with Singing Guest Performances by Sheena Ghosh

from Melbourne & Melantha Perera from SriLanka.

Success of the SAFAL Fest 23 is mainly attributed to the dedicated SAFAL Fest Organising Committee led by Festival Director Saliya Tennekoon, Kithsri Karunaratne , Sriyani Tennekoon , Sakina Akhter, Rekha Rajvanshi ,Kavitha and Ramasamy Jeyakumar, Shahid Malik, Sanu Ghimire, Saurav Sharma, Reza Rayan , Balaji Mani, Ash Gholkar President/ Founder ASAF inc and Kedarnath Pagaddin-

nimath

Of course our Sponsor/Supporters Multicultural NSW, City of Ryde Council, Hills Shire Council, Green and Gold ,CMRC, Agency1 Real Estate, Fincorp Property Group, Event 360, Golden Wattle Multicultural Events and Yimiri.

The Gala Awards Night ended at 9.45 PM

About SAFAL festival

Around 2016 Ash Gholkar Co-founder of ASAF got this Idea to organise a Film Festival by getting together the 8 South Asian countries and along with Co-Founder Kedarnath Pagaddinnimath met with Mr Ritchie of Macquarie University at a forum organised by Salvation Army and Ryde Council, where we discussed the idea. He was very receptive to the concept and said it would really fit in with the promotion of Multiculturalism as there were lot of students from the Subcontinent at the University. We also had a chat with Ryde Council and they were happy to support the project and the First Safal Festival was held on 20th and21st of May 2017 at the Macquarie University Campus.

The aim of the festival is to encourage and provide a single platform to communities from South Asia in the field of music, arts, literature and films.

The selection is done by the Australian South Asian Forum management committee after receiving nominations from the team leaders of each country who form the part of the Safal organising Committee.

Co Founder ASAF inc/ Chairperson SAFAL Fest 23.