Vic premier hosts historic Diwali reception

FOR THE FIRST TIME in the history of Melbourne, a Diwali reception was hosted by the Premier John Brumby inside the Queen’s Hall of the Parliament House recently. This was soon after his return from an official visit to India to repair the damage done to Australia’s international student market after a series of attacks on Indian students. Putting aside speculations that the reception could be part of a subtle campaign to diffuse the situation, the community attended and appreciated the historical event.

Diwali celebrations in Australia are increasing in direct proportion to the burgeoning population of Indian migrants. This year Melbournians were quite spoilt for choice between the larger public events in Fed Square, Sandown Racecourse, Western suburbs and Ballarat and innumerable private functions all rejoicing in the festival of lights. The invitation to celebrate it in the Parliament House with the Premier was the proverbial icing on the cake or in this case kesar badaam on the mithai

The chairman of Victorian Multicultural Commission George Lekakis officiated the formal part of the evening followed by a speech by the Premier. Mr. Brumby spoke about the highlights of his recent visit to India and reiterated the Victorian Government’s initiatives to improve the international student situation. The Premier acknowledged the contribution of Indians to the multicultural fabric of

Australia and thanked them for their generous contribution towards the Bushfire appeal.

He spoke at length about his first ever trip to India and the warm welcome he received from the country and its people. In particular he shared his impression of the IT capital Bangalore and visit to the Gandhi memorial in New Delhi. He mentioned his visit to the Commonwealth Games sites where he was assured of good security measures and great standards.

He was impressed to meet doctors in a hospital in Bangalore who conduct 30 open heart surgeries in a day on children with heart problems. He was delighted to know many of the doctors had also worked in Australia, and commented on the professionalism and good standards evident in the hospitals he visited.

He said that he had made it clear to the Indian media that violence of any sort against international students in Australia will not be tolerated and reforms are being put in place in the Victorian education industry. As part of the reforms the Government has made available a small amount of scholarships for higher education. According to him Indian students will be offered the first round of these scholarships. His speech mainly focused on the Government’s ongoing efforts to foster friendship and business relationships between the two nations. He ended his address by wishing everyone a joyous Diwali.

The Consul General of India Anita Nayar also raised an orange juice toast to many more such celebrations in Melbourne, integrating the Australian and Indian communities. In an entertaining and engaging speech, she congratulated the Premier on hosting the first ever Diwali reception in the Parliament in a year that also saw the first ever Diwali acknowledgement by American president Obama. Also present at the reception were Marsha Thomson MP from Footscray and Minister Assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs, James Merlino along with several local councilors and VMC commissioners.

“Diwali is like an Indian Christmas”this is normally my simplistic explanation for those not in the know. There are many similarities between the two. They both involve a festive mix of traditions, lights, candles, treats, religious origins and ongoing celebrations. It was heartening to see Diwali cards in a posh card shop in Chadstone and traditionally packaged Diwali gifts in a supermarket this October. And now with the premiere of Victoria hosting a Diwali reception (hopefully on an annual basis), slowly but surely the significance of the festival of lights is spreading in Australia.

Preeti Jabbal