FIAV AGM raises relevant issues

“Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly as though you were doing it for the Lord and not merely for people,” claims a 1st century AD proverb. As with other motivated former Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria (FIAV) Presidents, the imagination and efforts that current President Vasan Srinivasan instills into Federation affairs simply stands out. Before FIAV held their Annual General Meeting this week, a hundred strong members of the community were given the opportunity to suggest what they expected the Federation to work on, and to what results. Even constructive criticism of FIAV’s performances was welcome. Vasan requested each association to place one article of their activity in each issue of the FIAV newsletter, so that the community is kept informed of each others’ activities.

A presentation of the eleven points of FIAV’s vision was discussion, with points raised by members tackled satisfactorily by the panel of three: President Vasan, Vice President Thomas Jacob and Chairman, Newsletter Committee Dr. Santosh Kumar. The ugly face of domestic violence was disclosed under which seventeen allegedly persecuted women of the community and three men were helped by FIAV. Aggrieved members were given food vouchers worth $20 per day, in addition to other help. Vasan requested those affluent in the community to offer investment properties where such members could be accommodated temporarily, also offering to pay nominal rent.

A library at the venue, where separating walls had been removed to create a large hall, was proposed, which members promised to support by contributing books. The younger