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Guru Purnima celebrated at Shirdi Sai Temple

Thousands of devotees from all over Victoria visited the Shirdi Sai Temple on the occasion of Guru Purnima on July 25. The temple was open up to 8pm, for abhishek, havan, arti, bhajans, baba darshan and mahaprasad. The Hon. Brian Tee, Parliamentary Secretary for Public Transport visited Sai Temple in the evening and was welcomed by Mr Pradeep Rupanagudi, President of the temple committee and Mr Manoj Kumar, a community leader. Mr Tee attended the celebrations as Victorian Premier Hon. John Brumby’s representative and this initiative by the Premier is indicative of his respect and commitment to multicultural values and the community.

generation of the Telugu Association presented a costume show, lit brass lamps, distributed sweets and displayed Telugu alphabets and numerals. The President wished Telugu could form a part of the school curriculum, just like other ethnic languages. Invited guest Dr. Nick Hill created a stir when he spoke with the Maharashtra Mandal members in Marathi, learned when he lived in Pune. A member of the Croatian Association met Vasan and offered help, presenting FIAV with a shredder-bin which he promised he would clear each week. Another company offered 85 chairs for members to sit on. Linguists, computer and culinary literate members, engineers and such were requested to spare time to help the younger generation and overseas Indian students with their studies. The Telugu Association offered to impart relevant knowledge at the venue from 2 pm to 3:30 pm one day a week. Community members were encouraged to organise viewings of Bollywood movies on the giant screen, and make use of the venue in many

Local State Member, the Honourable John Pandazopolous, who has been of assistance to FIAV in many ways arrived late, but praised “Little India” as a unique caption, and delivered a motivating speech. The Telugu Association placed a traditionally symbolic silk shawl around John’s shoulders, making him feel welcomed. Ann’s Spicy Palace in Dandenong catered a delicious lunch for the event. FIAV may be contacted on 1800 3428 00 (24 hours) or 03 9671 4442 (between hours)

George Thakur

Mr Tee was introduced to devotees and the organising committee members of the temple before reading a message from the Premier. In his speech, Mr. Brian Tee expressed his deep respect for Sai Baba as great Guru and asked the devotees to follow the path and teachings of Sai Baba to maintain peace and harmony. He thanked them and the temple’s committee for giving him an opportunity to celebrate Guru Purnima. The temple committee then honoured Mr Tee with the temple priest undertaking the worship followed by Baba’s arti. In his speech Mr Manoj Kumar thanked the Hon. Premier of Victoria and Hon. Brian Tee for their keen interest in the Guru Purnima festival.

At the end of the ceremony Mr Tee was offered mahaprasad by Mr Rupanagudi and was invited to visit the temple again. Shirdi Sai Temple is located at 32 Halley Ave, Camberwell and devotees from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds visit in large numbers to get the blessings of Sai Baba.

person for 3 course dinner; dress: business/ national. For more details contact FIAV Operations team on 1800 3428 00

Flag Hoisting Ceremony

15 August, 10am at No. 214, Kooyong Road, Toorak. A flag hoisting ceremony on India’s Independence Day will be held at the residence of the Consul General of India. All Indians and persons of Indian origin are welcome to attend. Email: cgo@ cgimelb.org

Savera Music and Dance Programme

15 August, 2pm onwards at Performing Arts Centre - Hunting Tower School, 77 Waimarie Drive, Mt Waverley VIC 3149 MELWAY REF - 70 G 1. Federation of Indian Music and Dance (FIMD) presents Savera, a presentation of Indian music and dance forms from north and south, by a variety of artists. Tickets: $10 per adult, kids freeContact: Vandana Murali 03 9801 2952, Anita Radhey 03 9846 2595

Mehfil Night

20 August, 8-10pm at Coburg Library

Hall, Cnr: Luisa and Victoria Street, Coburg. Open night of light music for singers. Free event with karaoke and keyboard support for singers. Contact Dr.Saratchandran on 9366 5444

Shri Sankat Mochan Mahotsava 2010

22 August, 2pm to 6:30pm at Darebin Arts and Culture Centre, Cnr. Bell St. & St Georges Rd., Preston (Mel way Ref: 30 E-1) Free parking. Contact Vinita Bhatia0412 771 779 for sponsorship and Sunila Shrivastava RSVP - 0427274 462, or e-mail- ashriv@gmail.com

India Independence Day and Raksha Bandhan

28 August, 2-4pm at Community Centre of Shirdi Sai Sansthan, 32 Halley Ave, Camberwell (Mel.60 B5). Free event organised by Indian Senior Citizens Forum to celebrate India’s Independence Day and Raksha Bandhan. Contact Seema on 9552 0267, Rakesh on 9543 6615, Anand on 9762 5211

CGI Announcement

The Consulate General of India will be moving to a new location at344, St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004 with effect from 1 September, 2010. To facilitate the move, the Consulate will be closed on Monday, 30 August and Tuesday, 31 August, 2010, and shall reopen on 1 September 2010 at the new location.

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