Award for Krishna well-deserved

The Victorian Multicultural Commission recently felicitated Smt. Krishna Arora with the Diverse Women Driving Melbourne award at The Queen Victoria Women’s Centre in the city. Krishna’s name will now be engraved on the Shilling Wall for her contributions toward making the world a better place to live in. Madhu Bhatia, Multicultural Commissioner for the Indian community, presented Krishna to a gathering of stalwarts from the community, VMC and COTA (Council of The Ageing) officials, FIAV President Srinivasan and others, and highlighted the contributions Krishna has made to Melbourne. VMC Chairman George Lekakis stated that, inspired by her zeal, VMC has wanted to recognise Krishna’s contributions for many years. Within a flurry of flashlights and applause, he presented Krishna with a certificate to the effect. “Astounding!” was the emotion-filled single word Krishna exclaimed when asked how she felt about winning the prestigious award.

Perceptibly amazed, but with typical Indian humility, the veteran remained contained and thanked VMC for considering her worthy of the award. True to the dress code close to her heart, Krishna was attired in a printed blue sari and slippers, Melbourne weather being unusually clement on the day. She gave thanks to her family for their support and for tolerating her coming-ins and going-outs at odd hours for a good cause.

Usha Sharma, ex-VMC Commissioner and the former Indian origin winner of the Shilling Award, was present at the occasion.

Krishna Arora is a true Dilliwala, who joined the Delhi Catering College as a Cookery Instructor in the mid-1960s, and for the next twenty years continued as the Chief Instructor. Knowledgeable and enthusiastic, Krishna gained popularity with students and colleagues alike and finally gained the cherished Principal-ship of the College. In 1986, she moved to Madras and helped open a catering college, where she remained for six years. In 1992, she joined her family in Melbourne. As cooking was her obsession, Krishna soon began demonstrating Indian cooking in public functions and at selected venues. In 1995, she co-founded the Indian Seniors Citizens Association and was elected Vice President. She also has the honour of being the longest reigning ISCA President. Presently, she is Deputy Director of Women’s Affairs with the Federation of Indian Associations, Victoria. Of mature age, Krishna pledges to continue with her work while she is able. An award well-deserved, indeed! The Shilling Award gives every Victorian the opportunity to celebrate a woman in her/his life. The Queen Victoria Women’s Centre, the Shilling Wall and garden provide a public space for relaxation and reflection on the achievements of women. The intention of the Shilling Wall is to create a tribute to women which will stand for all times, commemorating and celebrating the unique and varied lives and achievements of women, so stipulates the brochure. Anyone can nominate a woman whose contributions and achievements have touched her/his heart.

The new hall meant for community functions suffered teething problems like the front sliding door which stuck and had to be manually operated through the evening. And who can forget the FD and AFP construing steam as flames, ha, ha! Santosh Kumar announced that the CG has arranged a month-long exhibition on Mahatma Gandhi to commence in Melbourne, tentatively from April 11, 2011. A great evening of fun, good music and poetry, including excitement. Dr. Santosh Kumar may be contacted on 0411 136 612, and Dr. Jha on 9555 4924.

George Thakur