Warm welcome for new Consul General

It’s early days now, but one thing we are assured of from the new Consul General of India to Melbourne, is that the Indian Consulate under his supervision, will certainly not run like the stereotypical Indian government office.

“We are changing and rectifying so that we reach out to society more effectively,” said Mr. Subhakanta Behera at a reception held by FIAV to welcome him to Melbourne. The event followed by dinner, was held recently at the function hall in Tandoori Junction, Glen Waverley.

Mr. Behera said that he was amazed at the wide spectrum of guests that attended the event to welcome him.

“I am honoured and privileged to come across such a broad spectrum of Indians in Australia. I knew that the variety existed in the US and the UK but it is wonderful to see it here in Melbourne,” he said.

“You really represent the best of India and that makes me proud,” he added, endearing himself instantly to the audience that comprised of the ‘cream’ of the Indian community.

Turning a bit philosophical in his speech, Mr. Behera asked those present how they intended to reconcile their affection to the country of their past and the country of their choice.

“Australia is the country of your choice and adaptation, but India is your motherland and the country of your origin or birth. I would like to know how you will fulfill your obligation to the two countries,” he stated, addressing those present.

Mr. Behera, who attended the function with his wife Rajshree and children Ananya and Amruta, also took the opportunity to take his outreach plan further by welcoming the community to utilize the consulate hall more frequently. He said that he hoped to have at least one event every month in the consul hall, with support from the community. He extended an open invitation to everyone to contact him directly when required, and said he would endeavour to solve their issues with the support of his staff, especially the wellrespected Vice Consul Mr. Rakesh Kawra.

Mr. Vasan Srinivasan, President of FIAV conducted the event with ease and familiarity, introducing all those present individually to Mr. Behera. He also requested Mr. Jude Perera, Member for Cranbourne, Mr. Charles Pick, former Councillor Manningham, and Mr. Michael Gidley, MP Mount Waverley to address the audience. Mr. Gidley attended representing Premier Ted Baillieu, while Mr. Perera represented Opposition Leader Mr. Daniel Andrews.

The Federation of Indian Associations Victoria Inc (FIAV) is the umbrella representative body for 20 Indian community organizations in Victoria. “As the peak representative body of Indian nationals and expats in Victoria, we take our role in promoting peace, harmony and multiculturalism very seriously. We welcome you and your family to Melbourne, and hope that you have a pleasant stay here,” said Mr. Srinivasan in his opening comments.

Mr. Gidley commended Vasan Srinivasan and FIAV for bringing together such a diverse group of the Indian community, and congratulated it on its contribution to Australian Indian society. Mr. Jude Perera recalled his experience with former Consul General Miss Anita Nayar, and hoped to continue his friendship with the new Consul and the Indian community. In his brief speech Mr. Pick from Manningham Council spoke of his continued interest in supporting the Indian community and the entire migrant community that made Melbourne a strong and successful multicultural society. The formal proceedings concluded with a presentation from FIAV to various members of the community who contributed towards its success. A special mention was made commending Mr. Goldy Brar, Chairman of the Youth and Sport Society; popular senior Mrs. Krishna Arora; FIAV Secretary Mr. Subra Ramachandran; FIAV Vice-President Mr. Thomas Joseph; Mr. Ravi Kamashetty; Sangam’s Mr. Gurpreet Singh Tuteja; President of Hindi Niketan, Mr. Sharad Gupta; Tandoori Junction’s proprietor Mr. Karan Gandhok and President of AISV Dr. Gurdeep Aurora. The event was sponsored by Mr. Ali Mohammed of Planet Insurance and Financial Planning.

Preeti Jabbal