CIA’s Republic Day function sombre but dignified

they also “hope to see India reach its centenary as a truly developed nation”.

Louise Markus MP, representing the Leader of the Opposition Tony Abbott, claimed she was happy that the ALP saw the merits in selling uranium to India 4 years after PM Howard decided to do so.

Victor Dominello, NSW’s Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Communities and Citizenship, listed his government’s achievements in engaging with India: the premier’s visit there, the sister-state relationship with Maharashtra, the government’s hosting of Diwali at the Parliament, etc, and went on to add that there is room for Indianorigin Australians to get involved in the political processes of this country.

Even as the famed Beating the Retreat ceremony was in full swing at Delhi’s Raisina Hills to mark the end of India’s Republic Day celebrations, functions were still ongoing here in Sydney to mark the twin occasions of Republic Day and Australia Day for 2012. The newly formed Council of Indian Associations (CIA) organised an evening of speeches, promises and entertainment for their 350odd guests at Blacktown’s Bowman Hall.

CIA, the brainchild of Sydney cardiologist Yadu Singh prides itself on being an organisation with integrity and transparency, supporting the cause of all Indians in Australia while keeping their Australian values alive. As an organisation which is working to establish its credentials in comparison to the much older and established United Indian Associations (UIA), CIA also wants to create a space for themselves within the political system in Sydney and the community.

As such, the evening was dominated by speeches, most of them very well presented and appreciated by those attending. This year’s function could not boast of the attendance of high flying politicians of last year’s festivity, (there is no state election in the offing and Barry O’Farrell is these days more conspicuous by his absence at Indian programs). Nevertheless the politicians present were well versed in playing to the Indian audience.

What was amiss also was the presence of anyone from the local Indian Consulate. The organisers did confirm that CG Amit Dasgupta was travelling, however it was strange to note that no one was available from the Consulate to represent him at an Indian Republic Day event where over 350 people had gathered.

The evening did have an interesting jockeying for position as credit for Australia’s uranium sales to India came up repeatedly. It has been interesting of late, to note the various parties, some of them not present on the day, who have put themselves as the drivers for the change in Australia’s foreign policy where this u-turn is concerned.

While President Obama’s endorsement of India as a major player in this region of the world is all but forgotten, the undercurrents of credit being claimed in this landmark decision are there for all to see.

In his speech, Yadu Singh mentioned significantly his organisation’s strong advocacy on the uranium sales issue. He also listed the CIA’s achievements since its advent in the community scene, including Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations,

India Day Fair at Parramatta Park, and lobbying on behalf of the community on issues such as the Sri Mandir firings, Goddess Lakshmi on bikini bottoms, Vile-Kyle’s rants against the Ganges and India, the misrepresentation of India’s map on government map sites, and campaigning in support of Indian students.

Other speakers brought up uranium and cricket with equal frequency.

Senator Matt Thistlethwaite, representing Prime Minister Julia Gillard, spoke of his government’s push to improve relationships with India. He could not pass up the opportunity of mentioning the 4-0 whitewash at the cricket, but added cleverly, “What goes for cricket, goes for the relationship between our two countries: there have been tense moments, but it’s OK now”. And just as Australians hope to see Sachin’s 100th century soon, he said,

John Robertson, Leader of the Opposition in NSW, spoke of his interactions with Indians in his electorate Blacktown, where he claimed, Singh is now the most popular surname. While the immigrant Indians impressed with their capacity for hard work, he noted, the next generation are coming through and impressing with their talents, such as in academic achievements, and it will probably not be long before one will shine in cricket and wear the baggy green as well.

And what are celebrations, if prizes cannot be awarded? The Australian national honours were given out only a few days prior, and no less than six deserving individuals from our community were felicitated for their work, two in the prestigious AM category. These individuals received no mention at the CIA ceremony. Nonetheless, it was good to see a list of others hand-picked for their substantial community work: these included Dr Ramanand Hegde, Dr Bharathi Reddy, Mrs Shubha Kumar, Mr Harmohan (Harry) Singh Walia, Prof Nihal Agar and Mr Vikram Sharma.

Pawan Luthra