Advance Australia Fair

As ANZAC Day approaches, it is heart-warming to see many expressions of national pride around us. While this special day reminds us of similar occasions from our country of origin, it also acquaints those amongst us who are newer arrivals to Australia, of significant aspects of the Australian national psyche.

Most Indian Australians who migrated here in their mid-twenties will probably be able to sing the Indian national anthem Jana Gana Mana in their sleep, but most will only mumble through the words of the Australian national anthem Advance Australia Fair. Witness any Indian national day function when the time arrives for the national anthems: either young children are marched out who sing the Australian anthem having learned it at school, or a taped version takes care of the formalities.

While the need for the local Indian Australians to learn the song, especially as they settle in their new country, is a discussion for another time, one needs to look at the issue of whether we as a nation underplay our national pride through a subdued exhibition of our national symbols of the flag and our national anthem.

There is still a considerable debate on the acceptance of our current national flag and anthem. There is a strong feeling that the flag represents invasion by the British and the national flag should reflect Aboriginal heritage. National Party Senator Sandy Macdonald said in 2001 that Advance Australia Fair is so boring that the nation risks singing itself to sleep, with boring music and words impossible to understand. Others believe that Waltzing Matilda represents the spirit of true Australia. Both the lyrics and melody of the official anthem have been criticised in some quarters as being dull and unendearing to the Australian people

Be that as it may, till these issues are resolved, it is important that all Australians respect our national symbols and we as a nation take more pride in them.

True, at this time of the year the national symbols are more visible, but perhaps they should be equally visible at other times of the year as well. Watching a baseball game at the Yankees stadium recently, one was struck by the fervour with which the national songs were sung at various times during the evening. A special moment set aside to remember the serving armed forces personnel was just as touching. One wonders whether such expressions of national sentiment would go down well in Australia.

Speaking from the perspective of a migrant community, they certainly would help in bringing in a heightened feel of allegiance to one’s adopted country.

The flag also needs to be a stronger brand for a growing nation. Other than public structures such as the Parliament House or the Sydney Harbour Bridge, there needs to be a more public display of the national flag. Around the concourse of the Opera House? Along the promenades of Darling Harbour?

In public parks in Harris Park or Cabramatta? A bit more investment in the public display of the flag will allow the melting pot of the various cultures of Australia to solidify into one sentiment proudly Australian.

Time for all of us to demonstrate our affiliation to our adopted country.

SPIRITUAL Bhagavad Gita classes by SVT

Learn Chapters 7 to 13 of the Bhagavad Gita as taught by Sri Vasudevacharya, a senior disciple of Sri Swami Dayananda Saraswati, and a respected Vedanta Guru. Commencing 4 March 2012, on first three Sundays of each month, and concluding 9 September 2012, at Darcy Road Public School Hall, Darcy Road, Wentworthville, 3:00pm to 5:30pm

No prior knowledge is required. The course is in English and all materials will be provided. The course is free of charge; donations are accepted.

Details at www. srivasudevacharya.org

Shree Ram Sharnam society

The Shree Ram Sharnam society’s Sydney headquarters are located at 23 Sheba Crescent, South Penrith. One-hour prayer sessions featuring the recital of the Shree Amritvaani are held daily between 7:30pm and 8:30pm (except Saturday and Sunday when prayers are held from 6pm to 7:15pm). The society’s