Time to give something back

country of birth, one needs to savour the opportunities which Australia has to offer.

PAWAN LUTHRA

On the whole, Indians who now live in Australia enjoy a very good lifestyle and need to be thankful as to what this land which is ‘girt by sea’ has given to us. We are indeed fortunate to be living in a country which values the freedom of speech, where people of different backgrounds have settled amicably over years, where there is the right to universal health care, where the social security system prevents unwanted crime due to poverty and hunger, where women have the freedom to travel independently without any physical fears, where a larrikin sense of humour can get you accepted almost in all circumstances, where good education is a birthright and the freedom to practice any religion is accepted by all.

With Australia Day just around the corner, it may be appropriate to think about the multitude of benefits which we as migrants enjoy in our adopted home. While of course, one has fond memories and loved ones still in our

Living in the major cities one is struck by the greenery around us. Whereas in India there is often a losing battle for the local government vis-a-vis property developers, in Australia the developers have to fight very hard to get their way. The environment policies are more rigidly applied: those of us living in Sydney, are fortunate to be ringed by National Parks (Kur-ring- gai in the North, Blue Mountains in the west and Royal National in the South) on three sides and the ocean with its beaches on the East. Children grow up outdoors with opportunities for sport important in their school life. This along with a basic right of free education allows migrant children a wonderfully balanced life style. For working migrants, there are plenty of opportunities. With one of the lowest unemployment rates in the developed economies, new migrants do find it easier to get employment here than in other parts of the world. With four to six weeks of paid holidays a year and a robust employment justice system, exploitation of workers can be tackled by authorities that are rigourous in bringing fairness between the employer and employee.

Australia also offers us a robust old age system with facilities established by society where old age will be respected. With age pension options and good health care, this gives one dignity in old age rather than dependence on the next generation of the family and their partners.

The latest census proved that Hinduism is one of the fastest growing religions in Australia. Rather than to take this for granted, one needs to be aware that we are in a country which gives us the freedom to practice our religion. More violence has been committed on religious grounds than on any other issue historically.

As we enjoy this Australia Day, perhaps we need to think about how we can repay this society which has so graciously accepted us in its folds.

Be it through the local parent and school associations, be it as volunteers in the local fire service, be it through volunteering in the local life savers’ club or even take part in meals-on-wheels programs, there are plenty of ways to give back. Let us vow to take up one of these options as we proudly sing the Indian as well as the Australian national anthem on 26 January.

Spiritual

Chinmaya Mission Australia activities

Shishu Vihar

Chinmaya Misison Australia begins a new vhapter “Shishu Vihar” for ages 2 to 4.5 years starting 16 Feb, 10.15am to 11.15am at Chinmaya Sannidhi Ashram, 38 Carrington Road, Castle Hill. Learn how to love God, love the parent, love the child, and learn to spend quality time with each other, at the same time growing spiritually and gaining skills both need in daily life. Details Prarthna Bhuta 0409 836 166.

Balavihar

Chinmaya Mission Australia offers knowledge of the Vedas in a children’s program (Grade K to 6) called Balavihar (which covers learning of veda and stotram chanting, Bhajans singing, logic and reasoning development, love for God through stories and activities, personal and moral development and leadership development). Developed internationally, it is in use in over 30 countries. Enrolments for these classes are open for Sunday 10am to 11.30am at Castle Hill. Balavihar commences this year on 10 February at Chinmaya Sannidhi Ashram, 38 Carrington Road, Castle Hill.

Volunteer teachers

For its Hindu Scripture program at Schools and weekends children’s classes (Balavihar),