at Opera House

words about Indians, Consul General B Vanlalvawna reciprocated in equal measure, saying that the gesture of lighting up the Opera House was a symbol of the multiculturalism and inclusiveness of Australia.

Dr GK Harinath extended the sense of gratitude when he made the pertinent observation that for most IndianAustralians, the janmabhoomi (land of birth) was India while the karmabhoomi (land of livelihood) was Australia. “What an honour to be standing on the shores of our karmabhoomi to celebrate the festival of our janmabhoomi,” Harinath said, to warm applause. He also praised the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple for setting up the beautiful - and divinely delicious - Annakut display in quick time.

The evening also honoured six Indian-Australians for the service to the community and society. These included Dr Prabha Chandra to reduce the incidence of diabetes in the Blacktown area; Sai Paravastu for feeding the homeless in the Parramatta area; Dnyanam Muthkrishnan for volunteering every Wednesday at the Royal Rahabilitation Hospital in Gladesville for the past 25 years and for starting the first Tamil school in Australia; Dr Prabhat Sinha, for holding Hindi language classes and advocating the inclusion of Hindi in the HSC curriculum; Dr Rakesh Sachdeva for establishing a forum for senior citizens and establishing a new dementia day care; and Mandar Tamhankar for starting a driving school and mentoring young drivers to drive safely.

“My dad will be in touch shortly,” emcee Khushaal Vyas self-mockingly joked, in what was one of the many comic moments he provided as he hosted the event with natural élan.

While the contribution of the honour recipients is undoubtedly applause-worthy, one was left wondering if there could perhaps have been greater representation for women, and indeed, youngsters.

But these thoughts were pushed to the background, at least for the moment, as the priest Jatin Kumar Bhat honoured the dignitaries amid Vedic chants. Then, the Premier took the stage one final time for the highlight of the evening.

As everyone counted down from five to one and greeted each other ‘Happy Diwali,’ Berejiklian flicked the switch to turn the Opera House into a glimmering spectacle, evoking audible ‘awww’s from all those present.

As everyone took in the glorious sight, and took mandatory selfies and pictures with the golden sails in the background, the mind went back to what Berejiklian had said earlier during her address. “Thank you for being here to celebrate the festival of lights in the most symbolic way in New South Wales, and that is by lighting up the Opera House sails,” she had said. “It doesn’t get better than that!”

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