The Indian Sun eMag | National | June 2025

Granddad, Superstar

At 67, Satinder Chawla is Melbourne’s multi talented community champion

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EDITOR’SNOTE

Second ActS And SteAdy HAndS

Dear Readers,

This issue opens with a story that doesn’t begin in Australia—but finds its rhythm here.

Satinder Chawla’s journey—from a banker in Sagar to a volunteer, sports organiser, and actor in Craigieburn—is both inspiring and grounded. It’s a reminder that identity isn’t something you leave behind when you migrate, retire, or grow older. It adapts. It stretches. It finds a new purpose.

Chawla’s latest film, Ek Lamba Jeha Houka, may speak of life’s trials and tenderness. But the real performance happens off screen: in his years of service, his passion for sport, and his easy presence on film sets and in community halls. At 67, he’s not chasing reinvention. He’s simply saying yes to what’s next.

His story sets the tone for this edition, which carries similar threads—of people stepping into new roles, often quietly, often late, but with full-hearted intent.

Across these pages, you’ll meet elders reimagining what ageing can look like, young professionals from Manipur learning to shape public narratives, and artists using brushstrokes to talk about memory and mental health.

this issue.

You see it in the seniors learning new breathing practices. In the organisers behind cultural events that double as support circles. In the students who land not just degrees, but direction.

And you see it, clearly, in Indira Laisram’s portrait of Satinder Chawla. His is a story of participation more than reinvention. A story not about being in the spotlight, but showing up for the role—whatever that role is. Whether helping travellers at the airport, coaching cricket, or acting on set, he meets every moment with the same steady generosity.

Lives like his don’t follow straight paths. They twist. They loop. They carry the imprint of many people and places. And in a city like Melbourne, they continue to unfold.

Granddad, Superstar

This is the quiet machinery of multicultural Australia. Not always dazzling, not always noticed, but deeply effective. It’s found in the moments when people are trusted to bring forward their whole selves. When a volunteer becomes a voice. When a weekend game becomes a network. When a grandfather becomes a film lead.

You’ll also see how education continues to shape this landscape. Over 52,000 Indian students are now enrolled in Victorian institutions—many finding their way between deadlines and part-time jobs, between ambition and adaptation. Programs like the BITS-RMIT academy are helping to ease that transition, while consulates and community groups provide the kind of help that rarely makes headlines but often makes a difference.

There’s a quiet determination running through

We’re also proud to share that The Indian Sun’s community media training program—supported by the Victorian Government’s Multicultural Media Grants—is going from strength to strength. Three workshops have already been completed, each one focused on equipping community members with practical media skills and the confidence to engage with public storytelling. Many more sessions are planned across Victoria in the coming months, and the response so far has been overwhelming.

These workshops aren’t about shaping a new generation of journalists. They’re about opening the doors—so more people can understand how stories are made, and how their voices can shape them.

Let this edition stand as a small marker of that journey. A reminder that stories don’t end when you leave one life behind—they continue, evolve, and grow in new places.

Whether you’re new here or simply starting something different—there’s space here for your story too. z

Best wishes, SIDDHARTH SURESH

DISCLAIMER: The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for errors or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinion and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for any reader’s particular circumstances. The ownership of the trade mark is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the content thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review.

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EDITOR

Siddharth Suresh v 0424 934 804

> sid@indiansun.com.au

DIRECTOR Srikanth Balan

FEATURES EDITOR [NATIONAL] Indira Laisram v 0457 770 207 > indira@indiansun.com.au

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THE DISCOVER YOUR COUNTRY SIDE BIT

Head for the hills and discover Victoria’s regional events. Try your hands (and feet) at various things you’ve never done before. You could find yourself cider quaffing, tulip sniffing, grape stomping, maybe even fun running.

Manipur community in Victoria joins media training initiative

OUR REPORTER MELBOURNE @the_indian_sun

Members of the Manipur Association of Australia became the first cohort to participate in The Indian Sun’s inaugural media training workshop—a new initiative supported by the Victorian Government to amplify multicultural voices through storytelling.

The workshop marked an important milestone for both The Indian Sun and the small but growing Manipuri community in

Australia, many of whom are young professionals and recent migrants from the northeast Indian state of Manipur—a region renowned for its rich cultural heritage, especially the classical Manipuri dance.

Although the diaspora remains modest in size, with about 15 to 20 families settled across Victoria, the Manipur Association of Australia was formally established in 2022 to foster cultural ties and support its members. The media workshop provided participants with the tools to better share their stories and experiences with the wider community.

Kelvin Angom, an IT professional, said he learnt how to ensure community voices are heard and now feels confident contributing articles to his local council’s monthly newsletter.

PhD student Byonkesh Nongthingbam, who is researching invasion genomics at Monash University, said, “The most useful part of the session was learning about the visibility of small communities like ours and where to reach out to share our stories with the broader public.”

Sorobala Senjam, a dental

assistant, appreciated the tips on crafting headlines and expressed interest in future sessions. Similarly, Joylakshmi highlighted the value of understanding how “media works when writing a story” and praised the use of examples in presenting cultural narratives.

Another attendee, Minolata Konthoujam, also an IT professional, noted, “We got an idea of how we can contribute to the community. If we could cooperate and help each other, and give 100 per cent to this work, we can do better to improve visibility and share our stories.” <TURN TO #9>

<CONTINUED FROM #8> She also called for more such workshops. Reema Maisnam, a garment technician, found the techniques for using social media and writing particularly helpful, while Ronak Tayenjam appreciated the insights into how stories are presented in the media. He expressed interest in writing not only about culture but also about scientific developments and breakthroughs related to the community.

The workshop highlighted the importance of giving diverse communities the tools and confidence to represent themselves in the media—and the potential to bridge cultural gaps through storytelling.

“This is just the beginning,” said Joylakshmi. “We have so many stories to tell, and now we know how to tell them.”

The seven attendees found the session valuable and expressed keen interest in more workshops. z

Don’t

use your phone while driving.

Using your phone while driving increases your chances of having a car crash. Keep your hands away from your phone to avoid breaking the law and large fines. Police can be anywhere at any time.

Meet Chanchal Kumavat, the 2025 Casey Woman of the Year

OUR REPORTER MELBOURNE @the_indian_sun

It has been almost 22 years since Chanchal Rajnish Kumavat left India—and her hometown of Indore, which she proudly describes as one of the country’s cleanest cities. Kumavat lived in the US and the UK before migrating to Australia in 2011.

What she has carried with her throughout this journey is a deep commitment to community work.

“My parents and family were deeply involved in social work. That spirit

stayed with me,” says Kumavat.

Today, as founder and president of Saathi MAA (Multicultural Association of Australia), Kumavat supports vulnerable women and migrants by offering guidance, connection, and hope.

As a migrant who once navigated unfamiliar systems alone, she reflects on how difficult it can be to adjust to life in a new country.

“It is hard to survive with all the new culture, food, atmosphere, language problems, etc.,” she says.

By the time she moved to Australia in 2011, <TURN TO #11>

Chanchal Kumavat // Photo supplied

Chanchal at a Diwali market stall // Photo supplied

<CONTINUED FROM #10> after having lived in the US and UK, Kumavat was determined to do something meaningful. She began volunteering with organisations such as Vinnies and the Salvos, gradually becoming more involved in her local community.

“We began with small gettogethers of migrants, where we would meet and greet,” says Kumavat. “That’s how it all started—from shared loneliness to shared strength. It was a simple beginning, but it meant a lot.”

Eventually, she discovered larger community groups such as the Rajasthani, Gujarati, and Punjabi associations—diaspora families from India united by a shared heritage and doing things in their own way.

“I was naturally drawn to the Rajasthani Kutumb, being a Rajasthani myself—even though I was raised in Indore. They saw leadership potential in me, and I eventually became the President of the organisation in 2021,” she says.

Around 2020–21, alongside her community involvement, Kumavat also founded the Australia International Women Entrepreneur Association, which grew to over 100 members. In 2023, she merged this initiative into a new venture—Saathi MAA (Multicultural Association of Australia)—to create a broader platform for multicultural collaboration and support.

Why Saathi? Kumavat explains that the inspiration came during the COVID-19 lockdown. “I realised it wasn’t just women who were struggling, but men and children were

also facing isolation, anxiety, and uncertainty. That’s when the idea of ‘Saathi’—which means companion— took shape. We needed something inclusive, something that could support everyone in the community.”

She adds, “MAA stands for ‘mother’—and like a mother, we are here for you until your problem is solved.”

To become a member, people simply need to fill out a Google form and pay a one-time lifetime membership fee of $35. “Unlike some associations that focus on donating money or materials, we ask our members to contribute their skills free of cost.”

As a certified massage therapist, Kumavat leads by example. “When we encounter domestic violence survivors or women battling depression, I provide free therapy sessions,” she says.

“We recently helped a 24-yearold domestic violence survivor with

two young kids,” she shares. “She was new to the country and had no support. After the police intervened, we connected her with a migration agent from our group to help bring her parents over. In times like this, our network truly matters.”

Saathi MAA also helps women start their own small businesses—like making jewellery or clothes. Every October during Diwali, it organises a big market where these women can sell their products. Importantly, it is in spaces like this that members don’t feel judged as single mothers or single fathers. “When they see others like them, they realise they’re not alone. It gives them confidence.”

“We also reach out to other communities—like the Tamil or Greek groups—so our members, especially single mums, can set up stalls at their events. The charges are minimal, and it gives them a platform to showcase their products and earn some income,” says Kumavat.

Saathi MAA runs small initiatives— whether it’s volunteering or mentoring. The members meet from time to time, and there are regular online sessions on topics like self-love and self-care. “Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s essential,” says Kumavat.

On June 21, Saathi is hosting a free yoga session. There will also be the added bonus of visiting counsellors for fraud victims. “Fraud is one of the biggest issues right now—there are simple solutions, but not everyone knows them. I see myself as a bridge, spreading awareness,” she says.

This April, Kumavat was named the 2025 Casey Woman of the Year at a gala held at Bunjil Place. The annual City of Casey awards, which have celebrated community contributions for over two decades, honour outstanding individuals and groups across eight categories.

Kumavat says the win came as a complete surprise. “My husband had to nudge me—it’s your name, he said, when they announced the winner,” she recalls. “There were five amazing women finalists, and it was a proud moment to stand among them.”

With two boys and a husband, time management is all about switching priorities for Kumavat. She also choreographs and acts in theatre— “You can look me up on YouTube,” she says with a laugh.

For her, the real success of Saathi MAA will be measured not in accolades but in outcomes. “We’ll know we’ve succeeded when there are fewer cases of family violence, depression, and social isolation.” z

Saathi MAA entrepreneurs & members // Photo supplied

$165K raised to boost organ donation conversations

OUR REPORTER MELBOURNE @the_indian_sun

The Light a Life Gala Dinner on 24 May drew a full house at Melbourne’s Ultima Function Centre, raising $165,000 for Transplant Australia. The event, fronted by medical student Aayushi Khillan and backed by her father, Dr Raj Khillan, was more than a fundraiser—it was a timely reminder of how lives can be transformed through a simple act: saying yes to organ donation.

Organised by Body Buddies and

the Healthcare Awareness Society of Australia, the gala brought together over 430 attendees including federal and state ministers, members of parliament, mayors and consuls-general. Guests heard deeply personal stories from transplant recipients and donor families—accounts that moved the room and gave weight to a topic too often left unspoken.

Dr Raj Khillan, a paediatrician well-known for his work in Melbourne’s western suburbs, praised the impact of the night. “The Light a Life Gala <TURN TO #13>

Dr Raj Khillan with Victorian Deputy Premier Ben Carroll, Transplant Australia CEO Chris Thomas, and guest at the Light a Life Gala Dinner

<CONTINUED FROM #12> Dinner… led with love and passion by our daughter Aayushi Khillan, was a smashing success—raising an incredible $165,000,” he wrote in a public note. “Your kindness is measured not just in dollars, but in lives saved and hope given.”

The cause is pressing. According to Transplant Australia, more than 1,800 Australians are currently waiting for an organ transplant, and one donor can save up to seven lives. Yet despite widespread public support, registration rates remain uneven—particularly within multicultural communities, where myths, stigma or lack of information

often slow uptake.

This is where initiatives like Body Buddies come in. The social enterprise, founded by Aayushi, produces soft toys shaped like organs to help children understand the human body. Beyond classrooms, these quirky educational tools have sparked conversation around health and donation at dinner tables and clinics. Aayushi was recognised with the Diana Award for her work—an honour awarded globally to young people making a difference.

Half of Body Buddies’ profits now go towards Transplant Australia. The collaboration marks a shift towards

more grassroots-driven advocacy, especially with younger Australians stepping into the fold.

The evening also featured silent auctions, video tributes, and cultural performances. But it was the spoken stories—raw, often tearful—that defined the event. A mother who lost her son to a car crash spoke of how his decision to be a donor gave others a second chance. A young transplant recipient recounted waking up after surgery with “a second life and a second family.”

While funds help with awareness campaigns, education, and support services, advocates are quick to point out that the act of registering

remains free. The ask is simple: talk to your family and register online.

The Australian Organ Donor Register can be accessed through Medicare or the myGov portal.

Dr Khillan’s closing words on the night echoed a shared sentiment: “Let’s keep the momentum alive. Have the conversation. Register today. Leave a legacy.”

As far as evenings go, it was elegant and emotional—but more importantly, it left something behind: a roomful of people who will likely speak to someone new about organ donation. And that, according to those who know the statistics, is exactly what needs to happen. z

Aayushi Khillan

Evan Mulholland MP

Margherita Melbourne’smeets Indian community

OUR REPORTER MELBOURNE @the_indian_sun

Indian Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, made a brief but purposeful visit to Melbourne this week, where he met members of the Indian community at a reception hosted by Consul General Dr Sushil Kumar. The gathering, held at the Consulate General of India, served as a reflection of the evolving partnership between India and Victoria—one that continues to grow through cultural, commercial and civic ties.

Minister Margherita used the opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of Indian Australians, describing them as vital to fostering deeper people-to-people connections.

“The diaspora plays a huge role in shaping the warmth between countries,” he noted, while highlighting the importance of listening to their perspectives during overseas engagements.

Dr Kumar, who has been in Melbourne since 2022, reiterated the growing influence of the community in Victoria, both economically and socially. The Consulate, established in

2006, covers Victoria and Tasmania and has become increasingly active in building bridges between Indian and Australian institutions.

The minister’s stop in Melbourne followed a busy five-day tour across New Zealand and Fiji. In Auckland, he met Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Deputy PM Winston Peters for discussions ranging from digital payments to education. Speaking at the India New Zealand Business Council (INZBC) Summit, he pitched India’s UPI payments framework as a model for transnational integration.

During his time in New Zealand, Margherita also held talks with Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, expressing India’s interest in expanding partnerships in clean technology and agribusiness—sectors where both countries see potential for

shared growth.

Minister Pabitra Margherita with members of Melbourne’s Indian community at a reception hosted by the Consulate General of India, acknowledging the diaspora’s role in strengthening India-Australia ties Beyond economic diplomacy, the visit was also rich in symbolism. He connected with Indian New Zealanders, calling them a “living bridge” between nations. That tone carried through to his time in Fiji, where he was the Guest of Honour at the 146th Girmit Day commemorations in Labasa. Addressing a large gathering at Subrail Park, he paid tribute to the Indo-Fijian community and their historical legacy.

Margherita also visited Nadi’s Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple, the largest Hindu temple in the

South Pacific. The visit highlighted India’s support for Tamil language initiatives and cultural preservation programmes, especially those tailored for younger generations in the diaspora.

In Nadi, he met Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Biman Prasad, to discuss cooperation in areas such as education, health, climate resilience and renewable energy. The meeting built on India’s wider Pacific outreach and its desire to act as a development partner in the region.

The Melbourne leg, though short, carried both political and personal weight. For Margherita, it was a chance to reconnect with a community that has long been central to India’s soft diplomacy. For the Indian diaspora in Australia, it was a rare moment of direct engagement with a sitting minister on home turf.

His visit depicts the shifting nature of India’s foreign policy—grounded less in grand gestures and more in grassroots relationships. It’s a quieter approach, one built on listening, visibility, and recognising the role of migrant communities in shaping tomorrow’s diplomacy. z

Mother’s Day gets a spiritual twist in Melbourne

OUR REPORTER MELBOURNE @the_indian_sun

In celebration of Mother’s Day, a unique workshop titled ‘Mother,

The Super Hero’ was held in Melbourne, bringing together over 250 women and girls for a day of reflection, cultural celebration, and spiritual learning.

Organised by Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan (DJJS) under its corporate wellness wing, the PEACE Program, the event was led by three Indian spiritual guides—Sadhvi Tapeshwari Bharti, Sadhvi Parma Bharti, and Sadhvi Shailasa Bharti—all disciples of DJJS founder Ashutosh Maharaj Ji. Held at the Holiday Inn in Werribee, the all-women event featured a mix of music, mindfulness, cultural activities and inspirational talks, with dignitaries in attendance including Greater Bendigo Councillor Shivali Chatley, Wyndham City Councillors Susan McIntyre and Jasmine Hill, and representatives from various community and professional backgrounds.

The day opened with a soulstirring musical presentation by

Sadhvi Shailasa Bharti, who used Bollywood songs to highlight the pivotal role mothers play in shaping families and societies. One particularly moving song from the film Neerja spoke of a child’s emotional bond with their mother, setting the tone for the sessions that followed.

Sadhvi Parma Bharti then led a

discussion on parenting, focusing on the delicate balance between discipline and empathy. The session also included an interactive activity in which participants created flatbreads in various shapes, judged by attending dignitaries for creativity and execution. A cultural segment followed with Garba and Dandiya dance performances, celebrating the many facets of motherhood.

Addressing the challenges of modern motherhood, Sadhvi Tapeshwari Bharti guided a session on Pran-Yog for Super Moms,

demonstrating how breathing and yogic practices can help manage stress, improve emotional well-being, and restore mental clarity.

In a concluding address titled ‘Awakening Soulhood for Motherhood’, Sadhvi Tapeshwari Bharti emphasised the importance of inner spiritual awakening. “When the dual energies within—feminine and masculine—are harmonised through Brahm Gyan, a mother becomes a conscious guide for future generations,” she said.

Reflecting on the event, Greater Bendigo Councillor Shivali Chatley said, “A mother’s love is not just emotional—it is divine, nurturing and empowering. To all mothers and women here, you are the true embodiment of Durga’s spirit. My heartfelt gratitude to all volunteers for organising such a spiritually uplifting and well-coordinated event.”

The event was supported by a number of sponsors including Teesdale Family Medical Centre, Trinity Medical Group, Absolut Financial, and Urban Dream Real Estate, as well as community organisations such as Let’s Feed, Sahara Victorian Association, and Vedic Global. z

Bollywood beats & Blessings: Seniors rediscover rhythm of life

OUR REPORTER MELBOURNE @the_indian_sun

More than 250 senior citizens across Melbourne recently took part in a series of uplifting workshops aimed at addressing the emotional challenges of ageing and promoting intergenerational harmony.

Organised by Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan (DJJS), an international socio-spiritual and cultural organisation based in Delhi, the events shared the vision of DJJS founder, Ashutosh Maharaj — a society where old age homes are no longer needed.

Held over three consecutive days at Tarneit Community Centre’s Senior Club 60, Penrose Community Centre’s Bhartiye Senior Club, and the United Senior Club, the workshops were part of the DJJS PEACE program.

Designed specifically for elderly participants, the program aimed to rekindle a sense of joy, purpose, and inner peace among older adults.

Three spiritually empowered women — Sadhvi Tapeshwari Bharti, Sadhvi Parma Bharti, and Sadhvi Shailasa Bharti — led the sessions,

bringing with them a blend of compassion, practical wisdom, and spiritual insight. The workshops featured interactive sessions, therapeutic exercises, and group

activities centred around the themes of joy, connection, and self-worth.

In one session, participants joined in singing old Bollywood classics, reviving fond memories and

rediscovering life lessons embedded in the lyrics. Another session encouraged elders to reconnect with their inner child through lighthearted games like ‘Fondle the Babies in Big Bodies!’ and the playful photo challenge, ‘Propose to Pose!’.

The final day focused on spirituality, with teachings on the value of maintaining zest for life and the benefits of Brahm Gyan meditation. Sadhvi Tapeshwari Bharti urged elders to continue embracing life’s joys while serving as moral beacons for younger generations.

Sharing her master’s vision, she said, “The society already has enough well-equipped old age homes. What we now need is a society rooted in strong moral values, where parents are loved, respected, and supported by their children. In such a society, old age homes will naturally become obsolete.”

The events left many participants visibly moved and inspired, with organisers hoping the message of building stronger intergenerational bonds will resonate across communities in multicultural Melbourne. z

Community & Calm: DJJS marks International Day of Yoga in Melton

OUR REPORTER MELBOURNE @the_indian_sun

NInternational Yoga Day with a large yoga workshop organised by Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan (DJJS) in partnership with the Consulate General of India in Melbourne.

participants of all ages, including students and professionals, and featured the presence of dignitaries such as MP

Steve McGhie (Melton), Dr Sushil Kumar (Consul General), and Mayor Pradeep Tiwari (Maribyrnong

introduced participants to different aspects of yoga—physical, mental, and spiritual—based on Patanjali’s eightfold

The first session, led by Sadhvi Parma Bharti, focused on physical yoga. She demonstrated various poses like Pad Bheda, Dhanurasana, and Dandasana, and encouraged attendees to include TURN TO #21>

The twohour session was led by three women spiritual leaders from India. They introduced participants to different aspects of yoga

Photo supplied

<CONTINUED FROM #20> yoga in their daily routines.

Next, Sadhvi Shailasa Bharti led a psychological yoga session, introducing breathing exercises such as Naadi Shodhan, Kapalbhati, and Anulom Vilom, which help improve heart and lung health. Her humorous approach kept the session light and engaging, even while discussing

serious issues like stress and emotional control. She also shared simple muscle relaxation techniques as quick tools to manage anger and anxiety—key takeaways for many participants.

The final segment, led by Sadhvi Tapeshwari Bharti, explored spiritual yoga practices such as Yog Nidra and Dhyaan. She spoke about Brahm

Gyan, a method of experiencing inner divinity, and urged people to adopt yoga as a lifelong journey drawing wisdom from both ancient Indian scriptures and modern ideas.

MP Steve McGhie praised the event, saying it was an honour to participate and acknowledged DJJS’s efforts in bringing communities together. Consul General Dr Sushil

Kumar thanked the spiritual leaders and DJJS for promoting Indian culture and the message of peace.

The event was supported by local businesses and community organisations including Teesdale Family Medical Centre, Absolut Financial, Trinity Medical Group, and Sahara Victorian Association, Let’s Feed, AHA, among others. z

Photo supplied

MKC’s Disco Dinner dazzles Oakleigh

OUR REPORTER MELBOURNE @the_indian_sun

It was all shimmer and soul at Sacred Heart School Hall on 3 May, where over 300 guests gathered for Melbourne Konkan Community’s (MKC) annual Flavours of Mangalore Dinner Dance. With sequins, soulful beats and spice-laden plates in generous supply, the night was an unapologetic celebration of community spirit.

A disco theme ran through the evening, with the crowd—especially the women—turning up in glittering

attire that mirrored the joy inside the venue.

But more than the sparkle, what stood out was a strong sense of welcome.

New arrivals to Melbourne, including many international students, found themselves in a room full of laughter, familiar aromas and

instant belonging.

Roshan Alphonso, the evening’s Emcee, kept things flowing with a warm, engaging presence. The After Dark band led the crowd into gentle nostalgia with country tunes, while DJ Bollywood

Beats brought the tempo up, dropping everything from RNB to Konkani hits. The dance

floor didn’t stay still once.

Food was, as expected, the heartbeat of the evening. Phillip and Valerie’s menu featured a coastal spread worthy of a Sunday back home: Kori Rotti, Chicken Sukka, Pork Bafat, Beef Chilly, and Vorn for dessert—each dish cooked with care and served with pride. No one left hungry, and many left with takeaway memories.

Much of the night’s success rested on months of preparation by the MKC committee, who pulled off an evening that was festive, flawless and deeply personal. <TURN TO #23>

<CONTINUED FROM #22> There were thank-yous aplenty, especially to sponsors who made the event possible: Harpreet Walia from Fletchers Real Estate, Dr Sarita Dsouza from Qualiteeth, Mira DSilva from Delivery Centric, and several others—each one helping MKC keep its calendar and its kitchen thriving.

Special acknowledgement went to Monash City Council for its continued support. As the community grows, these

partnerships have become essential in ensuring that culture doesn’t fade with distance.

The event wasn’t just about nostalgia or entertainment. For many, especially students and new migrants, it offered a much-needed pause—a reminder of who they are, where they come from and where they can belong. MKC has often described itself as a home away from home, and on Saturday night, that was more than just a tagline. z

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Find out about reduced stamp duty on off-the-plan apartments and townhouses and the $10,000 First Home Owner Grant for home buyers who are buying or building a new home.

Visit vic.gov.au/openingdoors

What matters most where you live? Australia’s Liveability Census wants to know

OUR REPORTER @the_indian_sun

What does liveability mean to you—a nearby park, safer roads, more cultural events, or better public transport? Australians are being asked to weigh in as the 2025 Australian Liveability Census officially opens, with locals across the country encouraged to take part before it closes on 30 June.

The census, run by independent social research organisation Place Score, is now in its third edition. Since 2021, the initiative has gathered feedback from tens of thousands of Australians, with over 90,000 responses recorded during the 2023 round—making it the largest social research project of its kind in the country.

Place Score partners with local and state governments, businesses, and not-for-profit organisations to better understand what makes a place feel liveable—and what doesn’t. From footpaths to festivals, the survey allows people to share what they value in their local area and how well their neighbourhood delivers.

It takes around 15 minutes to complete, is free to participate in, and is available in English, Hindi, Mandarin, and Arabic—aiming to ensure that Australia’s diversity is captured in both data and direction. As an added incentive, a $1,000 grand prize is on offer for one lucky respondent, with 40 additional participants set to receive $100 Prezzee vouchers.

According to Place Score, the purpose of the census is to

provide planners and policymakers with concrete evidence of what communities care about—and where attention is lacking. Rather than relying solely on statistical indicators like housing prices or public transport usage, the census asks residents themselves how their area fares on aspects such as social connection, safety, walkability, and access to essential services.

The idea is that better data leads to better decisions. A council planning new infrastructure or an organisation shaping community programs can benefit from insights drawn directly from the people who live in those areas. For many local governments,

this census has become a tool to track progress, compare results across suburbs and demographics, and make the case for targeted investment.

The timing is deliberate. With multiple state and local projects underway and federal funding opportunities on the horizon, the results of this census could influence how and where money is spent.

It’s also a rare moment when residents get to flip the power dynamic. Rather than waiting for decisions to be made on their behalf, they’re invited to speak first—to offer their views not just on what is lacking, but what’s working. The feedback loop is designed to be ongoing, with Place

Score analysing patterns over time to identify changes in perception and need. z

To take part, visit the official survey link: https://placescore.org/lc25_ eml?campaign=groups

Every completed response adds another dot to the national picture of how Australians experience their communities. And when enough voices speak up, it becomes harder for decision-makers to ignore what they’re saying.

For more information about the 2025 Australian Liveability Census or Place Score, visit www.placescore.org

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Soil to soul: Indian teen cycles across continents for the earth

OUR REPORTER MELBOURNE @the_indian_sun

Sahil Jha, a 19-year-old from India, has taken his campaign for environmental awareness to a new level—literally and geographically. On 20 May, the Consulate General of India in Melbourne attended a gathering in support of Sahil’s journey: a 20,000 kilometre cycling expedition across four continents to draw attention to soil degradation.

Starting from Bundaberg in March 2025, Sahil’s route has already

taken him through Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Along the way, he has visited schools, spoken at universities, and met with environmental advocates. His key talking point is simple yet urgent: the planet’s topsoil is disappearing faster than it can regenerate.

The Save Soil campaign he supports was founded by the Isha Foundation and is based on the principle that agricultural and ecological renewal must begin beneath our feet. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, 90% of the Earth’s

topsoil could be degraded by 2050. That figure isn’t just a future problem—it’s a warning bell for global food security today.

Sahil’s activism didn’t begin with his international trip. At 16, he cycled 15,000 kilometres across India, engaging with over 250 institutions, speaking to students, farmers and policymakers. That campaign, too, was rooted in soil awareness—but this time, he’s expanded the scope and the scale.

There’s nothing flashy about Sahil’s campaign. His videos are earnest, his speeches unpolished,

and his methods remarkably lowtech. But that’s the point. While world leaders debate carbon credits and emissions targets, Sahil is quietly pedalling across countries with a message that resonates with farmers, climate scientists and everyday citizens alike: we are losing the very ground we stand on.

By drawing attention to the vanishing topsoil through humanpowered endurance, Sahil hopes to get people talking—whether through media, classroom debates, or policy tables. “It’s not just about awareness,” he said during his <TURN TO #27>

A community gathering in support of the Save Soil movement, featuring Sahil Jha and volunteers in Melbourne. The event marked a stop in Sahil’s 20,000 km journey across four continents to raise awareness on soil health

<CONTINUED FROM #26> Melbourne stop, “it’s about inspiring people to take small actions, like composting, supporting regenerative farming, or even just asking questions.”

The Melbourne event, supported by the Isha Foundation, included a short community gathering with a Q&A session. The simplicity of his message seems to be what’s working. There is no app, no startup, no product. Just an old-school campaign on wheels.

Supporters can follow his journey online and contribute to his travel and outreach expenses via crowdfunding platforms. But what Sahil really wants is for people to talk about soil—not as an abstract environmental concern, but as a local, personal one.

He may not have the backing of a multilateral agency, but Sahil has something that seems increasingly rare in environmental activism: clarity, grit, and zero interest in greenwashing. z

Sahil Jha with his cycle at the ‘Save Soil’ event in Melbourne, joined by Indian Consul General Dr Sushil Kumar. The campaign highlights the urgent need for action on global topsoil degradation. Photo courtesy: CGI Melbourne

RMIT welcomes India’s next wave of talent

OUR REPORTER MELBOURNE @the_indian_sun

Apacked hall at RMIT University played host to an unusual blend of academic rigour and cross-continental ambition this week, as Melbourne welcomed the second cohort of Indian students under the BITS-RMIT Higher Education Academy. The evening brought together students, faculty, alumni, diplomats, and industry figures— marking not just an orientation, but a growing alliance between two of the region’s most respected institutions.

Described as a vibrant orientation and networking evening, the event also marked the arrival of future leaders—armed with world-class ambitions and supported by a unique academic partnership. The BITS-RMIT programme allows students to begin their academic journey in India and complete it in Melbourne, earning credentials from both institutions. That model is increasingly attractive, especially to students seeking highquality education without the full financial burden of overseas tuition

from day one.

For RMIT, the collaboration is part of a broader strategy to embed global partnerships into the campus experience. For BITS Pilani, it’s a chance to offer its students exposure to international learning environments that match academic rigour with applied learning.

Among the many attendees was Consul General Dr Sushil Kumar, who joined students, university

leadership, alumni, faculty members and industry leaders in recognising the strength of the ever-growing India–Victoria relationship in higher education, innovation, and talent exchange. The event was also a reminder of Melbourne’s growing role as a destination for global education, particularly for students from India. The numbers speak clearly: there are now more than 140,000 Indian students enrolled across Australia,

with Victoria consistently drawing a large share. According to the Department of Education, Victoria hosted over 52,000 Indian students in 2024, a figure expected to grow steadily over the next three years.

While the BITS-RMIT collaboration is one of the most high-profile, it isn’t the only dual-degree initiative bridging India and Australia. Similar models exist between Deakin University and Symbiosis, as well as the University of Melbourne’s links with IIT Madras and Ashoka University. However, the BITS-RMIT format stands out for its structured pipeline and balanced cost-benefit model that eases the transition between two academic systems.

The dual-degree structure is designed to create a steady stream of globally minded graduates across sectors that increasingly demand agility, digital competence, and a readiness to work across time zones and cultures. Students in this cohort are pursuing fields like data science, engineering, and design—areas where both countries seek to grow and retain talent. z

Leaders from RMIT University, BITS Pilani, and government circles came together to welcome the second cohort of Indian students arriving under the dual-degree initiative, reflecting deepening educational ties between India and Victoria

Dr Sushil Kumar, Consul General of India in Melbourne, addresses new students and guests at RMIT University as part of the BITSRMIT dual degree orientation and networking evening

Care, Connect and Cuisine: Comfort food, new friends and a feeling of home

OUR REPORTER SYDNEY @the_indian_sun

The Consulate General of India in Sydney turned into a cultural hub last weekend, hosting an event that was equal parts warm welcome and quiet support.

The gathering, titled Care, Connect and Cuisine, was held on 17 May 2025 in partnership with the Australian Indian Sports, Educational and Cultural Society and the Sydney University Gastrodiplomacy Society. With the student community growing rapidly and their needs evolving just as fast, the evening was a gentle reminder that connection and comfort don’t always need a formal structure—they can come through a plate of home-style food, a reassuring word from a mentor, or simply meeting someone who speaks your language, both literally and emotionally.

The Consul General of India in Sydney, Dr S. Janakiraman, in a brief welcome address, emphasised the importance of community engagement and support systems for international students. Dr. S. Janakiraman reaffirmed the consulate’s commitment to assisting

students and encouraged them to register with the Consulate General of India in Sydney to facilitate communication and support.

The consulate was abuzz with conversations among new arrivals, community leaders, and volunteers who’ve been working behind the

scenes to support students. The event served as a soft landing for those new to Australia—many attending had arrived within the last three months and were navigating university pressures, rental struggles, part-time jobs, and the quiet ache of homesickness.

Consul General Dr S. Janakiraman, who hosted the event, spoke briefly about the value of such gatherings in nurturing a sense of belonging and easing the transition for students adjusting to life abroad. Since assuming his role in Sydney, Dr Janakiraman has made student engagement and wellbeing a key part of the consulate’s outreach. The event didn’t shy away from conversations about stress, isolation, or the rougher edges of student life. Many attendees spoke of the relief that comes from seeing official efforts extend beyond paperwork and visa queues. z

Consul General of India in Sydney, Dr S. Janakiraman, pictured with students, community leaders and organisers at Care, Connect and Cuisine—a welcoming evening held on 17 May 2025 at the Consulate // Photo supplied

Consul General Dr S. Janakiraman

Can art help protect the brain? A community workshop says yes

OUR REPORTER BRISBANE

@the_indian_sun

Acommunity-driven workshop focusing on brain health and dementia prevention brought together residents of all ages to explore the role of creativity, lifestyle, and early intervention in maintaining cognitive wellbeing.

Held as part of Shakti Global’s wellness initiative, the event aimed to highlight practical steps individuals can take to support their brain health long before cognitive decline sets in. At the heart of the session was a simple but powerful idea: prevention doesn’t always require prescription pads—it can begin with a paintbrush.

Dr Subakumar, a respected

geriatrician and memory care expert, anchored the session with researchbacked insights into age-related cognitive changes. He walked attendees through the early signs of dementia, emphasising how crucial early recognition can be. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, he explained that while ageing is inevitable, decline doesn’t have to be.

“Small changes in daily routine—like physical activity, mental stimulation, social connection, and diet—can influence long-term outcomes,” he told the audience.

What stood out, however, wasn’t just the medical knowledge on offer but the creative approaches used to demonstrate it. Participants were invited to immerse themselves in

interactive art sessions designed not as therapy, but as active tools for wellbeing.

Leading the first session was Megha Dasog, an artist who works across acrylic, watercolour, and oils. Known for her Warli art and storytelling through canvas, Megha encouraged participants to use painting as a way of expressing memories, thoughts, and emotions. Her approach bridged the gap between personal experience and cultural heritage, inviting individuals to consider how art can carry memory—literally and metaphorically—through shape, colour, and texture.

Joining her was Brisbane-based Suchi Vasuki, <TURN TO #31>

<CONTINUED FROM #30> a mindfulness teacher and artist who works with women and children to encourage self-expression and healing through art. Her session introduced techniques such as Dot Mandala and textured painting, offering participants a slow, focused practice that some described as ‘almost meditative.’ With over four years of experience, Suchi’s sessions leaned into the therapeutic benefits of rhythm and repetition— approaches that are increasingly being explored in neuroscience research for their impact on mental clarity and emotional regulation.

Together, the two artists demonstrated how creative practice can do more than entertain—it can engage different parts of the brain, promote neuroplasticity, and evoke a sense of calm. These effects, while not cures, are part of a growing movement in dementia care that includes sensory enrichment and purposeful activity as essential elements of support.

The audience response was immediate and sincere. Participants of all ages—from young adults to elders— engaged in the painting exercises, with many commenting on the unexpected

emotional release the process brought. Some said the workshop helped them reflect on family members experiencing memory loss, while others simply enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect with a creative side that daily life had buried.

Workshops like these also serve a broader function—bridging generational gaps, demystifying health conditions, and making medical advice more approachable. By grounding

clinical concepts in creative activities, the organisers fostered a setting where health education felt less like a lecture and more like a shared experience.

The event fits into Shakti Global’s wider commitment to preventative health, especially in communities where early intervention and mental wellness are often overlooked. Speaking after the event, a spokesperson for Shakti Global said,

“This isn’t about prescribing solutions. It’s about sparking conversations, equipping people with tools, and creating moments that can shift perspectives.”

There are still gaps in how society talks about dementia. Despite growing awareness, stigma and fear often prevent people from seeking support early. Events like this one are reminders that education doesn’t have to be clinical. It can be warm, collaborative, and even fun.

Shakti Global hopes the workshop inspires more community-led initiatives that combine scientific insight with everyday tools—whether that’s paint, music, or movement—to support long-term wellness. Future events will continue to explore how creativity, mindfulness, and social connection can be used in the service of public health.

If you walked past the event room that afternoon, you might have noticed the laughter, the stillness, the colour on people’s fingers. But beneath the brushstrokes and canvases was a far more urgent message: the sooner we start taking care of our minds, the more of ourselves we get to keep. z

Strings and steps: Indian arts take centre stage at Monash

OUR REPORTER MELBOURNE @the_indian_sun

Monash University marked 60 years of its music program on 16 May 2025 with the launch of a cultural exhibition celebrating the deepening ties between Indian and Australian performing arts. Titled The Place of Indian Music and Dance in Australia, the exhibition opened at the Performing Arts Centre and brought together archival treasures, personal stories, and live performance in a tribute to cultural exchange.

Consul General of India in Melbourne, Dr Sushil Kumar, attended the event and highlighted the role of cultural diplomacy in strengthening ties between India and Australia. “Music and dance are

not just expressions of art—they carry stories, philosophies and histories,” he said. “When shared across borders, they build bridges far sturdier than policy ever can.”

At the heart of the exhibition is the Tagore collection of Indian musical instruments, which includes rare pieces connected to Raja Sir Sourindro Mohun Tagore, a 19th-century polymath who championed Indian classical music’s global dissemination. These instruments now form part of the Popular Music Archive at Monash and have played a quiet but crucial role in exposing generations of students to Indian music traditions.

The show also honours the legacy of Louise Lightfoot, the Australian dancer and choreographer widely credited with bringing Indian classical

dance forms such as Kathakali and Bharatanatyam to Australian stages during the early 20th century. Lightfoot trained in India and developed close ties with leading artists of the time, later touring extensively with Indian dance troupes across Australia and beyond. Her handwritten notes, photos, and tour programmes are featured in the display, offering a glimpse into a life spent stitching together two distant cultural worlds.

Adding a contemporary thread, the exhibition highlights the work of Tara Rajkumar OAM, who has been a pioneer in Indian dance in Australia since the 1980s. Rajkumar’s contributions to the field span performance, pedagogy, and advocacy. Through initiatives like Natya Sudha Dance Company and the Academy of Indian

Performing Arts, she has mentored hundreds of students and worked to establish Indian dance within Australia’s broader performing arts infrastructure.

Guests at the launch were treated to a performance by Divya Rasa Dance, which presented a series of pieces drawing from various Indian classical styles. The troupe’s choreography moved from intricate hand gestures to dynamic footwork, weaving influences from Bharatanatyam, Odissi and Mohiniyattam into a visual reflection of the exhibition’s themes.

The exhibition will remain open to the public over the coming weeks, offering a rare opportunity to experience the sound, movement and memory of Indian performing arts in the Australian academic setting. z

Dr Sushil Kumar, Consul General of India in Melbourne, with Tara Rajkumar OAM and guests at the exhibition The Place of Indian Music and Dance in Australia, held at Monash University’s Performing Arts Centre on 16 May 2025

India’s High Commissioner visits NT Parliament House

OUR REPORTER DARWIN @the_indian_sun

Jinson Anto Charls, the Member for Sanderson in the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly, recently welcomed India’s High Commissioner to Australia, Gopal Baglay, to Parliament House in Darwin. The meeting reflects a deeper current—India’s growing diplomatic outreach intersecting with the rise of its diaspora in Australian politics.

Charls, originally from Kerala, migrated to Australia in 2011 and settled in Darwin in 2015. From working in aged care to becoming the first Indian-origin Minister in the Northern Territory, his journey has been swift and symbolic. Elected in 2024 under the Country Liberal Party, he now holds a suite of portfolios including Multicultural Affairs, Veterans, Disability, and Equality. His presence in Parliament signals a new phase in Territory politics, where lived experience and cultural diversity are no longer sidelined but actively

shaping governance.

Gopal Baglay, who assumed his post in January 2024, has brought a distinct sense of purpose to his role as High Commissioner. A senior Indian Foreign Service officer, Baglay has previously served in Colombo, London, and within the Prime Minister’s Office. But it is his time in Australia that’s drawn attention—marked by a level of visibility and engagement rarely seen in diplomatic circles.

He has emerged as a strong voice on India’s national security, especially in the wake of Operation Sindoor. His comments in Australian media have been clear and assertive, reflecting India’s strategic posture and zerotolerance approach to terrorism. Baglay hasn’t hesitated to speak plainly about India’s position, cutting through the usual diplomatic fog to bring clarity to issues that are often softened in public forums.

But what sets him apart isn’t just his stance on policy—it’s how deeply he has embedded himself in the Australian context. He has made time for community groups, cultural events, and state leaders from across the political spectrum. Whether it’s a community kitchen in Melbourne, an academic forum in Canberra, or his recent visit to Darwin, Baglay shows up—with interest, with insight, and with intent.

For diaspora communities, his style has struck a chord. Charismatic without showmanship, formal without distance, Baglay connects easily. He listens, he remembers, and he engages on substance—not just sentiment. It’s no surprise that many Indian-Australians regard him as one of the most approachable and effective High Commissioners to have served in Australia.

His meeting with Charls was warm, thoughtful and reflective of both leaders’ understanding of what diaspora diplomacy should look like in 2025—grounded, local, and forwardlooking. z

Gopal Baglay, India’s High Commissioner to Australia (second from right), with NT Ministers Jinson Charls (second from left), Khoda Patel, Member for Casuarina (left), and Robyn Cahill, Member for Port Darwin (right)

NT Minister Jinson Charls (left) with India’s High Commissioner to Australia Gopal Baglay (centre) and NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro (right) at Parliament House in Darwin.

Queensland steps up against domestic violence

NICK ATTAM BRISBANE @the_indian_sun

Asharp urgency filled Queensland Parliament House as voices rose with purpose and pain at an event that felt less like a gathering and more like a reckoning. Titled “Break the Silence, End the Violence,” it was organised by Amanjot Sharma of the Queensland Police Service in partnership with the Consulate General of India, Brisbane. The event carried the weight of years of silence, and the hope that voices raised together could shake free what fear, shame and stigma had long buried.

The timing was more than

fitting. Queensland has just introduced new coercive control legislation—a crucial shift in the state’s approach to domestic and family violence. By recognising the often invisible harm inflicted through manipulation, isolation, and intimidation, the law acknowledges that abuse isn’t always marked by bruises or broken bones. It’s often buried in the daily erosion of autonomy and safety. The legislation is a step towards acknowledging that control, not just violence, is the root of many women’s suffering.

Minister Fiona Simpson, whose portfolio includes Women, Women’s Economic Security and Multiculturalism, gave a powerful

address that didn’t settle for platitudes. She reminded those gathered that creating safer communities can’t be left to a handful of people with titles or badges—it needs action from every corner. Her words landed with clarity: awareness is a starting point, not a finish line.

The gathering brought together leaders whose influence stretches across cultures, professions, and neighbourhoods. Indian Consul General Ms Neetu Bhagotia spoke with honesty that felt both diplomatic and deeply personal. Her words refused to sugar-coat the issue: domestic and family violence leaves wounds that often can’t <TURN TO #35>

Speakers weren’t there to simply theorise; they talked about what’s working, what’s not, and how responses to DFV need to make space for culture, language, and community nuance

<CONTINUED FROM #34> be seen, but are no less life-altering. And while it may exist in private spaces, its damage spills into every part of a victim’s world.

Her message cut through the usual politeness that often surrounds such forums. Silence, she said, helps no one but the abuser. True dignity isn’t about maintaining appearances—it’s about protecting those in danger. A society that turns away when someone cries for help isn’t one worth preserving. With those words, she called for an end to whispered worries and closed doors. The conversation needs to be loud, public, and consistent.

The event’s panel discussion, moderated by Seema Chauhan, brought together a range of perspectives—law enforcement, academic, and government. What made the dialogue especially potent was its grounding in reality. Speakers weren’t there to simply theorise; they talked about what’s working, what’s not, and how responses to DFV need to make space for culture, language, and community nuance. Early intervention was repeatedly raised—not as a vague goal but a necessity. Helping victims isn’t just about the crisis moment. It’s about creating an environment where someone feels they can reach out before things escalate.

That message echoed in the remarks from Prerna Pahwa, a respected multicultural ambassador who’s worked at the coalface of community outreach. Her voice quivered as she described the emotional texture of the event: the weight of stories shared, the solidarity in the room, the quiet strength behind every handshake and tear. She noted that the event’s strength lay not in the size of the crowd, but in the sincerity of their purpose. What unified them was a shared refusal to let this issue remain hidden. Her parting line hit hard: “Love should never leave bruises.”

And yet, despite the seriousness of the subject, the event carried a

The event honoured the hurt while pushing for healing. It acknowledged the failures of past systems while celebrating steps taken to do better

current of determination rather than despair. Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman, a vocal advocate within Queensland Police, stood among those who have seen the worst of these crimes but still choose to believe in better outcomes. Figures like Charlie Shandil, Rena Fallon, Dr Ashutosh Misra, Dr Neeraj Khanna, Namrata Datt, Ram Mohan, Madhu Khanna, Archana Singh, Akashika Mohla, and Preethi Suraj offered not just support, but

commitment.

Dr Misra, who leads Queensland Cricket’s Multicultural Program, brought a fresh lens to the table: sport. His message was simple—community engagement doesn’t only happen in town halls and courtrooms. Cricket fields, clubhouses and sideline chats can carry serious messages too. His team has seen how sport can spark conversations in places where formal outreach might falter. It’s not about using cricket as a solution, but as a tool to reach those who might otherwise feel this isn’t their issue to care about.

The strength of the event was its ability to hold many truths at once. It honoured the hurt while pushing for healing. It acknowledged the failures of past systems while celebrating steps taken to do better. It didn’t allow attendees to stay passive—every speech, every shared story was a nudge to take the issue personally.

There’s something uniquely powerful about hearing uncomfortable truths in a grand, wood-panelled room inside Parliament. It makes them harder to ignore. These stories weren’t abstract policy talking points. They were urgent, intimate, and local. And they weren’t just about women behind closed doors. They were about children navigating trauma, communities carrying generational pain, and a legal

system that’s been too slow to catch up with the reality of coercive control.

The consistent thread running through the afternoon was responsibility. This isn’t a problem to be fixed solely by police, judges or counsellors. It’s a whole-of-society issue. One that requires curiosity, courage, and compassion. People need to be willing to listen when someone whispers that something feels wrong. They need to believe survivors the first time. They need to know what supports exist, and ensure those supports aren’t only available to those who can navigate complex systems or speak fluent English.

This is where community leaders play a crucial role. When a respected figure in the local mandir, mosque, or multicultural centre speaks out against DFV, it sends a signal: the conversation is safe here. That act of speaking out breaks down the idea that this is a private matter, or a shameful one. It replaces fear with possibility.

“Break the Silence, End the Violence” was more than a slogan. It was a dare. To challenge what’s been normalised, to question what’s been excused, and to support what’s finally being acknowledged in law. It wasn’t just the presence of lawmakers or police officers that gave the event power—it was the depth of experience and emotion shared by those who’ve lived with this issue, fought it, survived it, or committed themselves to never looking away from it again.

The Indian Sun stands beside those raising their voices—whether from the Parliament House podium or a crowded community hall. Whether in a newspaper column or over a cricket match chat. The change doesn’t come from one place. It comes when the conversation won’t stop, when the silence is no longer comfortable, and when love is defined by care—not control.

Because every voice raised cracks the silence open just a little more. And that’s how the light gets in. z

Leaders in Queensland rally Indian diaspora around shared heritage

NICK ATTAM BRISBANE @the_indian_sun

Prominent figures from Queensland’s Indian community have joined hands to reaffirm cultural ties and deepen engagement with India, marking a renewed sense of purpose among diaspora leaders.

Sri Srikar Reddy Andem, former President of Bharatha Jagruthi Australia, and Sri Ashish R. Katta, current President of the Indian Council of Australia, formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at a gathering in Sydney. The occasion was attended by Dr. K. Laxman, National President of the BJP’s OBC Morcha, and other

senior dignitaries. Their decision, though political on the surface, has been described by supporters as a symbolic gesture focused on unity and cultural preservation rather than electoral ambition.

Shortly after their affiliation was announced, Reddy convened a group of more than 30 Indian Australian leaders in Brisbane. The meeting brought together representatives from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and beyond. Senior BJP officials Dr. Vijay Chauthaiwale and Dr. Nakul Bhardwaj travelled from India to attend the event and meet with members of Queensland’s growing Indian community.

The event featured discussions

about the Indian diaspora’s evolving role in Australian society. Leaders spoke about the importance of cultural continuity in a multicultural setting and emphasised that their community contributions remain apolitical in nature. “This is about heritage, about passing on what we know and believe to the next generation,” one attendee said.

A cultural performance by Sargam Music Academy added a personal and emotional layer to the evening, reflecting the diasporic experience of balancing belonging across two countries. The music echoed the message of identity and belonging being reinforced by the gathering. <TURN TO #37>

Senior BJP officials Dr. Vijay Chauthaiwale and Dr. Nakul Bhardwaj travelled from India to attend the event and meet

with members of Queensland’s growing Indian community

Leaders from Queensland’s Indian community pose with senior BJP representatives at a community meet-up in Brisbane

<CONTINUED FROM #36>

In a post shared across social media, Dr. Laxman commended the Queensland community for its commitment to unity and cultural pride. “The commitment of our community leaders to preserving cultural heritage and fostering unity is commendable. Their efforts play a crucial role in strengthening the bond between India and its global citizens,” he wrote.

Observers of the event said the most striking takeaway was the collaborative energy on display—an effort to involve diverse voices within the Indian diaspora and reinforce common threads. Katta, who has long championed community participation in civic dialogue, stressed that unity does not require uniformity. “We come from different states and languages, but we share common values. That is what gives our community strength.”

The gathering also mirrored a

broader pattern: the increasing involvement of diaspora leaders in shaping narratives not just within their host countries, but back in India as well. With remittances, philanthropy, digital engagement, and political connections growing, the influence of Indians abroad is becoming more organised and strategic.

Both Reddy and Katta have been active in building bridges between Australian and Indian institutions. Their efforts go beyond attending cultural events or organising festivals. They have worked on youth outreach, professional mentorships, and language preservation programs. Their recent participation in BJP platforms appears to be another way of maintaining formal ties with institutions in India while continuing their local work in Australia.

Leaders at the Brisbane gathering

It’s easy to label this as political, but at its heart, it’s a cultural mission. We want to empower our children with confidence in who they are ORGANISER

were quick to stress that their activism stems from a sense of duty to their community. One senior organiser said, “It’s easy to label this as political, but at its heart, it’s a cultural mission. We want to empower our children with confidence in who they are and where they come from.”

The Indian diaspora in Queensland has more than doubled in the last decade, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics figures. With a rising population and increased civic visibility, groups like the Indian

Council of Australia and Bharatha Jagruthi Australia are expected to play a bigger role in crosscultural dialogue and public life.

As more Australians of Indian heritage seek to make sense of their dual identities, events like these provide an anchor—one that connects their lives here to stories, values, and traditions from home. Whether expressed through music, political affiliations, or local initiatives, the message is clear: culture travels, and it thrives where communities nurture it.

This Brisbane gathering, quiet in scale but rich in intention, may well serve as a blueprint for other diaspora communities seeking to strike a balance between assimilation and authenticity. It shows that even far from the banks of the Ganges or Godavari, the idea of India is being kept alive in the hearts of those who never left it behind. z

Dr. Vijay Chauthaiwale, BJP’s Foreign Affairs Department head, interacts with community members in Brisbane during a gathering of Indian diaspora leaders

Tovino brings the heat as Narivetta premieres in Brisbane

NICK ATTAM BRISBANE

@the_indian_sun

Malayalam actor Tovino Thomas received a warm welcome in Brisbane this week as Narivetta—his latest political action film—held its Australian premiere. The screening drew members of the Indian diaspora, film buffs, and cultural diplomats, with Consul General Neetu Bhagotia also in attendance.

The film has been steadily gaining traction since its 23 May release, with reviews praising its storytelling, performances, and commentary on institutional power. Directed by Anuraj Manohar and written by Abin Joseph,

Narivetta takes inspiration from the 2003 Muthanga protest in Kerala—a flashpoint event involving Adivasi land rights and police violence.

Tovino plays Varghese Peter, a police constable caught in the moral tug-of-war between duty and justice. His layered performance has earned acclaim both for its emotional weight and for bringing nuance to a role often simplified on screen. Sharing screen space with him is Suraj Venjaramoodu, another Malayalam cinema heavyweight, as Head Constable Basheer Ahammed. Tamil director-actor Cheran makes his Malayalam debut as DIG R Keshavadas, adding further depth

to the cast. Supporting roles from Arya Salim, Priyamvada Krishnan, and Rini Udayakumar round out the ensemble.

The film’s gritty tone is reinforced by cinematographer Vijay and editor Shameer Muhammed, while Jakes Bejoy’s score provides the emotional undertow. The track “Minnalvala,” with lyrics by Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri, has already struck a chord with audiences.

Initial box office figures are promising. Within three days, Narivetta brought in around ₹15 crore—about $2.75 million AUD— against a budget of ₹10 crore ($1.83 million <TURN TO #39>

Narivetta is expected to stream on OTT platforms from July, potentially widening its impact and drawing in a global viewership eager for cinema that doesn’t flinch from asking hard q’s

Consul General Neetu Bhagotia joins Malayalam star Tovino Thomas at the Brisbane premiere of Narivetta

<CONTINUED FROM #38> AUD).

Analysts estimate the film needs to hit ₹25 crore ($4.58 million AUD) globally to be considered a commercial success, and current momentum suggests that milestone is within reach.

Malayalam cinema has long been respected for its rooted narratives and moral clarity. The Brisbane premiere is further evidence that its reach is no longer

limited to the subcontinent. As Consul General Bhagotia noted during the event, such films help bridge cultural distances while shedding light on issues that resonate across borders.

Narivetta is expected to stream on OTT platforms from July, potentially widening its impact and drawing in a global viewership eager for cinema that doesn’t flinch from asking hard questions. z

Consul General Neetu Bhagotia joins Malayalam star Tovino Thomas at the Brisbane premiere of Narivetta

Redress deadline looms for abuse survivors

Survivors of institutional child sexual abuse face a 2027 deadline for redress. Culturally sensitive support and acknowledgment are crucial for healing.

Representational Image by Getty Images // Licensed under the Unsplash+ License

OUR REPORTER

@the_indian_sun

Some truths sit buried for years, quietly shaping lives from the inside. For thousands of Australians who experienced child sexual abuse in institutions, these truths remain painful, private, and all too often, unspoken. The National Redress Scheme exists to help carry those truths into the light—on the survivor’s terms—and provide a pathway toward healing.

Time is ticking for those who wish to apply. Applications to the Scheme close on 30 June 2027. Survivors are being encouraged to take the first step now, especially those from communities where speaking about abuse is fraught with cultural, religious, or family sensitivities. For many, this is not just an administrative process— it’s a deeply personal reckoning.

The Scheme was established in recognition of the severe harm caused by institutional child sexual abuse. It provides survivors with access to redress that includes a monetary payment, culturally safe counselling, and a direct personal response such as an apology from the institution responsible. Each part of the package acknowledges, in its own way, the profound impact the abuse has had on people’s lives.

toll of reliving the abuse can prevent people from coming forward. Others may not identify themselves as ‘survivors’ in the first place, unsure whether their experience fits into a government process. The message is clear: if the abuse happened in an institutional setting, there is a place for your story here.

Applying doesn’t mean doing it alone. Redress Support Services are available and completely free. These services are staffed by trained professionals who understand the sensitivity of what is being disclosed. They can help with preparing the application, navigating the process, and offering emotional support throughout. Whether it’s a friend, a carer, a support worker, or a

even accessing the words to describe what happened can take years. Others might have buried the experience so deeply that returning to it now feels impossible. This is why the Scheme allows for flexibility and time, and why it’s important to start sooner rather than later. The process is not rushed. Survivors are given the space they need to complete their application in a way that feels safe and manageable.

Some will want a paper application to fill in with the help of someone they trust. Others may prefer the privacy of doing it online via myGov. Both options are available, and neither route is better than the other—what matters is what feels right for the individual applying.

Redress Support Services are available and completely free. These services are staffed by trained professionals who understand the sensitivity of what is being disclosed

More than 450 institutions have joined the Scheme, covering over 63,000 sites nationwide. These include schools, orphanages, religious institutions, hospitals, missions, detention centres, sporting clubs, and other community organisations. The scope of the Scheme reflects the scale of what happened—and the many different faces that institutional care can wear.

For some, the thought of applying can feel overwhelming. Survivors from communities where honour and silence are prized might have never told anyone about what happened to them. Shame, fear of being rejected by their families or communities, and the emotional

culturally appropriate service, help is there and survivors are encouraged to lean on it.

These supports are not one-size-fits-all. Specialist services exist for survivors from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, for former child migrants, for First Nations peoples, and for those living with disability. Whether someone identifies as a woman, a man, a care leaver, or a young person who endured abuse in a place they were meant to be safe, the services are structured to listen, not judge, and to help each individual in a way that respects their story and context.

Disclosing abuse, especially for the first time, is never easy. For some survivors,

or pressured.

Language is no barrier either. The Translating and Interpreting Service is available by calling 131 450, and an interpreter can be arranged when calling the National Redress Scheme directly. Whether someone speaks Arabic, Vietnamese, Greek, Punjabi, or any of the many languages spoken in Australia, services are available to make the application process understandable and accessible.

The path toward healing looks different for everyone.

For many, just knowing they are eligible is the first barrier to overcome. The Scheme isn’t limited to any one kind of institution or any one kind of survivor. It is designed to recognise that institutional abuse took many forms and affected people from all walks of life. Whether the abuse occurred in a church, a foster home, a boarding school, or a detention centre, if the institution is part of the Scheme, then redress can be sought.

It’s worth noting that an application to the National Redress Scheme is separate from legal action. Survivors do not need to have reported the abuse to the police. They do not need a lawyer to apply. There are no court appearances or legal fees involved. This is about acknowledgement, not litigation.

The application deadline—30 June 2027—might seem far away, but time has a way of moving quickly, especially when emotional readiness is a factor. Encouragingly, survivors are being reminded that the sooner they begin the process, the more support they’ll have access to. Starting early means having time to work with support services, gather any necessary documents, and make decisions in a way that doesn’t feel rushed

For some, receiving a redress payment helps with medical bills, counselling, or simply securing a safer living arrangement. For others, the most meaningful part is the written apology—an acknowledgment that what happened was real, wrong, and not their fault. The direct personal response option allows survivors to hear from the institution involved—whether that’s through a letter, a meeting, or another form that feels right for them.

The Scheme itself is a product of listening—of hearing the calls from survivors who said they needed a process that centred their experience and respected their trauma. It’s not perfect, but it’s an option that many find useful in reclaiming part of what was lost. For some, it might be the first time they’ve been formally acknowledged as a victim. For others, it’s a step toward a future that feels less haunted by the past.

There’s still work to be done. Communities, institutions, and governments must keep listening, keep improving the ways they support survivors, and make sure that the mistakes of the past are never repeated. But for now, the message is simple: if you or someone you know experienced child sexual abuse in an institution, help is available. You’re not alone. And there’s still time to take that first step.

To find out more about the National Redress Scheme, visit nationalredress.gov.au or call 1800 737 377. Applications can be made online through myGov or via paper form. Interpreters can be arranged, and Redress Support Services are ready to help.

Healing may take years, but acknowledgment can start today. z

Satinder Chawla’s inspiring second act in Melbourne

INDIRA LAISRAM @indira_laisram

Satinder Chawla, 67, is basking in the spotlight following the screening of his new film Ek Lamba Jeha Houka. But first, let’s talk about this former banker, actor, sportsman, and doting grandfather who, having made Melbourne his home, is embracing every opportunity that comes his way.

Chawla was born in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh (central India), and began his first job as a banker with Punjab & Sind Bank after receiving a letter stating that once he attained “maturity,” he should come and join.

degree, I joined the bank in 1976,” he recalls with a laugh. He would go on to complete a Master of Commerce and a Master of Hindi.

But it was in 1985, when he was transferred to Chandigarh, that his parallel career as a badminton player took off. He went on to win awards in interbank tournaments. “I got this passion from my father,” he says.

For 15 years, Chawla was the face of the bank’s badminton and athletics teams.

The airport was like a swimming pool of languages. I used to greet people in multiple languages: ‘Ni hao’ to Chinese passengers, and local greetings to people from India, Pakistan, and beyond

SATINDER CHAWLA

“When I turned 18, after the first year of my Bachelor of Commerce

Alongside his sporting achievements, Chawla also found himself increasingly drawn to community service, particularly helping the elderly, many of whom faced difficulties managing day-

to-day affairs. He was also a blood donor.

After decades in the banking sector, Chawla moved to Australia to join his two sons who had settled here. Taking advantage of the Voluntary Retirement Scheme, he became the youngest to opt for it—much to the disappointment of his bosses. His wife, Jaswinder, who was running a successful textile business, also decided to hang up her boots.

The Chawlas’ Australian journey and new innings in life began in 2011.

Once in Australia, Chawla found himself doing what he loves—volunteering at Melbourne Airport, a role he thoroughly enjoyed. He guided passengers and assisted staff. “I am always happy to help people by the grace of God,” he says.

Chawla vividly recalls finding an elderly passenger’s lost bag and handing it over to security. When the distressed woman approached him and was later reunited with her bag, which contained all her documents and valuables, she broke down in tears. “I got a lot of blessings.”

What was particularly enjoyable about volunteering, says Chawla, was the exposure it offered.

“The airport was like a swimming pool of languages. I used to greet people in multiple languages: ‘Ni hao’ to Chinese passengers, and local greetings to people from India, Pakistan, and beyond. I even picked up some slang and accents. I loved every bit of it.”

When a kind chaplain who worked alongside him suggested he apply for a job, Chawla took the advice to heart. Soon, he was both working in customer care and continuing his volunteer work at the airport. At one point, he was even recognised with a Best Seller award at Duty Free. His association with the airport spanned eight years.

Chawla continued his love for sports in Australia <TURN TO #45>

Strings, by Sandeep Raj and Puneet Gulati, was shot in his home in 2014, marking his first appearance in front of the camera

<CONTINUED FROM #43> by founding the Landmark Community Sports Club in his suburb Craigieburn. It began with casual table tennis games at home, soon expanding to badminton and softball cricket as more community members joined in. Today, it keeps the community active and connected.

When the Gold Coast hosted the Sudirman Cup, the World Team Badminton Championships, in 2017, Chawla competed and won medals. He also participated in the Sikh Games in 2018 and 2019, securing medals in badminton at both events.

Living in the suburb of Craigieburn, Chawla’s dedication

to community initiatives earned him the role of AFL Multicultural Ambassador. He also became an independent member of the Victorian Sikh Gurdwaras Council.

With all these varied experiences behind him, an unexpected opportunity came knocking—Chawla found himself stepping into the world of films.

But just to rewind a bit, Chawla says, “My mother used to pull me in to sing a song or do the bhangra, something I became quite good at.”

The first time a young community member asked him to play a father’s role in a short

film, Chawla simply shrugged and said, “Take me to play a game of badminton instead.”

Eventually, he gave in. Strings, by Sandeep Raj and Puneet Gulati, was shot in his home in 2014, marking his first appearance in front of the camera. Soon after, filmmaker Gurmeet Sran cast him in The Hidden Truth. This was followed by another short film, Haloona, and many more.

To date, Chawla has acted in over 100 short films and nine feature films. His latest, Ek Lamba Jeha Houka, a moving portrayal of life’s struggles, successes, and enduring relationships, was screened recently. Big Daddy produced by Keshav Dwivedi and directed by Imran Sheikh, saw a global theatrical release in 2017.

Some of Satinder Chawla’s cinematic highlights include the 2023 film Maa Sadke, which became the first Australian-made movie to premiere worldwide on PTC Box Office and PTC Punjabi. The film earned six nominations at the PTC Digital Awards in March

2022. Maa Sadke was produced by his own company, Chawla’s Creation & Dhindsa Films.

Beyond the big screen, Chawla’s face has appeared on billboards and trams as a community icon. He was featured by the Hume Council for his service, proudly saying, “I’m always for the community because the community has given me so much.”

Interestingly, he channelled his filmmaking and acting talents into producing powerful public health messages—ranging from COVID-19 safety campaigns to environmental awareness.

A grandfather, who loves spending time with his grandchildren, actor, community leader, and sportsman, Chawla biggest support is his wife.

One lesson life has taught him through this rich experience?

“I haven’t seen God, but I believe my parents were God. They taught me the true values of life—helping others, sharing what you have, and living with compassion.” z

The man who walked with tigers

Valmik Thapar, India’s foremost tiger conservationist, dedicated his life to protecting and documenting wild tigers with unflinching passion

Valmik Thapar // AI generated

OUR REPORTER NEW DELHI

@the_indian_sun

Valmik Thapar, who died on 31 May in New Delhi aged 73, was one of India’s most visible and vocal guardians of the tiger. Unlike many who champion wildlife from a distance, Thapar lived within clawing reach. For nearly fifty years, he was a fixture in the scrub and dry deciduous forests of Ranthambore, not as a visitor but as a witness. A witness to birth, death, poaching, bungling bureaucracy, policy inertia, resurgence and sometimes, just silence—of the kind only an apex predator can inspire. To him, the tiger wasn’t a symbol or an allegory. It was a living, breathing beast—sharp-eyed, unpredictable, and worth every minute of protection.

Born in 1952 into one of Delhi’s intellectually plugged-in families, Thapar might easily have become another voice in the drawing-room symposia that his father, the political commentator Romesh Thapar, hosted through the pages of Seminar. His aunt, Romila Thapar, rewrote ancient Indian history. His cousin, Karan, became a famously confrontational television journalist. Valmik, for a while, seemed destined to orbit the same milieu. But something changed in 1976 when he travelled to Ranthambhore and met Fateh Singh Rathore, the park’s legendary field officer. The man handed him a pair of binoculars and a camera, and that was it. Thapar’s allegiance shifted from parliament to the jungle.

He would become one of India’s leading experts on tiger behaviour, having watched and documented the lives of several generations of Ranthambhore’s feline residents. One tigress in particular, Machli, became both muse and metaphor. Cameras, books and tourists loved her. Thapar too, but with less sentiment and more curiosity. He insisted on naming his tigers by numbers first. Machli was T-16 before she was India’s most photographed animal. To Thapar, intimacy came with discipline.

His early work was rooted in the belief that science, local knowledge and rigorous fieldwork could combine to produce better wildlife outcomes. That conviction drove the formation of the Ranthambhore Foundation in 1988, which focused on engaging surrounding communities as partners rather than intruders. Conservation, he believed, had to benefit the human beings who lived on the forest’s edge, not punish them for geography. The results were mixed but earnest—he

When asked whether India should experiment with the concept of human-tiger coexistence, he was scathing. “You cannot ask a tiger to cohabit with 4,000 people and their livestock and expect success,” he said

managed to create a model for collaboration that endured, even if the government machinery didn’t always keep pace.

His written output was enormous. More than 40 books carried his name, including Tiger Fire, The Secret Life of Tigers, and The Illustrated Tigers of India Few naturalists have managed to document their subject so extensively, and fewer still with such emotional clarity. His prose often read like a field diary soaked in dust and wonder. Tigers, in his telling, were not mythical beings. They mated, limped, parented, fought, and slept. He never romanticised them, nor reduced them to mascots for fundraisers.

He also made television look easy. Land of the Tiger, his 1997 BBC series, remains one of the best introductions to Indian wildlife. His documentaries with Animal Planet, Discovery and National Geographic helped bring the feral grace of India’s jungles into urban living rooms. These weren’t just travelogues for the armchair naturalist—they were pointed, persuasive essays on why nature, when watched closely, demands humility.

Humility, though, was not something Thapar always reserved for people. He frequently clashed with officialdom. As a member of multiple government advisory panels and task forces, he pushed hard for reforms but pulled no punches. He was blunt about the shortcomings of Project Tiger, the flagship conservation scheme launched in 1973. He accused it of being bureaucratic, poorly implemented and averse to transparency. When asked whether India should experiment with the concept of human-tiger coexistence, he was scathing. “You cannot ask a tiger to cohabit with 4,000 people and their livestock and expect success,” he said. His honesty often ruffled feathers, but it also kept the debate honest.

His final years were no less active. He continued to publish, mentor younger conservationists, and appear on camera, his voice deepening but not softening. The 2024 BBC documentary My Tiger Family was, in many ways, his retrospective. It featured five tigresses he had observed over five decades, a

quiet farewell delivered in episodes. Watching it now feels like reading a last letter from someone who never left the field.

Valmik Thapar’s death leaves India’s conservation community without one of its most articulate and unflinching voices. But it also forces a reckoning. Few people embodied the transition of tiger conservation from royal pursuit to scientific necessity as fully as he did. He straddled worlds: the elite and the rural, the observational and the operational, the lyrical and the empirical.

He is survived by his wife Sanjana Kapoor, herself part of a cultural dynasty as the daughter of actor Shashi Kapoor, and their son, Hamir. But the legacy that looms largest is not bloodline—it is track line. Deep in Ranthambhore, under the sunbleached rocks and peepal trees, are the paw prints of tigers that trusted him long enough to be seen.

For Thapar, that was more than enough. The tiger was always the true protagonist. He was merely the humble scribe. z

Business leaders, diplomats gather as ABSC Inc. launches EKONOMOS

OUR REPORTER @the_indian_sun

The Australian Business Summit Council Inc. held its Annual Gala Dinner on 2 May 2025, hosting more than 250 distinguished guests at the Aqua Luna Waterfront Dining in Drummoyne, New South Wales. The occasion marked the official launch of the sixth edition of EKONOMOS, the Council’s flagship publication on business, trade, and investment.

ABSC Inc. president Dr Frank Alafaci PhD welcomed an extensive guest list that included ambassadors, high commissioners, consuls, economists, business leaders, and community figures.

Among those present were H.E. Dr Siswo Pramono (Ambassador of Indonesia), H.E. Mr Beka Dvali (Ambassador of Georgia), H.E. Mr Encho Dimitrov (Ambassador of Bulgaria), H.E. Mr Kemal Muftic (Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina), H.E. Ms Arjaree Sriratanaban (Ambassador of Thailand), H.E. Mr Ernesto Cespedes Oropeza (Ambassador of Mexico), and H.E. Mr Diego Felipe Cadena Montenegro (Ambassador of Colombia). Representatives from Kenya, Uganda, <TURN TO #49>

Dr. Frank Alafaci PhD (President, ABSC Inc.)

Mr Paul Bloxham

<CONTINUED FROM #48> Zambia, Papua New Guinea, Sudan, Azerbaijan, Ethiopia, Timor-Leste, Pakistan, Malta, the Czech Republic, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, France, and the United States of America were also in attendance.

The event provided a platform for leaders to discuss issues influencing global and domestic markets, with keynote speaker Mr Paul Bloxham, Chief Economist for HSBC in Australia and New Zealand, addressing the current state of the world economy. Drawing on his 12 years at the Reserve Bank of Australia, Bloxham examined the pressures shaping financial conditions and the structural opportunities emerging in Australia’s economic outlook. He also responded to a series of audience questions that ranged across trade, investment, inflation, and geopolitical concerns.

Entertainment for the evening featured Mr Jiwhan Son, an operatic tenor with Opera Australia, and Mr Yue Zheng, a gifted young violinist originally from the People’s Republic of China. Their performances offered moments of cultural grace between the event’s formal proceedings.

During the awards segment, Dr Alafaci honoured contributors to EKONOMOS Issue 6, presenting commemorative plaques to those who authored pieces in the latest

edition. Among them were diplomatic leaders such as Dr Tanieris Dieguez La O (Ambassador of Cuba), Dr Wilson Kogo (High Commissioner of Kenya), Dr Elias Munshya (High Commissioner of Zambia), Qamar Zaman (Consul General of Pakistan), David Cheng-Wei Wu (Director General, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office), and Carolina Molina Barrantes on behalf of Costa Rica’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade. Business and thought leaders such as Richard Yuan, Michael Short, Bob Croft, Scott Qin, and Nerva Kay Ghamraoui were similarly recognised.

The magazine itself, described by Dr Alafaci as a “tour de force,” examines a broad array of topics impacting Australia’s economic engagement with the world. Contributors offer perspectives on opportunities in emerging markets, innovation ecosystems, multilateral trade developments, and structural industry changes.

Sponsors were also formally acknowledged, with commemorative plaques presented to Alliance Project Group, Arab Bank Australia Ltd, Drs. ABCD First Aid Training, Trade Window, Serenade Leather, and Greenstone Vineyards. Their support was integral to the success of the event and the publication’s release.

The evening closed with Dr Alafaci expressing gratitude to those who

helped bring the dinner together, including members of the ABSC Inc. Board and Councillor Sylvia Alafaci for her central role in planning and

logistics. He also thanked Ms Anna Finini and the team at Aqua Luna Waterfront Dining for their meticulous coordination, and several community members for their contributions to the evening’s preparation.

Now in its sixth year under Dr Alafaci’s leadership, the Council continues to position itself as a forum for developing policies that support enterprise, encourage innovation, and build international business links. Through initiatives like EKONOMOS and gatherings such as the Annual Gala Dinner, the ABSC Inc. fosters conversations that link commerce with public policy and practical investment outcomes. z

EMIs down, credit up: India’s lending curve keeps rising

India’s consumer lending market is booming, driven by rising incomes, urbanisation & digital access—despite global economic uncertainties

India’s consumer lending market is nudging towards a new high, forecast to reach $724.2 billion in 2025. This 4.9% year-on-year growth comes even as the global economic environment remains unpredictable. Fuelled by rising incomes, urban migration, and an appetite for bigticket purchases such as homes and cars, borrowing habits in India are shifting at a steady pace.

GlobalData’s latest report puts a spotlight on how India’s growing middle class is borrowing more and faster than before, positioning the country as a central cog in AsiaPacific’s credit expansion. According to their Global Retail Banking Analytics findings, the value of consumer loans in India rose sharply by 27.6% in 2023. This was not a one-off—it followed several years of significant growth, despite the external economic turbulence that has tested markets everywhere.

At the heart of this surge is India’s ongoing economic resilience. Despite the global jitters—from supply chain strains to geopolitical rumbles—India has managed to maintain a forward march. In 2024, the consumer loan market is estimated to hit $690.5 billion, with continued momentum expected in the following year.

Ravi Sharma, Lead Banking and

Payments Analyst at GlobalData, draws attention to a few key engines driving the trend. Infrastructure spending from the government, alongside a consistent interest in real estate from households, has pushed demand for credit higher. Add to that the freedom afforded by higher disposable incomes, and borrowers are becoming more willing to finance everything from homes to holidays.

But there’s a pinch of caution. Recent tariff announcements from the US and other geopolitical pressures could take the shine off what’s otherwise been a healthy growth story. These uncertainties might translate into slower loan originations across most product lines in the near term.

The loan market, after all, remains sensitive to global conditions even as it rides high on domestic confidence.

Still, India’s lending market, while growing quickly, remains modest when compared to its regional peers.

China towers over the APAC chart with a consumer loan market valued at $8.2 trillion in 2024. Other significant contributors include Australia at $1.7 trillion, South Korea at $1.5 trillion, and Japan at $1.3 trillion. India is still playing catch-up, but it’s doing so with consistent pace.

Within India, mortgage loans make up nearly half the consumer loan pie. Holding a 49.1% share in 2024, this segment has expanded by 17.4% since 2020. That growth has been helped along by the push for affordable housing and schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. While the segment remains dominant, its growth rate is expected to moderate to 5.9% in 2025 due to global headwinds.

Personal loans—spanning everything from car loans to discretionary borrowing—form the next largest slice, with a 45.8% share. But expectations here are a bit more subdued, with forecasted growth of

3.8% in 2025. This slower pace may reflect consumers becoming more cautious about debt in the face of an unpredictable international climate.

Recognising the need to support household spending, the Reserve Bank of India stepped in with rate cuts. In April 2025, it trimmed the repo rate from 6.25% to 6%, marking the second reduction this year after a similar move in February. For borrowers, this translates into lower EMIs, potentially boosting the appetite for new loans in the coming months.

Then there’s the credit card segment, which is small in volume terms—just 5% of total consumer lending in 2024—but growing rapidly. Between 2020 and 2024, it recorded a compound annual growth rate of 21.9%. The spike is linked to better payment infrastructure and an e-commerce boom that’s changing how consumers shop. Banks have done their part too, luring spenders with cashback offers, discounts and reward schemes. Even so, growth here is expected to ease to 4.3% in 2025.

Looking slightly further ahead, the path of credit expansion in India remains upward. A forecast compound annual growth rate of 7.2% is expected from 2025 to 2029, taking the total consumer lending market to $956.7 billion by the end of the decade. The ingredients for this trend remain steady—urbanisation, younger populations entering <TURN TO #51>

<CONTINUED FROM #50> the borrowing bracket, and a general increase in confidence about the future.

India’s lending story is one of ambition meeting access. The idea of borrowing has long evolved past necessity and now touches aspirations—from owning a home to upgrading gadgets. What’s changing more rapidly is how comfortably the average Indian is walking into a bank, or tapping a lending app, and signing up for a loan.

There’s also a behavioural shift underway. Gone are the days when credit was seen as a last resort. Today’s borrowers are younger, better informed, and more open to structured debt as a tool to enhance

their lifestyles. EMI plans on online shopping platforms, quick approvals through fintech, and expanding reach of financial services in semi-urban areas are all part of this shift.

Of course, risk management is still key. With more credit in the system, lenders will need to continue refining their underwriting processes. And borrowers, particularly those new to credit, will need better awareness around financial discipline. Regulation will play its part, too, in ensuring the system remains stable even as it grows.

The entry of new players— especially in digital lending—has also brought innovation into what was once a slow-moving segment. From buynow-pay-later models to personalised credit scoring using alternative data,

the Indian market is quickly becoming a testing ground for consumer finance solutions that blend technology with access.

There’s an undercurrent of competition between traditional banks and newer fintech firms. While banks bring legacy trust and structured processes, fintechs are offering speed and customisation. The winner in the long term may be the hybrid model— where digital ease meets institutional stability.

Meanwhile, interest rate movements remain under the spotlight. With the RBI taking steps to make borrowing cheaper, the trick will be to ensure these benefits reach the consumer quickly and transparently. As lending becomes more central to

personal finance decisions, borrower education will have to keep up.

India’s consumer lending market may not be leading in volume when compared to regional giants, but it’s one of the few showing reliable upward momentum. It sits in an economy that’s still building, with a population that’s still dreaming, and a financial sector that’s finally equipping itself to meet both.

What started as a cautious march into consumer credit has become something more spirited. With the right balance of regulation, innovation and economic consistency, this could well be a stretch of steady and meaningful expansion. Borrowers may be facing headwinds, but the direction is clear— and it’s forward. z

International Tea Day: The unnamed corners where India brews

On International Tea Day, we raise a cup to more than just a beverage. This piece is a gentle reflection on the nameless tea shops that dot the Indian landscape—places where time slows down, conversations spark or simmer in silence, and a simple cup of tea offers an extraordinary pause in our fast-moving lives

DEEPIKA SAHU

@the_indian_sun

On a slightly cool February morning, my friend and I were walking along the quiet streets of Sekharipuram in Kerala, south India. We were simply soaking in the beauty of the gramam (the village) and its deliciously charming houses. Suddenly, I had an intense craving for chai and parippu vada. And, as if by magic, we spotted a nameless tea shop just a few yards away. I felt extravagantly lucky at that moment.

Everything felt like a soft kasavu sari.

What’s India without its countless nameless tea shops? A tea shop is an intimate pause in a world dominated by busyness. It is a large-hearted, inclusive universe that embraces anyone who can spare ₹5 or ₹10— maybe a little more or less—for a cup of tea.

The tea shop is the epicentre of both silence and conversation. You can walk in quietly, have your cup of tea, and leave just as quietly. There is no need to strike up a conversation with your fellow tea-drinkers. You can

have your own inner universe even as you sit in the outer one. On the other hand, you can also choose to engage in conversation. It’s entirely up to you— how you wish to be present in that nameless tea shop.

Everyone is in a hurry now—in a postmodern, rapidly developing urban India. Everyone is rushing to acquire something or the other—a house, a car, a cool bike, a smartphone, an LBD, or even faded jeans. Even the humble chai/chaha/cha has undergone a sleek makeover. During the pandemic, we saw many privileged souls gloating

over their bubble tea. These days, everything needs a fancy tag. Tea is no exception. Now, you can have sleeping beauty tea, anti-stress tea, rose tea, blueberry tea… the list is endless.

But in the world of nameless tea shops, nothing has really changed. The kettle may look a little battered, but it still does its job. Some things in life shouldn’t change. They should stay just as they are—like a mother singing the same lullaby her mother once sang to her child.

You’ll find these tea shops across almost every <TURN TO #53>

A tea stall in Odisha // Photo by Deepika Sahu

<CONTINUED FROM #52> state in India, especially when travelling through the countryside. These tiny tea shops are a lifeline for many who stop by to sip a hot cup of chai as they go about their lives. They add a certain charm to the landscape and, in a way, can be described as community meeting centres.

I’ve found them everywhere I’ve travelled in India. In western Sikkim, I found my nameless tea shop while searching for rhododendron flowers. The men playing cards at the little shop started talking to me. They got excited when they found out I was a journalist—even more so when they learned I was from Gujarat. They asked me many questions about life there.

The world may have many problems, but there I was, sipping hot

tea with four fellow tea-drinkers, our conversation flowing like water.

A few months ago, during my travels in Odisha, eastern India, I came across another nameless tea shop in a small village. I stopped to have a cup of chai and soak in the atmosphere. I was the only woman there, yet I felt safe. I don’t know whether women from nearby villages visit this shop, but that moment was mine.

There’s nothing fancy about the tea in these shops. If you can’t live without your jasmine tea, orange pekoe, or oolong, then this may not be your place. Here, the tea is brewed with basic tea leaves, milk, and sugar. But it tastes good—robust and alive.

In Odisha, these tea shops always have an assortment of biscuits in colourful plastic dabbas. As a child, I used to love gazing at those canisters

filled with goodies, dreaming of having tea with them. But adulthood is a different game, and now I stay away from biscuits.

The tea shop is a place where people steal a few moments for themselves—without spending much. The humble chai will always remain a hot favourite across India.

The most telling image I carry in my heart from all these tea shop visits is of a man in Odisha walking away gracefully after finishing his tea. I will never forget the lines on his back— they spoke of a life spent toiling under the burning sun.

I believe there is no absolute love, no absolute death—but there is absolute hard work. On his back, many of us stand—with our urban privileges, brooding over Monday blues in air-conditioned offices.

Time at a nameless tea shop feels like a semi-colon in a relationship— not the full stop. Maybe you’re hurt or angry, but it’s not the end. There’s a way forward. Maybe it becomes clearer after you finish your tea at that humble, gentle tea stall. Not everything in life needs a name. The tea will still taste like nectar—even if the shop doesn’t have one.

Welcome to the world of pause and liquid happiness. z

Deepika Sahu has been a journalist for 29 years and she has worked with some of India’s leading media houses. Right now, she is independently engaged in content creation and curation.

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Photo by Deepika Sahu

Scratchy

throats, strange

rashes: Top Indian doctor warns of COVID spike

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Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, “The Liver Doc,” warns of a new, unpredictable COVID-19 wave in India, urging global vigilance as cases rise with evolving symptoms

OUR REPORTER @the_indian_sun

Dr Cyriac Abby Philips, better known as “The Liver Doc,” isn’t sounding the alarm just for India’s sake. From his hospital in Kerala, the multi-award-winning hepatologist is watching an uptick in COVID-19 cases with a familiar sense of unease—not because it feels like 2021 all over again, but because the virus seems to be mutating into something subtler, sneakier, and stubbornly persistent.

He isn’t alone. Across India, emergency rooms are filling with patients reporting prolonged fevers, unusual rashes, and dry coughs that worsen at night. This time, throat pain often leads to voice changes—hoarseness, laryngitis, and a lingering irritation that doesn’t resolve quickly. And while most aren’t ending up in ICU, the pattern is troubling enough that his hospital has reopened a COVID ward.

“Ok Covid is here,” Dr Philips posted. “Different, but still here.” His detailed list of

recently: fatigue, rash-like urticaria, dry cough, and voice loss. But what makes his observations especially worth noting for countries like ours— with lower testing, fewer public warnings, and growing pandemic fatigue—is that India tends to act as an early warning system. With over a billion people and high transmission volumes, its hospitals often spot trends that ripple across the world weeks later.

“My patients are getting affected,” he wrote. “Many are coming back with itchy bumpy rashes that don’t seem to go away.”

He’s joined by other medical professionals witnessing the same. Dr Ashwin Rajenesh noted, “The covid transient rashes are back? We did have them initially pre-delta, then sort of completely disappeared during omicron. Dengue-like myalgia and malaise [are] prominent symptoms. Lots of secondary bacterials this time around day 5–7, again something we hadn’t seen earlier.”

Dr Philips responded: “The hives are pretty bad this time. Also secondary bacterial infections. I concur.”

It’s that kind of frontline pattern recognition—not panic— that Australia’s clinicians and public health officials should be paying attention to. India is, once again, becoming a laboratory of transmission, and clinicians like Dr Philips are acting as its early messengers.

Despite the wave being relatively mild so far, it’s the unpredictability that’s driving the concern. Asked on X whether this might get “1st lockdown bad,” Dr Philips responded: “Not seeing very sick patients. Few of them in the

ICU. But ER is getting full with fever cases and my OPD also seeing patients coming in with prolonged fever.”

What’s particularly noticeable this time is the unpredictability of symptoms. One user, Aadeesh, shared: “Got sick three weeks back. Strange symptoms—no fever, severe bodyache for 2–3 days, loss of smell and taste for 10 days… very bad cold, still fatigued, voice changed initially.” These accounts aren’t medical evidence, but they echo a larger concern: this isn’t behaving like the flu, and it’s not behaving like Omicron.

Dr Philips responded to one such post saying, “I’m not scared by Covid. I’m scared of what comes after Covid.”

His fear is rooted in experience. Long COVID remains poorly understood, and many patients continue to face weeks of exhaustion, lingering inflammation, and unexplained symptoms. He has written and spoken at length about post-viral complications and the strain they place on both patients and hospital systems.

Here in Australia, NB.1.8.1—a subvariant of Omicron—is beginning to appear across New South Wales and Western Australia. Wastewater data in Perth has also shown increased viral fragments, suggesting more infections than official numbers show. In NSW, test positivity reached 5.7% by midMay. That may seem low, but in a country where testing rates have plummeted, it is a likely undercount.

While our health officials aren’t sounding the alarm, the rise in cases coincides with winter—a time when respiratory illnesses already put pressure on the system. Hospitals are gearing up for flu and RSV, offering free immunisations until

the end of June. Yet COVID’s new forms, despite being milder on average, are now known to be lingering longer—dragging down energy levels, keeping people off work, and spreading quietly in households.

India is currently reporting over 1,000 active cases, with Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi leading the count. Subvariants like LF.7 and NB.1.8.1 are believed to be behind the rise. Singapore, meanwhile, has seen a 28% week-on-week increase in COVID cases, rising from 11,000 to 14,200 in early May. Hong Kong’s test positivity rate has doubled, and Thailand has logged over 71,000 infections this year alone. In each case, authorities are resisting lockdowns or mass restrictions. The focus is on individual responsibility—staying home when sick, wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces, and keeping vaccinations up to date. Yet, as Dr Philips points out, there is a risk that without clear guidance or attention, communities may simply sleepwalk into another wave of illness.

To be clear, the health response in Australia is calibrated to our current risk. Hospitals are not overwhelmed, and no new restrictions are being proposed. But part of public health is listening to frontline clinicians— even those outside our borders— when the symptoms start looking unfamiliar.

Dr Philips, by virtue of his clinical position, reach, and credibility, is one such voice. His message is simple: “If you are sick, stay at home. Get supportive care at home. Mask up in closed public places.” He may be treating patients in India, but his words resonate across oceans. With our own winter setting in, now might be the right time to tune in. z

Are we just managing disease, or missing the point?

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Dr. Hira Singh’s book Healing the Whole Person advocates for a holistic approach to health, integrating lifestyle, prevention, and mental resilience alongside traditional medicine

OUR REPORTER @the_indian_sun

As winter edges closer and flu season makes its rounds, one Australian doctor is urging a rethink of how we approach health—not in opposition to medicine, but alongside it. Dr Hira Singh, a seasoned general practitioner and advocate of integrative care, believes it’s time doctors stepped beyond prescriptions and embraced their role as health educators.

“My hope is that more health practitioners will consider and embrace the wider responsibilities of their role as teachers of health to their patients,” he says, “rather than be reduced to the soul-destroying practice of disease management with pharmaceuticals alone.”

This perspective is at the heart of Dr Singh’s latest book, Healing the Whole Person, published by Hill of Content. It’s not a rejection of medicine, but a recalibration of its role—placing lifestyle choices, mental resilience, and prevention on equal footing with clinical treatment. Drawing from 45 years in Australian general practice, Dr Singh presents what he calls a “whole person model” of care—an approach rooted in the belief that health is shaped as much by daily life as it is by diagnosis.

In practice, that means looking at diet, movement, relationships, stress levels, and even one’s sense of purpose. “Doctors often see patients ‘presenting’ with evolving illnesses which do not fit into a well-defined diagnostic category as described in medical textbooks,” he says. “The complexity of illness demands that we expand the scope of our attention in this way if we are to be effective doctors.”

It’s not a fringe view. As patients become more informed—and more vocal—Dr Singh says there’s a growing appetite for a broader conversation in the consultation room. “More patients are expecting their doctor to engage with them on their health journey. They request explanations, question their prescriptions, and are no longer

content to be passive recipients of a paternalistic medical culture.”

He sees this shift not as a threat, but as an opportunity. “Science has confirmed that Western medicine is not the only available path to better healthcare,” he says. “We need to bring together the best insights from different systems of health, rather than holding onto rigid silos.”

The book presents practical strategies for embedding small but meaningful changes into daily life— from how we eat to how we think. It’s a guide less concerned with fads and fast results, and more focused on long-term change.

Professor Avni Sali, founder of the National Institute of Integrative Medicine, describes the work as a “road map” for everyday Australians looking to improve their wellbeing without abandoning conventional care. “Healing the Whole Person offers us simple, effective ways we can all follow to improve our lifestyle for health optimisation and personal growth.”

Dr Singh doesn’t position himself as an alternative health guru, and there’s little interest in gimmicks. His critique is squarely aimed at the tendency in modern health systems to chase symptoms without asking harder questions about why we get sick in the first place—and what keeps us well. His message may be timely. The

rising burden of chronic conditions— from diabetes to anxiety—has made prevention a policy buzzword, but implementation is still often reactive. Dr Singh argues that prevention must start with how doctors are trained and how patients are seen. “The answer to long term wellness lies in the way we live every single day,” he says.

For Dr Singh, the goal is not perfection, but progress. His model encourages personal agency, small wins, and respectful dialogue between doctor and patient. In the end, it’s a vision of healthcare that values partnership—where medication, movement, and meaning all have a seat at the table.

Dr Hira Singh migrated to Australia from Singapore in 1977, and has since become a prominent voice in integrative medicine both nationally and internationally. He has served on the founding board of the Australasian Integrative Medicine Association and is the former President of the Whole Health Institute (Australia). His lectures on whole person care continue to shape practice among a growing number of Australian clinicians.

Healing the Whole Person is available now through Hill of Content Publishing. z

Healing the Whole Person is available now through Hill of Content Publishing.

Dr Hira Singh speaks on the power of lifestyle-driven healthcare during the launch of Healing the Whole Person// Photo supplied

Billions and counting: Aussies flock to private health as hospital claims soar

Private hospitals in Australia see record insurer payouts as demand for faster, personalised care grows amid public system pressures

OUR REPORTER @the_indian_sun

Private hospitals across Australia have received a record $12.3 billion in payouts from health insurers in the year to March—a 7.7% increase from the previous year—as more Australians turn to private care amid public hospital pressures.

The data, released by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, shows the sector is gradually stabilising after the pandemic, despite ongoing issues like workforce shortages and rising costs. Increased demand and inflationrelated expenses are driving the higher insurer payouts, says Dr Rachel David, CEO of Private Healthcare Australia.

“This growth reflects Australians’

continued trust in fast, personalised treatment through private hospitals, especially as public systems remain stretched,” Dr David noted.

However, challenges remain. A major concern is the affordability of initial specialist consultations, which aren’t covered by insurance. Up to 20% of GP-referred patients avoid seeing a specialist due to high fees, blocking access to hospital care entirely.

Private hospital use is also evolving. Shorter stays and homebased treatments for mental health, rehab, chemo, and palliative care are reshaping the sector. Hospitals are adjusting to meet these preferences, which are supported by advances in medical technology.

Private health cover uptake is also growing. Over 81,000 people—mainly

in their 40s—joined in the first quarter of 2025, often motivated by caring responsibilities for both children and elderly parents. Around 15 million Australians now hold hospital cover, while 55% have general treatment policies for services like dental and physio.

Insurers funded a record 5.13 million hospital episodes over the year, with returns to consumers holding steady—85 cents paid in benefits for every premium dollar, matching the long-term average.

Despite concerns about hospital closures, Dr David says access remains strong. Between 2014 and 2024, 165 new hospital licences were granted, outweighing 143 cancellations. Innovative models like Adeney Private in Melbourne—a no-

gap, doctor-owned hospital offering home-based care—are leading a wave of cost-effective change.

Meanwhile, Healthscope has entered receivership, marking a shift away from private equity ownership. Dr David sees potential for more stable, patient-focused management. Major players like Ramsay Health Care continue to thrive, posting nearly $900 million in profits and planning expansion.

As insurer spending rises and more Australians seek private care, the sector is poised for growth. While affordability and access remain issues, the private system is increasingly viewed as a reliable alternative— offering speed, choice, and adaptability in an evolving healthcare landscape. z

Representational Photo by Getty Images on Unsplash+

Indian celebrity chef Kapoor’sSanjeev Aussie gamble

Celebrity chef range brings authentic Indian flavours to Australia, making traditional cooking accessible and exciting

This is quite a big recognition. When I walked up on stage, I really didn’t know what to

OUR REPORTER @the_indian_sun

“Some people raised their eyebrows when I said there’s life beyond butter chicken,” laughs Indian celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor. But with the launch of Arth—his new range of authentic Indian pastes, pickles, and marinades—Kapoor wants to take Australia on a deeper, more flavourful culinary journey into India.

His new line of artisanal products—launching exclusively at Coles—proves just that. From creamy curry pastes to rich marinades, warming khichdi to tangy pickles, the Arth range brings to life Kapoor’s passion for flavour and variety, with easy instructions that make Indian cooking accessible to all.

Speaking <TURN TO #62>

Chef Mischa

There are two sets of people—those familiar with Indian flavours and those who are not. For those who are unfamiliar, it’s important that their introduction to Indian cuisine comes from an authentic source

CHEF SANJEEV KAPOOR

Indiancelebrity Kapoor’schefSanjeev gamble

<CONTINUED FROM #61> over Zoom from Sydney after his Melbourne launch, Kapoor explains why Indian flavours are so unique. “They demand immersion.” That’s why his new endeavour simplifies authentic Indian cooking at home—without compromising on flavour.

And by authentic, Kapoor means not tweaking or toning anything down, but keeping the recipes true to their roots.

Too often, he believes, Indian food is presented to the world through a lens that isn’t truly Indian. As a result, many Indian food products are offered with a palate that doesn’t genuinely reflect Indian taste.

He adds, “There are two sets of people—those familiar with Indian flavours and those who are not. For

the ones who are familiar, the question is: where can they find authentic flavours delivered with honesty and integrity? For those who are unfamiliar, it’s important that their introduction to Indian cuisine comes from an authentic source.”

With Arth, Kapoor hopes to bridge that gap—to create a convergence where authentic Indian products connect with both Indians seeking genuine flavours and non-Indians looking for a true taste of India.

The Arth launch comes as more Aussies embrace Indian cuisine at home, with Coles’ Indian grocery range growing nearly 60 per cent over the past two years. In the past 12 months alone, it has attracted the fastestgrowing customer base across the grocery aisles, up <TURN TO #63>

celebrity Kapoor’sSanjeevAussie gamble

<CONTINUED FROM #62> 34 per cent.

For newcomers to Indian cuisine, Kapoor has designed Arth to eliminate the intimidation factor. “I have lived and travelled across the world, so I understand what people might find difficult or easy. So, I’ve made sure that all the hard work is done by me,” he explains.

Each product comes with guidance—recipe cards and pairing suggestions. “In Australia, there’s so much great produce you can pair with pickles. It’s not just about having pickles with paratha— it’s about how you can integrate them in different ways.”

He shares an example.

“Just two days ago, I served Tasmanian oysters with a topping of our lemon-chilli pickle, alongside a chickpeaquinoa salad dressed with sweet lime pickle.”

Kapoor sees Australia’s vibrant food culture as the perfect space for Arth. “Australians love to experiment—they’re fearless with flavour,” he says. “Look at how Thai cuisine carved its space here: bold, hot, flavours that went mainstream. A lot of credit goes to those who paved the way. Now, Indian food—equally flavourful, never boring—gets its moment.”

He also addresses consumer scepticism about packaged food versus fresh produce:

“Don’t be mistaken about the spices you get. When you say they are fresh—they’re not. They’re already dried spices, and that actually enhances their concentration.

“Fruits, vegetables, meats, and seafood are best fresh, and they’re of very good quality here. But seeds, condiments, and spices don’t need to be fresh to have flavour. In fact, when they’re dried and roasted, their flavour intensifies—and that’s exactly what we pack for you. You simply choose your fresh produce and add these elements.”

When asked about his must-have kitchen tool, Kapoor says, “My Wonderchef NutriBlend—I use it for everything.”

And the one Indian dish he’d eat every day? “That’s tough!” he laughs. “But I could eat khichdi every day.”

He wants everyone to try one Indian street snack at least once in their life: pani puri— those crispy balls filled with spicy, tangy water.

He ends the conversation with a reminder, “For under $6 a bottle, you have an Indian chef do all the hard work for you in the kitchen”.

For Kapoor, Arth is the just the beginning. z

Paromita Mukherjee // Photo supplied

A twistGujarati on Macbeth: Harsiddhi Mody’s bold take

Harsiddhi Mody’s Manka Bapu blends Shakespeare’s Macbeth with Gujarati folk traditions in a powerful musical retelling

INDIRA LAISRAM

@indira_laisram

This July, Harsiddhi Mody brings Manka Bapu to the stage—an extraordinary Hindi musical where Shakespeare’s Macbeth meets the vibrant soul of Gujarat.

Mody, the creative force behind the adaptation, asked herself a simple but bold question: What if we brought Shakespeare to Gujarat? What if we told his timeless tragedy as a musical, set in a world I know intimately? That spark of an idea became Manka Bapu

“Honestly, Macbeth has always fascinated me,” she says. “That raw ambition, the crushing guilt, the spectacular downfall—it’s so intensely human. When we at Khelaiya Productions decided to explore global stories this year, I knew exactly where to start.” But this is no ordinary

adaptation.

“Growing up in a Gujarati household, I was surrounded by its rich stories, customs, and traditions,” explains Mody. “As I grew up, I realised how universal themes like ambition and betrayal are—woven into the fabric of every culture and into the very soul of humankind. These ideas never felt abstract or distant—they were always right there, wrapped in the tales we heard and the values we lived by.

“Blending our myths, folk tales, and history with music felt natural—like revisiting my childhood. The songs, the language, the stories shared by elders—they all came alive again.”

So when Mody approached Macbeth, she didn’t just want to translate it. “I wanted to reimagine it in a way that felt real and rooted. Once I began weaving in Gujarati customs, traditions, and even superstitions, the <TURN TO #67>

Blending our myths, folk tales, and history with music felt natural— like revisiting my childhood. The songs, the language, the stories shared by elders—they all came alive again

HARSIDDHI MODY

<CONTINUED FROM #65> stories came to life in an entirely new way.”

Turning Macbeth into a Hindi musical wasn’t easy.

“The biggest challenge was language,” Mody admits. “Shakespeare’s words are powerful, but not always easy to follow— especially for audiences who haven’t read Macbeth. I wanted people to feel the characters’ emotions, but in a way that felt familiar.”

“So while we kept some of Shakespeare’s most famous scenes, my focus was on retelling the story—keeping its heart intact but expressing it through music, culture, and words that connect with Indian audiences.”

Another challenge was blending theatre and music naturally. “But once I started tapping into the richness of local traditions and storytelling, everything began to fall into place. It became less about adapting Shakespeare, and more about bringing his spirit into our world.”

“What I really hope,” she adds, “is that audiences—especially young people and those from different backgrounds—feel a genuine connection.”

Her diverse team helped shape

the production. “Our team truly represents India,” she says. “We have members from various states, so everything—from perfecting diction to capturing big emotions like betrayal and ambition—has been a collaborative effort rooted in diversity.”

For younger audiences, Mody promises something special. “They’ll experience a classic through the vibrant lens of Indian folk traditions—making it both relatable and fresh. While the original is set in Scotland, we’ve adapted the characters and places to feel closer to Gujarat, without losing any drama. And yes, we’ve included a little tribute to Shakespeare—but you’ll have to watch to find out!”

For Mody, Manka Bapu is her most personal project yet. “In my seven years of directing musicals, I’ve never done anything so close to my heart,” she says.

She has a small confession: “I’d never seen Macbeth on stage—only read it. So bringing it to life meant trusting my instincts. Though I grew up in Mumbai, my roots are in Kathiyawad. Adding that regional flavor felt like coming home—an artistic reconnection with my heritage.”

What made it even more special was weaving in the works of legendary Gujarati writers and musicians. “These were figures many of us grew up admiring. Bringing their influence into a Hindi musical, while staying true to Shakespeare, was emotional and proud.”

Manka Bapu is more than just a play; it is a heartfelt tribute to the stories, sounds, and values that shaped Mody—reimagined in a way she hopes will resonate with audiences across generations.

“I didn’t just want to set Macbeth in India—I wanted to breathe India into it,” she says.

“Every musical teaches you something,” she says. “But this one? It’s been a deeply personal journey.”

But as with any bridge, building it took effort, creativity, and belief.

This isn’t just an adaptation—it’s a homecoming. A Macbeth where the misty Scottish moors transform into the rugged landscapes of Gujarat, and every verse carries the rhythm of Gujarati proverbs.

Will you be there when these two worlds collide on stage? z

Get Your Tickets to Manka Bapu July 26 | 4:30 PM

The Drum Theatre, Dandenong

So while we kept some of Shakespeare’s most famous scenes, my focus was on retelling the story—keeping its heart intact but expressing it through music, culture, and words that connect with Indian audiences

HARSIDDHI MODY

Photos supplied by Sridhar Subramaniam

Young hearts Ramayanabringto the stage in Melbourne’s east Ramayanato

Youth-led Dharma Down Under brought the Ramayana to life in Melbourne through dance, music, and heartfelt cultural expression

SRIDHAR SUBRAMANIAM @the_indian_sun

Theatre-goers in Melbourne’s east were treated to a cultural evening rich in tradition, expression and youthful energy as Dharma Down Under (DDU) hosted the Sri Rama Navami showcase at the Kew High School Theatre on 27 April.

Run entirely by youth volunteers, DDU is a community initiative rooted in Dharmic values with a focus on social service, spiritual reflection and cultural expression. With most members either in higher education or early stages of professional life, the group has quietly built a reputation for thoughtful, well-executed events that speak to Australia’s evolving multicultural character without leaning on clichés.

Their latest showcase centred on the epic Ramayana, retold through Indian classical dance

and music. From Bharatanatyam to Kathak, the performances unfolded with precision and emotion, drawing applause and quiet moments of reflection alike. The evening combined storytelling with devotional art forms, shifting between the structured grace of Bharatanatyam and the expressive fluidity of Kathak to bring episodes from the Ramayana into focus.

Dr Rethika Ravi, Director of Shakthiswara, opened the evening with a Bharatanatyam performance of Sri Rama Chandra Kripalu, a bhajan by Tulsidas. This was followed by Ghar More Pardesiya, a Kathak duet performed by Tashu Pawar and Dia, which earned one of the evening’s loudest applauses. Group devotional singing by Shrita Sira, Shivani Krishna and Rhea Sanjanwala followed, with a heartfelt rendition of Raghupati Raghava Rajaram.

Samyuktha <TURN TO #71>

From Bharatanatyam to Kathak, the performances unfolded with precision and emotion, drawing applause and quiet moments of reflection alike

<CONTINUED FROM #69> Sriganesh and Yazhini Karthi presented a Bharatanatyam piece, Unnai Kanathu Naan, exploring longing and inner devotion, while Shivani Krishna returned for Yahahin Rahio Sa, a Kathak solo filled with nuanced abhinaya.

The line-up continued with Vaishnavi Sarode offering a blend of modern cinematic and classical Bharatanatyam interpretations— drawing from Kanthara and RRR—followed by Aishwarya Joshi’s soulful presentation of Vaani, composed by Niraj Chag. The evening closed with Harshini Rajesh’s crisp Sindhu Bhairavi Thillana, and a return to Ghar More Pardesiya by Ananya Acharya and Tvisha Verma.

What gave the night its charm wasn’t just the technical execution—it was the visible camaraderie among the performers, the sense of purpose they carried, and their easy, confident relationship with their heritage. It didn’t feel forced. Nobody was trying to recreate something foreign to the setting. Instead, the group brought their identity into the open, naturally,

as if the Ramayana belonged just as much in Kew as in Ayodhya.

Dharma Down Under describes itself as a “medium where the message is the medium”—and this came through clearly. The initiative revolves around the principles of compassion, interconnectedness and selflessness, using performance as one of many ways to engage with community. While there was reverence in the tone of the showcase, it was never overbearing. This was celebration, not sermon.

At a time when the wider conversation around multiculturalism is often weighed down by tokenism or division, DDU’s approach is refreshingly unaffected. There is no race to prove identity, nor any urge to soften tradition for mainstream consumption. Instead, what’s offered is something calm and confident—an experience built for those who recognise it, and open to those who wish to learn.

The packed hall at Kew High School suggested that there is a growing appetite for such evenings. Not everything needs to be explained, repackaged

or diluted. Sometimes, a performance speaks for itself. The audience—many of them parents, friends, or curious neighbours— understood this intuitively.

Dharma Down Under’s work extends beyond cultural showcases. The group also runs seva (service) initiatives for underprivileged communities, hosts satsangs (spiritual gatherings), and facilitates youth engagement on issues ranging from mental wellbeing to identity and belonging. The thread running through all their work is dharma— not in the dogmatic sense, but as a framework for living with empathy and awareness.

Events like this one don’t solve every problem. They don’t claim to. But they do open a window—a space where old stories can be retold by new voices, and where tradition doesn’t feel like a burden but a choice.

The night at Kew was proof that young people, when given the room to lead, can offer something both rooted and refreshingly new. And for an audience longing for sincerity and grace in cultural expression, that may be more than enough. z

At a time when the wider conversation around multiculturalism is often weighed down by tokenism or division, DDU’s approach is refreshingly unaffected

My Melbourne wins big at Flame Awards 2025

My Melbourne wins Best Film and ‘Longing and Belonging’ award at the 2025 Tongues on Fire Flame Awards

OUR REPORTER

@the_indian_sun

The cross-cultural anthology

My Melbourne has clinched two top honours at the Tongues on Fire, Flame Awards 2025—Best Film and the special festival award for ‘Longing and Belonging’.

Blending voices from India and Australia, the film features four poignant stories centred on identity and belonging, resonating strongly with global audiences since its recent release.

Produced by Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM, director of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, the project is a collaboration between renowned Indian directors and emerging Australian filmmakers from underrepresented communities.

“We are incredibly honoured and grateful,” said Lange. “My Melbourne is a labour of love that celebrates diverse voices and lived experiences. These awards recognise every story of identity, resilience, and community that it tells.”

Filmmaker Onir, who directed one of the anthology’s segments, said the film captured “universal emotions of longing and belonging.” Directors Imtiaz Ali, Rima Das, and Kabir Khan also praised the film’s message and

global recognition.

Ali called the experience “deeply enriching,” while Das noted its portrayal of the “nuanced, everyday realities of migrants.” Khan added that the film proves cinema’s power to “bridge cultures and foster empathy.”

The Flame Awards honour excellence in South Asian cinema, and My Melbourne‘s dual win marks a milestone for Indian-Australian storytelling on the global stage. z

Filmmaker Onir, who directed one of the anthology’s segments, said the film captured “universal emotions of longing and belonging”

Operation Sindoor: War on Patriarchy?

BHUSHAN SALUNKE

@the_indian_sun

Sindoor—for women who are not familiar with it—is a traditional red or vermilion powder applied by married Hindu women along the parting of their hair (maang), symbolizing their marital status. Deeply rooted in cultural and religious practices, Sindoor represents a woman’s devotion and prayers for her husband’s longevity and well-being. Commonly used in North India, it is applied during wedding rituals and daily as a mark of a married woman.

On May 7, 2025, the Indian government launched a military retaliation against Pakistan for the Pahalgam massacre of April 22, naming it Operation Sindoor. This choice of name Sindoor sparked

outrage among online feminists, who condemned it as a symbol of female subjugation, subordination, humiliation, cruelty, torture and male domination.

Just as a bull is enraged when it sees red, the Indian feminists go into a meltdown even thinking about the red Sindoor!

Operation Sindoor has triggered the internet feminists who are now on a warpath against the Indian government for using Sindoor for the operation name. The Indian Armed Forces is now facing attacks from two fronts: From Pakistan and from the Indian cyber feminists, the latter who have already started showering their missiles at patriarchy in the

Indian armed forces!

From a feminist viewpoint, Sindoor is seen as a symbol of patriarchal control and gender inequality. Feminists argue that it reinforces the notion that a woman’s identity and social value are tied to her relationship with a man. Women are expected to wear sindoor as a sign of loyalty and submission. Some feminists question why such customs continue to be normalized.

Feminist enfant terrible, Vaishna Roy tweeted:

“On principle, I object strongly to the label Operation Sindoor. It reeks of patriarchy, ownership of women, ‘honour’ killings, chastity, sacralizing marriage, and similar Hindutva obsessions.”

Appu, a free-thinking observer, was outraged. “Have feminists crossed the red Sindoor line here?” he asked Xena, his staunch feminist acquaintance.

“With lives at risk and war underway, is patriarchy your priority and why are you so obsessed with it? Are you not worried about getting nuked by Pakistan instead?

The name Sindoor was personally chosen by the Indian PM, Narendra Modi in a show of empathy for the women who lost their husbands in the Pahalgam massacre.

Unfazed, Xena countered, “Wars come and go, but the battle against patriarchy is fought every single day by feminists until matriarchy is established. Sindoor is a symbol of submission. Why not name the mission Operation Hanuman? Why must war be <TURN TO #75>

<CONTINUED FROM #74> framed through male saviorhood? Women are capable of fighting and taking care of themselves.”

She went further: “The armed forces remain male-dominated thanks to patriarchy and toxic masculinity. This is the moment to demand 50% female representation in the armed forces. Let’s have women launch Operation Kali next time war comes around.”

“Women are not the weaker sex anymore. Indian women have done very well in the Olympics in events such as weightlifting, wresting, boxing, shooting etc and they would make good soldiers on the ground, snipers, honey-trap spies and fighter pilots”.

Appu agreed. “The government is terribly ashamed about the gender inequality in the Indian Armed Forces. Highlighting the low representation of women in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), a parliamentary committee has asked the Union Home Ministry to take steps to encourage them to join the services, besides recommending

a reservation for transgenders. In its latest report, the panel said a policy may be explored for women officers to be given soft postings and not subject them to extremely strenuous working conditions”

“Unlike the feminists, women in the armed forces have embraced Operation Sindoor. Even though they are not in the frontline engaged in real combat, they are part of the war efforts. Even in the times of war and atrocities, the Indian government is fully committed to ensuring gender equality and it is the topmost priority. In a historic move, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the IAF and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army co-led the media briefing on Operation Sindoor. Their leadership marked a defining moment for gender equality in the Indian Armed Forces, in which men go into war to die, and women hold the fort and report on the goings on. So, don’t be too quick to label Operation Sindoor as an act of patriarchy.”

“In fact, women have recently given the opportunity to be pall

bearers, a task always reserved for men. In a recent viral video, four armed forces women pall bearers were shown carrying the coffin of the dead Pahalgam victim. Even though they were struggling to carry it to the point of dropping it, it is so heartwarming to see women empowerment”

Xena objected. “This is atrocious. Why are women given such menial jobs to do, carrying dead weights?”

Appu replied wryly, “Only men fight and die in wars. Perhaps that’s the real injustice.”

Xena concluded. “As my sisterin-arms, Vaishna Roy has said, India is obsessed with Hindutva and Hindu symbolisms such as the Sindoor. Then she put her foot in the mouth and said. “At least the Pahalgam gunmen were not patriarchal. They only killed the men and spared the women” Feminists! God bless their souls! z

(Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author)

Unlike the feminists, women in the armed forces have embraced Operation Sindoor. Even though they are not in the frontline engaged in real combat, they are part of the war efforts

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