(The IST News Network)

Can you see something wrong in this poster?

It seems to convey that Prime Minister of Australia Mr. Malcolm Turnbull and Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi are attending this event. It seems that United India Associations (UIA) has  become shorn of ideas to capture crowd for their event after the debacle of their last 5 fairs, which were attended by less than 500 people.

Nobody puts the pictures of such high profile leaders, without their official approval and confirmation of their attendance. The IST is aware that neither of them is attending this event. If UIA has their approval, they should share it with the community.

The IST understands that some key leaders inside UIA have taken a dim view of, and are deeply concerned about, this behaviour from Sreeni Pillamarri-led team.

The IST is also aware of the serious concern within the Indian Australian community, because such behaviour is likely to project the community and community associations in poor light. It is paramount that such behaviours are challenged to prevent the community from becoming a laughing stock.

(The IS Times News Desk)

Dementia Support Group for Indian Australians (DSGIA) and Federation of Indian Associations of NSW (FIAN) conducted Dementia Education Seminar for the Indian Seniors Group – Hornsby on Sunday 17 June’18. The Dementia event was attended by over 70 seniors from Indian Seniors Group Hornsby as well as by distinguished community leaders, Executive members of DSGIA and community members, says a press release.

Mr Dave Passi – President of Indian Seniors Group – Hornsby gave a warm welcome to Ms Anju Mathur-Dementia consultant, Founder & President of Dementia Support Group for Indian Australians, and one of the main speakers for the Dementia Education Seminar. Dr Yadu Singh, President of Federation of Indian Associations of NSW (FIAN) in his speech shared with the audience the main objectives of Dementia Support Group for Indian Australians (DSGIA) which is to educate the community about Dementia as a chronic health condition; increase understanding in the community about living with dementia and working together with community organisations to address this disease.

Ms Anju Mathur shared with the audience her passion for capacity building for understanding of dementia and also breaking the stigma attached with dementia especially amongst culturally and linguistically diverse communities by conducting dementia awareness presentations like this in the community and sharing the referral pathways to access support and assistance not just for person living with dementia but also their carers/family members.

Ms Anju Mathur’s presentation included key points about dementia as a major health challenge, preceded by cardiovascular disease and about dementia as the second major cause of death in Australia. Ms Mathur shared statistics on number of people living with dementia in Australia and its projected increase in numbers by 2050.  Ms Mathur’s presentation was on connection between heart health and brain health and explained about importance of risk reduction as a key strategy to combat this chronic disease by making simple lifestyle changes such as including regular exercise, following a healthy diet, remaining mentally and socially active – all factors playing an important part in a person’s brain health.

Ms Anju Mathur had invited a speaker from Dementia Australia, Ms Vandita Nijhawan -an experienced counsellor at Dementia Australia working in Western Sydney to present on services offered by Dementia Australia and on how the brain works and changes to memory and thinking as we age.

The presentations were very well received by the audience and generated lot of discussions amongst the group. The presentations were followed by afternoon tea that was organised by Ms Anju Mathur and kindly donated by Sharma’s Kitchen. Ms Mathur thanked her sponsor – Mrs and Mr Sharma from Sharma’s Kitchen.

Executive Team of Dementia Support Group for Indian Australians:

Ms Anju Mathur – President; Mr Vipul Goyal – Secretary; Mr Hemanth Gangu – Treasurer;

Executive Members: Dr Yadu Singh; Dr Manish Bhutada; Mrs Rekha Rajvanshi; Mr Satish Mathur.

(The IS Times Newsdesk)

Minister for Multiculturalism Ray Williams organised an event at Parliament House on Thursday last to celebrate the contribution of refugees to NSW during Refugee Week.

This year’s theme encourages all Australians to stand #WithRefugees, to ensure people who are forced to flee from their homes can live with dignity and hope.

Mr Williams said the NSW Government is proud to support more than 15,000 refugees who have fled persecution and their homes to start a new life in NSW over the past two years.

“Refugee Week is a significant time for us to stand together in unity and respect to celebrate the invaluable contributions of refugees to our community and State,” Mr Williams said.

“It is a time to recognise those who have faced persecution and overcome adversity to make NSW their home.

“Importantly, it provides a unique opportunity for us to come together to experience the rich diversity of our refugee communities through a variety of activities, including music, art and local festivals.”

Mr Williams also said the NSW Government is committed to ensuring the health, education and employment needs of refugees are met as swiftly as possible following their arrival.

“The NSW Government committed more than $146 million over four years to support refugees’ access valuable services and rebuild their lives here.”

Concluding on 23 June, Refugee Week aims to raise awareness about the issues affecting refugees and to celebrate the positive contributions made by refugees. The meeting was also addressed by Prof Peter Shergold, NSW Coordinator General for Refugees Settlement. Ms. Alia a Syrian Refugee shared her experiences on arrival in Sydney. “You have to be at right time and right place, she said. It was not easy to reach Australia but I was lucky to find a job after overcoming the challenge of learning English.” She had to first reach Lebanon before finally reaching Sydney.

The Indian Sub-continent Times (The IS Times) is a monthly newspaper now available freely online. The IS Times ceased to print from November 2008. The IST is a newspaper with bold journalism as its trademark. All our writers are experienced professionals and experts in their own fields. Our regular contributing writers cover a diverse range of Indian Sub-continent topics. Readers have well accepted the newspaper and felt the change in presentation and choice of reports both Indian and local.

About the Editor / Publisher “The IS Times” is the first Indian Sub-continent ethnic newspaper in Sydney owned and published by a professional. Mr. Ashok Kumar is an accomplished journalist with over 28 years’ experience in various capacities in the profession and . He has worked in some of the top national dailies of India including The Hindustan Times as a Chief Sub-editor and at the Fairfax Community Newspapers in Australia. managing The IST since 2008. He had a brief stint at the University of Western Sydney as a tutor in journalism and reporting for Blacktown Sun and Parramatta Sun.

The IS Times is becoming popular with the sub-continent population as it addresses issues of interest to the overseas Indian population, to the visiting parents, the industrious working class of the Sub-continent, to the housewives and the little ones – the future – the next generation. It is now adding a page exclusively for the elderly (seniors) as they have been looking for something of their interest in the newspapers. The IST is fulfilling their need and trying to reach all sections of the sub-continent population.

Why The IST: As a professional journalist, I feel that a large number of keen readers are deprived of the developmental news and views from the sub-continent presuming that the readers are not interested to know. Our culture, traditions and values need a correct projection. The key issues affecting the typical person from the Sub-continent are never raised. The IS Times is attempting to fix these issues. The other problem is that several local events in Australia fail to get mentioned. The readers need a paper in which they get full participation, where a forum is developed for matters of common interest. We strive to reach all and report all.

How we aspire to be different: • The Indian Sub-continent Times is not a “yet another” newspaper. It is a forum for the ethnic population for expressing their opinion on issues affecting the community.

• The Indian Sub-continent has been projected in Australia as a region of abject poverty, poor hygiene and illiteracy. We have to explode this myth. There is a lot of development happening in the region that matches the so-called most developed nations. We are proud of this. Our rich culture and values need to be reinfused among the masses.

• Our mission is to integrate all groups and build a new sub-continent overseas.

• The newspaper has sections devoted to students, women, a community forum and features of sub-continental interest. The hallmark of the paper is its Opinion page where experts in their fields comment upon current issues. The centre spread is all colour and used for photographs and colour advertising.

• Our valued readers have an active participation in the newspaper via “letters to Editor”.

 • The Headlines have a professional touch and are catchy and innovative.

Distribution Over 150 Indian Sub-continent Grocery stores vend The IS Times and for free. The Newspaper is also available on subscription for country areas, thanks to clever subscription offers; the readership has been extended to regional areas of the New South Wales and adjoining states, promotional distribution outlets are set up at all social functions and events in Sydney to create awareness about the newspaper.

The IST has been media partner for several events of mass participation to give its patrons best advertising advantage.

The IST has several marketing strategies to bolster circulation including plan to install a stand at vantage points at the retail outlets.

We are different by doing things differently.

(The IS Times Newsdesk)

Whether you’re a new parent considering your child care options or your family’s already part of the system, the new Package will overhaul the current child care fee assistance to provide more support for more families, according to Cultural Partners media release.

If you’re unsure about what the new Package will mean for your family, see below for the key facts you’ll need to know:

• On 2 July, the current Child Care Rebate and Child Care Benefit will be replaced by a single Child Care Subsidy.
• Low and middle-income families will no longer have an annual cap on the amount of subsidised child care they can claim and families with higher incomes (over $186, 958^ and under $351,248^) also benefiting with the cap being increased from $7,613 to $10,190^ per child per year. ^These amounts are correct for 2018/19 and may be subject to adjustment through indexation in subsequent years.
• Three things will determine how much Child Care Subsidy families can access: combined family income, activity level of parents, and the type of child care service they use.
• A wide range of activities will be recognised for the Child Care Subsidy including: paid work (including leave), study or training, unpaid work in a family business, looking for work, volunteering, self-employment, setting up a new business and other activities on a case-by-case basis.
• Transitioning to the new subsidy is not automatic, you’ll need to provide some new information and confirm your current details now through myGov.
• Families may not receive child care fee assistance from 2 July 2018, if their assessment is not completed

Important information.

The New Child Care Package
From 2 July 2018, the Child Care Rebate and Child Care Benefit will be replaced by a single Child
Care Subsidy. Below are some key facts to help keep families informed about the changes and
what they need to do now to transition to the new system.
How will the new subsidy be determined?
How much Child Care Subsidy families may be entitled to will be determined by three key
factors:
 Combined family income – how much families earn will determine the percentage of
subsidy they may be entitled to.
 Level of recognised activity – this determines how many hours of subsidised care parents
can claim. Activities include work, study and volunteering.
 The type of child care service used – the new subsidy will be calculated by an hourly rate
cap, which will vary depending on whether families use centre based day care, family day
care, outside school hours care or in-home care.
Will child care be more affordable?
Child care under the new arrangements will be more affordable for most families.
 Families earning $186,958 or less will have no cap on the amount of Child Care Subsidy
they can claim.
 Families earning more than $186,958 and less than $351,248 will see the existing annual
cap rise from $7,613 to $10,190 per child, per year.
How does the activity test work?
The number of hours of subsidised child care that families will have access to per fortnight will be determined by an activity test. The more activity a family does, the more hours of subsidised care they can access, up to a maximum of 100 hours per fortnight for each child. Recognised activities include paid work (including maternity leave), self-employment, approved study or training, unpaid work in a family business, voluntary work, actively looking for work or setting up a business. There will be exemptions for parents who legitimately cannot meet the activity test requirements. The parent with the lowest hours of activity per fortnight will determine the
hours of subsidised care.
What are the hourly caps?
Combined with a family’s Child Care Subsidy percentage, the hourly rate caps will be used to calculate the amount of subsidy per hour a family is entitled to, subject to the type of child care service a family uses:
 Centre based day care – $11.77 per hour
 Family day care – $10.90 per hour
 Outside school hours care – $10.29 per hour
 In home care – $25.48 per hour (per family).
Where a service charges less than the hourly rate cap, the family will receive their applicable
percentage of the actual fee charged. Where a service charges more than the hourly rate cap,
the family will receive their applicable percentage of the hourly rate cap.
How is the subsidy paid?
The new Child Care Subsidy will be paid directly to child care providers to pass on to families as reduced fees.
What do families need to do now?
Transitioning to the new Child Care Subsidy is not an automatic roll-over from the two current payments. Families must provide some new information and confirm their current details using their Centrelink online account through myGov. Families may not receive child care fee assistance from 2 July 2018 if their assessment is not completed.
Families will be asked to confirm:
 their combined family income estimate for the 2018-19 financial year
 the hours of recognised activity including work, training, study and volunteering for each parent in the family
 the type of child care the family uses
 enrolment details for those children already using child care.
For more information on this process families should visit education.gov.au/childcare
Contacts
Please contact Cultural Partners on
02 8752 7688 for further information.
Ric Yamine – info@culturalpartners.com.au
Fiona Jones – fiona@culturalpartners.com

Visit education.gov.au/childcare for more information

By Ashok Kumar/1 July, 2018

The Gujarati Samaj of NSW is under a thick blanket of financial mess and the Samaj is reportedly devoid of any vision and mission.  The documents in possession of The Indian Sub-continent Times (The IST) indicate that the expected level of governance involved in serving the community is far from being achieved.

After several financial members of The Gujarati Samaj of NSW approached The IST, The IST had written emails on June 24, 2018 to the key office bearers of the Samaj, including President Jaydatt Nayak, Vice President Vijay Raj, secretary Jignesh Raj and treasurer Kiran Desai as well as Public Officer Janak Kumar Patel, seeking their clarifications and comments, but The IST  has not received any response from either of them till going to press.

The IST visited The Gujarati Samaj of NSW website and took note of the prominent display of the businesses of “Prudential International Education Services” and “Smat Tax Advisors”, which members say belong to the key leaders of The Gujarati Samaj of NSW, with no mention whether they are the sponsors or partners of The Gujarati Samaj of NSW, members also say. 

The IST is aware of the posts on Facebook by Amit Vyas and comments made by Vira Trivedi, Prashant Bhalala, Atit Shah and Kaushal Parikh in that post. It appears that Prashant Bhalala is speaking in support of the current committee. He appears to be a front person for the current committee. The committee members, especially Jaydatt Nayak, as the president of The Gujarati Samaj of NSW, should show the leadership and be the one, who should respond to the concerns of the members of The Gujarati Samaj of NSW. 

The documents in possession of The IST reveal that the present regime is not transparent in carrying out the Samaj business. The Samaj, when questioned by members, feigned ignorance or used diversionary tactics. Some members of the community have even lodged a complaint with the NSW Fair Trading (The IST has a copy of this complaint) to look into their grievance of non-compliance of the Associations Incorporation Act 2009 by the Gujarati Samaj of NSW committee members.

The key complaints include;

1. membership fees going into the private account of an office bearer
2. no AGM for more than 3 years
3. no submission of financial report to NSW Fair Trading after 2013
4. submission of financial report of year 2012 in February 2014
5. either not holding AGMs or calling AGM after 6 months from the end of the financial year on 31 December
6. not organising the key and signature cultural event of Gurati Samaj of NSW ie Dandiya, but supporting the similar but commercial event by a key committee member
7. not showing the register of membership to its own members
8. not communicating with the members in regards to activities, committee meetings and AGMs
9. turning Gujarati Samaj into a “group” association, where family members are holding key positions. Secretary Jignesh Raj and Vice President Vijay Raj are brothers.
10. portraying office bearers as key leaders of Gujarati community, while operating Gujarati Samaj of NSW in breach of Associations Incorporation Act 2009.
11. sending the AGM notice ONLY by email, whereby some people, especially senior members, may not get it, because they either do not have functioning email accounts or do not check them frequently.

It is worth noting that every incorporated association (registered with NSW Fair Trading) is required by Associations Incorporation Act 2009 to hold an AGM every year. This AGM must be held within 6 months of the end of its financial year. Gujarati Samaj of NSW’s financial year ends on 31 December. Their next AGM is scheduled on 8 July, which is a breach of the Associations Incorporation Act 2009.

It is also worth noting that Gujarati Samaj’s AGM notice says that the AGM on 8 July 2018 is about 2016/2017. This is vague and opaque, as well as confusing. It should say that it is the AGM of 2017 (Jan-Dec 2017) or 2016 and 2017, because their financial year goes from January 1 to December 31. There is nothing called AGM of 2016/2017. The AGM of 2016/2017 is indicative of sneaky and manipulative behaviour. It talks about presentation of treasurer’s report ending on 31 December 2016/2017. There can not be such terminology in regards to Gujarati Samaj financial year, because their financial year starts on 1 January and ends on 31 December.  This so-called AGM notice does not outline which committee members’ positions are going to be decided by election on 8 July, 2018. This AGM notice is faulty, unclear and should be re-issued, members say.

There is a documentary proof that under the current leadership, the Samaj has lost its ACNC (Australian Charity and Not for profit Commission) status since the last four years and none from the Samaj has shown any urgency to get it restored until 29 June, 2018, when members raised issues about it. This is another example that committee members have been focussed on something else, other than looking after the key interests of the Gujarati Samaj of NSW.

There are concerns as to how the refund of  the donations/contributions in relations to Gujarati Samaj Community Hall in Grainville was managed by the Gujarati Samaj committee. Apparently, this sum is around $150k, which the Samaj received from the sale of Gujarati  Samaj community hall. Members do not seem to have any information about it, and nothing has been disclosed by the current committee. All sorts of speculations are flying, in the absence of clear and transparent communication and lack of financial reports after 2013.

There are speculations and allegations that committee members have used community money to attend events like the Commonwealth Games recently in Gold Coast. Nothing is clear due to absence of financial reports, lack of communication from the committee and a very opaque way to run Gujarati Samaj of NSW.

Some members have demanded that the AGM of 8 July, 2018 should be postponed to allow open and transparent communication to be established before holding the AGM.

It is obvious that the current committee of The Gujarati Samaj of NSW is either unwilling or unable to manage The Gujarati Samaj of NSW efficiently, transparently and within the Associations Incorporation Act 2009. This is a serious matter, for which the Samaj President, being the top leader, must take full and total responsibility. Members also say that it might be better that the current committee resigns from their position in The Gujarati Samaj of NSW and hands over the running of The Gujarati Samaj of NSW to senior and experienced members of The Gujarati Samaj of NSW for a few months. One of these members should be a legally trained person to streamline the governance of the The Gujarati Samaj of NSW. The transitional arrangement shouldn’t be for more than 3 months, before the AGM is held and new committee elected. 

The IST News Network

Sydney, July 4, 2018

The United Indian Associations (UIA) is in turmoil again, thanks to its new President, Sreeni Pillamarri and the Executive Committee (EC) over going ahead with a religious event despite being forbidden by the Governing Council (GC) senior members. An emergency GC meeting was convened on 17 June, 2018 where senior GC members lambasted the President for going against the suggestions of Governing Council members and breaching UIA constitution.

The Indian Sub-continent Times  is in possession of the minutes of this meeting. Almost all of the GC members censured the President for not complying with the UIA Constitution that forbids UIA to hold any religious or political events.

In this stormy meeting of Governing Council (GC) members, there was palpable anger against Mr Sreeni Pillamarri.  Such was the anger that Past President, John Kennedy, objected Mr Pillamarri from chairing the meeting and wanted the honorary Solicitor to chair the meeting. Finally, Dr Hem Chander Rao was asked to chair the meeting, which he agreed.

This emergency GC meeting took place because GC members had conveyed their serious concerns to the secretary, Satish Bhadranna about the constitutional crisis in UIA, and asked for an emergency meeting. Jaydatt Nayak from Gujarati Samaj stated that it was unconstitutional for UIA EC to do a religious event. He felt that expenses for the event must not come from UIA accounts. He and Mr Kiran Desai demanded an investigation as to how their concerns were leaked out to people outside, thus damaging their names and their association’s name. They stated that they will take action against UIA, if UIA does not investigate this matter and act accordingly. It is interesting that Jaydatt Nayak-led team did not follow rules and regulations in his own association, while raising similar concerns in regards to UIA. http://www.theistimes.com/gujarati-samaj-in-a-financial-mess-in-breach-of-the-associations-incorporation-act/

John Kennedy from Tamil Manram, and the past president of UIA, was upset about his email to the President Sreeni Pillamarri getting leaked. He wanted this to be scrutinised and report presented in the next GC meeting. Mr Kennedy also mentioned that he advised UIA EC to not use Lord Ganesha’s statue in the Mother’s Day function, as UIA events should be non-religious. His advise to Mr Pillamarri and EC to not hold Iftar dinner on 11 June, 2018 was ignored. He wanted strict measures to be put in to force EC to act within UIA constitution. Mr Dave Passi from Indian Seniors Group felt that current president did not bother to listen to the concerns of GC members and was arrogant. Sue Advani said that EC is elected by GC and can not take decisions unilaterally. Iftar dinner is a religious event and shouldn’t have been done Without GC approval. She wanted the EC to be put on a written notice by the GC. Mr Vijay Halagali, who previously held UIA Public Officer position for 6 years stated that UIA had never organised any religious or political activity before.  Sreeni Pillamarri was asked to respond. He apologised for not heeding to the advice from GC members. When asked to respond why GC WhatsApp Group was deleted without the consent of GC members, he explained that he deleted the GC WhatsApp Group because there was apparently some Cyber Crime happening there.

It was also mentioned by the Public Officer that the amendments of the constitution were yet to be lodged with Department of Fair Trading. He stated that 5 recently elected EC members were not validly elected as their nominations were signed before the new clause of SGM was approved by the GC and therefore the election of 5 EC members were not valid.

A resolution was passed. “A notice to EC shall be issued to follow UIA constitution all the time and no religious and political activities or events will be organised under UIA banner.” It was also passed that two senior GC members would be in EC meetings all the time. Sue Advani is one of such members.

What is happening inside UIA is not right. President Sreeni Pillamarri seems to not understand rules of governance and doesn’t seem to know UIA constitution. It appears that the EC members may not be holding their position as per UIA constitution.

“It is worth noting that this is the UIA leadership under Sreeni Pillamarri, which put the pictures of Indian PM, Narendra Modi and Australian PM, Mr Malcolm Turnbull in their event Flyer, thus giving a false impression about their attendance in that UIA event. It is the UIA leadership, which collected several thousands of funds on the name of deceased Ramachandran, without following any rule and without establishing that the family did indeed need the monetary assistance. Later on, the family declined to take the money, as they did not need the money, and now, most of this money is with UIA. This is grossly wrong.” http://www.theistimes.com/funds-collection-goes-awry-thanks-to-uia/ http://www.theistimes.com/there-is-no-ethical-line-which-uia-will-hesitate-to-cross/

 

This is extra-ordinary and concerning.  The community should have serious concerns about the activities of UIA.

(The IS Times News Network)

The Hindu Council of Australia (HCA) commits the Faux Pas again. The Hindu Council of Australia was established in September 1998 after a series of ‘Ganesha Viserjans’ since 1991 when a group of youngsters decided to form a permanent body to bring all Indians together.  One of their main aims was to build a permanent Hindu Bhavan. Now, over 20 years have passed, and this dream remains unfulfilled, though money was never a problem as every year Deepawali fair was being

organised. But the HCA has always remained in the Red.

The HCA’s real test of transparency came when the Premier’s Multicultural Economic Achievement Medals were to be presented, in last March . The HCA recommended the name of Mr. Yateender Gupta, a

 HCA recommendatation letter for Yateender Gupta

convicted financial offence criminal in the past and was jailed for two years. Ironically, the medal was instituted for achievements in Economic Services. Soon the Premier’s office discovered about this fact, it took back the medal. This was a big Faux Pas committed by the HCA. And the person who recommended the name was none other than his business partner and National Vice President of HCA, Mr. Bhagwat Chauhan. The IST is in possession of a copy of this letter. (link attached)

Mr. Bhagwat Chauhan is displaying conflict of interest. He is business partner of Gupta and he has recommended his name to the Premier’s office and that too on HCA letterhead thereby making HCA a party to his actions.

There have been attempts to promote him in the VIP circle and important events, making him the face of HCA. He is always prominently seen in the front row of all the HCA events.  The IST has several photographs to prove this.

Besides, there have been several discrepancies in the conduct of HCA activities:

1. HCA’s President and Secretary along with OFBJP and HSSS activists were involved in organising the function to welcome Indian Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi during his visit to Australia in 2014. The IST has information that the ANZ arena had reportedly waived the hiring charges. During the function HCA President Prof. Nihal Agar promised to dissolve IACF soon after Mr Modi returns to India but a few months later Dr. Agar and OFBJP office bearers presented themselves before Mr. Modi in New Delhi as IACF representatives. However, The IST wrote emails to HCA President Prof. Nihal Agar, HCA Secretary Mr. Sanjeev Bhakhri, Ramyavaram of HSSS and OFBJP president Mr. Balesh Dhankar, who were the face of IACF. But The IST received reply only from Yateender Gupta on behalf as accountant of IACF providing no details of the accounts saying his allegiance is towards his client. Mr. Gupta’s reply indicates the proximity of Mr. Gupta and the IACF leaders. There is no information on the funds taken from the community. Mr. Gupta is forgetting that IST was asking for account of public/community money hence, he should have answered
2. HCA is a community organisation but it is registered as a private limited company whereas it follows a closed-door policy.
3. The HCA basks in third party glory. It is famous for piggy backing several projects initiated by others like Free food distribution in Parramatta. This programme was started by Sai Pravastu and was pursuing his activity single handedly and spending from his own pocket. Now, he is made a Director by HCA and put its stamp on his activity.
4. The HAIFA Day is solely a military event and a religious body like HCA has no role to play. Yet, it sneaked into this event.
5. Parramasala is a cultural event, yet it thrust itself in to celebrate the International Women’s Day and awarded few women of the community. The awardees were allegedly a few handpicked women.

The HCA is a religious organisation and it should confine itself to religious activities without indulging in any third party activity where specialised services and trained experts are available. The HCA is making attempts to raise its market value by gate-crashing into other’s activities. Since the recommendation was on HCA letterhead, HCA  also becomes party to it. HCA should have taken  strict action against Mr. Chauhan.

United Indian Associations (UIA) is slipping deep into the quagmire of fallacy. A media release issued by UIA lists 31 financial member associations but few of them have already pulled out of the UIA umbrella while a few are not registered on the Fair Trading of NSW register. Some of them seems to be fictitious as their acronyms are listed without elaborating on what these associations stand for.

It may be noted that for the reason of obtaining grant from the State Government, more the number of members, the more is grant. Hence, UIA did not remove the non- functional members or those who have not paid the membership fee for several years from the list on the media release.

The Indian Sub-continent Times (The IST) wrote email to UIA President Mr. Sreeni Pillamari to come clear on the issue but he chose not to respond. Due to an emergency in his home, The IST deferred writing about it but the deadline has already passed but still no response till date has been received.

In the meantime, The IST has come across another article ostensibly written by his promoters that he is in community service since 1991 whereas he came to Australia in 1998 as a student. He claimed to have joined Telugu Association in 1993 but a letter from Telugu Association President suggests that Mr. Pillamari joined in 1998 but was active from 20013.

Recently, the Governing Council (GC) reprimanded him for overlooking its guidelines not to hold religious function under the banner of UIA. As this was not enough, UIA President floated an article ostensibly written by his promoters that he is in community service since 1991 whereas he came to Australia in 1998.

In a UIA  media release he has listed 31 financial members whereas several of these member associations are either defunct or left UIA. For example, one of the Tamil associations has quit the UIA. On the list is Federation of Indian Students Association is not an association any more as per the register of NSW Department of Fair trading.

By Ashok Kumar,

Sydney, July 15, 2018

We have seen several love stories on the screen and even love stories of married couples (Saathi) but never the love story of a dead couple. “Gardish Mein Taare” shown in Sydney on 14 July at the Sir John Clancy Auditorium, UNSW is a play based on the turbulent life and times of noted film maker Guru Dutt and his playback singer wife Geeta Dutt.

“Gardish mein Taare” as name suggests Guru Dutt and Geeta could not have a fairy tale love story and marriage due respective ego and 

obsessions. The play begins with the death of Dev Dutt Bose and rest of the story is narrated by Bhavna Dutt Bose (Guru Dutt and Geeta Dutt) played here by noted actors Arif Zakaria of ‘Bombay Talkies and Darmiyaan fame’ and Sonali Kulkarni, of ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ fame.

The rest of the story is narrated through ‘flash backs’ by the singer while being interrogated for her husband’s death. Film directors are known for their varying moods and styles while working.  So, why not here? That was the essence of the story. Varying moods of Vasanth Kumar Shivashankar Padukone, popularly known as Guru Dutt and Dev Dutt in the play reflected the upheaval in their lives.

Despite their skirmishes, Geeta also tells the investigating officer about her intense love for Dutt , ” hum ladte hain to janwar ki tarha aur pyaar bhi karte hain janwaron ki tarha.” (We fight like animals but also love like animals.)

The MC stated that the play would leave an impression and surely it did but few in the audience were left disappointed as they found a very weak topic.  It was just an episode in their life that proved to be disastrous. As is known, Geeta too died soon and their two sons, Tarun and Arun, followed their parents to heaven. The only surviving persons are their daughter Nina and Arun’s two daughters.

Coming back to the play, set in blue background reflects the tragic tale of the talented couple and what to expect from the director Saif Hyder Hassan. There was a brief indication of involvement of Afsana (Waheeda?) with Dutt.  There was also a mention of another person in the life of Geeta thereby completing the adultery angle though there was a phone call informing Dutt that his wife has left the house with children. To lighten the mood, Dutt mimics Yusuf sahib in a scene while waiting for him on the sets.

Back home the pictures of Guru Dutt and Geeta tell a different tale. That of a happy and loving couple far away from Gardish Mein Taare.

The background props are effectively used by Hassan depicting the times of 50s and a glimpse into the then films. Arif who is not new to Sydney (Bombay Talkies) performed superbly as Guru Dutt and Sonali looked fresh and mature while giving a magnificent performance as Geeta.

Congratulations to Manju Mittal for bringing a superb show to Sydney and her love for the Mumbai film industry is growing. She understands the mood of the audience in Sydney very well.

(The IST): Padma Bhushan Gopal Das Saxena ‘Neeraj,’ the veteran Hindi poet passed away earlier this week following lung ailment. He was 93.  He wrote several Bollywood lyrics for films like ‘phoolon ke rang se’ for Prem Pujari, ‘Aye Bhai Zara Dekh ke chalo’ for Mera Nam joker and won poetry/song lovers hearts.
In the television interview, Gopaldas Neeraj called himself an unlucky poet which led to his stopping himself from writing film songs and confining himself to just writing and getting his poems published.

The reason for this mentioned by him was that at least two or three prominent Music Directors of the Hindi Film Industry for whom he wrote very successful and popular songs, had expired. He mentioned the death of Jaikishan of the music duo Shankar-Jaikishan as well as of S.D.Burman or Sachin Dev Burman, for both of whom he had written highly popular film songs. The deaths of these Music Directors when they as well as Gopaldas Neeraj were at the peak of their popularity, left him very depressed and he made a decision to quit the film industry.

By Sanghmitra & Ashok Kumar

Sydney July 22, 2018: A full house at a poetry event was never heard of, in Sydney at least. Such was the magic of Khushbir Singh Shaad’s ‘Shayari’ (Poetry) that everyone was spellbound to hear him.  Khushbir Singh Shaad, brought up in Lucknow and later moved to Punjab learnt Urdu at the ‘tender’ age of 42 to give us some gems of Urdu poetry. Shaad, the nickname means  happy but his poems spell depth.

The evening titled ” Ek Shaam Kuchch Alag si – with Khushbir Singh Shaad ” was organised by Rekha Rajvanshi of Indian Literary and Art photos:- HM Walia of Desi Australia

Society of Australia (ILASA) at The Grand Marion Function Centre, Harris Park and started with a moment of silence in respect of  noted poet and songwriter Gopal Das ‘Neeraj’ who passed away on 19th July at the age of 93.

Saba Zaidi Abidi, a noted theatre Director and Urdu writer gave an introduction of Shaad Saab and how she met a lanky and slim sardar  for the first time when she was working in AIR Lucknow years ago. She disclosed that Shaad Saab started reading and writing Urdu so he could better express his thoughts in his Shayari (poems). He felt that this was the only way to be fair towards his craft as well as his love for the Urdu language. Thereafter, Ashraf Shad from SBS Urdu radio also humorously described his close association with Khushbir Saab as “the bigger Shaad, as his name had two A’s”

As the wait was over and Shaad Saab took over the mic, magic flowed in his words captivating and enchanting every member of the audience. Though he has the knack for expressing the most profound thoughts in simple words, he still explained the meaning of many words and made sure everyone could “feel” his poetry.

As he read out of his latest publication, the audience could feel umpteen emotions gushing through them. He also mentioned that to be a good poet or any artist for that matter, it is pivotal to be a good human being. This thought, his simplicity and his mastery over his craft aptly made this evening kuchh alag si (something different).

The divination of the evening continued in the second half with the beautiful voice of Chirasmita Chakraborty Das who sang Dil cheez kya hai (Umrao Jaan) and Farida Khanum’s famous ghazal Aaj jaane ki zidd na karo, leaving the audience wanting to listen to more. Ajoy Ghosh, giving a tribute to ‘Neeraj’ sang Dil aaj shayar hai (Gambler) and the ghazal Hoshwalon ko khabar kya  (Sarfarosh) in his melodious voice. Upon the audiences’ demand, Ashraf Shaad and Anil Verma recited their poetry and the evening concluded with Rekha Rajvanshi singing her popular ghazal Mann samandar hai phir pyaasa hai.

One of the most well organized events in Sydney, the evening would be remembered for its unmatchable talent. excellent venue (The Grand Marion, Harris Park) and a wonderful art loving audience.

By The IST Staff

Sydney July 30, 2018

Former Indian Ministers and Congress leaders Mr. Sachin Pilot and Mr. Milind Deora on 29 July 2018 were given a reception in Dezire function Centre, Blacktown Sydney by the Indian Overseas Congress, Australia. An interactive Q-A session was the highlight of the evening. The young leaders also talked to the media and posed for photos.

Mr. Pilot and Mr. Milind Deora were accorded a rousing reception at the meet and greet event organized by the Indian Overseas Congress, Australia. The two leaders’ visit is being seen as a continuation of the earlier visit by Mr. Sam Pitroda, aimed at revitalizing the Congress party amongst the large Indian Diaspora in Australia.

Replying to a question by The IST on Rahul Gandhi’s decision to pass over the PM’s seat and the resultant scramble for the position, Mr Deora said, Mr. Gandhi is building the party, he is taking on the challenge of the BJP, and we don’t know what the future holds. There the combinations  will be formed and leadership issue will be decided then.

To a similar question on the dynasty issue, Mr. Deora said there is a misconception about the Gandhi family, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi handed the prime ministership to Dr. Manmohan Singh. The Indians living outside India need to change the mindset and you are very successful NRIs.

Mr Pilot said, in the last 30 years,’ none in the Gandhi family has occupied the position of a Prime Minister, Chief Minister or a Minister. Don’t think Rahul Gandhi is now looking to occupy the top position. “But the Congress will lead an opposition alliance and who will occupy what position, time will tell,” he said.

Asked by The IST to comment on the frequent lynching incidents in India, Mr. Pilot said, “There are laws in the country including on cow slaughter. If anyone violates those laws the due process of law should take its own course. But it cannot be that on mere suspicion you attack and kill people in broad daylight. “We oppose this trend whether it’s in Rajasthan or any other place in the country, we condemn it (lynching). Those convicted of lynching are being garlanded by political leaders, our country cannot afford to have this.”

On the question of granting dual citizenship, Mr. Deora said the main concern is that the Indians who are citizens of Australia or any other country should be allowed to vote in India. That’s something we will try to achieve when we are back in power. There’s no reason why we can’t resolve this issue.

On food security, a media person asked why people still have to go without food even after 70 years of governance; Mr. Pilot observed that today after so many years if our men women and children are deprived of food it’s a matter of shame for all of us. Even after successive governments if people do not get basic amenities, it’s our responsibility to provide the.It’s important to know what the people or the country wants and the parties or their leader doesn’t matter. Our competitors or our party should work for the nation and there should be no enmity.

By Neeraj Nanda

MELBOURNE, 29 July 2018: A proposal by the Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria (FIAV) to install a life-size statue of India’s father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi opposite the Dandenong Station and adjacent to Little India, Foster Street shops has been shot down in a community consultation survey which closed on 7 June 2018.

According to a reliable source, more than 900 people participated in the survey commissioned by the Dandenong Council with more people saying no to the proposal. The survey information and other matters came up recently before a meeting of the Indian Prescient Task Force led by Gabrielle Williams, MP, Dandenong.

SAT contacted the Dandenong Council to know about the outcome of the survey and was told by Anya Murray that the information collected in the survey has been submitted to the Indian Prescient Task Force for a decision and the Council is likely to issue a media statement on the issue in a few weeks in August 2018.

FIAV leader and member of the Indian Prescient Task Force, Vasan Srinivasan talking to SAT said, “The Indian Prescient Task Force decided not to have any statue including that of Mathama Gandhi in the area.”

“I am not willing to take the proposal to another level, “Mr. Vasan told SAT.

Mr. Vasan also said, “We do not need any money for the Gandhi statue but the Dandenong Council needs to take leadership on this issue. Gandhi is more popular than anyone else in India and hence I do not support any other statue there.”

Another proposal to install a statue of Basava, 12th-century Lingayat philosopher and social reformer also did not succeed at the Task Force meeting. Though this was not part of the Council survey.

Interestingly, three largescale artworks including one on Gandhi were commissioned and completed by the Dandenong Council in Little India, Foster Street to celebrate the Indian and subcontinent flavor of the area.

The Council website says,” Melbourne’s south-east region is home to more than 52,000 people of Indian origin. Approximately 12,400 first generation Indian residents currently call the City of Greater Dandenong home.”

Only recently the Immigration Museum with the support of the state government hosted an exclusive exhibition ‘Mahatma Gandhi: An Immigrant, an interactive exhibition from 5 April to July 2018. The highlight was the visit of Gandhi’s granddaughter Ela Gandhi, a former member of parliament in South Africa.

The IST Staff

Sydney 05, 2018

When Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley visited Australia in 2016, he told media in Sydney that he was scouting for the vast Australian Superannuation fund to be invested in  growing Indian economy. The Australian leaders saw that there was great potential in India and the Prime Minister Hon Malcolm Turnbull launched  an India Economic Strategy to 2035 that was authored by former Australian High Commissioner to India Mr. Peter N Varghese, AO. 

Taking a cue from Mr. Jaitley’s statement, Ms. Shemara Wikramanayeke of the Macquaire Group said ,during a panel discussion at the launch of 500 page the Peter’s report in Sydney on Thursday last, that the sheer weight of money will force super fund to look to India. She said the Australian super pool was  heading towards $ 3 trillion and “India is a country that’s very high growth. I think the reason that people have been reluctant to invest in India from Australia is that the risks have been higher historically, but things are starting to change now.”

“India remains a challenging place to do business, but there is no question in my mind that the balance sheet between opportunities and challenges clearly favours opportunities,” Mr Varghese, who is now University of Queensland chancellor, said at the CEDA event.

Mr. Ashok Jacob, who is chairman of the Australia-India Council, said there needed to be an “ignition button pressed”

He said chief executives and boards were on notice that in 10 years they would be asked whether they had looked closely enough at India.

Mr. Varghese who first gave an overview of his report said the structural drivers that were making India the fastest-growing major economy in the world, including vast urbanisation, a mean age of 27 and an ambitious infrastructure investment program. That is expected to keep India’s growth at between 6 and 8 per cent over the next 20 years.

He said the government should switch focus to negotiations for a regional trade deal. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) includes south-east Asian countries, India and New Zealand, as well as Japan, China and South Korea.

Former Premier of NSW, Mr. Barry O’Farrell chaired the discussion that was later thrown open for a Q and A session. Among the audience, Ms.Pallavi Sinha, Lawyer & Academic & NSW Council for Women’s Economic Opportunity thanked CEDA & the Panellists for the event. She spoke about the importance of including women in implementing the Indian Economic Strategy (women are about 51% of the Australian population & some reports suggest that the economic participation in India is falling). She said that as a Chair of Women in Business AIBC NSW she is driving a leadership dialogue with the Australian High Commissioner to India Her Excellency Harinder Sidhu. She asked if this could be an opportunity to explore ways to implement the strategy

• pg 7 of the strategy states:

  “…the likely growing political influence of the Indian diaspora, something which is already evident in state politics. As they have in Canada, the Indian diaspora may prove over the next two decades to be the most politically active of any migrant group in Australian history since the Irish. This will have implications for the priority our political leaders will place on the relationship with India.”
• pg 356 states “Compared to the professional Indian diaspora in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Singapore, the Indian diaspora in Australia are yet to achieve a similar level of influence in higher levels of state and federal politics, academia and business. As our Indian diaspora become more politically active, both within the electorate and in the political class, the impetus of Australian state and federal governments to promote the bilateral relationship will only increase.”

According to Amitabh Mattoo, The Varghese report has yet to be adopted by the Federal Parliament and in the Pacific dialogue, The Rudd Government had excluded India from the group. And now, there is talk to switch the emphasis on India as part of The RCEP.

Among the key areas where Australia can invest are Education, Tourism, Agribusinesses, Resources, Energy, Health and Financial Services.

The IST Staff

Sydney 05, 2018

How many types of sarees (Indian wrap around) are there? This fact is told not by a fashion designer but a poet. Mrs. Rekha Dwivedi, a noted poetess from India, through her poem revealed about different types of sarees and different ways it could be used  in a poetry session, organised by the Consulate of India in Sydney and Indian Literary and Arts Society of Australia (ILASA) on Friday last.

Altogether 13 poets from Sydney, Melbourne and India participated in the Kavi Goshthi (poetry session) after observing a minute’s silence for a local poet and singer Riaz Shah who had passed away just a day before. The 13 poets who recited their poems on various topics include, Manish Rana, Jasbir Ahluwalia, Jyotsna Talwar, Prageet & Bhawna Kunwar, Vijay Kumar Singh, Harihar Jha, Dr Rekha Dwivedi, Anil Sharma, Dr Prabhat Sinha, Kuldeep Josal, Anu Shivaram, and Rekha Rajvanshi.

Whereas the poets touched upon various aspects of life and relationships, Dr. Prabhat Sinha stood out invoking patriotism fervour among the audience. He recited about the happenings in Kashmir and the anger was implicit in his words. Kuldeep Joshal narrated a hilarious incident during a Ramlila performance when the main actor fell sick and a Sikh replaced him. He was to deliver his lines when he forgot the lines and said Sat sri akal instead of pranam and actor who was playing Sita was also a Sikh, replied ‘Waheguru ji ka khalsa Waheguru ji ki fateh,’  sending audience into peals of laughter. Kuldeep admitted later that he was quoting another poet Hari Singh Dilbar. 

Jasbir Singh Ahluwalia trying to overcome the shock of Riaz Shah’s demise shared a few lines from his play “Faasle” that were rendered by Riaz, “Sache pyaar ke sahare jee lenge, zindagi ke gam pee lenge, faasle dilan de mitaa dein to phir uss rabb to ki lavan ge.”

Harihar Jha from Melbourne was unsure whether to recite philosophical poem or on comedy and decided on comedy poem on wife and husband ‘take care’ dialogue when leaving for parents house (maika). Anil Sharma from Agra recited about women and stubbornness (Zid). In life woman undergoes so much of hardships and successes. A Woman gets and should get the credit for everything. Rekha Rajvanshi recited four liners poetry and a ghazal to conclude the event.

It was an enjoyable evening with Harmohan Walia clicking away poignant moods of the audience. Rekha Rajvanshi thanked Consul S. K. Verma for taking initiative to organise the event and distributed certificates of appreciation to the poets. She also thanked the Consulate staff for their support and snacks

The IST Staff

Sydney August 6, 2018

Kishore Kumar was born on Aug 4, 1929 in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh. On his 89th birth anniversary, Ajoy Ghosh and his Kishore lovers organised an evening of Kishore songs rendered by Ghosh and his group including, Madan Lepcha, Sanjay, Naseer.

Though not all his favorites were sung but a select and knowledgeable audience was enthralled with memories of the great singer. The evening started with a minute’s silence in memory of another popular Sydney singer Riaz Shah who was also to take part in this concert. The Kishore mood was set with the rendering of ‘ye shaam mastani’ from Kati patang by Madan, who originally used to sing Rafi songs in company of Riaz bhai. Madan has good voice that suits both Rafi and Kishore songs. Kishore’da as he was popularly called sang for Rajesh Khanna and made him a super star. Similarly, Amitabh also owes his stardom to Kishore’da who gave his voice in 130 songs in 60 films.

It was a Kishore Kumar event, but Madan chipped in with Rafi songs as a tribute to Riaz Shah who passed away just three days ago. Then there was a flurry of Rafi songs from Shammi era. Once there was a debate in a film magazine about who is a better singer Kishore or Rafi. Kishore wrote back in the magazine “I couldn’t have sung ‘Madhuban mein Radhika naache re’. Rafi saab is certainly great singer”. That quelled the debate. Such was greatness of Kishore’da.

Kishore and Shammi were good friends but Kishore’da never sang for Shammi except in one song ‘saat saheliyan’ from ‘Vidhata’ at the fag end of his career and this regret Shammi always had. What we would have experienced if Kishore’da had lent his voice to Shammi Ji.

The IST Staff

Australia’s most loved Bollywood event, 

the6^th Annual Telstra Bollywood Dance Competition (TBDC), part of Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), drew thousands to Melbourne’s Federation Square on Saturday, 11 August 2018 with returning judge Bollywood superstar Malaika Arora, joined by Bollywood heavyweights Nikkhil Advani and Avtar Panesar to judge all the Bollywood dancing action from 31 dance groups, The IST Staff reports.

The Telstra Bollywood Dance Competition immediately followed the emotional Indian Independence Day Flag Hoisting Ceremony, with India’s most celebrated actress and queen of Bollywood, Rani Mukerji hoisting the flag in front of thousands of Indian Australians and people from the subcontinent diaspora.

Winning acts LAKS Dance Crew, C Walk and Fusion Beats wowed judges with their slick, polished performances and crowd engagement and each won $1,000 prize courtesy of Telstra.

Celebrity judge Malaika Arora said, “I’d like to thank Telstra for inviting me and my co-judges here today to judge the Telstra Bollywood Dance Competition. It is wonderful to see such large numbers of people coming to support their favourite group.”

Celebrity judge Avtar Panesar said, “As someone who grew up outside of India, it is heartening to see Indian culture alive here in Australia. I see a lot of myself in these kids as they are embracing the language and culture.”

Jeremy Nicholas, Executive Director, Brand, Consumer, Business Marketing, Telstra said, “Telstra is excited and proud to connect with the South Asian community for the sixth year by supporting Australia’s most loved Bollywood event – the iconic Telstra Bollywood Dance Competition. As always, we were extremely impressed by the calibre of performances – every year the bar is set even higher.”

Fans in Australia and around the world who could not attend tuned in to watch the action streamed live and free on the IFFM Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/IndianFilmFestivalOfMelbourne/videos/1961085707303970/. The stream attracted over 17,000 viewers over the day.

“Telstra is delighted that so many fans in Australia and around the world were able to use the nation’s largest and fastest mobile network to livestream the event as if they were really there.”

“We know how important data is for Bollywood and dance fans wanting to stream their favourite content online. This is why we have said alvida to excess data charges on a number of our new mobile plans for use in Australia.”

Now on Australia’s best mobile network, customers can get 30GB for $69/mth with no excess data charges in Australia when you bring your own compatible phone. Min cost $828 on a 12 month BYO plan. Visit telstra.com/alvida

During this year’s TBDC, fans could also participate by sending an SMS for their favourite acts and had the opportunity to ask our celebrity Bollywood judges questions throughout the competition. Over 4100 SMS votes were cast by fans and the winners on the day were:

• Adult – LAKS Dance Crew
• Pre-Teen – C Walk
• People’s Choice – Fusion Beats

The Telstra Bollywood Dance Competition features dance performers wearing vibrant colours and traditional South Asian and Bollywood inspired costumes, captivating the audience. Competitors were judged on choreography, technique, costumes, music and props.

Watch the Telstra Bollywood Dance Competition 2018 here: https://www.facebook.com/IndianFilmFestivalOfMelbourne/videos/1961085707303970/

The IST Staff Correspondent

Sydney 16 August, 2018,

India gained independence 71 years ago but celebrations continued for a year in Sydney when NSW Premier hosted a reception for the Indian community for the first time in Parliament House.  India holds a special place in Australian relations with other countries of the world. Parramatta, the emerging as second CBD of Sydney held a flag hoisting ceremony for the first time when Parramatta Mayor organised the event along with Councillor Sameer Pandey. Later in the evening, the Consul General Mr. B Vanlalvawna organised a reception at The Calyx in the picturesque Royal Botanical Gardens.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said at the NSW Parliament, “By acknowledging your Independence Day, we wish to show the respect with which we regard your community and your contributions to our state.” She revealed that the state will join in in the celebrations planned for Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary next year. She also talked about her recent visit to India where she held talks with business leaders in Mumbai and New Delhi specially in IT and food industries.

Ms. Gladys announced NSW’s participation in the year-long celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi from 2 October, 2018.

The NSW Minister for Multicultural Affairs, the Hon. Ray Williams announced that Dr Hari Harinath will continue in a second term as Chair of Multicultural NSW. This surprise early Independence Day gift was received by the gathering with loud cheer. Both the leaders as well as Mr. Vawna great strides achieved by Indian economy to become the sixth largest economy in the world  from a very poor state in 1947.

Mr. Vanlalvawna expressed his appreciation of the NSW government’s gesture for organising the event. “Having served in five different countries so far, I can safely say I have not seen this level of engagement so far with the local Indian community, particularly from the political establishment,” he said.

At the colourful event held at the CGI Sydney, Mr. Vawna read out the message of the President of India delivered on the eve of 72nd Independence Day followed by cultural programmes.

A huge crowd had gathered at a colourful and first ever flag hoisting ceremony at Parramatta Town Hall. People from all walks of life took part in the celebrations. The crowd comprised people from Indian heritage and local populace. The Master of Ceremony revealed that 11 percent of the Parramatta had Indian Heritage. The Consul General thanked the Mayor Clr. Andrew Wilson for organising the event. A similar event was held in Blacktown where councillors Mr. Susai Benjamin and Moninder Singh put up an impressive show.

Earlier last week-end, the Federation of Indian Associations of NSW (FIAN)organised India Fair witnessed by more than 20,000 people. Among the dignitaries who attended the fair included NSW Premier Hon. Gladys Berejiklian, leader of Opposition Hon. Luke Foley, Minister for Multiculturalism Hon. Mr. Ray Williams, Member for Strathfield Jodi McKay, Member for Granville Hon. Julia Finn, Member for Parramatta Hon. Mr. Geoff Lee, Member for Berowra Julian Leeser, Chair of Multicultural NSW Dr. G.K. Harinath, Councillors Mr. Sameer Pandey and Mr. Suman Saha. The food and goods stall had a good and brisk business. The fair concluded with the crowd witnessing scintillating fireworks.

The IST Staff Correspondent

Sydney, 18 August, 2018:

There was only one leader in Indian politics who rose above the party politics and made ‘Raj Dharm’ (State Duty) his motto. He was Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister of India. He passed away on 16 August, 2018 in New Delhi. Indian Australiana organised a tribute (prayer meeting) at the ‘Grand Marion’ in Harris Park. The prayer meeting commenced with the garlanding of picture of the departed leader and floral tribute was offered by all those who attended the prayer meeting.

Dr. Yadu Singh gave a brief introduction of Atal ji’s life and politics. Poetry, written by Atal ji, was recited by Rekha Rajvanshi, Abbas Raza Alvi and Dr Prabhat Sinha.

Bhajans (devotional songs) were rendered by Shobha Ingleshwar and personal interactions, experiences and impressions were mentioned.

Key members of Indian Australian community participated in the ‘Shraddhanjali’ ceremony and offered their tribute and prayers for the peace to the departed soul. Prayers were also made to the almighty God to give courage to the departed leader’s family & friends to bear with this loss.

Every speaker mentioned that former Prime Minister was a unique leader with unparalleled political stature.

Dr. Singh thanked everyone for attending the ceremony. Mr. Sanjay Patel of Patel Brothers Group offered the venue ‘The Grand Marion’ and provided refreshments for the ceremony.