India celebrates its Independence Day on 15th August every year. It does not matter whether it is a weekday or weekend. 15th August is the day of celebration all over India and for all Indians, irrespective of where they live. It shouldn’t be different for us in Australia either.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_(India)
We are proud Australians, but we are also proud of our Indian heritage. People from our community have done very well in Australia. It makes us proud to see so many successful businessmen/women, lawyers, doctors, Bankers, teachers, Movie makers, CEOs, CFOs, accountants, builders, Entertainers, Cultural performers, Artists, IT professionals, Realtors, restaurateurs and entrepreneurs from our community doing so well in this great country. Three cheers for their success!
I was thrilled to read the latest Census report, telling us that there are approx. 400,000 people of Indian heritage in Australia. India is the number one source of migrants to Australia now. We are doing fine in many respects. The only thing we have not been that good is about our presence in politics. This will change soon. I was pleased to see so many among us contesting coming Council elections in September 2012. This is a good sign.
We have a significant clout but we are not marketing, exhibiting and utilizing it appropriately due to our bickering and differences. This needs to change.
Just to illustrate a point, I was invited to the Israel’s Independence Day celebration at a 5 Star Hotel in the city a few weeks ago. I was highly impressed with the crowd. NSW Premier, Barry O’Farrell, about 10 ministers, Leader of Opposition [John Robertson], members of State shadow ministry, Top leaders from Federal Govt and Federal shadow ministry, along with Editors of national newspapers, media leaders and ethnic community leaders were present. Close to 40 MPs were there. Many Consul Generals, High commissioners and Ambassadors too were there. It was indeed a hugely impressive gathering.
Can we match it or do something similar? Yes, we can, if we work together.
We have started the process from this year. I hope great people of Indian heritage share our passion and join us in this. We ourselves have done some significant networking in the community. While some very important businesses and entities are on board for this event of ours and are supporting us wholeheartedly, we need support from others who are equally important. We are indeed thrilled with the support from Maya Da Dhaba, Sharma’s Kitchen, SHIAMAK DAVAR Group from Melbourne, Patel Brothers Group, Parravilla, Murli Bhojwani, Best & Less Travel, Go Kool, Tuli Jewellers, FIAV [Federation of Indian Association of Victoria] and many more, and we are likely to have many more on board soon. We also need to hear from you about our great achievers [and sometimes, silent achievers], who must be invited for an event like this. It is not just “my” function. It is indeed “our” function as a community.
Changing the usual style and going for a classy style, befitting the status of our community in Australia, this event [Indian Independence Day Celebration] is happening in the evening of 15th Aug, 2012. There is no ticket for it as it is an “INVITATION ONLY” event.
“Invitations” will be mailed out soon.
More details about us at www.indaus.org.au.
It is beyond doubt that there is a need for an effective and smart networking of our people for so many reasons. We need to start recognising “positives” among our people and not focus too much on the “negatives” as long as “positives” clearly outnumber “negatives”. We need this networking and understanding also for enhancing the reputation of our community. This is a no brainer.
Let the petty politics be buried and minor differences ignored. Let us move forward!
Let us come together and put up a wonderful celebration of Indian Independence Day right on Independence Day, ie 15th August!
Stay tuned!
Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/26th July, 2012
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