Mr. B. Vanlalvawna

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Indian Independence Day celebration at Consulate General of India in Sydney

Sydney, 15th August, 2017


Consulate General of India in Sydney hosted the Indian Independence Day today,

Indian Flag was hoisted and the speech of the President of India was read. A few patriotic songs were sung and Consul General of India, Mr B. Vanlalvawna, gave a sweet and patriotic speech. Some of the people there were dressed in the colours of the Indian Flag. 

The patriotism and pride to belong to Indian heritage were two most important emotions there. 

This was followed by refreshments and social interactions among people who attended the ceremony.

Jai Hind! 

Dr Yadu Singh

http://www.twitter.com/dryadusingh

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Maa Tuje Salaam: A Multimedia Tribute to India’s brave Hearts, Sydney, 2 April, 2017

Sydney, 16 March, 2017

Book your Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?embed&eid=263648

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Maa Thuje Salaam R Final.jpg

Maa Tuje Salam – A Multimedia Performance (involving dance, song, music, film and animation), Sydney, 2 April, 2017.

 

This is a tribute to India’s brave hearts who sacrifice their lives to the nation.

This is a beautiful concoction of Indian classical and Bollywood dance styles by Kala Ratna Dr.Sanjay Shantaram and his team from Shivpriya Dance School, Bangalore, India. http://www.shivapriya.in/?page_id=32

Maa Tuje Salam is our contribution in our support for National Defence Fund, which works for the welfare of the members of the Indian Armed Forces (including Para Military Forces) and their dependents including assistance to Indian defence martyrs’ families. The National Defence Fund is administered by an Executive Committee, with PM as the Chairperson, and Defence, Finance and Home Ministers as Members. Finance Minister is the Treasurer of the Fund. Accounts of the Fund are kept with the Reserve Bank of India. http://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/national-defence-fund/

Dr Sanjay Shantaram is a talented dancer and actor in Kannada and Telugu film industry. Sanjay was born to, ‘Dr. Shantaram’ and ‘Swarna’. He started to learn classical dance at the age of seven. Sankara bharanam was the inspirational film, which made Sanjay go deep into the classical dance. He started his training at the age of 7 under the coaching of Smt. G. S. Rajalakshmi. He was the first rank holder in the dance examination, which was organized and carried out by the ‘Karnataka Secondary Education Board’. He made his debut as a child actor in 1981 in the film Bhaktha Gnana Deva.

He started to act in Telugu and Kannada films. At the same time, his love for dance did not diminish. He was also a good student in academics too. He scored 80% marks in his tenth standard board exams and in the same year, he ranked first in the senior grade dance competition by the ‘Karnataka Secondary Education Board’. In fact, Sanjay is a dentist too. In the year 1992, he won gold medal in a dance competition conducted in Hyderabad by ‘Navya Nataka Samithi’. He has also learnt Kuchipudi from Smt. Sunanda Devi.

Sanjay is acting in television serials too.

His dance school named ‘Shivapriya School of Dance’ in Bangalore teaches. Bharathanatyam, Kuchipudi and other folk dances to the students.

He is an internationally acclaimed dancer and his team has performed in many cities all over the world. His troupe is also in the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) panel.

It is a “Must Go” and “not-To-Be-Missed” event, with a noble purpose behind it in the support of National Defence Fund. A significant part of the money saved will go the National Defence Fund.

All tickets will be pre-booked through a booking system to make it easier for everyone.

LINK: https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?embed&eid=263648

Dr Yadu Singh

Federation of Indian Associations of NSW

fianinc1@gmail.com

http://www.fian.org.au

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GOI should assist NRIs/PIOs who are affected by banning of INR 500 & INR 1000 notes

Update on 18 Nov, 2018: https://yadusingh.wordpress.com/2016/11/18/update-on-banned-inr-500-and-1000-notes-for-nris/

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Sydney, 11 November, 2016

Indian Government demonetised (banned) INR 500 and INR 1000 notes on 8 November, 2016.

Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, addressed the nation at 8 pm on Tuesday, 8 November and announced the banning of these notes from midnight. The justification for this decision was to control the menace of black money, which is a tool for tax avoidance and is often is also used to fund and spread terrorist activities in India. Apparently, millions of fake currency notes are smuggled into India from across the borders to finance terrorism in India. Political parties will be affected too because their (illegal) trenches of such notes will be worthless and will not be able to be used during elections.

Seemingly, it is a great decision which will be beneficial to Indian economy in the long term.

Black money is estimated to be 25% of India’s GDP and the commonest (estimated 80%) notes used for counterfeit currency are high denomination notes. If and when new notes of high denominations are printed and circulated by GOI, it is expected that they will have advanced security features which will make counterfeiting difficult, if not impossible.

This decision will therefore help India in many ways, although it will cause some temporary inconvenience to people. This could be due to short term restrictions on ATM usage, limits on maximum amount withdrawn from ATMs and banks and lack of sufficient supply of regular currency notes.

This decision affects NRIs and PIOs too. Many people travel to India at least once a year, and some do so even more often. It is not uncommon for them to have some Indian currency with them and bring it back to the country of their residence, while flying out of India. They carry it back with them when going back to India.

There are many in our community in Australia who have some Indian currency with them. Some may be travelling to India in November and December, but some may not be travelling to India for some time.

This  issue are not confined to Indian Australians only. NRIs/PIOS all over the world are in the same boat.

It is not possible to exchange INR currency of high denomination into any other currency  overseas presently and representatives of Indian Banks do not want to or are not authorised to deal with this matter presently.

Options which NRIs/PIOS can choose from are covered in the articles below.

1000-notes-options

http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/hindi/en/article/2016/11/09/4-ways-non-residential-indians-nris-can-change-their-500-and-1000-rupee-notes

http://khaleejtimes.com/international/india/what-nris-in-uae-should-do-with-rs500-rs1000-notes

http://nricafe.com/5-ways-nris-can-convert-1000-500-rupee-notes/

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/nris-in-news/nris-in-uk-will-get-help-to-deposit-banned-notes-indian-envoy/articleshow/55356199.cms

There is some confusion whether NRIs/PIOs were allowed to carry INR 7500, 10,000, 25,000 or none at all while travelling into or out of India.

Rules have been changing and this link from RBI says NRIs/PIOS can bring into or take out from India only upto INR 5000. https://www.rbi.org.in/scripts/FAQView.aspx?Id=11

This Link from RBI says the amount of INRs NRIs and PIOs can take out of India or bring into India is upto INR 25000 per person. https://m.rbi.org.in/scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=10268&Mode=0

Can Ministry of External Affairs, Finance Ministry, Reserve Bank of India and GOI authorities in Australia clarify this matter please?

It is likely that NRIs/PIOs will have small amounts (maximum of a few thousands) of INRs. Having said that, it is possible that the amount could be higher depending on number of people in the family. They do not wish to waste this money.

NRIs/PIOs have following options:

  1. Carry the cash if travelling to India until 30 December and deposit them in a Post Office or Bank. The option of changing them at the airport ended on 11 November.
  2. Exchanging of these notes at Exchange Houses or foreign branches of Indian Banks in our country of residence not available.
  3. Deposit these notes in your NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) account if travelling until 31 March, 2017, but we need to be in India to do so. Foreign branches of Indian Banks in our country of residence are not doing it.
  4. Authorise someone including a relative to deposit these notes into your bank account if you have such notes in India. You will need to provide written authorisation and such authorised person will need to go to the Bank branch physically with all documents and identification. I presume you can get authorisation document with the help of your local Indian Embassy/High Commission/Consulate. This will need clarification from local GOI authorities.
  5. Send the money with someone you can trust or a family member who is travelling to India and get the money deposited in your account as explained in point (4).

Many of us might not have an NRO account.

As the acting High Commissioner of India in UK, Dinesh Patnaik, said, the best way might be to have the facility to open NRO accounts with the branches of Indian Banks operating overseas. (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/nris-in-news/nris-in-uk-will-get-help-to-deposit-banned-notes-indian-envoy/articleshow/55356199.cms). This is not available at present but he promised to work for it.

State Bank of India and a few more Banks have branches in Australia. This will be the case in many other countries too.

They should be able to allow us to open NRO accounts, if they get the permission by Government of India/RBI. This is feasible and is not a huge work.

it will ease the problem if NRIs/PIOs are treated as a special case and a consideration is given to extend the time by which they must deposit the notes in NRO accounts. It will help if they are given time until 31 December, 2017 to complete this process.

May we ask Indian High Commissioner in Australia and Consul Generals, as well as Ministry of Overseas Indians affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, to take this matter up and help NRI/PIO community in Australia as well other countries with a practical mechanism in this matter?

Dr Yadu Singh

fianinc1@gmail.com

http://www.twitter.com/dryadusingh

http://www.facebook.com/dryadusingh

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invitation for Gandhi Jayanti Celebration at UNSW on Sunday, October 02, 2016, 10.00-10.45am

Gandhi Jayanti 2016.png

Gandhi Jayanti at UNSW Australia

Mr B. Vanlalvawna, Consul-General of India in Sydney and Mr Neville Roach AO, Patron of the Australia India Institute at UNSW Australia, take great pleasure in inviting you to the Annual Gandhi Memorial to be held on campus on Sunday 2nd of October 2016.

The memorial celebrates the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi and is an opportunity to reflect on his life, his values and their meaning for all of us today.

The memorial will be held on the UNSW library lawn, in front of the bust of Gandhi that has been gifted to the university by the Government of India in recognition of its work to advance Australia-India relations and provide a welcoming environment for Indian students.

Event Details

Date: Sunday 2nd October 2016
> Time: 10:00am – 10:45am
> Venue: UNSW Library Lawn
> Dress code: Casual/ Business
> RSVP: Friday 23rd September 2016  to indianc@indianconsulatesydney.org

I encourage you to join me in celebrating the birthday of the great soul, who is popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi.

Do let me know if you need any help. Let us attend it in big numbers.

Dr Yadu Singh

http://www.twitter.com/dryadusingh

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Incredible India Outdoor Branding Launched in Sydney.

 

Sydney, 18 September, 2016

Indian Culture and Tourism Minister, The Hon Dr Mahesh Sharma, launched the “Outdoor branding Campaign” in at Luna Park, Sydney on Sunday, 18 September, 2016.

Mr B. Vanlalvawna, Indian media in Sydney, a select members of Indian Australian community, Ms Kanchan Kukreja, Incharge of India Tourism Office in Sydney and members of Indian Tourism office were present.

After cutting the ribbon, the Minister and people present boarded the Sydney Bus, which had Incredible India art work on the side, for a short ride.

Minister gave a brief speech and took a few questions.

Incredible India artwork will be seen on buses and Trains throughout major cities of Australia.

I raised the issue of difficulties which NRIs/OCIs/PIOS encounter while making a reservation in Indian Rails. Minister promised to work with Indian Rail minister and get a satisfactory outcome.

Dr Sharma, a prominent member of medical profession in India, and a key minister, is an affable person with down to earth nature. Everyone present there was very impressed with his nature and work ethics.

 

Dr Yadu Singh

http://www.twitter.com/dryadusingh

http://www.facebook.com/dryadusingh

 

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You can learn HINDI in Sydney

Sydney, NSW

25 November, 2016

 

I am pleased to inform everyone that Consulate General of India, Sydney has agreed to our request to start Hindi teaching classes during weekends. Our campaigning has succeeded.

Hindi learning can be useful not only for kids of Indian Australian background but also for people of general Australian community. It is a fun language, besides being the language of a big proportion of Indians.

Details:

  • Saturdays

  • 2.30-4.30 PM

  • Students will pay only $5/hour ($40 for 10 lessons of one hour duration)
  • Teachers will be paid a reasonable hourly rate which will be commensurate  with their experience and training
  • Address: Indian Cultural Centre, Level 1, 265 Castlereagh St, Sydney NSW 2000 http://cgisydney.org/

Please contact icc-moumita@indianconsulatesydney.org

or

hindi@indianconsulatesydney.org for enrolment, and also, if interested to teach Hindi.

Potential teachers should send their CV to the emails above.

Gratitude and sincere thanks to Consul General, The Hon B. Vanlalvawna for his help, support and assistance.

Consulate is willing and able to do its job, for which they deserve thank you. These classes can start within weeks once they have at least 10 students. They already have 4 students. It is our and your job to make this facility known to interested people.

Let us disseminate this information to all and sundry.

Happy to help, if needed. Don’t hesitate to contact and network.

Dr Yadu Singh

http://www.facebook.com/dryadusingh

http://www.twitter.com/dryadusingh

fianinc1@gmail.com

 

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FIAN organised a rousing welcome reception for new Consul General of India in Sydney and visiting ministerial delegation from India

More

Press release: Sydney, 4/4/16

Federation of Indian Associations of NSW (FIAN) hosts a rousing welcome reception for new Consul General of India and visiting ministerial delegation from Uttar Pradesh.

GOI authorities requested us to organize the welcome event for the visiting delegation and provided required assistance and resources.

Madison Function Centre in Dural, NSW was immersed in serious political colours with the presence of visiting ministerial delegation from Uttar Pradesh (UP) and new Consul General of India, Mr B. Vanlalvawna and his wife, Dr Rosy Vanlalvawna on Friday, 1st April, 2016. Delegation from UP included senior ministers, Mr Azam Khan, Mr Raghuraj Pratap Singh (Raja Bhaiya), Mr Om Prakash Singh, Prof Abhishek Mishra, Mrs Arun Kumari and 10 members of UP Parliament.

Dr Yadu Singh, President of Federation of Indian Associations of NSW, conducted the proceedings in his trade mark flair, spontaneity and endearing style, enlivening the audience.  After welcoming the dignitaries, he described the love which Indian community has for India. He described how India is deep inside our hearts. He outlined the fact that Uttar Pradesh is the heart of India, besides being the most populous state, sending 80 MPs to Indian Parliament.  UP Chief Minister, Mr Akhilesh Yadav’s visit to Banda city for the inauguration of a Medical College there in March 2015, for which Dr Singh accompanied the Chief Minister, and CM’s studies in Sydney University in late 1990s were mentioned to bring a context for Uttar Pradesh and Australia connections. There was ample praise for Australia too, and its successful multiculturalism, as well as unshakable love and loyalty of the community for Australia.

Consul General of India and his wife were welcomed formally and assured of full support from the community in whatever way it is necessary.  Mr B.Vanlalvawna assumed charge as Consul General of India in Sydney on 19 February 2016. He was educated at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University. He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1998 and served in Indian Missions/Post in Tokyo, Shanghai, Brussels and Cairo. His wife, Dr Rosy Vanlalvawna is a medical doctor and a writer.  She is a graduate from Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi. More details here. http://tinyurl.com/zx9rmb6

Head of the delegation, Mr Azam Khan, thanked the community for their love for India. He praised India for its democracy and egalitarian ethos, where even a common man can be a minister, chief minister or Prime Minister. He hoped that overseas Indians will remain connected with India and will continue to serve the country of their current residence as well as the country of their birth, not only now, but also in the future. During his speech, he used “Shayari” generously, enthralling people in the audience and making many as his fans.

David Clarke, Parliamentary Secretary to NSW Government outlined his praise for India and the commonalities between India and Australia, which extends not only to Cricket, but also to the fields of trade, security, transparency, rule of law, multiculturalism and democracy.

Cultural programme, conducted by noted poetess Rekha Rajvansi, comprised of performances from top artists from the community and included Jyoti Dixit, Khurana sisters (Cheryl and Michelle), Murali Venkatraman and Arun Nanda.
Visiting delegation praised and enjoyed sumptuous and delicious dinner, catered by popular and multiple award winning, Maya Da Dhaba, which is owned by Ajay Raj.

Capacity crowd of 200+, which included who is who of Sydney, key community representatives and Indian media, stayed right up to the end of the event, enjoying every minute of the evening, and called it one of the best events from the community. Ministers and MLAs too, as well as Consul General, mingled with people, enjoying the occasion and creating a lasting and positive impression on people with their simplicity and easy going nature.

Further contact:
Dr Yadu Singh
President, Federation of Indian Associations of NSW
Fianinc1@gmail.com

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Meet and Greet Uttar Pradesh Ministerial delegation and welcome new Consul General of India, Sydney, Friday, 1/4/16

*****Meet and greet*****

Visiting delegation of the Speaker of the assembly, Senior ministers of the Government and MLAs of Uttar Pradesh

AND

*****welcome*****

New Consul General of India, Sydney

His Excellency, Mr B. Vanlalvawna IFS

Friday, 1st April, 2016

Madison Function Centre, 632 Old Northern Road, Dural, NSW 2158

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 CG and ministers welcome FINAL

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https://yadusingh.wordpress.com/2016/02/23/welcome-mr-b-vanlalvawna-new-consul-general-of-india-sydney/

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Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/10th March, 2016

fianinc1@gmail.com

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