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Presentation of Commemorative coins minted by Nepal Rashtra Bank to honour Guru Nanak Sahib ji on his 550th Birth Anniversary
The Australia-New Zealand Chapter of AYOSA (Aitchison Yadavindra Old Students Association) in association with Mr. Ravinder Singh Sethi (Distinguished Alumni of Y.P.S. Patiala and Member AYOSA) gifted commemorative coins to the Blackburn Gurudwara, the oldest gurudwara of Victoria, on the auspicious occasion of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 553th birth anniversary. These coins had been minted by Nepal Rashtra Bank on Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 550th centenary.
The Sri Guru Nanak Singh Sabha was set up in 1981 to carry on the religious affairs of the sangat in Melbourne.Today, Gurudwara Sahib at Blackburn is well placed to meet the needs of an ever increasing sangat which is able to listen to kirtan from some of the best professional ragis who provide their services for programs both at the Gurudwara Sahib and homes.
AYOSA is the alumni organisation of Ya-
davindra Public School, Patiala (Punjab), India which was founded by His Highness Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Ji of Patiala, for the students of independent India in 1948. Keeping true to the vision His Highness had for the students of Punjab, AYOSA strives to empower Yadavindrians to be successful individuals, exemplary human beings and leaders of tomorrow.
AYOSA, which is commemorating 75 glorious years of the school’s foundation under the guidance of its patron, Captain Amarinder Singh, the Maharaja of Patiala, and the Chairman of the Board of Governors, Raja Malvinder Singh, gave this auspicious benefaction in the presence of the dignitaries: Mr. Manpreet Vohra (High Commissioner of India to Australia),
Dr. Sushil Kumar (Consulate General Of India to Victoria and Tasmania), Mr.Chandra.Yonzon (Consulate General of Nepal to Victoria),Mr. ShashiKant Kaundal (Asia-Pacific Regional Manager, Air India),
Ms. Anagha Desai (Melbourne Airport Manager, Air India) just name a few.
This November, the Sikh community celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak. Wishing you a happy Gurpurab, as you light candles, listen to readings of the Guru Granth Sahib and enjoy the processions with your friends and family.
Help keep the celebrations safe by choosing to wear a mask indoors or gathering in well ventilated spaces. For up to date information, go to coronavirus.vic.gov.au
Happy Gurpurab!
The first major Diwali event in Ku-ring-gai was hosted by SHARE SMR Inc, on Sunday 30th October 2022 from 5.30 pm at Ku-ring-gai Town Hall. With over 300 guests in attendance the Town Hall was illuminated with colourful lights while inside the hall was decorated with lights and diyas, the scent of incense sticks in the air, mingled with the sounds of Indian music. The atmosphere overwhelmed people with its joy, togetherness and hope.
There was entertainment, food and Jalebees cooked on the spot, dancing and networking as people from Indian heritage and non-Indian people enjoyed the festivities and nothing was spared.
Clr Barbara Ward Deputy Mayor of Ku Ring Gai welcomed honoured guests on behalf of SHARE SMR Inc which included Hon’ble Consul General of India Mr Manish Gupta and Mrs Nineesha Gupta, Hon Paul Fletcher MP, Federal Member for Bradfield, Shadow Minister for Government Services and the Digital Economy, Shadow Minister for Science and the Arts and Mrs Fletcher, The Hon Jonathan O’Dea Speaker of the House, The Hon Alister Henskens SC MP Member for Ku-ring-gai, The Hon Scott
Farlow MLC, Government Whip, Daniel Stowe Consul General of Fiji, Hon Phillip Ruddock Mayor of Hornsby and Business and Community Leaders and MC’ed by John Mangos. Such was the enthusiasm and interest that the event was oversubscribed with waiting list.
“As the President of SHARE I extend my sincere thanks to the Board of SHARE for their financial support it would not have been possible with SHARE, Diwali is about Light over Darkness and SHARE has brought light to the Ku Ring Gai community this Diwali, for which we are truly grateful” said Barbara.
Clr Ward spoke passionately about living in this beautiful part of Sydney which lacks opportunities for people from multicultural backgrounds to participate in their major celebrations, so she decided that this year she would hold a Diwali event for everyone and her quest to find a suitable venue proved challenging.
Clr Ward hopes that such events will help build strong communities, promote and raise awareness of this culture and greater appreciation, connect people and address social isolation which will contribute to a sense of belonging and their mental and physical wellbeing.
Diwali is the biggest and the brightest of all Hindu festivals celebrated by Hindu, Jain, Buddhist and Sikh communities. Diwali is celebrated around the globe, it is more than a Hindu festival; it’s a
celebration of South-Asian identities. in the interest of guests that were nonIndians.
A Christian of Indian heritage from Fiji, I recall Diwali celebrations in Fiji whilst we didn’t participate in the Hindu religion we respected the religious significance of Diwali said Clr Ward. She went on to give a brief overview of the significance of Diwali
In each legend, myth, and story of Deepawali lies the significance of the victory of light over darkness, conquest of good over evil force and triumph of knowledge over ignorance. From darkness unto light—the light empowers us to commit ourselves to good deeds and brings us closer to divinity. The lights that illuminate our homes and hearts that this simple truth finds new reason and hope. And beyond the lights, food and fun, Diwali is also a time to reflect on life and make changes for the upcoming year.This festival instils charity in the hearts of people, who perform good deeds.
The Ku Ring Gai Town Hall is special for the B A P S community as His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj;a loving, selflessly serving and giving personality. He lived by the ethos, “In the joy of others, lies our own.” held an assembly in this very hall in 1996
Clr Ward gave special thanks to Mrs Nimeesha Gupta (wife of CG of India) and Mrs Lisa khadka (wife of CG from Nepal) for their guidance with this event.
In an emotional closing Clr Ward thanked everyone and drew their attention to the Saris’s at the front poach table which are of her Ama’s and once again thanked SHARE SMR Inc for making this possible all of you for making this a great event and wish you all good health, happiness, wealth and prosperity.
By: Rajni Ghai Malhotra
Women Inspiration Network – Canberra (WINc) was launched on October 22nd at Flynn Hall. The Network provides a platform for women to connect with each other, share information, thoughts, have fun and inspire each other to achieve personal and professional growth. The launch was graced by the presence of strong, successful personalities who are role models and inspiration to the community.
Speaking at the the launch, Ms Sahithi Paturi (President WINc) stated that the goal in creating WINc was to provide an exclusive platform for Women; for them ‘to inspire and get inspired’ by each other. She added, “many of us are highly qualified and want to contribute in whatever way we can to make a difference to society, but unsure on how and where to start. This is where WINc steps in - it will provide the platform to get that support.”
The launch was celebrated as P!nk N!ght attended by about 150 women wearing pink or shades of pink. The event included a presentation by Ms Sarah-Jane Olsen from SHFPACT Canberra on ‘Women’s Health’ followed by entertainment includes fun interactive games with prizes to be won, a captivating fashion show, dinner and DJ.
