Unions in Unison Divine Diwali hosted by Mark Morey the Secretary for the Unions NSW and organised by Aisha Amjad and Harish Velji

Unions in Unison Divine Diwali

hosted by Mark Morey the Secretary for the Unions NSW and organised by Aisha Amjad and Harish Velji

Unions in Unison Divine Diwali

hosted by Mark Morey the Secretary for the Unions NSW and organised by Aisha Amjad and Harish Velji

Unions in Unison Divine Diwali was hosted by Mark Morey the Secretary for the Unions NSW and organised by Aisha Amjad and Harish Velji. The chief guests were Member for Parramatta and Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of India Dr Andrew Charlton and the Mayor of Parramatta Donna Davis. In line with religious function vegetarian meal was served and no alcohol was served. The participants were from various faiths making it a truly multicultural and multifaith event.

AASHA

Sur Sangam Diwali celebration 2022

By Vaibhavi Josi

Australia is a vibrant and multicultural country — from the oldest continuous culture of our first Australians to the cultures of our newest arrivals from around the world.

Our cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths and is at the heart of who we are. It makes Australia a great place to live.

An integrated multicultural Australia is an integral part of our national identity. All people who migrate to Australia bring with them some of their own cultural and religious traditions, as well as taking on many new traditions. Collectively, these traditions have enriched our nation. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background.

The Indian population is growing massively in Australia and as a result people are understanding the significance of In-

dian festivals & celebration. Australian political leaders who joined the festivities every year said Diwali is one of the most inclusive and welcoming festivals, a testimony to modern-day multicultural Australia.

It’s absolutely my honour & privilege to be the MC for a wonderful Diwali celebration with the senior most MC Srikandakumar Sivalingam. A big shout out to Bijinder Dugal Ji from AASHA for this Diwali celebration at Redgum Function Centre at Wentworthville.

It was overwhelming to see the participation & inspiring talks from the various dignitaries. It was fascinating to hear from Jodi McKay about her perception on such community festivals bringing various communities together on a multicultural land. Her enthusiasm & support for such celebrations is always incredible, especially her gorgeous

Saree was making her look absolutely stunning.

All the talented performers were outstanding especially the live singing by Vijay Jogia Ji, Vinod Kumar Rajput Ji & Heena Sachdeva set the stage on fire. I never knew Hon. MP Hugh McDermott is an amazing dancer couldn’t dance like him but still we all were dancing & having so much fun. Balaji Nritya Bharati Dance Academy’s all the performances were mesmerizing.

Interfaith celebration of Diwali, symbolized the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance & good over evil. Diwali is about faith and hope - faith in knowing that the good in this world will always outdo the evil, and hope to stand in solidarity and drive out any injustices against those less fortunate.

After the event is over, all the guests enjoyed the freshly cooked Bhutras, Puris with channas, Alu Davis and Jalebi. All this credit goes to AASHA team, volunteers & members for their countless hours and days of work before and after the event.