Indian News Queensland | COMMUNITY NEWS
VHP Australia stands in solidarity with frontline corona warriors
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ishva Hindu Parishad of Australia (VHP) has expressed their solidarity with the Australian frontline workers and the government in their fight against the corona crisis. Following is the VHP’s statement on their show of solidarity with the government and workers on the ground. The Covid–19 pandemic is rapidly changing the world around us. It is forcing us to rethink the way we live and interact. It is creating pressures on families, communities, business, economy and on governments at an unprecedented and extraordinary scale. As we confront the greatest health challenge of this millennium, we appreciate the contribution of the Australian frontline workers and the government for their stellar response to the crisis. We at the Vishva Hindu Parishad of Australia Inc. (World Hindu Council of Australia), stand in solidarity with all those who are working tirelessly to save precious human life.
Difficult circumstances, such as this pandemic, strengthens solidarity and gives us an opportunity to rethink our values, responsibilities, where we belong and to whom we owe a debt of gratitude. The Hindu community salutes all Australians doing their bit to combat the COVID-19 crisis, for their generosity,
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ndian community leader Mr Surendra Prasad OAM has been appointed to the Calamvale College Community Council. College Council Chair Mr Mike Butler announced Mr Prasad’s appointment along with that of staff member Ms Pamela Curtin.
Our sincere gratitude to the frontline warriors such as doctors, nurses, hospital professionals, police, emergency service personnel who are ensuring our health and wellbeing. We also thank their families for supporting them during these difficult times. On behalf of the Australian Hindu community, we would especially commend the efforts of the Australian Federal, State governments and their multiple agencies for the wide ranging, timely and effective measures in managing this crisis. These are difficult times for governments across the world, and we salute the efforts of the Australian government in keeping Australia safe and for looking after the interests of its citizens and residents.
Indian community leader appointed to college council
fortitude, and courage in these testing times. We are praying for the peace and good health of the world (our extended family), we will also continue to appeal to all Australians and visitors to support and follow the directions and advice of the Australian government and its agencies. We recognise the urgency and importance of diverse communities working together hand in hand with the government.
Mr Butler said these two appointments would bring a wealth of knowledge, perspective and drive to the college’s endeavours around global competence and citizenship for students and staff. In speaking of Mr Prasad’s appointment Mr Butler said that his lifetime of community and multicultural
service would provide a valuable contribution to the college’s mission to remain a school of choice. Mr Prasad’s community involvement includes his work as the President of the Fiji Senior Citizens Association of Queensland, Chairman of the Australian Indian Heritage War Memorial Committee and a Director of the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland. In addition to being a Past President of the Brisbane Macgregor Lions Club, he was also a Local Hero Queensland Finalist in the Australian of the Year Awards for 2010. By Wendy Drysdale OAM
Across the globe, all of us share in the suffering and stand united in our resolve to see the world and Australia through this crisis for a brighter and better tomorrow.
BAPS launches initiative involving service and spirituality
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s the coronavirus pandemic continues to evolve, so does the community spirit. BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, through its Mandir in Brisbane, launched an initiative to feed the needy and bring solace at home through spirituality. Following the call of service by its leader His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS has mobilised volunteers to serve and support the vulnerable and needy in the local community. “The spirit of service burns ever so bright,” said Jaynesh Brahmbhatt, spokesperson for BAPS Brisbane Mandir. In collaboration with and through the goodwill of grocery stores, volunteers have delivered 150 essential relief kits to members of the community. As part of the initiative, freshly cooked vegetarian food is being served to many international students daily from 27 March. In times when there is uncertainty within the community, more than
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100 volunteers are connecting with various families through phone calls to understand their circumstances, pray for their wellbeing, and assure them that support is available when needed. BAPS has also teamed up with the Australian Red Cross to collect blood to meet the demand of the rapidly changing situation. His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj has guided to offer prayers every day in the form of a “mala” for the people fighting the coronavirus at the frontlines and those that are affected.
and it has energised us to serve the community with all our vigour,” said Jaynesh. If you need assistance or would like to contribute to these efforts, please call 0426 061 086 or email baps. brisbanepr@gmail.com.
Mr Surendra Prasad (left) with rugby legend Darren Lockyer at Legends of Brisbane 10th anniversary gala dinner last year Courtesy Facebook
Devotees also participated through a live webcast in a special Nilkanth Varni Abhishek (ritual bathing) ceremony performed by Sadhus at Melbourne Temple to offer their prayers for the pandemic to subside. During these trying times Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s credo, “In the joy of others, lies our own”, has inspired us to stand side-by-side to provide support when they need us the most
BAPS volunteers at BAPS Brisbane Mandir with essential relief kits for members of the community
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MAY 2020
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