UIA honours community
Pic top: Divya Dhingra and Shalini Chandrala compered the evening
Pic bottom: HSC students honoured at the function
United Indian Associations hosted the Australia day and Indian Republic day function at Grand Westella at Lidcombe on January 21. The function was attended by 400 strong audience from the Indian community including various politicians from both state and federal.
Among the guests were The Hon Amit Dasgupta, Consul General of India; Hon David Bradbury MP; representing the Prime Minister, Hon Phillip Ruddock, representing the Federal Opposition leader; Hon. John Robertson, representing the Premier of NSW; Hon. Anthony Roberts, representing the Leader of Opposition of NSW; Hon. Barbara Perry MP, local member for Auburn; Hon Nathan Reese MP former Premier of NSW; Hon Amanda Fazio MLC; Hon Peter Primrose MP; Hon Victor Dominello MP; Hon David Clarke MLC; Hon John Chedidi, Lord Mayor of Parramatta and Clr Dilip Chopra; Clr Tony Issa; Prof. Veena Sahajwala a distinguished scientist and many more. All the speakers spoke glowingly about the strong bilateral ties between India and Australia and acknowledged the contribution of the Indian migrants to Australia and UIA’s role in helping the community.
Mrs. Aruna Chandrala President United Indian Association welcomed the gathering and said that it was a unique day for Indian Australians because it happens to be, both, the national day of the country of our origin and the country we now call home. She thanked the NSW government for giving over $100,000 grants in last couple of years to support UIA’s activities and that Indian government having officially appointed UIA to receive grants to help the Indian women in need for their legal expenses. She added that it was a perfect opportunity for everyone to feel proud of their heritage and at the same time celebrate Australia day as proud Australians.
United Indian Associations used the opportunity to honor recent HSC high achievers from UIA’s member associations. In total 26 girls and boys were honored for their outstanding results in 2010 HSC. Out of them, 16 had achieved ATAR of 99 and above including three students with a perfect score of 99.95. Pallavi Sitarti Wardan and Tejwant Singh Rana were presented with Young Achiever Awards. UIA also honored Dr Sid Orekondy, Dr Hem Chand Rao, Dr Ram Ramsay, Councilor Dilip Chopra and Dr Vijay Kumar for their distinguished service. Mr. Christian Herft and Mr. Clary Castrission were felicitated as Friends of India for their services to poor people in India.
United Indian Associations made an appeal for collecting funds for Queensland Flood Relief. A cheque for $6000 was presented to the Premier NSW to pass onto Queensland Premier for floor relief. Further funds were coming in and more collection was to be sent for flood relief said Aruna Chandrala.
Dr Moninder Singh Secretary, UIA conducted the proceedings along with Ms Divya Dhingra and Ms Shalini Chandrala while Mr John Niven Vice President, UIA proposed vote of thanks. Evening started with National Anthem by local school children. All guests enjoyed delicious and spicy Indian food from Billu’s Eatery and cultural variety of colorful dances was organized and presented by Mr Kedar Nath and Manav Saini. UIA thanked community media, local media and various associations especially Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, Subcontinent Friends of Labor Group, Australian Liberal Party and Diwali Festival Committee, for supporting the event demonstrating unity amongst Indians for such joint community initiatives.
UIA is organizing: Women’s Forum on March 5, 2011 (Parravilla Function Centre Parramatta); Seniors Forum on March 19, 2011 (Parravilla Function Centre Parramatta) and India Australia Friendship Fair on August 14, 2011 at the Sydney Olympic Park.
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