CIA celebrates Independence day by donating to Cancer Council of Australia

The Indian Independence Day Celebrations organised by the Council of Indian Australians (CIA) on Friday, the 10th August 2012 at the Bowman Hall, Blacktown was a stunning success with a record 500 guests in attendance. The event was certainly appreciated by all those who came out to watch and cheer the cultural dance performers and the 2012 “Outstanding Indian Australian Award” winners. The guests appreciated CIA’s  “Benevolence Program” with proceeds to Cancer Council of Australia.

Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion included The Hon Louise Markus, Federal Member for Macquarie representing the Hon Tony Abbott- leader of the Opposition, The Hon Victor Dominello, Member for Ryde, Minister for Citizenship and Communities, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Representing the Premier of NSW, The Hon John Robertson Member for Blacktown, Leader of the Opposition, Shadow Minister for Western Sydney, and Shadow Minister for the Illawarra, Dr Geoff Lee, Federal Member for Parramatta, Mr Matt Kean Member for Hornsby, Mr Kevin Conolly, Member for Riverstone, Ms Tanya Davis, Dr Stepan Kerkyasharian Chair and CEO of the Community Relations Commission, Mr Nihal Gupta Chairman of the NSW Multicultural Business Advisory Panel and Managing Director of Digital Electronics Corporation Australia. The guests also included representatives from the Indian media and community leaders.

Welcoming the full capacity 500 enthusiastic guest at the Bowman Hall, MCs Mohit and Jenny Kumar started the program promising a great show. The function kicked off with a number of captivating and colorful dances reflecting Indian cultures setting a fantastic mood for the attendees. The audience was thrilled when Zarma and team eloquently presented a lovely dance-drama on ”˜Five elements’ in an enchanting manner. The vibrant dances of small kids depicting Indian freedom fighters brought back the nostalgic memories of the great freedom struggle. The delight of the evening was the superb video presentation choreographed by TV Ozone’s Sanjay Mehra which highlighted India’s outstanding people and progress in all the fields covering spirituality, science, technology, sports and military as well as showcasing the past and the emergence of modern India as a force to reckon with today. CIA’s Cultural Director for this event Ms Jaspreet said “the dances reminds us of our rich cultural heritage and traditions and was appreciated by all present”.

There were motivating and inspiring speeches from the dignitaries from both houses of Parliament praising India and the Indian culture

A special and colorful Souvenir magazine was published for the occasion. CIA thanked Hon Julia Gillard, Prime Minister of Australia, The Hon Tony Abbott, Federal Member for Warringah, Leader of the Opposition, The Hon Barry O’Farrell, NSW Premier, The Hon John Robertson MP and Leader of the NSW Opposition, The Hon Chris Bowen Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, The Hon Philip Ruddock MP, Member for Berowra (NSW), The Hon Victor Dominello, MP and Minister for Citizenship and Communities, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Dr Stepan Kerkyasharian A.O , Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the CRC, His Excellency Mr Biren Nanda High Commissioner of India, and Mr Arun Goel, the Consul General of India for their good wishes and support to the CIA on the occasion of India 66th Independence Day celebrations in Sydney. Mr Praful Desai, Vice President of the CIA said “The CIA thanks all dignitaries who provided such messages of support and the advertisers who featured in this special souvenir magazine”.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Subba Rao Varigonda, President of the Council Indian Australians said “CIA truly values the basic ethos of Multicultural Australia. In our own way today’s function sees participation from two other important ethnic communities – a Philippine and the Armenian Community Group”.

The CIA continued its benevolence program that it started early last year ”“ this time partnering with the Cancer Council of Australia. CIA’s Treasurer Mr. Shail Wadhwa announced that $1,684.50 was raised from the specially organised raffle draw and proceeds from sale of tickets ($2 per ticket sold) and earmarked for donation to the Cancer Council NSW.

The CIA also raised much needed funds for CIA’s programs through auction of two signature cricket bats provided by Cricket NSW, and a laptop provided by Adjoanz Computers from Seven Hills.

One of the highlights of the India day celebrations was the CIA “Outstanding Indian Australian Awards”. At this year’s India Day 2012 function the CIA honored Ms Lisa Sthalekar, former captain of the Australian Women’s cricket team, the late Professor B. Bhaskar Rao ”“ a noted academic in the field of Econometrics and three outstanding entrepreneurs who have achieved business excellence in various business streams ”“ Mr. Sanjay Patel, Mr Sanjay Deshwal and Mr. Neni Tiwary. The compere of this segment Mr. Tony Colaco ”“ CIA Public Relations said “These leading Indian Australians, are indeed role models for us all, and, inspire us through their achievements. They also challenge us to make our own contribution to creating a better Indian community in Multicultural Australia”.

Maya Da Dhaba provided some excellent Indian cuisine befitting the occasion. The dinner was followed by DJ dance and it was just past the mid night, when the curtains were drawn to one of the best ever Indian program.

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