AHIA celebrates its 20th  anniversary

 

Australian Hindi Indian Association (AHIA) is celebrating its 20th year anniversary. The Association was formed in 1994 when there was hardly any coordinated group to cater for the social and cultural needs of the Indian community settling here. Some energetic individuals, mainly from Hindi/Punjabi speaking region, got together in a Sydney suburb and formed a group called ”˜Australian Hindi Indian Association’ (AHIA).It is an incorporated body with executive committee elected by its members. The first president was Mr. Chander Khanna and the present president is Dr. Tilak Kalra.

Its activities include organising functions, Picnics, Harbour cruises and celebrating important Indian festivals like Diwali and Holi and cultural activities like Bollywood dance competitions for its members.

For the past 20 years, its members who run into hundreds and their families and friends have been enjoying these activities. AHIA has been also taking part in the Australian activities like ”˜Clean Up Day’, Blood Donations, Australia Day celebration and ”˜City to Surf’, in addition to celebrating India’s Independence and Republic Days.

AHIA has been running the most successful programme for its seniors. For this monthly meetings are held, outdoor picnics/excursions are arranged.   For entertainment local artists give performances free of charge.       The experts from the medical professions are invited to give its members free advice and help on health matters.

The main aim is to help our seniors overcome loneliness, gain new friends, remain physically and mentally fit and enjoy themselves in the company of likeminded people.

AHIA has established a very strong bond and communication with its members. It publishes a monthly newsletter ”“”˜Sandesh’, which started 20 years ago and is going strong every year. It is more like a mini-magazine and covers news, views, stories, poetry, Health tips, information about events and festivals. It is bi-lingual (English and Hindi), hard copies are distributed in the meetings, emailed to all the members and can also be accessed on AHIA website  www.ahiainc.au

20 year celebration includes a Dinner and Entertainment evening for its members and their guests on November 15 at a Function Centre in Auburn.

Short URL: https://indiandownunder.com.au/?p=4042