Diwali brings good news for hardworking seniors so also for Premier Baird

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Neena Badhwar

Diwali was hosted by Premier Baird and John Ajaka, Minister for Multicultural Affairs last week with community leaders and other important community members, volunteers invited to witness Opera House sails light up in orange glow as the dusk turned into dark. The view from the venue this time chosen was the Museum of Contemporary Art which sits directly across the harbour to the great monument celebrating the occasion of Diwali, a proud moment as people rushed to capture the moment. Opera House holds a magnetic attraction for all taking selfies with it in the background.

Premier Baird joined the celebration with his wife Kerryn as people gathered close to listen to his every word when he said that he is quite impressed with Indian Prime Minister Mr. Modi a visionary who wants to build economy and infrastructure. Premier Baird said he is very proud of the Indian community and its contribution. He said that his favourite cricketer was Kohli who came to attend Phillip Hughes funeral taking time out of his busy schedule.

“Diwali is a wonderful festival, a liberal festival that gives universal message that light always wins over darkness. Thank you for this great ritual,” he added.

Premier Baird in his message on the souvenir mentions that he has appointed former premier Barry O’Farrell as a special envoy to help develop NSW-India relationship.

It says, “As we look to develop our cultural and business and diplomatic links with India, Mr. O’Farrell will represent NSW at key events and assist with hosting high-level business engagements, delegations and trade mission.”

Mr. Ajaka said, “Diwali from the beginnings, a Hindu festival, is now celebrated across the world by communities of Indian ancestry, shared by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consul General Mr. Vanlal Vawna said that Diwali celebrates India’s diversity and that the festival transcends all religions.”

Dr. Harinath, chair Multicultural NSW said that Diwali had brought good news in the form of Lakshmi referring to NSW making around 16 billion dollars from the sale of half of Ausgrid which the premier has promised to spend on infrastructure.

Like last year there were some hardworking members of the community who were honoured by the Premier on the night. They are Dr. Nihal Agar of Hindu Council of Australia, Santram Bajaj, former AHIA president, Mrs Shubha Kumar of India Club, Mrs Leela Gune from Sri Mandir Auburn, Jayaraman of Sri Omcare Foundation. Mrs Meena, OAM and Dr. Sawrikar.

People enjoyed canapé and drinks with live Sarod played by Tanim Hayat Khan accompanied on tabla by Abhijit Dan. Others in the crowd gathered around display of Diwali sweets as Annakoot puja to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha done by the Swami Narayan Temple. Premier tasted a piece of Barfi on his way out with people getting sweets as Diwali gift as well as hugs and good wishes were plenty all around and smiling faces too. After all it is Diwali!

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