India Illuminated at the Uni of NSW
By Kersi Meher-Homji
As I walked down Anzac Parade leading to the University New South Wales (UNSW) on Monday the 23rd October, everything appeared as usual. But as I approached Barker Street leading to UNSW’s Green House, it had a sudden transformation.
Magically, as it were, I felt that I was suddenly in India. There were women in saris, Aussie girls with an attractive mini pughree welcoming the invited guests with a henna tilak on their foreheads, the guests greeting each other with “Namaskar”…
No, I was not dreaming. Nor was it an illusion. It was the festival of Indo-Oz friendship colourfully titled India Illuminated.
India Illuminated went on from 23rd to 26th of October which brought to light India’s vibrant mix of tradition and progress, a stimulating, event-packed week that celebrated and tried to promote Australia’s friendship and partnership with the emerging global powerhouse ”“ India.
This unique festival showcased not only India’s rich and cultural heritage but also her rapid developments in innovation, economic growth, finance and scientific research.
The festival highlighted the dynamic new India, her trying to reach the pinnacle of achievements in the last few decades and succeeding.
I was proud to attend the India Illuminated Gala Dinner held at UNSW last Monday, listening to inspiring talks by luminaries and applauding a spectacular Flamenco and Kathak live dance.
The selected Panel of speakers included Laurie Pearcey, Pro Vice-Chancellor, UNSW, Prof Ian Jacobs, President and Vice-Chancellor, UNSW, Hon. Ray Williams, Minister for Multiculturalism and his Excellency Dr AM Gondane, High Commissioner of India to Australia.
UNSW is committed to strengthening its ties with India across research, education and knowledge exchange, with a long-term view to expand educating up to 100,000 students through local delivery models and local partnerships in India in the next eight years.
Returning home from INDIA ILLUMINATED was like jetting back to Australia after a short but illuminating trip to India.
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