Sada-e-Watan Sydney ™
sadaewatan@gmail.com
Mr.Amarinder Bajwa- President UIA
More than 20,000 attended UIA's India Australia Day Fair at Olympic Park Sydney
(Exclusive Report to
Sada-e-Watan by Mr.Harish Velji)
United Indian
Associations Inc (UIA) was launched in 1994, is the apex body representing vast
and variety of Indian community of Australia. It has 20 different organizations
under its banner that represent people of Indian origin from different parts of
India. UIA is a non political, nonprofit organization; run and operated by
volunteers.
UIA promotes a harmonious relationship amongst Australian citizens, Indian
diaspora, migrants, and the society in general by cultivating mutual respect
through increased social interaction, sports, recreation, and other voluntary
activities of significant community benefit. Its aim is to act as a channel of
communication between the Australian Indian community, the Commonwealth and New
South Wales Governments as well as the Indian Government, on welfare, social and
economic matters.
Despite the best
efforts of some of the people to undermine the United Australia India Day Fair
it turned out to be a huge success. Even the rain god was in its side.
This function has grown from strength to strength. This year well over 20,000 people participated.
One of the key reasons that has led to its success has been the contribution of the former Premier of New South Wales, Hon Nathan Rees. One cannot down play his role in making this, a premier event for the Indian community first by his attendance as the Premier of New South Wales and more importantly injecting $50,000 grant towards running of the function. He had also stayed back for half a day to mingle with the crowd. This was followed up by former Premier Kristina Keneally
This was not to be this year. Minister for Citizenship and Communities Hon Vincent Dominello who was described as "charming" by the MC , came ill prepared for the function a. Not only that, he did not make a single announcement for the community. Barry O'Farrell Government has already taken the Indian community for granted in such a short span of time. However the Leader of Opposition, John Robertson contrasted this in speech with "that celebrating cultural diversity is part of the NSW Labor Party’s DNA."
There are few petitions circulating around at the moment by the Indian Community for the New South Wales Barry O'Farrell government to deliver. First the United India Association is seeking land for its home and then there is a petition going around for the Hindi language to be included as part of the National Circular. The state government will have an absolute embarrassment if they fail to deliver these. I can see at least one of these will be met.
United India Association has very able and dedicated volunteers in Amarinder Bajwa, Uncle John Niven, Renga Rajan, Debasish Chakrabatrti, Gunjan Tripathi, Prakash Rao, and Vijay Halagali. And there are countless volunteers such as Kumar Madappa, Logersaan Pillay, Charles Pitchai, etc who put tens of hours a week.
The tying Rhaki on the occasion of the Raksha Bhandan by the United India Association and also by the Hindu Council of Australia to Hon Chris Bowen, Federal Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Leader of Opposition Hon John Robertson, Former Premier of New South Wales Hon Nathan Rees, Member for Chiefly Ed Husic and newly expectant mother to be Member for Greenway Michelle Rowland is a very potent symbol. This symbolise represents a great symbol tying of the bond between the Indian community and consider these people as our own. This function showed how the UIA and the Hindu Council of Australia can work together.
Amarinder Bajwa in his presidential speech raised the following issues:
"Uranium sale to India is a very touchy subject for the community and there is a widespread view in the community that Australia should supply Uranium to India. India has been a strong supporter non of nuclear proliferation."
"UIA has seen a number of overseas students pleading for transport concessions in NSW. This will attract more international students to our states."
"There is also a strong demand within the community for Senior concession cards for the parents who are on bridging visas."
"We have been championing the cause for Inclusion of Sub Continent languages such as Hindi, Punjabi in national curriculum."
He also acknowledged the role played by Minister Bowen in increasing the number of parent migration visas this year.
Federal
Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP who was the Chief Guest
said "I had a thoroughly enjoyable day at the event. It was a wonderful occasion
and a great opportunity to celebrate Indian independence and the rich
contribution of Indians to Australian society."
"As I noted in my speech, India is the third largest source of permanent
migrants to Australia.
"I particularly enjoyed the delightful parade of Indian cultural organisations."
Mrs Sujata Singh, the Indian High Commissioner was highly impressed with the parade of the UIA member organisation and requested that they look at getting the all the states and territories of India represented for the parade next year.
Prime Minister of Australia Hon Julia Gillard sent a special massage for the occasion which was relayed via the electronic screen.
Despite Sunny Deol’s non arrival, the functions succeeded with the other stars such as Sneha, Satinder Sati and Bhinda Aujla. This is an indication that one does not need the stars of the like of Sunny Deol to succeed. The Eastern Empire led Tirukumar Thiagarajah which is the local band also performed beautiful and fantastic music.
Arun Jagatramka (Managing Director Gujarat NRE) who was one of the major sponsors highlighted the need for India to resolve its malice that is corruption. He also asked the Australian Indians not to bur pirated DVD‘s as it kills off the movie industry.
"It was a great privilege to experience the tying Rhaki on the occasion of the Raksha Bhandan with all my Indian friends at the UIA function" Said Michelle Rowland, Federal Member for Greenway.
"This Raksha Bhandan symbolises the coming together of two communities, and to me, it symbolises my continued and even greater relationship with the Indian community."
"I was delighted to have been part of the tying of the bond ceremony at the United Indian Association celebration on Sunday 14 August. The tying of the bond symbolises the harmony, friendship and unity experienced by all at this festival and also furthering the bond that I share with the Indian community. It was a great local celebration amongst my federal parliamentary colleagues and friends in the sub-continent community." said Member for Chiefly Ed Husic.
John Niven, the Vice President of the UIA during his vote of thanks made a special mention of Hon Nathan Rees and to Member for Greenway Michelle Rowland for their assistance.
