Council of Indian Australians Inc. (CIA) Celebrated INDIA DAY DINNER 2018: 72nd Indian Independence Day

A night filled with stunning traditional Indian dances, patriotic songs and $5,000 funds raised for the needy children at Westmead Hospital.

As Independent India steps into its 72nd year, the Council of Indian Australians (CIA) NSW held a gala India Day Dinner 2018 to commemorate this important milestone at the Bowman Hall, Blacktown on Saturday, 11th August 2018.

Speaking at the event to a capacity gathering, Mohit Kumar, President of CIA said, “This celebration is not just about India’s 72nd Independence Day, it’s also about celebrating the India’s diaspora, bilateral relationship with Australia and India becoming the world’s major economic power house. The Indian Diaspora is around 500,000 in Australia but they are punching well above their weight regarding contributing to the economy, with paying over 12 Billion Dollars in taxes alone in 2016-2017 financial year making them the second highest paying diaspora in Australia after the UK migrants.”

 The Hon. Ray Williams, New South Wales Minister for Multiculturalism and the Minister for Disability Services graced the occasion as chief guest and stated in his speech. “This celebration is a commitment to powerful diversity as Indian festivals continue to grow year after

year. What this association does is your continuous commitments to harmony across our communities. Its commendable what Indian Australian population are achieving in this country.” The Hon Ray Williams MP also appealed all attendees to support raising funds for Westmead Children’s hospital.

Ms Jodi McKay, MP Member for Strathfield representing Mr Luke Foley MP NSW Opposition Leader stated in her speech that “The contributions Indian Australians make to our community is so important and valuable to all of us”.

Shri S. K. Verma – Head of Consular and Community Welfare Wing Sydney representing Council General of India, Sydney wished everyone Happy Independence Day. Shri Verma highlighted the progress of India since last 71 years. He said “India has now 800 universities and 40,000+ colleges and the literacy rate has gone up from 12% to 74% since Independence in 1947. The life expectancy has also grown from 45 years to 70 years due to high quality of health care. India has now become a major Medical Tourism hub where more than 200,000 patients from overseas visiting India for seeking medical assistance. India is now the 7th largest economy in the world and second fastest growing economies in the world.”

The event was graced by various political dignitaries, councillors, Indian Australian media and community leaders.

India is well known for its rich cultural and folk art. At the event the various groups performed all kinds of dance forms from Patriot to Kathak to Behu and Bollywood as a sacred expression of faith, vibrancy, enthusiasm and energy. CIA’s Vice President Nitin Shukla who was the Director of the Cultural Program and official MC was well supported by Committee Members Ashish Desai and Simmi Wadhwa. Mr Shukla said, “The dancer’s colorful costumes and traditional ornaments worn made it a spectacle to watch. Many thanks to Swastik Dance Studio, Nartan Institute of Preforming Arts and performers for displaying India’s rich cultural heritage and thanked MC’s Nidhi, Preeti and Khusboo for their crowd engaging performance

The caterer for the evening Maya da Dhaba featured a mouth-watering menu showcasing the diversity, creativity and richness of Indian culinary offering. The fabulous North Indian combined with fresh off the pan masala dosas and garam ma garam jelebis with Gujarati Masala chai were a special feature of the event.

Sanjay Deshwal, CIA’s General Secretary, in his vote of thanks, thanked the Blacktown Council for the wonderful venue, the DJ for the wonderful music and all the distinguished guests for attending the evening and making it a grand success. He concluded by saying CIA looks forward to the Grand Mela at the “The Little India Fair” on Wigram Street on 27th October 2018.