ANZAC Day Commemoration at Anzac Jawan Cenotaph – A Solemn Salute to Shared Sacrifice

Cherrybrook, April 20, 2025 — Under a serene autumn sky, the Anzac Jawan Cenotaph in Cherrybrook became a place of solemn reflection and heartfelt unity as the Australia India Cenotaph Committee, a project of the Hindu Council of Australia, hosted a moving ANZAC Day Commemoration to honor the sacrifices of ANZAC soldiers of Indian origin who served during World War I.

Organized in collaboration with the Hornsby RSL Sub-Branch, 202 ACU Blacktown Army Cadet Unit, and Hornsby Shire Council, the event drew together a diverse gathering of ex-servicemen, officials, community members, and students to remember and pay tribute to these unsung heroes of shared history.

The ceremony opened with a solemn Acknowledgment of Country, followed by the Mounting of the Guard and Lowering of the Flags—symbols of deep respect. Mr. George Main, Vice President of the Hornsby RSL Sub-Branch, delivered an emotional opening prologue that set the tone for an afternoon steeped in remembrance and unity.

Prayers of Thanksgiving, for the King, and for the Nation were led by Mr. Ashwani Sharma (Director, Hindu Council), Mr. Nitin Jayraman (NSW Secretary, Hindu Council), Mrs. Parinita Tandon (AICC Member), and executives from Cherrybrook Technology High School, reflecting the spiritual and multicultural harmony of the occasion.

The beloved hymn “Abide with Me” was sung in unison, filling the air with a poignant reminder of peace, sacrifice, and resilience.

Keynote messages were delivered by prominent dignitaries, including Mr. Surinder Jain (National Vice President, Hindu Council of Australia), Colonel Virender Sahni, Dr. S. Janakiraman (Consul General of India, Sydney), Mr. Darren Bark (Co-Chair of Faith NSW), Mr. Julian Leeser – Federal MP, Mr. James Wallace MP, Mr. Mark Hodges MP, and Hon. Warren Waddell, Mayor of Hornsby Shire. Local councillors Clr. Reena Jethi and Clr. Sreeni Pillamarri also graced the event, signaling strong community and political support.

In a powerful display of collective remembrance, wreaths were laid by ex-servicemen, Army Cadets, representatives of the Hindu Council (both National and NSW), AICC, local leaders, students, and members of the public—each paying their respects in a unified act of tribute.

A spiritual note was added through Hindu prayers led by Mr. Jagdish Trivedi of the Gujarati Samaj, bringing a sacred rhythm to the commemoration.

The sense of unity between Australia and India was further celebrated with the national anthems of both countries, beautifully performed by students from IABBV Hindi School.

The Ode of Remembrance was solemnly recited by Mr. John Zeller, Vice President of the Hornsby RSL Sub-Branch, followed by a minute of silence. The ceremony reached a moving crescendo with the Last Post and Reveille, performed by Cherrybrook Technology High School and raised by the school’s student vice-captains.

The event concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks by Mr. Anand Manickam, Vice President (NSW) of the Cenotaph Committee, who recognized the efforts of volunteers, partners, and attendees. Guests then came together to share light refreshments and reflections in an atmosphere of warmth and community.

The event was masterfully coordinated by the Australia India Cenotaph Committee—Mr. Anand Manickam, Mrs. Parinita Tandon, Mr. Nitesh Sethi, Mr. Jaydeep Panchal and Mr. Arjun Mehta—with unwavering support from Hindu Council officials and dedicated volunteers. Their collective efforts ensured a meaningful, respectful, and culturally rich tribute to the shared legacy of ANZAC service.