Australian Indian Times Connects with Readers: Highlighting Community Concerns and Celebrating Cultural Events
Dear Australian Indian Times readers,
Welcome to the September edition of the Australian Indian Times! I would like to take a moment to express my gratitude to all of you for your continued feedback and support. Your insights on the content we feature and the issues that matter most to you enrich our community-focused, family-owned publication. As we approach the end of the year and the upcoming elections, it has been heartening to engage with many of you, whether through conversations or surveys. Tell us what policies you feel we need or need amending.
Based on our latest survey, it’s evident that our readers are deeply concerned about pressing matters such as domestic and family violence, as well as the rising cost of living. An overwhelming 100% of respondents identified these as their top priorities. During my recent volunteer activities, I’ve heard firsthand from residents grappling with increasing expenses for essential items such as food and electricity, alongside distressing stories of those affected by domestic violence. Additionally, 50% of our readers indicated that mental health issues, homelessness, housing shortages, and crime are also significant concerns, particularly regarding personal safety in our community. I am grateful to each individual who has shared their perspectives, as addressing these critical issues is vital for finding meaningful solutions.
At the India Day Fair 2024, hosted by GOPIO QLD, many expressed their appreciation for this free annual event that fosters community spirit. A heartfelt thank you goes to President Aprit Singh, Usha Chandra, Umesh Chandra, and their team for creating such enriching experiences for all attendees. It was wonderful to see the JD Media supporting the event and actively engaging with community members. This month, I also had the privilege of volunteering with the Australia Indian Theatre. Attendees praised Anu Sharma and her team for their outstanding efforts in bringing Indian theatre to our local stage. Additionally, I had insightful discussions with Manish Saini, Siddharth Nagpukar, and Pushpinder Oberoi, who are relentlessly working on the Queensland Multicultural Festival of Lights – Diwali at Dreamworld. This promises to be an incredible celebration filled with colour and joy; for more details, please contact Manish at 0450569896. The support from JD Media and the owners of JD Media, Deo family for these events exemplifies the true spirit of community engagement. Actions speak louder than words, and it’s heartening to see how our united community continues to spread joy and raise awareness about critical issues, even in challenging times.
Our readers have said promoting culture, mental health and supporting our youth is important. That is why I would also like to extend a special recognition to Sargam Music’s Bondita Chakraborty and Mithun Chakraborty, who tirelessly promote the culture, language, and arts within our community. Their dedication ensures that the next generation, both of Indian heritage and beyond, can connect with their roots while fostering an appreciation for the arts. Music is a universal healer, and its benefits for mental well-being cannot be overstated. Recent feedback indicates that our readers are also concerned about immigration issues affecting them and their families, alongside cost of living and domestic violence. I’ve emphasized the importance of diversity and culture and the impact of our shared history on our collective future.
As a young person, I see more clearly the daily struggles that many face, and it’s evident that our readers share these sentiments. If you need assistance or wish to share what matters most to you, please feel free to reach out or participate in my surveys. We all have a voice, and I encourage everyone to make it heard. At the Rawandan Independence Day celebration, I reflected on the significance of language and culture, honouring those who have sacrificed for our present. Let us remember their dedication and strive to make our world a better place for everyone. If you’d like to share your thoughts, please participate in my September survey available via the link or by scanning the barcode.
https://us17.list-manage.com/survey?u=e2a27a9d91a2076e4df41b4e0&id=a857d86611&attribution=false
