The Brisbane Indian Times under new Management

The baton has changed hands at the helm of leadership in the only Newspaper that talks. The Brisbane Indian Times has been the hallmark of a beloved community Newspaper highlighting real issues for real people in a real world. In a courteous and gentlemen arrangement, outgoing Publisher and widely respected and renowned community champion Mr. Umesh Chandra OAM and his family gracefully handed over the reins to Mr. Jitendra Deo and his family.
Mr. Chandra and Mr. Deo and their respective families are no strangers to each other. Both, first generation Australian Indian migrants with eternal mutual bonds as descendants of indentured workers the then British Empire colonial era shipped from beloved motherland India to a land unknown and unfamiliar to their honorable forebears.
Migrating first to Australia in the 1980’s Umesh and Usha with then young family from humble beginnings while building a Real Estate and other Businesses did not shun aware from their social responsibility to the multicultural diverse community, they now call home.
Hence the birth of the now widely read Brisbane Indian Times and later the inauguration of Australia Indian Radio becoming vehicles to express their commitment complimenting their inherent engagement in varied community event and functions.
This exemplary community dedication resulted in the Australia Government’s citation and worthy recognition in bestowing the prestigious OAM to Umesh Chandra, a testament to Umesh’s and of his family unprecedented achievements in service to the Australian multi-cultural community.
These are the proud foundation laid by Mr. Chandra and now the opportunity for Mr. Jitendra Deo and family to build upon and to propel these “Indian” issues in the national and international arena must be maintained, more so with passion and vigor.
To even suggest that the charismatic Mr. Chandra will be taking a back-seat role in news and feature aspects of the “new” Brisbane Indian Times would be unthinkable, like fish out of water. The traditional and faithful readers and supporters are assured that Mr. Chandra will be around for a while in this transition period.
The people’s voice: your voice on issues that matter to you must still be heard and reverberate into to the ears of the Powers that be in municipal, State, National and Global Leaders. We are a “Forth Estate”!!
Mr. Jitendra Deo has bravely taken on the baton as the Publisher and CEO of The Brisbane Indian Times. The soft-spoken former High School Teacher and now successful Electrical contractor and Property Developer and Philanthropist, in paying tribute to Mr. Chandra said “As a businessman and community leader myself, I have been observing Umesh and Usha’s community spirit and dedication for a while now and I learned immensely from their entrepreneurship as first-generation Migrants and their renown services to the community.
Mr. Jitendra added, “I hardly make wrong calculations in my work in the highly charged field as an electrical contractor or Developer, in fact I hardly do, if it means putting my name on any venture. Which I now have the honor to take on the baton and through God’s grace fill this shoe as Publisher of The Brisbane Indian Times.
I thank Umesh ji for laying a solid foundation as a pioneer in Indian cross-media in Australia.
“I am at peace that The Brisbane Indian Times is in the good hands of the Deo family” Mr. Umesh reminisced in contentment.
Put on your readers seat belt as The Brisbane Indian Times sours into new heights with Mr. Jitendra Deo on the helm of leadership as Publisher and CEO supported by a dynamic Editorial team and contributors headed by the Managing Editor Mrs. Shanjeshni Deo.

Change of Guards at Queensland Multicultural Council Inc

On 8th February, Queensland Multicultural Council Inc. held its AGM at the Social Policy Group premises in Gotha Street Fortitude Valley. Outgoing president Janeth Deen OAM requested Umesh Chandra OAM (trustee and Founder member) to conduct the proceedings of the AGM.
Following the regular business of the AGM, the returning officer, Lisa Ward of ECCQ, conducted the elections. The following officers were duly installed after the swearing-in ceremony:
– President, Mok Sandhu
– Vice President, Gail Ker OAM
– Secretary, Sasha Marin
– Assistant Secretary, Irene Bayldon
– Treasurer, Pradip Gorasia
– Assistant Treasurer, Hernandez Nayda
– Committee Member, Usha Chandra
– Committee Member, Janeth Deen OAM

SANT NIRANKARI MISSION ACTIVELY PARTICIPATES IN CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA

More than 21 million Aussies have participated in Clean Up Australia activities and events over the past three decades.
Over that time, Clean Up Australia has evolved to provide practical solutions to help all Australians live more sustainably every day of the year and emerged as one of the country’s most recognised, credible, and trusted environmental charities.
Today, their focus is as much on preventing rubbish from entering our environment as it is on removing what has already accumulated.
What was started over thirty years ago by an “average Australian” who had a simple idea to make a difference in his backyard has become the nation’s largest community-based environmental event.
Of course, Australia’s environmental challenges can’t be solved in just one day, so Clean Up Australia works with the community, government, and businesses to provide practical solutions to help us all live more sustainably every day of the year.
One such local organisation is the Sant Nirankari group. This progressive group is making a difference. Around one hundred-plus people gathered for this cleanup drive together. Everyone was quite energetic and optimistic & came with full enthusiasm for this noble cause.

Thanksgiving is not good enough for all the support from the Local Council, Brisbane Indian Times, Australian Indian Radio & other local community people.
Clean Up Australia inspires and mobilises communities to improve and conserve our environment, eliminate litter and end waste.
Mata Sudiksha Ji, the current spiritual leader of the Sant Nirankari Mission, heads the mission. She is the daughter of Baba Hardev Singh and was declared the sixth Satguru in 2018.
She continues the work of her predecessors and emphasises the importance of spiritual awareness, social harmony, and
selfless service. She will be in Brisbane on the
9th of April. The general public is invited to her discourse at Sunpac on the 9th of April.

Events at Gayatri Mandir Boondall

In the new year, we welcomed a new governing committee at Gayatri Mandir, led by President Anit Ram and a team of 12 members. The committee members’ expertise, deep knowledge and commitment have been seen through three successful events this year. Once again, the Moreton Bay Ramayan Mandali set the tone for a prosperous year with Hanuman Chalisa Recital. We are thankful to Pravind Prakash and his team for their ongoing support. The committee has vowed to ensure that all the events and programs continue with similar enthusiasm and vigour.
The Hindu Society of Queensland celebrated its anniversary on 26 January of its establishment and community accomplishment. The committee members (past and present), devotees and volunteers honoured the occasion with their presence. The event commenced with a Pooja led by Pundit Sanat Pandeyji and a havan sponsored by community members. Punditji also sheds some light on Gayatri Mandir’s 30-plus-year journey. Our newly elected president, Anit Ram, delivered a special message to the community outlining our Bracken Ridge Project Development and our vision for the years ahead.
Gayatri Mandir resonated with chants and praises of “Jai Shree Ram” as hundreds of devotees arrived for the darshan of Shree Ram Lalla live telecast. The public mood was a smooth blend of devotion and festive fervour. Thousands of diyas were lit, and the atmosphere was like embracing Diwali-Once more. We thank The Hindu Swayam Sevak Sangh Qld Vibhag for their inspiration and organisation.
We thank everyone who has been part of this journey and look forward to your ongoing support. As we enter a new year with several celebrations at Gayatri Mandir, please note that all upcoming celebration details are available on our Facebook Page. We humbly request that you bless us with your presence on all our auspicious celebrations.
For All bookings and enquiries, please visit our website or contact Nirla Pandey ( Events Organiser). Please visit our website, www.hindusocietyqld.org.au; our email address is [email protected]. We have feedback and a Contact Us page; feel free to provide feedback, and we will gladly oblige!

Upcoming Events

Shiv Chalisa every Monday: 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm
Ramayan Recital every Tuesday: 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm
7 March to 9 March: Mahashivratri
23 March – Sundarkand programs begin at 6.30 pm followed by Prasad and Mahaprasad
26 March: Holi
9 April to 17 April: Ram Naumi
Sundarkand and Trayodashi are held monthly at the mandir; for details and sponsorship, please visit our website and Facebook page. Regular updates will be sent to all devotees via Facebook and SMS messages.

Chhattisgarh govt started celebrating 14th February as Matri-Pitri Pujan Diwas & Rajasthan Govt decided to start from 2025

Across Australia, the event garnered significant attention and was celebrated in temples and community halls.

Matridevo Bhava; Pitridevo Bhava’ – Regard your mother as a god; regard your father as a god.
The content of this article is based on the satsang (spiritual discourse) of H.H. Sant Shri Asharam ji Bapu. Swami Vivekananda addressed the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in September 1893. A hundred years after him, Pujya Bapu Ji addressed the same Parliament in September 1993 and the whole parliament reverberated with the chanting of Hari Om. Both of these world-renowned spiritual leaders addressed the audience for much longer period than the given time and the audience were absorbed in listening to them.
To save the youth who are being ruined due to the lustful festivals like valentine’s day, in 2007 Pujya Bapu ji-initiated celebrations of Matri-Pitri Pujan Diwas (Parents worship day) on 14th February. Pujya Bapu ji felt that, due to the blind imitation of Western culture there has been a steep rise in the incidences of alcoholism, suicide, and other immoral activities, especially among the youth during the last week of December. To rescue the youth from this debauchery and denigration, Pujya Bapu ji came up with the idea of worshipping a sacred Tulsi plant (holy basil). So, with a view to awaken the cultural pride of the India and to save the countrymen from mental slavery, in 2014, he initiated celebration of Tulsi pujan on 25th December. Pujya Bapu Ji has always emphasized the necessity to follow rich Indian culture and always said that it is only the Indian culture and Sanatana dharma which can give the world happiness & peace.
Dear readers, the global observance of Matri Pitri Pujan Diwas (Parents’ Worship Day) experienced a notable upsurge in participation, with a growing number of community members, organizations, educational institutions, religious institutions, and social groups actively joining this unique festival. It’s a day when kids from all backgrounds come together to worship their parents. They put a tilak on their foreheads, put a garland of flowers around their neck, and basically treat them like gods! It’s a way for them to show their all respect and get parents’ blessings.
In some Indian states, namely Maharashtra, Haryana, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh, February 14th, is celebrated as “Matri-Pitri Pujan Diwas”. On this day, schools, parks, and temples host events where children participate in rituals to honour their parents.
In a significant step, Chhattisgarh’s Chief Minister (CM), Vishnu Deo Sai declared that state govt will celebrate 14th Feb as Matri-Pitri Pujan Diwas. A state level event was organised on 14th February 2024 to celebrate Matri-Pitri Pujan Diwas. In order to counter the growing popularity of Valentine’s Day (14 February), the Rajasthan government also decided that schools must celebrate it as Matri-Pitri Pujan Day. The govt decided to include 14th February as Matri-Pitri Pujan Diwas in the Department of Education’s school calendar from 2025.
In Brisbane, the event was celebrated in Northgate Hall Northgate. Over 100 members of the community came together for the event and had a very happy and emotional time. In the aftermath of the event, a wave of emotion washed over all the entire families. Parents and children alike were seen wiping away tears, their faces reflecting the depth of their feelings. Shri Umesh Chandra Ji & Smt. Usha Chandra Ji served as the distinguished chief guests for the event. In recognition of their participation, all the children were gifted with school bags. Shri Umesh Chandra ji addressed the attendees and delivered an amazing speech appreciating the great initiative by Sant Shri Asharamji Bapu.
The event garnered widespread community engagement in Melbourne and was commemorated at many locations. A wave of enthusiasm swept through Melbourne for the event, leading to widespread celebrations at Sri Durga Temple, Maa Vaishno Devi Temple, Seedhpeeth Kali Mata Mandir and at Salwater community Centre.
To listen Vedic/knowldge stories or to listen 24X7 live divine Satsang, please search “Mangalmay live” on google, visit http://www.ashram.org/live or search “THE SBM STUDIO” on you tube. By the Divine Inspiration of Bapu Ji, the weekly sessions of Bal Sanskar and yoga are held in Brisbane and in Sydney. These sessions are aimed for the character, mental, intellectual and spiritual development of the kids. Please read more about our Vedic culture in the next issue of “The Brisbane Indian Times.”
For more info about Bal Sanskar and yoga sessions, to get a free copy of monthly spiritual magazine Rishi-Prasad in your mail box in Australia or to get free online subscription of Rishi -Prasad, please contact by email at [email protected] or by WhatsApp/phone to Ashok Attri and Anu Attri at +61 426 834 434 & +61 405 277 802

Taiwan Imagery Exhibition 2024 opens at Queensland Taiwan Centre during the Taiwan Culture Festival

Opening Ceremony of Taiwan Imagery Exhibition, 2024 Taiwan Culture Festival
Queensland Taiwan Centre took place on Saturday, the seventieth of February.
The event was attended by participating artists, Diplomats, elected representatives, representatives of the Overseas Community Affairs Council of Taiwan, OAMs, community leaders, community advocates and educational leaders.
Edward Lin -CEO of Australia Taiwan Culture Foundation Ltd, as usual performed the MC duties diligently
Aunty Peggy Tidyman conducted an acknowledgement of Country; the formalities included speeches by Melody Chen, William Fan, Director-General of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Brisbane, Peter Russo MP, Queensland Parliament Member for Toohey, James Martina MP, Queensland Parliament Member for Stretton, Cr Steven Huang, Brisbane Councillor for MacGregor Ward, Charles Ouyang, Director of Queensland Taiwan Centre, and Susan Yang, President of WAMCI.

In her Speech Susan Yang said, “Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and cherished members of our vibrant community,
With immense joy and pride, I welcome you to the Taiwan Imagery Exhibition, a featured 2024 Taiwan Culture Festival event here in Brisbane, Australia.
Today, we gather at the Queensland Taiwan Centre to celebrate the rich tapestry of Taiwanese and Australian artistry through this showcase, featuring the works of 15 talented artists, which serves as a testament to the power of cultural exchange and collaboration.
In this gathering, we are honoured to have distinguished guests from various walks of life – politicians, representatives of cultural organisations, members of the media, the esteemed Order of Australia, and cherished members of our diverse communities. Your presence not only adds lustre to this event but also reflects the inclusive spirit that defines the very essence of this festival.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the artists whose creativity graces these walls – a fusion of Taiwanese and Australian perspectives, each canvas a testament to the unifying language of art. As we navigate these artworks’ intricate brushstrokes and captivating narratives, let us appreciate the profound connection between Taiwan and Australia. Through this exhibition, we bridge distances, fostering a deeper understanding of our shared values and unique cultural expressions.
May this festival inspire a continued exchange of ideas, fostering friendships that transcend borders. Let us revel in the beauty of diversity and the shared threads that weave our stories together. Together, we embark on a cultural journey that celebrates the past, embraces the present, and paves the way for a future prosperous in understanding and harmony.
Thank you, and let the 2024 Taiwan Culture Festival unfold with joy, unity, and a celebration of our collective heritage”.
The event concluded with a group photo session and refreshments for all.

Spectacular Dragon to concludes Lantern Celebrations at Chung Tian Temple

The Iconic Chinese New Year celebrations concluded at Logan’s Chung Tian Temple, by a blessing of over 200 babies and toddlers, followed by a spectacular Dragon and Lion Dance.
The Lantern Celebrations marked the Lunar New Year, which dates back more than 4,500 years. Over 30,000 visitors participated in these celebrations at the temple during the fortnight of celebrations.

Visitors experienced some vibrant cultural offerings, including the delightful sounds of chanting resonating throughout the corridors, the fragrance of fresh flowers sifting gently through the air, and the graceful glow of rising smoke from burning incense as it created harmony for all who visited.

The taste buds were not neglected as there was a range of delightful Asian treats located throughout the temple’s three dining areas, together with the opportunity to partake in a Tea Chan Ceremony, some high mountain tea or sip some freshly brewed coffee with a range of delightful homemade cakes.

The temple held several activities, including:
• A fun train; • face painting; • children’s storytelling;
• three dining areas around the temple, including the Water Drop Tea and Coffee House;
• BLIAQ Scouts with plenty of fun activities, including an afternoon children’s concert;
• Calligraphy and lantern making; • Floral Workshop; • Cultural Performances;
• Art and book store: • Photo Booth; • Chinese Cultural Arts and Crafts;
• Incense, Flower and Light Offerings; • Ringing of the giant Blessing Bell;
• An Everlasting Star in Humanity – celebrating the life of Venerable Master Hsing Yun exhibition; • Tea Chan: • Meditation: • Tai Chi; • Buddhist Souvenir Shop
• The Dragon and Lion dance presented by the Shaolin Kung Fu Guang at 2:00 pm.
The Chinese New Year Celebrations, with free entry and a range of free events, are family-friendly and accessible events sponsored by the Logan City Council and supported by Multicultural Affairs Queensland.
Due to the popularity of these celebrations, visitors were advised to arrive early for all events due to heavy traffic.