Mateship, Resilience, and Community Reflecting on ANZAC Day and Our Shared Future

I’m delighted to begin this April edition of the Australian Indian Times by acknowledging a significant date in our calendar, 111 years since Australian and New Zealand troops first landed during the Gallipoli campaign. ANZAC Day offers us a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by soldiers and animals who served with courage and dedication.

This year, I will be marching and attending the Forest Lake RSL Sub Branch ceremony at the Lake Parklands in Forest Lake. I still recall attending this service when I was around four years old, which makes it especially meaningful to return and take part alongside my school friends and community leaders. I encourage you to attend a local service or simply place a candle at dawn and pay your respects from home. For more information, please contact your local RSL.

This is a significant day in our national calendar. The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps was established in 1914 in Egypt, bringing together the Australian Imperial Force and the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. The name “ANZAC” has become a lasting symbol of mateship, resilience, and sacrifice. It is also important to recognise the contributions of Indian and British soldiers who fought alongside the ANZACs. Around 16,000 Indian troops served in the Gallipoli campaign, with approximately 1,600 losing their lives. Their bravery remains an important part of our shared history.A highlight from last month was participating in the Cancer Council fundraiser coordinated by Kylie Gates. A heartfelt thank you to Mandeep Kaur, Vice President of GOPIO Brisbane, for taking part in the walk. I’m also grateful to readers of the Australian Indian Times as one participant shared that they discovered the event through this column.

Together, we raised an incredible $7,500 for cancer on the day. A big thank you to all our readers who joined their local “Chicks in Pink” fundraiser walk or supported the cause in their own way

This month, I also had the pleasure of sitting down with Will, co-owner and pharmacist at Discount Chemist Doolandella. We spoke about a new trial offering flu vaccinations for children under five using a nasal spray instead of a needle, an initiative that has been very well received locally. (As always, please consult your local pharmacist for advice and eligibility.)

Originally from South India, Will has lived and worked across the world—from Dubai to regional Australia—before settling locally. Fluent in multiple languages, he has created a welcoming pharmacy environment that reflects the diversity of our community. His approach is simple yet powerful: a smile, genuine care, and a commitment to building one-on-one relationships. I was honoured to join him as he celebrated his first year anniversary in business, marked by community education, a family-friendly petting zoo, and plans for future events.

I’ve been incredibly encouraged by the positive feedback from readers. This is why I also want to highlight a growing local and international concern—the rising cost of fuel. Reports, including coverage from multiple news outlets and everyday observations across our communities, suggest that fuel supply pressures could lead to increased costs when buying groceries or dining out, impacting households and farmers alike. Increased transport costs inevitably flow through to everyday expenses, placing added pressure on families.

There is also ongoing discussion around electric vehicle subsidies by the Federal opposition, and future energy solutions with the Queensland Government exploring oil opportunities in regions such as the Taroom Trough to bring down cost and making us less dependent with getting it overseas. At the time of writing, diesel prices in some areas are exceeding $3.30 per litre, with unleaded fuel averaging around $2.50–$2.60 across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Ipswich. Many predict prices will be around $4.00 before the end of April.

During these times, I encourage everyone to explore practical ways to ease financial pressure—whether it’s checking eligibility for community transport support (Council cabs), considering carpooling, looking into electric vehicles and salary sacrificing, or even growing your own vegetables at home. Personally, I’ve started walking more, gardening, and sharing produce with neighbours. These small steps not only help financially but also strengthen community connections. Now more than ever, compassion and mateship are what define us as Australians.

Please also take care of your mental health. I’ve recently joined the Wolston Park Cricket Club social cricket sessions—just $10 a game, open to all ages and abilities. It’s a fantastic way to unwind, stay active, and connect with others. In a world full of pressures, it’s important to pause and remember what truly matters—our families, friends, and community. I also had the pleasure of attending the 2026 City of Logan People’s Excellence Awards, where I caught up with Cr Nathan St Ledger and Cr Scott Bannan, both of whom are passionate about youth mental health and its importance.

I was also inspired attending a recent community gathering titled “Give to Gain – Strengthening the Indian Diaspora in Queensland”, with leaders from GOPIO and the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland, alongside dedicated individuals such as Senator Paul Scarr and Lord Mayoress Nina Schrinner. My sincere thanks to Dr Priya Jaganathan, Usha Chandra, and all involved for their warm hospitality and continued leadership.

A special mention also goes to community champions and organisations supporting International Women’s Day celebrations, including ISCA, led by Roshni Sharma, and the many volunteers who made these events so meaningful. These are the groups that strengthen our multicultural community and provide support for both the mind and soul.

As always, thank you for your continued support, and I wish everyone celebrating Easter a safe and happy holiday. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there is anything I can assist with or if you have a story to share.

Connect @ Mahamane Inspires Community Through Values, Learning and Youth Leadership

An engaging gathering at Mt Ommaney Library highlights values-based living, intergenerational learning and community connection Brisbane, 21 March 2026 — The Connect @ Mahamane gathering, held at Mt Ommaney Library, brought together community members for an evening of interactive learning, cultural reflection and meaningful connection. The event showcased how values-based initiatives can strengthen communities while empowering individuals across all age groups.

Organised by Basava Samiti Asia Pacific Ltd, the event aimed to highlight the charity’s mission of promoting values-driven living inspired by Guru Basava, the 12th-century social reformer known for his teachings on equality, compassion and ethical conduct.

Building a Values-Driven Community

At its core, the event emphasised the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals can grow personally while contributing positively to society. Through its programs, the organisation continues to foster intergenerational learning, encouraging people of all ages to share perspectives, experiences and values.
“Events like Connect @ Mahamane create a space where values are not just discussed, but experienced and practised,” a volunteer shared.

Interactive Learning in Action

One of the most engaging segments of the evening was the interactive activity “Act the Value”, where participants expressed values through short role-plays. This was followed by “Guess the Value”, where attendees identified values from real-life scenarios, sparking thoughtful discussions and collaborative learning.
These activities encouraged participants to reflect on how values are applied in everyday life, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

Youth Leadership Takes Centre Stage

A standout moment of the event was the inspiring leadership of Saketh, a 15-year-old Year 10 student, who confidently facilitated the interactive sessions. His ability to engage both children and adults demonstrated the impact of youth leadership in community initiatives.
Children actively participated by acting out values such as kindness and honesty, bringing energy and enthusiasm to the sessions.
“Seeing young leaders step forward with confidence reflects the strength of our community and the future we are building,” an attendee noted.

Reflecting on Basava Jayanthi and Timeless Teachings

The event also featured a dedicated session on Basava Jayanthi, offering participants a deeper understanding of its significance. Discussions centred on the teachings of Guru Basava and their continued relevance in modern society.
The exploration of the Vachana “Chalabeku Sharange” encouraged attendees to reflect on its meaning and apply its message to their daily lives, fostering both cultural awareness and spiritual insight.

A Strong Sense of Community

The evening concluded with the sharing of prasad, reinforcing a sense of togetherness, belonging and community spirit. Participants left with not only new insights but also a renewed commitment to practising values in their everyday lives.

Callout: About Basava Samiti Asia Pacific

Basava Samiti Asia Pacific Ltd is an international charity dedicated to promoting Engage, Educate, Empower and Enlighten (4Es) through innovative programs such as Learn2Grow and Connect @ Mahamane. The organisation leverages technology, volunteerism and community engagement to build values-based, future-ready communities across Australia and New Zealand.

Key Takeaway

Values are best learned through experience.
Initiatives like Connect @ Mahamane demonstrate how communities can come together to learn, lead and live with purpose.

Jai Guru Basava

The Unshakable Spirit: Resilience as the Cornerstone of the Indian Diaspora

By Jitendra Deo
Chief Executive Officer
JD Group Australia

As we navigate the complexities of 2026, a year already marked by shifting geopolitical tides, economic recalibrations, and the lingering echoes of environmental challenges in our Pacific backyard, I am struck by a singular, undeniable truth: the profound resilience of the Indian diaspora. From the bustling streets of Sydney and Brisbane to the coastal towns of Fiji, our community has consistently demonstrated an extraordinary ability to not only survive crises but to manage them with a level of sophistication and unity that serves as a global blueprint.

Resilience is often defined as the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties. However, for the Indian diaspora, resilience is not merely a reactive trait; it is a proactive, cultural imperative. It is woven into the very fabric of our history. We are a people of movement, of adaptation, and of enduring faith. Whether it was the early pioneers who crossed oceans to build new lives in the Pacific or the modern professionals driving innovation in Australia’s tech and healthcare sectors, the underlying strength remains the same: an unshakable core that refuses to be broken by circumstance.

Management in the Heart of the Storm

When we look at the recent events in Fiji, recovering from Tropical Cyclone Vaianu or the economic fluctuations caused by global supply chain disruptions, we see a community that does not panic. Instead, we see a community that organizes.

This “well-managed” nature of our diaspora is rooted in our social structures. During times of crisis, our community centres, religious institutions, and business networks transform instantly into relief hubs. It wasn’t just about providing aid; it was about the management of that aid and ensuring it reached the most vulnerable, coordinating logistics with precision, and providing the emotional scaffolding necessary for long-term recovery.

In business, this resilience manifests as a unique form of “frugal innovation” and strategic foresight. As entrepreneurs and business leaders, we have learned to build systems that are robust yet flexible. We anticipate market shifts and prepare for rainy days, ensuring that our enterprises can weather high interest rates or shipping delays without compromising the livelihoods of those we employ.

The Strength of Our Shared Identity

What makes the Indian diaspora particularly resilient is our dual identity. We are deeply integrated into the fabric of Australia and Fiji, contributing to the “Great Southern Land” with our professional expertise and cultural richness. Yet, we remain tethered to the values of our heritage and values that prioritize family, education, and communal responsibility.
In times of crisis, this identity acts as a shock absorber. When a family faces a health challenge or a business faces a downturn, they are never truly alone. The “invisible safety net” of the diaspora and composed of friends, neighbours, and professional associations, springs into action. This is the hallmark of a community that is well-managed: the ability to decentralize support and empower individuals through collective strength.

Looking Forward: A Legacy of Stability

As we look at the headlines today, from the stabilization of fuel supplies to the opening of climate-resilient roads in Vanua Levu, we must recognize that infrastructure is only half the story. The other half is the human element. You can build the strongest bridges and the widest roads, but without a resilient population to utilize them, progress is hollow.

Our community’s ability to remain grounded while reaching for the stars is our greatest asset. We celebrate the success of our leaders in the Australian Senate and the achievements of our youth in universities, but we never forget the importance of our traditional routines and the spiritual discipline that keeps us cantered.

I say this: let us take pride in our history of perseverance. We have proven time and again that we are built for the long haul. Whether the challenge is a global pandemic, a localized natural disaster, or an economic shift, the Indian diaspora will continue to lead with a calm hand and a determined heart. We are not just participants in the modern world; we are the architects of its stability.

Our resilience is our legacy. Our management is our strength. Together, we remain unyielding.

When Australian Regulators Answer to Foreign Parliaments

There are moments when a seemingly technical detail exposes a much deeper fault line in government. The demand that Australia’s e-Safety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, appear before a United States House committee is one such moment. It received passing attention and no domestic analysis despite the serious constitutional issues it creates. The Office of the e-Safety Commissioner is an agency of the Australian Government. The Commissioner’s functions are set out in the Online Safety Act 2021, including promoting the online safety of children. To that end, the Commissioner has the power to do all things necessary or convenient to be done for the performance of that and other functions. In addition, the Minister for Communications may issue directions to the Commissioner regarding his or her performance of the functions and exercise of powers.

Ordinarily, the congressional demand would not have been served in Australia. The US Congress has no jurisdiction to compel foreign officials to appear before it. Sovereign immunity, territorial limits and constitutional design all point in the same direction: Australia’s regulators answer to Australian ministers and, ultimately, the Australian Parliament.

But this case is different. The current e-Safety Commissioner is a dual Australian and US citizen.This single fact not only alters the legal landscape entirely but strikes at the core of national sovereignty and national security. While the US Congress is unable to compel Australia or Australians, it can compel one of its own citizens. Committee chairman Jim Jordan stated in his demand “that Congress has broad authority to gather information from U.S. persons”. Citing the US Supreme Court, Mr Jordan continued that “courts have routinely found that U.S. citizens living abroad are within the jurisdiction of the U.S. government and can be compelled to provide testimony”.

All acts and accountability of the Commissioner under the Act, are done in his or her official capacity as Commissioner, not in his or her personal capacity. Settled Australian law declares this to be the case.

The statutory powers are exercised by virtue of office, not by virtue of or reference to the identity of the holder.In the case of Ms Grant, the mechanism of accountability is no longer institutional; it is personal. And in that shift lies a profound constitutional problem.

While Australia is a nation of immigrants (seven prime ministers were born outside Australia), by appointing a foreign citizen to exercise Australian sovereign power, the Commonwealth has inadvertently imported foreign parliamentary oversight into its own executive branch. Ms Grant is not merely a regulator enforcing Australian law; she is also a person clearly capable of at least being pursued, if not being subpoenaed, examined and sanctioned by a foreign legislature. Accountability is no longer vertically aligned within Australia’s constitutional system. It is pulled sideways, into another.

This is not a question of loyalty or good faith. It is a question of structure. Accountability is not neutral. It always belongs somewhere. When an Australian official can be compelled to answer to a foreign parliament, Australian sovereignty is no longer complete, even if nothing improper is said or done. The possibility of a dual-citizen ASIO director-general is no longer a hypothetical. The current Victorian Police Commissioner, after all, is a New Zealand citizen.

The implications are serious. Senior regulators hold sensitive information, shape enforcement priorities, and operate in domains that intersect with national security, global technology markets, and intelligence-adjacent policy spaces. The risk is not espionage.

It is lawful pressure — exerted through hearings, questioning, reputational leverage, and the implicit threat of legal or political sanction under foreign law. There is also the question of institutional appearance: is the senior civil servant enforcing their statute with an even hand, or acting under the invisible thumb of or perceived fear of repercussions from a foreign power?

Australia is not unfamiliar with concerns about divided allegiance. In 2017-18, the High Court spectacularly disqualified members of Parliament who held dual citizenship. Yet no equivalent disqualification applies to senior executive appointments wielding vast regulatory power. That anomaly should tremendously trouble us. If divided allegiance is unacceptable in the legislature, why is it ignored in the highest levels of the civil service?

The issue is larger than this Commissioner, and larger than relations with the United States. The purpose of Mr Jordan’s demand is irrelevant. His argument that Ms Grant is “willing and able to return to the United States when it suits [her]” is manifestly frivolous. Instead, attention should urgently be fastened upon how modern states exercise sovereignty in an era of migration, transnational citizenship, global talent and borderless regulation. Appointments of dual citizens to the upper civil service now carry constitutional consequences. It must be arrested.

—Nilay B. Patel is a lawyer based in Melbourne