Shri BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Temple celebrates the inauguration of the Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya

KINGSTON, Shri BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Temple, hosted a joyous celebration on Sunday, January 21st, marking the inauguration of the Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
The event welcomed esteemed guests, including Dr Ashutosh Mishra, CEO of IAIE; Abhishek Sharma from Bhartiya Samaj; Dr Ram Mohan from Australia India News; Sureshbhai Limbani and the team from HSS, Shree Hari and Team from VHP, Pandit Piyushbhai Shastri and various organisation leaders.

The festivities featured special prayers, cultural activities, and a vibrant parade (Akshat Kumbh Palkhi ) with Shri Ram, Sitaji, and Hanumanji statues. Pujya Arshpurush Swami ji emphasised the importance of unity and mutual respect from the Tulsi Ramayana. The event showcased the teachings of Shri Ramachandra Bhagwan, promoting happiness and collaboration. More than 800 attendees felt a sense of community, reflecting the spirit of Sanatan Hindu Dharma. The celebration honoured the historic occasion and demonstrated the BAPS’s commitment to fostering togetherness and joy among the people of Brisbane who believe in these timeless teachings.

Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir celebrates its eighth Staphna Diwas and seventh Anniversary

 North McLean, Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir celebrated its eighth Staphna Diwas (formation) day and seventh anniversary on 21st January 2024.
Many devotees and elected representatives attended the annual event on the same day despite other functions in Brisbane. The program began with bhajans by the local musical group (Mandli)

Before the official proceedings, the spiritual and religious aspects took place, including floral tributes, Ishtuthi, offering intergenerational jewellery and Bhajan by Guruma Pujniye Pundita Asha Tripathi ji. The Official proceedings began with a traditional welcome to the country by Indigenous Leader and Elder Aunty Bettey McGrady.

Umesh Chandra OAM, as MC, welcomed everyone and acknowledged all the invited VIP guests, who received the blessing and shawl of honour from His Holiness Dharam Guru Pandith Tripathi Ji. Usha Chandra read out the special message from the Queensland premier.

Christine Castley, CEO of Multicultural Australia, was the first speaker as guest of honour. She delivered a well-articulated speech on the occasion. Cr Jon Raven from Division Five of Logan City Council was the next speaker. Councillor Angela Owen, representing Brisbane’s Lord Mayor, spoke next.

Devika Maharaj recognised the sponsors and donors for the event; she also delivered a vote of thanks. Concluding remarks were made by His Holiness Dharam Guru Pandith Tripathi Ji, following which the resident Mandali sang the arathi and Bhog.

The event concluded with bhajans and Dinner for everyone. VIP guests were first invited to the dining area; it was a very successful event with everyone’s support.

Ramayana Sampurna Maha Yug and Bhandara at Gayatri Mandir Boondall

BOONDALL,

The Tuesday Ramayana Group of Gayatri Mandir Boondall completed the Ramayana recital for the fifth time since they began the Tuesday Night Ramayan recitals. A unique Maha Yug and Bhandara is traditionally organised when the last verses are read.On Tuesday, the ninth of January, this religious ritual was completed; it was a wonderful gathering of prominent Brisbane-based Hindu Priests, past Presidents, and community members. The event began with a special pooja By Umesh and Usha Chandra (Bhandara sponsors), followed by a special pooja by Anit Ram – president of the Hindu Society of Queensland; pundit Sanat Pandey ji officiated both prayers.

After the poojas, the Tuesday Ramayana group as per usual, recited Hanuman Chalisa, after which Siva Sri Gangadhara Gurrukal of Brisbane Shree Durga Temple honoured all attending Priests with Chandan, Tilak and shawl of honour.

Pundit Sanat Pandey ji conducted the special Hawan, and all priests took part in the Hawan; this was a historic moment. After the Purna Ahothi (conclusion) of Hawan, Tuesday Ramayan Group recited the last verses of Ramamayna. Pracharak Shree Alpesh Parmar Ji has been the main “Vyash” narrator of Ramayan since the passing away of Master Jhinku Prasad Ji. The group is privileged to have Shree Alpesh Parmar ji as the Pracharak; he is well-versed in Ramayana and other Hindu scriptures and has an excellent command of Hindi.

Following Ramayana, all past presidents in attendance and otherwise were acknowledged by Mrs Usha Chandra. President Anit Ram spoke on the occasion and thanked the Tuesday Ramayana group for their ongoing commitment since inception. The second speaker was Pundit Sanat Pandey ji, who also congratulated the Tuesday Ramayana Group and mentioned that it was Umesh and Usha Chandra’s wedding anniversary.

Umesh Chandra Delivered a vote of thanks and remembered the Late Madhavan Krishnan and Master Jhinku Prasad; he specially thanked the key members of Tuesday’s Ramayan Group – Deo Chand, Nagendra Prasad, Anita Singh, Rajendra Prasad, Raman Nair, Dipak, Alpesh Parmar, Madhu and Rakesh, Nirmala Krishnan.

After the aarathi and Shanti path, Mahaprasad (dinner) was served in the dining area. Overall, it is a very spiritually uplifting program.

The Chinmaya Mission National Camp in Brisbane to Empower Youth

The Chinmaya Mission Yuva Kendra (CHYK) global youth wing program aims to inspire young adults to reach their full potential. Weekly classes teach the youth about values and teachings from Vedanta that they can apply in their everyday lives.
In Brisbane, our CHYK community is thriving, with a vibrant group of over 20 active members who have forged strong connections through engaging in various events and fundraisers. Together, we strive to inspire personal growth and foster a supportive community.

In late December, Chinmaya Mission held its annual Global CHYK camp in the picturesque campus of Chinmaya International Residential School in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Centred around the timeless epic tale, the Ramayana, the camp explored the principles of leading a purposeful life. Pujya Swamiji Swaroopananda, the Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, inspired the youth to join the journey of self-development by illuminating the relevance of this ancient narrative in our contemporary lives. Six Brisbane CHYKs and many CHYKs from Australia and various countries such as the UK, Singapore and the US were fortunate to immerse themselves in the Ramayana through discussion groups, activities, bhajans and dance over the seven days. The inclusive environment fostered a sense of belonging and acted as a catalyst for personal growth.

Looking ahead, Brisbane Chinmaya Mission is thrilled to host the Annual National CHYK Camp, coinciding with the 108th Jayanthi celebration of our founder, Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda. The camp will explore the theme ‘ Winning the World with Love ‘ led by Pujya Swamiji Swaroopananda and facilitated by Swami Shrikaranandaji, the resident teacher for NSW, ACT, SA, and QLD. Drawing inspiration from the Global CHYK camp, the National camp promises immersive activities, daily teachings from Swamiji, and captivating showcases of our youth’s talents. With many CHYKs registered all over Australia, we eagerly anticipate a weekend brimming with unforgettable experiences. We extend a warm welcome to new members, prepared to embark on a journey toward embracing and spreading love throughout the world. As Swami Chinmayananda illuminated, “Love is to human hearts what the sun is to flowers.”

Greater Springfield Kite Festival 2024 Soaring to New Heights at Woodcrest Oval Ground

In celebration of Australia Day and Indian Republic Day, the Greater Springfield Indian Association (GSIA) proudly presented the second edition of the Greater Springfield Kite Festival at Woodcrest Oval Ground. This spectacular event transformed the skies into a lively canvas of colours, marking a joyous occasion for the local community.

A Vibrant Display of Colors and Celebration With a Live DJ
Commencing at noon and continuing until 6 PM, the Woodcrest Oval Ground became a bustling activity centre. Attendees were captivated by the enchanting sight of kites in various shapes and sizes gracefully dancing in the sky, embodying themes of unity and joy.

Diverse Cultural Experiences
The festival featured a mesmerising kite display and a blend of cultural experiences. A live DJ provided a lively soundtrack while traditional Indian food stalls offered delectable flavours. Vibrant stalls showcasing exquisite jewellery and local spiritual stores contributed to the mystical atmosphere, providing attendees with opportunities for spiritual and recreational activities.

Community Unity and Engagement
Local businesses actively engaged in the festival, creating a vibrant marketplace within the event grounds. Firms and representatives from Greater Springfield showcased their offerings, fostering a strong sense of community bonding and camaraderie.

Commendations from Esteemed Guests
Honourable Shane Neumann, Member of Parliament, appreciated GSIA and President Mukesh Dubey’s efforts in organising the event. Other distinguished guests, including Honorable Milton Dick, Honorable Charis Mullen, Mayor Theresa Harding, and Councillor Paul Tully, applauded the festival’s success and pledged ongoing support for future community events.

A Triumph of Unity and Diversity
More than just an event, the Greater Springfield Kite Festival 2024 became an immersive experience celebrating diversity, unity, and the rich tapestry of cultures within the community. The soaring kites reflected the elevated spirits of attendees, creating enduring memories for all.

Expressions of Gratitude and Future Plans
GSIA President Mukesh Dubey conveyed heartfelt thanks for the community’s enthusiastic participation, the unwavering support from local leaders, and lots of hard work and efforts by the GSIA team. With the resounding success of this festival, GSIA eagerly anticipates organising more vibrant and community-centric gatherings in the future.
The Greater Springfield Kite Festival 2024 is a testament to the strength of community bonding and shared celebrations, solidifying its status as a hallmark event in the Greater Springfield calendar.

Australia Day & Indian Republic Day 2024 – Dual Celebration

The Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ) hosted a dual celebration of India’s 75th Republic Day and Australia Day on the 26th of January 2024 at SunPAC, Sunnybank, in Brisbane.
In line with the FICQ’s tradition, representatives from Australia’s First Nations people, three levels of government, and community and business leaders celebrated this annual event.
Held under the aegis of the National Australia Day Council, Brisbane City Council (BCC), Lord Mayor of Brisbane Adrian Schrinner, this remarkable day was sponsored by Springfield City Group, Southern Cross University, Brisbane City Mahindra, Village Roadshow Theme Parks, and Study Queensland.

Mr. Zain Chams served as the master of ceremonies for the evening, executing his role with great skill and confidence. He adeptly engaged the distinguished assembly of dignitaries, community figures, and business leaders who were in attendance, adding to the overall success and ambience of the event.

Celebrations commenced with the traditional lighting of lamps by distinguished guests, FICQ Patron, Advisers, Executive Team, and Presidents of the member organisations, followed by the ‘Acknowledgement of the Country’ by Ms Taleatha Wright-Morgan. Students of Sargam Music Academy enthralled those present with their musical renditions of the Australian and Indian national anthems.
Various distinguished speakers spoke at length, celebrating a genuinely multicultural Australia and how the Indian diaspora ensured ‘Unity in diversity’ was the bedrock of community prosperity and harmony.

The celebration also involved cultural performances: Indigenous dance by Ms Taleatha Wright-Morgan, classical Bharatnatyam dance by Avni, Fusion dance by Let’s Bollywood Dance group, melodious singing by Himadri, Didgeridoo playing by Glenn Barry, a foot-tapping dance performance by Tapori Dance group and an absorbing interactive activity about India and Australia by the Cultural Co-ordinator, Mrs Jyoti-Amarjot Goraya.
The dual celebrations culminated with a vote of thanks delivered by the Vice President, Mr. Mul Chand. The Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ), under the leadership of its President, Mr. Anoop Nannuru, expressed profound gratitude to all attendees for their ongoing participation in uniting the Indian and Australian communities year after year. The executive team of FICQ, alongside the broader Indian and multicultural communities, dedicated immense effort to ensure the resounding success of this event.

Indian Art Exhibition organised by GOPIO Gold Coast

GOPIO-GC was recently invited to organise an art exhibition at the Robina Community Art Gallery (opposite the Robina Community Library) to coincide with the 75th Indian Republic Day celebrations. The GOPIO-GC committee requested the community to lend their artwork for such an exhibition. The response from the community was overwhelming, and we were able to launch the exhibition on the 23rd of January, 2024. Anthony Shorten, a strong advocate for multiculturalism, formally opened the exhibition. Numerous artists and community representatives attended the launch.

The art on display included oil paintings, watercolours, cross-stitch needlework, Madhubani paintings, and Lippan art. This showcases the sheer diversity of Indian art. GOPIO-GC thanks Asha Jose, Kamiya Talati, Lakshmi Narasimhan, Megha Dasog, Neelam Maheshwari, Nidhi Patel, Seema Chauhan, Smitha Mandre Jackson, Sudha Manian and Varsha Badhe for their contributions. The display is scheduled to run till the 4th of Feb 2024.

GOPIO Gold Coast hosts the Australian Citizenship Ceremony

This Australia Day weekend, we at GOPIO Gold Coast were thrilled to host an inspiring Australian Citizenship Ceremony, marking a significant milestone in the lives of our newest Aussie citizens. It was a day filled with joy, pride, and a shared sense of belonging in the beautiful mosaic of Australian society.

Thank you to Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate for presiding over the ceremony, Mayoress Ruth Tate for your kind support, and MP John-Paul Langbroek, Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, for welcoming the 50 new citizens. Moktiar Singh (Mok) for being the Mc for the ceremony.

GOPIO Gold Coast hosts 75th Indian Republic Day at Robina

GOPIO Gold Coast hosted the 75th Indian Republic Day celebrations on Saturday, 27th January 2024, attended by approximately 100 people from the Gold Coast and the wider Indian and multicultural Community.
The event was graced by the presence of QLD MP for Surfers Paradise John-Paul Langbroek (Shadow Minister for Seniors, Communities and Disability Services & Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, QLD MP for Bonney – Sam O’Connor(Shadow Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Shadow Minister for Science and Innovation, Shadow Minister for Youth, Gold Coast City councillor Herman Vorster, Umesh Chandra OAM Executive Vice president GOPIO International and several other dignitaries and representatives of the many Indian and multicultural communities.

India Republic Day represents the true spirit of the independent India. The highlights of the event included a traditional welcome to the country by the Ngarang-Wal Gold Coast Aboriginal Association, where some of the members were honoured with the gift of Ochre, the singing of the Australian and Indian National Anthem and Shloka chanting by the Mantra group, classical Bharatanatyam dances performed by the talented students of Rhythm India School of Dance and a beautiful ode to the almighty by Mr Sanjay Dar.
Attendees enjoyed delicious Indian snacks by the ‘Maha catering group’, which they enjoyed while mingling after the formal proceedings.
The GOPIO GC Indian Republic Day event was an excellent opportunity to bring together people of Indian origin and proudly display both the traditional Australian and Indian culture and heritage to the broader community.
QLD MP and Shadow Minister kindly sponsored the event for multiculturalism Mr John Paul Langbroek.