Diwali: A Festival of Light, Unity, and Indian Goodwill in Australia
By Jitendra Deo,
Chief Executive Officer
JD Group Australia
As the glow of diyas begins to light up homes across the world, Diwali – the Festival of Lights – arrives not only as a cherished religious and cultural celebration but as a powerful symbol of unity, identity, and goodwill, especially for the Indian diaspora in Australia.
In a multicultural nation like Australia, festivals such as Diwali transcend their traditional roots. They become more than personal or community affairs they serve as platforms for connection, understanding, and soft diplomacy. As the Indian diaspora continues to grow in numbers, strength, and influence across Australia, Diwali offers a moment to reflect on how we, as a community, can deepen our collective impact and build bridges with the broader society.
At its heart, Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. These are universal values, not bound by religion or nationality. When we open our homes, temples, community halls, and city centres to Diwali celebrations, we invite fellow Australians into our cultural world and in doing so, we foster understanding, respect, and inclusion.
The Indian community in Australia is now over 900,000 strong, making it one of the fastest growing and most influential diaspora groups in the country. We are scientists, educators, business owners, artists, students, and public servants. In every sector, Indians contribute meaningfully to the fabric of Australian society.
But with this growth comes responsibility. We must ensure that our success is matched by social cohesion that we do not just live in Australia but actively participate in shaping its future.
Diwali gives us an opportunity each year to extend a hand to local communities, to First Nations people, and to other migrant groups and say: Let us celebrate together. Let us build goodwill.
It is no secret that India’s global influence is rising. From technological innovation and space exploration to yoga, cinema, and cuisine, India’s soft power has never been stronger. The Indian diaspora is a key player in this, we are cultural ambassadors, whether we realise it or not.
The world is watching India’s ascent, and Australians are taking note too. Events like Diwali allow us to project not just cultural pride, but also a modern, inclusive, and globally minded India one that celebrates its ancient roots while embracing the future.
This soft power, when harnessed properly, is an invaluable tool. It fosters not just appreciation for Indian traditions, but trust, collaboration, and friendship across borders. And in Australia, where multiculturalism is a national value, our festivals play a vital role in enhancing India’s image and our community’s place within it.
Yet, while we talk about unity with others, we must not forget unity among ourselves. The Indian diaspora is wonderfully diverse, spanning regions, religions, and languages. Diwali, though celebrated differently across traditions, is a perfect time to remember what we share.
Let Diwali be a time where Gujarati, Tamil, Punjabi, Bengali, Telugu, and all other Indian communities come together not as fragments of India, but as one Indian Australian identity, proud, united, and forward-looking.
A Light for the Future
As Diwali lights up our skies and our hearts, let us use its radiance to guide our purpose. Let it remind us that every diya lit is a chance to build bridges, heal divisions, and create goodwill, not just with the broader society, but within our own diaspora.
India’s power in the world is not just measured by GDP or satellites. It is also measured in how we, as its global citizens, carry our values into the world. This Diwali, may we choose light, not only to illuminate our homes, but to light the path ahead for generations of Indian Australians to come.
The Consulate General of India, Brisbane, Queensland in collaboration with Om Positive Organisers, hosted a vibrant Hindi Diwas 2025 celebration on Sunday, 14 September at the Polish club in Milton, Brisbane. The event was part of a broader global observance of Hindi Diwas, with various Indian missions worldwide hosting Hindi Diwas events.
The celebration brought together members of the Indian diaspora, local community leaders, language enthusiasts, and dignitaries who gathered to honour Hindi as official language of India and as one of the widely spoken languages globally. The afternoon began with the auspicious Saraswati Vandana, followed by a warm welcome of the Consul General of India, Mrs. Neetu M. Bhagotia by Mr. Pankaj Agarwal & Mrs. Ruchi Agarwal, founders of OM Positive Organisers (OPO).
Consul General, Mrs. Neetu M. Bhagotia, addressed the gathering, highlighting the unifying power of Hindi and emphasizing its importance in preserving India’s rich cultural heritage globally. The Consul General also appreciated the efforts of OM Positive and the local community in promoting Hindi language and culture far beyond India’s borders.
Hindi Diwas was gracefully hosted by Mrs. Durva Tiwari and Miss Poonita Agarwal, their engaging and smooth presentation added charm to the program. The event was a spectacular showcase of Hindi language and Indian culture, featuring a rich variety of cultural performances, drawing enthusiastic participants across generations aged 5 to 80 years. Attendees were treated to soulful bhajans, mesmerizing classical dance, patriotic songs and heartfelt poetry sessions that highlighted the richness and diversity of literary and performing arts.
As a special recognition, the Consul General honoured prominent Hindi writers from the local community for their contribution to Hindi literature and cultural promotion in Australia. The recognition highlighted the importance of literary work in strengthening cultural roots.
Melbourne witnessed a night of sheer brilliance and artistic excellence as music lovers gathered to experience a spectacular evening that blended rhythm, soul, and celebration. Hosted in a packed venue pulsating with energy, the event was more than just a concert, it was a cultural milestone, leaving an indelible mark on everyone present.
The synergy between the two artists was nothing short of magical, creating an atmosphere that was both intimate and electric. The accompanying band and dancers elevated the performances further, delivering a dynamic show with polished choreography and immersive production.“The atmosphere and energy were truly inspiring,” said one attendee. “You could feel the joy and pride in the room, it was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of our music and our community.”
Organisers have promised an even grander experience, with new setlists, surprise collaborations, and enhanced stage production. The Sydney concert is expected to draw a diverse audience, from long-time music lovers to new fans, all coming together to celebrate the rich talent of these extraordinary artists.
Timeless Melodies 2025: A Night of Music, Magic, and Giving Back held in Brisbane on13th September 2025 at Logan west Community Center. It was organised by Chandan Das from Chandan Das Music, Tanvi Goel from AusIndia Travel and Hemant Dua from Nexus.
The evening showcased an array of performances by both emerging and established artists, leaving the audience inspired and entertained. Attendees enjoyed a vibrant mix of music, dance, and cultural presentations, creating an atmosphere of joy and togetherness.
Platinum Sponsors: Cisozen, Capalaba Body Works, Macallan College andAllora College
Performers included Himadri (New Talent Artist), Poonita Agarwal, Anuja Paralikar, Bhanu Buddhavarapu, Ashwin Sharma, Ekta Arora, Kiran Godbole, Manjay Aryal, Meenu Wadhwa, Soumya Deshkulkarni, and Yousuf Alikhan. Each act contributed to a night filled with energy, creativity, and cultural richness.
With exquisite décor, flawless sound arrangements, and professional photography capturing every moment, Timeless Melodies 2025 was not only a celebration of talent and culture but also a testament to community spirit and generosity. Together, attendees and organizers used music to make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by floods.
A soul stirring experience with Mrs. Girija Karekal, the founder of BASAVA SAMITI ASIA PACIFIC Ltd and the exotic display of
Today, the Basava Samiti Asia Pacific carries forward these ideals through its volunteer-driven programs across Australia and New Zealand. With a mission to Engage, Educate, Empower and Enlighten, the organisation creates opportunities for community harmony, youth development, and cultural exchange—ensuring Guru Basava’s timeless philosophy continues to inspire generations.
Brisbane’s multicultural scene came alive in a spectacular celebration of elegance and heritage at the Raja Rani Gala, hosted by the Rotary Club of Brisbane International (RCBI). Held over the weekend, the gala lived up to its royal theme, offering an unforgettable evening of glamour, grace, and global goodwill.
Adding to the allure was a stunning fashion show, showcasing exquisite designer creations that blended modern sophistication with traditional flair. Models graced the runway in majestic attire fit for kings and queens, earning resounding applause and admiration from the crowd.
More than just a visual spectacle, the Raja Rani Gala also served a greater purpose, fostering community spirit and supporting charitable causes aligned with Rotary’s mission. Guests mingled, celebrated, and shared in the joy of cultural appreciation while contributing to meaningful community projects.
Father’s Day is a time to honour the guidance, strength, and love that fathers have given their families across generations. For senior fathers and grandfathers, this day takes on a particularly important and meaningful time celebrating not only their role as parents but also as pillars of family history and tradition. As they enter the golden years of life, Father’s Day becomes a beautiful opportunity to reflect, reconnect, and rejoice.
Father’s Day celebration held on 6th September at Runcorn Heights State School, brought together our senior fathers, young fathers, their families and cherished members for lunch organised by Indian Senior Citizens Association (ISCA) in conjunction with their ladies’ group (Ekta).
Father’s Day can also be bittersweet, especially for seniors who have lost their own fathers, spouses, or children. Creating space to honour those absent-through lighting a candle, sharing favourite memories or stories can be a healing part of the day. It reminds everyone that while people may pass on, their influence and love remain present.
ISCA’s program started with Ekta ladies’ universal prayer followed by lighting the candles in memory of the fathers not with us. The president thanked everyone for their support and paid tribute to each lost father by mentioning his name (very touching moment). Members shared fond memories of their father’s by telling little stories close to their heart.
As we mark our first ISCA’s Father’s Day celebration, let us not only say “thank you” but also listen, learn, and love with the same dedication our fathers and grandfathers gave us. Their legacy is our inheritance-and celebrating that legacy keeps it alive for generations. It’s a recognition of love, respect, gratitude and growth.
Life doesn’t wait for you to be ready. It arrives in unexpected ways, sometimes through a diagnosis, a sudden shift in weather, a change in a relationship, or the simple unraveling of what once felt very stable. The truth is, ‘life throws curve balls’.