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.

GOPIO International Convention 2024 to Kick Start Opportunities for Diaspora Indians, Building India’s Big Future

GOPIO International and Chapter Officials with the Convention Team at the Lamp Lighting Ceremony to Kick-off the Convention 2024 Planning

The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) International held a kick-off planning meeting to launch the GOPIO 2024 Global Convention of People of Indian Origin on Sunday, January 28th, at the Royal Albert Palace in New Jersey. The meeting was marked by the presence of GOPIO International, chapter officials from the New York Metro area, and representatives of community and professional organisations. The prestigious GOPIO International convention is scheduled for April 26-28, 2024, at the Royal Albert Palace in New Jersey.
The convention will focus on India’s Present and Future and what role the Diaspora Indians can play in helping to realise this desirable future. The convention theme is ‘Opportunities for Diaspora Indians in India’s Big Manifest Future.’ The New Jersey businessman, Prakash Shah, has been appointed the Convention Convener by the GOPIO International Executive Council.
At the launch ceremony, Shah said, “Lauding the positive, optimistic vision prevailing in India presents an opportunity to Invest in India, which provides the best and biggest opportunity in the World. The Bombay Stock Exchange has just crossed $4 Trillion and has overtaken Hong Kong to become the third largest in the world. While India needs the 35 million Diaspora to invest, it is an incredible opportunity for the Diaspora to prosper.”
GOPIO International President Lal Motwani, who had earlier served as the Convener of the GOPIO convention in New York in 2016, said, “We are doing this major event in the USA after eight years, this time in New Jersey. This is a big opportunity for our vibrant Tri-State Area and the USA community to participate and help with this significant event for the 35 million strong Indian Diaspora.”
GOPIO International Chairman Dr Thomas Abraham spoke about the history of GOPIO and its accomplishments since the formation of GOPIO in 1989, the implementation of the resolutions passed by the First GOPIO Convention, which included Dual Nationality and Voting Rights for NRIs.
Dr Abraham said, “The government of India fulfilled halfway on dual nationality by issuing an Overseas Indian Citizen (OCI) Card and voting rights for Indian citizens living outside India if they register at their home constituency.” Dr Abraham further said that the organisation was started 35 years ago to look after and campaign against the human rights violations of the Indian Diaspora worldwide and that the Diaspora has now achieved success in becoming political mainstream in most countries.
GOPIO International secretary Ram Gadhavi, who served as the Co-Convener of the First Global Convention in 1989, urged younger GOPIO members to become actively engaged and consider leading the organisation into the future. Gadhavi highlighted the importance of GOPIO chapters and explained the organisation’s intricate workings.
Five conference sessions are being planned at the convention: Diaspora Youth and Young Achievers and the role they can play in India’s Future and how GOPIO can facilitate their participation; Diaspora Women and their Growing Contributions in Various Sectors; Technologies and AI and other Innovations: Diaspora Indians Leading Research and Innovations; GOPIO Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Worldwide Networking of the Diaspora Businesses; and Medical and Health Issues and how Diaspora Indians can Participate in India’s Frontline Role in Pharmaceuticals, Vaccines and Medical Tourism and Propagating YOGA and its Benefits.

From left – Ram Gadhavi GOPIO International Secretary, Prakash Shah Convention Convenor, Lal Motwani GOPIO International President, Thomas Abraham GOPIO International Chairperson

A 50-member convention committee has been set up with Prakash Shah as Convener, Dr. Asha Samant as Co-Convener, Chitranjan Belwariar as Secretary, and Srinivas Akarapu as Treasurer. The Committee Chairs include the following: Awards – Lal Motwani, Finance/Fundraising – Siddarth Jain, Reception – Hemant Patel, Souvenir Brochure – Jigar Shah with Dinesh Mittal and Lal Motwani as an advisor, Volunteers – Bharat Rana, Publicity/PR – Rohit Vyas with Vijay Shah as Media Representative/Adviser, Registration – Dhananjay Desai, Banquet – Dr. Rajeev Mehta, Additional Trips and Events – Shatrughan Dawani. Vasu Pawar will chair the Conference Sessions for Youth, Dr Thomas Abraham for Diaspora Indians in Technologies and AI, Dr Asha Samant for Medical and Health and Prakash Shah for Networking Business through GOPIO Chamber of Commerce.
As part of the convention program, GOPIO is arranging a trip to Capitol Hill in Washington DC on Monday, April 29th, to campaign to the US Congressional Representatives on House bill HR 6542, “To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the per-country numerical limitation for employment-based immigrants, to increase the per-country numerical limitation for family-sponsored immigrants, and for other purposes.” The delegates interested in supporting and travelling to Washington, DC, may contact GOPIO. Overseas delegates attending the convention are advised to register before an invitation letter for a visa may be sent out.
The nearest airport to reach the convention venue is Newark, New Jersey, and GOPIO will arrange pick-up at the Newark Airport if informed in advance. From New York City airports, John F. Kennedy Airport or LaGuardia Airport, take a shuttle to Newark Airport, the pick-up point. GOPIO Convention will include a fun event, with some side trips, including optional trips to New York City, Atlantic City, and Washington DC.
GOPIO is a non-partisan, not-for-profit, secular organisation with Individual Life Members and over 100 chapters in 35 countries, committed to enhancing cooperation and communication between NRIs/PIOs and the local communities and facilitating making tomorrow a better world for the Indian Diaspora and the countries they live in.

Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan Qld Inc (DJJS) Ram Leela celebrating Pran Pratistha of Ram Temple

On 30th December 2023, Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan Qld Inc (DJJS) joyously celebrated a historic occasion we are about to witness in 2024. Pran Pratistha (consecration) of Ram Temple in Ayodhya, after it had been a bone of contention for nearly 500 years. DJJS with its event ‘Kab aaoge Ram humare? Abhi Dashanan nahi mara!! Delved into profound lessons about life and practical spirituality learned through the divine plays of Lord Ram.

The event commenced with a beautiful Ganesh Vandana performed by a young DJJS volunteer, followed by live Devotional songs. The event highlight was Ram Leela, who completely mesmerised all the attendees. The insightful explanations by a learned DJJS volunteer, accompanying the divine play, busted myths and misconceptions propagated around Lord Ram. The event acknowledged the triumph of light over darkness and enlightenment over ignorance.

The celebration attracted a substantial number of community members, with special recognition given to our esteemed guest Magistrate Veena Goverdhan (Magistrates Court of Queensland), Mr Parveen Gupta (Principal Solicitor, River City Lawyers) and Mr Manish Saini (Member, Indian Communities of Gold Coast – ICGC) and other learned attendees. We appreciate the support from Bhalla’s Restaurant, Bombay Bliss Restaurant (Pimpama) and Punjabi Taste Restaurant.

In conclusion, heartfelt thanks are extended to His Holiness Ashutosh Maharaj Ji, the Head and Founder of Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan (DJJS). His divine guidance serves as the bedrock of our achievements, providing strength and illumination to every volunteer present at the event.

ABOUT DJJS:
Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan, or DJJS as we call it, is a registered socio-spiritual, not-for-profit organisation. DJJS’s Vision is from ‘From Self Awakening to Global Peace’
Our Vision is “To usher into a world wherein every individual embodies truth, fraternity, and justice through the eternal science of self-realisation called Brahm Gyan, uprooting all social evils and threats in its wake. ‘Brahm Gyan’ is an eternal technique through which we can practically experience and realise God.
These are not mere words. DJJS has been steadfast in its mission for 31 years, with millions of volunteers in India and around the Globe.
DJJS is doing and has done several social and spiritual events together with the Government of India and other state governments in India.

IN AUSTRALIA:
DJJS has been actively working in the community for over eight years. It has been organising and participating in various social, cultural, and spiritual events like Shiv Aaradhna, Mata Ki Chowki, Bhajan Sandhya, Sai Sandhya, Indian New Year, Krishan Janamasthmi across different cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and here in Brisbane. Furthermore, we have been organising the International Day of Yoga for the last six years now, and our event pictures of 2019 were even shared by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, from his Twitter account.
Thank you very much to everyone who took the time to be there on the auspicious evening.