In a deeply moving ceremony at the ANZAC Jawan Cenotaph, the 8th ANZAC Jawan Remembrance Day paid tribute to the Indian-origin ANZACs who served during World War I, reminding all in attendance that courage and sacrifice transcend borders.
Organised by the Australia India Cenotaph Committee and the Hindu Council of Australia, the event followed full Australian Remembrance Day protocol. Anand Manickam, Vice President of the Cenotaph Committee, guided the evening as Master of Ceremonies with poise and respect.
The ceremony opened with a welcome by Nihal Ahar AM, followed by a heartfelt keynote from Colonel Virender Sahni of the Indian Army. Reflections from Julian Leeser MP, Warren Waddell, Elayaraja of the Australian Defence Force, and Nirav Kumar, Deputy Consul General of India, underscored the shared legacy of honour, service, and friendship between India and Australia.
The evening saw a strong presence of defence and veteran representatives, including Brigadier Neil Turner AM RFD, George Main, John Zeller, Captain Chetan Khemlani, and Colonel Ranjeev, along with cadets from the 202 ACU Blacktown, led by LT(AAC) Connor Fleming. Civic leaders such as James Wallace MP, Mark Hodges MP, Mayor Michelle Byrne, Deputy Mayor Frank De Masi, and Councillors Reena Jethi and Sreeni Pillamarri stood in solidarity.
Students from the IABBV Hindi School performed hymns and national anthems, while Cherrybrook Technology High School students led the flag ceremony. Prayers by Jagdish Trivedi and Jagchanan Singh, followed by the solemn sound of the Last Post, the Rouse, and a minute’s silence, brought an air of reverence to the proceedings.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Nitesh Sethi acknowledged the tireless contributions of volunteers and community members who have sustained this annual tradition.
Since its inauguration in 2018, the ANZAC Jawan Cenotaph has stood as a proud emblem of multicultural remembrance — uniting communities in honouring the service and sacrifice of all who fought for freedom. Each year, its ceremony serves as a powerful testament to how remembrance continues to bridge nations, generations, and faiths in shared respect.
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