SAISH (Strathfield Australians of Indian Sub-continental Heritage) held its 12th Deepavali celebration in the presence of dignitaries including the Consul General of India in Sydney, Dr S. Janakiraman, Strathfield Mayor Ben Cai and Deputy Mayor Sandy Reddy, councillors from Strathfield and Parramatta, leaders of the Hindu Council of Australia, presidents and representatives of major temples, and heads of community associations.
The event was attended by Clr J. P. Baladi, the immediate past Mayor of Strathfield; Councillor Sreeni Pillamari from Parramatta Council; Michael Mamo, General Manager of Strathfield Council; Sai Paravastu, National President of the Hindu Council of Australia; and Surinder Jain, Vice President of the Hindu Council of Australia.
In his address, SAISH President Raj Datta recalled that the organisation was formed in 2013 to promote traditional culture and values and to provide services to all Australians. He listed joint work with the Hindu Council of Australia, BAPS Swaminarayan Temple, Shridi Sai Temple, Mukti Gupteswara Temple, Sydney Murugan Temple, the United Indian Association, NSW governments and local councils.
Among the outcomes cited were: the first Deepavali celebration in any western parliament at the NSW Parliament House and its continuation until it became a state event; installation of a marble plaque in Parliament House in 2007 acknowledging Indian sub-continental contribution; institution of the first Premier’s Awards for communities; the first inter-faith conference at Parliament House; a petition-led rebuild of Flemington station; stopping closure of childcare centres in Strathfield LGA; stopping the amalgamation of Strathfield Council; leading work on the first masterplan for Strathfield; the first Indian flag-raising ceremony at a council in Australia and its annual continuation in Strathfield; and council-led Deepavali, Pongal, Makar Sankranti and Lohri celebrations. The speech also noted four years of ongoing yoga services in Strathfield.
Mr Datta said Deepavali symbolises knowledge and stated that equality, social equity and non-discrimination require public defence. He noted increasing unity within the community and referred to recent “misconceived and distorted views” expressed against migrants of Indian heritage.
The address concluded with the aspiration that by continuing services and promoting the values of Deepavali, the community could contribute to a more harmonious and prosperous Australia and reduce prejudice towards migrants from Indian or Indian sub-continental backgrounds.
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