UNITED INDIAN ASSOCIATIONS Inc. Incorporation No: Y 2133 744 PO Box 9682, Harris Park NSW 2150 Australia www.uia.org.au Over 25 years of Community Service President UIA Media Release Date : 22-02-2021 Dr. Sunil Vyas [email protected] AUSTRALIA DAY & INDIAN REPUBLIC DAY CELEBRATION Vice President Mr. Dave Passi [email protected] United Indian Associations (UIA) proudly celebrated the dual Australia Day/Indian Republic Day of 26th January 2021 as a Virtual Secretary Event and also posted on Social Media. Mr. Satish Bhadranna [email protected] The constitution of India was formulated on Republic Day meanwhile the significance of Australia Day is evolving over time Joint Secretary Ms. Dimple Jani and in many respects reflects the nation's diverse peoples. [email protected] Not surprisingly 26th January is a special day for Australian-Indians who have a love for both these nations. Treasurer Mr. Onkaraswamy Goppenalli [email protected] Joint Treasurer Mr. Kiran Desai [email protected] Public Officer Mr. Vijaykumar Halagali [email protected] Honorary Legal Adviser Mr. Mohan Sundar Sunlegal-Blacktown [email protected] Member Associations: ● Australian Indian Medical The Event was opened by UIA Secretary Satish Bhadranna followed Graduates Association.Inc by singing of the national anthems "Advance Australia Fair" and ● Basava Samithi Australasia. "Jana Gana Mana". The rendition of each anthem by well-known Inc singer Ms Shobha Ingleshwar evoked feelings of patriotism and ● Bengali Assn. of NSW Inc. reminded people of the glory and rich heritage of both nations. Gujarati Samaj of NSW ● India Sports Club Inc. ● Next, UIA Jt. Secretary Dimple Jani as MC for the event invited the ● Indian Senior Group Hornsby Executive Committee of UIA on stage for lighting of Diya to signify the ● ICSOA radiating of positivity in the form of light. ● Marathi Assn. Sydney Inc. ● PB Group ● Sandalwood Arts & Entertainment. Inc. ● Sydney Kannada Sangha Inc. ● Sydney Malayalee Assn. Inc. ● Sydney Sindhi Assn. Inc ● Sydney Tamil Manram ● Telugu Association Inc. UNITED INDIAN ASSOCIATIONS Inc. Incorporation No: Y 2133 744 PO Box 9682, Harris Park NSW 2150 Australia www.uia.org.au Over 25 years of Community Service President Dr. Sunil Vyas next addressed the occasion and paid tribute to the traditional custodians of the land. He acknowledged the fact that we modern day migrants have been privileged to share land sacred to the traditional custodians and reflected that it is also our duty to fight for justice and progress of our First Nations peoples. Dr Vyas quoted President Kovind who during his visit to Australia two years ago had said that each "Pravasi Bharti' is an Ambassador for India and hence reminded everyone about the significance of President Kovind's statement and the vital role we could play both as individuals and as community organisations in striving to work for the betterment of Australia-India relations. Following the opening speech of UIA President, the event showcased exquisite dances by the very talented Mrs Shilpa Ashok and Dr(Mrs)Tanima Banerjee. Shilpa Ashok in a beautiful classic costume danced to an empowering song Dr (Mrs)Tanima Banerjee. extolling the glory of Lord Shiva. This was followed by Tanima Banerjee's dancing to a medley fusion of songs rendered by Ms Shobha Ingleshwar. Tanima seamlessly transitioned in her presentation to the medley of mixed Bollywood and English songs by Ms Ingleshwar. The mesmerising dances by these talented artistes and the mellifluous singing by Ms Ingleshwar certainly made this special day memorable. Mrs Shilpa Ashok UNITED INDIAN ASSOCIATIONS Inc. Incorporation No: Y 2133 744 PO Box 9682, Harris Park NSW 2150 Australia www.uia.org.au Over 25 years of Community Service Consul General of India Mr. Manish Gupta congratulated all Indian Australians and shared his pride in the contribution of the Indian Australian community and spoke of the increasing and strengthening strategic partnership and bilateral ties between India and Australia. Chairman of Multicultural NSW Dr.G.K. Harinath OAM greeted all Indian Australians on this special day celebrating the progress of their 'janam bhumi' and 'karam bhumi' with Australia and India's shared values of democracy, respect for law and freedom. This inclusive event lifted its mojo with special messages from various community leaders. The event concluded with a musical performance "Sur Sagar Confluence of Music" provided courtesy of the Indian Cultural Centre Director Shri Ramanand Garge at the India Consulate. This performance, bringing together renowned Indian and Australian musical artistes, was especially appropriate for the occasion and resulted in a divine end-musical product of the fusion of both cultures. Vice President of UIA Mr Dave Passi gave the vote of thanks noting the many volunteers through whose efforts the event was a great success. New Team of UIA in the picture above( From Left to Right) Vijaykumar Halagali, Public Officer (non EC), Mr. Kiran Desai, Jt. Treasurer, Ms. Dimple Jani, Jt. Secretary, Mr. Satish Bhadranna, Secretary, Dr. Sunil Vyas, President, Mr. Dev Passi , Vice President, Mr. Onkaraswamy, Treasurer The full telecast can be accessed on YouTube UIA channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOK0pUyGbkg .