UIA team celebrated the grand annual dinner nite with over 400 people at Bowman Hall in Blacktown. 33 HSC students were recoganised for thier high achievement in HSC exams held in 2012. These bright minds were encouraged to keep up the good work and make the community proud of their achievements.

UIA also awarded other awards such as Life Time Achievement Award, Friends of India Awards, Community Service and Yound Achiever Awards. UIA also presented certification of Appreciation to the supporters of its activities.

Watch entire program on the links below

Part 1 of Video

Part 2 of Video

We thank Varun Tiwari for the videography of the event

The UIA team was led by Mr Raj Natarajan, President Indian Sports Club along with mixed team of Indian players won the toss and decided to bat.
NSW Parliamentarians team was led by The Hon Victor Dominello, Minister for Citizenship and Communities and had excellent line up of MP’s and Staffers. Hon Matt Kean MP Hornsby and Hon Geoff Lee MP Parramatta along with Sam Almaliki played against UIA.

The final score UIA Team – 200 for 6 in 25 overs, NSW Parliamentarians – 160 all out

For the UIA team, Ravi Shankar won the Player of the match award with his excellent show of batting skills. Shailendra did well with the bat, while Harshal was excellent with his bowling. For NSW Parliamentarians, Lee Jeloseck did great work with the bat. Overall it was a great team effort.
UIA team included Raj Natarajan, Murthy Anjanappa, Harshal V Shitoot, Shailendra Patel, Ravi Shankar, Jay Shankar, Raghavendra, Manjunath, Surja Gupta, Mohit Kumar, Shivanand Mariguddi, Varinder singh, Sameer Chhatre, Ajay Pradhan and Rohan Ballani.

NSW Parliamentarian Team included Victor Dominello, Stuart Ayres, Lee Jeloseck, Geoff Lee, Lynda Voltz, Niall Blair, Matt Kean, Andy Turnbull, Henry Travers, Michael Evangelidis, Lachlan Crombie, Sam Almaliki.

Hon Craig Kelly MP, Federal Member for Hughes and Josh Lalor of NSW Sydney Sixers attended the event.

A Cricket coaching camp for kids was also organized on the same day with help from Milo & NSW Cricket Association. Many kids attended and enjoyed the coaching camp.

The event was well attended by many UIA members; Logessan Pillay Vice President UIA sponsored the trophies for the cricket match. Each participant was given a participation certificate and the trophy from UIA.

This event would be a regular annual event under the auspices of UIA and the team will look forward to play more of such friendly games with the competing teams.

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The celebrations started off with national anthems of India and Australia followed by the warm welcome speech by the president of UIA Mr Amarinder Bajwa. In his address he stressed upon the growth of the bilateral relationship building as well as trade and investment. He welcomed the travel concessions to the international students by the state government. Mr Amarinder Bajwa also stressed about the similar concessions for the seniors on bridging visas. He also welcomed the changes to long term visa provisions for the parents of the Australian and focus of the governments for the engagement of India and the Asian Century white paper.

President Amarinder Bajwa reiterated “UIA is constantly building and bridging relationships, we want everyone to come together and work together for the social and economic development in Australia as well as India. UIA has been and always will stick to its principles of social cohesion and social development.”

The event was well attended by the MP’s of both state and federal governments. High Commissioner of India Mr Biren Nanda attended the event. In his address he congratulated the awardees and highlighted the growing cooperation between the two countries.

The Hon Craig Emerson Minister for Trade and Competitiveness representing the PM of Australia congratulated UIA for their social development and increased focus of the government for engagement of India as trade and investment partner.

The Hon Craig Kelly MP representing federal Leader of Opposition Tony Abbott impressed upon the gathering with the focus of the opposition on India and its potential of being the global partner for many years to come.

The Hon Victor Dominello MP, Minister for Citizenship and Communities applauded the efforts of UIA and its team under the presidency of Mr Amarinder Bajwa and for its socio political development of the local Indian diaspora. He stressed upon the commitment of the state government to engage India on every front and focus on the development and growth of the state and Indian partners.

The Hon Linda Burney representing the Leader of Opposition Hon John Robertson congratulated the students on their high achievement and while addressing the students in the gathering said ‘You can loose anything in your life but the education that you have earned – you can’t loose to anyone. Its what you have earned with your hard work and will always stay with you.’ She applauded the efforts of UIA.

The Hon Chris Bowen Minister for Immigration while presenting the awards to the students congratulated them for their high achievement and said he is always glad to attend UIA events as they reflect the growth and harmony of the Indian diaspora in Australia.

Other ministers that attended and presented the awards to the students are The Hon Michelle Rowland, Member for Greenway, Barbara Perry MP, Guy Janghari MP, Kevin Connolly MP and Chair of CRC Stepan Kerkasharian.

UIA presented Life Time Achievement Award to Dr Jay Chandra and Ophthalmologist for his exceptional contribution to the community of India and Fiji. He created Rishikesh Eye Project in India in the year 2002 and started Fiji Eye Project in 2006 where they have operated over 3000 cataract operations in past couple of years. Dr Jay Chandra has accomplished career in vitreo-retina and is working in Sydney.

UIA this year presented ‘Friends of India’ award to Sim Aid an organisation working in India to help and save the girls from the prostitution and sexual discrimination under their project “Operation RedLight-GreenLight/ Girls Off The Street, New Delhi”. SIMAid was represented by Angie Shum, Donor Manager.

Paul MCGurk was honoured with “Friends of India” for his personal aid and support to the Indian families in India, where he has been providing medicines, education and financial support to Tibetiaan families. Paul spends 2 to 3 weeks of time and donating lot of money every year doing this great work in India. He does a lot more like sending medicines, books, computers etc to these poor families.

Mr Clary Castrission of 40K Foundation was the awardee of “Friends of India” on the dedicated education programs in India for the poor kids. The 40K educational pods have been a great success providing opportunity for the kids in the villages around Bangalore.

Jennifer Star was awarded “Friends of India” for her Tara.ED – a program that is built around the “Teacher Tour” – in which teacher education students from Australian universities do a teaching internship in one of the Tara.Ed partner schools in rural Maharashtra. The Tara.Ed model revolutionises the concept of charity as it allows the benefit to flow both ways. Both the Indian and Australian education systems and communities are provided with the tools and opportunities to develop the competencies required for success in the Asian century.

UIA also conferred “Community Service Award” to Omkara Swamy Gopenalli and Ramyavaran Ramaswamy for their relentless and selfless work for the community for past many years.

“Young Achievers” Awards went to Mohit Tolani for his community work, Soumil Chibber for his achievement in Cricket and Uday Barooah for his achievement in Karate.

UIA also presented Certificate of Appreciation to the appreciate the support to the community and the organisation to Kiran Desai, Maxine Salma, Varun Tiwary and Rajesh   Kumar for attaining world record in 1010 portraits in 8 hours at India Australia Friendship Fair 2012.

UIA also honoured Dr Veena Sahajwalla, Scientia Professor, UNSW and Director, Centre for Sustainable Materials Research and Technology (SMaRT), UNSW who won the $30,000 top prize at The Australian Innovation Challenge awards in Sydney in December 2012.

UIA team included Sue Advani as an event coordinator, Ms Shalini Chandrala as the MC while Ms Shobha Ingleshwar sang the national anthems of both the countries in her voice. Cultural program was presented by Maxine Salma and her group Road2Bollywood.

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Global Women’s Network launches the World Telugu Mahotsavam 2013 Brochure @ United Indian Associations Australia day & Indian Republic day celebrations!
Mrs Aruna Chandrala, President of GWN! The Hon Chris Bowen, Immigration Minister! The Hon Craig Emerson, Minister for Trade and The Hon Michelle Rowland, Federal MP.

UIA organised a tribute and remembrance of the great spirit and daughter of India known as ‘Damini’, ‘Nirbhaya’, ‘Amaanat’ or India’s Brave heart, who lost her life to the hands of one the most horrific incidents in the history of modern India.

Hundreds gathered at Martin Place, heart of Sydney  to pay a tribute to the fighting spirit of the brave girl that went into a deep sleep awakening the entire nation to a sad reality about violence against women in India.

Participants held a prayer meeting for the departed soul peacefully but strongly putting across our opinion to the Governments and Authorities across the world about ‘Zero Tolerance for violence against women’ and non-discriminatory policies and to review the existing laws.

Its well noted that the social changes that have been initiated by the public in India starting with Anna Hazare against corruption would take long time but these actions to support the common people of India are the awakening calls for the political and social champions of the country.

Consul General Mr Arun Goyal and Consul Mr Arvinder Singh Renga attended the meeting and conveyed the strong resolve of Govt of India to handle the case under the special trial and support for the changes to laws in the country.

United Indian Associations Inc is a shining example of unity, diversity and celebration of cultures, heritage, food, music and dance from the Indian. UIA not only demonstrated itself as an important platform for the politicians from both parties to voice their support for the community but to help cement the relation between India and Australia in front of over 15,000 strong multicultural crowd and media.

The fair showcased day-long activities starting with children of Gopa Kutteram , Global Organisation for Divinity Australia and performances by many other dance and music schools, individuals, groups and UIA member associations that proudly walked the ground with the dignitaries. The national Anthem of India and Australia was sung by Indo Aus Bal Bharati Hindi School.

It is for the first time ever that the top politicians from both sides of politics attended in large numbers and strongly applauded the contribution of Australian Indians in building Australia day by day and also reiterated their commitment to sell Uranium to India in front of the huge audience at Sydney Olympics Park Athletic Centre.

The announcement by both the Prime Minister Julia Gillard and NSW Premier Barry O’ Farrell that they are planning to visit India before the end of the year to promote trade and relations was warmly applauded by the huge crowds at the event.

The Prime Minister of Australia earlier was received by the UIA President Mr Amarinder Bajwa and UIA executive team. People thronged to get a photo opportunity with the PM when she arrived at the venue. The PM loved meeting people and getting henna tattoo on her hand.

A ‘Citizenship Ceremony’ was held for the first time at the venue and was hosted by federal Minister Hon Michelle Rowland representing the Minister for Immigration Hon Chris Bowen and attended by Hon Victor Dominello State Minister for Communities and Citizenship. 10 people of Indian origin were conferred upon the citizenship of Australia. Pandit Anindayi Banjeeri performed after the ceremony enthralling the audience with the classical Indian music.

In his address to the gathering Mr. Amarinder Bajwa President United Indian Associations Inc welcomed the guests and the communities. He highlighted various activities executed by UIA in the past. He also made an appeal to the visiting politicians to support the community organisations that are working hard to look after the communities and support them with grants and funds.

The President of United Indian Associations Inc reiterated the commitment of the Indian communities to work hand in hand to contribute in the growth of multicultural Australia, Ms Kumud Mirani from SBS Hindi conducted the proceedings and Mr Kumar Madappa Secretary, UIA proposed the vote of thanks.

Cultural Directors of the fair Kumar Madappa & John Niven and their team had put together one of the most comprehensive cultural programs along with many presenters that included MC’s from SBS Kumud Mirani, Gautam Kole, Rajesh, Shalini, who kept the audience engaged.
The parade of the member organisations was the highlight of the fair where many other organisations attended in the spirit of harmony showcasing the diversity of India in Australia. The parade was led by NSW Police contingent and participated by the kids, seniors and youth. Parade was presented by ex-president of UIA Ms Aruna Chandrala and Dr Moninder Singh.

Other attractions at the fair were kids rides, camel rides, food and business stalls, NSW Police stall that showcased Police bike, cars and emergency vehicles. In one corner Rajesh Kumar a Sydney based photographer was busy to break a world record for taking most portraits in one day and successfully completed 1010 portrait photos. His record is being verified at the time of this report.

In another corner ‘India at your doorstep’ had put together a showcase of the property development opportunities from various parts of India. This property expo was attended by many. Other popular stalls included Madame Tussauds Sydney, State Bank of India, UAE exchange, Western Sydney Properties, Value World Travel and Konnect TV.

UIA Freedom concert was held on 18th Aug in partnership with KonnecTV where one of the most celebrated Bollywood playback singer Alka Yagnik and her troupe enthralled over 2000 audience by her popular songs.

UIA’s India Australia Friendship Fair has grown every year since 1994 and has allowed the participation of not only Indian communities but has offered opportunities to other communities as well making it one of the Biggest Indian Event of the year in Australia. The UIA Friendship Fair is a great example of true multicultural spirit allowing our community to strengthen bonds and integrate itself into the Australian landscape. The growing Indo-Australian community, the locals, and the UIA committee along with invited guests – politicians, diplomats and community leaders were a witness to this great fair promoting friendship and brotherhood.

The fair was well attended and well received by the community and ended with spectacular fireworks in the evening.

UIA team also welcomes the new consular staff at Sydney Consulate and the new Consular General Mr. Arun Goyal who has replaced Mr. Amit Das Gupta. Mr. Arun Goyal met many community leaders at his office and had wide range of discussions on the community in Sydney. UIA members attended the meeting.

The United India Associations will be hosting, in conjunction with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, a special Australian citizenship ceremony at the India Australia Friendship Fair on 19 August 2012.

If you would like to become an Australian citizen at this ceremony please let the Department of Immigration and Citizenship know by contacting Carolyn Spooner on 02 6198 7071 before 13 July 2012. This ceremony is only open to people who have already lodged an application for Australian citizenship and have been informed that it has been approved.

All enquiries regarding this ceremony should be directed to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on the number above. There are limited places available.

Your support of the cultural events by arranging participation from your association will make this event a highly rewarding experience for all. So please do consider this invite to participate in the cultural event.

We encourage all to participate in City to Surf under UIA banner and show the strength. Please register yourself with City to Surf at http://www.city2surf.com.au/ Search for UIA group when prompted to select the group. The password for the group is ‘august19′ You can join any banner thereafter.

For more information please contact us by email to culturaluia@gmail.com

We look forward to seeing you and your association’s participation.

The first One Act Play, ‘Tax Free’ was written by Dr. Chndrashekhar Phansalkar and directed by the new young talent on Sydney Marathi stage – Rajesh Chavan. The drama was about a Blind Club started by a Blind man to help the blind people get some enjoyment in life. The spectators were laughing continuously in the comedy throughout the drama, only to be surprised at the end when the events unfold with a huge surprise. The quality of acting of the blind people by the the actors with a normal eyesight was a testament to the quality of direction and the acting ability of the entire cast.

The second One Act Play ‘Rumal Dav’ was directed by the seasoned Marathi director of Sydney: Nepolian Almeida. The drama starts with an office team shown enjoying a picnic at the Beach. One of the participants, a serious looking person, who considers himself a ‘loser’ tries to win the game called ‘Rumal Dav’ – The game about pinching the handkerchief before the opponent. The ‘Loser’ actually wins the handkerchief, but what happens to him in real life makes people realize whether he was a real winner or otherwise.

The Jallosh team, Ravi & Shubha Adhikari, Aditya Risbud & young artists, choreographed a dance performance to indicate what we’ll be seeing in this all inclusive event.
Best HSC exam students, honoured by Mr. Deepak Avasare – Lalitagauri Nadkarni & Prashant Kelshikar
The new MASI Managing Committee for year 2012 and Committee for A.A.M. Sammelan 2013 was introduced.
Event coverage volunteers – Videography by Ranjit Nagle and Photography by Parag Apte.

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