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 India Australia Friendship Fair 2006
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UIA thanks the participants for making
India Australia Friendship Fair 2006 a grand success
Photos-India Australia Friendship Fair 2006
"UIA's India-Australia Friendship Fair, is an icon event amongst the Indo-Australian community. Like many past years, UIA celebrated Indian Independence day with a great vigour. India-Australia Friendship Fair, 2006, was held at the Athletic Centre, Sydney Olympic Park, on Sunday 6 August, to celebrate the 59th. Indian Independence Day. The Fair was a grand success despite adverse weather forecasts of rain. God is in His graciousness, listened to the prayers of all those who had worked hard and made sure that not a drop of rain fell. Suraj Bhagwan also graced the occasion with bright sunshine. Thousands of people attended the Fair. Communities at large shared in the celebration of the diverse, magical and colourful Indian heritage. There was something for everyone at the Fair. It was a fun day for the whole family including fun rides, camel and pony rides, face painting etc. for children, while older ones could bargain clothes, jewellery, antiques or negotiate home & personal loans. Jointly the families could enjoy delicious Indian Cuisine from every region of India, Paan, Masala Chai or watch Cultural Stage Programs. There were a variety of corporate and food stalls including a Medical stall emphasising on preventive medicine, courtesy OAMGA.
In the true spirit of friendship, the culutral program this year included participation by other ethnic communities The theme of the cultural programme was patriotism and friendship befitting the occasion of Indian Independence Day. The cultural programme began with a traditional invocation song. The children's dances were compered by a young girl Priya who entertained all in her sweet voice. Next came the best highlights of the cultural programme performed in front of the VIPS and their speeches. The Master of ceremonies for this part of the programme, was Pallavi Sinha, a solicitor, who impressed one and all by her professional, articulate and confident manner in which she conducted the official part of the Fair.
The Fair was attended by Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Minister assisting Premier on Citizenship, Mr. Milton Orkopulos, several Federal and State Members of Parliament, His Excellency Sujan Chinoy, Counsel-General of India, Hon. Virginia Judge, MP Strathfield, Hon. Graham West, Parliamentary Secretary, Cr. Bill Carney, Mayor of Strathfied, Deputy Mayor of Auburn, Mr. Stepan Kekyasharian, Chair Community Relations Commission.The official part of the programme started with a welcome by the secretary, Mr. Devendra Kumar, followed by the speech from the President of UIA and Fair Director, Dr. Prabhat Sinha, who began by welcoming everyone and then went on to say " India-Australia Friendship Fair is not only the celebration of India’s Independence , it is also a celebration of friendship with Australia and all other countries of the world. It is a celebration with all ethnic communites in Australia in the true spirit of multiculturalism." He went on to condemn terrorism and atrocities committed against innocent people. He said that UIA will continue its endeavours to facilitate Indians in Australia particularly new migrants, business people, students, aged people and women’s issues especially of domestic violence, through various community projects they have taken on board.
He congratulated three outstanding Australians who received the Order of Australia and concluded by thanking everyone for their presence and participation. He then invited the chief guest, Mr. Sujan Chinoy, the Consul General of India, to officially release the souvenir, assisted by the vice-president, Dr. Rohitas Batta and the editor, Mr. Onkarswamy. Speeches were also given by Hon. Alan Cadman, Senator Healey, The Minister Hon. Milton Orkopoulos, Cr. Bill Carney, Mayor of Strathfied, and Mr. Stepan Kerkyasharian.
This special cultural segment before the VIPs began with the singing of the National Athems of Australia and India by young children dressed in traditional costumes. This was followed by the highlights of the cultural programme which was different from previous years by some unique innovative ideas introduced for the first time in the history of the Fair by the Fair Director and President of UIA, Dr. Prabhat Sinha:-that of exchange of Indian and Australian Flags brought by two youngsters riding on two camels and dressed in traditional costumes, to signify friendship between India and Australia. Also two white doves were released by the President of UIA and chief guest, consul general, Mr. Sujan Chinoy, as a symbol of peace and harmony with a patriotic song sung by the talented singer Kuljit Sandhu. These were very well received and appreciated by all the VIPS and public alike. There were other unique items like a fusion dance with a mix of Aboriginal and Indian classical music, choreographed by Manjusha Day, Polish Dance of friendship, a chinese Lion Dance, an " Aussie, Aussie, Aussie...." song sung by small children led by the well-known interstate artist, Manjit Boparai, who especially flew from Queensland and has released a CD called "Song Australia".
The next segment of the cultural programme was compered by Lucky Singh, in her unique style intertwined with poetry, which included a showcase of talented dancers and singers from professional dance schools. The last segment was compered by Dr. Piyush Sinha, who brought fun and energy to the programme by his enthusiastic and Aussie style of compering. This section comprised of a Bridal Pageant depicting brides in traditional bridal attire from different regions of India, comedy skits, more vibrant dances from professional artists and songs sung by talented singers. There were quite a few dance schools and leading Indian choreographers and Group leaders involved in the variety of classical and bollywood dances which were showcased at the Fair. Some of these were: Shwetanmbra Brar of Contemporary Dance Academy, Priya Dewan's Bollywood Extravaganza combining Eastern and Western Dance, Sharmil Maitra's Dance Group, Group Bengali Dance choreographed by Shoma Barat on behalf of Bengali Association, Bhangra and Gidda dances by Punjabi Association, Telugu Samiti dances and Tamil Association dances. This excellent cultural programme was brought to a climax by the well-knownsinger Mr. Pupinder Mintu, who had everyone dancing and singing with him. Vote of Thanks was given by the public officer, Mr. Sreenadh Brahmapuram. The programme concluded with the spectacular display of fireworks.
India-Australia Friendship Fair ended on a note of harmony and friendship with people going back home with a spirit of patriotism and having the satisfaction of enjoying a day full of fun and frivolities with friends and families. "
The feedback of India Australia friendship fair 2006 has been excellent and has enhanced the image of Australian Indians amongst Australians at large.
Dr Prabhat Sinha
President/Fair Director
The United Indian Associations.Inc
Photos-India Australia Friendship Fair 2006
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