Radio Brisvaani
The city of Brisbane was lit with the grandeur of the eighth Diwali Celebration of The Federation of Indian Communities Queensland (FICQ) on October 26th. The magnificent festival of lights combined authentic Indian performances along with a wide variety of Indian delicacies.
Diwali, the significant celebration in India and celebrated over different nations on the subcontinent and around the globe. It is an occasion to celebrate with family, companions and community featuring empathy, compassion, concordance, resistance and regard – values that reverberate with the Indians.
The showground of Diwali, the festival of lights saw the true depiction of goodness winning over evil and light over darkness. The 11 am to 11 pm program schedule was fun filled with cultural programs, Citizenship Program, a majestic VIP reception with dignitaries, a formal function and fireworks.
The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) superstar The Great Khali, the heavyweight wrestling champion fascinated the audience’s attention. The official ceremony began with Aunty Delmae Barton’s Welcome to the country, followed by the speeches by Premier’s representative Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe MP, representative of the Prime Minister Mr. Trevor Evans MP, representative to High Commissioner of India, Mrs. Archana Singh, leader of the opposition in the Legislative Assembly of QLD Mrs. Deb Frecklington, representative to the Lord Mayor, Councillor Angela Owen Taylor, FICQ Patron & Advisor and AIBC chair Dr. Jim Varghese and concluded by the festival coordinator Mr. Navin Kumar. The Skylighter Fireworks Team amused the city with the splendour of lights! The FICQ president Dr. Ram Mohan stated that it is highly appreciated if more youth co-operation exists in community events.
Kairali, a prominent association of Keralites handed over a cheque of $4000 to FICQ before Minister Anthony Lynham and Councillor Angela Owen. The noble fund-raising event, Care For Kerala mission, a hand in hand project idea initiated by Dr. Chaithanya Unni led by FICQ under the leadership of Dr. Ram Mohan combining all Malayali Associations in Queensland for the Kerala Flood Relief. The pilot mission gained triumph with the kind co-operation and generous contributions of the members.
The distinguished Honorary Indian Community Ambassador of the year for 2018 award was presented to the powerhouse of immense support to all Indian communities Councillor Angela Owen Taylor. The culture enthusiast herself has visited Golden Temple and innumerable traditional events of India. Cr. Angela Owen over the years has stood by Indians at the time of worst crises and following the death of Manmeet Alishar. Working as part of multicultural organisations she has actuated youth education programs and rehabilitation programs in prisons.
Robin Jaggessar, Head of the InTech Institute of Technology has won the Raffle Auction for Queensland Drought Relief on $ 4400 dollar organised by Target Travels with Singapore Airlines. The FICQ committee thanked Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council for their unconditional support to promote multiculturalism. The committee also conveyed their deep gratitude towards the Australian and India Media as well. The prime sponsors Bendigo Bank and Maurice Blackburn Lawyers had remained in the forefront, supporting in every way possible to make the event a monumental success.
