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Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2013-10-30 Daily Xml
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INDIAN COMMUNITY

The Hon. J.S. LEE (15:44): I rise today to pay tribute to and acknowledge the very active and vibrant Indian community in South Australia. When we look at the community information produced by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, the Indian migrants of Australia have enriched our country for over 200 years. The earliest Indian migrants were brought to Australia between 1800 and 1900 as agricultural labourers and hawkers, and some of them also worked in the goldfields. By 1981 the Indian-born population reached 41,657 and the new arrivals included professionals such as doctors, teachers, computer programmers and engineers. This trend has continued until now. Today, India is one of the top three source countries of migrants to Australia. The latest census in 2011 recorded 295,362 Indian-born people in Australia—an increase of 100.8 per cent from the 2006 census.

Due to their adaptability, English proficiency, as well as a high standard in educational achievements and qualifications, the Indian community makes a significant social and economic contribution to Australia. Indian culture is rich and diverse. They are proud of their traditions and heritage and continue to pass them on from one generation to another.

As the shadow parliamentary secretary for multicultural affairs, it is a great honour to be invited to many functions hosted by the vibrant Indian community in South Australia. The months of October and November are important occasions for the Indian community as they celebrate major festivals such as Navaratri and Diwali (the Festival of Lights). Navaratri literally means nine divine nights. During Navaratri believers embrace the energy of the universal mother, Durga, the goddess of energy.

Navaratri is divided into sets of three nights to worship different aspects of the supreme goddess. On the first three nights, the 'mother' presents herself as the powerful force called Durga in order to destroy all impurities. The next three nights the 'mother' becomes a giver of spiritual wealth—Lakshmi. The final set of three nights is spent worshipping the 'mother' as the goddess of wisdom—Saraswati. In order to have all-round success in life, Indian culture believes that people need the blessings of all three aspects of the divine mother.

Thanks to many hardworking community groups I had the pleasure of attending three Navaratri celebrations. The first event was organised by the Gurjarati Community Group and was a Garba Dance/Navaratri Festival, with special thanks to Mrs Gautami Patel and her team. The Garba dance is a joyful dance with participants wearing colourful traditional Indian costumes, moving in unison in a circular pattern and characterised by a sweeping action from side to side.

The second function was held on Sunday 5 October and organised by the JET Australian Foundation which was a spiritual and multicultural event called the Navaratri Festival, with thanks to Mr Krishna Kasuba and his team. The third Navaratri function was organised by Swarnim SA (a multicultural volunteers team), with thanks to Ajay Pradhan and the volunteers.

The next auspicious Indian festival I would like to speak about today is the Festival of Lights—Diwali. It is perhaps the most well known of the Indian festivals: it is celebrated throughout India as well as in Indian communities across the world. Diwali is known as the Festival of Lights and signifies the renewal of life and hope for a bright future.

I am privileged to have been invited to four Diwali functions and would like to congratulate and thank the following organisations for their wonderful work: first, the Punjabi Association of South Australia, with thanks to Dr Kuldip Chugha and his committee; secondly, the Punjab Aussie Association of South Australia, with thanks to Mr Rajesh Kumar and his committee; thirdly, the Telegu Association of South Australia, with thanks to Mr Adireddy Yara and his committee; and, fourthly, the Indian Australian Association of South Australia, with thanks to Dr Rakesh Mohindra and his committee.

In conclusion, I place on record my special thanks and appreciation to all the Indian groups and associations for preserving the wonderful traditions and cultures and making cultural and economic contributions to enrich South Australia.

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