1
A
ustralia India News and India News TV on YouTube bring to our readers and subscribers national and international news, editorials, expert columns, community activities and interviews of political leaders, celebrities, business professionals, academics and sport personalities among others. By drawing upon our team’s decades of experience in the government and business engagements, journalism, academics, policy-making, stakeholder dialogues and community events, we keep over 750,000 Indian diaspora, and other Australian and ethnic community members, and key stakeholders in India, updated with the latest news, events and trends in bilateral relationship.
2
D
iwali also called as the festival of Lights is an occasion for celebrations where the darkness in your life is removed by the light you accept in your life. There are many stories that define what Diwali is in the hindu mythology right from Lord Ram’s victory over Ravan to the defeat of Narkasura by Lord Krishna to the birth of goddess Laxmi and her marriage to Lord Vishnu. It is said that when Ram and Laxman defeated the Lankadipati Ravan, the journey back home to Ayodhya was one that of joy, celebrations, commemorating the king for his good deeds of saving his wife Sita and bringing peace to the region. Entire Ayodhya celebrated this home coming of their beloved King who was sent on an exile along with his wife Sita and brother Laxman. It marked the celebration of the good over evil. Similarly, when King Naraka gains extraordinary abilities by defeating the demons which lead to massacring the kingdoms and his surroundings not even sparing the heavens, Krishna an avatar of Vishnu is called by the gods who uses his divine powers to neutralize Narakasura’s weapons and eventually winning over by beheading Narkasura with Krishna’s multi-pronged discus Sudarshan chakra- a divine weapon that is said to restore cosmic order, and protection. Again, a story with a narrative that reinforces the triumph over evil spreading peace and harmony. The story of Hiranyakashapu and Narasimha is also one more legend portraying the moral of good over evil where Hiranyakashyapu one who cannot be destroyed by any animal or man, or on the ground or sky, whose terrorism had made humanity unbearable to live is destroyed by the lion headed half animal half man, at dusk on the door step of his own house, with the claws of a lion on the lap of Narasimha. Death is inevitable, one must die when the time comes no matter what boons or protections one has, if your deeds are evil that evil will be destroyed.
3
However, the story of Goddess Laxmi is one that has a message of love. It is the story of her birth. An occurrence because of the churning of the ocean by the Gods and the demons where the pot of gold is revealed, and Laxmi is born. She then marries Vishnu and together they spend their lives in the service of humanity. In Jainism, Diwali is the celebration of Mahavira the 24th Tirthankara’s teachings and the attainment of Nirvana. Whereas the Sikhs celebrate Diwali as the day when Guru Hargobind Singh was released from the Mughal cage. No matter what story you follow Diwali is a festival that lifts spirits, celebrates the happy moments one shares with their family. The modern-day demons in our lives are destroyed and a light of wellbeing, spirituality, and peace is lit within ourselves for us to tread on the path of life further. Modern Day Diwali is celebrated with lots of sweets, food, drinks, clothing ensuring that no one is left hungry, no one is without shelter, and is looking his or her best in the new clothes one receives or brings for oneself. A day when all the basic needs are satisfied, and none is left behind. These are the days when people donate money, food, clothes to others in need. Giving gifts to loved ones, old and young. Engaging in the good deed of giving and embracing others. It is the time to share, reflect, respect, and celebrate. Let us all follow this message and spread the love of Diwali which no longer has remained unique to India but has spread to other parts of the world where it is celebrated in Pomp and Galore bringing everyone together spreading the love, peace, and harmony. HAPPY DIWALI TO ALL! OM Laxmi Namah! OM Vishnu Namah! From India News Editorial Board!
4
Dr. Ram Mohan, Chairman and Publisher, Australia India News On this grand Indian festival of Diwali, I feel elated, even ecstatic, to be sending my greetings to my fellow Indians and Australians alike. Australia India News is gratified to have the grand Diwali Celebrations happening in Brisbane. At this time as we light our lamps, we celebrate victory of light over darkness, of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. At this auspicious time, we have the ability to make a positive difference in our families, communities and the nation. Diwali is considered an important event to promote the spirit of multiculturalism. Through our celebration we endeavour to create a caring and compassionate community that engages and embraces people of all cultural, ethnic, and spiritual backgrounds. Diwali efficiently builds social cohesion, promotes assertion, respect for diversity, and celebration of the rich spiritual heritage of mankind. I take this opportunity to wish all members of the Indian and wider community for joyous Diwali.
5
H.E. Manpreet Vohra, High Commissioner of India to Australia
It gives me immense pleasure to wish everyone in Australia, and especially the India News team, its Chairman & Publisher Dr. Ram Mohan, and all its readers a very Happy Diwali. This is a joyous occasion for the one million-strong Indian diaspora in Australia. It is also a privilege for us to see the increasing acceptance and celebration of Diwali as a mainstream festival in this beautiful multicultural and welcoming country. Diwali in the beautiful Sunshine State of Queensland is particularly special, and I am fortunate this year to be able to join you all in Brisbane and Gold Coast next week. The recognition that Indian Australians have earned, and the name they have carved for themselves, is a result of their hugely significant contributions to the economy, public services, culture, life and society of Australia. That makes me proud, and all of India proud. So as High Commissioner, I thank them for all that they do. And I thank the Governments and people of Australia for their welcome acceptance of this hard working and law-abiding Indian community, and for making it easy for them not just to integrate and blend, but also adapt themselves and be accepting to collectively make Australia greater. The growing camaraderie and strength of these people-to-people bonds are instrumental in forging ever-closer ties between India and Australia in many dimensions. May Diwali and the New Year bring to all of us happiness, good health and prosperity. May the Festival of Lights illuminate the world, may it show us the way and lead us together on the path of peace, progress and social harmony. My best wishes to everyone. Happy Diwali!
6
Adrian Schrinner Lord Mayor of Brisbane
Happy Diwali Brisbane! Each year, Diwali or the Hindu festival of lights celebrates the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Diwali is a time of celebration in our families and communities and encourages us to re-connect with those we love. Brisbane is home to a vibrant multicultural diaspora that brings their warmth and light to our neighborhoods. India News continues to connect these communities, sharing important information on all there is to see and do in our city and suburbs. I hope you can take time to reflect on the year that has been and prepare for an even brighter future here in Brisbane.
7
8
Peter Russo MP Member for Toohey
May this Diwali bring along fresh hopes, different perspectives, new dreams, and goals. On this joyous occasion of Diwali, I send to the Indian community my warmest regards and best wishes. May your days be filled with new surprises and moments of happiness and success.
9
10
Mrs. Archana Singh, Honorary Consul of India, Brisbane
Warmest Diwali greetings to you all, and may the new year bring happiness, joy, prosperity and good fortune. Diwali is a time of festivity and celebration with family and community and above all, it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to banish ignorance and evil; to be open to new and positive thoughts and to work together for the good of all. The realisation that true progress and happiness encompasses one and all regardless of our diversity is the most important message of Diwali.
11
Maha Sinnathamby AM Chairman, Springfield City Group
I am so delighted that we have this great annual event that not only brings us all together but the wider community once again for such a joyous celebration. As you are aware, Diwali is an event that is celebrated by about a billion people. In some instances, Diwali is also celebrated by other religious groups who have very strong friendship with the Hindu community. It is on joyous events like this that we have to think of the less fortunate and disadvantaged members of the world community, who are suffering on very many fronts. Let us join and support them to give them some joy. We ought to also appreciate what Australia is to all of us, a country that has welcomed us and is our new home to us and our future generations. I wish you all a very joyous festival and may this be a sign that what binds us together is far greater than the few items that may irritate us sometimes. Diwali is the festival of lights the triumph of light over darkness. Let us celebrate reconciliation and inclusiveness. My very best wishes to all of you.
12
Dr Ashutosh Misra, CEO, Institute for Australia India Engagement
On behalf of the Institute for Australia India Engagement I extend my warmest greetings to everyone on this Diwali. Hope the festival of Lights dispels darkness from your lives and blesses your family and friends with abundant happiness and good fortune.
13
Manu Kala, Director and Co-Founder KnG Group
This festival of lights, I would like to wish everlasting happiness and prosperity to all the readers of Australia India News. May all your problems vanish, and your life gets filled with happiness and joy. May you enjoy your life with great health and wealth. Warm wishes to all the Indian community in Australia and back home. A very happy Diwali to you all.
14
Amrita Deshpande (Media Artist, Community News Editor India News, Associate Editor MCNA, Secretary MCCQ, Co-secretariat WEN group ECCQ)
Happy Diwali to all!
May this Diwali bring happiness and Prosperity to all. The festival of lights is a special occasion for the Indian diaspora spread all over the world. It brings them together and connects them to their roots. The true Vasudeva Kutumbakam is experienced during this festival where all countries unite in celebration of the festival of lights. This Diwali let us forget the enmity and embrace the friendships. Create peace and spread love. Happy Diwali to Vasudeva Kutumbakam!
15
Nik Senapati, President, Australia India Business Council in Queensland The most beautiful season of the year is right here. The warmth and brightness of this time always give us more energy and excitement to work harder in the coming days. May this Diwali be filled with joy and celebrations full of vitality, and may you be graced with a special glow. May the festival of Diwali this year be the brightest ever. I hope it brings joy, health, and wealth to you and your loved ones.
16
Jim Varghese AM Chairman, The Leadership Company Qld Pty Ltd
I am pleased to wish everyone Happy Diwali. May the festival of lights be the harbinger of joy and prosperity. As the holy occasion of Diwali is here and the atmosphere is filled with the spirit of mirth and love, here’s hoping this festival of beauty brings your way, bright sparkles of contentment, that stay with you through the days ahead. Best wishes on Diwali and New year.
17
Anoop Nannuru President, Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ) A warm Diwali wish for every kind of happiness in your life. Cherish the good times and the timeless memories made with friends this Diwali. May the warmth and splendour that are a part of this auspicious occasion fill your life with happiness and bright cheer, and bring you joy and prosperity for the year ahead.
18
Mr. Terry Svenson, CEO, Queensland Cricket
Queensland Cricket wishes the Indian community a very happy and auspicious Diwali. May the festival of light fill your lives with happiness and prosperity. We thank the community for engaging with QC and supporting its Multicultural program and other initiatives.
19
Pushpinder Oberoi, GOPIO Gold Coast
Happy Diwali to all. May these fireworks burn away all our troubles, problems and sorrows, and may these light up our life with happiness, joy, and peace this wonderful Diwali. Let’s celebrate the festival in the true sense by spreading joy and light up the world of others. Have a happy, safe, and blessed Diwali!
20
Book your second home with Noel Living to receive access to free Solar
We Build your SMALL HOME within 4 weeks BUILD A SECOND HOME IN YOUR BACKYARD We Finance 01 100% Finance Available
02
We Build
03
We Rent
Fixed Price One Stop Shop Approvals to Completion
NDIS Compliant
Scan the QR code and book your home to claim your Diwali special 21
22
23
24
Buyers Like What They See at Brookwater.
HOLE 8 527 m – PAR 5
HO LE 7 195m – PAR 3
HO LE 6
HO LE 5
395m – PAR 4
167m – PAR 3
HOLE 9 3 22m – PAR 4
HOLE 1 380m – PAR 4
HOLE 2 406m – PAR 4
HO LE 4 551 m – PAR 5
HO LE 3 358 m – PAR 4
Your 5 minute neighbourhood:
* Please be advised that the provided outline is intended solely for location reference purposes and is indicative only.
500,000
St Peters Lutheran College offers Prep to Year 12 Christian co-education.
Orion Springfield Central offering major retail shops, restaurants, a movie theatre and food court.
Just 35 minutes away from Brisbane CBD, the interest among buyers has been at a record level, according to Narendran Sinnathamby, the General Manager of Brookwater Residential. Brookwater’s current land release, The Dress Circle, is situated around the first nine holes of the championship golf course designed by Greg Norman. It is the only integrated golf community near Brisbane. “Discerning buyers are recognising that Brookwater is a premium lifestyle destination,’’Mr Sinnathamby said. “The Dress Circle, Brookwater is situated within Springfield City, one of Australia’s fastestgrowing regions. Springfield City sets the standard for world-class master-planned urban environments in the 21st century and has become a blueprint for nation-building,” he added. “The area boasts outstanding schools, and state-of-the-art health facilities, and is now home to the Brisbane Lions AFL Club. Everything you need is within reach.” Within the Springfield City area, there are 12 schools, 22 childcare facilities, and the University of Southern Queensland providing a remarkable array of options for both private and public amenities, making it an ideal choice for growing families. Springfield City is positioned as the gateway to the western corridor of Southeast Queensland. With an expansive area of 2,860 hectares, it is Australia’s largest master-planned city and the first of its kind since Canberra.
Estimated Residential Population
450,000
Health City Springfield Central – home to Mater Private Hospital Springfield, Aveo Springfield and Quest Apartment Hotel.
400,000 350,000 300,000 250,000 200,000 150,000 100,000 50,000 0
2021 Springfield
2026 2031 2036 2041 Greater Springfield Springfield Growth Corridor SOURCE: ECONISIS
- The wider Springfield Growth Corridor including Springfield and Greater Springfield is currently home to 145,300 people. - This is expected to grow rapidly to almost 200,000 people in 2026 and over 435,000 in 2041. - Represents an annual growth rate of 5.6% over the 20 years to 2041.
LARGE REGISTERED HOMESITES FROM $615,000
CALL US NOW AND VISIT THE SALES CENTRE:
07 3814 5177
3 Birchwood Crescent, Brookwater. Open daily 9am – 5pm
B R O O K WAT E R R E S I D E N T I A L .CO M . A U
25
26