No, it wasn’t Mumbai, It was actually Melbourne that shined with glitter, glamour and glory while celebrating the 75th anniversary of Indian independence by the Australia India Chamber of Commerce.
More than five hundred guests represented the success of the Indian Australian community and the depth of the Australia-India relationship after the trade agreement at a star-studded Gala Dinner.
The Chairperson of Australia India Chamber of Commerce, Chris Mooney set the tone of the evening by outlining the six most important factors about an upbeat India to open the celebrations.
“First, India is soon to be the world’s biggest population, proving that democracy and large populations can work.
Second, India is now a major regional security power in the Indo-Pacific Region.
Third, it is leading in many areas of innovation – for example, the two-wheeler market in India could reach 100% electric by 2026. Innovation and change.
Fourth, India is the world’s most diverse democracy with 22 separate official languages, a total of 121 languages and 270 mother tongues.
Fifth, the Indian economy is the fastest growing of all developed nations’ economies – showing the “can do” drive of modern India.
Sixth, India has gifted the practice of yoga and ayurvedic medicine to the world.”
The room was filled with cheers when Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell announced next week he is leading a delegation of business leaders to India to strengthen the hard work of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in the last couple of years.
And yes, Minister Farrell didn’t miss to tease Melbournites about the sunny and hospitable weather of Adelaide, his home city and almost invited AICC to organise a similar event there.
Victorian Treasurer and Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Industrial Relations, and Minister for Trade Tim Pallas had to bite his tongue and leave it there on the weather.
However, Mr Pallas was quick to remind that Melbourne is one of the most attractive destinations for Indian international students, tourists and businesses looking for investment.
Leader of opposition Peter Dutton and Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs Jason Wood’s presence in the evening indicates how important India and the Indian Australian community are for the future of Australia.
Indian High Commissioner Manpreet Vohra characterised Australia-India relations as one of the best among the current world order.
Mr Vohra emphasised the need to strengthen business and community organisations to fully utilise the growing cooperation and collaboration between the two countries.
Neeraj Das is Managing Director of ElecSome & Ojas Group.
Ojas Group runs multiple projects in India and Australia in the sectors of renewable energy specializing in solar, wind and hydrogen upcycling.
Mr Das said, “Though Australia-India diplomatic relation was incepted in 1941, 2022 is the historic year of the Australia India Economic Co-Operation and Trade Agreement (ECTA).”
“From here on it’s the only way up where Australia can assist India with next-gen infra n cutting edge research to manage waste for a truly circular economy. At the same time, India can assist Australia with the largest pool of young professionals to support its growth.”
Rebekah Grindlay is Assistant Secretary of the India Branch with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Ms Grindlay told The Australia Today, “It’s wonderful to see so much energy in the Australia-India relationship. This event was a celebration of a special milestone for India but also for our close bilateral relationship.”
“It was an opportune time for the AICC to bring together government and business leaders ahead of Trade and Tourism Minister Farrell’s visit to India in September to further advance our trade and economic partnership.”
The evening was not a dull business conference, it was filled with some very exciting shows within.
Sapphire Bollywood Dance group and Brad Blaze, Australia’s top International Speed Painter & Performance Artist lived up to their reputations to spellbound the guests.
Brad Blaze’s paintings were sold in a silent auction to raise funds by Australian Friends of Asha for Slums’ work to support and raise awareness of the work of the internationally acclaimed Dr Kiran Martin and the Asha Society in Delhi, India. With a particular focus on advancing education as a means of breaking the cycle of poverty.
Molina Swarup Asthana is the National President of the Asian Australian Lawyers Association.
Ms Asthana told The Australia Today, “The AICC dinner was a great celebration of 75 years of India’s Independence bringing together business from both countries.”
“Our bilateral relationship has never looked better and it can only go upwards from here based on our common values, particularly the rule of law and our people-to-people links.”
Molina Asthana is also a sports diplomacy advocate.
She says the business of sport and business with sports can be one of the best ways to discover possibilities between Australia and India.
Organisers interestingly had a good understanding of this fact and made the most uncompromising cricket player and former Australian captain Ricky Ponting part of it.
Wine is one of the commodities which is turning out to be gaining the most benefits in a recent Australia-India Economic Co-Operation and Trade Agreement. Ricky Pointing perhaps knows this and is playing on the front foot to be in a commanding position through his brand ‘Ponting’.
Mitu Bhowmick Lange is the founder of Mind Blowing Films and the force behind the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.
Ms Lange says I am so proud to be part of this historical movement to celebrate ‘Azadi Ka Amratmahotsav’ right in the heart of Melbourne.
She told The Australia Today, “It was wonderful to be at the AICC India at 75 celebrations and see how far we have come .”
“Listening to maestro Zubin Mehta talk about His father playing at clubs in India where Indians were not allowed during the Raj, was very special… there is so much to celebrate and look forward to as our two countries get closer and closer.”
Mitu just took away my lines, the heartbeat of the celebration was ‘Maestro Zubin Mehta’.
The only person in the room who was present at the Gateway of India, Mumbai when an Independent India was sending off the last British officer.
Some tears were flowing under the dim lights in the room while the conversation between Maestro Zubin Mehta and Greta Bradman was time travelling us through the 75 years long journey of India.
Nirzari Seth, Director of Augment Group was one of those emotional souls who were wiping tears and smiling through the chat.
She says while we have assisted many individuals with accomplishing their extraordinary Australian dream of owning a house and making pathways for expats, however, listening to Mr Mehta has left me with a thirst to do more.
Ms Seth told The Australia Today, “We (Augment Group) feel privileged to be associated with AICC. As part of the business community, we embrace innovative ways of contributing to the rising India-Australia relationship.”
“The cultural diversity and bonding witnessed at the 75th anniversary is incredible and explains the long-lasting relationship between the two nations.”
The evening was such that a lot of people wanted it to go till maybe midnight.
Harish Rao, Executive Director of Australia India Chamber of Commerce was perhaps one of them.
Mr Rao says It was a dream evening celebrating the courage of India and complimenting it with the friendship of Australia and naming it a celebration of the 75th anniversary of Indian independence.
He doesn’t forget to remind, that Melbourne-based AICC is a National Organisation set up along the lines of national industry groups with a sectoral focus, initially in Tech & Innovation, Defence, Critical Minerals and Education.
“We at AICC want to drive commercial outcomes between Australia and India with the strong support of DFAT and our business community.”
With leading corporates as premium members, the AICC in a short span of 3 years has become the go-to bi-lateral business body in Australia under the able guidance of the founding patron of Former Premier of Victoria, Ted Baillieu, AO.
