The Australia India Business Council (AIBC) Victoria celebrated the growing relationship between Australia and India, spotlighting the contributions of the Indian diaspora in Victoria.
The evening began with an acknowledgment of the traditional landowners, followed by the national anthems of India and Australia, performed by a renowned opera singer.
Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan and Reet Phulwani, Head of Women in Business at AIBC Victoria, inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial lamps.
Ms Phulwani delivered an inspiring introductory address to the guests. She highlighted the council’s initiatives and their ambitious plans to enhance business ties between Australia and India.
“Our focus at AIBC Victoria is to build a robust platform for businesses from both nations to connect, collaborate, and grow,” Phulwani stated.
She emphasised the importance of empowering women in business and fostering an inclusive environment.
“We are committed to driving innovation and creating opportunities that benefit our communities. Together, we can achieve remarkable milestones in our bilateral relations,”
she added.
Premier Allan highlighted her efforts in collaborating with the Indian community to drive state growth and announced her upcoming visit to India in September 2024. She also emphasised the cultural connections fostered by the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, which has successfully reached regional towns like Bendigo, Shepparton, and Geelong.
“The Indian diaspora has been instrumental in Victoria’s growth,” Premier Allan remarked.
“Their contributions span across various sectors, and I look forward to strengthening these ties during my visit to India.”
Rob Thomason, President of AIBC Victoria, outlined the council’s initiatives and their plans to elevate business ties between the two nations.
“We are committed to fostering stronger business connections between Australia and India,” said Thomason.
“Our goal is to create opportunities that benefit both economies.”
Indian High Commissioner to Australia, Gopal Bagley, reinforced the notion that Australia and India are natural partners, with business and people-to-people connections poised to reach new heights.
“Australia and India share a unique bond,” Bagley stated.
“Our relationship is built on mutual respect and shared values, and we aim to strengthen this further.”
The event also showcased the success story of Medsurge Healthcare, with CEO Kam Phulwani sharing how his business has grown into a multimillion-dollar global pharmaceutical manufacturer and supplier in just 15 years, including a 24/7 online pharmacy.
“Our journey is a testament to the opportunities available in both Australia and India,” said Phulwani.
“We look forward to further growth and innovation.”
Deakin University celebrated its 30 years of operations in India. Vice Chancellor Iain Martin highlighted the university’s achievements and the contributions of Ravneet Pahwa in expanding Deakin’s global operations.
“Our India campus is a significant milestone,” Martin noted.
“Ravneet Pahwa’s efforts have been instrumental in our success, and we look forward to continued growth.”
Guests enjoyed a sumptuous dinner and were treated to an Indian classical dance performance, showcasing the richness of Indian culture.
Melbourne Mayor Nicholas Reece made a bid for support from the Indian-Australian business community for the upcoming council elections in October 2024. He promised his first visit would be to India and announced plans for a sister city agreement with a major Indian city.
“Melbourne and India share a vibrant connection,” said Reece.
“We aim to formalise this through a sister city agreement, strengthening our cultural and economic ties.”
CEO of the Centre for Australia-India Relations, Tim Thomas, emphasised Victoria’s significant contributions to the bilateral relationship and the benefits it receives from CAIR grants.
“Victoria plays a crucial role in Australia-India relations,” Thomas asserted.
“Our efforts are recognised and supported through substantial grants.”
The evening concluded with a lively interaction between Nick Hockley, CEO of Cricket Australia, and Molina Asthana, National Sports Chapter Head of AIBC. Hockley expressed excitement about the upcoming test series between India and Australia in December 2024.
“The Melbourne Cricket Ground feels like a home ground for the Indian team, given the incredible support from Indian fans,”
Hockley said.
Ravneet Pahwa, AIBC’s National Vice Chair, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing her optimism for the future of Australia-India relations.
“Patience is key to success in India,” Pahwa advised.
“We look forward to a prosperous future together.”
The event highlighted the robust and dynamic relationship between Australia and India, celebrating cultural ties, business successes, and the pivotal role of the Indian diaspora in Victoria.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora and Australia’s multicultural communities need fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon and support honest and fearless journalism.
