Cherrybrook recently played host to a poignant and respectful commemoration, marking the sacrifices of Anzac soldiers of Indian origin during World War I. The event, held on 19 November 2023, marked the sixth annual Anzac Jawan Remembrance Day service, an initiative of the Australia India Cenotaph Committee, a project under the Hindu Council Australia, in collaboration with Hornsby RSL Subbranch.
The service was gracefully inaugurated with a land acknowledgment by Mr. Anand Manickam, Joint Secretary of the Hindu Council—NSW. This was followed by a ceremonial lowering of flags by school captains from Cherrybrook Technology High School. Mr. Suresh Vashist, NSW President of the Hindu Council of Australia, warmly welcomed dignitaries and attendees, setting the stage for a day of reflection and homage.
George Main, President of the Hornsby RSL Sub-branch, led the inaugural commemoration, highlighting the significance of the day. A notable presence at the service was Indian Army Veterans Colonel Virender Sahni, who, along with other esteemed ex-servicemen, including Captain Suresh Gupta, Lieutenant Colonel Sachin Tilekar, and Wing Commander Umesh Upadhaya, delivered moving messages of remembrance.
The event was graced by a spectrum of VIP guests, with Vice Consul Mr. Ramneek Singh representing the Consul General of India in Sydney, Hon. Manish Gupta. Local political figures like Mr. Mark Hodges MP, Member for Castle Hill, and Clr. Sreeni Pillamari, representing Julian Leeser, Member for Berowra, were also in attendance. The principal commemoration speaker was Hon Philip Ruddock AO, Mayor of Hornsby Shire Council, who lent his voice to the solemn proceedings.
The service was marked by a series of heartfelt tributes. Representatives from various organisations, including the Hornsby RSL Sub-branch, Australian Army Cadets, local councils, and community groups, laid wreaths or offered floral tributes. This moment of reverence was accompanied by a stirring rendition of ‘The Lament’, played by local musicians.
Religious prayers, reflective of the diverse community, were offered by Mr. Arjun Mehta from the Gujarati Samaj and Mr. Harbir Singh Bhatia from Turramurra Gurudwara, encompassing the Hindu and Sikh faiths. This was followed by a soulful performance of the hymn ‘Abide with Me’ by students of the IABBV Hindi School, along with the national anthems of both Australia and India.
A poignant moment of silence was observed, paying respect to the fallen ANZAC soldiers. The silence was broken by the solemn notes of the Last Post, played by Ms. Haasini Anandhan from the Senior Concert Band of Cherrybrook Public School, followed by the Rouse during the flag-raising ceremony.
The event was not just a remembrance but also a showcase of community spirit and collaboration. The Australia India Cenotaph Custodians Committee, led by Mr. Anand Manickam, Mr. Nitesh Sethi, Mr. Nitin Jayaram, and Mr. Arjun Mehta, effectively coordinated the service with support from various military and civilian bodies. Their efforts ensured the smooth running of the event, which culminated in shared refreshments, fostering a sense of unity and fellowship among all attendees.
This Remembrance Day service at Cherrybrook not only honoured the brave Anzac soldiers of Indian heritage but also served as a reminder of the enduring bonds between Australia and India. It was a day of solemn reflection, deep gratitude, and a reaffirmation of the shared values of courage, sacrifice, and unity that transcend borders and generations.
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