Under clear autumn skies, the Anzac Jawan Cenotaph in Cherrybrook became the setting for a heartfelt tribute to soldiers of Indian origin who served alongside the ANZACs during the First World War. Organised by the Australia India Cenotaph Committee, a project of the Hindu Council of Australia, the commemoration brought together veterans, officials, students, and community members to honour a chapter of shared history that remains largely unspoken.
The afternoon began with a formal Acknowledgment of Country, followed by the Mounting of the Guard and Lowering of the Flags, setting a tone of solemn respect. George Main, Vice President of the Hornsby RSL Sub-Branch, opened the proceedings with a moving prologue, speaking to the spirit of sacrifice that threads through the histories of both Australia and India.
Prayers were offered for thanksgiving, for the King, and for the nation by Ashwani Sharma, Nitin Jayraman, Parinita Tandon, and representatives from Cherrybrook Technology High School. Their voices reflected the cultural and spiritual diversity that has long been a part of Australia’s evolving story.
The hymn “Abide with Me,” sung in unison, stirred the gathering with its quiet insistence on resilience and peace. Throughout the ceremony, messages from dignitaries, including Surinder Jain, Colonel Virender Sahni, Dr S. Janakiraman, Darren Bark, Julian Leeser MP, James Wallace MP, Mark Hodges MP, and Hornsby Mayor Warren Waddell, underscored the importance of remembering the contributions of Indian soldiers to the ANZAC tradition. Local councillors Reena Jethi and Sreeni Pillamarri were also present, adding to the strong show of support across civic and community leadership.
One of the most poignant moments of the afternoon was the wreath-laying ceremony. Ex-servicemen, Army Cadets, Hindu Council leaders, school students, and members of the public each placed their tribute at the Cenotaph, creating a living memory of respect and gratitude.
Adding a spiritual layer to the afternoon, Hindu prayers led by Jagdish Trivedi from the Gujarati Samaj offered a rhythmic blessing to the gathering. Students from IABBV Hindi School then performed the national anthems of both Australia and India, a musical reminder of the enduring bonds between the two nations.
The Ode of Remembrance was recited by John Zeller, Vice President of the Hornsby RSL Sub-Branch, followed by a minute’s silence that seemed to stretch beyond the moment itself. The Last Post and Reveille, performed with care by Cherrybrook Technology High School students, closed the formal proceedings with a touch of both sorrow and pride.
A Vote of Thanks was delivered by Anand Manickam, Vice President (NSW) of the Cenotaph Committee, who recognised the commitment of volunteers, partners, and the many hands that brought the event to life. The commemoration ended on a note of warmth, as guests stayed back to share light refreshments and quiet conversations.
The event was a testament to careful planning and community spirit, steered by Anand Manickam, Parinita Tandon, Nitesh Sethi, Jaydeep Panchal and Arjun Mehta, with support from the Hindu Council and an army of dedicated volunteers. Together, they ensured that the service and sacrifice of ANZAC soldiers of Indian origin were honoured with the dignity and recognition long overdue.
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