It started with song and ended with gratitude. In between came stories of strength, a whirlwind of dance, heartfelt speeches, and an unmistakable sense of solidarity. Over 200 people gathered at Ringwood Secondary College for the ‘Seema, Vikas & Friends’ Biggest Morning Tea’—a local effort that raised nearly $3,000 for cancer research and left behind something less measurable but equally powerful: collective hope.
Led by Gagan Agrawal, Secretary of the Maroondah Indian Community, and Gurpreet Miglani from the Australian Indian Cultural Society Incorporated (AICSI), and other members such as Seema Vikas, the recent fundraising event for Cancer Council Research was a heartfelt display of grassroots community spirit. It was intimate, emotional, and authentic—held together by volunteers, community leaders, and a shared cause.
Organised with the backing of the Australian Indian Cultural Society Incorporated (AICSI), the event served not just as a fundraiser but as a statement of intent from a growing multicultural population determined to give back.
The day opened with a soulful welcome song performed by sisters Rosalie and Daisilie, their harmonies setting a tone of reflection and quiet joy. What followed was anything but passive. Guests were invited to yoga sessions, a raffle draw, henna art, cultural performances, and an art workshop by Artispark. For children, Ringwood Indoor Stadium hosted games, making the event welcoming across generations.
Local leaders showed up in full force. Mary Doyle MP, Member for Aston, shared her own health struggles with striking honesty, calling the morning “a gift to the community.” Mayor Cr Kylie Spears joined in the energetic Zumba and bhangra numbers, and her words echoed that same sentiment: “a beautiful demonstration of unity, purpose, and celebration.” Deputy Mayor Cr Linda Hancock, alongside councillors Daniella Heatherich, Claire Rex, and Chris Jones, also turned up—not for token support but in admiration for a ground-up event done right.
The heart of the morning belonged to the stories. Cancer survivor Sulochana Agrawal delivered a deeply moving message, reflecting on surviving three separate cancer diagnoses. “What kept me going was my faith in the medical community and an unwavering belief that positivity heals. Surround yourself with love, and trust the journey—you are never alone,” she said.
Seema Vikas, speaking at the close, brought the room to pause. Her words were simple, but they lingered: “‘Shukrana’—gratitude—is something my mother always lived by. It lights my path and brings positivity to my family’s life. This event is our way of honouring that spirit and giving back to the community that stands by us.”
That spirit was evident in every corner—from the henna artists working quietly with long queues to the volunteers running food stalls and manning the auction table. It was a team effort, powered by goodwill rather than grant money. At its centre was a willingness to open hearts, homes, and calendars to make it happen.
Gagan Agrawal put it plainly: “Our vision is to integrate the Indian community into the wider Australian society—and equally, to welcome the greater community into the richness of Indian culture. We’ll continue to support such events and encourage more leaders to step up. MIC will stand beside them in any shape or form needed.”
Events like this don’t run on autopilot. They require invisible hours of unpaid work—calls made, food arranged, permits secured, chairs stacked. Yet what emerged wasn’t transactional, but transformational. Every speaker, every guest, and every child on the dance floor felt it.
The money raised—just under $3,000—will go to cancer research, but the impact will stretch further. It gave survivors a voice, created new friendships, and stitched fresh links between cultures. It also showed that local action still matters. That in a world often split into comment sections and slogans, there are still places where people show up for each other—one dance, one raffle, and one story at a time.
To support future initiatives or get involved, visit www.micommunity.com.au
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🎶#Maroondah's Indian community raised ~$3K for #cancer research via cultural morning tea. 🎉 Featuring yoga, performances & survivor stories. 🤝 Local leaders praised event's unity & multicultural spirit. #TheIndianSun
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