The Bihar Jharkhand Sabha Melbourne (BJSM) is the latest in a growing number of Indian community organisations in Victoria learning how to share their stories more widely. As the 15th group to take part in a media training workshop run by The Indian Sun and supported by the Victorian Government, they join communities already benefiting from the initiative.
The online session, led by The Indian Sun’s Indira Laisram, focused on practical storytelling for communities whose contributions are often felt but not always seen.
For the BJSM, which has grown from a small Melbourne group to an organisation with chapters across Australia and New Zealand, visibility means more than publicity. It is about making sure the stories of migration, cultural preservation, and community contribution are heard and equipping members with the skills to share those stories confidently.
“The stronger your visibility, the stronger your voice,” Laisram explained.
Committee members Ajay Pathak, Shivesh Pandey, Shiv Mishra and Himanshu spoke about their roles and the Sabha’s growth. Pathak, the group’s cultural secretary, described their quiet success: from a small gathering, BJSM now has nearly 500 member families. Their activities go beyond cultural celebrations to include community service like blood donation drives. Yet, Pathak admitted, their story often stays within the community.
Pandey highlighted the historical and cultural pride of Bihar and Jharkhand, calling them the birthplace of the world’s first republic and the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. He was especially proud of Chhath, a unique festival of sun worship celebrated at dawn and dusk.
“Here in Victoria, this has become one of the largest celebrations of its kind, probably the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere. We may be a smaller community, but our impact is strong,” he said.
During the session, Laisram shared the basics of public relations for volunteer-run organisations. She explained how press releases, media outreach, and social media can raise awareness, increase credibility, and attract support. “Good publicity positions you ahead of others. Visibility ensures your work is recognised and valued, both by the public and by authorities,” she said.
Practical tips included preparing and timing press releases, creating engaging headlines, and selecting relevant visuals. Laisram noted that media coverage is not limited to mainstream outlets — multicultural platforms can also showcase cultural pride and community relevance. Ethical considerations, such as seeking permission for photos and respecting privacy, were emphasised.
Participants discussed challenges in sharing stories online and reaching the right audience. Laisram advised that consistency, clarity, and timely engagement are key. She encouraged members to find stories within the community — from festival celebrations to individual achievements — to build connection and inspire action.
The workshop also covered digital tools for storytelling. While technology can help with tasks like proofreading, Laisram stressed that human insight and emotional understanding are essential for authentic reporting.
Himanshu, secretary of the Sabha, said the session provided practical steps to ensure their stories reach a wider audience. Participants left with strategies to promote upcoming events, including Chhath, and to build lasting media relationships.
The leaders discussed their current informal approach to media. Laisram suggested creating a dedicated list of contacts across mainstream and multicultural outlets and offered to provide relevant contacts.
Pandey said the workshop came at the perfect time, just weeks before their major Chhath festival, and gave actionable ideas that felt achievable.
Pathak described the training as insightful and enlightening, noting that breaking the content into segments made it easier to absorb.
The workshop ended with plans for the leaders to immediately apply their new skills to promote the upcoming festival.
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