As evening fell over the Cherrybrook Community and Cultural Centre, quiet respect surrounded the ANZAC Jawan Cenotaph. The 8th ANZAC Jawan Remembrance Day brought together veterans, civic leaders, and community members in tribute to the Indian-origin ANZACs who served during World War I, reminding all present that remembrance transcends borders.
The ceremony was coordinated by the Australia India Cenotaph Committee and the Hindu Council of Australia, following full Australian Remembrance Day protocol. Vice President of the Committee, Mr Anand Manickam, served as Master of Ceremonies, ensuring the evening’s proceedings flowed with dignity and precision.
Mr Nihal Ahar AM opened the event with a warm welcome, followed by Colonel Virender Sahni of the Indian Army, whose keynote speech reflected on shared histories of courage. Hon Julian Leeser MP spoke of the unity forged through service, while Hon Warren Waddell, Mayor of Hornsby, highlighted the pride felt across the local community. Mr Elayaraja of the Australian Defence Force paid respect to the discipline and devotion of those who served, and Mr Nirav Kumar, Deputy Consul General of India, reaffirmed the enduring bonds between Australia and India.
Defence and veteran representatives including Brigadier Neil Turner AM RFD, Mr George Main, Mr John Zeller, Captain Chetan Khemlani, and Colonel Ranjeev attended the ceremony, along with the 202 ACU Blacktown cadets led by LT(AAC) Connor Fleming. Their presence added strength and symbolism to the occasion.
Community leaders and elected representatives stood shoulder to shoulder, among them Mr James Wallace MP, Mr Mark Hodges MP, Mayor Hon Michelle Byrne, Deputy Mayor Frank De Masi, and Councillors Reena Jethi and Sreeni Pillamarri.
Prayers led by Mr Jagdish Trivedi and Mr Jagchanan Singh, hymns and national anthems performed by IABBV Hindi School students, and ceremonial flag duties by Cherrybrook Technology High School students marked moments of reflection. Wreaths were laid, the Last Post and Rouse sounded across the grounds, and silence followed in shared remembrance.
Mr Nitesh Sethi closed the evening with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the volunteers and supporters who made the commemoration possible.
Since its inauguration in 2018, the ANZAC Jawan Cenotaph has stood as a proud emblem of shared history and multicultural remembrance, reminding all who gather there that sacrifice and service belong to every nation that values peace.
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