The Indian community in Victoria is in mourning following the passing of Arvind Shrivastava, a revered scholar, priest, and community pillar. Shrivastava passed away yesterday at 5 am, a loss confirmed to The Indian Sun by Manoj Kumar, Chairperson of the Australian Multicultural Organisation Network (AMON), who said who said he had been admitted to Knox Private Hospital for the past few days.
Paying tribute, Kumar described Shrivastava as a guiding presence in his life. “He was like a father figure to me and always guided me,” he said.
Tributes have poured in from across the community, painting a picture of a man dedicated to faith, culture, and selfless service.
Raj Dudeja, a friend and also a senior community figure, also expressed profound sorrow. “It’s really very sad news! He was a good friend, a very wise scholar, a devoted Hindu priest and a community person,” Dudeja said. “My wife and I had the opportunity to work with him in the AIII committee meetings and in organising AIII Diwali Melas. We found him a thorough gentleman, very straightforward and to the point. How can I ever forget the songs that he used to sing with his wife, amazing! May God rest his soul in peace. He really deserves it. I sincerely convey my condolences to his family.”
Shrivastava’s commitment to community service was a lifelong passion, famously shared with his wife of over 50 years, Dr Sunila. As profiled by The Indian Sun in 2020, the Torquay-based couple were the dynamic force behind decades of cultural and charitable work.
Shrivastava migrated to Australia in 1968 on a research scholarship at Monash University after completing his Master of Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, at a time when Indian migration to Australia was still limited.
He went on to have a distinguished academic career at Monash University, later serving as Executive Director of the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Centre, before retiring in 1999.
Retirement marked the beginning of an even deeper commitment to community service. Along with his wife, he became a pillar of the Indian community in Victoria, helping organise major cultural and religious events including Diwali and Holi celebrations, while also working quietly behind the scenes to support those in need.
The couple founded the Sankat Mochan Samiti, a not-for-profit organisation aimed at providing spiritual, emotional and practical support to community members, including assistance to victims of family violence.
Shrivastava also served in leadership and advisory roles with several organisations, including the Australia India Society, the Indian Club of Victoria, and the Victorian Police Multi-Faith Council, strengthening ties between faith communities and public institutions.
In 2018, his tireless service was formally recognised when he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his contribution to the Indian community in Melbourne.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Shrivastava and his wife continued their service through Bhakti Tarang, a series of devotional prayer and singing sessions that brought comfort and connection to many during isolation.
Arvind Shrivastava’s passing leaves a significant void, but his legacy of scholarly contribution, devotional spirit, and unwavering community service will continue to inspire the many lives he touched.
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