A community service at the ANZAC Jawan Cenotaph in Cherrybrook has marked the 111th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing, bringing together Defence personnel, government representatives and local families to honour the contribution of Australian and Indian soldiers.
The ceremony was hosted by the Australia India Cenotaph Committee, a project of the Hindu Council of Australia, in partnership with the Hornsby RSL Sub-Branch. Organisers said the event reflected a shared military history and the growing recognition of Indian service personnel within the ANZAC story.
The service opened with a welcome address by Sai Paravastu, National President of the Hindu Council of Australia, who highlighted the national role of the cenotaph as a symbol of Australia–India military ties.
Anand Manickam, Vice President of the Australia India Cenotaph Committee, led the program as Master of Ceremonies, coordinating the sequence of formal proceedings.
The Australian Army Cadets – 202 Unit mounted the Catafalque Party under the leadership of CAPT (AAC) Natalie Jackson, setting a formal tone for the service.
Speakers included Julian Leeser, Federal Member for Berowra, Dr Nirav Kumar, Deputy Consul General of India in Sydney, Capt. Smriti Murali Krishna, an ADF officer and chaplain, and Murray Norman, Chief Executive of Faith NSW, also known as Better-Balanced Futures. Their addresses focused on remembrance, community ties and the historical links between Australia and India through military service.
Local support came from Hornsby Shire Council, Cherrybrook Technology High School and the IABBV Hindi School, whose students and representatives took part in the ceremony.
Interfaith prayers, hymns and a wreath-laying ceremony formed part of the service, followed by the Ode of Remembrance, the Last Post and the national anthems of Australia and India.
The ANZAC Jawan Cenotaph in Cherrybrook is recognised in New South Wales as a memorial dedicated to ANZAC soldiers of Indian heritage. Organisers said the site continues to serve as a place for reflection on shared history and ongoing ties between the two countries.
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