Deepavali celebrated in NSW Parliament

Deepavali was celebrated inside NSW Parliament for the sixth time and politicians from both sides of politics made it a point to be seen mingling with the Indian community. The Deepavali celebration inside NSW Parliament is turning out to be one of the most high profile events for the Indian community. Raj Datta, President of the Deepavali Festival Committee of NSW and the person who initiated this event many years back while talking on the occasion said, “This event is growing in its importance and this year I had to say no to more people than I said yes to.”

Speaking on the occasion Raj Datta said, “Deepavali is the celebration of lights and symbolizes dispelling of darkness, myths and perceptions with knowledge represented by light. Darkness represents ignorance and light is a metaphor for knowledge. Therefore, lighting a lamp represents the destruction of all negative forces such as, wickedness, violence, lust, anger, greed, bigotry, fear, injustice and oppression with knowledge.”

NSW Premier Nathan Rees also attended the event for the second consecutive year and said, “Diwali is central to your cultural and spiritual lives, and a great enrichment to the cultural fabric of Sydney, NSW and Australia.” Premier also commended the work of NSW Community Relations Commission (CRC) in resolving issues related to international students. Talking about the set up of ministerial task force, he said, “We had already set up a ministerial task force to look at all the issues of international education in NSW. That report is being prepared and is under consideration.“ He also said that the NSW government will be publishing a Z-card which will be a booklet aimed to provide all essential information to international students coming to NSW.

Minister for Citizenship, Virginia Judge who was elegantly dressed in a blue saree was all praise for the Indian community and said that Deepavali festival played a very important role in strengthening and building intercommunity relationships in NSW.  John Aquilina, Leader of the house and an avid supporter of the Indian community spoke about the virtues of democracy and mentioned the experiences of a few refugees from other countries were able to exercise their democratic rights and vote here in Australia.

Indian Consul General Amit Dasgupta said he was deeply honoured to be inside NSW Parliament on this unique occasion and said one of the distinguishing factor in the relationship between India and Australia was the setup of strong parliamentary democracies. Speaking about the Indian elections he said, “471 million people voluntarily voted in the last Indian elections.” He also highlighted the visit of the Indian Parliamentary secretary delegation to Canberra and Sydney to get a better understanding of each other.

He also used the occasion to talk about violence against Indian students and added, “In last 6-7 months it was extraordinary for me to receive support from Parliamentarians in NSW, NSW police and the administration. This was the principal reason as to why NSW was the region where Indian community felt very safe as compared to other places. Initiatives taken by Premier and steps taken to make feel students welcome, have been of great help to students.”

Amit Dasgupta also announced that NSW Premier was visiting India next month. His announcement that the NSW Premier was visiting Mumbai and not shunning it like some other politicians was received with thunderous applause.

Barry O’ Farrell, Leader of the Opposition in NSW Parliament sent a message which was read out on the occasion which said. “I extend warmest wishes to the Indian community on Deepavali. Festival of light symbolizes victory of good over evil and is an occasion for celebration of hope for human life.”

Since 2003 the celebration has taken place every year at the Parliament House of NSW except in 2007. In 2007 the first ever plaque was erected in the Parliament House of NSW to commemorate the historic success of the Deepavali celebration. The exterior of the Parliament House of NSW was  illuminated from 17th October to 30th October  for this celebration this year.

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