A moving tribute in Cherrybrook remembers ANZAC soldiers of Indian origin and strengthens Australia–India bonds
Under the calm beauty of an autumn sky, the Anzac Jawan Cenotaph in Cherrybrook transformed into a powerful space of remembrance and unity on ANZAC Day. Hosted by the Australia India Cenotaph Committee, a project of the Hindu Council of Australia, the ceremony honoured the brave ANZAC soldiers of Indian origin who served during World War I—a group often overlooked in traditional narratives of the ANZAC legacy.
Organized in partnership with the Hornsby RSL Sub-Branch, 202 ACU Blacktown Army Cadet Unit, and the Hornsby Shire Council, the event brought together a broad cross-section of the community. Ex-servicemen, community leaders, students, officials, and families all stood side-by-side in solemn tribute, underscoring the shared heritage and mutual respect between Australia and India.
The commemoration began with an Acknowledgment of Country, followed by traditional ceremonial proceedings, including the Mounting of the Guard and the Lowering of the Flags—poignant gestures of military honour. An emotional prologue delivered by Mr. George Main, Vice President of the Hornsby RSL Sub-Branch, set a reflective tone for the event.
A series of prayers—for Thanksgiving, for the King, and for the Nation—were led by members of the Hindu Council and the local community, including Mr. Ashwani Sharma, Mr. Nitin Jayraman, Mrs. Parinita Tandon, and educators from Cherrybrook Technology High School, reflecting the deeply spiritual and multicultural essence of the commemoration.
The crowd joined in singing the cherished hymn “Abide with Me”, creating a powerful moment of collective reflection and reverence.
A Chorus of Voices and Honour
Keynote addresses by esteemed dignitaries lent further significance to the ceremony. Speakers included Mr. Surinder Jain (National Vice President, Hindu Council of Australia), Colonel Virender Sahni, Dr. S. Janakiraman (Consul General of India, Sydney), Mr. Darren Bark (Co-Chair of Faith NSW), Federal MP Mr. Julian Leeser, State MPs Mr. James Wallace and Mr. Mark Hodges, and Hon. Warren Waddell, Mayor of Hornsby Shire. Local councillors Clr. Reena Jethi and Clr. Sreeni Pillamarri also offered their support and presence.
A highlight of the ceremony was the laying of wreaths—a symbolic act performed by ex-servicemen, Army Cadets, community leaders, students, and members of the public. Each wreath represented a heartfelt tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the ANZAC soldiers of Indian descent.
Adding a sacred dimension, Hindu prayers were led by Mr. Jagdish Trivedi of the Gujarati Samaj, creating a spiritual rhythm that echoed the themes of honour and peace.
A Shared Anthem, A Shared History
The national anthems of Australia and India were stirringly performed by students from the IABBV Hindi School, capturing the spirit of bicultural unity and shared sacrifice.
The Ode of Remembrance, solemnly recited by Mr. John Zeller, Vice President of the Hornsby RSL Sub-Branch, was followed by a minute of silence. The Last Post and Reveille, performed by students from Cherrybrook Technology High School, brought the event to a powerful emotional peak.
A Legacy Carried Forward
Closing the ceremony, Mr. Anand Manickam, Vice President (NSW) of the Cenotaph Committee, delivered a warm Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to volunteers, community partners, dignitaries, and attendees. The event concluded with light refreshments and informal conversations, fostering a genuine sense of community and reflection.
Meticulously coordinated by the Australia India Cenotaph Committee—Mr. Anand Manickam, Mrs. Parinita Tandon, Mr. Nitesh Sethi, Mr. Jaydeep Panchal, and Mr. Arjun Mehta—with the full support of the Hindu Council of Australia and its dedicated volunteers, the commemoration was both a respectful homage and a cultural bridge between two proud nations.
