The Indian Literary and Art Society of Australia (ILASA), in collaboration with the Hindi Academy Mumbai, hosted a special literary event at the historic Jubilee Room of the NSW Parliament House. The gathering aimed to strengthen literary ties between India and Australia and to honor individuals dedicated to promoting Hindi language, literature, and community service.
Distinguished guests, including MPs Julia Finn, Warren Kirby, and Stephen Bali, attended the event. The program commenced with a Shloka recital by Namita Pathak. Three books—Pravasi Sahitya – Samvedna and Shilpa, edited by Pramod Pandey, Subakte Panno Par Bahas and Lutte Janmat ki Aavaz by Devendra Dhar and E Governance by Dr Jayant Sharma were launched during the occasion. Professor Kamlesh Kumari from Delhi University delivered the keynote address, highlighting the significance of migrant writing and the global contributions of female Hindi writers, with a particular focus on the work of Australian author Rekha Rajvanshi.
MP Julia Finn emphasized the significance of language and literature in societal development. MP Warren Kirby reflected on the Jubilee Room’s historical importance, while MP Stephen Bali underscored the value of multicultural integration in Australia.
Dr. Pramod Pandey, Director of the Hindi Academy Mumbai, along with his team, travelled from India to foster a literary connection between Indian and Australian Hindi authors and to honour members of the migrant community across Australia for their unwavering contributions to the promotion of language, literature, and community service.
Award Recipients:
- Promotion of Language through Teaching: Mala Mehta OAM (IABBV Hindi School), Santosh Gupta (Hindi School Canberra), Madhulika Roy (SAAA Hindi School, Sydney).
- Literature: Dr. Shailja Chaturvedi OAM, Anil Verma, Anu Shivaram, Mrinal Sharma, Abhishek Tongia.
- Hindi Media: Preeti Jabbal (SBS Hindi Radio), Charles Thomson (TV and Film Personality).
- Community Work: Shubha Kumar (India Club), Clr Barbara Ward, Aruna Chandrala, Rajiv Chaudhri (Filmmaker and Community Worker), David Townsend (Hindi Enthusiast).
The event’s second session featured poetry recitations by Australian and Indian Hindi poets, including Vinaysheel Chaturvedi, Dr. Devendra Dhar, Prof. R.P. Mathur, Nupur Jaiswal, Anil Ve.rma, Mrinal Sharma, and Abhishek Tongia.
Programs focused on literature and books serve as powerful instruments of cultural exchange, enabling stories, values, and perspectives to transcend borders. They build literary bridges that connect cultures through shared human experiences, enriching all involved with fresh insights and deeper empathy.
At the conclusion of the program, ILASA’s founder, Rekha Rajvanshi, thanked everyone for their presence, congratulated all the awardees, and expressed her heartfelt gratitude to MP Julia Finn for hosting this memorable event at Parliament House.
