Canberra’s multicultural landscape was enriched by a landmark celebration as the Canberra Hindi School marked its 20th anniversary on 29 March 2026 at the Apollo Room, Hellenic Club, Woden. The milestone event commemorated two decades of dedicated efforts in promoting the Hindi language, Indian culture, and a strong sense of community among Canberra’s diverse population.
Established in February 2006 at Lyons Primary School, the Canberra Hindi School has grown from a small initiative into a thriving cultural hub. Over the years, it has not only taught language but also helped younger generations stay connected to their heritage while building a strong sense of belonging.
The celebration was attended by a distinguished group of guests, including Senator the Hon Ms Katy Gallagher, Acting High Commissioner of India Ms Irina Thakur, Mr David Smith MP, Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ms Chiaka Barry MLA, and Australian National University Senior Lecturer Dr Christopher Diamond, alongside respected Hindi scholars and community supporters.
Principal Mr Santosh Gupta opened the evening with a warm welcome, setting the tone for a lively and heartfelt program. What followed was a colourful showcase of performances by students and parents alike. From elegant Kathak dances to upbeat group performances, as well as melodic songs and devotional bhajans, each act brought a piece of Indian culture to the stage. The audience responded with enthusiastic applause, and there was a genuine sense of pride and joy shared across the room.
One of the highlights of the evening was hearing from past and present students, who spoke about their journeys with the school. Their stories reflected how the institution has grown over the years and the important role it continues to play in shaping young minds and strengthening cultural ties.
The event also paid tribute to the teachers whose dedication and tireless efforts have been central to the school’s success. Their contribution was acknowledged with heartfelt appreciation from the community.
Skilfully compered by Mrs Aradhna Rastogi and Mr Amit Hedawoo, the evening concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr Sushant Goel, bringing to a close a celebration that not only honoured the past but also looked ahead to a promising future for the Canberra Hindi School and its community.
– Rajni Ghai Malhotra
