By Rekha Rajvanshi
(Founder Indian Literary and Art Society of Australia)
This time
When I visited your house
everything had changed
Yet in every quiet corner
your presence still remained
Your lovely smile, welcoming voice
they lingered in the air
Soft echoes of a friendship
But you were not there
I plucked some mulberries
from the tree you nurtured
And tasted again those sunlit days
we shared together
You were a scholar
so humble and caring
You believed in giving
helping and sharing
You left the world too soon
but your light will fade never
You’ll live in our hearts
FOREVER AND EVER !
I wrote this tribute after visiting Neena Badhwar’s home following her passing. Her voice still echoed in my ears, bringing alive all the beautiful moments I had shared with her in that warm, welcoming space.
A wave of sadness swept through Sydney’s Indian community upon hearing the news of Neena Badhwar’s passing on October 16, 2025. With her departure, we have truly witnessed the end of an era in community journalism, creativity, education, and cultural service.
I first met Neena ji in 2002, soon after migrating to Australia. Soon I found out that she had completed her teaching degree from the same institute as mine at Delhi University, after graduating from Miranda House. She invited me to write for her newspaper and encouraged me to work on my book projects. With her guidance, the very first Hindi poetry collection by Australian Hindi poets was published and released in Delhi.
Our bond grew stronger over the years, and she became like family to me. She shared many personal and social stories, and listened patiently to my poems and tales.
For those who may not know, Neena Badhwar was the founder and long-time editor of The Indian Down Under – Australia’s first major Indian community newspaper. Alongside her husband, Vijay Badhwar, she launched it in 1987. Under her leadership, it became a trusted platform that informed, connected, and inspired generations of the Indian diaspora.
Born on April 7, 1952, into a literary family, Neena ji inherited her love for words from her father, a prolific writer who authored over 40 books in Urdu and Hindi. A journalist, poet, and playwright herself, she also earned a degree in naturopathy from Nature Care College, Sydney, reflecting her holistic view of life.
She wrote numerous stories, poems, and plays in both Hindi and English, and participated in the Short+Sweet theatre festival. A passionate advocate for the Hindi language and Indian culture, Neena ji taught for many years at IABBV Hindi School and later at the University of Sydney – where I had the privilege of teaching alongside her. Our car rides were always filled with stimulating conversations on literature, philosophy, and life.
It was Neena ji who encouraged me to start the Indian Literary and Art Society of Australia (ILASA), which continues to promote Indian literature and art across Australia.
In the years following COVID, Neena ji’s health declined and she gradually withdrew from community life, meeting only a few close friends. Each time I visited her, she spoke very little, yet her gentle smile said everything.
Neena Badhwar gave voice to the evolving story of the Indian diaspora in Australia. She supported, inspired, and uplifted countless individuals through her words and her work.
Here’s what some members of the community felt upon her passing –
Anupam Sharma (An Australian filmmaker)
Neena ji, the Sydney community that grew, thrived, and flourished with your support feels profoundly incomplete without you today. Words fall short, but from the depths of my heart, I offer my gratitude. You nurtured the film student in me, guided the Indian migrant in me, and supported the person I have become. You were a soul who always left something meaningful with everyone you encountered – whether a piece of advice, a contact, or a gesture of support. No interaction with you ever concluded without enrichment, guidance, or kindness.
I count myself among the many fortunate to have received your support – through Vijay ji, your newspaper, and the remarkable legacy you built. You have also inspired a new generation with enduring values, one of whom I have had the privilege of collaborating with in film.
You have completed an extraordinary journey on this earth, leaving behind an inspiring legacy. I am certain that wherever you are now, you continue to uplift others, sharing wisdom, poetry, and inspiration. While we will miss you deeply, your spirit endures through your work, your kindness, and the lasting impact you have created.
Thank you.
Saba Zaidi Abdi – (An Actor, Founder of the Adakar Theatre Group)
Marne wale marte hain, lakin fana hote nahin
Woh haqiqat main kabhi ham se juda hote nahin”
Neena Badhwar was a pathbreaker, a person of exceptional talent, rare compassion, and an unwavering desire to connect people with their language and culture. Her pen had the power to tell stories with great force and grace – whether in journalism, poetry, or fiction.
Our long association of 35 years was marked by our mutual love for theatre, Urdu shayri, scriptwriting, and, above all, a shared commitment to serving the community through arts and journalism. Neena regularly reviewed my plays and theatrical performances with honesty, depth, and insight. During the days of Vision Asia – the first South Asian DTH TV platform – she offered immense support through her editorials and regular advertisements in her newspaper, The Indian Down Under, which I deeply valued and appreciated.
Neena, your untimely passing has left a void that is hard to fill. You will be deeply missed, but your legacy will continue to inspire and live on.
Alwida, dear friend, Alwida
Avijit Sarkar (Director at Natraj Academy Sydney)
Neena Bhadhwar has left behind a void that will be very hard to fill.
I first met her in the early 90s and came to know her as a visionary, a writer, a journalist, and a compassionate human being. She was an ardent fan of good poetry and old film songs, and I have wonderful memories of her attending countless concerts of mine.
Neena ji, I will miss you, and the Indian diaspora will feel your absence for years to come.
Rest in peace !
Neeru Saluja (Bollywood Reporter)
Writing usually comes easy to me, but penning my thoughts about late Neena Badhwar ji – the woman who shaped my writing journey, has been very hard.
As I arrived in Australia keen to pursue a career in journalism, I found a mentor and friend in Neenaji, the editor of The Indian Down Under. She welcomed me with open arms, guided me through every step, and our bond soon went beyond the newsroom.
Even after I joined the state government’s media and communications team, she continued to mentor me, reminding me to balance career, writing, and family – advice I still follow today.
Thanks to her, I got the opportunity to interview Bollywood stars, cover film festivals, and connect deeply with the community. A visionary and trailblazer, Neenaji was more than an editor – she was a guide, a motherly figure, and a dear friend.
She’ll always have a special place in my heart. Rest in peace, Neena ji.
Manju Mittal (SCREAN – Sai Creative Arts Network)
I was honoured to know Neena Badhwarji for 15 years, beginning in 2010 when she invited me to write for The Indian Down Under, which she founded 38 years ago.
She nurtured my growth as a writer, believed in my voice, and gave me cherished opportunities – including covering events in Cannes, Tokyo, Goa, and beyond.
When I became an event promoter in 2018, she supported and guided me with unwavering encouragement. Neenaji was a pioneer of Indian journalism in Australia; wise, graceful, and deeply kind. Her legacy and warmth will forever live in the hearts of those she touched.
Dimple Hartaj Deez (Founder – Desi Australia)
I’m deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Neena Aunty (Neena Badhwar) – a gentle soul and a true pillar of the Indian community. I’ve known her since 1992, and over the years, I’ve witnessed her dedication, warmth, and tireless service firsthand.
Through The Indian Down Under, she passionately supported and celebrated our culture, giving countless voices in the community a platform to be heard. I will always be grateful for the encouragement she gave me in my DJ career, often featuring my work in her esteemed newspaper. I still remember walking to the local newsagency to buy The Indian Down Under for $1 – those memories will stay with me forever. Neena Aunty also created many joyful musical moments, coordinating concerts that paid tribute to legends like K. L. Saigal, Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, and Dilip Kumar. We will miss you dearly, Neena Aunty.
Neena ji, you were a guiding star in so many lives. Your presence was a blessing, your kindness a gift, and your memory a treasure we will forever hold close. The world feels a little emptier without you, and those whose lives you touched will miss you deeply, always. REST IN PEACE!
Rekha Rajvanshi
