As the sun set over the Cherrybrook Community and Cultural Centre, the ANZAC Jawan Cenotaph glowed in solemn silence. The 8th ANZAC Jawan Remembrance Day began – a heartfelt tribute to the Indian-origin ANZACs who served during World War I. It was a moment of reflection, honour, and unity, reminding everyone that sacrifice and remembrance know no borders.
The ceremony was organised by the Australia India Cenotaph Committee and the Hindu Council of Australia, following full Australian Remembrance Day traditions. Mr. Anand Manickam, Vice President of the Cenotaph Committee, led the evening as Master of Ceremonies, ensuring the proceedings flowed with grace and dignity.
The event opened with a warm welcome from Mr. Nihal Ahar AM, followed by a stirring keynote from Colonel Virender Sahni of the Indian Army. Reflections from dignitaries such as Hon. Julian Leeser MP, who spoke of shared legacy and service; Hon. Warren Waddell, Mayor of Hornsby, who highlighted community pride; Mr. Elayaraja from the Australian Defence Force, who saluted all who served; and Mr. Nirav Kumar, Deputy Consul General of India, who reaffirmed the deep India–Australia friendship, added to the ceremony’s depth.
Representatives from the defence and veteran communities also attended, including Brigadier Neil Turner AM RFD, Mr. George Main, Mr. John Zeller, Captain Chetan Khemlani, and Colonel Ranjeev. Their presence, alongside the 202 ACU Blacktown cadets led by LT(AAC) Connor Fleming, gave the event an atmosphere of strength and respect.
Local civic leaders joined in solidarity – Mr. James Wallace MP, Mr. Mark Hodges MP, Mayor Hon. Michelle Byrne, Deputy Mayor Frank De Masi, and Councillors Reena Jethi and Sreeni Pillamarri – representing the community’s shared pride in remembering the fallen.
The evening’s service was enriched by prayers from Mr. Jagdish Trivedi and Mr. Jagchanan Singh, hymns and national anthems by students of the IABBV Hindi School, and flag duties by Cherrybrook Technology High School students. The wreath-laying ceremony, the haunting Last Post, the Rouse, and a minute of silence united everyone present in a powerful moment of remembrance.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from Mr. Nitesh Sethi, expressing gratitude to all who contributed to making the evening memorable.
Since its inauguration in 2018, the ANZAC Jawan Cenotaph has stood as a symbol of multicultural remembrance and unity – a place where the sacrifices of Indian soldiers are honoured and where Australia and India come together each year in shared respect and remembrance.
