With the support of Hon. Leanne Linard, Minister for Children and Youth Justice and Minister for Multicultural Affairs, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Brisbane, hosted a Diwali and Annakut celebration in the Premiers Hall of the Queensland Parliament House.
The celebration was dedicated to the heroic frontline health workers, and the staff from Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Health and Queensland Health Department were specially invited to this event.
Dr. Jeannette Young, Chief Health Officer of Queensland, honored all the frontline health workers by presenting them diyas (traditional clay lamps) signifying the victory of light over darkness and appreciating their efforts which have brought light to many families.
The evening celebration included recital of the Shanti Paath (Vedic Peace Prayers), singing of thal to offer the vegetarian delicacies to God, and arti.
During their addresses to the assembly, Hon. Shannon Fentiman, Mr. John-Paul Langbroek, Dr. Jeannette Young, Mrs Katarina Carroll and Mrs Archana Singh acknowledged the significant contributions made by the Indian community to Australia. They also reflected on the values of Hinduism, including Diwali, and were proud to see them being displayed through BAPS in the Queensland Parliament.
Both parliamentarians noted the contributions of the Indian diaspora to Queensland and appreciated the hardworking and entrepreneurial nature of the Indian community.
Mrs Archana Singh admired the BAPS’s various initiatives to preserve Vedic Hindu traditions and values in their true sense and spirit.
The chief guests were:
Hon. Shannon Fentiman, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence
Hon. Leeanne Enoch, Minister for Communities and Housing, Minister for Digital Economy and Minister for the Arts
Mr. John-Paul Langbroek, Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships
Dr. Jeannette Young, Chief Health Officer of Queensland
Mrs Katarina Carroll, Police Commissioner of Queensland
Mrs Archana Singh, Honorary Consul of India, Brisbane
Mrs Lisa Crawford, Regional Director North, Department of Home affairs
All chief guests were welcomed traditionally and honored with garlands of fresh flowers.
Also in attendance were:
Mr. Wayne Briscoe, Executive Director, Mr. Garry Page, Director, Red Cross Australia
Mr. Shyam Das, FICQ President
Over 30 distinguished members of parliament, Honorary Consuls, leaders and representatives of numerous Indian and Hindu communities, and religious organizations.