On the evening of 14thAugust 2014, GOPIO Sydney North West chapter was privileged to launch books on the first arrival of Indians in Australia at the Parliament House of NSW, the history written by Len Kenna& Chrystal Jordan. Various volumes of the book titled “Are Indians an Ethnic Minority” were launched by the Consul General of India, Sydney, Mr. SunjaySudhir as follows:

1. Volume Two: Camels & Trailblazers
2. Volume Three: Horses &Walers
3. Volume Four: Hawkers
4. Volume Five: A Pictorial History

The books hold a collection of independent research conducted by Len Kenna and Crystal Jordan over 25 years. They have combined an incredible amount of information and photos on Indians in Australia since their first arrival in Australia. National anthem of both Australia and India were played before starting the book launch event.

MrHarmohan Singh Walia, Chairperson, GOPIO’s Bylaws, Policies & Procedures said in his opening comments, “It is an inspiring story that needs to be told. A story, a history really, about the first arrival of Indians in Australia. These books provide a compelling inside account of the unique founding history of first arrival of Indians in Australia.”

Ms Aman Singh, President GOPIO Sydney North West chapter welcomed all and compared the old generation with the current Indian generation and ran the program.

A wonderful family history was explained by Hon. Daryl Maguire MP from WaggaWagga, who is a grand-son of an Indian Hawker Sunda Singh. Many MPs, community leader, media personalities and GOPIO members attended the book launch.