Rotary Club of Fundraising Strathfield Indian Cultural Night: “Service before Self” motto of Strathfield Rotary Club

By Neena Sinha

“Service before Self” the Rotary spirit was in the air on Saturday 10 February, 2018. Concord Function Centre was abuzz with excitement and a sight to behold of Australians dressed in colourful Indian Attire determined not to be outdone by the Australian Indians. It was a sold out event with a full hall of attendees for this Fund Raising Indian Cultural Night. The Strathfield Rotary Club organisers were beaming with pride and joy at the tremendous response by Rotarians and Non-Rotarians to help raise funds for Australian and Local Indian Charity. The Rotarians, with the help of the major sponsors brought by Dr. Prabhat Sinha, raised over $14,000 and presented a cheque for $10,000 to Australian Rotary Health and a cheque for $2,000 to Sri Om Foundation. All the sponsors need to be applauded for their compassion and generosity for these worthy beneficiaries.

International Services Directorate led by Dr. Prabhat Sinha worked very hard towards the  success of this trendsetting Event. Indeed it was a night to be remembered by all. The programme was well attended by Hon. John Sidoti ,MP, representing the Premier of N.S.W., Hon. Jodie Mckay, MP, Hon. Phillip Ruddock, the former Federal Attorney General and Minister of Immigration and current Mayor of Hornsby, Guilian  Vaccari, Mayor of Strathfield, Dr. Harinath, Chairman Multicultural Australia, several Councillors from Strathfield Council and distinguished community leaders.  Hon. Federal Minister Craig Laundy, who could not attend at the last minute due to a family emergency, sent his apologies and best wishes for the event.The High Commissioner and Indian Consul General also sent their good wishes.

The stage was set on an Indian theme, with a backdrop of Taj Mahal and the Flags of India and Australia to show solidarity between the two countries. The ceiling of the Hall was lit up in the colours of Indian Flag. The Master of Ceremonies for the Event was the renowned lawyer and well-known TV personality, Pallavi Sinha, who conducted the Event in her usual  professional and brilliant manner. The programme started with the traditional lighting of the lamps by all the dignitaries and the President of Strathfield Rotary Club, Rick Vosila. National Anthems of India and Australia were played on the big screen. The Cultural Programme showcased the traditional and regional folk dances of India. It began with an Invocation dance in classical Kathak Style performed very gracefully by a very young Akshara Bhattacharya followed by the Bharatnatyam dance by Sneha Patil.  There were several folk and Bollywood dances performed by Palak Gupta and her team from “Entice Group” and Nisha Bhatnagar, who presented a Medley of dances including the famous Jhoomer dance. A very talented young award winning vocal artist, Anshula Kumar, provided a change in pace with her superb rendering of “I still call Australia Home” followed by a fast Bollywood number.  A unique and novel Item wasthe Live Speed Painting in 6 minutes by two young budding artists, Milli and Khushi  Dakshin, who displayed their talent in front of a live audience. These paintings were then auctioned and raised a total of $500 for the Rotary Club.

The delicious food provided by Concord Function Centre included Canapes, Entrees, Mains and the Dessert and was greatly enjoyed by all. The Lucky Draw Prizes, the Raffle Prizes and Auction Items raised over $4000.00. The evening culminated in a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours on the dance floor with all the Aussies and Indians getting into the swing to the rhythm and beat of Bollywood dancing. Indeed it was an Indian Affair to remember and cherish!