As the sun dipped behind the trees at the Cherrybrook Community and Cultural Centre, the ANZAC Jawan Cenotaph stood surrounded by silence, reverence, and unity. The 8th ANZAC Jawan Remembrance Day had begun — a solemn tribute to the Indian-origin Anzacs who served in World War I, and a powerful reminder that remembrance knows no borders.

The ceremony, fully managed by members of the Australia India Cenotaph Committee and the Hindu Council of Australia, followed full Australian Remembrance Day protocol. Mr. Anand Manickam, Vice President of the Cenotaph Committee, served as Master of Ceremonies, guiding the evening with grace and precision.

Mr. Nihal Ahar AM opened the service with a heartfelt welcome, followed by a stirring keynote from Colonel Virender Sahni of the Indian Army. The program was further elevated by reflections from Hon. Julian Leeser MP, who spoke of shared legacy and national service; Hon. Warren Waddell, Mayor of Hornsby, who emphasized community pride; Mr. Elayaraja of the Australian Defence Force, who honoured the discipline of all who served; and Mr. Nirav Kumar, Deputy Consul General of India, who reaffirmed the enduring ties between the two nations.

The ceremony featured a strong presence from the defence and veteran communities, 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, brought solemnity and strength to the occasion.

Civic leaders also stood 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

The service was enriched by prayers by Mr. Jagdish Trivedi and Mr. Jagchanan Singh, hymns and national anthems by students of the IABBV Hindi School, and ceremonial flag duties by Cherrybrook Technology High School students. Wreaths were laid, the Last Post and Rouse echoed across the grounds, and a minute of silence united all in remembrance.

Mr. Nitesh Sethi delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the many hands and hearts that made the evening possible.

Inaugurated in 2018, the ANZAC Jawan Cenotaph continues to stand as a proud symbol of multicultural remembrance — a place where stories of sacrifice are not forgotten, and where unity is renewed each year in the glow of shared respect.