By Ashutosh Raina

Namaste World – A Multi-Cultural Carnival was a way to give homage to not only all those people who have come from every corner of the world and by working together contributed to building this country of ours – that is Australia – but also to the precious values of equality, mutual respect and democracy that are at the forefront of our diversity which make Australia such a great nation and the envy of the world.

People from different community groups came together and celebrated Multiculturalism and the rich and proud diversity.

The carnival started at 11 am with some hymns and chants from ISKCON Brisbane group, to initiate it in a blessed way. You think of a performance and it was there – organised diligently by Reena Augustine, of Red Carpet Functions. Tabla performance by Shen, performances by local artiste Lee Haron, Punjabi group represented by Harinder and troupe, Mauritian dances, Ethiopian and Filipino performances. To top it all – the signature event where states of India, were represented by kids and their moms – that group has since then performed in 2 other events with the same theme. Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, Delhi, UP, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Assam, Gujarat were all represented by their youthful community leaders and future generations.

At the very end, Shaimik Davar dance group broke the stage, literally. That could not dampen the spirits of the troupe or the audience and  the performance was moved to the grass area, which was joined in by all and sundry.

In the afternoon, there was VIP function, which was well represented. Mrs Archana Singh (Hon Consular in Brisbane), Councillor Angela Owen, Senator Claire Moore, Moreton MP Graham Perrett, local Councillor Steve Griffith, Police Commissioner Ian Stewart, Ipswich Mayor Paul Pissale and many other dignitaries were present and spoke of the multi-cultural diversity of Australia and Queensland in general and how people from different community groups have all built this nation.

The event would not have been a success without mentioning about the sponsors and businesses who supported the event. Katoomba Foods being the Platinum sponsor, was the eye-catcher for the whole day, with their generous gift hamper raffle every hour. They had all kinds of spices and food items to choose from. Nelson spoke in length the reason of his participation in the event and support for the community which he wanted to give back to. A nice gesture, which every person on the venue appreciated!

Other businesses – InTech, Target Tour & Travels, Bose Australia, FwC, Euro Solar, Star Promotions, Sitar Restaurant,  Neighbourhood Tax Agents and  Singhs’ Fabrication supported the community function. Cannot forget the immense contribution from Indus Age management in spreading the word about this event for the last 3-4 months. Kids area and jumping castle, sponsored by InTech stole all the kids time and activity and to top it up was free fairy floss and popcorn! Emirates Airlines, represented by Target Tour & Travels, was host to 2 free tickets from Brisbane to Dubai, and there were lucky winners.

The one-of-its-kind carnival got full support from associations like FICQ, QACC and Diversity with Harmony, who all have been pioneers in the community work and society at large.

Before it could wind up, people wanted to know when it is going to be done in the coming year so that they could plan in advance and make it a bigger signature event for Brisbane. We all are also looking forward for that!

(Viewpoint of an audience member!)