A Gathering Like No Other

The energy was humble yet electric.

In that sacred space, faith leaders, politicians, civil society representatives, and community elders sat together — not to promote their ideologies, but to promote understanding. Not to compete, but to collaborate. It was an embodiment of the ancient idea that in our diversity lies our greatest strength.

This was unity — not as a slogan, but as a lived experience.

Indians in Sydney: A Quiet Force, A Loud Echo

What started as a community group in 2007 has grown into one of the largest and most trusted Indian-Australian platforms in Australia.

With over 135,000 members online and countless offline initiatives — from Winter Drives and Meal for Everyone programs to festivals like Unity Fest and Samvaad — Indians in Sydney has consistently amplified not just Indian voices, but the collective spirit of multiculturalism in Australia.

This interfaith event, however, marked something new. Something deeper.

It wasn’t about being Indian. It was about being human.

Voices That Inspired, Messages That United

The evening began with a moving Acknowledgement of Country by Emcee Ekta Sharma, honoring the deep and ancient connection of the First Nations people to the land.

We were humbled to receive messages and blessings from leaders who carry the weight of responsibility and the vision of inclusion:

• Premier Chris Minns, whose commitment to diversity as a cornerstone of NSW’s identity shone through his words.

• Warren Kirby MP, Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of India, who hosted the evening with warmth and deep sincerity.

• Dr. S. Janakiraman, Consul General of India in Sydney, who reminded us Power of Unity

We were equally grateful to receive powerful reflections from:

• Mark Coure MP, Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism

• Gurmesh Singh MP

• Julia Finn MP

• Donna Davis MP

• Charishma Kaliyanda MP

• Nathan Hagarty MP

• Jacqui Munro MLC

• Minister Rose Jackson

Their presence wasn’t ceremonial. It was a pledge — to peace, inclusion, and shared future.

The Panel That Touched Every Soul

Moderated by the ever-insightful Kumud Merani, the first panel discussion — The Role of Faith in a Divided World — left the room deeply moved.

Each faith leader shared not just doctrines, but deeply personal truths:

• Rabbi Danny Yaffe (CBD Chabad) spoke of the Jewish ethos of love and perseverance.

• Pandit Jatin Kumar Bhatt (Sri Mandir) reflected on universal respect across all religions — Sarva Dharma Sambhava.

• Dr. Ali Alsamail (Shia Muslim Council) affirmed Islam’s core message of peace — Salaam.

• Rev. Dr. Manas Ghosh (Uniting Church) brought his decades of interfaith work to life through stories of compassion.

What transpired was not a debate. It was a sacred exchange — faith as a bridge, not a wall..

A Personal Reflection: Why This Mattered

As I  addressed the gathering as Founder of Indians in Sydney, I felt the weight of a thousand stories on my shoulders.

I shared memories of my childhood in India — where temples, mosques, and churches echoed with shared prayers — and how that memory found a home here in multicultural Australia. I spoke of how Indians in Sydney was born not to divide, but to connect. Not to spotlight one identity, but to weave them all into something stronger.

We are all — every single one of us — stewards of peace.

And if not us, then who? ” Nadeem Ahmed”

From Words to Action: The Community Leaders Who Walk the Talk

The second panel, From Dialogue to Action, was a celebration of changemakers. I was honoured to moderate these inspiring voices:

• Melissa Monteiro, CEO of the Community Migrant Resource Centre, shared stories of resilience and the power of safe spaces.

• Gurnam Singh, founder of AISECS, spoke with clarity about empowering the next generation.

• John Ceary, Veteran ABC Broadcaster and Board member at Affinity Intercultural Foundation, showed how institutions can become beacons of hope.

• Craig Foster AM reminded us of being together and community wellbeing.

Each of them reminded us: Peace isn’t an ideal. It’s a practice.

Testimonials

Hear from those who attended the Gala Night:

• “An unforgettable evening that truly captured the spirit of our community. The performances were incredible, and the sense of unity was palpable.” –

• “The Gala Night was a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. It was an honor to be part of such a prestigious event.”

• It was such a pleasure to celebrate with you. Congratulations on all you have achieved and everything you have contributed to Australia.

• Hearty congratulations on a successful launch of the Indians in Sydney ! I am delighted that it was a resounding success! Wel done to you and your team! It is evident that a lot of hard work was put into the lead up of an event of this size and I know that you have shouldered a huge responsibility!  
• It was a wonderful celebration and such a great room of attendees, supporters and award winners. You’ve built an amazing community and are supporting so many. Congratulations!

   

Our Deepest Gratitude

We are profoundly grateful to:

• Moderator Kumud Merani for guiding our conversations with wisdom and grace.

• Ekta Sharma, for hosting with poise, sincerity, and heart.

• Faith leaders, who stood as symbols of healing and understanding.

• Civil society champions like Moses, Sai, Melissa Monteiro, Gurnam Singh, and so many more whose presence elevated the evening.

• Every politician, public servant, and volunteer who gave their time, their voice, and their blessing.

A Night to Remember, A Movement to Continue

The Shared Future wasn’t just a gathering. It was a covenant — a collective agreement that we will work, together, for a world where peace is louder than politics, where love is stronger than fear, and where faith is never used as a weapon but always offered as a balm.

In the story of NSW’s multicultural journey, this event will not fade.

It will remain — as a light, a lesson, and a legacy.

Let’s keep that light alive.

Let’s choose peace — again and again and again.

📸 Photos by Chennai Natrajan and Harry Walia. Video by Sunny Singh – Unmute AU.

🕊️ Brought to you by Indians in Sydney – connecting hearts, bridging cultures.