Sydney – Punjabi Council of Australia celebrated Vaisakhi at NSW Parliament on 6th May, 2015. This was the 10th successful celebration in a row and present ‘PRIDE OF PUNJAB’ awards to community members for their valuable contribution to make Punjabi community proud.
Punjabi Council thanked all members of Parliament, Ministers and High Commissioner of India, who attended the event.
The guests started coming in from 5.00 PM at the Parliament House and the program officially started at 6.00 PM with traditional recital of ‘Shabad’ by Sydney kids.
Dr Moninder Singh, President, Punjabi Council of Australia and his team including Prabhjot Sandhu, Balraj Sangha and Dimpy Sandhu, started the proceedings and welcomed the dignitaries including Leader of the Opposition John Robertson MP, Sophie Cotsis, Jodi McKay, Cr Edmond Atalia, Peter Primorose, Indian High Commissioner Navdeep Suri. Many Parliamentarians, leaders from Indian and Pakistani community and representatives from Sikh Centres, and Cultural Associations & Sports Clubs attended the function.
This year ‘Pride of Punjab’ awards were presented to Sukhwinder Amrit (Poetess), Rashpal Heyer for 27 yrs of Radio presentation and community service and Surkhab Singh (Punjabi singer).
Dance performances were done byVarun Tiwari and Kamaldeep Kaur. Lively bhangra dancers added the festive mood to the event.
The event finished with light traditional refreshments.
“Events like the Vaisakhi celebration at the Parliament House display recognition of valuable contribution of the Indian Community especially Punjabi community in Australia. The invitation was extended to all other communities and their overwhelming participation proved that Punjabi community belongs to all and all belongs to Punjabi Community. Presence of guests in large numbers ensured that Vaisakhi celebrations should be repeated for many years to come”.
Punjabi Council of Australia thanked everyone for their support.