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Are Indians an Ethnic Minority....written by Len Kenna & Crystal Jordan, Australia

 

“Are Indians an Ethnic Minority”

Book launched by the Consul General of India, Sydney, Australia

 Sydney, Australia
Harry Walia- Sydney
NRIpress-Club/Karen/Dave-USA

On the evening of the 14th of August 2014, Gopio Sydney North West Chapter was privileged to arrange the launch of books on the first arrival of Indians in Australia at the Parliament House of NSW. The history researched and written by Len Kenna & Crystal Jordan.

"Without India, Indians or things Indian, Australia couldn't have been established by the British"-Historian Len Kenna. Len and Chris were commissioned (as Australian Indian Historical Society Inc) by the Victorian government some years ago, to write the official history of Indian arrival into Victoria," according  to Nital Desai’s presentation, based on Len and Crystal's conversation with SBS Radio's Manpreet Singh. “They urge all Indian Australians to embrace their shared history in this country, and also urge the wider Australian population to give due recognition to the vast contribution of multicultural communities, into the establishment of Australia as a nation."

Consul General of India, Sydney, Mr. Sunjay Sudhir Launched Book:

The four volumes of the series titled “Are Indians an Ethnic Minority” launched by the Consul General of India, Sydney, Mr. Sunjay Sudhir, were as follows:

  1.  Volume Two: Camels & Trailblazers
  2. Volume Three: Horses & Walers
  3. Volume Four: Hawkers
  4. Volume Five: A Pictorial History

 The books hold a collection of independent research conducted by Len Kenna and Crystal Jordan over 25 years. They have combined an incredible amount of information and photos on Indians in Australia since their first arrival in Australia. National Anthem of both Australia and India were played before starting the book launch event.

 Master of Ceremonies of the event was Ms. Aman Singh. Mr Harmohan Singh Walia, Chairperson, Gopia’s Bylaws, Policies & Procedures said in his opening comments, “It is an inspiring story that needs to be told.  A story, a history really, about the first arrival of Indians in Australia. These books provide a compelling inside account of the unique founding history of first arrival of Indians in Australia.”

 The Hon. Peter Primrose MLC spoke to the audience followed by Len Kenna, one of the authors, who spoke about the early history of Indians in Australia.  Len presented books to Bhago Shergill, the daughter of Gunda Singh Bains, an Indian Hawker at Mildura, Victoria, whose family history is mentioned in the books.  Len included a request for the Australian Indian Community to embrace their rich history in Australia.  Then the Consul General spoke at length about the contents of the books.   Another descendant, Baljinder Singh Nanda, spoke about his grandfather, Mehnga Singh (Indian Charlie), whose family history is also mentioned in the books.

 An unexpected surprise was the invitation to the Hon. Daryl William Maguire MP for Wagga Wagga, and Parliamentary Secretary NSW, who spoke at length of his family history which included his Great Grandfather Sunda Singh, who was a Hawker in Australia and later a successful farmer and businessman in Swan Hill, Victoria. 

 In attendance were a mixed audience of members of Gopio, several Members of the New South Wales Parliament, descendants of Indian Hawkers and members of the general public.

  The ceremony concluded with people viewing and purchasing the books and a social gathering with a cup of tea and light refreshments

 Click:

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152753432474155&set=vb.535544154&type=2&theater

 

 

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