On 5th September 2014, Governor of Victoria, Hon Alex Chernov AC QC hosted a lunch reception in the honour of Asha’s Founder and Director, Dr Kiran Martin at the Government House in Melbourne.
The lunch reception was attended by Mrs Elizabeth Mary Chernov, Mr Jim McCluskey, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), University of Melbourne; The Rt Revd Philip Huggins, Bishop of Melbourne; Ms Manika Jain, Consul General of India in Melbourne; Mr Howard Ronaldson, Secretary, Department of State Development-Business and Innovation; Mr Robert Johanson, Chairman, Bendigo Bank and Chairman, Australian Friends of Asha Australia. Also attending the event were representatives from Australian corporates and members of the Board of Directors of Friends of Asha Australia amongst others.
Hon Governor very warmly welcomed Dr Kiran and remarked that he was very proud of the engagement between India and Australia that is brought about by the work of Asha. While addressing the gathering, Dr Kiran spoke about the recent developments in Asha and also thanked the Hon Governor for hosting the lunch.
Dr Kiran speaking at the lunch reception hosted by Hon Alex Chernov, Governor of Victoria
Talking about Asha’s association with Australia, she thanked the Australian Government and people for the unparalleled support they have extended at individual, corporate, university and government level. She particularly expressed her gratitude to the Australian High Commission and the Australian expatriate community in New Delhi for their zealous involvement in the work of Asha. She also shared her hope for the Australian support towards the work to grow and allow us to serve hundreds of slum dwellers in Delhi.
