On 14 November 2015, supporters of Asha gathered to celebrate Diwali at an evening of cultural luminance, kindly supported and sponsored by the Asian Executive, Pitcher Partners and the Australia India Institute.
MC Steve Manallack presents the Asian Executive Richard Wong with A Journey of Hope, a gift of appreciation from the Australian Friends of Asha
The evening began with a somber reflection, with guests standing in silence to pray that the spirit of Diwali shines brightly once again in Paris, as our thoughts went out to the victims of the terror attacks perpetrated only hours earlier.
Guests stand to reflect on the terror attacks on Paris
Guests then enjoyed Bollywood dancing with enthusiastic audience participation and a fine Indian banquet. There were excellent presentations from the newly appointed director of the Australia India Institute Professor Craig Jeffrey and Rohini Kappadath, Director Cross Border Business at Pitcher Partners and 2015 Winner, Telstra Victorian Business Women’s Award.
Australian Friends of Asha board member Caroline Chernov and her husband Nick Cox at the Diwali celebrations
Australian Friends of Asha board member Harish Rao and his wife Monica Pahuja at the Diwali celebrations
Guests enjoy a Bollywood dance lesson
Australian Friends of Asha chairman Robert Johanson introduced the moving DVD “Asha Means Hope”, which motivated guests to bid on three artworks.
Australian Friends of Asha board member Richard Leder, his wife Lizzie Leeton and AFOA Board Member Vicki Krytsis at the Diwali celebrations
Richard Wong and Grace Lim from the Asian Executive present a cheque accepted by Harish Rao on behalf of the Australian Friends of Asha.
The proceeds of the evening will support Asha’s health and education programs.
Photo courtesy Mr Guruswamy
