DIWALI IN MELBOURNE
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 Bolllywood 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 Divali 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
Australian Businessman Anthony Pratt hosts fundraiser for Asha
April 21, 2015: Leading Australian businessman Anthony Pratt and his wife, Claudine, brought A Taste of India to Melbourne on 11 April 2015. Hosted at the family’s iconic Melbourne mansion Raheen on Anthony’s birthday and attended by Bollywood superstar Vidya Balan, guests were treated to an unforgettable Indian banquet prepared by Hemant Oberoi, the Executive Chef at the Taj Hotel Mumbai, who was in Melbourne especially for the evening.
Dr Kiran with Mr Anthony Pratt and leading Australian Businesswoman Gina Rinehart
Dr Kiran with famous Bollywood Film star Vidya Balan who is the brand ambassador for the Bollywood Film Festival in Melbourne
Claudine Pratt and Dr Kiran
All board members of the Australian Friends of Asha Slums (AFOA) were in attendance, including Ross Fitzgerald whose close association with the Pratt family and the Visy group saw all proceeds from the evening go to support Asha.
The crowd of over 250 people included long-standing supporters of Asha, along with the Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews, Alan Tudge MP, other politicians and DFAT head Peter Varghese. Dr Kiran gave an inspiring presentation in which she shared the story of Mahinder, whose mother was supported by Asha during her pregnancy. When he was born, Mahinder was given all of his immunisations and health checks. After his becoming a rag picker as a four-year-old, Asha intervened and Mahinder went to school. By eight, he had become president of an Asha Children’s Group and by the end of school he was topping his class. He went to university to study engineering, undertook several internships facilitated by Asha and is now employed by a fortune 500 multinational company.
The story of Mahinder having broken the cycle of poverty within one generation, as an example of the 1,200 students that Asha has supported to attend university, inspired everyone present.
Dr Kiran addressing the gathering
Dr Kiran with Mr Paul Smith, the Managing Director of KS Environmental, and a long-standing supporter of Asha
Thanks to the extremely generous support for the charity auction from leading businesswoman Gina Rinehart and the Pratt family, the evening was a runaway success. “This was a game changer for the Australian support of Asha,” said AFOA board member Richard Leder. “Everyone present was captivated and much moved by Kiran Martin’s wonderful speech and very pleased to support Asha’s health and educational programs. In the days following the event we have received further support from guests, who are looking forward to Kiran’s next visit to Australia.”
Dr Kiran with Asha supporters from Australia and Dame Julia Cleverdon, Senior Advisor to Prince Charle’s Trusts (right)
The Australian Friends of Asha and the Asha Society are very grateful for the strong support they received from all of the guests but particularly the Pratt family, and Ms Rinehart, as well as sponsors Taj Hotels, the Rathbone Wine Group, the Royal Melbourne Golf Club and the Melbourne Indian Film Festival.
