AIBC hosted a special lunch to celebrate ‘holi’, India’s festival of colours and to formally launch the NSW Parliamentary Friends of India at the Parliament in Sydney on 20 March 2024.
Welcoming the Parliamentarians, businesses, event partners, diaspora and AIBC members, Irfan Malik, AIBC’s National Associate Chair and NSW President, said ” it is the first time that Holi is being celebrated in NSW Parliament and further, the launch of the NSW Parliamentary Friends of India is an acknowledgement of the people-to-people connections between NSW and India. It is a great occasion also to celebrate the Harmony Day”.
Hon Prue Car MP, Deputy Premier representing The Hon Chris Minns MP, Premier of New South Wales, said “This launch is very special and important for the NSW Government. Not only by the increasing number of migrants from India, but also their contribution to NSW makes it special. It is also special because the launch coincides with the Holi Festival of
The event was organised by AIBC with bipartisan support, including Deputy Premier Prue Car, Hon Mark Speakman, Leader of Opposition, Dr Janakiraman, Consul General of India, Hon Warren Kirby MP, Chair, Hon Scott Farlow, Hon Steven Kamper, Minister for Multiculturism, Councillors, Members of Parliament, Community leaders and media.
Hon Warren Kirby MP formally launched the NSW Parliamentary Friends of India as its Chair. He highlighted that in the recent years the social, economic, defence relations between Australia and India have grown tremendously.
The launch at the time of Holi was significant as the festival augurs new beginnings.
NSW Parliamentary Friends of India will encourage collaborations, fostering of relations and friendship between people in both countries. Dr. Janakiraman, Consul General of India in Sydney said ” our relations are one of the best. The visits of many trade delegations from Australia to India and from India to NSW signify growing economic partnership. the establishment of NSW Parliamentary Friends of India will further enhance our friendship”
Speaking on the occasion, Jodi McKay, National Chair of AIBC and Chair of CEO Forum congratulated the great initiative of Parliamentary Friends of India, and said that NSW contributes significantly to economic and trade relations with its resources, contributions to renewable energy and education sectors.
Poornima Menon, AIBC NSW Management Committee member presented a vote of thanks to all parliamentarians, invited guests, sponsors and media.