The Australia India Cenotaph Committee (AICC), a Hindu Council of Australia project, hosted a moving ANZAC Day Service at the ANZAC Jawan Cenotaph in Cherrybrook.
Commemorating the 111th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing, the event was delivered in partnership with the Hornsby RSL Sub-Branch to honor the shared sacrifices of Australian and Indian soldiers.
Mr. Sai Paravastu, National President of the Hindu Council of Australia, opened the service by highlighting the cenotaph’s significance to Australia– India military heritage. Mr. Anand Manickam, Vice President of the AICC, served as Master of Ceremonies, ensuring a dignified program.
The ceremony featured federal, state, and local representatives, multicultural community leaders, and the Australian Army Cadets – 202 Unit, led by CAPT (AAC) Natalie Jackson, who mounted the Catafalque Party. Distinguished speakers included Julian Leeser MP, Dr. Nirav Kumar (Deputy Consul General of India), Capt. Smriti Murali Krishna (ADF Chaplain), and Murray Norman (CEO of Faith NSW).
Supported by the Hornsby Shire Council, Cherrybrook Technology High School, and the IABBV Hindi School, the service included interfaith prayers, hymns, and a Wreath Laying Ceremony. The Ode of Remembrance, Last Post, and the national anthems of Australia and India concluded the event.
The ANZAC Jawan Cenotaph in Cherrybrook is recognised as a NSW memorial dedicated specifically to ANZAC soldiers of Indian heritage, and the cenotaph continues to stand as a powerful symbol of shared history, friendship, and remembrance.