As dusk settled over the Cherrybrook Community and Cultural Centre, a quiet stillness took hold around the ANZAC Jawan Cenotaph. What followed was a moving gathering that blended solemn reflection with a strong sense of community pride. Now in its eighth year, the ANZAC Jawan Remembrance Day ceremony once again honoured the Indian-origin Anzacs who served in World War I — a chapter of history long overlooked, but increasingly recognised as part of Australia’s broader story of service.
Organised by the Australia India Cenotaph Committee in partnership with the Hindu Council of Australia, the ceremony followed the full protocol of Australian Remembrance Day traditions. Taking the role of Master of Ceremonies, the Committee’s Vice President, Anand Manickam, guided the proceedings with calm assurance. The service opened with a warm welcome from community stalwart Nihal Ahar AM, setting the tone for an evening grounded in gratitude and shared heritage.
A keynote address from Colonel Virender Sahni of the Indian Army drew attention to the historic bonds forged on battlefields far from home, while also reflecting on the enduring connections between Australia and India. Those links were echoed by Hon. Julian Leeser MP, who spoke of the shared values that underpin service, and by Hornsby Mayor Hon. Warren Waddell, who highlighted the pride the local community takes in acknowledging diverse stories of sacrifice. Representatives from the Australian Defence Force and the Consulate General of India contributed further reflections, underscoring the deep respect carried by both nations.
Defence and veteran communities were strongly represented, with Brigadier Neil Turner AM RFD, George Main, John Zeller, Captain Chetan Khemlani and Colonel Ranjeev among those in attendance. Their presence, along with the disciplined contingent of 202 ACU Blacktown cadets led by LT(AAC) Connor Fleming, reinforced the significance of the occasion.
Local civic leaders, including James Wallace MP, Mark Hodges MP, Mayor Michelle Byrne, Deputy Mayor Frank De Masi and Councillors Reena Jethi and Sreeni Pillamarri, also stood alongside families, students and community members. Prayers led by Jagdish Trivedi and Jagchanan Singh, along with hymns and national anthems performed by students from the IABBV Hindi School, lent a reflective and inclusive tenor to the evening. Cherrybrook Technology High School students carried out the ceremonial flag duties with quiet dignity.
Wreaths were placed, the Last Post drifted into the twilight, and a minute of silence brought hundreds together in collective remembrance. A vote of thanks delivered by Nitesh Sethi closed the ceremony, acknowledging the volunteers and community groups who continue to uphold this tradition.
Since its inauguration in 2018, the ANZAC Jawan Cenotaph has grown into a meaningful symbol of multicultural remembrance — a place where sacrifice is honoured, histories converge, and unity is renewed year after year.
