The Indian Telegraph anniversary party promises new beginnings and stronger commitments
The evening of March 19 was a momentous one for The Indian Telegraph as we celebrated our 8th Anniversary. Representatives from the Indian and Australian State and Federal governments, community leaders, well-wishers, sponsors the team, friends and family all got together to celebrate this special milestone at the Grand Marion function centre in Harris Park. The mood of the evening was one of anticipation with MC Kartik Mohandas making a spirited, and eventually successful, attempt at settling the more enthusiastic of guests as they chatted among themselves.
A new look
The evening began on a high note with The Indian Telegraph introducing their new masthead, website and page layout, explaining the transition from the past format to its present one. Feedback from loyal readers as well as the desire to present a more modern, user-friendly look was the rationale that prompted the change, withthe first view clearly discernable in the March 2015 issue, hot off the press. Guests were invited to pick up copies of this and past milestone issues, as souvenirs of the evening.
Addresses and accolades
Indrajeet Magar, Publisher thanked attendees and reiterated the commitment of The Indian Telegraph to fair and accurate reportage, and to promoting the subcontinent community’s aims and goals. “From being just another publication in 2007 ‘The Indian’, now known as ‘The Indian Telegraph’ is an award winning premium quality magazine with a strong readership base. We have now firmly established ourselves in this market and have claimed our rightful place,” he said.
Sunjay Sudhir, Consul General of India in Sydney, while thanking The Indian Telegraph for its contribution to the community and quoting impressive facts and figures on the diaspora here, made a relevant point of more inclusive coverage and involvement of the youth.
A special message by Premier Mike Baird was read out by Kartik commending us on this anniversary and our continued
contribution towards the betterment of NSW.
The evening progressed with distinguished guests such as the Hon. David Elliot, State Liberal MP representing Baulkham Hills; the Hon. Matt Kean, State Liberal MP representing Hornsby; the Hon. Dr Hugh McDermott, MP representing Prospect for the Labor Party; the Hon. John Robertson, MP, representing Blacktown for the Labor Party, speaking on the occasion. Also present were prominent members of the community including Labor MP Amanda Fazio, the Hon Daniel Mookhey; Reena Jethi; Aisha Amjad; Harish Velji; Tarek Al Issawi, NSW Police Department; and Sonia Gandhi from Gandhi Creations.
Memorable moments
However, the highlight of the evening was a presentation of the Australian chamber flag that flew proudly at Parliament House in Canberra in 2014. Michelle RowlandFederal Member for Greenway and Shadow Minister for Citizenship and Multiculturalism, Labor Party handed the flag, an official program from PM Modi’s visit, and a certificate of appreciation and authentication to Indrajeet Magar as mementos of The Indian Telegraph’s service to the subcontinent community and Australian society .
It was indeed a proud moment for us and remains a memory that will be truly cherished. “The Indian Telegraph is a quality publication. In an age where we have such a high amount of user-generated content, so much competition, a publication such as yours only stays relevant and only survives if it adapts and if it evolves. And we know that you have done that, not only through your embracing of technology, but also through your rebranding as we’ve seen today,” said Ms Rowland. “We are honoured and humbled by this special gesture, and appreciate the spirit of trust and confidence through which it was endowed on us,” said Mr Magar.
A special mention to Rekha Rajvanshiwell-known Hindi poet, writer and loyal contributor for her excellent and enjoyable tongue-in-cheek Hindi poem that raised a laugh among the diaspora, that revealed the reason for the high turnout of political representation; with the elections around the corner!
Creative cuisine
Rishi Desai, popular Masterchef 2013 semi-finalist had created an interesting three course meal in vegetarian and nonvegetarian options, as he explained to an admiring audience. While the delightful palak paneer and chicken cafreal starters were enjoyed with a glass of excellent red, white or a choice of juices, the dinner selection was a treat for the tastebuds. The mains – Kolhapuri Goat Curry, Rishi’s modernised signature dish and the Bisi Bele Hullianna Karnataka Risotto were excellent, and the dessert, shrikhand with glazed raspberries and pistachio praline, was simple, but delicious.
Towards the conclusion of the eveningguests enjoyed getting up close and personal with Rishi, who posed for
innumerable selfies with his usual goodnatured bonhomie.
Funky fusion
Electric Korma, a rock band specialising in creating rock epics from Bollywood classics provided the entertainment of the evening with a unique fusion theme. With gems like ‘Dum maro dum’, ‘Mehbooba’ and ‘Ek, do, teen’ among others, reinvented in their own inimitable style, as well as solo didgeridoo and tabla performances, the band delivered a fascinating combination of musical magic that was thoroughly enjoyable.
Proud partners
Naturally, the event was a resounding success by no small measure thanks to the support of Mr Sanjay Patel from The Grand Marion, and Sumit Sarna from Indian Fusion restaurant.
The Grand Marion’s function centre is a popular location to conduct partiescorporate events and weddings, being
centrally located in the heart of Harris Park with easy access to public transport. Its rooms can be transformed into themes of choice to suit the occasion and the staff are polite and accommodating.
Indian Fusion restaurant, located at 14 Yarrara Road in Pennant Hills is a remarkably charming restaurant offering mouth-watering delicacies. Offering exclusivity to those who desire exotic space and distinguished hospitality, the venue is perfect for a rendezvous with family and friends.
The event was an eclectic mix of accolades entertainment, great cuisine and a fantastic opportunity to meet prominent members of the community, as well as local and state representatives. For The Indian Telegraph, this event is significant of new beginnings and a stronger commitment towards a better, brighter and more promising future in service to the community.