Gargi Awards nominations 2023

The nominations close date extended to 8th March. Click here to nominate an Australian woman who excelling in her field and inspiring the community Related Images:

Gargi Awards Nominations 2022

Gargi Awards Nominations 2022 Inviting Nominations for Australian Women for Gargi Awards 2022. Celebrating Women’s Accomplishment. Closing Date 31st January 2022. Link for registration https://hinducouncil.com.au/gargi About Gargi Award On the International day of women 2018, Hindu Council of Australia has decided to institute an award for outstanding women in Australia who make a good role […]

Parents to be classified as ‘immediate family’ for travel to Australia

By: Surinder Jain. Hindu Council of Australia. Thankyou Minister Alex Hawke for making it easy for Hindus and others to get their parents to Australia. Hindu Council has been making many representations to the Australian immigration office and to Immigration Minister Alex Hawke to make it easy to bring parents to Australia. We have counted […]

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

The Hindu Council of Australia joins all Faiths and Cultures to recognise International Women’s Day today, 8 March 2021 and admit to the fact that a lot more remains for the world, including our own countries of origin and abode to bring Women at par if not ahead of Men in many fields of endeavor. […]

Hindu Dharama for Young Mothers – Teachers training

To register go to https://www.hinducouncil.com.au/new/events/dharma-2 Cost $20 Related Images:

Hindus In India Shouldn’t Need To Be Grateful That They Are Allowed To Do Hindu Things

by Venu Gopal Narayanan, Credit Swaraj Magazine Click here to read the original article Snapshot In that Tanishq ad, what was most galling was the manner in which the mother-in-law patronisingly deigned to break from her rigid Islamic norms, for once, to condescend to the girl’s Hindu traditions.Even more galling was the girl’s gratitude, at […]

GARGI AWARD 2020 PRESENTATION FUNCTION POSTPONED

By: Ashwani Jain As per Federal & State Government advisory about COVID-19, the Hindu Council Executive Committee has made the difficult decision to POSTPONE the Gargi Award 2020 presentation function. The safety and well-being of our communities and stakeholders are of the highest importance to the Hindu Council of Australia. An alternate date will be […]

How we worship – Religion in Australia, By: Emily Clark, ABC

By Emily Clark with photography by Brendan Esposito  ABC From organised religion to casual spirituality, faith in Australia is different to anywhere else in the world. Diversity — of people and their practice — is something only Australia can call a tradition. Despite our religious diversity, 66 per cent of respondents to the Australia Talks […]

Hindu women saints songs on SBS radio

By: Gayatri Bharat. For the first time, SBS will broadcast a Hindu women saints based Indian classical musical series that I have produced.  (My page has more details about me.)   The series “mystic women” is about Indian HINDU women saints, their struggles, inspiration and the beauty of their songs.    Facebook promo s below. […]

Survey – Problems faced by Hindu Women

If you are a Hindu woman living in Australia, please take a minute to enter this survey. It will help Hindu Council of Australia to frame projects and policies to help you face these issues. Your Name (optional) : Your Email (optional): Your Phone (optional) : Your Age Group* : 18-25 years26-35 years35-60 yearsAbove 60 […]

Gargi awards 2019

By: Bharathi R. As part of International Women’s day celebration, Hindu Council of Australia organises Gargi Award function to appreciate and honour women’s achievement and contribution in various fields. Jodi McKay MP, Bharathi R and Durga Owen at Gargi Awards 2019 The concept of Gargi Award was started in 2018 with the intention to institute […]

Pakistani Hindus lose daughters to forced Muslim marriages

LAHORE, Pakistan — Anila Dhawan, 17 , was kidnapped last spring from her home in Hyderabad, forced to convert to Islam and marry her abductor. The police refused to intervene. Her kidnapper told them she ran away from home, and converted to Islam and married him voluntarily. But after her family pressured a court to […]

Pakistani Hindus demand a law against forced conversion and child marriages

By: Ramesh Vankwani, Islamabad. Resolution against forced conversions & child marriages*   ISLAMABAD (26-03-2019): Prominent Hindu Lawmaker Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani has tabled two bills and one resolution against forced conversions, child marriages and for protection of minorities throughout the country. Condemning the recent abduction of two Hindu sisters named Reena and Raveena, he also […]

Mentally challenged Hindu girl in Pakistan abducted and converted to Islam

By: The Hindu Portal. Another Hindu girl has been abducted and forcibly converted in Pakistan. Hindus fear that even though the girl is mentally challenged, her forced conversion will not be reversible. Mentally challenged Sonia was abducted days before Holi by a ‘Pathan’ looking man Read Full Story Here Related Images:

Pakistan Hindu Council asks the govt to take action against forcible conversion and kidnapping of Reena & Raveena

By: Pakistan Hindu Council. Pakistan Hindu Council asks the govt to take action against forcible conversion and kidnapping of Reena & Raveena in Sindh. Demands to bring to justice Mian Mitho & others involved. Council urges the govt to implement child marriage act & bring a law against enforced conversions. Abducted Hindu minor girls approach […]

Navy officer honoured as role model at Gargi Awards

By: Navy Daily. Navy’s Principal Chaplain Colin Acton congratulates Lieutenant Kamala Sharma-Wing on her Gargi Award in the Defence, Police, Fire and Emergency Services category. Lieutenant Sharma Wing won the Hindu Council’s 2019 Gargi Award in the Defence, Police, Fire and Emergency Services category at a ceremony in Sydney. Lieutenant Sharma-Wing was excited to receive […]

Gargi Woman Manju Jain Verma, NSW

Winner of Gargi Woman Award 2019 – Community Service Manju Jain Verma, NSW A scientist, academic and clinician, Dr. Manju has earned her PhD in Ocular immunology from UNSW whilst being a specialist in ophthalmology. Abandoning a promising academic career at home, bringing up children, clearing the 14 exams to be allowed to practice, financial […]

Gargi Woman Mittu Gopalan, NSW

Winner of Gargi Woman Award 2019 – Performing Arts Mittu Gopalan, NSW A successful lawyer, managing a business and legal firm (Freedman and Gopalan). Mittu finds time for her passion, the arts taking pride for pursuing it, and helping the community all the way. Conducted a painting exhibition in November 2017 at Sydney. Related Images:

Gargi Woman Harita Mehta, NSW

Winner of Gargi Woman Award 2019 – Journalism Harita Mehta, NSW A hardworking individual who has received numerous accolades from Indian and international organizations, and an active volunteer at IllawarraMulticultural Services. She has helped refugees kick start their small businesses, and trains small groups on soft skill. Harita also runs an NGO in India, the […]

Gargi Woman Kamala (Nayni) Sharma-Wing

Winner of Gargi Woman Award 2019 – Defence Police Fire Emergency services Kamala (Nayni) Sharma-Wing, ACT Kamala is an impressive young Naval officer and an active member of the Royal Australian Navy’s intercultural Diversity Reference group Works to see genuine diversity and inclusion reflected within the Defence, Nayni has been a positive influence at the […]

Hindu student kicked out of a Catholic school for a religious nose piercing

By: Hindu Human Rights – http://www.hinduhumanrights.info. Hindu girl in Perth Australia, has been barred from her Catholic school after she had her nose pierced for cultural and religious reasons. At Aranmore Catholic College, Sanya Singhal, 15, was ordered to remove the tiny new stud in her left nostril or go home. The Year 10 pupil […]

Winner of the 2019 Gargi Woman Awards are …..

Hindu Council of Australia awards Gargi Woman Award to outstanding women in Australia who make a good role model for growing up Hindu girls and women. The award consists of a commendation letter and is awarded in multiple categories. On International Women’s Day the winners will be announced for 2019 Gargi Woman Award. Please join […]

Another Hindu Girl forcibly converted and married in Pakistan

According to Pakistan Today, a reputed news paper of Pakistan, Anusha Meghwar, a 16-year-old girl belonging to the Meghwal tribe in Salam Kot area in Tharparkar, was “forcibly married” after her “conversion” to Islam. Atrocity on Hindus in Pakistan continue despite hollow promises of Pakistan’s PM Imran Khan, showing to the world how well minorities […]

Menstruation is Far From Taboo in Hinduism

By: Sunila Goray Raj (edited by : Surinder Jain) Menstruation is Far From Taboo in Hinduism.   There is so much to be said about it all – but here I only want to focus on the leftist’s latest favorite topic : Menstruation.   A survey conducted in USA in 1981 showed that a substantial […]

Hindu Combined Marriages

By : Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani Patron-in-chief, Pakistan Hindu Council Member of National Assembly WhatsApp: 0333-2277370 Twitter: @RVankwani In the context of recently held Hindu Combined Marriages, my article published in The News (English), Jang (Urdu) and Ibrat (Sindhi) to highlight the socio-economic importance of mass weddings. Related Images:

Pakistani Hindus discuss their issues in Pakistan Hindu Council AGM

By : pakistanhinducouncil.org.pk. The First General Body Meeting of Pakistan Hindu Council Cabinet 18-20 was held on 9th December 2018, Sunday at Global Marquees, Karachi. The meeting was started with Gayatri/Mool Mantar and then a welcome speech was done by Mr. Raja Bhawan (Vice-President) in which he welcomed all the members and applauds all the […]

First Indian Born Hindu woman elected in Upper House Victoria

Hindus started migrating to Australia in 1970’s and after about 50 years of migration, they have established their roots in their new homeland. Nothing illustrates it more than a migrant and that too a woman getting elected in a Parliament. Kaushalya Vaghela Kaushaliya Virjibhai Vaghela is a Hindu Indian Australian politician. She has been a […]

Gargi Women Awards 2019

This award is given to Australian Women who have made a significant contribution to Australia.  This year, eight  awards are being offered, one in each of the following categories : Sports Defense, Police, Fire, emergency services Performing and Arts Community services Education Science and Research Language and Culture Journalism Nominations are accepted online at hinducouncil.com.au/gargi […]

Hindu chaplains help a Hindu women in prison

Hindu chaplaincy committee was contacted by another religions Chaplain to help a Hindu prison inmate with a beads mala and some religious books. Somesh Sibal from Hindu Council got in touch and is sending the books. Mala has already been provided by a Buddhist Chaplain. Somesh Ji will stay in touch for any further help […]

Dowry abuse submission by Hindu Council of Australia

On 26 June 2018, the Senate of Australia (Upper house of Parliament) referred the practice of dowry and the incidence of dowry abuse in Australia to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 6 December 2018. The committee’s focus is on the broad issues raised in the terms of reference […]

Why do hundreds of South Koreans visit Ayodhya every year

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Nominate a woman for Gargi Award

Click here to find out more about Gargi Award and to nominate someone for the award. Self nominations are encouraged. Related Images:

Vedic woman – Where is She?

The Vedic Woman: Who Was She and Will She Return? After scouring the internet for hours, what I found left me seriously F R U S T R A T E D. Related Images:

The Indian-Australian millennials

ABC’s religion and ethics unit have published a story on why Indian-Australian millennials are choosing to have arranged marriages. Read about it here. Related Images:

Take a Poll on Dowry – Have your say

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Shakti initiative of Hindu American Foundation

Namaste WELCOME TO THE SHAKTI INITIATIVE! Many years ago, I was invited to speak on a panel about women and religion. Armed with my senior thesis from undergrad — The Vedic Woman: Who Was She and Will She Return? — I was able to quickly pull together a long list of stories and scriptural quotes to bolster my […]

Albury Wodonga Hindus produce “That Girl”

Albury Wodonga are two twin towns in Australia on the New South Wales-Victoria state border, separated by Murray river. It has a significant population of Hindus from Indian and from Bhutan. About 60 members of the local Bhutanese and Indian communities got together to produce a Bollywood-style dance and song titled That Girl. The song has a […]

Dowry abuse in Australia – Senate orders an inquiry

By:Surinder Jain. SBS and some independent film producers have recently produced films on the deplorable dowry system prevalent in some parts of India and resulting violence against women. Armed with that evidence, on 26th June the Australian Senate referred the provisions of the practice of dowry and the incidence of dowry abuse in Australia to the Legal and […]

Take a Quiz on Hindu Symbols and Icons

Check your knowledge of Hinduism Please enter your email: 1. Hindus apply a Tilak on their foreheads to express their devotion? Yes/No  Yes  No 2. A Hindu can not apply a Tilak to a non-Hindu? Yes/No  Yes  No 3. While a Tilak can be applied at various parts of the body, Bindi must be applied […]

Thailand evolves its own mix of Budhist and Brahmin rituals

The new Brahmins The relevance of mixing Hinduism with Buddhism and folk beliefs in Thai history 12 Oct 2015 at 03:46 WRITER: MELALIN MAHAVONGTRAKUL  A man dressed in white blew into a conch as if it were a horn. Joss sticks were burning. Heads bowed but people’s lips were praying. A screenplay on a golden […]

Ayush ministry seeks ISRO’s help for satellite imagery of events on Yoga Day

NEW DELHI: The Ayush Ministry has approached the country’s premier space agency ISRO for satellite imagery of the countrywide events between 7 am and 8 am on International Day of Yoga (IDY), to be observed on June 21. The ministry has sought ISRO’s assistance to get an estimate of Yoga enthusiasts who would perform at […]

Mauritius: Hotel Tells Employees Not to Wear Tika, Stirs up Protest

One of Mauritius’ finest hotels, the five-star Residence Mauritius, is in a soup for asking an employee to not sport a Tika (bindi, forehead mark) for hygienic purposes. The hotel, Residence Mauritius, also stated that the issue of visible religious symbols is addressed by telling the employees about exercising discretion. For example, the sindoor or the […]

Meet the Indian housewives studying to become Hindu priests in their ‘second innings’

At 72, Sailja Joshi has found her calling rather late in life. After a lifetime spent caring for others at home, this grandmother wants to join the workforce.  She is studying to become a Hindu priest. Female priests are a relatively new phenomenon in India, and they’re still vastly outnumbered by men. Scholars say that […]

Interfaith Peace Symposium “Empowerment of Women”

Bharathi Rengarajan of Hindu Council of Australia, gave a talk on Empowerment of women on an Interfaith Peace Symposium organized by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Woman Association  Australia held in Sydney. She talked about Hindu feminine Gods and how women can empower themselves. The meeting was also addressed by Rissa Mclnnes – Riverstone Electorate local woman of […]

A new film on Love Jihad by Sudipto Sen

Renonwned film artist Sudipto Sen has made a new film titled ‘In the Name of Love-Melancholy of God’s Own Country’. A screening of the film was organised by Global Indian Foundation and Vivekanand Vichar Manch of Jawahar Lal Nehru University in Delhi. The film focuses on the issue of ‘love jihad’ and religious conversion of girls in […]

Yezidis and Bangladeshi Hindus: A modern day Exodus story

By: Rachel Avraham, Israel National News. In the spirit of this time of year, we should recall the plight of the Yezidi and Bangladeshi Hindu people, who are experiencing a modern day form of slavery and flight as we speak. Bangladesh has now been independent for 48 years but during this period of time, Shipan Kumer Basu, […]

Pakistani Hindu parents allege their daughter forced to convert to Islam

In the predawn darkness on Feb. 24, Rinkel Kumari, a 19-year-old student from a Hindu family, disappeared from her home in Mirpur Mathelo, a small village off a busy highway in Sindh Province. Hours later, she resurfaced 12 miles away, at the home of a prominent Muslim cleric who phoned her parents with news that […]

Pakistan elects a Hindu woman senator, second time in its history

Compare that with how many Muslim women have been elected in India since 1947. Krishna Kumari Kohli’s election represents a major milestone for women and minority rights in Pakistan. Ms. Kumari’s victory was a rare bit of good news for the country’s Hindu minority. Pakistan has a dismal record over the treatment of vulnerable religious minorities. […]

Hindus attacked by Rohingyas in Myanmar

The attaches from international community met with local Hindu women who had been abducted by Muslim insurgents responsible for killing about 100 other Hindus during the crackdown, Hindu leader Ni Maw said. The women said they wanted to know why the world is talking only about Muslims,” Ni Maw told RFA. “Hindus also were killed […]

Rangoli workshop at Parramasala

By Shobha Deshikan Hindu Council of Australia created a huge Rangoli of flowers at Parramasala and conducted a Rangoli making workshop. It took eight people to do the wonderful beautiful Rangoli. of vibrant and colorful flowers.  The Rangoli was very impressive. All day long, passers would stop, wonder and pictures including numerous selfies. It was […]

Painting workshop at Parramasala by Hindu Council

A painting workshop was conducted at Parramasala festival where visitors were encouraged to try their hand at painting and to watch painters making their paintings live. This wonderful workshop was conducted by two teenage girls Mili and Kushi. They both mesmerized their audience with their speed painting skills. Kushi did a reverse painting whilst the […]

Yoga workshop at Parramasala by Hindu Council

Bharani Ji, a renowned Yoga teacher, conducted a Yoga workshop at Parramsala festival. The aim of the workshop was for people to come and try Yoga under supervision and free of charge. 10 children showcased various poses whilst their guru was instructing them. The children were so adaptable and showcased their talent and also involved […]

Gender Equality Declaration by Hindu Council of Australia

Hindu Council of Australia stands for Gender Equality and Respect for Women By Prakash Mehta, President As a peak Hindu body, Hindu Council of Australia is working to help Hindus live in harmony with all the other communities in Australia. To achieve this we have a mission to work for a strong, cohesive and active […]

Gargi Woman Paramita Roy

Winner of Gargi Woman Award 2018 – (Film Producer) By Bharathi R Paramita Roy has been awarded Hindu Council of Australia’s Gargi Woman Award 2018 for her outstanding contribution as a Film Producer. The award consisting of a plaque will be presented to her in a ceremony to be held in her home town Adelaide. […]

Gargi Woman Poornima Sharma

Winner of Gargi Woman Award 2018 – (Performer) By Bharathi R Poornima Sharma has been awarded Hindu Council of Australia’s Gargi Woman Award 2018 for her outstanding contribution as a performer. The award consisting of a plaque was presented to her by Federal Member of Parliament  Hon. Michelle Rowland  and Councillor Hill Shire Reena Jethi, […]

Gargi Woman Jayanthi Ramanan

Winner of Gargi Woman Award 2018 – (Carer) By Bharathi R Jayanthi Ramanan has been awarded Hindu Council of Australia’s Gargi Woman Award 2018 for her outstanding contribution as a carer. The award consisting of a plaque was presented to her by Member of Parliament – Parramatta Hon. Geoff Lee and by Anita Sharma NSW […]

Gargi Woman Anju Kalra

Winner of Gargi Woman Award 2018 – (Dementia Consultant) By Bharathi R Anju Kalra has been awarded Hindu Council of Australia’s Gargi Woman Award 2018 for her outstanding contribution to Community as a Dementia Consultant. The award consisting of a plaque was presented to her by Member of Parliament – Granville Hon. Julia Finn and […]

Gargi Woman Jacinta Tobin

Winner of Gargi Woman Award 2018 – (Community) By Bharathi R Jacinta Tobin has been awarded Hindu Council of Australia’s Gargi Woman Award 2018 for her outstanding contribution to Community. The award consisting of a plaque was presented to her by Dy. Lord Mayor Parramatta Council Hon. Michelle Garrad  Mr Prakash Mehta – National President […]

Gargi Woman Dr. Meenakshi Srinivasan

Winner of Gargi Woman Award 2018 – (Educationist) By Bharathi R Dr. Meenakshi Srinivasan has been awarded Hindu Council of Australia’s Gargi Woman Award 2018 for her outstanding contribution as an Educationist. The award consisting of a plaque was presented to her by State MP for Strathfield Jodi McKay and by Mr Suman Saha Councillor, […]

Gargi Woman June Bullivant

Winner of Gargi Woman Award 2018 – (Academic Researcher) By Bharathi R JUNE BULLIVANT  has been awarded Hindu Council of Australia’s Gargi Woman Award 2018 for her outstanding contribution as Academic Researcher. The award consisting of a plaque was presented to her by Federal MP Julie Owens and by Mr Surinder Jain – Vice President […]

Hindu Council announces Winners of Gargi Woman Award 2018

The winners of Gargi Woman Award were announced today. The winners of 2018 Gargi Woman Award are : 1. Jacinta Tobin – Service to her Aboriginal Community 2. June Bullivant – Academic Research 3. Dr Meenakshi Srinivasan – Educationist 4. Anju Kalra – Dementia Consultant 5. Jayanthi Ramnan – Carer Service 6. Poornima Sharama – […]

Hindu council in Parramasala parade

Hindu council of Australia has partnered with Parramasala festival to celebrate International Women’s day and Gargi Woman Awards. Parramasala is a three day celebration Parramatta’s cultural diversity. The festival began on Friday 9th March 2018 with a parade from Parramatta Town Hall to Prince Alfred Park. Different ethnic cultures at home in Parramatta were represented […]

International Women’s Day 2018

Hindu council of Australia together with Parramasala invites you to celebrate International Woman’s Day at Parramatta, Prince Alfred Square. Sunday, March 11, 2018 | 11pm to 4pm     Related Images:

Gargi Woman Award Press Release

Hindu Council of Australia institutes award for recognizing Australian women  Sydney : 12 February 2018  Hindu Council of Australia has instituted annual awards to recognise outstanding contribution by Australian women in the society. The awards would be across multiple categories and will be announced on the occasion of International Woman’s day 2018.  Speaking about the […]

Thank you Hindu Benevolent Fund

An anonymous recipient of help from HBF thanks by sending following email: To Consulate general of India and Hindu council I sincerely thanks for all the generous help and support provided to me in my time of hardship. I really appreciate and very thankful for the financial support provided in terms of paying my apartment […]

The World’s Oldest Icon Of Feminism

You think Kangana Ranaut is a feminist? You must not have heard about Rishi Gargi then.  The Story Of Rishi Gargi: The World’s Oldest Icon Of Feminism Found In Ancient Hinduism. [Read More …]   Related Images:

Hindu Council Gargi Woman Award

On the International day of women 2018, Hindu Council of Australia has decided to institute an award for outstanding women in Australia who make a good role model for growing up Hindu girls and women. The award will consist of a commendation letter and will be awarded in multiple categories like Sports, Journalism, Performers, Defense, […]

International Women’s Day 11th March

International Women’s Day 11th March Related Images: