Andrew Charlton MP for Parramatta has proposed in the Parliament to recognise October as the Hindu Heritage Month on the 10th of October.
The transcript of his proposal is below
“Thank you, Deputy Speaker.
Last night we celebrated the 20th Diwali here in Parliament House.
In the last two decades, the whole of Australia has fallen in love with Diwali. From Darwin to Hobart, people right across Australia celebrate Diwali as one of the most joyous events of the year. And the reason for that is because behind all the colour and movement and lights and food and celebration, Diwali is a recognition of fundamental values.
The values of positivity, of unity, of generosity, of success and coming together as a community. And these are the values that have made people who practice the Hindu faith across Australia and across the world so successful.
It’s what has made the Indian diaspora in Australia such an incredibly important part of the Australian community. And so today is a good opportunity to recognise the importance of Diwali in the Australian annual calendar.
In fact, I like the suggestion of the Hindu Council to call this month Hindu Heritage Month.
in recognition of everything that happens in this month across the Hindu calendar. From Navratri, to Dushain, to Kabir Chauth, to Diwali, to Lakshmi Puja, to Chhat Puja, to Durga Puja, all of these celebrations in October give us an opportunity to recognise this month as Hindu Heritage Month. And I want to thank the Hindu Council for everything they’ve done to promote the values of Diwali right across Australia.
In particular, Sai Paravastu, who’s here today in the chamber, as well as Surinder, Rakesh, Murali, Shanti and Nalima. I appreciate everything you have done on behalf of the Hindu community to make the Hindu community one of the most successful waves of migration in Australia’s history and a community that delivers so much to the Australian community
across sport, business, culture, media, health and far beyond.
There’s much that we can do in Australia to support the Hindu community and recognise everything that it contributes to the broader Australian community. Not only can we recognise Diwali and Hindu Heritage Month, we can also support Hindu education right across Australia and make sure that Australia is a nation free of Hindu phobia, where everybody, no matter who they are, no matter where they come from, can practice their faith in peace and harmony.
Deputy Speaker, Hindu Heritage Month is an occasion for us to reflect on the values that the Hindu community have brought to Australia and the contribution they’ve made to our nation. It should be embraced by all Australians. Thank you.”
