On 20th April 2025, the Australia India Cenotaph Committee—a project of the Hindu Council of Australia—in collaboration with the Hornsby RSL Sub-Branch, 202 ACU Blacktown Army Cadet Unit, and Hornsby Shire Council, hosted a solemn ANZAC Day Commemoration Service at the Anzac Jawan Cenotaph in Cherrybrook. This special event paid tribute to the brave ANZACs of Indian origin who served during World War I, recognising their courage, sacrifice, and shared heritage in the defence of peace.
The ceremony commenced with an Acknowledgment of Country, followed by the mounting of the guard and lowering of the flags.
Mr George Main, President of the Hornsby RSL Sub-Branch, delivered the official prologue, setting the tone for a deeply moving program.
Prayers of Thanksgiving—for the King and the Nation—were offered by Mr. Ashwani Sharma (Director, Hindu Council), Mr. Nitin Jayraman (NSW Secretary, Hindu Council), Mrs. Parinita Tandon (AICC Member), and executives from Cherrybrook
Technology High School.
The cherished hymn “Abide with Me” was sung collectively to honour the fallen ANZACs.
Keynote addresses were delivered by:
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Mr. Surinder Jain, National Vice President, Hindu Council of Australia
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Colonel Virender Sahni
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Dr. S. Janakiraman, Consul General of India, Sydney
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Julian Leeser MP, Member for Berowra
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James Wallace MP, Member for Hornsby
Also in attendance were Mr. Mark Hodges MP (Member for Castle Hill), and Hornsby Councillors Reena Jethi and Sreeni Pillamarri, who lent their support to the occasion.
Wreaths were laid by representatives from:
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Hornsby RSL Sub-Branch
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Ex-servicemen
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Australian Army Cadets HQ
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Hindu Council (National and NSW teams)
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Australia India Cenotaph Committee (AICC)
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Local dignitaries, community organisations, students, and members of the public
Religious prayers from the Hindu tradition were offered by Mr. Jagdish Trivedi of the Gujarati Samaj, blending reverence with spiritual reflection.
The national anthems of Australia and India were performed by students from IABBV Hindi School, followed by the Ode, recited by Mr. John Zeller, Vice President of the Hor
nsby RSL Sub-Branch. A minute of silence was observed, accompanied by the Last Post and Reveille, performed by Cherrybrook Technology High School and concluded with the raising of flags by the school’s student vice-captains.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Mr. Anand Manickam, Vice President (NSW) of the Cenotaph Committee, acknowledging the many individuals and organisations who made the event possible.
The service concluded with light refreshments and fellowship among guests.
The event was coordinated by the Australia India Cenotaph Committee, comprising Mr. Anand Manickam, Mrs. Parinita Tandon, Mr. Nitesh Sethi, Mr. Jaydeep Panchal, and Mr. Arjun Mehta, with strong support from Hindu Council officials and dedicated volunteers.
Lest We Forget.
ANZAC day dawn service
