FIAV AGM raises relevant issues

Before the AGM, 100 community members were given the opportunity to suggest what they expected the Federation to work on, GEORGE THAKUR reports.

“Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly as though you were doing it for the Lord and not merely for people,” claims a 1^st century AD proverb. As with other motivated former Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria (FIAV) Presidents, the imagination and efforts that current President Vasan Srinivasan instills into Federation affairs simply stands out. Before FIAV held their Annual General Meeting this week, a hundred strong members of the community were given the opportunity to suggest what they expected the Federation to work on, and to what results. Even constructive criticism of FIAV’s performances was welcome. Vasan requested each association to place one article of their activity in each issue of the FIAV newsletter, so that the community is kept informed of each others’ activities.

 A presentation of the eleven points of FIAV’s vision was discussion, with points raised by members tackled satisfactorily by the panel of three: President Vasan, Vice President Thomas Jacob and Chairman, Newsletter Committee Dr. Santosh Kumar. The ugly face of domestic violence was disclosed under which seventeen allegedly persecuted women of the community and three men were helped by FIAV.  Aggrieved members were given food vouchers worth $20 per day, in addition to other help. Vasan requested those affluent in the community to offer investment properties where such members could be accommodated temporarily, also offering to pay nominal rent.

 A library at the venue, where separating walls had been removed to create a large hall, was proposed, which members promised to support by contributing books. The younger generation of the Telugu Association presented a costume show, lit brass lamps, distributed sweets and displayed Telugu alphabets and numerals. The President wished Telugu could form a part of the school curriculum, just like other ethnic languages. Invited guest Dr. Nick Hill created a stir when he spoke with the Maharashtra Mandal members in Marathi, learned when he lived in Pune. A member of the Croatian Association met Vasan and offered help, presenting FIAV with a shredder-bin which he promised he would clear each week. Another company offered 85 chairs for members to sit on. Linguists, computer and culinary literate members, engineers and such were requested to spare time to help the younger generation and overseas Indian students with their studies. The Telugu Association offered to impart relevant knowledge at the venue from 2 pm to 3:30 pm one day a week. Community members were encouraged to organise viewings of Bollywood movies on the giant screen, and make use of the venue in many other ways.

Local State Member, the Honourable John Pandazopolous, who has been of assistance to FIAV in many ways arrived late, but praised “Little India” as a unique caption, and delivered a motivating speech. The Telugu Association placed a traditionally symbolic silk shawl around John’s shoulders, making him feel welcomed. Ann’s Spicy Palace in Dandenong catered a delicious lunch for the event. FIAV may be contacted on 1800 3428 00 (24 hours) or 03 9671 4442 (between hours)