West seniors welcome new Association
A much needed initiative is heartily felicitated, reports GEORGE THAKUR
Hear-ye, hear-ye, hear-ye! The vast, fertile and thus far untapped region of western, northwestern and southwestern Melbourne now boasts a new Seniors’ association that will cater to the needs of Indians, Pakistani, Sri Lankans, Fijian Indians and/or any person of any nationality who wishes to experience Indian humility. Indian Seniors Association – West (ISAW) is the brainchild of Arjan Tulli, an Indian Senior Citizens Association (ISCA) member, who realised that many members travelled sixty km from Werribee and Hoppers’ Crossing and thereabouts, to Mt. Waverly to quench their thirst for companionship and togetherness. He began to work towards an end and thus, ISAW was born.
Melbourne weather is notoriously unpredictable, and the heavens opened up as we headed to attend the first ISAW meet, despite the weather bureau forecast of a rain-free day. Because of various hiccups in finalising the venue and in completing formalities and other necessities, Dan Wallace and Atarjit, Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) representatives, informed us that this was the earliest the MRC could help in arranging the inaugural ISAW meeting. The venue was an ideally located first floor address in Alfreda Street right in the heart of the local market, a short walking distance from St. Albans Metro station.
As we entered, we saw many enthusiastic Indians already there and it dawned upon us that whereas ISCA, Kingston SCA, Northern Region Indian SA, Indian Seniors Forum, and Fijian ISCA, etc., commenced their associations with a handful of dedicated Indians, ISAW attracted twenty-four. Krishna Arora, a sure-appearance at any India-related meet, travelled all the way from Glen Waverly. Madhuri Haikerwal travelled from Williamstown, and Rose and myself had come the longest way – from Highett, to encourage Tuli for giving a societal need a practical shape. After partaking in tea and nibbles, Tuli welcomed future members and justified yet another Indian Seniors Association. As the programme for the day had not been formally chalked out, Tuli requested those present to say a few words each. Krishna Arora offered a few words of encouragement. Dr. Nand Lal Sharda, a visitor to Melbourne, said many nice things and wished he could join ISAW, but was soon returning home. Tuli introduced me as a reporter for Indian Link and asked me too to say a few words. Because expenses were involved in buying stationary and for refreshments, many members readily donated money, which totalled $300 as Atarjit wrote receipts. Speaking to local residents, I gathered that two thousand plus Indians, many of them seniors, inhabit the region. Insisting that older people want interaction, someone suggested that while Indira Gandhi came up with a slogan: “Gharibi Hatao”, ISAW must adopt a new slogan: “Burhapa Hatao”!
Tulli now spoke of electing a Working Committee, and since this was his baby, Arjan Tulli was unanimously elected as first ISAW President, with Dan and Atarjit supervising the show. Also, Asa Nand Verma is Vice President, Atarjit Brar is Secretary, Avril Murzello is Assistant Secretary, Arjan Singh is Treasurer, and Sarna Karra is Internal Auditor, among others. ISAW meetings will continue to be held at 25 A Alfreda Street, St. Albans, until a larger venue is found necessary and is chosen. For information, please contact President Arjan Tulli on 9390 2818.
