Author: Rajiv Edavan

NRISA members and friends gathered on Sunday, 16 November 2025, at Bent Street to celebrate NRISA Day—a warm and vibrant day honouring senior members of the association and their long-standing services, community spirit and talent.

The event began with welcome and opening remarks by the President Mr. Prem Sinha. who introduced the purpose of NRISA Day and set a positive tone for the program. This was followed by brief remarks from Dr. Santosh Gupta, who then invited Mr. Rajendra Chopra to recite one of his poems, receiving appreciation from the audience.

The cultural segment opened with a heartfelt song performance by Mr. Hari Dayal Kohli, warmly acknowledged by Mr. Prem Sinha, who then invited Mr. Harihar Jha for his presentation. Dr. Santosh thanked Mr. Harihar and welcomed Mrs. Asha Chopra for a song, whose contribution was equally appreciated. The stage then went to Mr. Charan Das, who recited his poetry on current NRISA Committee with passion and humour, earning enthusiastic applause.

Mr. Prem Sinha next invited Mrs. Neelam Gupta for a skit that brought smiles to the audience, followed by Mr. Arvind Gaindher’s magical performance—a delightful crowd favourite. The program continued with a song segment featuring Mr. Bhatti, invited and appreciated by Mr. Prem Sinha.

One of the most meaningful moments of the event was the presentation of NRISA souvenirs to long-time members. Dr. Santosh called out the names while Mr. Prem honoured the recipients, acknowledging their years of dedication and service to the association.

The afternoon continued with the Be Connected Selfie Competition lottery draw, where Dr. Tejinder Singh selected winners through a lottery system and Dr. Santosh presented the prizes.

A melodious song by Rajiv Edavan added to the celebratory spirit. The audience also applauded Mr. Guruswamy Perumal, who was recognised for receiving a prestigious honour from the Minister for Housing and Building — the 2025 Social Housing Volunteer Award. A dedicated photo session led by Mr. Guruswamy captured these memorable moments.

Dr. Santosh then invited Mrs. Meenu Handa Wadhwa for a lively medley performance that lifted the energy in the room. Finally, Mr. Prem returned to the stage to announce lunch, bringing the formal program to a close and inviting everyone to enjoy a meal together.

The 2025 NRISA Day celebration was filled with performances, recognition, and heartfelt appreciation — a true reflection of NRISA’s commitment to community, culture, and connection. 🌼✨

Photos: Courtesy Mr. Guruswamy Perumal

The spirit of Diwali shone brightly as the NRISA community gathered on October 19, 2025, for a day filled with light, laughter, music, and togetherness.

The celebrations began with a cheerful meet and greet, followed by a traditional acknowledgment and a heartfelt welcome from the President, Mr. Prem Sinha, who spoke about the significance of Diwali and the upcoming Be Connected Week online program, an Australian government initiative committed to building the confidence, digital skills and online safety of older Australians.

The Master of Ceremonies, Dr. Shashi Gupta, provided a brief overview of the Diwali Program and housekeeping notes before the ceremonial lighting of candles by the Honoured Guest Hon.Ged Kearney (Federal Member of Parliament for Cooper) and lady members — Pratima Srivastava ji, Usha Modi ji, Dr.Mindi Nath, and Jai Mangla ji— which set the perfect festive tone, followed by a serene Laxmi Vandana (prayer).

The audience was inspired by an address from Hon. Ged Kearney, and the moment was captured in a group photo of NRISA members.

Then came the highlight of the day — an energetic and colorful cultural showcase featuring:
🎵 A soulful Bollywood performance of “Raam Aayenge” by Vijay Patel
💃 Graceful Kathak dance by Aadya and Aarushi from the Ghunghroo School of Kathak Dance
🎶 A mesmerizing sitar and vocal performance by Madhav Joshi and Uma Kiran
🎤 Lively songs by Sameer Murthy, Uma Kiran, and Dr. Bhim Sen
💫 And more Bollywood flair from Vijay Patel, who kept the audience smiling and singing and dancing along!

The event also formally launched “Be Connected Week” online program by Dr. Tejinder Singh & Dr.Santosh Gupta, encouraging the community to participate in all the activities and engagements. The day wrapped up with warm thanks from the MC and a delicious vegetarian lunch, giving everyone a chance to relax, connect, and celebrate together.

This year’s Diwali function truly embodied NRISA’s values of culture, connection, and celebration — lighting up hearts and strengthening the bonds that make our community shine. 🌟

{hotos. Courtesy Mr. Guruswamy Perumal

Septemeber meeting was held on 21st September at Bent Street seniors centre. Inspite of being a AGM day, Mr. Haridayal Kohli, the MC of the day, put forth a very entertaining program for everyone combining tradtion and culture. After customary opeing of the function by Mr. Prem Sinha, the function started with Ganesh Vandana dance by Mrs. Janaki and Anuradha ji and a prayer song by Dr, Mindi Nath, Dr. Parminder Munde, Ms. Pratima Srivastava and others. Mrs. Mini Mehra and team (Rimi ji, Amita Ji, Madhu ji, Anita ji, Daisy ji) presented a very colourful and lovely Dandiya, giving a Navratri falavour to the day which was followed by a Bollywood dandiya beat. There were also some lovely bollywood singing by Dr.Rajiv Edavan and Mr.Vijay Sehgal and Mrs. Sehgal.

Mr.Prem Sinha, President (NRISA) started the AGM with a brief introduction of his team and the President report with highlights of 2024-2025. Dr, Tejinder Singh then presented the audited Financial Report. Both the reports were adopted unanimously by the members. A resolution was then introduced by the President to ratify the change in Dr Santosh Kumar’s title from Chief Adviser to Patron of NRISA, to reflect better his contributions to NRISA.

The meeting ended with a sumptuous lunch, which was enjoyed by one and all.

17 August 2025 NFRISA meeting was dedicated to celebration of Independence Day of India which fell on 15th of August. The meeting received an overwhelming response and more than 117 members and guests participated in the celebration. The Chief Guest was Shri. Tej Kishan , representing the Consulate General of India, who couldn’t make to the function because of his busy schedule. Mr. Kanval Verma (President, Australian Indian Seniors Association) and Mrs. Indu Verma were special guests of the day.

Mr. Prem Sinha , President NRISA, opened the function and welcome the guests and members very eloquently and reminded everyone about the significance of the Independence Day and sacrifices made by our freedom fighters. He then introduced the MC of the function, Dr. Tejinder Singh. The function started with Australian and Indian national anthems, gracefully led by Dr. ( Mrs.) Mindi Nath and grandchildren Heidi and Joshua. The Chief Guest Shri. Tej Kishan then addressed the audience. Mrs. Ragini Sinha honoured the Chief Guest by presenting him a scarf.

The function started with a meditation session with Shri. Purushottam Mishra (Vipasana) followed by a very emotive patriotic duet by Mrs. Pali Kohli and Mr.Om Sethi. Mr. Vipin Gaindhar then took everyone to a nostalgic journey on the partition of India. Mrs, Indu Verma presented a solo song ” Ae mere watan ke logon” and Mrs. Janaki Ganapathy and team (Amita Iyer, Anuradha, Parminder Jabbal, Asha Chopra ) presented a wonderful patriotic group dance.

The climax of the function was the exquisite group presenation by the committee members , which included songs and actions. Overall it was a fabulous celebration.

Photos: Courtesy Mr. Guruswamy Perumal

July Monthly Meeting was held at the Bent Street, Northcote on Sunday 20th July 2025.
Mr. Prem Sinha opened the meeting and welcomed everyone. Giving an early hint of the flavour of the agenda. he likened the day’s function with Indian pickle, where all flavours coexist and mutually enhance each other. The MC of the day was Mrs. Janaki Ganesh. The chief guest of the day was Mr. Sashi Kochar, the 2023 Victorian Seniors of the Year Awardee and the head of the Friends of the Children Foundation. The theme of his lecture was “Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai” where he spoke about leading a purposeful life. The lecture was interspersed with many lovely old songs and bhajans. Mr. Madhav and Mrs. Uma Kiran further enhanced the presentation with their lovely rendition of some popular bhajans. This was followed by a comedy skit by Ragini Shrivastava ji with very lively performance by herself, Amita Iyer ji and Parminder Jabbal ji. Janaki ji then spoke of the importance of organ donation and Mrs. Reeti of RG Care presented on Aged Care and NDIS Services. Then there was this young poetess who marvelled everyone with her poetic talent. Mr.Arvind Gaindhar entertained everyone with his superb magic and Mr. Sushil Sharma with his lovely singing. Overall it was a very entertaining meeting.

NRISA celebrated International Yoga Day on 15th June 2025 at its Bent Street meeting venue. About 60 people participated in the celebration and was attended by some of the best yoga experts in Melbourne. NRISA President, Mr. Prem Sinha wecomed the guests and started the function with the chants of Om and describing the significance of this mantra in yoga to the audience. Dr. Rajiv Edavan then briefly introduced about yoga, its history, progression , different versions and significance of yoga in health and well being. Mrs. Hema Iyer ( a well known teacher) and team conducted chair yoga session for everyone and also demonstrated some simple yoga postures for the benefit of everyone. Mr. Kawal Bhagat ( a 90 year veteran and reputed yoga guru) and students demonstrated how special yoga poses can be used to treat Sciatica and back pain. This was followed by relaxation techniques by Ms. Parminder Kaur and Ms. Kirti Baxi of Brahma Kumari Foundation, South Morang. The program was interspersed with musical entertainment by Mr. Hari Kohli and Dr. Rajiv Edavan, which everyone enjoyed. The function eneded with a sumptuous vegiterian lunch.

NRISA memebers and guests enjoyed a lovely bus trip to Lorne on May 18th 2025. Mr. Yashpal Vasudeva hosted the trip , ably aided and supported by Mr. Hari Dayal Kohli. Together they ensured full entertainment for everyone throughout the trip. About 50 people joined the excursion. It was perfect sunny day and Mini ji, Abha ji , Madhav ji, Uma ji and others in their on style brought colours to this trip. Overall it was trip full of fun and entertainmenet and everyone enjoyed it.