LOCAL LIFE
MAKE A DIFFERENCE : The India Club
by Lorna Gordon
The India Club is the brainchild of Shubha and Aksheya Kumar , who started the organisation in 2004 . It began as a way for people to connect in the community and to embrace the rich cultures of both India and Australia , celebrating festivals such as Holi , Diwali and Christmas .
From fairly humble beginnings Shubha soon realised they could offer much more than just a place for people to interact , they could provide services that would benefit the community .
“ When we started India Club , we started with celebrating Indian and
Shubha accepting an Award at the Harmony Dinner .
Australia festivals and in 2009 we had our first Diwali event . We invited Philip Flogel , who was the Superintendent of the Hills Area at the time , and he was really impressed by our celebration and getting people together .
“ He mentioned there was quite a big issue of domestic abuse in the Indian community and asked if we could run a seminar on it . We organised one and it was really well received , people felt they could open up in confidence . This was the beginning of us doing more than just holding celebrations for the community .” Since the first seminar they have grown in size and in what they offer . They still hold their special events for festivals and holy days , but now offer things where people can learn more about their community , health , business and services which are available locally .
Like all community organisations , they had to take a step back during COVID and Shubha told me this was when she and the rest of the committee came up with the idea of Snack and Chat .
“ We couldn ’ t do the monthly events during lockdown but could do something else . Because of the restrictions of being indoors , we held Snack and Chats in a local park , everyone could come to listen to guest speakers , enjoy some food and chat in a friendly and safe environment .
“ Although we launched it in COVID , it was a success and we have continued to offer it for free at Castle Grand in the Rebellion Room .”
They also help small businesses and service providers to get their name out to the community by helping them set up events , which they invite their members and supporters to . As Shubha pointed out , they are very good at hosting these , and by helping other businesses or community groups , it helps everyone in the community connect .
In August last year , they held the India Club Science , Culture and Technology event for local children aged from four years old to high school to go to with their parents . The kids got to take part in experiments , do science projects , were entertained with dance and drama performances and , of course , enjoy delicious food .
Shubha told me that they will be holding the event again this year , but as they are still finalising the details , it is best
President Shubha Kumar and her husband Chairman Dr Aksheya Kumar . Photo : Harmohan Walia .
to check their Facebook group to confirm the date , time and venue .
If you are interested in going to a Snack and Chat event , they are detailed on the Facebook group which is www . facebook . com / IndiaClubAustralia or you can visit their website at www . indiaclub . com . au for more information .
THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 96 // JUNE 2023 9