About Us
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (Bhavan)
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Australia was setup in Sydney in August 2003. Bhavan Australia is a chapter of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan which has worldwide presence.
The president of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Australia Charter is Mr. Gambhir Watts.
As one of the largest NGO’s in the world, the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, literally meaning the House of Indian Knowledge/Wisdom, (The Bhavan) has over 180 centres in India. The Sydney Centre is its first in Australia. The other overseas centres are in the UK, USA, Canada, Portugal, Mexico and South Africa and Singapore. The Bhavan has its headquarters in Mumbai, India.
Since its launch on 30 August 2003 Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Australia (Bhavan Australia) has undertaken a large number of activities related to Indian culture and promoting multiculturalism in Australia. Many governments and local councils in Australia consider Bhavan Australia an ambassador of the Indian culture in Australia and approach us for showcase Indian culture in their multicultural festivals and events.
The major annual events are
Holi Mahotsav in Darling Harbour – We used to celebrate in first weekend (over two days) of March / April every year. With around 400 artists and performers from India and other parts of the world, Indian traditional dances, music, as well as multicultural groups. The festival was free for everyone and took place in the city centre, Darling Harbour, Sydney. Supported by Australian Government: Department of Citizenship and Immigration, City of Sydney, CRC for multicultural NSW, Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority and Indian Tourism. Unfortunately the festival has been withdrawn. Holi Mahotsav website
The International Day of Nonviolence – the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi- Commemorating the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on 2 October every year which has been declared by the United Nations as the International Day of Nonviolence from 2007
Interfaith prayer meeting every year on 30 January at the Parliament House, Sydney. New dates TBC
Runs the essay competition “The Relevance of Mahatma Gandhi philosophies today in the context of: social responsibility, or world peace, or environment”. main prizes: return ticket to India. The competition is open for all University Australian students and the judges are the professors from major Australian Universities. New dates TBC
Cricket Masala- A Combination of Cricket & Culture amongst the South Asian communities was introduced in April 2006. This event has now expanded and there are 12 teams from 12 different heritages (over two days) and Cricket NSW and Cricket Australia have joined in as partners. This event is supported by Bankstown City Council.This event is discontinued for the time being. New dates TBC.
Small Business & Cultural Awards introduced in 2007 to be held in May every Year. Supported by Commonwealth Bank. This event is discontinued for the time being. New dates TBC.
Bhavan Australia our monthly magazine is highly respected by various government and non-government organizations. It is the best magazine published by non-Anglo communities in Australia. It reaches out to a wide variety of important persons in Australia, Federal and State MP, Consuls General and High Commissioners of all the major countries in Australia, mayors of all the councils of NSW and public libraries in NSW and other community leaders and important persons.
Bhavan’s Weekly -eNews from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Australia are published since August 2008.
Both these publications are available for free download from our website: www.bhavanaustralia.org.
Patrons
- Her Excellency Mrs Sujatha Singh
- His Excellency Prahat Shukla
- His Excellency Rajendra Singh Rathore
- High Commissioner of India in Australia
- Former High Commissioner of India in Australia
- High Commissioner of India in Australia
Honorary Life Patron
- His Excellency M. Ganapathi
- Former Consul General of India in Australia and a Founder of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Australia
