MELBOURNE, 3 May, 2026: True multicultural believers from different South Asian communities including Indian, Sri Lankan, Nepalese and others assembled today evening at the Oakleigh Hall, for a literary, arts, cultural, books display, and an engaging panel discussion on the current situation and its effect on diverse communities. The cultural ambience was immense as Indian and Sri Lankan dances entertained the gathering and people kept on joining the program coming from far away suburbs.
Guests Meng Heang Tak MP (Clarinda), Gary Mass MP (Narre Warren) and Monash Mayor Stuart James addressed the gathering detailing the strength of Victoria’s multicultural ethos and the role played by the ASAS to strengthen it.
A cheque of $5,000 was presented to the Sri Lankan Consul, Mrs. Pradeepa Saram, collected by the ASAS for the Sri Lanka flood relief efforts. This was in addition to the $ 8,000 given for the same cause. So, a total of $ 13,000 collected from the community and donated for Sri Lanka flood relief effort.
Before that ASAS President Dr. Noel Nadesan welcomed the guests and all those present. He was pleased with the hard efforts that brought the multicultural evening a reality. Dr Noel was appreciative of dance participants and painters displaying paintings being at the function on a Sunday.
The highlight of the evening was the panel discussion moderated by MC Dr.Chris Mallika Bhadra, with Dr. Pradeep Taneja, University of Melbourne, Tanvi Mor, social activist, and Dr. Raju Adhakari, CSIRO and Nepalese community leader, the topic being – Multicultural Communities, Social Cohesion in the Current World Situation’.
The panel discussion focused on empathy, resilience, and shared humanity as foundations for stronger, more inclusive communities. Panelists emphasized that real understanding comes from actively listening to perspectives different from our own, and from learning through lived experiences and challenges.When discussing social cohesion in multicultural settings, the panel noted that it requires deliberate effort. Trust and inclusion grow when there is mutual understanding between communities themselves and with government. Policies shaped by genuine engagement and cultural awareness are more effective at supporting long-term resilience.
On personal moments of humanity, Prof Taneja recalled how humanity emerged during his family’s experience of the 1947 India-Pakistan Partition. Ms Mor spoke of a family that remembered her for years after she helped them through homelessness. Dr Adhikari highlighted the importance of migrant diaspora integrating into the wider community.In closing, the panel reflected on hope during war and conflict.
They agreed that compassion, solidarity, and collective care sustain hope even in dark times. By choosing empathy over division and recognizing shared humanity beyond borders or politics, dignity can be preserved amid suffering and uncertainty.
Prof. Sanjiva Wijesinha, writer/academic’s lecture based on his book –
The program wrapped up with networking, tea, coffee, and sandwiches. The efforts of the ASAS committee including Secretary Siddarth Maitrak (in-charge for the event) for organising the event was welcomed and appreciated. MC Dr.Chris Mallika Bhadra’s excellent handling of the stage and the panel discussion was praised by the ASAS committee and those present.
