MELBOURNE, 23 March, 2025: Together, arts and literature reflect human culture, emotions, and ideas across different time periods and societies.
The relationship between art and literature in a diaspora community is deeply intertwined, as both serve as powerful tools for expressing identity, preserving heritage, and navigating the experience of displacement.
This applies to Australia – the land of migrants. A potpourri of arts and literature emerged since then and in the South Asian community after the lifting of the White Australia policy, when Asian migration was given green signal by the Whitlam government.
A house full of people from Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Nepal, and many others, assembled at the Australia Indian Community Centre, under the banner of the ‘Australia South Asia Society’ (ASAS), for a day called the ‘South Asia Arts & Literature Festival’ encompassing paintings, talks, book launches, book introductions, and networking for preserving identity, expressing the struggles of displacement, and fostering a sense of belonging in a foreign land.
There was no dearth of books, subjects, opinions, remembrances, and reflections of struggles challenging stereotypes, addressing discrimination, and advocating justice.
Some of the paintings and photographs subjects reflected the Diaspora’s embeddedness in Australia. While others reflected the shadows of the past homeland and its culture, exploring the emotional and psychological effects of migration.
The migrants now in a global melting pot, reflect the mix of old and new. The books released and introduced took the themes of faith, revolt, struggle, cultural shock, social issues, and political concerns.
The dances (Indian and Srilankan) by Dr. Chris Mallika Bhadra and Namlee Perera in between spiced up the literary ethos, an apt moment for the emerging renaissance.
Dr Chris Mallika Bhadra is a professionally trained Indian Contemporary dancer and the founder of Ananda Dance Group – a group that specialises in fusion performances between Indian Contemporary and other semi-classical Indian dance forms.
This semi-classical performance was dedicated to portraying the worship that we offer via our arts – be it music or dance. Our ultimate faith in our artform is our worship to the skill that we own
After the lighting of the traditional lamp by Eden Foster MP, Vasan Srinivasan, Bandhu, Ruchi Sharma, Ranjan Srivastava, Ibrahim Md., Dr. Kaushal Srivastava, among others, addressing the gathering Dr. Noel Nadesan, author, and President of the ASAS, said, ” In this festival we are showcasing the people using their temporal lobe to express their emotions in literary and art forms. As you all know, writers and artists were and are the pioneers of human civilization, as Greek philosophers, Easterners from the Epic of Mahabharata, Ramayana, Thirukural and the Chinese philosopher Confucius. I will not go any further except welcome all of you to this event. ”
In her speech Eden Foster MP (Mulgrave) said, ” Art and culture are the lifeline of any culture, they are the mediums through which we express our emotions, tell our stories, and connect to each other, they are the lifeline of any culture, they are the medium through which we cross boundaries and foster … in a world increasingly interconnected…”
In his address, Lee Tarlamis Legislative Council Member (South-Eastern Metropolitan) said, ” In Victoria’s diversity we have so many things in common, we have so much to learn from diverse communities, we need to retain our respective culture’s for future generations, and the diverse identities can grow…”
In his powerful speech, Dr Pradeep Taneja, University of Melbourne, said, “By being able to write freely in their native language in a foreign land, writers seek to maintain connection with their homeland, often in the face of adversity; and also resist the pressure to assimilate in their adopted home and lose their identity; it does not mean they do not want to integrate in their adopted society, they just do not want to lose their own identity.”
Lionel Bopage, who is the famous former General Secretary of the leftist JVP in the 70s, and took part in the uprisings for a new Sri Lanka, gave a presentation – Diaspora Literature and Cultural Barriers. The book – The Lionel Bopage Story, by Michael Clin Cooke, was displayed at the festival’s books exhibition.
” Digital platforms and self-publishing offer opportunities for Asian authors to connect with global audiences, contributing to a diverse literary landscape. This shift reflects greater cultural exchange and inclusivity. Readers are drawn to narratives reflecting global complexity, making Asian literature a dynamic force in the literary canon. Stories from Asia enrich our understanding and challenge the boundaries of literature,” Lionel Bopage said.
Neeraj Nanda, Patron ASAS & Editor South Asia Times (SAT), addressing the gathering said, “This festival was started for the South Asian people, and the main aim is to show that we are not just doing light things, but also do serious things.”
Seleha Singh (Writer-Contributor) introduced the book – She Connects and Australian-Indian author and film-maker Nandita Chakraborty introduced her book Dirty Little Secrets.
Seleha is the Publications Lead at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and founder of Chai, Chat & Community, a video podcast. She serves on the boards of IndianCare Inc. and the Multicultural Women’s Alliance Against Family Violence.
As a member and editor of the SHE Writers Group, Seleha contributes to the SHE books that highlight women’s resilience.
Nandita says I am, “The Accidental Writer because I survived a traumatic rock climbing injury which lead to my permanent cognitive impairment. I have written two successfully published novellas, Meera Rising (2017) and Rosemary’s Retribution (2018).
The book she introduced at the festival, Dirty Little Secrets, a Memoir, tells the tale of her falling, standing up, and what she is now in a new life.
The seven presentations in the Sri Lankan section were: Odyssey of War reviewed by Associate Prof. Sanjeeva Wijesinha, Asura Bhumiya reviewed by Dinesha Dilrukshi. Wijesuriya, Nimmathyai Thedi reviewed L Murugapoopathy, Karaiyil Mothum Ninaivugal reviewed by Chisty Nallaratnan, Anaadai reviewed by Prof. Nirishini Gunesekara, Sumudu Chthurani introduced his new book, and Razana Gafoor recited poetry.
Those who displayed their paintings were: Nazeer Mohammed, Asha, Saman , and photographer Vimal Aravinthan.
Dr. Kaushal Srivastava gave the vote of thanks, appreciating the presence of so many attendees from the South Asian communities.
The ASAS team – Neeraj Nanda, Patron, Noel Nadesan, President, Siddharth Maitrak, Secretary, Sunder, among others and volunteers need to be commended for the success of the festival.
The Festival of Arts and Literature was a vibrant celebration of creativity, bringing together literary enthusiasts and artists in a shared appreciation for Diaspora storytelling and expression. With engaging discussions, captivating performances, and enthusiastic participation, the event left a lasting impression on all who attended. As one looks forward to future editions, it’s clear that this festival will continue to be a vital platform for artistic and literary voices to thrive.
- To be updated soon.
