MELBOURNE, 31 May 2023: Three elected members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana were hugely impressed by various aspects of Melbourne, during a tour this month, spending time visiting businesses, the Victorian Parliament, feeling the state’s agriculture industry and meeting the Indian Diaspora. Their visit supported by India’s Raj Dharma Foundation and Australia’s SAP Global, was a big success as it showcased Victoria and Melbourne’s economic development and the democratic ethos. SAP Global’s endeavour was to facilitate business and trade between Australia and India, because of the new opportunities that have emerged as a consequence of the free trade agreement between the two countries.
The delegation consisted of Mr. Satish Poonia, BJP MLA (Amber, Rajasthan), Mr.Pravin Mali, BJP MLA (Deesa, Gujarat) and Mr. Indu Raj Narwal, Congress MLA (Baroda, Haryana) and businessmen Mr. Sitaram Poswal (PG Foundation) and Mr. Ramesh Patidar (Sun Middle East). Talking to South Asia Times (SAT), Mr. Satish Poonia said there is so much to learn from Victoria and Melbourne.
Mr. Pravin Mali, talking to South Asia Times (SAT) said the free trade agreement between India and Australia was path breaking and will enhance trade and business between the two countries. He was impressed by his visit to the Victorian Parliament and says one needs to understand and implement the democratic ambience so much visible here. He was particularly impressed by Melbourne being a well-planned city.
Earlier, the guests visited the Agro Foods, an agro food possessing unit in Truganina run by Jigar Kotecha , the BAPS Temple in Mill Park, MCG, the Indian Consulate and the Australian Parliament. At the Indian Consulate the guests met the Indian Consul General Dr. Sushil Kumar and discussed possible business opportunities here. Mr. Girish Kavia, Head of Chancery & Consul (Com. & Pol.), Indian Consulate also joined them.
In a Tweet, Mr. Punia said, “Visited the Parliament of Victoria with delegation and interacted with fellow lawmakers Iwan Walters, Mathew Guy, Ann Marie Hermans, Brad Battin, Trung Luu, Evan Mulholland, Intaj Khan, shared ideas on Tourism, Education, water conversation and developing sister cities between India and Australia. It was heartening to see the warmth and respect MP’s here had for the Indian PM.”
A nostalgic meet-greet reception with the Indian Diaspora, and the Australian-Indian Community Centre, Rowville, was a big highlight of the visit.
‘The reception kicked off with the guests and others first paying their respects to Mahatma Gandhi at his statue at the entry of the centre. Speeches were given by Mr. Satish Poonia, Mr. Pravin Mali, Mr. Indu Raj Narwal, Dr. Santosh Yadav, Mr. Rahul Singh, Mr. Manish Saluja, among others and Mr. Subash Sharma was the MC of the day.
Labor leader Mr. Lee Tarlamis MP and Liberal leader Mr. Jason Wood MP also addressed the august gathering. The two leaders and prominent community leaders of the Indian community and the guests were entertained with a lively Indian cultural program.
