Bhartiya Samaj, founded in Queensland in June 2022, is a non-profit, non-political, and non-religious charity focused on creating a more inclusive Australia. By empowering individuals with knowledge, building confident identities, and encouraging interactions with the broader community, Bhartiya Samaj aims to promote unity in diversity among migrants.
A legacy of support and inclusion
Since its founding in 1995, the Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust has been a vital source of support for the South Asian community in New Zealand. Established by Jeet Suchdev QSM JP and Roopa Suchdev QSM, the organization has consistently worked with diverse communities, providing support and solutions irrespective of language, religion, location, or social standing. This commitment to inclusion continues with the Brisbane chapter, which upholds the original trust’s values while extending its support to Queensland’s migrant community.
Empowering migrants in Brisbane
Bhartiya Samaj’s Brisbane chapter helps migrants settle and integrate through three main strategies. The first is information dissemination, ensuring migrants have the necessary information to navigate their new environment and access essential resources. The second strategy focuses on building inclusive communities by organizing events and activities that unite people from various cultural backgrounds, fostering a sense of community and belonging. The third approach involves collaborative ventures with other community groups to conduct joint events, which enhance the sense of belonging among migrants and encourage cultural exchange.
Promoting positive change
Bhartiya Samaj is committed to effecting positive change in the lives of Australia’s diverse South Asian communities. The organization empowers individuals to become strong, confident, and in control of their lives, thereby enriching lives and expanding opportunities for people to reach their full potential. This commitment is evident in the wide range of events and activities Bhartiya Samaj organizes.
Engaging with the community
Bhartiya Samaj representatives actively participate in community events to foster connections and promote cultural awareness. For example, they attended the Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland’s International Women’s Day – Chai event, where they met significant figures like Charis Mullen and Rena Fallon from the Department of Home Affairs. These engagements help bridge the gap between the migrant community and the broader society.
Health and wellbeing initiatives
On March 3, Bhartiya Samaj organized a Health and Wellbeing event for seniors, demonstrating their commitment to the holistic wellbeing of the community. These initiatives provide essential support and resources, contributing to the overall health and happiness of migrants.
Celebrating cultural diversity
Bhartiya Samaj’s involvement in events like the T20 Harmony Shield and Australia-India Day celebrations highlights their dedication to promoting cultural diversity. These events bring together people from various backgrounds, fostering mutual respect and understanding.
The Empowering Migrants Expo
A notable upcoming event organized by Bhartiya Samaj is the inaugural Empowering Migrants Expo, set for August 4 at Brisbane City Hall. This large-scale event will feature over 30 indigenous and ethnic cultures showcasing their heritage through art, music, dance, handicrafts, and more. The Expo will include educational pop-ups, cultural dance performances, and migrants’ achievement awards, celebrating the contributions of diverse communities to Queensland.
Event highlights
The Expo will feature educational pop-ups providing interactive exhibits that offer insights into the traditions and histories of various cultures, promoting cultural awareness and understanding. Cultural dance performances will showcase traditional dances from around the world, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the participating communities. The Migrants’ Achievement Awards will recognize the significant contributions of migrants to Queensland’s social and economic development.
Aims and objectives
The Empowering Migrants Expo aims to recognize and celebrate the contributions of migrants, refugees, and ethnic communities to Queensland. It seeks to organize a prestigious event that builds inclusive communities and showcases the rich culture, heritage, art, music, and dance of diverse groups. The Expo also aims to address isolation, inequality, and economic challenges faced by ethnic and indigenous communities, support community wellbeing inclusively, improve opportunities for artists and groups from these backgrounds, and promote awareness of their rich cultures and traditions.
Bhartiya Samaj’s commitment to supporting migrant wellbeing and integration is evident through their numerous initiatives and events. By fostering inclusivity, promoting cultural awareness, and providing essential resources, Bhartiya Samaj significantly impacts the lives of migrants in Queensland. Their dedicated efforts help build a more inclusive and harmonious society, celebrating the rich diversity that defines Australia.
