Prayagraj/ Melbourne, 10 June (HS): The World Peace &

Bharat Gaurav Awards Ceremony 2026, which highlighted India's cultural history,

India-Australia friendship, and the message of world peace, was aired live on

the global platform from the Queen's Hall of Australia's historic Victoria

Parliament. The event held at Queen's Hall, Parliament of Victoria, Melbourne

Australia carries exceptional significance considering the worldwide relevance

of the topic, the global achievements of the Indian community and India's

cultural prominence.

Here are excerpts from Rakesh Kumar Shukla, Cultural

Ambassador of India and Special Guest of the Felicitation Ceremony: “Greetings,

salutations, and congratulations to all members of Parliament, distinguished

guests, and respected dignitaries from India, Australia, and around the world,

as well as all talents being recognized today. Today, I am here not just as an

Indian, but also as a representative of an old culture. While the world faces

issues such as violence, instability, and division, India remains committed to the

idea of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,' which sees mankind as one family. With this

spirit, I greet you all from the stage of the ancient Queen's Hall. India has

always tried to empower itself while also caring about the the well-being of the

globe.”

“Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah Sarve Santu Niramayaah. Survey

Bhadrani Pashyantu Ma Kashchidduhkhabhagbhavet (May all be happy, may all be

free from illness. May all see what is auspicious, may no one suffer). There is

only one remedy for the world's ills: India's vision and ideology, Vasudhaiva

Kutumbakam. The globe must ponder on this today. It gives me great joy that we

are assembled here in a place that has seen Australia's proud democratic

history. The Victoria Parliament is more than simply a great stone and pillar

structure; it is a living symbol of democracy, discussion, tolerance, and

public service. This edifice served as the seat of the Australian Federal

Parliament from 1901 to 1927. Today, the recognition of Indian-origin geniuses

at the same historic place demonstrates that there is no limit to greatness and

that talent is the inheritance of humanity as a whole, not just one region,” he

opined.

“India and Australia are two continents apart, but our

fundamental principles are inextricably linked. Democracy, good government,

education, creativity, entrepreneurship, and respect for human dignity are the

common threads that tie us together. India is now one of the world's

fastest-growing major economies, while Australia is regarded as one of the most

stable and affluent democracies. The two nations are working together to write

a new chapter of Indo-Pacific peace, stability, and shared prosperity. The

Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) has breathed fresh life

into our commercial relations. Trade, education, technology, health, energy,

and innovation collaboration is expanding at an unprecedented rate. This is

more than simply an economic collaboration; it is also a trusting alliance with

a shared future,” said Rakesh Kumar Shukla.

“The presence of the Indian community in Melbourne today is

the strongest expression of this relationship. Thousands of doctors,

scientists, teachers, engineers, entrepreneurs and public representatives of

Indian origin are continuously contributing to Australia's progress. That is

why the Indian community is called a “Living Bridge” between India and

Australia. Today, Australia is facing challenges such as housing, energy

transition, climate change and global security, while India is also moving

towards sustainable development, green energy, digital transformation and

inclusive growth. Amidst these shared challenges and opportunities, India and

Australia are going to be not just partners but co-creators of the future,” he

remarked.

“And if I may speak of Melbourne, it is not just a city, but

an idea. This city has been recognised as the City of Literature by

UNESCO. If Sydney is the face of Australia, Melbourne is undoubtedly its soul.

It is a city where history and modernity coexist; where diversity is not a

divide but a source of strength; where the world's cultures meet and the future

is shaped. Today, the Bharat Gaurav Awards honour those personalities who have

brought glory to India on the world stage through their exceptional talent, knowledge,

service and leadership in various fields across different countries of the

world. All of you respected personalities remind us that success is not just a

personal achievement; it is also a responsibility to society, nation and

humanity. Finally, I would like to share a thought with you… “The true strength

of civilizations lies not in their armies or wealth, but in the people who

illuminate the path of humanity with their knowledge, character and service,”

he stated.

“Today, every person honoured in this historic Parliament

House is a living carrier illuminating the path of that humanity. The honouring

of Indian talent on the same historic platform of Parliament House, which

shaped Australia's democratic history, is a proud testimony to India-Australia

friendship and the global achievements of the Indian community. I once again extend my heartiest congratulations to all of

you respected people on behalf of Sanskruti Sanstha. Let us together build a

future where India and Australia are not just friendly nations, but global

partners in knowledge, innovation, peace and human welfare, giving a new

direction to the world… “Swami Vivekananda said – 'We believe not only in

universal tolerance, but we accept all religions as true. This is the soul of

India, and this is the foundation of world peace. India and Australia – two

democracies, a shared vision, and a bright global future,” he claimed prior to

signing off.

Dignatries who grace the global event with their august

presence include: Steve Dimopoulos, Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs -

Minister for Sport Major, Meng Heng Tak Legislative Assembly Australian Labour

Party, Vivienne (Viv) Nguyen AM, Chairperson Diplomat Australia, Kaushalya

Vaghela first Member of the Indian Parliament, Pradeep Tiwari first Indian

councillor and mayor Maribyrnong, Dr. Ratan Virk, Member of Parliament from

Sydney. Dr. Maheshpuri ji welcomed all the guests by reciting Hanuman Chalisa. Suresh

Mishraji introduced all the Bharat Gaurav Awardees from across the world. The program was formally conducted by Saumya Mishra.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi