First Indian community centre opens its doors in Victoria
The Indian community in Victoria has some good news to celebrate. They will now have access to a multipurpose community hub in Victoria, home to many Indian migrants.
One of the Australia India Community Charitable Trust (AICCT) trustees, Mr Karan Gandhok, stated that this step is a ‘milestone moment’ for the Indian community. “We have seen the dream in 2012, and today after decades and lots of efforts from the trustees and the help of the federal govt., this dream, and that desire has been fulfilled. Now we have a physical place we may call home,” he further added that with the increased number of Indian migrants calling Victoria their home, a strong need was felt to have a focal point for the Indian community to make them feel vital and respected.
These multipurpose halls are being built at the Sri Shiva Visnu Temple, which is among Australia’s biggest Hindu temples. Funding for this community centre is part of the budget commitment from the Andrew government to give twenty-one million dollars for making upgrades to multicultural neighbourhood facilities.
According to the Hindu Society of Victoria’s Secretary Mr Ratnam Kandasamy, nearly 150,000 to 200,000 devotees visit the temple each year.
