The Rotary Club of Perth, established in 1927 and Western Australia’s oldest Rotary club, hosted its annual Diwali luncheon on October 17, 2025, marking nearly a century of service.

The event began with a welcome from immediate former President of Rotary, Manu Gupta, who hosted the event with his family on behalf of President Jill Dawson. Gupta welcomed everyone, noting that Diwali is a time of light, reflection, and togetherness, values that align with the spirit of Rotary. “It celebrates the triumph of life over darkness and good over evil,” he added, “something we strive for in our service every day.”

Gupta then welcomed the keynote speaker, Consul General (CG) of India to Western Australia (WA) and the Northern Territory, Kajari Biswas, along with Head of Chancery, Consul Naresh Kumar, and Rotary Youth Exchange WA inbound student Elliot from Belgium. Guests were also warmly acknowledged, including Melita Markey, CEO of the Asbestos Disease Society of Australia, introduced by Suzanne John; Minesh Briglal from Westpac, guest of Larry Hirsch; Sujatha Sampath, guest of Kathleen Kusinski, Founding Partner and Director at MKDC; and Rob, guest of Sruti Simon, CFO of Avid Sports.

In her keynote address CG Biswas, praised the Rotary Club of Perth and highlighted growing WA–India ties. Notably, she pointed out that “India is one of the fastest-growing bases for Rotarians worldwide,” emphasizing the potential of the India–Australia partnership in both business and community service.

About Economic and Trade Links, Biswas highlighted the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement as a milestone for bilateral trade. She discussed WA’s potential in minerals, renewable energy, and education, and mentioned the Barry Marshall Research Institute in Hyderabad, which focuses on infectious diseases such as Helicobacter pylori.

Touching upon Education and Innovation, the Consul General noted the growing number of Indian students in WA universities, with the University of Western Australia now recognized by India’s University Grants Commission. The WA Certificate of Education is expanding in India, and increasing numbers of Indian IT professionals are contributing across WA industries.

Delving on Defense and Strategic Ties, she highlighted strong military connections and trust-building exercises between India and Australia, including the Indian Army Sailing Vessel Triveni’s visit to Perth as part of its circumnavigation expedition. Biswas also spoke about collaboration on critical minerals essential for clean energy.

She mentioned India–Australia partnerships in space exploration, including satellite launches and collaborations with Skyroot Aerospace. Biswas praised Rotary’s support for causes such as the Salvation Army and the upcoming World Polio Dinner and acknowledged the vibrant Indian diaspora in WA for its contributions to community engagement and policy feedback.

Taking the stage, Harsha Gupta reflected on the spiritual significance of Diwali as a time to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness and to look inward. She encouraged members to focus on personal growth, casting away what no longer serves them, and striving each day “to become better individuals.” She noted that the small steps Rotarians take through “volunteering, donating, raising funds, and supporting their community” ultimately create a larger impact in the world.

Following her reflections, the Rotary Club celebrated members’ milestones, including Martin Graham’s five years in Rotary, and enjoyed light-hearted anecdotes and Rotary fines.

An Acknowledgment of Country recognized the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation as traditional custodians of the land. A toast to Australia honored those who helped build and protect the nation, followed by the Rotary Grace, giving thanks for “health, prosperity, fellowship, and this food” and encouraging Rotarians to “spread compassion, respect, and purpose.”

Audience Reflections and Dialogue

The Q&A session that followed the keynote turned into an engaging exchange of ideas, with members offering thoughtful reflections and questions that underscored the depth of India–Australia connections.

One member noted the shared challenges of military enlistment and retention, expressing curiosity about how India manages interest and continuity in its large defense forces, a point that prompted discussion on national service and civic engagement.

Another Rotarian, Suzanne John, highlighted the strength of India’s youth and education, noting, “Of 140 student awards presented by the McCusker Foundation, 52 were received by students of Indian origin, a testament to the community’s commitment to academic excellence.”

The conversation also turned to the Indian diaspora’s growing global influence, with Martin Graham wondering how India’s vast overseas community might shape the next two decades of “global innovation, cooperation, and understanding.”

Kathleen Kusinski highlighted that the Indian professionals at MKDC bring strong technical skills, communication abilities, and a commitment to excellence, noting that “English as a shared language makes the integration seamless,” and “it’s a privilege to work with people who contribute so much to our teams and to Australia’s workplaces.” 

Adding a personal note, Biswas reflected that she had come to Australia thinking it was all about “cricket and the Great Barrier Reef,” but was moved by the nation’s “community spirit” and the way Australians come together to give back. She added, “I am completely humbled by what community participation means here.” Her words captured the essence of “Australian mateship.”

Rounding out the formal proceedings, President Jill Dawson spoke about the club’s diverse membership, which brings together leaders from across Western Australia’s businesses and organizations, all committed to making a difference. She highlighted the club’s support for major fundraising events such as Vienna Popsand Passages Race Day, its contributions to global initiatives like polio eradication and ShelterBoxes, and its local engagement through youth programs, Path of Hope, and projects providing sanitation and clean water in Cambodia. 

Noting the club’s proud history, including its role in establishing the UWA Medical School and the Cord Blood Bank, she thanked all assembled and reflected that the spirit of Diwali with its message of unity, generosity and hope beautifully mirrors Rotary’s mission in action.

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