Last week, two Australians of Indian origin were honoured by the New South Wales government at the 2019 Premier’s Harmony Dinner for promoting social cohesion.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian presented the Stepan Kerkyasharian AO Individual Medal to Dr Chandrika Subramaniyan and the Business Excellence Medal to Sudhir Warrier in Sydney.
Dr Subramaniyan is a lawyer and anti-domestic violence advocate. She worked as journalist in India before migrating to Australia.
Mr Warrier is the executive chairman and owner of a Sydney-based tourism and leisure group.
The Stepan Kerkyasharian AO Individual Medal recognises the contribution and achievement of an individual in facilitating and promoting social cohesion, understanding and acceptance between members of different cultural or faith communities in New South Wales.
Speaking at the felicitation ceremony, NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Ray Williams said: “Chandrika is an outstanding advocate for refugees and newly arrived migrants. In particular, she provides invaluable legal advice to women,” and “Sudhir is a shining example of excellence in business and has dedicated himself to creating employment and training opportunities for new migrants.”
Acknowledging the role of the Indian community in Australia, Mr Williams said the Australian Indian community contributed significantly to NSW.
“There are more than 210,000 people in NSW with Indian ancestry, an increase of more than 50 per cent since 2011,” said Mr Williams, while adding: “people like Chandrika and Sudhir strengthen our harmonious multicultural community and set an example for every member of our society to strive towards.”
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