Winners 2022
Harjas Singh is the 8th youngest teenager, at 16, to score a hundred in Sydney’s (First) Premier Grade Cricket Competition, for Blacktown. In Cricket coach Neil D’Costa’s words, “This boy is special. He is capable of playing Test cricket for Australia.” Neil has been the coach of Michael Clarke, Phil Hughes, and Marnus Labuschagne.
Performing with distinction
- He was the leading run score for Blacktown 1st grade.
- He played recent under-18s national tournament even though he is 2 years younger.
- He was selected in the Australian under 19 team of the tournament
- He was selected in the under 19 NSW academy squad (which he has been a part of since he was under 13)
Vansh Sharma has been awarded the ‘youngest published poet in Australia’ by the Australian Book of Records. His first poetry book ‘Life and a glass of milk’ was published in 2019 at the age of 13 and his second poetry book was published in 2021 at the age of 15.
He is passionate in writing poetry by imbibing experiences from the life around him.
Vansh has been interviewed by SBS Hindi radio and an article was published on him by SBS. He was also interviewed by Alive 90.5 FM and India link radio. He has also been featured in the top 100 ebooks on Amazon. He has received 4-5 stars on Amazon. His books are available on several online platforms for purchase internationally – including Amazon, Booktopia, Book depository, eBay, and many other online sites.
Vansh Sharma has been awarded the ‘youngest published poet in Australia’ by the Australian Book of Records. His first poetry book ‘Life and a glass of milk’ was published in 2019 at the age of 13 and his second poetry book was published in 2021 at the age of 15.
He is passionate in writing poetry by imbibing experiences from the life around him.
Vansh has been interviewed by SBS Hindi radio and an article was published on him by SBS. He was also interviewed by Alive 90.5 FM and India link radio. He has also been featured in the top 100 ebooks on Amazon. He has received 4-5 stars on Amazon. His books are available on several online platforms for purchase internationally – including Amazon, Booktopia, Book depository, eBay, and many other online sites.
Sashi Cheliah won MasterChef in 2018 with his methodical approach and delicious, spice-laden Indian and Malaysian food. He presented himself as a person who was calm under pressure. always smiling and never lost his cool. He was the winner of the Masterchef Australia with highest ever point score of 93/100.
Since then, he has opened restaurants in Melbourne Adelaide, Sydney, and now Chennai. He also cooks unique blend of food between Australian and Indian fusion. The Indian diaspora in Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia is proud of Sashi’s achievement.
Aayush Sharma came up with the brand Inoa in 2013 and took his designs & prints to the international market. His design collection is currently stocked in major outlets like Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, The Chedi, and many more luxury fashion and department stores. With presence in over 17 countries his designs are now ready to hit Bollywood. Starting from styling Vidya Balan for her movie Sherni where Aayush came up with the print & design based on the movie. Many more Bollywood projects are lined up for upcoming movies & OTT shows, Bollywood housewives season 2 is what he finished working on.
His designs have taken over the ramps with a storm in London & Paris Fashion week.
Designing prints are his passion and hobby where he translates his day-to-day life, social messages, and travel inspirations into his design masterpiece.
Aayush Sharma came up with the brand Inoa in 2013 and took his designs & prints to the international market. His design collection is currently stocked in major outlets like Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, The Chedi, and many more luxury fashion and department stores. With presence in over 17 countries his designs are now ready to hit Bollywood. Starting from styling Vidya Balan for her movie Sherni where Aayush came up with the print & design based on the movie. Many more Bollywood projects are lined up for upcoming movies & OTT shows, Bollywood housewives season 2 is what he finished working on.
His designs have taken over the ramps with a storm in London & Paris Fashion week.
Designing prints are his passion and hobby where he translates his day-to-day life, social messages, and travel inspirations into his design masterpiece.
Navonkar Singh The Sydney-based truck driver has shown exemplary bravery at the McDougalls Hill Caltex service station on 6 December 2019.
When the cabin of his truck caught fire while fuelling, Navonkar Singh quickly drove his truck away from the gas station. With smoke filling the cabin, he drove approximately 20 meters away from the fuel tanks until he was forced to exit. He has received Commendation for Brave Conduct – an award conferred for an act of bravery that is worthy of recognition and is the fourth highest Australian Bravery Decoration. Gentle and unassuming to a fault, Navonkar Singh is a true example of courage and humility.
Aditi Mamtani has and trying to change the landscape of formulations/finished products in Australia in 6 different industries (personal care, pharma, pet care, home care) with Arete labs. Aditi has created Arete Labs, the first independent research and development lab in Australia.
Through Arete Labs, Aditi is trying to bring innovation and creativity in the field of chemistry and science. Aditi has been awarded Boosting Female Founders Initiative Grant by the government to expand her Research and Development facility. Arete Labs under Aditi’s leadership has upscaled and commercialised 330+ successful products for start-ups to SMEs to MNC.
In conjunction to creating jobs, under Aditi’s leadership, Arete Labs has helped manufacturing partners save over $1.5 million and give back to the planet by suggesting alternatives to plastic.
Aditi is a great leader, innovator, and entrepreneur who needs to be celebrated.
Aditi Mamtani has and trying to change the landscape of formulations/finished products in Australia in 6 different industries (personal care, pharma, pet care, home care) with Arete labs. Aditi has created Arete Labs, the first independent research and development lab in Australia.
Through Arete Labs, Aditi is trying to bring innovation and creativity in the field of chemistry and science. Aditi has been awarded Boosting Female Founders Initiative Grant by the government to expand her Research and Development facility. Arete Labs under Aditi’s leadership has upscaled and commercialised 330+ successful products for start-ups to SMEs to MNC.
In conjunction to creating jobs, under Aditi’s leadership, Arete Labs has helped manufacturing partners save over $1.5 million and give back to the planet by suggesting alternatives to plastic.
Aditi is a great leader, innovator, and entrepreneur who needs to be celebrated.
Janaki Easwar is a 12 year old singer songwriter of Indian Origin who created TV history by becoming the youngest ever to go on ‘The Voice’ Australia and the first person of Indian origin to do so, opening doors to thousands of young and aspiring artists to dream big and work towards achieving their goals. Janaki has also released her debut single ‘Clown’ during the lockdown with profound lyrics on mental health. She is working on releasing other songs that she wrote and composed. We will be seeing and hearing a lot more if this talented young girl.
Harinder Kaur Let’s get to know Harinder Kaur Ji in her own words:
“I migrated to Australia with my husband of 36 years, Er Maninder Singh, and two beautiful sons Harman Preet Singh and Manu Preet Singh. Our daughter, Nikki Harnoor Singh was born in Australia in 1996.
I am popularly known as a community leader, an educator, an advocate for gender equality, co-founder and CEO of Harman foundation. I bring years of Senior Management experience along with extensive community work and establishment of programs for people who have lost loved ones, domestic violence victims, poor and needy including financial and emotional support where needed.
Since 1995 to 2011, I have involved myself in many cultural events around Australia of many established organisations such as the Hindu Council of Australia, GOPIO Sydney North West chapter, and Blacktown City Council, representing the Punjabi community at cultural events. I was awarded the Humanity Excellence Award by Department of Justice in 2007.
However, in 2012, my biggest challenge and grief in life came when my eldest son, Harman Preet Singh at the age of 27, tragically passed away in a car accident. This traumatic event was a turning point of my whole family.
Although I was devastated beyond words, the name Harman motivated me to continue his legacy and I was able to do this through Harman Foundation. In 2013, we, with the help of family friends co-found Harman Foundation in 2013 in the memory of Harman Preet Singh. Harman Foundation aims to support and assist the subcontinental community with issues including death, domestic violence, family separation, sickness, incarceration, and poverty.
As a volunteer CEO and co-founder of Harman Foundation, I work primarily as grassroot volunteer from scratch and manage the whole operation as an event coordinator, organising and linking with other services and networking in many fields. I am actively involved in all fundraising events and acts of community service.
For my service, I have achieved numerous accolades – Winner of Blacktown City Woman of the year 2021, Riverstone Local Woman of the year 2019 by Member of Parliament Riverstone, Hon Kevin Connelly MP, Winner Club of Sydney Darling Harbour, “The Darlings”. Awarded Overall Inspirational Woman of the year 2019, Winner Rotary Club Urban Inspiration woman of the year 2019, Hindu Council of Australia Award for my work in domestic and family violence 2018.”
Harinder Kaur Let’s get to know Harinder Kaur Ji in her own words:
“I migrated to Australia with my husband of 36 years, Er Maninder Singh, and two beautiful sons Harman Preet Singh and Manu Preet Singh. Our daughter, Nikki Harnoor Singh was born in Australia in 1996.
I am popularly known as a community leader, an educator, an advocate for gender equality, co-founder and CEO of Harman foundation. I bring years of Senior Management experience along with extensive community work and establishment of programs for people who have lost loved ones, domestic violence victims, poor and needy including financial and emotional support where needed.
Since 1995 to 2011, I have involved myself in many cultural events around Australia of many established organisations such as the Hindu Council of Australia, GOPIO Sydney North West chapter, and Blacktown City Council, representing the Punjabi community at cultural events. I was awarded the Humanity Excellence Award by Department of Justice in 2007.
However, in 2012, my biggest challenge and grief in life came when my eldest son, Harman Preet Singh at the age of 27, tragically passed away in a car accident. This traumatic event was a turning point of my whole family.
Although I was devastated beyond words, the name Harman motivated me to continue his legacy and I was able to do this through Harman Foundation. In 2013, we, with the help of family friends co-found Harman Foundation in 2013 in the memory of Harman Preet Singh. Harman Foundation aims to support and assist the subcontinental community with issues including death, domestic violence, family separation, sickness, incarceration, and poverty.
As a volunteer CEO and co-founder of Harman Foundation, I work primarily as grassroot volunteer from scratch and manage the whole operation as an event coordinator, organising and linking with other services and networking in many fields. I am actively involved in all fundraising events and acts of community service.
For my service, I have achieved numerous accolades – Winner of Blacktown City Woman of the year 2021, Riverstone Local Woman of the year 2019 by Member of Parliament Riverstone, Hon Kevin Connelly MP, Winner Club of Sydney Darling Harbour, “The Darlings”. Awarded Overall Inspirational Woman of the year 2019, Winner Rotary Club Urban Inspiration woman of the year 2019, Hindu Council of Australia Award for my work in domestic and family violence 2018.”
Abul Hasnat Milton Prof Milton is highly regarded not only in professional circles but also within the community. He is widely respected and not controversial. His work is not only about academia but working within the communities. This year marks Bangladesh’s 50th year of independence and 100th birth anniversary year of the Bangladesh’s Father of the Nation Sheik Mujibr Rehman. To mark this occasion Prof Milton has translated top 25 of the Sheik Mujib Rehman’s work into English from Bengali. This book is sold internationally and on Amazon. This book is not part of his academic activities but his personal ambition to promote the works of the father of nation. Many people let their work in academia do the talking however Prof Milton is different. He combines both the Academia plus his direct connection with the community.
Deepak Khadka is a regular sight all Nepali events in NSW. One of the most respected people of Nepalese background, Deepak has been the Honorary Consulate General of Nepal in Sydney. The expense of the running of the office is met by Deepak himself along with all other costs.
During the 2015 earthquake in Nepal there were casualty of 8000 people and about 30,000 injuries. Deepak assisted and helped mobilise assistance and raise funds. He at his own expense rebuilt over 50 houses. He spent a lot of his time supervising the construction making sure the houses were earthquake proof.
During current covid situation he has supported Nepal by buying oxygen concentrates waving off fees for the students at his college costing hundreds of thousands of dollars from his own pocket.
Well done Deepak and may your wonderful journey continue.
Deepak Khadka is a regular sight all Nepali events in NSW. One of the most respected people of Nepalese background, Deepak has been the Honorary Consulate General of Nepal in Sydney. The expense of the running of the office is met by Deepak himself along with all other costs.
During the 2015 earthquake in Nepal there were casualty of 8000 people and about 30,000 injuries. Deepak assisted and helped mobilise assistance and raise funds. He at his own expense rebuilt over 50 houses. He spent a lot of his time supervising the construction making sure the houses were earthquake proof.
During current covid situation he has supported Nepal by buying oxygen concentrates waving off fees for the students at his college costing hundreds of thousands of dollars from his own pocket.
Well done Deepak and may your wonderful journey continue.
Devinder S Dharia came to Australia from a small village near Gurdaspur in Punjab, nearly three decades ago. He has nurtured Punjabi folk music and dance in Australia since the 1990s. Dharia Ji first person in Sydney who started Panjabi Art and Cultural school. He is also a well-known folk singer and has performed at the Opera House, Sydney Convention Centre Sydney Olympic Park, and other prestigious venues.
Over the years, Dharia Ji has trained hundreds of students in bhangra and singing. After over 30 years of hard work and service to Punjabi folk music and dance in Australia, he can now be seen encapsulating his life’s journey in a 30-second video, on not only people’s social media feed but also at Australia’s major airports, shopping centres and big billboards along streets.
Harry Solomon migrated to Australia from Sri Lanka in 1972. He was already representing school in Sri Lanka in cricket, soccer, and Rugby. Having moved to Australia he opened a cricket shop in Newcastle.
Now he has five outlets and online shop apart from the original shop in Newcastle and is currently a Patron, Vice President, Life Member, or Sponsor of many Cricket Clubs, Associations, and organisations.
Outside of his cricket interests, hundreds of charitable organisations have also benefited from the generosity of Harry Solomons and Kingsgrove Sports. Harry is a firm believer that giving back to the community in Australia and overseas is an integral part of his life and Kingsgrove Sports’ success.
With the assistance of Kingsgrove Sports’ customers, cricket kits, both new and second hand, have been provided to hundreds of under privileged clubs and schools in places such as outback Australia, Sri Lanka, Fiji, Vanuatu, Bangladesh, Tonga, Lord Howe Island, Solomons Islands, Afghanistan, and Uganda.
Way to go, Harry!
Harry Solomon migrated to Australia from Sri Lanka in 1972. He was already representing school in Sri Lanka in cricket, soccer, and Rugby. Having moved to Australia he opened a cricket shop in Newcastle.
Now he has five outlets and online shop apart from the original shop in Newcastle and is currently a Patron, Vice President, Life Member, or Sponsor of many Cricket Clubs, Associations, and organisations.
Outside of his cricket interests, hundreds of charitable organisations have also benefited from the generosity of Harry Solomons and Kingsgrove Sports. Harry is a firm believer that giving back to the community in Australia and overseas is an integral part of his life and Kingsgrove Sports’ success.
With the assistance of Kingsgrove Sports’ customers, cricket kits, both new and second hand, have been provided to hundreds of under privileged clubs and schools in places such as outback Australia, Sri Lanka, Fiji, Vanuatu, Bangladesh, Tonga, Lord Howe Island, Solomons Islands, Afghanistan, and Uganda.
Way to go, Harry!