News - Australian South Asian Centre

OUR BLOG

All
arts
Awards
Blogs
film
history
member profile
south asian women in Melbourne
southasian
Stellar South Asian Women Awards
tv
Uncategorized

Meet Anjali Nihalchand—A wise woman, fierce founder, and daring desi. We were able to as her a few questions, and she had so much to share!

If you can see it, you can develop the courage to become it.

Meet Priya Ravindra Kalyanimath, whose journey to help women rise started at a young age when she saw how the world around her conflicted so fundamentally with the way she was raised.

Her loving, nurturing and inclusive upbringing has been the foundation for Priya’s advocacy work in gender diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity for women, as well as the inception of her impact driven company, Punar, that creates sustainable, ethically handcrafted corporate gifts. The name Punar, which means ‘Again’ in Sanskrit, seeks to honour the female artisans of Punar, many of whom are taking bold, brave steps to making a new, independent start in life, in spite of personal hardships and their socioeconomic background.

Priya is an accredited Company Director, GAICD – Graduate of Australian Institute of Company Directors, and runs a project management consultancy, which delivers projects for a Victorian based NFP client group.

Read on and be uplifted by Priya’s focus, commitment and passion for helping women rise.

How do we rise? By lifting others.

Manisha Massey is a PhD Clinical Psychology Candidate from New Delhi, currently residing in Adelaide. Her professional focus is mainly to understand how childhood trauma presents in the bodies and relationships of adult South Asian Women, with the aim of decolonising trauma therapy.

If not me, then who? Manisha Massey discusses childhood trauma in South Asian Women

Meet Rupa Parthasarathy, a social entrepreneur and founder of wellness studio Mindkshetra, who is breaking down barriers to holistic well-being and uplifting communities.

With grace and determination, Rupa navigates the intersection of both cultural barriers and traditions, mental health and creativity.

Empowering Minds, Bridging Cultures: The Story of Rupa Parthasarathy and Mindkshetra

In today's member highlight, we're delighted to introduce Jess Singh, a film producer and creative. Jess has been making a significant impact in the world of film, working on numerous narrative short films and cultivating her growing interest in documentary filmmaking.

Where was the ethnic diversity at Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2024? We went through 600+ show listings so you don’t have to.

How Bhumi is Reshaping the Textiles Industry

When Netflix's 'Heeramandi' made it's big screen premiere in Melbourne last month, ASAC were invited along to witness the fun, grand, visual spectacle both on and off screen. Before even cities like New York and London, it was Melbourne that first got to taste the glamour and splendour of courtesan culture depicted in this special screening event of 'Heeramandi'.
Right from the start, the beautiful venue of Drum Theatre, in south-eastern Dandenong, which is home to a sizeable South Asian community, was thrumming with life and packed to the brim. From the vibrant marigold flower archway to the ceilings decorated with flowing dupattas and chunnis, the hall was glowing with colour and vibrance.

Netflix’s ‘Heeramandi’ is a Fun, Grand, Visual Spectacle

Folklore and independence | Book Club Reviews ‘The Henna Artist’ by Alka Joshi

Nine winners were revealed from a shortlist of 40 finalists across the categories of Content Creator, Community & Advocacy, Business & Entrepreneurship, Sports & Fitness, Arts & Culture, STEM, Journalism & Literature, International (based overseas) and Global Impact (based in Australia).

Must See South Asian Comedians: Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Shooting the Breeze with Actress Shabana Azeez

What Does Art Do To You? Meet Dance Performer Deepa Mani

ASAC Impact Report 2023: Year In Review

My First Stand-Up Comedy Set: Meet Actress Ria Patel

Meet The Winners: Australia’s Stellar South Asian Women Awards 2023

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) has launched and runs until the 20th August 2023. There are countless films to watch but which films should you see? Well look no further, we’ve curated a special list for you.

I See Her’: A Groundbreaking Film with a Global Message to End Abuse, an interview with Director SUKKI

From Cannes to Kerala: The Underrated Triumph of ‘Ek Jagah Apni’ (A Place Of Our Own)

To The Death: A Dark Comedy Where Two Actresses Fight To Death Because “There Can Only Be One Brown Person”

10 Must-See Feminist Indian Films at the 2023 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne Directed by Women

Embracing Purpose: Meet Renuka, the Purpose & Success Mentor Empowering Women to Achieve Their Highest Potential

ASAC Members Daizy Maan, Maneet Hora, Sehar Gupta, Priyanka Kaur

Protected: Member Portal

From Melbourne to Hollywood: Parvyn’s Music Makes It to Polite Society

Australian South Asian Centre is proud to welcome its newest member, Amarjeet Kaur Sharma, to our community of South Asian women and allies. Amarjeet is the host of the

Australian South Asian Centre Welcomes Amarjeet Kaur Sharma, Host of “Radically Inclusive” Podcast, as its Newest Member

Meet: Livleen Kathpal, a passionate member of the Australian South Asian Centre, a community of South Asian women and allies who are dedicated to creating positive change through entrepreneurship, creativity, and leadership.

Sustainability, Fashion, and Finance Meet Livleen Kathpal

Meet Jess Singh: A Film Producer Bringing Fresh Perspectives to the Industry

Up, up and away | Book Club Reviews Michelle Law’s ‘Asian Girls Are Going Places’

Chronicling domestic violence in Australia | Book Club Reviews Manjula Datta O’Connor’s ‘Daughters of Durga’

In July we read Nandita Chakraborty's 'Dirty Little Secrets: A Memoir' as part of our South Asian Women’s Book Club.

Through her book, Nandita builds a complex world of characters navigating their lives as authentically flawed, humanly inconsistent people. Her book is a generous insight into her writing process all the while giving the reader something to think about at every chapter. To learn about our discussions on the book and with Nandita, check out the full blog.

Turning personal diaries into page turning books I Book Club Reviews Nandita Chakraborty’s ‘Dirty Little Secrets: A Memoir’

Yatha यथा is an award-winning multicultural advocate and speaker who is also pursuing a career in the medical device industry. She is currently a Youth Ambassador for the Multicultural Youth Affairs Network NSW and Vice-Chair of the non for profit, Prosper (Project Australia).

Yatha has spoken at events including the International Youth Media Conference, the National Youth Futures Summit and has commented for media publications including the Sydney Morning Herald. She also worked with the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism in a Global Program to prevent violent extremism among young people. Her passion for helping others and advocating for the vulnerable and marginalised groups is an inspiration. Read the full blog for Yatha's insight into advocacy and leadership.

Creating a Career in Social Impact: Meet Yatha Jain

ASAC is thrilled to celebrate Ana as one of the 2022 Australia’s Stellar South Asian Women awardees. Ana runs the production company indiVisual films that specialises in multicultural stories. Ana created the Diversity in Australian Media community 13 years ago and is an advocate for equity, social justice and safe spaces. Learning of Ana’s advocacy and support for equity, representation and social justice in media has been heartwarming. We know the legacy she’s created will continue to have a lasting impact on future generations of Australian creatives; and goes to the heart of what this award and ASAC are all about.

Read the full blog to learn about Ana’s tireless efforts behind the scenes to bring about positive change to Australia’s media landscape.

Celebrating community and kindness with Ana Tiwary

Meet our second Stellar South Asian Woman 2022, Sheetal Deo.

Meet Sheetal Deo: Lawyer, Founder and Advocate

Meet our first Stellar South Asian Woman 2022, Anjali Sharma. Anjali is 18 years old and was the lead litigant of the Sharma vs Environment Minister, a class action legal case which, in 2021, successfully established that the environment minister owes all young people a duty of care to protect them from the impacts of climate change. We sat down with her to learn more about her advocacy, what motivates her and any advice she has to young people out there. Read the full blog to hear about Anjali's experiences.

Meet International award-winning Teen Climate Activist, Anjali Sharma

With the Federal elections this month it only made sense to step into the world of politics and read @MehreenFaruqi’s ‘Too Migrant, Too Muslim, Too Loud’ as part of our South Asian Women’s Book Club.

Mehreen’s story taught us that while no migrant journey is the same, we all share the hope that there’s space to build and to create something better than what once was. It reminds us that the story of migrants in Australia is an ongoing and evolving one; and it’s up to us to shape the current narrative for ourselves and for future generations.

We were incredibly lucky to have Mehreen join us for a QnA. To learn about our discussions on the book and with Mehreen, check out the full blog.

Navigating identity and building community | Book Club Reviews Mehreen Faruqi’s Too Migrant, Too Muslim, Too Loud

With the 2022 Federal election less than 3 weeks away, it’s more important than ever for all people of voting age to be aware of the candidates we’ll be voting for at the ballot box.

#ICYMI here’s a quick list of female South-Asian candidates running for the Labor, Liberals and the Greens parties to get you up to speed.

6 Female South-Asian Candidates to look out for in the upcoming election

Australia's International students are talented, hard working and resilient and deserve more support from the government and community. Our team member Dishi breaks down her experiences as an International Student in Australia during the pandemic and the challenges international students face both personally and professionally. Read the full piece to understand just how resilient the international student community is and why they deserve to be treated better than being Australia's 'cash cows'.

International Students – talented, hard working and not Australia’s cash cows

Ever felt that by living in Australia you were distant from your South Asian roots? Our new blog writer, Janani is passionate about Indian philosophy and in her latest post she shares how Indian philosophical concepts are actually quite deeply embedded in Western culture from daily conversations to pop culture.

4 Ways Indian Philosophy Shows up in Western Culture

This book made us reflect on all the gatherings we had attended over the last year, wondering if we have been a good host and whether the gatherings were meaningful. The book forced us to self-reflect, to think more deeply about the ways we’ve connected in the past and what we’d like to change moving forward.

If you’re not sure whether this book is for you, trust us when we say it is! This is the kind of book that you’ll read over a few weeks or months, taking in its golden nuggets of information, reflecting on them, applying them to your day-to-day life and finding yourself more satisfied with the way you connect with others. Check out our full review.

Learning to create meaningful events with Priya Parker’s The Art of Gathering | ASAC Book Club Reviews

Mental wellbeing is important for everyone, no matter what community they’re part of. It’s healthy and normal to seek mental health help when we need to, just like we would for a physical ailment.

If you’re curious about: getting mental health care or what it’s like having a South Asian psychologist, or having conversations about mental health with friends, checkout this blog.

How Shared Experience Transformed My Understanding of Mental Health Care

Our Content Editor, Erika (@byerikamenezes), loves planning and making lists. She’s shared her top 6 goal-setting habits to help you achieve your 2022 New Year’s resolutions! Head to the blog to find out what you need to do to stay on top of your resolutions.

6 New Year’s Goal Setting Habits for 2022 & Beyond

Last month we read Tahmima Anam’s ‘A Golden Age’ as part of our South Asian Women’s book club. A tale of hope, courage and Bangladesh's Liberation War, this novel was a great way for us to learn about Bangladesh’s history which many of our members were not as familiar with. The novel inspired some interesting conversions on war, history and relationships with our members sharing stories of war they had heard from family.

Tale of Hope, Courage and Bangladesh’s Liberation War | Book Club Reviews Tahmima Anam’s A Golden Age

Maneet shares her journey overcoming her skin-related self-esteem issues. Her story is one that many South Asian women will be familiar with: experiencing societal obsession that attempts to control women’s appearances and enforce impossible beauty standards. Maneet shares the lessons she's learned about herself, her skin and her healing journey.

How I Learned to Love My Skin

This month our book club read and discussed Afghan-American author, Nadia Hashimi’s, The Pearl That Broke Its Shell. A book about two women's desire for freedom to control her own fate and the feeling of powerlessness she wishes to overcome. The book instigated interesting conversations on 'naseeb' or destiny and whether we believe in the concept.

Book Club Book Review: Nadia Hashimi’s ‘The Pearl That Broke Its Shell

Recently, one of our Co-founders, Daizy, went on an online book-buying spree because she'd been struggling to find books by and for the South Asian diaspora in her local bookshops. Knowing what it was like to grow up without stories that reflected her experiences and culture, Daizy wanted to find books that her young nieces and nephew would enjoy and reflected their lived experiences. To see what young adult books Daizy bought, check out the blog.

7 South Asian Middle Grade/YA Books To Buy This Holiday Season

Despite the pandemic making the last two years a difficult time for everyone, the bright parts of these times for me was discovering epic small businesses while scrolling through Instagram reels or Tik Tok. It turns out procrastinating from university assignments is a productive use of your time when you have to organise goodie bags filled with amazing creations from BIPOC women-led business for ASAC's launch event. Here’s a list of 11 values-aligned businesses owned by Women of Colour that we loved having as our sponsors for our event.

11 Australian Women of Colour Owned Businesses We Love

4 South Asian Kids Picture Books You Should Have on Your Bookshelf

We know getting stuck into #auspol can be overwhelming and intimidating, but thankfully organisations like these 6 are here to uplift and empower young people interested in making a positive difference in the community by getting involved in public-decision making, policy-making, and politics.

6 Community Organisations Supporting Young People Participate in Australian Politics

This month our noses were buried in Untold: defining moments of the uprooted, an anthology of 31 stories and personal essays by South-Asian female-identifying authors reflecting on their experience growing up in America, Canada and the United Kingdom. This collection exceeded our expectations and we were fortunate enough to host a QnA with three of the authors, Neha Patel, Nisha Singh and Apoorva Verghese.

Untold Anthology: Stories by and for the South Asian Diaspora

Melbourne’s most recent lockdown was tough. After another series of her in-person art workshops had to be cancelled, Priyanka Kaur founded Mahala to support herself and fellow creatives, while also giving back to the community. Mahala specialises in thoughtful gift boxes made by and for South Asian women. Launched 10 weeks ago, Mahala is already supporting 12 women-led businesses and carries 13 different products.

The World’s Longest Lockdown Created Purpose-driven Sisterhood | an interview with Mahala founder, Priyanka Kaur

There is a need for greater diversity in our Parliament and note the urgent shortage of youth representation in these spaces, particularly young Women of Colour.

With federal elections gearing up for next year, it’s now more important than ever to look closely at who is representing us, whether their interests and values are actually aligned with what we care about, and who deserves our vote.

Empowering Youth participation in Australian federal politics | They’re not the leaders of tomorrow, they’re leaders of today

Australia’s writing arena, like most of its other public spaces, is predominantly occupied by white men. Through our personal research we found few published Australian South-Asian female authors. We hope this list broadens your literary horizons, especially those of us in the Australian-South Asian community looking for inspiration, because as the saying goes ‘you can’t be, what you can’t see’. We thought ‘homeward-bound’ captured the essence of this list as these books engage with a variety of transitionary life phases in the pursuit of finding acceptance, belonging and being at home in oneself, as well as, migration.

Seeking Shelter in the familiar: Homeward-bound Diaspora Book Recommendations

In July our book club members read Mira Sethi’s Are You Enjoying, a collection of seven short stories about life, love, intimacy and intrigue in contemporary, urban Pakistan. While our members observed that the stories didn’t offer as much insight into the lives of ordinary people, the book allowed for interesting conversations about power dynamics in the workplace. Read to find out what we thought of the book and the insightful conversation we had.

Talking Good Daughters, Parenting and Healing with Sneha Lees’ Good Indian Daughter: Book Review & Discussion

South Asian women are far and few in the Australian art scene. Their magnificent work does not get the recognition nor the prestige it deserves. We're proud to share the journey of our former artists in residence Priyanka Kaur and Avneet Singh in producing a series of art depicting South Asian women, one of which 'Dancing Rani' was sold recently.

Highlighting Australian South Asian Artists

To commemorate the first anniversary of the Australian South Asian Centre (ASAC), our founders, Daizy Maan Kaur and Sehar Gupta share what they’ve learned on this journey so far and what’s planned for the future of ASAC.

Happy 1st Birthday ASAC

Australian Indian actor & screenwriter Leah Vandenberg has created one of the first Indian episodes and written a custom Punjabi tune for kids to air live on Play School- one of Australia’s most-watched TV shows for children with over 900 000 weekly children tuning in. This will be

The longest-running children’s show in Australia Play School will feature Indian Episode with Punjabi song written by Leah Vandenberg

A few weeks ago we hosted an Opoortunity for Emerging Writers where 3 South Asian female wrirers would receive feedback on their writing from one of our experienced mentors. Meet our winners and learn about their writing journey

Announcing ASAC’s Winning Writers

Fill Your Bookshelves with Sisterhood: Book Club Review of Mira Sethi’s Are You Enjoying?

Pallavi Sharda

How can we help people evacuate Kabul?

What you need to know about sending payments to Afghanistan

With the horrific situation in Afghanistan and the inadequate response from our leaders it's time we step up and demand action. We've outlined how you can help in this blog.

Australians for Afghanistan

Independence Day

Leah Vandenberg

In the second part of our Recap blog for our event, ‘We will write our own stories’ – South Asian Women Authors, we look at our key takeaways from the conversation with Sushi Das, Alicia Vrajlal, and Balli Kaur Jaswal. They include the importance of advocating for your work, how to deal with dodgy literary agents, and the interesting difference in covers between the books written by South Asian male versus female authors

Inspiring new generations of Australian South Asian Writers | Event Recap Part 2

Sushi Das

Inspiring new generations of Australian South Asian Writers | Event Recap Part 1

Sam Wilson

Our member Parvyn has recently released a new album to international acclaim. In partnership with Monash Performing Arts Centre, we are offering our official members and those of your curious to join ASAC $10 tickets.

Watch Punjabi-Australian Singer Parvyn @ The Ian Potter Centre for Performing Arts in person.

Lisa Singh

Want to write or become an author?

Authors & Writers you should know about

Expressing Resilience through Art Competition Winners

“We will write our own stories” – South Asian Women Authors

Soul House Update

Amplifying South Asian Voices through TV and Film

AIDCF: Expressing Resilience through Art Competition

Amplifying hushed voices through Spoken Word Poetry

Women in Digital Work Program by SPARK Deakin

Elevating the voices of Digital Changemakers

THE AUSTRALIAN-INDIAN DIGITAL CREATIVE FESTIVAL

In solidarity with our International Students

Remembrance Day