Brisbane Chapter
Queensland Community Leaders Reception
On 12th August, the Sunnybank library in Shopping town was graced by the grand reception of various community leaders belonging to different communities in Brisbane. This included leaders from GOPIO, Brisbane India Times, Korean community of Brisbane, Chinese Heritage war memory, The Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland Inc. (FICQ), Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), Brisbane Telangana Association (BTA), the Queensland chapter of the Hindu Swayamsevaka sangh, Tamil association of Queensland, Brisbane Baha’I Community and Sewa Australia.
The meeting acted as a way of exposing the organisation to the group of prominent leaders present in the meeting.
The Basava Samiti of Asia Pacific Ltd (BSAPAC), Brisbane Chapter Vice President Mr. Chandra Subramani welcomed the leaders. Mrs. Prakruthi Mysore Gururaj, provided an overview of Guru Basava.
BSPAC Co-Founder, Architect and Executive Director Mrs. Girija Karekal provided an overview of the BSAPAC objectives, purpose and the benefit to the community. All the gathered community leaders discussed and participated in an interactive discussion about the sustainability of charities and their key contribution to the society.
Key delegate among the attendees was the Mr. Ron Mitchell from the United Nations, Mr. Lewsis Lee Chairman, Australia China Cultural and Economic Promotion, Chinese Heritage War Memorial, Mr. Umesh Chandra OAM Brisbane Indian Times Australian India Radio Global People of Indian Origin, Mr. Beny Aterdit Bol OAM President, Queensland African Communities Council, FICQ President Mr. Anoop Nannuru and others.
BSAPAC released their community service video on this historic occasion. The video was about cherishing cultural diversity utilizing translation APIs, they bridged language gaps between Kannada, English, and Chinese making dreams of sharanas come true and encouraging personal growth through the Learn2Grow program which has been instrumental, offering training in technology and graphic design using Microsoft and Canva tools. It caters to those eager to learn but lack financial means, providing a sandpit area to develop innovative ideas. The program’s awards, recognition, and references prepare individuals for the industry and promote digital literacy, aligned with government STEM goals.
Basava Samiti’s core values lie in Engage, Educate, Empower and Enlighten creating a nurturing environment for all. BSAPAC embraces diversity, foster personal growth, and uphold our values, we work hand in hand to build a more inclusive and compassionate world.
Mr. Mallikarjun Patil, Secretary concluded the program thanking all the delegates. Youth representatives Mr. Siddesh Karekal, Ms. Janvi Chandra interviewed key delegates and obtained testimonials regarding the event.
Link to Newspaper – see haizine – page 38
Events
Vachana Shravana
- 2021
Mr.Rudresh Kittur, a renowned expert on Vachanas joined us for the program, from India. Each week, the host of the event coordinated the program as per the attached schedule.
All participated in the democratic traditional discussion of Anubhava Mantapa championed by Sharanas for centuries. In view of the pandemic situation, the Vachana Shraavana program continued only in ONLINE format.
It was an enchanting experience to understand that there is immense wealth of knowledge hidden in the sayings of introspection (vachanas) and its mind blowing to believe that the Sharanas of the 12th Century had amassed this knowledge through istalinga meditation and selfless service to the society in accordance with the values of Guru Basava.
Vachanas in Astronomy and Astrology, Vachanas in Medicine, Vachanas in Democracy, Vachanas in Economy and Finance.
Brisbane and Cairns Chapter Soft Launch
- 26th March 2022
Mrs. Shashikala Movnachar was virtually sworn in as the first president of the Basava Samiti of Asia Pacific Ltd, Brisbane Chapter on the 26 March 2022 in the presence of Poojya Swamiji His Holiness Dr. Shri Basava Marulasidda Swamiji and Guest Speaker Mr. Prabhuling Mahagaonkar from Kalburgi, India.
Basava Samiti of Asia Pacific Ltd Hon. Chair Dr.Lingappa Kalburgi, Deputy Chair Mrs. Girija Karekal, Director Dr. Manjunath Rajashekhar, Chief Risk Officer Mr. Sangamesha Salimath, International Relations Lead Miss Himani Khatter, Head of ICT – Mr.Pramod Nagaraj
President Brisbane Chapter—Mrs. Shashikala Movnachar, President Cairns Chapter— Mr. Rajashekhar Muddappa, President New Zealand Chapter— Mrs. Leena Kalburgi and President Adelaide Chapter— Mr. Shadakhsari Adavayyanamath.
Mrs. Nivedita H E remarkable contribution for the establishment of this unincorporated chapter was recognised and achknowledged.
Many viewers from India – (Arsikere, Kalburgi, Bengaluru, Karnataka, Hubli, Chitradurga, Shimoga, Davanagere, Bellary, Belgum, Chikamagalur), Brisbane, Adelaide, Cairns, Townsville, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, from Australia, Singapore, New Zealand, San Diego and New York from USA witnessed the program.
Multi-lingual vachana recitation encouragement was initiated by the president Mrs. Shashikala Movnachar for the first time in the Asia Pacific region. The first Telugu vachana recitation and its meaning was done by Mrs. Savithri Madalasa Shreekanth. Several multi-lingual children from Tamil, Telugu, Hindi languages are recited. Children are also encouraged to speak in their mother tongue during such events.
Brisbane Chapter Official Inauguration
- June 2022
On Saturday the 4th of June at Corinda State High School, Brisbane, Basava Samiti of Asia Pacific Ltd, Brisbane Chapter was officially inaugurated as part of the Basava Jayanthi Celebrations 2022 (BSAPAC).
Brisbane is home to this prestigious international charity which is an Australian owned, non-religious, non-political, not for profit, international charity organisation that promotes the advancement in education in a diversified, multi-linguistic, multicultural societies by incorporating Guru Basava’s philosophy and teachings. Guru Basava lived in Karnataka, a southern state of India, during the 12th century. He was a statesman, philosopher, poet, social reformer, who rejected gender or social discrimination, superstitions, idol worship, and rituals. He founded the first parliament and promoted equality of women at that time.
Since its establishment (2020), it has onboarded chapters in New Zealand, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Cairns. Each chapter was publicly inaugurated by as part of the Basava Jayanthi and occurred consecutively over the last four weeks.
The Basava Samiti of Australasia Inc, Brisbane Branch officially onboarded the Basava Samiti of Asia Pacific Ltd, on 13 June 2021. Since then, several activities and initiatives have been undertaken to promote their charitable services. Since onboarding, the charity has focussed on integrating communities from various backgrounds to advance the establishment of a value-based society,
BSAPAC Brisbane Chapter was publicly inaugurated on the 4 June 2022 by the Lord Mayor of Brisbane City Council, Mr. Adrian Schrinner, Honourable Leanne Linard MP, Minister Children and Youth Justice and Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Cr Sarah Hutton, Jamboree Ward, Brisbane City Council, Honorary Consul of India, Brisbane. Mrs. Archana Singh and Swamijis Dr. Shri Basava Marulasidda Swamiji, Basava Kendra, Shimoga Basava Tattwa Peetha, Chikamagalur, His Hollyness Dr. Sri Shivamuruthy Murugha Sharanaru, Sri Jagadguru Murgharajendra Matha Chitradurga.
BSAPAC’s International Relations Lead, Ms Himani Khatter welcomed the delegates and the Honourable Deputy Chair Mrs. Girija Karekal from the BSAPAC Board to commence the inauguration ceremony. The Deputy Chair was also joined by President Mrs. Shashikala Movnachar, Secretary Mrs. Nivedita H E, Treasurer Mr.Vasu Iyer, Mr.Nitin Marigoudar, Mr.Vinay Thippeswamy, Mrs.Girija Ram, Mrs.Poornima Nandi who graced the occasion. Over 20 Community Super Stars, and dignitaries joined the fantastic inaugural ceremony. Community is at the heart of BSAPAC. Therefore, several community leaders, sponsors and members of the general public have shown their excitement and have come forward to unite, integrate, and rejoice collectively.
Chalabēku śaraṇaṅge paradhanavanollenemba,
chalabēku śaraṇaṅge parasatiyanollenemba,
chalabēku śaraṇaṅge paradaivavanollenemba,
chalabēku śaraṇaṅge liṅgajaṅgamavanondemba,
chalabēku śaraṇaṅge prasāda diṭavemba,
chalavilladavara meccha kūḍalasaṅgamadēva.
This is Guru Basava’s vachana written in Kannada language, and can be briefly summarised as; an individual must be courageous to reject someone else’s treasure, wife, and fate. The individual lacking courage is not respected. This is the foundation on which BSAPAC is built. BSAPAC also introduced the first cake cutting ceremony during Basava Jayanthi programs as a tribute to Guru Basava’s birthday.
BSAPAC would like to thank all its sponsors, community dignitaries, community leaders, distinguished guests, and all those who have travelled as far as 250KM. The event was participated in and attended by an extremely diverse community comprising of heritages spanning India, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Australia, Bangladesh, Greece, Denmark, Taiwan, Scotland, Kenya, Fiji, etc. Several community leaders from Shakha, Sri Umesh Chandra OAM, Brisbane Indian Times. GOPIO, Shirdi Sai Samsthan Brisbane, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Sanstha, corporate leaders also joined the occasion.
Mrs.Louise Arcus and Ms. Sahana Chandra anchored the event. Event concluded with serving Maha Daasoha (Dinner) to all the delegates.
Basava Jyothi (Diwali Celebrations)
- 2022
Deepavali is celebrated as Basava Jyothi in public places such as Park. Ethical and value based discussions were initiated by Mrs. Girija Karekal on the Vachana – Jnada Baladinda on the occassion of Diwali for everyone to comprehend the vachana.
Mr. Praveen, Mrs Niveditha, Ms.Lisa, Mrs.Divya took vachana classes for kids and explained the significance of how Good wins over Evil. All of them provided examples of their experiences in life of their win over the evil, in other words the adversities of their life challenges.
Secretary Mr.Nitin and active volunteer Mr. Praveen lead and decorated the premises with well organised games to win the prices. Guest speaker Mr Darryn explained about hiking. Tasty food was brought and served by all attendees. All new members were welcomed.
Istalinga Meditation and Heart Centred Guided Meditation
- 9th October March 2022
We are happy to announce that the Heart Centered Guided meditation and the Ishtalinga meditation conducted on 9.10.22 was successful. We thank all the attendees for their support and timely presence. The introduction about Ishtalinga meditation was given by Mrs.Girija Karekal was very much informative. She explained how via Ishtalinga meditation and the brain were internally connected and its benefit for good health and values.
Step by step guidance about Heart Centred Meditation given by Mrs Indu Rohit, a certified Healing Practitioner, whose purpose and calling has been healing and the journey has been filled with energetic & magical experiences. She believed in holistic healing integrity to bring out the best in the mind, body & spirit.
Sound meditation was also introduced via “Out of the darkness… and into the light” It was amazing and the musical support given to this meditation by Mr.Nikhil through various instruments along with flute and some crystal instruments was wonderful which took us to a different world, it turned the atmosphere into a peaceful place.
Inauguration of Charity Kitchen
- 2nd March 2023
The Charity’s kitchen was inaugurated on 02 March 2023. Vegetarian cooking classes with all new cookware were successfully introduced.
All members of Brisbane Chapter were very pleased and thankful to Queensland Government on the first inauguration of the commercial kitchen via the vegetarian cooking class. Many people originating from Italy, Nepal, Vietnam, local Aussies, several parts of India ranging from a year-old baby to 82-year-old participated and enjoyed.
We thank Girijaji, Lathaji, Divyaji, Aarthyji, Poornimaji, for taking the lead and teaching Indian recopies to non-Indians and Aussies. Many thanks to Mr.Shashikanth, Mr,Shrikanth, Mr,Chandru, Mr.Ravi Hiremat and Mr.Shivam Chandra for helping us. Payasam, Vegetable Biriyani and vegetable pakoras were taught.
Basava Jayanthi celebrations 2023
- 2023
BSAPAC’s Hon. Deputy Chair and Executive Director Mrs. Girija Karekal appraised on the charity official inauguration ceremony held in Auckland, New Zealand on April 8th & 9th. The Charity’s inaugural report was released on this occasion along with the 1st Basava Convention souvenir. Nearly 13 community leaders were honoured on the occasion of the charity’s inauguration by the Hon. Consul of India in Brisbane, Mrs. Archana Singh among them was chief guest Mr. Mahaling Mahagaonkar from India and several community leaders.
Mr. Mahaling Mahagaonkar also presented the BSAPAC Jewel Award 2023 recipient Mr. Linden May, Brisbane. Mr. Linden was awarded the award for his unparallel service to this Charity. The Brisbane Chapter President Mrs. Shashikala Movnachar provided glimpses of the Brisbane chapter achievements throughout the year.
The highlight of the performances of the event was the Children’s Vachana Analysis wherein little kids translated the vachanas in their respective languages and articulated them with an example. Various dances were preformed, songs were sung to entertain the audience. Bharatnatyam dance by Ms. Ratehalli and Ms. Sahana were notable. Mrs. Nivedita, Mr. Chandru and Mr. Shivam alongside Mrs. Shashikala assisted with the program presentation and performance. Guest speaker Mr. Mahaling Mahagaonkar enlightened audiences with speech about the Guru Basava.
Queensland Community Leaders Reception
- 12 August 2023
On 12th August, the Sunnybank library in Shopping town was graced by the grand reception of various community leaders belonging to different communities in Brisbane. This included leaders from GOPIO, Brisbane India Times, Korean community of Brisbane, Chinese Heritage war memory, The Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland Inc. (FICQ), Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), Brisbane Telangana Association (BTA), the Queensland chapter of the Hindu Swayamsevaka sangh, Tamil association of Queensland, Brisbane Baha’I Community and Sewa Australia.
The meeting acted as a way of exposing the organisation to the group of prominent leaders present in the meeting.
The Basava Samiti of Asia Pacific Ltd (BSAPAC), Brisbane Chapter Vice President Mr. Chandra Subramani welcomed the leaders. Mrs. Prakruthi Mysore Gururaj, provided an overview of Guru Basava.
BSPAC Co-Founder, Architect and Executive Director Mrs. Girija Karekal provided an overview of the BSAPAC objectives, purpose and the benefit to the community. All the gathered community leaders discussed and participated in an interactive discussion about the sustainability of charities and their key contribution to the society.
Key delegate among the attendees was the Mr. Ron Mitchell from the United Nations, Mr. Lewsis Lee Chairman, Australia China Cultural and Economic Promotion, Chinese Heritage War Memorial, Mr. Umesh Chandra OAM Brisbane Indian Times Australian India Radio Global People of Indian Origin, Mr. Beny Aterdit Bol OAM President, Queensland African Communities Council, FICQ President Mr. Anoop Nannuru and others.
BSAPAC released their community service video on this historic occasion. The video was about cherishing cultural diversity utilizing translation APIs, they bridged language gaps between Kannada, English, and Chinese making dreams of sharanas come true and encouraging personal growth through the Learn2Grow program which has been instrumental, offering training in technology and graphic design using Microsoft and Canva tools. It caters to those eager to learn but lack financial means, providing a sandpit area to develop innovative ideas. The program’s awards, recognition, and references prepare individuals for the industry and promote digital literacy, aligned with government STEM goals.
Basava Samiti’s core values lie in Engage, Educate, Empower and Enlighten creating a nurturing environment for all. BSAPAC embraces diversity, foster personal growth, and uphold our values, we work hand in hand to build a more inclusive and compassionate world.
Mr. Mallikarjun Patil, Secretary concluded the program thanking all the delegates. Youth representatives Mr. Siddesh Karekal, Ms. Janvi Chandra interviewed key delegates and obtained testimonials regarding the event.
Committee Members
Executive Committee of 2022-2023
| Deputy Chair and Exec Director | Mrs. Girija Karekal |
| President | Mrs. Shashikala Movnachar |
| Committee Member | Mrs. Nivedita Eswarappa |
| Secretary | Mr. Mallikarjun Patil |
| Treasurer | Ms. Poornima Nandi |
| Former President | Mrs. Leena Kalburgi |
| A/V Secretary & Treasurer | Mr. Rajkumar Swamy |
| Advisors | Dr. Lingappa Kalburgi, Mrs. Usha Pokakshoppan |
| Executive Members | Mrs. Kavitha Srinivas, Mr. Pradeep Kantharaju, Mr. Vaibhav Bhalki, Mr. Narayan Alawandi, Mr. Lingappa Patil, Dr. Usha Rajashekhar, Mr. Akshay Alagundagi, Mr. Praveen KM |
About
Basava Samiti of Asia Pacific Ltd, Brisbane Chapter is an unincorporated member of Basava Samiti of Asia Pacific Ltd since June 2021.
For decades Brisbane Chapter has gained reputation in the community for the tireless and diligent services to Guru Basava by its small but effective team members. We take pride in ensuring every event travels an extra mile, which in turn brings in innovation and several firsts to claim for.
During the 2016, 7th International SharaNa Samskruti Convention, we were able to organise nearly fifty delegates from India to attend the convention.
It is also the home of rich talent in relation to music, dances and plays. Several artists young and old have danced to the Vachanas.
It also demonstrates ‘unity in diversity’ and we are grateful to several non-Indian speaking background enthusiastic members for their support in growing this chapter. Several dramas of various sharaNas have been performed in English and in the Kannada language.
Public survey identified in 2020, noted the need for exclusive value based education for children which led to the establishment of Vachana Jyothi program. The survey also claimed Vachana ShravaNa to be the most popular program conducted by the Chapter. During Vachana ShravaNa vachnas discussions and critical thinking similar to that held in a parliament on values and ethical living are encouraged.
It has successfully imparted the Guru Basava values, literature and way of life to the young Australians growing up in Brisbane via various educational activities.
