6:00 PM
Master of Ceremonies — Welcome & Opening
Guests are received with premium hospitality, elegant networking and a harbour-side arrival experience before the Master of Ceremonies formally opens the evening.
MMXXVI
The Indians in Sydney
Multicultural Gala
Doltone House · Darling Island · Sydney Harbour
An iconic gathering of leaders, diplomats, visionaries, and communities—celebrating the heritage, enduring friendships, and shared future that make Australia extraordinary.
Programme
Our Vision
Bringing together communities, friends, and cultures from across Australia to celebrate our shared home.
Commemorating 79 years of India’s Independence, we honour the remarkable contributions of the Indian-Australian community while celebrating the diverse cultures, voices, and stories that enrich our nation.
A Letter from the Founder
It began with a simple belief — that no one should feel alone in a new country.
Nadeem Ahmed on 2007, a small online community, and why this evening exists.
“
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the Indians in Sydney Multicultural Gala 2026. It is a privilege to welcome you to an evening that means so much to our community.
It began with a simple belief in 2007: that no one arriving in a new country should ever feel alone. What started as a small online community has grown into one of Australia's largest and most engaged Indian community platforms, connecting thousands of people through friendship, support, culture, information and shared experiences.
This Gala is more than an event—it is a tribute to our people. It honours the student who arrived with hope, the family that built a new life from the ground up, the entrepreneur creating opportunity, and every volunteer, artist, and professional shaping Australia’s multicultural story.
As we commemorate India’s Independence Day, we are reminded that our roots give us strength, while Australia gives us the sky to grow. Together, these dual identities define a resilient, vibrant community proud to contribute to the place we call home.
This evening would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our sponsors, partners, supporters, volunteers and every individual who believed in this vision. To each of you, I offer my sincere gratitude. Your generosity and commitment have helped transform an idea into a celebration of unity, excellence and belonging.
My hope is that tonight inspires new friendships, meaningful conversations and lasting collaborations. I hope every guest leaves with a renewed sense of pride in our heritage, confidence in our future, and appreciation for the strength that comes from embracing diversity.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are not only celebrating how far we have come — we are shaping the future of our community for generations to come.
With gratitude,
Nadeem Ahmed
Founder · Indians in Sydney · Est. 2007
Master of Ceremonies
Emcee Reema Khurana
We are delighted to welcome Reema Khurana as the Emcee for tonight’s Indians in Sydney Multicultural Gala.
A great Emcee does far more than hold a microphone—they bring energy to the room, connect with the audience, create seamless transitions, and ensure every moment of an event feels engaging and memorable. Reema brings that special ability to make guests feel welcomed, included, and part of the celebration.
With her warmth, confidence, vibrant personality, and natural stage presence, Reema is the perfect voice to guide us through an evening celebrating culture, achievement, diversity, and community.
Tonight, she will bring together inspiring stories, wonderful performances, distinguished guests, and unforgettable moments, ensuring the celebration flows with elegance, excitement, and heart.
We are thrilled to have Reema Khurana leading us through this special evening and look forward to experiencing her energy, charm, and professionalism on stage.
Reema Khurana
Master of Ceremonies
A Note of Solidarity
Message from Gurnam Singh
Gurnam Singh on community, brotherhood, and the values that make Australia unique.
“
It is a great honour to be part of the Indians in Sydney Multicultural Gala, an initiative proudly brought together by Nadeem Ahmed and Indians in Sydney to celebrate the incredible diversity, achievements, and spirit of our community.
As a Supporter, Well wisher, friend, Brother and part of this special evening, I am proud to stand alongside with the team in celebrating the values that make Australia so unique—unity, respect, inclusion, and multiculturalism.
The Indian community in Sydney has made an extraordinary contribution to the life of Australia. Our people bring with them rich traditions, strong family values, entrepreneurial spirit, talent, generosity, and an enduring commitment to community. Tonight gives us an opportunity to recognise those contributions and celebrate them with pride.
I sincerely congratulate My Brother Nadeem for his vision and dedication in creating a platform that brings people together across cultures and communities. May this gala strengthen friendships, inspire future generations, and remind us that our diversity is not a division—it is our strength.
A heartfelt thank you to all our valued sponsors, supporters, VIPs, distinguished dignitaries, community representatives, and business leaders for standing alongside us and making the Indians in Sydney Multicultural Gala possible. Your generosity, presence, and belief in bringing our communities together have helped make this celebration of culture, achievement, unity, and diversity truly special.
It is an honour to celebrate with you all. Let us come together, celebrate our achievements, and continue building a united and multicultural Australia.
With respect and gratitude,
Gurnam Singh
Supporter · Well Wisher · Friend · Brother
Our Distinguished Guests
The people who shape our shared future
Leaders, diplomats, business leaders, artists and community champions - united by friendship, contribution and a shared celebration of Australia's multicultural story.
Every name tells a story. Every guest matters.
Tonight, 425+ remarkable guests come together as one community. The names featured here represent only a glimpse of the people who make this celebration truly special.
Programme
The Evening, in Five Chapters
Friday, 21 August 2026 · Doltone House, Sydney Harbour — from arrival at six to closing coffee under the lights and Beautiful Sydney
Evening Highlights6:00 PM → 10:00 PM
Your Evening Journey23 ceremonial moments
Chapter One
I
Reception & Welcome
An arrival worthy of the occasion—harbour-side, candlelit, and ceremonial.
6:02 PM
Welcome to Country — Traditional Aboriginal Performance
We begin with a Welcome to Country and a traditional Aboriginal cultural performance, honouring the Gadigal people and the traditional custodians of this land. The evening is welcomed by the deep, resonant voice of the yidaki — the didgeridoo — carrying thousands of years of story, song and connection to Country.
6:08 PM
Opening Ceremony — National Anthem
The assembly rises as the national anthem is performed live by our vocalist.
6:12 PM
Welcome Address by the Master of Ceremonies
Distinguished guests, dignitaries, patrons and partners are formally acknowledged.
6:15 PM
Feature Presentation — Official Community Film
A screening of the official Indians in Sydney corporate film, celebrating the journey, service and spirit of our community.
Chapter Two
II
Daawat-e-Khaas — The Royal Culinary Experience
A royal culinary journey presented by Delhi 'O' Delhi—celebrating India’s rich gastronomic heritage and timeless hospitality.
6:45 PM
Shubh Aarambh — The Grand Welcome
The evening begins with a selection of Indian favourites, setting the tone for a spectacular celebration of flavour, culture and togetherness.
7:15 PM
Rang-e-Hind — The Royal Entrée Collection
A magnificent selection inspired by India's extraordinary culinary tapestry — from the bustling streets of the north to the refined flavours of royal kitchens.
7:45 PM
Daawat-e-Khaas — The Royal Feast
A sumptuous main-course experience celebrating the depth and diversity of Indian cuisine — from slow-cooked classics to the bold coastal flavours of the Malabar region.
8:30 PM
Mithai & Sweet Celebrations — The Dessert Experience
No Indian daawat is complete without mithai. The evening concludes with two beloved expressions of India's sweet traditions.
9:30 PM onwards
Mehfil — Networking · Fellowship · Celebration
As dinner gives way to conversation, music and celebration, guests are invited to continue the evening in the spirit of a traditional Indian mehfil — a time to connect across cultures, generations and communities, to share stories, celebrate friendships and honour the extraordinary contribution of the Indian-Australian community.
Chapter Three
III
Celebrating Culture
A curated tapestry of artistic expression—from the sacred rhythms of Indian classical dance to Sufi whirling and high-energy Bhangra.
7:10 PM
Classical Elegance — Indian Classical Dance
A fifteen-minute medley of Indian classical dance unfolds in a single, sweeping journey. The precise geometry of Bharatanatyam, the dramatic storytelling of Kathakali, the fluid temple grace of Odissi, and the spinning, rhythmic poetry of Kathak come together on one stage — a portrait of India's artistic soul that is ancient, elegant and deeply moving.
7:50 PM
Fusion Beats — Turkish Cultural Performance
A ten-minute Turkish cultural performance offers a moment of contemplation and wonder. In flowing robes and wide skirts, the whirling turns slowly and continuously, one hand reaching toward the heavens, the other toward the earth — a visual poem of stillness in motion.
8:30 PM
Dynamic Celebration — Bhangra Performance
As dessert is served, the evening lifts into celebration with eight minutes of Bhangra — the high-energy folk dance of Punjab. The thunder of the dhol and the sound of joyful voices transform the ballroom into a shared space of rhythm and belonging.
9:15 PM
Grand Finale Dance — Feature Bhangra Sequence
A feature Bhangra sequence closes the ceremonial programme — an invitation to stand, clap and feel the heartbeat of a community that has come together across continents.
Chapter Four
IV
Leadership & Diplomacy
Distinguished addresses, parliamentary felicitations, and the recognition of community leadership.
6:20 PM
Segment One — Leadership Addresses & Strategic Partner Recognition
- 6:20 PM — Opening Address by the Premier of New South Wales, followed by felicitation
- Premier's Award presented to our Lead Institute of Higher Education
- Diplomatic Address by the Deputy High Commissioner of India, followed by felicitation
- Presentation of Appreciation to our Principal Sponsor
- Federal Insights — Address by a senior Federal Minister, followed by felicitation
- Presentation of Awards to our Powered-By Sponsors
- Special Guest Address by a former Prime Minister of Australia, followed by felicitation
- Presentation of Appreciation to our Presenting Construction Partner
6:40 PM
Community Leadership Spotlight & Special Recognition
- 6:40 PM — Addresses by the founders and leadership of Indians in Sydney
- 6:45 PM — Entrée service commences
- Presentation of four Leadership Recognition Awards
- Institutional Address by a senior NSW Police Force Commander
7:25 PM
Segment Two — Addresses & Felicitations
- 7:25 PM — Ministerial Address, followed by felicitation and recognition of our Marketing & Communications Partner
- Address by the Leader of the NSW Nationals, followed by felicitation
- Address by a Senator for New South Wales, followed by felicitation
- Address by a Member of the NSW Legislative Assembly, followed by felicitation
- Address by a former Attorney General of New South Wales, followed by felicitation
8:00 PM
Segment Three — Addresses & Felicitations
- 8:00 PM — Four parliamentary addresses, each followed by a presentation of appreciation and community partner recognition
8:38 PM
Segment Four — Addresses & Felicitations
- 8:38 PM — Five parliamentary addresses, each followed by a presentation of appreciation and community partner recognition
Chapter Five
V
Legacy & Fellowship
A closing tribute and candlelit fellowship overlooking the harbour.
9:30 PM
VIP Group Recognition
A mass felicitation of all attending Members of Parliament and Mayors, hosted together with our presenting partner and the Indians in Sydney team.
9:38 PM
Formal Vote of Thanks
Gratitude offered to partners, patrons, volunteers and guests.
9:42 PM
Closing Address by the Master of Ceremonies
Sponsors, partners and attendees are honoured as the official programme is brought to a close.
9:45 PM onwards
Networking & Evening Conclusion
Coffee, mithai and continued conversation as the evening closes over the harbour.
"An evening shaped with intention — for those who shape our shared future."
Culture & Cuisine
An evening of performance and a royal Indian table
Classical dance, ensemble music and a curated four-course tasting menu.
Act I · Performance
Classical & Contemporary
A medley of Indian classical dance — Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Odissi and Kathak — followed by a Turkish Sufi whirling dervish, an Aboriginal didgeridoo welcome, and a joyful Bhangra & Garba finale. A story told through movement, music and presence.
Messages
Kind words from friends of the evening
Short video greetings from leaders, patrons and community voices.
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Patrons & Partners
An assembly of patronage
The Gala is made possible through the generosity of patrons and partners across diplomacy, industry and the arts.
Live Tonight
What's happening now
A live view of the evening as it unfolds — now, next, and the occasional note.
In Progress · Now
6:00 PM
Arrival Reception
Guests received on the harbour-side promenade.
Next in Order · Forthcoming
6:15 PM
Welcome to Country & Ceremonial Opening
The Official Party is invited to the ceremonial dais.
Official Notice
Mobile telephony is respectfully requested to be silenced for the duration of official proceedings.
Legacy
Evenings we've shared before
A quiet look back — photographs and memories from the community's earlier gatherings.
Join the Family
180,000+ of us — and there is always room for one more.
Indians in Sydney began in 2007 as a place to ask a question and find a friend. Wherever you are on the journey, come and stand with us.
The Group
Indians in Sydney
Where it all began in 2007 — questions answered, jobs shared, friendships made.
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The evenings, the faces, the colour — our community in pictures.
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Leadership, enterprise and the professional side of our story.
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/Indians1nSydney
Announcements, drives and everything happening across NSW.
Follow →One community. Many stories. Yours belongs here too.