:: Festival of India – Sydney, Australia ::

The Festival of India is a non-profit organisation, run by a 100% volunteer workforce involving over 200 committed individuals. We are managed by a committee of dedicated and experienced individuals who are committed to the goals and values of the organisation. None of the volunteers receive any remuneration.

The Festival of India brings the authentic Indian culture to Sydney’s suburbs and helps the local Australians and business organisations to understand the culture, needs and values of the fast growing Indian community. This we believe fosters stronger and mutually beneficial relationship amongst the local Australians, the business organisations and the Indian community.

The crowd turnout in equal numbers of local Australians and the Indian community also helps in assimilation and understanding of cultures in a jovial and fun mood.

Management Team 2007

Bharat Mana - Chief Operations Manager
(Financial Analyst for Alinta)

Bartosz Gagjew - Chairman
(President ISKCON Sydney)

Rajib Datta - Manpower Co-ordinator
(Software Analyst)

Soni Swamy - Treasurer

Patrick Stultiens - Logistics Manager
(General Manager Govinda Valley Retreat Centre)

Hemant Tiwari - Food and Beverages Manager
(Software Developer)

Suren Vallabhjee - Consultant
(Director Feathersoft Australia)

Vijay Kowtal - Vice-President & Fundraising
(IT Manager)

Mark Langstone - Advertising
(Director Gauranga DTP Graphic Design)

Krush Deepak - Fundraising
(Marketing)

Charity

The Festival of India is a not for profit venture and a percentage of the profits go to the charities Hare Krishna Food for Life, and Midday Meals for Kids.

Food For Life, which is a charity organisation based in North Sydney and feeds the homeless in on a daily basis. Each year it distributes over 30,000 free plates in the city of Sydney. Visit their website here: www.iskcon.com.au/Food_for_Life.html

The organisation also endeavours to cultivate and increase the number of committed volunteers to help make this festival bigger each year. It helps inculcate in volunteers a service attitude for charities in a fun and entertaining way and develop leaders who in future can contribute positively as responsible citizens toward the general Australian society.

Our Values

Festival of India strives to maintain and reinforce the following values in its organisation and volunteers.

Creativity

Quality entertainment

Commitment to goals

Honesty and fairness in dealing

Professional approach

Continuous Improvement

We believe the above values are essential for long term growth of the organisation.