I acknowledge the Indo-Australian Bal Bharathi Vidyalaya Hindi School at Thornleigh West Public School and 30 years of outstanding community building by all involved in the school. The school was established in 1987 by a group of mothers who migrated from India to Australia and wanted their children to learn about the Indian culture and Hindi language.
It was the first Hindi language institution in Sydney, and today the school has grown to 13 classes with more than 140 students in total. It offers tutelage for language units in the Higher School Certificate. I congratulate the school on reaching such a momentous milestone and I thank the volunteers and teachers who run this school for their dedication to preserving the Indian culture and Hindi language.
In such a multicultural community this organisation works hard to develop strong community ties and does a fantastic job of enriching the overall appreciation of Australian multicultural heritage.
I particularly acknowledge the remarkable Mala Metha, the inspiration and heart and soul of the school. She represents what is best about our community and what is best about our country.
