India in language, lens, and lights

#myIndianLink photo winners | Words of home | Vir Das @ IFFM | Lessons from India’s freedom struggle | U19 cricket squad

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Indian Link
15 Aug • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

Good Morning,

Happy 15th August!

While India celebrates Independence Day, I’m writing to you from Greece, where it’s Assumption Day, honouring the Virgin Mary’s journey to heaven.

Two different cultures, one powerful theme: transformation. Whether it’s freedom from oppression or a leap of faith, today’s a reminder that true change begins when we dare to rise.

Rajni Anand Luthra 

Editor, Indian Link

Images celebrating the bonds that unite Indians with each other and with something greater, take top honours at this year’s #myIndianLink Photography Contest.

TORRSHA SEN

In a career that’s taken him from Mumbai stages to global tours, comedian Vir Das shares the stories behind his latest Netflix special and what he wants the audience to take away from shows.

KHUSHEE GUPTA

Time to confuse your brain just a little:

Tread on the living, they make not a mumble.
Tread on the dead, they mutter and grumble.

Think you know the answer? It is hiding somewhere in this newsletter.
Keep those eyes sharp and scroll like you mean it. 👀

How India’s freedom fighters inspire youth to reimagine protest, revolution, and responsibility in today’s world.

KHUSHEE GUPTA

29 speakers of Indian languages in Australia pick a word from the tongues that raised them – words that remind them who they are.

LAKSHMI GANAPATHY AND RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA

  • Vidya Makan of Sydney, who won the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Performance in a Musical by TimeOut’s Arts & Culture awards.

  • Mitu Bhowmick Lange and the entire team who have officially launched the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025 this week.

  • Nakshathra Suresh of Sydney, who is one of the speakers for the Youth For Equitable Tech Summit.

  • Vithyaa Thavapalan of Sydney on establishing Rising Ranis, a first-of-its-kind community for South Asian young women aged between 13-18.

Indian-origin talents Aryan Sharma and Yash Deshmukh have been selected to play in Australia’s U19 squad in the upcoming multi-format home series against India.

TORRSHA SEN

Dive into the world of Indian cinema at the Indian Film Festival Melbourne, where bold storytelling, captivating performances, and vibrant culture come alive on the big screen. From hidden gems to blockbuster hits, this festival is a celebration of India’s cinematic spirit and creative energy.

For more go to our What’s On Page.

Hi, we’re glad you’re still around - the answer to this week’s riddle is: ‘leaves’.

Think you know which iconic movie this scene is from?

Get it right for a feature in next week’s newsletter!

See if you guessed last week’s movie right – and check out the winners!

❝

All of us, to whatever religion we may belong, are equally the children of India with equal rights, privileges and obligations.

First Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, in his speech "Tryst with Destiny" delivered on the eve of India's Independence in 1947

⌛ This or That ✈️

What's your airport timing?

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Are you team people-watching or power-walking?

As of last week, turns out fresh air is overrated.

100% of you chose a slow morning over a walk somewhere green.
Urban legends now speak of a time when people touched grass.