We are glad to announce that on Wednesday, May 25 Asha Society and Australian Friends of Asha (AFOA) were deeply honoured to attend a reception in Canberra hosted by Mr Peter Varghese AO, Secretary of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and former Australian High Commissioner to India. The guests of honour for the evening were the Governor General of Australia, His Excellency the Hon’ble Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC and Lady Cosgrove. Dr Kiran spoke about Asha’s work and proudly introduced Asha student Usha, who described how Asha supported her through school, university and journalism school.
Long term Asha supporter Mr Peter Varghese was one of the four former High Commissioners in attendance, along with many other distinguished guests including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon’ble Tony Smith MP. The AFOA Board was represented by Caroline Chernov, Richard Leder, Liz Peak and Harish Rao.
Here are a few glimpses from the event…
HE General the Hon’ble Sir Peter Cosgrove, Mr Peter Varghese, HE Lady Cosgrove and Mrs Margaret Varghese arrive with Dr Kiran and Usha
Dr Kiran and Usha meet HE General the Hon’ble Sir Peter Cosgrove, Governor General of Australia AK MCDr Kiran presented a shawl to HE General the Hon’ble Sir Peter Cosgrove, Governor General of Australia AK MCUsha presented a shawl to Mr Peter Varghese AO, Secretary of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and former Australian High Commissioner to IndiaHE General The Hon’ble Sir Peter Cosgrove, Governor General of Australia AK MC addressing the gatheringMr Peter Varghese AO, Secretary of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade addressing the gatheringDr Kiran sharing Asha’s journey, and how over 71 slums are being benefitted from the Asha modelUsha addressing the gathering, as she shares about her overwhelming journey with AshaDr Kiran with former Australian High Commissioner to India, Mr Patrick Suckling
