Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Australia was setup in Sydney in August 2003. Bhavan Australia is a chapter of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan which has worldwide presence

As one of the largest NGO’s in the world, the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, literally meaning the House of Indian Knowledge/Wisdom, (The Bhavan) has over 180 centres in India. The Sydney Centre is its first in Australia. The other overseas centres are in the UK, USA, Canada, Portugal, Mexico and South Africa and Singapore. The Bhavan has its headquarters in Mumbai, India. Bhavan has been playing a crucial role in educational and cultural interactions in the world, holding aloft the best of Indian traditions and at the same time meeting the needs of modernity and multiculturalism. Bhavan’s large numbers of publications have been well received all over the world and provide wholesome literature for the modern mind. Its schools in India provide the best education and resources to young people. Its cultural centres around the world facilitate intercultural activities and provide a forum for true understanding of Indian culture, multiculturalism and foster closer cultural ties among individuals, governments and cultural institutions in those countries.

Its members and supporters include: all Presidents of India; all Prime Ministers of India; Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel; C. Rajagopalachari; leaders of the freedom movement of India; His Holiness Dalai Lama; Prince Charles, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales; Nelson Mandela; Rev. Mother Teresa; Bill Gates; eminent businessmen like JRD Tata; G D Birla; and other national and international leaders.

Since its launch on 30 August 2003 Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Australia (Bhavan Australia) has undertaken a large number of activities related to Indian culture and promoting multiculturalism in Australia. The Major annual events are:

• Holi Mahotsav in Darling Harbour - in first weekend (over two days) of March / April every year, Supported by Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority and Indian Tourism. Click here to view Holi Mahotsav website
• World Culture Concert & Arts Festival - October every year, Sydney Town Hall, Supported by City if Sydney.
• Interfaith prayer meeting every year on 30 January at the Parliament House, Sydney
• Cricket Masala – A Combination of Cricket & Culture amongst the South Asian communities was introduced in April 2006. This event has now expanded and there are 12 teams from 12 different heritages (over two days) and Cricket NSW and Cricket Australia have joined in as partners. This event is supported by Bankstown City Council. Cricket Masala Website
• Small Business & Cultural Awards introduced in 2007 to be held in May every Year. Supported by Commonwealth Bank.
  Bhavan Australia a monthly magazine reaches out to a wide variety of important persons in Australia, Federal and State MP, Consuls General and High Commissioners of all the major countries in Australia, mayors of all the councils of NSW and public libraries in NSW and other community leaders and important persons.

Apart from the major annual festivals listed above Bhavan Australia supports a number of events with a view to support Multiculturalism and Indian Culture in Australia including for Art Gallery OF NSW; Sydney Alliance; Australian National Field Days, Orange; Community Relations Commission and various city councils in Australia

Bhavan Australia is a monthly magazine reaches out to a wide variety of important persons in Australia, Federal and State MP, Consuls General and High Commissioners of all the major countries in Australia, mayors of all the councils of NSW and public libraries in NSW and other community leaders and important persons. View Bhavan Australia magazines online

Bhavan’s Institute for Indian Arts & Culture
Bhavan Australia opened the Bhavan’s Institute for Indian Arts Culture & Education in 2006, to meet the growing demand for training in the fields of Indian Arts and Culture and with a view to spread the rich culture. View Detailed Courses List

Gandhi Institute of Computer Education and Information Technology
Bhavan’s Gandhi Institute of Computer & Information Technology Australia is aimed to providing free / highly subsidised Computer Training Education Programme to the poor / underprivileged or anyone who is eager to be educated in basic Computer knowledge but cannot afford it. View Course List