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About ICST

Inidan Cultural Society of Tasmania is the second oldest society formed by members of Indian Heritage communities in Australia.  The Indian Cultural Society of Tasmania (ICST), established in 1972, aims to foster cultural exchange and community among the Indian population in Tasmania. The society was formed by early Indian settlers to connect and celebrate their heritage. A key milestone was the acquisition of “Bharat Bhavan” (India House) in 1989, which became the Indian Cultural and Community Welfare Centre.  Today apart from being an incorporated association registered in Tasmania, ICST is also registered as a charity with the Australian Charity and Not-for-profit CommissionLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Donec vehicula blandit urna nec facilisis. Suspendisse efficitur justo vitae enim facilisis blandit. Maecenas ultricies pellentesque neque, sit amet porttitor ante consequat a. Suspendisse ultrices sem eu viverra. 

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Here's a more detailed look at the history:

Early Days:

The society was formed in the early 1970s by the first Indian settlers in Hobart.

Initial Purpose:

The primary goal was to provide a platform for the growing Indian community to gather, celebrate their culture, and maintain a sense of connection.

Community Focus:

The ICST has played a vital role in preserving and promoting Indian culture, traditions, and arts within Tasmania.

Golden Jubilee:

The society celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022, with a special event at the Hellenic Hall in North Hobart.

Ongoing Activities:

The ICST continues to organize events and activities that bring the Indian community together, fostering a sense of belonging and cultural pride

Bharati Bhavan ( India House) :

The society established a cultural center called Bharati Bhavan or India House, which stands as a testament to their dedication. Bharat Bhavan was acquired or established In 1989, which serves as a hub for cultural activities and community welfare.

Diverse Participation:

While the ICST was initially formed as an inclusive or multi-religious association. Other groups like the Shanti Nivas (Hindu centre, which later renamed as Hindu Society of Tasmania), etc emerged to cater to specific religious and cultural needs. Today various Indo-cultural community organisations like Hindu Society of Tasmania, Tamil Association of Tasmania, Hobart Malayali Association, Tamil Arts and Culture Society Tasmania, Punjabi Society Tasmania, Malayali Association of Tasmania, Aryasamaj of Tasmania, Gujarati Community Gorup, Tasmanian Kannada Sangha, Indian Business Association, Fiji Australia Association Tasmania, Deepavali Tasmania, etc. support various activities of the organisation.

ICST Objectives

Indian Cultural Society of Tasmania - Objects and purposes of Association

  • The society is formed by migrants from India or Indian origin communities migrated from other parts of the world. The support from the Government of India, and the Indian diaspora from other parts of the world have been instrumental in establishing it as a leading community organisation. The primary objectives of the Association are given in subsequent below:.
  • Cultural: To stimulate and foster interest and appreciation of Indian culture as part of the cultural heritage of mankind through exhibitions, displays, lectures, seminars and performances in field such as dance, music, films, culinary arts, arts and crafts etc.
  • Traditional: To facilitate the celebration of Indian traditional festivals.
  • Educational: To provide facilities for learning Indian languages, culture and philosophy and to promote multicultural education and understanding.
  • Hospitable: To offer hospitality to migrants and visitors and to provide assistance in their settlements and personal needs.
  • Benevolent: To provide community based services and support to the elderly, disabled and disadvantaged persons in the community.
  • Charitable: To provide by all available mean the relief of distress, sickness, and other suffering for the poor, infirm and destitute in the community by the provision of food, clothing and accommodation.
  • Multicultural: To encourage multi-culturalism by co-ordinating and facilitating interaction between various community groups originated from indian sub-continent. And also to promote harmony and peace by facilitating interaction with other community groups originated from various parts of the world.
  • Cultural Centre: To establish and maintain Indian Cultural Centre at Hobart and other places in Tasmania to promote the object and purposes of the society.
  • To achieve the basic objectives and purposes of the Association above, the association may carry out all necessary activities.

ICS Trust Deed

See deed

ICS constitution

see constitution