AN important book of legacy for the Indian population of Australia was launched to Woolgoolga’s Indian community at the town’s Sikh Museum opposite The Guru Nanak Sikh temple on Sunday 22 October.

The book tells the story of Moti Husna’s arrival from the Punjab to Northern Queensland in 1899 and the following migration of many family members and whole communities intent on building a “better life” in Australia.

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With moves back to the Punjab and returns to Australia, Moti finally settled in Woolgoolga and the family grew from there with many direct descendants and tendrils of ancestors still living and working in the region, several of whom attended the book launch.

The book, ‘Bhakrodi To Woolgoolga’, was written by Len Kenna and Crystal Jordan from the Australian Indian Historical Society who attended the launch, with Len introducing the speakers.

During their participation in the research for photographs for the Sikh Museum in Woolgoolga, Len and Crystal were asked by the curators to find a presentable photograph of Moti.

A search ensued, taking them down a rabbit hole which delivered a fascinating history of the first Sikh’s in Australia.

Another seed was sown for the book’s writing by a passing comment from Woolgoolga woman Rashmere Bhatti, who wrote what became a revered and respected historical reference book, ‘A Punjabi Sikh Community in Australia: from Indian sojourners to Australian citizens’.

The pair took up the baton to pen the pioneering path pursued by Moti of the earliest Punjabi arrivals.

“This book is about one grandfather’s dream of building a life in Australia,” Woolgoolga businessman John Arkan told News Of The Area.

“It demonstrates the resilience of the people coming off the ships in the mid-late 1800s, mostly young men.

“My grandmother and her three sons were a rare inclusion on those early ships as men did not usually bring their families.

“It’s about telling the truth for our future generations, knowing their Sikh heritage and family background.”

Another local, Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh told NOTA, “It’s an important book for our children.

“Thanks to our forefathers who took the risks for us to have a better life here in Australia.”

Gurmesh’s grandfather, Pritam, is mentioned in the book, along with references to Bella Singh, his great grandfather.

Moti lived a dual existence, bringing Sikh traditions and Punjabi farming skills to Australia and returning to his Indian village of Bhakrodi (Kishanpura) to support the villagers through philanthropic works.

Described as an historical study, Len and Crystal worked closely with Moti’s family members, in particular Kirpal Husna, his grandson, who still lives in Woolgoolga and spoke at the book launch.

Everyone attending the launch was presented with a copy of the book.

For copies and further information email the Australian Indian Historical Society at australianindianhistory@gmail.com.

By Andrea FERRARI