General News
25 July, 2025
Indian roots and Australian wings
Miraben Sanjay Bharania, the popular IGA lady known as ‘Mira’ in Rainbow, shared her journey from the vibrant chaos of India to the peaceful streets of Rainbow after the Ladies Fellowship invited her to the Southern Mallee Co-operative Church Hall on Thursday, July 17.
Mira is the managing director and a shareholder of the town’s only supermarket and is very pleased by the welcoming culture of the Rainbow and its community.
More than 30 locals attended the session last week, where Mira started her presentation by playing relaxing music and invited everyone to close their eyes and remember some of the happiest moments of their lives, creating a warm and positive space for connection.
Three years back, she came to Rainbow while carrying two suitcases and a heart full of hope.
“My journey was not just across continents but into the heart of a community that welcomed me with warmth, smiles, and open hearts,” she said.
Mira spoke about how Indian and Australian cultures may appear different in their expressions, but share the same values of love, respect and community.
The highlight of the session was Mira explaining the significance and rich traditions of Indian weddings, including rituals, family bonding, and various compulsory sessions with both the bride and groom.
“My parent and grandparents told me that if the groom’s family are noble and has a good reputation, the groom will definitely be good too,” she said.
“It’s not about rich and poor, the family has to be nice for a perfect match.
“I’m married to my husband, Sanjay, for 28 years, and I never had any issues.”
The attendees were amazed to learn that some weddings can last from three to seven days, and sometimes they serve more than 500 guests.
She also spoke about one of their religious festivals called ‘Diwali’, the festival of lights that celebrates the triumph of good over evil.
“It’s just like the Christmas we celebrate in Australia,” she said.
Mira admires the Australian spirit of fair go, mateship, and the simple joys of sunsets, barbecues, and weekend footy.
She said it reflects the culture of Australia, which values balance and community connection among its people.
Mira shared the concept of the ‘Eight Powers of Humans’: the power to withdraw, cooperate, face, judge, pack up, tolerate, accommodate, and discriminate.
She explained how these powers can guide us through challenges while maintaining peace within.
Mira distributed virtue cards to everyone in the audience, encouraging each person to reflect on their virtues and strengths, and then held an interactive session where attendees discussed the virtues they had chosen and how they could apply them in their daily lives.
During her presentation, she shared her beautiful life lesson with a smile, saying, “Indian culture gave me roots, and Australian culture gave me wings.”
She embraces both worlds, celebrating Diwali and Christmas with equal joy, speaking Gujarati at home while perfecting her Aussie English in daily conversations.
Living between these worlds has taught her that home is not just a place but a feeling of belonging, and she feels grateful to call Rainbow her home.