On February 6, 2024, the India born Varun Ghosh created history by becoming the first ever member of the Australian Parliament to take his oath on the Bhagavad Gita. Originally from Western Australia, Ghosh has been appointed as the latest Senator by both the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council to represent the Australian state in the Federal Parliament Senate.
Meanwhile many Australian politicians hailed Ghosh for taking oath on Gita. Penny Wong, the Australian Foreign Minister expressed her pleasure saying “we are thrilled to have you join as the Labour Senate Team.”
She further remarked on the significance of Ghosh ceremony noting that “Senator Ghosh is the inaugural Australian Senator to take oath on the Bhagavad Gita. As I have often said being the first at something means you are not the last. I’m confident that Senator Ghosh will be a powerful advocate for his community and for Western Australians. Australian PM Antony Albanese also welcomed Ghosh saying “It is wonderful to have you onboard.”
Varun Ghosh, a lawyer from Perth holds degrees in Arts and Law from the university of western Australia and was a Commonwealth Scholar in Law at the University of Cambridge. He has previously practised as a finance attorney in New York and also worked as a consultant for the World Bank in Washington DC.
“I have been fortunate to receive a quality education and strongly believe that it should be accessible for all,” he stated. During the 2019 Federal election, Ghosh ran as the fifth candidate of the Australian Labor Party Senate Ticket in Western Australia, although he was not elected. Nonetheless, Ghosh continued his legal practise as a barrister, handling cases in Western Australia and internationally with World Bank.
Born in 1985, Ghosh moved to Perth in 1997 and attended the Christchurch Grammar School. Throughout his professional journey, he has collaborated with organisations such as King and Wood Malleson, dealing with legal cases and matters for banks, resource companies and construction firms.
The Bhagavad Gita is a revered Hindu Scripture and holds significant place in the hearts of many for its spiritual guidance. Within the Mahabharata, an Indian epic, it unfolds as a dialogue between Arjun and Bhagwan Krishna, considered to be the eighth and full (complete) avatar of Bhagwan Vishnu.
Its importance lies in offering practical wisdom for navigating complexities in one’s life. The teachings encapsulated in these sacred texts transcend time maintaining relevance in our modern lives. As a cornerstone of Hindu philosophy, the Bhagavad Gita continues to inspire people and provide timeless insights reflecting the enduring wisdom that resonates across generations, making it a profound source of guidance for those seeking spiritual and practical understanding in their life journeys.
