In this episode, we dive deep into the spiritual heart of Melbourne. We are joined by the visionaries behind the historic Datta Yaag held at the Durga Temple in October 2025—an event that took two years of meticulous planning and brought together 120 couples in a celebration of faith and community. Our guests aren’t just community leaders; they represent the ultimate “multitasking” first-generation migrant’s life. From coding and pharmacy to priesthood and firefighting, their stories are a testament to how we carry our roots while flourishing in a new land.
Meet Our Guests: Shripad Date: By day, an IT professional; by heart, a Justice of Peace, CFA Firefighter, and the Priest who presided over the Yaag. Sanket Sangvikar: A Software Engineer who finds his passion in teaching Hindu Mantras, Chaplaincy, and serving as a Hindu Priest. Aditi Kirtane: A pharmacist turned business owner, President of the Australian Hindu Community (AHC), and a vibrant presence in Indian theatre and music.
What We Discuss: The “Why” Behind the Yaag: Why the priests and the AHC felt Melbourne needed this massive spiritual gathering. 2 Years in the Making: The logistical mountain of organizing the first large-scale Yaag outside of India. The Sacred Fire: Understanding the significance of fire in Hinduism and its beautiful, unexpected parallels with the Aboriginal Smoke Ceremony. The Future of AHC: Aditi shares the roadmap for supporting international students and spreading awareness about Hinduism in the broader Australian community. What part of this massive community effort inspired you the most—the spiritual dedication or the two-year planning marathon?