Indian-Origin Barrister Varun Ghosh Becomes First-Ever Australian Senator To Take Oath On Bhagavad Gita (Watch Video)
Melbourne, February 8: Indian-origin barrister Varun Ghosh has created history by becoming the first-ever Australian Senator to take the oath of office on the Bhagavad Gita. The 38-year-old has officially joined the Australian Senate as the representative for Western Australia (WA), succeeding current senator Patrick Dodson.
Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs and South Australia senator, warmly welcomed Ghosh’s new role and expressed her support, saying, Senator Ghosh is the first ever Australian Senator sworn in on the Bhagavad Gita. I have often said, when you’re the first at something, you’ve got to make sure you’re not the last.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commended Ghosh, a barrister at Francis Burt Chambers, stating that he will be a great voice for Western Australia. Albanese emphasized his support for Ghosh’s nomination and acknowledged the responsibility he carries, saying, I was so pleased to support your candidacy and I say this as well, you’ve got big shoes to fill.
Ghosh’s swearing-in on the Bhagavad Gita marks a significant milestone, highlighting the growing diversity and cultural inclusivity in Australian politics. The Prime Minister had previously expressed his enthusiasm for Ghosh’s appointment in a statement, saying, Welcome Varun Ghosh, our newest Senator from Western Australia. Fantastic to have you on the team.
Varun Ghosh, originally from India, has been a member of the Australian Labor Party since the age of 17 when his family migrated to Perth in the 1980s. In a statement, Ghosh expressed his gratitude for the honor of his preselection, saying, I have had the privilege of a good education and believe strongly that high-quality education and training should be available to everyone.
During the 2019 federal election, Ghosh was ranked fifth on the Australian Labor Party’s Senate ticket in Western Australia but was not elected. He holds degrees in Arts and Law from the University of Western Australia and was a Commonwealth Scholar in Law at the University of Cambridge.
Ghosh brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having worked as a finance attorney in New York and as a consultant for the World Bank in Washington, DC. In 2015, he returned to Australia as a senior associate with King & Wood Mallesons, focusing on dispute resolution for banks, resource companies, and construction firms.
Ghosh joins Dave Sharma as the second Indian-origin Australian Senator, with Sharma having been sworn in as a senator for New South Wales (NSW) in December.
Varun Ghosh’s groundbreaking appointment signifies a significant step forward in representation and diversity within Australian politics. As he takes on his new responsibilities, Ghosh aims to contribute to the development of high-quality education and ensure its accessibility to all.
The first-ever oath-taking ceremony on the Bhagavad Gita in the Australian Senate serves as a testimony to the multicultural fabric and inclusive values of the country’s political landscape. Varun Ghosh’s induction paves the way for continued progress and a broader spectrum of voices within Australia’s democratic system.
