Melbourne, Feb 17: -India born Australian parliamentarian Barrister Varun Ghosh has created a new record in the Parliament of Australia. As a Member of Parliament, he took his oath of office by touching the Hindu holy scripture, the Bhagavad Gita.
After being nominated as a Senate member, he took the oath in the House. Traditionally, members have taken oath by touching the Christian holy book, the Bible, but Varun introduced a departure from this practice by choosing the Bhagavad Gita for his swearing-in.
Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong welcomed his oath-taking and wrote, “Welcome Varun Ghosh, the new Senator for Western Australia.” She said he would strongly raise his voice in the House for his community and for Western Australia.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also welcomed him. Varun has been nominated as a member of the Senate of the Australian Federal Parliament and will represent Western Australia.
He is originally from Pathar and is a lawyer by profession. He moved from India to Australia at the age of 17. He earned degrees in Arts and Law from the University of Western Australia. He began his political career as a member of the Australian Labor Party.