The Indian flag made its way through Nobby last week, alongside the Australian flag, as an Indian spiritual leader and his followers got to know the local community.

Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji is a spiritual leader, social reformer and philanthropist from the city of Hyderabad in India, which has a population of nearly ten million.

He is the founder of Jeeyar Educational Trust (JET), which has a chapter based in Brisbane.

A few months ago, members of the branch bought a property on Felton Clifton Road with the intention of making it part of the JET initiative.

Swamiji’s visit to Nobby was in part to bless the new property.

Swamiji and JET Brisbane began their visit by taking a look at the Sister Kenny Museum on Tooth Street.

Members of the museum’s committee Tricia and Tony Wallen were at the museum to host the visitors, who were unfamiliar with Sister Kenny’s work.

Swamiji said he was impressed with Sister Kenny and the Museum dedicated to her, as she helped people in need and inspired people towards better health.

Swamiji and his disciples then travelled out to the farm.

Also along for the journey were two riders on horseback, one each carrying the Indian and Australian flags.

Once at the farm, there were many opportunities for photos and Swamiji took a tour of the farm before giving a talk at the farmhouse in front of a captive audience.

Although unknown to locals, Swamiji was clearly an icon for his followers and they were enamoured by his presence.

Although what will happen at the Nobby farm is yet to be formalised, Swamiji said a cultural monument could be there.

Swamiji said he hoped the farm will be a place for people to come, see and learn and show a righteous path for living.

Swamiji’s trip to Nobby and the purchase of the farm aims to be a mutually beneficial exchange, fostering a relationship where traditional Indian agricultural wisdom and sustainable practices assist Australian farmers, who in turn can share insights from Australia’s advanced farming technology.

This article appeared in On Our Selection News, 10 April 2025.