Migrant communities should integrate into mainstream New Zealand on the one hand and promote their own languages and cultures, National MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi has said.
“I request parents to speak to their children in their native language at home, children in turn could try and learn the languages of their friends, both of which will enable people to converse in a number of languages. Multilingualism will help to promote our multicultural profile,” he said.
Mr Bakshi was speaking at a function organised by the Urdu Hindi Cultural Association at the Avondale Community Centre in Auckland on Sunday, August 3.
Ghouse Majeed, a member of the Executive Committee of the Association sponsored and facilitated the Programme.
Strengthening bond
“Language strengthens the human bond and people who are able to converse in more than one language can widen their circle of friends, thereby promoting goodwill and harmony. I know many New Zealanders, who speak five to seven languages, saying that they are not only able to converse with more people but also understand their culture, customs and traditions. As a multicultural society, we participate in several ethnic events and festivals throughout the year,” he said.
The Association honoured Professor Rais Alvi (Sahitya Academy Award winner from Pakistan) for his services to the community and Urdu literature and launch his book, ‘Undroone Shimal Ka Tung Raasta,’ Urdu translation of ‘Oku No Hoso Michi’ (The Narrow Road to Deep North). The Japanese original was a travelogue of Japanese poet Haiku Matsu O Basho.
Among the other speakers were candidates in the upcoming general election Priyanca Radhakrishnan (Labour), Dr Parmjeet Parmar and Christopher Penk (National), Professor Alvi and Roopa Suchdev (Association Vice-President).
Book launched
Professor Alvi said that he was currently translating the book into Hindi.
Mr Bakshi later received the first copy of the Book.
The second part of the Programme comprised rendition of Ghazals and Mushaira Kavi Sammelan and Ghazal
Syed Mujeeb Hyderabadi (QSM) is Secretary General of the Urdu Hindi Cultural Association based in Auckland.
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi receives the first copy of the book from Mohammed Rais Alvi, watched by (from left) Mirza Taimoori, Syed Mujeeb Hyderabadi and Ghouse Majeed
