Nimi Bedi
In a world that is torn, tormented and troubled by acts of war, conflicts of interest and growing terrorism, it is heartening to see men and women working for peaceful co-existence, spreading goodwill and understanding.
Governments and international bodies recognise some of them. Manmohan Kaur Bedi, known to us as Nimi, is one such.
Ambassador for Peace
The Universal peace Foundation honoured her with the ‘Ambassador for Peace Award’ at a ceremony held in Auckland recently. The Foundation aims to establish world peace where spiritual and material dimensions of life are harmonised.
Nimi said that she felt elated, honoured and humbled by the Award.
“In this era of global unrest, I have been fortunate to have been accorded opportunities to serve my family, community and workplace to convey messages of peace. I am privileged to live in an environment of diverse yet unified Auckland and spreading messages of peace in my own way. Peace comes from within when we are sincere towards families, work and ourselves. This is so aligned with my traditional cultural values of life,” she said.
While her employment at the Auckland City Council keeps her in touch with a number of ethnic groups, her services to the Indian community have taken various forms including the New Zealand Indian Central Association at which she was the Assistant General Secretary and the Manukau Indian Association (Member, Executive Committee).
Community development
Nimi said that she is dedicated to enhancing community development and capacity building in South Auckland.
“While celebrating Diwali in 2013, I resolved to support my community in every possible way, without any selfish motive. A year later, I feel truly blessed to have successfully carried out my resolution. I am now even more committed with this ‘Ambassador for Peace Award.’ I am grateful to everyone in the community for their trust,” she said.
Five others received the Award at the Ceremony held on August 3, 2014.
