Vineeta Rao
Auckland, March 18, 2025
Suman Kapoor’s journey from India to New Zealand stands as a testament to resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to community service.
Her story exemplifies overcoming challenges, embracing new opportunities, and making a significant impact on the lives of many. Suman and her husband settled in Hamilton in 2002.
Before dedicating herself to social service, she worked across various industries. Initially, she served as a Primary School teacher, imparting knowledge and passion for education to young minds. Subsequently, she ventured into the hotel industry, managing a Nando’s Franchise in Hamilton. Her entrepreneurial spirit also inspired her to open a restaurant, where she introduced local patrons to the flavours of Indian cuisine.
A Passion for Social Work
Ms Kapoor’s inclination towards social work is deeply rooted in her nostalgia for India and her desire to assist others. She frequently reached out to fellow Indians, forming connections and addressing their concerns.
This passion led her to establish the ‘Indians Global Women and Family Group’ and the ‘Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin’ in New Zealand. These organisations have become platforms for fostering community spirit and providing support to those in need.
Additionally, she has served on the boards of several local not-for-profit organisations that operate within the community, such as Age Concern Waikato.
Overcoming Challenges
Running a charitable organisation presents its own set of challenges, with financial constraints often at the forefront. Nevertheless, Ms Kapoor received considerable support from the community, facilitating the execution of various projects. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she played a vital role in distributing food and masks while guiding people to access government resources.
Ms Kapoor’s linguistic skills further amplified her impact. As a qualified interpreter in multiple Indian languages, including Punjabi, Hindi, Gujarati, Urdu, and Fijian Hindi, she provided essential services in various official capacities. Her ability to bridge language barriers was invaluable in assisting individuals as they navigated complex situations.
Her dedication to community engagement extended beyond social work. She hosted a community radio programme titled ‘Global Mehfil’ on Hamilton’s Free FM for many years.
This platform enabled her to connect with a broader audience, share valuable information, and celebrate cultural diversity.
Cultural Programmes
Organising cultural events also constituted a significant aspect of Ms Kapoor’s efforts.
She pioneered and orchestrated numerous celebrations, including the Hamilton Diwali Mela, and actively involved Indian students in these activities. Recognising the financial constraints faced by some students and new migrants, she offered free memberships to ensure their participation and foster a sense of belonging.
In her latest endeavour, she has been actively involved in establishing the New Zealand chapter of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.
Recognition and Awards
Ms Kapoor’s relentless commitment to her community has not gone unnoticed.
In 2016, she received the Bharat Gaurav and Hind Ratan awards. In 2013, she earned the prestigious Times Now NRI of the Year award (Philanthropy), a recognition involving a global online voting process. This award included a Business Class trip to India and a stay at the Trident Hotel, marking a significant milestone in her journey.
In 2020, she was honoured under the Local Hero category of the esteemed New Zealander of the Year award and in 2023, the Urdu Hindi Cultural Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Earlier this month, she received the Bharat Nirman Empowered Woman of the Year Award.
Balancing priorities in life
Balancing personal interests with family responsibilities is a challenge many encounter, and Ms Kapoor is no exception. She acknowledges that her work sometimes took time away from her children, yet she remained steadfast in her commitment to making a difference. Her story underscores the importance of pursuing one’s passions while being mindful of family dynamics.
Her love for reading and writing further enriched her life. She has authored books and songs, maintaining a strong connection with Indian culture through various initiatives. Her efforts to keep the Indian community informed and connected were evident in her endeavours, from operating her restaurant and including a copy of Indian Newslink with every order to ensuring that our paper was stocked at the central library in Hamilton.
Ms Kapoor’s journey is a remarkable example of resilience, dedication, and the power of community service. Her contributions have left an indelible mark on the lives of many, both in New Zealand and India. Through her efforts, she has not only preserved cultural heritage but also fostered a sense of unity and support among diverse communities.
Ms Kapoor’s Suman’s story serves as a reminder that with passion and perseverance, one can overcome challenges and make a lasting impact on the world.
Vineeta Rao is an Indian Newslink Reporter based in Auckland.
