Staff Reporter
Auckland, January 11, 2019
The Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), an international body representing the Indian Diaspora, has announced that it will induct National Party Member of Parliament Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi into its ‘Honour Roll’ later this month.
A GOPIO notification said that he will be among two other dignitaries to receive this honour, including Maharashtra Minister Raj K Purohit and South Africa Member of Parliament Aumsensing (Omie) Singh.
They will be honoured at the Valedictory Session of GOPIO General Meet in at the Varanasi Taj Hotel in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India on January 20, 2019, the evening before the commencement of the official biennial ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, on January 21, 2019 in the City.
Among the past recipients of this Honour were former Prime Minister the later Inder Gujral, Dr L M Singhvi and Lord Bhikhu Parekh,
About Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi
The GOPIO notification described Mr Bakshi as ‘Indian Origin Member of New Zealand’s Parliament, serving his fourth term as a List Parliamentarian for the New Zealand National Party.’
“Currently serving as a spokesperson for Internal Affairs and Justice portfolios for the New Zealand National Party, he also served as Chairperson of Parliamentary Law and Order Select Committee. His prior assignments included numerous Parliamentary Committees. In 2015, he was conferred ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award’ by the Indian Government. Mr Bakshi has been supporting GOPIO chapters in New Zealand.”
(Picture of Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi from file)