Venkat Raman
Energetic Diversity is the traits of the new office-bearers of the Waitakere Indian Association, which began their two-year term following the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Waitemata Rugby Union Football & Sports Centre in Henderson, West Auckland.
The Meeting, held on June 30, 2019, elected incumbent Sunil Kaushal as President of the 19-year-old Association, known for its highly successful Holi and Diwali Festivals, conducted entirely by volunteers and community workers.
Outgoing President Mahendra Sharma furthered the spirit of oneness and service during his term at the top, setting a new benchmark for the Association.
The New Team
Among the others elected at the AGM were Shalveen Ballu (Vice-President), Sanjay Datt Sharma (Secretary), Deborah Reed (Assistant Secretary), Junita Sen (Treasurer), Madhav Pradhan (Assistant Treasurer), Mahendra Sharma (Immediate Past-President), Chandrika Prasad, Shweta Bajpai and Kunnal Sharma (Executive Committee Members).
Mr Kaushal described his colleagues as ‘personification of the spirit of community, bringing talent, expertise and energy to the Association.’
“We are very fortunate to have them by our side as we continue to strengthen the community in Waitakere,” he said.
Collaborative Approach
Mr Kaushal said that the new team will follow a collaborative approach in a continuance of the WIA aims and objectives.
“In line with our core theme of ‘Work for you and your family,’ the new Committee will engage with our diverse Indian community and wider local communities and demonstrate strong cultural intelligence, feel connected and included, achieve greater impact for our youth, women and older people who experience disadvantage and support our new migrants effectively to their needs and aspirations,” he said.
Growing Diaspora
Mr Kaushal said that more than 180,000 people of Indian origin live in New Zealand and that Hindi is the fourth largest spoken language.
“Since its inception in 2000, WIA has been working with various government agencies and local Indian associations in promoting, advocating and integrating the Indian Diaspora, culture and values with the Kiwi way of life,” he said.
WIA is a non-sectarian, non-profit organisation open to all communities.
“Our mission is to build a sense of community and common purpose throughout the region, and enhance the recreational, educational, cultural, health and social well-being of the Indian Diaspora in Waitakere, Auckland,” Mr Kaushal said.
Photo Caption:
Sunil Kaushal (Back Row, second from left) and Mahendra Sharma (Front Row, third from right), respectively President and Immediate Past President with their team at Waitakere Indian Association (Picture Supplied)
