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Auckland, Auckland 30, 2021
“Perseverance, Patience and Commitment have been elemental to the success of Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust. Today, this caravan of love, hope and services has turned 25, marking a significant milestone in a magnificent journey that started with nothing but a commitment to serve the community and the country.”
The above is an extract from a speech by Jeet Suchdev, Chairperson of Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust at the Silver Jubilee celebrations held at the Trusts Stadium in Henderson, Auckland, on April 24, 2021.
Bhartiya Samaj was a small initiation by him and Roopa Suchdev in 1995 to support individuals and families who have newly migrated to New Zealand.
Dignitaries, Supporters and Performers
The evening marked the presence of more than guests.
Among them were India’s High Commissioner Muktesh Pardeshi, Rakhi Pardeshi, Transport, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Wood, Judge Ajit Swaran Singh, Auckland City Police District Commander Karyn Malthus, Members of Parliament Melissa lee, Deborah Russell, Hon Consul of India in Auckland Bhav Dhillon, Chairpersons of the Local Boards of Puketapapa, Whau Local, Albert Eden and Bhartiya Samaj Patron Dr Bruce Hucker.
Also present were community leaders, sponsors, performers, Bhartiya Samaj senior citizens, management and executive committee team and volunteers.
The highlights of the evening included the music and dance performances of Simran Chadha, and other talented artistes from the Grandiose Group, Indiance group, Khottey Sikkey, Kathak Kendra Nrityashala and release of ‘Caring Aotearoa,’ the quarterly magazine of the Samaj.
This issue captures the success stories of Bhartiya Samaj, its culture of service, initiatives that have impacted New Zealand communities and the contributions of people over the past 25 years.
The event was a result of contribution and unequivocal support of sponsors, organisers, volunteers, performers and Executive Committee members.
Community and social workers
Mr Suchdev and his sister Roopa Suchdev have been advocates of elderly care, child welfare, education of youth and have been involved in a number of community and social welfare projects in Auckland.
They are founders of the Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust, which since its establishment in 1995, has also been promoting campaigns to contain family violence and bringing solace and relief to victims of immigration fraud and other migrant exploitation.
The Trust works mainly for the welfare of the Indian community and took the initiative to establish ‘Aashirwad,’ what it calls a ‘culturally appropriate home for the aged’ within the David Lange Care Home in the South Auckland suburb of Mangere East.
Making a positive difference
It has came a long way since then. Over the years, the Samaj has achieved many significant milestones, bringing a positive difference to the Aotearoa community by enriching the lives of people. Not only has it played a vital role as friend, philosopher and guide in thousands of souls, but it has also became a safe haven for those in crisis.
Community leaders, volunteers, staff and countless others have contributed immensely to the 25-year-journey of this Organisation.
Summer Camp for children
Bhartiya Samaj conducts a Summer Camp for children every year.
Personality development and learning skills are among the benefits that more than 100 children derived attending the programme held in January every year.
The Summer Camp is based on seven ‘core principles,’ the most important of which is ‘Fun,’ with every child enjoying the activities in a clean and safe environment.
“Respect, Honesty, Physical Activities, Learning, Accountability and Integrity form the main pillars of the Camp. We teach children the value of honesty by acknowledging that everyone is prone to make mistakes, but it is important to admit and learn from the mistakes,” Mr Suchdev said in a statement published by Indian Newslink earlier.
Personality Development
The Summer Camp includes workshops dedicated to personality development, public speaking, leadership, fine arts and other subjects.
“All participants including teachers and volunteers were responsible for their words and deeds, making the Camp a positive event. By being respectful, honest and accountable, we contributed to fostering a culturally appropriate community event with integrity. The annual Summer Camp had a congenial environment for positive interaction,” Mr Suchdev said.
With reporting and pictures by Ruchika Agarwal, Business Administration Manager, Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust. This Story has been sponsored by
