Staff Reporter –
The people from East Indian State of Bihar have come together to establish the ‘Bihar Foundation-Auckland, with the aim of promoting their unique cultural and social values and instill a sense of pride and joy in the growing generations.
At the first meeting of the organisation held in Avondale last month, Ragini Gautam was elected to the post of Chairperson, with Dr Gautam Sinha and Dr P Nagi as Vice-Chairmen. Among the other office-bearers elected were Ajay Kumar Verma (Secretary), Sanjeev Prasad, Treasurer.
Mrs Gautam said this would be the First Chapter of Biharis, indicating that others may follow in other parts of the coutnry.
Lofty objective
“The objective of the first meeting was to introduce the newly formed Executive Committee Members to members. Discussions were held as to how best people from the State of Bihar can strengthen our Association and promote its objectives of bonding, branding and busienss among the growing Bihari Diaspora in Auckland,” she said.
Dr Nagi said that the new Foundation was in response to the growing demand for a common platform by Non-Resident Indians from Bihar and people from the State.
Bihar Day
“This opportunity provides for all to engage in community welfare activities,” he said.
Mr Verma said that the Foundation will celebrate ‘Bihar Day’ on March 22, 2016 with a ‘Mela’ featuring Bihari arts and crafts and cuisine.
“We are also keen to organise programmes to promote trade and business investment in Bihar, as our government there is keen to channelise interests through our Foundation. There are also plans to share New Zealand’s advanced technology for Agro-based industries in Bihar,” he said.
Indo-Fijian Special
According to Ms Gautam, the new organisation is proposing to organise a religious and cultural tour of Bihar for the Indo-Fijian community, many of whose ancestors come from this State.
This would be as a part of ‘Connecting with Roots,’ programme, likely to go ahead in October next year.
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Photo :
Promoters of Bihari culture: From left Sanjeev Prasad, Dr Gautam Sinha, Ragini Gautam, Ajay Kumar Verma and Dr P Nagi.
