A primary reason for people migrating to developed countries is to ensure a better life for their family, and a brighter future for their children.
Individuals are attracted to world-class educational facilities for their offspring, and co-circular activities on offer; thus shaping their wards as competent individuals ready to succeed on the world stage.
For many Indian families, migrating to New Zealand offers all the above, amidst friendly locals, and a breathtakingly beautiful landscape.
I believe that the real reason for young and second generation Kiwi Indians doing well in the country is the support they get from their parents and other members of the family.
The major factor contributing to their success is their good upbringing, which is an amalgamation of the best practices from the East and the West.
Children are brought up in tightly knit, caring families.
The scourge of spoon feeding, common in raising the youth in India, is absent in the New Zealand Society.
Greater freedom
Children are given more freedom and responsibility from a young age.
The concept of part-time work during teenage years is not palatable to most families in India, but in New Zealand, young Kiwi Indians take up such jobs, which lay the foundation for successful careers, teaching young people virtues of hard work and punctuality These qualities are essential to face the challenges of life.
The educational system here emphasises on the all-round development of an individual. Latent talents in the field of sports or arts are given a platform to display and shine in education.
India is yet to adopt the concept of holistic growth. Our families in India place undue stress on youngsters succeeding academically to get ahead of the pack in a seemingly endless rat race.
Parents have a more friendly relationship with their children in New Zealand, compared to their counterparts in India.
While children of Indian origin retain respect for elders, there is also the extra warmth in their relationships because of their closeness as ‘friends.’
This develops a stronger bond between parents and children, making the latter confident of discussing any issue and get sound and seasoned advice in return.
The pride a parent feels in seeing their child do well is one of the greatest highs in the journey of parenthood.
Young Kiwi Indians, by succeeding in academics and sports on one hand, and being perfect, respectful children domestically on the other, are not only making their parents proud but also become a true asset to New Zealand.
