Venkat Raman
Auckland, August 3, 2021
In its 22 years of service, Indian Newslink has carried thousands of success stories and reported on the progress of people. This publication also remembers with humility and respect, business and community leaders who have been shining examples of philanthropy, business acumen, service to the people and academic excellence. In homage to their inspiring leadership, Indian Newslink has established Special Commemoration Awards.
There were a few this year at the Seventh Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts and Culture Awards Presentation Ceremony held on August 2, 2021.
Raman (Ray) Ranchhod Award
Raman (Ray) Ranchhod: Raman Ranchhod was an icon of the Indian community, who was a visionary leader, known for compassion and care. As well establishing highly successful business ventures in New Zealand and Australia, Mr Ranchhod left us at a time when we probably needed him most. We think of him with respect and love at our Sports, Community, Arts and Culture and Business Awards.
The Raman (Ray) Ranchhod Award was presented to Auckland Indian Association, which has been recording a clean and selfless service for more than 100 years. The trophy was received by President and former President Dhansukh Lal and Kanu Patel.
Wenceslaus Anthony Special Commemoration Award
The whole world seemed to mourn the sudden and tragic death of Wenceslaus Anthony four years ago; for in less than 60 years, he endeared himself to almost everyone he met- that is thousands of men, women and children. His services to the Church and various communities and people went beyond religious boundaries and he is remembered, often with tears. Indian Newslink has set up a Special Commemoration Award in his memory.
The Award this year was presented to Mohammad Tauqir Khan, a leader of the Pakistani Community in New Zealand and an expert in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry.
Dr Robert Lateef Khan (Senior) Award
Indian Newslink was fortunate to have the love and care of the late Dr Robert Lateef Khan, who, until his departure on March 8, 2018, was a great patron. Since its launch in November 1999, until he retired to settle down in Auckland, he looked after our distribution in Palmerston North. As Senior Lecturer (Management) of Massey University and as our friend, he raised the debate on goodness among humans through love and care. He believed that individual talent can be harnessed for the collective benefit provided that such talent was allowed to flourish freely. He believed in self-dependence, self-governance and self-discipline. We are happy that his wife Evangeline is here with us tonight to present the Special Commemoration Award in his honour.
We were fortunate to have the presence of Evangeline Khan, wife of the late Dr Robert Khan (Senior) to present the Award to Fiji Girmit Foundation of New Zealand based in Auckland.
The Fiji Girmit Foundation was established more than ten years ago but Fiji Indians have been remembering their ancestors on or about May 14 every year, the day the first ship carrying indentured labourers anchored in Fiji. Two years ago, the leadership was passed on to the younger generation. As their leader, Krish Naidu carries with him the responsibility of keeping the growing generations informed of their great grandparents. We had the honour of recognising the Foundation with our Special Commemoration Award.
Ravin Lal Special Commemoration Award
The late Ravin Lal, Founder and Publisher of Indian Newslink was a maverick media personality. He launched this newspaper to investigate, interrogate and fearlessly report on men, women and matters, without fear or favour. He sold the business in 2015 after 16 years of nursing his baby into adolescence, hoping to spend time on pursuing his only passion in life, namely fishing. But fate had a different design, not that Ravin cared. We have instituted an Award in his honour and take pride in presenting it to Ranvir Singh Lali, who is not only a great server of communities but also a close friend of the man himself.
Indian Newslink Special Commemoration Award
The Supreme Sikh Society of New Zealand has moved New Zealanders to tears with its tireless, selfless and seamless services. The Society has been recognised by almost all major organisations including the Auckland City Council for rising to the occasion at every need. The most recent of this need was during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020. Tens of thousands of food packets including all essential items for a week were given away free, making the Society the single largest Samaritan. We took great pleasure and pride in honouring Daljit Singh, Spokesperson of the Society.
Pictures by Narendra Bedekar, Creative Eye Fotographics
