Venkat Raman
Auckland, March 23, 2025
Consul General of India in Auckland Dr Madan Mohan Sethi will address the Indian students enrolled at the University of Auckland and establish a dialogue with them next week.
Organised by the Auckland University Indian Society (AUIS), the meeting will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025 from 6 pm to 8 pm at the MTLI Lecture Theatre (303-G23) located at 23 Symonds Street, Auckland Central Business District.
AUIS President Harini Thever said this will be one of the most significant events for the Association and that the student were looking forward to hearing Dr Sethi.
A valuable dialogue
“Dr Madan Mohan Sethi is a highly respected diplomat, medical doctor, and public servant. With prior postings in Vietnam, Indonesia and Myanmar, he brings a wealth of diplomatic experience and a deep commitment to serving the Indian community abroad. Since his arrival in Auckland, he has been a proactive and approachable advocate, regularly engaging with students and community leaders, and ensuring their voices are heard,” she said.
Harini said that Dr Sethi’s insights into bilateral relations, consular support and the student experience in New Zealand make his presence especially impactful.
“AIMS Global Founder and Chief Executive Arunima Dhingra and University of Auckland Global Studies Programme Associate Professor Jamie Gillen will join the Panel for discussions. Ms Dhingra is a leading Immigration Adviser with 20 years of experience in the field and a strong advocate for fair, people-focused immigration policies. Professor Gillen brings an academic perspective on global engagement and policy through his work in interdisciplinary research and leadership,” she said.
Harini assures her student colleagues that rather than a mere formal gathering the meeting will be a platform for students to engage, ask questions and gain real insights from those directly involved in shaping their experiences.
Mission to empower and connect
“For AUIS, this event reflects our mission to empower, connect, and represent our community with integrity and impact. The event is especially timely. With the recent visit of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to India, there is renewed focus on strengthening ties between our nations, particularly in areas such as Education, Immigration, and Youth Engagement. As Indian students in Aotearoa, we stand at the intersection of these developing relationships, and events like this allow us to take an active role in shaping our own futures,” she said.
Harini sees 2025 as a turning point for AUIS, since the students at the University are growing in numbers, impact, voice and responsibility.
“My vision is to expand our network beyond the University, connecting with Indian student organisations across Auckland to foster unity and shared growth. We aim to be a central hub for collaboration, cultural celebration, and meaningful student representation,” she said.
According to Harini, the forthcoming even is a beginning and that more events and opportunities will emerge this year.
“We are excited to create a space where students can connect, thrive, and feel empowered. I am grateful for the platform that AUIS has given me to grow and lead. AUIS is the space every student to voice their opinions. Together, we hope to build something truly meaningful,” she said.
About Harini Thever
Harini Thever, President of Auckland University Indian Society Inc is Final-Year Biological Sciences student and Science Scholar at the University of Auckland.
Born and raised in Singapore with roots tracing back to Chennai, she has always been deeply connected to her cultural identity while navigating life abroad.
“My mother is Singaporean-born, my father hails from Chennai, and I have been shaped by the values of resilience, community, and heritage passed down through generations. I came to New Zealand to pursue the dream education I had envisioned for myself and to build a life filled with purpose and opportunity, for both myself and my family,” she said.
Harini said that she is honoured to serve as the President of AUIS, a role that provides her opportunities to give vent to her passion for leadership, culture and community empowerment.
“AUIS is known for bringing people together, and my experience is a testimony. When I arrived in New Zealand, I did not know anyone . It was at my first AUIS event called, ‘Chai Pe Charcha’ (Debate over a Cup of Tea) in 2023 that I met fellow-students, some of whom are my closest friends today. That event marked the beginning of a journey that has been nothing short of incredible,” Harini said.
About AUIS
The Auckland University Indian Society was established in in 2021 by Suyash Kathuria and team, to connect Indian students across the University of Auckland and create a vibrant platform for cultural celebration, friendship, and growth.
From its beginnings as a seven-member team, it has grown into an incorporated club with 17 executive members, accounting for more than 500 active members a year, and a community that spans more than 1800 followers online.
Harini joined the Executive Team in 2024 as Events Lead and has since experience the power of this platform. She said that she has worked towards ensuring that AUIS 2025 stands as a beacon of inclusivity, cultural richness, and opportunity.
“At AUIS, we are guided by four core values that shape everything we do. Community is at the heart of our society. We strive to create a space where every student feels welcome, supported and part of something greater than themselves. We champion Inclusivity by celebrating diversity and ensuring students from all backgrounds feel respected, valued, and seen. Through Leadership and Growth, we provide opportunities for our members to develop personally and professionally, whether through hands-on roles, volunteering, or collaborative projects. And Cultural Celebration is woven into the fabric of AUIS; from Diwali to our annual cultural ball, we proudly honour India’s rich and vibrant heritage through meaningful, inclusive events that bring people together,” she said.
The Masala Mixer
Harini said that one of the most rewarding moments under her Presidency was the AUIS Masala Mixer, which saw over 300 students in attendance.
“What stood out most was not just the numbers, but the energy in the room. International and domestic students, speaking different languages and subscribing to diverse cultures, came together to share stories, laughter and new connections. It was a real-time embodiment of our Mission to provide a home away from home, where students can grow, connect, and feel celebrated,” she said.
