Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, 14 October 2022
Waikato Multicultural Council Evening
Albert Einstein said, “We must not only learn to tolerate our differences. We must welcome them as the richness and diversity which can lead to true intelligence.”
With the Youth getting exposure to cultures around the world and International social media trends being embraced in no time, it will not be an exaggeration to say that we all are learning, slowly but surely, to respect and appreciate the unique aspects of life around the globe.
One perfect example of inclusive living can be found in Hamilton, where the Waikato Multicultural Council puts together an annual celebration of cultures, bringing together the community in a unique and beautiful way.
About the Event
Celebrating the eleventh event of the collective celebration, this year will see varied performances from different cultural groups, with more than 200 performers across 20 ethnic communities coming together to create an evening of music, dance and cultural richness.
An impressive lineup awaits the audience with performances from the China, India, Nepal, Korea, the Cook Islands and several Latin Dances to make the evening special.
Swing Latino NZ (photo supplied)
Ms Marlelly Arango, from the Fusion Latina group, said while it was the first time their group was performing at the event, they were excited to be a part of the evening and hopes that the community enjoys their performance.
Ms Dayana Carmona, a Columbian PhD student at the University of Waikato said “I am enjoying part of the group as well as the event as it has helped me to rediscover my roots here in New Zealand.”
Mexican Dance at WMC event
Hamilton Latin community will present 3 dance groups at the event. Swing Latino NZ, a group promoting Latin diversity of dances and music, Alebrijes, a Mexican dance group and Fusion Latina, a group promoting mental and physical health along with showcasing Latin dance and culture.
About Waikato Multicultural Council
As the only Multi-Cultural organization in Waikato, WMC brings together more than 27 member organizations under one banner and their mission is to work towards mutual support and cooperation among the various ethnic groups in the region.
WMC also acts as an umbrella and resource body for various ethnic organizations, arranges life skill classes for the community, arranges informative lectures & seminars on various issues and promotes art and culture in the community through regular initiatives and events.
Chinese performers, WMC event
The president of the WMC, Mr Ravinder Powar said that “Since its incorporation in 1990, Many people have made this vision a success through consistent contribution and sheer dedication.”
Mr Powar himself is known across the various community projects he has been involved in over the years. Awarded the civic award for community involvement in 2017 and many more recognitions that adorn the walls of his study, Mr Powar has been a proud Hamilton resident for almost 50 years. He has seen the city evolve and his contribution towards the immigrant families and their welfare is commendable, to say the least.
Ravinder Powar, President, WMC
As the President of the Waikato Multicultural Council for the last 10 years, he has initiated many Community projects like- English classes for refugees, tree plantation drives, blood donation camps, and lockdown food parcel deliveries across Hamilton, and he believes in the human spirit of brotherhood and supports bringing people together and building bridges to bring the community together as a whole.
The current-day members include varied ethnic representations from Korea, India, Middle Eastern Countries, Fiji, Philippines, Taiwan, China, Latin America, Cook Islands, Sri Lanka, and Nepal among others.
Hamilton is home to all
Hamilton is often said to make the perfect home for all migrant families, as it is a lot easier to have community interaction compared to bigger cities like Auckland and Wellington while still providing job opportunities and growth potential, as the city itself is still growing.
Details
This year, the Waikato Multicultural Council celebration of cultural diversity will take place on the 15th of October from 6 pm onwards at the Sacred Heart Girls College Hall, Clyde Street, Hamilton.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink Reporter based in Hamilton.
