At Parish of St George, Epsom, Auckland on August 17, 2024
Venkat Raman
Auckland, August 12, 2024
A trinity of cultures, traditions and practices will converge at an event this weekend in Auckland, marking the beginnings of an organisation devoted to the cause.
Aroha NZ Charitable Trust is organising the event titled, ‘Harmony’ at the Parish of St George located at 19 Ranfurly Road in Epsom.
Actor-singer-producer-presenter Yugendran Vasudevan and his wife Malini Yugendran of matching talents have established this Trust to promote inclusivity, diversity and charity, thereby fostering inclusivity and harmony within our communities.
A meaningful dialogue
The Programme, scheduled to be held between 5 pm and 7 pm, will hopefully set the foundation for a meaningful cultural and literary dialogue between communities in Auckland and New Zealand.
That would indeed be the overtones of the event, with Tamil, Maori and Turkish segments providing an inimitable confluence of interests.
Yugendran said that ‘Harmony’ is more than an event since it bridges the divide between the Māori and migrant communities.
“It is a celebration of the rich cultural tapestry that makes Auckland unique. Featuring the traditions of Indian, Turkish, and Māori communities, ‘Harmony’ promises an evening filled with informative speeches, captivating performances, delicious culinary experiences, and interactive workshops. The event aims to foster understanding, appreciation, and unity among the city’s varied ethnic groups,” he said.
Maori Heritage: Henderson-Massey Local Board Deputy Chairman Dr Will Flavel will lead the Maori Heritage, with a keynote address. This segment will include Maori music and dance highlighting the Maori Heritage.
Tamil Heritage: The Tamil Heritage segment will commence with a speech by AUT Senior Lecturer (School of Future Environments) Dr Mahesh Babu, followed by a Bharata Natyam performance by Hiral Pusarla, one of the most promising artists of the rising generation. The Heritage will be embellished by Henna artist Usha Raman who will highlight the art that has been captivating New Zealanders at festivals and events over the past two decades.
Turkish Heritage: The magic of Water Marbling will be the highlight of the Turkish segment presented by Yusuf Guzel along with music by Mahsuni. Massey University Professor in Applied Econometrics will speak about Turkish Heritage.
Gender Equality and Empowerment
Malini said that ‘Harmony’ will provide a platform for women from different cultural backgrounds to share their stories, talents, and traditions, promoting gender equality and empowerment.
“’Harmony’ is designed to be an inclusive event, welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds. Children and adults alike will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities and learn about different cultures through art. The event’s educational focus ensures that attendees leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Auckland’s multicultural heritage,” she said.
According to Yugendran, the Trust has undertaken a mission to foster understanding and appreciation among Auckland’s varied ethnic groups, empowering individuals and strengthening community ties through cultural events and initiatives.
He said that the Pearl of the Islands Foundation has been a strong pillar of support.
“Their collaboration with Aroha NZ Charitable Trust has been instrumental in bringing ‘Harmony,’ a celebration to life, demonstrating a shared commitment to promoting cultural diversity and inclusion in Auckland. We are grateful to Executive Director Yalcin Solak. The event promises to be unforgettable, bringing people together to celebrate and learn from each other’s unique heritage,” he said.
For further information, please call 027 2277789 or visit http://www.arohanzcharitabletrust.org
Email: info@arohanzcharitabletrust.org or Flipbook Invite: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/8f5fdde8c6.html
