Venkat Raman
Auckland, February 16, 2023
The Indian Association Manukau New Zealand (IAMNZ) is set to launch a special programme for senior members of the community with a special focus on their wellness.
Called ‘Anandam’ (which can be interpreted as pure joy, love and bliss), the programme will be officially inaugurated by India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand Neeta Bhushan at the Association’s Diversity Centre on Tuesday, February 28, 2023.
The hour-long event will commence at 5.15 pm.
The multimillion-dollar Diversity Centre is located at 25 Tui Road in the South Auckland suburb of Papatoetoe.
Health and Strength to Seniors
IAMNZ President Dr Primla Khar said that ‘Anandam’ is an initiative that aims to encourage elders in the community to remain mentally and physically active and remain healthy.
“This Programme provides a well-structured routine of weekly exercises, social cohesion, meet and greet, share and relive experiences and promote goodwill and understanding. ‘Anandam’ also aims to bring back the dignity and honour of our people in their advanced years. As well as providing them with an opportunity to express themselves, this programme includes digital empowerment, promotion of better mental health and appreciation of Indian culture, heritage and traditional values,” she said.
As a daycare programme, ‘Anandam’ will also enable the elderly to share among themselves the domestic, personal, financial, cultural and other challenges that they may face in their lives.
Dr Khar said that confidentiality and sharing of information in a safe environment will be among the special attributes of this new initiative.
The Association also partners with Age Concern New Zealand in supporting the elderly.
About Indian Association Manukau
The Indian Association Manukau New Zealand has come a long way from its humble beginnings in 1979 when it started, in hired rooms, as an informal school to teach Indian children their mother tongue. Then known as the South Auckland Indian Cultural Society Inc, the main aim was to preserve and promote Indian culture, hold language classes, celebrate festivals and pass this heritage on to a new generation.
Today it owns two buildings, including the property located at 57 Hillside Road and the modern Diversity Centre located at 25 Tui Road, both in Papatoetoe.
Dr Khar said that like the world and the Indian Diaspora, the original name and extent of the Association have changed.
“But our original objectives remain the same. Our Association is perhaps the only community entity that has people from all religious beliefs. This is reflected in our Executive Committee,” she said.
The IAMNZ Team
Among the Office bearers of the Association are Dr Primla Khar (President), Suresh Ramji (Vice-President), Col Harjit Singh Dhaliwal (Vice President), Vasanti Govind (General Secretary), Veer Khar (Assistant Secretary), Monark Panchal (Treasurer) and Surjeet Sachdeva (Assistant Treasurer).
The Members of the Executive Committee are Abjeet Kachroo, Amrit Kanji, Anjali Sharma, (Co-Opted), Bhavna Moral, Hansa Naran, Hira Dahya, Kailash Govind, Keshav Govind, Kokila Patel, Padma Patel, Priyanka Raina, R P S Bajwa, Rita Moza, Sai Kumar and Sanjay Moza.
The Association’s website says that IAMNZ welcomes Indians from India or any country around the world.
“We are all Indians and our doors are open to all. There are no qualifications and conditions based on caste, creed, state or origin or financial commitment,” it said.
