India’s Independence Day celebrations acquired international colours at the Auckland based Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust Inc on August 17.
More than 200 men and women, most of them septuagenarians and octogenarians, were present at the event, applauding and encouraging their mates and compatriots who sang and danced in a spirit of oneness.
Among the highlights of the function was a song of unity and understanding rendered by the members of the Chinese Ageing Trust.
It was a pleasant sight to acknowledge – elders presenting songs that eulogised patriotism, love, compassion and mutual help – while a short skit that demonstrated the plight of the elderly in our communities.
Comfort Zone
Hundreds of retired men and women, often at their wits end, with domestic solitude pinching their hearts and minds, walk into comfort zone provided by Shanti Niwas.
Indian Newslink has seen on several occasions sullen faces come alive at the Trust, with the aged feeling revitalised, just because there is someone to share their thoughts, experience and more than any, a few moments.
Trustee and Project Manager Indu Bajaj said there was a place for everyone, but no place for petty barricades of nationality, language, religion or cultural ethos.
“The Ageing in Place,’ service for instance aims to promote the wellbeing and enhance the quality of life of senior citizens of Indian and South Asian origin.”
The faith-blind organisation caters to people of every possible religious connotation, including Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Jews and more.
As well as catering to the interests of a multitude of nationals from Asia including Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Sri Lankans and Nepalese, the Trust organises festivals that bring forth the cultural and social heritage of South Asia.
“Awareness programmes on health, work and income, education and safety help the seniors to understand the evolving trends,” Ms Bajaj said.
Police support
The Independence Day festivities began as Ms Bajaj hoisted the Indian National Flag, followed by an address by Bangladesh Honorary Consul and Shanti Niwas Trustee Ataur Rahman.
“India’s Independence Day is a festive occasion that evinces the interest of all communities in New Zealand. We have a number of such communities present here today,” he said.
Auckland City District Police supported the event at which Acting Inspector Rakesh Naidoo, Senior Sergeant Rock Salt, Asian Liaison Officer Jessica Phuang and Asia Advisory Board Members John Wong and this reporter were present.
Inspector Naidoo said that the Police was happy to participate in such programmes.
“India’s Independence Day reminds us of the struggles and sacrifices that our leaders and ancestors undertook for the welfare of future generations. We in the Police wish to ensure a safer and more secure society for the benefit of our people and their ensuing generations,” he said.
Among those who participated in the cultural programme were Sarla Prakash, Urmil Seth and their group, Sharda Monga, Chinese Ageing Trust, Mina Phondge, Vinaya and Prem Maheswari.
Ms Bajaj said that it was gratifying that people of Indian origin, including those born and raised in various parts of the world considered India their Motherland.
Elders of the Trust demonstrated their spirit of engagement and enterprise by producing a host of knitted items for women and children.
These were donated to the South Auckland Health Foundation.
Photo :
Members of the Chinese Ageing Trust render a song of unity
A section of the audience
