1920s: The Pukekohe Indian Association had its roots sometime in the mid 1920s when Indian growers, in a bid to combat the discrimination and injustice to which they were subject, united to form the ‘Pukekohe Indian Growers Association.’
1936: Affiliated to the New Zealand Indian Central Association, with Chhita Parshotam as the President.
1948: The Association became an Incorporated Society, with Tribhuvan Girdhar as the President.
1953: Secretary of the Wellington based Indian High Commission B K Sanyal officially opened the Nehru Hall on August 15. The new facility was named after Independent India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
Ravijbhai Chhana Hari was the President of the Association.
1953: Two other major incidents occurred this year – the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as the Queen of the United Kingdom and the ‘conquest’ of Mt Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary.
1978: Former Prime Minister Rt David Lange was the Chief Guest at the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Nehru Hall in August The late Uka Chhiba was the President of the Association
1986: Pukekohe Indian Association completes 50 years. Golden Jubilee celebrations held on November 8, with Magan Ranchhod as President.
The Association purchased land for a new Community Centre
1988: The Land was blessed by Param Pujya Morari Bapu on October 31. Ganges Singh was the President.
1998: The new Community Centre was opened on November 21 (Ishvar Rambhai was the President). Rt Hon Bill Birch (later Sir William Birch), then Finance Minister & Treasurer inaugurated the new Community Hall in the presence of then Indian High Commissioner Sheksohan Kipgen. The Ceremony included Powhiri by Maori Elders
2003: Golden Jubilee of Nehru Hall held on August 16, with Indian High Commissioner Bal Anand as the Chief Guest. Bharat Bhana was the President of the Association.
2011: Platinum Jubilee Celebrations held on November 13 with Indian High Commissioner Retired Admiral Sureesh Mehta as the Chief Guest. President of the Association: Bhikhu Bhana
Ishvar Rambhai is a former President of the Pukekohe Indian Association.
