Time honoured cultural and traditional values practiced by Indians in general and the Sikh community in particular were the focus of discussion at a special awareness session held in South Auckland last month.
The Manurewa Advisory Group (MAG) and Nanaskar Trust, which owns and manages the Manurewa Gurdwara organised the meeting at the Gurdwara on March 14, which evinced the interest of a cross-section of the society.
Trust official Rajvinder Singh said New Zealand was facing the challenges of rapidly growing ethnic diversity.
“Although a number of government agencies and voluntary organisations are making efforts to address the problems faced by the Indian community, there is a need to enhance awareness among the people. Such awareness should include social, religious and cultural values and beliefs in India. While the intention is good, a number of service providers are not sure of adopting the right approach to deal with Indian families,” he said.
Mr Singh said officials from Social Development ministry, Education ministry, Internal Affairs department, Child, Youth and Family, Salvation Army, New Zealand Police, Manurewa Principals Association, Maori Women’s Welfare League, Ethnic Council, Auckland Council, Manurewa Marae attended the meeting.
MAG Chairman and Counties Manukau Central Area Commander Alan Shearer, Auckland City Councillor Colleen Brown, Urban Neighbours of Hope Coordinator Dave Tims and Mr Singh addressed the meeting, which was also attended by several youth and community workers.
In his presentation, Mr Singh explained the origins of Sikhism, the religion and its social and cultural values.
