New Executives gear up to promote Hindu Malayalees

Members of the Auckland-based Organisation of Hindu Malayalees New Zealand (OHM NZ) elected new office-bearers at their Annual General Meeting on May 18, 2024. 

Sowmini Raja Varma and Athulya Mohandas (Shreejit) Nair were elected respectively to the posts of President and General Secretary.

The new Committee, comprising ten elected members, is tasked with steering the organisation towards achieving its goals and expanding its reach. They bring a wealth of experience, dedication, and fresh perspectives, ensuring that OHM NZ continues to thrive and serve its community effectively.

Following is the ten-member Executive Committee: President: Soumini Raja Varma; Vice-President: Amal Raveendran; Secretary: Athulya Mohandas Nair; Treasurer: Suresh Das; Joint Secretary: Dhanya Sujith; Members: Prasanth Pavithran, Subhish Babu, Priya Rajamohan, Don Chitran and Rajeev Chembath

Connecting Hearts

The first event of the team was ‘Mythri,’ Connecting Hearts, Celebrating Togetherness held on June 22 at Freemans Bay Community Hall in Auckland CBD.

Ms Varma introduced the new Executive Committee, presented her team’s plans to deliver OHM NZ’s vision and objectives, and sought the members’ and their families’ participation and support.

This was followed by fun-filled activities and games that engaged children, young adults, and adults, providing them with an opportunity to interact and get to know each other better. Dinner was followed by music and dance.

Ms Varma told Indian Newslink that the next event of the new Committee will be a spiritual discourse by Swami Atmananda Puri, earlier known as Brahmachari Shraddhamrita Chaitanya) on Sunday, July 28, 2024 at 11 am at Thirumurugan Temple located at 145 Church Street, Otahuhu, Auckland.

“He is one of the prominent disciples of Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (aka The Hugging Mother and Healer of Pain),” she said.

Editor’s Note: During his ten-day stay in Auckland, Swami Atmananda will conduct a half-day Retreat on Saturday, July 27 from 7.30 am at Mt Albert War Memorial Hall, perform Vilakku Puja at the Thirumurugan Temple at 5.30 pm at Thirumurugan Temple Otahuhu and hold discourses. Please click Vilakku Puja Registration Form to attend.

About Soumini Raja Varma

A prominent member of the community, Soumini Raja Varma brings extensive experience in community service and leadership. Her vision for OHM NZ is to impart the profound wisdom of Sanatana Dharma to our children and the wider community, guided by the principles of Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavanthu (May the Entire World be Healthy and Happy) and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The World is One Family).

About Athulya Mohandas Nair

Athulya Mohandas (Shreejit) Nair is known for her organisational skills and dedication. She will handle the administrative aspects of the Organisation. Her role is crucial in maintaining effective communication and coordination within the Committee and with the other Executive Members.

About OHM NZ

The Organisation of Hindu Malayalees of New Zealand is a testament to the spirit of community and cultural preservation. Established in 2017 and formally registered as a Charity in 2019, its mission is to foster unity among Hindu Malayalees in New Zealand. OHM NZ has grown to be an organisation celebrating cultural heritage and contributing significantly to charitable causes.

The Organisation’s commitment to cultural engagement has made it a cornerstone for the community, offering a platform for members to connect, support each other, and give back to society.

The new team has planned an efficacious set of activities, heralding a new phase of growth and impact for OHM NZ.

We are keen to connect and collaborate with other organisations working in the community with common goals to foster collaboration, mutual support, and growth.

For more information and updates, please visit our Website and Facebook page.

Prasanth Pavithran is an elected Member of the Executive Committee of the Organisation of Hindu Malayalees New Zealand. The above article has been edited at our Copydesk. The Organisation supplied the images appearing here.