Publications have since long come out of the confines of the media industry, reaching out to the larger section of the community. It is therefore not uncommon for newspapers to be involved in social and community welfare programmes, promote cultural shows and participate in activities that touch the core of the society.
Indian Newslink made a modest beginning 15 years ago lending its name to a few cultural shows but a major leap forward occurred in 2001, when it proposed to the organisers of the Veteran Soccer Tournament, then held in West Auckland, that it would undertake the project and carry the annual event forward, with a higher note of professionalism. Knowing the Fiji Indian community’s strong proclivities to soccer, an undertaking was made to organise the four-day event (an extra day was added later) to coincide with the Auckland anniversary weekend in January.
A number of features including a carnival, beauty pageant and competitions for women and children were added to make it a family event.
The publication has been active in other areas too. An annual dance competition for schools which brings together students of varied ethnic groups, schools teaching Indian classical, folk and film dances, cultural organisations promoting classical music, shows featuring visiting and local artistes and many more are in our mixed bag of sponsorship.
Again, sobriety and modesty mark our presence at these events.
Growing brands
Your favourite newspaper achieved a significant milestone in 2003 when it launched the annual Indian Newslink Fast Find Business Directory. Known for its compact, user-friendly and indexed format, the publication is considered to be a useful and valuable companion at both home and office.
The most important, trend-setting event occurred in November 2008 when we established the Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards. Unique in its extent and format, the Awards Scheme has encouraged small, medium and large companies owned, managed, and franchised by people of Indian origin to compete in various categories. While the annual Awards Ceremony is celebrated as one of the most important events in the social and business calendar of New Zealand, this newspaper has been lauded for its initiative and pioneering spirit.
Companies of Indian origin are coming of age in New Zealand. It is time they put in place robust business plans, smart strategies and corporate governance that conform to international standards. It is also time they competed globally and reap the rewards of success.
The Indian Newslink Indian Sports Awards were launched in 2012 to recognise and reward achievers of Indian origin in New Zealand in various sports categories. The Awards Programme has expanded to include many other categories.
While these Awards projects exist as a part of our duty towards the country and the resident communities, we felt the need to encourage New Zealanders in general and those in public and corporate entities in particular to appreciate and practice tenets of Accountability, Transparency and Integrity as an integral part of Good Governance. These are in fact enshrined in the life and works of Rt Hon Sir Anand Satyanand.
Thus was born the Indian Newslink Sir Anand Satyanand Lecture in July 2011 as a non-political and non-commercial Project intended to bring the best of the intellect available to speak at the annual event. We are hopeful that it would grow and progress as an Institution that befits the name with which it is associated.
Our Salutations
As these products flourish as Indian Newslink brands, we would like to raise a toast to all those who have been a part of these during their formative years, those who came and went in later years, those who form the current team and those who continue to support these in one form or the other.
From editors, reporters and stringers and thumbnail artists, layout personnel and production experts to marketing executives, distributors, sponsors, advertisers, readers and well-wishers, we say, “These brands have become successful because of your encouragement and patronage. We salute you!”
