Staff Reporter
‘Then India Sanmarga Ikya (NZ) Sangam,’ a Society for Integration of South Indian Communities) will host a Unity Cup Challenge Tournament from the November 9, 2018 to November 11, 2018 at Bill McKinlay Park in Panmure Auckland.
The two-day challenge is being organised to raise funds for the Sangam’s Temple Project in South Auckland.
Quality Soccer
Kartik Reddy, Tournament Liaison Officer said that as well as bringing together people of South Indian origin in Fiji, the Tournament will also provide a venue for Soccer enthusiasts to enjoy quality soccer with their families and friends.
“Our Temple Project will officially commence construction in October this year. The forthcoming Tournament aims to bring together all members of the Sangam both in New Zealand and overseas so that we can collectively contribute towards the Temple Project, which is a major undertaking for our Sangam community,” he said.
Mr Reddy said that Sports has been identified as an important factor in bringing together our Sangam community in New Zealand so that apart from participating in Soccer, they can also be involved in the Temple Project.
About the Temple
TISI (NZ) Sangam is to build a ‘Sri Siva Subramanya Temple’ in Papatoetoe Auckland.
Describing the Project as a ‘Major Milestone,’ Mr Reddy claimed that it would be the first of its kind in New Zealand.
“We propose to publish a Souvenir at the Tournament. The publication will outline details about the South Indian community in New Zealand as it will be the first of its kind in New Zealand. To celebrate the achievements of the Sangam community and provide details of the Temple Project,” Mr Reddy said.
About TISI Sangam from Wikipedia
The Sangam was founded in Fiji by Sadhu Kuppuswami, a former Girmitya, who inspired South Indians to form an organisation to promote their language and culture.
On 10 January 1926, while celebrating the birth of Swami Vivekananda in Rakiraki, attended by people of all districts, the idea of forming the South Indian organisation was proposed. On 24 May 1926, at a meeting in Nadi, the Then India Sanmarga Ikya Sangam (TISI Sangam) was formed with Sadhu Swami.
Sadhu Kuppuswami was elected the first President of Sangam and he remained its President for his lifetime.
On 26 December 1927, the ‘Madras Maha Sangam’ was formed in Suva by Veerappa Muthiah Pillai and branches were soon established in Levuka and Labasa.
In 1937, the ‘Madras Maha Sangam’ merged with TISI Sangam.
The arrival of Swami Avinashananda and Swami Rudrananda from the Ramakrishna Mission of India provided impetus to the Sangam which proceeded to promote South Indian languages and culture.
Entries to the Team close on August 31, 2018. For more information, please write to sangamunitycup@gmail.com. For more information on the Temple Project and to donate, please contact (09) 2703069.
