Our Second Leader in Indian Newslink Digital Edition April 1, 2025
Venkat Raman
Auckland, April 1, 2025
March was a significant month for Gandhi Nivas, a Not-for-Profit initiative that has finally caught the attention of the concerned after ten years of strenuous efforts and sincere service.
The Tenth Anniversary of this Project, which crossed the fence to tend the offenders, understand their plight, reform and return them to their families as safer men, was celebrated by lawmakers and then the First Representative of the Crown- Governor-General. The first, held in Parliament (Wellington) on March 3, 2025, was hosted by three Ministers: Ethnic Communities (Mark Mitchell), Social Development (Louise Upston) and Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence (Karen Chhour) with the attendance of former Prime Minister Sir Bill English, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster, present and former Members of Parliament, top Police Officers and other guests.
The second was a Reception hosted by Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro at the Government House on March 31, 2025. Between the two Mondays were a host of good wishes and accolades sent by stakeholders, beneficiary families and benefactors.
None disputed the oft-repeated belief that Gandhi Nivas has been transforming families and restoring harmony, making homes safer with secured future for women and children.
Nothing surpasses the importance of unified families in the bond of love and understanding.
Gandhi Nivas has been a beacon of hope to thousands of families.
The impact of intervention
Since its inception in December 2014, Gandhi Nivas has stood as a testament to the power of community service and the profound impact of early intervention in addressing family harm.
This pioneering initiative, rooted in the principles of compassion and rehabilitation, has transformed thousands of families in Auckland.
At its core, Gandhi Nivas provides a sanctuary for men identified as offenders perpetrating family harm. By offering accommodation and counselling services, the programme seeks to address the root causes of violence, fostering behavioural change and promoting reconciliation within families. This innovative approach ensures that victims can remain in their homes while perpetrators are treated with understanding and love to reform and reintegrate into society.
The impact of Gandhi Nivas has been profound. Over the years, the programme has supported thousands of families, with more than 60% of participants prevented from reoffending. Such statistics underscore the efficacy of its model and the dedication of its stakeholders.
Reflecting on the significance of Gandhi Nivas, Dame Cindy said, “Family violence seriously harms the mental and physical health of families and our communities. We must welcome and support every intervention to break the silence and the cycle of violence.”
Her words resonate deeply, highlighting the urgent need for initiatives like Gandhi Nivas in fostering safer communities.
Aligning rhetoric with action
Former Prime Minister John Key, a staunch advocate for community-driven solutions, once stated, “We should always measure a government’s environmental rhetoric against its environmental record.” While his words were directed at environmental policies, they aptly apply to the realm of social initiatives. Gandhi Nivas exemplifies the alignment of rhetoric with action, demonstrating tangible results in the fight against family harm.
Former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy underscored the importance of unity and collective effort, principles that have been integral to the success of Gandhi Nivas.
Sir Bill said, “The strongest feeling that I have today is gratitude for the opportunities I have had and for the many people I have served with.” Such gratitude is mirrored in the ethos of Gandhi Nivas, where every stakeholder, from counsellors to community leaders, contributes selflessly to the programme’s mission.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has been a strong advocate of united, safer families. He said that his government is determined to reduce violence in homes and support initiatives such as Gandhi Nivas.
Indian Newslink has been involved with Gandhi Nivas since its formation.
Through its unwavering support, the publication has shed light on its achievements, challenges, and aspirations. By fostering awareness and encouraging dialogue, this publication has ensured that the message of Gandhi Nivas reaches every corner of the community.
Impact on Families
As Gandhi Nivas celebrates its Tenth Anniversary, it is gratifying to observe that it has been a groundbreaking initiative, significantly impacting the fight against family violence. By offering early intervention and support to men at risk of committing harm, Gandhi Nivas has not only been promoting behavioural change but also prioritising the safety and well-being of families. Through its culturally sensitive approach, it provides counselling, accommodation, and tailored support, working collaboratively with police and community organisations. Its success is reflected in the reduced rates of reoffending among its clients, fostering healthier families and communities.
Gandhi Nivas Chairman Ranjna Patel has been a source of inspiration. Her leadership and commitment have been pivotal in shaping the programme’s trajectory.
The journey of Gandhi Nivas is a reminder of the transformative power of compassion, collaboration, and community engagement. It is a beacon of hope for families grappling with the shadows of violence, offering them a chance to heal and rebuild.
In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” Gandhi Nivas embodies this philosophy, proving that even the smallest acts of kindness can ripple outwards, creating waves of change.
“As we look to the future, let us draw inspiration from the success of Gandhi Nivas and strive to replicate its model in other spheres of community service. Together, we can build a society where every individual feels safe, valued, and empowered,” Ms Patel said.
Gandhi Nivas stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the power of compassion and proactive action in addressing complex social issues.
