Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the position of The Indian Weekender. We encourage respectful dialogue and welcome diverse perspectives.
I was born in the heart of Delhi, into a home that never slept. My grandfather’s stories echoed through the corridors, and our joint family was full of loud love and louder life lessons. My father, one of nine siblings, often said:
“Akele aap tez jaoge, par door nahi jaoge. Hamesha apni community ko saath le ke chalna — isi mein sabki tarakki hai, aur isi mein aapki taqat hai.”
("Alone you may go fast, but not far. Walk with your community — that’s where real strength lies.")
This philosophy shaped our family. My grandfather, a strong advocate for education — especially for women — taught under clay oil lamps after work. He ensured my aunts were educated and independent at a time when very few women were. My parents carried that legacy forward. Even after retirement from Indian Railways, my father and mother now run a free, air-conditioned public library in Delhi.
I share a deep bond with my sisters, Sunita and Sangeeta. Sunita, in particular, has been a consistent support system, both in India and here in New Zealand.
After completing my degrees in Political Science (Hons) and Law from Delhi University, and serving as an elected student leader for three years, I began my legal practice. But a fire inside me pushed me to dream bigger — to create a life overseas.
A New Land, A New Life
In 2001, I landed in New Zealand with two suitcases and a head full of dreams. It was a land of opportunity, but also one of deep
loneliness. As a vegetarian who couldn’t cook, I struggled to find comfort in food. I soon earned a nickname in my student flat — “Vakil ko bolo aata gundhe — uski roti sabse soft hoti hai” ("Ask the lawyer to knead the dough — his rotis are the softest").
Those nights, eating together were more than meals — they were moments of survival, community, and hope.
I worked on farms, moved boxes, and did odd jobs. Through every struggle, I held on to my purpose.
Ashima: My Partner, My Strength
In 2003, Ashima — my girlfriend since 1999 — left India to join me. An only child raised by a single mother, her decision was bold and full of courage. We married that same year, and in 2006, we
welcomed our son, Samar. In 2014, our daughter, Samira, completed our circle of love.
Ashima’s mother joined us in 2005, and our family slowly found its footing. We even started a small handicrafts business to support ourselves, with Sunita sourcing from India. Every dollar counted.
A Return to the Law
In 2010, I finally got a role at a law firm in Auckland — a turning point. By 2014, I took a leap of faith and started Legal Associates.
What began in a modest office has now grown into a respected law firm with offices in Auckland, Hamilton, India, Sri Lanka, and an associate office in Sydney. But success, for me, isn’t measured in square footage. It’s in the lives we’ve impacted — the immigrants we’ve helped, the families we’ve reunited, and the businesses we’ve defended.
Giving Back to the Community
Ashima and I are proud trustees of the Sanaskar Charitable Trust, dedicated to preserving culture and giving back. I’ve had the honour of serving as Board Chair of the Papatoetoe Cricket Club and recently completed my term as President of the Rotary Club Papatoetoe Central (2023–24).
A New Chapter: Local Government Elections 2025
Now, I’m stepping into a new chapter — I’m contesting the Local Government Elections 2025.
This is not about politics. It’s about people.
To every young person, immigrant, or struggler in Papatoetoe lying awake at night, wondering if they'll make it — I see you.
I’ve lived your fear. I’ve known your doubt.
But I also know this: Dreams take time. With grit, purpose, and community, anything is possible.
With my background in law, negotiation, governance, and service, I’m committed to building a stronger, more inclusive Aotearoa. Winning isn’t the goal — serving is.
Why I’m Contesting the Local Board Elections
This isn’t a political move. This is a promise.
A promise to the streets I drive through every day.
To the shopkeepers I greet.
To the kids playing cricket in our parks.
To the elders watching quietly from courtyards.
To every person who feels like their voice gets lost in systems too complex to care.
I’m contesting for the Papatoetoe Local Board because I know our community deserves better — and I’m ready to serve.
To You, From Me
To every struggling parent, to every hopeful student, to every lonely elder, to every hardworking dreamer — I see you.
And if you’ll allow me, I will stand for you.
Not just in elections — but in every decision, every meeting, every policy.
Because this isn’t just a campaign — it’s a continuation of my life's work.
Papatoetoe is my home. And now, it’s my turn to give back — not just as a lawyer, or neighbour, or friend…but as your voice at the table.
This is my story. Just one of many.
But if it inspires even one person to keep going — then it was worth telling.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the position of The Indian Weekender. We encourage respectful dialogue and welcome diverse perspectives.
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