Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust hosted a vibrant and inspiring event on Wednesday to celebrate the International Day of Older Persons (IDOP), bringing together community leaders, dignitaries, and seniors for a morning filled with joy, recognition, and cultural exchange.
The celebration began with a light breakfast at the Dolphin Theatre between 9:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m., before guests gathered at the Shanti Niwas Centre for the main program, which ran from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The event was graced by the Hon. Carmel Sepuloni, Member of Parliament, whom the trustees and Vishav Sharma warmly welcomed. Proceedings opened with a universal prayer, followed by a heartfelt welcome address from Trustee Ataur Rahman, who extended gratitude to MP Sepuloni and all attendees for their continued support and participation.
One of the highlights of the event was a mesmerising Maharashtra Folk Dance (Lavani) performed by Shilpa Panjire, which captivated the audience with its vibrant rhythm and energy. MP Carmel Sepuloni then addressed the gathering, acknowledging the immense contributions of seniors to the fabric of society.
In a touching gesture of respect, MP Sepuloni personally honoured around 15 seniors by presenting them with shawls and plaques, celebrating their wisdom, achievements, and lifelong dedication to community values.
Following her address and departure, the event continued with a series of engaging performances and insightful talks. Diana Varghese delivered a graceful dance performance, while Mahesh Muralidhar, the upcoming National Party leader, inspired attendees with his remarks and recognised the successful completion of internships by Massey University students, reinforcing the Trust’s mission of nurturing intergenerational connections.
Health and fitness professional and Puketāpapa Local Board Chairperson Ella Kumar gave an interactive session and a motivating talk on health and well-being.
The musical segment that followed filled the venue with warmth and nostalgia, featuring performances by Rajnikanth, Rajkumari Jain, Gurjeet Singh, Dinesh Shah, and a duet by Surjeet and Dolly Sachdev. The Tongan group and Shanti Niwas Seniors also brought infectious energy and cultural vibrancy to the stage.
Informative talks by Dr Vinay on Facebook usage and Hemant Parikh on community engagement added an educational touch to the celebration. The event concluded with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the performers, guests, and volunteers, followed by a delicious lunch that encouraged fellowship and meaningful conversation.
“Today’s IDOP celebration was a beautiful testament to the strength and spirit of our senior community,” said a representative of Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust.
“We are deeply grateful to MP Carmel Sepuloni for honouring our seniors and to everyone who made this day truly memorable. It’s essential to celebrate, empower, and support our elders, and today’s event reflected that commitment.”
Through initiatives like these, Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust continues to uphold its mission of supporting the elderly, fostering inclusion, and promoting a sense of belonging, care, and respect within the community.
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