Power of 5 : Arts and Cultural Associations
Creative ways to make New Zealand home
Art and culture activities centered on festivals, folk art, theatre, music and art articulate an evolving story of the Kiwi-Indian identity.
Associations have built this foundation, a platform to showcase talent from within the community. From being a sole way for Indians to connect with one another to nurturing talent; they have worked in tandem with the newspaper to knit together strands of diversity within the community. It would make for dull reading without the added sparkle and flavor to editorial spreads in the Indian Weekender over the last five years. Here’s to many more in the future.
Anuradha School of Indian Dance
Indian Weekender has provided yeoman service to the Indian community in the form of promoting Indian art and culture in a significant way. They have supported Anuradhs’s School of Indian Dances in promoting Indian classical dance forms amongst the Kiwi community. Their contributions by creating awareness of the various dance forms of India through media sponsorship and their significant inputs in the advertisement campaign of our dance dramas and shows has given a major fillip to the art forms of bharthanatyam, Kuchupudi and Kathak in New Zealand.
In particular their support for our show – Sri krishna and Ramayan, which show cased more than 70 local talents from Auckland through our school, was very much appreciated. Their support in the form of Co-sponsorship and media sponsorship of the shows helped in reaching out to a large cross section of audience who appreciate and love India art and culture making such shows commercially viable.
A special mention needs to be made of their efforts in reviewing Indian dance and cultural shows in a very impartial manner. Their reviews of shows were always found to be very intuitive and succinct. The reviews always focused on the positives and criticisms, if any, were always very constructive.
In a short span of time, Indian Weekender has become the voice of the Kiwi Indian community and has bridged the cultural gap, if any, that exist amongst the Indians in New Zealand.
- Anuradha Ramkumar, Creative Director Anuradha’s School of Indian Dances
ISKCON
The Indian Weekender has been instrumental in helping us broadcast our many festivals such as the recent Holi festivities to the community at large. As a non profit organisation, the international Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is very grateful to have such support because it helps us to achieve our purposes of propagating spiritual knowledge in order to check the imbalances of values in life and to achieve real unity and peace in the world.
ISKCON propagates a consciousness of Krishna as it is revealed in the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam. We want to bring the members of the Society together with each other and nearer to Krishna, the prime entity, and thus to develop the idea, within the members, and humanity, at large, that each soul is part and parcel of the quality of Godhead (Krishna).
In addition, devotees teach and encourage the Sankirtan movement of congregational chanting of the holy name of God as revealed in the teachings of Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Our activities also form building a holy place of transcendental pastimes, dedicated to the personality of Krishna.
This is done to bring the members closer together for the purpose of teaching a simpler and more natural way of life. Under Srila Prabhupada’s guidance, ISKCON has grown from a small group of disciples assembling in a New York City store front into an international society with scores of centers. At present, there are more than three-hundred ISKCON centers worldwide including Auckland New Zealand and still growing. We really appreciate the input by Indian weekender and may Lord Krishna bless and shower His mercy upon Indian Weekender and their family. Thank you.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)
Kalasamvara das – Temple President
Radhikatma das – Temple Director
Krishnacandra das as the festival coordinator.
New Zealand Kannada Koota Inc.
New Zealand Kannada Koota Inc is a voluntary not for profit community organisation. A few families from Karnataka a state in South India gathered at a regional park to a share a cup of tea and the organisation was born in 1995.. Kannada, one of the oldest Indian language and the first ever Indian regional language with a script is what the people of this State speak. The people from this state are identified as Kannadigas. This became the base for the formation of New Zealand Kannada Koota.
Koota, the name it is recognised by here in Auckland is famous for its indigenous linguistic school, a library that boasts with more than 6000 books ranging from literature, novels, scriptures, biographies, fiction, etc. The library also has a large collection of DVD’s of latest collection of Kannada movies. The koota is based at Fickling centre, Three Kings.
Apart from this the organisation conducts a variety of programmes throughout the year, all regional festivities are celebrated, weekly linguistic classes, senior citizen’s forum for the elderly members, Annual Sports competition, Outdoor picnic, a sports wing which boasts of a strong cricket team (Finalist of the prestigious SPIRIT OF CRICKET for Indian communities), Badminton club called Karnataka Badminton Club which operates on every Saturday.
Our people called as Kannadigas are well known for their pious, friendly and very helpful nature. To our organisation and our people Indian Weekender is like a family member. Both go hand in hand. Kannada Koota has a long association with the Indian Weekender and we are proud to be supported by it. Our patrons are all regular “Weekenders”.
It is always a pleasure to be associated with such a weekly magazine that reaches thousand of Indians her in Auckland and wider New Zealand. On behalf of New Zealand Kannada Koota I wish a successful future to “Indian Weekender” and congratulate on its 5th successful year.
- Vijayanarasimha, Secretary, NZKK
Rangmanch NZ
Rangmanch NZ was established in 2008 to celebrate Indian theatre and entertain the wider Indian community. After several successful Hindi plays, Rangmanch has now ventured into different languages and hence more regional plays. Throughout the journey, the mission of Rangmanch has always been to present thoughtprovoking, realistic and intellectual experiences for the audience, through which they can draw similarities with their own lives.
Indian Weekender has been a great support, and a brilliant media partner to us. With the help of Indian Weekender, we were able to reach wider audiences and share our passion for theatre through newsprint. Rangmanch and Indian Weekender have jointly contributed for a good philanthropic cause in helping St. John Ambulance in raising fund for their fleet in emergency. Thank you Indian Weekender, and many congratulations on 5 years of connecting the wider Indian community of Auckland.
As a community non-profit organisation, Rangmanch was solely created to reach out to theatre-loving like minded people. The network of local Auckland artists who have been working with us are hard-working, energetic, passionate and very talented individuals. They dedicate time out of their busy lives for theatre with months of rehearsals, and perfecting dialogues, and finally embodying their characters. There is a whole lot of work behind the scenes that goes into staging a successful production: from our script-writing, costumes, set and props, make-up, backstage, lighting and audio. When our adrenaline is rushing moments before a houseful show, we know that the hard-work was worth it. Indian Weekender has allowed us to network and connect us with fellow theatre-lovers, and we are very grateful for the Indian Weekender paper’s contribution as our media partner.
- Rangmanch of NZ inc, Pavitra Kumar Roy , President
Shri Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan of NZ Inc
Congratutions to Indian Weekender on its 5th Anniversary. Congratulations to the Editor, Staff and vision of people behind the project who made this a tool to promote Indian culture, highlight challenges faced by Indian Community and support the organisations that are striving to promote Indian Customs and Culture like Shri Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan of NZ Inc.
As a person actively associated with the Sansthan, I appreciate the immense support given by Indian Weekender in the last five years in promoting several activities, fund raising programmes under taken by the Sansthan in its endeavour to build Shri Shirdi Saibaba Temple and Shri Shirdi Saibaba Centre in Auckland. I, not only acknowledge the low cost and no cost advertisements published by the paper in support of our major functions, fund raising programmes but also the personal contribution of the people behind this venture in their personal capacity.
I appreciate the initiative by the paper to promote Shirdi Saibaba Centre, a community hall built by the Sansthan for the benefit of Community. Shri Shirdi Saibaba Centre is ideal for Weddings and Major functions and members of public can contact us for Hiring On behalf of Executive Committee and members I convey best wishes to Indian weekender in its Endeavour to excel.
- Shri Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan of NZ Inc Bhaskara Reddy Duvvuru, President
Might-I
It all looked like just yesterday when Migrant Heritage Charitable Trust Inc (regd) started its voyage in New Zealand. Those small steps have now turned into giant strides as MigHT-I (mighty as it is effectionately called) has diversified into various socio-cultural and health activities. Over the last 7 years of its existence it has brought in various artists, musicians, theatre personalities, journalist to name to few together to continue the rich cultural heritage of India in New Zealand. It has worked with several other associations and communities to continue with its motto “Preserving the Past, Educating the future”. It has been responsible for multilingual theatre (English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati), Classical Indian Music in New Zealand alongwith others. It has also been actively involved in sports and health activities as well.
This journey would not have been possible without the help of Indian Weekender which is celebrating its 5th Anniversary. IW has been a staunch supporter of MigHT-I over the years and it is no wonder that it has been instrumental in our growth. We take this opportunity to wish Giri Gupta and the entire team of Indian Weekender a happy anniversary and may your publication reach 50 years!
MigHT-I shall continue its efforts to bring the cultural, sporting and health needs of the Indian Community forward and keep the next generation aware of our glorious roots!
- Prashant Belwalkar
Auckland Marathi Association
Auckland Marathi Association Inc is very proud to be associated with Indian Weekender; New Zealand based Indian newspaper serving the Indian community for the last 5 years. Known for integrity, accuracy, responsibility and leadership, Indian weekender has found a special place in the society. It has over the years maintained vigorous standards of honesty and fair play, exerted maximum effort to print the truth, strived for completeness and objectivity and guarded itself against carelessness, bias or distortion by either emphasis or omission. They at all times chose the news on the basis of its significance and usefulness & avoided purely sensational or trivial news, clearly defined the sources of news but at the same time respected the rights of privacy. Indian weekender is known for acting with courage and for serving as a constructive critic at all levels.
Over the last two years, Auckland Marathi Association Inc (AMAI) and Indian Weekender walked walk hand in hand as they both shared same vision and goal. Be it a social, religious, cultural or charitable event, Indian Weekender supported the cause without any hesitation. In last 10 months, Auckland Marathi community had luxury of seeing large number of celebrities like Sudhir Gadgil, Anand Madgulkar, Sunandan Lele, Avadhoot Gupte, Jaanavi Prabhu Arora, Prashant Damle & Kavita Lad and Indian Weekender always stood besides AMAI in almost every event. This selfless help by this leading newspaper speaks a lot in itself about its commitment to the society. In 2012, AMAI had the privilege of having Shri Giri Gupta, the Managing Editor of Indian Weekender to unveil “Zunzumunzu”, the annual magazine which is very close to heart of every marathi of Auckland.
On the 5th anniversary of Indian Weekender, AMAI heartily congratulate the management & the entire staff and wish them all the best for years to come.
- Rahul Redey, President, On behalf of Auckland Marathi AssociationIncorporated
Urdu Hindi Cultural Association
On behalf of the Urdu Hindi Cultural Association, I wish The Indian Weekender a very happy 5th anniversary and take this opportunity to congratulate the Editor and the staff for achieving the huge success in such a short period. The paper is proving to be a great medium for the multicultural activities among the various communities living in New Zealand.
The Weekender has always helped in publishing the activity of the association and thus making the people aware of our activity. It has the quality which we wait for to read.
I personally checked with the members of our association and they all found this paper this paper very useful to be aware of the news of various communities residing in this beautiful country. Once again happy 5th anniversary to everyone involved in bringing such a great paper
Syed Mujeeb QSM, Secretary General , PATRON: Hon Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi MP, PRESIDENT: Mr Nafis Akhtar JP, SECRETARY GENERAL: Mr Syed Mujeeb QSM, TREASURER: Mrs Tehseen Sutana - Urdu Hindi Cultural Association of New Zealand
Prayas
Prayas is a non-profit theatre organization started in Auckland in 2005. It was formed to showcase fine contemporary Indian theatre, in English, for New Zealand audiences – as an attempt at cultural integration. Prayas calls on talent from across the diverse regional communities of Auckland to put together stage productions of aesthetic value and entertainment, based on the works of noted Indian playwrights with available and established English translations.
Prayas has been associated with the Indian Weekender since 2009. When tales from migrants were turned into a comedy-drama production called ‘Khoj, the Search’, Indian Weekender was a very good platform to connect to the Indian community in Auckland and spread awareness of our work. It is important to stay associated with your culture through theatre, and both Prayas and the Indian Weekender play a joint role in promoting quality theatre to the audiences of New Zealand. Performing Arts and Theatre are an alternative form of entertainment, and the stories and reviews generated by the Weekender have allowed Prayas to engage a great audience base for its productions.
Prayas Theatre started its journey with “Charandas Chor”, the story of a thief, who is also a man of his word, portraying a humanistic vision of the ‘common man’. This award winning play is the work of one of the most popular Indian Urdu, Hindi playwrights, Habib Tanvir. Now, 9 years later, Prayas and TAPAC will be bringing this “theatre of the people” back to life in June 2014!
- Zetin Moza, Production Manager and Marketing, Prayas
Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust Inc.
Indian Weekender from its inception has always been community oriented. The paper has always supported Shanti Niwas services and activities and has published information on the same.
Shanti Niwas provides social support services to senior citizens of Indian and South Asian Origin. It runs a need based activity centre thrice a week for lonely and isolated older people and once a week for people with disabilities. We also provide Elder Abuse and Neglect prevention service (KHUSHI), counselling, advocacy, translation, help accessing any age related services and help them integrate into New Zealand society for the betterment of the quality of life of seniors and their families. Last year we started a Positive Ageing day programme in North Shore.
Due to Indian Weekender’s vast readership and reach, through it we were able to reach out to the community and inform them of our services. This has resulted in increased enquiries and referrals and gave us an opportunity to enhance our services to the seniors in our community. As an organisation we have always believed in optimising our strengths to serve the community better and Indian Weekender has played an important part in us achieveing our objectives. We congratulate the Indian Weekender on its 5th anniversary and look forward to our continued association.
- Nilima Venkat, M.N.Z.M, J.P., B.S.W, Project Manager, Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust Inc.
Creative ways to make New Zealand home
Art and culture activities centered on festivals, folk art, theatre, music and art articulate an evolving story of the Kiwi-Indian identity.
Associations have built this foundation, a platform to showcase talent from within the community. From being a sole...
Creative ways to make New Zealand home
Art and culture activities centered on festivals, folk art, theatre, music and art articulate an evolving story of the Kiwi-Indian identity.
Associations have built this foundation, a platform to showcase talent from within the community. From being a sole way for Indians to connect with one another to nurturing talent; they have worked in tandem with the newspaper to knit together strands of diversity within the community. It would make for dull reading without the added sparkle and flavor to editorial spreads in the Indian Weekender over the last five years. Here’s to many more in the future.
Anuradha School of Indian Dance
Indian Weekender has provided yeoman service to the Indian community in the form of promoting Indian art and culture in a significant way. They have supported Anuradhs’s School of Indian Dances in promoting Indian classical dance forms amongst the Kiwi community. Their contributions by creating awareness of the various dance forms of India through media sponsorship and their significant inputs in the advertisement campaign of our dance dramas and shows has given a major fillip to the art forms of bharthanatyam, Kuchupudi and Kathak in New Zealand.
In particular their support for our show – Sri krishna and Ramayan, which show cased more than 70 local talents from Auckland through our school, was very much appreciated. Their support in the form of Co-sponsorship and media sponsorship of the shows helped in reaching out to a large cross section of audience who appreciate and love India art and culture making such shows commercially viable.
A special mention needs to be made of their efforts in reviewing Indian dance and cultural shows in a very impartial manner. Their reviews of shows were always found to be very intuitive and succinct. The reviews always focused on the positives and criticisms, if any, were always very constructive.
In a short span of time, Indian Weekender has become the voice of the Kiwi Indian community and has bridged the cultural gap, if any, that exist amongst the Indians in New Zealand.
- Anuradha Ramkumar, Creative Director Anuradha’s School of Indian Dances
ISKCON
The Indian Weekender has been instrumental in helping us broadcast our many festivals such as the recent Holi festivities to the community at large. As a non profit organisation, the international Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is very grateful to have such support because it helps us to achieve our purposes of propagating spiritual knowledge in order to check the imbalances of values in life and to achieve real unity and peace in the world.
ISKCON propagates a consciousness of Krishna as it is revealed in the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam. We want to bring the members of the Society together with each other and nearer to Krishna, the prime entity, and thus to develop the idea, within the members, and humanity, at large, that each soul is part and parcel of the quality of Godhead (Krishna).
In addition, devotees teach and encourage the Sankirtan movement of congregational chanting of the holy name of God as revealed in the teachings of Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Our activities also form building a holy place of transcendental pastimes, dedicated to the personality of Krishna.
This is done to bring the members closer together for the purpose of teaching a simpler and more natural way of life. Under Srila Prabhupada’s guidance, ISKCON has grown from a small group of disciples assembling in a New York City store front into an international society with scores of centers. At present, there are more than three-hundred ISKCON centers worldwide including Auckland New Zealand and still growing. We really appreciate the input by Indian weekender and may Lord Krishna bless and shower His mercy upon Indian Weekender and their family. Thank you.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)
Kalasamvara das – Temple President
Radhikatma das – Temple Director
Krishnacandra das as the festival coordinator.
New Zealand Kannada Koota Inc.
New Zealand Kannada Koota Inc is a voluntary not for profit community organisation. A few families from Karnataka a state in South India gathered at a regional park to a share a cup of tea and the organisation was born in 1995.. Kannada, one of the oldest Indian language and the first ever Indian regional language with a script is what the people of this State speak. The people from this state are identified as Kannadigas. This became the base for the formation of New Zealand Kannada Koota.
Koota, the name it is recognised by here in Auckland is famous for its indigenous linguistic school, a library that boasts with more than 6000 books ranging from literature, novels, scriptures, biographies, fiction, etc. The library also has a large collection of DVD’s of latest collection of Kannada movies. The koota is based at Fickling centre, Three Kings.
Apart from this the organisation conducts a variety of programmes throughout the year, all regional festivities are celebrated, weekly linguistic classes, senior citizen’s forum for the elderly members, Annual Sports competition, Outdoor picnic, a sports wing which boasts of a strong cricket team (Finalist of the prestigious SPIRIT OF CRICKET for Indian communities), Badminton club called Karnataka Badminton Club which operates on every Saturday.
Our people called as Kannadigas are well known for their pious, friendly and very helpful nature. To our organisation and our people Indian Weekender is like a family member. Both go hand in hand. Kannada Koota has a long association with the Indian Weekender and we are proud to be supported by it. Our patrons are all regular “Weekenders”.
It is always a pleasure to be associated with such a weekly magazine that reaches thousand of Indians her in Auckland and wider New Zealand. On behalf of New Zealand Kannada Koota I wish a successful future to “Indian Weekender” and congratulate on its 5th successful year.
- Vijayanarasimha, Secretary, NZKK
Rangmanch NZ
Rangmanch NZ was established in 2008 to celebrate Indian theatre and entertain the wider Indian community. After several successful Hindi plays, Rangmanch has now ventured into different languages and hence more regional plays. Throughout the journey, the mission of Rangmanch has always been to present thoughtprovoking, realistic and intellectual experiences for the audience, through which they can draw similarities with their own lives.
Indian Weekender has been a great support, and a brilliant media partner to us. With the help of Indian Weekender, we were able to reach wider audiences and share our passion for theatre through newsprint. Rangmanch and Indian Weekender have jointly contributed for a good philanthropic cause in helping St. John Ambulance in raising fund for their fleet in emergency. Thank you Indian Weekender, and many congratulations on 5 years of connecting the wider Indian community of Auckland.
As a community non-profit organisation, Rangmanch was solely created to reach out to theatre-loving like minded people. The network of local Auckland artists who have been working with us are hard-working, energetic, passionate and very talented individuals. They dedicate time out of their busy lives for theatre with months of rehearsals, and perfecting dialogues, and finally embodying their characters. There is a whole lot of work behind the scenes that goes into staging a successful production: from our script-writing, costumes, set and props, make-up, backstage, lighting and audio. When our adrenaline is rushing moments before a houseful show, we know that the hard-work was worth it. Indian Weekender has allowed us to network and connect us with fellow theatre-lovers, and we are very grateful for the Indian Weekender paper’s contribution as our media partner.
- Rangmanch of NZ inc, Pavitra Kumar Roy , President
Shri Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan of NZ Inc
Congratutions to Indian Weekender on its 5th Anniversary. Congratulations to the Editor, Staff and vision of people behind the project who made this a tool to promote Indian culture, highlight challenges faced by Indian Community and support the organisations that are striving to promote Indian Customs and Culture like Shri Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan of NZ Inc.
As a person actively associated with the Sansthan, I appreciate the immense support given by Indian Weekender in the last five years in promoting several activities, fund raising programmes under taken by the Sansthan in its endeavour to build Shri Shirdi Saibaba Temple and Shri Shirdi Saibaba Centre in Auckland. I, not only acknowledge the low cost and no cost advertisements published by the paper in support of our major functions, fund raising programmes but also the personal contribution of the people behind this venture in their personal capacity.
I appreciate the initiative by the paper to promote Shirdi Saibaba Centre, a community hall built by the Sansthan for the benefit of Community. Shri Shirdi Saibaba Centre is ideal for Weddings and Major functions and members of public can contact us for Hiring On behalf of Executive Committee and members I convey best wishes to Indian weekender in its Endeavour to excel.
- Shri Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan of NZ Inc Bhaskara Reddy Duvvuru, President
Might-I
It all looked like just yesterday when Migrant Heritage Charitable Trust Inc (regd) started its voyage in New Zealand. Those small steps have now turned into giant strides as MigHT-I (mighty as it is effectionately called) has diversified into various socio-cultural and health activities. Over the last 7 years of its existence it has brought in various artists, musicians, theatre personalities, journalist to name to few together to continue the rich cultural heritage of India in New Zealand. It has worked with several other associations and communities to continue with its motto “Preserving the Past, Educating the future”. It has been responsible for multilingual theatre (English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati), Classical Indian Music in New Zealand alongwith others. It has also been actively involved in sports and health activities as well.
This journey would not have been possible without the help of Indian Weekender which is celebrating its 5th Anniversary. IW has been a staunch supporter of MigHT-I over the years and it is no wonder that it has been instrumental in our growth. We take this opportunity to wish Giri Gupta and the entire team of Indian Weekender a happy anniversary and may your publication reach 50 years!
MigHT-I shall continue its efforts to bring the cultural, sporting and health needs of the Indian Community forward and keep the next generation aware of our glorious roots!
- Prashant Belwalkar
Auckland Marathi Association
Auckland Marathi Association Inc is very proud to be associated with Indian Weekender; New Zealand based Indian newspaper serving the Indian community for the last 5 years. Known for integrity, accuracy, responsibility and leadership, Indian weekender has found a special place in the society. It has over the years maintained vigorous standards of honesty and fair play, exerted maximum effort to print the truth, strived for completeness and objectivity and guarded itself against carelessness, bias or distortion by either emphasis or omission. They at all times chose the news on the basis of its significance and usefulness & avoided purely sensational or trivial news, clearly defined the sources of news but at the same time respected the rights of privacy. Indian weekender is known for acting with courage and for serving as a constructive critic at all levels.
Over the last two years, Auckland Marathi Association Inc (AMAI) and Indian Weekender walked walk hand in hand as they both shared same vision and goal. Be it a social, religious, cultural or charitable event, Indian Weekender supported the cause without any hesitation. In last 10 months, Auckland Marathi community had luxury of seeing large number of celebrities like Sudhir Gadgil, Anand Madgulkar, Sunandan Lele, Avadhoot Gupte, Jaanavi Prabhu Arora, Prashant Damle & Kavita Lad and Indian Weekender always stood besides AMAI in almost every event. This selfless help by this leading newspaper speaks a lot in itself about its commitment to the society. In 2012, AMAI had the privilege of having Shri Giri Gupta, the Managing Editor of Indian Weekender to unveil “Zunzumunzu”, the annual magazine which is very close to heart of every marathi of Auckland.
On the 5th anniversary of Indian Weekender, AMAI heartily congratulate the management & the entire staff and wish them all the best for years to come.
- Rahul Redey, President, On behalf of Auckland Marathi AssociationIncorporated
Urdu Hindi Cultural Association
On behalf of the Urdu Hindi Cultural Association, I wish The Indian Weekender a very happy 5th anniversary and take this opportunity to congratulate the Editor and the staff for achieving the huge success in such a short period. The paper is proving to be a great medium for the multicultural activities among the various communities living in New Zealand.
The Weekender has always helped in publishing the activity of the association and thus making the people aware of our activity. It has the quality which we wait for to read.
I personally checked with the members of our association and they all found this paper this paper very useful to be aware of the news of various communities residing in this beautiful country. Once again happy 5th anniversary to everyone involved in bringing such a great paper
Syed Mujeeb QSM, Secretary General , PATRON: Hon Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi MP, PRESIDENT: Mr Nafis Akhtar JP, SECRETARY GENERAL: Mr Syed Mujeeb QSM, TREASURER: Mrs Tehseen Sutana - Urdu Hindi Cultural Association of New Zealand
Prayas
Prayas is a non-profit theatre organization started in Auckland in 2005. It was formed to showcase fine contemporary Indian theatre, in English, for New Zealand audiences – as an attempt at cultural integration. Prayas calls on talent from across the diverse regional communities of Auckland to put together stage productions of aesthetic value and entertainment, based on the works of noted Indian playwrights with available and established English translations.
Prayas has been associated with the Indian Weekender since 2009. When tales from migrants were turned into a comedy-drama production called ‘Khoj, the Search’, Indian Weekender was a very good platform to connect to the Indian community in Auckland and spread awareness of our work. It is important to stay associated with your culture through theatre, and both Prayas and the Indian Weekender play a joint role in promoting quality theatre to the audiences of New Zealand. Performing Arts and Theatre are an alternative form of entertainment, and the stories and reviews generated by the Weekender have allowed Prayas to engage a great audience base for its productions.
Prayas Theatre started its journey with “Charandas Chor”, the story of a thief, who is also a man of his word, portraying a humanistic vision of the ‘common man’. This award winning play is the work of one of the most popular Indian Urdu, Hindi playwrights, Habib Tanvir. Now, 9 years later, Prayas and TAPAC will be bringing this “theatre of the people” back to life in June 2014!
- Zetin Moza, Production Manager and Marketing, Prayas
Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust Inc.
Indian Weekender from its inception has always been community oriented. The paper has always supported Shanti Niwas services and activities and has published information on the same.
Shanti Niwas provides social support services to senior citizens of Indian and South Asian Origin. It runs a need based activity centre thrice a week for lonely and isolated older people and once a week for people with disabilities. We also provide Elder Abuse and Neglect prevention service (KHUSHI), counselling, advocacy, translation, help accessing any age related services and help them integrate into New Zealand society for the betterment of the quality of life of seniors and their families. Last year we started a Positive Ageing day programme in North Shore.
Due to Indian Weekender’s vast readership and reach, through it we were able to reach out to the community and inform them of our services. This has resulted in increased enquiries and referrals and gave us an opportunity to enhance our services to the seniors in our community. As an organisation we have always believed in optimising our strengths to serve the community better and Indian Weekender has played an important part in us achieveing our objectives. We congratulate the Indian Weekender on its 5th anniversary and look forward to our continued association.
- Nilima Venkat, M.N.Z.M, J.P., B.S.W, Project Manager, Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust Inc.
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