From the desk of the Managing Editor: 17th October
It has been a week since we published the story on the Indian Prime Minister’s first address to the people, in the radio series called Mann Ki Baat. I had shared last time that I am inspired by it. But really, I have not been able to forget the story shared by Modi even for a minute, this past week.
Modi recounted the story of a tigress and her two cubs that Swami Vivekananda would often relate to make people realize their inner strength. One of the cubs got lost and was raised by a sheep and began to think and act like a sheep until one day it accidentally met its mother again. The cub roared when it was made to realize it was a tiger, not a sheep.
This story is so true for India. We have been so focused on our weaknesses over the past few years that we forgot what our strengths were. It has taken the genius of this great leader to remind us that we are like that tiger cub; we are the king of the jungle. I am sure it will not be long before the world will hear India roar. In spite of whatever the critics say, this man has made the world stop in its tracks and take a second look at the mighty power called India. We hope you enjoyed our last issue. Do write to us about what you thought. We love to hear from our readers, so we can constantly grow.
The Auckland Diwali festival was a huge success. Participating in the events of the weekend, one could not help but be proud of our rich cultural heritage. The diversity of our arts, food, languages, attire and traditions and yet there is one name that describes us - Indian. The Indian Weekender Speaker Series were enlightening. It was an honour to listen to the masters of their own fields talk about various aspects of India and of being Indian.
I realized that the first migrants from India to New Zealand date back as far as the 1800s. I also read an article recently on Indian soldiers who even fought the Battle of Gallipoli. Needless to say, they were part of the British forces then. So really, our relationship with this country that we now call home has been long and strong. And as we take on the colours of this land we call our own, it’s important that we share the colours that we have brought with us from our roots and the Diwali festival is all about that sharing. It was heartening also to see so many other cultures come together and share our festivities. To immerse themselves in the rich and vibrant colors that is the very essence of our culture. Our current issue is dedicated to bringing this spirit of Diwali to you.
The other point that the Speaker Series brought home was - hope. As we listened to the stories of people who have become role models in the community recount stories of their humble beginnings, one could not but feel hopeful for a better tomorrow. The key they said was - persistence. There is great strength within us. There is only the need for us to recognize the strength within us, like Swami Vivekananda said. And like Prime Minister Modi said: "If we recognise the strength within ourselves, our self-esteem will rise and we will be victorious. Our country will also become victorious and successful."
As we light up every nook and corner of our cities, homes and hearts, here’s hoping that this Diwali lights up the lives of all our readers. No matter what your circumstances are, we hope you will not forget that you are the tiger; never forget your own potential and never let go of the hope for a better tomorrow.
On behalf of the Indian Weekender family, I have the pleasure of wishing all our readers a very Happy and a Joyous Diwali! May the year ahead be filled with prosperity and good fortune. God Bless.
-Giri Gupta
It has been a week since we published the story on the Indian Prime Minister’s first address to the people, in the radio series called Mann Ki Baat. I had shared last time that I am inspired by it. But really, I have not been able to forget the story shared by Modi even for a minute, this past...
It has been a week since we published the story on the Indian Prime Minister’s first address to the people, in the radio series called Mann Ki Baat. I had shared last time that I am inspired by it. But really, I have not been able to forget the story shared by Modi even for a minute, this past week.
Modi recounted the story of a tigress and her two cubs that Swami Vivekananda would often relate to make people realize their inner strength. One of the cubs got lost and was raised by a sheep and began to think and act like a sheep until one day it accidentally met its mother again. The cub roared when it was made to realize it was a tiger, not a sheep.
This story is so true for India. We have been so focused on our weaknesses over the past few years that we forgot what our strengths were. It has taken the genius of this great leader to remind us that we are like that tiger cub; we are the king of the jungle. I am sure it will not be long before the world will hear India roar. In spite of whatever the critics say, this man has made the world stop in its tracks and take a second look at the mighty power called India. We hope you enjoyed our last issue. Do write to us about what you thought. We love to hear from our readers, so we can constantly grow.
The Auckland Diwali festival was a huge success. Participating in the events of the weekend, one could not help but be proud of our rich cultural heritage. The diversity of our arts, food, languages, attire and traditions and yet there is one name that describes us - Indian. The Indian Weekender Speaker Series were enlightening. It was an honour to listen to the masters of their own fields talk about various aspects of India and of being Indian.
I realized that the first migrants from India to New Zealand date back as far as the 1800s. I also read an article recently on Indian soldiers who even fought the Battle of Gallipoli. Needless to say, they were part of the British forces then. So really, our relationship with this country that we now call home has been long and strong. And as we take on the colours of this land we call our own, it’s important that we share the colours that we have brought with us from our roots and the Diwali festival is all about that sharing. It was heartening also to see so many other cultures come together and share our festivities. To immerse themselves in the rich and vibrant colors that is the very essence of our culture. Our current issue is dedicated to bringing this spirit of Diwali to you.
The other point that the Speaker Series brought home was - hope. As we listened to the stories of people who have become role models in the community recount stories of their humble beginnings, one could not but feel hopeful for a better tomorrow. The key they said was - persistence. There is great strength within us. There is only the need for us to recognize the strength within us, like Swami Vivekananda said. And like Prime Minister Modi said: "If we recognise the strength within ourselves, our self-esteem will rise and we will be victorious. Our country will also become victorious and successful."
As we light up every nook and corner of our cities, homes and hearts, here’s hoping that this Diwali lights up the lives of all our readers. No matter what your circumstances are, we hope you will not forget that you are the tiger; never forget your own potential and never let go of the hope for a better tomorrow.
On behalf of the Indian Weekender family, I have the pleasure of wishing all our readers a very Happy and a Joyous Diwali! May the year ahead be filled with prosperity and good fortune. God Bless.
-Giri Gupta
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