Auckland Tamil Association made a strong statement on Saturday, November 8, in its 5th-anniversary celebration event, by launching an app to remain connected with its members and other patrons going forward.
The black-tie event was brimming with an added sense of euphoria for having the unique recognition of being the first major Kiwi-Indian community-event after the formation of the new government and was adorned by two newly sworn cabinet Ministers, range of newly minted MPs from regions far and wide as Hamilton, and the Hon Consul of India.
Auckland Tamil Association mobile app released at the event and available on Google Play Store and Apply App Store
A major part of the event was dedicated to speeches by new MPs, new Ministers and the acknowledgements to all those who managed to get Ministerial roles or got maiden entry into the parliament, those who safely returned back to parliament and those who could not make it to this term but were thanked for their longstanding support to the community.
However, the limelight of the event was a seemingly quiet announcement towards the wee end of the event, which was also interspersed by several wonderful cultural performances, about the launch of the new app.
Dance performance at the event
Vai Ravindran, President ATA told the Indian Weekender that the goal behind launching this app was first to remain attuned with the changing times and secondly to ensure that their members remain connected and get regular updates about the Association’s activities.
Launching the app Ravindran said, “The benefit of the app is that community members can sign up for language classes and other activities via the app itself, see what events are coming up, the new people to the community get to know each other, take ATA membership and can also sign up for personalised pop-up notifications for any events and activities.”
The Indian Weekender Editor Sandeep with with Auckland Tamil Association President Vai Ravindran
Earlier welcoming all dignitaries and guests, Ravindran said, “This is the first black-tie event we held at Auckland Tamil Association, and it was special as we completed five years humbly serving the community.
“I acknowledge the efforts and support of every person who rendered their helping hand in various forms and capacities that further supported our cause to be connected with the Tamil speaking community here in New Zealand.
Guests releasing the commemorative five years magazine
“Through this organisation, we have tried our best to keep the Tamil culture and language alive, promote it amongst our community members, especially the younger generation, we were able to help students through counselling, water safety, preparing for a job, and sports events and activities and much more,” Ravindran said.
Michael Wood – the new Minister of the crown – who shares a unique relation with the Association ever since being honoured with the title “Tamil Selvan” meaning “son of Tamil” delighted the crowd by greeting everyone in traditional Tamil language – which was later matched by the Kiwi-Indian Minister Priyanca Radhakrishnan and National MP Melisa Lee.
Wood and Radhakrishnan both lauded Auckland Tamil Association’s role in assisting the government’s efforts in providing support to the community during the last two lockdowns.
The newly minted MPs Labour Party’s Vanushi Walters, Dr Anae Neru Levasa and the Kiwi-Indian MP from Hamilton West Dr Gaurav Sharma, all spoke on occasion reflecting upon their personal inspiration to join politics and vowed to become community’s voice in the parliament.
Auckland Tamil Assocication Team
Bhav Dhillon, Hon Consul of India, reserved special words of appreciation for the Association’s flat executive structure and willingness to step up to support Indian nationals in distress at a number of occasions including providing relief during the lockdown, assisting in the transportation of people stranded in different parts before being repatriated back to India.
“Auckland Tamil Association has always been the first to send their volunteers on the ground and extend other support whenever needed,” Mr Dhillon said.
Women community leaders felicitated at the event
He also lauded Association’s work in support of Consulate of India’s efforts in educating and spreading awareness amongst newly arrived Indian students about risks of drowning in New Zealand’s pristine beaches.
Auckland Tamil Association also released a commemorative magazine showcasing the journey of the organisation and achievements of the last five years.
Five years magazine release
“The magazine depicts the journey of Auckland Tamil Association from its inception back in 2015 to present,” Ravindran said.
Song performance at the event
“It is storytelling through pictures and images from our annual and special events such as Parliament Diwali, Tamil New Year, Tamil language classes, Pongal, Badminton, cricket, football and other sports events, food, accommodation and other support given to stranded Indian nationals and struggling members of the community during Covid-19 lockdowns in NZ,” Ravindran said.
ATA Executive Member and Developer of the ATA mobile App Ekambam Chokappan with host Murali Kumar
Besides the speeches by members of parliament and hosts, the event included several cultural and fusion dance performances, crowd interactions, table games and lucky draws to entertain the guests present at the event.