New Zealand is known to be a strong multicultural society. And undoubtedly, the Kiwi Indian diaspora has played and continues to play an essential role in NZ society.
The Indian diaspora in NZ is as diverse as the rich culture of India. And cultural associations which are dedicated to various Indian ethnicities play an essential role in creating India away from India.
Part 2 of our series featuring Indian cultural associations, we profile the Auckland Malayali Hindu Samajam today. It has close to 1000 members, including families and children.
We spoke to Divakara Menon, President, Auckland Malayali Hindu Samajam, to give an insight into the association, its history, and its body of work.
How and when did AMHS begin?
A group of members initially started this in 2016-2017 as an informal group for celebrating, practising, conducting, and following the unique Kerala Hindu way of living, culture, religion, and language. Initially, there were no avenues or organisations to cater to the same, which led to the formation of AMHS. Later, it was registered as AMHS under the Charities Act in 2019.
What is the central vision and inspiration behind AHMS?
As an association, we aim to grow our community as a significant contributor to the NZ society by being progressive while bringing in the ethos of pluralism of Hinduism and creating awareness of the 'Hindu way of life' or Santana Dharma as is known in Indian Upanishads. We also strive to promote, practice and achieve Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bavanthu", which means ‘May there be peace and comfort for each and all in the whole world.’
What kind of events/activities are done by the association to keep the Malayali culture and language alive in NZ?
We conduct regular Malayalam language and culture classes known as "Ente Keralam, Ente Samskaram, Ente Bhasha" (My state, My culture, My language). These classes are open to anyone interested in learning Malayalam and about Kerala's culture and traditions, with an emphasis on Malayali Hindu culture. We missed a couple of celebrations due to Covid. Otherwise, we get together as one big family to cook together and celebrate our significant festivals, Vishu and Onam. We also celebrate Karkkidaka Masam or Ramayanamasam, Karkkitaka Vavu Bali, Mandalakala Bhajan for 41 days and Ayyappavilakku, Dhanumasa Thiruvathira, and Maha Shivarathri and other Indian and Kerala Hindu festivals, poojas and other auspicious days per Hindu calendar.
What role do you think cultural organisations play in the context of the Kiwi Indian community in NZ?
India is a diverse mix of cultures and languages, and it's good to have cultural organisations to promote them and allow the public to learn, understand, and promote India and its various cultures and languages to the outside world.
AMHS and other cultural organisations here in NZ and other parts of the world provide a platform to meet people connected to one’s culture; build a network of supportive, like-minded people, and join together not only for traditional celebrations but also to protect their language and practices.
What role do you think cultural associations serve in preserving Indian culture?
Living in a new culture is a part of the excitement of moving to a new country and is a fantastic way to adapt to a new home. However, it is also important not to drift away from our own beliefs, practices, and traditions. Preserving that cultural balance is vital in maintaining one's identity and staying true to who we are. This perhaps is most important if we have ex-pat kids growing up in another culture, as practising one's own culture can help our children firmly rooted in their home culture.
What are the plans of the organisation? Where do you see the association five years down the line?
We would like to see all Malayali Hindus in Auckland join AMHS to support fellow community members and the wider NZ community. By members’ strength and financial strength, we want to see our organisation among the top ten Indian associations in NZ within this period.
What has been the most significant achievement of the association and most memorable moment in our role as the association's president?
From concept to completion, we managed to build and develop a modern website for AMHS, amhs.org.nz, listing most of our activities and initiatives to date. We also introduce a monthly newsletter as well as a Malayalam language programme. We conducted all major in-person events virtually last year so that our members could participate and enjoy them.
We also organised webinars for our members on subjects such as entrepreneurship and NZ Immigration Law by professionals from the field.
Please elaborate on the future activities programme the association is planning?
Currently, we have four wings (categories for our members) such as Muthirnnavar (Elders), Mahathikal (ladies), Mahaanmaar (gents), Yuvajanangal (youngsters) and Kuttikal(children). We plan to help and support them to grow and achieve their ambitions and potential through various sustainable initiatives. For example, we have a Neighbourhood group, Badminton group, Job support group, Bhajans group, Youth group, Children's group, Ladies group, each concentrating on the development and needs of their groups. We are also planning to reach out and make provisions to provide help and support to the older people whose numbers are expected to increase in our community in the coming years through some unique initiatives and programs. Also, in the absence of any Covid like restrictions, we are planning to conduct a Badminton tournament for our members with price money in May, Ramayanamasam in June/July, Karkkitaka Vavu Bali in July, Ashtamirohini in August, Onam and Vinayaka Chathurthi in September, Navarathri in October, Deepawali in November, Mandalakala Bhajan for 41 days and Ayyappavilakku, Dhanumasa Thiruvathira in November/December, Aattukaal Ponkaala in February, Maha Shivarathri in March and Vishu in April. Other than these, we do conduct theme-based members' family meetings regularly. The actual dates of these celebrations are to be confirmed near the dates celebrated in India.
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