Getting an award is undoubtedly the best recognition of one's hard work, dedication and commitment. And if a government of your adopted country bestows the honour, it becomes even more special. And that’s how Mohinder Singh Nagra, who has been honoured with Civic Honours Awards by the Hastings District Council Under Health & Welfare category for community volunteer service in Hawkes Bay, is currently feeling.
He is the only person of Indian origin on the list of awardees this year. A special event was held on Tuesday night at Functions on Hastings at Toitoi -Hawke's Bay Arts and Events Centre to recognise 20 individuals who have selflessly given back to the community and helped improve and enrich the lives of others. The award, presented annually, recognises the voluntary service of individuals or groups/organisations which has contributed significantly to the Hastings District.
Sharing his excitement about winning the award, Nagra, who dons multiple hats of being an entrepreneur, restaurateur as well as Justice of the Peace despite being a family man, says, “I am very honoured to receive this award as it is extraordinary and a high award given by the Hastings District Council to those who help others within the community. Being the only Indian this year, I feel very proud!”
Nagra has been living in NZ for over three decades and actively works for the community. He details his journey in NZ and says, "I came to NZ in 1989 and resided in Whanganui and started all community functions, like Diwali, Vaisakhi and religious events.
“Then we moved to Hawkes Bay in 2000 and saw the same gap between the community here in Hawkes Bay. Therefore, we got the community together and participated in many events. We won the best Community Float in the Blossom Parade by our Indian Community, with lots of colours.
“The same year we introduced the first-ever Diwali function in Hawkes Bay in 2002. 2002 was also the year we organised a community show of celebrities to come to Hawkes bay for their live performance shows.”
Nagra, who is also the owner of Indian grocery stores under the name of MP foods, revealed that despite a lot of Indian community members here in Hawkes Bay, there were no Indian Asian grocery stores, and that's where his family got together and began the grocery store. “This brought the community together and made it feel like at home with all their grocery needs under one roof,” he maintains.
Moving on to Nagra's community work, he has been a member of the Hastings Sikh Society for the past 15 years continuously. He has been involved with the Sikh temple and all other religious and cultural activities.
Interestingly, he became a Justices of the Peace (JP) In 2010 and was the first Indian JP in Hawkes Bay. “Since becoming a JP, I Have been helping locals and immigrant people for their needs from certifying their papers to helping them understand what things mean and filing important documents,” he says.
Lastly, when asked about his message to the community members to help them inspire to do community work, he says, "Everyone is busy, but despite having a busy life, taking out some time for others will not hurt, especially for those who are in need.”
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