Pukekohe Indians mark 75th year
The Pukekohe Indian Association celebrated its 75th Anniversary on Sunday, November 13. The Association was formed in 1936, following which many significant milestones have punctuated its colourful history.
The function was held at the Pukekohe Indian Association’s Community Centre. Dignitaries and representatives from several branches of the New Zealand Indian Central Association were invited and joined in the celebrations. All its members and past members outside of the region were also invited.
Close to 450 people attended the celebrations.
The pioneering forefathers started arriving in New Zealand from the early 1900s. The 75th jubilee was an opportune time for members to reflect on the difficulties and tribulations which they endured and on their foresight and their desire to succeed. This foundation has been built on by subsequent generations, allowing everyone to enjoy the lifestyles and freedoms we have today.
The programme for the evening included a blend of cultural items, speeches from dignitaries, and recognition of service, culminating with dinner. Celebration, entertainment, enjoyment and fellowship were the focus of the proceedings.
Auspicious occasions commence with Ganesh Puja, so it was appropriate that the first item for the night was the Ganesh Aarti performed by senior ladies of the community as arranged by Monaben Bhana.
Pukekohe Indian Association President, Bhikhubhai Bhana then extended his official welcome.
The cultural items presented on the evening, particularly those involving young children and the youth of the community, are a tribute to the parents and families of these young people and to their own discipline, commitment and passion.
A candle dance was performed by the young children of the culture class and arranged by Jyotiben and Priyaben Kana.
Harshadbhai Patel addressed the audience in his capacity as Vice Chairman of the NZ Indian Central Association.
Classical dance takes enormous skill, dedication and hard work. Perfection is always the goal. We were privileged to enjoy the talents of three very accomplished young ladies who happen to be sisters; Nikita, Ashlina and Shahani Kanji.
Dr Paul Hutchison, Member of Parliament for Hunua extended his congratulations and addressed the gathering
The audience then enjoyed the Des Rangila patriotic group dance organised by Devyaniben Jivan.
Councillor Des Morrison who was the next speaker added a local flavour to the evening, having attended Pukekohe High School in the 1960s with a number of others in the audience. As head prefect in his final year he had shown early signs of his leadership abilities, before progressing to a career in management at NZ Steel and service to the community through local body politics. He spoke in his capacity as the Mayoral representative to the function.
The finale cultural item, ‘Pukekohe through the ages’, was a tribute to the generations that have performed Garba dances over many years. It commenced with senior ladies and moved through the generations culminating with the vibrant energy of our youth. Three generations of performers took part, and up to 40 dancers were on the stage at one time.
Ishvarbhai Rambhai spoke on behalf of the Pukekohe Indian Association Board of Trustees.
President of the Pukekohe Indian Association Bhikhu Bhana presented Life Membership Certificates to Ganges Singh, Narendrabhai Master and Ishvarbhai Rambhai by the. Each recipient in turn acknowledged their awards.
The cutting of the 75th Jubilee cake by the life members was followed by a vote of thanks from Mr. Kanail Badhan Secretary of the Association.
The national anthems of NZ and India concluded the formal part of the proceedings after which dinner and fellowship were the order of the day.
The Pukekohe Indian Association celebrated its 75th Anniversary on Sunday, November 13. The Association was formed in 1936, following which many significant milestones have punctuated its colourful history.
The function was held at the Pukekohe Indian Association’s Community Centre. Dignitaries...
The Pukekohe Indian Association celebrated its 75th Anniversary on Sunday, November 13. The Association was formed in 1936, following which many significant milestones have punctuated its colourful history.
The function was held at the Pukekohe Indian Association’s Community Centre. Dignitaries and representatives from several branches of the New Zealand Indian Central Association were invited and joined in the celebrations. All its members and past members outside of the region were also invited.
Close to 450 people attended the celebrations.
The pioneering forefathers started arriving in New Zealand from the early 1900s. The 75th jubilee was an opportune time for members to reflect on the difficulties and tribulations which they endured and on their foresight and their desire to succeed. This foundation has been built on by subsequent generations, allowing everyone to enjoy the lifestyles and freedoms we have today.
The programme for the evening included a blend of cultural items, speeches from dignitaries, and recognition of service, culminating with dinner. Celebration, entertainment, enjoyment and fellowship were the focus of the proceedings.
Auspicious occasions commence with Ganesh Puja, so it was appropriate that the first item for the night was the Ganesh Aarti performed by senior ladies of the community as arranged by Monaben Bhana.
Pukekohe Indian Association President, Bhikhubhai Bhana then extended his official welcome.
The cultural items presented on the evening, particularly those involving young children and the youth of the community, are a tribute to the parents and families of these young people and to their own discipline, commitment and passion.
A candle dance was performed by the young children of the culture class and arranged by Jyotiben and Priyaben Kana.
Harshadbhai Patel addressed the audience in his capacity as Vice Chairman of the NZ Indian Central Association.
Classical dance takes enormous skill, dedication and hard work. Perfection is always the goal. We were privileged to enjoy the talents of three very accomplished young ladies who happen to be sisters; Nikita, Ashlina and Shahani Kanji.
Dr Paul Hutchison, Member of Parliament for Hunua extended his congratulations and addressed the gathering
The audience then enjoyed the Des Rangila patriotic group dance organised by Devyaniben Jivan.
Councillor Des Morrison who was the next speaker added a local flavour to the evening, having attended Pukekohe High School in the 1960s with a number of others in the audience. As head prefect in his final year he had shown early signs of his leadership abilities, before progressing to a career in management at NZ Steel and service to the community through local body politics. He spoke in his capacity as the Mayoral representative to the function.
The finale cultural item, ‘Pukekohe through the ages’, was a tribute to the generations that have performed Garba dances over many years. It commenced with senior ladies and moved through the generations culminating with the vibrant energy of our youth. Three generations of performers took part, and up to 40 dancers were on the stage at one time.
Ishvarbhai Rambhai spoke on behalf of the Pukekohe Indian Association Board of Trustees.
President of the Pukekohe Indian Association Bhikhu Bhana presented Life Membership Certificates to Ganges Singh, Narendrabhai Master and Ishvarbhai Rambhai by the. Each recipient in turn acknowledged their awards.
The cutting of the 75th Jubilee cake by the life members was followed by a vote of thanks from Mr. Kanail Badhan Secretary of the Association.
The national anthems of NZ and India concluded the formal part of the proceedings after which dinner and fellowship were the order of the day.
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