The New Zealand Indian Central Association (NZICA) recently held an Open forum for all Indian Groups to attend.
The New Zealand Indian Central Association (NZICA) was established in 1926, 86 years in existence, NZICA has endured many colourful challenges thus having an enjoyable history.
NZICA has 10 full branches Association across New Zealand and 7 Associate members. In the earlier years, the Indian population consisted mainly of Gujarati’s and Panjabi’s therefore the membership comprised mainly of these two geographical groups. In this period all Indians worked together in unison and fought many challenges, being accepted in a white dominated society was difficult. Through sheer determination and good co-operation amongst the members, they created a good living environment for Indian in New Zealand.
From the mid 1980s to the present day, the Indian community now comprises of people from all states within India. NZICA saw this as an opportunity to strengthen the Indian bonds thus now they have organisations from many other states within India working together for a united voice.
The Main objectives of NZICA have been:-
“To conserve, promotes and advance generally the interest, welfare and status of Indian residents in New Zealand”
This is a concept NZICA continues to strive for with its long existence and status within the New Zealand. It aims to achieve this by actively involving all Indian groups to continue doing the good work within their own communities, and having a link to a national body (NZICA) which sets out to improve the situation for all Indians in NZ.
NZICA Wider Representation subcommittee’s role is to look at ways of bring other Indian organisations board. Indians across every state in India and Indians from where ever across the world, this has been the aim of NZICA throughout its 86 year history.
This Open forum was well attended the evening’s Master of Ceremony was Mrs Nimi Bedi who is also a member of the Wider Representation subcommittee. Nimi through her employment is engaged with Indian and other ethnic groups.
The Chairperson of the Wider Representation subcommittee Mr Bhikhu Bhana outlined the aims of the Wider Representation subcommittee. He made it clear that in no way is NZICA trying to control or manipulate organisation groups, each organisation joining would continue to operate totally independently pursuing its own interest, as is the true democratic Indian way, Promoting unity in diversity. Mr Bhana gave examples of some tragic incidents and killing that occurred amongst the Indian Community. NZICA role is to prevent these tragic incidents occurring in a unified manner. Having a strong national Association can only strengthen the influence of Indians in New Zealand.
Other members of the Wider Representation subcommittee Balu Mistry, Prahottam Govind and Satnam Singh Sahota also related their comments and experiences
The President of NZICA Mr Paul Singh Bains gave an outline of the history of NZICA and its structure, how NZICA strives to maintain links with our Mother land. He pointed out that through hard work and dedication we have developed a bright future for our self in New Zealand. The President out lined the important issues delt with through the years such as Immigration, Race relations, Discrimination, Human Rights, Health And Welfare, Law and Order, Promotion of Indian Cultural Events, Suppression of white league, Portability of retirement pension, Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) ,Political representation in NZ, Indian TV in NZ as well as Indian News Media News papers and radio broad cast. Promotion of Indian youth and Indian Sports organisations just to name a few tasks taken on board
The Indian Member of Parliament Mr Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi also spoke and endorsed the aim of NZICA. He stressed that there are many issues that influence the Indian Communities, under various rules within Parliament. Mr Bakshi said that he wanted to represent the voice of Indians in Government and urged Indians to take a stance matters that affect themselves and the wider New Zealand population.
There were also other speakers that also stressed a similar theme. Common words like Unity, Flexibility, Independence, Represent all Indians across India, Represent all religions across India, homeland links, lobby the Government of the day, be proud to be an Indian and not just a Panjabi, Sindhi, Gujarati or Marathi.
NZICA has and will continue to listen to the concerns of all Indians, and endeavour to fulfil their objectives for the betterment of All Indians in New Zealand.
For further information about the objectives of NZICA and the various activities contact the General Secretary Rajeev Thandi and or visit NZICA web site www.nzindians.org.nz