Indians honored with the QSM
January 17 2013
Anand Naidu
Anand Naidu has been providing community services to the people of Auckland for the past 25 years and is currently affiliated with Waitakere Indian Association - a charitable trust based in West Auckland where he has served as president as well.
He also served as president of the Auckland Ramayan Sanstha Trust - a charitable trust based in Mangere (1995-2000). Anand has also provided his services as an executive committee member of the Bharatiya Mandir (Indian temple) in Balmoral where he regularly visits as a devotee with his family.
Anand’s selfless service to the community, his warm personality, and an easy access of approach has earned him high regard and respect amongst his peers in the community.
Born in Labasa, Fiji, Anand was appointed Justice of the Peace in New Zealand in year 2000 and has diligently served his community as a JP for the past 11 years.
In addition to this, Anand served the people of Auckland as a civil marriage celebrant from 2005 to 2007.
He has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to intercultural and interfaith co-operation and communication, and to the development and maintenance of positive race relations in New Zealand. Anand’s whole family has always been involved in various charitable projects such as St John’s, Indian dance groups, Scouts and the senior citizens.
On receiving this award, Anand feels humbled and wishes to acknowledge the immense support he has received from his family and friends as also he acknowledges “the grace of Almighty God and the blessings of his parents”.
Ashwin Gulab
For over 3 decades, Ashwin Gulab has served the Indian community regionally and nationally in varied roles.
At the helm of affairs at the New Zealand Indian Central Association since 1978 as President, Vice-President, General Secretary, he currently chairs the Funding Committee.
Previously, Ashwin was President, Vice-President, and General Secretary of the Waikato Indian Association (1977 – 1993); and was the inaugural President of the Waikato Ethnic Council (2 years). He is currently Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Wellington Indian Association.
Originally from Gujarat, the family moved to New Zealand in the 1950s. Ashwin’s attitude towards community service is shaped by his desire to give back to the community; and the belief that through service, one gets back as much as one gives.
From 2001 to 2004 Ashwin was a member of the Community Advisory Group for the Te Papa exhibition “Aainaa - Reflections through Indian Weddings.”
At the news of being awarded the QSM he says, “I am honoured and humbled by this recognition. It has been a privilege to serve the wider community through my contributions to the various Indian and ethnic organisations with which I have been affiliated. I share this award with my wife and family who have supported me over the last thirty five years of service.”
Herakwal Paul Sing Bains
Herakwal Paul Singh Bains, QSM, is the current president of the New Zealand Indian Central Association.
“I am honoured to be the recipient of this award, and the fact that our services have been recognised in this way,” Mr Bains told Indian Weekender.
Residing in Cambridge, Waikato, Mr Bains was born in Punjab, India, and came to New Zealand in 1954 together with his mother and sister.
Young Bains grew up and received education in and around Taumarunui in the King Country and took up employment with Cable Price Automotive as Automotive Diesel Engineer, where he worked for 13 years, many of them as Service Manager.
In 1975, Mr Bains purchased his dairy farm in Waiuku, then in search for larger farm, came to Morrinsville where he bought a 200-acre dairy farm.
“I, together with my wife, farmed there until just recently we decided to become semiretired farmers and our farm is now being sharemilked,” Mr Bains said.
“My wife Damanjit Kaur has helped me in all aspects of my life including community service.”
President of the NZICA since 2010, Mr Bains became a member of NZ Sikh Society in 1965, and Foundation Member of the Sikh Temple in 1977. He helped develop sports grounds at Sikh temple in Te Rapa and became sports convenor for a number of years.
He was later elected as vice-president followed by the post of a president along with serving as general secretary for the Sikh Temple.
Mr Bains also served as vice-president for Waikato Ethnic Council and also on its executive committee.
He has been part of the NZICA officers’ team for 10 years and served on many sub-committees over that time - three years as under-secretary, three years as vice-president, and president for three years.
Jacob Rajan
After playing the same characters for 15 years, playwright and actor Jacob Rajan says each time it is like meeting old friends.
The Wellingtonian, best known for his one-man shows ‘Krishnan’s Dairy’ and ‘The Candlestickmaker’, has been made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Rajan was born in Malaysia and moved to New Zealand when he was 4. After studying at Toi Whakaari Drama School, he created Indian Ink Theatre company with director Justin Lewis in 1996.
One year later they debuted ‘Krishnan’s Dairy’, which fuses together the love story behind the creation of the Taj Mahal and life in a corner dairy. Rajan plays every character through the use of masks, and the company continues to tour with the show.
Rajan said of his award that, while he was the face of their plays, he was standing on the shoulders of Lewis.
“To be honest, my initial response was guilt. I'm part of a theatre company . . . [and] to be singled out is always icky. But obviously it is a huge honour.” The pair have toured their performances internationally, including the most recent ‘Guru of Chai’.
Kiwi audiences were more inclined to keep their emotions closer to their chests than others, Rajan said. "[American audiences] are so overwhelming, but playing to Kiwi audiences the response is . . . quite conservative. Americans give standing ovations, but Kiwis are a bit reserved."
In two weeks, the company will perform ‘Guru of Chai’ in New York, Florida and Kansas, before returning to Wellington to perform both ‘Guru of Chai’ and ‘Krishnan's Dairy’ at Downstage in April.
“It’s our first play and our latest play together, so it shows the growth of our storytelling,” Rajan said.
‘Krishnan’s Dairy’ has grown and developed in the 15 years since its first performance.
“These characters are really in me. There's a whole new level of performance because people are always about the next work, about something new. But there is substance to these characters, they have shadows.”
Rajan received an Arts Foundation Laureate Award in 2002.
Nilima Venkatkrishnan
Queen’s Service Medal recipient Nilima Venkatakrishnan is the Project Manager of Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust and has been associates with the social services industry for many years.
She has been a Voluntary Community coordinator for the office of senior citizens, Ministry of Social Development since 2006. Mrs Venkatakrishnan was appointed a Member of New Zealand order of Merit for services to senior citizens and Indian community.
Since 1998, she has been actively involved in community projects focusing on providing good quality aged care services specifically for older adults of Indian and South Asian origin and their families living in the Auckland region.
Some of her accomplishments include delivering positive ageing programmes, help address Elder Abuse and Neglect issues, working with Housing New Zealand to facilitate the resettlement abused and neglected older people etc.
Her contributions have effected positive changes in the lives of many seniors and their families.
“I am delighted as well as humbled by this honour which is recognition of my work and our community. This award has given me great encouragement to continue working hard for the betterment of the society,” Mrs Venkatakrishnan said.
Parbhu Kanji
Parbhu Kanji came to New Zealand in 1937 with his father and has been here since. The QSM recipient has had a significant contribution to sports in Auckland with over 40 years of voluntary service to the Auckland Cricket Association (ACA) and also his long association with NZ Indian Sports Association (NZISA) and Auckland Indian Sports Club (AISC).
“I am very honoured to have been recognised with this award for my long term services to New Zealand cricket and the Indian community (Sports Club, Association and Temple Trust) locally and nationally,” a humble Mr Kanji told Indian Weekender.
He is best known for his services to cricket and providing the Indian community an opportunity to participate in sports. Mr Kanji has been a long-serving vice-patron of Auckland Cricket Association since 2007, although his association with the development of the sport in Auckland goes further back. He has also been one of the oldest living life members of the Auckland Indian Association (AIA) and has supported the Indian community through his services to the NZ Indian Central Association Inc (NZICA) too.
Parbhu has tirelessly served the community on a voluntary basis and still does so today. His service has been focused around administration, management and treasury through involvement in various bodies.
Sumant Lala
Sumant Lala, of Glendowie, Auckland, has been involved in the Child Cancer Foundation since 1990.
Mr Lala served as national chairman of the Child Cancer Foundation from 1996 to 2001. During this time he implemented a Donor Database and a National Appeals week whilst securing sponsorships from The Professional Real Estate Group and the Textile Recycling Company.
Mr Lala served as national chairman of the Child Cancer Foundation from 1996 to 2001. During this time he implemented a Donor Database and a National Appeals week whilst securing sponsorships from The Professional Real Estate Group and the Textile Recycling Company.
He provides accounting services to the Foundation and CanTeen. He is currently an advisor for the Foundation and a Board Member of CanTeen and Ronald McDonald House Auckland.
Mr Lala helped to establish the Challenge Research Fund which raised $1 million towards cancer research. He founded World Child Cancer in 2007. He has been the financial advisor for the International Confederation of Child Cancer Parent Organisations since 1999 and was International President from 2003 until 2006.
Mr Lala remains involved as a current Board Member of the International Confederation.
Dr. Reena Ramsaroop
Dr Reena Ramsaroop is a histocytopathologist who has worked with breast and gynaecological malignancies for more than 15 years.
Dr Ramsaroop, of Kohimarama, Auckland, is a highly regarded diagnostician who has worked with Diagnostic Medlabs, St Marks Breast Clinic, Aotearoa Clinic and Mercy Radiology. She is the Lead Pathologist for Breast Screen Aotearoa for the Auckland/Northland Region. She is a member of the Breast Screen Advisory Group, Chair of the Auckland Breast Study Group, member of the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation and the Cytology Interim Monitoring Group.
Dr Ramsaroop, of Kohimarama, Auckland, is a highly regarded diagnostician who has worked with Diagnostic Medlabs, St Marks Breast Clinic, Aotearoa Clinic and Mercy Radiology. She is the Lead Pathologist for Breast Screen Aotearoa for the Auckland/Northland Region. She is a member of the Breast Screen Advisory Group, Chair of the Auckland Breast Study Group, member of the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation and the Cytology Interim Monitoring Group.
She has published extensively in these fields and has run multidisciplinary team meetings for both breast and gynaecological malignancies.
Dr Ramsaroop is known for being a tireless worker, highly supportive of her colleagues, providing extra training on her own time and getting results to her anxious patients as quickly as possible.
Anand Naidu
Anand Naidu has been providing community services to the people of Auckland for the past 25 years and is currently affiliated with Waitakere Indian Association - a charitable trust based in West Auckland where he has served as president as well.
He also served as president of the...
Anand Naidu
Anand Naidu has been providing community services to the people of Auckland for the past 25 years and is currently affiliated with Waitakere Indian Association - a charitable trust based in West Auckland where he has served as president as well.
He also served as president of the Auckland Ramayan Sanstha Trust - a charitable trust based in Mangere (1995-2000). Anand has also provided his services as an executive committee member of the Bharatiya Mandir (Indian temple) in Balmoral where he regularly visits as a devotee with his family.
Anand’s selfless service to the community, his warm personality, and an easy access of approach has earned him high regard and respect amongst his peers in the community.
Born in Labasa, Fiji, Anand was appointed Justice of the Peace in New Zealand in year 2000 and has diligently served his community as a JP for the past 11 years.
In addition to this, Anand served the people of Auckland as a civil marriage celebrant from 2005 to 2007.
He has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to intercultural and interfaith co-operation and communication, and to the development and maintenance of positive race relations in New Zealand. Anand’s whole family has always been involved in various charitable projects such as St John’s, Indian dance groups, Scouts and the senior citizens.
On receiving this award, Anand feels humbled and wishes to acknowledge the immense support he has received from his family and friends as also he acknowledges “the grace of Almighty God and the blessings of his parents”.
Ashwin Gulab
For over 3 decades, Ashwin Gulab has served the Indian community regionally and nationally in varied roles.
At the helm of affairs at the New Zealand Indian Central Association since 1978 as President, Vice-President, General Secretary, he currently chairs the Funding Committee.
Previously, Ashwin was President, Vice-President, and General Secretary of the Waikato Indian Association (1977 – 1993); and was the inaugural President of the Waikato Ethnic Council (2 years). He is currently Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Wellington Indian Association.
Originally from Gujarat, the family moved to New Zealand in the 1950s. Ashwin’s attitude towards community service is shaped by his desire to give back to the community; and the belief that through service, one gets back as much as one gives.
From 2001 to 2004 Ashwin was a member of the Community Advisory Group for the Te Papa exhibition “Aainaa - Reflections through Indian Weddings.”
At the news of being awarded the QSM he says, “I am honoured and humbled by this recognition. It has been a privilege to serve the wider community through my contributions to the various Indian and ethnic organisations with which I have been affiliated. I share this award with my wife and family who have supported me over the last thirty five years of service.”
Herakwal Paul Sing Bains
Herakwal Paul Singh Bains, QSM, is the current president of the New Zealand Indian Central Association.
“I am honoured to be the recipient of this award, and the fact that our services have been recognised in this way,” Mr Bains told Indian Weekender.
Residing in Cambridge, Waikato, Mr Bains was born in Punjab, India, and came to New Zealand in 1954 together with his mother and sister.
Young Bains grew up and received education in and around Taumarunui in the King Country and took up employment with Cable Price Automotive as Automotive Diesel Engineer, where he worked for 13 years, many of them as Service Manager.
In 1975, Mr Bains purchased his dairy farm in Waiuku, then in search for larger farm, came to Morrinsville where he bought a 200-acre dairy farm.
“I, together with my wife, farmed there until just recently we decided to become semiretired farmers and our farm is now being sharemilked,” Mr Bains said.
“My wife Damanjit Kaur has helped me in all aspects of my life including community service.”
President of the NZICA since 2010, Mr Bains became a member of NZ Sikh Society in 1965, and Foundation Member of the Sikh Temple in 1977. He helped develop sports grounds at Sikh temple in Te Rapa and became sports convenor for a number of years.
He was later elected as vice-president followed by the post of a president along with serving as general secretary for the Sikh Temple.
Mr Bains also served as vice-president for Waikato Ethnic Council and also on its executive committee.
He has been part of the NZICA officers’ team for 10 years and served on many sub-committees over that time - three years as under-secretary, three years as vice-president, and president for three years.
Jacob Rajan
After playing the same characters for 15 years, playwright and actor Jacob Rajan says each time it is like meeting old friends.
The Wellingtonian, best known for his one-man shows ‘Krishnan’s Dairy’ and ‘The Candlestickmaker’, has been made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Rajan was born in Malaysia and moved to New Zealand when he was 4. After studying at Toi Whakaari Drama School, he created Indian Ink Theatre company with director Justin Lewis in 1996.
One year later they debuted ‘Krishnan’s Dairy’, which fuses together the love story behind the creation of the Taj Mahal and life in a corner dairy. Rajan plays every character through the use of masks, and the company continues to tour with the show.
Rajan said of his award that, while he was the face of their plays, he was standing on the shoulders of Lewis.
“To be honest, my initial response was guilt. I'm part of a theatre company . . . [and] to be singled out is always icky. But obviously it is a huge honour.” The pair have toured their performances internationally, including the most recent ‘Guru of Chai’.
Kiwi audiences were more inclined to keep their emotions closer to their chests than others, Rajan said. "[American audiences] are so overwhelming, but playing to Kiwi audiences the response is . . . quite conservative. Americans give standing ovations, but Kiwis are a bit reserved."
In two weeks, the company will perform ‘Guru of Chai’ in New York, Florida and Kansas, before returning to Wellington to perform both ‘Guru of Chai’ and ‘Krishnan's Dairy’ at Downstage in April.
“It’s our first play and our latest play together, so it shows the growth of our storytelling,” Rajan said.
‘Krishnan’s Dairy’ has grown and developed in the 15 years since its first performance.
“These characters are really in me. There's a whole new level of performance because people are always about the next work, about something new. But there is substance to these characters, they have shadows.”
Rajan received an Arts Foundation Laureate Award in 2002.
Nilima Venkatkrishnan
Queen’s Service Medal recipient Nilima Venkatakrishnan is the Project Manager of Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust and has been associates with the social services industry for many years.
She has been a Voluntary Community coordinator for the office of senior citizens, Ministry of Social Development since 2006. Mrs Venkatakrishnan was appointed a Member of New Zealand order of Merit for services to senior citizens and Indian community.
Since 1998, she has been actively involved in community projects focusing on providing good quality aged care services specifically for older adults of Indian and South Asian origin and their families living in the Auckland region.
Some of her accomplishments include delivering positive ageing programmes, help address Elder Abuse and Neglect issues, working with Housing New Zealand to facilitate the resettlement abused and neglected older people etc.
Her contributions have effected positive changes in the lives of many seniors and their families.
“I am delighted as well as humbled by this honour which is recognition of my work and our community. This award has given me great encouragement to continue working hard for the betterment of the society,” Mrs Venkatakrishnan said.
Parbhu Kanji
Parbhu Kanji came to New Zealand in 1937 with his father and has been here since. The QSM recipient has had a significant contribution to sports in Auckland with over 40 years of voluntary service to the Auckland Cricket Association (ACA) and also his long association with NZ Indian Sports Association (NZISA) and Auckland Indian Sports Club (AISC).
“I am very honoured to have been recognised with this award for my long term services to New Zealand cricket and the Indian community (Sports Club, Association and Temple Trust) locally and nationally,” a humble Mr Kanji told Indian Weekender.
He is best known for his services to cricket and providing the Indian community an opportunity to participate in sports. Mr Kanji has been a long-serving vice-patron of Auckland Cricket Association since 2007, although his association with the development of the sport in Auckland goes further back. He has also been one of the oldest living life members of the Auckland Indian Association (AIA) and has supported the Indian community through his services to the NZ Indian Central Association Inc (NZICA) too.
Parbhu has tirelessly served the community on a voluntary basis and still does so today. His service has been focused around administration, management and treasury through involvement in various bodies.
Sumant Lala
Sumant Lala, of Glendowie, Auckland, has been involved in the Child Cancer Foundation since 1990.
Mr Lala served as national chairman of the Child Cancer Foundation from 1996 to 2001. During this time he implemented a Donor Database and a National Appeals week whilst securing sponsorships from The Professional Real Estate Group and the Textile Recycling Company.
Mr Lala served as national chairman of the Child Cancer Foundation from 1996 to 2001. During this time he implemented a Donor Database and a National Appeals week whilst securing sponsorships from The Professional Real Estate Group and the Textile Recycling Company.
He provides accounting services to the Foundation and CanTeen. He is currently an advisor for the Foundation and a Board Member of CanTeen and Ronald McDonald House Auckland.
Mr Lala helped to establish the Challenge Research Fund which raised $1 million towards cancer research. He founded World Child Cancer in 2007. He has been the financial advisor for the International Confederation of Child Cancer Parent Organisations since 1999 and was International President from 2003 until 2006.
Mr Lala remains involved as a current Board Member of the International Confederation.
Dr. Reena Ramsaroop
Dr Reena Ramsaroop is a histocytopathologist who has worked with breast and gynaecological malignancies for more than 15 years.
Dr Ramsaroop, of Kohimarama, Auckland, is a highly regarded diagnostician who has worked with Diagnostic Medlabs, St Marks Breast Clinic, Aotearoa Clinic and Mercy Radiology. She is the Lead Pathologist for Breast Screen Aotearoa for the Auckland/Northland Region. She is a member of the Breast Screen Advisory Group, Chair of the Auckland Breast Study Group, member of the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation and the Cytology Interim Monitoring Group.
Dr Ramsaroop, of Kohimarama, Auckland, is a highly regarded diagnostician who has worked with Diagnostic Medlabs, St Marks Breast Clinic, Aotearoa Clinic and Mercy Radiology. She is the Lead Pathologist for Breast Screen Aotearoa for the Auckland/Northland Region. She is a member of the Breast Screen Advisory Group, Chair of the Auckland Breast Study Group, member of the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation and the Cytology Interim Monitoring Group.
She has published extensively in these fields and has run multidisciplinary team meetings for both breast and gynaecological malignancies.
Dr Ramsaroop is known for being a tireless worker, highly supportive of her colleagues, providing extra training on her own time and getting results to her anxious patients as quickly as possible.
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