For more than 150 years, Indians in New Zealand have contributed generously to the success of their adopted homeland.
And in the process, have brought much fame and glory to themselves, their families, their community, their country, and even made their mark on the international stage.
While the successes are celebrated at the moment of achievement, they are rarely remembered forever, for generations to come.
Today, the Indian Weekender announces the launch of a prestigious award to celebrate and honour such achievers of Indian origin in New Zealand.
The Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame will be inaugurated by Prime Minister John Key at a gala function to be held in Auckland later this month.
“For a very long time in New Zealand, people of Indian origin have made their mark in all aspects of society here, and their achievements need to be honoured and celebrated,” said Giri Gupta, the brains behind the Hall of Fame.
Mr Gupta, QSM, the co-publisher of Indian Weekender, said he was proud to be associated with such a prestigious event which will initiate a legacy that was bound to be honoured for many generations.
“We are a small community here in New Zealand, and yet, Indians here have been such a big part of the development and progress of this country.
“We are very proud of these people in our community who have secured us all an even bigger identity in the Kiwi society,” Mr Gupta said.
“The Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame is saying to these people ‘we are proud of you’.”
While this inaugural inductee to the Hall of Fame was picked by the executive team at Kiwi Media Group, an independent jury will be set up soon to take over the co-ordination of the event from next year.