A passionate man, Mr. Sivaraj, has held that serving the community wherever he lives, in whatever way, irrespective of race or religion as his motif. He keeps words of wisdom from Sri Sathya Sai Baba, “hands that serve are holier than the lips that pray” close.
As the recognition came as a surprise to him, Mr Sivaraj said that he felt honoured and greatly humbled to be the recipient of the prestigious Queen’s Service Medal. He said, it was a proud moment for him as a citizen to be recognised by the Queen and the Government of New Zealand for his services to the community.
“For over forty years I have been involved in service activities wherever I lived. I have put in a lot of time effort and energy in doing what I love doing most without expecting anything in return. I consider the award of the prestigious Queens Service Medal as the Crown Jewel among all the Awards, Service Medals and Certificates I have had the privilege to receive over the years”, said Mr. Sivaraj.
He thanked the various organisations (Citizens Advice Bureau, Avondale, Sri Sathya Sai Service Organisation, St. John Caring Caller Service and Diabetes Auckland) that he has been associated with for giving him the opportunity to serve them and through them the diverse multi-ethnic and multi- cultural community in Auckland.
In 2013, Mr Sivaraj was instrumental, in his capacity as President of Pt. Chevalier Lions to raise funds for the Starship Dialysis Project, Cancer Society, Royal Foundation of the Blind, Diabetes Youth of NZ., Multiple Seclerosis Society, Fred Hallows Foundation and to Project Whenuapai/Hobsonville-for Cyclone victims. The club also donated a Transfer Trainer Aid to the Rangitoto ward of the Auckland City Hospital.
He was awarded the Good Citizen Award, by Avondale Community Board of the Auckland City Council, in 2007; the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year, Local Heroes Medal, in 2012.
Every single day Mr. Sivaraj, takes up a new task and in his small meaningful ways has over the years made a difference to many lives.
From a daily task as a Caring Caller, to Fridays at the Citizens Advice Bureau, Sundays at the library at the Sathya Sai Service Organisation, Tuesdays at the Shanthi Nivas Senior Citizens. Fortnightly meetings, at the Lions Club, the Shakthi Seniors, and the Sri Lankan Tamil Seniors. Sivaraj, languishes about time management being his main challenge and with the laptop misbehaving at times, making time management even more critical.