A 10-day celebration of Indian culture began last week at Massey’s Albany campus with the launch of an exhibition of rare photos of Indian political and spiritual leader Mahatma Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.
More than 70 people attended the event, held at the campus library to commemorate Gandhi’s birthday. It was hosted by the university's new migrants director Professor Shaista Shameem in partnership with the campus registrar, the Albany Students' Association and the Office of the Assistant Vice-Chancellor Maori and Pasifika.
Among the guests were Indian dignitaries, business people and Auckland community groups. Indian High Commissioner to New Zealand Ravi Thapar acknowledged Massey for recognising someone, “who is an icon symbolising something that will continue to be relevant". Mr Thapar said he sees New Zealand as a “very smart and innovative country” with enormous potential for doing more business with his country in science and technology exchanges.
National Party Member of Parliament Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi said he hoped leaders like Gandhi would continue to inspire young people. “We have been fortunate to have lived in a time where we have seen or read stories about the struggles of Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela,” he said.
Professor Shameem says Massey University is actively recognising and embracing the increasing diversity of the people of Auckland, which includes a significant Indian population.?? An Indian documentary film festival is also running alongside the exhibition until October 10. Three of the six documentaries are about Gandhi. The festival is screening in the library mini-theatre each lunchtime.
Professor Shameem hopes students, staff and members of the community will visit the photo exhibition at the library, watch a film or join in the Diwali celebrations.