25 years of Indian heritage on New Zealand soil
In the early 1900s, when the first Indians landed on the shores of this unknown new country, little did they know what awaited them. The cold weather, new language and culture, openly practiced discrimination were only a few hindrances among many, but what stood out was the perseverance and mettle of these courageous people who had sailed 18,000 km from their homeland on ships.
When Indians in Auckland decided to come up with the Auckland Indian Association in 1921, never in the wildest of their imagination would they have thought that the organisation would grow into an enormous umbrella for Indians for generations.
On November 15, Auckland Indian Association celebrated the 25th year anniversary for its Mahatma Gandhi Centre. A multipurpose community facility built more than two decades ago stands today as a symbol to testify the solidarity of Indians in this country. A donor’s dinner organised by Auckland Indian Association was attended by many from the organisation who have financially and otherwise backed the project.
One could hear attendees recounting of the story of Mahatma Gandhi event centre at almost all the tables. An elderly gentleman, who out of modesty refused to be named in the paper said, “It was 1989, and I donated $3,000. I still remember I was totally broke and personally, I was under a lot of financial stress at that time, but I wanted to contribute and I did. Now I see 25 years of this beautiful hall and I feel overwhelmed.”
The transformation of the old Findlays Bakery to the current Mahatma Gandhi Centre is an achievement in itself. The old building, which was bought by the association for 1.9 million dollars in 1990, a totally new look. The building which stands now is a posh hall, brimming with events and cultural activities.
The event saw the presence of Leslie Roy "Les" Mills, former Auckland City Mayor, Hon. Phil Goff, Kanwaljith Singh Bakshi, Dr Paramjeet Parmar and others as guests.
Les Mills, honorary member of Auckland Indian Association and the Mayor of the city then, said, “The hall is one thing and the place of worship, the Mandir is another, but it is the people who really make up the story. Not just the people who raised the money, but people who were part of every facet of the society, be it political, business or social. The Indian success in Auckland really comes from the love that Auckland has for the Indians and vice versa.”
While awards and mementos were given away to all the presidents, secretaries and treasurers of the association so far, each spoke about the effort it took from the people at the helm to get the association to this height. The current Trustee Chairman, Kanubhai Patel said, “The organisation has grown from strength to strength. We have gone through many transitions and have improved the facilities at our centre. I am proud to be a part of this system, and I congratulate and thank all presidents, secretaries, treasurers, executive members and volunteers for all their efforts.”
Phil Goff, one of the forerunners for the position of Auckland’s Mayor position, said, “This hall is a tribute to Auckland’s Indian community who have served so tirelessly to the city and our country. To think that the Auckland Indian Association was first formed in 1921 and to think how different the world was then to the Indian community in Auckland and when you compare that to today’s vibrant Indian community, we find that Auckland Indian Association has the same goals i.e., to keep culture, heritage and language alive for future generations.”
In the early 1900s, when the first Indians landed on the shores of this unknown new country, little did they know what awaited them. The cold weather, new language and culture, openly practiced discrimination were only a few hindrances among many, but what stood out was the perseverance and mettle...
In the early 1900s, when the first Indians landed on the shores of this unknown new country, little did they know what awaited them. The cold weather, new language and culture, openly practiced discrimination were only a few hindrances among many, but what stood out was the perseverance and mettle of these courageous people who had sailed 18,000 km from their homeland on ships.
When Indians in Auckland decided to come up with the Auckland Indian Association in 1921, never in the wildest of their imagination would they have thought that the organisation would grow into an enormous umbrella for Indians for generations.
On November 15, Auckland Indian Association celebrated the 25th year anniversary for its Mahatma Gandhi Centre. A multipurpose community facility built more than two decades ago stands today as a symbol to testify the solidarity of Indians in this country. A donor’s dinner organised by Auckland Indian Association was attended by many from the organisation who have financially and otherwise backed the project.
One could hear attendees recounting of the story of Mahatma Gandhi event centre at almost all the tables. An elderly gentleman, who out of modesty refused to be named in the paper said, “It was 1989, and I donated $3,000. I still remember I was totally broke and personally, I was under a lot of financial stress at that time, but I wanted to contribute and I did. Now I see 25 years of this beautiful hall and I feel overwhelmed.”
The transformation of the old Findlays Bakery to the current Mahatma Gandhi Centre is an achievement in itself. The old building, which was bought by the association for 1.9 million dollars in 1990, a totally new look. The building which stands now is a posh hall, brimming with events and cultural activities.
The event saw the presence of Leslie Roy "Les" Mills, former Auckland City Mayor, Hon. Phil Goff, Kanwaljith Singh Bakshi, Dr Paramjeet Parmar and others as guests.
Les Mills, honorary member of Auckland Indian Association and the Mayor of the city then, said, “The hall is one thing and the place of worship, the Mandir is another, but it is the people who really make up the story. Not just the people who raised the money, but people who were part of every facet of the society, be it political, business or social. The Indian success in Auckland really comes from the love that Auckland has for the Indians and vice versa.”
While awards and mementos were given away to all the presidents, secretaries and treasurers of the association so far, each spoke about the effort it took from the people at the helm to get the association to this height. The current Trustee Chairman, Kanubhai Patel said, “The organisation has grown from strength to strength. We have gone through many transitions and have improved the facilities at our centre. I am proud to be a part of this system, and I congratulate and thank all presidents, secretaries, treasurers, executive members and volunteers for all their efforts.”
Phil Goff, one of the forerunners for the position of Auckland’s Mayor position, said, “This hall is a tribute to Auckland’s Indian community who have served so tirelessly to the city and our country. To think that the Auckland Indian Association was first formed in 1921 and to think how different the world was then to the Indian community in Auckland and when you compare that to today’s vibrant Indian community, we find that Auckland Indian Association has the same goals i.e., to keep culture, heritage and language alive for future generations.”
Leave a Comment