Dr Rajiv Chaturvedi, an eminent community face passed away on Sunday, April 23 at his residence in Wellington. Dr Chaturvedi suffered respiratory difficulties on Sunday and died within a short time as emergency services arrived.
Dr Chaturvedi was the vice president and national media & public relations officer for Hindu Council of New Zealand (HCNZ), a research scientist at AgResearch Ltd., New Zealand’s largest Crown Research Institute.
Dr Chaturvedi immensely contributed to the New Zealand’s multicultural society as a knowledgeable scholar and community leader. He played a major role in all HCNZ projects, led the organisation of regional Hindu conferences in Wellington, accompanied the Hindu-Maori delegation to India, and organised several Hindu festivals of Holi and Raksha Bandhan in Wellington. Earlier in April, just before his demise Dr Chaturvedi appeared at the Maori Affairs Select Committee to make HCNZ's submission on the use of waterways for ashes dispersal on behalf of Hindu community. He also made a submission to support Secular Education Network's submission to High Court regarding religious teachings in New Zealand schools.
Dr Rajiv Chaturvedi worked closely with many community organisations such as Hutt Multicultural Council, NZ Vegetarian Society, United Nations Association of New Zealand, the Nepalese society of Wellington, Wellington interfaith council, various Hindu temples, etc.
Dr Chaturvedi’s sudden demise has come as a shock to the community and many who knew him.
Hindu Council of New Zealand team has organised a memorial service on Sunday, May 7. The memorial service will be conducted from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Indian Cultural Society Hall on 119 Nelson Street, Petone, in Wellington.