The Telangana Association of New Zealand hosted the third anniversary of the formation of Telangana state at the Mt Eden War Memorial on Sunday, June 11.
The event brought together more than 500 enthusiastic members of the community on the Sunday evening overflowing with emotions of their newly formed state back in India.
The biggest event of the Telangana community witnessed the presence of the Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett as the chief guest who acknowledged and congratulated the members of the community on their annual event.
The event commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp by the chief guest, Ms Bennett, National List MP Kanwaljit Bakshi, National Party’s newly selected candidate from Kelston Bala Beeram, NZICA President Bhiku Bhana, NZICA Secretary Prakash Birader, President of TANZ Kalyan Rao Kasuganti and other Ex Members Ram Mohan Danthala, Dayanad, Uma Selvaji, Sree Such Nampally.
TANZ President Mr Kasuganti welcomed the guests and spoke briefly about the emotional and aspirational journey behind the formation of Telangana state in India and the need of the diaspora, especially the Telanganites to render their support toward the development of the state.
Speaking toward the end of the formal part of the evening Ms Bennett acknowledged the sentiments of community members toward their newly formed state back in India. Ms Bennett also spoke about the diversity and inclusiveness of New Zealand society which welcomed settlers from all parts of the world along with their respective cultures.
Ms Paula Bennett and other prominent guest paid tributes to Martyrs followed by one-minute silence. The speeches were followed by cultural performances by the members of the community.
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