In a heartwarming celebration of longevity and cultural pride, Mr Bal Krishan Madan, the first Indian resident at New Zealand’s first culturally appropriate rest home for South Asians, marked his 100th birthday on October 15, 2025.
Mr Madan’s remarkable journey is not only a personal milestone but also a proud moment for the wider South Asian community in New Zealand. Having moved into the David Lange Care Home in 2014 with his beloved wife, who passed away a few years later, Mr. Madan has continued to live independently, surrounded by compassionate staff and residents who share his cultural values and traditions.
The David Lange Care Home, established in 2013 through a collaboration between the Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust and BUPA (now managed by CHT Healthcare Trust), holds a special place in New Zealand’s multicultural care landscape.
It was the first rest home in the country designed specifically to cater to the cultural and emotional needs of South Asian elders, providing familiar food, language, festivals, and spiritual practices that make residents feel at home.
A grand celebration to honour Mr Madan’s centenary took place on October 17 at the Māngere Community Centre, attended by family members, friends, and community leaders.
Despite reaching a century, Mr Madan remains impressively active, alert, cheerful, and tech-savvy. He continues to use his computer daily, enjoys reciting poetry, and participates enthusiastically in cultural and community events.
The occasion was made even more special by congratulatory messages from Ministers, Members of Parliament, and King Charles III, acknowledging his extraordinary milestone and contribution to the community.
Speaking about the significance of the moment, members of the Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust said that Mr Madan’s life reflects the success of their mission to ensure that elderly South Asians in New Zealand receive not only quality healthcare but also emotional comfort and cultural connection.
“This achievement shows how culturally appropriate care can truly enhance the happiness, health, and longevity of older people,” said a spokesperson. “When seniors feel understood and connected to their culture, they thrive and live more fulfilling lives.”
Over the years, the David Lange Care Home has become a model for inclusive aged care, inspiring similar initiatives across the country. Residents enjoy traditional meals, participate in cultural celebrations, and live in an environment that honours their heritage and way of life.
Mr Madan’s century of life stands as a testament to resilience, community, and the power of culturally sensitive care—an achievement that continues to inspire generations within New Zealand’s growing South Asian diaspora.