BHARTIYA SAMAJ PAST EVENTS 2017 -2018
JANUARY 2018– Summer Camp at Mt. Roskill War Memorial, May Road
Bhartiya Samaj’s conducted its 16th Annual Children & Youth Summer Camp, a five day programme for children aged 6 to 14 years from 8th till 12th Jan 2018. It has gained immense popularity amongst the Indian community for the past 15 years. The number has been increasing every year with 110 students enrolled this year in the camp. Twenty-five volunteers/teachers devoted their time and energy to support/organise various workshops and activities.
Age appropriate workshops were planned and designed aimed to promote overall development of the young minds and to impart skills like personality development, leadership, community involvement and tolerance / understanding of cultural diversity at an early age through various activities like outdoor sports, art and craft sessions, music, dance, drama workshops, spiritual workshops, public speaking and other fun filled activities. The camp program was a balance of academic enrichment in the morning and sports in the afternoon by professional sports club. The Children were also taken out for a full day picnic that they thoroughly enjoyed. All the days included regular nutritious meals (breakfast/lunch and evening snack).
An overwhelming response was received from the parents who gave a very positive feedback about the camp and wished Bhartiya Samaj for more successful camps in years to come.
We are very happy with the outcome that was achieved and we sincerely thank all the Volunteers, Teachers, supporting organizations and parents who were devotedly involved, for their undefinable contributions that made this event a grand success. All sincere efforts were made to make those five days joyful and memorable for the children.
End of the Year/Christmas Party Dec 9th 2017
Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust carried on the age old tradition of celebrating the end of the year by organizing a “Christmas and End of the Year Party” on 9th December 2017 at Mt Roskill War Memorial hall, Auckland. Our Seniors thronged to the venue excitedly all dressed up in fabulous outfits to be a part of this special event. This fun filled afternoon marked the presence of over 200 Senior citizens and the gracious presence of many eminent guests and dignitaries who have made tremendous contributions to benefit the society.
The celebrations commenced with the prayers as a tradition of all Bhartiya Samaj meetings followed by honoring Ella Kumar Ji and Smita Biswas Ji for their valuable contributions towards the organization’s activities through the years. Entertainment programs, delicious cuisine, live music and the dance floor were the main attractions of this event. A stunning dance performance was put up by Simran Chadha and Ranjana to entertain the guests which was appreciated by one and everybody present there.
The melodious voice of eminent singers Vidya Teke Ji and Jagdish Punja Ji singing old time Bollywood songs permeated the entire atmosphere which uplifted the moods of our senior members who then ran to the dance floor to show their best dance moves. They were merrily joined by the delegates. After an exhaustive and highly participative performance all the members feasted on a delicious lunch organized by Bhartiya Samaj.
The stupendous success of the event was a result of contribution and love of the Executive committee of Bhartiya Samaj, volunteers, organisers, performers and the community that feverishly supported us to make this event a grand success and helped achieve yet another milestone for Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust in their efforts to socially engage our Senior members. A special thanks to VR Group of Hotels and Resorts for their contributions in form of sweet boxes given to one and all present there. Electrifying atmosphere was overflowing with words of deep gratitude and admiration for making the day memorable.
Mr Jeet Suchdev QSM concluded the event by wishing everybody a very happy Christmas and a healthy new year. At the end he exchanged heartfelt greetings and thanked one and all to be a part of our Bhartiya Samaj family in New Zealand.
“Christmas and End of Year Party” at Bal Vikas Language and Cultural School
As the year wraps up, it is time for some celebrations so we at Bal Vikas Language and cultural school celebrated the end of the year by having “Christmas and End of year Party” on Sunday 3rd December 2017 at Mt Roskill War Memorial Hall!
A fun-filled party was organized for the children with heaps of games, quizzes, Secret Santa and Christmas crafts. The children arrived excitedly with their “Secret Santa” gifts wondering what gifts each one would get but the whole idea of getting gifts made them super excited! The party kick-started with the children learning the significance of celebrating Christmas followed by playing Christmas quizzes, games and singing Christmas Carols. It became a true celebration for all who have grown into a cohesive team. After the games, they feasted on delicious goodies which they enjoyed a lot. Lastly, the most exciting part of the celebration “ Secret Santa” started with kids getting their gifts which they hurriedly opened and shared the joy of Christmas. At the end, each one of them exchanged Christmas/New Year Greetings and went home filled with cherished memories.
A Memorable Summer Outing
Great day, great weather and a stunning location made a perfect picnic plan for the senior members of Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust.
On 25th Nov 2017 we started the journey with 3 busloads of Senior Citizens, the Executive committee members of Bhartiya Samaj along with team of Volunteers from Mt Roskill War Memorial Hall, and headed towards Wenderholm Regional Park, Waiwera. It had everything – beautiful beach and the sea on one side and hills on the other , abundance of bird life among many native trees. …a perfect place to enjoy the whole day. There was an overwhelming gathering of over 150 + senior citizens members with enthusiastic participation spirits.
As a traditional practice the day commenced with management welcoming everyone followed by the prayers. As the day progressed, the members let themselves loose on the dance floor and were all ablaze with happiness and joy. A highly participative dance performance was shown by all on the pulsating beats of some heart throbbing Bollywood numbers. After the exhaustive dance steps all the members feasted on sumptuous lunch followed by delicious Jalebis.
The relentless efforts of our volunteers and organizing team resulted in giving lifetime memories of this memorable outing which was yet another milestone achieved by Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust in its efforts to bring smile on our Senior’s faces.
On this Day we celebrate the “International Day of Older persons” to honor to contributions of the elders to our society. Therefore, we Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust and Roopa Aur Aap celebrated this day on Sunday, 1st October 2017 at Mt Roskill War Memorial Hall.
The event was graced by the presence of dignitaries Hon Michael Wood, Hon. Mahesh Bindra , Auckland Council Puketapapa local board Chairperson Harry Doig and other board members Ms Ella Kumar, Ms Anne- Marie Coury, Mr Shail Kaushal, Race relations Commissioner Madam Dame Susan Devoy, Bhartiya Samaj Patrons Hon. Dr. Bruce Hucker and Hon. Dr.Ashraf Choudhury QSO.
Hundreds thronged through the venue dressed up in fabulous outfits to be a part of this special event and compete for the best dressed competition. The celebrations commenced with the prayers as a tradition of all the Bhartiya Samaj meetings followed by spectacular performances by some eminent singers. It was an aural treat as some of the finest singers of the community performed at the venue, namely Mr Viraj Maki, Ms Vidya Teke, Ms Shrisha Iyer, Ms Guncha Singh and Ms Shikha. The melodious songs mesmerized the gathering and brought the audience and the dignitaries running to the dance floor and shake a leg.
Bhartiya Samaj also extended a platform to young talents Shwetha Gopi and Radhika whose extensive dancing skills enthralled the audience.
After the performances, was the time for announcing Best Dressed couple ,Best dressed
Lady and Gent. There were enough well-dressed seniors to put the judges in a dilemma in choosing the winner as all of them had taken a lot of efforts with their costumes and accessories.
After an exhaustive and highly participative performance all the members feasted on a delicious dinner organized by the Bhartiya Samaj. The event was yet another milestone achieved by Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust in their efforts to socially engage our Senior members and appreciate their efforts towards our society.
We sincerely thank everyone for their contribution to this event. A special thanks to Apna TV for doing the media coverage of the event and Stats NZ for the part sponsorship. Highly appreciable are the efforts of volunteers who feverishly supported us to make this event a grand success.
On this Day we celebrate the Indian Independence Day and pay tributes to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives to gain the freedom for India. Therefore, we at Auckland, New Zealand from last 21 years, under the banner of Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust and Roopa Aur Aap along with many organisations from various states of India, and other neighbouring countries celebrated the 71st India Independence Day at Shri Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan Community Hall on Sunday, 13th August 2017 with much galore.
The celebrations started with the hoisting of the Indian Tri-color flag by Mr Ami Chand JP, Trustee for Pacific Events and Entertainment trust and a Marriage Celebrant followed with the national anthem of India. Furthermore, the celebrations started with the sound of Desi Dhol, exhilarating our hearts and feet dancing to celebrate the Indian Independence. Many people and dignitaries joined to dance on the stage.
Hundreds thronged through the venue to behold the myriad spectacle of young and equally talented senior citizens, showcasing their potentiality to enliven the celebration with vibrancy, peace, prosperity and progress. South Asian community has been actively taking part in every sphere of activities to make New Zealand an outstanding country with vivacious multicultural people living harmoniously.
The celebrations came alive with spectacular performances by many organizations showcasing their talents reflecting the diverse and rich culture of India with great passion and splendour. The groups that delivered the performances were Bhartiya Samaj senior citizens , Bollywood beats Academy, Bhartiya Samaj Bal Vikas School, Bollywood Bhangra Group, Mt. Roskill Community Centre Bollyood dance group, Chotte Sikke, NZ Kannada Koota,Auckland Marathi Association,Probasse Bengali Cultural Group, Punjabi Cultural Association,Creation group, Garba by Gujarati Samaj NZ, BAPS Swami Narayan, Senior Purshottam Merai Ji, Women Care Trust and Dr Nilima Upadhyay patriotic group.
We were truly honoured by the enigmatic presence of many dignitaries, several representatives of Community Organisations, and Community Leaders. To name a few of them were His Worship Hon. Mayor Phil Goff, Hon. Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi , Hon. Mahesh Bindra , Hon. Michael Wood, Hon. Melissa Lee, Hon. Judge Ajit Swaran Singh, Hon. Mr Roshan Nauhria, Auckland Council Puketapapa local board Chair person Harry Doig along with the entire board members, Bhartiya Samaj Patrons Hon. Dr. Bruce Hucker, Hon. Dr.Ashraf Choudhury QSO, Auckland City District Commander Superintendent Karyn Malthus along with Jessica Phuang, Gurpreet Arora, Satveer Sen, Mandeep Kaur from NZ police.
The celebration and cultural event came to an end with the national anthem and salute to the Indian Flag, and lunch served to everyone present, provided by VR Group of Hotel and Resorts.
We sincerely thank everyone for their contribution in this event which carried love to our motherland with feeling of Independence. A special thanks to VR Group of Hotels and Resorts for sponsoring the delicious lunch and snacks that was liked by everyone present there. Highly appreciable are the efforts of participating organizations, performers, sponsors, volunteers and community at large that feverishly supported us to make this event a grand success.
JAI HIND
Elder abuse is a problem that exists all over the world yet is typically under reported globally. Therefore it is very important to equip and educate people to identify and deal with this problem. Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust always strives to take steps towards making the life of seniors a more pleasurable one and giving them credit for the valuable contribution they make towards the development of society. With the same intentions, Bhartiya Samaj observed “World Elder Abuse Awareness day” on 17th June 2017 at Fickling Convention centre, Three kings.
The Programme witnessed an overwhelming gathering of over 200 + senior citizens members with enthusiastic participation spirits. The event was successful with the presence of many dignitaries who have been contributing towards making the society a better place. Some of the dignitaries present included MP for Mt Roskill Michael Wood, Puketapapa Local Board members David Holm, Ann Marie Coury, Ella Kumar and Shail Kaushal, Judge Dr Ajit Swaran Singh, National List MP Mahesh Bindra, District Commander of Auckland City Karyn Malthus, Police personnel from NZ police Constable Sukhvir Sen and Constable Yaolin Deng, Bhartiya Samaj Patrons Hon Dr Bruce Hucker and Dr Ashraf Choudhary, Bhartiya Samaj EC members Santanu Roy and Anil Vazirani.
The day commenced with prayers followed by wishing the senior members who had their birthdays this month. During the programme, issues of Elder Abuse were discussed at length while highlighting the different types and situations of abuse that the Elders have been experiencing.Also included were audio video presentation along with guests talk in order to deliver a better understanding of elder abuse and create awareness about the ways to deal with it and not just keep tolerating it. Our senior members presented a short skit highlighting a typical case of Psychological elder abuse in the family.
The celebrations concluded with the community lunch served to everyone present.
The event was a result of relentless efforts from team Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust and especially from Mr. Jeet Suchdev QSM JP and Ms. Roopa Suchdev QSM who have been working towards the cause for over two decades.
Mother’s Day is celebrated to honor all mothers and express gratitude for the hardships they bear in bringing up a child. To pay tribute to this wonderful creation of GOD, Children and youth wing of Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust celebrated Mother’s day on 14th May 2017 at Bal Vikas Language and Cultural Classes.
Nutrimetics beauty team was invited to deliver a “Pamper session” to the mums of our Bal Vikas Children. The consultants educated them by delivering some useful tips to look after their skins and also gave them a facial demo to pamper them on this special day. The mums were then presented with a small gifts from Nutrimetics team which they appreciated a lot. After this it was the children’s turn to pamper their mums by presenting a short speech to express their feelings and honor them after which they gave out their mums the hand made greeting cards which they had prepared for them.The event was a great success that ended with lots of laughter and cheerful feelings which every mother would remember for their lives. The day concluded with a morning tea served to all.
Yoga is a 5,000-year-old physical, mental and spiritual practice and is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition.The Language and Cultural School of Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust, celebrated this ancient and holistic approach to health and well being by organising International Yoga Day on 18th June 2017 at Bal vikas Classes. Bhartiya Samaj also practices this art of healthy living at their Bal Vikas Classes every sunday for children aged 6-14years.
The day commenced with educating the children about benefits of performing yoga by our experienced teachers using audio visual aids. This was followed by interactive session where kids enthusiastically participated in.This was followed by Yoga expert Instructor/volunteer Mr Pradeep Chitale who demonstrated the Asanas in a fun manner and educated the children with importance and the positive effects of doing those asanas on the human body. We firmly believe that learning would be a sustainable when it is accompanied with fun and if Children start practicing yoga at a young age, it becomes a part of their lives.
The event was a great success that ended with promises made by the young ones to practice yoga everyday. The day concluded with a morning tea served to all.
Proud moment for Bhartiya Samaj for winning $2000 in the Roskill Decides Funding Competition, where Mt Roskill residents voted ten best community Organisation’s projects for their great work in the community. The event was organised by Roskill Together and Auckland Council Puketapapa Local Board. Out of 18 Organisation participants, Bhartiya Samaj was awarded as a winner and was much appreciated by all for the great community cause. A stall was set up demonstrating our main festival Diwali and the children of Bhartiya Samaj presented a 3-minute drama on the stage depicting our rich cultural heritage associated with Diwali.
THREE CHEERS TO OUR ORGANISATION and sincere thanks to all for supporting us!
It was an honor to have NZ Police, Auckland City District Commander Superintendent Karyn Malthus at our Senior Citizens meeting on 20th May at Mt Roskill War Memorial Hall for a meet and greet session. She was joined by Asian Liaison Officer Ms Jessica Phuang and Eric Chuah of Cultural Connections.
Commander mingled with all the members in a very friendly way and also participated in the fitness session and enjoyed every moment of it. She then addressed our seniors delivering some useful tips on their safety and conveyed them a message that the Police is available for the community when in need, which entrusted the feeling of safety among our Senior Citizens. It was very positive and enlightened our people to approach the police when in need. Later, our senior members approached her with their questions and very patiently she answered their queries to their satisfaction.
After this there was an Antakshari competition between seniors, which was thoroughly enjoyed by the Commander.
On behalf of the entire team of Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust, we would like to express our gratitude and a big thanks to Asian Liaison Officer Ms Jessica Phuang for organizing the commander’s visit.
Children at Bal vikas Language and Cultural School celebrated Easter on 9th April 2017. The preparations for this celebration started 2 weeks prior (on Sunday 26th March and 2nd April) where the children learnt the significance of Easter through audio visual aids and fun crafts making Easter decorations. On 9th April we had Children dressed up in Easter theme ready for Speech competition retelling the Easter Story. All the kids participated and showed their talent telling the stories about Easter Week and won exciting prizes. They had a fun packed morning where they made Easter decorations and played Easter games. This day concluded with a special Morning tea with Easter eggs and cookies served to all.
Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in New Zealand and Australia to commemorate all New Zealanders who lost their lives at Gallipoli in World War 1 and also to honor the servicemen who returned from the war.
On 25th April 2017 ANZAC day was observed at Mt Roskill War Memorial. Mt Roskill Parade Service organized by Puketapapa Local Board was scheduled to start at 10:00am. People made their way to the venue just after 9:00 am for the start of the parade service. Boasting one of the largest commemorative gatherings in New Zealand, it was proud moment to see so many people honoring their heroes.
For the first time our esteemed organization , Bhartiya Samaj got an opportunity to participate in the Parade Service. Many veterans and ex servicemen wearing their medals, school groups, community groups, Bhartiya Samaj children and senior members marched towards the cenotaph at the war memorial. Wreaths were laid to pay tribute to the soldiers who had lost their lives in protecting the honor of their country. On behalf of entire Bhartiya Samaj and Roopa Aur aap family, it was a great honor for Mr Jeet Suchdev and Ms Roopa Suchdev to lay the wreath .
Bharatiya Samaj has a tradition of celebrating Holi each year and rolls it out at different locations for the convenience and enjoyment of the community.
The first celebration was held on March 13th at Flat Bush,South Auckland mainly for our Senior Citizens which was attended by 50 members . Celebrations started with showering colourful petals on one another and dancing to the tune of Holi Bollywood music. This was followed by few rounds of Tombola with lots of exciting prizes. The meeting ended with a lunch served to everyone.
On Saturday March 18th there was a whole day Holi Event titled “Colours in the Park HOLI 2017” at the 3 Kings Reserve which was organised by Bharatiya Samaj in association with Humm FM and the atmosphere was buzzing with music, fun and frolic for all present. The event witnessed over 5000 people, a mix of multicultural society of Auckland who all gathered to celebrate the festival of colors.
On the same day we also had an event for our Senior Citizens as a day to get together to herald in the Holi Season with fun and gaiety at the 13 May Road,Mt. Roskill War Memorial Hall. This was very well attended with 200 members present. The seniors went out doors and celebrated Holi by showering one another with colourful flower petals dancing and singing on Holi Bollywood music. The event ended with a lunch.
We also celebrated Holi at our “Bal Vikas Language & Cultural School’” on 5th March. The children were asked to bring in an old T-Shirt so that the kids could have fun painting and decorating the same. The celebration began by all of us singing our National Anthem and when the kids had settled we showed them an animated story depicting the meaning of the festival ‘HOLI’ this grabbed their interest and curiosity and they engaged asking questions and really getting into the significance of the celebration mainly because the kids varied in age and understanding abilities. They then got into decorating their T-Shirt and had fun doing it. Later we all went outdoors showering one another with flower petals as a symbolic gesture of sharing happiness and the start of new life and gaiety.
Public speaking is often described as people’s greatest fear but that wasn’t the case for our Children at Bal Vikas on 19th March. Children came well prepared on the topic ” My Hero” and delivered some wonderful speeches and won exciting prizes. This day concluded with a morning tea served to all.
A live stage show event “Antarkhoj-Ek Atma Manthan” was organised by BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir on 18th Feb 2017. More than 2,000 people gathered at Logan Campbell Centre, the aim was to bring the young generation closer to its cultural roots.
Bhartiya Samaj members had an opportunity to participate in this enlightening experience of Indian Heritage presented through cultural programs and multimedia presentations. More than 120 members attended this program. Through the cultural play audience were given a very important message of how important it is to invest time to create bonding between parents and children so that they get an all-round education and they are kept safe.
The event was well organised and a success and concluded with blessings gratefully received by our Chairperson Mr Jeet Suchdev from Swamiji.
Complimentary dinner was served to all present.
We would like to thank Swami Narayan Sanstha for giving us this opportunity to attend this program.
Bhartiya Samaj’s Annual Children & Youth Summer Camp, a five day programme for children aged 6 to 14 years has gained immense popularity amongst the Indian community for the past 15 years. The number has been increasing every year with 107 students enrolled this year in the camp. Twenty-five volunteers/teachers devoted their time and energy to support/organise various workshops and activities.
The children were divided into different age groups and the activities allocated to them were monitored by one or more volunteer teachers. The workshops were well planned and designed aimed to promote emotional development and enrichment of the young minds. The focus was on imparting skills like personality development, leadership, community involvement and tolerance / understanding of multiple culture and ethnicity at an early age through various activities like outdoor sports, art and craft sessions, music, dance, drama workshops, debate, extempore, public speaking and other fun filled activities. Also it helped the children open up about their aspirations and dreams and learn about their hidden talents. The day also included regular nutrition breaks – morning breakfast that included milk, home cooked healthy lunch, fruit and evening snack.
The day also included regular nutrition breaks – morning breakfast that included milk, home cooked healthy lunch, fruit and evening snack.
The last day of the camp concluded by children going out for picnic to West Lynn Garden.
Sincere efforts were made to make those five days’ fun and memorable for the children.
As the year wraps up, it is time for some celebrations to celebrate the End of the Year.
At Bal Vikas Language and cultural school the end of the term party was organized on 11th December 2016! We celebrated this occasion by organizing a party filled with lots of joy and yummy pizzas. The children arrived excitedly and brought gifts for the age old Christmas tradition of “Secret Santa”. The party kick started with the kids playing some fun games and dancing to the tunes of their favorite songs. It became a true celebration for the kids who have grown into a cohesive team. After the games, they turned to having delicious Pizzas which they enjoyed a lot. Lastly, the most exciting part of the celebration “Secret Santa” started with kids getting their gifts which they hurriedly opened and shared the joy of Christmas. At the end they took photos and went home filled with cherished memories.
Seniors at Bhartiya Samaj Charitable celebrated the end of the year on 17th December 2016 at Mt Roskill War Memorial hall, Auckland. 200 seniors thronged to the venue excitedly all dressed up in vibrant colours to celebrate the occasion. The occasion was also graced by the presence of many eminent guests and dignitaries.
Entertainment programs, delicious cuisine, live music and the dance floor were the main attractions of this event. The melodious voice of eminent singer Jagdish Punja Ji singing old time Bollywood songs permeated the entire atmosphere which uplifted the moods of our senior members who then danced to the foot tapping beats of the music. They were merrily joined by our delegates. The celebrations concluded with delicious lunch served to everyone present.
Mr Jeet Suchdev QSM concluded the event by wishing everybody a very happy Christmas and a healthy new year. At the end he exchanged heartfelt greetings and thanked one and all to be a part of our Bhartiya Samaj family in New Zealand.
In the midst of that run of rainy weather early November 2016, we found a few clear days to take our Senior Citizens out for a Fun Trip to Rotorua. After carefully planning for months, a memorable 3-day trip from 12th Nov to 14th Nov 2016 was organized by Bhartiya Samaj Charitable trust for its Senior Citizens to explore the beauty of Rotorua along with Tauranga. We had a full itinerary, and with each day came a new and wonderful adventure.
The journey started on 12th Nov 2016 from Mt Roskill War Memorial Hall. We halted at Gurudwara Sri Kalgidhar Sahib, Takanini Auckland to seek blessings and then we start the journey to Rotorua . We got there by afternoon where the stay was arranged at VR Rotorua Lake Resort. After little rest we visited “Government Lawns of Rotorua”.
Everyday had a very well planned itinerary. The second day members got an opportunity to experience and explore the 100-year-old Redwood forest from “Redwood Treewalk”. After that we headed for “Kuirau Park” to discover the steaming, hissing and bubbling geothermal activity and exciting views of mud pools. Everybody sat there and relaxed while having their favourite “Pizza Lunch” after which we all returned back to the hotel. After a tiring day they all got ready for yet another fun filled “Maori Cultural Performance” cultural evening at the hotel.
On the last day we bid goodbye to the hotel and Rotorua city. From there we all drove through a 60-minute scenic drive to the city of Tauranga that lies along the edge of a beautiful harbour. Located across the harbour from Tauranga, we stopped to have a spectacular view of Mount Maunganui. From there we drove to “Karangahake Gorge” to sit, relax and admire the beauty of natural sights of the gorge. Packed lunch was served to all which everybody enjoyed amidst the scenic beauty of the gorge. From there we started our journey back to our own Home Sweet Home, Auckland! All agreed that a fantastic time was had by all!
Senior Members of Bhartiya Samaj celebrated the Diwali Festival on 15th Oct 2016 at Fickling Convention Centre, Three kings. Diwali as a festival needs no introduction to the Indian community as is one of the biggest festival celebrated in India and by Indians across the globe.
The celebration witness all the members dressed traditionally with high participation willingness.
The celebration was studded with games, mehndi (henna) and nail paintings being some of the highlights to mention. It was totally a festive mood evident with the members singing and dancing to the best of their abilities. Members also got sweets to be distributed among the fellow members to mark the festivities followed by the delicious meal serving. Another round of fabulous memories to take home!
On 23rd Oct 2016, Bal Vikas group of Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust celebrated Diwali festival. Bal Vikas conducts language and cultural classes for the ethnic children. All the students came traditionally dressed and also brought sweets and other delicacies to be shared among the fellow students. The day started with watching video clips on the mythological relevance of Diwali followed by questions and answer session. Also a short movie on Ramayana was also shown to the children they participated in some craft work themed on Diwali followed by snacks and sweet sharing.
Bhartiya Samaj and Roopa Aur Aap also celebrated Diwali in a different way. Since Rest Home residents are unable to attend these big events due to health issues, we took Diwali to them at David Lange Care Home(Ashirwaad) to entertain and make them feel included.
On 21st Jan 2017 Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust celebrated the 68th Indian Republic Day with fervour and pride at Mt Roskill War Memorial Hall, May Road, Mt Roskill. The event was attended by Senior members and many dignitaries all proud to celebrate the achievements of our Golden Indian history.
The event commemorated a new season of Senior citizens’ fortnightly meetings, which was happily received and saw over 210 members renewing their membership with us.
The day began with the traditional prayers followed by welcome speeches by Mr Jeet Suchdev, Dr Bruce Hucker and Mr. Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi.
The tricolour was hoisted, which was followed by the national anthem. The seniors continued the celebration by singing songs and recollecting some of their most vivid memories of the Republic Day celebrations back in India. This was followed by dance performances by our Annual summer camp children and melodious songs sung by our senior members.
The entire event concluded by putting on a delicious lunch served to all members and volunteers present at the occasion.
International Day of Older persons was celebrated on 1st Oct 2016 with excitement and fun filled meeting of the seniors which also witnessed active participation from the seniors performing Garba (a traditional Indian folk dance) dressed in the traditional attire. The event was also graced by the presence of many dignitaries. All the members and the invited dignitaries danced to the tune of the Indian traditional music. Event witnessed some real singing talent from our members who with full zeal participated and exhibited their singing and dancing talent. Members dressed traditionally performed Garba which turned the environment vibrant. Garba performance was also significant as it was performed during the Navratri (a mythological auspicious period). Bhartiya Samaj also extended a platform to budding talent, Ms Sonia, who with her singing talent mesmerized the gathering. After an exhaustive and highly participative dance performance all the members feasted on a delicious lunch organized by the Bhartiya Samaj.
18th September saw “Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations” happen at Bal Vikas with children flickering in with lots of excitement and exuberance. It was beautiful to see our young ones participating enthusiastically listening to stories of Ganesha, doing craft activities followed by watching movie “My Friend Ganesh”. The celebrations concluded with cake, bananas and ladoos served to our lovely children. Everybody enjoyed the occasion.
Our little children of Ethnic Playgroup celebrated Janamashtami on 30th August to mark the birth of Lord Krishna. Children looked adorable dressed in traditional costumes as little Krishna and Radha. A small decorated “Handi” filled with children’s favorite treats was hung from the ceiling at a conveniently low height for the kids. All the kids were thrilled to break the handi and the entire area transformed into the land of joy, happiness and excitement when the sweets fell off the handi. It was an immense pleasure to see the kids and their mums swaying and dancing on Radha and Gopi songs. The celebrations came to an end with delicious food served to everybody. A sincere thanks to all the mums for their efforts in making this event memorable and enjoyable.
Independence Day, We celebrated Independence Day of India on 13 August 2016. started by hoisted of the Indian Tri-color flag by Mr. Vinod Kumar, President NZ Hindu Council; followed with the national anthem of India, and New Zealand by our Bal Vikas (BSCT language and cultural classes) Furthermore, the trumpet of beginning began with the sound of Desi Dhol, exhilarating our hearts and feet dancing to celebrate the 70 years of Independence day of India. The event started of cultural with the enticing performances by various group & organizations, reflecting the diverse and rich culture of India with great passion and splendour.
DIGNITARIES GRACING THE OCCASION WERE
His Worship Honorable Mayor Len Brown, Honorable Minister Peseta Sam Lotu – Liga (Minister of Ethnic Communities), Honorable Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi (Member of Parliament), Honorable Mahesh Bindra (Member of Parliament), Honorable Louisa Wall (Member of Parliament), Dame Susan Devoy (Race Relation Commissioner), Michael Woods (Labour Candidate from Mt Roskill), Honorable Dr. Bruce. Hucker, Honorable Dr.Ashraf Choudhury QSO, Dr Ajit Swaran Singh, Mr.Vinod Kumar President NZ Hindu Council , Jessica Phuang (Ethnic Community Relation Officer, Auckland), several representatives of Community Organizations, and Community Leaders. The celebration and cultural event came to an end with the national anthem and salute to the Indian Flag, and lunch served to everyone present, provided by VR Group, Bikanervala of Mt Roskill.
We sincerely thank everyone for their contribution in this event which carried love to our motherland with feeling of Independence. Highly appreciable are the efforts of participating organizations, performers, sponsors, volunteers and community at large that feverishly supported us to make this event a grand success.
