Indian Newslink May 15, 2016 Digital Edition

MAY 15, 2016
BUSINESSLINK
15
Community celebrates a winner
Wenceslaus Anthony
It was inspiring to be a part of a small gathering
of family members, friends and
community leaders on April 26, 2016
to congratulate Shefali Mehta who was
honoured by Governor General Sir Jerry
Mateparae earlier that day at the Government
House in Auckland.
Ms Mehta received the Queen’s Service
Medal (QSM) for her services to the Indian
community.
Auckland City District Police Asian Liaison
Officer Jessica Phuang recalled the contributions
of Ms Mehta to the ‘Cop Chat’ Project initiated
by the Police to ensure the safety and
security of international students.
“Ms Mehta was the first person to register
and make the Project tick. This programme
aims to provide proper advice to foreign students
and make them feel at home. She is a
source of endearment to all of us,” Ms Phuang
said.
Dedicated fundraiser
Former National Party Mt Albert Electorate
Chair Peter Turner paid tributes to Ms Mehta’s
dedication to serve New Zealand communities
and organise fundraising programmes.
Rotary District (9920 & 9940) Past Governor
Ron Seeto recalled her services to the Rotary
Movement, especially during her term as
Harbourside Rotary Club President during
Rotary Year 2012-2013.
He said that Ms Mehta took up the challenge
of the then Rotary International President
Sakuji Tanaka to organise a community project
to promote peace.
“Rotary Club of Auckland Harbourside was
the first club in the District to organise a Peace
and Conflict Resolution Forum in September
2012 under her leadership. In addition, the
Club has been involved in a number of other
community welfare activities,” he said.
Rotary Club of Harbourside raised $80,000
through a number of events including Diwali
and Chinese New Year for such charitable organisations
as Starship, Auckland Medical
Research Foundation, Kidney for Kids and
Foundation for the Education of Needy
Children Fiji Trust.
Elderly Care
Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust Chairman
Jeet Suchdev described her as ‘a humble volunteer
of Aashirwad Ward, a ‘culturally appropriate
home’ for elders of Asian origin within the
David Lange Care in the South Auckland suburb
of Mangere.
Glacier Investments Managing Director
Donald Sew Hoy highlighted the achievements
of Ms Mehta’s fundraising and event management
skills.
“Shefali has always promoted family values
and her love for children and grandchildren
has always been a source for endearment,” he
said.
“Community Service helps in creating new
friendships, teaches how the community
works so that I can help the needy and less fortunate
people. Despite my internationality, I
am a proud Indian. I believe that we should be
able to retain traditional values and work for
the benefit of all peoples,” Ms Mehta said.
“I am humbled by the honour,” she added.
She appreciates the importance of the volunteer
service and thanks her supporters for
nominating her for the honour.
Attributing the Medal to her husband
Shailen (Procurement Head, The Reddy
Group of Companies) and their two sons
Ravi (Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers New
Zealand), Rajiv (Specialist Baker, Inspired
Foods Limited), she said that their support
has been central to her success in community
service.
Granddaughter of laureate Balwantrai
Kalyanrao Thakore, Ms Mehta has a graduate
degree (Bachelor) in Arts (Psychology major)
and has been involved with the Red Cross and
other community services.
Sir Jerry Mateparae with Shefali Mehta at the Investiture Ceremony
on April 26
Shefali and Shailen with their sons Rajiv (left) and Ravi Mehta at Government House, Auckland
on April 26