Indian Newslink Dec 1, 2016 Digital Edition

04
Homelink
DECEMBER 1, 2016
The human spirit challenges
time and distance
Venkat Raman
venkat@indiannewslink.co.nz
Gautam Lewis speaking at the Awards Night
It is often said that the finest
moments in one’s life comes
not from richness of material
wealth but from a true sense of
achievement that accrues following
the recognition by people.
On that step, there were several
significant moments at the Ninth
Annual Indian Newslink Indian
Business Awards held on Monday,
November 28, 2016 at Sky City
Convention Centre.
Business Achievers
The most significant of these belonged
to the winners of the 13 categories
and the Supreme Business
of the Year Awards. To them, it was
a moment of commandment of
their hard work and sincerity with
the support and cooperation of
staff, suppliers and others. And to
the finalists in each of the categories,
to reinforce their determination
to strive harder at next year’s
Awards.
Spreading Wings
The highlight of the evening was
the speech by Gautam Lewis, Chief
Executive, Freedom in the Air, a
London (United Kingdom) based
company that trains physically disabled
people to become commanders
of aircraft.
Mr Lewis, a polio survivor
was abandoned on the streets of
Kolkata (then Calcutta) by his parents,
to be sheltered by Mother
Teresa and her charities. The little
boy received care, love and
affection.
He was adopted by Samaritan
Patricia Lewis, who brought the
child to New Zealand and took him
back home a few years later.
That little boy is today a source
of inspiration, allowing people to
reach heights of fame and achievement,
overcoming their own physical
challenges.
His speech at the Awards Night
was one of the best heard.
We reproduce his speech in our
Awards Special in this issue.
A Step-in Time
Surprise was the expression that
Ratna Venkat, Indian Newslink
‘Artlink’ Editor and popular dancer,
displayed when Master of Ceremonies
Jackie Clarke said, “Stay right there, Ratna,
there is something special for you.” Then invited
Ragavan and Alamelu Rengachariar,
Trustees of the RAMS Foundation to confer
the Title of ‘Kuchipudi Princess.’
A moment later, Mr Key was invited to the
stage to bestow the honour on Ratna and
present her a Citation.
Ms Rengachariar presented a silk shawl to
Ratna as a part of traditional honour.
That moment of pride and honour came
after Ratna performed two dance numbers,
both unique in their respect, content and
form.
Infusion of Māori
The first dance, an auspicious number,
began with a traditional Māori prayer,
followed by an invocation to the Hindu
Elephant-headed Lord Ganesha. This included
an infusion of Māori elements in her choreography,
which drew wide appreciation
and applause. For an appreciative onlooker,
the dance item, with the powerful and melodious
voice of Ashish Ramakrishnan and
vivacious instrumental support by the live
band ‘Gurus of Groove,’ was a fitting tribute
to Māori culture and traditions.
The second dance, known as ‘Tarana’
demonstrated the synergy and coordination
between the dancer, singer and the live
band. A unique feature in this performance
was the dancer’s ability to ‘scat’ (reciting
rhythmic syllables) and dance at the same
time.
Ratna Venkat presents the ‘Tarana’ in Kathak style
Ratna Venkat and Ashish Ramakrishnan- Māori elements in Hindu Prayer