Indian Newslink Sports Awards 2019

Presents 

Monday, June 24, 2019 

at Newmarket Room, Ellerslie Centre 

80 Ascot Avenue , Remuera, Auckland 

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Our Title Sponsor 

Sports Awards Category Sponsors 

Our Support Sponsors 

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& 

We are happy to have the pleasure of your company at the 

Sixth Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts & Culture 

Awards 2019 

On Monday, June 24, 2019 from 6 pm 

At the Newmarket Room, Ellerslie Events Centre, 80 Ascot Avenue, 

Remuera, Auckland 

Guests of Honour 

Hon Jenny Salesa, Minister for Ethnic Communities 

Hon Mark Mitchell, Member of Parliament (National Party) 

Mr Phil Goff, Auckland City Mayor 

Michael Wood, Undersecretary to Minister for Ethnic Communities 

Live Entertainment, Speeches, Dinner and Awards Presentation 

Masters of Ceremonies: Hemant Parikh and Mehak Vashist 

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6th Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts & Culture Awards 2019 

In fond memory of our dear friends 

Raman (Ray Ranchhod) 

(18.02.1938-06.06.2017) 

Wenceslaus Anthony 

(28.09.1957-23.07.2017) 

Dr Robert Khan (Senior) 

(04.03.1941-08.03.2018) 

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About the Awards Tonight 

This is the first event to mark the 20th Anniversary of Indian Newslink. 

The Sixth Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts and Culture 

Awards will recognise approximately 120 persons from Auckland, 

Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington and Christchurch. 

Indian Newslink completes 20 years of publication in November this 

year and we happy to launch the festivities at these Awards tonight. 

While the Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards is a brand that has 

been acknowledging and applauding successful businesses and entrepreneurs 

for the past 12 years, tonight is the time to honour achievers 

in Sports, Community, Arts and Culture. 

Inclusion is the key word in tonight’s event as we honour not only 

people of Indian origin from all over the world but also people from 

South East and South Asia, and more importantly, New Zealanders 

who have coached, mentored and supported young New Zealanders 

to excel in sports, community service and performing and non-performing 

arts. 

Our Sponsors 

Indian Newslink is grateful to Proficient Customer Solutions, our Title 

Sponsor for their patronage. We are also grateful to Legal Associates 

Barristers & Solicitors; Immigration Advice New Zealand Limited, Link2 

Group, Manukau Institute of Technology, Mercury Printz, The Trophy 

Centre, Forever Shine & Beauty, 0800 Rachna, Liquor Library and 

Radio Tarana. 

Our Supporters 

Our Special thanks are to our Supporters including the New Zealand 

Indian Central Association, Telangana Association of New Zealand, 

New Zealand Telugu Association, Muthamil Sangam New Zealand, 

Kannada Koota New Zealand and Auckland Malayali Samajam. 

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Masters of Ceremonies 

Hemant Parikh 

Mehak Vashist 

Entertainers 

Ambika Krishnamoorthy 

Bharat Natyam, Indian Classical Dance 

‘Saruja Pushpanjali’ and 

‘Murugan Kauthuvam’ 

Ratna Venkat 

Indian Classical and Fusion Dances 

‘Shakti Kauthuvam’ and ‘Shiva Thandavam’ 

Wild Dreamer Productions (Australia & New Zealand) 

Scenes from ‘Meera’ with Aarti Bajaj, Charu Chutani, 

Harsha Prakash, Chloe Abbott and Khalia Abplanalp 

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Our Brands 

Indian Newslink is an English fortnightly newspaper established in 

November 1999. The publication is known for its independence, news 

analyses and balanced reporting, providing a platform for people of all 

ethnicities to voice their opinions which conform to normally accepted 

principles of public decency and morality. 

With a readership of more than 175,000 every fortnight among members 

of the ‘Extended Indian Community,’ including people of Indian, Fijian, 

Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Nepalese, Middle East and other 

origins, Indian Newslink enjoys the largest readership compared to any 

other Indian newspaper in New Zealand. The Fortnightly is distributed free 

throughout New Zealand through select Indian retail outlets and offices of 

companies. 

This newspaper is today considered as 

an important channel of communication 

among New Zealanders and those living 

outside through its web edition, which is 

now updated round-the-clock. A visit to 

our website (www.indiannewslink.co.nz) 

would be useful in judging the quality of 

the publication. 

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Our Web Edition 

Since its launch in January 2000, the Indian Newslink Web Edition is 

known as a significant online resource providing, updated information on 

news and current affairs, business, opinion, community, entertainment, 

sports and special features. 

Our Web Edition is updated several times every day and night with audio 

and visual clips. The Web Edition today carries more news and features 

than in the past years. 

The Indian Newslink website (www.indiannewslink.co.nz) is a busy 

resource, useful for advertisers and readers in New Zealand and other 

parts of the world. 

Indian Newslink also operates separate websites for its Indian Newslink 

Indian Business Awards (www.inliba.com) and Indian Newslink Sports & 

Community Awards (www.inlisa.com). These are also updated constantly 

and are used for entry forms and exclusive marketing of sponsors and 

others. 

Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards 

Indian Newslink instituted the Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards in 

2008 to recognise, reward and celebrate successful businesses based 

in New Zealand. A Panel of Judges, completely independent of the 

publication, evaluates the entries received and chooses the finalists and 

winners in each category. An elaborate set of entry criteria is in place to 

ensure that deserving businesses are recognised for the Awards. 

Governor-General, Prime Minister, Opposition Leader and Members of 

Parliament in New Zealand, Mayor of Auckland, India’s High Commissioner 

to New Zealand and leading businesspersons and professionals are our 

guests at the Awards Night held in November every year. Entries open on 

March 1 and close on August 31, through our dedicated website (www. 

inliba.com)’: Three Free Workshops are conducted by the Chairman of the 

Judging Panel at different locations to apprise potential entrants on ‘How to 

file a good entry. 

Our Awards now comprise fiftteen individual categories, the winner from 

among which qualify for the ‘Supreme Business of the Year’ Award. 

Entries open on March 1 and close on August 31, through our dedicated 

website (www.inliba.com). 

Finalists and winners are announced at the Gala Black 

Tie Dinner, Entertainment and Awards Presentation 

Ceremony held every year in November. The event is 

attended by political and corporate leaders, business 

persons, professionals and community leaders. 

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The Lecture 

As a newspaper committed to promoting finer aspects of Community, 

Corporate, Economic and Social conduct, Indian Newslink has instituted a 

Lecture to be held as an annual series, principally in Auckland City. 

The Indian Newslink Sir Anand Satyanand Lecture was held from 2011 and 

2018 as a mark of respect and tribute to Rt Hon Anand Satyanand, who 

retired as the Governor General of New Zealand after five years in office 

on August 23, 2011. 

The Lecture Series has been rebranded this year but would continue to 

feature topics of interest to those in governance roles, management professionals 

and those on the growth path of their career. 

Ministers, Members of Parliament, decision makers, corporate and community 

leaders including Government officials attend the Lecture to carry 

its benefits to their professional lives. 

This project is non-political and non-commercial, intended to bring the best 

of the intellect available to speak at the annual event. We are hopeful that 

it would grow and progress as an Institution that befits the name with which 

it is associated. 

Hon Grant Robertson, Minister of Finance is the Guest Speaker at the Indian 

Newslink Lecture this year, to be held on Monday, 

July 29, 2019 at Pullman Hotel. Auckland Mayor Phil 

Goff would be the Master of Ceremonies. Member 

of Parliament (National) Paul Goldsmith will provide 

‘Reflections on the Lecture,’ and former Member of 

Parliament Dr Rajen Prasad will provide the Concluding 

Remarks. 

Indian Newslink Sports & Community Awards 

The growing importance of people of Indian origin in various sports encouraged 

us to launch the Indian Newslink Indian Sports Awards in 2012. 

These Awards were the first of its type for the Indian community in New 

Zealand. 

The increasing participation of people of Indian origin in various aspects 

of community work and welfare 

encouraged us to institute Community 

Awards this year (2018). 

The Sixth Annual Indian 

Newslink Sports, Community, 

Arts & Culture Awards is being 

held today (June 24, 2019). 

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Sports Awards (Elite) 

Elite Sports Awards (Nominations by New Zealand Indian Central Association) 

We honour and share the moments of glory of these Elite Sports Stars 

Praven Jeram 

Praven is the first Indian to represent New Zealand in Football (Soccer). 

Between 1971 and 1978, he achieved 19 Caps. He was a Goalkeeper and is 

still involved with the Eastern Suburbs Football Club. (INL Picture) 

Santha Patel 

A self-taught (from a library book in 1979) Shanta Patel became a pioneer 

in Women’s Windsurfing in New Zealand and competed nationally and 

internationally between 1980 and 1988. Her wins include the inaugural 

Women’s World Windsurfing Championship at Acapulco in 1982 and the 

1984 Cocos Cup in Guam, the Merimbula Wave Classic in Australia three 

times and competitions in Hawaii, Japan, Malaysia, Fiji, USA, Europe, 

Scotland and New Zealand. She was appointed a Sports Ambassador for 

New Zealand in 1986-1987. 

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Priya Bhikha 

Priya Bhikha represented New Zealand in Women’s Hockey, and was the 

first and only Indian to represent New Zealand Black Sticks Hockey team. 

She played a total of six Tests (Picture from LinkedIn)


Arun Panchia 

Arun Panchia is the current New Zealand Men’s Black Sticks Captain. He 

represented New Zealand first in 2009 and has played over 100 games. 

A Midfielder, he controls the pattern of play of Black Sticks, powerful in 

attack and defence. 

(Picture Courtesy: Olympic Organisation, New Zealand) 

Ajaz Patel 

Ajaz Patel is the latest in growing number of Indians to represent New 

Zealand in Cricket. A left-arm Spin Bowler, played against Pakistan in 

Sharjah in 2018. The historical moment of Ajaz capturing the last Pakistan 

wicket at Prime TV, will remain embedded in the minds of sports lovers as 

an occasion of celebration. (Picture Courtesy: Photosport) 

-Report by Bhikhu Bhana, Immediate Past President, 

New Zealand Indian Central Association. 

Sports Awards 2019 

Sports Awards (Supported by New Zealand Indian Central Association) 

Best Senior Division Cricket Player of the Year 

Special Recognition Award 

Tarun Nethula 

With five One-Day International games in the Black Caps squad, acquisition 

of 245 First Class Wickets in 80 games and more than 100 List 

A Wickets captured in 70 games, Tarun Nethula continues to play T20 

Cricket domestically. He currently works as Director of Sport at Mount 

Roskill Grammar School. 

(Picture courtesy: New Zealand Cricket) 

Award Sponsored by 

Immigration Advice NZ Limited 

Ashutosh Reddy Vodnala 

An all-rounder currently playing for the Northern Knights, he has played 

at various levels and is rated as a top performer in the Northern Region. 

Ashutosh has also played for teams in UK and India. His last season included 

the Pukekohe Metro Cricket Club Premiers, Counties Manukau Mens, 

Northern Districts ‘A’ And New Zealand 

Indians XI. 

Award Sponsored by: Mercury Printz 

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Best Under 19 Cricket Player 

Adithya Ashok 

This 16-year-old rising Star of Cricket will play for New Zealand Under 

19 against Australia across the Tasman from July 4 to July 19, 2019. His 

exceptional bowling has cost many a team priceless wickets and Adithya 

Ashok continues to raise his tally match after match. 

Adithya Ashok, A Year-12 student at Mount Albert Grammar School, 

Adithya has captained the First XI and participated in 

several matches at home, districts and elsewhere, making 

him one of the most promising Cricket players of the 

future. 

Award Sponsored by Liquor Library 

Under 19 Cricket Player 

Special Recognition 

Zariab Karkaria 

Constant practice and self-discipline have helped 18-year-old Zariab 

Karkaria to be recognised as a fast-growing fast bowler in Auckland. An 

Engineering student at AUT University, he plays for the 2nd Reserves Team 

and looks to continue with the Premier Men’s Team. 

Known for his in-swinging Yorker deliveries, Zariab has played for more 

than ten years at the Howick Pakuranga Cricket Club. 

Award Sponsored by Radio Tarana 

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Over 19 Soccer Player of the Year (Futsal) 

Shivanthi Anthony 

She started playing Football when she was ten years old; eight years 

later, she commenced her career in Futsal. Since then, Shivanthi Anthony 

has participated in all national level games and was a part of the Under 

17 Women’s training squad in 2012. She has been playing at international 

games for Auckland Women’s team. 

Shivanthi was a nominee for the ‘Women’s Futsal Player of the Year,’ and 

was named in the ‘Futsal Ferns’ in January this year. 


Immigration Advice (NZ) Limited


Under 19 Soccer Player of the Year 

Avishak Kumar 

This teenager has been playing Soccer since he was five years old and was 

in the ‘Age Group Representatives’ for Waikato/Bay of Plenty from 2008 

to 2016. Avishak Kumar captained Hamilton Boys High Colts 10A where he 

was honoured with the ‘Player of the Year Award.’ 

He also had played Representative Futsal for Under 14, captained Under 16 

and Under 19 both of which were Runner-Ups. 

He was awarded ‘Most Valuable Player’ at the New Zealand National Futsal 

Tournament in 2017 and was selected for Men’s Waikato Futsal when he 

was 15 years old. 


Manukau Institute of Technology 

Best Rugby League Player of the Year 

Amoi Singh 

An outstanding player, Amoi Singh is also known his teamwork. He was named 

‘Player of the Day,’ in his third Rugby League ahead of many experienced 

players. Since 2015, he has been representing Counties Manukau Ethnic Rugby 

League in the Cabramatta Australia Annual International Nines Tournament. 

Amoi registered impressive improvements last year, leading to his selection 

to play in the ‘Indian Jungle Cats’ to play the first International Rugby League 

Test Match between India and Columbia scheduled to 

be held in Sydney, Australia in July 2019. 

Award Sponsored by The Trophy Centre, Eden Terrace, 

Auckland 

Best Hockey Player of the Year 

Wilbur Rodrigues 

His career in Hockey dates back to 1987 when he began playing for Mahindra 

& Mahindra, his employer at that time. He was selected to play for India 

at the 1990 World Cup and Asian Games. He recommenced playing the 

game in New Zealand in 2010 and has been featured in the New Zealand 

Masters Hockey for Auckland since then. 

Wilber Rodrigues was selected to participate in the Trans-Tasman Tournament, 

Melbourne in 2015 and at the World Masters Game held in Auckland 

in April 2017. 

Following his win at the New Zealand Masters with 

Auckland in November 2017, he was selected to represent 

in the Masters World Cup in Spain in July 2018. 

Award Sponsored by 0800Rachna 

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Under 19 Player (Other Sports) (Badminton) 

Amreen Virk 

Despite proclivities with equal proficiency in Hockey, Cricket and Swimming, 

Amreen Virk chose Badminton, a game in which she evinced interest 

since she was 11 years old. Following her victory in Non-Representative 

and Representative Tournaments, she became a part of the National 

Squad representing Waikato. 

Amreen Virk currently plays for New Zealand at the National Level and is 

a part of the Under 17 Saud. Last year saw her win several distinctions at 

regional and national levels. 

Award Sponsored by Forever Shine Beauty 

Under 19 Player (Other Sports) (Chess) 

Rohit Mudaliar 

He has just stepped into his teenage, but his achievements in Chess have 

been laudable and a source of inspiration. 

Rohit Mudaliar has been playing Chess since he was five years old and 

played his first competitive Chess Tournament when he was eight. 

Since his first outing, he has won many medals and accolades in competitions 

at the Junior level and has bagged almost 10 trophies. 

Rohit has played in four Chess Power National Finals and was placed 

second on October 27, 2018; and a day later for his Blockhouse Bay Intermediate 

School at the Chess Power Interschool Finals. He earned the first 

place in that contest in individual category. 

Rohit is known as ‘Junior Minister.’ 

Award Sponsored by Proficient Customer Solutions 

Best Sportsman of the Year 

Ajaz Patel 

Black Caps (Left Arm Spinner) 

Described as a ‘thorough professional,’ Ajaz Patel made his debut in Test 

Cricket in the Black Caps squad in Abu Dhabi last year. He was New Zealand’s 

hero in the four-run win against Pakistan at that turn of the wicket. 

Since then, he has been nothing less than a sensation, and holds a great 

hope for New Zealand and the Cricket-mad millions across the world. 

We take pride in naming Ajaz Patel the Best Sportsman of the Year at the 

Sixth Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts & Culture Awards 

2019. 


Proficient Customer Solutions 

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Best Sportswoman of the Year 

Shivanthi Anthony 

Futsal Ferns 

“The Futsal Ferns do not yet have a World Cup to build towards but that is 

likely to change in the coming years and steps are currently being taken to 

ensure they are ready to compete at the highest level when that opportunity 

arises,” ran an opinion piece on voxy.co.nz in January this year. 

A month later, New Zealand Football said, “With seven Futsal Ferns in their 

ranks and a strong base of talented younger players, it is hard to look past 

the reigning champions as favourites to lift the trophy.” 

That confidence is partly due to Shivanthi Anthony and we are delighted 

to name her the Indian Newslink Best 

Sportswoman of the Year. 

Special Recognition for Sports Stalwarts 

As Indian Newslink celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year, we express our gratitude to 

many organisations and their officials for their contributions to the world of Sports, including 

the training and opportunities that they have extended to our ethnic communities. We 

acknowledge and applaud them with Awards in the Sports and Community segments. 

Name Category Sponsor 

Alvin Cheung 

Northland Football Federation Excellence in Football Indian Newslink 

David Dome 

Wellington Phoenix Excellence in Football Link2 Group 

Holly Nixon 

New Zealand Football Excellence in Football Indian Newslink 

Jamie Milne 


Tracy Brady 


Awards Sponsored by Indian Newslink 

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Commemoration Awards 

Federation of Islamic Associations in New Zealand 

Excellence in Community Leadership 

As we pay our homage to the victims of the Christchurch massacre 

that left 51 people dead and many injured, we salute the leaders and 

members of the Muslim community for their forbearance, patience, 

restraint and most important of all, solidarity. The terrorist attack 

Dr Mustafa Farouk, Ibrar Sheikh and Dr Anwar Ghani on innocent people who were offering their Friday Prayers was a 

wakeup call that killed our innocence. It also brought the spirit of fraternity among us. 

We extend our appreciation, love and respect to the Muslim community through Federation of Islamic 

Associations President Dr Mohammed Mustafa Farouk, Secretary Ibrar Sheikh and Head of Government 

Relations Dr Anwar Ghani. 

New Zealand Police 

Police Commissioner Mike Bush 

Excellence in Team Leadership and Crisis Management 

New Zealand Police is not a Force but a Service. The difference is pronounced 

in the friendliness with which thousands of Police Officers interact with various 

communities across the country. Working under pressure, their role is defined 

by the catholicity of purpose, which is to make our communities safer. 

Police Commissioner Mike Bush leads a highly dedicated and motivated complement 

of more than 12,000 staff who risk their lives and work tirelessly so 

that our homes, offices and places of public congregation safe. 

But there are occasions when the untoward happens, creating anxiety and 

fear among the people and it is then that the Police rise to those occasions. 

The incident that occurred on March 15, 2019 in Christchurch and its aftermath 

brought the best out of our Police. 

We offer the Police Commissioner and his team a token of admiration and friendship. 

Wallace Haumaha 

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Maori, Pacific and Ethnic Services 

Excellence in Crisis Management and Community Service 

Crime and its prevention constitute a challenge to law enforcing authorities, 

especially the Police and multiplicity of cultures tend to make that challenge 

even more complex. 

The New Zealand Police manages the diversity of our society with responsibility 

and responsiveness, an example of which was the terrorist attack in 

Christchurch on March 15, 2019. Leading the charge was Wallace Haumaha, 

Deputy Commissioner (Maori, Pacific and Ethnic Services), whose management 

of the crisis was commendable. 

Rakesh Naidoo 

Inspector of Police, Principal Advisor to the 

Deputy Commissioner of Police 

Excellence in Crisis Management and Community Service 

A strong advocate of appropriate representation to ethnic communities, 

Inspector Rakesh Naidoo has been working closely with New Zealanders from 

all walks of life in his multiple roles. But as Principal Advisor to the Deputy 

Commissioner of Police, he brought together Ethnic Liaison Officers and 

other officials to manage the emotions of communities, visits of high-ranking 

officials from around the world and other related matters in Christchurch after 

the March 15, 2019 massacre. 

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Dr Ashraf Choudhary 

Excellence in Community Service 

At a time when there was none to represent the Indian community in New 

Zealand, Dr Ashraf Choudhry rose as its voice, first within the Labour Party and 

later as the first Member of Parliament of Indian Sub-Continent origin for nine 

years. Diwali and Eid in Parliament and many other projects and programmes 

that are today seen as close community engagements were his initiatives. 

Aarti Bajaj 

Director & Principal, Wild Dreamer Productions 

Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia 

Excellence in Performing Arts 

Contrary to popular belief that artistes and creative people are detached from 

the real world, Aarti Bajaj brings reality to theatre, dance and performing arts 

in general. Encapsulating the life and struggles of a 16th Century Princess in 

‘Meera,’ she captured the hearts of New Zealanders with five shows held over 

the Queen’s Birthday weekend. 

Her Wild Dreamer Productions is a production house with a soul. It works with talented and passionate 

individuals all around the world who consider themselves to be Wild Dreamers 

Aklesh Sharma 

Achiever in the World of Soccer 

Soccer is said to the world’s most popular Sport with more than 250 million 

players in over 200 countries and territories but sustaining quality and discipline 

depends on veteran players and coaches. In this field, Aklesh Sharma of 

Auckland scores high. 

From the first kick off during his early school days, through to college, Aklesh 

evinced deep interest in the game, played for Auckland University and Manukau 

AFC. He later coached and captained a local team. 

Arzan Todywalla 

Rising Star in the Football Galaxy 

Arzan Todywalla, a rising Star and one of the most promising players of New 

Zealand, has created strong impressions among coaches, players and enthusiasts 

at the Football Trials in New Zealand, Australia and United Kingdom. 

Beginning at the age of six at Fencibles Club AFC, Arzan has been the prime 

winner of most matches which makes him a favourite of coaches and clubs. 

He has also played as Futsal Whites representing the New Zealand U19 team. 

He has visited United Kingdom on many occasions for elite trainings, trials and 

games. We honour him with the Dr Robert Khan (Senior) Commemoration Award in memory of a great 

friend of Indian Newslink. 

Ashima Singh 

Free Legal Advise to Communities 

Bringing legal services either free of charge or at nominal, affordable rates has 

been the wont of Ashima Singh, a Barrister and Solicitor based in Papatoetoe, 

South Auckland. 

The Free Legal Clinic, which operates on Saturdays has been educating people 

on their legal rights as well counselling them on their individual circumstances. 

Ashima is passionate about empowering people from migrant communities 

to provide legal representation to and serve members of their own communities. 

She understands that South Auckland is a melting pot of ethnicities and 

cultures and serves them with passion. 

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Baljit Kaur 

Exceptional Services to Communities 

For almost 30 years, Baljit Kaur has been a source of solace and comfort to 

various communities in West Auckland and as the Managing Coordinator of 

the Waitakere Ethnic Board, she has helped in getting the ethnic voice heard 

in the decision-making rooms of the local and central government. 

Baljit provides education, advocacy, support and encourages service responses 

to the needs of migrants and refugees. She brings together various cultures 

by connecting ethnic people to information about local services, career opportunities, knowledge and 

support. Baljit also serves on the Ethnic Advisory Board of the Waitemata Police. 

Dr Malvindar Singh Bains 

Excellence in Brain Research and Community Services 

A young achiever and pride of the community, Dr Malvindar Singh Bains is a Research Fellow 

at the University of Auckland Centre for Brain Research focusing on brain inflammation 

in Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s Disease. 

Her findings could open a new opportunity to cure the worst afflictions of the human mind. 

Dr Malvindar was awarded the Leo Nilon Huntington’s Research Fellowship, dedicated to 

the advancement of innovative treatments for Huntington’s disease by the New Zealand 

Governor General. 

A winner of several awards, she promotes positive brain health awareness among young people and advocates for brain 

health awareness in all communities. She is a strong advocate of disseminating scientific information to the public through 

the media and other public platforms. 

Govardhan Mallela 

Excellence in Cultural and Religious Services 

Aucklanders, and increasingly people from other parts of the country reach 

out to Govardhan Mallela on matters relating to cultural and religious programmes 

for he promotes them through his network free of cost. A Chartered 

Accountant by qualification and profession, he is also the Organiser of Carnatic 

Classical Musical Programmes for Sangeetha Bharathi School of Music and 

the Managing Trustee of Sangeetha Bharathi Trust. 

A calm and quiet worker, his services are recognised for their quality and reliability. 

Dr Padma Govardhan Mallela 

Excellence in Music Research, Teaching and Performing Arts 

She is perhaps the first and only New Zealander Indian who has obtained a 

Doctorate in Carnatic Music for her research, the thesis in which provides us 

the proficiency in interpreting Ragas and be innovative. Hundreds of students 

have learnt music through her Sangeetha Bharathi School of Music, 25 of who 

have graduated in the art. 

Dr Padma appears annually at the Music Festivals held in Auckland Sydney 

and Chennai and is a recipient of the Best Teacher Award from the Late Dr M 

Balamurali Krishna for her services to Music. 

Harjeet Golian 

Excellence in Services to Rotary, New Zealand and Fiji Communities 

While his services as a business and immigration consultant benefit an 

increasing number of people, Harjeet Golian is celebrated as one of the finest 

Rotarians in New Zealand for the past almost 20 years, during the course of 

which, he has served communities, raising substantial finances as a Member 

and President of the Rotary Club of Auckland Harbourside. He has twice honoured 

with the Paul Harris Fellow Award. 

His work for the promoting the education and wellbeing of underprivileged children in his native Fiji have 

been acknowledge in both countries and Harjeet remains as a source of inspiration to volunteers and 

social workers.


Ratna Venkat 

Excellence in Performing Arts (Wenceslaus Anthony Award) 

Born and raised in the Kingdom of Bahrain in the Arab Gulf, Ratna evinced varied 

interest in the Indian Classical Dances of South and North Indian formats of Bharata 

Natyam, Kuchipudi, Folk, Kathak and later Fusion. She learnt these forms of Performing 

Arts from her Gurus in Bahrain, India and New Zealand and has performed 

in these countries and in Australia and Taiwan. Known for her innovative approach, 

Ratna is an ardent performer, adapting various types of music into her professional 

performances. 

She is a regular performer at the Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards since their 

inception in 2008. The Late Wenceslaus Anthony used to introduce her as a ‘Versatile Artiste with an innate and 

inimitable penchant for perfection and professionalism.’ 

Sucharita Varma 

Excellence in Counselling, Reducing Family Harm-Raman (Ray) Ranchhod Award 

Increasing incidence of family harm is a major cause of concern in New Zealand 

with women, children and elderly listed largely as victims. Counselling such victims 

and families is the most important mission in the career of Sucharita Varma, Director, 

Sahaayta (of South Asian Trust). 

She was among the first to visit Christchurch to look after the families of people 

killed in the March 15, 2019 massacre. We honour her in memory of Raman (Ray) 

Ranchhod who was a man of peace, compassion and care. 

Thilliar Varnakulasingham 

Distinguished Services to New Zealand Communities 

Education and Social Service are the two most important attributes of Thilliar 

Varnakulasingham, who has been an Indian Newslink Columnist for more than 

17 years. With about 90 degrees, diplomas and certificates on a wide range of 

subjects including medicine, heath education, sports, community welfare, religion, 

performing and non-performing arts and films, Mr Singham is respected beyond 

his Sri Lankan community. 

This octogenarian has served New Zealanders in various capacities- as a Justice of 

the Peace, member of Arthritis New Zealand, founder-member and trustee of the New Zealand Thirumurugan 

Temple Society. He is an invaluable asset to our communities. 

Vanisa Dhiru 

Excellence in Services towards Empowerment of Women and Gender Equality 

Vanisa Dhiru became the first woman of Indian origin in 2017 to be elected to the 

post of President of the Wellington-based National Council of Women in its 121-year 

history. She has vigorously pursued the cause of women, encouraged their empowerment 

and more importantly, worked cohesively with likeminded organisations to 

promote gender equality. 

Her various engagements have seen her in leadership roles at several Non-Governmental 

Organisations and charitable institutions. She was the Chief Executive of Volunteering New Zealand and 

20/20 Trust and has advised the government on diversity, digital 

Pancha Narayanan 

Excellence in Services to various communities 

Pancha Narayanan leads the national drive (Huarahi Hou) for a Treaty-based Multicultural 

New Zealand. Considered as a world-class endeavour, the initiative connects 

migrant communities to the native people of this country. 

Pancha is a strong advocate of legislative changes to eliminate discrimination 

from all strata of the New Zealand society and make Aotearoa a more harmonious 

society. 

Her provides thought-leadership and contributes to several community based projects and programmes.. 

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Community Awards 

(Excellence in Services to Communities) 

Dr Ajit S 

Services to 

Communities in 

South Auckland 

Ambedkar Sports & 

Cultural Club 

Services to 


South Auckland 

Anita Keestra 

Services as a 

Volunteer in 

Auckland 

Dinesh Khadka 

Services to Nepalese 

Community 

Giani 

Surinder Singh 

Religious Services 

to Sikh Community 

in South Auckland 

Hansa Naran 

Services as a 

Volunteer 

Hindi Language 

and Culture 

Trust 

Services to 

promote Hindi 

Language in 

New Zealand 

Hitesh Sharma 

Religious 

Services in 

Christchurch 

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I am He(r) 

Charitable Trust 

Empowerment 

of Women and 

Youth 

Karnail Badhan 


to Sikh Community 

Kavitha Venkat 

Services to Hindus 

in Auckland 

Krishna Reddy 

Arepalli 

Services as a 

Volunteer 

Latha Ravindran 

Services to Tamil 

Community 

Peter Paul 

Ravela 

Services as Social 

Worker 

Maninilavan 

Arivukkarasu 


Community 

Parameswaran 

Chandru 

Religious Services to 

Hindus 

Pastor 

Devasundara Das 


(Baptist) 

Jeffrey Nathan 


(Catholic) 

21


Pratima Nand 

Services to 


New Zealand 

Puran Bhag 

Singh 

Services to Sikh 

Community in 

Tauranga 

Rachana Dave 

Social Worker in 

West Auckland 

Ragavan 

Rengachariar 

Religious Services to 

Hindus 

Ram Mohan 

Danthala 


to Telugu 

Community 

Ranbir Saini 

Services as a Social 

Worker 

Ravindran 

Annamalai 


Community in 

Wellington 

Rupinder Virk 

Services to 


Hamilton 

Sadasivam 

Kutty 

Services to Communities 

in Auckland 

Dr Sarala Keshi 

Reddy 

Community Health 

Services 

I 

22


Selvaraj Ramasami 

Services to promote 

Hindu-Maori 

Relations in 

Wellington 

Shanta Menon 

Services to 

Communities and 

Victims in affected 

areas 

Shanti Niwas 

Charitable Trust 

Services to the 

Elderly 

Shri Shirdi Saibaba 

Sansthan of NZ INC 

Services to 

Communities 

Dr Siva Kumar 


Community in 

New Zealand 

South East Auckland 

Senior Citizens 

Association Inc 

Services to Migrant 

Communities 

Jitendra Prasad 

Sridevi Pusarla 

Services to 

Communities 

Srilatha Magatala 

Services to Telugu 

Community 

Swaminarayan 

Mandir Vasna 

Sanstha 

Services to 

Communities 

Tam Schurman 

Services as a 

Volunteer 

Sujal Patel 

23


Uma Salvaji 

Services 

to Telugu 

Community 

Uttarakhand 

Association 

Services to 

Uttarakhandis 

Dr Upendra Saklani 

Vai Ravindran 


Community in 

Auckland 

Verona Sequeira 

Services as a 

Volunteer 

Vijay Reddy Kosna 


Community in 

New Zealand 

Vijetha Yachamaneni 


Community in 

Auckland 

Vish Bhati and 

Robbie Bhullar 

Services as 

Volunteers 

Waitakere Hindi 

School Services to 

Hindi Education and to 

Communities 

Zoya Salim Kara 

Services 

towards Safer 

Communities 

Nominate yourself or 

some one you know 

in 2020 as entries are 

called in February 2020 

24


Presents 

AWARDS NIGHT 


at Newmarket Room, Ellerslie Events Centre 

80 Ascot Avenue, Remuera, Auckland 

Ticket 

$69 (including GST) per person 

and Tables seating ten persons at $690 (inclusive of GST) per Table are now available 

Please contact (09) 5336377 or 021-836528 Email: venkat@indiannewslink.co.nz 

(This event is not for those below 15 years of age) 

Sports Categories: 

1. Best Senior Division Cricket Player 

2. Best Under 19 Cricket Player 

3. Best Over 19 Soccer Player 

4. Best Under 19 Soccer Player 

Supported by: 

5. Best Rugby Union Player 

New Zealand Indian Central 

Association (NZICA) 

6. Best Rugby League Player 

7. Best Netball Player 

8. Best Hockey Player 

9. Best Over 19 Player Other Sports 

10. Best Under 19 Player Other Sports 

11. Best Sportsman and Best Sportswoman of the Year 

(Winners of individual categories will be automatically entered) 

Elite Awards: For men and women of the community who 

have excelled in sports during their life and career. 

Community Awards Categories: 

1. Individual 

2. Registered Association 

3. Registered Charitable Organisation 

4. Registered Places of Worship 

Supported by: 

5. Registered Society 

New Zealand Telugu Association; 

6. Religious Services Individuals 

Telangana Association of 

New Zealand 

7. Religious Services Organisations 

8. Social Worker 

9. Volunteer 

10. Any others acceptable to the Judges 

Art Awards Categories: 

1. Advertising Agency 

2. Architect 

3. Architectural Designer 

4. Cartoonist 

5. Copywriter 

6. Graphic Artist/Designer 

7. Painter 

8. Photographer 

9. Writer 

Supported by: 

Muthamil Sangam 

New Zealand 

11. Chef and other Creative People (Acceptable to the Judges) 

Culture Awards Categories 

1 Choreographer 

2 Conductor of Musical Orchestra & Dances 

3 Dancer (Indian Classical and Modern) 

4 Director of Cultural Programmes 

5 Musician (Vocalist & Instrumentalist) 

Supported by: 

Kannada Koota, Auckland; 

6 Organiser of Cultural Programme Auckland Malayali Samajam 

7 Producers of Cultural Programmes 

8 Singer (Classical, Film, Folk and others) 

9. Teacher (Classical, Film, Folk and Instruments 

10. Others Not listed (Acceptable to the Judges) 

Supported by 

25


Art Awards 

Giridhar Morla 

Chef 

Kaashvi Grover 

Cartoonist 

Kersie 

Khambatta 

Writer 

Manisha Morar 

Historian, Writer 

Muskan Devta 

Writer 

Nagender Reddy 

Vangala 

Hyper-realistic 

Artist & Painter 

Paul Menezes 

Photographer 

Prasanna Kumar 

Mekala 

Chef 

26

Guest Speaker: 

Hon Grant Robertson 

Minister of Finance 

Government of 

New Zealand 

Lecture 

SERIES 2019 

Present 

Monday, July 29, 2019 at 630 pm 

Master of Ceremonies 

His Worship Phil Goff 

Mayor of Auckland 

Reflections 

Hon Paul Goldsmith 

Member of Parliament 

Tickets: per person 

$150 plus GST 

Table of Ten persons: 

$1500 plus GST 

Concluding Remarks 

Dr Rajen Prasad 

Former Member of Parliament 

and former Special 

Envoy of Commonwealth 

Secretary General to Lesotho 

The Ninth Annual Indian Newslink Lecture 

with Black Tie Dinner 

On Monday, July 29, 2019 at 630 pm 

(Cocktails between 630pm and 730pm) 

Pullman Hotel Auckland 

Corner Princes Street & 

Waterloo Crescent, Auckland City 

Right of Admission Reserved 

Indian Newslink 

Phone: (09) 5336377 Mobile: 021 836528 

Email: editor@indiannewslink.co.nz 

27


Renu Sikka 

Writer 

Sappa Sreenivas 

Prasad 

Services as Civil 

Engineer 

Shriram Iyer 

Writer 

Vivek Anturkar 

Architectural 

Designer 

Culture Awards 

Ambika 

Krishnamoorthy 

Indian Classical 

Dance 

Charu Chutani 


Dances 

(Kathak) 

28


Dr Ashok Malur 

Instrumental Music 

(Violin) 

Harsha Prakash 


Dances 

(Bharata Natyam) 

Basant Madhur 


(Tabla) 

Hemant Thakar 

Instrumental 

Music 

(Keyboards) 

Behzad Karkaria 


(Drums) 

Malathi 

Vasudevan 

Music (Vocal and 

Instrumental) 

Marianne 

Infante 

Acting 

Murali Kumar 

Organising 

Cultural 

Programmes 

Padmalatha Dev 

Teaching Indian 

Classical Dances 

Prabha Ravi 

Indian 

Classical Dance 

29


Ravi Nyayapati 

Organising 

Cultural 

Programmes 

Sandhya 

Badakere 

Music 

(Hindustani 

Vocal) 

Dr Sarkaw 

Mohammed 

Randhawa 

Acting 

Shagun 

Choudhary 

Organising 

Cultural 

Programmes 

Sreesutha 

Nampally 

Music (Teaching & 

Performing) 

Vidwan Dev 

Diwakar 

Instrumental 

Music (Veena) 

Vivek Kinra 

Teaching Indian 

Classical 

Dances 

Looking forward to receiving you at the 

Seventh Annual Indian Newslink 

Sports, Community, Arts & Culture Awards 2020 

30


YEAR 

aiming excellence 

Calling for Entries and Nominations 

To the Twelfth Annual Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards 2019 

CATEGORIES: (2 NEW CATEGORIES) 

1. Business Excellence in Retail Trade 

2. Business Excellence in Innovation 

3. Business Excellence in Marketing 

4. Business Excellence in Customer Service 

5. Best Employer of Choice 

6. Business Excellence in Health & Safety 

7. Business Excellence in Ethics (New) 

8. Business Excellence with Social Responsibility (New) 

9. Best Small Business 

10. Best Medium Sized Business 

11. Best Large Business 

12. Business Excellence in International Trade with India 

(this category is open to all businesses registered in 

New Zealand doing business with India) 

13. Best Accountant of the Year 

14. Best Young Entrepreneur of the Year 

15. Best Businesswoman of the Year 

16. Best Financial Advisor (Mortgage) of the Year 

17. Best Financial Advisor (Insurance) of the Year 

Supreme Business of the Year Award 

(All entries will be entered for this category) 

For more information on Awards, Terms and Conditions & Free Workshops, please visit www.inliba.com 

Nomination Process: Direct by Entrants; Nominations for Individual Categories (13 to 17) by companies and individuals; Nominations by 

commercial banks and chartered accountants for companies and individuals with information prescribed in the entry forms available on the 

Awards website (www.inliba.com). 

Supported by 

31



at 6 pm at Ellerslie Events Centre 

(Newmarket Room) 

80 Ascot Avenue, Remuera, Auckland 1051 

Masters of Ceremonies: Hemant Parikh and Mehak Vashist 

The Programme for Masters of Ceremonies 

PROGRAMME 

545 pm Doors Open with Cash Bar for Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Drinks 

600 pm Masters of Ceremonies opening remarks including House Rules (Notes) 

605 pm ‘Saruja Pushpanjali,’ Invocatory Indian Classical Bharata Natyam 

by Ambika Krishnamoorthy 

610 pm Welcome by Hon Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, Member of Parliament 

615 pm Acknowledgement of Sponsors and Supporters (Notes) 

620 pm ‘The Power of Woman,’ Shakti Kauthuvam’ Indian Classical Dance by Ratna Venkat 

625 pm Address by Hon Jenny Salesa, Minister for Ethnic Communities 

630 pm Address by His Worship Phil Goff, Mayor of Auckland 

635 pm Presentation of Elite Sports Awards 

(Present on Stage: Hon Jenny Salesa, Mayor Phil Goff, Hon Mark Mitchell, 

Hon Michael Wood, Sahil Chand, Paul Patel, Bhikhu Bhana) 

641 pm Presentation of Sports Awards with VIPs on stage as above 

Winners in three groups of five, four and four 

651 pm Presentation of Special Commemoration Awards (VIPs on Stage) 

715 pm Presentation of Community Awards 


Hon Michael Wood, Sahil Chand, Narendra Reddy Patlola, Srilatha Magatala) 

Eight Groups of five each and one group of three 

745 pm Dinner 

815 pm Masters of Ceremonies (Sponsors) 

820 pm ‘Kumara Kauthuvam,’ Bharata Natyam Dance by Ambika Krishnamoorthy 

825 pm Speech by Hon Mark Mitchell 

Speech by C Doss Jeyakumar, Charge d’ Affaires, High Commission of the Republic 

of India, Wellington 

830 pm Presentation of Arts Awards 


Hon Michael Wood, Sahil Chand, Maninilavan Arivukkarasu) 

Winners in two groups of five each 

835 pm ‘Shiva Thandavam’ Indian Classical Dance Fusion by Ratna Venkat 

840 pm Scenes from ‘Meera’ with Aarti Bajaj, Charu Chutani, Harsha Prakash, Chloe Abbott, 

Khalia Abplanalp 

845 pm Presentation of Culture Awards 


Hon Michael Wood, Sahil Chand, Kumuda Shetty) Winners in four groups of five each 

915 pm Group Photograph with all Winners and VIP 

925 pm Announcement of the Seventh Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts & 

Culture Awards 2020 

930 pm Conclusion 

32

Indian Newslink Sports Awards 2019

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