The Indian Weekender, 07 May 2021

4 NEW ZEALAND
Kiwi-Indian
community
rallies to
send medical
help to Covid
ravaged India
Friday, May 7, 2021
The Indian Weekender
SANDEEP SINGH
New Zealand’s Indian community has
rallied together to organise and send
urgent medical relief in the form of
much required Oxygen Concentrator to India.
In a rare display of quick thinking and swift
action, more than 15 diaspora organisations
have come together under the leadership of
the Indian High Commissioner to NZ Muktesh
Pardeshi and the able guidance on the ground of
Hon Consul of India in Auckland Bhav Dhillon
to generate $150,000 and despatch the first
container of 72 Oxygen Concentrator to India.
The relief consignment was despatched from
Auckland airport on Tuesday, May 4, and had
reached New Delhi on Thursday, May 6, where
it would be handed over to India’s Red Cross
Society, which would deploy it further as per
medical emergency.
India is facing an unprecedented second wave
of Covid-19, which has witnessed a dramatic
rise in the rate of Covid infection, overhauling
the country’s entire health system with record
deaths due to acute shortage of Oxygen supply.
Acknowledging the tremendous support of
the Kiwi-Indian community Mr Pardeshi said,
“As we are struggling with an unprecedented
health situation in India, it is very heartening
that the Indian community in NZ has come
forward to donate 72 oxygen concentrators.
This is very much needed there.
The consignment which has been sent to
Indian Red Cross will be utilised as per priority
requirements in the country. I am grateful to
all community leaders for this noble gesture.
I believe efforts are underway to put together
another shipment soon.”
A detailed list of all diaspora organisations
who have demonstrated tremendous agility
and generosity to act expeditiously and arrange
oxygen concentrators would be released later.
It is also important to acknowledge the
generous efforts of members of the Kiwi-Indian
community who have been trying to send help
to India during this unprecedented medical
crisis through other channels and avenues.
“Learning English gave me
confidence to make friends.”
Your family member might have pre-paid for English lessons
when they applied for their visa to New Zealand.
Learning English will help your family member build confidence for their daily life.
They will be able to understand what happening in New Zealand and how it affects
them.
Ask the Tertiary Education Commission to check if your family member has money
to use, and how to enrol for English lessons.
Call 0800 601 301 or visit tec.govt.nz/pre-paid-English-lessons