The Indian Weekender 26 August 2022

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8 NEW ZEALAND Spreading Uttarakhand’s uniqueness Friday, 26 August, 2022 Read online www.iwk.co.nz NAVDEEP KAUR MARWAH Being home to four great Hindu religious sites – Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath, Uttarakhand is perhaps one of the most divine states of India. Described by many as the land of the Gods, the land – that boasts of the towering Himalayas, scenic natural beauty, exotic flora and fauna – lures everyone from everywhere. But those from Uttarakhand in New Zealand, numbering some six thousand, are also doing their bit to ensure their culture is kept alive in Aotearoa. And one such organisation which endeavours to do the same is the Devbhoomi Association of New Zealand (DANZ). In this seventeenth part of our series on cultural Indian associations across New Zealand, we look closely at the Wellington-based Devbhoomi Association of New Zealand, which has around 600 members and its body of work. Giving information about how DANZ came into being, its media in-charge, Manas Rawat, says, “Our organisation came into being in 2016 when some like-minded people got together who had a feeling of giving back to the community. Following Australasian Tapas competition winner announced NAVDEEP KAUR MARWAH It was a big day for the chefs competing at the fourth edition of the Australasian Tapas Competition. The event on Monday (August 22) at Ignite Colleges in Wiri saw contestants being judged by renowned names like Masterchef Sanjeev Kapoor, World Tapas competition organiser Angel Moreton and New Zealand celebrity chefs Simon Gault, Ken o Connel, Sam Brotherston and Karl Heinrich. The contest had chefs from around the country battle it out for the top place. The day’s winner was Amber Heaton, who flew in from Australia. It may be noted that Amber will represent Australia at the 6th World Tapas competition, which is supported by city hall of Valladolid, in an all-expenses paid trip to Spain in November. Speaking to Indian Weekender, she said, “I feel honoured to have been able to win this contest. I worked hard, and it is always great to see your hard work paying off. I look forward to making Australia proud in Spain.” The runner-up of the event was Yee Tuk. He would be representing NZ in the same, a constitution was drafted, and a non-profitable society was registered. The first AGM took place in April 2016.” Uttarakhand is a very young state but is a cradle of ancient civilisation, and each region in the state carries unique knowledge of art-forms, culture, history, language and literature. “The main motive was to preserve this culture and at the same time share and learn from others. We also aspire to spread awareness among our members to become productive members of our kiwi community. We also work towards acting as a bridge between the New Zealanders and Indian diaspora, through finding common grounds and activities,” says Rawat. Spain. Interestingly, this is for the first time that two winners will be competing in Spain since they both represent two different countries. While the award for the most innovative Tapas went to Norka, Veenal Reddy won the best concept Tapas. The event was graced by dignitaries Honorary Consul of India Bhav Dhillon and Ms Ana Lucia Vich Gadella, Counsellor (Trade and Economic) of the Embassy of Spain in NZ. It was sponsored by HTT, Nestle and Southern Hospitality. Masterchef Sanjeev Kapoor, who travelled from India to judge this contest, was all praise for the contestants. “I had judged many culinary contests, but this Apart from celebrating all important national festivals, DANZ holds regular gatherings to commemorate events unique to Uttarakhand, such as ‘fool-dehi’, which is marked by kids collecting flowers and exchanging them for sweets from the elders. In 2019 DANZ hosted an event called ‘Baduli’ where one of the legendary singers from Uttarakhand (Padma Shree Awardee) Narendra Singh Negi performed along with some other famous artists in Wellington. The community members also hold language classes and storytelling sessions for the kids. The community members also have informal career workshops for youth and act as mentors. “We also regularly participate in city council events where we won a koha (Te reo for a gift) and are closely associated with the Indian High commission. We have continuously celebrated ‘Holi’ since 2016, which has been celebrated not only with colours but also with unique food and dress from Uttrakhand,” says Rawat, who feels it is essential to have cultural organisations in the Kiwi-Indian community as it helps to preserve the uniqueness of diversity we hold. Considering the health situation, DANZ is planning social activities in the summer. They will start with the “masterchef Uttarakhand” competition, I had judged many culinary contests, but this one was certainly one of the toughest to judge. I was surprised to see the talent and imagination showcased by the participants. It is great to see NZ on the world culinary platter and young chefs making a difference.” Sanjeev Kapoor one was certainly one of the toughest to judge. and planning for the Diwali celebration is already on the way. On a parting note, when asked about the future of the DANZ, Rawat says, “We want to be involved more in community work. We want to make the informal activities we conduct for careers and other things more structured and regular. We are actively looking to make it a registered charitable society and look for funding from councils for assistance.” "I was surprised to see the talent and imagination showcased by the participants. It is great to see New Zealand on the world culinary platter and young chefs making a difference,” he said. The competition’s organiser and NZ Chefs Auckland Vice-President Jasbir Kaur couldn’t contain her excitement. “It is so amazing to have the competition up and running after a year due to the pandemic. I am amazed at the talent we have witnessed today at our premises of Ignite Colleges. "I firmly believe that these competitions provide chefs with the opportunity to exercise their creative skills and prove their competitive edge,” said Kaur, who has competed in the 2017 world Tapas competition in Valladolid and has been a judge at the 2018 Spanish World Tapas competition.
Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, 26 August, 2022 NEW ZEALAND 9 Record crowds at MG Centre as Diaspora jointly celebrates India’s I-Day SANDEEP SINGH The tradition of all major community organisations of Auckland coming together to host one joint Independence Day celebration has not lost its sheen in the last two successive years of Covid related disruption, as big crowds of the Kiwi-Indian community descended on Mahatma Gandhi Centre on Sunday, August 21. If there was any iota of doubt that the previously demonstrated mutually shared resolve of most diaspora organisations in Auckland to host one common celebration of India’s national day events has eroded in the last two disruptive years of the Covid and consequent inaction, was firmly laid to rest, as thousands of people came together for the flag hoisting and colourful cultural performances. To mark the special occasion of the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence Day and coinciding with the chain of global events as the part of the government of India’s Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav celebrations, a battery of dignitaries, both local and from overseas, including a special cultural troupe from India attended the event. Among the dignitaries present on the occasion, key were, Mayor of Auckland Phil Goff; Minister of Immigration, Transport & Workplace Relations, Michael Wood; Minister of Ethnic Communities, Priyanca Radhakrishnan; Associate Minister of Immigration Phil Twyford; National Party Leader Chris Luxon; Labour Party MP Dr Deborah Russell; Dr Annae Neru Levasa; National Party MP Chris Penk; former Kiwi-Indian MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi; Auckland Mayoral candidate Efeso Collins; former Governor General of NZ Sir Anand Satyanand, Hon Consul of India Bhav Dhillon, the newly appointed Charge de Affairs at the High Commission of India, Wellington, Mukesh Ghiya, and Padma Shri awardee celebrity chef of India, Sanjeev Kapoor. The Indian tricolour was hoisted sharp at 10.30 am from the stage collectively by all dignitaries and prominent community leaders – in a show of unity and togetherness – and was immediately followed by the singing of India’s national anthem and loud cheers of Bharat Mata ki Jai. The event had an unmistakable sense of patriotism to mark India’s Independence Day celebrations and an accompanying sense of jubilation after having missed the opportunity to come together in such big numbers in the last two years. Cultural performances from every region of India Auckland Indian Diaspora Organisation – the overarching body of more than forty community associations of Auckland – ensured that the cultural programme showcased the rich culture of every region of India. Anuradha School of Dance presented a wonderful medley/ amalgamation of four classical dance forms from four regions of India including three from the southern states – Bharatnatyam (Tamil Nadu), Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh), Mohiniyattam (Kerala) and Kathak (Uttar Pradesh – North India). Special Bhangra troupe from India A special Bhangra troupe was sent by the government of India’s Indian Council of Cultural Relations to perform at India’s Independence Day celebrations event in Auckland. Notably, as part of fostering and strengthening cultural relations and mutual understanding between India and other countries, ICCR sends special cultural performers to key global events. In New Zealand, till now, ICCR has been sponsoring and sending cultural performers for the Auckland and Wellington Diwali festivals – one of the two mega celebrations of Indian culture in this part of the world. The fact that this year a special cultural troupe had been sent to the joint Independence Day event held at Mahatma Gandhi centre, bringing together most of the community associations and a large number of the Kiwi- Indian community affirms that this joint-celebratory event is also rated very high within the government of India’s international cultural calendar. Contributions of Kiwi-Indian community and NZ-India relations affirmed Every dignitary speaking from the stage or with the Indian Weekender acknowledged the contribution of the Indian diaspora in every realm of public life in NZ ranging from society, economy, business, and culture. Minister of Immigration Michael Wood and National Party Leader Chris Luxon reiterated the support of the Kiwi-Indian community to their respective Labour and National Parties. Outgoing Mayor of Auckland and the former Labour MP of Mt Roskill – one of the most ethnically diverse suburbs of Auckland – Phil Goff, who remains immensely popular within the Kiwi- Indian community, used the opportunity to revisit his deep connection with the Mahatma Gandhi Centre and the broader Indian community. Community Leaders resolutely express ‘unity in diversity’ Almost every prominent community leader, such as Jeet Suchdev of Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust, Dhansukh Lal of Auckland Indian Association, Narendra Bhana of New Zealand Indian Central Association and Sunil Kaushal of Waitakere Indian Association – expressed satisfaction with the coming together of the majority of associations for one joint celebration. “With standing room only, the event was a testament to the unity of the Indian Diaspora in NZ. We need to continue to work together as Kiwi Indians to ensure we stand united, with our regional diversity being celebrated not just at Independence or Republic days but also in supporting each other’s regional events. United we stand and divided we fall,” Sunil Kaushal said. Hon Consul of India expresses satisfaction with the success of the event Hon Consul of India, Bhav Dhillon, was clearly elated with the success of the event and extended thanks to all dignitaries, community leaders and the members of the public for coming out in big numbers to be part of the biggest celebrations of India’s Independence Day in Auckland. “Overall, it was a very well attended event which added to the respect and mana of our Indian Community here in NZ and was a true reflection of the growth and strength of Brand India on the global stage.” “This is an example of a united diaspora which has rightly risen above divisiveness to reinforce the true nature of India’s unity and diversity, emphatically rejecting any attempts at divisiveness,” Mr Dhillon concluded.
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The Indian Weekender 26 August 2022

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