The Indian Weekender | 8 December 2023

QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Garba is a celebration of life, unity and our deep-rooted
traditions. Its inscription on the Intangible Heritage List
showcases to the world the beauty of Indian culture.
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Editorial
IN FOCUS : Picture of the week
Celebrating the
Kiwi-Indian spirit
of achievement
In the heart of Auckland’s vibrant event calendar, The Indian Weekender Kiwi
Indian Hall of Fame stands tall as a beacon of recognition and celebration.
Established in 2013, this annual event has become a cornerstone in honouring
the achievements and contributions of Indian New Zealanders to their adopted
homeland.
As we gear up for yet another edition this evening, it’s not just about acknowledging
success but understanding the unique journey of migrants, who, in the face of
adversity, have not only prospered personally but have enriched the cultural and
economic tapestry of New Zealand.
Migration is a journey laden with challenges, where individuals leave behind the
familiar and embrace the unknown. The Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame recognises and
applauds the resilience and determination of those who have chosen NZ as their
new home.
The very essence of this event lies in the understanding that migrants often have
to work harder, navigating the nuances of a new place, unfamiliar faces, and an
entirely different way of life.
Each year, the Prime Minister of New Zealand bestows this coveted supreme
award, inducting a new Kiwi Indian into the Hall of Fame.
This tradition not only acknowledges the outstanding accomplishments of
individuals but also serves as a powerful testament to the inclusive nature of NZ
society. It sends a resounding message that success knows no cultural or ethnic
bounds in this nation.
The significance of celebrating the achievements of migrants cannot be
overstated. Beyond the glitz and glamour of the Hall of Fame event lies a deeper
purpose—to inspire.
The stories of these achievers resonate with countless others who may be on the
cusp of their own journey, struggling to find their place in a new land. By showcasing
the triumphs of Kiwi Indians, we illuminate a path for others, encouraging them to
overcome obstacles and contribute meaningfully to their adopted country.
This celebration of success goes beyond individual recognition; it fosters a sense
of belonging and pride within the entire migrant community.
It reinforces the idea that their efforts are not in vain and that their contributions
are not only valued but crucial to the growth and diversity of NZ. In essence, the Hall
of Fame becomes a symbol of unity, bridging the gap between diverse communities
and creating a shared narrative of achievement.
The inclusion of new awards this year further enhances the significance of the
Indian Weekender Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame.
The Kiwi Indian Cultural Person of the Year award recognises individuals who
have played a pivotal role in keeping their native culture alive in NZ. In a world that
is becoming increasingly interconnected, preserving one’s cultural identity is both
challenging and essential.
This award sheds light on the unsung heroes who tirelessly work to maintain the
cultural tapestry, weaving it seamlessly into the Kiwi way of life.
Simultaneously, the introduction of the Kiwi Indian Businessperson of the Year
award highlights the economic contributions of the community. Migrants bring
with them a wealth of skills, talents, and entrepreneurial spirit.
This award not only applauds their achievements in the business world but also
serves as a reminder of the symbiotic relationship between migration and economic
prosperity.
As we witness the Prime Minister of NZ once again gracing the stage to honour
a new inductee into the Hall of Fame, let us reflect on the broader implications of
this celebration.
It is a reaffirmation of NZ’s commitment to diversity, a recognition of the struggles
faced by migrants, and an inspiration for future generations to dream big, work
hard, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and adopted nation.
The Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame has evolved into more than just an annual event; it
is a testament to the spirit of achievement and the power of diversity. By shining
a spotlight on the successes of Kiwi Indians, we not only celebrate individual
accomplishments but also contribute to the collective narrative of a thriving,
inclusive, and harmonious NZ.
As the Hall of Fame continues to grow in stature, so does the legacy of those who
have worked tirelessly to make this nation their home, enriching it in ways beyond
measure.
Eastern Command General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Lieutenant General RP
Kalita meets Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh in Imphal on December 6.
This week in New Zealand’s history
8 December 1932
First issue of New Zealand Woman's Weekly
On 8 December 1932, 7000 copies of the first issue of the New Zealand Woman’s
Weekly went on sale.
8 December 1941
New Zealand at war with Japan
The announcement by the Prime Minister’s Department that New Zealand was in a state
of war with Japan followed the surprise attack on the United States naval base at Pearl
Harbor, Hawaii, on the morning of Sunday 7 December (8 December NZ time).
8 December 1942
Deadly fire at Seacliff Mental Hospital
The fire that swept through a locked ward of the Seacliff Mental Hospital, north of Dunedin,
killed 37 female patients.
9 December 2019
Whakaari / White Island eruption kills 22
Forty-seven tourists (38 of them passengers on the cruise ship Ovation of the Seas) and
guides were on Whakaari (White Island) in Bay of Plenty when the active volcano erupted
at 2.11 p.m.
10 December 1908
Rutherford wins Nobel Prize
Ernest Rutherford’s discoveries about the nature of atoms shaped modern science and
paved the way for nuclear physics. Albert Einstein called him a ‘second Newton’ who had
‘tunnelled into the very material of God’.
10 December 1918
Anzac troops kill Arab civilians at Surafend
Relations between the Anzac Mounted Division and Palestinian Arabs reached a new low
early on 10 December 1918, when Trooper Leslie Lowry was shot dead after disturbing
a thief in his tent.
Indian Weekender : Volume 15 Issue 37
Publisher: Kiwi Media Publishing Limited
Editor: Dev Nadkarni | dev@indianweekender.co.nz
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