The Indian Weekender, 27 October 2023

Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, 27 October, 2023
NEW ZEALAND 13
Shanti Niwas honours older
persons with grace, dignity
NAVDEEP KAUR MARWAH
IN AUCKLAND
Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust
paid a heartfelt tribute to
the elderly on International
Day for Older Persons through a
special event on October 21.
Gathered under one roof were
more than 350 individuals,
including seniors, dignitaries and
community members, all coming
together to honour the enduring
legacy of the older generation.
Known names such as
Chairperson of Maungakiekie-
Tamaki Local Board Maria
Meredith; Ethnic Responsiveness
Manager for Metro Auckland
for NZ Police Jessica Phuang;
Chairperson of Bhartiya Samaj
Charitable Trust Jeet Suchdev, and
former parliamentarian Kanwaljit
Singh Bakshi among others.
International Day for Older
Persons, recognised worldwide
on October 1, serves as a platform
to raise awareness about the
challenges and opportunities
associated with an ageing
population.
Through this celebration, Shanti
Niwas, a revered non-profit
organisation dedicated to serving
Indian and South Asian seniors
and their families since 1994,
ensured profound recognition of
the invaluable contributions that
older individuals bring to society.
The celebration at their facility
in Onehunga was not just about
marking a date but acknowledging
the wealth of wisdom and
Members of
the Chinese
community in
Onehunga put
together an
entertaining
performance.
Vishav Sharma
(in pink) of
Shanti Niwas
and Jit Kaur (in
yellow) of NZ
Sikh Women's
Association
pose for a
photo.
experience that older individuals
offer to our communities.
The event featured a range
of highlights that touched the
hearts of everyone in attendance,
including a touching tribute to
those in their 90s. Seniors who
had completed the digital training
programme, NZ Hangout, were
applauded for their commitment to
embracing technology and digital
literacy, highlighting it’s always
possible to learn and adapt.
Moreover, the event showcased
the rich diversity within the
community, with various cultural
groups and participants spanning
multiple generations.
Attendees were treated to
morning snacks, tea and a
sumptuous lunch.
Regarding the response, Shanti
Niwas’ Lifestyle and Activity
Manager Vishav Sharma said
“The response to the event was
overwhelmingly positive, with
attendees describing it as one
of the best programmes ever
organised by Shanti Niwas.
“Smiles and a sense of
contentment were abundant
as everyone left the venue,
appreciating their efforts to ensure
a unique and memorable day.
We firmly believe in respecting
seniors and actively engaging and
cherishing them.”
Record crowd turns up at Chch Diwali
MAHESH KUMAR
IN CHRISTCHURCH
Christchurch’s North Hagley Park was
aglow with vibrant colours, pulsating
rhythms, and the warmth of more
than 50,000 attendees as the city’s annual
Diwali festival set a new
benchmark this year.
Despite the chilly weather, the
enthusiasm for this festival of lights, held
on October 21, was palpable, showcasing
the city’s cultural diversity and
the spirit of unity.
“This year’s Diwali celebration has
surpassed all our expectations,” said Monty
Parti, President of Indian Social and Cultural
Club (ISCC), the event’s organiser.
“The success of the event is a testament
to the dedication of our team and the
vibrancy of the Christchurch community.”
The event, which commenced at 2pm, had
something for everyone in store, with a rich
lineup of cultural performances, culinary
delights, and dazzling firework displays,
creating a memorable experience for the
attendees.
Labour’s Megan Woods and Christchurch
Mayor Phil Mauger joined other dignitaries
to commence the event with an aarti.
The stage, beautifully designed with
animated Indian motifs and the tricolour
flag flying high, hosted a series of
enchanting performances by artists of
all ages, showcasing a blend of Indian
classical, cultural, folk, and Bollywood
dance styles. The
event also celebrated
the cultural richness
of New Zealand,
with performances
representing Kiwi,
Filipino, Fijian, and
Asian communities.
The highlight was a
mesmerising depiction of
Ramayana, the epic tale of
Lord Rama’s triumph over
evil
The highlight was a mesmerising
depiction of Ramayana, the epic tale of Lord
Rama’s triumph over evil. Its innovative
storytelling, infused with music and dance,
captivated the audience and illuminated the
significance of Diwali.
A spirited performance by members of
the ISCC team brought the story of Lord
Rama’s triumph of good over evil to life.
“Our President’s
passion for the event
drives the team to
achieve the impossible
each year. Bringing
Ramleela on stage to
share our culture with
the younger generations was his idea and
was largely applauded,” said Anshu Parti.
The vast expanse of North Hagley Park
was transformed into a culinary haven, with
more than 20 food stalls serving Indian
delicacies from various regions. Local
restaurants and renowned chefs catered
to the cravings of food enthusiasts, with
long queues of foodies eager to savour the
flavours.
In addition to the Indian cuisine, at least
10 trade stalls showcased Indian ethnic
wear, jewellery, and other merchandise.
Meanwhile, food trucks provided an
international flavour, with offerings from
Korean, Chinese and different global
cuisines.
Ridhima Kapoor, visiting with her family,
which included her four-year-old son
and six-year-old daughter, expressed her
delight, saying, “It’s wonderful to see the
wonderful rides for the kids.
"They’re having such a fantastic time
here. I, too, feel like I’ve been transported
back to India.”
At 9pm, the night sky burst into a
breathtaking display of vibrant colours,
leaving the audience in awe as a
spectacular fireworks show took place.
The grand finale was a high-octane
bhangra performance, with the audience
joining in the revelry, swaying to the upbeat
Punjabi beats.
ISCC team members Krish, Monty, Tanu,
Surya, Krish and Jibby among others took
turns emceeing the event.
The event featured a raffle draw with
many prizes.