Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust, the single largest social service provider for South Asian seniors in New Zealand, celebrated Diwali in style on Thursday 19th September at Athia Trust Hall in Onehunga. Shanti Niwas has been serving the Indian and South Asian seniors and their families for the past 26 years to ensure they are valued and treasured by society. On this occasion Shanti Niwas honoured the winners of various competitions that were run for seniors during COVID lockdown period. The judges of many such competitions were also honoured by Shanti Niwas Management. 

Many community leaders, political leaders, and representatives of several other organisations were also present at the programme. Honorary Indian Consul Bhav Dhillon, former national MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, Kamal Shrestha, President Nepalese Cultural Centre NZ were there among many other Shanti Niwas supporters, including a large number of seniors attending the programme. Three senior members aged 90 years and above were also honoured for their long-term association with Shanti Niwas and a cake was cut to honour them. Some seniors danced to the beautiful & soulful old Bollywood songs rendered by some very talented local singers. The guests were provided snacks at the start of the programme and packed lunch and goody boxes at the end of programme. Shanti Niwas Trust General Manager Nilima Venkat thanked all for attending the event. -TIN Bureau