The ‘INDIA DAY’ was celebrated to commemorate the centenary celebrations of Auckland Indian Association Inc. on 13th February at Mahatma Gandhi centre in Auckland, in partnership with the Indian High Commission and Auckland Indian Diaspora organisations. The glittering and spectacular 3-hour long function was attended by a galaxy of dignitaries, community leaders and the old and new members of the AIAI.
The Auckland Indian Association foundation members came together in the early 1900’s, having travelled from India by sea to discover the beautiful land of the long white clouds. Having passed through Australia and the Islands on the boat, journey’s final destination was to be on the other side of the world, in Auckland, New Zealand.
The founding members had banded together, united and supporting each other and the community. During this time, this small number of Indians consisted of various cultures and religions coming from different states and regions in India. These brave individuals became family and they met regularly for support and to learn from one another.
They continue to honour this even today, a hundred years later, coming together at Eden Terrace Auckland, to support each other and to maintain their Indian belonging and heritage, through the Auckland Indian Association. Now today a century later, so many other groups have formed to support one another throughout Auckland, and Aotearoa.
The foundation years (early 1920’s) required much learning, development and acceptance. The passion and pride of each of these individuals blossomed, and in 1938 through voluntary service of these early Indian settlers, The Auckland Indian Association officially became an Incorporated Society (AIAI).
For over 90 years, they have grown the non-profit society many folds with self-less service, support and hard work done by many like-minded volunteers of all ages. To this day here in Auckland, Society’s (AIAI) objectives are still the same, i.e., to maintain their Indian heritage and culture, and to support the Indian and wider community here in Auckland, New Zealand.
Cultural celebrations, education, health expos, and concerts are hosted at the Auckland Indian Association Inc.; at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre and are thankfully supported by local councils, schools, businesses, and sponsors. Auckland Indian Association Inc. supports the community and wish to leave lasting memories of the Mahatma Gandhi Centre and The Auckland Indian Association, to all future generations to come.
The ‘India Day’ programme consisted several performances representing different Indian states and regions to give a befitting tribute to the motherland of early settlers. The galaxy of main guests included the Indian High Commissioner His Excellency Muktesh Pardeshi, the Indian origin, former Governor General of New Zealand Sir Anand Satyanand and his wife Lady Susan, Hon Counsel Bhav Dhillon, Hon Minister of Transport Michael Wood, Hon Chris Carter, NZICA president Paul Patel, Judge Ajit Singh, former National MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi and a large number of community leaders and representatives of different community organisations. The programme concluded with a gala dinner for the invited guests and all other attendees were served food packets.
The AIAI has planned several exciting events throughout the centenary year. -TIN Bureau