The venue was Mahatma Gandhi Centre at Eden Terrace in Auckland on Sunday 26th June afternoon, and the occasion was farewell of outgoing High Commissioner of India His Excellency Muktesh Pardeshi, by community leaders and representatives from over 40 different organisations. More than 200 people gathered to pay their respect and express their gratitude, to undoubtedly one of the most popular Indian envoys to New Zealand in recent times. The outpouring of emotions was visible when people lined up to meet Mr Muktesh Pardeshi and
his wife Rakhi Pardeshi to present them flowers and souvenirs and to grab a photo opportunity with them.
H.E. Muktesh Pardeshi addressed the gathering before the meet and greet and said he is happy to be leaving his office on a high note. There have been many accomplishments of his tenure for which the diaspora community can feel proud of, mainly being the successful completion of the new Chancery building that stands tall in the parliamentary precinct in Wellington. This magnificent piece of architecture could finally be completed last month after clearing many obstacles that took over nine years’ time and has cost $90 million to the Indian government. A big credit to get this building project completed on time goes to Mr Muktesh Pardeshi, who took up the project as a challenge to complete the task during his tenure, and lo behold, he did it. In an exclusive chat with The Indian News after the meet & greet, Mr Pardeshi said New Zealand has been one of his best foreign assignments so far and he and his wife will
always remember the love and affection that has been showered upon them by the diaspora community during his tenure. He said anyone from diaspora community should feel free to contact him even when he is at New Delhi, and he will do everything possible to help the expats. Mr Muktesh Pardeshi was very positive about the growing Indo-Kiwi relations and envisaged for an early breakthrough in long pending issues like Free Trade Agreement and a direct flight between the two countries.
Mr Muktesh Pardeshi is going to hold a very important assignment at New Delhi for the upcoming G-20 summit next year at Srinagar for which he will be under direct supervision of India’s Foreign Minister. Mr Muktesh Pardeshi has been assigned a very important and sensitive portfolio, is a proof of his mettle and capabilities. During this summit Mr Pardeshi will be directly responsible for organising everything for the 20 most important & powerful leaders of the world in India, for the G-20 summit next year. Muktesh Pardeshi said despite many obstacles created due to Covid restrictions he tried to make sure that work goes as normal as possible at the High Commission. He was all praise for the all-round support he received from the Indian Consulate at Auckland and Mr Bhav Dhillon in particular. Many people within the diaspora community strongly feel that there has been a paradigm shift in the work culture at the Indian High Commission during the tenure of Mr Muktesh Pardeshi. The current High Commission team is more responsive and proactive to people’s problems than in the past. Mr Muktesh Pardeshi is scheduled to leave New Zealand on 10th July after a very successful completion of his 3 years tenure. The farewell programme ended with a mix & mingle over a cuppa, organised by Auckland Indian Association.
-Yugal Parashar