Hindu Elders Foundation, Auckland was established in 2007 by a few likeminded Hindu elders with an intention to provide a platform for elders of the community where they could meet, interact with each other, and share their experiences and feelings in a culturally appropriate manner. There were 11 founding members when HEF was founded, some of the main founding members included Satya Prakash Pahuja, Praveen Patel, Sridhar Mysore, Shri Kant Keskar, and Jayanti Mehta. Hindu Elders Foundation was started at the Hindu Heritage Centre at 2/30 Bukem Place, in Mangere East which was later moved to Wellesley Community Centre in Sandringham before moving to Balmoral Community Centre few years ago.
The 16th anniversary celebrations took place at their regular meeting venue at the Balmoral Community Centre in Sandringham where HEF members meet every second and fourth Sunday of the month. Packed to capacity celebration was full of fun, bonhomie that included several cultural presentations by different invited groups. Members also took to the floor with full enthusiasm dancing to the melodious tunes of some eminent singers.
A large number of community leaders, dignitaries and special guests from Indian community took part in the anniversary celebration. Chief guest at the function was Judge Ajit Swaran Singh along with MP Michael Wood and Hon Consul Bhav Dhillon and several other community leaders. Other prominent community leaders present included Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh New Zealand Chief Srikant Bhave, NZ Police’s Ethnic Responsiveness Manager Jessica Phuang, Jeet Sachdeva of Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust, Roopa Suchdeva, and Kalyan Rao Kasuganti, President of New Zealand Telangana Central Association to name a few.
The Secretary of HEF Yatish Wadera said after the event that he feels very happy and contented since everything went well and according to the plan. Members enjoyed the program thoroughly and food served to all attendees was nice. All speakers were full of praise of HEF for their untiring endeavour in keeping the seniors engaged in meaningful activities through their programs which gives them a new meaning of their lives. The programmes organised by organisations like HEF give seniors a sense of new lease to their lives and they feel valued.
Former minister and Labour MP Michael Wood shared his experience and memories of his younger days of the Balmoral Community Centre which was previously a Presbyterian Church. He said he has been a part of this suburb and community since his childhood and always finds himself at home within such congregation. The Balmoral Community Centre is a heritage building and now owned and managed by Bharatiya Mandir which is situated one door away from it. it’s home for Hindu Elders Foundation for last 7-8 years where they meet twice a month on Sundays and on important occasions. -Yugal Parashar