The newly appointed Consul General of India to Auckland Dr Madan Mohan Sethi paid a visit to the oldest Hindu temple in New Zealand, Bharatiya Mandir, at Balmoral Road in Sandringham on Tuesday 28 January. Dr Sethi visited Mandir along with his wife Swagatika Sethi where they were welcomed by Bharatiya Mandir Management committee headed by its founding member and Trustee Chairperson Roshan Nauhria, Secretary Yugal Parashar, Religious Chairperson Anil Sharma and a few other committee officials. On every Tuesday and Saturday, Bharatiya Mandir sees a large gathering of devotees who come together to take part in the bi-weekly recitation of the Sunderkand Path. The attendees warmly welcomed the CGI with resounding applause, expressing their joy and satisfaction over the opening of the Consulate office in Auckland, a long-awaited request of the diaspora community.
Dr. MM Sethi addressed the gathering, sharing the exciting news that the formal Indian Consulate office in Auckland would be opening soon. He explained that
the prospective office venue has already been finalized and is now awaiting approval from New Delhi. Dr. Sethi reassured the attendees at the Mandir that the temporary Consulate office at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre has already begun offering most consular services except issuing visas and OCI services thus eliminating the need for members of the diaspora to travel to Wellington for their work. Once the Consulate relocates to its permanent venue in Auckland CBD, it will offer the full range of consular services conveniently from there.
Dr. Sethi emphasized his commitment to providing efficient, effective, and timely consular services. He also expressed his vision of fostering a strong connection between the diaspora community and the governments of India and New Zealand through the Consulate Office. Dr Sethi emphasized the importance of elevating relations between the two countries and strengthening people-to-people engagement.
Earlier, Bharatiya M
andir honoured two of its long-standing and dedicated members who were recognized with Royal Honours this year by the New Zealand government. Entrepreneur Sudesh Jhunjhunwala received the ONZM, while Jyoti Parashar, a long-time member of the Mandir, was awarded the KSM. Both recipients were greeted with resounding applause from the gathered audience.
Dr Sethi and his family received a warm welcome at the Mandir, with Acharya leading the ceremony. Amid chants o
f religious hymns, Roshan Nauhria draped Dr. Sethi with the ceremonial welcome sash and Acharya Jai Narain Shastri applied Tilak on his forehead. Mandir Education Chairperson Jyoti Parashar welcomed Mrs Swagatika Seth by draping her with a saree. Dr Sethi and his wife were later accompanied to join the devotees for Prasad in the dining area at the ground floor.
Dr. Sethi was given a briefing on the journey of Bharatiya Mandir, highlighting its rich history and the various services and activities it offers to the people of diaspora community. Over the years, the Mandir has evolved beyond being just a place of worship—it has become a central hub for the Indian community, particularly for new migrants. For many newcomers, the Mandir provides a sense of comfort and belonging. It serves as a place where they can connect with others, share experiences, exchange helpful information, and voice their concerns, all while fulfilling their religious and spiritual aspirations.
– Yugal Parashar