SEPTEMBER 2015 | ISSUE 3 – 15/16
Ganesh Mahotsav – 3 Day Celebration
Thursday 17th September
9:00am Ganpati Sthaapna followed by Pooja
7:00pm Aarti followed by Samuh Bhajans
Friday 19th September
7:00pm Aarti followed by Samuh Bhajans
Saturday 20th September
10:00am Ganesh Pooja for Youth followed by Ganpati Visarjan then Maha Prasad
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Community Services Award – August 2015
Arunkumar Damania
Bhanuben Chhotu Chhika
Chunibhai Jina
Harshadbhai Bhana
Jimi Nathu
Laduben Govind Kanji
Manilal Bhana Chhima
Parvatiben Chhagan Dahya
Pushpaben Bhovan
Ramanbhai Ranchhod Rama
Shardaben Ashok Patel
Shashi Kala Lala
Wellington Indian Sports Club (WISC)
Congratulations to all the recipients who were acknowledged at the Inaugural Community Services Awards Night. Presented in front of their peers by Guests Hon. Annette King, Deputy Mayor Justin Lester and MP NZF Mahesh Bindra. We are so proud of you !
Namaste Members
Once again we had a very busy month but it also has been a very positive month with a number of events being held and basically spending time with who I call my WIA family.
90 Years
15 August 2015 was a very eventful day for WIA. It was great to see many members come and support our multiple events in one day. The day began with the official opening of “Celebrating 90 Year Photo Exhibition” It was great watching members of our Association recognise their family members and themselves in the photos. The Photo Exhibition was a celebration of all the hard work done by our forefathers to give us a prestigious organisation like Wellington Indian Association. This would not have been possible without the support of the NZ Communities Trust and I thank them.
100 Years
This also means that there is only 10 years till we celebrate WIA’s centennial. This will be an event to celebrate. I know our current Historian Manisha Morar has started work on it, I would encourage everyone to look through their photo albums and boxes in the attics and garages, if you find any photos, video footage, articles that may be useful to the Association please get in touch with us.
President’s Piece
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Independence Day
I am pleased to say that we drew a record crowd to the flag hoisting ceremony hosted with the office of the Indian High Commission. Being a Saturday drew the numbers and it was great to see so many children attend after going to their sporting event.
Samosa Fundraiser
Congratulations to the Joint Fundraising team on their Samosa fundraiser; it was incredible to see the number of volunteers who gave up their entire weekend to work on this project. Thank you to everyone who came at various times of the day to help.
Treasurer’s Resignation
I wish to announce that Geetaben our Treasurer
had decided to resign from her position as the WIA’s Treasurer. I would like to thank her for taking on the role at the AGM and wish her all the best. As per the constitution, I am calling for nomination for the Treasurer’s position in writing. If you are interested, or you know someone who may be, please email me. Nominations close 25th Sept 2015. And with that, it is hard to believe that spring is already here and hopefully we can put our winter woollies away soon and get to enjoy the longer days and warmer weather. Until next time, take care. Taruna Bhana President - WIA [email protected]
President’s Piece (contd)
Board of Trustees
Dear Members,
Manubhai has kept you informed about the activities of the Board in my absence. Here is an update on our activities.
Car Park - the design was completed during August by our Consultants. Tenders closed on 28th August and a contract will be signed with the successful tenderer recommended by the Consultants. The work is scheduled to start early September and completed by 9 October. The car park will not be available for use during this period.
Entrance Doors - work has started on sanding and re-varnishing of the large entrance doors. In addition, the steel panels in the doors are being improved to enhance their appearance. The work is expected to be completed in early September.
Damaged Water Pipe - We received a quote to replace a section of the damaged water pipe. A second quote was sought due to the high cost from the first supplier.
During September, the Board and Executive propose to refresh our priorities during a planning Session. We welcome any suggestions from members for any future facilities or improvements.
Please feel free to give Manubhai Parag (586 1207) or myself a call if you need any more information either on the Board’s activities or the contents of this report.
Ashwinbhai Gulab, QSM Chairman, Board of Trustees 383 5990, 027 444 9989, [email protected] 4
Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima has come and gone, we are happy with the response and the support around 40 devotees taking part in Bhajan Kirtan who came prepared with their favourite Guru Bhajan. Most of the devotees sang in suur and lay indicating that they must have practice at home. As they say practice makes perfect, it is important to practice your Bhajans at home and then show your singing talent in the temple.
Shraavanmaas
There will be Shiv Pooja on the last Monday 7th September after 7pm Aarti and 13th September final reading session after Gita class.
Satya Narayan Katha
Held on Sunday 23rd August was well attended with an estimated turnout of 250 to 280 devotees.
Thank you, Maheshbhai for conducting the Pooja Vidhi with explanation and meanings in every step of the Vidhi. I take this opportunity to thank you all who donated towards Maha Prasad.
Also to the Gita Mandir and Mahila Samaj and others who gave their precious time to help with the cooking, cleaning, serving food & setup of the hall for Pooja etc.
Last but not the least men folk for helping with the setting up of the stage, Dev Munch, tables/chairs and assisting with cleaning and tidying up after the event.
I appreciate the dedication and effort put in by all in making this programme a success. Once again thank you to all of you and all who attended.
Ganesh Mahotsav
This year it’s a 3 day celebration. All are welcome with their family and friends for Darshan and take part in Samuh Bhajan Sandhya.
On the final day 19th September there will be Visarjan followed by Maha Prasad.
Mandir Open On:
• Thursday 17th September & Friday 18th September from 8am till midday and 5.30pm till 9.30pm
• Ganpati Sthapna at 9am Thursday 17th September
• followed by Ganesh Pooja, Samuh Bhajan after 7pm Aarti till 9.30pm.
• Friday 18th September Samuh Bhajan after 7pm Aarti till 9.30pm.
• Saturday 19th September: Youths Ganpati Pooja at 10am in the Conference Room then Visarjan at Shelly Bay followed by Maha Prasad.
Navratri 13th October to 22nd October
• 7.15pm Praathana every night
• 7.30 – 8pm Local Singers
• 8 – 9.30pm Musician group
• 9.30pm Aarti
• 10.00pm to late - Dandiya & Sonedo (Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Wednesday)
• Note: Sunday 18th October - Children’s Garba 6pm to 7pm for all children
Maatli Sthaapan, Aatham Havan & Dashera
• 13th October – 10.30am Maatli Sthaapan
• 21st October – 10.30am Aatham Havan
• 22nd October – 7:30pm Mataji’s Pooja/Aarti/ thereafter Visarjan at Lower Hutt.
Navratri Pooja Samagri
Coconut, abil, gulal, kanku, chandan, sindoor, chokha, nadaachadi, sutar thread, panchamrut, sopari, paan, divo, agarbati, aarti, fresh fruit & dry fruit, flowers, daroi, napkin, 3 thalis, 3 vatkis, 3 spoons, 2 kalash, Ganesh murti, Mataji’s murti.
Jai Shree Krishna
Amritbhai Naran Mandir Chair 3873442 Maheshbhai Panditji 3878089
Mandir
PanditJi Vacancy Required to meet our religious, devotional & spiritual needs and to perform the Hindu Vedic rituals and ceremonies . Interested applicants are invited to submit their CV’s accompanied with their photos. Interviews for out of Wellington candidates will be conducted via Skype. For overseas applicant the visa application will be made under the Religious Visa Category. Closing date is 25 September 2015. For enquiries & job description contact [email protected]
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Dear Members A “Navratri Committee” has been set up to oversee Navratri. As you know Navratri is our biggest and longest festival celebration and requires significant man power, multiple committees and overall management. The committee is comprised of the chairs of the Mandir, Social & Cultural, Mahila Samaj, & Panditji committees as well as the Secretariat. Role & Objectives of Navratri Committee • Responsible to the Executive Committee to propose, plan, budget, organize, manage and run the festival; • Setting the budget and getting the financial results; • Clearly defined roles and responsibilities so that each committee for coordination of tasks.
After Navratri , the committee will submit a final review report with recommendations and will be dissolved. You may recall completing a Navratri survey in 2013. There was a strong response on providing dinner during the festival. This year we will be providing dinner, a vegetarian Thali (dinner plate) for $10 on Friday and Saturday. Do try it ! Ann Daan: and if you would like to donate daal, vegetables and other food ingredients that go into the making of the Thali, we would really appreciate it. Please contact me. Mukesh Jeram Navratri Committee Chair 380 884 or email: [email protected]
Navratri
Diwali & Navratri Notices
Dhoryou, Ghummar, Hudo Hinch Ramghaniyo, Popatiu & Indian Western - FREE Garba Practice Due to high demand , we are lucky to have Maheshbhai once again to teach us ! Dates: Friday 11th September, Sunday 20th September, Sunday 27th September, Friday 2nd October, Sunday 4th October & Sunday 11th October from 8.00 to 9.30pm in the Conference Room. I encourage youths to come along to these practice sessions as there are endless benefits ranging from making friends, learning our cultural and keeping fit. So get going - get your dandiyas out and have fun !
Diwali Show - Register to Perform The Annual Diwali show is on Saturday 14th November 2015. Registrations close on 17th October; please contact me to register. Asha Mavji Social & Cultural Chair 388 5818 or 021 178 6947 or email: [email protected] 6
My name is Dipak Bhana - the new Gujarati Chairperson, taking on Sunday school. I did not realize how much fun stuff and educational things Gujarati school does. In the few weeks I have been there kids have had celebrated Guru Purnima, made coconut ice and played some fun games.
In class the kids have also learnt about Raksha Bandhan where they made Rakhis out of rainbow loom and other materials and boys made cards to give to their sisters.
We covered “days of the week” and working them into conversations so far; next term we will work on “weather” and then “family” later in the year
There is so much the school have planned. The kids have been practicing Bhajans and they will perform at Janmashtmi, there are Kids Bhajans 5th September 6-7pm, and afterwards there be Kids Aarti.
Illa will be making an eggless chocolate cake the kids will be singing happy birthday to Krishna and sharing the cake for Prasad.
Later in the year we have Navratri, Diwali Party, Diwali Dance and the End of Year Party at Junglerama.
We have some great teachers, Vrutti, Chhaya and Illa who are very passionate about teaching kids. If you have kids keen to learn about culture, language and religion come on board; we operate Sundays 9.30am -12.30pm.
Sharda had done a fantastic job running Sunday School, I wish her well in her new role as the Membership Secretary. I will try and continue the great work she has done.
Finally, if you wold like to see what we have been up to please visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/wia.gujaratischool
Keen to know more please email me [email protected] or call me on 3814554.
Dipak Bhana Gujarati School Chair Person
Gujarati School – Update & Activities
On 15th August 2015, the Wellington Indian Association recognised the following two students for their outstanding academic performance in 2014.
Arjun Prakash - Proximae Accessit of Scot's College, winner of New Zealand International Baccalaureate Schools Top Scholars Award and the JNE Varuhas Trophy for academic excellence, First in IB Maths and winner of the IB Scholarship at Scot's College.
Jeeten Mavji - Awarded the Lakhu Vasan Memorial Prize for Excellence endorsement in NCEA Level 1.
Congratulations to both recipients.
Jayesh Morar Academic Awards Convenor
Academic Awards Academic Awards
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Come and join us at Gujarati Pre-school, sessions are aimed at 3-6 year olds and run every Sunday from 9.30-11.45. Casual attendance is most welcome. Our sessions are very hands on, involving playing games, crafts, singing and music, suiting all levels of Gujarati speakers.
We have had a very busy term so far and in the upcoming weeks are some exciting activities planned that you may like your children to be part of.
13th September – Ganpati Chauth; children will make connections to this festival by listening to stories about Ganesh, making an elephant mask and Ladoos – yum, yum!
27th September – Zoo Trip; we will be putting knowledge gained throughout the year about animals into practice with a fun morning out at the Zoo.
NEW - Gujarati Playgroup ! We are running a playgroup for younger children ages 0-3 years during the week. For more information about the playgroup, general information about the Gujarati Pre-school and our full term plan, please also be in touch: [email protected]
Reena Morar Gujarati Pre-school Chair
Gujarati Pre-School – Get Involved
Youth Action Day II, 17th October 2015 Yes we are doing it again if you have kids 13-23 years old, we are going to Adrenaline Forrest (awesome). • We will meet at Indian hall at 9.15am meet up and 9.30am Head out to
adrenaline forest 10am – 12.pm (test yourself, see how high you can go). • Head back to Hall for Subway lunch 12.30pm – 1.15pm. • Break into four teams and have an ultimate quiz • 2pm – 3pm learn a new Garba • 3pm Head home and get changed for Garba and come on the night Registration $10, register by sending me an email to [email protected],nz and bring cash on the day. If you are a parent and can help out with transport please email us and let us know how many seats you have available. Note: We are still going to have the Cooking class. The new date and time is Sunday 27th November 2015. Don’t worry, I’ll remind you on Facebook. Raj Khushal Youth Chair
Youth – Action Day
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The Joint Fundraising Committee is pleased to announce that around $12,000 was raised at the recent Samosa Fundraiser. This is a tremendous effort on the part of the two organisations and such a fantastic cause too.
We had members from across the age groups joining in in all aspects of the samosa making and that was pleasing to see – we have much to be proud of as a community.
I would like to thank the various people and families who donated goods – that all meant more profit.
And a special thank you to Naenaben Chhima who came up with the idea. And last but not least, thank you once again to the hard working joint fundraising committee – another fantastic effort.
Raju Budhia Joint Fundraising Committee
Joint Fundraising – Samosas for Nepal
Coaching Guiding & Mentoring
If you are new to Wellington, have overseas skills & work experience, and are finding it hard to break into the local market - perhaps we can assist.
The service is free and we cannot guarantee any outcome. But we can act as a sounding board for you, look at your CV, your background, your qualifications, your experience, we may be able to connect you to others - and provide general guidance on how to approach the local market.
Members - if you know anyone who could use assistance (or if you are a professional who can assist), please get in touch with Lalita or myself at [email protected] or [email protected]
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It was very humbling to see so many members and non-members visit the 90 year Photo Exhibition held on India Independence Day weekend.
Almost 1,200 patrons were mesmerized at the 107 photographic images of various WIA activities taken over the years; many spending at least an hour and half and some returning not twice but three times. The exhibition was opened by Mr Sandeep Sood, Charge d'Affaires from Indian High Commission.
A number of stories and memories were told during the weekend bringing smiles to many faces while some quietly contemplated thinking of their loved ones.
All images displayed including extra images that were not will be compiled into a hard cover book and be made available for sale soon. Look out for more details.
This exhibition would not have been made possible without the kind support and contributions from the following people:
The exhibition took over 5 months of research, collecting, editing and printing. During this time, many members opened their homes to me and I am very grateful to them.
Manisha Morar WIA Historian
WIA 90th Anniversary Photo Exhibition
Ajit Soma Devi Ranchord Karuna Ranchod Premila Ranchhod Sharda Patel
Amrat D. Parbhu Javer Naran Lalita Modi Pushpa Bhavan Sumati Lala
Amrat Jina Jayesh Morar Laxmi Rania Raj Khushal Tehemton Adenwalla
Amrat Lala Kamala Parbhu Nanu Manga Ruxmani Kasanji Wellington Community Trust
Bhikhu Bhula Kamla Masalawalla Parbhu Rantanji Shanti Damania Yvonne Nager
Bhukhan Parbhu Kanji Bhula Parvati Dahya Shanti Gandhi
Advertising & Sponsorship Advertising & Sponsorship
If you would like to promote your business in the Patrika, we have very limited space available. Place an ad or sponsor a page.
Please be in touch with [email protected] for the rate card.
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Last month, the Norinam celebration was held at Bharat Bhavan. Overall, it was a very successful day with a good turnout. Approximately 50-60 members attended. It was great to see so much support for this event from the community.
The Mahila Samaj team would like to welcome two new members to the committee. Welcome, Bhaniben H Bhana and Kalaben P Patel. Also, Ushaben Chhiba has kindly volunteered herself for the Secretary role. Many thanks Ushaben.
We have a number of upcoming events that we are very excited about. Please see below for details:
• 13th September - Women’s Mini Forum 2pm – 4:30pm (a $2 door charge)
• 15th September - Bhajan & Jap (In memory of Radhaben Bhula) – 6:45 in the Mandir
• NEW ! "Jhalak" Fusion Fitness for Health (Similar to Zumba) – Tuesday evenings 5:45pm-6:45pm. These fitness sessions are dance/aerobic-style and are suitable for all ages. Please wear comfortable clothing and footwear and bring a bottle of water. The session on 22nd September is free so come alone or bring a friend.
• 4th October - Annual 50+ Dinner; Bhajans will be held from 2:30pm– 4:30pm and dinner will follow. Please RSVP by 28th September as this will help us with arranging seating and catering.
We look forward to seeing you all there! Jai Shree Krishna, Manjulaben S Parsot Mahila Samaj Chairwoman
Mahila Samaj
Contact us
Manjuben Parsot Ph: 970 9772 or email: [email protected]
V-Chairwoman Pushpaben B Patel Ph: 388 8179 or email: [email protected]
Secretary Ushaben M Chhiba Ph: 384 4863 or email: [email protected]
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FREE - Hearing Test 30th October
With the Senior Citizens, we are supporting Deaf Awareness Week which is in September, by inviting Bay Audiology to do hearing tests on Friday 30 October 2-5pm during the senior citizens get together. All age are welcome. There are 10 slots so make your appointment by ringing:
Ruxmaniben on 3882325 or Lalita on 9731081.
YOGA - Vriksasana or Tree Pose
Yoga is a good way to improve your fitness and balance. If you have never done yoga or are a regular practitioner then come and join the FREE yoga classes supported by Compass Health every Thursday 7-8pm at the Hall. Just bring a mat and blanket.
“Jhalak” Fusion Fitness for Health
We support the Mahila Samaj’s fitness programme and look forward to your participate. See you there on Tuesdays 5.45-6.45pm all ages, men and women, boys and girls.
Enjoy Walking Hills and Dales...
Enjoy walking? ... Like walking with company? ... Love Wellington's stunning scenery? ... Then join WISC’s Saturday walking group starting in October. An excellent activity for all ages and varying fitness, it is a fantastic way to explore the greater Wellington’s off road tracks with 2-4 hour walks.
Sometimes there are two groups to cater for short and long distant walkers. Ideally you would be a WISC member. If not, you are welcome to join and give it a ‘test drive'. For more information on dates and meeting place contact: Nat Vallabh – [email protected] or phone: 388 1108
WANTED - Volunteers to Visit Rest Homes
Two years ago Javer Naran looked at providing care for our elederly: Wadil ki Kadar. We had more volunteers than people requesting for assistance. Recently we have had a request for volunteers to visit members of our community in rest homes and rest home hospitals. We would match up a volunteer (and you can go in pairs) to someone in a rest homes either once a week or fortnightly for about half an hour. If you would like more information please contact Lalita on 9731081 or at [email protected].
Thank You
Thank you to the members of our community, Dilip Naik, Pratibha Balu and Vishal Nagar who spoke at the well-attended seminar at the Hall in August to coincide with Heart Awareness Month. They talked about the importance of healthy eating and being active to have a heathy heart and body.
Over 50 people attended and many took the offer of free blood pressure screening.
Health Practitioners in our Community
We continue to build our list of medical and health practitioners in our community. Our plan is to work with health professionals from our community to engage with our community because they know our community the best. If you are a medical or health practitioner and would like to be on our list please drop me a line at [email protected] and we can look at ways we can give back by way of clinics, check-ups, talks and general guidance.
Finally, Defensive Driving
We have had a number of inquiries for the defensive driving course but many did not have their learners or restricted licenses so were not able to take up the offer. However congratulations to those who have signed up and we wish you all the very best in completing the course and obtaining your full license.
Lalita Kasanji Health & Wellbeing Chair [email protected]
Health and Wellbeing
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We had over 20 people attend our August get together. We started and ended with a prayer and Bhajans and a 2 minute silence for those who have passed away. As usual an enjoyable afternoon, discussing the Patidar protests in Ahmadabad, playing carrom and planning events for the warmer months.
25th September – Tulips at Botanical Gardens
If the weather is good we will go to see the tulips to celebrate the start of spring and have afternoon tea at the Gardens. Meet at the hall by 2pm for a 2.30pm departure OR meet at Botanical Gardens at 2.45pm by the tulips at the main entrance. Please call one of our members below on Thursday 24th September to confirm if we are going to the Gardens. If cancelled because of bad weather we will meet at the hall as usual.
30th October – FREE Hearing Test
With the Health & Wellbeing Committee, we have invited Bay Audiology to do hearing tests on Friday 30 October from 2-5pm. Every one of all ages is welcome to join us for this session. If the audiologist has time she will clean your hearing aids. There are 10 slots so book your appointment by ringing: Ruxmaniben on 3882 325 or Lalita on 973 1081.
Cuppa Tea
If you are a WIA member and over 50 join us at the Hall for a cup of tea on the last Friday of every month 2pm-5pm.
For more information or help with transport please contact one of the following.
Senior Citizens
Kanti Patel 388 7729
Pravin Patel 232 0649
Jasu Kasanji 388 7320
Sumati & Amrat Lala 389 7388
Ruxmani Kasanji 3882 325
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Avoid the queues !!!
With the busy season upon us, it’s time to get organised by paying your membership early.
We will be collecting your membership subscription on Saturday 19th September — the day of Ganesh Visarjan. The office will be open from 10am to midday.
To make it quick and easy, please make sure you have:
• filled in the membership form
• the correct fee; and
• your membership card
Otherwise you can also pay in the following ways:
• Drop Off - your correct payment and completed form into the drop-slot letterbox located outside by the window of the office
• Cheques - made out to the Wellington Indian Association, and remember to provide your name, and membership numbers. Send cheques to PO Box 14-480 Wellington 6022.
• Internet Banking –
• Wellington Indian Association Inc
• Our account number: 01-0537-0030090-00
• Your family name & initials in the particulars field
• 2222 in the code field
• Membership number as your reference – if there are not enough characters in reference field please use the last 5 digits of your member number.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you.
The Secretariat team would like to thank you for your consideration and cooperation in advance during this period.
Sharda A Patel Membership Secretary
Membership Now Due !!!
Thank You
The Wellington Indian Association thanks Magan Dayal Parmar’s family for their donation:
In memory of Magan Dayal Parmar a donation of $1,001.00 was made to the Wellington Indian Association.
Donations generously given at the funeral were then donated to the Asthma and Heart Foundations. Bharti, Naresh, Dipak and Maya and families would like to thank those people who have supported them through this difficult time.
In loving memory of Magan Dayal Parmar 5 December 1933 – 23 June 2015.
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
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Victoria University Research – participate and receive a $20 supermarket voucher Victoria University is looking for volunteers to participate in a research project on the electoral participation of immigrants in New Zealand. The goal of the research is to identify the factors that increase levels of immigrant voting. The researchers believe our democracy is strengthened when immigrants’ voices are heard. They are keen to speak with people: • of Indian ethnicity; • who arrived in New Zealand as adults, on any visa type; • who were eligible to vote in the 2014 New Zealand general election; • both voters and non-voters. Volunteers are invited to participate in a 60 minute group discussion, held at Bharat Bhavan. Participants will be asked about their experiences with the New Zealand electoral system and NZ elections. Light refreshments will be served and all participants will receive a $20 supermarket voucher to say thanks for taking part. More information about the researchers: http://www.victoria.ac.nz/hppi/about/staff/kate-mcmillan; http://www.victoria.ac.nz/hppi/about/staff/fiona-barker You will not be asked about which party or candidate you voted for. If you are interested in participating: please contact Manisha Morar by email: [email protected] or 021 155 8263 by Friday 18th September.
Community Notices
Indian Miniatures
Auckland Art Gallery - Exhibition of Ramayana: The Story of Rama: Indian Miniatures from the National Museum, New Delhi 5 September 2015–17 January 2016. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the tale of Lord Rama depicted in masterpieces of Indian painting. The Story of Rama exhibition features 101 paintings dating from the early 17th to the mid-18th centuries, representing 24 regional styles. More details: http://www.aucklandartgallery.com/whats-on/events/2015/september/the-story-of-rama
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Rugby World Cup 2015
At the end of the day we are a religious organisation. The Indian Cricket Team and the All Blacks hold a special place for us in our pantheon of deities. And so a number of you have queried as to why the RWC15 schedule has not been included in the calendar of events. Here is a link with downloadable iCal appointments to add to your calendar. http://blog.mikeriversdale.co.nz/p/international-rugby-fixtures-ical.html
If Your Dil Goes Tadap Tadap
The Shillong Chamber Orchestra with Vienna Chamber Orchestra at Umaid Bhawan Palace. Change your idea of Bollywood music ! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOZiXa0ctxo
Statistics
The alert reader may recall I had promised more stats. In this newsletter, as things stand right now, the word "Bhajans" shows up about 20 times, and "Mandir" about 30 times.
Clearly we are a deeply religious and devout community. Equally, we have 1,766 likes on FaceBook
and the majority of our FaceBook audience is between 25-35 years old. So we are old and we are young.
We are devout & religious and we are also digital. Make of that what you want, but that is who we are. Victoria University Research, go figure and let us know when you are done !
Finally
As I go about editing the Patrika, I realise more and more, and I hope you agree with me, that we care from the very youngest to the oldest. The womenfolk, our children, our elderly, the near and the far.
We cover education, language, and religion. And more and more we are looking at advocacy, our dual heritage and joining hands with other like minded organisations.
And boy do we know how to celebrate. Don’t let anyone tell you any different – all our Christmases have just about begun !
Sunit Editor [email protected]
Last Word
Go Digital; Go e-Patrika; Get the Full Picture
Editor Design Advertising Address
Sunit Prakash Raj Khushal Manisha Morar Bharat Bhavan
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
48 Kemp Street, Kilbirnie, PO Box 14-480, Ph 387 3003
Go Digital; Go e-Patrika; Get the Full Picture
Readers will notice a fresh look in style and content. If you are reading this online, congratulations !
More color. More links. More multimedia. More online resources. When combined with Twitter & FaceBook - more immediate and more topical. If you are reading this in hard-copy
you are missing out on the full experience. Make sure you get the full picture.
Drop a line to [email protected] with "subscribe" in the subject and get the e-Patrika.
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September Calendar
Month What When Where Other
September Students Against
Dangerous Driving;
Defensive Driving
Course
2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd
September
A1 Driving School;
101a Freyberg Rd,
Lyall bay
Health & Wellbeing
September Janmashthami &
Kids Function
5th September from
3:30 pm onwards till
late
Mandir Mandir opens 3:30 pm
Bhajans at 4 pm
Children's Bhajans 6 pm to 7 pm
Lord Krishna arrives at midnight
September Nand Mahotsav 6th September Mandir Lord Krishna's outing from Mandir
September Last Monday of
Shraavan
7th September 7 pm Hall Shiv Puja to be performed after 7
pm Aarti
September Women’s
Afternoon
13th September;
2-4:30 pm
Conference Room Mini Conference
September Shraavan Ends 13th September;
2-4:30 pm
Mandir Gita class & Shiv Puran reading
September Ganesh Chaturthi 17th – 19th September Mandir Ganesh Sthaapan at 9 am,
followed by Ganesh Puja. Mandir
will remain open till midday.
September Ganesh Visarjan 19th September Mandir Youth Ganesh Puja & Ganesh
Visarjan
September Gujarati School
Finishes
20th September
September Senior Citizens Get
Together
25th September
2pm to 5 pm
Conference Room
September Yoga Every Thursday
7 to 8 pm
Conference Room Free
September Akashvani Bharat
Bhavan
Every Monday from 6
pm
Wellington Access
Radio 783am
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October Calendar
Month What When Where Other
October Gandhi Jayanti 2nd October; 10:15
for 10:30am start
Wellington
Railway Station
External Event
October 50 Plus Dinner 4th October Conference
Room
Mahila Samaj; details follow
October Navratri 13th October Hall & Mandir
September Action Packed
Youth Day
17th October Adrenaline Forest Includes, Forest course, Subway
lunch, ultimate quiz, learn new
dance moves – I big day out.
October Aatham 21st October Mandir Puja in the morning
October Dussehra & Mataji
Visarjan
22nd October Hall & Mandir Mataji Visarjan Puja
October Sharad Purnima
Celebrations
24th October Lower Hutt Garba in the Hutt
October Senior Citizens
Get Together
30th October 2pm to
5 pm
Conference
Room
October Deaf Awareness
Week; Bay
Audiology Hearing
Check up
30th October 2pm to
5 pm
Conference
Room
Health & Wellbeing; Check Up
by appointment
October Yoga Every Thursday 7 to
8 pm
Conference
Room
Free
October Akashvani Bharat
Bhavan
Every Monday from
6 pm
Wellington
Access Radio
783am
October Akashvani Bharat
Bhavan
Every Monday from 6
pm
Wellington Access
Radio 783am
Indian Passports!
Handwritten Indian Passports
If you are holding a non-Machine Readable Passport, these are being phased out. From 25th November 2015
onwards, foreign Governments may deny Visa or entry to any person travelling on such passport. If you hold a
handwritten Indian passport, please have it replaced as soon as possible.
NRIs, Overseas Voters & National Voters Service Portal (NVSP)
The Indian Government is examining the feasibility of extending voting rights to overseas electors and have set
up a portal for online registration. The High Commission encourages to you register online. Details via the link
at www.hicomind.org.nz or go directly to www.nvsp.in
From the Desk of the Indian High Comm
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November Calendar
Month What When Where Other
November Dhan Teras 9th November from
7:30 pm
Mandir Laxmi Pujan
November Diwali 11th November Mandir Mandir open till midday
November Navu Varsh -
Anakoot -
Govardhan Puja
12th November Mandir Govardhan Puja in the Mandir
November Bhaubeej 13th November
November Jalaram Jayanti 18th November 7:30
pm to 8:30 pm
Mandir Jalarambapa's Bhajans; Khichdi
Kadhi after Bhajans
November Tulsi Vivaah 22nd November Mandir Tulsi Vivaah performed in the
Mandir
November Dev Diwali 25th November Mandir Mandap decorations removed
November Senior Citizens
Get Together
27th November 2pm
to 5 pm
Conference
Room
November
Youth Cooking
Class
29th November 10
am
Conference
Room
Planned
November Movember Mens
Health
TBA Planned
November Women’s Health TBA Planned
November Yoga Every Thursday 7 to
8 pm
Conference
Room
Free
November Akashvani Bharat
Bhavan
Every Monday from 6
pm
Wellington Access
Radio 783am
19
Last Word
Wellington Indian Association
Wellington Indian Association, 48 Kemp Street, Box 14-480, Wellington South.
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