Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust celebrated 25 years of its glorious journey of serving the community in a colourful event on Saturday, April 24, at Trusts Arena, Henderson West Auckland.
The commemorative event was attended by a battery of dignitaries, including High Commissioner of India Muktesh Pardeshi, Minister of Transport Michael Wood, Honorary Consul of India, Bhav Dhillon, Judge Ajit Sawaran Singh, District Commander New Zealand Police Karyn Malthus, National MP Melissa Lee, Labour MP Dr Deborah Russell, Chris Carter, Puketapapa Local Board Chair Julie Fairey, Whau Local Board Chair, Kay Thomas.
Acknowledging the momentous occasion of completion of 25 years of Bhartiya Samaj, the founder and Chairperson Jeet Suchdev said, “Today this caravan of love, hope and services has turned 25, a magnificent journey started with nothing but a commitment to love and serve.”
The Charitable Trust was started in 1995 as a small initiation by Jeet Suchdev and Roopa Suchdev to support individuals and families newly migrated to New Zealand, and hand come a long way since then.
Over the years, Bhartiya Samaj has achieved many significant milestones, bringing a positive difference in the wider community by providing much-needed support, compassion and intervention.
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Many in the community are of the opinion that the organisation had played a vital role as a friend, philosopher and guide to a large number of people, along with being a safe haven for those in crisis.
Acknowledging the contribution of a number of key stakeholders in the wider Kiwi-Indian community and beyond, Jeet Suchdev said, “We could not have achieved this feat without the help of community leaders, volunteers, staff and countless others who have contributed immensely to 25 years journey of our organisation.”
More than 400 guests, including Bhartiya Samaj senior citizens, executive committee members and leaders of the Kiwi-Indian community, attended the celebratory event, which was interspersed with several cultural performances, live music, speeches and food.
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Among other community leaders, key were Narendra Bhana, Harshad Patel and team from Auckland Indian Association, Hon. Consul of Fiji Harish Lodhia, Daljit Singh from Supreme Sikh Society NZ, Prithipal Singh Basra from Gurudwara Shri Dashmesh Darbar, Albert Eden Local board Chair Margi Watson, Bhartiya Samaj Patron Dr Bruce Hucker, Chief Financial Advisor Foundation North, Liam Sheridan, CEO Pub Charity Martin Cheer, and CEO Age Concern, Kevin Lamb.
Several performing art groups such as Grandiose, Indiance and Khottey Sikke entertained the audiences with their electrifying performances along with showcasing different facets of the Indian culture.
Some of the performances, like a dance on the pulsating beats of Bollywood dance numbers by Simran Chadha and the “Kathak” dance by Kathak Kendra Nrityashalya brought a wave of energy among the audience.
Special Magazine launch
To mark the special occasion of completion of 25 years of service to the community, Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust also launched the special issue of Samaj Bhartiya Samaj Quarterly Community Magazine “Caring Aotearoa”.
The issue captures the success stories of 25 years of Bhartiya Samaj, along with a brief portrayal of how it has impacted the lives of many in the community. It also highlights the special role played by 25 leading contributors and leaders within the Kiwi-Indian community, who have made valuable contribution in the overall well being of the community, including on important social issues of elder’s care, domestic violence, the help of people in distress in general and especially during the Covid in the last year.
Thanking all the supporters over the years, including in the successful organisation of the 25th-anniversary event, Jeet Suchdev said, “The fabulous success of the event was a result of contribution and unequivocal support of the sponsors, organisers, volunteers, performers and Executive committee members who collectively supported us to make this event a grand success and helped achieve yet another milestone for Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust.
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Gold sponsor Supreme Sikh Society NZ, Silver Sponsor Pill Drop Pharmacy and all other sponsors for their generous contributions,” Mr Suchdev said.
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