Talk about multicultural New Zealand, and one cannot forget the integral role played by the Kiwi-Indian diaspora based here. The Kiwi-Indians are the fastest growing Kiwi ethnic group and the second largest group of NZ Asians.
And since Kiwi-Indians play such an important role, there have been associations dedicated to various regional ethnic Indian groups across NZ that are doing their bit to preserve and celebrate Indian culture for those migrants who are away from their homeland. These cultural associations play an even more critical role for the new generation of Kiwi-Indians born here to keep them in touch with their motherland and mother tongue.
Indian Weekender is starting a series profiling these associations and the tremendous role they have been playing in preserving the Indian culture, heritage and arts in Aotearoa.
In the first two of the series of organisations that serve the Malayali-speaking community in NZ, we profile the Auckland Malayali Samajam, which has been in existence for more than two decades. Next week, we will feature the Auckland Malayali Hindu Samajam.
We spoke to Soby Bernard Thomas, President, Auckland Malayali Samajam, to learn more about the association, its history, and work.
Can you elaborate on the history of Auckland Malayali Samajam?
Our association was established on 31 October 1999 to bring together all the Malayalis of Auckland to foster contacts, friendship and understanding to the extent possible for the wellbeing of the Malayali community and that of the NZ society. As we are celebrating our 23rd anniversary this year, we have been serving three generations (seniors, adults and youth) of our members from every section of our community spread across the boundary of Auckland Supercity.
What is the aim and motivation behind this organisation?
The Samajam aims to promote, preserve and nurture the unique culture and linguistic heritage of the Malayalis and foster contacts and friendship among the Malayalis in Auckland and other parts of NZ and enrich the diverse cultural fabric of New Zealand with the best Malayalee traditions. We also have Malayalam language classes to keep the younger generation of the diaspora living here abreast of our mother tongue. That’s because we feel it is imperative to pass on the cultural heritage, tradition and values while they are integrating into NZ's culture.
How many Malayali people does it cater to?
We cater to around 400 families spread across the boundary of Auckland Super City.
What activities/ programmes does the association conduct to keep the Malayali culture and language alive in NZ?
We celebrate social and religious festivals traditionally celebrated in our homeland to keep our strong bond with Kerala alive.
Last year, to preserve our language and culture, we launched our flagship project – Aadyakshara Malayalam Mission. This is a joint initiative between Kerala govt’s Malayalam Mission and Auckland Malayali Samajam. Our Malayalam language school is currently teaching the Malayalam language to more than 50 enrolled students.
As part of our celebration of International Mother Language day on 21st February, we honoured and acknowledged the service of our Malayalam Mission coordinators and teachers. Priyanca Radhakrishnan, Minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities was our chief guest for the award ceremony. The Minister appreciated Samajam's initiatives to preserve our mother language (Malayalam) and culture and stressed how it is vital for the social fabric of the community life in Aotearoa.
What role do you think cultural organisations play in the kiwi Indian community in NZ?
Cultural organisations play a vital role in making a multicultural, plural and diverse fabric of the wider inclusive society of Aotearoa. As a community and cultural organisation, we aim to add value to the organisation through meticulously organised cultural, social, educational, and sporting activities, thereby achieving a high level of social interaction and social awareness in the community.
What are the future events planned by the organisation?
We are planning an array of programmes and initiatives for youth, the general population, Women and seniors representing cultural, career-academic, business-entrepreneurial and sports sectors.
To name a few, we have our Easter-Vishu celebration scheduled for Sunday 24th April, and then an Eid celebration on Saturday 21st May.
Our youth festival, Kalolsavam, is planned for Saturday 16 July, and an all NZ badminton tournament is scheduled for Saturday 6 August.
Our Mega Thiruvathira (traditional dance form of Kerala representing more than 100 women) and Grand Onam 2022 celebration will be on Saturday 10 August.
What are the biggest challenges you face regarding the running of this association?
One of the biggest challenges in recent times has to be that we have had to cancel a number of our events in the last two years due to the pandemic. We know that the community is desperate to be back with social gatherings and activities.
Another highlighting challenge is to draft up programmes/initiatives to keep the vibes up for the community's broader sectors, including kids/youth, the general population and seniors spanning three generations of our community members.
What is the most satisfying part of your role as the association's president?
I am at peace and satisfied when I realise that our time and effort (as a team) contributed to making a difference in someone's life and empowering them to succeed.
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