The Kiwi Malayali community came out in large numbers to celebrate the festive season. The Auckland Malayali Samajam (AMS) organised the event on Saturday (January 14) at the Royal Oak Intermediate School Hall. It saw the attendees uniting and coming under one roof to celebrate late Christmas and New Year as a community.
The well-attended event, which saw some 250 individuals, which included families, performers, and committee members, also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Samajam’s incorporation.
Among the dignitaries who attended the colourful cultural event were the Hon Consul of India in Auckland, Bhav Dhillon; National Party MP Melissa Lee; President, New Zealand Indian Central Association Inc. Narendra Bhana and Former National Party MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, among others.
The event saw the attendees enjoying some eclectic cultural performances, including classical dances, local rendering of popular Malayalam songs and choreographed dances by local talents.
Sharing his experience, Mr Dhillon said, “It was great to see Auckland Malayali Samajam celebrating the festive season of Christmas and New Year. Congrats to the Kerala community as Samajam enters its 25th year here in NZ. Great to see Melissa Lee and Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi supporting our communities.”
Lee also expressed her happiness for being part of the celebration. Talking to the Indian Weekender, she said, “It was a real pleasure to have attended AMS's Christmas and New Year celebrations. The gathering brought young and old together as a group to celebrate the goodness and to kick off their 25th anniversary year of the establishment of the Samajam. It was a real honour to have been there.”
Samajam’s President, Blessan M Jose, thanked members for their support over 25 years. He said, "It had a higher turnout than expected. We want to thank everyone for their contribution in making this event a success and for their support towards Samajam.”
Samajam’s secretary Roji Varghese said, “Such events provide a meeting ground for like-minded people to network, allowing them to create sustainable relationships. The kinship generated is pivotal in alleviating current social and economic anxiety."
The event concluded with guests relishing a delicious south Indian Christmas dinner.