The Auckland Indian Association, the oldest organisation of Indians with a rich history dating back to its formation in 1920, is gearing up to commemorate its centenary milestone with a gala musical extravaganza on September 30, 2023, in Auckland.
The much-anticipated details of the centenary show were unveiled during a special gathering that brought together prominent Indian diaspora leaders at Auckland Indian Association’s Mahatma Gandhi Centre on July 30. Hundreds of tickets were pre-sold shortly after the announcement of the show.
Initially scheduled to be held two years earlier, the centennial celebration had to be postponed twice due to the global Covid-19 pandemic. However, the wait will finally come to an end as the grand event is now set to take place at the spacious and impressive Victory Convention Centre in Freemans Bay.
Titled ‘Chookar Mere Man Ko’, the show will be an enchanting tribute to the timeless songs of two of the greatest legends of Hindi cinema. The spotlight will shine on the iconic Amitabh Bachchan, hailed as India’s greatest superstar of all time, and the evergreen Kishore Kumar, whose melodious voice has left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions. The evening will resound with the soul-stirring melodies that have transcended time and captivated generations of cinema lovers.
To ensure an unforgettable experience, the event will feature a line-up of exceptionally talented singers from New Zealand, led by the renowned Gopal Bhatia. Joining them will be some of the foremost contemporary musicians from India, adding a touch of authenticity to the performances.
Beyond the enthralling entertainment, the centennial celebration carries a profound sense of purpose and goodwill. A portion of the proceeds from the concert will be contributed to Cure Kids, a well-known NZ registered charity. Cure Kids is dedicated to funding crucial research initiatives aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of children.
Anticipation for the centenary show is running high, with organisers expecting a sold-out event. The Auckland Indian Association holds an esteemed reputation within the Indian community, and this landmark celebration based on the greatest legends of Hindi cinema promises to be a cultural extravaganza like no other.
As the historic organisation reaches its 100-year milestone, there is a shared sense of pride and reverence among its members and supporters. The Auckland Indian Association’s century-long journey exemplifies the spirit of unity, resilience, and cultural preservation that has cemented its position as a cornerstone of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand.
Addressing diaspora leaders Auckland Indian Association President Dhansukh Lal said, “This is not just the centenary of the Auckland Indian Association, but the entire Indian diaspora.” He exhorted the leaders to treat the event as their own and make it a grand success. He said the ticket process had been pegged at very affordable levels for an event of this calibre.
India’s Honorary Consul in Auckland Bhav Dhillon echoed the president’s sentiment and called on diaspora leaders to help make the event a big success, as it was not just about the association but the whole Indian community in New Zealand.
Centennial Committee chair Narendra Bhana gave details of the concert as well as tickets, which are available at www.iticket.co.nz.
Gopal Bhatia, who will lead the show, gave a brief performance along with other artistes to lusty applause from the audience, who had a brief taste of the concert to come.
As the countdown to September 30 begins, excitement builds among the Indian diaspora and the wider community in Auckland. The centennial celebration is not only a tribute to the past but also an ode to the bright future that awaits the Auckland Indian Association, as it continues to foster cultural heritage and community spirit for generations to come.
The Indian Weekender is proud to be associated as media partner and will run several promotions in the run up to the show. CFI Events is managing the event.