The spirit of brotherhood, harmony and Punjabi culture marked the fifth edition of ‘Hind Pak Mehfil’. Organised by NZ Punjabi Multimedia Trust, the event brought together individuals from the Indian and Pakistani communities to celebrate their shared heritage and foster a sense of unity and camaraderie.
The evening function at Papatoetoe on August 13, 2023, was a remarkable effort to promote cultural understanding and peaceful coexistence between the two nations.
The event not only provided entertainment but also promoted cultural awareness and cross-cultural dialogue. Throughout the evening, attendees engaged in conversations about the similarities and differences between Indian and Pakistani cultures.
Nearly 100 attendees had an enchanting evening filled with poetry recitations and soul-stirring musical performances. Renowned artists and local talents from both the communities took to the stage, presenting a captivating blend of melodies that ranged from classical ragas to contemporary tunes. The audience swayed to the beats and melodies, reflecting the harmony that transcends borders. The rendition of Sufi kalams by Manjit Singh and his team is worth a mention.
One of the attendees and former president of Pakistan Association of New Zealand Naveed Hamid praised the event's message of harmony. He said, “The event was a captivating fusion of music and poetry, creating an atmosphere that resonated deeply with my appreciation for cultural exchange and artistic expressions.
“The melodies and verses transported me to a world where creativity knows no boundaries, and the diverse community present further enriched the experience. As someone who values the power of art in connecting people, I found the event to be an inspiring testament to the beauty of shared passions.”
Another attendee, Manpreet Kaur said, "It's heartwarming to see the two cultures coming together in such a celebratory manner. It reminds us that beyond the political differences, we share a common history and a profound bond.”
Organisers expressed their gratitude to the attendees. Parminder Singh, one of the trustees of NZ Punjabi Multimedia Trust, told The Indian Weekender, “Our event emphasised the importance of cultural appreciation and understanding, highlighting the potential for positive relations between the Indian and Pakistani communities in Auckland.
“It exemplifies the power of culture to unite people, transcending geographical boundaries and promoting harmonious coexistence. The language of art and culture transcends boundaries and has the potential to unite people in the most meaningful ways.
“We are proudly Kiwi, but we must keep our Punjabi roots intact and promote them, especially for future generations. I want to thank my team and everyone who ensured this event was successful".
The event culminated with guests enjoying traditional Punjabi dishes of makke ki puri, sarson ka saag, and kheer, which mirrored the shared culinary heritage of the subcontinent.