Kiwi Indian community leaders Jeet Suchdev QSM, JP and Ms Roopa Suchdev QSM were honoured with the coveted Bharat Gaurav Award by Governor of Punjab, His Excellency Honorable Kaptan Singh Solanki on January 8 at Le Meridian Hotel, New Delhi for their excellent contribution in serving the community of South Asians in New Zealand.
Union Minister of Rural Development Honorable Choudhary Birender Singh was also present as Guest of Honour at the award ceremony.
The award ceremony was held at Hotel Le Meridian by Indian International Friendship Society (IIFS), a voluntary organisation based in New Delhi, established to forge greater unity and integrity among the people of Indian origin living anywhere in the world. On January 8, IIFS celebrated the global friendship day in a grand way by awarding people who use their passion to serve community people at wherever they lived to make it a better place. Awards were giving out to members of the public service, private sector, businesses and those involved in humanitarianism, culture, community building and youth work. They were all honoured for activism, advocacy and affirmation efforts. They believe—"Indians are bestowed with extraordinary talent and skill – which is manifested across the world where Indians stand out in distinction and excellence in their respective fields of activities."
Jeet Suchdev QSM, originally from India, after spending his life in different countries, arrived New Zealand in 1987. Since 1995 he has followed his passion in assisting the vulnerable and building cohesive and strong communities. He founded the Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust in 2001. Under his leadership and guidance Bhartiya Samaj had evolved to become a vibrant and highly successful community organization. It has received numerous accolades and recognition for its work with the elderly, children and in migrant settlement and empowerment of women from South Asian communities in New Zealand. Jeet Suchdev, is also a Justice of the Peace and a recipient of Queen Service Medal (QSM) for his work in the community. He was also awarded the Hind Rattan Award at the 25th International Congress of NRIs held at New Delhi, India.
Ms Roopa Suchdev, QSM, is a social activist in New Zealand, who migrated from India in 1992. Since 1995 she is serving the South Asian Community here. In 2005, she was awarded the QSM by the government of New Zealand to recognise her contributions to the community service. Ms Suchdev has put in more than 20 years in the field of domestic violence. She says, "Your purpose may not always be obvious, but always remember that you do have a purpose. As each one of us deserves to be happy! Live a fearless protective life, as this life is a beautiful gift from almighty."
In the past, the awardees have included late Her Holiness Mother Teressa, former Vice President of India, Gen.G.V.KrishnaRao, Joginder Singh, Former CBI Director, NRI business magnate Vijay Mallya and Bollywood stars such as Dev Anand, Late Sunil Dutt, Rajesh Khanna, Raveena Tandon and Jayaprada and singer Pankaj Udhas.
