In the last few years in New Zealand, particularly in the Auckland region, increasing instances of unity, selflessness, and community spirit have emerged through the remarkable efforts of the collective leadership of diverse Indian communities.
Recently, the leadership of the 96-year-old New Zealand Indian Central Association (NZICA) raised and donated $100,001 to support the flood-affected residents of Hawke’s Bay. It is not just a financial contribution, but a testament to the unwavering commitment and compassion to serving the larger community in NZ, which has been the hallmark of NZICA’s actions since its inception.
Like NZICA, several other Indian community organisations, Indian-run NGOs and religious institutions have continually been helping communities across the country, but Auckland being the largest concentration of Kiwi-Indians, it is here that most of the welfare work has been taking place.
The exemplary cooperation by the leaderships of more than 25 Kiwi-Indian organisations has particularly shone through since the tumultuous times of the Covid-19 pandemic, which is when their remarkable collective journey began.
The diaspora leadership’s response to the pandemic has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. Rising to the occasion as a cohesive force, these leaders have demonstrated their steadfast dedication to the Kiwi-Indian community by offering a wide array of services.
From providing essential sustenance like food and medication to orchestrating vital travel arrangements for stranded passengers from India, their efforts have illuminated the power of collective action and a relentless pursuit of community well-being. In a time when uncertainty prevailed, these leaders left no stone unturned in their quest to serve.
The diaspora leaders group is not an elaborate organisation with rigid structures, but rather an informal yet incredibly effective network of compassionate souls. The glue that binds them is a dynamic group on a popular messaging platform brimming with a constant flow of new ideas, initiatives, and actions. This distinctive lack of structural constraints has proven to be a masterstroke, as the swift transition from discussions to concrete plans has become second nature.
This commendable movement found its origins through the proactive initiative of a few Indian diaspora leaders working in concert with the Honorary Consul of India in Auckland, who not only encouraged its formation enthusiastically, but also helped coordinate efforts on many of the group’s initiatives and actions with the High Commission of India in Wellington, which provided guidance and even monetary and logistic support, especially during the pandemic.
What sets this diaspora leadership apart is their genuine embodiment of the spirit of unity and service. Their actions transcend individual pursuits and exemplify the idea that strength lies in togetherness. Through their initiatives, they have showcased the potential of collective empathy and harnessed it to make a tangible difference in the lives of those they touch.
Actions like the financial donation to Hawke’s Bay flood victims, and the more recent help that the group has unhesitatingly offered to hundreds of Indian victims of an immigration job scam who have found themselves stranded in Auckland with neither jobs nor incomes, shelter and even food, only reaffirms their commitment to the community’s well-being.
Their generosity not only provides immediate relief but also stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us all that kindness and solidarity can triumph over adversity. These leaders have not just given money; they have given their time, their energy, and their hearts to the betterment of society.
In a world often divided by boundaries and differences, the Indian diaspora leadership in New Zealand shines as a guiding light, reminding us that humanity knows no borders. Their journey is a testament to the fact that a shared purpose and genuine intent can create profound impact even without a formal structure. As their actions reverberate through time, may their story inspire us all to come together, overcome challenges, and uplift our communities in the true spirit of unity and selfless service.