Venkat Raman Despite being given commercial connotations all over the world, Diwali (or Deepavali) retains its traditional, moral, social and religious values. In millions of Hindu homes, the day features Pooja, special dedication to ancestors, family reunion, festive food, new clothes (and jewellery) and fireworks. Diwali is usually a five-day Festival, beginning on Amavasya (New Moon), considered auspicious by Hindus.…
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Diwali is a time to give, a time to raise hope and a time to look forward to better times. As the members of our community mark the Festival of Lights this year, we are confident that their celebrations will herald a new era of progress and prosperity for the people of the world at large, irrespective of their social…
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A Correspondent Change is a law of Mother Nature. Today, everything has the touch of change including the celebrations and rituals of festivals. Diwali (Deepavali) has also undergone a complete metamorphosis. The name Diwali itself is supposed to be a transformed form of the more correct word ‘Dipavali’ or ‘Deepavali,’ the literal meaning of which in Sanskrit is a row…
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Venkat Raman Thinkers and religious teachers have, for many years, strived hard to bring home the truth that all religions propagate the same faith-the goodness of human beings-similarities, rather than difference-are sought in detailing the tenets of Hinduism and Islam. Hindu preachers and Islamic imams have time and again stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence. The oneness of God is…
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Helping hands rescue victims of family violence Venkat Raman As Kashmir Kaur spoke about her life and suffering at the fundraising dinner of Sahaayta Counselling and Support Services held on August 23, 2019 at Ellerslie Events Centre, it looked like an Indian film which abounds in villainous plots, some of them leading to the murder of the daughter-in-law. It is…
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Honour and dignity mark the vicennial of a Dance School Venkat Raman Dance in any form has found a place of distinction and support in most parts of the world, transcending manmade barriers of religion, class and income. Young men and women dancers today show commitment and dedication, not experienced a few decades ago, save for a few who kept…
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Atop the Universe with perseverance and family support Achieving a status is easier than performing up to expectations thereafter and setting a benchmark for self-improvement and emulation, says Tejal Tailor, who was crowned ‘Mrs Woman of the Universe New Zealand’ at a contest held in Auckland on Saturday, September 21, 2019. The title accords her the placement as ‘Ambassador of…
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Supplied Content A Social enterprise has been working with communities to find employment for people with a disability. Established last year (2018) by Graeme Haddon and Eric Chuah, the enterprise, called, ‘The Cookie Project’ just does that- make cookies employing people who otherwise find it difficult to get jobs because of their disability. They said that the employment rate for…
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More than 300 pages of 100 Recipes from Aromatic Spices to Lamb Kebabs The culinary art of Gujarat demonstrates the healthy cuisine that the Indian Sub-Continent offers and as long-time settlers, Gujaratis have brought the specialities of their State to most countries of the world. Gujarat is primarily a vegetarian state, influenced by Jainism. Many communities, however, include seafood, chicken,…
Read MoreSupplied Content (Edited) Waitakere Indian Association was one of the first Indian organisations to mark Diwali publicly in Year 2000. At Waitakere Diwali this year, you will find something new and something traditional. While there will be food from various parts of India and Pacific tastes, there will be outdoor and indoor performances, last minute shopping for Diwali and activities…
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