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Bihar-Jharkhand Samaj launched in Auckland

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Rajnish Rai

Auckland, May 17, 2017

A chapter was created in the history of New Zealand when people of Indian origin from the States of Bihar and Jharkhand congregated and launched the Bihar-Jharkhand Sabha of Australia and New Zealand last weekend.

The meeign was held at at Sangam Indian restaurant located in Kumeu, Auckland.

Several prominent former residents of these two States were present at the meeting.

As well as from Auckland, there were represenatives from Wellington, Tauranga and Christchurch.

The Pioneers

Founding members from Bihar Nisheet and Sushma Prakash were present at the inaugural ceremony atended by about 30 men and women.

Arati Prasad, who as the Master of Ceremonies, said that with sincere efforts, devotion and commitment, the new organisation will grow to become a major voice of the communities it represents.

“We will mark all major festival to showcase our culture and to bring together people from all other ethnic groups. These would include Diwali and Chhath and cultural progrmees. We also aim to provide support to new migrants with the coopeartion of other Associations in New Zealand,” he said.

Diplomatic Value

Former Indian High Commission (Wellington) official and now a business owner, Sanjeev Prasad presided over the meeting.

“The people of Bihar and Jharkhand have been major partners in the progress and development in India and we are proud of their contributions to the advancement of the countries in which they are settled. Our community is growing in New Zealand. I hope that all members of our communities will help promote the activities of the Bihar-Jharkhand Samaj,” he said.

Bihar Foundation

Ragini Sinha, Chairperson of Bihar Foundation, a recognized body the Bihar government the formation of this Sabha and assured of all support of her Foundation.

“The Bihar Foundation has been helping the people of Bihar. It would be mutually beneficial if the members of the newly formed Samaj also join our Foundation,” she said.

The New Team

The Meeting unanimously elected Birendra Mishra to the post of Chairperson, Arati Prasad, to the post of Secretary, Culture, Rajnish Rai to the post of Secretary, Public Relations and Rakesh Jaiswal to the post of Treasurer.

Mr Mishra, who hails from Sitamarhi District in Bihar and a Civil Engineer (NIT Allahabad, IIT Delhi and University of Auckland & Canterbury), said, “Our people have proved their worth and made a name for themselves all over the world. We should try to showcase our culture to New Zealanders now, using this Sabha as a platform.”

This writer said that people should preserve their culture and tradition. We shall do so with the Bihar-Jharkhand Samaj and work together for the progress of New Zealand.

Arati Prasad was given the responsibility of organising special events such as Holi, Diwali, Chhatt and India Independence Day.

There was also a suggestion to hire a stall at important cultural events like Auckland Diwali to promote the culture and famous delicacies like ‘Litti Chokha,’ about which little is known.

Sun Temple

Mr Jaiswal expressed his desire to a Sun Temple, as the festival of Chhatt is dedicated to the Sun God.

“We should try and make Yoga popular. Bihar is the land of Lord Buddha, who is the greatest yogi of all times,” he said.

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Photo Caption:

  1. The Founding Members of the Bihar-Jharkhand Samaj
  2. The Office-Bearers of the Samaj

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