People in Business

Connectivity gathers pace

When Anmol Porwal met Ravi Butani a few years ago at the Unitec campus in Auckland, neither of them had an inkling that their friendship would blossom into business partnership, albeit a few years later.

They remained in contact, understood each other’s interests – Mr Porwal is a postgraduate in Finance and a graduate in  Business Administration, while Mr Butani is a Computer Sciences graduate with expertise in website development and maintenance.

While the former established ‘Shree Services Limited,’ an accountancy firm that handles a host of functions including accounting, payroll, GST, PAYE and Tax issues and recently opened ‘Spice Supermarket’ on Sandringham Road (see Indian Newslink, April 15, 2010), the latter joined a large commercial organisation with a million or more connections, but the penchant to do business together remained strong.

The two young men launched on April 26, East2West, a web based enterprise that aims to connect people and businesses, communities and activities, offering in the process, something different.

“As well as providing a new and exciting online platform to bring New Zealander Indians together, it would also be a veritable source of information for new and potential migrants,” Mr Butani said.

They agreed that the print medium will continue to hold its sway but the need to offer a different information package is pronounced.

Mr Porwal said the concept may not be unique but the approach to information and its dissemination would certainly be at East2West.

“The website is not only user-friendly but also carries news, events, pictures and other items that would be constantly updated. Bollywood and the local entertainment scene would be well represented. Users can access the website free of charge but must register at the outset,” he said.

Both men believe that there is no one-window outlet for most people of Indian origin, especially new arrivals. Settlement programmes may exist but do not cover rudimentary issues which are of immediate concern to them.

“Many would not be aware of the simplest way of obtaining an IRD Number, their rights and responsibilities as permanent residents (or even as students, businesses or visitors. East2West would carry an extensive collection of articles and reports that would be of interest and use to thousands of people,” they said.

Mr Butani accepts that no website could be as extensive and as all encompassing as desired by people but would constantly assess the market needs.

“That is the point of difference. Registered users can inform us online of what is missing and what they need. We would endeavour to meet their needs as soon as possible, subject of course to our principles and practices and the rules in force for disclosure of such information,” Mr Butani said.

Anmol Porwal Phone 021-795995 Ravi Butani 021-482747 Email: contact@east2west.co.nz

Website: www.east2west.co.nz

Honours reach the deserving

Awards and accolades reach those who deserve and not those who pursue them.

It was therefore a double pleasure when Professor Debes Bhattacharyya received the Hind Rattan Award presented by the NRI Welfare Society based in New Delhi and the Glory of Bengal in the Arab Gulf State of Qatar.

In all the years that we have known him, the University of Auckland Professor of Mechanical Engineering has been a self-effacing and amiable person, keen to do his best to the community in which he lives and works.

The ‘Hind Rattan Award’ recognises people for their significant contributions in their chosen field of activity or community or both. It is presented at a gala reception in the Indian capital, attended by the Prime Minister or other dignitaries.

Professor Bhattacharyya said he was humbled by the Award, although he initially thought it was a hoax, until his family and friends convinced him of its authenticity.

“The ‘Hind Rattan Award’ is usually dominated by Indians living in the US. It is therefore rare for a New Zealander and an engineer to be a recipient,” he said.

‘The Glory of Bengal Award,’ is another roaring feat.

No more than 12 persons of Bengal origin around the world qualify for the Award, based on their qualifications, expertise and specialty.

Last month, the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand made him a ‘Distinguished Fellow,’ the highest award of the organisation. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand, stated to be a rare honour for an engineer.

Auckland based Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust honoured him at the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of India’s Republic Day held at the Telstra Clear Pacific Events Centre on January 24.

Professor Bhattacharyya is also the Founder-Director of the Centre for Advanced Composites Materials at the University, based at the Tamaki Campus. It develops composite materials (which are engineered lightweight materials with superior qualities), used by industry to develop new products and technologies.

Under his leadership, the Centre has engineered new materials for almost every sector of the economy and industry, in collaboration with national and international companies. These range from food packaging to aircraft and medical devices.

Born, raised and educated in Calcutta (now Kolkata), he was with the University of Calcutta before relocating to Western Australia, and then Auckland.

Professor Debes has just completed 30 years of his association with the University of Auckland. He is currently in Hong Kong on sabatical and is expected to return to Auckland in July.

Phone: (09) 3737599 Extn 88149 Email: d.bhattacharyya@auckland.ac.nz