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Rotorua Festival seeks better status for women

The need to recognise the contributions of women in economic and social progress, accord them equal opportunities for growth and development and encourage them to participate more actively in the polity were among the issues that were highlighted at Rotorua Deepawali 2011.

‘Empowerment of women’ was the theme at this year’s event held at the Rotorua Convention Centre on October 1. An All Women’s Committee, which planned and implemented the programme, lent credibility to the fact that given the right opportunity and resources, women would exceed expectations in organising major events.

A number of prominent persons including Rotorua Trust Chairman Grahame Hall, Members of Parliament Todd McClay (National) Steve Chadwick and Dr Rajen Prasad (Labour) and New Zealand Police General Manager (Maori, Pacific and Ethnic Services) Superintendent Wallace Haumaha were among the Guests of Honour at the inaugural session, which began with a Maori welcome by the youth of Ngati Rangiwewehi.

Social cohesion

Superintendent Haumaha highlighted the role of the Police in promoting safety, security and community harmony, bringing together various communities and ethnic groups to work towards a common goal.

“We are engaging with various ethnicities to define, design and implement strategies to protect and promote the safety of women in our society. Women are the worst victims of family violence, in fighting which we seek the cooperation of all communities,” he said.

Endorsing his view, Ms Chadwick, Dr Prasad and Mr McClay said festivals such as Deepawali helped people to experience and enjoy the culture, heritage and cuisine of specific communities.

“This is a great occasion to promote cultural and social cohesion,” they said.

The Editor of this newspaper said that it was an anachronism to speak about empowerment of women in the modern era.

“Women have conquered space, ruled countries as Heads of State and Prime Ministers and led large multinationals as Chairpersons and Chief Executives. Despite all the progress that they have achieved, women remain under-privileged in many parts of the world. They work more hours in a day, own less than 1% of property in the world and account for a majority (more than 70%) of illiterates worldwide. Their plight must be addressed on priority,” he said.

The Hindu Council of New Zealand, which highlights at least one social issue in the annual Festival, had rightly emphasised the need to improve the lot of our women in the society as this year’s theme.

Cultural rhapsody

The cultural programme that ensued was undoubtedly a greater attraction to the audience rather than the speeches.

Malaysian artistes Samuel Das on the sitar and Prakash Kandasamy on the Tabla performed with such harmony that cries of encore were heard long after they completed their number. Students of Prabha Ravi, Director and Principal of the Lower Hutt based Nataraj School of Dance and other schools presented a number of classical and semi-classical items.

For the first time, the Rotorua Nepalese community, the Rotorua Malayali Association and the New Zealand Badaga community participated in the festival.

Rotorua Deepawali experiences the increasing participation of various community groups in the spirit of understanding and mutual respect.

Quality workshops

Festival Coordinator Dr Guna Magesan said Deepawali in Rotorua has been unique in presenting the best of Hindu and Maori cultures.

“Workshops such as ‘Indian Art for Children’ and a Rangoli Workshop for adults were held at the Rotorua Arts Village on August 27 and September 17, giving a chance to all cultures to learn about and participate in Hindu cultural activities.

“An essay-writing competition for young writers on ‘Women Empowerment and Society’ was also held, with the winner awarded $250 cash prize,” he said.

In association with the Rotorua Public Library, a display on the theme of Hindu culture began on September 12 and continued until October 1.

The Hindu Council of New Zealand organised a Marae stay for people from outside Rotorua to experience and learn about Maori culture and tradition. A special powhiri was organised at the Apumoana Marae for the out of town visitors.

From a Report by Festival Coordinator Dr Guna Magesan and Rotorua Deepawali Secretary Praneita Narayan in Rotorua

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