Waitakere Diwali 2011 held on September 25 at the Trusts Stadium in West Auckland had its spice not only at the Indian food stalls but also on stage where the entertainment programme was held.
A UNICEF (Britain) Report on Child Wellbeing attributed the cause of the recent riots to disenfranchised children of middle class families.
It said obsession to consumer goods was one of the causes of the riots and looting, as teenagers targeted shops for designer clothes and goods.
Some media commentators in New Zealand have cautioned that such a situation could occur here if the Government failed to address some of our policies.
We should also spend more time with our children, elders and the wider community. Alienation of community services that gripped UK was increasingly seen as a threat to New Zealand’s social cohesion.
The Waitakere Hindi and Cultural School provided an answer. The students of this voluntary organisation, supported by their parents and grandparents, excelled in Diwali celebrations.
I hope the leaders present at the function, including Prime Minister John Key, Social Development Minister Paula Bennett, Opposition Leader Phil Goff and ACT Party Leader Dr Don Brash noted the achievements of the unsung heroes in our community and their role in addressing some social issues.
Noble Initiative
The School is a Waitakere Indian Association initiative, which has become a semi-autonomous institute of learning and volunteerism supported by the community. More than 100 students learn Hindi, Tabla, Harmonium, Vocal Music and Indian Culture.
The students belong to all races and nationalities.
The hallmark of this learning environment is that with community support, all services are free of charge.
Parents have pleasantly noticed marked changes in the confidence and learning ability of students in this family environment.
Students of the School were the centre of attraction and appreciation at Waitakere Diwali 2011.
Beginning the day with religious hymns and kirtans, accompanied by tabla players in the morning, the youngsters became Ambassadors of Goodwill as they presented a fusion of songs based on the Rugby World Cup.
Little Kishan, representing the All Blacks re-enacted the official opening of the RWC matches at Eden Park on September 9, to commendable choreography by Sonar Chand.
This was followed by excerpts from Ramayana, one of the greatest Indian epics.
The most noticeable factor in the entire programmes was the support and cheers of parents and grandparents who were justifiably proud of their new generation.
Elders were of the view that other communities should adopt the family values cherished by these parents and grandparents to solve their own social problems.
They can take a leaf out of Waitakere, with Ms Bennett encouraging other communities to follow the example set by the Waitakere Indian Association and its Hindi and Cultural School.
Thakur Ranjit Singh is a community worker and a media commentator based in West Auckland. E-mail: thakurji@xtra.co.nz
