Monday, June 24, 2019 at Newmarket Room, Ellerslie Centre 80 Ascot Avenue , Remuera, Auckland

Presents

1 Our Title Sponsor

Sports Awards Category Sponsors

Our Support Sponsors

2 &

We are happy to have the pleasure of your company at the Sixth Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts & Culture Awards 2019 On Monday, June 24, 2019 from 6 pm At the Newmarket Room, Ellerslie Events Centre, 80 Ascot Avenue, Remuera, Auckland

Guests of Honour Hon Jenny Salesa, Minister for Ethnic Communities Hon Mark Mitchell, Member of Parliament (National Party) Mr Phil Goff, Auckland City Mayor Michael Wood, Undersecretary to Minister for Ethnic Communities

Live Entertainment, Speeches, Dinner and Awards Presentation

Masters of Ceremonies: Hemant Parikh and Mehak Vashist

3 6th Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts & Culture Awards 2019

In fond memory of our dear friends

Raman (Ray Ranchhod) (18.02.1938-06.06.2017)

Wenceslaus Anthony (28.09.1957-23.07.2017)

Dr Robert Khan (Senior) (04.03.1941-08.03.2018)

4 6th Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts & Culture Awards 2019

About the Awards Tonight

This is the first event to mark the 20th Anniversary of Indian Newslink.

The Sixth Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts and Cul- ture Awards will recognise approximately 120 persons from Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington and Christchurch.

Indian Newslink completes 20 years of publication in November this year and we happy to launch the festivities at these Awards tonight.

While the Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards is a brand that has been acknowledging and applauding successful businesses and entre- preneurs for the past 12 years, tonight is the time to honour achievers in Sports, Community, Arts and Culture. Inclusion is the key word in tonight’s event as we honour not only people of Indian origin from all over the world but also people from South East and South Asia, and more importantly, New Zealanders who have coached, mentored and supported young New Zealanders to excel in sports, community service and performing and non-performing arts.

Our Sponsors Indian Newslink is grateful to Proficient Customer Solutions, our Title Sponsor for their patronage. We are also grateful to Legal Associates Barristers & Solicitors; Immigration Advice New Zealand Limited, Link2 Group, Manukau Institute of Technology, Mercury Printz, The Trophy Centre, Forever Shine & Beauty, 0800 Rachna, Liquor Library and Radio Tarana.

Our Supporters Our Special thanks are to our Supporters including the New Zealand Indian Central Association, Telangana Association of New Zealand, New Zealand Telugu Association, Muthamil Sangam New Zealand, Kannada Koota New Zealand and Auckland Malayali Samajam.

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Masters of Ceremonies

Hemant Parikh Mehak Vashist

Entertainers

Ambika Krishnamoorthy Ratna Venkat Bharat Natyam, Indian Classical Dance Indian Classical and Fusion Dances ‘Saruja Pushpanjali’ and ‘Shakti Kauthuvam’ and ‘Shiva Thandavam’ ‘Murugan Kauthuvam’

Wild Dreamer Productions (Australia & New Zealand)

Scenes from ‘Meera’ with Aarti Bajaj, Charu Chutani, Harsha Prakash, Chloe Abbott and Khalia Abplanalp

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Our Brands

Indian Newslink is an English fortnightly newspaper established in November 1999. The publication is known for its independence, news analyses and balanced reporting, providing a platform for people of all ethnicities to voice their opinions which conform to normally accepted principles of public decency and morality. With a readership of more than 175,000 every fortnight among members of the ‘Extended Indian Community,’ including people of Indian, Fijian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Nepalese, Middle East and other origins, Indian Newslink enjoys the largest readership compared to any other Indian newspaper in New Zealand. The Fortnightly is distributed free throughout New Zealand through select Indian retail outlets and offices of companies. This newspaper is today considered as an important channel of communication among New Zealanders and those living outside through its web edition, which is now updated round-the-clock. A visit to our website (www.indiannewslink.co.nz) would be useful in judging the quality of the publication.

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Our Web Edition Since its launch in January 2000, the Indian Newslink Web Edition is known as a significant online resource providing, updated information on news and current affairs, business, opinion, community, entertainment, sports and special features. Our Web Edition is updated several times every day and night with audio and visual clips. The Web Edition today carries more news and features than in the past years. The Indian Newslink website (www.indiannewslink.co.nz) is a busy resource, useful for advertisers and readers in New Zealand and other parts of the world. Indian Newslink also operates separate websites for its Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards (www.inliba.com) and Indian Newslink Sports & Community Awards (www.inlisa.com). These are also updated constantly and are used for entry forms and exclusive marketing of sponsors and others.

Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards Indian Newslink instituted the Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards in 2008 to recognise, reward and celebrate successful businesses based in New Zealand. A Panel of Judges, completely independent of the publication, evaluates the entries received and chooses the finalists and winners in each category. An elaborate set of entry criteria is in place to ensure that deserving businesses are recognised for the Awards. Governor-General, Prime Minister, Opposition Leader and Members of Parliament in New Zealand, Mayor of Auckland, India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand and leading businesspersons and professionals are our guests at the Awards Night held in November every year. Entries open on March 1 and close on August 31, through our dedicated website (www. inliba.com)’: Three Free Workshops are conducted by the Chairman of the Judging Panel at different locations to apprise potential entrants on ‘How to file a good entry. Our Awards now comprise fiftteen individual categories, the winner from among which qualify for the ‘Supreme Business of the Year’ Award. Entries open on March 1 and close on August 31, through our dedicated website (www.inliba.com). Finalists and winners are announced at the Gala Black Tie Dinner, Entertainment and Awards Presentation Ceremony held every year in November. The event is attended by political and corporate leaders, business persons, professionals and community leaders.

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The Lecture As a newspaper committed to promoting finer aspects of Community, Corporate, Economic and Social conduct, Indian Newslink has instituted a Lecture to be held as an annual series, principally in Auckland City. The Indian Newslink Sir Anand Satyanand Lecture was held from 2011 and 2018 as a mark of respect and tribute to Rt Hon Anand Satyanand, who retired as the Governor General of New Zealand after five years in office on August 23, 2011. The Lecture Series has been rebranded this year but would continue to feature topics of interest to those in governance roles, management professionals and those on the growth path of their career. Ministers, Members of Parliament, decision makers, corporate and community leaders including Government officials attend the Lecture to carry its benefits to their professional lives. This project is non-political and non-commercial, intended to bring the best of the intellect available to speak at the annual event. We are hopeful that it would grow and progress as an Institution that befits the name with which it is associated. Hon Grant Robertson, Minister of Finance is the Guest Speaker at the Indi- an Newslink Lecture this year, to be held on Monday, July 29, 2019 at Pullman Hotel. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff would be the Master of Ceremonies. Member of Parliament (National) Paul Goldsmith will provide ‘Reflections on the Lecture,’ and former Member of Parliament Dr Rajen Prasad will provide the Conclud- ing Remarks.

Indian Newslink Sports & Community Awards The growing importance of people of Indian origin in various sports encouraged us to launch the Indian Newslink Indian Sports Awards in 2012. These Awards were the first of its type for the Indian community in New Zealand. The increasing participation of people of Indian origin in various aspects of community work and welfare encouraged us to institute Com- munity Awards this year (2018). The Sixth Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts & Culture Awards is being held today (June 24, 2019). 9 6th Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts & Culture Awards 2019

Sports Awards (Elite)

Elite Sports Awards (Nominations by New Zealand Indian Central Association)

We honour and share the moments of glory of these Elite Sports Stars

Praven Jeram Praven is the first Indian to represent New Zealand in Football (Soccer). Between 1971 and 1978, he achieved 19 Caps. He was a Goalkeeper and is still involved with the Eastern Suburbs Football Club. (INL Picture)

Santha Patel A self-taught (from a library book in 1979) Shanta Patel became a pioneer in Women’s Windsurfing in New Zealand and competed nationally and internationally between 1980 and 1988. Her wins include the inaugural Women’s World Windsurfing Championship at Acapulco in 1982 and the 1984 Cocos Cup in Guam, the Merimbula Wave Classic in Australia three times and competitions in Hawaii, Japan, Malaysia, Fiji, USA, Europe, Scotland and New Zealand. She was appointed a Sports Ambassador for New Zealand in 1986-1987.

Priya Bhikha Priya Bhikha represented New Zealand in Women’s Hockey, and was the first and only Indian to represent New Zealand Black Sticks Hockey team. She played a total of six Tests (Picture from LinkedIn)

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Arun Panchia

Arun Panchia is the current New Zealand Men’s Black Sticks Captain. He represented New Zealand first in 2009 and has played over 100 games. A Midfielder, he controls the pattern of play of Black Sticks, powerful in attack and defence. (Picture Courtesy: Olympic Organisation, New Zealand)

Ajaz Patel Ajaz Patel is the latest in growing number of Indians to represent New Zealand in Cricket. A left-arm Spin Bowler, played against Pakistan in Sharjah in 2018. The historical moment of Ajaz capturing the last Pakistan wicket at Prime TV, will remain embedded in the minds of sports lovers as an occasion of celebration. (Picture Courtesy: Photosport) -Report by Bhikhu Bhana, Immediate Past President, New Zealand Indian Central Association. Sports Awards 2019 Sports Awards (Supported by New Zealand Indian Central Association) Best Senior Division Cricket Player of the Year Tarun Nethula With five One-Day International games in the Black Caps squad, acqui- sition of 245 First Class Wickets in 80 games and more than 100 List A Wickets captured in 70 games, Tarun Nethula continues to play T20 Cricket domestically. He currently works as Director of Sport at Mount Roskill Grammar School. (Picture courtesy: New Zealand Cricket) Award Sponsored by Immigration Advice NZ Limited

Special Recognition Award

Ashutosh Reddy Vodnala An all-rounder currently playing for the Northern Knights, he has played at various levels and is rated as a top performer in the Northern Region. Ashutosh has also played for teams in UK and India. His last season includ- ed the Pukekohe Metro Cricket Club Premiers, Counties Manukau Mens, Northern Districts ‘A’ And New Zealand Indians XI. Award Sponsored by: Mercury Printz

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Best Under 19 Cricket Player Adithya Ashok This 16-year-old rising Star of Cricket will play for New Zealand Under 19 against Australia across the Tasman from July 4 to July 19, 2019. His exceptional bowling has cost many a team priceless wickets and Adithya Ashok continues to raise his tally match after match. Adithya Ashok, A Year-12 student at Mount Albert Grammar School, Adithya has captained the First XI and participated in several matches at home, districts and elsewhere, making him one of the most promising Cricket players of the future. Award Sponsored by Liquor Library

Under 19 Cricket Player Special Recognition Zariab Karkaria Constant practice and self-discipline have helped 18-year-old Zariab Karkaria to be recognised as a fast-growing fast bowler in Auckland. An Engineering student at AUT University, he plays for the 2nd Reserves Team and looks to continue with the Premier Men’s Team. Known for his in-swinging Yorker deliveries, Zariab has played for more than ten years at the Howick Pakuranga Cricket Club.

Award Sponsored by Radio Tarana

Over 19 Soccer Player of the Year (Futsal) Shivanthi Anthony She started playing Football when she was ten years old; eight years later, she commenced her career in Futsal. Since then, Shivanthi Anthony has participated in all national level games and was a part of the Under 17 Women’s training squad in 2012. She has been playing at international games for Auckland Women’s team. Shivanthi was a nominee for the ‘Women’s Futsal Player of the Year,’ and was named in the ‘Futsal Ferns’ in January this year.

Award Sponsored by Immigration Advice (NZ) Limited

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Under 19 Soccer Player of the Year Avishak Kumar This teenager has been playing Soccer since he was five years old and was in the ‘Age Group Representatives’ for Waikato/Bay of Plenty from 2008 to 2016. Avishak Kumar captained Hamilton Boys High Colts 10A where he was honoured with the ‘Player of the Year Award.’ He also had played Representative Futsal for Under 14, captained Under 16 and Under 19 both of which were Runner-Ups. He was awarded ‘Most Valuable Player’ at the New Zealand National Futsal Tournament in 2017 and was selected for Men’s Waikato Futsal when he was 15 years old. Award Sponsored by Manukau Institute of Technology Best Rugby League Player of the Year Amoi Singh An outstanding player, Amoi Singh is also known his teamwork. He was named ‘Player of the Day,’ in his third Rugby League ahead of many experienced players. Since 2015, he has been representing Counties Manukau Ethnic Rugby League in the Cabramatta Australia Annual International Nines Tournament. Amoi registered impressive improvements last year, leading to his selection to play in the ‘Indian Jungle Cats’ to play the first International Rugby League Test Match between India and Columbia scheduled to be held in Sydney, Australia in July 2019. Award Sponsored by The Trophy Centre, Eden Terrace, Auckland

Best Hockey Player of the Year Wilbur Rodrigues His career in Hockey dates back to 1987 when he began playing for Mahin- dra & Mahindra, his employer at that time. He was selected to play for In- dia at the 1990 World Cup and Asian Games. He recommenced playing the game in New Zealand in 2010 and has been featured in the New Zealand Masters Hockey for Auckland since then. Wilber Rodrigues was selected to participate in the Trans-Tasman Tourna- ment, Melbourne in 2015 and at the World Masters Game held in Auckland in April 2017. Following his win at the New Zealand Masters with Auckland in November 2017, he was selected to represent in the Masters World Cup in Spain in July 2018.

Award Sponsored by 0800Rachna 13 6th Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts & Culture Awards 2019

Under 19 Player (Other Sports) (Badminton) Amreen Virk Despite proclivities with equal proficiency in Hockey, Cricket and Swim- ming, Amreen Virk chose Badminton, a game in which she evinced interest since she was 11 years old. Following her victory in Non-Representative and Representative Tournaments, she became a part of the National Squad representing Waikato. Amreen Virk currently plays for New Zealand at the National Level and is a part of the Under 17 Saud. Last year saw her win several distinctions at regional and national levels. Award Sponsored by Forever Shine Beauty Under 19 Player (Other Sports) (Chess) Rohit Mudaliar He has just stepped into his teenage, but his achievements in Chess have been laudable and a source of inspiration. Rohit Mudaliar has been playing Chess since he was five years old and played his first competitive Chess Tournament when he was eight. Since his first outing, he has won many medals and accolades in competitions at the Junior level and has bagged almost 10 trophies. Rohit has played in four Chess Power National Finals and was placed second on October 27, 2018; and a day later for his Blockhouse Bay Inter- mediate School at the Chess Power Interschool Finals. He earned the first place in that contest in individual category. Rohit is known as ‘Junior Minister.’ Award Sponsored by Proficient Customer Solutions

Best Sportsman of the Year Ajaz Patel Black Caps (Left Arm Spinner) Described as a ‘thorough professional,’ Ajaz Patel made his debut in Test Cricket in the Black Caps squad in Abu Dhabi last year. He was New Zea- land’s hero in the four-run win against Pakistan at that turn of the wicket. Since then, he has been nothing less than a sensation, and holds a great hope for New Zealand and the Cricket-mad millions across the world. We take pride in naming Ajaz Patel the Best Sportsman of the Year at the Sixth Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts & Culture Awards 2019. Award Sponsored by Proficient Customer Solutions

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Best Sportswoman of the Year Shivanthi Anthony Futsal Ferns “The Futsal Ferns do not yet have a World Cup to build towards but that is likely to change in the coming years and steps are currently being taken to ensure they are ready to compete at the highest level when that opportunity arises,” ran an opinion piece on voxy.co.nz in January this year. A month later, New Zealand Football said, “With seven Futsal Ferns in their ranks and a strong base of talented younger players, it is hard to look past the reigning champions as favourites to lift the trophy.” That confidence is partly due to Shivanthi Anthony and we are delighted to name her the Indian Newslink Best Sportswoman of the Year.

Special Recognition for Sports Stalwarts

As Indian Newslink celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year, we express our gratitude to many organisations and their officials for their contributions to the world of Sports, including the training and opportunities that they have extended to our ethnic communities. We acknowledge and applaud them with Awards in the Sports and Community segments.

Name Category Sponsor Alvin Cheung Northland Football Federation Excellence in Football Indian Newslink David Dome Wellington Phoenix Excellence in Football Link2 Group Holly Nixon New Zealand Football Excellence in Football Indian Newslink Jamie Milne New Zealand Football Excellence in Football Indian Newslink Tracy Brady New Zealand Football Excellence in Football Indian Newslink Awards Sponsored by Indian Newslink

15 6th Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts & Culture Awards 2019 Commemoration Awards Federation of Islamic Associations in New Zealand Excellence in Community Leadership As we pay our homage to the victims of the Christchurch massacre that left 51 people dead and many injured, we salute the leaders and members of the Muslim community for their forbearance, patience, restraint and most important of all, solidarity. The terrorist attack Dr Mustafa Farouk, Ibrar Sheikh and Dr Anwar Ghani on innocent people who were offering their Friday Prayers was a wakeup call that killed our innocence. It also brought the spirit of fraternity among us. We extend our appreciation, love and respect to the Muslim community through Federation of Islamic Associations President Dr Mohammed Mustafa Farouk, Secretary Ibrar Sheikh and Head of Government Relations Dr Anwar Ghani. New Zealand Police Police Commissioner Mike Bush Excellence in Team Leadership and Crisis Management New Zealand Police is not a Force but a Service. The difference is pronounced in the friendliness with which thousands of Police Officers interact with various communities across the country. Working under pressure, their role is defined by the catholicity of purpose, which is to make our communities safer. Police Commissioner Mike Bush leads a highly dedicated and motivated com- plement of more than 12,000 staff who risk their lives and work tirelessly so that our homes, offices and places of public congregation safe. But there are occasions when the untoward happens, creating anxiety and fear among the people and it is then that the Police rise to those occasions. The incident that occurred on March 15, 2019 in Christchurch and its aftermath brought the best out of our Police. We offer the Police Commissioner and his team a token of admiration and friendship. Wallace Haumaha Deputy Commissioner of Police, Maori, Pacific and Ethnic Services Excellence in Crisis Management and Community Service Crime and its prevention constitute a challenge to law enforcing authorities, especially the Police and multiplicity of cultures tend to make that challenge even more complex. The New Zealand Police manages the diversity of our society with responsibility and responsiveness, an example of which was the terrorist attack in Christchurch on March 15, 2019. Leading the charge was Wallace Haumaha, Deputy Commissioner (Maori, Pacific and Ethnic Services), whose management of the crisis was commendable.

Rakesh Naidoo Inspector of Police, Principal Advisor to the Deputy Commissioner of Police Excellence in Crisis Management and Community Service A strong advocate of appropriate representation to ethnic communities, Inspector Rakesh Naidoo has been working closely with New Zealanders from all walks of life in his multiple roles. But as Principal Advisor to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, he brought together Ethnic Liaison Officers and other officials to manage the emotions of communities, visits of high-ranking officials from around the world and other related matters in Christchurch after the March 15, 2019 massacre.

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Dr Ashraf Choudhary Excellence in Community Service At a time when there was none to represent the Indian community in New Zealand, Dr Ashraf Choudhry rose as its voice, first within the Labour Party and later as the first Member of Parliament of Indian Sub-Continent origin for nine years. Diwali and Eid in Parliament and many other projects and programmes that are today seen as close community engagements were his initiatives.

Aarti Bajaj Director & Principal, Wild Dreamer Productions Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia Excellence in Performing Arts Contrary to popular belief that artistes and creative people are detached from the real world, Aarti Bajaj brings reality to theatre, dance and performing arts in general. Encapsulating the life and struggles of a 16th Century Princess in ‘Meera,’ she captured the hearts of New Zealanders with five shows held over the Queen’s Birthday weekend. Her Wild Dreamer Productions is a production house with a soul. It works with talented and passionate individuals all around the world who consider themselves to be Wild Dreamers Aklesh Sharma Achiever in the World of Soccer Soccer is said to the world’s most popular Sport with more than 250 million players in over 200 countries and territories but sustaining quality and discipline depends on veteran players and coaches. In this field, Aklesh Sharma of Auckland scores high. From the first kick off during his early school days, through to college, Aklesh evinced deep interest in the game, played for Auckland University and Manu- kau AFC. He later coached and captained a local team. Arzan Todywalla Rising Star in the Football Galaxy Arzan Todywalla, a rising Star and one of the most promising players of New Zealand, has created strong impressions among coaches, players and enthusi- asts at the Football Trials in New Zealand, Australia and United Kingdom. Beginning at the age of six at Fencibles Club AFC, Arzan has been the prime winner of most matches which makes him a favourite of coaches and clubs. He has also played as Futsal Whites representing the New Zealand U19 team. He has visited United Kingdom on many occasions for elite trainings, trials and games. We honour him with the Dr Robert Khan (Senior) Commemoration Award in memory of a great friend of Indian Newslink.

Ashima Singh Free Legal Advise to Communities Bringing legal services either free of charge or at nominal, affordable rates has been the wont of Ashima Singh, a Barrister and Solicitor based in Papatoetoe, South Auckland. The Free Legal Clinic, which operates on Saturdays has been educating people on their legal rights as well counselling them on their individual circumstances. Ashima is passionate about empowering people from migrant communities to provide legal representation to and serve members of their own communities. She understands that South Auckland is a melting pot of ethnicities and cultures and serves them with passion. 17 6th Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts & Culture Awards 2019 Baljit Kaur Exceptional Services to Communities For almost 30 years, Baljit Kaur has been a source of solace and comfort to various communities in West Auckland and as the Managing Coordinator of the Waitakere Ethnic Board, she has helped in getting the ethnic voice heard in the decision-making rooms of the local and central government. Baljit provides education, advocacy, support and encourages service respons- es to the needs of migrants and refugees. She brings together various cultures by connecting ethnic people to information about local services, career opportunities, knowledge and support. Baljit also serves on the Ethnic Advisory Board of the Waitemata Police. Dr Malvindar Singh Bains Excellence in Brain Research and Community Services A young achiever and pride of the community, Dr Malvindar Singh Bains is a Research Fel- low at the University of Auckland Centre for Brain Research focusing on brain inflammation in Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s Disease. Her findings could open a new opportunity to cure the worst afflictions of the human mind. Dr Malvindar was awarded the Leo Nilon Huntington’s Research Fellowship, dedicated to the advancement of innovative treatments for Huntington’s disease by the New Zealand Governor General. A winner of several awards, she promotes positive brain health awareness among young people and advocates for brain health awareness in all communities. She is a strong advocate of disseminating scientific information to the public through the media and other public platforms. Govardhan Mallela Excellence in Cultural and Religious Services Aucklanders, and increasingly people from other parts of the country reach out to Govardhan Mallela on matters relating to cultural and religious programmes for he promotes them through his network free of cost. A Chartered Accountant by qualification and profession, he is also the Organiser of Carnat- ic Classical Musical Programmes for Sangeetha Bharathi School of Music and the Managing Trustee of Sangeetha Bharathi Trust. A calm and quiet worker, his services are recognised for their quality and reliability. Dr Padma Govardhan Mallela Excellence in Music Research, Teaching and Performing Arts She is perhaps the first and only New Zealander Indian who has obtained a Doctorate in Carnatic Music for her research, the thesis in which provides us the proficiency in interpreting Ragas and be innovative. Hundreds of students have learnt music through her Sangeetha Bharathi School of Music, 25 of who have graduated in the art. Dr Padma appears annually at the Music Festivals held in Auckland Sydney and Chennai and is a recipient of the Best Teacher Award from the Late Dr M Balamurali Krishna for her services to Music. Harjeet Golian Excellence in Services to Rotary, New Zealand and Fiji Communities While his services as a business and immigration consultant benefit an increasing number of people, Harjeet Golian is celebrated as one of the finest Rotarians in New Zealand for the past almost 20 years, during the course of which, he has served communities, raising substantial finances as a Member and President of the Rotary Club of Auckland Harbourside. He has twice honoured with the Paul Harris Fellow Award. His work for the promoting the education and wellbeing of underprivileged children in his native Fiji have been acknowledge in both countries and Harjeet remains as a source of inspiration to volunteers and social workers. 18 6th Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts & Culture Awards 2019

Ratna Venkat Excellence in Performing Arts (Wenceslaus Anthony Award) Born and raised in the Kingdom of Bahrain in the Arab Gulf, Ratna evinced varied interest in the Indian Classical Dances of South and North Indian formats of Bharata Natyam, Kuchipudi, Folk, Kathak and later Fusion. She learnt these forms of Per- forming Arts from her Gurus in Bahrain, India and New Zealand and has performed in these countries and in Australia and Taiwan. Known for her innovative approach, Ratna is an ardent performer, adapting various types of music into her professional performances. She is a regular performer at the Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards since their inception in 2008. The Late Wenceslaus Anthony used to introduce her as a ‘Versatile Artiste with an innate and inimitable penchant for perfection and professionalism.’ Sucharita Varma Excellence in Counselling, Reducing Family Harm-Raman (Ray) Ranchhod Award Increasing incidence of family harm is a major cause of concern in New Zealand with women, children and elderly listed largely as victims. Counselling such victims and families is the most important mission in the career of Sucharita Varma, Direc- tor, Sahaayta (of South Asian Trust). She was among the first to visit Christchurch to look after the families of people killed in the March 15, 2019 massacre. We honour her in memory of Raman (Ray) Ranchhod who was a man of peace, compassion and care.

Thilliar Varnakulasingham Distinguished Services to New Zealand Communities Education and Social Service are the two most important attributes of Thilliar Varnakulasingham, who has been an Indian Newslink Columnist for more than 17 years. With about 90 degrees, diplomas and certificates on a wide range of subjects including medicine, heath education, sports, community welfare, religion, performing and non-performing arts and films, Mr Singham is respected beyond his Sri Lankan community. This octogenarian has served New Zealanders in various capacities- as a Justice of the Peace, member of Arthritis New Zealand, founder-member and trustee of the New Zealand Thirumurugan Temple Society. He is an invaluable asset to our communities.

Vanisa Dhiru Excellence in Services towards Empowerment of Women and Gender Equality Vanisa Dhiru became the first woman of Indian origin in 2017 to be elected to the post of President of the Wellington-based National Council of Women in its 121-year history. She has vigorously pursued the cause of women, encouraged their empowerment and more importantly, worked cohesively with likeminded organisations to promote gender equality. Her various engagements have seen her in leadership roles at several Non-Govern- mental Organisations and charitable institutions. She was the Chief Executive of Volunteering New Zealand and 20/20 Trust and has advised the government on diversity, digital

Pancha Narayanan Excellence in Services to various communities Pancha Narayanan leads the national drive (Huarahi Hou) for a Treaty-based Multi- cultural New Zealand. Considered as a world-class endeavour, the initiative connects migrant communities to the native people of this country. Pancha is a strong advocate of legislative changes to eliminate discrimination from all strata of the New Zealand society and make Aotearoa a more harmonious society. Her provides thought-leadership and contributes to several community based projects and programmes..

19 6th Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts & Culture Awards 2019 Community Awards (Excellence in Services to Communities)

Dr Ajit S Services to Ambedkar Sports & Communities in Cultural Club South Auckland Services to Communities in South Auckland

Anita Keestra Services as a Dinesh Khadka Volunteer in Services to Nepalese Auckland Community

Giani Surinder Singh Hansa Naran Religious Services Services as a to Sikh Community Volunteer in South Auckland

Hindi Language and Culture Trust Hitesh Sharma Services to Religious promote Hindi Services in Language in Christchurch New Zealand

20 6th Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts & Culture Awards 2019

I am He(r) Karnail Badhan Charitable Trust Religious Services Empowerment to Sikh Community of Women and

Youth

Kavitha Venkat Krishna Reddy Services to Hindus Arepalli in Auckland Services as a Volunteer

Latha Ravindran Peter Paul Services to Tamil Ravela Community Services as Social Worker

Maninilavan Arivukkarasu Parameswaran Services to Tamil Chandru Community Religious Services to Hindus

Pastor Jeffrey Nathan Devasundara Das Religious Services Religious Services (Catholic) (Baptist)

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Pratima Nand Puran Bhag Services to Singh Communities in Services to Sikh New Zealand Community in Tauranga

Ragavan Rachana Dave Rengachariar Social Worker in Religious Services to West Auckland Hindus

Ram Mohan Ranbir Saini Danthala Services as a Social Religious Services Worker to Telugu Community

Ravindran Rupinder Virk Annamalai Services to Services to Tamil Communities in Community in Hamilton Wellington

Sadasivam Dr Sarala Keshi Kutty Reddy Services to Commu- Community Health nities in Auckland Services I

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Shanta Menon Selvaraj Ramasami Services to Services to pro- Communities and mote Hindu-Maori Victims in affected Relations in areas Wellington

Shanti Niwas Shri Shirdi Saibaba Charitable Trust Sansthan of NZ INC Services to the Services to Elderly Communities

Dr Siva Kumar South East Auckland Services to Tamil Senior Citizens Community in Association Inc New Zealand Services to Migrant Communities

Jitendra Prasad

Sridevi Pusarla Srilatha Magatala Services to Services to Telugu Communities Community

Swaminarayan Mandir Vasna Tam Schurman Sanstha Services as a Services to Volunteer Communities

Sujal Patel

23 6th Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts & Culture Awards 2019

Uma Salvaji Uttarakhand Services Association to Telugu Services to Community Uttarakhandis

Dr Upendra Saklani

Vai Ravindran Verona Sequeira Services to Tamil Services as a Community in Volunteer Auckland

Vijay Reddy Kosna Vijetha Yachamaneni Services to Telugu Services to Telugu Community in Community in New Zealand Auckland

Vish Bhati and Waitakere Hindi Robbie Bhullar School Services to Services as Hindi Education and to Volunteers Communities

Zoya Salim Kara Services Nominate yourself or towards Safer some one you know Communities in 2020 as entries are called in February 2020

24 6th Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts & Culture Awards 2019 who Supported by: by: Supported New Zealand New New Zealand New Supported by: by: Supported Supported by: by: Supported Supported by: by: Supported Muthamil Sangam Muthamil Association (NZICA) Association Kannada Koota, Auckland; Auckland; Kannada Koota, Telangana Association Association of Telangana Auckland Malayali Samajam Malayali Auckland New Zealand Indian Central Indian Central Zealand New New Zealand Telugu Association; Association; Telugu Zealand New (Acceptable to the Judges) the to (Acceptable Supported by Supported Choreographer & Dances Orchestra Musical of Conductor and Modern) (Indian Classical Dancer Programmes Cultural of Director & Instrumentalist) Musician (Vocalist Programme Cultural of Organiser Programmes Cultural of Producers and others) Film, Folk (Classical, Singer and Instruments Film, Folk (Classical, Teacher Judges) the to (Acceptable listed Others Not Individual Association Registered Charitable Organisation Registered Worship of Places Registered Society Registered Individuals Services Religious Organisations Services Religious Worker Social Volunteer Best Senior Division Cricket Player Player Division Cricket Best Senior Player 19 Cricket Best Under Player 19 Soccer Best Over Player 19 Soccer Best Under Player Union Best Rugby Player League Best Rugby Player Best Netball Player Best Hockey Sports Other 19 Player Best Over Sports Other 19 Player Best Under Year the of Best Sportsman and Sportswoman Advertising Agency Advertising Architect Designer Architectural Cartoonist Copywriter Artist/Designer Graphic Painter Photographer Writer

have excelled in sports during their life and career. life in sports during their excelled have Categories: Awards Community 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Judges the to acceptable others Any 10. Categories: Art Awards 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. People Creative and other 11. Chef : Sports Categories 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. entered) be automatically will categories individual (Winners of the community of women men and For Awards: Elite Categories Awards Culture 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9. 10. (inclusive of GST) per Table are now available now are Table GST) per of (inclusive Ticket (including GST) per person (including GST) per Presents $690 $69 (This event is not for those below 15 years of age) of years 15 those below for is not (This event 80 Ascot Avenue, Auckland Remuera, Avenue, 80 Ascot Monday, June 24, 2019 Monday, at Newmarket Room, Ellerslie Events Centre Ellerslie Events Room, Newmarket at Please contact (09) 5336377 or 021-836528 Email: [email protected] [email protected] 021-836528 Email: 5336377 or (09) Please contact and Tables seating ten persons at persons at ten seating Tables and AWARDS NIGHT

25 6th Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts & Culture Awards 2019 Art Awards

Giridhar Morla Kaashvi Grover Chef Cartoonist

Kersie Manisha Morar Khambatta Historian, Writer Writer

Nagender Reddy Muskan Devta Vangala Writer Hyper-realistic Artist & Painter

Paul Menezes Prasanna Kumar Photographer Mekala Chef

26 Reflections Hon Paul Goldsmith Paul Hon Parliament of Member Remarks Concluding Prasad Rajen Dr Parliament of Member Former Special and former Commonwealth of Envoy Lesotho to General Secretary Indian Newslink 5336377 Mobile: 021 836528 Phone: (09) Email: [email protected] SERIES 2019 SERIES Master of Ceremonies of Master Goff Phil Worship His Auckland of Mayor plus GST Pullman Hotel Auckland Pullman Hotel & Princes Street Corner City Auckland Crescent, Waterloo Reserved Admission of Right Present Monday, July 29, 2019 at 630 pm at 2019 29, July Monday, Lecture Table of Ten persons: Ten persons: of Table $1500 plus GST plus GST Tickets: per person per Tickets: $150 Guest Speaker: Guest Robertson Grant Hon Finance of Minister of Government Zealand New The Ninth Annual Indian Newslink Lecture Lecture Indian Newslink Annual The Ninth Tie Dinner with Black 630 pm at 2019 29, July On Monday, 630pm and 730pm) between (Cocktails

27 6th Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts & Culture Awards 2019

Sappa Sreenivas Renu Sikka Prasad Writer Services as Civil Engineer

Shriram Iyer Vivek Anturkar Writer Architectural Designer

Culture Awards

Ambika Charu Chutani Krishnamoorthy Indian Classical Indian Classical Dances Dance (Kathak)

28 6th Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts & Culture Awards 2019

Dr Ashok Malur Harsha Prakash Instrumental Music Indian Classical (Violin) Dances (Bharata Natyam)

Hemant Thakar Basant Madhur Instrumental Instrumental Music Music (Tabla) (Keyboards)

Malathi Behzad Karkaria Vasudevan Instrumental Music Music (Vocal and (Drums) Instrumental)

Murali Kumar Marianne Organising Infante Cultural Acting Programmes

Padmalatha Dev Prabha Ravi Teaching Indian Indian Classical Dances Classical Dance

29 6th Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts & Culture Awards 2019

Sandhya Ravi Nyayapati Badakere Organising Music Cultural (Hindustani Programmes Vocal)

Dr Sarkaw Shagun Mohammed Choudhary Randhawa Organising Acting Cultural Programmes

Sreesutha Vidwan Dev Nampally Diwakar Music (Teaching & Instrumental Performing) Music (Veena)

Vivek Kinra Teaching Indian Classical Dances

Looking forward to receiving you at the Seventh Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts & Culture Awards 2020

6th Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts & Culture Awards 2019 YEAR Supported by www.inliba.com (this category is open to all businesses registered in is open to all businesses registered (this category doing business with India) New Zealand aiming excellence 12. Business Excellence in International Trade with India Trade in International 12. Business Excellence the Year of 13. Best Accountant the Year of Entrepreneur 14. Best Young the Year 15. Best Businesswoman of the Year 16. Best Financial Advisor (Mortgage) of the Year of Best Financial Advisor (Insurance) 17. Supreme Business of the Year Award Business of the Year Supreme this category) for will be entered (All entries For more information on Awards, Terms and Conditions & Free Workshops, please visit Workshops, & Free and Conditions Terms on Awards, information more For Nomination Process: Direct by Entrants; Nominations for Individual Categories (13 to 17) companies and individuals; Nominati ons commercial banks and chartered accountants for companies individuals with information prescribed in the entry forms availab le on Awards website (www.inliba.com). Calling for Entries and Nominations Calling 2019 Annual Indian Newslink Business Awards the Twelfth To (2 NEW CATEGORIES) CATEGORIES: in Retail Trade 1. Business Excellence in Innovation 2. Business Excellence in Marketing 3. Business Excellence Service in Customer 4. Business Excellence Choice 5. Best Employer of in Health & Safety 6. Business Excellence (New) in Ethics Business Excellence 7. with Social Responsibility (New) 8. Business Excellence 9. Best Small Business 10. Best Medium Sized Business Business 11. Best Large

31 6th Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts & Culture Awards 2019

Monday, June 24, 2019 at 6 pm at Ellerslie Events Centre (Newmarket Room) 80 Ascot Avenue, Remuera, Auckland 1051 Masters of Ceremonies: Hemant Parikh and Mehak Vashist The Programme for Masters of Ceremonies

545 pm Doors Open with Cash Bar for Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Drinks 600 pm Masters of Ceremonies opening remarks including House Rules (Notes) 605 pm ‘Saruja Pushpanjali,’ Invocatory Indian Classical Bharata Natyam by Ambika Krishnamoorthy 610 pm Welcome by Hon Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, Member of Parliament 615 pm Acknowledgement of Sponsors and Supporters (Notes) 620 pm ‘The Power of Woman,’ Shakti Kauthuvam’ Indian Classical Dance by Ratna Venkat 625 pm Address by Hon Jenny Salesa, Minister for Ethnic Communities 630 pm Address by His Worship Phil Goff, Mayor of Auckland 635 pm Presentation of Elite Sports Awards (Present on Stage: Hon Jenny Salesa, Mayor Phil Goff, Hon Mark Mitchell, Hon Michael Wood, Sahil Chand, Paul Patel, Bhikhu Bhana) 641 pm Presentation of Sports Awards with VIPs on stage as above Winners in three groups of five, four and four 651 pm Presentation of Special Commemoration Awards (VIPs on Stage) 715 pm Presentation of Community Awards (Present on Stage: Hon Jenny Salesa, Mayor Phil Goff, Hon Mark Mitchell, Hon Michael Wood, Sahil Chand, Narendra Reddy Patlola, Srilatha Magatala) Eight Groups of five each and one group of three 745 pm Dinner 815 pm Masters of Ceremonies (Sponsors)

PROGRAMME 820 pm ‘Kumara Kauthuvam,’ Bharata Natyam Dance by Ambika Krishnamoorthy 825 pm Speech by Hon Mark Mitchell Speech by C Doss Jeyakumar, Charge d’ Affaires, High Commission of the Republic of India, Wellington 830 pm Presentation of Arts Awards (Present on Stage: Hon Jenny Salesa, Mayor Phil Goff, Hon Mark Mitchell, Hon Michael Wood, Sahil Chand, Maninilavan Arivukkarasu) Winners in two groups of five each 835 pm ‘Shiva Thandavam’ Indian Classical Dance Fusion by Ratna Venkat 840 pm Scenes from ‘Meera’ with Aarti Bajaj, Charu Chutani, Harsha Prakash, Chloe Abbott, Khalia Abplanalp 845 pm Presentation of Culture Awards (Present on Stage: Hon Jenny Salesa, Mayor Phil Goff, Hon Mark Mitchell, Hon Michael Wood, Sahil Chand, Kumuda Shetty) Winners in four groups of five each 915 pm Group Photograph with all Winners and VIP 925 pm Announcement of the Seventh Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts & Culture Awards 2020 930 pm Conclusion