Syed Mujeeb
Auckland: Auckland based Urdu Hindi Cultural Association of New Zealand, an organisation that promotes amity among communities of the Indian Subcontinent and respect for Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi languages, has picked a new team of officials for 2020-2021.
Roopa Suchdev, a woman known for her oratory in both languages and her Roopa Aur Aap Charitable Trust that counsels victims of family violence, was re-elected to the post of President. She will steer the destiny of the Association for two years.
Along with her, many other champions of community social welfare were also chosen for a two-year term, ensuring greater stability and consistency.
The Team for 20-21
Among them were Dr Taimoor Baig and M A Haq (Vice-Presidents), Mujeeb Syed Hyderabadi (General Secretary), Tahseen Sultana (Treasurer), Ghouse Majeed (Events Manager), Preeta Vyas (Women’s Affairs) and Suman Kapoor (Media).
The Meeting held in West Auckland on Sunday, August 8, 2019, also chose an Executive Committee comprising Shiv Bhagirath, Nafees Akhtar, Roshni Chadha, Mohammed Sharique, Aaqib Siddiqui, Patrick Bennett, Anne Degia Pala and Adnan Khan.
Many of the officials retained their post of previous years unopposed.
National Party List Member of Parliament Kanwaljeet Singh Bakshi will continue as the Patron of the Association.
Urdu, Hindi Classes
Mr Hyderabadi said that the Association has been conducting regular classes in Urdu and Hindi for younger members of various communities and for the benefit of language enthusiasts in Auckland. “The Association provides a great opportunity for people to learn and improve their Urdu and Hindi languages and the understanding of the respective literature and encourages critical thinking. These classes can benefit people to interact in these languages,” he said.
He said that the Association also conducts Mushaira, Kavi Sammelan and Sham-E-Ghazal programmes every year to preserve and promote culture and heritage.
Literary and Social Evening
Ghouse Majeed said that this year’s event will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2019, at Fickling Convention Centre, 546 Mount Albert Road, Three Kings.
“This event is free for all and the highlight would be sessions in Urdu and Hindu poetry, the release of our Literary Magazine, ‘Dhanak’ and dinner,” he said.
Mr Majeed said that as well as people from the literary world, the annual event will be attended by Members of Parliament and community leaders. We expect more than 350 men and women. This Programme is growing in stature,” he said.
Mushaira, Kavi Sammelan and Sham-E-Ghazal will be hosted respectively by Ayub Khan, Preeta Vyas and Professor S D Madhur, with about 18 participants.