संसद से खेल के मैदान तक, योग-कारोबार-संस्कृति से अलग पहचान… इस छोटे से देश में बसा ‘मिनी इंडिया’ – Mini India In New Zealand PM Narendra Modi NZ Visit Indians In New Zealand ntc mnrd
After almost 40 years, an Indian Prime Minister has set foot on New Zealand soil. This visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not just a diplomatic visit. This is also the story of a country where India’s culture, talent and hard work have created their own identity. New Zealand, which once had only a few Indians, has today become home to more than three lakh people of Indian origin. This is the reason why today many people have started lovingly calling New Zealand as ‘Mini India’.
If you go out on the streets of Auckland, the largest city of New Zealand, sometimes you will feel as if you are roaming in an Indian city. Indian restaurants, temples, gurudwaras, spice shops, Bollywood music and Hindi-Punjabi speaking people are common here. In this country with a population of about 53 lakhs, every 17th person is of Indian origin. The Indian community has become the fastest growing migrant community here.
New identity of Indians in cricket
The biggest impact of Indians in New Zealand is visible on the cricket field. This game, which was once considered a legacy of the British, is now being filled with Indian talent.
Today, Rachin Ravindra, who has become the biggest identity of the New Zealand team, comes from a family of Indian origin. His name was also kept by combining the names of Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar. Born in Ludhiana, Punjab, Ish Sodhi has been handling the spin bowling of New Zealand for many years. Aditya Ashok, born in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, is a rising star of the new generation. Whereas young players like Snehit Reddy, resident of Vijayawada, are considered the hope of the future. That is, the influence of Indian roots is clearly visible in the new generation of New Zealand cricket.
Dominance of Indians is increasing in Parliament also
The Indian community is no longer limited to just sports. Its strong presence is also visible in New Zealand politics. Indian-origin Priyanka Radhakrishnan became New Zealand’s first Indian-origin cabinet minister. She made her mark on issues related to women, immigrants and social justice.
ACT Party MP Dr. Paramjit Kaur Parmar has been a strong supporter of economic cooperation between India and New Zealand. Today, big parties like Labor and National are also fielding candidates of Indian origin. The reason is clear. The Indian community has now become an influential political force.
Culture from Bihar to Punjab resides here
Earlier, Gujarati and Punjabi communities were in large numbers in New Zealand. But in the last few years, a large number of people from Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and South India have also come and settled here. During this time, Bihar-Jharkhand Association of New Zealand i.e. BJANZ was established. Today this organization is doing a great job of spreading Indian culture to the new generation.
Chhath Mahaparva is celebrated with full enthusiasm every year in Mount Wellington, Auckland. Devotees stand in water and offer Arghya to the Sun. Bhojpuri and Maithili folk songs resonate. The fragrance of Thekua reminds the entire atmosphere of Bihar. Not only Chhath, festivals like Holi, Deepawali, Baisakhi, Navratri and Eid are also celebrated on a large scale.
Unique confluence of Indian culture and Maori tradition
The most special thing about New Zealand is that the Indian community is taking its culture forward by combining it with local traditions. BJANZ organizes many of its events in conjunction with Matariki, the Maori community’s traditional New Year. Their message is, “One Sky, Many Traditions.” That means one sky, many traditions. This is the reason why cultural relations between Indian and Maori communities are continuously getting stronger.
The biggest influence of Indian culture is also visible through yoga. Every year on International Yoga Day, thousands of people do yoga together in different cities of New Zealand. Along with Indians, local citizens, MPs, mayors and people from the Maori community also participate in these programs. Yoga has now become not just fitness but also a part of mental health and better lifestyle.
Indians are also at the forefront in business
The Indian community is also rapidly making its mark in the economy of New Zealand. Today thousands of Indians are working in IT, healthcare, engineering, banking and education sectors. A large number of Indians are running supermarkets, dairy stores, hotels, restaurants, transport and logistics companies. Indian markets are fully developed in cities like Auckland and Hamilton. Everything is easily available here, from Indian spices to sweets and traditional clothes.
Why is PM Modi’s visit special?
The visit of an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand after almost four decades is being considered very important for the relations between the two countries. Trade, agriculture, dairy, education, digital technology, defense and Indo-Pacific cooperation between India and New Zealand is continuously increasing. In such a situation the Prime Minister Narendra Modi This visit is being considered important from both strategic and economic point of view. Besides, this journey is also a proud moment for more than three lakh people of Indian origin settled in New Zealand.
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