On the 22nd of October, Venerable Abbess Manshin, Venerable Juexi and Buddha’s Light International Association’s North and South Island Committee members, including BLIA South Island president Almeric Cheng and advisor John Lai were invited by New Zealand Minister of Education and Ethnic Affairs Honorable Chris Carter to attend the Diwali celebration at the Parliament of New Zealand in Wellington.
Prior to the beginning of the event, Police Strategic Advisor of New Zealand, Mr. Kefung Chu arranged a tour of the Parliament for the temple representatives. Buildings visited included a library of Gothic architecture which was built in year 1897, the British Renaissance style meeting building built in year 1922 and the famous contemporary “beehive” cabinet office, which was established in the year 1970.
In the evening, Abbess Manshin and BLIA members were warmly received by Hon. Chris Carter at the commencement of the Diwali celebration. Also in attendance that night were the Ambassador of India in New Zealand, His Excellency Mr Kadakath Pathrose Ernest, the President of Indian Association New Zealand, Mr Ratilal Chamaneri, MP Dr. Adhraf Choudhary and about 500 people from all over the country. There were more than ten performances about the richness of India culture to entertain the attendance.
The ability of Hon Chris Carter to conduct the event in a relaxed manner illustrates the strong bond and good co-operation of Indian communities in this country.
Account by Fan-Ping Chiang, Wei-Chia Cheng and Sheng-Han Lim
