Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, List MP based in Manukau East

Welcome to our August 2015 newsletter!

The month of July ended with two sad events for Indians across the globe. Three militants disguised in Army uniforms opened fire at a moving bus and forcefully entered a local police station in the state of Punjab, India. The attack killed six persons, including a Superintendent of Police and injuring eight others.

May the souls of those killed in the terrorist attack rest in peace.

Indians also had to bear the loss of their much loved former President of the country Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, the renowned scientist who is credited with India’s nuclear programme. Dr Kalam passed away after collapsing at an event that he was addressing in the state of Meghalaya, India.

This act of terrorism and irreparable loss of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam would have without doubt been hurtful to all of us.

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was the finest gentleman who India had the good fortune of having as her President. He dedicated his whole life for the welfare of India and its people.

Dr AJP Abdul Kalam was the missile mana of India who was awarded the Padma Bhushan and Bharat Ratna for his achievements and contributions to India.

Dr Kalam was an inspirational mind, an excellent scientist and a great President yet he was the simplest human being. He has left a void that can never be filled. May his soul rest in peace.

Indians across the globe celebrated our 69th Independence Day. The Indian Independence Day signifies years of struggle by our countrymen and women who stood for their beliefs and values. It also signifies that if we can stand together to achieve a common goal the victory will be ours. We should continue to keep these core beliefs and values in our minds regardless of where we choose to live.

With Hon Peseta Sam Lotu Iiga at the Indian Independence Day Celebrations

Celebrating Indian Independence Day with Hon Lotu Iiga at Shirdi Sai Sanstan

I feel that I am fortunate to be born in a country that has produced men and women of outstanding calibre. It is our attitude to stand in face of adversity that makes India and its citizens unique. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was one leading example of such outstanding calibre and humble attitude.

I also had the opportunity to celebrate Indian Independence Day which was organised collaboratively by Bhartiya Samaj and Shri Shirdi Sai Sansthan.

I was also invited by the Singaporean High Commissioner His Excellency Bernard Baker to celebrate 50th Singaporean Day.

Interacting with constituents at the premiere of Twisted Families

Congratulations to Dreamz Production and their Head of Marketing Kal Kullar on successful premiere of their movie venture Twisted Families. The movie has shown talent of our youth in acting, producing and directing a great concept.

With cast and crew of Twisted Families at their premiere

Our Minister for Youth, Hon Nikki Kaye has now launched the selection process for the Youth Parliament Selection Process. The eighth Youth Parliament is scheduled for 19 and 20 July. Youth Parliament is a great opportunity for us, as Members of Parliament, to hear the views and opinions of young New Zealanders and raise awareness of the importance of youth civic engagement. In case you or anyone you know is between the age of 16–18 years of age (inclusive) on 16 October 2015 (the nominations closing date) and is keen on making an application to the eighth Youth Parliament they may write to me or make contact with my office.

Finally, I would like to use this opportunity to remind you that I hold regular consultation clinics at my office on Kolmar Road, Papatoetoe, Auckland.

If you would like to provide feedback or discuss any issues with me please call Rahul Chopra 09 278 9302 to make an appointment. You might also like to connect with me on website - www.bakshi.co.nz or on Facebook.

ENDS

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