UniIndian
Student Association
India
is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of
history, grand mother of legend, and great grandmother of tradition. Our most
valuable and most instructive materials in the history of man are treasured up
in India only.
Mark
Twain
The
UniIndian Students Association (UI) would like to take this opportunity to
welcome and equip you with some information regarding UniIndian. The UI is a
non-profit organization of Indian students. It aims at promoting Indian
culture and values by organizing cultural and social programs during festive
times and other occasions. It also serves the large Indian student population
(about 500 in number) in every possible way. UI is a non-profit organization
for all the students. Our objectives are to promote service and participation
opportunities for our members. UI is a student organization on campus working
towards propagating the culture, traditions and arts of India here in New
Zealand. It enables students and faculty, both of Indian origin and interested
non-Indian folks to enjoy, appreciate and be a part of our rich & colorful
heritage. UI embraces the Indian culture. The organization celebrates Indian
culture through music, dance, literature, holiday celebrations, language
tables, and most importantly, social and political issues that impact Indian
students within New Zealand. We encourage everyone, regardless of ethnic
background, to take an active role in the sharing and appreciation of Indian
Culture.
Humble
Beginnings:
Founded coincidentally on the 15 of August, India's Independence Day,
UniIndian Student Association is the newest and fastest growing club on
campus. Idea for this club was incubated by a group of enthusiastic and
motivated Indian students who felt a need to bring students of Indian origin
together on a cultural and social level. Our motto 'Roots Pride Culture' has
been key driving force that sums up our objectives and motives goals for our
club.
In
2000 we realized the tremendous support we had behind us when we won the
Cultural Mosaic at University for our vibrant and loud display of culture and
dance. Entertaining crowds of over 1000 with Bhangra at our socials, we
quickly found our niche in the youth community and this gave us an insight as
to how we could better serve our members.
We
managed to fundraise around $3500 for the Earthquake Victims in India, that
was spiritually very fulfilling and certainly an achievement for us as a team.
Plans for future social, cultural and fashion event, cricket tournaments and
our annual Ball are well under way but so are our plans for more academic
activities like scholarships for Indian students, a mentor Programme for
Indian Overseas Students and first year students, humanitarian and charity
work with other Indian organizations in New Zealand.
From
here on sky’ is the limit. Together as a team we can achieve and with the
blessings from the Indian community and the community at large, we hope to
serve and continue to serve the Indians of tomorrow.
Mission:
To
provide a platform for continuous dialogue and interactions among Students of
Indian origin at territory campuses with a goal of improving student life and
hence the community at large as well.
Purpose:
The
purpose of this organization is to serve its member students through service
and cultural sharing, in the effort to serve student community,
Goal: The
overall goal of this organization is to provide its member students the
opportunity to experience basic Indian culture and to provide service to the
community. UI has two main goals:
-
To
provide networks of support for all its member students within New
Zealand.
-
-
To
sponsor programs which will promote a critical awareness and understanding
of a broad range of Indian and mainstream events, issues, and experiences
Past:
UI has sponsored and actively initiated a wide array of activities. For
instance, Fundraising for earthquake victims, Social events and participating
in cultural events as well. Participation in the Cultural Mosaic reinforces
our focus of advancing the uniqueness of the Indian heritage.
Future:
This year we aim to help new students with the educational and social issues
that they may face at their tertiary institutions. Student-community
interactions are also highly encouraged. UI is committed to promoting Indian
awareness not only in our club and on campus, but in the community as well. In
the club, we hope to expand membership and pride. On campus, UI aspires to
play a larger role in student issues. Finally
UniIndian Students Association is a dynamic and expansive organization.
Membership
Eligibility: Any student may apply for membership. UniIndian
Students Association (UI) is open to all students, faculty, staff and members
of all tertiary institutions within New Zealand.
