Auckland: Uttar Pradesh is often called India’s heartland, the cradle of Ganga–Jamuna culture and home to Varanasi and Ayodhya, with music traditions like khayal and thumri and food that runs from street carts to family tables. That same energy now lives in Auckland through the Uttar Pradesh Association of New Zealand (UPANZ).
AGM at a glance
At its first AGM on 14 September in Mt Roskill, UPANZ set a clear motto: bring the community together, promote Hindi, and help one another.
Executive confirmed: Patron Anurag Rasela; President Rakesh Maihar; Vice President Kashika Singh; Secretary Rahul Pandey; Treasurer Shilpi Gupta; Joint Secretary Nisha Mishra; Committee Members Priya Singh, Atul Chopra, Prabhjot Singh, Dr Harish Vaish, Sangita Gupta.
The minutes also noted the team’s recent service at the women-led millet showcase and the start of preparations for Diwali’s flagship community day, Prakash Parv.
What the leaders say
President Rakesh Maihar told webfitNews he is focused on building something welcoming and lasting for families across Auckland.
Humm FM presenter Kashika Ji, UPANZ Vice President, said she is leading cultural practice sessions and curating a program that blends crowd-pleasers with new talent.
Save the date: Prakash Parv (Diwali)
- When: Sunday, 5 October, 12 pm to 3 pm
- Where: Balmoral Community Centre, next to Bharatiya Mandir, Auckland
- Expect: quality cultural performances, community stalls, and warm festive vibes
- (Poster notes support from the Consulate General of India, Auckland.)
If you are from UP or simply love its culture, this is your day to turn up, cheer, and make new friends.
