SONI SANDESH

SONI SANDESH
A Publication of Soni Samaj NZ (Inc) DIWALI 2014 Edition
www.sonisamaj.co.nz Email: [email protected]
Latest News: Grand Diwali, Nutan Varsh Abhinandan and Bhai Beej Celebrations—coming up - see details inside.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Jai Shree Krishna...Greetings to all Samaj members and friends on this
festive season leading into Diwali and Nutan Varsh Abhinandan - Gujrat
Vikram Samrat 2071.
Grand Diwali, Nutan Varsh Abhinandan and Bhai Beej Celebrations
On Saturday, 25th October 2014, your committee has organised a Grand
Diwali, Nutan Varsh Abhinandan and Bhai Beej Celebrations at the Mt Albert
War Memorial hall. The evening promises to be a fabulous event. This is the
first time these celebrations are being held on a Saturday, 2 days after Diwali, a day after Nutan Varsh and on the auspicious day of Bhai Bheej. The
evening will have garam bhajia cooked on site, also garam jalebi will be
served. The entertainment segment will have a great mix of live singing,
dances and will have a live Deejay, courtesy of DJ Girish. A professional
photographer will capture the celebrations with family and groups snapped
on arrival and during the evening. One of the highlights of the evening will
be a momentous photography of our samaj under 16 community and a
group photo of the Soni Sahelis. Members are encouraged to come, bless
and be blessed on this opportune evening.
We will also discuss a proposed constitutional amendment in the form of a
Special General Meeting at the Diwali Function—please see further details on page 8.
Children's Xmas Party
The last event on our calendar this year is the Children's Xmas Party. This will be held on Sun 30 November at the Mt Albert War Memorial
hall. Our resident Santa will entertain and hand over gifts to 'children of all ages'. The 'bring a dish' theme will offer a great mix of delicacies
along with the ghatia, marcha which we will provide and of course the garam chai we make on site.
Soni Sandesh
Soni Sandesh continues to evolve as a news medium. We have received great feedback in relation to our recently added Recognition of
Service to the Samaj column. This publication for the first time has a Sonis of the World section with updates and news from the Queensland Soni Samaj, Soni Society of British Columbia and Fiji Soni Samaj. Soni Sandesh needs participation and contribution from it's members so we can better share announcements and achievements with your family and friends. It is a matter of pride that Soni Sandesh is considered to be a great source of information not only in NZ but internationally.
www.sonisamaj.co.nz
We are pleased to report that the Samaj once again has a current and functional website. All feedback is welcome with view to further enhance the utility it already provides.
Moving forward to 2015
2015 promises to be another eventful and successful year with Purshottam Maas and Fiji Soni Sneh Milan (details on page 7) featuring on
our calendar amongst our other community functions.
Finally, we look forward to your presence and blessings on Saturday 25 October to celebrate together as one proud community, our Diwali,
Nutan Varsh Abhinandan and Bhai Beej.
Hari Om.
Ritesh Raniga,President.
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Upcoming Events:
Grand Diwali, Nutan Varshabhinandan and
Bhai Beej Celebrations:
When: Saturday 25 October 2014 from 7 PM sharp.
Everyone must be seated by 7pm for formal function.
Where: Mt. Albert War Memorial Hall, 773 New North
Road, Mt. Albert.
Programme Details: Peformances and Entertainment led by DJ Girish, Diya lighting ceremony, and
sumptuous dinner.
A professional photographer will be on hand again to
snap family photos on arrival. We will also capture a
very special photograph for all our young people
under16 years of age and Soni Sahelis.
Entry fee: $10 for thirteen years and older.
Subscriptions:
Annual subscriptions are now due for the period
July 1 2014 to June 30 2015. Please post cheque to
NZ Soni Samaj, 142 West Coast Road, Glen Eden,
Auckland or contact a committee member. Subs
are $20 per person between ages 18 to 65.
You can also pay online into the Samaj Westpac
bank account: 030175 0196359 00
It is important to note that subs are a major source
of income for the Samaj and helps subsidise expenses like newsletters, communications, functions
etc.
2014 NZ Soni Samaj Directory:
The directory was successfully launched with
great fanfare at the Mother’s Day Function. All
financial members and eligible senior citizens
qualify for a free copy. Please contact your
nearest committee member to collect a copy if
you have not received one already. Limited copies will also be available at the Diwali Function.
RSVP: [email protected] immediately.
Dress code: Smart Casual or Indian
To participate in items etc please contact Tina Meghji
on 0212134640.
2014 Childrens Xmas Party
When: Sunday 30 November 2014 from 2pm to 5pm.
Where: Mt Albert War Memorial Hall, 773 New North Road, Mt.
Albert.
Programme Details: Performances, Christmas carols, Santa to
hand-in gifts on behalf of parents, Afternoon Masala Chai, Fun and
Games for children and adults…..Entry is FREE.
2015 President’s Picnic
The team in action on AGM morning...a
great effort and thanks to all the helpers.
Sunday 15 February 2015 at Okahu Bay, Auckland from 11 am.
Utensil Hire—the Samaj has a set of utensils (pots and pans, serving dishes, spoons etc) which can be used for cooking for
up to a thousand people.
We are happy to hire this out. Please contact President Ritesh Raniga ([email protected] or 021576381 or 095763818) if
you wish to hire Samaj utensils.
Members: full hire $200, partial hire $100
Non members: full hire $300, partial hire $150
Non vegetarian cooking will not be permitted. Hirers will need to arrange own transport for pick up and return.
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Executive Committee 20014/2015:
President
Ritesh Raniga
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 021 576381
Vice President
C.K Ranchhod
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 021588675
Vice President
Chandrika Meghji
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 021 132 5956
Immediate Past President
Sanjai Bagia
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 021 487886
Secretary
Tina Meghji
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 021 213 4640
Treasurer
Gigesh Pala
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 021 226 6474
Committee Members 2014/2015
- Tarun Pragji (Waikato Coordinator)
- Ranjana Gauri
- Jitesh Raniga
- Naina Bhindii
- Jayesh Rana
- Pramesh Sundarjee
- Uma Chopra
Trustees of the Samaj:
Soni Popat Lal Bagia
Soni Harish Sundarji
Soni Ravin Ranchhod
Recognition of Service to the Samaj—Mr. Dinesh Raniga
(We will be recognising a long-serving member in every newsletter—suggestions welcome)
Dinesh Bhai Raniga has served the NZ Soni Samaj since its earliest
days. Along with Dr. Kantha Soni and Mr. Vimal Raniga, Dinesh Bhai
was instrumental in establishing the NZ Soni Samaj constitution. He
has served between 1993-2000 as Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President and then was elected President also. He is known for his positive
personality and
his energy is infectious. He is always quick to volunteer whenever
there is work to be
done.
A quote from former President Vimal Raniga “I admire Dinesh (and
the extended
Raniga Family) because of his unselfish attitude, his generosity (with
his time and money), his work ethic, his sense of humour, his wit and
his intellect”.
Dinesh Bhai was also a key member of the “Tight Five” that organized
the most
successful
Sumeet
Tappoo
concert in
support of
the Starship Foundation.
The NZ
Soni Samaj
thanks
Dinesh
Bhai and
the entire Raniga family for their service and contribution to the Samaj
on the occasion of Diwali.
(Special thanks to former Presidents Dr. Kantha Soni and Mr. Vimal Raniga for their
contribution to this article.)
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THE SONI ALL WHITES
Jai Shree Krishna,
Below is a brief on Soccer activities for the upcoming year:
Nadi Gujarati Soccer Team:
After a successful initiation of NZ Nadi Gujarati Soccer team last year (2013) and an outstanding result this year (i.e.
Semi-finals) preparations will shortly start to get our team ready to win the tournament next year.
Here is a brief on all upcoming NZ Gujarati Tournaments:
7-a-side Tournament – Late October or Early November 2014
Summer League – Over Jan/
Feb 2015
Easter Tournament – 03rd to
05th April 2015
NZ Gujarati marks its 25th Anniversary next year so there would be no
better time to win the tournament.
Social soccer has started already
(Saturday’s at 3.30pm @ Lynfield
Rec Grounds) and the Nadi team
committee would like to encourage
all father’s to send their sons, particularly those over 12yrs so they
can start playing for the team.
Diwali Cup Challenge:
Nadi Gujarati committee will introduce an annual Married vs. Singles Cup Challenge which will be
played on 26th October 2014 starting
at 11am (Ground TBC). The married
team will be led by our own Ritesh
Raniga and his challenge goes out
to all young guns out there – “let’s see what you’ve got”.
We will try to make this a family event so wives and mothers would be encouraged to come and support the fading
and rising stars respectively.
Fiji Soni Pacific Cup Challenge:
As most of you would be aware, Fiji Soni Samaj has confirmed Sneh Milan 2015 (https://www.facebook.com/
fijisonisnehmilan2015) 25-28 June 2015 and this means the Pacific Cup Challenge will be hosted during this gathering. So preparations for this competition are likely to commence straight after the Easter Tournament. This is another
reason for asking our teenagers to get involved.
For further details or to include your name in the regular Soccer Notifications please contact any of the following
members:
Milan Raniga([email protected]),
Minesh Raniga ([email protected])
Pramesh Sundarjee ([email protected])
Minesh Raniga, on behalf of the Soni All Whites
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The Soni Sahelis (by Saras Raniga, Coordinator)
The Soni Sahelis have been organising their functions since 2012. Our latest function
was held on 1st September 2014 at 93 Landford Crescent in Avondale.
We sing bhajans, antakshri, poems and jokes and it is bring a plate and $5 per person going towards hall hirage and future functions.
To take part in our next event
please contact me on 09 827
7165 or 021 129 3882.
A big thank you to Uma Chopra for arranging hall facilities
from all the Soni Sahelis.
Website
Our website is now up and running. Please go to www.sonisamaj.co.nz
where you will find details of events, photos, directory and much more.
Some Recent Photos:
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SONIS OF THE WORLD—Soni Society of British Columbia
SONIS OF THE WORLD—Message from Queensland where Australia Shines……
It is my privilege again as President of Queensland Soni Samaj Inc. to send your members of New Zealand Soni
Samaj, our sincere best wishes for a Happy Navratri.
Two years after stepping down as President of QSSI and the success of our magical Sneh Milan of 2012, a new committee led by myself was nominated to take the Samaj forward for yet another term.
I am ably supported by a well balanced team and my Vice President Tarun J Raniga, Secretary Yashna Harilal and a
committee of seven.
The membership is now looking forward to the Fiji Sneh Milan, announced from June 25-28th 2015, and I am sure that
like the 600 participants in Queensland there will be a fair few attending in Fiji.
My committee is gearing itself to organise few functions, including the Nutan Varash Dinner on November 22 nd.
May I take this opportunity on behalf of the entire membership of Queensland Soni Samaj Inc., in wishing you and
your families a Very Happy Diwali & a Prosperous New
Year.
Dipak Amratlal
President, Queensland Soni Samaj
2014/2015
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SONIS OF THE WORLD—Fiji Soni Samaj—hosts of Fiji Soni Sneh Milan 2015
SPECIAL INVITATION
October 3rd, 2014
The President
New Zealand Soni Samaj
Auckland ,New Zealand
RE: Proposed Soni Sneh Milan Republic of Fiji Islands
Firstly on behalf of the Fiji Soni Samaj, I wish everyone a Happy Diwali and a Happy New Year. As everyone is aware
Fiji Soni Samaj would now be one of the smallest in terms of Soni members living in Fiji due to many people migrating
overseas and settling in countries like New Zealand, Australia, Canada and USA. We have very limited functions as
most families are living in different cities. I fully understand that everyone has been waiting for the formal announcement of the next big Soni gathering which we call Soni Sneh Milan. On behalf of Fiji Soni Sneh Milan Committee I
would like to formally announce the dates 25th June - 28th June, 2015 as our formal gathering for all our Sonis
throughout the world. As most of the people are aware that myself, Bobby Raniga and Himmat Lodhia in 2012 at Brisbane Sneh Milan announced that Fiji will host the next event. Keeping our promises we have begun our organizing to
host this grand 4 day event in Denarau, Nadi. We understand that a significant number of attendees in 2015 will come
from offshore. Keeping, this in mind it is only fair to give as much notice as possible. The dates we have chosen are
good for a few reasons. Firstly the weather will be coolish and secondly it will give people from northern and southern
hemisphere the opportunity to attend. For Australasians, semester 1 secondary and tertiary exams would be finishing
off. For Americans and Canadians, it is time for their summer holidays. Listed below are some key points of the 2015
Sneh Milan:
- A 4 day event at Denarau Island, Nadi
- Variety Meals and entertainment
- Excursions to your old village/school/residence
- Event specially designed for youths
- Programme for Senior citizens
- Sporting (Squash, Tennis, Table Tennis, Golf, Soccer, Netball)
- A separate 2 nights/3 days cruise to the picturesque islands of the yasawas post Sneh Milan subject to minimum
numbers
We will be providing further details through website and emails in the coming weeks and will be sending more details
to country presidents. The registration forms will be available by end of October to get full advantage of early bird registrations. Please keep in mind we will be limiting the numbers due to many enquiries from other countries and I hope
everyone registers early to avoid disappointment.
On behalf of Fiji Soni Samaj I would like to once again wish everyone a Happy Diwali and a Happy New Year. My enthusiastic team and I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind Regards
Romit Meghji,
President,
Fiji Soni Samaj
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NOTICE OF SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING
Please be advised that the Executive Committee with the support of Samaj Trustees is calling a Special General Meeting at the Diwali Function on October 25 2014.
The Special General Meeting will be held at approximately 8pm after the conclusion
of the entertainment program.
The Special General Meeting is to vote on the following proposed amendment to
the Samaj Constitution:
It is proposed that clause 6 of the Samaj Constitution be amended to include and define the
powers of the Executive Committee by addition of the following clause:
CLAUSE 6.15
Without prejudice to the general powers conferred by this Constitution, the Executive Committee shall have the following powers:
(a) It shall be responsible for the management of the affairs of the Samaj including
the control and investment of the Samajs’ funds;
(b) It may spend for the benefit of the members of the Samaj up to the sum of
$10,000.00 (ten thousand dollars) (excluding GST) without reference to a general meeting and without obtaining the prior approval of Board of Trustees. In
the event that the total value of such activities exceeds $10,000.00 (excl. GST)
prior approval of the Board of Trustees for such expenditure shall be obtained
by the Executive Committee before committing to the expenditure.
(c) The following limitation shall apply to the powers conferred by this constitution: where any two (2) or more transactions of the same nature and where
each single transaction does not exceed $10,000.00 (excl. GST) , these transactions shall be deemed to be one single transaction of total value of
$10,000.00 (excl. GST) if the sum of these transactions is greater than
$10,000.00 (excl. GST) and as such, prior approval and consent of the Board of
Trustees shall be obtained by the Executive Committee before entering into or
committing the Samaj into such transactions.”