Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust

More than 200 people gathered at Mount Roskill War Memorial Hall on 13 June as Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust marked World Elder Abuse Awareness Day with a programme aimed at raising awareness of elder abuse and reinforcing the rights, dignity and wellbeing of older people.



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🌍💜 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2026 💜🌍

Bringing together members from all three BSCT branches – Mount Roskill, Flatbush, and Papakura – Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust (BSCT) proudly hosted a meaningful and impactful event at Mount Roskill War Memorial Hall on Saturday, 13th June 2026, to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

The event highlighted the importance of protecting, respecting, and valuing our older generation while reinforcing a powerful message:

💜 Elder abuse in any form is unacceptable, and every senior deserves dignity, care, love, and respect.

🙏 The programme began with a prayer, birthday celebrations 🎂, and an energetic exercise session led by Inspector Andrew Lui, Ethnic Responsiveness Manager, New Zealand Police.

We were honoured by the presence of distinguished guests including:
✨ Roseanne Hay (Chairperson) and Ella Kumar (Deputy Chairperson) Puketāpapa Local Board, Board members Fiona Lai, and Brendan Larmer - Puketāpapa Local Board
✨ Carlos Cheung MP for Mt Roskill
✨ Michael Wood, Former Member of Parliament
✨ Sister Jessica Phuang, Former Ethnic Responsiveness Manager, New Zealand Police
✨ Shefali Mehta JP, President of GOPIO Auckland Central Chapter
✨ Vishav Sharma, Project Coordinator, Shanti Niwas
✨ Harish Lodhia, Honorary Consul of Fiji in Auckland
✨ Joseph Ngui, Puketāpapa Arts and Culture Association Incorporated

We also warmly acknowledge the presence and support of the executive team of Bihar Jharkhand Association of New Zealand (BJANZ) – Rani Singh, Shalini Alok, and Kiran Singh. Their participation reflected our shared commitment to supporting and honouring seniors within our communities. 🤝❤️

🎭🎶 The event featured a vibrant showcase of performances celebrating culture, community, and unity in diversity. The programme commenced with a delightful performance by the children of the BSCT Bal Vikas Cultural Group, followed by an energetic and crowd-pleasing performance by the talented young dancers of Khottey Sikke Dance Group.

💃🌟 A special thank you to Kesha Surti, founder of Khottey Sikke Dance Group, for always bringing a spark to BSCT events through her students' outstanding performances. Your dedication to nurturing young talent and supporting community initiatives is truly appreciated. ❤️👏

📢 The heart of our World Elder Abuse Awareness programme came from our very own seniors. Our message would not have been complete without the powerful Elder Abuse Awareness Rally, led by our Event Coordinator Gurdev Kaur Ji along with her dedicated group of seniors. Through meaningful slogans and advocacy, they delivered a strong message about protecting the dignity, rights, and wellbeing of older people.

🎭 This was followed by a thought-provoking skit presented by Urmila Seth Ji and Surinder Chawla Ji, Leads of the BSCT Flatbush Branch, along with their group. Through storytelling and real-life scenarios, the performance highlighted the realities of elder abuse and the importance of speaking up, seeking support, and standing together against it. Their message deeply resonated with the audience and served as a powerful reminder that every senior deserves to be valued, respected, and heard. 💜👏

✨ The cultural celebrations continued with a graceful dance performance by Kiran Singh (BJANZ), a beautiful Chinese cultural dance by Puketāpapa Arts and Culture Association Incorporated, and a vibrant Giddha performance by Niti Sharma Ji, Lead of the BSCT Papakura Branch, along with her group.

🎤 Adding further joy to the occasion were the wonderful musical performances by our very own Dhansukhlal Ji and Rushikesh Ahinave Ji, whose lively songs had everyone singing along, dancing, and enjoying the spirit of togetherness. Their performances truly brought the hall alive and added a memorable touch to the celebrations. 🎶💃🕺

🍛🍬 The programme concluded with a delicious lunch, bringing everyone together in a spirit of connection, gratitude, and respect.

🙏 A heartfelt thank you to all our guests, performers, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters who made this event such a success.

Together, let us continue to spread this important message:

💜 Respect Our Elders. Protect Our Elders. Stand United Against Elder Abuse. 💜

Puketāpapa Local Board
India in New Zealand (High Commission of India, Wellington)
Auckland Council
Bihar Jharkhand Association of New Zealand
Khottey Sikkey Dance Group
GOPIO NZ - Auckland Central Chapter
Shanti Niwas Charitable Trust
Roopa Aur Aap Charitable Trust
Jeet Suchdev
Roopa Suchdev
Roshni Chadha
Kanika Ranga