Community Connectors

In this special and exclusive article A-Desiflava magazine features some of our community binders and connectors who are working relentlessly towards keeping our Indian communities of Hong Kong together and well connected with their roots back in India. Gujarati’s, Punjabi’s, Telugu’s, Maharashtrian’s and many other Indian community people are working together in their respective groups to maintain their original spirits of festivals, religious events and gatherings. Alongside these community leaders we are also featuring some known community leaders of Hong Kong who are helping our Indian community people with many social and professional needs in HK. It’s the combined support of these community and caste based group leaders that we have a big entertained and enlightened Indian community in Hong Kong

“We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men.” – Herman Melville

Jaya Peesapathy

Presedent of the HK Telugu Samakhya

A Well known Radio Presenter, Teacher and Founding President of The Hong Kong, Telugu Samakhya came to HK in 2002 along with my husband and son, which was a turning point in my life. A turning point to my skills, strengths and strategies in moving along with the flow of life. It stands true with many of our lives, yet the opportunities created by the situations was probably possible only in Hong Kong. Now serving as the Founding President of The Hong Kong Telugu Samakhya, serving as Committee Member in a couple of NGO’s promoting culture locally and serving as a co founder Rotary Community Corps of Lantau, Hong Kong. Though being from an Insurance industry (with a decades experience in Life Insurance Corp of India) or as a Centre Manager of NIIT in India, Hong Kong paved way into Teaching profession which i enjoyed thoroughly working with the Infants and Toddlers for over a decade.

During this stay in HK, I realised the need to develop a helpline for the Indian Diaspora and others who move into HK for various reasons to fulfill their dreams. I am glad that I could be a trendsetter in my chosen fields to inspire and empower those who find themselves with nothing better to do. I convey the same through my web radio programs too.

1) How are you keeping your community connected and bonded?
Thanks to Desiflava for the opportunity. I strongly believe in these three sayings,
1) ‘Be the change you want to see in the world’ by Mahatma Gandhi.
2) ‘Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much’ by Helen Keller.
3) ‘I am only one, but still I am one, I cannot do everything, but I can still do something, I will not refuse to do something I can do’ by Helen Keller. These are my motivational strengths and often when I feel low, I read them again and again and say to myself, that when they could do it, I too can do a little……! There was a time, when I had looked for support from the community, and fortunately though a bit late, I could still get it. Somewhere then, deep in my mind I felt the need to have a helpline, where one could reach easily and thus put myself into that task. Primarily as the Founding President of the Telugu Community from the twin states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, I am trying my best to serve them along with my team and through this organisation, connect to the various diasporas at large through cultural programmes or through social activities.

2) How did you support our community during the difficult COVID-19 times in HK?
Truly global tough times!! It was during complete lockdown, when some of our Members lost their dear one’s and were checking with me, asking for means to go to India, which was then next to impossible. At that moment knowing that all I could do was to be of moral support to them and keep checking with them regularly and give updates of the possible travel relaxations and routes. Similarly many of them were then on vacation in India and wanted to come back to Hong Kong, loosing patience as few of the families were in either of the countries and wanted to be together in these tough times.

What I learnt was that providing food, medicines etc is much easier while they are in quarantine, but it is really challenging and emotionally tough when you have to give them moral support on either a phone call or video call! There were days when I could hardly sleep as I couldn’t stop visualising their sufferings and incoming calls. I would like to share one such situation. This was about a family from a Southern Town in Andhra Pradesh, the Gentleman had joined his duties a few months ago and once he was settled and his family Visas were ready, he invited them to join him in Hong Kong. His family was travelling outside India for the first time and they had to travel from their Town to a Metro city with a special Covid pass and then fly to Hong Kong with a Covid Test report which shows negative for each of them.On arrival while being tested again at the airport, their little daughter of 4yrs tested positive. She was immediately taken away into isolation, without her mother……… and the rest we all can imagine and understand the child’s trauma, the pain and agony of her parents!!

Once our Government started having chartered flights with compulsory quarantine at government facilities, then people would start asking help for food items like milk, fruits etc, clothes, medicines etc on our Support groups. By then we were already Volunteering along with other Volunteers of the ‘HK Support Group’ which was managed by an amazing power house of generosity Ms. Kunj Gandhi and Team. Since our diaspora is large at Tung Chung, and the daily trips to quarantine facilities were increasing, we decided to pool some Volunteers and make 2 trips a day.

We collected their requirements a day earlier and distributed them to the Volunteers who would purchase them from Supermarkets and Pharmacies, while the delivery Volunteers would drive their own vehicles and deliver goods. This was reduced, once the travellers were allowed to choose Hotels for their quarantine. Anyone alone could not have done this, it was a Teamwork and very satisfying and strengthening too as you could see the Community come together to help, irrespective of any differences. We made a good number of friends through our Volunteers and from the people in quarantine too, isn’t that beautiful !!

3) Tell us about yourself and what motivates you to serve our community?
Once away from home, in a new country, most of us face basically the similar difficulties in settling down, and at a later part we eventually get so engrossed in our work and get busy with the daily routines that we miss visiting our home and family for various unexplained reasons. To put in exact words, like Kargil Hero Captain Vikram Batra says ‘Yeh Dil Maange More’, but we are helpless. This is one of the reasons I think bonds us all together, but just need an opportunity. Through The Hong Kong Telugu Samakhya (THKTS), I try my best with our Team to be like a Family to our Members with the motto “Mana Kosam Manam” which means “We are for ourselves”, we need to help each other as our families are far away from us. Similarly, with the help of Volunteers, I try to help through the Support groups too. Every year in July for the past few years, we have been celebrating Vijay Diwas, where we celebrate the joyous moment together through Cultural Programme when most of us share similar emotions for our Matru Bhoomi!!

Hong Kong as our Karma Bhoomi has offered us a good life and much more, a recognition for our own. We all strive to repay our onus towards “Janma Bhoomi”, to which we owe our existence through the resources we attain through our “Karma Bhoomi”. I believe that we should serve similarly to our Karm Bhoomi too, which has given us the ability, capacity and resources to be successful. Thus we, THKTS, and the Support group of Tung Chung, at regular intervals help few of our NGO’s supporting Refugees, Asylum seekers and Migrant Workers in Hong Kong, I also serve on the Rotary e-Club of Lantau, which also serves the most needy Aged Residents and Ethnic Minorities at regular intervals. There are many kind hearted and very generous human beings amongst us who have been serving different needs of people through their selfless and relentless services with great resilience and diligence, they are a great motivation to me and many others…. My humble and heartfelt Salutations to them All _/\_

4) Any difficulties you face in putting together your activities and initiatives  in HK?
No, not really. I believe where there’s a will there’s a way and that you aspire from Mother Nature and she weaves a path through all the hurdles as said by The Alchemist, “When you want something, the whole universe conspires in order for you to achieve it”. Hong Kong is very resourceful and well connected, which helps to serve with ease and comfort.

5) Tell us how the readers of A-Desiflava magazine can support you in order to serve our community?
That’s very thoughtful!! I am sure post Covid we have many such help and support groups working tirelessly, yet I humbly request our readers to initiate help from their zonal districts to the most needy members of various Communities across Hong Kong.

6) Please provide the best way for someone to reach out to you?
I can be reached through common friends, through social media handles and ofcourse my email – rjjaya18@gmail.com.
http://thkts.weebly.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/TeluguSamakhyaHK/
INSTA : https://www.instagram.com/teluguhk/
Jai Hind!

Neena Pushkarna

Retired Civil & Social Entrpreneur

Neena Pushkarna, originated from India and completed my studies at Delhi University. I embarked on my career at B. I. T. S. Pilani in Rajasthan, India, before relocating to Nairobi, Kenya. There, I worked as a High School English teacher at a reputable institution. In 1992, I moved to Hong Kong, where I found further opportunities in education, eventually becoming a Civil Servant. Upon retirement, I transitioned into the role of a High Court Interpreter and Translator, and later earned the position of President of the Hong Kong Interpreters and Translators’ Association.

My interest in social service and counselling has been a consistent theme throughout my life. I have a strong inclination to support the disadvantaged and the elderly, a commitment that has been recognised through several awards in community service in Hong Kong.I maintain the view that age is not a limiting factor when it comes to achieving one’ objectives, provided there is a positive mindset and self-assurance.

1) How are you keeping your community connected and bonded?
Indeed, humans are inherently social beings who thrive in communal settings. As such, the “sharing and caring” ethos should be central to our interactions. Fostering a robust network within a community necessitates an open-minded approach, coupled with social awareness and a genuine interest in the well-being of others. In my various roles as President, Vice President, Advisor, Judge, and member of multiple associations, I orchestrate an array of social, religious, and cultural events aimed at engendering social bonds that, in turn, result in strengthened friendships and community cohesion. These interactions serve as platforms for mutual trust, facilitating the sharing of experiences in a manner that leads to transformative growth. Moreover, I endeavour to address the challenges facing my community by adopting a responsive, reciprocal approach centred on empathy and concern. A broad network, amicable relations, and a cooperative spirit are, I believe, fundamental to maintaining a tightly-knit and harmonious community.

During the arduous period of the COVID-19 pandemic, the exigency for altruism and communal support reached unprecedented levels. Accordingly, I undertook a multifaceted approach to uplift the community’s spirits and ensure their well- being. I regularly produce video content in multiple languages, including Hindi, Punjabi, and English, to fortify the collective morale and advocate for responsible actions such as COVID-19 vaccinations, stringent hygiene practices, and communal solidarity. My role as a community leader and my established liaisons with various organisations, Legislative Council members, districtcouncillors, and non-governmental organisations made me strategically positioned to facilitate a large-scale distribution of essential items. I coordinated the allocation of approximately 3,000 testing kits, 6,000 face masks, 1,500 bottles of hand sanitiser, and additional protective equipment like face shields and gloves.

This undertaking necessitated meticulous organisation and timely execution to maximise its impact. The pandemic’s far reaching implications also affected our expatriate community, particularly those from India who found themselves stranded due to widespread flight cancellations. This situation led to a plethora of complications, ranging from academic interruptions for students and job losses due to extended absence to medical treatment discontinuation for the elderly. Recognising the gravity of these issues, I orchestrated numerous meetings with political dignitaries and Legislative Council members.

Eventually, these dialogues culminated in a successful negotiation with the Hong Kong government, which then organised repatriation flights and quarantine facilities for our stranded community members. In summary, my efforts during this challenging period were directed towards not just immediate relief but also long-term solutions, thereby contributing to our community’s overall resilience and well-being.

3) Tell us about yourself and what motivates you to serve our community?
I hail from India, where I received my foundational education and initiated my professional career. Initially, I took up employment in Nairobi, Kenya, where I served as a High School English teacher at a highly esteemed institution. Subsequently, I relocated to Hong Kong, fuelled by an enduring passion for education, and became a Civil Servant in the capacity of a Secondary School teacher. Upon retiring from civil service, I joined the Hong Kong Judiciary, where I secured a position as a High Court registered Interpreter and Translator, liaising with courts, police, immigration, and other governmental departments. Owing to my unyielding commitment and extensive experience, I ascended to the role of the President of the Hong Kong Interpreters and Translators Association. I am guided by Mahatma Gandhi’s axiom, ‘Live as if you were to die tomorrow; learn and serve as if you were to live forever.’ These words have profoundly influenced my ethos and are deeply embedded in my cognitive and emotional faculties. Since childhood, my predilection for philanthropy has been conspicuous.

My commitment to service remained constant even after relocating to Hong Kong, whether aiding the impoverished, resolving familial conflicts, or assisting in educational endeavours. In a freelance capacity, I continued to serve the community by facilitating educational opportunities, resolving disputes, and securing employment for individuals. Such unwavering resolve did not go unnoticed; in 2008, I received the singular honour of being the first non-Chinese recipient of a medal and award for Community Service from the Home Secretary of Hong Kong. My endeavours further received governmental recognition in 2009 when I was honoured by the Chief Executive of Hong Kong for my community service contributions.

My unflagging commitment to community service has provided me with an expansive portfolio, replete with positions of responsibility and influence across a multitude of esteemed organisations and social groups. In recognition of my efforts, I have garnered numerous accolades, among which titles such as ‘Wonder Woman’ and ‘Pioneer of the Society’ are notably prominent. After decades of ceaseless community service, my enthusiasm remains steadfast. My intent to make a substantive difference in the lives of those around me is as unwavering as ever, and I remain committed to my community and its welfare.

4) Any difficulties you face in putting together your activities and initiatives in Hong Kong?
In the realm of leadership, encountering obstacles and complexities is par for the course. I, too, grapple with various challenges, ranging from resource constraints and funding shortfalls to objections and resistance from stakeholders. I employ a diplomatic approach to navigating these intricate situations and maintain equanimity. Confusion occasionally arises within the team or organization; however, I address these uncertainties through the promotion of transparent dialogue. By fostering an environment that encourages open communication, I am able to galvanise team members, thereby empowering them to surmount challenges collectively. This approach has proven effective in optimizing performance and driving the successful realisation of our goals.

5) Tell us how the readers of A- Desiflava magazine support you in order to serve our community?
In an interconnected society, it becomes imperative to transcend divisions based on social standing, occupational rank, or linguistic barriers. The cornerstone of a robust community is the mutual respect for individual values coupled with a commitment to facilitate collective growth. To fortify the social fabric, individuals within the community should not merely coexist but actively seek to build symbiotic relationships characterised by cooperation and trust. These elements are critical not only for reinforcing community bonds, but also for preserving collective dignity.

6) Please provide the best way for someone to reach out to you?
Certainly, I possess a highly open-minded disposition and am keenly committed to offering my expertise for the betterment of others. One may utilise various channels such as telephonic communication, WhatsApp, or even Facebook Messenger to establish contact for collaborations or consultations with me. Each of these platforms offers a convenient means for swift and reliable engagement with me. I remain committed to serving humanity. I am an accomplished individual with a passion for teaching and community service.We call HongKong – Homekong since 2 decades. My daughter is perusing law in London. My husband is my strength. Throughout my journey, my approach in life has been to be positive in every situation. I firmly believe in basic core values of life like honesty, and compassion.I find great joy in connecting with people, exchanging ideas, and contributing to the growth of our community.

Sonali Vora 

President of Gujarat Samaj of Hong Kong

I am an accomplished individual with a passion for teaching and community service.We call HongKong – Homekong since 2 decades. My daughter is perusing law in London. My husband is my strength. Throughout my journey, my approach in life has been to be positive in every situation. I firmly believe in basic core values of life like honesty, and compassion.I find great joy in connecting with people, exchanging ideas, and contributing to the growth of our community.

1) How are you keeping your community connected and bonded?
To me, a community could mean family and friends, neighbours, or people that you know through activities like sports, neighbourhood, dinner, and cultural events. As someone has said, there is beauty and power in unity. I’m instrumental in binding all the members of my neighbourhood with over 300 ladies, serving as a president to the community with over 300 families, and taking the lead in planning family get-togethers. I jump on each opportunity I get to participate in community service activities.

Sonali Vora say’s….I am thrilled to be covered by A-Desi-Flava.

2) How did you support our community during the difficult COVID-19 times in HK?
While the social limits during the pandemic have caused many to feel a loss of community, we tried to create plenty of ways to rebuild and maintain these connections. Thanks to Zoom,… we got connected over very basic things like family games, housie. After some relaxation, we realised that we had missed. physical activities due to the lockdown, we started hiking and walking group. It created a support system to help everyone stick to regular exercise and explore beautiful Hong Kong. Discovered so many Hong Kong trials during Covid 19. Also our Samaj. The Gujarat Samaj Ltd. organised community classes for different age groups like make-up classes, glass dessert, chess and coding through Zoom keep thus being creative and it also helped us boost emotional wellbeing..

3) Tell us about yourself and what motivates you to serve our community.
I grew up in the Bombay era but now I call it Mumbai and Bombay interchangeably. For two decades, my family and I have been resident of this vibrant city Hong Kong. I hold two Post Graduate degrees in Marketing and Education. I decided to study English because I have always loved reading and writing. I am passionate about teaching.Being from Mumbai, the city has taught me that diversity can coexist and that there is never a dull moment. Growing up with Bengali, Sikh, and Punjabi etc. friends and having travelled the world, I hold no resistance towards a different mindset. My mindset is always about finding a solution with a smile and holding everyone together. Contributing and binding people together is a satisfying experience for me.

4) Any difficulties you face in putting together your activities and initiatives in
HK.Yes.. Of course…but for this, I would like to thank my parents. Any obstacle, my parents have trained us (my sister and me) to deal with it all! Manners and respect were the core of our upbringing and I bring mine up with the same morals. There is space for everyone and we all can co-exist. I would like to believe that I am Solution- oriented, which helps me to find a way. for eg. for one of our community events last year when the city started relaxing the curbs we started by having Garba Evening 2022. Never before like this was done before but we organised Garba in 2 sessions on the same day. The afternoon session was for kids with parents and the evening for adults to accommodate as many Samaj members as possible given the Covid 19 regulations on a maximum number of people allowed to be gathered at the venue. Members enjoyed dancing and we could cater to the maximum member possible.

5) Tell us how the readers ofA-Desiflava magazine can support you to serve our community.
First a big thank you to A-Desiflava, Gaurav for this honour and coverage, who himself is a big community connecter. I would love to let everyone know that helping others kindles happiness. Doesn’t have to be monetarily, reach out to people in any possible way. Now that I serve as the president, of The Gujarat Samaj Ltd, I would like to call out all the Gujarati in Hong Kong to join the Samaj which better channel than A-Desiflava magazine, which has the biggest reach among Indians in Hong Kong. Since last 50 years, the Samaj has offered fun-filled activities as well as cultural and community events for all age groups throughout the year. We all have our small groups of family and friends but it is always great to stay connected. Join over to pass, and enjoy our heritage, our language, our food and our Sanskriti with young kids. We are looking at an opportunity to organise an event with A-Desiflava. Let us collaborate soon. 🙂

6) Please provide the best way for someone to reach out to you.

One can contact me at sonali2711@yahoo.com

Poonam V Mehta 

Educator and Counselor

Trained as an qualified educator and counselor, I have successfully setup and run several schools. As a committed educator, I am keen to continue contributing in this field. I am generally regarded as a personable and committed educator who can build rapport and trust at all levels within a school community. I bring to my profession a high level of dedication and a strong commitment to excellence in all that I do. I thrive on working in a collegiate setting and am known as a supportive and reliable colleague. I continue to work as an Early Childhood Educator because I enjoy working with children during the most formative years of their holistic development, to enhance their self-esteem and social interactions with others. My experience to date has fully justified my career choice. My goal is to use my lifelong learning to impact and make a difference to every child’s life.
• President of Be the Change HK Organization (www.bethechangehk.org)

• Core member of Sage Foundation Mumbai India

• Trustee of Dreamz Home Orphanage Mumbai (a home for street children and child beggars)

1) How are you keeping your community connected and bonded?

As the saying goes: “Seek not what your country can do for you; but rather seek what you can do for your country.” This quote highlights the importance of taking an active part in building stronger bonds and staying connected within the community. Being a role model to others helps in strengthening stronger relationships with the community. Besides, connecting with people and helping others is my intent and purpose, therefore, it comes very naturally to me. However, one cannot achieve something entirely by oneself; I am fortunate to receive great support from friends and, in particular, my family. Having said that, the community has immense trust in my service as an educator and counsellor helping ethnic minorities in Hong Kong, for which I am very grateful.

2) How did you support our community during the difficult COVID-19 times in HK?
I guess COVID-19 was very hard for people around the world. In Hong Kong it was all the more tough. Many of our students and families were in great fear. As well as the academics, many parents lost their jobs so survival was difficult for them. First, we ensured they had food on the table. Many well-wishers donated groceries, juice boxes, soap bars, shampoo bottles. napkins, blankets. Huge boxes of masks, ‘RAT’ kits were also donated, which was of immense help to many families.

This transformation was very valuable to children especially spending time with their fathers. They learnt household chores and learnt to become more responsible. Besides this, we scheduled online tutorials. Some of our students found it difficult because they did not have access to internet, so we ensured this service was provided. In addition, the transition from classroom learning to home learning was very challenging for both teachers and students alike.

Students were exempted from mid-term exams, which was a great relief! We had online workshops for parents who were going through depression, some of whom were at breaking point. When children were asked the pros and cons of pandemic time, they were honest in saying even though they missed school and their friends, at the same time, travel time was saved and they could sleep a bit longer. On the flip side, we all learned a great lesson – families bonded well. Normally student’s entire school life passes mechanically where there is no ownership, whereas during COVID-19, there was more awareness of life beyond school life, appreciation and gratitude became their mantra. They knew their boundaries, challenges and sacrifices.

Poonam ji in Seminar with Parents at the CCC Kwei Wah Shan College, HK

3) Tell us about yourself and what motivates you to serve our community.
The magnitude of all this is service. My goal has always been to seek and uplift the distressed, disadvantage and vulnerable, irrespective of caste, creed or religion. I believe in caring for the needy with compassion and love. We must all indulge in acts of giving back. Humanity arrives from unselfish acts of compassion. This journey had not been easy until I liberated myself from any expectation. Life is an opportunity which comes your way just once – grab this prospect. Experience it and write it down. Each stage of my life is a new chapter. On each blank paper a new plan is designed by the Almighty. Our good actions may seem invisible, but they leave a trail that is engraved on the hearts of others. During my childhood I remembered two great Indian souls – Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shashtri. Gandhi Ji taught us non- violence and truth. Shashtri Ji directed us to live a life of sacrifice. This has been registered in my mind – what a fabulous message by great leaders of India. My salute to these legends.

4) Any difficulties you face in putting together your activities and initiatives in HK?

I learned something from… “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.” Henry Ford.

5) Please provide the best way for someone to reach out to you.
One can connect me at poonam@bethechangehk.org
Mob: 9235-6628

Amit Wakade

Committee Member of Maharashtra Mandal of HK

An Investment Banking Technology Professional, came in Hong Kong in November 2010 from JP Morgan Mumbai to join JP Morgan Hong Kong. Got married to Rajshree Wakade in May 2011, and well settled in Hong Kong Now at Lohas Park, TKO. I have been part of Maharashtra Mandal since, March 2011, became committee member since Jan 2020. My hobbies are Playing Badminton with friends and I am trekking enthusiatic.

1) How are you keeping your community bonded?
We at Maharashtra Mandal have many events for our member community namely
1. Holi Celebrations with Cultural Aspects and Festival Of Colours on Outdoors Beach.
2. Maharashtra Din (Day) Celebrating May Day with Cultural Activities like Drama, Skit, Dance Performances, Other Talent shows.
3. Ganesh Utsav – Ganesh Chaturthi with 4 day events Bhakti Sangeet Concert, Atharvasheersha Reciting, Visarjan.
4. Sports day events, Outdoor and Indoor sports events and competitions.
5. Diwali Celebrations – Grand Celebrations with multiple performances and games, an eventful evening We as a committee (Mugdha,Rahul and me) have one motto,inclusion and Equality for every one our community.

2) How did you Support your Community during the diffficult Covid-19 time of HK?
It was a difficult time with many restrictions ON always for 3 years in a row. We moved to digital and online community bonding exercise We as MMHK committee arranged multiple Zoom sessions for community including

1. Sessions on experience of Quarrantine and dos and don’t during quarrantine informal chit chat sessions with our beloved members
2. Sharing each other Lockdown experiences and sharing learnings from the lockdown
3. Sessions on Equality from Hong Kong Equal Opportunity Commission Diginitaries (https://www.eoc.org.hk/en) on how to tackle different Equal Opportunity issues in HK social life and corporate life.
4. Sessions on Legal proceedings on Will Preparation for India and HK for members and had a tie up with a legal firm for allowing Will Making in a discounted rate with the help of Members who have legal background and a guest Legal Expert.
5. We arranged once off Lunch and Talk sessions when restrictions reduced for gathering, that was first open gathering we during Covid 19 restrictions.
6. We had a tie up with a travel agency (Fly High Travels) to arrange trips to India, Cruise to Souch china Sea and Booking Quarrantine Hotels in Hong Kong
7. With God’s Grace, we could celebrate Ganesh Utsav all the restricted years with restricted attendance and with mask restrictions ON, same for Diwali, we could arrange Diwali in Covid 19 years as well but with restrictions All these activities helped us to keep a strong bond with our community.

3) Tell us about yourself and what motivates you to server our community?

Myself an Information Technology Professional with Investment Banking Domain, arrived in Hong Kong in Nov 2010 from JP Morgan Mumbai to JP Morgan Hong Kong and now working for Barclays Capital Asia Limited since Nov. 2022. I got married to Rajshree Kulkarni (now, Mrs. Rajshree Wakade) in 2011, we have a son Adheesh Wakade, he is 9 years young kid. We are members of MaharashtraMandal Hong Kong since 2011. I joined Maharashtra Mandal Hong Kong in 2011 in a MMHK Holi 2011 event, I found my Marathi, Maharashtra and homely community and I was welcomed by the then President Rupesh Patade and Secretary Nitin Rajkuwar in 2011.
I feel, we can give back our community what we know from our culture , experience of Hong Kong as an inclusive place and preserve our culture at the same time while serving community.

4) Any difficulties you face in putting together your activities and initiatives in HK?
Yes, we do face difficulties especially when we have to book venues for our cultural programs for Maharashtra Din in May, it is not easy to get a community hall reserved even when you try everything before 4 months in advance, there is always uncertainty. Also, when we arrange indoor sports day, we have to plan the venue booking with LCSD (government facilities, 1 week in advance), this becomes really challenging.

Also, we have to make sure, we always follow any restrictions and guidelines by government on gathering, especially in Era of Covid 19 restrictions was challenging to arrange gathering with restrictions. Now, we have 140+ Families as members our community, so, need to manage expectations from everyone.

5) Tell us how readers of A-Desiflava magazine can support you in order to serve our Community?
The biggest support A Desiflava magazine readers can provide is if we can get some options for venues for different cultural programs like Maharashtra Din, Ganesh Utsav Bhakti Sangeet Concert etc. for nominal cost or if we can get some support to book the Government Community Halls for such events.

6) Please provide the best way for someone to reach out to you?
For reaching out Maharashtra Mandal Community, one can reach us via email maharashtramandalhk@gmail.com
For reaching out to me personally amitc.wakade@gmail.com
Mobile : +852 54407548