INDIA Association of Papua New Guinea has raised half a million kina to support community projects in Port Moresby through its annual fundraiser last Saturday. In its 43rd year running, the 2024 India Nite event held at the Sir John Guise stadium witnessed a vibrant celebration of the Indian culture where over 700 people were in attendance. President of the India Association of PNG Raj Patnaik thanked the corporate houses who participated in the fundraiser stating that these contributions will go back to the communities within Port Moresby with an aim to foster friendships and development together between India and PNG.
“Established in 1981, the IAPNG has been working on fostering friendship among our community members, promoting mutual understanding between the two nations that are thousands of miles apart yet so similar in culture and tradition. “I am proud to mention that the proceeds from last India Nite helped us to donate a classroom each to Baruni Primary School and to School for ANCOP (in progress) and also educational materials to six other educations institutions in NCD. Once again with your support we look forward to continuing our work in the education sector,” said Mr Patnaik.
The India Association of PNG is made up of 250 Indian families who are living and working in Port Moresby and throughout PNG. Since the association was established in 1981, the committee has been supporting community projects within Port Moresby through monies raised from the annual fundraiser. The platinum sponsors of this year’s event include the National Capital District Commission, Tisa Bank and Heduru Moni Limited trading as MoniPlus.
National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop, in his address, highlighted the importance of the support showed by friends of PNG and Port Moresby like the India Association of PNG. He said such contributions add value to the work of the NCDC in improving the standard of living and access to services. “This India night brings everybody together; Papua New Guineans, Indians, every body of all nationalities, faith, religion, cultural background.
“That is the definition of Port Moresby, it is a city that is inclusive, diverse yet one. “We are making all efforts to make it a great place for us, livable city, clean city, beautiful city and amazing city and such a night like this brings and adds value to what we are trying to do. “I am deeply appreciative of the Indian community for not failing us every year,” said Mr Parkop.
Some of the projects under taken by the IAPNG from last year’s India Nite fundraiser include:.
