|
Slain Kiwi Sikh's family to set up bursary
WSN Network
WELLINGTON: A
scholarship to help steer youngsters away from a life of crime will
come as a result of thousands of dollars raised for the family of
slain Riverton liquor store owner Navtej Singh.
At a benefit
screening of new Kiwi film Apron Strings held in Manukau this week,
about $13,000 were raised for the family of Mr Singh who was killed
during an armed robbery in June.
Around 500
guests turned out to the viewing, where Mr Singh's wife Harjinder
Kaur, his father Nahar Singh and other family members attended.
Verpal Singh, of
the Sikh Council of New Zealand, said Mr Singh's family were touched
by the well wishers and support from people within the local
South Auckland
and wider
New Zealand
community.
"A whole lot of
people came about to support the family and they're very touched by
that.
"They are
thinking of setting up a memorial scholarship to keep Navtej's name
and memory alive - not to be remembered in a negative way or being
related to crime, but a positive impact on the community."
Mr Singh,
secretary for the Sikh Council, acknowledged the special viewing of
the film - which deals with cultural clashes particularly between an
Indian Sikh and Pakeha family - put a better light on the
South Auckland
community.
"South
Auckland
has been painted as communities against each other and that is far
from reality. There were Samoans, Maori, Pakeha and Indian people
there."
He acknowledged
it was good to know that many people had been able to look at the
incident as the act of a few and not one supported by an entire
community.
"All the people
related to Navtej and the incident - they related to it at a human
perspective and not just a crime-related incident in
South Auckland,"
he said.
Apron Strings, a
first feature film for director Sima Urale, deals with issues of
prejudice, violence, anger and grief - as well as hope.
Ms Urale told
the audience the special screening was a gift to Navtej Singh's
family.
She said it was
an honour to present the film in a unique way - which resulted in
helping a family who went through a tragedy.
"It was a real
privilege to be able to show our film to help fundraise for the
Singh family."
She acknowledged
the movie illustrated the importance of being culturally aware of
all cultures.
"During filming,
I learned a lot about the Sikh community. They were really welcoming
and warm, very gentle-natured people.
"It's real
important to be able to go up to a person - not being scared because
they're different. It's like that in all cultures."
20 August, 2008
|
Read Also