Terming the Punjabi Community as the interesting, hospitable and good people with constructive minds, the Senior Minister for Internal Affairs, Govt. of New Zealand feels satisfied with his Punjab visit, “I was hugely humbled by the warmth of the people here in Punjab and quite impressed by the welcome they had extended to New Zealand Delegation”, remarked Mr. Richard Worth, the Minister from New Zealand.

          “I have experienced the great sense of spirituality, also the beauty of the historical site, The Golden Temple, Amritsar. It is truly impressive, truly spiritual” said Dr. Richard, who was mesmerized by the flow of Sikhs with Blue and Saffron Turbans, inside the Golden Temple, Amritsar.

          During his visit to the Golden Temple, Amritsar, the New Zealand Minister was accompanied by Mr. Richard Duncan, International Relations Manager, Waitakere City Concil of New Zealand, Mr. Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi the M.P. from Auckland, Mr. Bhavdeep Singh Dhillon (the Kiwi Businessman), Mr. Davinder Singh Chhina, the Director of Punjab Cultural Promotion Council (PCPC), Mr. Giri Gupta the Director of Infinity Enterprises NZ limited, Mr. Bharat Guha, the G.M. of Southern Institute of Technology NZ, Mr. Roshan Nauhria, another Businessman from NZ and some other officials of India Trade Group (ITG). India Trade Group, Inc. led by Minister Dr. Richard Worth Signed “Memorandum of understanding”  (MOU) with certain organizations at Chandigarh and Amritsar to accelerate Collaborations and Exchange programs in the fields of Aviation, Tourism, Culture, Trade and Education.

          Minister Dr. Worth told media that India Trade Group Inc. has finalized and signed MOU’s with Patiala Flying Club at Chandigarh, North West Institute of Engg. And Technology N.W.I.E.T. at Dhudike (Moga) and for International Educational, Culture - Sports exchange with Punjab Cultural Promotion Council (PCPC), the International folk Ensemble led by Mr. Davinder Singh Chhina at Amritsar . He told that Waitakere city council New Zealand has also signed M.O.U. with Amritsar Municipality at Maharaja Ranjit Singh Panorama, Amritsar “All these collaborations would go well for International friendship between both sides” expected Mr. Richard. Minister Richard Worth and all other deletgation members were honoured with set of Religious Books and Siropas in the information centre of SGPC Today. Jathedar Avtar Singh Makkar, President SGPC Welcomed Dr. Richard and his delegation members from New Zealand. Dr. Richard extended invitation to Mr. Makkar to visit New Zealand in near future. Mr. Makkar promised to send religions books and other Sikh literature to the Gurdwaras in New Zealand.

          New Zealand Delegation also visited Khalsa College, Amritsar Dr. Daljit Singh, Principal and Mr. Davinder Singh Chhina, Director of Punjab Cultural Promotion Council honoured New Zealand Minister Dr. Richard Worth, Mr. Richard Duncan, Mr. Bhavdeep Singh Dhillon and Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, the M.P. from New Zealand.

          Principal Dr. Daljit Singh and Minister Dr. Richard Worth had a meeting about “Educational Exchange programs”. Dr. Richard showed much interest in the Technical and Agricultural courses offered by Khalsa College, Amritsar. “Sooner we would go for another M.O.U. with Khalsa College Amritsar” disclosed New Zealand Minister. Those present included Prof. Sukha Singh, Dr. Suba Singh, Mr. Arvinder Singh Bhatti (TV New Reader), Mr. Daljit Singh and others. Speaking at Khalsa College, Minister Dr. Worth said, “ I m delighted to see the historical building of Khalsa College and its architecture has certainly fascinated me”. Mr. Davinder Singh Chhina invited New Zealand Folk Artists and students to Punjab in November, 2009 to participate in Punjab International folk festivals, Amritsar Int’l Folk fest, Amritsar Multicultural Fest and Khalsa College Int’l folk fest. The New Zealand delegation showed much interest and keenness to these international festivals. 

          Mr. Richard Duncan from Waitakere City Council also promised to initiate, cultural collaborations with PCPC, in consultation with Mayor of Waitakere City Council. Mr. Bhavdeep Singh Dhillon who took initative to bring this high powered New Zealand Delegation, to holy city told media that India Trade Group Inc. would also like to promote Hockey in both countries and in collaboration with PCPC, Hockey Teams from New Zealand would visit Punjab later this year. Mr. Chhina appreciated the gesture and efforts of Mr. Bhav Dhillon and declared Mr. Dhillon as Internatinal Coordinator of Punjab Cultural Promotion Council, Chapter New Zealand.

          In the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Panorama, the New Zealand Delegation was honoured by City Mayor Mr. Shwait Malik, Mr. Navjot Singh Sidhu M.P. and others. New Zealand Delegation also visited Jallian Wala Bagh. Dr. Richard Worth & his colleagues were also delighted to see the historical aspects of Punjab heritage in Maharaja Ranjit Singh Panorama in Ram Bagh Amritsar. 

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