Prime Minister Narendra Modi's diaspora engagements in Australia and New Zealand received substantial support from the World Punjabi Organisation (WPO), led by International President Vikramjit Singh Sahney. The organisation played a key role in powering the community events that marked Modi's visits to these countries.
Media Outreach and Supplements
To commemorate the visit, the WPO facilitated prominent media outreach. The organisation ensured major advertorials in The Herald Sun (Australia) and two full-page special supplements in the New Zealand Herald. These engagements were key to extending outreach to Indians abroad at a time when international narratives about India have become increasingly important.
Community Receptions
A major highlight of the visit was the "Melbourne Meets Modi" community reception at Marvel Stadium, where nearly 30,000 members of the Indian diaspora gathered for a grand celebration. The event was attended by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan. In New Zealand, the "Kia Ora Modi" community reception at Spark Arena, Auckland, witnessed an enthusiastic turnout from the Indian community in the presence of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, reaffirming the strong people-to-people ties between the two nations.
Role of WPO Leaders and Volunteers
“WPO local chapters, led by J.S. Uppal, WPO Patron and President of Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Melbourne, and Kamaljeet Bakshi, WPO Patron and former MP, together with Ranjay Sikka, former MP and President WPO New Zealand, and dedicated community volunteers, played a pivotal role in the successful organisation of the events,” Sahney told The Tribune.
Strategic Importance
Sahney, who recently switched from AAP to BJP and is currently a Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab, said, "The Prime Minister's visit has not only strengthened India's bond with its vibrant diaspora but has also achieved strategic cooperation in trade, investment, technology, and critical minerals, opening new avenues for deeper economic partnership and people-to-people engagement." Australia is home to over 1.3 lakh people of Punjabi ancestry, while New Zealand hosts a vibrant and growing Punjabi community that continues to make significant contributions to both nations' economic, cultural, and social development.
