Radical change from a Racial Segregation
A talk to the YAD conducted by National Police Strategic Ethnic advisor, Sergeant Rakesh Naidoo – 26 February 2012.
Sergeant Rakesh Naidoo was invited by the FGS Youth Adult Division team to conduct a talk as a Police officer and its responsibility. There were approximately 30 BLIA members attend that afternoon in total, include Venerable Abbess Manshin, Venerable RuLian, NZ BLIA chairperson Dolly Tsai, a police woman Jessica, and BLIA members and the youth.
Sergeant Rakesh Naidoo was born and raised in South Africa where the Apartheid system (racial segregation) was adopted. Thus, life was very difficult because there is no support from the Government and lacked in resources and choices. Despite these adverse conditions, his hard working parents create a happy and positive childhood for him, taught him on the value of equality and treat everyone with respect regardless of their race. As a youth under this racial segregation, Rakesh was determining to leave the country and travel around the world to seek for a country without corruption, where he can settle in peace and contribute his service for a community. For this reason, he went to India to seek his ancestry, then to America, New Zealand and many other countries. He chose to be a policeman in New Zealand because of its values of discipline and order.
As a policeman, Sergeant Rakesh always handles the situation in the best possible way without personal emotion and ego. One of the setbacks arises, when he was posted to Christchurch as a Strategic Ethnic advisor for the Asia community. Many concern and doubt arise on his ability and as a South-African Indian migrant, the criticism was published on the local papers.
Soon, Sergeant Rakesh began to have doubt and wanted to resign from this appointment. Nevertheless, he faces this great adversity with great courage under his mum's teaching as a child; and the support from his colleagues. However, this incident has left him a sour tasted towards the community.
Sergeant Rakesh point of view changed during the Christchurch earthquakes, where the FGS – Christchurch offered spirit, monetary and basic needs in the relive mission for the local; and allocated a room for the police officers to carry out their duties. He sees the spirit of philanthropy of FGS and admired the philosophy of Humanistic Buddhism.
During this talk, Sergeant Rakesh encourage the youth to face adversity with great courage and positive thinking. The invitation of the talk has given him a sense of recognition from the Asia community. This talk was ended with Q&A, in return Sergeant Rakesh encourages BLIA members to pay a visit to the police station to gain a better understanding and it is a good opportunity for interaction.