Community spirit recognised

Long-time Queenstown resident Karunakaran Kuppusamy is presented with an appreciation award by the High Commissioner of India to New Zealand, Neeta Bhushan, during the Diwali Festival at the Queenstown Events Centre last Saturday night.

The award, from festival organiser and charitable trust Bhartiya Samaj Queenstown, recognised his role in founding the festival in the resort in 2005.

His daughter, Sunitha Karunakaran, says it was a ‘‘proud and emotional moment for our family’’.

‘‘It meant a lot to him to see how far the Diwali celebrations have come since he helped start them, and to witness the continued unity, culture and spirit the festival brings to our community.’’ — GUY WILLIAMS