Shanti Ralm - Candidate for Hamilton West Councillor
(picture courtesy: Hamilton City Council’s official candidate profile here https://www.yourcityelections.co.nz/candidate/shanti-ralm/25)
Tell us a bit about your (and/or your family’s) New Zealand journey. (in 400 words please)
My name is Shanti Ralm. My father arranged our marriage. My dad was ahead of the house.I was still going to University. one day coming back from University. Harry Ralm and his mother were in my lounge, waiting for me.My sister told me that young man in the lounge is Harry Ralm and wants to marry me.As you know, in our culture, I said yes and got married in couple weeks.After 4 months, Harry head back to Newzealand because his father said so.I got pregnant and came to New Zealand with 3 months old daughter in 1963. I left back home, my three brothers employed with the Indian Air Force, 2 sisters, school teachers.
I missed so much my family and I used to cried every day but I never told Harry. I had to face my self nothing knowing about Newzealand. Milking cows every day on the dairy farm till 1977. Both working hard and four children. We bought the house and after 6 months bought 2 food stores and Harry start working at Fonterra.
I was running the businesses, kids to schools and some time argue with school teachers. why school kids are racist with my kids? Was not easy but I did it. fighting through all that saga.Harry was very calm and gentle bear. We both volunteers with Western Community Centre.I study in proper English to teach plus Decipher, then Red Cross. Volunteering Columbian Family teaching,how to be a Newzealander, reading and writing english, buying grocery, cooking, bus ride, catch buses, taking her boy to school. how to deal with kids in school for that boy. He was only 8 years old. Took broadcasting Radio Station in Collingwood street Hamilton 89.0 Free fm in 2003.Harry died in 2017 in June the 17th.I miss him so so so much. He was calm, gentle,handsome bear.
What motivated/prompted you to stand for local government elections this time? Please also indicate which area/position you are standing for.
When I was volunteering Columbian Family Then I met so many Refugees. They all talk to me but too scared to tell people,how they felt in their country with violence, crime, rape and terror. not telling their names, they can talk to me.So after that was the reason I started my broadcasting and give them the voice.I name my Programme Shanti’s Corner.Since then most Refugees interviewed. After 2 Years, I started another Punjabi Show.my Motivation is people’s voice in the Council called”A Voice For The Community”
What are the issues concerning the area (ward/council/city) you are standing in? (please list four main)
About all the Community. Multicultural. I stand strong with Newzealand culture and I believe culture diversity is very important and needs to be represented fairly. I have a different perspective due to being an immigrant and believe our Community could benefit further diversity. for all of us specially racism shouldn’t be tolerated in New Zealand. My Standing City Councillor role is Hamilton West.I always lived in Hamilton. I love Hamilton.I think 1963 was Hamilton about 20,000 citizens only and now is round 170,000.
Christchurch mosque attacks changed/or should have changed/ how multiculturalism is viewed in New Zealand. Please share some concrete suggestions on how all of us can work together to make Aoteoroa New Zealand a more diverse, inclusive, and multicultural society.
Christchurch Mosque Attack has changed me. 1962,I used to read libraries books in India about Newzealand was Paradise country.I think it was in 1963 I used to feel very comfortable and safe. Before the Terror attack, I never realised that will happen in New Zealand.Now it did and we all have to accept it. Now we needs a team work to achieve the results and to promote democratic decision good public service. Newzealand is a Multicultural society and diversity issues to closely work with Maori and Ethnic Community.
I still think people are okay.people are more careful than before.more caring. NZ is more aware the feeling of Muslims.We should keep on talking frankly.sharing foods and their festivals, big events. gifting them like cloths,food baskets and close contact with them.comparing to other countries, New Zealand is wonderfully diverse multicultural society, sharing each others culture and by having cultural events, should bring us closer.People still some fears about getting too close is being too nosey. That is public deception.