~ HALL OF FAME 2016 ~

Hall of Fame Inductee 2016

Dr CS Benjamin

A highly regarded oncologist, Chellaraj Satyasdas Benjamin was a Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame Inductee, 2016.

Dr CS Benjamin has been highly influential in healthcare in New Zealand and across the South Pacific through decades of service. Born in Tamil Nadu, India, he has spent more than 30 years in the medical field, specialising in oncology at Auckland Hospital, where he has treated more than 500 cancer patients annually.
His clinical expertise and leadership were demonstrated during his tenure as Clinical Director of Radiation Oncology at Auckland City Hospital, where he led the department until September 2007.

In addition to his work in New Zealand, Dr Benjamin contributed to improving healthcare access in the South Pacific. He worked for over a decade with NZAID and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as coordinator of the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme, which supports patients from Fiji, Samoa, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Tonga, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. This work helped facilitate access to life-saving medical care and strengthened regional healthcare cooperation.

Dr Benjamin has also been active in community outreach, organising health expos and educational programmes to improve public understanding of medical issues and health literacy. His work extends beyond clinical practice to education and advocacy, reflecting a commitment to accessible and informed healthcare.

His legacy is defined by clinical excellence, leadership, and sustained contributions to healthcare in New Zealand and across the Pacific.

Dr Malvinder Singh

Young Achiever of the Year

A neuroscientist based at the University of Auckland Centre for Brain Research, Dr Malvindar Singh-Bains is most well known for her work in promoting brain health and awareness of neurodegenerative diseases. She founded and is the co-chair of, the Huntington’s Disease Youth Organisation of NZ, a charity devoted to supporting, educating and advocating NZ youth affected by Huntington’s disease.

Ramesh Patel

Unsung Hero of the Year

Through his passion and commitment to hockey, Ramesh Patel has brought glory and fame to the Kiwi Indian community. As a sportsman, he was a perfectionist at technique and a great team member. He was selected for four Olympic Games for NZ hockey and was also selected to four World Cup teams for NZ hockey.