~ HALL OF FAME 2018 ~

Hall of Fame Inductee 2018

Dr Sharad Paul

Sharad Paul, a Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame inductee, 2018, is a New Zealand-based doctor, author, and social entrepreneur known for his contributions to medicine, literature, and community initiatives.

Born in Chennai, India, he trained in medicine before moving to New Zealand in 1991. He is widely recognised for his work in skin cancer medicine and for promoting awareness and prevention in New Zealand.

His contributions have been acknowledged with several honours, including the New Zealand Medical Association Chair’s Award in 2012. He was also a finalist for New Zealander of the Year in the same year.

Beyond clinical practice, Dr Paul has been involved in education and public engagement through speaking and academic contributions. He is also known for founding Baci Lounge in Newmarket, Auckland — a café and bookstore initiative that supported literacy programmes in low-decile schools.

An accomplished writer, he has authored both fiction and non-fiction, including the internationally published SKIN: A Biography. His work reflects an intersection of medicine, storytelling, and human experience.

He has also contributed to cultural and intellectual discussions through roles connected with UNESCO and appearances at events such as TEDx Auckland and the Auckland Writers Festival.

Dr Paul’s career reflects a combination of medical expertise, creative expression, and community engagement.

Muskan Devta

Young Achiever of the Year 2018

It is a matter of immense pride and joy for the community to see a youngster excelling in his or her field of interest, who is driving themselves and striving to become better than what they were yesterday.

Recognising such a face who has, in her very little time in this country, made a name for herself and has become an inspiration for several hundreds of her age group.

A young writer, an avid reader, motivational speaker, radio jockey, and an indomitable spirit who defied the medical sciences and fought for her survival from the very day she was born.

At the time of being chosen forThe Indian Weekender’s Kiwi Indian Young Achiever of the Year 2018, Ms Devta was pursuing a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and employed at Farmers Northwest as a Sales and Services Assistant.

Jeet Suchdev

Community Services Excellence

Pramjit Rai Suchdev or Jeet Suchdev is a name synonymous with Bhartiya Samaj, an organisation that has taken the initiative to help hundreds of community members in their times of difficulty and distress. He is no stranger to the Kiwi Indian or the broader multi-ethnic community.

Jeet Suchdev in his tenure of over three decades in New Zealand established himself as a man of high virtues, who has always been there to support the needy and the distressed.

Mr Suchdev came to New Zealand in 1987 in search of a new life for himself and his family. He started his business in the hospitality and tourism sector, but his passion for social service kept him attached to several community events then.