THE ZUBIN FOUNDATION Improving the lives of Hong Kong’s ethnically diverse individuals by reducing suffering and providing opportunities
NEWS/ HONG KONG/ CITY
Press Release – Immediate
A Festival of Light, Love, and Inclusion: Dashain & Diwali with Our Elderly Support the Marginalised and Neglected Population Hong Kong, 24 October 2025 – The Zubin Foundation, a local charity in Hong Kong with a mission to improve the lives of Hong Kong’s ethnically diverse population, hosted its Annual Festival Gathering today, celebrating Dashain and Diwali with over 170 elderly individuals from ethnically diverse communities and their families. The event was honoured by the presence of Mr Edward To, Director of Social Welfare, HKSAR, as Chief Guest of Honour.
Celebrating Cultural Diversity and Elderly Inclusion This annual celebration is part of The Zubin Foundation’s commitment to reducing social isolation and promoting inclusion among Hong Kong’s marginalised elderly population in the ethnically diverse communities. The programme featured an award ceremony for the Elderly PhotoVoice digital photo-taking competition, cultural performances, and a Diya lighting ritual symbolising prosperity and unity. Ms Shalini Mahtani, Founder and CEO of The Zubin Foundation, expressed gratitude to the guests and highlighted the organisation’s growth in elderly outreach. “Two years ago, we were the first organisation in Hong Kong to run weekly activities for ethnically diverse elderly. Today, we serve 150–200 individuals weekly. This growth reflects the deep need in our community and the energy of our elderly participants,” she said.
Resilience and Strength of the Ethnically Diverse Elderly In his welcome remarks, Mr Edward To, Director of Social Welfare, HKSAR, commended the Foundation’s decade-long dedication to improving the lives of ethnically diverse individuals, and acknowledged the importance of cultural diversity in Hong Kong: “The ethnically diverse community is indeed an important part of Hong Kong. Our friends here not only enrich Hong Kong’s cultural diversity, but also contribute talents, skills and inspire broader perspectives and creativity to the society.” Edward also recognised the contributions and resilience of the ethnically diverse elderly communities, “Overcoming different challenges, such as language barriers and cultural adaptation, you have shown remarkable strength and resilience. This is evidenced by your active participation in community programmes, cultural exchanges and volunteer work, unleashing your potential and, most impressively, helping others in your community and beyond. I admire you all.” The event also featured an award presentation to 19 elderly winners of the Elderly PhotoVoice competition, recognising their creativity and engagement. Awards were presented by District Social Welfare Officer (Kowloon City & Yau Tsim Mong) Ms Vivian Lam and District Councillor Ms Aruna Gurung. A Diya lighting ritual followed, led by 80-year-old Dhan Kumari Thapa, representing the wisdom and strength of the elderly, along with all the honourable guests, saying “Shubha Labh” – a blessing that means wishing good fortune and prosperity.
© 2025 The Zubin Mahtani Gidumal Foundation Limited (registered charity in Hong Kong - IR 91/12344). All rights reserved.
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