Indian-origin MP in New Zealand takes oath in Sanskrit and Te Reo Māori. Video is now viral

A video from the oath-taking ceremony at New Zealand Parliament has become a rage among netizens and it may win you over too. It features Indian-origin doctor Gaurav Sharma, a newly elected Member of Parliament, taking his oath in two languages - Te Reo Māori and Sanskrit. While the former is an indigenous language of New Zealand, the latter is of India.

The video was shared on the MP’s Facebook page. “Today I took my Affirmation of Allegiance to the Crown in Te Reo Māori, to acknowledge tangata whenua, and in Sanskrit, to acknowledge my Indian heritage. I have tried to learn Te Reo in the past through Unitec and learnt Sanskrit when I was in primary and middle school in India,” Sharma wrote.

He further added that Sanskrit is a language which is nearly 3,500 years old. Not just that, several contemporary Indian languages have originated from this language too.

“I have been told today that I am only the second person ever to take Oath/Affirmation in Sanskrit outside of India. I am deeply honoured to be part of the 53rd New Zealand Parliament and look forward to serving fellow Hamiltonians as well as New Zealand over the next three years,” with these words he concluded the post.

Since being posted a few hours ago, the video has gathered nearly 4,000 views. People couldn’t stop praising the MP’s gesture. They expressed the same while commenting on the video.

“Good job in taking the oath in Te Reo and Sanskrit,” wrote a Facebook user. “You took oath in Sanskrit, as Indians we are proud of you,” expressed another. “Dr Sharma. Well done with Te Reo. Thanks for sharing such an important occasion,” praised a third. “So proud of you,” said a fourth.

Sharma, a 33-year-old general practitioner, was elected as the MP from the Labour Party for Hamilton West. He hails from Himachal Pradesh.

Earlier this year, Priyanca Radhakrishnan, became New Zealand’s first Indian-origin minister, reports PTI. Radhakrishnan was born in India and later moved to New Zealand after finishing her school in Singapore.

In today’s ceremony, Māori Party politician and co-leader Rawiri Waititi also performed haka to show his allegiance to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, a treaty signed in 1840 between the British Crown and the native Māori people.

“That is to ensure Tiriti o Waitangi is at the forefront of everything we do and the way we will conduct our business in this House”, Mr Waititi told local TV station 1news, cites Evening Standard. The party also retweeted a video of this ceremonial dance:

@Waiariki_Cowboy making an entrance for @Maori_Party into parliament today pic.twitter.com/HbPU59ryZv

— bestsiiide (@bestsiiide) November 24, 2020

What do you think of Sharma’s gesture?