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Sir Edmund Hillary has been made an honorary member of the New Zealand Indian Central Association in recognition of his mountaineering feats and support for the Indian subcontinent.
The association conferred the status on Sir Edmund at his home in Remuera at the weekend with Indians from all over the country.
Association general secretary Veer Khar said it was a simple and humble function in which Sir Edmund said he was honoured to be made a member.
Known as "Siri" ("Mister") or "Gora Babu" ("White Man") in India, Sir Edmund is a revered figure in the subcontinent.
"Not only did he conquer Everest but he also conquered the hearts of the Indian people," said Mr Khar.
"He is an icon in India and is as well-known as Sachin Tendulkar ... You ask anybody there and they know who he is. He has improved relations between India and New Zealand multi-fold."
Mr Khar said Sir Edmund was given a plaque that recognised not only his mountaineering feats but also his support in building schools, medical facilities and airstrips in Nepal.
The association would now fundraise for Sir Edmund's chosen projects in northern India and Nepal.
Sir Edmund said yesterday it was a considerable honour. "I have a great affection for India," said the former High Commissioner to New Delhi.
Mr Khar said the late David Lange and Sir William Birch had also been made honorary members.
Mr Lange had improved NZ's relationship with India during the 1980s with Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her son and successor, Rajiv. "We always felt our image got a lot better in the eyes of common New Zealanders because of him. They [Indians] would not give the American President the same sort of respect."
Sir William, who represented the Pukekohe market-garden area and its large Indian community in Parliament for more than 20 years, received his award for "contributing immensely to making our lives easier".
"He treated us like any other Kiwis - you could knock on his door and he was always willing to help."
