Every now and again, you hear stories about people who work tirelessly for the good of others, fighting injustice wherever they find it. Neena Pushkarna is one of those people.

Sixteen years ago, Neena was living in Nairobi, Kenya where she often feared for her safety. She came to Hong Kong to visit her brother-in-law and fell in love with the city. She noted its safe streets, outstanding transport system and strong sense of community. Neena and her family moved to Hong Kong shortly afterwards and she is now one of 45,000 Indians currently living and working in the city.

"There are many successful Indian businessmen here," Neena reports referring to the Harileila, Kadoorie and Ruttonjee Groups. "There are also many well-known doctors, lawyers and civil servants. Indians bring a great deal of knowledge and experience to the city." However, despite this, Neena feels that Indian people, like other ethnic minority members, are sometimes the victims of racial discrimination.

"Racial discrimination can be most keenly felt when trying to get children into school or when applying for jobs," reports Neena. She also tells of the derogatory terms often used to refer to ethnic minority groups. Neena says that whenever she encounters discrimination, whether it is directed at her or someone else, she politely corrects the perpetrator, reminding them that all people are equal.

Neena worked as a teacher in secondary schools in Hong Kong for many years. She also organised dance clubs in which children from ethnic minorities learnt traditional dances. The results were excellent. Soon her students were being invited to appear on TV and perform at events. It was through one such event that Neena first encountered the DAB.

"The DAB is the only party that really cares about ethnic minorities. Their important work includes securing school admissions, providing language classes and organising community events for ethnic minorities," explains Neena. "Right from my youth, I have been fighting for the rights of downtrodden people. I realised this was a political party which could support me in fighting injustice." Neena joined the DAB in 2002. She was soon elected to the Ethnic Minorities Committee and is now a member of the Yau Tsim Mong branch.

Neena's work with the DAB focuses on building and maintaining links with communities. She talks directly to ethnic minority group members to gain a true understanding of the issues they face, then presents her findings to the Committee. She also takes part in processions and gatherings, designed to raise awareness, and helps to organise community events which bridge the gap between different ethnic groups. Neena has also joined DAB members on the street to collect funds for the needy, in sunshine and in rain.