A-Desiflava Jan-Feb 2016 Issue

H ON K LY $ 1

Entertain

Enlighten

Engage TM

H O N G K O N G ’ S F I R S T L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E F O R S O U T H A S I A N S JAN

THE LATEST SUPER BUZZ IN TOWN

PAKISTAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, HONG KONG Eid Gathering 2015

By International Islamic Society

Feb

2016

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT SEX IS NO BIG DEAL FOR THE NEW AGE TEENAGER. FINDING LOVE AND GOOD GRADES ARE.

Cover Story

The Rich Almighty ‘Moko Kahan dhoonde re bande, Main to tere paas mein’ Sadda Haq

SERENADING IN THE HARMONY OF LAKSHADWEEP ISLES - GLOBETROTTER

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Buzz In Town

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HOP INTO A

LIVING ART SPACE

H

op Inn, have recently started their third outlet in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. I was craving to check out this new place right from the time I saw its sign board on Mody road. To me it looked like a clothing boutique but when Simon (the owner) took me upstairs and showed by the real Hop Inn, I was really surprised to see a very arty and classy living space in the building. It consists of few common living rooms with bunk style beds and some private rooms to let out on daily and short-term basis.

The most attractive part of this new Inn was its décor and use of artistic objects, paintings and visuals to create an artistic and creative looking stylish hotel. Moreover, the room rates when checked with Simon were also pretty reasonable compared to other guest houses in the same building. So friends do recommend this new arty space to your touring friends, arty satisfaction and lots of savings on expensive hotel room rents is guaranteed at Hop Inn.

‘Hop Inn’ is located at 5/f Lyton Building, 36 Mody Road, TST, Kowloon. They can be reached at 31071418.

If you would like to get your business or concept included in our Buzz-in-town section, please do send me an email on gaurav@adesiflava.com. It has to be new and unique.

Buzz In Town

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M

MUMBAI

SEEMS TO BE GETTING

CLOSER TO

HONG KONG

umbai street food is creating the buzz in town with several f&b enterprises launching their Mumbai street food concepts here in Hong Kong. Aamchi Mumbai, Bombay Dreams and the newly opened Juhu Beach Club are all Mumbai city based names, but yet different in their approach, style and cuisines.

Let me ask some of our real Mumbaikar’s living in HK, ‘What do you really mean by Mumbai Street Food?’, my answer would be ‘Mumbai’s snacky food items that you get on Mumbai’s busy streets in small counter like independent stalls by the roadside, under trees and small lanes. The beauty of Mumbai street food is - it’s tasty and cheap’.

The latest super buzz in town is the launch of ‘Mumbai Express’.

It’s a decently sized shop located in Chung King Mansion with Mumbai’s Paani Puri stall like counters serving Live Paani Puri, Vada Pav, Samosa Pav, Bhel Puri, Chinese Bhel, Masala Papad,

Pav Bhaji, Cutting Chai and Mango Lassi.

All food i t e m s range f r o m HK$10 to HK$25 per plate.

Another big thing about Mumbai Express is their lunch and dinner buffet priced at HK$45 for lunch and HK$55 for dinner. Unlimited food in Chung King mansion and that too in buffet style is surely going to be a game point for this new Mumbai based Hong Kong enterprise. All the best to Mumbai Express, I am sure it’s going to help many budgeted south Asian tourists living in Chung King mansion.

‘Mumbai Express’ is located at Shop No. 75, Chung King Mansion, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. They can be reached for takeaway orders on 34810798.

If you would like to get your business or concept included in our Buzz-in-town section, please do send me an email on gaurav@adesiflava.com. It has to be new and unique.

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Editors Note

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O

K NLY $ 1

H

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Entertain

Enlighten

Engage TM

H O N G K O N G ’ S F I R S T L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E F O R S O U T H A S I A N S JAN

THE LATEST SUPER BUZZ IN TOWN

Feb

2016

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT SEX IS NO BIG DEAL FOR THE NEW AGE TEENAGER. FINDING LOVE AND GOOD GRADES ARE.

PAKISTAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE,

Cover Story

The Rich Almighty

HONG KONG Eid Gathering 2015

‘Moko Kahan dhoonde re bande, Main to tere paas mein’

By International Islamic Society

A

very special issue for us as we introduce our new venture Mumbai Express in this issue.

It’s the express version of Aamchi Mumbai and will quite justify the need for a perfect Mumbai street food items at low price. Mumbai Express is the first place in Hong Kong where you can enjoy Live Paani Puri. If this sounds interesting, please do checkout for more details on Mumbai Express in our Buzz-In-Town section.

Sadda Haq

SERENADING IN THE HARMONY OF LAKSHADWEEP ISLES - GLOBETROTTER

ON THE FRONT COVER: Illustration of couples.

EDITOR: Pardeshi, Gaurav Ashok PUBLISHER: Neha G.Pathak DESIGN CONSULTANT: Sivasakthibalan CONTRIBUTORS: Sanika Kulkarni Akanksha Sharma Parijit Bhattacharya Faiz Qezilbash Ali Awan Herman Brar Jitendra Kotai Subhasish Chakrabarthy Ashish Grey Darsi Jaya Raju Nirupama Vishwanath Poonam Mehta Bejan Daruwala Sister BK Bindu A-DESIFLAVA COMPANY LTD.: Suite D, 3rd Floor,Lyton Building, 36-38 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong T: +852-23631786 Email: info@adesiflava.com FOR ADVERTISEMENTS PLEASE CONTACT: Gaurav Pardeshi T +852-95433660 Email: gaurav@adesiflava.com PRINTED BY: Bynock Printing & Design Company Flat L, Block 2, 8/F, Kwun Tong Ind. Centre, 460-470 Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Tel: 23208322 COVER DESIGN: Studio3 Creations

DISCLAIMER: No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without permission.

The publisher, layout designer, contributors, their employees and partners are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors or omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication and expressly disclaim all and any liability for any such action of any person. The views expressed in A-Desiflava are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor, layout designer or contributors. The publisher, layout designer and editor cannot be held responsible for differences of opinion or statements published in good faith. The mention of specific companies or products in articles or advertisements does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by this magazine or its publisher in preference to others of a similar nature which are not mentioned or advertised.

2016, A brand new year has begun and we hope this year brings a lot of luck, success and happiness to each and every reader of Adesiflava magazine.

Recently, while researching on the internet to find a best cover story for this issue, i came across an article by India Today magazine. The article ‘Been there, Done that’ published in their January 2015 issue got my eyes struck with their bold headlines related to Indian teenagers and sex. Indian teenagers no longer worry much about sex and sex related things, but care more for family love and good grades.

Gone are the days when we felt worried and scared to discuss about sex and related things. Our experimental writer Parijat Bhattacharya has done a great job in re-doing the same India Today article but with a new perspective and new thought behind. Read our cover story and give us your feedback.

Our persona section, covers an interview with Mr.Herman Brar about his new endeawour ShopEasy which is Hong Kong’s biggest superstore covering a wide range of Indian and Westen grocery items. You can say, ShopEasy will be Hong Kong’s first Indian Park-N-Shop or Wellcome.

Don’t forget to visit ShopEasy its already open and ready to serve you.

We are happy to offer a fixed column in every issue for the Pakistan Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong. Going forward you will see the latest events and happenings amongst the Pakistani Community of Hong Kong through the pages of Adesiflava magazine.

Our controversial and now famous writer Jitendra Kotai has decided to do it once again with his article in the ‘Sadda Haq’ section. This time its about the Rich Almighty, which talks about the rich Indian temples who are making billions of rupees just by donations and offerings. The article answers your question or rather creates a question in your mind, if the Indian Gods really need these donations of millions and billions? Rather why not spend this money towards the upliftment of the poor and needy which will in return help improve the Indian economy. Read this article in the ‘Sadda Haq’ section and give your feedback like you always do.

In ‘Globetrotter’ we take you to Lakshwadeep Islands all the way from Hong Kong and our travel journalist gives you a complete in and out picture of this beautiful Island. Don’t forget to book your tickets through Jet Airways, as they have some awesome deals going on for India connecting you further to Lakshwadeep.

Jan-Feb 2016 Issue has shaped up pretty well and you will enjoy reading this brand new year issue of Adesiflava.

Don’t forget to send your feedbacks directly to me via email, gaurav@ adesiflava.com Adios Amigo.

gaurav@adesiflava.com

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COVER STORY �������� 08

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EPISODES- �������������� 12

3 4 5

Been there, Done That

Sanika Kulkarni

PERSONA ��������������� 14 Herman Brar ShopEasy

PAKISTAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ������� 18 SADDA HAQ ����������� 21 The Rich Almighty

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GLOBE TROTTER ������ 24

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MUST READ ����������� 28

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LOVE & RELATIONSHIP �������� 30

Lakshwadeep Islands

Why Jesus?

Blessed are you MIL and DIL

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COMMUNITY ���������� 34 EOC Q&A

10 Aunty MVP ������������� 36 Love and Relationship

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SPIRITUALITY ��������� 37 Brahmakumaris

����������� 38 12 ASTROLOGY

By Bejan Daruwala DESI FACES

13 OF HK �������������������� 40

Content 7

8 Cover Story

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BEEN THERE, DONE THAT

Popped Cherries and Topped Classes, Love and good grades are the new priorities.

Cover Story 9

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I

t’s a typical day in school for tenyear-old Manjira. She minds her own business, casually doodling on her textbook whilst thinking about Pokemon when her friend Shiela decides to give her some vital information. A deep crimson blush heats Manjira’s cheeks up as Shiela finishes whispering in her ear.

She gives her a weak smile and tries her best to hold her tears back.

Later at home, Manjira bawls her head off while narrating this incident to her mother, who awkwardly assures her daughter that it’s all a lie.

“Really, Ma?” asks Manjira.

Five years later, Manjira fails to stifle her giggles as she and Shiela listen to their teacher uncomfortably trying to teach Chapter 10: Reproduction.

The diagrams are nowhere close to sexy and the book advises them to do things like “avoid homosexuality” and “wait till marriage”. Every single person in the class knows what’s up and quite a few of them have even experienced it first-hand. That boy at the back making that inappropriate gesture with his hand definitely has.

subject of how teenagers perceive and engage in sexual activities.

Emergence of sexual content and general sex positivity in the media nowadays is largely responsible for the open minded attitude that teens have towards sex today.

While some think that this change is preposterous, others are calling it progress. However, no one can deny that it’s happening and it’s something that definitely needs to be taken notice of. So, we decided to pen down our thoughts on this matter and reflect on the points made by India Today.

The January 2015 edition of India Today covered the very important and somewhat controversial

The millennials of India are taking the country by storm with values and opinions completely different from

“Of course. Don’t talk to Shiela anymore. She’s a very naughty girl.”

10 Cover Story

their previous generation. These are teens who’ve grown up with at least a dial-up connection if not highspeed Wi-Fi and smartphones.

While puberty still consistently hits them at their early teen years, these kids already have a very good idea of what’s going to hit them thanks to the massive ogre that’s the internet.

30% of India’s youth are a part of urban culture, having grown

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up in cities and witnessing the globalisation of the country. Unlike the typical 90s Indian teen, these “kids” are very much aware of the process that leads to the birth of a new life. These kids also have the maturity to handle this information, which might come off as a surprise to some of the older conservatives who for some reason have the idea that the moment you tell a kid what sex is, they immediately start

copulating with the first person they can find.

Let’s look at some statistics that showcase sex and sexuality among India’s young adults. The latest survey by India Today finds that 3 out of 10 students of the tenth standard have already experienced the “sin” that is sex. This means that the age of losing one’s virginity has now come down to 15-16 as opposed

Cover Story 11

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to 18-26 back in 2004. 46 percent of teens have spotted discarded condom packs in their schools and 25 percent know someone of their age who got pregnant.

What do these numbers stand for?

Many parents would immediately start clamouring phrases like “It’s the West”, “Oh my God, how terrible”, “We should ban the internet” or “Don’t mix with those vulgar kids anymore.”

Stop. Think for a second.

Yes, the internet is definitely one of the factors why kids are so much more progressive these days.

Laying hands on pornography is far easier than it was back in 1982.

Nowadays, kids as young as ten or eleven are secretly showing explicit videos to their friends. Even if they don’t actively watch pornographic videos, there is no shortage of sex and sexual themes elsewhere. It’s all there on television, advertisements, Bollywood and listicles that claim to know twelve secrets to achieving a mind numbing orgasm, innocently popping up while you’re playing an online game.

Of course, kids want to know what it’s all about and today, they very well do. The word ‘sex’ doesn’t frighten them anymore. They know it for what it is-- a natural human experience which has nothing to do with self-respect. Gone are the days when one couldn’t even think of

doing it before marriage. Informed choices are the hot new trend.

Virginity means next to nothing.

These teens know better than to follow obnoxious social constructs that are meant to limit their freedom while offering no logical explanation as to why.

It’s hard to pretend to agree with the fact that one shouldn’t have sex before marriage, while at the same time attempting to suppress the raging hormones and curiosity which don’t have much regard for these, well, “values”. Once you get these outdated ideas out of your head it’ll get much easier to look for love and a successful career and that is exactly what is happening today. It’s the complete opposite of the results foreshadowed by our elders.

Information won’t turn our children into crazy sex-obsessed maniacs. It’ll help them be level headed instead.

It’ll help them sort their priorities.

It’ll help them be responsible individuals who know exactly what they’re getting into. There are many reasons to observe abstinence, but it’s important to state those reasons explicitly instead of using a silly scare tactic.

So, here we have this new generation of sex-positive teenagers who are hungry for knowledge and experience. How are the orthodox “adults” handling this situation?

Unfortunately, not too well.

Our government is obliged to offer compulsory comprehensive sexual education to children. The central government launched the Adolescent Education Programme(AEP) in 2005 in association with NACO and UNICEF to fulfil this objective. However, it was immediately banned in twelve states due to explicit content which is against Indian values and culture. These leaders believe that comprehensive sexual education will give rise to risky and sinful behaviour among the youth. A misleading analogy should be enough to deal with the topic.

Actual explanation? Nah, stay away from the vulgar people who try to give you that.

An objective understanding of sex and sexuality is very important, especially for the young ones hitting puberty. They need to deal with issues such as peer pressure, body image and self-esteem, the importance of contraceptives, longterm effects of pornography and sexual abuse.

The young adults are aware. They want reason and logic, not pointless manipulative rules. I guess it’s safe to give them a little more credit than simply branding them as narcissists obsessed with their cell phones.

After all, if their phones teach them more than their own teachers, the problem lies elsewhere, doesn’t it?

Article by: Parijat Bhattacharya Parijat is a freelance writer and illustrator currently studying multimedia in St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata. She has been writing professionally for a year now on various subjects ranging from healthcare to football. When she’s not buried in her computer, you’d be most likely to find her buried in her phone.

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Episodes

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Sanika Kulkarni 16

7

th grade, you are transitioning into your teenage years, this is the phase where you establish relationships that will probably last a lifetime. You develop a sense of maturity, the idea of growing up is jaded by thoughts of freedom and independence. This is the time when the wave of materialism first hits you, your pocket money is a directly proportional to your popularity and your social media presence goes beyond everything. Social circles become the basis of your life, you are introduced to shallow forms of building relationships; such as vanity, gossip and drama. This is when your insecurities peak as you start to come in contact with societal pressures. You’re life revolves around fitting into this world of evolving thoughts and expectations and you see yourself coming closer and closer to where you would like to stand in this world; but what happens when this world suddenly changes?

“ Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Hong Kong international Airport.

Local time is 9:30 am and the temperature 29 degrees celsius. For your safety and comfort, please remain seated with your seatbelt fastened until the Captain turns off the Fasten Seatbelt sign...”

It was this exact moment when it hit me that my world had changed. To be fair, I was ecstatic when I first heard about moving because of dad’s transfer. As Indians we seem to have a fixation with this idea of living “abroad”, traveling out of India is seen to be one of the most evident signs of living a fortunate lifestyle and at this point my parents had given me the chance to visit ten different countries over five continents in my 12 years of being alive. I was confident that if it was anybody who could fit right into this “new world” it would have to be me! However, with the farewell tears it dawned upon me that this was going to be difficult.

I had a week to prepare myself for my new school, there was a strange sense of insecurity that made me question whether people would be able to accept me. At this point I was completely unaware of the cultural shift that I would have to face as our warm Indian culture was the only thing I ever knew.

My parents had never been the overtly protective type, I had to face every single challenge with the foundation of independence, with the public transport being the first. I was overwhelmed by the idea of traveling in a train to begin with, as a Mumbaikar I had never indulged in public transport, however somehow I made it to school.With a shaken courage and a shy sense of hope, I walked into school on the very first day.

Episodes

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Naturally, I was onto the mission of finding a familiar face, a fellow Indian.

Finding people that can relate to you is one of the concepts that also helps you cover your insecurities as it is comforting to know that you are not the only one.

Now that I look back I realize that it is not the right attitude to have, you must break through your comfort zone and eradicate your insecurities instead of covering them up, which is what I was forced to do.

After a full hour of wandering about in a confused state of mind I was directed to my classroom. Screaming voices, opulent classrooms and the carefree attitudes were intimidating. I sat on my seat alone for 15 minutes, the classroom was filled with voices but I felt lonely.

I didn’t know how I would approach people. There was a moment when I built a large amount of confidence and I was about to introduce myself, when the teacher walked in, with the words “Let us welcome our first Indian student in International college Hong Kong!”. I could sense the creation of a pit in my stomach, I felt sick , helpless and lost…

The teacher explained how we we had to make our own way to different classes and we were given time tables. Thoughts of being left out clouded my mind and I

was preparing myself to leave the place... when an asian girl approached me. “Hi I’m Eva, we have the same classes, you should come with me”. Those few words were so significant in that situation, I could finally posses a sense of hope. I quickly introduced myself to her and we made our way to our first class. Much to my excitement, It was Theatre class!

Even though I went to an International school in India subjects like theatre and sports were never something that we took seriously, however, here it was going to be one of my academic subjects and I was a very eager student.

As soon as I walked in, I saw that there were no tables and chairs, it was a pitch black studio with a few lights and speakers. It was extremely practical but odd and I knew that it was going to be unlike anything I had ever experienced.

We were all handed out a script of “The Animal farm” by George Orwell and the teacher asked us to gather around in a circle. Moments later the teacher walked to the circle and lied flat on her stomach with her feet in the air, I was in a mild state of shock! She yelled out “Everyone!

Just get comfortable”. I reevaluated every second of classroom ethics and “rules” that I had been forced to follow back home. Standing up to greet the teacher in the beginning of class while stretching “Goooood Morrning Missss” into rhythmic hymn and always sitting upright with my back straight was routine to my previous school life. The entirety of the rest of the lesson was spent in a dramatic narration of the script with each of the students playing different parts.

There was something very liberating about these “new classroom rules”. I reflected back on how creating that sense of comfort allowed me to be free from all the inhibitions that I held about being a part of this new culture.

By break time I managed to make a few friends, I was directed to the cafeteria only to notice that I was the only one to have a “tiffin” with me. Everyone else grabbed a bowl of fries and dumplings and gathered around me curious about this box that I carried. With a strange feeling of being the center of attention I opened it, the aroma of fresh aloo parathas filled the air and a couple of heads around the cafeteria turned. It was bizarre, each one of them wanted to taste these “dough breads with potato”.

I received mixed feedback but these aloo parathas played the catalyst in the process of getting to know people, Eva thought they were spicy, Vivian went to an Indian restaurant with her family every weekend and Angel seemed to have been a closeted bollywood fan.

Occasionally a hint of a vulnerable feeling peeked in with new conversations of stereotypes, accents and culture but I decide to get past it to welcome these new beginnings.

To be continued...

I am a 16 year old student, currently taking the IB diploma in International college and I hope to make people laugh and learn from the stories of little challenges that I have faced here in Hong Kong.

Sanika Kulkarni

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Persona

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INTERNATIONAL

ONE STOP SHOP OUTLET

A

lmost sixty years in the business and credibility galore.

They are what many would call pioneers, and the Brars more than qualify to be referred to as the first family of South-Asian provision stores in Hong Kong.

Their creation of the Indian provision store is a household name and is responsible not only for supplying provisions and other products to the largest chunk of the south Asian community in Hong Kong, but also to a significantly high foreign clientele.

Synonymous South with good quality and on-time delivery they are the leaders of the Indian retail pack.

ADF had the privilege of interviewing Mr. Herman Brar, a fourth generation member of this well-known clan, and speak with him about his dream project, which is a 4,000 square feet international supermarket opened recently in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui by the name of ‘ShopEasy’.

ADF: Welcome Mr. Brar and thank you for giving us an opportunity to interview you. We’d like to begin by asking you a little bit about yourself.

Can you please tell us as to when you moved to Hong Kong, and also when was your business set-up?

HB: I was born and brought up in Hong Kong and this business was set-up by my great- grandfather in 1957. He moved

to Hong Kong from Shanghai and laid the foundation, and was subsequently joined by my father and uncle who then took over from him. The first store to be opened was the one in Tsim Sha Tsui, and in the 1980s a second branch was opened on Hong Kong island, thus ensuring service to both Hong Kong as well as the Kowloon side.

ADF: Mr. Brar, when did you take over the reins of the business?

HB: In 1996, it’s been almost twenty years, since I joined the business.

ADF: How many stores do you currently own and also how many clients are you catering to from these stores?

Persona

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HB: I currently own the store in TST which is located in Chunking Mansion and we cater to more than a thousand clients on a daily basis across Hong Kong.

ADF: Are these just South-Asian clients or does this include foreign clientele as well?

HB: Besides our regular South-Asian clients this list is inclusive of Chinese and Western clientele, hotels, restaurants, catering companies and also airlines. We believe in diversification, since in today’s times it is essential to diversify in business if you want to be successful.

ADF: Do you have your logistical set-up and team to ensure smooth operations?

HB: Yes absolutely, we have our own fleet of vehicles, a very efficient team of drivers and workers, our own warehouses and also cold storage facilities.

ADF: With the opening of numerous South-Asian provision stores off late, there now is stiff competition in the market. How do you deal with that?

HB: (Smiles) the answer to that question is simple. Most of these new stores buy goods from us, since we do a lot of wholesale business with them.

We are official global distributors of about thirty large Indian brands, and I can confidently say that no other provision store can offer the variety and range that I can offer.

ADF: Now that you’ve cemented yourself as the market leader in the provision stores arena; can we hear more about your dream project which has now turned in to reality by the name of ShopEasy?

HB: (Laughs) Yes, congratulations to us

as we have finally managed to launch our dream project ShopEasy, which supposedly is Hong Kong’s biggest grocery and general provisions retail outlet for south Asians along with items for purchase of other nationalities as well..

like Tsim Sha Tsui and the Mid-Levels.

However there has been a significant rise in numbers and South Asians are now scattered across the city. We would like to reach out to all these people, and it was this goal that lead to the birth of this project.

We’ve been thinking about this project for a couple of years now and seem to have finally made headway.

If you were to go back twenty years the South-Asian population in Hong Kong was restricted primarily to areas

The project ‘ShopEasy’ in a nutshell is our attempt to set-up an international one stop shop outlet, which offers food products from different parts of the world.

We have already narrowed in on a

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Persona humongous four thousand square feet space in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui and will offer fresh, frozen and dry food products from across the globe under one roof. This makes life easier for potential clientele, since they save time and needn’t visit five different outlets when they’re out grocery shopping.

Our shelves will be graced by local food products, American products, European products, products from Australia and of course Indian products. We will also offer cosmetics and personal health products.

Our business model will be reminiscent of big names like Wellcome and Park ‘N’Shop and everything will be computerized and barcoded. The outlet will have proper check-out terminals and shoppers will have trolleys and baskets at their disposal.

Promotional offers and cash coupons will be provided. Also we will provide services like free delivery on a HKD 500 purchase. I’m sure that shoppers will

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find our prices extremely competitive and we will always be open to feedback and even constructive criticism, in order to fulfill client requirements and improve our services even more.

ADF: Are you already in talks with overseas suppliers with regards to the import of products? Also have you started working on the logistics and other aspects of the business?

HB: Yes absolutely, we have containers coming in from different parts of the world like the Philippines, Singapore, Australia, Canada, the US, India, UK etc. every day. Also we have signed up with some more major Indian brands and will also be setting up a separate section for organic food products. Shoppers don’t mind spending the extra buck if they can find products which are healthy and organic products are a huge rage these days.

ADF: Since you hope to cater to multicultural clientele, will the workforce at ShopEasy also be multicultural?

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HB: Definitely. We will be hiring a completely new team which will comprise of locals, South-Asians, South-East Asians and maybe even Westerners if possible.

ADF: How do you plan to market or promote this venture?

HB: By using regular marketing channels.

Also since we’re already very well known, I’m sure word of mouth publicity will be a huge help.

ADF: Are you also planning to go online?

HB: Yes. We are currently offering about 2,000 products. However ShopEasy will offer at least 5,000 products and I will hire a separate team to handle the e-commerce arm of the business.

ADF: In extension to what I asked you earlier, any new or unique idea leads to competition. How do you plan on tackling that?

HB: I have never been perturbed by competition, because I only compete with myself. I don’t waste time thinking

Interview by Faiz Qezilbash.

about what others are doing and only concentrate on bettering my business. Our brand has been in existence for almost six decades now and that I think is testimony to our hard work and integrity.

ADF: Did your father have any advice to offer with regards to ShopEasy, since he’s a stalwart in this field?

HB: (Smiles) ShopEasy was actually my father’s idea. It was he who wanted to set-up a chain of stores across Hong Kong, which would offer the shopper numerous choices under one roof. He felt that mega stores, similar to the ones that you find in countries like the US, Canada and even India now, should be opened in Hong Kong as well.

ADF: Where do you see ShopEasy in 2 years time?

HB: If our flagship store does well, fingers crossed, I’m hoping to open at least 5 more stores and also increase our product range, go beyond food products that is. Only time will tell (smiles).

ADF: Do you have a message for young and budding entrepreneurs?

HB: Believe in yourself, remain focused and work hard, and the sky is the limit (smiles).

ADF: Thank you again for speaking with us and all the very best for this new and exciting venture.

HB: Thank you for having me (smiles) ADF: Adesiflava HB: Herman Brar

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Pakistan Chamber of Commerce

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EID GATHERING 2015

BY INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SOCIETY

I

nternational Islamic Society has been established in 24th May, 1976. Its annual Eid gathering has been arranged at Holiday Inn Golden mile hotel, TST on 29th November, 2015. A large number of different Muslim communities were attend to show the Unity of the Muslims. It was the first time when a good representation from the different departments of the Govt of HKSAR including officials of the Home Affairs, Hong Kong Police, ICAC, Education Bureau, Under Secretary of Constitution and mainland affairs, Chairman of Equal Opportunity Commission and the President of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong was there to show the care and love with Muslims. Consul General of Malaysia was the the Guest of Honor this year.

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President of the International Islamic Society of Hong Kong said ,I would like to felicitate the members, the office bearers, particularly, brother Ikram Ahmad Khan, the former President of the International Islamic Society Hong Kong for their invaluable contributions to the cause of Islam and the Society.

He added that the basis of the IIS lies in the brotherhood, fraternity and harmony

The IIS understands there are a number of Muslim organizations in Hong Kong, which are serving the cause of Islam and the Muslims. I, not only acknowledge their efforts but also extend my full cooperation to them for the cause of Islam and Muslims.â&#x20AC;?

Pakistan Chamber of Commerce within the community of belief and the people living around us. The goal of this Islamic confraternity is to provide Muslims with the opportunity to benefit themselves and others. This is achieved by building a strong support network that seeks to build bridges between Muslim brothers and sisters across irrespective of their color and regions. He said on his speech, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Let me share with you that during the course

of the coming years, the Society aims to hold various events and activities for our members, audiences and the people at large. This society is poised to deliver dynamic and engaging opportunities, which will bring you reward in this life and more importantly, reward for the afterlife.

This is all done with the intention of pleasing our Lord alone without which all efforts remain hollow and fruitless.

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Pakistan Chamber of Commerce Chairman function Committee Mr Khateeb Meera Saheb thank to all diplomats including the representatives of the Consulates of Pakistan , India, Bangladesh , Turkey, Iran, Saudi arabia, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Kuwait, Philippine and Czech Republic.

He added that we ask Allah to bestow upon us His mercy and His blessing, and to allow us to serve the Muslim community of Hong Kong in a most benefitting manner.

Article and photos contributed by the Pakistan Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong

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Sadda HAQ

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THE RICH ALMIGHTY F

amous Lines of Sant Kabir “Moko Kahan dhoonde re bande, Main to tere paas mein.

Na mandir mein, Na Masjid Mein.. Na kabe kailash mein. Main to tere paas mein bande. Main to hoon Vishwas mein State that

“

WHERE ARE YOU LOOKING FOR ME O HUMAN. I AM INSIDE YOU. I AM NEITHER IN A TEMPLE NOR IN A MOSQUE. I AM INSIDE YOU. I AM IN YOUR FAITH

”

Those who believe in God always state that he never differentiates. He is omnipresent and he is not biased towards his believer based on their wealth and the amount of donation the believer renders to his temple.

Even then we see V.I.P Lines in Siddhi Vinayak temple where celebrities get the darshan discreetly and are allowed to stay for as long as they wish to. Whereas commoners are ushered and pushed away as soon as they catch a glimpse of their deity.

The Focus today is on whether or not we should donate to temples.

Does donating gold, valuables and cash to the temple work towards any cause. The Statues of gods are laden with Heavy jewellery. Does it make them more pious?

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Sadda HAQ

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According to a report from a mainstream media house named Dainik Bhaskar The Appropriation of funds in some of the major temples all across India has come into questioning. The Trustees have not been maintaining their accounts and have not even done an audit for years. Below mentioned are the basic figures of how much some of the major shrines are worth

1) Shirdi Sai Baba Temple - Gold and Jewellery worth 32 crores. Yearly income 350 crore in Donations.

2) Siddhi Vinayak temple mumbaiThe dome over Lord Ganesha is 3.7 kg Gold and the temple gets 48 crore annually in donations.

3) Vaishno Devi Mandir, KashmirA rough estimated income of 500 crore every year.

4) The temple gets a whooping 650 crore in donations and the gold on the deity itself is 1000 kg.

5) Padmanabhaswamy temple, Kerala- Gold Treasure worth 20 billion was found in this temple.

There were sacks of diamonds and tonnes of gold jewellery mysteriously untouched for years.

Public Figures like Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Swami Agnivesh and Baba Ramdev have come in support and stated that instead of donating money in temples. We should ideally take care of a poor child’s health and education. There are many below the poverty line who do not get basic necessities and helping them would please the Almighty even more. God does not want our riches and materialistic mode of exchange.

Have you ever read the small writing inscribed above the charity box in a temple. In all likelihood it reads “All donations will go towards building the corpus of the temple fund”. They may even mention the names of the great benevolent souls that poured their heart out in charity. They may even mention the amounts that they had donated.

But what they will never mention is what was that donation used for and how were those funds utilized.

In india they say Charity should be

done according to your willingness and Capability. But what they forget to tell you is that it should be done for a cause and not wasted in giving gold to a deity.

From my perspective Shirdi Sai Baba would have been terribly hurt when a devotee donated him a golden throne. He was a true fakeer who had given up all materialistic things in his life. All his life he lived in a broken hut called Dwarka Mai which only had a pot of water in it

Sadda HAQ

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as his belonging. He relied on the charitable food which his devotees prepared for him. He had left all worldly pleasures and hence he was known as a saint. If he would have been alive, He would have utilized this golden throne donation for a true charitable cause and helped mankind.

Another aspect is Anonymous donations that add up to the temple corpus. Such donations are not considered as the templeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s income and hence the temple pays no tax

on such donations. The Fake donor does so to avoid tax or convert the money earned by unethical means and the real donor that really wants to do something good does not realize that there is no accountability of his generosity.

If you light up a diya in front of your deity, it is not necessary that it should be done with expensive ghee. On your religious or spiritual journey monetary gains or monetary show off should be of least importance. If you donate a

gold rath (chariot) when your deity is carried out for rath yatra and the news makes headlines. It is purely showing off of your wealth and indirect advertising to prospective business associates. It can never please your deity, If millions of his creations suffer for a daily two time meal. Your riches and finances if you have them in abundance, I request you to use your knowledge and try for maximum optimum utilization of your resources for the growth and benefit of mankind .

Article 26 of The Constitution of India states that

This basically means that the temples governance will have no interference from the government.

In spite of this the government has intervened in the process on their false pretext of streamlining it. The Appointment of officers, Archnayaks and head priests in some temples is in the hands of the government On Tuesday March 8th 2011, high court issued a notice against the Andhra Pradesh Government for diverting Tirupati temple funds towards other

activities . I was born in a priest family and i have stolen coins from the temple many times for my personal entertainment in my childhood.

Was a small child then but the government is full of corrupt people that come into power only to utilize their tenure to their maximum personal benefit and entertainment The last thought gave me a very wild imagination. The Money you donated to your shrine for purely

pious reasons might just be getting used by a small minister for his Bangkok Pleasure trip Wake up now.. Donate with our own hands and for the right cause to the right person that is actually in need.

God is already the Almighty. He does not need your money or your riches, He lives in a non-materialistic world and he has nothing to do with your currency notes. What holds value for him is your humanity and devotion.

Article by Jitendra Kotai: Jitendra has a Bachelors Degree in Financial Accounting from Mumbai, India He Works for a reputed logistics company in Hong Kong, He is a Cricket Enthusiast, a big movie buff and a Voracious reader. Creative Writing is his passion. He regularly writes short stories

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24 Globe Trotter

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SERENADING IN THE HARMONY OF LAKSHWADEEP LES: IS

M

y last year’s family holiday in the dream island of Lakshadweep was a memorable one as we spent some priceless moments in this tropical paradise. Right from the mode of traveling (cruise ship) to the stunning array of beach activities that awaited us, the island holidays at Lakshwadeep was undoubtedly first-rate.

What surprised me was the laidback charm of the Islands. We had come prepared with lots of time at our disposal – a week long sojourn, which we were told was perfect for soaking in the sun drenched islands of Lakshwadeep.

A vast majority of the tourists belonging to mainland India do not even have a clue as to where the emerald island of Lakshwadeep is located. It is ideally located at 8° and 12° North Latitude and 71° and 74° East Longitude. The word Lakshwadeep literally means “One Lakh Islands” but in reality Lakshwadeep is a cluster of 36 islands covering an area of 32 Sq. Kilometers.

Apart from traveling by air, one of the

most enchanting ways of traveling to the island of Lakshwadeep is by cruise ships that depart from the port city of Kochi in Kerala. The sea voyage is unique and I would be quite prepared to embark on a sea voyage to the island a hundred times and still not feel bored.

After a captivating sea voyage, we reached the picturesque island of Kavaratti and checked in at the impeccably maintained Kavaratti Tourist Complex. The hutments that we were provided to us were every bit ethnic and offered all the amenities that a modern day traveler would ask for. Since we availed the exclusive “Taratashi Holiday Package” we were offered a plethora of island holiday options ranging from exciting water sports to visits to the spectacular Marine Aquarium. I was most amazed by the sheer richness of marine life as viewed from the see-through glass bottomed boats.

Lakshwadeep is in the record books as well, being the smallest Union Territory of India comprising of just 12 atolls, 3

exclusive reefs and 5 inundated banks.

Amongst the 36 islands, only ten are inhabited like Agatti, Amini, Andrott, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Kiltan and Minicoy.

An impromptu talk with a local guide revealed that the island came under the influence of Islam way back in the 7th century. According to legends, small settlements started in the islands of Amini, Kavaratti, Andrott and Kalpeni first and later people from these islands moved to other islands of Agatti, Kiltan, Chetlat and Kadmat.

The advent of Islam dates back to the 7th century. Legend has it that St. Ubaidulla of Mecca in his dream saw Prophet Mohammed directing him to go to Jeddah and hire a ship from there and go in search of hitherto unexplored places. It was during his sea voyage in close proximity to the Lakshwadeep Islands that he was shipwrecked and he was literally floating on a piece of wood, which in turn was swept on shore to the island of Amini. It is from this island that Ubaidulla started disseminating the religion of Islam in the islands.

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With Kavaratti as our base, we explored the various islands and were captivated by their exceptionally fragile ecosystem and culture. Due to the rather delicate ecosystem, the island of Lakshwadeep is not promoted as aggressively as the other beach destinations like Goa and Kovalam.

What appealed to us was the sheer synchronization of the tourist product – “Lakshwadeep” into a truly exotic Island hideway. At times it felt rather difficult to digest that we were roaming around in beaches, which are integral parts of the Indian republic and not otherwise.

A chance encounter with a Western couple – Mr and Mrs Stoltenberg from far away Oslo (Norway) brought out in the open our hidden belief vis-à-vis the tropical charm of the Lakshwadeep. As a couple, they had traveled to exotic places like Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka as well as Bali in Indonesia and according to Mr. And Mrs. Stoltenberg, it was rather difficult to comprehend that they were actually in an island in India and not otherwise.

In terms of Sustainable Island Tourism,

It is unlikely that Lakshwadeep will find any mention in the standard Tourist brochures of India. According to our well-informed guide Aftab – “Although tourism is very much encouraged by the government, it is kept under control from the harmful effects of mass tourism.

With a view to protecting the sensitive ecological balance of the islands, Eco-Tourism is promoted and that too with all the proper checks and balances so as to be consistent in terms of ecological situation of the islands”.

Lakshwadeep is a fine example of what an Eco-Friendly and Sustainable tourist destination should be all about.

I was most impressed with the Island’s Environment Impact Assessment that clearly stipulates the norms like mandatory construction of hutments using thatched roofs, bio-toilets, rain water harvesting, minimal use of pump sets, stress on use of bio-degradable items, plantation of trees, maintaining the carrying capacity of the islands etc…which are being meticulously observed by the developers of tourism infrastructures like resorts, hotels and tourist lodges.

What is amazing is the fact that since most of the islands are isolated and small in size, which means that, some amount of constraints on the physical growth of the islands is inevitable. But, in spite of this constraint, the government has somehow managed to promote tourism, which is high on quality. A visit to Lakshwadeep is like an eye-opener when it comes to extreme low volume and high value oriented tourism. In fact Lakshwadeep’s tourism module can be

a great learning process for the other beach tourism destinations of India.

By far the best way to explore the varied charms of the Lakshwadeep islands is by embarking on island hopping. Apart from the administrative headquarters of Kavaratti, which can be a good base for your island hopping tours to Agatti, Bangaram, Kadmat, Minicoy and Kalpeni.

We commenced our trip from Kavaratti, which is most renowned for its 52 mosques that are well spread out throughout the island. I was stunned by the architectural grandeur of the Ujra mosque, which is conspicuous by its intricately carved ceiling. Other attractions of Kavaratti includes the spectacular lagoon where one can indulge in exciting water sports. I being

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a beach bum spent a lot of my time at the sandy beaches of Kavaratti. Make it a point to visit the stunning Marine Museum that showcases the very best of the underwater sea life found in this part of the world. For the more adventurous ones, Kayaking and Yacht Sailing activities are also available.

From the picture perfect setting of Kavaratti we ventured to the fascinating island of Kalpeni, renowned for being home to the largest lagoon of the Lakshwadeep Island. On the expert guidance of our guide Aftab, we ventured to explore the unusual atoll, which is conspicuous by its exclusive “storm bank” that is a repository of coral wreckages.

Apart from its unique charm, Kalpeni is the educational hub of Lakshwadeep and in terms of “Education of the Girl Child”, Kalpeni has played a pioneering role. Other places worth visiting in Kalpeni Island are the picturesque islets of Pitti, Tilakkam as well as the gorgeous lagoon at Cheriyam isle.

Many visitors decide to halt for a day or two at Kalpeni’s exclusive Tourist Complex at Koomel, which is a spectacular curved bay with facilities for a plethora of exciting water sports ranging from Kayaks to Sail Boats.

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Our next hop was to the rather isolated Minicoy Island, which is strategically located to the southern most tip of Lakshwadeep. Anybody who takes the trouble of reaching to Minicoy can rest assured of a slice of Maldives, that fascinating island nation of south Asia.

Here the inhabitants speak the Mahl dialect, which is actually spoken in the island of Maldives.

There is another interesting aspect about Minicoy, which we discovered during our trip to the Island – “Emancipation of Women”. Whoever said that Islam was deprecating women, should take a look at the society of Minicoy Island. Here the womenfolk play a dominating role.

Our guide Aftab revealed that the numerous villages dotting the Island landscape of Minicoy were exposed to democratic way of life from times immemorial. A visit to a neighboring village revealed the rather well organized system of village administration with the lion’s share of the responsibilities bestowed upon the – “Bodukaka”.

In terms of culture and heritage too, the Minicoy Island villages are much elevated and it was simply fascinating to watch the rhythmic “Lava” dance performed by the village folks. We also paid a visit to the one-of-its-kind Tuna Canning Factory and the drive through lush green tropical forests replete with coconut groves and sundry tropical foliages was breathtaking to say the least.

The refined lifestyle of the natives of Minicoy Island was very apparent in that the womenfolk were renowned for their culinary skills. My Mom even got involved in an impromptu session on the fine art of cooking a traditional fish dish on the advise of a trained female who would put even the most glamorous Chef of a 5 star hotel to

abject surrender.

While womenfolk of Minicoy Island have a dignified existence, the men folks are mostly involved in maritime trade and a lot of them work in foreign merchant shipping companies. They are also expert carpenters and have carved a niche for themselves in the competitive world of carpentry.

While the Island of Minicoy captivated us with its refined social life and the exalted status of women, Kadmat Island on the other hand was at its alluring best with its pristine lagoon and endless stretches of beaches, ideal for swimming and participating in exciting

water sports options. We were told that Kadmat was the only Island in the whole of Lakshwadeep to have the unique distinction of having a lagoon on both sides.

In terms of foreign tourist traffic to Lakshwadeep, the Island of Kadmat is a hot favorite and believe me, the island has the capacity to cater to just 48 tourists at a time, which might sound funny and even incredible, but such are the stringent tourism rules set forth by the island’s mandarins in the best interest of preserving the Island’s fragile ecosystem.

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It is here that one of India’s finest diving spot is located and there is also an exclusive Water Sports Institute that offers Diving lessons for a fee. We found numerous lovelorn couples at the beachfront and according to our guide Aftab, Kadmat is increasingly becoming a popular haunt for Honeymoon couples.

Towards the last leg of our Island hopping activity, we explored the bewitching Islands of Agatti and Bangaram, each possessing unique tourism attributes to lure the discerning world traveler. While Agatti with its only airport in the whole of Lakshwadeep and a gorgeous lagoon that never ceases to amaze you with its sheer beauty, Bangaram is the stuff of “Romance in the High Seas” – the kind eulogized in James Hadley Chase Thrillers.

Ever wanted to get marooned in an uninhabited Island? With no phone calls, no mobile sets, no fax, no E-mail!!

Bangaram is the Mecca of Scuba Diving and is renowned for its scenic charm and exclusive coral formations as well as diverse tropical flora and fauna. Here you can have a date with creatures as diverse as Sharks and rare varieties of Sea Turtles, all of which has already catapulted Bangaram into the big league of international Scuba Diving sites.

We saw hordes of Western tourists fully geared up in their diving suits preparing for their diving stints in one of the world’s best diving spots. Needless to say, the immaculately maintained Bangaram Island Resort is the hub of all tourist activity in this secluded island and apart from high quality accommodation, the resort also offers

an array of first – rate water sports equipments.

Given the fact that Lakshwadeep has emerged as a top-end water sports destination, there is an exclusive Department of Water Sports catering to the exacting needs of water sport enthusiasts who converge to Lakshwadeep from all over the world.

In Lakshwadeep, the exciting water sports landscape is non-intrusive in nature, which means lighter activities like water scooters etc… have been intentionally been left aside and the corresponding stress is given on adventure oriented water sports like Scuba Diving and Para Sailing.

No other Island destination offers the kind of variety in terms of Coral Reefs as Lakshwadeep does. For those Coral Reef aficionados, the government has launched an exclusive onboard cruise package covering the bewitching Islands of Minicoy, Kavaratti and Kalpeni. Visitors board the vessel M.V. Tipusulatn from Kochi (Cochin) in Kerala and are taken along the trail of the three Islands in the all-inclusive 5-Day Coral Reef Package Tour.

Apart from the Coral Reef Tour, there is also an exclusive Marine Wealth Awareness Programme on offer for those interested in exploring the myriad charms of underwater sea life. An all-inclusive voyage by ship (6 Day Package) starts from the city of Kochi in Kerala and halts at Kadmat Beach Resort where the ship is anchored for 3 days so as to enable guests to explore the stunning array of marine life in and around Kadmat.

Activities include Snorkeling, Kayaking, Scuba Diving, and Deep Sea Diving etc…

TRAVELER’S FACT FILE: Getting There: Lakshwadeep is accessible by both air and ship from Kerala’s port city of Cochin or Kochi. The best way to travel to the Island is cruising from Kochi. You may find Jet Airways daily flight to Kochi as per below schedule: 9W75 HKG – Mumbai 1955 0015 (next day) 9W405 Mumbai – Kochi 0620 0815 9W404 Kochi – Mumbai 1610 1755 9W76 Mumbai – HK 0205 0955 (next day) Please visit www.jetairways.com/hk for more information.

ACCOMMODATION: A range of accommodations is available for the discerning tourists to Lakshwadeep. Quality accommodations are available courtesy resorts and ecofriendly ethnic hutments at key Island destinations like Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Minicoy, Kadmat and Bangaram. Apart from being guests of resorts, one unique way of seeking shelter in Lakshwadeep is on board shipping vessels like M.V. Tipusultan that offers all the modern amenities that a discerning traveler would ask for ranging from spacious cabins, cafeteria, snack bar, video shows, entertainment lounge, exclusive Upper Deck as well as doctor on call.

For any further information on akshwadeep Islands, please feel free to contact – SPORTS, Lakshadweep Office, I.G. Road, Willingdon Island, Cochin-682003 Kerala, India.

Telephone: 0484-668387, Fax: 0484-668647 Email: laksports@vsnl.net

Written By: Subhasish Chakraborty, Travel Journalist, • B-14/148, Kalyani, Dist: Nadia, West Bengal-741235, India.

Telephone : 91-033-25820092 • E-mail: subhasish90@hotmail.com

28 Must Read

T

he one question that has always intrigued the world is “Is there life after death?” Every religion has their own beliefs. Christianity believes in life after death. A person who is saved goes to heaven and the one who is not saved goes to hell. If you look at the major religions, you will find that the final aim for all human beings is to be united with God. Who is God? The answer to this question is too big to be discussed here. So let me rephrase the question – What are some of the characteristics of God? You may say ‘Holy, Just, pure, good, caring, provider, creator and destroyer, loving, kind, healer, merciful, etc. So, in order

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for us to gain his favor, what should our qualities be? Simply put, in order to be with God, we need to meet his standards i.e. what He wants us to be rather than what we are. Do you think that we can ever be able to meet upto his expectation or standards. I am sorry to say this friends but we will never ever be able to meet God’s standards no matter how much we try…because of SIN. The bible says “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”.Ever since Eve took that first bite into that forbidden fruit, in the garden of Eden, sin has entered mankind, and it has been passed on from generation to generation. Sin in simple terms is doing things against the will of God. Sin cuts man from God. The bible says that “the

wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23) and that it is for eternity and there is no escape (Isaiah 66:24) We all know that for we are accountable for every sin that we commit. God is just God and will punish every sin. Just pause for a moment and think of the sins that we have committed in our lives since childhood. So what’s the solution?

The solution is washing of our sins.

Christianity believes that we cannot cleanse ourselves of our sins. Simple reason- How can we cleanse our sins, when we do not even know what kind of sins we have committed?

We have created our own standards

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and decided that certain sins are fine in this world because it is the way of

(past, present and future) was laid upon his shoulders. John 3:16 says “ For God

As we step into the New Year, may I ask you what you would not like to carry forward to this New Year. In Jesus Christ, we are a new creation because the past is gone and the new has come. Remember, our Lord does not look at what you have done in the past, neither does He look at what you have done today, He looks at what you do going forward.

Wishing you and your family a very happy and blessed New Year. May the Lord bless you. The ICA INDIAN CHURCH invites you, your family and

the world and everyone is doing it.

Remember for God every sin is a sin, and we are accountable for every sin.

So if we are not sure of our sins, how can we do an act to ensure that we are cleansed.

The bible says that we cannot pay the price for our sins. Whatever we do cannot wash our sins- they cannot save us from going to hell. The bible says that we are saved by God’s grace ( Acts 15;11, Epheisans 2:8-9). Salvation cannot be earned.

Hear me carefully friends, if God is just and holy and requires perfection from me, and I fall short of that perfection, He is going to deal with me accordingly, which is eternal damnation in hell.

We need someone who can take up our sins and save us … we need a savior … This is where Jesus comes in. Back in the old Testament times, people used to sacrifice lambs and other animals on an altar for remission of their sins. Without shedding of blood, there is no remission for sins. In the New Testament, Jesus became the lamb of God and sacrificed himself on the cross where every sin of the world

so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” With His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus was able to buy pardon for all the sinners of the world. Through the blood of Jesus, mankind was given hope for an eternal life in the Kingdom of God. Christianity is not the adherence to a set of rules, nor it is a set of ideas, a philosophy you might say, that leads to peace, harmony, inner peace, and good karma. It is about a relationship – a relationship between God and us. It is a way of life, a way of walking with Jesus, a relationship.

your friends to come, and experience a new dynamic in people relationship and warmth of fellowship. You will not regret your visit to our church service. Come to be blessed. God bless you.

Address: 1st Floor, Best Western Hotel, 23 Austin Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Day and Time: Every Sunday, English: 10:30 am and Hindi: 1:30 pm

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30 Love & Relationship

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Blessed are you

MILDIL &

T

he mother-in-law/daughterin-law relationship is one of the most critical relationships in any family system. From time immemorial the relationship between a mother-inlaw (MIL) and a daughter-in-law (DIL) has been very unique. When women do not get along, whether it be in a rich or poor family, the subsequent tension

affects everyone in the family. Conflicts between in-laws drag families into great suffering and helplessness. Even worse, constant cynical expressions, made by in-laws, make other members enraged and lead to fights all the time.

It is the man, sandwiched between the mother and the wife, who suffers the most. Many of such men can barely fall

asleep at night and some develop panic disorders. Many women have admitted that the relationship with their female in-laws have caused them long-term unhappiness and stress. Â In fact, families, otherwise prospective and functional, due to these conflicts, live a defeated, unsuccessful, unhappy and broken life.

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But what actually causes this mutual unease? Is it their attitude or does it have to do with their desire for power over each other? In my opinion they are controlled by false, deceptive thoughts and prejudices. Hence, they are compelled to live with conflicts rather than with love.

I believe that MILs and DILs are two beautiful souls that God has wonderfully made for a great purpose.

Though it is said that “men make the house”, it is these two lovely women who make the ‘home’. Whatever you may think of each other, however bitter your experience with each other is, you can make your life beautiful and worth living. Both of you are called to build your lovely home and the light of your home needs your both hands in

order to shine.

I like to advocate some Biblical principles which enabled in-laws who were in bitter conflicts with each other to have a loving and binding relationship. Their ability to reconcile with each other made them effective persons, and a pillar of inspiration of their family members.

Love and Pray For Your In-law: Know for yourself that God loves you. The God who loves you has made you with innate powers that enable you to live a life of love. Jesus commanded us not only to love others as He loves us, but also to forgive and to pray for our enemies. Jesus does not ask us to do what is not possible. So instead of feeling hurt by the ill-done deeds

of your in-law, search into your heart sincerely to discover if any of it may be due to your own faults. If you are wrong, then ask for forgiveness. Choose to love, forgive and pray for her wellbeing, then you will be blessed with an abundance of peace.

Be Affectionate At All Times: It is unfortunate that your in-law may actually be impolite, arrogant, unkind, cruel, manipulative, controlling and commanding, but you can be good. As Ephesians 4:31-32 says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Choose to give and live in peace with your in-law.

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Love & Relationship Honor and Appreciate: In the Bible, we learn that when children honor their parents, they will be blessed, namely with a long life on earth. A DIL confessed, “My relationship with my mother-in-law always had been strained. I seldom respected and acknowledged her. However, I realized that my attitude towards her was not right because my mom would give me the same advice about my behavior as my MIL gave, but from her I took it as criticism. Now I admire my MIL more than anyone.” To parents the Bible teaches, “Do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them”.

Instead love them and appreciate them. By following this teaching, a mother-in-law, who was always critical of her daughter in law, tried a new approach. She set aside her feelings and focused instead on her DIL’s need for appreciation. She said, “I wrote a card thanking her for all the things in my home with which she’d blessed us. I expressed my gratitude and appreciated her in front of others for her works.” The results of them both following this teaching were amazing.

Mountains melted, and an entirely new relationship emerged—not just between MIL and DIL, but with every relative in their families. Both MILs and DILs can be open and look for ways to show gratitude no matter what kind of in-law you have!

Renew Your Mind: Do not live by prejudices and past experiences.

Ephesians 4:22-23 says, “Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let God’s Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.”

Your in-law may not be the one you

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dreamed of, but she is the one that you have. Change yourself as much as you can instead of changing her.

A MIL who never liked and accepted her DIL said, “One day I realized that I needed to accept my daughter-in-law, because my son had chosen her. I had to make the decision daily to respect my son’s choice for a wife. Since then I guarded my tongue, held back my unasked advice, and affirmed my daughter-in-law every chance I had.”

Thereafter, she and her daughterin-law have developed a close and satisfying relationship.

The biblical way of relationship may look impractical. It truly cannot be accomplished by skills but you can learn to practice it. You can relate with one another by the grace of God and through prayer and commitment.

Such a relationship is not an option but a commandment. You need to desire for such rapport and understanding, and believe in its worth. You may fail, struggle and find it difficult at times, but you can strive. Exercise the power of love, forgiveness and patience. Do not give up, because you can hope in the Lord. Believe that both of you are specially called to be loving and nurturing agents of your family and pillars of its strength. May the grace of Christ be with you, heal your brokenness, transform you anew and bind your relationship with His love.

May He be merciful to you, bless you this Christmas season, and grant you an abundance of peace, joy and happiness throughout the New Year and the years to come.

Darsi Jaya Raju is Professional Counsellor and Integrated Psychotherapist. He also facilitates spiritual and inter religious dialogue.

34 Community

Q1.

I work in a small garment export company. My colleague returned from maternity leave just a few days ago. Today she got terminated.

In my brief chat with her, all she said was that the company is downsizing and therefore some people are being terminated. However, no one else in the company is being asked to leave. I want to know if this is discrimination because of her pregnancy and maternity leave.

Mrs. Sheila Dave, Quarry Bay A1. Dear Mrs. Dave,

Dismissing someone on the grounds of her pregnancy may amount to pregnancy discrimination under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance. In the case of your colleague, what will need to be established is that in fact her pregnancy and absence from work due to maternity leave

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is real reason for her dismissal.

Many employers are aware of the Employment Ordinance and the unlawfulness under it of dismissing someone during pregnancy and maternity leave.

However, the Sex Discrimination Ordinance is not concerned with when the dismissal or detriment takes place, only the reason for the same. If the reason is pregnancy, then it will likely amount to unlawful pregnancy discrimination. Your colleague should make a note of what was said to her and keep a copy of her performance records, appreciation letters if any etc. in order to counter any claim made by the employer of poor performance being the reason for dismissal. She should call the Equal Opportunities Commission at 25118211 to get advice on her case.

Q2.

My daughter studies in an English medium local secondary school. A couple of weeks ago I noticed that she was really quiet and preoccupied. She was also reluctant to go to school or talk to her friends. When I questioned her about it, after some initial hesitancy she came out with the real reason for her being upset.

Apparently, a group of boys in the school and one boy in particular was teasing her and making jokes about her.

She was now scared of going to school and facing them. I went to the school the next day and spoke to her teacher about the matter. She said she would talk to the boys but according to my daughter that may not have happened as the boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; behaviour has not changed. Can I take any action to stop this?

Mrs. Ravinder Kaur, Tung Chung

Community

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A2. Dear Mrs. Ravinder Kaur,

Any harassment which may be racial or sexual in nature are unlawful in Hong Kong under the anti-discrimination ordinances.

Find out what kind of teasing and joking the boys were indulging in. Was it of a sexual nature? Or racial?

Under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance, any unwelcome act or behaviour of a sexual nature that causes one to feel threatened, humiliated or intimidated is seen as sexual harassment. The same definition applies to acts of a racial nature under the Race Discrimination Ordinance.

While the boy or boys carrying out the acts will be personally liable, the school may also be vicariously liable if they take no action to stop these acts once they are notified of it. In your case, the failure of the teacher to act effectively may cause the school also to be liable. You may wish to lodge a complaint with the Equal Opportunities Commission if you find the school continues to ignore the situation and your daughter’s harassment does not stop.

Q3.

My mother who lives with us has recently started using a wheelchair due to a knee surgery. We didn’t notice for so long, but have now realised that the entrance to our building does not have a ramp.

There are four steps to enter the building which are causing an inconvenience to us as we

have to carry my mother in the wheelchair down those steps.

Does this count as disability discrimination even though ours is a private building and not public housing?

Mr. Rohan Gupta, Mei Foo

A3. Dear Mr. Gupta, It is unlawful under the Disability Discrimination Ordinance (DDO) to discriminate against a person with a disability in relation to the provision of means of access to premises. Estate managers, developers, and property management companies are advised to provide an accessible environment. Regardless of whether the premises are private property or public, the lack of access for people with disability can constitute disability discrimination. Since the difficulty to enter the building causes detriment to a person in a wheelchair, as opposed to someone who is not wheelchair bound, this could amount to discrimination on account of one’s disability.

However, if providing a ramp or lift or other access for persons in wheelchairs causes unjustifiable hardship to the estate managers or owners, say, in terms of cost or structure of the building, then there may be no case of disability discrimination. It is advisable for building owners or managers to seek the help of engineers to have an assessment of the possible access options.

Please post your queries regarding any discrimination related experiences and issues to this column. Your queries will be answered by an officer of the Equal Opportunities Commission.

TO CONTACT THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES COMMISSION, CALL, WRITE OR EMAIL US AT: 19/F, Cityplaza Three 14 Taikoo Wan Road, Taikoo Shing, Hong Kong TEL: 2511-8211 Email: eoc@eoc.org.hk http://www.eoc.org.hk

35

36 Aunty MVP

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MRS. POONAM MEHTA

Share your love and relationship problems with her, she knows it all..

AUNTY POONAM MEHTA,

HK’s well-known Counsellor & our Columnist for Love & Relationships section.

— M. Ed. Guidance & Counseling, University of Newcastle Upon Tyne U K and Early Years Registered Educator in Hong Kong Question 1: Hello Aunty, I eagerly wait for this column of Adesiflava Magazine. I love to read your advice in the form of answers which are related to our lives. I am 20 years college going girl living in Hung Hom, I am fun loving and extrovert in nature. My problem is, I have a crush on my teacher who is 35 years old. I am from a kind of culture where all these things are considered as wrong. But every time when I see him, I can’t control my emotions and express them. As a result, this makes me a gossip topic in my class. I even can’t concentrate on my studies too.

Aunty please gives your valuable advice so that I can come out of all this.

Sorry Aunty, I don’t wish to disclose my name, which you very well know.

Thanks a lot; I will read your answer in the next issue of Adesiflava.

Answer 1 Thank you for taking interest in my column.

While I’m happy to hear that you know this situation is wrong and not acceptable in your culture, It’s not uncommon to develop a crush on an older man in your life, especially one you see quite often. And as long as you don’t act on these feelings in any way, is what you need to be aware.

Having a crush like this isn’t inherently wrong either. A harmless crush is just that – harmless. I want to make one

thing clear: this is not real love, it is infatuation which will fade away with time. Your teacher’s relationship with you in the classroom is a teacher and student relationship, which is a very professional and noble. You need to respect his feelings, your classroom and school. Therfore, you need to nip this in the bud before it leads to more complications. You may soon find a young male of your age with whom you can establish a meaningful relationship.

Question 2: Namaste Aunty. I am working in a Multinational company. This is the time when I am achieving new heights in my carrier. I recently got appraisal from my company. As per my performance, management awarded me promotion and in charge of another office branch. Due to this reason, my workload increased and as a result of increased work pressure I am unable to give time to my family.

When I got this promotion my family was happy but now they are showing anger in different ways. I too want to give time to my family but I can’t able to manage the work pressure & family at the same time. This is also making my relationship with my husband complicated. I love my family but at the same time I love my work too. I am totally confused, what I can do now.

Deepti from Mid Levels.

Answer 2 Dear Deepti, Congratulations on your achievement.

With promotion comes all other baggage too. I have been in the same boat. The difference was my husband took pride and helped me climb the ladder. I am grateful to him indeed!

Family-work balance is a complex issue.

You and your husband must understand that there will be times when your family will need more attention and times a career will demand more energy. Achieving a balance between career and children doesn’t necessarily mean the time is split evenly. Therefore flexibility is the key to the solution. First of all please invite your husband out and calmly explain to him how much the family means to you and that your career is secondary but at the same time when you got your promotion everyone rejoiced which added to your joy and you are now enthusiastic of fulfilling the work demand.

The other option is to talk to your boss and explain to him your priority and if he can sanction you to work one or two days in a week from home. These days many companies give such allowance to their staff provided they meet the dead lines. Since you have received your promotion obviously you are capable and responsible. Best wishes.

Spirituality

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IT’S TIME TO LET GO OF THE PAST…

W

e create and retain our problems as we believe that it gives us a sense of identity. This could probably explain as to why we hold on to our pain even long after the actual occurrence of the incident(s). We constantly talk about a lost pet or stolen property, so much so that it becomes our second nature. By reminiscing and talking about an incident that has caused irreversible pain, we are re-living the agonizing memories and literally holding on to the pain. By repeatedly replaying past errors and mistakes, we are in reality, shaping the present! In other words, by reminding ourselves of the shame and remorse from the past, we are inadvertently attracting similar incidents to occur in the present and future. Contrary to the truth, we feel that clinging on to our frustrations and worries, gives us power. We fail to realize that holding stress in our mind and body would lead to hazardous health issues.

Once, a popular public speaker addressed a large gathering in a huge auditorium. He started his speech with a joke and had the entire audience laughing so hard. Ten minutes into his speech he narrated the same joke again. This time only a few laughed at the joke applauding in appreciation. He continued with

…………………..Awakening with Brahma Kumaris.

his speech and after another 15 minutes, cracked the same joke.

However, this time there was utter silence in the auditorium. Not even one person laughed or even smiled.

The speaker promptly asked, “All of you enjoyed the joke thoroughly the first time, so why didn’t you enjoy it the third time?” One individual from the crowd answered “Since the joke wasn’t new to us anymore we couldn’t enjoy it the third time.”

To this the speaker said, “That’s exactly my point! When you can’t laugh at the same joke again and again, why do you cry or inflict pain on yourselves by re-living the same sad moments?”

We have to ‘let go’ of the past and live the present in peace. The more we let go the happier and free we are. “Oh! My friend didn’t acknowledge my presence…My boss didn’t appreciate my report….” How does it matter whether your friend sees you or not? Just let go! There is never going to be a life without challenges; we have every moment to practice accepting that. Let go of frustration, anger, stress or past relationships and unravel a beautiful future awaiting you. As we learn the art of letting go, we will become more joyful, thereby bringing more joyful moments into our life.

BRAHMA KUMARIS RAJA YOGA CENTRE, KOWLOON IS COMMEMORATING THEIR FOUNDER’S ASCENSION DAY ON 18TH JANUARY 2016, WHICH SHALL BE OBSERVED AS A DAY OF SILENCE AT ALL THEIR OVER 9000 CENTRES WORLDWIDE. KOWLOON CENTRE AT 23 OCEAN VIEW COURT, 5TH FLOOR CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH, KOWLOON WHICH WILL BE EXHIBITING REPLICAS OF MADHUBAN WITH HISTORICAL INFORMATION ABOUT BRAHMA BABA SHALL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 5PM – 7PM ON 18TH JAN 2016.

FOR DETAILS CONTACT : RAJA YOGA CENTRE – TEL: 3541 4340 FREE MEDITATION COURSE BRAHMA KUMARIS ARE ALSO GIVING FREE MEDITATION COURSES EVERY MONTH. FOR DETAILS, PLEASE CONTACT SISTER BK BINDU ON TELEPHONE 3541 4340 WITH MEDIATION establish harmony at home. Then bring to home the atmosphere of serenity thereby helping your spouse and children too to benefit from the fruit of meditation. Being devoted to our duty and becoming adept at meditation is the success mantra for a harmonious home and family.

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38

Horoscope

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ASTROLOGY BY BEJAN DARUWALLA FOR JAN16 Ganesha says we start the New Year right and bright with this blessing: To the spirit who rules by his might / we have joyfully sung praises. / His blessings flow a thousand fold / and ever more abundantly. The digital formula for you

Capricornians is duty + responsibility + steadiness + management = high octane spirituality. In 2016 you will spread your wings high and wide to cover not only the world but the cosmos.

What is there left to say?

Short Note: Your Ganesha devotee has researched the exquisite connection between Western Astrology and our very own hymns from the Rig Veda.

Aries: Spirit! Confirmed in Your friendship, we have no fear, O Lord of Might! We glorify you with praises, Invincible Lord of Victory! This year the accent will be on job, colleagues, foreign travel, collaborations and very definitely an upliftment of the spirit. Health problems may be there.

exalted by the hymns. Pleasure and pain in almost equal measure is your fate. Romance and finance may not make a perfect team.

Sagittarius: I stretch the bow of him who drives out evil. That the arrow may strike wisdom’s enemy I create among men strife and contention, I fill both Earth and Heavens with my presence. This is definitely the most apt hymn for you.

2016 could possibly be the last year of tensions, strike and difficulties. You will bounce back.

Taurus: Singing your praise, O mighty One! I came full of grace to the water and the workers of Truth stood by Witnessing, O Lover of Song! Children, creativity, entertainment, money squeeze from time to time and sudden insights into human behavior will be your lot this year.

Gemini: Conqueror of Cities, young seer, Born with unlimited power, The Spirit sustains every act, And is acclaimed for His thunder. There could be opposition to plans. You may have your own house or office. Seek the blessings of elders.

Cancer: Neither nonbeing nor being was as yet; Neither was airy space nor heavens beyond, What was envelope?

And where? Sheltered by whom?

And was there water? Bottomless, unfathomed? Your salvation and your happiness are in reaching out to people and places. Periodic rest is absolutely essential.

Leo: Spirit – boundless as the ocean –Charioteer of charioteers, Lord of Strength and Lord of Being, Has been

Virgo: I am the Queen, gatherer of abundance, Knowing and wise, always supreme in worship Divine powers appointed me in all places; I have many homes, I enter many forms. By Western Astrology Jupiter will be in your sun sign for the next 9 months and you will have tremendous self-confidence. But home, parents, elders, house and domestic matters may require undivided attention.

Libra: I blow like the wind; it is I that maintain And I that sustain all things in creation. Beyond the Heavens and beyond this broad Earth: Such is the magnitude that I have assumed.

Expenses could mount but by your charm and intelligence you will surmount everything. Surprisingly enough salvation is a possibility and Iam dead serious about it.

Scorpio: I move with roaring, howling, and radiant might, I move with the infinite and nature’s powers. I hold the love of Lords, I hold the fire of the soul, I hold like and healing. Friends and wellwishers will help you through every crisis in life. Be careful in your diet and compromise in family matters.

Capricorn: By Your art, Spirit, You defeat the artful withering of Death.

May the wise who witness your act be inspired by You, O Spirit? Expenses, enemies and ill health may slow you down. But you conquer all thanks to Jupiter working overtime for you.

Aquarius: Come together! Speak together! Let your minds be in harmony, As the Gods of Old together sat in harmony to worship. The spiritual masters are very definitely on your side. Accidents and ill health and money squeeze is possible. Life itself is a paradox.

Pisces: Singing your praise, O Mighty One! I come full of grace to the water, and the workers of Truth stood by Witnessing, O Lover of Song! Marriage, collaborations, conference could be your life changers. Humility should go with the considerable power you will wield.

Horoscope

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ASTROLOGY BY BEJAN DARUWALLA FOR FEB16 Aries: You are thrusting ahead forcefully in all directions. There is a lot of movement as well as a lot of stability. You are flying high but with purpose. Very deep and perseverant energies lend themselves to you. There is tremendous potential for inner growth. You gain deep insights into the functioning of your psyche; in the process you understand yourself more.

Taurus: This is a great time to be. You are in an extremely positive frame of mind. You are emotionally secure and in touch with your feelings. You come across as frank and honest and are much appreciated for this. You are also very generous and are able to help out with others’ problems easily. You are more giving than usual at this juncture. You want to nurture others and take them under your wing. You feel like protecting, caring and supporting others.

Gemini: You are firing in all cylinders.

Everything you touch seems to work out.

You are scoring a double century at Lord’s and still smashing your way ahead on the front foot. You have the guile of Maradona, when he slaughtered, teased and taunted England in the famous World Cup match, and the concentration of Tiger Woods.

You also have the elegance of Nureyev and the perseverance of Zubin Mehta.

Cancer: You may also be in emotional turmoil about your relationships. A relationship, in particular, could trouble you as you don’t know what to look for in it. You get mixed signals all the time.

There could also be misunderstandings with colleagues and the boss. If self – employed, there could be trouble with the authorities. You have to figure out the best way to cease out of the situation. Do not

take a confrontationist attitude. Allow the other person his or her view point.

Leo: There could be health issues. You need to solve them right away. If there is a chronic problem, attend to it. If you have been careless about your diet and have gained weight, it is time to address the issue head on. Go on a strict diet and exercise regimen. While you have several virtues and are one of the most successful of all sun signs, the can also be their own worst enemy.

Virgo: There is consolidation of your affairs. You make headway at work. There are new projects on the verge of taking off and you are unusually busy. There are also many expenses but you manage finances well. Love could be thrown into the ring now. Or it could just be lust as you let your hormones get the better of you.

Libra: There is a settling down of sorts but you are still on the move. You are happy to see that life is taking you where you want to go. You meet new people and sign up new and profitable associations. There could be a marriage in the family or an addition to it. There will be many fun times with old friends and a lot of socializing.

Ganesha is happy and so are you.

Scorpio: Scorpio is a powerful sign and can move mountains but it also depends on what type of Scorpio you are – the scorpion, lizard or the eagle. The horoscope depends on several factors.

You also have the use of free will to change your life. I want to remind you that an accurate analysis will need personal astrological details. These are mere indicators although I must confess, in all modesty, that I have been fairly accurate in the last many decades.

Sagittarius: There is a lot of movement in your life. You want to do new things and break free from the rut. You carry a devil – may – care attitude on your back life Atlas carrying the world on his. You can expect rebellious and explosive energies to enter your life. You being too chafe at the restrictions on your life. You look for freedom fight whatever restrictions you perceive are closing in on you.

Capricorn: There are many emotions to contend with which could take the form of a forest fire raging within. There will be a new fondness for taking risks. You take chances and embark on projects that may never work. The subsequent failures make you even more frustrated and your behavior towards others, especially towards those at home and in the office, becomes unbearable. Then, you blame others for things not working out in your life.

Aquarius: The situation changes for the better. There is much needed relief. There is optimism and positive thinking in your life. You are able to look back at life and get a better perspective. This is a good time to make long – range plans and, possibly, to travel or educate yourself in something entirely new and different. There is much – needed psychological and physical equilibrium. If you have recently been ill, you will be on the road to recovery.

Pisces: This can be a very important time for youngsters. You will be in the spotlight for your achievements. They can ring glory to the family. There will be many happy events at home. The last period helps fuel your ambition to greater heights. You will also be busy with loans, funds, joint – finances, leasing and buying / selling.

There is money to be made and you sniff out new opportunities like a bound.

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40

Desi Faces of HK

NY16 PARTY AT AAMCHI MUMBAI

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Jaa all lik all th Flav Pros

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41

Jaanvi, Nidhi & Kiritia....we would all like to wish Adesiflava team and all the viewers and readers of desi Flava a very Happy New Year and Prosperous Year 2016 to everyone

Anand Vijay and family enjoying at Ocean Park

Ravi & Sanam Budhrani with daughter

Ravi & Sanam Budhrani with their family

Maharaj Manish Sharma with wife and son

Srinivas Nayak, Sapna Nayak, Neelesh Nayak and Subhas Prabhu (Father), Sudha Prabhu (mother)

Ali and Niaz from Chakwal Hair Saloon wishing you all a very Happy New Year 2016

Prem, Jaanvi, Vikram, Nidhi, Akhil and Kirtika saying Happy New year to everyone one!

Srinivas Nayak, Sapna Nayak, with son Neelesh Nayak

42

Kids Contest

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5 Differences In These Photos

There are 5 differences in the two photos shown above.

Please circle the 5 differences and send us a scanned copy, fax or a hard copy of this page to below address: A-Desiflava, 3D, 3rd Floor, Lyton Building, 36-38 Mody Road,Tsim ShaTsui, Kowloon.

E-mail: info@adesiflava.com ; adesiflava@gmail.com â&#x20AC;˘ Fax : +852-35911316

First 3 correct entries will each receive a Battlefield Hardline Gift Hampers by Electronic Arts.

In each hamper bag, there will be one PS4 game copy, police badge and poster.

Winners of OCT 2015 Issue

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