A-Desiflava Nov-Dec 2016 Issue

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Wishing all our readers a very Happy Diwali Entertain

Enlighten

Engage TM

HONG KONG’S FIRST LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR SOUTH ASIANS

Volume 5

Issue 6

THE DRIVERLESS CAR A NEAR OR DISTANT FUTURE?

COVER STORY

REBIRTH & FINDING THE LIGHT WITHIN THIS DIWALI BANISH YOUR FEARS.

IN THE MOOD

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Make Diwali a time for Cultural Integration

As minorities with a unique culture, customs and practices living in Hong Kong, it is important to share one’s festivities and celebrations with the local population. Just as one should take part in the local festivities such as Lunar New Year, mid-autumn festival and Dragonboat festival, it is important that festivals celebrated by the ethnic minorities such as Eid and Diwali are shared with the local Chinese. When Hong Kong is presented as an international city, it is important that such a claim is backed by harmony, understanding and mutual respect among the various ethnicities - majority and minority - living here.

While one of the major responsibilities of the Equal Opportunities Commission is to implement the four anti-discrimination ordinances, it is also our mandate to promote equal opportunities.

We strongly believe that to promote the principles of equal opportunities and non-discrimination, it is first essential to combat stereotyping and prejudice. One of the ways to do this is to foster more interaction between people so that it may lead to better understanding and thereby remove biases and prejudices.

Happy Diwali to all the readers.

Diwali is a great time for socialising, family gettogethers and feasting. You can also look upon it as a good occasion for cultural exchanges.

Everybody has to make the effort to challenge stereotypes and create opportunities for positive interaction. This brings us back to Diwali.

Some of the things you could do this Diwali to build relations with the local Chinese around you are: • Share Diwali sweets or gifts with them; take a box of sweets for your colleagues; share them with your neighbours • Seek permission from neighbours if using the common area in your apartment block to light lamps, do rangoli etc.

For enquiries and information on the anti -discrimination ordinances, please contact:

Equal Opportunities Commission 19/F, Cityplaza Three, 14 Taikoo Wan Road Taikoo Shing, Hong Kong

• Invite them home to share in the festivities • Most importantly, tell them the stories related to Diwali and the reasons for celebrating it And remember, do wish them during their festivals.

By Niru Vishwanath, EOC

Hotline: 2511-8211

Email: eoc@eoc.org.hk Website: www.eoc.org.hk OFFICE HOURS: Mon to Fri from 8:45 am to 5:45 pm

Editors Note

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Wishing all our readers a very Happy Diwali

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Entertain

Enlighten

Engage TM

HONG KONG’S FIRST LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FOR SOUTH ASIANS

Volume 5

Issue 6

THE DRIVERLESS CAR A NEAR OR DISTANT FUTURE?

COVER STORY

REBIRTH & FINDING THE LIGHT WITHIN THIS DIWALI BANISH YOUR FEARS.

IN THE MOOD

THE NIGHT OF SPARKLE & SPIRITS REAL LIFE PARANORMAL ENCOUNTERS ON DIWALI MANO YA NA MANO

ON THE FRONT COVER: Photo of a driverless car installed with with all gadgets for automatic & driverless driving.

EDITOR: Pardeshi, Gaurav Ashok PUBLISHER: Neha G.Pathak DESIGN CONSULTANT: Sivasakthibalan CONTRIBUTORS: Chandragupta Amritkar Tara Basu Paulomee Debb BK Bindu (Brahmakumaris) Azake Rehman Chitra Sivakumar MitzyB Bejan Daruwala Gurjit Kaur ADESIFLAVA PRIVATE Ltd.: Room 20, 13th Floor, Eldex Indl. Bldg.

Block B, 21B Ma Tau Wai Road, Hung Hom Kowloon, Hong Kong T: +852-23631786 Email: info@adesiflava.com

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Tel: +852-2811 1183 COVER DESIGN: Studio3 Creations

Wishing you all a great Diwali and Prosperous New Year.

Happy Diwali to all our readers and well wishers.

May this Diwali bring you lots of luck, success and happiness in your lives.

Though we can’t burst crackers in Hong Kong, we can surely burn some fuljadi’s, Chakri’s and Anaar’s, so please go and find some in Chung King Mansion or with your regular grocery supplier. I am sure each one of you would agree with me, Diwali for us was altogether a different affair in India. We had Rassi Bomb, Taj Mahal Crackers, Sutli Bomb, Standard brand Rockets, Time Bomb, Whistle Bomb, Hand Bomb, 10,000 Shots Lari and Snake...wow so many memories of these unique fireworks of different kinds. Ever thought of burning these fireworks in Hong Kong?? Please don’t even think so, and lets all of us enjoy the virtual and memorable Diwali of India, by broadcasting Happy Diwali on your whatsapp with friends and relatives, lets call our families in India and wish them good luck, let’s send some sweets boxes to our close and near ones in Hong Kong. Diwali afterall is our biggest festival, so let’s all of us celebrate it with full fun and zeal. Hong Kong Indians make it big this Diwali.

In this Diwali issue of Adesiflava magazine, I have a very special Cover Story ‘Driverless Car’ written by Mr.Chandragupta Amritkar, a very senior person in the field of publishing and journalism. His article ‘Driverless Car’ published in his own magazine ‘Global Destinations’ has received recognition and great reviews from many parts of the world. I thought of pulling-in this article from Mr.Amritkar for readers of Adesiflava magazine.

In the Mood, features a very motivating article by Tara Basu who explains us how rebirth and reincarnation happens in our day to day life. There are so many small things that we do in our daily lives, which causes these small mental and physical changes leading to a rebirth every moment and every day. Please read this very interesting article by Tara.

Mano Ya Na Mano, has paranormal stories on Diwali nights by our expert and in-house writer Paulomee Deb. I really like her writing skills as it really narates the story right in to your head forcing you to visualize things.

Especially in the case of Paranormal Stories on Diwali, please make sure you forget them after reading here.

With our other regulars, packaged together as a beautiful Diwali gift for our readers, please accept this November-December Issue as a gift from Adesiflava Magazine, Adesiflava Events and Aamchi Mumbai Restaurant.

With this issue Adesiflava Magazine has completed 6 years in Hong Kong since the first time we released in Oct 2011 and now further down the line, we will surely have more coming our way.

Enjoy Reading.

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.

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Driverless Car

Tara Basu Ariticle

Diwali / Kali Pooja

Host named ‘Diva-Li’

Meditation Article

Navratri Utsav 2016

Abdul Kalam Article

MitzyB Event

Bejan Daruwala

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Content

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Cover Story

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THE DRIVERLESS CAR: A NEAR OR DISTANT FUTURE?

It was almost a decade back (can’t believe 10 years have passed) that at CES, Las Vegas in 2007 that I witnessed and experienced sitting in a driverless car. Over the years lots of changes, technology developments and ethical issues have come into focus. Chandragupta Amritkar compiles some interesting information and the trends.

2007 Heard of auto pilot in flights? If airlines can have that, why not vehicles. When I was in Las Vegas way back in 2007 I had the pleasure of moving in a driverless car – defined as an autonomous vehicle capable of fulfilling the human transportation capabilities of a traditional car. It was put on display

by GM motors. The auto car or The Boss, a driverless blue Chevrolet Tahoe, its roof topped by antennas and unidentifiable technology, which was on display spun around a parking lot, its steering wheel turning back and forth to navigating a pre-determined course. As the vehicle successfully navigated

during CES we in the media felt that we were witnessing the future.

Vehicles crammed with cameras, sensors, radar and navigation technology will be able to brake and accelerate on their own, avoid accidents and spot congestion is what Chairman and chief executive Rick Wagoner of General Motors is determined to provide in a decade.

The Tahoe – named “Boss” after the nickname of GM research and development founder Charles F. Kettering, is developed by Carnegie Mellon University and sponsored by the world's largest automaker GM. Its electronic technology is so promising that it could lead to

production vehicles that eliminate the most common cause of crashes – driver error.

2016 • Major governments across the globe are investigating what changes should be implemented to the existing motoring laws so that driverless cars can be on the roads by 2020/2025.

• This September US President Barack Obama supported the idea of driverless cars as he foresaw the technology's potential for increasing safety and reducing pollution on roads as he unveiled a new policy for the technology

Cover Story

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which is being worked on by several major companies.

• Autonomous vehicles have been driving in San Francisco, Florida, California, Michigan and Las Vegas while tests are being conducted on the streets of Phoenix, Austin, Pittsburgh etc.

• This October for the first time in the UK a driverless cars was tested with people in vicinity as it drove on pavements near a town's train station but with a driver in case of an emergency.

• Other countries pursuing trials with driverless vehicles include Singapore, China, Helsinki and Japan which is aiming for Tokyo to have autonomous vehicles on the roads in time for the 2020 Summer Olympics.

• Major companies and research organizations have developed working prototype autonomous vehicles, including MercedesBenz, General Motors, Continental Automotive Systems, Autoliv Inc., Bosch, Nissan, Toyota, Audi, Vislab from University of Parma, Oxford University and Google.

• Volvo and Uber recently announced they were joining forces in a $300m project to develop autonomous vehicles.

A recent comment by a senior Mercedes-Benz safety manager has again brought driverless or autonomous cars into focus raising ethical questions about successful implementation of driverless car in our society. He had said, "If you know you can save at least one person, at least save that one.

Save the one in the car. You could sacrifice the car. You could, but then the people you've saved initially, you don't know what happens to them after that in situations that are often very complex, so you save the ones you know you can save."

The Mercedes-Benz F015 driverless car is programmed to avoid collisions, but it is unavoidable, the car would opt for hitting the pedestrian instead of putting the occupants at risk by deviating off the road. Mercedes Australia aims to prioritise passenger safety over pedestrians.

As per wikipedia – ‘An autonomous car (driverless car, self-driving car, robotic car) is a vehicle that is capable of sensing its environment and navigating without human input.

Autonomous cars can detect surroundings using a variety of techniques such as radar, lidar, GPS, odometry, and computer vision. Advanced

control systems interpret sensory information to identify appropriate navigation paths, as well as obstacles and relevant signage. Autonomous cars have control systems that are capable of analyzing sensory data to distinguish between different cars on the road, which is very useful in planning a path to the desired destination.’

There are lots of potential benefits and these include - fewer traffic collisions, due to an autonomous system's increased reliability and faster reaction time compared to human drivers; Increased roadway capacity and reduced traffic congestion; Even those who don’t know driving can drive and it would not matter if the occupants were under age, over age, blind, distracted, intoxicated, or otherwise impaired; Reduction of space required for vehicle parking.

While on the negative sides the major obstacles will be - Liability

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Cover Story for damage; Legal framework and proper government regulations for self-driving cars – worldwide; Cyber Security as a car's computer could potentially be compromised; lesser drivers so loss of jobs for many drivers etc.

SOME INNOVATIONS IN THE AUTO INDUSTRY Google driverless car: An ongoing project

The Google driverless car is a project by Google that involves developing technology for autonomous cars - mainly electric cars. Currently all Google selfdriving cars have test drivers at the wheel technology for and lettering on the side of each car identifies it as a "self-driving car".

Google believes that the full potential of self-driving technology will only be delivered when a vehicle can drive itself from place to place at the push of a button, without any human intervention. For example, there are many people who are unable to drive at all who could greatly benefit from fully selfdriving cars.

Google is working with lots of partners. To build the prototype, they worked with established automotive partners from around the world including Roush, Bosch, Continental, FRIMO, LG Electronics, Prefix, RCO, ZF Lenksysteme and many others. Google is currently testing and refining our technology in Mountain View, CA, Austin, TX,

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Kirkland, WA and Metro Phoenix, AZ. Googles testing fleet includes both modified Lexus SUVs and new prototype vehicles that are designed from the ground up to be fully self-driving. The cars are currently out on the streets of Mountain View, CA, Austin, TX, Kirkland, WA and Metro Phoenix, AZ. They have self-driven over 1.5 million miles.

Google cars use their sensors and software to perceive different types of objects like pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles, road work and more, and are designed to safely drive around them. They have also taught the cars to drive conservatively. For example, they pause 1.5 seconds after the light turns green at an intersection because many accidents happen during this time. Learn more about how the technology works.

Mercedes-Benz F 015: Tomorrow’s smartcar

Dr. Zetsche also says the car will always know where to go, just like the horse knows how to return to its barn.

Thanks to an unusual bodyshell that uses high-strength carbon-fiber, aluminum, and steels, the F 015 does away with B-pillars, meaning that the suicide doors provide a wide, uninterrupted access portal into the interior. Powered by a mix of high performance batteries and hydrogen cells, the F015’s hybrid system promises a range of up to 1,100 km.

The F 015 also has a bevy of sensors and radars to detect nearby motion. The vehicle even has colorcoded LED lights on the front and back to let you know what the car is thinking. It can tell you whether or not it's in autonomous mode, or give pedestrians a heads-up when it's safe to cross. Touchscreens are not only built-in to the dash of the car, they’re also embedded in the door panels, allowing passengers to set window privacy from within the

In its 2015 CES keynote tonight, Head of Mercedes-Benz Dr. Dieter Zetsche (more commonly known as Dr. Z) unveiled the company’s concept car of the future: the F 015 ‘Luxury in Motion.’ And it is chockfull of gorgeous futuristic concepts.

With the F 015, Mercedes-Benz likens the self-driving car to the evolution of the horse carriage, where interior seats can swivel to face each other for optionally social purposes. Like a horse carriage,

car and other interior settings like music and temperature. It’s purely at concept stage and may take a decade or may never hit the market.

Volkswagens e-vehicle

While the Delhi government tried the odd-even rule for vehicles, most of India is struggling with pollution issues and emissions laws. The

Cover Story

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solution is electric vehicles but then its not easy to charge. All that will change in 2019 when Volkswagen will launch its BUDD-e new concept microbus based on the brand's new MEB (modular electric drive kit) platform for electric vehicles and will have only a 15-minute charging time.

As per the company Budd-e has two electric motors, one at the front and another at the rear with an all-electric range of 233 miles on a single charge. Volkswagen describes it as a mobile home as the car can connect to your home as part of the 'Internet of things'.

One can control homely things like lights, television, fridge, oven etc. from inside the car using touch and gesture control.

A sixth sense vehicle.

Faraday Future unveiled its singleseater FFZERO1 Concept vehicle which for the batman fans looks like a Batmobile and for those in the dreamy world it may look like an UFO from another world. FFZERO1 incorporates a new chassis design

and claims to have a "sixth sense" that adapts to the driver's intentions and needs while providing realtime data and images. This electric concept car has 1,000 horsepower, 200mph top speed and can hit 60mph in just two seconds.

The driver’s seat was inspired

by NASA ‘zero gravity’ design, offering an unparalleled sense of weightlessness and reduced driver fatigue. The aerodynamic tunnel that runs through the center of the vehicle’s body reduces drag, resulting in greater power efficiency, higher top speeds, and optimal battery and motor cooling as it redirects air across the car’s internal surfaces. The steering wheel offers a hub for the driver’s personal mobile device, allowing for remote vehicle setup, customized configurations, modifiable power outputs, and real time data visualization and interaction.

A classification system based on six different levels (ranging from driver assistance to fully automated systems) was published in 2014 by SAE International, (former Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), an automotive standardisation body.

This classification system is based on the amount of driver intervention and attentiveness required, rather than the vehicle capabilities, although these are very closely related.

SAE automated vehicle classifications: Level 0: Automated system has no vehicle control, but may issue warnings.

Level 1: Driver must be ready to take control at any time.

Automated system may include features such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Parking Assistance with automated steering, and Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA) Type II in any combination.

Level 2: The driver is obliged to detect objects and events and respond if the automated system fails to respond properly. The automated system executes accelerating, braking, and steering. The automated system can deactivate immediately upon takeover by the driver.

Level 3: Within known, limited environments (such as freeways), the driver can safely turn their attention away from driving tasks.

Level 4: The automated system can control the vehicle in all but a few environments such as severe weather. The driver must enable the automated system only when it is safe to do so. When enabled, driver attention is not required.

Level 5: O ther than setting the destination and starting the system, no human intervention is required. The automatic system can drive to any location where it is legal to drive.

A town with vehicles but without humans Spread across 32 acres at the University’s North Campus

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Cover Story Research Complex researchers have designed Mcity, the world’s first controlled environment specifically designed to test the potential of connected and automated vehicle technologies that will lead the way to massmarket driverless cars.

“We believe that this transformation to connected and automated mobility will be a game changer for safety, for efficiency, for energy, and for accessibility,” said Peter Sweatman, director of the U-M Mobility Transformation Center.

“Our cities will be much better to live in, our suburbs will be much better to live in. These technologies truly open the door to 21st century mobility.”

Mcity is a 32-acre simulated urban and suburban environment that includes a network of roads with intersections, traffic signs and signals, streetlights, building facades, sidewalks and construction

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obstacles. It is designed to support rigorous, repeatable testing of new technologies before they are tried out on public streets and highways.

Mcity allows researchers to simulate the environments where connected and automated vehicles will be most challenged. Even seemingly minor details a vehicle might encounter in urban and suburban settings have been incorporated into Mcity, such as road signs defaced by graffiti and faded lane markings.

While Mcity drivers don't have to contend with real pedestrians, there will be one mechanical foottraveler (a robotlike machine named Sebastian) that steps out into traffic to see whether the automated cars can hit the brakes in time. The simulated city also features a traffic circle, a bridge, a tunnel, some unpaved roads, and even a four-

lane highway with entrance and exit ramps.

Today, Michigan is home to 375 automotive research centers, and has the highest concentration of industrial and mechanical engineers in the country.

Brief about the Author

Chandragupta Amritkar (exTimes of India) is the Editor with Global Media Group that brings out two publications - Global Technologies and Global Destinations. Thanks to our reach we been invited by governments/companies/ expo organizers and has been to 35 countries. He has been hosted for many International exhibitions including CeBIT, Hannover; CES, Las Vegas; Hong Kong electronics Show (April + October); GITEX, Dubai; IFA Global Press Conference: IFA, Berlin; MWC, Barcelona; Taitronics, Taiwan; CEATEC Japan; CTIA wireless, Las Vegas; CES Asia, Shanghai; Hannover Fairs, Germany; Embedded world, Nuremburg; electronica and productronica, Munich; BAUMA, Munich; K, Dusseldorf and several other events.

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In the Mood

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REBIRTH AND FINDING THE LIGHT WITHIN This Diwali, banish your fears and open your heart to true transformation.

The concept of rebirth is taught by many of India’s faiths and believed by most of its inhabitants and diaspora. Reincarnation says that we go through many lives, each with a unique identity. Upon death, the physical body deteriorates and returns to the earth. The soul will acquire a new vessel when it is time, and the process can be described as a rebirth. This, however, is not the only kind of possible regeneration, and being reborn is not limited to paths teaching

reincarnation. It is a dynamic essential to the human story where our old selves fade away and are repeatedly replaced over the course of a lifetime.

When you look back and think of who you were many years ago (or even last year), it is likely that the person you once were is different, or possibly no longer exists.

Perhaps the changes are slight, but they may be so great that the two people could barely be recognized

as the same soul. We face minideaths and mini-births time and time again as life events and our choices create new situations that alter the current personality.

Normal life transitions are all a form of rebirth- moving from childhood into adulthood, graduating, entering the workforce or military, getting married, having children, retirement, and becoming a grandparent or elder are all natural thresholds in which we shed our skins and adopt new roles, lessons, and

In the Mood

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responsibilities. Each phase tests us in a new way and requires fresh skills.

Of course, there are other scenarios that stimulate rebirth, and they are not always pleasant. Tragic events can change us forever for the better or worse, and people often cite experiences such as sickness, abuse, war, addiction, financial disaster, or loss of a loved one as turning points in their lives.

When handled appropriately, the pain is coped with and the situation becomes a vehicle for positive expansion. Some people say the most horrible thing that ever happened to them was a blessing in disguise. It motivated them to be a better person. Others remain devastated by a trauma and are emotionally crippled for ages.

But rebirth can happen under better conditions as well. Shifting your focus and priorities may occur after meeting an inspiring person, attending a spiritual ceremony, or reading a book that introduces you to a new way of thinking. Travelling to a foreign land may spark an internal shift. Exploring your cultural roots can lead to surprising growth.

Maybe the time comes when you recognize the error of your ways and make a resolution to change. A lot of people are miserable for years and finally decide they cannot continue to suffer. Some people walk away from a superficial existence in preference for something more deeply satisfying, or find a new profession or relationship that opens their eyes to new possibilities. Less common, but not unheard of, are spontaneous awakenings seemingly unconnected to circumstances. For select people, one day the mind suddenly clears and it is intuitively understood that an awakening is at hand. No matter the scenario,

the concept is always the same.

Who we once were has to be destroyed to make room for the new person. If we accept the lesson life has given us, the rebirth will be beneficial and we will even be able to understand what the situation was trying to teach us. Even better is being proactive and making the conscious choice to become a more evolved being. If we fail to master the lesson or are unable to commit to the metamorphosis, the rebirth is incomplete or even becomes a regression as we take a developmental step backwards.

The task is to willingly accept the challenges and embrace each chapter as an opportunity for selfimprovement.

The changes we face can be scary because it means leaving behind the familiar and venturing forth into unknown waters. But everyone knows life is uncertain and there is a freedom that comes from deciding to live life on life’s terms. Instead of fearing new

beginnings, we welcome them and relish original experiences. Rather than feeling worn down by life, we take joy in the little things and are refreshed by our experiences.

We make the best out of every situation and know tough times never last. We become more content, more grateful, more joyful, and less burdened by old worries and concerns. People who live this way may age in body, but have an eternally youthful quality as well as a palpable sense of vitality. The choice is really whether or not we choose to be afraid. Mystic who have transcendent visions all say the same thing: “Do not be afraid of the universe!�

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In the Mood

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About the Author:

Diwali is about light. It is a festive, upbeat time where we illuminate our homes in the remembrance that good ultimately triumps over evil and wisdom always slays ignorance. It is a time to celebrate as well as a time to reflect. It could even be described as an opportunity for rebirth. This year, take time to look at yourself and the stages in your personal evolution.

Have your rebirths been catalysts for positive growth, or have they been stumbling blocks you were unable to overcome? Are you the person you want to be? Do you feel like you are filled with light, or has this part of you been diminished and dull? The stories

about heroes conquering monsters are actually trying to teach us that the real demons lie within. They are shadows cast by our own fears, and this is what makes us unhappy.

The unhappiness disappears when we choose to let go, open up, and make love and compassion our priority. This year, as you light the lamps, imagine casting out your own internal darkness. Let go of your anger and replace it with understanding. Release your anxieties and choose to trust. Walk away from melancholy and decide to be cheerful. Allow any hatred in your heart to soften with the knowledge that love will set you free. Be active in your rebirth!

Written by Tara Basu. Tara is a freelance writer whose interests include art, culture, holistic health, and travel. Her greatest passion is spirituality and loves to share what she has learned with others.

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THE NIGHT OF SPARKLE AND SPIRITS Real-Life Paranormal Encounters On Diwali Growing up as a quintessential Bong girl in Dilwalon ki Delhi, I had the ‘taste’ of both worlds – believe it or not, I have had my fair share of ‘Roshogolla’ and ‘Mishti Doi’ after gulping ‘Butter naan’ with ‘Tawa chicken’! Slurp!

The most celebrated memory of my childhood, though, would be enjoying both Diwali and Kali Puja with the same gusto and vigor.

Since my family and I used to live at C.R. Park - a mini version of Kolkata in the heart of Delhi, visiting the famous Kali temple one day and lighting up the whole house with ‘diyas’, musical lights have been a ritual for me which I still follow with all my heart. But I won’t share with you memories of the crackers and ‘diyas’ and dry fruit boxes today.

OK, wait! Let me rephrase that. I will share with you some desi Diwali flavored boxes of real stories, but with a ‘Mano Ya Na Mano’ tadka!

Have you ever noticed how Halloween and Diwali/Kali Puja dates follow each other like you and your second cousin do on social medias? Strange, right? Well, no so much. As you would find in Encyclopedia Britannica, that Celtic and Indian religion shared quite a few things in common. But let’s keep that historical fact checking for another day. Since Kali Puja and Diwali are celebrated on the night of new moon, Amavasya – the favorite night of Ramsey Brothers films (if you don’t know them yet, I will implore you to please go for a Google search. You will not be disappointed!), I will share with you some real life encounters and escapades with the world beyond.

Grab your bowl of popcorn because ‘mano ya na mano’ these stories were narrated by people who had first-hand experience with the paranormal.

Image courtesy – Devian Art

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That NighThat Night Of Kali Puja My mother’s mother was a young maiden when this incident took place. She grew up in the preindependent Bangladesh’s district called Jessore. One year on the day of Kali Puja her family got an invitation to visit her paternal aunt’s house. My grandma’s aunt and her in-laws worshiped the goddess Kali with lots of pomp and show. That year they invited a renowned priest who was known for his ability to do the impossible. Now the worship of goddess Kali usually begins at the dark hours of midnight and many people say that only those Hindu priests who have been successful in their pursuit of overpowering the senses of fear can perform this puja. As the ritual began that night and the rich baritone of the revered priest chanting mantras echoed at every corner of the palatial house, everyone present at the locale started feeling uneasy. An eerie

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Image courtesy – Happy Diwali - Digital Art by Kiran Kumar in Digital Paintings at Touchtalent sense, my grandma said, suddenly loomed over the place where the only source of light was coming from the dimly lit ‘diyas’. Almost an hour had passed when a spine-chilling cry of a woman coming from outside the house made everyone jump from their places. The priest turned toward the worshippers and immediately forbade them to go outside. While everyone looked baffled and children started to cry, the priest slowly got up from his seat and started toward the gate. According to my grandma, the entrance of the was almost 200 meters away from the house led by a narrow path with a line of areca palm trees on both sides. On that dark new moon night, the renowned priest vanished into the darkness while everyone waited for him with baited breath. After a few minutes that seemed like decades, he came back and asked my grandma’s aunt to arrange food that could feed at least forty to fifty people. Everyone followed his instructions in a shocked silence while he began to complete what was left of the service to the deity. Next thing my grandmother remembers is watching him carry those foods to the terrace. The rest

of the night everybody present in the house could hear the sound of angry footsteps coming from the terrace; as if hundreds of men were running aimlessly. In the wee hours of the next morning the priest returned with a smile on his face and announced that ‘they’ would not disturb the residents anymore. Till today nobody could explain what happened that night. I have also heard this story from grandma’s brother and have tried to dissect it with a scientific approach. But one thing that forever perplexed me is that who ate all those foods that night? Because believe it or not, the next morning when everyone went upstairs all they could find were leftovers of those foods scattered all over the place!

Diwali Night Horror This incident happened to my best friend while she was staying at a hostel during her Masters’ degree.

The impact of it was so strong that her family had to bring her back and she took a year off and joined another college. It was the night of Diwali, and my friend was busy preparing for her first semester exams that were about to start in a week. Being a brilliant student that she was through her academic career, we were not surprised when she passed the entrance exam of a prestigious college in South India with flying colors. So, she was deep into her books and mountains of notes when the power shut down all of a sudden. The other girls and my friend had lit candles in their rooms to complete their study. Out of nowhere, my friend heard the sound of bangles coming from the toilet of her hostel room. The sound was as if someone was moving her hand vehemently to get rid of something.

At first, my friend thought that her roommate has come back and didn’t pay any attention. But the continuous sound made her curious, and she went to see what was happening.

After knocking the door for some

time she got no reply and decided to push it open. But to her utter horror, there was no indication of any girl let alone her roommate but a shadow kept on running from one end of the toilet to another. And the sound of the bangles continued unabated. My friend froze on the spot, and all she could finally do was let out a scream for help. Other girls of the hostel came running and helped her come out of the toilet.

College administration was informed, guards rushed in, but no one could find anything. Since this college hostel was already infamous for such paranormal activities, stories started to pour in about some girl committing suicide in that part of their building on the night of Diwali.

My friend’s physical and mental condition worsened so much so that her family had to bring her back.

She had to undergo counseling for almost a year to be able to do things normally. Although it has been twelve years since the incident, my friend still hesitates to stay or move around alone on the nights of Diwali.

About the Author:

Paulomee Deb is a voracious reader/creative writer/ an animal right activist/ world-isa-big-dinner-table foodie and is currently residing in Bangalore, India. Her favorite drink is water and favorite animals are sloths.

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Sadda HAQ

THE HOST NAMED ‘DIVA’-LI Easy ways to throw a ‘Hatke’ party this Diwali

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Sadda Haq

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I was with Mark Zuckerberg the other day. You know the Facebook guy! So I met his wife, their cute little daughter, and the dog. We were sitting in the room and started to chat. But whenever I asked them anything, they opened their mouth, and a weird messenger ringtone was the only thing I could hear. This happened for almost five minutes when I suddenly woke up. The phone beside the bed was ringing like a bathroom singer who cares about no one. Barely opening one eye, I managed to look at my phone’s screen and my nephew, who has just shifted to the other part of the world where it’s day, was calling me. I got out from the bed a little annoyed and worried at the same time and pressed the green button. So, he is there in his new free world, and he met this cute girl he wanted to impress by showing her something Indian yet a bit unconventional, just like their generation. He sounded so desperate that I chuckled a little.

Ah! Young love. That is when the idea struck me. The ‘kewl’ next gen aunt that I am, I shared with him some tips and tricks to throw a Diwali party where he can show his crush his Indian side and yet be offbeat. And then I thought there must be many people living offshores like him who would love to enjoy this very special Indian festival in a cosmopolitan way. So here are a few tips for some last minute preps to an awesome Diwali party.

candles, or you can put them at random corners of your house. Just be careful not to burn anything or else you are not going to get your security deposit back.

The sweets Now many of you may be living in different parts of the world where you may or may not find those excellent Indian sweets without which any Diwali party is declared incomplete. So what you can do about it? You can actually go for those cute looking muffins or cupcakes in place of the sweets.

With the world getting more vegan, I am sure you’re going to get a confectionary near your place that sells the eggless sweet course.

Welcome your friends with this colorful confections in those typical Indian ‘Thaalis’ that I am sure you have somewhere in your kitchen.

This will look awesome, Indian and yet easy for you to arrange.

The lights The essential part of Diwali celebration is to light up your house with ’diyas’. If you are not able to find some of this earthen thingy, there is also an easy way out. Remember those scented candle pieces you bought from the supermarket where you actually went to buy just one carton of milk? Yeah, now you can live guilt free of always buying ‘useless things’ on each of your supermarket visits. You can take a bowl fill with water and float those

Rangoli / Flower decoration You might be far away from your favorite shopping destination of Palika Bazaar or Colaba Causeway, but that doesn’t mean you can’t give your house that classic look of colorful Rangoli or those beautiful flowers hanging from the doors. You can let the Van Gogh in you come out and create an adorable Rangoli with flowers and petals. For door hanging replacements you can switch to artificial flowers. Take one at a time, stick a tape and put them on the panels of your front door vertically.

The fragrance Couldn’t manage to buy incense sticks? Well hello! Take a look at your store room, because there must be a bottom of air freshener lying around somewhere. If you are not an allergic person, spray the whole house as if there is no tomorrow. And bam! Your house is going to smell sweeter than your crush’s crush’s smile! (You know what I mean!)

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Sadda HAQ The party Download some cute little numbers of our favorite Khans or B’s or Kapoors. It is definitely going to impress your guests; crush included and make the mood for the party.

Since ‘Diwali hai’ so, arrangements of drinks ‘chalta hai’; you can either go for alcoholic beverages or cool fruit smoothies. Both are easily available in the local store. Another distinctive part of Diwali is playing some games, don’t tell anyone but Indians open their own casinos each year on this night. You can borrow board games from your friend’s eight-year-old sibling and if they don’t budge, bribe them with some chocolates. I get this complaint from almost everyone nowadays that people don’t look at each other’s eyes at parties because they are always busy with their un-smart phones. Board games will be an

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awesome idea to spend time with your friends, re-live your childhood and of course impress the person of your dreams.

Final touches You can buy some crackers if you please, but keep in mind one little thing - your fun shouldn’t disturb your neighbors, be a responsible citizen of the world who cares for his environment and animals as they are very sensitive to loud noise. Last but not the least, we all know two Ds go hand in hand - Diwali and Dry fruits. You can either buy a box of dry fruits or box of chocolates with a handwritten note for your guests and loved ones.

So, you are all set to become the best host of the town. Enjoy a very happy Diwali! Peace.

About the Author:

Paulomee Deb is a voracious reader/creative writer/ an animal right activist/ world-isabig-dinner-table foodie and is currently residing in Bangalore, India. Her favorite drink is water and favorite animals are sloths.

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Well Being

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EXTREMELY BUSY PEOPLE LEARN MEDITATION

by BK Sister Jayanti

More people are living, but fewer are choosing, life in the fast lane. The need to restore balance, find inner peace and replenish spiritual power can be satisfied by some form of daily meditation. Sister Jayanti, an extremely busy person in her own right, presents the how to of meditation and ways that meditation can help to take the stress out of busyness.

I wonder how well I know myself.

Sometimes I really do wonder because I surprise myself at my own reactions and responses in certain situations. I wish I could have behaved a little bit differently.

It.s one of the indications that tell me that I need to know myself a little better. In a materialistic world everything carries values in terms of matter. So often the value that I have placed in myself has also been associated with external factors, the possessions that I have, the property that I own, the position and profile that I occupy or the position that others give me. Very often I see

myself in compartments, just simply in the way that others see me. What is it that you see when you look at me? Instantly the inner computer begins its calculations and we connect with each other in terms of our face, our colour, our skins, our features, our age, the profession we work with and yet, when I begin to think about it, I question this and wonder whether external factors tell me anything either about myself or about you. And I begin to be aware of things that are actually not material at all, nothing to do with my external form or external situations and these are the things that I

actually value and appreciate about myself.

I look inside and I become aware of things like my feelings, my emotions, my thoughts and I begin to wonder which bit of me is really me. It.s important that I learn to separate two identities, the material identity, that is the physical form, and the inner reality of my thoughts and feelings.

It.s important to know things in terms of the external, but much more important to know that which is under the surface, that which is below the skin, and when I focus my attention inside, on my inner being, that.s when our journey begins.

Well Being 29

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Coming into this inner space and finding what.s happening in my own inner world is actually an adventure as marvelous as the adventures of outer space. Where is it that my thoughts and feelings emanate from? As I begin to allow my mind to be quiet I discover that the source of life, the source of energy that I am, is actually just a spark, a being, a point. I am not 5 feet tall, but I am just a point of light. In our language we use sometimes this expression .my soul., or .I have a soul. and yet this is not true at all. the reality is that I am a soul, I am this point of light. And operating from this consciousness creates a total change in my awareness. In this awareness, knowing who I am, I am able to step beyond all those limits that the physical body has imposed on me. So often I have said .I can.t do this, that or the other., and yet none of that is reality. I am this eternal being of light. I am being of light, I am actually a being of love; these are my natural qualities, and coming back to this awareness means that I.m able to go beyond all barriers, all boundaries. I am able to find that inner freedom of the self.

In this awareness of knowing who I truly am, I.m able to manage myself.

Sometimes we question whether the original state of the self is that of goodness. And yet peace is that which is totally natural for me, and so I know that it is a state that belongs to me. I don.t need to attempt it. It is there within me. In a life in which one is very busy, if I know how to turn my attention just for a moment, to this point of light that I am peace is instantly accessible. When I find that inner peace, it.s like the recharging of the battery and then I am able to accomplish all that I need to accomplish on the external level.

If I can even do this for one minute within every hour I would find that the other 59 minutes are able to flow very, very smoothly.

My own being of peace inside also means I have power inside. I am able to find my own inner strength.

We use this word .empowerment. a great deal and yet empowerment cannot come to me from anyone else outside, but empowerment which comes from within means that it.s a strength that stays with me forever and ever. Wherever I go, whatever else it is I do, this power is that which I carry within my own being.

Let.s experience a few minutes in which we use this concept so that you can actually see how it works for yourself.

Sit quietly just letting the body be relaxed, preferably both feet on the ground and your hands folded quietly. Let your breathing become natural and slow. You can keep your eyes open. (In fact it is preferably to do so, so that this awareness becomes a natural stage of awareness for you.)

I focus inside and I watch what.s happening inside my own inner world.

I see many thoughts flickering on the screen of my mind and I can consciously choose which thoughts to have.

I choose the thought of peace.

I visualise a point of light and in this awareness of peace I know that this is who I am.I am a being of light.

I am a being of peace. My thoughts slow down and I savour the beauty of peace within, as my inner world is filled with peace. am also filled with light.

I can feel the clouds of confusion receding and as this light becomes

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Well Being

bright I can feel my own inner power growing within.

My own being is light, is might, is peace.

Having forgotten myself I had forgotten these original and natural qualities of mine, and now that I know who I am, all these qualities naturally belong to me again and in this awareness I radiate light, peace and might.

And now I let my thoughts come back to the awareness of the physical body that I occupy and the situations in life that I find myself in today, but now I come back with an outlook transformed with an attitude which is very different.

Coming home in this awareness of I the soul, the master of this physical instrument, this precious body of mine, I know now what it is I have to convey through my eyes, through my lips, through my actions, I know the direction that I have to move in.

My vision of others has also been

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transformed. I don.t put them into boxes anymore. I am able to see them as external beings, as souls.

I still carry on with those things I need to do, but now having created that original eternal world also, there is clarity in the way which I think; there is understanding and empathy in the way I behave with others; there is power in my actions so that my actions lead to the right conclusions; and positive results emerge in my life and also the lives of others around me.

I compare this to the state I was in before, a state of chaos and confusion inside, and so little wonder that there was chaos and confusion in the world around me. Managing myself means to know that I am the creator of my own inner world. I.m able to be the creator of the world around me.

Managing myself means finding my own dignity, finding my own state of self-respect so that I.m able to stand independently on my own feet. We surround ourselves with

so many different supports and are unable to manage without those supports. But now that I know who I am, I carry my own stage of self esteem and of course when I value my self, I value others around me. In a state of self-respect that respect extends out to others. Managing myself means I.m able to move with stability in which I bring calmness to the world of chaos around me.

The peace that I have means that I can begin to create a little oasis of peace around me. The light that I have means that illusion and darkness no longer touch me. The power that I have means that I can truly be free.

Om shanti. Om means I am, shanti means peace. I can turn back to this awareness at any moment and again be a master of myself.

Sister Jayanti is the Director of the Brahma Kumaris in London.

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DELIA SCHOOL OF CANADA NAVRATRI UTSAV 2016 Biggest event ever held for general public during Navratri.

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Delia School of Canada Navratri Utsav 2016 held at the Southorn Stadium at Wanchai on the 9th October 2016 witnessed a plethora of Indian communities under one roof sashaying away to the beats of dandiya that enthralled the

audience was the great handywork of Anita Sharma and her Rockers band all the way from Mumbai.

The event kick started by the ritual offering’s to goddess Durga with a lamp lighting by Mr.J.Walter, Deputy

Principle of Delia School of Canada along with a very prominent and well known business personality of Hong Kong, Mr.K.P.Daswani who was represented the Indian community of Hong Kong.

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While Ago

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This was the biggest public event hosted in Hongkong by Adesiflava events and it was well received by the south asians in HK. The evening saw local talents emceeing the show and dance numbers by the Delia School of Canada students surely made it very special.

the end of the show. Starting from the traditional Gujarati numbers moving on to the Bollywood hits and then coupling with local sensational song like Gangnam style’ audience had a dose of Indianism with which they celebrated their favorite Navratri festival in its full glory.

With over 1500 people at the venue so when Anita Sharma aka Gujarati Shakira took over the stage then there was a furor that she created belching out her favourite numbers one by one ‘had everyone on their toes till

The event would not have been special if there was no food involved in it so with our live gol gappa and chaat counter along with dosa and veg biryani the event was a super success by all means.

The event saw many dancers giving their best shot as the 40 best dancers were chosen and were divided in 2 groups and their the best dancer was chosen from them. While the competitors were dancing away to win the prize the onlookers sure had a visual treat...

The show ended with lot of pomp and glory and definitely audience gasping for more.

With a promise to be back with our mega extravaganza we definiteky wish our readers a very Happy Diwali and best wishes for future endeavors.

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“Very good show keep it up” – Aunty Poonam Mehta, Educationist & Counselor

“Adesiflava rocks!

Proud to be associated with the event” – Mrs.Gurjit Kaur, Admissions Officer, Delia School of Canada

“Congratulations!

Good show hard work paid off” – Mr.K.P Daswani, President, Hong Kong Progressive Group & Businessman

“Congratulations!

Great event, my family really enjoyed the show” – Mr.Naryanmurthy, CEO & Founder, Career Architects Limited.

Article by Tanya Singh, Adesiflava

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While Ago

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FORMER PRESIDENT DR. APJ ABDUL KALAM’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATED IN TUNG CHUNG

While Ago

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On October 16th, many Hong Kong residents came together to celebrate our beloved Former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s Birthday in Tung Chung (தது ுங் ங் சுங்). More than 250 people attended this event to remember the great leader, scientist and visionary.

The winners of quiz contest received the trophy named after him “Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Quiz Wiz Trophy’ organized by Children Cultural Group (குழந்கு தைகள் ழந்தைகள் கலை குழு) for RTHK (Radio Television Hong Kong) Radio programme. The trophy was presented to the winners by Mr. M. Arunachalam. President of 60th Anniversary Indian Chamber of Commerce Educational Trust and the medals were presented to them by Mr. Puneet Agrawal, Consul General of India for Hong Kong and Macau.

Dyuti spoke about Dr. APJ as Scientist and Shriyanjana spoke about Dr. APJ as India 2020 visionary.

The event also marked the launch of Folk song CD by Mr. Puneet Agrawal, Consul General of India for Hong Kong and Macau. All the songs recorded during the “Indian Folk Mela” radio programme for RTHK (Radio Television Hong Kong) were compiled together. It contained 35 folk songs of various regions like Tamil Nadu, Andhra & Telangana, Kerala, Karnataka, West Bengal, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh sung by local talents. Teams of all regions sang the folk songs by bringing whole of India onto one stage.

The language learning App Globol (Hindi part) developed by Aham Solutions (HK) Ltd with the support from Mr. Vijaj Jeandani and Ritu Gupta was dedicated to the community in the presence of the Consul General.

Five young Tamil learners who passed the Tamil Virtual Academy exams

this year were awarded their certificates by Mr. Jamal, Vice President of Tamil Cultural Association.

All the participants of the radio programmes Indian Instrumental Dhamaka, Quiz Contest and Indian Folk Mela produced

by Children Cultural Group (குழந்கு தைகள் ழந்தைகள் கலை குழு) were given certificates during this occasion. These programmes were coordinated by Smt. Chitra Sivakumar and Smt. Anuradha Mukunthan.

More than 60 children participated in various performances during this event. Parents were all very happy in bringing the children to participate in such a event in the remembrance of our great leader.

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While Ago

THE POPULAR, RABHAS BY EKTA

BY JOBAN SAWHNEY PRESENTED BY MITZYB

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Diwali the festival of lights and splendor brings out the best in you.

That’s what one could see at the recently held Rabha’s by Ekta by Joban Sawhney represented by MitzyB in Hong Kong.

As I walk in to their exhibition I am greeted by her friendly staff to walk me around her collection.

The brand which has been around for 3 years now in Hong Kong, but its been existing for the past 28 years. The collection boasts of a mix and match pattern which highlights the effervescence persona of a modern Indian woman of a culture rich country.

MITZY’S collection are wearable for all age groups (ahem! kids you

need to grow up a little more to enjoy your own mash up dresses) for the time being let the adults enjoy some privileges With its exhibits in all over the world such as Jakarta,Bangkok, Sydney, Mitzy B has come a long way since its inception 24 years back.

JOBAN SAWHNEY a fashion designer is the back bone of Mitzy B’s creations. When you meet him in person he is so ease at himself that you immediately feel connected to his mindset that he has behind each and every particular garment.

However, you can choose from the unstitched variety as well and give your sense of touch by designing it

your own way or simply let him take care of the details while you just revel in his piece of work.

Under the able guidance of his mother who takes care of the unstitched line of garments you can surely be rest assured of the final product as is the case of his stitched designer collection.

So this Diwali grab a Mitzy’B outfit and flaunt your fashion statement and yes don’t miss out on the upcoming collections soon in Hong Kong starting from January 2017.

Event coverage and write up by Tanya Singh, Adesiflava

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Astrology

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PREDICTIONS BY SIR BEJAN DARUWALA - NOVEMBER 2016 Aries: Ganesha says you need to tackle many issues with your usual courage, determination, sheer guts. These could pertain to work / business on the one hand and love / romance and family members on the other. You realise that those who bluster and rant are not necessarily brave or even impressive. You try a gentler, more tender approach, and – believe me on this – it pays!

Taurus: When I spoke of good times with the family, I was pre – empting myself a bit. It’s now that family / clan gathering, parties, celebrations come into full play.

You also meet some really special people who excite and stimulate you to greater performance. (No innuendo here, please, readers. I have nothing on my mind). Sparkling wit, conversation, socializing, is what I meant. A long – cherished dream or wish is spectacularly fulfilled.

Everyone around you is truly glad for you. It makes you feel wonderful!

Gemini: You have decided to give your home, lifestyle, wardrobe, physique, turnout – all or any – a total face – lift. It’s usually all or nothing, so family life, love and marriage to get a high – voltage recharging. You’re back in action on all fronts, and loving it greatly.

You want to like what you see, and with Geminis – there’s nothing small about the scale of operation.

Cancer: Perhaps the last period was kind of build up for this lunar period in your own sign! Contacts and business deals, acquisitions and gadgets / luxuries / assets, interaction with stimulating new people are all highly favorable for you now. Also, a certain joy, brilliance, depth and sparkle in love, romance, and marriage. You certainly have a lot going for you now. And you love it once again!

Leo: You realize that with so many positives in your life, you have to be able to face the hidden challenges.

A partial make – over exercise already happened last period.

Now, you need to address the complexes, reservation, and hang – ups that may come in the way of true bonding, communication.

We all have them, but you address the issue boldly. You attempt to understand yourself better, and build bridges with other people, too.

Virgo: You realise that your own very visible lifestyle, performance, success will arouse envy if not open enmity. In any case, you’re not one to run away from the battlefields of life. You tackle disputes, delays, problems now – in a positive but not rash matter. You have a lot at stake and are willing to fight for it. You not only wish to maintain the status quo, but go far beyond it in terms of further success and achievements.

Libra: You will feel that you’ve had instant gratification. Your efforts haven’t lasted all that long before the rewards start coming in. Spectacular results in terms of greater luxuries, perks, acquisitions.

Gems, jewellery, artefacts, acquisitions – you can have them all in this period. Let’s just narrow it down, sum it up in my favourite phrase – money and honey (love): they’re both yours! Need I say more?

Scorpio: You’re on a roll, you’re having a ball! That just about says it all. Pleasures, thrills, love and romance, wining and dining, partying, socialising, dancing the night away – it’s all yours. Ganesha is sending you blessings in not just a shower but a veritable cloud – burst. I really can’t find the words to describe it!

Sagittarius: Party time, holiday – time, fun – time – they’ll over now. You need to work very hard indeed, giving of your best efforts.

But there is the promise of the sweetness of success that is truly well – deserved. Profession and

business demand your sincere, whole – hearted commitment.

There could be no legal issues to address, deal with. With all this, you still need to do your best for your home and family, and for yourself too. You can’t let go of either your personal space or your own health and vitality.

Capricorn: You will be forcibly reminded of what I said last period about home / family / relatives and your commitment to them.

Older relatives in particular and taking care of house / property matters will be important but time – consuming. There is great progress in terms of career advancement, too. But all these don’t come easy.

They certainly don’t come without great commitment and sheer slogging. Ganesha makes you both ready and willing to give both.

Aquarius: There are some visible, definite gains now in terms of new projects / plans / enterprises.

You will find the atmosphere very conductive to an efficient start – up for all of these! You will want to catch both time and opportunity by the forelock. A fair amount of travel, ties, communications will obviously be necessary. Better money and a better quality of life will be what you stand to gain, and you’ll move in for the kill!

Pisces: You feel that you need to gather yourself, hold on to your strengths. You seek to revitalise and renew yourself and seek seclusion, isolation, contemplation in order to do so. People can be distracting sometimes – we all know that.

You want to keep your plans and activities hidden, secret, away from the public eye. Despite all this, a fair amount of travel will be necessary.

However, right now, you’re playing your cards close to your chest. You’re staking your future prosperity, so this is necessary, says Ganesha.

Astrology

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PREDICTIONS BY SIR BEJAN DARUWALA - DECEMBER 2016 Aries: Ganesha says your own feelings have you in a spin now.

You love intensely, care deeply, woo imaginatively, and intermesh brilliantly. Once again, the range is from strictly one – to – one interaction with family, friends, and children. You are wildly exciting and stimulating to be with, marvelous company for friends and loved ones alike. Marriage and business partnerships will blossom, thrive, and enthral and excite you.

Taurus: You feel good with yourself and others look up to you, too, as you go from strength to strength, success to success, triumph to triumph. Money is plentiful – or at least, you make it seem so. Approval and respect at the workplace come to you easily. You will be dynamic, successful, above all, satisfied. Is there anything more to add? You’ve got it all!

Gemini: You’ll be doing a fair amount of a) travel and also b) undertaking work / projects on a much larger scale. I might add, a global scale in terms of welfare, philanthropy, ecology, human rights.

Not that you neglect the rights of those you care for – parents / children, your lover / spouse, older relatives. All this, of course, necessitates some really have spending, but you work hard in order to cope.

Cancer: You may have realized that you can’t maintain the manic pace at which you’ve been functioning. At any rate, whatever the reason, you slow down, and so do your activities.

Friends, family, close, associates, your children draw you. Your spouse / lover finds you kind, thoughtful, companionable and caring. Greater understanding and also greater peace and harmony are the glorious results.

Leo: You continue as you started last period – on the strictly personal, emotional level. You’re both human and humane, sharing ideas, beliefs,

even conversation with those you love. And actually, you’re filled with love – from one person to the entire human race, you love them all! Both marriage and professional relationships are revitalized. In fact they thrive. And Ganesha gives His blessings!

and loved ones and also a career and provider in the larger, social responsibilities that your conscience (to the world) imposes on you. You move closer – to all people, function on a much more elevated scale, and are wonderfully successful at it, too.

Virgo: Romance, entertaining and socializing, amusements and good times, wish – fulfillment, pleasure galore – you name it, you have it.

It’s a dream sequence that you’re living through! You just might have a rude awakening, though, in terms of some arguments conflicts, controversy. Keep a tight rein on your famous. You’ve got too much going for you to want to through it all away!

Capricorn: You realize now that success in this world is almost directly related to how well you can bond and communicate with others. You take this up as a major exercise, yet are transparently sincere. Therefore, brilliance at meetings, conferences, public dealing is assured. The money is good, too. Most importantly, you are keen to maintain harmony at home, to square up to your responsibilities and commitments and give your best to your family. You spare no effort, in fact.

Libra: Expenses, spiraling, financial needs will make you think of all kinds of money – spinners. But thankfully, you avoid the very definite temptation to make a quick killing run a scam (just kidding) or other get – rich – quick schemes, and decide in favour of steady, hard work. You are feeling much healthier and stronger and have the energy to cope! Also you have the energy and inclination to chase the opposite sex, and have a ball in the bargain.

Scorpio: There could be fluidity, shifting loyalties, changes in the home / workplace that you may find a little disruptive. Perhaps some legal hassles will have to be handled. These could well be property – related, since property matters will be most important right now. Your own standing, sincerity, popularity and appeal will be pretty good now and may even help you put together a winning deal.

Sagittarius: You are back with a bang in terms of energy and vitality.

Now you not only cope, but perform brilliantly in the arenas of work, property and finance, and domestic life. You are a delight for friends

Aquarius: There have been some gains and improvements in both your attitude to life and your relationships with people. The ‘feel - good’ factor is pretty high. What takes you higher still now is your own awakened spirituality, faith, quest for the higher self. You are committed and caring to the family.

Finances find you making steady gains rather than spectacular ones.

They help you to sort out some disputes or issues (perhaps related to family property) that could have been potentially dangerous.

Pisces: You’ve been living life in the fast lane (is this a mixed metaphor?) for quite some time now. Ganesha gives you calm, peace of mind, quiet times this period – or rather, in the period to come. Leisure activities, sport, vacations, fun with the family al help you unwind, let yourself relax. You turn to enjoyment of the arts, music, the good things of life and also to good times with friends, loved ones, in terms of shared time, intimacy, bonding.

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Kids

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STAMFORDAMERICAN HONG PRODULY SCHOOL

KONG

SUPPORTS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE BIGGEST CHILDREN’S THEATRE FESTIVAL RETURNS TO HONG KONG KidsFest 2017 – World-Class Theatre for Children and Families

HONG KONG, 5 September, 2016 – KidsFest, one of the largest theatre events in Asia, returns to Hong Kong in its sixth edition for children and their families. To be held at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts from 5th January to 12th February, 2017, the fun-filled

KidsFest is an ideal medium to engage youngsters in literature and language very early on and offers a perfect blend of live entertainment, education and all-around fun for the whole family. Tickets went on sale on 29 August, 2016, with group discount packages – there is a 10%

discount for booking two shows or for group of 10 people or more, while a 15% discount is offered for a booking of three shows or more.

In KidsFest 2017, ABA Productions partners with Stamford American International School to bring a wide

Kids

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variety of world class performances to Hong Kong to promote the magic of live theatre to young audiences.

Launched in early 2012 in Hong Kong and Singapore, the 2017 lineup features 10 different productions over five weeks.

This year, the shows have been hand-picked to suit a wide range of age groups. Two productions to watch out for are Gruffalos, Ladybirds and other Beasts which feature Julia Donaldson herself live on stage, and Romeo and Juliet Untold, which is Shakespeare Globe’s creative twists to Romeo & Juliet. Other shows that should not be missed are Stick Man, The Snail and the Whale, Shark in the Park, The First Hippo on the Moon, The Way Back Home, Why the Whales Came, Horrible Histories Awful Egyptians and The Best of Barmy Britain.

“KidsFest is an exciting festival for the whole family where compelling characters are brought to life and scenes from well-loved books are enacted vividly on stage. It is a wonderful platform for family interaction and at the same time nurtures a child’s interest in literature and language in a fun and interactive way. KidsFest has become a key event on Hong Kong’s calendar of cultural events where families can look forward to a series of world-class productions,” said Matthew Gregory, Executive Producer of ABA Productions Ltd. Don’t miss out – join us for some family fun this January! Tickets are on sale on 29 August 2016, and available through HK Ticketing call 31 28 8288 or visit their website www.hkticketing.com. For school and group bookings, please call Vanessa Lee at 2547 7150 or email vanessa.lee@aba-productions.com.

Find out more about KidsFest: www.kidsfest.com.hk

About ABA Productions ABA Productions (www. aba-productions.com) is an international theatre production company dedicated to creating and promoting a wide variety of performance styles from all corners of the world. Recent productions have included Hamlet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Taming of the Shrew, A Clockwork Orange, The Woman in Black, Boeing Boeing, Potted Potter, Circus Mechanics’ Birdhouse Factory, Insane in the Brain, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged), The Complete History of America (abridged), Completely Hollywood (abridged), Waiting for Godot, The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child, Stick Man, Showstopper!, The Improvised Musical, Room on the Broom, Horrible Histories Awful Egyptians and the Asian tour of the international smash hit musical Peter Pan, which visited Taipei, Manila, Singapore, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur between 2005 and 2008. ABA Productions produces KidsFest in Hong Kong and Singapore.

About Stamford American International School Stamford American International School (Stamford) was opened by Cognita in 2009 and is founded on a mission of providing the best teaching and learning experiences for each individual. Following their success at Stamford American International School in Singapore, drama, music and literacy have since taken on a great importance at Stamford. Stamford is opening a Hong Kong campus for children aged 5 to 18 in September 2017.

About the Shows Gruffalos, Ladybirds and Other Beasts With Julia Donaldson

“The stories are acted out with warmth and humour” The List, UK

Following the sell-out success of this show at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2015 and Stratford, Oxford and Bristol in 2016, Britain’s bestselling author Julia Donaldson comes to Hong Kong to act out her stories and songs with a cast of five, including her guitar-playing husband Malcolm.

The stories featured are Jack and the Flumflum Tree, What the Ladybird Heard, A Squash and a Squeeze, Zog and, of course, The Gruffalo, with James Lewis’s children’s library set cunningly transforming itself into a ship, farm, tropical island and the deep dark wood.

For children aged 4 and above and their families The running time is approximately 55 minutes with no interval A 10% discount is available for groups of ten or more There is no minimum age for this performance and all audience members must have their own ticket.

For more information and press inquiries: Instinctif Partners / Natalie Ngai, T 2868 0590 / 6213 3666, E natalie.ngai@instinctif.com Instinctif Partners / Phoebe Sou, T 2868 0549 / 5915 8582, E phoebe.sou@instinctif.com

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Kids

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KIDS COLORING COMPETITION:

Winners of the Kids contest in this Nov-Dec 2016 issue will each receive 2 free entry tickets to the Kidsfest Hong Kong 2017. Only first 5 kids on first come basis will be given these free tickets.

Please send us your kids painted hard copy to our office at

Adesiflava, Room 20, 13th Floor, 21B Eldex Industrial Building, 21 Ma Tau Wai Road, Hung Hom, Kowloon.

OR Send us a scanned copy by email to adesiflava@gmail.com, Subject line: Painting Contest.

Winners will be contacted by us. So please mention your kids name, your contact details and email address.

Winners of OCT 2016 Issue

Bianka Sharma 11 years, Tung Chung

Aaradhya Rastogi 7 years, Wan Chai

Vihaan Romani 8 years, Wampoa

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Ontario Program Ontario Certified Teachers Pre-Grade 1 - Grade 12 Ontario Secondary School Diploma English as a Second Language Program (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced) International Language Programs (French, Putonghua and Japanese) More than 40 extracurricular activities Experiential Learning Week

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Contact Information Gurjit Kaur, Admissions Officer Taikoo Shing Campus Tai Fung Avenue, Taikoo Shing, Hong Kong

Tel: 3658 0400 Fax: 2884 0481 g.kaur@delia.edu.hk

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