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From the Publisher A Runway That Redefines Reality
THERE are moments in life — rare and unforgettable — when you witness something that genuinely stirs the soul. The sixth annual RF runway show, held on Sunday, July 27th at the Emporium Hotel in Brisbane, was one such moment. It was more than a fashion event; it was a bold, beautiful declaration that everyone—regardless of size, age, gender, or ability—has a place on the runway, and more importantly, a right to be seen.
Ravishing Fasion’s vision is to challenge and ultimately redefine the fashion industry’s outdated notions of beauty. But this year’s event took that mission to new, profound heights. From the moment the lights dimmed, and the first model appeared, the energy in the room was electric, charged not just by glamour but by something far more powerful—truth. Real people, with real stories, walking proudly, confidently, unapologetically.
“This is not about fitting in— it’s about finally being seen.” —
Audience Member
I found myself deeply moved watching individuals who, for too long, have been overlooked or sidelined in the fashion world — individuals living with disabilities, transgender models, children, middle-aged men and women, and plus-sized talents — owning the stage with poise, grace, and joy. This was not about tokenism. This was about visibility. It was about rewriting the script for what fashion means, and who it is for.
At the heart of this groundbreaking movement is Ravishing Fashion’s founder and concept creator, Upma Kite. It is no exaggeration to say that without her vision, tireless work, and unwavering belief in a more inclusive world, this show would not exist.
Over the past six to eight months, Upma and her dedicated team poured heart, sweat, and passion into every detail. From mentoring the models and recruiting volunteers to curating the lineup of 12 local and international designers, their efforts culminated in a
night that will long be remembered— not only for its aesthetic brilliance but for its emotional resonance.
“We need to redefine how society views beauty. Stereotypes only hold us back from true progress.” — Upma Kite
One of the most touching elements of the evening was the multicultural showcase, where participants from over 25 countries took to the runway in traditional and contemporary garments that reflected their unique heritage. It was a celebration of global diversity that reminded us all: beauty is not one look, one language, or one body type. It is everywhere, in everyone.
The show’s debut children’s segment also stole hearts. The young models, with their radiant smiles and unfiltered confidence, reminded us what true self-expression looks like before society teaches us to judge or compare.
“These children didn’t just walk— they soared. It was a lesson in pure, unfiltered self-love.” — Guest Comment
What impressed me most, however, was not only the diversity of bodies on stage but the diversity of stories. Each model, each outfit, each step was a story of courage, of resilience, of reclaiming space that was never truly closed to them, only wrongly denied. Ravishing Fashion’s message was not lost on the wider world. The event attracted widespread media coverage, with major outlets such as Channel 7, Channel 10, and the Courier Mail acknowledging the show’s cultural and societal significance. Esteemed guests like Lady Mayoress Melissa Downs, fashion commentator Damian Anthony Rossi, and Olympian Emily Seebohm joined over 300 attendees who gathered not just to witness fashion, but to witness transformation.
This event proves that fashion can be more than fabric and design it
RAVISHING FASION’S VISION IS TO CHALLENGE AND ULTIMATELY REDEFINE THE FASHION INDUSTRY’S OUTDATED NOTIONS OF BEAUTY. BUT THIS YEAR’S EVENT TOOK THAT MISSION TO NEW, PROFOUND HEIGHTS. FROM THE MOMENT THE LIGHTS DIMMED, AND THE FIRST MODEL APPEARED, THE ENERGY IN THE ROOM WAS ELECTRIC, CHARGED NOT JUST BY GLAMOUR BUT BY SOMETHING FAR MORE POWERFUL— TRUTH. REAL PEOPLE, WITH REAL STORIES, WALKING PROUDLY, CONFIDENTLY, UNAPOLOGETICALLY.
can be a platform for healing, unity, and justice. It can be an invitation to accept ourselves and others more fully. Ravishing Fashion has shown us that fashion doesn’t belong to a few; it belongs to us all.
“Fashion is no longer about perfection—it’s about authenticity.” — Designer Featured in the Show
For those of us in publishing and media, Ravishing Fashion’s work is a wake-up call. We must take responsibility for the narratives we uphold and the voices we amplify. The beauty standards we’ve repeated for decades have hurt many and excluded more. It’s time for a new standard one rooted in compassion, authenticity, and courage. Ravishing Fashion is lighting that path, and we must follow. Upma Kite said it best: “This is just the beginning.” And I believe her. The momentum that Ravishing Fashion has created will ripple far beyond this one dazzling night. It is a movement that demands we continue asking hard questions: Who are we leaving behind? How can we do better? What does true representation look like? I left the Emporium Hotel on Sunday night changed, hopeful, inspired, and, more than anything, grateful. Grateful for every model who took the stage and told the world, “This is me.” Grateful for the designers who embraced difference. Grateful for a visionary like Upma who reminds us that inclusion isn’t just a trend; it’s a necessity.
“Every person’s story matters. And on that stage, every story was heard.” — Publisher’s Reflection Let this be more than a beautiful memory. Let it be the beginning of a beautiful revolution.
Australia Introduces Skills in Demand Visa: Spotlight on Core and Specialist Skills Streams
AUSTRALIA has revamped its migration system with the introduction of the Skills in Demand Visa, replacing the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482). At the heart of this change are two new streams—the Core Skills Stream and the Specialist Skills Stream. These streams focus on addressing critical workforce gaps in essential and high-skill sectors, making the visa more aligned with the country’s current labour market demands.
WHY THE FOCUS ON CORE AND SPECIALIST SKILLS?
The Skills in Demand Visa aims to fix limitations in the previous TSS visa by offering more targeted solutions. While the Labour Agreement and Subsequent Entrant streams remain unchanged, the Core Skills Stream and Specialist Skills Stream introduce much-needed flexibility for employers and better opportunities for skilled workers. These new streams provide clear pathways to address both essential workforce shortages and specialized skills gaps.
The Core Skills Stream ensures that employers can fill critical roles in industries such as healthcare, education, and skilled trades, all of which face acute labour shortages. This stream supports businesses struggling to find local talent by offering a temporary but structured solution.
KEY DETAILS:
• Stay Duration: Up to 4 years (5 years for Hong Kong passport holders).
• Eligibility: Applicants must be nominated to work in an occupation listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
YOU MUST:
• Be nominated to work in a CSOL occupation.
• Have at least 1 year of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field.
• Complete a relevant skills assessment if required.
• Work only for your sponsor or their associated entity, unless exempt.
This stream offers employers the flexibility to secure talent in essential roles while giving skilled workers access to stable, rewarding opportunities in sectors vital to the Australian economy.
The Specialist Skills Stream targets advanced roles requiring unique expertise. This stream enables employers to hire workers for highly specialized positions, ensuring Australia remains competitive in fields like IT, engineering, and medical sciences.
KEY DETAILS:
• Stay Duration: Up to 4 years (5 years for Hong Kong passport holders).
• Eligibility: Applicants must be nominated for roles listed in Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6 under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO).
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ACS Professional Year
• Accredited by Australian Computer Society
• Learn in Corporate Training Rooms
• Great Student Amenities
• High Quality Digital Learning Resources
• Professional High Quality Experienced Trainers
• Industry Standard Internship Placement
• Monthly Intake
• Easy payment plan
• CBD Location – Close to Central Station
• May be eligible for migration points towards permanent residence in Australia
Program structure
- 45 weeks duration
- Orientation
- Communication & Performance in Australian Workplace
- Entry & Advancement in Australian Workplace
- Professional Australian IT internship for 12 weeks
- ACS Professional Environment
- Graduation
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the ACS Professional Year Program, you must have:
- Completed an undergraduate or postgraduate award in Australia in ICT
- Hold or applied for a 485 visa (either stream)
- IELTS Score of 6 overall and no band less than 5
RF Celebrates Sixth Anniversary with a Pioneering Fashion Show, Challenging Stereotypes and Advocating for Diversity
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RF’s vision of redefining fashion took center stage on Sunday, July 27th, as the RF hosted its sixth annual runway show at the opulent Emporium Hotel in Brisbane. Marking a significant milestone, this show exemplified the unwavering commitment to breaking down barriers, challenging societal stereotypes, and fostering a more inclusive definition of beauty and style.
Founded with the mission to challenge the traditional beliefs of the fashion industry, RF has consistently sought to stem the tide of exclusivity and promote diversity in all its forms. This year’s show was not merely a showcase of clothing and designs; it was a bold statement aimed at changing perceptions and encouraging acceptance across communities. Over the years, RF has transformed from a local initiative into a global
movement, and this year’s event was no different.
The driving force behind this impactful movement is concept creator Upma Kite, whose visionary leadership and relentless determination have propelled RF's initiatives. Over the past six to eight months, Upma and her dedicated team have worked tirelessly—mobilizing volunteers, collaborating with designers, and mentoring models—to craft an event that aims to inspire and empower. Her unwavering resolve to foster inclusivity in fashion has earned her praise and respect from both supporters and critics alike.
For the first time in RF’s history, the show featured models with disabilities, children, transgender individuals, middle-aged talents, and plus-sized models—all confidently strutting down the runway, embodying strength, elegance, and
resilience. The message was clear: fashion belongs to everyone, regardless of age, gender, or ability. According to Upma, a key objective of the show was to shift perceptions: “We need to redefine how society views beauty. Stereotypes only hold us back from true progress.”
The Fashion show also showcased a diverse lineup of 12 renowned designers, both from within Australia and internationally. The runway was alive with creativity, featuring a wide array of styles and cultural influences that celebrated the richness of global fashion. An adorable kids’ fashion segment, introduced for the first time, drew admiration from attendees, who appreciated the confidence and natural elegance of the young models.
Adding a groundbreaking element to the show was the debut of RF’s first-ever
multicultural segment, where participants from over 25 countries took the stage, displaying stunning traditional and contemporary outfits that highlighted cultural diversity. The audience was captivated by the models’ professionalism, poise, and the stories they told through their attire and presence.
The significance of the concept extended beyond aesthetics; it received extensive media coverage from major outlets including Channel 10, Channel 7, Courier Mail, and more. Such widespread attention underscored the importance of spreading RF’s message globally— an appeal to reshape the global fashion industry into one that appreciates and celebrates every individual’s uniqueness.
Esteemed guests such as Lady Mayoress Melissa Downs, Damian Anthony Rossi, Emily Seebohm, and other distinguished
personalities graced the event. The packed venue—holding over 300 attendees—was filled with joy, laughter, and a collective desire for change. The atmosphere was electric, resonating with a shared commitment to promoting positive body image and dismantling stereotypes that have long been ingrained within societal fabric.
Throughout the night, attendees witnessed not only fashion but also a cultural and social awakening—an affirmation that everyone deserves respect and representation. The event exemplified how fashion can be a powerful platform for social change, promoting unity and compassion amidst diversity.
This journey of resilience, growth, and positive transformation is a true testament to Upma Kite’s dedication. Her unwavering focus
has been to shift societal mindsets and create a more inclusive future for fashion. As she passionately states, “This is just the beginning. We need to continue challenging norms and advocating for acceptance—because every person’s story matters.”
RF’s impact extends far beyond the runway. This groundbreaking show signals the start of a transformative era, inspiring individuals and communities to embrace differences and celebrate authenticity. It’s a call to action for everyone to participate, support, and be part of this ongoing movement—one that promises to reshape the future of fashion, one step at a time.
Join us in this journey of change. Together, we can make a difference—because every individual deserves to be seen, celebrated, and empowered.
Australia Introduces Skills in Demand Visa: Spotlight on Core...
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YOU MUST:
• Be nominated to work in an ANZSCO occupation listed in Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6, with a salary meeting the Specialist Skills Income Threshold.
• Have at least 1 year of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field.
• Complete a relevant skills assessment if required.
This stream ensures Australian businesses can access the global talent pool for positions where local expertise is limited while providing skilled workers with a pathway to contribute to critical
projects and industries.
HOW THESE STREAMS BENEFIT EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS
FOR EMPLOYERS:
The Core and Specialist Skills Streams allow businesses to attract workers for both essential and advanced roles. Employers gain a competitive edge by filling hard-to-staff positions quickly, with streamlined processes for accredited sponsors.
FOR WORKERS: These streams open doors to opportunities in Australia’s most indemand sectors. Workers can enjoy stable roles
with competitive salaries and, in many cases, pathways to permanent residency. The inclusion of family members further enhances the visa’s appeal for longterm settlement.
WHY UNDERSTANDING THESE CHANGES MATTERS
The introduction of the Core Skills and Specialist Skills Streams reflects Australia’s evolving workforce needs. These changes require employers and skilled workers to stay updated on eligibility criteria and application processes to maximize their opportunities. By focusing on the Core and
Specialist Skills Streams, the Skills in Demand Visa highlights the government’s intent to strengthen its economy by targeting both immediate and longterm labour market gaps.
YOUR NEXT STEPS
The Skills in Demand Visa is a major opportunity for both employers and skilled workers. If you’re a business looking to fill critical roles or a professional seeking career advancement in Australia, it’s essential to act quickly and prepare your application carefully. Learn how to leverage these new streams to your
advantage by visiting migrationguru.com.au. Take the first step toward securing your future in Australia. At Migration Guru, we remain committed to providing expert guidance and support to navigate these complexities and help our clients achieve their migration goals. For those seeking further information about this development or any other immigration advice, Migration Guru, with over 90 years of collective experience in Australian migration law, encourages you to get in touch. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing comprehensive
assistance and guidance in navigating the evolving landscape of Australian immigration.
Our team may be contacted via email at info@migrationguru. com.au or by calling 073036-3800. Readers are encouraged to follow us on Facebook for all the updates to Migration Law - Migration Guru Facebook. Migration Guru Pty Ltd, Level 3, 183 North Quay, Brisbane, QLD. Phone: 07-3036-3800
Disclaimer: The above article constitutes only generic information on migration issues and does not constitute specific migration advice to any entity or individual.
VP Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigns: Health Reasons or Political Pressure?
VICE President Jagdeep Dhankhar has officially resigned from his position with immediate effect, citing health concerns and the need to follow medical advice. In his resignation letter to President Droupadi Murmu, he invoked Article 67(a) of the Constitution.
Key Details: Resignation effective immediately (July 21, 2025) Third VP in India's history to resign mid-term Had 3 years remaining in his tenure Served since August 2022
But what's behind this sudden move? Political
circles are buzzing with speculation: Theory 1: Impeachment Process Pressure Could mounting political pressure and potential impeachment discussions have influenced this decision?
The timing raises questions about whether health reasons are the complete story. Theory 2: Internal BJP Tensions Reports suggest possible disagreements with party leadership, particularly regarding J.P. Nadda's recent statements. Could internal party dynamics have played a role? While the official reason remains
health-related, the abrupt nature of this resignation - just days after Dhankhar mentioned serving until 2027 - has sent shockwaves through political corridors. This unprecedented move leaves the nation without a Vice President and raises critical questions about succession planning and the real factors behind such significant constitutional decisions. What are your thoughts on the timing and circumstances of this resignation?
Youtube channel credit- Times Now
India UK CETA Historic Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement Signed
HISTORIC milestone achieved! India and UK have signed the groundbreaking Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA), marking a new era in bilateral relations.
PM Modi and UK
PM Starmer celebrate this game-changing Free Trade Agreement that promises massive benefits for both nations:
For India: aBoosted exports of textiles, footwear, and food
products aEnhanced market access to UK consumers aStrengthened "Make in India" initiative
For UK: aCheaper whisky, cars, and luxury goods in Indian markets aExpanded business opportunities in world's largest democracy aStronger post-Brexit trade partnerships
This CETA agreement isn't just about trade - it's about deepening cultural ties, creating jobs, and fostering innovation
between two nations with shared democratic values.
From Mumbai's textile mills to London's financial district, this deal will create ripple effects across industries. Indian consumers get premium UK products at better prices, while British businesses tap into India's massive market potential. A true win-win for both economies!
Youtube channel credit - Mirror now Picture credit - NDTV
Community Leaders Take Oath to Serve and Uplift Through Basava Philosophy in Sydney and Brisbane
Sydney & Brisbane, Australia – July 2025
IN a heartfelt show of unity and purpose, newly appointed leaders of the Basava Samiti of Asia Pacific (BSAPAC) took their official Oath of Office in Sydney and Brisbane this month. These solemn ceremonies mark a significant milestone in the charity’s ongoing mission to Engage, Educate, Empower and Enlighten communities through the timeless values of Guru Basava’s philosophy.
In Sydney, Mr. Jayaveer Prasad along with the committee members took the oath on behalf of the newly formed Executive Committee on 19th July 2025, symbolising a bold step towards strengthening BSAPAC’s presence in New South Wales. The Sydney chapter has been instrumental in providing technical expertise, systems administration, and now expanding into human resources and community engagement. Cr Barbara Ward graced the
The Team is the Key
ALL business owners want to work less, earn more and build wealth. What most do not realise is that the best performing teams can help you get all three.
Let me make one thing very clear from the off: people think I am some kind of business guru.
I’m not. I can’t prepare a tax return. I cannot prepare a set of financials either. And I can’t run a payroll system. I even struggle to put into place any structure for my own businesses operations.
But I can work out and “implement a strategic framework.” And against all odds and common sense somehow my business works. And it works quite well. And that is down to one thing — my team.
Yes, yes, I might be the one with the mad ideas and the overinflated ego, but when it comes to making things happen? I’m about as useful as a chocolate teapot in the Sahara.
People often say, “Oh you’ve been so lucky with your team.” Or they mutter about good recruitment, fat salaries, or some other HR rubbish. Nonsense. Total codswallop.
The truth? It’s all about attitude. That’s what matters. You can take someone who knows bugger-all about the job, but if they’ve got the right mindset, they’ll figure it out. Conversely, you can hire the most qualified, experienced expert in the galaxy — but if their attitude stinks? They’ll crash your business so fast you will not know what hit it.
Want examples? Well, many of you may also know I am a soccer nut, and I consider running a business and sports to be aligned. So, you will not be surprised to know I got up at 4.45am to watch a European Cup Final some weeks ago which featured a team called Paris Saint Germain. This was a team that had in the past
two of the best attacking players in the worldMbappe and Neymar. They were purchased by the club for £727 Million or AU$1.490bn(!) and, whilst these 2 brilliant players were in the team the team won nothing in Europe. Nil. Zilch. Crap all.
So last year a new manager got rid of them and replaced them with 2 young players no one had heard of. And without the 2 biggest names in the world game, they won the European crown.
So motivated staff? Brilliant. They’re like turbos attached to an engine –except they are strapped to your business. Unmotivated staff? Think of them as dragging an expensive caravan uphill with an equally expensive bicycle. It might be doable but it’s a pain in the backside
It’s Also About Values (Yes, Really)
Now, I used to think all this talk of "values", "visions", and "missions" was pure corporate crap. Something dreamed up by men in Gucci shirts with clipboards and no real jobs. But I was wrong.
Values matter. Your business mission matter. Responsibilities matter. Having a clue who’s doing what matters. Otherwise, you end up in a meeting trying to decide who should order the coffee while your entire operation is collapsing.
Here’s the kicker: most small businesses have ten departments. Ten! But in many cases, one poor person — probably you — is wearing all ten hats. And if you keep doing that, your team won’t just lose motivation. They’ll lose the will to live.
THE 10 DEPARTMENTS
Let me break them down. Three sit above the line — these are your highlevel strategic minds. The other seven are the doing
occasion to congratulate the winners.
Meanwhile, in Brisbane, the oath ceremony reaffirmed the commitment of longstanding volunteers who have nurtured the charity's growth
based volunteer programs. Incoming Director Mr. Abhishek Sachdeva assumed office as the Board Director.
departments — the ones actually getting their hands dirty.
THE BIG THREE (ABOVE THE LINE)
1. Shareholder – Basically, the money person. They don’t do anything. They just want a return. Like a banker, but without the striped suit, fake smile and charges.
2. Director – Comes up with the master plan to keep the shareholders happy. Usually spends a lot of time on PowerPoint, Spreadsheets and talks a lot.
3. Leadership – The general manager. The person who makes the plan actually happen. In my case Ros, my business partner who can bash brains together and get away with it.
THE SEVEN THAT ACTUALLY DO STUFF (BELOW THE LINE)
4. Product & Services Innovation – Decides what you should sell, what you shouldn’t, and occasionally dreams up a new product that’s either brilliant or bananas. You have probably guessed this is a department I like very much because I come up with the occasional brilliant idea after about 2 dozen banana ideas – but you will only ever hear about how I am the genius.
5. Operations – The money-maker. If this fails, everything else is irrelevant. You can have the greatest plan since the moon landing, but if this bit doesn’t work, your business dies. Quickly. You want your best person in this department which in my case is not me. Obviously.
6. Admin/IT – The background noise. Nobody notices it until it breaks. See this department as brakes on your car. You just expect it to work but when they fail you are guaranteed to notice and realise their importance.
7. Marketing –Generates leads. Without them, Sales has no one to
since its early days. With a strong legacy of service and innovation, the Brisbane chapter continues to be a beacon of leadership, embracing digital operations and contributing significantly to STEM-
charm with buzzwords, espresso and booze.
8. Sales – Converts leads to customers. Doesn’t make money directly — that’s Operations — but without Sales, Operations would be twiddling their thumbs.
9. HR – Hires the right people, makes sure no one’s suing you and tells you all the things you cannot do at the Xmas party. And oh yes keeps reminding you not to swear at interns or do or say anything that will upset anyone including the office dog.
10. Finance – Looks at the numbers and tells you whether you can afford a new coffee machine or if you’re going bankrupt next Tuesday.
Now, here’s the thing: if you don’t get these roles defined, assigned, and properly understood by your team, you might as well go herd cats for a living. And if you try and run them all yourself? Your business (and you) will end up looking like a Holden that’s been driven 400,000km.
HOW TO DEMOTIVATE A TEAM IN 5 EASY STEPS
Let me list just a few of the classics. These are real disasters — all of which we as a business has stumbled into at some point: 1. Broken Promises
The fastest way to destroy morale. Promise a pay rise, training, or a new office coffee machine — then fail to deliver. It’s like saying telling me you are going to take me to the famous racing track in Nürburgring to race a Ferrari, then driving me to a car park on the Gold Coast to show me a Kia.
Worse still, it teaches your team it’s okay not to deliver. And when they stop delivering to your customers? You’re toast.
2. Insensitive Decisions
Some people are tough as nails. Others burst into tears if you raise an eyebrow. You must know the difference. Easy said than done. We fell foul of this recently and could not work out what went wrong.
One-size-fits-all leadership is like using one tyre for every car — it just doesn’t work.
3. Poor Communication
Either you don’t tell your team enough, and they think they’re just pawns in your twisted game of Risk. Or you bombard them with so many updates they feel like they’re stuck in a Zoom’s version of Groundhog Day. Find the balance. And when something goes wrong — which it will — ask if there’s
These ceremonies are more than just formalities—they are a declaration of service, integrity, and a pledge to build a values-based, in accordance with the values stated in Guru Basava’s vachanas and was led by the Executive Director Mrs. Girija Karekal.
An extensive planning process over the next three years was undertaken while imparting the vision for the public.
something you could’ve done better too. This was something that I got taught recently. A coach told me that if something goes wrong in my business it is probably my fault because we either gave the wrong instructions, do not train adequately or miscommunicated what needed to be done.
4. Too Many Bosses
When everyone’s in charge, no one is. It’s chaos. Like having five people steering a boat in different directions while one person yells about the sails. You need a clear chain of command. Not a hydra-headed monster of conflicting decisions. We have a simple rule in our business. Our team are given the responsibility to make decisions, and we try to ensure those decisions are followed through and if it goes wrong, they take responsibility. There are some decisions that only I, as the majority shareholder make, but I will usually ask the leadership team of their thoughts. I then do what the hell I want but then when it goes bananas, which it often does, it’s all down to me and this usually makes Ros, my partner, very unhappy.
5. Lack of Recognition
People like to be told they’re doing well. It’s not rocket science. If you ignore their efforts, they’ll assume you don’t care. And if they think you don’t care, they’ll stop trying or caring too. Next thing you know, you’re left with a team who are physically present but spiritually on a beach in Barbados.
THE FINAL SAY….
If your team doesn’t know what the business stands for, what the mission is, and who’s actually steering the ship, don’t be surprised if they stop rowing.
Motivating your team isn’t about beanbags, ping-pong tables or branded water bottles. It’s about clarity, honesty, and occasionally admitting that maybe, just maybe, you’re the problem.
Air India Investigation Row: Pilots' Unions Demand Fair Probe Against AAIB Bias Claims India's Climate Minister Just Revealed the Real Plan for Green Living
BREAKING NEWS: Air India Crash Investigation Erupts in Fresh Controversy
The Air India crash probe has taken a dramatic turn as pilots' unions launch a fierce counter-attack against investigation authorities, demanding justice and transparency in what has become India's most contentious aviation investigation in recent years.
The Indian Commercial Pilots' Association (ICPA) has strongly condemned what they call "reckless, unfounded insinuation of pilot suicide" that has been circulating since the preliminary report's release. This explosive statement follows earlier accusations by the Air Line Pilots' Association (ALPA) that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is showing bias against pilots.
The pilots' unions are united in their demand for a fair and impartial investigation, rejecting what they describe as premature blame being placed on flight crew members. The ICPA's strong-worded response highlights growing
tensions between aviation safety investigators and the pilot community over the handling of this highprofile case.
The controversy has raised serious questions about the investigation's methodology and the premature conclusions being drawn before the final report. Aviation experts warn that such public disputes could compromise the integrity of the investigation and potentially impact aviation safety standards across the industry.
As the probe continues, the aviation community
watches closely to see how authorities will address these serious allegations of bias and ensure that the investigation remains objective and thorough. The outcome of this dispute could set important precedents for future aviation accident investigations in India.
The pilots' unions maintain that only a transparent, unbiased investigation can provide the truth that families of victims and the aviation industry deserve.
Youtube Channel credit- Times Now
READY for some honest talk about climate action? Union Minister Bhupender Yadav just dropped some serious truth bombs at the India Climate Summit 2025 during an exclusive fireside chat with Times Group's Navika Kumar. From gradually adjusting your AC temperature to implementing lifestyle reforms that actually
work for Indian families, he's laying out a roadmap that considers our real economic situation, not just wishful thinking. The Minister emphasized India's commitment to Common But Differentiated Responsibilities, ensuring climate action remains fair and practical for our unique circumstances. This isn't about dramatic overnight
changes, it's about sustainable progress that respects where we are as a nation while moving toward a greener future. Don't miss this eyeopening conversation that's reshaping how we think about climate responsibility and everyday environmental choices.
Youtube channel credit- Times Now
Celebrating culture together
BY XAVIER HERNANDEZ
THIS past month has stirred something deeply personal in me and our Brisbane Indian Times readers. From heartfelt community celebrations here in Queensland to the heartbreaking impact of global events. I’ve found myself reflecting on the importance of connection, belonging, and showing up for one another, especially when it matters most. These are the values I see lived out every day across our community and within the Brisbane Indian Times family.
Before sharing some highlights, I want to acknowledge the devastating 8.8 magnitude earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula resulting in a tsunami that swept across the Pacific. From Hawaii to Japan and across our Pacific Island neighbours, countless lives have been disrupted. In times like these, we’re reminded how precious life is and how essential it is to extend compassion and support across borders.
Here in Queensland, we are privileged to live in one of the most multicultural states in Australia—a place where people of all backgrounds contribute to our shared future. As the son of a migrant volunteering for community leaders like the Deo Family, I feel proud of the way the multicultural community continues to shape Queensland life, through business, food, the arts, language, education, and most importantly, our collective spirit of family and togetherness. I’d also like to recognise the Deo family—especially JD Deo—for their tireless efforts to uplift and empower our community. Their leadership ensures that our Indian heritage remains visible, valued, and thriving and shaping a better future for all.
These experiences highlight what it means to live in a community that values inclusion and respect. The Indian community here in Queensland is a shining example of that. According to the most recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, more than 71,000 Indian-born people now call this state home. With a median age of just 35, we are a young, vibrant, and dynamic community, grounded in deep cultural roots and driven toward bright, fruitful futures.
Indian families across Queensland reflect the beautiful diversity of our culture. According to the ABS, Indian couples with children make up the largest group, but
our communities also include couples without children, one-parent families, and extended households that span generations. Together, they make up over 32,000 homes, contributing to the heartbeat of this state in every field imaginable.
Education continues to be a proud pillar in our community, with 60 percent of those aged 15 and older holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. This reflects a deep respect for knowledge, opportunity, and hard work. Values passed down from our parents and mentors. And while 67.7 percent of our community identify simply as Indian, many others trace their heritage to Punjabi, Sikh, Malayali, Telugu, Gujarati, or blended ancestries. It’s a rich tapestry that reflects both tradition and the evolving face of modern Australia.
August is Multicultural Queensland Month, and what better time to reflect on the richness of our community and the strength that comes from diversity? It’s also a time to come together in celebration, and I’m excited to share that one of the biggest cultural events of the year—the India Day Fair 2025. Save the date for Sunday, 17 August 2025, from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM at Roma Street Parkland, Brisbane. Hosted by the GOPIO Qld, the India Day Fair is a vibrant, free, family-friendly event that brings our community together to celebrate India’s Independence Day and showcase the incredible culture, talent, and spirit of Indian Australians. This year, I’ll be volunteering at the GOPIO (Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin) stall, and I look forward to seeing
many familiar faces and welcoming new ones. Please come say hello!
Events like India Day Fair are more than just festival—they’re powerful reminders of what it means to belong. Recently, I had the honour of attending the 50th Anniversary of Vietnamese Migration to Australia at Brisbane City Hall. My mum and I were warmly welcomed by President Kieu Oanh Do and the Vietnamese Community in Australia – QLD Chapter. We’ve been blessed to volunteer with this incredible group over the years, and their kindness and resilience have shaped our journey. One message that resonated with me was, “You are not guests, you are family.” That feeling of belonging left a lasting impression, and I’m pleased our readers feel the same way. We thank you for the feedback you give us.
Another highlight this month was the 9th Annual Church Pilgrimage, honouring St. Mary of the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church. My thanks to Teferi Wedisele for his warm welcome, and to leaders like Lewis Lee OAM, Jane Wang, and Alan Chen for demonstrating how interfaith unity strengthens our shared values.
Throughout this month, I’ve continued volunteering at the Community Life Uniting Church Op Shop. Each donated item helps fund local initiatives and reduce waste—a small but powerful way to make a difference. I’m helping on the weeks alongside other volunteer people who are really doing it tuff. Many are elderly women who simply are struggling to get by. If you’d like to donate or need support, please
reach out to Rev. Emma at the Community life church.
And before I go, don’t forget to join us at the Multicultural Family Picnic on Sunday, 24 August from 11 AM to 2 PM at Captain Burke Park, Kangaroo Point.
Hosted by the Queensland Multicultural Council Inc., the event will feature food from around the world (with vegetarian and halal options), a sausage sizzle, and joyful company. Bring a plate to share and a picnic rug—it’s the
perfect way to celebrate the end of Multicultural Queensland Month. Let’s continue to honour our heritage, embrace diversity, and walk proudly together. Because when culture is celebrated, everyone wins.
Indian Diaspora is Redefining Global Fashion with Tradition and Bold Identity
Jitendra Deo Chief Executive Officer
JD Group Australia
AS members of the Indian diaspora in Australia and across the globe, we are part of a powerful cultural force, one that is increasingly reshaping the narrative of fashion, not only by preserving the beauty of traditional clothing but also by reinventing it to suit a modern, multicultural world.
Our story is not just about migration. It’s about identity, heritage, and how we carry our roots wherever we go, we often through the clothing we wear. Whether it’s the vibrant splash of a saree
at a suburban Sydney wedding or a kurta paired with sneakers on Melbourne’s high streets, the influence of Indian attire is growing and it’s far more than a style statement.
FASHION AS CULTURAL DIPLOMACY
Fashion, at its best, is a form of soft power. It tells stories of origin, resistance, celebration, and pride. And the Indian diaspora, now millions strong across continents, has taken this art form global. From Diwali parades in Brisbane to Bollywood-themed galas in Perth, our wardrobes are diplomatic missions in fabric and embroidery.
Designers of Indian origin such as Anamika Khanna, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, and Manish Malhotra have elevated Indian fashion to international runways, often fusing traditional textiles with contemporary silhouettes. But just as significantly, everyday Australians of Indian heritage are
showcasing culture in their daily lives through a dupatta draped over western wear or lehengas worn unapologetically to multicultural events.
We are redefining what it means to be fashionable and Indian not by choosing between heritage and modernity, but by fusing the two.
PRESERVING TRADITION IN A NEW LAND
One of the most remarkable achievements of the Indian diaspora is the preservation of traditional clothing in a Western context. Secondand third-generation Indian Australians are proudly choosing to wear sarees, sherwanis, and salwar kameez at cultural events not out of obligation, but as an act of pride. Many are even learning to drape a saree from grandparents or following YouTube tutorials to keep traditions alive.
This intergenerational fashion exchange is not just nostalgic—it’s
revolutionary. It’s a counter-narrative to assimilation that says: "We can belong here without erasing who we are."
In fact, the increased demand for Indian textiles and craftsmanship has revived interest in handloom industries back home. Diaspora communities play a critical role in sustaining artisans, promoting sustainable practices, and bringing ancient techniques into contemporary relevance.
REPRESENTATION MATTERS
In Australia, the inclusion of Indian models, designers, and cultural themes in mainstream fashion events has grown—but it’s still a journey in progress. Events like Ravishing Fashion’s inclusive fashion runway in Brisbane, which recently featured multicultural and traditional Indian designs, mark a turning point. They signal that fashion is no longer
limited to a Eurocentric ideal. It’s a global language, and the Indian diaspora is speaking it fluently.
Seeing models walk the runway in sarees, lehengas, and bandh gala jackets—side-by-side with contemporary Australian designs—helps normalize and celebrate diversity. It also challenges outdated stereotypes about what is considered “formal,” “stylish,” or “modern.”
"To be Indian and fashionable is not a contradiction. It’s a bold, beautiful identity that reflects both our past and our future."
WHAT’S NEXT?
EMBRACING FUSION AND INNOVATION
The next frontier for Indian fashion abroad lies in innovation and how we continue to adapt traditional styles for the modern world. We see this already in the rise of Indo-western outfits: dhoti pants with blazers, sarees with crop tops, Nehru jackets over jeans. These blends don’t dilute
tradition but they evolve it.
Young Indian Australians are leading this shift, creating new brands, experimenting with silhouettes, and using social media to reach global audiences. In doing so, they are not only celebrating culture but also building bridges of understanding across communities.
Finally, the Indian diaspora has always been a force of resilience, creativity, and pride. Through fashion and traditional clothing, we are not just keeping heritage alive and we are elevating it. We are showing the world that tradition can be dynamic, expressive, and global.
As Australia becomes ever more multicultural, the contribution of Indian fashion and its diaspora must be recognized and not as a niche, but as a vital, vibrant part of the nation’s style identity. Our threads tell stories. And the world is finally listening.
Local Legends Award given to Seva Dharma Mission by Honourable MP, Jim Charmers, Treasurer of Australia
AT today’s Local Legends Award ceremony held at the Calamvale Hotel Suites and Conference Centre, 678 Compton Rd, Calamvale QLD 4116, Brisbane, more than 50 remarkable members of the community were recognised for their outstanding service across a range of community development activities.
Honourable Jim Chalmers MP, Australia’s Minister for Finance, personally presented the awards to recipients, acknowledging their impactful work in areas such as weekly free food distribution, monthly community dinners, JP community work, and various other community development initiatives. The awards were determined based on recommendations submitted by local community members.
Among the distinguished honourees, Seva Dharma Mission was recognised for its exceptional contributions.
The Local Legends awards were presented to Acarya Krsnapremananda Avadhuta (Dayashankar Tiwari) and Acarya Devadattananda Avadhuta (Dilip Chaudhury), following
heartfelt community endorsements of their service and commitment.
“We are deeply honoured to receive the
Local Legends Award and sincerely appreciate this recognition of our contributions to the community. It is truly
heartening to know that the spirit of selfless service is valued and celebrated,” said representatives of Seva Dharma Mission. In a memorable moment, awardees also had the opportunity to meet with the Honourable MP Australia’s Treasurer, further highlighting the significance of their service and the value placed on communitydriven action.
PROFESSIONALS such as property stylists, interior decorators, and interior designers all play crucial roles when it comes to enhancing aesthetics and functionality of spaces in and outside the home.
While their work may overlap to some extent, each role has distinct responsibilities and expertise. This may help you understand who to hire for your specific needs.
Property Stylist
A property stylist works with sellers and real estate agents to stage properties effectively, focussing on optimising the visual appeal of a property listed to attract potential buyers. The goal is to create an inviting atmosphere that resonates with the target market, leading to a higher sale price.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Staging – arrange furniture, decor, and
accessories strategically to showcase best features.
• Decluttering – create a clean and spacious look, which can be more appealing to potential buyers.
• Colour coordination – choose colour schemes that are neutral and universally appealing to create a sense of harmony and broad appeal.
• Accessory selection – select and place accessories, from artwork to cushions and rugs, that complement the overall design theme.
INTERIOR DECORATOR
Interior decorators work closely with homeowner clients to understand their preferences, style, and functional needs to create visually pleasing interiors, and are skilled in balancing design elements such as colour, texture, and furniture to transform spaces into inviting and harmonious
environments.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Design concept development –conceptualise design themes based on client preferences and requirements.
• Furniture and decor selection – choose furniture, lighting, textiles, and accessories that align with the desired design aesthetic.
• Space planning –optimise the layout of furniture and fixtures to ensure efficient use of space while maintaining a cohesive design.
• Colour consultation – provide guidance on colour palettes that suit the space and evoke the desired ambiance.
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Interior designers are trained professionals with expertise in both aesthetics and functional design aspects. They
go beyond decorating and styling to address structural considerations, building codes, and spatial planning, and work on a wide range of projects, from residential homes to commercial spaces.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Space planning –create detailed layouts that optimise traffic flow, functionality, and spatial organisation.
• Material and finishes selection – choose materials, finishes, and architectural elements that align with the design concept and meet client requirements.
• Project management – oversee projects from concept to completion, coordinating with architects, contractors, and other professionals.
• Code compliance –ensure that designs comply with building codes, accessibility standards, and safety regulations.
Three key differences are noted: aspects of focus, depth of work and training and expertise.
FOCUS: Property stylists emphasise staging for sale or rental purposes, while interior decorators focus on enhancing aesthetics, and interior designers integrate functionality with aesthetics.
DEPTH OF WORK:
Property stylists primarily work on surface-level changes, decorators
delve deeper into design elements, and interior designers handle structural and spatial aspects.
TRAINING AND EXPERTISE:
Interior designers typically have formal education and training in design principles, building codes, and project management, while decorators and stylists may have varying levels of formal education and experience.
Choosing the right professional depends on your specific need: the property stylist for enhancing visual appeal and staging properties; the interior decorator for aesthetic improvements and decor expertise; the interior designer for comprehensive design projects involving structural changes and spatial planning.
Each role contributes uniquely to creating captivating and functional spaces, ensuring that every aspect of design and presentation aligns with your vision and goals as homeowner.
New or Old? Homebuyers Weigh Their Options in Real Estate Market
IN today’s ever-changing real estate landscape, homebuyers are facing a familiar dilemma: should they purchase a brandnew home, or buy an older property and renovate it? While each path to homeownership offers its own advantages, the choice isn’t always clearcut — especially when prices, interest rates, and construction timelines are unpredictable. With more buyers returning to the market in 2025 and housing inventory still tight in many urban and suburban areas, understanding the pros and cons of new versus older homes is more important than ever.
THE ALLURE OF THE NEW
For many, the appeal of a newly built home is simple: convenience.
"New homes are turnkey," says Laura Greene, a real estate agent in Austin, Texas. "You walk in, unpack, and start living." New builds often come equipped with energy-efficient systems, smart technology, and open-plan layouts that suit modern lifestyles.
Another major perk?
Lower maintenance. With brand-new plumbing, roofing, wiring, and appliances — often backed by builder warranties — buyers can expect minimal repair costs for the first few years.
However, that convenience comes at a price. New homes typically carry a higher price tag, particularly in desirable school districts or fast-growing suburbs. And because most new developments are built farther from city centres, homeowners may face longer commutes or limited access to established infrastructure.
“There’s also a sameness to some of these new communities,” says Greene. “If you're looking for character, you might be disappointed.”
THE CHARM (AND CHALLENGE) OF THE OLD
Older homes, often found in mature neighbourhoods, offer something many new builds can't: history and individuality.
From hand-carved
mouldings to original hardwood floors and intricate fireplaces, older properties exude charm. They’re also typically located in central areas, close to downtowns, public transit, and local businesses.
But buying an older home isn’t for the faint of heart — or light of wallet.
"Renovations can unlock real value, but they also open Pandora’s box," warns contractor Miguel Ruiz of Chicago. "It’s not uncommon to find outdated wiring, old pipes, or foundation issues once you start opening up walls."
Renovating also takes time — weeks or months
depending on the scope — and can create significant stress. Budget overruns are common, especially when unexpected problems arise midproject.
Still, many buyers are undeterred. A wellexecuted renovation can dramatically increase a home’s value and provide a level of personalization that even new homes can’t match.
COST
CONSIDERATIONS
While new homes come with fewer surprises, they’re often more expensive upfront. Older homes may be more affordable to buy
but costlier to upgrade.
A MATTER OF LIFESTYLE
Ultimately, the decision may come down to personal lifestyle and priorities.
For busy professionals or first-time buyers, a new home offers peace of mind and immediate comfort.
For DIY enthusiasts or those seeking longterm value in a classic neighbourhood, a renovation project could be the right fit.
Some buyers choose a hybrid approach — purchasing a slightly dated home that needs only cosmetic updates, avoiding the pitfalls of major structural repairs while still adding personal touches.
TIPS BEFORE YOU DECIDE
• Inspect Thoroughly: Whether buying new or old, always get a home inspection. Even new construction can have flaws.
• Know Your Budget: Include a contingency fund if you’re planning renovations — unexpected costs are
almost guaranteed.
• Understand the Neighbourhood: New developments may not have schools or shops nearby. Older areas may come with zoning restrictions or higher property taxes.
• Be Realistic: Renovation TV shows compress months of work into 30 minutes. Real-life projects take longer and require patience.
CONCLUSION
There’s no one-sizefits-all answer when it comes to choosing between a new home and an older one in need of renovation. What matters most is aligning your decision with your budget, risk tolerance, lifestyle needs, and longterm vision.
“The right house isn’t just about walls and windows,” says Greene. “It’s about where you see yourself growing — whether that’s in a shiny new build or a lovingly restored classic.”
Thinking of buying or renovating? Share your experiences with us at Jitendra.deo@remax. com.au We'd love to hear your home journey.
Sandy & Jitendra Deo Business Owners
Need guidance on the upcoming changes?
Our expert team is already preparing for the new regime and is here to help you stay compliant and confident. Call us directly today for advice tailored to your situation, or scan the QR code to ask us any questions.
Yamma Yamma Returns – A Theatrical Masterstroke by Australian Indian Theatre
BRISBANE’S theatre lovers were in for a treat last weekend as Australian Indian Theatre presented its latest crowdpuller, Yamma Yamma Returns. A great mix of mythology, comedy, romance, and nostalgia, this genre-bending play had the audience laughing, clapping, and reminiscing from start to finish.
At the heart of this wildly entertaining production was the unstoppable Anu—writer, director, producer, actor, and dancer. Is there anything she can’t do? With her signature blend of humour and heart, she created a magical world where the afterlife collided with true love, time travel, and 90s
FOR AUSTRALIAN INDIAN THEATRE, THIS MARKS YET ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTION IN THEIR GROWING LEGACY OF COMMUNITY-DRIVEN, CULTURALLY RICH THEATRE. AND THE EXCITEMENT DOESN'T STOP HERE—PLANS ARE ALREADY UNDERWAY FOR THEIR NEXT BIG VENTURE: A GRAND RETELLING OF THE MAHABHARATA IN 2026.
Bollywood drama. Her sparkling chemistry with Siddharth as Simran and Rahul brought back memories of old-school romantic classics, giving the show its emotional pulse.
The story followed the lovable Rahul, mistakenly taken by Yamraaj, as he journeyed through different eras in search of his one true love. Every scene was packed with sharp one-liners, quirky twists, and just the right dose of chaos.
Rony, as the majestic yet confused Yamraaj, was a powerhouse on stage—commanding every moment with his
presence and comic timing. Siddharth, as Rahul, delivered an effortlessly charming and heartfelt performance that had the audience rooting for him from the start. Together, they were electric.
Casting across the board was a triumph. Panchali, as the glamorous and cunning Menka, was perfectly cast, exuding mischief and allure. Chinar shone as Radha, bringing warmth and wit in equal measure. Monali’s Sarla, with her nasal twang and wide-eyed innocence, was an absolute hoot. Shiv, playing Gupt, nailed every comic beat with impeccable timing and energy—one of the evening’s standout performers.
Neelima brought gravitas and delightful wickedness to her role as the villainous Saasu Maa—a character you loved to hate. And Bhavna’s ethereal dance as Yami was visually stunning.
Gautam supported the ensemble beautifully, taking on multiple characters with confidence and style. The show’s transitions through time—from black-and-white Bollywood to retro village life to modern chaos— were both hilarious and nostalgic, making the entire experience feel like a vibrant cinematic journey on stage.
For Australian Indian Theatre, this marks yet another successful production in their growing legacy of community-driven, culturally rich theatre. And the excitement doesn't stop here—plans are already underway for their next big venture: a grand retelling of the Mahabharata in 2026.
A full house, a standing ovation, and an audience that couldn’t stop raving—Yamma Yamma Returns wasn’t just a play, it was an event. A hearty kudos to Anu and her brilliant team for proving once again that Indian storytelling is thriving in Brisbane, and its future is in excellent hands.
It’s time for a sexual health check-up!
PEOPLE with sexually transmissible infections (STIs) usually have no symptoms, but these infections can cause serious long-term outcomes, such as pain or infertility, if not treated.
If you’re having any sex, it’s best to get tested every 6–12 months, even if you have a regular sexual partner. To find your nearest GP, Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, sexual health clinic or communitybased health service at https://www.stoptherise. initiatives.qld.gov.au/stitesting/how-to-book-ansti-test
You may need more frequent testing if you change sexual partners, if your partner is diagnosed with an STI, or if a condom breaks or slips off during sex. You can test more often between annual checks at https:// www.qld.gov.au/health/ staying-healthy/sexualhealth/chlamydia-test/ about-13health-webtest
It’s not recommended that at-home and online self-testing be used as a replacement for annual sexual health testing by a health professional, but as an in-between or extra test. Please see your GP or health professional if you’re sexually active and:
• You haven’t had a comprehensive sexual
health check in the last year
• You’ve changed partners or had more than one partner
• You have symptoms that may be an STI
WHAT IS THE 13 HEALTH WEBTEST?
This is a free, urineonly test available online from the Queensland Government to check for genital chlamydia and gonorrhoea, the two most common sexually
transmissible infections (STIs) in Australia. Your test requests are confidential, and all information collected is de-identified.
WHY HAVE A WEBTEST?
It is important to get checked if you think you may have been exposed to an STI because most people with an STI have no symptoms. A Webtest is a convenient way to get tested.
WHO CAN HAVE A WEBTEST?
People living in Queensland aged 16 and over, including those without a Medicare Card. You can check how Webtest works and your eligibility here at https:// www.qld.gov.au/health/ staying-healthy/sexualhealth/chlamydia-test
HOW CAN ECCQ HELP YOU?
If you need assistance
accessing Webtest, please contact ECCQ at health@ eccq.com.au or refer to our list of bilingual health workers who can assist you directly. You
can find the list at www. eccq.com.au/bbv. We can also help if you require an interpreter. Our team offers community workshops in various languages to help you understand common STIs, prevention methods, and how to access care if needed. If you need free condoms, contact the Love Health Program at ECCQ via health@eccq. com.au or order online at www.eccq.com.au/ condoms. We can post condoms to individuals living in Queensland.
Information about STIs is available in multiple languages on our website: www. eccq.com.au/bbv. For additional resources, visit https://www. stoptherise.initiatives. qld.gov.au. If you are in Cairns, you can contact the team at Cairns Sexual Health Services by calling (07) 4226 4769 or emailing cairnsshs@ health.qld.gov.au.
Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and Sexual Health Program Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ)
When You’re Hard on Yourself: The Hidden Invitation to Grow
THERE’S a moment, quiet but sharp, that many of us know well. You forget something. Miss a deadline. React poorly. And before anyone else says a word, your own voice turns on you:
“You should’ve done better.” “What’s wrong with you?” “Why can’t you ever get it right?”
That voice, your inner critic, is something most people experience. It cuts deep, lingers long, and rarely offers compassion. But could it also carry a hidden grace?
One of the Mind and Motion Cards, Flaws offers a gentle prompt: “Being hard on yourself can limit growth, but it may also reflect a deeper care for who you are becoming.”
Let’s sit with that.
THE HABIT OF HARSHNESS
Being hard on yourself often masquerades as selfimprovement. It insists it’s making you stronger, sharper, more disciplined. But often, it contracts the heart. It limits movement, physically, emotionally, mentally.
From a Vedic lens, the mind is both guide and saboteur. As shared in the Bhagavad Gita: “For one who has
conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends; but for one who has failed to do so, the mind will remain the greatest enemy.” (Gita 6.6)
When self-talk becomes harsh, it may not foster learning, it can freeze growth. Rather than guide us forward, it may keep us circling past mistakes. And yet, this harshness usually emerges from a protective place, a shield against disappointment, rejection, or failure.
It’s not about weakness. It’s about survival. But survival is not the same as living.
THE MOTION OF BECOMING
Here’s where a subtle shift happens, what limits us may also reveal what matters to us. Beneath self-judgment lies care. We don’t criticise what we don’t value. If you’re hard on yourself, perhaps it means you care deeply, about your impact, your growth, your values.
The Mind and Motion Card – Flaws encourages curiosity, not condemnation: “What is this voice protecting?”
“What might it sound like if translated into care?”
From here, we may
begin to respond, not with punishment, but with presence. Like breath returning us to the body, gentleness returns us to movement.
SOFTNESS AS STRENGTH
If the aim is to grow, not just succeed, but evolve, then kindness must be part of that journey. Stumbles are part of motion. Awareness, not fear, shapes who we become.
A REFLECTION PRACTICE
Next time your inner voice tightens its grip, consider this reflective practice, inspired by the Mind and Motion approach:
1. Pause. Take a breath.
2. Acknowledge the voice: “I hear you.”
3. Ask: “What am I afraid will happen if I don’t push myself like this?”
4. Listen with compassion, not correction.
5. Respond: “There may be another way to grow, one that includes
BEING HARD ON YOURSELF OFTEN MASQUERADES AS SELFIMPROVEMENT. IT INSISTS IT’S MAKING YOU STRONGER, SHARPER, MORE DISCIPLINED. BUT OFTEN, IT CONTRACTS THE HEART. IT LIMITS MOVEMENT, PHYSICALLY, EMOTIONALLY, MENTALLY. FROM A VEDIC LENS, THE MIND IS BOTH GUIDE AND SABOTEUR. AS SHARED IN THE BHAGAVAD GITA: “FOR ONE WHO HAS CONQUERED THE MIND, THE MIND IS THE BEST OF FRIENDS; BUT FOR ONE WHO HAS FAILED TO DO SO, THE MIND WILL REMAIN THE GREATEST ENEMY.”
(GITA 6.6)
care.” Let that land. Let it move you. Being hard on yourself isn’t necessarily a flaw,
it may be a sign that you’re aware of your own potential. But if you stay caught in the cycle of harshness, you may miss the deeper invitation: To grow, with awareness, with care, and with motion. So, the next time you hear “You should’ve done better,” Pause. Breathe. And whisper back: “I’m already becoming.”
EXPLORE FURTHER The Mind and Motion Cards offer guided reflections like this to support your personal growth journey. These tools are designed to complement, not replace, professional support. For more resources or to purchase the deck, please visit www. monicapema.com/blog
Monica Pema
Integrated Wellness Expert
MSc. Psychology | Dip. Holistic Kinesiology
“From Passion to Purpose in All Walks of Life” This article is intended for self-reflection and general education only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or psychological care.
Version 1: A Celebration of Tradition and Talent
THE Lalithakalalaya School of Bharathanatyam recently held its fourth Salangai Pooja – a beautiful milestone for 15 young dancers who stepped onto the stage to formally offer their art in a traditional and spiritual way. For every Bharathanatyam student, a Salangai Pooja is more than just a performance – it marks their readiness to take on deeper training and a lifelong journey in this classical dance form.
This celebration was the result of 8 months of dedicated practice by the students, supported by their parents and guided by their Guru, Smt. Padmalakshmi Sriram. The stage lit up with nine graceful performances, each oneshowcasing the foundation of Bharathanatyam –intricate footwork, rhythm, storytelling, and beautiful group synchronisation. The dancers, dressed in vibrant costumes, moved with confidence and grace, their expressions breathing life into each piece.
The live orchestra added a magical touch to the evening with Smt. Padmalakshmi Sriram
and Kum. Shivani Sriram on nattuvangam, Smt. Priyadharshini Swaninathan on vocals, Shri Harish Ravindran on mridangam, Shri Aswin Narayanan on violin, and Kum. Vindhyavasini Sureshchandra on veena. Together, they
created a soulful experience for an audience of 400 people who were deeply immersed in the music, rhythm, and culture of India.
The success of the evening reflected the tireless dedication of Guru Smt.
Padmalakshmi Sriram, who continues to preserve and share this ancient art form beyond the borders of India. Her ability to prepare 15 young dancers for such a demanding performance is truly commendable. Her efforts were
acknowledged by the Consul General of India in Brisbane, Mrs. Neetu Bhagotia, who attended the event and praised the Guru, musicians, and students for their remarkable achievement. We congratulate these young dancers for reaching such an important milestone and wish them many more opportunities to grow in their artistic journey. May they continue to dance with the same passion, discipline, and joy that lit up the stage that evening.
Hindu Festivals during Indian Monsoon
THE Hindu lunisolar Vikram Samvat calendar months of Ashadh, Shravan, Bhadrapad and Ashwin mark the rainy season or the Monsoon in India. Among them Shravan and Bhadrapad which correspond to parts of the months of July, August and September of the commonly used Gregorian calendar are the wettest period.
August is an especially significant month in India during this season. A number of historically important and nationally significant events occurred during this month. For example, on 8th August 1942, Mahatma Gandhi began the Quit India Movement, asking compatriots to do or die for national independence and demanding the colonists to leave India. India won its national independence from British colonial rule on 15th August 1947.
On 5th August 2019, the Government of India revoked Article 370 of the Indian Constitution making Jammu and Kashmir region a national constituent similar to any other state in the country.
A number of important Hindu festivals including Raksha Bandhan, Krishna Janmashtami and Ganesh Chaturthi are also celebrated during the rainy season. Hindu religious festivals follow fixed dates determined according to the Vikram Samvat calendar. These dates invariably change each year in the Gregorian calendar. The following sections describe some popular festivals of the season.
Raksha Bandhan literally means a bond of protection. This festival signifies the bond between brothers and sisters and their lifelong commitment to help each other. It is observed on Purnima, the full moon day in the month of Shravan, the fifth month of the Vikram Samvat. This is the last day of the month according to the Purnimant system and is followed by the start of Bhadrapad.
On this day, sisters tie a sacred thread known as Rakhi on their brother’s wrist and pray for his wellbeing. Brothers give valuable gifts and promise to protect them. In modern time, the sentiments of mutual protection are conveyed in the process. Siblings feed each other sweets as a symbol of their affection.
Rakhis were traditionally made of cotton or silk threads in preferably red, yellow and other auspicious colours. Nowadays, rakhis are available in a variety of designs, materials and shapes.
The ritual is performed at the parental home during childhood and adolescence. When siblings live separately,
which generally happened after the girl’s marriage then the brother visits his sister on this occasion. It is not uncommon for girls to visit their brothers and perform the ritual at their brother’s house.
When it is not possible to visit each other physically, due to distance or other logistic challenge, then sisters send a rakhi to their brother/s in advance, aiming for delivery before the Raksha Bandhan day.
In some regions of India, it is obligatory for brothers to visit their sisters during the month of Shravan and give gifts including Sindur or vermillion, Churi or bangles and other items. Women residing at their husband’s house expect these gifts from parents or brothers as a symbol of their continued connection with their parents’ house.
A sister tying the rakhi around a brother’s wrist is the tradition, but in practice anyone with good intent and blissful feeling can tie it around the wrist of friends, colleagues or clients for their wellbeing. In Indian villages, priests tie rakhis around their clients’ wrist and in return receive gifts in the form of money, grains or other valuables.
Raksha Bandhan is a special day for worship. People visit temples and offer prayers and gifts to temple deities. In villages, women visit local temples in groups, sing religious songs and pray for the wellbeing of their core and extended families.
Shravan is a rainy season month, which is traditionally associated with agricultural activities in India. By the time of Raksha Bandhan, farming communities would have transplanted paddy shoots in the field, which is a major milestone of rice cultivation. They worship deities on Raksha Bandhan day, expressing gratitude for completion of rice shoot transplantations and seek blessing for a good harvest.
Krishna Janmashtami also known as Krishnashtami is a Hindu festival celebrating Lord Krishna’s birthday, the eighth among ten popular incarnations of Lord Vishnu. It is observed on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the Purnimant month of Bhadrapad. It is one of the most popular Hindu festivals, especially amongst followers of the
Vaishnav tradition.
Ancient sources of information about Krishna’s life are the Mahabharat and Purans including Bhagavat Puran, Vishnu Puran and Brahma Vaivarta Puran. Later sources about Krishna are primarily based on the Mahabharat and Purans’ accounts.
Krishna appeared during the Dvaparyug, the third epoch of the Hindu mythical calendar. Historically, he is believed to have lived around five thousand years ago. During his incarnation, he destroyed numerous leading miscreants including Kans, Shishupal and other villains who terrorised the earthlings. Through various successful stratagems, he annihilated diabolic forces and guided the Pandavs to victory in the war in Kurukshetra.
Krishna was born at midnight on the eighth day of Bhadrapad’s dark fortnight in a prison cell in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. His father Vasudev and mother Devaki, were imprisoned by the tyrant king Kans. Devaki was Kans’s sister. During Devaki’s wedding, a celestial voice warned Kans that her eighth son would be the cause of his death. In order to defy the prophecy, Kans imprisoned Devaki and her husband Vasudev, and kept them under strict supervision.
The couple produced six babies in captivity. Kans destroyed them all soon after their birth. The seventh pregnancy was acknowledged as a miscarriage but in fact it was transferred to Vasudev’s another wife Rohini, who gave birth to Balaram, Krishna’s elder brother.
During Devaki’s eighth labor at the time of Krishna’s birth, the guards responsible for keeping watch over Devaki’s cell fell into a deep sleep. The cell doors miraculously opened, allowing Vasudev to transport the newborn baby across the Yamuna River to the foster parents, mother Yashoda and father Nand. Vasudev returned to the cell with a baby girl that was born to Yashoda around the same time. After Vasudev’s return to his cell, the guards noticed the newborn baby girl with the couple and informed Kans about it. Kans tried to kill the baby
their house. They decorate their houses with flowers and lights. Pilgrims visit Mathura, Vrindavan and other sacred sites associated with Krishna’s activities during his lifetime.
but she disappeared from his clutch. A celestial voice announced that his potential killer was born and safe.
Krishna spent a happy childhood at his foster parents’ house. His childhood activities are detailed in the Purans and other ancient texts. Krishna and Balaram were constant companions.
When Krishna grew up, he eventually killed Kans and freed his parents from captivity. Later, Krishna along with his clan moved to Dwarka, to avoid persistent harassment from Jarasandh, a relative of Kans. Krishna eliminated Jarasandh later through Bhim, a Pandav.
In the Mahabharat, Krishna is presented as a highly evolved, intelligent and powerful human being, who at times displays characteristics of God incarnate. Activities of his later life are detailed in the Mahabharat. Bhagavad Gita, his sermon to Arjun in the battlefield of Kurukshetra is a sacred text in Hinduism.
The legend of Krishna’s birth is celebrated as a festival on the Janmashtami day. It holds special importance to Krishna-based sects as well as to Hindus in general around the world. On this day, after midnight, the time of Krishna’s birth, statues of baby Krishna are bathed and clothed and then placed in a cradle. Devotees observe a fast on this day until midnight. They break their fast after midnight by sharing food and sweets that are initially offered to Krishna.
People sing devotional songs of love for Krishna and pray together in temples and cultural centres. They organise performances displaying Krishna’s childhood activities, in particular the Raslila. In some regions, the Janmashtami day is followed by Dahi-Handi. In this spectacle, young people form a human pyramid to reach a pot filled with yogurt and butter hanging high in the air and ceremoniously break it. It is a depiction of how Krishna used to reach for a butter pot in Yashoda’s pantry, during his childhood.
People draw tiny footprints outside their house doors and kitchens, as a symbol of Krishna walking towards and in
Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Ganesh’s birthday. It is celebrated on the fourth day of the bright fortnight during the month of Bhadrapad. On this day, Lord Shiv accepted Ganesh as his son and celebrated his birthday on Kailash Mountain. The festival is also known as Ganeshotsav, Vinayak Chaturthi and by other regional names.
Ganesh is one of the main deities in Hindu tradition. Numerous temples dedicated primarily to Ganesh are located throughout India and abroad. In almost every Hindu temple, a statue of Ganesh can be seen.
A number of legends about Ganesh’s origin are described in ancient texts. According to the most popular tale, goddess Parvati created a boy from sandalwood-paste and scurf scrubbed from her body while bathing and posted him as a sentry to prevent outsiders intruding during her private time. Being created by Parvati, the boy was recognised as her son.
During this time Lord Shiv, Parvati’s husband, returned from his wandering and tried to enter his abode. Ganesh prevented his entry into the residence assuming him to be an intruder. Parvati was still inside the bathroom. Shiv was not aware of the boy’s identity. After arguments between the two, a fight broke out that resulted in the boy’s head being severed.
When Parvati came out of the bathroom, she observed the boy beheaded. She started crying and then became furious. She was eventually pacified when an elephant’s head was installed in place of the boy’s severed head and life was infused in the his body. All deities from the celestial realm gathered at the site and granted boons to the restored boy. He was anointed the leader of Ganas, Shiv followers and named Ganesh. Among other boons, he was granted the honour of first veneration during deities’ worships. He was declared the Vighn-Vinashak, the one who destroys obstacles.
Hindus celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi all over the world. On this day, people desiring safety and good fortune for their children and family worship a Ganesh idol or his symbol, the elephant. The traditional worship includes the installation of a Ganesh idol at a designated puja shrine. A priest or a knowledgeable
person in the family conducts the puja by chanting mantras and offering specific puja items to the deity. It is believed that Ganesh prefers offerings of Modak, a type of sweet preparation made of rice flour. People gather around the puja site and recite mantras and prayers in praise of Ganesh. After completion of the ritual, Prasad is distributed.
The Ganesh Chaturthi celebration continues for between one to nine days. On the last day of celebrations, which is known as Anant Chaturdasi, Ganesh idols are submerged in a body of water, which may be the sea, a river, canal or pond.
Ganesh is credited with scribing the Mahabharat following dictations from sage Vedvyas. Ganesh Chaturthi is also an occasion to seek blessing to obtain knowledge.
On this day, sighting the moon is prohibited according to a legend in the Ganesh Puran. Once, while travelling on his mount the mouse, Ganesh fell down. No one except the moon saw him falling. Seeing him fall from his tiny vehicle, the moon laughed heartily. Enraged at his misconduct, Ganesh cursed the moon that henceforth, no one would observe the moon.
Realising his mistake, the moon apologised to Ganesh, who then modified his curse and limited it to only the Chaturthi day. He stated; “If one views you on this day, then that person will be falsely held responsible for an offence”. Accordingly, in the Mahabharat and Purans’ record, after Krishna had witnessed the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi, he was wrongly held responsible for stealing Shyamantak Mani.
Ganesh Chaturthi is an extremely popular festival in the state of Maharastra. During the reign of Shivaji and subsequent Maratha rulers, Ganesh was worshipped as the primary royal deity. During the Indian national independence movement, Bal Gangadhar Tilak popularised the festival and encouraged the public to celebrate it collectively. On his initiative, Ganeshotsav regained its status as an important Maharastra state festival and is celebrated on a grand scale.
In contemporary times, this practice of public celebration has spread to many regions in India and abroad. On these joyous occasions, Hindus from distinctly different Indian states and cultures gather together and collectively celebrate their heritage. These special days let people of Indian origin maintain and strengthen their connection with the home country. —Awadhesh Sharma www.hinduguru.com.au
KEY SCRIPTURE:
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12
"Your Word is a Lamp to My Feet and a Light to My Path" –Psalm 119:105
I love reading the Psalms in the Holy Bible. Over past 30 plus years, this faith filled truth has given me purpose and clarity. They have been my constant source of strength, comfort and hope.
These sacred songs are filled with praise, thanksgiving, and wisdom—words that breathe life into our daily struggles, much like sacred bhajans or powerful duals that guide the soul. One verse that continues to echo in my heart is:
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105
What a beautiful image: a lamp at our
Jesus said “Arise and Shine…”
feet and a light on our path. Both exist for one purpose — to dispel darkness. Whether you come from a Hindu background where light is honoured during Diwali, or from an Islamic tradition that celebrates divine guidance (hidayah) as light from Allah, you understand the deep symbolism of light triumphing over darkness.
This verse carries a dual power — a lamp gives us enough clarity to take the next step, while a light illuminates the road ahead. That’s exactly what the Word of God does: it helps us make decisions today, and it gives us hope and direction for tomorrow.
But there’s more. Yes, much more for a truth seekers…
In the Gospel of John, Jesus said something radical — something that invites every seeker of truth to pause and reflect:
“I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” – John
8:12
Jesus wasn’t claiming to be just another prophet or teacher. He was revealing a divine identity — the source of all light, truth, and life. For anyone—whether born into tradition, struggling with doubt, or lost in religious
routine—His words are not a call to religion, but to relationship. He is the lamp that reveals the next step when we’re confused… He is the light that exposes the traps of deception and guides us safely home.
The world is full of
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL IMAGE: A LAMP AT OUR FEET AND A LIGHT ON OUR PATH. BOTH EXIST FOR ONE PURPOSE — TO DISPEL DARKNESS. WHETHER YOU COME FROM A HINDU BACKGROUND WHERE LIGHT IS HONOURED DURING DIWALI, OR FROM AN ISLAMIC TRADITION THAT CELEBRATES DIVINE GUIDANCE (HIDAYAH) AS LIGHT FROM ALLAH, YOU UNDERSTAND THE DEEP SYMBOLISM OF LIGHT TRIUMPHING OVER DARKNESS.
spiritual darkness: confusion, fear, pride, lust, hatred, and despair. These shadows blind us, divide families, and destroy peace. But just like light automatically expels darkness, truth automatically breaks the power of lies.
And Jesus, the Light of the World, invites every heart—Hindu, Muslim, agnostic, or religious—to walk with Him. Not in empty rituals, but in the living light of love, truth, and grace. Let the Light of God's Word guide your steps — not just for today, but for eternity.
Would you like this adapted into a spoken word, social media post, or flyer format using the image of Jesus with Indian seekers? I can format it accordingly.
Time to take action by praying this with a sincere child-like heart: Father God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth. Please open the eyes of my heart. Help me to know you personally with a genuine relationship. I confess that Jesus died and rose again as a sacrificial lamb to set me free from deception and the curse. Today, let my spirit come alive in the knowledge of your grace and mercy; I ask this in Yeshu’s name. Amen.
A serendipitous combination of geographical circumstance, global mission and vision and ambitious administrative standards have led to the formation of a vibrant young team of volunteers driving the work of Life Global Australia.
Three young professionals are at the core of LifeGA. Kieran McGowan and Rachel Thompson are founding members of the Board of Directors, and Rebecca Reeve is Director of Digital Media on the Advisory Board. While all live in the home country of LifeGA, Australia, their backgrounds and paths to service for the charity are quite different, and none fits the profile of the typical volunteer.
In Australia, most volunteers are at least in their 60s, with those in their 70s and 50s close seconds. Understandably, those not working, or working few hours, are more likely to be volunteering. So older, retired Australians typically dominate the ranks of volunteers. How, then, do three busily-employed professionals in their 20s and 30s come to dominate the 100% volunteer administration of fledgling charity, LifeGA?
At first glance, Kieran’s seems the most direct connection. His grandparents were originally from Gujarat in India and gave lifelong support to charitable organisations there.
“My grandfather has been involved
The V Team INDIA
with charities in India, including our partner charity, Project Life, since long before we started Life Global Australia. As a child, I had the good fortune of getting to see one of the schools built by those charities, and the joy it had brought to students, teachers, and local families.”
Rebecca Reeve also came to LifeGA with some connection to India. Before moving to Australia from England, she travelled in India and felt an instant connection with the country.
“I wanted to make a positive impact and saw joining LifeGA in July 2023 as my opportunity to be involved in something bigger. I loved learning of the impact LifeGA was making.”
For both Kieran and Rebecca, the chance to make a difference in the world was most alluring. It is also what attracted Rachel.
“What initially drew me to Life Global Australia was the profound impact it has on the lives of the less privileged,” Rachel said.
Rachel probably has the longest experience in volunteering, though all three had volunteered long before they joined LifeGA. While still at school in Singapore, Rachel participated in afterschool programs for children with disabilities and was involved in many school camps.
“Notably, I had the opportunity to contribute to house-building projects in Cambodia and took part in the Schools-to-Schools program in Nepal, where we fundraised and delivered shoes to several villages.”
Kieran was in community service
clubs while at school in Australia, and volunteered for Meals on Wheels. Rebecca started volunteering while attending university in the UK, working for the charity, House of Bread, in Staffordshire.
“HOB began as a university film project, but their passion rubbed off on me quickly, and I soon found myself joining for their weekly meetup, helping to prepare food bags and essentials, cooking meals and meeting and connecting with vulnerable people across Stafford.”
What clearly differentiates Kieran, Rebecca and Rachel from the typical volunteer is that they have not adopted LifeGA as a way to fill in hours of free time. Each is a busy professional working long days to shape a career in their chosen sector. Kieran has a background in software engineering which has proven useful when it comes to website-related or payments-related tasks, and has meant LifeGA has not had to pay for external contractors. This has been crucial in supporting LifeGA’s commitment that 100% of donations (excluding bank fees) will go to partner charities, which are themselves required to have less than 5% administration costs. Rebecca’s field is marketing and media, and she has improved LifeGA’s connection with its audience by increasing engagement and optimising the LifeGA digital space. Rachel has studied both Psychology and Sustainability and works in the sustainability sector. She has focused
on building the Life Global Australia team. Her strength lies in identifying the right individuals, recognising the potential value of their work, inspiring them to join the cause, and bringing them all together.
“None of us could have done this without the supportive team that we've built,” Kieran said.
Rachel believes the team is not just a group of individuals working together. “It is a collective force driven by a shared commitment to the mission and values of Life Global Australia.” LifeGA’s mission and vision provide the strong bond within the charity’s team.
“Our primary mission is to bring about real change in the lives of those who lack the opportunities readily available to us in Australia,” Rachel said. “Opportunities we might unintentionally take for granted.”
“I think it's important to do what is possible to make the world a fairer place for all”, Rebecca said. “It's very easy to get absorbed in your day-to-day life, and forget about the world outside of your own.”
All three comment on the sense of purpose they have found through volunteering for LifeGA.
“I have learnt that what can be considered a small amount of money in Australia can make a huge impact overseas,” Rebecca said. “We can change lives and increase opportunities for so many.”
Rachel agrees. “Through LifeGA, we have already helped 75 women to achieve economic security, 100 units of blood to be given to needy recipients, and ensured 500 Thalassemia screening tests. Now we are on our way to building a school, raising funds classroom by classroom.”
As Kieran said, “When offered the opportunity to create more of the same kind of change, who could say no?”¬¬¬ www.lifeglobal.org.au
PEEL THE LABELS
Pastor Suresh Dass Joseph josephdass@optusnet.com.au
DEAR reader, it is with great joy that we bring you the word of God. I want to talk to you today about "Peeling off negative labels." Throughout life, people constantly stick labels on us, telling us what we can and cannot become, and sometimes this is good. People speak faith into us; they encourage us. But then there are times when people stick negative labels on us. You cannot stop the negative comments, you can't prevent the negative labels, but you can choose to peel them.
Wrong labels can limit how far you can go in life. Like a brake, it will keep you from rising higher. Labels like, "You are just average, you don't measure up, you are a low achiever" can hold you back from your full
potential.
Some people have the strength, energy, and education, but what is holding them back are the wrong labels they wear. The longer we wear them, the less they describe our past and the more they determine our future.
The good news is that we serve a supernatural God. He can do what medicine cannot do. He's not limited by your education, your background, or the family you come from. He's not moved by the things people have spoken over you. He's not up in heaven all worried, trying to figure out how to get you to your destiny. He knows the end from the beginning. He is called the alpha and the omega. He already has solutions to problems you've not even had. He's all-powerful and all-knowing. People may have tried to push you down, but if you peel off those labels and agree with God, he'll push you up. He'll take you where you could not go alone, and you don't have to figure it all out.
In the Bible, we read about Saul, who was going about persecuting and threatening Christians. On his way to Damascus, he had an encounter with Jesus. His life changed, and he became a Christian himself. But the people
around him labeled him a persecutor, a threat, and a violent man. Saul found his new Identity through Jesus and changed his name to Paul. People didn't love him, yet he felt the love of the Heavenly Father. He made mistakes and failed in the past, but he can now succeed in the future. Though people rejected him, he was chosen by God.
Paul knew that all the wrong labels from people did not match his new Identity through Christ. Like Paul, we, too, are offered the wrong labels by people, but we can choose not to accept them. Labels are for bottles, boxes, and packets, but our true Identity is in Jesus.
In the scriptures, we read about Gideon (Judges 6 &7). The children of Israel were suffering
greatly and coming under attack from the Midianites and Amalekites. Their produce from the earth, including their animals, was continually being taken from them. God came to Gideon and said, "The Lord is with you, mighty man of valor." God said, He was going to use him to save Israel. Gideon was amazed to hear that. All these years, he was carrying the labels, "I am from the weakest tribe, I am the least in my father's house, etc."
Gideon was even more fearful when God said He would use Gideon and 300 men to defeat this vast enemy army of the Midianites and the Amalekites. He didn’t think he could do it. So God told him to go and listen to what the enemies were saying. Gideon went at
night and heard two men talking. They talked about a dream they had, saying God had delivered them in the hands of Gideon.
Soon after, God caused the enemy army to be defeated, and Gideon won the victory.
HERE ARE 3 THINGS WE CAN LEARN FROM GIDEON.
1. God called Gideon a mighty man of strength, power, and bravery. Before God could use him, He wanted Gideon to know that he was not what people said he was but what God said about him. People put some labels on him, but God gave him his true Identity. He could only go so far with the labels, but now, with his Identity, he could accomplish his dreams. The scripture says, "I can
do everything through Christ, who strengthens me." Your labels speak of past performance. Your Identity shows your position in Christ.
2. God caused him to hear what two men were saying about him. Gideon's fear turned into faith when he heard them talking. In the same way, you can feed your faith by listening to the words of encouragement and faith. The Bible is full of inspiration and faithbuilding words. It says, "Faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God."
3. With only 300 men, Gideon had to trust God to come through for him. God defeated the enemy army, and Gideon was victorious. In the same way, we are to remove those negative influences from our lives. Be careful in what we are watching or listening to. Stay away from people who try to label you. You can choose to stop them from putting the wrong labels on you. Listen to what God says about you. He says, "You are a new creation, deeply loved, masterpiece, chosen and redeemed, a child of God."
I believe all this is possible through a relationship with Jesus. God bless you.
A Winter Wonderland: ISCA and Ekta Ladies Celebrate First Christmas in July High Tea
IT may have been the middle of winter, but the festive cheer was in full swing as the Indian Senior citizens association in conjunction with Ekta Ladies group came together to celebrate their first Christmas in July High Tea.
Held on Sunday 27th July at Runcorn State High School, the event brought together cherished members for a morning of laughter, music and delicious high tea all without the summer heat!
It was heartwarming to see our seniors accompanied by family and friends. The event started with a universal prayer followed by a Christmas quiz, games, Prizes and a wide assortment of morning tea.
The president of ISCA, Mrs Roshni Sharma said events like these remind us of the joy and community spirit that make the association so special. She thanked all the guests, members and volunteers for their support and contribution in making the event a huge success. After receiving numerous positive feedback, the ISCA executive members are already planning their next event.
Krishna in the Modern World: Ancient Wisdom for Contemporary Life
LORD Krishna, a central figure in Hindu philosophy, is widely revered as a divine guide, warrior, friend, and teacher. Though his origins lie in ancient Indian scriptures — particularly the Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita — Krishna’s teachings transcend time and culture. In an age marked by rapid change, social unrest, and personal uncertainty, his messages remain surprisingly relevant to the modern world.
WHO IS KRISHNA?
Krishna is considered the eighth incarnation (avatar) of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe in Hindu belief. He is both human and
divine, playful and profound. Stories of Krishna’s life, from his mischievous childhood to his role as a philosophical guide during the great war of the Mahabharata, offer a rich tapestry of spiritual lessons.
But it is the Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse dialogue between Krishna and the warrior Arjuna, that holds deep psychological and spiritual insights. Spoken on the battlefield, the Gita explores duty, morality, fear, ego, and the nature of reality — themes that still speak powerfully to today’s world.
TIMELESS TEACHINGS FOR A MODERN AGE
1. CLARITY IN CHAOS
In the Bhagavad Gita,
Krishna advises Arjuna — who is paralysed by doubt — to rise above confusion and act according to his dharma (duty). In a world where mental health struggles, job pressures, and political divisions are widespread, Krishna’s guidance to “do your duty
without attachment to outcomes” offers a way to stay grounded. This principle of detached action helps reduce anxiety by shifting focus from results to effort. In corporate life, relationships, and even activism, Krishna’s advice encourages ethical action without being consumed by fear or desire.
2. INNER PEACE THROUGH SELFKNOWLEDGE
Krishna teaches that true peace comes not from the outside world, but from knowing the self. In an era dominated by social media, material comparison, and external validation, Krishna’s emphasis on inner
stability is revolutionary. His message invites us to turn inward, practice mindfulness, and recognize our deeper identity beyond roles or labels.
3. BALANCE OVER EXTREMES
Krishna consistently promotes balance — between action and reflection, pleasure and discipline, work and spirituality. His life itself is a model of this: he was a statesman, a musician, a lover, and a yogi. In modern life, which often demands multitasking and productivity, Krishna’s example reminds us that a harmonious life is not only possible, but necessary for true well-
being.
KRISHNA TODAY: A UNIVERSAL MENTOR
While Krishna belongs to Hindu tradition, his teachings have universal appeal. Philosophers, psychologists, and spiritual seekers across cultures have found inspiration in his words. His counsel to act with compassion, to seek truth, and to understand one’s purpose remains vital in a world hungry for direction.
Krishna is not just a deity of the past — he is a voice of wisdom for the present. In times of conflict, burnout, or doubt, his teachings invite us to live with purpose, grace, and courage.
When Daughters Raise Their Fathers
The Emotional Journey of Millennial Desi Dads in Australia
By Rinchaal
Patel, Mindset and Relationship Coach, YOLO Academy
"SHE tells me she loves me every night before bed. I am 36 years old and I have never said that to my own father."
In those few words lies the quiet revolution happening in the hearts of millennial desi migrant fathers raising daughters in Australia.
These are men caught in-between, between generations, between cultures, between who they were told to be, and who they’re trying to become.
They were raised by fathers who were respected, sometimes feared—but rarely known. Love was not absent; it was never spoken out loud. Affection was not expressed through hugs, but rather through actions. And now, these men are raising daughters who expect presence and vulnerability. They look their fathers in the eye and say:
"I'm sad." "You didn't listen to me." "You hurt my feelings."
And in those moments, something cracks open within them, a small voice says, “I don’t want my daughter to feel what I felt. I want her to feel seen. Safe. Soft inside.”
THE 3 S’S OF 1980S FATHERHOOD: SILENCE. SACRIFICE. STRUCTURE.
For many Indian fathers in the 80s and 90s, parenting
wasn’t about emotional closeness- it was about resilience. They wanted to bestow upon their children the survival skills, that were part of the unspoken masculine code of upbringing that was passed down over generations. Silence, Sacrifice and Structure were the foundations of parenting in the 80s and 90s. Silence, because vulnerability was considered dangerous.
Sacrifice, because love meant working without rest, not words.
Structure, because order and control were needed for survival in a rebuilding, postcolonial India.
And so, affection was shown in subtle gestures:
• A fan left on during a late-night study session.
• The ripest mango set aside for you.
• A reprimand masking deep worry.
You were raised to obey, perform, and achieve; but rarely to feel. Rarely to ask, "Do you love me?" Rarely to hear, "I am proud of you."
These boys, now men, carried both the strength and the scars of that upbringing into adulthood, starting families of their own and raising sons and daughters, in a different land, in a different time.
A NEW LANDSCAPE: DAUGHTERS WHO DEMAND EMOTIONAL FLUENCY
Parenting daughters in modern Australia means navigating a world of bedtime check-ins, school workshops on emotional regulation, and family counsellors who encourage “feeling charts.” For men raised on stoicism and silence, it can feel like stepping onto another planet. Your daughters become the
catalyst for emotional growth within you, a growth you never thought was needed or was possible for that matter. When your daughter’s ask you big questions and speak even bigger truths, you gather the courage to answer them honestly, holding space for them to express themselvesone awkward conversation at a time.
And slowly, unknowingly, these girls begin to raise their fathers.
RAISING DAUGHTERS, REMEMBERING SONS
When your daughter curls up in your lap after a long day and says, "Papa, I wanted to tell you what I saw outside and you didn’t listen, that hurt my feelings," you remember being eight years old, doing everything right and still wondering if you mattered.
When she cries because she doesn’t understand why someone was unkind, you remember suppressing your own tears to "be a man."
In comforting her, you begin to comfort yourself. In saying "I'm here for you," you begin to hear it for the first time from your own mouth to your own heart.
In saying sorry to your daughter, you realise that she matters just as you mattered when you were her age. Just because your father never apologised doesn’t mean he was cruel, he was never taught how.
This is more than parenting. It is re-parenting. It is healing. It is honouring the parenting journey in its entirety.
CONVERSATIONS THAT NEVER HAPPENED-NOW BEGINNING
Some men find themselves suddenly craving conversations with their own fathers, wanting the warmth
and comfort of that paternal love that their inner child so desperately craves. They pick up the phone, uncertain of what to say, only knowing something needs to be said. Sometimes, it ends in silence. Other times, in small breakthroughs, a father saying, "In our culture we don’t say I love you, but I do love you."
And sometimes, there is no reply at all. Just a quiet resolution: "I may not get the closure I needed. But I can give my child what I never had."
In that quiet resolution, there is acceptance. Accepting the way we were parented and supported as a child and bringing awareness to how we parent, help us make better choices.
BREAKING THE SILENCE, ONE “I LOVE YOU” AT A TIME
Saying “I love you” isn’t always easy for desi men. The words feel foreign, clumsy. But they try, because they know that their daughters need it and so did they.
Each bedtime story, each apology, each gentle touch, they are not just acts of parenting. They are acts of personal redemption.
“My father was a good man,” says Aman “But I never really knew him. I want my daughter to know me.”
FIVE TRUTHS MILLENNIAL DESI FATHERS ARE LEARNING WHILE RAISING DAUGHTERS:
1. Love is a language, and it must be spoken.
For generations, desi fathers showed love through provision, protection, and presence, but rarely through words. Now, their daughters crave (and demand) emotional fluency. Saying "I love you" no longer gets stuck in the
throat. It flows, slowly but surely, into bedtime routines, lunchbox notes, and school drop-offs. Love has found a new dialect, and it sounds like vulnerability, warmth, and presence.
2. Healing begins with awareness.
You cannot change what you never name. Many of these fathers are beginning to recognise the emotional gaps in their own childhoods, not to blame, but to better understand. This awareness allows them to notice their own triggers, pause before reacting, and offer their children what they themselves never received: emotional safety.
3. You don’t need to be perfect to be protective.
The myth of the flawless father is slowly being dismantled. Today’s daughters don’t need superheroes. They need someone who shows up, stays soft, and tries again when he fails. By allowing themselves to be seen messy, human, and unsure, these dads offer their children a template for real-world resilience and relational safety.
4. Raising daughters can soften what patriarchy hardened.
The same patriarchal conditioning that silenced women also numbed men. Fathering daughters is becoming a powerful act of resistance, an invitation to unlearn toxic masculinity, embrace tenderness, and reimagine strength. As these men make space for emotion, they reclaim parts of themselves they once had to suppress.
5. Breaking cycles is painful and sacred.
Rewriting generational scripts doesn’t come easy. It means sitting with discomfort, holding your child while grieving your own lost childhood, and choosing connection over control. But in every conscious choice to listen instead of lecture, to hug instead of hit, to admit instead of hide a new legacy is being born.
A NEW MASCULINITY: QUIET, SOFT, AND STRONG
The modern desi father is not content with being respected from a distance. He wants to be known. He is learning that softness isn’t weakness, it is strength redefined. It is what tells his daughter: "You are safe with me." And what tells his inner child: "You are safe now, too." He kneels beside her when she cries. He apologises when he is wrong. He holds space instead of holding back. He calls his own father not just for logistics, but for connection. And one night, when his daughter whispers, "You are the best dad in the world," he doesn’t deflect. He doesn’t freeze. He smiles and says, "Thank you, beta. That means everything." And just like that the silence breaks.
THE LEGACY BEING BUILT
Millennial desi fathers raising daughters in Australia are not just creating new family dynamics. They are building emotional bridges across time, culture, and memory. They are shifting from command to connection. From silence to speech. When their daughters crawl into bed at night and whisper, “Papa, I love you,” they don’t freeze. They respond, “I love you too, beta, always.” And just like that, the silence breaks and a new story of fatherhood begins.
Who, What, Where, When...
RF Celebrates Sixth Anniversary with a Pioneering Fashion Show
QFFA brings community together, celebrating football, culture, and shared pride.
Glimpses of QFFA event
Master Bimal and family of Goodna together with Pundit Raj Sharma, Pundit Rohit Raj, Pracharak Anen Chand and Ipswich Ramayan Mandali held a Havan Yaga, kirtan/bhajan in a memorial program on July 10th for the sad loss of their beloved pet Romeo
Queensland’s Indian Community in Full Spirit
Glimpses of Yamma Yamma Returns – A Theatrical Masterstroke by Australian Indian Theatre
Raksha Bandhan: A Bond of Purity and Protection
RAKSHA Bandhan, meaning “the bond of purity and protection,” is a sacred festival that celebrates the beautiful relationship between brothers and sisters.
On this auspicious day, a sister ties a Rakhi—a decorated thread—on her brother’s wrist, applies a tilak to his forehead, sweetens his mouth, and prays for his well-being and longevity. In return, the brother pledges to protect her honour and dignity, even at the cost of his own life, and offers her gifts as a token of love.
This sacred thread carries deep emotions and values, strengthening the timeless bond between siblings.
The Legends Behind Raksha Bandhan
Various legends enrich the significance of Raksha Bandhan: Indrani and Lord Vishnu: Indrani, the wife of Lord Indra, tied a protective thread blessed by Lord Vishnu around Indra’s wrist before he went to battle against demons.
Yamuna and Yama:
When Yamuna tied a Rakhi to her brother Yama, the Lord of Death, he was so touched by her affection that he granted her immortality and declared that brothers who protect their sisters with true love would be blessed with longevity.
Rani Karnavati and Emperor Humayun: Rani Karnavati sent a Rakhi to the Mughal emperor Humayun seeking protection from an enemy invasion. Touched by the gesture, Humayun rushed to defend her kingdom. This legend beautifully exemplifies that Raksha Bandhan transcends religion and promotes unity, nobility, and duty.
The True Spiritual Significance
The Supreme Soul teaches us that Raksha Bandhan is not merely a ritual, but a symbolic vow of self-transformation. The Rakhi represents a spiritual decision to overcome our inner demons—anger, ego, lust, greed, and attachment— and awaken divine qualities within. It is a moment to recognise that the real
battle is not against external enemies, but the negative traits within us. By tying the Rakhi, we reaffirm our commitment to purity, self-mastery, and divine living.
At Brahma Kumaris, this festival is celebrated as a time to empower men and women alike, by invoking blessings from Incorporeal God Shiva, the Supreme Father. Sisters offer Rakhis to brothers with the pure intention of reminding them of their
spiritual responsibilities. Why were the tying of a thread chosen as the ritual for this day?
The sacred thread was tied on the right wrist, which signifies righteousness. Most people use their right hand to perform actions, so tying the thread on the right wrist served as a symbolic reminder. Before engaging in any act, seeing or feeling the thread would remind the individual of the vow they took—to act virtuously and steer clear of vices.
Thus, the thread became a spiritual marker, not just a decorative symbol of sibling love, but a deeper reminder of one’s commitment to purity and moral action.
Raksha Bandhan and Universal Brotherhood
The story of Rani Karnavati and Humayun conveys a powerful message: this festival
is not limited to one religion or region. It promotes the values of universal brotherhood, protection, and love.
In today’s world, where divisions are growing, Raksha Bandhan reminds us to see all as part of one human family and to treat every soul with dignity and care.
A Vow for Purity and Brotherhood
Let us take this sacred occasion as an opportunity to vow:
To maintain purity in thoughts, words, and actions
To see every soul as a child of God and promote universal brotherhood
To make sincere efforts to become viceless, peaceful, and loving beings
By living with divine virtues, our life’s journey becomes smoother, and we contribute to creating a beautiful, elevated world.
Wishing everyone multimillion-fold congratulations on this most auspicious and spiritually uplifting festival of Raksha Bandhan.
Brahma Kumaris Shailer Park invites you to join our free selfdevelopment courses, designed to help you experience greater peace, clarity, and emotional well-being.
Raja Yoga Meditation: Learn a practical form of meditation that helps you reconnect with your inner self, reduce stress, and build inner resilience.
Positive Thinking Sessions: Develop a powerful mindset through practical tools to overcome negative thoughts and enhance your daily life with optimism and clarity.
Anger Management Sessions: Understand the root causes of anger and discover effective ways to respond with calmness and selfcontrol.
Please contact us on 0414685144 or shailerpark@ au.brahmakumaris.org for further information. All courses are free of charge and open to everyone.
Come and experience a journey of selftransformation in a peaceful and supportive environment. Visit https:// brahmakumaris.org.au and find out the events happening close to your location. Om Shanti.
HIGH-VOLTAGE drama erupted in Parliament as Rahul Gandhi directly challenged PM Modi over Donald Trump's IndiaPakistan ceasefire claims during the Operation Sindoor Sansad debate. The Leader of Opposition dared the Prime Minister to publicly rebut Trump's controversial statements, setting the stage for a dramatic political confrontation that has captured national attention.
PM Modi, flanked by External Affairs Minister
S. Jaishankar, firmly countered Trump's assertions with a clear and decisive response. The government clarified unequivocally that there was "no third-country intervention" in India's foreign policy decisions, directly addressing the international speculation that had emerged following Trump's remarks about potential mediation between India and Pakistan.
diplomatic clarifications, the Leader of Opposition remained unmoved in his stance, continuing to press for stronger responses to international claims. This parliamentary exchange highlights the ongoing political tensions and different approaches to handling international diplomatic challenges.
Despite the Prime Minister presenting detailed facts and
The debate showcases the critical importance of India's foreign policy independence and the government's commitment to maintaining sovereignty in international relations.
AUGUST 2025 PREDICTIONS
ARIES ( 21ST MARCH TO 20TH APRIL )
The beginning of this month could be hectic on the career front. Saturn may demand you to work for extended hours to cover up. For business persons, this seems progressive phase. But your financial planning will be tested now. Venus however indicates that it will be a wonderful month for the finances and you will have surplus money for investments. It also indicates that love will be sizzling with lot of passion. The impact of the Mercury is going to be favourable and progressive for your education. The month does not foretell any serious health afflictions. The impact of North Node may bring some hurdles and obstacles at career front around the middle of this month. The positive impact of Venus will give an upward push to your finances. However, remain careful about financial transactions, during mid of this month. Expect some upheavals in relationships and related matters as well. Some old relations shall fade away and making you somewhat anxious. Mercury is likely to bring the new strategies and fresh ideas in your career during the latter half. If you are in business, it is a not perfect month to launch a new product in the market. The impact of Venus assures financial gains though. Mid-month onwards, stars will favour you even more on this account. There are chances of some troubles in your love life during the latter half of month. The impact of Mars will be encouraging for health issues. However, you have to take enough rest. There may be some stiff resistance and disruptions at your work place as the month approaches end. The Saturn will demand you to remain focused on your current activity and work diligently to achieve results. Some of your financial problems will be resolved around the month end due to the additional cash flow. Venus may not present a rosy picture for your love life. Take corrective action soon and you may get positive results by the month end. Jupiter will motivate you to perform well in your studies. The impact South Node will not be favourable for your health around the month end. So, you need to take sufficient rest.
In the beginning of this month, Saturn may bring some demanding situations at your career front. This is not the right time to make any big move for business expansion. The South Node may cause some disruptions in your financial planning. At times, you may feel low, angry or egoistic due to the impact of Mars. But, it will be just a temporary feeling. Mars and Mercury may bring in ups and downs in your life. As the month advances, amid some disruptions the period seems prosperous and progressive for your career. For business persons, Mars around the middle of the month may bring some good opportunity to strike a lucrative deal. You would receive good gains and so the financial position would stay satisfying. Venus will fill your heart with love, romance and intimacy. Your fortune will favour you in your studies and hence you will get success in all your tasks and examinations. Saturn indicates that there will be some stress on your mind and hence you may not so energetic around the mid of this month. The latter half of month will be a good time for the beginning of new work. Business persons will get success in the business and will also get a good chance to expand the base of business due to the support of Jupiter. It will be equally a good time to clear your debt. Mars indicates that you may experience see-saw situations in you love life. To remain fit and fine, you need to relax so that stress level remains under control. Mars may bring some good opportunities for growth and gain in your career around the month end. The combined impact of Venus and Mercury is going to present varied options to increase your financial strength. You may feel blocked in your love life due to the adverse impact of North Node.
LIBRA ( 23RD SEPTEMBER TO 22ND OCTOBER )
This month, Venus ignites passion in love, but requires caution and open communication to navigate emotional vulnerabilities. Jupiter resolves financial challenges with inner strength and resilience, while Saturn indicates career stress and challenges, requiring clear plans and adaptability. Education holds promise with opportunities for progress and success, especially in creative fields, and health focuses on mental and emotional well-being. In the middle of the month, Venus brings auspicious love life, but beware of weekend disagreements, and finances face initial delays but improve gradually. Mercury indicates a busy and demanding career, education is exceptionally conducive to growth, and health requires attention to physical symptoms. In the latter half, Jupiter brings calm and harmonious love, finances receive a significant boost, career is inspired by innovative ideas, education faces challenges, and Saturn requires focus on health and determination. Venus brings a mix of harmony and challenges in love life, finances face initial challenges, career expects initial resistance, education poses challenges, and health starts with lethargy but improves steadily. In the ending part of the month, Venus and Saturn bring stability and happiness in love, finances are promising, career progress is significant, education is favorable, and health may be affected by mental stress and physical issues. Throughout the month, navigate love's disruptions thoughtfully, make wise financial decisions, stay focused and adaptable in career, persevere in education, and prioritize health and wellness. The planetary impact demands patience, focus, adaptability, and proactive navigation to overcome obstacles.
( 22ND DECEMBER TO 20TH JANUARY )
At the month's beginning, the North Node's impact brings challenges and unforeseen problems at the workplace or in business, with a heavy workload. However, as the month advances, Mercury brings new ideas, and stamina increases. Avoid hasty business judgments, and stay calm amidst financial planning disruptions. Around mid-month, Venus' favorable impact brings benefits, overcoming obstacles and enabling long-term commitments. Saturn demands patience and attention to detail during the latter half. The expansive impact of planets motivates and brings unexpected financial gains or a sudden windfall. Venus blesses with golden opportunities, boosting inner strength and academic performance, earning pride from mentors and parents. Although the South Node brings stress around month's end, efforts yield good results, and old investments yield profits. Committed relationships seek greater fulfillment. This phase is health-wise beneficial, resolving long-standing issues. Jupiter blesses academic pursuits with necessary support by month's end. Embrace the month's ups and downs with resilience, and you'll emerge stronger, poised for future success. Prioritize patience, meticulous attention, and self-care to make the most of this dynamic month.
TAURUS ( 21ST APRIL TO 21ST MAY )
It may be a better beginning for work matters and overall career growth. At times your work environment may not be to your liking and hence there may be various issues due to the impact of North Node. For business persons, businesses connected with far off lands and foreign countries can flourish. Mercury may bring some good financial gains. Some issues of past can manifest strongly in your personal relations. Do not get tempted to take softer choices in your studies. Get guidance from mentors and seniors. The influence of Venus shall help you maintain your health efficiently. The impact of Mercury can be confusing for your career hence you will need to tread carefully during the first half of month. It may be not supportive for finalizing a deal. Around the mid of this month, the impact of Mars may bring disturbances in your work routine. Refrain from making any new investments at this time. Take time to review decisions taken earlier. This phase may remain opportune for you to begin a fresh relationship, but the impact of the North Node will be highly complex. So, refrain from new relations as well as new social associations in haste. During the latter half of month, some extra gains, by the way of incentives or long held arrears, are also likely coming your way due to the blessings of Venus. But it may affect your equations with your seniors as well as colleagues, or business partners. Your efficient financial management and your actions in right directions will lead you to growth. There may be conflicts over some past issues in your relation, suggests Mercury. You may have to stay focused to score well in your studies. It may help you increasing your fitness standards and that is likely to lead you towards a healthy lifestyle around the month end.
Mars will make you very much motivated in the beginning of this month and your confident approach will help you sort out some complex issues at your work place. Business person may look for new opening and plans to expand the products range. Saturn indicates that some issues may resurface in your relationship which may have something to do with your past. It may cause unnecessary disturbances in your relationship. Jupiter may remain positive for your studies but at times your overconfidence may affect your progress. It may remain generally favourable for your health and fitness. As the month advances, some sudden changes created by North Node may demand highly attentive and focused approach at your work place. But around the mid of this month, profits and financial rewards would be high so you can expect to strengthen your financial status now. Mercury indicates that you will be in some dilemma or confusions about your relationship and love life this time around. The impact of Venus will continue to bring some good opportunities for growth in your career during the latter half of month but, despite that some uncertainty and dissatisfaction may continue to bother you as Saturn may demand extra efforts. Saturn also does not seem to support business person much to expand the horizon and increase sales. North Node may bring some pressure on your financial status. Mercury may bring clarity and hence you can expect to have better understanding about your relationship and personal environment. You may not be able to focus well enough while studying. You may at times get irritated and frustrated due to delays and difficulties caused by Saturn.
This month, Venus sparks a desire to deepen relationships, bringing renewed interest and satisfaction, while Jupiter's benevolence helps resolve personal issues, and Mars brings financial opportunities, but with career challenges and health concerns. Mid-month, Mercury and Jupiter bring clarity and soothing energy to relationships, ideal for singles to find love, but with financial caution and professional focus, and students enjoy success, but with potential distractions. In the latter half of the month, Mercury's influence may cause concerns about family matters, affecting love relationships, and Jupiter warns against signing financial deals, while Saturn brings confusion and hurdles professionally, and students experience average progress, with a risk of over-confidence. Finally, Venus brings opportunities for singles to form fresh connections, and married couples experience strengthened love and romance, with Jupiter's favorability extending to finances, and Mars' positivity prevailing professionally, and students enjoying increased confidence and motivation, with overall well-being, making it a month of relationship growth, financial abundance, and educational progress, with planetary support guiding through challenges.
AQUARIUS ( 21ST JANUARY TO 18TH FEBRUARY )
In the beginning of this month, South Node's impact may bring dissatisfaction. Be bold and look for opportunities to fulfill your dreams. Financial issues will be resolved, but Mars' influence may disrupt love life. A new relationship may be headed your way. Mercury brings opportunities in studies, but South Node's impact may unclear your work environment. A mindset shift is crucial for financial growth. Love life may be challenging, especially in new relationships, due to North Node's influence. Saturn's pressure to perform will increase in the latter half, and working without a budget may lead to constraints. Attend to health issues immediately. Feelings of insecurity or impatience may arise in studies. North Node's impact will increase workload, but Mercury indicates new engagements may bring financial growth opportunities. Venus will help decide on taking a romantic relationship to the next level. Stay organized and focused, prioritize self-care, and maintain a positive attitude to navigate these challenges.
( 22ND MAY TO 21ST JUNE )
In the beginning of this month, due to the impact of Mars, hectic work schedules may remain bothering you. However, amid stiff challenges, there are a number of positive influences for giving shape to your dreams. Venus may remain favourable for your finance and money matters but you may face some disruptions in your personal life. Your level of concentration would be better and which will help you to get focus on your studies.Your health may remain average, and there are possibilities that you may suffer from seasonal diseases. As the month advances, Jupiter will be positive for you and you may perform well in your job. Business persons must ensure good rapport with high worth clients. There may be more expenses hence prepare list your priorities and spend money wisely. Venus indicates that you are likely to enjoy some wonderful moments with your beloved ones. Due to blessing of Mercury, your knowledge is going to increase and your skills in your studies will be more refined. So, your performance in studies will be good. During the latter half of month, there may be some disruptions due to the impact of North Node but gradually you will be able to climb up the ladder of success. Business persons may be able to make some good deals. The period around the month end may help you to resolve some pending issues and likely to make you able to bring growth in your profession. You may have ample of support on the financial front. But be careful. Venus indicates that expenses may increase around the month end. Look for long-term prospects, while taking any decisions that may have far reaching effects. You may meet someone and may fall for this person. However, you must avoid hasty commitments under the influence of Mars. During this week you will be rewarded well for your performance in your studies. Try to keep yourself motivated and active in order to maintain your fitness levels.
VIRGO ( 23RD AUGUST TO 22ND SEPTEMBER )
In the beginning of this month, Venus leads to socializing and pleasure-seeking, but ensure understanding with your partner. Financial gains are likely, but refrain from hasty decisions under Mars' influence. Career opportunities arise, but approach them with a clear strategy. The middle of the month, Venus brings a strong desire for a loving partner, and financial investments can be rewarding. However, Saturn demands deliberation before making major decisions. Career prospects are boosted, and business owners have opportunities to resolve issues. Academic success is promising, but consistent effort is essential. The latter half of the month, North Node brings potential conflicts, but stability returns with support from beloved ones. Mars indicates challenges, but conditions favor you gradually, bringing profitable deals. Business owners resolve pending issues but students may face challenges. However, seeking guidance helps. By month-end, Mars may cause minor irritations, but gradually it brings better conditions. Committed relationships resolve pending issues, and financial gain opportunities arise. North Node brings unexpected expenses, but steady improvement follows. Saturn indicates career success requires hard work, and academic success may be challenging, but hard work overcomes obstacles. Jupiter protects health, but maintain discipline and self-control to increase productivity.
This month, you'll achieve your goals and reach your desired position. Business owners will face stiff competition, but Mars will provide the strength to overcome obstacles. Jupiter's support will help implement big plans, leading to gradual success. Saturn's influence will prompt proactivity in your career, tackling challenges head-on. Finances will be balanced, but Mars warns against reckless spending. Enjoy shopping, but invest wisely for long-term gains, seeking expert advice on investments. In love, this month is lucky, filled with good feelings and sweetness. Mercury's influence suggests romantic decisions will uplift your spirits. Expand your heart and mind, and Venus will bring love and warmth. Good energy levels and a positive approach will enhance fitness. Focus on a balanced diet and exercise to maintain well-being. Students will succeed through hard work, with good grasping power. However, a casual approach may lead to unnecessary problems. By staying focused, adaptable, and determined, you'll navigate challenges, cultivate resilience, and achieve a balanced, harmonious life. Make the most of this month's celestial support and watch your hard work pay off. Prioritize self-care, manage stress, and nurture your overall well-being. With a proactive approach and wise decision-making, you'll overcome obstacles and reach new heights.
PISCES ( 19TH FEBRUARY TO 20TH MARCH )
This month begins with the South Node creating unpredictability at work, requiring strategic navigation and potential confusion in financial matters, but Venus maintains harmony in relationships. Mid-month, the North Node's influence may evoke career-related fears and increased competition, while Mercury suggests a lucrative business trip, and Jupiter's soothing influence supports nurturing relationships. As the month progresses, Mars initiates career action, prompting assessment and acceleration of growth, yielding better results through smart strategies, improving financial status, and developing long-term investment plans. Academic performance enhances, but occasional disruptions in family and love relationships persist. Toward month's end, Saturn presents fresh workplace challenges, complicated by sentimentality, and business difficulties arise, but encouragement from friends aids navigation. Venus provides strength to handle complicated love life matters, and professional education remains favorable. Throughout, stay vigilant, adaptable, strategic, and focused on relationships, personal growth, education, and career advancement to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities. Prioritize self-care, careful decision-making, and relationship nurturing to mitigate potential drawbacks and support overall well-being. Effective management of uncertainty, career uncertainties, and love life complexities will cultivate harmony, accelerate growth, and maintain a balanced approach to overcome difficulties. By month's end, expect improved financial status, enhanced academic performance, and strengthened relationships, concluding on a positive note with renewed vitality and promising prospects for future success and personal growth, while maintaining resilience and adaptability to navigate lingering challenges.
CAPRICORN
GEMINI
LEO ( 23RD JULY TO 22ND AUGUST )
SAGITTARIUS ( 23RD NOVEMBER TO 21ST DECEMBER )
CANCER ( 22ND JUNE TO 22ND JULY )
SCORPIO ( 23RD OCTOBER TO 22ND NOVEMBER )
Installation of Bhuvaneshvari Devi Temple and Inauguration of Chinmaya Bhuvanam Ashram (Chinmaya Mission's Brisbane Centre for Vedantic Studies promoting Knowledge, Devotion and Service)
ON Saturday the 26th of July 2025, a spiritual seed planted by His Holiness Swami Chinmayananda, on his visit to Brisbane in 1991 finally took fruit.
Chinmaya Mission Brisbane was a hive of activity as devotees, guests and friends celebrated the inauguration of Chinmaya Bhuvanam, the Mission's newest Australian Ashram, at 8 Julie Road, Ellen Grove. Pujya Swami Swaroopanandaji (Pujya Swamiji}, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission presided over the joyous event.
The auspicious day began with a traditional Puma Kumbha welcome for Pujya Swamiji, Swami Shrikaranandaji, Spiritual teacher for Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra and Adelaide Region, Swami Aprokshanandaji, resident teacher for Perth and Brahmacharini Vasudhaji from Melbourne. The Sthapana ceremony for the installation of Goddess Bhuvaneshwari Devi, the presiding deity at the Ashram, commenced with invoking the blessings of Sri Ganesha, Vastu pooja and Navagraha Pooja. Thereafter, Nethronmeelanam (opening of the eyes) ceremony, performed by Pujya Swamiji accompanied by the chanting of auspicious vedic mantras completed the installation and
consecration of Goddess Bhuvaneshwari Devi.
The inauguration was graced by the attendance of Federal MP and speaker the right honorable Milton Dick; the Consul General of India, Honorable Neetu Bhagota; Federal MP, the Honorable Margi Nightingale and leaders from a wide cross section of local Hindu religious and cultural associations. Perhaps the happiest guests were the builders, Tom Tokich of Ahrens and Simon McGuire Project Manager. They witnessed the unique purpose-built structure they had worked on for months transform into a sacred spiritual hub, alive with colour, beauty and joyous cultural activity. All those gathered were spell-bound, captivated by the mesmerizing beauty of the glistening marble murti of Mother Bhuvaneshwari Devi. In this form she is indeed Maha Tripurasundari, the loveliest, Tripuramohini, the enchantress, and Tiruparapalini, the protector of the three worlds. Following the completion of the Sthapana ceremony, Devi Puja was performed by devotees worshipping Bhuvaneshwari Devi was with flower$, fruits and naivedyam. Thereafter, Pujya Swamiji addressed the devotees and guests noting that a cherished
dream had come to fruition. He thanked the donors and the army of workers and devotees for their dedicated seva in making Chinmaya Bhuvanam, Centre for Vedantic Studies, a reality. Emphasizing that understanding the knowledge of the Self is what leads to peace, love and harmony in the world, Pujya Swamiji noted that the study of the scriptures and Vedanta are essential for understanding one's own true Self. Understanding one's true Self leads naturally to understanding the purpose of life and to embracing a greater vision leading to a life·that is filled with happiness and is productive to the whole society, to the nation and to the world. It was with this noble objective that Pujya Gurudev, Swami Chinmayanandaji, designed various programs for all age groups, from the 'womb to the tomb' and beyond, Chinmaya Mission offers programs from garba samskara (Pre-natal) through Shishu Vihar (0-4 years), Bala Vihar (Primary school), Yuva Kendra (Teens & Youth), Adult study groups and Vanaprastha groups for senior citizens, all of which nourish and foster both spiritual development and serve as a pathway to leading a productive life. Chinmaya Bhuvanam, Centre
She is the all-powerful Mother who reins in our haughtiness and ego.
Just as our own mother is the controller of our home, the Divine Mother holds the Ankush (goad) in her hand to guide and lead us in the right path. Pujya Swamiji concluded by invoking Goddess Bhuvaneshwari Devi and the Guru Parampara to always bless, guide and uplift everyone from the world of sorrow, change and uncertainty and guide us to our inherent nature of Sat Chit Ananda - infinite, eternal and blissful Self. The morning's program concluded with special Aarati songs for Goddess Bhuvaneshwari and Chinmaya Bhuvanam composed by Guruji Swami Tejomayanandaji.
for Vedantic learning through knowledge, devotion and service will offer all of these programs.
Pujya Swamiji explained that Bhuvanan means the entire universe and Bhuvaneshwari Devi means goddess or 'mother of the universe'. He explained that just as our own home can be called a home only wtien there is true love for everyone, and mother epitomizes that love, so we have invoked Bhuvaneswari Devi as the Divine Mother to bless our Centre, our homes, our city and our nation.
With the completion of the Sthaphana of Goddess Bhuvaneshwari, Pujya Swamiji said that the Divine Mother is now present in Chinmaya Bhuvanam endowed with all love and all power to bestow upon all seekers, the knowledge of all sciences and the greatest of all sciences, the science of Knowledge of the Self. Pujya Swamiji said that Goddess Bhuvaneshwari with Her blessing hands represented Her ever readiness to remove all our fears and bestow boons. She also held an Ankush (goad) and a Pasha (rope) in her hands to signify that She is the devotee's saviour to rescue them from the ocean of transmigration, the ocean of change and uncertainty. The Ankush (goad) signified that
set us on the right path and bestow on us true knowledge, abundance and love. And for that all we need to do is invoke Her earnestly and with dedication.
Pujya Swamiji, invited the audience, devotees, sevaks and sevikas to keep their devotion ever fresh by visiting Goddess Bhuvaneshvari, the Divine Mother of the entire universe at the aptly named Brisbane Ashram -CHINMAYA BHUVANAM -as often as possible and engage in spiritual learning and seva, and to inspire as many others as possible.
The Aarati can be downloaded through the QR code below: The Inauguration programme concluded with prasad -a delicious feast all home-cooked and prepared with love by many mothers. Pujya Swamiji also had a satsang in the evening at the Chinmaya Bhuvanam ashram and outlined the contribution the Centre would make through its activities. He implored all to uphold Sanatana. Dharma and Bharatiya culture with pride by following it earnestly and enabling the future generations also to follow the path.
Pujya Swamiji noted that many ancient cultures across the world had perished but the Bharatiya culture, the eternal Sanatana Dharma, is the only culture that has stood the test of time. It was only due to upholding the Bharatiya culture, respecting our Gurus, saints and sages and following the tradition and path of knowledge chalked out by them that this was possible. It is imperative For the true seekers of knowledge, Pujya Swamiji said that the Divine Mother, Goddess Bhuvaneshwari, is ever willing to bless them, guide them in the path of Dharma and protect them. Just as our own mother keeps showering us with love, protects us from all dangers and guides us in the right path so also Goddess Bhuvaneshvari, the Divine Mother, is the combination Durga, Kali, Lakshmi and Saraswati ready to answer all our earnest prayers,
In concluding his talk, Pujya Swamiji reminded all that the year 2026 is the 75th anniversary of the Chinmaya Mission and a grand celebratory event, Sammelan, is planned to be held at Bharat Mantapam in New Delhi, India, from October 23rd to October 25th, 2026. Pujya Swamiji invited all the devotees, sevaks and sevikas to attend the event and assist with organizing.
Pujya Swamiji noted that, these days, not many people know even one verse of the Bhagavad Geeta -the ultimate manual for self-unfoldment -and, with that in mind, he had put together 5 verses from the holy text and aptly named it Gita Panchamrit. Pujya Swamiji implored all to learn this Gita Panchamrit, apply it in our daily lives and spread it out to maximum number of people.
The Gita Panchamrit can be downloaded through the QR code below.
The inauguration of Chinmaya Bhuvanam and the installation of Mother Bhuvaneshwari Devi provide a beautiful sacred space for Hindus in Brisbane as well as an opportunity for all seekers, regardless of background and religion, to grow spiritually as part of a community dedicated to knowledge, devotion and service. Join Chinmaya Mission Brisbane to make a positive difference in your life and to those around you! Visit our website https:// www.chinmaya.com.au/ pages/brisbane-centre.
—SEVAK ANANTHARAMAN
In Your Service At His Feet
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<Have a 22 year girls from. Very good and simple family in Navua.
<Fiji Boy mid 20s ,looking for Aussie girl, similar age group for a serious relationship . Humble boy .Humble girl preferred. We don't want any financial gains etc.We want to help to make someone's life.
<Australian citizen boy. 30 yr old .Looking for girl similar age group. Girl from Humble Family preferred.
<Hi m 31 years old Indian single boy. looking for girl for marriage in nadi....if any of the girls or family members are interested please inbox me
<Hi we are looking for a girl for a 39 year old single
boy. Australian citizen, good secured job. Never married before. Born and raised in Fiji . Living in Sydney Australia
<Fiji Boy mid 20s ,looking for Aussie girl, similar age group for a serious relationship. Humble boy. Humble girl preferred. We don't want any financial gains etc.We want to help to make someone's life.
<Australian citizen boy. 30 yr old .Looking for girl similar age group. Girl from Humble Family preferred.
<31yrs single boy never married based in suva Fiji, down to earth person, separated from families, knows cooking n house chores, Truck driver by profession, looking for similar aged women to get settled with, looking for someone who believes in love and marriage n who doesn't have the word divorce in her life dictionary.
<Looking for bride, Details about boy: DOB: Sep-1999 (25 years) POB: Suva, Fiji. Religion: Sanatan Hindu Vargh: KshatriyaBrahmin. Gotra: Bhardwaj Kashyap. Diet: Flexible - veg (including onion, garlic) & non-veg, Education: Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) Professional Accounting & Economics, CPA Australia. Occupation: External Financial Auditor in Sydney (previously Auditor/ Accountant at Big4 Accounting Firm). Work: NSW Government. Height: 6'2". Body type: Slim. Complexion: Medium-Wheatish skin tone/ fair complexion . Open-minded, modern yet sanskaari. Family-oriented, business mindset. Family Details: Only son (child) of family. Own business (for 3 generations) in Suva, Fiji. Requirements: Age: 22-25 years. Religion: Sanatan Hindu/ Gujarati/ Marwadi. Open-minded modern & sansakaari. Location: Sydney & Auckland (preferred), open to consider Brisbane and Melbourne and other locations in New Zealand. Diet: Flexible. Family-oriented.
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<Fiji born Indian family residing in Sydney Australia Seeking for a Hindu girl, age between 38 to 43. Interested family or person can contact us! Only genuine inquiries nalishdas@gmail.com or siwankathy@yahoo.com.au
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From Monastero to Memory: Traces of India in an Italian Summer
BY PETER LANE RAI
MONASTERO is a sleepy Northern Italian village in the Marche district surrounded by green rolling hills, three hours’ drive from the famous city of Assissi but where Christian settlement dates back to the 6th Century. There are only about 10 permanent Italian residents though four Germans also live there during the Italian summer. My wife and I were visiting our daughter Jo, who owns an apartment in Monastero, in June to avoid the cold Brisbane winter mornings.
91-year-old sprightly Luigi, who is still driving and dancing, also lives here and when he sees me running one day
suggests I run on the Linea Gothic, Line, 10 km from the village. Apparently the Linea Gothic Line was the German and Italian defensive line during the fighting retreat of the German forces in World War 2 stretching hundreds of kilometers along the northern summits of the Appenine Mountains It was heavily fortified with machine gun posts, mine fields and artillery was later the scene of battles between British Commonwealth and German soldiers in which many Commonwealth soldiers, including Indians, died . When Pietro, who was then aged in his early 20’s heard that German Army were coming to the village to recruit Italians
into the army by offering them money and food he and other men did not want to do this. So, they hid in the surrounding hills for a few days.
So, Jo and I decided to run from a Catholic Church ,500metres above sea level, on the Gothic Linear Line (later renamed the Green Line), While it was hot, dry and dusty when we ran there were great views of towns and villages below. Later, in a nearby town, we saw some of the artillery that had been used in the battle. Days later we visited some of a Jo’s Italian friends, Maria and Pietro, both aged in their 70’s. when we heard another World War 2 story, Pietro said that his father was captured by the British at the famous
battle, of El -Alamain, in North Africa then later sent to a Prisoner of War camps in India and England . My interest in this story is that as I had lived in northern India it was near the Dehra Dhun district, which had a Prisoner of War Camp for Germans and Italians. Sadly, Pietro did not know in which Camp his father had been imprisoned.
When we finally left Italy to travel back to Brisbane via Dubai, we were most surprised to see Indian families, now living in Italy, but originally from Punjab, boarding the plane. So, even when I was in Italy there was always some reminder of the part of the world I love and miss so much, India!
Kava, Goals & Glory: QFFA Unites the Diaspora Through Football
Fiji Spirit Shines Bright at QFFA’s 2025 Battle of the Giants
BRISBANE, QLD —
Under bright winter skies and the warmth of island spirit, the Queensland Fiji Football Association (QFFA) hosted its annual Q Battle of the Giants 2025 tournament with finals day on Sunday, June 29, at the Acacia Ridge Soccer Club — a day that brought together football, food, and the fierce pride of Fiji’s beloved districts.
A sea of colour and excitement greeted fans as all nine affiliated QFFA teams — Nadi, Ba, Lautoka, Suva, Rewa, Labasa, Nadroga, Tavua, and Ra — proudly took to the field.
The competition was electric, showcasing the passion and skill that defines Fijian football.
“It’s more than just a tournament,” said Esala Masi, Vice President of QFFA and Fiji Soccer legend . “It’s about identity, about watching our colours fly high and teaching our kids what community and culture really mean.”
A FESTIVAL OF FOOTBALL AND FLAVOUR
While the teams battled it out on the pitch, fans were treated to a feast of traditional and modern Fijian flavours, thanks to the Crestmead Islamic Centre. From fragrant Palau to sizzling BBQ, butter chicken, and more, the culinary experience was a crowd favourite.
FINALS FIT FOR KINGS
of sportsmanship. I’m especially thankful to President Jitendra and the executive team for their trust and support.”
LEADERSHIP, LOYALTY, AND LOOKING AHEAD
President Jitendra Prasad echoed those sentiments, extending appreciation to the players, fans, and volunteers who braved the chilly weather to keep the spirit alive.
“Without our supporters, these events would lose their meaning,” said Mr. Prasad. “We are deeply grateful to all who turned up. The energy in the crowd was amazing, and it reminds us why we do what we do.”
Looking ahead, QFFA is preparing for its Annual General Meeting, scheduled for August 10, 2025 — a pivotal moment to shape the future of Fijian football in Queensland.
“We’re building a bolder, bigger, and more inclusive QFFA,” added Mr. Prasad. “We invite every member of our community to be part of this journey — let’s grow together and continue to celebrate who we are.”
“When our people come together — with a ball, a plate of food, and a heart full of pride — we are not just playing football; we are passing down a legacy.” ...... Jitendra Prasad
“It wouldn’t be a Fijian event without good food and good football,” laughed Sheik Imran, who is in charge with Crestmead Islamic Centre . “And today we got both in abundance!”
clashing in both the Open and Masters divisions.
The competition culminated in a highstakes finale, with rivals Labasa and Nadi
Nadi triumphed in the Open final, showcasing slick teamwork and relentless pace, while Labasa took the crown in the Masters division,
proving experience still counts.
Tournament
Coordinator Jim Smith expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made the day a success.
“It was truly an honour to coordinate this year’s Battle of the Giants,” said Jim. “The teams prepared exceptionally well, and the matches were played in the true spirit
For more updates on QFFA events, follow the association on social media or attend the AGM this August. Vinaka vakalevu to all who made the 2025 Battle of the Giants one for the history books.
QFFA Annual General Meeting (AGM) Announcement Notice of AGM
Dear Affiliates, The Queensland Fiji Football Association Inc. (QFFA) is pleased to announce that its Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on:
Date: Sunday, 10 August 2025, Time: 3:00PM for 3:30PM start, Venue: Murarrie Progress Hall, Queensport road, Murarrie The primary agenda of the AGM will be the election of office bearers for the next two-year term (2025–2027). All members are encouraged to attend and participate in shaping the future of QFFA.
AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDE: * Welcome and opening remarks, * Presentation of annual reports, * Financial statements, * Election of office bearers, * General business Nominations for office bearer positions must be submitted via a nomination form. Further details, nomination forms, and meeting agenda will be circulated shortly. We look forward to your active participation.
Kind regards, Ray Ali Secretary
producer Naga Vamsi
Bhagyashri Borse to play bigger role in Kingdom 2, confirms
FANS voiced disappointment over her brief appearance in Kingdom, but makers promise a more central arc in the sequel.
The short screen time of Bhagyashri Borse in Kingdom left many fans surprised, especially after the pre-release buzz around her pairing with Vijay Deverakonda. However, the makers have now confirmed that the young actress will have a significantly larger role in Kingdom 2.
In a recent press interaction during the film’s thank-you meet, producer Naga Vamsi
addressed the growing conversation around Bhagyashri’s limited appearance. “I liked her and selected her as the heroine of this film. Her presence is more in the second half. From now, the war between hero and heroine starts. Then, the heroine becomes the lead. We just established her in this part. She will be in the second half,” he revealed. The statement quickly gained traction among fans who had expressed similar sentiments across social media platforms. While the response wasn’t critical, many felt Bhagyashri brought a
spark to the few scenes she featured in and hoped to see more of her.
Sanya Malhotra, Ektaa R Kapoor and team react to Kathal winning Best Hindi Film at National Film Awards
IN a landmark moment for Indian cinema, Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery has won Best Hindi Feature Film at the 71st National Film Awards. The satirecomedy, produced by Ekta Kapoor, Guneet Monga Kapoor, Achin Jain, and Shobha Kapoor, and directed by debutant Yashowardhan Mishra, earned acclaim for its sharp storytelling and social commentary.
LEAD ACTOR
SANYA MALHOTRA
EXPRESSED GRATITUDE, SAYING:
“I’m deeply honored that Kathal has been awarded the National Award. This story is special to me, and I’m grateful to the entire team for trusting me with Mahima. The film reflects important social realities with satire and heart.”
Director Yashowardhan Mishra
called the win “incredibly reaffirming” and thanked collaborators at Balaji Telefilms, Sikhya Entertainment, and Netflix.
Monika Shergill, VP Content at Netflix India, said the award reflects “creative excellence and cultural impact,” while producers Guneet Monga Kapoor and Achin Jain emphasized that “every
time a story from the heart of India is honoured, it’s a win for every voice that deserves to be heard.”
Shot in Madhya Pradesh and co-written by Ashok Mishra, Kathal combines humor and hard truths to deliver a sharp rural satire. This National Award triumph stands as a testament to meaningful storytelling and bold, original cinema.
Dhanush slams AI-edited Raanjhanaa re-release: “This isn’t the film I made”
EARLIER, even fans and filmmaker Aanand L Rai were seen expressing their disappointment over the AI-generated alternate climax of the acclaimed romantic drama. In a shocking turn of events, the re-release of the 2013 romantic drama Raanjhanaa has sparked widespread outrage after the film’s climax was altered using Artificial Intelligence (AI) — without the consent of lead actor Dhanush or director Aanand L Rai. The AI-generated ending, introduced by Eros International, has
ignited a heated debate on the ethics of AI in cinema, with Dhanush himself expressing “deep disappointment” and calling the decision a “threat to the integrity of storytelling.” Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Dhanush didn’t mince words in his statement, “The rerelease of Raanjhanaa
with an AI-altered climax has completely disturbed me. This alternate ending has stripped the film of its very soul… This is not the film I committed to 12 years ago.” He also called for stricter regulations to prevent similar alterations in the future. “The use of Al to alter films or content is a deeply concerning precedent for both art and artists. It threatens the integrity of storytelling and the legacy of cinema. I sincerely hope that stricter regulations are put in place to prevent such practices in the future”, he added.
Acknowledging the love and support, Bhagyashri took to social
media to thank her fans. “Dear BB family, I know a lot of you wanted to see more of me in Kingdom and I truly feel your love. While the screen space may have been limited in Part 1, I gave it everything I had. Kingdom 2 is a surprise loading for you guys!” she wrote. She added that she’s grateful for the opportunity and is committed to growing with every role.
Having made her debut with Mister Bachchan, Bhagyashri is steadily gaining momentum in pan-Indian cinema. In addition to her role in the Kingdom franchise,
she will soon be seen opposite Ram in a film directed by Mahesh Babu P., and alongside Dulquer Salmaan in Kaantha. Kingdom, a historical action drama featuring Vijay Deverakonda in a never seen before avatar. While Bhagyashri’s character had a limited arc in the first installment, Kingdom 2 promises a deeper storyline that brings her to the forefront. As the franchise moves into its next phase, fans can expect not just a continuation of the epic tale - but also Bhagyashri Borse stepping into a more impactful role.
Saiyaara becomes the FIRST YRF film to stream on Netflix AFTER its unstoppable theatrical
run
SAIYAARA is a film of many firsts. It marks the much-anticipated debut of Ahaan Panday and also the first time that Mohit Suri has teamed up with Yash Raj Films (YRF). It is also the first time that Akshaye Widhani has turned producer. And now, it has come to light that it is also the first theatrical release of YRF, which has Netflix as its OTT partner.
The Netflix logo appears during the end credit song, making it clear that the streaming giant has come on board for the romantic, musical saga. The development is significant because, until now, all films of YRF have been released on Amazon Prime after the completion of their theatrical run. With Saiyaara, a new chapter has been written between the prestigious production house and the global streaming giant. Interestingly, this is not the first time that both have come together
for a project. YRF established its vertical, YRF Entertainment, which dabbles in making web series and digital films and also focuses on content for international audiences. The first digital drop from this vertical was The Romantics. The docu-series premiered on Netflix on February 14, 2023 and honoured Yash Chopra and Yash Raj Films’ rich cultural legacy of 50 years. This was followed by The Railway Men the same year. Starring Kay Kay Menon, R Madhavan, Divyenndu and Babil Khan, the thrilling miniseries paid a tribute to the railway workers at Bhopal station, also the unsung heroes of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy.
In 2024, YRF unveiled Maharaj, which marked the debut of Junaid Khan. The controversial courtroom drama also starred Sharvari, Jaideep Ahlawat and Shalini
Pandey. In November, the slice-of-life sports film, Vijay 69, starring Anupam Kher, arrived on the OTT platform and won hearts.
Just last week, YRF’s big-budget mystery show, Mandala Murders, starring Vaani Kapoor, released on Netflix. Earlier this year, at a grand Netflix event, YRF Entertainment announced that they have one more show in the offing, Akka, starring Keerthy Suresh, Radhika Apte and Tanvi Azmi. Coming back to Saiyaara, this Ahaan Pandey-Aneet Padda starrer continues to rule in cinemas and is all set to cross the Rs. 300 crore mark by the end of its third weekend. As it happens with any other Hindi theatrical release, the Netflix premiere of Saiyaara will not happen anytime soon, more so when the film is unstoppable at the box office.
Australian Indian Times - Distribution Centres
Name Address Name Address
NEW SOUTH WALES
Bansi Supermarket Unit 1/148 Walters Rd,Blacktown, 2148
Bigsmart Suite 1/56 Restwell St, Bankstown, 2200
Casula Indian Mart Shop10,633 Hume Highway, Casula, 2170
Indian Hprermarket 128 Frances St, Lidcombe, 2141
Koseli Megamart Unit 5/42-44 Queen St, Cambelltown, 2560
Little India Supermarket 1/29 Amax Avenue, Girraween, 2145
Milan Bazaar 69 Boomerang Pl, Seven Hills, 2147
Om Namah 65 Graftonn St, Coffs Harbour, 2450
Radhe WholeSale & Retail 8/12 Station St E, Harris Park, 2150
Townsville Indian Groceries 3/244 Ross River Rd, Townsville City, 4814
Tulsi Spice and Indian Restaurant Shop 8A/200 Grand Ave, Forest Lake, 4078
Vedanta Centre of Brisbane 96 Vedanta Dr, Springfield Lakes, 4300
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Indian Traders 345 Anzac Hwy, Plympton, 5038
VICTORIA
Divya Indian Groceries 102 Coleman Rd, Boronia, 3155
Indiagate Spices And Groceries Unit 14C/ 560-590 High St, Epping, 3076
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Quality Indian Groceries 1/1337 Albany Hwy, Cannington, 6107
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