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UNITED FRONT AGAINST DRUGS: FIJI COMMUNITIES STAND TOGETHER AT HISTORIC SUVA SUMMIT
Aus-Ind Relations: New Leadership, New Momentum
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• Local News ..................................4-29 • Health ............................................. 07 • Opinion ........................................... 09 • Real Estate .......................................13 • WWWW .....................................26-27 • Astrology ........................................ 30
From the Publisher
A New Benchmark for the Australia-India Partnership
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Volume 22, Number 11 Saturday, July 11th, 2026
ADWIN AWADH MEETS AIR PAK FIJI PRIME MINISTER
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WE are witnessing a defining moment in the modern history of Australia and India. For decades, commentators and policymakers spoke of the relationship between our two great democracies in terms of unfulfilled potential and a partnership rich in shared values, cricket, and goodwill, yet often waiting for the decisive spark to convert warmth into economic and strategic clout. Today, that narrative has officially shifted. The AustraliaIndia relationship is no longer about potential; it is about execution, leadership, and a shared vision for the Indo-Pacific. The recent announcement by Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong regarding new high-profile appointments and reappointments to the Advisory Board of the Centre for Australia-India Relations (CAIR) marks a major stride forward. Established as a flagship platform by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese under the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), CAIR serves as the institutional bridge between our nations. The latest influx of elite expertise onto its board reinforces the Australian Government’s commitment to translating diplomatic goodwill into tangible commercial, technological, and community outcomes. WORLD-CLASS LEADERSHIP AT THE HELM Under the ongoing leadership of Advisory Board Chair Swati Dave, alongside distinguished members like Dr. Helen Nugent AC, Steve Waugh AO, and DFAT Secretary Jan Adams AO PSM, the CAIR Advisory Board already represented a formidable force. The new appointments, however, sharpen the Centre’s focus
on the critical drivers of tomorrow's economy: clean technology, hyperscale digital infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing. Consider the calibre of the new appointees Professor Veena Sahajwalla AO, Robin Khuda and Faz Pollard. Reappointed alongside them are four proven leaders whose contributions have shaped CAIR’s early successes: cultural advocate Amrit Gill, higher education policy specialist Catriona Jackson, premier cultural distributor Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM, and economic advisor Amit Singh. Together, this board combines strategic intellect with practical execution across policy, business, education, and the arts. THE DIASPORA AS A NATIONAL ASSET For our readers at the Australian Indian Times, this institutional expansion carries a deeply personal resonance. With the India-born population now officially representing the single largest overseas-born demographic in Australia, our community’s civic and economic influence has never been more pronounced. Yet, true progress isn't just about demographic statistics, it is about representation and influence at the highest levels of national policymaking. CAIR’s refreshed mandate provides institutional validation for what we have long known: Indian-Australians are not merely migrants settling into a new home; they are economic multipliers, cultural ambassadors, and vital drivers of innovation. By actively integrating diaspora leaders into formal trade, investment, and policy discussions, CAIR is treating our community as what it truly is, a
primary national asset. BRIDGING POLICY, BUSINESS, AND COMMUNITY Through its signature Maitri (Friendship) Programs which are encompassing targeted grants, scholarships, and fellowships, CAIR is directing real capital into joint academic research, cross-cultural artistic ventures, and clean-tech ventures. Paired with expanded diplomatic footprints, including Australia’s mission in Bengaluru and India’s consulate in Brisbane, the architecture connecting our two democracies has reached unprecedented strength. Whether navigating market opportunities under the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), aligning on Indo-Pacific security, or fostering joint university research, the pathways for engagement are clearer and more accessible than ever before. As CAIR embarks on this next chapter of strategic expansion, the message for our community is unmistakable: the bridge between Australia and India is built, fortified, and open for business. It is now up to our entrepreneurs, scholars, artists, and community leaders to cross it and shape the future.
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UNITED FRONT AGAINST DRUGS: FIJI COMMUNITIES STAND TOGETHER AT HISTORIC SUVA SUMMIT
SUVA, FIJI — The fight against the illicit drug trade and its growing impact on Pacific communities reached a pivotal turning point in Suva on Friday, 4 September 2026. Under the leadership of Fijian-born businessman and philanthropist Mr Martin Ram, the "Fight Against Drugs" community event brought together senior government officials, law enforcement heads, prominent business figures, and grassroots leaders at the Holiday Inn Suva for an unprecedented national call to action. Fully sponsored by Martin’s Humanity Foundation and facilitated in strategic partnership with Master Mr Pranit Kumar and the team at RT Xtreme Martial Arts, the summit served as a powerful declaration that Pacific communities will no longer remain silent in the face of drug abuse. A POWERFUL GATHERING OF STRATEGIC LEADERS The high-profile event drew a diverse cross-section of Fijian and regional leadership, demonstrating the unified effort required to tackle complex social challenges. Key attendees and special guests included the Hon Charan Jeet Singh- Minister for Public Enterprises and Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts, representative from Fiji Police Force Mr Nichloas Fuata (Police Psychologist, respected industrialist Mr Hari Punja, renowned business leader and Director of JD Media CorporationAustralia (Australian Indian Times, Australian Indian Radio and Global TV) Mr Jitendra Deo, Director of Zeon developments Australia Mr Adwin Awadh. Their collective presence underscored a critical message: the drug crisis is not merely a policing issue, but a complex challenge impacting Call: (07) 3189 6535
public health, economic prosperity, regional security, and the future of the nation's youth. Addressing the audience, Mr Martin Ram articulated the moral imperative that led Martin’s Humanity Foundation to sponsor the entire event. "We cannot stand by and watch our young people, and our communities suffer because of drugs. We must act, we must speak openly about the problem, and most importantly, we must give our people hope and positive alternatives," Mr Ram emphasized. "This is our contribution to Fiji. Martin’s Humanity Foundation believes that if we have the ability to make a difference, then we have a responsibility to do so." Mr Ram stressed that the financial backing was far more than a corporate contribution; it represented an enduring commitment to social responsibility and community empowerment. A MULTI-DIMENSIONAL FRAMEWORK: FROM ENFORCEMENT TO EMPATHY The summit moved beyond conventional speeches, offering attendees a comprehensive framework to address drug abuse through multiple lenses. Presentations and panel discussions integrated perspectives from law enforcement, governance, psychological health, and the private sector. • Law Enforcement & Public Safety: Representatives from the Fiji Police Force outlined current operational strategies to disrupt drug distribution networks, while emphasizing that law enforcement alone cannot solve systemic demand. Police representatives called for deeper community intelligence-sharing and trustbuilding between officers and families. • Mental Health &
Psychological Support: A dedicated session led by psychological experts shed light on the neurological and human costs of addiction. The discussions highlighted the critical need to destigmatize mental health challenges and substance dependency, advocating for accessible rehabilitation, compassionate family intervention, and trauma-informed support systems. • Economic & Private Sector Engagement: Speaking on behalf of the business community, prominent businessman Mr Hari Punja highlighted the direct link between economic opportunity and youth drug prevention. Mr Punja emphasized that the private sector holds a duty to invest in skills training, mentorship, and employment pathways that give young people viable alternatives to illicit activities. Reflecting on the holistic approach, Mr Ram noted: "Police cannot do it alone. Government cannot do it alone. Families cannot do it alone. Businesses cannot do it alone. We all have a role to play." PROTECTING THE NEXT GENERATION A central focus throughout the evening was the urgent need to protect Fiji's youth—a theme that resonated strongly with community members, educators, and parents in attendance. Speakers consistently reinforced that sustainable prevention relies on education, early intervention, stable family dynamics, and constructive youth engagement. Master Mr Pranit Kumar and the RT Xtreme Martial Arts team demonstrated how physical discipline, martial arts philosophy, and structured sports mentorship can offer young people purpose, selfworth, and resilience against peer pressure. By partnering www.indiantimes.com.au
THE HIGH-PROFILE EVENT DREW A DIVERSE CROSSSECTION OF FIJIAN AND REGIONAL LEADERSHIP, DEMONSTRATING THE UNIFIED EFFORT REQUIRED TO TACKLE COMPLEX SOCIAL CHALLENGES. KEY ATTENDEES AND SPECIAL GUESTS INCLUDED THE HON CHARAN JEET SINGHMINISTER FOR PUBLIC ENTERPRISES AND MULTIETHNIC AFFAIRS, CULTURE, HERITAGE AND ARTS, REPRESENTATIVE FROM FIJI POLICE FORCE MR NICHLOAS FUATA (POLICE PSYCHOLOGIST, RESPECTED INDUSTRIALIST MR HARI PUNJA, RENOWNED BUSINESS LEADER AND DIRECTOR OF JD MEDIA CORPORATIONAUSTRALIA (AUSTRALIAN INDIAN TIMES, AUSTRALIAN INDIAN RADIO AND GLOBAL TV) MR JITENDRA DEO, DIRECTOR OF ZEON DEVELOPMENTS AUSTRALIA MR ADWIN AWADH. with sports organizations and youth mentors, Martin’s Humanity Foundation aims to provide tangible, positive outlets for youth across the region. The event urged parents to break traditional taboos around discussing drug abuse within the home, encouraging open, transparent dialogues between generations. REGIONAL IMPLICATIONS FOR THE SOUTH PACIFIC AND DIASPORA The themes articulated at the Suva event hold profound relevance for the broader South Pacific region and the international diaspora, including Australian Indian and Fijian-Indian communities across Australia. Transnational drug trafficking routes and substance abuse challenges affect communities across borders, making cross-
border solidarity and shared strategies essential. FROM AN EVENT TO A NATIONAL MOVEMENT Organizers emphasized that the gathering at the Holiday Inn Suva was designed not as a single event, but as the launchpad for an ongoing movement. Martin’s Humanity Foundation reaffirmed its intent to follow up the summit with localized outreach programs, youth workshops, and educational campaigns across regional centres. The Foundation reiterated that its core philosophy is rooted in action, accountability, and compassion rather than judgment. "We want people to leave this event thinking differently," Mr Ram stated in his closing remarks. "We want parents to talk to their children, young people to understand that they have a future, and communities to realise that they are not powerless." As the summit concluded, community leaders, business executives, and official delegates pledged to carry the momentum back to their respective sectors. The successful execution of the Suva event sets a clear benchmark for communityled advocacy in the South Pacific—proving that when civil society, business, and government align, real progress is within reach. About Martin’s Humanity Foundation: Martin’s Humanity Foundation is a philanthropic organization dedicated to community development, youth empowerment, and social welfare across Fiji and the broader Pacific region. Fully funded by Mr Martin Ram, the Foundation works alongside strategic partners to deliver high-impact social initiatives.
AUSTRALIAN INDIAN TIMES, September 2026 — 3
WAMCI 2026 Multicultural Festival Celebrates Cultural Diversity Brisbane, 22 August 2026 — The 2026 WAMCI Multicultural Festival – Cultural Exchange Opening Ceremony was successfully held on Saturday at the Queensland Taiwan Centre, bringing together government representatives, community leaders, cultural organisations, artists, performers and community members. Hosted by World Arts & Multi-Culture Inc. (WAMCI), the event celebrated Queensland’s multicultural community through cultural performances, art, cultural displays and community presentations. The program featured an energetic FASCA BNE drumming performance, a Colombian harp solo, cultural presentations from the Philippines, Fiji and Taiwan, and a special performance by ATIA the Taiwanese Indigenous dance group. A major highlight was the opening of the “STORIES” Art Exhibition, featuring four artists representing Australia, Taiwan, Japan and Brazil — Jeanette Stok, Amy Chen, Yoshi Hughes and
Maria da Silva. The artists shared their creative stories through their artworks and artist talks. Guests also enjoyed cultural displays representing Japan, Bangladesh, ECCQ, Ukraine, Poland, Taiwan and Romania, providing an opportunity to learn more about the traditions and cultures of participating communities. WAMCI President Susan Yang said the Cultural Exchange demonstrated the importance of bringing people together to share cultures, stories and experiences, while building friendships and stronger multicultural communities. WAMCI sincerely thanks all government representatives, community leaders, participating organisations, artists, performers, volunteers, sponsors and guests for their support in making the event a success. The Cultural Exchange was part of the 2026 WAMCI Multicultural Festival, celebrating Queensland’s cultural diversity and community connections.
4 — AUSTRALIAN INDIAN TIMES, September 2026
NEW STUDY FINDS ACCESSIBILITY BARRIERS ACROSS EVERYDAY LIFE ARE IMPACTING THE WELLBEING OF AUTISTIC AUSTRALIANS A new national study by Aspect has found accessibility barriers across healthcare, employment, public transport, retail, education and community activities are having a significant impact on the wellbeing of Autistic Australians. Between 64% and 82% of Autistic adults reported difficulties accessing or using services in every area examined, with more than half saying those experiences had a moderate or large impact on their wellbeing. The Autistic Community Experiences of Services and Supports in Australia study surveyed 246 participants, including 149 Autistic adults and 97 parents and carers, to better understand how accessible everyday Australia is for Autistic people. Participants reported barriers across an average of more than three areas of everyday life, highlighting the potentially cumulative effect repeated accessibility challenges can have on participation
and wellbeing. Lead researcher Dr Chris Edwards from Aspect's Research Centre for Autism Practice (ARCAP) said the findings challenge the way access is often understood. "The issue isn't simply whether a service exists,” said Dr Edwards. “A doctor's clinic, workplace, train station or supermarket may all be available, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're accessible for Autistic people. And it's the repeated barriers across everyday life that can have a real impact on people's wellbeing, confidence and participation. “The research also found accessibility challenges often extended well beyond the moment itself. Participants described spending hours researching suitable services, preparing for appointments, advocating for adjustments and needing time afterwards to recover from everyday experiences others might take for granted.” Retail emerged as the
most challenging setting, with 82% of Autistic adults reporting difficulties in this environment, followed by employment (81%), community activities (72%), education and training, (71%), employment support services (71%), public transport (70%) and healthcare (64%). Participants described challenges ranging from overwhelming sensory environments and inflexible systems to communication barriers and limited autism understanding.
Participants described spending hours, days and sometimes months searching for healthcare providers who could accommodate their needs, while others said routine medical appointments could leave them needing several days to recover. For many, the cumulative effect of these experiences meant participating less in everyday life. As one parent explained: "My kids have a very simple life, where much of their time is spent at
home or school. They would have an enriched life experience, and we could get out more often if accessibility was improved." Another participant described cutting back on other activities to save enough energy for essential everyday tasks, "I've withdrawn from a lot of things to focus on leaving enough sensory energy for essential tasks.” Dr Edwards said improving accessibility does not always require major infrastructure or
expensive changes. "Accessibility is about designing everyday environments that people can actually use,” he said. “Clear communication, predictable processes, quieter environments and greater understanding of autism can all make a significant difference." The researchers say accessibility should become a routine consideration wherever Australians learn, work, travel, shop, participate in community life and receive healthcare. Rather than expecting Autistic people to continually adapt to environments designed or the majority, the study argues organisations and communities should take greater responsibility for making everyday life accessible for everyone. The findings come as Australia implements the National Autism Strategy and highlight how reducing the "access burden" experienced by many Autistic people and families could improve participation and wellbeing.
First two productions on sale for 2027 Adelaide Festival With previous Festival productions Go Down Moses (2016) and Mozart’s Requiem (2020) wowing audiences, Romeo Castellucci’s breathtaking production of Béla Bartók’s operatic masterpiece, Bluebeard’s Castle, transcends a naturalistic setting with a spectacular water-filled stage lit by flames. Castellucci places the audience in the viewpoint of Judith, newlywed to Duke Bluebeard and driven to open the seven forbidden locked doors of their castle. Each new chamber in turn brings an eruption of fire that illuminates both Bluebeard's secrets and the unfolding layers of Judith's psyche. Lauded for its poetic brilliance after premiering at Salzburg Festival in 2022, this production illuminates why Bluebeard’s Castle is a 20th century operatic cornerstone; from the awe of its orchestration to the power of its vocal writing. Barrie Kosky continues his career-long association with Adelaide Festival following a string of spectacular operas including Saul (2017), The Call: (07) 3189 6535
Magic Flute (2019), The Golden Cockerel (2022) and The Threepenny Opera (2024). K. is his theatrical reimagining of Franz Kafka’s famous novel The Trial, a whirlwind of theatre, dance, song and vaudeville delivered by the extraordinary actors of the Berliner Ensemble and a live band. “Someone must have been telling lies about Josef K, he knew he had done nothing wrong but, one morning he was arrested”…so begins The Trial; a comic yet terrifying tale of Josef K’s blind tumble through totalitarian bureaucracy and an absurd, labyrinthine system of laws that are nearly impossible to navigate. Fuelled by Kafka’s exploration of Yiddish theatre and his own Jewishness, Kosky’s chaotically inventive spectacle features German star Kathrin Wehlisch in the title role. Wehlisch’s masterclass in comedy and vaudeville will be the talk of the festival. Adelaide Festival Artistic Director Matthew Lutton OAM said: “Our early release brings
Adelaide Festival has a proud history of bringing some of the world’s most acclaimed artists to South Australia, giving audiences the opportunity to experience ambitious work without travelling overseas. Bluebeard’s Castle is the latest international drawcard to land in Adelaide, following Pulp, Little Amal and the opera Innocence, and offers audiences across Australia and the AsiaPacific the chance to experience a landmark 20th-century opera right here in South Australia.
together two Adelaide Festival favourites – Romeo Castellucci and Barrie Kosky – directors whose work is wildly imaginative and impossible to forget. Just remember the spectacle of Kosky’s Saul and Castellucci’s Requiem. Now they return with two productions that promise to be equally unmissable. Bluebeard’s Castle is one of the great 20th century operas, and Castellucci’s elemental production unleashes
the full power of what visionary opera can be. Kosky transforms The Trial into an all-singing, all-dancing feverish collision of terror and comedy that only he could conjure, and I’m particularly thrilled that this will be Barrie’s first theatre work in Australia since 2010’s The Tell-Tale Heart. These are audacious, spectacular events: rare, exhilarating, and unlike anything audiences will experience anywhere
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else in Australia.” Minister for Arts Kyam Maher MLC said: “These two extraordinary productions from two world-class directors are setting the stage for a truly exciting Adelaide Festival in 2027. Bringing Barrie Kosky’s K., a wild reimagining of Franz Kafka’s The Trial alongside the Australian premiere of Romeo Castellucci’s Bluebeard’s Castle to Adelaide speaks to the strength of our state as a global arts and
cultural hub, supported by the State Labor Government’s investment in the arts. Adelaide Festival has a proud history of bringing some of the world’s most acclaimed artists to South Australia, giving audiences the opportunity to experience ambitious work without travelling overseas. Bluebeard’s Castle is the latest international drawcard to land in Adelaide, following Pulp, Little Amal and the opera Innocence, and offers audiences across Australia and the AsiaPacific the chance to experience a landmark 20th-century opera right here in South Australia. I look forward to another successful Adelaide Festival in 2027 and welcoming audiences from near and far.” Bluebeard’s Castle will be performed at the Festival Theatre from 26 February – 2 March 2027. K. will be performed at Her Majesty’s Theatre from 4 – 7 March 2027. Adelaide Festival will launch its full program on Tuesday 27 October and the Festival will run from 26 February – 14 March 2027.
AUSTRALIAN INDIAN TIMES, September 2026 — 5
Momentum at the Helm: New Leadership and Strategic Expansion for the Centre for Australia-India Relations A DEFINING CHAPTER IN THE BILATERAL RELATIONSHIP The Australia-India bilateral partnership is experiencing unprecedented momentum. As the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) deepens across economic, strategic, and cultural spheres, the Australian Government has taken a major stride in reinforcing the institutional bridge between the two nations. Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong has officially announced new highprofile appointments and reappointments to the Advisory Board of the Centre for AustraliaIndia Relations (CAIR). The move brings a wave of elite expertise spanning green technology, hyperscale infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and academic research into the core body driving Australia's engagement with India. The announcement arrives at a transformative epoch. With the India-born population now officially representing the single largest overseas-born demographic in Australia, the diaspora's economic and civic influence has never been more pronounced. CAIR’s refreshed mandate signals a clear objective: translating diplomatic goodwill into tangible commercial, technological, and community outcomes. The following distinguished Leaders are newly appointed members to the CAIR Advisory Board reflect the evolving priorities of the bilateral relationship, focusing heavily on critical technologies, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable innovation. 1. PROFESSOR VEENA SAHAJWALLA AO A world-renowned scientist, inventor, and Director of the Centre for Sustainable Materials Research and Technology (SMaRT) at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Professor Sahajwalla is globally celebrated as the pioneer of "Green Steel". A recipient of the prestigious
3. Deepening Education, Tech & Cultural Connections: Expanding research collaborations, clean technology partnerships, and artistic exchanges. 4. Harnessing the Diaspora as a National Asset: Actively integrating IndianAustralian leaders into formal bilateral trade, investment, and policy discussions. Through its signature Maitri (Friendship) Programs— which include Maitri Grants, Scholarships, and Fellowships—the Centre is pouring millions into crosscultural theatre, joint academic research, and innovative cleantech ventures.
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, her appointment embeds cutting-edge recycling science, waste transformation, and circular economy research into CAIR's core strategic focus at a time when both nations are aligning on clean energy transitions. 2. ROBIN KHUDA As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of AirTrunk which is a hyperscale data centre giant across the Asia-Pacific, Robin Khuda brings unmatched commercial acumen in digital infrastructure, cloud computing, and technology investment. His presence on the board reinforces Australia's ambition to tap into India's booming digital economy and artificial intelligence ecosystem. 3. FAZ POLLARD Director of Western Australia-based advanced manufacturing firms Adarsh Australia and Afaridan Plastics, Faz Pollard brings deep operational experience in engineering, product
6 — AUSTRALIAN INDIAN TIMES, September 2026
development, and cross-border commercial engagement. His expertise will be vital as Australia seeks to integrate its supply chains with India’s rapidly growing manufacturing base. In addition to these new appointments, the Minister confirmed the reappointment of four incumbent board members who have been central to shaping CAIR's early successes: • Amrit Gill, CEO of Theatre Network Australia; • Catriona Jackson, former CEO of Universities Australia and higher education policy specialist; • Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM, Founder of Mind-Blowing Films and premier cultural distributor; and • Amit Singh, Managing Partner of Mandala Partners and former Senior Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister. Under the continued leadership of Advisory Board Chair Swati Dave, alongside board members Dr. Helen Nugent AC, Steve Waugh AO, and DFAT Secretary Jan Adams AO PSM, the board represents
one of the most formidable collections of strategic intellect in Australian public policy today. CAIR'S STRATEGIC PILLARS: BRIDGING POLICY, BUSINESS, AND DIASPORA Established as a flagship platform by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, CAIR serves as a national nexus designed to scale up Australia's capability to engage with India. Operating under the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Centre's agenda centers around key strategic priorities: 1. Promoting Policy Dialogue & Indo-Pacific Security: Elevating strategic alignment between New Delhi and Canberra amid complex geopolitical shifts in the IndoPacific. 2. Building India Business Literacy: Assisting Australian businesses in navigating India’s vast market realities, leveraging frameworks like the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) and the broader Roadmap for Economic Engagement.
THE DIASPORA: FROM DEMOGRAPHIC SHIFT TO NATIONAL ASSET For the Indian diaspora in Australia, CAIR’s expanding mandate is more than a policy exercise—it is institutional validation of their contribution to modern Australia. "The strengthening of institutional links between the two countries reflects the increasingly vital role of the diaspora," noted foreign affairs analysts following the announcement. IndianAustralians are no longer viewed simply through the lens of migration statistics, but as economic multipliers, cultural ambassadors, and key drivers of innovation. With diplomatic footprints expanding—marked by Australia’s mission in Bengaluru and India’s consulate in Brisbane—and high-level exchanges occurring regularly between ministers, the architecture connecting the two democracies has never been stronger. As CAIR embarks on this next phase of strategic growth under its refreshed board, the message for the readers of Australian Indian Times is clear: the Australia-India partnership is no longer just about potential—it is about execution, leadership, and a shared vision for the IndoPacific.
No HIV Vaccine Yet—But There Are Many Ways to Prevent HIV HIV affects people from many cultures and communities in Australia. Some people who were born overseas may find it difficult to access health information and services because of language and cultural barriers, cost, or unfamiliarity with Australia’s health system. There is currently no vaccine for HIV. However, there are several highly effective ways to prevent HIV. You can choose the method—or combination of methods—that works best for you. HIV can be passed on through certain body fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids and anal fluids. It can be prevented in the following ways. USE CONDOMS Condoms help prevent HIV and many other sexually transmissible infections (STIs). They can also prevent pregnancy. Condoms come in different sizes. Make sure you know what size fits you. Check the expiry date and make sure the packet is not damaged before use. Store condoms in a cool, dry place. Use a new condom every time you have sex. Do not use two condoms at the same time because friction may cause them to break. Use a waterbased lubricant with condoms. You can buy condoms from pharmacies, supermarkets and online.
IF you are going overseas to visit friends and relatives it is a good idea to do some planning to protect yourself against some germs that can make you very sick. Speak to your GP about how your risks change when you no longer live in a country and go home to visit your friends and relatives. Vaccination is available to protect against some of these germs including measles, hepatitis A and typhoid. Anyone who is not sure whether they have protection against measles should check with their GP. If you have a young baby over 6 months old, they should have a measles vaccine if you are travelling to a country where there are lots of measles cases. If a baby who is aged between 6 and 12 months old gets a measles vaccine, they will still need two more measles vaccine doses at 12 and 18 months of age. Typhoid and hepatitis A are infections spread Call: (07) 3189 6535
You can also order free condoms from https:// eccq.com.au/health/lovehealth/ or https://www. qc.org.au/wrapped-nready TAKE PREP BEFORE POSSIBLE EXPOSURE TO HIV Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is medicine taken by an HIV-negative person before possible exposure to HIV. When taken correctly, PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV. PrEP does not prevent other STIs or pregnancy. PrEP can be taken daily or, for some people, only around the time they have sex (on-demand PrEP). On-demand PrEP is not suitable for everyone. A doctor or authorised nurse practitioner can help you choose the safest option. Some people have mild side effects when they start PrEP, such as nausea or headaches. Kidney problems are rare, and regular health checks help make sure PrEP remains safe for you. Learn more at https:// www.healthdirect. gov.au/Pre-exposureprophylaxis-PrEP TAKE PEP AFTER POSSIBLE EXPOSURE TO HIV Post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP, is medicine that may prevent HIV after a possible exposure. You
may need PEP if, for example: • a condom broke or was not used during sex • you shared injecting equipment • you experienced sexual assault • you had contact with blood that may contain HIV. PEP must be started within 72 hours of the possible exposure. The sooner you start, the better. PEP must be taken for 28 days. You can ask for PEP at a sexual health clinic, a hospital emergency department, a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic or from a specially trained family doctor (a list can be found at https://ashm.org. au/prescriber-programs/ find-a-prescriber/find-
a-hiv-prep-prescriber/ ). Visit www.getpep.info to find a PEP service near you, or call 13 HEALTH on 13 43 25 84, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. PEP does not prevent other STIs or pregnancy. Some people experience temporary side effects such as nausea, headache, diarrhoea or vomiting.
maintains an undetectable viral load, they cannot pass HIV to another person through sex. This is called Undetectable = Untransmittable, or U=U. U=U protects sexual partners and helps people living with HIV stay healthy. Regular viralload tests are important.
HIV TREATMENT PREVENTS SEXUAL TRANSMISSION: U=U HIV treatment is highly effective. A person living with HIV who takes their treatment as prescribed can reduce the amount of HIV in their blood to a level called “undetectable”, meaning that current tests cannot detect HIV in their blood. When a person
USE STERILE INJECTING EQUIPMENT HIV can be passed on by sharing needles,
vaccine can be given every three years to help provide protection. For hepatitis A, after an initial dose, a second dose is advised 6 to 12 months later to provide lifelong protection.
For all these germs, it is also very important to use good hygiene measures, like washing your hands well before eating. Try and stick to some basic food travel tips: “Boil it, cook it, peel
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STAY SAFE AND PROTECT YOURSELF FROM HIV! Our bilingual community health workers can provide information and support in your language. For more information, contact: Email: health@eccq. com.au Information in different languages is available at: www.eccq.com.au/bbv
Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and Sexual Health Program Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ)
Planning to travel overseas
by unclean water, raw or undercooked food or by not washing hands before eating. Both germs can make people very sick. There are vaccines that can protect against these. The typhoid
syringes or other injecting equipment. Always use new, sterile equipment and do not share it with another person. Needle and syringe programs (NSPs) provide sterile equipment, information and confidential support. If you travel overseas for medical or dental treatment or cosmetic procedures, make sure that sterile medical equipment is used to prevent HIV transmission as some countries may not have the same strict infection-control and blood safety measures. If you need an interpreter, you can ask the health service to arrange one for you.
it or forget it”. If you know that someone is unwell with diarrhoea or vomiting, such as a friend or family member that you are visiting, try to keep separate from them. If
it is not possible to be separate while they are unwell, they must not prepare food for you, and you need to practice very good hand hygiene. In some countries mosquitos can spread germs like malaria and dengue fever. Make sure you cover up with long-sleeved, loose, lightcoloured clothing and wear insect repellent. If you are staying in an area with malaria, sleep under a mosquito net every night and don’t forget to take your antimalarial tablets (if recommended by your doctor). Your GP or travel doctor can provide extra advice if needed based on what you plan to do while overseas. This can include providing advice on other vaccines or medicine if required, as well as mosquito prevention advice. For more information see: Infectious diseases | Smartraveller Health advice for travelling | Smartraveller
AUSTRALIAN INDIAN TIMES, September 2026 — 7
On Why We Need Constitutional Vulgarians TACITUS (c. AD 56c. 120), the Roman historian, opens the gates to and lights the path forward for this column: “Lust for power, for empire, and for aggrandizement, grows with the acquisition of power itself”. Lord Acton (18341902), historian and politician, castigated that “Great men are almost always bad men, even when they exercise influence and not authority”, his observation resting upon the more famous proposition that power tends to corrupt. The two beacon lights are separated by almost 2,000 years. But they describe something remarkably constant about human government, which is that power has an insatiable appetite for more. There is, however, another proposition that ought to accompany them. Every generation or so, a democracy— even if in name only— benefits from having its idyllic assumptions about power disturbed, even if despotically. That is not to say that democracies
yearn constitutional vulgarians. Nor is there anything admirable about contempt for the rule of law, disregard for constitutional restraints or the abuse of public office. The damage caused by such conduct can be profound and enduring. But if the grantors of the power— We the People—become inert, indifferent or inured by such contempt, disregard or abuse, then a once-in-a-generation seismic constitutional rupture must come to awaken the citizenry. Most citizens have only the vaguest understanding of the rules that constrain governments. They know that there is a parliament, that there are courts and that there is something called the ‘rule of law’ (better grasped by its opposite: the rule of persons). They may even know that a constitution exists. But these are usually abstractions. They become considerably less abstract, however, when a vulgarian powerholder decides to test or brazenly defy them, whether at high noon or the dead of night.
This is perhaps one of the great paradoxes of constitutional government: the rules that matter most are often the rules that citizens have the least reason to think about. It is only when someone asks whether a government may do something that we discover whether it actually may. Consider, for example, the case involving former New Zealand Prime Minister and National Party leader, the late Sir Robert Muldoon. In 1974, the Labour Government passed the New Zealand Superannuation Act 1974, which established an earnings-related superannuation fund to become operational from 1 April 1975. The general election was held on 29 November 1975. Then opposition
leader Muldoon promised to immediately abolish the fund and refund all contributions to employees, if the National Party was successful at the election. It was. Within days of becoming Prime Minister, Muldoon issued press releases stating that the “compulsory requirement for employee deductions to the [fund] will cease for pay periods ending after [the date of this press release]” and “[s] imlarly the compulsory requirement for employer contributions will cease as from today in respect of salaries or wages paid from now on.” Further, that those relying on and acting in accordance with this press release “would be excused from any penal provisions of the Act.” A public servant sued the Prime Minister alleging a breach of section 1 of the Bill of Rights 1688 which reads that “the pretended power of suspending of laws or the execution of laws by regall authority without consent of Parlyament is illegall.”. The Chief Justice ruled Muldoon’s actions to be “illegal”. His Honour stated “[t] he Act of Parliament in force required that those deductions and contributions must be made, yet here was the Prime Minister announcing that they need not be made. I am bound to hold that in so doing he was purporting to suspend the law without consent of Parliament. Parliament had made the law. Therefore the law could be amended or suspended only by Parliament or with the authority of Parliament.” This year marks the 50th anniversary of what is one of the most important constitutional judgments in New Zealand. Memories may fade but the unlearnt lesson endures in different dimensions. During the COVID pandemic, then Prime Minister Scott Morrison secretly appointed himself to five additional portfolios including Health, Finance, Home Affairs and Treasury. Some of the ministers responsible for those portfolios did not even know.
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While not unlawful, their secrecy created an extraordinary concentration of executive power without public or parliamentary knowledge. Why is that so profoundly troubling? Because the public could not know where all the executive power resided, making it impossible to properly hold all its holders’ feet to the fire. Morrison could exercise those powers unchecked. In this way, power is like cancer. If even a small concentration remains undetected and unchecked, it can metastasise throughout the system. The Bell Inquiry found the secrecy “was corrosive of public trust, and thus confidence, in government.” And then there is the United States President, Donald Trump. The apolitical, corpusdriven catalogue of constitutional horribles is now so extensive (and forever out of currency) that it almost defeats the purpose of listing it. Let us cite Trump’s unauthorised demolition of the East Wing of the White House. The United States Court of Appeals ruled the act was, not marginally, but manifestly unlawful. In the Court’s lofty diction, “[e]ach President is a temporary tenant, not the owner, of the White House and its Executive Residence. The President has no—and claims no—constitutionally assigned authority over that property, which is designed and maintained for the use of all Presidents, current and future, and for the American people.” And that the Court is “aware of no instance in American history in which a President unilaterally and using privately collected funds demolished substantial portions of the White House that Congress authorized to be built and American taxpayers paid for. Until now.” Then on 20 January 2025, Trump issued an executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship for children born in the US to parents unlawfully or temporarily present. The United States Supreme Court ruled that “[i]f Congress intended to limit American citizenship to the children of those domiciled in the United States, nothing in the succinct language of the Citizenship Clause conveyed that design. Words appearing frequently in the Executive Order—
‘mother,’ ‘father,’ ‘lawful,’ ‘temporary’— are absent from the Clause.” Muldoon’s press releases and Trump’s executive order may be separated by decades and oceans, but the instinct was the same. Each man, through the stroke of his singular pen, brazenly sought to rewrite the law. Unlawfully. The purpose of these few among many citations is not to diarise events. Nor is it to suggest that these episodes are equivalent. The point is how easily power can be asserted, and how hard it can be to pull back. Each forces a society to confront uncomfortable questions: • what stops those who rule us from doing whatever they want? • who has the power to stop them? • what happens when no one is willing or able to take them to court? • what does it tell us about an executive that must be taken to court before it will respect the limits of its power? A constitution can proclaim a separation of powers. A statute can prescribe the powers of a minister. A court can pronounce upon the limits of executive authority. Parliament can possess oversight powers. Conventions can regulate the behaviour of officeholders. But, evidently, none of these guarantees that power will always behave itself. In the vivid words of Indian statesman, B R Ambedkar, “however good a Constitution may be, if those who are implementing it are not good, it will prove to be bad. However bad a Constitution may be, if those implementing it are good, it will prove to be good.” An old friend recently asked, almost with resignation, “We can’t do anything about it.” How has it come to a point in a constitutional democracy where We the People—the grantors of public power—can say that we can do nothing about the people who wield it? When these words come to be uttered, we know we live under the thumb of a tyrant or under tyranny. To those constitutional vulgarians who proclaim themselves ‘great men’, Lord Acton had a rather darker assessment of their character. Grantor beware. Nilay B. Patel is a lawyer based in Melbourne
Opinion
The Scapegoat in the Suburbs : Why the Indian Diaspora is Not to Blame for Australia's Housing Crisis
Jitendra Deo Chief Executive Officer JD Group Australia The Australian housing crisis is the barbecue stopper of the decade. Renters are queuing around the block for mouldy apartments, firsthome buyers are being perpetually locked out of the market, and political pressure is boiling over. In the desperate search for a quick fix, a familiar and highly convenient target has emerged: immigration, and by extension, Australia's rapidly growing Indian diaspora. It is a seductive narrative for those seeking simple answers to complex problems. More people arriving means fewer houses available, right? It sounds
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like simple math. But this reductionist logic is not just intellectually lazy; it is a dangerous misdirection. The Australian housing crisis was not packed in the suitcases of recent arrivals from Bengaluru, Punjab, or Gujarat. It is a homegrown disaster, brewed over three decades of systemic policy failure, tax distortion, and political cowardice. To understand the true roots of this crisis, we must look away from the arrival gates of Sydney and Melbourne airports and instead examine the nation's tax code and planning laws. For over twenty years, structural incentives have transformed the humble Australian home from a fundamental human right into a speculative financial asset. The real architects of the crisis are policies like negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount. These mechanisms heavily incentivized multiple-property ownership for domestic investors, artificially inflating demand and locking a generation of young people out of homeownership. While
investors were handed tax breaks to hoard existing properties, governments at all levels simultaneously walked away from their responsibility to build social and affordable housing. We stopped treating housing as infrastructure and started treating it as a stock portfolio. Add to this the chronic bottlenecks in construction, restrictive local zoning laws that empower "NIMBY" (Not In My Back Yard) councils to block medium-density urban infill, and the monopolistic practices of land banking by major developers. Successive
governments have watched this supplydemand imbalance widen since the late 1990s. Blaming a skilled IT professional or a nursing student arriving in 2024 for a structural deficit that began a generation ago is completely absurd. The reality is that the Indian diaspora, now Australia’s largest overseas-born demographic, is walking into the exact same crisis as everyone else. We are the renters paying exorbitant weekly rates. We are the young families saving desperately for a deposit while the goalposts continuously shift.
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More importantly, migrants are an integral part of the solution. The Australian economy relies on targeted migration to offset an aging population and fill critical skills shortages. Migrants are overrepresented in the very industries essential to building our way out of this deficit, from civil engineering and architecture to logistics and essential trades. Halting migration to "fix housing" would be akin to cutting off a leg to lose weight. It would trigger a recession, stall major infrastructure projects, and collapse the higher education sector, all without laying a single new brick for affordable housing. Why, then, is the diaspora being blamed? Because scapegoating the "other" is politically expedient. It demands nothing of our leaders. It requires no courageous tax reforms, no bruising battles with wealthy local councils over housing density, and no massive public investments in social infrastructure. Pointing the finger at migrants allows policymakers to shrug
off decades of their own neglect and channel the very real economic anxiety of the public toward a visible minority. As a community, we must push back against this narrative firmly and factually. The IndianAustralian community is not a burden on the housing market; we are active, tax-paying contributors to the Australian economy and society. We must join forces with all Australians locked out of the housing market to demand genuine reform. We need equitable tax policies that favour first-home buyers over seasoned investors, streamlined zoning laws that allow for sensible urban growth, and a massive revitalization of public housing. The housing crisis is a national emergency that requires a national, policydriven solution. Blaming the newest arrivals will not build a single home, but it will fracture the multicultural fabric that makes modern Australia so successful. It is time for our leaders to stop looking for scapegoats and start doing the hard work of structural reform.
AUSTRALIAN INDIAN TIMES, September 2026 — 9
Coffee Update – August 2026 SAVING tax probably won’t make you rich. But none of that matters because there is one thing that unites Australians (and Indians) more than cricket, complaining about the weather and arguing over property prices: We Just Hate Paying the Damn Thing. Tax laws have changed again. Apparently, Parliament decided you should suffer as a business owner. So, naturally Parliament has been sitting around a table drinking tea and concocting fresh ways to make running a business feel like attempting to reversepark a V12 Lamborghini in a telephone box. So, pour yourself a hot mug of coffee (still completely nondeductible, because of course it is) and let’s inspect the latest legislative disasters. So, grab your coffee (still sadly not deductible unless you're buying it for the office) and let's dive into what changed this month.
• You can write off eligible depreciating assets up to $20,000 instantly (instead of the laughable $1,000 limit they keep trying to drag us back to). • The general small business pool threshold will also sit permanently at $20,000. • They’ve also suspended the infamous 'lock-out rule' until 30 June 2027. (For those who don't spend their weekends reading tax acts, this is the rule that banishes your business to the tax wasteland for five years if you dare opt out of simplified depreciation). What does this mean to you? It means if you need a brand-new, power-packed piece of machinery for your business—say, an absurdly large hydraulic press or a heavy-duty trailer—you don't have to spread the deduction over the next four decades. You buy it, you write it off, and you tell the ATO to jog on.
THE $20,000 INSTANT ASSET WRITE-OFF (IS NOW PERMANENT) In a rare, terrifying moment of sanity the Government has done something worthwhile. As promised in the budget, it has introduced legislation to make the $20,000 instant asset write-off permanent. Yes, permanently. I’ll give you a moment to recover from the shock. If Parliament actually manages to pass it, it starts from 1 July 2026:
LOSS CARRY BACK RETURNS Remember when the world turned upside down and then back to front in 2020? The Government let companies carry back losses to get actual cash refunds on tax they’d paid in better times? Well, it’s back. Legislation has been introduced to re-boot the 'loss carry back' scheme from 1 July 2026. If your company hit a bit of a snag and made a tax loss, you don't just have to sit there
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staring at it like a brokendown supercar on the side of the Bruce Highway. You can carry that loss backwards and offset it against profits you paid tax on in the previous two income years. The result? The ATO—a machine designed purely to suck money out of your bank account—might actually have to send some of it back. It’s like demanding a refund from a thief. Marvellous. ATO WARNING: DON’T CLAIM YOUR DINING ROOM The ATO has launched a full-scale assault on business owners and employees claiming "occupancy expenses" (rent, mortgage interest, rates) because they occasionally answer an email while sitting in their underpants at the kitchen bench. If you want to claim mortgage interest or rent on your home, the ATO says your space must be an actual, unassailable 'place of business'. To prove this without getting dragged into an audit room and tortured, you must satisfy four strict rules: • It must be clearly identifiable as a place of business (a desk covered in coffee mugs and tax bills in your bedroom don’t cut it). • It cannot be readily capable of private or domestic use (if you can fold up your laptop and eat a microwave curry on the same surface, you lose).
• It is used exclusively or almost exclusively for business. • It is used regularly for client or customer visits (unless your clients enjoy tripping over your dog on the way to the kettle, good luck). If you are an employee, you also must prove your employer was so outrageously stingy they didn't provide you with an alternative workplace at all. If you meet these brutal hurdles, you can claim a fraction of your expenses based on floor area and time. But be warned: the tax office is watching, and they have no sense of humor so don’t expect them to laugh at your hilarious excuse. PROPERTY MANAGER REPORTS: A MINEFIELD OF ERRORS If you own investment property, you probably receive a nice, neat end-of-year summary from your property manager and hand it straight to your accountant. The ATO has publicly warned that these reports are frequently littered with mistakes. Apparently, they are about as accurate as undertaking surgery whilst being tickled. THE TAX MAN’S HITLIST OF COMMON PROPERTY REPORT ERRORS INCLUDES: • Capital expenses disguised as repairs: Fixing a tap is a repair; replacing a rotten balcony before a tenant falls off it is capital. You can't deduct capital costs all at once.
• Grouped lump sums: Managers dumping $5,000 into a line item called "Maintenance" without explaining whether it was for a lightbulb or a new roof. • Timing mismatches: Mixing up when expenses were actually incurred versus when the property manager got around to paying them. • Private slipups: Smuggling personal expenses—like the owner's weekend stay at the property—onto the ledger. Don't assume your property manager is a tax expert. They aren't. Your accountant must inspect these reports with a fine-tooth comb before the ATO does. SCAMMERS IMPERSONATING THE ATO (AND DOING A WORRYINGLY GOOD JOB) As if the official ATO wasn't scary enough, fake ones are now sending out phishing emails designed to steal your myGov credentials. The latest scam email claims you have a "scheduled phone appointment with the ATO" and tells you to open an attached file to confirm or reschedule. That attachment leads to a fake myGov login page that looks utterly genuine—until it drains your passwords and personal security codes. REMEMBER THE ATO GOLDEN RULES — THE ATO WILL NEVER:
• Email you an attachment containing a link to a myGov login page. • Force you to access ATO services via unsolicited email links. • Send you to a login page outside official .gov.au websites. • Ask for your myGov password, username, or SMS codes via email. If you receive one of these, do not click it. Do not open the attachment. Delete it, or call us immediately. FINAL COFFEE SIP (BECAUSE LAWYERS LACK A SENSE OF HUMOUR) This article contains general thoughts and observations only. It does not replace proper, tailored professional advice. Before you make any monumental financial decisions—or attempt to explain your unconventional tax strategies to the ATO—talk to tax agent first. It is infinitely cheaper than paying penalties. PLEASE, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES, ATTEMPT TO: • Sell your factory floor to buy physical gold; • Declare your home dining room a sovereign international trade zone; • Pay your staff in vintage wine; or • Tell an ATO auditor that "this Coffee Update said it was fine." —Hitesh Mohanlal
Rani Mukerji awarded Honorary Doctorate by La Trobe University MELBOURNE, Australia: Acclaimed Indian actor and humanitarian Rani Mukerji has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters (honoris causa) by La Trobe University, Australia in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Indian cinema, humanitarian work and social advocacy. The honorary doctorate was conferred on 14 August during the 2026 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM). One of the most respected and influential figures in Indian cinema, Rani has enjoyed a career spanning nearly three decades, earning widespread critical acclaim and major honours including a National Film Award and multiple Filmfare Awards. Rani’s performances in films including Black, No One Killed Jessica, Hichki, the Mardaani franchise and Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway have helped bring issues including gender-based violence, access to justice, disability inclusion and women’s rights into mainstream public conversation, demonstrating the power of cinema to drive awareness, empathy and positive social change. Alongside her achievements in film, Rani has maintained a longstanding commitment to humanitarian initiatives supporting women, children and disadvantaged communities across India. Since 2007, she has
supported paediatric and neonatal healthcare initiatives at Holy Family Hospital in Mumbai, including the establishment and ongoing support of specialised intensive care services for critically ill children and newborns. Her philanthropic work has also supported initiatives focused on education, food security and community development. Rani has additionally supported charitable and advocacy initiatives associated with organisations including Child Rights and You (CRY), the Indian Stroke Association and the Cancer Patients Aid Association. Rani said she was deeply honoured to receive the recognition. “Receiving this Honorary Doctorate in Australia from La Trobe University is one of the most emotional and meaningful moments of my career and life. I am deeply humbled by this recognition and accept it with immense gratitude. As an actor, you never begin your journey thinking about honours — you simply hope that the stories you choose and the characters you bring to life will connect with people. To have that journey acknowledged in this extraordinary way is something I will cherish forever. I have always believed that cinema is one of the most powerful forces for change because stories have the ability
to shape hearts, minds and society. Looking back at my career, I feel incredibly grateful that I have had the opportunity to portray women who are strong yet vulnerable, flawed yet inspiring, determined and unapologetically themselves. These were never just characters to me — they represented countless real women whose voices deserved to be seen, heard and celebrated. If my work has, in any way, helped people view women with greater empathy, respect and equality, then I feel I have truly fulfilled my purpose as an artist. This honour is also a reminder that art transcends borders. The emotions we share through cinema are universal and I feel privileged that the stories I have been a part of have travelled across cultures
and touched audiences around the world. As an Indian, this moment fills me with immense pride. I come from a country with a rich cinematic heritage and a storytelling tradition that has inspired generations. To be honoured with an honorary doctorate on a global stage is not just a recognition of my individual journey, but also a celebration of Indian cinema and the extraordinary talent it continues to offer the world.” La Trobe University Chancellor The Hon John Brumby AO said Rani’s contribution reflected the values the University sought to recognise through its highest honours. “Rani Mukerji is an artist of extraordinary influence whose work has consistently combined creative excellence with meaningful social impact. “Through some of Indian cinema’s most acclaimed and socially resonant performances, she has helped elevate important conversations about equality, justice, inclusion and the dignity of women and children, demonstrating the unique power of storytelling to shape culture and inspire change. “Through her artistic achievements and humanitarian contribution, she embodies the values La Trobe seeks to recognise through its honorary degrees: leadership,
integrity, social responsibility and service to the public good.” IFFM Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange said the honour was a proud moment for the festival and the Indian Australian community. “Rani Mukerji has remained one of the most respected voices in Indian cinema because of the integrity, intelligence and humanity she brings to her work. For nearly three decades, she has captivated audiences through performances that are both powerful and deeply relatable, while continuing to champion stories that encourage empathy, resilience and social awareness. Her influence extends far beyond the screen, particularly through her longstanding commitment to women, children and community wellbeing.” La Trobe University has maintained a longstanding association with Indian cinema through its partnership with the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, previously hosting distinguished Indian film figures including Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Vidya Balan and Rajkumar Hirani. The honour reflects the growing cultural and educational ties between Australia and India and recognises the role of cinema in fostering understanding, connection and dialogue across cultures.
A GOOD STORY NEEDS A SEQUEL Learn about the renewal roadmap for Brisbane’s iconic bridge Call: (07) 3189 6535
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Story Bridge renewal
AUSTRALIAN INDIAN TIMES, September 2026 — 11
Coalition secures stronger deal for Australian journalism THE Coalition has secured a stronger deal for Australian news organisations, increasing the contribution required from multinational tech giants and helping protect the future of Australian journalism. The News Media Bargaining Incentive, which passed Parliament today with Coalition support, will require major digital platforms including Meta, Google, TikTok and Microsoft’s LinkedIn to make a fairer contribution for the value they receive from Australian news content. The Coalition successfully argued that the charge applying to major digital platforms should be increased to 2.75 per cent of their Australian digital advertising revenue, strengthening the incentive for platforms to strike commercial agreements with Australian news businesses. A strong and sustainable Australian media sector is vital to our democracy. That is particularly true in regional and rural communities, where
A STRONG AND SUSTAINABLE AUSTRALIAN MEDIA SECTOR IS VITAL TO OUR DEMOCRACY. THAT IS PARTICULARLY TRUE IN REGIONAL AND RURAL COMMUNITIES, WHERE LOCAL JOURNALISM PLAYS AN ESSENTIAL ROLE IN KEEPING AUSTRALIANS INFORMED AND HOLDING DECISION MAKERS TO ACCOUNT.
local journalism plays an essential role in keeping Australians informed and holding decision makers to account. The Coalition created the world-first News Media Bargaining Code because Australian journalism deserved a fair deal from some of the biggest companies in
the world, and we have again acted to protect that principle. It is deeply regrettable that it took the Albanese Government more than two years to act after Meta walked away in April 2024 from deals struck under the Coalition’s Code. Rather than move quickly to strengthen the
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framework, Labor sat on its hands while Australian news organisations lost revenue, journalists lost jobs and local and regional media came under increasing pressure. Labor’s original proposal was also badly flawed and risked taking Australian news
businesses backwards, providing less support than the approximately $250 million reportedly delivered under the Coalition’s original bargaining framework. The Coalition pushed for a stronger outcome and secured an increased contribution from the digital platforms.
We hope the strengthened scheme will deliver a significant boost to Australian news organisations, support Australian journalists and help protect the local and regional media Australians rely on every day. The Coalition will continue to stand up for Australian journalism and ensure global technology companies make a fair contribution for the value they receive from Australian news content.
Home Styling For Sale WHEN preparing your home for sale, styling is about much more than simply making your home look beautiful. It’s about presenting your property in a way that allows buyers to instantly connect with the space and imagine themselves living there. Thoughtful styling has the power to enhance its overall appeal, highlight its best features and, in some cases, completely transform a home appearance. The way we style our homes for everyday living is very different
to styling for sale. And rightly so. When we style our own homes, we style to our personal preference – personal treasures, family photographs and collections that reflect our individual lives. It is these things that make our house feel like home. But styling for sale is much different. It’s about showing our home at its best, for someone else to see possibility. The good news is that styling doesn’t have to mean a complete makeover. In many
cases, simple changes can have the biggest impact. Decluttering, rearranging furniture, slight decorative editing can help to create a greater sense of space and flow. Start with the entry, as first impressions matter and it is in this space that the tone is set for the rest of the home. Remove unnecessary clutter and create a welcoming focal point with artwork, a mirror, fresh flowers or greenery to draw the eye and create an inviting atmosphere. Living, dining and
kitchen spaces are where buyers often imagine spending the most time. Keep these areas light, balanced and uncluttered, allowing standout features such as natural light, generous proportions or beautiful finishes to take centre stage. Style with intention, sometimes less is more. Bathrooms and bedrooms should feel calm, fresh and effortless. Crisp linen, neatly folded towels and a touch of greenery can instantly elevate these spaces, creating a
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feeling of comfort and understated luxury. Ultimately, styling isn’t about disguising a home or changing its character. It’s about enhancing what already exists. Thoughtful styling
helps draw attention to these features while creating a welcoming atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression. Credit: REMAX Australia
Welcome to your monthly REIA update THIS month, our advocacy has focused on several significant housing taxation and finance proposals that could affect housing investment, supply, and the operation of small and family-run real estate businesses. We have lodged our submission on the second tranche of the negative gearing and capital gains tax reforms, calling for workable new-dwelling definitions, proportionate compliance requirements, and a formal review of the reforms’ effects on investment, rental supply, rents, and housing delivery. We have also joined a broad industry coalition seeking to preserve borrowing for newly constructed homes through self-managed super funds while the proposed restrictions are independently assessed. We are now seeking evidence from businesses that may be affected by the proposed 30 per cent minimum tax on discretionary trusts from 1 July 2028 to inform our advocacy efforts, so we encourage eligible members to have their say before the survey closes. AML/CTF compliance also remains a priority. This edition outlines important updates to the AML/CTF starter kit and highlights the Smart Real Estate Agent’s Guide to AML/CTF, a practical training package Call: (07) 3189 6535
WE ARE NOW SEEKING EVIDENCE FROM BUSINESSES THAT MAY BE AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSED 30 PER CENT MINIMUM TAX ON DISCRETIONARY TRUSTS FROM 1 JULY 2028 TO INFORM OUR ADVOCACY EFFORTS, SO WE ENCOURAGE ELIGIBLE MEMBERS TO HAVE THEIR SAY BEFORE THE SURVEY CLOSES. developed specifically for frontline real estate professionals. Across the broader market, inflation eased in June, the cash rate was held at 4.35 per cent, and housing lending declined during the June quarter, with investor commitments recording the sharpest fall. These trends will require close monitoring given the importance of finance and investor confidence to rental supply and new housing delivery. Read on for these updates, along with details of an upcoming webinar exploring homelessness, domestic and family violence, and the contribution the property sector can make —Scott Rollason CEO, The Real Estate Institute of Australia www.indiantimes.com.au
AUSTRALIAN INDIAN TIMES, September 2026 — 13
The Power of Community: Supporting One Another Through Life’s Challenges BY XAVIER HERNANDEZ I would like to begin this month’s column by saying a heartfelt thank you to all our Australian Indian Times readers who have taken the time to speak with me and share their thoughts about my column. It is wonderful to hear that the topics I cover are giving people something to think about, learn from and discuss. Your feedback is invaluable. It also reminds me that while social media is an important way of staying connected, print media is still valued, respected and an important part of our community. A special thank you to JD and Sandy Deo, along with the entire Australian Indian Times team, for their continued commitment to keeping our communities informed, connected and part of the conversation. As I write this month’s column, events around the world remind us how quickly life can change and how important it is to stand together during times of tragedy. I ask our readers to keep in their thoughts and prayers everyone affected by the devastating disaster along the Nepal–Tibet border. On 26 August, a catastrophic glacial collapse in the Himalayas triggered a massive surge of water, mud and debris, causing widespread destruction and leaving
many people missing. Among those missing are people from the Indian diaspora, Australians and many more. We have also seen significant volcanic activity in Guatemala, reminding us once again of the power of nature and the importance of looking after one another. For me, this is a reminder that our communities extend far beyond where we live. A simple prayer, a message of support or an act of kindness can mean so much to someone experiencing unimaginable loss. This month, I continue that conversation by looking at the reallife impact community organisations can have, the importance of supporting carers and how funding can better reach those providing support on the ground. Now, this is Part 5 of my interview with Cr St Ledger, Councillor for Division 4, City of Logan. XAVIER HERNANDEZ: When you've seen firsthand how early intervention and community support can help people? CR ST LEDGER: One that really stands out, and I talk about it a bit, is our ACFC golf days. They're charity days and they always sell out. So you've got roughly 72 people there. The whole idea of the day is to have an enjoyable day, give people time to have a
be?
chat with their mates, but also for people to look around and realise that there's always help and support there. After one of those events, we had a fella's wife send us a message and just say, "Thank you. Thank you for the day. Thank you for what you did for my husband. It's the first time he's ever spoken to me about how he feels. I feel like I'm going to get my husband, and my kids are going to get their father back." So, things like that are really powerful. XAVIER HERNANDEZ: How important is it to recognise the mental health of carers? CR ST LEDGER: Yeah, no, most definitely. Over the last 18 months to two years, I've been lucky to come across another charity group, Arafmi, that do amazing work in the space that you talk about. I think that's a really vital thing in the mental
health space: don't try to do everything yourself, and you don't need to. Be open to talking, and you're not competing with other organisations. You're all in this for the same reason. We only do what we do at ACFC to genuinely help other people. It's not about money, it's not about recognition; it's about being able to help other people and to bring those suicide rates down. Arafmi's wheelhouse for a lot of what they do is supporting carers. And not carers as far as paid carers, but carers like young people caring for parents who might be suffering from mental illness, parents caring for young people, and people caring for their partners. They do respite, training and all kinds of things. So, with that sort of support, linking people in with an organisation like Arafmi is amazing. XAVIER HERNANDEZ: If you could change one thing, what would it
CR ST LEDGER: Well, there's... I was actually talking to someone about this the other day. I would love to change the way that funding is received and distributed, and have guidelines around really big organisations. By empowering and getting more people on the ground rather than less bums on seats in offices, we need more boots on the ground doing real support. Because you can't beat life experience. People with life experience, with some training and some education behind them, can make a real difference in this space. So, I'd love to see something done around that. END OF INTERVIEW On a different note. A special acknowledgement also goes to all the community groups that hosted an Indian Independence Day celebration. I was very fortunate to continue volunteering at the iconic GOPIO Brisbane India Independence Day celebration by volunteering at the GOPIO stall. What truly made my day was seeing the number of people from all walks of life who attended, laughing, dancing and simply enjoying the warm Brisbane weather. I loved
handing out beanies donated by Mission Possible, decorating the stall, selling raffle tickets and much more. But it was the hugs and thankyous that I appreciated the most. This year, I was delighted to walk with the banner and team and, of course, have a dance on stage with former president Usha Chandra OAM and the team. In addition, thank you to Mukesh Dubey for hosting the fabulous Dandiya Night at Greater Springfield. This was such a bright, colourful and incredible night. It was great to volunteer for a team who loves our vibrant Australian Indian community as much as I do. Also, thank you to Neetu from the Hariyanvi Welfare Association, as well as Desi Mums Brisbane and the Gold Coast, who recently welcomed so many people from different community groups to their India Day celebrations. So, I finish this article by wishing all the fathers out there, father figures, and those who are doing the job of both mum and dad, a very happy Father’s Day, and of course, a happy Grandparents’ Day. Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed, especially that of our mentors. Thank you, JD, and your family for being such great mentors to me and other young people in the community.
When Is a Gift Really a Gift? The Bank of Mum and Dad FOR many Australians trying to enter the property market, Mum and Dad have quietly become the biggest lender no one talks about. They might act as guarantors, let their kids live at home rent-free while saving, or simply hand over a cheque with the words: "We want to help. Here's some money towards your home." As a mortgage broker, I've worked with plenty of clients whose parents did exactly that no loan agreement, no repayment schedule, no strings attached. But I've also seen how the story can take an unexpected turn years later. THE TWIST NOBODY PLANS FOR The child is now financially comfortable and says, "My parents helped me when I needed it. Now I want to give something back." It's a generous instinct. But it raises an odd question: does paying your parents back mean the original gift was secretly a loan all along? Not necessarily.
large sum to their parents, that's real pressure on their household finances, pressure the lender needs to see when assessing whether the borrower can meet their commitments. Dressing up a loan as a gift to help an application scrape through isn't just risky. Transparency matters for the lender, and for the family.
A GIFT TODAY, GRATITUDE TOMORROW There's a real difference between money handed over with no obligation, and money handed over with an unspoken understanding that it must one day be repaid. I've seen this play out with clients firsthand. What started as an unconditional gift stayed a gift years later, better circumstances simply gave them the chance to return the favour. The original arrangement never changed; only their ability to be generous in return did. That distinction matters
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more than it might seem. IF IT'S A LOAN, CALL IT A LOAN If everyone understood from day one that the money would eventually be repaid, it shouldn't be presented to a lender as a gift. Depending on the lender and circumstances, you may need to prove the funds are genuinely non-repayable, a gift letter, a declaration, sometimes a statutory declaration. There's a good reason lender ask. If a borrower is quietly on the hook to repay a
THE INDIAN FAMILY PERSPECTIVE In many Indian families, financial support across generations isn't a transaction it's woven into tradition and a sense of duty. Parents help fund an education, a wedding, a business, a first home. Later, adult children look for ways to return that support. Because none of this is treated as formal, the line between "gift" and "loan" can blur without anyone meaning it to. A parent might say, plainly: "Take it. Buy your home. You don't have to pay us back." The child may still want to repay them one day. That's a personal desire
not the same thing as an agreed obligation. It can feel strangely formal to spell out terms between family, but one honest question cuts through the ambiguity: Is this genuinely a gift, or is repayment expected?
CAN MUM AND DAD GIFT YOUR 5% DEPOSIT? Family assistance can often contribute toward a deposit but whether it counts toward genuine savings requirements depends on the lender, the loan structure, and any government scheme involved. If you're eyeing the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme, don't assume a gifted deposit automatically qualifies check the current requirements. Participating lenders still assess every application against their own criteria. Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme | Housing Australia As a broker I can walk you through exactly how gifted funds and savings requirements apply to your situation.
FAMILY LEGACY The Bank of Mum and Dad can give the next generation an extraordinary head start. But before any money changes hands, everyone should be on the same page: is this a gift or a loan, is repayment expected, and what does that mean for the home loan application? Because sometimes legacy isn't just about what parents leave behind. It's about helping the next generation move forward and perhaps, one day, watching that generosity find its way home again. Roshika Chand is the Founder and Principal Mortgage Broker of Heirs & Legacy Co. and a Features Writer & Interviewer for Australian Indian Times. Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute financial, tax, legal or credit advice. Lending policies, eligibility criteria and government scheme requirements can change and vary between lenders. Seek advice from appropriately qualified professionals before making financial decisions.
INDIA AT 100 — 2047
What Makes a Nation Truly Prosper?
Reflections on India’s 80th Independence Day and its future potential Jesus said “Arise and Shine…” “Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” — Proverbs 14:34 (NLT) India has just celebrated its 80th Independence Day. As the flags come down and the celebrations fade, perhaps this is a good moment not only to celebrate, but also to reflect. What have nearly eight decades of freedom taught us? What has India achieved—and what opportunities have we missed? Why do corruption, inequality, division and poverty still prevent millions from reaching their true potential? If Indians are succeeding and leading across the world, what can we bring home—not merely in money, but in knowledge, character, values and experience? And perhaps one of the more challenging questions is this: can India become truly free while corruption remains part of everyday life? Political independence was achieved in 1947. But true independence requires more than freedom from foreign rule. A nation must also continue strengthening itself from within— through justice, integrity, opportunity, responsibility and respect for human dignity. That is where the ancient observation from Proverbs becomes remarkably relevant: “Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” For readers of different faiths—or none at all— the purpose here is not to impose a religious conclusion. It is simply to consider a timeless question: does the moral character of a people eventually influence the destiny of their nation? History gives us good reason to reflect on that possibility. India has travelled an extraordinary distance We should begin with gratitude rather than criticism. The India of 1947 inherited immense challenges. Partition displaced millions and brought terrible communal violence. Poverty was widespread. Life expectancy was low. Literacy was limited. Industrial capacity and infrastructure were inadequate for such a vast population. Yet India endured and developed. It sustained democratic Call: (07) 3189 6535
institutions, built universities and industries, achieved agricultural transformation and food security, developed major scientific and engineering capabilities, became a global pharmaceutical and informationtechnology power, established nuclear and space capabilities and created internationally competitive businesses. India’s post-1991 economic transformation has been especially significant. The World Bank has noted that economic growth averaged about 6.3% annually between 2000 and 2024. It has also argued that India could reach high-income status by 2047 if it can sustain stronger growth while raising investment, productivity and labourforce participation. That represents an extraordinary opportunity. Yet GDP alone cannot tell us whether a civilisation is flourishing. Economic growth matters because it can create jobs, reduce poverty and expand human opportunity. But prosperity becomes stronger when economic progress grows alongside trust, fairness, capability and social cohesion. A nation may become richer while still carrying unresolved tensions. It may become technologically advanced while people continue to encounter corruption. It may educate millions while still struggling to convert education into opportunity. So perhaps India’s next stage of development requires not only the question, “How much can we produce?” It may also require us to ask: “What kind of society are we building together?” Integrity: the invisible infrastructure of a nation Integrity may be one of the most important foundations of that society. Corruption is often discussed as though it belongs only to politicians, officials or large institutions. But integrity is ultimately a shared responsibility. It is shaped in ordinary situations: how we handle money, whether we follow rules when nobody is watching, whether appointments are based on merit, whether businesses treat customers fairly, whether
public resources are protected and whether we tell the truth even when doing so costs us something. This is not about condemning ordinary people. Systems matter too. Poorly designed processes, low transparency, excessive complexity and unequal access can create conditions in which corruption becomes easier. Reform therefore requires both better institutions and stronger personal ethics. When trust is high, business becomes easier. Contracts become more reliable. Public institutions can function more effectively. Citizens cooperate more confidently. Trust is invisible, but its economic value is enormous. In that sense, integrity is part of a nation’s invisible infrastructure. We can see roads, bridges, airports and digital networks. We cannot easily see honesty, trustworthiness and fairness—but without them, much of what we build becomes more costly and fragile. This is one reason Proverbs 14:34 remains worth considering. Its message reaches beyond private spirituality. It points towards a wider truth: Character has consequences. Learning from 1991 India also learned an important economic lesson in 1991. The first generation of Indian leaders had understandable reasons
for seeking economic self-reliance after colonial rule. The country needed national institutions, industrial capability and protection from dependency. Those choices helped create important foundations. Over time, however, licensing, regulation and trade barriers became too restrictive in many areas. By 1991, India faced a severe balance-ofpayments crisis. The reforms that followed reduced industrial licensing, opened parts of the economy to greater competition and investment and gave private enterprise more room to grow. The lesson need not be framed as a rejection of previous generations. Rather, it demonstrates something every successful nation must learn: circumstances change, and wise societies are willing to adapt. Freedom and responsibility work best together. Too much control can suppress initiative. But freedom without accountability can also lead to exploitation. A healthy society needs enterprise, innovation and competition, but also fairness, rule of law and responsibility towards those who might otherwise be left behind. Education: more than qualifications Education is another area where India has both extraordinary achievements and extraordinary opportunity. Indian doctors, engineers, scientists, academics, entrepreneurs and
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technology leaders have made enormous contributions throughout the world. Indian talent now occupies influential positions in business, medicine, government, research and technology. That success invites an encouraging question: If Indians can flourish almost anywhere, how can India create conditions in which many more people can flourish at home? Education must therefore mean more than examinations, certificates and degrees. A truly educated young person should learn to think critically, communicate clearly, solve problems, collaborate with others, create value and distinguish truth from misinformation. But another dimension matters too: character. Knowledge increases our capacity. Character helps determine what we do with that capacity. An ancient principle expresses this beautifully: “Act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” — Micah 6:8 (NIV) Justice. Mercy. Humility. These are not qualities that need to belong exclusively to one religious community. People from many faiths and philosophies can recognise their importance. Imagine these principles becoming increasingly visible in education, business, public administration, law and leadership. Knowledge can make a nation capable. Wisdom helps determine how that capability is used. India’s greatest natural resource India’s greatest natural resource may ultimately be its people. Its large and youthful population is often described as a demographic advantage. But population becomes a dividend only when people have opportunities to learn, work, innovate and create. The World Bank has estimated that around 11 million young people will enter India’s labour market each year over the next two decades. That should create both excitement and urgency. Every one of those young people represents potential—a worker, teacher, engineer, farmer, artist, entrepreneur, scientist, carer or future leader. The challenge is to create enough pathways for that potential to become productive contribution. That means encouraging enterprise, improving skills, strengthening
infrastructure and expanding participation, including greater participation by women. It also means recognising that dignity does not come only from prestigious employment. Meaningful work in all its forms contributes to society. The greatest resource of India is therefore not merely hidden beneath its soil. It is within its people. When people are equipped, trusted and given opportunity, they develop nations. Leadership as stewardship Leadership is equally important, and perhaps leadership itself deserves a broader definition. Leadership is often associated with position, status, visibility and authority. History suggests another measure: Who became stronger because I led? Jesus of Nazareth expressed a striking leadership principle nearly two thousand years ago: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” — Mark 10:43 (NIV) A reader does not need to share the Christian faith to consider the wisdom of the principle. What happens when leadership is understood as service rather than entitlement? Imagine public officials seeing office as stewardship. Imagine executives developing people rather than merely using labour. Imagine teachers seeing potential in every child, religious leaders protecting rather than controlling and parents understanding authority as responsibility. This is not an accusation directed towards leaders. It is an invitation to all of us, because leadership begins wherever one person influences another. A nation becomes stronger when power is exercised with humility, accountability and a desire to serve. Diversity can become strength India’s diversity is another great strength worth protecting. Few nations contain such an extraordinary range of religions, languages, traditions and communities. Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and many others have contributed to India’s story. Diversity does not automatically create division. It can produce creativity, resilience and extraordinary cultural richness. But differences can become dangerous when fear is used to separate people or when Contd. on Next Edition
AUSTRALIAN INDIAN TIMES, September 2026 — 15
Don’t Touch My Super! Sir Albo, as I like to call him, has another crazy, stupid idea. He has somehow concluded that your superfund balance is not, erm, actually yours. He can’t say that of course so he decided to use, as politician’s do, a fancy word which only a few will understand. Anyway, according to Sir Albo our superfund balances are a ‘national asset.’ And that to me is scary because it could have some serious consequences to your superfund balances. As an advisor, who advises business owners on how to navigate taxes, money and business the constant ‘ideas’, law changes and tinkering is getting wearisome. It is scaring the hell out of people too. A while back I was in Fiji, and a raft of new legislations came through changing the budget because the original budget was designed on a scrap piece of paper. This resulted in my inbox blowing up with clients asking what this all meant. Then I decided to have the weekend off to relax and recuperate when Sir Albo decided $4.5 trillion dollars of our money should maybe not be our
money but a ‘national asset.’ This also resulted in manic and panic phone calls, and this resulted in my wife not being a fan of Sir Albo – which come to think of it is not necessarily a bad thing. Anyway, you know the Government is a bit messed up when people call or message in a panic. And that is what we have. A nation whose citizens are under pressure and uncertain. An uncertain population is not confident. And a lack of confidence is not a good place for a country to be because history has shown this stops a country growing. So, for those of you who think Sir Albo is going to raid and take their Superfund balances away from to pay for whatever you think our governments should not pay for, that is not what he is saying. HIS ACTUAL WORDS ARE “There is a real potential to see these funds as a national asset that can be used more appropriately and get better returns as well, not just for individuals and for retirees, but for the nation.” In my words he is saying:
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‘I have spent so much money that I had to borrow and that borrowing is ballooned so big that sooner or later everyone will realise I was the idiot that put the nation’s wealth at risk. So, I have idea. There is $4.5 trillion dollars in Superfunds. Why don’t I ask Superfunds to invest in Government projects and give Superfunds a percentage return we make on those projects and that way Australia as a country does not need to borrow more. Isn’t that a fantastic, brilliant idea?’’ Err…. No. It’s a stupid idea. Here’s why. Australian governments (Labour or Liberal) can’t organise a drinks party at a brewery. If they tried this is what would happen: - They would book a school hall (because they
think that will do as a brewery) - Organise it to start at 12pm and end at 2pm (not realising that midday is not a time for drinking and most people will be at work anyway). - Overpay for the food and drinks (not realising no-one is going to turn up) - Then realise that you can’t serve alcohol in a school because it is illegal. See what I mean? There’s more. The problem is that Australia is looking at what has happened in China and the Middle East and think they can replicate that here. They can’t. That is because we think short term and they think long term. We all think that the EV revolution started about 10-15 years ago. Nope. The Chinese government started and invested in EV companies going back
to 2001. Even today there are about 150 companies in China making EVs and the Chinese government are still investing in them. And they will make a killing (money wise) from all of us. When you invest it is always about the long term. For Australian Governments its always about the short term. The two don’t mix. And that is why I think this idiotic idea is a disaster for your Superfund balances. Our government cannot budget for anything. Remember NBN? It was supposed to cost $40Bn. We ended up paying $70bn. We also had a French Submarine Program. That was to generate $4bn income. It actually generated …… $0. Nil. Nothing. Zilch. If this happens in China someone gets shot. When it happens in Australia someone get a gold plated pension. I have been reminded that Superfunds need to act in the best interests of their members so they will not do what the government asks them. I know that but that does not stop the Superfund industry advisors making a killing from those same members in fees and charges. What are
chances they are going to say no to a government handout that promises a new yacht? This is what I know. Many have SelfManaged Superfunds. They don’t get charged a fee unless they want to pay it. And I get to decide how their money is managed and what they are prepared to invest in. The investments are usually a bit boring. There will some individual shares, property, ETF’s and index funds diversified across different sectors and geographical areas. They don’t pay for anyone’s private jet, and they will never invest in a useless government project. Ever. It’s their money and Sir Albo can keep his grubby hands off it. But what if you don’t have a SMSF? Keep an eye on your fund and see what they are doing. If you think their eyes are sparkling because Sir Albo may have promised them a new private jet, it may be time to move away. Also check how well your superfund is performing against others. In other words be vigilant. If you aren’t, don’t complain when you find out you invested in a wind farm where there is no wind. — Hitesh Mohanlal
What Is In a Name? “Indo Fijians” and the Making of Race The Human Thread with Sabrina Iqbal Khan Exploring humanity, storytelling, and the social issues impacting our communities. WHAT is in a name? Ask ten “Indo Fijians” how they identify and the answers rarely match: Fijian, Indian, Pacific Islander, South Asian, or simply Indian in Fiji. None of these answers are wrong. What is worth asking is where the label came from. "Indo Fijian" grew out of the machinery of British indenture. From 1879, over sixty thousand labourers were shipped from India to work Fiji's sugar plantations under the girmit system, a word drawn from the English "agreement" that workers could barely read before they signed it. Many were stripped of freedom of movement and legal standing for years, housed in cramped lines and paid little. Colonial administrators then sorted iTaukei, Indian and European populations into
separate legal categories, deciding who could own land, vote or belong. That inherited system still echoes today, not only in memory but also in politics: the ethnic categories drawn up under empire have resurfaced again and again in Fiji's constitutional debates and coups. New Zealand's recent move to classify Fijian Indians as "Asian" rather than "Pacific" has denied many access to support their neighbours receive, a reminder that naming is never mere semantics. It is about dignity and it is about rights. This got me thinking about race itself, a word we use daily yet one with no settled scientific definition. In 1950, UNESCO called race "less a biological fact than a social myth." Geneticist Richard Lewontin later found that most human genetic variation exists within so called racial groups, not between them, a finding echoed decades later when the Human Genome Project confirmed that any two people share the overwhelming
majority of their genetic code. The American Association of Biological Anthropologists confirmed in 2019 that humans are not divided into fixed biological clusters. Scholars of International Relations now trace much of "race" to the colonial expansion of the seventeenth
century, a tool built to govern and extract, not a fact of biology. Empires needed categories to decide who could be taxed, indentured, or ruled, and race supplied a convenient, false certainty. None of this erases real history or lived difference. Communities
carry genuine memory, language, and inherited hardship, and that deserves respect, not dismissal. But the boxes themselves were built by policy, not nature. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights reminds us that all people are born free and equal in dignity and rights, and later international law extended that promise into a direct prohibition on racial discrimination. If a category was invented to govern people, it can be reimagined to include them instead, on their own terms. “Indo Fijians” did not choose their name, but they have chosen, again and again, to build community through language, faith, memory and resilience. Perhaps the lesson for the rest of us is this: differences are real, but the boxes we file them into were built, not born. When we see people as they define themselves, rather than as history classified them, we lay the very bridges this column is named for. The strongest communities are not those without problems,
but those willing to face them together. ABOUT THE WRITER: Sabrina Iqbal Khan is an international awardwinning filmmaker, producer and actress, a barrister to the High Court of Fiji and admitted to the Supreme Court of Victoria, 2007. She is a recipient of a Fijian Medal of Honour for community service, domestic violence awareness and poverty alleviation, and the winner of the 2025 New South Wales Human Rights Medal. Her first film, Seema, received recognition in the United States of America, where a national day was declared in honour of the film. Sabrina has also been published in the field of cross-cultural dialogue, including developing a dialogue theory recognised by the American Center for Dialogue. With heritage connected to North West India, Bengal, Afghanistan and the wider Girmit diaspora experience, she writes on humanity, storytelling, rights, and the social justice issues impacting our communities.
Conducting Yourself Gracefully Sadhguru: A very large part of the Indian population worships Rama, but if you look at the situations in his life, and the way life happened to him, it seems like a continuous series of disasters. He loses the kingdom that is rightfully his and ends up in the forest. Then his wife gets kidnapped and he has to fight a brutal war even though he does not want to. Then when he brings his wife back, he has to suffer very uncharitable comments about her from everybody around. So he takes his wife, who was very dear to him and is pregnant with two children, and leaves her in the forest. Then he unknowingly ends up in a battle against his own children and then finally loses his wife. His life was a continuous disaster. With all that, why do so many people worship Rama? The significance of Rama is not in the situations he faced in his life. The significance of Rama is with how much gracefulness he conducted himself through this series of disasters that occurred to him. Never once was he seen angry or cursing Call: (07) 3189 6535
are concerned about everybody’s wellbeing. Rama tried to manage the situations in his life, but he could not always do that. He lived in difficult times and things went out of control, but the important thing is that he always conducted himself gracefully. This is the fundamental essence of becoming spiritual. If you want the right kind of ambience for your being to flower into a beautiful fragrant flower, you must constantly create an atmosphere of grace.
someone or freaking out. He conducted everything gracefully. So people seeking liberation and a graceful life sought Rama because they understood and had the wisdom to see that external situations can go wrong at any moment. Even with lots of management,
external situations can still go wrong. You may have everything organized, but if a cyclone hits you, it can take away your home and everything. “Oh it will not happen to me,” is a foolish way to live. “Even if it happens, I will go through it gracefully,” is a wise way to live. People sought Rama,
because they saw this phenomenal wisdom. It is not the question of how much you have, what you did, what happened or what did not happen. Whatever happened, how did you conduct yourself? Does this mean to say we should not manage our life properly? No,
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we manage what is around us well because it is good for everybody. If the situation is wellmanaged it need not necessarily make me feel wonderful. I will feel wonderful only when I can conduct myself gracefully through every situation. But you manage the situation because you
Ranked amongst the fifty most influential people in India, Sadhguru is a Yogi, mystic, visionary and a New York Times bestselling author. Sadhguru has been conferred the Padma Vibhushan by the Government of India in 2017, the highest annual civilian award, accorded for exceptional and distinguished service. He is also the founder of the Conscious Planet – Save Soil movement, which has touched over 4.1 billion people, and the Miracle of Mind app, which aims to empower 3 billion people with tools for mental wellbeing.
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Basava Samiti Asia Pacific Marks another Big Month of Culture and Innovation
THE volunteer-led charity celebrated India’s 80th Independence Day across three cities, participated in Stripe Tour Event in Sydney, while preparing to refresh its website next month. Celebrating Culture Across Three Cities on India’s 80th Independence Day The charity's Independence Day events drew families, children, young people and community leaders in all three major cities, celebrating Australia's multicultural character alongside the richness of Indian heritage through music, performance and community participation. It is building bridges between
generations and communities, while promoting values of equality, dignity, service and responsible citizenship associated with the teachings of Guru Basava. In Brisbane, Mrs. Girija Karekal, Executive Director along with other community members and government officials attended the magnificent celebration at The Star Hotel which was hosted by the Consul General of India in Brisbane on the 16th Aug 2026. The BSAPAC Brisbane team also participated in the Independence Day Parade hosted by the GOPIO at the Roma Street Parklands on the
15th Aug 2026. Maria Luqman, Head of Marketing, introduced the services of Basava Samiti Asia Pacific (BASPAC), with former Australian cricket captain Shane Watson and other cricket personalities during the 80th Indian Independence Day celebrations in Sydney. BSAPAC Management Committee under the leadership of Mr. Vinay Moogi Community leaders hosted by the Indian Society of Western Australia, at the ICC on Saturday August 15th at 9am for the flag raising marking the completion of India’s 79th Independence Day.
IN THE TECH SECTOR – STRIPE TOUR 2026 In Sydney, BSAPAC also discussed the challenges of Not for Profit charities and required advancements in relation to the payment platforms at the Darling Harbour, Sydney during the Stripe Tour 2026. The event brought together leaders in technology, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, fintech and business, giving BSAPAC officers a chance to connect beyond the community sector. The Stripe Tour event carried particular significance given its own foundations are heavily digital: BSAPAC officers already voluntarily contribute professional skills across technology, education, communications, finance, marketing, design and community development. BSAPAC is a demonstration of how community impact is strengthened when professional skill and experience are connected to social cause, Guru Basava philosophy being reflected in its Learn2Grow initiatives, which delivers ethical training program in technology and workplace skills. A VOLUNTEER MODEL BUILT ON SHARED VALUES Underpinning both the celebrations and the sponsorship is a growing base of volunteers contributing their time and professional expertise to a shared cause. BSAPAC describes its model as volunteer-driven, technology-enabled and task-based, letting people contribute according to their own skills and availability, summed up in its motto, "Engage. Educate. Empower. Enlighten." It traces its philosophy to two principles associated with Guru Basava: Kāyaka, the dignity and value of meaningful work, and Dāsōha, the sharing of one's abilities and resources for the benefit of others. NEXT MONTH: A NEW WEBSITE BSAPAC's next milestone arrives next month with the launch of a refreshed website intended to make its work more visible to the public. The site will feature volunteer
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success stories, community initiatives, educational programs, cultural activities, professional development opportunities and charitable projects, it aims to offer greater transparency about how a technology-enabled volunteer charity can operate across geographical boundaries while staying connected to local
communities. BSAPAC is committed to creating opportunities for people to participate, learn, contribute and make a difference, with more programs, community engagement and collaboration planned in the months ahead. Visit Basava Samiti Asia Pacific
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AUSTRALIAN INDIAN TIMES, September 2026 — 19
The Moral Responsibility for Peace BY RAJYOGI BRAHMA KUMAR NIKUNJ JI REASON why the world has no peace today is because many nations and most individuals deny the supremacy of a moral order, in their interpersonal,inter-communal and international relationships. The number of such individuals and nations is increasing dayby-day who think that wickedness, cunningness, vice is better than virtue and violence is better than non-violence. There are whole societies or nations that think that man is merely an animal, hankering after material progress and comforts. They believe that man is satisfied merely by sense-gratification, and that he is an animal that Iives from sensation to sensation! They refuse to accept the evident, namely that man has a conscience and that he has higher aspirations, such as the aspiration for peace, calmness and bliss. Even a most degraded person also has an inner aspiration for solace, satisfaction and peace. However, they fail to realise that peace, contentment, and bliss are not the qualities of bodily cells; they are the qualities of conscient self in its state of moral
greatness. Because of their materialistic thinking and attitude, scholars have given to society what is called the materialistic interpretation of history. This view of man and history has been popularised and publicised by historians, economists and social scientists. The result is that the modern man does not believe in the supremacy of the moral law. Man has, therefore, ceased to apply human values to the problems he faces in day-to-day life. Take, for example, the problem of nuclear weapons. There have been many agitations and conferences to bring about disarmament. In the talks for disarmament or in the negotiations for reduction of nuclear weapons, the only quality brought to bear is the fear of a way and the resulting annihilation. The talks are vitiated and they do not lead to actual disarmament because no moral values are brought to bear on the problem. Thus, it can be easily said that lack of the sense of moral responsibility is, in fact, the most sinister aspect of modern civilization. In fact, the whole modern thinking of man is characterised by lack of
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THE RESULT IS THAT THE MODERN MAN DOES NOT BELIEVE IN THE SUPREMACY OF THE MORAL LAW. MAN HAS, THEREFORE, CEASED TO APPLY HUMAN VALUES TO THE PROBLEMS HE FACES IN DAYTO-DAY LIFE. TAKE, FOR EXAMPLE, THE PROBLEM OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS.
moral responsibility. A psychiatrist, today, would explain that a person committed a murder because he had developed a complex after his father had beaten him with a stick when he was a small boy! So, the responsibility is of the father who had been cruel to his son! In many other forms, the attitude that ‘I am not responsible', runs through every aspect of modern life. This has undermined the moral quality of life. So, if we now want world peace, the real effort lies in giving man a sense of moral responsibility. Let man realise that, with all
his human limitations, he can, in this life, conquer attachment, sex-lust, greed, anger and pride which are the causes of all kinds of peace lessness. And he should think that it is his moral responsibility to eliminate these because these cause peace lessness not only to him but to others as well. Today we see people killing people in the name of Religion, but has any religion ever taught its followers to kill innocent people? The chronicles of mankind or of various civilizations or nations bear witness to the truth that property
worth inestimable and incalculable amount, and millions of men have been lost in the slaughterhouse of intolerance during the last 2000 years or so because of intolerance that ensued from a hurt ego, an unfulfilled selfish motives or narrowmindedness that could not stand the existence of different views, different life-styles, different cultures and different self-interests. Can anyone calculate or imagine how many families lost their peace and harmony and how many cities and civilizations were ruined
because of intolerance? If only this virtue, called Tolerance, had been sustained—all or many other virtues also would have survived, for, when tolerance is lost, man loses his patience, selfcontrol, spirit of nonviolence, etc. Therefore it is not too late in the day, for, if even now those who are mercilessly killing innocent people begin to observe this virtue, which is greater than valour and all weapons of war put together, mankind can be saved from the scourge of wars, bloody ethnic strife, communal riots and conflict on the basis of difference in religious beliefs and can be saved from extinction through a nuclear catastrophe.
Yog in the Gita EACH chapter of the Gita ends with “Om tatsatiti shreemad bhagavadgitasu upansitsu, Brahmvidyayam yogshastre Shree Krishna Arjun samvade, title and chapter number” emphasising that the Bhagavad Gita which is the discourse between Shree Krishna and Arjun is an Upanishad, the science of Brahm and the scripture of Yog. PHILOSOPHICAL OPINION The word Upanishad has been translated in many ways. According to conventional Indian scholars, Upanishad means setting ignorance to rest by revealing the knowledge of Brahm, the supreme spirit. Adi Shankaracharya relates Upanishad to Atmavidya, that is the knowledge of the self and to Brahmavidya, which is the knowledge of the Brahm. Some Western scholars have translated the term Upanishad as ‘secret doctrine’, ‘mystic meaning’ and ‘hidden connection’. Others interpret it "to sit down near" or "sitting at the feet of a teacher," implying the transmission of profound wisdom from a guru to an eager student. Upanishads are also called Vedant, meaning the end of the Ved, because they represent the final and deepest wisdom of Vedic thoughts. There are over 200 known Upanishads of various lengths. They delve into the spiritual core of human existence and the universe, exploring relationships between the two concepts, Atama the self and Brahm the supreme. The Gita appropriately fits into the category of Upanishad. Brahmavidya is the pursuit of Brahm and self-realization. It encompasses both theoretical understanding through study of scriptures or Gyan and practical self-realisation through meditation and yog. The ultimate aim of this pursuit is Moksha, liberation, which is freedom from suffering and the cycle of rebirth. Scholars and practitioners define Brahmavidya as any dedicated quest for absolute truth and everlasting knowledge, applicable across diverse spiritual traditions. Yog is one of the six major schools of Hindu philosophy, others being Sankhya, Nyay, Vaisheshik, Mimamsa and Vedant. It focusses on achieving union with the divine by following certain prescribed approaches. The traditional yog philosophy is credited to sage Patanjali, who composed the book Yog Sutras. He states that yog is restraining the mind from wandering around. The Yog Sutras identify eight limbs of yog which are known as Yam comprising nonviolence, truthfulness, non-stealing, continence and absence of greed; Niyam comprising purity, contentment, selfdiscipline, self-study and devotion; Asan (postures); Pranayam (breathing exercises); Pratyahar (detachment); Dharan (concentration); Dhyan (meditation); and Samadi (pure consciousness). These Call: (07) 3189 6535
limbs help the practitioners achieve Moksha and union of their soul with the supreme. This approach is also called Astang or eight-limbed yog. Sankhya is one of the oldest schools of Hindu philosophy, founded by the sage Kapil. According to Sankhya, all of existence is divided into two ultimate and independent realities. They are: 1) Purush or consciousness which is the spiritual essence, pure awareness, and the eternal witness. Purush is inactive and devoid of any qualities or attributes. 2) Prakriti or matter/nature which is primal, unconscious source of the physical and psychological universe. Prakriti is active and constantly changing. Sage Kapil noted twentyfive philosophical principles from the analytical breakdown of the cosmos, hence the name Sankhya, which translates to enumeration or counting. Prakriti evolves into the physical world through the interplay of three primary qualities namely Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. Prakriti and Purusha through their interaction produce other elements, including the intellect (Mahat), the ego (Ahamkara), the mind, five senses, and the five gross elements (earth, water, fire, air, and space). In the Gita, elements of Sankhya have been discussed in the form of Sankhya yog as well as purush, prakriti and gunas. Elements of Nyay, Vaisheshik and Uttar Mimamsa have been also been briefly discussed in the Gita at various instances. The Gita synthesises various philosophical as well as practical concepts which have been relevant to the seekers of truth throughout its long history. In addition to the vast topics of Atma and Brahm, it highlights various types of yog that lead to liberation. YOG IN GITA The Bhagavad Gita stresses on the yog. Ordinarily, the yog is understood to be the practice of physical exercise by performing various postures of the body, to aid well-being of mind and body. The yog in the Gita transcends this level and provides guidance on how to become broadly accomplished in one’s life and beyond. The term yog has many meanings in the Gita. It denotes a union, a path or a discipline which leads to a state of integration with the object of one’s interest. The Sankhya yog (path of Sankhya); the Gyan yog (path of knowledge), the Karma yog (path of action), the Dhyan yog (path of meditation), the Bhakti yog (path of devotion), the Sannyas yog (path of renunciation) and others are examined. These are the different routes to attain perfection in life and union with the Brahm after death. Elements of Patanjali’s Astang yog such as concentration, meditation, samadhi have been discussed in some chapters. Patanjali Yog Sutras define yog with ‘yog chitavriti nirodhah’, which is translated as ‘yog is
restraining fluctuation of the mind’. Whereas Gita defines yog in BG 2:48 as ‘samatvam yog uchyate’, conferring tranquillity of mind to be yog. In BG 2:50 it states ‘yogah karmashu kaushalam’ that is yog is skill in action. SANKHYA YOG In chapter 2 of the Gita, Sankhya yog provides the distinction between the eternal unchanging soul and the transient physical body. It is anticipated that understanding this concept will influence believers to overcome grief and subsequently perform their duties with peace and detachment. Sankhya yog encompasses a number of core elements that include Vivek or discernment, the immortality of the soul, equanimity and duty, and the path to liberation. GYAN YOG It is the path of intellectual inquiry, discrimination, and self-analysis aimed at recognising the self and its ultimate unity with the Brahm. It operates on the premise that the embodied self is inherently divine but is clouded by ignorance and ego. By using wisdom and arduous introspection, a practitioner learns to detach from material desires and distinguish between truth and illusion. This topic has been discussed in several chapters of the Gita. For example, BG 2:11-30 delves into separation of the embodied self (soul) from the body and on selfenquiry. Chapter 4 is dedicated to wisdom and spiritual knowledge. The virtues of Gyan are praised in many verses. In BG 4:38, Gyan is described as the ultimate purifier that can be used to destroy the illusion of ignorance. In Chapter 7, the focus is on knowledge of the absolute truth and the realisation of divine presence in all things. In BG 18:2022, qualities of knowledge classified as sattvik, rajasi and tamasi are detailed. KARMA YOG The core philosophy of the Bhagavad Gita, is the path of selfless action. It encourages one to perform one’s prescribed duty, but remain wholly detached from the results of the action. By working with integrity and without craving rewards, one should avoid karmic bondage and move towards inner peace. In BG 2:47, it is stated, “Your right is to your action alone and never to its fruits at any time. Fruits of action should never be your motive, neither let your attachment be to inaction.” BG 3:5 - “No one can remain still, even for a moment without performing action. Everyone is forced to perform action against one’s will by the impulses born of innate nature.” BG 3:30 – “Submitting all actions to me, with your mind fixed on the indwelling self, and becoming free from any thought of gain or sense of www.indiantimes.com.au
ownership, shake off your lethargy and fight.” Work should be treated as a form of sacrifice and surrendered to the divine. DHYAN YOG It is a spiritual discipline focused on achieving selfrealization, inner stillness, and mastery over the mind. It is explained in detail in chapter 6 of the Bhagavad Gita, Atma Sanyam Yog. Dhyan requires controlled breathing, balanced living, and an unwavering concentration on the supreme. It is the practical discipline of training the mind to transcend fluctuations and rest in the self. The Gita instructs that through balanced living, mental discipline, and steady contemplation, one can achieve spiritual liberation. Arjun confesses that controlling the mind is difficult as it is restless, blustery, powerful and obstinate. Subduing it is as difficult as controlling the wind (BG 6:33-34). Krishna explains that mastery requires two key pillars: consistent and sincere practice over time, and detachment from the distractions of worldly attractions and sense gratification. The practice involves gently but firmly withdrawing the flickering mind from worldly attachments and returning its focus entirely on the self. By doing this repeatedly and systematically, the mind eventually achieves a state of deep, serene, and unbroken concentration. Meditation succeeds when supported by a balanced lifestyle. The Gita advises against extremes - neither eating too much nor starving, and neither sleeping too much nor sleep deprivation. Dhyana is also one of the limbs of the Patanjali Yog Sutra. It focuses on deep contemplation, singlepointed concentration, and transcending the mind to achieve inner harmony and oneness with the self. BHAKTI YOG It is the spiritual path of loving devotion and surrender to God. Lord Krishna emphasizes it as the most direct and accessible way to obtain spiritual liberation. Chapter 12 of the Bhagavad Gita focuses on the subject of worshipping a personal deity and the Nirgun Brahm (formless Absolute). The Gita states that the devotion to a personal form is much easier and more natural for human beings. In BG12:8-11, a step-bystep approach to attaining the Supreme is offered, that includes: • Concentrating the mind and intellect entirely on God. • If one is unable to do so, then practicing Abhyas yog is advised, namely constant remembrance of the divine through devotion. • If that is also difficult, then one is guided to perform all daily works selflessly for God. • If one cannot even
accomplish that, surrender of the fruits of actions and seeking inner peace is advised. In BG 12:13-20, ideal characteristics of a Bhakti Yogi are outlined as follows: • Equanimity in both happiness and distress. • Compassion, humility, and being free from ego and attachment. • Freedom from malice and the ability to forgive easily. SANNYAS YOG The Bhagavad Gita primarily refers to Gyan Karma Sannyas Yog (the yog of renunciation of action in knowledge) in chapter 4; Karma Sannyas Yog (the yog of renunciation of action) in chapter 5; and Moksh Sannyas Yog (the yog of liberation through renunciation) in chapter 18. Sannyas is generally understood as the formal renunciation of all worldly duties and desires. It is also known as the fourth stage of one’s life, the other three being 1) Brahmacharya or stage of learning, 2) Grihastha or householder stage and 3) Vanaprastha stage, which is transition from the householder to Sannyas. In the Gita, Sannyas yog bridges the gap between formal ascetic renunciation and selfless action. It reveals that true renunciation is detaching oneself from the fruits of one’s work rather than abandoning action itself. Karma yog is the execution of righteous duty without attachment to the outcome. The Gita synthesises both and asserts that Karma yog (selfless action) is practically superior and safer than outward Sannyas, and ultimately, they both lead to the same spiritual goal. Chapter 4 of the Gita focuses on the yoga of knowledge and the renunciation of actions in knowledge. It explains how true understanding burns away the reactions of all actions, making one free from material bondage. Chapter 5 of the Gita addresses Arjun’s confusion regarding the better path renouncing work entirely or performing work selflessly. Krishna concludes that a true Sannyasi (renouncer) is one who neither hates nor desires the fruits of their actions, merging both paths into one. Chapter 18 of the Gita clarifies the distinction between Sannyas (renunciation of desiredriven action) and Tyag (relinquishment of attachment to the results of action). It emphasizes that one must never abandon their essential duties like charity, austerity, and sacrifice, but to perform them with detachment. Finally, Krishna addresses Arjun by saying “fix your mind on me, be devoted to me, sacrifice to me, bow down to me. In this way you will come to me. I promise you, for you are truly dear to me.” —Awadhesh Sharma www.hinduguru.com.au.
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‘Lagna Panchami’ brings Marathi theatre to Brisbane in its first international show Brisbane’s Marathi community had plenty to laugh about on Sunday evening as Lagna Panchami, one of the latest Marathi theatrical productions featuring popular actors Swapnil Joshi and Amruta Khanvilkar, made its first international stop in Brisbane as part of its proposed world tour. The show, organised in Brisbane by C&G Entertainment, was held on Sunday, 2 August at the Star Theatre, Wynnum State High School. The Brisbane performance was a soldout, house-full event, giving the production an encouraging start to its international journey. For the audience, however, the evening was about more than simply watching a popular Marathi play. Lagna Panchami takes a familiar subject, marriage, and looks at the many personalities, expectations, misunderstandings and moments that emerge once two people begin sharing a life together. Presented with plenty of humour and everyday situations, the story found an easy connection with
the Brisbane audience. There was laughter throughout the performance, with many of the situations on stage striking a familiar chord with couples and families in the audience. For Brisbane’s Marathi-speaking community, having a production of this scale
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and calibre on the local stage was particularly special. “Living in Brisbane, we don't often get an opportunity to watch a Marathi play of this scale with such a wonderful cast. For those two hours, it genuinely felt like we had brought a little bit of Maharashtra to
Brisbane,” said Pradnya, who attended the performance. For younger Marathi Australians, the experience offered a different connection to the language and culture. “I grew up in Australia, so watching Marathi theatre here was a different experience for me. I understood the humour and the cultural references, but it also made me appreciate something that my parents grew up with,” said Chinmayi. The evening became even more memorable after the curtain call, when the cast took time to interact with the Brisbane audience. Fans had the opportunity to meet Swapnil Joshi and Amruta Khanvilkar, take photographs with the actors and share their appreciation for the performance. For many in the audience, the opportunity to see familiar faces from Marathi cinema and television perform live on stage, followed by a personal interaction with the artists, added another dimension to the evening. The production brings together an experienced creative and performing team, with Swapnil Joshi and Amruta Khanvilkar leading the cast alongside Madhugandha Kulkarni who has also written the play herseld and of course the versatile Sunil Abhyankar. For Khanvilkar, Lagna Panchami also marks an important step into Marathi theatre. The successful Brisbane show also highlights the growing appetite for Marathi cultural and entertainment events in Queensland. Brisbane’s Indian
community has grown significantly over the years, and so has the demand for events that bring audiences closer to the languages, traditions and performing arts they grew up with. For the Marathi community in particular, live theatre provides something that digital entertainment cannot quite replicate: sitting together in a theatre, sharing the same jokes, recognising the same cultural references and experiencing the performance collectively. For C&G Entertainment, bringing Lagna Panchami to Brisbane represented another significant milestone in what has already been a busy and rewarding year of bringing quality Marathi and Indian entertainment to Queensland. Throughout 2026, C&G Entertainment has worked to steadily broaden the range and scale of cultural experiences available to Brisbane audiences. Its calendar has included acclaimed Marathi theatre productions such as Kutumb Kirrtan, the devotional musical experience Abhangwari featuring internationally acclaimed vocalist Mahesh Kale, Marathi cinema screenings, and now Lagna Panchami — with each event offering audiences a different connection to Maharashtra’s rich artistic and cultural traditions. Community coverage of Abhangwari also recognised C&G Entertainment’s growing contribution to Brisbane’s cultural landscape through its program of theatre, comedy and musical performances. The organisation’s focus has been not
simply on staging events, but on helping create a sustainable platform in Brisbane for high-quality Marathi theatre, music, cinema and performing arts, while encouraging leading artists and production houses from India to increasingly view Brisbane as an important destination alongside Australia’s larger traditional touring markets. The sold-out response to Lagna Panchami was therefore particularly encouraging. Having Brisbane chosen as the production’s first international performance outside India, and then welcoming the team with a full house, demonstrated both the enthusiasm of the local Marathi community and Brisbane’s growing potential as a destination for major Marathi productions. C&G Entertainment is already looking to continue that momentum. Its next presentation, Sambhavami Yuge Yuge, is scheduled for 4 September at the Queensland Multicultural Centre — a Bharatanatyam-based Dance Drama exploring the timeless philosophy and teachings of Lord Krishna through dance, music and theatrical storytelling. For C&G Entertainment, the broader ambition remains simple: to keep bringing diverse, professionally presented and culturally meaningful entertainment to Brisbane, while giving the local community more opportunities to experience the artists, stories and traditions of India live on a Brisbane stage. The success of the show, particularly its sold-out Brisbane performance and enthusiastic audience response, could also signal a growing opportunity for more major Marathi productions and artists to include Brisbane in their international touring plans. As the audience left the Star Theatre, the evening had clearly delivered what good theatre is meant to do: make people laugh, connect with a story and, for a few hours, feel a little closer to home. For Brisbane’s Marathi community, Lagna Panchami was not just a night at the theatre. It was a little piece of Maharashtra arriving on an international stage, and Brisbane was proud to give it a full house.
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AUSTRALIAN INDIAN TIMES, September 2026 — 23
Under auspices of VISHV HINDI PARISHAD )Australia(
हिन्दू काउं सिल ऑफ ऑस्ट्रेलिया का 'गार्गी पुरस्कार 2026': महिला नेतत्व ृ और प्रतिभा का भव्य उत्सव; क््वी ींसलैैंड की प्रख्यात लेखिका डॉ. मधु खन्ना सम्मानित
एडिलेड/ब्रिस्बेन: हिन्दू काउं सिल ऑफ ऑस्ट् रे लिया (HCA) लगातार प्रवासी समुदाय को सशक्त बनाने, भारतीय संस्कृति को सहेजने और समाज मेें उत्कृष्ट योगदान दे ने वाली प्रतिभाओं को सम्मानित करने मेें अग्रणी भूमिका निभा रहा है । इसी कड़ी मेें, हाल ही मेें एडिलेड मेें आयोजित 'गार्गी पुरस्कार 2026' (Gargi Awards 2026) ने ऑस्ट् रे लिया भर की असाधारण महिलाओं की उपलब्धियों को एक गौरवशाली मंच प्रदान किया। प्राचीन भारत की महान विदु षी और दार््शनिक गार्गी वाचकनवी के नाम पर स्थापित ये पुरस्कार उन महिलाओं के साहस, बुद्धिमत्ता, नेतृत्व और समाज सेवा के जज्बे को सलाम करते हैैं , जो एक मजबूत और अधिक समावेशी ऑस्ट् रे लिया के निर््ममाण मेें जुटी हैैं । महिला नेतृत्व और विभिन्न क्षेत््रोों का सम्मान HCA के दक्षिण ऑस्ट् रे लिया (SA) चैप्टर द्वारा आयोजित इस भव्य समारोह
मेें कला, विज्ञान, पत्रकारिता, शिक्षा, समाज सेवा, खेल और साहित्य जैसे विभिन्न क्षेत््रोों की दिग्गज महिलाओं और फाइनलिस््टोों को सम्मानित किया गया। इस अवसर पर विभिन्न राजनीतिक और सामाजिक हस्तियों ने शिरकत की, जिनमेें सां सद, मंत्री और सामुदायिक संगठनों के प्रमुख प्रतिनिधि शामिल रहे। कार््यक्रम मेें गूंजने वाली प्रेरणादायक कहानियों ने यह
साबित कर दिया कि आज की महिलाएं हर क्षेत्र मेें अपनी मजबूत छाप छोड़ रही हैैं । क््वीींसलैैंड की गौरवशाली उपस्थिति: डॉ. मधु खन्ना को भाषा और शिक्षा पुरस्कार इस प्रतिष्ठित राष्ट्रीय आयोजन मेें क््वीींसलैैंड राज्य का प्रतिनिधित्व करते हुए प्रख्यात हिं दी लेखिका, शिक्षिका और सां स्कृतिक हस्ती डॉ. मधु खन्ना को ‘भाषा और शिक्षा पुरस्कार
' (Language and Education) श्रेणी मेें प्रतिष्ठित गार्गी पुरस्कार से सम्मानित किया गया। डॉ. मधु खन्ना ऑस्ट् रे लिया मेें भारतीय साहित्य, विशेष रूप से हिं दी भाषा के संवर्दद्धन और प्रचार-प्रसार मेें एक अत्यंत सम्मानित हस्ताक्षर हैैं । 'विश्व हिं दी परिषद, ऑस्ट् रे लिया' की अध्यक्ष के रूप मेें उनकी सेवाएं , उनकी ओजस्वी कविताएं , लघु कथाएं और लेख प्रवासी भारतीयों की नई पीढ़़ी को
अपनी जड़़ोों से जोड़़े रखने मेें महत्वपूर््ण भूमिका निभा रहे हैैं । एक विशेष शिक्षा शिक्षक (Special Education Teacher) के रूप मेें समाज के प्रति उनका समर््पण और बहुमुखी कला एवं संस्कृति के क्षेत्र मेें उनका योगदान अनुकरणीय है । क््वीींसलैैंड से इस प्रतिष्ठित पुरस्कार को प्राप्त कर उन््होोंन�े न केवल अपने राज्य का मान बढ़़ाया है , बल्कि संपूर््ण भारतीयऑस्ट् रे लियाई समुदाय को गौरवान्वित किया है ।
निष्कर््ष गार्गी पुरस्कार 2026 ने यह सिद्ध कर दिया है कि ऑस्ट् रे लियाई समाज मेें भारतीय मूल की महिलाएं अपनी मेहनत, प्रतिभा और समर््पण से हर मोर्चे पर मील का पत्थर साबित हो रही हैैं । ऐसे आयोजन न केवल वर््तमान पीढ़़ी की उपलब्धियों को सराहते हैैं , बल्कि आने वाली पीढ़़ियों को भी नेतृत्व और उत्कृष्टता के मार््ग पर चलने के लिए निरं तर प्रेरित करते हैैं ।
Australia is at a Crossroads Statement: Wilderness Society THE Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia (FECCA) calls on all Australians, including political leaders from all parties, to unequivocally reject divisive narratives on migration. Migration has shaped modern Australia into a dynamic, innovative and globally connected society. It has strengthened our economy, filled critical workforce gaps, enriched our cultural life and built resilient, diverse communities grounded in shared values of fairness and opportunity. We are not a nation that needs discriminatory migration policies. Australia’s migration system must remain grounded in fair, consistent, and evidencebased processes applied equally to all applicants. Any approach that introduces vague or subjective interpretations of “values” risks creating uneven scrutiny and discretionary decisionmaking, which may disproportionately affect certain communities. Such approaches may also have unintended consequences for family reunion pathways, by introducing additional barriers or uncertainty for individuals seeking to reunite with loved ones. Family unity is a
MIGRATION HAS SHAPED MODERN AUSTRALIA INTO A DYNAMIC, INNOVATIVE AND GLOBALLY CONNECTED SOCIETY. IT HAS STRENGTHENED OUR ECONOMY, FILLED CRITICAL WORKFORCE GAPS, ENRICHED OUR CULTURAL LIFE AND BUILT RESILIENT, DIVERSE COMMUNITIES GROUNDED IN SHARED VALUES OF FAIRNESS AND OPPORTUNITY. well-established driver of successful settlement, supporting social cohesion, economic participation, and overall wellbeing. There is no evidence to support assumptions that people from particular regions or political systems are less likely to contribute positively to Australian society. On the contrary, Australia’s success as a multicultural nation has been shaped by generations of migrants from diverse backgrounds, many of whom have come from conflict-affected or nondemocratic contexts and have gone on to make significant social, economic, and civic contributions. Australia’s migration program must remain fair, humane and responsive one that recognises the contribution of migrants while upholding our responsibility to people
24 — AUSTRALIAN INDIAN TIMES, September 2026
seeking asylum and humanitarian protection. Those who come to Australia in search of safety, dignity and a new beginning contribute to the social fabric of our country and reflect the very values we aspire to uphold as a peaceful, democratic nation. This is the Australia we must shape together: confident in its identity, generous in its outlook, and united in its commitment to equity and inclusion. Our migration standards should not decline but rather be strengthened to meet the needs of a modern, diverse and forwardlooking nation. Australia must stand proudly as a modern nation of migrants, grounded in and strengthened by the enduring cultures and resilience of First Nations peoples.
calls on Coles to deliver on deforestation-free beef pledge
EMILY Dickson, Queensland Campaigns Manager for the Wilderness Society, said: “Coles promised to tackle deforestation in its beef supply chain, but a year on that promise is yet to be delivered. Coles has a clear responsibility to ensure the beef they sell isn’t driving the destruction of Australia’s forest and bushland. “We welcome Coles’ commitment to work collaboratively with industry, government and environmental groups to find solutions. But customers deserve more than a promise, they deserve a clear, timebound plan to make beef deforestation-free. “The Wilderness Society is calling
on Coles to provide timebound plans for full deforestation-free verification across its entire beef supply chain, rather than relying on voluntary supplier optins. Coles must provide a timebound plan to implement lifetime beef traceability beyond just the last place of consignment. “Australia is a globally recognised deforestation hotspot, and agriculture remains the biggest driver of forest and bushland destruction in Queensland and across Australia - with the majority of the destruction for beef pastures. Coles has enormous purchasing power and should use it to drive
better outcomes. The Wilderness Society is calling on the federal government to take the lead in tackling deforestation across Australian supply chains. “The federal government needs to set a clear target and roadmap to end deforestation in Australian supply chains, backed by urgent investment in national deforestation monitoring, early detection and agricultural traceability. “Farm-to-fork traceability is essential to prove sustainability, protect nature and safeguard market access for Australian producers." said Emily Dickson, Queensland Campaigns Manager at the Wilderness Society.
प्रभु यीशु की ब्रह््माांडीय पुष्टि - उत्तरी क्रॉस तारामंडल यह रिपोर््ट अंतरिक्ष मेें मौजूद कलाकृतियों की खास मौजूदगी को दिखाती है जो प्रभु यीशु के दिव्य स्वभाव की ओर इशारा करती हैैं । फोकस उत्तरी क्रॉस पर है , लेकिन यकीन मानिए, हमारे आसमान मेें और भी कई कन्फर्मेशन मौजूद हैैं ! प्रभु यीशु की ब्रह््माांडीय पुष्टि - उत्तरी क्रॉस तारामंडल उत्तरी क्रॉस सिग्नस (हं स) तारामंडल के पाँ च सबसे चमकीले तारे हैैं । डेनेब, अल्फा सिग्नस, (α Cyg), अल्बिरियो, बीटा सिग्नस, जिसका मतलब है 'चोंच', (β Cyg), सद्र, गामा सिग्नस, जिसका मतलब है 'छाती', (γ Cyg), फवारिस, डेल्टा सिग्नस, जिसका मतलब है 'सवार', (δ Cyg), अलजानाह, एप्सिलॉन सिग्नस, जिसका मतलब है 'पंख', (ε Cyg). उत्तरी क्रॉस प्राचीन लोगों की पवित्र जगहों के साथ बहुत सटीक रूप से संरेखित है । उनका मानना था कि आकाशगंगा की महान दरार परलोक का प्रवेश द्वार है । आकाशगंगा की महान दरार हमारी गैलेक्सी के इक्वेटर और उत्तरी क्रॉस के सेेंटर के पास, खाली जगह जैसी
Call: (07) 3189 6535
दिखने वाली एक काली पट्टी है । असल मेें, यह धूल का एक घना बादल है जो गैलेक्टिक डिस्क से आने वाली चमकदार तारों की रोशनी को अपने पीछे रोकता है । पुराने समय मेें, महान दरार शीतकालीन अयनां त पर उगते सूरज के ऊपर होती थी। शीतकालीन अयनां त साल की सबसे लंबी रात होती है । क््योोंक�ि शीतकालीन अयनां त के बाद दिन लंबे हो जाते हैैं , इसलिए पुराने ज़माने के लोग मानते थे कि आकाशगंगा की महान दरार ही मरने के बाद की ज़़ििंदगी से जुड़ने का रास्ता है । गैलेक्टिक/मंदाकिनीय तल पर प्लॉट किया गया उत्तरी क्रॉस का लंबा हिस्सा, आकाशगंगीय गैलेक्टिक भूमध्य रे खा के समानां तर है । इसके अलावा, ऐसी गहरी चीज़ें भी हैैं जो बिना मदद के आँ खों से दिखाई नहीं दे तीं... सिग्नस OB2 कोकून, हमारी गैलेक्सी के सबसे नए, सबसे चमकीले, सबसे गर््म और सबसे बड़़े तारों का तारकीय पालना है । यह हमारी गैलेक्सी के इस हिस्से मेें सबसे बड़़ा तारा बनाने वाला इलाका है , फिर भी यह आकाशगंगा की महान दरार के पीछे छिपा हुआ है । सिग्नस OB2 कोकून आकाशगंगा
मेें सबसे चमकीली गामा किरणों का सोर््स है ! गामाकिरणेें रोशनी की सबसे ज़््यादा इं टेेंसिटी होती हैैं । इस रोशनी मेें रिकॉर््ड पर सबसे चमकीला फोटॉन, 1.4 पेटाइलेक्ट् रॉन वोल्ट "पेवाट््ररॉन" शामिल है । रिकॉर््ड की गई तीव्रता 1.4 क्वाड््ररिलियन (1.4 x 10¹⁵) इलेक्ट् रॉन वोल्ट थी!! सिग्नस OB2 कोकून ओरायन निहारिका (M42) के तारा बनाने वाले क्षेत्र से दस गुना बड़़ा है । सिग्नस OB2 कोकून प्रभु यीशु के दिव्य आभा मेें स्थित है , जहाँ उनका प्रभामंडल छिपा हुआ है । WR140 कैटलॉग मेें 140वां वोल्फ-रे एट तारा है । 30 सोलर मास वाले O-टाइप सुपरजायंट तारे और 10 सोलर मास
वाले वोल्फ-रे एट तारे के युग्म तारा प्रणाली से निकली धूल के कंसेेंट्�्ररि क शेल, 70,000 एस्ट् रोनॉमिकल यूनिट (AU) चौड़़े फिंगरप््रििंट जैसे दिखते हैैं । 2022 मेें नए जेम्स वेब अवरक्त अंतरिक्ष दू रदर्शी (JWST) से पहली बार इमेज मिलने पर, एस्ट् रोनॉमर््स ने इसे ब्रह््माांडीय फिंगरप््रििंट नाम दिया। वोल्फरे एट 140 आसमान मेें डेनेब (α Cyg) , सद्र (γ Cyg), और फवारिस (δ Cyg) तारों से बने ट््ररायंगल के सेेंटर मेें है । NGC 6888, अर््धचंद्र निहारिका। प्रभु यीशु का पवित्र हृदय इस्लाम का अर््धचंद्र लिए हुए है ! अर््धचंद्र निहारिका एक विशाल हृदय जैसा दिखता है , जो 25 प्रकाशवर््ष चौड़़ा है । सिग्नस X-1 एक युग्म
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तारा प्रणाली मेें ब्लैकहोल है , जिसके साथ HDE 226868 नाम का एक O-टाइप सुपरजायंट साथी तारा है । वे हमारे सूर््य और बुध के बीच की दू री के आधे से अलग हैैं ! या 0.2 एस्ट् रोनॉमिकल यूनिट् स (AU)। वे हर 5.6 दिन मेें एक दूसरे का चक्कर लगाते हैैं ! सिग्नस X-1 लगभग उत्तरी क्रॉस तारामंडल पर रूढ़़िवादी क्रॉस का तिरछा पादपीठ की जगह के बराबर है । सिग्नस X-1 खोजा गया पहला ब्लैक होल था; इसका पता 1964 मेें इससे निकलने वाले शक्तिशाली X-रे उत्सर््जन से चला था। सिग्नस X-1 का ब्लैक होल प्रति सेकंड 800 बार घूमता है ; यह रफ़््तार इसकी सैद््धाांतिक सीमा के 99.8% से भी ज़््यादा है ! उत्तरी क्रॉस तारामंडल के नीचे, 'खोपड़़ी का स्थान' गोलगोथा मेें, गामा-किरण विस्फोट GRB 221009A है । यह अब तक का सबसे चमकीला गामा-किरण विस्फोट (GRB) था, जो 9 अक्टू बर, 2022 को हुआ था। यह गामा-किरण विस्फोट (GRB) इतना शक्तिशाली था कि पृथ्वी पर इसे हमारे सूरज से आने वाले एक मध्यम स्तर के सौर तूफ़़ान के रूप मेें
महसूस किया गया, जबकि यह 100 ट््ररिलियन गुना ज़््यादा दू री से आया था। 10 मिनट की इस चमक के बाद 10 घंटे तक एक मशाल दिखाई दी। इसकी सबसे ज़््यादा तीव्रता मौजूदा रिकॉर््ड गामा-किरण विस्फोट से 50 से 70 गुना ज़््यादा थी! यह विस्फोट प्रभु यीशु की कब्र से आने वाली रोशनी को दिखाता है । GRB 221009A विस्फोट का टाइमस्टै म्प 13:16 (घंटे:मिनट) यूनिवर््सल टाइम था। 13:16 यूनिवर््सल टाइम का संबंध बाइबिल के जॉन 3:16 और मैथ्यू 3:16 वचनों से है । 'वन' का इशारा दाहिनी तर््जनी उं गली को ऊपर उठाना है ; यह प्रतीकात्मक रूप से ईश्वर की एकता को दर््शशाता है ! 'वन' का इशारा और '3:16' मुस्लिम और ईसाई मान्यताओं का सार हैैं !! मुझे उम्मीद है कि खुलासे रोमां चक रहे होंगे! मुझे ये रिपोर््ट लिखने मेें बहुत मज़़ा आया। यह रिपोर््ट दु निया को क्रू र ज़़ुल्म के खिलाफ़ एकजुट करने के लिए काफ़़ी नहीं थी, फ़़िलिस्तीन मेें हमेशा प्रभु यीशु रहेें गे, और मुझे उम्मीद है कि हम 7.7 बिलियन लोगों को अपने मकसद के लिए जोड़ पाएं गे, आमीन!
AUSTRALIAN INDIAN TIMES, September 2026 — 25
Who, What, Where, When...
Community spotlight
WAMCI 2026 Multicultural Festival Celebrates Cultural Diversity
Taal Events 26 — AUSTRALIAN INDIAN TIMES, September 2026
Who, What, Where, When...
Drug Awareness program in Fiji Call: (07) 3189 6535
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AUSTRALIAN INDIAN TIMES, September 2026 — 27
Navratri: Awakening the Inner Shakti NAVRATRI is traditionally celebrated as nine sacred nights dedicated to the divine feminine. During these nine days, people worship different forms of the Goddess, sing devotional songs, observe fasting, and pray for blessings. The festival concludes with Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, representing the victory of goodness over evil. Beyond its ceremonies and celebrations, Navratri carries a profound spiritual message. Each day invites us to recognise and awaken the divine qualities already present within us. The battle between good and evil is not only an event described in ancient stories; it is also an inner battle that every person faces through their thoughts, emotions, choices, and actions. UNDERSTANDING THE SYMBOLS Many traditional Navratri rituals contain meaningful spiritual symbolism. Seeds are planted and regularly watered, flowers are offered, a lamp is kept burning, prayers and fasting are observed, and a sacred fire ceremony may be performed. Spiritually, the pot can represent the human intellect, while the water represents spiritual knowledge. When spiritual understanding continuously nourishes our thoughts, they become clearer, more positive, and more powerful. The germinating seeds symbolise the successful results of sincere spiritual effort, while flowers represent the growth of divine virtues in our lives. The constantly burning diya, or lamp, represents the awakening of our inner light - the awareness that our true identity is the peaceful and spiritual being within. When this awareness becomes strong, we are better able to connect our mind with the Supreme and receive the strength needed to overcome negative habits and weaknesses. THE EIGHT ARMS OF THE GODDESS The goddess is often portrayed with several arms, each holding a symbolic weapon. These images do not necessarily refer to physical power. They can be understood as representations of the inner spiritual powers needed to face the challenges of everyday life. The eight arms symbolise eight important powers of the soul: the power to withdraw, co-operate, face, discriminate, judge, accommodate, tolerate, and pack up unnecessary thoughts. These qualities develop when the mind and intellect are strengthened through spiritual knowledge and meditation. The power to withdraw helps us step away from overthinking, emotional reactions, and unnecessary
negativity. Just as a tortoise withdraws its limbs when protection is needed, we can learn to turn our attention inward and preserve our peace and energy. The power to cooperate encourages us to recognise the positive qualities of others and support them through our thoughts, words, and actions. Genuine cooperation creates unity and allows individuals and communities to overcome difficulties together. The power to face gives us the courage to accept what has happened and focus on what can be done next. Rather than becoming overwhelmed by setbacks, we learn from them and move forward with greater strength. The powers to discriminate and judge help us recognise the difference between right and wrong and then make decisions based on truth, wisdom and inner stability. Our future is shaped by the choices we
28 — AUSTRALIAN INDIAN TIMES, September 2026
make today, so a calm and clear intellect is essential. The power to accommodate teaches us to accept that every person is different. Acceptance does not always mean agreement; it means listening respectfully, considering another person’s perspective and working with their strengths rather than concentrating only on their weaknesses. The power to tolerate is not weakness. It is the ability to remain flexible and peaceful during difficult circumstances. Like a tree that continues to give fruit even when stones are thrown at it, spiritual strength enables us to respond with goodness regardless of what we receive from others. The power to pack up allows us to finish unnecessary thoughts and mentally detach from situations when needed. This detachment makes the mind more efficient,
balanced peaceful.
wisdom,
and
THE REAL VICTORY OF DUSSEHRA On the tenth day, Dussehra is celebrated by burning an effigy of Ravana. Spiritually, Ravana’s ten heads represent the five vices - lust, anger, greed, attachment, balanced, and ego - present within both men and women. Therefore, the real victory of Dussehra is not simply the burning of an external figure; it is freedom from the negative tendencies within ourselves. The deeper source of these vices is bodyconsciousness - forgetting our spiritual identity and becoming controlled by ego, possessions, appearances, and expectations. Raja Yoga meditation helps us return to the awareness that we are souls whose original qualities are peace, love, purity, wisdom, and happiness. Through this
awareness and a connection with the Supreme Soul, we gradually gain the strength to transform negative habits. This Navratri, let us not limit the celebration to rituals alone. Let us awaken the Shakti within by cultivating peaceful thoughts, wise decisions, courage, tolerance, cooperation, and compassion. When we conquer anger with peace, ego with humility, and hatred with love, Navratri and Dussehra become living experiences rather than annual observances. Brahma Kumaris Shailer Park provides free courses in Raja Yoga meditation, positive thinking, and anger management. For further information, contact 0452 620 674 or email shailerpark@ au.brahmakumaris.org. Visit brahmakumaris. org.au to learn more and discover upcoming events near your location.
Physical Propulsion, Psychic Propensities and Spiritual Attainment 1 January 1987 DMC, Tiljala, Calcutta By Shrii Shrii Anandamurti
THE subject of todayʼs discourse is “Physical Propulsion, Psychic Propensities and Spiritual Attainment.” Wherever there is any physical structure, be it animate or inanimate, there is certain propulsion, or you may say propensive propulsion. In the case of inanimate objects the propulsion is of physical nature. In magnets there are certain characteristics. In water there are certain characteristics. These are all their physical propulsions or propensive propulsions. In the case of animated structures, in animals or in human bodies, the propulsion is based on psychic specialities. That is, the propulsion is psycho-physical. Everything moves in this universe; everywhere there is expressed dynamicity. Nothing is static in this universe of ours. Not only in the realm of physicality, but in the psychic stratum also there is, we find, this movement. In the psychic stratum, rather in the psychic arena, the movement takes place through different propensities and with the help of certain inferences. So the mental structure of each animate body moves sometimes with proper acceleration, sometimes with retardation. Where there is retardation, a day will come when the mental structure will get crudified and become one with crude or material objects. Those who have not got any subtle ideology or goal are sure to become one with the crude world, one with the physical world, one with the world of atoms and electrons. What a dangerous situation! They will lose their identities and become one with the dust of the earth. So it is the duty of each and every sane human being to see that there remains movement in his or her mind, in his or her mental world, and that mental world, that mental movement should be charged with proper acceleration, because when there is no acceleration, retardation is sure to take place. Now in the realm of physicality, in the stratum of physicality, there is some urge and there is some movement, rather actional movement. This urge is psycho-physical. What is this urge? Phalisyatiiti vishvásah siddherprathama lakśańam Dvitiiyaḿ shraddhayá yuktaḿ trtiiyaḿ Call: (07) 3189 6535
gurupújanam? Caturtho samatábhávo paiṋcamendriyanigrahah Saśtá iṋca pramitáháro saptamaḿ naeva vidyate. In this phase of physicality, the first item of the psychophysical urge is the firm determination that “I must be successful in my mission.” This firm determination is the first requisite factor. The second item is that one should have respect for oneʼs goal. “Shrat + dhá = shraddhá.” “Shrat” means satyam, the Supreme Veracity, and “dhá” means movement towards that. So “shraddhá” means movement towards the Supreme Veracity. Sometimes people wrongly understand the word “shraddhá”. Shrat satyaḿ Tasmin dhiiyate yásá shraddhá. Trtiiyam gurupújanam: one should do as per the gospels of the preceptor. Caturtho samatábhávo: one must have balanced mind, that is, one must establish Pramá within and without i.e., in the physical, psychic and spiritual spheres. If Pramá is lost, it must be restored immediately. Paiṋcamendriya nigrahah: one must have self-restraint, one must not be goaded by crude propensities. How can a person who has no control over himself or herself, exercise control over others? It is not possible. ́ aiṋca And “Śaśth pramitá́ háro”: one must have a balanced diet. “Whatever I get, that I will eat” – this must not be the policy of a sane being. This human body is a composite of protoplasmic cells, and these protoplasmic cells are made of the food we take in. If the food and drink is defective, then the protoplasmic cells will also become defective, and the human mind, which is the collective mind of so many protoplasmic minds, will also become defective. That is why támasik or static food has a negative influence on the human mind. These are the requisite factors. And in the psychic sphere, when the mind proceeds internally towards its Supreme Fulfilment, there will also be three separate stages for accelerated progress: Prańipátena pariprashnena sevayá. Prańipáta means surrendering oneself before oneʼs goal. The attitude of selfsurrender is represented by sáśtá uṋga-prańáma, which means to lie flat
in a straight line like a rod. The idea is, however crooked I may be to others, to my ideology I am as simple and straight as a rod. That is why I lie prostrate. When one surrenders before oneʼs ideology, one will automatically attain self-knowledge. One need not move here and there in pursuit of self-knowledge. Idaḿ tiirtham idaḿ tiirthaḿ bhramanti támasáh janáh. Átmátiirthaḿ na jánanti kathaḿ mokśa varánane. Here is a place of pilgrimage: if one takes a holy dip in this holy place of pilgrimage one will acquire one sort of merit. Over there is another place of pilgrimage: if one pours water on the deity over there one acquires another sort of merit. One does not acquire any spiritual progress in this way. This is not the path of true spirituality. One will have to move internally. So only a person who surrenders himself before his ideology can attain self-knowledge. This is the only way. Pariprashna means to get the detailed answers to all the questions which will facilitate oneʼs individual progress as well as the collective progress of the cosmos, and also to apply that acquired knowledge in accelerating both individual and collective progress, Pariprashna does not mean to become a ship of knowledge: it means to know the answers to those queries which will accelerate and make the path of progress smooth. And the third one is sevayá. Sevá means rendering selfless service to the universe, not to a particular group of people but to anybody and everybody, to all living creatures – animals, plants or human beings. Service is unilateral, not mutual. Where it is mutual, it is not service – it is commercial transaction. You are giving salt to somebody and he pays you in return. This is not service. People should carry on commercial transactions to earn their bread and render service in order to attain their spiritual progress. Only those are successful people who follow this principle in life. This is the dharma of humanity. This is the practical dharma. When people deviate from this practical dharma, their progress is stopped, and the pramátrikońa in the physical stratum is also destroyed. And in the absence of pramá trikońa
in the physical stratum, material prosperity will become an impossibility. Now you are to move towards the spiritual world from the psychic stratum. When one proceeds in the psychic arena, having attained pramá saḿvrddhi in the individual and collective spheres, one should try to attain pramá rddhi also, and for this one requires two things. There must be some spirituo-psychic urge, and there must be some psycho-spiritual action, actional progress. What is that spirituopsychic urge or spirituopsychic propulsion? It is: I love my Lord, I love Him. My love knows no barriers, and in the field of activity I will be ready to do anything and everything for Him. I will recognize no obstacles, I will not care for anyoneʼs blame or censure. The chariot of my victory will move undaunted, smashing all hindrance. And on the psychospiritual path, one will proceed towards the object of ideation, the Supreme Entity, the
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Source of all benevolence. This movement towards the Supreme Entity is not only intended for oneʼs individual emancipation, but for the emancipation of the entire universe. In the field of actional progress, one will attain pramá in the psychic sphere. Pramá-rddhi will be established both in the individual life and in the universe. And in the immediate next stage, that is, in the psychospiritual stage one will attain a purely spiritual stance, That is, one will attain pramá siddhi. It means that the aspirant has attained the goal. This one attains not out of oneʼs self-interest, but for the promotion of the interests of all. One will be able to bring about welfare to one and all in a better way. In the last stage of this movement, that is, in the spiritual sphere, one comes in contact with the kaośikii shakti, the primordial force of creation. And through the lokatrikońa which was established through pramá siddhi, which has
pramá saḿvrddhi as one side, pramá rddhi as another side and pramá siddhi as the third side – one approaches the vertex of the guńatrikońa. This is the particular vertex of the unbalanced triangle, from which the kaośikii shakti came out moving in a straight linear order, not in a systaltic way. Now in this final stage of spiritual practice, the kaośikii shakti will move in a straight line in the opposite direction, along the upward movement of kulakuńd́alinii, and finally one will become one with the guńatrikońa. This is the state of perfect consummation of human existence; this is the glory of supreme spiritual attainment. You are the spiritual aspirants, it is your duty to establish a balanced triangle through pramá saḿvrddhi in the physical sphere, pramá rddhi in the psychic sphere, and pramá siddhi in the spiritual sphere. By this, your coming to this earth will be successful. 1 January 1987 DMC, Tiljala, Calcutta
AUSTRALIAN INDIAN TIMES, September 2026 — 29
SEPTEMBER 2026 ARIES ( 21ST MARCH TO 20TH APRIL )
TAURUS ( 21ST APRIL TO 21ST MAY )
GEMINI ( 22ND MAY TO 21ST JUNE )
This month begins with a call for inner clarity. Mercury sharpens your mind, ideal for reassessing love, finances, and health routines. Venus intensifies emotional depth, helping you define what truly matters in relationships. Mars turns your attention to money, pushing you to revise spending patterns and manage resources more effectively. Precision in professional matters is crucial and detailed work like negotiating, editing, or organizing will help avoid future complications. In academic or intellectual efforts, the South Node stirs uncertainty about your direction. Meanwhile, the North Node urges you to tune into your body and adopt a more mindful approach to health. As the month progresses, your charisma heightens with Venus, and Mars fuels your ambition. Jupiter boosts your financial instincts, revealing new opportunities, but patience is key. Delays begin to clear, bringing longawaited decisions or news. Academically, focus sharpens. Reconnect with joyful movement for physical well-being, it is not about intensity but enjoyment. In the second half of month, the South Node brings emotional introspection. Singles may feel drawn to mysterious figures, stay grounded in reality. For couples, emotional honesty is vital as power dynamics arise. Avoid control and focus on open dialogue. Financially, Mercury and Saturn emphasize cleanup, review budgets and resolve debts. Professionally, shifting responsibilities test your flexibility, while academic efforts begin to show results. Maintain balance to prevent burnout. By month’s end, Saturn grounds you in long-term vision. Singles seek aligned partners, couples explore serious life plans. A financial shift aligns spending with values. Professionally, it is time to assert your position. Educational pursuits thrive. In health, release emotional stress as movement is your medicine.
This month brings a focus on emotional growth and steady progress in many areas of your life. Your relationships are likely to deepen, especially with Venus and Mercury guiding you toward open and honest communication. If you are in a relationship, this is a great time to connect more deeply through heartfelt conversations. If you are single, you may meet someone who shares your values and supports your personal growth. Patience is key, and things will unfold naturally without needing to rush. Financially, September encourages you to stay focused on your long-term goals. Avoid impulsive spending and take time to review your budget and financial plans. With Mercury's influence, you will find it easier to think ahead and make smart choices. Small savings or investments that you've made may start showing results, but keep an eye on the bigger picture. Saturn’s steady energy supports a practical approach to building financial security over time. At work, slow but steady progress is favored. Challenges might come your way, but staying calm and focused will help you overcome them. If you are self-employed, working on your public image and strengthening client connections will be key. In your studies, discipline is your best tool. Break tasks into smaller steps and stay organized, and don't hesitate to ask for help when needed. In terms of health, maintaining balance is important. Regular exercise, eating well, and practicing mindfulness will help keep you mentally and physically strong throughout the month. Stay consistent, and you will see lasting benefits.
This month brings a mix of joyful energy and thoughtful introspection, with the Sun, Venus, Mercury, Saturn, and Mars influencing key areas of life. Relationships are highlighted by lighthearted moments and deep emotional connections. The Sun and Venus encourage fun, spontaneous gestures that can strengthen bonds in romantic relationships. For singles, new connections may emerge through friends or casual settings, but honesty and intuition will guide you in navigating these interactions. Friendships may also evolve, offering fresh perspectives that shift dynamics. Financially, stability is present, but Mercury advises caution. While delayed payments could bring relief, it’s essential to review your spending habits and set practical financial goals. Avoid impulsive purchases, and consider longterm planning to ensure continued stability. Saturn’s influence encourages careful budgeting, helping you avoid unnecessary expenditures and prioritize savings. At work, creativity and quick thinking are in high demand. The beginning of the month presents an opportunity for new job leads or business strategies. Focus and follow-through will be key to making the most of these opportunities. Mars supports you with leadership potential, but be mindful not to overwork or take on too much. Delegation will be important in balancing responsibilities. In education, curiosity is high, and your mind is sharp. Focused study and exploring new methods will lead to growth and understanding. Health-wise, maintaining balance is vital. As energy fluctuates, gentle physical activity, adequate rest, and small wellness habits will help you stay grounded. Saturn’s guidance encourages steady, intentional growth across all aspects of life.
CANCER ( 22ND JUNE TO 22ND JULY )
LEO ( 23RD JULY TO 22ND AUGUST )
VIRGO ( 23RD AUGUST TO 22ND SEPTEMBER )
This month opens with Venus bringing ease and harmony to your love life. If you are in a relationship, expect smoother communication and stronger connections. For singles, Mercury helps clarify your emotional needs, guiding you toward a clearer vision of what you want in love. Financially, Saturn urges discipline, making it an ideal time to tighten your budget and focus on long-term savings. Jupiter provides opportunities, so review investments and explore ways to grow your wealth. In your career, Mars pushes you toward achieving goals, ensuring that hard work pays off. Health-wise, the Moon advises balancing rest with productivity, nurturing both body and mind. Mid-month, Venus emphasizes emotional protection in relationships. If you are partnered, communication is key, with small disagreements resolved through patience and understanding. For singles, Mercury helps with selfreflection before diving into new relationships. Financially, Saturn urges you to review your budget and address any tension. Professionally, Mars encourages you to balance multiple projects, and collaboration will bring new perspectives. In your studies, Mercury enhances interest in group work, while the Moon emphasizes self-care and mental clarity. As the month continues, Venus adds excitement and spontaneity to love. Relationships benefit from surprise dates, and singles are encouraged to embrace new encounters. Financially, Saturn prompts caution, urging you to make small, manageable adjustments for long-term stability. Career-wise, Jupiter supports collaboration, leading to fresh ideas and growth. In your studies, Mercury helps you stay organized and focused. Health-wise, balance is key, with light exercises early in the week and prioritizing rest by the weekend. By the end of the month, Venus encourages emotional depth in relationships, while Mercury promotes introspection for singles. Saturn advises practical financial decisions, and Mars encourages swift action at work.
The month starts with exciting energy in your love life, thanks to the Sun and Mars. Whether you are single or in a relationship, you are encouraged to break out of routine. Romance grows through fun, adventure, and being bold with your feelings. When it comes to money, Mercury reminds you to plan carefully. A new opportunity may come up, but it’s important to avoid rushing into anything. Taking time to think things through will help you build long-term success. At work, your leadership and ideas shine. This is a great time to share your thoughts, work with others, and start projects that will grow over time. In school or personal learning, your curiosity leads the way, stay flexible and trust yourself. Around mid-month, the South Node brings emotional reflection. In love, deep talks can bring you closer to someone, and singles will prefer real connection over surface-level attraction. Financial delays may be frustrating, but staying calm and thinking clearly will help. Mercury supports practical thinking, especially when managing shared money. At work, your communication skills help you build strong partnerships. In learning, teamwork brings fresh ideas, and feedback helps you improve. A simple daily routine and self-care keep you feeling balanced. Later in the month, Venus brings calm and warmth to relationships, helping you build trust and compassion. Reviewing your budget and making careful choices bring more clarity to your finances. Mars keeps pushing your career forward with energy and creativity. Learning continues to grow through focus and reflection, while regular self-care keeps you grounded. By month’s end, you feel strong, clear, and inspired, ready to keep growing with purpose and balance.
The month opens with a clear boost in communication, as Mercury forms a harmonious aspect with the Moon. You will feel emotionally articulate, especially in love. For couples, it’s a chance to resolve old tensions and strengthen emotional bonds. Singles benefit by expressing their truth and attracting those with shared values, authentic words now have deep, lasting impact. By mid-month, financial themes come to the forefront under the influence of the South Node. It’s time to tighten spending, reassess habits, and make thoughtful adjustments. You may encounter a surprise expense or be offered a side income option, evaluate all options carefully. Practical thinking and open, honest discussions around money will protect long-term stability. Focus on building your safety net rather than quick wins. In work and academics, Mercury and Saturn lend support to smart planning. Your methodical mindset helps you break large tasks into manageable steps and follow through. Opportunities may arise to take on more responsibility—embrace them confidently. This is a great time to double-check your work, refine strategies, or offer structured support to others. Emotionally, Venus encourages a patient, nurturing approach to relationships, while the North Node helps direct your attention to routines that promote balance and well-being. Whether you are working, studying, or resting, consistency brings results. Gentle but intentional self-care helps you stay steady throughout the month. By the end of the month, you will feel more in control, clear in your direction, and emotionally grounded. Small, mindful steps across love, money, and productivity add up to meaningful progress and a lasting sense of alignment.
LIBRA ( 23RD SEPTEMBER TO 22ND OCTOBER )
SCORPIO ( 23RD OCTOBER TO 22ND NOVEMBER )
SAGITTARIUS ( 23RD NOVEMBER TO 21ST DECEMBER )
The month begins with the Moon and Venus deepening emotional connections, encouraging honest conversations about boundaries and future plans in relationships. Singles may be drawn to someone mature and emotionally steady. Saturn advises careful financial planning—focus on refinement and avoid rushing commitments. At work, Mars fuels steady progress, while Mercury sharpens your mind for learning and projects. Balanced self-care is important to maintain energy. Midmonth, Venus and Mercury bring fresh energy to relationships, encouraging shared activities and honest communication. Singles should take time to build quality connections. Jupiter highlights growth through collaboration, especially in financial partnerships, emphasizing clear communication and respect. Saturn calls for realigning career goals, prioritizing quality and trusting your intuition. Mars supports physical activity and creative outlets to sustain stamina. Later, Mercury and Venus urge emotional honesty, helping clear misunderstandings and strengthen trust. Singles may meet someone valuing emotional depth. Financially, Saturn steadies progress, review longterm goals and avoid distractions. Mars energizes your career with leadership opportunities, while clear boundaries protect your energy. Study and rest must be balanced, with gentle self-care supporting wellbeing. The month closes with Venus encouraging patience and balance in love, while Saturn helps finalize financial intentions. Mars pushes decisive career action, and Mercury enhances steady learning. Closing the month, Venus encourages patience and balance in love; emotional intensity may arise, but compromise and space bring harmony. Financially, Saturn helps close recent challenges and make mindful adjustments for stability.
This month begins on an emotionally rich note as the Moon and Venus deepen your clarity in love. In relationships, milestones or meaningful conversations bring you closer. Singles may find unexpected connections through casual encounters, trust your instincts. Mercury and Saturn highlight smart financial thinking. Opportunities to save, invest, or adjust your budget emerge, but avoid lending or emotionally charged money decisions to stay on track. Career-wise, Mars and Jupiter open doors that were previously shut. If you’ve been persistent, your efforts now gain traction. Use this energy to pitch bold ideas or launch new projects; clear, confident communication positions you as a leader. Mid-month, emotional intensity rises under the Moon and Saturn, honest conversations in love are essential. Singles may feel drawn to someone mysterious, but intuition over idealism is key. Financially, adaptability is crucial. Unexpected expenses may pop up, but Mercury reminds you to stay grounded in your long-term goals. In your professional life, precision matters. Small details make a big impact now, especially for business owners and team leaders. As the month continues, Venus and the Moon bring warmth and balance to relationships. Affectionate gestures and shared goals strengthen bonds. Mars and Jupiter bring recognition at work, while entrepreneurs may connect with influential figures. Toward the month’s end, Mercury sharpens your intellect, ideal for wrapping up projects or deepening academic work. Finally, Sun and Jupiter promote holistic well-being. Gentle exercise, hydration, and emotional rest restore your energy. This month blends emotional depth, financial discipline, and career growth with a strong focus on balance and self-care.
This month begins with an exciting spark as Venus activates your romance zone. Couples rediscover joy through spontaneous fun, while singles may encounter a magnetic connection. The North Node, however, reminds you to stay emotionally honest—chemistry is great, but depth matters. On the financial front, Jupiter fuels bold visions, while Saturn advises caution. It’s a powerful time to pursue new income opportunities or investments, as long as your plans are grounded in solid research and clear values. By midmonth, love takes a more grounded tone under the influence of the South Node. Deep, sincere gestures outweigh drama, and emotional steadiness becomes a priority in both new and existing relationships. Financially, Mars boosts your confidence—projects gain traction, and returns begin to show. Use this momentum to refine your goals and protect your boundaries. Professionally, Jupiter brings breakthroughs—recognition and new roles may arise, especially if you have stayed consistent. Wellness and learning thrive through steady effort and thoughtful pacing. In the latter part of the month, the Moon highlights emotional truth in love. Conversations turn more honest, deepening connections or clarifying what no longer fits. Mercury helps restructure finances—expect a focus on smarter budgeting and creating firmer boundaries, especially if you have been overextending. At work, refine your personal brand and act on insights. In studies, clarity and purpose return. As the month ends, Venus brings playfulness again, but the North Node advises deeper awareness. Avoid surface distractions— true connection and growth come through thoughtful choices. Career and health both benefit from focus and balance. Rest, hydrate, and stretch—this month rewards those who move with joy and purpose.
CAPRICORN ( 22ND DECEMBER TO 20TH JANUARY )
AQUARIUS ( 21ST JANUARY TO 18TH FEBRUARY )
PISCES ( 19TH FEBRUARY TO 20TH MARCH )
The month begins with emotional clarity, thanks to the gentle support of Moon and Venus. In relationships, you may reflect on how far you have come with a partner or recognize the need to reset certain dynamics. Singles feel more selective and thoughtful, seeing clearly what kind of love truly aligns with their emotional needs. A familiar connection could unexpectedly spark something new. By mid-month, Mars boosts your motivation around money and work. You may feel a strong urge to explore fresh ideas, change financial habits, or plan side projects. It’s a good time to brainstorm, but avoid rushing into anything major. Meanwhile, Mercury and Jupiter bring smoother conversations about finances and selfworth. Negotiations or discussions at work can go well if handled with clarity and calm. As the month progresses, Saturn and Mercury help you organize your responsibilities. This is a great time to refine your daily routines, communicate clearly at work, and learn something new. You will also be drawn to focus on your health—simple steps like regular sleep, movement, and balanced meals bring real results. Toward the end of the month, Sun and Jupiter increase your energy and desire to feel good in your body and mind. You will notice progress in areas where you have been consistent. The North Node reminds you to slow down, reflect, and clear mental clutter. True growth this month comes from emotional honesty, steady effort, and honoring what truly matters to you.
This month opens with calm and healing energy in love, thanks to Venus and the South Node. Singles may find comfort in their current space or feel a subtle romantic pull from within their social circle. For couples, emotional support and quiet gestures deepen the connection. Financially, Mercury encourages practical reflection— mid-month is perfect for reviewing subscriptions, setting budgets, and discussing shared expenses. Avoid impulsive spending by focusing on long-term value. Mid-month, emotional intensity rises in relationships. Venus invites deeper connections through honesty and vulnerability. For singles, heartfelt communication may lead to meaningful bonds, while couples find renewal through open dialogue. Financial creativity is sparked by the North Node, with some discovering ways to monetize hobbies. Stay cautious with loans and lucrative offers. In your career, use this period to reflect on goals and embrace collaboration. Growth comes from honest teamwork and skill-building. As the month progresses, Mars brings steady motivation to your career path. Creative planning and clear time management help you progress smoothly. Financial awareness remains strong with Mercury helping clarify money matters. Avoid risky choices; practical actions now lead to lasting results. In love, emotional security and consistency matter more than grand gestures. Slow, sincere bonds feel more rewarding. Toward the end of the month, the Sun brings clarity in relationships. Singles crave honesty and substance; couples find strength in mature conversations. At work, Mercury and Mars support confident communication and leadership. Networking is promising, but thoughtful analysis is vital. In health, balance is key—gentle movement, solid sleep, and mindful eating restore energy. Emotionally, protect your peace with clear boundaries and meaningful selfcare.
The month begins with Venus encouraging emotional discernment in love. Couples may need to check that emotional effort is mutual, while singles find themselves drawn to soulful connections that feel meaningful and steady. It’s a time to trust your instincts—walk away from dynamics that drain you. Emotional clarity grows as Venus guides relationships toward maturity and trust. Financially, Saturn brings structure and clarity. Early in the month is ideal for reviewing expenses, budgeting, or tackling tasks like taxes and subscriptions. Smart discipline now lays the groundwork for longterm security. Midmonth, advice or a collaborative opportunity could help increase savings or income. Avoid shortcuts or emotional spending—the Moon highlights your intuitive sense of financial truth. Professionally, Mercury signals behind-the-scenes progress. Systems and routines improve slowly but meaningfully, and Mars adds confidence to your efforts. By midmonth, recognition may appear in subtle but affirming ways. Job seekers may find renewed momentum, while business owners benefit from refining services and strengthening authentic messaging. Learning and personal development get a boost from Jupiter and Mercury. Reflective study, creative problemsolving, and group discussions support long-term mastery—especially in subjects like psychology, philosophy, or the arts. Physically, the Moon and Sun emphasize gentle yet energizing routines. Movement such as walking, dance, or yoga—paired with antioxidant-rich foods and quality sleep—keeps your vitality high. Emotional well-being thrives through calming routines, meaningful conversations, and time spent in supportive spaces. By month’s end, you will feel grounded, emotionally wiser, and more aligned with what truly sustains you.
30 — AUSTRALIAN INDIAN TIMES, September 2026
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THANK YOU, BRISBANE - QBOG 2026
WHAT a way to bring QBOG 2026 to a close. On behalf of the QFFA Executive, I sincerely thank every affiliated team that participated. The preparation, commitment and passion you brought to this tournament made it another memorable celebration of football and our Fiji community. Congratulations to all our QBOG 2026 Champions. Enjoy the moment - you have earned it. WINNER’S: Legends O50’s LAUTOKA FC Masters O40’s- Ra FC Opens - Labasa FC OUR TROPHY SPONSORS A special acknowledgement to the families and sponsors who continue to preserve the history and legacy of our game: Masters Trophy — In memory of the late Mohammed Akbar, brother of our legend Mohammed Aiyub Bai, and his family.
Open Trophy — In memory of the late Gulam Mohammed, father of Mohammed Shammem and Aiyub Bai, and their family. Legends Trophy — With appreciation to Aiyub Bai and Cheetah. Your contribution means much more than a trophy. It honours those who came before us and keeps their legacy connected to the next generation. TO OUR SUPPORTERS You brought the tournament to life. The colours, flags, noise and support around the grounds showed exactly what our football community is about. Football brings us together, but it is the people who make these tournaments special. TO OUR EXECUTIVE, VOLUNTEERS & OFFICIALS Thank you for the countless hours behind the scenes. A special acknowledgement to our Tournament Coordinator, Abdul Rahim, for leading
36 — AUSTRALIAN INDIAN TIMES, September 2026
the tournament and his team in bringing everything together. TO OUR MEDIA TEAM Thank you for capturing the football, celebrations, people and stories throughout QBOG 2026. Your work has allowed our football family across Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and beyond to share in these moments. And while QBOG 2026 comes to an end… THE JOURNEY CONTINUES. Next stop — QIDC 2026 • 21–25 October • Olympic Stadium To our players, teams, sponsors, volunteers, officials, Executive, media team and every supporter who came through the gates — vinaka vakalevu. Keep following our Facebook coverage as we share more photographs, interviews and special moments from QBOG 2026 over the coming days. Jitendra Prasad President Queensland Fiji Football Association (QFFA)
Stories and photos credit: www.bollywoodhungama.com
Mirzapur: The Movie faces controversy Vijay Deverakonda, as Rapperiya Baalam alleges his song was Hanu Raghavapudi hail used without permission Rashmika Mandanna’s
Mirzapur: The Movie has landed in controversy after its theatrical release following allegations by Rajasthani artist and rapper Rapperiya Baalam that his song ‘Shoorveer’ was used without his permission or credit. The film, which released in theatres on Friday, September 4, features the track in a sequence involving gangsters. Rapperiya Baalam expressed his disappointment on Instagram, questioning how the song was licensed. The musician said ‘Shoorveer’ was created specifically as a tribute to Maharana Pratap and objected to its use in a scene that, in his view, glorifies the film’s villains. “This song is dedicated
to Maharana Pratap ji. We are using this song to glorify the villains in the movie. Is this right?” he said. Rapperiya Baalam added that he would have been willing to collaborate had the film’s team contacted him directly. He said taking the song
without permission was unacceptable. He also questioned the copyright and licensing arrangements behind the song’s inclusion, asking who had granted the rights and whether the appropriate permissions existed. The artist described
the alleged use as disrespectful to Rajasthan and Maharana Pratap. He acknowledged that the song’s appearance generated widespread attention, with viewers messaging him after recognising the track. Rapperiya Baalam said the response was encouraging because millions of people were hearing his music, but stressed that the Mirzapur team should have communicated with him and handled the matter properly. He concluded by indicating that he would pursue whatever action he believes is necessary, leaving the dispute over the song’s alleged unauthorised use and licensing unresolved.
Mohanlal’s L367 officially titled Operation Ganga, set against India’s Ukraine evacuation mission Mohanlal’s upcoming film L367 has officially been titled Operation Ganga. Directed by National Awardwinning filmmaker Vishnu Mohan, the film is inspired by India’s evacuation mission to bring back citizens stranded in Ukraine following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war. The title was announced by the makers on social media, confirming the subject of the film. Mohanlal leads the project, which also stars Arjun Rampal, Bhagyashri Borse, Parthiban and Adil Hussain in key roles. Operation Ganga to focus on India’s Ukraine evacuation mission Operation Ganga was the name given to India’s evacuation effort launched in 2022 after the Russia-Ukraine conflict left thousands of Indian citizens, including a large number of
students, stranded in Ukraine. The film will draw from this real-life operation and bring the events surrounding the evacuation to the screen. The project marks Vishnu Mohan’s followup to his directorial debut Meppadiyan, which earned him the National Film Award for Best Debut Film of a Director.
-led film has a panIndian technical team Operation Ganga has brought together a team of technicians from different film industries. Cinematographer Miroslaw Kuba Brozek, who has worked on the Pushpa films, is part of the project, while Rajeevan is serving as production designer. The action sequences
are being handled by Sea Young Oh. The technical team also includes editor Shameer Mohammed, sound designer Bishwadeep Chatterjee, VFX supervisor K. V. Sanjit and military advisor Sqn Ldr Varlin Panwar. Music for the film is being composed by Shashwat Sachdev. Melvy J is the costume director, while Ronex Xavier is the makeup artist and Rinny Divakar serves as production controller. Operation Ganga is produced by Gokulam Gopalan under the banner of Sree Gokulam Movies. Baiju Gopalan and V. C. Praveen are the co-producers, with Krishnamoorthy serving as executive producer. Further details about the film, including its release plans and the characters played by the ensemble cast, are expected to be announced by the makers.
intense Mysaa avatar
MYSAA is gradually building anticipation ahead of its release in 2026, with Rashmika Mandanna leading the action drama. The film is being presented as a female-led pan-India project and will feature the actress in an intense and distinct avatar. The posters released by the makers have already generated interest among audiences. The makers recently unveiled a new poster featuring Rashmika and announced that Mysaa will hit theatres on November 27, 2026. The poster offers a glimpse of the actress in a powerful look, adding to the curiosity surrounding the film. Rashmika’s husband, actor Vijay Deverakonda, also shared the poster on his social media and sent her a special message. He wrote, “Violent pilla. May the gods be with you. You will make all your dearest fans proud again with this one.” The actress also
received wishes from filmmaker Hanu Raghavapudi, who is known for directing Sita Ramam. Sharing the poster, Hanu congratulated Rashmika as well as the team behind the project. He wrote, “Best wishes @rashmika_ mandanna garu, my dear @rawindrapulle and @ unformulafilms on your debut.” Directed by Rawindra Pulle and produced by Unformula Films, Mysaa is described as an emotional action thriller set against the backdrop of tribal lands. The film is expected to combine action with an emotional narrative while placing Rashmika at the centre of the story. With the release date now locked, Mysaa is set to arrive in theatres on November 27, 2026. The film marks another pan-India outing for Rashmika and has drawn attention for its actionoriented premise and the actress’ new on-screen appearance.
From Rs. 200 crore to Rs. 30 crore! Toxic suffers BRUTAL OTT reality check after disastrous theatrical run as digital rights remain unsold THE Yash led Toxic has emerged as a disaster of epic proportions, with losses for the makers crossing all barriers. As per industry estimates, the team is looking at a loss of Rs. 300 crores on the gangster drama led by Yash, which is the biggest of all time for a feature film in India. To add to the issues, the digital rights of Toxic are yet unsold. "The Toxic team had an offer Call: (07) 3189 6535
post-theatrical streaming rights for all languages. The biggest offer has come from Zee 5," a source told Bollywood Hungama in confidence. The satellite recovery is expected to be almost nil owing to the largely adult format of storytelling. "The makers are now contemplating a completely new edit for the digital version, with the hope of fetching a bigger amount than what's on
of Rs. 150 crores from a leading platform, but the demand from the team was a lot higher, north of Rs. 200 crores. Yash was confident that the film would do blockbuster business in theatres, and that in turn, would boost the post-theatrical OTT prices to Rs. 200 crore plus. But the results are exactly opposite, as the digital players are now offering an amount as low as Rs. 30 crore for the www.indiantimes.com.au
the table. The discussions are underway to figure out a way to reduce the losses, one of which is a new cut for OTT," the source tells us further. Toxic was released on August 26, and has turned out to be a huge disaster with unanimous negative talk. The film opened at Rs. 120 crore in India, and is looking to end its run under Rs. 250 crore, which speaks volumes about the audience wom.
AUSTRALIAN INDIAN TIMES, September 2026 — 37
Australian Indian Times - Distribution Centres Name
Address
NEW SOUTH WALES
Name
Address
MC’s Indian & Island Foods
149 Biota Street, Inala, 4077
MC’s Indian & Island Food
Shops 1-4, 268 Kingston Road, Slacks
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
Patel Spice Mart
11 Nundah St, Nundah, 4012
Radhe WholeSale & Retail
8/12 Station St E, Harris Park, 2150
Ps Joseph Dass
1 Morgan St, Brighton, 4017
Spice Paradise
74-76 Railways Parade, Glenfield, 2167
Punam Polynesian Indian Market
Shop 3/2 Smiths Rd Goodna, 4300
Diamond Spices
1B/ 1 Wanguri Place, Wanguri, 0810
Radhika Spice
2 / 9 Discovery Drive, North Lakes, 4509
Rani Creations
33 Balaclava Street, Woolloongabba,
QUEENSLAND
Amchoor - The Indian Grocery Store
66 Coonan St, Indooroopilly, 4068
American College
180 Logan Road, Woolloongabba, 4102
Anendra Chand
28 St Mary’s Close, Doolandella, 4077
Athens Indian Supermarket
3 Reservoir Rd, Manoora, 4870
BAPS Shri Swaminarayn Temple
45 Clare Road, Kingston, 4114
Basava Samiti of Asia Pacific Ltd
13 Hindmarsh Pl, Westlake, 4074
"Brisbane Sikh Temple (Gurudwara) Dosa Hut
Creek, 4127 Nundah Library
1 Bage Street, Nundah, 4012
OneStop Supermarket
51 Kameruka St, Calamvale, 4116
Patel Spice BAZAR
3197 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise, 4217
4102 Reliance Fresh
113 Orange Grove Rd, Coopers Plains, 4108
Remox Brisbane
214 Adelaide St, Brisbane City, 4000
Remox Sunnybank Hills
661 Compton Rd, Sunnybank Hills, 4109
2679 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, 4113
RMK International Pty Ltd t/a
31 Bellwood St, Darra, 4076
The Village, 21/1932 Logan Rd, Upper
Monier Discounts
Mount Gravatt, 4122
Robam Kitchen Appliances Gold
Expert Education & Visa Services
97 Creek Street, Brisbane, 4000
Flavourin Food World
147 Musgrave St, Berserker, 4701
Coast
Gayatri Mandir
178 Lyndhurst Rd, Boondall, 4034
Ginger and Garlic Indian cuisine
1/168 Adelaide Street, Brisbane CBD, 4000
Global Convenience
Shop 1, 2942 Logan Rd, Underwood, 4119
Globenet Realty
Shop 5/2281 Sandgate Rd, Boondall, 4034
Gold Coast Hindu
15 Byth St, Arundel, 4124
Cultural Association
Robam Kitchen Appliances
Shop 2/59 Ferry Rd, Southport, 4215 Shop A1/15 Lapis St, Underwood, 4119
Underwood Royal Indian Tandoori Cuisine
335 Ruthven st, Toowoomba, 4350
Sai Saileshwara
1614 Sandgate Road, Virginia, 4014
Hindu Temple Salt N Spice Indian And Island
7/109 Grand Plaza Drive, Browns Plains,
Grocer
4118
Samy Imports and Exports
384 Ipswich Rd, Annerley, 4103
Sanatan Centre QLD
26 Barossa St, Calamvale, 4116
Santoshi India House
Shop 14/1177 Wynnum Rd Cannon Hill,
Golgappa Lawnton
555 Gympie Road, Lawnton, 4501
GolGappa Restaurant
5/2120 Logan Rd, Upper Mount Gravatt,
Shree Balaji Foods
957 Beenleigh Rd, Runcorn, 4113
4122
Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Temple
38 Cloverdale Rd, Doolandella, 4077
Hare Krishna ISKCON Temple
2705 Ipswich Rd, Darra, 4076
Indian Flavor
SHOP 2/1401 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur,
Vadtal Dham Brisbane Shree Venkatesa Durga Temple
57a Kenmore Rd, Kenmore, 4069
Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir
86 Scotts Lane, North Maclean, 4280
Shop 1, 10-14 William Berry Drive,
Shri Ganesh Indian
896 Boundary Rd, Coopers Plains, 4108
Morayfield, 4506
Grocery & Spice Shop
4503 Indian General Store & Takeaway Indian Senior Citizen Association &
4170
68 Amaranthus Street, Runcorn, 4113
Ekta Women’s Group Indian Spice Shop
763 Gympie Rd, Chermside, 4032
Indian Spice Shop
498 Ipswich Rd, Annerley, 4103
Indian Spice Shop
1/834 Wembley Rd, Browns Plains, 4118
Indian Spice Shop
6/30-34 Commercial Dr, Springfield,4300
Indian Spice Shop Aspley
1349 Gympie Road, Aspley, 4034
James Navaratnam
21 Dunamis Ct, Cornubia, 4130
JD Media Corporation Pty Ltd
2/3 Curban Street, Underwood, 4119
Kamalz Indian Fashion
1/ 1953 Logan Rd, Upper Mount Gravatt, 4122
Kings Tobaconnist
3/398 Deception Bay Road, Deception
Asian & Island Food
Bay, 4508
KKN Spices Pty Ltd
127 Leybourne Street, Chelmer, 4068
Krishna Island & Indian Foods
151 Biota Street, Inala, 4077
Krishna Island & Indian Foods
26 Blackwood Road, Logan Central, 4114
Krishna Spice
20 Harries Road, Coorparoo, 4151
MASALA CAFÉ
Shop E,2053 – 2059 Moggill Road, Kenmore, 4069
38 — AUSTRALIAN INDIAN TIMES, September 2026
The Fiji Shop
12 Lincoln St, Strathpine, 4500
Veena
44 Victoria St, West End, 4101
The Singh Sabha
101 Lemki Rd, Taigum, 4018
The Spice Trail
15 Myall St, Southport, 4215
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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