April 2023 - Online edition

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• Local News ..................................4-36 • Real Estate ................................12-15 • wwww ...................................... 26-27 • India News ..................................... 38 • Fiji News ......................................... 40 • Entertainment .............................. 42 • Health & Well Being .................... 44 • Business Directory/Classified ... 47 • Sports News ................................... 48

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2 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023

From the Publisher Welcome to our April issue; it’s hard to believe that the first quarter of this year has flown by, post COVID more and more functions are taking place, keeping everyone very busy. I must begin by first acknowledging the work of the Queensland Coalition working group for their advocacy in the religious vilification amended t tabled in Queensland Parliament; it is still to be formalised, but the process has begun; members of the working committee of which I have been a member were present in the gallery when the armaments were introduced to parliament by Minister Shannon Fentiman, Queensland Attorney General.

My sincere wishes and thanks to the Muslim community for Ramadan; I have been fortunate to have attended many Iftar dinners. It is heart-warming to see the inclusiveness of elected representatives and leaders of Multifaith communities attending many of these Iftar dinners.

Ram Navami was celebrated with great enthusiasm, and attendance at all locations was encouraging; with many places to choose from, devotees had a choice of location and were distributed, thus eliminating the cramming and crowding.

The standard of presentations, venue facilities, and catering is commendable, and the effort of the people working tirelessly behind the scenes must be appreciated.

Best wishes on Vaishaki, which is the

Spring festival in India and a regional holiday on the 13th and 14th of April.

Vaisakhi is an ancient spring harvest festival observed in the Punjab region for centuries. It became closely associated with Sikhism at the end of the 17th century, when Guru Gobind Singh, leader of the Sikhs, chose the festival date to create the highest order that can be reached by Sikhs, known as the Khalsa Panth.

Congratulations to Kannada Sangha for their Ugadi Utsav; the women-led committee did an excellent job organising the event; I have had a long-term cordial relationship with KSQ and have witnessed first-hand the progress of the Sangha. They have progressed in the field of Culture, education, and sport.

Bharatiya Nav Warsh by DJJS was hosted at Robelle Domain in Springfield.

The venue is quite suited to the event, and the team of DJJS worked very hard to put the event together. However, the heatwave on that day deterred attendees initially, and most chose to attend in the cooler part of the day.

Vedanta Centre Harmony Day was a great success; it was pleasing to see many attendees despite the heat, and the presence of all three levels of government was a testament to the support they received for the fantastic work they do.

Narend Sinnathamby, as the MC, was delightfully witty, and various activities

were planned for the day; I enjoyed the drumming lesson on the African drum; so much fun.

Let’s Bollywood held their annual “Let’s Party” concert at QBC in Mitchelton; the fully subscribed event was a delight to be at; Usha and I would like to thank Swina Kanwar for having us the chief guests; the concert was a great display of local talents, In my speech, I confirmed their performance at GOPIO Qld’s India Day Fair 2023, which is planned for 19th August at Roma Street Parkland, this announcement received roaring applause.

Congratulations are also in order for Bob Pillay on hitting half a century; what a fantastic celebration; your dad’s presence and speech were inspirational, and the fact that he could make it here from overseas is a special blessing to you. The venue décor and catering were superb, as expected; well done, and we must thank Pravinita Singh Pillay for putting it all together when she got the time; anyway, well done and congratulations.

Lastly, I would like to mention Sunnybank multicultural Gallery, which celebrated its first anniversary with the launch of the Korean Culture Exhibition.

Last year they hosted eleven exhibitions from many cultures, including the Indian Exhibition: well done, Susan Young, Edward Lin and Melody Chen.

On a sad note, we bid farewell to a dear friend and great community worker Dr Unni Krishnan OAM. We were committee members of FICQ a while back, and he was very well connected with the Vedanta Society and a Malayalee association; he also assisted GOPIO Queensland whenever he could, and at all official functions, he always provided the traditional brass lamp.

May his soul rest in peace, Om shanti.

I want to congratulate Indu Kant Sharma on taking on the reins of GOPIO Queensland from Professor Prasad Yarlagadda, who has taken on the role of the Dean at UniSQ; congratulations to both. Indi Kant Sharma is well versed with GOPIO Queensland; he was present at the inaugural dinner function held at Tattersalls Club when we were deciding on launching GOPIO Queensland; he brings with him a wealth of knowledge and business connections, we wish him and his team all the best. On the international scene, I have been elected the Executive Vice President of GOPIO International, it’s an honour to serve on the team led by Lal Motwani ji.

I want to thank all our correspondents, advertisers, printers, in-house team, team India and most of all, you all readers; it’s been a fantastic journey as we approach the completion of twenty years; until next month, happy reading.

—Umesh Chandra OAM Publisher

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023 — 3

By Rama Gaind

Sustainability at core of

world-class leisure

Elevate your travel experiences by going overseas again.

When you return, or visit for the first time, you can discover Andamanda Phuket, a prestigious leisure destination, in Thailand.

The multi-milliondollar water park and entertainment complex readily reveals an amazing array of rides, slides, attractions and activities, all interwoven with Thai culture, legend and mythology. That’s what sets Andamanda apart.

Become immersed in the legend Andamanda Phuket is a world-class waterpark, entertainment centre at Andaman Bay zone. of ‘The Lost Sliding Rocks at The Gre and leisure landmark located in the heart of Phuket.

Kingdom of the Nagon’, an inspirational and Tropical Beach) long lazy river, the longest near-life-size replica of Koh folk tale set – plus extensive in Asia, and splash in a vast Tapu, Thailand’s famous amid the entertainment spaces 10,000-square-metre wave ‘James Bond Island’ – landscapes and and retail outlets. pool that generates waves allowing tourists to chill out seascapes of the A collection up to three-metres high in style.

Andaman coast. of thrilling slides – the highest of any pool Professional partners There’s also a and rides have in Thailand. Andamanda have helped to create floating market been designed by offers cosy cabanas and VIP a destination with with traditional sustainability, boats, local green living and the arts and crafts, environment at its core.

A near-life-size replica of Koh Tapu, Thailand’s famous ‘James Bond Island’. authentic food Andamanda adopts a and beverage circular approach to outlets and a water management, stage for cultural with a continuous loop performances.

Andamanda is of water being reused This landmark Thailand to experience not only a water and recycled. Single-use project is sure to become Andamanda Phuket for the park; it is the plastics are prohibited, an iconic attraction. This first time. A world-class largest leisure and over 100,000 trees have US$134 million attraction water park as impressive as entertainment been planted and solar marks the latest venture any on the planet, but which facility in Phuket, energy is used to power by the Proud Group, one also highlights the rich covering 9.3 the complex. Staffed of Thailand’s leading cultural heritage of Thailand hectares of land, by a team of fullydevelopers of high-end real in a safe and sustainable comprising a wide trained local specialists, estate, hospitality, retail and way.” range of recreational including 200 qualified leisure projects.

While allowing all ages to components, lifeguards, the park is The group’s executive enjoy action-packed aquatic including a Thai set to drive employment director, Proud Liptapanlop, adventures, Andamanda heritage-themed and empower said: “We are delighted Phuket is perfectly water park with five communities in Phuket. to welcome international positioned in the up-andseparate zones, (Coral World, WhiteWater West, who has pavilions throughout the Fun-seeking families visitors – including our coming Kathu district of The Pearl Palace, Emerald worked with global theme park, tropical beachfront will find the moments of esteemed guests from India, Phuket, between the main Forest, Great Andaman Bay parks such as Atlantis Dubai restaurant and a series of happiness we enjoy take us Australia, Singapore and tourism hubs of Phuket town and Naga Jungle) and two and Disney. Visitors can stunning swim-up bars – by surprise, especially in the the Middle East – back to and Patong Beach. dining areas (The Village float down a 550-metresincluding one nestled in a ‘Land of Smiles’!

destination in Phuket

HE IS RISEN!

Pastor Suresh Dass Joseph josephdass@optusnet.com.au Dear reader, it is with loads of joy; we bring to you the word of God. Happy Easter to you! This month the world is celebrating this special occasion of Easter, the cross, the death, the burial, and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

As per God's plan, Jesus was crucified between two

thieves on a highway road and near a town garbage heap. Because of the different cultures of the day, His title was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek languages. It was where soldiers gambled, thieves cursed, and people mocked. But it was where He died and what He died about.

And just before His death, Jesus cried out with a voice of victory and triumph, "It is finished."

When written on a receipt, this sounds so familiar that the debt has been paid in full.

There is no more payment required. You don't have to perform or prove that you can be saved and enter heaven after you depart from earth.

The cross is the trading post.

All it takes is to believe that God has completed the plan and action for your salvation

4 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023

through Jesus. At the point of your faith in Him, God takes away all your sin and lays it on the shoulders of Jesus while, at the same time, taking all of Christ's righteousness (right standing with God) and wrapping you up in it. What a transfer! And how do you get it? By working for it? No! You receive it by trusting in Christ alone!

This is called being 'Born Again.' The old has passed, and the new has come. A new way of living, a new life through Christ, begins! This is called the grace of God, his unmerited favour towards you.

Here are 3 things we can learn from Easter this season.

God always offers us another chance in life. After His death, Jesus was laid in a tomb. When the women came to the tomb early in the morning, they found the stone at the mouth of the grave had been rolled away. Inside the grave, the angel said, "He is

not here; he has risen!" Then he added, "Go tell the disciples, especially Peter, that He will go ahead of you." God had seen Peter fall by denying that he knew Jesus. But God wanted to help him when the angel said, "Be sure to tell Peter he's not left out… one failure doesn't make you a flop." Peter must have known that, so the next time he saw Jesus, he got so excited that he jumped into the sea to get to Him. Later, Peter went to Rome with this Gospel of a second chance.

It's not every day you will find someone who will give you a second chance – much less someone who will give you a second chance every day. In Jesus, Peter found both, and you will too!

We all deserve another chance.

But you know that in your strength, it is impossible. You have seen some failures. Now you don't have the connections and the resources. Like Peter, God is saying; you have not been

left out. God is in control and knows how to turn your bad situation and experience into something beautiful.

You are more than your scars. When Thomas discovered that Jesus was alive, after seeing Him nailed to the cross and then seeing Him die and laid in the tomb, he said, "I will not believe it until … I put my finger where the nails were…." Jesus' scars were proof-positive that He'd been crucified and resurrected. When Thomas checked them out for himself, he responded, "My Lord and My God." This is the first time a disciple is seen directly addressing Jesus as God, and it came in response to seeing His scars.

We all have scars. Things have happened to you.

Perhaps you may have said and done something you are not happy about. Some of your scars can be seen, felt, and touched, while others may be invisible. The good news

is that Christ also has scars to prove His love for you. If you don't know Him or like Thomas, you aren't sure, then He will show you His scars, that you may believe, and by believing, you may have life in His name.

Death is not the final. Life through Christ is. That is why it's called eternal life. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live even after dying.” God offers this gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. All you have to do is to put your faith in Jesus by receiving Him as your Lord and your Saviour, and inviting Him to come into your heart.

And you are born again! Born to live forever.

We pray that you have a safe easter with your family and friends.

God bless you.

Pastor Joseph Suresh Dass Empowering Church Brisbane. josephdass@optusnet.com.au

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Morality is not a Solution Sadhguru, Isha Foundation India as a culture has no morality at all. We never focused on morals and ethics in this country. If you go to the Western countries, they have a rigid sense of morality. In this country, we have no sense of morality, not just today but always.

We always saw morality as a restriction for human consciousness. We did not want to conduct our lives, our societies, and the world around us with morality.

This culture never told you what is right and wrong.

It only told you what is appropriate for now. What is appropriate tomorrow may be different. You will see, every embodiment of Divine that you worship – Rama, Krishna, Shiva – you cannot call them morally correct people. They are not.

Because it never occurred to them that they have to be that way. But they are the peak of human consciousness.

Morality means you will become repetitive. If you become repetitive, you will go in cycles. If you go in circles, obviously you will not get anywhere. So we took the risk of raising human consciousness. A substantial segment of the population invested itself to raise human

consciousness, not to teach morality. It is a riskier path, but ultimately it is the only way to handle humanity. If you impose morality, people will do things, then they will feel guilty, but they will put

6 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023

some offering in the temple and continue to do the same thing. They are doing it today, isn’t it?

There is no “Thou shall not” in this country. No one ever told you what

you should do and what you should not do. We only told you how you should be, which is a more difficult thing to impart.

Ten commandments can be written down, but imparting

consciousness will not come easy. It takes lots of work, and it would work best only if it is widely imparted, so that it is there in the air.

If the parents, neighbors and the atmosphere are

like that, the children will grow up with that kind of consciousness. Then it becomes easy. But now we are reaching a crossroad in this country where we have not done enough work to raise human consciousness.

At the same time, we don’t have a shred of morality. We are trying to pick up a few western ethics, which are alien to us, and it does not work because it has not even worked for them.

If you want something indigenous – not indigenous to this nation – indigenous to your being, let us not impose rules of, “Thou shall not” because people will bypass morality the first opportunity they get. Let us make the necessary effort to see that human consciousness operates in a certain way because that is the only insurance and the ultimate insurance that you have.

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.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023 — 7

GOPIO International Team Sworn-in with Community Leader Lal Motwani as the New President Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) conducted its election last month. The new team was sworn in on March 4th at a virtual Zoom ceremony with a veteran community leader from New York, Mr Lal Motwani as its president. Motwani has been a Founder Life member since GOPIO’s inception in 1989. He served as the International Coordinator-at-Large and later as Executive Trustee of GOPIO Foundation in his last term. Others sworn in at the ceremony are media and community leader Mr Umesh Chandra OAM from Brisbane, Australia, as Executive Vice President; Los Angeles area community leader Kewal Kanda as Vice President, New Jersey businessman Prakash Shah as Global Ambassador and former IBM official and community activist Ms Jasbir ‘Nami’ Kaur as International Coordinator-at-Large.

Five more Regional International Coordinators were sworn-in as follows: Businessman Roger Latchman from Johannesburg, South Africa as Africa Coordinator; Engineering Entrepreneur Deo Gosine (Trinidad and New York) as Caribbean Coordinator; Real Estate Investor Ashok Madan of Southern California as North America Coordinator; former engineer Harmohan Singh Walia of Sydney, Australia as Oceania Coordinator and New Delhi businessman Dhiraj Ahuja as South Asia Coordinator.

The election was conducted according to the GOPIO bylaws by a team of the Interim Committee which the GOPIO General Body Meeting appointed held on January 14th consisting of Mr. Ram Gadhavi (Wayne, New Jersey, USA), Mr. Mahavir Arya (Sydney, Australia) and Mr. Mridul Pathak (New York).

In a spirit of unity, nominees with multiple nominations withdrew from their multiple nominations except one, making it a unanimous choice for all positions.

The ceremony started with a universal prayer song

by Ms Devika Gadhavi, a young professional working for the New York Times.

Dr Thomas Abraham, Chairman of GOPIO, welcomed the participants from all continents. He provided a brief introduction to the birth of GOPIO and many of its achievements in the last 34 years. Dr Abraham also highlighted the excellent services offered by GOPIO Chapters during the pandemic, such as providing food to the frontline workers at the beginning of the lockdown, getting N95 masks to the hospitals, replenishing food pantries and sending oxygen concentrators to India when the pandemic was at its highest level.

“GOPIO chapters worldwide have been doing a lot of organisational ground

Photo- GOPIO Officials who were sworn in early this month.

Top row: Lal Motwani, Umesh Chandra, Kewal Kanda, Prakash Shah and Nami Kaur. Bottom Row: Roger Latchman, Deo Gosine, Ashok Madan, Harmohan Singh Walia and Dhiraj Ahuja work in many countries to promote leadership in public service. The thrust has been to promote and involve the Indian Diaspora in the larger society and local communities wherever they live,” said Dr. Abraham.

In his acceptance speech, President Motwani said, “We will soon activate those regions which are not active now, and we will get all the councils to become active again. We need many volunteers to get involved in the Councils such as Human Rights, Cultural, Academic, Women, Science and Technology, Youth and Young Professionals, Media, Health and Wellness and Seniors. We will officially launch the GOPIO Chamber of Commerce (GICC) in different parts of the world.”

Congratulating the new team, former GOPIO President Niraj Baxi said that the ceremony on March 4th signifies marching forward for GOPIO. The program ended with a melodious Bollywood celebration song by GOPIOEdison President Pallavi Belwariar.

Executive Vice President – Umesh Chandra OAM, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia Umesh Chandra OAM is highly respected nationally and internationally.

He was awarded OAM -the highest civilian honour in Australia, in 2020. He is a founder member and board of trustee of the Queensland Multicultural Council and serves on the police ethnic advisory group and Lord Mayors Multicultural round table.

He has been the founder and president of GOPIO Qld and serves as a trustee of GOPIO Queensland. He is the chair of the White Ribbon Queensland State Committee and has been a long-standing ambassador for White Ribbon. He won many community service awards, including the Bharat Gaurav award in 2011.

Umesh and Usha Chandra were named Brisbane City Councils’ citizen of the year in 2019 and own Brisbane Indian Times, Australian Indian Radio and Globenet Realty.

Newly Sworn-in GOPIO Officials

Vice President – Kewal Kanda Kewal Kanda retired from Boeing Company after 26 years of service as production planner, principal analyst and planning manager.

Community service being his passion he is a member of many non-profit community organizations such as Founder of Rajput Association of America (1984), Founder president of GOPIO-LA Chapter, Treasurer of GOPIO International, and President FIA-SC, He organized RPBD in Los Angeles as NFIA RVP-Pacific South West core member, and four programs as chairman of committee to celebrate 75 years of India’s Independence as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, including publishing a its commemorative Coffee Table Book.

President – Lal Motwani, New York City, USA Lal Motwani has been termed a strong community leader who has been involved in several community groups and served as President of the National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA), Society of Indian American Engineers and Architects (SIAEA) and Alliance of Global Sindhi Associations. He was the Executive Trustee of GOPIO Foundation from Sept. 2021 to Jan. 2023. An architect by profession, Motwani retired as the Assistant Director of New York City’s Housing Authority, Office of Facility Planning and Administration.

Motwani has been able to leave his “mark” on a number of New York City landmarks, be it John F Kennedy (JFK) airport, LaGuardia Airport, World Trade Center, American Express, Port Authority of NY/NJ, City Bank, Chase Manhattan Bank and New York City Housing Authority, the world’s largest public housing facility housing 1/8 of the NYC population.

8 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023

Global Ambassador – Prakash Shah, Edison, New Jersey, USA Prakash Shah has been involved in Founding a number of Leading Community Organizations including Global Organization for the People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), Asian American

Part of the audience at the GOPIO Swearing-in ceremony on Zoom Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) , National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA) and the NYC based India Chamber of Commerce of America (ICCA). He was a Presidential Appointee under President Clinton to the Southern Africa Fund and was Chairman of New Jersey Development Authority under Governors Florio and Whitman.

International Coordinator-at-Large – Nami Kaur, Yonkers, New York, USA J. Nami Kaur successfully completed her 32 year Corporate professional career in Technology, Marketing and Communications at IBM. Since 2009, she has had been actively engaged in the NonProfit Sector, donating her time and skills pro-bono to New York Botanical Garden, Children's Hope India, Riveredge Cooperative Board, and GOPIO (Global Organization of People of Indian Origin). She has served GOPIO as a volunteer since it's inception in 1989.

Since 2009 she has served formally as the Media Council Chair, General Secretary, Chair of GOPIO Election, and Editor of GOPIO Newsletter.

International Coordinator for Africa – Roger Latchman, Johannesburg, South Africa Roger Latchman has extensive experience in corporate governance, compliance, anti-corruption, ethics, and integrity.

He is the Honorary ConsulGeneral for Johannesburg internationally Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional as well as a Chartered Director. He has completed several academic programmes, including the Global Executive Development Programme (GEDP) at the Gordon Institute of Business Science, and holds a Master of Laws degree in International Commercial Law from the University of Salford, Manchester, UK. He is also an active member of the Bretton Woods Committee,

the French-South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the World Innovation Technology & Services Alliance (WITSA).

International Coordinator for Caribbean – Deo Gosine, Port of Spain, Trinidad Deo Gosine is a Life Member of GOPIO, Past Co-Chair GOPIO Business Council and co-sponsor GOPIO 25th Anniversary Convention in Trinidad.

He has been a practicing engineer in the Oil and Gas Industry for more than 40 years in the hydrocarbon and marine industries worldwide and as head of Amatech Corp., Labidco and Brighton Port Services, Gosine Quarry Ltd. And Granville Beach Development in Trinidad.

Served as President of Society of Indo American Engineers and Architects Inc. in New York.

International Coordinator for North America – Ashok Madan, Los Angeles, California, USA Ashok Madan, a seasoned Real Estate Investor with a master’s degree in Systems Engineering retired in 2010 as a Information Technology Manager from the County of Los Angeles. During his long career, Mr. Madan belonged to numerous professional & community organizations and has frequently taken a responsible and an active role in these organizations.

Some of the organizations are: Global Organization of People of Indian Origin; Board Member, TiE SoCal; National Federation of Indian American Associations; Board Member, American Society of Engineers of Indian Origin; Founding Board Member, Peace Center Endowment at the Cerritos College Foundation.

International Coordinator for Oceania – Harmohan Singh Walia, Sydney, Australia Harmohan Singh Walia completed 45 years of Mechanical &

Industrial Engineering in Quality Management and Environmental Management in different industrial sectors, such as Automotive, Electronics, Electrical, Chemical, Defense, IT & Printing.

Mr Walia was a founding member of GOPIO in Sydney in 2008. He was president of GOPIO Sydney Northwest chapter and is now Secretary.

He was continuously helping disadvantaged school children in India by providing basic amenities every year. He has chaired four terms in the Bylaws/Constitution Amendment Committee of GOPIO International and is Editor of the GOPIO newsletter from Australia.

International Coordinator for South Asia – Dhiraj Ahuja, New Delhi, India A self-made businessman, Dhiraj Ahuja has a vast international network throughout the globe and is a member of the Indian Press Club. He has been working effectively as President of the GOPIODelhi/NCR Chapter.

During the pandemic, Dhiraj organised two highly successful Zoom events titled Turn Setbacks into Turnbacks.

Dhiraj is associated with a few prominent NGOs as well as business houses.

GOPIO is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit, secular organisation with Individual Life Members and over 100 chapters in 35 countries. GOPIO’s volunteers are committed to enhancing cooperation and communication between NRIs/PIOs and the local communities, building networks, bonds, friendships, alliances, and the camaraderie of citizens and colleagues alike. GOPIO volunteers believe that when they help network with the global Indian community, they facilitate making tomorrow a better world for the Indian Diaspora and the countries they live in.

Rhia Jewellers wins Stretton Small Business of Year 23 on 10th Birthday Year

Rhia Jewellers has undoubtedly been making waves in the small business world this year by winning the Stretton small business of the year 2023.

The award was the direct result of general voting of its community to pick out which company stood out from their point of view, which has meant much to Rhia Jewellers. This has undoubtedly come at an opportune time as they earmark their 10th year of operation in the Jewellery

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Retail Business at the Calamvale Central Shopping Centre. From its humble beginnings in Stones Corner 15 years ago, Rhia Jewellers has gradually strengthened its position in the jewellery market to become one of the leading retailers to its customers.

One key element that has been a significant factor in its success has been its marketing prowess which has been aptly handled and executed by one of its owners, Mrs Madhuri

Azam. They are active on the social media platform via Facebook, Instagram, and Google under Rhia Jewellers.

Madhuri is no stranger to jewellery, hailing from a family of jewellers in Fiji, where they still run multiple stores named Anita Jewellers. She acquired business acumen very early, working with her father and managing the store in the factory.

She has very successfully transferred that knowledge across to her business. Her

husband, Mr Abdul Azam, is also no stranger to the business world, having obtained vast finance and operations knowledge in his previous roles with Westpac and Gloria Jeans. Their combined experience has certainly paid dividends for their business.

Understanding customer expectations and evolving with the market has been a significant focus for Rhia Jewellers. They value that we must stand apart from competitors in its style,

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quality and, ultimately, its service. For this very reason, Rhia Jewellers have consistently gone outside the norm to various suppliers and distributors worldwide to be unique. Their business slogan has been “Designs you will fall in love with….”

They actively try to achieve that. Apart from retailers of all things silver, 9ct, 18ct and 22ct Gold from Dubai and Singapore, Rhia Jewellers are also renowned for their manufacturing. Madhuri is also proficient at creating

designs from scratch, resulting in unique creations over the years, as reflected in customer reviews. They do repairs, remodelling of jewellery, and even utilise your gold to create unique designs. They also change watch batteries. So, in essence, they specialise in end-to-end service.

Looking towards the future, Rhia Jewellers will continue to aspire to meet their customers’ needs and thank everyone who has been part of their success.

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International Women’s Day by GOPIO Gold Coast GOPIO Gold Coast organised their iconic International Women’s Day Sparkling Hi-Tea on 19th March 2023 at the beautiful Royal Pines Resort Gold Coast. The theme this year was “Embracing Equity”. The event had a fantastic presentation by Pallavi Mandke and Paddy Krishnan.

Thoughtprovoking Q&A and interactive fun activities kept the attendees on their toes. They were treated to an abundant array of delicious Hi-Tea with various savouries and sweets. It was well attended by ladies across Gold Coast and Brisbane.

Domestic & Family Violence Prevention & Awareness Seminar

GOPIO Gold Coast launched the Domestic & Family violence prevention & awareness campaign and seminar at their recent International Women’s Day celebration on 19th March 2023. They are organising a seminar on 14th May 2023 at the Southport Community Centre. It is free to attend, but registration is required for catering purposes.

10 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023 — 11

CoreLogic Home Value Index: National home values up 0.6% in March, breaking a 10-month streak of falls After remaining virtually flat in February (-0.1%), CoreLogic’s national Home Value Index (HVI) posted the first month-on-month rise since April 2022, up 0.6% in March.

Dwelling values were higher across the four largest capital cities and most of the broad ‘rest-of-state’ regions, led by a 1.4% gain in Sydney.

CoreLogic’s Research Director, Tim Lawless, put the rise down to a combination of low advertised stock levels, extremely tight rental conditions and additional demand from overseas migration.

“Although interest rates are high and there is an expectation the economy will slow through the year, it’s clear other factors are now placing upwards pressure on home prices,” Mr Lawless said.

“Advertised supply has been below average since September last year, with capital city listing numbers ending March almost -20% below the previous five-year average. Purchasing activity has also fallen but not as much as available supply; capital city sales activity was estimated to be roughly -7% below the previous five-year average through the March quarter.

“With rental markets this tight, it’s likely we are seeing some spillover from renting into purchasing, although, with mortgage rates so high,

not everyone who wants to buy will be able to qualify for a loan. Similarly, with net overseas migration at record levels and rising, there is a chance more permanent or long-term migrants who can afford to, will skip the rental phase and fast track a home purchase simply because they can’t find rental accommodation.”

The lift in housing values has been most evident across the upper quartile of Sydney’s housing market.

House values within the most expensive quarter of Sydney’s market were up 2.0% in March and the upper quartile of the Sydney unit market was 1.4% higher over the month.

“Sydney upper quartile house values fell by -17.4% from their peak in January 2022 to a recent low in January 2023, the largest drop from the market peak of any capital city market segment. We may be seeing some opportunistic buyers coming back into the market where prices have fallen the most,” Mr Lawless said.

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR QUEENSLAND REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS The REIQ has officially launched its Best Practice Guidelines.

The guidelines are the ultimate go-to guide for anyone working in the Queensland real estate profession.

No matter what sector you work in, the REIQ Best Practice Guidelines will help you stay a real step ahead by guiding you through the questions and issues you face each day.

Developed in consultation with the relevant governing authorities and industry leaders, the guidelines aim to enhance your ability to perform professionally and reputably. They are designed to increase the accountability, professionalism and integrity of the industry.

Whether you’re a Residential or Commercial Sales Agent or Property Manager, Buyer’s Agent, Auctioneer or Business Broker, the Best Practice Guidelines have got you covered!

Seek answers to commonly asked

questions and tricky subjects, including but not limited to: • How does the Property Occupations Act apply to me?

• What do sales agents need to disclose to prospective buyers?

• What are auctioneers responsible for at an auction?

• How do I navigate body corporate relationships?

• How do I ensure my commission and fees are secured as an agent?

• When do I refer my client to seek financial advice when selling a business?

• And so much more!

Keep an eye out for updates. The guidelines are a living document and will be regularly updated to reflect legislative changes and current best practice across all sectors of the profession.

Stay tuned for a series of webinars aimed at providing each real estate sector vital information and training on topics in the Best Practice Guidelines!

12 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023

Regional housing markets have mostly shown firmer housing conditions as well, with the combined regionals index rising 0.2% over the month. Housing values across Regional WA and Regional SA remain at cyclical highs despite 10 rate hikes.

SA’s FleurieuKangaroo Island SA3 subregion led capital gains over the month with a 2.6% rise in dwelling values followed

by Dubbo, NSW (2.5%), Wellington, Victoria (2.4%) and Mid West, WA (2.1%).

“The best performing regional markets are quite different to what we were seeing through the recent growth cycle,” Mr Lawless said.

“In today’s market it is mainly rural areas that are seeing the strongest increases, rather than the commutable coastal and lifestyle markets that were booming through the upswing. However, we are seeing some subtle growth return to regions within commuting distance of the major capitals, after many

recorded a sharp drop in values.”

But housing values aren’t rising everywhere. Hobart recorded the largest drop in home values among the capital cities, down -0.9% over the month. Housing

values across the southern most capital have fallen -12.9% since peaking in May last year; overtaking Sydney as the largest cumulative fall from peak across the capital cities.

However, the pace of decline has been easing

across Hobart over the past three months.

Canberra (-0.5%), Darwin (-0.4%) and Adelaide (-0.1%) also recorded a decline in values over the month, as did Regional Victoria (-0.1%) and Regional Tasmania (-0.7%).

AUSTRALIANS REMAIN THE BIGGEST LOSERS WITH SAD STATE OF HOUSING SUPPLY: NHFIC REIA has welcomed NHFIC's report giving an analysis into housing demand and supply across Australia further highlighting the dire situation on the imbalance in the supply and demand of housing, and the consequences including rents.

"The release of this report is very timely given that a day does not pass without housing being discussed by governments and the public," said REIA President Hayden Groves.

"The gap between supply and household formation has widened since last year's report. NHFIC now expects the cumulative gap between new household formation and new supply will be around -106,300 dwellings over the 2023 to 2027 period.

"In particular, NHFIC expects a shortage of apartments and multidensity dwellings for rent over the medium-term. Net additions of apartments and medium-density dwellings such as town houses are projected to be around 57,000 a year (on average)

over the five years to 202627, around 40% less than the levels seen in the late 2010s.

"NHFIC notes that the rapid return of overseas migration together with a supply pipeline constrained by decade-high construction costs and significant increases in interest rates is exacerbating an already tight rental market. NHFIC analysis shows housing affordability and supply are likely to remain challenging for some time.

"What is needed in this situation is a long-term plan in increasing supply rather than many knee jerk reactions the consequences

of which haven't been analysed by the many proponents. These include counter-productive ideas like the abolition of negative gearing and rent freezes," said Mr Groves.

Mr Groves said there is ample research that shows that negative gearing is not driving excessive, unproductive and speculative investment in housing but instead is adding to much-needed housing supply.

"Similarly, the analysis shows that abolishing negative gearing would reduce the supply of rental accommodation and push up

rents even more.

"The Henry Review, released in 2010, recognised that the current tax arrangements placed downward pressure on rents.

In 2019 SQM Research, in analysing the then Labor Opposition's policy to abolish negative gearing and change the CGT arrangements, showed that market rents would rise by between 7% to 12% over the period 2020 to 2022.

"The experiment by the Hawke Government to abolish negative gearing for property in 1985 was short-lived only to have it reinstated in 1987. During that period rents increased by 57.5% in Sydney, by 38.2% in Perth and by 32.0% in Brisbane.

"Freezing rents will similarly lead to a reduction in the supply of rental accommodation and consequent increases in rent as investors flee the market.

"What is needed are evidential measures to increase housing supply, not reduce it,” concluded Mr Groves.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023 — 17

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland परीक्षण करना

स्वामी विवेकानन्द परिव्राजक, रोजड़, गुजरात भारत प्रत्येक वस्तु एवं व्यक्ति को परखना, समझना आवश्यक है । क्योंकि शास्त्रों में कहा है , प्रमाणों के द्वारा प्रत्येक वस्तु का परीक्षण करना न्याय है । न्याय पर्व ू क व्यवहार करना ही सुखदायक होता है । "इस प्रकार से वेदों के और ऋषियों के निर्दे शानुसार प्रत्येक वस्तु और व्यक्ति का परीक्षण करना चाहिए। उसे समझना चाहिए। जिस वस्तु से आपको सुख अथवा लाभ अधिक मिलता हो, उस वस्तु का प्रयोग करना चाहिए। इसी प्रकार से जिस व्यक्ति से सुख अथवा लाभ अधिक मिलता हो, उस व्यक्ति के साथ रहना चाहिए।

"तथा जिस वस्तु एवं व्यक्ति से हानि अधिक होती हो, ऐसी वस्तुओं और व्यक्तियों से दरू रहना चाहिए।" यही बुद्धिमत्ता का लक्षण है । कहने का सार यह हुआ, कि "प्रत्येक वस्तु और व्यक्ति का परीक्षण करें । निष्पक्ष भाव से परीक्षण करें । सख ु प्राप्ति एवं दख ु से बचने के लिए परीक्षण करें ।" यह उचित है । परं तु कुछ लोग अपनी दर ु ्भावना के कारण निष्पक्ष परीक्षण नहीं करते। वे केवल दस ू रे की कांट छांट करने के लिए, दस ू रे की खिल्ली उड़ाने के लिए, दस ू रे को अपमानित करने के उद्देश्य से परीक्षण करते हैं। ऐसा करना अनचित है । क्योंकि यह न्याय ु नहीं है , अन्याय है । और शास्त्रों में इसका कोई विधान नहीं है । बल्कि शास्त्रों में तो, "दस ू रे का अपमान करना, उसे व्यर्थ में दख ु ी करना, उसकी खिल्ली उड़ाना, स्वयं को अभिमान पर्व ू क ऊंचा सिद्ध करना, यह सब अपराध घोषित किया हुआ है । अतः अपराधी न बनें। न्यायपर्व व्यवहार करें । ू क शद्ध ु तभी आपका जीवन सफल होगा, और आप सख ु मय जीवन जी सकेंगे।

मर्यादा परु ु षोत्तम श्रीराम चंद्र जी के जन्मदिवस पर, आप सबको श्री रामनवमी पर्व की बहुत बहुत शभ ु कामनाएं । ओ३म ्

मर्यादाओं का पालन करने वाले पुरुषों में उत्तम, मर्यादा पुरुषोत्तम, ईश्वर भक्त, वेदों के विद्वान, प्रतिदिन यज्ञ करनेवाले, पिता के समान पत्र ु वत ् प्रजा का पालन करने वाले, न्यायकारी, रावण जैसे दषु ्टों को दं ड दे ने वाले, माता-पिता गुरुजनों का सम्मान करने वाले, उनके आदे श निर्दे श का श्रद्धापर्व ू क पालन करने वाले, मर्यादा पुरुषोत्तम श्री राम चंद्र जी । श्री राम चंद्र जी के पावन जन्म दिवस रामनवमी पर हम सब उनके आदर्श चरित्र से प्रेरणा लेकर उनके गुणों को अपने जीवन में धारण करें , इसी में इस दिन को मनाने की सार्थकता है । The character of Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram Chandra Ji is excellent whose

ideals are worth following .

The teachings of Shri Ram Chandra Ji provides success in life if followed. The person who takes the words of Shri Ram Chandra Ji in action/ deed in life, happiness, patience , peace, prosperity and success remain in their current life and next. People definitely have challenges and have to certainly struggle and work very hard to achieve their goals. The goal is not achieved without hard work and struggle.

18 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023

Samaj Havan Yajna Satsang at Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre

For further information on Havan Satsang program at Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre 198 Learoyd Road Willawong QLD 4110 Please contact Vice President Mrs. Sushila Pathik 33146059 ओ३म ्

International Women's Day

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha Queensland Inc members with multicultural community representatives celebrated United Nations International Women's Day at Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre on Sunday 26.03.2023.The afternoon commenced with Havan Yajna followed by IWD enlightenment, Compliments ,Speeches from Members of Parliament, Community leaders, Magistrate Veena Goverdhan Ji, Pandita Usha Rai Ji,Mrs.Nirmala Ray Ji, Samaj officials and other

dignitaries , Cultural events, delightful entertainment , yummy refreshments and delicious scrumptious mouthwatering dinner for all.

The large audience full to capacity were fascinated by the eloquent, inspiring effective, articulate IWD speeches and captivated by the amusing entertainment items from several groups .VEDAS and related VEDIC texts sing about the status of women in a very glorifying and respectful way everyday.

It will be no exaggeration

to say that VEDAS consider women superior.

International Women's Day is important because we celebrate women’s achievements, it helps to raise awareness about ongoing issues, and women's rights. It is an opportunity for people to come together and take action to create a more equal and just society for all. By making women’s voices louder and more articulated and empowering them to make a difference, we are giving them a better chance at improving

the society. We celebrate those who came before us, those who stand beside us now, and those who will come after. The events create an opportunity for inclusion, gathering people from diverse backgrounds to empower, inspire, motivate and benefit individuals and communities.

The spirit of superb teamwork ,magnificent cooperation was on display from all members which is very deeply appreciated.

Thank you very much to each and everyone. ओ३म ्

Havan Yajna Agnihotra हवन यज्ञ, अग्निहोत्र It is really good to see many families performing Havan at home and on special occasions like birthdays, wedding anniversaries etc . The agnihotra (fire ceremony) havan yaj has been a very important part of all Vedic Hindu ceremonies since the beginning of time.

Havan Yajna. is the most ancient form of Hindu prayer/devotion/invocation.

Havan or fire ceremony is one of the most important rites laid down in the Vedic scriptures for householders and is part of the eternal Sanatan Vedic Dharm/ culture.

The benefits of agnihotra are multi-dimensional.

Spiritually, it has an enlightening effect on us because selected verses from the VEDAS and other Vedic literature are recited during the course of Yajna. Other than enhancing intellectual agility, such regular recitation of so many important Vedic mantras leads to them being

memorised..

Socially, it strengthens bonds between members of a family,Samaj or community because groups of people get together to carry it out communally.

Hygienically, it has the effect of medicinal cleansing of air in the vicinity.

Physically, agnihotra also has an uplifting effect on the material domains of human life it encompasses all the meanings that are conveyed by the word YAJNA Yajna is the cornerstone of the Vedic way of life. It is said to be the soul of the sixteen

sanskaars (sacraments).

Yajna is a very broad term-meaning Dev Pooja, Sangatikaran and Daan, Dev Pooja- prayer to GOD, taking care of the elderly,the learned and performance of Havan; Sangatikaran- in the company of wise people and Daan is donating to the needy.

Saam VED verse 1529 states-Aagne sthooram rayim bhar prithum gomantamashwinam.

Angdhi kham vartayaa pavimmeaning When Hawan is performed properly ,it purifies the

air and the surrounding environment and provides clean rain water,sunlight and contributes to increase in wealth.

Rig VED 3/32/12-Yajo hita indra vordhano bhutYajna is the means for the soul to refine itself and seek prosperity (salvation).

Yajur VED 18/11 says – Matischa mein sumatischa mein yajyen kalpantaam meaning Humans ordinary intellect can be successfully transformed into super intellect through the conduct of daily yajnas.

Shatpathbrahman 1/7/1/5 states “Yajao vei shreshthatam karma”-Yajna is the most noble of deeds.

With many benefits and in this battle for achieving the goal of getting pollutionfree environment,we all should keep performing Havan day after day as fellow human beings at home and other venues without any distinction of caste, creed, colour, region or religion.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023 — 19

Ram Naumi Celebrtions: Why are teachings of Ram missing from Ramayan we sing? What needs to change?

Thakur Ranjit Singh, FIJI PUNDIT I have been listening to and singing” little” Ramayan from an early age some over 60 years ago. Little, because the tradition of Fiji Indian Hindus had been to make it musical, with half the time of a Ramayan event spent in welcoming and farewelling God with various mantras and songs like Mangla Charan, Sumarni, Vandna, Aarti, Visarjan and Shanti Paath. Nothing wrong with that, it kept Mandalis together, we sang well, but the community failed to grasp the gist, lessons, morals, messages and teaching of Ramayan as little time was left for that -more of musical, networking- and nagona.

This is because in half time that is remained, we quickly covered 5 Doha (when we say “Ramchandra Ki Jai), with reading of arth, in Hindi from Ramayan, with little expansion and wider explanation, as we were then not blessed with modern TV serials and modern pundits of today of Google Baba.

Attending Tuesday or Saal Waala (annual) Ramayan had become just a ritual.

Over the last 60 years, I still see no changes in our people, brothers still hoodwinking

and screwing brother over the property of the old man, children abusing their parents and elders, gossips, backbiting, showing disrespect for elders of the extended families and taking advantage of others. Such behaviour never changed despite teachings and lessons of Ramayan giving lessons to the contrary. Little changed since Girmit over 140 years ago. In my locality in Fiji, I have almost all households in the village engaged in some form of family disputes-and this is story Fiji -wide among us Hindus. The message of family love taught in Ramayan flies over our heads like Ravan’s pushpak vimaan.

What chances are now for our Fiji Hindu Diaspora?

Now, fast forward to 2023, when we have migrated to Canada, Australia, New Zealand and USA in large numbers, we have made big Mandalis, and up sprang temples and associated fights and disputes. Behaviourally, we appear to have remained no different than we were when I was a child. SAME. Teaching of Ramayan never entered our heads and behaviour and manners remained unchanged.

It may have done to some, but for most, Ramayan was merely a ritual and not a behaviour-changer. I remain disillusioned with what effect Tulsidas’s scripture did to us Fiji Indian Hindus, or even to Hindus of India.

As the smoke from Hawan Kund of Ram Naumi and the smell attached to the clothes of Hawan smoke drifted away, out came another form of smoke. As we are nearing

Jesus is Lord Jesus said “Arise and Shine…”

Key Scripture:

The Glory of Zion For this is what the Lord says— He who created the heavens, He is God; He who fashioned and made the earth, He founded it; He did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited— He says: “I am the Lord, and there is no other.

-Isaiah 45:18 Dear Reader, It a joy to bring you the greatest good news. When you look at the media , news channel there is hardly any

good news there. But if you turn to the word of God by faith, you van experience His love, joy and peace.

Our theme is to make God

20 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023

Easter, BBQ smell would drift out and the aroma of jungli murgi, battak (ducks), lamp curry and chicken chaser would drift out of the kitchens.

These are the same kitchens where days before we were cooking Prashad and Roth. Nothing wrong with non-vegetarian people, as this is how Fiji Indian Hindus have come where we are today. We have done well throughout the world we are settled.

However, I would raise some questions on review of 9 days of Ram Naumi, and you are expected to answer them. Ignore them if you wish, as it was done, as I had raised then five years ago.

1) Ask the new generation of younger people in Vancouver, Surrey, Calgary, Edmonton, Sacramento,

Modesto, generally USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia -what they understood from the parvachan by the pundits and Pracharaks? Did they win in their computer game on phone while katha was recited? Did they understand that Tulsidas Hindi that many even from Fiji cannot understand? Would the new generation in these countries with little understanding of Standard (Shudd) Hindi, understand what was preached?

2) Should not the new generation have been told in the language they understand?

3) Did we pollute the rivers, waterways and sea, in the way they have done to Ganga (Ganges) in India?

Did we throw all flowers and other offerings in water, polluting the clean green country we have migrated to?

5) How many of them will walk in the footsteps of lessons from Ramayan?

And how many were in fact told the lessons and morals, or were they repeatedly told those episodes most of us know by-heart?

6) How many will go back to their old ways and behave like “Ravan” and again come back to become “Krishn” when Janam Astmi comes?

7) Have we improved in the 140 years since out Girmitiyas came to Fiji?

What have we learnt from Ramayan? What changes is seen in our behaviour?

Is our religion interested in issues of elder abuse, mental illness, family violence, child – abuse, suicided and many social issues affecting Hindus?

8) Did the Pundits and

Pracharaks just recite the same old story of Ramayan that we already know?

Have they explained the lessons, and the relevance of Ramayan to modern people?

9) And as Ram had links with his ancestor, Raghu, do we Fiji Indians have pride in our Girmitiyas and heritage they left behind? We sang and danced in Holi and Ram Naumi, but do we ever thank those whose sacrifice, vision and suffering delivered this culture to us? How many of these Mandalis and Mandirs in Fiji Hindu Diaspora around the world know that 14 May every year is FIJI GIRMIT THANKSGIVING DAY when we thank those forebears who gave us this culture? How many will mark Girmit Day when Fiji has declared a public holiday?

Whether you have pride in legacies of your heritage,

history, and Girmitiyas is your prerogative.

I know I will not make many friends by raising such issues which many have no guts to raise. I don’t care.

What I care is for some in the new generation to ponder what I have said and become the medium of change in the way we celebrate Ram and Krishn. They need to make religion a way of life and reconsider the ritualistic ways which appear to have enriched some but failed to change most common Fiji Hindus in the Fiji Indian Diaspora [About the Author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is a journalist and a media commentator and a regular contributor to BIT publication, based in Auckland. He runs his blog, FIJI PUNDIT. Email: thakurjifj@gmail.com]

simple and personal.

God is not an object or an image or imagination of human mind. God is a living and loving person. We find this simple revelation in the pages of Holy Bible. Keep reading with an open heart and humble spirit.

You will encounter your Creator today. You don’t need a thousand years for your Salvation (Mukti). You can receive your greatest miracle ‘Mukti’ today. This the confidence you can have in Christ alone.

The word Lord means, the person who has ownership, authority and rights. God the Lord created us for a close communication and relation-ship. But there is a three letter word called “SIN” that has separated u from close communication with our Lord. Only a humble heart hears His gentle and loving voice . He longs to cleanse us from all our sins.

That is the reason why Lord God took a human form in the body of Jesus Christ.

Our sins have corrupted our blood and our ability to

connect with our Creator.

The only way of God to reconcile us to a close relationship is made possible by the cleansing of our consciousness. Life is in the blood. The blood of Jesus alone has the power and grace to heal our hearts and cleanse our hearts. Do not harden your heart today to the gentle voice in your soul.

God created you for a loving relationship. Not to rule over you and harass your life with troubles. It is our sins that breaks the relationship with the Lord and opens the door for Satan and to deceive us. Humanity is cut from having a right relationship with God. Our sins have separated us from God. Most people are ignorant of this fact. Many are not concerned or not aware that this is deadly mistake.

But the good news is that God wants reconcile us to Himself. If we repent and humble before Him; there is a perfect forgiveness available to every-one. He wants That

is why we read that The Lord Jesus speaks with abso-lute authority and in perfect love. The Lord Jesus reveals Himself as a Creator and Redeemer of all mankind from our sins. As you read His words again today let your hearts be soften like silk by His supreme love. As the morning sunrise takes away the darkness, let your hearts be lighted by His goodness and mercy. His love is perfect and His love is wonderfully demonstrated on the cross. Let us listen to His gentle and beautiful voice again today and enjoy the true freedom that only His Lordship can bring to our lives.

For this is what the Lord says— He who created the heavens, He is God; He who fashioned and made the earth, He founded it; He did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited— He says:

“I am the Lord, and there is no other.

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Let this day be your day of greatest miracle. The miracle of knowing and reconciling with your true Lord and Saviour.

We invite you to please pray this sincerely; “Dear Father God, today thank you for word that has touched my heart. I confess with my mouth ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead.

Now help me to grow in the knowledge of your grace and mercy. Teach me your ways so that I can be person who will learn to honour you and love one another.

- Amen.

Please email to us your new birth experience so we can help you grow in the glorious hope in your Creator.

Email to us to help you connect with Christ: navig8grace@gmail.com

Are the teachings of Ram, civilization carved out through his reign in Treta -yug being ignored in the ritualistic way we celebrate Ram Naumi to make us feel good, but with little good for the community?

It is time for us Fiji Indian Hindus to bring back Ram in reciting and preaching of Ramayan. It is no longer just about musical prowess or Sanskrit Mantra articulation of the priest or flooding the pooja aasan with sweets and fruits, but it is about what lessons are imparted to the people, and how we become better human beings through lessons taught and shown by Ram. This article depicted that there seems little understanding, adoption and emulation of the treasures and wealth of the Tulsidas epic, Ramayan.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023 — 21

Sarojini Naidu – The Nightingale of India Women freedom fighters played significant roles in the Indian independence movement. Mrs Sarojini Naidu was one of those who fought for national freedom, women’s education and their empowerment. She worked with great leaders including Mahatma Gandhi and Madan Mohan Malaviya.

She was the first Indian woman to become the president of the Indian National Congress. After independence, she was the first woman governor of an Indian state. She was a renowned poet and playwright. Recognising the influence, imagery and lyrical quality of her poetry, she was nicknamed ‘Bharat Kokila’, the Nightingale of India.

Origin – Sarojini’s father was Aghorenath Chattopadhyay and mother was Varada Sundari Devi.

Aghorenath belonged to a family of Sanskrit scholars in Bengal. He had love for learning. After completing his initial study at Dhaka and then at Presidency College Kolkata, he joined the University of Edinburgh for higher studies. He was the first Indian to receive the Doctor of Science, abbreviated DSc degree, the highest academic award in science, in 1877.

On his return to India, Aghorenath accepted the invitation from Nizam of Hyderabad to modernise the education system there. He moved to Hyderabad in 1878 and began working with an English medium school. With Nizam’s help, he founded the Hyderabad College with himself its first principal. The college later became the Nizal College, which is now a constituent college of Osmania University.

His wife Varada Sundari Devi accompanied him to Hyderabad.

She was a poet and wrote poetry in Bengali. The couple had eight children, including four daughters and four sons. Sarojini Chattopadhyay was the eldest among them and was born in Hyerabad on 13th February 1879.

Their family was well-regarded in Hyderabad.

Education - Sarojini was a gifted child. She became fluent in several languages including Bengali, Telugu, Urdu, Hindi, Persian and English at her early age. At the age of twelve in 1891, she passed her matriculation with the highest marks and qualified for admission to a university.

Sarojini started composing poems at a young age. She composed a long poem in English and entitled it ‘The Lady of the Lake’. Her father initially wanted her to follow his footsteps in science and mathematics.

However, after reading her poems he was so impressed with her skills of expressing emotions with appropriate words that he abandoned his desire to make her a scientist and started encouraging her to continue her creative pursuits.

After some time, Sarojini, with assistance from her father, wrote the play ‘Maher Muneer’ in Persian. Her father distributed copies of the play to his friends and also presented a copy to the Nizam, who liked it immensely. Fascinated by the works of young Sarojini, the Nizam granted her a scholarship for study in England.

At the age of sixteen, she was admitted to King’s College, London and and later joined Girton College, Cambridge on the Nizam’s scholarship.

During her stay in England,

she met prominent English authors who inspired her to write on themes relevant to India.

Their advice led her to seek inspiration from India’s natural beauty, religious pluralism and the essene of the country’s social life. In England, she expanded her writing skills and topics, producing articles, which featured the great temples and mountains of India and the complex details of Indian social life. From England, she briefly travelled in Europe and familiarised herself with the European social and cultural traditions.

Family - In 1898, she returned to India from England. She married Dr Muthyala Govindarajulu Naidu, a general practitioner from southern India. She had met him during her study in England.

Their marriage was solemnised with the Brahmo Samaj rituals.

The pair belonged to different castes and such marriages were unconventional at that time.

However, their families had a modern outlook and supported their union. Sarojini adopted her husband’s surname ‘Naidu’.

The couple had five children, three of whom survived to adulthood. Their daughter Padmaja Naidu joined the independence movement. She held several senior positions in independent India. She co-founded the Indian National Congress in the Nizamruled princely state of Hyderabad.

She took part in the ‘Quit India’ movement in 1942 and was jailed for it. After Independence, she was elected to the Indian Parliament in 1950. She was the governor of West Bengal from 1956 to 1967.

Among Sarojini’s siblings, her first sister Mrinalini completed her studies from Cambridge and later became the principal of Gangaram Girls High School, Lahore. The second sister Sunalini was a Kathak dancer. The youngest sister Suhasini was a political activist

22 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023

and the first female member of the Indian Communist party.

Among her brothers, the eldest Virendranath was a revolutionary.

He spent time in Europe, gathering support for activities against the colonial rule. The youngest brother Harindranath was a poet, a dramatist and an actor.

After her return from England, Sarojini continued her literary work, composing poems and other articles. She was also a good singer with a melodious voice. She became popular among educated sections of the community, thanks to her outstanding performances.

Politics – The partition of Bengal in 1905 was traumatic for Indian nationalists. It resulted in protests against the administration.

During the turmoil, Sarojini met Gopal Krishna Gokhale. He advised her to use her talent in service of the national cause and work for women’s education and empowerment. She took a respite from writing and devoted herself fully to social work. She started becoming involved in politics and the struggle for social progress.

Sarojini Naidu considered Gokhale her political father.

She came into contact with prominent personalities of the time, such as Madan Mohan Malaviya, Annie Besant, the poet Rabindranath Tagore and others.

She became a formidable activist.

In 1906, she addressed the Indian National Congress and the Indian Social Conference in Kolkata. In 1908, she addressed a conference on widow remarriage in Chennai. She was awarded the Kaisar-i-Hind Medal by the British government for her social work.

In 1914, Sarojini was in London.

There she became a member of the Lyceum, a ladies’ club. She volunteered at the club, which had undertaken a project to make clothes for soldiers fighting in the First World War. Gandhi also volunteered at the Lyceum.

In course of their volunteering, they had their first meeting. Both were impressed by each other’s dedication to their work. Later, she became his ardent follower during the Indian independence movement.

Sarojini joined the Indian National Congress in 1915 and advocated for women’s education and rights. She came in close contact with Mahatma Gandhi and other national leaders. She believed in Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence and was instrumental in disseminating his principles.

She joined Gandhi's Satyagraha movement of nonviolent resistance against British rule, and remained by his side in the struggle for Indian independence throughout his life.

She supported Hindu-Muslim unity. She participated in the Champaran Indigo Satyagrah in Bihar, led by Mahatma Gandhi.

She met Jawaharlal Nehru in 1916 and worked with him for the rights of the Indigo farmers.

She was a recognised public orator. She along with Annie Besant travelled across India and delivered messages on women’s emancipation, workers’ rights and nationalism. In 1917, she helped Annie Besant and others to establish the Women’s Indian Association. It was set up to liberate women from the deplorable social and economic conditions that they suffered. The Association later developed into a potent force to fight against illiteracy, child marriage, the Devadasi system and other contemporaneous social ills.

The same year, she along with Annie Besant travelled to London to represent the case for women’s franchise before the Joint Select Committee.

In 1918, she and other British feminists started a monthly magazine called Stri Dharma, which presented international news through the lens of a feminist perspective. Her persuasive work on women’s participation led Congress to promise women’s right to vote when it gained power.

She was one of Gandhi’s most faithful lieutenants when he launched the Civil Disobedience Movement on April 6, 1919. She returned her Kaiser-i-Hind medal in protest against the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre in 1919.

As a part of her struggle to free India from British rule, she went to London in 1919 as a member of the All India Home Rule League. In 1920, she returned to join Gandhi’s Satyagraha Movement amidst the growing demand for Swaraj.

As an Indian National Congress delegate, she attended the East African Indian Congress in January 1924. She also visited South Africa as an emissary of Gandhi. She was the first high profile Indian to visit South Africa after Mahatma Gandhi’s left that country. She called for a broad alliance of local and Indian residents in the colony for redress of their grievances.

Congress president - Sarojini Naidu was elected the President of the Indian National Congress Party in 1925. She was the first Indian woman to hold this position, which was the highest position of the leadership in the Indian national movement.

She took part in the campaign for the rights of female education and became a founding member of the All India Women’s Conference when it was set up in 1927. It continues working now on various projects.

She visited the USA in 1928 to promote the cause of Indian independence. During her visit, she expressed her concern regarding the unfair treatment of depressed minorities such as Red-Indians and African-Americans. On return from the USA, She became a member of the Congress Working Committee.

She also represented India at the International Women’s Congress in 1929 in Berlin.

During the Salt Satyagrah in 1930, Sarojani played a leading role. She marched with Gandhi.

After senior leaders were arrested, she led a peaceful raid with 2,500 volunteers at the Dharasana Salt Factory.

She cautioned volunteers not to retaliate against police brutality. National and international media acknowledged her leadership during that protest.

In May 1930 she was arrested for her association with the Civil Disobedience Movement and was released on 31 January 1931. She along with Gandhi and Madan Mohan Malaviya participated in the second Round Table Conference held between September and December 1931 in London.

In 1932, she was arrested again for her participation in the Salt Satyagrah and was released later due to her illness. On October 2, 1942, she was arrested for her association with the Quit India Movement and spent 21 months in jail.

She presided over the steering committee of Asian Relations Conference in March 1947. After Independence, Sarojini Naidu was appointed the Governor of Uttar Pradesh. She remained in the post until she passed away on 2 March 1949 in Lucknow.

Throughout her political career, she interacted with key figures of the Indian freedom movement.

She travelled across the world, speaking about the Indian national cause. During her travels abroad, she sought support for Indian independence.

She dedicated her life to the struggle for independence of India. She dreamt of a society in which women and men were equal citizens in the eye of law.

Literary works - Sarojini Naidu was a celebrated poet. Her first volume of poetry titled ‘The Golden Threshold’ was published in 1905 followed by ‘The Bird of Time’ in 1912. The publication of The Golden Threshold earned her a popular epithet 'Bulbul-eHind'. She was elected a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.

She wrote many other poems. Her collected poems were published under the titles ‘The Sceptred Flute’ and ‘The Feather of the Dawn’.

Apart from poetry, she has also penned articles and essays such as ‘Words of Freedom’ on her political beliefs and social issues such as women’s empowerment.

Legacy - Sarojini Naidu is known as "one of India's feminist luminaries". Her birthday, 13 February, is celebrated as Women's Day in India to recognise the powerful voices of women in India's history.

An off-campus annex of University of Hyderabad is name Golden Threshold in memory of her first poetry. It houses the Sarojini Naidu School of Arts & Communication in the University of Hyderabad.

—Awadhesh Sharma www.hinduguru.com.au

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023 — 23

The ideal fraternal love

The content of this article is taken from the satsang (spiritual discourse) of H.H. Sant Shri Asharam ji Bapu. Swami Vivekananda addressed the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in September 1893.

A hundred years after him, Pujya Bapu Ji addressed the same Parliament in September 1993 and the whole parliament reverberated with the chanting of Hari Om. Both of these world-renowned spiritual leaders addressed the audience for a much longer period than the given time and the audience were absorbed in listening to them.

To save the youth who are being ruined due to the lustful festivals like valentine’s day, in 2007 Pujya Bapu ji-initiated celebrations of Matri-Pitri Pujan Diwas (Parents’ worship day) on 14th February. Pujya Bapu ji felt that, due to the blind imitation of Western culture there has been a steep rise in the incidences of alcoholism, suicide, and other immoral activities, especially among the youth during the last week of December. To rescue the youth from this debauchery and denigration, Pujya Bapu ji came up with the idea of worshipping a sacred Tulsi plant (holy basil). So, with a view to awaken the cultural pride of the India and to save the countrymen from mental slavery, in 2014, he initiated celebration of Tulsi poojan on 25th December. Pujya Bapu Ji

has always emphasized the necessity to follow rich Indian culture and always said that it is only the Indian culture and Sanatana dharma which can give the world true happiness & peace.

Dear readers, this article is about the necessity of fraternal love.

Talking about the necessity of developing fraternal feeling towards everyone, Pujya Bapu ji explained about the intimate relationship that existed between Lord Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughana. The four brothers were in supreme state of fraternal love.

The ideal of fraternal love upheld in the Ramayana and Mahabharata is a great source of inspiration for the world today.

Pujya Bapu ji says, “Let no brother be malevolent to another brother; Let no brother fight or quarrel with his brother.”

Fraternal love is necessary for peace, well-being and joy in the family. Fraternal hatred leads to ruin of the house and family caused by wastage of money in court cases, whereas selfless fraternal love turns the home into heaven. Even the days of poverty pass happily with harmony and mutual understanding.

Love your brothers and learn ideal fraternal love from Ramaji, Laxmanaji and Bharatji. Lord Rama was surprised when he heard

about his coronation.

Ramaji says: “My brothers and myself were all born together; and together have we dined, slept and played in our childhood; the piercing of our ear-lobes, (one of the sixteen sacraments incumbent on a Hindu), our investiture with the sacred thread, wedding and all other ceremonies have been done together. The only unseemly practice in this spotless line is that the eldest should be installed on the throne to the exclusion of his younger brothers." (Shri Rama Charita Manasa, Ayodhya Kanda: 9.3, 4) What fraternal love Rama had for his brothers!

When the king Dasharatha died, Bharata was called to Ayodhya keeping the news of Lord Rama's exile and the death of king disclosed. Upon reaching Ayodhya, when he learned of the death of his father, he cried and said, “O mother! 1 thought that father was going to perform the Yajna ritual after handing over the throne to brother Rama, so I started my journey home very happily." Bharata didn't just cry but also went to the forest to bring his elder brother back. When Rama refused to return on all counts, then Bharata took the sandals of Rama and came back and for 14 years he lived the life of a hermit at Nandigram. Just see the affection Bharata had for his elder brother!

Now see the affection of Lord Rama as well. About to leave for the forest. Lord Rama says, “O residents of Ayodhya! The way you people have the kind of love, respect and honour towards me, treat my brother Bharata with same respect and honour for my pleasure.”

And affection of Laxmana is known to the world. He renounced all the luxuries of life and went to the forest with respect and honour

towards me, treat my brother Bharata with same respect and honour for my pleasure.”

And affection of Laxmana is known to the world. He renounced all the luxuries of life and went to the forest with Lord Rama. When Kabandha demon captured Rama and Laxmana, Laxmana said, “O brother! Give my body to the demon to save your life, and then taking Sita along, ascend the throne of Ayodhya and remember me sometimes.'

Now let's look at the times of the Mahabharata.

When the Pandavas were exiled to the forest, wicked Duryodhana arranged a royal trip just to mock the Pandavas, but Gandharva Chitrasen captured him.

When Yudhishdhira heard the news, he sent Bhima and Arjuna to rescue him. Bhima said, “Me... why should I go to rescue that sinner due to whom we arc wandering from place to place? Why should I rescue him who has disgraced Draupadi? Why should I rescue the one who is ready to take our lives?”

Yudhishthira said, “In our internal fight we are five and they are one hundred but when we are fighting an outsider, we are one hundred and five.”

What a lofty ideal of fraternal love!

So, if the brothers and family members in a family live harmoniously, leaving hostility aside, as per the verse, “Nourishing one another... May we march forward with a common goal. May we be openminded and work together in harmony.” And behold the Antaryamin consciousness, divine Existence abiding in everyone's heart and relate to each-other accordingly, then their love will become ideal love, their conduct will be guided by the love for God, and divine love and bliss will

fill their hearts.

Drops of nectar As much time you spend in hearing satsang, spend double the time in reflection on it. Taking a little food and masticating it thoroughly increases it's taste. As a palace cannot stand without a base, satsang cannot be imbibed without reflection on it. Just as every morsel of food lessens hunger, gives satisfaction, and increases the strength of the body, similarly chewing the cud of satsang (reflection and contemplation) lessens desires for sense pleasures, increases inner joy, and nourishes every limb of spiritual love.

Certainly, the dirt of the physical body gets cleaned by taking a bath in pilgrimages, but the dirt of the mind cannot be removed without the words of SatGuru, this is the truth, this is verily the truth. Whoever worshipped the idol of SatGuru, served Him, and restrained senses with forbearance, his human birth is fulfilled. Sant Bahina baai said it is certain that the mind will get purified and passionless, only by the grace of Guru, not by any other means.

In order to get blessings of Guru and sublime vision, you should keep your mind fixed on Guru. If you keep your mind always dependent upon Guru, then you will be able to unravel many secrets of religious life.

One must shun speaking ill of others. The straight meaning of looking for defects in others, is doing meditation on their vices. And you start drawing in whatever a person has by meditating on him. The mind never remains clean with the vice of speaking ill of others.

• Taking the world to be real, talking about the world alone, and having no love

for Atman-Paramatma is the root of all suffering.

• If we do not take the body for ‘I’, and get the knowledge of the real ‘I’ all problems will be resolved forever.

• Actually, there is no distance between the Supreme Self and us, hence there is no delay in it's attainment.

To listen Vedic/knowledge stories or to listen 24X7 live divine Satsang, please search “Mangalmay live” on google, visit http://www.ashram. org/live or search “THE SBM STUDIO” on you tube. By the Divine Inspiration of Bapu Ji, the weekly sessions of Bal Sanskar and yoga are held in Brisbane, Melbourne and in Sydney. These sessions are aimed for the character, mental, intellectual and spiritual development of the kids. The kids are trained to learn yogic mudras, techniques, yogasnas and pranayamas. These yogic techniques along with jap and meditation help kids in attaining virtues like righteousness and selfrestraint. The kids learn precious keys to develop intelligence and take advantage of chanting and meditation while playing and laughing. Please read more about our Vedic culture in the next issue of “The Brisbane Indian Times.”

To know more about His Divine Holiness Bapu Ji, please watch this video. https://bit.ly/2uZvJuN For more info about Bal Sanskar and yoga sessions, to get a free copy of monthly spiritual magazine RishiPrasad in your mail box in Australia or to get free online subscription of Rishi -Prasad, please contact by email at bskamd@gmail. com or by WhatsApp/phone to Ashok Attri and Anu Attri at +61 426 834 434 & +61 405 277 802

Mata ki Chowki at Sharma residence PARKINSON Baldev and Sushma Sharma, with their family, organised a Mata ki Chowki on 25th March at their Parkinson home; the DJJS Brisbane Branch group, who are well versed with the tradition were chosen for the ceremony. Dinner was provided for everyone after the ceremony.

Mata Ki Chowki is a holy event that consists of songs and bhents (devotional songs) praising the Divine Mother Goddess Durga sung by her devotees.

They worship her and call her to come and provide them protection, love, and spiritual awakening to attain Moksha.

24 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023

Fun & Friendship at the One and All Harmony Day Festival SPRINGFIELD LAKES It was laughter and friendship at the One and All Harmony Day Festival organised by Vedanta Centre in Springfield Lakes on Saturday, 18th March. The fun and informative event on a beautiful sunny Saturday featured free entertainment for the whole family, including a petting zoo, face painting, markets, food, the Brisbane Lions teaching AFL skills and live music from local artists.

Harmony Day is a day to celebrate Australian multiculturalism based on the successful integration of migrants into our shared community. With more than 400 people in attendance, the festival encompassed inclusiveness, celebration and a sense of belonging for everyone.

Charis Mullen MP said it was fantastic to see such a diverse group of community members come together in celebration of friendship – “I think it’s a real strength to have diversity, and how lucky we to have all these incredible cultures living within a few kilometres of each other being able to share their incredible culture.”

Swami Atmeshananda, a resident monk of the Vedanta Centre, said, “It’s extraordinary to see so much energy here; we are delighted that we can get so many people on Harmony Day. Unity in diversity is what one should understand in life. We may be different, but we all belong to the divine.”

Harmony Day is all about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or

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linguistic background, united by core Australian values.

Menaka Thomas, volunteer production manager, says, “Events like today are really important because we live in a society that is so diverse.

Australia is the land that welcomes and integrates

people from around the world, and they call Australia home. I think it’s important to acknowledge that this is who we are and part of our landscape.”

For photos, visit: www.facebook.com/ VedantaSpringfield

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023 — 25

Who, What, Where, When...

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner conducted the citizenship ceremony for six hundred-plus new citizens at Brisbane City Hall

One of the new recipient families with Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner

Representatives’ families were invited onto the stage at the end of the official proceedings.

Police commissioner Katarina Carroll APM with QPS liaison officers, elected representatives and members of the multicultural community

Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio are proud media partners of the Arijit Singh show 26 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023

Invited VIPs at a reception to welcome the new citizens at Brisbane City Hall

Usha Chandra, Katarina Carroll APM , Janeth Deen OAM and Charis Mullen MP at Bangladesh Association Of Brisbane’s iftar dinner attended by around 600 people

Irene Balydon Zaisha , Annesha, Bondita Chakraborty and Rohanai Prasad at the Arijit Singh Roadshow at Curry N Cask restaurant Fortitude Valley

Who, What, Where, When...

Umesh Chandra OAM with HWPL volunteers planning out the seminar – Culture of peace

Culture of peace forum, a panel discussion by faith and community leaders at Grange community Hall arranged by HWPL

Sustainable Serenity is a bamboo flute duo highlighting the interconnections between the music of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Malaysia.

Unplugged: Sustainable Serenity is a bamboo flute duo by Murali Ramakrishnan and Darshil Shah (with Shen Flindell and Ruddra Dorairajan), ,

All smiles by the BCC interns and host companies at a reception at Brisbane City Hall

Tribal Experiences offers a welcome to the country at the BCC new interns reception.

Bob Pillay of Cornerstone Law offices celebrated his half-century with family and friends.

Club Noir decked out the venue for Bob’s fiftieth in style

Ronda Nix OAM (left), the newly elected president of OAAQ with this year’s appreciation certificate recipients at the AGM dinner Call: (07) 3192 5188

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Umesh Chandra OAM at the OAAQ AGM Dinner THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023 — 27

RAMADHAAN AND ITS FINAL BLESSINGS

By Ml. M .Nawaaz Ashrafi

Ramadan is a month of spiritual cleansing and purification for Muslims in which we try to increase our worship, good deeds and acts of charity. The last ten days and nights hold even more significance as Allah shows great mercy to His creation. They are a chance to benefit from the immense blessings of Ramadan and seek salvation before the month comes to an end.

Seeking Laylatul Qadr Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Decree or Night of Power, is one of the most sacred nights in the Islamic calendar. It takes place in the last ten days of Ramadan and was the night in which the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

It is also believed to be the night in which Allah shows great mercy to His creation and the night in which one’s fate is decreed.

Allah says in the Qur’an, “The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months,” (Qur’an, 97:3). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever prays on Laylatul Qadr out of faith and sincerity, shall have all their past sins forgiven,” (Hadith, Bukhari and Muslim).

Sincerely praying for forgiveness, reciting the holy Qur’an, sending salawat (blessings upon the Prophet) and offering optional (nafl) prayers are examples of beneficial acts of worship on these nights.

The exact date of Laylatul Qadr is unknown, although it is thought to occur on an odd night in the last ten days of Ramadan (e.g. the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27 or 29th night).

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Seek it in the last ten days, on the odd nights,” (Hadith, Bukhari and Muslim).

When Lady Aisha (may Allah be well pleased with her) asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) “O Messenger of Allah, if it is Laylatul Qadr, then what should I supplicate with?” he replied with the famous dua: “Allahumma, innaka Afuwwun Karimun, tuḥibbu al-afwa fa‘afu anna” – “O Allah, indeed You are Pardoning and Generous; You love to pardon, so pardon us.”

Performing i’tikaf Many Muslims choose to spend the last ten days of Ramadan in seclusion (i’tikaf), where one solely focuses on worshipping Allah and refrains from involvement in worldly affairs. It is a time to reflect, increase worship and to increase one’s religious knowledge, seeking closeness to Allah.

The sunnah is to remain in i’tikaf for ten days but as a minimum it can be one

day and one night. I’tikaf is a great opportunity to reconnect with Allah in solitude. It is also a time to implement good religious practices which can be carried on throughout the whole year. This seclusion usually takes place at the mosque but with many mosques closed this Ramadan amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, a secluded space within the home can be designated, free from noise and distractions if possible.

Giving sadaqa during the last ten nights The last ten days of Ramadan are an opportunity to gain multiple rewards by giving sadaqa to those in need for the sake of seeking the pleasure of Allah.

The rewards of giving sadaqa during Ramadan are multiplied by 70 and the reward for any righteous act during Laylatul Qadr is equivalent to having performed the same act for over 83 years!

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said “Sadaqa extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire,” (Hadith, Tirmidhi). He also said that Allah offers relief on the Day of Judgement for those who give sadaqa: “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be their charity,” (Hadith, Tirmidhi).

Give generously before Ramadan comes to an end and help us provide relief to those lives have been torn apart by war, famine and natural disaster. Show mercy to others so that Allah may show mercy to you.

LAILATUL QADR Islam makes certain times and places especially sacred. While a believer can certainly engage in worship such as remembering or glorifying God at any time (“standing, sitting or lying on their sides”1), some periods of time have special and unique blessings associated with them. Similarly, while the entirety of the Earth has been made a place of worship and prostration, there are some locations (such as the three Mosques) that are uniquely blessed.

This creates within the psychology of the believer a yearning to seek out these unique opportunities in order to come closer to Allah.

That yearning brings about several positive spiritual emotions: awe, reverence, wonder, anticipation, eagerness, excitement, hope, and longing, all of which are encompassed in the term shawq.

As we live today in an era of digital distractions and materialistic heedlessness, often acts of worship are squeezed into brief moments in our daily routine, which does not furnish one with a complete

28 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023

transformative spiritual experience. Serious worship requires not just taking a brief moment to pray, but allowing our prayers to define our direction in life.

Thus, Islam offers opportunities for intense spiritual experiences, experiences that involve setting aside the dunya (worldly life) and its distractions. Of the greatest of such opportunities are the blessed nights of Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad ‫ﷺ‬ said, “Whoever spends the nights of Ramadan in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, he will be forgiven his previous sins.” The foremost of these opportunities are the last ten nights of Ramadan.

As the Prophet’s wife `A’isha narrates, “When the last ten nights began Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) kept awake at night (for prayer and devotion), wakened his family, and prepared himself to observe salah (with more vigor). It is no coincidence that i`tikaf (seclusion in the masjid) is also recommended in Ramadan.

The Prophet Muhammad ‫ ﷺ‬used to practice i`tikaf for the entirety of the last ten days of Ramadan. By far however, there is no day or night that has been emphasized more than the night known as laylat alqadr (the Night of Decree).

The Qur’an’s 97th chapter is dedicated entirely to this night: Indeed, We revealed [the Qur'an] during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn. (97:1-5)

The companion Anas ibn Malik reported: “Ramadan approached, so the Messenger of God said: ‘This month has come to you, and in it there is a night that is better than a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of it is deprived of all goodness, and no one is deprived of its goodness except one who is truly deprived.’

The precise night on which Laylatul-Qadr occurs has not been mentioned.

The Prophet Muhammad ‫ﷺ‬ said, “Search for LaylatulQadr in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan.”

There is a tremendous wisdom behind not knowing exactly when it occurs, which scholars have pointed out.

As Ibn Qudamah alMaqdisi (d. 620 H) writes: God has concealed this night from the ummah so that they may strive in seeking it and performing worship throughout the month in the hopes of catching it. Similarly, He concealed the hour of special acceptance on Friday so that one would increase in their supplications throughout the day, and He concealed His Greatest Name (ism ala’dham) amongst His Divine Names and His Pleasure with acts of obedience so that people would strive for them. And He concealed an individual’s lifespan and the Hour [of the Day of Judgment] so that humanity would continuously strive in good deeds, being heedful of them.

Eid-Ul-Fitr- a Unique Festival Time of Joy for Muslims Eid -ul -Fitr is a unique festival. It has no connection with any historical event nor is it related to the changes of seasons or cycles of agriculture. It is not a festival related in any way to worldly affairs.

Its significance is purely spiritual. It is the day when the Muslims thank Allah for having given them the will, the strength and the endurance to observe fast and obey His commandment during the holy month of Ramadhan.

This day, in Muslim world, brings rejoicing and happiness. The rejoicing is not, however, at the departure of the month of Ramadhan; it is the happiness which man feels after successfully completing an important task.

So far as the passing away of the month of Ramadhan is concerned, Muslim religious leaders of the early days of Islam always felt profound sorrow when it came to an end, as they felt that they were being deprived of the spiritual blessings which were associated with the month of fasting.

To show the original Islamic feeling at the end of Ramadhan, I am quoting some of the sentences from an invocation by Imam Zainul-Abedeen R.A. He says:"O Lord, Thou hast ordained Ramadhan to be one of the most chosen .. .. ; and Thou hast distinguished it from all other months, and chosen it out of all other seasons and periods; and given it preference to all the times of the year, by having sent the Qur'an and the light of guidance in it, and by having increased the faith, and by having enjoined the observance of fast in it, and by encouraging us to stand up for prayer at night, and by placing in it the glorious 'Night of Qadr' which is better than a thousand months.

"Therefore, in accordance with Thy command, we kept fast in its days, and with Thy help, we stood up for prayers

in its nights; presenting ourselves, by means of its fasts and prayers, for Thy Mercy which Thou dist offer to us.

"And, verily, this month of Ramadhan stayed amongst us a welcome stay; and gave us a righteous company; bestowing upon us the most excellent benefits in the universe. Now, it departs from us at the completion of its time.

"Therefore, we bid it farewell as we did good-bye to one whose departure is hard upon us and makes us sad; and whose parting away makes us feel lonely." Then he turns towards the month of Ramadhan, speaking in an endearing tone:"How much did we long for thee yesterday; and how intense will be our eagerness for thee tomorrow. Peace be on thee and thy excellence of which we have been deprived, and thy blessings which will no longer be with us."

These few words are the mirror which show the true Islamic feeling towards the month of Ramadhan and its blessings and spiritual benefits.

Eid-ul -Fitr is related to such a month of blessings, because it is on this day that the strict restrictions of the preceding month are lifted.

Unfortunately, in some places, this resumption of the normal activities is misinterpreted as a licence to indulge in activities prohibited in Islam, like gambling, etc.

Fortunately, such trends are not common yet; but such people should be made to understand the significance of Eid -ul-Fitr.

Religious observances of the Eid-ul-Fitr are designed to offer thanks to Allah that He helped us in accomplishing the aim of Ramadhan.

Surely, it would be an affront to Allah if anybody, after thanking Him for completing that spiritual training, goes right away sinning against Him! Had such person known the meaning and purpose of Eid-ul -Fitr, he could not have indulged in such unIslamic activities. Eid-ulFitr can be interpreted as a three-fold blessing: First it provides one more occasion for the Muslims to thank God and remember His blessings.

Secondly, it affords an opportunity of spiritual stock-taking, after the month of Ramadhan. A Muslim can now ponder over the strength (or weakness) of his will power; he can see, in the mirror of Ramadhan, what were the strong (or weak) points of his character, because under the stress of fasting, the hidden qualities (or evils) of human character come to surface in such

RAMADHAAN AND ITS FINAL BLESSINGS clear way which is, perhaps, not possible otherwise.

Thus a man gets a chance of self-diagnosis of the traits of his character, which probably no one else may ever detect.

Thirdly, it enjoins the well-to -do persons to share a portion of what they have with their poor brethren.

On the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr, a Muslim is obliged to give to the needy food-stuff at the rate of a prescribed

weight, on behalf of himself and of every member of his family, including servants and guests who were sheltered under his roof on that night. It would certainly be pleasing to God if we did not forget these lessons after Eid-ulFitr. Incidentally, here the difference between religious and materialistic outlooks becomes sharper. Religion exhorts a man to give, by his own free will, a share of

his wealth to those who are less fortunate, and to give it for obtaining the blessings of God. Materialism teaches him to snatch from others whatever they have got without any regard to the moral or ethical questions involved.

Thus, the religion tries to strengthen the highest qualities of the human character; materialism strives to make him the slave of the lowest animal

instincts degrading him to the level of the beasts.

On this day, special prayers are held the world over, between sunrise and noon, when the Muslims assemble, in large congregations, wearing their best dresses standing shoulder to shoulder, demonstrating for everyone the universal brotherhood which is another distinguishing feature of Islam --- the religion of God.

Let us re-dedicate our life to the cause of humanity, which is the best way to demonstrate our love of God. Let us resolve that our energies, in the coming year, will be directed towards strengthening a society based on mutual respect, brotherly love, and universal understanding.

Let us decide that, in the coming year, we will build a social order which would bring not only the

material benefits, but also the spiritual satisfaction.

And, in the end, let us pray to God in these words: "O Lord, make us clean from our errors by the close of the month of Ramadhan, and take us out of our sins when our fast comes to end.

And bless us on this Eid day, the day of our festival and our break-fast; and let it be the best day, which passed over us, and forgive us our sins known and unknown."

What is the ruling on fasting six days of Shawwal? Is it wajib (obligatory)?

Fasting six days of Shawwal after the obligatory fast of Ramadan is Sunnah Mustahabbah, not wajib.

It is recommended for the Muslim to fast six days of Shawwal, and in this there is great virtue and an immense reward. Whoever fasts these six days will have recorded for him a reward as if he had fasted a whole year, as was reported in a sahih hadith from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Abu Ayyub (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, it will be as if he fasted for a lifetime."

Narrated by Muslim, Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi, An-

Nisa'i and Ibn Majah The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) explained this when he said: "Whoever fasts for six days after ('Eid) Al-Fitr has completed the year: (whoever does a good deed (hasanah) will have ten hasanah like it)."

According to another report: "Allah has made for each hasanah ten like it, so a month is like fasting ten months, and fasting six days completes the year." [AnNisa'i and Ibn Majah. See also Sahih at-Targhib wa'tTarhib, 1/421). It was also narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah with the wording: "Fasting for the month of Ramadan brings the reward of ten like it, and fasting for six days brings the reward of two months, and that is the

fasting of the whole year."

The Hanbali and Shafi'i fuqaha' explained that fasting six days of Shawwal after fasting Ramadan makes it as if one has fasted for an entire year of obligatory fasts, because the multiplication of the reward applies even to nafil fasts, because each hasanah brings the reward of ten like it.

Another of the important benefits of fasting six days of Shawwal is that is makes up for any shortfall in a person's obligatory Ramadan fasts, because no one is free of shortcomings or sins that have a negative effect on his fasting. On the Day of Resurrection, some of his nafil deeds will be taken to make up the shortcomings in his obligatory deeds, as the

Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "The first thing for which people will be brought to account on the Day of Resurrection will be their salah (prayer). Our Lord, may He be glorified and exalted, will say to His angels - although He knows best - 'Look at the salah of My slave, whether it is complete or incomplete.'

If it is perfect, it will be recorded as perfect, and if something is lacking, He will say, 'Look and see whether My slave did any voluntary (nafil) prayers.' If he did some voluntary prayers, [Allah] will say, Complete the obligatory actions of My slave from his voluntary actions.' Then all his actions will be dealt with in a similar manner."Narrated by Abu

Dawud TAKBIR OF EID-UL-FITR ALLAAHU AKBAR ALLAAHU AKBAR ALLAAHU AKBAR LAA ILAAHA ILLALLAAHU WALLAAHU AKBAR ALLAAHU AKBAR WALILLAAHILHAMD ALLAAHU AKBAR KABEERAA WALHAMDULILLAAHI KATHEERAA WA SUBHAANALLAAHI BUKRATOW- WA ASEELAA LAA ILAAHA ILLALLAAHU WA LAA NA’BUD ILLAA IYAAHU MUKHLISEENA LAHUDDEENA WA LOW KARIHAL KAAFIROON LAA ILAAHA ILLALLAAHU SADAQA

WA’DAHU WA NASARA ABDA, WA A AZZA JUNDAHU WA HAZAMAL AHZAABA WAHDA ALLAAHUMMA SALLE ALAA SAYYIDINAA MUHAMMAD WA ALAA AALI SAYYIDINAA MUHAMMAD WA ALAA ZURRIYATI SAYYIDIDNAA MUHAMMAD WA ALAA AZWAAJI SAYYIDINAA MUHAMMAD WA ALAA ASHAABI SAYYIDINAA MUHAMMAD WA SALLAM TASLEEMAN KATHEERAN KATHEERAA. LAA ILAAHA ILLALLAAHU WALLAAHU AKBAR ALLAAHU AKBAR WALILLAAHIL HAMD ON BEHALF OF THE ISLAMIC SOCIETY OF ALGESTER, WE WISH ALL MUSLIMS A HAPPY EID UL FITR.

Kavita ji

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023 — 29

The Process of Human Progress 31 December 1978, Patna

By Shrii Shrii Anandamurti The subject of this discourse is, “The Process of Human Progress”. Long ago, I said that true progress takes place in only in the spiritual sphere. What we generally call “progress” is not actual progress. Today, people are making very little progress in comparison with the progress made in the distant past. Of course, they are struggling as much as their ancestors did (and their counterparts will do in the future), but there is some difference between them.

Behind the human endeavour to progress towards perfection lies one motivating factor – the desire for permanent happiness.

Urged on by this desire, people start to tread the path of advancement. Early on in their journey, they discover hundreds of personal and social imperfections hindering their progress and resolve to overcome them to reach their cherished goal.

Those early humans, goaded on by their instinctive urge to attain happiness, also battled against these imperfections.

However, having no systematic method to achieve progress, they were greatly handicapped.

Human existence is trifarious: physical, psychic and spiritual. In the initial phase of their march, in the dark age of the distant past, the humans progressed in the physical and psychic spheres alone. Not having the key to enter the spiritual world, they were unable to advance spiritually. When they tries to establish their physical supremacy in the external world, great pressure was exerted on their nervous system, resulting in a mutual conflict between their innumerable cells. This inter-cellular clash caused a marked development in human consciousness which, in turn, led to corresponding changes in the external human structure.

Morphological changes are still occurring in the human structure and will occur in the future. Human beings will undergo such marked changes in the future that they will be almost unrecognizable to the people of today. When the first humans evolved from the apes, it was also impossible to imagine that such marked changes would occur. But this process of internal and external change through inter-cellular conflict does not represent true progress. We cannot

say that those early humans made any really significant spiritual progress. Whatever advancement they made, however, was by no means insignificant and, although of no absolute importance, had significant relative importance. This transformation is called “karmayoga”. According to Ananda Marga philosophy this is the real karmayoga.

This fact should not be ignored.

How did change occur in the psychic world?

When human beings started fighting against imperfections in the physical world and psychic sphere for the development of mind, psychic changes began to occur. Their internal attempts to remould their psychic world resulted in considerable clash among the nerve cells and nerve fibres which led to subtle changes in both the psychic and physical structures.

Although the nerve cells and fibres are related to the mind, they actually originate from subtle physical stuff.

When they become more subtle, therefore, there is a corresponding subtle change in the physical structure.

Thus those early human beings battled against psychic imperfections to

bring about a change in the psychic world. The same fight is still continuing and will continue in future as well. This phase on the path of human progress can be called “Jinánayoga”.

According to Ananda Marga philosophy, change in the psychic world can be termed “Jinána yoga”. It is also a change, not of absolute significance, but of relative significance.

Did human beings take the help of any greater force in their fight against their inherent imperfections? Yes, they did. In those early days, people observed that there were more imperfections in the mental world than in the physical world. Some of the more intelligent humans realized that for an individual with a limited mind, it is not possible to struggle on alone. If one had the stamina for an individual fight, it would take hundreds of thousands of years to reach the zenith point of perfection. No human being can wait that long. They could not wait that long in the past, nor will they be able to do so in the future.

After intense analysis, therefore, they concluded that if they could focus their psychic propensities on one point and merge them into

Human existence is trifarious: physical, psychic and spiritual. In the initial phase of their march, in the dark age of the distant past, the humans progressed in the physical and psychic spheres alone. Not having the key to enter the spiritual world, they were unable to advance spiritually. cosmic energy, they would, with the help of that cosmic energy, be able to remove their imperfections and thus attain the cherished state of perfection.

Human beings discovered this type of intellectual approach nine to ten thousand years ago. Whatever they were, educated or uneducated, the approach they discovered was “Bhakti marga”. The people of this phase of human history were the most intelligent people. Although the karma and jinánayogis are less intelligent than the bhaktiyogis, whatever advancements they made

in their respective ages had a relative importance.

I have already said that the importance of the spiritual world is immense, yet the relative world is not totally unimportant.

When, in the distant past, humans realized that karma yoga and jinána yoga would not help them to attain true progress, they readily embraced bhakti yoga.

They realized that devotion is the only path. Human beings today have advanced even further due to their developed karma and jinána yoga, and thus will realize more quickly than their ancestors the need to follow the path of devotion. This is the bright side of karma and jinána yoga. That is, these two yogas will strengthen the path of devotion, will make it more solid.

31 December 1978, Patna Published in: Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 7 Shrii Shrii A'nandamu'rti founded many spiritual and social service organisations, including Ananda Marga.

Acarya Krsnapremananda Avadhuta is a representative living in Brisbane. He can be contacted on the following number: 0422823341

Ugadi Uthsava 2023 organised by Kannada Sangha Queensland The Kannada Sangha Queensland Inc. (KSQ) celebrated the Ugadi festival with great enthusiasm and fervour at Coorparoo Secondary College on March 25th, 2023.

This event saw a great turnover from the members of KSQ. The festival, also known as the Hindu New Year, was celebrated with cultural events, speeches, and a delicious dinner.

The KSQ community members and guests gathered to witness the cultural events, which included traditional dances, music, and songs.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, KSQ took the opportunity to congratulate the ladies who have excelled and contributed to the community.

The event provided an excellent opportunity for members of the KSQ to connect with members of

30 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023

FICQ, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam organisations.

KSQ is truly blessed with the support of sponsors and

the local Council. KSQ is highly indebted to Brisbane city council and Cr. Fiona Cunningham.

Dignitaries on the stage were Anoop Nannuru, President FICQ, Umesh Chandra OAM GOPIO International Vice President -Brisbane Indian Times, Krishnan Menon, Secretary FICQ and Mr Palani.

The MCs of the evening, Sowmya Gowda and Aditya,

kept the audience engaged with their wit and charm.

The dinner served during the event was a feast for the senses, with various mouthwatering dishes catering to everyone's taste buds. The KSQ community members and guests thoroughly enjoyed the scrumptious dinner.

BHARATIYA NAV WARSH (HINDU NEW YEAR) EVENT 2023 SPRINGFIELD Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan (DJJS), founded and run under the mentorship of His Holiness Shri Ashutosh Maharaj Ji, is a registered socio-spiritual organisation.

To realise the vision – ‘From Self Awakening to Global Peace’ and to transform the torn and tormented humanity into a peaceful “global family”.

In Australia, DJJS has been actively working for over ten years. It has been organising and participating in various cultural, social, and spiritual events across cities like Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Adelaide.

New Year is celebrated worldwide on January 1st, according to the Gregorian calendar. However, as per the Lunisolar Calendar, followed in India, the New year is celebrated in March/ April. Hence, it is known by different names in different states of India like ‘Ugadi’,’ Gudi Padwa’,’ Cheiraoba’, ‘Navreh’, etc.

Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan (DJJS) Australia initiated the celebration of the Indian New Year in 2015. Since then, it has been celebrated through various multi-faceted events with a perfect blend of science, spirituality, fun, and infotainment. DJJS, through

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this event, showcases a myriad of cultures in one of the world’s most vibrant and diverse countries.

The 2023 edition of the event was organised at The Circle, Robelle Domain Park, in Springfield Central. The event's highlight was Ram Leela (A play on excerpts from Lord Ram’s life) performed

by DJJS Volunteers, which gave us life lessons and

insights into the spiritual aspects that are still relevant and applicable in our dayto-day life. In addition, the program was graced by several high-energy and lovely dance performances and exhibitions by DJJS Volunteers and other dance groups, which showcased the diverse culture of different states of India.

As DJJS, we were pleased

and honoured to have MP James Martin (Stretton Member), Mayor Teresa Harding (Mayor Ipswich), Cr Paul Tully (Councillor Ipswich Div-2), Cr Nicole Jonic (Councillor Ipswich Div-2), Cr Angela Owen (Councillor Calamvale), Umesh Chandra OAM (Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio), Palani Thevar (Labor

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Candidate for Maiwar 2020).

We would also like to thank our other esteemed guests and sponsors, without whom this event wouldn’t have been possible, Janardan Kewin Prabhu (ISKCON Temple), Pankaj Agarwal (Agarwal Parivaar), Dr Rekha Bohra (Mrs India Australia 2022), Hetal (Tulja Dance Academy), Rich Virsa Bhangra and Dance Academy, Amritpal

Dhanak Jewellers (ADJ), Sourabh Agarwal (Education Embassy), Parveen Gupta (River City Lawyers), Tanvi Goel (AusIndia Travels), Rakesh Sharma (SPAR EDENS LANDING), Kavita Khullar (Australian Accounting & Tax Officers), Neetu Singh Malik (HWAA), Rajiv Mittal (CAABA Accounts), Mukesh Dubey (Greater Springfield Indian Association), Makho International Pty Ltd, OZ Labour Force, Shree Indian Grocery Store, FPL Hire, AUSTEC Services.

Every year we endeavour to bring a different aspect of the Indian Cultural Heritage and give a new perspective on what we have been following for ages. As in 2017, we told the significance of Holika Dahan and Ram Navmi through an engaging play. In 2018, we carried out Kalash Yatra (Traditional Procession) and performed collective Yagya. In 2019, we brought the festivity to King George Square for the first time. We showcased the scientific aspects of the ancient Indian Kitchen and the highly advanced and regarded Gurukuls (Indian Education system). We want to make this annual event of DJJS even richer, better, and more informative in years to come.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023 — 31

How a simple spiritual discovery has transformed the lives of millions Adj. Prof. Sudipto Roy BRISBANE 28 MAR – From Chhindwara to Canberra, Manchester to Melbourne, Brasilia to Brisbane, Seattle to Sydney, across multiple cultures and faith, 21st March was celebrated this year in an unusual manner: with silent meditation.

Because on 21st March, a hundred years ago, Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi was born, and her revolutionary spiritual discovery transformed the lives of millions of people across the world. She referred to her spiritual discovery as ‘Sahaja Yoga’, the spontaneous process of ‘Self Realisation’, a spiritual awakening.

Shri Mataji had a unique gift that enabled her to awaken the dormant spiritual energy residing in every individual. This awakening could be experienced as a cool breeze coming out of the fontanelle area on top of the head.

Many ancient scriptures across multiple cultures and faith have highlighted the significance of this dormant spiritual energy residing in every individual.

Referred to as ‘Holy Spirit’

by Christians, ‘Kundalini’

by Hindus, and ‘Ruh’ by

Muslims, the awakening of this spiritual energy is considered the pinnacle of spiritual achievement that can potentially unify humanity.

Shri Mataji’s vision was to change the world by transforming and unifying people through this spiritual awakening.

Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi was a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, recipient of the United Nations Peace

32 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023

Medal and was twice honoured by the United States Congress. She was internationally recognised for Her contribution to humanity through a lifetime spent working for the well-being of mankind.

She received multiple awards and citations from the governments of many countries in recognition of Her selfless efforts for world peace and social

improvement.

Claes Nobel, grandnephew of Alfred Nobel, Nobel Peace Prize Foundation and Chairman of the Unit¬ed Earth Organization recognised the importance of Shri Mataji’s work in the follow¬ing statement: ‘Shri Mataji’s discovery brings genuine hope to humanity’.

Throughout the year, Sahaja Yoga will be hosting free programs across the

world and in Australia to commemorate Shri Mataji’s birth centenary. In these programs, you will have an opportunity to: ● Learn to silence your mind, release stress and relieve emotional problems. ● Discover the Subtle System that works through your autonomic nervous system. ● Transform yourself by improving your spiritual

awareness and connection.

LeaRn more: Sahaja Yoga International: https:// us.sahajayoga.org/ Sahaja Yoga Australia: http://www.freemeditation. com.au/ Shri Mataji’s life and legacy: https://shrimataji. org/ Sir C.P Srivastava’s life: https://sircp.org/

OVER 250 GUESTS ATTEND SECOND GOLD COAST IFTAR DINNER Broadbeach The 2nd annual “GOLD COAST IFTAR DINNER” was held on the 1st of April in Broadbeach Community Centre on the Gold Coast. This annual event was organised by the volunteers of the Multicultural Social Network (“MSN”).

According to Mr Hussain Baba, the founder and CEO of MSN, “this annual event is organised in the holy month of Ramadan to share meals with our non-Muslim friends and MSN volunteers to experience the breaking of the fast. There were over 250 guests from every walk of life, including politicians (Federal, State, and local governments), QPS, volunteers, and members of the various multi-faith &

Guests were provided with exotic South Asian fried snacks, dates and sweets when breaking the fast, followed by an exotic South Asian sumptuous buffet consisting of over 15 dishes catering for both vegetarian and nonvegetarian guests.

multi-culture organisations.

Guests were provided with exotic South Asian fried snacks, dates and sweets when breaking the fast, followed by an exotic South

Asian sumptuous buffet consisting of over 15 dishes catering for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian guests.

At this event, five dedicated volunteers

were recognised for their volunteering services and awarded certificates & gifts

by Hon. Karen Andrews MP and Hon. David Crisafulli.

Finally, every guest

received a packet of dates as a gift, as dates commiserate with Ramadan, whereas it is customary for Muslims to break their fast at the time of iftar by consuming dates.

Pete heads Back to The Korean Cultural Fiji in 2023 exhibition opens at Sunnybank Multicultural Gallery Broadbeach The 2nd annual “GOLD COAST IFTAR DINNER” was held on the 1st of April in Broadbeach Community Centre on the Gold Coast. This annual event was organised by the volunteers of the Multicultural Social Network (“MSN”).

According to Mr Hussain Baba, the founder and CEO of MSN, “this annual event is organised in the holy month of Ramadan to share meals with our nonMuslim friends and MSN volunteers to experience the breaking of the fast. There were over 250 guests from every walk of life, including politicians (Federal, State, and local governments), QPS, volunteers, and members of the various multi-faith & multi-culture organisations.

Guests were provided with exotic South Asian fried

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snacks, dates and sweets when breaking the fast, followed by an exotic South Asian sumptuous buffet consisting of over 15 dishes catering for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian guests.

At this event, five dedicated volunteers were recognised for their volunteering services and awarded certificates & gifts

by Hon. Karen Andrews MP and Hon. David Crisafulli.

Finally, every guest received a packet of dates as a gift, as dates commiserate with Ramadan, whereas it is customary for Muslims to break their fast at the time of iftar by consuming dates.

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Since Covid restrictions have been lifted concerning international travel, it has been great to return to friendly Fiji to do voluntary work. Even though it was hot and humid when I was there in mid-March, I enjoyed running past the cane fields in Nadi, where Indian farmers were hard at work.

Dogs barked; cows looked at me with interest while busy mongooses ran across my path.

Before I left for Fiji, I was reading “Legitimate Sexpectations the power of sex ed,” written by Katrina Marson, a sexual offences prosecutor who had worked near Canberra.

In 2019 Marson travelled to several European countries to meet with Sexual Educationexperts and research from their work on the power of sexuality education that will both end sexual violence and develop sexual well-being.

Fiji, like other countries, has too much sexual abuse happening. So, to educate what is correct, sexual behaviour can empower people to say “no” to unwanted sexual advances.

The relevance of Marson’s insights was very helpful as, when I had discussions with Fijian Church Youth on sexuality, I found that only 1:3 had received any comprehensive sexuality teaching, either from their parents or their Church group. This is of concern.

Also, in a similar

In 2019 Mars on travelled to several European countries to meet with Sexual Educationexperts and research from their work on the power of sexuality education that will both end sexual violence and develop sexual wellbeing

discussion with 30 adults, none had received any teaching about sexuality from their parents or Church group.

The great advantage of being a stranger and visitor to Fiji is that people can speak freely with me about matters concerning sexuality. For example, after the meeting with adults, a woman confided with me that her father had rejected her as a girl. This was, of course, gender abuse, but wonderfully, she has overcome it.

These discussions made me reflect on Marson’s significant findings: talking about our relationships and boundaries from a younger age than we think can protect all our kids from unnecessary harm.

Peter Lane Rai March 28th, 2023

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023 — 33

Women-led brand and book launch headline AIBC’s International Women’s Day SYDNEY Australia India Business Council (AIBC), the leading business council dedicated to promoting the bilateral trade and investment relationship between Australia and India, has chosen International Women’s Day to launch its new brand identity - a fitting beginning for the new logo given the historic all-female leadership team of the council. The launch event, organized by AIBC’s Women in Business Chapter with the support of Consulate General of India - Sydney, coincided with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s successful visit to India.

According to National Chair Jodi McKay, the new brand identity reflects the vitality and energy in the evolving AustraliaIndia relationship and the leadership role which AIBC plays in advancing the strategic business corridor.

“The logo is in step with the evolving times.

Symbolically, it represents the blue of the Australian flag and the green from the Indian tricolour. The letters ‘AI’ adjacent to each other demonstrate how the two countries are in a symbiotic relationship and committed to supporting each other’s growth and progress.”

Enigma designed the new logo - AIBC’s National Partner. A woman who also leads Enigma in Lisa Sutton Gardner (CEO and Founder).

“I thank Enigma for their excellent design work with the new logo, as well as their creativity and patience in working with us to achieve

investment relationship between Australia and India.

We know women are critical to the relationship and AIBC has much to be proud of in its support for women in leadership roles.”

Australia India Business Council and AIBC Women in Business Chapter thanked sponsors AustralianSuper, My Muscle Chef and Rasa Beverages for their generous support for the event and ABC Bullion for providing the lucky door prize.

what is a key milestone for Australia India Business Council.”

Consul General of India Sydney Mr Manish Gupta appreciated the progressive and forward-looking initiatives of Australia India Business Council – the new logo launch and Women in Business focus for the event.

Mr Gupta said: “With the Government of India’s focus on women’s economic empowerment, events bringing together women business leaders from both countries to work on bilateral initiatives such as today’s breakfast build

on the bilateral business relationship.”

The International Women’s Day event was organised by AIBC’s first female National Chair, Sheba Nandkeolyar.

Sheba Nandkeolyar and Dr Meena Chavan also launched their co-authored book at the event: “Exploring the economic opportunities and impacts of migrant entrepreneurship”. The book featured several successful Australian Indian business owners with a global footprint.

Sheba Nandkeolyar said: “AIBC Women in Business was formed with a vision of

50:50 participation of women in the bilateral business and trade space. It is heartening to see this vision come to fruition with a woman National Chair leading AIBC and a room full of dynamic women leaders building bridges between the two countries. It is a pleasure and privilege to launch our book on International Women’s Day.” The event featured: 4a presentation by Poornima Menon of Five Pleats (and sponsor My Muscle Chef) on the Ikkat heritage of Indian textiles,

with an introduction of the bilateral collaboration in planning between Indigenous and Indian links in the textile industry.

4a presentation by AustralianSuper on financial empowerment of women McKay concluded: “The Australia India Economic Corporation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) came into force on 29 December 2022 and with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to India, AIBC is stepping up its commitment as the leading business chamber dedicated to promoting the bilateral trade and

About AIBC The Australia-India Business Council (AIBC) is the leading business council dedicated to promoting the bilateral trade and investment relationship between Australia and India.

AIBC was established in 1986 by the governments of Australia and India. It now has chapters in six Australian state capitals and a presence in India.

AIBC helps to shape policy and advocacy for promoting the bilateral business corridor, raising awareness about AustraliaIndia trade and investment and facilitating business to business outcomes.

AIBC works closely with the Federal and State governments in Australia and India, as well as with industry bodies, diaspora, academia, and the community and media.

As a membership-driven, not-for-profit organisation, AIBC’s members and partners include some of the most respected names in business, industry and academia.

‘Make It Happen’ International Womens Day

by BAPS Shri Swaminarayan temple BRISBANE BAPS Shri Swaminarayan temple, Brisbane welcomed more than 200 plus women on Saturday 25th March 2023 to celebrate IWD 2023 with an inspiring conference, titled ‘Make It Happen’.

International Women’s Day, was ratified by the United Nations, as a way to honour the significant contributions of women throughout the course of history.

BAPS Brisbane held this event second year in a row through the conference to acknowledge the achievements of women and aimed to empower them with the new skills, values and motivation. The delegates’ aimed to reinforce resilience, build their self-belief, and harness their inner strength.

The keynote Speakers of the event were, Christine Castley, CEO of Multicultural Australia, Veena Goverdhan, Magistrate of Brisbane Court and Jacqui Honeywood, Multicultural Unit lead QPS. Addressing the gathering,

Christine Castley expressed her feelings by saying she was “delighted to be here” and shared her experience through personal examples to explain what International Women’s Day means to her – “passion for helping” and being “mentally and physically prepared to take and face challenges.” She discussed her journey through to reach the current level and urged the audience to have self-confidence and belief in their own efforts.

34 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023

The second speaker of the evening was Jacqui Honeywood, who shared her inspiring experiences of resilience in balancing various roles as a woman and urged others to also fulfil their dreams and duties. She instilled the importance of community harmony and commended the efforts of BAPS towards working hard for spreading Love, Peace and Harmony and appreciate the values of tolerance taught at

the BAPS temple.

The last keynote speaker of the evening was Veena Goverdhan and she lauded the efforts and initiatives of BAPS women volunteers for organising such a wonderful and inspiring event. She showed her readiness for helping and supporting the women to make their dreams come true.

Other guests attended the event including Vernita Pennington, PLO Logan Police

and her team along with other invited community leaders.

The event proved highly educative and inspirational for the delegates, as one young attendee later shared: “I genuinely believe in myself more now. The keynote addresses and the many informative video & activities have given me the tools to achieve more and make a greater impact in life.”

Upon departing from the temple, Veena Goverdhan

further shared: “The temple is simply beautiful, divine and very peaceful. The work done by women of all ages is equally inspirational and the spirit of volunteerism is unmatched.”

The theme “Make it Happen”, were artfully conveyed through a various activity, video presentation, cultural performances, and addresses by esteemed guests who shared their inspiring testimonies and experiences.

Brisbane Northside Fiji Senior International Women’s' day by Citizens Women's Group celebrates Indian Senior Citizens Association International Women's Day at and Ekta Women's Group WOMENSPACE Sandgate contribution to their families, society and the nation.

The highlight of the celebrations was a tremendous performance by the ladies of Ekta Women’s' Group folk song 'Nazuk Naram Kalai' choreographed

by Mrs Nirla Pandey.

The occasion was made

SANDGATE an event organised and coordinated

by Usha Maharaj and Ashvin. Ashvin shared that in our Fijian community, food is very connected with our events and different stages of our lives. So, all women were invited to bring their signature dishes and recipes.

Special guests of honour Umesh Chandra OAM and Mrs Usha Chandra tasted all the dishes. The most unusual dish was awarded as a winner. Almost Vegan Dish inspired by Usha Maharaj, created by Reema Naresh Narayan. A special heartfelt gratitude to Sheena Maharaj for creating mementos all

the women. Thank you, Vimal Narayan, for helping set up the space.

more special by celebrating senior member Mrs Subhadra Mishra's 90th birthday milestone with the member benefit scheme's presentation.

The day concluded with sumptuous lunch sponsored by Manoj Kumar of Sunrays Electrical.

RUNCORN International Women’s' day was celebrated with great fanfare on 12th March at the Runcorn State School by the Indian Senior Citizens Association and Ekta Women's Group James Martin, Member for Stretton, and Cr. Kim Marx of Runcorn Ward thanked and acknowledged all women for their fantastic

International Women’s Day Celebration 2023 – Toowoomba Tamil Association Inc. International Women’s Day was celebrated by the Toowoomba Tamil Association Inc. (TTA) at Darling heights state school on March 12, 2023, to recognise and honour the Accomplishments of women across the world. This was the first International Women’s TTA organised the day, and the community members well attended the event. This The event

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was to celebrate women’s achievements and raise awareness about genderbased Discrimination and to create a world that’s diverse, equitable and inclusive.

On the International Women’s Day celebration, the president of TTA Dr. Mahendraraj Sabampillai addressed the welcome speech where he emphasised the TTA commitment and

work to advance gender equity, inclusion, and empowerment of women as strategic moral and Human rights imperative.

The celebrations included cultural programs that featured performances by female artists of all ages to portray the rich cultural heritage of the Tamil community while also highlighting the contributions of women to

the community's cultural Life.

We are incredibly proud to recognise our brilliant, resilient, intelligent and inspiring women - Dr. Sangeetha Kutty, Dr. Vasugi Sithirasenan, Mrs. Saradha Ravichandran and Mrs. Amutha Kandasamy for their contributions to our community development, creating positive and Significant

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change. Spotlighting the inspirational stories from each of them allows us to Envision the challenges these women may have faced to reach success.

The Toowoomba Tamil Association (TTA Inc.) was founded in 2021 by members from the Tamil Community who identified the urgent need to serve and support the educational, cultural and moral well-

being of the Toowoomba, Darling Downs and Lockyer Valley.

Regions’ rapidly growing Tamil population.

Our objectives are to promote the Tamil language. and culture through cultural events such as Pongal, New Year, Christmas, Ramadan and Deepawali and educational activities covering language, music, dance, seminars and Workshops.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023 — 35

Let's Bollywood Dance School End-of-term Showcase Let's Bollywood Dance School of Brisbane held its End-of-term Showcase and Audition on Sunday, 26th March, at the Queensland Baptist Centre in Gaythorne.

It displayed their Term 1 routine and an Audition for their particular competition batch.

This Competition batch represents Indian Dance styles at multidisciplinary dance competitions like Brisbane Performing Arts Centre, Future Starts Competition and Gold Coast Eisteddfod.

The theme of this showcase on Sunday was 'Let's Party'. It included 14 Dance Performances by the 145 dancers of Let's Bollywood Dance School, which included Kids (4.5 - 14 years old) and adult students from 4 different locations, Rochedale, North Lakes, Bridgeman Downs, and Wavell Heights. All dancers performed on some of the most popular Bollywood Party Songs and entertained the audience with their energetic dance moves. Let's Bollywood Dance School will start Term 2 on 17th April 2023.

Mohan Veena (slide guitar) Classical Concert

by Manish Pingle – (Mumbai)

Dr Mansey Gandhi (vocal) with Pankaj Navlekar (tabla) and Joseph Nand (harmonium)

Artists and QSMA volunteers after the concert

by Mohit Lal and Shen Flindell On Saturday, 11th March, in Sunnybank Church of Christ Hall, Queensland Sangeet Mela Association (QSMA) presented a concert of Indian classical vocals and Mohan Veena (Indian slide guitar).

The concert was one of the best for QSMA regarding performances.

Dr Mansey Gandhi (vocal), Joseph Nand (harmonium), and Pankaj Navlekar (tabla) set the mood from the start with a Bada Khayal in Raag Jog followed by a rare form of music Dhrupad, in Raag Darbari, This was followed by Manish Pingle's mesmerising Slide Guitar boon. Manish started with a Bada Khayal in Raag Charukeshi and

Manish Pingle (Mumbai - slide guitar) with Shen Flindell (Brisbane - tabla) then went into a Folk Thumri in Raag Jhinjhoti, concluding the evening with his composition in Raag Bhairavi. It was beautiful to see the interactions between Shen and Manish with their

36 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023

mini Jugalbandis.

These guys never played together but had so much understanding of Hindustani Music.

All in all, a fantastic display of Hindustani Music

enjoyed by the music lovers of Brisbane.

QSMA has an extensive schedule of concerts for September, starting with our AGM and free members' concert on Sunday, April 30,

Manish and Shen with some of Brisbane's future tabla stars, students of Ashu Babu Memorial Tabla School. in Grange Hall, featuring Dr Indranil Chatterjee (sitar).

Upcoming shows will feature Sangeet Mishra (sarangi), Josh Feinberg (sitar USA), and Vinod Prasanna

(bansuri). So now is a great time to join QSMA and get discounted entry to all these upcoming events. See sangeetmela.org for more details.

CHINMAYA MISSION AUSTRALIA PRESENTS

Annual Day 2023 OM Gurubhyo Namah Salutations to the Guru QUEENSLAND MULTICULTURAL CENTRE 102 MAIN STREET KANGAROO POINT, QLD 4169

SUNDAY 23RD APRIL 3.30PM TO 5.30PM BOOKS AND SNACKS/DINNER PACKS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE

Performances by Children, Teenagers, Youth & Adults REGISTER Annual Awards Presentation ONLINE NOW!

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Talk by Swami Shrikarananda Contact: Anu 0401 621 977, Aarti 0434 617 615, Priya 0413 490 308

CHINMAYA MISSION AUSTRALIA Pty. Ltd. Atf: The Chinmaya Mission (Charitable) Operating Trust A.B.N: 63 224 595 801

Call: (07) 3192 5188

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023 — 37

PM Modi to inaugurate CBI's diamond jubilee celebrations today PM Modi will also inaugurate the newly constructed office complexes of the CBI in Shillong, Pune and Nagpur.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the diamond jubilee celebrations of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday at 12pm.

The event is set to take place at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, according to a government statement. He will also inaugurate the

newly constructed office complexes of the CBI in Shillong, Pune and Nagpur.

Apart from these, he will release a postage stamp and commemorative coin marking the celebration.

Here are five points you need to know: During the programme, an investiture ceremony for recipients of President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service and Gold Medal for Best

Rahul Gandhi in Surat court today against conviction; top Congress leaders to join

Rahul Gandhi will be in Surat to file an appeal in a sessions court against his conviction in a criminal defamation case. Priyanka Gandhi to accompany him.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who was recently disqualified as Lok Sabha MP, will be in Gujarat's Surat on Monday to file an appeal in a sessions court against his conviction in a criminal defamation case over his “Modi surname” remarks.

Several top Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, are reportedly to accompany him to the court.

Rahul Gandhi in Surat court: Top points 1. Rahul Gandhi's lawyers said the Congress leader will seek suspension of his sentence by the sessions court.

2. Gandhi is likely to land in Surat around 2pm.

Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot, Congress Rajya Sabha member KC Venugopal and other senior party leaders will also be in Surat. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel and Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu are also likely to be in the Gujarat city.

3. On Monday morning, former Congress president and the mother of Rahul Gandhi arrived at his residence.

Investigating Officers of the CBI will be held wherein PM Modi will present medals to the recipient.

Modi will also unveil the CBI's new Twitter handle.

CBI had made its debut on Twitter in October last year with a blue tick during the Interpol General Assembly.

The purpose of the handle was to share news about the event.

CBIIndia's top investigating agency, was founded on April 1, 1963,

4. On March 23, the court of chief judicial magistrate HH Varma in Surat had convicted Gandhi, 52, and sentenced him to two years in jail in a 2019 criminal defamation case filed against him over his “Modi surname” remarks.

5. The next day, the former Congress president was disqualified from the Lok Sabha.

6.

Following his disqualification, Gandhi would not be able to contest elections for eight years unless a higher court stays his conviction and sentence.

7. The case was filed against the Congress leader on a complaint by Bharatiya Janata Party MLA and former Gujarat minister Purnesh Modi for Gandhi's alleged remarks "How come all thieves have Modi as the common surname?"

8. Gandhi made the remarks while addressing a rally at Kolar in Karnataka on April 13, 2019, during the Lok Sabha elections campaign.

9. “We are confident that the appeals court will appreciate blatant errors of trial court and do justice expeditiously,” said Rajya Sabha MP Abhishek Singhvi, who is supervising and advising the legal team on the appeal.

10. On behalf of Gandhi, senior counsel RS Cheema will appear in the court on Monday.

38 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023

based on a resolution passed by the ministry of home affairs.

The agency operates under the jurisdiction of the ministry of personnel, public grievances and pensions.

The premier investigating police agency has been instrumental in solving many high-profile cases and continues to play a crucial role in maintaining public trust and confidence in law enforcement in India.

Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose on Sunday said “hooligans and thugs” will be “crushed” with an iron hand.

In a strong-worded statement, after clashes broke out between two groups during a Ram Navami procession in West Bengal's Hooghly district, governor CV Ananda Bose on Sunday said “hooligans and thugs” will be “crushed” with an iron hand.

Two Ram Navami processions were organised in the Rishra police station area, and the second one was allegedly attacked near Wellington Jute Mill More at GT Road. The BJP alleged that Pursurah BJP MLA Biman Ghosh was injured in the violence.

BJP vice-president Dilip Ghosh, who was in the procession that was attacked, said people were walking peacefully to the Jagannath temple in Mahesh when stones were hurled at it. A few police personnel were reportedly injured in the violence.

Reacting to the latest violence, Bose said reinforcement rushed to the spot, and culprits would be booked on Sunday night

itself and put behind the bars. "We are determined.

This kind of hooliganism thwarts democratic processes," the Bengal governor told news agency ANI. “Hooligans and thugs will be crushed with an iron hand. They will be made to curse the day they were born. Democracy can't be derailed. The state is determined to put an end to this arson and looting.

Lawbreakers will soon realise that they're playing with fire,” ANI quoted Bose as saying.

BJP's Ghosh said there were many women and children in the procession that was attacked.

"Suddenly, stones were hurled at us from one side of the road. Several policemen were also injured in the stone-pelting even though I and some other leaders were rescued and taken out of the area through adjacent lanes," news agency PTI quoted him as saying.

"Police managed to chase away the trouble-makers after being silent spectators for a while," he alleged.

Bengal industry minister

Shashi Panja alleged the BJP was indulging in the destruction of peace and tranquility of the state.

"The BJP is known for vandalism of public property, and triggering communal riots all over the country," she alleged.

Panja said the rally, which was attacked, was being led by Dilip Ghosh, “who is known for his provocative statements”.

The state home department suspended internet services in the Rishra and Mahesh areas of Hooghly from 11pm on Sunday to 11pm on Monday, government officials said citing an order. Movement of traffic on certain roads was also restricted till Monday.

Violence during Ram Navami celebrations rocked parts of neighbouring Howrah district on Thursday and Friday. More than 45 people have been arrested, prohibitory orders were imposed and the internet was suspended to bring the situation under control.

As Rahul challenges conviction, Congress to meet on Parliament strategy Ahead of Rahul Gandhi’s appeal against the two year sentence by a Surat court in the ‘Modi surname’ defamation case, Congress’ Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs are set to meet at the parliamentary party office on Monday at 10.30 am. The leaders will likely be arriving in black attires, in tune with the opposition’s ‘black clothes’ protest in Parliament last week against Rahul’s disqualification as Lok Sabha MP. The meeting has been called to plan the day’s

strategy as Parliament is set to resume on Monday at 11 am after continued logjam and adjournments over the opposition’s demand for a JPC probe into the Adani issue and Rahul’s disqualification.

The opposition has termed Rahul’s disqualification a ploy by the ruling BJP to divert attention from the allegations against Adani group.

Following his disqualification, Rahul was also asked to vacate his official bungalow in Delhi.

According to news agency ANI, Priyanka Gandhi will

also join the former Wayanad MP as he appears in court today seeking a stay on his conviction. The former Congress chief will arrive in Surat from Delhi on Monday and will be in the court by afternoon, according to his advocate, Kirit Panwala. On Sunday, Rahul reportedly met mother Sonia Gandhi and brother-in-law Robert Vadra at a Delhi hotel for nearly two hours.

The defamation case was filed by BJP MLA and former Gujarat minister Purnesh Modi for the statement -

‘How come all thieves have the common surname Modi?’ made by Rahul at a Kolar rally in Karnataka ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The Congress leader was granted bail in the case and his sentence suspended for 30 days to allow him the time to appeal against the decision.

Rahul has been asked by a Patna court to appear before it on April 12 after former Bihar deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi also filed a defamation case against him for the 2019 remarks.

Ram Navami at Gayatri Mandir Boondall

BOONDALL, Ram Navami was celebrated at Hindu Society of Queensland’s Gayatri Mandir in Boondall, the officiating priest was Pundit Sanat Pandey, and the turnout all night was very good. The temple has seen some remarkable programmed maintenance under the current committee and is looking very fresh.

Fresh and professional pain upstairs, new carpets, and

GOPIO Celebrates Ram Navami at India Centre in Myanmar’s Yangon with over 100 People of Indian Origin

windowpanes have been replaced. Other improvements include the installation of an industrial dishwasher; the upkeep is necessary to comply with the health and safety requirements. It has been reported that good progress has been made in terms of approval for the proposed new temple and community hall at Bracken Ridge land, and pledges for direct debit contributions have begun.

Ram Navami Celebrations at Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir Ram Navami was celebrated enthusiastically at Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir in North Maclean. As Ram Janam happens at midday, Dharma Guru Acharya PT Ram Harsh Tripathi Ji performed the auspicious pooja at Midday, followed by prasad and Maha prasad. The celebrations resumed at the night ceremony with Bhajans and Bhandara.

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Yangon (Myanmar), 3rd April. The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) celebrated Ram Navami at the India Centre in Yangon, Myanmar.

More than 100 people of Indian origin attended the event, which was graced by the presence of Indian Ambassador H.E. Mr. Vinay Kumar ji & Mrs. Lonaji as the chief guest. Some delegates also attended the event.

A Ram Navami quiz was also conducted. The organisers also served delicious food that was specially designed for the occasion. The attendees appreciated GOPIO’s efforts to promote Indian culture and heritage abroad.

This marks the first time in recent years that GOPIO has celebrated Ram Navami in Myanmar, and the organisation looks forward to many more such events in the future.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023 — 39

FOCUS ON FIJI Forest fire in central Seoul forces evacuation of 120 homes SEOUL (Reuters) – A forest fire raged in central Seoul on Sunday, forcing the evacuation of at least 120 homes in the densely populated capital, authorities said.

The fire, which started on a mountain in the middle of Seoul at around 11:53 a.m.

(0253 GMT), razed forests the size of some 30 soccer fields before it was nearly extinguished as of 5 p.m.

(0800 GMT), according to

officials.

No casualties were reported.

Smoke billowing from forests was seen across the city as firefighters battled to put out the fire with waterbombing aircraft.

Multiple helicopters were seen flying over the Han River in an apparent effort to supply water to extinguish the fire, a Reuters witness said.

Pop-up street fashion show For the first time ever Vodafone Fiji Fashion Week organised a pop-up street fashion show along the iconic Pier St in the heart of Suva City on Saturday.

The event was in collaboration with Suva Retailers Association and Suva on Sale.

Event director Ellen Whippy-Knight said the event was to promote the Fiji Fashion Week which will be held on June 2 and 3.

“It’s the very first time anybody in the world of fashion has ever closed off the main city street to have a fashion parade,” she said.

“We are also trying to grow awareness among the grassroot levels and all the local people about the fashion industry.”

Ms Whippy Knight called on corporate houses to support the fashion industry.

“We’ve got a lot of great models and designers. Our major sponsor Vodafone has been brilliant as well as our media partners, but it would just be nice to get some of the corporate houses to support.

We’ve got two more shows planned up until June 3.”

A total of five fashion designers and six retailers were part of the event.

Blues too strong

The Ronil-Lal coached Lautoka side survived a whirlwind first 20 minutes to defeat minnows Tavua 5-2 in the Digicel Fiji Premier League at Churchill Park yesterday.

The hosts were shocked

by Tavua as they took advantage of the slippery conditions twice through strikes from out of the box.

Lautoka bounced back with Sairusi Nalaubu and Zibraaz Sahib netting from the penalty spot.

Usman Omede put Lautoka in the front just before the break. The Blues settled well in the second half taking control.

Muni Shivam Naidu scored Lautoka’s fourth goal while Naulubu got his brace late in the fixture.

With this result, Lautoka maintains its lead in the DFPL. The side now has 10 points with three wins and a draw.

Lautoka Football Association president

Shalendra Prasad said they knew that Tavua would prove to be of an unknown quality. Prasad said the boys underestimated the opposition in the first spell.

“This was our first DFPL home game following last September so there was pressure on the boys,” he said.

“However, things changed in the second half after coach Ronil made some structural changes.

This is a big result as we aim to finish the season at the top of the competition.”

Meanwhile in another fixture at Prince Charles Park, hosts Nadi went down to Ba 0-2. The DFPL will take a break this week.

Fiji Football Association competitions manager Amitesh Pal said this was because the players would be involved with religious tournaments over the Easter long weekend.

He said the DFPL would resume after Easter.

Rodan said the launch of the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s had set the stage for Fiji’s biggest 7s sporting event.

“Sponsoring an event won’t be successful unless you have the support of the organising committee, the volunteers, the players, the supporters and the community as a whole and we have everyone to thank for the successful establishment of the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s.

“We have players like Jerry Tuwai, and many other national players who are now household names in Fiji, thanks to Fiji Bitter and Marist Rugby Club.

“Our sponsorship has not only paved a pathway for rugby players to showcase their talents to the world, but it has also helped communities to build village churches, renovate

dormitories for boarding schools, and build new classrooms, new sanitation facilities and village halls to name a few.”

He said the mileage received from sponsorship of sports had far exceeded the investment of sponsored funds distributed to sports in Fiji.

“Fiji Bitter sponsporship has made the product in Fiji an iconic brand that rewards the communities and its people behind the brand are proud to be part of its growth and brands that leverage off from sponsorships.

“Sponsoring grassroots rugby and assisting unemployed youths and local rugby players to secure a spot in our national rugby team, but also secure a contract with top clubs overseas and are able to earn a living and support their families and loved ones back home.

“Sports sponsorship has been a major buzz in Fiji’s sporting arenas and the Fijian communities giving Fiji’s people ethics that are cherished which is essential to our sustained growth.”

The 47th Fiji Bitter Marist 7s had 64 teams competing in the three day tournament this year. Police Blue won the men’s final beating Fiji 1 team while Army won the women’s title defeating Seahawks.

Pioneer of rugby 7s tournament in Fiji When you talk about rugby sevens tournaments with any Fijian there are two that will always dominate the conversation.

The first will be the Hong Kong 7s – where Fiji has won 19 times, and the second is the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s – the first sevens tournament which began in 1976.

Apart from being the pioneer rugby sevens tournament, the competition can also boast it was the first to host a women’s competition when female teams took to the field in 1989.

This year marked the 47th Marist Sevens tournament and it was a bittersweet event in that the organisers also bid farewell to Joe Rodan senior.

The former Paradise Beverages general manager sales and corporate sales has been a strong supporter of the tournament for the past 35 years.

Event director Lawrence Tikaram said Rodan was instrumental in developing grassroots rugby in Fiji.

“We would like to honour him for his 35 years of service to the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s and we want to say thank you,” he said.

Rodan was honoured with a token of appreciation from the organisers of the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s last month but unfortunately he

was not there to receive it as he had left the tournament early.

The former Olympian and 400m sprinter is a walking encyclopedia when it comes to sports in Fiji.

In an article published in The Fiji Times on March 26, 2021, Rodan said the Marist 7s was like the Fiji Bitter beer brand – from humble beginnings it has grown into the biggest in Fiji and was driven with a purpose.

“Today the Marist Sevens rugby tournament is embossed in the Fiji culture, the best in the business and passionate about whom they were doing this for,” he said.

“From a humble beginning as a Saturday evening sports and social event with eight teams and a prize of five cartons of Fiji Bitter, the tournament has grown over the years to be a major iconic sporting event with more than 100 teams taking part, 500 volunteers and a total budget of approximately $150,000 to run the tournament.

“The Fiji Bitter Marist sevens rugby tournament has given many young talented rugby players opportunities to be selected to represent our country and find stardom in rugby clubs around the world. “Many of these players who started off in the sevens code were also selected to represent our

40 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023

country in the 15s code.”

Rodan said many young players who were once unknown became household names through their participation in the tourney.

“They made Fiji come to a standstill to watch them play against big rugby nations. “They made Fiji celebrate, they made Fiji cry, they made Fiji sad, they made Fiji angry, but most importantly they made Fiji come together as a nation.”

Rodan said the tournament was also instrumental in introducing women sevens rugby to Fiji in 1989.

“Today because of the foresight of the sponsor, Fiji Bitter beer, and the Marist Rugby club, Fiji 7s rugby is an iconic brand promoting Fiji worldwide and contributing to the development of sports and

the growth in the economy through sports tourism.

“The Fiji Bitter Marist 7s can also take credit, that through its efficient and effective organisation of the tournament, Fiji rugby is able to produce a team which is of world standard and competes in the global arena as a true champion among the developed and financially well-off rugby nations.

“It also marks the fact that Rugby 7s is now an Olympic sport and the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s tournament can take credit for growing and developing Fiji’s rugby sevens over the years.

“And the Fiji 7s team making history by the being the first sport to defend the gold medal for Fiji in the Tokyo Olympic Games which Fiji won at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in Brazil.”

Change of Guards at GOPIO The new engineering dean shares the global vision Queensland INC. BRISBANE, GOPIO Queensland held a special meeting to appoint a prominent Brisbane businessman Mr Indu Kant Sharma as the incoming president; the position became vacant, with Professor Prasad OAM taking on the new engineering dean role at UniSQ. At the changeover dinner, Professor Prasad welcomed Mr Indu Kant Sharma as the incoming president and wished him and his team all the best for the future; he also pledged his support and guidance as and when needed.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Indu Kant Sharma thanked Professor Prasad OAM for his leadership and wished him well in his new role; Mr Indu Kant Sharma said he would be drawing on Professor Prasad’s experience.

GOPIO International Gold Life member and mentor Pars

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Ram Punj congratulated the incoming team and noted that it was time for the younger generation to step up and control the reins. At the request of acting president Rakesh Sharma, and Umesh Chandra OAM, executive vice president of GOPIO International, he conducted the special meeting at Curry N Cask restaurant, Fortitude Valley.

GOPIO Queensland has its annual programs and events all lined with Girmit Diwas on 14th May, India Day

Fair fund Raiser on 2nd of June, India Day Fair on 19th August and Gandhi Jayanti on 2nd October. These annual events are, in addition to, any other events that the committee may see fit to host.

GOPIO Queensland requests everyone to please mark their diaries. The new team is eager to welcome new members.

If you are not already a member, you are encouraged to join GOPIO Queensland; membership is open to all individuals who identify as people of Indian Origin, irrespective of your country of birth. Membership to GOPIO is for individuals, so you don’t have to be an organisation to be a member, and even if you are a member of another organisation, you can still join GOPIO and be part of a genuinely global organisation representing the Indian Diaspora since 1989.

UniSQ Head of School and Dean of Engineering draws on experience to help shape future learning.

Growing up in a small town in India, Professor Prasad Yarlagadda dreamt of becoming an engineer with the tools to improve his community.

More than 35 years later, his community vision remains the same as he enters the University of Southern Queensland Dean of Engineering role.

Over the past three decades, Professor Yarlagadda has moved across the globe, working to advance the field of smart systems engineering research. He has supervised 57 PhD students and helped to secure more than $ 18 million in research funding while leading world-class research projects.

In 2016, Professor Yarlagadda was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his contribution to the engineering field. His achievements were further recognised in 2020, when he was named Researcher of the Year by the International Association of Advanced Materials in Sweden.

Reflecting on his journey, Professor Yarlagadda spoke on the importance of a good education.

“Starting life in a rural town in India, the

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opportunities were minimal,” Professor Yarlgadda said.

“I had always wanted to build my community, and I was the first in my family to finish school and go to college.

“From there, pathways opened, and I was lucky to have many outstanding mentors in my life that helped provide me with direction.

“It is this support that I want to pass on in my new role, while helping to enhance regional opportunities.”

Professor Yarlagadda plans to restructure the university’s courses to meet industry needs as the engineering industry continues to expand and transform.

“Each decade, the industry looks for new attributes in graduating students,” he said.

“Nowadays, the focus is on students with multidisciplinary skills who can innovate - so we must

restructure accordingly to prepare our graduates for global needs.

“We are also creating two new courses and building partnerships to help provide increased internship opportunities.

“Overall, my vision is to transform our students into world-class engineering graduates who will form the backbone of our growing society.”

Professor Yarlagadda will continue to research engineering solutions in his new role. He is working on developing antipathogenic surfaces for various healthcare applications by bio-mimicking nanostructures in cicada and dragonfly wings. Professor Yarlagadda and his team have already trialled these surfaces at Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital, Brisbane and are extending to other hospitals in the Brisbane and Toowoomba regions.

An engineering degree is your passport to a world of different industries where you can make a real difference.

UniSQ engineering graduates go on to achieve award-winning breakthroughs in research and pursue rewarding careers at the forefront of today’s technological world. Learn more about the University’s engineering programs.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023 — 41

SCOOP: Shah Rukh Khan, Nayanthara & Deepika Celina Jaitly reacts to trolls that say they Padukone to shoot for Jawan songs in April remember transgender ‘only at traffic signals’

Celina Jaitly took to Twitter to respond to a troll that was aimed at the transgender community saying, “I'm reminded of this gender only at Traffic signals”. Giving it back to the user, Celina added, “What exactly is so funny about it sir ???? Is it NOT heartbreaking to see someone being reduced to begging just because they are transgender ??? This is exactly the reason why #TransVisibilityMatters because of people like you who find the dire reality of trans community funny!!”

Although the users came in support of the Golmaal actress, a few others slammed her for her response on social media.

“Have you seen how they beg? They don't beg. They

misbehave in public. And would you be ok if man did what these "special" gender people do at Traffic signals ?? under the pretext of begging? Maybe you would because of your poor upbringing,” said one of the users. However, not the one to take the comment lightly, the actress was more than happy to give it back to the troll adding, “Not worried at all about my upbringing I was brought up by 4 generations of Indian armed forces, the trans community was & still is mostly most deprived, dehumanised in our country, people like you make it difficult to fight their ostracisation & are responsible for their plight!”

Karan Johar promises to meet Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ daughter Malti in LA

Shah Rukh Khan and Atlee have finally wrapped up the principal shoot of their muchawaited action entertainer, Jawan. The movie is set for a June 2, 2023 release and Bollywood Hungama has learnt that the Jawan team will now be shooting for two songs in the month of April spanning 10 days. "Shah Rukh Khan and Nayanthara will be shooting for the first song of Jawan in the first week of April in Mumbai. It's a song composed by Aniruddh and is touted to be a chartbuster of epic proportions," a source told Bollywood Hungama.

After the first song, Shah Rukh Khan will make it to the Atlee set again in the 2nd week of April for the second

song shoot. "For this song, Shah Rukh Khan will be joined by Deepika Padukone.

The song will be shot till April 15 and that would mean a wrap on music on Jawan," the source further told us.

The two songs are said to be chartbuster numbers zeroed down by Atlee, SRK, and Aniruddh.

Talking of Jawan, the VFX and post-production team is working day and night to get

the film ready for a June 2, 2023 release and at present, the timelines are set keeping the date in mind. "Atlee is confident that the film will release on June 2, 2023. The final print with VFX will be locked by May 10 and even then, the team will have 20 spare days in hand. Atlee is a master at his job and knows how to fire under pressure."

Jawan features Vijay Sethupathi in the negative lead and marks the Hindi debut of blockbuster filmmaker Atlee. It also marks the return of SRK to the big screen after the alltime blockbuster, Pathaan, and the film is releasing with sky-high expectations from the audience.

IPL 2023 opens with a bang as Rashmika Mandanna stuns audiences with her sizzling moves on ‘Naatu Naatu,’ ‘Saami Saami,’ & more National crush Rashmika Mandanna has set the internet on fire with her electrifying performance at the opening ceremony of IPL 2023. The way her performance at the opening ceremony of TATA IPL has taken over our minds is simply impacting. She was energetic, vivacious and full of charm, which is why netizens are showering her with love and praise.

The actress shook a leg on her blockbuster songs, 'Srivalli' and 'Saami Saami'. She also gave a solid performance on

'Naatu Naatu', which also marks the song's first live performance after the Oscars win!

Taking to social media, netizens hailed Rashmika for an impactful performance.

A fan

wrote “#NaatuNaatu @ iamRashmika stage performance at opening ceremony of Tata IPL 2023.”

Another wrote “ Beautiful #RashmikaMandanna performing in IPL 2023 opening ceremony.”

A fan wrote “Beautiful #RashmikaMandanna performing in IPL 2023 opening ceremony.

A writes “Her energy was (fire emoticons). A fan said, “Electrifying performance by @iamRashmika at the #IPL2023OpeningCeremony lighted up the stage with her charm and talent.”

Kartik Aaryan meets Anurag Basu; quashes rumours of Aashiqui 3 being shelved

For all those naysayers who have been gunning for Karan Johar as the culprit behind Priyanka Chopra’s ouster from Bollywood, here is some revisionary food for thought. Priyanka, along with her husband Nick Jonas, met Karan Johar at grand event hosted by the Ambanis.

Here’s an eyewitness report of what transpired thereafter, “As soon as Priyanka spotted Karan, she rushed to hug him and then they chatted animatedly for a while. Karan teased her about the controversial podcast (in which Priyanka spoke about her expulsion from Bollywood without naming anyone) and Priyanka replied she had not mentioned anyone’s name.

They promised to catch up in LA the next time he was there. Karan wants to meet Priyanka and Nick’s daughter Mati.”

It is good that Priyanka Chopra has finally spoken about how she was bullied out of Bollywood. But to portray her as a victim is a laugh. Anyone who knows Priyanka even remotely— and I knew her very closely at one time—knows she is no walkover. Neither is she an abla naari who was driven out of the film industry, like Waheeda Rehman from her sasural in Neel Kamal.

It doesn’t quite work out that way for Priyanka. It never has. It never will. If she was workless for the want of leading men, it was with reason that Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, etc. didn’t want to work with her.

As for Karan Johar, PC and KJo (as they are fashionably known) are friends to this day. They meet socially, message one another and are aware of what is going on in one another’s life.

42 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023

Readers would be aware that Bhushan Kumar announced the next film in the popular romance franchise Aashiqui with Kartik Aaryan in the lead, soon after the stupendous success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. However, with the makers yet to announce a leading lady for the same, reports of the film being shelved started doing the rounds. But now, sources close to the film have confirmed that Aashiqui 3 is indeed happening and that it is expected to go on floors this year.

Not too long ago, Kartik

Aaryan took to Instagram to announce his work on Satyaprem Ki Katha. After wrapping up major portions of the shoot, the actor has returned to the city to focus on his other films. The actor also took time out to meet

the director of Aashiqui 3, Anurag Basu and the film’s producer Bhushan Kumar at the T-Series office earlier today, quashing reports of the film being shelved.

This definitely comes as good news to fans, who

are eagerly waiting to see Kartik Aaryan step into the role of a complete ‘aashiq’.

In the past, Aashiqui (1990) marked Rahul Roy as the quintessential romantic hero, followed by Aditya Roy Kapur (2013), who won hearts as they portrayed the role of singers with unconditional love for their partner.

Aashiqui 3 was announced with much fanfare in September 2022 along with the motion poster, accompanied by the haunting tune of ‘Ab Tere Bin’ (Aashiqui).

14 April 2023 Sir Madam Sarpanch 14 April 2023 Pinky Beauty Parlour 07 April 2023 Gumraah 72 20 April 2023 Rosh 07 April 2023 Chhipkali 58 21 April 2023 Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan 07 April 2023 August 16 1947 100 28 April 2023 Ponniyin Selvan: Part-2 14 April 2023 Shaakuntalam 50 Expected in May 2023 Tejas 05 May 2023 Unwoman 14 April 2023 Bicycle Days 0 Release Date

Movie Name

Audience Score

0 0 100 74 60 73 0

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023 — 43

Do you need medication for hepatitis?

Many people wonder if they need medication for hepatitis B or hepatitis C. For hepatitis C: If you have been diagnosed with hepatitis C you will need medication. Treatment for hepatitis C is very easy and is usually only required for 8 or 12 weeks depending on the medication prescribed. Most people who have completed the treatment can be cured.

The most important things to remember when taking the medication: • You need to take the whole course for either the full 8 or 12 weeks.

• You need to take the prescribed medication every day and preferably at the same time every day – set an alarm on your phone to remind you to take.

• You will need to have a blood test after you have finished the medications to check that the virus has gone, and you are cured (at least after 4 weeks of completing the whole course).

• You can get re-infected so make sure you reduce the risk by avoiding any other

person’s blood.

For hepatitis B: Not all people with chronic hepatitis B need treatment. If your doctor prescribes treatment, it will generally be either entecavir or tenofovir.

Important things to remember about taking these medicines: • Don’t stop once you have started – at this time these medications are usually needed to be taken for your whole lifetime. If you need to take during pregnancy your doctor will let you know when you can stop the medication.

• Take the medication at around the same time every day – set an alarm on your phone to remind you to take the medication.

• If taking entecavir you need to have an empty stomach - you must not eat 2 hours before and 2 hours after taking. Sometimes it is easier to take at bedtime and not eating for 2 hours before going to bed.

• Can generally be taken with other medications – ask your doctor if you are

the counter medicines, traditional medicines or if you are planning to take any of these. Some medication combinations can make people very unwell including medicines that do not need a doctor to prescribe.

For more information about hepatitis B, hepatitis C, please visit our webpage: www.eccq.com.au/bbv or contact us at health@eccq. com.au.

Phone: 07-3844 9166 If you live in Cairns, you can also contact: Rhondda Lewis Viral Hepatitis Health Coordinator Phone: 07-4226 4769 Email: Rhondda.Lewis@ health.qld.gov.au not sure.

Important information: If you forget a dose of the medication for hepatitis C, only take if it is within 18 hours of your last dose, otherwise just take as usual the next day.

If you forget a dose of medication for hepatitis B you can take the missed

dose if it is the same day, otherwise wait to take your usual dose the next day Do not double dose medication if you accidently miss a dose.

If you are prescribed medication for hepatitis, you should always tell the doctor if you are taking any other medications, this includes herbal medicines or supplements, over

Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and Sexual Health Program Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ)

BATHROOM BEAUTY TREATMENT (Splash! Splash! Relax and have fun in the bath) Nimisha Modi

Hetvi Hair & Beauty 0412350013

Bathroom Treatment is also very important beauty schedule, as well as a chance to cleanse your body, bath or shower time is perfect opportunity to pamper and polish your skin and indulge in some beauty treat. Try some of these effective body treat on a regular basis.

Body lotions and oils Seal moisture into your skin with a lotion or oil, making it soft and smooth.

Especially concentrate on dry areas, such as feet, elbows and knees. Oily and normal skins benefit from lotions, while cream and oil give moisture dry skins.

Exfoliating Scrubs Help combat the rough patches and blackheads that can appear on your skin by using a scrub. Use once or twice a week in the bath or shower, rinsing away the excess with clear warm water.

Pumice stone These stones, made from very porous volcanic rock, work best if you lather up with soap before rubbing at dead skin areas of skin in circular motions.

Don't rub too fiercely or else you'll make the rashes on the skin. A little but consistently is the best.

Loofahs and back brushes Back brushes or long loofahs are useful as exfoliators, and their length makes them great for scrubbing difficult to reach areas like the back.

Loofahs are actually the pod of an Egyptian plant and need a bit of care if they're to last. Rinse and drain them thoroughly after use to stop them going black and mouldy. Avoid rinsing them in vinegar and lemon juice as this can be too harsh for these once living things. Back brushes are easier to care for; you simply rinse them in cool water after use and leave them to dry.

Seal moisture into your skin with a lotion or oil, making it soft and smooth. Especially concentrate on dry areas, such as feet, elbows and knees. Oily and normal skins benefit from lotions, while cream and oil give moisture dry skins.

BATH TIME TREAT Soaking in a warm bath has to be one of the most popular ways to relax.

You can literally feel your cares disappear as you sink into the soothing water.

However, you can also use bath time for a variety of other benefits and beauty boosters.

Learning to relax Turn bath time into an aromatherapy treat by adding relaxing essential oils such as chamomile and lavender to the water. just add a few drops once you have run the bath, then lie back, inhale the vapor and relax. Salts and bubble baths that contain sea minerals that also help to purify your skin and relaxing your body, too.

Bath by candlelight and

44 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023

listen to relaxing music to make it even more of a treat. put on slice of cucumber as eye pads and relax for 15 minutes.

BE A NATURAL BEAUTY You don't have to splash out on expensive bath additives- try making your own: • Soothe irritated skin by adding a cup of cider vinegar to the running water.

• A cup of powdered milk

will soothe rough skin.

• Add a cupful of oatmeal or bran to cleanse, whiten and soothe your skin.

Sleek skin Smooth your body with body oil before getting into the bath. After soaking for 10 minutes, rub your skin with a soft washclothyou will be amazed at how much dead skin you remove.

Boosting benefits

If you pat yourself dry after a bath, it will help you to unwind, whereas briskly rubbing your skin with a towel will help to invigorate you.

SHOWER TIME TREATS Shower are a wonderful opportunity to cleanse your body quickly, cheaply and to wake yourself up. Here are some of other benefits.

Circulation booster Switch on the cold water

before finishing your shower to help boost your circulation. Strangely, it will also make you feel warmer once you get out of the shower. It also works well if you concentrate the blasts of cold water on cellulite-prone areas, as this stimulates the sluggish circulation in these spots.

Turn a daily shower into a real power shower.

Keep smiling by Nimisha of ‘Hetvi Hair and Beauty’ Mobile 0412350013

Films making history at the 2023 Academy Awards Films: Everything Everywhere All At Once, The Elephant Whisperers, RRR

By Rama Gaind The 95th Academy Awards, presented on March 12, were significant for a number of reasons. It was not just India’s night of nights, winning two ‘first’ Oscars, but it was also a momentous milestone for several Asian, including south Asian nominees.

2023 has been an extraordinary year with several remarkable wins, iconic presenters (including actress and entrepreneur Deepika Padukone, only the third Indian to attend as a presenter after Persis Khambatta and Priyanka Chopra) and, at least, one unforgettable musical performance.

The metaphysical multiverse comedy Everything Everywhere All At Once won Hollywood's top prize as Best Picture, along with awards for Michelle Yeoh (Best Actress – the first Asian to win this category), Ke Huy Quan (Best Supporting Actor) and Jamie Lee Curtis (Best Supporting Actress). Seven awards in all.

Other categories were for Daniel

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Kartiki Gonsalves directed The Elephant Whisperers which was co-produced by Guneet Monga. It created history by winning the Best Documentary Short film category.

Scheinert and Daniel Kwan (Best Director), Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan (Best Original Screenplay) and Paul Rogers (Best Film Editing).

Everything Everywhere All At Once triumphed with an atypical immigrant experience.

It has become the mostawarded Best Picture winner since Slumdog Millionaire in 2009 when director Danny Boyle’s film received eight awards.

For India, it was double Oscar glory, making history with a win for best documentary short and original song.

The Elephant Whisperers created a record by winning the Best Documentary Short film category. Directed by Kartiki Gonsalves, it’s a heart-warming story of an indigenous couple Bomman and Bellie, in south India, who devote their lives to caring for an orphaned baby

elephant named Raghu, forging a family like no other.

Set in the Mudumalai National Park in the state of Tamil Nadu, India, the documentary also highlights the natural beauty of the location. It explores the life of the tribal people in harmony with nature.

When accepting the Oscar, Kartiki said: "I stand here today to speak of the sacred bond between us and our natural world, for the respect of indigenous communities and empathy towards other living beings we share space with, and finally, coexistence. Thank you to the Academy for recognising our film highlighting indigenous people and animals. To Netflix for believing in the power of this film. To Guneet, my producer and my entire team and finally, to my mother, father and sister who are up there somewhere, you’re

The Elephant Whisperers is streaming on Netflix.

Naatu Naatu, composed by M.M. Keeravaani with lyricist Chandrabose, is the first Indian song to win an Academy Award for Best Original Song. The catchy tune, from the film RRR, is directed by S.S. Rajamouli, featuring actors Ram Charan and N.T. Rama Rao Jr. the centre of my universe. To my motherland India.”

Worldwide success S.S. Rajamouli's film RRR (short for Rise Roar Revolt) has become a global triumph, with the whole cast present at the Academy Awards to witness the historic win of the foot-tapping mass anthem Naatu Naatu.

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Naatu Naatu, composed by M.M. Keeravaani with lyricist Chandrabose, is the first Indian song to win an Academy Award for Best Original Song, making it the first song from an Indian film, as well as the first from an Asian film, to win in this category. The catchy tune, that has already won a Golden Globe Award, is directed by Rajamouli, featuring

actors Ram Charan and N.T. Rama Rao Jr. The song’s distinctive beat pays tribute to Indian folk music and is from the movie RRR, a Telugu-language drama set during India's struggle for independence from Britain.

The central theme is that of an uprising, standing up and showing courage in the face of tyrannical rule. The Telugu blockbuster, RRR received universal praise for Rajamouli's direction, writing, performances (particularly Rama Rao and Charan), soundtrack, action sequences, cinematography and visual effects. The film was considered one of the 10 best films of the year by the National Board of Review, making it only the second non-English language film ever to make it to the list.

RRR became the third Indian film and first Telugu film to receive nominations at the Golden Globe Awards, including Best Foreign Language Film, and won Best Original Song for Naatu Naatu, making it the first Indian (as well as the first Asian) nomination to win the award. RRR also won the Best Foreign Language Film and the Best Song award at the 28th Critics' Choice Awards.

RRR presents a picture that captures the best of Indian culture, sensibilities and imagination. It encapsulates the essence of Indian cinema in ways that capitalise on technological brilliance and the imaginative storytelling abilities of its makers.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023 — 45

Monthly Predictions APRIL-2023 Aries ( 21st March to 20th April )

Taurus ( 21st April to 21st May )

Gemini ( 22nd May to 21st June )

Sun will be one of your strengths this month and will also bring you recognition and good health. There may be some conflict amongst family members at home. Because of the failure to achieve peace and the desired results, Mars might produce unexpected aggressiveness and melancholy. You are urged to pay close attention to your nutrition and workload because the second half of this month may bring along some unanticipated financial expenses and health problems. Rahu and Mercury might bring uncertainty and unneeded stress due to students not performing as well as expected on exams. Rahu and Mercury will be very helpful to you with your research and practise this month if you wish to take programming language courses or learn a new language.

This month, practise will be the essential word for you. Avoid letting other people's opinions affect you and speak openly and honestly with the person you love in order to ensure a happy relationship. Keep your word and abstain from misleading the other person or making false commitments in the connection. Because of Rahu's potential for difficulty in April, the Sun and Rahu movements advise against using forceful language or taking the easy route to success. Simply be careful when making calls and sending letters at work because Mercury and Rahu can cause conflict and misunderstanding. You might be given family responsibilities, which could result in an increase in expenses, but the support of other family members can also be very beneficial financially. You can anticipate cash gains from both your employment and an independent career this month.

Because of the Mars movement this month, you can experience poor self-esteem and some of you might experience depression. However, the power of Jupiter will aid you in overcoming this unfavourable impact of Mars. Rahu may cause an unexpected trip relating to work, and Ketu advises you to avoid conflict at work in order to successfully carry out your plans and projects.

Sun-related advice advises you to take good care of your health and steer clear of consuming outside meals or foods high in fat. Sleeping can occasionally be uncomfortable. Therefore, it is advisable that you meditate before bed. April may bring about unforeseen expenses.

Therefore, it would be wise to make a prior plan for your savings and spending. Some of you might have to pay for health-related expenses or enrol in yoga and meditation classes. With the passage of Jupiter and Rahu this year, religious activities will cost money. Success in courses relating to meditation or yoga will be aided by the Sun's movement.

There can be a last-minute business travel to a distant country. Those of you who are anticipating an overseas opportunity will also receive it thanks to the Sun and Mercury's favourable influences. Developing new talents will advance your career and present you with opportunities.

The student will pass the exam and have the chance to enrol in courses connected to foreign cultures. For athletes, this month can be difficult.

You might experience difficulties as a result of aggressive behaviour.

Take a course this month on art or beauty, or learn a new language.

Mars' motion indicates that you need to restrain your rage and hostility. The majority of the planets are not moving in a favourable direction, so you must carefully verify and analyse each decision you make.

Unexpected travel and workload for some of you may also have an impact on your finances, plans, and health. The movements of Mercury and Jupiter can encourage learning a foreign language as well as a spiritual path. You can experience some ups and downs in your romantic and marital life this month. To make your spouse feel at ease with you, you need to give the relationship some breathing room. Some of you might experience an abrupt end to your partnership, and the Mars movement might generate problems with divorce due to demanding or unrealistic expectations. You'll benefit from having patience and having constructive conversations. Health-related expenses may be revealed

by Saturn. Some of you may need to renovate your homes or places of business. This month is not very favourable for savings. You may likely experience unforeseen travel, social gatherings, or pilgrimages, which could reduce your funds. Some of you may be dealing with a significant loan and debt load this month. In order to avoid getting carried away, it is essential that you work according to priorities. The career involving foreign affairs will succeed as anticipated. Venus and Sun movements can result in success in a foreign employment or selection for a position associated to the government. Those of you who work for internet platforms or are independent professionals will succeed as anticipated. Only the Mars movement advises against arguing and acting aggressively at work.

Cancer ( 22nd June to 22nd July )

Leo ( 23rd July to 22nd August )

Virgo ( 23rd August to 22nd September )

Some of you might feel stressed out since you didn't receive the partner you were hoping for, but the Venusian movement will be to your advantage, so it's best not to give up. Those of you who were in the midst of a divorce may receive a progressive or anticipated outcome from it. Pregnant women need to take care of their emotional wellbeing. Avoid having any significant discussions this month as Rahu and Sun can cause financial disputes in the family business. The office's interior may undergo unexpected alterations, or commercial activities may result in unforeseen expenses. Jupiter is prepared to support you financially through your family and pals. You can publish your book with success because Jupiter and Venus favour you this month. You are urged to take your time with each decision because those of you who work in the family business may experience a sudden loss of income. Success in politics is possible, as demonstrated by the Sun movement. Mars might generate obstacles and delays for those of you in sports-related careers because of your anger and impatience. To get your co-worker to support you at work, you must take a proactive stance to make things go according to plan. You were urged to avoid pessimistic thoughts and comments by Saturn and the Moon in order to focus on your studies. The student must approach their task with optimism because Saturn's influence can drive you to focus on depression and negativity.

You are therefore recommended to adopt a positive outlook.

You run the risk of experiencing hand or muscle pain, so try to avoid strenuous exercise and use caution when using electronic devices. Those of you with careers in research or medicine can expect success in their exams. Mercury is ready to give success on digital learning and also give the knowledge of foreign language courses. Foreign related plan for the study will get delayed or required time to get successful this month so you are advised to be patience regarding this month. Mars movement can give aggression and impatience and this can give a sudden argument in love and marital life. You are advised to avoid argument and give some free space in the relationship. Some of you can receive an unexpected love proposal and have a chance to divorce in a foreign country. A small gathering of family and friends and a celebration at home are both possible, and the party may incur costs. Venus and Jupiter might also provide money for jewellery purchases. You were cautioned by Rahu and Sun to avoid legal work this month because it could result in unexpected expenses. You were encouraged to exercise caution when making an investment in a foreign country by the Mars movement. Property-related matters can result in financial losses, therefore you should refrain from making any significant investments right now. Try not to miss to check your mailbox because or don’t miss any call from your workplace because that can be very important and give you a good return as Mars transit indicating.

Planetary transits indicate that you shouldn't overstress yourself with negative thoughts. If you eat fatty foods or junk food, you may experience heart problems or a cholesterol issue. Include fruits and vegetables at breakfast and dinner to maintain a healthy diet. Good time to give some gifts and celebrate small events with your partner this will increase the strength and love in the marital relationship. There can be stress and communication gap which can lead you into a difficult situation. Try not to be aggressive and give some space to your partner. Love relationship will have some disagreement and clashes of ego which might give stress to you. Unexpected medical expenses may cause you concern. You shouldn't invest a lot of money in property-related projects. You will make good financial gains through research-related or wholesale businesses. This month, tax-related difficulties could arise for you. likelihood of extensive or international travel associated to the commercial deal. Prior to accepting any new obligations this month, try to finish up any unfinished business. Avoid arguing with a senior, according to the movement of the sun. You may encounter challenges if you work for the government, so you will need to exercise patience and engage in honest communication. It's time to finish the unfinished work. This month, you might have a desire to take courses relating to fashion. You may gain a significant quantity of knowledge about astrology and religion. Success in your academics will also come from mass communication.

Libra ( 23rd September to 22nd October )

Scorpio ( 23rd October to 22nd November )

Sagittarius ( 23rd November to 21st December )

Your personal life will see a peaceful impact this month. You'll be anxious to convey your feelings to the one you love and advance the relationship at this point. As the month goes on, you can run into some challenging circumstances. There will be an illusionary time, therefore you must comprehend the complexity of its effects. This month's final week may present opportunities for romance and new relationships. The transiting Saturn may cause some delays, so you shouldn't anticipate receiving any significant cash gains. But this time, there will be a steady income. Despite a decent income, there will be some pressure on your financial situation as the month goes on. Never take on any debt and never borrow money. Invest only with a long-term perspective due to the potential difficulty of the Mercury transit. Jupiter's passage may present some excellent chances for you to demonstrate your skills at work. It is not the best month to introduce a new product to the market if you are in business. You should take the advice of well-wishers seriously. Your workplace may be affected by some disruptive factors toward the end of this month. If you want to advance in business, you must take a wise action. You will receive a lot of planetary support this month to learn new technologies, techniques, and skills in order to accomplish your academic goals. Now is not the time to take a seat and unwind. As your journey progresses, there may be growing difficulties, so you need to be ready.

This month's first week will be filled with erratic or contradicting feelings. Mars and the North Node's influence suggest that your career issues may be causing a lack of harmony. Some singles may have to make extra efforts to find true love. However, your love life and relationship will flourish during the middle of this month. For married couples, there might be a few contentious disagreements, but the time around the month's conclusion will promote marital harmony. In the beginning of this month, you might continue to be bothered by some complicated financial circumstances. Saturn will require strict financial restraint. As the month goes on, the influence of the planets will be positive and could result in some profitable possibilities. Some restrictions can irritate you toward the end of the month. You will be in an outstanding phase for your career advancement once the month gets started. If you are in business, business transactions might not go as planned, causing tensions or other problems that could affect your business planning. However, as the month goes on, you might find that using all of your knowledge and skills, you can deal with situations more successfully. During the last phase, Jupiter will support you in bringing clarity and improved prospects for professional progress and gain. This month's stars could bring you some excellent chances to advance in your academic endeavours. You'll be able to increase your knowledge thanks to Jupiter. It will probably meet your expectations. The influence of the planets on health difficulties will be positive as the month gets underway. You won't have any significant health issues because you'll have plenty of energy.

You are likely to experience love and romance in your relationship with your spouse or partner, which will ultimately result in a joyful time throughout this month. The South Node, however, indicates that your partnership or marriage may experience difficulties due to conflicts with your close family and friends around the middle of this month, but you will eventually find a solution to make everything great. This month may see an enormous financial achievement for you. Additionally, several unresolved financial difficulties should be resolved. Mercury and Venus predict a likelihood of a significant increase in your income compared to prior profits. It indicates that you will have both a great financial future and a favourable financial situation. Jupiter's blessings could hasten your career advancement, so if you're seeking for a change, good luck with your job search. The Saturn suggests that those in business may feel overburdened by their workload. Around the end of the month, there will be possibilities for businesspeople to take care of some outstanding concerns and enhance their position. You are completely ready and organised to perform well in your exams this month. Your mental clarity, happiness, and satisfaction are all indicated

by Mercury's influence, and this will increase your sense of confidence.

Regarding your higher education, this phase is likely to be fortunate.

You could enjoy more energy to spare thanks to Jupiter and the Sun's very favourable influence. But watch out for your propensity to push yourself over your comfort zone and excessively exceed your limits.

Before you feel worn out, know how to take care of yourself and stop working.

Capricorn ( 22nd December to 20th January )

Aquarius ( 21st January to 18th February )

Pisces ( 19th February to 20th March )

Single people will not have much success finding love during the beginning of this month. As the month goes on, Venus' influence on your love life and personal relationships could continue to be positive.

The time around month's end may be ideal for you if you are already in a serious, long-lasting relationship.

Jupiter may bestow blessings and is likely to give you fantastic opportunities to make profitable business agreements. It's time to profit right now. Your financial chances will also be improved by the favourable planetary influences, which will give your ongoing enterprises a boost. Venus and Jupiter's influence will probably make your assignment simple. As your career gains momentum this week, you will have to deal with confidence. Businesses may experience some significant, largely favourable developments during this time. Around the month's end, there will be lots of chances for you to show off your skills. Your fury will be the cause of whatever issues you encounter at work. The month's conclusion is a good time for businesspeople to finish any deals, according to Mercury. Jupiter will help you make noticeable academic progress this month. You will finally be able to perform to your full ability, according to the planets. The stars will be helpful to kids studying science, technology, and related fields. There may be enough of planetary support at the beginning of this month to keep your fitness at acceptable levels. But as the month goes on, Mars warns that some stress may have an impact on your health, so make sure to control it.

The North Node predicts that you may feel vulnerable at the start of the month due to some family difficulties.

Some of your deeply buried thoughts can sporadically arise as the month goes on. For singles, this week's middle is a fantastic time to start an open relationship.

Near the month's end, calmer times are anticipated.

You'll see progress in your financial situation this month. You must remember that until the middle of this month, things won't go smoothly and that you'll have to put in a lot of work to make them work in your favour. So don't anticipate any quick growth. Your finances will begin to move in the right direction around the middle of this month indicates Venus. This month, Jupiter will bestow its favours, so get ready for improvements at work on all fronts. Try out a new product to go along with fresh marketing techniques if you own a firm. If you approach it that way, you might be able to broaden your horizons and make new connections. It might not be the best idea at this moment to commit to a comprehensive long-term plan. Your academic performance this month may be quite strong. You will benefit from Mars and Jupiter working together. You will have a good chance of achieving amazing success and receiving the proper recognition if you compete at this time. If there are any illnesses or problems, they will be remedied during this month. You would feel better and probably keep your health. Venus predicts that you'll be in good health. The eating of outside food in excess might be unhealthy. Don't assume your health is a given.

Your love life will receive strong planetary support at the start of this month. Be careful not to take your connection for granted, though. According to Mars, carelessness and indulgence are more likely to result in some disruptions. Jupiter will assist you in building a stronger relationship foundation as the month goes on and could even assist you in finding your inner strength. There may be opportunity for singles to start new relationships. Your paper budgeting from the prior weeks could not line up financially because of any unforeseen expenses or deadline pressure. Mercury may now assist you in focusing on improving the effectiveness of your financial planning. As the month goes on, the financial prospects can still be promising. This month, you could get a few solid chances to advance in your job. Mercury could provide you with some wise career-boosting ideas as the month goes on.

Progressive forces will be particularly effective for businesspeople.

Around the middle of this month, your strategic actions should help you make headway. Your route can get harder in the second half as a result of South Node's influence. Around the month's end, certain opportunities that you have been waiting for might present themselves.

Jupiter and Mercury will bestow complete blessings on your academic endeavours. For your efforts, you will receive favourable compensation.

A significant opportunity might come knocking as the month goes on.

You'll be blessed by Mars with confidence, so your performance will be well supported. Saturn will caution you to take good care of your health at the start of this month because there may be small issues, particularly with the stomach.

46 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023 — 47

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2020 — 51

IPL wrap: Kohli, Faf smoke Cricket plots path to pay parity for domestic players Aussie-heavy Mumbai Three Aussies, including $3m recruit Cameron Green, were in action for Mumbai but there was no stopping Bangalore's openers.

Cameron Green's eagerlyawaited Indian Premier League debut with the Mumbai Indians proved a chastening experience for the young allrounder as experienced duo Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis put his side to the sword in the eight-wicket victory for Royal Challengers Bangalore.

RCB openers Kohli (82no off 49) and du Plessis (73 off 43) made batting at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium look simple, putting on a 148run partnership in reply to Mumbai's 7-171.

Green, who was snapped up at the auction for $3.15 million making him Australia's most expensive recruit in the history of the IPL, had a match to forget; chopping onto his own stumps for just five off four balls and was then smashed for 30 runs off his two overs.

Even he could evidently even see the funny side of Sunday's merciless baptism however as his final

RCB openers Kohli (82no off 49) and du Plessis (73 off 43) made batting at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium look simple, putting on a 148-run partnership in reply to Mumbai's 7-171. tormentor proved to be fellow Aussie, IPL veteran Glenn Maxwell, who smashed him for two sixes in a row in the denouement.

After Kohli had knocked off the winning runs in only the 17th over with his fifth six, the 23-year-old new boy could be seen chuckling about the experience with Maxwell.

When Mumbai batted,

48 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023

they lost key opening pair Rohit Sharma (one) and Ishan Kishan (10) early, and even global T20 superstars Suryakumar Yadav (15) and Tim David (four) struggled against RCB's attack.

A stunning innings from Tilak Varma (84no off 46) lifted them to a competitive 7-171, but it was nowhere near enough as Bangalore chased the total with 22 balls to spare.

Aussie left-armer Jason Behrendorff wasn't in the Mumbai starting XI but was brought into the game in the second innings under the new 'impact player' rule, however he too struggled, conceding 0-37 from his three overs.

The majority of dual-format female players will earn six figures for the first time with a 66 per cent increase in earnings coming in their latest deal.

Cricket is in the box seat to become the first major Australian sport to achieve pay parity at a domestic level, after a landmark deal to significantly increase the earnings of female players.

Women emerged as the biggest winners in cricket's pay deal on Monday, with an extra $53 million in the player pool over the next five years and a pay rise of 66 per cent.

Those winnings will be felt most significantly at domestic level, where the average pay packet will sit at $151,000 for players with state and WBBL deals.

The majority of dualformat female players will also earn six figures for the first time, with minimum state contracts set at around $60,000 and the lowest-paid WBBL player on close to $20,000.

Match payments have also been brought in line with men's, with a touch over $2000 paid per day played, topping up the salaries to the

biggest in women's sport.

The figures leave women's retainers in state contracts at 70 per cent of their male counterparts, with genuine belief parity can be reached in future deals.

"We're on a journey," Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said.

"We have seen an overall 26 per cent increase in player pay, but a 66 per cent increase in payments to our female players.

"We are on a path, we are not there yet. But we have taken a major step forward in closing the gap."

Both CA and the players' union will put a focus on trying to further commercialise the game, with a doubling of the WBBL salary cap to $732,000

aimed at keeping the best overseas talent.

"If we unlock commercialisation, that's the key," former Australian star Rachael Haynes said.

"If we do that, I think we will get parity.

"Enabling players more time to invest in themselves and their game, naturally that will help them get better."

The number of professional female cricketers has also increased alongside their pay; with Cricket Australia contracts increased from 15 to 18, and two additional contracts allocated to each state side.

That means there will be a total of 130 professional female cricketers in Australia, up from 113.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023 — 49

Queensland distinguishes between Swastika and Nazi Hakenkreuz by introducing a bill banning hate symbols Queensland’s AttorneyGeneral Shannon Fentiman has categorically distinguished between the sacred Swastika and the Nazi Hooked Cross (Hakenkreuz) as she introduced the Criminal Code (Serious Vilification and Hate Crimes) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 in the Queensland Parliament to ban hate symbols in the state.

“The bill also makes it an offence to publicly display, distribute or publish a prohibited symbol in a way that could menace, harass or offend someone.

The offence will carry a maximum penalty of 70 penalty units or six months imprisonment.

Unlike other jurisdictions that have specified prohibited symbols in legislation, our framework will prescribe symbols by regulation. This will mean our laws will cover a broader range of hate symbols, and we will be able to respond to new symbols or hate movements that may unfortunately emerge.”

“While the bill does not prescribe a prohibited symbol, we have announced our intention to ban symbols related to Nazi and ISIS ideology. When

referring to Nazi symbols, it is important to note that the Nazi hooked cross is the correct terminology for the most widely known symbol.

The hooked cross resembles the swastika, which has a peaceful and profound meaning in some religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. I want to especially thank Ms Akashika Mohla from the Hindu Community of Australia for her advocacy on this important distinction,” said Ms Fentiman, Minister for Justice, Minister for Women, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence.

The Criminal Code (Serious Vilification and Hate Crimes) and Other

Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 were introduced in the Queensland Parliament on 29th March 2023. on this bill state “…a person will not commit the offence if they engaged in conduct for a real artistic, religious, educational, historical, legal, law enforcement purpose; a public interest purpose; or to oppose the ideology represented by the prohibited symbol.

The purpose relied on must be shown to have been reasonable in the circumstances.”

It is intended that an excuse might be available where the public display is made in books, body art, plays, satire, film and

documentaries, museums and universities, on historical models, during historical re-enactments, and for religious or scientific and research purposes.

Although the Bill does not prescribe a prohibited symbol, the Nazi Hakenkreuz (or Hooked Cross) significantly resembles the swastika, which has peaceful and profound meaning in some religions including Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

The ‘religious’ excuse is intended to ensure that the display of symbols, such as the swastika, in these contexts is not captured by the offence.”

Ms Fentiman, while speaking about the bill, also said that the legislation

requires that before prescribing a symbol, the minister must consult with the CCC, the Queensland Human Rights Commission and the Police Service.

The minister must also be satisfied that the symbol is widely known by the public or members of a ‘relevant group’ as representing an ideology of extreme prejudice. In this case, a ‘relevant group’ is a group of people who identify with each other because of, or based on, their race, religion, sexuality, sex characteristics or gender identity. She added that the government will also undertake extensive consultation with appropriate community and multicultural groups

while prescribing prohibited symbols.

Tweeting about the bill, Premier Palaszczuk stated that there was no place for hateful ideologies in Queensland.

Premier Palaszczuk faced social media backlash last year in May after she tweeted that she referred to the Nazi hate symbol Hakenkreuz (“hooked cross”) as the Swastika.

The Premier deleted her tweet after hundreds of Hindu, Jain and Buddhist community members expressed disappointment over her misrepresentation.

Sharing her feelings about this legislation which was introduced on 29th March, Ms Mohla tweeted.

ANKITA SHARMA, A VEDIC SCHOLAR, TEACHES Tougher hate crime & Laws of Nature under the guidance of serious vilification laws... Guru PT aka Prasant Trivedi CONTD. FROM PG 1 Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 gives effect to four key recommendations made by the Legal Affairs and Safety Committee in January 2022 to strengthen Queensland’s hate crime laws.

A new ‘Prohibited symbols’ offence will be introduced to protect the community from the distress and insecurity associated with the display of hate symbols.

Under the new offence, public display, public distribution, or publication of prohibited symbols in circumstances that might reasonably be expected to cause a member of the public to feel menaced, harassed or offended are prohibited, unless the person has a reasonable excuse.

The offence is intended to capture a broad range of circumstances, including the public display of tattoos and the public distribution or publication of prohibited symbols online.

The reforms also amend existing offences to provide for a new circumstance of aggravation for offences, including common assault, going armed so as to cause fear, threatening violence, assault occasioning bodily harm, wilful damage, trespass and public nuisance.

Criminals who commit these offences while motivated, wholly or partly, by hatred or serious contempt

based on race, religion, sexuality, sex characteristics or gender identity will face increased penalties including longer custodial sentences.

These provisions are intended to give the courts greater ability to treat these offences as more serious and therefore deserving of a more severe punishment.

Quotes attributable to the Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk: “People armed with hate and prejudice and extreme ideologies won’t be tolerated in Queensland.

“Our government promised to review and strengthen serious vilification and hate crime laws and this Bill is delivering on that promise.

“These reforms mean Queensland will have some of the strongest hate crime laws in the country."

Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman: “A hate crime or the serious vilification of an individual or group because of their race, religion, sexuality, sex characteristics or gender identity is an attack on a human dignity and will not be tolerated “These reforms send a clear message that criminals who commit serious crimes motivated by serious hate and prejudice will face tougher penalties “We’re making it illegal for people to publicly display,

50 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023

publish or publicly distribute symbols representative of an ideology of extreme prejudice against a relevant group, because we recognise these symbols erode the safety and security of all Queenslanders.”

Quotes attributable to the CEO of Multicultural Australia Christine Castley: “We are pleased and relieved to see the introduction of the hate crime and serious vilification legislation into the Queensland Parliament “The laws will enhance the safety of every person and every community in Queensland, especially for those culturally and linguistically diverse communities who all too often face harassment as they go about their lives in public spaces and places of worship “Multicultural Australia is proud to have been a part of the Cohesive Communities Coalition, which has advocated for these laws and shared stories from individuals in our diverse communities who, in many cases, had to relive harrowing experiences and trauma from acts of hate that in most cases will be a crime under the new laws “We will continue to amplify the voices of affected communities and individuals, and work with the Queensland Government and response agencies such as the Queensland Police to improve awareness and reporting of hate crimes.”

Young, fierce, fearless, sincere, hard-working, down to earth and awe-inspiring... this is how we describe our Teacher, Ankita Sharma.

Crossing the barriers of age, gender, race, religion, beliefs and countries... Ankita Sharma* is a well-known Vedic Scholar and a young inspiration for the IndoWestern communities across the Planet, with her students belonging to India, US, UK, UAE, Europe, Singapore, South Africa, Bangladesh and now... Australia.

Under the exceptional guidance of Guru PT, aka Prashant Trivedi, she lived with the indigenous communities in jungle villages in India for many years... to study, understand and practice the Laws of Nature (based on fundamental science, fractality, logic and harmony).

We all know the laws of the city or country we live in. But there are hidden laws that drive our lives, our actions, our morality, our behaviour and our fate. Ankita Sharma explains this beautifully.

Let's take an example; you have just turned 18.

You throw a big party at a bar, celebrate big time and drink your favourites to your heart's content. Did you break any city's law here? No. But still... next morning, your body throws up! Why? What rules did you die?

The story goes like this three beings are standing on

the edge of a cliff... a little girl who has just learnt to walk... a healthy young man who is a marathon runner... and an older woman who goes to her religious place every day and prays every second. If they fall from the cliff, who will be saved? Let's reframe the question - would anyone be held?

The answers lie within the ancient scientific Vedic wisdom of The Natural Laws… regardless of anyone’s belief, perception thought or feeling - Natural Laws exist and drive our lives every second. These laws are simple, objective, inherent and immutable.

Who am I... Where am I... What am I doing here?

Despite trying everything in the new age drama meditation, books, yoga, retreats, trekking, sports, dance, pilates etc... We still need to find ourselves.

Ankita Sharma brings PT's simple teachings to create awareness of ourselves

which is rarely touched uPon in new age, religious, and spiritual communities. The instructions are so simple that children love practising them. They are always curious about what their Ankita didi will teach in the class.

She is passionate about benefiting society by spreading the eternal Vedic wisdom - ultimately reconnecting people with Mother Nature's Five Elements... the ancient scientific indigenous aboriginal way. Moreover, she does this without any cost.

Regardless of your age, gender, perception, location, religion or situation, if you seek eternal Truth… you may attend Ankita Sharma’s free online classes (Hindi and English). *For more information, please visit PT sPeaks - https://www. youtube.com/@PTsPeaks or contact 0401 789 871

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023 — 51

52 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, April, 2023