Brisbane Indian Times - December 2020

A Division of Qld Multicultural Times Print Post Approved PP : 424022 1724 | ISSN 2652-6182

Volume 17, Number 4 Saturday, December 12th, 2020

As God is One, we respect all Religions

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bharat Bandh a show of our unity

New Delhi: Expecting support from large sections of the people across the country for the Bharat Bandh called by them, farmer leaders assured on Monday that the closure would be “peaceful” and its aim was to send a message to the government that the protest was a national movement.

The strike is to be observed between 11am and 3pm on Tuesday. According to the protest leaders, shopkeepers and transport unions have expressed their support for the cause.

However, emergency services will be permitted to operate freely.

“A lot of people are on their way to Delhi to lend support to the farmers already present there. The idea is to make the government understand how we feel about the new agriculture Acts,” said Balbir Singh Rajewal, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader.

Harishpal Singh of Ludhiana, on protest at Singhu border, said commercial establishments will shut down in solidarity with the farmers and people in the transport sector will also be taking part in the bandh. “From our side, there will be nothing different from what has happened in the past 12 days. There will be no disturbance to the lives of the common man from our end,” promised Harishpal.

Punjabi singer Gurdas Maan also reached the Singhu border on Monday. Pargat Singh of Sirsa, Haryana, said thousands more are likely to arrive on the day of the Bharat Bandh.

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Inside

• Local News ..................................4-33 • Real Estate ..................................... 34 • India News ..................................... 38 • Fiji News ......................................... 40 • Entertainment .............................. 42 • Health & Well Being .................... 44 • Astrology ........................................ 46 • Business Directory/Classified ... 47 • Sports News ................................... 48

A Division of Qld Multicultural Times Published Monthly OWNERS / PUBLISHERS: Umesh Chandra OAM & Usha Chandra ADVERTISING: Charita Deshpande (Sales and Marketing Manager) 0430 193 715, sales@indiantimes.com.au

From the Publisher In the final month of this year 2020, a year that we might as well forget, but it will be one that will be remembered for a long time and will go down in history with reference to COVID 19. We began with the disastrous bush fires and went from one disaster to another, the pandemic, the American Election debacle, Black live matters protest, and to top it all the worldwide condemnation of the new bills passed by Indian parliament, Protest have been held world wide in support of their farmers. The protest in Brisbane was held in King George Square and attracted many people. Back in India while there had been talks with farmers representatives and Government officials, no agreement had been reached (at the time of publication). Australia’s relation with China is at all time low, social media is to be blamed for this.

The good news is the we are closer to the vaccine being made available worldwide, with striking speed, the United Kingdom has become the first country to approve a COVID-19 vaccine that has been tested in a large clinical trial. On 2 December, UK regulators granted emergency-use authorization to a vaccine from drug

JOURNALIST/ CORRESPONDENTS Ram Jattan (UK) / Thakur Ranjit Singh (NZ) Thilliar Varnakulasingham (NZ) Shalendra Prasad (Fiji) / Dhaval Vyas (India) Rama Gaind (Canberra) • ML. M. Nawaaz Ashram • Imam Muhammad Aslam • Pastor Joseph Dass • Haji Abdul Rahman Deen • Jitendra Deo • Nimisha Modi • Ranjita Pillai (Immigration Matters) • Peter Lane Rai • Awadhesh Sharma • Shailendra Singh • Gagan deep Tandon • Ravi Vastrad • Cartoon Corner: Merwyn Machado • Brian Sullivan (Photography) Address: PO Box 197, Taigum Qld 4018 Ph: (07) 3192 5188 Fax: (07) 3865 5864 E-mail: prod@indiantimes.com.au Subscriptions: 12 months 6 months Brisbane Indian Times is a monthly newspaper published in English. No material, including advertisements designed by Brisbane Indian Times, may be reproduced in part or who without the written consent of the manager.

Opinions carried in Brisbane Indian Times are those of the writers and not necessarily endorsed by Brisbane Indian Times. Brisbane Indian Times will not be held liable for any advertising / editorial content - Advertisers supply / approve content therefore should any content be deemed inappropriate it is the advertisers / correspondents responsibility.

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2 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020

firms Pfizer and BioNTech, just seven months after the start of clinical trials.

British front-line health-care workers, as well as care-home staff and residents, could receive their first doses next week.

China and Russia had approved vaccines already, but before they’d completed the final round of tests in people. Regulators in the United States and Europe are expected to issue their decisions in the coming weeks.

I was honoured to be chief guest at Orioz Diwali, a growing and progressive community, the full house function was held at Springwood towers, Taste of Indian Restaurant. It was pleasing to learn about the many functions and event they had organised for their members throughout the year. FICQ Diwali was another successful event, city hall is an excellent venue which has its own appeal and the sound and lighting is superb, livestream did not do well at box-office.

Was privileged to attend the book launch by World Arts and Multi-Culture Inc with Edward Lin and Melody Chen, this organisation does so much in promotion of arts and culture and even under the covid 19 restriction they

managed to hold a highly successful event which was attended by a large number of community leaders and politicians.

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Qld Inc is also worthy of mention for organising a highly successful Gayatri Maha Yajna, the three virtues of Yajna- Divinity, Organisation and Charity were all present. Central to the success of a collective yajna is organisation, and I must say that is was evident, a lot of planning would have gone into delivering a successful event. The task becomes a lesser burden when it is shared by willing and capable volunteers.

Christmas parties have not been that many this year, and that was expected and is indictive of the times, Queensland has been fortunate in the sense that we could still get together, even though in smaller numbers while some states could not even do that. Queensland Multicultural Council held their annual dinner at an Indonesian Restaurant the event was fully sold out. U A Lions held their event at Asian Plus Restaurant in the DFO prescient.

Wishing Mustapha Ally all the all as he moves on from Crescents Community News, (CCN) has been a long standing community E newsletter, Mustapha said he will now devote more time with his family, CCN has been his labour of love, he managed to put out the weekly E newsletter on a regular basis even from overseas. Hope our younger generation will step up to fill in the big shoes.

Our Diwali issue was well received, and distributers have called out for more copies, our apologies to few outlets where delivery was delayed, due to our outsourced delivery company who are extremely busy delivering Christmas hampers etc, they have promised that this month should be fine with the. Talking about Diwali, our Diwali live stream attracted over 35,000 views and after that some one complained to face book and facebook has put Australian India Radio page under review, we are doing what we can to gain full access. We have been streaming via alternate channels, my personal profile account has been targeted as well, and such is live one needs to move on as the saying goes “The show must go on”.

Finally, on behalf of our entire team of Brisbane Indian Times, Australian Indian Radio, Chantex Multimedia (Facebook live) and Globenet Realty, we would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a very happy and prosperous new year.

Take extra care while driving during the holiday period, as there will be more than usual traffic due to restrictive air travel, everyone will be on the roads trying to get to the same place at the same time. I hope that 2021 will bring Joy, happiness, renewed enthusiasm, wisdom and a glitter of hope for all.

Until next month and next year, Happy reading and remain safe.

Umesh Chandra OAM

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020 — 3

Hope and aspirations light up Diwali celebrations

By Rama Gaind

It’s hard not to let our thoughts wander while restrictions are still in force on Australians travelling overseas. Hence, reminiscing is the next best thing … indulging in enjoyable recollections of past journeys.

One such travel experience was staying in India just over 12 months ago. It coincided with celebrating Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights.

A unique festival of its kind, Diwali or Deepawali, epitomises the Indian sociocultural, nay, philosophical ethos: "Be not afraid, let not depression nail you down, and hope for the best, for this is not the end of the world". It is one Indian festival where traditions highlight India's diversity and culture.

Ways of celebrating are one of the most enchanting expressions of rejoicing to be found anywhere in the world. Families, friends and business associates exchange gifts and sweets, settle old business deals and are encouraged to rid themselves of hate, anger and jealousy. Gay abandon at parties and sparkling fireworks displays are the order of day and night.

The festival is a time for rejoicing and renewal.

Regardless of the challenges faced during 2020, Saturday, 14 November this year was a time to wake up to a new luminosity of

Diwali is observed throughout the length and breath of India and the Indian diaspora overseas. hope, aspirations for the day and the year ahead.

For those living in India, and expatriates overseas – even for all their global orientation – have clung to the trappings of “being Indian”.

They make a conscious effort to bolster and transmit cultural facets to succeeding generation.

This explains the rationale of the institutions of temples and cultural centres, where families get together as an extended family in an eternal cycle of belonging and sharing – eating together, celebrating together, praying together, wearing together the badge of Indianness.

Diwali is one of my favourite festivals.

No matter where you are at this time, each year brings family and friends together as their homes are decorated with lights. Shopping and exchanging gifts are a big part of the celebration with new clothes, jewellery, sweets and diyas (traditional oil lamps) topping the list of souvenirs.

Historical sightseeing It's also a

time

to

rejuvenate the joyous spirit, bring in good cheer and go sightseeing – which was what I also did – and it was a valuable lesson in history.

In India’s capital, New Delhi, a visit to India Gate, is a must. It is a war memorial to 82,000 soldiers of the undivided British Indian Army who died in the period 1914–21 in the World War I, in France, Flanders, Mesopotamia, Persia, East Africa, Gallipoli and elsewhere in the near and the Far East, and the third Anglo-Afghan War. Most tourists head straight for the more famous Red Fort, a historic fort in old Delhi that served as the main residence of the Mughal Emperors. Qutub Minar is India's tallest minaret and now a UNESCO World Heritage-Listed site.

The Jama Masjid is one of India's largest mosques and was the final architectural feat of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, who built the stunning 17th century white marble Taj Mahal in Agra as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Humayun's Tomb is a lofty mausoleum

constructed of white marble and red sandstone that was built in the mid-16th century by Haji Begum as a memorial to her husband.

The Gandhi Smriti and the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial are a testament to the man's legacy.

While in the Republic’s financial capital Mumbai, one can’t go past the waterfront in Colaba, south Mumbai, where the Gateway of India, was constructed to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to the city. It remains as a striking symbol of the British Raj era.

In the middle of Mumbai Harbour, nine kilometres northeast of the Gateway, are the rock-cut temples on Elephanta Island - a UNESCO World Heritage site - and worth crossing the waters.

Origin in legend The origin of Diwali, like other Indian festivals, is lost in mythology. It is interesting to note that with these legends have flourished a rich variety of customs and traditions.

However, all these legends record the triumph of good

Gateway of India is in Mumbai.

India Gate is in New Delhi. over evil and light over darkness.

Diwali comes from the word Dipavali where — Dipa meaning light and Avali means rows of light/carrier of light. It is particularly associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, and marks the beginning of the financial year in India.

Another legend connects Diwali with the return of

Lord Rama of the Ramayana epic to his capital Ayodhya after 14 years in exile.

Diwali is by far the most picturesque and universal festival in India, celebrated with great zeal, eclat and devotion. Ruminating over nostalgic memories proves what Hilaire Bellocs said was so true: “We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfilment.”

IT IS CHRISTMAS AGAIN!

Pastor Suresh Dass Joseph josephdass@optusnet.com.au

It’s Christmas! Time for parties, parades and presents.

This is one of the finest, time of the year for many of us – and that’s okay. But more than that, it reminds us of the beautiful gift God has given to all of us. This gift is Jesus Christ, born in a manger and is the Saviour of the world, including you and me. ‘'Do not be afraid, for

behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’’

Luke2v10-12.

This message was announced to the shepherds, and here are 2 things we learn from it.

1) God chose the shepherds to announce His Son’s arrival. After having seen baby Jesus, they spread the word. Here’s your answer to ‘could God use someone like me?’ You don’t need to be seminary graduate or be polished and eloquent. Just tell people what you have seen and, heard and the change Christ has made in your life. Share the word; God will do the rest.

4 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020

2) All who heard it were amazed and excited.

God’s grace still amazes people. God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ.

We can all be excited to share this gift from God with others. So, others, too, may experience the joy of salvation. This is so because, according to the scriptures, we have all sinned. We have sinned when we have done, thought, or said bad things.

The result of sin is death and eternal separation from God. But here is the good news.

In the scriptures we read (Hebrews 9v14), ‘’Christ offered Himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins’’.

Jesus is God’s perfect gift to us. In the bible, we read how people would sacrifice an animal to ask for forgiveness from God. The reason Jesus came to earth was to give Himself on the cross as a

sacrifice for us, once and for all the time to come as it was mandatory for the lambs in the Old Testament to be blameless and perfect.

So was Jesus, who had to be perfect and blameless to be our Saviour.

By laying down His life on the cross, Jesus paid a high price so that you and I could receive the gift of eternal life.

In the scriptures we read, it was not with perishable things such as silver and gold that we were redeemed but with the precious blood of Jesus. Your sin-debt is, canceled and your books reconciled. Now you can have a relationship with God by simply trusting in Christ.

Jesus is the unconditional love, never-ending joy, and everlasting life, as a gift to anyone who believes in Him. When the kindness and love of God, our Saviour appeared,

He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy (Titus 3 v 4-5).

Think of a gift that you gave someone that was exactly what they longed for — a perfect gift that would have brought much joy to them. Paul speaks of Jesus as God's gift too marvelous for words!

(2 Corinthians 9v15).

Prayer is simply talking to God. He knows you. What matters is the attitude of your heart and your honesty.

When you admit the wrong things, you have done and repented of it. Then believing that Jesus died on your behalf to save you, and as you receive this wonderful gift of Jesus in your life, you are saved. Now death is just a doorway to eternity with God. Not only do we receive God’s perfect and

indescribable gift, but we are to share this gift with others.

In the scriptures we read (1 John 1 v 40-42), when Andrew found Jesus, he found his brother, Simon Peter. Andrew shared the good news about Jesus with him and brought him to Jesus. Soon they both became disciples of Jesus.

This is what Christmas is all about. That we can share the perfect gift of God which we have received with one another.

This Christmas as you gather with your family and friends, please remember the true reason for the season.

God’s wonderful gift for all of us. Let us remember all who are in need locally and overseas.

May I wish you all a very blessed and joyous Christmas!

Pastor Joseph Dass

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020 — 5

COVID-19 Visa Impacts & Associated Concessions In order to facilitate transition through the COVID19 Pandemic, the Australian Government has extended a number of visa concessions for certain class of visa holders.

The concessions have been put in place to assist individuals with their current visa pathway if they have been specifically disadvantaged

by COVID-19 border closures, business restrictions or the economic downturn.

If any applicants currently hold or has previously held a temporary or provisional visa listed below, during the COVID-19 concession period they may be eligible for a COVID-19 concession.

The COVID-19 concession period commences from 1 February 2020 and is an interim arrangement.

• Skilled Regional (Subclass 887) visa • Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) (Subclass 888) visa • Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) (Subclass 188) visa • Safe Haven Enterprise (Subclass 790) visa • Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa • Concession for certain family visa applicants affected

by COVID-19 travel restrictions Since some categories of visa require applicants to be outside of Australia at

the time the visa is granted, the department is putting together concessions to assist certain class of family visa applicants. These include • Partner (subclass 309) visa • Prospective Marriage (subclass 300) visa • Child (subclass 101) visa • Adoption (subclass 102) visa • Dependent Child (subclass 445) visa It is intended that changes will be implemented in early 2021 that would allow certain family visas, which have been applied for outside Australia, to be granted while the visa applicant is in Australia.

Readers must note that Migration Guru has assisted a vast number of clients, in various and complex circumstances, including arranged marriages and de facto applicants. Migration Guru has more than 80 years of collective experience in the industry and a team of Migration Agents / Solicitors.

With our vast experience and skills, we are able to provide accurate migration or legal advice based on our clients’ personal circumstances.

If you would like more information regarding your visa eligibility, applicable visa subclass, or next steps, Migration Guru can assist you in navigating this process.

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Avoiding Karmic Friction - Sadhguru, Isha Foundation Q: Sadhguru, you had spoken about conflict or friction between different layers of the system and how, in some people, the karmic body or the energy body may be in friction with their physical body.

Why does this happen, and how can we overcome this?

expansion of your energy body.

Your emotional identification has to expand.

Without that, your karma sits tight on you.

When your karma sits so tight on you, if your energies expand, you will feel like you are being ripped apart. It is good if you are ripped, but you must be able to endure

Sadhguru: Let me give you an automobile example.

Suppose you take a little car and put a very powerful engine in it. If you don’t beef up the entire car, the car is going to fall apart – not because the engine is bad, but simply because the engine is too good. Similarly, if your energy body is greatly enhanced without enhancing your physical body, and without making your karmic body conducive to that, something may fall apart.

This is why we conduct several days of classes just to teach the twentyone minute Shambhavi Mahamudra – so that you also learn to handle your physicality and, above all, your karmic nature. There are certain ways to function in the world where, if you enlarge your identity – particularly your emotional identification – the karmic body sits loosely upon you.

Now it will accommodate any amount of ambitious

There are certain ways to function in the world where, if you enlarge your identity – particularly your emotional identification – the karmic body sits loosely upon you. Now it will accommodate any amount of ambitious expansion of your energy body. Your emotional identification has to expand.

Without that, your karma sits tight on you.

6 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020

I have seen people who have caused immense damage to their physical body, simply by doing what is generally called kundalini yoga.

But generally, most people are only talking yoga, rarely practicing yoga with any intensity. I know a lot of people, particularly in the United States, who only practice yoga when they meet once a month.

But if you seriously practice, and if your energy body genuinely expands in a big way, then the physical body and karmic body must be ready for that. Otherwise they cannot handle it. that. If you are not able to endure that, you will think you are going crazy. So, the best thing is to expand the karmic body in such a way that, whatever level of intensity and expansion happens in the energy body, the karmic body is able to withstand it.

Regarding the physical body, it is rare that someone’s physical body cannot take this. That will come into

play only when we do very powerful systems of kriya yoga. Before we explore the nature of kriya yoga to a certain depth and intensity, it is very important that the physical body is stable and capable of taking that.

Without this necessary understanding, they could cause immense damage to themselves.

I have seen people who have caused immense

damage to their physical body, simply by doing what is generally called kundalini yoga. But generally, most people are only talking yoga, rarely practicing yoga with any intensity. I know a lot of people, particularly in the United States, who only practice yoga when they meet once a month. It is like a yoga club. If you are just an “entertainment yogi”, you may not feel the difference.

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.

Stay aware, be prepared.

& Best wishes for a Happy New Year filled with health, happiness and success

Bob, Prav, Marley & Cornerstone Family

Bob, Prav, Marley & Cornerstone Family

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White Ribbon Day friday, 20 November 2020

White Ribbon Day is an opportunity to bring people together – in person or online - to raise awareness and commit to action to prevent men’s violence against women.

In workplaces, schools and communities all over Australia, we’re asking you to stand up, speak out and act to end gendered violence.

It's time to put the elimination of violence against women firmly on the agenda in your community by organising a White Ribbon event - a march, meal, webinar, meeting or more and invite people to join you in ongoing action. (Please adhere to appropriate COVID restrictions in your location) Across Australia, we're initiating "Community Action Groups" likeminded people coming together to work within their community to prevent violence against women by developing community-led and designed responses to bring about change.

White Ribbon events have become a catalyst for the establishment of Community Action Groups in your communities. We will provide you with access to all the tools, materials and merchandise you will need to plan, promote and hold an event and engage those who attend to continue their commitment to change in the months and years ahead.

"You might not change the whole world, but you can change the experiences of those around you." – Jess Hill On Wednesday night (October 28), White Ribbon Australia and Harmony Alliance hosted '#TogetherWeRise' a webinar featuring Lawyer and human rights advocate Nyadol Nyuon and Journalist Jess Hill in conversation with Brad Chilcott.

People all across the country tuned in to an honest discussion around gender equality and in particular, the social, political and cultural scope surrounding violence against women.

White Ribbon Australia and Harmony Alliance work towards tackling the issues and impact of gender-based violence in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), migrant, and refugee

communities in Australia.

An important message arising from the discussion was to reject divisive agendas we see in politics and the like, and instead work together in solidarity to celebrate the beauty of diversity.

It was also a call to everyone to connect with people who encounter experiences different to their own and to challenge the opinions we see in the media, rather than blindly accepting them.

The conversation also highlighted how change does not start at a drastic level - it starts with everyday people coming together to realise the privileges we take for granted and using this understanding to influence change in our workplaces, groups and broader communities.

All in all, it was an insightful night and important conversation reiterating the role we can play in ending men's violence against women, and in amplifying the voices of those who may not have the same opportunities we do”.

On the day many registered events stook place, one of the initiatives was to Tie White Ribbon on

8 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020

your letter Box on the day to show support, and many people took part in that campaign. North Brisbane White Ribbon committee held few separate events and most popular one was the display at Taigum shopping Centre assisted by Globenet Realty Boondall.

Globenet Realty also housed the silhouettes in their office in for over a week in the lead up to White Ribbon day. Up North, together with air force, the Camels had White ribbons around their necks. A massive effort by our very energetic state Chair, ChiuHing Chan under whose guidance Queensland excelled and topped in the number of events for White Ribbon Day 2020.

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020 — 9

AGUMBE: THE MALGUDI DAYS TOWN FROM: DHAVAL VYAS. VADODARA. INDIA

In the mid eighties in India there was a very popular TV serial, called “Malgudi Days”. My quest is beginning to feel absurd before it’s properly begun.

I’m looking for Malgudi, that gentlest of small towns characterised by a completely different pace of life—old bungalows and tiny bazaars populated by sweetmeat sellers, astrologers, small printing presses, painters of signs, and talkative men.

Although it’s a fictional place created by novelist R.K. Narayan (1906-2001) some eighty years ago, a Google-search throws up several candidates in present-day India. Malgudi is a gated villa community south of Chennai inspired by R.K. Narayan’s ideological concept. A quest for RK Narayan’s fictional town — replete with oldworld charm and character — leads to many interesting twists and turns, stories and discoveries. My friend & myself, set off in my new SUV, Mahindra Thar in search of Malgudi, which landed us in the heart of Agumbe: A small sleepy town in Karnataka where the this famous TV serial was made in the mid 80s.

Everybody I speak to, from the postman to the shopkeeper, remembers Malgudi Days which was filmed in 1985-’86. When I ask where the shooting happened, they say: “Everywhere.” Most villagers got walk-on parts, doing cameos in the series that transformed this into a bustling small town if only for the duration of the shoot.

Apparently the equestrian statue of the British resident, Collector Sir Frederick Lawley, was put up at the T-junction to transform it into a proper “Circle”.

The name Malgudi evokes a nostalgic response in almost anyone you meet. Somehow it seems to bring about memories of a simpler, less complicated era in our lives, so much so that even Indians who've never experienced village life firsthand feel as though 'Malgudi' might be their 'native village'!

matrons. Before I quite know how it happened, I find myself seated with them. In my hand is a steaming tumbler of kashayam, a milky, lightly spiced beverage with cureall medicinal properties.

Agumbe is a tiny village in the Shimoga district of the Malnad region in Karnataka. Also known as “The Cherrapunji of the South”, Agumbe pioneers in rainforest conservation programs, trekking and tourism. It is well known as “Hasiru Honnu” meaning green gold. This is because Agumbe has a variety of medicinal plants that include rare species like Myristica, Eugenia, Ficus, Hoiligarna and Garcinia.

It receives the heaviest rainfall in the South India and has many rivers, streams and waterfalls in the area. Agumbe is home to one and only Rainforest Research Station located in the Country.

Taking a trip to Agumbe is a pleasant experience, it has picturesque beauty and is ideal for trekking.

Agumbe is in Malnad and is covered with lowland rain forests. Hiking and trekking through the hills gives a glimpse of the hills and beautiful waterfalls that flow through the dense jungles. Agumbe is a secret treasure hidden in the hills.

The best time to visit the place is from November

Kasturi akka’s old-world hospitality is the stuff of legend.

She doesn’t allow filming any more. She relates how the Malgudi Days shooting turned the house upside down.

to January. Because of the heavy rains, it is advisable to avoid the period of monsoon.

The road to Agumbe is a tunnel of emerald greenery, nut plantations, and rubber nurseries. We run into a thick cloud after the third hairpin bend and by the time we drive into Agumbe, the mist is so thick, it’s like entering a fading photograph of a town… or hamlet, as this turns out to be. I’m finally in Malgudi!

Everything looks like the TV series but less crowded. There are barely any people. No cars. It is so quiet it’s magical.

Agumbe is essentially a T-junction, called “Circle”, with a post office, a bus stand, some shops and messes like resturants such as Hotel Kubera.

There is also a bank and a school with a faded board outside¬—I decipher the name “S.V.S. High School”.

Could this have been the Albert Mission College featured in the Television series?

There’s a winding side lane called Car Street which takes me to a village square with the Sri Venugopalakrishnaswamy temple that feels familiar, and a primary school where kids that look like Swami

10 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020

Agumbe is a tiny village in the Shimoga district of the Malnad region in Karnataka. Also known as “The Cherrapunji of the South”, Agumbe pioneers in rainforest conservation programs, trekking and tourism. It is well known as “Hasiru Honnu” meaning green gold.

This is because Agumbe has a variety of medicinal plants that include rare species like Myristica, Eugenia, Ficus, Hoiligarna and Garcinia. and friends crowd the classrooms, and a ruined choultry (dharamshala) built in 1907 that locals use to dry coconut husks.

Many of the bungalows are distinctly old-fashioned and unique.

But what if it’s in Karnataka?

I’ve found evidence in the popular Doordarshan series Malgudi Days by playing the video numerous times in slow-motion. In the episode about the mailman who doesn’t deliver an inauspicious letter on a wedding day, the footage of Malgudi post office flashes the zip code 577 411. It belongs to a small Malnad town called Agumbe (population: 180 jointfamilies).

Everybody I speak to, from the postman to the shopkeeper, remembers

Malgudi Days which was filmed in 1985-’86.

When I ask where the shooting happened, they say: “Everywhere.” Most villagers got walk-on parts, doing cameos in the series that transformed this into a bustling small town if only for the duration of the shoot. Apparently the equestrian statue of the British resident, Collector Sir Frederick Lawley, was put up at the T-junction to transform it into a proper “Circle”.

However, the key location, where the crew spent months on end, is Doddamane (“the big house”) on the main street. This private home built in 1900 has a grand front veranda adorned with pillars, and a central courtyard. Kasturi akkathe matron of the house sits on a cot in the inner veranda, surrounded by two other

Kasturi akka’s old-world hospitality is the stuff of legend. She doesn’t allow filming any more. She relates how the Malgudi Days shooting turned the house upside down. The first episode that took place in the house was “Maha Kanjoos” about a miserly grandfather and his mischievous grandson.

Chatting with the family it is easy to feel that one has indeed set foot in a different world. They are proud of how clean Agumbe is and that it hasn’t changed at all since the eldest among them were children sometime in the 1930s. When I step out again, I get a funny feeling that the slow pace here really does set one’s inner biorhythms to Malgudi time. But however close to an ideal village Agumbe might seem, with its kindly, unhurried, educated inhabitants, there are things missing. Where, for example, is the railway station? Talguppa station, a 126-kilometre drive north, was used as a location in the TV series. There’s also no Lawley Extension— Agumbe is so frozen in time that suburbs for upwardly mobile, modern people haven’t yet come up.

Most tourists visit Agumbe to trek through

its forests or to visit the waterfalls.

Trekking to the Kudlu Theertha Falls or Nishani Gudda offers a once in a lifetime experience.

(But also beware of the leeches that infest the forests.) The high points of the treks are the visual treats that Agumbe offers. Sunset Point, a gallery erected to view the sunset, offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and even the Arabian Sea on a clear day. Remnants of temples dating back to the Hoysala Empire are also worth a visit.

Agumbe is accessible by road and rail (the nearest rail junction is Udupi), and provides tourists with a rich local cuisine.

The Inspection Bungalow and the Guest House are the only two commercial places for visitors to stay.

R.K. Narayan’s description of Malgudi was so meticulously realistic that the reader would often feel that she had literally visited the place herself.

Such was the charm of the provincial world created by his words that critics would compare the literary microcosm of Malgudi to William Faulkner’s Yoknapatawpha County, a small town that the author created so that he would be able to freely meddle with its geography and details as he pleased, without incurring the wrath of the residents of any actual town or place.

Most of R.K.Narayan's stories were extremely simple, and had simple plots – an ordinary person, most often a young boy or man, would be jolted out of his peaceful existence through no fault of his own, and be forced to grapple with problems that were obviously too complex for him. Somehow, he would emerge from the experience, not gloriously successful but not a complete failure either.

There were no heroic characters. These could well be tales about the author's brother's equally popular creation, the Common Man.

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020 — 11

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland

Patron Re’t Justice Pandit Devendra Pathik “Arya Ratn”

Trustee Mr. Sukarm Pal Singh

Trustee Mr. Mul Chand

Samaj Havan Yajna Satsang at Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre

President Dr. Sukhvir Singh

Secretary Mr. Hari Chand

TreasurerMrs. Suman Chand

Gayatri Maha Yajna 2020

जैसे सख ु की आप इच्छा करते हैं, उसके अनस ु ार वैसे अच्छे कर्म भी करें

सुख की इच्छा करना और उसके अनुसार कर्म करना, ये दो अलग-अलग बातें हैं । लोग सुख प्राप्ति की इच्छा तो बहुत करते हैं , परं तु वैसा कर्म नहीं करते। केवल इच्छा करने से कल्याण नहीं होता, वैसा अच्छा कर्म करना भी आवश्यक है ।* बहुत से लोग, सुख दे ने वाले कर्मों को जानते हैं , फिर भी नहीं करते। कुछ लोग ऐसे हैं , जो सुख दे ने वाले कर्मों को नहीं जानते, वे भी नहीं करते। जब जानते ही नहीं, तो करें गे कैसे? सार यह है , कि जो जानते हैं , वे भी अच्छे कर्म नहीं करते। जो नहीं जानते, वे भी अच्छे कर्म नहीं करते। जब दोनों में से कोई भी व्यक्ति अच्छे कर्म नहीं कर रहा , तो सुख फल कैसे मिलेगा? परिणाम - दोनों का एक ही रहता है । अर्थात दोनों में से किसी को भी सुख नहीं मिलता।

यदि आप डॉक्टर को ढू ं ढें, तो इसका अर्थ है कि आप रोगी हैं । और यदि पुलिस आपको ढू ं ढे, तो इसका अर्थ है , कि आप अपराधी हैं । दोनों ही स्थितियाँ अच्छी नहीं हैं ।* व्यक्ति सुख चाहता है , और ढू ं ढता है कि मुझे सुख कहां मिलेगा? खाने में, पीने में, घूमने में, धन में, संपत्ति में, यात्रा में, सैर सपाटे में, फैशन में, संगीत में, डांस में, संपत्ति में, बंगले मोटर गाड़ी में, मित्रों के साथ गपशप मारने इत्यादि में व्यक्ति सुख को ढू ं ढता रहता है । *परं तु वर्षों तक ढू ं ढने के बाद भी उसे संतोषजनक सुख की प्राप्ति नहीं हो पाती। अनेक चिंताएं और समस्याएं भी साथ-साथ पीछे लग जाती हैं ।*

ईश्वर न्यायकारी है , इसलिए वह बिना कर्म किए फल दे ता नहीं। *लोगों की इच्छा तो बहुत है , कि हमें सुख मिले। यदि वे सुख चाहते हैं , तो उन्हें ईश्वर के नियम का पालन करना पड़े गा।

केवल इच्छाएं करने से ईश्वर फल नहीं दे ता।* ईश्वर कहता है कि, *जैसे सुख की आप इच्छा करते हैं , उसके अनुसार वैसे अच्छे कर्म भी करें , तो मैं फल दं ग ू ा। इसलिए जो लोग जानते हैं कि कौन कौन से कर्म अच्छे हैं , सुखदायक हैं , और वे सुख प्राप्त करने की इच्छा भी करते हैं , तो वे लोग सुखदायक कर्मों को करें भी।* और जो लोग नहीं जानते हैं , वे जानने का प्रयत्न करें , कि *ऐसे कौन से कर्म किए जाएं, जिससे हमारा सुख बढ़े । फिर उन अच्छे कर्मों को जानकर उन कर्मों का आचरण भी अवश्य करें , तो उनका भी सुख बढ़े गा।* अब यदि आप जानना चाहते हों, कि वे अच्छे कर्म कौन से हैं , जिन्हें करने से सुख बढ़ता है ? तो हमारा उत्तर यह है कि -

मुझे सुख कहां मिलेगा

हम यह नहीं कहना चाहते, कि खाने पीने घूमने आदि में सुख नहीं है । परं तु खाने पीने आदि के सब सुख प्राप्त करने पर भी व्यक्ति निश्चिंत होकर नहीं जी पा रहा है । इससे भी बड़ा और सुख है , जिसकी व्यक्ति को आवश्यकता है । यद्यपि वह सुख भी सांसारिक स्तर का ही है , फिर भी खाने पीने घूमने आदि के सुखों के साथ-साथ वह भी बहुत आवश्यक है । *बल्कि पहले वह सुख चाहिए, उसके बाद ही खाने-पीने घूमने आदि का सुख वह ठीक प्रकार से भोग सकता है ।* आपके मन में यह जानने की बड़ी उत्सुकता हो रही होगी, कि ऐसा वह कौन सा सुख है , जो खाने-पीने घूमने फिरने आदि सुखों से भी पहले

प्राप्त होना चाहिए। लीजिए, आपकी उत्सुकता समाप्त कर दे वें, और आप जान लीजिए, वह कौन सा सुख है । *वह सुख दो प्रकार का है । पहला - आपका शरीर स्वस्थ हो, आप रोगी न हों, और चिकित्सा के लिए किसी डॉक्टर की खोज न करें । तथा दस ू रा - पुलिस आपको न ढू ं ढे। अर्थात आप अपराधी न हों।* यदि ये दो सुख आपके पास हैं , तब तो आप निश्चिंतता से खाने पीने घूमने आदि के अन्य सुखों को भोग सकते हैं । अन्यथा ये दो चिंताएं आपको बाकी खाने पीने घूमने आदि के सुखों को ठीक प्रकार से भोगने नहीं दें गी। इन दोनों समस्याओं से छूटने के लिए, आप प्रतिदिन कुछ व्यायाम करें ।

अपने माता पिता की सेवा करना, बड़ों का आदर सम्मान करना, ईमानदारी और सच्चाई से जीवन जीना, यथाशक्ति दस ू रों की सहायता करना, प्राणियों की रक्षा करना, गौ आदि प्राणियों को चारा भोजन दे ना, मन इं द्रियों पर संयम रखना, प्रतिदिन ईश्वर का ध्यान करना, अपने घर में यज्ञ हवन प्रतिदिन करना, अपने बच्चों को अच्छी बातें सिखाना, किसी पर अन्याय नहीं करना, झूठ छल कपट चोरी रिश्वतखोरी हे रा फेरी आदि पाप कर्मों से बचना, गंदी फिल्में गंदे दृश्य गंदी बातें गंदे उपन्यासों से बचना, व्यभिचार आदि पाप कर्म नहीं करना, इत्यादि *इन अच्छे कर्मों को करें , और उक्त बुराइयों से बचें, तो निश्चित रूप से आपका सुख बढ़े गा, और दख ु कम हो जाएगा। केवल इच्छाएं करने से कुछ नहीं होगा ओ३म ्। स्वामी विवेकानंद परिव्राजक जी*

ईश्वर का ध्यान, यज्ञ, संध्या उपासना, खान-पान में संयम, सात्विक आहार लेना इत्यादि, इन उत्तम कर्मों को करें । ऐसे उत्तम कार्य करने से आपका शरीर भी स्वस्थ रहे गा; और झूठ छल कपट चोरी आदि बुरे काम भी नहीं होंगे। यदि शरीर स्वस्थ रहे गा, तो आपको डॉक्टर ढू ं ढने की आवश्यकता नहीं रहे गी। और यदि चोरी आदि कोई बुरा काम नहीं किया, तो पुलिस भी आपको नहीं ढू ं ढेगी। आप दोनों प्रकार से स्वस्थ एवं प्रसन्न रहें गे। बुराइयों से बचकर शुभ कर्म करने, तथा उनके उत्तम फल को प्राप्त करने के लिए उत्साही तथा पुरुषार्थी बनेंगे, जिससे आपका जीवन सुखमय एवं सफल बनेगा ओ३म ् स्वामी विवेकानंद परिव्राजक जी

ओ३म ् Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland Gayatri Maha Yajna 2020 at Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre was a great success, with outstanding support and cooperation from the Samaj members, community leaders and the general public as a whole.

More then 200 people participated and really enjoyed the program with Vedic Havan Yajna mantras being chanted , heart touching comforting Vedic bhajans, thought provoking ,motivating discourses, classical dances, live professional Sitar recital with very competent skilful Tabla and display of Yoga poses, participants provided a very positive feedback with a feeling of admiration. It was really awesome to see exceptional support from Samaj Youth Yuva Dal, general public and so many Yajmaans participated and performed Gayatri MahaYajna with great respect

reverence श्रद्धा and enthusiasm.

There was an atmosphere of excitement among all age group who participated with great keenness. APSQ Samaj members with assistance from general public had made outstanding arrangements for the Havan Yajna, delicious, flavoursome refreshments/snacks/mishtaan and mouth watering lunch for all. We express our deep appreciation to everyone who contributed towards another successful Gayatri Maha Yajna program May GOD bless all ओ३म ्

Havan Yajna हवन यज्ञ, अग्निहोत्र Many families are now performing Havan on special occasion 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; Sangatikaranin the company of wise people and Daan is donating to the needy.

Saam VED verse 1529 statesAagne sthooram rayim bhar prithum gomantamashwinam.Angdhi kham vartayaa pavim- meaning 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 bhut-Yajna 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 pollution-free environment,we all should keep performing Havans day after day as fellow human beings without any distinction of caste, creed, colour, region or religion. वेदों में ईश्वर ने संसार के सभी मनुष्यों को यज्ञ करने की प्रेरणा की है । यज्ञ से रोगों व विषैले किटाणुओं

12 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha Of Queensland Inc

का नाश होता है । यज्ञ सर्वश्रेष्ठ कार्य वा कर्म को कहते हैं । आजकल यज्ञ शब्द अग्निहोत्र, हवन वा दे वयज्ञ के लिए हो गया है । मर्यादा पुरुषोत्तम श्री राम चंद्र जी और योगेश्वर श्री कृ ष्ण चंद्र जी दोनों समय संध्या ओर यज्ञ करते थे। वेदादि शास्त्रों ने भी तथा महर्षि दयानन्द जी ने भी यज्ञ एवं अग्निहोत्र के अनेकानेक लाभ बताए हैं ।यज्ञ, अग्निहोत्र या होम के लाभों को दो भागों में विभक्त किया जा सकता है । प्रथम प्रकार के वे लाभ हैं , जो होम से स्वतः प्राप्त हो सकते हैं , यथा वायुशद्ु धि, जलशुद्धि, स्वास्थ्य-प्राप्ति, इन्द्रिय-सामथ्र्य, दीर्घायुष्य आदि। यदि अग्नि में यथोचित मात्रा में सुगन्धित, मिष्ट, पुष्टिप्रद एवं रोगहर द्रव्यों का होम किया गया है , तो यजमान चाहे या न

चाहे , इन लाभों के प्राप्त होने का अवसर रहता ही हैं । शीत ऋतु में गुड़, मेथी, सोंठ, अजवाइन, गूगल जैसी साधारण वस्तुओं के होम से ही गृह-सदस्यों को सर्दी के अनेक रोगों से बचाव और छुटकारा मिलता दे खा गया है । दस ू रे प्रकार के लाभ वे हैं , जो अग्निहोत्री यजमान के इच्छा, प्रेरणाग्रहण एवं प्रयत्न पर निर्भर हैं । यदि यजमान मन्त्रों के अर्थ का अनुसरण करता हुआ परमेश्वर के एवं परमेश्वररचित यज्ञाग्नि के परमेश्वरकृ त गुण-कर्म-स्वभाव का चिन्तन करता हुआ उन्हें अपने अन्दर धारण करने का व्रत लेता है और तदर्थ प्रयत्न करता है , तो वह सन्मार्ग पर चलने की सद्बुद्धि प्राप्त करे गा, पापकर्मों से बचेगा, सदाचारी बनेगा, तेजस्वी एवं यशस्वी होगा और मोक्षप्राप्ति के अनुरूप कर्म करने की प्रेरणा लेगा, तो मोक्ष कीओर बढ़ेगा । यज्ञों वै श्रेष्ठतमं कर्म - यज्ञ करना सबसे श्रेष्ठ कर्म है । नियमपूर्वक यज्ञों को करने से हम अपने दायित्वों की पूर्ति कर सकते हैं जिससे हमें आत्मिक सुख मिलता है तथा इह लोक और परलोक दोनों में हम स्वर्गसुख का भोग कर पाते हैं , यही वेद का सन्देश है , ओ३म ्

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020 — 13

The day Frank Bainimarama was supposed to die: When a failed Military Mutiny changed Fiji’s fate.

Thakur Ranjit Singh, FIJI PUNDIT

Second November 2000 was the day when Frank Bainimarama was supposed to have died, and Fiji taken over by ethnonationalists through a military mutiny instigated by some Chiefs and greedy individuals. Thank God it did not eventuate.

Can you for a moment imagine what Fiji would be like now, had the devils, supported by some chiefs, succeeded in assassinating Bainimarama on that fateful day?

What would have been the fate of Indo-Fijians? Another Girmit or slavery, or massacre, something like Syria?

Thank God for the 2 November, 2000, which gave back a stronger Bainimarama and a new pleasant history to Fiji. We are so thankful to the failed mutiny on this fateful day when victory, light and life respectively defeated loss, darkness and death.

Indeed, second of November should be declared local Diwali for Fiji – every year.

Thursday 2 November in 2000 started as an uneventful day, a normal clear day in Suva, nothing untoward. I was at Vatuwaqa cemetery at around 1pm to attend a friend’s funeral from Carpenter Shipping. I had planned to travel to Ba later that afternoon to attend the funeral my cousin, Jai Karan Singh (Prem) who has suddenly passed away the previous morning.

As we were completing viewing, after 1pm, we heard what sounded like cracking of gunfire. It was echoing from Nabua Military barracks which is some 2-3km away from Vatuwaqa cemetery. We

immediately sensed something was wrong, and news filtered through that something unpleasant was happening at RFMF Barracks.

After the funeral, I quickly rushed home in Raiwai, and shot –off to Ba via Queens Road with my family to attend the funeral. Later we heard in the news that there was mayhem at Nabua Barracks where attempts were made to assassinate Commodore Frank Bainimarama.

He was able to escape with help of some soldiers through cassava fields.

This was the second mutiny at a military camp. On 7 July 2000, rebel soldiers supporting George Speight overran the Sukunaivalu Barracks in Labasa, the largest town on the northern island of Vanua Levu. Besides seizing the barracks, these soldiers harassed ordinary citizens of Labasa, kidnapping bus commuters, ransacking homes, and seizing crops, and bullying, assaulting and harassing mostly Indo Fijians. The police was powerless and humiliated, and yours truly made satire of the police force to a badhia bail-a castrated bullock. I coined the caption of a cartoon which read, where one farmer in Labasa is telling another farmer, pointing to a bull: “My castrated bullock has more balls than the police force.” The police was really impotent under the then Commissioner Isikia Savua, who was having a jaunt in Vanuatu when anarchy was taking place in Labasa.

Reports later emerged that the situation at Nabua Barracks on this fateful day was bloody and unheard of where Fijians were prepared to shoot their fellow soldiers in cold blood, while the human and milk of human kindness in some rebels stopped them from killing in cold blood. Fijian army officers were executed in cold blood by the rebel soldiers from Counter Revolutionary Warfare (CRW, which was equivalent to elite force of SAS) during this rebel uprising, with one soldier shot at point blank range while he was asleep.

Reports in local newspapers gave graphic details of how renegade Special Forces soldiers killed three loyal officers during the failed military mutiny at the Queen

Elizabeth Barracks in Suva on this fateful day of 2 November, 2000.

One was shot while seated at his computer. His blood was cleaned from the keyboard, according to the Fiji Sun. One rebel from the Counter Revolutionary Warfare (CRW) Unit refused to execute two officers at the height of the gun battle. Major Niko Bukarau, who escaped execution, told Fiji's Daily Post: "I should be in the mortuary if everything went as planned." While the CRW rebels had taken over the Nabua Barracks, it was perhaps their bad luck, as little did they realize that the most powerful and feared unit of RFMF, the Third Infantry Regiment was at Sigatoka Sand dunes, undertaking military exercises. As I passed Sigatoka on my way to Ba, I passed these soldiers waiting just below Matanipusi Hills, some 100km away from Suva, in Dee Cee Buses, as if readying themselves to pounce on the enemy. Somehow, I had a hunch that Fiji still had hopes.

And the powerful Third Regiment was headed by a Bainimarama loyalist and career soldier, Colonel Viliame Seruvakula, who joined the Army in the early 1980s. He opposed the 2000 coup.

And he stood out as Fiji’s saviour on that fateful day. They gallantly marched into Nabua camp, mounted a brief offensive, and led the all-powerful Third Regiment in a counter-offensive to retake the barracks from the rebels and maintain normalcy and security.

They succeeded.

Following the mutiny,

Seruvakula made some controversial statements in the media. He alleged that he had been offered F$250,000 to support George Speight's attempted coup in May, and that former Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka (who led two coups in 1987) had incited the mutiny and attempted to overthrow the military commander, Commodore Frank Bainimarama.

It later emerged that this mutiny was led by Captain Shane Stevens. It left some casualties and fatalities, and we can say there was some collateral damage. A total of 42 soldiers from the Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit were subsequently convicted of involvement in the mutiny.

Bainimarama also accused Rabuka of having "politicized" the Counter Revolutionary Warfare (CRW) The name of Lieutenant Colonel Filipo Tarakinikini has also been mentioned as the person who wanted to depose Bainimarama.

Stevens later testified that Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, the Qaranivalu, a senior chief of Naitasiri Province and a Senator and former Cabinet Minister, had visited the barracks during the mutiny to offer moral and practical support, which included supplying the mutineers with cellphones. Later, Takiveikata was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in the mutiny.

That was a flashback to events over two decades ago – exceeding the length of time for Ram Banwasexile of Lord Ram to forests, but it brought happiness and celebration

Jesus said “Arise and Shine…”

of Diwali on his return after 14 years.

Similar analogy can be drawn to Fiji where happiness and democracy returned to Fiji after overwhelming support for Bainimarama. Can you for a moment imagine what Fiji would be like now, had the devils, supported by some chiefs, succeeded in assassinating Bainimarama on that fateful day?

What would have been the fate of Indo-Fijians? Another Girmit or slavery, or massacre? What would have the so-called leaders, masquerading as Chiefs done to Fiji, after they had looted NBF and other institutions of Fiji under Rabuka regime?

Can you appreciate and perhaps now understand Bainimarama for taking the actions he took? How would you feel if your own people, in military, who were there to protect the leader, had become your killers? How about Chiefs, who are there to be our mentors and respectable advisors, abuse their position for greed of power?

The events that unfolded subsequent to this attempt on his life is reflected in the tough stance Bainimarama took. He warned Qarase to inculcate better governance, bereft of nationalism and racism, which Qarase ignored at his peril. He purged military and removed all the thorns and opposition, and strengthened it with loyal officers who believed in multiracialism, good governance and loyalty. The thieves…oops, I mean Chiefs, some of them abused their positions and power, and politicized the august body of GCC

His name shall be called Jesus…

The Saviour of the World!

Miracle of Miracles…The Christmas Story

final. Praise The Lord!

Therefore, we invite you to pray this with a sincere heart; and experience the sweet aroma of Christ in your life. Do not harden your heart but humble yourself to your Creator and make Him your Saviour and Lord. Please Pray,

For a Child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest upon His shoulders. And He will e called: Wonderful counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and Justice…for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s armies will make it happen. - (Isaiah 9:6-7) Dear Reader, We are excited to bring you the Good News of Great Joy. Our theme simple and clear. It is to make God real and personal.

And to present God as a Liv-ing and Loving Person; so you may understand His nature and relate to Him personally.

First, we must understand that, God is not an object or an image or imagi-nation of human mind.

God is a living and loving person.

We find this amazing revelation in the pages of Holy Bible. As you keep reading with an open mind and humble spirit; let His Word and Spirit set you free from eve-ry unbelief.

It our hope that 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 is the confidence you can have in Christ alone.

14 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020

for personal and political gains.

The biggest disappointment was Naitasiri's powerful and respected Qaranivalu, Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, who was implicated and sentenced.

As a result the sham of Great Council of Chiefs had to go.

With the election of Fiji’s First government as the now democratically elected government of Fiji and recognition by Australia, New Zealand and USA to be followed by the whole world, Fiji has come a long way since that fateful day on 2 November, 2000. Yes, this is the significant and historic day 14 years ago when Fiji’s current Prime Minister, Commodore Bainimarama played hide and seek with death in a cassava patch in Nabua. And like Diwali which heralds victory of life over death, life won on that crucial day, which we now realize made him into an ironman for the rascals and a friend of the weak.

Thank God for the 2 November, 2000, which gave back a stronger Bainimarama and a new pleasant history to Fiji. We are so thankful to the failed mutiny on this fateful day when victory, light and life respectively defeated loss, darkness and death.

Indeed, second of November should be declared local Diwali for Fiji – every year.

[E-mail: thakurjifj@gmail.com] [About the author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is a journalist, a media commentator and runs blog FIJI PUNDIT. He is a former publisher of Daily Post in Fiji and is a media and communications scholar, based in Auckland.]

Do you know what is the Miracle of Miracles?

Here is the great news of great joy spoken through ages and has never lost its intensity and the intent. I believe in the Miracles.

I also believe in the Miracle of Miracle. The Holy Bible is a living word of a loving God. Every page is filled with life giving truth. You shall know the truth in complete clarity

and simplicity; and in the process of knowing this truth you will be set free in your mind and spirit. You will be set free to encounter your Crea-tor and Saviour in a personal and intimate way.

Prophet Isaiah wrote a profound and a prophetic message about 700 BC. We know every word Isaiah wrote is divinely inspired by the Spirit of God. In fact all the

Scripture divinely inspired to lead us to a living and loving God. The words of and message of prophet Isaiah accurately foretold the supernatural birth of Jesus Christ.

This is a true story of Christmas, God enters human history as baby born in Bethlehem manger. His birth is super natural. His mercy is eternal. His love is unconditional.

His forgiveness is personal and

“Dear Father God, today I thank you for your word that has touched my heart.

I choose to re-pent of my wrongs and I confess with my mouth ‘Jesus is Lord’ and I be-lieve in my heart that Jesus died for my sins, God raised Jesus from the dead for my Mukti (Salvation). Now help me to know Jesus and His sweet fragrance more and more so that I can 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 learn to love each other. In Jesus name I ask and pray, so be it (Amen).

Mahashibir — An online event by Guru-Tattva to experience the 800 years old divine himalayan meditation (Free Of Cost) Guru-Tattva has organised a live broadcast of Mahashibir from 23rd to 30th December 10:30 am to 12:30 pm AEST (11.30 am to 1:30 pm AEDST) which will be broadcast on youtube.com/gurutattva.

2020 is about to end but the battle with the p andemic is still on. In challenging times like these, one of the best ways to be joyful and at peace is practicing meditation regularly.

Samarpan Meditation is an 800 years old value (sanskar) which is simple and can be easily practised by all. It does not involve any complex breathing techniques or yoga exercises.

Since its inception, Guru-Tattva has been sharing this divine wisdom and experience with the world for free.

'Mahashibir' is an event for collective meditation which will offer thousands of people an opportunity to learn meditation directly from H.H. Shree Shivkripanand Swami ("Swamiji"), founder of Samarpan Meditation.

The event will have a daily discourse by Swamiji, lasting approximately 2 hours each day, in which he will explain the science of 800 years old Himalayan Meditation in a simple language and conduct

Call: (07) 3192 5188

'Mahashibir' is an event for collective meditation which will offer thousands of people an opportunity to learn meditation directly from H.H. Shree Shivkripanand Swami ("Swamiji"), founder of Samarpan Meditation. The event will have a daily discourse by Swamiji, lasting approximately 2 hours each day, in which he will explain the science of 800 years old Himalayan Meditation in a simple language and conduct online Meditation. online Meditation.

The Mahashibir will be broadcast live on youtube. com/gurutattva and www. gurutattva.org. People around the world are welcome to join this live event from 10:30 am12:30 pm AEST every day from 23rd to 30th December 2020.

The repeat telecast timings are 12:30 pm to 12:30 am AEST. All the updates regarding Mahashibir will be posted

on Facebook and Instagram @gurutattvameditation.

Guru-Tattva is a global platform working towards the overall development of human beings in all spheres of their lives. Led by a Himalayan Yogi, Guru-Tattva organises various events to accelerate the spiritual journey of seekers through divine meditation value (sanskar).

H.H. Shree Shivkrupanand Swami (Swamiji), is a Saint who has spent 18 years of his life in the Himalayas, absorbing the wisdom from different spiritual masters and has devoted his life in passing this knowledge to others.

Heartiest invitation to all of you to join this once in a lifetime online event of self realisation and inner joy. For more information visit our page on Facebook and Instagram @ gurutattvameditation.

On behalf of Samarpan Meditation Australia, we heartily welcome you to join us on this Journey to Inner Peace online.

For more information on Samarpan Meditation in Australia and the online event, visit our facebook page @samarpanaus or email samarpanaus@gmail.com

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020 — 15

Raja Harishchandra Satyamev Jayate, Truth alone Triumphs, a part of the Mantra in the Mundak Upanishad, is the state motto of modern India. The text is inscribed in Devnagari script at the base of the Lion Capital of Ashok forming it the Indian national emblem.

Truth is God was the firm belief of Mahatma Gandhi, which he comprehended after years of analysis of the relationship between Truth and God. He called his freedom movement Satyagrah or Insistence on Truth.

Ancient Indian texts assert, “The earth is supported by the power of Truth. It is the power of Truth that makes the sun shine and the wind blow.

All things rest upon truth.”

Similar statements are found throughout Hindu scriptures.

Truth has been highly esteemed in Hinduism throughout different eras of its evolution. Numerous stories and legends highlight the extent to which people subjected themselves to hardship and pain for upholding the truth in their life.

Raja Harishchnadra’s story is one of the most remarkable legends demonstrating the resolve of a person to be truthful to his words. His name has become a proverbial term that points to someone who speaks truth even if that truth may be harmful to him or to his close relatives or friends.

His legend appears in several texts including the Aitarey Brahaman, Mahabharat, Ramayan, Bhagavad Puran, Devi Bhagavad Puran and Markandey Puran. The details vary from one narrative to another.

The Markandey Puran version of the legend contains a comprehensive description of events in the life of the truthful king.

Harishchandra was born in the Ikshvaku dynasty, the same dynasty in which lord Ram was born in a later age. His father was Satyavrat, a legendry king who became famous as Trishanku.

After his father, Harishchandra became the king of Koshal kingdom with its capital in Ayodhya. He was married to Shaivya also known as Taramati. They had a young son named Rohitasva. Harishchandra was a mighty king, an emperor whose authority was accepted by all other kings. He was kind, generous and just. He treated his subject like his own child. He was truthful to his words beyond measure.

Once Indra, the king of deities, convened a meeting in his assembly hall to discuss affairs of the world. Vashistha and Vishvamitra were

present in the meeting as representatives of the earth.

Vashistha was the royal priest of Ikshvaku dynasty kings.

He was a well-recognised Brahmarishi, a prestigious rank in spiritual hierarchy.

Vishvamitra was originally a Kshatriya king but became a Brahmin through his penance and spiritual feats. There was an ongoing rivalry between the two great seers of their time.

During the meeting in heaven, Indra asked whether there was a king on the earth who was powerful, just and truthful to his words.

Vashistha responded and told the assembly that Harishchandra the king of Ayodhya was such a king. All other kings accepted his authority.

His subjects loved him like their parents. He performed religious sacrifices and offered charities to Brahmins and worthy recipients. He was truthful to his words in every respect.

Vishvamitra disliked Vashistha’s admiration of Harishchandra and objected to his assessment. He informed the gathering that he would prove Vashistha wrong.

Vishvamitra returned to his hermitage on earth and started designing deceits to prove his statement whilst Vashistha went to perform his penance.

Some time later, Harishchandra performed a Yagya, royal sacrifice that demonstrated his splendour and regal status.

At that time Vishvamitra arrived at his court and asked for donation.

Traditionally, it was considered a duty of kings to satisfy Brahmins with gifts. The king happily agreed to his request and ordered his treasurer to give the entreated amount. When the amount was to be disbursed, Vishvamitra left the court stating that let the treasury hold the amount in a trust and he would collect it later.

After this event, once Harishchandra went to the forest on a hunting expedition.

There he heard distressing cries of women. The king along with his escorts followed the direction of the wailing and ultimately arrived at a hermitage, where Vishvamitra was sitting in a meditative position. He had created the illusion of women’s cry. He became angry with the king for disturbing his meditation.

The king apologised for the incidence and promised to repair the damage caused by his action at any cost. Vishvamitra took advantage of his statement and demanded his kingdom as reparation. The king willingly agreed to his

16 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020

demand and returned to the palace.

Next day, Vishvamitra arrived at the king’s court and asked him to handover his kingdom as promised. The king complied.

Vishvamitra then instructed him to leave his kingdom along with his wife and son. They were allowed to take only whatever they had on their body.

Harishchandra’s subjects objected to this mistreatment and suggested him to decline the transfer of the kingdom but the king opted to honour his words and left the kingdom.

Further, Vishvamitra demanded the amount that was donated to him earlier and held with the king in his treasury.

Now the treasury was also handed over to Vishvamitra as a part of the kingdom. Despite his precarious situation, the king agreed to pay him the agreed amount.

Vishvamitra allowed him one month’s time to pay.

Harishchandra along with his wife and son roamed in the forest and survived on roots and fruits. They arrived at Varanasi where they bathed in the River Ganga and worshipped deities in temples. The allotted time to pay the debt was nearing.

Vishvamitra appeared before him and demanded his money.

Harishchandra had not anything left to pay his debt. He decided to sell himself to get money but his wife objected. Shaivya insisted that she be sold advising him to recover her when he had enough money.

Harishchandra auctioned his wife and son in an open market place. A Brahmin in

Varanasi bought them as a domestic servant to help his wife. The Brahmin paid him a good amount, which he gave to Vishvamitra. Vishvamitra was yet not satisfied and demanded more.

Vishvamitra was willing to free the king from his debt, if Harishchandra declared that he was not liable to pay. Vishvamitra wished to lead the king to falsehood to prove his point that Harishchandra was not truthful as described by Vashistha.

However, Harishchandra was determined to pay the debt in full and did not succumb to falsehood.

When a few hours were left before the set time for payment of debt, Harishchandra decided to sell himself. He announced his readiness to be a slave for a certain amount that will meet Vishvamitra’s demand.

A rich person of lowest social hierarchy known as Chandal expressed his willingness to buy him and pay the requested amount. He was the master of cremation ground of the city and also an executioner.

He was looking for a person to work for him.

Harishchandra was unwilling to sell himself to such a person.

Vishvamitra appeared before him at that moment and demanded the owing amount. Harishchandra begged Vishvamitra to accept him as his slave to save him from becoming a slave of Chandal.

Vishvamitra accepted him as a slave and then ordered Harishchandra, his newly obtained slave, to serve the Chandal, who paid the huge amount of money to Vishvamitra, satisfying his conditions.

The new owner

explained to Harishchandra his duties.

He was assigned to guard the cremation ground from intruders and collect taxes from all those who came there to cremate corpses. His duty also included execution of criminals condemned to death by the court. The collected tax was divided amongst the king of the kingdom, the owner of the cremation ground and the person collecting the tax.

Harishchandra as a slave performed his duties diligently. In due course, his physical appearance changed and he looked like a Chandal.

He used to reminisce his past life as a king of Ayodhya with the queen and beautiful son Rohitasva. He thought about the appalling conditions in which his wife and son had been sold. He had no information about their whereabouts or wellbeing anymore.

Shaivya and child Rohitasva served their owner who was very cruel to them. The owner and his wife treated them poorly, and did not give enough food, clothes or shelter.

They coerced them to work day and night. The child was regularly sent to collect firewood from the forest.

Once as usual Rohitasva went to the forest to bring firewood but he did not return by the evening.

Shaivya became alarmed about his safety. He asked the owner to allow her to go and find her son.

Her owner permitted her to go and look for her son only after she had completed all the domestic chores. It was late evening when she went and found her son lying dead on the floor of the forest. A snake had bitten him. She was devastated by this tragedy.

No one was present to help her.

She realised her responsibility to perform the last rites of her son.

She carried Rohitasva’s corpse to the cremation ground. She had no money to buy wood for cremating the corpse. She tried to collect some unburnt wood at the site to make a pyre. At that moment Harishchandra, the guard of the cremation ground, appeared before her. The woman told her story to the guard who sensed that she could be his wife.

The guard sympathised with her but he did not deviate from his duty. He demanded the tax. He told her that he could forgo her share of the tax but she had to pay the king’s and owner’s shares.

When she expressed inability to pay any tax, Harishchandra noticed her Mangal Sutra, which confirmed his suspicion that she was his wife.

She also realised that the guard demanding money from her was

her husband. Shaivya told him that the dead corpse is of their only son Rohitasva and begged him to allow her to cremate their son. Harishchandra could not cheat his master and suggested she return to her master and ask for money to cover the cost of cremation.

Shaivya left the corpse at the cremation ground and went to beg for money from her master.

On the way a stranger met her and asked her about her mission. When she explained, the stranger was moved by her pitiable situation and gave her a pouch of money and went away. In the meantime, police came looking for the thief who had stolen money from the royal treasury. They noticed Shaivya with the moneybag and arrested her.

They brought her to the royal court, which sentenced her to death assuming that she stole the money. She was brought to the execution ground for sentencing.

Harishchandra who was guarding the corpse of his son was ordered by the master to perform the execution. When he saw the condemned woman, he recognised her and lamented. However, to obey the order, he raised his axe to sever her head.

At that moment Vishvamitra appeared and asked him to disobey his master’s command.

Harishchandra, remaining truthful to his duty to obey his master, did not heed Vishvamitra’s advice and proceeded to fulfil his task. Vishvamitra then forcibly held his hand from executing the woman.

Lord Indra, Brahma and other celestials appeared in the sky and praised Harishchandra’s dedication to truth.

Vishvamitra accepted his defeat against Harishchandra’s resolve.

Vishvamitra revealed to Harishchandra the story behind his ordeals perpetuated by him. He endowed all his merits gained through long penance to Harishchandra. The Brahmin who bought his wife and son was Agnidev or fire god. The Chandal was Dharmaraj, also known as Yamraj, the lord of death.

Deities infused life in Rohitasva who was united with his parents. All three were restored to their previous positions. After ruling his kingdom for a long time Harishchandra attained a permanent position in the heaven.

The story of Raja Harishchandra has reminded generations of Indians the vital importance of the truth in their daily lives and actions, and continues to do so.

Awadhesh Sharma

25th Year of Kannada Sangha Queensland (KSQ) One unique ability that distinguishes humans from other species on this wonderful planet, is the gift of language. Human language is a vehicle for the expression of thoughts, perceptions, sentiments and values characteristic of a community. It also represents a fundamental expression of social identity. The journey of human evolution and the development of advanced languages has always caught my attention. There are hundreds of fully developed, multifaceted languages in the word. India is home to a large chunk of them. The number of Indian languages, not including dialects, in a relatively small geographic area is astounding.

Among these languages, one of the oldest, often described as soft and sweetsounding, is “Kannada”.

Spoken by almost 60 million people, mostly in the state of Karnataka, Kannada is one of the major Dravidian languages.

Kannada’s grammar is so well structured, that some of the large works of literature, running to thousands of pages, has mathematical patterns and symmetry written in to them, which when properly understood and analysed boggles the mind.

States in India were formed predominantly based on the major language spoken in the region. Hence, the region where the majority spoke Kannada became the state of Karnataka on 1st November 1956. This day is celebrated as “Kannada Rajyotsava”, translating to Festival of the Kannada State.

The people of Karnataka are called Kannadigas and Kannadigas are spread far and wide in the whole world consistently making Karnataka proud.

Queensland in Australia is home to a large number of Kannadigas who have settled in and called Queensland their home.

Kannada Sangha, Queensland (KSQ) an association to bring together Kannadigas in Queensland was formed in 1995 and this year we proudly celebrate 25 years of its founding. Bringing a community together, helping in difficult times, entertaining, making them feel part of the group is no easy task and year after year, the Executive Committee of KSQ has strenuously worked towards this. On this important occasion, each and every member associated with KSQ deserves congratulations and a hearty thank you for making this journey possible.

KSQ endeavours to organize cultural events to celebrate 3-4 major festivities in a year. Generally these are, Ugaadi - the Kannada New Year, Ganesha Chaturthi, Kannada Rajyotsava and Deepavali – the Festival of Lights.

Additionally, artists from overseas are invited to perform for the Kannada Community in Queensland. The cultural events provide a platform

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for members to display their talents, encourage the next generation to appreciate and learn the wonderful language and a regular catch-up of the wider community to exchange ideas, meet new members and bring out a sense of camaraderie, harmony and togetherness. The Year 2020 has been difficult for everyone around the world

and KSQ members are no different. This year, KSQ Executive Committee has not been able to organize the usual events and instead put health and safety of its members as its top priority.

However, with the situation in Queensland constantly improving, KSQ will be hosting a Silver Jubilee event to celebrate its 25th year and combine it with Kannada

Rajyotsava and Deepavali festivities on 19th Dec 2020.

KSQ is thankful to Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk MP, Premier of Queensland , The Right Honourable The Lord mayor of Brisbane, Councillor Adrian Schrinner, Office of various Ward Councillors and Federation of Indian Communities, Queensland (FICQ) for their constant support and

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encouragement.

KSQ is also thankful to the support of event sponsors, who go out of their way to help the communities to come together and celebrate. KSQ has received a huge response to the event with wishes pouring in from government offices, celebrities and dignitaries, both from India and Australia and KSQ is humbled by the gesture

and ever thankful. Last but never the least, KSQ is also grateful to all its members, past and present, for their never-ending enthusiasm, volunteering, team work and sense of pride.

Jayahe Karnataka Maathe, Naveen C KrishnamurthyInformation Coordinator for KSQ

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020 — 17

Let’s Celebrate Tulsi Poojan Day on 25th December

The content of this article is taken from the satsang of HH Sant Shri Asaram Ji Bapu.

Pujya Bapu Ji had addressed the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in September 1993, that was 100 years after Swami Vivekananda addressed the same parliament in September 1893. 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 (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. It will prove to be a real boon to celebrate this festival during these days of the year because Tulsi is an excellent antidepressant and it increases enthusiasm, vivacity, and purity. The whole world has now begun to understand the virtues and importance of the Tulsi plant in the current Kovid-19 pandemic period, which Pujya Bapu Ji contemplatively wanted. 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 happiness & peace.

One who is incomparable is named “Tulsi” indicating how extremely beneficial it is. Tulsi

(Basil) provides health benefits together with happiness, peace and prosperity Worshipping, having darshan, consumption and planting of Tulsi destroys the three types of afflictions -Adhibhautika (Material), Adhidaivika (Astral), and Aadhyaatmika; and gives happiness and prosperity.

Therefore all human beings of the world should take benefit of the wonderful qualities of Tulsi and lead a healthy, happy and respectful life, adopting the great perspective of Indian culture of beholding that Supreme Being alone even in plants and cultivate divine mental attitude. With this objective of public welfare, Pujya Bapuji, the well-wisher of all creatures, inspired the celebration of the Tulsi Poojan Day on 25th December 2014 and since then it has been celebrated in India and in many other countries across the world. Worship of Tulsi increases intellectual power, willpower, power of character, and the power of health. It protects the people from mental depression, suicidal tendencies and the society gets the benefit from this subtle scientific knowledge of Indian culture discovered by Rishis.

Tulsi has many Names Tulsi juice is the best, so it is given the name “Sursa”. It is readily available everywhere hence it is also called as “Sulabha”.

It is more prevalent in the villages hence it is also called “Gramyaa”. It relieves pain so it is also called “Shoolaghni”.

Its botanical name is ocimum sanctum.

Tulsi a Wonder Drug Pujya Bapuji says: “Tulsi gives longevity, health and vitality.” Simply by seeing a Tulsi plant, all accumulated sins are destroyed. Simply

by touching Tulsi the body is purified. One who worships her after giving water becomes free from diseases and hellish afterlife.

Chewing 5-7 leaves of Tulsi followed by drinking water after holding it in the mouth and stirring it up will protect one from the doshas of Vata, Pitta and Kapha. It increases memory power and immunity of the body also. It prevents ascites and fistula in anus.

Tulsi destroys cancer.

One who wears a rosary made of Tulsi beads around the neck or has a Tulsi plant near him (at the time of death) cannot be touched by the messengers of Yamaraj (the god of death). Wearing it around the neck charges the body with the bioelectric energy or the fire element which prevents the formation of tumours and, diseases caused by kapha like asthma, tuberculosis etc. It maintains vigour and ojas in the body, and boosts immunity.

Tulsi seeds are used in genitourinary diseases and mental diseases. The ethanol extract (90%) of the leaves showed hepatoprotective effect against paracetamolinduced liver damage. It has antiulcerogenic property.

The essential oil of Tulsi is antibacterial and antifungal.

Why do Tulsi Poojan?

In the Skanda Purana it is said, “Wherever Tulsi is planted in the courtyard of a house (and worshipped everyday), the messenger of Death dare not enter that place.”

In the Padma Purana it is said, “In the Kaliyuga, worship, chanting, meditation, planting and wearing of Tulsi burns one’s sins and gives him heaven and moksha.”

In the Uttara Khanda of Padma Purana it is said, “One whose dead body is burnt in a fire, which has Tulsi wood as fuel, will attain the spiritual world, even if he is the most sinful of sinful persons, and the person who lights that fire will be freed from all sinful reactions. He cannot be caught by the messengers of Death.”

It is said in the Garuda Purana, “Planting, cultivating, watering, meditating, touching and praising Tulsi burns down sins accumulated in past lives.”

(Dharma Kanda - Preta Kalpa: 38.11) “One who drinks water with Tulsi leaves at the time of death is freed from all sins and goes to the abode of Lord Vishnu,” (Brahmavaivarta Purana, Prakriti Khanda: 21.43) To eradicate poverty and get wealth “One who wants

to

eradicate his poverty and attain happiness and wealth should circumambulate a Tulsi plant 108 times with pure bhava and devotion at the time of worshipping Tulsi.”

– Pujya Bapuji * Keeping a Tulsi plant in the north-east corner gives prosperity.

Now Science has acknowledged importance of Tulsi * Tulsi has a strong bioelectric field. That is why the air in the circle of 200 metres radius around Tulsi is clean and pure. In our Indian culture there is a custom of placing Tulsi leaves on foodstuffs during the period of eclipse as our sages knew that Tulsi has electric energy and hence it protects the foodstuff from the harmful influence of the destructive gases and hazardous sun rays during the eclipse time. Tulsi leaves are also germicidal. * Tulsi leaves contain a greenish yellow volatile oil which spreads in the surrounding air. It fills the air with radiance, glow and energy.

The air touching Tulsi leaves is good for health wherever it may go. This is because Tulsi leaves contain a chemical called eugenol methyl ether which is germicidal and mosquito repellent.

* Tulsi plant emits ozone which is very energetic. * In a research carried out with a Universal Scanner (an instrument for measuring the aura), a startling fact was revealed that the aura of a person increased by three meters in all directions by circumambulating a Tulsi plant nine times. The larger the aura of a person, the greater is his capacity to work, mental ability and health. * According to a research carried out in the King George Medical college of Lucknow, Tulsi leaves are beneficial in peptic ulcer, cardiac disorders, hypertension, colitis and asthma. Tulsi is regarded as an anti-stress agent. A daily intake of Tulsi tea (sans milk) or a regular intake of Tulsi leaves by masticating reduces the intensity of daily mental stress.

Pujya Bapuji says: “Scientists say that consumption of Tulsi cures or prevents malaria, and prevents cancer but I say their perspective is very narrow.

Tulsi is a gift of God. You think‘Tulsi pleases Lord Vishnu the most. Tulsi arouses divine love in our heart. So she is our nourisher and protector.’ And then eat Tulsi. Malaria etc. will be cured. Our perspective is not only to get rid of diseases but to keep the mind cheerful and to be cured of the disease of Transmigration and arouse divine joy in our heart in this very life.”

To listen 24X7 live divine Satsang of Pujya Bapu Ji, 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. 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 Rishi-Prasad 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.

Please read more about our Vedic culture in the next issue of Brisbane Indian Times.

Karva chouth celebrated on 4th of November

18 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020

Christmas spirit high with 2020 Christmas festivities revealed A hit of holiday cheer will be the remedy to a challenging year, with Acting Mayor Krista Adams unveiling the 2020 Christmas in Brisbane program, while the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust sorted 3000 toys for children in need.

Cr Adams said Brisbane will be one of the few places in the world where residents can get out and experience the magic of Christmas with family and friends in a COVID-safe way.

“We have delivered a reimagined Christmas program this year to lift community spirits and give our battling local businesses a boost,” Cr Adams said.

“While it may look a little bit different with COVID-safe precautions, we have a range of events and old favourites that will ensure Christmas will most definitely be in the air in our city.

“The Lord Mayor’s Lighting of the Christmas Tree will be done virtually on 1 December this year with residents able to tune in from wherever they are to see the countdown.

“Our beloved Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols will return to Riverstage as a free-ticketed event where people can sing along to their favourite carols with some of Brisbane’s finest performers. Tickets will be available from Tuesday 24 November.

“A special new format will take the place of the Christmas Parade, with Christmas on Queen livening up the shopping strip with live pop-up performances, acrobats, choirs, and all your favourite Christmas characters.

“A crowd favourite, Gold Lotto City Hall Lights will run from 4 to 24 December and will light up City Hall every 15 minutes from 7:30pm with an exciting light and animation Christmas tale set to capture the hearts of kids and adults alike.

“Kids can take their own socially-distanced Santa photo with Mr and Mrs Clause at South Bank Parkland’s Flowstate and Santa’s elves will be reciting their favourite Christmas tales and helping with arts

and crafts.”

Cr Adams said for vulnerable and disadvantaged Brisbane residents, this Christmas would be one of the hardest they would ever have to experience.

“This year’s Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust Christmas Grant Round, which provides Toys, food vouchers and funds for Christmas celebrations, is more important than ever as the need for support in our city has never been greater.

“The effects of coronavirus have left our small, grassroots charities with fewer funds, sparse resources and depleted volunteers and we have seen a significant increase this year in those seeking assistance.

“To ease the burden on

charities, we are sorting over 3000 toys today for 36 charities which will make their way to families and children who would otherwise go without presents under the tree this Christmas.

“These small acts of kindness go an extremely long way in giving hope and happiness to people who need it the most and I encourage people who can to dig deep and donate to the Trust’s Christmas Appeal, which will provide extra relief to Brisbane charities providing frontline services.”

CHRISTMAS IN BRISBANE 2020 PROGRAM: 1. 1 Dec: The Lord Mayor’s Lighting of the Christmas Tree which will see the 22m

tall tree illuminate via a special virtual cross to the countdown that families can enjoy from their home – via the Brisbane City Facebook page.

Households are encouraged to turn their tree on with us on 1 December and share it via #MerryBrismas.

2. 4-24 Dec: The Gold Lotto City Hall Light Show will project a Christmas tale onto Brisbane City Hall every 15 minutes via an exciting light and animation show.

3. 4-24 Dec: The reimagined Christmas on Queen will include lots of live pop-up performances and entertainment throughout Queen Street Mall, with acrobats, choirs, and all your favourite Christmas characters.

4. 5 Dec: The Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols will be held at the iconic Riverstage and will be a ticketed event to ensure the safety of those attending.

5. 18-23 Dec: The Christmas Tree Spectacular – Supported

by ABC Radio Brisbane is a Christmas production featuring song, dance and circus acts at the South Bank Piazza.

6.

18-23 Dec: Pull up a rug on South Bank Parklands’ River Quay Green & delight in a free cinematic experience at the outdoor Christmas Cinema – presented by eatSouthBank

7. 18-23 Dec: Santa’s Stopover at South Bank Parkland’s Flowstate will have socially-distanced Santa photos for the kids, with Santa’s elves reciting their favourite Christmas tales and helping with arts and crafts at Kids Craft & Storytelling.

8. 18-23 Dec: Festive Beats – Presented by eatSouthBank will deliver the Christmas soundtrack at South Bank with original tunes and Christmas covers, with no one artist performing twice across the program.

9. 18-24 Dec: Santa’s Stable will see Santa’s reindeer surprise and delight shoppers in the Queen Street Mall for a limited time each night.

This program is in addition to other fun events across the city including: 10. The Lord Mayor’s Seniors Christmas Concerts at City Hall (30Nov–9Dec) 11. Collective Markets: Christmas Edition in South Bank (1823 Dec) 12. The Enchanted Garden in Roma Street Parkland (4 Dec – 17 Jan) For more information, visit www. christmasinbrisbane. com.au or share your experience on social media by using #MerryBrismas.

To donate to the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust, visit www.lmct.org.au.

JESUS SAID, "I'M THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD" The Year 2020 has been a year of fears, difficulties, problems [financially, physically, mentally, emotionally], loosing of jobs, anxiety, depression and deaths for many families around the world. Year 2020 has claimed lives of more than one million people around the world especially from the months of March to November. These months were known as months of darkness around the world. However, during these dark times, from December 1st we saw lights and decorations in our neighbourhoods, houses, shopping centres, streets, malls, hotels and clubs. These places were all in darkness until November, however they are all now lit up with different colours of lights and decorations. This light itself has its own importance. I was encouraged by these lights to write the good news of Christmas.

I believe that every reader will receive a good news by reading this article. In the Bible, the book of Luke, chapter 2 tells us about the birth of Jesus Christ (Luke 2:8). We read there, at night when the shepherds were in their field watching over their flock.

Suddenly an angel of Lord appears unto them and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were all afraid.

The glory shone over the shepherds was like a light. This light was unique

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as they had not seen this light before.

During this time of the year we see a different kind of bright lights decorated everywhere in the month of Decemberdepicts the birth of Jesus Christ around the world. As the light that shone over the shepherd came with a message same manner the lights in December comes with a message.

The message for the shepherds was, "Be not afraid, for I bring to you good tidings of great joy for all the people.

For unto you is born this day a Saviour

which is Christ the Lord. Here, I would like to draw your attention to the reasons why the Shepherds were afraid1) it was pitch night 2) they had never seen that kind of light before and 3) the rays of the light was very powerful as it was the power of the Lord.

Since March 2020, there has been darkness in the world. COVID-19 took its grip on the people all around the world.

Many lives have been lost, business lost, jobs lost, no railway, airways or road travels. No room in hospitals to keep or care for the sick. And the scariest of all is there has been no vaccine available yet for this virus. This Pandemic has caused unrest in families and in nations. People are uncertain and worrying about their tomorrow and future.

However, in the midst of this it brings joy to my heart to see lights around me in the month of December as the world celebrates Christmas. This light shows the birth of the Saviour of the world- Jesus Christ. I would like to bring the good news to all the readers that in the midst of all these unrest, uncertainty, famine, worry, fear, anxiety and darkness the Light still continues to shine, around us. The same Light till today, is giving us the same good tidings that it gave to the shepherds on that night. The Light is saying to us today, do

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not be afraid as our Saviour continues to live.

As we read in the Bible, the Angel of Lord told the shepherds about the birth of Jesus Christ. The shepherds spoke among themselves that they should go to Bethlehem and confirm what the Angel of the Lord had told them regarding the birth of Jesus, as this was made known to them by the Lord. Hence, the shepherds went to Bethlehem and saw for themselves the birth of Jesus and they believed what the Angel of Lord had told them regarding the birth as it was made known to them by the Lord. Dear readers, I would like to reach out to you the same true good news or tidings. Today the world needs peace and light. As we read in the Bible in Luke 2: 13, it says, with the one angel joined multitude of angels praising the Lord. Likewise, during this pandemic time, I pray that when you read this good news it would bring you peace, joy, happiness, deliverance and healing no matter what life is taking you through at present.

We as a family wish all readers Merry Christmas and a very Happy/ Blessed New Year God Bless Pastor John Thomas E: maryhoney59@hotmail.com

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020 — 19

HINDU SOCIETY OF QLD INC.

Deepawali Family Fest 2020 Despite the pandemic, Hindu Society of Queensland did not deter from celebrating the auspicious festival of Deepawali this year. The approach, different from the usual sit-down, was appreciated by many attendees.

Thousands around the globe closely watched the live telecast of the day.

The temple was open all day for devotees who flocked in small groups for darshan. Families played popular games like “paani”. The fun-filled day included rangoli competition, colouring in competition for kids, karaoke, live music , kirtans, bhajans and dances.

A Glimpse of Deepawali Family Fest Activities

Navratri Celebrations 2020

Devotees performing Navratri pooja

Daily prashaad offerings

Strengthening Community ties with Boondall Police Liaison Officers

Havan at the Mandir

The most powerful nine tithis dedicated to the Devi, (symbolically represented as Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati), Navratri is celebrates the feminine nature of the Divine. According to hinduism worshipping the various forms of Devi, ensures wellbeing prosperity, and knowledge and aspiration to acquire salvation.

With restricted attendance of only forty, Navratri was celebrated with great fervour and dedication at the Gayatri Mandir.

Each evening was commenced with pooja, offerings to Nav Durga Maa, bhajans and kirtans, followed by Shrimad Devi Bhagwat Puran Katha delivered by Pundit Pravin Shandil, accompanied

by Pundit Brigesh Maharaj and Pundit Sanat Pandey. Each evening concluded with aarti followed by mahaprashad.

The week long celebrations was glorified with an evening of Garba, offered to Goddess Durga and a special mid-morning celebration of Kanya Pooja.

There was an outstanding interest shown by parents and children during Kanya pooja.

Devotees who attended the celebration at Gayatri Mandir graced the occasion dressed in the auspicious colour of each day. Many of our donors, sponsors and supporters rendered their unconditional ‘sewa’ throughout the entire celebrations. Hindu Society of Queensland would like to thank you all for your assistance.

20 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020

Volunteers try on new aprons kindly donated by Damini Women’s Association

We appreciate your ongoing support.

Numerous devotees followed the daily programme that streamed LIVE on Facebook. We would like to extend our gratitude to all our followers and viewers for their continued support during the

celebrations.

We would like to acknowledge Damini Women’s Association of Qld, for making and donating cushions, tablecloths and aprons for our daily use.

It is also an honour to have our Boondall Police Liaison

Officers who work closely with our community, share a festive Navratri banquet with us.

The guidelines to maintain social distancing is to be strictly followed by all devotees. Our humble request to all visitors is to kindly adhere to the rules till further notice.

Important Public Notice

All HSQ members are encouraged to update their annual membership and contact details for communication and for eligibility to vote at the upcoming AGM.

Call: (07) 3192 5188

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020 — 21

Arya Samaj Queensland

ENGLISH TRANSLATION AND COMMENTARY OF THE RIGVEDA IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RISHI DAYANANDA SCHOOL OF VEDIC INTERPRETATION

Jitendra Deo President ASQ

1.1 – On Agni, God and Energy 1.1.1 [On God] I praise God. I pray to Him Who leads us to victory and joy. He exists even before this current cycle of creation came into existence. He sheds light on

benevolent activity in the Universe. He performs the Cosmic Sacrifice seasonally by activating the Universe in every creation-season.

He fills the Cosmos with resources, and ultimately, He reclaims those resources.

He is the most bounteous Sustainer of all kinds of splendid wealth.

[On Fire] I seek to harness Energy. Energy supports the Cosmos since the beginning.

Energy brilliantly shines in all scientific and technological processes.

Energy gives and subsequently reclaims resources. Energy is the principal agent in the generation of various forms of splendid wealth.

1.1.2 [On God] God is worthy of being investigated

and glorified by both teachers and their students. In being investigated and glorified, may He, in this very life-time, bring us divine virtues from all directions.

[On Fire] Energy is worthy of being researched and harnessed by experienced scientists and by students of scientific research. In being harnessed, may that Energy in this very lifetime bring us comfort and enjoyment from all directions.

1.1.3 [On God] By fervently investigating and adoring God day after day, a person is indeed blessed with excellent possessions. These possessions strengthen his body, mind and Soul, and also impact his family members to become extremely

brave at home, and most accomplished in society.

[On Fire] By harnessing Energy day after day, a person acquires useful resources for productive living.

These resources strengthen his body, mind and Soul, and also impact his family members to become extremely brave at home, and most accomplished in society.

1.1.4 [On God] O God! This Universe which You surround, govern and protect from all sides is free from violence, vice and associated flaws. Laws governing this Universe assuredly impact the minds of scholars researching Universal Truth.

[On Fire] This Universe which Energy surrounds

Re-dedication of the Australians of Indian Heritage War Memorial (AIHWM) There is a Monument erected in the Memorial Garden of Sunnybank RSL Sub-branch in recognition of the sacrifices of Australians of Indian Heritage in the World Wars (WWs) 1 & 2. The monument was originally erected on 18 November 2017, and on 14 November 2020 a function was held to re-dedicate it.

Several dignitaries from Federal, State, and Local Government were present along with AIHWM Committee members and RSL members. The uniqueness of this year’s function was that it was a combined function with the Australians of Chinese Heritage War Memorial due to Covod-19 regulation.

During the speech Mr. Surendra Prasad Chairperson of AIHMW, and Mr Hugh Poulson, President of RSL Sunny Sub-Branch spoke about the significance of the Memorial.

The following info covers their speech and the background to the development of the Monument.

• Nearly 4 million Indians fought and about 90,000 lost their lives in the WWs1 & 2.

• WW1: About 1.3 million Indian soldiers fought and 74,000 lost their lives in the WWI (28 July 1914 – 11 Nov 1918). At Gallipoli 15,000 Indians fought and 1,500 lost their lives (19 Feb 1915 – 9 Jan 1916).

• WW2: About 2.5 million Indians fought and 87,000 lost their lives.

• Field-Marshal Sir Claude Auchinleck, Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from 1942 asserted that the British "couldn't have come through both wars if they hadn't had the Indian Army."

Some of the dignitaries present at the rededication ceremony on 14 November 2020.

(L-R: Mr Shyam Das, Parnam Singh Heir, Dr. Naidu Bodapati, Minister Leeanne Enoch, Mr Surendra Prasad, Mr Peter Russo MP, Mr Ibrahim Malik).

The Memorial • Most importantly, several soldiers of Indian Heritage actually represented Australia (in addition to those millions

22 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020

who represented Britain) in the Wars, whose contribution also went unrecognised.

• Mr Surendra Prasad

OAM, Chairperson of Australians of Indian Heritage War Memorial (AIHWM) read in Courier Mail on 24th March 2015 that Australian Indian Heritage were involved in World War-1.

• Mr Prasad held discussions with Mr Graham Perrett MP, Federal Member for Moreton and formed alliance with Sunnybank RSL Sub-branch.

• Raised $15,000 through the first fundraising dinner on 28th May 2016.

• Financial commitment of $30,000 was obtained from the Federal LNP government for the project.

• Created a bursary payable annually for students of Indian diaspora.

This is a unique activity, arguably only AIHWM is involved in Queensland, representing Indian diaspora.

• Griffith University architectural student, Bianca Archer’s design was chosen and unveiled on 12 November 2016.

• The Monument was unveiled in the Memorial Garden of Sunnybank RSL Sub-branch on 18 November 2017, after 100 years of our people’s sacrifices to uphold democracy.

• AIHWM Committee requests Indian Diaspora to visit the monument at Sunnybank RSL Sub-branch 19 Gager St Sunnybank.

You may want to visit the Monument on important days such as ANZAC day, Remembrance Day, or simply take your children, grand children or your relatives visiting from interstate or overseas.

Written by Dr. Naidu Bodapati, Secretary, AIHWM.

and protects from all sides is free from violence, vice and associated flaws. Laws governing this Universe assuredly impact the minds of scientists researching cosmic phenomena.

1.1.5 [On God] God is Omniscient, and He executes His Cosmic Functions with penetrating vision. God gives resources and He ultimately reclaims them – when he designs the Universe, He fills it with multiple resources and withdraws those resources when the universe is dissolved. He embodies Truth – He is the Benefactor of those who follow Truth.

His Glory is most wonderful to hear and to know about.

May He, Who illuminates the Universe, be realized by us

through [discourses given by] scholars.

[On Fire] Energy pervasively impacts the creation of everything known in civilization. Energy generates resources and reclaims them. The glory of Energy is most wonderful to hear and to know about.

May Energy, the light that illuminates the Universe, be accessible to us through [the work of] scientists.

Adapted from article by Acharya Dr Satish Prakash Please contact President: Jitendra Deo 3273 3029 or Secretary: Sunil Dutt 5613 3410 for information on activities of Arya Samaj Queensland or log on: www. aryasamajqueensland.org/ Facebook Arya Samaj Qld

Havan Satsanghs and Virtual Ved Prachaar

Arya Samaj Queensland continued with fortnightly Havan Satsangh and Virtual Ved Prachaar every month.

The Havan Satsangh is held at members place so we can get maximum benefit and essence of Havan Yaj. Havan Yaj is a scientific process and it cleans the environment and also by performing Havan at home purifies the home environment.

The Havan Yaj is also is held via ZOOM meeting where we are connecting with members all over the globe and livestreamed on Facebook. The Livestream is very popular, and thousands of people join us and view the videos. This is making a very good impact on our wider society.

The Diwali was also celebrated by the members at the Patrons place in Acacia Ridge.

It was attended by members and well-wishers.

The Virtual Ved Prachaar has been part of our monthly program where we invite Acharya’s from India and talk on specific topic. Last three Ved Prachaar was full of information and we all learnt a lot. The Ved Prachaar is held via ZOOM meeting and livestreamed on Facebook.

We have another Virtual Ved Prachaar this month and its on December 17 starting at 6.30 pm. It will be livestreamed on Facebook. Acharya Agnivrat

Naishthik (Vedic Scientist and Philosopher) will be speaking about Parmatama Ke Astitva aur Swaroop Ki Vegyanikta.

Arya Samaj Queensland Inc has a website and all the details of performing Havan is provided. The Havan mantra’s in Hindi and English , utensils and ingredients required has been uploaded on the Arya Samaj Queensland website www. aryasamajqueensland.org. The files are downloadable and has full procedure for Dainik Yaj( Daily Havan Yaj). Our Facebook page Arya Samaj Queensland has the video where the Havan is explained and performed to make it easier for people. Please visit website and Facebook page for further details or you can contact me on 0411 798 012. We urge people to perform Yaj for their well-being.

We urge people to perform Havan if you can, do Yoga and meditation and look after yourselves. You can visit www. yogguru.com.au for information of Yoga and meditation. Please contact President: Jitendra Deo via phone:0411 798 012 or email: asq.president@gmail.com and if you wish to join ZOOM Havan and Satsangh the session is for 60 minutes. You can send email or PM in the messenger (Arya Samaj Queensland) or we have WhatsApp group as well and I will send you the link.

Australian IndiaN Radio Interviews

articles by staff reporter

Rare infection treated in local hospital A 69-year-old male has just been discharged from St Andrew’s Ipswich Private Hospital after contracting tetanus, an extremely rare bacterial infection that affects the central nervous system.

The patient spent more than six months in ICU and rehabilitation after developing systemic tetanus and critical illness myoneuropathy, a disease affecting the central nervous system, occurring as a complication of severe trauma or infection.

Widespread vaccinations against tetanus were introduced in Australia nearly 70 years ago, with

Dr Satnam Solanki, Director Intensive Care Unit (ICU) infections rarely presenting in Australian hospitals. In fact, just an average of ten cases are reported each year,

with two-thirds (62%) being in people aged 65 and older.

[1] At the start of the pandemic and after spending time on his brother’s farm, a local man presented to the hospital unable to eat (dysphasia) with symptoms resembling gastroenteritis.

It was after two weeks in ICU that leading intensive care specialists Professor Jeffrey Lipman and Doctor Satnam Solanki diagnosed the patient with tetanus.

Dr Satnam Solanki was interviewed by Australian Indian Radio. He is the Director of the Intensive Care Unit at St. Andrew’s

Ipswich Private Hospital. He is an Intensivist and Staff Specialist Anaesthetist who also presents as a Senior

Australians urged to ditch digital and stay connected through Christmas Cards

Henry Kovacevic • This Christmas, millions will be separated from loved ones for the first time ever • With three quarters not travelling to see loved ones, more than half of Aussies are not feeling positive about Christmas this year • The Australian Greeting Card Association is encouraging Australians to ditch digital and send cards to their loves ones this Christmas Henry Kovacevic was interviewed by Australian Indian Radio. Henry is the current president of the Australian Greeting Card Association, having taken

over the reins in June 2020.

Henry shares a strong passion of the greeting card industry with decades of experience under his belt, including 16 years at Hallmark. In his time there as a national account executive, Henry maximised the growth of key accounts and relationships within the industry and with industry partners. In this new role, his skills will help generate a quantum leap of interest in sending & giving personalised greeting cards. Henry is passionate about connecting people and helping Aussies reconnect through greeting card communication.

Otherwise, Henry is also the founder and manager of Melbourne’s renowned B# Big Band. His passion for those big swingin’ sounds has ensured many smiles and tappin’ toes at various public, private and corporate events, plus the praise of many high profile local and international performers.

With travel restrictions still in place, this Christmas millions of Australians will be separated from their

friends and families. Feeling more disconnected than ever, Aussies are encouraged to reconnect with their loved ones by sending handwritten Christmas cards.

Henry said that 2020 has seen Australians turn to technology like never before with Zoom and Skype becoming some of the most used apps on our phones!

But despite these platforms, Australians are still seeking a sentimental way to connect as the silly season approaches, because aren’t we all sick of lagging Zoom calls and pretending we can hear everyone?

Henry also said that this Christmas, millions will be separated from loved ones for the first time ever. With threequarters (75%) of the nation not planning to travel to see loved ones due to restrictions and shielding from ongoing health risks, more than half (54%) of Aussies are not feeling positive about Christmas this year.

Seriously, do we even know if Santa has self-isolated? Do travel restrictions apply to

reindeers…?!

Speaking of Santa, with COVID-19 affecting 12 million[1] Australians financially, research reveals more than a third (39%) of Aussies will spend less money on Christmas gifts, and one in five (18%) do not want to receive any presents this year. Sending your friends and family a meaningful handwritten Christmas card is a great way to combat the financial pressures of buying gifts, whilst showing your love and appreciation.

Despite it being the first Christmas Aussies won’t be able to, or willing to risk to travel and spend time with their family, The Australian Greeting Card Association is encouraging the nation to stay connected with their loved ones by taking advantage of Australia Post’s reduced stamp price, and post or hand deliver to letterboxes, personal Christmas cards this year.

[1] https://www.csi.edu. au/media/uploads/csi_fact_ sheet_financial_wellbeing_ and_covid-19.pdf

Innovative hand sanitiser promises 24 hours protection against COVID-19

Mike Mota, Novalent As businesses start to reopen and students return to the classroom, anxiousness over hygiene and keeping Aussie families safe remains.

With regular hand washing and social distancing being identified as key factors in slowing the spread, Aussies are encouraged to adopt a number

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of COVID-safe practises as the world slowly returns to normal.

In a bid to provide Australians with peace of mind and unrivalled protection, Novalent has developed and engineered a ground-breaking, environmentally-friendly molecule to help combat COVID-19.

The molecule provides residual protection against bacteria on surfaces, making it the safest, longestlasting protection for Australian families.

Australian Indian Radio interviewed Mike Motta from Novalent to discuss the new hand wash, and how it can help protect Aussie families and businesses from germs.

Mike has 25 years of sales, marketing, and leadership experience in global food & beverage antimicrobial and

hygiene solutions. He is an MBA, Global Management from University of Phoenix, and a BS in Sociology from West Virginia University.

Mike told that it is a unique, non-toxic antimicrobial foaming hand wash utilising the molecule, provides all day protection against 99.9 per cent of germs. Once applied, the technology creates a positively charged layer, or ‘shield’, on the

skin, which breaks down and kills germs on contact during washing and throughout the day.

Novalent Shield+ has been designed to provide lasting and proven protection, bringing additional peace of mind as Australians return to life outside of our homes. Particularly the case for Victorian based parents as their children return to the classroom.

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Lecturer at the University of Queensland.

Dr Solanki told that patient received intensive

care for 60 days with five weeks on a ventilator at the hospital which has an 18bed critical care unit. Allied health therapists at the rehabilitation unit worked with the patient for three months to redevelop his speech and basic motor skills.

While bacterial infections such as tetanus are extremely rare, Australians are reminded that if they experience any unusual speech or motor issues to seek medical advice immediately.

[1] https://www.aihw.gov. au/getmedia/f877a2da-23e34516-948f-df05ca7ceb43/ aihw-phe-236_Tetanus.pdf. aspx

Backyard pools major risk zone as pool owners forsake fence safety

Laurie Lawrence

Laurie Lawrence who was interviewed by Australian Indian Radio, is a top athlete in his own right, a former Australian Rugby Union Representative and Olympic and World Champion Swim coach.

Laurie cares deeply about the people he influences and he refuses to rest until he has achieved his best.

Laurie has been claimed as one of Australia’s favourite sons, and is admired by many Australians, from little children who attend his coaching clinics to International Corporate Leaders who look to him for inspiration and new ideas.

Swim coaching has played an important part in Laurie’s life. Laurie Lawrence has represented Australia in World Championships, Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games as a swim coach.

During the Commonwealth Games in Brisbane (1982) and Edinburgh (1986), and the Olympics Games in Los Angeles (1984) and Seoul (1988), Laurie’s pupils were standout performers.

They succeeded in breaking many National, Commonwealth and World Records in a number of their gold medal winning performances.

Laurie told that thousands of backyards across Australia pose

a major safety risk this summer with only half (55%) of pool owners knowing if their pool fence complies with Australian fencing standards [1].

Concerningly, despite 87% of all swimming pool drowning deaths of children under five occurring in backyard pools[2], a third (34%) of pool owners have never checked the safety of their gate and fence, whilst 42% are unaware of the correct fence safety gate hardware required.

The research carried out by D&D Technologies reveals that although 81% of pool owners are aware that a faulty, unlatched or propped-open gate was the most common reason a child got into a pool area unsupervised, one in five (20%) parents still have no idea what to check to ensure their gate and fence are secure.

Last year, 12 children under five drowned, with one in two (50%) taking place in backyard pools. With swimming lessons severely interrupted due to COVID, the need for increased precaution this summer is essential.

Ahead of ‘Check-Your-PoolGate Month’ this December, D&D Technologies is launching the ‘Sense Of Summer’ guide to help families understand what areas they need to check to safeguard their backyards and pool. The guide also shares ideas for parents to make the most of a ‘staycation’ and family time this festive season.

[1] Survey of 1,002 Australian pool owners conducted by Pure Profile for D&D Technologies, November [2] https://www. royallifesaving.com. au/__data/assets/pdf_ file/0004/33178/RLS_National DrowningReport2020LR-FINAL. pdf

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020 — 23

Queensland Multicultural Council Inc annual dinner

QMC Inc held it’s end of year Dinner at Sendok Garpu Indonesian Restaurant in Indooroopilly on 21st November 2020. The popular event was a sold-out success, the committee did not have to push the event sales as over the years the event has gained popularity and is usually a sold-out event. Made up of diverse cultures Queensland Multicultural looks for venues which offer traditional food of their respective community, so previously we have held function at Vietnamese, Malaysian and Indian Restaurant so this time round the choice was clear for an Indonesian restaurant.

The Queensland Multicultural Council Inc (QMC) is a voluntary, non-political, non-profit organization which promotes better understanding of the

various cultures within our society and works with other ethnic communities in Queensland to enhance the relationships between these ethnic communities. We also assist state Government in promoting multiculturalism.

The objects of the association are: To promote better understanding of the culture of each of the community in our society. To not only share the joy, the celebrations of each community in its special occasions but also share

the concerns, the worries of the people. To work together to achieve assistance to care for elderly people.

Queensland Multicultural Council has held many functions to support many communities over the years, we have held

Multicultural Education Expo, Migration Expo, fundraising for many countries affected by natural disasters, fund raising for the renovations of city hall.

The current president is one of the founders of Queensland Multicultural Council Umesh Chandra OAM, He was awarded OAM for his service to Queensland Multicultural community. Janeth

Deen and Nayda Hernandez spoke about Umesh Chandra at the event. The Mc for the function was Stanley Shu. The drinks were sponsored by Umesh and Usha Chandra, while there were a lot of raffle prizes donated by many supporters of QMC. Queensland Multicultural Council wishes everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy New year.

Brisbane), Stryker, Indian Institute of Science, India, and others.

(Science Lecturer) during his primary education and the other one is Late G. Rama Krishna Raju, who is the father of his good friend Mr. G.S.N Raju (Chitti Babu). Both provided invaluable guidance and support in planning for his higher education. Once he started his higher education, there is another person, who had profound influence on Prof. Yarlagadda’s academic journey and research success. His name is Dr. D. Radha Prasada Raju, who mentored, guided, and supported Prof. Yarlagadda throughout his academic career. Prof.

Yarlagadda often mentions these three people who helped him in establishing strong foundation for his academic landscape. Prof. Prasad always believed that education is the primary and an important aspect of anyone’s future and it helps people to change their future, culture, life style, and more importantly, it is an important asset which stays with us forever, which can neither be lost nor stolen. Knowing the value of education, he made heartful effort to support all his next generation family members and made sure all of them are educated to highest levels.

In addition to helping his own family members, Prof. Yarlagadda has helped number of people from remote communities of Sri Lanka and the Himalayan community in India to go to college and receive higher education through his sponsorship and support schemes. Prof. Yarlagadda successfully completed supervision of 51 HDR students and is currently supervising 16 PhD students.

Brisbane Professor Prasad Yarlagadda recognized as Researcher of the year 2020 The title of ‘Researcher of the Year’ is the highest award that the International Association of Advanced Materials honours scientists and researchers with. Every year, the

association announces the ‘Researcher of the Year’ with a lot of pride to recognize the hard work and pathbreaking efforts of a scientist towards the advancement of materials to

24 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020

global excellence. In the last decade, the title of ‘Researcher of the Year’ conferred by IAAM has become one of the highest regarded honours that any researcher or scientist working in

an interdisciplinary scientific field can have the pleasure to receive.

The title of ‘Researcher of the Year’ is the top-most award conferred upon researchers by IAAM. Therefore, the association is quite selective regarding it. This highly prestigious honour is conferred upon a researcher or scientist who has been a leader in an important interdisciplinary field of science. All over the globe, any scientist or researcher who has made some really outstanding contributions to the world of science with their research and results along with making efforts towards the dissemination of scientific education, promotion of materials science research, and its application is considered eligible for this honour. The achievements and contributions during a set period is considered for the selection. Professor Prasad KDV Yarlagadda is recognised with Researcher of the Year 2020 due to his outstanding contribution in the advancement of anti-viral and anti-bacterial surfaces in including COVID-19.

Contribution to anti-viral and antibacterial research Prof. Prasad KDV Yarlagadda is leading a team of mid-career and young researchers for applications in several areas of healthcare. The Smart Structures and Bio-Interface Group (SSBIG) at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia, is headed by Prof. Yarlagadda. Creating micro and nanoscale structures with multi-bio-functional properties is one of the focus areas of SSBIG. Over the last decade, Prof. Yarlagadda has been largely involved in antipathogenic surfaces, 3D metal printing technology, statistical modelling, simulation, microfluidic devices, coatings and investigating atherosclerotic plaque tissue for various biomedical applications. For all these projects, SSBIG has been working in collaboration with a number of national and international collaborators such as Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Herston Bio fabrication Institute (Metro North,

Biography and research journey Prof. Prasad KDV Yarlagadda is an internationally recognized expert in the fields of digital manufacturing and their applications for automotive, aerospace, tissue engineering, permanent scaffold production for orthopaedic applications, fracture fixation methods. During the last 35 years, he has worked in university maintaining strong collaborations with the industry for working towards solving real-world problems. Prof.

Yarlagadda’s dedicated service has led to advancement of manufacturing engineering education, which has further contributed to global engineering education and other higher education sectors. His research contribution is reflected in his popularity and research findings which have a very significant impact in the field of manufacturing and its applicability to various disciplines.

Prof. Yarlagadda was born in the year 1961 in Vijayawada, India.

He was first person in his family who completed high school studies and went to university for higher education. As his parents are from business community with minimum educational skills, he always needed to depend on others around him for advice on his future education. Prof.

Yarlagadda gratefully acknowledges three people who had long lasting influence on his education. They are Late Mr. Tummala Seshagiri Rao

Australia focuses on Indian diaspora for economic success Indian businesses abroad are being lured to Australia under a new and exciting Australian Government initiative. The Global Business and Talent Attraction Taskforce has been established to create quality Australian jobs by attracting high value businesses and exceptional talent to Australia to help turbocharge the economy.

The Taskforce brings together experts from the Commonwealth and State and Territory Governments as part of the Government’s JobMaker Plan.

Special Envoy, Peter Verwer AO, who leads the Taskforce, says Australia is seeking trailblazers, entrepreneurs and proven enterprises in the future-focused industries of Health and Life Sciences, Financial Services, including FinTech, and Advanced Manufacturing and its many streams.

“We are focused on top-tier businesses and individuals who can bring their networks, energy and ideas to our shores as soon as possible,” Mr Verwer says.

“We will be leveraging our networks, including the Indian diaspora, to help identify companies and individuals who can

“We are focused on top-tier businesses and individuals who can bring their networks, energy and ideas to our shores as soon as possible,” Mr Verwer says.

“We will be leveraging our networks, including the Indian diaspora, to help identify companies and individuals who can significantly contribute to Australia’s economic recovery by filling supply chain.” significantly contribute to Australia’s economic recovery by filling supply chain.”

Eligible companies will have access to fast track visas with a streamlined pathway

to permanent residency and a personalised end-toend service for relocating to Australia.

Senator Paul Scarr says the taskforce is a further opportunity to progress the relationship between India and Australia.

“The taskforce is an exciting opportunity for those in the Australian Indian diaspora to contact Indian businesses and individuals and promote this once in a lifetime opportunity,” Senator Scarr says.

“I am incredibly excited and passionate about the taskforce because it allows the two countries to continue to build important relationships and bring more Indian talent to Australian shores.”

Senator Scarr says the taskforce follows growing interest in India, including An India Economic Strategy to 2035 report, which reveals the untapped potential that Australia can benefit from.

“The Australian Indian diaspora is over 750,000

strong and the fastest growing diaspora in Australia,” Senator Scarr says.

“This diaspora will have a big role to play in the partnerships of the future

between India and Australia.

It is very much part of Australia’s economic strategy and success.

“The report also tells us India’s financial services will grow to 2035 and that India is an emerging hub for research and development.

Australia should build on its business relationships with India and bring talent to Australia, so everyone wins.”

The report also follows a successful virtual India-Australia Leaders’ Summit between Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

The meeting led to the creation of a new

Senator Paul Scarr

Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) between Australia and India. The CSP takes the bilateral relationship between India and Australia to a new level of cooperation, based on mutual understanding, trust, common interests and the shared values of democracy and the rule of law. The CSP also means the Foreign and Defence Ministers will meet at least every two years.

“It is in both India and Australia’s interests to grow and enhance relationships between the two countries. It benefits the people in India and the business community in Australia,” Senator Scarr said.

“We have wonderful opportunities ahead and I look forward to continuing to build relationships with the Australian Indian diaspora and helping them find more opportunities for their contacts in India. Anyone who would like help or information can contact my office at any time.”

For more information go to www.

GlobalAustralia. gov.au or dfat. gov.au/geo/ india/ies/ index.html

Mustafa Ally OAM honoured at a special function

The Qld Muslim Historical Society held a thank you dinner for Dr Mustafa Ally OAM at the Gateway of India Restaurant in the Springwood Towers on 26 November 2020 with forty-two guests in attendance. The guests included representatives from mosques and Muslim organisations.

Dr Mustafa Ally is a highly respected member of the Muslim community for his contribution, not only to the Muslim community, but to the wider community.

He wrote the book on the 100 Years of the Holland Park Mosque which was published in 2008 for the Centenary of the Mosque, which was the first established mosque on the East Coast of Australia and the oldest continuous mosque in Australia. This was a great achievement as he was a migrant from Durban and had only been in Brisbane a few years at the time. He had to do much research and interview many of the original families, which took a great deal of time

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whilst he worked full time to support his family. The book has been widely distributed.

Mustafa is a member of the Crescents of Brisbane Team which is an active group promoting a healthy lifestyle and involved in community work. He is an expert in computer systems and works in this field as a lecturer at the University of Southern Qld. In his free time, he has been the editor- in- chief of an online newsletter called the Crescents Community News, which he has produced weekly from April 2004 until 7 November 2020. The newsletter came regularly every Saturday night, no matter where he was in

the world, even when on base camp when mountain climbing in the Himalayas.

He sent the newsletter to in- excess of five thousand readers, both in Australia and abroad The newsletters kept readers up to date with events in the Muslim community, both at home and items of interest from aboard.

Communities could advertise their goods, services and events, gain fitness help, recipes, khutbahs from Qld mosques, book reviews and the list goes on. His newsletter was eagerly sourced weekly.

Mustafa has worked in many areas of the wider and Muslim community e.g

Ethnic Communities Council of Qld. to name one.

The object of the dinner was to thank him for his newsletter which will be sorely missed.

Amongst the guest speakers were members of the Qld Muslim Historical Society, A representative from Crescents of Brisbane, Dylan Chown from the University of Adelaide Islamic Studies, who also gave the opening and closing prayer and Umesh

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Chandra OAM of Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio.

Hussein Baba presented him with an award from his Multicultural Social Network.

ICQ and the guests also presented thank you gifts.

Farouk Adam from many Muslim Organisations helped with organising the guest list and venue in conjunction with Riyaad Ally.

Yasmin Khan was the dynamic MC who posed

questions about the writing of the newsletter. Mustafa's wife and sons were in attendance.

The event was a complete surprise to him and was only days away from him celebrating his Seventieth birthday.

He responded with a great thank you speech. It was an enjoyable night for all who attended. His CCN newsletter is his legacy and source of historical information for future researchers.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020 — 25

Who, What, Where, When...

Brisbane protest in support of Indian Farmers held at King George Square which attracted a very large crowd.

Large gathering in support of Indian farmers in King George Square – photos by Manmohan Singh

Paul Martins, Chair of AIBC Qld welcomes everyone to the end of year business networking at Brisbane’s best kept secret spot “The Grape Therapy”

APSQ officials at Gayatri Maha Yajna

Mission control for Gayatri Yajna

More certificates distributed 26 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020

Councillor Angela Owen present certificate of participation to Danny and Shobha Singh , Councillor Angela Owen also took part in the Yajna.

Saurabh Kumar of Saurabh Cricket coaching in the studios of Australian Indian Radio after his interview

Certificate of participation distribution

APSQ members with their Bhajan

Saswati Basu Chatterjee performed a Rabindra Nritya

Who, What, Where, When...

Smiles all round at Queensland Multicultural Council’s end of Year dinner function”

Last meeting of Lord Mayors Multicultural roundtable for 2020 (seating as per COVID19 restrictions)

Umesh Chandra OAM speaking at Mustafa Ally OAM’s Thanks giving.

Michael Mee to the service at Councillor Kim Marx function

Kaushik Das 2nd from Right welcomes guest at the pre-screening of the Furnace

Kaushik Das from “The Furnace” Call: (07) 3192 5188

The Forsyth’s at Rotary fundraiser Dinner.

Usha Chandra with Bolivian dancer at Mandela Day Celebration.

Shiraz Mohammad and Umesh Chandra buddies united

Serge Voloschenko, Councillor Kim Marx, Anna Voloschenko, Councillor Vicki Howard and Umesh Chandra OAM at AMBCQ function www.indiantimes.com

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020 — 27

Australia Malaysia Business Council Queensland - AMBCQ

By Shona Anikka Leppanen-Gibson What a wonderful evening we had at Queensland Parliament, where Kiong and I had the pleasure of once again hosting the annual Christmas Ball with many dear friends who helped out and who attended. As is our custom, all formalities were conducted in both Latin and English. We began with our blessing of the punch followed by our own mise en abyme of a play within a play within a play - the mixing of the signature punch – Captain Alexander Radcliffe’s Punch from 1680, mixed to the recital of his 339 year old poem ‘Bacchanalia Cœlestia: a Poem, in praise of Punch, compos'd by the Gods and Goddesses in Cabal’.

It was a fun and colourful spectacle with a cast of 17 players dressed as Greek and Roman Gods and Goddesses adorned with garlands, tridents, scythes, spears, helmets, shields, and even feathered wings, conducted within the larger play of the Ball itself.

Captain Radcliffe’s Punch is one of the oldest known recipes for punch, written in an era of new exciting and international trade and exchanges led by the East India Company during the infancy of our British Empire, the predecessor of our Commonwealth.

We also mixed a batch of The Swamp, our other punch for guests to drain, complete with ‘Mr Cecil Thompson’ our ‘crocodile’ mascot, as well as a junior

as yet unnamed version of him. The cast of players for our play ‘Bacchanalia Cœllestia’ included Alvar Chang (Apollo), Suvi Chang (Artemis), Ilmi Chang (Castalia), Lara Byrne (Juno), Bonnie Maciejewska (Juno’s Companion), John Murphy (Dragon), Amelia Chan (Venus), Shamien Seliman (Venus’ Young Love), Wolfgang Kelke (Bacchus), Dexter Folbring (Pan), Garth Wong (Mars), Robert Lamberth (Ganymede), Ilkka Chang (Saturn), the Hon. Peter Slipper (Neptune), Kiong (Reciter), and myself (Jupiter).

Following the blessing of the punch, guests mingled before entering the dining hall (Premiers’ Hall). Guests entered the Dining Hall, and waited for the ceremony of ‘the Arrival of the Great Master’ which involved my seeking entry by knocking on the Great Gates and presenting the Letters Patent as the Great Master.

After my credentials were accepted by the Fellows and Masters, I entered through the Great Gates and paused to swear allegiance in Latin and English to our council.

In reply, the Senior Vice and Fellow of the business council responded by consecrating my entry.

The Sergeant-at-Mace, the Head Porter and Marshall presented the insignia of office. One of the last rituals of our admission rites was for me to exercise my privilege to admit everyone to the Ball with a prayer in Latin and English.

There were many very special people, too many to

list them all, but amongst them were the Hon Peter Slipper (former Speaker of the Australian Parliament) and his daughter Alex Slipper, Cr Vicki Howard, Cr Kim Marx and many others. A special thank you to the Griffith University Pro Vice Chancellor (Health) Prof Andrew Davey and Ms Lucinda Chappell representing Griffith University, and Mr Lukas Nguyen representing Trade and Investment Queensland.

Amongst the many fantastic friends and guests were numerous outstanding leaders such as Prof James Allan (the Garrick Professor, UQ Law), Prof Patrick Parkinson (Dean of the UQ Law School), Dr Mike Zuber and Lana whose baby was officially due the next day, Dr Belinda Goodwin and David Goodwin, the many outstanding young leaders present, and of course Andrew Cooper.

As the President and Master, I invited Kiong to say Ante Cœnam Grace in Latin and the Hon Peter Slipper to say Ante Cœnam Grace in English. After the anthems ‘Advance Australia Fair’, ‘Negaraku’ and ‘God Save the Queen’ were sung, and the audience were particularly enthusiastic in singing the Commonwealth’s Royal Anthem ‘God Save the Queen’. In lieu of the five additional national anthems of the Nordic countries – Sweden, Iceland, Norway, Denmark and Finland, we displayed their flags instead at many tables. I delivered the welcome speech and spoke of the dozens of

activities we were once again involved in, in Queensland this past year despite the panic over the pandemic.

Dinner was a lovely buffet of numerous Christmas dishes and desserts. Guests enjoyed our two signature punches, Captain Radcliffe’s Punch, and The Swamp (which was well drained by the end of the evening), red, white and sparkling wines, beers, and Imperial era Malayan classic drinks such as Gin Pahit, Horse’s Neck, Gin and Tonic, Gunner, and Whisky Stengah, numerous spirits, and Port.

Entertainment was provided by opera singers and classical musicians from the amazing Lorimer family.

Following entrée and the main course, I chaired a panel discussion with the former Speaker of the Australian Parliament, barrister and Honorary Consul for Brazil in Tasmania the Hon Peter Slipper, Kiong Chan, and the highly respected business leader David Goodwin. We discussed several important topics including the Wuhan Virus and the reaction to it, the economic and social impact of the response, freedom of speech, future trends, and contrasted the difference between the seven deaths in Taiwan which did not lock down and maintained its economic integrity, versus Australia which had very stringent lockdowns and the 1000 deaths (mostly in Victoria).

After dinner I asked our SVP to say Post Cœnam Grace, which keeping to our tradition was said in Latin and English. Our

approbation rites and awards ceremony recognised Griffith University and Trade and Investment Queensland.

Garth and Shaeed were recognised for 10 years of membership.

At the end of the formalities, Glenn Lorimer led a rousing rendition of the national anthem of our Mother Country, ‘Jerusalem’.

We also paid our homage to the 2nd battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders for their enormous sacrifices in WWII, representing the sacrifices of all units, and Glenn sang ‘Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair’ in tribute to them. Next came one of everyone’s favourites,

bharat Bandh a show of our unity CONTD. FROM PG 1 “Groups will arrive from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and they will sit in protest at whichever border is convenient for them,” Pargat said. “We don’t aim create any inconvenience or close down a new border.”

At Tikri border too, the agitating farmers said the bandh would help them garnering support before another round of talks with the central government.

Pradip Dhankar, state president, Akhil Haryana MSP Sangarsh Samiti, said, “The central government

has been trying to divide us by saying this was a movement involving the farmers of only one state.

But it isn’t. This is a national movement. It’s a show of strength, of farmer unity on Tuesday.” Detained by police while protesting at Jhajhar, Dhankar headed straight to Tikri border after his release.

Raj Singh, a farmer from Haryana who has been at the protest site for the past 12 days, said, “We are not terrorists and we have not come to disturb anyone.

The day the Centre repeals the three laws, we will turn

28 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020

back our tractors and go home.”

Meanwhile at both Singhu and Tikri borders, Delhi Police has made elaborate arrangements for Tuesday. At Singhu, one entire carriageway has been barricaded with boulders and barbed wires.

Only a small section of the road will be open to allow commuters to pass through on foot. At Tikri too, police have used cranes to place boulders as barricades along a 500-metre stretch.

Paramilitary personnel have also been deployed in large numbers there.

‘Nessun Dorma’ the aria from the last act of Giacomo Puccini’s opera ‘Turandot’, followed by ‘Auld Lang Syne’.

It was wonderful to celebrate with all our friends, and guests ranged from industry leaders, business people, senior academics, elected representatives and many others. There were many happy raffle winners once again. There are a lot of photos in this album, by Lucas Follbring and there is a second one to come from Nina and Daniel. Please enjoy these beautiful photos and thank you once again to everyone for making the evening another fantastic one.

TO READERS OF BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES AND LISTENERS OF AUSTRALIAN INDIAN RADIO,

WISHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY AND SAFE NEW YEAR LORD MAYOR ADRIAN SCHRINNER

Call: (07) 3192 5188

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020 — 29

THE GREAT SAINT OF JEELAAN THE LEADER OF THE AWLIYAA AL-GHAUTH AL-A'ZAM AS-SAYYID ABDUL QADIR AL-JEELANI (RA) By : ML.M.Nawaaz Ashrafi Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jelani was a noted Hanbali preacher, Sufi sheikh and the eponymous founder of the Qadiri Sufi order (silsila). He was born in 1st Ramadan AH 470 (about AD 1077) in the Persian province of Gilan (Iran) south of the Caspian sea. His contribution and renown in the sciences of Sufism and Sharia was so immense that he became known as the spiritual pole of his time, al-Gauth al Azam (the “Supreme Helper” ). His writings were similar to those of alGhazali in that they dealt with both the fundamentals of Islam and the mystical experience of Sufism.

Parents and Early Life Abdul Qadir Jilani was a Sufi master and Syed (descendant of the Prophet Muhammad saw) from both his father and mother.

His father Abu Saleh Jangidost, was an illustrious and God-fearing man. Once while engrossed in meditation by the bank of a river he saw an apple floating down the river. He picked it up and ate it. It struck to him that he ate the apple without paying for it so he set out in search of the owner, on the bank of the river and at last reached the owner of the apple orchard “Abdullah Somai” whom he requested to tell him the price of the apple, Abdullah Somai replied that it was an expensive thing.

Syed Abu Saleh replied that he had not much by way of worldly material but he, could serve him for compensation. Abdullah Somai then asked him to work for a year in the orchard. In course of time the duration was extended several times. In the end Abdullah Somai admitted that he had served him in excess of the price and desired to reward him.

Abu Saleh hesitated in accepting it but when Abdullah Somai persisted, he relented. He said he had a daughter, blind of eyes, handicapped of hands and feet and wanted to give her in marriage to him. In this way Abu Saleh was married to Abdullah Somai’s daughter, Syeda Fatimah.

To his astonishment found her wondrously beautiful and wholesome. He complained to his father-in-law that he found her exactly the opposite to what he had described her. Abdullah Somai insisted on the truthfulness of his statement. She was blind because she had not seen any Ghair Mehram (a man who could marry her). She was mute because she had not uttered a word repugnant to the Shariah (Islamic law). She was deaf because she had not heard anything inconsistent with the Shariah. She was handicapped of hand and feet because she had never moved in the direction of evil.

Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani’s father died soon after and the young orphan was reared up by his mother and his grandfather, Abdullah Somai.

Adult life At the age of 18 he went to Baghdad on AH 488 (1095 AD), where he pursued the study of Hanbali law under several teachers. His mother sewed 40 gold coins in his quilt so that he

might spend them when needed.

The dacoits struck the caravan on the way, and looted all the travelers of their belongings. They asked him what he had. He replied that he had 40 gold coins. The dacoits took his reply for a joke and took him to their chief, who asked him the same question and he again replied that he had 40 gold coins.

He demanded him to show, upon whom he tore away, the quilt and produced the gold coins. He was surprised and asked him why he had given the hidden gold coins when he could have kept them hidden. Young Abdul Qadir Jilani replied that he was travelling to Baghdad to receive education and his mother had instructed him to speak the truth. This left a deep effect on the chief of the dacoits and he gave up looting.

Abdul Qadir received lessons on Islamic Jurisprudence from Abu Said Ali al-Mukharrimi, Hadith from Abu-Bakra-bin- Muzaffar, and commentary (tafseer) from the renowned commentator, Abu Muhammad Jafar.

In Sufism, his spiritual instructor was Shaikh Abu’l-Khair Hammad. From him, he received his basic training, and with his help he set out on the spiritual journey. Abu Shuja’ was also a disciple of Shaikh Hammad, once he said: “Shaikh Abdul Qadir was in the company of Shaikh Hammad, so he came and sat in front of him, observing the best of good manners, until he stood up and took his leave. I heard Shaikh Hammad say, as soon as Shaikh Abdul Qadir had left: ‘This non-Arab has a foot that will be raised, when the proper time comes, and placed upon the necks of the saints of that time. He will surely be commanded to say: This foot of mine is upon the neck of every saint of Allah. He will surely say it, and the necks of all the saints of his age will surely be bent at his disposal.’” Hazrat Junayd Baghdadi (died AD 910), who died about 167 years before the birth of Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani, predicted about him on one occasion, when he was performing meditation & during that he said: “His foot will be over all Saints’ necks.” After finishing meditation, his disciples asked him about his words, he replied: “One Sufi would be born in the future, who would be greater than all saints.” Thus, Shaikh Hammad proved the words of Hazrat Junayd as right. The historians says that, later Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani also repeated the same words on many occasion by himself.

Spiritual Lineage, Shajra Mubarak Prophet Muhammad (SW) The Caliph Ali ibn Abi Talib Sheikh Hasan Basri Sheikh Habib Ajami Sheikh Dawood Taiee Sheikh Ma’ruf Karkhi Sheikh Sari Saqati Sheikh Junayd al-Baghdadi Sheikh Abu Bakr Shibli Sheikh Abdul Aziz al-Tamimi Sheikh Abu al-Fadl Abu al-Wahid al-Tamim Sheikh Abu al-Farah Tartusi Sheikh Abu al-Hasan Hakari Sheikh Abu Sa’id al-Mubarak

30 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020

Mukharrami Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani The Grand Sufi Shaikh After completion of education, Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani abandoned the city of Baghdad, and spent twenty-five years as a wanderer in the desert regions of Iraq as a recluse.

He was over fifty years old by the time he returned to Baghdad, in AH 521 (AD 1127), and began to preach in public. His hearers were profoundly affected by the style and content of his lectures, and his reputation grew and spread through all sections of society.

Not only Muslims, but also Jews and Christians, not only caliphs and viziers but also farmers, merchants and traders allegedly altered their lives in response to Abdul Qadir’s perorations. He moved into the school belonging to his old teacher al-Mukharrimii, there he engaged himself in teaching. Soon he became popular with his pupils. In the morning he taught hadith and tafseer, and in the afternoon held discourse on mysticism and the virtues of the Qur’an. The number of students increased so much that the seminary could no more contain them. He, therefore, decided to extend the premises of the seminary. The students and the people willingly came forward with their wholehearted contributions.

The campus buildings were ready in AH 528 and thereafter it came to be known as Madarsai-e-Qadriya.

Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani was a Non-Arab (ajami), so he wasn’t fluent in Arabic and was having some difficulties because of it.

Once The Prophet Muhammad (s) came to him in a dream, before the time of the midday prayer (Zuhr), and he said to him: “O my dear son, why do you not speak out?” He replied: “O dear father, I am a Non-Arab man. How can I speak fluently in the classical Arabic language of Baghdad?”

Holy Prophet said: “Just open your mouth!” He opened his mouth, and The Holy Prophet put his saliva mubarak seven times in his mouth.

A few moments later, Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib also came & did the same to him six times. And from that time, Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani spoke classical Arabic language with fluency, his memory increased and he felt some great positive spiritual changes in him.

Once some one asked Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani about Mansur Al-Hallaj, he replied: “His claim extended too far, so the scissors of the Sacred Law (Shari’a) were empowered to clip it.”

He busied himself for forty years in the service of the Islam from AH 521 to 561. During this period hundreds embraced Islam because of him and organized several teams to go abroad for the purpose. He arrived in Indian subcontinent in AD 1128, and stayed at Multan (Pakistan). He died in AH 561 (AD 1166) at the age of 91 years, and was buried in Baghdad.

“My Foot is on the Neck of All Awliyaa” Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani uttered these words from the pulpit in Baghdad. All awliya, present and non-present, bowed their heads in

submission.Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani’s foot is on the neck of all awliya.

The Awliya (Beloveds) of Allah The Muslim believes that Allah the Almighty has chosen some of His servants to be His devotees, making them act in obedience, and honouring them with His Love, and giving them of from His grace. He is their Supporter, loves them and draws them nearer to Him. In turn, they are His devotees who love and revere Him. They do whatever He commands them and recommend others to do the same. They refrain from whatever He forbids and advise others to refrain from it.

They love what He loves and hate what He hates. If they ask Him, He gives them. If they seek His aid, He aids them. If they seek refuge in Him, He grants them asylum.

They are the men of piety and belief, dignity and good news in both this life and in the Hereafter.

Each pious believer is one of the Awliyaa' of Allah.

They differ in only grades proportional to their belief and piety. The more one's share of piety and belief, the higher his rank and dignity before Allah. Those with the most grace are the Prophets and the Messengers of Allah, then, the believers. The Muslim believes in all of the phenomenon and miracles that Allah causes to occur by their hands. Events such as the increase of otherwise little amounts of food, curing the diseased and the ill, crossing oceans (without navigational means), and fire that causes no harm etc. It is important to differentiate between AlKaaramah -the phenomenon (which is given to the devotee) and Al-Mu'jizah - the miracle (which is given to the Messenger).

The miracle is accompanied by a challenge while the phenomenon is not. Among the greatest phenomenon is abiding in obedience by doing what is commanded in the Shari'ah (Islamic Law) and staying away from what is prohibited.

Textual Proofs 1. The statements of Allah the Almighty such as: "No doubt! Verily, the Awliya' of Allah, no fear shall come upon them nor shall they grieve. Those who believed, and used to fear Allah much (by abstaining from evil deeds and sins and by doing righteous deeds). For them are glad tidings, in the life of the present world, and in the Hereafter.

No change can there be in the Words of Allah. This is indeed the supreme success." (10:62-64) And: {Every time Zakariyya entered Al-Mihraab (a place to pray) to (visit) her, he found her supplied with sustenance. He said: '0 Maryam! From where have you gotten this?' She said, 'This is from Allah.'} (3:37) And: {Allah is the Wali (Protector) of those who believe.

He brings them out from darkness into light.} (2:257) And: {And they are not its (AlMasjid Al-Haram's) guardians?

None can be its guardians except

the pious.} (8:34) And: {Verily, Yunus was one of the Messengers. When he ran to the laden ship. Then he (agreed to) cast lots, and he was among the losers. Then a (big) fish swallowed him as he had done an act worthy of blame. Had he not been of them who glorify Allah, He would have indeed remained inside its belly (the fish) until the Day of Resurrection.} (37:139-144) And: {Verily, my Wali (Protector) is Allah Who has revealed the Book (the Qur'an), and He protects the righteous.} (7:196) And: {Thus it was, that We might turn away from him evil and immorality. Surely, he was one of Our chosen (guided) servants.} (12:24) And: {Certainly, you shall have no authority over My servants.} (15:42) And: {Then cried unto her from below her, saying: 'Grieve not: your Lord has provided a water stream under you. And shake the trunk of date palm towards you, it will let fall fresh ripe dates upon you. So eat and drink and be glad.’} (19:2426) And:{We (Allah) said: 'O fire!

Be you coolness and safety for Ibrahim!' And they wanted to harm him, but We made them the worst losers.} (21:69-70) And: {Do you think that people of the Cave and the Inscription (the news or the names of the people of the Cave) were a wonder among Our Signs? (Remember) when the young men fled for refuge (from their disbelieving folk) to the Cave.

They said: 'Our Lord! Bestow on us mercy from Yourself, and facilitate for us our affair in the right way!'

Therefore, We covered up their (sense of) hearing (causing them to go in deep sleep) in the Cave for a number of years. Then We raised them up (from their sleep).} (18:912) 2. Allah's Messenger (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) informed about the Awliyaa' of Allah and their grace, according to what he narrated from Allah: "Whoever shows hostility to My Wali, I proclaim war against him.

My servant does not draw near to Me by anything more beloved to Me than what I have made obligatory upon him. My servant continues to draw near to Me by the voluntary deeds, until I love Him. When I love him, I will be his hearing with which he hears, his sight with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes, and his feet with which he walks. If he asks Me, I will surely give him. And if he seeks refuge in Me, I will surely give him refuge." (Agreed upon) The Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: "Indeed Allah has men, such that if one of them swears that a thing will be done, it will be done." (Agreed upon with the wording "servants" instead of "men.")

And: "Among the nations before you there were Muhaddathun (people who were inspired, though they were not Prophets). And if there is any such a person among my followers, it would be 'Umar" (Agreed upon) He (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) also said, "A woman was

nursing her infant when she saw a man mounting a high horse, she said: 'O Allah! Make my infant like that man.' The infant looked at the man and said: 'O Allah! Do not make me the like of him.'" (Agreed upon) Allah (a'zza wa jall) mentioned the three people that were trapped in the cave, petitioning Allah by their good deeds, so Allah opened the way for them and they escaped safely after petitioning Him by their good deeds. (Agreed upon) In the Hadeeth about monk and the boy, the boy threw a stone killing the beast that was preventing the people from passing. Thus the people were able to pass. This also was a miracle showing the dignity of the boy. When the king tried to kill the boy, he could not.

He threw him from the top of a high mountain, he did not die.

Then he threw him in the sea but he emerged walking out of it. This also was a miracle dignifying the righteous boy. (Al-Bukhari) 3. Thousands of scholars and witnesses narrate the phenomenon’ of countless number of individuals.

[1] Like the report that says that the angels used to shake hands with 'Imran bin Husayn, may Allah be pleased with him. That Salman Al-Farisi and Abu Ad-Darda' were eating in a bowl and they heard the bowl or the food glorifying Allah.

While Khubayb was a captive of the pagans in Makkah, he was seen eating grapes, while there were no grapes in Makkah.

Al-Bara' bin 'Azib, may Allah be pleased with him, is one of those who if he swore (by Allah) that anything would be done, it was done. When it was the day of Qaadisiyyah, he petitioned Allah that the Muslims overpower the polytheists and that he be the first martyr of the battle. It was thus.

'Umar bin Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, was delivering the Friday sermon on the pulpit of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) in Al-Madinah, and behold! He was heard saying: "O Sariyah! The mountain!" He repeated it twice directing the leader of the army to a better position.

Sariyah, who was far from Al-Madinah, heard the call and retreated to the mountain. The army was victorious. When Sariyah returned to Al-Madinah, he told 'Umar and the Companions what he heard.

Al-'Ala' Al-Hadrami, may Allah be pleased with him, used to pray: "O All-Knower, All-Wise, the Most High, the Most Great!" His supplications were responded to. Once he crossed the sea with a troop yet the saddles of their horses did not get wet.

Al-Hassan Al-Basri prayed to Allah against a man who used to hurt him; instantly, the man died.

The donkey of a man from Nakh'a died while he was travelling.

The man performed Wudoo' (ablution), prayed two Rak'ahs and called upon Allah. And behold!

Allah resurrected his donkey for him and the man carried his luggage on it. There are countless cases of phenomenon witnessed by thousands, even millions of people.

Fred Hallows Foundation recognizes Rotary Club of Archerfield Sue Larsen, State Fundraising Manager QLD / NT / WA speaking at the Rotary Club of Archerfield’s annual dinner at Gambaro’s restaurant said, “FHF is an international development organization which has worked in some of the world’s most remote and disadvantaged communities for almost 30years.

We are determined to deliver Fred Hollows vision of preventing blindness and restoring sight. Our priority is to work with communities to improve their own eye health. We do this through life-changing surgeries and treatments, treat, train and equip local doctors, nurses, clinical and community health workers. In Australia we work tirelessly to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can always exercise their right to sight and good health.

I would also like to acknowledge the Rotary Club of Archerfield and their incredible support of The Fred Hollows Foundation.

Since 2003 the club has directly fundraised $57,251 which is the equivalent of 2290 women, men and children having their sight restored.

Indirectly, the impact is much more.

Special thanks to the members of the Club that have tirelessly supported Fred’s work. And to you.

Many of you have been here from the beginning, always supporting Archerfield’s fundraising activities which

means supporting The Fred Hollows Foundation. I am so grateful for your long-term commitment and loyalty.

Some 15 years ago, our Founding Director Gabi Hollows was a special guest here at the annual Rotary Club of Archerfield Gambaros Dinner along

with Gary Hardgrave and George Brandis, now High Commissioner to the UK. Gabi spoke fondly about the wonderful partnership with Rotary International and Fred’s posthumous Rotary Award for World Understanding.

On 8th October in 2005 a 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit northern Pakistan, centered near the city of Muzzaffarabad.

Our Pakistan staff led by our Country Manager Dr Rubina Gillani, swung into action and started delivering tents, food, blankets, medical equipment, medicine and doctors into the affected areas, before international aid arrived. Ray Deen with the support of fellow members of the club also swung into action and raised more than $125K, mostly through the overwhelming generosity of the Islamic community in SE QLD. These funds were used to help rebuild homes destroyed by the earthquake.

In 2006 Ray Deen then facilitated a meeting with the Hon. Gary Hardgrave and the Hon. Arthur Sinodinis to meet with the former Prime Minister Hon John Howard

with representatives of The Fred Hollows Foundation.

As a result of this meeting, in 2008 the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) announced the Governments of Pakistan and Australia had approved the Pakistan-Australia SubSpecialty Eye Care Project for five years.

The PASEC project focused on provision of services for childhood blindness and diabetes related eye

diseases. It was estimated that over half a million children would access them each year and have their sight fully restored. The AUD 5.23 million project operated until 2012.

In addition, a separate AUD $1.9 million four-year second phase to the Pakistan District Eye Care project was approved.

I would like to acknowledge the tireless work of Ray Deen and the Rotary Club of Archerfield.

The Honourable Michael Gambaro Esquire remembered Abdul Rahman Deen speaking at Rotary Club of Archerfield’s annual dinner at Gambaro’s restaurant paid tribute to the honourable personage of Michael Gambaro Esquire.

He said “our families the Deen Brothers and The Gambaro brothers have been friends, clients and mates for over fifty years, with the passing away of Dominic Call: (07) 3192 5188

and now Michael it is the passing of a long established union of people of different backgrounds, respect of each other and has been of a mutual nature, what we have dine together over the decades, be it as builders / demolishers and clients of the best seafood Restaurant in Australia.

On view of Michael’s input, we would not be here tonight,

if it wasn’t for Michael and myself as well as our Rotary club , now in its 20 years of annual fundraising function, as Michael was always supportive of our fundraising events and projects And he always impressed upon his three sons, John, Frank and Dom to stay involved with us and they have lived up to the wishes of the godfathers of Seafood, Michael and

Dominic Gambaro.

Michael has always been a unique character all his life, he is not the Italian stallion/ although he has produced a tribe of Bambinos 1st girls then boys, but he was the real Aussie larrikan, always enjoyed telling jokes of different flavours depending on who was in range, loved getting kisses from women, not too sure about men, but

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always a smile on the dial and taking the mickey out of his mates.

We will miss all that but he will always be remembered by all of us, a good man, doing good in community and creating good recipes that will stand the test of time, his avocado crab, Michaels special Barramundi , etc , the man has made his mark in the industry he loved ,

but also made his mark on people he met along the way, and if people can speak good of you when you are gone , it reflects on the friendship and respect of them.

I say to all present here tonight Michael was a friend, a mate, a good bloke, a great Aussie and a character we will not forget. We are better for having known him- you are at peace now.”

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020 — 31

World Arts and Multi-Culture Inc. Book launch World Arts & Multi-culture Inc. (Referred to as WAMCI) was established in 2003.

Premises located in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

The purposes of WAMCI are via demonstration, research and information on national and regional and multi-cultural and artistic achievements, performance of the multi-cultural arts activities to enhance the exchange of arts.

World Arts and MultiCulture Inc takes it as its own heavenly mission to stimulate the emulation by mutual observation & Research as well as to introduce the celebrated, feature abundance culture and art activities deriving from the Australia region and other global areas.

They have constantly been propagating cutting edge, quality performance and happenings per annum. This practice has become tradition over many years.

This kind of cultural inheritance mission sense frequently enables numerous multicultural Arts to be unfolded and assists their innovative artist in developing their new domain.

On 21st November 2020, a special edition of “the Arts Festival – celebrating the 17th Anniversary of WAMCI was launched, it is an attempt to document a piece of Brisbane’s local History in the aspect of a Multicultural Society.

The articles are contributed

by 43 co-authors including artist, event organisers, and our respected supporters.

At the launch a commitment was made to distribute thirty-three copies of the publication to ThirtyThree Brisbane City Council Libraries. The book has been made possible by the dedication and hard work of Melody Chen as the publisher and Edward Lin as the chief editor.

World Arts & MultiCulture Inc. (WAMCI) has been advocating arts events in Brisbane area since her establishment in 2003. This year, we celebrate her 17th birthday. Over the years, WAMCI gradually learned the experience and built her arts and social resources in local and international networks. With the diverse and rich multicultural advantages of Brisbane, WAMCI started her annual Harmony

Day celebration in 2014 with multicultural art performances.

In 2016, WAMCI extended the celebration into a multipleevent program and created the Brisbane International Arts Festival (BIAF) to celebrate Harmony Week.

This book is a review of the festivals and sharing the knowledge and experience of the artists who participated in the last seven years

from 2014 to 2020. It is an attempt to document a piece of Brisbane’s local history in the aspect of a multicultural society.

The book launch was held The Glen Hotel, Eight Miles Plains on Saturday 21st November. The event was attended by many distinguished guests, community leaders and politicians. The welcome to country was conducted by

Aunty Peggy Tidyman. MC Edward Lin introduced Host Melody Chen.

Other speakers included Bruce Hung, Director TECO in Brisbane, Graham Perrett MP, Hon Leanne Enoch MP, Councillor Kim Marx, Peter Russo MP and Duncan Pegg MP. MC Edward Lin invited host Melody Chen the publisher to present the book to Brisbane City Council libraries, Edward

Lin invited Councillor Kim Marx to receive the books on behalf of Brisbane City Council Libraries.

The Authors were introduced and given an opportunity to talk about their writing experience. Ones who could not be present sent video messages, the hotel staff dished out lunch in a very orderly manner the whole event was conducted in a well-coordinated manner.

Councillor Kim Marx Christmas Dinner Councillor Kim Marx, councillor for Runcorn ward, Chair of City Standards, community health and safety held her Christmas dinner at Michael’s Oriental restaurant on Saturday 28th November. After a long time, Michael’s was full house,

people eager to get out and about.

David Crisafulli, leader of opposition graced the occasion as chief guest, other special guest was Senator Amanda Stocker.

Gary Hardgrave did a lively job as the Mc, David Crisafulli

32 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020

spoke passionately and shed light on his plans for the party moving forward. He said he would compliment Labor Government on things they would be doing right, but he will take them to task on matters that are not of community interest.

Senator Amanda Stocker spoke on what it meant to be a senator , she said she was always available to the community for any concerns that they may have , she said in this land of opportunity you don’t have to be from a rich and influential family to serve in public office, she said that she valued the contribution of the multicultural community.

Gary Hardgrave did a wonderful job as auctioneer, he was assisted by the very

eager and passionate spotter Mr Ray Deen, Lorraine Hardgrave was asked to display the auction item and Gary quite wittingly bounced

of few jokes as he could afford to.

Over all an enjoyable night well attended by many community leaders and

politicians. The presence of many multicultural organisation was a testament to Kim’s connection with the community.

Kavita ji

Call: (07) 3192 5188

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020 — 33

State of the rental markets - Perth rent values soar 8.2% annually, while Melbourne rents continue to fall

By Eliza Owen, Head of Research Australia at CoreLogic CoreLogic November home value indices showed a second consecutive month of property value increases following a COVID-19induced dip. For the first time since January, every capital city recorded a rise in dwelling values. This was off the back of accommodative monetary policy and fiscal policy, converging with a strong increase in consumer sentiment and the beginning of a recovery in economic conditions.

But as property prices move into a broad-based upswing, rents remain a mixed bag. A range of factors have created different results between regions and property types.

The growth in rental values over the year to November is presented in the chart below. Annual growth in rent values is calculated off an index similar to the CoreLogic Home Value index, which imputes rents for every property in the region, and tracks how this combined value changes over time.

The top performing rental market of the capital cities was Perth, where dwelling rents increased by a remarkable 8.2% in the year to November. This was led by

an 8.6% rise in house rents.

Unit rents were up 5.4% in the year, which was behind the rate of rent growth for units in Darwin.

While this may spell good news for landlords across Perth and Darwin, it is worth noting that the reason for such strong rental increases are the gradual withdrawal of investors from the market. Investors comprised only a small portion of market activity over the years following the mining downturn. As of November 2020, Perth rent values were still 11.7% lower than the peak in 2013, while Darwin rents were 21.6% lower than the 2014 high.

A time series of rolling annual growth in rents across Perth and Darwin, compared with the combined capital cities, contextualises the recent increase in rents.

It shows extreme highs and lows in growth of rental incomes across these cities, and the downturn that rental markets are recovering from.

The rapid rebound in rents could see investment participation bottom out in the residential market through 2021, and start to climb. ABS housing finance data suggest the investor share of mortgage finance for the purchase of property through September was just 16.2% in WA, and 11.6% in

the NT. These are the lowest rates of investor participation of the states and territories.

Meanwhile, Sydney unit rents have been pushed into a deep downswing, falling -5.4% in the year to November. This is partly attributable to a relatively high supply of unit stock in recent years, with unit completions across NSW peaking at 11,566 in the December 2018 quarter, against a 10-year average of 6,315 completions.

Demand-side factors have also pushed down unit rents. Through COVID-19, the closure of international borders was a shock to rental demand for Sydney and Melbourne, where around two thirds of net overseas migration to Australia has been concentrated for the past 3 years. This is because the vast majority of recent overseas arrivals are renters.

Sydney and Melbourne labour markets also had a relatively high portion of workers in hospitality, tourism and the arts, which have been subject to acute job loss through the pandemic, and are sectors where workers are more likely to rent than in other industries.

The median rent value for Sydney units fell to $480 per week, down from $500 in November 2019, and down from a pre-COVID

high of $520. However, the monthly decline in Sydney unit rent values has eased to -0.8% in November, since bottoming out at - 1.1% through June.

The Melbourne rental market has been one of the most impacted through COVID-19, with unit rents down 7% over the year compared with a mild uplift in house rents. Median unit rents have fallen to $400 per week, down from $430 In November 2019 and a preCOVID high of $450.

As with Sydney, the decline in Melbourne unit rents was driven by stalled overseas migration, and acute job loss across sectors where workers have a higher likelihood of renting. Unlike Sydney, Melbourne rental demand was compounded by a second wave of restrictions through the September quarter, and an abnormally high next loss of people from Melbourne to other parts of Australia through the June quarter. The monthly decline in Melbourne unit rents has also eased, from -1.3% in August to -1.1% in the month of November.

The rate of decline in unit rents is easing as employment conditions gradually improve across accommodation, food, arts and recreational service industries. Rental demand will be further boosted across

Sydney and Melbourne when international travel is once again feasible, though this may not be for some time.

Brisbane is another city where rents have seen divergence between houses and units, though this is not as extreme as the divergence seen across Sydney and Melbourne.

Across the three cities, part of the difference between house and unit performance may not be about renters preferring houses over units during COVID-19, but rather location and stock availability.

Areas further from the CBD of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane have been more likely to see rental value increases.

These areas further from the CBD happen to be in locations where rental stock is less concentrated, and is also more likely house than unit stock.

This is demonstrated in the charts on the previous page, which show rental markets further from the CBD have a lower concentration of rentals, and that rental properties further from the CBD are more likely to be houses.

While smaller cities have generally seen an increase in rental values over the year, Hobart rents have fallen across both houses and units.

This may be a relief to some

tenants, where rents across Hobart had grown 34.3% in the 5 years prior to the onset of COVID- 19.

Declines in Hobart rents may partially have come from a lack of demand among workers in tourism and hospitality where, as with inner-city Sydney and Melbourne, Hobart had a relatively high concentration of workers.

However, another narrative around the decline in rents in Hobart has been the conversion of Airbnb to the long term rental market adding to supply, at a time when demand was falling.

As interstate borders reopen, this may see the return of stock to short term rental accommodation, and see Hobart rental markets once again tighten.

Looking forward, COVID-19 will likely have a lasting impact in terms of varied dynamics between cities and property types.

For weaker rental markets such as Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart, rents are likely to remain weak until international travel resumes.

Meanwhile, other capital cities, especially those with rapidly rising rents like Perth and Darwin, could see the gradual re-entry of property investors, which would lift rental supply and support an easing in rental value growth over time.

REDUCTION IN LOAN FIRST HOME BUYERS DEFERRALS DEFIES DOOM AND DOMINATE AUSTRALIA’S PROPERTY MARKET FOR THE GLOOM FORECAST: REIA FIRST TIME IN A DECADE Australia has recorded a ten-year high for first homes buyers in the last quarter, according to the latest REIA’s “The Housing Affordability Report (HAR)”.

The report revealed a ten-year high for first home ownership and an overall improvement in housing affordability across Australia.

REIA President, Mr Adrian Kelly, said that a combination of factors meant that housing affordability has faced a bright spot for those who entered the market during the September 2020 quarter.

“Market entry has experienced its largest year on year increase since 2009 and largest quarterly increase since 2010.”

“With a September quarter increase of 36.1%, first home buyers now make up 40.8% of the owner-occupied dwelling market. This is particularly good news given the large challenges faced by tenants at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The average loan size to first home buyers decreased to $406,223, a decrease of

“Market entry has experienced its largest year on year increase since 2009 and largest quarterly increase since 2010.”

“With a September quarter in crease of 36.1%, first home buyers now make up 40.8% of the owner-occupied dwelling market.

This is particularly good news given the large challenges faced by tenants at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

5.4% over the quarter, but an increase of 0.8% over the past 12 months.

Mr Kelly said that first home buyers are responding to the stable market and historically low interest rates.

“Banks could do more to further improve affordability by passing on in full interest cuts and help even more Australian’s buy homes.”

“HAR shows us that Australian families experienced a small income increase of 0.5 % while the average loan repayment decreased by 2.5 %.”

“For homeowners, affordability improved with

34 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020

income to loan repayments decreasing 1.1 percentage points to 33.9% over the quarter.”

“For renters, affordability declined in the September quarter and over the past year with the proportion of income required to meet rent payments increasing by 0.4 percentage points to 23.7%.

This is mainly attributed to the increase in rents in a number of capital cities.”

The next HAR will be released on 3 March 2021 showing the full impact of CV19 on housing affordability for 2020. Subscriptions can be accessed here.

New figures from the Australian Banking Association showing that the number of deferred loans has fallen below 300,000 is positive news for property markets, according to the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA).

REIA President Adrian Kelly said thatthe data signalled a reduction of nearly 70 per cent from the peak of the pandemic, where more than 900,000 loans were deferred by Australian banks has seen financial disaster minimised.

“This is good news for those living in investment properties as it provides increased security to tenants,” he said.

“It also means catastrophic forecasts for Australia’s housing market made at the start of CV19 are simply not coming to fruition so customers should have increasing confidence to buy and sell.

“Data published by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority shows that the overall levels of household saving in

Australia increased from March through to October and Treasury research showed that lower income households were boosted by up to 20 per cent.”

“This has contributed to banks seeing borrowers starting to pay back loans.”

Mr Kelly commended both the banks and government for rolling out this initiative at the outset of the pandemic and said the REIA would continue to watch the area closely on behalf of all real estate stakeholders.

“The REIA supported the bank loan deferral program of it from day one because we knew our members were receiving a high volume of phone calls from property owners who were either informing us that their tenant had lost employment and couldn't pay the rent, or they themselves had also suffered some employment issues which would impact their ability to pay their own home mortgage,” he said.

“The actions of Federal and state governments have had a strong impact to counter the severity of the

downturn.

“As ever, we encourage any home owners and investors who are concerned about meeting their commitments to engage with the banks early and often.

Mr Kelly said that another major housing policy resulting from COVID-19, rental eviction moratoriums, were also gradually coming to an end.

“Anecdotal evidence from Queensland where the moratorium has ended suggests that this has had limited to no impact and the sky is not falling in,” he said.

“As other jurisdictions come out of the end of their moratoriums, this could even build the case for the end of these moratoriums being brought forward.”

REIA anticipates that REIA’s authoritative practitioner-led guides to Australia’s property market, Housing Affordability Report and Real Estate Market Facts, will be published in December and will reflect the impacts of CV-19 property policy measures and key trends.

Call: (07) 3192 5188

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020 — 35

Boondall State School is home to a thriving and inclusive multicultural community Our ethos is built around high expectations and a commitment to excellence.

We deliver the Australian Curriculum and provide high quality, inclusive education underpinned by an unrelenting belief that all students can learn. We offer a balanced educational program that enhances the social, cultural, academic, sporting, and creative traits of the individual learner.

Our school motto, “Success

by Work” drives every aspect of school life, capturing our school spirt and future identity. Our vision is for resilient life-long learners who are empathetic, creative, critical thinkers and connected across cultures. Our expectations are built on the values of: Respect; Independence; Safety and Effort (RISE).

The RISE expectations are embedded throughout all aspects of school life and students respond well to our Positive Behaviour for Learning environment which encourages good choices.

The successful education of children requires a partnership between home and school, with parents and carers playing an integral role. We encourage parents and carers to be actively involved in their children’s education through open communication with their class teacher, volunteering for school events or programs and supporting their child’s extracurricular interests. At Boondall State School, this partnership begins before your child starts school, with our award-winning Pre-Prep Transition Program designed to support future students and families prepare for life at school. We also have a whole of school approach to reading and writing; with a Junior School Gross Motor Skills program that ensures student’s bodies are “primed for learning”. All students enjoy weekly Music and Physical Education lessons which includes water safety during terms 1 and 4. Boondall State School always has a strong student representation at local and district sporting events for swimming, cross country, athletics, and team sports.

In addition to the standard Australian Curriculum, our students enjoy dance, drama, technology, and German lessons throughout the year

and may also participate in extra-curricular activities like Choir, Band, and Code Club.

Boondall State School prides itself on working with our greater community.

Proactive stakeholder engagement has seen our campus receive over one and a half million dollars in the last three years for an innovative Prep playground, renovated pool amenities block and new pool equipment. We will soon have a purpose designed Stop-Drop-Go zone and improved facilities for our Outside school Hours Care.

The Boondall Primary P&C Association is our committee of parents and citizens who volunteer to oversee the tuckshop and Uniform Shop.

They also deliver fundraising events

36 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020

and community services at school such as the “Barracudas” Amateur Swimming Club.

Swim Solutions Boondall lease the pool facilities outside of school hours to deliver paid swimming lessons for all ages from babies to adults. YMCA are our outside of school hours care service provider, who provide school families with care on campus for children before school, after school and during school holidays. They are a "home away from home" and strive to create healthier, happier children. Their programming includes engaging age appropriate activities including incursions, excursions, sports, craft, educational and cultural activities.

Boondall State School is not just a school, we are

a passionate community of families, teachers, staff, volunteers, and community stakeholders who work together to raise the next generation. If you would like to join or learn more about our school community, please email info@boondallss. eq.edu.au and we look forward to hearing from you.

Affordable & Liveable Property Guide 2nd Half 2020 - Brisbane

Overview Median property prices in Brisbane Metro increased by 4.3% for houses to $678,000 from 2019 to 20201 and softened by -1.1% to $435,000 for units during the same period. Limited stock and high demand have supported median price growth for houses, showing resilience throughout COVID-19. A softer median unit price is expected, particularly due to the leftover oversupply from late 2016 to 2017.

Brisbane Metro houses have continued to show steady price growth in the past five years, instilling confidence in property owners. This is key for the Brisbane Metro market, as it signals a growing market despite remaining the more affordable option when compared with Sydney (median house price $1,630,000) and Melbourne (median house price $990,000).

A key finding in this report was that most of the affordable and liveable suburbs identified were on the north side of Brisbane Metro. This is a similar finding to 1st Half 2019€, 2nd Half 2019¥, and 1st Half 2020₳ reports. Brisbane’s northside has been a focus of development for the past three years, allowing more affordable suburbs to satisfy the liveability criteria. This is good news for first home buyers, who for a period of time had discounted the north side as a potential prospect.

In addition, only one suburb with softening annual median house or unit price Call: (07) 3192 5188

growth had to be considered.

This is in contrast with Sydney, which suggests that despite COVID-19 conditions there is high market resilience in Brisbane. That said, softer annual median house or unit price growth presents unique opportunities for first home buyers.

Table 1 highlights top suburbs in Brisbane Metro based on price growth and total estimated value of projects commencing in the 2nd half of 20202.

Access to Market The dominant proportion of houses sold in Brisbane Metro during 20201 (Figures 1 and 2) were in the lowermiddle price bracket of $500,000 to $700,000 (35.9%).

Units also experienced high buyer activity within the lower-middle price bracket of $300,000 to $400,000 (27.4%).

Brisbane Metro provides excellent opportunities for first home buyers compared with Sydney and Melbourne, in terms of comparable affordability.

Affordable & Liveable Suburbs To identify affordable and liveable suburbs premiums of 38% for houses and 0% for units were added to the Queensland (QLD) average home loan, which were below those required to reach Brisbane Metro’s median prices (64% for houses and 5% for units). Thus, the affordable and liveable suburbs are below Brisbane’s median prices, meaning that the suburbs identified within this report are more

affordable for buyers.

Considering all methodology criteria (property trends, investment, affordability, development, and liveability), Tables 2 and 3 identify key suburbs that property watchers should focus on.

In September 2020, house rental yields in Brisbane Metro were 3.7%. In the 12 months to Q3 2020, the median house rents grew by 2.2% to $470 per week, while average days on the market declined by -25.9% to 20 days. Overall, the Brisbane Metro rental house market has remained resilient throughout COVID-19.

In September 2020, Brisbane Metro recorded a low vacancy rate of 2.0%, well below that of Sydney Metro (3.5%) and Melbourne Metro (3.8%). Vacancy rates in Brisbane Metro are now at a historic three-year low, well below the Real Estate Institute of Australia’s healthy benchmark of 3.0% and continuing a declining trend even amid COVID-19 conditions. This confirms there is an ongoing healthy rental demand in Brisbane, which gives investors more confidence.

Methodology This affordable and liveable property guide for Brisbane Metro analyses all suburbs within a 20km radius of the Brisbane CBD. The following criteria were considered: • Property trends criteria – all suburbs have a minimum of 20 sales transactions for statistical reliability

purposes. Based on market conditions suburbs have either positive, or as close as possible to neutral price growth between 2019 to 20201.

• Investment criteria – as of September 2020, suburbs considered will have an onpar or higher rental yield than Brisbane Metro, and an on-par or lower vacancy rate.

• Affordability criteria – identified affordable and liveable suburbs have a median price below a set threshold. This was determined by adding percentage premiums to the QLD average home loan,

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which was $414,4263 as of Q2 2020. Premiums of 38% for houses and 0% for units were added, which were below those required to reach Brisbane Metro’s median prices (64% for houses and 5% for units). This places the suburbs below Brisbane’s median prices, meaning that the suburbs identified within this report are more affordable for buyers.

• Development criteria – suburbs identified must have a high total estimated value of future project development for the 2nd half of 20202, as well as a higher proportion of commercial

and infrastructure projects.

This ensures the suburbs show signs of sustainable economic growth, in turn positively affecting the property market.

• Liveability criteria – all identified suburbs have low crime rates, availability of amenities within a 5km radius (i.e. schools, green spaces, public transport, shopping centres and health care facilities), and an unemployment rate on-par or lower in comparison to the QLD average (as determined by the Department of Jobs and Small Business, June Quarter 2020 release).

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020 — 37

Coronavirus India Highlights: Punjab seeks priority allocation of COVID-19 vaccine once available Kerala and Maharashtra continue to be the biggest contributors, reporting more than 5,000 new cases on Friday.

Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure priority allocation of COVID-19 vaccine to Punjab on account of its higher mortality rate and high levels of co-morbidities in the state.

Meanwhile, India detected 36,011 new Covid-19 cases

in the 24 hours ending 8 am Sunday, taking the country’s overall tally to over 96.44 lakh.

Out of the total cases, active cases have further dropped to 4.03 lakh and 91,00,792 people have recovered so far with over 41,000 recoveries reported in the last 24 hours.

With 482 new fatalities, the country’s death toll mounted to 1,40,182.

Pfizer India Saturday requested an emergency use authorization for its Covid-19 vaccine in India, becoming the

first pharmaceutical company to do so. The move comes after Pfizer’s parent company received such a clearance in the UK and Bahrain. In its application submitted to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), it has asked permission to import the Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 mRNA vaccine for sale and distribution in the country.

Currently, India has five vaccines in advance phases of clinical trials with the Serum Institute of India

conducting phase-3 trials of the Oxford-Astrazeneca and Bharat Biotech in collaboration with ICMR conducting trials for its indigenously developed vaccine candidate Covaxin.

Meanwhile, a plea was filed on Saturday in the Supreme Court seeking a direction to the Centre to ensure refund of “exorbitant” amounts charged by private labs and hospitals for conducting RT-PCR tests to detect COVID-19.

On table now, issues which Opp raised in House, Govt dismissed The Opposition had urged the government not to pass the Bills in a hurry, but to send them for Parliamentary scrutiny given the sweep, intent and implications.

It was a crisis foretold.

The farmer protests on the borders of Delhi and their discussions with the government at Vigyan Bhavan — another round of talks will be held Saturday — are a rerun of the concerns raised in Parliament this September over the three farm Bills, and suggestions which the government chose to ignore.

The Opposition had urged the government not to pass the Bills in a hurry, but to send them for Parliamentary scrutiny given the sweep, intent and implications.

From MSP to mandi system,

contract farming to dispute resolution mechanism, these concerns of the farmers had been flagged

by MPs, even from parties such as AIADMK and BJD which are considered friendly to the government.

Yet Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, who is now leading the talks with the farmers, told Lok Sabha on September 17: “I want to request the farmers not to get influenced by disinformation for political ends (rajnitik drishti se kiye gaye kisi bhi dushprachar se prabhavit na ho).”

This is what members said during the debates in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on September 17 and September 20:

The worry – Initiating the debate in Lok Sabha on September

17, Ravneet Singh Bittu, Congress MP from Ludhiana, said: “If you give trouble to the farmers of Punjab, if you put Punjab, a border state, in crisis, the country will suffer… If you commit atrocities on the farmers of Punjab and Haryana, how will the country function?

Our soldiers too hail from Punjab and Haryana. There is bound to be a reaction.

There will be unrest. You create difficulties regarding SYL canal and MSP. What will you gain out of it except unrest?”

– At the end of the debate, Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said: “You are saying the farmers will benefit because of this (Bills). Show me one farmer who is happy with these Bills. Look at Haryana and Punjab, the farmers are

Farmer protests: India summons envoy, Trudeau reiterates stand on peaceful protests Earlier this week, as Trudeau came out in support of the protesting farmers, India had responded sharply on Tuesday against “ill-informed comments” on the “internal affairs of a democratic country”.

Days after Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau came out in support of protesting farmers, India summoned the Canadian envoy Friday and warned that such “actions”, if they continue, will have a “seriously damaging impact” on bilateral ties.

Trudeau, however, did not back down from his comments.

“Canada will always stand up for the right of peaceful protests anywhere around the world. And we are pleased to see moves towards deescalation and dialogue,” he said in Ottawa when asked about India’s move.

Earlier, the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement: “The Canadian High Commissioner was summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs today and

informed that comments by the Canadian Prime Minister, some Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament on issues relating to Indian farmers constitute an unacceptable interference in our internal affairs.”

“Such actions, if continued, would have a seriously damaging impact on ties between India and Canada,” it said.

“These comments have encouraged gatherings of extremist activities in front of our High Commission and Consulates in Canada that raise issues of safety and security. We expect the Canadian Government to

38 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020

ensure the fullest security of Indian diplomatic personnel and its political leaders to refrain from pronouncements that legitimize extremist activism,” it said.

This statement is different from its statement Tuesday because the MEA mentions the Canadian Prime Minister.

In its earlier statement, it had mentioned “some Canadian leaders”.

Speaking to CanadianSikh community leaders at an online event on the occasion of Gurpurab, Trudeau said: “I would be remiss if I didn’t start by recognising the news coming from India about the protest by farmers. The situation is concerning. We are all very worried about family and friends. We know that’s a reality for many of you. Let me remind you, Canada will always be there to defend the rights of peaceful protesters.

We believe in the process of dialogue. We’ve reached out through multiple means to the Indian authorities to highlight our concerns.”

unhappy. Wahan aag lag gayi hai. Both the states are in ferment.”

– In Rajya Sabha on September 20, SAD’s Naresh Gujral said: “Don’t think the farmers of Punjab are weak… Mr Minister, I have only one request… the spark that has been lit in Punjab and Haryana… don’t allow it to turn into a fire.

Otherwise it may be written in history… that lamhon ne khata ki thi, sadiyon ne saza paayi.”

On MSP – Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda of JD(S): “One of the central fears of the farmers is that the ordinances may be a ploy and a precursor to phase out grain procurement at minimum support prices.

This they perceive would throw them to the mercy

of private players and big corporates…

Since the ordinances were brought hurriedly during a raging pandemic, there appears to be widespread doubt.”

On dispute resolution • Ram Mohan Naidu (TDP): “On the question of Dispute Resolution Mechanism… much of it has been delegated to the Executive, like the Magistrates and District Collectors. Now, the courts are not being involved in this. This provision would be a partial solution. Apart from trade related disputes, farmers will have other legal battles also which could be land related. In these times, I think, it would be better if the Government thinks of setting up Agricultural Tribunals in line with the

provision of Article 323 (b) of Constitution of India.”

On mandi system • Kanakamedala Ravindra Kumar (TDP): “Farmers have serious concerns about this Bill. Firstly, it prohibits State Governments from collecting the market fee, cess or levy for trade outside notified APMC mandis, removes inter-State trade barriers and provides framework for electronic trading directly between a buyer and a farmer. In simple words, it breaks the States’ control over farmers, enabling them to choose whom they want to sell to… without paying the market fee, the corporate sector will purchase agriculture produce outside the market through brokers according to the price fixed by them.”

Stan Swamy moves plea for hearing if he is to be transferred to another jail Arrested in the Elgaar Parishad case, Father Stan Swamy, the 83-year old Jesuit priest and tribal rights activist from Jharkhand, on Friday moved a plea before a special court seeking an opportunity to be heard if a decision is taken to transfer him to any other prison. Swamy has been lodged in Taloja Central Jail in Navi Mumbai since his arrest in October.

His lawyer, Sharif Shaikh, told the court that the defence team has learnt that Swamy may be shifted to another jail in the city. Following this, the court directed the Taloja jail SP to file a reply on the plea.

Besides Swamy, while nine other accused arrested in the case are lodged in Taloja jail, three women accused are lodged in Byculla women’s jail.

Shaikh also told the court that he had learnt from news reports that a straw sipper and winter clothes have been provided to Swamy at the jail. He added that the information has not been received from the prison officially, as jail authorities are yet to submit a report on

Swamy’s application seeking a straw sipper and winter clothes.

The court had last week directed the jail authorities to submit a report in this regard.

The Taloja jail authorities had informed the State Human Rights Commission that Swamy has been provided articles, including a sipper mug, straws, wheelchair, walker and walking stick.

Also, two co-accused in the case have been assisting him as he suffers from Parkinson’s disease.

Swamy has also moved other applications, including seeking his bag that was allegedly seized by the NIA at the time of his arrest.

The court has asked the prosecution to file a reply on this.

Meanwhile, a letter purportedly written by Swamy, sent to The Indian Express by one of his colleagues, stated that jail authorities had been “very considerate” and given him a sipper, which he is using to drink tea and water.

Mandela Day celebration in Brisbane by APA-Q Nelson Mandela Day celebration 2020 was to be held on Saturday 18 July at Queensland Multicultural Centre, 102 Main St, Kangaroo Point QLD, but was postponed due to Covid 19, and celebrated on 5th Dec 2020 at the same venue. Celebrated usually on July 18, Mandela Day is an annual international event adopted by the United Nations.

The overarching objective of Mandela Day is to inspire individuals to act to help change the world for the better, and in doing so build a global movement for good. Ultimately, it seeks to empower communities everywhere.

African Professionals of Australia (APA)-Queensland, partnered with Access Community Services Ltd, in hosting this event.

This event brought together the community and friends of African Professionals of Australia to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy and reflect on how everyone can be part of a global movement, taking his life’s work into a new era and changing our world for the better.

Guests can expect a red-carpet extravaganza, ranging from music, dance, poems, international cuisine, and live entertainment.

The celebration has

become a platform for Professionals, international students, researchers, industries, Governments, policy makers and other stakeholders to learn about Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy.

The event began with meet and greet a in the foyer from 5:00 Pm invited guests, the red-Carpet photo booth became very popular as many community leaders and politicians met in person after a long time.

Master of ceremonies were Ms Orode Eke-Okoro, vice president of African Professionals of AustraliaQld and Mr Pele Ramdhani, board member African Professionals of AustraliaQld Stage shows included Pinksta & Swaussy Fire Band, poems by Ms Anisa Nandaula, The DR Congo Dance performance, Tichawona Noble Mashwa Mbira, Bolivia Marka Dance Group, The unbreakable Dance Crew.

All the performances were truly a diverse blend pf music culture and people, carefully selected in honour of the Icon-madiba Speeches included Robert Mukumbozi, president of African Professionals of Australia Ltd Queensland, Video message by Gail Kerr OAM, Lisa Ward – access services, Senator Paul Scarr – representing Prime

Minister, The Hon Scott Morrison MP, Councillor Angela Owen representing Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, Video message

by Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary General, Mr Beny Aterdit Bol, President Queensland African Community Council.

The well planned and delivered event concluded with acknowledgement of sponsors, vote of thanks and the much-awaited photo session with media interviews.

Lions Club of Brisbane United Asia Business Inc Christmas dinner U A Lions held their annual Christmas dinner at Asian Plus Kitchen and Bar in the Skygate dining precinct (DFO) of Brisbane Airport on 5th Dec 2020.

Asian Plus Kitchen and Bar is a fresh new Asian Fusion restaurant offering a selection of traditional Asian Dishes with a special twist of Western Cuisine.

U A Lion usually hold their annual dinner at Marriot or similar innercity venues, but this year due to covid 19 the event was a scale down version.

U A Lions 2020 Christmas dinner was a fun night with great food, drinks, lucky door prizes, fun games and wonderful company. UA Lions was founded in 2015, They aim to bring together people from diverse cultures and a wide range of industries to serve our community. They aim to create exciting and dynamic opportunities for their members and to be the positive influence we want to see in the world today, through fundraising events as well as collaborations with business partners and community service.

The UA Lions is devoted to aiding those in need.

United in our network of philanthropic and passionate contributors, we are ready to give our best!

The live entertainment included The khim, a stringed musical instrument derived from the Mesopotamian or Call: (07) 3192 5188

Persian Santur. It is similar to the Hammered Dulcimer or Cimbalom. This khim was introduced to Cambodia, Laos and Thailand from China, where a similar (though, since the late 20th century, usually larger) instrument is called yangqin It is played with two flexible bamboo sticks with soft leather at the tips to produce a soft tone. This instrument can be played by either sitting down on the floor with the khim on the floor, or by sitting on a chair or standing while the khim is on a stand.

The khim produces a bright and expressive sound when played. It is made of wood, with brass strings that are laid across the instrument.

The raffles were conducted in an innovative manner under the guidance of past president John, the overall winner had to be Ron Baker who kept winning, well it was his special night being his birthday. The best dressed male and female was by public judging, another very effective manner were everyone gets a chance to vote. Overall an

enjoyable night with great company, President Carl Millar thanked everyone for coming and thanked John for accommodating the event at his venue. He promised the 2021 will be much bigger under the back to normal circumstances.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020 — 39

FOCUS ON FIJI We need to reclaim our justice and freedom and it can only be done by taking charge of govt- Chaudhry Fiji Labour Party Leader, Mahendra Chaudhry says we need to reclaim our justice, peace, freedom and democracy.

He says they can only do this by taking charge of the government.

While speaking at the Party’s Annual Delegates Conference at Tilak High School Hall in Lautoka today, Chaudhry says even before COVID-19, the country’s poverty and the unemployment rate was high.

He says 25% of the younger generation were unemployed then and after COVID-19, it is estimated to be 35%.

Chaudhry says thousands

of people are struggling in the country and the change in their life means a change in government.

Chaudhry says they have

to take their message out in every home through word of mouth as he claims that most of the media are controlled by the government.

Suva wins Fiji FACT title after beating Nadi 1-0 Vodafone Premier League champions, Suva are the new winners of the Vodafone Fiji FACT after they beat defending champions, Nadi 1-0 in the final at Subrail Park.

They win the $17,000 prize money.

Suva’s winner came through Nadi player, Afraz Ali's header clearance which hit the back of Serevi Waqa and landed into their own net in the 49th minute of the match.

Suva has won the tournament after 8 years and this is their third win.

They first won the title in 1995 where they defeated Labasa 4-0 at Subrail Park and they last won in 2012 after beating Ba 1-0 at Govind

Park.

Suva has lost in the final of 5 major tournaments since 2018.

Awards: Fair Play Team of the Tournament Award has been given to Nadi.

Golden Glove Award

has been given to Suva’s Goalkeeper, Beniamino Mateinaqara.

Golden Boot Award has been given to Sairusi Nalaubu of Suva after he scored 5 goals in this tournament.

Player of the Tournament Award has been given to Shahil Dave of Suva.

It is a numbers game and I welcome Rabuka to join us - Narube Unity Fiji Party Leader Savenaca Narube says elections and politics is a numbers game and he welcomes people like Sitiveni Rabuka to join Unity Fiji.

When questioned by fijivillage on the party's earlier stand that they will not have anyone involved in a coup, Narube says when the party was formed they did not allow any coup leaders to take any leadership role in the party.

He says a few former military officers have joined their party now.

Narube then said that this is important for them leading up to the elections.

The Unity Fiji Leader says when you are in politics it is best to think of a political

He says he knows that the FLP has had a setback in the last 9 years and they do not have anyone in parliament but they will get there.

No community transmission of COVID-19 - Dr Fong Permanent Secretary for Health, Doctor James Fong is expected to have a press conference today regarding containment of a risk situation at the Suva and Lautoka hospitals.

However, he stresses that there is no community transmission of COVID-19 in Fiji.

He also says the local transmission risk is very low.

Doctor Fong says what people are noticing at the hospitals at the moment are precautionary measures.

We are getting information from Lautoka Hospital that people can go out of the hospital but people are not being allowed into the facility. This is part of the precautionary measure.

Stay with us and please do not follow rumours and misleading reports on

social media.

Doctor Fong says all scientific assessments are being done and he will give further information later today.

Health Minister, Doctor Ifereimi Waqainabete says all these are precautionary measures because we have our border quarantine cases.

Stay with us for developments.

Closing date extended for submissions on proposed Lot Allocation Policy in Informal Settlements The closing date for making submissions on the proposed Lot Allocation Policy in Informal Settlements has been extended until the 15th of this month.

Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Housing Sanjeeva Perera says the closing date for submissions has been extended considering the high level of interest shown by the public and the many requests from communities for the Ministry to visit them again for community meetings.

He says so far a total of 1,988 people have attended the public consultation sessions organised around the

country.

Perera says the highest number of clarifications were on the lot allocation criteria, use of market value, and how to pay for the allocated lots.

He says given that the policy proposes to use the market value as the basis for calculating the

relevant Lot Allotment Price, many interested individuals requested clarification on how and when the valuation will be done, by whom, who will pay for it and also if it is only the land or whether the structures already built on land will be valued as well.

Tailors join Christmas Market Day to financially assist husbands

party that will resonate with the people and the people will vote you in.

He says if people want to remain in politics, having the number of votes is important as it is a numbers game.

Narube says the party's door is open to every

40 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020

individual including Rabuka.

Meanwhile, Rabuka had highlighted after their Management Board meeting last Friday that he plans to contest the general elections under the SODELPA banner and he will not form a new party.

Two women are selling clothes which they made themselves every Saturday at the Christmas Market Day at the YWCA Building in Suva to assist their husbands with the financial need of

their families. Urmila Wati and Aruna Devi run a small tailoring business.

They used to sell their products at the Suva Flea Market but had to move due to the fire incident in May.

Wati says after the fire, life was a struggle for them but they did not sit back and wait for assistance.

They went around from house to house to sell their products.

FICQ Diwali festivities dispel darkness in COVID-19 times

When it comes to Diwali, the festival of light, Indians, no matter wherever they are in the world, get together and celebrate the occasion enthusiastically. This year was no exception, the Covid pandemic notwithstanding.

Here in Australia, just like the previous years, Diwali was organised by the Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ). The City Hall reverberated with the sounds of Indian traditional and Bollywood dance and music in the evening of November 22 as the Diwali 2020 festivities got underway here.

The extravaganza featuring various cultural performances was attended by many Australians and members of Indian community.

Distinguished community leaders, highprofile politicians as well as the who's who of the Indian community in the city were also present at the muchawaited event. Most notable among the VIPs were, Minister for Children and Youth Justice and Minster for Multicultural Affairs Leanne Linard MP, the representing the the Premier of Queensland Annastacia Palaszczuk MP, Deputy High Commissioner of India P S Karthigeyan representing The High Commissioner of India Anumula Gitesh Sarma, LNP Senator of Queensland Paul Scarr and representing the Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison MP, Graham Perrett MP, Federal Member for Moreton, Queensland – representing The Federal Opposition leader, Anthony Albanese MP, David Crisafulli – State Opposition Leader and Shadow Minister for Tourism, John-Paul Langbroek MP - Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, and Shadow Minister for Seniors, Communities and Disability Services, Cr Kim Marx

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representing the Right Hon. The Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Cr Adrian Schrinner, Dr Maha Sinnathamby AM Patron FICQ and Chairman of Springfield city Group, Archana Singh – Honorary Consul of India in Queensland, Police Commissioner of Queensland - Commissioner Katarina Carroll APM, Aunty Peggy Tidymann, Cr Angela Owen - Councillor for Calamvale ward, Jim Varghese AM – National Chair for AIBC, Matthew Hayden – The cricket legend, all the past FICQ Presidents and representatives from FICQ member organisations, among others.

The event started at 5.30 pm, and after the ceremonial welcome of

the VIPs and distinguished guests, went on well into the night. The highlights of the event were the various dance and music by several teams from within the city. The flagship event of FICQ showcasing Indian culture and music attracts thousands of Indians every year, who are there to enjoy the music and dance programs and the overall Indian festivities. FICQ has been organising the Diwali festival in Brisbane since 2010, promoting harmony and multiculturalism. Every year FICQ celebrate in a big way but this year due to pandemic it was celebrated in the iconic venue, signifying the success of the festival over the years.

President of the FICQ Shyam Das thanked the Palaszczuk Government for the multi-year funding to support the festival. In this regard he said, “We are privileged and honoured to hold Diwali in the heart of the city and share our culture and tradition, signifying our strong belief in multiculturalism and we are the most multicultural nation on earth.” His speech also emphasised the inner significance of Diwali as well as the importance of FICQ and its role.

Minister for Children and Youth Justice and Minster for Multicultural Affairs Leanne Linard MP, who represented the Premier said, “This celebration of light over dark

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and good over evil seems particularly relevant even in the turbulent year that we have had.”

On the occasion Premier

Annastacia Palaszczuk wished everyone good health, happiness and peace through her message to the Indian Community.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020 — 41

Fardeen Khan meets casting director Mukesh Chhabra; plans to make a comeback to films and OTT Fardeen Khan, who was last seen in the 2010 film Dulha Mil Gaya opposite Sushmita Sen is all set to make a comeback to films and enter OTT platforms. The actor was spotted outside popular casting director Mukesh Chhabra's office in Mumbai on Saturday.

Dressed in grey V-neck T-shirt and black jeans,the actor looked in great shape.

In recent years, Fardeen was in the news for his weight gain. He had even spoken about being body

shamed 'unnecessarily'.

At a book launch event in 2019, talking about making

a comeback, he had said, "In different capacities, I want to act. But basically, I want

to direct and produce and have been planning on that.

We will be making a formal announcement soon.”

Fardeen Khan made his acting debut with the 1998 film Prem Aggan which failed to impress the audience.

However, it was Ram Gopal Varma's film Jungle that put his career on the right track.

He later went on to star in several hit films like Pyar Tune Kya Kiya, Bhoot, Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega, Dev, Khushi ,No Entry, Heyy Babyy and All The Best.

Upcoming Hindi Movies Here is the list of Upcoming Bollywood Movies 2020, 2021 with Release Dates & Latest Trailers for New Hindi Movies. However, the list might change depending on the change in the release date which is subject to changes as per the censor certification and also other professional adjustments. We are also covering latest bollywood movies who have already released and new movies releasing this week. Here is the Bollywood Movies

2020 calendar, this is an incomplete list and will be updated as the year goes by. We now bring

you all the important cast information, official trailers and all major stars like Ranveer Singh, Ranbir

Kapoor, Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan, related information on this page itself.

Laxmii Box Office Collection: Akshay Kumar's film mints around $1 mn in overseas market Amid massive criticism from viewers and critics, there's some good news for Akshay Kumar-starrer Laxmii. The film has minted $8,709 in the Australia market whereas in the New Zealand market, it has made $5,776 on the fourth day of its release. So far, the film has minted $54,798 in Australia and $51,284 in New Zealand.

In Fiji, the film made a total of $29,133 so far and on the fourth day of its release, the Raghava Lawrencedirectorial made $2,620.

Laxmii is the first Hindi film to get a theatrical release since theatres were shut in March amid nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Amid massive criticism from viewers and critics, there's some good news for Akshay Kumar-starrer Laxmii. The film has minted $8,709 in the Australia market whereas in the New Zealand market, it has made $5,776 on the fourth day of its release. So far, the film has minted $54,798 in Australia and $51,284 in New Zealand.

In Fiji, the film made a

bankrolled film released in theatres on November 9 in Australia, New Zealand and UAE. The film garnered a total viewership of more than 60 lakh till date which is the highest for any Hindi film released on an OTT platform.

Disney+Hotstar gained approximately 10 lakh subscribers from the day of Laxmii's release.

total of $29,133 so far and on the fourth day of its release, the Raghava Lawrencedirectorial made $2,620.

Laxmii is the first Hindi film to get a theatrical release since theatres were shut in March amid nationwide

42 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020

lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus.

In India, the film was released on Disney+Hotstar earlier this month. Besides this, the film was released on Hotstar in the US, UK and Canada. The Fox Star-

Here's what the audience and critics have said so far Some viewers dismissed the movie as being "Hinduphobic" and being extremely low on the entertainment quotient.

The film was panned

by Taran Adarsh as a disappointing one and he went on to tweet, "Lacks the impact of the original (Kanchana)...

Akshay Kumar in terrific form, but weak screenwriting+forced comedy are downers...

Gathers momentum in concluding portions...

Expected so much more!"

Adarsh gave this movie a 2 star rating.

“Kangana has now become synonymous with spewing poisonous fiction” – Swara Bhaskar

Swara Bhaskar is one of Kangana Ranaut’s most vocal detractors.

Kangana’s latest misfired salvo at an aged protester at a farmers’ rally, has left Swara incredibly incensed. Says Swara, “The comments are atrocious.

I think Kangana has now become synonymous with spewing poisonous fiction, most of what she tweets, whether about history or current affairs are fiction cooked up and driven by a particular agenda.”

In this instance Kangana not only misidentified the rallyist but also opined that she was available for any rally for Rs 100. Says Swara, “The thing that bothers me is her utter disrespect for the elderly. Her comments on Jaya Bachchanji and other senior actresses was not just distasteful it was utterly disrespectful and badtameez. She has spread slander against Bilkis Bano

and Shaheen Baugh Dadis and what she said about Mahinder Kaur ji was also not just inaccurate lies but to say about an elderly farmer that she is ‘available for 100 Rupees.’

It’s just sickening! Totally unacceptable.”

Swara is all praise for Diljit Dosanjh for speaking out. “Kudos to Diljit for calling her out and not letting the issue slide.

Taapsee Pannu, Richa Chadha and I have called her out in the past and it’s good to see a star of Diljit’s stature take a stand for this cause.”

Swara’s requests Kangana to spare the elderly. “If Kangana wants to fight let it be with her contemporaries, I’m happy to keep her engaged. But I request her to please spare our elderly the vile nonsense. Once again to her I will say, Thakk Jaa Behen!”

Udit Narayan says son Aditya Narayan and Shweta Agarwal were in a live-in relationship for 10 years, claims to have fielded ‘tempting’ proposals for him Singer Udit Narayan has said that PM Narendra Modi and Amitabh Bachchan wrote him letters offering congratulations for the recent wedding of his son, Aditya Narayan, and actor Shweta Agarwal. The couple tied the knot in Mumbai earlier this month.

In an interview, Udit also revealed that they had been living together for a decade.

Udit had earlier said that he had no idea that Aditya and Shweta were romantically involved, and thought of her just as a friend of his son’s.

He told Bollywood Hungama, “I have just one son. I wanted his marriage to be much more lavish. But the Covid has taken the joy away from all celebrations. In fact I wanted my son to wait until this pandemic was over before getting married. But Shweta’s family and Aditya were keen that they get married now.

My son and Shweta were in

a live-in relationship for 10 years. I guess it was time for them to make it official.”

Udit, who had previously said that he’d invited the likes of PM Modi and Amitabh, but was doubtful that they would attend due to the pandemic, added, “Modiji wrote me a letter after I invited him for the wedding. So did Bachchan Saab and Ambaniji. The Defence minister Rajnathji called me to wish us for the wedding. We are fortunate to have the blessings of everyone.” He said that Shweta is a ‘soft-spoken’ person, and that he is happy for his son, as he’d been fielding many ‘tempting’ wedding proposals for him over the years.

Internationally Acclaimed film “The Furnace” set to release in Queensland A special Advanced Screening of upcoming film “The Furnace” was held at New Farm Cinemas in Brisbane last week before it’s Australia-wide cinema release on 10th December, 2020. The film had its World Premiere at the prestigious Venice Film Festival.

The creation of West Australian writer/director Roderick MacKay, “The Furnace’ is a historical fiction feature length film about a young Afghan cameleer on the run with two Crown-marked gold bars and his bushman partner.

The Furnace illuminates the forgotten history of Australia's cameleers, who were predominantly Muslim and Sikh men from India, Afghanistan and Persia.

The cameleers traversed the nation's vast desert interior, forming unique bonds with local Aboriginal people. The film has three Punjabi characters with two Sikh characters (played by Mahesh Jadu and Kaushik Das) that play pivotal and memorable roles in the film.

The Advanced Screening was hosted by the only two Queensland based cast members - Kaushik Das and Mansoor Noor.

Das explained to those in attendance “As an Indian Australian actor this film is particularly close to my heart, I believe it will challenge the conventional

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The Furnace Writer/Director : Roderick MacKay Producers : Timothy White & Tenille Kennedy Lead Cast : Ahmed Malek, David Wenham, Jay Ryan, Erik Thomson, Goran D. Kleut, Samon Coulter, Baykali Ganambarr, Trevor Jamieson, Wakara Gondarra, , Mahesh Jadu, Kaushik Das and Mansoor Noor

notions of what it means to be Australian and will shed light on a forgotten chapter of Australian history”.

The screening was supported strongly by Community leaders from both the Indian and Afghan community.

Others in attendance included key leaders from the Punjabi Cultural Association of Queensland and the CEO of Multicultural Australia. The film releases nationally in cinemas from December 10th.

Trailer : https://youtu.be/ N8DT_zVzxhk For a list of Cinemas showing the film, visit https://www. umbrellaentfilms.com.au/ movie/the-furnace/

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020 — 43

World AIDS Day 2020 • The theme for World AIDS Day 2020 is ‘Now more than ever’.

• HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

This is the virus which causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). If someone is HIV-positive, it means they have been infected with the virus, but it does not mean they have AIDS. AIDS is now rarely seen in Queensland and is no longer a notifiable health condition.

• HIV is transmitted through body fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk.

The most common route of transmission in Australia is unprotected sexual intercourse.

• There were 158 new diagnoses of HIV in Queensland in 2019, a 17% decrease on the previous four-year average.

• Consistent with previous years, males continued to make up the majority of new HIV notifications in Queensland in 2019 (141 males or 89%).

Of these, 114 (or 81%) identified as men who have sex with men.

• In 2019, there were 16 new HIV notifications in females in Queensland.

New diagnoses of HIV in females peaked in 2010

with 30 notifications.

• There were 9 new HIV notifications in 2019 in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Queensland, a decrease from 13 notifications in 2018.

• HIV/AIDS is one of the biggest social, economic and health challenges in the world, although countries are making historic gains towards achieving the targets set out in the UN Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS. Queensland is supportive of the 95-95-95

targets, which include: 1.

Increasing the proportion of people living with HIV who know their status to 95% 2.

Increasing the proportion of people diagnosed with HIV on treatment to 95% 3.

Increasing the proportion of people taking treatment who have an undetectable viral load to 95% • It is estimated that 1.7 million people worldwide acquired HIV in 2019. This is a 23% decline in new HIV

infections since 2010 and is the lowest annual number of new infections since 1989.

• The global decrease in new infections is driven by reductions in eastern and southern Africa (38% reduction since 2010), the Caribbean (29%), western and central Africa (25%), western and central Europe and North America (15%), and Asia and the Pacific (12%). However, new HIV infections rose in eastern Europe and central Asia

by 72% between 2010 and 2019. There were also increases in the Middle East and North Africa (22%) and Latin America (21%).

• HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART) is very effective at controlling the virus, stopping its progression, and preventing transmission to others. Many people on ART can now expect to live a near normal lifespan.

• HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is the use of HIV medication by someone who is HIV negative, and at higher risk of HIV infection, to prevent the virus from becoming established in the body.

Clinical trials have shown that taking HIV PrEP is very effective in preventing the transmission of HIV. • HIV PrEP is now available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for Medicare eligible people at medium to high risk of HIV infection.

HIV PrEP can be prescribed by all doctors and nurse practitioners.

• HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is a treatment that may prevent HIV infection and is available for people who may have been exposed to HIV in the previous 72 hours. It is a combination of anti-HIV drugs.

Information sourced from: https://www. health.qld.gov.au/clinicalpractice/guidelinesprocedures/sex-health/ resources https://www.unaids. org/en/resources/ documents/2020/unaidsdata Contact us ECCQ’s Hepatitis, HIV/ AIDS and Sexual Health Program can provide free Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and STIs information, resources and support in different languages: Website: eccq.com.au/bbv

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

BATHROOM BEAUTY TREATMENT

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(Splash! Splash! Relax and have fun in the bath) soothing water. However, you can also use bath time for a variety of other benefits and beauty boosters.

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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 vapour 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 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.

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 beautytreat. 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

44 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020

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.

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

BE A NATURAL BEAUTY You don't have to splash out on expensive bath additivestry 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 washcloth- you 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 work well if you concentrate the blasts of cold water on cellulite-prone areas, as this stimulates the sluggish circulation in these spots.

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Christmas message from the Minister for Multicultural Affairs I would like to pass on my warmest greetings to all readers of the Brisbane Indian Times and the listeners of Australian Indian Radio.

On behalf of the Palaszczuk Government and as the newly appointed Minister for Multicultural Affairs, I look forward to working with Queenslanders of Indian background and all of our wonderful multicultural communities in 2021 and wish you and your families every happiness for the coming festive season.

Leanne Linard MP Minister for Children and Youth Justice and Minister for Multicultural Affairs

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020 — 45

NOVEMBER 2020

Aries ( 21st March to 20th April )

Taurus ( 21st April to 21st May )

Gemini ( 22nd May to 21st June )

At the beginning of the month, singles might have an uncertain period in their love relationship and they might look for other options. However, the month-end may bring planetary support, and singles may be able to improve their present relationship. Married couples might face some differences, but they may enjoy marital pleasures to the fullest. On the family front, there may not be any issues. When it comes to finances, expect a marginal increase in the inflow of money. According to planetary movement, you might be in for some major financial gain. This may add to your financial strength.

Your expenses might increase. However, there may be no major expenses during this phase. Businessmen might not be favored by progressive forces this month. They may need to exert more to run their business satisfactorily. During the month-end, businessmen may be able to successfully negotiate a good profitable deal. Salaried individuals may be able to perform more effectively, and give a better output. Planetary movements indicate that students pursuing graduation may make good progress. They may study for extended hours, and learn things well to get good grades. They may be able to achieve their objectives and make encouraging progress. During this phase, planetary influences might add strength to your immune system. Even if you fall sick, you may recover fast, and enjoy generally good health. Middle-aged people and above need to be very careful about their blood pressure.

Singles might get a chance to embark on a relationship during this phase. They might enter a romantic relationship, and enjoy blissful moments together. Married people might feel happy as their life partners may be responsive. However, some family issues might put married people in discomfort.

During this phase, you might be able to increase your income inflow. While you might be tempted to increase your income inflow by unethical means, Ganesha warns not to do so. Try cutting down on personal habitual expenses, and try to save money for future needs. This month may not bring up any deal for negotiation for businessmen. However, minor deals may help run the business satisfactorily. Businessmen may be worried about competition. They may need to lower margins to score over competition. Students pursuing graduation might need more time to learn things properly.

Their progress might be slow. Students doing post-graduation might learn things well, and memorize satisfactorily. According to planetary movements, there may not be any major health issues. However, beware, as old ailments might catch up. Also, the chances of getting injured from falling are foreseen.

This might be a good month for singles to reveal their true feelings to their loved ones. Family time may be pleasant and enjoyable. During this phase, couples might face relationship issues. Try to be temperamentally correct and understand the views of your loved ones to maintain peace and harmony in your relationships. On the financial front, try to handle money matters with care.

Any investments you plan to make require due deliberation.

Businessmen might get a chance to clinch a major deal in the middle of the month. However, they may need to work more for making arrangements to deliver goods and some material on time. Salaried individuals may remain stressed due to constant pressure from their immediate bosses to meet deadlines and increase output. Students pursuing graduation might make good progress. They may remain focused while studying. They may keep studying for long hours to learn well and memorize effectively. Students might want to get admission in a reputed college abroad for higher education. Planetary positions indicate that there may not be any health issue to trouble you. However, you might face some blood pressure irregularities. Consult your doctor immediately and try to indulge in some physical activity in the morning.

Cancer ( 22nd June to 22nd July )

Leo ( 23rd July to 22nd August )

Virgo ( 23rd August to 22nd September )

On the relationship front, you might fall for someone and get a positive response, and enter into a lasting romantic relationship. Pleasant time with near and dear ones may be on the cards.

Married people might need to exhibit patience.

When it comes to money and finance, you might need to put more effort to increase your income inflow. From around mid-month, the inflow of money might increase. Do not adopt unlawful means to make money.

Businessmen may come across new challenges when it comes to pushing sales. They might accept these challenges, and work in order to achieve their goals. Around mid-month, businessmen might strike a mid-size profitable deal. They may run the show satisfactorily. Salaried individuals may remain stressed, due to constant hammering by their immediate bosses. Students pursuing graduation may get carried away by distraction. They may not spend enough time on their studies. This might hamper their progress. When it comes to health, high-stress levels might deteriorate your health. There may be some joint pain during this phase. Do not take pain killer tablets as that may cause some other health problems. If you have blood pressure issues, reduce your salt consumption.

On the relationship front, people in committed relationships might be worried about career prospects, thus ignoring the romantic gestures of their partner. Married people might have a good time with their life partner. Try to understand the views of elders to maintain peace and harmony in your family. On the whole, in the relationship department, you might have a pleasant time. There may be no major family issues. When it comes to finances, your income inflow might increase, and you might benefit monetarily. Some good returns from an earlier investment might lift your spirits.

Businessmen may be worried about stiff competition as the month begins. However, around mid-month, businessmen might be able to make some smart moves to push their sales. Luck might support businessmen on their road to progress. Students pursuing graduation may learn things and memorize well. They may make encouraging progress. Students pursuing postgraduation might remain attentive about studies. During this month, your health might be good. However, beware of some respiratory system issues. Stay away from polluted places. If a problem persists, visit a physician to get remedial measures.

Singles may face pressure from their loved ones to get married. However, they might stall the marriage due to some work issues. Married couples might enjoy a pleasant time with their family. On the family front, things may be great. When it comes to money and finance, you may gain monetarily.

At the same time, family-related expenses might increase. However, try saving money for your future needs. On the whole, your financial position may be strong. For businessmen, this month may be challenging, as they may need to put in extra effort to achieve their goals. Short term travel may yield mixed results as more efforts are required to strike a profitable deal. Salaried individuals may be insecure about their position. During this phase, students may be relieved and have a pleasant time. However, those pursuing graduation might need to spend some time to get familiar with topics to be learned. Students might be determined to make good progress in their studies. There may be no major health issue to concern you during this phase. You may be motivated to perform some light exercises or to visit the gym to remain fit. Beware of some viral infection at the end of the month.

Libra ( 23rd September to 22nd October )

Scorpio ( 23rd October to 22nd November )

Sagittarius ( 23rd November to 21st December )

This month, singles may fall for a person of the opposite sex. Hence they might start a new relationship. Married people may feel uncomfortable for some reason or the other. On the family front, you may do well to preserve peace and harmony in your family. When it comes to finances, things might be favorable. During this phase, the inflow of money may increase.

Try to plan your spending accordingly, and cut down on personal expenses. On the business front, entrepreneurs may run into some obstacles. They may do well if they organize things and exhibit more patience. This may not be a good time for big deals. Businessmen may need to travel to explore new territory to increase sales.

Students pursuing graduation may be attentive about their studies and may spend enough time with their books. They may be able to learn things satisfactorily and memorize effectively. Hence, students might make encouraging progress. During this phase, planetary movements might add strength to your immune system. Even if you happen to fall sick, you may recover fast and enjoy good health in general. Beware of getting injured unexpectedly.

During this phase, singles might run into an old friend. They might enter into a relationship and spend blissful moments together. Married people might face unhappiness in their relationship with their life partner. On the family front, there may be some issues. Planetary movements indicate that you might need to bear with this. On the relationship front, things might work in your favor. When it comes to finances, you might need to work more in order to increase your income inflow. Planetary movements indicate that businessmen may be worried about competition. They may be inclined to explore new territory to push sales. During the middle of the month, businessmen may undertake some short-term travel. This might work well for businessmen and they might achieve their objective of increasing sales. Employed individuals might be asked to handle an outstation task. During this phase, planetary movements suggest that you may enjoy good health, without any troubling health issue. However, be careful about your blood pressure. If you face any health issues, take remedial measures. Students pursuing graduation may be determined to make progress quickly. They may spend enough time for studies, learn things and memorize effectively. Students pursuing higher education may get useful tips in order to have a good grasp of concepts and memorize satisfactorily.

Married couples might enjoy a pleasant time together. However, during this phase, they might face some family issues. But those issues might not long for a long time. Singles might develop a meaningful relationship with someone new. People in committed relationships might be eager to take their relationship to the next level during this phase.

However, these plans may be delayed for a while. On the financial front, this may be a good month to take a well-thought-out risk to increase income inflow. Planetary movements might support you.

From mid-month onwards, things might move well for businessmen.

They may be able to sign a mega-deal with high net worth customers.

Salaried individuals might find it tough to perform effectively, and give the desired output. Students pursuing graduation might do well to keep their cool and focus while studying. They may be able to learn things properly and memorize effectively, thus making due progress. There may be some health issues during this phase. Do not neglect even the most minor problem. You might need to take care of some old health issues. Indulge in some light exercise, go to a gym, or for a long morning walk.

Capricorn ( 22nd December to 20th January )

Aquarius ( 21st January to 18th February )

Pisces ( 19th February to 20th March )

Singles might be successful in creating a romantic relationship with someone of the opposite sex. The couple may enjoy pleasant times together. Married couples may enjoy a blissful period. On the whole, you may have an enjoyable time when it comes to relationships. On the finance front, you may increase your income and remain in a strong financial state. Mid-month might bring some good chances for financial gain, adding more strength to your position on the financial front. Businessmen may be worried about competition. There may be no major deal during this phase. However, minor deals may help businessmen run the show satisfactorily. Salaried people may be committed to improving their performance, and giving more output. According to planetary movements, students pursuing higher education may be under pressure to perform during the month. They may need to put more effort to learn things well and memorize effectively.

According to planetary movements, there may be no major health issue to trouble you during this phase. You may enjoy good health in general. However, be careful and keep your digestive system in order.

On the relationship front, singles might differ with their loved ones on the topic of future planning. Singles might do well if they avoid pushing their point of view. They need to understand the viewpoint of their loved ones.

Some relationship issues or the other might keep bothering you. Married people may enjoy marital bliss. On the family front, things seem good. On the financial front, your income may increase. Those who are planning to purchase a new house may go ahead during this phase. When it comes to business, planets linked to your profession might keep you active on the occupational front. Consider all the pros and cons before you make any major occupational decisions. Shortterm travel undertaken by businessmen may bear satisfactory results. At the end of the month, businessmen may be happy with their achievements. Students pursuing higher education may get distracted while studying. They may not be able to remain focused for a long time. Resultantly, their learning process might get slowed down. Students in school might find it tough to memorize effectively. They may be advised to take their mentor's help for guidance. Due to current planetary movements, you may need to be quite careful when it comes to your health. There may be some old health issues that may come back to trouble you. If you experience any symptoms of trouble, visit your physician immediately.

On the relationship front, singles may come under familial pressure to get married. They may tie the knot and enjoy marital bliss with their partner.

On the family front, you may need to maintain a cool head in order to maintain peace and harmony.

When it comes to finances, mid-month may bring some monetary gain, strengthening your position on the financial front. You may successfully start some new ventures to increase your income inflow. You may spend money on charity and social causes. Businessmen may find the time to organize things and make intelligent moves to push their prospects forward. They may be able to strike a majorly profitable deal during this phase. The period from mid-month looks good in this regard. According to planetary movements, students might make due progress, which may lead to them learning things well, and performing well in exams. Students pursuing higher education may remain busy traveling for study purposes and may enjoy learning new skills and gathering knowledge. On the health front, there may not be any major health issues. However, watch out for viral infections. It may be prudent to take precautionary measures.

You might feel lazy due to the lack of sleep.

46 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020

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WATCH EVERY T20, ODI AND TEST MATCH OF INDIA’S CRICKET TOUR OF AUSTRALIA LIVE WITH HINDI COMMENTARY ON KAYO AVAILABLE ANYTIME, ANYWHERE ON YOUR TV OR FAVOURITE DEVICE This summer, Kayo will exclusively offer Indian cricket fans dedicated Hindi language coverage for every T20, ODI and Test match of India’s Tour of Australia.

Indian cricket fans will be able to watch every moment of the ODI, T20I and Test matches, LIVE and ondemand, with commentary by the voice of Indian cricket, Harsha Bhogle, as well as expert opinions from former Indian cricket greats Sunil Gavaskar and Sanjay Manjrekar.

The dedicated Hindi language coverage will be available for every T20, ODI and Test match of India’s upcoming tour of Australia, beginning with the Dettol ODI Series at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

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“Expect Rohit Sharma to come into the Indian test team. He has been battling a hamstring injury during the IPL but should be fully fit for the tests. He will be tested by the excellent Australian bowling attack but has the skill and class to score big.”

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Aussies lose thriller as debutant’s dream turns into nightmare An understrength Australia has sunk to its third defeat in a row and lost the T20 series to India in straight sets in a thrilling six-wicket loss at the SCG. The hosts were on Sunday night forced to field a largely second string side that didn’t include David Warner, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood or captain Aaron Finch who failed a late fitness test.

And yet, Australia put 194 runs on the board before its relatively inexperienced attack appeared to have completed the job.

But anything can happen in T20 cricket, and Sunday night was a brutal reminder of that for Justin Langer’s side.

India at one point needed 75 runs off just 38 balls to win the match. That’s when Hardik Pandya came to the crease and flipped the match on its head.

The master finisher by no means played a lone hand in India’s sudden resurgence.

Captain Virat Kohli (40 off 24) hit AJ Tye for 18 runs in the 15th over to shift the

momentum, but even then, he still left India needing 46 runs from the final 23 balls when debutant Daniel Sams claimed his wicket.

Shreyas Iyer (12 off 5) then stepped up with two boundaries at the end of the 17th over to leave Pandya with 25 more to chase off the final two overs.

The gun all-rounder needed only 10 balls, bringing up the winning runs with two lusty blows off the bowling of Sams. Pandya finished with 42 runs off 22 balls to be named man-ofthe-match.

Matthew Wade - who stood in as captain for Finch - was Australia’s star

performer for his 58 runs off 32 balls while Steve Smith added 46 off 38. Glenn Maxwell once again failed to replicate his ODI form but added 22 runs in a 13ball cameo, while Moises Henriques made 26 from 17 before he was caught behind while swinging for the fences.

The finishing touches to Australia’s innings were added by Marcus Stoinis (16 off 7), playing his first match for Australia since suffering a side strain in the first ODI, and Sams (8 off 3), playing his first international ever.

India, however, started strong in the chase with openers Shikhar Dhawan

and KL Rahul adding 56 runs until the latter was caught off the bowling of Tye for 30 off 22. Dhawan threatened to go on with the job until Adam Zampa removed him for 52 off 36 in the 12th over. Kohli carried on the fight but Australia seemed to have completed the job when Sams dismissed him for 40 runs off 24 balls.

That, however, didn’t account for the effect of Pandya who punished Australia’s bowlers late to claim an unassailable 2-0 lead for India in the threematch series.

No Australian took multiple wickets and many were expensive. Sams was hit for 11.18 an over, Tye 11.75 while Maxwell bowled one over that was smashed for 19 runs. The pick of Australia’s bowlers was Mitchell Swepson for his 1-25 off four overs.

The final white ball game of the summer takes place on Tuesday night at the SCG with Australia needing to snap a losing streak before the Test summer commences.

Nadolo scores hat-trick on Fiji return Fiji's powerhouse wing Nemani Nadolo marked his return to international rugby with a hat-trick of tries as they celebrated a late entrance into the Autumn Nations Cup with an emphatic 38-24 victory over Georgia at a wet Murrayfield.

Fiji forfeited their three pool matches due to coronavirus cases in their squad and took out that pent-up frustration on the Georgians as wing Josua Tuisova, and flankers Johnny Dyer and Mesulame Kunavula, also scored in a six-try romp.

Georgia's woeful form in the competition continued as they managed to apply some

forward muscle for a try by replacement prop Giorgi Melikidze and two from flank Beka Saginadze but otherwise lacked the quality to break Fiji down.

The islanders take seventh place in the competition, despite only playing one match, with their first international win since beating Georgia 4510 at the Rugby World Cup in October 2019.

Nadolo had not played for Fiji since June 2018 but was recalled for the tournament and took just 72 seconds to make his mark as he brushed off two tackles to score in the

48 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2020

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Fiji, who have largely only seen the inside of hotel rooms in the last few weeks as they sat idle in quarantine, started with energy and purpose, scoring three tries inside 18 minutes.

Flank Dyer burrowed over from close range before Tuisova was put into acres of space on the right wing as Fiji moved the ball quickly from side to side.

Georgia's Melikidze took advantage of some rare possession in the Fiji 22 to force his way over from closerange, as the islanders led 19-

10 at the break.

But Fiji moved further ahead in the second half.

Tuisova showed incredible strength to hold off four defenders before slipping the ball inside for Kunavula to score.

A quick double from Nadolo wrapped up the game as he first profited from a superb grubber by flyhalf Ben Volavola, and then burst through the defensive line in midfield.

Saginadze scored two late tries for Georgia as Fiji's lack of match fitness in the sodden conditions began to show.

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Dominant Australian women’s cricket team earns highest honour in Aussie sport, the Don Award

Australia’s world champion women’s T20 team has earned the country’s highest annual honour, The Don Award.

The prize, given out by the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, goes to the Australian sportsperson or team who, through their performances and examples, most inspired the nation.

The women’s team, who beat India in front of 86,174 fans at the MCG earlier this year to claim the World Cup on home soil, become the first cricketers to win it since Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath (2007). Mark Taylor was the inaugural winner in 1998.

It’s the second year in a row The Don has gone to women’s athletes, with tennis star and world No.1 Ash Barty claiming the honour in 2019.

The T20 side is the first team to win the award since the Socceroos in 2006, when they qualified for the FIFA World Cup finals after 32 years out.

The Australian men’s cricket team were nominated in 2015 after winning the 50over World Cup, while Mitchell Johnson was nominated in 2014 for his performance in the 2013-14 Ashes series.

“The Australian Women’s Team is one of the most dominant and successful sporting teams this country has ever seen and we’re so proud of what they continue to achieve individually and as a group,” CA’s interim chief executive Nick Hockley said.

“To see them lift the T20 World Cup trophy in front of more than 86,000 fans was a moment I and a lot of people around Australia will remember for a long time.

“There’s no doubt they had to overcome plenty of hurdles to even get to that final, but to see them excel under pressure was a true show of the character and fight this team possesses.

“Led wonderfully by Meg, Matthew and vice-captain, Rachael Haynes, this is an incredible group of women who continue to drive high standards. It’s not easy for any team to achieve sustained success, but this team continues to find ways to take the game to a new level.

“Sport has a wonderful ability to unite and inspire people and we’re so proud of the Australian Women’s Team as role models both on and off the field.”

Australia’s victorious women were favourites heading into the tournament but lost their opening match against India and faced a dramatic rain-affected semifinal against South Africa, plus injuries to Ellyse Perry and Tayla Vlaeminck, before an 85run win in the final.

Beth Mooney was named Player of the Tournament while Alyssa Healy, Megan Schutt and Jess Jonassen starred.

John Bradman, the son of Sir Donald, presented the award via Zoom.

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This has been a very difficult year for many communities.

I would especially like to acknowledge the inspiring ways in which many members of the Indian community responded to the pandemic.

With extraordinary compassion, they helped those less fortunate in and supported, and continue to support, those in real need.

I hope that 2021 is a kinder year and that there will be much joy for you and your family.

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