December 2021 Christmas Special Edition

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

Volume 18, Number 4 Saturday, December 11th, 2021

As God is One, we respect all Religions

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Fiji Freight Specialist (Sea & Air) Queensland will open its borders to fully vaccinated interstate travellers coming from COVID-19 hotspots from December 13 at 1am, four days earlier than originally planned.

The state is close to reaching the milestone 80 per cent double dose vaccination mark, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced. Travellers will be required to produce a negative COVID-19 test in the 72 hours before they enter Queensland.

Travellers from domestic hotspots will also be required to have a second test on the fifth day of their visit to Queensland.

CONTD. ON PG 39

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021 — 1

Inside

• Local News ..................................4-41 • Real Estate ................................14-19 • Christmas Special ...................27-30 • India News ..................................... 42 • Fiji News ......................................... 44 • Entertainment .............................. 46 • Health & Well Being .................... 48 • Business Directory/Classified ... 51 • Sports News ................................... 52

A Division of Qld Multicultural Times Published Monthly OWNERS / PUBLISHERS: Umesh Chandra OAM & Usha Chandra ADVERTISING: 0430 193 715 sales@indiantimes.com.au 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)

From the Publisher Welcome to our December issue, yes this is the last issue of 2021, may I begin by first extending my best wishes for the festive season, wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year. May you get some quality time with your loved ones and have a happy and safe holiday. May the coming year be better for humanity, may we rise above the pandemic and return to the new normal that we have all been talking about. On the topic of the pandemic, at the time publication we were battling the new variant Omicron which was first reported in South Africa on 24 November 2021 and quickly become the dominant variant there.

It has also been detected in several other countries, including Australia. There is no evidence to date that the vaccines Australians have been given are any less effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalisation or death from Omicron.

Australian Government had announced new border security measures to protect Australians from the Omicron variant. Australia’s Chief Medical Officer recommended these new measures after a comprehensive risk assessment, hope fully in the coming year we would have overcome the challenges of this variant.

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.

While every effort has been made to capture the true likeness to colour printing is an art and therefore we cannot guarantee an exact matching of product to image. Refund / Credit is not given as a result of the previous mentioned.

All corresondence should be addressed to: Brisbane Indian Times, PO Box 197, Taigum Qld 4018. Ph: (07) 3192 5188 Fax: 3865 5864 / prod@indiantimes.com.au

From the Editor: If you would like us to publish your letters, feedback, comments on any of our stories or suggest ideas columns or features, please send your submissions to: Brisbane Indian Times Suite 5, 2281 Sandgate Road Boondall Qld 4034 or E-mail: prod@indiantimes.com.au

2 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021

In these trying times it is difficult to plan ahead effectively as there are far too many variables in the equation, nevertheless it is coming on to New Year, so New Years resolutions must be made and upheld, the latter is always challenging but with determination and strong will power we can do it. We have started planning for Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio, starting with this issue we have gone back to the “lift out supplement” model whereby the centre fold (four pages) will be the lift out portion. This issue is the Christmas supplement, our marketing team will offer special rates for these supplements.

2021 saw the greatest number of Diwali functions in my knowledge, we did attend quite a few Diwali functions including AIBC’s Diwali dinner held at Curry and Cask, a fully subscribed event in a good location. It is also that time of the year when many community organisations hold their annual general meetings, let me talk about a few of them.

First of all Queensland Multicultural Council held its annual General meeting at Radio 4EB conference Room, the meeting was very structured and Pele Ramdhani as the keynote speaker did a wonderful job, my aim as the facilitator is to always run a very structured

meetings, this is only possible with proper planning and following the procedure down to the dot.

The pre-AGM executive meeting is a very important meeting where everything must be sorted out, preparation is the key to the successful meeting. The second one is GOPIO Queensland AGM which was held at Sitar Indian Restaurant, the AGM was combined with the volunteer’s valedictory dinner and was a more casual affair. Congratulation to the incoming committees of both organisations.

And now it’s time for some music, firstly Sargam Music Academy held their postponed concert on 13th Nov, the evening featured some very talented artists, we were pleased to have supported this wonderful event, congratulations to Mithun, Bondita and family. The second one is the inaugural concert of students of Guru Diwakar Mothay held at Albany Creek community centre, students of Dheeraj Shrestha accompanied of the tabla and dholak, another great event to be part of. Music Junction, our monthly Facebook live musical show was themed Diwali Dhamaka, presented by wonderful RJ Savi, the segment featured a selection of local artists the show received favourable reviews and comments.

November also has White Ribbon day, which is the 19th of November, there were multiple events to mark the day, I organised a breakfast meet at Marco Polo restaurant in the new 140 Creek Street. Our south side tam held a display in Carindale shopping centre and a cycling event organised by Tim was held in Nundah. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk held their annual white Ribbon breakfast a week later, as usual the breakfast was a sold-out event with over thousand people in attendance the proceeds were shared by White Ribbon Australia and DV Connect.

Another two events I would like to talk about is African Professionals Gala dinner and PRET awards , first the African Professionals gala dinner held at the Skyroom of Convention Centre, Robert Mukombozi and his team did a wonderful job and it was wonderful to see the African community progress into the professional field, they are making a significant contribution. The second one is PRET awards held at W hotel, what a wonderful gathering if Real Estate and Finance professionals, Jade Harley, Paul Shih and team did a wonderful job of presenting the night in a very professional and classy manner, congratulations to the winners.

As we move toward 2022, lets reflect on the year gone by and focus on the year ahead , lessons learnt and plan ahead , the coming year will be a challenging one , one can sniff the interest rates raising and the economy retracting as the true effect of pandemic is yet to be felt, the pain will start to sink in as we move away from the buffer zone, as usual we will adapt and the fittest will survive. I will finish off by showing my sincere appreciation to all correspondents, RJs, advertisers, in house team and you the readers and listeners for your continued support.

See you all in 2022, until then, happy reading.

—Umesh Chandra OAM Publisher

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The Australian agricultural visa is aimed at attracting Pacific and South Asian agricultural workers who are not included and will include routes to permanent settlements and regional resettlement. Where is this information explained?

It will be operational from September 21, before the next harvest, and comes in addition to the current Seasonal Work Program and the Pacific Labour Scheme, which is considered the most successful by the government.

COVID-19 pandemic event visa (Subclass 408) With these visas you can: • stay in Australia if you do not have other visa options and can leave Australia due to the travel restrictions of COVID-19 • stay in Australia to work in these key areas during the COVID-19 epidemic: - agriculture - food processing - health care - care for the elderly - disability care - childcare or - tourism and hospitality Temporary Employment Visa (International Relations) Visa (Subject 403) The Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa Subclass 403 is a temporary work visa in Australia for certain conditions that promote international relations in Australia. There are 6 streams of this

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CONTD. ON PG 45

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021 — 3

‘Beautiful One Day, Perfect The Next’ – with Accor

By Rama Gaind

A well-worn slogan, but it fits Queensland to a T – ‘Beautiful One Day, Perfect The Next’!

This augurs well with the exciting news that COVID-19 restrictions have eased in Queensland. People are able to fly into the state from an interstate 'hotspot' (e.g. NSW/ VIC/ACT), provided they are fully vaccinated and have a negative COVID test in the 72 hours prior to the flight.

They have to undertake home quarantine for 14 days.

The picture looks even rosier after 80 per cent of eligible Queensland population is fully vaccinated (estimated to be 17 December 2021).

In partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ), Accor the largest hotel operator in Queensland - has launched a new campaign to encourage

travellers to ‘Experience Queensland Summer Days’.

The campaign, which is part of TEQ’s major new ‘Great Queensland Getaway’ campaign, aims to give incentives to Queenslanders to explore their home state.

It’s hoped this selection of affordable and flexible accommodation deals will inspire travellers to explore the world-leading holiday experiences available in Queensland.

According to the CEO of Tourism and Events Queensland, Leanne Coddington, Accor properties right around the state are offering compelling deals which are an important part of this campaign.

“We’re really hoping to see visitors truly get out and about and exploring parts of Queensland they haven’t been before, joining tours, visiting attractions, having memorable experiences and at the end of the day, enjoying the incredible accommodation on offer through the campaign.”

From luxury to economy, Accor has more than 90 ALLSAFE hotels, resorts and apartments to choose from in Queensland, including international brands such as Sofitel, MGallery, Art Series,

4 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021

Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa Pullman, Grand Mercure, Peppers, The Sebel, Mantra, Novotel, Mercure, BreakFree, ibis, ibis Styles and ibis Budget.

Accor’s ‘Experience Queensland Summer Days’ accommodation deals start from a low $118 per night at Mercure Townsville and are valid for new bookings until 31 January 2022.

Special deals Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa is the perfect place to pull up a sun-lounge by its stunning lagoon pool, which spans over 3,000sqm, and quench your thirst with a tropical cocktail. Stay from $299 per night.

Accor’s ‘Experience Queensland Summer Days’ campaign will extend to

Tasmanian, South Australian and Northern Territory residents and expand the borders as additional markets are able to holiday in the Sunshine State.

Enjoy sun, surf and savings on the Gold Coast with a stay at Novotel Surfers Paradise from $190 per night.

Stay at The Johnson Brisbane – Art Series from $162 per night. Set in Spring Hill, The Johnson takes its design cues from celebrated Australian abstract artist Michael Johnson.

Discover the magic of the Sunshine Coast at the popular beachside Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort.

Unwind between river and ocean from $175 per night.

Situated on the waterfront, Mantra Hervey Bay is the perfect place to unwind

Peppers Blue on Blue Resort Magnetic Island

Experience Queensland Summer Days original and relax on the Fraser Coast. Stay from $140 per night (two-night minimum stay – available Sunday to Thursday).

Escape to the worldfamous Whitsundays and stay at the popular Mantra Club Croc Airlie Beach from $149 per night.

On rugged and beautiful

Magnetic Island, Peppers Blue on Blue Resort, located right on the water’s edge overlooking the marina and ferry terminal, is offering overnight stays from $195 per night (Sunday to Thursday).

Visit the website – www.all. accor.com - for full terms and conditions and to book any of these deals (and more!).

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021 — 5

Aakash – The fifth element - Sadhguru, Isha Foundation To nourish the human being into a greater possibility, it is very important how the water, the air, the earth, the fire and the fifth dimension, which is the largest one, the space or akash, behave.

Today, modern science is recognizing there is something called as akashik intelligence; that is, empty space has a certain intelligence. Whether this intelligence works for you or against you will determine the nature of your life, whether you are a blessed being or one who is going to be knocked around for the rest of your life.

For no reason, some people are being hammered around by life, while some people seem to be blessed with everything. It is not for no reason. It is your ability – either consciously or unconsciously, to be able to get the cooperation of this larger intelligence which is functioning. It is improper to call akash the fifth element, because it is the element. All the other four just play upon it. Now we are here on a round planet. The Earth, the solar system, this galaxy, the whole cosmos, everything is all held in place only by the akash.

You, yourself are held in place by akash. Have you noticed, at any time, when you hit a peak experience,

For no reason, some people are being hammered around by life, while some people seem to be blessed with everything. It is not for no reason. It is your ability – either consciously or unconsciously, to be able to get the cooperation of this larger intelligence which is functioning. It is improper to call akash the fifth element, because it is the element.

physically without even your awareness, your body in gratitude looks upward because somewhere there is a recognition, there is an intelligence in a human being which recognizes that.

If you know how to get the cooperation of the akash into your life, this will be a blessed life. An intelligence

that you have never thought possible will become yours, because an intelligence which is beyond your understanding and grasp is right now functioning right here within you, isn't it? It is that intelligence which is holding the whole cosmos together; it is that intelligence which is the womb for creation.

It is in the womb of that intelligence that all creation is happening.

So to get the cooperation of the akash, there is one simple process you could do. After sunrise, before the sun crosses the 30-degree angle from the horizon, look up at the sky once and bow down to it for holding you in place today. After

the sun crosses 30 degrees, sometime during the day, any time, look up and bow down again. After the sun sets, once again look up and bow down; not to some god up there, just to the empty space for holding you in place for today. If you just do this, life will change dramatically. If you consciously do this

three times a day, if you get cooperation from akash, life will happen in magical ways.

Ranked amongst the fifty most influential people in India, Sadhguru is a yogi, mystic, visionary and bestselling author.

Sadhguru has been conferred the "Padma Vibhushan", India’s highest annual civilian award, by the Government of India in 2017, for exceptional and distinguished service.

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The COVID-19 vaccines available in Australia – Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca), Comirnaty (Pfizer) and Spikevax (Moderna) – are very effective at protecting people from severe disease, having to go to hospital, and death. They also have a significant impact on reducing the risk of getting COVID-19 and passing the virus on to others.

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It’s important to stay informed about the COVID-19 vaccination program through reliable and official sources.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021 — 7

Queensland Multicultural Council Inc AGM President Umesh Chandra OAM chaired the meeting, all protocols of the meetings were followed, audited reports as approved by the Executive committee was presented. Umesh Chandra OAM presented his report for the year, he reported that QMC Inc had been consulted via online discussion on various issues facing multicultural community, including but not limited to Religious vilification bill.

KANGAROO POINT, Queensland Multicultural Council held its annual general meeting in the conference room of Radio 4EB on 12th November. As usual the meeting was very well coordinated and ran in a very orderly manner. The meeting was well attended by many multicultural community leaders. Pele Ramdhani was the guest speaker who spoke on “Dealing with Covid 19 stress- a multicultural and migrant perspective”.

President Umesh Chandra

OAM chaired the meeting, all protocols of the meetings were followed, audited

reports as approved by the Executive committee was presented. Umesh Chandra

OAM presented his report for the year, he reported that QMC Inc had been consulted

via online discussion on various issues facing multicultural community, including but not limited to Religious vilification bill.

Pele Ramdhani, as the returning officer conducted the election process and the following were elected to office President Janeth Deen OAM, vice president Moktiar Singh, Secretary Asti Mardiasmo, Assistant secretary Irene Bayldon, Treasurer Nayda Hernandez , assistant treasurer Pradip Gorasia , Patron Umesh Chandra, Elder of QMC Aunty Betty Mcgrady.

Shantie Goonetilleke was

retained as the auditor.

Single nominations were received for the vacant position and hence the nominees were appointed to the positions.

Curry and Cask Indian restaurant provided the catering, wine was sponsored

by Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio, Asti sponsored the soft drinks, the wonderful and timely talk by Pele Ramdhani was were well received and overall a coordinated event.

Queensland Multicultural Council’s annual dinner will on 9th December, it will be reported in the next issue.

Let’s Bollywood presents Band Baaja Baaraat ASPLEY, On Sunday 5th December the wedding of the year took place at Aspley State School, well let’s say musically. Lets Bollywood, a Bollywood dance company run by Swina Kalwar presented the wedding themed annual concert which included 101 dancers , 12 groups of Juniors , intermediates and adults in sixteen action packed performances .In beautiful costumes the performances gave you a total Indian Style wedding experience.

From the entrance of the hall you got the wedding feeling of coming to a wedding, even the audience were all dressed up wedding style. The show began with a grand entry of all 101 dancers to the rhythmic Dhol beats. The

MCs took the audience through the wedding journey with special performances for many customs and traditions of the “Fat Indian Wedding”.

Many relived the memories of their own experiences of these rituals.

The well-choregraphed dances included different dances of different states and traditions of India from down South to up North.

From Punjabi to Gujarati dances and traditional wedding songs. Well done team Lets Bollywood.

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8 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021 — 9

GOPIO QUEENSLAND INC. AGM ALBION, the annual general meeting of GOPIO Queensland was held on Thursday 2nd November at Sitar Indian Restaurant.

GOPIO Queensland has historical ties with this restaurant, as it was here that the seed of GOPIO Queensland was planted, since that historical day GOPIO Queensland has held many meetings and events there, especially during the days of Indian Students unrest.

The AGM noted the absence of incumbent president Rakesh Sharma, who was away in India attending to the funeral of his father. Vice president Prof Prasad Yarlagadda chaired the meeting. The following were elected as the incoming committee President: Prof. Prasad KDV Yarlagadda OAM, Immediate Past President: Mr. Rakesh Sharma ,Vice President 1: Mr. Sunil Gurram, Vice President 2: Mr. Arpit Singh, Secretary: Ms Irene Bayldon, Asst.

Secretary: Mrs. Rani Sharma, Treasurer: To be advised, Asst. Treasurer: Ms. Sheetal Wakale, Public Relation Officer: Dr. Jyoti Sharma, Business Council Chair: Mr. Umesh Chandra OAM, Women Council Chair: To be advised, Youth Council Ambassadors: Mr Sahil Sinha and Mr. Sarthak Sharma, Patron: Dr. Mahalingam Sinnathamby AM, Women Council's Patron: Lady Mayoress, Mrs. Nina Schrinner.

Newly Elected president

Prof Prasad Yarlagadda OAM said “We would also like to thank all our past presidents and trustees of GOPIO QLD,

10 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021

namely Mrs Usha Chandra, Mr. Yousuf Ali Khan, Mr Umesh Chandra OAM, Mrs. Vinita Khushal and our long-

term committed members like Mayuresh Lande, Vikas Sinha and others, for attending our AGM to show their clear engagement and support to this prestigious organisation”.

Outgoing treasurer Arpit Singh indicated that GOPIO Queensland had a budget surplus this year post India Day Fair 2021, the reporting period for the AGM was the financial year

ended 30th June 2021. There was a renewed interest in membership, which is a good sign. The night was also served as a thank you dinner function for the volunteers of India Day Fair.

The most prominent group of volunteers were from Sant Nirankari group, and truly the night belonged to them, we got to see some amazing hidden talent as they started the singing session.

The returning officer Silvia Bosco of Radio 4EB diligently conducted the election process, Secretary Irene Bayldon had presented the validated nominations, none of the positions were contested so the nominees were duly elected. The meeting also endorsed Vinod Chaudhary as their continuing auditor. The AGM was attended by the broader membership.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021 — 11

Queensland Premiers White Ribbon Breakfast

BRISBANE, one thousand plus Queenslanders joined the growing movement to unite against domestic and family violence, by supporting White Ribbon Day and purchasing a ticket for the Queensland Government’s White Ribbon Day Breakfast held on Friday 26 November 2021.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the annual breakfast event was an opportunity for Queenslanders to show their support for gender equality and the elimination of domestic and family violence.

“Whether it’s a relative, a friend, a work colleague, a neighbour or someone in their community, most Queenslanders would know someone who has experienced domestic or family violence,” the Premier said.

“All Queenslanders deserve to live in an environment free from intimidation, harassment and violence, and this year the Queensland Government has

made real progress toward that vision.

“In March, we established the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce, which has been undertaking wide-ranging community consultation, and will deliver its first report later this year, with recommendations on how the Queensland Government can best legislate against coercive control.

“In May, we held the first ever Housing and Domestic and Family Violence Roundtable, which investigated long-term, safe and affordable housing solutions for people impacted by violence.

“And we committed more funding toward our wideranging domestic and family violence response in the 2021-22 State Budget in June, with $138 million allocated toward counselling, shelters, perpetrator interventions, and other initiatives increasing awareness of available support.

“Queenslanders of all ages,

and from all backgrounds, want to know what they can do to change the culture and attitudes which contribute to the cycle of violence.

“This year’s White Ribbon Day Breakfast will be an opportunity for Queenslanders to learn more about the challenges we face, and how Government, businesses and the community can work together to prevent and respond to domestic and family violence.”

The 2021 White Ribbon Day Breakfast will feature

a panel of Queensland’s most respected advocates, speaking on issues including gender equality, sexual violence, community-led responses and Government reform.

With ABC’s Matt Wordsworth as Master of Ceremony, this year’s breakfast will include The Honourable Margret McMurdo AC, Chair of Legal Aid Queensland as Keynote Speaker and Inspector Ben Martain, Manager, State and Family Violence and Vulnerable Persons Unit,

QPS, Harris Andrews, ViceCaptain, Brisbane Lions, Dr Brian Sullivan from the Responsible Men Program and Michael Jeh, educator and public speaker, as panellists.

The White Ribbon Day Breakfast was held on Friday 26 November 2021, from 7am–9am, at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Great Hall. booking fees).

White Ribbon Queensland State Committee held an information booth at the breakfast, White Ribbon Queensland State committee

is headed by Co Chairs Umesh Chandra OAM and Suzee Dearlove.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to White Ribbon Australia (ABN 57126739544) and DVConnect (ABN 66101186476).

The White Ribbon Day Breakfast is proudly supported by 4KQ, 97.3FM, 4BC 882, B105, Triple M, NOVA 106.9, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, MediaCom, Publicis Worldwide and The Weekend Edition.

White Ribbon Day observed in Brisbane Racing to break

the cycle of domestic violence 2021

BRISBANE, Friday 19th was the White Ribbon Day 2021, this is the day when may awareness events are held , and many individuals and groups get together to raise awareness and funds for White Ribbon Australia , members of Queensland White Ribbon State committee

organised few events , including a breakfast meet in Brisbane CBD at Marco Polo restaurant organised

by Umesh Chandra OAM , and an information booth at Carindale shopping centre organised by Carolyn Robinson.

As the Queensland State committee co-chaired by

12 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021

Umesh Chandra OAM and Suzee Dearlove is new, the events this year were on a smaller scale. Tim Classauliff partnered and helped with the Cycling event in Nundah, and Queensland Premier held the White ribbon breakfast for over thousand people in Brisbane Convention Centre.

White Ribbon Day is held on the last Friday before 25 November every year in Australia. This is a time where communities come together to stand up, speak out and act to say ‘no’ to gendered violence in Australia.

The White Ribbon Campaign runs all year round, and works to raise awareness of violence against women, encouraging men to support women’s groups and raise awareness in schools and workplaces, of violence against women, and to raise money for the White Ribbon Campaign.

The campaign distributes awareness information to schools, maintains a website and run events, and works tirelessly to prevent violence against women, undoubtedly saving lives and preventing injuries as it does.

NUNDAH, the 2021 racing to break the cycle of domestic violence was held on 21st November in Nundah. Funds raised supported Brisbane Domestic Violence servicebdvs.org.au and Beyond DV-beyonddv.org.au, all White Ribbon merchandise sold on the day supported White Ribbon Australia.

The event by AusCycling Queensland was supported

by Lifecycle cycling club, White Ribbon Partner was Tim Classauliff , Carolyn Robinson from Queensland State committee also attended the event. Tim Thanked many friends and colleagues for their assistance in making a difference.

HELPING YOU GET THE HOME YOU WANT Chat to Nitin Puri, your local Home Finance Manager: 0457 517 732 npuri@westpac.com.au Westpac Aspley 1374 Gympie Road, Aspley

Credit provided by Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714.

Call: (07) 3192 5188

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WBC01628-0321

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021 — 13

AVERAGE VENDOR DISCOUNT

KEY COMMENTS Average vendor discounts between Q3 2020 and Q3 2021 have swung to a premium for both property types, at 3.0% for houses and 0.2% for units. The Brisbane Metro market conditions have shifted to favour sellers, where buyers must offer above the initial listing price.

The average vendor discount for houses have swung to a premium since Q1 2021, for the past 3 quarters. Now is the time to transact, before the premium paid climbs further.

B r i s b a n e M e t r o 2 nd H a l f 2 0 2 1

-1.1%

-2.6%

-1.0%

-2.0%

-2.9%

-2.0%

-2.9%

0.0% -1.0%

3.0% -0.5%

1.4%

1.0%

3.0%

2.0%

0.2%

3.0%

-3.5%

Affordable & Liveable Property Guide

Change from Listing to Sale Price

4.0%

-3.0% -4.0%

Q2 2020

Q3 2020

Q4 2020

Q1 2021

House

Q2 2021

The dominant proportion of homes sold in Brisbane Metro across 2021# were in the premium price bracket of $850,000 and above (41.7%). Units also recorded a dominant premium price bracket of $550,000 and above (35.5%). There is a shift towards premium pricing in Brisbane Metro. Affordable options are still available, however have shrunk in the past 12 months.

Q3 2021

Unit

MARKET PERFORMANCE BRISBANE METRO OVERVIEW Median property prices in Brisbane Metro increased by 22.3% for houses to $825,000 from Q3 2020 to Q3 2021*, and by 3.6% for units at $465,000. Between Q3 2020 – Q3 2021 total house sales declined by -11.7% (to 4,902 sales), but unit sales increased by 121.9% (to 4,043 sales). Undersupply is evident in Brisbane Metro’s house market, as price growth is alongside lower transaction volumes, suggesting an imbalance between available stock and high demand. Units show real returns in capital investment, as price growth was sustained by increased sales. $4.8B of projects are planned across the 2nd half of 2021, where mixed-use and residential projects will assist with housing supply. Infrastructure and commercial projects suggest new businesses and improved services. The Olympics 2032 announcement brought a certain buzz into Brisbane’s property market, and with imminent border openings soon, this trend is expected to continue in 2022.

RECENT TOP PERFORMERS Area Inner North South East West

Suburb Kangaroo Point

Type

Median Price 2020

Median Price 2021*

Unit

78.7%

$386.9M

73.4%

$386.9M

Carseldine

House

Nundah

Unit

$648,000

$760,000

17.1%

$67.5M

$390,000

$418,000

7.2%

$31.6M

$520,000

Carindale

House

$919,000

$1,150,000

25.1%

$80.7M

Rochedale

Unit

$587,000

$635,000

8.2%

$171.0M

Lota

House

$690,000

$782,000

13.3%

$30.3M

Murarrie

Unit

$575,000

$605,000

5.2%

$56.0M

Indooroopilly

House

$972,000

$1,344,000

38.2%

$203.4M

Redbank

Unit

$210,000

$263,000

25.2%

$87.8M

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 2020 to 2021*.

•

Investment criteria – as of September 2021, suburbs considered will have an onpar or higher rental yield than Brisbane Metro, and an on-par or lower vacancy rate.

•

•

•

Sales

$800,000

Median Price

$700,000

Rental Price

$600,000

Sales

Affordability criteria – identified affordable and liveable suburbs have a median price below a set threshold. This was determined by adding percentage premiums to the Queensland (QLD) average home loan, which was $461,414** as of Q2 2021. Premiums of 56% for houses and -3% for units were added, which were below those required to reach Brisbane Metro’s median prices (79% for houses and 1% for units). This places the chosen 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 2021, 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 2021 release).

*Median price quoted captures sale transactions from 1st January 2021 to 30th September 2021, or Q1 2020 – Q3 2021. **Average home loan figure is derived from June Quarter 2021 Housing Affordability Report by the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) and Adelaide Bank. ***Project development is based on aggregate of estimated construction value for residential, commercial, industrial, mixed-use and infrastructure projects scheduled to commence in the 2nd half of 2021 as stated by the relevant data authority. ^Annual Change is reflective of median price change from Q3 2020 to Q3 2021. Figures displayed in infographics are for the period Q3 2020.

Source: APM Pricefinder, REIA, SQM Research, Cordell Connect, Department of Jobs and Small Business. © PRD 2021.

Unit Sales

House Median

Unit Median 7,000 6,000

BRISBANE METRO MEDIAN HOUSE PRICE 2021* 20KM FROM CBD $500,000

5,000 4,000

$400,000

Median Price Rental Price

Projects 2021***

$900,000

House $1,084,000 $1,937,000

Kangaroo Point

$900,000

MEDIAN SALE PRICE Price Growth

House Sales

Annual Change^

$465K

HOUSE

UNIT

2,000

1

$200,000

1,000

$100,000 $0

$825k

3,000

$300,000

Q3 2020

Q4 2020

Q1 2021

4

PRICE BREAKDOWN 2021#

Q2 2021

5

HOUSES SOLD

6

UNITS SOLD

MEDIAN RENTAL PRICE

3 16.2%

$500

$425

HOUSE

41.7%

Less than $549,999 $550,000 to $649,999

13.9%

$650,000 to $749,999

UNIT

2

$850,000 and above

13.7%

BRISBANE METRO

3.7%

5.2%

HOUSE YIELD

UNIT YIELD

Less than $399,999

32.4%

35.5%

$400,000 to $449,999 $450,000 to $499,999

$750,000 to $849,999

14.5%

BENCHMARKS

0

Q3 2021

$500,000 to $549,999

8.0%

11.3%

$550,000 and above

12.8%

#2021

encapsulates sales transactions for Q3 2020 – Q3 2021 (01/01/2020 – 30/09/2021) only.

Source: APM Pricefinder. © Copyright PRD 2021.

1.4% VACANCY RATE

LEGEND

BENCHMARKS

RENTAL YIELD

Data not available

QUEENSLAND

Suburb

House

1

Bracken Ridge

3.9%

2

Oxley

3

Birkdale

$0 - $500,000 $500,000 - $800,000 $800,000 - $1,000,000 $1,000,000 - $2,000,000

5.1% UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

BRISBANE AFFORDABLE & LIVEABLE SUBURBS

AVERAGE HOME LOAN

$461,414

$2,000,000+ 20km from CBD Translucent colours for <20 sales

Suburb

Unit

4

McDowall

5.4%

3.8%

5

Gordon Park

5.6%

3.8%

6

Kedron

5.6%

14 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021 *House median price reflected in the heat-map captures sale transactions from 1st January 2021 to 30th September 2021.

Source: APM Pricefinder, ESRI ArcGIS, SQM Research. © PRD 2021.

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Life on Brookwater’s Dress Circle is close to everything you need — public transport, schools, childcare centres, a university, a private hospital, shopping centres and a thriving commercial precinct. We welcome you to experience Brisbane’s best kept secret when it comes to luxury living, and choose from our leading architectural collaborators to design your dream home — complimentary with your Dress Circle land purchase.

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16 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021

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18 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021 — 19

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland भौतिक सख ु और ईश्वरीय आनंद जिन भौतिक वस्तुओं का सुख भोगना आप चाहते हैं , कुछ ही समय में आप उनसे बोर हो जाते हैं । और वे वस्तुएं बहुत दिन तक टिकती भी नहीं, कुछ ही समय में नष्ट भी हो जाती हैं ।" कोई व्यक्ति मिठाई आदि खाने में रुचि रखता है । बड़े शौक से वह मिठाई खाता है । और 5/10 मिनट में ही उससे ऊब जाता है । दो दिन बाद वह फिर मिठाई खाता है । परिणाम वही होता है , कि 5/10 मिनट में ही उस मिठाई से वह फिर ऊब जाता है । "इस प्रकार से जो जो वस्तुएं उसे पसंद हैं , उसे सुखदायक लगती हैं , उन वस्तुओं से व्यक्ति कुछ ही समय में ऊब जाता है । और ऊबकर उन्हें कुछ समय के लिए छोड़ दे ता है ।" फिर वर्षों तक बार बार खाने-पीने भोगने के बाद भी उसकी इच्छा पूरी तरह से शांत नहीं होती। मन में अशांति बनी रहती है , बेचन ै ी बनी रहती है । वह ऐसा नहीं सोचता, कि "अबकी बार खूब जमकर मिठाई खाएंगे, और फिर कभी जीवन में दब ु ारा नहीं खाएंगे। बस जो खाना था, खा लिया। अब इन मिठाइयों से हमारी पूरी तृप्ति हो गई।" उसे ऐसा पूर्ण तृप्ति का अनुभव कभी नहीं होता। इन भौतिक पदार्थों के सुख से तृप्ति न होने का कारण यह है , कि "इन मिठाइयों में अथवा ऐसी ही और भी सभी भौतिक वस्तुओं में इतनी क्षमता नहीं है , कि ये भौतिक वस्तुएं आत्मा की इच्छा को पूरी तरह से शांत कर सकें।" थोड़ा सा (क्षणिक) सुख इन भौतिक वस्तुओं से मिलता है , और फिर शीघ्र ही समाप्त हो जाता है । "आत्मा की भोगने की शक्ति तो अधिक है , परं तु इन भौतिक वस्तुओं में लंबे समय तक लगातार सुख दे ने की क्षमता नहीं है । इसलिए लंबे समय तक ये मिठाई आदि भौतिक वस्तुएं सुख दे नहीं पाती। "ये भौतिक वस्तुएं स्वयं भी बहुत लंबे समय तक स्थिर नहीं रहती। कोई 5/7 दिन, कोई 15 दिन, कोई 1 महीना, कोई 1 साल, कोई 2 साल तक ही रहती हैं । कोई कोई वस्तु 15/20 साल तक भी चल जाती है , जैसे कार आदि। और मकान आदि वस्तुएं भले ही 50 60 80 वर्ष तक भी नष्ट नहीं

होते। परन्तु व्यक्ति 15/20/30 वर्ष में अपने मकान से भी ऊब जाता है , फिर या तो उसे तोड़ कर परिवर्तन (रिनोवेशन) करा लेता है । या उसे बेचकर नया ही खरीद/बनवा लेता है । इसलिए भी इन वस्तुओं से पूर्ण और स्थाई सुख प्राप्ति की कोई आशा या संभावना नहीं है ।" दस ू री बात - "इं द्रियों के भोगने का सामर्थ्य भी बहुत कम है । थोड़ी सी दे र में रसना इं द्रिय मीठा खा खाकर थक जाती है । इसलिए उसे छोड़ना पड़ता है ।" परं तु ईश्वर में जो आनंद है , वह बहुत उच्च स्तर का है । उसे भोगने पर आत्मा को अतृप्ति या अधूरापन अनुभव नहीं होता। "ईश्वरीय आनंद में इतनी क्षमता है , जो आत्मा की इच्छा को पूरी तरह से शांत कर सकती है । ईश्वरीय आनंद को भोगने के बाद व्यक्ति यह अनुभव करता है , कि "बस जो चाहिए था, मिल गया. अब और कोई इच्छा बाकी नहीं है ।" तो इस प्रकार से भौतिक सुख की तुलना में ईश्वरीय आनंद बहुत उच्च क्वालिटी का है । "इसलिए ईश्वरीय आनंद को आप जब तक प्राप्त नहीं करें गे, तब तक आप को अशांति/ बेचन ै ी/ अतृप्ति बनी रहे गी।" इस अशांति/ बेचन ै ी/ अतृप्ति का पूरा निवारण तो मोक्ष में ही होगा। "मोक्ष में करोड़ों अरबों खरबों वर्षों तक आत्मा को ईश्वर का आनंद मिलेगा। लगातार मिलेगा। आत्मा में इतना लंबा आनंद भोगने की क्षमता है । और ईश्वर उसके कर्मानुसार मोक्ष में इतना लंबा फल दे गा भी। इसलिए मोक्ष प्राप्ति के लिए प्रयत्न करना चाहिए। स्वामी विवेकानंद परिव्राजक ओ३म ्

BE FEARLESS AND HAVE FAITH IN THE DIVINITY

Acharya Bramdeo Mokoonlall

अभयं मित्रादभयंमित्रादभयं ज्ञातादभयं परोक्षात । अभयं नक्तमभयं दिवा नः सर्वा आशा मम मित्रं भवन्तु ।। Abhayam MitraadAbhayam-Amitraad-Abhayam Jnaataad-Abhayam Parokshaat, Abhayam Naktam Abhayam Divaa Nah Sarvaa Aashaa Mama Mitram Bhavantu.

(AtharvaVeda 19.15.6) O Eeshvar (God)! We seek your grace to be fearless from

our friends & foes, from the known & unknown, from daylight & darkness of the night, and from all directions.

This mantra is an invocation to “be free from fear, be fearless and have faith in the Divinity.” It’s a call to always be alert as life is full of uncertainties which have to be faced as and when they arise; from friends & opponents, the known & unknown, light & darkness as well as all directions.

A similar prayer is found in the Manasaa-Parikramaa of our daily twilight BrahmaYajna or Sandhya where we seek the divine protection from all living and non-living beings, and from all directions.

We need to consolidate our health (body-mindspirit) and self-confidence.

Life demands not an attitude of flight as running away or

20 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021

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

Trustee Mr. Sukarm Pal Singh

Trustee Mr. Mul Chand

President Dr. Sukhvir Singh

Secretary Mr. Hari Chand

TreasurerMrs. Suman Chand

Samaj Havan Yajna Satsang at Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre ओ३म ् भर् भु ः स्वः तत्सवितर्व ू व ु रेण्यं भर्गो देवस्यः धीमहि धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात ् ओ३म ् Gayatri Maha Yajna 2021 With new cases of COVID-19 still being seen nationally once again just as the holiday season is upon us, proper precautions to prevent the spread of infection are more important than ever. Holiday safety is an issue that burns when families gather, parties are scheduled and travel spikes. While the holidays might look a little different this year due to the global pandemic, gatherings are still possible if everyone agrees to follow the requirements and advice on ensuring your family remains safe and injury-free throughout the season.

With the vacation time

of year approaching it’s important to celebrate safely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases and keep our friends, family and community safe. The holiday season is a time for relaxing and celebrating with friends and family. Unfortunately one of the wonderful time of the year can also prove hazardous for our health and safety .

The good news is there are some things we all can do to manage or minimize infection risks and other hazards over the holiday season.

If you are hosting a

holiday celebration, it is very handy to check on the current government advice like the maximum number of people allowed to attend ,Check In Qld app and other conditions. Where possible, keep your guest list small and manageable and make sure you get contact details for all guests and follow all COVID-19 restrictions.

If you feel unwell, do not host or attend social gatherings.

If you have cold or flu like symptoms, we should get tested for COVID-19. You must stay home and isolate until you get your results back.

The bottom line is 2020/21

has forced us to adapt and adjust the ways we gather and socialize. We’ve learned that we can still gather and celebrate safely by taking precautions.

The holiday season might be the biggest challenge yet.

By remaining mindful of the highly infectious nature of COVID-19 coronavirus, we can still enjoy the things we love about the holidays.

Brighten the holidays by making your and everyones health and safety a priority.

Take steps to keep you and your loved ones,friends and the community safe and healthy-and ready to enjoy the holidays.

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

GRATITUDE कृतज्ञता तीन ऋण

Acharya Bramdeo Mokoonlall

Gratitude कृ तज्ञता is a noble human trait. It is respectful appreciation of support, care, love received.

Gratitude brings light to life. The Vedic (Hindu) philosophy upholds gratitude in terms of the Rina Traya (ऋण त्रय), the three-fold hiding the head is no solution.

Rather, the acceptance of uncertainties fosters courage to act, understand, love, nurture compassion, and endure create space for faith & hope to blossom.

We’ll realize the edict of “Manurbhava” – be humane in thoughts, words & deeds, and be the oil and wick in the lamp of humanity. Happiness (sukha), Peace (shaanti), and Prosperity (samriddhi) will illuminate human life all over the whole world.

liabilities under which every individual is born, which instill in us the sense of duties and responsibilities: 1. DEV-RINA, दे व ऋण i.e. obligations to Eeshvar (God), the Creator of the universe and all the forces and elements therein sustaining the universe and life (space, air, fire, water, earth …etc.), the revelation (Veda) and the knowledge ingrained in the universe (physical & other sciences) • We need to honor the cosmic process, i.e. respect the laws in Creation - the laws of nature, refrain from polluting the planet which sustains life, make judicious use of resources, and not leave the planet in a worse state than we inherited by

doing Yajnas (Agnihotra / Havan) as a maintenance process of the environment.

2. RISHI RINA ऋषी ऋण i.e. obligations to the seers (rishis) for the rich heritage & culture, the transmission of knowledge, the Vedas - the living values for peace, social cohesion, and fostering the inquisitive tradition.

• We need to keep ourselves on that learning curve, add to the wisdom and disseminate it to the next generation, hence Atithi Yajna paring respects to visiting learned and elderly persons.

3. PITRI-RINA पित ृ ऋण i.e. obligations to parents, ancestors and the elderly around us for their contribution in our physical,

mental-moral-spiritual & social upbringing. We need to toe the line of our ancestors in living up to the Universal Vedic values as well as continue the lineage and perpetuate the knowledge by disseminating it down to our children.

• Let’s adopt Pitri Yajna in our daily life, perform real Shraadha i.e. care for living parents as an act of faith, respect and gratitude; and Tarpan, i.e. keep them content …not when they are no longer among us.

Gratitude is a beneficial action that will multiply our blessings. We need to practice it daily to enhance our levels of happiness (sukh), peace (shaanti) and prosperity (samriddhi).

Call: (07) 3192 5188

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021 — 21

Why Indo-Fijians did not join Fiji Army During the Wars: History Girmitiya Descendants need to know

Thakur Ranjit Singh, FIJI PUNDIT

Last month, in November, we marked Remembrance Day. At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, Fiji marks a memorable day. That is Remembrance Day on 11th November each year.

Americans call it Veteran’s Day. Remembrance Day (also known as Poppy Day or Armistice Day) is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth countries since the end of World War I to remember the members of their armed forces who have died in the line of duty.

Historically, arguments have raged since the wars on the reasons why Indo-Fijians (Fiji Indians, descendants of Girmitiyas) did not join the army in numbers. Since Fiji’s history fails to tell this, descendants of Girmitiyas (indentured labourers) need to be reclaim the stolen history and restore facts that need to be told the reasons why their forbears did not join Fiji Army for World War I and II. Every now and then Itaukei (Native Fijian) leaders, commentators, ethnonationalists, politicians and even ignorant Fiji Indians in all sizes and shapes have levelled accusation at IndoFijians for being disloyal to Fiji by not joining the army during the world wars. Among others, a Fijian (this term refers to Itaukei, Natives) nationalist academic who was behind the racist 1990 constitution, late Dr Asesela Ravuvu had accused Indo-Fijians of not being interested to fight for the maintenance of democratic rule in the world and were selfish while Itaukei gave their lives for this cause. He accused Indo-Fijians of demanding more pay and special protection for their families and property. It was such non-cooperation, according to him, that partly contributed to difficulties in acquiring trust and acceptance of the Itaukei Fijians as good neighbours and countrymen.

Professor Brij Lal, Fiji’s greatest celebrated Historian, an Indo-Fijian academic and one of the Commissioners behind the 1997 constitution gave clarifications and wrote about the reasons why this happened. I take liberty to borrow his thoughts and quote him to inform the

world who deserved to know this untold story a long time ago.

It is agreed that while to some extent, government’s refusal to grant IndoFijians the same conditions of service provided to European soldiers is one of the reasons for them not being in the military.

However, there are others which need to be clarified to counteract accusations of Fijian nationalists who castigate a whole race for something they were not guilty of.

The reasons why IndoFijians did not join in the World Wars in the Fiji army are the following, among others: 1) Recruitment for Fijians was well-organised and even supported by chiefs, including Ratu Sukuna in his military uniform. His support and efforts perhaps was because, he was a beneficiary of the things that came from Britain, hence the need to protect them.

Furthermore, by recruiting greater number of Fijians, there was an intention to display Fijian loyalty to the British to win their support for the Fijian community, as pressures were being exerted by the Indo-Fijian community for more say in the government.

2) Easier access to Fijian villagers to recruit, as they lived in stratified structure collectively and were more easily accessible than scattered Indo- Fijians in cane farms.

3) While Indo-Fijians said they would fight if Fiji was attacked, they refused to fight for the empire in the other parts of the world unless government acknowledged the principle of equality between European and nonEuropean soldiers. What they said was that an IndoFijian life should be valued same as a European life.

What they effectively asked for was that Brown/Black lives also matter - not only the White ones.

4) The government was reluctant to recruit Indo-Fijians because of objections from Fijians and Europeans, as they did not wish them to be equipped with this skill. There have been instances where IndoFijians were requesting their sons to be recruited but were refused. One Indo-Fijian is reported to have gone to New Zealand to enlist in the Maori regiments because the Fiji army was not taking in Indo-Fijians.

5) Europeans were fearful of Indo-Fijians because of Gandhi’s ’QuitIndia’ campaign and Subhash Chandra Bose’s collaboration with the Japanese.

6) There was reluctance

by CSR (sugar millers) to grant leave for the farmers to fight the war, as they needed to meet their contractual arrangements

22 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021

RATU SIR LALA SUKUNA: Recruitment for Fijians was well-organised and even supported by chiefs, including Ratu Sukuna in his military uniform. INDIANS WERE DISCOURAGED FROM RECRUITMENT THROUGH OBJECTIONS FROM FIJIANS AND EUROPEANS and were seen as a threat to them. on the cane farms.

Indo-Fijians were not unemployed and “free” like most of the Itaukei villagers who were not fully utilised and were available for military services without any constraints elsewhere.

Indo-Fijians had a difficult choice of selecting between enlisting for the war and keeping their farms. Fijians on the other hand did not have the difficulty of such a choice, as they had no

Fiji Military is a racially based institution made up of over 95 % of Itaukei and have been the instrument of political instability since 1987 in Fiji. Before that, Fiji Military was best known for its celebrated Fiji Military Forces Band.

British colonialism, and Fijian chiefs were grateful for the security, handouts and privilege they and their people enjoyed as a result of British policies. On the other hand, Indo-Fijians had been subjected to most inhuman racial humiliations and denigrations on a daily basis during indenture (Girmit). Therefore, fighting a war for the British would have meant a fight for preservation of a system that was oppressive and humiliating. And for IndoFijians, a British war

Fiji’s proud son, PROFESSOR BRIJ V. LAL, (right) who filled the vacuum on Indo-Fijian and Girmit history that British and Australian CSR Colonialists stole from History books of Fiji. This clarification on dis-information on Indians not joining the army is from him. These were lies perpetuated by British, who, together with Fijian Chiefs objected to Indians joining the army. He is pictured here with your truly, Thakur Ranjit Singh, (left) author of blog Site FIJI PUNDIT and Secretary of Trustees of Fiji Girmit Foundation of New Zealand, during Fiji Girmit Remembrance Day in Auckland in May 2014 where Professor Lal (with Dr Padma Lal) was the Chief Guest and the Keynote Speaker. farming obligations.

7) The government proclaimed that the most important contributions the Indo-Fijians could make were to increase the production of foodstuffs and maintenance of essential agricultural interests. This had been their contribution to the war, as soldiers do and cannot fight wars on a hungry stomach. In other words, Indo-Fijians were effectively fighting an economic war for Fiji.

8) Membership in the British Empire was no badge of honour for the Indo- Fijians. Local Europeans owed their power and prestige to

medal was not considered a badge of honour, but a sign of exploitation and oppression.

The conclusion by Professor Brij Lal in analysis of the above reasons is that the IndoFijians were neither seditious nor disloyal.

It was the European propaganda and the exuberance, liveliness, and excitement of war efforts of the Fijians that made them appear so. It was concluded that there was no evidence of any opposition to the war by Indo-Fijians who had displayed full loyalty for the government with a fervent hope for the victory

of the Allied Nations. It is obvious that a vacuum in the true historical facts have clouded this issue.

Therefore, it is hoped these historical facts give information why Fiji Indians were hardly present in Fiji Army during the two World Wars.

The question that I pose here is would Fiji’s history have been different if the British had encouraged racial balance in the Fijian Military during the wars?

What may be the history of Fiji if Indo-Fijians were encouraged and even forced to join the army during the two world wars?

The answer perhaps lies in the next question and answer.

Question: Why developing Third World Countries like Papua New Guinea and India, despite being so divided on regional, provincial, language, cultural or ethnic lines have little chance of success of a racially instituted military coup that Fiji saw?

Answer: This is because their military do not have the type of racial, ethnic, traditional, or religious polarisation that Fiji military has. In those countries the diverse makeup of the soldiers would thwart, discourage and even prevent uprising based on racial, religious, Chiefly status or regional superiority.

For argument sake, assume if Fiji military in 1987 had, say 30 to 50 percent Indo-Fijian soldiers distributed equally in all ranks, would Rabuka still have been able to topple the then Commander and institute a racially and religious-based coup?

The chances would have been slim and may even have resulted in a mutiny as comradeship in the military transcends race and religion, and rational reasoning may have come out of such a treasonous suggestion.

The bottom-line is, to remove coup culture in Fiji, for the military to venture on racial balancing of the

Fiji Military forces and encourage Indo-Fijians to join the military service.

There is no shortage of such people to join, the only problem is that, like in those colonial days, they still are not taken in, and in turn are blamed for lacking patriotism, and being of lower stature (built). As if Japanese and Gurkha need the size and physique of Fijians to be successful soldiers, who need brains as well as brawn.

Sadly, even Frank Bainimarama, despite his rhetoric on all of us being Fijians has been a shocking disappointment.

In his control subsequent to removal of Qarase in 2006, he has not been able to make a dent in his 15 years control of Fiji, while Khaiyum on the other hand has been able to populate top positions in Fiji government institution with his “own people”. Indeed, some see it as a hypocritical stance on singing the songs of equality for all.

I hope Fiji Indian Diaspora around the world will learn the reasons why they were not represented in the Fiji army during the wars, and still so. They now have information to rebut any ignorant, uninformed and racists people who accuse Fiji Indians of any lack of patriotism towards Fiji.

E: thakurjifj@gmail.com [About the author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is a journalist and media commentator and runs his blog site, FIJI PUNDIT, that tells what others fail to tell.

He is a former publisher of Fiji's Daily Post newspaper, and is based in Auckland, New Zealand. This article was originally written and published in FIJI PUNDIT blog in 2012 and is being republished to inform Fiji Indians of the stolen history of Fiji. He is a Postgraduate of Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and the above is an extract from a project paper he had done on coup culture in Fiji and was largely from the eminent Fiji historian, Professor Brij Lal’s work and writings]

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021 — 23

In the prehistoric period, Brahma created a number of Prajapatis, lords of creation that included Marichi. Marichi’s son Kashyap with his wife Aditi produced numerous sons including Vivasman or Surya.

Vivasman’s son Manu became the first human on the earth. Manu had a son named Ikshvaku and a daughter called Ila. Ikshvaku became the progenitor of the solar dynasty.

Ila was married to Buddha, the son of Moon, and became the originator of lunar dynasty.

Manu had established a city named Ayodhya, the invincible city, on the banks of River Sarayu.

Ayodhya became the capital of solar dynasty kings. The solar dynasty ruled for thousands of years and attained great feats.

Many celebrated kings were born in the solar dynasty. Raghu, the son of king Dilip was one of them. He expanded the kingdom in all directions and performed the Visvajit Yagya, the sacrifice of world victory. His lineage is identified by his name as Raghuvansh, dynasty of Raghu. Raghu’s son AJa was father of Dasharath.

Dashrath’s son Ram was the most illustrious king of the solar dynasty. The events relating to him occurred during the Tretayug, the second epoch of traditional Hindu almanac. Physical objects referring to his accomplishments mostly disappeared over time but stories of his life and achievements continued to survive through oral tradition.

Later, scholars recorded these stories and legends in writing.

Ancient poets wrote Ram’s story in Sanskrit. Valmiki was the first poet who wrote Ram’s story, entitled the Ramayan. The Mahabharat contains a large chapter on Ram known as Ramopakhyan. Kalidas wrote Raghuvansham that describes twenty-nine kings of solar dynasty including Ram. Subsequently, scholars and sages composed the retelling of the Ramayan in regional languages. For example, Kamban composed the Tamil Ramayan in twelfth century.

Krittibas Ojha wrote the Bengali Ramayan in fourteen century and Tulasidas wrote Ramcharit Manas in Hindi in the sixteenth century. These books became literally classics in their own right.

Ramayan became a sacred text and Ram attained the status of an incarnation of Vishnu, the preserver and protector of the universe.

Originating in oral traditions and subsequently attaining the sacred status, the story of Ram had evolved over time. Variations in certain narratives, making the text relevant to prevailing social and cultural environment, are not uncommon in different retellings of the Ramayan.

After enlightenment, Valmiki wished to know from sage Narad whether there was a person with all the good qualities alive in the world.

He then enumerated the attributes, which included integrity, bravery, righteousness, gratitude, truthfulness, dedication to one’s principles, flawless character, compassion for all living beings, learning, skill, beauty, a pleasing appearance, courage, radiance, control over anger and desires, lack of jealousy at all times and undaunted heroism which can frightened even the celestials.

Narad responded saying that it was difficult to find all these qualities in a single being, but he knew one such person. He was Ram, a king in the line of Ikshvaku. Then he began the legend of Ram who was as noble as the mighty ocean, as powerful as Vishnu, as steadfast as the Himalayas, handsome as the Moon, patient as the Earth, generous

Shree Ram

as Kuber, just as Dharma, and if rage is aroused, then he became like the fire at the end of the Time.

Ram was the son of Kaushalya, one of three wives of king Dasharath.

With his conduct, Ram became the darling of the king and all the three queens.

After the Yagyopavit rite, he was sent to Gurukul, the school run by the royal priest Basishth. At Gurukul, he studied under the guidance of erudite teachers. After graduation, Ram returned home as adolescent.

Sometime later, sage Vishvamitra arrived at Dasharath’s court requesting the king to send Ram with him to protect his sacred ritual from Rakshasas. Ram went with the sage accompanied by his brother Lakshman.

Vishvamitra taught the brothers many new spells and skills. Ram learnt how to survive without food and water. He learnt how to set a tree aflame and bore a hole in the ground by an arrow, and many other abilities that were useful.

Along the way, they encountered Tadaka, a matriarch of Rakshasas.

She and her sons Marich and Subahu used to harass Visvamitra.

Ram killed her when she attacked the troika. He also killed Subahu and hurled Marich a long distance away with his blunted arrow, when they tried to obstruct Vishvamitra from performing his rites.

After completing their mission to protect the sage’s rituals, Ram and Lakshman started for Janakpur with Vishvamitra. En route to Janakpur, Ram with a touch of his foot transformed Ahilya from a stone into a beautiful woman.

In Janakpur, Ram attended the Svayamvar, which was held for Sita, daughter of king Janak of Mithila.

Stringing the bow of Shiva was the condition to qualify to wed Sita.

After fulfilling the condition of the Svayamvar, Ram married Sita. He tactfully pacified Parashuram who tried to intimidate him for breaking Shiva’s bow. After the wedding, they returned to Ayodhya.

Dasharath decided to crown Ram to the throne of Ayodhya.

With approval of priests, ministers

24 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021

and representatives of subjects, the preparation for coronation began.

Manthara, a maidservant of Kaikeyi poisoned her mind against Ram’s coronation. Kaikeyi demanded fulfilment of the two boons that Dasharath had granted her earlier, and asked him to crown her son Bharat to the throne of Ayodhya and send Ram as an ascetic into the forest for fourteen years.

Dasharath was devastated to hear the atrocious demand. When Ram learnt about it, he immediately decided to uphold his father’s promise to Kaikeyi. He declined his impending crowning and sought permission from his parents to go into exile.

Ram wore an ascetic robe and departed for the forest. His wife Sita and brother Lakshman also accompanied him. On the way, Ram stayed overnight at Shringerpur where he met his Gurukul friend Guha.

The next day, they crossed the River Ganga and visited sage Bharadwaj at his Ashram in Prayagraj. From there, they proceeded to Chitrakut. There they made their hermitage on the banks of River Mandakini.

Dasharath could not bear his separation from Ram and passed away. Bharat who was far away at his maternal uncle’s house was brought to Ayodhya. He refused to accept the crown and went to meet Ram. He requested him to return and take care of the ancestor’s kingdom. Ram declined and persuaded Bharat to become king on his behalf. He gave Bharat his Paduka, wooden sandal, which became the symbol of Ram’s authority.

Soon Ram moved away from Chitrakut and ventured towards the Dandak forest. Rakshasas had infiltrated the forest and oppressed the weak, sages and civilised humans. They acted on the direction of their king Ravan, who was based in Lanka. Ravan had tormented the whole civilised world. Sages and deities were praying for his demise.

Ram visited the hermitage of sage Atri and paid respect to him and his wife Anusuya. Further on the way, Ram encountered Rakshas Viradh

who attacked him and his brother.

Ram killed him.

Ram learnt about sage Sharabhang and visited him. Soon after meeting Ram, the sage left the world. Many other sages were gathered there. They informed Ram about the transgressions of Rakshasas in the forest and showed him piles of human skeletons that displayed their atrocities. Ram pledged to make the forest free from Rakshasas. He roamed the forest and destroyed them wherever he encountered one. Sages started assuming Ram a divine incarnation that offered them protection.

Ram visited sage Sutikshan and his teacher Agastya. Agastya offered him Mantras and enchanted weapons, which would help him destroy Rakshasas in the future. On his advice, Ram built his Ashram at Panchvati on the banks of River Godavari. There, Ram met vulture Jatayu who became his friend.

Once Surpanakha, a sister of Ravan, saw Ram near his Ashram.

She approached Ram and asked him to marry her. As he was already married, he refused, as did Lakshman. Snubbed, Surpanakha tried to harm Sita who was standing nearby. Noticing her transgression, Lakshman cut off her nose.

Surpanakha instigated Khar, the commander of Ravan’s forces in the region to avenge her mutilation. Ram destroyed Khar, Dushan and Trisira and their army who came to fight against him.

Surpanakha then went to Ravan and enticed him to abduct Sita to avenge her humiliation. Ravan agreed to her scheme. With the help of Marich, he abducted Sita from her Ashram, brought her to Lanka and kept her captive in Ashokvan.

During the abduction, Ram had gone to capture the golden dear, the disguised Marich. Ram killed him.

When Ram returned to the hermitage, he noticed Sita missing.

He and Lakshman searched for her in all the places where Sita could be.

They saw Jatayu who had tried to free her from Ravan but was fatally wounded. Ram performed last rites for Jatayu following his death.

During the search for Sita, Ram met Rakshasa Kabandh. He was released from the curse after being killed by Ram and directed him to see Sabari, a female devotee. Ram visited her. She was so engrossed in devotion to Ram that she offered berries defiled by her eating but Ram relished them.

On her advice, Ram headed towards Rishyamuk peaks, where Sugreev used to live with his advisers.

Sugreev sent Hanuman to enquire about the wandering ascetics. Later, Ram met Sugreev with the help of Hanuman.

Sugreev was always afraid of his brother Bali who had usurped his wife. Ram noticed the injustice done to him and promised to help him recover his wife. Ram established a friendship with Sugreev. Sugreev also pledged to help Ram find Sita.

To convince Sugreev of his capabilities to overcome Bali, Ram kicked the skeleton of a dead buffalo with his toe and later pierced seven palm trees in a row with a single arrow.

Ram killed Bali and made Sugreev the king of forest dwellers.

Sugreev arranged for Sita’s search and finally Hanuman located and met her in Ashokvan in Lanka.

Ram, with the help of Vanaras and Bhalus, organised a huge army and constructed a bridge over the sea.

He crossed the sea with his army and challenged Ravan. Subsequently he killed Ravan, and all his associates were also killed in the war. He installed Vibhishan, Ravan’s pious brother, on the throne of Lanka.

Sita was released from captivity and brought to Ram. On his instruction, Sita completed the Agni Pariksha. The exile period was about to finish. Ram, Sita and Lakshman along with his supporters returned to Ayodhya. Ram was crowned the king of Ayodhya. He ruled his kingdom with Dharma. His rule is known as Ramrajya.

Additional texts including the exile of Sita during her pregnancy, birth of her twin sons Lav and Kush, Ashvamedh Yagya, Sita’s entry to the Earth, and Ram’s entry to River Sarayu are included in some versions of the Ramayan.

The victory of Ram over Ravan is celebrated as Dashahara or Vijaya Dashami. Ram’s return to Ayodhya is celebrated as Diwali, the festival of lights. His birthday is celebrated as Ram Navami.

The name Ram commanded reverence and continues to do so in many countries, religions and civilisations. Ram is the royal name of kings in Thailand. Jain Tirthankars claimed to be born in solar dynasty and were related to Ram. Buddha was Ram in his previous life as per Jatak stories. Sikhs revere Ram as God. AbRam, later called Abraham, is the common patriarch of Abrahamic religions. Ancient Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Greek and Roman civilisations worshipped the solar deity and Egyptians called him Ra(m). Ram(esses) kings ruled over ancient Egypt. Available sources indicate the spread of ideals of Ram worldwide in ancient time.

Participation of people from all over the world in construction of Shree Ram Mandir in Ayodhya displays universal admiration for Ram. Hindus worship Ram as an incarnation of Vishnu. Numerous temples with Ram Durbar can be found around the globe. He symbolises Indian ideals and is called Maryada Purushottam, the Perfect person.

—Awadhesh Sharma Email: hinduguru.com.au

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2022 NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS 1st January 2022 (Saturday)

Join us in celebrations and prayers to start off the 2022 New Year with Sri Durga Devi and Sri Venkateswara’s Blessings

8.00am 9.30am 10.30am 6.30pm 7.30pm

Programme 108 Sangabishekam for Sri Durga Devi Maha Deeparadhana, Sri Durga Devi Utsavam Annadhanam (Lunch) Bhajans Maha Deeparadhana

The Temple will be open for the whole day from 8.00am to 8.30pm.

Devotees are welcome to perform Archana (offering) during the opening hours.

For further enquiries relating to the Puja and other events, please contact Temple Gurrukal at 0431981998.

Thank you.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021 — 25

Ways to calm the mind

The content of this article is taken from the satsang of H.H. 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. Unhappy over the religious conversion happening in India, Pujya Bapu Ji tried to find out the reasons for people for the conversion. It was revealed that poor tribals are given the lure of money and they are converted. To stop the conversion of the tribals on the borders of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and areas of Orissa, Pujya Bapu Ji started “Bhjn kro bhojn kro or dakshina lo“program. Under this program the poor tribals are called into the nearby ashrams and asked to chant ‘Hari Om’ the whole day. They are given food twice during the day and

at the end of the day they are given Rs 100 per day, so they feel like they are doing some work. They were issued ration cards by the ashrams and are given free grains and other necessities every month. This scheme to stop conversion is in practice from the last around 2 decades.

To save the youth who are being ruined due to the lustful festivals like valentine’s day, in 2006 Pujya Bapu Ji initiated celebrations of Matri-Pitri Pujan Diwas (Parents’ worship day) on 14th February. Pujya Bapu ji felt that, due to the blind imitation of Western culture there has been a steep rise in the incidences of alcoholism, suicide, and other immoral activities, especially among the youth during the last week of December. To rescue the youth from this debauchery and denigration, Pujya Bapu Ji came up with the

idea of worshipping a sacred Tulsi plant (Holy basil). So, with a view to awaken the cultural pride of the India and to save the countrymen from mental slavery, in 2013, he initiated celebration of Tulsi poojan on 25th December.

On suffering from any sort of ailment, apart from taking medication to cure it, one should also try to relax the mind. In recent times, it has been found that a restless mind is the cause of quite a lot of diseases. Restlessness of mind is the rootcause of many ailments (psychosomatic disorders), like nocturnal-emissions, leucorrhoea, irregular menses, uncontrolled blood-pressure, diabetes, asthma, peptic ulcers. indigestion, hyperacidity, diarrhoea, depression, epilepsy, hysteria (madness) and amnesia.

With the increase in Sankalpa (will-thought) and Vikapla (doubt), the mind gets restless, because of which, the rhythm of the Pranas gets disturbed and it becomes arrhythmic. This, verily, is the major cause of our failure in numerous tasks.

The Self-realized, Jivanmukta saints of our country have expounded various measures to calm the mind, of which, the major, the select ones are as under:

Appropriate Food: In order to control and calm the mind, first things first, it is extremely necessary to have control over the diet. Our mentality depends upon food for its formation. Hence, it is essential to take a pure, sattvic diet.

Excessive food intake leads to indigestion, which in turn causes the undigested food 'Aama' to enter our nadis and thereby increases Sankalpas and vikalpas of the mind. This consequently, increases the restlessness of mind.

Hence, cat moderately and cat at the proper time.

As far as possible, eat moderately in the evening.

One should always avoid heavy, fried food and foods which increase vata. A sadhaka ought to relieve constipation; and thus, keep the digestive system clean and healthy all the time.

Spiritual practice, vairagya (dispassion) and continence: Lord Shri Krishna said in The Gita: Meaning: O son of Kunti, the mind is brought under control through practice and detachment.

In order to develop intense vairagya one should avoid unnecessary sense indulgence and must refrain from unnecessary watching and hearing. One shouldn't pay attention to useless things published in newspapers, on the T.V., radio or other unimportant stuff. One must strictly observe Brahmacharya (celibacy) as much as possible.

Asana & Pranayama: The mind is the master of the senses, and the Prana is the master of the mind.

The subtler the Prana, the calmer the mind. Practice Asana & Pranayama regularly in order to make the Prana subtler.

Regular practice of asanas like: Padmasana (Lotus Posture), Siddhasana (Accomplished Pose), PadaPashchimottanasana (Forward Bend Pose), Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand pose), Mayurasana (Peacock Pose), Tadasana, Vajrasana and other asanas, are helpful & beneficial for health and concentration. Make sure to take any food or drink only after 25-30 minutes of the practice of Asanas & Pranayamas. Practice Asanas & Pranayamas only on an empty stomach or allow at least 3 to 4 hours to elapse before starting the practice. One should practice Pranayamas only under the guidance of a great experienced Yogi.

(Read the book Yogasana available at ashrams and centers of samiti to get more information regarding various asanas with pictures. - Compiler)

26 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021

Breath-counting: Count your incoming and outgoing breaths while seated in Sukhasana, Padmasana or Siddhasana. For this, you don't have to inhale deeply, nor do you need to hold the breath. All one needs to do is count the breaths. Breaths should be counted as under:

Mentally chant 'Rama. . . " while inhaling, and count " 1 " while exhaling ... Then mentally chant 'Ananda' (i.c. Bliss) while inhaling .... and count "2" while exhaling .... then mentally chant 'Shanti" (i.c. peace) while inhaling, and count '3' while exhaling.

The more you count your breaths with a calm and vigilant mind without any movement, the more you will obtain the benefit of concentration, peace, happiness, cheerfulness and health.

Trataka: The next measure for mind control is Trataka. Increase the practice of looking, with a fixed gaze at the image of your Ishtadeva (i.e. presiding deity). Swastika, Omkar or SatGuru. Then close your eyes, take the awareness to the eyebrow centre or throat centre and visualise the same image there.

Japa-Anushthana: Do japa of the Mantra more and more. Perform 1-2 japa-anushthanas (i.e. japa of a mantra for a fixed number on a daily basis with a fixed purpose and a fixed duration) every year and make sure to stay in a holy ashram or a holy place for a few days (at least).

Apologizing and then calming down: Peace of mind is the fruit of merits accrued over numerous births. Hence, before the picture of SatGuru or any deity or even mentally asking for apology as atonement for sins committed knowingly or unknowingly, and then becoming quiet, is also one of the remedial measures.

Self-contemplation: Keep effacing dehadhyasa (i.e. false identification with the body) by regular self contemplation. Like, "I am Atman myself, I am healthy ... and I don't suffer from any ailment.

It's the body that is sick.

Passions such as lust, desire and anger are in the mind. But I am neither body, nor mind; and am a changeless Soul instead.

Hari Aum ... Ananda (Bliss) ... Ananda ...

Cheerfulness: Practice being cheerful every day.

In a closed room, practice laughing-out loud (Divinehumane laughter therapy) and even blowing a whistle.

The one, firmly sticking to the aforementioned

eight points, certainly gains complete control over the mind. So, you too, wake up in your eternal Self making your mind, happy. joyful, nonattached, and one-pointed.

Do not ruin your health for the pleasure of the palate Fondness of sweets and fast food is the cause of evil activities. Dr. Bloch writes that fondness for sweets induces instantly towards evil acts. Those children who are very fond of sweets are more likely to become depraved and comparatively they are drawn more towards evil habits like masturbation, than other children. So, it is clear how important it is to avoid sweets for the protection of strength, vigour and radiance!

Baked foods which are prepared from very fine flour of wheat and animal fat, such as various types of bread, biscuits, Nankhatai (a kind of sweetmeat akin to cake), pizza, burgers, etc., food items prepared by raising with baking soda such as Noodles, etc. and bazaar items prepared from saccharine like ice creams, cold drinks, sherbet, etc. and sweets, all are delicious, but are extremely harmful to health. Food articles heavy in digestion and sweets cause indigestion and constipation which is the root-cause of all disease.

How can the seventh dhatu be formed in the body of a person who suffers from indigestion?

So, consequently it leads to impotency.

The food items mentioned above destroy strength and intellect; they cause disease and increase Tamoguna. So, avoid them yourself and help others do the same.

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 regular 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 events like Tulsi Poojan, Matri Pitri Poojan Diwas, Bal Sanskar and yoga sessions or to get a free copy of monthly spiritual magazine Rishi-Prasad in your mailbox 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 The Brisbane Indian Times.

Christmas, Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus

The English term Christmas (“mass on Christ’s day”) is of recent origin. The earlier term Yule may have derived from the Germanic jōl or the Anglo-Saxon geōl, which referred to the feast of the winter solstice. The corresponding terms in other languages—Navidad in Spanish, Natale in Italian, Noël in French—all probably denote nativity. The German word Weihnachten denotes “hallowed night.” Since the early 20th century, Christmas has also been a secular family holiday, observed by Christians and non-Christians alike, devoid of Christian elements, and marked by an increasingly elaborate exchange of gifts. In this secular Christmas celebration, a mythical figure named Santa Claus plays the pivotal role. Christmas is celebrated on Saturday, December 25, 2021.

Origin and Origin and development The early Christian community distinguished between the identification of the date of Jesus’ birth and the liturgical celebration of that event. The actual observance of the day of Jesus’ birth was long in coming. In particular, during the first two centuries of Christianity there was strong opposition to recognizing birthdays of martyrs or, for that matter, of Jesus. Numerous Church Fathers offered sarcastic comments about the pagan custom of celebrating birthdays when, in fact, saints and martyrs should be honoured on the days of their martyrdom—their true “birthdays,” from the church’s perspective.

The precise origin of assigning December 25 as the birth date of Jesus is unclear. The New Testament provides no clues in this regard.

December 25 was first identified as the date of Jesus’ birth by Sextus Julius Africanus in 221 and later became the universally accepted date. One widespread explanation of the origin of this date is that December 25 was the Christianizing of the dies solis invicti nati (“day of the birth of the unconquered sun”), a popular holiday in the Roman Empire that celebrated the winter solstice as a symbol of the resurgence of the sun, the casting away of winter and the heralding of the rebirth of spring and summer.

Indeed, after December 25 had become widely accepted as the date of Jesus’ birth, Christian writers frequently made the connection between the rebirth of the sun and the birth of the Son. One of the difficulties with this view is that it suggests a nonchalant willingness on the part of the Christian church to appropriate a pagan festival when the early church was so intent on distinguishing itself categorically from pagan beliefs and practices.

None of the contemporary Christmas customs have their origin in theological or liturgical affirmations, and most are of fairly recent date. The Renaissance humanist Sebastian Brant recorded, in Das Narrenschiff (1494; The Ship of Fools), the custom of placing branches of fir trees in houses. Even

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Claus wears red swimming trunks as well as a white beard.

though there is some uncertainty about the precise date and origin of the tradition of the Christmas tree, it appears that fir trees decorated with apples were first known in Strasbourg in 1605. The first use of candles on such trees is recorded by a Silesian duchess in 1611. The Advent wreath—made of fir branches, with four candles denoting the four Sundays of the Advent season—is of even more recent origin, especially in North America. The custom, which began in the 19th century but had roots in the 16th, originally involved a fir wreath with 24 candles (the 24 days before Christmas, starting December 1), but the awkwardness of having so many candles on the wreath reduced the number to four. An analogous custom is the Advent calendar, which provides 24 openings, one to be opened each day beginning December 1.

According to tradition, the calendar was created in the 19th century by a Munich housewife who tired of having to answer endlessly when Christmas would come. The first commercial calendars were printed in Germany in 1851. The intense preparation for Christmas that is part of the commercialization of the holiday has blurred the traditional liturgical distinction between Advent and the Christmas season, as can be

seen by the placement of Christmas trees in sanctuaries well before December 25.

Toward the end of the 18th century the practice of giving gifts to family members became well established. Theologically, the feast day reminded Christians of God’s gift of Jesus to humankind even as the coming of the Wise Men, or Magi, to Bethlehem suggested that Christmas was somehow related to giving gifts. The practice of giving gifts, which goes back to the 15th century, contributed to the view that Christmas was a secular holiday focused on family and friends. This was one reason why Puritans in Old and New England opposed the celebration of Christmas and in both England and America succeeded in banning its observance.

The tradition of celebrating Christmas as a secular family holiday is splendidly illustrated by a number of English “Christmas” carols such as “Here We Come A-Wassailing” or “Deck the Halls.” It can also be seen in the practice of sending Christmas cards, which began in England in the 19th century. Moreover, in countries such as Austria and Germany, the connection between the Christian festival and the family holiday is made by identifying the Christ Child as the giver of gifts to the family.

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In some European countries, St. Nicholas appears on his feast day (December 6) bringing modest gifts of candy and other gifts to children. In North America the pre-Christmas role of the Christian saint Nicholas was transformed, under the influence of the poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (or “ ’Twas the Night Before Christmas”), into the increasingly central role of Santa Claus as the source of Christmas gifts for the family. While both name and attire—a version of the traditional dress of bishop—of Santa Claus reveal his Christian roots, and his role of querying children about their past behaviour replicates that of St. Nicholas, he is seen as a secular figure. In Australia, where people attend open-air concerts of Christmas carols and have their Christmas dinner on the beach, Santa

Learn about the tradition of gift-giving during Christmas The Christmas tradition of gift giving. In most European countries, gifts are exchanged on Christmas Eve, December 24, in keeping with the notion that the baby Jesus was born on the night of the 24th. The morning of December 25, however, has become the time for the exchange of gifts in North America.

In 17th- and 18th-century Europe the modest exchange of gifts took place in the early hours of the 25th when the family returned home from the Christmas mass. When the evening of the 24th became the time for the exchange of gifts, the Christmas mass was set into the late afternoon of that day. In North America the centrality of the morning of the 25th of December as the time for the family to open presents has led, with the exception of Catholic and some Lutheran and Episcopal churches, to the virtual end of holding church services on that day, a striking illustration of the way societal customs influence liturgical practices.

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THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS

Pastor Suresh Dass Joseph josephdass@optusnet.com.au

Dear reader, it is our joy to bring you the word of God. As the world gets ready to celebrate another Christmas this year, it is also a time to reflect on the eventful year that we have been through. The effects of Coronavirus, then the swab testing, vaccines, quarantine, lockdowns, travel bans, having to work from home, turns this a year to remember, for many years to come. Generations that will come after us look back in history to see the worldwide effects of the pandemic.

As we get ready to celebrate, we are also looking at a Historical event that

happened more than 2000 years ago.

When Jesus Christ, The Son of God, was born in Bethlehem.

In the scriptures (Matthew 1), we read of Mary, who was engaged to Joseph but was pregnant with a child from God. Joseph was a good man and did not want to shame Mary, so he planned in his mind to divorce her quietly.

About this time, an angel appeared to him in a dream and told him to take Mary home, for the child to be born was from God, and He was to be named “Jesus,” and He will save the world from its sins.

Mary gave birth in Bethlehem and laid the child in a manger because there was no room in the hotel.

Some wise men came from the east, worshiped Jesus, and presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

There were some shepherds keeping watch over their flock by night. An angel of the Lord appeared before them, saying, “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The saviour-yes the messiah, the Lord has been born in Bethlehem in the city of David.”

Christmas is the celebration of one

of the three most important events in human history. The first one is the birth of Jesus; the second is His death on the cross, and the third, His resurrection.

That means Christmas is more than another “happy holiday,” more than a time of giving and receiving gifts, more than a time of spending money.

In the scriptures, we read that because of our sins, because we broke the laws of God, we had been separated from God. God knew of our helpless and hopeless situation. Thus, Jesus came to this earth, was born of a virgin, then died on the cross as our perfect sacrifice to forgive all our sins. Therefore, Jesus of Christmas is the promise of our salvation, the guarantee of God’s presence with us on earth, and the promise of heaven as our eternal home.

That we are no longer enemies of God, but we have been brought into fellowship with Him. When we think of Christmas and look at the Christmas trees, we are reminded of the wooden cross Jesus was crucified upon. And so today, as we look at those Christmas trees, the lights, the decorations, the gifts, we can say, “Thank you, Jesus, that you died for me on the cross,

thank you that You are the light of the world, thank you that you have lit my life, and thank you that you have given me the gift of eternal life.

Here are 3 things we can learn from Joseph and Mary.

1) Sometimes the best-laid plans can change instantly. We like to have a plan, be organised as we move towards the future. 2021 has caused many people to re-think some of the plans they made. Mary and Joseph had planned to get married and then have a baby. But God had a bigger plan for them. Mary and Joseph were thinking and planning for their family, but God’s plan was for all the families of this world.

2) Problems are best dealt with quietly than publicly. Today, with the rise of technology, social media, and others, things can go public easily and quickly. Joseph thought Mary had betrayed him by having a child before marriage, so he planned to let her go quietly. Taking a higher road like Joseph is something we all can do. Not everybody should know what’s going on in your life. We all face different problems in life. The only problems we

The Reason for This Season…

Jesus said “Arise and Shine…”

Key Scripture: For a Child is born to us, a Son is given to us.

The government will rest upon His shoulders.

And He will be 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.This news about true hope. This hope will to a great Joy. And Joy is the result of absolute confidence Christ.

Our purpose is simple and clear. It is to make God real and Personal. And to demonstrate God as a Living and a Loving Person; so you may understand His nature and relate to Him practically and personally.

It is important to understand that God is not an object or an image.

He is also not result of imagination of human mind. God is a living and loving person. We find this amazing revelation in the pages of Holy Bible.

Keep reading with an open heart and humble spirit.

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.

Do you know what is the Miracle of Miracles? It is found in the Christmas Story written for our benefit and blessing. Miracles are real supernatural in-tervention of God to reveal His love and care for His creation.

Here is the good news of great joy spoken through ages and this truth has never lost its intensity and the intent. I believe in the Miracles. I also believe in the Miracle of Miracles. The Holy Bible is a living word of a loving God. Every page is filled with life giving truth. As you read this message with an open heart and mind you

shall know the truth in complete clarity and sim-plicity; 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 Creator and Saviour in a personal and intimate way.

Prophet Isaiah wrote a profound prophetic message around 700 BC. The book of Isaiah and the whole Bible is divinely inspired by the Spirit of God. This message accurately foretold about the supernatural birth of Jesus Christ. This is the true story of Christmas, God enters human history as baby born in Bethlehem manger.

His birth was a miracle of miracle.

This event split the time from BC to AD. There is no other event in the human history that had the power to redefine the time and calendar. This event made the way for grace of God to appear in human form and flesh.

What was the need for this Jesus the eternal God the supreme being to be born in human flesh? The answer is found in the Holy Bible. The first man and woman (Adam and Eve) whom God created beautifully and wonderful-ly were separated from their Creator God. This is recorded in the Genesis chapter 3. This lead to the fall of mankind from glorious relationship with God. The whole human race born after Adam and Eve were corrupted with sin. God’s perfect solution to restore the relationship with fallen mankind required a ransom to be paid for our sins. That ransom was the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ born with human flesh, so He could defeat our common enemy sin and Satan.

Jesus was always existed as supreme God, He is the Creator, Sustainer of all that exists in this universe. From micro life to glorious

will have are the ones we allow it to be a problem. The rest are experiences, life lessons, or someone else’s problem and not yours.

3) We are not meant to try and figure out everything on our own.

When Joseph decided he would deal with Mary quietly, he wasn’t sure how he was to do it. But while he was trying to figure it out, the angel said, he and Mary were part of God’s plan to bring the Saviour into the world. We are to turn to God when we face challenges in life. Jesus said, “what is impossible with people is possible with God.” That means there will be things possible for you and those that are impossible. You are not meant to deal with everything that goes on in life. Life is too short to live stressed, fearful, and worried. Your best life is lived through hope, faith, peace, and joy.

We wish you all a very joyous and blessed Christmas. We remember those going through some tough times, people who are away from their loved ones and families. Those going through some health issues may you draw strength from the Lord in your time of need.

God bless you Picture Source:https://slideplayer.com

stars and galaxies were created by the power of His breath. In the book of John it is written “In the beginning was the Word (Jesus) already existed…The Word was God. The Word gave life to everything that was created and His life brought light to everyone. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

We want you to encounter the Miracle Maker, Your Creator. There is no one in this world loves and cares for you like Jesus Christ. His mercy and compassion extends to all who repent of their sinful ways.

He gives us all an amazing invitation to repent and return Him. Let this Christmas bring true meaning to you so that you may believe in Jesus Christ. We all are guilty and worst sinners until we repent of our past and welcome Jesus Christ into our hearts. Every person ever lived has broken the one or few of the ten commandments. No one is perfect in God’s perfect standard of ten commandments. Christ lived a perfect life and did not break any of the ten commandments. Then He could offer His life as perfect sacrifice that was pleasing and acceptable to God

the father. Therefore, Christ alone can offer a new heart and new mind to begin a new life to all who put their trust in Him. Therefore, we invite you to pray this with a sincere heart; and experience the Miracle of Christmas in your life. Do not harden your heart in unbelief but humble yourself to your Creator and make Him your Saviour and Lord. Please pray loudly with a sincere heart and mind; “Dear Father God, Today, I thank you for your word that has touched my heart. I choose to repent 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 salvation (Mukti ). 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).

Please email your prayer encounter so can continue to encourage in your journey: ravivastard4grace@gmail.com

Christmas, Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus CONTD. FROM PG 27 Christmas decorations Given the importance of Christmas as one of the major Christian feast days, most European countries observe, under Christian influence, December 26 as a second Christmas holiday. This practice recalls the ancient Christian liturgical notion that the celebration of Christmas, as well as that of Easter and of Pentecost, should last the entire

week. The weeklong observance, however, was successively reduced to Christmas day and a single additional holiday on December 26.

Contemporary customs in Eastern and Oriental Orthodoxy Eastern Orthodox churches honour Christmas on December 25.

However, for those that continue to use the Julian calendar for their liturgical observances, this date

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corresponds to January 7 on the Gregorian calendar. The churches of the Oriental Orthodox communion celebrate Christmas variously.

For example, in Armenia, the first country to adopt Christianity as its official religion, the church uses its own calendar; the Armenian Apostolic Church honours January 6 as Christmas. In Ethiopia, where Christianity has had a home ever since the 4th century, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church

celebrates Christmas on January 7.

Most of the churches of the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East celebrate Christmas on December 25; at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, however, the Syriac Orthodox celebrate Christmas on January 6 with the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Contemporary customs in other areas With the spread of Christianity

beyond Europe and North America, the celebration of Christmas was transferred to societies throughout the non-Western world. In many of these countries, Christians are not the majority population, and, therefore, the religious holiday has not become a cultural holiday. Christmas customs in these societies thus often echo Western traditions because the people were exposed to Christianity as a religion and cultural artifact of the West.

Christmas programs on Australian Indian Radio BRISBANE, every year Australian Indian Radio hosts special programs for Christmas, the programs are hosted by Savita Singh, Pastor Joseph Das, Pastor John Thomas and other regular presenters of Australian Indian Radio. Special programs will begin from 6am and continue throughout the day. Pastor

Joseph Das of Empowering Church Brisbane has been presenting these Christmas special program for a long time and is a regular correspondent of Brisbane Indian Times. Savita Singh is a regular presenter of Christian programs on Australian Indian Radio, her program goes to AIR on Sunday mornings. Australian

Indian Radio appreciates their efforts in putting together these radio program, Pastor John Thomas does his Christmas message with other members of his church.

This Christmas day we will have three facebook live shows – Daily India Report and News update at 9:00 am followed by the Christmas

special with Pastor Joseph Das at 10:00am and Savita Singh’s Christmas special show will be on Facebook live at 11:00 am. These shows will be available on our facebook live channel and YouTube channel. At 12 noon a special talk back show will be hosted on Australian Indian Radio, any one can

join in to pass on their Christmas message or Talk about what they are doing on the day. We hope you will be able to join in and share your well wishes and thoughts on the festive season. An Occasion to remember those you are sick, or away from their families and many who would be working.

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 2021 BELIEVE JESUS SAVES

In the Holy Bible, John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world,that He gave His only begotton Son, that whosoever beliveth in Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life.”

The Holy Bible is divided into 2 parts, Old Testament, where God the father, is highlighted, and in New Testement, God sends His only son to the earth, save the mankind from sin, when they die, they will have eternal life.

In Old Testament, Prophet Isaiah, has prophesied, in book of Isaiah Chapter 7, verse 14, Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall his name will be called Immanuel, meaning,'God with us.' Thus virgin Mary conceived a child through Holy Spirit, and thus Jesus was born.

Dear readers, birth of Jesus Christ, is celebrated as Christmas.

Christmas, is an universal celebration and the date is 25th of December. But we do not know, which month or date, whereas we read,

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in the first book of New Testament, about the birth of Jesus, it seems its a winter night, because people in Bethlehem were rugged up. Hence , they say December and a date was given. In Australia, month of December is Summer, since the world is celebrating, we also celebrate, Christmas in December.

Friends, we celebrate Christmas, the decorated tree goes up in the corner of a room,coloured lights on our houses and reindeers, christmas ornaments and christmas father in gardens. The actual, meaning of Christmas is, the birth of Jesus, in our heart, by accepting Him, as your personal Saviour.

How will you invite Jesus into your heart, In Romans10: 9, the Bible says, “ if you confess with your mouth your sins and ask Jesus, to come into your heart and if you believe, He is my everything, from now onwards, the birth of Jesus took place in your heart. You will be a changed person, you will have joy, peace and happiness. thou shalt be saved. Friends if you believe in Jesus and accept Him, as your everything, you won't be ashamed and saved from the clutches of the lusts of the world.

My article, opens up with the quote from the Bible, “for God so loved the world, that he gave His only Son to the world …....”. God father, wanted to save the world, and he planned to sent His only son. Jesus Christ has come to the world, not to condemn the world, whereas to save the mankind.

My dear readers, let this Christmas be a different one for you, a memorable one, Jesus born in your heart and you will be having everlasting life.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2022, to you and your family.

If you are looking for a Hindi Church, contact:Presence Church Brisbane [Hindi] Pastor John Thomas 0402551220 Pastor Ashok Kumar 0406577423;

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Glitter and Glamour at Ravishing Fashionistas Christmas party

Ravishing Fashionistas held their Christmas drinks in style and fashion at W Hotel, the night included prizes for best dressed and themed singles and couples, there was the runaway show, music, dancing and fashion costume and jewellery outlet. A fun night indeed.

Kavita ji

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021 — 31

OUR BELOVED JESUS

Our Beloved ^ISA (Jesus), the prophet of ALLAH BY: ML. M.NAWAAZ ASHRAFI All praise is due to Allah The Exalted, and may Allah raise the rank of our beloved Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, his kind relatives and companions, and protect his nation from that which he feared for them thereafter; Introduction Allah sent many messengers to the humans as a mercy from Him. Allah sent them all to teach the people what is the correct and acceptable worship of Allah-their Creator and the Creator of everything. All the prophets of Allah, the first of whom was Adam and the last of whom is Muhammad, came with one Religion--Islam, one creed--the belief in the Oneness of Allah.

They all taught that Allah is attributed with all the perfect attributes and that He does not resemble any of His creations. They taught what Allah ordered us to perform with and refrain from in this life. They taught there is the Judgment Day in which each one of us will be judged as to whether or not we fulfilled our obligations in this life.

None of them taught their people what contradicts the belief in the Oneness of Allah. Each one of them ordered their followers to believe in the rest of the prophets.

Imam al-Bukhariyy related that Prophet Muhammad, sallallahu ^alayhi wa sallam, said: which means:The prophets are like brothers from the same father with different mothers.

Their Religion is one although their Shari^ah (rules of the Religion) differed. I am the most deserving of Prophet ^Isa. There was no other prophet between us.>> Allah revealed Prophet ^Isa (Jesus) as the messenger before Prophet Muhammad. He was one of the five best messengers of Allah, called Ulul-^Azm, those with the highest status, who were the most patient. He was ^Isa, the son of Maryam, the daughter of ^Imran, from the sons of Israel.

Prophet ^Isa, as all the prophets, was truthful in what he conveyed from Allah, and although today we follow the Shari^ah of Prophet Muhammad, Muslims respect, love, and believe in ^Isa and in his prophethood. and preferred her to the other women of the world. (Al ^Imran, 42-43).

THE BIRTH OF ^ISA (AS) Ibn Jarir and others narrated that one day Maryam ran out of water. She asked her cousin, Yusuf to go with her to get some.

He declined, saying he had his sufficiency for that day, so Maryam went to fetch water alone. There, she found Jibril, whom Allah had sent to her in the shape of a man.

Thinking he was a human who might harm her, she asked refuge with Allah from him. Jibril told her, "I am the Messenger of your Lord to you. I was sent to give you a pious child who is pure from sins."

Maryam told him, "How would I have a son? I have no husband, and I am not an adulterer or a fornicator. " Jibril told her, "Creating a son without a father is an easy matter to Allah. Allah will make him a sign for the people and an indication of the Power of Allah.

He will send him as a mercy from

Him and an endowment to the one who follows him and believes in him. Creating him is a matter Allah willed and destined, so it will not be blocked or changed."

Jibril blew the soul of ^Isa into Maryam and ^Isa's soul entered into her womb. Maryam became pregnant with ^Isa, peace be upon him. There is a difference of opinion as to the term of her pregnancy, some said nine months, some said eight, and some said other than that. However, when the signs of pregnancy became apparent on her, her cousin, Yusuf the Carpenter, was disturbed and did not know how to interpret that matter.

If he wanted to accuse her he would remember how pious she was. If he wanted to declare her innocence, he would see the signs of pregnancy. So he decided to open the subject with her. He asked her, "Tell me, would plants grow without seeds? Would trees grow without rainfall? Would there be a child without a male?" To all these questions Maryam said "Yes." Then she asked him, "Did you not know Allah made the plants emerge without seeds the day He created them? Did you not know Allah created the trees the first time without rain? Did you not know Allah created Adam and Hawwa' (Eve) without a father or a mother?"

Yusuf knew all these things and when she responded in this way, he felt assured of her innocence and that this was something special given to her by Allah.

When the signs of her pregnancy became apparent, Maryam went away from her people. The pangs of birth led her to the trunk of a dead palm tree.

Out of her shyness from the people, and fearing they would accuse her of having done something ugly, she wished she was dead and not a trace of her could be found. Jibril called to her, comforting her.

He told her Allah made a small river run under her from which she could drink, and should she shake the trunk of the dead palm tree next to her, it would turn green and moist dates would fall down from which she could eat and be nourished. Jibril told her when she faces her people with her son to tell anyone who questions her about him that she had made a vow not to talk to any human for that day.

That day, Maryam gave birth to her son, ^Isa, peace be upon him.

Forty (40) days later she carried him back to her people. They accused her of having fornicated.

In response, Maryam pointed to her son, meaning to tell them to talk to him. They were angered at this and thought she was mocking them by asking them to speak with a 40-day old baby lying in a small cradle. At this, Allah made ^Isa speak. He said: which are verses 30-33 of Surat Maryam and mean: When Maryam's people heard that, they refrained from harming her or Prophet Zakariyya, about whom they had made ugly accusations. After Baby ^Isa spoke these words, he did not speak again until he became at an age when children normally begin to speak. ^Isa’s speaking from the cradle was a preparation and a sign of his creed and coming prophethood, when he would call the people to believe in Allah, the One Who does not have a partner and to believe in the message of ^Isa--that he was the slave and messenger of Allah.

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The first words he spoke were, "I am a slave of Allah."

EARLY LIFE OF PROPHET ^ISA Lady Maryam took ^Isa to Egypt where they stayed for a period of time. Then they returned to the countries of ash-Sham--to a city known as an-Nasirah. ^Isa, peace be upon him, studied the Torah in the schools and memorized it. He spoke Syriac, the language of the people of Palestine at that time, and the language in which the Heavenly Book, called the Injil, was revealed later in his life to him. He was a pious worshipper of Allah, following the rules of the Torah revealed to Prophet Musa. This took place before Jesus himself became a messenger.

THE REVELATION OF PROPHETHOOD Revelation of Pro to the him, whether he was in an open land or in a sheltered place. He wore clothing made oTHE INJIL ^Isa received a Heavenly Book, the Injil, which contained the Shari^ah, (rules of the Religion) revealed to him. In it was the prohibition of associating partners with Allah. In it was the prohibition to consume the usurious gain (riba), pig meat, blood, and the meat of animals not slaughtered properly. It contained the order to perform the Prayer (with bowing and prostration) twice a day. It had the order to fast (but other than the month of Ramadan), and the order to perform taharah.

Prophet ^Isa came with a Shari^ah that contained making permissible some of the things which had been forbidden upon the children of Israel in the Torah.

Although what is called "The Bible" today contains some true stories of Prophet ^Isa, it does not contain the true Injil which was revealed to him.

THE ASCENSION OF PROPHET ^ISA When Prophet ^Isa was 33 years old, the blasphemers among the offspring of Israel plotted to kill him, but Allah saved him from their harm. Ibn Abi Hatim and anNasa'iyy narrated from the route of Ibn ^Abbas that he said: Prophet ^Isa was in session with twelve of his elite companions in a house. He told them that among them would be who would blaspheme in the future. Then he asked them, "Who among you would want to be made to look like me, be killed in my place, and be my companion in Paradise." The youngest among them stood up and said, "Me." Prophet ^Isa told him to sit, then repeated his same question. Again, the same young man said, "Me." Again, Prophet ^Isa told him to sit, then again asked the same question. After the same young man volunteered for the third time, Prophet ^Isa received the Revelation that this young man would be the one who would be made to look like him and killed instead of him. Prophet ^Isa was raised to the sky from an opening in the ceiling of the house. When the Jews came after Prophet ^Isa, they saw that young man, whom Allah made to look like ^Isa. They took him, thinking he was Prophet ^Isa, and crucified him.

It should be noted here there are two widespread false stories about this matter. In one, it is

claimed that one of ^Isa's students was paid a great sum of money to lead those Jews to ^Isa however Allah made him look like ^Isa, so they though he was ^Isa and they crucified him. In another, it is said that the person killed in place of ^Isa was the leader of the Jews.

Both of these stories are false.

After Prophet ^Isa was raised to the sky, his nation lived following his guidance, teaching, and methodology for two hundred (200) years. However, the nation of Prophet ^Isa did not remain steadfast to Islam.

Three hundred (300) years after Prophet ^Isa was raised to the sky, those who were following the ones who had perverted the teachings of Prophet ^Isa became very numerous, and those who were truly following the Religion of Islam were few and weak. After some five hundred (500) years, none of the believing Muslims of ^Isa's nation were left.

When Prophet Muhammad was revealed, he was the only Muslim worshipping only Allah from among the people of the earth.

PROPHET ^ISA'S DESCENT people. Allah will answer their and ll the people CONCLUSION Prophet ^Isa was a messenger of Allah revealed to convey to the people the religion of Islam and to call them to worship Allah, their Creator. Muslims believe in his prophethood and in his truthfulness in conveying that message. Prophet ^Isa is alive now, living in the second heaven, worshipping Allah. He will return to earth before the Day of Judgment and will rule the Muslims with the Shari^ah of Prophet Muhammad.

Peace be upon this respected, honored and beloved Messenger of Allah.

Praise be to Allah, and Allah knows best.

Verse #33 of Surat Maryam means: We humbly ask Allah to enlighten us with the light of Knowledge, and keep us steadfast to the path of truth and righteousness. Ameen The Quranic Titles of Jesus Though Jesus is mentioned by name in twenty-five places in the Holy Quran he is also addressed with respect as: "Ibne Maryam" son of Mary; as Masi (Heb) Messiah - translated as Christ; "Abd-ullah" servant of Allah; "Rasul -Ullah" Messenger of Allah.

He is spoken of as "the word of God", as "the spirit of God", as a "Sign of God", and numerous other epithets of honor spread over fifteen different chapters. The Holy Quran honors this great Messenger of God, and over the past fourteen hundred years Muslims continue to hold Jesus as a symbol of truth.

Christmas and 25th of December Jesus is commonly considered to have been born on the 25th of December. However, it is common knowledge among Christian scholars that he was not born on this day. It is well known that the first Christian churches held their festival in May, April, or January.

Scholars of the first two centuries AD even differ in which year he was born. Some believing that he was born fully twenty years before the current accepted date. So how was

the 25th of December selected as the birthday of Jesus ?

Grolier's encyclopedia says: "Christmas is the feast of the birth of Jesus Christ, celebrated on December 25 ... Despite the beliefs about Christ that the birth stories expressed, the church did not observe a festival for the celebration of the event until the 4th century.... since 274, under the emperor Aurelian, Rome had celebrated the feast of the "Invincible Sun" on December 25.

In the Eastern Church, January 6, a day also associated with the winter solstice, was initially preferred.

In course of time, however, the West added the Eastern date as the Feast of the Epiphany, and the East added the Western date of Christmas".

So who else celebrated the 25th of December as the birth day of their gods before it was agreed upon as the birth day of Jesus ? In India there is the Hindu festival to honor the Hindu deity, Ganesha, where people rejoice, decorate their houses with garlands, and give presents to their friends on this day. The people of China also celebrate this day and close their shops. Buddha is believed to have been born on this day.

The great savior and god of the Persians, Mithras, is also believed to have been born on the 25th of December long before the coming of Jesus .

The Egyptians celebrated this day as the birth day of their great savior Horus, the Egyptian god of light and the son of the "virgin mother" and "queen of the heavens" Isis. Osiris, god of the dead and the underworld in Egypt, the son of "the holy virgin", again was believed to have been born on the 25th of December.

The Greeks celebrated the 25th of December as the birthday of Hercules, the son of the supreme god of the Greeks, Zeus, through the mortal woman Alcmene Bacchus, the god of wine and revelry among the Romans (known among the Greeks as Dionysus) was also born on this day.

Adonis, revered as a "dyingand-rising god" among the Greeks, miraculously was also born on the 25th of December.

His worshipers held him a yearly festival representing his death and resurrection, in midsummer.

The ceremonies of his birthday are recorded to have taken place in the same cave in Bethlehem which is claimed to have been the birth place of Jesus .

The Scandinavians celebrated the 25th of December as the birthday of their god Freyr, the son of their supreme god of the heavens, Odin.

The Romans observed this day as the birthday of the god of the sun, Natalis Solis Invicti ("Birthday of Sol the invincible"). There was great rejoicing and all shops were closed. There was illumination and public games. Presents were exchanged, and the slaves were indulged in great liberties. These are the same Romans who would later preside over the council of Nicea (325 CE) which lead to the official Christian recognition of the "Trinity" as the "true" nature of God, and the "fact" that Jesus was born on the 25th of December too.

In Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Gibbon says: "The Roman Christians, ignorant of his (Christ's) birth, fixed the solemn festival

to the 25th of December, the Brumalia, or Winter Solstice, when the Pagans annually celebrated the birth of Sol " vol. ii, p. 383.

Christians opposed to Christmas There are several Christian groups who are opposed to Christmas. For example, they take the verse from the Bible in Jeremiah 10:2-4 as an admonition against decorating Christmas trees.

The King James Version reads: "Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen.... For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not."

In order to understand this subject, it is helpful to trace some of the history of Christmas avoidance, particularly its roots in Puritanism.

The Puritans believed that the first-century church modeled a Christianity that modern Christians should copy. They attempted to base their faith and practice solely on the New Testament, and their position on Christmas reflected their commitment to practice a pure, scriptural form of Christianity.

Puritans argued that God reserved to himself the determination of all proper forms of worship, and that he disapproved of any human innovations - even innovations that celebrated the great events of salvation. The name Christmas also alienated many Puritans.

Christmas, after all, meant "the mass of Christ." The mass was despised as a Roman Catholic institution that undermined the Protestant concept of Christ, who offered himself once for all. The Puritans' passionate avoidance of any practice that was associated with papal Rome caused them to overlook the fact that in many countries the name for the day had nothing to do with the Catholic mass, but focused instead on Jesus' birth. The mass did not evolve into the form abhorred

by Protestants until long after Christmas was widely observed.

The two customs had separate, though interconnected, histories.

As ardent Protestants, Puritans identified the embracing of Christianity by the Roman Emperor Constantine in the early 300s CE as the starting point of the degeneration and corruption of the church. They believed the corruption of the church was brought on by the interweaving of the church with the pagan Roman state. To Puritans, Christmas was impure because it entered the Roman Church sometime in this period. No one knows the exact year or under what circumstances Roman Christians began to celebrate the birth of their Lord, but by the mid-300s CE, the practice was well established.

A Muslim cannot and should not ridicule the religious beliefs of others, no matter how much they disagree with them. God says in the Quran: "And insult not those whom they worship besides God, lest they insult God wrongfully without knowledge. Thus We have made fair-seeming to each people its own doings; then to their Lord is their return and He shall then inform them of all that they used to do". Quran, 6:108

A December to Remember BRISBANE We (Tanvi Goel, Hemant Dua and Chandan Das) are delighted to introduce you Rhythm India Club (RIC), an entertainment and event management club.

Please join us for grand opening on 18th Dec in Brisbane with the intent to deliver the quality live performances includes live band, music shows, dance performances, fashion shows, theatre performances and a platform where we always seek for new talents to showcase their talents…

You name it. RIC has covered you all. The event will be graced by many Indian and multicultural communities within Brisbane and Gold Coast.

Talent is available in a huge amount and the talent you are seeking is seeking you.

The thing of the barrier is a platform. RIC is raising the bar by providing you with an opportunity to connect with talent directly.

RIC also helps recruiters and production houses to seek the appropriate talent.

We are aiming to deliver the best quality shows in Brisbane where our sponsors and partners will work together to deliver the best of the events.

RIC team says, “We are confident that this is only the beginning of our journey & we will be coming back with more events with beautiful melodies & young talented singers & musicians” Stay tuned!

The event is sponsored and supported by Australian Indian Radio, Brisbane Indian Times, Education Embassy, AusIndia Travel, Superme Turf, Allora College, QLD Skips Hire, Mobile Connect-Telstra Partner Underwood, Zevar, Sangeet Premi Club, Queens Collections and Australian Indian Theater.

Thankyou for all the love and support in our past events guys, please like, tag and share our page for more updates https:// www.facebook.com/rhythmIndiaclub.Stay tuned Cheers, Team RIC.

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021 — 33

Arya Samaj Queensland

Jitendra Deo President ASQ

Upasana Upasana implies meditation and through the practice of spiritual yoga, gradual realization of God i.e. ‘attainment of the Supreme Being’. The word Upasana literally means getting close to God, and Asana mean sit down, exist. How does one get close to an entity such as God, who as stated in Stuti, exists everywhere in the universe including all around us as well as inside our soul and is already the closest entity.

Why the need of Upasana Vedic scriptures consider three types of separation between two entities. The first is that of physical distance: one person is in

the United States and the other in India, however, this separation does not apply to the soul and God. The next separation relates to time: Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati lived 150 years ago we are alive in 2010, however, this separation also does not apply to the soul and God. The third separation is that of awareness and the separation of the soul and God is that of awareness on the part of the soul. It is only during deep meditation when all of the mind’s external activities are suspended, and the mind is fully focused inwards, the soul consciously perceives and joins God and this is true Upasana or yoga.

The phrase the soul joining God or ‘attaining the Supreme Being’ as stated above means that superconscious state of Samadhi is the final stage of Upasana or spiritual yoga where the mind is completely tranquil and the individual soul is one to One with God the Supreme Soul and enjoys infinite bliss, deep enlightenment and God’s benevolence.

The soul is consciously aware of God who is Anandswaroop (Supreme Bliss), and Jnanswaroop

or Prakashswaroop (True Knowledge).

Upasana also implies intense love and awareness of the attributes of God as well as progressive incorporation of them in one’s own life. For example Upasana requires that just as God is kind and loving, we are both making an effort to acquire kindness and love in our life as well as have progressively actually acquired kindness and love respectively. Our life actually reflects true kindness and love for other beings.

The best method to practice Upasana is to follow Maharshi Patanjali’s Yog Darshanam (yoga aphorisms) which has organized the practice of yoga in a systematic manner and is also called Ashtanga Yog (the eight-step), Raj Yoga, and Dhyana Yoga (the yoga of meditation or concentration).

When Upasana/yoga is regularly practiced with sincerity, one gradually acquires concentration in meditation. While progress may be initially slow, success is certain in the long term. Perfection occurs gradually as dhyana in yoga-meditation practices become so intense that a person totally surrenders

to God and devotes his or her life to seeking God and helping others and not doing any deeds for personal gratification. The following Veda mantra is an example of Upasana: Yunjatay manah ut yunjatay dhiyo viprä viprasya brahato vipashyachitah, Vi hoträ dadhay vayunavid eka it mahi devasya savituh parishtutih.

(Rig Veda 5: 81: 1) The message of this mantra is for all human beings desirous of attaining God and bliss. Who am I? Am I my soul, my mind, or my intellect? According to Vedic scriptures, I am my imperishable soul that interacts with the environment through the mind via sense and action organs guided by the intellect. The mind and intellect, however, through the practice of yoga can also be directed inwards towards the soul and God. 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

Sunderkand Paath Ends for 2021– Gayatri Mandir, Boondall Jai Shri Ram from Gayatri Mandir BOONDALL A group of devotees were led by HSQ Committee member Mrs Neelima Chand, who has been instrumental in organising and actively participating in Sunderkand paath from the beginning of 2021, finally recited the last Sunderkand paath was held on 27 November 2021. The Management Committee of HSQ would like to extend its deepest gratitude to the devotees who, despite their busy schedule, have taken out their valuable time to dive deep in the river of knowledge (Sunderkand paath) and gratefully received showers of grace from Lord Hanumanji to make a difference in their spiritual lives.

Shri Ramcharitmanas Sunderkand Paath is an extremely popular and powerful prayer which glorifies Hanuman Ji – one of Lord Rama’s most trusted, selfless, loyal, and loving devotees. The Sunderkand is originally the fifth chapter

in the great Indian Sanskrit epic, Ramayana, written

by Sage Valmiki. Goswami Tulsidas has included it in the Ramcharitmanas as well. The Ramcharitmanas Sunderkand Paath describes the valorous acts of Hanuman Ji, during his journey to Lanka.

Lord Hanuman exemplifies supreme and pure devotion to Lord Ram, complete surrender and absence of ego – not identifying ourselves with the body

but the Atman (soul). His character signifies what we can achieve with one pointedness devotion and unconditional love of Lord Ram. It also teaches us how we can transcend the dualities of life. It is common fact that this life is a sparkle and we are here on earth for a limited time.

So we need strive to live life and blossom into beautiful and fully fledged beings, which is the greatest gift of all. As a devotee we need to celebrate this life that

Upcoming Events

has been given to us, we can ascend to the greater heights of spirituality and learn the art of living from Lord Hanumanji, who is a great spiritual teacher.

We hope to continue Trayodashi and Sunderkand Paath in 2022. Sundarkand Paath will be held on the last Saturday of each month commencing at 6.30pm, followed by Prashad and Mahaprashad.

Regular updates will be sent to all devotees via facebook and text messages.

26 January: Gayatri Mandir Anniversary Sunderkand and Triodashi is held every month at the mandir, for details and sponsorship please kindly visit our Facebook page.

Stay Connected with Hindu Society of Queensland Facebook: Hindu Society of Qld Phone: (07) 38653164 Address: 178 Lyndhurst Rd, Boondall QLD 34 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021

JITENDRA DEO PRESENTED AT STATE AWARDS

Jitendra Deo Nominee in the Australia Pacific LNG Community Hero Award being presented by Mr Peter Russo MP Member for Toohey Jitendra Deo was presented as a Nominee in the prestigious Australia Pacific LNG Community Hero Award by Mr Peter Russo MP, Member for Toohey on behalf of the Hon Leeanne Enoch MP, Minister for Communities and Housing, Minister for Digital Economy and Minister for the Arts at the 2021 Queensland Community Achievement Awards Gala Presentation Dinner, held at Royal on the Park Brisbane on Friday 5th November.

The Awards were hosted by Kendall Gilding, 7NEWS Presenter and over 300 guests gathered from across the state to celebrate Queensland’s high achievers.

“Jitendra Deo of Stretton has been actively involved in community service since 1990. During times of downturn in public gatherings due to COVID-19, Jitendra initiated ZOOM meetings and managed to keep the community connected. He has also started a talk show, ‘Coffee with JD’ to keep people connected and informed about current situations.”

The seven category winners are: • Feros Care of Coolangatta – Prime Super Employer Excellence in Aged Care Award • Glen Cook of Kawungan – Synaco Safety Award • Hello Home Doctor Service of Springfield Lakes – Ricoh Australia Customer Service Award • Sarah Jantos of Tallebudgera – Australia Pacific LNG Community Hero Award • Fight 4 Youth of Currumbin Special Event Presentations Local

“Jitendra Deo of Stretton has been actively involved in community service since 1990. During times of downturn in public gatherings due to COVID-19, Jitendra initiated ZOOM meetings and managed to keep the community connected. He has also started a talk show, ‘Coffee with JD’ to keep people connected and informed about current situations.”

Sporting Club Making a Difference Award • Sobah Beverages of Burleigh Heads – Qoin Small Business Achievement Award • Green Fox Training Studio of Salisbury – Awards Australia Community Group of the Year Award Winners each received $500 cash, $1,000 Qoin and a $500 BC Tourism Gift Voucher in Award prizes, along with a trophy.

Ultra Essence was announced as the 2021 People’s Choice Award and received Winner a voucher for 1 nights’ the accommodation at Royal on the Park in a Deluxe Room, $150 dinner credit, full buffet breakfast

for two and car parking for 1 vehicle.

Australian IndiaN Radio Interviews

Interview on Australian Indian Radio with Mr Umesh Chandra OAM

Giri Sivaraman is principal Maurice Blackburn. Know Your Rights is a monthly program produced by Australian Indian Radio. Giri and his team will discuss what are your rights if you are injured at work? and ‘What are your rights if you are injured in a car accident in their next episode. Stay tuned!!!

Michael Spyro Sales Manager Australia/New Zealand in Battery House Australia (BHA) discussed about the Amaron batteries. He explained Amaron batteries are made in India and he is creating awareness within the Indian community by sponsoring the program. In this interview, Michael said Amaron batteries are Made in India to suit the harsh and demanding native environment and are long live batteries.

Dr Diaswati Mardiasmo is a PRD Chief Economist visited in the Australian Indian Radio studio and discussed about the current changes in the real estate world in Brisbane, Australia. Follow the Australian Indian Radio facebook page to know the time and date of the live interview in future.

If you would like to discuss about your business with Australian Indian Radio contact us at air@indianradio.net.au or call at 0430 193 715

Aap Ki Sehat – Your health November episode features Dr Abha Chikarsal

Diwali Dhamaka November episode of Music Junction hosted by RJ Savi

Dr Abha Chikarsal

BRISBANE, in December episode again we had the pleasure of talking to Dr Abha Chikarsal on the series "Aap Ki Sehat”, meaning Your HEALTH Program, initiated by IMA, QLD, Australia.

Dr Abha Chikarsal provides complete care in skin cancer diagnosis and treatment in the best interest of her patients.

She is a GP with extensive experience treating a diverse range of patients from infants to the elderly, with a special interest in dermatology, skin cancer, mental health, women’s health, and paediatrics.

Dr Chikarsal is an examiner for RACGP (Queensland faculty) and regularly participates in continuing professional development activities.

She has completed postgraduate qualifications in Minor Surgical Procedures and Dermatology for general practitioners.

In this series, Dr Abha had highlighted the aspects of women health in general Call: (07) 3192 5188

Dr Abha discussed about the PCOS in the women’s age group 20-39 and suggested to visit your GP for the regular health check up related to fertility issue, reproduction plan and future contraceptive option. She touched on the topic breast screening for the women at the age of 40-59 years old. practice.

She provided a general health advise according to the different age groups in the women starting from adolescent to the above 60 years old.

She advised practice of sun protection is important, but focus was common

health issues in women.

She told that at the early age around 10-19 years old females should have knowledge about sexual health, health safety, and concept of consent if you are in a relationship at the young age.

Dr Abha discussed about the PCOS in the women’s age group 20-39 and suggested to visit your GP for the regular health check up related to fertility issue, reproduction plan and future contraceptive option. She touched on the topic breast screening for the women at the age of 40-59 years old.

At the end, Dr Abha shared the general advise for the age group 60 and above how important it is to maintain the strength, balance, and nutrition.

Aap Ki Sehat features on the face book live channel of Australian Indian Radio on the first Saturday of every month and on audio only version on Australian Indian Radio on the first Sunday of every month at 10:00AM.

BRISBANE, Australian Indian Radio hosts a popular monthly Facebook live show “Music Junction”. This month the show themed “Diwali Dhamaka” was presented by lovely RJ Savi.

Diwali Dhamaka show began with melodious laxmi mata bhajan sung by evergreen Usha Chivukala, followed by the various talented local artists. In this episode we had various Diwali messages sent

by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Home affairs minister The Hon Karen Andrews MP, Australian Indian Radio presenter Mrs Madhu Khanna, and Dilraj Kaur.

Mr Umesh Chandra OAM and Mrs Usha Chandra wished everyone a prosperous Diwali live from the Australian Indian Radio studio. It was beautiful to see the pair in matching outfit.

The main highlight of

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the Diwali Dhamaka was the songs sung by the young rising singers of Brisbane Zaisha Chakraborty and Annesha Chakraborty.

Devika Maharaj and Bondita Chakraborty hit the stage with Bollywood number one song “Ye mera dil pyar ka diwana”.

The show received very favourable reviews and was appreciated by over thousands of viewers at the time of publication.

All episodes can be viewed on either Australian Indian Radio’s Facebook page or YouTube channel.

Australian Indian Radio invites all budding and established artists to be on the show, either with backing tracks with live musicians, it is a wonderful platform to showcase your talent to the entire world wide audience, if you are interested please contact us to take it further, Music junction is presented

The main highlight of the Diwali Dhamaka was the songs sung by the young rising singers of Brisbane Zaisha Chakraborty and Annesha Chakraborty.

Devika Maharaj and Bondita Chakraborty hit the stage with Bollywood number one song “Ye mera dil pyar ka diwana”. on the last Sunday of the month from 6:00 PM Brisbane Australia time.

If you are a singer and would like to feature in our next show Music Junction, please contact us at air@ indianradio.net.au.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021 — 35

Allama Mashriqi and the Khilafat Movement

By Nasim Yousaf For centuries, the institution of the Khalifa (Caliph), the temporal Head of Muslims around the world, was seen as an important symbol of Islamic unity. However, after the Ottoman Empire was defeated by the Allied powers in the First World War, Muslims worried that the office of the Khalifa would be dismantled. To prevent this from occurring, the Muslims of India launched the Khilafat Movement, which ran from approximately 1919-1924. For Allama Mashriqi, who would go on to become one of South Asia’s most prominent freedom fighters, the Khalifat was an important institution, but had become impotent and irrelevant.

Mashriqi seized this moment in history to demonstrate the vulnerability of the British, point the Muslims in a new direction, and help bring about India’s independence from British rule.

At the time that the Allied forces were fighting to defeat the Ottoman Empire, Mashriqi was working as Under Secretary of Education for the Government of British India in the Secretariat of the Viceroy of India (Lord Chelmsford). When the Ottomans were defeated in 1918, Muslims around the world were extremely distressed. In India, the Ottoman downfall brought great resentment against the British rulers. Since he was a high official of the Government of British India, Mashriqi was expected by the British to speak out against the Ottomans in order to help remove public resentment against the British. Mashriqi refused to denounce the Ottomans and his non-cooperative attitude (on this and other matters of education policy) strained relations between him and the British. As a result, he was demoted from his Under Secretary position on October 15, 1919 to Headmaster of Government High School (GHS) in Peshawar. Two days later, Mashriqi joined GHS (on October 21, 1919).

Around the same time, the Khilafat Movement (KM) was started in an effort to preserve the in-stitution of the Khalifa. When the said Movement was at its peak, Islamic scholars issued a fatwa (formal ruling) declaring India as a Dar-ul-Harb (home of war) and asked people to move to a Dar-ulAman (home of peace). As a result of the fatwa, there was a large scale exodus of people from India, primarily to Afghanistan. This was known as the Hijrat Movement.

A large number of people sold their homes, lands, livestock, and other belongings for dirt cheap and left the country. The British feared that the surging migration out of the country would deepen the peo-ple’s resentment against them and could eventually lead to an overthrow of their rule in India. The British were also concerned about the damage to their reputation around the world.

As it turned out, Peshawar (where Mashriqi was working as Headmaster) became the epicenter of the migration.

Knowing Mashriqi’s influence over the Muslim community, Sir Alfred Hamilton Grant (Chief Commissioner of NWFP), following instructions from his superiors, invited Mashriqi for a meeting.

Upon his arrival to the meeting, Mashriqi was given a red-carpet wel-come. During the discussion, Grant offered Mashriqi the Ambassadorship to Afghanistan

in 1920 and Knighthood (Title of Sir) in 1921 in exchange for his public support of British policy regard-ing the Khilafat Movement and efforts to stop the exodus of Muslims from India.

But Mashriqi had strong “feelings for the Muslim people of the Indian Sub-Continent” (Dawn 1963 Aug. 28) and could not be bought with titles and high-ranking positions. Mashriqi declined both offers presented

by Grant. He also informed the rulers that if they continued to pressure him, he would resign from Government service. The rulers were shocked at Mashriqi’s principled stance, as most Indian Muslims or non-Muslims would have jumped at the opportunity to accept such prestigious and lucrative offers. As a result of Mashriqi’s rebuff of the British, their relation-ship went from bad to worse.

Meanwhile, supporters of the Khilafat Movement continued passing resolutions and organizing protest marches.

The Movement was miserably disorganized and deficient of a solid agenda to bring the desired results and Muslim leadership remained divided over its launch. To make mat-ters worse, Afghanistan did not have the infrastructure and financial resources to bear the burden of these migrants. As a result, food, medical facilities, lodging, and other arrangements were nonexistent. The poor migrants were sick, starving, and facing extreme financial hardship; many died due to a lack of medical assistance.

Mashriqi felt that the Movement came too late. In fact, some of the Muslim and Non-Muslim supporters of the Movement, including M.K. Gandhi, had actively recruited for the Allied Forces in WWI, which had led to the defeat of the Ottoman Empire and endangered the existence of the institution of the Khalifa. Now these same supporters were demanding the protection of the institution of the Khalifa. Mashriqi saw that the Movement was poorly organized and would only lead to further misery for the migrants.

He also recognized that passing resolutions, delivering speeches, and organizing protest rallies would not do anything worthwhile to the world’s most powerful regime – the British Empire.

Mashriqi believed the Movement was destined for com-plete failure. Mashriqi was contacted by leading Khilafat leaders, including Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, to join the Khilafat Movement and support the Hijrat Movement. Considering the overall circumstances, it was not appropriate for Mashriqi to

36 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021

support the Movement.

Recognizing the loss of the Mughal Empire and now the Ottoman Empire and the continuous and rapid decline of Muslims (because of their own shortcomings), Mashriqi decided to undo the situation by guiding the Muslims. He embarked on writing his book Tazkirah, in which he ex-plained the reasons behind the rise and fall of nations and interpreted the Holy Quran in light of science. In the said work.

Mashriqi also discussed peace and the importance of science (a field where Muslims were hardly contributing). The book earned world-wide acclamation and was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature by Eastern and Western scholars.

Learning of Mashriqi’s outstanding credentials, Sheikhul-Islam of the renowned Al-Azhar Uni-versity (Egypt) and Shaykh Muhammad Abu al-Fadl Al-Gizawi invited Mashriqi to attend the International Khilafat Conference in Cairo in May of 1926. The conference was primarily convened to appoint a new Khalifa (who was to be chosen by the British behind the scenes).

Mashriqi considered this an opportunity to propose the criteria for a powerful Khalifa, establish an International Islamic Organization (or League of Muslim Nations), and present his suggestions for the return to Muslim grandeur. He also considered the conference an opportunity to meet with delegates and prepare the ground for ending British colonial rule.

Mashriqi accepted the in-vitation to attend the conference.

After Mashriqi’s arrival in Egypt for the conference, delegates from King Faud of Egypt, several scholars of Al-Azhar University, the ex-Amir of Tripoli Imam Shaykh al-Sanusi and his son

(namely Shaykh Muhammad Idris Sanusi, who later became King of Libya and was deposed by Col. Muammar Gaddafi) came to meet with Mashriqi at his hotel.

On May 13, 1926, the opening day of the conference, Mashriqi addressed the attendees in a historic speech arguing against the appointment of a new Khalifa.

Speaking in fluent Arabic, Mashriqi stated, “[translation] If something has more benefits/qualities than inconsequential at-tributes, it is unlikely that somebody [meaning Turks] would toss it [Caliphate] away.” To Mashriqi, holding on to an institution which had become impotent, “superficial,” and one that “only exists in name” was meaningless. He also rejected the idea of appointing a puppet Khalifa, as that would never bring the desired results. He felt that this step would be harmful to Muslims.

He stated, “[translation]…Khilafat only suits to a person whose order will be obeyed. A mere fig-urehead Caliph is absolutely meaningless...” (Khitab-e-Misr).

During his address, Mashriqi outlined a broader set of reasons why he felt the Muslims were facing their current circumstances and outlined a program to address these challenges. For example, Mashriqi felt that Muslims focused too much on the hereafter (propagated by Maulvis), while ignoring the life at hand. According to Mashriqi, this approach had led Muslims to avoid contributing towards discoveries or exploration of the world because so much was focused on the after-life. Mashriqi’s point was that the life here and after were interlinked and that the world was not created purposelessly. He stated that the “[Translation] the main objective of the creation of hu-manity is the exploration of the universe” and that “to have a

supremacy of the world, constant struggle and action is required.”

In his speech, Mashriqi outlined a program to bring about a Muslim renaissance. Syed Shabbir Hussain summarized Mashriqi’s words in his book, AlMashriqi: The Disowned Genius: “His [Mashriqi’s] first proposal was to gradually evolve a system in every Muslim country under which each mohalla [town, locality, or neighborhood] would have a Religious leader [Deeni Mudeer] to be linked through village and town leaders [Deeni Amil] with a Religious Ameer [Deeni Ameer] for each country. The Motamar [Conference/Convention], he said, should have the responsibility to choose or remove such an Ameer who would look after the religious and col-lective affairs of the people. Through the second proposal he sought to make the Motamar as the permanent custodian of Khilafat instead of vesting this status in an individual ruler. The Mota-mar, he said, should hold annual sessions in every important city of the Muslim world. His third proposal was to establish Central Bait-ul-Maal [Central Treasury] to be operated by the Motamar. Contributions to this should come from every Muslim ruler and individual Muslims…” His fourth “proposal was a declaration by each delegate to the Motamar that he did not belong to any sect of the Muslims but was a pure and simple Muslim, to show equal respect to all ulema, soofia, mashaikh, and imams, but not to make them idols.”

Mashriqi considered sectarianism [Firqa Bundi] a deadly poison for Muslims: “[Translation] The reason for our national downfall is sectarianism, and the last and only remedy is to remain silent, rather than engaging in confrontations and arguments.” He believed that without a proper infra-structure that connected Muslims of the world to the institution of the Khilafat, the Khalifa would be ineffective. Mashriqi also suggested that the current Motamar should be declared permanent and its ceremonial head office, under the leadership of Shaykhul-Islam, should be based at the Jamia Al-Azhar.

After presenting his proposals, Mashriqi gave his reasons in opposition to the appointment of a new Khalifa. Concluding, he said, “Gentlemen! I present you my last resolution and invite you to approve with one voice [all together/jointly] that the subject of electing the Caliphate is left for some other time” Mashriqi astounded the delegates with his bold and thoughtful speech; many expressed that they had not heard such an eloquent and powerful speech before. As a result of Mashriqi’s speech, the delegates approved the aforementioned three proposals unanimously and the fourth by a majority vote.

This was considered one of the crowning victories in Mashriqi’s career, as he had success-fully thwarted the appointment of the British sponsored King Faud as Khalifa, at the height of the British Empire’s global power.

Based on Mashriqi’s (who was born Inayatullah Khan) outstanding academic credentials and vi-sion, the scholars of AlAzhar University bestowed upon him the title of Allama Mashriqi or Sage of the East. Later Mashriqi’s

speech was published not only in Egypt but thousands of copies were distributed in many countries. In British India, the Arabic speech was translated into Urdu and published from Amritsar. The speech contributed to an awakening in many regions against the suppressive rule of the British Empire, and so, the downfall of the Empire began.

After his return from Egypt (and Europe), in 1930, Mashriqi launched his Khaksar Movement to implement the program that he had covered in his speech in Egypt. Mashriqi followed up his pre-vious book, Tazkirah, with additional works to enlighten the people. In 1931, he published Isha’rat and later Qual-e-Faisal on November 15, 1935. The first book provides “[translation] the sole method and practical solution to make Muslims powerful again.” The second work discusses “[translation] the downfall of nations and its cure a complete interpretation of the Khaksar Movement program.” His ideology was so successful that over 5 million members joined his Khaksar Movement along with many millions of additional followers and supporters. The Movement also established branches in a number of countries to reach the masses.

The Khaksar Movement became so powerful that, despite all its might, the British Empire could not crush the Movement.

The British rulers became so fearful of the Khaksar Movement’s plan to overturn their rule, that they had no choice left but to abandon their rule in India in 1947 (much of the established history around Pakistan and India’s freedom movement is fabricated and needs to be re-written).

As for the Khilafat Movement, it neither paid any dividend to the Turks nor put a dent into the British rule in India. When the Khilafat Movement collapsed in 1924 (the same year the institu-tion of the Khalifa was abolished by the Turks), Mashriqi’s prediction was proven correct. While Mashriqi was sympathetic to the Khilafat Movement, he felt that having an ineffective or British sponsored Khalifa was pointless. And so, while the Khilafat Movement began as a misguided effort to protect the institution of the Khalifat, Mashriqi was able to use the opportunity to ad-vance his broader agenda around bringing an end to colonial rule.

While Mashriqi believed that the Khaksar Movement (Private Army) needed to be powerful enough to bring about independence, he was generally a peace-loving individual.

Throughout his life, he preached brotherhood, equality, justice, and the uplifting of all poor, regardless of reli-gion, class, color, or creed.

The world can learn from these lessons even today.

Nasim Yousaf, a grandson and biographer of Allama Mashriqi, is a researcher based in the USA. He has presented papers at academic conferences, published many books, compiled a digital version of Allama Mashriqi’s historic newspaper (“Al-Islah” weekly journal), and contributed arti-cles in prestigious and peer-reviewed encyclopedias and academic journals. His works have been published in newspapers in both the East and West.

Copyright © 2021 Nasim Yousaf

Ayyappa Pooja in Brisbane BRISBANE Ayyappa Sewa Sangam, Brisbane facilitated Ayyappa Pooja this year in a grand and divine manner. We have been doing the Ayyappa Pooja religiously every year for the past 16 years. This year it was conducted on 27th November 2021 at Arya Prathinidhi Sabha Hall in Willawong, Brisbane. The pooja started at 6.00pm with

Ashtothara Namavali of Lord Mahavishnu, Lord Shiva & Swami Ayyappan followed by Deeparadhana.

After Deeparadhana, Bhajans were conducted by Sri Ayyappa Bhajan Group followed by prasadam distribution. Like every year, we had a lot of attendees from various parts of Queensland attending the pooja and everyone felt very

The pooja started at 6.00pm with Ashtothara Namavali of Lord Mahavishnu, Lord Shiva & Swami Ayyappan followed by Deeparadhana.

After Deeparadhana, Bhajans were conducted by Sri Ayyappa Bhajan Group followed by prasadam distribution. Like every year, we had a lot of attendees from various parts of Queensland attending the pooja and everyone felt very much at peace receiving abundant blessings from Lord Ayyappan. much at peace receiving abundant blessings from Lord Ayyappan.

Swami

Saranam Unnikrishnan Nair C.K. on behalf of Ayyappa Sewa Sangam.

The centenary of the ascension of Abdul’l-Baha’ MILTON, the special occasion of the Centenary of the Ascension of ‘Abdu’lBahá, the eldest son of Bahá’u’lláh, the ProphetFounder of the Bahá’í Faith was held at the Brisbane Bahá’í Centre of Learning, 26 Mayneview Street, Milton, from 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm on Sunday, 28 November 2021.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá is an extraordinary Figure in the annals of religious history. He passed away in Haifa, in the Holy Land, on 28 November 1921. This exemplary person was known for being a champion of social justice, an advocate of racial harmony and equality, an ambassador of peace and possessing outstanding qualities of character.

His extraordinary life and legacy continue to inspire and provide guidance and are being commemorated throughout the world by Bahá’ís and their friends.

Abdu’l-Baha was the eldest son of Baha’u’llah, the Prophet-Founder of the Baha’i Faith. Born in Persia in 1844 and named Abbas, Abdu’l-Baha was the eldest son of Baha’u’llah, and from the age of eight, He shared His Father’s exile and imprisonment. Throughout His life, He demonstrated praiseworthy qualities and was known for His loving kindness, selfless spirit of service, and generosity, especially towards those in Call: (07) 3192 5188

need. Baha’u’llah referred to Him as “the Master”, “the Mystery of God” and “a shelter for all mankind”, however, Abdu’l-Baha preferred to be called “Abdu’lBaha”, meaning “the Servant of Baha”, in reference to His servitude to Baha’u’llah and His teachings.

In Baha’u’llah’s will and testament, He instructed all to turn to Abdu’l-Baha as the authorized interpreter of the Baha’i Writings and also as the perfect exemplar of the Baha’i Faith’s spirit and teachings.

When finally released from prison, Abdu’l-Baha traveled to Egypt, Europe,

Abdu’l-Baha was the eldest son of Baha’u’llah, the Prophet-Founder of the Baha’i Faith. Born in Persia in 1844 and named Abbas, Abdu’l-Baha was the eldest son of Baha’u’llah, and from the age of eight, He shared His Father’s exile and imprisonment. and North America, to promote the Baha’i teachings, giving numerous public talks and interviews, and meeting with people from all walks of life.

When Abdu’l-Baha passed away at the age of 77 on 28 November 1921, in the Holy Land, His funeral was attended by 10,000

mourners of numerous religious backgrounds. In spontaneous tributes to an admired personality, He was eulogized as One who led humanity to the “Way of Truth,” as a “pillar of peace” and the embodiment of “glory and greatness.”

The commemoration was attended by many

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multicultural community leaders a, Hon Gary Hardgrave former Minister for citizenship and Multicultural Affairs was one

of the speakers, the musical interludes were as usual par excellence. Uncle Desmond Sandy did a remarkable acknowledgment to country.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021 — 37

Hospitality Small Business winner Kaali Gourmet Indian Restaurant NOOSA Arati Bhogale and I are well and very happy to announce that we completed 12 years at Kaali Gourmet Indian Restaurant in September this year.

Kaali Gourmet Indian Restaurant was Opened on 18th Sept 2009 at 2/2 Hastings Street Noosa Heads QLD 4567 a Fully Licensed no BYO and serving Indian food has seating capacity 80 persons per session with great Indian ambiance.

The journey was bumpy, nail biting, scary yet full of positive energy and focus.

We reached this wonderful milestone holding hands with our staff and with the support of our loyal customers, our family and our unshakeable faith in ourselves and God. The crowning glory to our celebrations of this joyful event was when we were declared winners of the Sunshine Coast Business Awards on the 13th of Nov 2021.

We took home the trophy in the category of Hospitality Small Business for 2021.

It was an incredible honour and a very humbling experience to be chosen as a winner in an auditorium packed to the hilt with 850

people from the business community of the Sunshine Coast.

The application process and submissions were

harrowing and tough, but the competition was tougher.

We feel very proud of this major Business

award which gives us recognition as a quality business operator as well as a business who greatly supports the economy of our Sunshine Coast Region.

Since 2019 businesses across the board were facing extreme trauma and many folded up. We have all been through an emotional and economic wringer and some of us are still left standing to continue the battle for rebuilding the Australian Economy.

At exceptional times like these we were chosen

to be the recipient of these prestigious awards and for this we are very proud and happy.

We have operated our business with the ethos that as a community it is important for us all to work with each other and grow together. Put back into the community what it gives you. Support local businesses, employ local, live local.

This award is a recognition of all the above.

We credit our longevity and thumping success to

our staff and management of Kaali, our excellent service providers, our fantastic suppliers and of course our customers.

Our local Noosa Council has always been very supportive towards small businesses like ours and we show our gratitude to them.

Finally, please contact us 07 54748989 Kaali Gourmet Indian Restaurant for booking. Our website is kaaligourmetindian.com.

We are on Trip Advisor, Facebook and Instagram.

Thank you, Nitin Bhogale.

Sargam Music Academy Musical Night hits the right notes SOUTH BRISBANE, on 13th November Sargam Music academy presented their postponed musical night at Valmai Pigeon Performing Arts Centre (VPAC). A lot of effort had gone into putting this event together. Mithun and Bondita Chakraborty family did a wonderful job with the arrangements.

The venue is well suited for musical concert and complimented the concert.

This is what Mithun posted on Social media; “Behind every successful event, there are extraordinary team of sponsors, supporters and volunteers. We are so much stronger together and we can achieve great things by being together.

Thank you for generously sharing your valuable time

and support with Sargam Music Academy Our heartful thanks to Heritage Community Bank, Dream Solar - Offical Page, Ray White Algester, Cornerstone Law Offices, My Work

38 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021

Placement, MoreThan Home Loans, UCMAS, BIG Belly Indian Restaurant, Centenary Accountants & Business Advisers, Dj Amit - Australia, Peter Cabral Photography, Tradition by T, Asmi, Brisbane

Indian Times, Australian Indian Radio, Australian Indian Theatre. Thank you very much to Pinky Singh di for always supporting Sargam Music Academy's initiatives.

We wouldn't be able to

run the event successfully without the support of all the volunteers, Preethi Suraj, Vikas Raskar, Anu Sharma,Reema ji, Santosh Revadekar, Golam Sarwar, Rajkumar Mritunjoy Gohain,

Ruchi Pathak, Amit, Alok Chowdhury, Abhinandan Chy, Amrita Deshpande, Devika Maharaj, Neelima Kaushal, Rekha Mahendiratta, Shreya Mahendiratta, Nick Mahendiratta, Eswar Jagdesh, Tanvirul Islam, Shoaib Rafique, Manpreet Singh, Darryn Arndt, Akshat Talwalkar, Jignesh Acharya, Khaled Shahed bhaiya.

We, at Sargam Music Academy, greatly appreciate your generosity, contribution and support. Thank you once again.”

The delightful performances were of high standard and very enjoyable, well done team Sargam!

Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio were pleased to be exclusive media partners.

AIBC Diwali Dinner and Members meet 2021

FORTITUDE VALLEY, Australia India Business Council hosted a Diwali dinner for its members, families and friends at Curry and Cask Indian Bistro in Fortitude Valley on 11th November. The function was well attended by local and interstate guests. Event sponsors were PARSRAM Australia’s leading importers and distributors of authentic ethnic foods since 1977.

Curry and Cask Bistro has become a popular venue for community functions, as the ambience is great, and the food is always very good.

The enjoyable night had few speeches and to the delight of the busy networking guests’ formalities were kept to a minimum.

The AIBC is a national membership organisation with active chapters in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Canberra and maintains close relationships with federal and state government agencies, the diplomatic corps and industry bodies, and showcases opportunities to the Australian business community through an

active program of events throughout Australia.

India is a $2 trillion economy and will grow to be the third largest economy in the world by 2030. Trade between Australia and India has more than doubled over the past decade and the rate of growth will continue to rise as the two economies grow closer. The Australia India Business Council Ltd (AIBC) was founded in 1986 and is the only national body representing bi-lateral trade and investment relations between Australia and India.

Qld border to open earlier than planned CONTD. FROM PG 1

Ms Palaszczuk warned penalties would apply for people not following the testing requirements.

No quarantine will be required for the fully vaccinated.

"If you are not fully vaccinated, you must arrive by air only and hotel quarantine for 14 days," Ms Palaszczuk said.

From Monday, people living in the QueenslandNew South Wales border zone will be able to move freely across the border for any reason if they obtain a border pass.

• Travellers from interstate hotspots can arrive by road or air • They must be fully vaccinated • They must provide a negative COVID test in the previous 72 hours • No quarantine is required for the fully vaccinated • International arrivals must be fully vaccinated and return a negative covid test within 72 hours

of departure • They will be required to get a test on arrival • They must go into home or hotel quarantine for 14 days • Travellers no longer have to wait two weeks to be considered fully vaccinated. One is enough • All travellers from hotspots must get a test on day five after their arrival • If you are not fully vaccinated, you must arrive by air only and hotel quarantine for 14 days," Ms Palaszczuk said.

• From Monday, people living in the QueenslandNew South Wales border zone will be able to move freely across the border for any reason if they obtain a border pass.

• International arrivals into Queensland must be fully vaccinated and will need to do 14 days of home or hotel quarantine under the reopening plan.

• Ms Palaszczuk said Queensland was very

well placed amidst the pandemic, with the state close to reaching 90 per cent of the population having had one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

• "Never did I think that we would be in such a good position," she said.

• "I could not be prouder.

The hospitals are ready and there has been a lot of planning."

• Ms Palaszczuk said the state was expected to have 90 per cent of its population fully vaccinated by midJanuary.

• Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the border opening was "a massive milestone for people" and would bring about a lot of entrants to the state.

• "We're expecting a lot of people to be travelling into Queensland," she said.

• "We are expecting extensive delays."

• She asked travellers to be patient and warned there would be $4135 fines for people not complying with testing requirements.

APOLOGY Brisbane Indian Times apologies to Ashawani Soni for the wrong caption used under his name in our last issue, any inconvenience caused is regretted.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021 — 39

Who, What, Where, When...

Pushpinder and Carla Oberoi with Umesh And Usha Chandra joined by Devika Maharaj and a volunteer at Sargam Music Academy concert

Trevor Evans MP meets heads of local organisations to discuss grants submission writing etc.

Amarjot Bains Goraya, Panchali Konwar Gohain, Vini Chandra, Neelima Kaushal, Usha Maharaj and Usha Chandra at Sargam Music Academy concert

Councillor Vicki Howard of central Ward at the grants and submissions forum

Honorary Counsel for India in Queensland Mrs Archana Singh thanks Queensland Premier for hosting the annual reception in honour of Queensland Indian Community

Minister for Children and Youth Justice and Minister for Multicultural Affairs Leanne Linard MP welcomes everyone to the Queensland Governments reception for Indian community

Irene Tavutavu gets ready to conduct a special interview of Umesh Chandra OAM (representing White Ribbon Queensland Committee) and Pushpa Vaghela in the women’s profile program

Honorary Counsel for India in Queensland Mrs Archana Singh addresses the gathering at Queensland Premier’s annual reception for Queensland Indian Community

Panellist ready for the interview at Radio 4EB 98.1FM

All smiles at Brisbane City Council’s end of year party in Brisbane City Hall 40 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021

Umesh Chandra OAM with Sister Angela Mary of Mater Foundation at PRET awards

Who, What, Where, When...

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner delivers his message at the end of year reception in City Hall

Rejoice Thompson, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, Harish Arora, Ashawani Soni and Umesh Chandra OAM at the end of year reception at City Hall

Colin Jensen, Brisbane City Council CEO announces the winner Olivia Dietrich – employee of the year at end of year reception

VIP reception after the last citizenship ceremony for 2021 in Brisbane City Hall

The last citizenship ceremony for 2021 at Brisbane City Hall

Guests at Guru Diwakar Mothay’s inaugural students’ concert

Guru Diwakar Mothay distributed gifts of appreciation and certificates to the accompanying musicians and students

Students showing their appreciation and gratitude to Guru Diwakar Mothay

Guru Diwakar Mothay celebrated 40 years of teaching music by cutting a cake on the special occasion with his wife Louise Mothay

Dheeraj Shrestha, Sai Saileshwara, Guru Diwakar Mothay

The students in concert at the inaugural students’ concert by Guru Diwakar Mothay Call: (07) 3192 5188

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021 — 41

Air India pilots to meet Aviation Secy before taking call on ‘industrial action’ Air India pilots had, on November 29, given an ultimatum of three days to the Air India management to meet their demands.

Air India pilots, who had warned the management of a strike, have decided to meet Rajiv Bansal, aviation secretary (also their chairman and managing director) once before announcing their decision of going on a strike. The Air India pilots have warned the airline of ‘Industrial Action’ if their pay-cuts and arrears are not duly paid before Air India is handed over to the new owner.

Indian Pilots’ Guild (the airline’s Boeing pilots’ union) on Sunday tweeted, “Talks

with management along with @PilotsIndian regarding 60% pay cut only for Licenced employees, inconclusive.

Meeting management (CMD/SECY MOCA) tomorrow to find a peaceful resolve. @MoCA_GoI @

TataCompanies@RNTata 200 0# peaceful resolution."

Air India pilots had, on November 29, given an ultimatum of three days to the Air India management to meet their demands. In a letter to Bansal, sent on

Monday evening, the pilots had warned that if they do not see the illegal pay cut and related issues being addressed within three days, they will seek justice through industrial action.

The letter was written by the airline’s Airbus’ unionIndian Commercial Pilots’ Guild (ICPA) and Boeing pilots union- Indian Pilots’ Guild (IPG) which represent over 900 pilots.

Post this, the management reached out to the pilots and had a meeting with them.

These pilots had been writing to the airline since October but they haven’t received any reply.

In their previous letters, the pilots complained that

they are burdened by the “illegal pay cut” of 55% and demanded to be paid as per market standards.

Mentioning their longstanding disinvestment issues, the pilots have also demanded the withheld 25% arrears with interest, statement of gratuity, an option of leave encashment, medical benefits for all permanent employees, tax implication on withheld layover substance allowance and release of pending grades to first officers.

Senior Air India pilots, however, said that the meeting with representatives from both the pilot groups on December 3 was inconclusive.

“The management was

informed that we are aware of Air India’s revenues going back to pre Covid-19 levels and that most pilots are working more than they did pre Covid-19. The management asked us to hold on till the takeover. However, both unions warned of serious consequences if the issued was not solved,” said a senior pilot.

“We are firm with our decision of industrial action.

We are meeting our CMD with the hope that he will have a definite solution to our issues. We sincerely hope that the airline doesn’t force us to take an extreme decision,” said another senior pilot who did not wished to be named.

There is wave in favour of BJP, AIIMS Bilaspur will be made fully functional within next six says Yediyurappa Senior BJP leader B S Yediyurappa on Sunday claimed that there is a wave of public support in favour of his party in the country and the Congress will continue to sit in the opposition for the next 25 years.

Senior BJP leader B S Yediyurappa on Sunday claimed that there is a wave of public support in favour of his party in the country and the Congress will continue to sit in the opposition for the next 25 years.

“There is a wave in favour of BJP across the country.

The Congress is going to remain in opposition for the next 25 years in Lok Sabha. The Congress is somehow breathing here in Karnataka,” Yediyurappa told reporters here.

The BJP strongman was replying to a query on veteran Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge’s alleged

months: Anurag Thakur

remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s failure on the development front.

Yediyurappa said as a senior Congress leader, Kharge should speak responsibly when the entire world admires Modi.

“Ghulam Nabi Azad has said the BJP and not the Congress will come to power next time. In this situation, if Mallikarjun Kharge makes such comments who will value his words. He should

at least look at the ground realities,” Yediyurappa said.

On the MLC elections in 25 seats across the 20 local bodies, which is scheduled on December 10, the former CM said he was confident of winning at least 16 out of 20 seats where the BJP is contesting.

Yediyurappa further said he is seeing a wave in favour of the BJP and people have decided to vote for the saffron party candidates this time.

Congress trying to win MLC polls with money power: Karnataka CM Bommai The statements come at a time when all three political parties have intensified their respective campaigns for the upcoming elections that would determine who keeps control of the upper house of the state legislature.

Karnataka chief minister Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday accused the Congress of using money to buy votes in the December 10 polls for 25 seats in the upper house of the state legislature.

“Having lost people’s support, the Congress has a ploy to win the Legislative Council election by money power. But the grand old party’s true colours had been exposed,” Bommai said on Sunday.

The statements come at a time when all three political

parties have intensified their respective campaigns for the upcoming elections that would determine who keeps control of the upper house of the state legislature.

“Fall of morality in (the) Congress is very clear. People should show the Congress its place as the party is trying

42 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021

to win the election through immoral splurge of money,” Bommai said.

The Congress had accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using -- or misusing -- state machinery to win support.

The three parties are continuing to meet their

Thakur said that people in the state had to go to AIIMS Delhi and PGI Chandigarh for their treatment, but after six months people will be able to get treatment at Bilaspur.

Bilaspur (Himachal Pradesh): Union sports and information & broadcasting minister Anurag Thakur said on Sunday that the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) in Bilaspur will be made fully functional within the next six months.

“Project of making AIIMS in Bilaspur, worth ₹1,471 crore with 750 beds, medical college facilities, 64 ICU beds and 16 Operation Theatres (OTs) on a 250-acre ground, will be ready in 6 months,” he said while attending a COVID vaccination warriors felicitation ceremony at Bilaspur.

Earlier, Member of Parliament and National BJP President Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister of Health, Chemicals and Fertilizers Mansukh Mandaviya, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur and Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur also dedicated the OPD at AIIMS Kothipura in Bilaspur.

Rekha of Kullu district became the first OPD patient of this prestigious institution, who

was diagnosed by Dr. Kapil Sharma of AIIMS Bilaspur.

They also honoured Covid Vaccine doctors and other health workers on the occasion.

He said that people in the state had to go to AIIMS Delhi and PGI Chandigarh for their treatment, but after six months people will be able to get treatment at Bilaspur.

He thanked the current Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President and former Union Health Minister JP Nadda for his efforts in getting the hospital constructed.

Taking potshots at the previous Congress governments at the Centre and in State, he said, “We attained our freedom, Himachal Pradesh is celebrating its 50 years as a state, but nobody talked about building big hospitals here, let alone an AIIMS. When Prime Minister Narendra

Modi came to power in 2014, he gave Himachal Pradesh its first AIIMS. During the UPA rule, the construction of AIIMS was started but it never finished. But within the last five to seven years, the Modi government has made more AIIMS than the total number of AIIMS till 2014.

Also, more AIIMS are being made.”

Union Minister of Health, Chemicals and Fertilizers Mansukh Mandaviya said that the AIIMS was indeed the biggest gift of the Union Government to the State.

He said that the world had acknowledged the brainpower of the country.

He said that out of ten scientists in NASA, almost about three scientists are Indian and Prime Minister Narendra Modi recognized the power of the country and encouraged the scientists to develop its own vaccination against corona virus.

grassroot level workers in order to set the base and tone for other upcoming elections in the state including the Zilla and Taluka panchayat, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the 2023 state assembly polls.

The BJP is also trying to strike a deal with the Janata Dal (Secular) or JD(S) to

defeat the Congress, whom both parties consider a common enemy.

Former chief minister BS Yediyurappa had made it clear that he will seek the support of former prime minister HD Deve Gowda and his former chief minister’s son, HD Kumaraswamy’s support in the upcoming polls, indicating another

alliance between the two.

“For the upcoming Vidhana Parishad elections, no decision has been taken on extending support to any party. There has been no discussion on this yet. But we will take a decision at the earliest or on Tuesday,” Kumaraswamy said on Sunday in Mysuru, about 125 km from Bengaluru.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021 — 43

FOCUS ON FIJI 23-year-old man and 8-year-old boy die in horrific Naboro accident, 7 others admitted in hospital A 23-year-old man and an 8-year-old boy have passed away following a horrific accident along the Queens Highway near the Vunisalato Settlement in Naboro yesterday.

7 other people including both drivers sustained serious injuries and are currently admitted at the CWM Hospital.

Police say the 8 year old boy was travelling with his parents in a small truck

while the 23 year old man was a passenger in the

vehicle that allegedly caused the accident.

They say the alleged suspect who is a 24-year old man from Navo, Nadi was speeding when he lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer onto the opposite lane resulting in the head on collision.

Prashant Anuraag who came across the accident told Legend FM News that he managed to remove the accident victims from their vehicles with the help of some people.

Tourist arrivals create positive vibes in hotels “Today’s opening of the borders must be recognised by all including all stakeholders in the tourism industry and Government,” he said.

Plantation Island Resort general manager Alex Wilson says the arrival of tourists to Fiji after 20 months would rekindle the aspirations of all who have suffered because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Wilson said this would create an enormous impact on the economy and would also be felt through employment, children returning to school and the coming festive season.

“Our country has suffered for the past 19 months and the return of tourists would rekindle the aspirations of all who have suffered because of the pandemic,” he said.

“Fiji needed this as we are the iconic tourist

Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum called the Opposition “Bina Pendi ka Lota” which he says means a vessel without a base and that moves around all the time.

He said this while giving an example and raising concerns that Opposition parliamentarians continuously break out in vernacular without even translating while speaking in parliament.

While responding to the

President’s speech, SayedKhaiyum says Opposition parliamentarians are doing this because they are trying to appeal to a particular segment.

He says the people who speak iTaukei will understand when the Opposition members speak in vernacular, however others will not. Sayed-Khaiyum says parliament is for everybody and the speeches should be understood by everybody.

he said.

destination in the region, and this includes Australia and New Zealand. This is because we Fijians are genuine and sincere.”

Mr Wilson said there was an array of tourist destinations opening around the world.

“However Fiji stands out because of who we are and because we have taken care of our environment and we hold our culture dear to us,” he said.

“There has been a lot

happening at the backhouse where a lot of work has gone in these past months when the borders closed.”

He said his team at Plantation Island Resort had been working continuously to see that the environment would be kept properly in readiness for the return of visitors.

“Today’s opening of the borders must be recognised by all including all stakeholders in the tourism industry and Government,”

Meke group Mr Wilson said he sent his meke group from the resort to Nadi International Airport yesterday to greet the first passengers.

“We wanted to create something different for those arriving,” he added.

The resort’s sales and relationship manager, Apisai Vasu who led the meke group said it was an emotional time for the workers.

“This moment in time is very emotional, we are excited to see tourists again in our beautiful Fiji,” he said.

“During these trying times, what it brings us is unity, one common goal and for our guests to return to our shores.”

There are currently 63 staff employed on the island with more to be brought back in the coming weeks.

Over 700 officers tested positive for COVID-19 this year

Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho says more than 700 police officers tested positive for COVID-19 during the height of the pandemic earlier this year however they rallied together and made personal sacrifices to ensure operations were not affected.

Qiliho highlighted this while receiving $10,000 sponsorship from Vinod Patel for the police soccer team.

Qiliho says there is another side of policing that is not known to many and members of the Force are often criticized for the work they do and always remembered for the bad.

He says officers had to work longer hours and take over stations and units when everyone at the impacted station or unit had to go into mandatory isolation.

The Police Commissioner adds they also had to operate

AG calls Opposition “Bina Pendi ka Lota” while giving an example

from work bubbles which meant being away from family members.

He says unfortunately police officers were still seen as the enemy despite the many challenges encountered.

44 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021

Qiliho says despite the criticism, they will continue to do their utmost best to serve and protect.

Vinod Patel’s Chief Operating Officer Neelesh Pal Singh says sponsoring police was an easy decision to show

their appreciation for the work conducted during Fiji's battle against the pandemic.

Singh has also acknowledged families of serving police officers for their patience and sacrifices during the pandemic.

Two faults found in WAF pumps that disrupted water flow

The Water Authority of Fiji says they have found two faults in their pumps that disrupted water flow to their treatment plants affecting thousands of residents in parts of Lami – Nausori corridor.

WAF says in the early hours of yesterday, teams began checking for faults that may have caused the disruption and have been working to fix these faults non-stop. WAF is currently refilling the reservoirs at Wainibuku and Tovata, after which the water restoration

process will begin. The Authority says texts were sent to people living in impacted areas from 9am yesterday, as well as online notices on all their platforms.

WAF is urging all Fijians to keep at least three days of drinking water stored, especially during the cyclone and drought seasons because of the increase in the likelihood of disruptions.

WAF says they will be providing carting trucks when requested and in case of an emergency, people can call 1507.

Police Suspect Hit-And-Run “They are working on footage they extracted from CCTV so they suspect it could have been a hit and run because as soon as a truck passed, they saw the victim lying there.”

Police suspect that the 14-year-old boy, who was found lying motionless along Drasa Avenue in Lautoka at around 10pm on Wednesday, was a victim of a hit and run.

Police spokesperson, Ana Naisoro said information received by a security officer was that the victim, Ratu Alivereti Spenser, was involved in a fight with two others.

Not long after this, the same security guard found the victim lying motionless on the side of the road.

Ms Naisoro said detectives were working on footage

taken from a business house along the same area.

“They are working on footage they extracted from CCTV so they suspect it could have been a hit and run because as soon as a truck passed, they saw the victim lying there,” she said.

She said Police would also wait on the results from the post mortem examination which was conducted on Friday.

Summer Mela Carnival on Sat 4th Dec at Durack DURACK The ISQ organised Summer Mela Carnival at the Australian International Islamic College on Blunder Rd in Durack on Saturday 4th December, was a grand success after an exciting and entertaining official opening ceremony at 10am.

The Lord Mayor of Brisbane, His Worship Cr. Adrian Schrinner officially open the event, after a welcome to country ceremony by the first nation people, represented by Uncle Joe & his grandson, the didgeridoo player, Charlie.

The honourable Federal Member of Parliament for the Oxley area, Hon.Milton Dick was another Government representative along with the Councillor for the Calamvale ward, Cr. Angela Owen, of the Brisbane City Council.

The dignitaries shared morning tea afterwards with the other distinguished VIP guests and the officials of the Mela Carnival Organising Team along with a strong representative from the Queensland Police.

The Event Coordinator, Raj Raaz said that the Mela Carnival Committee’s main objective in holding these carnivals were to bring together the people of all ages from the various multi-ethnic communities in Brisbane, together on a common platform to celebrate multiculturalism.

This he stated was done by sharing each other's cultures by traditional stage performances, international cuisine of food on sale, the vast variety of costumes, jewellery and other artefacts on sale. While the youngsters

and toddlers were enjoying the rides and sideshow games, the parents and grandparents were enjoying the huge array of food and drinks after looking around at the vast displays of multicultural boutique, jewellery, books and toys. There was a true sense of a carnival atmosphere at the school grounds and the Hall with virtually thousands of people of all age groups lining up to get in to get a piece of the festival excitement. On stage inside the Hall there were international variety of traditional performances like the Punjabi Bhangra, African Drummer, Indonesian and Russian dance performances and auction of cultural artefacts.

During lunchtime, a popular You Tuber, Hj.Hussein Baba of Baba's Kitchen from Gold Coast presented the food judging competition where the winners were announced including Crestmead Islamic Centre Stall and the Rua Huang Burmese Food Stall.

The magic show drew a lot of kids to the event with the

balloon artist creating lots of shapes for kids of all ages to enjoy. Hafiz Ali Khan's evening stage performance with Gazals and Hindi songs captivated the audience who enjoyed that kind of music.

The final performance for the day was delayed due to the sudden thunderstorm at hit Brisbane around 7.00pm - the fire dance still went ahead after everything had calmed down and things returned to normal.

Despite the unpredicted weather, thousands of people who attended, seemed to have been having lots of fun and excitement -

Cayley Aerospace USA CEO Dr. Bishnujee Singh enters India Book of Record for achieving Highest grade in Post Doctorate Degree He also holds an OWR World Record title for the same achievement.

Seattle: Cayley Aerospace Inc CEO Dr Bishnujee Singh from Washington has entered the India Book of Records for achieving Highest grade in Post Doctor Degree (Doctor of Science) in Engineering Management program.

He also holds an OWR World Records title for the same achievement.

On 4th October 2021, University of Azteca, Mexico, North America awarded him Graduation with Summa Cum Laude (highest distinction honor) for his score of US GPA 4.00 (out of 4.00) and grade percentage of 99%, as confirmed on November 23, 2021.

Post Doctor Degree DSc focused on unique research program: Helicopter Aeroelastic Analysis on Tandem Rotor Blades -Implication on Safety and Operation carried out on US Air Force Helicopter first manufactured in 1927.

Thesis focuses on Doublet Lattice Method analysis of Tandem rotor blades which Call: (07) 3192 5188

thereby ensuring that our main objective of bringing multi-cultural communities together on a common platform was well and truly achieved. Maybe we didn't reach our target for fundraising this time, godwilling we may do that the next time the Mela Carnival comes to town. Our dream of having our own multipurpose community hall where the young kids from multi-ethnic communities, can be taught multiple languages and subsequently learn about other cultures from accredited youth workers while coming

with recognition of the Official Validity of Studies awarded by the Federal Secretary of Education, accredited by the Federal Ministry of Education of the Republic and recognized by the Federal Government to provide higher education and award graduate and postgraduate university degrees.

projects and that all levels of the Government continue to support our events and long-term projects with the appropriate grants and funding, god-willing.

Report by the ISQ Summer Mela Carnival Event Coordinator, Raj Raaz.

Visa Options - Migrant Workers – Farm Work CONTD. FROM PG 3 Under these interim provisions, employers are still required to comply with all applicable Australian laws and will continue to have the same rights under Australian workplace law as all other employees.

Can I apply for a second or third WHM visa?

If they meet all eligibility criteria including but not limited to having worked in a designated area for 6 months.

has never been previously carried out ever since it was manufactured.

The Azteca University (Spanish: Universidad Azteca also known as Universidad Azteca de Chalco) is a private university in Chalco, Mexico in a community in Mexico State in the greater Mexico City area.

Universidad Azteca is a private university

to enjoy in-door sports and other in-door activities at our facility, is edging closer to reality.

The Mela Carnival Team sincerely hopes that the greater Brisbane community may continue to support their various fund-raising

How can I extend my stay if I work in agriculture?

Temporary visa holders who work in agriculture, or through employment in agriculture, can apply for a COVID-19 Pandemic Event visa to extend their stay and work in agricultural activities for up to 12 months.

If you are currently holding a visa for the expiring COVID-19 Pandemic incident you may be eligible for another COVID-19 Pandemic event visa to stay in Australia to

www.indiantimes.com.au

continue working in the critical sector.

How can Migration Guru help you?

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.

Our team may be contacted by via email on info at migrationguru. om.au or by calling 07 3036 3800. Readers are encouraged to follow us on Facebook for all the updates to Migration Law https://www.facebook. com/migrationguru/ Migration Guru Pty Ltd, Level 18, 127 Creek Street, Brisbane, QLD. Phone: 07 3036 3800 Migration Guru Pty Ltd, 31002, 27 Garden Street, Southport QLD. Phone: 07 5606 6160 Migration Guru Pty Ltd, Level 1, 162 Macquarie Street, Hobart TAS. Phone: 03 6281 8008 Migration Guru Pty Ltd, Level 5, 490 Northbourne Avenue, Dickson, ACT. Phone: 02 6109 9110 Migration Guru Pty Ltd, Suite 124, Level 1, 1 Queens Road, Melbourne, VIC. Phone 03 6240 1930 MARN 0324607 www. migrationguru.com.au Disclaimer: - The above article constitutes only generic information on migration issues, and does not constitute specific migration advice to any entity or individual.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021 — 45

Jacqueline Fernandez allowed to leave Mumbai airport after brief detention at the airport Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez is currently under the scanner of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) as a witness in a Rs. 200 crore money laundering case. The actress was questioned multiple times by the central agency after she was linked to the prime accused, Sukesh Chandrasekhar. On Sunday evening, Jacqueline was briefly detained at the Mumbai airport based on a lookout circular issued to her by the ED in connection with the extortion case.

However, she was allowed to leave the airport after a brief detention.

Jacqueline Fernandez was leaving the country for a show in Dubai on Sunday evening.

The actress is currently being

investigated by the ED in the Rs. 200 crore extortion case.

It has been alleged that the actress was in contact with Sukesh Chandrasekhar even during his time at Tihar jail.

Sukesh’s lawyer had earlier

claimed that the actress was dating his client. Amid the allegations, pictures of Jacqueline kissing Sukesh on the cheek also made its way to the internet.

Jacqueline’s statement

has been recorded twice by the ED and she is expected to be questioned soon in Delhi.

The investigating agency has filed a charge sheet in Delhi against Sukesh Chandrasekhar and others in the Rs. 200-crore money laundering case, alleging that he extorted Rs. 200 crore from a businessman's wife while he was lodged in Tihar jail. Adding to this, the agency has also uncovered evidence detailing financial transactions from Chandrasekhar to the Bollywood actress. Besides this the agency’s evidence also includes a horse worth Rs. 52 lakh and a Persian cat worth Rs. 9 lakh were among gifts worth Rs. 10 crores given by Chandrashekar to Jacqueline.

Salman Khan looking to replace Jacqueline Fernandez from Da-bangg concert; actress may be restricted from travel outside country This is not a good time to be Jacqueline Fernandez.

The Kick actress, said to be extremely close to Salman Khan, may have to opt out of his proposed Dabangg concert in Riyadh on December 10.

Sources say Salman Khan is not keen on having her on board after the allegations of association with an alleged

economic offender surfaced with pictorial evidence.

An informed source says, “Jacqueline is in trouble, serious trouble. She is likely to be called for questioning by the Enforcement Directorate for a number of times in the coming weeks and may even be restricted from travelling out of Mumbai. Salman is looking

at replacing Jacqueline for the Riyadh concert.”

All of the Khan superstar’s groupies including Shilpa Shetty, who at one time was a part of Salman’s inner circle, are billed as star attractions at the Riyadh concert. Don’t be surprised if Jacqueline Fernandez is replaced by Daisy Shah.

Sara Ali Khan On Fans Calling Her ‘Chaka Chak Aunty’: “Toh Mujhe Bhi Mazaa Aayega” Sara Ali Khan is the perfect blend of poise and elegance mixed with a carefree and candid chatting personality.

As the actress is gearing up for the release of her next, Aanand L Rai’s Atrangi Re, co-starring Dhanush and Akshay Kumar, she is going all out in its promotions.

Recently, Koimoi exclusively met the actress and spoke to her about the film, her character and its traits as well as her first solo song – Chaka Chak. Read on to know what she had to say about the latest track.

Sharing what her reaction was on being told she would have to perform solo in Atrangi Re’s Chaka Chak, Sara Ali Khan said, “I

can’t wait. I can’t wait. Thank you so much Aanandji.”

Continuing to tell us what was going through her mind then, she added, “Mujhe toh

Aanandji ki heroine banna kafi tha, mujhe ek solo gaana de diya.”

Talking about Chaka Chak and other songs like it in Bollywood, Sara Ali Khan added, “I think heroines are remembered by their songs.

Of course times are different now and there is different kind of content and genres.

But in this kind of genre, gaane toh sabko chahiye. Aaj tak log muje airport pe dhek ke ‘Aankh Marey’ aunty bolte hai. Koi mujhe ‘Chaka Chak’ aunty bolega toh mujhe bhi mazza ayega.”

Antim Box Office Day 9: Salman Khan, Aayush Sharma Starrer Does Well On Saturday Compared to 1.25 crores that the film had earned on Friday, this is a good increment in numbers and also sets the stage for Sunday to go past the 2 crores mark.

As expected, Antim – The Final Truth showed growth again on Saturday as 1.75 crores* came in. Compared to 1.25 crores that the film

had earned on Friday, this is a good increment in numbers and also sets the stage for Sunday to go past the 2 crores mark.

Of course, had Saturday collections itself been around 2 crores then it would have been even better for the Salman Khan and Aayush Sharma starrer as that would have promised a

46 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021

promising hold during the weekdays. Here, with Friday coming down to 1.25 crores, one can well expect Sunday to be the last day for the film when it would go past the 1 crore mark post which things would get slower during the weekdays.

Nonetheless, what matters is that the Mahesh Manjrekar directed film is

doing as per expected lines and has collected 32.25 crores* already. The second weekend would close around 34.50 crores and then two week number would be around 37 crores. Post that it would be all about more numbers trickling in on the lower side to allow Antim – The Final Truth to sneak past 40 crores lifetime.

Katrina Kaif-Vicky Kaushal Wedding: Katrina Kaif’s brother to be the best man; to give a speech at the ceremony

The wedding festivities of Bollywood stars Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif will commence in two days.

The couple is all set to tie the knot in a grand ceremony at Fort Barwara in Rajasthan with the ceremonies taking place from December 7 to December 10. The couple will be arriving at the venue on Monday, a day before the festivities commence.

Meanwhile, family members and other guests have already started arriving at the venue.

According to sources close to Katrina Kaif, her brother Sebastien Laurent Michael would be her best man. He will raise a toast and has prepared a speech for Katrina and Vicky.

Meanwhile, the wedding was confirmed last week by district collector Rajendra Kishan of Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan. The District Collector revealed that a total of 120 top Bollywood and other celebrities will be attending the wedding.

"We have been informed by organizers that a total of 120 guests are invited to the wedding and the events will take place between December 7 to December 10," he said, speaking to the media.

The sangeet ceremony will be held on December 7, followed by the Mehendi ceremony on December 8.

The couple will tie the knot on December 9 and will conclude the festivities with a reception on December 10.

Tadap Box Office Day 2: Tara Sutaria & Ahan Shetty Starrer Sees Consistent Footfalls On Saturday

Sajid Nadiadwala had promised a good start for Ahan Shetty in the industry and that has happened now with Tadap. adap is staying on to be consistent at the box office with 4.12 crores more coming in on Saturday.

Considering the fact that Friday was 4.05 crores and better than expected, the hold that the Ahan Shetty and Tara Sutaria starrer has shown is encouraging.

The film has collected 8.17 crores so far and with growth expected today, an opening weekend of 13 crores is on the cards. Of course in the pre-pandemic times, this could easily have equated to 20 crores worth of opening. However going

by the absolute number which is out there, this is how things are and one has to take that into the stride.

Sajid Nadiadwala had promised a good start for Ahan Shetty in the industry and that has happened now with Tadap which has found traction and is one of those select four or five films which have at least made some sort of impression amongst the audience in 2021.

That’s good enough for Bollywood when things seemed really bleak till before the release of Sooryavanshi.

A start has been made and slowly but steadily, the industry is getting back on its feat, courtesy films like Tadap.

BOOK REVIEW Kamala's Way: An American Life

By Rama Gaind

Kamala's Way: An American Life

By Dan Morain, Simon & Schuster, $32.99 Not too many people outside the United States of America (US) would have perhaps heard about Kamala Devi Harris before

the 2020 US presidential elections. However, she has been making history for a very long time.

Harris is the first AsianAmerican and AfricanAmerican to become the US Vice-President — and a woman at that!

The daughter of Indiaborn Shyamala Gopalan and Jamaican-born Donald Harris, Kamala (whose name means lotus flower) was California’s first Black woman to become a district attorney. Then she went on to assume the same position in San Francisco, before finally going on to become the first-ever woman to assume one of the highestranking positions in US political history.

The question being asked

was how could the daughter of two immigrants born in segregated California rise to become the nation’s first black female vice-president?

She did it Kamala’s Way! The journey that took a woman into the White House for the first time makes for fascinating reading. The narrative about how Kamala became one of America’s most effective power players is engrossing.

Veteran journalist Dan Morain gives a comprehensive account of Harris’s years in the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, explores her ‘audacious embrace of the little-known Barack Obama, and shows the sharp elbows she deployed to make it to the US Senate’. He also

examines her failure as a presidential candidate and the behind-the-scenes campaign she waged to land the vice-president spot.

From a family of achievers, interwoven into this captivating chronicle is a vivid picture of Kamala’s values and priorities, along with the risks taken, the slip-ups and the courageous moves made along the way to the top.

The public knows Kamala Harris today as being tough, smart, quick-witted and demanding — a prosecutor — with legendary oneliners.

What she goes on to achieve from here will make for another significantly illuminating story about Madam US Vice-President!

14th ASIAPACIFIC SCREEN AWARDS

by Madhu Khanna GOLDCOAST this year 14th Asia Pacific Screen Awards held at Home of the Arts – HOTA Bundall Surfers Paradise Queensland. APSA ceremony host was Michael Tuahine.

The Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA) established in 2007, the Asia Pacific Screen Awards are the region’s highest accolade in film where cinematic excellence shines. With films from 70 countries and areas in the region, APSA honours filmmaking that best reflects its cultural origins and the diversity of the Asia Pacific.

APSA is an international cultural program presented by the Asia Pacific Screen Academy. It is endorsed by foundation partners Parisbased UNESCO and FIAPFInternational Federation of Film Producers Associations.

Asia Pacific Screen Forum was launched in 2019, the Asia Pacific Screen Forum presents an action-packed program of industry-led networking opportunities, designed to facilitate relationships and collaborations between filmmakers across Asia Pacific. Providing fertile creative ground for APSA nominees and guests to strengthen their connections, the program is open to all industry professionals, providing an unprecedented opportunity to meet and learn from filmmakers from right across the region.

In 2021 the Forum inspired new connections and models of filmmaking under the theme The Influence of Production on Story. This topic was explored through a series panel discussion and interactive case studies. The forum was featured in-conversations, screenings, roundtable discussions and one-on-one meetings and mentorships across Asia Pacific.

Call: (07) 3192 5188

The Asia Pacific Screen Forum Steering Committee is crafting a diverse and accessible program with industry at its core.

Facilitated by Tracey Vieira, Chair of the APSA Academy and Chief Content Officer of Emmy™ Award production house Hoodlum the Committee is comprised of Loani Arman (Australia), Jo Dillon (Australia), Stephen Jenner (Singapore), Bali Padda (Australia), Bina Paul (India), Debra Richards (Australia), Bain Stewart (Australia), Pearl Tan (Australia), Lorna Tee (Malaysia), Herman Van Eyken (Australia), Jaclyn McLendon (Australia).

The Red-Carpet walk started from 6pm to 7pm and the following dignitaries walked on it Gold Coast Deputy Mayor, Donna Gates, APSA Chair, Tracey Vieira, Screen Qld CEO, Kylie Munnich, Ceremony host and multi-talented actor Michael Tuahine known for his roles in Harrow, The End, Reef Break, Sea Patrol & Secret & Lies, Consulate General of Japan, ViceConsul Tomohiro Koyama, Consulate of Lebanon, Honorary Consul Anthony Torbey, Honorary Consul for the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in Brisbane, Honorary Consul Anton Swan, Chief Executive Officer of Hoodlum, an Emmy® and BAFTA Award winning Entertainment Company, Tracey Robertson, Writer, Director, Producer , Co-founder, Chair and Board Member of Women In Film Television (WIFT) Katrina Irawati Graham, Filmmaker, Ben Hackworth - Writer/Director – Celeste, Filmmaker, Loani Arman AIDC Best Short Form Award for documentary My Body Says plus roles in TV Series Tidelands, Harrow and Queensland Theatre Production of Scene From a Marriage, Filmmaker Mairi

Maxine Williamson and Des Power Cameron, Lifelines, Harrow, The Second Filmmaker Douglas Watkin, Ella, Alick and Albert, Bidjara/Dhunghutti woman, Ljudan MichaelisThorpe, Indigenous Lead, WIFT Australia, SPA One to Watch 2020 ,Producer, former APSA Artistic Director Maxine Williamson,Matt Kesting, CEO and Artistic Director, Adelaide Film Festival,Kiki Fung curator and Programme Consultant of Hong Kong International Film Festival,Libby Lincoln, Arts & Culture Strategies City Of Gold Coast,,William Barton, composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, widely recognised as one of Australia's leading didgeridoo players The winner for Best actor performance by an Merab Ninidze, Best performance by an actress by Azmeri Haque Bandon. She is a wellknown model and television actress.

Best animated feature film – The Nose or the conspiracy of Mavericks

by Andrey Khrzha novsky.

Best documentary feature film – “Sabaya” by Hogir

Hirori.Best Film – “Drive my Car” – Director Hamaguchi.

Best Screen play – Ryusuke Hamaguchi of Takamasa “Drive my Car” and "Sabaya" directed by Hogir Hirori .

This award is an important recognition of everything the ISIS survivors has been through. It also needed much attention to the fight to save more than 2000 zahidi women and girls that are still held captive by ISIS and unite them with their families. Best Youth Feature Film – “Moving on” Best Cinematography – Nguyen Vinh Phue for “Taste”. Cultural Diversity – “Children of the sun” Achievement in Directing goes on “A Hero” to Asghar Farhadi. FIAPF – Selyanov Jury Grand Prize goes to Abdullah Mohammad Saad for “Rehana” and Leah Purcell for “The drover’s wife the legend of Molly Johnson. MPA APSA Academy film funds recipients are – Apichatpong , Dea Kulumbegashvilli, Mangansakan, Rakhshan Banietemad.Young Cinema Award- LE BAO for “Taste”.

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Tracey Vieira and Deputy Lord Mayor Donna Gates Each film has his golden performance, some of the characters were so soulful.

Movies like Drive my car, A hero, House arrest, the drover’s wife the legend of Molly Johnson, Rehana, Taste, Writing with fire.

Every movie had its own

style, class and a story. Due to covid many winners could not attend in person, but it gave a positive message to the society. Those who could not attend gave message through zoom. lovely entertainment by Drums of the Pacific.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021 — 47

Are you one of these missing people?

The findings of the 2020 National Report for the Viral Hepatitis Mapping Project indicate that there are still many people living in Queensland who are not aware that they have hepatitis B or hepatitis C and are also not receiving the care they need. This increases their risk of developing severe liver damage, liver cancer and possibly death which could be avoided if they have their health checked.

Hepatitis B. The report shows: • In 2020 in Australia there were 222,559 people living with hepatitis B, but only 162,480 (73%) know they have the infection and only 50,229 (23%) are getting the treatment or regular liver check-ups that they need.

• In 2020 in Queensland 33,987 people were living with hepatitis B and 9,041 (27%) do not know they have the infection. Furthermore,

ashm.org.au/programs/ Viral-Hepatitis-MappingProject/

only 2,804 (8.3%) are getting treatment and 3,583 (18.8%) are accessing care and treatment.

Hepatitis C. The report shows: • In Queensland in 2016

there were 43,641 people living with hepatitis C but at the end of 2020 only 43.3% (18,916) of these people had had treatment to cure and clear them of the virus.

You can find more information at https://www.

Did you know?

• Most people who migrate to Australia are not checked for hepatitis B and hepatitis C. • Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are not included in regular blood tests or annual health checks.

• Your regular doctor can check for hepatitis B or hepatitis C with a simple blood test – just ask them.

• Not everyone who has hepatitis B needs treatment, and there is no cure for hepatitis B. • Hepatitis C treatment can CURE the infection, is easy and can can take as little as 8 weeks.

• You cannot tell by looking at someone if they have hepatitis B or hepatitis C – they usually do not have any signs or symptoms of the infection.

• Your liver can be damaged or you can get

liver cancer if you have hepatitis B or hepatitis C – and not feel sick.

• People who have been diagnosed with hepatitis B need regular check-ups (usually every 6 months) to check for damage to the liver and liver cancer – your doctor can do this or may refer you to a liver specialist. Not everyone needs to see a specialist.

• Some GPs have a special interest in hepatitis B and can be found at https://www.ashm.org.au/ PrescriberListing/ ECCQ’s Hepatitis, HIV/

AIDS and Sexual Health Program provides free Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and STIs information, resources and support in different languages. Please contact us at: Website: eccq.com.au/bbv Phone: 07 3844 9166 E: health@eccq.com.au If you live in Cairns, you can also contact: HIV, Viral Hepatitis, Sexual Health Coordinator Cairns Sexual Health Service 381 Sheridan St, Cairns North, QLD, 4870 Ph: 4226 4760

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

Spring preparations for

Nimisha Modi

Hetvi Hair & Beauty 0412350013

Hey Girls, spring is just around the corner and this means that we will have to stare preparing for it more properly. Cleaning the house is not the only thing that you will have to do. The best thing for your body right now is to start a cleansing and beauty program. One of the first things that you will have to do is to improve the way your hair looks.

With a different color of hair, you will look great. Some highlights will also make you look wonderful even if you don’t change the color of your hair radically. You could also opt for semi-

48 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021

permanent colouring (may be Heena colour) as it will help you go through a transition stage before you actually make the transformation.

Moisture Balance One of the hardest things to conquer with hair is proper moisture.

Just when you get your hair all moisturized to combat the dry season, it gets wet and humid, and then the sun comes out and wreaks havoc on your locks.

As the weather starts to warm up and the humidity in the air increases, it’s time to change your conditioning habits. It does not mean that you need to stop conditioning, just make a few adjustments.

If you deep condition once a week in the winter months, change it to every other week. If you use a heavy daily conditioner in the dry season, try changing to a lighter moisture or balancing conditioner.

The rule of thumb with moisture is to listen to your hair. If you notice static, dry ends, a lot of tangles, or if your hair

feels rough to the touch you are lacking moisture and need to add a deep conditioning treatment or a moisturizing conditioner to your hair routine. If your hair is limp or oily, start cutting back on the moisture.

When you are not looking to change the color of your hair then you may want to change your make-up. For instance, you can use a little pick blush, some mascara and gloss and your look is done!

You can also choose some colourful lipstick and nail polish upgrade your look a little bit. Just remember, sometimes less is more.

It is advisable to eat more vegetables in the spring and also, if you don’t have the habit of drinking 2l of water a day then you should start now.

You might also want to resort to some specialized hydrating treatments for your hair in order to get rid of the dry hair. Clearly there are a lot of things that we have to take care of during the spring and these are just some of the most important issues.

So here we go, take care and look always beautiful.

African Professionals Gala Ball Sold Out

BRISBANE African Professionals Gala Ball Sold Out took place on Saturday 27th November at the Sky Room and Terrace, Sky Level of Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event was attended by a long list of VIPs, Mayors, Senators, Councillors, CEOs, community & faith leaders Etc. The entertainment had a Spectacular line-up: African Fusion Collective, Heilani production, Acholi Dancers, And yes! ...yes!

The Legend himself Herb Armstrong (Grandson of the famous singer/songwriter Louis Armstrong) will be performing the famous 'What a Wonderful World'.

The African Professionals of Australia (APA) is one of the largest African professional networks in Australia. Established and registered in November 2007, the organisation has a current membership of over 500 professionals committed, and

focused on helping Africans and Australians network, while building on personal and professional development.

APA includes members from more than 20 African countries, with our largest numbers coming from Ghana, Uganda, Congo, Ethiopia, Malawi, Tanzania, Somali, South Africa, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria Mauritania, Gambia, Seychelles, Chad and Sudan. Our membership is represented by 15 different professions including Accountants, Medical doctors,

Nurses, Human Resource Managers, IT, Engineers, Geologists, Business Development Managers, Lawyers, Teachers, Welfare officers, Community workers and Scientists.

Congratulations to Mr president Robert Mukimbozi and the team for organising such wonderful event tonight so pleasure to attend to African Professionals Australia Gala Dinner. It was great catching up with so many wonderful friends, communities’ leaders, so proud that Multicultural

Australian was one of the sponsors to this event.

It was a delight and pleasure to support and attend the African Professionals of Australia Gala Ball held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre this past Saturday night.

Thank you so much Robert Mukombozi for hosting such a fantastic event and for providing a wonderful platform showcasing the achievements of AfricanAustralian professionals' in both Australia and Africa.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said “I know from my own father's experience that it's not easy starting a new life in a different country.

African Professionals of Australia - Queensland play an important role in our community by supporting their members as they make their mark on Brisbane's business community. Thank you for helping our residents meet their full potential”.

Ten years of eyecare services for underprivileged in India As India Vision Institute, the NGO working to provide the underprivileged access to vision screening and a pair of free glasses for those in need, marks its tenth anniversary, it has launched two landmark programs in Chennai.

Keeping its focus on transgender inclusion and gender equality, India Vision Institute is screening some 1,500 individuals from the transgender community and 10,000 underprivileged women in communities across Chennai.

For the NGO, known across India and the world by its acronym IVI, the announcements of these programs in October came along with its celebration of the tenth anniversary. IVI was established in 2011, the year it was registered as a non-profit trust.

With the vision to 'Augment the Primary Eye Care Capacity of India', IVI works to deliver primary eye care services, including free pairs of corrective glasses, to the underprivileged in 22 states of India.

The NGO has set its sights high. CEO and Managing Trustee Vinod Daniel said, “On our tenth anniversary, it is our endeavour to aim for a million screenings in the next year or so.”

"IVI's efforts so far have touched over 403,300 lives, including some 284,000 children.

Our nearly 1,400 vision screening programs across India have resulted in distributing 81,000 free Call: (07) 3192 5188

corrective glasses to people with uncorrected refractive errors," he said. “In Education, IVI works to upgrade optometrists’ skills and building capacity and equip them to cope with challenges in their careers. We organise advocacy, talks, education, skill enhancement, and leadership development programs.”

Two flagship programs that help deliver IVI’s services are Eye See and I Learn and Eye See and I Work. Vision correction and glasses help school children do well in studies, helping them to aspire for a better future. Similarly, better sight in adults assists them in being more productive and ensure that their livelihood is safe and secure.

In a country with a high incidence of road accidents and fatalities, a pair of spectacles can help drivers see better and avoid mishaps. Here too IVI has focused on vision and road safety

as an area of high priority, and a taskforce comprising industry and experts is looking into the issue closely. Screenings of commercial drivers and truckers in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are ongoing and in full swing.

IVI is also working to strengthen research capacity in Optometry.

A Vision Science Taskforce is making efforts to expand research capability in Optometry in India.

Other programs are helping weavers and artisans, fishermen, stone sculptors get protective eyewear and sunglasses against harmful UV rays.

“We organise awareness campaigns such as ‘Walk in the Dark’ in Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Goa and Aizawl. These activities, which make citizens aware of the problem and what can be done to address the problem of avoidable blindness, has evoked a good response from citizens from all

"The protective sunglasses from IVI will help shield us from the harmful rays of the sun during summer as we patrol the streets."

—Pradeep, police sub inspector, Neelankarai Station, Chennai

2021 PRET Australia Awards Night

BRISBANE Generosity overflows at Brisbane industry award night: raising thousands for Brisbane charities.

Sunday 28th November was one of the biggest nights in the Brisbane property development, management rights, and real estate industry calendar.

Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio were privileged to be guests alongside ARAMA and over 350 attendees from across the industry who arrived in style at the beautiful Grand Ball Room of W Hotel Brisbane for the 2021 PRET Australia Awards Night.

PRET, is a training organisation that specialises in high-level mentorship and training for the Queensland real estate industry. The PRET awards event is an opportunity to celebrate Brisbane’s rising real estate stars, onsite managers, and to award the Top Real Estate Agents of the year. PRET CEO and MC for the night Paul Shih put together a full of fun and fantastic evening to celebrate a very successful year for the industry but more importantly, the night also raised a huge amount of money for important local causes.

The event was an incredible way to fundraise for The Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust, The Mater Foundation and Small Steps

for Hannah, which is a movement for change set up

by The Clarke family in their quest to honour Hannah, Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey and put a stop to family violence. Lloyd and Sue Clarke attended the evening. Paul Shih is one of the most wellknown Property Investment Advisors in the Brisbane Chinese community, he is the Honorary Chairperson of the Australian Property Management Alliance and actively shows a huge commitment to giving back to the Brisbane community.

The night was a remarkable celebration of Brisbane’s real estate development and management rights industry but also highlighted the generosity of this community of industry professionals who made incredibly generous donations to raise funds for the worthy charities. An auction, raffle tickets and donations raised well over 70 thousand dollars on the night.

The Top Agent Awards winners: Owen Chen of Place Sunnybank, Claire Dai of Kollesche, Eric Li of Ray White Sunnybank Hills, Leo Liu of NGU Real Estate, Sally O’Neill of Belle Property Hope Island. Rising Star Award winners: Rick Chen of Ray White Sunnybank Hills, Andy Guo of Place Sunnybank and Leo Li of All Properties Group North Lakes.

walks of life,” said Mr Daniel.

The pandemic has seen some IVI activities move online, especially in Education.

Optometry schools, students and the academic community have over the past months thronged to listen to interlocutors, experts and speakers from across the world. IVI’s workshops, talks and discussion sessions on a range of issues of concern to primary eye care have been a big draw.

IVI’s International Optometry Conferences, the second edition of which was held 9-11 September this year, have become a major annual event in the world’s eye health calendar. With keynote talks and panel discussions, the conference draws the world’s top experts, researchers and scientists in the field in addition to evoking the interest and attention from students, academics and industry.

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021 — 49

DECEMBER-2021

Aries ( 21st March to 20th April )

Taurus ( 21st April to 21st May )

Gemini ( 22nd May to 21st June )

This month may give you mixed results. Plan well in advance in order to implement, so that you can have a balanced approach that can give you a hassle-free routine for this month.

Try to segregate your personal and professional life in order to have a good time both in the workplace and also with your family. You may feel stressed because of your love relationship as there may be few arguments with your partner. Arguments could arise as you may not get to spend quality time with your partner. Hence try to spend some quality time with your partner. Also, commitment is going to play an important role in the love relationship. Overall this month may give you the expected gain in terms of finance. You just need to be cautious while spending money on property and family. Don’t get into the legal matters related to the property as this can be a cause of unplanned expenditure. Try to be professional in the workplace and avoid getting aggressive and argumentative at the workplace.

There are chances of sudden disagreement with the boss which could also stress you out. Businessmen need to be ready for any change in plans. You might get a sudden helping hand from your business partner. You may also incur financial gain from your previous plan. Sports students may get success with hard work but you need to be careful with your health and be regular with your practice without getting aggressive. This month you might face health issues because of aggression and workload. Avoid arguments at the workplace to maintain good health. Sudden health issues related to the heart can give health challenges hence you are advised to avoid rich and oily food.

Luck is going to be in your favor however try not to only depend on luck as there would be certain new challenges that would need to be resolved by hard work and wisdom.

You may get mixed results in love and relationships.

Commitment may play an important role during this month so try to fill the gap in the marital relationship with the fulfillment of your promises. People dealing with legal matters could see certain challenges. Business traveling could prove beneficial for you as not only could you get financial gains from it, but also an important deal related to business could be finalized. Try to avoid an argument with your partner to maintain the peace of the relationship. Try to maintain a practical approach at the workplace for better results at work. There can be an increment in a job or some financial help from senior authority. Media and writing-related careers may be successful during this month. Try not to respond to messages and mail without the proper information. If proper monthly planning is not done in the wholesale business, you could incur some loss. You may feel an inclination to learn a new language or garner religious knowledge. This month you could be blessed with valuable moral education which could set as a foundation, a base of your life and success. This moral education may develop ethics and integrity in your life. Try not to eat food from outside as that could cause digestion problems and stomach related issues. Aggression can give a negative effect on your physical health. Stress may be there because of the workload so you are advised to do mediation and have a proper diet to be fit and healthy.

Your peculiarities for which people made fun of you, those peculiarities may bring some advantages for you this week. You may find yourself to be the center of attraction in some parties or public gatherings. You may feel a little disturbed by the behavior of your loved ones and may also be confused because of changes in their behavior and attitude which could affect your mental health as well.

However, try to stay calm and act normal as expected. Try to put restrictions on yourself from overindulging in food and alcohol which could lead to physical ailments causing mental stress for your wife, children, and family.

Instead, try to eat healthy food and eat more vegetables and fruits. Maintain a healthy diet along with physical exercise and also try to stay hydrated. You may get rid of some illusions that used to haunt you for a long time. Go ahead and continue your meditations till you feel entirely free of it because of which you may also feel more independent and positive. Your mistake from the past could be forgiven by your loved one and you may feel quite relieved by it.This month you may be geared up to take any sort of work as your mental and physical stamina is at its peak. So make the most of it. Also, try to invest your vigor in something good and purposeful. You may get an opportunity to meet a warm, stable, affectionate person which may turn out to be the best choice for a happy relationship. Students may get bombarded by elders for an attitude of irresponsibility and carelessness. Your elders only mean good for you and want their children to be more responsible in their actions and studies.

Cancer ( 22nd June to 22nd July )

Leo ( 23rd July to 22nd August )

Virgo ( 23rd August to 22nd September )

This month is likely to broaden your experiences, increase your productivity and performance which may boost your career prospects significantly. But, as the month progresses, you are likely to face stiff resistance and competition. Work hard and dedicate yourself to the task assigned in order to handle the competition efficiently.

A calm and polite approach would help you to overcome problems and issues to carry out the tasks in terms of maintaining the right balance. Your response and actions may be sharper than usual which may make you manage your career and finances efficiently. You can expect a positive response from your clients and hence your productivity, as well as financial growth, may increase significantly as the month approaches to end.

You could receive good gains and your financial position would stay satisfying.

Your positive outlook during this year may help you to open up easily to your loved ones, and they may be able to understand you better. You may express your ideas with more enthusiasm and positivity, in fact you may be able to explain more complicated issues and problems as well . There may be some issues in your relationship which may become bigger issues and it may get magnified before you could resolve it. There may be highs and lows that you may face in your life which may affect you mentally and could also have some negative impact on your studies. However, on a whole, you may be able to manage the issues efficiently and eventually achieve tremendous success as well as quality knowledge this month. There may be some fluctuations in your health but, gradually the impact of benefic planets may help you to regain your health.

You may have a strong feeling of striking it big during this month. Saturn and Jupiter may encourage you to follow your passion and carve a niche for yourself. This also seems a good time to brush up your communication skills. Professionals are likely to enjoy a happy state of mind due to a secured job/position. Regarding health, no major problems are foreseen here. However, be prepared to accept new challenges and try to maintain the healthy lifestyle that you intended for. You may also have to learn to adapt and get used to a new and changing environment. You are likely to get many opportunities to strengthen your financial status. If you manage your finances wisely, an increase in your wealth is likely. It may be a good time to invest money for a longer period as the investment done during this month may bring handsome rewards in the future. The transiting Venus may support your love life but, you may also need to take care of your partner's feelings and emotions. Try to be patient and try to listen to your partner more. There may be a choice – that you may have to make and it shall not be easy. Your strong commitment towards the chosen course may be successful in the end. You may have enough planetary support to make progress in your education this month. But, due to your negligence or laziness, you may not be able to focus well on your studies. However, the guidance of your mentors may help you to bring improvement. You won't face many health problems. But, try not get overworked to maintain your fitness levels during this month.

There may be scope for growth in your profession and things shall start picking up for good. Business people may explore new horizons to expand the business. Mercury could help you perform well, and hence you are likely to finish off some important pending tasks. The favorable planetary impact may help you gain recognition during this latter part of this month. It can be a good period to carry out business plans and to launch new products for business growth. The impact of Venus could lead you to financial growth. But, Mars may provoke you to make ambitious moves. You must refrain from making any new investments in haste. You may get some good opportunities for financial growth during the latter part of this month. But, it would be better to proceed only with a definite strategy. Your relationship may face some problems as the impact of Mars may make you stubborn or dominating. The latter part of the month is likely to bring clarity and hence you can expect to have a better understanding. You are also likely to be blessed with an opportunity to create a solid emotional base.

This month may help you to make some important decisions regarding your future educational prospects. Some strong distractions may lure you, delay you from your ambitions as the month advances. However, you may have gradual improvement and your performance around the month-end may lead you towards success. Planetary influences during this month may help you improve your stamina and fitness. Your productivity may increase gradually as the month advances. Though your health, in general, may remain in good shape, you need to take care, particularly if you are having any lingering health issues.

Libra ( 23rd September to 22nd October )

Scorpio ( 23rd October to 22nd November )

Sagittarius ( 23rd November to 21st December )

Patience must be the prime word for you while mingling with your siblings, as you may never understand where you have gone wrong in dealing with them. Your ability to face matters confidently may help to deal with some harsh situations patiently. Try to keep a tight grip on your emotions towards others. Your romantic life is far more a journey into fantasy land than an earthbound evening of parties and dances. You are a better judge of people and you can assess the situation better than anybody in your social circle. This quality of yours may prove as a boon to your family and your loved ones. Your critical and argumentative nature towards your subordinates may bring out a negative approach from them even towards the wise and intelligent decisions you take. You may find everything in favor of you as your subordinates and seniors may all be encouraging in your new project. Hence, do take advantage of the situation and work towards your goals effectively and efficiently. If you get reluctant in using your analyzing power more effectively you may fall into a state of a rut, leaving you with unfinished projects. Find some ways to communicate with others more reasonably, understandably, and gently. A trip with your near and dear ones may lead you to some thrilling moments. Enjoy it, as these are not the moments you get often. Busy schedules may force you to postpone a trip that you were eagerly waiting for since long. It would be better if you give a thought before getting committed and starting a new relationship. As your time is now favorable, you may get proper guidance to choose the best.

This could be one of those months, where you may be happy with the way life may turn out to be. It could be as per your expectations. You may be content with your achievements and shall be content with your efforts as well. You are likely to make new friends and some of them may be interested in taking up some special moments in your life. You may feel comfortable with them, however, you may also feel awkward at times. This month is good for natives into business and self-employment. You may be able to undertake new activities that may improve your earnings and career. Try not to be overconfident as you may have to work hard on some areas of your achievements. Travel is also seen on the cards, but this may demand some discipline from you. Do not be over-cautious while spending money this month as you may have ample of money for your spendings. Also, try not hesitant to be generous. It is also favorable to make investments this month as it could bring proper and timely returns. Tangible investments like real estate would be worth pursuing if you are confident of the builder you are dealing with. Try not to be mild in your association, as this can affect your personality. Native people in sports are also likely to do well.

Your efforts may be rewarded and you could be felicitated if you have taken part in some competition. Try not to be proud, instead stay humble with your achievements as this may reflect in your body language. Be grateful to your parents and mentor who have shaped you and because of whom you have come this far in life.

This month may be harmonious. Your relations may get developed with people of all hierarchies. In Fact you may make peaceful relations with people in a higher hierarchy, however, maintain distance and do not get too close to them while bonding or while developing familiarity. You may get long-distance travel opportunities which may be rewarding and successful. Profitable results may occur in financial dealings related to business. Your understanding to read people may be the prime reason for this success. Continue the hard work, as all possible support may be received from family members. Your money may be spent over family and noble deeds. Your prestige in society may also increase this month, largely due to your social habits and good nature. So keep up with your etiquettes and good manners. Respect and honor may be achieved at work. In fact, this is after a long time and hard work that respect and honor may be developed for you at work. You may develop an interest in astrology and some of you may even put effort to learn and understand the subject in depth . Profits may arise at work and in business, hence try to keep a note of practises that you follow. You may get to spend nice time with friends and associates but try not to indulge in any beverage as this can affect your health to a great extent. For love and romance, some of you may find a true partner in your life. This is likely to be due to the support of planet Venus. But make sure you do not take anyone for granted. Be patient, caring and loving with your partner. Talk to your partner regularly, as this may only improve your relationship.

Capricorn ( 22nd December to 20th January )

Aquarius ( 21st January to 18th February )

Pisces ( 19th February to 20th March )

You may have the option to take accurate decisions with your insightful and strategic methodology. However, you could face a few challenges which you need to be careful of. These could be either related to finance or work. Try your level best to be polite, you must remain grounded and keep command over your discourse so that you do not fall into verbal combats with your associates and buddies. There may be important changes on the professional front as well. But along with changes, comes newer challenges. Challenges could either be in terms of finances or on the work front. The month recommends that this period could be all about your honor, prestige and authority. You could get good support from your loved ones and this period may bring advancement in your work life. Try to keep a check on your expenses and curb all the inconsequential expenses.You may take great interest in research and mysterious sciences, during this month. You may get the best out of this current month by buckling down on accomplishing what you want. In any case, this is certifiably not an appropriate time for planning international trips or undertaking foreign projects as the results may not be extremely delighting. It is better if you postpone your work trips as much as possible. Efforts diverted in the right direction may enable you with positive results. Try your best to remain focused and work hard to achieve your goals and accomplish what you have set your heart on. Try to be extra cautious and try not to lend money especially to distant family and friends this month as you may not get the money easily.

The good news is that because of the transit of Mars you may attain good financial gain during this month.

Hence try to make the most of this time since it is favorable for finances. There can be some relationship problems with siblings and also some challenging issues with the family. Try to stay away from the unnecessary discussion and gossip as this can cause you stress and also hamper your mental peace. Aggression and Stress will also give you health-related challenges. Mars and Ketu conjunction can give you sharp intelligence to make a decision. Hence, the decisions that you take during this month could be sound and correct in various aspects. However, do not be overconfident as it is always a better practice to think before you make any decisions. You may be very active this month as there may be a spike in your energy levels.

So, try to make the most of it and indulge in exercises to tone your body or to maintain your fitness levels in general. Try to start with any form of physical exercise like walking, running, or swimming. Also, try to practice yoga and meditation to keep stress at bay. There may be a lot of energy within you that needs to be guided in the right direction. Try to work under some guidance and work with an expert as it is often said that you achieve the best things under proper guidance. Try to dedicate this month to learn from your elders, and seniors to attain the right aim at the right time.If your business is related to decoration or fashion then the transit of Venus may cause an expenditure however this expenditure is likely to give good returns.

Transit of planets predicts that you may get good financial gains this month. Hence make the most of this time. Some of your savings may also increase. You may learn new and various ways to save money with the help of your friends. You may also receive gifts from family, friends, and siblings. You may meet your old friends and spend a good time with them which will refresh all the old memories that y’all shared. Small trips with friends and siblings can rejuvenate you to take on the month. You may receive help and appreciation from your boss. There are chances that you may get a promotion or an increment this month. Your hard work and determination may be rewarded with some important transits of planets this december. Your love life may need a re-spin, hence try to have a candid conversation and spend quality time with your partner. Try not to implement the practical approach in your love life. Instead try to understand their feelings and emotions. Also, try to be humble with your partner. There can be challenges in marital life that might need your attention and harsh communication can create more challenges. Try to resolve the issues and challenges of married life with patience and amicably. There are chances to travel to foreign land and investment in new projects related to your business.

Try not to keep a blind trust in your new client or business partner this month.

Analysis and verification are going to play an important role in your work.

Students may get admission to a foreign country or distance learning courses which could help you a lot to improve your skill that may improve your future prospects as well.

50 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021 — 51

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2020 — 51

A real life "Lagaan" movie has been played out in the Gold Coast GOLDCOAST Navish Gupta is a golf crazy member of a private golf club called ' The Grand ' on the Gold Coast. The exclusive and elite club boasts the who's who of Queensland.

As a friendly banter the club president said that he would hoist Indian flag at the club if Navish wins. At 54 years of age and with a handicap of 4, he had no chance of winning the championship against much younger and better players. In true Bollywood style Navish beat all odds to become Club Champion. It is classic case of underdog winning the most prestigious tournament after being challenged. The club in true sportsmanship style, honoured the commitment and on 3rd of December 2021 flew Indian flag. The cake for the presentation ceremony was decorated in tri-colour candles. Navish Gupta truly brought honour to India and has shown that each of us can make our motherland proud.

Navish is a chartered accountant from India. He left India in 1992 but still carries India in his heart. He is the only Indian origin member at ‘The Grand Golf Club’ When the moment came about India’s respect, he practiced day and night at war footing.

He was like a warrior and kept

In true Bollywood style Navish beat all odds to become Club Champion. It is classic case of underdog winning the most prestigious tournament after being challenged. progressing from Quarter finals all the way to finals where he defeated the other finalist is 36 holes match play.

It was intensely emotional and proud moment when he watched the flag go up against the backdrop of lovely Gold Coast sky. He cannot believe that he has been responsible for winning this accolade for India. His message is very clear that all of us in our unique way are flag bearers for India and if he can do it so can anyone.

After Navish won the championship, it was a huge decision for the club to allow a flag of another country to be hoisted on the club grounds.

Navish credits the committee of ‘The Grand’ who in the interest of sportsmanship agreed to honour their presidents’ word. So, I’m the history of the club, for the first time an Indian Flag was hoisted.

"WE NEED CHANGES TO DEVELOP MORE": IGA SWIATEK SPLITS FROM COACH PIOTR SIERZPUTOWSKI

After collaborating for more than five years, world No. 9 Iga Swiatek has decided to part ways with coach Piotr Sierzputowski ahead of the 2022 tennis season.

Swiatek made the announcement on her Instagram account Saturday, writing that “all those years enabled us to be in the place that we are now.”

Sierzputowski was named the 2020 WTA Coach of the Year after guiding to Swiatek to her first major trophy in a surprising Roland Garros run that also marked the Pole’s first tour-level title. This year, Swiatek followed up that breakthrough effort with two more crowns at the WTA 1000 event in Rome and WTA 500 event in Adelaide en route to qualifying for the season-ending WTA Finals for the first time.

In explaining the reasoning, the 20-yearold expressed that

change is essential for driving her progress forward.

Sierzputowski had successfully guided Swiatek's transition from the juniors as a Wimbledon girls’ champion to reaching the Top 5 of the WTA rankings.

“As tennis players, we meet on our path a lot of people who contribute great value into our work and, often, into our life too, because we spend almost the whole year on tour together,” she said. “I found out that sometimes in our professional life, we need changes to develop more, evolve and meet other people with whom we’re going to create a cooperation for the next stages of our development.”

Swiatek did not disclose a replacement, adding she was putting her energy towards a pre-season “without any outside pressure.” She finished the year with a 3615 record and second-week appearances at all four major events.

52 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2021

Pollard ruled out of Pakistan tour with hamstring injury Shai Hope will lead the West Indies ODI side in Pakistan while Nicholas Pooran will captain the T20I team after Kieron Pollard failed to recover in time for the limited-overs series. Pollard is struggling with a hamstring injury, which he picked up during the ICC T20 World Cup 2021.

Allrounder Rovman Powell will join the T20I side in place of Pollard while Devon Thomas has been named in the ODI side. West Indies will start their tour with a T20I on December 13 and play two more games in the format on December 14 and 16 respectively. All matches will be played in Karachi with the ODIs, which are part of the ICC

ODI Super League, scheduled on December 18, 20 and 22.

T20I squad: Nicholas Pooran (c), Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Dominic Drakes, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Brandon

King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr, Rovman Powell.

Jason Holder, Andre Russell, Evin Lewis and Shimron

Hetmyer are not part of the tour while the selectors have opted to involve the inexperienced hands of Gudakesh Motie, Odean Smith, Justin Greaves and Shamarh Brooks. This will be the first time Shai Hope will lead West Indies while Pooran is more experienced in that regard. He led the side to a 4-1 home T20I series win over Australia.

ODI squad: Shai Hope (c), Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Nicholas Pooran, Raymon Reifer, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Hayden Walsh Jr, Devon Thomas.

Russian Tennis Federation defeats croatia to capture first davis cup title since 2006 MADRID (AP) — Russia's 15year wait for a Davis Cup title ended Sunday after another clutch performance by Daniil Medvedev.

Medvedev beat Marin Cilic 7-6 (7), 6-2 in the second singles match to give Russia an insurmountable 2-0 lead over Croatia in the final. It is Russia's third Davis Cup title, and first since 2006.

Andrey Rublev earlier had beaten Borna Gojo in straight sets to put the Russians ahead at the Madrid Arena.

Russia's other Davis Cup

title was in 2002. Croatia also was seeking its third title after triumphs in 2005 and 2018.

Russia completed a sweep of team events after the women’s team won the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Prague last month. The triumph also capped a special week for Russia captain Shamil Tarpischev, the longestserving Davis Cup captain. He first captained in 1974, and appeared in his 100th match as captain in the semifinals against Germany. The Russian team is officially being

called RTF (Russian Tennis Federation) in the competition amid its ongoing doping suspension in international sport. After a tight first set, No. 2 Medvedev broke serve twice in the second against the 30thranked Cilic to comfortably clinch his fifth consecutive straight-set victory at this year's Davis Cup. Rublev had converted on his first match point to clinch a 6-4, 7-6 (5) win over Gojo, who arrived at the Davis Cup Finals as the 279th-ranked player but had won all his three matches.

The International Tennis Federation and the Kosmos Tennis group that is behind the competition said that next year four cities will host the group stages, with another venue — likely Abu Dhabi — hosting the knockout rounds.

Madrid was the sole host of the competition over a sevenday period in 2019. This year, Innsbruck in Austria and Turin in Italy were added as hosts over an 11-day period. The event was not played in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

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