BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES FEB 12 ISSUE

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Volume 9, Number 5 Saturday, February 11, 2012

Brisbane

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New Qld-India Council signifies strengthening partnership

THE Queensland India Council held its inaugural meeting (1 February) providing new opportunities to develop the India and Queensland relationship.

Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for State Development and Trade Andrew Fraser said the establishment of the Council was a significant milestone for

the strengthening relationship between India and Queensland.

“The council is an advisory body tasked with providing advice on trade, investment, cultural and educational issues relevant to Queensland and India’s relationship,” Mr Fraser said.

“We are now moving into a new and exciting phase of this

relationship with increasing investment interest from India.

“The calibre of the Queensland India Council’s membership will provide great value to both the State Government and the commercial sector.

“Members include representatives from the business, education, tourism and resources sectors, as well as

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“The establishment of the Council acknowledges the importance of the economic partnership between Queensland and India and the Labor Government’s commitment to this important relationship.”

Continued page 3

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From the Publisher and resources.

WHAT a start to 2012, This month, I was also GOPIO International elected onto the QueensConference and Annual land India Council, which Awards in Jaipur, followed has been an initiative of the by three days of the Annual Umesh Chandra Queensland Government.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.

So what all this means is The tenth GOPIO dialogue with India was also held in Jaipur. that I wear quite a few hats and have to Following on from these events, we held attend many different events in various our annual function in our ancestral village capacities.

Now some of these events, depending on of Khetri in Rajasthan.

Coming back to Brisbane in mid January, I space, are covered in our newspaper. The have attended a host of local events. Now thing to note is that only a handful of these this is one of our strong points which many I attend as the publisher. So when my phoof our readers appreciate - the many local tos appear in many events, its not always community events and functions that may “the publisher” but it would be the Liaison President, International not be reported through the normal media Officer, channels. The community news so inspired Coordinator, Hindu Chaplain or any other one of our journalists that he introduced a role that I may have at the time.

The date of our Awards night has proven to community based paper in Fiji.

While we strive to provide as much cover- be a bit of challenge as we are trying to age as we possibly can the financial viabil- accommodate all requests from various ity of the paper is dependent on the number stakeholders. of paid advertisements we get for the It was all set for the 27 April but the recent month. The final number of pages is gov- announcement of the state and local elecerned by the number of advertisements tions had to be taken into account and secured. We have maintained the quality of hence, we are trying to find another mutuprinting despite rising production costs. The ally suitable date for all. Please watch out paper survives today by the subsidy from for the announcement. our core business and hence, is more of a I would also like to take the opportunity to community service than a business. We are congratulate many within our community very appreciative of the loyalty and custom who have been recognised for their comof our advertisers without whom we would munity and professional service.

First of all, Surendra Prasad who has been not be here.

I would like to personally thank everyone Awarded Lord Mayors “Senior Citizen of for the numerous congratulatory messages. the Year” during Australia Day celebrations.

I am really humbled by the gesture. Being He was also awarded Glory of India Award one of the forty selected from whole of by India International Friendship Society in Australia means a lot to me and I will strive Delhi, India. Shyam Das, the new President to fulfil the role to the best of my ability of GOPIO Queensland, was also awarded Glory of India Award in Delhi by India International Friendship Society. Naidu Bodapati, new president of FICQ, is another recipient of Glory of India Award by India International Friendship Society in Delhi.

Last, but not the least, Mortuza Huq, • Letters to the Editor.......................2 GOPIO Qld and Bengali Society of Qld • Migration Matters...........................4 Treasurer, received the Australia Day Honours. This Australia Day Medal and • Local News.................................3-17 certificate was given to his unit "State-wide • Business News................................18 Own Source Revenue Unit" which contributed from private health, workers' com• Who, What, Where, When...20 & 22 pensation, interstate, Department of Veteran • Health & Well Being................25-27 Affairs, CTP Motor Accident and other • Real Estate................................30-31 third party arrangements patients in the amount of more than $200 Million in addi• Astrology........................................32 tional revenue in the last three years. This • Classifieds/Business Directory......33 additional revenue devolved to the Queensland Health facilities enabling them • What’s On................................34-35 offer more patient choices and enhance • Bollywood & Entertainment...35-37 community access to public hospital services in Queensland.

• Sport..........................................38-39 My hearty congratulations to all, these are Brisbane the few that I know of. There may be others whom we do not know about.

Until next month. Happy reading.

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Letters to the Editor

Published Monthly OWNERS / PUBLISHERS: Umesh & Usha Chandra ADVERTISING: Trudi Tarres EDITOR: Trudi Tarres PA to CEO: Charmaine Crisol-Cagungun JOURNALIST/ CORRESPONDENTS: Ram Jattan (UK) Thakur Ranjit Singh (NZ) Thilliar Varnakulasingham (NZ) Shalendra Prasad (Fiji) Dhaval Vyas (India) Rama Gaind, Canberra Kiran Goel (Immigration Matters) Matt Young (Sport) Professor Matt Sanders (Positive Parenting)

Brisbane Indian Times welcomes letters to the editor. Please ensure that letters do not exceed 300 words. All letters, must have a full name, residential address and a phone number.

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New Qld-India Council signifies strengthening partnership Continued from page 1 THE Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research and Commercialisation at QUT and Chair of the Queensland India Council, Arun Sharma, said the Council’s quarterly meetings help cement the growing partnership between the two regions.

“Already, there is a significant number of Queensland companies doing business in India and a growing number of Indian businesses investing in Queensland” Mr Sharma said.

“This, combined with the 13,048 Indian student enrolments, and over 10,000 Indianborn residents living in Queensland, provides a foundation for unprecedented business growth between Queensland and India.

“The Queensland India Council has been established to assist the Queensland Government to effectively engage business and community leaders to enhance the Queensland-India relationship.”

Veerendra Shekhaw wat at Registered Miggration Agent MARN: 1170192 Email: migrationmantra@gmail.com www.migrationmantra.com.au PO Box 201, REDBANK QLD 4301

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2012 — 3

Recent news about Australian Migration Regulations Qld Skilled Migration Sponsorship Changes from 25 January 2012

The current Qld Government eligible skills list has been updated for both include the Skilled Sponsored (Migrant) visa (Subclass 176) and the Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa (Subclasses 475 and 487). In compari­ son to the previous list, several changes have been made across vari­ ous industries. Trades occupations have been included for the first time in areas of welding, electrical and carpen­ try. Under Subclass 176, several health occupations, including nursing and surgical categories, have been removed while a number of specialist and allied health practitioners have been includ­ ed.

IT professions have also been removed from the Subclass 176 list.

For international students there are currently no occupations on the list for sponsorship by the Qld Government, making the Qld Government one of the first states not to sponsor international students.

Updates to Work AND Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)

The following countries are now approved countries eligible to apply for the Work AND Holiday visa: Argentina, Bangladesh, Chile, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey and the United States of America.

This visa enables applicants to: * enter Australia at any time within 12 months of the visa grant date * stay in Australia for up to 12 months from the date of first entry * leave and re­enter Australia any number of times from the 12 months from the date of first entry * undertake temporary employment in Australia for up to six months with each employer

* study for up to four months Work and Holiday visa holders are allowed to undertake any type of work on a temporary basis. You are allowed to work for up to six months with each employer.

Working beyond six months with the same employer, without the required permission, may result in your visa being cancelled and you may be required to leave Australia.

You cannot include family members in your application for this visa. If your partner wants to accompany you to Australia, they may do so, but will need to apply for their own visa.

Annual limits are placed on the num­ ber of Work and Holiday visas granted to applicants from certain countries, such as Bangladesh which is 100. The annual limit is based on the Australian financial year (1 July to 30 June).

The Work and Holiday visa allows you to stay in Australia for 12 months.

You can only extend your stay in Australia if your Work and Holiday visa is not granted with a 'No Further Stay' condition. If your visa is granted with a 'No Further Stay' condition you will be advised of this in your visa grant letter.

You also need to satisfy educational requirements and English require­ ments.

ACT Changes to State Sponsorhsip Requirements

The ACT Government has now released its 2012 State Migration Plan (SMP) Occupation List and associated guidelines. It is effective from 4 February 2012 for applicants intending to apply for ACT Sponsorship.

Applicants that currently have an application for ACT government spon­ sorship pending will be assessed under the new guidelines.

1. There are significant changes to the SMP Occupation List.

160 Occupations have been removed and 5

occupations have been added. See attached.

2. There are significant changes to the 176 / 886 guidelines, which are sum­ marised below.

Canberra residents who do not have an occupation on the SMP Occupation List may still apply for nomination if: their occupation is on the DIAC Skilled Occupation List (Schedule 2); they are currently employed in the nominated occupation in Canberra.

Overseas residents who do not have an occupation on the SMP Occupation List may still apply for nomination if their occupation is on the DIAC Skilled Occupation List (Schedule 2); and they have either: a close family member who is resident in Canberra; or a genuine offer of employment in Canberra from an ACT employer; or the occupation is verified with the same criteria as applies to a ‘limited’ occupation (see Section 5 ‘Verification of Limited Occupations’).

New SkillSelect Website

DIAC have released a website that provides detailed information about the upcoming SkillSelect model to be implanted from 1 July 2012. The web­ site has detailed information about the proposed model and many FAQ’s. The website will be updated in a regular basis right up the official release on 1 July 2012.

The website can be located at: http://www.immi.gov.au/skills/ skillselect/ This article is intended to provide general information on migration issues and does not constitute migration advice, and no responsibility is accepted by Kiran Goel or AIEES for the accuracy of material appearing in the Brisbane Indian Times.

(Ms Kiran Goel MARN: 0639149).

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2012 — 5

Islamic Society of Queensland host senior citizen get-together

By Shahban Ali

• Sister Janeth Deen addressing the seniors

THE annual senior citizens get-together of the Islamic Society of Queensland in collaboration with Brisbane City Council was held at Rochdale Mosque on Sunday 22 January, 2012. The program began at 3pm with the recitation of the Holy Quran by the Master of Ceremony and a Committee member, Maulana Mohammed Yusuf, who welcomed all the guests and briefly outlined the importance of giving respect to our elders and parents, as outlined in our holy books.

The second speaker, Br Shamim Khan, the vice-president of the society, touched on the historical aspect that our Prophet, some 1500 years ago, always emphasis-

ing on the place of our elders in our society and the reverence granted to them.

Speaking on behalf of the guests, Dr Haji Sadiq Mustapha, an ex vice president of the society and a senior citizen himself, threw light on the care and consideration that youngsters and youth have to give to our elders and seniors.

He said “The learning has to begin at home by first showing respect to our parents.” He also brought attention to the fact that as Muslims we have to establish a Senior Citizens home where our elderly brothers and sisters can live in an Islamic environment. There is much food for thought in this venture and all our Islamic societies have to consider this seriously.

Sister Janeth Deen, a community and social worker, representing the sisters, spoke about the history of Muslims in Brisbane. She needed more information on various ethnic groups settled here. At the age of seventy she is very actively involved with the welfare of many of the migrant communities settled here. She needed help from volunteers to run her goodwill shop which was on the verge of closing.

Light refreshments were served to all present before the “dua” by Maulana Yusuf which ended the program.

Islamic Society of Queensland is to be congratulated for their initiative in hosting this program for the senior citizens annually.

Shree Laxminarayan Water Dragon drenches Buddhist Temple Mandir News 1173 Mt Cotton Road Burbank www.laxminarayan.com.au It is unbelievable that we are hitting the 2nd month of the year - for sure – time flies and someone quite rightly said: “The bad news is time flies.

The good news is you're the pilot”.

--Michael Althsuler Please diarise “ Maha Shiva Raatri” – what an auspicious day and falls on Monday, 20th February 2012 – Lord Shiva’s Day. As per past practice, the Mandir will supply “bell patra and milk for abhishek “ – The Mandir will be open at the usual times and full program will begin sharp 6 PM with bhajan / kirtan / pooja / abhishek and food will be provided. Do not miss this auspicious day.

THE Cultural Open Day at Brisbane’s Chung Tian Temple commenced with a drenching from the skies above.

Yet the heavenly showers, one of the traditonal signs of the Chinese Water Dragon, were not enough to deter over 1,000 visitors from enjoying the festivities of the Chinese New Year at the Temple on 29 January.

Master Chueh-Shan, Abbess of the Chung Tian Temple is excited that each year more and more people are embracing the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Reflecting on the year ahead Master Shan says “this year is considered the year of luck because the highly respected Chinese Water Dragon brings good fortune in the areas of health and wealth and good fortune with living a long and prosperous life.”

The Cultural open day provided an ideal opportunity for families and friends to experience Buddhist Culture close up with a range of enjoyable events and activities.

Three Chinese Lions gave a majestic performance in the Temple, as well a Chinese Dragon made a sneak appear-

• Chinese Dragon casts a watchful glance over sisters Rachella (LHS) and Eugenia Howell who are having their faces painted

by Lillian Woung, a member of the Buddhist Young Adult Division.

ance around the Temple’s hallways.

Visitors were also treated to a spectacular indoor Kung Fu display, some Origami making, a series of informative Buddhists talks, chilled out with some meditation, dabbled in some Tai Chi and rang the giant Blessing Bell.

There were also tours of the Temple that included a visit to the Pagods, Chinese calligraphy, a delicious vegetarian lunch, free refreshments, sushi making classes, Chinese Tea ceremony and what proved popular for the kids, balloon sculpture and face painting.

The Chung Tian Temple, whose Chinese name translates to “Middle Heaven” is internationally renowned as a place of great peace and tranquility.

During the past 20 years the Temple has become a cultural focal point for visitors with over 10,000 school students visiting the Temple each year as part of their educational studies.

The Chinese Lantern Festival schedule of events concluded at the Chung Tian Temple on 4 February with a Light Offering Service.

Indian Seniors Perform Gayatri Yajna As per previous years, Mata Saraswati Pooja was very well attended by students / parents on Saturday 28 January 2012, despite the rainy weather. Of course, Mata Chauki which commenced soon after was also well attended and the program finished soon after mid night.

Just a reminder to all the members, devotees and well -wishers of Shree Laxminarayan Mandir that its Web page is at: www.laxminarayan.com.au and contains an update on various matters, including major programs, photo clips, rules, contact details, opening / closing hours – etc. Seeing is believing.

For further information – contact resident Pt Tripathi Ji – 3216 8848 or any committee member as per Web page contact details.

------------------------------------------------------------------Authorised by President – Surendra Pratap 31 January 2012

6 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2012

By Bir Sahai President, Indian Senior Citizens Assn.

THE members of the Indian Senior Citizens Association together with the devotees of

the Gayatri parijans jointly held a yajna at the residence of Bramha and Reena Deo in Runcorn, Brisbane, from 1am – 2pm on 15th January, 2012.

Approximately, 70 people

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participated in the sacred act and everyone had the chance to perform the ritual.

The ceremony was officiated by Pdt. Pankaj Upadhayay of Gold Coast and assisted by Maya Ram Achal and Daya Nand Sharma of Brisbane. The Association sincerely thanks all involved in helping the Deo family organise this function.

Following the yajna, the members of the Ekta Women’s group, an integral part of the Indian Seniors, together with the support of Indar Jeet, entertained the guests with kirtans

and bhajans. The function concluded with the distribution of prasad and a delicious lunch prepared by Bramha Deo family.

The Indian Senior Citizen Association wishes a happy and prosperous New Year to one and all.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2012 — 7

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Qld observes Australia Day Courtesy APSQ THE programme commenced with Havan Yaj officiated by Pandita Ramkali Singh, and members recited the prayer for national prosperity from the YAJUR VED. Members of the Yuva Dal (Youth Group) performed the Yajna and Australian National Anthem was sung by them and people in the audience.

The President of APSQ Mr Jitendra Deo welcomed all present and he warmly welcomed the President of Federation of Indian Communities Dr Naidu Bodapati. The President thanked him and his spouse for their presence on this auspicious occasion.

He highlighted greatness of our beloved nation, and things that we should be proud of as citizens of this great and wonderful nation. He quoted the pledge we all Australians have taken to look after our nation. Australia's multicultural society includes its indigenous peoples and migrants from some 200 countries."

Mr Keshav Chand Secretary of Yuva Dal addressed the gathering and stressed on the significance of Australia day as we come

together as a nation to celebrate what’s great about Australia and being Australians, it is a day to reflect on what we have achieved and what we can be proud of in our great nation. He also gave a brief history on Celebrations.

The President of Yuva Dal (Youth Group) Mr Arunesh Prasad spoke briefly about the Yuva Dal's activities and thanked everyone present for the Australia Day Celebrations.

Dr Naidu thanked the present audience and

Community Service Award Mr Hari Prasad

was delighted to be part of the Celebrations. He mentioned that we all should pray for our nation and thanked Pandita Ramkali Singh Ji for performing a special Yajna and prayer for prosperity of

Senior Citizen of the Year Mr Surendra Prasad

By Raymond Saran President - Fiji Senior Citizens Satsang Assn. of Qld Inc.

MEMBER of Indian Senior Citizen Association, Mr Hari Prasad, pictured with his wife Kusum received the Community

Service Award from Mr. Graham Perrett, Federal Member for Moreton on Australia Day - 2012.

Courtesy Bir Sahai.

SURENDRA Prasad has always been community minded and when residing in Fiji he was involved in many charitable, political, social, religious and welfare organisations.

Since his migration to Australia in 1987 he continues his voluntary service for the com-

724992 or 31620332

8 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2012

the nation. He also reminded all that 26th January marks India’s 62nd Republic Day as well and this date is very significant in India’s calendar as people celebrate the establishment of free India as a Republic based on the ideology of justice and equality.

While we can be proud of our success in both countries there are many significant tasks that are yet to be accomplished and it is really heartening for being part of a nation with such a great love of community and such a great willingness to assist people.

The host for the Celebration Mr Mul Chand moved vote of thanks and people enjoyed Bhajans presented by Yuva Dal members. The Sabha is thankful to Mr & Mrs Mul Chand and family for all the preparations for the programme.

The programme concluded with dinner.

JRQH FRLQV«

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munities of Brisbane.

He was one of the driving forces that helped in the establishment of a Federation of Indian Community of Queensland (FICQ) which facilitates the bringing together of Indian organisations and working together with diverse communities in Queensland. Elected President of the FICQ for 2009/10 and 2010/11 he increased membership from 5 to 31 member associations under the umbrella of FICQ with thousands of individual members.

Under the leadership of Surendra, the first open air Dipawali Festival was celebrated in King George Square in 2010. Over 20,000 people from many different cultural communities attended. Surendra can be best described as a person who will not “hold back his community experience”. He is out and about, not only helping the Indian community maintain its identity, but also helping the community foster better relationships across Australia’s multicultural society Surendra is committed to fostering an inclusive, open society that promotes equal rights and opportunities, regardless of cultural, ethnic or religious background. He was instrumental in helping to establish the first Hindu temple in Brisbane in 1991.

Longest serving President for HSC from 1998-2002. During his presidency of the Hindu Society he raised $100,000 as a deposit to buy land for a future temple and community hall. He also helped to establish Fiji Senior Citizens Assoc of Qld inc’ – an organisation that provides a social get together for elders. In August this year he organised on behalf of the Fiji Seniors a multicultural senior’s week dinner. Four hundred people from different communities attended.

Surendra’s work for communities in the past and present is completely voluntary.

He currently works part-time and spends the rest of his time working in the community.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2012 — 9

“OICC’s social services are India’s 63rd Republic Day Flag very much appreciated” - Raising Ceremony at the Consulate of India, Brisbane Joseph Vazhackan

By Archana Singh Honourary Consul of India, Brisbane – speech extract

Courtesy Jose M George THODUPUZHA: Among the societies the services and assistance to the needy extended by OICC are really appreciated said by the KPCC General Secretary, Joseph Vazhakan (MLA), on the occasion of thousand people eye and glass programme by distributing the eye glasses to the selected after an eye test conducted among needy.

He also highlighted the deeds that the Expatriate Malayalees as the congress people in their homeland are generous to assist the people in need. They conducted free eye test camps at Vannappuram, Karimannoor, Muttam in the month of November 2011 and they selected 1,000 people for the eye glass distribution which is absolutely free.

This took place at the first Anniversary of OICC Australia. For this the OICC members raised the funds from many of our generous people who are to be specially remembered at this time. In November 2011 OICC donated One Lakh Rupees for the transplanting of kidneys at Kakkoor in the district of Eranakulam.

On the occasion of the Eye Glass distribution meeting the president of OICC Jose M George was the Chairperson. Other congress leaders Adv. S Ashokan, K P Varghese, N I Benni, C M Abdul Aziz, Block Panchayath members- Jomy Thomas, N K Biju OICC Ireland General Secretary Jijo Kurian, Johny Kandathikudi, Ancy Vincent, M D Vijaynathan; they all felicitated on this occasion and Jinsi Shijo, the OICC coordinator said vote of thanks.

LADIES and gentlemen, respected elders, boys and girls - I extend to you all a very warm welcome to celebrate India’s 63rd Republic Day and also Australia Day. Independence came to India at a great cost.

The price paid by her leaders and her countless millions who endured great personal hardship; many of them even laying down their lives, is immeasurable. Words cannot convey the gratitude we feel for these great people who struggled and fought for their beliefs and ideals so that we could live with our heads held high. India’s glorious past, with its emphasis on freedom, both political and ideological, has been a beacon that has guided and inspired not only India but the world down the ages. This legacy of freedom must be cherished and nurtured by all generations to come if India is to achieve her full potential.

A day of celebration allows also for introspection. India has come a long way in these sixty years post independence. Her economic performance and growth rates are no doubt an important indicator of this tremendous achievement, but this must go hand in hand with a robust social change.

An equitable distribution of the enormous gains of a globalised economy, a keener appreciation of the political process and democratic institutions and the greatest respect for our collective heritage are fundamental to achieving her rightful place on the world stage.

Amongst the many things that India and Australia share in common, multiculturalism and diversity are their pillars of strength. The celebration of our differences is an important feature of our identity- we are one but we are many - holds as true

• Archana Singh Honourary Consul of India, Brisbane with Prof. Sarva Daman Singh.

Photo: Peter Lane Rai.

today as it did in the past. It is not mere tolerance of one another that defines a multicultural society. We must embrace and celebrate our diversity so that it strengthens our collective social and moral fabric, spurring us on to bigger and better things.

As we face the challenges of the 21st century, let us ensure that we all march together, leaving no one behind.

JAI HIND!

New access tunnel for Ipswich turf club THE proposed redevelopment of Ipswich Turf Club as a hub for three codes of racing moved a step closer on 1 February thanks to a $6 million injection from the state government and Racing Queensland Limited.

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale said the funding would kick-start the vision to position Ipswich as a major centre for racing.

“This is the breakthrough needed to bring dreams to reality. The first stage will be the construction of a tunnel under the track to the infield which also opens up the area for possible other uses by community and sporting groups.

“Ipswich Turf Club is one of Australia’s oldest racing clubs and has a reputation for innovation which has put the club on a sound financial footing.

“This strong leadership in the industry has been recognised by this announcement today.

“The turf club has undergone a number of upgrades to facilities in recent years to cater

for the bumper crowds attending the annual Ipswich Cup. “The positive economic benefits for the city from a major expansion of facilities at the Bundamba track would include jobs in construction and hospitality.”

Deputy Mayor Victor Attwood attended the formal announcement and said the funding would also provide for the redevelopment of a new infield car park.

“Punters at regular weekday meetings will also benefit from these improved facilities.

“The existing Brisbane Road area can be taken out of service during wet weather and a new car park will be a significant improvement for patrons.

“Ipswich Turf Club also hosts a number of non-racing events, private functions and community events each year.

“The club board takes a progressive view that its location and size opens up the site for mixed use, and not just horse racing,” Cr Attwood said.

Suva Muslim College presentation

By Shahban Ali BROTHER Mohammed Hasan Khan, a former President of Fiji Muslim League, Suva Branch, presently Treasurer of Lutwyche Mosque and an authorised officer of Fiji Muslim League, Suva Branch in Brisbane was in Suva, Fiji as a special guest on the Annual Prize Giving Ceremony held on 29 November, 2011, at the College.

As the special guest he did the presentation of a cheque of F$12,022 collected from families and well wishers of the college in Brisbane for the poor and needy school children.

Some of the money was raised at a special • Br Mohammed Hasan Khan presenting a trophy fund raising dinner organized at Sitar to the Dux of the School. restaurant in Albion.

In his speech he thanked the Chief Guest, ments and what we need to do in future for the Police Commissioner of Fiji, the a better education in line with present Principal, Staff and teachers of both the trends and needs.”

He wishes to thank all those who helped College and the Suva Muslim Primary school. Inspired by their achievements, he him with their donations particularly the said, “We need to look back at our achieve- management of Sitar restaurant.

10 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2012

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2012 — 11

Umesh Chandra named 'people's ambassador' PRIME Minister Julia Gillard congratulated 40 Australians on 18 January who have been recognised for their outstanding work in building strong and cohesive local communities.

Brisbane identity, Umesh Chandra was named a People of Australia Ambassador.

Mr Chandra arrived in Australia with his family in 1987 and began community work in 1990. In 1991 he was instrumental in the formation of Hindu Society of Queensland of which he later served as President for three years.

Following on from Hindu Society of Queensland, Mr Chandra was involved in the formation of Queensland Fiji Soccer Association. His passion for community work saw him take on the role as a broadcaster at the community radio station 4EB where he has been a broadcaster since 2003. He has also been for the past five years the presenter of the 'Bollywood Show' on community radio 99.7fm.

It was in 2003 that Mr Chandra launched Queensland's first full colour community newspaper for the Indian and ethnic communities.

Mr Chandra was appointed Secretary General of Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ) and was very active in reviving the activities of FICQ which had been dormant for a few years prior to his election.

GOPIO International (Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin) chose Mr Chandra to spear head GOPIO activities in Queensland. As the founder President he lifted the profile of GOPIO Queensland

through participation at variThe 40 local champious International convenons have been indetions. As of January 2012, pendently selected as Mr Chandra has been the new People of appointed as the GOPIO Australia ambassadors International Coordinator following hundreds of Oceania taking under his nominations from the jurisdiction Australia, New public.

Zealand and Fiji.

Australians were Mr Chandra is currently the encouraged to nomiPresident of Queensland nate inspirational peoMulticultural Council of ple who have helped to which he is also a founder build bridges, promote member. He is also a meminclusion and strengthber of Queensland en ties in their commuGovernment Taxi Industry nities.

Committee and the Police The Prime Minister Ethnic Advisory Group. Mr and Parliamentary Chandra was appointed by • Umesh & Usha Chandra. Photo by Secretary for the Queensland Government Colin Mason.

Immigration and as the International Indian Multicultural Affairs, Students Liaison Officer and also accompa- Kate Lundy, announced the new ambasnied the Queensland Premier on trade dele- sadors in Melbourne today. gations to India, China and Japan. Mr They were joined by football champion Chandra will also be serving on the newly and new ambassador Harry O'Brien, who is formed Queensland India Council. actively involved in the Australian Football The Multi-faith centre of University of League's own multicultural program and Queensland appointed Mr Chandra as the engaged in a variety of community projects.

Hindu Chaplain whereby he provides pas- The ambassador program is a key initiative toral care to students of Hindu faith. He has of the Gillard Labor Government's multialso been the conveyor of Tuesday night cultural policy, The People of Australia, prayer meetings at Gayatri Mandir in announced last year.

Boondall, Brisbane for the past 16 years.

The 40 ambassadors now have a new platMr Chandra has a keen interest in music form to promote their good work and share and is the founder and manager of Brisbane their ideas and initiatives that can help Babas Band and has performed at many inspire others. multicultural functions for free promoting The Gillard Government recognises good Indian culture and music. work that is happening in our communities

Local youths offered art workshops LOCAL youths will be invited to take part in a series of art workshops across the city in May. Youth and Seniors Committee Chairperson Councillor Sheila Ireland said the youth art work-

shops would feature arts and cultural activities such as dancing, indigenous arts and culture painting, multi-media, film and television, wearable art, music and multicultural arts and cul-

12 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2012

ture.

Cr Ireland said the diverse range of workshops would be held in a range of locations across Ipswich within secondary schools and colleges from May.

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and that good work deserves to be championed at the national level.

The new ambassadors will be able to provide advice to government and the Australian Multicultural Council if they wish.

Their contributions will help assist and strengthen the government's multicultural policy.

The ambassadors have been recognised for the real impact they are having on the lives of many Australians – from bringing kids together through sport, to helping small business owners from diverse backgrounds get up and running.

The inaugural ambassador program speaks to the strength of our Australian communities and our capacity as a nation to welcome people and make them feel part of our community.

The 2012 ambassadors' term ends on 30 December 2012.

Usha Chandra and Manju Jehu organised a special dinner in honour of Mr Chandra’s appointment at Albany Spice Garden, Albany Creek on 29 January, 2012.

Greg Hochin, Hon. CEO of 99.7fm was the MC for the evening. Guests spoke of their involvement with Mr Chandra and congratulated him on his achievement.

The invited guests were recognised by Mr Chandra as being an important part of his journey thus far.

Guests were entertained inbetween speeches by the popular Brisbane Babas Band.

Photo’s from the event can be located on page 23.

“These workshop are designed to celebrate local young people, create interest and participation in arts and culture, and to promote the Church Arts and Cultural Centre,” she said.

Cr Ireland said material produced during the workshops was scheduled to be used for perfor-

mances and presentations at the planned launch of the Baptist Church Arts and Cultural Centre later this year.

Inquiries about the art workshops can be directed to council’s Youth Development Officer on 3810 7437.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2012 — 13

Bengali Society of Queensland Pooja

• Members reach out for flowers to seek blessings of Saraswati Mata after aarti at the Bengali Society of QLD

THE Bengali Society of Queensland observed the Saraswati Mata Pooja on 28 January at Aspley State High School. The two-fold programme included the pooja and aarti during the day and a cultural programme and dinner in the night.

During the pooja and aarti, attendees had the opportunity of bringing their text books, pens, etc. to leave at the statue of Mata Saraswati. Bengali Society of Queensland puts a lot of effort into creating a very artistic “mandap” for the murti. After the aarti, the attendees were served with a sumptuous lunch.

The evening’s programme was a cultural extravaganza with many young participants.

The highlight of the programme was Saikat Bhattacharya’s sitar recital. Saikat was accompanied on tabla by Shen Flindell.

The show stealer was Rick Chatterjee’s saxophone performance. Rick performed a classical rendition with his dad, Indranil, on the sitar and Shen on the tabla. The harmonious synchronization of the saxophone,

sitar and tabla was mesmerizing. Amazed

by Rick’s performance, the audience demanded more. At their request, he performed a solo number with a backing track to the tune of “Piya Tu Ab Too A Ja”.

Overall, the standard of all the cultural items were very high and it is indicative of the rich cultural heritage unique to Bengali Society.

14 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2012

HMA Saraswati Pooja SHREE Laxmi Narayan Mandir celebrated Saraswati Pooja on 28 January. Young and eager students were given the opportunity to place their books, etc at the feet of Saraswati Mata statue at the temple to seek the blessings of Saraswati Mata for better education.

Mata Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and the arts, embodies the wisdom of Devi.

She is the river of consciousness that enlivens creation. She is the goddess dawn who dispels the dark- • (From left) Pt Suresh Chandra, HMA President Suren Pratap, Pt Raj ness of ignorance. To Kumar Mishra, Rakesh Sharma and Bharat Solanki. realize her, one must edge. go beyond the pleasures of the senses and The programme at the temple was divided rejoice in the serenity of the spirit. into 2 parts, with the afternoon session Saraswati neither wears jewels nor uses any beginning at 4 pm with the bhajans and bright colors. The white sari on her reflects concluding with pravachan and aarti. After the purity. the aarti all the students who had left their She transcends the cravings of the flesh books at the lotus feet of Saraswati Mata and rejoices in the powers of the mind as were called to pick up their books and get the patron of pure wisdom. She embodies the blessing from Pandit Harsram Tripathi all that is pure and sublime in nature. The and also to receive their special gift packs four Vedas, are her offsprings. Her herald, from Temple Management Committee. the peacock, is a symbol of the arts and her The second part, the Jagran, began at 8 pm mount, the swan, personifies pure knowl- and concluded at midnight. This special “mata ki chunki” is very significant to all who seek musical talents, excel in speech and becoming great scholars.

The event was attended by many disciples and it was good to note that a lot of parents had brought their children for the pooja.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2012 — 15

Hindu Society of Queensland Former publisher’s thesis on 2000 Speight coup taints the Fiji Times celebrates 20th anniversary ON 26 January, Hindu Society of Queensland celebrated its 20th Anniversary at their Mandir in Boondall. The programme included bhajan recitals, flag raising (jhanda bandhan), havan and dinner.

The havan was officiated by Pandit Raj Kumar Mishra. Being a public holiday, the number of attendees were less than expected.

Hindu Society of Queensland started when a group of dedicated and determined persons gathered together on 13 October 1991 and 3 November 1991, they decided to acquire the property at 178 Lyndhurst Street, Boondall for the purpose of a Mandir. The Society was officially incorporated on 22 January 1992. The Mandir was officially blessed and declared open at a function attended by more than 600 people on Sunday 26 January 1992. The officiating priest was the late Pandit Salik Ram Sharma of Ba, Fiji.

The vision was to be a successful religious and cultural organisation, to provide the best facilities for its members and to make the Hindu Society of Queensland Inc. the most effective Indian organisation in Queensland.

Their mission is to enhance the Hindu religion and culture by celebrating all major festivals at the Mandir. With a focus on the future and to ensure that appropriate attention is given to the many religious, social

Continued from last issue

and welfare issues that benefit the Indian community, especially the children.

Moorooka Ward candidate kicks off her campaign

• Meeting new Australians at a citizenship ceremony.

THE Lord Mayor’s representative for Moorooka Ward, Yasmin Khan, kicked off her campaign recently with a private and exclusive dinner at Gambaro Restaurant. Attended by a select number of guests, it gave the attendees an opportunity for a one on one with Lord Mayor Graham Quirk. Ms Khan said “the guests were grateful for an opportunity to hear firsthand what the Lord Mayor’s vision was for the future of Brisbane, and what my vision was for Moorooka

Ward.”

The event was organised by Ray Deen, and will be one of many over the next few months leading up to the council elections on April 28th.

Ms Khan has been out and about meeting the local community over the last few weeks and was invited to the Hindu temple at Burbank and represented the Lord Mayor at citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day.

16 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2012

admission of the criminal offence of sedition on the national TV programme THE analysis and Close Up. These examples interpretations pre- Thakur Ranjit Singh bring into question FT’s New Zealand sented in my thesis media ethics and its claims amassed into some of being an independent, interesting findings. Some of the notable neutral and free media. concluding observations from the content g) The question of ethics arises from the analysis are: role played by star FT reporter Margaret a) There was a clear discord between what Wise whose romance and affair with a FT said and advocated in its editorials and prime minister and a child out of wedlock what appeared in the papers and its news was common knowledge. The person who selection and writing in the newsrooms. In placed very sharp scrutiny on others, espefact, it was comparable to Dr Jekyll and Mr cially Chaudhry and his government, was Hyde approach, where the same individual spared by her employers, who allowed and tends to show two completely different and apparently encouraged undeserving and diametrically opposed opinions and atti- hostile attacks on the government in genertudes. This description aptly fitted FT on al and Indo-Fijians in particular where she occasions where it appeared to have one penned many racially divisive stories. view of the editorial writer while an oppo- Concluding remarks on the credibility of site stance was seen in the stories appearing the Fiji Times in the news pages.

The analysis showed that FT projected b) There was lack of coordination between Chaudhry government as an “Indian” one the newspaper management and the news- which could not be trusted to safeguard the paper operations. The “management” com- interests of the Fijians. It failed to inform prised of expatriate policy and editorial for- the common people about the safeguards mulators, notably the expatriate publisher enshrined in the 1997 Constitution which and the editor in chief, Alan Robinson and stipulates that no Prime Minister, at his own Russell Hunter (for part of the time) respec- whim, could implement any changes affecttively. The “operations” or the Fijian “gate- ing native land and laws protecting the keepers” comprised the editor Samisoni rights of the indigenous people. FT also did Kakaivalu, his deputy Netani Rika and the not edit treasonable, seditious and hatesenior Fijian newsroom team including speech that were seen as derogatory to othMargaret Wise. Lack of coordination ers in any civilised democracy or civilised appears to have stemmed from unbridled media. newsroom control on the local staff who It appeared that FT had a policy of highproduced slanted headlines and the choice lighting the negatives and subduing the posand “manufacture” of stories. A case was itives of Chaudhry government. It presented cited where a journalist at FT admitted that the government in a bad light, and effecthe article she wrote about a Minister had tively painted it as dishonest, untrustworthy, been “totally twisted” and the headline was corrupt and undeserving as a government given by a member of the senior staff. The led by a “non-believer” and a womaniser. “management” expatriate executives ought While Chaudhry himself was also responto be accountable for what was found as an sible for democracy’s downfall, FT hasenvironment which gave unbridled “gate tened and helped the process. While FT keeping” duties to unqualified, insensitive helped create such an atmosphere that was and partisan newsroom staff. ripe for the removal of the government c) FT provided ample opportunity for from means other than democratic, contribopponents to attack the highest office of the utory factors from Chaudhry’s style of leadcountry - the President and the Prime ership hastened the process and discouraged Minister. A responsible media, especially in any uprising in support of democracy. Had a developing country divided on racial Chaudhry been able to build bridges, espelines, would be expected to exercise caution cially with the Fijian community and its and ethics and not permit a display of such institutions, such huge support for Speight disrespect to the leaders of a the nation and the ethno-nationalist elements may not under the guise of media freedom. have materialised. d) The number of important issues where All the good things about media being a government had to resort to letters to editor uniting force were rarely seen in FT. If anycolumns to tell its side of the story was evi- thing, FT lived to its colonial reputation of dent that there was something seriously being anti-Indian since it was established in amiss in media balance that called for equal 1869. While no proof has come to light to opportunity for response. FT failed in its substantiate allegations that some sections duty of keeping Fiji well informed to safe- of the business community contributed to guard democracy. the fall of the People’s Coalition e) In Fiji, equitable distribution of civil ser- Government, this research indicates enough vice positions at all levels to reflect the motives for that to be so and why the busicountry’s demographic makeup is a ness community wished to see Chaudhry Constitutional requirement. It seems this go. escaped the knowledge of FT. That is why The earlier studies on FT have indicated it allowed misinformed viewpoints without that despite the passage of time, the partisan trying to point out the anomaly. It not only approach of the newspaper in favour of the ignored the lopsided racial mix in the civil elite class has not changed. Times have service, but it itself did not abide by the changed. Even the elites have changed; general principle that the newsroom should from the Colonial Sugar Refining Company be the mirror of the country. There was (CSR), the British government and the marked favour of Fijians , not only at all colonial Europeans to the indigenous levels of its news team, but also in news Eastern Fijian chiefs, the Fijian elites and reporting where some 95 per cent of the the Indian business community. What has stories with bylines were from indigenous not changed is the credibility of the Fijian reporters in a racially divided nation Propaganda Model which remained steadwith Indo-Fijians comprising some 40 per fast in giving credence to Herman and cent of the population at that time.

Chomsky’s (2008) theory on how the media f) There appeared to be a double standard of becomes, and in case of FT, continues to be scrutiny and criticism of different govern- a sympathiser and mouthpiece of the elites, ments by FT. Its zeal and so called inves- at the cost of its watchdog role. tigative prowess in unearthing scandals and If you missed the first half of this article, indulging in muckraking were seen to be please feel free to contact us for the full inversely comparable when reporting on version.

Chaudhry’s “Indian” government and Email admin@indiantimes.com.au Qarase’s “Fijian” government respectively.

While the objective of this thesis was not to [E-mail: thakurji@xtra.co.nz] determine this question, the difference was (Thakur Ranjit Singh is our regular contribuso marked that at least three cases showed tor, and he graduated last year with a media FT’s favourable stance to a “Fijian” Qarase qualification from AUT in Auckland. He government. These included appointments analysed the Fiji Times during one year rule of a disbarred lawyer, Qoriniasi Bale as of Chaudhry government between May 1999 Fiji’s Attorney General, non renewal of and May 2000. His full thesis is available work permit of Deputy Director of Public online at: Prosecutions, Peter Ridgway and paying lit- http://aut.researchgateway.ac.nz/ tle media scrutiny to Simione Kaitani’s handle/10292/2554

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2012 — 17

GOPIO International annual awards banquet in Jaipur GOPIO International selected seven to receive community service awards at the annual banquet held on 6 January, the International executive meeting was held earlier in the day and the Awards night was held on the night at Jaipur Marriott. This year Queensland Chapter took the largest delegation ever to the event.

The senior most Indian Administrative officer, Shipping Secretary and former MOIA Secretary, K. Mohandas was recognized for his services to the Indian Diaspora community.

This year's award recipients are as follows: Faisal Kottikollon (Bahrain) Entrepreneur/industrialist.

Founder President/CEO of Emirates Techno Casting synergy comprising of several successful companies. A visionary industrialist and philanthropist, a man widely respected for his business acumen and compassion for the underprivileged.

Raghunath Manet (France) - Prominent exemplary classic Indian dancer and teacher with exemplary contribution to social and humanitarian activities that include active collaboration with UNESCO for promotion of art and Indian culture worldwide. Pro bono community volunteer service as teacher of vocal, instrumental, Ayurveda, yoga and classic dance at his own institution.

Prof. Ved Prakash Nanda (USA) Director of the International Legal Studies Program at the University of Denver and an internationally renowned jurist. He was also the former president of the World Jurist Association and President of the World Association of Law Professors. Prof.

Nanda is the recipient of the 2004 Gandhi, King, Ikeda Award; the 1997 United Nations Association Human Rights Award; and the 1990 World Legal Scholar award.

Dr. Rami RangerDr. Rami Ranger, MBE (UK) - A very successful businessman with recognition from Her Majesty the Queen five times, four times for business (Sun Mark Ltd) and once personally for community service. This year the company was added to the Sunday Times most profitable 100 companies in Britain in their "Profit Track 100". He also devotes his time to benefit society by launching ground breaking initiatives designed to strengthen social cohesion in Britain.

Ajeet Singhvi, MD (USA) - Immediate Past President of American Association of Physicians of India Origin (AAPI), the largest organized association of PIOs and NRIs in the US. Worked for over 30 years towards better understanding between people of Indian and United States. Prominent physician with faculty appointment at Loma Linda University Medical Center, a Fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology and the American Gastroenterological Association.

Datuk A. Vaithilingam (Malaysia) - A dedicated national leader of NGOs for social service and community development in Malaysia; recognized as a righteous spokesperson for the advancement of interfaith advocacy and its role in fostering harmony within the multi-religious communities of Malaysia. At the forefront in initiating and implementing community development and social welfare programs in for in Malaysia.

Kuraby Lions annual citizenship ceremony

ON 26 January Kuraby Lions Club hosted their annual citizenship ceremony at Runcorn Tavern. This was Brisbane's second biggest Australia Day ceremony. This was their fourth year and over the years they have welcomed hundreds of new citizens. At this event they were migrants from 19 different countries who got their Citizenship.

MC independent candidate for Stretton David Forde gave his own message of welcome and what it meant to him as someone who had migrated here 20 years ago.

The presiding officer was Councillor Steven Huang, who welcomed the new Australians, other dignitaries included Councillor Angela Owen Taylor, Shiela Glew President of Kuraby Lions, Ms Jean

Mustafa from Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Mr Anthony Lin President of Taiwanese Friendship Association of Qld, Mr Umesh Chandra, President of Queensland Multicultural Council and representing Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin. Mr Raymond Mak, President of Lions Club of Brisbane Chinese, Mr Peter Low, Hon President of Queensland Chinese Forum, Mr Brian Ryan, President of Sunnybank RSL, Mr Ralph Smith representing Buddha Light International Association of Queensland, Ms Shan Ju Lin, Vice President of Queensland Multicultural Council.

The new citizens were all gifted a pot plant each, by the host Kuraby Lions Club.

Queensland floods 2012 HEAVY rainfall has caused flooding affecting areas of western Queensland in late January and into early February 2012.

Emergency Alert messages have been issued for Charleville, Roma, Mitchell and the surrounding areas.

For the latest Emergency Alerts, visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au Local Disaster Management Groups (LDMG) are working around the clock responding to flooding in south-west towns. Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ) is providing support as requested.

Residents looking for relatives or loved ones in Roma can contact the Red Cross Evacuation Centre on 0467 708 810.

• Queensland Premier Anna Bligh visits the flood-affected town of St George. Residents in St George have been advised to evacuate immediately as the Balonne River continues to rise rapidly. (AAP Image/Dan Peled) Source: AAP

For all other areas visit the Red Cross website https://emergency.redcross.org.au to register or contact the Red Cross on 1300 993 191.

18 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2012

• From top left clockwise – From top left, clockwise: Faisal Kottikollon, Raghunath Manet, Prof.

Ved P. Nanda, Hendry Vikramasinghe, Datuk A. Vaithilingam, Dr. Ajeet Singhvi and Dr. Rami Ranger

Hendry H Wickramasinghe (Sri Lanka) Secretary/Consultant at Office of Hon. M.P. Praba Ganesan. Participated in the peace process activities in Sri Lanka at the grass root level, representing Indian origin Tamils. An ardent activist in promoting the Indian origin upcountry Tamils rights in socio-cultural and political spheres and facilitating higher studies of upcountry Tamil students. Made significant contribution in the service of preservation and betterment in temples in Colombo.

SPECIAL AWARD - Hon. K. Mohandas

(India) Secretary K Mohandas is the senior most IAS officer in the Indian administration.

Currently the secretary of the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India, earlier he served as the secretary in the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA).

While serving as the Secretary of MOIA, Mohandas travelled in many countries with large NRI/PIO population to reach out the overseas Indian communities, to understand their issues and seek solutions to them.

YONG Real Estate moves up in Q400 list IN the latest Queensland Top 400 Private Companies List, Yong Group & Yong Real Estate has advanced its position from previous 58 to 32 in 2011. Yong still remains the highest ranking real estate company in Queensland despite the challenging real estate market globally and Australia wide.

Yong Founder, Peter Huang, said the 2010/2011 financial year was one of the best years in his history. Mr Huang personally produced over $4 million in fees and believes 2012 will be even better.

He has just finished translating his autobiography, The Australian Dream & $1 Properties into Chinese and is planning to launch the book in China this year and export the Australian franchise system to China and the rest of the world to expand the Yong System globally and to make Yong Real estate the largest real estate network in the whole world, potentially employing over 300,000 people.

The Yong Foundation last year also distributed over $20,000 to various charity foundations and supported the Queensland flood and other major disasters.

School children caught up in Education Tax Refund fraud Courtesy Sudesh Aggarwal SUSPECTED promoters of an Education Tax Refund scam had their personal computers and records seized on 31 November, 2011 with the execution of multiple search warrants by the Australian Taxation Office and Australian Federal Police.

It is suspected the group targeted students from South-Western Sydney high schools to submit fraudulent Education Tax Refund claims for non-existent school children or in the names of students not entitled to claim the refund.

"Tax fraud is a crime. It places an unfair burden on people who do the right thing and contribute their fair share in accordance with the law," Taxation Commissioner Michael D'Ascenzo said.

"The ATO uses sophisticated data matching technology to review all refund claims and check for fraud before refunds are issued.

"We also receive information from honest taxpayers who let us know about tax fraud happening in their area.

"Australians do not tolerate tax fraud.

Make no mistake - if people try to make claims they know they are not entitled to, they are likely to be caught with serious consequences," Mr D'Ascenzo said.

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A member of the group is alleged to have used Facebook as his main recruitment tool, telling students on the social networking site he could arrange refunds if they provided their Tax File Number (TFN), address and date of birth.

"Your TFN is one of your most valuable forms of identification. Like all personal and confidential information, your TFN should be kept secure, and never given to an unauthorised person," Mr D'Ascenzo said.

"If someone steals your identity it could affect you for the rest of your life. Overseas travel, your future credit rating and access to your superannuation and savings can all be affected if you are a victim of identity theft.

"To report suspected tax evasion and fraud, call 1800 060 062 during business hours. Your call will be confidential with no strings attached, and your name will not be linked to any investigations."

More information Visit www.ato.gov.au/otherlanguages If you want to report someone who you think is doing the wrong thing, call us on 1800 060 062.

If you don’t speak English well and need help with your call, phone the Translating and Interpreting Service on 13 14 50.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2012 — 19

Who, What, Where, When

• The Sounds of Bollywood members pictured who performed a very awesome entertaining programme on 28th of January, 2012 at Macgregor Primary School Auditorium. Photo by Lekh Ram Sukh

• Mrs & Mrs Shahban Ali recently went on a 42 day cruise on the Sun Princess and visited 10 different countries and stopped at 18 different ports.

• Above: Invited dignitaries hands out the good luck fortune envelopes to the kids at the 2012 Lunar New Year Festival of the Taiwan Friendship Association of Queensland held on 5 February at Sunnybank Lawn Bowl Club • Left: Deputy Premier & Treasurer Andrew Fraser (centre) presenting a Certificate of Appreciation to the Taiwanese community on behalf of the Queensland Government

• New Australian Citizens at the Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony hosted by the Lions Club of Kuraby held on 26 January at Runcorn Tavern Function Room.

• Saikat performing on the Sitar at the concert “Raga and Tala” which was held at Town Hall in Sandgate during the festival Music by the Sea from 8-10 January.

• Left: Peter Lane Rai, BIT correspondent, catches up with Umesh Chandra at the Flag Raising ceremony of India’s 63rd Republic Day Flag Raising Ceremony at the Consulate of India, Brisbane.

• Ishana Chandra daughter of Sunny and Anoushka Chandra celebrated her 1st birthday at a party on the 21st January at her Nana & Nani’s residence.

Ishana’s great Grandmother also celebrated her 90th birthday.

20 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2012

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2012 — 21

Who, What, Where, When

• Chinmaya Mission’s Balvihar classes which commenced on 22 January. Photo’s Courtesy of Ullhas Kapure.

• Jaskaran Nijjar celebrates his 21st birthday at the Greek Orthodox Hall at Mt Gravatt on 3 February. Over 200 people were in attendance at this very well organised party. Pictured above: Dj Jesta provided the entertainment for the evening with live dhol accompaniment of Jaggi.

• Anand and Regina Prasad of Chaudhary celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at Stamford Plaza on the 6th of January 2012 with children and grandchildren. Top standing from left – Justin, Jaya, Pranay. Sitting from Left – Jessica, Anand, Regina, Ranitta and Meera.

• Rashmi Mohan with Falguni from Desh Pardesh Fashions.

• John & Manju Jehu welcomes guests at a dinner function at their residence on 20 January.

• From Left: Umesh Chandra, Sunil Gurram, Surendra Prasad, Naidu Bodapati, Prof. Prasad Yarlagadda & Sampath at a lunch held on 6 February.

• Children receiving their special gift packs from Temple Management Committee at the Saraswati Mata Pooja held at Shree Laxmi Narayan Mandir on 28 January.

• From left: Nick Xynias, Grace Grace MP, Manju Jehu, Cr Shayne Sutton, Cr Milton Dick & Sgt Michael Maat at John & Manju’s dinner function.

• Rick Chatterjee (right) performs with his dad, Indranil (centre) on the sitar, and Shen on the tabla at the Bengali Society of QLD Saraswati Mata Pooja held on 28 January at Aspley State High School.

Pictured right are the attendees at BSQ Saraswati Mata Pooja.

22 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2012

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2012 — 23

Mother nature at its best in southern Thailand Story and Pictures by Rama Gaind MOTHER nature looks – and feels - resplendent in southern Thailand!

Khao Lak’s national parks are a treasure trove of nature’s beauty: the Kantary Beach Hotel Villas & Suites, Khao Lak, has a breathtaking waterfront location; bask in the exquisiteness of the Similan Islands, particularly watching the splendour of underwater sea life; experience the best of Elephant Hills luxury tented camp with an elephant experience; and savour the magnificence of the Rainforest Camp Cheow Larn Lake in Khao Sok National Park.

En route to Khao Lak, in the Phang Nga province, a stopover is essential at Aleenta Phuket - Phang Nga Resort and Spa. This stunning boutique resort is a ‘kids free zone’.

How fabulous!

Opened in 2006, Aleenta means a ‘rewarding life’ in Sanskrit. There’s nothing over- commercialised here.

Located on the sunset side of the Andaman Sea and the pristine Natai Beach, the Aleenta is just 20 minutes north of the Phuket International Airport.

The sprawling property has an understated, distinctive design that creates a calm, spiritual ambience.

Aleenta is a haven that’s far from the madding crowd!

This luxurious hideaway recently scooped the Asia Pacific Hotel Awards 2011 for Best Small Hotel and Best Sustainable Hotel in both the Thailand and Asia Pacific categories.

The resort management is also passionate about the environment. It has been awarded the status of Thailand's Best Small Green Resort. Natai Beach has also been awarded 5 Stars for cleanliness of the beach and water quality.

What’s more, Aleenta Resorts founder Anchalika Kijkanakorn is passionate about conservation and the environment and has pioneered the groundbreaking reef restoration project off the coast of the resort.

Khao Lak’s natural beauty Khao Lak’s national parks are a treasure trove of nature’s beauty featuring staggering panoramic views, thundering waterfalls, towering limestone and granite peaks, rare wild animals and endless miles of rainforest.

What differentiates Khao Lak is its lack of crowds, quiet up-scale secluded coastal resorts, a family-friendly environment and the provincial ordinances prohibiting structures to be built beyond the height of a coconut palm.

Situated on one of the few remaining stretches of pristine beach in Khao Lak, north of Phuket, the Kantary Beach Hotel Villas & Suites is simply amazing. The hotel fronts a stunning beach where long walks of discovery are essential.

Comprising modern suites and serene and private bungalows, the hotel fronts a stunning beach and is surrounded by lush, tropical foliage, hills of Phang Nga and two lakes.

The hotel comprises well-appointed private villas and suite rooms featuring stylish and contemporary designs, using mainly natural light helping you enjoy the beach and

• Kantary Beach Hotel Villas & Suites Khao Lak, Thailand, is simply amazing.

ocean views.

Similan Islands panorama Khao Lak is the launch pad to one of the world’s best scuba diving grounds. North-west of Phuket is the Koh Similan Marine National Park, an archipelago of nine granite islands, reputed to be in the world's top 10 dive sites.

The Similans boast not only the richest variety and abundance of reef fish in Thailand, but provide a huge selection of diving topography. The islands are covered in verdant rainforest and an abundance of bird life.

Elephant Hills experience Glimpses of rural life, passing small villages, rubber and palm plantations and a canoe safari down Sok River open up a whole new world in Surat Thani province that sees the start of Khao Sok National Park. are a forerunner to arriving at the elephant camp. The adventure starts Elephant Hills Main Camp is Thailand’s first luxury tented jungle camp that uses to advantage the tropical forest environment. Here you’ll find all the comforts of a hotel with rainforest right outside the tent flap!

Hear bullfrogs croak and cicadas sing from your surprisingly bug-free tent. With morning, the alarm call of gibbons wake you up from slumber. Dawn in Khao Sok is something special. The first rays of light imbue the sky, a pink hue that stretches out over craggy mountain tops.

You’ll get great joy in participating in a ‘hands-on’ experience, getting up close and personal with the elephants, assisting the mahout with food preparation, planting, feeding and their daily bath. This is a once-in-lifetime chance to experience the Asian elephant.

Rainforest Camp Cheow Larn Lake – Khao Sok National Park Elephant Hills Rainforest Camp, in the heart of the

162sqkm Cheow Larn Lake in Khao Sok National Park, is paradise found!

There are 10 comfortable luxury floating tents. Opened only in January 2011, this is luxurious comfort in the midst of total seclusion.

Take time to swim in the emerald waters of the lake before heading out in self-paddle canoes through the klongs and channels of the lake. Explore the lake by boat and head to the ‘Guilin’ of Thailand.

Home to wild elephant, hornbill, the rare Asian ox, various monkey species, a myriad reptiles, amphibians and floral species, the spectacular lake has 100 islands. Explore the rivers that cut through some of Thailand’s last mangrove forest by dinghy with outboard motor. View birdlife and get closer to nature with self-paddle canoes through the klongs and channels of the lake. The lake is a must-see for all nature lovers.

Star gaze as you go on a night safari by boat searching for wildlife on the banks of the lake – at one with the galaxy.

Become overwhelmed by nature’s glory. You will be bereft for words as you look on with awe and admiration at the magnificence of nature, feeling dwarfed at times by the towering landscape that surrounds you – on land and on water.

You are now at one with nature … an exceptional experience!

Rama Gaind was a guest of the Tourism Authority of Thailand with accommodation in Khao Lak hosted by Kasemkij Group and 3Days Elephant Experience and Lake Safari hosted by Elephant Hills Luxury Tented Camp, Khao Sok.

• An elephant experience is a must at Elephant Hills Main Camp in Thailand.

42 days on “Sun Princess” cruise ship

By Shahban Ali THE tragic disaster of the Italian cruise ship “Costa Concordia” has generated a lot of interest world wide. Having had a cruise experience recently on the “Sun Princess” I have been tempted to write about my unforgettable experience.

In the first part of this article I will endeavour to describe the ship and the second part will highlight our visit to the ten countries and eighteen ports of call.

The first journey of a lifetime that I undertook was my religious obligatory pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina some five years ago.

Having worked hard in Australia for twenty years and no mortgages to pay we decided to take our long service leave and choose a destination that would be a memorable one.

As a taxi driver, I knew that big cruise ships were coming to Brisbane. Seeing those ships dock at Portside Wharf and Fisherman’s Island, it was very tempting for me to dream of getting into one of them one day.

Finally, we settled on a 42 day cruise visiting 10 different countries and 18 ports of call would be something unique and unusual for us. We had booked our seats almost a year in advance for my wife and myself and were very excited about this trip.

They say “All good things come to those who wait” so we said good bye and “Khuda Hafiz” to our children and set sail at 6.00

pm on 21 September 2011 from Portside Wharf, Hamilton. The TV channels had covered the arrival of this ship that evening as it was their first trip to Brisbane.

The ship sailed with a full complement of over 2,000 passengers with 900 crew members.

Majority of the passengers were either retirees or businessmen with a small number of young adults. It weighs 17,000 gross tons, is 857 feet in length, 105 feet in width and has over 400 balcony state rooms. This ship is the oldest in the fleet, built in Genoa, Italy in 1995 and registered as a cruise ship with “Princess Lines” in Bermuda. It looked so formidable like a floating 5 star resort, that our first thought was to explore the ship to familiarise ourselves with all the facilities the ship had to offer, after all we were going to stay on the ship for 42 days.

The ship has 14 decks with lots of facilities and amenities for its passengers. It has two large dining halls, the “Regency” and the “Marquis” each accommodating about 500 diners at a sitting so you end up with two sittings of a thousand each. This is the traditional formal diner where a five course meal is served each night.

The other option is the buffet hall, the “Horizon” which sits almost 600. It opens at 6.00 am till midnight serving breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. The cuisine is both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, changing international menu with many varieties of fruits and cakes. You

24 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2012

name it and they have it. All the meals are of a 5 star hotel rating and inclusive in the ticket. The pizzeria opens from 11.30 am to midnight and the ice cream parlour is always full during the day.

The sporting need of the passengers is well catered for. They have two swimming pools, one for adults and the other for children, a couple of spas and saunas, a gymnasium, table tennis boards, shuttle boards and a paddle tennis court which can be converted to a lawn tennis court. Many electronic games can be played in groups such as golf and ten-pin bawling.

Then there is a medical centre for the sick and the suffering, a beauty parlour for ladies, a 24 hour internet café, a library and a writing room. The youth and teens centre caters for the entertainment of the youngsters. There are taichi, abdomen and aerobics classes for those who are not into vigorous exercises. These are conducted by gym experts.

The duty free shop sells souvenirs, liquor, jewellery, perfumes, cosmetics watches, cameras etc and there is a boutique cum clothing shop. The art gallery has expensive paintings priced at thousands of dollars which are also auctioned. The passenger service desk and shore excursions counter opens during office hours and evenings.

The biggest open area is around the swimming pools with large open space and bars where beer flows out like gushing geysers of Rotorua. In total there are 11 bars www.indiantimes.com.au

on different decks. There is an open air theatre under the stars with a jumbo screen where block buster movies are screened and other cruise activities take place.

The casino is for sporty gamblers and pokies players who do not mind parting with their dollars the easy way. For most of the passengers the day begins around 6am and goes on till midnight unless one wants to spend a lot of time in bed.

There are two huge theatres namely the “Princess” and the “Vista Lounge” at the two ends of the ship, the fore and the aft, where floor shows are held almost every night. Passengers are entertained by professional singers and dancers, acrobatics, show artists magicians, hypnotists, comedians and the like.

For the intellectuals, general knowledge trivias are held everyday and after dinner walk around Deck 7 three times equates to one mile. It is said “only those in the grip of madness take to dancing,” to dance away their blues join the “Shooting Star” club.

With all these amenities and multifarious activities time flies and

one never gets bored.

A programme for the following day is given every night, where one can choose the activities one is interested in and undertake. This also gives the location of the ship everyday and the time of sunrise and sunset which was very beneficial for my prayers.

During the cruise the following items were consumed approximately: * 4,678 tons of fuel oil, 30,500 cubic meters of fresh water which equates to about 260 litres per person per day. The ship is installed with mechanism to make its own supply of fresh water. * Eggs 116,000 * Milk 21,800 L * Cream 18,000L * Meat 27,500kg * Fish 8,000 kg * Prawns 4,700kg * Soft drinks 31,000 cans * Toilet Rolls 29,000 * Rice 7,455kg * Potato 11,000kg * Beer 22,000 cans/bottles * Wine 6,500 bottles * Tea Bags 125,000 or 2,976 per day In part two of my story next month I will highlight the 10 countries and 18 ports of call that we visited. Till then, happy reading.

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Exalted Status of Muhammad SWS

BY ML.NAWAAZ ASHRAFI AUZO BIL LAAHI MIN ASH SHAYTAANIR RAJEEM, BISMIL LAAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHIM AL HAMDU LILLAAHI RABBIL ‘ALAMEEN. WAS SALAATU WAS SALAAMU ‘ALAA ASHRAFIL MURSALEEN. SAYIDINAA WA NABI YENAA WA MOULANAA MUHAMMADIN WA’ALA AALEHEE WA AS HAABEHEE WASALLIM. All praise is due to Alláh, the Lord of all the Worlds; may the greetings and peace be upon the best messenger, Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and upon his family and upon all of his companions.

Alhamdulillah, this article will deal with the honourable and exalted status of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The many dimensions and multi-facets of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is a vast topic and will require many sermons and even then it will not be enough to do full justice. So in this short article, we can only focus on a few essential points.

To every Muslim on this planet, irrespective of cultural, geographical and political differences, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is Allah’s greatest creation. A thousand million Muslims however, do not require any surveys, lists or research to arrive at this conclusion. It is a non-negotiable article of eemaan and please note that I use the present tense when I say he is Allah’s greatest creation. But what of the non-Muslims? We will concentrate on how eminent nonMuslims have rated Prophet Muhammad (SAW) most highly and given due recognition to his greatness.

Muslims’ emotions and attitudes causes them to contemplate on the Azeem, great status of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) that they have in their hearts.

After all in Surah 21st, Al Anbiya, Ayat 107 had Allah SWT not described him by saying: WAMAA ARSAL NAAKA IL LAA REHMATAL LIL AALAMEEN “And we have not sent you, Prophet Muhammad (SAW), but as a Mercy for all the Aalameen” Meaning all the universes, creatures, peoples. Notice the tense in the Arabic grammar together with plurality and the universality of this great ayat.

Now Michael H. Hart, a Christian American, astronomer, mathematician, lawyer and scientist, after extensive research, published an incisive biography of the 100 most influential people of all time. The biographical rankings with explanations describes the careers of religious and political leaders, inventors, writers, philosophers, scientists and artists.

From this research; which included illustrious personalities such as H. Isa (AS), H. Musa (AS), Caesar, the Wright brothers, Napoleon, Shakespeare, Columbus and Michelangelo; Michael Hart rated Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as number one.

He concluded the biography with the words: “It is this unparalleled combination of secular and religious influence which I feel entitles Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to be considered the most influential single figure in human history.”

So today I will present to you synopsis on Prophet Muhammad (SAW) from Michael Hart’s book entitled “The 100″.

Brothers, as you know during the era of Jahiliyya, when the world was awash in rivers of blind prejudices and nonsensical ignorance's, Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) divine message and glorious teachings became the purging torrents of spiritual enlightenment.

Now let’s see what Michael Hart says in his book and I quote him verbatim: “My choice of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to lead the list of the world’s most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular levels.

Of humble origins, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) founded and promulgated one of the world’s great religions, and became an immensely effective political leader. Today, thirteen centuries after his death, his influence is still powerful and pervasive. The majority of the persons in this book had the advantage of being born and raised in centres of civilization, highly cultured or politically pivotal nations.

Prophet Muhammad (SAW), however, was born in the year 570, in the city of Mecca, in Southern Arabia, at that time a backward area of the world, far from the centres of trade, art, and learning. Orphaned at age six, he was reared in modest surroundings.”

Michael Hart then goes on to describe in detail Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) biography in quite a detail and as you are AS-HAAB AL ILM, I will skip these details and go over his concluding remarks which are quite lengthy: “Although he passed away in 632, unified by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) for the first time in history, and inspired by his fervent belief in the one true God, these small Arab armies now embarked upon one of the most astonishing series of conquests in human history.

To the north east of Arabia lay the large Neo-Persian Empire of the Sassanids; to the northwest lay the Byzantine, or Eastern Roman Empire, centred in Constantinople.

Numerically, the Arabs were no match for their opponents.

On the field of battle, though, the inspired Arabs rapidly conquered all of Mesopotamia, Syria, and Palestine. By 642, Egypt had been wrestled from the Byzantine Empire, while the Persian armies had been crushed at the key battles of Qadisiya in 637, and Nehavend in 642. But even these enormous conquests- which were made under the leadership of Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) close friends and immediate successors, H. Abu Bakr (RA) and H. Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) did not mark the end of the Arab advance. By 711, the Arab armies had swept completely across North Africa to the Atlantic Ocean. There they turned north and, crossing the Strait of Gibraltar, overwhelmed the Visigothic kingdom in Spain. For a while, it must have seemed that the Muslims would overwhelm all of Christian Europe. Nevertheless, in a scant century of fighting, these Bedouin tribesmen, inspired by the word of the Prophet, had carved out an empire stretching from the borders of India to the Atlantic Ocean – the largest empire that the world had yet seen. And everywhere that the armies conquered, large-scale conversion to the new faith eventually followed.

Now, not all of these conquests proved permanent. In Spain, more than seven centuries of warfare finally resulted in the Christians reconquering the entire peninsula. However, Mesopotamia and Egypt, the two cradles of ancient civilization, have remained Arab, as has the entire coast of North Africa. The new religion, of course, continued to spread, in the intervening centuries, far beyond the borders of the original Muslim conquests. Currently, it has tens of millions of adherents in Africa and Central Asia, and even more in Pakistan and northern India, and in Indonesia. In Indonesia, the new faith has been a unifying factor. How, then, is one to assess the overall impact of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on human history?

Like all religions, Islam exerts an enormous influence upon the lives of its followers. It is for this reason that the founders of the world’s great religions all figure prominently in this book. Since there are roughly twice as many Christians as Muslims in the world, it may initially seem strange that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has been ranked higher than Jesus (H. ISA (AS). There are two principal reasons for that decision. First, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) played a far more important role in the development of Islam than Jesus (H. ISA (AS) ) did in the development of Christianity. Although Jesus (H. ISA (AS) ) was responsible for the main ethical and moral precepts of Christianity (inso-

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far as these differed from Judaism), St. Paul was the main developer of Christian theology, its principal proselytizer, and the author of a large portion of the New Testament.

Prophet Muhammad (SAW), however, was responsible for both the theology of Islam and its main ethical and moral principles. In addition, he played the key role in proselytizing the new faith, and in establishing the religious practices of Islam.

Moreover, the Muslim holy scripture, the Quran, a collection of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)’s insights that he believed had been directly revealed to him by Allah. The Quran, therefore, closely represents Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) ideas and teachings. No such detailed compilation of the teachings of Jesus (H. ISA (AS) ) has survived. Since the Quran is at least as important to Muslims as the Bible is to Christians, the influence of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) through the medium of the Quran has been enormous. It is probable that the relative influence of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on Islam has been larger than the combined influence of Jesus (H. ISA (AS) ) and St. Paul on Christianity.

On the purely religious level, then, it seems likely that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has been as influential in human history as Jesus (Isa (AS). Furthermore, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) unlike Jesus (H. ISA (AS) ) was a secular as well as a religious leader. In fact, as the driving force behind the Arab conquests, he may well rank as the most influential political leader of all time. Of many important historical events, one might say that they were inevitable and would have occurred even without the particular political leader who guided them. For example, the South American colonies would probably have won their independence from Spain even if Simon Bolivar had never lived. But this cannot be said of the Arab conquests. Nothing similar had occurred before Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and there is no reason to believe that the conquests would have been achieved without him.

(Incidentally, brothers, here, Michael Hart is referring to the 19th century South American independence leader Simón Bolivar who lead the fight for independence for what is now known as Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Panama, and Bolivia, he is referred as a hero in these countries and throughout much of the rest of Hispanic America. Bolivar is known as “El Libertador”, which means The Liberator in English.)

The only comparable conquests in human history are those of the Mongols in the thirteenth century, which were primarily due to the influence of Genghis Khan. These conquests, however, though more extensive than those of the Arabs, did not prove permanent, and today the only areas occupied by the Mongols are those that they held prior to the time of Genghis Khan.

It is far different with the conquests of the Arabs. From Iraq to Morocco, then extends a whole chain of Arab nations united not merely by their faith in Islam, but also by their Arabic language, history, and culture. The centrality of the Quran in the Muslim religion and the fact that it is written in Arabic have probably prevented the Arab language from breaking up into mutually unintelligible dialects, which might otherwise have occurred in the intervening thirteen centuries. Differences and divisions between these Arab states exist, of course, and they are considerable, but the partial disunity should not blind us to the important elements of unity that have continued to exist. We see, then, that the Arab conquests of the seventh century have continued to play an important role in human history, down to the present day. It is this unparalleled combination of secular and religious influence which I feel entitles Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to be considered the most influential single figure in human history. “ Here concludes Michael Hart’s quote who as an outsider saw Prophet Muhammad (SAW) not as a man of theory, but a man of action.

So returning to the cartoon controversy, we must seek the hikmah of ALLAH SWT in the events that transpire around us. In essence, the campaign against the Prophet (SAW) jolted the Muslim community and had a profound impact on Muslims’ spiritual and worldly lives.

Muslims have bitterly realized what it means to have their deen and sanctities insulted. We must teach our children to say, “Wa kafaa bil-Laahi shaheedaa” meaning, “And enough is Allah for a witness.”

We would like to quote, a well known hadith from both Bukhari and Muslim whose Raawi is Hazrat Anas (RA).

“The Holy Prophet (SAW) said, ‘None amongst you can be a true believer until his love for me is greater than the love he holds for his parents, his children and everyone else.’

Upon hearing this H. Umar (RA) said, ‘I swear by Allah who revealed the book (Quran) to you! You are indeed dearer to me than even myself’ to which Prophet Muhammad (SAW) replied, ‘Umar (RA) your eeman is complete.’”

In Bukhari, it is related by H. Anas (RA) about the man who came to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and asked, “When will the day of Qiyamah come?” Prophet Muhammad (SAW) asked “What have you prepared it ?” And the man said, “I have not prepared for it with a lot of Salaat, as Saum or Sadaqah, but I do love Allah and his Prophet (SAW).” The Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said to him, “ANTA MAA’AA MAN AH BABTAA, you will be with the ones you love.”

Indeed even Allah has said in Surah 4, Annisa Ayat 69: “And he who obeys Allah and his Prophet Muhammad (SAW) he will be with those whom Allah has favoured, the Prophets, the Siddiqeen (the sincere, lovers of truth), the Shuhada and the Saaleheen (Righteous, pious people who do good). Oh my brothers! Therefore do not be disheartened by the trials and the tribulations of the Duniya and think of your noble station that insha Allah, ASWT has destined for you.

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is also the Prophet of SHAFAA-AAH or Intercession [as he will intercede with Allah on the Yawm al Qiyamat. He is also the Prophet of the Makaam-e-Mehmud, as Allah has addressed him in Surah 17, Al-Israa Ayat 79, saying: “Soon will thy Lord raise thee to a Station of Praise and Glory.

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has reported that, “I will be the first to be resurrected from the qabr and the pre-eminent among the descendants of Adam (AS) on the Yawm al Qiyamat. I will also be the first intercessor and the first whose intercession will be accepted (by Allah on the Yawm al Qiyamat” (Rawaa-hu Muslim).

During the Cartoon crisis in Denmark, the great love shown by the Muslim Ummah for the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) brings to mind the profound affection the Sahaabaa held for him. One of the Muslims’ enemies at the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) time, `Urwa ibn Mas`ud Ath-Thaqfi, said to his people , “O people! Wallahi, I have been to the kings and to the emperors of Persia and the Byzantine empire and to the Negus of Abyssinia, yet I have never seen any of them respected by his courtiers as much as Muhammad (SAW) is respected by his Sahaabaa. Wallahi, if he spat, the spittle would fall in the hand of one of them, who would rub it on his face and skin; if he ordered them, they would carry out his order immediately; if he performed wudu, they would struggle to take the remaining water of his wudu; and when they spoke, they would lower their voices and would not look at his face constantly out of respect” (Rawaa-hu Bukhari).

Prophet (SAW) said I have been referred to by 7 names in the Holy Quran : Muhammad, Ahmad, Yaaseen, Taaha, Muzammil, Muddathir, and Abdullah. The fact that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has so many names and attributes is again a reflection upon his numerous skills and qualities.

Hazrat Abu Huraira (RA) relates that the Sahaabaa asked “Ya Rasulal-laah, when were you granted Prophethood?

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) replied, ‘I was granted

Prophethood before the creation of Adam (AS)’ “. (Rawaahu Tirmidhi). By reading this hadith, it is clear that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is the first to be granted Prophethood.

Allah has said in Surah 5, Maidaa, Ayat 15: There has come to you a Noor from Allah, and a Manifest Book. Now notice brothers, 2 separate entities are mentioned here, the first is the “Noor”., followed by a book meaning the Holy Al Quran.

In this verse, the word Light has been explained by a number of classic Quranic exegetes as follows: First of all, H. Abdullah Ibn Abbas (RA) said that the Noor mentioned in the verse is in fact Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

H. Jalal al-Din as-Sayuti (RA), wrote in his “Tafsir alJalalayn”, (reference – 139): “It is indeed the Prophet Muhammad (SAW)”.

Incidentally, H. Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti (RA) was a Mujtahid Imam, who had taken knowledge of Fiqh and NAHW (Arabic grammar) from a large group of Shaikhs.

Indeed, K’aab bin Zuhaair (RA), Abdullah bin Rawaaha (RA) and H. Abbas ibn Abdul Mutallib (RA) all whom wrote Naats praising the character of SAW. Above all, who can ever forget H. Hassaan bin Thaabit’s (RA) following immortal couplets. Indeed, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) himself used to ask H. Hassaan (RA) to read these Naats to him.

(Rawaa-hu Bukhari wa Muslim.)

WA AHSANO MIN KA LAM TARAHU AYNI, YA RASOOLALLAH My eyes has never seen anybody as handsome as you Ya Rasoolallah (SAW).

WA AJMALO MIN KA LAM TAALEDI IN NISAAOU, YA RASOOLALLAH ‘By Allah, no woman has conceived and given birth to one like you, Ya Rasoolallah (SAW).

KHULIKTA MUBARRA AM MIN KULLE AYBIN, YA RASOOLALLAH O Holy Prophet (SAW) you have been created free from defects.

KA ANNA KA QAD KHULIKTA KAMA TASHÂAU, YA RASOOLALLAH It is indeed as if you have been created just as you had wished.

Hazrat Abbas (RA) recited to Prophet Muhammad (SAW), when he returned from the Battle of Tabuk.

WA ANTA LAMMA WULIDTTA ASHRA QATIL ARD WADHAA’AT BI NOORI KAA AL OOFOUQO The entire earth was illuminated when you were born and the skies were illuminated by your noor.

FA NAHNU FI ZAÂLEKA AD DIYAÂ’I WAFI NOORI WA SUBUL AR RASHADI NAKHTARIQ Now we are in the light of that same noor of yours travelling along the correct path of SERAA TUL MUSTAQIM. In later years, Imam Al Aazam, Hazrat Imam Abu Hanifa (RA) wrote, ANTAL LAZEE LO LAAKA MAA KHULIQA IMRU’UN; KALLA WALA KHULIQA AL WARAA LAU LAAKA If you had not been created than nobody would have been created. In fact, if you had not been created then nothing would have been created at all.

WAL LAAHI, YA YASEEN MITHLUKA LAM YAKUN; FIL AALAMEENA WA HAQQI MAN AMBA’ KAA O Yaaseen! I swear by Allah, there is nobody like you in the entire universe! I swear to this by Him (ASWT) who granted you Prophethood.

O PEOPLE, as you are well aware, in reality, there is noone who can help you overcome the trials of this world, except Allah, because everything is under His Will and Control. This is the realisation of enlightened souls, meaning the Muttaqin. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) , is a perfect example of the truly enlightened and conscious soul. Notice here that in the present tense because he too is as Allah has said in the Qur’an, Ayat 2, Surah Al-Ahzaab (33): 21 “You have indeed In the Messenger of Allah, a beautiful example.

So in these troubled times, it is now more important than ever, to remember two things: Prophet Muhammad (SAW)’s Good Character and his merciful and generous heart. For example, in the Hadith, we find one of his best known quotations: “I have been sent to teach good character.”

The Holy Quran confirms this in Sura Al-Ahzaab, Ayaat 21, where we read: “LAQAD’ KAANA LAKUM FEE RASOOLIL-LAAHI USWATUN HASANAH…” “You have, indeed, in the Messenger of Allah, a beautiful pattern of conduct, for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Yawm al Qiyamah, and who engages much in the praise of Allah.”

On the plain of Arafaat, on the Mount of Mercy, Jabal Rahma, he delivered his final Khutbah. Here he reminded the Muslims that his life was coming to an end, but if they held fast to 2 things they would never go astray: one is the Holy Quran, and the other his Sunnah, the living example of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

To this day, 1,400 years later, the essence of Islam has been preserved in those 2 sources, and Insa Allah, they will remain so utterly central to our Muslim identity and experience until the end of time.

Prophet Muhammad (SWS) was not a man of theory, but a man of action. The best way to honour our beloved Prophet (SAW) will be to set our own life style based on his good character and his generous heart. We must also put in practise, Uswatul Hasanah ” the “perfect example” into the challenges we face in our own lives today.

This is because all the wisdom of Quran and Hadith is absolutely of no value unless someone studies it and lives by it. We Muslims must make it work, as our Prophet Muhammad (SAW) did. Islam must become a living reality in our own daily lives.

THE GREAT SAINT OF BAGHDAD, HAZRAT SHAIKH ABDUL QADIR JEELAANI (RA) How Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani Spread Islam Shaykh ‘Abdul Qadir Jilani, Rady Allahu ‘Anhu as the model of a Sufi saint, through his nasiha, azkaar and salawaat, through giving a living reality to Islam, in his complete surrender to the Will of Allah and in his showing of tawakkul (trust in Allah) and through his teaching and preaching converted more than five thousand Jews and Christians to Islam while more than a hundred thousand ruffians, outlaws, murderers, thieves and bandits repented and became devout Muslims and gentle dervishes, explains Shaykh Tosun Bayrak al-Jerrahi al-Halveti in his “Introduction” to the translation of Sirr al-Asrar (The Secret of Secrets, p XXXI).

Shaykh ‘Abdul Qadir Jilani says in the 35th Discourse (khutba) in Al-Fath-ur-Rabbani (The Endowment of Divine Grace) that this was among the blessings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

Shaykh ‘Abdul Qadir Jilani, Rady Allahu ‘Anhu had four wives, each a model of virtue, and devoted to him. He had forty-nine children, twenty-seven sons and twenty-two daughters. Four of his sons, Shaykh ‘Abdul Wahhab, Shaykh ‘Isa, Shaykh ‘Abdul Razzaq and Shaykh Musa became famous for their education and learning, and they and their descendants spread Islam in other parts of the world.

Shaykh ‘Abdul Qadir Jilani Rady Allahu ‘Anhu passed away with the zikr of Allah on his lips on 11 Rabi’ u’l Akhir 561 A.H, 1166 C.E, at the age of 91. A special zikr session is held that night. It is variously known as Khatm Gawthiyya, Ziyara Shaykh ‘Abdul Qadir Jilani, ‘Urs Shareef, or Gyarween Shareef. In Eastern Africa, a whole night zikr session is held in congregation ending with Fajr salah after which breakfast is served. In some places, zikr sessions continue for days. These zikr sessions draw murideen (spiritual seekers) in their thousands who come out spiritually rejuvenated, with their characters transformed and refined, ready to sacrifice everything they have for the sake

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of Allah. And these halaqa (gatherings) of zikr in Tariqatul Qadiriyya have continued to attract millions of people to Islam through centuries and will continue to do so, InshaAllah, till the Day of Judgement, Aameen.

Besides this annual zikr congregation, zikr sessions are also held on the eleventh of every month (hence called Gyarween Shareef in Urdu), as well as every Thursday night, as the night before Jumu’a is considered auspicious.

The murideen (spiritual seekers) also do zikr everyday individually in a mosque or at home. This then is one of the enduring legacies of Shaykh ‘Abdul Qadir Jilani, Rady Allahu ‘Anhu.

Other mashaayikh (spiritual masters) came who continued with the work of Shaykh ‘Abdul Qadir Jilani. A few examples suffice to illustrate this. The first example is that of Khawaja Mu'inuddin Chishti Ajmeri Rahmatullahi ‘alayh (passed away 627 A.H/1230 C.E), who acknowledged Shaykh ‘Abdul Qadir Jilani as his Shaykh and spread Islam in India. He achieved such a high spiritual status that he is called Sultanu’l Hind (the sultan of saints in the Indian subcontinent) and all the saints in that region are under his banner while he is under the banner of the Gawth al A'zam. In the same way Shaykh Uways ibn Muhammad Rahmatullahi ‘alayh (1263-1326 A.H, 1847-1909 C.E) of Somalia became a khalifa (vicegerent) in Tariqatu’l Qadiriyya at the shrine of Shaykh ‘Abdul Qadir Jilani in Baghdad and spread Islam in the whole of Eastern Africa through congregations of zikr.

And Shaykh Hamzah Fansuri, Rahmatullahi ‘alayh, considered to be one of the greatest saints in Indonesia in the 16th century C.E. proudly proclaimed that he learned Islam from Shaykh ‘Abdul Qadir Jilani.

It can truly be said that the muhibbin (loving disciples) of Shaykh ‘Abdul Qadir Jilani Rady Allahu ‘Anhu have spread Islam throughout the world through zikr. The barakaat (blessings) of zikr are truly unending. May Allah Ta'ala make us among the zakirin (those who remember Him), Aameen.

And the granting of wilayah (the status of a saint) by Allah Ta'ala to the zakirin (those who remember Him), ‘abidin (those who worship Him), salihin (pious), and muhibbin (those who love Him and the Holy Prophet Muhammad) is in all instances mediated by the Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam, Shaykh ‘Abdul Qadir Jilani and one's own Shaykh. After all, the awliya Allah (Friends of Allah) and the ‘ulama (learned scholars) are the Khalifatullah, vicegerants of Allah. Allahumma’j’alnaa fee zumrati’l awliya wa’s salihin (O Allah! Keep us in the company of the saints and the pious), Aameen Yaa Rabba’l ‘Aalamin.

The Shaykh's Names & Titles Shaykh :- A term applied throughout the Islamic world to respected persons of recognized seniority in learning, experience and wisdom. Its basic meaning in Arabic is "an elder; a man over fifty years of age. (The spellings Sheikh and Shaykh may also be encountered in English language publications.)

'Abd al-Qadir :- This is the author's personal name, meaning "Servant [or Slave] of the All-Powerful." (The form 'Abdul Qaadir, which the reader may come across elsewhere, is simply an alternative transliteration of the Arabic spelling.) It has always been a common practice, in the Muslim community, to give a male child a name in which 'Abd is prefixed to one of the Names of Allaah.

Al-Jilani :- A surname ending in -ii will often indicate the bearer's place of birth. Shaikh 'Abd al-Qaadir was born in the Iranian district of Giilaan, south of the Caspian Sea, in A.H. 470/1077-8 C.E. (In some texts, the Persian spelling Giilaanii is used instead of the arabicized form al-Jiilaanii.

The abbreviated form al-Jiilii, which may also be encountered, should not be confused with the surname of the venerable 'Abd al-Karim al-Jiilii, author of the celebrated work al-Insaan al-Kaamil, who came from Jiil in the district of Baghdaad.)

Let us now consider a slightly longer version of the Shaikh's name, as it occurs near the beginning of Al-Fath arRabbaanii [The Sublime Revelation]: Sayyidunaa 'sh-Shaikh Muhyi'd-Diin Abuu Muhammad 'Abd al-Qaadir (Radiya'llaahu 'anh).

Sayyidunaa 'sh-Shaykh :- "Our Master, the Shaykh." A writer who regards himself as a Qaadirii, a devoted follower of Shaikh 'Abd al-Qaadir, will generally refer to the latter as Sayyidunaa [our Master], or Sayyidii [my Master].

Muhyi'd-Diin :- "Reviver of the Religion." It is widely acknowledged by historians, non-Muslim as well as Muslim, that Shaikh 'Abd al-Qaadir displayed great courage in reaffirming the traditional teachings of Islaam, in an era when sectarianism was rife, and when materialistic and rationalistic tendencies were predominant in all sections of society. In matters of Islamic jurisprudence [fiqh] and theology [kalaam], he adhered quite strictly to the highly "orthodox" school of Imaam Ahmad ibn Hanbal.

Abu Muhammad :- "Father of Muhammad." In the Arabic system of nomenclature, a man's surnames usually include the name of his first-born son, with the prefix Abuu [Father of–].

Radiya'llaahu 'anh :- "May Allaah be well pleased with him!" This benediction is the one customarily pronounced–and spelled out–in writing after mentioning the name of a Companion of the Prophet (Allaah bless him and give him peace). The preference for this particular invocation is yet another mark of the extraordinary status held by Shaikh 'Abd al-Qaadir in the eyes of his devoted followers.

Proclaiming Ya Sheikh Abdul Qadir JilaniF EW AMONGST THE MASSES USE TO OBJECT THAT TO UTTER "YA SHAYKH ABD AL QADIR JILANI" IS SHIRK BECAUSE ONE IS MAKING PARTNERSHIP WITH ALLAH TA’ALA (COMMITTING SHIRK) BY ASKING FOR ASSISTANCE FROM THE CREATION OF ALLAH TA'ALA. THEY SAY THAT ONE CAN ONLY ASK DIRECTLY FROM ALLAH TA’ALA. THE AHLE SUNNAH WAL JAMA'AT BELIEVES THAT IT IS ABSOLUTELY PERMISSIBLE TO SAY "YA SHEIKH ABD AL QAADIR JILANI" WHEN ASKING FOR ASSISTANCE FROM THOSE SERVANTS OF ALLAH TA'ALA WHOM HE HAS APPOINTED AS HELPERS OF THE UMMAH. WE UNDERSTAND FROM THE VERSE : YOU ALONE WE WORSHIP AND FROM YOU ALONE WE SEEK HELP (AND MAY WE ALWAYS).

WHICH IS FOUND IN SURAH FATEHA, THAT THE TRUE HELPER IS ALLAH TA'ALA. BUT IT IS ALLAH TA’ALA WHO HAS APPOINTED HELPERS FROM WITHIN HIS SERVANTS TO ASSIST THE CREATION WITH HIS PERMISSION. SAYYIDUNA SHAH ABDUL AZEEZ MUHADDITH DELHWI (ALAIHIR RAHMAH) EXPLAINS THE TAFSEER OF THE VERSE "IY'YA KA NA'BUDU WA IY'YA KA NASTAEEN" BY WRITING: "HERE, IT SHOULD BE UNDERSTOOD THAT TO ASK FOR ASSISTANCE FROM ANYONE OTHER THAN ALLAH, BY PUTTING FULL TRUST AND NOT THINKING OF IT AS A MARVEL OF ALMIGHTY ALLAH, IS PROHIBITED. BUT, IF THE ATTENTION IS TOWARDS ALLAH AND THEN TO THINK OF A PERSON AS THE SPLENDOUR OF ALMIGHTY ALLAH AND BY KEEPING THE MEANS AND WISDOM OF ALMIGHTY ALLAH BEFORE YOU, IF ONE ASKS FROM ANYONE OTHER THAN ALLAH, THEN THIS IS NOT FAR FROM THE WISDOM OF ALMIGHTY ALLAH. THIS ACTION IS PERMISSIBLE AND ALLOWED IN SHARI’AH. TO ASK FOR HELP IN THIS WAY IS NOT REALLY ASKING FROM SOMEONE BUT ALLAH, BUT IN REALITY IT IS TO ASK FROM ALLAH." [TAFSEER-E-AZEEZI] AS LONG AS A PERSON BEARS THIS FACT IN MIND THAT THE TRUE AND REAL HELPER IS ALLAH TA'ALA AND NO MATTER WHOM HE ASKS FROM, IT WILL BE THROUGH THE MERCY OF ALLAH TA'ALA, THEN IT IS PERMISSIBLE TO ASK FROM SUCH A PERSON. THIS CAN NEVER BE TERMED AS SHIRK.

MAWLID AT ALGESTER !!!!!!

THE ISLAMIC SOCIETY OF ALGESTER WILL BE CELEBRATING MAWLID-UN-NABI (SAW) ON SUNDAY 5 FEBRUARY @ THE ALGESTER MASJID FROM MAGHRIB TO ESHAA. ALSO ON SUNDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2012 @ THE BEENLEIGH EVENTS CENTRE, BEENLEIGH. PROGRAMME TO COMMENCE AT 3PM TILLL MAGHRIB. ALL WELCOME !!

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2012 — 25

Health Beauty Wellbeing removal of acrylic nails soybeans for good health By thilliar Varnakulasingham

But on the other hand, there are contradicting claims that soy could endanger your THE soybean is a bushy Asian plant, health, because it raises cancer risk, causes thought to have originated in China more nutrient deficiencies, osteoporosis, thyroid than five thousand years ago where it has problems, reproductive difficulties and been produced regularly in large quantities Alzheimer’s disease.

Nimisha - 0412 350 013 as a staple food for a long time. It is an Some studies assure that soybean foods Hetvi Hair & Beauty erect plant which is about 0.6-1.5 metres in provide the protein, vitamins, minerals and height. The seeds are usually green, yellow, fibre found in meat, eggs and dairy prodHEY girls, have you been wearing acrylic brown, or black. The soybean, Glycine ucts, but without the saturated fat and chonails for a while and have decided it’s time max, is classified in the family lesterol found in animal foods, but there is to go back to your natural nails? We have Leguminosae. dispute over other claims that soy foods all removed our acrylic nails for a variety Besides the United States, which produces can reduce the risk of coronary heart disof reasons. The following techniques will two–thirds of the world soybean crop, the eases, prostate, colon and breast cancers, help you with the removal process. other major producers are China, help manage diabetes, reduce blood presthings You'll need - you can find all this Indonesia, Japan, Brazil, Canada, and sure, promote healthy bones and help allefrom any good beauty product supplier: Korea. The dried bean contains protein, viate menopausal symptoms. acetone again.

Allow your nails to soak for Glass bowl, 100-percent acetone nail polcarbohydrate, fat, and oil besides being rich The American Heart Foundation, an early ish remover, nail clippers, nail file, nail the entire 15 minutes. in mineral elements such as calcium, iron, proponent of claimed soybean health bene9 Gently try and peel the acrylic nails off buffer, petroleum jelly, timer, cuticle pushzinc, magnesium and copper as well in the fits, reversed its position, by stating in a the surface of your natural nail. Do not er, nail polish, hand moisturizer.

B vitamins, thiamin, and riboflavin.

2006 article in Circulation, the AHA 1 Using nail polish remover, remove nail force the acrylic nail to separate from the The oil which is used in more than fifty Journal, that earlier research indicating that natural nail. If the nails do not peel off, polish completely from your nails. different products including cooking oil, soy protein has clinically important 2 Cut your acrylic nails as short as possible scrape off the top layer of acrylic. Repeat margarine and salad oil is employed in favourable effects compared with other with a pair of nail clippers. Make sure your this process until the acrylic nail has been industry for making insecticides, soaps, proteins has not been confirmed. nail clippers are strong and sharp; other- completely removed from your natural nail. paints, varnishes, linoleum, explosives and In December 2007, the US Food and Drug wise, the acrylic nail will break when cut.

10 Wash your hands to remove any acetone many other products. Soybean oil is free Administration announced that it was re3 File your nails as short as you can. This nail polish remover and petroleum jelly from cholesterol. evaluating its earlier approval of soybean will make removing the acrylic nails as from your skin and fingernails. Allow to Some scientific studies show that soy is health claims. easy and painless as possible. dry completely. the perfect super food, because it protects Some studies, including a Harvard 4 Fill a glass bowl 1 to 2 inches deep with 11 Lightly buff the surface of your natural kidneys from damage, prevents heart dis- University study, have also suggested a acetone nail polish remover. fingernails with a nail buffer. This will ease and stroke, increases good bacteria in possibility that soybean food might make 5 Apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly to the remove any remaining acrylic and glue the intestine, protects against breast cancer, men sterile. skin surrounding your nails. Do not apply from the surface of your nail. prevents osteoporosis, controls blood sugar The possible adverse health effects might to the acrylic nails because it will slow the 12 Apply a layer of clear nail polish to your level, reduces the risk of colon cancer, pre- be related to unfermented soybean prodremoval process. vents blood clotting, lessens menstrual pain ucts, principally soy simulated milk and 6 Set a timer for 15 minutes. Place your natural nails. This will protect your natural and menopausal symptoms and prevents tofu, rather than fermented products, such a nails since they tend to be delicate after the fingertips in the glass bowl, making sure anti-ageing effects. tempeh, a principal ingredient in soy simuthe acetone nail polish remover is covering nail removal process. Allow the polish to The incidence of prostate cancer is much lated meat. dry completely. the entire acrylic nail. Allow your acrylic lower in Asia than among western populaThe claims to prove the adverse effects of 13 Apply a moisturizer to your hands and nails to soak for the entire 15 minutes. tions, because soy foods may be the impor- soy foods are based on some scientific massage into your skin, paying special 7 Remove your fingertips from the acetone. tant reason for the lower incidence, sug- data, but it does not mean that the concluScrape off the top layer of the acrylic nails attention to your fingertips. This will pregests research published in Cancer sions are always correct, but on the other using a cuticle pusher or similar tool. The vent your skin from drying out after being Epidemiological Biomarkers and hand, the proponents may overstate the key to removing acrylic nails at home is soaked in the acetone nail polish remover Prevention. benefits of soy foods.

Next month we will discuss more about taking your time and not rush the removal Lead researcher, Ruth MacDonald, profes- While soy foods may not be the panacea to how to deal with weak nails and ways to process. sor of food science at the University of all your health problems and while there 8 Set your timer for another 15 minutes, look after them. Till then, have a lovely Missouri, is now investigating how soy are certainly some unanswered questions, it and allow your acrylic nails to soak in the month. compounds protect against colon cancer. is not advisable to suggest broad conclusions based on a few scientific studies.

AHA strongly believes that health claims should be based on strong,

By Azalea Ali has a moisturiser built into the product or try applying a lip balm with sound evidence that indicates an a SPF 15+ before applying your lip stick or gloss. unambiguous relationship between WITH the start of the New Year it is important to overhaul your old 3. MAscArA - With so many types of mascara on the market is can the substance and the health benefit and unwanted beauty products, and invest in the top 5 beauty essen- be daunting trying to understand which mascara would be best suited indicated in the health claim. tials which will see you through the entire year. to you. Mascara can add curl, length, volume and be waterAs the science supporting health 1. Moisturiser – A good moisturiser would have proof. I would recommend a mascara which has a claim is often evolutionary, it is good to be the most understated and most essential balance of all the above and has a long lasting to re-evaluate the benefits of soyproduct you can own. It not only nourishes formula which ensures it won’t melt during beans. and repairs your skin from environmental the day.

As the secret to heart healthy nutridamage it also acts as a shield with many 4. cLeAnser – Cleanser is an impor- tion success is variety and balance, moisturisers containing UV protection. tant skin care essential as it cleanses the aim to eat an overall healthy diet that When choosing a moisturiser it’s imporimpurities and dirt from your skin and includes nutritious foods from all the tant to be aware of your skin types and allows your skin to breathe by opening food groups which include vegetayour skin concerns, for example if you up pores. Try looking for a cleanser bles, fruits, fish, whole-grain prodhave normal skin and concerns about lines suited to your skin type, for example if ucts and fat-free or low-fat dairy and wrinkles; try a moisturiser with AHA’s you have oily skin try using a cleanser products. . and Vitamins B3 and E, as well as SPF 30+ which is oil free and has salicylic acid.

As we need all types of food to which provides a broad spectrum of sun pro5. FoundAtion – Foundation can come enhance the quantity of our lives, it tection. in different forms such as powders, liquid, pan- would not be wrong to suggest that 2. Lip coLour – Lip colour can come in the form of cake, mousse and creams; and can have a matte, you may consume soy foods in moda lipstick, lip gloss, lip tint, or lip balm and can not only brightdewy, natural or high definition finish. Try using a foundation eration 2-3 times a week, instead of en your look it can also protect your lips from environmental damage with a built-in sun screen, and has a natural finish. I would recom- using large quantities daily. such as sun damage and wind burn. Try looking for product which mend a mineral foundation or a tinted moisturiser.

2012 Essential Beauty products

staying positive in a negative environment DEAR reader, it is our joy to bring you the word of God. We are often surrounded by negative situations, people etc, and if we are not careful we can become like them. Some news Pastor Joseph Dass media thrive on negative news i.e. it is no news unless it is bad positive things happen to positive news. In order to stay positive, we people. have to make a decision to have When Mrs Cooper took up teaching year 6 students at a local an attitude of being positive.

University research shows that, school, she was told how teachers being successful depends on 15% didn't last very long in that class. skills and 85% attitude. That Some lasted 3 months while othmeans, to be successful, one has ers left 6 months later. The kids to have a positive attitude. Our were always noisy and disobediattitude determines the kind of life ent. Many were without much we going to have. Negative things hope in life and not much to look happen to negative people and forward to. They believed what 26 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2012

they were told earlier by their teachers. Words like, good for nothing, lazy, dumb would often cross their mind. So when Mrs Cooper took over, they made it very difficult for her.

A month later, she lined them all up and gave them each a white envelope. When they opened it up, they were surprised and amazed.

Mrs Cooper had written good things that she found in each student. For the first time, many believed that there was something good in them. Instead of saying, "I can't, I haven't got it in me", they began to believe in themselves.

This turned their life around and many went on to become very www.indiantimes.com.au

successful in their businesses and careers.

Ephesians 3v1 tells us that “God has blessed us with every blessing... in Christ”. That means God speaks well of us. God's plan is that good things happen to His children. If we are to have and enjoy a good life we are to speak it. Jesus put it this way (Mark 11v24), "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them."

God gives us peace and joy and things so don't let anyone steal from you what they never gave you. There is more joy in speaking and being positive. We have the

power over our minds on what to think and what to say. Every morning we can rise up and say things like, "I will have great success in whatever I do today. I am going to enjoy my day, etc".

Thinking and speaking good/positive things bring about positive results and remember, negative things happen to negative people and positive things happen to positive people.

Let us pray! Loving Heavenly Father, we thank you for every blessing and for reminding us to stay in faith and stay positive in all circumstances.

In Jesus name! Amen.

Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2012 - 27

Health Beauty Wellbeing Secrets for happy living Courtesy of Ullhas Kapure, CMA Brisbane SUMMARISED by Dr Ashok Raj: From the 18th to 21st January, Chinmaya Mission Brisbane was graced by the presence of our beloved acharya, Brahmachari Gopal Chaitanya, who enlightened us through his yagna - “Secrets for happy living” - a series of discourses based on “Bhaja Govindam. This popular hymn, composed by one of the greatest spiritual masters – Jagadguru Adi Sankaracharya, needs a teacher who can unfold its cryptic message with clarity. Gopalji did just that.

In the powerful opening verses, we are shaken with a reality check. Our pre-existing notions are challenged as we are shown how fickle life can be. Life can change in an instant. Circumstances and events are beyond our control. All what we strive for can be lost in the blink of an eye (e.g. a flood, a cyclone). Time waits for no man. Death waits for no man! Are we prepared for this? Is there anything we can rely on to make us truly happy that cannot be lost?

Yes. We need to realise where true happiness lies - not in the world outside, but inside of ourselves! And time is running

out – we need to act now!

Gopalji, like a true guru himself, effortlessly brought forth the message of the master, by leading us through the series of compelling arguments.

The beautiful metaphor of a tender drop of water on a lotus leaf in a lake is used to illustrate the concept of our existence. The drop of water represents our life. The lotus represents the world that we perceive, and the lake is the vast reality of the entire existence. The nature of the drop and the lake are the same – both are water only. If we identify with our “individual-ness” we seem so tiny, so insignificant compared to the vast lake. Perched precariously on the lotus-leaf, we can so easily roll off its

smooth surface to be discarded into the pond with the slightest breeze, the slightest change! However, if we turned our attention inside of us, we would see that our very nature is none other than that of the lake itself. When we identify with the lake, there is no insignificance, but instead, a “whole completeness”. Such is the source, and the secret, of permanent happiness!

How do we achieve this?

Through the satsang (“good company”) of like-minded seekers, and noble thoughts – as we think, so we become.

Our desire for the temporary enchantments of the outside world is gradually replaced by a richer goal with a higher purpose. Our mind becomes peaceful. A quiet mind sees things for what they are.

It is then able to turn inwards –reflecting, meditating and living in that source of true happiness!

Sounds enticing, doesn’t it? How can we get more? For that we will have to wait for the rest of this gem called “Bhaja Govindam” to be revealed. Four days was simply not enough! Gopalji will continue when he returns in September.

Please email brisbane.info@chinmaya.com.au for more details.

How colours affect us spiritually?

WE all make choices on a daily basis with regard to colour. An example is choosing the colour of the clothes that we will wear for the day. From time to time we may need to choose the colour of the next set of bed linen that we purchase.

Sometimes we have to choose the colour of paint for the walls in our home.

Through spiritual research, we have found that depending on the colour we choose (be it clothes or our surroundings), we will be affected accordingly at a spiritual level How colours affect us spiritually?

The entire Universe, at a subtle intangible level, is made up of three subtle components of Sattva, Raja and Tama..

Colours are also categorised as sāttvik, rājasik or tāmasik depending on their predominant subtle components.

Sattva stands for ‘spiritual purity’ while Raja and Tama stand for ‘action’ and ‘spiritual ignorance’ respectively. When we wear clothes that are of sāttvik colours, it helps us with our spiritual practice, while colours that are Raja-Tama in nature are detrimental towards making spiritual progress. Wearing clothes that have a Raja-Tama predominance increases the negative spiritual vibrations around us.

The pictured chart is a list of colours and their effect on our spiritual state. When a colour is described as being ‘Helpful’, as mentioned in the chart below, it means that the colour helps to attract spiritually positive vibrations and repel negative vibrations. ‘Harmful’ indicates the ability to attract negative vibrations whilst simultaneously alienating us from spiritually positive vibrations.

As you can see from the chart above, colours such as white, yellow and blue assist in increasing the spiritual purity around us. The colour black on the other hand, has harmful vibrations which not only attract negative energies but repel any positive spiritual energy.

General spiritual perspective while choosing colours for clothes The colour of clothes should be sāttvik:

Select sāttvik colours such as white, yellow, blue and shades of these colours.

There is a 1/1000 part effect of colours on an average person. This seemingly small proportion will in most cases significantly affect a person’s physical and psychological state. Notwithstanding this small proportion, wearing Sattva-Raja predominant clothes benefits a person by either by complementing his Sattva-Raja personality or lessening the Raja-Tama predominance in him Colour of clothes should not be gaudy: Gaudy colours have a greater predominance of the subtle Tama component. An individual wearing clothes with gaudy colours also becomes Tama-predominant over a period of time.

Clothes should be uniform in colour: Clothes with a plain, single spiritual colour, without any print or design are indicative of transparency and hence, are

28 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2012

considered more sāttvik from a spiritual viewpoint.

Colours of clothes should be complementary to each other: If a top and a bottom with different colours are to be worn, then the colours should complement each other, that is, they should be compatible with each other to an extent of at least 20 percent. For example, a combination of two sāttvik colours is spiritually more appropriate.

There should not be too much of a contrast in the two colours of clothes: If two contrasting shades of colours are put together, they generate negative vibrations. Therefore there should not be too much of a contrast between the two colours. For example, avoid a combination of yellow (a sāttvik colour) and green (a rājasik colour).

However, a shade of green that blends well with yellow will do.

This is because it has more yellow in it and hence is more sāttvik.

Proportion of sāttvik and rājasik colours in fabric: If the proportion of sāttvik and rājasik colours in a cloth is such that the proportion of the rājasik colour used is much less, then the spiritual vibrations from the cloth are better. If a white cloth has a red floral design, then good vibrations are experienced from the cloth. It means that when the percentage of the sāttvik colour in the cloth is more than that of the rājasik colour, the effectiveness of the rājasik colour reduces. In short, the vibrations from the colours in a cloth depend on what percentage of sāttvik and rājasik colours have been used in the cloth.

To read the detailed article, please visit our website www.ssrf.org and click on ‘How colours affect us spiritually’.

You can e-mail us your comments and queries at shobhana.shet@spiritualresearch foundation.org

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Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Qld Inc Mahabhutani - Wind In the Rig Veda the wind is named vata or vayu, the former being used chiefly for the element and the latter chiefly for the God. There is no need to elaborate any particular theory regarding the meaning of the Vedic divinities, for the hymns speak for themselves.

They make clear reference to the benefits bestowed by the wind and they pray that such blessings be continued. An ambivalent meaning is suggested by some of the sentences in these two hymns. What is said of the Wind could equally be said of the Spirit.

The Wind collects, enraptures, and takes away in his chariot toward the celestial heights those who are caught in his blowing, bringing them together with the same devotion and enthusiasm as that of women congregating for a holy feast or gathering for a marriage.

This same Wind is connected with the primordial waters, is called the first-bom, and yet is said to be of unknown origin; for nobody knows where it goes and where it comes from: it wanders free, is heard but not seen, is invisible, can only be felt, experienced, sensed, without being comprehended or understood.

The second hymn, voices a deep prayer to the Spirit that he may breathe or impart life. The Wind holds the gift of eternal life; it is the bestower of the life principle, the seed of life.

Mahabhutani - The Lord The Lord is undoubtedly not a proper name of God; it is not a distinctive name. It is a comprehensive term used not only for the different names of the divinities and of God in different religious traditions, but also for many other forms of preeminence in the human world: the pontiff, the king, the ruler, the judge, the husband, and so on, are called "lords" in many a culture, while in a personified way even the powerful natural phenomena are considered to lord it over human beings.

Probably no other name is more universal and more appropriate to denote that mystery greater than ourselves which some traditions have called God. Not every tradition agrees in calling the Supreme either Being or Person or Creator or even God. Further, if we use a proper name, if we say Varuna or Siva or Yahweh, we are not only personifying but also limiting our reference to that one culture where the word is at home.

The name of Lord, on the contrary, seems to be universal and capable, at the same time, of taking on a concrete meaning. It betrays, indeed, a certain personalistic bias, but this bias is not essential to it, as we may see not only if we consult the etymology of the many words standing for it, like bhagavat, ishvara, prabhu, or, in other traditions, ba'al, adon, kyrios, allah (al-ilah), ahura mazda, but also and mainly if we consider that the main import of the name Lord (and all its equivalents) is not that of being an individual or even a particular being, but of being the superior term of a relation.

The Lord is probably the most universal symbol for that "other term" of the human-cosmic relation which has received so many different names. On various occasions in the past and also recently it has been affirmed that the Vedas are both magical and pantheistic.

One must add that almost any description or manifestation of something for which one does not possess the clue is bound from an external viewpoint to look like magic; most of the achievements of science and technology would appear so to a Man from another culture, and this applies also to the utterances and descriptions of the Vedas when they are seen with eyes and felt with feelings alien to those of Vedic Man. Please contact Jitendra Deo 3263 1914 or Hari Chand 3345 4716 for information on activities of Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland or log on:

www.aryasamajqueensland.com Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

A Multi-faith Message Submitted by Sundar Gopal Das A MULTI-FAITH ceremony was to be held at Southbank on Australia Day, 26th January. It was postponed because of the heavy rains. We are fortunate to be in a country all faiths are mostly tolerated and that we are able to practise our religion freely without any hindrance.

Having functions like this are very important to learn about different customs and cultures as it helps to break down barriers.

Barriers create suspicion and hatred. The best way to attain peace is to learn about one another and to focus on the similarities rather than the differences.

The essential teachings of all scriptures are basically the same. The scriptures have stated that there is only one God. He may be known by various names because of the various cultures and languages. All living entities are the children of God. All creatures: plants, creepers, grasses, fish and animals are also created by God. They are all children of the same, one God. Therefore, we should have love for all - creepers, cows, elephants, pigs and all other varieties of animals.

We are all children of the same God, and therefore we are also the same in essence.

The Lord is happiness personified, the reservoir or abode of all happiness. We are part and parcel of that happiness - embodiments of His qualities.

Having forgotten the Lord, the eternal abode of happiness, we are struggling in this world. Because of our eternal nature of being blissful we are always searching for that happiness or bliss. The scriptures say "Sarve sukhino bhavantu. All should be

happy." Unaware of the Lord we try to find happiness in temporary material things. But the scriptures tell us "Na alpam sukham asti, bhuma eva sukham - worldly things cannot give us happiness."

In addition the scriptures say “Life's desires should never be directed toward sense gratification. One should desire only a healthy life, since a human being is meant for inquiry about the Absolute Truth.

Nothing else should be the goal of one's works. The supreme religion or duty of all humanity is to engage in selfless loving devotion to the Lord. This will give them eternal bliss and peace of mind.”

If there is real love and affection for the Lord, we would naturally have love and affection for each other. When one has selfless love for the Lord, three symptoms will automatically manifest; his love for the Lord will continually increase, he will have realisation of the Lord and he will develop detachment from this material world.

In addition, he will develop four qualities: (1) natural humility born of complete detachment from material sense gratification, (2) pure compassion devoid of envy, (3) purity of heart free from materialistic false ego and (4) an attitude of respect towards everyone.

He will realise that the same one Lord is residing in the heart of all living entities in the form of Supersoul and automatically he will have love and affection for all living entities.

Based on the teachings by Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Gosvami Maharaja.

Any comments or questions, please contact us on bhaktibrisbane2010@gmail.com.

Parents urged to remember cyber-safety in back-to-school rush SCHOOL kids in Australia are more connected than ever with new Telstra research1 revealing four in five parents will send their kids to school this year with an internet connected device.

Telstra’s Cyber-Safety survey of Australian parents with children aged 10 to 17 found that while school bags are increasingly packed with internet connected gadgets including mobiles, laptops and tablets, nine in ten parents have concerns about cybersafety risks such as approaches from online strangers and cyber bullying.

Telstra’s Officer of Internet Trust & Safety, Darren Kane, said it was important for parents to equip kids with the skills required to use new technology safely.

“More than 80 per cent of the parents surveyed told us they view internet connected technology as an important part of their child’s learning and development. However, with kids taking these tech tools to school in record numbers, it’s important they know how to stay safe when using them.

“Sitting down with your child for ten minutes to talk to them about cyber-safety essentials such as when to share personal information online, handling approaches from cyber bullies or strangers online and applying social network privacy settings will make the experience of owning a gadget a better one for kids,” Darren said.

“Internet connected devices such as laptops, mobile phones and mobile tablets can be just as important to learning as paper, pens and text books. Parents can help ensure their children have a positive experience with these technologies by involving themselves in their children’s use of the internet, keeping an eye on how they interact with others and regularly talking to them about what online behav-

iour is acceptable,” Darren added.

Telstra’s back to school online safety tips * Make sure your child knows what to do and where to go if they encounter cyber-bullying * Educate your child so they know not to give out personal details (such as their birthday, school, home address or phone number) online without parental knowledge. * Ensure kids understand that they shouldn’t be 'friends' on social networking sites with people they don't know in the real world and make sure you understand how to use privacy settings so that you can jointly manage the content they share. * Don't ignore new technologies – kids and teens will use them, if not at home then at their friends’ houses or in the school yard.

Ask your child to give you a lesson on sites or internet gadgets you may not be familiar with.

Telstra’s back to school mobile safety tips * Remind your kids to be careful about who they pass their mobile phone number to * Ensure their mobile phone is PIN locked.

If they use a smartphone, also set up a password to protect their email and social networking accounts when the phone is switched on * Encourage your kids to think before they send. The person that they send a text, picture or video to may not be the only one who will see them For more information about staying safe and enjoying the online world, visit www.telstra.com.au/cyber-safety.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------1 About the Research: This research was conducted online by Pure Profile on behalf of Telstra in January 2012 on a representative sample of 1,250 Australian parents with children aged 10-17, from across Australia in both metropolitan and regional areas.

One in three uninsured won’t call 000 for heart attack A THIRD of people without some form of ambulance cover would not call Triple Zero (000) even if they thought they were having a heart attack, research1 released on 27 January, 2012 by the National Heart Foundation of Australia reveals.

In Queensland and Tasmania, where universal ambulance coverage is adopted, 84% of people would call for an ambulance if they thought they were having a heart attack, but that drops to 67% for residents in other states who are not covered.

“An Australian dies from a heart attack every 51 minutes and 50% never make it to hospital so it’s vital that we address any barriers to people seeking help,” said Dr Lyn Roberts, national CEO of the Heart

Foundation.

“More than 40% of uninsured people in states that do not have universal ambulance cover tell us that it’s too expensive to call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance,” Dr Roberts said.

The Heart Foundation has been gathering further evidence on the potential impact of universal ambulance cover for all Australians after releasing an independent discussion paper on the issue in May 2010.

“Importantly, we’ve found that patients deemed to be emergency cases are more likely to get to hospital by ambulance in Queensland and Tasmania2,” Dr Roberts continued.

“Using an ambulance is the safest way to

get to hospital and also results in faster access to the most appropriate treatment for heart attack.

“Our analysis also indicates that in the longer term universal cover does not significantly increase ambulance use for nonurgent cases presenting to hospital when demand management measures such as community education are in place.

“We are now in the process of conducting further economic modelling to assess the budgetary impacts and potential benefits of universal ambulance cover for all Australians.

“Once we have built that complete picture, the Heart Foundation will present its recommendations,” Dr Roberts concluded.

1

Heart Foundation survey of 11,663 Australian adults aged 30-65 conducted between january and December 2010.

2 Heart Foundation analysis of the patient emergency department presentations by triage category and arrival mode, states & territories, cited in Australian Institute of Health & Welfare ‘Australian Hospital Statistics’ publications 2006/07-2009/10.

A complete guide to Hindu rituals and routines...

Cont’d from last issue Courtesy Dhavl Vyas, India 10. Why do we fast?

Most devout Indians fast regularly or on special occasions like festivals. On such days they do not eat at all, eat once or make do with fruits or a special diet of simple food.

Fasting in Sanskrit is called upavaasa. Upa means "near" + vaasa means "to stay". Upavaasa therefore means staying near (the Lord), meaning the attainment of close mental proximity with the Lord. Then what has upavaasa to do with food?

A lot of our time and energy is spent in procuring food items, preparing, cooking, eating and digesting food. Certain food types make our minds dull and agitated.

Hence on certain days man decides to save time and conserve his energy by eating either simple, light food or totally abstaining from eating so that his mind becomes alert and pure. The mind, otherwise pre-occupied by the thought of food, now entertains Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

noble thoughts and stays with the Lord. Since it is a self-imposed form of discipline it is usually adhered to with joy Also every system needs a break and an overhaul to work at its best. Rest and a change of diet during fasting is very good for the digestive system and the entire body.

The more you indulge the senses, the more they make their demands. Fasting helps us to cultivate control over our senses, sublimate our desires and guide our minds to be poised and at peace.

Fasting should not make us weak, irritable or create an urge to indulge later. This happens when there is no noble goal behind fasting.

The Bhagavad-Gita urges us to eat appropriately - neither too less nor too much - yukta-aahaara and to eat simple, pure and healthy food (a saatvik diet) even when not fasting.

11. Why do we do pradakshina (circumambulate)?

We cannot draw a circle without a center point. The Lord is the cen-

ter, source and essence of our lives. Recognizing Him as the focal point in our lives, we go about doing our daily chores. This is the significance of pradakshina.

Also every point on the circumference of a circle is equidistant from the center. This means that wherever or whoever we may be, we are equally close to the Lord.

His grace flows towards us without partiality.

12. Why is pradakshina done only in a clockwise manner?

The reason is not, as a person said, to avoid a traffic jam! As we do pradakshina, the Lord is always on our right. In India the right side symbolizes auspiciousness. So as we circumambulate the sanctum sanctorum we remind ourselves to lead an auspicious life of righteousness, with the Lord who is the indispensable source of help and strength, as our guide - the "right hand".

Indian scriptures enjoin matrudevo bhava, pitrudevo bhava, acharyadevo bhava. May you consider your parents and teachers as you would the Lord.

With this in mind we also do www.indiantimes.com.au

pradakshina around our parents and divine personages.

After the completion of traditional worship (pooja), we customarily do pradakshina around ourselves. In this way we recognize and remember the supreme divinity within us, which alone is idolized in the form of the Lord that we worship outside.

13. Why do we regard trees and plants as sacred?

The Lord, the life in us, pervades all living beings, be they plants or animals. Hence, they are all regarded as sacred. Human life on earth depends on plants and trees.

They give us the vital factors that make life possible on earth: food, oxygen, clothing, shelter, medicines etc.

Hence, in India, we are taught to regard trees and plants as sacred.

Indians scriptures tell us to plant ten trees if, for any reason, we have to cut one. We are advised to use parts of trees and plants only as much as is needed for food, fuel, shelter etc. we are also urged to apologies to a plant or tree before cutting it to avoid incurring a specific sin named soona.

Certain trees and plants like tulasi, peepal etc., which have tremendous beneficial qualities, are worshipped till today. It is believed that divine beings manifest as trees and plants, and many people worship them to fulfill their desires or to please the Lord.

14. Why do we ring the bell in a temple?

Is it to wake up the Lord? But the Lord never sleeps. Is it to let the Lord know we have come? He does not need to be told, as He is all knowing. Is it a form of seeking permission to enter His precinct? It is a homecoming and therefore entry needs no permission. The Lord welcomes us at all times. Then why do we ring the bell?

The ringing of the bell produces what is regarded as an auspicious sound. It produces the sound Om, the universal name of the Lord.

There should be auspiciousness within and without, to gain the vision of the Lord who is all auspiciousness.

Cont’d next issue

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2012 — 29

Real Estate News

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Online scam leaving renters out of pocket POTENTIAL renters are being warned of an online scam that could cost them thousands of dollars.

Scammers have begun targeting potential tenants, and victims are losing out big time.

It seems too good to be true; a luxury house, in a great location, for a fraction of the market cost.

Consumer Protection industry and consumer services director Dave Hillyard has warned potential renters that the scam is real.

"You're being conned, it's a professional con, it's a scam that's going on," he said.

Perth resident Gaye Thompson was one potential tenant conned out of $600.

"I felt sick ... it's something you don't expect," she said.

The scam is quite simple, using popular websites such as Gumtree and Flatmates.com.

Posing as landlords, the scammers say you can't meet with them to view the property, usually because they're overseas, but demand a payment to secure the rental.

"People are spending good money on these things, and yet what we haven't done is see the property, we haven't inspected it, and we haven't met anyone," Mr Hillyard said.

"Once the money's sent out of Australia by wire transfer, the trail usually goes cold."

The scam is particularly efficient in today's tight rental market.

"In desperation, a lot of

would-be tenants are prepared to hand over money without seeing the property," Mr Hillyard said.

Last year, 220 people were scammed, with almost $40,000 sent to overseas bank accounts.

The latest victim was a Japanese student, who'd just arrived in Australia.

This week, she handed over $1400 trying to rent an apartments in East Perth.

Consumer Protection says tenants should always meet with the landlord face to face, don't rely on photographs and view the inside of the property, before paying anything.

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Real Estate News Modest improvement in housing finance continues AUSTRALIAN Bureau of Statistics' (ABS) housing finance figures for November 2011 show in trend terms that the number of finance commitments increased marginally for the seventh consecutive month; the October increase was 0.6 per cent. “In trend terms, increases were recorded in all states and territories except Victoria and Tasmania. Once again, New South Wales recorded the largest increase, up 1.9 per cent*,� said Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) President Ms Pamela Bennett. “Increases were evident for the purchase of established dwellings (up 1.2 per cent*) and the purchase of new dwellings (up 0.5 per cent*) whilst the number of commitments for the construction of dwellings fell by 0.9 per cent*,� she continued. “The upturn in lending commitments reflects the November interest rate cut, sta-

bility in the housing market and increased competition among lenders,� she said.

The number of first home buyers, as a percentage of total owner occupied housing commitments increased to 20.0 per cent in November compared to 19.1 per cent in October. This proportion is now approaching the long-run average of 20.1 per cent but is still dramatically down from the 28.5 per cent level of April 2009.

The value of investment housing commitments fell by 0.5 per cent* in November after four months of either modest increases or no change, following fourteen consecutive months of falls. “The latest figures show that first home buyers are gradually returning to the market and we should expect modest increases to continue in the wake of the December interest rate cut,� concluded Ms Bennett�. *Figures are in trend terms.

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1300 722 996 THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2012 — 31

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2012

Astrology Aries “The Ram” “The Go-Getter” March 21 - April 20

The new year began on a busy note for you, and the trend is likely to continue, foresees Ganesha. You may start planning for business expansion as it is a favourable period to enter into new partnerships and collaborations. However, if you are a professional, you may prefer to go slow on your plans, focus on the past mistakes or errors, work on your weaknesses and then move ahead. After this, you may emerge more calm and confident, feels Ganesha.

However, ensure that you do not neglect your family all this while, or work may become a cause for conflict. Auspicious occasions like tying the knot is on the cards for the singles. Also, you may be in an introspective mood, and may devote more time to selfassessment through spiritual activities. 15, 17 & 25 are the lucky days for money and career.

Taurus “The Bull” “The Builder” April 21 - May 22

The month is all set to give a new direction to your life as you may become more independent and take decisions on your own. Doing up your home or office, new décor and surroundings, and your ambitions are likely to be the reasons for that smile on your face! But, don't forget to rest as too much hardwork may take a toll on your health. Ill-health may even make you irritable and temperamental. Think twice before you speak and avoid getting into arguments will loved ones, or you may hurt them unintentionally. During this month, your love life is likely to go through ups and downs. Don't leave room for misunderstandings. Instead clear your doubts with your partner, advises Ganesha. Following your intuitions will take you closer to success, says Ganesh

Gemini “The Twins” “The Magician” May 23 - June 21

Career takes the forefront all this month for the power-seeker Twins. You are likely to be elated as things are going much according to your plans. Gradually, you see yourself climbing the success ladder and achieving your goals. Now that your planets are aligned favourably, you may be in a position to make rules and dictate terms to your subordinates. You may even expect perks, promotion or a similar gestures of appreciation for your outstanding contribution at work. But, pay equal attention to your health, says Ganesha. Unwind and indulge in rejuvenating activities at regular intervals. At the personal front, environment at home is likely to be upbeat and harmonious, assures Ganesha. If you are looking for the right day to express your feelings for the special one, 5, 6, 17 and 25 are just perfect for you!

Cancer “The Crab” “The Caterer” June 22 - July 22

This month, Ganesha advises you to tread cautiously at the career front. You may be progressing slowly, but steadily. There is a possibility of you getting impatient due to your slow-paced progress. However, one wrong move can ruin your ambitions, so be patient. Also be more communicative at work to avoid misunderstandings, says Ganesha. On the personal front, you may be going through adverse circumstances as your love life may be heading no where. Ganesha suggests you to give some time to your relationship, and add what's missing. If it works, it's perfect, but if it doesn't, try to move on. For married couples, your spouse is likely to be a strong support behind your financial achievements. A foreign trip for business or academic purposes is on the cards.

Make the most of your favourable dates 3, 17, 21 and 27 for personal and professional prosperity.

Leo “The Lion” “The Boss” July 23 August 22

It's that time of the year when your social life, love life and finances are likely to be at the peak, foretells Ganesha! This period is likely to be glitchfree as far as finances are concerned. Be it monetary gains, recovering of debts or getting a loan sanctioned, you will be able to manage it with ease. As Ganesha foresees, it's a period of self-assessment and self-realisation. Get rid of all the negativity around you and let your creative juices flow. You may experience adrenalin rush in expressing your highly creative ideas.

However, your health may need extra care and attention during the first half of the month. So, try to avoid stressful situations, says Ganesha. Try taking a break from the mundane routine by attending social gatherings or watching a film with family and friends. 7, 15, 16 and 25 are the lucky dates for the month, seize the days!

Virgo “The Virgin” “The Accountant” August 23 - Sept 22

You are likely to begin this month with a new vision and renewed zest for life, foretells Ganesha. The financial crunch, if you had any, is likely to come to an end. In fact, this month may give you many opportunities to up your financial status and increase your bank balance. With spouse's monetary support and a little bit of planning and research, you may start your own business or expand the existing one, predicts Ganesha. Active social life and romantic relationship are likely to be the highlights of the month. Couples may enjoy intimate moments, while singles pose a strong chance to attract the opposite sex with intention to get married. Ganesha suggests you to direct your energies in the right direction, rather than wasting it on futile link-ups. Propose your beloved on your lucky dates given by Ganesha: 5, 6, 13, 15, 23, 24.

Libra “The Scales”“The Councellor” September 23 - October 22

The month of February offers a mixed bag of joys and challenges to you, Scales. But, with the fine skills of balancing, you are likely to manage the situations with ease. To begin with, you will be highly creative and innovative throughout the month. Your ability to ideate may grow tremendously. And your finances too, look promising. Your energy levels may surge as your health House looks powerful. Priority

your health and you will be fit and fine, assures Ganesha. However, on the personal front, your partner/spouse may go through emotional turmoil. You may be highly supportive as they lack direction and turn to you for help. For the singles, Ganesha foresees romantic developments. In a nutshell, the month may involve a lot of decision-making, planning and implementation, foresees Ganesha. 2,3,12,20 and 29, your lucky dates!

Scorpio “The Hydra” “The Psycho Analyst” Oct 23 - Nov 21

This month may give you memories that you will cherish forever. Films, parties, fun and entertainment with lover, friends or family is on the cards. Married couples may enjoy harmonious relationship, while the singles pose a good chance to meet their 'special one'. However, you may be overloaded with work and may require to take care of your health. Maintain your daily exercise regimes and be careful about your eating habits. Indulging in unwinding activities like sports or listening to music may rejuvenate you, tips Ganesha. Finances, as per the predictions, need not be a problem for you, as your spouse is likely to be supportive and generous with you. The dates 27 and 28 may be good for your love and money, but at the same time can be very stressful.

Sagittarius “The Archer” “The Teacher” Nov 22 - Dec 22

This month, Ganesha advises you to go with the flow; be practical, adapt the situation and work according to it. As Ganesha foresees, you are likely to become more active on the social front. You may catch up with old friends and might as well add new contacts to your phone-book. Professionally, you may take up the job of communication or advertising campaigns. In short, communication may prove to be progressive this month, personally & professionally. However, during this busy month, you need to spare more time for your near and dear ones. Taking them on a long drive or for entertaining activities may work wonders. But, avoid unnecessary expenditure. Also, it's time to keep a watch on your coffers, for a healthy financial status, thinks Ganesha. If you wish to take important decision, the dates 8, 15, 24 and 25 may prove to be the best.

Capricorn “The Goat” “The Mayor” Dec 23 - January 30

This month, you may see your family life going through ups and downs. But, nothing to worry about as these are the effects of Mars retrograde. Try to stay away from disputes and avoid taking important decisions during this phase, advises Ganesha. On the professional front, taking up work related to advertising campaigns and marketing strategies may give a major boost to your career.

Financially, the month appears to be exceptionally good. You realise that money comes through hard work, and thus, you are likely to work more to earn more. Happy realisation! As far as students are concerned, the planetary positions may help them to be successful in their studies. In this hectic schedule, sparing some time for spiritual activities may relax and rejuvenate you, feels Ganesha. The dates 6, 24 and 25 are best as far as love and career are concerned.

Aquarius “The Water Bearer” “The Innovator” Jan 21 - Feb 19

To begin with, this month is all about relishing good food, going on long drives, indulging into luxurious body spas and going on shopping sprees for the Water Bearers. But, at the same time, you may remain focused on your career and financial status.

This month, you may come across good opportunities to build business partnerships. Generating money may be easy, but your real challenge is earning money the right way. With Ganesha's blessings, you will choose the right way to earn money, and up your finances like never before. However, be careful, or if possible avoid major purchases or signing of contracts during this period, tips Ganesha. All those who are married may enjoy attention and devotion of your spouse, during this phase. 1, 9, 17, 22, 28 are favourable dates for your to make money!

Pisces “The Fish” “The Social Worker” Feb 20 - March 20

This month, you will be surrounded by the spiritual as well as virtual world. You may be more inclined towards spiritual activities, and may seek help of your spiritual guru in taking important decisions. At the same time, you are a dreamer and tend to live in a world that is distanced from reality. Your career may not be your priority right now, foresees Ganesha.

However, don't give up on your day-to-day activities, and don't try to evade your social and family responsibilities, advises Ganesha. Your family members may need you. Spending quality time with them shall improve your equation with your spouse and kids.

During this phase you may be more into planning, visualising and ideating rather than taking initiatives to make things happen. As Ganesha predicts, it may be a period full of emotional turmoil and 2,3,9,16 and 29 are likely to be the most stressful days for you.

Disclaimer: This is only a guide and is not directed towards any particular individual and the writer shall not be responsible for anything to do with the articles content.

32 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2012

travelling. All the taxis and THE 10th Pravasi buses selected for the transBharatiya Divas was held portation of the delegates in Birla Auditorium in where briefed on the routes Jaipur from the 7th to 9th that they would take in going of January. This was the Umesh Chandra to the venue and coming back. first time Rajasthan govThis was mainly to create a ernment was given the opportunity to host Pravasi Bharatiya one-way traffic and also to take the deleDivas. Chief Minister of Rajathans, Ashok gates some of Jaipur’s iconic building such Gehlot, said “Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is a as the Birla Temple.

The inaugural session by the Prime memorable moment for the biggest state of Indian, Rajasthan. Presence of Honourable Minister in the main auditorium post a President and Prime Minister of India, in slight problem of over crowding. All the this occasion, was a great source of energy other sessions were also full-house sessions for all of us. Presence of intellectuals with but were run in many different halls on a futuristic approach from across the world concurrent basis. During the state sessions, would have discover potential business the chief ministers of all Indian states preopportunities. This event would spread the sented the benefits and opportunities that existed in their particular state for the overfragrance of our state globally.”

The colourful The chief guest this year was Kamla Persad seas Indian investors.

Bissessar, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Tobago, who gave an inspiring and moving received the loudest applause even as his speech during the Pravasi Samman. She name was announced. Everyone is aware greeted the audience by Sitaram, explaining of his very energetic and colourful reprethat this was the most commonly used salu- sentation of his state. He has indeed done a tation in her country just like “Ram Ram”. lot to get Gujarat to where it is now. Chief She also said that in Trinidad and Tobago Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, had to where indentured Indian labourers went in leave halfway through Narend Modi’s pre1845, they still uphold all the customs, cer- sentation as he had to go to the airport to emonies, names, dresses, etc. All the Hindu receive the President. Interestingly, he did festivals are celebrated by adding a touch of seek the permission of all present as he had the Caribbean as they dance to the beat of to go to the airport to receive the President.

Tasa drum and the rhythm of Trinidad’s In the usual manner, Indian media reported own hybrid chutney soca beat. She referred that the chief minister of Rajasthan, Ashok to India as her grandmother rather than Gehlot, abruptly left the auditorium during mother, the reason being that their great Narend Modi’s presentation and made a grandparents who knew India as “Mother real issue out of it which overshadowed all India” had left generations before. She fur- other events during PBD. The cultural programmes were a sight to ther said that the affection that a grandmother has for her grandchildren is greater see and the presentations were nothing than the affection that a mother has for her short of spectacular. The selection of the artists, the sound, the lighting and the locachild.

This year’s PBD attracted the largest num- tion where such that one could not help feel ber of delegates, approximately 2000 dele- overwhelmed. The Ranibagh, the city gates were in attendance. Queensland dele- palace, and the Jai Mahal were the selected gation was the largest ever to attend the venues for the musical extravaganzas.

President Pratibha Patil conferred the PBD. A major announcement by Prime Minister “Pravasi Bharatiya Samman” awards to 14 Manmohan Singh was that NRIs can vote in eminent overseas Indians, including Indian elections. He reminded non resident Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Indians of the constitutional provision that Persad Bissessar, and a Canada-based instiallows them to vote in Indian elections. He tution, for their outstanding contributions in told the gathering of the diasporas from 60 enhancing India’s image globally.

“Indian overseas community is not only countries that the government had issued notifications for registration of overseas large, but is becoming increasingly influenvoters.

In other words, non-resident tial in the economic, professional and politIndians can vote in the upcoming assembly ical fields in the country in which they are elections in the 5 states. “This constitutes now living. We are proud of their accomthe first major steps to enable Indian resi- plishments,” Patil said while addressing the dents abroad to participate in our election valedictory function of the 10th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. process”, he said.

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman is the highest The Rajasthan government did a wonderful job of hosting their first Pravasi Bharatiya award conferred by the Indian government Divas. The Pink City of Jaipur was aptly on Non-resident Indians and Persons of decorated for the event. The whole city Indian Origin (PIOs) and institutions run by from the major hotels en route to Birla them for their contribution in serving the Auditorium was lit up with several special- Indian diaspora and enhancing India’s ly placed lights, large billboards and ban- image in different parts of the world.

Bissessar, a person of Indian origin who ners welcoming the delegates were placed throughout Jaipur. At Jaipur airport, the became the first female Prime Minister of delegates received a traditional welcome of Trinidad and Tobago, is the most prominent among this year’s awardees. a tikka and garland.

Congratulating Bissessar for her outstandAs a regular visitor to Jaipur, I was amazed by the transformation. Special traffic rules ing achievement, the president said Indian applied during the PBD which restricted the community world-wide would applaud her trucks and other vehicles from using the achievements.

Continued next page routes on which the delegates would be

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Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2012 Continued from previous page “I would like to congratulate all the winners… It is an extremely distinguished list and we are honoured by the presences of the awardees at this function,” Patil said after conferring the award.

The other Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awardees include: P.V Radhakrishna Pillai from Bahrain, Sachchidanand Sahai from Cambodia, Deepak Naraindas Shivdasani from Cote D’Ivoire, Victor Shahed Smetacek from Germany, Prakash Lohia, chairman of Indorama Corporation, Jose Parayanken from Mozambique, Kiran Navinchandra Asher from Oman, Hassan Abdulkarim Chougule from Qatar, S.R. Nathan from Singapore, Khorshed Noshir Ginwala Rustomjee from South Africa, Rajesh Kumar Saraiya from Ukraine, Surendra Kumar Kaushik from US and Kalpalatha Kummamuri Guntupalli from US. Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce and Industry was also honoured for its contribution in bettering business and economic relations between the two countries.

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WHAT’S ON! AUM - Arya Pratinidhai Sabha of Qld Inc. Vedic Yajna (Havan) Venue: Progress Hall 1873 Logan Road, Upper Mt Gravatt.

Time: 2-4pm Dates: February 19 Venue: Bracken Ridge Hall (library) Cnr of Barrett St and Bracken St, Bracken Ridge Time: 2-4pm Dates: February 12 Tune to Radio Brisvaani on Sundays 7-7.30am for Vedic Sandesh Program. Read about Vedas in this paper.

Contact: Jitendra Deo 3263 1914 or Hari Chand 3345 4716 or log on www.aryasamajqueensland.com for further information.

----------------------------------------------------------------BRISBANE BELIEVERS FELLOWSHIP “Expect Great things from the Lord and Attempt Great things for the Lord”.

Address: Zillmere Community Hall, 54 Handsford Rd, Zillmere. Worship time: Every Sunday at 9.30 AM. Activities: Holy Communion (First Sunday of the Month), Sunday school, Fasting Prayer, Youth Meeting, Bible Study and Ladies Meeting.

Contact:Pastor John Thomas & Mary Thomas Sanju P. (Secretary) Phone: 0402 551 220 / 0402 907 776 or 0422 815 782 Email: maryhoney59@hotmail.com ----------------------------------------------------------------Brisbane Bhakti Yoga Centre 28 King Edward Avenue, Darra. Most Saturdays (5.30pm - 8.30pm) and festivals.

For enquiries please contact: Prakash Raniga on 3715 7570 or email: bhaktibrisbane@gmail.com ----------------------------------------------------------------Brisbane Christian Assembly, Herston, QLD. Expect a miracle from God, Come and pray for any need in your life, with us in Herston (near RCH Hospital) every Saturday from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. We are praying and God has been doing miracles in many people’s life. Contact Pastor Prakash Jacob 07 3162 5207 or 0413 347 562.

Brisbane Christian AssemblyAddress: 5/15 Aberleigh Road, Herston QLD 4006 Pastor: Prakash Jacob Events: Prayer, Fellowship, Worship, Adult Bible Study, Kids Bible Study, Love in Action, and much more.. Saturday Schedules: 6:00pm-7:00pm: Kids Bible Study, 7:00pm-09:00pm: Intercessory Prayer Sunday Schedules: 10:00am-01:00pm: Worship in Truth & Spirit, Bible Study, Prayer, etc.

Email: prakashjacob@yahoo.com Ph: 07-31625207, 0413347562 ----------------------------------------------------------------Brisbane Multinational Church 53 Telegraph Road, Bald Hills Special times of prayer for the sick (Diabetics, Cancer Sufferers, Asthmatics etc) every Sunday during the Church Service. For more information please contact Pastor Joseph Dass on 0424 180 240 or Assistant Pastor Shrish Chand on 0450 612 304.

----------------------------------------------------------------Brisbane Sikh Temple (Gurdwara) 2679 Logan Rd, Eight Mile Plains. www.brisbanesikhtemple.org.au Brisbane Sikh Temple is open 7days a week, free food (langar is served daily) Sunday Service is from 9am to 1pm. Weekdays evening service is from 6pm to 7pm including meditation. Mr Baljit Singh Secretary of Brisbane Sikh Temple (for all bookings enquiries) Ph: 0412 057 554, Email: secretary@brisbanesikhtemple.org.au Gianni Kuldeep Singh Priest of Brisbane Sikh Temple (for all religious functions) Ph: 0422 705 936 Email: priest@brisbanesikhtemple.org.au ----------------------------------------------------------------Eben-Ezer Pentecostal Church, Brisbane – Sunday School, Prayer & Fasting, Youth meeting & worship (Malayalam) Contact: Pastor Mathew Tharian 07 3165 7617, 0431 413 482 or Eng. Victor George 07 3359 8946, 0413 069 477.

----------------------------------------------------------------Fiji Senior Citizens’ Satsang Association of Qld Inc 1 Kensington Place, Wishart 4122. Monthly meetings will be held on th last Sunday of the month at 2pm.

All members are invited to attend. For further information contact President Raymond Saran 3290 0653, Secretary Surendra Prasad OAM 3849 5435 or Treasurer Shui Shankar 3841 3058 ----------------------------------------------------------------Forest Lake AOG Church Hindi Service - Second Sunday of every month - commencing @ 4.30pm. Cnr of Alpine Place & Forest Lake Boulevard Road. Contact Sudesh on 0401 519 541.

----------------------------------------------------------------Hindi Speaking Christian Fellowship Meets at 2.30 p.m. last Sunday of each month at Merthyr Uniting Church, 52 Merthyr Rd., New Farm All welcome. Contact Irene 3878 4094 ----------------------------------------------------------------Hindu Mandir Association of Queensland - Shree Laxmi Narayan Mandir 1173 Mount Cotton Rd, Burbank. First Sunday South African group from 2pm-4pm. Every second Friday Bhajans by Youth 7.00pm to 8.00pm. Every Sunday pravechan by Pundit Harsh Tripati. Dinner is provided after the service & all are welcome. 4.00pm to 6.00pm. For further information contact: Suren 0447 762 520; Rajesh 0422 344 046; Anil 0431 026 714.

----------------------------------------------------------------Hindu Society of Queensland Inc. Gayatri Mandir (178 Lyndhurst Rd, Boondall). Gayatri Mandir opens every Sunday from 8am to 11am.

Mandir opens with Punditji. Weekly Programs & Mandir Openings: • Every Tuesday from 7pm Ramayan & Bhajan recitals • Every 2nd & 4th Friday from 7.00pm – Ramayan & Bhajan Recitals. • Open Every Sunday from 9.00am – 12.00pm For further information contact President Prakash Shandil 0408 879 414 ----------------------------------------------------------------Hindustani Language School conducts lessons in Hindustani language and Indian Culture every Saturday from 2pm to 4pm, at both its major centres at Calamvale Community Intermediate College, 11 Hamish Street, Calamvale and Boondall State School, Roscommon Rd, Boondall. Hindi is our mother

34 - BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2012

Chinmaya Mission Australia

FEB 12 / MARCH 12 tongue. Students of all ages wishing to learn: * Hindi Language *Indian Culture * Dance & Drama * Music * Leadership and Personal Development Contact: Secretary Jay Haripersad on 3243 7062 - Vice President Mul Chand on Mobile 0418 461 960 - or President Sarat Maharaj on 3263 2093 or Mobile 0407 111 709 ----------------------------------------------------------------Indian Church Service News Every Sunday 9.30am - 11.00am. Southern Springs Community Church 59 Marshall Road, Rocklea. Meet with Indian Christians for prayer, praise & worship.

Fellowship & refreshments after the service. contact Ps. Sivanus Naidu (Senior Pastor) 3274 2542 or 0417 197 747 ----------------------------------------------------------------Indian Senior Citizen Association Committee meetings are held 3rd Sunday of every alternate month from 2pm to 4pm. For further information contact: President: Mr Bir Sahai 3344 4715, Secretary: Mr Tirat Achal 0407 620 663, Treasurer: Mr Hari Prasad 3209 5174 ----------------------------------------------------------------International Multicultural Christian Fellowship Elevate Church (AOG Church) Vision - Each One Reach One Worship & Word every Sunday at 9.30am to 11.30am followed by free sausage sizzle - everyone welcome.

Home prayer meeting every Wednesday at 7.00pm to 8pm. Fasting and prayer Thursday from 7.00pm to 8.00pm for special needs. Youth group - every Friday 6.30pm to 8.30pm at 3, Montserrat Pl, Forest Lake Kids church - special kids church every Sunday Music and food - once a month at the Forest lake stage 5pm onwards.Womens group - every thursday 11.00am pls contact Ps. Mavis on 0418745179 Revelation 3:20 (NIV)Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

Church Address - Elevate Church, Grand Avenue Primary School, Forest Lake 4078, Corner of Grand Avenue and Centennial Way, Contact Pastor Raj Singh with any questions about church on: Mobile 0407177117 or Email rajmavisforjesus@yahoo.com.au www.elevatechurch.org.au ----------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Society of Queensland hosts Zikre Mustapha programme Program starts from Maghrib to Isha Prayers. 2nd Saturday of the month at Rochedale Mosque - 2664 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains. Dinner provided to all after Isha Namaz. For enquiries contact Imam Ali on 0407 156 527, Asif Ali Khan on 0411 516 007 or Shamim Khan on 0403 541 012.

----------------------------------------------------------------Lourde Matha Malayalee Community Every month Malayalam Mass (Qrbana) in Brisbane.

An opportunity to meet with other malyalees for Mass, prayer and spiritual renewal. For more information about up coming events. Contact Fr. Thomas Areekuzhy 4697 3177 youth coordinator.

Siju Mathew 0432 192 558.

----------------------------------------------------------------Malayalee Association of Qld – For a detailed list of upcoming events, contact the President C K Oonnikrishnan Nair on 0416 927 100 or email ckuknair_maq@hotmail.com, Dr Cyril Fernandez - Vice President on 0404 433 044 or email cgfernz@hotmail.com.

E: maq@brisbanemalayalee.org or visit www.brisbanemalayalee.org.

----------------------------------------------------------------Public Zikre Mustapha programme Program starts from Maghrib to Isha Prayers. Last Saturday of the month at Logan Mosque - 260 3rd Avenue, Kingston. Dinner provided free to all after Isha Namaz. For enquiries contact the chairman Mr Nawab Khan on 3209 4627 ----------------------------------------------------------------Queensland Telugu Association President – Dr Prasad Rao Nagulapalli; Treasurer – Mr Manoj Vemula; Secretary – Mrs Rama Kanchibotla; Executive Committee Members – Dr Meher Prasad Chintamuneedi; and Mr Jogarao Nakka. For a list of upcoming events and membership information, please contact: Secretary, Mrs Rama Kanchibotla (Ph.3378 1062, email: rama_kanchibotla@yahoo.com.au) ----------------------------------------------------------------Sai Saileshwara Mandiram 1614 Sandgate Road, Virginia. Every Thursday 7.30pm - Aarthi, meditation. Enquiries contact: Sailesh or Marina on 3266 3192. www.saisamaj.org Email: saisaileshwara@optusnet.com.au ----------------------------------------------------------------Sant Mat Regular Meeting (Sant Baljit Singh) Kelvin Grove. Sundays 3.30pm. Contact Dr Sandeep Gupta on 07 3123 9440 or sandeep@santmat.net.au ----------------------------------------------------------------Sri Selva Vinayakar Koyil (Ganesha Temple) and Hindu Education Centre 4915 – 4923 Mt Lindsay H’way South Maclean.

Temple Opening Hours: 7:30am – 11:00am and 5:00pm – 8:30pm. Pooja times – Weekdays 9:00am and 7:30pm. Weekends 9:00am and 6:00pm. Contact President Vimal “Vic” Ratnam 0411 594 394, Temple Priest 07 5547 7302 ----------------------------------------------------------------St. Thomas Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church Brisbane Malayalam Holy Qurbono, Sunday School and other spiritual activities. Holy Qurbono celebrated by Rev. Fr. Jigi Varghese at 2pm on the third Saturday of every month at St Mary’s & Joseph’s Coptic Orthodox Church, 2 Hamish Street Calamvale Qld 4116. For more information about upcoming events and activities please contact: Dr. Joy Pynadath 0431 631 397, Joy Mathew 0403 114 470, Roby John 0401 900 494 ----------------------------------------------------------------TOUCH Group of families Program includes Bollywood dance, Sri Lankan dance, Saomoa cultural dance, fashion show, musical program. Anyone who would like to join can contact touch.families@gmail.com or call Sripathy & family 0432 768 607, Vijekumar & family 3823 4628, Saravanan & family 3823 5037, Shanker & family 3711 3912, Sri Jayendrakumr 3272 5781 ----------------------------------------------------------------What’s on is your Council guide to what is happening in Brisbane. www.brisbane.qld.gov.au>

Chinmaya Mission Australia conducts family programs every Sunday morning from 10am-11.45am at Holland Park State High School. Balavihar classes for children and teenagers and gita classes for adults are conducted under the guidance of spiritual teacher, Bramachari Gopal Chaitanya. Please visit www.chinmaya.com.au or email Brisbane.info@ chinmaya.com.au for details. have the following activities. * Weekly Yoga and Meditation workshops * Regular Yoga and Meditation workshops *Monthly Shiv Saadhana * Children’s classes * Music classes * Meditation Bliss at Saadhana Shivir (over 4 days and nights) * April 2012 spiritual retreat (over 3 days and nights) * Lectures and Pravachans - Ashram will host a variety of lectures and pravachans in the coming months. More details will appear later. If you would like more information on the above, please ring Jayesh Dayal on 0412 278 808 or call Rajan Kirion 0422 671 990 or send an email to ambashramm@gmail.com. Visit website for details (note website may be unavailable at times due to maintenance reasons) www.lotusashram.org

Lotus Ashram

Shree Sanatan Dharam - Hindu Assn. of Qld Inc Chautaal hosted by following Mandalis at Murrarie hall from 6.30pm Saturday 11 February - Shanti Niketan/Ipswich Saturday 18 February - Wynnum Saturday 25 February - Sunnybank Holi - Holika Dahan - Thursday 8 March - Holi Celebration on Sunday 11 March Rama Navami - Sunday 1 April Hanuman Jayanti - Friday 6 April Good Friday 6 April and Easter Monday 9 April ANZAC Day Wednesday 25 April Youth’s Talent Night - Saturday 21 April

Brisbane Powerhouse - World Theatre Festival 2012

Brisbane Powerhouse will be home to the World Theatre Festival 2012 this February.

Showcasing the best independent theatre from around the globe World Theatre Festival will be a community gathering; connecting the multicultural audiences of South East Queensland and beyond. This year, the main program includes productions from Australia, Belarus, India, Italy, New Zealand, United Kingdom and the United States. For more information visit www.worldtheatrefestival.com.au

Brisbane Powerhouse, Abhinaya Theatre Company and Topolgy present Henrik Ibsen’s The Lady from the Sea

Friday 24 - Sunday 26 February at Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse. Described as “a poem come to life” by Brisbane Powerhouse Director Andrew Ross, The Lady from The Sea is one of master playwright Henrik Ibsen’s iconic works, featuring a married woman who must decide between her husband and her first fiance - a rebellious sailor who returns decades after his escape from the law to claim her hand. Further information is available by calling 07 3358 8600 or by visiting www.brisbanpowerhouse.org

Alkauthar offers weekend Islamic courses in 22 cities

Alkauthar, held its first course “World of the Unseen”, in Brisbane on the weekend 24th/25th September 2011. It was attended by an audience of ninety people of mixed ages.

The course contained Islamic knowledge at a tertiary level. At the end of the course, participants could sit an online examination, if they chose to. After the completion of the required courses, participants who pass the examinations would be entitled to certificate, diploma or a degree based on their level of competence.

The next course, “Lord of the Worlds” – Unity of Allah’s Worship will be held on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th February at Griffith University M23 Auditorium, Mt Gravatt Campus. The course is provided in venues with conference facilities and through extensive of multimedia presentation. Tea, Coffee and Snacks are provided between breaks.

For bookings please contact Brisbane@alkauthar.org. or enrol online at www.alkauthar.org The course will be teaching issues such as Tawhid, Shirk, Takfir, Exalting Saints, Tawassul, Magic and Astrology and more. This is also a university level course.

www.indiantimes.com.au

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WHAT’S ON!

FEB 12 / MARCH 12

Burnie Brae Centre welcomes you! What is Burnie Brae? The

Saturday 18th to Monday 20th February

centre provides social activities for over 50’s along with help at home for older people, younger people with a disability and carers. People from culturally diverse backgrounds are warmly welcomed. Starting from Monday 6 February, 10am-2pm, please join us for * Social activities * Friendship * Delicious vegetarian food and we will also provide you with transport to and from the Club!

For further information on costs involved please contact Sandra on 07 3624 2141.

Burnie Brae Centre - 60 Kuran Street Chermside 4032.

Email: daycare@burniebrae.org.au - www.burniebrae.org.au

Gayatri Mandir, 178 Lyndhurst Street Bondall

QMC International Women’s Day celebration

THE theme for this year's International Women's Day is "empowering women" and the colour for this year is "purple". The Queensland Multicultural Council Inc. is holding a Multicultural Afternoon at the Macgregor State Primary School, McCullough Road, Macgregor on Sunday, 4th March from 2 -5p.m. Tickets will be $20 for entry and it will include the entertainment and a Hi Tea consisting of multi cultural sweets and tea or coffee.

Make sure you come along as you will mingle with people from all the continents except Antartica. Come dressed in your own cultural outfits. You are guaranteed of an enjoyable afternoon with distinguished guest. You are also important to the function.

All funds from the function will go to a trust fund "Hope for Dzenan" which will help purchase an eye gaze machine for a quadriplegic.

POOJA: 6pm PARAVACHAN by Pt Parveen Shandil from 7pm to 8.30pm.

Dinner provided Daily For more information please contact Mr Prakash Shandil President 0408 879 414

Mr Sunil Maharaj Secretary 0488324891

Mr Mukesh Rattan Assist. Treasurer 0419 712 592

Queensland Multicultural Council Inc. Has great pleasure in inviting you to the

International Women’s Day Celebration

Ticket

Sunday, 4th March 2012 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM Macgregor Primary School Hall, McCullough Rd. Sunnybank $20 per person (children under 5 free)

Programme Contact

Multicultural Performances Linda Reeves 0416 440 223/ Janeth Deen 0435 086 796

Date Time Venue

All proceeds from the event go to “Dzenan Nuhovic Trust Fund” Proudly Presented by Ausiana Event Organizers

Supporting Organisations:

Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2012 — 35

Bollywood & Entertainment 'LIFE CAMERA ACTION' new tag Bollywood congratulates line for OSCARS 2012 Ritesh-Genelia

THE 84th Academy Awards have released a new poster for the highly anticipated award show. The tag line for the Oscars 2012 is LIFE CAMERA ACTION, which is the same as 'LIFE! CAMERA ACTION...' a film written, produced and directed by Rohit Gupta.

The 'LIFE CAMERA ACTION' for Oscars is meant to evoke the emotional connections we all have with the movies. 'LIFE! CAMERA ACTION..'.the film is an inspiring story of a young girl, who sets off to pursue a career in filmmaking against all odds.

The witty Director, Rohit commented, "This is an amazing coincidence, sort of like a cosmic connection."

'LIFE! CAMERA ACTION..'. is an internationally critically acclaimed film that has won over 55 international accolades & awards around the globe including receiving highest honors and top recognitions at many international film festivals.

The film had it's South-East Asian premiere on January 19 at the Dhaka International Film Festival in Bangladesh and will be next screened at the 7th Beloit international Film Festival 2012 and at the 7th Social Uprising Resistance and Grass Root Encouragement (S.U.R.G.E.) International film festival

2012 between February and April in the US. The Academy Awards will be handed out at the 84th ceremony on February 26, with Billy Crystal overseeing the event.

Imran Khan shoots Kareena Kapoor!

THERE was an photo-exhibition held in Mumbai recently.

Apparently, during the shooting of Ekk Main Aur Ek Tu, the photographer in Imran Khan took over, and the guy went on clicking pictures.

His photographs of Kareena Kapoor were displayed and used as a promotional tactic for the movie. Kareena was most touched, and said, "This is the first time a co-star of mine has clicked pictures of me. Thank you, Imran!"

She also, added, "I'm sure he has clicked pictures of all his co-stars. To this, Imran said, no, i haven't. I have clicked only my wife Avantika's photographs.

Kareena Kapoor said that though

Congratulations, and happiness always!

Karan Johar yfrog.com/nwt9pnwj MR AND MRS DESHMUKH!!!! Badhai ho!!!!!

Vivek Oberoi "Here's wishing one of the most adorable couple's I know, @riteishd and @geneliad a very happy (cont) tl.gd/fmvb3s HT

I had refused Agneepath: Rishi Kapoor

Imran's effort was sweet, she thinks he makes for a better actor than photographer.

TNN

Bhojpuri star Raja Chaudhary arrested for creating ruckus BHOJPURI actor Raja Chaudhary was arrested on 3 February and later released on bail after creating ruckus outside a hospital here, police said.

"Chaudhary was drinking liquor in a car in hospital's parking area at around 1.30 am. Guards objected and asked him to go from there but he got into a scuffle with them," said Vidhya Prakash, SHO Jawahar Circle.

"After receiving information, our policemen rushed to the spot and arrested Chaudhary for disturbing peace," he said.

The police said that a local girl was accompanying him, who was sent to home in Malvia Nagar with her parents.

Chaudhary, former husband of TV star Shweta Tiwari, has starred in reality shows like Bigg Boss and Nach Baliye.

"Chaudhary has been booked under section 151 of CrPC for disturbing peace," ACP Malvia Nagar, Rajendra Singh, said.

He was produced before Police Executive

AS Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D'souza tied the knot, Bollywood wished the newly married couple for a happy life ahead. Here are the celebs who tweeted their love and blessings.

Shah Rukh Khan Wot a lovely wedding...ritesh & genelia looked beautiful... may Allah bless them with happiness. Side Note : the chola roti was very nice too Shahid Kapoor And G is married!!!!!!!!!

Unbeleivable .:) Sonakshi Sinha Aaj mere yaar ki shaadi hai!

MASSIVE congratulations to the cutest couple on the block @Riteishd And Genelia.. And even bigger apologies for not being there!

Minissha Lamba Here's wishing @Riteishd and @geneliad a blissful life of joy! You make love look so beautiful...

Taran Adarsh Congrats to @Riteishd and @geneliad for their wedding today. God bless you both.

Ashoke Pandit Congratulations to Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia.God bless both of u.Wishing u a Happy Married Life.

Preity Zinta @Riteishd Thank you my dear Ritesh :-) Congratulations to you and Genelia and all the best for a happily married life ! Lotza love always..

Vishal Dadlani

Magistrate Narendra Singh and was released after posting bail.

Chaudhary was in the city to meet his brother.

It is not his first run-in with law. The former husband of TV star Shweta Tiwari, Chaudhary was previously arrested for beating his girlfriend in 2010.

He has also attended a rehabilitation camp to control his volatile behaviour.

PTI

36 - THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2012

EVEN though he has been in the industry for over four decades and has been part of around 150 films, actor Rishi Kapoor feels now is the right time for him to experiment with different kinds of roles.

Be it a middle class teacher struggling to live up to his family’s expectations in Do Dooni Chaar, a disciplinarian elderly Sikh in Patiala House or the actor’s most recent outing as the baddie Rauf Lala in Karan Johar’s Agneepath, the actor feels that character roles are giving him enough scope to challenge himself. “I am completely enjoying this phase of my career. I am happy that I am getting to do important and challenging roles even at this age,” says Kapoor on his recent visit to the Capital.

As for playing the villain in Agneepath, the 59-year-old says, “When I was told about the character, I refused it point blank.

I told Karan Malhotra that if I fail, then your film will fail. But he, along with Karan Johar, pressurised me. For the first time in 40 years of my career, I decided to give a look test and that actually helped me to build the confidence to play Rauf.”

The success of the film has not only increased Kapoor’s confidence, but also given him immense recognition. “Ranbir was always known as Raj Kapoor’s grandson. People forgot Ranbir is Rishi Kapoor’s son. But, Agneepath’s success has changed that,” says Kapoor.

So, what is his thought on son Ranbir’s career? “He is on the right track,” says Kapoor, whose upcoming films include Housefull 2, Student of the Year and the remake of Chashme Buddoor. Does he plan to revive the RK banner and direct a film under it? “RK is very much there and I would love to direct a film, but only if an

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inspiring story comes my way. My first passion is acting and not filmmaking,” he says.

Interestingly, the actor got slightly miffed at the event which took place in capital when he was referred to as’ the chocolaty actor of his times’ again and again. He said, “You can call me ice-creamy or better whiskey actor but not chocolatey.

Call me romantic actor naa.”

On Rauf Lala I am glad that the conviction and confidence of Karan Malhotra and Karan Johar in me to play Rauf paid off On a film with Ranbir It would all depend on a good script. If I get a great script that suits both of us, then why not?

Rishi also talks about …..Why Indian films do fair well globally When we design an Indian film, we keep a formula in mind which includes adding a bit of romance, action and comic with songs and dance being an essential part of it.And somewhere in that story gets lost as far as global audience is concerned. I think to make it more appealing to the global audiences we should alienate ourself from the song and dance mould which is not that easy. Moreover, most of out films are pitched only for the Indian diaspora.

On working with SanjayDutt It was a great experience working with him..he is a great colleague. We were very excite to work together and thoroughly enjoyed it.

On Shammi Kapoor Where should I begin talking about this legendary man, His contribution to our cinema is so immense and he is a person who undoubtedly changed the concept of romance in our films.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2012 — 37

Sports News Yuvraj Singh upbeat about Sachin will still be great even if cure, doctors say he could he misses 100th ton: Waugh return stronger NEW DELHI: Yuvraj Singh is happy he is in Boston for his cancer treatment and not in India where unwarranted and sentimental attention could have dampened his mood.

Sources close to the ailing cricketer told TOI that Yuvraj keeps talking about the "matter-of-fact attitude" of both the medical staff and patients towards cancer and this has helped him to develop a positive outlook.

"People come in for treatment and leave the hospital after a cup of coffee, smiling," a source close to the family told TOI. "It isn't like India where cancer is treated virtually like a death warrant."

And there's no reason yet to get gloomy about Yuvraj's cancer which was detected early in stage 1 and can be treated completely.

Yuvraj's father Yograj Singh told Times Now on Monday 6 February that doctors in Boston have assured the cricketer of a full recovery that will leave him stronger.

He has also been told that people with his kind of cancer - mediastinal seminoma have often reached the hospital when the disease is in stage IV and have still walked out totally cured.

The southpaw has been under chemotherapy for two weeks and on Wednesday 1 February, the third of his nine weeks of the treatment began, said Dr Nitesh Rohtagi, senior oncologist at Max hospital, Saket.

Rohtagi said Yuvraj has read books by Lance Armstrong, champion cyclist who won the Tour de France a record seven times and who beat back a stage IV testicular cancer which had spread to his brains and lungs.

For the first few days, Yuvi expectedly didn't feel too well, and was nauseous.

MELBOURNE: Sachin Tendulkar's aura s a batsman will not diminish even if he does not score his much awaited 100th international century, Australian great Steve Waugh has said.

"I think it's a huge statistic and India is obsessed by stats. The whole country wants him to get his onehundredth 100 so maybe that's where the real pressure is coming from.

"It will be nice if he could get it down the road, but if he doesn't get it I certainly won't think any less of him as a player," Waugh said.

Waugh said Tendulkar's failure to score his hundredth 100 so far this summer might have a parallel with Don Bradman, who retired with an average of 99.94.

He also said it may possi-

ble that Tendulkar does not have it in his destiny to score that elusive hundred but felt it is highly unlikely.

"He's a great player. You know Bradman wasn't meant to average 100, maybe Tendulkar is not meant to get a hundredth century. But I think he'll get

it pretty shortly," Waugh was quoted as saying by 'The Australian'.

Tendulkar has been waiting to get to the magic figure since April last year.

He moved in the vicinity of 80s in the current tour of Australia but the hundred has eluded him thus far. PTI

We hope to resolve most of the issues: Srinivasan Contador suspended for two years, However, beginning this week (6 February), he is expected to be on the mend, said the doctor. In 10 weeks' time, he should be able to resume training.

HT

stripped of Tour de France win LAUSANNE: Spanish cyclist Alberto Contador on Monday 6 February received a two-year ban for doping during the 2010 Tour de France and was stripped of his victory in the race.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said Contador's suspension runs through to August 6, 2012, which means that the Spaniard loses his 2010 Tour victory and will be unable to take part in this year's race.

Contador tested positive for the banned anabolic agent clenbuterol, but he was subsequently cleared by the Spanish Cycling Federation (RFEC) in February 2011, prompting the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the International Cycling Union (UCI) to appeal the decision to CAS. The 29-year-old Spaniard claimed he had ingested the banned substance by eating a contaminated steak, an explanation which satisfied the RFEC but which failed to pass muster with the UCI and WADA. "CAS has partially upheld the appeals filed by WADA and the UCI and has found Alberto Contador guilty of a doping offence," CAS said in a statement.

"As a consequence, Alberto Contador is sanctioned with a two-year period of ineligibility starting retroactively on 25 January 2011, minus the period of the provisional suspension served in 2010-2011 (5 months and 19 days). The suspension should therefore come to an end on 5 August 2012."

CAS added that the "presence of clenbuterol was more likely caused by the ingestion of a contaminated food supplement" than by contaminated meat.

Apart from losing his 2010 Tour de France title, the verdict means that Contador is stripped of all his wins in 2011, which include the Giro d'Italia.

It also comes as a further body blow to the sport of cycling which has been wracked by doping offences over the last 15 years particularly involving the Tour de France, the toughest and most prestigious race in the world.

Contador has 30 days to lodge an appeal with the Swiss Federal Court. There was no immediate reaction from the cyclist.

The UCI said that though it derived no satisfaction from the verdict, it "welcomed the news as the end of a long-running affair that has been extremely painful for cycling".

"This is a sad day for our sport. Some may

think of it as a victory, but that is not at all the case," said UCI President Pat McQuaid.

"There are no winners when it comes to the issue of doping - every case, irrespective of its characteristics, is always a case too many."

Contador's win in 2010 was his third in the Tour de France and under UCI rules his suspension means he would forfeit the victory to Andy Schleck of Luxembourg, who finished as runner-up.

Belgian cycling legend Eddy Merckx said he was "shocked and disgusted" by the CAS ruling.

"Once again it's cycling that pays the price," Merckx told AFP. "It's an excessive punishment. It's bad for everybody, for the reputation of cycling, for sponsors.

"It's as if someone wants to kill cycling.

They took two years to make this ruling.

It's that that is not good."

Merckx added: "I'm neither an expert nor doctor. But I'm really waiting for the explanations of these experts. It's only in cycling that we seek to detect the tiniest quantities.

"I'd like that we do the same thing in other sports.

"If there'd been clear proof to prove Contador had doped, he would have been immediately suspended. We wouldn't have waited for two years," said the five-time Tour de France winner, adding that Contador's defence strategy "had not been good".

AFP

38 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2012

NEW DELHI: Indian cricket board president N Srinivasan (pictured) finally broke his silence on Sahara India's team Pune Warriors' walk-out from the IPL auction on Monday 6 February and hinted at a possible end of the impasse by saying BCCI is open to dialogue with Sahara to 'sort out the differences'.

"We are ready to meet and sort out the matter. We have no problems with that.

We do appreciate what Sahara has done in last 12 years. They might have felt aggrieved and did not get what they wanted from the IPL. We have had a good relationship and thus we should sort out the issues," Srinivasan told Times Now. When asked if the board was sending out a message of reconciliation, Srinivasan said: "Personally yes. I am open to dialogue and BCCI is open to dialogue. We recognise that there were grievances on their part but there was no reason to break (the relationship) suddenly.

"It has been an up and down relationship but when we meet I hope most of the issues will be resolved. There is an opportunity to sit across the table with Sahara.

All issues will be discussed but it will be premature to speak about the issues now," the BCCI president said.

Asked why BCCI turned down Pune Warriors' request for adding the $ 1.8 million (Rs 8.8 crore) price of its marquee star Yuvraj Singh to its purse in the auction, Srinivasan said, "Decisions related to IPL are taken by the GC. Auction is over now. We can't prejudge what issues BCCI and Sahara will discuss. There should be an element of secrecy in that. We should sit down and see how things can be sorted out. Yuvraj is not well and we wish that he not only recovers fully but also plays cricket again." said Srinivasan.

He said he was surprised when he came to know that Sahara had decided to end its sponsorship of Indian team.

"Yes, I was surprised when I came to know (about Sahara ending sponsorship).

There was a brief conversation the night before the auction. He (Subrata Roy) expressed that he has been hurt. It was a bit late in the evening and I did not expect they would pull out the next morning," said Srinivasan.

TNN

Young Fijian conquers Auckland HE came, he saw and he conquered.

“Our hearty congratulations to our fellow Fijian Yassar Ahmed for winning the Auckland Summer Golf Tournament for the youths at the Waitakere Golf Club, that was hosted by United States Kids Golf Foundation this month” said Alton Shameem JP, the New Zealander-Fijian Community, Multi-Cultural, Ethnic, National and International Leader, Founder, Chairman and President of the Fiji Club New Zealand (FCNZ), Fiji On The Move (FOM), All Ethnic Congress (AEC), Fiji Council New Zealand (FCoNZ), Leadership Council New Zealand (LCNZ), Young Executive Club (YEC), Business Council New Zealand (BCNZ), New Zealand Association of Certified Public Accountants (NZACPA), Social Entrepreneurs Council (SEC), Economic Council New Zealand (ECNZ) and the New Zealand Association of Certified Public Accountants (NZACPA).

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“Yassar Ahmed hails from Nadi, Viti Levu the burning west of Fiji and the gateway to the popular Nadi International Airport.”

“Ahmed is a student at Nadi Muslim Primary School and in 2010 at the tender age of 10 years he made history as the youngest person to achieve a hole in one at Nadi Airport Golf Club.”

“All our members, supporters, fans and well-wishers are proud of Master Yassar Ahmed and his leadership and great golfing attributes, and we are looking forward to greater achievements from him like our internationally renowned fellow Fijian golfer Vijay Singh,” Alton Shameem said.

“We wish Yassar Ahmed, who is at a tender age of 11 years, all the very best and are looking forward to seeing him play golf in New Zealand in the future” said Alton Shameem.

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Sports News

Ned Flanders Cricket Club go back to back THE Churches Cricket Two Day cricket competition has been won and lost and the mighty Ned Flanders XI has successMatt Young fully defended the title they won last season. It is the sixth time the proud club has secured the A Grade premiership in the last decade. The preChristmas part of the season saw the Neddies dominate their opposition with three emphatic outright wins followed up by a record breaking 4 for 465 against the Mormon Rangers XI, to claim a first innings victory. After finishing as minor premiers, the Flanders took on traditional rivals Ashgrove Lemmings in the grand final. The first day’s play saw a magnificent team performance in the field and some wondrous bowling from Ben Field (4 for 83) ably backed up by Steve Derksen, Jayram Vasudevan and Jon Pearce. The Lemmings total of 404 presented a challenging run chase and the Flanders men eagerly awaited their chance to have a dash on the second day of the match. The fast outfield and the prolific form of the top and middle order batsmen augured well for a thrilling day of batting on the second day.

Unfortunately, no play was possible on the second day of the final fixture due to Brisbane’s heavy January rain. As minor premiers the Ned Flanders men took home the trophy. The rain may have washed away the grand final but the decisive way in which the Flanders played in the regular season meant that the appropriate team won.

As the Churches competition now heads into its One Day fixture phase, it seems rea-

sonable to reflect back on an epic Two Day season by the men in the baggy maroon caps. Brendan Dillon’s incredible 270 not out stood as the highest score in the country for the season, until the Australian captain Michael Clarke peeled off his phenomenal 329 not out. The club was very proud that it took an international skipper to displace their man from the top of the tree. Club veteran and all round great bloke Andrew McMurtrie finally reached his maiden century after eleven seasons, to the great relief and excitement of his team mates. Dr Tom Dover’s return to full time participation after many years of medical studies has also been an invaluable addition to the team this season. He has quickly reclaimed his mantle as the most consistent batsman in the competition. With the ball, Ben Field and Stevie Derksen have shouldered their responsibility as spear heads in much the same way as Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus have led the Australian team this summer. Jon Pearce, Mick Menagh and Jayram Vasudevan have also chimed in with numerous vital bags of wickets. The unsung hero of the team is wicket keeper, Dan Roe who is always fastidiously neat behind the stumps and is the man who does all the vital off the field work to keep the club afloat.

As skipper, my most cherished aspect of the premiership has been the awesome team spirit that the team has demonstrated in so many tough situations this summer. There can be no doubt that team spirit wins tight games. The blend of old heads and the vitality of young blokes’ enthusiasm has

Running for health in India

been a winning combination, in much the same way that the Australian team has functioned this last few weeks.

As the Churches Competition rolls into the One Dayers, it will be great to keep an eye on the triangular tournament between Australia, India and Sri Lanka. All the Flanders boys are hoping Sachin Tendulkar can knock over his hundredth international century, and that they can wrap up the One Day silver ware to go with the T20 and Two Day trophies that they have already procured this season. This would be an unparalleled achievement in Churches Cricket history. The defence of the Flanders’ One Day title commences in the first week of February and climaxes in March. The Flanders are very appreciative that they can count on the loyal support of the Indian community and we hope we can report triumphant news next month.

• Dr Tommy Dover celebrates another batting milestone for the Ned Flanders XI

Two gold medals for India in Wrestling in USA NEW DELHI: India's Amit Kumar and Sushil Kumar (pictured) won a gold medal each in the Dave Schultz Memorial International Wrestling Tournament in the United States.

Amit won in the 55kg category wile Sushil bagged the yellow metal in 66kg free style.

Rahul Aware (55kg) and Praveen Rana (66kg) were the silver medal winners in free style event, being held at Colorado Springs.

Babita won bronze in 55kg in women's free style event. The Indian wrestling team was taking training with their USA coun-

terparts in combined training programme at Olympic Training Centre, Colorado Springs from January 11-31.

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• Rajpur, with school students from the Moravian Institute School, who had just been presented with their shirts after school

By Peter Lane Rai I VISIT India annually to conduct family and relational seminars.

Last year, I also took 25 Brisbane Running Festival 2011 T-shirts that were donated by IN TRAINING running club to encourage “running for health."

A small crowd was on the congested, narrow, Bangalore road on 24 September as the first In Training India runners went by at 7am.

Unfortunately, they had not gathered to encourage the two runners on this historic occasion, Samuel Reddy, aged 56, of Tamil background from Durban, South Africa, and myself. They were fascinated by the dead body of a young man in his 20’s, lying in a ditch, probably killed by a car on the narrow road or even murdered. Who knows!

What a stark reminder to Samuel and myself of how life is so vulnerable in India, especially for runners on roads jammed with traffic (and Call Trudi on 07 3356 0102

animals) that often overtake in the most hazardous situations. Running in India certainly toughens you up!

On World AIDS Day Dec 1st 2006, Samuel and others also did a 150km charity run that finished in Bangalore.

My wife and I had also encouraged recovering addicts at a Bangalore Rehabilitation Centre to involve exercise to overcome their problems. Some had never exercised in years as they were involved in a life of drugs and alcohol. I offered them a shirt if they would run with me.

They did!

I also ran with enthusiastic young people in Hyderabad and Dehra Dun who also received a shirt.

Hopefully this will improve their health and some will be great runners one day.

Thank you IN TRAINING for donating the shirts.

I will return to India later this year to continue the “Run for Health" programme. www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2012 — 39

40 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2012

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