Brisbane Indian Times - February 2019

Brisbane

Indian Times

TILE SAVERS 1st BIRTHDAY SALE MASSIVE STOCK CLEARANCE !!!

LARGE FORMAT 600x600 & 300x600 mm RECTIFIED EDGE GLAZED PORCELAIN TILES 1st QUALITY TILES over 100 choices from

A Division of Qld Multicultural Times

20 Robinson Road, Virginia

ONLY

Volume 15, Number 6 Saturday, February 9th, 2019

$14.90sqm up to $34.90sqm

Print Post Approved PP:424022 1724

As God is One, we respect all Religions

**FREE BRISBANE DELIVERY !!!**

Telephone: (07) 3865 6533 Fax: (07) 3865 5864 E-mail prod@indiantimes.com.au

(only for orders over 40sqm **conditions apply**)

Citizen of the Year 2019 - Umesh and Usha Chandra create history 20 ROBINSON ROAD, VIRGINIA. 4014. (next door to McDonalds on Sandgate Rd) We’re OPEN 7 DAYS !!!

Umesh and Usha Chandra receive the Citizen of the Year 2019 award from Lord Mayor Graham Quirk.

Pacific Logistics Australia

SENDING GOODS TO FIJI - PROVIDING A DOOR-TO-DOOR SERVICE

• Air Freight from $1.80/kg. Pick-up arranged on request.

• Sea Freight from $60/tea chest box with no documentation fees.

INTERSTATE SERVICES - MOVING PARCELS OF ANY SIZE WITHIN AUSTRALIA

• Pick-up and delivery all over QLD, Victoria, NSW, Perth & NT.

RELOCATION AND MOVEMENT OF YOUR HOUSEHOLD GOODS

• Relocation to your new house - we provide removals for all household items. Complete packaging and removals or only truck and driver - your choice.

%ü +#%/0% / ř1/0. (% ġ ŏ (( ĀąāĀ āĉĉ ćĀą "+. 1+0!/

HISTORY was created when Umesh and Usha Chandra were jointly awarded citizen of the year award by Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk.

Citizen of the year is the highest ranking award within the series, Umesh and Usha are not the first person of Indian origin to win the converted award, Dr Thakur Patel had previously won this award, but Umesh and Usha are the first couple to be jointly awarded.

Umesh and Usha Chandra are exceptional leaders within the Brisbane community. Not only do the husband and wife duo contribute significantly to the Indian community, generously giving their time to support migrants, but Umesh and Usha are also dedicated to supporting people from all backgrounds and religious groups.

By supporting numerous multicultural community events every year, Umesh and Usha have been able to strengthen the Continued on Page 4

From the Publisher May I begin by first thanking everyone for the messages of congratula ons on our joint award as a couple, we are humbled and honoured to have been awarded. The work that we do out in the community is not for any award, though it is encouraging to be awarded and recognised for the work that we do, it is not the reason for our community involvement it is something that is enshrined in us.

• Local News ...................................4-39 • Migration Matters ............................ 4 • Who, What, Where, When ....... 40, 48 • Health & Well Being ..................38-39 • Real Estate ....................................... 44 • India News ....................................... 42 • What’s On........................................ 50 • Business Directory/Classified......... 57 • Sport................................................. 54

The credit really goes to our parents from both sides who ins lled in us the community work, in fact we growing up we both used to meet at many func on that our parents were either organising or were involved with, so as I said before this is something we grew up with and since our childhood we have been func ons and events people.

During my speeches at many community events, I have emphasised that this award recognises our community, yes it has been awarded to us , but when you consider the popula on of Brisbane, and the number of community that make up that fabric , a couple from our community has been chosen, this should be a proud moment for our community.

It would be naïve to say that we are perfect, as humans everyone makes mistakes, and there is always room for improvement, we take on board the feedback, good and bad, everyone is en tled to their opinion, but above all is the truth which always wins.

My pledge to everyone is that if there is any doubt in your mind about anything please talk to me directly, any aspect that you may

need clarifica on on I am more than happy to talk to you directly. The ocean has water in abundance, one will bring back from it only the amount that he or she can fit in the vessel that he or she possesses.

Bhagwat Gita teaches us that when you are discharging your prescribed duty you have to do what is right and what is diligent, and you must do so with convic on and firm dedica on, one must not deviate from his or her duty for anyone, hard decisions need to taken, even if involves your own loved ones, remember duty comes first.

I must congratulate Prerna Pawa for her achievement award, another proud moment for our community, worthy recogni on of a hardworking individual.

Prerna has made a magnificent contribu on to several worthwhile causes over the years, including the Australian Red Cross and the Leukaemia Founda on Queensland.

Prerna has also worked relessly to raise awareness of the importance of bone marrow dona ons and stem cell research within ethnic communi es. She has focused on engaging with Australians from South

Brisbane

Indian Times A Division of Qld Multicultural Times

Published Monthly OWNERS / PUBLISHERS: Umesh & Usha Chandra ADVERTISING: Sugandh Chaturvedi prod@indiantimes.com.au JOURNALIST/ CORRESPONDENTS Ram Jattan (UK) / Thakur Ranjit Singh (NZ) Thilliar Varnakulasingham (NZ) Shalendra Prasad (Fiji) / Dhaval Vyas (India) Rama Gaind (Canberra) • ML. M. Nawaaz Ashrafi • Imam Muhammad Aslam • Pastor Joseph Dass • Haji Abdul Rahman Deen • Jitendra Deo • Nimisha Modi • Ranjita Pillai (Immigration Matters) • Peter Lane Rai • Awadhesh Sharma • Shailendra Singh • Gagan deep Tandon • Ravi Vastrad • Cartoon Corner: Merwyn Machado • Brian Sullivan (Photography)

From the Editor: If you would like us to publish your letters, feedback, comments on any of our stories or suggest ideas columns or features, please send your submissions to: Brisbane Indian Times Suite 1, 2281 Sandgate Road Boondall Qld 4034 or E-MAIL: prod@indiantimes.com.au

ADDRESS: Suite 1, 2281 Sandgate Road Boondall Qld 4034 PH: (07) 3865 6533 Fax: (07) 3865 5864 E-MAIL: prod@indiantimes.com.au Subscriptions: 12 months $40.00 (incl GST) 6 months $24.00 (incl GST) Brisbane Indian Times is a monthly newspaper published in English. No material, including advertisements designed by Brisbane Indian Times, may be reproduced in part or who without the written consent of the manager.

Opinions carried in Brisbane Indian Times are those of the writers and not necessarily endorsed by Brisbane Indian Times. Brisbane Indian Times will not be held liable for any advertising / editorial content - Advertisers supply/approve content therefore should any content be deemed inappropriate it is the advertisers responsibility. While every effort has been made to capture the true likeness to colour printing is an art and therefore we cannot guarantee an exact matching of product to image. Refund / Credit is not given as a result of the previous mentioned.

All correspondence should be addressed to: Brisbane Indian Times, PO Box 197, Taigum Qld 4018. PH: (07) 3865 6533 Fax: 3865 5864 /prod@indiantimes.com.au

RANIGA ACCOUNTANTS Registered Tax Agent

Contact: Pushpa Raniga p: (07) 3276 0084 or m: 0432 925 475 e: ranigaaccountants@yahoo.com 121 Waterbrooke Circuit, Drewvale Qld 4116 2 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019

Asia and South East Asia to encourage them to become bone marrow donors.

Moving away from the awards let’s look at Australia day, the debate con nues, my personal view is that the ma ers needs to be sorted out as soon as possible, this will only be possible with dialogue Government and our indigenous brothers and suites must come to a mutually accepted arrangement.

There is so much anger and hate out there that something is bound to happen if that growing force is not calmed down. I can see both of the argument, dialogue must take place now.

Another event on the 26th is Indian republic day celebra on, congratula ons to FICQ for once again organising the event at Sunpac, on the same not we must congratulate GOPIO Gold Coast for their organising Indian republic day celebra on in Gold Coast, a great effort for the first Indian republic day celebra on by GOPIO Gold Coast. The flag raising at Indian consulate office in Taringa was well a ended I am not aware of any public observance of Gandhi martyrs day in Brisbane, 30th January 1948 went along like any other day for Mahatma Gandhi, un l 5:17 pm when Nathuram Godse shot at him three mes in what was a well-planned and ul mately successful assassina on a empt. This year Gandhi jis 150th birth anniversary will be celebrated worldwide, India has a two year celebra on with many different events, quizzes etc. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken personal interest in the events of Bapu150# Well it is hard to believe January has already gone, and we are into Februarys already soon it will be Christmas as they say. Elec on shave been announced so brace your selves for the campaigns, it will be interes ng to see how it unfolds, I am not a big fan of the polls. There is a mixed reac on within the Indian community on Nikhil Reddys decision to contest the seat of Petrie under Pauline Hanson’s One Na on Party Banner, interes ng mes ahead for sure Well me to pen off now , un l next month Happy reading

BIT MAR. 2019 DEADLINES ADVERT BOOKING 27th February, 2019.

Call 07 3865 6533 or email: prod@indiantimes.com.au

We specialise in the following: G G G G G G

G G

Individual Tax Returns Taxation for all Entities Goods and Services - GST, BAS & IAS Bookkeeping and Accounting Services Tax Planning for Business Clients Registration of Companies, Trusts and Partnerships ABN, TFN, and GST Registrations JP Services Available

FIRST CONSULTANCY FREE FOR BUSINESS CLIENTS We are also open in the evenings and weekends

Individual tax returns from

70

$

We speak: English, Hindi and Gujarati

ACS Professional Year • Accredited by Australian Computer Society • Learn in Corporate Training Rooms • Great Student Amenities • High Quality Digital Learning Resources • Professional High Quality Experienced Trainers • Industry Standard Internship Placement • Monthly Intake • Easy payment plan • CBD Location – Close to Central Station • May be eligible for migration points towards permanent residence in Australia Program structure

Eligibility Criteria

- 45 weeks duration - Orientation - Communication & Performance in Australian Workplace - Entry & Advancement in Australian Workplace - Professional Australian IT internship for 12 weeks - ACS Professional Environment - Graduation

To qualify for the ACS Professional Year Program, you must have: - Completed an undergraduate or postgraduate award in Australia in ICT - Hold or applied for a 485 visa (either stream) - IELTS Score of 6 overall and no band less than 5

Indus Institute

Provider number 40811

Level 22, 127 Creek Street, Brisbane, Queensland 4000 Phone Email

Call 07 3865 6533

www.indiantimes.com

+61 7 3218 2740 info@indusinstitute.com.au

Fax Web

+61 7 3102 1249 www.indusinstute.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019 — 3

Professional Year Programs – Almost A Necessity Now DUE to the recent scores seen in the latest skills select rounds, it has almost become essential for most international students to enrol themselves and complete a Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) approved Professional Year Program (PYP). The PYP’ are also known as job ready programs, and they present an excellent opportunity for new graduates who have completed an Australian qualification in Information Technology, Accounting or Engineering to gain valuable skills and experience.

If PYP programs are undertaken at a quality institution and completed diligently by the students, then there is a significant potential for these programs to deliver an employment outcome to the students. A few leading providers of Job Ready Programs in Brisbane and have reported that many of their students who have undertaken a job ready program have got successful job outcomes out of this program. Providers in other cities have also reported similar outcomes from their programs.

Professional Year Program are stipulated as minimum 44 weeks in duration. These programs cover a range of topics including “Australian Workplace Culture” and “Australian Business Communications”. Post completing 32 weeks of face to face classes, the applicants are presented with an opportunity to complete a 12 weeks job placement with a reputed employer within their professional stream.

Job Ready Programs may also be beneficial for migration purposes. Upon successful completion, the PYP may be beneficial for: • An additional five points in the General Skills Migration Points Test; • Accountants & IT: the PYP is an additional to the requirement of 7 each in Academic IELTS or equivalent, if the accounting or IT students want to get a score that may make them eligible for invitation under Skills Select If you are a recent graduate or are close to finishing your qualification, take advantage

of a free consultation from Migration Guru about your General Skills Migration Points.

Migration Guru can provide accurate and personalised advice to assist you in planning your pathway toward Permanent Residency.

We can also give you an indicative calculation of where you are sitting with your points test and let you know what you can do to increase your points.

Migration Guru has assisted a vast number of clients for more than 13 years. We have more than 50 years of collective experience in the industry and a team of Migration Agents / Solicitors. With our vast experience and skills, we are able to provide accurate migration or legal advice based on our clients’ personal circumstances.

Our team may be contacted by via email on info at migrationguru.om.au or by calling 07 3036 3800. Readers are encouraged to follow us on Facebook for all the updates to Migration Law - https://www.facebook.com/ migrationguru/ Migration Guru Pty Ltd, Level 18, 127 Creek Street, Brisbane, QLD. Phone: 07 3036 3800 Migration Guru Pty Ltd, 31002, 27 Garden Street, Southport QLD. Phone: 07 5606 6160 Migration Guru Pty Ltd, Level 3, 85 Macquarie Street, Hobart TAS. Phone: 03 6281 8008 Migration Guru Pty Ltd, Level 5, 490 Northbourne Avenue, Dickson, ACT. Phone: 02 6109 9110 Migration Guru Pty Ltd, A144, Sector 8, Dwarka, New Delhi 110077, India Phone: + 91 84482 99277 Migration Guru Pty Ltd, 204, DLH Plaza, S.V. Road, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400058, India MARN 0324607, 1175591, 1382609, 1386041, 1683052 & 1466522. www.migrationguru. com.au Disclaimer: - The above article constitutes only generic information on migration issues, and does not constitute specific migration advice to any entity or individual.

Keeping the lid on strife WE all have faced moments when we can allow strife to come into our lives. It is something we all have, to deal with Pastor Joseph Dass no matter who we are. Yet we can learn to deal with it in a healthy, Godly way. Weather, you are struggling with it at work, in a relationship or marriage. You have, to realise that everyone is different. And when people do things different to us, it’s easy to get into conflict with them. The whole atmosphere can turn toxic and unpleasant to be in. This is because we have allowed strife to come in.

Strife is a spirit, and it needs your permission to come in. That means you have the power to say “no” to the spirit of strife and keep it away from you.

In the scriptures (Genesis 13 v 1-13), we read of Abraham and his nephew Lot, who had left Egypt and were living in Bethel. They had great possessions including flocks, herds, and tents. Soon after there was strife between the herdsmen of Abraham’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock, so, Abraham said to Lot, “Please let there be no strife between you and me and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen for we are a family.”

Then Lot moved towards the city, while Abraham moved towards the country. Thus, they separated to avoid strife.

Here are 3 things we can learn from this.

-Don’t wait, take the initiative.

Abraham didn’t say, “I’m not getting involved in this.” No, he realised that if unchecked, the strife between them could harm their relationship.

-Don’t worry about getting shortchanged; God will make it up to you. Abraham had every right to demand the best land for himself.

But instead of choosing strife he chose the route to peace. What Lot chose was all lost in the end, but what Abraham chose blessed all humankind.

-Discussion is better than argument. Argument is about who is right. Discussion is about what is right. Instead of arguing, Abraham decided to have a dialogue with his nephew.

If you are going to be all that God has called you to be, then you have, to learn to stay above strife. Instead of letting disagreements and arguments pull your relationships apart, look for common ground to keep the peace.

God bless you, Pastor Joseph Dass

4 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019

Citizen of the Year 2019- Umesh and Usha Chandra create history Continued from Page 1

connection between the city’s many cultures, promoting social harmony and multiculturalism in Brisbane.

Umesh and Usha were heavily involved in the construction of the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Roma Street Parkland in 2014.

As members of the Global Organisation for People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), both Umesh and Usha played an instrumental role from the beginning.

Mahatma Gandhi’s statue was unveiled during G20 with the Prime Minister of India in attendance.

Umesh has contributed to the Indian community in other significant ways.

Umesh has played an instrumental role in the honouring of the indentured Indian Labourers by hosting commemoration events.

He has used platforms such as the Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio to promote Brisbane as a welcoming and harmonious place to live. Umesh also volunteers at a Hindu Temple in Brisbane’s north.

Umesh is an Ambassador of White Ribbon, where he devotes many hours of his time to spreading the message of preventing domestic violence and mental illness in the community. In additional to his charity work, Umesh also volunteers in a social band, providing entertainment at numerous cultural events throughout the year, with the aim of fostering a love of arts throughout the culturally diverse community of Brisbane.

Usha is also a familiar figure in Brisbane’s Indian community, continuously volunteering her time to organise both social and fundraising events, including the India Day Fair that has become a feature of the Brisbane calendar.

Through her involvement in GOPIO, Usha has actively promoted networking and business events that have been essential in helping migrants to feel settled in the Brisbane community. Usha has also supported new migrants by inviting authorities, such as the Queensland Police Service, to join local community members at meetings. These meetings

aim to build good working relationships between the groups.

“Umesh and Usha are team players that make themselves available to everyone. They are role models for new migrants.”Nominator 2019 Lord Mayor’s Australia Day Award winners Citizen of the Year Umesh and Usha Chandra Young Citizen of the Year - Connor O’Grady Senior Citizen of the Year - Robyn Everest Australia Day Sports Award - Pamela O’Neill Australia Day Cultural/ Arts Award - Recovered Futures Art Exhibition Community Event of the Year - MacGregor Lions Health and Wellbeing Expo Green Heart Award Wolston and Centenary Catchments Inc Australia Day Achievement Awards: Charles and Tracy Alder, Robert Bailey, Ronald Baker, Simon Chong, Dane Christison, Kay Kane and Margaret Thomas, Stephen Papas, Prerna Pahwa, Tess Rowley, Cheryl Sullivan.

Your favourite Foreign Currency Exchange & Money Transfer brand

is rebranded to:

OUR SERVICES:

• Currency Exchange • Money Transfers • Business Remittances • Travel Card *Best Market Rates Guaranteed *Special Rates for Students and Pensioners Find the T&C's on our services @ www.unimoni.com/aus Call 07 3865 6533

FIND US AT: ROMA STREET Kiosk 1.2 Gr level, Brisbane Transit Centre, 151 - 171 Roma Street, Brisbane City, QLD 4000.

Ph: 07 3021 3001

GARDEN CITY Westfield, 1303A Logan Road, Upper Mount Gravatt QLD 4122. Ph: 07 3828 7301 www.indiantimes.com

SUNNYBANK Kiosk 7, Sunnybank Plaza, QLD 4109. Ph: 07 3452 2701 CHERMSIDE Westfield, 395 Hamilton Road, QLD 4032. Ph: 07 3634 3101 NORTH LAKES Westfield, Kiosk 22, Cnr Anzac Avenue & North Lakes Drive, North Lakes QLD 4509.

Ph: 07 3021 3001 THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019 — 5

Thailand revels in 2018 ‘Destination of the Year’ accolades

By Rama Gaind THE ‘Land of Smiles’ – Thailand - is a picturesque tropical getaway at any time of the year. Basking in the glory of winning numerous prestigious travel awards including two ‘Destination of the Year‘ honours, it’s a coveted mantle worn by Thailand.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is not only proud of all the awards it’s received during 2018, but it will now build on its remarkable success in raking in the awards.

A mix of modernity and tradition, the kingdom is one of the most popular destinations of south-east Asia - and it has a lot to offer. From the stunning temples built all over the country to luxurious islands in the south, from national parks full of vibrant wildlife to amazing world-renowned food.

With a population of 69 million, Thailand is amazing in every which way. From white sandy beaches and terrific hotels to historic temples and mouth-watering food, there’s simply too much on offer in this temperate paradise for visitors. No wonder the figures are rising; the number went up

Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River amid 4.4 hectares of greenery.

to 35 million in 2017. The figure looks positive this year.

‘Live’ to travel Only if you visit and explore, do you broaden your horizons. Once again on my recent visit to the capital, I had the opportunity to learn and grow, to stretch my limits and challenge myself and foster an appreciation of the city’s charms.

This ‘City of Angels’ is distinctive among its southeast Asian neighbours.

From the moment the Thai Airways International flight landed at Suvarnabhumi (meaning ‘Golden Land’) Airport, in Bangkok, arrival at customs was made easy, quick and hasslefree with assistance from representatives of Thailand Privilege Card. Friendly staff in courtesy vehicles picked us up, after we’d walked out of the plane, and whisked us through the terminal, safely taking us

to the immigration express lane.

When you arrive in the bustling capital, Bangkok continues to amaze. With a population of eight million, it’s clear that the city is embracing a modern lifestyle, high-rise buildings are endless, the flyovers are busy and the traffic is incessant.

Before taking up the itinerary to go exploring, hotel bookings are confirmed.

The first is waterfront luxury on Bangkok’s river of kings, Chao Phraya River. Located on the west bank amid 4.4 hectares of greenery, the Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort offers urban serenity twined with authentic discoveries.

On the agenda is some time to view iconic landmarks and dine on one of the many Manohra Cruises and uncover the real Bangkok with the Streetwise and Klong Gurus.

Tourist icons There’s so much to see and do in Bangkok, mostly historical attractions and temples with elaborate architecture and art. Famous temples are Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Wat Phu Khao Thong, Wat Ratchanadda, Wat Traimit, Wat Benchamabophit, Wat Bowon, and Wat Sutat.

There are also palaces, museums, parks, and a big array of shopping places, from luxury malls to flea and street markets like Chatuchak Weekend Market, Sampeng Market and Pahurat Textile Market.

Located in the heart, on the banks of Chao Phraya River, Bangkok’s glittering Grand Palace is a magnificent building and one of the most popular tourist attractions.

The sprawling 21.8-hectare complex has several buildings, halls gardens and courtyards that are a mustsee when touring Bangkok.

The swimming pool is not the only inviting attraction at Cham’s House Koh Kood Resort. Photo: Rama Gaind

It also covers the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho). This is the largest temple in Bangkok where the majestic statue of Buddha is 46 metres long.

One of the most famous landmarks of Bangkok, Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn, is a Buddhist temple (wat) located on the Thonburi west bank of Chao Phraya River.

Around the capital Many provinces surround Bangkok. If you venture

further afield to one of Thailand’s eastern-most islands of Koh Kood, you will be captivated by the undulating landscapes, beachside dining and the remarkable scenic views from the rooms and villas at Cham’s House Koh Kood Resort.

To paraphrase what former Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru said: “We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure”. Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder … when visiting ‘Amazing Thailand’!

Australian Shadow Minister Jason Clare launches IVI’s vision screening Campaign to benefit 200,000 children and adults OVER 200,000 children and adults will receive better vision care and eye health through India Vision Institute’s (IVI) vision screenings across India during 2019.

The campaign was launched in Delhi today by the Hon Jason Clare, Australia’s Shadow Minister for Trade and Investment and Shadow Minister for Resources and Norther Australia, in the presence of IVI CEO Vinod Daniel and Australian Labor Party (ALP) members Aisha Amjad and Harish Velji.

It will expand IVI’s ‘Eye See and I Learn’ and ‘Eye See and I Work’ programs across the country.

Mr Clare, who is Member of Parliament from Blaxland in south-western Sydney, said “I am happy to be launching the campaign by India Vision Institute that will make many visually

impaired children and adults see better.”

“I am impressed with the commendable work being undertaken by IVI in delivering vision health and care to underprivileged communities in India. IVI is an Australian-initiated charity in India and that makes me even more pleased to launch its campaign.”

Vinod Daniel said “I am very happy that the IVI initiative is being launched

by Mr Clare. Avoidable blindness is a major impediment to the overall health of the people and, over the past few years, IVI has made a good beginning to address the issue.”

“Through the campaign, IVI will be able to more than double the beneficiaries of our Eye See and I Learn and Eye See and I Work programs for the underprivileged across

6 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019

India.”

“Uncorrected refractive error remains a major cause of avoidable vision impairment and the second most common cause of blindness in India. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 39.3 million, including 1.6 million children in India, are blind or visually impaired due to uncorrected refractive error. Nearly 3/4th of a typical school day consists of reading and writing; the comprehension and performance of this is affected adversely by vision impairment. As with adults, wearing reading glasses was found to increase their productivity by 34% and income by 20%,” Mr Daniel added.

“The campaign will provide free spectacles to individuals identified with uncorrected refractive

errors following vision screenings”, Mr Daniel noted.

IVI has so far conducted 422 vision screening programs in and around Chennai and other cities in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Pondicherry, West Bengal, New Delhi, Haryana and Mizoram.

Over 1, 76,376 individuals from the underprivileged communities (including over 1, 28,549 children) were screened and free spectacles were distributed to 22,813 individuals (including 11,984 children).

About India Vision Institute (IVI): India Vision Institute (IVI) is an independent, not-for-profit registered trust established in 2012. It is focused on supporting and promoting eye health awareness, research, education and

technological development in Indian Optometry to advance capacity in vision correction, and prevention of eye disease and blindness.

(www.indiavisioninstitute. org).

For queries, contact Shekhar Nambiar, +91 9810 154 167.

Call 07 3865 6533

www.indiantimes.com

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019 — 7

Hanuman – The Reliever of Distress Shree Hanuman is one of the most popular deities in Hinduism. He is a servant and devotee of lord Ram. He rendered invaluable services to Ram and achieved vital results. Ram as well as other deities granted Hanuman boons that gave him divine status. He is adored for his power to inspire his followers to achieve success, become fearless and handle distress. He is known as Sankat Mochan, literally translated into “the reliever of distress.”

Hanuman is described as Shankar Suwan, the son of lord Shiva; Pavan Putra, the son of wind god Vayu; Keshari Nandan, the son of Vanar, monkey warrior Keshari. Anjana, a female monkey, gave birth to Hanuman. The term Shankar Suwan relates to the period of churning of the cosmic ocean.

Following the distribution of nectar by Mohini, a form of lord Vishnu, Shiva’s seed was transplanted into Anjana’s womb and Hanuman was born. With reference to Pavan Putra, the story relates to Anjana performing penance to successfully please the wind god Vayu. Through his contact with Anjana, Hanuman was born. According to another story, Anjana was wedded to Keshari in a normal way, and from their union Hanuman was born and hence became known as Keshari Nandan.

Other legends relating to Hanuman’s birth are also cited.

According to a story in Anand Ramayan, during the ceremony for begetting sons, king Dasarath distributed kheer, a sweet milk - rice preparation, offered as blessing by the fire god to his queens. At that very moment, a kite bird stole a part of the kheer from queen Kakeyi and flew away.

However, the kheer being hot, the kite could not swallow it, and dropped it from its beak. The kheer fell in the lap of Anjana, who was praying for a son on a hill at that time.

Considering the kheer as divine blessing, she ate it and subsequently gave birth to a boy who later became known as Hanuman. According to this version of events, Hanuman is considered a brother of Ram, who was also born as a result of a part of the same kheer eaten by his mother Kaushalya.

Another legend relates to Hanuman as an incarnation of Shiva’s eleventh part. Originally all eleven Rudras, atmospheric deities, were integrated into Shiva as his heads.

The demon king Ravan pleased Shiva with his immense penance and obtained Shiva’s ten heads from him. Shiva was left with a single head. During Ram’s time on earth, Shiva took birth as Hanuman to help him destroy Ravan and witness the release of the ten Rudras.

Hanuman’s childhood name was Sundar, beautiful. The fifth canto of the Ramayan, which is mostly dedicated to endeavours of Hanuman, is titled Sundar Kand.

Sundar was a beautiful as well as a very strong child. Once he was asleep in a cave while his mother was searching for food outside. Suddenly he woke up feeling very hungry.

He came out of the cave and saw the sun in the sky, which looked paler than normal due to the effect of a solar eclipse at that time. He devoured the sun assuming it to be an orange fruit, causing an imbalance in the natural process.

Indra, the head of deities, became very angry and hurled his weapon Vajra, the thunderbolt at Sundar. The sun popped out of Hanuman’s mouth but Sundar’s Hanu, chin was injured. Sundar’s injury caused a serious commotion among the deities. Lord Brahma intervened to help resolve the conflict. According to the deal, Sundar injury was to be cured. Henceforth, Sundar became known as Hanuman, referring to his cured chin. He was to become so strong that

his body will be like Vajra. The name Vajrangbali relates to this event. He was blessed to become immortal and no force would conquer him. Lord Surya, the sun, was to become his teacher to impart knowledge to him of all branches of learning.

In due course, Hanuman became a very learned person. He was strong and naughty in his childhood. He used to play pranks on sages in the forest. An angry sage once cursed him stipulating that Hanuman would forget his strength and abilities. Upon the request from his mother Anjana, the sage modified the curse as follows: if somebody reminded him of his strength and abilities at an appropriate moment, then Hanuman’s knowledge of them would be restored. This amendment played a key part during his search for Devi Sita, the wife of Ram in the Ramayan.

Hanuman played important roles in events of the Ramayan.

He acted as an adviser to the exiled Vanar king Sugreev and was instrumental in establishing Sugreev’s friendship with Ram. It was Hanuman whom Ram gave his ring to show as a token to Sita, while she was held captive by the demon king Ravan. Hanuman crossed the sea by flying over it, landed in Lanka, met Sita and devastated the city by burning it.

During the life threatening injury sustained by both brothers Ram and Laxman from Nagpaas, a serpent’s net, deployed by Meghnaad, the Ravan’s son, Hanuman arranged for Garuda, the eagle bird, to arrive, and rescue the brothers. Hanuman brought Sanjivani Buti, a life-giving herb from the Himalaya to cure Laxman when Shakti Baan, the powerful arrow, discharged by Meghnaad had critically injured him. Hanuman killed Kaalnemi, a deceptive demon, who obstructed his travel to the Himalaya. Hanuman was so powerful that he brought the herb along with the mountain to avoid delays in identifying it. Hanuman also recovered

both Ram and Laxman when they were kidnapped and imprisoned in the netherworld by the demon Ahiravan.

For his help in finding and eventually rescuing Sita, and extensive other services, Ram felt thankful to Hanuman. He acknowledged that there was none, among the gods, men or any other bodied beings, to whom he was as gratefully obliged as to Hanuman. He blessed Hanuman with immortality. Hanuman would be acknowledged wherever and whenever Ram’s pastimes were deliberated. Sita, also recognising his help, blessed Hanuman with immortality and immunity from old age, and that he would become a treasure of humane qualities and receive unlimited affection from Ram. Hanuman suffused his whole body with Sindur, vermillion paste to express his devotion to Ram. He cut open his chest to show the portrait of Ram and Sita in his heart. Generally Hanuman is depicted as a monkey, but scholars believe that he was a member of ancient human inhabitants living in the forest.

Hanuman has also played roles in the Mahabharata.

He remained positioned on the flag of Arjun’s chariot to motivate him to fight and achieve victory. In another episode, Hanuman met Bhim, the second Pandav brother, and helped him reject his arrogant behaviour.

Hanuman, being an incarnation of Shiva and ardent devotee of Ram, a Vishnu incarnation, has played a significant role in uniting Shaivites and Vaishnavites, two major sects of Hinduism.

Hanuman is described as a bachelor, however a son named Makardhwaj was born to him from his sweat through the womb of a fish. Makardhwaj helped Hanuman to free Ram and Laxman from the prison of Ahiravan.

Other Indian origin religions and many Asian countries have adapted Hanuman in their folklore, texts and cultures.

A Hanuman-like character in the Chinese epic “Journey to the West” has played a key role in bringing Buddhist scriptures from India to China.

Hanuman Chalisa and Hanuman-astak are popular verses glorifying Hanuman. Vajrang Baan, another poem is also dedicated to Hanuman. Hanuman Chalisa is well known for removing fear for people of all ages. Its’ chanting also destroys distress and provides inspiration to achieve success.

It is believed that Hanuman was born on the full moon day in the lunar month of Chaitra (March/April). This date is celebrated as Hanuman Jayanti. The 14th day of the dark fortnight of Kartik month is also celebrated as Hanuman Jayanti. A bamboo pole with a flag displaying the picture of Hanuman is raised on Hanuman Jayanti to celebrate his birthday. In some regions, the flag raising ceremony is performed on Ram Navami day, Ram’s birthday. Tuesdays and Saturdays are dedicated to Hanuman and devotees visit Hanuman temples on these days to seek his blessings.

Hanuman’s statues are found in almost all Hindu temples.

A number of special temples are dedicated specifically to Hanuman across India. Notably, these include the Sankat Mochan temple in Varanasi, Mahavir temple in Patna and Hanuman Garhi temple in Ayodhya.

More information on Hinduism will follow in the next edition of BIT. Awadhesh Sharma.

Indian Seniors keeping Fit! ALL US of Indian origin enjoyed India beating Australia in the Test Cricket Match series and the One Day Internationals.

Playing sport and keeping fit is an important part of life.

During the cricket matches our correspondent Peter Lane Rai, aged 72, was keeping fit by canoeing, on the Clarence River in northern NSW, five hours drive from Brisbane.

What a beautiful area, full of cane fields, rivers and farms . Canoeing is a good way to keep fit especially as, when we get older, we are less mobile and so should avoid impact sports that damage our body.

I, with six other adults, including my adult daughter and two young boys, started our two day trip by camping overnight at Cangai Bridge.

We had to take all our tents, personal belongings,food and drinks, with us though boiling the river water made it safe to drink or cook with .

The first day was a five hour, 25 km canoe from Cangai and again we camped overnight. The river level was just high enough to avoid hitting many of the rocks and other obstacles. Only two canoes after hitting rocks, took in water but this was easily removed.

Our biggest challenge was in a gorge , too narrow to

8 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019

canoe.We had to unload ,then carry our canoes and equipment 400 metres ,before relaunching. This took us one and a half tiring hours in the hot sun .

Nights were spent sitting cooking around the fire under a magnificent star filled sky and mornings we woke to the wonderful sound of kookaburras and other birds.

The final beautiful 10km stretch of the Clarence was through, the “water garden “with plants growing from rocky outlets surrounded by volcanic rocks before finishing and camping at the Gorge Station.

So keep fit in 2019 by canoeing!

PROFESSIONAL TEACHER & EDUCATION SPECIALIST Our teachers are all highly skilled and fully qualified with qualifications approved by the Queensland Department of Education and Training. They each have years of teaching experience in leading selective, private and public schools.

Exam Preparation Course Year 5 & Year 6 • Brisbane State High School • Private School Scholarships • Queensland Academy The exam format will be very similar to ACER Exam.

It's fun, innovative and time worthy!!!

Practice, Learn and Succeed!!!

Call 07 3865 6533

www.indiantimes.com

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019 — 9

Science and Technology in Ancient India

By Dhaval Vyas, Ahmedabad, India

Ancient flush toilet systems (2500 BC)

INDIA is a fascinating country with a very long history. The earliest evidence of its civilization dates back about 6000 years.

Throughout that time, Indians invented many things. Their discoveries, especially in mathematics, astronomy, and medicine, have had a profound impact on the rest of the world. While it is impossible to catalogue all their achievements, here is a quick run-down that highlights their most important findings.

Another feature of the Indus Valley Civilization was water-flushed toilets. Both in Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, almost every home had a flush toilet, connected to a sophisticated sewage system.

Stressing the indebtedness of the Western world to this field Prof.

A.L. Basham says: “Most of the great discoveries and inventions of which Europe is so proud would have been impossible without a developed system of mathematics and this in turn would have been of impossible if Europe had been shackled by the unwieldy system of Roman numerals. The unknown man who devised the new system was from the world’s point of view, after the Buddha, the most important son of India.

His achievement, though easily taken for granted, was the work of an analytical mind of the first order, and he deserves much more honour than he has so far received”.

Sushruta Samhita, The Oldest Medical And Surgical Book Written during the 6th century BC, the Sushruta Samhita contains 183 chapters with descriptions of 1,125 illnesses, 750 medicinal plants, 64 preparations from mineral sources and 60 preparations based on animal sources. Its author Sushruta is also considered to be the first ever human to perform medical surgeries on humans. The book also has vast details on embryology, human anatomy, along with instructions for venesection, the positioning of the patient for each vein, and the protection of vital structures. The oldest documented evidence for 9000 years for the drilling of human teeth of a living person was found in Mehrgarh along with the evidences of orthopedic surgeries.

Cataract Surgery.

The first cataract surgery is said to have been performed by the ancient Indian physician Sushruta, way back in 6th century BCE. To remove the cataract from the eyes, he used a curved needle, Jabamukhi Salaka, to loosen the lens and push the cataract out of the field of vision. The eye would then be bandaged for a few days till it healed completely. Sushruta’s surgical works were later translated to Arabic language and through the Arabs, his works were introduced to the West.

Decline of Sciences: translation of the same excerpt reveals the distance that Hanuman travelled.

1 Yuga = 12000 years. 1 Sahsra Yuga = 12000000 years. Also, 1 Yojan = 8 miles.

Hence, “Yug Sahsra Yojana”, the first 3 words mean 12000*12000000*8 = 96000000 miles or 153,600,000 kilometers.

Interestingly, the actual distance from earth to sun is 152,000,000 kms. Bafflingly, there’s error of just around 1%.

Speed Of Light:

While history credits Copernicus for proposing the heliocentric model of our solar system, it was the Rig Veda that first noted the central placement of the sun and other planets orbiting it in the solar system.

Sun moves in its orbit which itself is moving. Earth and other bodies move around sun due to force of attraction, because sun is heavier than them: RIG VEDA 1.164.13 The sun moves in its own orbit but holding earth and other heavenly bodies in a manner that they do not collide with each other through force of attraction: RIG VEDA 1.35.9

Sayana, a vedic scholar from the 14th century once said, “With deep respect, I bow to the sun, who travels 2,202 yojanas in half a nimesha.” A yojana is 9 miles; a nimesha is 16/75 of a second. Therefore, 2,202 yojanas x 9 miles x 75/8 nimeshas = 185,794 miles per second or 2,99,000 kilometers per second. That’s astonishingly close to the real ‘scientifically-proven’ 3,00,000 kilometers per second figure. It’s often believed that his source was none other than the Vedas.

They knew the exact length of the year Ancient Indians used 4 ways to measure the length of a year namely ‘Nakshatra’, ‘Savana’, ‘Lunar’ and ‘Saura’. Saura was one method based on the tropical zodiac that defines the seasons: equinoxes, solstices, year-halves, and months in relation to the six seasons. As unbelievable as it sounds, Saura estimates the length of a year to be exactly 365 days, 6 hours 12 mins and 30 seconds.

Iron Cased Rockets [Ancient Missiles]

First Ones To Measure The Circumference Of Earth

The first iron-cased rockets were developed in the 1780s by Tipu Sultan of Mysore who successfully used these rockets against the larger forces of the British East India Company during the Anglo-Mysore Wars. He crafted long iron tubes, filled them with gunpowder and fastened them to bamboo poles to create the predecessor of the modern rocket. With a range of about 2 km, these rockets were the best in the world at that time and caused as much fear and confusion as damage. Due to them, the British suffered one of their worst ever defeats in India at the hands of Tipu Sultan.

Sadly, the Greeks enjoy the credit for this discovery while it was actually Aryabhata, who deduced a formulation proving that the Earth is rotating on an axis. Then, by estimating the value of pi to be 3.1416, he concluded that the circumference of Earth was approximately 39736 kilometers. The actual circumference of Earth, as deduced by scientists today, is 40,075 kilometers.

Existence of Solar System

Hanuman Chalisa’ Precisely Calculates The Distance Between Earth And Sun: “Yug sahasra yojana par bhanu, leelyo taahi madhura phal jaanu” The above excerpt is from the Hanuman Chalisa and translates to: ‘When Hanuman travelled thousands of kilometers to swallow it thinking of it as a fruit’. The word-to-word

Invention of Sugar Almost 3,000 years ago, Indians came across a plant called sugarcane that probably originated in New Guinea. They noticed that this plant tasted sweet. To use it as a sweetener in their cooking, they ground sugarcane stalks to extract the juice. Once that was done, they then boiled down the sugary liquid to yield sugary solids. The sugary solids looked like gravel but tasted sweet. This was what we later called brown sugar. For a while, brown sugar was the best kept secret in India. But that changed after the invasion of the Persian emperor,

10 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019

Darius. When Darius attacked India in 510 B.C., his army stumbled upon this wonderful invention. As Darius and his men had been accustomed to sweetening their food with honey, they were surprised to find that there was another alternative out there. They were quoted as describing the sugarcane as “a reed that gives honey without bees.” Though the Persians learned about sugarcane and brown sugar, they did not spread the knowledge to other parts of the world. They and the Indians exported brown sugar as a luxury product and a medicine. They made a lot of money! Their monopoly on sugar production finally came to a halt after the Arabs invaded Persia in 642 A.D. The Arabs learned the secret and made it free to the public!

Invention of Cotton: Besides sugar, ancient Indians were also credited for being the first people in the world to grow cotton. As far back as 4,500 years ago, they began cultivating cotton in the Indus Valley in present-day Pakistan.

They dug ditches and canals to irrigate their farms. After they harvested their crop, they used a simple wooden spinning wheel to weave it into beautiful cloth. For centuries, India’s cotton and China’s silk were among the most popular goods on the trading routes between Asia and Europe.

Eventually, India learned the silk-making technique from China and, thus, became a textile powerhouse.

Weighing scale (2400BC) The earliest existence of weighing scales also date back to between 2400 BC-1800 BC in the Indus valley civilization, where balances were used to compare measure and compare goods in trade.

Crucible steel (200BC) Historians now know that by at least 200 BC (a conservative estimate) South India was producing high quality steel, using a method Europeans would later call the crucible technique. Wrought iron, charcoal, and glass were mixed together and heated until the iron melted and absorbed the carbon, forming high grade steel.

Ruler (2400 BC) Areas of the Indus Valley Civilization in both now-Pakistan and Western India have had rulers of ivory uncovered from ruins.

One such specimen was even calibrated to 1/16 of an inch—less than 2 millimeters.

Tese kinds of rulers were clearly very prominent, as even bricks of the valley’s buildings were found to follow the same measurements.

Though the various sciences continued to flourish during earlier times, they started declining after the 12th’ century A.D. After this period the Indian intellect tended to become more imitative rather than original.

This intellectual stagnation in science was due to a number of factors.

In the first place, this decline was due to change in the mental make up to the Indian scholars who lacked humility and freedom of thought which was enjoyed by the earlier scholars.

This point has been rightly emphasised by Alberuni when he says, “They are haughty, foolish, vairi, stolid and self-conceited.

According to their beliefs, there is no country on earth but theirs, no other race of men but theirs, and no created beings besides them that have any knowledge of salience whatever. Their haughtiness is such that if you tell them of any science or scholar in Khurasan or Persia they think you to be both an ignoramus and a liar. If they travelled and mixed with other nations, they would soon change their mind, for their ancestors were not so narrow-minded.”

Secondly, the revival of Brahmanism also contributed to some extent to neglect of sciences like medicine. The neo-Brahmins in their zeal to overthrow everything that was Buddhist, neglected the practical sciences, medicine and surgery which was very popular with the Buddhists. As a result the science of medicine and surgery greatly declined between the period 1200 A.D. to 1900 A.D. Thirdly, with the coming of the Muslims to India the free spirit of enquiry and scientific progress suffered a setback. Islam laid great emphasis on blind obedience to the spiritual leaders and free thinking was not encouraged.

Furthermore, the Muslims attacked the various Buddhist monasteries at places like Udahtapura and Vikramsila (which were great centres of science of medicine) and killed a large number of Buddhist monks. A large number of these monks also fled away to other parts like Nepal, South India and Burma.

As a result the progress of science was greatly checked. The people could not devote themselves to the pursuit of science due to unsettled conditions and lack of sense of security.

It is well known that science can flourish only under peaceful and prosperous conditions. But the foreign invasions, exploitation, political conflicts, dynastic wars etc. left the country politically as well as economically unsuitable for the pursuit of scientific knowledge.

Call 07 3865 6533

www.indiantimes.com

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019 — 11

From Republic Day to Beating the Retreat: Some personal reflections

By Indrani Ganguly

AS A child, two of my favourite celebrations were the Republic Day celebrations on 26th of January ending with Beating the Retreat on the 29th of January in New Delhi commemorating India’s transition to a republic. It was difficult to attend these after coming to Australia as we had to return from our annual visit before the school holidays finished on the 26th. However, on the last two visits over 20172018, I was able to watch both ceremonies live, revisit my childhood memories and also note the changes that mark the contemporary celebrations.

I remembered that Republic Day celebrations on the morning of the 26th of January have always been marked by not only a show of military power, but also colourful floats demonstrating India’s diverse culture and priorities like education and environment.

Most notably for me in 2017 was the presence of women in non-traditional roles. The parade included all-women contingents of each of the three wings of the Indian Armed Forces— the Army, Navy and Air Force—marching down the main boulevard, Rajpath.

A woman officer, Wing Commander Puja Thakur

led the guard of honour to welcome the chief guest, US President Barack Obama at Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s Residence).

Thakur in response to questions about her experiences, was reported to have said she was an officer first and a woman second.

Indian women’s rights activists stress that the symbolic importance of the all-woman contingents and guard of honour cannot be overstated. These activists do not deny the deep-rooted gender inequities in all branches of the military as well as the wider Indian society, but they also stress there is also a need to portray women as agents of change to provide some positive role models for women (and men).

These sentiments certainly resonate for me given we have to constantly

battle widespread media images of Indian women as being nothing more than victims. Being a historian and sociologist, I would like to highlight that the current regiments also link to a largely unknown part of India’s history.

How many Indians know Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s pro-freedom Indian National Army (INA) set up the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, one of the few all female combat regiments of the war?

To our delight, in 2018, the parade also included Seema Bhawani, the all-women Border Security biker troupe which performed breathtaking stunts in gravity-defying formations and added a touch of humour as well!

As in my childhood, the Republic Day celebrations attracted huge enthusiastic crowds of all backgrounds,

Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ) celebrates India Australia Day THE India-Australia day celebration on 26 January is one of the key functions that the Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland Inc. (FICQ) organizes to commemorate a unique double celebration.

Australia Day is the official National Day of Australia.

Celebrated annually on 26 January, it marks the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the first fleet of British ships at Port Jackson, New South Wales, and the raising of the flag of Great Britain at Sydney Cove by Governor Arthur Phillip. In presentday Australia, celebrations reflect the diverse society and landscape of the nation and are marked by community and family events, reflections on Australian history, official community awards, and citizenship ceremonies welcoming new members of the Australian community.

On 26 January, India celebrates becoming a republic with a formalized constitution that came into force on 26 Jan 1950.

This year the Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ) organized the event at

genders and ages. I was pleasantly surprised to learn from an elderly couple from Sydney sitting next to me that they had been advised by friends not to miss the Republic Day celebrations.

When I asked what they thought of the crowds, the lady replied: ‘It’s no worse than New Year’s Eve celebrations in Sydney and isn’t it great to see all these young women!’

The ceremony of Beating the Retreat has historic roots. In ancient India, the the blowing of conch shells or the playing of ‘turhi’ at sunset meant that the battle was called off for the day.

Over a period of time, the conch shells were replaced by the bugle. Bugles and drums were preferred as they could clearly be heard over the din and noise of battle.

The modern Beating the Retreat held on the afternoon of 29th January, marks the end of the Republic Day celebrations.

Riders on camels stand at attention on the ramparts of Rashtrapati Bhawan. We thought it was quite a feat to keep the camels still given their reputation for being fiercely independent, while units of the armed forces played various pieces of music.

When I was a child, these were mostly Western tunes. This has changed radically over the years. In

2018, the music comprised many genres of Indian music: patriotic songs, national songs, folk songs and even Indian classical pieces and Indian film hits!

The only Western tune to be performed was ‘Abide with me’ which was one of Gandhiji’s favourites, and remains a favourite for many of us.

Oddly, enough there were no women at the Delhi Beating the Retreat, although I was advised the daily Beating the Retreat ceremony at the Wagah border with Pakistan has been led by two reportedly formidable women soldiers from the Border Security Force (BSF) since 2010 from the all-woman BSF training camp near Hoshiarpur, Punjab. I remembered reading a comment by defence analyst and military

historian, Mandeep Singh Barwa: ‘A veteran Pakistani officer had once jokingly asked me: ‘What does India feed these women? They brook no nonsense, not even jocular comments from our men!” Perhaps we’ll see the BSF officers next time we attend the ceremony in New Delhi.

As the sun dipped and the evening breezes sprang up, on the dot at 6 p.m., the bugles called the retreat sound, the Indian National flag was lowered and the National anthem was sung in musical harmony. The silhouetted camel riders moved away from the background. Then magically, the evening was lit with the illumination of Rashtrapati Bhavan and the surrounding buildings, the collective flashing of thousands of mobiles and the smiles of young and old.

Pacific Governments and Civil Society Leaders Seek “Spreading a Culture of Peace”

Sunpac, 470 McCullough St, Sunnybank QLD 4109.

The celebration included cultural items, a very well documented power point presentation, speeches and of course fine Indian cuisine. President Ram Mohan had just come back from India for this event, together with his committee they did a wonderful job The event was attended

12 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019

by Commissioner of police, Honorary Counsel for India in Queensland, Mrs Archana Singh, and Councillor Steven Huang.

Councillor Kim Marx, Councillor Angela Owen, GOPIO Queensland president Vinita Khushal, GOPIO Gold Coast officials, newly awarded Citizen of the year 2019 –Umesh and Usha Chandra

ON 19TH of February, the Peace Summit of Pacific Leaders will be held at Parliament of New South Wales organized by an international peace NGO under the UN ECOSOC named Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL).

This summit has the theme of “ 2019 Pacific Leaders Summit for Peace : Center of Spreading Culture of Peace Beyond Ethnicity and Borders” with participants including political leaders of the PIF member states and the HWPL representatives including Chairman Man Hee Lee, a Korean peace activist and Korean War veteran.

Participants will discuss the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) to promote a culture of peace in the Pacific region. The DPCW was drafted by HWPL and international law experts and UN officials to establish peace as a global norm through international cooperation and active participation of citizens, and ensure the realization of rights to the development

of nations in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

According to HWPL, along with strategic partnership with African Union (AU) through an MOU with Pan-African Parliament (PAP) in AU for international cooperation in peacebuilding, the summit is expected to further receive support from governments and social leaders in AsiaPacific countries.

“Our approach to peace has a foundation in the power of people. About 1.73 million people, 631 events in 176 countries, have taken part in the Legislate Peace Campaign to advocate the DPCW to be discussed by states and international organizations, raise awareness of peacebuilding by civil society, and ultimately promote a culture of peace through participation of people transcending language, ethnicity, culture or national border,” said Mr. Ian Seo, General Director of Department of Public Relations, HWPL.

Do you have family visiting from overseas?

Get them health cover from Allianz Global Assistance, the international health experts.

Visit allianzassistancehealth.com.au/indiantimes

Overseas Visitor Health Cover is arranged and managed by AWP Australia Pty Ltd ABN 52 097 227 177 trading as Allianz Global Assistance and is underwritten by Peoplecare Health Limited ABN 95 087 648 753. Waiting periods, exclusions, limitations and terms and conditions apply. Visit our website for Policy Documents.

Call 07 3865 6533

www.indiantimes.com

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019 — 13

Enthusiastic Indian-Aussie is One Nation’s candidate for Petrie ONE NATION MEDIA RELEASE YOU’D be hard pressed to find someone as enthusiastic and excited to be an Australian as Nik Aai Reddy.

His big smile and bright eyes are complimented by his relaxed and welcoming vibe, as he interacts enthusiastically with locals enjoying the afternoon sea breeze at the Redcliffe Pier.

Nik has been selected as One Nation’s candidate for Petrie, which is centred on Redcliffe but also takes in areas like Deception Bay, Mango Hill and down to Brisbane suburbs Bracken Ridge and Aspley.

His desire to step into the public sphere is motivated by what he sees as the poor form of the major political parties, along with his desire to contribute to addressing the needs of Petrie residents and the rest of Australia “I’ve been following politics for some time, and what I believe is that the major parties – Labor and Liberals – they’ve just failed to listen to Australians,” Nik says.

“I live in Fitzgibbon, we built our first house there, and I commute to the city, I catch the public transport

– the train, that’s the only public transport – and I can see the problems every day on my way to work.

“I decided that One Nation seems to be looking towards the people, and especially putting people before politics, and Pauline Hanson is the only person who talks about the key issues – I decided I need to back her up, so that’s how I got involved.”

Already Nik has been winning over locals with his easy enthusiastic nature and hardworking attitude.

“It is a tough job, but I have covered all the suburbs in the electorate, I’ve done the road-siding, and I have just started doorknocking and letterbox dropping myself, so I get an opportunity to talk to the people,” he says.

“I like it, I really enjoy it, I like looking into the eyes of the people, especially when I’m doing road-siding; I really enjoy it, that’s my passion.

“Just being in the suburbs and visiting other places in the electorate, there’s so many issues that we are facing – so I want to make a difference.”

So far, local voters have raised a wide range of concerns with Nik, from

major infrastructure shortcomings in the area, poor public transport, congestion and local population growth, and fears of overcrowding at local schools and hospitals, through to more-technical concerns about Family Law, immigration, security of fuel supply, and poor royalties demanded by governments for exported raw materials.

“We are missing out on so much money that could have been invested for our infrastructure or for our homeless people,” he explains.

And, as is difficult not to notice, Nik also happens to be of Indian heritage, something that might strike some as odd given the racist allegations often levelled at One Nation, but he actually truly epitomises what it is to be fair dinkum Australian.

“Some people say it’s unusual but it’s not unusual; I love this country, and I think I’ve got the right to join any party, and I believe One Nation is the only party that talks for the people and does things for the people, and raises issues that are required by the people,” he explains.

Nik is a migrant who arrived on a student visa,

worked basic jobs while he studied hard, but has gone on to successfully build a good life here with an important job and a beautiful young family. And today he is a proud Australian citizen.

“My first job was a kitchen hand, washing dishes and cutting vegetables, I loved it, because everything is a learning opportunity, and then work as a security guard working in the hospitals, guarding the patients, guarding buildings.”

Today he is employed as a Test Manager for the Department of Housing and Public Works.

“I’ve loved every aspect of my life here, and everyday

Australians – whether a tradesman or working in an office – I can understand their problems, so that’s why it’s been a great opportunity for me; I’ve learned and now I can see where it can improve, and it has all contributed to my role as a candidate.

“I love Australia and, like any other Australian, I have faced adversity, but it’s all about taking it and moving forward, it’s really important.”

Australia has suffered badly in recent years as a result of constant infighting in the Liberal Government and a Labour Opposition that also leaves much to be

desired. Satisfaction with the two major parties is constantly falling; many Australians are disgruntled and losing hope.

However, Nik believes One Nation can provide the strong genuine leadership that can turn Australia around.

“I believe we’ll do pretty well in the coming election, because there’s no-one out there listening to the people and their issues,” he says.

“We are actually trying to really address what people want, that’s the reason we say, ‘We have the guts to say what people are thinking’.”

New Indian Grocery Store in Fitzgibbon

FITZGIBBON A new Indian Grocery store call “ Naman Indian Grocery & Street Foods “opened in the North side suburb of Fitzgibbon. The store will carry a variety of Indian, Nepalese, Sri Lankan, Fijian, Malaysian and Singaporean groceries and spices.

14 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019

Apart from the grocery and spices the store will also serve freshly prepared Indian Street foods such as Idly, Sambar, chutney etc. Naman Indian Gorcery and Street Foods is situated at 524 Rogan Road , Fitzgibbon and will open seven days from 9am till 9pm.

Contact Dipak Maharaj

Contact Juby Antony

0458 073 271

0410 446 127

dipak@absbrisbane.com Licenced Broker Number 4209221

juby@absbrisbane.com

We sell businesses - that’s what we do

Licenced Broker Number 4072736

TIME TO SELL YOUR BUSINESS? • Personalised Care to Customise your Goals • Experienced and Expert in Business Sales • In-House Business Valuers • Free Business Appraisal • REIQ and AIBB Accredited • Award Winning • Effective and Result-Oriented Selling Plans

LOOKING TO BUY A BUSINESS? • Over 250 Businesses listed. •Trusted advisor.

• Full service support.

TOP LISTINGS VARIETY DISCOUNT SHOP BUSINESS FOR SALE. REF: #3668 - IPSWICH Opportunity • Trading since June 2012 • Trading hours - 8am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 9am to 4pm on Sunday • Opposite to Woolworths Asking Price $80,000 + SAV

HIGH MARGIN HOMEWARES, GIFT AND VARIETY RETAIL STORE BUSINESS FOR SALE. REF: #9184 BRISBANE CITY Opportunity • Located in a popular shopping centre anchored by a major supermarket, and with other complementary businesses • $80,000 p.a. profit to an owner operator • Easy trading hours Asking Price $149,000 + SAV

CBD SUBURBAN NEWSAGENT BUSINESS FOR SALE. REF: #9192 – BRISBANE CBD Opportunity • Turning over minimum $75,000 per month • No franchise fees • Broad exclusive territory • Operating currently 5 days a week, though not limited.

Asking Price $175,000 + SAV

INDEPENDENT ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS FOR SALE. REF: #3701 – BRISBANE CBD Opportunity • Situated on the core of Brisbane, • Passive Investment – can be managed remotely • High value of assets which accompanies the business.

Asking Price $195,000 WIWO

PROFESSIONAL CLEANING SERVICES NTH BRISBANE BUSINESS FOR SALE. REF: #3695 – BRISBANE CITY Opportunity • Sales in excess of $280,000 • Net return to the owner in excess of $140,00 • Business able to be managed remotely Asking Price $210,000

CONVENIENCE STORE FRESH PRODUCE - UP MARKET BUSINESS FOR SALE. REF: #3680 Opportunity • Weekly Sales $17,000 • Owner operator – Earning $80,000 per annum • Fully Equipped Asking Price $210,000 WIWO

HIGH QUALITY FAMILY JEWELLERY INNER WEST BRISBANE BUSINESS FOR SALE. REF: #3688 Opportunity • Annual sales of approximately $500,000 • Experienced and stable employees in place.

• Very good net return to one working owner Asking Price $340,000 + SAV

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ROOFING BUSINESS FOR SALE – BRISBANE – MB #3696 Opportunity • Turnover in last financial year being $4.8 million • Specialising in the Residential Market of new and re-roofing along with the Commercial Market • Growing business with highlyexperienced managers, staff and trades.

Asking Price $1,600,000 WIWO

CORPORATE

CORPORATE

LANDSCAPING SUPPLY SOUTH BRISBANE BUSINESS FOR SALE #9188 Opportunity • Business turning over $2,000,000 pa.

• Adj. Net Profit – Over $450,000 pa.

• Sustainable business with least competition Asking Price $1,500,000 + SAV

GOLD COAST LUXURY CRUISE BUSINESS FOR SALE. REF: #3694 Opportunity • $200,000 net profit to owner after all expenses • Excellent cash flow business • Accommodates up to 49 people plus three crew members Asking Price $480,000 WIWO

Disclaimer: Any Executive Summaries or Business Profiles provided has either been supplied to ABS Business Sales Pty Ltd by the proprietors of the business or acquired from other sources that we believe to be reliable. We have no reason to doubt its source or accuracy but we cannot guarantee it. Prospective purchasers must make their own inquiries to satisfy themselves on any information supplied regarding the business information/financials enclosed in this profile.

www.absbrisbane.com

Phone: 3368 4010

We speak your language Hindi, Gujrati, Malyayam, Kannad, Tamil and English Call 07 3865 6533

www.indiantimes.com

Level 1, Unit 4, 25 Railway Tce, Milton 4064 THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019 — 15

BHAKTI SEVA PARIWAR (AUSTRALIA) presents

Shree Hanuman Chalisa Saturday 9 March 2019 ARYA SAMAJ HALL 198 LEAROYD ROAD WILLAWONG

It is call of all religions to worship parents You are cordially invited with your children to join us in celebrating

PARENTS WORSHIP DAY

On 14th February at 6.30 pm

At GAYATRI MANDIR 178 Lyndhurst Road Boondall Qld 4014 Main activities

Audio-visual awareness session about role of parents in our lives Parents worship session Blessings session How to become a better human being session Parvchan and Satsang

Dinner starts at 8.00 pm

Contact: Anu & Ashok Attri 0405 277 802 & Daven Pathik 0431 213 444

16 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019

PROGRAM - 5.30am - Shree Ganesha Pooja - Hawan - 108 Hanuman Chalisa Paath - Abhishekam - Parvachan by Shree Guruji - 2.30pm - Aarti & Shanti Paath Program will be conducted by Shree Guruji Shivachariya Sada Shiva of Vancouver, Canada.

All devotees are invited to take part in this auspicious occasion.

Prasad and Mahapasad will be served.

For further information please contact: Ravendra Narayan: 0412 127 940 Peter Singh: 0403 433 379 Nirmala Deo: 0401 989 766 Krishna Krishnan: 0450 005 866

105 Postle Street, Acacia Ridge, QLD 4110 (Close to Aldi & Woolworths) rajuswamy518@gmail.com | www.astrologerrajuswamy.com | www.bestastrologerqld.com Call 07 3865 6533

www.indiantimes.com

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019 — 17

Ministry of Reconciliation Key Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 NIV All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.

And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.”

Dear reader, We thank and praise God for you. You are reading the good news that is going to bless you and transform you into a new person. And from the knowledge and understanding as a new person you will encounter God your Creator and Saviour.

Our theme is simple and clear. To make God personal and real. To bring you into a

personal relationship with your Maker and Creator.

We know that God is not an Idol or an imaginations of human minds. He is an awesome and majestic God. And He longs to reconcile you to your real purpose and plan on this planet.

What is reconciliation?

Reconciliation definition: 1. a situation in which two people or groups of people become friendly again after

they have argued: 2. the process of making two opposite beliefs, ideas, or situations agree What is the biblical definition of reconciliation?

Reconciliation, in Christian theology, is an element of salvation that refers to the results of atonement.

Reconciliation is the end of the estrangement, caused by

original sin, between God and humanity. ... God is the author, Christ is the agent and we are the ambassadors of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19) Sin is the key element that separates the relationship between a sinful humans and a Holy God. All humans have fallen away from the perfect moral standards of God. None can keep all Ten Commandments given to Humans. There no one person is Holy by their good works or good behaviour.

Mankind has wondered away from God the Creator.

They were like a sheep without a Good Shepherd.

Now, Christ has come to remove the sin by paying a perfect sacrifice on the cross.

There is no remission of sins without the shedding of the blood of a Holy

Lamb of God. Jesus Christ the eternal Son of God, the Lamb of God who took a human form for this reason. He was born of a virgin. Conceived by the Holy Spirit. God and Man in a perfect human body to restore the relationship.

Therefore, God has given us a ministry of reconciliation to all who already believes in Him; to share the message of reconciliation to those who longs to be reconciled.

“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.

And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Christ’s love compels us to lead you to a prayer of reconciliation. Please do not harden your heart to a gentle voice of God speaking inside your heart.

We encourage you to encounter God through this sincere prayer. Please pray with a humble heart.

Dear Father God, thank for your word that has touched my heart today. Now I confess that I am sinner and I believe that Jesus died to reconcile me to God. Forgive my past failures and all wrongs. Jesus you died and rose again by defeating death and sin.

Give me a new heart and mind to understand your word and your way. Lead me to an everlasting life. I pray this Jesus name. Amen Please Write to us: email: navig8grace@gmail.com Ravi V. All things ‘R’ possible...

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland Inc. Some verses from Vedas wonderful information with meanings explained very well by Dr Satish Prakash a Vedic scholar and missionary.

BE HUMAN AND BRING TOGETHER PEOPLE WITH GOOD INTENT Tantun tanwan rajaso bhaanum anwihi Jyotiṣh-mataḥ patho rakṣha dhiyaa kṛitaan Anulbaṇam vayata joguwaam apo Manur bhawa janayaa daivyam janam – Rig Veda 10:53:6 Keep spinning threads to weave the tapestry of life – keep executing life’s daily duties. In doing so, follow the splendid light of the sun and guard the luminous pathways which wisdom has prepared. Weave your tapestry free from threadknots – let life be free from tensions that bind. Be a thinking human being, and encourage people with good intent to gather around you.

This is the way of life of those who proudly proclaim goodness in virtue.

THE LESSON OF TOGETHERNESS Sam gach-chha-dhwam sam vada-dhwam Sam wo manaansi jaanataam Devaa bhaagam yathaa poorve San-jaanaanaa upaasate – Rig Veda 10:191:2

Walk together, speak together, let your minds be of one accord and discover ideas together.

Observing how scholars of ancient times performed their duties, scholars of today must attend to their duties the same way, in togetherness.

RICH PEOPLE WHO ARE SINFUL, ARROGANT AND SPITEFUL Ye twaa devo’srikam manya-maanaaḥ Paapaa bhadram upajeevanti pajraaḥ Na dooḍhye anu dadaasi vaamam Bṛihas-pate chayasa it piyaarum – Rig Veda 1:190:5 There are people who commit sin by violating moral codes; they become arrogant from owning excessive wealth.

Even though they live on God’s graces, they, in their arrogance, consider the concept of God as worthless.

Given time, God, the Divine Creator denies wealth to such spiteful people of perverted intellects. In fact, He causes them to suffer agony.

LORD! CAN WE BE BLESSED TOO, LIKE OTHERS? Yasmai twam su-draviṇo dadaasho Anaagaas-twam adite sarva-taataa Yam bhadreṇa shavasaa chodayaasi

Prajaa-wataa raadhasaa te syaama – Rig Veda 1:94:15 Lord of beautiful riches!

There are people to whom You grant freedom from sinful tendencies in all their interactions. And, there are those whom You stimulate with gracious strength and with productive wealth. O Indivisible Lord! Can we be among those fortunate people?

MY UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS I am a soul. The body I possess encases me and provides me the facility of a car to take me to my destination. Fitted to my body car are five senses – eye, ear, nose, tongue and skin – and their job is to travel far out and explore the external world to bring back information for me.

But, these senses develop lust for what they see, hear, taste, smell and touch. This lust breeds other vices like anger, greed and vanity.

Day after day, before I go to sleep, I realize that I have developed unhealthy relationships with my worldly possessions.

I constantly feel tense, angry, dissatisfied and fearful.

I realize the need to no longer fall prey to causes for negative experiences.

Something deep within tells me that, in my moment-tomoment contacts with life, I must let go, I must detach myself from selfish desirepromptings that cause so much restlessness.

And

Suite 1, 2281 Sandgate Road, Boondal Qld 4034

Advertise Now... contact

(07) 3865 6533

www.air@indianradio.net.au

18 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019

so, after intense effort, I one day say in the words of this Mantra: Indeed, I have risen above the five sense pleasures associated with my earthly body.

BOWING TO AND PRAISING GOD Yo bhootam cha bhavyam cha Sarvam yash chaa’dhi tiṣhṭhati Swar yasya cha kewalam

Tasmai jyeṣhṭhaaya brahmaṇe namaḥ – AV 10:8:1 He who presides over [all three] times of past, future and present and also governs the entire universe, He who, while ruling over all, transcends time, He in Whom there is no change, He Who is by nature blissful, in Whom there is not even the slightest trace

of pain, He Who is the sum-total of bliss, Unto Him, the greatest and most high We offer our most profound reverence.

Please contact Jitendra Deo 3263 1914 or Hari Chand 33454716 for information on activities of Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland or log on: www. aryasamajqueensland.com

Opinion-Ageing members of Indian Community THE Australian ageing population is growing and the number of residents that live in retirement villages is expected to reach 382,000 in 2025 and it is up from 150,000 in 2008 according to industry report by IBISWorld.

People from Indian origin including Fijian Indian’s is not an isolated case, we all are ageing, and time will come when we need such a retirement facility.

The members and leaders of the community should look at this as point of discussion for our seniors and where and

how they will spend their retirement. We should not be pinning our hope that our traditions will ensure the required support to our elders, and be mindful of the circumstances and the pressures on our younger generation. The retirement facility is the best way out to ensure we have a happy ending.

While the other communities have already planned or constructed the facility for their seniors and in my opinion our community should start thinking about such facilities.

Due to transportation and other factors, some senior members can only attend limited cultural and religious functions and meet for a few hours a week and it is not the ultimate way to retire.

The retirement facility of our own could possibly encapsulate all the cultural activities as well as the religious components and festivities for seniors.

I believe our community should start planning or ‘at least thinking’ about our future. Please send your views to me via email : jitendrabrisbane@gmail. com. Jitendra Deo

SINGAPORE AIRLINES SUMMER ESCAPE On Sale until 28 February 2019

Singapore Airlines makes your journey feel shorter than ever with an effortless connection through Singapore, providing you with seamless connections to India. # Receive a complimentary S$20 Changi Dollar Voucher for fabulous shopping and dining during your transit, or exclusive access to the Ambassador Transit Lounge.

To book, please visit singaporeair.com, or contact your travel agent.

Flights are operated by Singapore Airlines, and its regional wing SilkAir.

Economy & Business Class from Brisbane to: Mumbai - Kolkata - Delhi - Kochi - Ahmedabad - Coimbatore - Bengaluru - Hyderabad - Chennai Mumbai / Kolkata / Delhi Economy Class from: Business Class from:

805* $ 4355* $

Kochi Economy Class from: Business Class from:

834* $ 4354* $

Ahmedabad / Coimbatore $ Economy Class from: 863*

Bengaluru / Hyderabad / Chennai $ Economy Class from: 823*

Business Class from:

Business Class from:

Economy Class Departure Dates: 15 July 2019 – 20 September 2019 • 07 October 2019 – 30 November 2019

$

4453*

$

4403*

Business Class Departure Dates: 04 March 2019 – 15 December 2019

*Conditions apply: Fares advertised are for return travel from Brisbane to selected destinations within India, and include the price of the air ticket, associated taxes, levies and surcharges correct as at 22 January 2019, subject to availability. Other fares and destinations are also available. Economy Class fares are based on K class and Business Class fares on D class. KrisFlyer miles are accruable at applicable rates. K class fares are not eligible for redemption upgrade. Maximum 3 month stay.

Change and cancellation fees apply. A 1.35% credit card surcharge applies, capped at AUD $70. Singapore Airlines reserves the right to alter or extend this offer without notice. Please refer to the Singapore Airlines website for full terms and conditions. # Terms and Conditions Apply.

CLEARANCE PRICES from $298,000

HEATHWOOD LAND

VIEWS & BREEZES Be quick to save up to $15,000 off our original Price List. Choose from a premium selection of big lots (up to 450m2), with Titles Registered for immediate settlement and a construction start early in this new year.

AMBROSIA on THE AVENUE is a premium new neighbourhood in Derby Street off The Avenue, in the heart of Heathwood only minutes from Parkwood Village & the 7-Eleven Convenience Centre, a choice of quality schools & colleges & the parks, lifestyle & shopping of nearby Forest Lake. Land prices start at just $298,000.

VISIT OUR LAND SALES CENTRE Yering Street (off Kent Street), Heathwood

• Retained level lots, 378m² to 450m² • NBN ready with Natural Gas to all blocks • Walk to Parkwood Village & the 7-Eleven Convenience Centre • 5 Minutes to St. Johns Anglican College, Forest Lake Shopping

• A choice of Primary & High Schools, within the catchment for Pallara State School • 20 Minutes to Indooroopilly Shopping, Cinema, Cafes & Restaurants, Sunnybank Hills Shopping Centre • 30 Minutes to Brisbane CBD

Derby Street (off The Avenue), Heathwood, Brisbane www.ambrosiaheathwood.com.au

1300 794 299 Call 07 3865 6533

www.indiantimes.com

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019 — 19

Lilly Australia Day Award for community service to Sailesh Chand Darshan ON 26 January 2019, Sailesh Chand Darshan was awarded a Lilly Australia Day award for years of community service to the multicultural and Indian communities in Brisbane north and beyond. The awards ceremony heard how Sailesh, despite living with a disability, has quietly served thousands of people over the years.

Sailesh came to Australia from Fiji in 1996 to seek life saving treatment and a few years later started his community service work.

‘So many people helped me when I was sick and needed help. After I recovered, I really wanted to give back to the community and I haven’t looked back since’ said Sailesh. In 2004 he opened the Shirdi Sai Baba temple in Virginia, ‘Sai Saileshwara Mandiram’, which was inspired and

named by Sathya Sai Baba when Sailesh visited him in India a few years earlier.

Over the years Sailesh has supported, inspired and guided so many people and each week he leads an aarti service at Virginia State School hall for the northside Indian community.

The temple celebrated its 15 year anniversary just 2 weeks ago and each year its signature event, the Shirdi Sai Palki Festival for Guru Poornima, attracts more and more people.

Last year more than 1400 people attended the high energy and colourful event!

As well as supporting people individually, Sailesh and his wife Marina also channel the offerings made in the temple to a local charity clinic so that their in-house food-bank stays well replenished with groceries and essential

items which are given to the homeless and needy. The regular devotees who visit the temple also contribute groceries to this good cause.

Sailesh was awarded his recognition and certificate by former Treasurer and Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Wayne Swann MP.

Rotary continues to turn conversations into actions THE Rotary Club of Brisbane International (RCBI) has begun the new year in earnest which saw them getting involved with a young 11 year old student Sam Glancy.

Late last year, Sam did

a presentation to our club where he collects stationery, books, pencils etc for other underprivileged children in school and presents them directly to schools. This is normally coordinated through school chaplains or similar and his efforts

is getting a lot of traction through a lot of other organisations who are willing to help. He has his own foundation called Kids 4 Kids and in the last two years, he has amassed a staggering average of 20000 pieces of goods towards this

Citizenship Ceremony Articles

Surendra Prasad OAM, President-Fiji Senior Citizens Assn of Qld Inc

SURENDRA Prasad Congratulated to all the candidates on choosing to become Australian Citizens. It takes courage, endeavour and commitment to live in a new country and participate fully as citizens.

Australian Citizenship is an important step in your migration history. Becoming an Australian Citizen means that you are making an ongoing commitment to Australia and all that this country stands for. It is also the beginning of your formal membership of the Australian community.

It is the step that will enable you to say “I AM AUSTRALIAN”.

Members of our Association are very proud that for the first time we have been given the opportunity to run a Citizenship Ceremony at our centre, the Multicultural Hub. We have been given the chance to serve our community on this special day, Australia Day. The presiding officer was Cr Angela

Owen, chair Brisbane City Council over 150 people attended the ceremony including 45 candidates their guests and 14 VIP guests.

The building in which the Citizenship Ceremony was conducted is the property of the Brisbane City Council and has been leased to the Fiji Senior Citizens Association of Qld Inc. The members of FSCAQ run this centre on a voluntary basis. This is a community facility.

Members of the other communities are welcome to hire the Hub at a reasonable cost for meetings, birthday parties, fundraising, etc.

We Australians can be proud of our country’s rich cultural heritage encompassing the traditions of our indigenous people and diverse cultures who have come from many regions of the world. This Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony also provides us with an occasion to celebrate the richness that the diverse communities bring to our country.

20 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019

cause.

Yes, he started this at the tender age of 8 and his reason for his motivation is that he wants to make a difference to peoples lives.

RCBI was so moved by Sams presentation and work that the club made a commitment to assist in some sort of manner.

Consequently, the children of RCBI members together with the QLD Soni Samaj decided to collect bottles over the school holidays and recycle them. All proceeds would then be given towards the Kids 4 Kids foundation by way of stationery.

We are pleased to advise that we were able to collect a total of 1000 bottles and together with a donation from RCBI, Sam was presented various items at a meeting last week. Watch out for young Sam. Another notable event forthcoming for Rotary is the upcoming District 9630 conference which will be held at the Royal

International Convention Centre. This will be a very good event where Rotary will be showcased and we will have an excellent array of guest speakers, one of which is Dr Craig Challen SC OAM. Please note that we had secured Dr Challen as one of our keynote speakers prior to him being named as Australian of the Year, 2019.

The conference is open to the general public and will commence on Friday 1st March to 3rd March, 2019. For further details, please visit www.9630conference2019. com.au or alternatively get in touch with RCBI president Abdul Azam on 0413 503 436.

AVOID COSTLY FINANCIAL AND LEGAL PENALTIES WITH WORKCOVER INSURANCE Running a small business, particularly a family small business, is a labour of love that is built on hard work and a sense of pride and achievement.

That is why it’s important to ensure the safety of those people who work for you and who make your business successful.

If you own a business and employ workers in Queensland, even members of your family, it is compulsory to have an accident insurance policy with WorkCover.

If one of your workers is injured at work, they can apply for workers’ compensation no matter whom or what caused their injury, so it’s important to be covered.

It’s easy to take out a WorkCover policy. Visit WorkCover online at www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/apply or call 1300 362 128 to get the right advice.

In 2017/18, uninsured businesses lodged 180 Call 07 3865 6533

workplace injury claims with WorkCover, costing policyholders approximately $5.9 million.

WorkCover Queensland Manager Financial Control and Reporting, Mr Robbie McLean said the vast majority of businesses do the right thing by having an accident insurance policy and paying the right amount of premium, yet non-compliance remains a concern. “Any Queensland business who employs a worker is breaking the law if they don’t have a WorkCover Accident Insurance policy,â€? Mr McLean said. “Uninsured employers who lodge WorkCover claims are being held to account. These businesses can be LVVXHG ZLWK VLJQLĂ€FDQW Ă€QDQFLDO SHQDOWLHV LQFOXGLQJ the cost of the claim, which can amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars for severe injuries.â€?

A WorkCover Accident Insurance policy costs as little as $200 per year (depending on which industry your business belongs to and wages paid to your workers). www.indiantimes.com

“If employers are confused about their obligations to insure their workers against injury or who they need to cover, WorkCover is here to help,� Mr McLean said “It’s never too late to start complying and doing so can reduce the costs should one of your workers or family members get injured.

Having a WorkCover policy gives small businesses VHYHUDO EHQHĂ€WV LQFOXGLQJ SURWHFWLRQ IRU \RX DQG your workers against injuries and protection against penalties for employing workers without having a policy with WorkCover.

If you need help translating or interpreting information about why you need to insure your workers or how to apply for a WorkCover policy, phone WorkCover’s free translation service on 131 450.

For more information on applying for a policy, visit www.workcover.qld.gov.au/apply or call WorkCover on 1300 362 128.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019 — 21

22 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019

We could help you get the home you really want.

Talk to us today.

Your Mobile Lender

Things you should know: Terms conditions, fees charges and credit criteria applies. Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714.

Full Service Cremations from $3340 ~Always Uncomplicated~ ~Always Economic~

Phone: 07 3273 1399 www.mhfunerals.com.au Call 07 3865 6533

www.indiantimes.com

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019 — 23

Importance of Seeking Knowledge in Islam

By Ml. M.Nawaaz Ashrafi

ISLAM is a religion of knowledge.

Islam gives much importance on seeking knowledge. Knowledge is a key to success.

Seeking knowledge is better than any value in the world. Allah Almighty says in Holy Quran: “And say: My Lord, increase me in knowledge.” (Quran 20:114) It protects us from many difficulties. It has many benefits in this world and also in the hereafter. Knowledge is the base of our lives, and religious knowledge is pleasant, appropriate, and gives pleasure to us because we came to know about our Lord. No other religion gives as much importance to knowledge as the religion Islam. Islam has made seeking knowledge necessary for all Muslims and has believed that not doing so is considered as a sin. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said about it in these words: “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” (At-Tirmidhi) This obligation is not limited to certain sex or class but it is also important and obligatory for women as for men, young and old, rich and poor. Whoever seeks knowledge and help other people to learn will get astonishing rewards from Allah Almighty. Allah (SWT) will grant him/her high ranks in this world and the Hereafter.

Allah Almighty says in Noble Quran: “Allah raises of those who believe and those who have been given knowledge many levels.”(Quran 58:11).

Teaching others is one of the good deeds from which we will earn great rewards even after death. Whoever leaves behind beneficial knowledge will get rewards as long as people are still getting benefits from his knowledge. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “When a man dies all his deeds come to an end except for three: an ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge and a righteous son who prays for him.” (Al-Bukhari) In another hadith, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “The excellence of a scholar over another (ordinary) worshipper is like the excellence of the full moon over the rest of the heavenly bodies.”(Abu Dawood).

From this hadith, we came to know that there is a great difference between a Muslim who has a knowledge and the one who does not have. So it’s important to seek knowledge in Islam to know about our existence or creation of this world and everything in it. If you want to know about the purpose of your creation and this world then you must seek knowledge about it.

Islam emphasizes the great importance of knowledge and education. When the Quran began to be revealed, the first word of its first verse was ‘Iqra’ that is, read. Allah says in Noble Quran: “Read! In the Name of your Lord Who has created (all that exists). He has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood). Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous. Who has taught (the writing) by the pen. He has taught man that which he knew not” (Quran, 96: 1-5) We must have knowledge about what is permissible and impermissible in daily life.

A person must also learn how to purify their hearts and deeds from guilty traits.

Muslims must know how to purify their hearts from the love of wealth, status, and fame, and how to make one’s love for Allah alone. They must also learn the soaring manners taught to us by the religion Islam, and try to live our lives according to Prophet Muhammad (SAW). When someone tries to learn while it is hard for him/her, they will surely receive the double reward from Allah Almighty because they put a lot effort into seeking it.

The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever reads the Quran and stutters while reading, due to its difficulty, will receive a double reward.”(Sahih Muslim) Learning about religion will make easy for us the path to Paradise, as Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said in a way: “Whoever treads a path in seeking knowledge, Allah will make easy for him the path to Paradise” (Al-Tirmidhi). The main purpose

of seeking knowledge is to bring us closer to our Creator Allah Almighty. It is not simply for the pleasure of the mind or the senses.

Knowledge accordingly must be linked to values and goals.

Stages of Seeking Knowledge are mentioned below: • Ask questions in a good manner • Remain quiet and listen attentively • Understand well • Memorize it • Teach it to others • Act upon it and keep it to the limit In short, knowledge is mandatory for the creation of a just world in which authentic peace can obtain. Quran emphasizes the importance of the seeking of knowledge.

We should try to seek knowledge for the sake of Allah Almighty.

Knowledge is essence of religion Allah Ta’ala created man and provided him with the tools for acquiring knowledge, namely hearing, sight and wisdom. Allah says: “And Allah has brought you out from the wombs of your mothers while you knew nothing. And He gave you hearing, sight, and hearts that you might give thanks (to Allah).

(Qur’an, 16:78) Islam is the great religion of knowledge.

The first ayah of the Qur’an enjoined reading which is the key to knowledge. Allah says: “Read! In the Name of your Lord Who has created (all that exists). He has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood). Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous. Who has taught (the writing) by the pen. He has taught man that which he knew not.” (Qur’an, 96:1-5) In Islam, knowledge comes before action; there can be no action without knowledge, as Allah says: “So know (O Muhammad) that La ilaha illAllah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), and ask forgiveness for your sin, and also for (the sin of) believing men and believing women.” (Qur’an, 47:19) Allah warns every Muslim against speaking without knowledge: “And follow not (O man, i.e., say not, or do not, or witness not) that of which you have no knowledge. Verily, the hearing, and the sight, and the heart of each of those ones will be questioned (by Allah).”

(Qur’an, 17:36) Emphasizing the status of knowledge and the scholars, Allah calls upon the scholars to bear witness to His Oneness: “Allah bears witness that none has the right to be worshipped but He (La ilaha illa Huwa), and the angels, and those having knowledge (also give this witness); (He always) maintains His creation in justice. None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Almighty, the AllWise.” (Qur’an, 3:18) Knowledge and fear of Allah may be attained by knowing His signs and creation.

The knowledgeable are those who know that, hence Allah praises them: “It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allah.” (Qur’an, 35:28) The scholars occupy a noble status in Islam, and which is higher than the position of others in this world and in the Hereafter. “Allah will exalt in degree those of you who believe, and those who have been granted knowledge.”

(Qur’an, 58:11) Because of the importance of knowledge, Allah commanded His Messenger to seek more of it. Allah says: “And say: ‘My Lord!

Increase me in knowledge’.” (Qur’an, 20:114) Allah praises the scholars, as He says: “Say: ‘Are those who know equal to those who know not?’ It is only men of understanding who will remember (i.e. get a lesson from Allah’s Signs and Verses).” (Qur’an, 39:9) Those who have knowledge are the quickest of people to understand the truth and believe in it: “And that those who have been given knowledge may know that it (this Qur’an) is the truth from your Lord, so that they may believe therein, and their hearts may submit to it with humility.” (Qur’an, 22:54) Islam calls us to seek knowledge. The Messenger (peace be upon him) made

24 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019

seeking knowledge an obligation upon every Muslim, and he explained that the superiority of the one who has knowledge over the one who merely worships is like the superiority of the moon over every other heavenly body.

He said that the scholars are the heirs of the prophets and that the prophets did not leave behind dinars and dirhams, rather their inheritance was knowledge, so whoever acquires it has gained a great share. And he (peace and blessings be upon him) said that seeking knowledge is a way to paradise.

He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever follows a path in the pursuit of knowledge, Allah will make a path to paradise easy for him.” (Al-Bukhari, Kitab Al-Ilm, 10) Islam calls us to learn all kinds of beneficial knowledge. Branches of knowledge vary in status, the highest of which is knowledge of Shariah, then knowledge of medicine, then the other fields of knowledge.

The best of all branches of knowledge are the sciences of Shariah through which man comes to know his Lord and His Prophet and religion. This is the knowledge with which Allah honored His Messenger; He taught it to him so that he might teach it to mankind: “Indeed, Allah conferred a great favor on the believers when He sent among them a Messenger (Muhammad) from among themselves, reciting unto them His Verses (the Qur’an), and purifying them (from sins by their following him), and instructing them (in) the Book (the Qur’an) and Al-Hikmah [the wisdom and the Sunnah of the Prophet], while before that they had been in manifest error.” (Qur’an, 3:164) The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “When Allah wishes good for a person, He makes him understand the religion.” (AlBukhari, 69) Concerning the matter of paying attention to the Qur’an and learning and teaching it, the Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “The best of you is the one who learns the Qur’an and teaches it.” (Al-Bukhari, 4639) There is no goodness in knowledge which is not confirmed by action, or words which are not confirmed by deeds: “O you who believe!

Why do you say that which you do not do?

Most hateful it is with Allah that you say that which you do not do.” (Qur’an, 61:2-3) The ummah needs knowledgeable people at all times and in all places. A nation without knowledge and scholars will live in illusions and sink in darkness.

Whoever conceals this knowledge and deprives the ummah of it, Allah will place on him a bridle of fire on the Day of Resurrection, and he will deserve to be cursed, except for the one who repents.

Allah says: “Verily, those who conceal the clear proofs, evidences and the guidance, which We have sent down, after We have made it clear for the people in the Book, they are the ones cursed by Allah and cursed by the cursers.

Except those who repent and do righteous deeds, and openly declare (the truth which they concealed). These, I will accept their repentance. And I am the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful.” (Qur’an, 2:159-160) Knowledge brings a great reward. The one who points the way to something good is like the one who does it. When the knowledgeable person dies, his reward with Allah does not cease when he dies, rather it continues to increase so long as people benefit from his knowledge. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “When a man dies, all his deeds come to an end except for three — his charity, beneficial knowledge or a righteous son who will pray for him.” (Muslim, 1631) If the scholar spreads his knowledge among the people, he will have a reward like that of those who follow him.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever calls people to right guidance will have a reward like that of those who follow him, without it detracting from their reward in the slightest, and whoever calls people to

misguidance will have a burden of sin like that of those who follow him, without it detracting from their burden in the slightest.”

(Muslim, 2674) Proper understanding of Islam is one of the best of good characteristics with which a Muslim may be honored, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “When Allah wishes good for a person, He makes him understand the religion.”

Reading Qur’an, learning it and teaching it, are among the best deeds, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “There should be no envy (hasad) except between two people, a man to whom Allah has given (knowledge of) the Qur’an, so he recites it night and day, and a man to whom Allah has given wealth, so he spends it (in good deeds) night and day.” (Muslim, 815)

THE FIVE KINDS OF KNOWLEDGE The Qur’an Recognizes Five Kinds of Knowledge: 1. Empirical knowledge: mathematical, experimental, observational, and socioeconomic.

This is the kind of knowledge best known in our times. Islam laid its foundations.

According to Hadith of the Prophet, pbuh, there is a cure for EVERY disease.

2. Rational knowledge, including logic and axiology. The use of reason is strongly recommended in the Qur\’an. The Arabs translated Plato and Aristotle. In turn Europe was influenced by Islamic rationality. Kant\’s Critique of Pure Reason has Islamic influence in it.

3. Intuitive knowledge, including poetic inspiration, love [highest form being the mother\’s love for the child], conscience, compassion and forgiveness. The world\’s greatest poetry is influenced by Islam, be it that of Rumi, Son Jara, Iqbal or Ghalib.

4. Law and traditional Knowledge. The Qur\’an links the present to the past and teaches the rule of Law. Thus the best of the PAST is incorporated into Islam but the ephemeral and the historically limited knowledge is left out. SHARIA is extremely advanced and well developed in Islam.

5. Revelation. This is the highest form of knowledge and was given to Noah, Abraham, Hajira, Moses, Maryam, Jesus and Muhammad [peace be on them], and was perfected, completed and finalized in the Qur\’an and in the life, teachings and example [Hadith] of Muhammad, pbuh.

Revelation is directly from Allah [the God, the Creator of all beings and worlds]. It can be recognized as other than human owing to its revolutionary nature and \”impossibility\” within the social context in which it was revealed.

For instance, in pre-Islamic Arab society as well as in other societies before Muhammad, pbuh, women were regarded as the property of men and were often bought and even \”inherited\” by men. The Qur’an rejected the existing social norms and went outside all the \”possibilities\” in that era by proclaiming that not only are women and men equal but that women themselves must INHERIT property.

The Qur\’an is Islam\’s LIVING MIRACLE. Muhammad, pbuh, was unlettered, had no human teacher and had not been to any school. He did not write or think up the Qur\’an or make any claim of being the author of a Book, which re-shaped the world in all its dimensions.

MIRACLES of Jesus, pbuh, and other messengers of Allah are mentioned in the Qur\’an to illustrate the Power of Allah but they are downplayed if not entirely left out in the mission of Muhammad, pbuh.

Instead JIHAD is taught as central to Islam.

Jihad is the uprising of the oppressed and the downtrodden against the oppressors, the exploiters, and the slave masters who pretend to be \”gods\” and who try to displace the Authority of Allah with their own- (More on this in Surah Tawbah)

Visit Us Today Open 7 Days 9.30am to 8pm

Groceries from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Middle East are available

Ample Parking Available

9

Nanak & Apna Taste Sweets

5% OFF

.

Haldiram Tandoori Naan 5pcs $ .00 2 for

Maggie Masala Noodles 560g 3 for $ .99

8

Go-

Haldiram Onion Paratha 4pcs $ .00 2 for

7

!

Brisbane: Level 5, Suite 2, 117 Queen Street,

! " # $$% & ' Brisbane Logan: Suite 34, 37-59 Bryants Road, Loganholme

(" (% ") ' * !

$+$ , * '

Gold Coast: 101 Ashmore Rd, Bundall

#% - ! .

North Lakes: 4/27 Discovery Drive, North Lakes

Spend $50 in store and get 1 Haldiram Maharaja Combo Free!!! & Many More Specials.

/ ' 0 ("$% ! & 1$#)

Home Delivery Available

0452 627 871

Call 07 3865 6533

Shop E, 2053-2059 Moggill Road Kenmore Qld 4069 masalacafe.kenmore

2 $(++ #3% 3(% 2 4

5 5 5

5 5

www.indiantimes.com

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019 — 25

26 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019

Call 07 3865 6533

www.indiantimes.com

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019 — 27

Huge crowds attend Invasion Day marches across Australia’s capital cities THOUSANDS of protesters have gathered around the country, calling for changes to the way the nation marks Australia Day. January 26 marks the anniversary of Captain Arthur Philip arriving with the First Fleet in Port Jackson, New South Wales, a date now seen by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as “Invasion Day” or “Survival Day”.

Those at Saturday’s rallies said the day marks the theft and dispossession of Indigenous people, and should not be celebrated.

They gathered by the thousands throughout Australia, holding up

banners on the steps of Parliament House in Victoria, marching through Hyde Park in Sydney and converging on Brisbane’s CBD. As thousands of others spent the day celebrating Australian culture, some of those protesting said they wanted the national holiday’s date changed, while others called for Australia Day to be abolished altogether.

Aboriginal woman Lareesa, who attended the Melbourne event with her family, said this year was the first she attended an Invasion Day event.

She said she was in favour

of abolishing Australia Day altogether.

“No matter what day you change it to it’ll still be a day of oppression and

Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir

By Dhirubhai Desai.

SHREE Vishnu Maya Mandir is a new and one of the best Sanatan Dharam mandirs in Australia. Deities of all Sanatan Dharam Devi Devtas are situated at this temple. We welcome all Hindus to come, visit and worship here. Every Sunday evening a program is held at the temple from 4:00pm onwards.

The

program includes bhajans & kirtan singing, Prawachan

by Dharam Guru Pundit Tripathi Ji and at the end Maha Prasad (dinner) is served.

This temple is proud to say that it also has 12 Jyotirlingas situated here.

This is the only temple in Queensland where one can worship or do the darshan of 12 Jyotirlingas. A

Jyotirlinga, is a devotional representation of the Supreme Lord Shiva. The word Jyoti means 'radiance' and lingam is the image of Shiva.

Lord Shiva is known to be the easiest God to please.

It is also believed that just by visiting and doing darshan of 12 Jyotirlingas, one attains Salvation and Enlightenment.

mourning for us, so I think deleting it all together is the way to go,” she said.

Malachi, who marched with his wife and son, said

he was representing his Aboriginal heritage and was calling for a change of date.

“I feel we need to still celebrate everyone being

together as well, I’m still happy to celebrate Australia Day as long as it’s on another day and under a different name,” he said.

Should one worship the Jyotirlingas genuinely and unconditionally, the following is bestowed on them by Lord Shiva.

Worshiping: 1. Somanath Linga – Will bless you with wealth.

2. Mallikarjuna Linga – Will rid all bad forms from within you.

3. Mahakaleshwar Linga – Will free one from all fears and sins.

4. Omkareshwar Linga – Will give comfort and

wealth.

5. Baidyanath Linga – Will free you from many kinds of diseases.

6. Rameshwaram Linga – Will provide Maha Punya and will be showing path towards heaven.

7. Kasi Vishwanath Linga – Will destroy all kinds of Karma.

8. Triyambakeshwar Linga – Will bless you with your desired wishes.

9. Kedareshwara Linga – Will help you attain Mukti.

10. Grishneshwara Linga – Will bestow wealth and pleasure.

11. Nageswara Linga – Will free you from all types of poison.

12. Bhimashankar Linga – Will give you victory over your enemies and make you free from sudden death.

Another huge event to watch for is Holika Dahan which will take place on Wednesday, March the 20th.

May God Bless you all!

86 Scott Lane, North Maclean /www.shreevishnumayamandir.com.au. Ph: 55486814

Daridra Niwaran Yog

Maha Laxmi Maha Yagna

86 Scott Lane, North Maclean /www.shreevishnumayamandir.com.au. Ph: 55486814

By: Dharam Guru Param Pujya Pt. Tripathi Ji

Everyone please come and join this Maha Yagna

Date: Sunday, 10th March, 2019 Bhajans Kirtans and food will be provided!

Yagna Begins: 10:00am sharp (please be on time) Kitchen will open for Maha Prasad at 1:30pm.

Maha Shiv Ratri Poojan Monday 4th March 2019.

Yagna Sponsor $111.00

Food Sponsor $400.00

Abhishekam will begin from the Morning & the temple will be open throughout the day till 9:00pm for Abhishekam & Poojan. The temple will provide all Abhishek samagri like Bel Patra, Milk etc.

The only temple in Qld to have 12 Jyotirlinga for Abhishek & Darshan.

Evening program: 7:00 pm to 9:00pm ----- Bhajan / Kirtan, Abhishekam & Prawachan.

8:00 pm --------------------- Kitchen will open for Phalahari Prasadam.

9:00 pm --------------------- Aarti Samapan.

Contact: Sudha Maharaj: 04054 81231, Devika Maharaj: 04248 91159, Rajesh Gopal: 04223 44046, Bharat Solanki: 04111 31485, Dhiru Desai: 04062 13153, Avinesh Maharaj: 04236 09716, Ranil Dayal 0403 146575, For secured online donation facility visit: www.shreevishnumayamandir.com.au

28 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019

For more information please contact: Sudha Maharaj: 04054 81231, Devika Maharaj: 04248 91159, Rajesh Gopal: 04223 44046, Bharat Solanki: 04111 31485, Dhiru Desai: 04062 13153, Avinesh Maharaj: 04236 09716, Ranil Dayal 0403 146575 For online donation facility visit: www.shreevishnumayamandir.com.au

MEDITATION

THE SOURCE

OF

L ASTING JOY

FREE LECTURE with Guided Meditation The Kriya Yoga teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda

Friday, March 29th 7:30 P.M. BRISBANE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE Corner of Merivale and Glenelg Streets South Bank, Brisbane

Presented by Brother Devananda, a monk of the Self-Realization Fellowship Monastic Order

Paramahansa Yogananda, author of the spiritual classic Autobiography of a Yogi

(+ 61) 418 811 375 For information about full weekend program, please visit our website:

www.srf-brisbane.com.au

Call 07 3865 6533

www.indiantimes.com

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019 — 29

30 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019

Call 07 3865 6533

www.indiantimes.com

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019 — 31

GOPIO Gold Coast Celebrates Indian Republic Day

Swami Jasraj Puri addresses SoFia (Sea of Faith in Australia) members AT the monthly meeting Sofia Brookfield Swami Jasraj was the guest speaker, he gave an insight on Hindu religion and talked about his personal experiences in his Ashram in Rajasthan India, the talk was well delivered and as one would expect, there were many questions form the audience and not enough time. In the given time Swami Ji did exceptionally well, with his calm nature and excellent presentation skills.

Swami Jasraj Puri is a senior Yoga and Yoga philosophy teacher from the Yoga in Daily Life tradition. Born in Sydney, for twenty years he lived in India engaged in teaching Yoga, managing the organisation’s social work projects in impoverished rural areas and meditation.

Through arduous practice of Yoga and Meditation and close contact with many Masters and scholars in India, he has developed a deep knowledge of Yoga and Vedanta. Fluent in Hindi and well versed in Sanskrit texts, his level of understanding was

acknowledged by the spiritual luminaries of India in 2010 through the bestowing of the title of Mahamandaleshwar in Panchayati Mahanirvani Akhara - the first time a foreigner has been anointed with such an honour.

A graduate of Physiotherapy and with a keen awareness of the relevance of yoga and meditation to modern society, Swami Jasraj Puri presents Yoga’s profound philosophical truths in a light, simple and often humorous way, through anecdote, the traditional songs of the Yogis (bhajan) and direct reference to the ancient texts.

Nowadays Swami Jasraj Puri divides his time between studying at University of Queensland, leading yoga retreat programs in India and abroad and teaching Yoga and Yoga Philosophy throughout Australia.

SoFia’s annual conference will be held on 15th June, contact Umesh Chandra for further information

GOPIO Gold Coast celebrated India’s 70th Republic Day on Sunday 27th January at Broadwater Parklands.

The event was held at the Northern Pavilion on Marine Pde, a very suitable venue for the function.

This was the first Indian Republic Day event organised by GOPIO Gold Coast, Chief Guest, Honorary Counsel for India in Queensland Mrs Archana Singh gave a brief history of the republic day and she said that this year was particularly important as it is also Mahatma Gandhi 150th birth anniversary. She conveyed her best wishes to everyone for both India republic day and Australia Day. There were many delightful items and a parade of traditional costumes of various regions of India, children from Bal Sanskara Kendra began the proceeding by chanting the Sanskrit shlokas, cultural items included, Bhangra, Haryanvi, Bollywood and regional dances.

The second speaker was Umesh Chandra, who spoke on GOPIO International

amongst 2,4 million people who now reside in Greater Brisbane.

Seema Chauhan did a wonderful job as the MC and Vice president Raj Haikerwal thanked everyone for coming and facilitated the raffles and lunch sales, Sound was provided by DJ Ashu.

Overall a very good effort

by GOPIO Gold Coast, wishing them all the very best for the future endeavours.

Chinese New Year – Year of the Pig celebrated at Chun Tian Temple

ON SATURDAY 2nd February 2019 Chinese New Year celebration s took place at Chung Tian Temple in Priestdale. The organisers go to great lengths to make sure that guests are looked after and the whole program runs according to plan.

The humble and welcoming nature of leaders and volunteers is commendable, the whole progress from the invitation to the parking to the VIP reception, the main event, the wonderful lunch, everything thing is par excellence.

The temple falls in Logan City Councils jurisdiction, hence they were the main sponsors, and Brisbane Lord Mayor together with Lady Mayoress were also in attendance. Dignitaries 32 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019

and its activities and wished GOPIO Gold Coast all the best, he said he was pleased to see GOPIO Gold Coast taking active role within the community. He also spoke on the recent Citizen of the year award that Brisbane lord mayor Graham Quirk bestowed upon Him and Usha Chandra. For the first time the award has gone to a couple, Umesh said it is a proud moment for the Indian community at large to be chosen as the winner

included all levels of Government, Police commissioner Ian Stewart along with other members of QPS, community and faith leaders, Brisbane citizen of the year and many more.

After the welcome tea party the official party were led into the main temple for the official ceremonies, venerable Chueh –Shan abbess of Chung Tian Temple welcomed everyone and Mr Stephen Chang president Buddha’s light International Association of Queensland thanked everyone for taking time and attending the celebrations.

After the official ceremony in the main Temple guest were taken to the VIP lunch room, lining the

entry walkway was the welcoming party of ladies all in traditional costumes.

Traditional vegetarian dishes were served to all, the display of the wide variety vegetarian dishes was were appealing.

After the lunch, official guests and visitors were taken to the arts gallery, for the official opening of the art exhibition, the exhibition this year featured the pollution of our beaches and the shore line, the artist did an amazing job with all the plastic found on the beaches, he sends across a very powerful message in a very artistic manner, if you get a chance take time out to go visit the temple and see this exhibition you will be amazed.

My sister has a promising future Aditi’s family wanted to know the Navy was a smart career choice.

Now Aditi’s joined they’ve discovered her Navy engineering education and training is also recognised by many industries outside of the Australian Defence Force.

But that wasn’t the only thing they found out. In fact, the Navy is supportive of all backgrounds, cultures and beliefs.

Call 07 3865 6533

Aditi works in one of many diverse roles, with great career advancement opportunities, offering her a rewarding career as a Marine Engineer Officer that makes her family proud.

Find out for yourself. Watch Aditi and Priya’s full story. defencejobs.gov.au/family

www.indiantimes.com

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019 — 33

Prerna Pahwa receives Australia Day achievement award PRERNA has made a magnificent contribution to several worthwhile causes over the years, including the Australian Red Cross and the Leukaemia Foundation Queensland.

Prerna focuses on individuals who are suffering from cancer and depression. Along with her friends, Prerna successfully helped a young student diagnosed with leukaemia get back to life by raising $88,000 through crowd funding and by providing an immense moral support to him and his family. She also supported a threeyear-old girl who was diagnosed with lymphoma, and organised multiple bone marrow drives for an Australian resident who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia Philadelphia positive, in the hope of finding a donor.

Prerna has also worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the importance of bone marrow donations and stem cell research within ethnic communities. She has focused on engaging with

Australians from South Asia and South East Asia to

encourage them to become bone marrow donors.

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Qld and Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre

A Multicultural Festival Celebrating

International Mother Language Day and

Free entry

Harmony Day Parade, Song, Dance, Music, Traditional Cultural items, Multicultural Food, Jumping Castle, Face Painting etc

11am – 8pm, Sunday, 3 March 2019 Robelle Domain, Education City Dr. Springfield Central, Qld 4300 Supported by

Organised by

NAMASTE to all readers and wishing you all a blessed 2019.

2019 is upon us and just like yesteryears lots of community activities take place. APSQ has planned 2019 with full of activities at its newly constructed community centre at 198 Learoyd Road Willawong.

The wonderful facility is hired regularly by our community and its pleasing to see the support we are receiving form the wider Indian community.

The community centre was built with intention for everyone’s use and of course to cover some costs its hire by donation. There are many activities which can be done at the centre, and it includes weddings, birthday parties and cultural events including religious discourses, Havan Yaj and recitals of our granth.(Spiritual scriptures) APSQ hold weekly Havan Satsangh at the centre every Sunday

from 2pm till 4pm and everyone is welcome. The opportunity is also given to our general community if they wish to hold Havan Yaj or Ramayan for the special occasions like birthdays and wedding anniversaries.

We look forward for many activities this year and we will keep you all posted via Facebook page and our website. My contact is 0411 798 012 or email chairqvcc@g mail.com.

Jitendra Deo

Brisbane Bangla Language School Inc. Promoting Bangla language & culture in Australia WITH the upcoming celebrations of International Mother Language Day (21st February) and Harmony day (21st March), Brisbane Bangla Language School invites everyone to come and join us on celebrating the two significant events on one day.

The purpose of this event

is to unite the celebration of languages and cultures that make up our Brisbane.

On a fun-filled day of performances, food, cultural items from all around the world.

The major supporters of the festival are Queensland Government and Ethnic Schools Association of Queensland (ESAQ).

The students from various After-Hours Ethnic

Schools and the cultural groups from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds are expected to showcase their traditional cultural performances.

If you are interested in showcasing your cultural performances, booking a stall space (for food, handicrafts, other business etc), or sponsoring the festival in any way, please contact us as mentioned in the event flyer.

Suite 1, 2281 Sandgate Road, Boondal Qld 4034 Ethnic Schools Association of Queensland Inc.

Brisbane Bangla Language School Inc.

Contacts: Sayeid (0422 133 557) or Sabina (0470 346 842) for more information; Maksud (0422 407 623) or Atal (0413 966 306) for stall / sponsorship; Mahbub (0475 976 650), Anu (0403 697 806) or Munna (0433 580 261) for cultural participation.

34 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019

Advertise Now... contact

(07) 3865 6533

www.air@indianradio.net.au

Keep your family safe this storm season

Be prepared for Brisbane’s wild weather Register for severe weather alerts, check your flood risk, have emergency items ready, tidy your property.

For more visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or call Brisbane City Council on 3403 8888.

2 0 1 9 L O R D M AY O R ’ S

Multicultural Business Scholarship Program and Mentoring Scheme

Dealing with car crash scammers could cost your identity.

• Car crash scammers call to get your personal details and sell them for profit.

• They may impersonate insurers or government and tell you they are trying to help you make an insurance claim.

Hang up.

Report.

Apply for a business scholarship or mentoring placement to grow your business and increase your entrepreneurial skills.

To apply, you must be an Australian citizen or have permanent residency status. For more information on course eligibility criteria and application forms: brisbane.qld.gov.au/multicultural 3403 8888 multiculturalunit@brisbane.qld.gov.au

Visit maic.qld.gov.au/hangup or call 1300 302 568 to find out more.

Call 07 3865 6533

Applications are now open and close 12 April 2019 www.indiantimes.com

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019 — 35

focus on fiji Four students found guilty of raping a 16yr-old girl in 2014

By Naveel Krishant

LAUTOKA High Court Judge Justice Aruna Aluthge has found four students guilty of raping a 16-year-old girl at a school in Rakiraki on the 10th of April, 2014.

While giving his judgement, Justice Aluthge says that the four people have not denied sexual intercourse with the complainant and the only dispute is in relation to consent.

Justice Alutghe says it is highly implausible that a 16-year-old girl had agreed to have sexual intercourse with four boys, one after the other, at the school premises.

He says the complainant frankly admitted that she had a short relationship with the 1st accused where she was forced to have sexual intercourse.

The case has been adjourned to next Tuesday for sentence hearing.

Fijian citizens to soon have ePassports during this transition period

By Vijay Narayan

Fiji will soon have ePassports however during this transition period, the Immigration Department says the current traditional passports will be gradually phased out resulting in likely delays.

Director of Immigration Nemani Vuniwaqa says the temporary drawback will be remedied immediately upon the delivery of new ePassports.

Vuniwaqa says the current passport numbers are depleting however the department will continue to accept passport applications.

Vuniwaqa says they have some passport books and issuance will be restricted to those seeking urgent medical evacuation abroad and those submitting justifications for urgent travels.

People whose passports are about to

Current passports will be replaced with ePassports

expire and still have leaflets are encouraged to apply for renewals.

Vuniwaqa says they expect the ePassports to arrive into the country in the next 4 to 6 months.

He says for those people that are requesting for passport renewal, they will see that the passport is in good condition, is still readable, visa pages still available and advise the people to go through endorsement of the same passport for next ten years.

The endorsement will be $55.

Vuniwaqa says the application fees for ePassport will change but they will advise people once they have it in place.

The Immigration Department says that the transition to ePassports will both strengthen border security and streamline customs and immigration, decreases passenger processing time and creating an easier, more efficient travel experience in Fiji.

Fijian flyer Alasio Naduva scores double to send Australia packing

By Lucie Bertoldo

AUSTRALIA'S reign over the World Rugby Sevens has ended after Fiji sensationally knocked-out the hosts in the dying moments of the quarter-final.

The defending champions took an early 5-0 lead in the fourth minute, but were then dealt two major injury blows to playmakers Maurice Longbottom and Josh Coward.

However, the island nation struck back in the final

minutes of the first half as Mesulame Kunavula scored in the right-hand corner to lead the Aussie 10-5 going into the break.

Fiji's dominance faltered in the second as the islanders went down to six men.

Copping a yellow card for a high tackle on Jesse Parahi, Australia made the most of their extra man as Jeral Skelton scored out wide to level the score.

Tied 10-all halfway through the second, the Aussies once again took the

36 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019

upperhand as Parahi went over the line to widen the score to 17-10.

However, the Fijians hit back with a five pointer as Alasio Naduva flew across the field to score, locking the score at 17-17.

But the Fijian flyer's mission didn't stop there.

As the clock ticked down to the final minute, Naduva scored a second try to claim a 22-17 victory infront of a sea of blue at Spotless Stadium.

Faith based leaders and Minister agree to have respective dialogue on appointment on heads of schools

Archbishop Peter Loy Chong and Minister for Education Rosy Akbar

By Vijay Narayan

MINISTER for Education Rosy Akbar has pledged to have an open, direct and mutually-respectful dialogue with the religious leaders as appointments of heads of faith based schools are made going forward.

This was discussed in a good spirited talanoa session between Akbar and the leaders of the faith based organisations after an invitation from the Ministry of Education.

In a joint statement from Akbar and the faith based leaders, the parties confirmed common ground in numerous ways to improve the appointment process, methods that are both aligned to the open merit and recruitment selection guidelines, while also being mindful of the values-based mission that drives Fiji's many faith based organisations and the institutions they

represent.

In this context, it was agreed that appointments of civil servants, including heads of schools, would continue to be made by the Ministry based on merit.

It was re-affirmed that meaningful consultations will be held with faith based organisations in regards to hiring and the Ministry will strive to ensure that a candidate's ability to uphold and foster the ethos of the school is considered before an appointment is made.

As previously proposed, the Ministry will also revise its job descriptions to reflect this desire to attract candidates with shared ethos to each school along with the ability to support the ethos and traditions of a school, whether it be faith or community-based.

The Ministry committed to developing a formal policy to address these agreements in the longer term.

Fiji Human Rights Commission investigating complaint

Mesulame Waqabaca’s mother, Varanisese Togawale and Peniasi Qalibau’s mother, Litiana Rokowati He confirms that he has met Qurai and Peniasi Qalibau

By Semi Turaga

The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission is investigating a complaint filed by the mothers of serving prisoners, Peniasi Qalibau and Mesulame Waqabaca who escaped from the Naboro Maximum Security Complex last December.

Director Ashwin Raj confirms receiving the official complaint from the two mothers who have alleged that their sons were assaulted by officers of the Fiji Corrections Service.

Raj says the mothers have also raised concerns that they have been denied visitation rights.

with both the mothers and heard their concerns and the complaint is currently under investigation.

Qalibau and Waqabaca who appeared in court yesterday with five other serving prisoners, struggled to walk in their crutches and heavily bandaged legs.

Solomoni Qurai also had a heavily bandaged arm.

Qalibau’s mother, Litiana Rokowati also wants to see her son so they can talk about what allegedly happened to him.

The seven men Filipe Delana, Ulaiasi Qalomai, Mesulame Waqabaca, Josaia Usumaki, Bainivalu Tuimatavesi, Solomone

also allegedly damaged Fiji Corrections Service property on 24th December last year.

It included PVC pipes, mosquito nets, a blanket and a mattress cover. These items were allegedly used during the escape.

They are charged with one count of damaging property and one count of escaping from lawful custody.

The process to recapture the seven escapees was a joint operation between the Fiji Police Force and Fiji Corrections Service.

Police are yet to confirm if they have received a report from the mothers of the two serving prisoners.

BEMAC & SAIKAT BHATTACHARYA PRESENT

BEMAC LIVE

FEATURING INDIA’S GREATEST LIVING CLASSICAL INDIAN MUSIC PERFORMER

Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan (sitar) with accompaniment by

Shri Hindole Majumdar (tabla) AS PART OF BRISASIA FESTIVAL 2019

SAT FEB 23 2019 6.30PM Call 07 3865 6533

Tickets: Premium $90 | General $50 QMC – 102 Main Street, Kangaroo Point www.bemac.org.au

www.indiantimes.com

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019 — 37

Health Beauty Wellbeing

Benefits of Honey for smooth, enchanting skin Nimisha Modi Hetvi Hair & Beauty 0412 350 013

APPLYING honey on your face every day can have great benefits. Using a honey mask can aid in treating acne and dark spots. It also treats other issues like dry skin.

Fights Acne:

Honey absorbs the impurities from the skin pores and acts as a cleansing agent. And since it is a natural antiseptic, it also soothes and heals your skin. You have to simply apply honey on your face in a thin layer so that it doesn’t drip all over your neck. Leave it on for about 30 minutes, after which you can wash your face with normal water.

But ensure you do a patch test before applying honey to your face as some individuals are allergic to honey. Apply a small

amount on your jaw and leave it on for 30 minutes.

If there is no reaction, you are good to go.

Also, it is important to know that honey can treat your acne only if it is caused by bacterial infections.

Helps Treat Wrinkles: Honey is a natural humectant, which means it moisturizes the top layers of the skin. This extra moisture can help improve wrinkles. It also soothes dry, irritated, and sensitive areas.

Also, honey’s antioxidant properties help delay skin aging.

For an anti-aging honey mask, you can mix a tablespoon of honey with an equal amount of papaya, whole milk, or yogurt.

Apply the mixture on your face and leave it on for 30 minutes. You can also massage the mixture as you apply it as doing so improves blood circulation and tightens the skin.

Remove the mask with

THE Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ) welcomes 2019 and we would like to wish everyone a prosperous and happy new year.

At ECCQ we hope to dispel some of the myths about hepatitis B and hepatitis C and the sharing of food.

You cannot transmit or be infected by: • Sharing food; • Sharing eating utensils including chopsticks; • Sharing plates, cups, bowls, etc.; • Shaking hands, cuddling and kissing; • Sneezing; • Breastfeeding.

As with all other health conditions healthy There are a number of factors that can influence your fertility that you have no control over, but there are several things you can do to maximise your chances of conception. Some of these factors will affect both male and female partners, but we will endeavour to cover them separately for males and females.

FEMALE Diet & Exercise: It is recommended to follow a sensible diet and exercise program both before and during pregnancy.

Women who are either markedly overweight or underweight may have trouble conceiving. A healthy balanced diet rich in lean proteins and fresh fruit and vegetables is important.

Regular moderate exercise for an average of 30mins per session at least 3 times per week is recommended.

Smoking: Smoking in women has been shown to increase the risk of miscarriage and also the risk of premature birth and low birth weight babies. This is in addition to all the long term health risks associated with cigarette smoking.

Alcohol: Alcohol consumption should be eliminated entirely or at least restricted prior to and after conception. In women, it has been shown to increase the risk of birth defects.

Stress: The process of trying to conceive can be stressful and research shows that women under stress produce prolactin which can interfere with regular ovulation. Find ways to relax, like yoga or meditation.

Caffeine: Caffeine comes in many disguises, not just our daily coffee. High consumption of

warm water and pat your skin dry with a washcloth.

Honey also makes the skin smooth and hydrated, reducing wrinkles and fine lines. However, honey masks are not a permanent cure for wrinkles. Also, not all kinds of honey masks would work the same way for all. So check with your doctor and try what suits you the best. Since honey is a natural moisturizer, it might aid in the treatment of scars.

Softens Chapped Lips:

Using just pure honey on the lips can help with this.

Just dab some honey on your lips before going to bed and leave it on overnight.

The honey is absorbed into the skin and makes your lips smooth and supple with daily application.

Treats Dry Skin:

The combination of honey and yogurt can help treat dry and flaky skin. Both have antibacterial properties that deeply cleanse the

skin. And honey, being rich in antioxidants (and also a humectant), improves moisture levels of the skin.

Mix 1 tablespoon of unsweetened and unflavoured yogurt with 1 tablespoon of honey.

Spread the mixture onto your face and keep it on for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Cleanses Skin:

Honey helps remove dirt and grime from the skin.

And it does it without stripping the natural oils.

Just take about half a teaspoon of honey on your fingers. Warm it by rubbing between your fingers. You can also add a few drops of water for the desired consistency. Spread gently over your face and rinse with warm water. Pat your face dry. You can then use a toner to get the best results.

Eliminates Warts: Manuka honey can work great for this purpose. You just have to apply a thick

layer of honey on the wart and keep it on for 24 hours.

Helps Whiten The Skin:

Honey might help whiten your skin in numerous ways. Its antibacterial properties soothe inflammation and defend the skin from germs. It also moisturizes skin.

Using honey along with yogurt can work well. Mix 1 tablespoon of fresh yogurt with 1 ½ tablespoons of honey. Apply the mixture on your face and leave it on for 15 minutes. Wash off with warm water. Repeat daily.

Benefits For Hair

The properties of honey help deal with numerous scalp issues. Honey might also promote hair growth.

Promotes Hair Growth:

Though there is little evidence on this, there is no harm in giving it a try.

You can combine honey with olive oil for preventing hair loss and strengthening hair. Simply heat the olive

Happy New Year eating is important for all people who have hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are viruses that are transmitted through blood to blood transmission and affect the liver.

They can cause damage to the liver and even increase the risk of developing liver cancer. Therefore, it is important to make healthy food choices, and avoid fried foods, processed foods and high calorie sugary food to help your liver work at its best.

It is also very important to limit or not drink alcohol at all, especiallly if you have hepatitis B or hepatitis C, as it can increase the damage to the liver.

The Australian Drug and Alcohol Foundation recommends, to reduce the risk of harm caused by alcohol men and women should drink no more than 2 standard alcoholic drinks per day. When drinking alcohol, no more than 4 standard drinks at any one time is recommended to reduce the

Tips to boost your fertility caffeine has been shown to increase the risk of miscarriage, so limit your daily consumption to just 1-2 cups of coffee daily. Remember though that chocolate, colas and energy drinks all have amounts of caffeine in them so you may be consuming more than you are aware of.

Folic Acid: You need to be taking a folic acid supplement at least one month before trying to conceive.

Recreational Drugs: Studies have shown that these drugs can increase the risk of birth defects and also cause medical problems in the mother.

Lubricants These may affect the sperm quality so should be avoided if you are trying to conceive.

Toxins: We are faced with a myriad of environmental toxins on a daily basis. If you work with or around toxins, you need to be using protective face masks etc.

Talk with your Dr or Specialist if you have any concerns.

MALE Diet and Exercise: As with the female, diet and exercise play an important role in the production of healthy sperm. Men should also try and maintain a healthy body weight and do regular moderate exercise. A diet rich in lean proteins and fresh fruit and vegetables is recommended.

Men need to keep in mind that sperm is produced at slightly below body temperature, so it is important to exercise at a sensible pace and not

overheat yourself.

Keep Cool: Because of overheating, sperm quality can be affected. The testes are outside the body to keep them cooler for a reason.

Avoid hot spas, saunas, tight jeans or even sitting with your laptop on your lap.

Smoking: Apart from the long term risks associated with smoking, studies have also shown problems with sperm DNA Fragmentation.

Alcohol: Excessive consumption effects sperm quality making it harder to conceive. Limit your intake if trying to conceive.

Stress: Studies have shown that the semen quality declines during periods of stress. Find ways to lower your stress levels, like going for a walk or playing golf with your friends.

Caffeine: There are both positives and negatives with caffeine intake for men when trying to conceive. It has been shown to boost mobility, however consuming more than 3 cups per day or 300mg of caffeine can result in sperm DNA damage. If smoking, alcohol and caffeine are combined there is a dramatic decrease in sperm quality.

Vitamin Supplements: Zinc deficiency can reduce testosterone levels and semen production.

Taking a supplement can improve the DNA quality.

We recommend taking a supplement with antioxidants and Zinc. There are several formulations available so ask your Dr or Pharmacist for advice. You will need to begin

w w w. c i t y f e r t i l i t y. c o m . a u

38 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019

oil until it is warm. To this, add 2 tablespoons of honey (you can also add one egg white). Mix well and smooth this mixture through wet hair. Leave it on for about 15 minutes, and then shampoo your hair as usual. This mixture can also treat dry hair.

Removes Dandruff:

Raw honey can work better for this. Just mix raw honey with water (in a 9:1 ratio). Massage this solution into your scalp and leave it on for about 3 hours. Repeat once a week.

Cleanses Scalp:

Mix 1 tablespoon of raw honey with 3 tablespoons of filtered water. Wet your hair and massage a few drops of this mixture into your scalp. Rinse well.

Follow with conditioner.

These are the benefits of honey, for a deeper facial cleanse or a hair treatment book an appointment with me at 0412350013. See you all next month!

risk of alcohol-related injury. For people diagnosed with hepatitis B or hepatitis C they should discuss with their doctor if it is safe to drink alcohol and how much, if at all.

The start of a New Year is a good time to make good health choices, and see your doctor for testing if you have not been tested for hepatitis.

For more information please contact ECCQ: Website: eccq.com.au/health Phone: 07 3255 1540.

If you live in Cairns, you can also contact: Rhondda Lewis, Viral Hepatitis Health Practitioner. Phone: 07 4226 4761. email: Rhondda.Lewis@health.qld.gov.au taking this 3 months prior to conception.

Recreational Drugs: Studies have shown Marijuana to have a major impact on sperm quality and quantity. It is not advisable to use any form of recreational drug when trying to conceive or after conception.

Toxins: We are faced with a myriad of environmental toxins on a daily basis. If you work with paints, diesel fumes or pesticides to name a few, you need to be using protective face masks etc.

Pollutants can cause DNA damage to sperm.

Give them a wide berth whilst trying to conceive or take all safety measures possible whilst using them. Talk with your Dr or Specialist if you have any concerns.

Ejaculation Frequency: There is a common misconception that if you “save it up” and don’t ejaculate until ovulation then you will have more sperm and achieve fertilisation. This is definitely not the case. If you “save it up” the sperm become sluggish and tend to have more chance of DNA damage. You need to ejaculate regularly to keep the sperm healthy and motile. For best results you should try and ejaculate every 2 days especially when your partner is ovulating. Often we are asked “can you ejaculate too much?” If you are ejaculating daily this will not cause a problem with most males. The quantity will not be as much but the quality should be good.

New Sunnybank fertility and IVF clinic now open Visit our state-of-the-art clinic

Our specialists

Setting new standards in fertility treatment Cutting-edge genetic testing facilities Committed to excellence in patient care Proven success rates

Dr Rozeena Musa Dr Vidhya Gupta

For a full list of our specialists, visit our website.

Guaranteed appointment within 10 working days with WKH ȴUVW DYDLODEOH VSHFLDOLVW * *

new fertility patient referrals

Languages spoken Hindi - Urdu - Bengali - Marathi - Punjabi - Sinhalese

Call us today 1300 956 215 cityfertility.com.au Sunnybank Private Specialist Centre Suite 33, Level 2, 245 McCullough Street Sunnybank QLD 4109 Premier Global IVF Provider

BIT MAR. 2019 DEADLINES ADVERT BOOKING 27th February, 2019 Email: prod@indiantimes.com.au Editorial / Photo Submissions 27th February, 2019 submissions not accepted after this date Email: prod@indiantimes.com.au or call 07 3865 6533

Suite 1, 2281 Sandgate Road, Boondal Qld 4034

Advertise Now... contact

(07) 3865 6533 www.air@indianradio.net.au Call 07 3865 6533

www.indiantimes.com

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019 — 39

Who, What, Where, When…

Wedding reception of Aman and Sumeet Chandra at Quan Thanh Function centre West End , the celebration also included Aman’s 40th Birthday.

Chandigarh returned reunion – Sudha Talwar , Umesh Chandra, Alice Fernades , Dharam Chandra , Usha Chandra.

Bhagwat Katha by Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Jayatah at Ravendra and Dewani Nand s residence

Lord Mayor of Brisbane Right Honourable Graham Quirk official opened the Dello Mano pop up shop in Sunnybank Plaza on 31st January - in readiness for Chinese New Year.

Members of Shree Sanatan Dharam Hindu Association of Queensland after the Hawan ceremony.

Committee members of GOPIO Gold Coast with the Chief Guest honorary counsel for Indian in Queensland Mrs Archana Singh.

Second anniversary celebration of Vishnu Maya Mandir , Dharam Guri Tripathi ji , blesses the prathambh Bhog donors on the occasion , Umesh Chandra was the Mc of the program which included bhajans, prabachan , speeches, Prasad and Maha Prasad.

40 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019

Call 07 3865 6533

www.indiantimes.com

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019 — 41

indian news Prime Minister inaugurates 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas in Varanasi

By News Intervention Bureau

THE Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi inaugurated the plenary session of the 15th edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas at Deendayal Hastkala Sankul in Varanasi today. Chief Guest of PBD 2019, Prime Minister of Mauritius, PravindJugnauth, ,Governor of Uttar Pradesh Ram Naik, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj along with UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Haryana, Manohar Lal Khattar, Chief Minister of UttarakhandTrivendra Singh Rawat, Union Minister of State for Overseas Indian Affairs Retd.General V K Singh and several other dignitaries graced the occasion.

In his address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it is the love and affection of the diaspora for the land of their forefathers which has brought them to India. He called upon the NRI community to join hands for building a new India.

PM lauded the role of Indian diaspora in keeping alive the tradition of VasudhaivaKutumbakam. He said the NRIs are not only the Brand Ambassadors of India but also represent its strength, capabilities

and characteristics. He urged the diaspora to participate in building a New India specially in research and innovation.

PM said that with its rapid progress, India is being seen on a high pedestal across the world and is in a position to lead the global community. International Solar Alliance is one such example. Mr. Modi added that local solution and global application is our mantra. He termed International Solar Alliance as a step in the direction of One World, One Sun, One Grid.

Prime Minister said that India is on course to become a global economic powerhouse.

It has one of the largest start-up ecosystems and world’s largest healthcare scheme to its credit. We have moved on with great strides in Make in India. A bumper harvest production has been our major achievement.

PM lamented that due to lack of will power and proper policies of the previous Government, a large chunk of funds earmarked for them was not available for the Beneficiaries. However today, he said we have plugged the loopholes in the system with the help of technology. The loot of public money has been stopped and 85 percent of the lost money has been made

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Mr. Pravind Jugnauth at the inauguration of the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2019, in Varanasi. The Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Ram Naik, the Union Minister for External Affairs, Smt. Sushma Swaraj, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath and the Chief Minister of Haryana, Shri Manohar Lal Khattar are also present. (Photo: PIB)

available and transferred directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. PM said that now Rs. 5,80000 crores has transferred directly into people’s accounts over the past

four and a half years.PM narrated how 7 crore fake names have been struck off the list of beneficiaries, which is almost equal to the population of Britain, France and, Italy.

Sandeep Marwah Honored at Varanasi at PM Constituency

By NewsPatrolling VARANASI: The Union Minister of State General V.K.Singh Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India and Union Minister of State Independent Charge K.J. Alphons Ministry of Tourism, Government of India honored Dr. Sandeep Marwah President of Marwah Studios and ICMEI –International Chamber of Media And Entertainment Industry at a grand function at Prime Minister’s Constituency at Varanasi.

“The Non Resident Indians have great contribution in developing and bringing India to new platform. They have proved, where ever they are settled, that an Indian can do wonders in their profession and business,” said General V.K. Singh addressing to Non Resident Indians in a GOPIA- Global Organization of People of Indian Origin at

Hotel Taj at Varanasi.

“Every one deserve awards but some of you have done extra ordinary in their fields and few have proved even staying back in India with their expertise in foreign markets of different countries, Dr. Sandeep Marwah is one of them,” said Sunny Kulathakal President of GOPIO. Dr. Sandeep Marwah is in touch with 145 countries, attracted students from 120 countries of the World, more than 80 countries have extended their support to him by visiting his international head quarters and 50 arrangements have already been signed or forums have been created so far under his leadership.

“Never Ever any Indian has been nominated by 50 countries of the World as the representative, Brand Ambassador, Cultural

Ambassador or Chair for Country forums.

We all salute to Sandeep Marwah for his extra ordinary contribution to promotion of art, culture and tourism to that scale,” expressed Smita Srivastava Coordinator of the Program.

K.J. Alphons Minister of Tourism was also briefed that Dr. Marwah has attracted more than 1.2 Million people from all over India and 145 countries of the World to Noida Film City as the founder of the project in last 25 years of his non stop contribution to films, television and cinema tourism besides running a tourism and hospitality Institute. Minister appreciated Dr. Marwah’s contribution to Tourism.

GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, large number of non-resident Indians, political leaders, media persons, people from business community, were present at the glamorous event.

President confers Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards

GOPIO to induct National MP Bakshi into Honour Roll

VARANASI: President Ram Nath Kovind conferred the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards on 28 eminent personalities and two organisations of the Indian diaspora for their contributions and achievements in various fields, here on Wednesday.

The awards were conferred at the valedictory session of this year's Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) on the concluding day of the three-day diaspora conclave.

According to a list provided by the External Affairs Ministry, the awards were conferred in the fields of social, community and public service, business, business management, entrepreneurship, chartered accountancy, training and simulation, science, medical science, engineering, technology, architecture, academics, arts and diplomacy.

Nihal Singh Agar, known for his services to the Hindu community in Australia, was conferred the award under the category of social service.

Two organisations - Indian Community Association of Egypt and Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha and Swami Saradaprabhananda of the Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa, got the award for community service.

Himanshu Gulati, a Member of Parliament in Norway, and Shamim Parkar Khan of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were honoured for public service.

Under the business category, Ramesh Chotai of Canada, Amit Waikar of China, Bitthal Das Maheswari of Italy, Bhavdeep Singh

By Venkat Raman

Dhillon of New Zealand, Vinodan Verambally Thazhikuniyil of Oman and Girish Pand and Surender Singh Kandhari of the UAE were honoured.

While Banwarilal Satya Narayan Goenka was conferred the award in the field of business management, Rajesh Chaplot of Uganda got it for chartered accountancy, Jagdeshwar Rao Maddukuri of Poland for entrepreneurship, and Purnendu Chandra Tiwary of Qatar for training and simulation.

In the field of medical science, Guna Sekhar Muppuri of Jamaica, Prakash Madhavdas Heda of the US, and Zulekha Daud of the UAE were honoured.

Rajendra Kumar Joshi of Switzerland and Chandrashekhar Mishra of the US were honoured for their contributions in the field of science.

Rajinder Nath Khazanchi of Bhutan got the award for civil engineering, Gitesh Jayantilal Desai of the US for structural engineering, P.V. Sambasiva Rao of Kenya for technology and Rajpal Tyagi of Kuwait for architecture.

Malini Ranganathan of France and Gita Gopinath of the US were honoured for their contributions in the fields of academics and arts.

Veteran South African diplomat Anil Sookal was conferred the award in the field of diplomacy.

The 15th edition of the PBD was organised by the External Affairs Ministry in partnership with the Uttar Pradesh government.

42 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019

THE Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), an international body representing the Indian Diaspora, has announced that it will induct National Party Member of Parliament Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi into its ‘Honour Roll’ later this month.

A GOPIO notification said that he will be among two other dignitaries to receive this honour, including Maharashtra Minister Raj K Purohit and South Africa Member of Parliament Aumsensing (Omie) Singh.

They will be honoured at the Valedictory Session of GOPIO General Meet in at the Varanasi Taj Hotel in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India on January 20, 2019, the evening before the commencement of the official biennial ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, on January 21, 2019 in the City.

Among the past recipients of this Honour were former Prime Minister the later Inder Gujral, Dr L M Singhvi and Lord Bhikhu Parekh, The GOPIO notification described Mr Bakshi as ‘Indian Origin Member of New Zealand’s Parliament, serving his fourth term as a List Parliamentarian for the New Zealand National Party.’

“Currently serving as a spokesperson for Internal Affairs and Justice portfolios for

National MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi

the New Zealand National Party, he also served as Chairperson of Parliamentary Law and Order Select Committee. His prior assignments included numerous Parliamentary Committees. In 2015, he was conferred ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award’ by the Indian Government. Mr Bakshi has been supporting GOPIO chapters in New Zealand.”

Call 07 3865 6533

www.indiantimes.com

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019 — 43

Real Estate News ALP needs to come clean before everyone loses: REIA RESPONDING to the recent announcement by the Leader of the Opposition, Bill Shorten, that there would be no decisions made regarding changes to existing negative gearing and capital gains taxation arrangements until after the federal election, the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) asks whether this is because the ALP doesn’t want any voter backlash in the lead up to the election.

“All Australians need to know what and when a Labor Government, if elected, will do regarding property taxation. It is not acceptable to appear to be

‘having a couple of bob each way’ in the lead up to the election,” REIA President Adrian Kelly said.

Under the previously announced ALP taxation policies these are the losers: 1. Mum and dad investors who want to buy an existing investment property to supplement their retirement savings will no longer be able to claim a modest taxation deduction. Contrast this to the ALP proposal to allow a twenty per cent instant asset write-off for capital expenditure above $20,000 for big business.

2. Home owners who will see

additional downward pressure on home prices in an already falling market 3. Renters who will see their rents rise just as they did under the Hawke/Keating experiment in the 1980’s. Contast this to the current situation where we have the lowest annual increase in rents for two

decades.

4. Builders and their ‘tradies’ who will build less houses as shown by independent research undertaken for the Master Builders Association last year.

5. State governments and their constituents who will receive less stamp duty to spend on much needed infrastructure.

“REIA welcomes the promise to consult but let’s do that now, not after the election, and let’s look at all property taxes in a holistic approach and not just negative gearing and capital gains tax as if that’s the panacea to housing

affordability.

“There is already enough market uncertainty partic-ularly in the larger states and a “nothing to see here” approach will only exacerbate this uncertainty.

“The ALP needs to come clean with what its election policies actually are so that all Australians – including the nearly 100,000 real estate businesses across Australia together with their employees and families - know exactly what they will be voting for and can make an informed decision at the ballot box,” concluded Mr Kelly.

Little good news in housing finance numbers: REIA THE November 2018 housing finance figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that the number of loans for housing continues to decline, according to the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA).

“Overall the figures for November 2018 show, in trend terms that the number of owner-occupied finance commitments decreased by 0.2 per cent –the fourteenth consecutive month of decreases.

If refinancing is excluded, in

trend terms, the number of owneroccupied finance commitments decreased by 0.2 per cent –also the fourteenth consecutive month of decreases and the lowest since October 2014,” REIA President Adrian Kelly said.

“In trend terms decreases were recorded in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. The largest decrease of 0.7 per cent was in New South Wales. Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the

Australian Capital Territory had increases with the largest of 2.2 per cent in the Australian Capital Territory.”

Mr Kelly said the value of investment housing commitments decreased by 1.5 per cent in November, in trend terms, and is currently at 2013 levels.

“In trend terms, the number of established dwellings purchase commitments decreased by 0.1 per cent while the purchase of new

dwellings decreased by 0.6 per cent and new dwelling construction fell by 0.9 per cent.

“The proportion of first home buyers, as part of the total owner-occupied housing finance commitments increased in November to 18.3 per cent from 18.1 per cent in October and the number of loans to first home buyers increased by 3.5 per cent.

“The continued decline in housing finance reflects the slowing

market, APRA restrictions on investors which went too far for too long, the fallout from the Royal Commission into Banking and concerns about changes to property taxation and its impact should there be a change in Government.

“With the Government formulating its 2019 Budget the property sector should be at the forefront of its considerations so that it doesn’t become a drag on the economy,” Mr Kelly said.

REIQ responds to The place growing fastest in QLD Banking Royal Commission report

By Sophie Foster

THE REIQ welcomes the finalisation of the Royal Commission into the banking and financial services sector and the release of its report.

It is now important that the government and regulators address the problems identified in the report without causing further damage to the property industry and broader economy.

The property industry is the backbone of the Australian economy. The residential property market is worth almost $7 trillion which is 3.5 times the size of the Australian stock market.

In Queensland, real estate is the lifeblood of the local economy, employing around 50,000 people and providing some the state’s largest revenue sources in the form of stamp duty and other property related taxes. A strong and stable real estate sector benefits all Queenslanders.

The property sector is already feeling the impact of the Royal Commission.

Tightened lending criteria has seen borrowers locked out and property values in the capital cities of Sydney and Melbourne falling at significant levels.

These falling property values represent falling earnings for real estate

agents and lost revenue for the small businesses – real estate agencies – that employ around 50,000 Queenslanders.

CoreLogic estimates real estate agents would have earned $1.28bn less in sales commissions last year, based on a 2.5 per cent commission rate.

This report is released at a time when consumer and business confidence in Queensland is already low. The looming federal election, with the threat of negative gearing changes and at a state level, the residential tenancies reforms, are all impacting buyer confidence and presenting a perfect storm for the Queensland property sector.

Confidence is key to real estate.

To maintain the health of the Queensland real estate sector – and the Queensland economy – it is important that Queenslanders are able to access finance so they can buy and sell property.

The REIQ is hoping for a balanced response from the finance sector, regulators and government, that ensures buyers with the capacity to service a mortgage are still able to access finance to buy property.

44 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019

THE fastest growing place in the Queensland has seen median house prices in some suburbs spike 24 to 39 per cent in the past year, a massive turnaround for the area.

The Sunshine Coast has beaten Brisbane and the Gold Coast to lead Queensland growth prospects, the latest Hotspotting report has found, thanks to a massive $20 billion infrastructure pipeline of projects either completed, in the process or in planning.

The report, released this weekend, found the 55km stretch running down the southeast coastline was now “Queensland’s strongest real estate market”.

“This is a game-changer for the Sunshine Coast,” according to report author Terry Ryder.

“Nothing supports property price growth like major new infrastructure spending, which generates jobs, economic activity and improved amenity for residents.”

“It has more suburbs with rising demand than any other location in the state and it is outperforming Brisbane and the Gold Coast on price growth,” said report author Terry Ryder.

“Combined with the neighbouring Noosa and Gympie LGAs, this region is easily the standout in the state.”

Noosa — where median house prices were up 13 per

Sienna Carter 10, and Claire Walsh 8, were part of the Little Lifesavers program on the Sunshine Coast over the school holidays — a wholesome lifestyle is one of the many reasons why the area is taking off. Picture: Lachie Millard.

cent and units up 19 per cent — had the fastest growing suburb with Sunshine Beach up 39 per cent, while elsewhere Doonan was up 24 per cent in one year, as was Twin Waters, with Mt Coolum rising 20 per cent. Pelican Waters (15 per cent) was also in double digits, as were Noosa Heads and Wurtulla — neck and neck at 13 per cent, Sunrise Beach (12 per cent), Maroochydore (11 per cent), and Mooloolaba, Peregian Beach and Tewantin were tied on 10 per cent.

“This represents a significant turnaround for these markets. The Sunshine Coast was one of the worst performers on capital growth in Queensland over the six years to 2014, but since then has entered a strong

growth phase on the back of positives changes in the local economy.”

Around 20,000 new jobs had been created in the last five years, the report said, leveraging off projects like the $2 billion Sunshine Coast University Hospital which opened in April 2017, the $150 million private hospital and the Oceanside Kawana Health Hub. The area is located 100km north of Brisbane along a 55km coastal stretch running from Caloundra to Noosa.

The report includes Kawana, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Buderim and Coolum as well as hinterland towns like Beerwah, Landsborough and Nambour — covering two councils — Sunshine Coast Regional Council and Noosa Council.

It is now the tenth fastest growing region nationally for jobs with the economy diversifying from tourism to include healthcare/social assistance, construction, retail, education and training.

The population was expected to growth to half a million people in the next two decades.

Mr Ryder’s picks for investors were “the southern precinct, from Maroochydore south to Caloundra” where a lot of key new infrastructure was going.

“This is where the new jobs are being generated. This is also the precinct that offers the best affordability on the Sunshine Coast. And it’s proximate to the Sunshine Coast University, which generates rental demand.”

House and Land Packages Across South East Queensland from $350,000 Custom Floor Plan Turn Key Packages Prayer Room & Kids Retreat 16 Weeks Build Period Flexible with Changes

HELENSVALE

MANGO HILL

PARK RIDGE LOGAN RESERVE PIMPAMA

OXENFORD GREENBANK

բո ֕֜ ձ֥֎ ձ֌֧ 5|F _c ?aZ ?Yh #6\ /^J /I_ 0430 449 396 Darryl & Ingrid Meehan

Sunny - The Property Guru

Founders of Q Coast Homes, a family owned and operated business providing quality House & Land packages across Southeast Queensland.

YOU DEAL DIRECT WITH THE BUILDER. (m) 1300 QCOAST (w)www.qcoasthomes.com.au

With over 10 years of experience in Real Estate Industry, Sunny can assist you with custom house plans with all the Vastu & FengShui elements (m)0430 449 396 (e)info@thepropertyguru.com.au

Call 07 3865 6533

www.indiantimes.com

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019 — 45

Real Estate Is Our World

EXCELLENT INVESTMENT WITH GREAT TENANTS

GREAT INVESTMENT

• 5 bedrooms, 2 with built-in robes • Open plan living areas • Neat kitchen with large pantry &

• 4 double built-in bedrooms, main bedroom with ensuite • Open plan air-conditioned lounge & dining • Good kitchen with dishwasher, casual meals area & family room • Family bathroom & separate toilet • Double lockup garage with remote control & internal access • Large garden shed • Fully fenced backyard

Taigum

Offers over $510,000

4

2

2

meals area

• Separate bathroom & toilet • Covered entertainment area • 1 car accommodation • Tenants would love to stay if an investor purchased

• Rent = $385 per week

Boondall

$449,000

painted with new carpets + air-conditioned open plan living downstairs • Separate laundry + powder room • Lockup garage with remote control + internal entry • Great entertainment balcony over looking private courtyard • Potential Rent = approx. $450-$460 per week

3

2

1

Bridgeman Downs

Offers over $750,000

• 3 double built-in bedrooms, main bedroom with air-conditioning & large ensuite with skylight • Air-conditioned open plan living area • Modern kitchen with dishwasher, large pantry, breakfast bar with stone bench top • Lockup garage with internal entry & remote control • Rent = approx. $380 per week

$369,000

3

2

1

SPACIOUS FAMILY LIVING - FRESHLY PAINTED & NEW CARPETS

$719,000

07 3865 4466 / 0419 775 416 46 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019

3

2

• Situated on 620m2 block • 3 double built-in bedrooms upstairs

• Spacious open plan lounge & dining

• Neat kitchen with lots of storage • Separate family bathroom & toilet • Downstairs; large open plan living area with 3 rooms, kitchenette, shower & toilet, separate laundry

Taigum

$599,000

3

2

2

EXCELLENT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY

• 4 double built-in bedrooms, 2 with air-con, main bedroom with large walk-in robe & ensuite • Entry leads to a spacious formal lounge & dining with plantation blinds • Neat kitchen with large pantry & breakfast bar • Beautiful huge media room with plenty of sunlight • Double lockup garage with internal access

Chermside West

6

LARGE HOME IDEAL FOR EXTENDED FAMILY

EXCEPTIONAL VALUE

Taigum

1

• 6 double built-in bedrooms, master with large ensuite • Spacious formal lounge & dining • Modern kitchen with breakfast bar and walk-in pantry • Open plan dining & family room • Lge. media room, private balcony • Great entertainment area with stainless steel sink • New carpets throughout • 6000L water tank • 5KW solar panels

• Excellent investment; freshly

Offers over $519,000

1

BEAUTIFUL FAMILY HOME WITH FULLY DUCTED AIR-CONDITIONING

ELEVATED POSITION WITH VIEWS

Kedron

5

4

3

2

• 2 double built-in bedrooms • Large open plan living leading to a massive balcony • Main bedroom opens on to a private balcony, also with ensuite & air-con • Good kitchen with large pantry • Spacious family bathroom • 1 car accommodation • Resort style pool with sep. spa • Current rent = $485 per week

Fortitude Valley

boondall@globenetrealty.com.au

$409,900

www.globenetrealty.com.au

2

2

1

Real Estate Is Our World

FAMILY HOME WITH POOL AND THEATRE ROOM

FULLY DUCTED AIR-CONDITIONED FAMILY HOME ON ELEVATED POSITION • 4 double bedrooms, main with large walk-in robe and ensuite • Separate spacious formal lounge & dining • Large open plan family room with casual dining • Beautiful timber kitchen with walk-in pantry • Huge separate media room with stunning timber built-in bar • Family bathroom, separate toilet • Large laundry

• Situated on 759m2 block • Freshly painted with new carpets • 5 bedrooms, main bedroom with air-con, ensuite, walk through wardrobe • Separate formal lounge • Modern kitchen with breakfast bar & dishwasher • Open plan dining & family room • Garden shed + double car accommodation

Taigum

Offers over $600,000

5

2

2

Bridgeman Downs

Offers over $735,000

• Features 4 built-in bedrooms, main with walk-in robe & ensuite • Spacious lounge & dining with tile ÀRRUV • Separate family room • Large family bathroom & separate toilet • Built-in laundry • Four car accommodation • Stroll to school, shops & all other amenities • 612m2 block

$529,000

4

2

2

• Situated on 700m2 block • Spacious modern kitchen with Smeg appliances, 5 burner gas stove, large pantry & space for double door fridge • 4 bedrooms with ceiling fans & built-in wardrobes • Large shed + great side access + fully fenced yard • Potential rent = $580-$600 pw • Frontage = approx. 23 mts

Taigum

Offers over $660,000

• Open plan lounge + dining with air-con • Modern kitchen with pantry, dishwasher + breakfast bar • 4 built-in bedrooms, main bedroom with ensuite + air-con • Spacious family bathroom + separate toilet • Double lockup garage with remote control + internal entry • Covered entertainment area with great bay breezes

$529,000

2

4

3

3

LARGE FAMILY HOME CLOSE TO ALL AMENITIES

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY

Taigum

2

LARGE FAMILY HOME WITH SEPARATE LIVING

FRESHLY PAINTED WITH NEW KITCHEN

Taigum

4

4

2

2

• 4 built-in bedrooms + large study • Main bedroom with air-con, walk-in robe + ensuite

• Huge formal lounge + dining • Large kitchen with open plan meals area + dishwasher

• Separate air-conditioned media room

• Spacious sep. bathroom + toilet • Double lockup garage with remote control + internal access

Boondall

$675,000

4

2

2

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Whether it’s maintenance, arrears or anything in between, we keep you up to speed every step of the way

07 3865 4466 / 0419 775 416 Call 07 3865 6533

Whatever the world of legislation throws your way, our service will always have you in compliance and reduce your exposure to risk

boondall@globenetrealty.com.au www.indiantimes.com

Nothing is more costly to an Investment Portfolio than Property Manager turnover.

Our Senior Property Manager is also on the Board of Directors

www.globenetrealty.com.au THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019 — 47

Who, What, Where, When…

Maya and Lua , representing the youth group of Bhai Centre of Brisbane focus on the issue of homelessness in our city.

The very artistic display of Debris found on our beaches was exhibited at Chung Tian Temple art gallery, the exhibition aims at rains awareness of the plastic debris that we leave on our beaches.

The charming welcoming party, ready to usher vips the lunch room

Lion Dancers welcome the dignitaries to Chun Tian Temple.

Lohri celebrations at Baldev and Sushma Sharma’s residence, a grand celebration marking the firt Lohri of their Grandson Raghav Sharma

Citizenship ceremony by Fiji Seniors Citizens Association of Queensland

Nikhil Reddy campaigns for the federal seat of Petrie on One Nation Ticket

Invited guest at the citizen ship ceremony included Brisbane Citizen of the year and the young citizen of the year, a VIP reception was held in the Balmoral Room.

48 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019

The largest Citizen ceremony by Brisbane City Council on Australia Day

Large gathering for the invasion day protest and rally March at Roma Street Brisbane

FIND YOUR

HAPPY PLACE

New designer homes in brand new colours. Complete and ready to move into. It’s so easy!

Homes from $415,000 Save $15,000 using the First Home Owners’ Grant* 3 and 4 bedroom family homes • Modern, open plan designs • Exciting new colour schemes and finishes • Fixed price, NO hidden costs • Fully landscaped

MADISON 16 TRADITIONAL

ELANA 24 3

2

1

1

TRADITIONAL

ORARA 22 4

2.5

2

2

URBAN

BOWEN 22 4

2

2

2

URBAN

4

2

2

2

quadrant.com.au VWO 49196

• An active8 community with park and fitness stations • Community garden • Close to Strathpine Centre and train station

DISPLAY HOMES Open 10am to 5pm daily • Meadows Boulevard off Grahams Road, STRATHPINE • Phone 0437 105 721 Whilst care has been taken in the preparation of this advertisement, the particulars are not to be construed as containing any representation of the facts upon which any interested party is entitled to rely.

All interested parties should make their own enquiries. Information contained is correct as at the time of publication. *Details at firsthomeowners.initiatives.qld.gov.au

Begin your new home journey at villaworld.com.au/the-meadows Call 07 3865 6533

www.indiantimes.com

YOUR COMPLETE HOME YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019 — 49

What's On! 9th February 2019 Bollywood Trivia & Karaoke Night Presented By JK Events From 6pm – Midnight Sitar Indian Restaurant, 331 Sandgate road, Albion. Tickets Available: www. eventbrite/bollywoodtrivia

10th February 2019 Dumpling Day Bris Asia Festival 12 noon – 7pm. Free Entry.

Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills.

14th February 2019 Parents Worship Day From 6:30pm. Dinner Starts at 8pm Gayatri Mandir Boondall (178 Lyndhurst Road, Bondall).

Robelle Domain Parkland, Education City Drive, Springfield Central. Q4300

29th march 2019 Meditation, The source of lasting joy.

Free Lecture with guided meditation.

Brisbane convention & Exhibition Centre. www.srf-brisbane.com.au

Saturday 30th March 2019 Varnam Cultural Society QLD INC Presents CHITHIRAI KALAI VIZHA From 3pm, Saturday. Free Entry Robelle Domain parklands Springfield Central Swapna: 0422 344 248 ec.varnamqld@ gmail.com

30th March

Bris Asia Festival Markets From 12 noon – 6pm Seven hills Hub, Seven hills (corner of Tallowwood Street & Griffith Place)

Sangeet Mela 2019 (Indian Classical Music & Dance Festival) Tickets & info: www.sangeetmela.org From 2:30pm – 9:30pm QMC: 102 Main Street, Kangaroo point.

23rd February 2019

31st March - 4th April

BEMAC LIVE From 6:30pm onwards Featuring India’s Greatest Living Indian Classical Music Performer Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan.

QMC- 102 Main street, Kangaroo point. www.bemac.org.au

Chinmaya Mission Australia presents free talks in English on THE WISE & THE OTHERWISE From 7:30pm - 9pm, Sunday to Thursday.

Venue: Cooparoo secondary college Auditorium

24th February 2019

Indian New Year Celebration Presented

By DJJS Australia Contact: Sanjiv Sharma 0431 383 002 djjsaustralia@gmail.com GOPA KUTEERAM (Working towards spiritual, moral emotional, social & creative development of Children).

Dates include: February 25th, March 25th, April 22nd, May 27th, June 24th, July 22nd, August 26th, September 23rd, October 28th and November 25th.

Taigum State school Hall: 266 Hanford Road.

Contact: Dr Aparna 0430117994/ Email: brisbane@godivinity.org.au

23rd February 2019

Brisbane Colour Festival Zillemere Ground.

Celebrating Holi together.

2nd March 2019 Bris Asia Festival of Colours. Brisbane Holi Festival.

From 12 noon – 6pm Rocks Riverside Park, Seventeen Mile Rocks. Free Entry.

3rd March 2019 International Mother Language Day & Harmony Day. From 11am – 8pm. Free Entry.

Robelle domain, Education city Drv, Springfield central QLD 4300

2nd - 4th March 2019 Gayatri Mandir invites you (SHIV KATHA) From 6pm – 8:30pm Gayatri Mandir Boondall, 178 Lyndhurst Road, Boondall QLd 4034

4th March 2019 Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir Presents Maha Shiv Ratri 86 Scott lane, North Mclean. www.Shreevinumayamandir.com.au

9th - 10th March 2019 Yoga Retreat organized By Vedanta Centre Sydney www.vasudevakriyayoga.com Phone: 07 3818 9986

9th March 2019 Bhakti Seva Pariwar Australia Presents Shree Hanuman Chalisa Arya Samaj Hall, 198 Learoyd Road, Willawong

10th march 2019 Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir Presents Maha Laxmi Yagna 86 Scott lane, North Mclean. www.Shreevinumayamandir.com.au

16th March 2019 World Harmony Day Organized By World Harmony Incorporation From 3pm - 8pm

6th April 2019

Weekly Events...

Mondays…

Brahma Kumaris Australia – Meditation & Positive Thinking Sessions – Mondays 10.30am to 11.30am: Regular meditation should improve your ability to focus and think clearly. By practising mediations which cultivate our ability to sense and care for our natural energy we are able to live life with greater awareness and confidence. Each class includes guided meditations, discussions, short talks and the introduction and practice of techniques. Each session is a different topic. Meditation sessions Tuesdays 6.30pm to 7.30 pm and Sundays 5.30pm to 6.30pm.

During these sessions there will be meditation commentaries, music and periods of silence.

You can come and go at any time during these sessions. Venue: 27 Bordeaux Parade, Mermaid Waters. Please phone to register – 5575 2126.

Email goldcoast@au.brahmakumaris.org or visit www.brahmakumaris.org/au/whatson for more information Brisbane Good Samaritan Prayer Fellowship (Malayam Service) – Congregation on every Sunday from 10am to 12pm at Stafford Scouts, 38 Appleby Road, Stafford, Qld 4053.

For further information contact 0468 358 646 or 0411 269 322. Come and hear the message of your eternal life, GOD BLESS Picabeen Community Centre – you’re invited to playgroup! – For parents with children aged 0-5 years from all cultures and backgrounds. Come along and meet families from all backgrounds in your community.

Every Monday (Except public holidays) 10am – 12pm. Picabeen Community Centre, 22 Hoben Street, Mitchelton Qld. Phone 3354 2555 Zi Za Dong Zen Association – Energy Healing to improve health and well beings – ZZDZ Assn. Inc is a not for profit charity foundation

50 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019

based in Brisbane. Focusing on energy healing named Qi Gong through meditation, it provides free energy healing sessions and guidance. Practicing Qi Gong will encourage you to achieve a positive outlook on life, by helping to reduce stress and calm your mind. It also increases vitality, enhances your immune system and helps to eliminate negative attitudes and behaviours. Session Times & Locations: Mondays-Thursday & Saturday 9am – 12pm at 10 Cognac Court, Calamvale.

Thursday afternoon (except 1st week) 3.30pm – 6pm at Sunnybank Hills Shoppingtown Library. 67 Level 2, Cnr Calam & Compton Road. Friday afternoon 2pm-5pm at Logan West Library – 69 Grand Plaza Drive, Brown Plains. For more information email zzdz. aus@gmail.com or visit www.zzdz.org.au

Tuesdays…

Ramayan Recital and Satsang. From 7.00pm at Sanatan Qld Centre (SSDHAQ), 550 Wembley Road, Berrinba Qld.).

Shree Sanatan Dharam Hindu Association of QLD invites devotees to weekly Ramayan Katha. Held at Sanatan Qld Centre, 550 Wembley Road, Berrinba every Tuesday, from 7pm. All welcome to participate in the recital of the Ramayan. Furter enquiries ssdhaq@gmail.com

Wednesdays…

Brisbane Good Samaritan Prayer Fellowship (Malayam Service) – Cottage Meeting on every Wednesday from 6.30pm to 8pm at Stafford Scouts, 38 Appleby Road, Stafford, Qld 4053. For further information contact 0468 358 646 or 0411 269 322. Come and hear the message of your eternal life, GOD BLESS The Mantra Room – Live Kirtan – Spend an evening of sacred Yoga chant with Gayatri, Ishvara, Jayadharma and friends Fridays 6pm, Sundays 5pm and Wednesdays 7pm at Australian School of Meditation & Yoga, 236 Montague Road, West End. Amazing Vego Food $5. Come celebrate, meditate and let the music set you free. For more information call 3844 8441 or email brisbane@asm.org.au

Thursdays…

Sai Baba Aarti Program – Every Thursday 7.30pm – Virginia State School, 1678 Sandgate Road, Virginia (next to Virginia Train Station) Aarti & Archana opportunity for all attendees, Prasad & Dinner provided. Enquiries call 0405 392 793 / saibababrisbane@gmail.com / Like on Facebook www.facebook.com/ SaiBabaBrisbane

Sundays…

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Qld Inc – Vedic Yaj (Havan) – The Sabha performs Havan Yaj every Sunday from 2-4pm at Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre, 198 Learoyd Rd, Willawong and the public is welcome to be part of it. The members of public now can perform Havan Yaj at the centre. The fee of $50 is required for use of centre facilities to cover operating costs.

The Havan Kund, utensils are available for use as well The Havan ingredients can be supplied if you are unable to get them. Mango sticks, Ghee, Samagri, Chamfor etc is available at the centre as well for $25. The seating capacity of the Yajshalla (Havan Hall) is 100. Contact Vice President Mrs Sushila Pathik for further information and bookings on 3314 6059.

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

Australian Pentecostal Assembly Brisbane – Sunday Worship every Sunday 9am-11.30am at 84 The Community Place, 84 Kedron Park Road, Wooloowin Qld with Pastor Prakash Jacob. Cottage Meeting every Tuesday 7.30pm-9pm / Kids Bible Study every Friday 7pm-7.45pm / Intercessory Prayer every Friday 7.45-9pm. Worship in Hindi, English, Malayalam and other Indian Languages. For more information Phone 07 3315 5597 / 0413 347 562 or email info@apabrisbane.com.au / www.apabrisbane.com.au Bala Samskar Kendra – Hindu Scripture Classes for Children – The aim of Bala Samskar Kendra (BSK) is to provide an opportunity to the children to learn about rich Hindu culture through value based education from various Hindu scriptures and let them gain self-confidence and grow up in to individuals who are proud of their tradition. Every Sunday 2:30pm-5pm at Sunnybank State High School, Sunnybank (use Turton Street entrance).

Contact bskqld@live.com.au / Hari 0411 137 396 / Krrishna 0411 776 509 / Ram 0416 813

747 Brisbane Multinational Church Service – Every Sunday 9.30am at 757 Gympie Road Lawnton. Come and join us for a great time of Praise and Worship plus inspired preaching of God’s word. We thrive for the presence of God and are passionate to see people be trained up and grow in the knowledge of the word of God. Special service time to pray for healing, deliverance and other spiritual needs.

Enquiries 0424 1802 40.

Star Christian Church – Clontarf Beach State School Hall. Every Sunday – Morning Service at 9.30am. Evening Service at 5pm. Come fired up and expectant! Star Church is a great, young church located on the beautiful Redcliffe Peninsula. A Pentecostal community connected with the Australian Christian Churches. We passionately want God’s presence in our lives, desire to be trained and knowledgeable in His Word, hungry for the supernatural, excelling in our service and hospitable at life. For more information visit www.starchurch.org.au

Monthly Events...

Hindu Cultural Hub (HCB) at Clayfield – Monthly Cultural congregation – Bar-Jai Community Hall, 178 Alexandra Road, Clayfield Qld 4011.

Pooja by Hindu Priest, Bajan and Kirtan by devotees, monthly religious updates / guest speakers on spiritual (or) yoga techniques.

Prasatham with vegetarian dinner served. For more details contact 0469 016 416 or visit www. hinduculturalhub.org The John Oxley District Orchid Society – Meeting – We pride ourselves on being a friendly Society and new members and guests are always welcome at our meetings held on the second Wednesday of each month starting at 7.30pm. Venue is Oxley Bowls Club, 24-30 Englefield Road, Oxley. Please contact Sonia Addison 3277 5825 or jodos-inc@hotmail.com for more information The Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association – Gold Coast Bhajan – monthly Bhajans held every third Friday of the month starting at 7.15am at the Helensvale Community Centre 31 Discovery Rd, Helensvale. Activities include Bhajan recitals, short educational presentations and free vegetarian dinner. All are cordially invited to attend. For further information please contact Director/Religious Activities, Mr S Barataraj on 0417 588 839 or gchcan@ gmail.com or visit www.goldcoasthindu.org Organization of Hindu Malayalees Queensland (OHM Queensland) – Monthly Bhajans held every first Saturday of Malayalam calendar.

Activities include Bhajans, Malayalam Class, Library service, religious short educational presentations, vegetarian dinner etc. For further information please contact President Krishnan AK on 0418 727 570 or ohmqueensland@ gmail.com Shirdi Sai Sansthan Brisbane Ltd – Shirdi Saibaba Bhajans and Aaratis – last Saturday every month. 5.30pm at Runcorn Heights State School, 200 Nemies Road, Runcorn Qld 4113.

Dhoop Aarati, Bhajans, Ashtotaram, Shej Aarati and Mahaprasad at 7.40pm. For more details contact 0416 813 747 or 0479 143 724 – visit www.shirdisaibrisbane.org or follow on facebook Shirdi sai baba Brisbane Mata Amritananadamayi Centre – Brisbane: Regular Satsangs are held at 32 Burnside Crescent, Westlake on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month at 4 pm.

Spiritual chanting, singing, reading and Arati are followed by a prasad meal. Sri Lalitha Sahasranamavali chanting takes place at the Sri Selva Vinayakar Kovil at South Maclean on the 3rd Sunday of each month at 10:30 am.

Register your interest for IAM Meditation courses. www.ammaaustralia.org.au; facebook: Amma Brisbane Satsang. Contact: brisbane@ammaaustralia.org.au; ph: 07 3715 8278 Sri Selva Vinayakar Koyil (Ganesha Temple) Brisbane (South Maclean) – For full list of upcoming events please visit www. sriselvavinayakar.org Yoga in Daily Life – Satsang and Full Moon Meditation – Satsang every last Saturday of the Month from 5-7pm with Rajastani Bhajans, meditation & Prasad. Purnima Full Moon Meditation from 7:45pm - 8:30pm (see our website for dates). Regular daily Yoga & Meditation Classes. Shiv Mandir is open daily for Darsan. Website: yidlbris.org, Email: brisbane@yogaindailylife.org

Are you tired of paying rent?

- Do you want to buy a home, but don’t know how?

- Call me, I will guide you through the whole process! Ͳ KŶĞͲ^ƚŽƉͲ^ŚŽƉ ĨŽƌ ĮƌƐƚ ŚŽŵĞ ďƵLJĞƌƐ - New home and land packages for all budgets Ͳ /ŶͲŚŽƵƐĞ ĮŶĂŶĐĞ͕ ĐŽŶǀĞLJĂŶĐŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ƉƌĞͲƉƵƌĐŚĂƐĞ ŝŶƐƉĞĐƟŽŶ - We build your dream home on your land - Australia’s number one home builder

Rajesh Kumar

Property consultant

0435 861 184

Email: rajesh.kumar@harcourts.com.au

126 Scarborough Street Southport, QLD 4215

07 5528 6005

GREATER SPRINGFIELD MEDICAL & OFFICE SUITES Mater applauds Springfield City Group for the establishment of the medical suites adjacent to Mater Private Hospital Springfield.

The hospital is looking forward to productive conversation and partnerships with doctors who move into this facility.

Justin Greenwell Director Mater Private Hospital Springfield

Sale | Lease | Invest Be part of Australia’s largest integrated health and wellness precinct.

Purchase or lease your own medical suite in the heart of Health City in Springfield Central at the new Greater Springfield Specialist and Office Suites.

This facility is directly adjacent to the Mater Private Hospital Springfield, AVEO Springfield, Quest Apartments and childcare.

With areas from 40m2 to whole floors of 474m2 over five levels (above ground floor retail and car parking), don’t miss this unique opportunity to grow your patient base in the heart of South East Queensland’s growth corridor.

To book an inspection or to request a brochure visit gssuites.com.au or contact Uma Ranchigoda on 0412 470 882

www.gssuites.com.au Call 07 3865 6533

www.indiantimes.com

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019 — 51

52 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019

NOW SELLING FROM $290,000

THE ULTIMATE ADDRESS

OUR FINAL RELEASE

A CONNECTED LOCATION

VISIT OUR ONSITE LAND SALES CENTRE

• 54 level retained lots, 300m² to 560m² • Walk to the 7 Eleven Convenience Centre • Handy to State primary and high schools • 10 minutes to Ipswich and Logan Motorways • 20 minutes to Sunnybank Hills Shopping, Cinema, Cafes • 30 minutes to Brisbane Airport and Brisbane CBD

heathwoodavenues.com.au

Call 07 3865 6533

Pinnacle Circuit (off The Avenue), Heathwood

1300 138 167

www.indiantimes.com

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019 — 53

Sports News 5 Reasons to Watch the Special Olympics World Games in 50 Days Asia-Pacific will showcase its largest delegation of athletes in Abu Dhabi in March HONG KONG, CHINA - Media OutReach - 23 January 2019 - The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 today marks the 50 days countdown to the World Games, which take place from March 14 to 21. The Games will be the largest sports and humanitarian event in the world this year. Here are five reasons for fans to watch the World Games in 50 days: 1. The biggest sports and

humanitarian event of 2019 -- In addition to over 10,000 athletes competing in the SO World Games, over 20,000 volunteers signed up and trained to support over 7,500 athletes, as well as their families and coaches throughout the Games.

2. The most unified and inclusive World Games -There will be more than 190 nations that will participate, and the Games will welcome an astounding 19 Special Olympics programs who will compete for the first

time. Six (6) of them are from Asia-Pacific: Nauru, Palau, Solomon Islands, Marshall Islands, Vanuatu, and Micronesia.

3. It’s the first time the Games will be hosted in the Middle East -- The LOC and the United Arab Emirates are building a legacy of the largest and most inclusive games in the history, making it an historic Games for it

being the first time in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region.

4. 50 Days to Celebrate the 50th Anniversary -- The Special Olympics has been changing lives and making an impact on communities around the world for 50 years, and this year the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi will mark the start for the next

50 years of the inclusion movement.

5. The Asia-Pacific region will compete with its largest delegation -- From 33 various different Special Olympics programs in APAC, 1,310 athletes from across the region will represent their nations and compete in 24 various sports. India, Korea, and Australia are the top three countries with the largest delegations from the region.

“We are excited to host AsiaPacific’s largest delegation at a World Games to date, with over 1,300 athletes from the region coming to the UAE

to showcase their talent on a global stage, “ said Tala Al Ramahi, Chief Strategy Officer of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.

“In 50 days’ time, Special Olympics programs from this region will become part of the most unified Games ever held.

This is going to be a momentous opportunity to shine the spotlight on these talented individuals and celebrate inclusion.”

For information on the Special Olympic World Games, please visit https:// www.abudhabi2019.org/.

Indian women’s hockey team shocks Ireland 3-0 in second friendly match Indian women’s hockey team dished out a spirited performance to notch up a stunning 3-0 victory against World cup silver medallists Ireland.

By Press Trust of India

INDIAN women’s hockey team dished out a spirited performance to notch up a stunning 3-0 victory against World cup silver medallists Ireland in their second and final friendly to end their tour of Spain on a high on Sunday.

India had drawn the first match 1-1 against Ireland on Saturday.

India’s attacking prowess stretched the Irish defenders right from the start as the forwardline made potential forays into the striking circle.

Navjot Kaur found the

first breakthrough for India when she converted a splendid field goal in the 13th minute to help India take a 1-0 lead.

An Indian infringement in the second quarter saw Ireland being awarded a PC but it was well-saved by India’s defence.

In the 26th minute, a timely assist by the experienced Deep Grace Ekka helped Reena Khokar double India’s lead to 2-0 ahead of the 10-minute half-time break.

India continued to keep up a discipline structure but in the melee gave away a PC to Ireland only minutes into

the third quarter. But India’s strong defence kept an Irish goal at bay.

The final quarter saw India set up a powerful attack that fetched them a PC which was well-converted

by Gurjit Kaur who was the highest goal scorer for India in this Tour.

“I am proud of the team because playing six matches in nine days can be very difficult and the last two matches we have played without our skipper Rani who has a shoulder strain,” said an elated Sjoerd Marijne, Chief coach of the Indian women’s hockey team.

“Today we were particularly good as we controlled the whole match

and had them in our circle only six times. We have played good structure, with good disciplined hockey.

“One of the things we

have improved in this tour is personal leadership and taking responsibility. I am not only seeing the score, it’s good to win 3-0 but I

am happy with individual performances.”

Earlier, India had levelled the four-match series against hosts Spain.

Australia tour of India: Dates of Bengaluru, Visakhapatnam T20Is swapped Australia will be playing two T20 Internationals and 5 ODIs during their three week tour.

AUSTRALIA will start their limited overs tour of India in Visakhapatnam, which will now host the first T20 International on February 24 instead of Bengaluru after Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) requested for a change of date due to security concerns.

Bengaluru will host the second T20 International on February 27 instead of Visakhapatnam after KSCA wrote to the BCCI

about its inability to host the inaugural match due to security concerns. The date and venue swap was okayed by Committee of Administrators (COA) members Vinod Rai and Diana Edulji.

On February 24, Aero India Show will be held in Bengaluru and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be attending the event, the reason why the police authorities informed KSCA about their inability to

provide security.

KSCA wrote to BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary, who sent it to the COA for approval. “It was a genuine reason for which KSCA can’t hold the match on the specified date (February 24). The acting secretary had forwarded me the request for swapping of dates with the Visakhapatnam T20I and I have sent my approval,” COA chief Rai told PTI. Australia will be playing two T20 Internationals and 5 ODIs during their three

week tour. The five ODIs will be held in Hyderabad

(March 2), Nagpur (March 5), Ranchi (March 8),

Mohali (March 10) and New Delhi (March 13).

Abhinav Bindra, Pullela Gopichand in jury for Indian Sports Honours ABHINAV Bindra and Pullela Gopichand have been named jury members for the second Indian Sports Honours to be presented here on February 16.

India’s first and only individual Olympic gold-medallist Abhinav Bindra and national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand have been named jury members for the second Indian Sports Honours to be presented in Mumbai on February 16.

Former Indian hockey captain Sardar Singh, tennis veteran Mahesh 54 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019

Bhupathi, legendary athlete PT Usha and former shooter Anjali Bhagwat are also a part of the selection panel.

“The award an athlete gets is just not for that individual but it also recognises the team and support staff which is committed for the athlete’s success, the award is just not a reflection of an individual’s success but it reflects his/ her team’s efforts too,” shooting ace Bindra said.

The Indian Sports Honours (ISH) is a joint initiative of RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group and the Virat Kohli Foundation.

The members of jury recently came together in Kolkata to select the winners which were nominated in every category.

The nominations were shortlisted

by Sports Journalist Federation of India (SJFI) and voted by over 200 journalists to select the final nominees.

Elaborating on the the jury, Goenka said, “We welcome the Indian sports legends into the jury, and express our heartfelt gratitude for accepting to join the panel in celebrating the legends of Indian sports.”

Parkfront homesites close to adventure trail.

Level lots ready to build on. It’s so easy!

Land from $190,000 New land & home packages also availab available ble • Huge 29 home Display Village open daily • A healthy active8 community with parks, adventure trails, bike tracks and interactive play areas

Artist Impression

4

MONTROSE 20 $399,768 Lot 696 Fiennes Road - 350m2

2

2

2

Artist Impression

BOSTON 208 $418,717 Lot 734 Cook Lane - 400m2

4

2

2

2

Artist Impression

4

MORNINGTON 198 $433,693 Lot 699 Fiennes Road - 350m2

2

2

2

Artist Impression

4

2

2

1

TASMAN $451,350 Lot 734 Cook Lane - 400m2

quadrant.com.au VWP 49341

• Land ready to build on • nbnTM and natural gas to the home • Minutes to Marsden Shopping Centre and Logan Reserve State School

SALES CENTRE OPEN 10am to 5pm daily • 396-406 Chambers Flat Road LOGAN RESERVE • Phone 1800 874 993 Whilst care has been taken in the preparation of this advertisement, the particulars are not to be construed as containing any representation of the facts upon which any interested party is entitled to rely.

All interested parties should make their own enquiries. Information contained is correct as at the time of publication. Nothing in this material is intended to suggest any association with or endorsement from the owners of intellectual property rights associated with the Indiana Jones film franchise.

Begin home journey at villaworld.com.au/killara Beginyour yournew new home journey at covella.com.au Call 07 3865 6533

www.indiantimes.com

CREATING CREATING PLACES PLACES INSPIRED INSPIRED BY

BY YOU YOU

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019 — 55

SRI SELVA VINAYAKAR KOYIL (GANESHA TEMPLE) BRISBANE (South Maclean)

Newsletter 145-97 Maasi / Māgha Month (mid-February 2019 to mid-March 2019) Festivals

Dear Sri Selva Vinayaka devotees, Hindu Ahlaya Sangam Qld Inc (HASQ) cordially invites you to Sri Selva Vinayakar Temple Brisbane (South Maclean) for Maasi/ Māgha Month Festivals.

Sri Ayyapa Swamy Kumba Rasi Masa Abishekam /Maasi Maasa Pirappu (Māgha month starts) on Wednesday 13 February 2019 Maha Sudarshana Homam/Lalitha Sahastranama Stotram Chanting on Sunday 17 February 2019 Pirathosha Viratham on Sunday 17 February & 3 March 2019 Maasi Makam/ Powrnami & SathyaNarayanar Poojai on Tuesday 19 February 2019 Sankatakara Chathurthi on Friday 22 February 2019 Vishnu Shastranamam & Paaraayanam on Sunday 3 March 2019 Mahaa Shiva Raathri on Monday 4 March 2019 Monthly Chathurthi Viratham on Sunday 10 March 2019 Visit Brisbane Sri Selva Vinayakar (Ganesha) Temple and get the Blessing of Lord Ganesha.

For further information please contact our Temple or the Vice president Mr: M.Surendra on Mobile-0407-753991

Temple Website: http://www.sriselvavinayakar.org Follow us on (click the icons): 4915-4923, Mt Lindesay Highway, South Maclean, Queensland-4280, Australia, Phone: +61 7 5547 7302 02

56 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019

CIVIL MARRIAGE CELEBRANT

LEGAL SERVICES

SHARMA LAWYERS

SHARMA LAWYERS / NOTARY PUBLIC Please contact us for all LEGAL, MIGRATION AND NOTARY SERVICES. Feeling cheated, not getting refund? Yes, we handle GLI¿FXOW FDVHV <RX ZLOO NOT EH GLVDSSRLQWHG

Ph: 3379 3699 / 0413 686 600 (PDLO DGPLQ#VKDUPDODZ FRP DX

RELIGIOUS SERVICES For all 16 Vedic Sanskaar Sanskrit prayers: Hawans, Weddings, Death rites; new homes, anniversaries, birthdays etc Pandit Dr G A Tularam 0403 819 327 or email a.tularam@griffith.edu.au

Lekh Ram Sukh Civil Marriage Celebrant, JP (Qual) Ph/Fax: (07) 5547 0081 - Mob: 0421 351 061 E: lekhramsukh@gmail.com

ENTERTAINMENT

Please contact Dr Bhat for traditional Vedic Pooja-Paat, Havan, Sathyanarayana, Navagraha & Ganesh Poojas: Graha-Shanti-Havan, GaNahooma, Bhumi-Pooja, Weddings, Graha pravesh, Cremation & Shardha with English commentaries.

07 3865 4466 or 0419 775 416 boondall@globenetrealty.com.au www.globenetrealty.com.au

Ph: (07) 3393 1032 Mobile: 0411 719 220 Email: drkmbhat@gmail.com Serving the Community for 41 years

FASHION OUTLETS

ADVERTISE ON AIR

Sailesh Chand Darshan Guruji/Hindu Priest Vedic Counsellor, Motivational Speaker, Meditation Teacher, Numerologist Puja, Yagna, Pravachan & Bhajans Sai Saileshwara Mandiram & I Pure Soul Meditation Centre 1614 Sandgate Rd VIRGINIA QLD

MAR. 2019 DEADLINES ADVERT BOOKING 27th February 2019 Call 07 3865 6533 or email: prod@indiantimes.com.au Call 07 3865 6533

www.indiantimes.com

p: 0405 392793 e: sailesh.darshan@ipuresoul.com.au www.saisaileshwara.com www.ipuresoul.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019 — 57

Council to deliver new gardens information kiosk BRISBANE City Council is partnering with Multiplex to deliver a new information kiosk in the popular City Botanic Gardens, providing a new home for dozens of volunteer guides.

Works on the new kiosk are set to begin Monday with completion expected mid-2019.

Environment, Parks and Sustainability Chairman David McLachlan said the

new kiosk would provide residents and visitors with a one-stop shop to find information on Brisbane and its extensive lifestyle and leisure opportunities.

“The project was identified as a priority in the Master Plan for the City Botanic Gardens 2015,” Cr McLachlan said.

“This new kiosk will replace the current one which accommodates the

garden’s volunteer guides who run free tours twice per day, six days per week.

“This vital service provided by a dedicated group of 40 volunteers enhances the visitor and tourist experience of the gardens.”

Cr McLachlan said the new kiosk would be delivered by Multiplex as part of the Social Action Plan to provide community

infrastructure to the city.

“The kiosk will be located near the gardens border with QUT’s Main Drive, in an elevated, flood free position to take in the wonderful views of the garden,” he said.

“It will be a larger, modern and improved facility which also offers shaded areas with seating for visitors.

“Following completion of construction, Council will install redirection and wayfinding signage at

the previous site to direct visitors to the new kiosk location.

“Council will also install a new drinking fountain as part of the kiosk project.”

Cr McLachlan said the City Botanic Gardens, which were established in 1828, held historical significance as Queensland’s first public garden.

“The gardens span 18 hectares including 1.2 kilometres of river frontage and have become a precious

sanctuary in the CBD for residents and visitors,” he said.

“Brisbane’s most treasured gardens celebrate Brisbane’s unique, rich horticultural history, long-lived trees, subtropical lifestyle and contributes to our city’s emerging global reputation as Australia’s New World City,” he said.

For more information visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or call Council on (07) 3403 8888.

WITH theme of “Faith in Action: community benefits” World Interfaith Harmony week was observed at the Baha I centre Brisbane on Sunday 3rd February. As usual the organising did committee did a marvellous job, volunteers welcomed everyone to the centre and guided them to their sets, everything ran with military precision in a very

orderly fashion.

The program featured reading from representatives of various faiths, musical interludes, and presentations. The encouraging part was that various faiths took on various roles, the beginning prayers were conducted by the Samoan members who did a Bhai Prayer in Samoan, and there was a musical

performance by Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, presentation by Spiritual assembly of Baha I of City of Brisbane.

Mc, Mrs Natasha Jarrah, controlled the program expertly, she summarised everyone’s reading at the end of the official ceremonies and invited everyone to stay back for the networking and refreshments.

dividing the two and trying to hold them apart or trying to put them together.

There is a very beautiful incident in the life of Aesop the fable writer. He always just loved to play with children and one day, as he was playing with them with a bow and arrow, a serious looking wise man looked at this and said “What is the purpose of a grown man wasting his life playing with children?”

Aesop wanted to convey the message, so he took a bow that was strung, unstrung it and just put it on the floor. This is the purpose. The wise man said “I don’t get your message.” So Aesop said, “If you keep your bow constantly strung, over a period of time it loses its strength and intensity and then it will be a no good bow. If you want to retain the strength and intensity of your bow, you must unstring it sometimes. Only then, it will be ready for use when you want to use it.” So that is all it is; and that is meditation – to unstring yourself.

Every kind of logic builds a certain tension. Once there is logic, there is room for argument, isn’t it? Meditation is a way of unstringing this.

Letting the mind just be there

without employing the logical distortion – just being there. If your mind learns just to simply be there, it becomes like a piece of a mirror. The beauty of a mirror is that it has no face of its own. Logic has a face of its own. Why two people can argue endlessly about the same simple issues is simply because everybody’s logic has its own face. But a mirror has no face.

You can reflect the whole mountain, or you can contain the sun in the little mirror.

So, once the mind goes beyond the duality of logic, it becomes like a mirror which can contain the whole existence, the creation and the creator. Fundamentally, all spiritual sadhana is aimed at ironing out the logical mind.

Once you become a piece of a mirror, anything can be contained in you because you have no face of your own.

Ranked amongst the fifty most influential people in India, Sadhguru is a yogi, mystic, visionary and bestselling author. Sadhguru has been conferred the «Padma Vibhushan», India’s highest annual civilian award, by the Government of India in 2017, for exceptional and distinguished service.

Access community launches World Interfaith Harmony Men’s Shed project Week observed at Baha I’s of City Of Brisbane

STARTING 05th Of February Access men’s shed will become a reality, the project will encourage members of the new migrant community to acquire introductory inform on Woodworking, photography, painting, sculpture and more.

The project in charge is Kai Kim who will be ably supported by Jade Carroll, while Umesh Chandra will be a honorary mentor of the program. Access men’s shed will be different from your everyday men’s shed as this will be focused around the new migrants who have many barriers and challenges.

With the aim of making something out of nothing the project kicks off from February the 5th and will be meet every Tuesday from 4pm till 6pm every Tuesday afternoons at 59 Wembley Road, Logan Central, for

further information please contact Kai Kim on 0437

461 522 or email kaik@acsl. org.au

Field remediation allows AFL Women’s home game Ironing Out the Logical Mind BRISBANE City Council’s investment in field remediation at Hickey Park in Stafford, will allow the Brisbane AFL Women’s (AFLW) team to host a match in Brisbane for the first time.

Deputy Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Council’s $25,000 investment towards the remediation works was part of Council’s commitment to increase Brisbane’s network of high-quality sports surfaces and facilities.

“Facilities like this help create more leisure and lifestyle opportunities for Brisbane’s residents to get outside and enjoy the beautiful Brisbane climate,” he said.

“By delivering improvements to the Hickey Park sports field, it will attract more quality events.

“The high profile AFL Women’s match between the Lions and Melbourne

Demons Football Club will be the first time our Brisbane women’s team, who are two-time grand finalists, will be able to play in Brisbane City.

“We are excited to celebrate their first home game in the city which will be played on February 17.

Local Councillor for Marchant Fiona King said the remediation works undertaken at Hickey Park involved improvements to drainage, turf coverage and surface level issues, resulting in a high-quality surface.

“The fields at Hickey Park will now be suitable to host fixtures for the Queensland Australian Football League (QAFL), Queensland Australian Football League Women’s (QAFLW) and Brisbane Juniors Australian Football League (BJAFL) throughout 2019,” she said.

“The ground will be in excellent condition

58 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019

for these state league and community football games.”

Cr Schrinner said opportunities like this were key to Brisbane’s community and economic development and supported vibrant, liveable communities that residents deserved.

“Projects like this also increase the community participation in sport and recreation activities,” he said.

“Council’s partnerships with community clubs and organisations help maintain and improve local sport fields to ensure they are safe, playable and sustainable.

“We are committed to improving sports facilities and maintaining more than 2100 parks across Brisbane.”

The facility at Hickey Park has been supported by investments from AFL Qld and Wilston Grange AFL Club.

By Sadhguru, Isha Foundation

THE logical mind, which is the fundamental instrument through which you are trying to do everything, is only equipped to handle the duality of the existence. The logical mind is the one which has divided your perception of the existence into many million pieces, and now it is trying to put it together. It is never going to happen. The more you use the logical mind, the more it builds up a certain level of tension within. If it is constantly strung like this, then one thing is, the very life energy in you will become weak over a period of time; it will lose its intensity and vibrance. All the sadhana is designed towards taking away this tension which is happening because of

BOLLYWOOD & ENTERTAINMENT Inspirational Upma Kite meets PM Scott Morrison UPMA Kite is an inspiration to every women. Apart from being a corporate professional, a dedicated wife, mother, daughter and sister, Upma is an established fashion icon and International/National Published model for over 35 magazines and a front cover model in magazines.

She currently holds the title of Mrs. Australia Universal 2019 and has been crowned

by Honourable MP Steven Minnikin. She is performing a lot of CHARITY WORK and her affiliations are with Multicap Foundation, Red Cross, UN Women Australia Committee, Salvation Army and Smith’s Family. She also support various community organisations, promote local businesses and farmers.

To live her passion she has a very successful modelling career.

Her recent project RAVISHING FASHIONISTAS FASHION SHOW for AGELESS DIVAS is another feather in her cap.

Upma Kite is the concept creator of Ravishing Fashionistas Fashion Show for Ageless Divas. This is a fundraising event for Dignifying Women, & UN Women National Committee Australia .

The concept of this show is conceptualized to highlight age groups from 18 to 65 and common sizes/shapes from size 6 to 14. This is one of its kinds fashion show and FIRST

Call 07 3865 6533

Upma recently met with Hon. Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Hon. Lord Mayor Graham Quirk to discuss future projects that will help women shape up their dreams.

TIME to take place in Brisbane to bring all sizes and all ages under one roof along with women achievement awards.

The show has something for everyone. RFFS highlights the positive body image and self worth amongst all ages / sizes of women. Upma endorses women empowerment and that if you have “will to win” you can fight your everyday barriers.

There are more than 15 National and International Designers from Australia who have showcased all over the world. The designers will showcase International couture designs, jewellery, headpieces, makeup and hair styles.

RFFS for ageless divas will also have entertainment and an awards ceremony for “Discover yourself: Woman achievement 2019”.

Show recently organised it’s casting call which received an overwhelming response.

About 70 models attended it.

For more information regarding the show, S P O N S O R S H I P , PA RT ICI PAT I NG, SHOWCASING, STALLS AND TICKETING please visit their official page h t t p s : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / R a v i s h i n g Fa sh ion i s t a s -Fa sh ion Show-297813914470541/

www.indiantimes.com

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019 — 59

BeCoMe a pArT Of

AUsTrAlIa’S #1

INdIaN TAkEaWaY FRaNcHiSe NEw & EXcItInG OpPoRtUnItIeS AvAiLaBlE Now! We’Re aLl aBoUt TaStY INdIaN FoOd, wItH A BuNcH Of AUsTrAlIaN Fun. DInE In, bYO oR TaKeAwAy, it’S AlWaYs FrIeNdLy aNd FlAvOuRsOme.

ENqUiRe tOdAy aT Www.MiSsInDia.MeNu

TILE SAVERS 1st BIRTHDAY SALE MASSIVE STOCK CLEARANCE !!!

LARGE FORMAT 600x600 & 300x600 mm RECTIFIED EDGE GLAZED PORCELAIN TILES 1st QUALITY TILES over 100 choices from ONLY

$14.90sqm up to $34.90sqm

**FREE BRISBANE DELIVERY !!!** (only for orders over 40sqm **conditions apply**)

20 ROBINSON ROAD, VIRGINIA. 4014. (next door to McDonalds on Sandgate Rd) We’re OPEN 7 DAYS !!!

60 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, February, 2019