Brisbane Indian Times - January 2018

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Volume 15, Number 3 Saturday, January 13, 2018

Print Post Approved PP:424022 1724

As God is One, we respect all Religions

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

Australian Indian Community coming to terms with three festive season deaths

AUSTRALIAN Indian Community is slowly coming to terms with three tragic deaths, first two incidents were if drowning and the third is still under investigation.

First tragic case is that of Hemant Govekar, a twenty eight year old Indian student who went missing during a Christmas swim at Phillip Island.

It’s believed that Hemant was in fact swimming between the flags before being swept out to sea.

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He was seen in difficulty shortly before 5pm but rescue attempts to reach him where unsuccessful. He was found, already dead, about 20 minutes later.

They tried to rescue him but he went under before they could drag him from the dangerous surf zone.

The beach was not patrolled at the time because it was Christmas Day. His social media activity shows Mr Govekar has travelled widely during his

time in Australia.

He was reported to have recently graduated from The University of Queensland.

Investigations have indicated the man had entered the water between the flags, however he quickly drifted outside the flags, where he got into trouble in a rip current.

A community memorial service organised by family and friends was held on Sunday Continued on Page 4

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From the Publisher WELCOME to January 2018, a fresh New Year with a fresh new start, 2017 has been a challenging year, a year to reflect on. Moving forward looking forward to a positive 2018 with fresh ideas and fresh approach.

It was interesting to note the New Years celebrations and count down in Phuket, every country marks the countdown, and I have celebrated New Year’s Eve in many countries around the world but Phuket really knows how to party.

We were invited by the resort manager to be her guest at the New Year’s ball at Chanalai Hillside, the bigger of the Chanalai chain of resorts, we stayed at Chanalai Romantica resort, in the main town close to all the action.

The fireworks were spectacular, and went on forever, Phuket is less restrictive and hence more fun, Helmets are not compulsory and still there fewer deaths from bike accidents per capita. No compulsory swimming pool fences and still less accidents as opposed to Western countries, foreigners come in and jump on the bike or rental cars and drive freely.

Shops and restaurants do a roaring business

Inside

• Local News ...................................4-22 • Who, What, Where, When ....24 & 28 • Migration Matters .......................... 30 • Health & Well Being ..................36-37 • Real Estate ..................................39-41 • Astrology .......................................... 42 • Business Directory/Classified......... 43 • What’s On...............................44 & 46 • Bollywood & Entertainment .....48-49 • Sport................................................. 50

almost all around the clock, and people are very friendly, humble and caring, nothing is too hard, unlike some other places where everything seems to be just too hard fuelled by an uncaring nature.

Well getting back to business, there will be slight changes to our format this year, as mentioned before a fresh approach for the better. The essence of the paper remains same improvements will be made in design and layout, we would like to welcome your feedback on the same, change as they say in the only constant in life.

While we all enjoyed our holidays, and welcomed the New Year our thoughts are with the families of Ranveet Singh, Hemant Govekar and Kona Adinarayana Reddy, all three passed away on Christmas day , the

first two were separate drowning incidents, while the third was found dead in his Sydney apartment. Indian Australian community at large and concerned organisations have come forward to support the victims, with counselling, financial and consular assistance.

The tragedy highlights the importance of safety first, at the beaches, previously when I was Queensland Government’s Indian Students liaison officer, I had dealt with similar incidents. Swimming has never been our strong point, even with new police recruits our, would be officers come undone when it comes to passing the swimming test.

Swimming in the pool is much different to swimming in the wavy ocean, where rips may be present, community education will

be in order.

Australia Day long weekend is another occasion when people flock to the beaches, given the hot weather, please take extra care, and keep a watchful eye on the kids. By the way wishing everyone a very happy Australia Day, India’s republic day and Hindu Society of Queensland’s anniversary.

I will finish off by wishing everyone all the best for 2018, hope that this new years brings new beginnings and opportunities, may your new years resolution be upheld and hope that you are able to remain true to your resolution.

Have a wonderful and prosperous 2018, until next Month, its bye from me, Happy Reading and please stay safe.

Umesh Chandra

Rapid growth for the Indian Community in Aus THERE is a rapidly growing Indian community in Australia. According to 2011 census, about 295362 in Australia were born in India and there were 390894 responses for Indian ancestry. In 2011-12 Indians were the largest source of permanent migration to Australia. Indians formed 15.7 % of the total migration programme in 2011-12.

According to Australian records, a small group of Indians arrived in Australia in the years 1800-1816, sent as convict labourers by British colonial authorities. During the first 60 years of the 19th century, most of the Indians who arrived in Australia were recruited as

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labourers by the British Government; they later settled down in Australia. In the last four decades of the 19th century, many Indians, particularly Sikhs and Muslims from Punjab, settled on the northern coast of New South Wales as agricultural labourers, hawkers or traders. There were also several Indians from the Punjab and North West Frontier Province who ran the 'camel trains', which were the main means of transport into the interior of Australia before the road and rail networks were developed. They would transport goods and mail by camels over the outback and were collectively known as Afghans, abbreviated

by Australians to "Ghans". Indians also took part in the gold rush in the Victorian gold fields. Several Sikhs also came to work on the banana plantations in Southern Queensland and through their hard work and enterprise, came to own their own plantations.

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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.

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Australian Indian Community coming to terms with three festive season deaths

Continued from Page 1 7th January at Lower River Terrace, Kangaroo point.

Ananya Kaushik, a close family friend was instrumental in organising the memorial service, speaking emotionally at the service she reflected on Hemant’s full of life activities.

Hemant was a musician, who played “Taasha” with Brisbane Maharashtra Mandal, he was a dancer with D for Dance group, he was an artist who loved drawing sketches of people, and he used to volunteer at community functions.

The second incident involved Ravneet Singh Gill who died in a drowning incident, and is remembered as “a free spirit” who had dreams of building a better life in Australia. Ravneet Singh Gill who first came to Australia on a student visa hailed from village Gill in Ludhiana district of Punjab. Mr Gill’s life was tragically cut short in a drowning incident at Duranbah, a popular Tweed beach in north-eastern New South Wales. He was one of the eight swimmers who drifted out to sea near

Gold Coast on 25th December. At about 4.45pm yesterday, emergency services were called to Duranbah Beach at Tweed Heads, following reports of people in trouble in the water. According to Police, a group of eight people were pulled from the water by lifeguards; however, a 22-year-old man died. The other seven people were treated and taken to hospital for assessment.

A family spokesperson said “We have setup a My Cause fundraising page to help raise funds for Ravneet’s family,” said Mr Singh.“The untimely taking of Ravneet Singh Gill from this world has been a shock to the small Sikh community of the Gold Coast, and also to all those who knew him.“Ravneet, who was only 22 years of age and had been on the Gold Coast for the last 3 years studying at Southern Cross University, tragically drowned at Duranbah Beach, Tweed Heads on Christmas Day.“As the eldest of his family Ravneet was the pillar of hope and support for his parents and younger brother who reside in India.

“Nothing can change what has happened, or fill the void created by this loss, however we request the communities assistance towards

the financial burden that will impact the family following such an unexpected event.

“The Gold Coast Sikh Council will be arranging a special kirtan program in the loving memory.The impact of Ravneet Singh’s death has touched many, including the Indian-Australian. The family and friends are expressing their grief on social media. “It was a tragic end to young life.

He came to Australia as an international student to build his life as a migrant,” said an Indian community spokesperson Rashpal Heyer.”He was smart, witty, hard-working, vibrant and full of energy. The locals will miss him dearly. “We are told he was the type of person who had a big heart and he always offered help where he could,” said Mr Manjit Boparai.

The Third incident involves a 36-year-old techie from Telangana was found dead under mysterious circumstances at his apartment.

The body of Kona Adinarayana Reddy was found at around 10pm, on Christmas Day, according to family members of the victim who spoke to media.

The family said that Reddy had stopped

responding despite repeated calls from his wife, following which he was later found dead by a friend.

Reports suggest that he was a native of Injamvarigudem village in Suryapet district, and was an employee with Infosys at Hyderabad. He had moved to Sydney six months ago, and he was sharing an apartment with colleagues.

Reddy’s wife, Shirisha, said that her husband might have died due to sickness, as he had suffered a heart-stroke a week ago, and was also suffering from dehydration.

“When I rang him on Sunday, he did not respond. Growing suspicious, I called his friends and alerted him. Who then rushed to their room and found him dead,” Shirisha said.

Meanwhile, the deceased’s father, Venkat Reddy, urged the Telangana government to speak with the Sydney police who are conducting a probe, and also take steps to shift the dead body to Miryalaguda.

Adinarayana is survived by his wife and three-year-old twin-daughters.

Human Body is Divine creation of God OF ALL living beings in the Universe, the creation of the human body is the supreme.

On close examination it is clear that the soul cannot make the same amount of progress in any other body as it can do in the human body.

Apart from human beings all other souls in this world are in Bhog Yoni, in other words they are receiving the results of the actions of their previous lives and cannot make any spiritual development towards their future.

The human body is the only one that is both Bhog Yoni as well as Karam Yoni. In this body, mankind get the results of the previous lives while doing deeds, the results of which goes to their future. The human body is such, it develops intellectually, improves spiritually, and makes progress in life, which is for betterment of their future. The soul cannot do such development in any other body. God

has placed the head above the shoulders. He has placed the four sense organs which are the main instruments of knowledge, in the head.

The brain has been set in the head. The soul has been placed here too. God has also given the power of speech through the mouth. The gift of intellect is also a wonderful gift of God. Through its development human beings acquire knowledge. GOD has given human beings hands, legs and all other organs, which are great organs for progress. However if they use these for good purposes they can reach the peak of spiritual development. The creation of the human body is a wonder and every part of the body is extremely valuable.

The world’s greatest wealth or treasures cannot exceed the value of any part of the body. If any part of the body malfunctions, then an artificial replacement may be made

but cannot be same as natural element. One only appreciates the value and importance of a part of the body when its gone.

Vedic verses state that people should know God, realisation of God should be the goal in life. Due to lack of knowledge and ignorance mankind regard bodily nourishment, satisfaction of sense organs, acquisition of wealth, worldly love, living a grand life, acquisition of kingdom and living as families as being the ultimate goal. When one regards the body as everything then one spends one’s life looking after the body and satisfying the sense organs. Is only nourishment of the body the goal of life? Yes ,human beings must keep the body fit through healthy vegetarian food, exercise and self control, but only keeping the body healthy in this way is not the ultimate goal in life.

Let’s not be preoccupied in simply gathering items of food and other consumables, nor should we be only busy in prayer and meditation every minute. We should nourish our body, collect food items, do the duties of the household, but not forget to improve spiritually through prayer and meditation to God. God has given this sitar like human body to us, so that mankind can decorate it as well as sing with it, nourish it and develop spiritually. Knowing God is great opportunity, and VEDAS contain not only the knowledge of God but also about meditation and prayer to GOD. Please contact Jitendra Deo 3273 3029 or Hari Chand 3345 4716 for information on activities of Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland or visit: www.aryasamajqueensland.com or facebook page for photos and updates

Happy New Year and best wishes from APSQ

NAMASTE to all readers of Brisbane Indian Times. Happy New Year to all, and may you all have a blessed 2018.

I hope most of you have made some resolution for 2018, and please consider getting closer to reality of life, in terms of spirituality. Vedic verses state that people should know God, realisation of God should be the goal in life. Lack of knowledge and in some cases ignorance, mankind regard bodily pleasures, acquisition of wealth, worldly love, being the goal, but there is much more to be achieved from this life as Humans for our progression to next life, and strive for Moksha.

Arya Mahasammelan was held from 24th November to 26th November 2017 at Arya Samaj Centre Shanes Park in Sydney.

APSQ was represented very well at the Mahasammelan and members presented papers, bhajans, and speeches. This Mahasammelan drew a wide section of Arya Samaj communities from Australia.

The three-day program was full of teachings from Vedas, Bhajans, presentations, drama, question answer sessions and of course sumptuous morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. The program concluded with presentation of certificates, gifts from the hosts Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Australia.

The themes for the event was Vedic Values in Daily Living-Principles and Practices.

I wholeheartedly thank the host Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Australia for their wonderful organisation and warm hospitality.

Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre opens to the public THE centre has basic facilities of Yajshalla (Havan Hall), kitchen and Restrooms. There is plenty of parking.

The Sabha performs Havan Yaj every Sunday from 2-4 pm and 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

4 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018

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be supplied if you are unable to get them.

Mango sticks, Ghee, Samagri, Chamfor, etc. is available at the centre as well for $25.00.

The seating capacity of the Yajshalla (Havan Hall) is 100.

You can 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.

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• Learn to swim • Play • Exercise • Socialise To help you enjoy our lifestyle city, Brisbane City Council offers 22 public pools including at Acacia Ridge, Carole Park, Corinda, Mt Gravatt East, Parkinson, Runcorn, Upper Mt Gravatt and Yeronga.

For information on your local pool visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Brisbane City Council supports Royal Life Saving Society Queensland’s guidelines on active parent supervision at public pools. Keep your kids safe.

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Let's Bollywood end of year concert

By Swina Kalwar

‘LET’S Bollywood Dance School’ organized their First End-of-Year Concert - ‘Jhankaar Feets’, on 9th December 2017.

This concert held at the Everton Park State High School and was a showcase of talent by its 50 plus students, from its 8 batches!

Students performed their energetic and graceful Bollywood Dance performances which they learnt in 2017. The event was well attended by 100 plus members in the audience, which included parents and families of students with few special invitees.

Performers included Kids and Adult students of Let’s Bollywood’s Aspley, Nundah, Springhill, Rochedale and Everton Hills batch. All groups performed unique Bollywood Dance choreographies, carefully crafted by its principal, Swina Kalwar. Dancing to the tunes of Govinda’s energetic dance numbers - to Sridevi’s grace, from using fun props to re-living India’s 2011 World Cup Victory, everything was full Bollywood Ishtyle. The costumes, the lights, the songs and the energy was palpable and each one present there couldn’t stop appreciating the talent of our dancers!

As much did the audience enjoyed watching these beautiful dances, so did the dancers enjoyed performing for them. Dancing to old and new Bollywood songs, including Urmila Matondkar’s ‘Chamma chamma’, Aishwarya Rai’s ‘Ishq Kamina’, Tiger

Shroff’s ‘Ding Dang Ding Dang’, Shahid Kapoor’s ‘Gandi Baat’. Students ranged from as little as 4 years old to 40 years young!

Let’s Bollywood’s principal, Swina Kalwar, enjoys teaching this beautiful Indian Dance style to her students.

She believes that Bollywood Dancing is a fusion of Indian Classical, Folk and Contemporary Dance styles. It also combines elements of dances from other

countries and is therefore a very vast Dance style. One of the most attractive part of this Dance style is its music! Bollywood music is as vast as Bollywood Dance.

It includes energetic songs, soulful songs, melodious songs, classical music to western music. Dancing to the tunes of Bollywood music is like letting your body loose and flowing with the music, where ever it takes you. The fun of Bollywood Dancing is beyond comparison, thinks Swina and her students.

‘Jhankaar Feets’ was a great success and Let’s Bollywood takes pride in its student’s talent. This event was truly memorable and gave a big boost of confidence to its students. Going up on stage and performing in front of a big live audience! Everyone is already looking forward to Concert 2018.

Let’s Bollywood’s 2018 classes will start from 22nd January 2018. For inquires or more information, contact Let’s Bollywood on www.letsbollywood.com.au or their facebook page.

Queensland Tamil Year-end Cultural Event Courtesy: Dr Brian Senewiratne MD, FRCP, FRACP, Consultant Physician

AS A Sinhalese from the majority community in Sri Lanka, I was delighted to be invited to take part in the recent Tamil cultural event organised by new arrivals on the 24th of December 2017 at the Boyd Park, Nundah. It was the first time I have attended such an event in the past 40 years that I have been in this country. I strongly commend those who took the time, energy and money to put this extraordinary event together.

The most important contribution I can make is to explain why it is necessary for Tamils to flee Sri Lanka. It is claimed that with the replacement of the dreadful Ex- President Rajapaksa by Maithripala Sirisena and Ranil Wickremasinghe, the problems have been settled. This is very definitely NOT so. The Tamil homelands in the North and East of Sri Lanka are in the grip of Sinhalese Armed Forces and Police, who can do what they want to anyone with no accountability. This includes sexual violence (I have just completed the 2nd Edition of my book “Sri Lanka:Sexual Violence of Tamils by the Armed Forces”) land-grabs, detention without charge or trial etc. Whatever changes that have occurred with the regime change have been in the Sinhalese South from where I come, not in the Tamil North and East.

The world in general and Australia in

particular, must know the situation in the ground in Tamil homeland and rest of the island. It is very different to what the Sri Lankan government would have us believe.

In this place I like to bring to the attention of the international community that, two years after Untied Nation Human Rights Council Resolution 30/1, the Sri Lankan government has failed to implement even a single key mechanism for Transitional Justice. The Prevention of Terrorism Act is still not repealed, the Office of Missing Persons still not operationalized, and the Special Court, truth commission and reparation mechanisms still not initiated.

The strong call by High Commissioner Zeid in March 2017, which was echoed by several countries, for Sri Lanka to announce a timebound action plan for implementation of its commitments remains unfulfilled.

I am deeply impressed that Tamil asylum seekers have made the dangerous journey and escaped from that hell-hole and arrived here. I am even more impressed that they have started to establish themselves here as was seen at the recent event. Those of us who have been here for years can only applaud and support these commendable actions. Special thanks to the boys - Ragu, Murali and Priyan who organised / coordinated this event to success; and to those who supported behind them in the preparation of delicious traditional food, electrical and ground settings. I also would like to acknowledge the Australian Tamil

Congress, QLD Chapter which facilitated the event.

The guest of the event were the Senator Claire Moore from the Labor Party and Senator Andrew Bartlett from the Greens.

As part of the event I have noticed active children participation with the traditional sports and games guided by senior members.

Those children were presented with prices which I felt were appropriate being it is a tradition during this festive season to exchange gifts. We need many more of these cultural events as part of community inclusion and in this multicultural country to enrich our tradition to our younger generation and to share with the wider Australian communities.

“Pongal” (harvest festival) / Makarasankranthi Celebrations 2018 BALA Samskar Kendra Queensland Chapter would like to invite you with your family and friends to the 'Pongal' (harvest festival of Southern India) and Makarsankranthi celebrations on Saturday 13 January 2018. Please see attached flyer for details. The celebrations include cooking 'pongal' (sweet rice) and Rangoli colouring competition for children. Bring your own kite to fly in venue grounds.

Venue: Sunnybank State High School, Turton Street, Sunnybank QLD 4109.

Date: Saturday 13 January 2018 Time: 9:30 AM to 1.00 PM

Vegetarian lunch will be provided for all the registrants.Registrations are COMPULSORY for the event and/or Rangoli colouring competition.Please confirm your attendance by 10 January 2018 for catering purposes.

Use the following link for registration: https://www.cognitoforms.com/ VHPOfAustraliaQueensland/BSKPon galMakarasankranthiCelebrations201 8OnlineRegistration or our Facebook event link: https://www.facebook.com/ events/1963506497242955/ Pongal/Makarasankranthi festival is celebrated as per the solar calendar. The

6 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018

festival has astronomical significance as it marks the beginning of Uttarayana, the sun’s movement northwards for a six month period. Makara sankranthi refers to the event of the Sun entering the zodiac sign of Makara or Capricorn. Pongal signals the end of the traditional farming season when the farmers offer their prayers to the Surya Bhagwan and to the farm cattle for their help with farming.

Kolam or Rangoli is creating free hand geometric patterns at the entrance of each house using materials such as coloured white rice flour and sand. It is believed that Kolam created using rice flour also

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helps in feeding such as ants and birds.

It increases the children motor skills and understanding of patterns, design and space. It helps increased coordination of right and left side of the brain.

These skills are developed by our ancestors many many years ago and these art form still appear in many temple sculptures and is still being used in Bharat during festivals.

Bring your children to learn about our rich Hindu culture and heritage and also have fun.

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The India Australia Society Inc. Annual General Body report

THE India Australia Society Inc. had its Annual General Body Meeting on 17th December, 2017. The meeting is well attended by various members of the association. President Mrs. Ragamayi Yarlagadda, Secretary Mr. Raju Tippana and Treasurer Mrs. Vimala Menon presented their annual reports, which were well received approved during Annual General Meeting. Mr. Ravi Menon was appointed as Returning officer before dissolving the executive committee for 2017 to conduct elections to elect 2018 Executive committee.

Mr. Ravi Menon conducted the elections and announced that the following members have been elected for various executive committee positions. The following people elected to various positions without any opposition and need for an election.

This clearly signifies the cohesiveness, uniqueness, supportive and inclusiveness of The India Australia Society.

Mrs. Ragamayi Yarlagadda got re-elected as President for 2018. In addition Mr. Hafeez Ali Khan got re-elected as Vice President, Mrs. Vimala Menon got re-elected as Treasurer, Mr. Ali Taji got re-elected as Assistant Treasurer and Mr. Kris Nangia got re-elected as Assistant Secretary. Mr. Vishal Sharma, one of the active members of the society and a multi media expert got elected as Secretary to The India Australia Society Inc. Prof. Prasad Yarlagadda well known community leader, past president of The India Australia Society Inc, Past President and current Patron of Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland got elected as another vice-president. In addition, Mrs. Phani Kumari Paritala, Mr. Ali Shokoohi, Mrs Irene Singh and Mrs Uma Maheswari were elected as committee members. The incoming executive committee appointed Mr. Ramanathan, a well known community leader and accountant and also past

President of The India Australia Society Inc. and current President of Tamil Association of Queensland as auditor for 2018.

President Ragamayi Yarlagadda has given her welcoming speech to invite all new executive committee members and her brief speech is as follows: Thank you very much for electing me to the position of President. It is a great pleasure to be continuing in this role. I am looking forward for another exciting year.

It is very important for IAS to retain its membership base. One of the activities, we initially planned but did not have resources to organise in year 2017 is Outing. I remember in late 1990s, India Australia Society used to organise a signature event that is Bus trip to Gold Coast or Sun Shine Coast. Seniors and Families with young children really enjoyed these trips. We would like to initiate these activities again.

I encourage all our members, not just office

bearers to provide ideas or pursue in regards to gaining more funds from government and private organisations. If they can afford, please also sponsor an event as an individual or a group. If we have more funds, we would be able to organise more social and cultural events.

Recent Health Research says that it is important for us to be active and interactive to delay degenerative brain diseases like Dementia. Community organisations like IAS provide us with opportunity to be Socially and Culturally active as well as interactive with a ByProduct better health.

Coming year, we will also identify and organise more enjoyable and interactive events. I request input from all of you in this regard.

President concluded her speech by wishing all the members A Merry Christmas and also Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year 2018.

Hindus worldwide shocked at Fiji temple desecration HINDUS worldwide are highly concerned after reports of desecration in Votualevu Tirath Dham Hindu Temple in Nadi area of Fiji.

According to reports, desecration was caused on December 16 night, violating this sacred Hindu place of worship.

Damage included pouring paint over the images of deities Ganesha, Hanuman, etc; graffiti/slurs on walls; theft of donation box, sound system and other equipment; rubbish strewn in prayer area; etc.; and was said to be third such act at the temple.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that it was reportedly disturbing for the hard-working, harmonious and peaceful Fijian Hindu community; who had made lot of contributions to the nation and society; to receive such signals of hatred and anger.

Such incidents should not be acceptable

in a country like Fiji which reportedly protects freedom of conscience, belief, and religion; and where communities of diverse faiths frequently come together to develop mutual understanding and respect; Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, noted.

Rajan Zed urged Fijian President Major General Jioji Konusi Konrote, Prime Minister Rear Admiral Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama and Commissioner of Western Division to visit this Hindu Temple to show solidarity with the Hindu-Fijians, meet the area Hindu community to reassure them and address a public rally in Votualevu condemning the desecration. He also urged them to take the issue seriously and urgently and make sure that such incidents did not happen in the future, in order regain the reportedly falling confidence of the Hindu community.

As an interfaith gesture, Zed also urged

Reverend Dr. Tevita Nawadra Banivanua, President of Fiji Methodist Church; leaders of Roman Catholic, Assemblies of God, Seventh-day Adventist, Anglican and other Christians denominations; and leaders of Muslim, Sikh, Baha’i and other religious communities and nonbelievers; and ordinary Fijians to come forward condemning this desecration and expressing solidarity with the nation’s Hindus; who had also made huge contributions to its success, prosperity and growth.

Rajan Zed suggested the Hindu-Fijians to continue with the traditional values of hard work, higher morals, stress on education, sanctity of marriage, etc., amidst so many distractions; which was the reason for their success.

Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about 1.1 billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal.

Hindu statesman Rajan Ze

The Power of Inclusion Sadhguru WHATEVER I face, any kind of situation, any kind of people, the moment I sit, I just look at them and I don’t even have to think.

I just see them as a part of myself and speak to them as I would speak to myself. When you speak to yourself, you can say whatever is needed. There is no difficulty in it; there is no greatness about it. You just do what needs to be done.

Once there is a sense of inclusion, awareness and consciousness comes naturally.

Awareness is life. Life is awareness. There is no other way to be. So what is needed is consciousness. Consciousness is not individual, consciousness is always allinclusive. If you are conscious, everything is included. You neither need confidence nor

diffidence. You just function to the fullest of your intellectual capability without any hesitation.

It is only because of exclusion that awareness has to be practiced. People are becoming such exclusive characters in the world. Most of your exclusiveness, you have created unconsciously. A part of it, you have created consciously because you thought that this is the way to get attention from the world, by trying to be special.

Especially in Western cultures, right from childhood, they are training you to be special. Trying to be special is the worst of diseases because once you get this disease, there is no salvation for you. Wherever you go, you have to do something stupid to

8 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018

prove that you are special. Isha Yoga is not about being special. It is about being extraordinary.

In the old brochures, we used to say ‘Isha Yoga – Ordinary to Extraordinary.’ People thought if they come to the program, they would become very special. After they arrived, I would tell them, ‘No, you will become more ordinary than others.

Extra-ordinary!’ When there is no effort to make yourself special, when you are simply ordinary, you will stand out as extra-ordinary. All-inclusiveness is extraordinary. It is just a way of life. When I say inclusion, it is not my philosophy, it is not something that I have made up – this is the way Existence is. It is only in inclusiveness

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that Existence is functioning. If you are so exclusive, why are you inhaling what somebody else exhales? Try to breathe separately and see; you will be dead. It is only in inclusiveness that life is happening.

When we talk about inclusiveness, we are not teaching you a new philosophy. We are talking about falling back into the way life is, just ordinary as it is. It is ordinary but it is magnificent.

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” by the Government of India in 2017. http:// isha.sadhguru.org/ Call 07 3865 6533

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018 — 9

Dazzling slice of island heaven in Queensland

By Rama Gaind

A TROPICAL state of mind is guaranteed in the Whitsundays as you discover Queensland’s 74 island wonders in the Coral Sea. The Whitsundays is your oyster where making decisions about what to do will be difficult: soak up the sun, enjoy the laidback lifestyle, explore the endless natural landscapes, laze on one of the many uncrowded beaches. Explore the breathtaking beauty of Hill Inlet, view a stunning cove where tide shifts the sand and water to create a swirling fusion of turquoise colours.

If being adventurous is your passion, then swim with thousands of vividly coloured fish and luminous corals, while snorkelling or scuba diving. You’ll get a chance to observe diverse marine life including humpback whales, dolphins, turtles and dugongs.

The Whitsundays offer some of the world’s best sailing, so charter a boat and cruise the islands or even board a tall ship - all the while enjoying the beautiful sunsets and relaxing waters of the Whitsunday islands.

If you prefer something more daring, then join an ocean rafting or jetski tour and skim across the water in style or soar above the magical Heart Reef from the air.

Make the most of your stay in Airlie Beach, the vibrant hub of the Whitsundays, the ideal mainland base for fun and adventure. Ensure Abell Point Marina is a regular port of call.

There’s an amazing array of accommodation on offer: at BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort and Caravan Park; the boutique-style, comfortable Heart Hotel and Gallery; or stay at the popular Mantra Club Croc. Tantalise your tastebuds by partaking of a scrumptious dinner at Tides Restaurant at Peppers Airlie Beach or go for casual dining at Anchor Bar Airlie Beach.

Exciting activities You’ll get the best aerial view of the Whitsunday Islands with GSL Aviation, amazing bird’s-eye views of the iconic Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and spectacular brilliance of the Great Barrier Reef.

For a unique sailing experience, explore the Whitsundays onboard a traditional timber tall ship - the 22m Derwent Hunter. If you go Ocean Rafting, you will spend time on famous Whitehaven Beach, enjoy snorkelling and view a number of amazing islands.

Here’s how a few fun experiences became memorable vignettes of my exploits.

Whitsunday Coast Proserpine Airport is

Go on a scenic flight with GSL Aviation and you’ll be mesmerised by the aqua, indigo, bottle-green and yellow cellular blobs as you fly over the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef. At right is the famous Heart Reef, nestled amongst the bright colours and patterns of Hardy Reef.

Photo: Rama Gaind

about 30 minutes from the popular mainland beach resort town of Airlie Beach.

Trudy Pitt from Whitsundays 2 Everywhere Shuttle Service ensured a hassle-free transfer from the airport to our comfortable accommodation.

If you are looking to unwind, then head for the multi award-winning Airlie Day Spa where you’ll get more than just standard beauty treatments.

It’s then time for a sunset cruise with Nicole Graham and her husband Jeremy at the helm of ‘Sundowner’.

Take a ride in a ’65 red Ford Mustang convertible – and let Greg Lawler from Whitsunday Mustangs show you the local sights.

Life’s not meant to be lived in one place. So, make sure you travel as much as you can … as far as you can … as long as you can. As John Steinbeck said: We do not take a trip; a trip takes us.

Rama Gaind was a guest of Tourism Whitsundays.

Enjoy the Whitsunday Island day sailing adventures on the traditional tall ship Derwent Hunter. Photo: Rama Gaind

Wynnum Aqua Park ready in time for summer holidays FAMILIES will be able to enjoy an exciting new kids aqua park on the Wynnum Foreshore, following completion of a $750,000 upgrade to water-play facilities.

Brisbane Lifestyle and Community Services Chairman Matthew Bourke officially opened the new aqua-park today, in time for the start of the summer school holidays.

“This new interactive aqua park is located on the Wynnum Foreshore, near the wading pool, and is another great leisure and lifestyle opportunity to add to a day out on the bayside,” Cr Bourke said.

“The new Wynnum Aqua park extends and transforms the existing public water play area at The Esplanade into a vibrant aqua park, with play areas for babies, toddlers and older children.

“The new aqua park features a splash tower, with an overhead tipping bucket and waterslide, designed to provide a safe water play experience for young children.”

Cr Bourke said attending the city’s 16 aqua parks and 22 pools were just some of the many free or low cost activities available to families these school holidays, and encouraged families to take advantage of this year’s activity program.

“Council is offering an exciting program of more than 500 activities, events and programs these holidays to 10 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018

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keep kids entertained,” he said.

“There’s something for everyone on offer, whether you want to abseil at Kangaroo Point, get up-close and personal with nature at our environment centres, or be part of our summer reading program at Council libraries.

“Over this month leading up to Christmas, there’s also plenty of festive excitement in the city, with the animated City Hall lights spectacular, Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols, Movies in the Park and the Enchanted Garden at Roma Street Parklands.

“Teens can’t complain of boredom with more than 100 activities on offer, including stand-up paddle boarding, skate skills clinics, laser tag and fitness classes.

“Our libraries are hosting a range of sessions, with comic book workshops, craft lessons and live performances.

“For something out of this world, our Planetarium is offering 14 individual shows, revealing the cosmic secrets of the universe.

“Brisbane is a leisure and lifestyle city with free and low-cost activities and programs to suit everyone from mums with bubs, through to teens and seniors.”

For more information and details on holiday activities visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au and search for “What’s On” or call Council on (07) 3403 8888.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018 — 11

International calling is more mobile than ever

NO matter where you come from, the end of the year is a time for connecting and celebrating with family and friends, wherever they are.

Telstra is making it easier and more affordable to connect with loved ones overseas, with unlimited standard international calls and text from Australia now included on the Go Mobile Plus BYO $79 and above (min cost $948 for 12 months) and Go Mobile Plus $99 (min cost $2,376 for 24 months) and above plans. And, until 6 February 2018, on selected lower end plans.* The move comes as Telstra sees international calls from mobiles continue to rise, with customers from other backgrounds making millions of calls overseas calls each month.

Between July and October this year, 4.8 million calls were made to India.

Telstra Country Wide Area General Manager, Tricia Wilson, said the increase in international calls reflected how improved

mobile networks allow customers to connect with family and friends overseas while on the go.

“Family bonds are not constrained by borders, and technology is playing a huge role in helping people stay in touch with loved ones spread across multiple continents.”

“Customers are no longer waiting to get home to make an international call, but reaching for the mobile to share news where and when it happens, so it’s important to have an easy and affordable way to stay in touch,” Ms Wilson said.

For a limited time, new and existing customers can make unlimited standard international calls and texts from Australia to selected overseas destinations at no extra cost on Telstra’s Go Mobile Plus and Go Mobile Plus BYO 24 month plans.

“Telstra’s Go Mobile Plus Plans include a generous data allowance to use on Australia’s largest and most reliable mobile network,

12 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018

in addition to a range of extras exclusively available to Telstra mobile customers,” Ms Wilson said.

Plans include standard calls and text from Australia to some of the most popular countries Australians call including India, China, Hong Kong, USA, Canada, UK, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea, in addition to: Accessing free Telstra Air® Wi-Fi data at over one million Telstra Air hotspots in Australia, and over 20 million Fon Spots overseas; and Data free music streaming of Apple Music.

To celebrate this limited offer, two Telstra branded payphones in Harris Park offered free standard calls to popular international calling destinations. Callers walked down the pink carpet to connect with family and friends in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka and went into the running to win a Samsung Galaxy S8.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018 — 13

“Serious Problem At Home”: Rahul Gandhi Tells Indians In Bahrain Rahul Gandhi, who is in Bahrain, met Indians to say there is a serious problem at home and they are part of the solution

All India | Edited by Anindita Sanyal

NEW DELHI: Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, who is on a visit to Bahrain, on Monday made his case before the Indians residing there, delivering another sharply critical speech that took on the Narendra Modi government. Delegates of 50 countries participated in the valedictory session of a function, where the 47-yearold, who recently took over the reins of India's largest party, is the chief guest.

"I am here to tell you what you mean to our country, that you're important, to tell you there is a serious problem at home, to tell you that you're part of the solution and that I am here to build a bridge between wherever you are in the world and home," he said in his address to the Global Organisation of People of India Origin.

In his address - the first since he took over as the Congress chief - Mr Gandhi kept his focus on the problems of the young and alleged that the BJP-led government was trying to benefit from it. He accused the government of dividing people on the basis of caste and religion and said it was channelling the fear of jobless young people into "hatred between communities".

Hinting that there will be dramatic changes in the Congress, Mr Gandhi

promised to deliver a "new shining Congress party" in the next six months, said his top three priorities would be to create jobs, good health infrastructure and an education system.

Ahead of his visit, Mr Gandhi had tweeted he was looking forward to the meeting and called NRIs the brand ambassadors of the nation and "true representatives" of her soft power.

Over the last few months, Mr Gandhi had taken a page out of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's book, addressing Indians during his visit abroad. His two-week visit to US last September had signaled what is being seen as the turnaround of the Congress leader, whom critics have accused of a lack of leadership skills.

At New York, Princeton and Berkeley, he had criticised the policies of the government, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's communication skills and admitted the lapses of his own party.

In the recent assembly elections in BJPruled Gujarat - considered the bellweather before the 2019 general elections - the Congress has managed to notch up its highest score in 35 years in face of a campaign where the BJP had pulled all stops.

Rahul Gandhi

Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa hosted lunch for the Congress President.

Now US Gurudwaras announce ban on Indian officials’ entry I P Singh, TNN

BIT FEBRUARY 2018 DEADLINES

ADVERT BOOKING 31 January 2018 Email: sales@indiantimes.com.au Editorial / Photo Submissions 31 January 2018 submissions not accepted after this date Email prod@indiantimes.com.au or call 07 3865 6533 14 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018

JALANDHAR: Close on the heels of 14 gurudwaras in Ontario banning entry of Indian officials in gurudwaras and then UK based Sikh Federation proposing similar ban on gurudwaras in UK, Sikh Coordination Committee East Coast (SCCEC) and American Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (APGC) have claimed that 96 Gurudwaras of US have passed a resolution through a tele-conferencing to ban entry of Indian officials in Gurudwaras and even Nagar Keertans (religious processions).

SCCEC and AGPC have also claimed that they are the largest umbrella organizations of Sikh Gurdwaras. The announcement has been made with active backing of US based rights group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). "We will also initiate legal proceedings against those Indian diplomats who will try to defy this ban," said SFJ legal advisor Gurpatwant Sngh Pannun.

"Indian government officials and any person/s representing the interests of the Indian Government, shall not be allowed to enter the US Gurdwaras or to participate in any social and religious programs including Nagar Keertans," the resolution reads. While the gurudwaras in Canada and Sikh Federation UK had also mentioned a clarification along with their announcements that the Indian officials could visit the Gurudwaras in personal capacity as part of the congregation to pay obeisance to Guru Granth Sahib.

"Indian government is responsible for the June 1984 military invasion of Sri Harmandar Sahib and 40 other Gurdwaras; destruction of Sri Akal Takhat; genocide of Sikhs in Delhi and throughout India in November 1984; constant looting of Punjab

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river waters and agricultural products; and decades of extra judicial killings of Sikhs in Punjab which still continues," states the resolution which was read out by Himmat Singh the Coordinator of SCCEC before the Sikh gathering at Gurdwara in Richmond Hill, NY on Saturday.

The other reasons cited to justify this "ban" on entry of Indian officials include "Indian government "trying to eliminate the detained Akal Takhat Jatherdar Jagtar Singh Hawara by putting him in a solitary confinement and total denial of medical treatment ; unlawfully holding Sikh Political prisoners in Indian Jails even when they have completed their jail terms ; creating an environment to intimidate Sikh Youth by unlawful arrests and brutal torture by Indian Police; BJP controlled Indian Government is promoting the RSS agenda of Hinduvta and subjugating all other minority religions ; Indian Constitution (Article 25b) does not recognize, Sikhism the as a separate religion and clubs them with Hinduism".

"This decision of banning the entry of Indian diplomats will also expose those Sikh community members and organizations who have been supporting the Indian regime for the last three decades" said Himmat Singh.

"Under the cover of "community outreach", the Indian diplomats are creating an atmosphere of intimidation among the Sikhs who have taken refuge US, Canada, England and European nations from India's constant persecution", said Avtar Singh Pannu, member AGPC, adding "after US we shall campaign to ban the entry of Indian diplomats across European nations also as activities of the Indian diplomats have created disharmony and discontent among the peaceful Sikh community" Call 07 3865 6533

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018 — 15

ETERNITY and VISAPUNDIT form a strong partnership to make positive contributions in the community ETERNITY, in partnership with VISAPUNDIT, organized and hosted a BBQ lunch for the long-staying families of the Ronald McDonald House in RBWH, Herston on 21st October 2017. The lunch is just one in a series of community reach initiatives that the founders of these organizations are committed to, in an effort to be active agents for positive socioeconomic and welfare change in the Australian community.

ETERNITY Members (L to R) – Paramjit, Jasspreet, Priyanak, mother & daughter duo Ajna & Alma and VisaPundit’s director Girish

ETERNITY is conceived by Paramjit along with close friends. It is an up and coming body of like-minded professionals who wish to give back to the community that has given so much to them. Their efforts include engaging in monthly activities that range from food and donation drives to help support those in need and disadvantaged backgrounds including the homeless, elderly, stressed families, youth with mental health conditions, those struggling with domestic violence & substance abuse etc.

IN OCTOBER 2017, ETERNITY organized a BBQ lunch for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House. Visapundit was one of the major sponsors of this BBQ. At the house, support is provided for the families of children battling with cancer and live over 50 KM away from Royal Brisbane Hospital. This charity helps family stay together while children undergo chemotherapy and retain hope for those who are undergoing physical, emotional and financial distress as a result.

For this initiative, not only did VISAPUNDIT provide donations but the all core members banded together to use their hidden talents and make this day a success!

Girish Rawat, founder of VISAPUNDIT, in particular put his cooking skills as an ex-executive chef to the test as he cooked up a menu of gourmet burgers and sausage sizzles.

As a gesture of appreciation every

participating Eternity member was awarded a certificate by Ronald McDonald House.

On what appeared to be a gloomy and rainy day, ETERNITY and VISAPUNDIT were able to brighten the lives of over 100 children and grown-ups staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Herston.

VISAPUNDIT is an established Australian education and migration services agency with over 26 years of combined industrial and professional experience.

One of their biggest mandates is to give back a percentage to the local community in an effort to generate positive societal outcomes. As part of their efforts, VISAPUNDIT has chosen to partner with ETERNITY

India rejects US solar claim at WTO, explores new defence Reuters

GENEVA: India hit back on Monday at Washington's latest legal assault on its solar power policies+ at the World Trade Organization, rejecting a US legal claim and exploring possible new protection of India's own solar industry.

Last month, the United States had triggered a new round of litigation at the WTO, arguing that India had failed to abide by a ruling that it had illegally discriminated against foreign suppliers of solar cells and modules.

In a statement published by the WTO on Monday, India said it had changed its rules to conform with the ruling and that a US claim for punitive trade sanctions was groundless.

"India underscores that the United States' request is not a valid request," the Indian statement said.

It said Washington had skipped legal steps, failed to follow the correct WTO procedure, and omitted to mention any specific level of trade sanctions that it proposed to level on India, leaving India "severely prejudiced".

India would be vindicated if the proper

process was followed, it said.

"In view of the above, India strongly objects to the US request of 19 December 2017," it said.

Renewable energy has become an area of severe trade friction as major economies compete to dominate a sector that is expected to thrive as reliance on coal and oil dwindles.

India unveiled its national solar programme in 2011, seeking to ease chronic energy shortages in Asia's third-largest economy without creating pollution.

But the United States complained to the WTO in 2013, saying US solar exports to India had fallen by 90 percent. The WTO judges agreed that India had broken the trade rules by requiring solar power developers to use Indian-made cells and modules.

In a separate move that could protect its solar industry from global competitors, not only US rivals, India told the WTO last week that it was considering the case for imposing temporary emergency tariffs on solar cells, modules and panels, after a petition from the domestic industry.

So-called safeguard tariffs are permitted

16 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018

Reuters photo (File)

by the WTO if there is evidence of serious harm, or threat of serious harm, to a country's production from a sudden, unforeseen surge in imports.

India said the market share of imports had increased from 86 percent in 2014-15 to

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90 percent in 2017-18, with growing losses for Indian producers and a fourfold rise in inventory levels.

That amounted to prima facie evidence of serious injury to Indian firms, India said in the WTO filing.

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Intrusion in Arunachal: China agrees to stop road construction work, India returns seized equipment Rajat Pandit, TNN

NEW DELHI: China has agreed to stop road-construction activity across the Line of Actual Control+ (LAC) near Bishing in Tuting area of Arunachal Pradesh, with Indian troops returning the two earth excavators and other equipment seized from Chinese workers in the region last month.

"The Tuting incident has been resolved.

A border personnel meeting (BPM) was held two days ago," said Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Monday. As for Doklam near the Sikkim-Bhutan-Tibet tri-junction+ , where the rival troops were locked in an eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation for 73 days before finally disengaging on August 28, Gen Rawat said there was a major reduction in the number of soldiers on the Chinese side.

The BPM in Arunachal Pradesh, with brigade commanders from the two sides leading the talks, was held on January 6. It was in late-December that Chinese road-construction personnel had intruded almost a kilometer into Indian territory near the Bishing village in the Upper Siang district of the state but were forced to retreat after being stopped by Indian troops, who seized their two excavators and other equipment on December 28, as was reported earlier by TOI. Unlike the belligerence shown during the Doklam standoff, the Chinese troops this time "reacted very maturely to accept that the differing perception of the

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LAC" had led its construction workers "to inadvertently transgress" into Indian territory near the Bishing village. "They assured us they will take care to ensure their construction personnel do not cross over into our side again," said an officer.

But road alignment and construction bids as well as troop transgressions across the 4,057-km LAC, which stretches from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh, are highly unusual in winter months. It is an indication of the heightened tensions between the two armies after the Doklam stand-off, which saw both armies move additional infantry battalions, tanks, artillery and missile units forward towards the LAC. As was first reported by TOI, around 1,600 Chinese troops have established a permanent presence in the Bhutanese territory of Doklam, with the construction of two helipads, upgraded roads, scores of pre-fabricated huts, shelters and stores to withstand the chill in the high-altitude region.

The Tuting area, incidentally, has never really been a "hotspot" for IndiaChina border tensions, unlike the other "8-10 disputed areas" along the border in Arunachal Pradesh. Among these disputed areas are Asaphila, a remote 100 sq km area in Upper Subansiri division of the state, and the so-called "Fish Tail-I and II" areas in Chaglagam sector, which take its name from the shape the LAC takes in the region.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018 — 17

World Hindu Congress 2018 WHEN people come together on a shared platform for a shared purpose, inspired by shared values, only good things happen. But such opportunities for Hindus, specifically, have been few and far between. The World Hindu Congress seeks to change that.

The World Hindu Congress – which will be held on September 7-9, 2018 in Chicago, USA – is a global platform for Hindus to connect, share ideas, inspire one another, and impact the common good.

Held once every four years, WHC’s seven parallel conferences showcase how

the values, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of the global Hindu community find expression in a variety of spheres, including economic, education, media, organizational, and political, as well as the unique leadership and contributions of Hindu women and youth. Interactive sessions offer space to deliberate the challenges and opportunities facing Hindu communities across the globe, and seek tangible solutions for the progress and prosperity of Hindus and the betterment of humanity and the world.

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Gold Coasters are gearing up for the 2018 Comm Games

WITH 300 days of sun a year, a number of major international events and a laidback atmosphere that’s hard to resist, you never need an excuse to visit the Gold Coast.

But come April this beautiful strip of coastline will be the place to be as the Gold Coast plays host to the Commonwealth Games.

The Gold Coast remains Australia’s temple of sun, surf and good times. Many of the visitors who flock to the Gold Coast every year come for the stunning beaches, the blissful water temperatures and the thrilling surf breaks found up and down the coast. But once they arrive, they find there is a lot more to enjoy.

The city takes great pride in its embrace of the modern and sophisticated – just check out those high-rise buildings that stretch for as far as the eye can see. But the Gold Coast has never forgotten its humble beginnings. This is still a place where you can enjoy a waterside fish and chips, or where a local will regale you with a yarn about the perfect wave that got away.

There’s no shortage of adrenaline-inducing activities to take part in, whether a trip to one of the nearby theme parks or a night out at one

of Surfers Paradise’s pulsating clubs. But it’s just as easy to be seduced by the easy charm of the Gold Coast’s many neighbourhoods, each of which has its own distinct character.

Leave behind the entertainment playground of Surfers and you can bask in the retro charm and chilled vibes of Burleigh Heads.

Broadbeach is the place to go to for the breadth of its al fresco dining options, not to mention its vibrant weekend market. Southport has eclectic appeal and Coolangatta is all about the spectacular surf and the whale watching.

From the coastal strip to the verdant green of the coastal hinterland, where you enjoy spectacular walking tracks through World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest and treat yourself at award-winning restaurants, wineries and distilleries, the options are almost endless.

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Tickets for the Games are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure not to miss out. Get your tickets for GC2018 and book your accommodation to start planning your Games experience.

PBL: Chennai Smashers out of semis race Vivek Krishnan, TNN

CHENNAI: Led by the irresistible PV Sindhu, defending champions Chennai Smashers prevailed on the night as they edged past Bengaluru Blasters 3-2 at Nehru Indoor Stadium here on Monday. Despite their second successive win of the season, though, Smashers' hopes of making the semi-finals are over.

Having overcome world No.1 Tai Tzu Ying just a couple of days ago, Sindhu was clearly at the top of her game and it came as little surprise that she got the better of Scotland's Kirsty Gilmour 15-9, 15-14 in her side's Trump match.

For Blasters, world No. 1 Viktor Axelsen played his part as he overcame Thailand's Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk with a hardfought 15-11, 6-15, 15-9 victory, but the fact that they lost their Trump match - the men's

Brisbane bus drivers vote ‘yes’ for safety barriers BRISBANE’S bus drivers have had their say on safety barriers following a threemonth survey carried out by Brisbane City Council.

Public and Active Transport Chairman Cr Adrian Schrinner said the results were clear, with 56 per cent of bus drivers voting in favour of having safety barriers installed and only 28 per cent voting no.

“Brisbane City Council has been leading the way with bus safety measures and recently announced close to $2 million in additional safety measures to improve safety on Brisbane buses,” Cr Schrinner said.

“Our bus drivers undertake their jobs in often challenging circumstances, and Council has been working with the State Government to achieve positive outcomes so we can help make our buses safer for both drivers and passengers.

“After waiting for 10 months for the release of the State Government’s Bus Safety Review, Council decided to take its own action on the application of bus driver barriers.

“The safety of our bus drivers is paramount and we could not continue to sit on our hands waiting for the State’s longoverdue review.

“In order to get the ball rolling, Council commenced a survey in August to give all Brisbane bus drivers an opportunity to have their say on safety barriers.”

Cr Schrinner said the consultation formed part of a roadshow, where two buses were fitted out with different styles of barriers and stationed at each depot for a two-week period to help inform bus drivers.

“We wanted to ensure bus drivers were fully informed on existing security measures and what it would mean if

18 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018

barriers were installed, by providing them with a range of collateral as part of the survey process,” he said.

“With the survey now closed, Council will provide the results to the State Government for the inclusion of safety barriers in the upcoming bus contract.”

Cr Schrinner said the bus contract was expected to be fi nalised by 30 June, 2018 with the safety barriers to be rolled out following that.

“Brisbane City Council is the largest bus operator in Queensland, with 1200 buses, more than 2,300 bus drivers and 76 million passenger trips each year,” he said.

“Council is currently working with the State Government to achieve positive changes for the benefit of our bus drivers and passengers, and we hope to reach an agreement on the future of our bus network by mid-next year.”

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doubles match between Mathias Boe-Kim Sa Rang and Chennai's B Sumeeth ReddyLee Yang - hurt their chances.

In the early stages of her match, Sindhu was actually on the back foot with Gilmour racing to a 5-1 lead. But it didn't take long for the world No.3 to get back into the contest. Unleashing her range of trademark smashes and clever drop shots, Sindhu soon gained ascendancy and ended up winning the first game comfortably in the end.

Much to Gilmour's credit, she didn't let Sindhu run away with the game from there on and kept her distinguished rival in check. The outcome was a much tighter second game, which could have gone the Scottish girl's way with a little bit of good luck. Right through the second game, the fortunes swung to-and-fro with neither player willing to concede any ground. At 14-14, Sindhu managed to hold her nerve while Gilmour committed an error to gift the match to the Indian ace.

Axelsen, meanwhile, stayed true to his reputation and maintained his unbeaten record this season. There was a small scare when the left-handed Saensomboonsuk romped to a 15-6 win in the second game. It perhaps gave some heft to the notion that the Danish star struggles against left-handers, but such doubts were allayed quickly as he came back to win the third game 15-9.

In the men's doubles tie, which was Bengaluru's Trump match for the evening, the visitors' pair of Mathias Boe and Kim Sa Rang suffered their first loss of the season.

They went down to Chennai's B Sumeeth Reddy and Lee Yang 15-8, 14-15, 13-15. In the first game, world No.2 Boe and Rang had looked the stronger of the two sides and raced to a 10-5 lead before closing out the game 15-8. While there was little to separate the two teams in the next two games, the Chennai duo came back strongly and eventually emerged victorious.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018 — 19

University of Fiji will this year offer new programmes in i-Taukei culture and linguistics

Students have shared text books and even photocopied class work due to school heads not following procedures

University of Fiji Lautoka Campus

By Lena Reece

TO help protect and promote i-Taukei culture and linguistics the University of Fiji's Centre for i-Taukei Studies will this year offer new programmes.

The University of Fiji says that it hopes to offer programmes that will act as a platform where students can learn about the traditional i-Taukei ways.

It adds that it has also started with inter‑disciplinary teaching between

the Centre for i-Taukei studies and the Department of Management.

The University of Fiji’s Centre for i-Taukei studies currently houses four programmes that include, Diploma in i-Taukei Language and Culture and Diploma in Teaching i-Taukei Language, Literature and Culture.

The University says that students are urged to take advantage of this opportunity and register for the programmes they wish to pursue as registrations are on‑going at the Saweni and Suva Campuses.

Single mother of two asks for assistance for back to school shopping

Permanent Secretary for Education Iowane Tiko

By Semi Turaga

THE Ministry of Education says some students have shared textbooks and even photocopied class work because of the failure of school heads to pass on timely and up to date information to the ministry.

Permanent Secretary for Education Iowane Tiko says they sent school heads forms to fill before October but some of them have not even made the effort to respond to the request by the Education Resource Unit.

Tiko says their policy is that a student should have a textbook each but this is not happening in some cases because information is not being delivered in a

timely manner.

The Permanent Secretary says in some cases the textbooks have arrived on time in schools but it is not distributed in a timely manner to students.

Tiko says school heads and teachers that limit outcomes in the classroom and are not honestly doing their job will be taken to task.

Education Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has also requested that yearly records on the maintenance of textbooks and timely requests of textbooks be included as Key Performance Indicators for school heads, as well as for Education Resource Staff.

FTUC confident to secure a permit to march to support suspended ATS workers

Single mother of two Tarusila Malumu and her two kids

By Lena Reece

PARENTS around the country continue to prepare their children for their return to school, but single mother of two, Tarusila Malumu is scouting for assistance to allow her children to go back to school with the necessary school supplies.

Malumu who is the sole breadwinner and also caring for her mother was laid off from her job last month after Lotus Garments Factory burnt down.

She says that selling Jam and home-made doormats is their only source of income for

the time being but is not enough to buy the necessary school supplies that her children will need for school.

The 36-year-old has a 12-year-old daughter and 6-year-old son both attending Delainamasi Government School.

She says that she has sought assistance from non-government organisations such as Save the Children Fund, Read to Lead, and ATH Vodafone with the hope of receiving a positive response that will enable her to send her children back to school just as any parent would.

20 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018

FTUC General Secretary Felix Anthony

By Vijay Narayan

The Fiji Trades Union Congress is now awaiting the written approval for the permit to march in Nadi this Saturday to support the 170 ATS workers picketing outside the ATS compound.

FTUC General Secretary Felix Anthony says they have received verbal confirmation that they will get the permit.

He also says that the plans have started for the national strike however they will only implement this if the ATS dispute continues for some time.

When questioned on who is funding the expenses of the suspended ATS workers as they have their daily household expenses and the new school year starts next Tuesday, Anthony says FTUC and other groups are assisting the workers as it believes that the workers are ATS shareholders and can walk off their workstations to have a meeting if they are unhappy with management decisions.

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While opening the new rural electrification project in Vunarewa, Nadi, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says he feels sad to see that the interests of some unionists and politicians have been put ahead of many of our people, particularly those working in Nadi.

Bainimarama says unfortunately, some have failed to step back and see the bigger picture, and consider how their actions affect the working of our larger economy.

He says he has been told there is a march planned in Nadi this weekend, and again, he fears it will simply be another opportunity for those seeking relevance ahead of the elections to try and gain political mileage on the backs of ordinary Fijians.

The rural electrification project opened today has brought 105 Fijians in the Vunarewa Settlement onto the national grid, giving them access to the enormous benefits of electricity.

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Buses jump the queue for ICB upgrade BRISBANE’S fi rst buses have jumped the queue thanks to Brisbane City Council’s Inner City Bypass (ICB) Upgrade.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk hopped on board one of the fi rst buses to use the new bus jump lane, which would see buses given priority when exiting the ICB at Herston Road.

“More than 55,000 vehicles use this section of the ICB every day, which often causes queuing in the shoulder lane at the Herston Road exit during morning peak travel times,” Cr Quirk said.

“The opening of this new bus priority lane will help provide immediate congestion relief for motorists and bus users, helping them get to work or home quicker and safer.

“The ICB is currently operating at 90 per cent capacity and will be severely over capacity by 2021, which is why Council is taking real action on traffic now.

“This project will see the ICB widened to four lanes each way between Legacy Way and the RNA Tunnel, delivering travel time savings of up to 25 per cent.”

Chairman for Infrastructure Cr Amanda Cooper said the ICB was the Brisbane’s busiest Council-owned arterial road and motorists would see huge benefits when the project was complete mid-2018.

“Over the next few months, motorists will begin to see changes to the alignment of the ICB as works progress,” Cr Cooper said.

“On-road works to widen both the eastbound and westbound lanes from three to four lanes are being carried out, with piling now complete to support a brand new westbound on-ramp.

“The westbound on-ramp will be a major feature of the project and will allow buses to hop straight onto the ICB and Legacy Way from Bowen Bridge Road.

“While motorists will benefit from increased capacity and improved safety on the ICB, ratepayers will also benefit thanks to a reduction in congestion and a boost to traffic efficiency.”

Transurban Queensland Group General Manager Wes Ballantine said the opening of the bus jump lane was a major step forward in the ICB upgrade.

“Motorists will start to see real benefits from today, however it’s important we keep traffic moving as construction progresses through to completion mid-next year,” Mr Ballantine said.

“Over the next few months, traffic changes will continue to be in place to ensure the safety of motorists and workers, and I’d like to thank motorists and the local community for their patience over the coming months while we deliver this critical project.”

The ICB upgrade is an initiative of Brisbane City Council and is being delivered by Transurban Queensland. For more information visit www.brisbane.qld. gov.au or call 3403 8888.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018 — 21

Rips: Australia's biggest ocean killer back to shore.

"Depending on the ability of the person in the rip they may be able to swim out immediately, but for those lesser abled swimmers it's important that they conserve their energy and float and wait for assistance."

Dr Brander seconds this advice.

"If you realise you're going offshore, the main thing is to try to relax by staying afloat, because you will float, the rip won't pull you under," he said.

"If there are people around then signal to them, otherwise if you can, swim slowly and gently towards the white water.

"Wherever you see white water and breaking waves means it's shallower, and white water brings you back to the beach."

Don't panic

PHOTO: Purple dye shows the flow of a rip current at Tamarama Beach in Sydney in 2010. (Supplied: Rob Brander)

TODAY someone, somewhere around Australia will drown in a rip.

Two days later, another person will die the same way. And just days after that, so will another.

Surf experts say rips are a danger to inexperienced beach-goers and those who do not know how they work.

But they say if people are aware of how to spot a rip and what to do if caught in one, many of these summer tragedies will be averted.

Surf Life Saving Australia's coastal safety services manager, Matt Thompson, says rips are the biggest killer in Australian waters.

"One person will drown every two to three days this summer... 90 per cent of those fatalities will be rip-related," he said.

Almost all of those deaths will happen off unpatrolled beaches or outside of surf lifesaving hours.

With 17,000 rips happening around Australia at any given time - and only 4 per cent of beaches currently patrolled - it is no wonder these fast-flowing bodies of water are so lethal.

What is a rip?

Mr Thompson says a rip is a current that often starts near the shore and flows out to sea.

"All that water that comes into the shore has to find its way back out to the ocean," he said.

"That inward flow falls into deep channels and those deep channels create a current, which we call a rip current.

"They can flow back out to sea, or sometimes they can actually circulate within the surf zone. So it's that current movement out to sea and around in circles in some instances that are the hazards to inexperienced swimmers."

He says a rip moves fastest when the tide is running from high to low, and that they have been known to move as quickly as three metres a second - faster than an Olympic swimmer.

Dr Rob Brander, a surf scientist from the University of New South Wales, says this often causes people to panic.

"By the time most people realise they're heading offshore, in 30 seconds they're already out," he said.

"The rip's going to take them to wherever it's going to take them. They move faster than most people can swim, so you haven't got a

lot of time to think about what's going on."

How to spot a rip Dr Brander says the most common type of rip looks like a calm, dark path sitting among the breaking waves - an alluring patch of ocean for inexperienced beach-goers.

"Rips can look different depending on conditions, but the most common type of rip looks like a dark path or a dark gap going out through the white water," he said.

"Because it's sitting in a deep channel, deeper water is always darker and waves don't break as much in deep channels.

"So if you're standing on the beach it's really important to look at the surf for five or 10 minutes and if you start seeing these persistent dark gaps that look like paths they can go straight, they can go at angles chances are that's a rip current."

Dr Brander says on a completely flat day, there will be no rips, but if there are any waves breaking, chances are they will be there.

"You can get rips when the waves are really small - as long as you've got rip channels they'll be flowing," he said.

"Often it's those perfect, beautiful sunny days, the waves aren't that big so people go in the water and the rips are flowing pretty fast."

Mr Thompson says rips can be anywhere between 10 and 20 metres wide, and have been known to flow as far as 400 metres out to sea.

"It's a common mistake of beach users - they see the calmer area and assume it's a safer place to swim, but in actual fact the only reason it's calmer is because that waterflow is causing less water surface disruption, and unfortunately they land themselves in trouble," he said.

He says murky, brown water or a choppy, rippled look can also indicate a rip.

"Rips are so dynamic, they're a bit like people in the sense that no single rip is the same," Mr Thompson said.

"That's why no one bit of advice we give you can guarantee your safety.

"Rips have been known to take people 400 metres offshore, whereas some have only taken them a few metres, and some of them have circulated back into the surf break and they've been able to get in."

Types of rips Mr Thompson and Dr Brander say there are

22 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018

several different types of rips, some being more dangerous than others.

A fixed rip is one that can stay in the same place for days, weeks, or even months.

A permanent rip is often found up against headlands or reefs. "They're the ones that most often flow out to sea, they're the ones that swimmers need to be particularly aware of," Mr Thompson said.

Dr Brander says these rips are in the same location almost every day. "So we give them names like the Backpacker Express at Bondi, the Manly Escalator," he said.

But Mr Thompon says flash rips cause the most amount of rescues.

"Flash rips are where there will be a sudden set of large waves which come in and that'll lift the water level and it'll also cause all that water that's come in to exit at a particularly rapid rate," he said.

"So the swimmers that were comfortable are suddenly out of their depth."

Dr Brander says flash rips are difficult to monitor because they pop up and disappear all over the place. "They might last for a minute here and then form somewhere else," he said.

Another type is a mega rip, typically created in stormy conditions when there are big waves.

But Mr Thompon says these tend to cause fewer fatalities, as people generally do not swim in such conditions.

What to do in a rip Both Mr Thompson and Dr Brander say the best way to avoid a rip is to swim between the red and yellow flags on a patrolled beach.

"We can never advocate people swimming at unpatrolled locations, simply because if we can't see them we can't save them," Mr Thompson said.

But he says patrolled or unpatrolled, the advice to someone caught in a rip is still the same.

"You need to know your options. You always need to stay calm, float and raise your arm to attract attention, whether it be a surfer's attention at an unpatrolled beach or a lifeguard's attention at a patrolled beach," he said.

"To escape a rip current you can swim parallel to the beach, but at all times it is important to conserve your energy as much as possible and allow the waves to assist you

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Dr Brander says people start to panic as soon as they notice they are being carried away from the beach. But he says staying calm is the most important piece of advice.

"People start to panic once they look back and they realise they're way off shore - that's scary to a lot of people," he said.

"They start to swim back to the beach, which means swimming against the rip, and that doesn't take them anywhere and they start going backwards and they get more scared and it can really escalate from there.

"As soon as you start to panic, forget about it, all the good advice that we give people often goes out the window."

He says if people stay calm, allow the rip to carry them along, and signal for help, they will survive.

"It's easy to say 'don't panic, stay afloat', but it really is important to remember you float, and the rip's just going to take you for a ride," he said.

"There's about an 80 per cent chance it'll take you back to a sand bar, there's about a 20 per cent chance it might take you out the back, but you're still floating, which is better than panicking and going under."

Common misconceptions Dr Brander says it is the misconceptions about rips which cause people to panic.

"It's a myth that they take you way out to sea and that they take you to New Zealand - they don't do that," he said.

"Most rips will take you just to the edge of the breaking waves and most rips flow in circles, so most rips will flow from the beach, offshore and kind of turn around and come back onto the sand bar.

"If most people were to jump in a rip and float, most of the time they would end up back on the sand bar."

He says another misconception is that rips pull people under.

"There is a myth that rips will pull you under the water, but there is no such thing as an undertow," he said.

"Often you hear people saying 'it was pulling me under' ... the odd wave breaks over your head and you think you're being pulled under but you're not, it just takes you for a ride."

Both Mr Thompson and Dr Brander say rips are only a threat to people who swim at unpatrolled beaches and who do not understand how a rip works.

They say it is important to remember that surfers and lifesavers use rips safely on a regular basis.

"We want to make sure that people know that rips aren't dangerous to those who know about them and are experienced in them," Mr Thompson said.

Dr Brander says swimming at a beach should be like crossing a road.

"Everyone knows when they cross the road they should look both ways, and I'm trying to get people in the habit of looking for rips, make it a game for the kids, just to increase the awareness that there could be rips out there," he said.

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Vishva Hindu Parishad of Australia Inc. Queensland Chapter

Bala Samskar Kendra Queensland Invites you with family and friends for

Pongal / Makarasankranthi Celebrations 2018 Activities include:

• Learning Surya Namaskaram • Cooking Pongal (sweet rice) in traditional way • Kite flying* • Kolam demonstration and Rangoli colouring competition ($5 per child registration)

Register your child before 10 January 2018 for participation in Rangoli competition.

When: Time: Where:

Sunday 13 January 2018 9:30 AM to 1.00 PM Sunnybank State High School, Turton Street, Sunnybank QLD 4109

Free Event (except for Rangoli Competition) for family Registrations are COMPULSORY Vegetarian Lunch will be provided

For more information please contact: bskqld@live.com.au Krishna: 0411776509 Mohan: 0400 775 924 Hari: 0411 137 396 Facebook Event

Register using the Event Registration QR code for catering purposes before 10 January 2018 Event Registration

* BYO kite and come with appropriate footwear, sun protection cream & hat

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Rangoli / Kolam Competition for Children VHP strives for the ideal of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one large family) www.indiantimes.com

Link to online registration is available on FB Event page

https://www.facebook.com/VHPAustraliaQLD THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018 — 23

Who, What, Where, When

Anniversary puja for Umesh and Usha Chandra held at Gayatri Mandir Boondall on 9th January, 2018

From left , Ashutosh Saroch, Baljinder Saroch, Umesh and Usha Chandra Preeti Raval and Parth Raval at Gayatri Mandir Boondall

Ravi Varstad, Brisbane Indian Times correspondent, on holidays at Mission Beach

Tehlia Fritz celebrated her 21st birthday at Tarvenetta function Centre Carseldine on 7th January 2018

ABOVE: Umesh and Usha Chandra at the wedding of their niece at Katathani resort Phuket, Thailand 24 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018

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Be Part of Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association’s Legacy

The Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association Inc.

Donation Request

Incorporation Number: IA 40338 Registered Charity: CH 2260

Light your homes up on Saturday, 2 December for the Pleiades (Kartigai) constellation for peace and prosperity. The flame symbolizes our spirituality that burns the wick, our ego to bring forth universal love.  Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association’s (GCHCA’s) mission is to build an Education and Cultural Precinct with a Place of Worship at Australia’s tourism capital.  Gold Coast City Council (Council) has given consent for us to build Stage 1, the MultiPurpose Hall (MPH) which includes the Place of Worship and Stage 2, the Community Square on Council leased land.  Council’s condition is for us to show significant construction progress by June 2018.  We currently have $0.6m. We desperately need an additional $1.8m of donations/ grants/ sponsorships or loans to commence construction work.  GCHCA’s aims are to provide, promote and expand community programs in education and culture for the well being of the individual and the community.  Help us leave a legacy for your children and their children to practice and enjoy Hindu Education and Culture in this country we call home.  Your support and continuous contribution will help complete the construction and will enable the community to have a place, to learn, to grow, to enjoy and experience spiritual and physical well-being.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I wish to support GCHCA’s Stage 1 &2 build of Multi-Purpose Hall + Place of Worship + Community Square: Title: ___ First Name: ______________________ Last Name: __________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ______________ Email: ________________________________________ Signature: ………………………………….

Date: ___________________

 Donate - Stage 1 & 2 Construction ☐ $_______ GCHCA Building Donation Account - BSB: 064 474 A/C: 1048 8900 (donations of $2 or more are tax deductible in Australia)  Donate $1 a day ☐ www.GiveNow.com.au/gchcan Credit card via: http://Culture.GoldCoastHindu.Org/Donations/  Give a Loan ☐ $_______ interest free,☐ $_______ or with interest. (a memorandum of understanding with GCHCA will be negotiated and signed)  Sponsor Shrine for ______________ ☐ $_______ estimated to cost $100,000 each.

GCHCA’s Common Bank Account: BSB: 064 474 A/C: 1048 8230 (swift code: CTBAAU2S) Lokah Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu

Thank You From The Management Committee

gchcan@gmail.com www.GoldCoastHindu.org Ph: +61 401 207 221 ABN: 14 153 639 953 Further details can be obtained by contacting our Secretary at gchcan@gmail.com Support the noble objectives of the GCHCA and Donate

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018 — 25

26 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018 — 27

Who, What, Where, When

ABOVE: Community memorial tribute held in honour of Hemant Govekar at Lower River Terrace, Kangaroo Point, and the tribute was organised by family and friends.

ABOVE: Community memorial tribute in honour of Ravneet Singh Gill held at Duranbah beach and special prayers at Gurdwara 28 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018 — 29

JESUS is Good, Pleasing and Perfect for 2018 Key Scripture: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

DEAR Reader, we are exited to bring you the greatest good news on this planet.

Our theme simple and clear.

It is to make God simple and personal. And to make God very real person so you can know and relate to Him. God is not an object or an image or imagination of human mind. God is a living and loving person. We find this amazing revelation in the pages of Holy Bible. Keep reading with an open heart and humble spirit. You will encounter your Creator today.

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

Good news for 2018 has been already written to those who are willing to believe and live according to the word of God. When someone wish you “A Happy New Year”, it is your responsibility to learn the right and good habits everyday to make 2018 a ‘Happy New Year’. The word God clearly gives us perfect instructions to make 2018 a year of fruitfulness and meaningfulness.

Let us examine Romans 12:2, so that we can apply a powerful truth into new year 2018. First, do not conform to the pattern of this world; understand that this world we live in is imperfect and fallen from perfection of God. If you are influenced to copy the behaviour of what you see on TV, Internet or what you read media, it is not going to produce a happy new year to you.

To experience a ‘Newness’ in your life, you must learn the skill to change your mind into thinking new ways. To do so, you must learn to train your mind to think good and pleasing thoughts. Thoughts are

- Romans 12:2 (NIV)

produced by the influence of your heart or by the condition of your soul. A good heart produces good and pleasing thoughts and leads to good words and good deeds.

Jesus promised that when you trust in Him and His Words and welcome Him into our hearts, a miracle happens in your soul.

You will desire to renew your mind. Day by day you will begin a process of small incremental progress that leads to a Happy New Year.

Therefore, we invite you to pray this with a sincere heart; “Dear Father God, today I thank you for your word that has touched my heart. I confess with my mouth ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead for my Mukti (Salvation).

Now help me to know you more and more so that I can grow in the knowledge of your grace and mercy. Teach me your ways so that I can be person who will learn to honour you and learn to honour each other.

- Amen.

Please email to us your encounter experience, so we can help you to grow in the understanding your Creator and Redeemer. navig8grace@gmail.com

Aziz Ansari Makes Golden Globes History at the Golden Globes ONE Indian American star shone bright at the 75th edition of the Golden Globe Awards held Jan. 7 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Aziz Ansari scored a history-making win at the annual awards when he took home the trophy for the ‘Best Actor in a Television Series Musical or Comedy’ for his monumental work on Netflix’s “Master of None.” The win makes the Columbia, South Carolina native the first Asian American actor to win an honor in that category.

And no one was more surprised that Ansari himself.

“I genuinely didn’t think I was going to win because all of the websites said I was going to lose,” Ansari joked when he took to the stage to give his acceptance speech to a room full of Hollywood’s biggest stars.

But Hollywood is witnessing a revolution, and host Seth Meyers made it amply clear at the outset that things were going to be different this time when he opened his monologue with: “Good evening, ladies and remaining gentlemen,” referencing the Harvey Weinstein scandal, and the Weinstein ripple effect, which has led to the sacking of dozens of prominent men who were abusing their power. “It’s 2018,

Aziz Ansari with his award at the Golden Globes

marijuana is finally allowed, and sexual harassment finally isn’t. It’s gonna be a good year!”

Ansari was nominated for the same award during the 2016 Golden Globes, but lost to Gael García Bernal for “Mozart in the Jungle.” Reacting to that, Ansari said: “I’m glad we won this one because it would’ve really sucked to lose two of these in a row; it would’ve been a really sh*tty moment for me, but this is nice.”

Ansari beat Anthony Anderson of “blackish,” “I Love Dick’s” Kevin Bacon, William H. Macy from “Shameless,” and Eric McCormack of “Will & Grace.”

30 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018

Welcome to 2018 Pastor Joseph Dass

DEAR reader, it is with great joy we bring to you the word of God. 2017 has come and gone. Some of us have been through a difficult 12 months. Your health wasn’t the best. The business didn’t work out as you planned. The relationship was over. If you are not careful, you will experience some of the same pain you have been through before. God already has blessed 2018. And the way you start this year will determine how much of Gods favour and blessings will come to pass in your life this year.

In the scriptures (Joshua 1) we read how God promised the children of Israel back to their homeland, Israel. Joshua had been there once before to survey the land and was leading the people to it. But after seeing the pain, the suffering, the setbacks and finally the death of his leader Moses, he was feeling the pressure to continue leading the people. God spoke to Joshua, reminding him of his future victories, great breakthroughs, seasons of favour, success and prosperity. On Joshua’s part he had to be strong , courageous and live in obedience and agreement with Gods word, not allowing it to depart from his mouth.

And to speak the word for himself, his future and where he wanted to be. He could not let his past fears, disappointments, failures, wrong opinions be part of his future.

Just like Joshua, God never promised lack and disappointments to be your final destiny but the opposite. And just like

Joshua, God is saying your due season is here. As you keep honouring God, believing His word and live a life expecting then you will enter into your seasons of blessings and favour.

Here are 6 things you can do to have great success in 2018.

• Have a vision where you want to finish.

You will not reach your destination if you don’t have one.

• Be a victor and not a victim. Good and bad things happen to all of us. Having a victim mentality will hold you back. So you spend your valuable time blaming others and making no progress.

• Do not become weak where God has made you strong. Being strong courageous and focused is a vital part of being.

• Do not let go of opportunities that God is presenting to you. Opportunities come to all of us. God given opportunities always lead to success.

• Do not allow others opinions from moving towards your goals and destiny.

Not everyone is going to celebrate you, so stay clear of negative discouraging and pulling down words. Some people are not going to move towards where you are going.

• Do not speak words which God has not spoken over you. Mouth has a great purpose to feed you. But it has even a greater purpose to bring health, restoration, prosperity, life and success.

The words you speak can either bring disappointments or success. The very places you send your word to will find you there. So watch what you speak.

God bless you. Have a great and very successful 2018.

Ps Joseph Dass josephdass@optusnet.com.au

New Year – Good Time To Start A Job Ready Program JOB Ready Programs 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 these 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.

Job Ready Programs, also popularly referred to as Professional Year Program are generally 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.

There are a few a 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 programs. Providers in other cities have also reported similar outcomes from their programs.

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: the PYP is an alternative to the requirement of 7 each in Academic IELTS or equivalent, to make you eligible for a skills assessment application; IT professionals: the PYP is an alternative to the requirement of one year work experience to make you eligible for a skills assessment application.

If you are a recent graduate or are close to

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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.

We wish to remind readers that the first consultation with Migration Guru is free of charge. Migration Guru has assisted a vast number of clients for more than 14 years.

Migration Guru has more than 50 years of collective experience in the industry and a team of Migration Agents / Lawyers and office in Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Hobart.

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 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.

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Call 07 3865 6533

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018 — 31

Brahma - The Creator IN Hindu mythology, Brahma, a manifestation of God, is the creator of the world. He is considered to be Swayambhu or self produced. He is also known as Hiranyagarbha or the golden egg, which was the source of world creation. The Puranas, which are sacred Hindu texts, describe Brahma and his activities in a number of stories.

According to the most popular tradition, Brahma was born from the lotus flower that sprouted from the navel of Lord Vishnu, another manifestation of God. Vishnu reposes on Sheshnaga or the multiple-hooded serpent, in the cosmic ocean, after universal deluge.

Lotus flower sprouting and Brahma’s appearance activate the process of new creation.

After his appearance on the lotus flower, Brahma performed penance for years to attain the inspiration and energy to create and populate the world.

The urge for creation came from the occurrence of imbalance in the divine attributes of God. Using his mental power, Brahma created four Kumaras, or eternal bachelor sages, Sanaka, Sananda, Sanatkumara and Sanatana and asked them to create and populate the world.

However, these sages sought Moksha or salvation instead of productive family life.

Brahma became angry at their decision.

His anger manifested in the form of a crying child who was named Rudra, a Sanskrit word for crying. Brahma asked Rudra to live in certain objects including the heart, the senses, life, the sky, air, fire, water, the earth, the sun,

the moon and penance. He instructed Rudra to go forth and multiply as much he could. Later, Rudra became synonym with Lord Shiva.

To advance his undertaking of creation, Brahma created ten more sons through his mental power. They included Atri, Angiras, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu, Bhrigu, Daksha, Marichi, Vashstha and Narada. Most of them have played important roles in Hindu mythologies.

Brahma also created Dharma and Adharma, Good and Evil, Desire and Anger. All the worlds and all the galaxies came out from Brahma’s mind and body. Four Vedas and Vani or Saraswati, emerged from his mouths.

Over time, Brahma observed that his creation did not increase as expected.

Then he created a male and female from his body. The male was known as Swayambhu Manu, the original self-originated man and Shatarupa, a woman with hundred forms. These two produced progenies and became the propagator of human race.

The descendants of other sons of Brahma created Sura or deities, Asura or those opposed to deities, plants, animals, birds and all other creatures.

Despite being the creator, Brahma is not popular as an object of worship. Only a small number of temples are dedicated to Him. The most popular Brahma temple is in Pushkar, Rajasthan, India.

Each year, during the Kartik month (October –November), a grand fair is organised in Puskar. It attracts tourists from all over the world.

A number of stories in the Puranas

relate to some of Brahma’s actions that are considered inappropriate for his status. These are believed to contribute to his diminished popularity.

According to one story, sages discussed to determine that who was the greatest among Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, the three main manifestations of God. Sage Bhrigu, a son of Brahma, was assigned the responsibility to decide on the matter. He visited each of the three manifestations. When Bhrigu visited Brahma, he was neglected and was not offered the customary welcome appropriate for guests.

Noticing Brahma’s demeaning behaviour towards him, Bhrigu cursed his host to be a lesser figure of worship.

Another story relates to an argument between Brahma and Vishnu. Both claimed to be superior to other. Shiva was approached to mediate between them. Shiva expanded himself into the form of Shiva Linga and asked Brahma and Vishnu to find its ends. Whichever of the two had found the end first was to be declared superior to other. In the contest, Brahma falsely used a flower as a witness to claim his victory. Shiva learned of Brahma’s dishonesty through his divine power and also cursed him.

Some other stories also described Brahma’s unfitting behaviour towards his female creations. These activities resulted in curse and rejection from worship.

Brahma is called Pitamaha or grandfather by deities, Asuras and humans. He is renowned for offering boons. Being a grandfather figure, Brahma offered blessings to all those

who performed penance. Asuras such as Hiranyakashipu, Hiranyaksha and Ravana became powerful through Brahma’s boons, and created suffering and misfortune for deities and humans.

Brahma was Valmaki’s inspiration for creating the Ramayana. He also guided Vyasa to find a scribe, Ganesha, to write his creation, the Mahabharata.

Brahma is portrayed with four heads and four hands and is seated on a lotus flower. He has an old man’s appearance with flowing white beard. A white Swan is his vehicle. Savitri, Gayatri, Saraswati and Shatarupa are described as Brahma’s wife. His prime weapon is the Brahmastra, which has been used by prominent figures in stories of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. He is allotted with priestly status among various manifestations of God. The significance of Brahma’s stories lies in the evolutionary process of creation.

The importance of water, subsequent appearance of lotus flower and then the development of conscious Brahma demonstrate the logical thinking of ancient Hindu sages about the creation of life. According to Hindu texts, it took a long time for humans, animals, plants and other living organism to appear on the earth. Humans prioritise the deities who support sustenance of the created world more highly than the creator. This is evident from our current worship patterns.

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

Tune in To AIR every Tuesday & Sunday (8pm AEST & 3pm IST) to listen to Bhule Bisre Geet with Kavita 32 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018 — 33

34 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018

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Nav Warsh Ki Subhkamna

Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir Cordially CCor ordially invi ordia invit invitettee yyou ou & yyour our family to tththe he Occasion Lord Venkateshwara Mahaa Abhishekam Occasi asio ordd Venkat Venkate shwaraa Mah Abhishekam Occ asioonn ooff LLor or eeshwar shwar

Lord L ord V Venkateshwara enkateshwara

Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir

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

Good population in human society is the basic principle for Peace, Prosperity and Spiritual progress in life. Such population depends on the chastity and faithfulness of its womanhood. As children are very prone to be misled women are similarly very prone to degradation. Therefore, both children and women require protection by the elder members of the family. By being engaged in various religious practices women will stay very focussed and hence will not be misled into taking unethical steps and engage themselves into outside of marriage relationships.

Therefore, the various family tradition of religious activities should always engage women. Due to this, their chastity and devotion will give birth to a good and healthy population eligible for participating in the good society.

By this, women become free to act and mix with men and thus adultery is engaged into at the risk of unwanted population.

Maha M aha A Abhishekam bhishekam Homam & H omam

Sunday,, 21st JJanuary, Sunday anuary anuar y,, 2018 y

Irresponsible men also provide adultery in a society and thus unwanted children flood the humane race at the risk of wars and pestilence. An increase of unwanted population certainly causes a hellish life both for the family and those who destroy the family tradition. The ancestors of such corrupt families are put to shame.

At every moment the world is changed and so are the natures activities.

It’s the race of changing. Every individual should be ready to accept the changes. Due to unbalance of nature, the whole world must accept the disaster situation.

Program begins at 4:00 pm onwards Sankalpam Sponsor - $ 101.00 / Food Sponsor - $ 400.00

May God change all the bad and unhealthy activities and thinking of the entire human race, into a very healthy, good and a religious one.

For Sankalpam Sankalpam & Sponsor, Sponsor, please contact :

Bharat Solanki : 0411131485 Vasudevan : 0421312667

I wish this new year, 2018 bring you a happy and a prosperous life.

Sarve Bhawantu Sukhinam

Vishwaeshwar Rao : 0405048521 Jogarao : 0448599791

Krishna Mohan : 0411776509

Dharam Guru Pundit Tripathi Ji.

Maha Prasadam will be serv served ser ved aft af after ter Pooja Pooja

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

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

Celebrates First Anniversary of the Temple Sunday the 28th of January 2018.

Soul Soothing Bhajans, Kirtans.

Prawachan, Aarti & then the Special first BHOG of the year.

From 4:30pm onwards

Ma Saraswati Poojan When: Monday, 22nd Jan, 2018 From 6:30pm Onwards Bhajans and Kirtans, Poojan by Students & Devotees Every child will receive a Blessed GIFT PACK

Maha Prasad (dinner) will be provided

Please come and join us for this very auspicious occasion!

Pehla Bhog Sponsor: $151.00 Complete Maha Prasad Sponsor: $400.00

Your support with any donation will be appreciated. Please contact: Devika Maharaj: 04248 91159, Bharat Solanki: 04111 31485 Dhiru 0406 2131 53, Rajesh Gopal: 04223 44046 or Jyoti Womens Club Inc

Devika Maharaj: 04248 91159, Dhiru Desai: 04062 13153, Bharat Solanki: 04111 31485, Avinesh Maharaj: 04236 09716, Rajesh Gopal: 04223 44046, Jyoti Womens Club Inc

For online donation facility visit: www.shreevishnumayamandir.com.au

For secured online donation facility visit: www.shreevishnumayamandir.com.au

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018 — 35

Health Beauty Wellbeing

Yoga emerges among top 10 fitness trends worldwide YOGA has emerged among the top 10 fitness trends worldwide for 2018, according to “Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends for 2018” by American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

“The sustained popularity of yoga seems to be that it reinvents and refreshes itself every year making it an attractive form of exercise”, Survey points out. “Based on ancient tradition, yoga utilizes a series of specific bodily postures practiced for health and relaxation. This includes Power Yoga, Yogalates, Bikram, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Kripalu, Anurara, Kundalini, Sivananda and others”, ACSM release adds.

It reportedly surveyed over 4,000 fitness professionals from Mexico, Chile, Columbia, Venezuela, Portugal, Argentina, Ecuador, Brazil, Serbia, Japan, United Arab Emirates, Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, India, Italy, Taiwan, Switzerland, Jamaica, South Africa, Bermuda, Greece, Ireland, Finland, Kenya, New Zealand, China, Barbados, Romania, Singapore, South Korea, Israel, Lebanon, Egypt, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Spain, Sweden, and the United States. Now in its twelfth year, this Survey provides 40 potential trends to choose from and claims to help the health and fitness industry

make critical programming and business decisions.

Meanwhile, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that Hindus were highly pleased with the fast and tremendous growth of yoga worldwide.

Yoga, referred as “a living fossil”, was a mental and physical discipline, for everybody to share and benefit from, whose traces went back to around 2,000 BCE to Indus Valley civilization, Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, noted.

Rajan Zed further said that yoga, although introduced and nourished by Hinduism, was a world heritage and liberation powerhouse to be utilized by all. According to Patanjali who codified it in Yoga Sutra, yoga was a methodical effort to attain perfection, through the control of the different elements of human nature, physical and psychical.

According to US National Institutes of Health, yoga may help one to feel more relaxed, be more flexible, improve posture, breathe deeply, and get rid of stress.

According to a “2016 Yoga in America Study”, about 37 million Americans (which included many celebrities) now practice

yoga; and yoga is strongly correlated with having a positive self image. Yoga was the repository of something basic in the human soul and psyche, Zed added.

Besides ACSM, other participating organizations included American Council on Exercise, National Council on Strength

and Fitness and The Cooper Institute. Dr. Walter R. Thompson, associate dean at Georgia State University, is the President of ACSM, which is headquartered in Indianapolis and claims to be “world's largest sports medicine and exercise science organization”.

Immediate relief from pain Miracles of Olive Oil and Saffron for a terrible toothache

Clove Oil

THE treatment for Paralysis attack, Chronic Knee Pain, Back Pain, Joints Pain and for Pain due to Arthritis.

Ingredients: 1: One litre of Genuine Olive Oil (preferably Spanish); 2: Six (6) Grams of Swiss Saffron (aka Zafraan) or Go ON-LINE – Amazon and look for Mehr Zafraan from Afghanistan.

3: One Table Spoonful of White Cane Sugar

Charcoal Powder

INGREDIENTS: Charcoal Powder, Coconut Oil, and Clove Oil. You can buy them from a “Whole Food Market”

Procedure First Step: Take one Tea-Spoonful of Charcoal Powder, One Table-Spoonfull of Coconut Oil in a small bowl and heat or microwave for 30 seconds to make it Luke Warm (not too hot, not too cold).

Second Step: Put the oil in your mouth, (but do not swallow) close your mouth, keep moving the oil within your mouth so that it touches the tooth and gums especially the painful Gum/Tooth area. Also move it all around the mouth to touch both the upper and lower jaws. Keep doing it like this for at least 5 minutes or as much as you can. You can then spit-out the substance and use luke warm water mixed with table Salt powder to Goggle your mouth to wash and clean it. There is no harm even if you swallow, because Cahrcoal and Coconuct Oil are edibile substances.

Third Step: Better to apply Clove Oil one drop before going to bed, only on the painful Gum/Tooth, so that you can go to sleep.

Your pain will disappear with the miracle of the above natural ingredients. Don’t repeat this application unless you feel pain again.

There Is no side effects or after effects in

Procedure to prepare:

Coconut Oil

this treatment. You can always consult your Dentist later about your tooth problem.

Avoid taking any pain killers which will weaken your Heart if you take tablets continuously. As a result your palm and fingers will start shivering because your Heart already become weak due to using more and more tablets and capsules every often.

36 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018

First Step: Grind the Saffron/Zafraan to powder shape with the Sugar (Saffron will not be ground without Sugar to powder shape) and save it aside.

Second Step: Boil the 1 litre of Olive Oil in a big bowl. Add the grinded Saffron/ Zafraan powder and stir it well, cool down and safe the boiled Olive Oil + Saffron in the same empty bottle for daily use.

Apply the as much as little Oil in a very gentle manner on the affected areas.

Remember: No Rubbing and No Massaging while applying Oil on the Paralysis affected area.

You can massage this Oil to any patient with Knee pain, Back Pain or any body part of the painful area.

Step Three: Please take one teaspoonful or even less, start to apply daily on the affected area or painful area of the patient

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in the morning or if not convenient apply before bed-time. Apply the oil very gently (no rubbing and no massaging) to the Paralytic patient at least alternate days or once in a week with hot water by using a piece of towel, make the towel wet and clean gently the whole body of the Paralysis patient. For other patients just with Knee pain or back pain can have “Luke Warm Water” Shower every alternate day if not daily… “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”!

You can watch gradually the improvement of the patient. Please include Cooked Fish dishes for the Paralysis patients and feed the patient with 2-3 pieces of Fish to eat daily or alternate days, with the daily normal routine food.

Please do not serve “Fry fish” and avoid Fish fried in the Oil or Deep Fry Fish especially to the Paralysis patient but you can Grill the Fish on Charcoal and feed the Paralysis patient. For general patients with Knee-Pain, Back-pain and joints Pain, they can also eat fish along with their daily routine normal food dishes.

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Health Beauty Wellbeing

Optimising Conception TO OPTIMISE your chance of becoming pregnant, it is recommended you have unprotected intercourse every 2-days throughout the fertile period. So a woman who has a 28-day cycle and ovulates on day 14 should have intercourse on days 9, 11, 13 and 14 etc. to increase her chances of conception.

Fresh sperm is needed in the tubes to meet the egg, so regular intercourse prior to and during ovulation is recommended.

Home ovulation kits are good predictors of ovulation and are available in pharmacies and large supermarkets.

They can help to accurately determine the time a woman is most likely to become pregnant. They are a simple urine test and they detect the amount of LH or Luteinising Hormone present, which is needed for the release of an egg.

This will peak in the urine 24-36 hours prior to the egg being released. With each menstrual cycle a normal, healthy, fertile couple has about a 20% chance of falling pregnant. On average 60% fall pregnant after 6 months of trying to conceive and 80% within 12 months.

When Should I Seek Advice?

If you are a woman under 35 years of age...

We recommend that you start to investigate your cause of infertility by making an appointment with one of our specialists after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse. If you are a woman aged between 35-40 years... It is recommended that you investigate the cause of infertility after six months of regular unprotected intercourse. If you are a women aged 40 and over... It would be recommended that further

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investigations are commenced after three months of trying to get pregnant; as female age is one of the most important predictors of whether pregnancy will be achieved.

Single women or same-sex couples...

Women or men who know they need or may require donor sperm, eggs or a surrogate should contact a fertility specialist once they are ready to start a family. Women who want to preserve their fertility... The ideal age for a woman to consider egg freezing is under the age of 35 years; as this is when the eggs are the healthiest.

Where to now?

Get a referral from your GP, to one of our accredited specialists to book a fertility health check.

Contact Us: Call 1300 354 354 • Email contactus@cityfertility.com.au • Visit cityfertility.com.au

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018 — 37

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07 3865 4466 / 0419 775 416 BRISBANE INDIAN INDIAN TIMES, TIMES,January, December, 2017 38 — THE BRISBANE 2018

Whatever the world of legislation throws your way, our service will always have you in compliance and reduce your exposure to risk

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Nothing is more costly to an Investment Portfolio than Property Manager turnover.

Our Senior Property Manager is also on the Board of Directors

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Real Estate News Brisbane may disappoint, but the performance of the regional market looks to be picking up the slack QUEENSLAND’S economy is seeing strong growth, a welcome respite after the fallout from the mining downturn.

“The next three years look decidedly better for property markets across Queensland. To the year ending August 2017, the volume of jobs in the Sunshine State increased by 3.7%, above the 2.6% national average,” reports Simon Pressley, managing director of Propertyology.

With the employment market getting a boost, interstate migration has followed suit: an average of more than 3,000 people entered the state over for the six quarters leading up to August 2017.

“While the state’s southeast often attracts the headlines, central and north Queensland have (arguably) better potential for improvement. Harvey Bay, Toowoomba, Gladstone, Rockhampton , Mackay, Townsville and Cairns perform the role of a capital city to their respective regions,” Pressley adds.

“Each of these cities can look forward to increased demand for local goods and services from improving sectors such as tourism, health, agriculture and mining.”

Oversupply brings Brisbane down Although population growth is picking up in Queensland, Brisbane’s property market is still expected to underperform.

“There is a significant oversupply of new high-rise, off-the-plan apartments overshadowing the inner-city area and

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nearby suburbs, with owners now giving significant incentives to attract tenants at a time of rising vacancy rates,” says Usha Chandra of Globenet Realty Boondall “Unfortunate buyers of off-the-plan apartments in Brisbane are selling at a considerable loss, particularly if they bought in one of the many high-rise towers in suburbs like Hamilton, Bowen Hills and Fortitude Valley.”

This is the result of the construction boom that produced many apartments over the past five years, causing prices to drop. In fact, resales of off-the-plan units usually result in a 20–25% loss. With unit supply expected to increase further, the situation in inner-city Brisbane is not expected to get better. The rise in vacancy rates has been difficult, especially for landlords, who have resorted to offering heavy incentives just to secure tenants, such as free rent for a month if they sign a 12-month lease.

Nonetheless, development approvals have already fallen by over 50%, which could help balance demand and supply in the near future, especially if new projects are put on hold in the meantime.

“Brisbane’s market is very fragmented and there are still some areas that are performing respectably, with good investment prospects and great places for young families to live cheaply,” Usha Chandra says.

Usha Chandra Globenet Realty Boondall, Mobile: 0419 775 416 Email: sales@globenetrealty.com.au

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018 — 39

Real Estate News

National Dwelling Values Fall Auction Volumes Decrease Across The Combined 0.3% In December, Setting Capital Cities The Scene For Softer Housing Conditions In 2018

By Jade Harling, Kevin Brogan

By Tim Lawless, Core Logic

ACCORDING to the CoreLogic December Hedonic Home Value Index results, national dwelling values slipped lower over the month, led by falls across Sydney, Darwin, Melbourne and Perth The transition towards weaker housing market conditions has been clear but gradual and is likely to continue throughout 2018 according to CoreLogic head of research Tim Lawless.

Commenting on the results, Mr Lawless said, “From a macro perspective, late 2016 marked a peak in the pace of capital gains across Australia with national dwelling values rising at the rolling quarterly pace of 3.7% over the three months to November.”

“In 2017 we saw growth rates and transactional activity gradually lose steam, with national month-on-month capital gains slowing to 0% in October and November before turning negative in December.”

According to CoreLogic, the 0.3% fall in December was the catalyst for dragging the quarterly capital gains result into negative territory for the first time since the three months ending April 2016. Nationally, dwelling values were 4.2% higher over the 2017 calendar year which is a slower pace of growth relative to 2016 when national dwelling values rose 5.8% and in 2015 when values nationally were 9.2% higher.

Index results as at December 31, 2017

Across Australia, Mr Lawless confirmed that the shift to falling national dwelling values is being driven by the capital cities, with the combined capitals tracking half a percent lower over the December quarter, while across the combined regional areas of Australia, values were half a percent higher over the quarter.

Amongst the capitals, the weakest conditions are concentrated in Sydney and Darwin.

Mr Lawless said, “Sydney’s housing market has become the most significant drag on the headline growth figures.”

Sydney dwelling values were down 0.9% over the month to be 2.1% lower over the December quarter and 2.2% lower relative to their August 2017 peak. The city’s annual rate of growth is now tracking at just 3.1%; a stark difference to the recent cyclical peak

when values were rising at the annual rate of 17.1% only seven months ago. Despite the reversal in growth rates since August 2017, Sydney dwelling values remain 70.8% higher than their cyclical low point in February 2012.

For Darwin, Mr Lawless believes the housing downturn is entrenched, with values trending lower since May 2014. The calendar year saw Darwin values down 6.5%. Since the 2014 peak, Darwin housing values have fallen by a cumulative 21.5%. While conditions for capital gains have been exceptionally weak across Darwin, rental prices are down by only 1.5% over the year. The substantial fall in values relative to rents has pushed Darwin rental yields to their highest level since July 2015 (5.9%) and Darwin rental yields are the highest of any capital city.

Solving The Housing Affordability Challenge

By CoreLogic

RESIDENTIAL real estate holds significant value for Australians. Financially, it is the country’s largest asset class, with a valuation of over $7 trillion. Emotionally, it defines the Great Australian Dream.

However, housing affordability has worsened over the past 15 years by every measure. The cost of buying a house is 7.2 times the annual income of a typical household, up from 4.2 times annual household income 15 years ago.

How can the problem be addressed?

In September 2017, 12 young CPAs in

Melbourne and Sydney, known as the CPA Changemakers, got together to develop a series of recommendations.

Their discussions were informed by data and insights from Peter Munckton, chief economist at Bank of Queensland, Greg Dickason, chief technology officer at CoreLogic, and Andy Gooden, chief operating officer of Little Real Estate.

This ebook is a collaboration between CPA and CoreLogic and is designed to take readers through the CPA Changemakers’ journey of discovery about the Australian property market and the solutions they developed.

40 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018

THE final week of auction reporting for 2017 returned a preliminary auction clearance rate of 64.2 per cent across the combined capital cities, increasing on last week when the final auction clearance rate fell below 60 per cent for the first time this year, when only 59.5 per cent of auctions cleared. The number of homes taken to auction fell this week, after the surge in activity recorded over the 4 weeks prior when volumes remained consistently above the 3,000 level. There were a total of 2,865 auctions held this week, down on last week when 3,371 auctions where held across the capitals and only slightly higher than volumes from the same week one year ago (2,735). Melbourne and Sydney both saw an increase in preliminary clearance rates this week, with 67.3 per cent and 60.8 per cent of auctions clearing which was up on the previous week when both cities recorded their lowest clearance rates of the year. The smaller auction markets returned varied results this week, with Adelaide recording the highest preliminary auction clearance rate of 70.1 per cent, while only 43.3 per cent of auctions sold in Perth.

In MELBOURNE, Australia’s largest auction market, a preliminary auction clearance rate of 67.3 per cent was recorded across 1,628 auctions this week. Last week, Melbourne’s final clearance rate was recorded at 65.4 per cent across 1,833 auctions, while this time last year, 1,288 properties were taken to auction across Melbourne and a clearance rate of 73.9 per cent was recorded.

The busiest Melbourne sub-regions this week were Melbourne’s West region and the North East region, where 307 and 248 auctions were held respectively.

SYDNEY’S preliminary clearance rate this week was 60.8 per cent across 690 auctions, increasing on last week’s 52.0 per cent across 1,007. Over the same week one year ago, 878 auctions were held across Sydney and a clearance rate of 71.4 per cent was recorded. Sydney’s Inner South West

hosted the most auctions of any Sydney subregion this week, with 94 properties taken to auction. The preliminary clearance rate for the region is 52.5 per cent across 59 results.

There were 196 Brisbane auctions this week with a preliminary clearance rate of 54.8 per cent, having increased from 43.7 per cent last week across 186 auctions and higher than one year ago when there were 234 auctions with a success rate of 42.6 per cent. The Gold Coast’s preliminary clearance rate was 40.0 per cent across 25 results this week.

This week, ADELAIDE saw a preliminary clearance rate of 70.1 per cent, with 107 reported results across a total of 152 scheduled auctions, increasing on last week’s 65.2 per cent and the 58.4 per cent one year ago.

There were 66 PERTH auctions this week and so far 30 results have been reported, with just 43.3 per cent selling. Last week there was a 32.1 per cent clearance rate across 62 auctions.

Across CANBERRA a total of 122 auctions were held this week, compared to 106 last week and 131 at the same time last year. Canberra’s preliminary clearance rate of 63.4 per cent is lower than it was the previous week (64.0 per cent).

There were only 11 auctions held in TASMANIA this week. Four were reported as sold.

Q3 Cordell Construction Market Movement Report Reveals Shift In Construction Industry

By Eliza Owen

AUSTRALIA’S construction industry is in a complex shift, reflecting diverse growth in the Australian economy.

While on aggregate, the residential construction space is steadying, there is a dramatic movement away from apartment developments in New South Wales.

Property values in the Sydney metropolitan have started to fall, and the pipeline of new residential projects in New South Wales were down 41% in the year to September.

In Queensland, apartment developments show little evidence of slowing down, but the Brisbane Council are accounted for 46% of deferred apartment projects in the state.

Despite threatening declines in New South Wales, full time employment across Australia is growing rapidly. This comes as Western Australian domestic demand enters an increasingly clear recovery. In Western Australia, the value of construction work commenced was up

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71% on the previous year, led by recoveries in mining, civil engineering and apartment and unit developments.

Looking forward, the recovery of Australia’s private sector is likely to drive increased interest in commercial real estate, as demand for work spaces meet subdued supply. Australia wide, the number of new commercial projects increased 10% on the previous year, signalling a recovery in this relatively neglected construction segment.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018 — 41

Astrology Aries (21st March to 20th April): While, it’s great to be focused on ambitions and career, or your key relations – do not forget health and personal-relaxation-time. As the year begins, resolve to take care of every sub-set of your life. With Saturn, your 10th House Ruler, in its own Sign for the entire year – the focus remains, more or less, on work and profession. Thank stars, as they bring lots of power to your personal and professional plans. Nonetheless, domestic responsibilities must not be shoved under the carpet, warns Ganesha. Benevolent Jupiter will help you manage finances, but you must not go about being careless with your money. Additionally, ensure carrying out financial responsibilities with due care. Second week of January may slow down the pace – but that necessarily isn’t a bad thing.

You may, however, not enjoy your work, or there may be some constraints in delivering the services or goods. This is temporary! Avoid extra expenses, giving/ taking major loans. Postpone major negotiations and project deals, if you can. Marriage related decisions are best kept on the back burner too – at least till the month end. Keep a close tab on finances and health. In the 3rd week, there is a planetary stellium in the 10th House, or Karma Sthana, from your Sign. Expect a flurry of activity. Work, changes, land deals, decisions, lots of talking, maybe drama too, chaos and some confusion can be expected Be wary of mistakes, omissions or misguidance. Focus on ‘now and then’ on 22nd and 23rd. You will feel better - in a few days.

Be vigilant about health and well-being, especially around 27th and 28th. Love may take a back-seat, but that surely can NOT be said for the pleasures of flirting and short-lived romances. You feel quite optimistic on 30th.

Taurus (21st April to 21st May): Take it easy, as the year begins. There may be a little confusion, what with everything seemingly moving slowly.

Take time to relax and unwind. A little delay is never too bad – have patience. Your Sign ruler joins Sun and Saturn in Capricorn, the 9th House from your Sign. Not a bad placement – by any means. But, Venus gets too close to the Sun for comfort, losing its sheen and strength. This planetary placement – combustion – leads to a weakened Venusian charm for almost 1.5 months. Saturn is a positive planet for you. Even though its placement in the House of Fortune may slow things down, Saturn will save you from any harm, at the end of the day. Be tactful in handling tensions or delays. Marital space doesn’t look set to be all petals and roses, but then you can always plod through with some tact and patience. Same goes for committed relations and family ties, says Ganesha. 8th and 9th may see you quite driven in career pursuits. However, routine disturbances may not let you achieve, what you expect. Despite unexpected family expenses, your long term finances remain undisturbed. A friendship may turn to something more intimate for single Bulls, mid-month.

After 10th through the 20th, your short-term romance and flirting zone remains abuzz. 15th and 16th may not be your best days, but there’s nothing to fear. Health needs care around 19th and 20th. Students will be favoured by cosmos, post 21st. A week of frenzied activity starts from the 22nd; you are least likely to mind it. A short trip for negotiations, training or finalizing a deal is foreseen.

Around 26th, 27th, work may keep your plate full, leaving you with little time. Manage stress. Towards the month end, you may, yet again, be feeling a tad dissatisfied with the slow pace. Professionals may plan to change their job.

Let this pass, says Ganesha. Focus on NOW, for the moment. Take care of yourself, as an injury is foreseen.

Saturn in Capricorn will keep you prudent.

Gemini (22nd May to 21st June): Focus on present and ‘now’, as the year begins. Enjoy the first few days, even when everything seems to be scampering for your attention.

Well, you can’t always say no to family responsibilities. Work will always be busy, as it has been lately, so a little string pulling there to slow down won’t matter much. You are worried about tomorrow a lot, these days. Stop fretting, says Ganesha. With Saturn travelling through the 8th House from your Sign this year – there will be a lot of questions on your mind. But, of course, you can’t get all the answers in one go. Saturn, anyway, will make you go through the struggle and hard work of finding the answers. There are no free lunches in Saturn’s world! Keep dissatisfaction and negativity at bay. A specific relationship – whether of blood or heart – will make you question many things. Learn to look at both sides of a coin – after all, even you may have been wrong. Self-evaluation is the key. Work pressure looms in the first and second last week of the month. Flurry of activity must not make you careless about health, rest and home, though. People trust you –and your reputation at your workplace or in trade circles is nice and shiny. So, don’t worry much on that account. Take special care of your health from 5th through 10th. Students must summon all their will and focus, should they wish to steer clear of distractions. In matters of heart, romance or flirting, stars don’t portend a sparkling picture. Nonetheless, if you make special efforts, nothing is impossible. However, it would be best to postpone major decisions like marriage

www.ganeshaspeaks.com or business deals – January, on the whole, is not opportune on those accounts. Don’t expect immediate results from your deals or efforts, this month.

Cancer (22nd June to 22nd July): The year begins on a slow note. Don’t be low on confidence. You are cautious, in the first few days of the month, which is not a bad thing.

Career growth is slow, but if you continue to strive hard, things will start falling in place soon enough. Mars and Jupiter move through your 5th House early in the month.

Though, there will be difficulties to deal with, in your daily activities, you will sail through nicely, thanks to these two.

6th and 7th see you a little vulnerable on the health front.

Guard against seasonal ailments. On 8th, it’s all about money. Household expenses zoom. With Jupiter placed favourably, expect good bonding on the family front.

Though, it may not be all rosy in the domain of committed/ marital relations, you must keep your patience and humour intact. Talk it out – and listen too! Ones planning to conceive may see a silver lining around mid-month – but most likely the clouds of uncertainty would soon start hovering. Don’t lose heart! Your birth chart reading may have an answer to this! Singles continue to have a good time, partying and flirting. 16th and 17th may leave you in a relationship soup. The trouble had been brewing since some time, and it may all have come to a head now. On the work front, this may be a demanding phase. The work load is set to increase in the third week. On 19th, you may feel it’s all too much to handle. Filled with an urge to flee? Hold your horses; blame this momentary feeling on Moon. Do not ignore your health and safety. 20th through 23rd are busy days; something keeps you on your toes, effectively taking away your mind from troubling equations at home.

Ganesha notes that Sun, the ruler of your 2nd House, moves through your 8th House, getting afflicted by Rahu (already transiting through your 2nd House). Finances and family bear the brunt. Keep yourself grounded. Steer clear of quick-buck schemes. Watch your back, especially if you are worried about rivals. Mars changes stance on 29th. It’s once again the time to reign in your tempers, now more importantly at workplace. Your personal safety and relations with colleagues/ bosses may be threatened.

Guard!

Leo (23rd July to 22nd August): The year’s beginning is a great time to indulge in some hefty bargains – all of which may be available now, given the holiday season. Hold your horses there, though. Expenses soar, and you may find it all a bit too unsettling. Should I go shopping or should I not? You know the answer; find a middle ground, if nothing else. Personal front remains a bit confusing; possibly, you don’t know why a partner is so miffed. Spend time with your beloved. Business partnerships may run into discords too. Thankfully, transiting Jupiter and Mars will confer the stability you need to keep things going. 7th and 8th are weak days. Take care of your health. Also, be careful with your words and actions. The last thing you want now is a controversy, tarnishing your social image.

Cash crunch of the month’s beginning returns. What’s happening? 11th and 12th see you busy, handling a domestic drama. Are these matters being a drain on your resources? Find out and mend, says Ganesha. In case you have been contemplating a job change, mid-month seems a good time – at least for floating around your CV. Stars help students now; cosmos may help you accomplish your dream of moving abroad for higher education. 16th through 19th is a troubled time from relationships perspective. Stay calm and away from arguments. Keep yourself immersed in work or creative activities, if there is no immediate solution in sight. If you are a businessman, some tough competition knocks at your door. A sudden bout of cold weather may worsen your joint pains; be careful. Saturn and Mercury now transit through your 6th Hous – which may not let you enjoy your days at work. Sun – your Sign ruler – too is in a tight spot – with both Rahu and Ketu in opposition. Nonetheless, trundle on – better times are on horizon. Month end brings fresh challenges and roadblocks. Manage your expenses and steer clear of wasteful pursuits. Be a good listener! Stay focused on your responsibilities – whether it’s marriage, your job or education. Don’t change tacks, for now!

Virgo (23rd August to 22nd September): Saturn moves through your 5th House for the whole year, so your creative instincts may be slow. But, there still is a lot to cheer. Benevolent Jupiter, moving through your 3rd House, views your 9th House of luck for a better part of this year. Not only will you be saved from losses, but will also gain from your relationships with your siblings, cousins and close relatives – maybe even inheritances. Year begins on a low note, though. Given the turbulence in your personal realm, you may end up indulging in a spot of heavy emotional shopping. Thankfully, given your practical nature, you may not end up picking useless stuff. Things may not be easy on the work front, as Saturn’s influence on the 7th House may continue to make your everyday routine tough. Look closely, for there are important life lessons there, says

Indian Senior Citizen Association Notice of Annual General Meeting NOTICE is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Indian Senior Citizen Association Inc. will be held at 10am on Saturday, 3rd February, 2018, at Sacred Heart Centre, 80 Nemies Road, Runcorn.

Agenda: • Welcome, apologies and prayer; • Minutes of last AGM - confirmation and matter arising; • President's Report - confirmation and matter arising; • Financial Report - confirmation and matter arising; • Motions (if any);

• Dissolution of old comittee; • Appointment of Interim Chairperson to conduct election process; • Election of new office bearers; Appointment of Honorary Auditor; • General Business; • Close / Announcements.

All nominations should reach the secretary at least 14 days before the AGM. The person being nominated, the Proposer and the Seconder must be a paid financial member of the association.

Secretary: Shakuntala Mohan.

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42 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018

Ganesha. 9th and 10th may be stressful days, on the account of rising financial worries in business or even at home. Remember, the favourable influence of Jupiter will keep the ball rolling. You will, however, have to try hard to stay focused. 15th shall see you in mellow mood. A planetary stellium – cluster of planets – is aligned in your 5th House – causing this confusion and cluelessness. Avoid stage performances, major presentations or work related to your kids. If you are lady and pregnant at that, take extra care. Overall, you will be confident – and for some this may border onto over-confidence! 22nd and 23rd are opportune days, but chances of missing these fortuitous encounters will be as high as coming across them, says Ganesha. At work, there is a lot that’s expected of you. Thankfully, after 24th or 25th, a definitive improvement comes in the love stars. They may still be far from perfect – but you surely are getting there, it seems. Do you fancy an old friend? The month ends on an expensive note – watch your coffers!

Libra (23rd September to 22nd October): Is the monotony of life making you dull? Ask yourself this question – as the year begins. Don’t worry; with Jupiter in your 2nd House for major part of the year – expect your family to be your source of happiness. Finances will remain stable too, provided you watch them with care. However, despite all going well on surface, something may keep you anxious. Is the feeling of not being successful in your efforts making you confused?

Well, have a heart, as with your Sign ruler Venus in combustion – and with Saturn – in your 4th House – for the entire month – there may be something that’s tugging at your heart-strings. Utilize this time to hone your skills; alter the lens with which you look at the life, says Ganesha. A small business trip is likely, around 8th or 9th, which will bring notable gains. Professionals too can look forward to some praises and appreciation. Whatever you are doing – work, education or home management – just don’t let your focus slip. Change is good – but now is not the right time!

Around 15th and 16th, personal and home improvement programs shall take up your time and attention. Good going. A planetary stellium takes place in Capricorn – your 4th House at this time, so expect some major waves in the zone of your wishes, home and heart. Your desire to achieve something at work will be stronger than ever.

When you are busy and occupied, don’t forget your health at any cost. Jupiter will help you find alternative cure for an old health nag, but don’t create new ones by keeping a bad lifestyle. 22nd and 23rd are great days for intimate pleasures but don’t let your egos come in the way of your electric chemistry. Also, don’t be swayed by temptations – or you will regret them later. By the month end, you bring back your focus to the material plane. Meeting an influential contact may be on your agenda. Lots of work; too many plans for progress on agenda; seniors pushing you to work harder. Just don’t let all this make you ignore your well-being or personal life.

Scorpio (23rd October to 22nd November): Mars along with benevolent Jupiter should act as a catalyst, enabling you to succeed and move ahead in your professional life, as the year begins. Early in the month the full Moon brings soothing effects. Be careful, though, as your daily routine may be affected adversely. Your boss may be the reason for your annoyance. Pressure tactics can infuriate you.

Probably, by 5th or 6th, you may think of taking up a new job. Saturn passes through your 3rd House – Capricorn – for the whole year – so there will be new opportunities, but only after some struggle. On 8th or 9th, you will be tempted to test your luck. Just be extra careful. There may still not be much exciting on job front, though businessmen may have a reason to cheer around 10th or 11th. As for your personal life, well, the stars are a bit muddled themselves – for almost the whole month. Combust Venus and Combust Saturn may not let you breathe easy. There may be tiffs with siblings, cousins or neighbours. For ones in love, something may keep them off from getting the happiness they crave; same goes for married ones.

Ironically, cosmos seems to be okay with short-term relations, based on lust or physical attraction. If you are married, surely steer clear of such temptations, says Ganesha. By mid-month, there is a planetary conference in your 3rd House. A change is on the horizon, though the effects may manifest gradually. Nonetheless, it will pay to be tactful and polite. At this time –too much is happening, so conserve your energy and keep an open mind.

Inheritance matters come to the fore. Don’t let the maddening vibes of 18th through 21st get to you. Meditate; speak to a good, old friend. 22nd, 23rd and 24th are busy days. Get your dose of supplements and a nourishing breakfast! Month-end heralds a better time as Mars moves to your 2nd House – but since it is naturally the ruler of your 6th House – you must also take special care. Refrain from important financial decisions. In business, do not trust anyone new on face value. Health needs care.

Sagittarius (23rd November to 21st December): When the year begins, you might be on the seventh heaven, as you may have gained considerably, or may have inherited some wealth/ property. But, obstacles on the way may not let you enjoy the moment. Expect some challenges here – and be prepared to tackle them with patience and tact, says Ganesha. With Saturn moving through you 2nd House of family and finances for the whole 2018 – expect struggles and roadblocks in related matters. But, if you stay mentally sorted, clean-hearted and ready to give your best – eventually Saturn will support you – by helping you clear our negativity and purge off whatever is useless. Don’t strain yourself too much, advises Ganesha.

Around 10th, a ceremony organized by your loved ones may result in some extra expenses, and this may disturb your saving plans; never mind. Job and work shall continue to be quite hectic, well into the month’s second week. Ones with kids or those who are studying will have to exercise extra care around 12th and 13th – in fact, it is more to do with you – than anything else. Around 15th or 16th, there is a planetary huddle in your 2nd House what with 5 planets clustering there. High energy comes in your family and finances sector – but such time have the strength to swindle either ways – be sure that whatever it is, you manage to steer it in the positive, constructive way.

Important decisions should be avoided for now. 20th and 21st are low key days; stay at home, if you can. Don’t let yourself fall ill; you can’t afford it. Thankfully, by 23rd – things seem to settle down, even if for a brief period. As a business-person, this may be the right time to organize trade related travels. On the personal front, if you are single, you may experience a strong urge to spend intimate

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moments with a partner. Stars relent hugely, bringing cheer and smiles, as the month draws to an end. Mars enters your Sign, bringing a fresh does of verve and vigor.

Remember, the healthier you are, happier you will be – spend time on yourself and your loved ones.

Capricorn (22nd December to 20th January): Your Sign is the temporary home of your own Sign ruler Saturn – this year. When the year begins, Saturn and Venus are combust in your Sign – while Sun makes up the third in this intimidating trio. Lots of lessons and, don’t be scared, meaningful encounters are in store. But, it all won’t be easy. January’s beginning will be slow; don’t’ be hasty or stressed, as it will bring nothing else but anxiety and bad health. When things are moving rather too slowly, instead of fretting, take advantage of this down time, utilizing it to the fullest by having fun and honing your personality and skills. 9th and 10th are good days to focus on improving your looks and communication ability. Keep an open mind, says Ganesha. Gains and wish fulfillment are not far, thanks to Jupiter, so wish for only the best – you never know what will come true! Finances remain stable, though there may not be immediate gains. Personal relationships too bring happiness; just learn to take sweet-sour moments in your stride. Around 14th, 15th, your Sign plays the host to a confluence of 5 planets. What might! It’s a time of great potential – but this can swivel any which way. You will be too full of energy – but keep yourself tame and grounded.

Your ambitions will soar, but certainly this is not the time to go overboard. If you happen to be travelling at this time – take special care. By 17th, the cosmic climate mitigates a bit. By 22nd, another planet takes a step away – lessening the extreme focus off your Sign. Issues may suddenly start appearing a lot lighter. Go with the flow, says Ganesha. But, don’t trust anyone new in your circle too soon. Handle your finances carefully. Around 27th through 29th – health remains fragile. Don’t let this illness become a routine affair. By the month end, the focus shifts back to material plane – and your karmic zone. But, don’t try to do everything on your own – delegate – and step back, when and where you are not needed. Find time to rest, even if deadlines make your life hectic. Romance and love don’t make much of an appearance this month – but don’t worry, they will be aplenty in the coming month.

Aquarius (21st January to 18th February): Whatever resolutions you have for this year, just jot them down. You may not be able to put all of them into practice immediately, so it would help if you have a ready reference, when the time comes, winks Ganesha. Your mind may seem a bit muddled, but it’s temporary. With ruler of your Sign Venus combust – and in company of combust Saturn and mighty, fiery Sun – all of them passing through your 12th House – things are bound to go a little awry. The cosmic weather will be tumultuous till late January, so hang on there – a little longer! Insomniacs may see an increase in their sleep issues. From 8th onwards, your work and profession take the centre-stage. The dual force of Mars and Jupiter zooms through your zone of Karma. Progress and highs are foreseen. But, don’t let them get to your head; you are liable to take wrong decisions. Ones looking for jobs shall be enthused with the positive tidings. Others will remain motivated to perform well in their current assignments.

This year, students interested in going abroad for higher education receive cosmic support – as Saturn’s placement in 12th House is a positive indicator here. It will still require crazy, hard work, though. 15th will see you going to a fun shopping trip – or a road-trip, maybe. Nice, but watch your coffers too. Some of you travel to a foreign land or a far off place – specifically for trade or business. Someone older to you, or maybe, is way out of your league - may catch you fancy. Stars tell you to slow down. Painting the town red shall be on your agenda – but whatever you do, keep a guard on your well-being and safety. Steer clear of vices.

22nd through 25th sees you busy, tackling material pursuits – and quite nicely, one must say! Be ready to work hard.

Sun moves through your Sign now – which also indicates a good time for spiritual and learning pursuits. Seep troubles may make an appearance again. As the month draws to a close, you may be in a mood to enjoy. But, too much carelessness may land you in a soup – especially on the financial front, warns Ganesha.

Pisces (19th February to 20th March): Slow down, look around, enjoy the scenery - as this is a rare time, and doesn’t easily come in today’s day and age. Life has taken on a low pace, this January, and there certainly is nothing wrong in it. Yes, you are worried about your work, success or even money – but right now, the more you push, the worse you will make it. Yet, this doesn’t mean that you should be lazy or complacent. Just find a fine balance. Work to your optimum and patiently wait for the results, says Ganesha.

Don’t try to rush anything – whether it’s your getting rich or getting thin schemes, or getting married plans. Thankfully, your career and general security will be good. You will also stay motivated to take good care of your health. Excellent!

Around 9th and 10th, relationships and love take the limelight. Has a beloved hurt you? Try not to take every hurt to heart. On 14th, singles have the attention of a special someone, but go really slow. 15th through 18th is a busy time – given the cosmic storm that brews in your 11th House. You may have guests at home, people may be calling you for assistance, there may be tiffs and squabbles, finances too may scamper for your attention – just hold to your own, amidst this chaos. This may be a time, when a wedding or function takes place in your family.

Professionally too, this may be about networking parties – you may meet someone influential. 22nd re-aligns the focus on ‘self! Take a deep breath. You will, however, be determined to enhance your social standing, given Mars’ influence. While you may enjoy a scintillating standing in your social circle, your personal life may seem lonely or lost. You are vulnerable on 28th and 29th – stress and exhaustion may get the better of you. Take care, and get some rest. While Mars helps you out of the doldrums by infusing strength and energy, it may also make you restless.

Yoga, meditation, spiritual pursuits, creative hobbies – practice what works to calm your churning mind, as the month ends. Work and business sectors remain alive and busy – to your pleasure.

Call 07 3865 6533

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BIT FEBRUARY 2018 DEADLINES 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 Call 3865 6533 42 —07 THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017

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ADVERT BOOKING 31 January 2018 Email: sales@indiantimes.com.au Editorial / Photo Submissions 31 January 2018 submissions not accepted after this date Email prod@indiantimes.com.au or call 07 3865 6533

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018 6533 — 43 Call 07 3865

14 January 2018...

Thaai Tamil School & Queensland Tamil Mandram – Pongal 2018 from 3:00 pm at Robelle Domain Parklands n the divine presence of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj 4:30pm till 7:30 pm at Sleeman Sports Complex, for full program from 22 February till 27th Visit www.baps.org

19 January 2018...

Bengali Society of Queensland Sarawati Puja– 6:00pm till 10 pm at Aspley State more information www.bsqonline.net.au

20 January 2018...

Bengali Society of Queensland Sarawati Puja– 9:00am till 10 pm at Aspley State more information www.bsqonline.net.au Bhakti Seva Pariwar – Shree Hanuman Chalisa – 7:00 am at Runcorn Heights State School, 200 Nemies Road, Runcorn concludes with Aarathi at 4:00 pm, Contact Peter Singh 0403 433 379

22 January 2018...

Vishnu Maya Mandir- Ma Saraswati Poojan – at 4:30pm onwards at 86 Scott Lane, North MacLean, - every child will receive a blessed gift pack dinner provided Contact Bharat Solanki 0411 131 485, Dhiru Desai 0406 213 153

28 January 2018...

Vishnu Maya Mandir- First Anniversary of temple – at 6:30pm onwards at 86 Scott Lane, North MacLean, Soul soothing Bhajans, Kirtans dinner provided Contact Bharat Solanki 0411 131 485, Dhiru Desai 0406 213 153

10 February 2018...

Valentine’s Night – the heart that loves always stays young – 80 Nemies Rd, Runcorn, three course dinner with live DJ Adults $25-00, Children $15-00, Contact Susendra 0411088776

24 February 2018...

Baps Swaminarayan Mandir- Sanskrutik

Din- In the divine presence of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj 4:30pm till 7:30 pm at Sleeman Sports Complex, for full program from 22 February till 27th Visit www.baps.org

1 – 2 march 2018...

QPAC and Arts Projects Australia presents The Manganiyar Seduction – one of world’s most original and mesmerising live performance , Tickets at www.qpac.com.au or call 136 246

3 March till 17 March 2018...

World Arts & Multi- Culture Inc - Brisbane International Arts Festival – Harmony week celebrations at various locations for full details visit www.wamci.org.au

10 March 2018...

Kaifi aur Main – A Poets Romantic Saga With Live Music – an romantic evening with Shabana Azmi, Javed Akhtar and Jaswinder Singh at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 7:30 pm – contact Manju Mittal 0425204364

31 March 2018...

Natanjali School of Dance – an evening of exquisite Dances by Students of Smt Chitra Yogi Srikhanta, in aid of Brisbane Chapter of Vedanta Centre building fund 6 for 6:30 pm at St Johns Performing Arts Centre, College Ave, Forest Lake

21 April 2018...

Boondall State School presents Around the World Fete – 11am to 7pm. save the date!

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

Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association (GCHCA) AS we celebrate the 2018 New Year with family and friends, I’d like us to take a moment and appreciate ourselves for achieving some of our 2017 resolutions.

For the 2018 year let us write down our resolutions to enhance our: • Mind and body sustenance by eating healthy, by having regular exercises and practicing deep breathing (Kriya Yoga and Pranayama); • Relationships with family members, work mates and the community through love, mutual respect, right actions and service (Bhakti & Karma Yoga); and • Love, peace and joy through group association (satsang), recitation of mantra (japa) and meditation (Bhakthi, Gnana & Dhyana Yoga).

Our mind projects the world based on our inherent latent tendencies and desires.

In our progress towards spirituality, let us practice a positive approach in all our thoughts, words and actions.

A wholesome body and mind enables us to unravel the divine consciousness within and allows us to beam a light of energy to shower peace (shantam) and 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/

The Pad Man Revolution: Say no to nicotine and yes to sanitary pads as your new year resolution

EXCITEMENT is building over the upcoming film about one super-heroic man and his revolutionary mission to improve menstrual hygiene for his wife and the women around him. Pad Man, the world’s first feature film on menstruation, has generated anticipation following the release of the highest viewed Bollywood trailer on Facebook, three music previews and a host of live appearances from the cast. Now, to celebrate the start of 2018, Pad Man has launched a new short film aimed at starting a new year’ revolution – to say no to nicotine and say yes to sanitary pads.

In the minute-long film released on January 1st, Pad Man Lakshmikant (played by Akshay Kumar) approaches a man named Nandu smoking a cigarette, who is waiting outside a hospital. When asked why he is waiting so nervously outside the hospital,

Nandu responds women’s problems.

In a subtle but powerful moment, Pad Man asks Nandu about the price of his cigarettes, before pointing out that for the same 10 rupees he could have bought a sanitary pad for his wife, saying: “With the money you spend on cigarettes you can save two lives – yours and your wife’s.”

Akshay Kumar shared the video on Twitter, with the caption “Heroes make resolutions but Superheroes start revolutions!” encouraging fans of the film to start the new year healthier for both themselves as well as the women in their lives.

With so many women in India lacking access to sanitary methods of dealing with menstruation, women like Nandu’s wife can fall victim to easily preventable diseases.

With men still unaware of the importance of

44 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018

menstrual hygiene or how they can support their wives, the message from the Pad Man is simple and clear: spend money on sanitary pads, not nicotine.

Pad Man is based on Arunachalam Muruganantham’s real life international journey from an outcast exiled from society for his endeavours to delve into such a taboo subject, to becoming a super-hero of India’s modern history, as he followed his dream to revolutionise menstrual hygiene in India. As the short film shows, not all superheroes wear capes; the Pad Man’s message to smokers is in keeping with the spirit of Arunachalam’s original mission to help his wife.

Read more about Pad Man in the Bollywood & Entertainment section on Pages 4849. Watch the video here! - https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=rB1M1STd95w

www.indiantimes.com

love (anandam) to ourselves and everyone around us.

Asato mā sadgamaya From ignorance, lead me to truth Tamasomā jyotir gamaya From darkness, lead me to light Mrityormāamritam gamaya From death, lead me to immortality Oṁ śhānti śhānti śhāntiḥ Om peace, peace, peace (Brhadaranyaka Upanishad — I.iii.28)

GCHCA appeals to everyone to support us to leave an education and cultural legacy for all our children: • by becoming a member; • making a donation; • volunteering your time and skills; and • promoting the Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association’s mission to your peers.

Donate to: GCHCA Building Donation Account – BSB: 064 - 474 A/C 1048 8900 (donations of > $2 are tax deductible and you reduce your tax liability – please consult your tax advisor). ht t p://c u lt u r e.gold c o a s t h i nd u .or g / donations/ 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 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 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 Continued on Page 46 Call 07 3865 6533

SRI SELVA VINAYAKAR KOYIL (GANESHA TEMPLE) SRI SELVA BRISBANE VINAYAKAR(South KOYIL Maclean) (GANESHA TEMPLE) BRISBANE (South Maclean) SRI SELVA VINAYAKAR KOYIL (GANESHA TEMPLE) BRISBANE (South Maclean)

|| Shri Guru Gauranga Vijayate ||

Brisbane Bhaki Yog invites you and your family for Harinam Sankirtan SriSriAyyapa asa Abishekams 2018 19 Maasa availablefor forsponsors sponsors2018-19 2018-19 AyyapaSwamy Swamy Ma Maasa Abishekams available Sri Ayyapa Swamy Maasa Abishekams available for sponsors 2018-19 Special Puja/Abishekam Swamyon onthe thefirst firstfive fivedays days every Hindu Special Puja/Abishekamwill willbe beperformed performed to to Sri Ayyappa Ayyappa Swamy ofof every Hindu calendar month.

These usually named each Zodiac Zodiac (Rasi) signs.Nei (Ghee)Abishekam Abishekam will calendar month.

Thesepoojas poojas usually namedtoafter after (Rasi) be be Special Puja/Abishekam will be performed Sri Ayyappa Swamy onsigns.Nei the first (Ghee) five days of every will Hindu performed after morning Puja 10:30am. performed after morning Puja 10:30am. calendar month. These poojas usually named after each Zodiac (Rasi) signs.Nei (Ghee) Abishekam will be Following monthly MaasaAbishekams Abishekams areavailable available by devotees choose Following monthly Maasa are for sponsor sponsor bydevotees. devotees.Normally Normally devotees choose performed after morning Puja 10:30am. themonth month forAbishekam Abishekam according to star the for according totheir their starand andsigns. signs. devotees choose Following monthly Maasa Abishekams are available for sponsor by devotees.

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Last Sunday of Every Month

the month for Abishekam according to their star and signs.

Rasi––Zodiac Zodiacsign sign Nakshatras-Stars Rasi Nakshatras-Stars (timings on (timings on44parts parts-1,2,3&4) -1,2,3&4) Hindu Calendar Month Rasi – Zodiac sign Nakshatras-Stars 2018 2018 (timings on 4 parts -1,2,3&4) Maasi-(Feb-Mar) Kumbha(Aquarius) 2018 Avitam -1,2&3 Maasi-(Feb-Mar) Kumbha(Aquarius) Avitam-2&3,SathayamPoorataathi -2&3,SathayamPoorataathi -1,2&3 Panguni-(Mar-Apr) Meena(Pisces) Poorataathi 4,Utharataathi,Revathy Maasi-(Feb-Mar) Kumbha(Aquarius) Avitam -2&3,SathayamPoorataathi -1,2&3 Panguni-(Mar-Apr) Meena(Pisces) Poorataathi 4,Utharataathi,Revathy Chithirai-(Apr-May) Mesha-(Aries) Achuvini,Parani,Kaarthikai11 Panguni-(Mar-Apr) Meena(Pisces) Poorataathi 4,Utharataathi,Revathy Chithirai-(Apr-May) Mesha-(Aries) Achuvini,Parani,KaarthikaiVaikaasi-(May-June) Idapa(Taurus) Kaarthikai-2,3&4,Rohini,Mirukasheeeridam-1&2 Chithirai-(Apr-May) Mesha-(Aries) Achuvini,Parani,Kaarthikai- 1 Vaikaasi-(May-June) Idapa(Taurus) Kaarthikai-2,3&4,Rohini,Mirukasheeeridam-1&2 Aani-(June-July) Mithuna(Gemini) Mirukasheeridam-3&4,Thiruvaathirai,PunarpoosamVaikaasi-(May-June) Idapa(Taurus) Kaarthikai-2,3&4,Rohini,Mirukasheeeridam-1&2 Aani-(June-July) Mithuna(Gemini) Mirukasheeridam-3&4,Thiruvaathirai,Punarpoosam1,2&3 Aani-(June-July) Mithuna(Gemini) Mirukasheeridam-3&4,Thiruvaathirai,Punarpoosam1,2&3 Aadi-(July-Aug) Karkataka(Cancer) Punarpoosam-4,Poosam,Aayiliam 1,2&3 Aadi-(July-Aug) Karkataka(Cancer) Punarpoosam-4,Poosam,Aayiliam Aavani-(Aug-Sep) Simha(Leo) Makam,Pooram,Utharam-1 Aadi-(July-Aug) Karkataka(Cancer) Punarpoosam-4,Poosam,Aayiliam Aavani-(Aug-Sep) Simha(Leo) Makam,Pooram,Utharam-1 Purataasi-(Sep-Oct) Kanni(Virgo) Utharam-2,3&4,Atham,Chithirai-1&2 Aavani-(Aug-Sep) Simha(Leo) Makam,Pooram,Utharam-1 Purataasi-(Sep-Oct) Kanni(Virgo) Utharam-2,3&4,Atham,Chithirai-1&2 Aipasi-(Oct-Nov) Thulaam(Libra) Chithirai-2&3,Suwathi,Visaakam-1,2&3, Purataasi-(Sep-Oct) Kanni(Virgo) Utharam-2,3&4,Atham,Chithirai-1&2 Aipasi-(Oct-Nov) Thulaam(Libra) Chithirai-2&3,Suwathi,Visaakam-1,2&3, Kaarthikai-(Nov-Dec-) Virutchakai(Scorpio) Visaakam-4,Anusham,Kaetai Aipasi-(Oct-Nov) Thulaam(Libra) Chithirai-2&3,Suwathi,Visaakam-1,2&3, Kaarthikai-(Nov-Dec-) Virutchakai(Scorpio) Visaakam-4,Anusham,Kaetai Maarkali-(Dec-Jan-18) Virutchakai(Scorpio) Thanu(Sagittaius) Moolam,Pooraatam,Utharaatam-1 Kaarthikai-(Nov-Dec-) Visaakam-4,Anusham,Kaetai Maarkali-(Dec-Jan-18) Thanu(Sagittaius) Moolam,Pooraatam,Utharaatam-1 Maarkali-(Dec-Jan-18) Thanu(Sagittaius) 2019 Moolam,Pooraatam,Utharaatam-1 Thai-(Jan-Feb) Makara(Capricon) 2019 2019 Utharaatam-2,3&4,Thiruvonam,Avitam-1&2 Thai-(Jan-Feb) Makara(Capricon) Utharaatam-2,3&4,Thiruvonam,Avitam-1&2 Thai-(Jan-Feb) Makara(Capricon) Utharaatam-2,3&4,Thiruvonam,Avitam-1&2 Maasi-(Feb-Mar) Kumbha(Aquarius) Avitam -2&3,Sathayam,Poorataathi -1,2&3 Maasi-(Feb-Mar) Kumbha(Aquarius) Avitam -2&3,Sathayam,Poorataathi -1,2&3 Maasi-(Feb-Mar) Kumbha(Aquarius) Avitam -2&3,Sathayam,Poorataathi -1,2&3 Panguni-(Mar-Apr) Meena(Pisces) Poorataathi 4,Utharataathi,Revathy Panguni-(Mar-Apr) Meena(Pisces) Poorataathi4,Utharataathi,Revathy 4,Utharataathi,Revathy Panguni-(Mar-Apr) Meena(Pisces) Poorataathi

Hindu Calendar Month Hindu Calendar Month

VENUE Our Lady Of Lourdes School School Hall Shearwin St, Sunnybank 5:30 – 8:00pm Harinam Sankirtan Followed by Mahaprasad Further Information:Prakash Raniga

Anil Raju

Ravendra Nand

Krishna Narayan

0412 689 264

0403 936 076

0418 757 367

0402 421 642

Temple Website: http://www.sriselvavinayakar.org Follow us on (click the icons): 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 Temple Website: http://www.sriselvavinayakar.org Follow us on (click the icons): 4915-4923, Mt Lindesay Highway, South Maclean, Queensland-4280, 4280, Australia, Phone: +61 7 5547 7302 4915-4923, Mt Lindesay Highway, South Maclean, Queensland-4280, Australia, Phone: +61 7 5547 7302

Shirdi Sai Baba Brisbane Aarti Programs Every Thursday @ 7.30pm

Baba’s Mahasamadhi centenary year

15 Oct 2017 – 15 Oct 2018

Upcoming events: Southside aarti & bhajans 4 Feb 2018 5-7pm 4 March FSCAQ Community Hall 24 Arnwood Pl Annerley Neem tree planting project We are about to plant 100 trees! Thank you to everyone who ordered one.

Call 07 3865 6533

Virginia State School hall 1678 Sandgate Rd VIRGINIA (next to Virginia train station) Prasad & Dinner Provided www.facebook.com/SaiBabaBrisbane M: 0405 392 793 www.indiantimes.com

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018 — 45

Continued from Page 44

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

JAI SHRI SAI

YOU are devotionally invited for our Shirdi Saibaba Bhajan and Aartis at Indooroopilly Senior Citizens Club at 60 Stamford Road, Indooroopilly on Saturday, 13th January, 2018.

PROGRAM: 6 .00pm Bhajans.

7.00pm Shej Aarti Note: Prasad will be served after the Aarati For further information/suggestions / comments please contact us through email at shirdisai.bne@gmail.com or through our Our Facebook Page or ring us on 0479 143 724.

Brisbane Indian Times - February 2018 Deadline for submissions is 31 January, 2018 Email: prod@indiantimes.com.au Brisbane Indian Times, proudly supporting the multicultural community since 2003.

46 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018 — 47

Kapoor and Akshay Kumar Bollywood & Entertainment Sonam show what friends are really for in new Pad Man song - 'Bu Ba Hu'!

Bengali Film MAYURAKSHI wins the hearts of Bollywood for the Mumbai premiere!​

Director Atanu Ghosh Prosenjit and Pallabi Chatterjee.

Prosenjit with Ishita Dutta.

THE premiere show of the most critically acclaimed Bengali film MAYURAKSHI, starring Superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee & thespian Soumitra Chatterjee was held in Mumbai on Jan 4, 2018 at PVR, CITIMALL, Andheri, Mumbai.

It was the presence of the most literate & creative Film loving audience as they enjoyed every nuances of the acting of Prosenjit Chatterjee & the thespian Soumitra Chatterjee.

The audience were heard analysing the film MAYURAKSHI as a soul stirring realistic film about human relationship, the spine of every cinematic work, a sensitive subject on loneliness & emotional crisis and the different journey to find meaning to life in its course that engulfs every household!

And the central message of the film stood out, as to whatever the situations in life, Tomorrow is another Day! One of the finest actors in India and multi National Award Winner Prosenjit Chatterjee was the cynosure of everyone eyes as they praised one of his pitch perfect performance. He too played the perfect host as he welcomed the creative Bengali folks in Mumbai. Ishita Dutta, the newly wedded bride made her first appearance to the media post her marriage.

Celebrities present were Prosenjit

Chatterjee, Pallabi Chatterjee, Madhu Chopra, Director Onir, Ishita Dutta, Nandita Puri, Anjum Rizvi, Sharbani Mukherji, Arjan Bajwa, Sudhanshu Pandey, Shweta Pandit, Director Anirudhh RoyChoudhury, Director Pradeep Sarkar and may other were present at the premier.

No wonder rather than Bollywood, with realistic films like MAYURAKSHI, Bengali films are feted out at the National Awards!!

MAYURAKSHI - SYNOPSIS 84-year-old father Sushovan is a brilliant former professor of History, presently suffering from age related neurological problems including dementia and cognitive dysfunction. His middle-aged son Aryanil visits him, an intimately sensitive man going through an unsettling phase in his personal life. Though deeply attached to his father, Aryanil is settled in Chicago,USA, and as such cut off from the soul who shaped his life. Within a five-day span of reunion, lost chapters get curiously reopened and incidents long buried suddenly turn relevant.

Few days become more eventful than years and through the process of confrontation with ageing and destiny, Aryanil has to find an ultimate solution to deal with the present mental state of his father and also, to seek peace, hope and sustenance in his own life.

48 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018

EVEN real-life super heroes need friends – as the newly released song from PAD MAN ‘HU BA HU’-featuring Akshay Kumar and Sonam Kapoor shows!

It takes more than one man to start a Sanitary Pad revolution, and ‘HU BA HU’ celebrates the people who come into your life and help you achieve shared dreams, as Sonam Kapoor’s character Pari does as she helps Akshay Kumar (Lakshmikant) bring his invention across the country.

‘HU BA HU’ shows the journey of the two as they traverse India, touching the lives of thousands of women. From meeting individual women to talking at schools and engaging with villagers, the song charts the pair as they grow from two people making a difference from the back of an Ox and Cart to recruiting their own pad women to gaining international Akshay Kumar at Radio City recognition at the UN in New York.

Produced by Aruna Bhatia, Mrs Funnybones Movies, SPE FIlms India, Director R Balki envisioned ‘HU BA Kriarj Entertainment, Cape of Good HU’ as a song with the core message: Films and Hope Productions, PAD You don’t necessarily have to be life MAN is written and directed by ad-man partners to change lives. This theme is turned film-man R Balki (Paa). It is seen throughout the song as we watch the billed as the most progressive family friendship between Akshay Kumar and entertainer yet, starring international Sonam Kapoor develop on screen. megastar Akshay Kumar (Toilet: Ek The song shows the growing bond Prem Katha) who assumes the titular between the pair, as they become closer as role of Arunachalam Muruganantham they achieve their shared dream. Akshay to once again showcase his commitment Kumar took to social media to eloquently to social entertainers. He is joined by explain the different relationships with his critically acclaimed actresses Sonam friend and wife saying: his wife Gayatri Kapoor (Neerja) and Radhika Apte (played by Radhika Apte) is the reason (Kabali). behind his success as Pad Man but Pari One for the mad ones, the ones who are (played by Sonam Kapoor) is the strength crazy enough to change the world, PAD behind him.

MAN is the one-of-a-kind feature film, The song embodies the spirit of tackling the taboo and stigmas attached friendship with an infectious rhythm and to menstrual hygiene through the art of uplifting and building tone, that evokes the entertainment. evolution of the characters over the course PAD MAN releases in cinemas of the film. A retro-riff, strong vocals and worldwide on the 26th January to a memorable beat will ensure that this will inspire all the cape-less heroes amongst be at the top of your playlist this year. us, through SPE Films, India.

Watch the song here!

Join the conversation #PadMan https://youtu.be/f95uCixtik4

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Look... there’s a new superhero in town AMERICA may have Batman, Spiderman and Superman, but India has it’s very own Pad Man the crazy superhero, masterfully portrayed by Indian film supremo Akshay Kumar, changing the world through his insanity! These are the words of Bollywood royalty Amitabh Bachchan in the opening seconds of the hugely anticipated Pad Man trailer which burst onto screens on the 15th December, breaking the internet in the process.

With over 3 million views for the trailer in a matter of just a few hours, the Pad Man trailer is on everybody’s lips this morning ahead of its official release in cinemas around the world on the 26th January 2018.

Dubbed ‘Superhero hai yeh Pagla’, Pad Man is the world’s first feature film on menstrual hygiene based on the story of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential entrants Arunachalam Muruganantham, a rural welder from India with a

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unique, eccentrically mad edge who turned incredible inventor by providing women with access to high-quality and affordable sanitary pads 20 years ago.

One for the mad ones, the ones who are crazy enough to change the world, Pad Man is the one-of-a-kind feature film, tackling the taboo and stigmas attached to menstrual hygiene through the art of entertainment. The trailer, which shows Akshay Kumar cycling through the streets of India on a bicycle to test his newly invented sanitary pad, is a two minute snippet of the film which is generating worldwide interest for its socially relevant, yet hilarious endeavours to empower women around the world.

The trailer also features Radhika Apte (Kabali) who performs the role of Akshay Kumar’s wife and Sonam Kapoor (Neerja) who is seen encouraging “Pad Man” to be the superhero we have been waiting for!

Produced by Aruna Bhatia, Mrs Funnybones Movies, SPE FIlms India, Kriarj Entertainment, Cape of Good Films and Hope Productions, Pad Man is written and directed by ad-man turned film-man R Balki (Paa). It is billed as the most progressive family entertainer yet, starring international megastar Akshay Kumar (Toilet: Ek Prem Katha) who assumes the titular role of Arunachalam Muruganantham to once again showcase his commitment to social entertainers. He is joined by critically acclaimed actresses Sonam Kapoor (Neerja) and Radhika Apte (Kabali).

Watch the heart-warming trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9ujx8vO_A Pad Man releases in cinemas worldwide on the 26th January to inspire all the cape-less heroes amongst us, through Sony Pictures Entertainment, India.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018 — 49

Sports News Stuart Clark believes the ‘horse has already bolted’ on the fractured relationship between Smith and Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell. Picture: Getty Images Foxsports.com.au

GLENN Maxwell is heavily favoured to earn a belated call-up to Australia’s one-day international squad — but his relationship with skipper Steve Smith remains the biggest talking point ahead of a potential return.

Smith set tongues wagging last week when, after Maxwell’s name was missing from the initial 14-man squad for the five matches against England, he suggested the blazing all-rounder needed to “train smarter” and cut out “the funky stuff”.

It was a stunning public rebuke from the Australian captain, and left casual observers wondering just what the future

Sri Lanka Cricket gives Hathurusinghe selector's job on tour

held for a player who had been a mainstay of the nation’s white-ball sides over the past five years.

But now, following the news that powerhitting middle-order batsman Chris Lynn has been ruled out of the series with a calf injury, Maxwell could be on the comeback.

Former Test quick Stuart Clark believes Maxwell is the natural replacement for Lynn — and says he and Smith might need to have a mediation session with coach Darren Lehmann before the team comes together.

But would there be concerns over the relationship between Smith and Maxwell?

India exploring newer ways to score goals: Sreejesh PTI

Chandika Hathurusinghe PTI

COLOMBO: New national coach Chandika Hathurusinghe has been assigned the role of selector on tour as part of a plan to give him more say in team selections, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) President Thilanga Sumathipala said on Sunday.

He said the SLC executive committee had adopted the move at the extraordinary general meeting.

Sri Lanka's sports law of 1973, though, does not permit the coach to be a national selector.

"He will be able to pick the final eleven while on tour with the manager of the team and the captain also acting as co-selectors," Sumathipala said.

However, the coach will not be able to serve in the national selection committee when the squads are picked.

With the new arrangements, Sumathipala said it would not be necessary for selectors to travel with the team.

In 2017 Sri Lanka lost 40 of their international games across all formats out of a total of 57.

Sumathipala also announced the appointment of Roshan Biyanwela, a Sri Lanka Airforce ranker, as the new secretary of the SLC.

“I think that horse has already bolted,” Clark told Fox Sports News on Tuesday.

“They’d deal with it. They’d have to deal with it. Steve Smith’s the captain of Australia, Glenn Maxwell wants to play for Australia.

“Whatever has to happen will have to happen. Darren Lehmann might be the arbitrator there.”

Smith was criticised by former Australian players in the wake of his public criticism of Maxwell, with former Test spinner Gavin Robertson saying he’d broken a team code by airing his concerns to the press. “(Australia coach) Darren Lehmann came through under (former captains Mark) Taylor and (Steve) Waugh, and the rule was you criticise in private and you would praise in public,” Robertson said.

“If we were talking to Steve Smith now I’d say ‘you’ve obviously changed that rule’.

That’s not how it works anymore.”

But Clark defended the skipper, saying it was likely that Smith was simply addressing issues which had been brought up at the selection table.

“I’d imagine Steve Smith is only speaking on behalf of the selectors anyway,” Clark added.

“I don’t think he’d be going out on a limb here. There’d be some sort of talk and maybe that information’s already gone back to Glenn Maxwell and it just came out in the public forum as well.”

BENGALURU: Having returned to the Indian hockey team, veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh on Monday said the team is exploring newer ways to score goals.

"I am happy to see my name in the (Indian team) list, and definitely, I have been through a tough time for almost six months for recovery through rehabilitation programmes. It is a proud moment for me," he told reporters here.

"We are focusing on scoring goals. Also, working hard to achieve that in a new way," he added.

Sreejesh said he is seeking to regain the confidence of his teammates.

He said 2018 will be a big year for the team with three major events coming up, starting with the Commonwealth Games.

50 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018

"We would also play the Asian Games and the World Cup," he added.

Coach Sjoerd Marijne said Sreejesh's comeback is good for the team as he is an experienced player.

"Of course, it is good for us that he (Sreejesh) is coming back. He is really an experienced player, but at the time when Sreejesh was not there, the other two goalies Suraj Karkera and Akash Chikte had their moments in his absence."

"Now, Krishan (Bahadur Pathak) gets an opportunity for New Zealand tour. So, we have four good goalies which will be really nice competition between them," he added.

Captain Manpreet Singh said Sreejesh's presence is also important as he could pass on tips to the youngsters.

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Sindhu's success mantra: Practice till you achieve perfection

Pusarla Venkata Sindhu in action.

PTI

CHENNAI: Expectations have skyrocketed since her Rio Olympics silver medal and PV Sindhu says the only way to handle the huge responsibility is to practice till she achieves perfection in all her strokes.

"Since the Rio Olympics, the expectations are always high and the responsibilities are also high. I am used to it now. You have to keep going and keep working hard," the 22-year-old shuttler said.

"I have been working on all the areas because I feel everything is really important. You have to keep on learning all the time unless and until you become perfect in all the strokes," she added.

Sindhu, who narrowly missed out on winning the titles at the World Championship in Glasgow and Dubai World Super Series Finals, said there were a lot of positive things to learn from the year's performances.

"The year 2017 has been really good for me. Definitely, a lot of positive things to learn from," said Sindhu, who won the India Open Super Series and Korea Open Super Series, besides reaching the final at Hong Kong Open.

"In the year 2018, there are so many tournaments and some more tournaments are actually adding up. I have to keep moving and keep working hard. It will be really nice to achieve much more success in 2018."

Sindhu said many players are coming up in the country and they can learn by watching top-class shuttlers such as world no 1 Dane Viktor Axelsen, during the Premier Badminton League (PBL).

"Indian players are doing well. Many of the youngsters are doing really well. And definitely in the coming years you will see all of them. They will have to get a little more exposure," she said.

"By being part of PBL they will learn by seeing the top players, like Viktor (Axelsen) and some of the Olympians and others. It is a good opportunity for them to learn things and actually go and work out.

"If the young players work hard there is a bright future ahead. Playing with the professionals will give an idea of what it takes to achieve success," she added.

She felt happy that the standard of PBL was improving.

"Well, it is good to see many top level players are coming and playing in the PBL. It is good for the Indians, especially youngsters to look at the high level players and learn. As a league, it is improving and is coming up," Sindhu said.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018 — 51

52 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2018

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