July 2023 - Online edition

Post Pandemic, golden Period for skilled Professionals moving overseas

Post-Covid, countries like the US, Canada, Germany, Australia, and many more have been facing an acute shortage of labour due to an ageing population and a low birth rate.

Looking beyond borders, these countries are streamlining their immigration systems at the federal, state and regional levels to attract the best talents from fields like IT,

healthcare, STEM, education, etc.

A significant uptick in global demand for skilled professionals has been noted as countries recognise the importance of attracting talent to support their economic growth and development.Shortages are most pronounced abroad for skilled individuals, especially in the healthcare, IT, legal, hospitality and financial

sectors.

Germany currently needs 630,000 skilled professionals immediately, in addition to 80,000 teachers by 2030, according to a Cologne Institute study. According to the government's 'Make it in Germany' website, the professions in demand include nursing professionals, physicians, engineers, IT specialists, scientists. CoNtd oN PG 36

AdvERtisiNG: 0430 193 715 sales@indiantimes.com.au

JoURNAList/ CoRREsPoNdENts

• Thakur Ranjit Singh (NZ)

• Thilliar Varnakulasingham (NZ)

• Shalendra Prasad (Fiji)

• Rama Gaind (Canberra)

• Ml. Nawaaz Ashrafi

• Imam Muhammad Aslam

• Pastor Joseph Dass

• Haji Abdul Rahman Deen

• Jitendra Deo

• Nimisha Modi

• Ranjita Pillai (Immigration Matters)

• Awadhesh Sharma

• Peter Lane Rai

• Shailendra Singh

• Ravi Vastrad

• Amod Datar

• Ashok Attri

from the Publisher

WELCoME to the July issue. Of hope you all are ready for your tax time; please be aware of the new rules that have taken effect as of the 1st of July. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has given authorised psychiatrists the green light to prescribe two psychedelic substances for specific mental health conditions from July 1.

From July, 3,4-Methylenedioxymeth amphetamine (MDMA) will be able to be prescribed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, while psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, will be approved for treatment-resistant depression.

Previously known for recreational and illegal use, these drugs will be rescheduled from the strictest controlled category, Schedule 9 (Prohibited Substances), to Schedule 8 (Controlled Drugs) – but only for medical use.

From July 1, the newly elected NSW Labor government will launch its stamp duty exemption for first-home buyers. It means no stamp duty will need to be paid on homes worth up to $800,000, and a concessional rate for homes worth up to $1 million.

From that date, the state government will also scrap the previous government’s opt-in property tax scheme, which allows firsttime buyers of more expensive properties to avoid stamp duty.

In the new financial year, at least one registered nurse must be on-site 24/7 in aged care facilities.

from $89 to $95.

Similar hikes will affect mobile broadband-only packages, with the “large” package increasing by $5 per month.

Boost also announced a price rise as it resells Telstra’s service. On average, Optus customers are also receiving a $4-5 price increase per service. There are also some instances where customers will receive a $9 increase, which is the maximum increase per service.

Amaysim is also expected to roll out price increases as it resells Optus’ service, although it has not been announced.

From April, Vodafone announced that it would also be increasing the cost of its services by $5 per month. Several key changes regarding Australia's migration strategy will kick in from July 1.

From that date, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) will be increased to $70,000.

A permanent residency pathway will also be for “short-term” stream TSS (subclass 482) visa holders.

Meanwhile, Kiwis who have been living in Australia for four years or more can apply directly for Australian citizenship, while some holders of subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visas will be allowed to stay in Australia for longer.

A second round of changes to the National Quality Framework is coming in the new financial year for the early childhood education sector.

from July 1.

The change will impact about 600,000 South Australia, Queensland, and NSW customers.

The hike will cost households hundreds of dollars more per year.

The Parental Leave Pay and Dad and Partner Pay are combined into one payment from July 1.

It will increase from 90 days (18 weeks) to 100 days (20 weeks), and a combined family income limit of $350,000 will be introduced.

From July 10, if your family earns under $530,000, you’ll get an increased Child Care Subsidy (CCS), while changes to Child Care Subsidy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children will mean that families can get at least 36 hours of subsidy per fortnight for each child attending childcare.

In the new financial year, a windfall gains tax will apply in Victoria to land that is subject to a government rezoning resulting in a value uplift to the land of more than $100,000.

In determining the value uplift, all land owned by the person or group and subject to that rezoning is considered. In WA, firearms and ammunition designed to shoot over long ranges with extraordinary power and precision will be outlawed from July 1.

Under the changes, 56 types of firearms and 19 calibres of ammunition will become illegal, with a total of 248 licensed firearms in the state also becoming illegal.

• Gagan deep Tandon

• Brian Sullivan (Photography)

• Rajesh Chand

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However, there may be some exemptions, including for facilities co-located with a health service where registered and enrolled nurses are present and for facilities in regional, rural and remote areas where the provider has been unable to recruit sufficient staff with the necessary skills.

The Australian Government is also committing $11.3 billion to implement a 15 per cent pay rise for aged care workers.

The Budget funding increase will be implemented over the next four years starting from 1 July 2023.

Over in Queensland, legislation to limit rent increase frequency to once every 12 months will come into effect from July 1.

The annual limit on rent increases will apply to all new and existing tenancies from that date in a bid to ease the cost-ofliving pressures for Queenslanders.

The cost-of-living shock continues after Australia’s biggest telecommunications company announced plans to hike prices from July 4.

Under the changes, a Telstra in-market mobile postpaid plan will increase from $47 per month to $50, with just 2GB of data.

The “basic” package, which includes 50GB of data, will increase by $4 to $62 per month.

The worst hit are users with a “premium” package that will increase by $6 per month

The string of changes includes providing flexibility for services when replacing educators during short-term absences and resignations, expanding the definition of ‘person with management or control’ of the service, amending documentation requirements for OSHC providers in Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria, allowing some adjustments when calculating family day care co-ordinator to educator ratios for Family Day Care (FDC) services, ensuring all FDC educators hold at least an approved certificate III level qualification before commencing their role and increasing several prescribed fees as well as introducing a new category to differentiate fees applied to ‘large’ and ‘extensive’ services, among other changes.

From 1 July 2023, the rate of super paid by employers to employees will increase again, with all employers required to pay all employees entitled to super 11 per cent of their salary.

In the new financial year, the minimum amount you can withdraw from your super income stream each financial year will change, with the temporary drawdown reduction coming to an end.

The Australian Energy Regulator has confirmed that electricity prices will increase by between 20 and 25 per cent

The WA Government will fund a marketvalue buyback. Also in WA, the state Farm Employees Award has been updated by the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission (WAIRC).

Changes to the WA award from July 1 include new provisions for part time employees, including a requirement for employees and employers to agree in writing on hours of work, an updated definition for the Farm Tradesperson classification, new provisions enabling employment of trainees, changes to the requirements for full time and part time employees to provide notice of termination, modernised clauses dealing with record keeping and leave entitlements and public holidays.

The Medical Board of Australia and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency will introduce a reform package from July 1 affecting doctors who perform cosmetic medical and surgical procedures.

From then, patients must obtain a referral from their GP before seeking cosmetic surgery.

Cosmetic surgery premises must also be accredited against the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care standards, and there must be an improved patient assessment by practitioners.

Patients seeking cosmetic surgery must have a least two pre-operative consultations and new advertising guidelines will also be rolled out. The Australian Government will establish the Disaster Ready Fund (DRF) on July 1.

Over the next five years, the DRF will provide up to $1 billion to improve Australia’s recovery and response capability. More than five million Australians will be eligible for energy relief from July 1 under a plan to slash winter electricity costs.

But how much you get depends on your household income and where you live.

The $500 rebate on power bills will be offered to eligible householders in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and Tasmania – but those in Western Australia, the Northern Territory and the ACT will only get $350.

I hope you have found this information helpful as we embark upon the new financial year. Until next month happy reading —Umesh

Chandra oAM Publisher

important Updates for international students in australia

As a immigration lawyer, it is crucial to inform international students about recent changes that affect their visa rights and opportunities in Australia. Below are the key updates:

Part-Time Working Hours Limit for Student Visa Holders: Starting from 1 July, student visa holders will no longer have full-time work rights, as was permitted during the Covid-19 period. However, they will now be able to work more than the preCovid hours, with permission to work up to 48 hours per fortnight.

485 Visa - Graduate Work Stream:

There have been changes to the requirements for the 485 visa under the Graduate Work stream. Now, a nomination of occupation is required, and the occupation must be on the Medium and Longterm Strategic Skills List.

Additionally, a skills assessment in the nominated occupation must have been submitted at the time of application.

485 Visa - Select Degrees:

International students who have completed a degree in health, teaching, engineering, or agriculture in Australia will have extended subclass 485 visa options starting from 1 July 2023. However, acceptable qualifications must be listed on the prescribed list, which can be accessed at: [insert link]

The visa periods for the select degrees will be increased as follows:

- 4 years for select Bachelor Degrees

- 5 years for select Master's degrees

- 6 years for all Doctoral degrees

485 Visa - First-Time Applicants:

First-time applicants will now be granted a visa with an additional period of two years added to the standard visa period.

485 Visa - Regional Studies: Applicants in the Replacement or Post-Study Work streams who have studied in regional Australia will be granted an additional two years to their 485 visa if they have not already claimed this eligibility.

India-Australia Agreement:

The Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement between India and Australia brings

several benefits for Indian nationals, particularly in the context of visas and post-study work opportunities.

Indians eligible to apply for Work and Holiday visas and increased Post-Study Work visa periods. Indian students graduating in Australia will be eligible for post-study work visas as follows:

- Completion of diploma or trade qualifications: stays of up to 18 months

- Completion of bachelor's degree (including honours): stays of up to 2 years

- Completion of masters by research and masters by coursework: stays of up to 3 years

- Completion of doctoral degrees: stays of up to 4 years

High-performing STEM bachelor degree graduates will also be eligible for an additional year of stay, extending their post-study work visa from 2 years to 3 years.

These updates aim to provide international students with more opportunities and flexibility during their studies and post-graduation. As a migration lawyers, we are here to assist and provide guidance on how these changes may affect your individual circumstances.

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

With our vast experience and skills, we are able to provide accurate migration or legal advice based on our clients’ personal circumstances. If you would like more information regarding your visa eligibility, applicable visa subclass, or next steps, Migration Guru can assist you in navigating this process. Unlike many other firms, the First Consultation at Migration Guru is completely free so that clients can get fair, accurate and upfront advise on their visa prospects.

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 Lawhttps://www.facebook.com/migrationguru/

Migration Guru Pty Ltd, Level 18, 127 Creek Street, Brisbane, QLD. Phone: 07 3036 3800

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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discover eco-sensitive sanctuary on shores of koh lanta

By Rama Gaind

WHEN escaping to a tropical island, what do you dream of doing during your holidays. Is there a longing to discover unspoiled beaches and hidden coves and swim in crystal clear seas, surrounded by colourful fish? Is there an appeal in trekking through the lush rainforest? Do tastebuds crave local signature cuisine and what about a soothing massage?

All of these experiences and activities await at the Pimalai Resort & Spa, the five-star haven on the shores of Koh Lanta in Thailand. It’s an eco-sensitive, five-star sanctuary.

The past two years have allowed management to re-examine its operations, resulting in a new 10-year plan for preserving the environment and to design a series of new activities and excursions that highlight the beauty of Koh Lanta.

Nestled in 100 acres of jungle cascading down to a 900-metre-long beach, Pimalai has always strived to preserve its surroundings. Filled with exotic plants and native species such as hornbills and flying squirrels, the resort feels like a private nature reserve. A walking tour allows you to uncover this eco paradise, including its cashew nut trees, and two trekking trails

where intrepid explorers can hike to Klong Chak waterfall or Lam Tanode (where Koh Lanta’s famous lighthouse awaits).

Koh Ngai is a tropical island paradise where the stress and strain of everyday life completely disappears. For those who prefer offshore adventures, Pimalai has crafted two, day trips: the Emerald Cave & Koh Ngai Excursion gives the chance to swim in a stunning hidden lagoon and relax on a pristine beach, enclosed by unspoiled jungle, while the Talabeng Scenic Cruise lets explorers unearth Koh Talabeng, which has been nicknamed ‘Little Halong Bay’ due to its dramatic limestone karsts, cliffs and caves.

oFFsHoRE ExCURsioNs

Both excursions allow you to swim in the sea, savour snacks and enjoy cool drinks aboard the boat, and end in Koh Lanta’s old town, which is filled with traditional shophouses and seafood restaurants. This enchanting archipelago is wonderfully

secluded with few tourist boats. Alternatively, a mangrove tour lets groups head out on a gondola boat and delve deep into this environmentally rich coastal forest.

For travellers who love learning new skills, Pimalai has relaunched its popular Thai cooking classes. The resort’s chefs will escort visitors on a tour of the organic gardens to pick fresh herbs, before using them to craft a delicious dish. Non-motorised water sports, such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, are available, free-of-charge.

Thai boxing sessions offer invigorating workouts and yoga sessions promote mindfulness in a stunning setting, with panoramic sea and sunset views.

Alternatively, wellness seekers can soothe their senses at the award-winning Pimalai Spa, which has unveiled four new massages that embrace ancient Thai healing wisdom.

For a more distinctive gesture during your stay, why not help and make a

difference to the lives of local communities in Koh Lanta.

The resort’s beach cleaning sessions let tourists come together with staff members and islanders to keep Koh

Lanta’s coastlines free from litter, which often washes ashore and can pose a danger to marine life.

The two, day trips are valid until 31 October 2024.

tHe fUll stoPs and tHe comma's

hasn't worked out, for what we tried and failed at, and to believe again for the dream. This is when many people get talked out of their destinies.

means God is always up to something when you are down to nothing.

dEAR REAdER, it is with much joy we bring to you the word of God. In life, we all face situations where something that once worked has ended; it feels like what God has promised us has died. It's been too long. All the circumstances say it's not going to happen. Sometimes the most challenging prayer is to pray again for what

When something comes to an end, it is easy to put a "stop" sign and walk away from it. But in the scripture we read, God says, "For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland." God is asking you to look again at what He will do for you. God is saying to remove the "stop" sign and replace it with a "comma" sign. The "stop" sign says, your story ends here. But the "comma" sign says, your account continues from here. For God can make it happen again for you. This

In the scriptures (Matthew 9v 23-26), Jairus came to Jesus and worshiped Him, saying, "My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her, and she will live." So, Jesus went with him. But on the way, Jesus was delayed while meeting other people's needs. Then someone came and told Jairus his daughter was dead. But Jesus turned to Jairus and said, "Do not be afraid; only believe."

Upon arriving at the house, Jesus went inside where the girl was lying. He took the child by the hand and said, "Little girl, I say to you, arise." Immediately the girl arose and walked. When Jairus heard his daughter had died, that was

a stop, but upon hearing Jesus, he kept believing; he removed the stop sign and added a comma. Meaning he could trust God enough to bring about a miracle.

HERE ARE 3 LEssoNs WE CAN LEARN FRoM JAiRUs.

1. Every story has an end, but in life, every ending is just a new beginning. In the scriptures, we read about this woman named Naomi. First, she lost her husband; then she lost a son; then she lost her last remaining son. Naomi had three complete stops in her life. She concluded that she could never have children. But everything changed when her daughter-in-law, Ruth, decided to go with Naomi to her country. There, Ruth married a relative of Naomi, had a son, and

named him Obed. Naomi is remembered primarily for having been blessed with a child through Ruth. This was a new thing. And when you stay in faith, stay believing in God; then God can bring about a miracle in a new way.

2. It's not time to give up because you have come to a dead end. Find a different route and keep pressing forward. When Jairus thought all hopes of seeing his daughter alive were gone, Jesus reminded him to keep believing. God was saying that He still had a way of bringing about a miracle for him. In the same way, when you stay in faith and keep trusting God, God says to you, "I still have a way to bring about your deliverance."

3. It will be okay in the end. If it is not okay, then it

That's why, it’s time to rediscover Koh Lanta and enjoy a series of experiences, all sustainably created to showcase the destination’s authentic spirit.

is not the end. After being delayed and receiving the news of his daughter's death, I am sure Jairus must have felt the pain and disappointment of losing his daughter. But when he heard the words of Jesus, he believed this was not how the situation would end. He knew that in the end, all would be okay.

My encouragement to you is you must look beyond your "stops." And remember, when you are adding a comma, then this is a sign of your faith in God. As the scripture says, "I can do all things through Christ, Who strengthens me." You say, "Instead of agreeing with what the situation is saying, you agree with what God is saying." This allows God to do things for you that you could not do so on your own. God bless you.

Pastor Suresh Dass Joseph josephdass@optusnet.com.au

Koh Ngai is a tropical island paradise in Thailand where the stress and strain of everyday life completely disappears.

Pimalai Resort & Spa, a haven on the shores of Koh Lanta, is surrounded by 100 acres of lush, unspoiled jungle, cascading down to a beautiful beach.

Koh Talabeng has been nicknamed ‘Little Halong Bay’ due to its stunning seascape of limestone karsts, cliffs and caves.

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The Conflict in Our Minds - Sadhguru

tHE more people think, the less joyful they are becoming in their lives. It should not be so.

Your mind is just society’s garbage bin. Anybody who walks by you, stuffs something in your head and goes. You really have no choice. Whatever comes in touch with any of your sense organs, whether it is a vision, a sound, a sensation, a taste or a smell, it gets stored in the mind. So what you call as mind, the accumulative part of the mind is subject to the kind of social, religious and cultural situations you are being exposed to.

The very way you think, feel and understand life is just a result of what kind of garbage you gathered in your head. Whether it is social garbage, religious garbage or spiritual garbage, it does not matter. But all this has comes from outside. It is of survival significance only. It is not of any life significance. Your ability to recycle the garbage is your intellect.

Your survival on this planet is possible only because you are able to discriminate between one thing and the other.

All the impressions that have entered your mind have entered you only

through your five sense organs. Sense organs always give you a distorted impression of reality because sense organs experience everything only in comparison with something else. If you had not seen darkness in your life, you would not know what is light. When there is a comparison there is always duality. You can only perceive in parts. So your perception is all in bits and pieces and these will never make the whole.

The more intellectual you become, the more you start splitting everything around you and it does not know where to stop. It does not allow you to be with anything totally. So intellect is a wonderful instrument for survival, at the same time intellect is a terrible barrier for you to experience the oneness of life. Only if you know to what extent your logic should go and where it should not go, your life will be beautiful. We could explain the mind as three parts – the discriminatory dimension of the mind, which is called the intellect; the accumulative part that gathers information; and awareness, which is called pragna.

If you wipe this intellect with awareness, this

The more in T ellec T ual you become, T he more you s Tar T spli TT ing every T hing around you and i T does noT know where To s Top. iT does noT allow you To be wi T h any T hing ToTally. s o in T ellec T is a wonderful ins T rumen T for survival, aT T he same T ime in T ellec T is a T errible barrier for you To experience T he oneness of life. o nly if you know To whaT ex T en T your logic should go and where i T should noT go, your life will be beau T iful.

intellect can cut through what is true and what is not true. When your intellect becomes razor sharp, so that nothing sticks to it, it doesn’t get attached to anything, it is not identified with anything, it just makes you see

everything, simply the way it is. It is not influenced by your accumulation, by your identifications, by your emotions.

The whole process of yoga and meditation is just this. If you sit here, you have a clear space between

you and your mind. Then, it is a completely different dimension of existence.

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

York Times bestselling author Sadhguru has been conferred the Padma Vibhushan by the Government of India in 2017, the highest annual civilian award, accorded for exceptional and distinguished service.

goPio gold coast gala dinner

GoPio Gold Coast held its annual Gala Dinner on the 24th of June 2023 at the Sea World Resort, which was sold out days before the closing date. The word gala is usually associated with a festive and lavish social event. There was no doubt that GOPIO-GC annual dinner was indeed a gala event. The whole setup of

the venue, including the red carpet to welcome the guests, the photo booth, the table, and the stage decorations, were both spectacular and classy. There was plenty of time to catch up with old friends and make new ones. The event was graced by Hon. Milton Dick, Speaker of the House of Representatives,

Hon. John-Paul Langbroek, Queensland MP and Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, and Hon. Rob Borbidge, ex-Premier of Queensland. The MC, Zain Chams, with his poise and audience engagement, ensured the smooth running of the program. The various performances, including the Bihu dance by Abhilasha

Sarmah, highly energetic and vibrant dancing by the Tapori Squad, and the music and singing by Yousuf Alikhan, Steve Shankar, and Binny had the audience mesmerized. After the cheerful and enthralling entertainment, the guests were treated to a sumptuous feast. Various young

high achievers from the community were acknowledged as part of the program. The attendees also had the opportunity to try their luck as more than $8000 worth of gifts were raffled. The event had a serious side where there were fundraisers for those who are less fortunate than us.

GOPIO-GC acknowledges the generous contributions from all the sponsors of the event, those who donated the prizes for the raffle and the fundraisers, the special guests and community leaders who took time out of their busy schedule to attend, and all the participants who made the event a huge success.

GOPIO Gold Coast International Yoga Day Celebration

GoPio Gold Coast celebrated the 2023 International Yoga Day on the 24th of June at the Sea World Resort. The 2023 International Yoga Day theme was Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning the entire world is like one family. In keeping with this theme, GOPIO-GC hosted three different styles of Yoga practices. Nicole and Petra from Sunshine Harmony Yoga showcased combining soothing music using monochords, bells, and idiophones with classic pranayamas (breathing exercises). Ranjitha, from Ranjitha's School of Yoga, demonstrated various asanas (postures), which helped everyone stretch their bodies gently on a cold morning. John conducted the final session from the Heartfulness Institute, focusing on deep

meditation. During this deep meditation session, there was pin-drop silence. The program lasted over an hour

and a half and witnessed full engagement from more than 65 participants. The event culminated with tasty snacks,

which meant that the body, mind, and soul were well nourished at the end.

GOPIO-GC acknowledges

the generous contributions from all the event sponsors, the special guests, including Cr. Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden

(Division 7), who graced the occasion, and all the participants who made the event a huge success.

“Between Thought and Action” book launch and discussion

soUtH BRISBANE, On Monday 12th of June, an intellectual Biography of Fethullah Gulen titled “Between Thought and Action” was launched. Professor Ori Z Soltes writes the book. At the launch, he discussed why he wrote the book whilst laying out a broad and concise overview of Fethullah Gulen, his fascinating spiritual and intellectual journey, and his idea of civic Islam to serve the community.

Prof Ori Soltes teaches at Georgetown University across various disciplines, from art history and theology to philosophy and political history. He has spent a lifetime wrestling with questions that resonate through the history of the human experience. His dynamic teaching, lecturing, curating and writing reflect a broad series of interests and a unique ability to combine them in unusual, thoughtprovoking, challenging, and intellectually exciting ways.

The Book launch was arranged by the dialogue institute of Australia and the Queensland Intercultural Society. The session was moderated by Samantha

Jensen, Principal of Mount Alvernia College. Umesh Chandra OAM delivered the reflection on the book and the discussion. There was

an engaging Qand session followed by tea, coffee and snacks for everyone while Prof Soltres autographed the books.

Memoirs of A Refugee Book Launched

MooRooKA, Samuel Nen

John Phaltang, launched his book titled “Memoirs of a Refugee” during World Refugee Week, the theme of which is “Finding Freedom” at Arcana's Empress Theatre,46 Evesham Street, Moorooka QLD 4105

Memoirs of a Refugee is a riveting and emotional journey of a young man forcibly plunged from his home country of South Sudan at a tender age. Separated from his parents and siblings, he undergoes a horrifying ordeal at the hands of the rebels: first in Sudan's Southern Region, Uganda, and Kenya.

He finally finds reprieve in Kakuma Refugee camp, and his star shines brighter and brighter.

Samuel Nen John Phaltang is a former refugee from Uganda and Kakuma, Kenya, who luckily went to Australia.

Nen is an aerospace engineer working for the world's largest companyAirbus.

Nen was born in South Sudan's Ler Town in Unity State. He is passionate about the utilisation of opportunities as they come by.

He is a pilot and loves flying planes in his free time. He resides in Australia with his wife and three of his older siblings.

Many elected representatives and multicultural community

leaders attended the book launch. Proceeds from the book sale will go towards a charity work project in

the Kakuma refugee camp in collaboration with the Kakuma Reading Society and vision change Foundation.

Copies of the book can be obtained by contacting Robert Mukombozi at mukrobert2000@yahoo.com

2023 LORD MAYOR’S MULTICULTURAL AWARDS FOR BUSINESS

The Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Awards for Business celebrate the contribution multicultural businesses make to the Brisbane economy and community through their creativity, innovation and resilience. Apply or nominate for one of three awards categories:

• Nick Xynias Multicultural Young Business Person of the Year

• Multicultural Business Person of the Year

• Multicultural Entrepreneur of the Year Winners will be announced at the 2023 Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Dinner and Awards in November 2023.

For more information, visit brisbane.qld.gov.au/multicultural Nominations close Monday 10 July.

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www.apcsummit.org

The Voice referendum and Queensland local government elections are approaching.

If you are an Australian citizen or soon-to-be citizen and are curious about the voting process, join us for a free information session.

Light refreshments will be provided.

The workshop will cover information on:

• How, when and where you can vote

• The Voice referendum and what it means

• Local government elections in Queensland on 16 March 2024

• Milton Dick, Speaker of the House as invited speaker

Please contact us to find out more.

E: lcangmah@ssi.org.au

P: (07) 3412 8222

YOUR FRIENDLY FAMILY LAWYER helping you make the right choices

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Gold Coast: 101 Ashmore Rd, Bundall

Gold Coast: 101 Ashmore Rd, Bundall

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Postal Address: PO Box 3517, Loganholme Qld 4129

Call us today for a confidential chat about your family matters on ph: 1300 267 637, email us at: prav@cornerstonelawoffices.com.au or visit www.cornerstonelawoffices.com.au

CoreLogic launches new model that predicts property listings

LEAdiNG property data and analytics company, CoreLogic Australia has launched Propensity to List, a retention solution which identifies a targeted segment of home loan customers who are highly likely to list their home for sale in the next three months.

Developed to help banks and lenders engage and retain their customers earlier in their decision journey, Propensity to List is a modelled predictive solution powered by a combination of pre-listing activity observed on CoreLogic’s leading real estate platforms and comprehensive property database.

CoreLogic Head of Banking & Finance Solutions, Eugene Vassiliev, said Propensity to List identifies attrition risks early to help retention teams target and engage their customers at high risk of churn before a financial decision is made.

“We know engaging at the right time is one of the greatest retention challenges for banks and lenders,” Mr Vassiliev said.

“Customers that list for sale are both at a very high risk of attrition and an opportunity to retain for the next, likely more substantial, mortgage. However, by the time the property is actually listed for sale, customers would generally have already made up their mind about their future financing needs and the opportunity for the current lender to engage and retain them is lost.

“Propensity to List fills this pre-listing blind spot by identifying customers who are highly likely to list their home for sale within the next three months.”

Analysis of the data showed some diversity in the propensity for more homes

to be added to the market across the country.

CoreLogic Research Director Tim Lawless said at a macro level, there is a higher likelihood for homes across regional Australia to list for sale over the next three months than capital cities.

“At the end of May, the Propensity to List model showed 2.0% of regional homes were likely to list for sale before the end of August, up from 1.3% a year ago. A smaller 1.2% of capital city properties were likely to list over the coming months, down from 1.6% a year ago,” Mr Lawless said.

“Across the regional markets, Western Australia stands out with 2.8% of homes likely to list for sale over the coming months, with the council areas of Capel (5.0%), Bunbury (4.7%), Boddington (4.6%) and Port Hedland (4.6%) topping the list with the highest portion of properties likely to list.

“Properties located in the ACT have the highest likelihood to be listed for sale across the capital cities over the coming months, with 2.5% of homes likely to list by August, followed by Perth with 2.0% of properties likely to list.”

Mr Lawless said the flow of fresh listings to the Australian housing market has been tracking below the five-year average since September last year, and low available stock levels are one of the key factors supporting housing values at the moment.

Over the four weeks ending June 25th, the number of capital city listings was tracking -26% below the previous five-year average and the regional listings were -33% below the previous five-year average.

“Even in the current environment of low advertised stock levels amid higher interest rates, we still expect tens of thousands of properties to list in the next couple of months. Despite there being a higher likelihood in percentage terms for regional homes to come onto the market in the next couple of months, by volume 56% of new listings will be capital city homes,” Mr Lawless said.

Every month Propensity to List subscribers will receive a targeted segment of their home loan customers who are likely to list their property for sale in the next three months.

The segment is 60 times more accurate than a random sample.

The model utilises a host of data inputs from CoreLogic’s property data universe, including search and activity data from various platforms, transfers and listings data and market trends data.

“By harnessing the power of property data lenders can fuel smarter property decisions, both for their teams and their customers,” Mr Vassiliev said.

“In a high interest rate environment, customers will hunt for the best deals and an intuitive lender who supports them through their life stages is more likely to retain. Despite lenders’ best efforts, they are often simply engaging too late. Propensity to List identifies at risk customers so lenders can engage with relevant communications to increase their chances of retention when they buy their next property.”

Learn more about Propensity to List at corelogic.com.au/our-data/ propensity-to-list.

Capital City – Top 10 LGAs with the highest propensity to list over the three months to August 2023

Top 10 LGAs with the highest propensity to list over the three months to August 2023

Top

LGAs with the

with the highest propensity to list over the three months to August 2023

propensity to list over the three months to August 2023

Local buyers like what they see at Brookwater – Springfield City.

Springfield City is positioned as the gateway to the western corridor of Southeast Queensland. With an expansive area of 2,860 hectares, it is Australia’s largest master-planned city and the first of its kind since Canberra.

Just 35 minutes away from Brisbane CBD, the interest among buyers has never been stronger, according to Narendran Sinnathamby, the General Manager of Brookwater Residential. Brookwater’s current land release, The Dress Circle, is situated around the first nine holes of the championship golf course designed by Greg Norman. It is the only integrated golf community near Brisbane.

“Discerning buyers are recognising that Brookwater is a premium destination lifestyle suburb,’’ Mr Sinnathamby said.

“The Dress Circle, Brookwater residents not only have on their doorsteps a golf course that is continually rated in the Top 5 in Queensland, but they have a money-can’t-buy modern local community that they are a part of from day one”.

“The Dress Circle, Brookwater is situated within Springfield City, one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions. Springfield City sets the standard for master-planned urban environments in the 21st century and has become a blueprint for nationbuilding,” he added. “The area boasts outstanding schools, and state-of-the-art health facilities, and is now home to the Brisbane Lions AFL Club. Everything you need is within reach.”

Within the Springfield City area, there are 12 schools, 19 childcare facilities, and the University of Southern Queensland providing a remarkable array of options for both private and public amenities, making it an ideal choice for growing families.

There’s a new era for healthcare facilities at Springfield City. The Mater Hospital opened its doors to the people of Springfield City in 2015. With 80 private beds as well as a day surgery unit, the hospital provides the local community with access to innovative, world-class healthcare facilities including four digitally-integrated operating theatres and a state-of-the-art cancer care centre.

Plans for Mater’s new public hospital in Springfield Central unveiled

Your 5 minute neighbourhood:

Health

“Registration of Titles for Stages Three and Four of The Dress Circle, Brookwater are expected from July this year. Fourteen of the 20 home sites in Stage Three have already been sold. Stage 4 boasts 14 absolute golf frontage home sites with prices from $895,000,” Mr Sinnathamby revealed.

“More than 80% of Stages One and Two are now sold with the available lots starting from $599,000 for a 494 sqm home site”.

“As part of the purchase price, all buyers have the opportunity to collaborate with our architects to plan a house that is customised to the buyers’ every need.’’

“We work with buyers on interior and landscape design drawings and then we provide design plans for their builders and craftspeople to bring the project to life and we make The Dress Circle, Brookwater buying process as easy and enjoyable as possible.’’

BROOKWATERRESIDENTIAL.COM.AU

St Peters Lutheran College offers Prep to Year 12 Christian co-education.

Orion Springfield Central offering major retail shops, restaurants, a movie theatre and food court.

City Springfield Central – home to Mater Private Hospital Springfield, Aveo Springfield and Quest Apartment Hotel.

Springfield Central Station offering Brisbane-bound services depart half-hourly during off-peak times.

The Mater Hospital Springfield Stage 2 will consist of a new 10-storey building (9 storeys and partial roof level). With plans to accommodate 152 beds, Stage 2 of the new hospital will include an Intensive Care Unit, Maternity service, and a much-needed Emergency Department.

Winter solstice fUndraising gala

ACACiA RidGE, On Friday, 16th June, a fundraising dinner supporting Vinnes CEO sleepout – 500 houses in 5 years with the theme of together we can break the cycle of homelessness was held at Souths Sports Club.

The event featured a traditional Indonesian dance, “Roro Ngigel”. The first speaker was Sima Mala, an advocate for domestic violence prevention and awareness. The second speaker and event coordinator was Asti Mardiasmo, PRD chief economist and Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games Legacy committee member.

The second dance was a traditional Philippines dance called “Pangalay” by Nora Sahak.

Matt Kratiuk delivered the powerful and engaging keynote speech; he is the Chief Growth Officer at Executive Performance and Brand Ambassador to the Vinnies CEO Sleepout. This was followed by a Traditional Vietnamese dance by the “Dang Xua Dance Group” and songs by Nora Sahak.

Next up was the Speech from the host: Bernadette Windu Hestiati – Vinnies CEO Sleepout participant (2nd year). Following the raffles, Umesh Chandra

OAM reflected on the importance of supporting Vinnies sleepout and the homeless situation; he also delivered a vote of thanks.

Special thanks to the speakers, MC, Sponsors, Volunteers, performers and

everyone involved. Sima Mala, Asti Mardiasmo, Matt Kratiuk, Mark Heinrich, Umesh Chandra OAM, PRD Real Estate, PRD Bayside, Dominos, PN the Label, Sunplace Property Grup, I-Sale Property, Share the

Kindness, QUT Business School, E-Residential, Colorbond, Dulux. Grill’d Wintergarden, Luxe Elite agents, Ginger Spice Hair, Tantiana the Label, Fancynators, Sophia Lewis Makeup, The Nuance, Sok

Ceng, Trisiani, Jason Lewis, Mark Neideck, Ashleigh Beatty, Kiera Payne from PRD Corp, Felicita Madani, Bob McGahan, Todd Boniface, Tish White, Nora Sahak, Maisy and Dang Xua Dance group.

QUt releases spiritual support and inclusion action Plan

QUT has launched its Spiritual Support and Inclusion Action Plan 2023–2025 to coincide with the relaunch of the university chaplaincy service.

CHAPLAiNCy, formerly provided by external agencies, has now been positioned within Student Services.

The planned launch (pictured above) brought together QUT leaders, including Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Sheil, prominent leaders in the faith and religious community, and staff and student representatives from religious clubs.

At the launch, executive sponsor QUT Vice President (Business Development)

Professor Mark Harvey said the plan communicated the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

“The Action Plan serves as a pathway to not only create an environment of tolerance,

but one where the spiritual beliefs, traditions, and cultures of all our staff and students – whether domestic or international – are welcomed and celebrated,” he said.

“The world is a myriad of religions and cultures.

As the University for the Real World, we wish for our campuses and our communities to reflect this rich tapestry and the world that we endeavour it to be,” he said.

The Plan aims to build a culture that supports students and staff from diverse cultures, faith, spiritual beliefs, and traditions, including those with no religious affiliation, and can be viewed on the QUT website.

arya PratinidHi sabHa of QUeensland

सत्य और झठ

Samaj Havan Yajna Satsang at Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre

है, कक

लाभ कमाने के मलए

जब कोई

सड अंग को काटकर शरीर से बाहर कर देते ह। तब व्यककत का जीिन बच जाता है। िह मरने से

बच जाता है। इसी प्रकार से सत्य बोलने तरा सनने िर भी भले ही ऑिरेशन जैसा कषट हो, िरनत बहत सा लाभ भी होता है। और जो झठ बोला जाता है,

िह दद्थ तनिारक गोली अरा्थत िेन

ककलर के समान होता है। िेन

ककलर गोली रोडी देर के मलए दद्थ

को दर कर देती है। िरंत बार-बार

िेन ककलर गोली खाते रहने से भविष्य म उसके नकसान अरा्थत

साइड इिेक्टस बहत अधधक होते

ह। उससे बहत से कषट उठाने िडते

ह। इसमलए तातकामलक लाभ को

न देख। दरगामी िररणामों िर

गंभीरता और बवधिमतता से विचार

कर। झठ बोलने तरा ममथ्या

आचरण करने से बच। सत्य बोलें

तरा सत्य ही आचरण कर। ्यही

व्यिहार सखदा्यक

VED-Divine Knowledge

At the beginning of the human creation, GOD transmitted divine knowledge to mankind for a style of life generating health and happiness. GOD revealed VEDAS or Divine Knowledge to the Rishis or the sages and they passed it on without in any way discriminating between man and woman or between man and man on grounds of caste, creed or colour.

The VEDAS form the foundation and constitute the backbone of ancient culture and civilisation. At the beginning of the creation, the Rishis with pure, sinless and untainted mind respectively in whose hearts the four Vedas, Rig, Yajur, Sam and Atharv were revealed are Agni, Vayu, Aditya and Angira Rishi while they were in deep meditation. Among all Rishis these four were the purest therefore GOD revealed the true knowledge to them only.

Vedas are altogether free from limits and flaws of caste, language or dialect, race, place or country, hatred and malice, inequality, economic and social class distinctions. Vedas paves the way for all round development of life.

Vedas tell us how to live life

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

International Day of Yoga

at the physical, mentalmoral-spiritual and social levels. The practice of YamaNiyama in our daily life makes us more effective on the next steps: aasana, pranayam, pratyahara, dhaarana, dhyaana and samaadhi in our quest of moksha-mukti, salvation or liberation to be in the eternal bliss of the All-blissful Creator.

leads to better understand the reasons behind the prevailing dire conditions and be humane;

• Aparigraha, Nonaccumulation of superfluous things enables us to prioritize on the essentials to sustain life.

NiyAMs, tHE PRiNCiPLEs oF PERsoNAL disCiPLiNE, ARE:

puts us on better footing to understand the causes of suffering and follow the science, logic;

• Ishvar-pranidhaan, surrender to God, the laws of nature, and the laws of the creation will led us to be friendly with all (living & non-living beings).

and how to attain salvation (moksh).Vedas are true, eternal and complete-they have all the ingredients for all the time you do not need to add anything at any time. Vedas paves the way for all round development of life and tell us how to live life and how to attain salvation (moksh). VEDAS are for all human beings, they do not belong to any particular community, caste, country or religion.

VEDAS promote Universal Approach-universality universal brotherhood

yoG (yoga) is not only on the time spent on the mat or in the caves. Yog is about daily life.

The precepts of YamaNiyama, the starting blocks of Ashtang Yog (Sage Patanjali’s Yog Darshan) constitute a panacea to spare us from the problems that send us rock-bottom. They need to be followed at the level of our thoughts, words and physical actions (manasik-vaachanikshaareerik karma) from the subtle to the gross levels and thereafter we shall be realize a peaceful living

yAMAs, tHE PRECEPts tHAt LEAd to Good soCiAL oRdER, ARE:

• Ahimsaa, Non-violence towards all living beings, especially in our pursuit to satiate sensual cravings (taste, smell, sight, hearing & touch); • Satya, Truthfulness at all times, learning from history, some deep thinking and due diligence spares us and the community from the reckless forwarding of messages;

• Asteya, Non-stealing would help curb profiteering & the exploitation of people in need;

• Brahmacharya, Selfrestraint, personal discipline

• Sauch, Purity of mindbody-spirit generates an aura of positivity enhancing self-confidence and mutual trust within the family, society and world;

• Santosh, be content with the things that we have instead of being unhappy for the things that we don’t have or we have to let go endows us with inner peace, serenity;

• Tapah, the practice of austerity fine-tunes our ability to cope with adverse situations thus tones down our selfish behaviour and we’ll be more working for the common good in which lies our personal good;

• Swaadhyaaya, the study of scriptures and allied texts

These norms of social and personal discipline are truly secular, wide-ranging applicable to all human beings, irrespective of appurtenance to any faith, group, country, etc.; in fact they heighten the humane aspect of life.

Prevention is not only better but also cheaper than cure. In our efforts to mitigate social evils and the unrest, economic hardship…. in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, social response through appropriate behaviour will enable us to better handle forthcoming shockwaves. We need to start with the beginning and live the ideals of Yog (Yoga) in daily life.

Acharya Bramdeo Ji

विशि-भाईचारा and Equality-

समानता. VEDAS are free from historical events and details of the mankind.

VEDAS are the final authority in all matters.

What ever is in the VEDAS is supreme ,it is the self luminous light which needs no other light to establish its validity. The VEDAS are the source of knowledge and being of divine origin they contain all branches of learning.There is nothing related to human life,

Acharya Vedvrat Arya Ji , Civil Engineer, Ex Military officer from Shruti Vigyan Aacharyakulam, Kurukshetra, Haryana,India visited Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre on Monday 26/06/2023. Members of Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland Inc had a very fruitful, productive successful Meet-and-Greet, Question and Answer dinner session with well informed enlightened and accomplished Acharya Ji.

material or spiritual which has not been referred to in the VEDAS.

The aim is to promote truth and with the teachings of the Vedas help one progress spiritually in one’s personal life journey to find happiness, peace, harmony ,prosperity and fulfillment -to be continued.

Acharya Bramdeo Mokoonlall

global fair a multicultural expo of creative empowerment opportunities

ALExANdRA Hills On 1

July 2023, Global Fair hosted a Multicultural Business and Art Expo. This was a gathering of multiculturalowned businesses and leaders in Queensland. Throughout the day, leaders and business owners learnt, inspired, and networked during the Leaders Business Forum.

Global Fair, a project that aims to empower multicultural communities to embrace and share their creativity, is the brainchild of the renowned Agnes Whiten AM. She is a professional in the Engineering field and a fierce advocate for equity and diversity.

Agnes is a former chairperson of the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland and has had her contribution recognised through many awards, most notably with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2002. She was later appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2018.

The event’s highlight was Unity Night which

g lobal fair, a projec T

T haT aims To empower mulT iculT ural communi T ies

To embrace and share

T heir creaT ivi T y, is T he brainchild of T he renowned agnes w hi T en am . s he is a professional ain T he e ngineering field az a fierce advocaT e for equi T y and diversi T y.

showcased the Global Fair Awards, where the achievers of the multicultural community were recognised as an integral part of Queensland’s economic and social success.

Agnes Whiten AM presented the Global Fair Award during the Unity Awards Night. The Global Fair Award went to those who innovated, achieved, and exceeded in serving their organisation. In line with that, many worthy recipients were recognised at the gala dinner.

Earlier in the day, there was the opening ceremony,

life global australia’s brisbane launch

CARiNA, Sunday, 25th June, Life Global Australia’s Brisbane launch occurred at the Bollywood Bar.

Dr Dipiti McGowan (board of directors) said, “With today’s event, we are launching Life Global Australia in Brisbane. You will learn little about who we are and what we hope to achieve. T

Tonight, we are raising funds for one of our three projects to empower women who live in poverty in rural India by allowing them to be trained in a skill and set up their businesses. Each sponsorship provides a woman with holistic training, which includes opening a bank account, managing finances, selfdefence classes and market linkage.

The sponsorship includes equipment to start a business and support for a year. The women are supported for three years to understand how they progress. Donors receive reports with updates on how the women are doing.”

The delicious meal

was served by an excellent Bollywood Bar! Whilst enjoying a lovely evening together. Umesh Chandra OAM spoke on GOPIO International and gave an overview of GOPIOs’ activities and achievements.

Rushhikesh Pandya CDOO, via AV presentation,

cultural show, arts festival, and business expo. Later in the day, a Multicultural leaders business forum was held to discuss topics like diversity and inclusion, leadership and empowerment, arts and creativity, small business grants and assistance, community services, digital marketing and cyber security and health and wellness.

Overall a successful and meaningful event over two days on 2nd July, a family fun day including a variety show, arts festival and business expo was well attended.

shed light on the activities of Life Global; Mrs Usha Chandra and Irene Bayldon of GOPIO Queensland were in attendance.

Life Global members had attended the GOPIO Gold Coast Gala dinner function at Sea World convention centre.

The sponsorship includes equipmen T To s Tar T a business and suppor T for a year. The women are suppor T ed for T hree years To unders Tand how

T hey progress. d onors receive repor T s wi T h updaT es on how

T he women are doing.”

the continued quest of fiji indians for their identity in new Zealand

tHE advocacy for Fiji Indians for their correct identity and proper treatment by New Zealand government in general and Ministry of Pacific People in particular was evident in an overflowing Malaeola Community Centre on 20 May, 2023, with over 1,500 people.

This Mangere, South Auckland venue was the celebration of 144th Anniversary of FIJI GIRMIT REMEMBRANCE DAY. And that is the number of years Fiji Indians have been part of the Pacific – and some six generations on.

Krish Naidu, the President FIJI GIRMIT FOUNDATION

NZ, the umbrella body of Kiwi Fiji Indians, very judiciously and expediently chose the right place and time. This was on the stage overflowing with Community leaders, diplomats, Government Ministers, Academics, and a potential National PM, among other politicians, in the welcome Presidential speech.

On stage were NZ Deputy Prime Minister, Carmel Sepuloni, Leader of the Opposition, and possibly future NZ Prime Minister (according to the latest polls), Christopher Luxon, Ethnic Minister Priyanka Radhakrishnan, Transport & Auckland Minister, Michael Wood, Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon, Fiji

Govt Representatives- Sugar and Multi-Ethic Minister –Hon Charan Jeath Singh, Fiji High Commissioner to NZ Ratu Inoke Kubuabola and representative of Indian High Commission, among others.

His advocacy was emphatic - and he sounded like a confident sure leader.

Two years ago, in 2021 at the same place he had advocated that Fiji Indians were Pacific people. They were not asking for a favour but just wished to be recognised for what they were. He had advocated that Fiji Indians needed to be acknowledged as part of an inclusive Pacific community where diversity within the Pacific community was embraced and celebrated. An official recognition was needed from the government beyond the role of Stats NZ.

However, it was evident the Ministry of Pacific Peoples and NZ government have ignored these pleas. In his emphatic and forceful welcome presentation with a very attentive audience, Krish Naidu complained that the Ministry for Pacific Peoples continued ignoring Fiji Indians. He hit it hard:

“It appears the injustices and discrimination our Girmitiyas met in Fiji 144 years ago have been following their fourth and fifth generations in a supposedly fair, just and a transparent First

World New Zealand.” Krish lamented. This was after the Author of “Tears in Paradise” Rajendra Prasad, in his keynote address, gave graphic details of institutionalised discrimination on the Girmitiyas by the colonial government in Fiji.

It was indeed a bad reflection NZ’s human rights record, especially when the Race Relations Commissioner was on stage, and two years ago, he had also supported a call of the Foundation for Fiji Indians to be rightfully recognised as Pacific peoples.

It was evident this had not been done. Krish Naidu continued:

“The Ministry of Pacific is taxpayer funded for all Pacific People but it fails to bring the whole Fiji community together.

In the National Fijian Wellbeing Plan 2022, while

Fiji Indian demographic data is used, there was no consultation or engagement with Fiji Indian community. Ironically, while Fiji Indian data is used to show the high number, these people are excluded,” he continued his lament about lackadaisical attitude of this Ministry towards Fiji Indians. He continued championing the view that Fiji Indians should not be treated as a ceremonial piece only. They needed to be part of official policy framework of Pacific People always, and not merely when it suits them. He accused the Ministry of institutionalised discrimination and requested for real political leadership, and PM-in-waiting Christopher Luxon was listening.

He continued with shortfalls in Ministry of Pacific

Power of transformed mind

Peoples by revealing that Fiji Indian youths in tertiary education continue to be denied Pacific scholarships in some areas. A recent Pacific scholarship of $18.3 million was allocated for Science, Technology, Education, Arts and Mathematics (STEM), yet none of these funds are allocated for Fiji Indian youths. He questioned why should a NZ born privileged Pacific person be entitled but a Fiji Indian was excluded?

“Pacific language week strategy and planning has no focus and recognition of Fijian Indian language. It excludes Fiji Indians, and fails to celebrate the diversity of languages in Fiji. It’s a missed opportunity and discrimination”, Krish complained.

He called for a need to build unity and social cohesion amongst the wider Fiji community, and questioned the need for so many vaccinations drive for different communities from Fiji, wasting taxpayer resources.

Apart from these crucial issue for Fiji Indians, the evening was a fitting tribute to memory of legacies and heritage of Fiji Indians.

A miracle was that it was a free event that was fully funded by the community, with cultural programmes, formal speeches, rewarding of

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.

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.

Romans 12:2 (NIV)

dEAR REAdER, We are exited to bring you the good news on this planet.

Our theme simple and clear. It is to make God real and personal.

And when we make God very real person, only then we can know Him and relate to Him.

God is not an object or an image or imagination of human mind. It is a great tragedy when our almighty God is reduced to an imagination of our mind. Therefore a careful examination of our heart is important and critical to know God.

God is a living and loving person. Even though

He is all powerful and mighty, He is kind and compassionate. He created humankind in His image and likeness. 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 con-fidence you can have in Christ alone.

Let us examine Romans 12:2, so that we can apply a powerful truth.

and recognising of Fiji Indian octogenarian Seniors, event overflowing with snacks, refreshments, kava and of course very sumptuous dinner and desserts. This was through enlightened generosity from businesses and individuals in their community which collaborated to salute the Girmitiyas -the indentured labourers to Fiji.

The wellbeing of current Fiji Indians has been obtained through their tears, sweat and blood, and forever they were thankful to them.

He paid tribute to his forebears and hoped the discrimination and injustices they faced in Fiji over 140 years ago would not be mirrored on their descendants in the present New Zealand.

In conclusion, Krish Naidu hoped the leadership of NZ present there on stage would take note of concerns that were expressed previously, with no action.

It is hoped somebody would listen, at least in the election year.

[About the Author: thakur Ranjit singh is a founding trustee of Fiji Girmit Foundation, a journalist, a media commentator and blogger at FiJi PUNdit this is not a press release by the Foundation but an independent journalistic observation. E-mail: thakurjifj@gmail.com]

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 prosperous living.

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 produced by the influence of your heart. Your thoughts reflect the condition of your soul. A good heart produces good and pleasing thoughts and leads to good words and good deeds. Jesus said, ‘A good tree produces a good fruit, a bad tree produces bad fruits’. Only the Word of God and the Holy Spirit has the power to heal of our corrupt hearts and mind.

Jesus promised that when you trust in Him and

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

Thakur Ranjit Singh, FIJI PUNDIT

Jesus said “arise and Shine…”

Krish Naidu delivering his welcome speech Minister Priyanka Radhakrishnan at the Girmit Remembrance Day

Waitakere Hindi School students who sang national anthem of Fiji, NZ and India

President Krish Naidu (L) with Trustee of the Foundation Mandvi Singh and National Party Leader and the Leader of Opposition, Christopher Luxon.

GoPAL Krishna Gokhale was an educationalist, politician and social reformer. He was a moderate leader of Indian National Congress and is ascribed to be the political guru of Mahatma Gandhi. He strove to bring changes to the British administration of India through petitions, persuasions and constitutional means. Gokhale instituted the Servant of India Society to promote social and human development and worked assiduously to unite different political factions.

Early life – Gopal Krishna Gokhale was born on May 9, 1866, in a village named Kotluk in Ratnagiri district of Maharastra. His father’s name was Krishnarao and mother’s was Balutai, also known as Satyabhama. The couple had six children, four daughters and two sons. Their eldest son Govindrao was five years senior to Gopal.

Krishnarao was employed in a clerical job. Balutai was a religious woman and managed her home. She instilled in her children the value of religion and devotion to one’s family. The parents wished that their children should be educated to have a better future.

Unfortunately, Krishnarao died early and the responsibility of the family fell on Govindrao. After his father’s death, Govindrao started working to support the family. The family wished Gopal to have a formal education, as his father had desired. Govindrao financially supported Gopal to continue and complete his education.

Gokhale received his early education at Rajaram High School in Kolhapur. After matriculation, he moved to Pune and was admitted to the Deccan College for higher studies. For his senior BA degree, he joined the Elphinstone College, Mumbai. During his college education, he was exposed to western political thoughts. At the age of 18, he completed his graduation from Elphinstone College.

The nationalist leaders Vishnushastri Chiplunkar, Lokmanya Tilak and Gopal Agarkar had started the New English School in Pune. It was the first Indian-run school offering western education. Encouraged by the success of the school and with support from other prominent individuals in the region, they created the Deccan Education Society in 1884. The Deccan Education Society established many schools and colleges in Pune and other towns during the following decades.

After graduating, Gokhale joined the New English School in Pune in 1885, as an assistant teacher. He also taught in a class for Public Service Commission examination and received payment that augmented his income from the school.

Recognising his talent and performance, he was offered the post of a lecturer in the newly started Fergusson College. The Deccan Education Society had started the college and named it after Sir James Fergusson, the governor of Mumbai. At Fergusson College, Gokhale soon became a professor. At various times, he taught mathematics, history, economics and English literature by turn. His understanding of the English language allowed him to express himself without hesitation and with utmost clarity. Eventually,

Gopal Krishna Gokhale

he became the principal of the college. Gokhale became a lifemember of the Deccan Education Society in 1889 and became its secretary two years later.

Gokhale shared his views with Gopal Agarkar, the co-founder of the New English School, on social issues. When Agarkar started his own weekly publication ‘Sudharak’, Gokhale took the role of editor of its English section. However, he left ‘Sudharak’ soon after, as he started working for Pune Sarvajanik Sabha. He became a secretary of the Sarvajanik Sabha and the editor of its quarterly journal.

The Sarvajanik Sabha in Pune was a medium to ventilate the grievances of the people. It was also used to bring to the notice of the government the shortcomings of its policies and their implementation. Mahadev Govind Ranade, a renowned scholar, social reformer and jurist in Pune, was the main organiser of the Sabha. Ranade was impressed by Gokhale’s sincerity and his willingness to work hard. He became Gokhale’s mentor and trained him in all spheres of public life and taught him sincerity, devotion to public service and tolerance. Inspired by Ranade, Gokhale carried on his reform work after the former’s death.

Gokhale married Savitribai in 1880 under the prevailing practice of child marriage. Sadly she contracted an incurable disease. Under pressure from the family members and with consent of his wife, he married again in 1887 to Rishibama. His second wife gave birth to two daughters and a son. The son survived only for a few days. Rishibama died soon after his birth in 1899. Savitribai, his first wife, had already passed away. Gokhale did not marry again. He devoted his full energies to the national cause. His relatives cared for his daughters.

Politics and social work: From a young age, Gokhale was attracted to the events of social and national significance. As a student he collected funds for the release of Tilak and Agarkar, who were imprisoned for an article in their publications. At the age of twenty, he delivered a public lecture titled “India under the British Rule” at a meeting attended by British officials. He was applauded for his expression and command of the English language.

Gokhale maintained progressive views on social issues. He was in favour of education for girls. He supported the Age of Consent Bill to increase the minimum age for all girls from ten to twelve years.

In 1888, the Indian National Congress decided to held provincial conferences regularly.

Mumbai provincial conference was held in Pune that year. Gokhale was appointed its secretary for the first four years. In his speeches, Gokhale emphasised the importance and usefulness of the English education. He firmly believed that if India’s case were properly explained to the English people, they would get justice. His views were consistent with the views held by contemporaneous senior leaders of the Congress such as Ranade, Naoroji and Pherozeshah Mehta.

In 1889, Gokhale attended the Mumbai session of Indian

National Congress for the first time as a delegate from Pune. In the session, he supported the resolution that asked for simultaneous examinations for entrance into the Indian Civil Service in England and India. He also reminded the British of the Queen’s Declaration of 1858 assuring the Indians that they would be treated on an equal footing of race and religion.

Gokhale, along with other leaders, worked to increase the political representation and control over public affairs for Indians. With his moderate views and attitudes, he advocated petitions to the British authorities to achieve their aims.

In 1895, he was chosen secretary of the Indian National Congress. The same year he was elected to the senate of the University of Mumbai. From 1898 to 1906 Gokhale was a member of the Pune Municipality and served as its president in 1902 and 1905. Under his leadership, the municipal government was effectively reformed and democratized.

In 1899 he was elected to the provincial Legislative Council in which he played a prominent role. He was elected to the Imperial Council of the Governor General of India on December 20, 1901 and again on 22 May 1903 as a nonofficiating member representing the Mumbai province. Gokhale presented his views to the Council on national economy, industrial development, support to farmers and agriculture, tax, education, exploitations against weaker sections of society and other social and political issues.

In 1905, Gokhale was elected president of the Congress. He presided over the annual session held in Varanasi. Bengal was divided into two the same year. He criticised the act of division, which was designed to sow the seeds of communal discord, although the government claimed it necessary for administrative reason. The division was annulled in 1911.

Gokhale founded the Servant of India Society in 1905 to advance

The elected Indians were allowed to table resolutions, debate budgetary matters, and ask supplementary questions, which they were previously prevented from doing so. Nevertheless, they were not permitted to discuss foreign policy or relations with the princely states. The British executive retained an absolute veto over all legislation.

Though the Act did increase Indian participation in the legislative councils, but it did nothing to address the Indian National Congress's demands for self-rule. The introduction of separate electorates for Muslims was perceived to be an imperial attempt at control through an elective policy of divide and rule. Gokhale was disappointed by the outcome of his efforts.

In 1910, Gokhale moved a resolution in the central legislature to enforce compulsory and free primary education throughout India. The government declined it.

his programs. He believed that true political change in India would be possible when a new generation of Indians became aware of their civil rights, and developed patriotic feeling towards their country and fellow citizens. He travelled throughout India to attract educated youth to the Society. In 1911, Gokhale founded an English newspaper titled ‘The Hitavad’ that disseminated the objectives and programs of the Society. The Society organised campaigns to promote education and discourage social ills such as untouchability and oppression of women and weaker sections of society. He noted the irony of the prevailing practice of untouchability in Hindu society, which considered that a person became polluted by the touch of another human but remained pure after coming in contact with an animal.

Gokhale was politically opposed to Tilak, but held him in high regard. During the Surat Congress session in 1907, a scuffle broke out in the meeting. Gokhale physically shielded Tilak from harm, although he was against the latter in proceedings.

Gokhale visited England many times and voiced his concerns relating to the unfair treatment of the Indian people by the British government. In one span of 49 days, he spoke in front of 47 different audiences, to deliver his message, impressing many along the way.

While Gokhale pleaded for a gradual reform to ultimately attain Swaraj, or selfgovernment, in India, some of his contemporaries, comprising a radical element, wished to use force as a means of persuasion. Gokhale maintained his moderate political views and worked out some reforms for the betterment of India.

Gokhale was instrumental in the formation of the MintoMorley Reforms of 1909. It made political changes that included increasing the size of the central and provincial legislative councils and expanding the memberships.

Gokhale first met Mahatma Gandhi in 1896 in Pune. Gandhi had come to India from South Africa and sought support from Congress leaders for his South African movement. Gandhi went to Pune and met Tilak and Gokhale. Gokhale impressed him and in describing his personality, Gandhi likened him to the River Ganga for his perceived holiness, simplicity and welcoming attitude towards all.

Gandhi again met Gokhale in 1901 during the Congress session in Kolkata. Gokhale helped Gandhi to present his resolution on South Africa, which was passed by the Congress. Gandhi stayed with Gokhale for a month and became familiar with his routines and ways of working. Gokhale also raised funds for Gandhi’s struggle.

In 1910, Gokhale proposed the Natal Indentured Labour Bill, which helped gain a legal framework for Gandhi’s struggle in South Africa. Subsequently, Gokhale travelled to Africa in 1912 and held meetings with various African leaders. Gandhi had remarked, “If Gokhale had not played this stellar role, the South African problem would never have resolved”.

Gandhi included in his autobiography an anecdote describing his ironing of Gokhale’s scarf, during the latter’s visit to South Africa. The scarf was a gift from his mentor Ranade. Gokhale had initially doubted Gandhi’s ironing skills, but after inspecting the end result, certified him an expert Dhobi.

On Gokhale’s encouragement in 1914, Gandhi decided to return to India. In India, Gokhale advised Gandhi to learn about India from a grassroots level. His advice prompted Gandhi to travel across India for a year.

Gokhale was a diabetes and asthma patient. His physical condition deteriorated due to the pressures of his work and he passed away on 19 February 1915.

Tilak attended his funeral procession and delivered a passionate speech eulogising his contributions to the national cause of self-rule. He wrote an editorial in Kesari, honouring the great man. Mahatma Gandhi said of Gokhale, “He was as pure as crystal, as gentle as a lamb, as brave as a lion, and the most perfect man in the political field.”

—Awadhesh sharma www.hinduguru.com.au

With the Divine blessings and grace of Lord Shiva, SKED management is pleased to announce that contract has been signed to acquire land for establishing Shivalayam in Brisbane The property located in Park Ridge comes with the land size of 1 25acre and a built in structure Upon settlement of the contract Shivalayam will operate as a temporary place of Hindu worship till we have sufficient funds to build a proper ShivShakti temple

In this place of worship all Hindu faith communities will be welcome to have Shiv Shakti darshan, regular poojas, homams, abhishekams, satsangs, group,prayers, discourses & with monthly devotional events as well It will provide a platform to all for performing rituals, religious ceremonies and satiate spiritual needs of all. To facilitate this, experienced Veda Pandit (priest) from India will be employed to maintain regular day to day worship activities in the temple as well as conduct religious Services of home poojas for the ceremonial needs of the devotees

From time to time it will serve as a place for conducting meditation, yoga, cultural learnings and activities for enhancement of hindu heritage in children, young adults and senior devotees A library of Sanatan Dharma related books and resources will also be set up on the premises in future

The contract price is $1 87M with 40days time period for due diligence and finance clause to satisfy by JULY 25TH and 55 days for settlement thereafter which is around SEP 15th, 2023 SKED has already paid a $30,000 deposit and $150k will be paid as part of a 5% deposit which will be non-refundable when contract becomes unconditional on July 25th

As the time limits are to be complied to , we have no other way out but to collect necessary funds soonest

Thus SKED is seeking support from the entire community to come forward and support the fund-raiser endeavour to get through the contract successfully

An unstinted day and night effort of more than 4 yrs has brought SKED just one step away to establish a Shrine for Mahadev and thus requesting families to contribute for this noble cause with all their might

If you have not yet performed Mahadaan Bhoomi Daan then please do it now as a matter of urgency Families who have already contributed for Bhoomi Daan are also requested to contribute for another sqm or more if possible as you may note

2567 Bhoomi Daan Donors are still needed to donate one sqm of $516

Or 1190 Bhoomi Sevas & Scheme Donors are needed to donate the amount $1116

Or 63 Vasudha Scheme Donors are needed to donate the amount $21,000 (A Scheme with multiple benefits and privileges for a 5 year period)

Please note any small donation is welcome as each drop makes an ocean Donors in each category will benefit from multiple privileges

Please contact us for more details on Geetha 0414614937, Raj 0405 287 287, Bharat Solanki 0411 131 485 Sujee 0416 514 731,Anu 0405 277 802

Your contribution, seva and participation will get you Divine blessings and will be remembered, appreciated and valued by the SKED team forever

BANK DETAILS:

ACCOUNT NAME: SRI KAMAKSHI EKAMBARESWARA DHAAM BSB 484799 ACCOUNT 351034685

https://www gofund me/38a76c2e

the ambrosial period of chaturmasa to amass the spiritual wealth: June 29, 2023

– november 23, 2023

tHE content of this article is taken from the satsang (spiritual discourse) of H.H. Sant Shri Asharamji Bapu. Swami Vivekananda addressed the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in September 1893. A hundred years after him, Pujya Bapu ji addressed the same Parliament in September 1993 and the whole parliament reverberated with the chanting of Hari Om. Both of these world-renowned spiritual leaders addressed the audience for a much longer period than the given time and the audience were absorbed in listening to them.

To save the youth who are being ruined due to the lustful festivals like valentine’s day, in 2007 Pujya Bapu ji-initiated celebrations of Matri-Pitri Pujan Diwas (Parents’ worship day) on 14th February. Pujya Bapu ji felt that, due to the blind imitation of Western culture there has been a steep rise in the incidences of alcoholism, suicide, and other immoral activities, especially among the youth during the last week of December. To rescue the youth from this debauchery and denigration, Pujya Bapu ji came up with the idea of worshipping a sacred Tulsi plant (holy basil). So, with a view to awaken the cultural pride of India and to save the countrymen from mental slavery, in 2014, he initiated celebration of Tulsi pujan on 25th December. Pujya Bapu ji has always emphasized the necessity to follow rich Indian culture and always said that it is only the Indian culture and Sanatana dharma which can give the world true happiness & peace.

Dear readers, in this article Pujya Bapu ji talks about the nectareous period of Chaturmasa.

Chaturmasa literally translates to ‘four months’ is a period that falls in the rainy season and is considered especially holy. This year the holy period of Chaturmasa will start on 29th June 2023 and will finish on 23rd November 2023. In Hinduism and Jainism, the period of Chaturmasa holds high significance.

Chaturmasa starts from Deva-shayani Ekadashi and lasts until Deva -uthi Ekadashi of Kartik month.

Lord Narayana sleeps in

Yoganidra, in solitude in the ocean, during these four months immersed in the bliss of Brahman. As a result, the power of the water increases, and in the same way, a seeker enhances the power of his mind and intellect by doing ajapa-japa (chantless mantra) with his breath, thereby coming closer to the bliss of Brahman. Doing action for the fulfillment of desires or motives such as marriages during these four months, is harmful. Actions such as fasting, mauna (silence), japa (chanting), charity, meditation and morning bath are especially beneficial, meritorious and success – giving.

In these four months enjoyment of carnal pleasure or conjugal sex will do more harm, but if self-restraint is observed, you will get great help in reflection on Brahman, meditation on Brahman and get repose in Brahman, just as Lord Narayana rests in Brahman.

EsPECiALLy BENEFiCiAL iN CHAtURMAsA

Take a river bath, pond bath, or ocean-bath before sunrise in Chaturmasa or put three bilva leaves in a bucket filled with water and bathe with that water; or make a mixture of sesame seeds, barley and powder of dried Amla (Indian gooseberry) fruit. Put a little mixture in a bucket or a bowl, filled with water and make a solution and rub it on the body then chant ‘Om Namah Shivaya, Om Namah Shivaya…’ or contemplate that the Brahman has assumed the form of water and then take a bath. Such a bath will destroy sin, give religious merit and enhance spiritual radiance. By this, the fruit of bathing in all pilgrimages will be obtained. Sapta-Dhanya ubatan contains barley and sesame seeds, so use this unguent before bathing is also pleasant and joyous. The devotee should take water in his hollowed hand and consider it as the water with which the feet of Bhagavan Vishnu are washed, and then pour it on his head. If for some reason, he cannot take a bath with ash or a mental bath with chanting of mantras.

The person who lights a lamp under a Tulsi plant or an Amla tree or a banyan tree, or in a sacred place like a temple, hermitage, river, or

crossroads has an increase in the light of knowledge in his intellect, understanding and practical life.

The person who eats food served on a pattala (a plate made of palash leaves sewn together) has a preponderance of sattva in his intellect and gets the love of God.

If you cannot fast for one day a week in Chaturmasa, then fasting for 1 day in 15 days is a must. This Opportunity should not be missed.

For four months, Lord Vishnu lives in nomind bhava without any companion or materials. If you too remain like this during this period, then it will be helpful in your spiritual progress. This is an opportunity to fill your life with devotional love for Bhagavan, divine knowledge and divine joy.

This opportunity to do penance and sadhna, bhajan during Chaturmasa should not be missed. I performed an anushthana for 40 days, probably that would have been Chaturmasa as far as I remember. The powers that I got and the treasure that I got in those 40 days has not reduced at all even after distributing it to the masses for the past 50 years.

iNCREAsE yoUR

sPiRitUAL WEALtH

Regarding the glory of Chaturmasa, Pujya Bapuji says: Just as the peasant takes rest after sowing seeds, and waits for the crop, similarly this period of Chaturmasa marks the start of amassing the spiritual wealth. If possible, take single meal in month of Shravana and increase the Japa. If possible, visit the sacred places to perform Anushthana or arrange a separate room for worship at Home. He should enter the room at 5 am after bath in the morning and come out on second or third morning as part of “Anushthana”. He should observe silence, consume

only fruit or light food or milk fitting his physical needs to increase spiritual wealth. He should be determined firmly: “It should not matter if I get respected or insulted, praised or censured; I will attain God even it requires to leave 10 million tasks.” That’s all, and then God will create the opportunity to reveal himself in your Heart”.

tAKE FULL AdvANtAGE oF tHE tREMENdoUsLy GLoRioUs PERiod oF CHAtURMAsA By NotiNG tHE FoLLoWiNG FACts)

1. Remaining engaged in virtuous acts like performance of duty, listening to Satsang, serving the Self-realized men, having Darshan of Saints, worshipping the Lord, etc. and having passion for making donations to deserving persons are considered extremely propitious during the period of Chaturmasa.

2. Sleeping on the bare ground (with blanket, a mat or bedsheet, etc.), practicing Bramhcharya, Japa, Charity, etc. are especially beneficial during these days.

3. Taking bath with water mixed with Amla (Indian Gooseberry) juice makes a man lustrous and he earns great merits daily.

4. Food in Copper utensils is prohibited in these periods of Chaturmasa. As per the scriptures one should take food served in the Leaves of Palaasha (Butea frondose) tree to enhance Brahmabhava.

5. One should avoid slandering others specially in these days.

6. Rituals such as marriages are prohibited in these days. As these four months are meant for observance of austerities.

7. The Padma Purana states that one doing Japa and Kirtana of the Lord’s Name, When the latter is asleep, gets crore-fold merits.

8. Recitation of the “Purush Shuktam” while

Bandhan, Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, Durga Puja, Karwa Chauth, Dhanteras, Narak Chaturdashi, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, Bhai Dooj & Chhath Puja.

Chaturmasa has significance for Jains and Buddhists as well. The Jain festival of Paryushan also falls in Chaturmas and is observed for 8 days by devotees from the Shwetambara Parampara and 10 days for the Digambara Parampara. A shloka from the scriptures about Chaturmas:

वार्षिकांश्चतरो मासान वाह्येत केनच्चननरः । व्रतेन न ्चेदापनोतत ककल्बि् वतसरोद्भवम ॥

standing in front of Lord Vishnu’s image, augments one’s intellectual power.

otHER iNFoRMAtioN ABoUt CHAtURMAsA

Chaturmas is a holy period of four months (July to October/November)

Shravan, Bhadrapada, Ashwin and Kartik, in the Hindu calendar. The first month in Chaturmas, Shravan is dedicated to Lord Shiva, especially the Mondays. The next month is Bhadrapada, the month of festivals including the Ganesh Chaturthi and Krishna Ashtami. Then comes Ashwin month and the important festivals include, Durga Puja, Navratri, Diwali etc. Finally, Kartik, Diwali celebrations end in this month. The Chaturmasa falls during the period of Dakshinayana. It is believed that Lord Vishnu resides for four months with Bali, the King of Patala and remains absorbed in Yoga Nidra during Chaturmasa. Therefore, this will be the time when carrying out all auspicious works and activities will be completely forbidden.

During Chaturmasa, the earth gets plenty of rain and less amount of sunrays fall on the earth. Because of the less amount of sun rays the digestive power becomes slightly weaker during this period. All activities affecting the digestive system are prohibited. Marriages are considered inauspicious during this period. The newly born insects in rainy season are killed during house construction, so house construction in Chaturmasa is also considered inauspicious.

It is the time for devotion, penance, bathing in holy rivers, performing sacrifices, and charity. Major celebrations within this holy period include Guru Purnima, Hariyali Teej, Nag Panchami, Krishna Janmashtami, Kajari Teej, Raksha

The yearly Chaturmasa should be spent with some type of fasting, otherwise one gets the seasonal diseases.

WHAt is EKAdAsHi?

Ekadashi is the eleventh lunar day of the lunar fortnight, called Paksha (literally meaning ‘side’, but here used in the context of ‘half’). The two Pakshas, namely Shukla Paksha (the bright or the waxing phase of the moon) and the Krishna Paksha (the dark or the waning phase of the moon), together make up one lunar month which should not be confused with the Gregorian Solar month.

To listen Vedic/knowledge stories or to listen 24X7 live divine Satsang, please search “Mangalmay live” on google, visit http://www.ashram. org/live or search “THE SBM STUDIO” on you tube. By the Divine Inspiration of Bapu ji, the weekly sessions of Bal Sanskar and yoga are held in Brisbane, Melbourne and in Sydney. These sessions are aimed for the character, mental, intellectual and spiritual development of the kids. The kids are trained to learn yogic mudras, techniques, yogasnas and pranayamas. These yogic techniques along with jap and meditation help kids in attaining virtues like righteousness and selfrestraint. The kids learn precious keys to develop intelligence and take advantage of chanting and meditation while playing and laughing. Please read more about our Vedic culture in the next issue of “The Brisbane Indian Times.”

To know more about His Divine Holiness Bapu ji, please watch this video.

https://bit.ly/2uZvJuN

For more info about Bal sanskar and yoga sessions, to get a free copy of monthly spiritual magazine RishiPrasad in your mailbox in Australia or to get free online subscription of Rishi -Prasad, please contact by email at bskamd@gmail. com or by WhatsApp/ phone at +61 426 834 434 & +61 405 277 802

kerala fest 2023

REPoRtEd By JoHNsoN PUNNELiPARAMBiL

tHE United Malayalees of Queensland Inc, an umbrella organisation operating from Brisbane, is organising Kerala Fest 2023 at 44 Acacia Road, Karawatha QLD 4117, on Saturday 12th August 2023 during the festival season of Onam. The two key features of the celebration are All Queensland Thiruvathira competition and Vallasadya (grand vegetarian feast).

Deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Kerala, the festival of Onam holds immense significance for the people of Kerala, the southern Indian state, as well as the Malayalee (People who have Malayalam as their mother tongue/natives of Kerala) community dispersed across the globe. Lasting for ten days, Onam is a joyous celebration that not only brings together families and friends but also promotes community strengthening and the acceptance of others. Onam is believed to commemorate the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali, who is revered as a just and benevolent ruler. According to certain myths, during King Mahabali's reign, Kerala experienced a period of harmony, prosperity, and equality among all its inhabitants. The festival

serves as a reminder of this golden era and aims to recreate the spirit of unity and goodwill among people. The atmosphere is filled with excitement as people engage in various activities like cultural performances, traditional games, and the grand feast known as Onasadya.

One of the most unique aspects of Onam is the significance it places on the spirit of inclusivity and acceptance. Regardless of caste, religion, or social status, Onam unites people under its festive umbrella. The festival serves as a reminder that, at its core, humanity transcends all boundaries and that embracing diversity is the key to a harmonious society. This message holds particular relevance in today's globalized world, where cultural exchange and understanding are more crucial than ever.

For the Malayalee community residing outside Kerala, Onam acts as a cherished link to their cultural roots. Despite being far away

d eeply rooT ed in T he culT ural fabric of k erala, T he fes T ival of o nam holds immense significance for T he people of k erala, T he sou T hern i ndian s TaT e, as well as T he m alayalee ( p eople who have m alayalam as T heir moT her Tongue/naT ives of k erala) communi T y dispersed across T he globe.

from their homeland, Malayalees come together to celebrate Onam with great enthusiasm, showcasing their customs, traditions, and culinary delights. In these communities, Onam serves as a unifying force, fostering a sense of belonging and preserving their shared heritage. Moreover, Onam emphasizes the spirit of

giving and charity. Many charitable organizations and individuals take the opportunity to extend their help to the less fortunate during this festival. Donations, contributions, and acts of kindness are abundant during Onam, reflecting the collective belief in uplifting the community and standing by those in

need.

The highlight of the celebration this year will be a presentation of Mega Thiruvathira dance form with more than 300 participants from across the state. In this dance form, women dance around a lighted lamp (Nilavilakku), clapping their hands in symphony and moving their

feet in rhythm with the accompaniment of music in what is regarded as the celebration of womanhood. Please contact the following individuals for further details about the event: dr. Jacob Cheriyan - 0419732780, Jiji Jayan- 0404418033, shaji theckanath – 0401352044. the team can be contacted at umqqld@gmail.com.

Who, What, Where, When...

Shivaan's Grand First Birthday party was held at Arya Samaj Hall, Willawong, on 25th June 2023.

Ali Kadri Welcomes new citizens and their families and invites guests together with elected representatives.

Federal Treasurer- Jim Chalmers MP was popular at the Islamic College of Brisbane Citizenship ceremony.

Davinder Bains and Usha Chandra at Banyo festival

Councillor Jarrod Cassidy and Usha Chandra of Globenet Realty (Sponsor) at Zillmere Eagles

Winners of the Globenet Realty guess the Jelly Beans competition claim their prizes- congratulations.

Globenet Realty stall at Banyo festival – guess the number of Jelly beans is always popular.

Islamic College of Brisbane students reciting the National Anthem at the citizenship ceremony.

Who, What, Where, When...

Lord Mayor’s Multicultural round table in Session

Vanessa Williams discusses the new business opportunity with Usha Chandra at Brookwater Golf Club

Cocon Homes at Lord Mayors budget lunch

Indian community reference group meeting was held at Upper Mt Gravatt Police Station

Proud new citizens at post-ceremony reception with Lord Mayor

Pracharak Alpesh Parmar ji reaches million plus views on facebook live from Gayatri Mandir BoondallAustralian Indian Radio live streams every Tuesday night from the Mandir

Aman Poonia, Councillor Tracy Davis, Umesh Chandra OAM and Indu Kant Sharma at Lord Mayors budget lunch

Lord Mayor and Councillor Fiona Hammond Marchant Ward at post-citizenship reception

Six hundred-plus new citizens are being sworn in at Brisbane city hall

Virtues of Muharram and Fasting on 'Ashura

BY ML. M. NAWAAZ ASHRAFI

ABU Bakarah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "The year is twelve months of which four are sacred, the three consecutive months of Dhul-Qa'dah, Dhul-Hijjah and Muharram, and Rajab Mudar which comes between Jumadah and Sha'ban."

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, the Seal of the Prophets and Chief of the Messengers, and upon all his family and companions.

Allah's sacred month of Muharram is a blessed and important month. It is the first month of the Hijri calendar and is one of the four sacred months concerning which Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

"verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve months (in a year), so it was ordained by Allah on the day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them, four are sacred. that is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein …

"Al-Qur'an 9:36

Abu Bakarah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

"The year is twelve months of which four are sacred, the three consecutive months of Dhul-Qa'dah, Dhul-Hijjah and Muharram, and Rajab Mudar which comes between Jumadah and Sha'ban."Reported by AlBukhari, 2958

Muharram is so called because it is a sacred (muharram) month and to confirm its sanctity. Allah's words (interpretation of the meaning): " ... so wrong not yourselves therein … " mean do not wrong yourselves in these sacred months, because sin in these months is worse than in other months. It was reported that Ibn 'Abbas said that this phrase referred to all the months, then these four were singled out and made sacred, so that sin in these months is more serious and good deeds bring a greater reward.

Qatadah said concerning this phrase that wrongdoing during the sacred months is more serious and more sinful that wrongdoing at any other time. Wrongdoing at any time is a serious matter, but Allah gives more weight to whichever of His commands He will. Allah has chosen certain ones of His creation. He has chosen from among the angels Messengers and from among mankind Messengers. He chose from among speech the remembrance of Him (dhikr). He chose from among the earth the mosques, from among the months Ramadhan and the sacred months, from among the days Friday and from among the nights Laylatul-Qadr, so venerate that which Allah has told us to venerate. People of understanding and wisdom venerate the things that Allah has told us to venerate.

[Summarized from the Tafsir of Ibn Kathir, may Allah have mercy on him. Tafsir of Surah at-Tawbah, ayah 36]

tHE viRtUE oF oBsERviNG

MoRE NAFiL FAsts dURiNG

MUHARRAM

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said:

"The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: 'The best of fasting after Ramadhan is fasting Allah's month of Muharram.' "Reported by Muslim, 1982

The phrase "Allah's month", connecting the name of the month to the name of Allah in a genitive grammatical structure, signifies the importance of the month. Al-Qari said: "The apparent meaning is all of the month of Muharram." But it was proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) never fasted any whole month apart from Ramadhan, so this hadith is probably meant to encourage increasing one's fasting during Muharram, without meaning that one should fast for the entire month.

It was reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to fast more in Sha'ban. It is likely that the virtue of Muharram was not revealed to him until the end of his life, before he was able to fast during this month. [Sharh an-Nawawi 'ala Sahih Muslim]

ALLAH CHoosEs

WHAtEvER tiMEs ANd

PLACEs HE WiLLs

Al-'Izz ibn 'Abdus-Salam (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

"Times and places may be given preferred status in two ways, either temporal or religious/spiritual. With regard to the latter, this is because Allah bestows His generosity on His slaves at those times or in those places, by giving a greater reward for deeds done, such as giving a greater reward for fasting in Ramadhan than for fasting at all other times, and also on the day of 'Ashura', the virtue of which is due to Allah's generosity and kindness towards His slaves on that day

"Qawa'id al-Ahkam, 1/38

'AsHURA' iN HistoRy

Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) came to Madinah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of 'Ashura'.

He said, 'What is this?' They said, 'This is a righteous day, it is the day when Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemies, so Musa fasted on this day.' He said, 'We have more right to Musa than you,'so he fasted on that day and commanded [the Muslims] to fast on that day." [Reported by al-Bukhari, 1865] "This is a righteous day" – in a report narrated by Muslim, [the Jews said:] "This is a great day, on which Allah saved Musa and his people, and drowned Pharaoh and his people."

"Musa fasted on this day" – a

report narrated by Muslim adds: " … in thanksgiving to Allah, so we fast on this day."

According to a report narrated by al-Bukhari: " … so we fast on this day to venerate it." A version narrated by Imam Ahmad adds: "This is the day on which the Ark settled on Mount Judi, so Nuh fasted this day in thanksgiving," and "commanded [the Muslims] to fast on that day" – according to another report also narrated by al-Bukhari: "He said to his Companions: 'You have more right to Musa than they do, so fast on that day.' "

The practice of fasting on 'Ashura' was known even in the days of Jahiliyyah, before the Prophet's mission. It was reported that 'A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: "The people of Jahiliyyah used to fast on that day … "

Al-Qurtubi said: "Perhaps Quraysh used to fast on that day on the basis of some past law, such as that of Ibrahim, upon whom be peace."

It was also reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to fast on 'Ashura' in Makkah, before he migrated to Madinah. When he migrated to Madinah, he found the Jews celebrating this day, so he asked them why, and they replied as described in the hadithquoted above. He commanded the Muslims to be different from the Jews, who took it as a festival, as was reported in the hadith of Abu Musa (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: "The Jews used to take the day of 'Ashura' as a festival [according to a report narrated by Muslim: the day of 'Ashura' was venerated by the Jews, who took it as a festival. According to another report also narrated by Muslim: the people of Khaybar (the Jews) used to take it as a festival and their women would wear their jewellery and symbols on that day]. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: 'So you [Muslims] should fast on that day.' "[Reported by al-Bukhari] Apparently the motive for commanding the Muslims to fast on this day was the desire to be different from the Jews, so that the Muslims would fast when the Jews did not, because people do not fast on a day of celebration. [Summarized from the words of al-Hafidh Ibn Hajar – may Allah have

mercy on him – in Fath al-Bari Sharh 'ala

Fasting on 'Ashura' was a gradual step in the process of introducing fasting as a prescribed obligation in Islam. Fasting appeared in three forms. When the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) came to Madinah, he told the Muslims to fast on three days of every month and on the day of 'Ashura', then Allah made fasting obligatory when He said (interpretation of the meaning): " … observing the fasting is prescribed for you … " [Al-Qur'an2:183] [Ahkam alQur'an by al-Jassas, part 1]

The obligation was transferred from the fast of 'Ashura' to the fast of Ramadhan, and this one of the proofs in the field of Usul al-Fiqh that it is possible to abrogate a lighter duty in favour of a heavier duty.

Before the obligation of fasting 'Ashura' was abrogated, fasting on this day was obligatory, as can be seen from the clear command to observe this fast. Then it was further confirmed later on, then reaffirmed by making it a general command addressed to everybody, and once again by instructing mothers not to breastfeed their infants during this fast. It was reported from Ibn Mas'ud that when fasting Ramadhan was made obligatory, the obligation to fast 'Ashura' was lifted, i.e., it was no longer obligatory to fast on this day, but it is still desirable (mustahabb).

tHE viRtUEs oF FAstiNG 'AsHURA

Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) said: "I never saw the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) so keen to fast any day and give it priority over any other than this day, the day of 'Ashura', and this month, meaning Ramadhan."Reported by AlBukhari, 1867

The meaning of his being keen was that he intended to fast on that day in the hope of earning the reward for doing so. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "For fasting the day of 'Ashura', I hope that Allah will accept it as expiation for the year that went before."

[Reported by Muslim, 1976]

This is from the bounty of

and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, 'If I live to see the next year, in sha Allah, we will fast on the ninth day too.' But it so happened that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) passed away before the next year came." [Reported by Muslim, 1916]

Ash-Shafi'i and his companions, Ahmad, Ishaq and others said: "It is mustahabb to fast on both the ninth and tenth days, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) fasted on the tenth, and intended to fast on the ninth."

Allah towards us: for fasting one day He gives us expiation for the sins of a whole year. And Allah is the Owner of Great Bounty.

WHiCH dAy is 'AsHURA'?

An-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

"'Ashura' and Tasu'a' are two elongated names [the vowels are elongated] as is stated in books on the Arabic language. Our companions said: 'Ashura' is the tenth day of Muharram and Tasu'a' is the ninth day. This is our opinion, and that of the majority of scholars. This is the apparent meaning of the ahadith and is what we understand from the general wording. It is also what is usually understood by scholars of the language."AlMajmu'

'Ashura' is an Islamic name that was not known at the time of Jahiliyyah. [Kashshaf al-Qina', part 2, Sawm Muharram]

Ibn Qudamah (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "'Ashura' is the tenth day of Muharram. This is the opinion of Sa'id ibn al-Musayyib and al-Hasan. It was what was reported by Ibn 'Abbas, who said: 'The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) commanded us to fast 'Ashura', the tenth day of Muharram.' [Reported by at-Tirmidhi, who said, a sahih hasan hadith] It was reported that Ibn 'Abbas said: 'The ninth,' and reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to fast the ninth. [Reported by Muslim] 'Ata' reported that he said, 'Fast the ninth and the tenth, and do not be like the Jews.' If this is understood, we can say on this basis that it is mustahabb (encouraged) to fast on the ninth and the tenth, for that reason. This is what Ahmad said, and it is the opinion of Ishaq."

It is Mustahabb (Encouraged) to Fast Tasu'a' with 'Ashura' 'Abdullah ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) said: "When the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) fasted on 'Ashura' and commanded the Muslims to fast as well, they said, 'O Messenger of Allah, it is a day that is venerated by the Jews and Christians.' The Messenger of Allah (peace

On this basis it may be said that there are varying degrees of fasting 'Ashura', the least of which is to fast only on the tenth and the best of which is to fast the ninth as well. The more one fasts in Muharram, the better it is.

The Reason Why it is Mustahabb to Fast on Tasu'a' An-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

"The scholars – our companions and others –mentioned several reasons why it is mustahabb to fast on Tasu'a':

The intention behind it is to be different from the Jews, who only venerate the tenth day. This opinion was reported from Ibn 'Abbas …

The intention is to add another day's fast to 'Ashura'. This is akin to the prohibition on fasting a Friday by itself, as was mentioned by al-Khattabi and others.

To be on the safe side and make sure that one fasts on the tenth, in case there is some error in sighting the crescent moon at the beginning of Muharram and the ninth is in fact the tenth."

The strongest of these reasons is being different from the People of the Book. Shaykh ul-Islamibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) forbade imitating the People of the Book in many ahadith, for example, his words concerning 'Ashura': 'If I live until the next year, I will certainly fast on the ninth day.' " [Al-Fatawa al-Kubra, part 6, Sadd adh-Dhara'i' alMufdiyyah ila'l-Maharim]

Ibn Hajar (may Allah be pleased with him) said in his commentary on the hadith "If I live until the next year, I will certainly fast on the ninth day" and "What he meant by fasting on the ninth day was probably not that he would limit himself to that day, but would add it to the tenth, either to be on the safe side or to be different from the Jews and Christians, which is more likely. This is also what we can understand from some of the reports narrated by Muslim." [Fath, 4/245]

RULiNG oN FAstiNG oNLy oN tHE dAy oF 'AsHURA' Shaykh ul-Islam said: "Fasting on the day of 'Ashura' is an expiation for a year, and it is not makruh to fast only that day … " [Al-Fatawa al-Kubra, part 5] In Tuhfat al-Muhtaj by Ibn Hajar al-Haytami, it says: CoNtd oN PG 29

Sahih al-Bukhari]

Virtues of Muharram and Fasting on 'Ashura

CoNtd. FRoM PG 28

"There is nothing wrong with fasting only on 'Ashura'." [Part 3, Bab Sawm at-Tatawwu']

FAstiNG oN 'AsHURA'

EvEN iF it is A sAtURdAy

oR A FRidAy

At-Tahawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) allowed us to fast on 'Ashura' and urged us to do so. He did not say that if it falls on a Saturday we should not fast. This is evidence that all days of the week are included in this. In our view – and Allah knows best – it could be the case that even if this is true (that it is not allowed to fast on Saturdays), it is so that we do not venerate this day and refrain from food, drink and intercourse, as the Jews do. As for the one who fasts on a Saturday without intending to venerate it, and does not do so because the Jews regard it as blessed, then this is not makruh … "

[Mushkil al-Athar, part 2, Bab

Sawm Yawm as-Sabt]

The author of Al-Minhaj said: "It is disliked (makruh) to fast on a Friday alone … But it is no longer makruh if you add another day to it, as mentioned in the sahih report to that effect. A person may fast on a Friday if it coincides with his habitual fast, or he is fasting in fulfilment of a vow, or he is making up an obligatory fast that he has missed, as was stated in a sahih report."

Ash-Sharih said in Tuhfat

al-Muhtaj: "If it coincides with his habitual fast – i.e., such as if he fasts alternate days, and a day that he fasts happens to be a Friday, if he is fasting in fulfilment of a vow, etc." – this also applies to fasting on days prescribed in Shari'ah, such as 'Ashura' or 'Arafah. [Tuhfat alMuhtaj, part 3, Bab Sawm alTatawwu']

Al-Bahuti (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "It is makruh to deliberately single out a Saturday for fasting, because of the hadith of 'Abdullah ibn Bishr, who reported from his sister: 'Do not fast on Saturdays except in the case of obligatory fasts' [reported by Ahmad with a jayyid isnadand by al-Hakim, who said: according to the conditions of al-Bukhari], and because it is a day that is venerated by the Jews, so singling it out for fasting means being like them … except when a Friday or Saturday coincides with a day when Muslims habitually fast, such as when it coincides with the day of 'Arafah or the day of 'Ashura', and a person has the habit of fasting on these days, in which case it is not makruh, because a person's habit carries some weight."[Kashshaf al-Qina', part 2, Bab Sawm al-Tatawwu']

WHAt sHoULd BE doNE iF tHERE is CoNFUsioN ABoUt tHE BEGiNNiNG oF tHE MoNtH?

Ahmad said: "If there is confusion about the beginning of the month, one should fast for three days, to be sure of

fasting on the ninth and tenth days." [Al-Mughni by Ibn Qudamah, part 3 – as-Siyam –Siyam 'Ashur']

If a person does not know when Muharram began, and he wants to be sure of fasting on the tenth, he should assume that Dhul-Hijjah was thirty days – as is the usual rule –and should fast on the ninth and tenth. Whoever wants to be sure of fasting the ninth as well should fast the eight, ninth and tenth (then if DhulHijjah was twenty-nine days, he can be sure of having fasted Tasu'a' and 'Ashura').

But given that fasting on 'Ashura' is mustahabb rather than wajib, people are not commanded to look for the crescent of the new moon of Muharram as they are to do in the case of Ramadhanand Shawwal.

FAstiNG 'AsHURA' – FoR WHAt doEs it oFFER ExPiAtioN?

Imam an-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "It expiates for all minor sins, i.e., it brings forgiveness of all sins except major sins." Then he said (may Allah have mercy on him): "Fasting the day of 'Arafah expiates for two years, and the day of 'Ashura' expiates for one year. If when a person says 'Amin' it coincides with the 'Amin' of the angels, he will be forgiven all his previous sins … Each one of the things that we have mentioned will bring expiation. If there are minor sins for which expiation is needed, expiation for them

will be accepted; if there are no minor sins or major sins, good deeds will be added to his account and he will be raised in status … If he had committed major sins but no minor sins, we hope that his major sins will be reduced."[Al-Majmu' Sharh al-Muhadhdhab, part 6, Sawm Yawm 'Arafah]

Shaykh ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (ay Allah have mercy on himmay Allah have mercy on him) said: "Taharah, salah, and fasting in Ramadhan, on the day of 'Arafah and on 'Ashura' expiate for minor sins only."

[Al-Fatawa al-Kubra, part 5]

Not Relying Too Much on the Reward for Fasting

Some people who are deceived rely too much on things like fasting on 'Ashura' or the day of 'Arafah, to the extent that some of them say, "Fasting on 'Ashura' will expiate for the sins of the whole year, and fasting on the day of 'Arafah will bring extra rewards." Ibn al-Qayyim said: "This misguided person does not know that fasting in Ramadhan and praying five times a day are much more important than fasting on the day of 'Arafah and 'Ashura', and that they expiate for the sins between one Ramadhan and the next, or between one Friday and the next, so long as one avoids major sins. But they cannot expiate for minor sins unless one also avoids major sins; when the two things are put together, they have the strength to expiate for minor sins. Among those deceived

people may be one who thinks that his good deeds are more than his sins, because he does not pay attention to his bad deeds or check on his sins, but if he does a good deed he remembers it and relies on it. This is like the one who seeks Allah's forgiveness with his tongue (i.e., by words only), and glorifies Allah by saying "Subhanallah" one hundred times a day, then he backbites about the Muslims and slanders their honour, and speaks all day long about things that are not pleasing to Allah. This person is always thinking about the virtues of his tasbihat (saying "Subhanallah") and tahlilat (saying "La ilaha illallah") but he pays no attention to what has been reported concerning those who backbite, tell lies and slander others, or commit other sins of the tongue. They are completely deceived." [AlMawsu'ah al-Fiqhiyyah, part 31, Ghurur]

FAstiNG 'AsHURA'

WHEN oNE stiLL HAs

dAys to MAKE UP FRoM

RAMAdHAN

The fuqaha' differed concerning the ruling on observing voluntary fasts before a person has made up days that he or she did not fast in Ramadhan. The Hanafis said that it is permissible to observe voluntary fasts before making up days from Ramadhan, and it is not makruh to do so, because the missed days do not have to be made up straight away. The Malikis and Shafi'is said that it is permissible but

is makruh, because it means that one is delaying something obligatory. Ad-Dusuqi said:

"It is makruh to observe a voluntary fast when one still has to make up an obligatory fast, such as a fast in fulfilment of a vow, or a missed obligatory fast, or a fast done as an act of expiation (kafarah), whether the voluntary fast which is being given priority over an obligatory fast is something confirmed in Shari'ah or not, such as 'Ashura' and the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah, according to the most correct opinion." The Hanbalis said that it is haram to observe a voluntary fast before making up any fasts missed in Ramadhan, and that a voluntary fast in such cases does not count, even if there is plenty of time to make up the obligatory fast. So a person must give priority to the obligatory fasts until he has made them up. [Al-Mawsu'ah al-Fiqhiyyah, part 28, Sawm at-Tatawwu'] Muslims must hasten to make up any missed fasts after Ramadhan, so that they will be able to fast 'Arafah and 'Ashura' without any problem. If a person fasts 'Arafah and 'Ashura' with the intention from the night before of making up for a missed fast, this will be good enough to make up what he has missed, for the bounty of Allah is great.

ON BEHALF OF THE ISLAMIC SOCIETY OF ALGESTER, WE WISH ALL THE MUSLIMS A WONDERFUL NEW HIJRI YEAR. AAMEEN.

Kavita ji

iN individual and collective life, obstacles are created by the force of ignorance (Avidya). During the struggle against ignorance, if the feeling of the Supreme be kept in the mind constantly, continuously, then the ignorance will be overcome. There are different effects of this force of ignorance:

LACK oF disCRiMiNAtioN: When people are blinded by the desire for wordly objects and lose their discrimination, they forget the infinite and start busying themselves with the limited world. At that time they start thinking relative to be absolute and

Yoga has become a very popular word throughout the world. We should know what Yoga is or rather, what the spirit of Yoga is. Human existence, or human expressions are trifarious. Human beings have got a physical body and they have got physical problems, and they have to be solved. Secondly, human beings have got an intellectual structure, a mind, a psychic body, and all their psychic problems must be solved. There are so many knotty and complicated psychic problems, and when those psychic problems are not solved properly, people may become insane. There is a constant rise in cases of insanity throughout the world. This shows that the human problems, the psychic problems of human beings are not being properly solved. And, there is the spiritual body of human beings, their spiritual life. The culminating point of all spiritual progress is Parama Puruśa, the Supreme Entity, the Supreme Cosmological Lord.

Now, what is Yoga? We must have Yoga in all the three strata of life. If there is Yoga only in the spiritual stratum and there is no Yoga in the psychic and physical strata, what will happen? The very existence of human beings will become unbalaced, human equipoise will be lost. So we must have Yoga, or rather Yoga-oriented movement, in each and every sphere of life.

The crudest portion of human existence is the physical body. Now, what is this physical body? For human beings there is the external physical body and there is the inner projection of the physical body in the mind. You see an elephant in the external physical world, and you see the projection, that is, the extro-internal projection of that elephant in your mind. But for the creating Entity, for the Causal Matrix, there is no external world, so there

become confused. They start misutilizing their energy. They forget that nothing has come into this world forever. This greediness, this narrowness, this confusion of taking pain for pleasure, is nothing but the play of ignorance. For example, a dog takes a bone and chews on it. From his gums comes blood and, thinking that the blood is from the bone, he thinks the bone is more delicious and so he chews even harder – the more blood, the more he thinks he is getting pleasure.

If human beings think some created thing to be their own, it is nothing but ignorance. Someone thinks

is no physical world. For Him there is a psychic world and a spiritual world. But, for human beings there are three worlds – physical, psychic and spiritual. So, for us, our physical world is nothing but an ectoplasmic world of the Creator. While doing any work, while being engaged in any action we should remember the fact that whatever we see, whatever we do, is within the ectoplasmic scope of the Creator. This will be our Yoga in the physical sphere.

Suppose, there is a drop of water in an ocean. When the drop feels its unity with the ocean, the drop no longer remains as a drop, it becomes the ocean. But when it feels its separation from the ocean, it is nothing but a drop of water. So, when a human being feels his/her unity with the Supreme Lord and feels that he/she is not an ordinary person, but the blessed child of the Supreme Father and when becomes one with him, then he/she is no longer an ordinary person. He/she acquires immense power, immense vitality, infinite vitality and this is your Yoga in the physical sphere. You should always remember that a man or a woman is an ordinary person when separated from the Supreme Father, but he/she becomes Supreme when one with the Supreme. This we do with the help of our Guru Mantra. This is Yoga in the physical sphere.

In the psychic sphere, human mind is a projection of Cosmic mind. The so called physical body of human beings is nothing but the ectoplasmic creation of the Supreme. When this physical body, due to internal clashes and cohesions, gets powdered down, it is human mind, it is unit mind, and for this unit mind there are two worlds – internal and external. We become associated with the external world when there is an intro-external

By Shrii Shrii Anandamurtijii

“my” money, “my” son, “my” house, etc. – they think they will become infinite by accumulating all these things. In actual fact one day everything will go far, far away from them. There will be nothing left which they can call their own. To remember this fact, to understand this effect of the force of ignorance correctly, they will have to do spiritual practices, otherwise they will be unable to escape from the grip of this dangerous force of ignorance.

EGo oF doERsHiP

This means to take the entire responsibility of an action on oneself. Whatever one does with the help of

projection or an introexternal emanation. In the intellectual field, what is Yoga? “Yogashcittavrtti nirodhah.”

In the field of intellectuality, Yoga is Cittavrittinirodhah or “Sarvacintá parityágo nishcinto yoga ucyate.” What is Cittavrttinirodhah? We should know.

Just now I explained to you Yoga in the physical sphere and now I will explain Yoga in the intellectual sphere. In the human mind there are 50 propensities controlling 20 directional movements or propensities. So in all, there are 50 x 20. How many? 50 x 20 = 1000. So human expressions – human intellectual or human psychic expressions are 1000 in number. Those 1000 propensities are controlled by the pineal gland in the human body. This controlling point lies in the unconscious stratum of human mind and these 1000 expressions are there both in cerebral and non-cerebral or rather extra-cerebral memory. These propensities are there both in cerebral and extra-cerebral memory. If I get time I will explain to you what are cerebral and extra-cerebral memories. Now, when one withdraws particular propensity or all the 1000 propensities and goads those collectively withdrawn propensities unto Parama Puruśa, that is, when all those withdrawn propensities and the collective force of those propensities are guided and goaded unto the Supreme Entity, it is Yoga in the intellectual sphere, Yoga in the psychic sphere. It is called Jiṋána Yoga in Saḿskrta, and the former one is called Karma Yoga in Saḿskrta.

What is Karma? Karma means action. What is action? Action means change of place. Suppose the boy was there, now the boy has come here. There has been change of place. So, it is an action or deed in English, D-E-E-D. What is intellectual?

the motor organs, the action does not belong to the organs – without the witnessing Soul, the entire energy of the organs will be nowhere. If the eyes of a dead man look at an elephant, still he will not see, because the action of seeing has not been witnessed by the Soul. But human beings, due to their ego, think that they are the doers and get confused. The spiritual aspirant will have to remember that the light of the Infinite is reflected on his or her mind – due to this, their organs are able to function.

dEsiRE FoR WoRLdLy PLEAsURE

Due to the influence

Intellectual means movement of ectoplasmic staff.

The third Yoga is yoga “Saḿyogo yoga ityukto Jiivátmáparamátmanah,” Yoga in the spiritual sphere is unification of the unit entity with the Cosmic Entity. There is Mr. X, there is Mr. Y, there are Mr. A, B, C – so many units. And when these units become one with the Supreme, it is Yoga. But in Saḿskrta language – you know Saḿskrta is a language about 15,000 years old and it is no longer a spoken language – in Saḿskrta, each and every word is created from a root verb. That is, there was a verb and from that verb a noun was created, an adjective was created. Wherever there is any word, there is one root verb or rudimental verb or controlling verb. For “Doing”, the Saḿskrta is Kr, K-R, and from that Kr, the noun Karma, was created. Karma means action.

Just now I told you about Karma Yoga. Similarly, in Saḿskrta, Jiṋá is a root verb – J-I-Ṋ-A – Jiṋá. From Jiṋá, the noun form is Jiṋána which means subjectivisation of objectivity. In modern English the verb is “know” although there is no pronunciation of K because “K” is mute, “K” is silent. The original Saḿskrta term was J-I-Ṋ-A Jiṋá. That is why intellectual Yoga is called Jiṋána Yoga about which I told you just now. The last one is Bhakti Yoga, that is the unification of unit with the Supreme.

In Saḿskrta the word Yoga has got two root verbs. One root verb is “Yuj” and another root verb is yunj? Yuj – Two plus two is equal to four, Three plus three is equal to six. It is also yoga. But this yoga is derived from the term “Yuj”. “Yuj” means to add. There is another root verb of the word Yoga and that root verb is “Yunj.” The root verb is “Yunj,” not “Yuj”, and the word Yoga is also derived from that root

of the force of ignorance, people think that by eating something they will feel comfort, by wearing something they will feel comfort, by acting in a certain way they will feel comfort. Through many different objects, they desire and hope for pleasure. Humans live to achieve Bliss and that is why they run after different objects. They do not want to understand that, except the infinite Supreme Consciousness, no object can give them endless bliss.

AvERsioN

This is the opposite of attachment. Whenever people find an object painful,

“Yunj”. Here “Yunj” verb means to unify, not to add, but to unify. Yuj means to add and Yunj means to unify. Suppose there is sugar and there is water. Sugar plus water, what will happen? Sugar will unify with water. You won’t find sugar in a separate form after this unification. Adding two mangoes with two mangoes will be four mangoes – one mango, two mangoes; three mangoes, four mangoes – four items or four mangoes. But in case of Yunj it is like sugar and water. After unification, will you get sugar in separate form? It will be one with water. It is unification. In case of Yoga, in the spiritual sphere it comes from the root “Yunj” and not “Yuj.” Here Yoga means unification. When unit consciousness, unit spirit, unit cognitive principle, becomes one with the Supreme One, with Parama Puruśa, the unit no longer exists. It becomes one with the Supreme. The little boy “A” or the little girl B will become Parama Puruśa. This is unification.

For each and every human being there are two “I’s” – two “I’s”. The name of a man, say, is Solomon. Then that means the name of his little “I” is Solomon and the name of his big “I” is Parama Puruśa, the Supreme Entity. Suppose the name of a little “I” is Joseph, Mr. Joseph. But the name of his big “I” is Parama Puruśa. That is, the big “I” for all created being is the same, but the little I varies. So many bodies have so many names. These names are names of little “I’s”, but the big “I” is one and indivisible for the entire universe – there is one big “I”. One is for one Parama Puruśa, one Parama Pitá.

What is Yoga in the spiritual level? It is to become one with Parama Puruśa. When you become one with Parama Puruśa, you are getting everything, but you are losing nothing. You are losing the name of your little “I” and

they try to substitute it with another. Many fights in the world are due to this cause.

LACK

oF

dEtERMiNAtioN

brahmabháva and Human life What Is Yoga?

One day a man, knowing that drinking is a very bad habit, made a promise that he would stop drinking and live his life in a very self-controlled manner. That day he also went, as he had been accustomed before, to the bar. With great determination, he passed the pub and then he told his mind, “Oh, mind, you are so great! I will now give you a good prize. I will drink up to the neck!”

(“Brahmabháva and Human Life”)

nothing else and in return you are getting the Supreme “I”, the big “I”. This is Yoga in the spiritual sphere.

Some people think that Yoga means a particular exercise, No, no, no: Yoga does not mean exercise. Yoga means unification. It is the Supreme definition of Yoga. There is common wont in each and every human mind and that wont differentiates human being from animals, people from plants. What is that difference? That spiritual wont is called human Dharma. What is Dharma? Human beings want to expand, and secondly, they want to become one with the Cosmic Body. Thirdly they want to do something noble and the fourth thing is that they want peace, Supreme peace, undisturbed peace. These are the four special qualifications of human beings. Collectively you may say, it is the human mode.

Yoga is the path of progress, the path of development for each and every human being. Nobody can keep himself herself away or aloof from that track of Yoga. Yoga is Dharma. So in individual life we should practice Yoga, and in collective life we should encourage others to practice Yoga. It is the solution of all human ailments in the physicial stratum, in the psychic stratum and also in spiritual stratum.

- Shrii Shrii Anandamurtijii

12 September 1979, Haifa

Published in:

Ananda Vacanámrtam Part 14

https://youtu.be/5YYGJV0lvpg

https://youtu.be/_ uNPWxTH-Y4

https://india.anandamarga. org/international-yoga-day/

https://india.anandamarga. org/international-yoga-day/

*International Yoga Day Celebration by Ananda Marga around the world*

baPs swaminarayan rath yatra 2023 in brisbane

KINGSTON, The BAPS

Swaminarayan Mandir in Brisbane, celebrates the Rath Yatra festival in Brisbane with great pomp and devotion on 18 June 2023. Rath Yatra is a festival suffused with devotional sentiments for the Lord Jagannath. For thousands of years, Hindus have celebrated this spectacular festival. Gathering together, they earnestly pray to the Lord to steer the chariots of their lives on the path of devotion and faith.

Following a traditional Vedic ceremony, a beautifully decorated chariot, one bearing the murti of Harikrishna Maharaj, Jagannathji, Baldevji & Subhadraji and the other holding the murti of Bhagwan Swaminarayan & his disciple Gunatitanand Swami were ceremoniously pulled by hand to the singing of devotional songs by the devotees.

The procession was a 1.2km walk from BAPS Temple in Kingston. Present amongst the crowd of around 1100 devotees, Pujya Arshpurush Swami, Pujya Bhaktinidhi Swami and well-wishers were the invited delegates, David Crisafulli, Leader of opposition; James Martin, MP Stratton, representing Minister for

Environment and Minister for Multicultural Affairs; Teresa Lane and Jon Rovan, councillors Logan City Council, Mr Palani Thevar and Mr Parsram Punj and various other community leaders.

Logan City Council and QLD police gave generous support to enable a hugely successful event.

The event concluded

with Arti & prasad. The celebrations invoked cherished memories of the Rath Yatra celebrations.

ABoUt BAPs

Established in 1907, the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a global non-governmental Hindu socio-spiritual organisation in consultative status with the Economic and Social

International Day of Yoga celebrations at the Queensland Parliament

tHE Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ) hosted the 9th International Day of Yoga in collaboration with the High Commission of India, Australia, on 18th June at the Queensland Parliament. The well-attended event served as a celebration of the transformative power of yoga.

The International Day of Yoga, observed annually on 21st June, aims to raise awareness about yoga's numerous physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. This year's event, organized by FICQ, provided an excellent platform for individuals to experience the holistic practices of yoga and meditation.

Leading the yoga and meditation sessions were Dr Sukhvir Singh from Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland, Santhosh Kundathra and Saji Ramakrishnan from Samskruthi Queensland, and Seema Lathker and the team from Art of Living Brisbane. Their expertise and guidance led participants through rejuvenating and enlightening sessions, inspiring a sense of balance, well-being, and inner peace.

FICQ extends its heartfelt gratitude to Cr Vicki Howard and Mrs Archana Singh, Hon Consul of India, Brisbane, for gracing the occasion with their presence, and FICQ also expresses its sincere appreciation to all instructors, participants, volunteers and community members who contributed to the event's success.

The 9th International Day of Yoga celebrations at the Queensland Parliament highlighted the deeprooted connection between Australia and India, showcasing the importance of cultural exchange and the profound impact of yoga on individuals' lives.

Council of the United Nations. BAPS has representative centres (Mandirs) in some significant Australian cities, including Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra and Brisbane.

BAPS is dedicated to society's collective spiritual and social progress by promoting harmony between individuals, families and amongst diverse

communities.

In Brisbane, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Kingston, which was inaugurated in 2014, promotes harmony, inspires values of co-existence and selfless service to the community, nurtures spirituality, Hindu culture and heritage, and encourages integration and social cohesion.

Vaikasi Visakam celebrations and Aadi month Koozh offering festival

oN 3rd June, the Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association (GCHCA) joyously celebrated Vaikasi Visakam, the auspicious occasion of the Birth of Almighty Lord Murugan/Kartik, at the GCHCA Precinct. The event saw over 110 devoted participants who joined in the festivities. The highlight of the celebration was the heartwarming sight of 11 families carrying the sacred Paal Kudam (milk pot) and performing the divine Paal Abhishegam to Lord Murugan.

Following the Abhishegam, the talented children from "Vinitha Rajkumar's Rhythm India School of Dance '' mesmerized the audience with their captivating performances of Indian classical dance, adding an enchanting touch to the event. To conclude the festivities, prasadham (blessed food) and a sumptuous lunch were served, fostering a sense of community and togetherness.

Looking ahead, GCHCA is delighted to announce their upcoming event, the AADI Month Koozh offering, which will take place at the GCHCA Precinct on Sunday, 23rd July 2023, from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. Located at 15 Byth St, Arundel

QLD 4214, this gathering will commemorate the auspicious month of AADI in the Tamil calendar,

symbolizing the arrival of monsoon waters that represents the creative power necessary for sustaining life.

At the heart of the event is the ceremonial preparation and distribution of 'Koozh,' a special porridge offered to the revered Hindu goddess, Amman also known as Parvati, Kali, Durga, Rukmini, Sita, Draupadi, Shitala, Olai Chandi, or Mogal maa. AADI Month Koozh stands as a vibrant celebration of the divine feminine power embodied in various forms.

GCHCA is honored to extend a warm invitation to you and your family to join them at the AADI Month Koozh offering for Amman at the GCHCA Precinct. The event will feature a special Pooja (ritual worship), soulstirring Bhajan (devotional singing), and talks. As a cherished tradition, Koozh (porridge) will be lovingly served at the end of the event, spreading blessings

and goodwill.

EvENt dEtAiLs:

Date: 23rd July 2023

(Sunday)

Address: Gold Coast Hindu Education and Cultural Precinct, 15 Byth St, Arundel QLD 4214

Time: 10:00 am - 12:00

noon

Entry: Free, but registration is mandatory via the following Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite. com.au/e/629903858397

To secure your place, please book by 8:00 am on Sunday, 16th July 2023,

one week before the event. As part of the preparations and to ensure the health and safety of all attendees, registration is compulsory, and places are limited.

We eagerly anticipate your presence at this auspicious gathering, as we come together to pay

homage to the divine feminine energy. May this event be a source of joy, spiritual growth, and profound connections within our community. For further inquiries, please reach out to gchcan@ gmail.com.

sangeetha Kutty

Changing the Conversation: cultural and Human Rights in the Digital Age

soUtHBANK Wednesday 14

June 6.30 pm -Concert Hall, Queensland Performing Arts Centre Cultural Precinct, Cnr Grey St and Melbourne St, Multicultural Australia, in partnership with the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, hosted Changing the Conversation, a series of thought-provoking discussions exploring key issues that all Australians must grapple with to create a more inclusive future.

Bringing together thought leaders from academia, government, business and the community to engage in robust discussions about multiculturalism in the Australian context, we'll explore issues of who and where we are as a nation and what we need to do to create a society that fully reflects and cares for all its people.

Benjamin Law facilitated the conversation, and the panellists included Lizzie O'Shea, Amanda Yeo and Marek Kowalkiewicz.

Christine Castley of Multicultural Australia

gave the welcome speech. Acknowledgement to the country was by Tribal experiences.

The first Changing the Conversation event in March explored the First Nations Voice to Parliament, attracting an audience of more than 700 to engage with this critical topic. The second event in the series, entitled Cultural and Human Rights in the Digital Age, will focus on the many opportunities and challenges that come with the advancement of technology in our society and the many spaces we exist in.

In the age of opportunity, where technology has the potential to build cultural bridges and enable greater inclusion and equal opportunity through increased connectivity, innovation, and transformation of services, how can we overcome the many challenges that come with technology?

Issues such as the digital exclusion of historically marginalized groups, the impact of systemic bias being embedded into AI systems and algorithms, and a lack of appropriate safeguards to protect the vulnerable have the potential to make our society more unequal.

This critical and stimulating conversation about the issues we need to explore, as individuals and as a multicultural community, to successfully navigate the pitfalls, challenges, and opportunities of living in an era of seemingly unstoppable technology and new forms of community and culture shaped by online and offline interactions.

international day of yoga 2023

divyA Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan (DJJS) with the support of the High Commission of India, Canberra, and Cr Angela Owen raised curtains on International Day of Yoga for the year 2023, here in Brisbane, Australia by organizing a free ‘Vilakshan Yog’ session at Calamvale District Park. Since 2017, DJJS along with the support of Honorary Indian Consulate Mrs. Archana Singh and Cr Angela Owen has been conducting this event at different venues in Brisbane.

To continue in its endeavor and take this gem to the wider community in Brisbane, DJJS with the support of High Commission of India, organized the first ever International Day of Yoga event in the North of Brisbane at Northgate Community Hall.

DJJS is steadfast in its support to the initiative of our Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narender Modi, to take this gem of Indian Cultural Heritage, called Yog (Yoga), to the world. It is a day to acknowledge the depths and breadths of knowledge, study, research, and wisdom of our saints and seers and educate the societies and cultures around the globe about its significance in our lives. The torrid times the humanity is going through

in today’s time, makes it even more relevant to take this science, of our sages, to every home.

Yog, popularly known as Yoga, is a holistic science for health and wellbeing which not only works on your body but transcends to the level of mind and soul while maintaining a complete equilibrium between all three of them. On this International Day of Yoga 2023, let us all pledge to make Yog (Yoga) an inseparable part of our lives because this is the need of the hour.

ABoUt dJJs: Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan (DJJS), established and run under the Mentorship of His Holiness Shri Ashutosh Maharaj Ji, is a registered socio-spiritual, not-forprofit organization. To realize the vision – ‘From Self Awakening to Global Peace’ and to transform the torn and tormented humanity into a peaceful “global family”.

iN AUstRALiA: In Australia, DJJS has been actively working for the community for more than 8 years now. It has been organizing and participating in various cultural, social, and spiritual events across different cities like Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Adelaide.

To name some of the events - Told the significance of Holika Dahan and Ram Navmi through an

engaging play, carried out Kalash Yatra (Traditional Procession), and performed collective Yagya, we

brought the festivity to King George Square for the first time and showcased the scientific aspects of

ancient Indian Kitchen and the highly advanced and regarded Gurukuls of ancient India.

Sangeet Mishra Dazzles brisbane's indian classical fans

by Mohit Lal and Shen Flindell

oN Saturday, 10th June, Hindustani music lovers gathered in Sunnybank Church of Christ Hall for another presentation of Indian classical music from the Qld Sangeet Mela Association (QSMA). What a mesmerising Saturday evening we all experienced.

Darshil Shah started it with Raga Yaman on Bansuri (Indian Bamboo Flute) and Shen Flindell on Tabla. Raga Yaman is traditionally performed during the first quarter of the evening. It promotes romanticism and devotion. We can hear this Raga in many past and present Bollywood songs.

Darshil ji and Shen Ji’s performance had all the essence of romance, love and pure bliss.

After the break, we were blessed to hear the magical

performance of Sangeet Mishra, accompanied by

Shen Flindell. Sangeet Ji set the scene with Raga Vachaspati. Raga Vachaspati is a sweet melodic raga imported into Hindustani Music from Carnatic origins. The interactions between Shen Ji and Sangeet Ji during this session were unbelievable. At one point in the performance, Sangeet Ji improvised by playing a 10-beat (jhaptaal) melody on a 16-beat taal (teentaal). Shen Ji came to the party with his improvisation complimenting Sangeet Ji’s performance. The audience was captivated by this wonderful "on-the-spot" performance.

Darshil Ji joined Sangeet Ji and Shen Ji for the final

performance of the evening. Sangeet Ji started it off with a Folk tune in Raag Bhairavi. He improvised to Raag Kedar, then Raag Charukeshi, concluding back to Raag Bhairavi for an elegant finish.

It was an excellent performance by all the artists. The audience got to witness some great musical moments throughout the show. I'd regard this as one of the best concerts for QSMA.

The QSMA team is looking forward to another exciting evening of classical music on Saturday, 1st July, featuring renowned sitar virtuoso Josh Feinberg (USA) and a vocal recital from Raghunath and Rugved Pawar.

Sunnybank Private Hospital Gallery opened during NAIDOC Week

iN collaboration with Sunnybank Private Hospital, Sunnybank, World Arts and MultiCulture Inc inaugurated an art, Gallery. The idea came about when the hospital’s general manager visited the Multicultural art gallery in Sunnybank Plaza; she thought it would be wonderful to feature this art in Sunnybank Private Hospital to brighten up the walls and bring some joy to the patients.

The Sunnybank Private Hospital Gallery is a collaboration between Sunnybank Private Hospital

and the World Arts and Multi-Culture Inc. The gallery’s purpose is to create an artistic environment in the hospital for the patients, their families, visitors, and the hospital staff, where the minds are soothed, the hearts are comforted, and the spirits are raised.

The installation also marks the beginning of the NAIDOC week, with this year’s theme being

“Respect for our Elders.”

Elected representatives included Paul Scarr, senator for Queensland, Graham Perrett, MP member for Morten- Australian Parliament;

Umesh Chandra-OAM, and Adam Lo-OAM. Many council members and advisers from Overseas Community Affairs Council, Taiwan, were also present, together with various community leaders.

Formalities included the VIP speeches, the unveiling of art by Aunty Peggy Tidyman, tea and snacks and a visit to the gallery area of the hospital. The featured artists for the inaugural installation and celebration of NAIDOC Week 2023 were Aunty Peggy Tidyman, Shykaya Wu, Jenny Kent and April Giblin.

Peter Ruso, MP state member for Toohey; and John Paul Langbroek, state member for Surfers

Paradise. Invited OAM included Peter Low-OAM,

ved Prachaar in brisbane

ARyA Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland Inc members held a very enlightening, rewarding, inspiring and enormously successful three days 30/6-2/7/2023, VED prachaar by renowned and respected Shri—Vinay Arya Ji from India at Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre. Chief Guest on the opening day was Brisbane’s distinguished and eminent person Shri Umesh Chandra Ji OAM, who presented a powerful, motivational, very heartening speech inspiring the listeners.

c hief g ues T on T he opening day was b risbane’s dis T inguished and eminen T person s hri u mesh c handra j i oam , who presen T ed a powerful, moT ivaT ional, very hear T ening speech inspiring T he lis T eners.

Pracharak Shri. Vinay Arya Ji spoke so eloquently and articulately on various subjects related to VED with forceful expression, engaging the audience, and explaining with clarity, simplicity and unambiguity; the audience quickly understood and

appreciated the eyeopening presentations. Shri. Vinay Arya Ji is an exceptionally confident communicator polished and smooth speaker. The message from the Pracharak, who was well acquainted with the subject, was definite and relevant

to our daily lives, and we sincerely appreciate the time and effort from Shri. Vinay Arya Ji. The receptive audience members of the public also appreciated the heart-touching comforting Vedic bhajans and similarly enjoyed the delicious, mouth-watering dinner.

Program includes Havan daily VED Prachaar, Discourse, Bhajans and Vegetarian dinner

Acharya Ashish Darshanacharya (Vedic Philosopher), Founder IVAInterna�onal Vegetarian Associa�on, Founder -Centre for Vedic Yog, Medita�on and Principles, Aatmonna� ini�ally trained as an engineer BE Electronics . He is an impressive and a remarkable speaker. Acharya Ashish Ji has explored the Vedic concepts, Vedic Yog & Medita�on from a posi�on of logic and has become a Master in explaining the Vedic Philosophy and Med ta�on scien�fically for many years. Acharya Ji is Snatak of Darshan Yog Mahavidyalaya and served at the Vedic Saadhan Ashram, India.

- 0421 897 157 Mrs. Sushila Pathik - 0427 017 888 Mr. Hari Chand - 0437 430 062

Acharya Ashish Darshanacharya Ji from India

Sangeet Mishra’s Mehfil home concert colour and vibrancy of shirdi

RUNCoRN on 15th June, a select few had the opportunity to be part of a mesmerising home mehfil with some talented artists.

Main artist was Sarangi

Maestro Janab Sangeet

Mishra from Banaras

Gharana, accompanied on tabla by Janab Paramjeet Namdhari, a disciple of great Pandit Chatur Lal ji.

On vocals, Janab Parminder Singh Harman, Maihan Kakar with Farsi Ghazal, and the melodious Binny Jaradi. The enchanting evening was set to the evening mode -light Geet and ghazal, which resonated with the audience; it was such a treat to be in the presence of such talented musicians.

The bonus for the night was Sangeet Mishra ji actually singing “Apne atariya pe aaja re sawariya” a beautiful Bhairavi light version.

The host provided tea, snacks and dinner, and a token of appreciation was presented to Sangeet Mishra Ji—a truly memorable experience for music lovers.

oN Saturday 1st July hundreds of families braved the winter conditions to join the Brisbane Sai Baba Palki Festival to celebrate Guru Poornima.

The palki procession did not disappoint. Shirdi Sai Baba came in a beautifully decorated palki, carried by 8 palki bearers in uniform and preceded by devotees carrying flags and torches. This year the palki procession also featured 75 children who joined the procession carrying flowers. As usual, the palki dancers and drummers were the highlight of the procession with their energy, dazzling costumes, drumming and dance moves!

The evening program featured Bharatnatyam and Bollywood dances, amazing and soulful music by Carnatic singer Susmitha Ravi and a high-energy performance of qawwali featuring a medley of popular qawwali songs. The program was hosted by Sai Saileshwara Mandiram and the Shiva-Shakti Charitable

Foundation who host public programs for the whole community. This year the theme of the festival was ‘seva’ (service) and collectively the attendees collected more than 500 grocery items that were donated to the Zillmere Community Centre food aid program.

The palki tradition started in Shirdi more than 130 years ago when Shirdi Sai Baba used to walk from his home (Dwarkamayi) to the Chavadi. He didn’t sit

in a palki but it followed him in the procession. After his maha-samadhi the tradition continued, with his picture and paduka placed in the palki. It is such a beautiful tradition that Sai devotees around the world love to keep alive to honour their Guru, especially to observe Guru Poornima and it is a highlight during any trip to Shirdi. The colour and vibrancy of Shirdi came to Brisbane through this uplifting festival.

Post Pandemic, golden Period for skilled Professionals moving overseas

CoNtd. FRoM PG 1

To meet the demand, recently made changes to their laws to allow Most of the other developed countries have been scouting for talent in the same sectors, in addition to hotels and restaurants, industry, construction, and logistics. Last month, Canada announced that it would be focusing on Express Entry candidates who have work experience in healthcare, STEM professions, trades (carpenters, plumbers and contractors), transport and agriculture.

Indian talent from the IT sector is much in demand across the world with their growth story being witnessed

in Silicon Valley, which boasts of names like Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella and Arvind Krishna.India's healthcare professionals have always been welcomed in the Gulf countries, and in recent years, several European and North American countries have encouraged Indian healthworkers' migration.

According to the Migration Policy Institute, the UK announced a fast-tracked visa for medical professionals late in 2019. The visa would aim to address shortages in the country's National Health Service (NHS).More than 15,000 doctors in the NHS as of 2017 had received their primary medical

qualification in India, and Indians represented the top non-British nationality for NHS staff as of early 2019.

In the UK, healthcare professionals like

orthodontists, nephrologists, anaesthesiologist and paediatricians draw an annual salary of 94 to 95.9 lakhs, according to study abroad consultants.

Canada recently invited 500 healthcare workers to immigrate under its new category-based Express Entry selection draws after Statistics Canada data showed 144,500 vacant positions within the healthcare and social assistance sector as of March 2023.

Post pandemic, government data shows a continued rise in the demand for nurses trained in India from several nations, including Canada, Ireland, Malta, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, the United Kingdom, and Belgium.

India positions second after the Philippines in the

number of nurses migrating to foreign shores for better employment opportunities and higher salaries.According to eeNews, Europe, Germany, and Romania have been calling for AI engineers from across the world.

After AI, is systems engineering which had 3,759 vacancies and was in high demand throughout the UK. Switzerland, Turkey, France, Sweden and Finland are other nations on the lookout for system engineers. Engineering specialties are in high demand in the EU, which includes Java developers, system administrators, software and electronic engineers.

Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul Melbourne Sets the Stage on Fire with an Unforgettable Festival Extravaganza!

MELBoURNE, 25th June

2023 - Brace yourselves for a spellbinding spectacle that unfolded at Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul Melbourne, an integral part of the esteemed Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul Rajkot Sanshta. The muchawaited festival on 25th June 2023 turned the entire vicinity at 1596 Boundary Road, Mount Cotterlel, into a pulsating hub of spirituality, attended by a massive congregation of over 300 devout followers, distinguished community leaders, and esteemed guests from the Indian councillor office.

Witnessing this celestial affair’s glory was the resplendent Rath, a divine chariot adorned with impeccable craftsmanship dedicated to the mighty Lord Jagannath and his beloved siblings, Balabhadra and Subhadra. Not to be outdone, the revered Lord Shree Swaminarayan himself was present in all his magnificence, embellishing the Rath with an ethereal radiance that left everyone in awe.

But hold on tight, as the excitement didn't stop there! The festival brought

our little champions an extra dose of thrill with the much-anticipated Kids Rath.

Picture this: a procession of delightful kids, their eyes gleaming joyfully, merrily pulling the splendidly decked chariot. Their laughter and infectious enthusiasm filled the air, adding an element of pure delight to the already electrifying atmosphere.

As the vibrant Rathyatra commenced, the surroundings reverberated with the soul-stirring chants of Kirtans, interwoven with the mellifluous names of

Lord Shree Swaminarayan and Jagannath. The divine melodies united the hearts and souls of all present, transforming the entire space into a sanctuary of boundless positivity and spiritual ecstasy.

Now, prepare to be awe-struck as we unveil the pièce de résistance! In addition to the Rathyatra, this grand celebration held an exceptional significance – it marked the joyous occasion of Guru Parv, commemorating the birthdate of our beloved

founder, the beacon of wisdom, Pujya Shree Shastri Ji Maharaj, the epitome of divinity in the modern era. And what an honor it was to witness the presence of revered Sants like Pujya Shree Madhusudandasji Swami, Guru Shashtri, and Muktajivandas Sadhu, illuminating the Sabha with their divine wisdom and blessings.

But wait, there's more! As the Sabha unfolded, a captivating video presentation took everyone on an enthralling journey

through the rich tapestry of history, shedding light on the profound importance of Gurukuls in Indian and Hindu culture. The devotees were left spellbound, marveling at the invaluable heritage and traditions that lie at the core of the Gurukul community.

To culminate this breathtaking festivity on a delectable note, more than 300 devotees were treated to an ambrosial feast of Prasad, lovingly served by the members of Shree

Swaminarayan Gurukul Melbourne. The flavors burst forth, tantalizing the taste buds and satiating the soul with divine nourishment. In this age of technology and connectivity, we invite one and all to join us in the virtual realm, where the magic of these great Indian festivities unfolds. Stay upto-date with all our grand celebrations by following our vibrant social media pages on Facebook and YouTube, and be a part of our exclusive WhatsApp group.

ਕਥਾ, ਕੀਰਤਿ, ਪਚਾਰ, ਪਾਠ ਦੀ ਸੇਵਾ ਕਰ ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ। ਇਕ ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਸਾਸਹਬ ਸਵਚੋਂ ਸਵਦਾਇਗੀ ਲੈਣ

Pm modi outlines bJP's roadmap for 2024: 'time for Uniform civil code'

Modi spoke for a full 110 minutes at the ’Mera Booth Sabse Majbut’ programme, addressing around 2500 raucous Bhartiya Janata Party booth workers in Bhopal

Two days after he returned from the United States and Egypt, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a sharp pivot to domestic politics, setting the contours of the BJP’s 2024 Lok Sabha push to his party’s booth workers, backing the demands for a Uniform Civil Code, reaching out to backward Muslims, attacking the opposition on dynasty and corruption and framing the choice facing voters as between “tushtikaran”(appeasement) and “santushtikaran”(the politics of satisfaction).

Modi spoke for a full 110 minutes at the ’Mera Booth Sabse Majbut’ programme, addressing around 2500 raucous Bhartiya Janata Party booth workers in Bhopal that often broke into chants of “Modi, Modi” or “Jai Shri Ram,” and over a million more booth workers watching online from across the country, in an event, he said, was likely unique anywhere in the world. “The organisation of an event on this scale, of ground workers of a political party, has perhaps never happened anywhere else in the world,” Modi said.

oN tHE UNiFoRM

CiviL CodE

A little short of two weeks after the Law Commission of India solicited suggestions on the controversial Uniform Civil Code, in what is set to be a key fault-line ahead of the 2024 elections, Prime Minister Modi said that “Muslim brothers and sisters” would have to understand that political parties were “destroying them by taking advantage of them.”

“These days, people are being provoked by the UCC.

You tell me, if there is one law for one person in a home, and another law for another person, can that house function?” Modi asked. As the crowd roared in denial, Modi said, “Then how can a country work with such a hypocritical system? We have to remember that even the Constitution of India talks of common rights but the Muslim community has been deprived of education, of employment, and forced to live a difficult life. Even the Supreme Court says bring the Uniform Civil Code.”

oN MUsLiMs

The Prime Minister specifically spoke of Pasmanda or backward Muslims, continuing an outreach he also made in February 2023, and argued that they had been left marginalised by those that do “vote bank politics.”

“A section of their own religion has exploited Pasmanda Muslims, something that hasn’t been discussed in the country. Several generations have had to suffer. But the BJP works in the spirit of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas,’” Modi said.

Modi said that “vote bank hungry” people had also been doing a great injustice to Muslim women by backing the practice of “teen (triple) talaq,” a mechanism of instant divorce outlawed by an act of parliament in July 2019. “If this was an essential practice in Islam, then no Muslim majority country would end teen talaq. I was in Egypt the day before where 90% of the population is Sunni Muslim. Ninety years ago, they ended teen talaaq. If it is so necessary, why does it not happen in Pakistan? In Indonesia? In Qatar, Jordan, Bangladesh? Why has it been ended there? This is why my Muslim sisters and daughters stand with the BJP, stand with Modi,” the Prime Minister said.

oN oPPositioN UNity

ANd dyNAstiC PoLitiCs

Modi’s speech was framed as a series of answers to questions posed by booth workers from across the country, with one of those questions on the members of the Opposition gathering to begin the process of a united front against the BJP. Modi however pointed to both the 2014 and the 2019 Lok Sabha results and said that even in those two campaigns, the Opposition had not displayed the sense of desperation they are showing now. “There are some that called each other the enemy but today they are bowing down to each other. It is clear from their nervousness that the country has made up its mind to bring the BJP back in 2024,” he said.

With “guarantees” being a big part of a successful Congress campaign in Karnataka, where the BJP was soundly beaten earlier this year, and state specific “guarantees” now the cornerstone of the party’s Madhya Pradesh campaign, Modi said that it was the responsibility of the BJP worker to tell people the true meaning of the word. “All these people guarantee corruption of scams worth lakhs and crores of rupees. There was a photograph(of the opposition meeting)… all of them together are a guarantee of scams worth at least 20 lakh crores,” Modi said.

He named the allegations against the Congress, that, he said, had committed corruption from “helicopters to submarines”,RJD, TMC, DMK and the NCP. Thumping his chest, Modi said he had a guarantee of his own. “My guarantee is the guarantee of action against every scamster. The accounts of those who looted the poor and looted this country will be settled,” Modi said. The Prime Minister said that the people had to decide what welfare they wanted to see. “If you want to see the development of the sons and daughters of the Gandhi family, vote for the Congress. If you want the welfare of the son of Mulayam Singh Yadav, vote for the Samajwadi Party. If you want the development of Lalu Yadav’s family, vote for the RJD. If you want the development of Sharad Pawar’s daughter, vote for the NCP. If you want the development of the Abdullah family, vote for the National Conference. But listen carefully, if you want the growth of your son, your daughter, your grandson and your grand daughter, then vote for the BJP,” the PM said.

APPEAsEMENt vs PoLitiCs oF

sAtisFACtioN

The Prime Minister framed the choice that presented itself to the Indian voter in 2024 as one between the politics of “tushtikaran”(appeasement) and the politics of “s

rahul gandhi fuels conversations with delhi's motorcycle mechanics

tHE Congress shared pictures on Facebook of the former party chief working on motorcycles and interacting with the mechanics.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited motorcycle mechanics' workshops in Karol Bagh here on Tuesday and interacted with them.

Rahul Gandhi can also be seen repairing a bike.

Rahul Gandhi can also be seen repairing a bike.

Gandhi posted pictures of his interaction with the mechanics on Facebook and wrote: "Learning from the hands that turn the wrenches, and keep the wheels of Bharat moving."

antushtikaran”(satisfaction.)

“The path of santushtikaran is one of hard work. If electricity comes, everyone will get it, and everyone will be satisfied. If nal se jal abhiyan (piped water) is being there, everyone will get it, the attempt will be made for every home to get it. There will be no discrimination, not on caste, not on community,” Modi said.

He targeted parties of “social justice” (read: the SP, JDU and RJD mainly) and said that they had done great damage to the fabric of India, erecting walls between people and deepening cleavages. “In UP, our Paasi brothers and sisters, Khatik brothers and sisters, Kori brothers and sisters, and small communities like Dhanuk became the victims of politics, and remained separated from development. If we look at Bihar, there are Dalits and Mahadalits. Because of this, one community looked at another with suspicion,” Modi said.

As the crowd cheered as he named one caste after another, Modi took care to underline marginalisation of communities in southern India, a region where, outside of Karnataka, the BJP still has little national footprint, calling out deprived castes in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

GovERNMENt’s ACHiEvEMENts

Modi lauded his government’s achievements over the past nine years, and said that India was one of the few countries where inflation is under control. “There are several countries where after Covid 19, inflation has broken all records. Look at our neighbourhood. The inflation rate in Pakistan is more than 38%…in India it is less than 5%,” Modi said.

He spoke of a string of government schemes such as the Prime Minister

Swanidhi scheme that provides monetary incentives to street vendors, the Har Ghar Jal scheme that promises running tap water in every home by 2024, and the Prime Minister Kisan Samman Nidhi. “The BJP government today directly sends the money to the farmers accounts. 2.25 lakh crore have already been transferred under the scheme.”

The PM’s reference to UCC is an indication that it may become an election plank for the 2024 polls, said Ajay Gudavarthi, a professor at the Jawaharlal Nehru university.

“It is becoming clear that 2024 will be fought on the basis of mandir and UCC. His comment needs to be seen considering the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament and a possible Opposition rancour over the recent questioning in the US regarding the situation of minorities in India and violence in Manipur,” he added.

The experts feel that the PM set the agenda of 2024 elections and also cleared that party leadership is more focused on Lok Sabha election. “The PM Narendra Modi has clear all the agendas for booth managers. In the speech, the PM focused only on union government issues so it clear that BJP leadership wants to focus on Lok Sabha elections only. He tried to bring clarity in the mind of booth managers that how to attack on oppositions,” said Girija Shankar political analyst and author.

However, the expert said it is hard to say will it work or not. “Undoubtedly, BJP saw a setback in state elections in Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka because people didn’t rely on the promises of BJP. It will be interested to see that whether people will trust BJP on these issues or not,” said senior journalist Deepak Tiwari.

Wet spell across india as rains advance, ‘orange’ alert in hills

The Congress also shared pictures on Facebook of the former party chief working on motorcycles and interacting with the mechanics.

"These hands create India. The grease on these clothes is our pride and self respect. Only a people's hero works to encourage them.

Shri Rahul Gandhi with bike mechanics at Karol Bagh in Delhi. 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' continues...," the opposition party said in a post on the social media platform.

An orange warning implies that disaster management authorities should be prepared to avert any rain related disasters or flooding

REPoRt By oRGANisERs

oF Miss ANd MRs

PUNJABAN 2023

CoNGRAtULAtioNs to Jasleen Kaur Dosanjh, the shining star of Miss Punjaban Australia Queensland 2023! It’s an absolute honour to announce Jasleen as the deserving winner of this prestigious title. Her dedication, talent, and vibrant personality have genuinely made her shine on the stage.

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Jasleen Kaur dosanJH

the shining star of MISS PUnjAbAn australia

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Runner-up for Mrs Punjaban Australia Queensland 2023! So proud of Sukhvir Sidhu, a remarkable woman who has achieved so much in her journey. From moving to Australia in 2015 and earning her master’s in health sciences from Griffith University Brisbane to working as a registered nurse for six years and pursuing her specialisation in diabetic education and management to become a diabetic educator.

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Congratulations to Nishu Mann, the reigning Queen of Mrs Punjaban Australia Queensland 2023! Nishu Mann - A True Trailblazer! We are thrilled to announce that

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FOCUS ON FIJI

Whippy: Remark on retention of passports was made to inject humour

CARPENtERs Fiji Pte

Limited has released a second paid statement – this time providing an account of managing director Daniel Whippy’s remarks at a recent in relation to the alleged retention of passports of immigration workers it employs.

Mr Whippy had said at the Dialogue Fiji Conference on the Fijian Economy – held on June 19-20 at the Holiday Inn in Suva – that the company had hired foreign workers as butchers, bakers and mechanics and they held onto their passports.

On Saturday, June 24 (2023), the company issued a paid statement stating that all expatriate staff retained their respective

passports in their own custody at all times when in the employment of

Carpenters Group. In the second paid statement published in

The Fiji Times yesterday and signed by director Kunaseelan Sabaratnam,

UN accord on ship recycling to start within 2 years after more countries join

LoNdoN (Reuters) – An international accord on recycling ships is set to begin within 24 months after Bangladesh and Liberia became the latest countries to ratify the accord, officials said on Monday.

The Hong Kong convention, a treaty set up by UN shipping agency the International Maritime Organization (IMO), is aimed at ensuring that ships, when being recycled after reaching the end of their operational lives, did not pose any unnecessary risks to human health, safety and to the environment.

Much of the world’s ship breaking takes place at sites across south Asia in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan and involves dangerous manual labour where workers dismantle ships and are exposed to toxic substances.

Working conditions still

remain perilous, including fires and falling steel plates, which kill or seriously injure workers across the breaker yards in South Asia, according to analysis from campaigners with NGO Shipbreaking Platform, which monitors conditions at sites.

The Hong Kong convention was adopted in 2009 by 63 countries aiming to boost working conditions.

Nevertheless, it needed to meet various criteria, including having at least 40% of the world’s merchant shipping by gross tonnage represented by ratifying nations, which had not been met previously despite other large maritime nations such as India already ratifying it.

The accession of Bangladesh and Liberia mean the total 22 contracting states to the convention

represent approximately 45.81% of the gross tonnage of the world’s merchant shipping, the IMO said in a statement.

The combined annual ship recycling volume of the 22 contracting states during the preceding 10 years amounted to 23.8 million gross tonnage, equivalent to 3.31% of the required recycling volume and above the required 3% threshold.

Lenn Eugene Nagbe, chief executive of the Liberia Maritime Authority, said it was “a great and historic day for world shipping”.

Bangladesh had “demonstrated global leadership and commitment as a major ship recycling country to environmentally safe and sustainable ship recycling” by acceding to the Convention, Saida Muna Tasneem, Dhaka’s permanent IMO representative, added in the statement.

US should apologize to Guantanamo bay inmates for treatment -Un expert

A United Nations expert said on Monday that U.S. government treatment of Guantanamo Bay inmates was cruel, inhuman and degrading under international law and called for Washington to apologize and provide reparation.

“I observed that after two decades of custody,

the suffering of those detained is profound, and it’s ongoing,” Fionnuala Ni Aolain said at the United Nations after completing the first official visit by a U.N. expert to the detention facility in Cuba.

“Every single detainee I met with lives with the unrelenting harms that follow from systematic

practices of rendition, torture and arbitrary detention,” she said, citing what she called the undue use of restraints and near constant surveillance as current shortcomings.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The prison was set up in 2002 by then-U.S. President

Mr Whippy said that during the question and answer session, he made a remark in relation to passport retention and that the same remark “must be put in its proper context so as to correct and clarify my position, especially in so far as it relates to our foreign employees and their passports”.

“The comment in relation to the passport being withheld was made to inject humour or as an attempt to share a light moment and it was no more than that,” Mr Whippy stated.

“I am fully aware that we do not keep passports on behalf of our employees.

“At the same time, however, it is readily

acknowledged that there is always a risk that what I thought was an innocent and humorous remark such as the one made by me at the conference may be construed in the manner it apparently was in this occasion.

“In hindsight, the humorous remark was best not made. I sincerely express my regret and apologise to anyone who felt aggrieved.”

Last week, Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Pio Tikoduadua said the Department of Immigration and police were investigating the content of the video that captured the company executive uttering the remark.

George W. Bush to house foreign militant suspects following the 9/11 attacks on the United States. Its population grew to a peak of about 800 inmates before it started to shrink.

President Joe Biden has said he wants to close the facility but has yet to present a plan to do so, and some 30 prisoners

LoNdoN (Reuters) –Countries must take decisive action at talks aimed at accelerating decarbonisation in the shipping industry, the United Nations’ shipping agency chief said on Monday, as pressure for change builds.

Shipping, which transports around 90% of world trade and accounts for nearly 3% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions, is facing growing calls from environmentalists and investors to deliver more concrete action including a carbon levy.

Delegates of the U.N.’s shipping agency, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), are meeting in London this week for preliminary discussions ahead of next week’s crucial session of the IMO’s marine environment (MEPC) committee.

The IMO has pledged to halve greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from ships by 2050, from 2008

remain. The comments by the independent expert add to recent criticism from the Red Cross and another UN body.

“The U.S. government must urgently provide

levels, a commitment that lags European Union and U.S. plans to reach zero net emissions by that date.

The MEPC will finalise the draft 2023 strategy on reducing GHG emissions from ships and examine other measures including various proposals for a carbon levy.

“It is now time to work together on increasing the level of ambition for 2050 and establish the intermediate check points by 2030 and 2040,” IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim said in a speech to delegates.

“Do not wait for the last minute at MEPC to make the compromises and find the solutions, a positive outcome from this group is key to a success next week, and for the future work of this Organization.”

Lim said 2023 was “IMO’s year of decisive climate action”.

“The stakes are high and the expectations even higher.”

judicial resolution, apology and guarantees of nonrepetition,” she added. She praised Washington for the access she was granted. “Few states exhibit that kind of courage,” she said.

UN ship agency chief urges decisive action at environment talks

indian master cHef oPens restaUrant on brisbane’s nortH side

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Shah Rukh Khan and Suhana Khan untitled film to be directed by sujoy ghosh

Allahabad High Court slams Adipurush makers;

iN a shocking turn of events, director Om Raut and writer Manoj Muntashir have received death threats from the Kshatriya Karni Sena. These threats come amidst an ongoing row surrounding the dialogues of the recently released pan-India film Adipurush. Meanwhile, the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has strongly criticized both the censor board and the makers of the film.

A day ago, it was reported that father-daughter duo Shah Rukh Khan and Suhana Khan will be starring in a movie together which will be produced by Red Chillies Entertainment in collaboration with Pathaan director Siddharth Anand’s Marflix Pictures. Even before her debut with The Archies, Suhana has signed her next film and will co-star alongside her superstar father. However, it is being reported that Khan's screentime will be similar to that of Dear Zindagi. Now, the makers have roped in Sujoy Ghosh to helm the movie.

Interestingly, Ghosh directed Amitabh Bachchan and Taapsee Pannu starrer Badla which was produced by Shah Rukh Khan’s production house. As per a report in Pinkvilla, a source revealed, “Shah Rukh Khan and Sujoy Ghosh have worked together in the capacity of producer and director in Badlaa starring Amitabh Bachchan and Taapsee Pannu. The duo will

now be reuniting in multiple capacities for this yet film. It’s an action thriller, and other details have been kept under wraps for now. Even Sujoy is excited to explore a new genre as a director.”

This will mark the second collaboration between SRK and Siddharth Anand. The source added, “Siddharth Anand is known for action films and SRK is collaborating with the filmmaker to collaborate on creating big action blocks for the film. The idea is to come up with an uncompromised cinematic experience with the best resources.”

Meanwhile, Suhana Khan will debut in Zoya Akhtar’s The Archies on Netflix. On the other hand, Shah Rukh Khan is gearing up for two releases this year – Jawan and Dunki.

On the work front, Sujoy Ghosh is one of the directors of Lust Stories 2 on Netflix. He is also directing Kareena Kapoor Khan, Vijay Varma and Jaideep Ahlawat in “The Devotion Of Suspect X” adaptation.

Rasika Dugal, Ishwak Singh, Shrenik Arora to star in Prime Video’s first Hindi horror series adhura, set to premiere on July 7

PRiME Video announced the global premiere of its First Hindi Horror series, Adhura, starting on 7 July.

Featuring Rasika Dugal, Ishwak Singh, Shrenik Arora, and Poojan Chhabra, the series also stars Rahul Dev, Zoa Morani, Rijul Ray, Sahil Salathia, Aru Krishansh Verma, KC Shankar, Jaimini Pathak.

Directed by Ananya Banerjee and Gauravv K. Chawla, and written by Banerjee, the series is produced by Monisha Advani, Madhu Bhojwani, and Nikkhil Advani, of Emmay Entertainment.

The seven-episode series will exclusively premiere in India and across 240 countries and territories worldwide.

Adhura delves into the deep-rooted fears and inner demons of its characters, promising a gripping and suspenseful journey into

The Allahabad High Court's criticism came during a hearing on a plea filed against certain contentious dialogues featured in Adipurush. “The nature of dialogues in the film is a big issue. Ramayana is a paragon for us. People read Ramcharitmanas before leaving home,” said the court.

The bench further added, “Agar hum log ispar bhi aankh band kar len kyonki yeh kaha jaata hai ki yeh dharm ke log bade sahishnu (tolerant) hain to kya uska test liya jayega? (If we close

our eyes on this issue too, because it is said that the people of this religion are very tolerant, will it be put to test as well?).”

The court stated, “It's good that people did not harm the law and order situation after watching the film. Lord Hanuman and Sita have been shown like they are nothing. These things should have been removed from the very beginning. Some scenes seem to be of "A" (adult) category. It's very difficult to

watch such films.”

While calling it a “very serious matter,” the Allahabad High Court questioned the Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC). During a hearing, the Deputy Solicitor General informed the court that the controversial dialogues had been removed. In response, the court questioned the Deputy SG about the actions and effectiveness of the CBFC in overseeing such matters.

The court asserted, “That

alone won't work. What will you do with the scenes? Seek instructions, then we will definitely do whatever we want to do... In case the exhibition of the film is stopped, then the people whose feelings have been hurt, will get relief.”

The court responded critically to the argument presented by the respondents regarding the addition of a disclaimer in the film. The bench questioned whether those responsible for the disclaimer considered the people and youth of the country to be devoid of intelligence.

“We saw it on the news that people went to the theatres and got the film shut down. Be thankful nobody vandalised it,” concluded the court. The court has also directed co-writer Manoj Muntashir Shukla to be made a party in the case and issued a notice directing him to respond within a week. The hearing will continue tomorrow.

the supernatural realm. It follows the theme of guilt, remorse and revenge. The story unfolds through two timelines, in 2022 and 2007, as secrets and chilling events plague the students and staff of a prestigious boarding school. What starts as a nostalgic reunion turns sinister when Adhiraj Jaisingh (Ishwak Singh) encounters Vedant Malik (Shrenik Arora), a troubled 10-year-old student. As the past and present collide, a dark secret threatens to emerge, linking Adhiraj to Vedant.

tHE Nawazuddin Siddiqui-Avneet Kaur starrer Tiku Weds Sheru was released on Amazon Prime Video on June 23.

Produced by Kangana Ranaut, the film has found appreciation among a small section of the audience. But several viewers and most critics have slammed the film for its plot and direction. Bollywood Hungama has learned that Kangana altered the script heavily. But instead of enhancing its appeal, it ended up hurting the film more.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “There’s a vast difference between the script that was narrated v/s the final product. The film’s flavour was something else. The impact was gone as she made so many changes. It damaged the film.”

The source elaborated,

“There was no consistency. When Tiku agrees to marry Sheru, she can be seen talking in broken English. Later on, in the beach sequence, she talks impeccably in English, as if she’s graduated from Oxford. Her character was supposed to be naïve and pagli but in the film, she comes across as very smart.”

A unit member pitched in, “In this film, Kangana was the super-director, and her brother Aksht Ranaut was the associate producer. And that’s

ironic since Kangana was the one who raised the issue of nepotism and actors employing their family members in films.”

The source then added, “The film starts with Tiku writing a poem. The director was against this Dilwale Dulhania

Le Jayenge-type scene as it made no sense and contributed no way to the film. Yet, it was added. Several changes were also made in the first half, concerning Tiku’s family and Sheru’s friend. Kangana, however, edited several of their scenes which could have uplifted the film. Sai Kabir was traumatized by these changes.”

When asked why Sai Kabir didn’t object, the source replied, “How can he? In the past, Kangana Ranaut was just an actor in Simran (2017) and Manikarnika (2019) and

yet, she had her way and brought about changes. In Manikarnika, she ousted the director. When the directors of those films had to bow down in front of Kangana, here she was the producer. How will the poor Sai Kabir have the guts?” The source also revealed, “There was a time when Kangana used to address Sai as ‘Sir’. Later, she started calling him ‘Tum’ and then she used to address him as ‘Tu’.”

Another unit member came forward with a complaint about Sai Kabir, “He didn’t shoot the climax. Action director Sunil Rodrigues had no choice but to take over and helm the scene. This is because Sai was heavily drunk, and he left after sometime. There was utter chaos. The actors were wondering, ‘Kya ho raha hai?’. No wonder the audiences were shocked by the absurdity of the climax.”

asks, “If we are tolerant, then will that also be tested?

the inside story of how Kangana Ranaut did a Simran and Manikarnika with Tiku Weds Sheru; FORCED several changes in the film much against the wishes of director Sai Kabir

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remedies to remove trapped ingrown hair by Hetvi Hair & Beauty

hair appears close enough to the surface of the skin.

Beauty

HEy GiRLs, in this issue find remedies to Expose the Trapped Ingrown Hair. There is nothing more irritating that finding ingrown hair on your legs, hands, and face. The ones that seem like pimples are the scariest of the lot. Ingrown hair is very common in people who have curly or coarse hair but almost everyone faces this problem. It is a condition whereby instead of the hair growing out of the skin, it curls up beneath the skin. It usually occurs as a result of dead skin which blocks the hair follicle.

People, who shave, wax or use tweezers to remove unwanted hair on a regular basis, are generally prone to ingrown hair. Wearing tight clothes and using incorrect methods of hair removal can also cause ingrown hair. The two most common symptoms of ingrown hair are itchiness and rash on the skin. For many people, ingrown hair is very painful as red bumps similar to those of pimples appear on the skin and can get infected with pus. There are many ways to treat ingrown hair at home without spending a lot of money on expensive products.

HoME REMEdiEs to ExPosE tRAPPEd iNGRoWN HAiR

1. Warm Compress To soften the tissues around ingrown hair, apply a warm or moist towel on the affected area. Repeat this until the

2. Use tweezers: After applying the warm compress, once the hair is closer to the surface of the skin, slowly pluck the hair with a point tipped tweezers, so that, the end of the ingrown hair is above the skin. Remember the aim is not to pluck the hair out as this is very painful. Don’t forget to sanitize the tweezer with alcohol before using.

Note: Sometimes the hair may look like a loop but do not worry about that. The ingrown hair is simply growing back into the skin, and hence, the loop alike shape. Simply put a sterilized needle through the loop and gently pull it out.

3. Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is particularly good for those ingrown hair which are filled with pus and seem like pimples. Apply it to the affected area several times during the day, for at least a week. While trying this, remove all the dead skin around the affected area. This will cut the bump or swelling which will make it easier for the hair to grow out.

4. Milk and out-of-date Bread : This may sound silly but it does work, especially on a looped ingrown hair. Warm some milk and dip a piece of bread in it. Now place the bread on the area of the skin with the ingrown hair and keep it there for about 2 minutes or until the bread cools. Repeat again for another 10 minutes. Check if the pore has opened up; if so, use a sterile needle to pull the

loop out.

5. salt: Salt not only helps in exfoliation, but also increases blood circulation to aid ingrown hair come out. Take 1½ teaspoons of salt and mix it with 1 cup of warm water. Dip a cotton ball into this solution and dab it on the affected area. Do not wipe it off. Best time to do this would be before going to bed, so that the salt can exfoliate and cleanse the skin over night. Repeat this daily until the tip of the ingrown hair appears. Another method is to add Epsom salt to your bath water. Gently exfoliate the skin with a loofah or washcloth while bathing. Apply moisturizer or aloe vera gel after bath. Repeat it daily until the ingrown hair exposes out.

6. vinegar: In a bowl, mix together some vinegar and hot water (remember

to keep the mixture warm). Dip a cloth into this mixture and lightly press it on the affected area. When the cloth gets cold, dip it again into the warm mixture and apply again to the affected area. This method takes a longer time and so you may have to repeat it for at least a week.

8. sugar: Sugar helps in getting rid of dead skin cells and pushing the ingrown hair out. Mix ½ a cup of jojoba oil with 1 cup of sugar. Add 10 drops of tea tree oil and apply this mixture onto the affected area. Now scrub the area in a circular motion and then wash it off with warm water. Do this for two to four weeks or until the ingrown hair surfaces out.

9. Baking soda: Mix together one cup of water and 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Dip a cotton ball or a cloth

into the solution and apply it on the affected area. Leave it for five to ten minutes and wash it off using cold water. Repeat this two to three times in a day, for faster results.

10. Black tea Bags: Black tea bags have a high concentration of tannic acid which make the skin smooth and at the same time, reduces inflammation and redness. Rub a warm teabag over the affected area for three minutes every day, for several consecutive days.

Alternatively, you can keep the tea bag in water for

some time and then remove all the excess water from it, into a bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of coconut water to this tea water. Dip a cotton ball into the mixture, and then place it on the affected area. Repeat this twice a day until you see the desired change on your skin.

do’s:- Always keep your body moisturized while trying any of the above treatments. Exfoliate the skin. Remove the ingrown hair only when you see the tip of the hair above the skin. Always cleanse your skin

to get rid of any surface dirt.

don’ts:- Do not use the tweezers into the skin.

Women should avoid using hair removal creams to reduce the risk of irritation. Do not use any medications or ointments without consulting your doctor.

Do not pluck the tip of the ingrown hair, as it will reactivate the problem again.

Avoid wearing tight clothes around the area which has ingrown hair.

Hope you will get benefit out of this. Nimisha

Hepatitis, Hiv/Aids and sexual Health Program Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ)

Monthly Predictions

This month, you'll receive a lot of advice, assistance, and ideas. You must exercise caution when selecting one of them. Any decision you make should not be rushed. Overall, this month will give you a fresh start in both your personal and professional lives. Understanding the value of hard effort can help you succeed abroad and bring about the desired financial benefit. Success in both your personal and professional life will be bestowed upon you by the sun. Those of you studying hotel management or event management this month may find nice employment. July may be a wonderful month for achieving the anticipated success in the interview. Those who apply for the competitive test may succeed there with their perseverance and diligence. You can succeed in technical subjects. Some of you might find success in a romantic relationship and have your proposal accepted. This month will bring you success in love and marriage if you want to get married. Venus is a hint that you need to be practical at work, and Mercury and Mars's transit are a warning not to argue. Some of you may feel constrained by your regular job. You may feel stressed as a result. The months of July through August deserve your attention since they can result in investing and share market expenses that demand it. In July, there may also be spending related to kids and health. Be cautious when making a financial decision at this time from someone new or unfamiliar.

In general, this month will be spent socialising with family and friends. a modest party at home. a wise property investment or owning a home. There will be vehicle-related expenditures and short-distance travel due to the Sun and Mercury movements. Saturn recommended you to stay away from criticism and pessimism so that you could perform at your peak at work. This month's Ketu and Moon movements advise against engaging in heated office debates. Your writing and journalism careers can be successful. With Mercury and the Sun's blessings, there may be a promotion. Mars's movement will bring you the expected success in business, and it will be a good time for those who manage a family or home-based business. This month will provide expected success in your relationships and also allow you to spend quality time with your companion. Mars and Ketu encourage those of you who are expecting to avoid aggressiveness and depression in order to get rid of the bad effects of the planets and to maintain excellent health throughout this month. Success in romantic relationships will also come throughout the month of July. Rahu advises you to avoid being overly demanding in your marriage and to allow for some privacy so that your spouse will feel at ease around you. You will succeed if you wished to take a test and compete in a test.

Sun and Mercury this month will call for consideration and patience before making significant decisions on the personal and professional fronts. Both your career and the relationships you have with your family and in-laws will depend significantly on how well you communicate and commit. Don't forget to keep your commitments if you want this month to be successful. Mars and Mercury both have a tendency to make people aggressive in discussion, so you must manage that. Unexpected work-related travel is possible. You might argue with your in-laws this month regarding your connection; therefore, to avoid conflict and enjoy a calm month, adopt a cheerful attitude and keep your distance. Some of you might receive an unexpected marriage proposal. When it comes to the romantic relationship, luck will be on your side. This month, Mars and Venus suggest that you might find true love. The love world will be chaotic, but you must fulfil your obligation. Jupiter may cause unanticipated medical or travel expenses. Jupiter may grant some of you the opportunity to purchase your own apartment or house this month. Mercury and Mars can provide funds for the purchase of electronics or a new car. This month, jobs involving communication and the media can be successful thanks to Venus and Mars. Those of you who work in sales can expect success and a good deal. It will be successful in terms of business travel and a trip relevant to your projects. Try to follow through on your commitments to achieve the anticipated gain. Both a raise and a new position are available.

The second quarter's Jupiter and Saturn movements may result in some improvement in romantic and matrimonial relationships. One or more of you might receive a marriage proposal from a buddy. Your romantic life will be enjoyable. It's a good moment to approach someone you like if you're single and waiting for the relationship proposal. If you were having problems in your marriage, things will get better and better. This month, you could relocate thanks to a foreign employment. Venus and Mercury, in terms of business, can provide some spending to give expansion in your firm. It's possible that you'll spend money on family and friends in the final days of this month. It's possible that you'll spend money on family and friends in the final days of this month. Some of you will close a good agreement with a foreign client this month, which will help your finances and business. You are encouraged to have an honest and constructive dialogue with the supervisor because Rahu and Ketu can generate an unexpected dispute with the boss due to misunderstandings. It would be a good idea to check your mail and messages because there's a chance you can miss any crucial correspondence pertaining to your job. There is a good chance that you will be successful in beginning your independent career. You might have the chance to travel the world if you pursue a career in sports. Your career will be greatly impacted by your commitment. Jupiter and Venus can provide fresh knowledge and anticipated outcomes for academic assessments. Some of you might experience abrupt curriculum or school changes. You will benefit from your parents' and your mentor's advice and support.

Health problems can result from sudden fevers or weakened immunity. Develop a positive outlook and seek for assistance if you require it to relieve your workload. The best approach to maintain good health is through meditation. Commitment and open communication with everyone will be crucial to your job this month. You will achieve the success you expect if you have a good attitude at work and in your businessrelated activities. If you're single this month, you might get a marriage proposal. Mercury will ease the tension in relationships. Some of you could enjoy spending time with your life partner and having a little family celebration. This month, a love marriage can be successful thanks to Venus and Mars. This month, a few of you might become engaged. Happiness from childbirth might also come from Jupiter and Mercury blessings. With the advice of a professional, you will learn about several investment and saving options. Some of you might succeed in getting a promotion and an increase in pay at work. This month, Venus and Mars will indicate anticipated financial success in your business. Jupiter is prepared to provide wealth from a career or business. This month, group study is going to be quite beneficial. Try to get a routine health checkup because stress and poor health will damage your study. Students pursuing studies abroad or majoring in fashion or the arts will succeed. This month, the study's foreign-related goal will be successful.

You run the risk of having trouble falling asleep between the second quarters. Poor health can be brought on by anger. Maintain a balanced diet, and eat plenty of juicy fruits to strengthen your immunity. If you had any health issues last month, they will likely start to get better this month. According to Saturn and Rahu, there is a chance of success in this month's research-related activities. This month will bring you good financial gains if you work in an industry that deals with language study, education, or other skill acquisition. Health-related difficulties might result from mental stress. Instead of arguing with your friends and engaging in group study, avoid conflict and engage in independent study. To avoid conflict in your marriage. To have a calm month in your marriage, try to be practical. During this month, you should also take care of your spouse's health. There will be a return on the initial investment. Although you may experience financial success and a solid salary, this month you may incur unforeseen expenses. The alteration of the interior may incur costs. Spending may be required for the spouse and in-laws. It's not a good idea to argue with or discuss family matters at this time because doing so could result in property loss or financial loss. There may be health-related expenses. Wait for the correct time if you need a loan; it might not be easy to obtain approved. Avoid conflict and accept rejection while still giving your best. There may be some financial outlays for the family business or legal activity associated with it.

Your romantic life will experience some new beginnings this month. Thanks to Mercury's influence, conversation will be fascinating. However, South Node's influence has the potential to alter the dynamics of your union. If you are not committed, it can redefine your relationship. Jupiter in transit could support you in strengthening the foundation of your connection as the month goes on. This month, you'll have a few excellent chances to improve your financial standing. However, Nodes won't have a very positive effect, so your financial planning may have some delays and challenges. The transiting Venus and Jupiter may support your cause, so there is definitely chance for some favourable outcomes. Do not count on people and do not expect money right away. You are unable to carry out your goals in your place of employment due to one or more restrictions. Additionally, you would need to continue working hard to stay ahead of the fierce competition in your industry. The remainder of the month will prove to be a good opportunity to improve your talents. Planetary circumstances may provide you with some clever suggestions to advance your career by the month's conclusion. There could be difficulties at the start of this month for academic endeavours. However, the time period beginning in the middle of this month could offer you fantastic study opportunities. You'll be able to move forward successfully with your tasks. Your increased attention to and prioritisation of your health as the month gets started may be a sign of good health.

This month's planetary blessings will benefit singles. They will pursue love with all of their might. However, as the month goes on, you'll start to feel apprehensive because of Mars. It is best to set your priorities and interests in stone at all times, though. In the second part of this month, Venus is likely to offer happiness and harmony to your romantic life and relationship. You will have numerous opportunities to make money because Jupiter will keep favouring you. The North Node predicts that although some unforeseen bills may put some pressure on your income, your financial situation will steadily improve as the month goes ahead. Utilize the time to examine and update your financial plans. The impact of Nodes will be unclear once the month begins. It may lead you to make ambitious selections at the start of this week in order to quicken the pace of your professional advancement. Avoid being seduced by immediate rewards. If you are in business, the time around the month's end might assist you generate a new wave of progress despite some difficult obstacles. Your commitment and diligence will enable you to succeed in your studies and exams this month. Your initiatives can receive support from your teachers and family members. You'll be inspired to pick up new abilities by Jupiter. Throughout this month, you should expect to maintain a normal health state, and you probably lead a healthy life. However, Venus might make you a little lethargic and prone to taking your fitness for granted. To maintain your level of fitness, try to keep yourself engaged and inspired.

According to Mars' influence, singles may experience some disruption at the beginning of this month. As the month goes on, planetary support for married couples will be favourable. During the second half of this month, married couples might have to deal with some challenges. As the month comes to a conclusion, the effect For your love and relationship front, Mars and the North Node provide a bleak image. There will be a healthy inflow of cash once the month gets started. But as the month goes on, Mars can cause you to be overly ambitious. If you use shortcuts in order to make quick money, you can run into difficulty. The topics pertaining to money and investing can eventually gain momentum for the better. Gains in material goods will increase, and Jupiter's influence will make your life happier. The planets may offer you a lot of help on the career front as the month gets started. But you must make an effort to keep things civil with your coworkers and business partners. You'll be able to manage your job more effectively over time, which will increase your chance of success. Mars will be transiting this month's beginning, which will cause many difficulties and disruptions in your academic life. Around the middle of this month, you will have much more planetary backing to make a statement with your outstanding performance. The second half will be a crucial time, and Saturn may bring some challenging circumstances in your academic life. This month, your health will be excellent. Additionally, if you have recently experienced any illnesses, you will see your health returning to normal.

This month, Mars predicts that you will be incredibly self-assured and determined in all areas pertaining to your love and personal life. Venus predicts that you'll be in an amorous mood and prepared to let your giving and creative side shine as the month goes on. Soon, you'll get a few fresh chances. Jupiter may demand that your personal life be in harmony throughout the second half. The planetary movement appears to be in favour of achieving financially uplifting spiritual gains. Jupiter may also support any real estate investments you make this week. Around the end of the month, there will be unforeseen delays in gain-related matters. Saturn suggests that because of delays in receiving your dues, you may experience some difficulty. You can encounter some challenging circumstances at work at the start of this month. When closing any significant commercial transactions, you must maintain your focus. Around the middle of this week, there will be some challenging problems to deal with. Remain firm and support your own conclusions. Making any important decisions for work-related matters seems to be much better for you to do in the second part of this month. You would benefit from this month in terms of your education. Jupiter and Mercury's influence will work in your favour as you develop new talents and broaden your horizons. Results for those who desire to pursue higher education overseas will be positive. Saturn will endow you with good health this month. But if you labour harder than your physical stamina can handle, you risk overworking yourself. Your energy levels could suffer as a result. Mars predicts that your health and stamina will experience minor ups and downs in the second half of this month.

You and your loved ones will have a lot of conflicts at the beginning of this month and experience some perplexity. Jupiter will help you maintain your composure in trying circumstances despite some complicated family dynamics. In the later half of this month, there is a good chance that you will enjoy excellent times with your family and friends. You'll struggle with your financial status at the start of this month. You can experience delays, and not all of your endeavours will be successful. The financial situation of your family will also be impacted by the quantity of expenses, according to the influence of the stars. Your financial situation will improve from the previous week as the month goes on because you have much stronger planetary assistance. Your career is in excellent shape right now, especially if you're in business. Your efforts will bear the desired fruit, as you will observe. Your teething issues can be resolved thanks to Jupiter's passage. If you work in manufacturing, Saturn advises you to pay attention. New product launches will be successful near month's end. The influence of the stars at the start of this month predicts that you will excel in your coursework. However, as the month goes on, your focus may diverge from your studies to some other pursuits due to the impact of Nodes. Saturn may present you with some hard health issues at the beginning of this month. But by the middle of this month, you should start feeling better. You may manage many health conditions by making little lifestyle modifications.

During this month, you're probably going to improve your bonds with your loved ones. You will be fortunate most of this month thanks to Venus and Jupiter. Saturn's influence may help you recognise your flaws and give you a better understanding of what you are lacking. Some old troubles may resurface as the month goes on as a result of the influence of the North Node and require your attention. You will grow and gain during this month thanks to your sound money management. Jupiter may also provide you the chance to finish some unfinished business. Mercury's influence will be favourable for business talks and financial transactions. The potential for growth will continue to be high, and progress appears to be on the horizon. Saturn may bring some challenging circumstances to your workplace at the start of this month. If you are in business, this may not be the best moment to seal a contract or make a choice that will have a significant financial impact. Jupiter predicts that you will feel at ease in a new position or task by the middle of this month. Businesspeople will also experience better times. Mercury's influence will aid in your education and skill development. Your knowledge base will grow as a result. You will advance in your schooling thanks to your diligence. For the majority of this month, your health should be good. Saturn, however, predicts some joint and muscle pain in people in their middle years and beyond. You can become slightly thoughtless or lethargic as a result of Venus. Now, it's more important than ever for you to eat healthfully and lead a balanced lifestyle.

Nick Kyrgios withdraws on eve of Wimbledon first round with fresh wrist injury

NiCK Kyrgios has pulled out of Wimbledon just hours before first round action was scheduled to get underway at the All England Club.

Kyrgios has been on the comeback trail from surgery on a knee injury that forced him out of the Australian Open in January.

But it's a fresh wrist injury that has ruled the Aussie out of Wimbledon, where he lost to Novak Djokovic in the final last year.

Kyrgios made the announcement on Instagram

on Monday morning (AEST).

"I'm really sad to say that I have to withdraw from Wimbledon this year," he said.

"I tried my hardest to be ready after my surgery and to be able to step on the Wimbledon courts again.

"During my comeback, I experienced pain in my wrist during the week of Mallorca.

"As a precaution I had it scanned and it came back showing a torn ligament in my wrist.

"I tried everything to be able to play and I am disappointed to say that I just didn't have enough time to manage it before

indian sports news wrap, July 1

Wimbledon.

"I'll be back, and as always, I appreciate the support from my fans."

Kyrgios was the 30th seed coming into Wimbledon and was set to face Belgium's David Goffin on Monday night in a first round matchup.

Wimbledon was to be the first Grand Slam appearance this year for Kyrgios, though that looks more likely to come at the US Open later this year, assuming he is fit.

The wrist injury is the

third this year for the Canberra native. He suffered a laceration to his foot trying to thwart an attempted robbery, which put him out of Roland Garros.

Kyrgios has contested just one tournament this year, falling in the first round of the Stuttgart Open to China's Wu Yibing.

The withdrawal comes as a surprise after the 28-yearold had been practicing in the week leading up to Wimbledon without any trouble.

Usman khawaja slams 'disrespectful' Lord's members after heated Long Room confrontation

AUstRALiAN opener

Usman Khawaja has unleashed on the members' behaviour inside Lord's famous Long Room following a heated confrontation on day five of the second Ashes Test.

CAtCH the major updates and results from Indian sports on July 1.

BoxiNG Youth Women’s Nationals: Asian Junior Champions Nikita, Kirti advance to final with dominating wins

The Asian Junior Champions Nikita Chand and Kirti continued their impressive run at the ongoing 6th youth women’s national boxing championship by registering comprehensive victories to enter the finals on the fifth day.

Going up against Khushi Singh of Madhya Pradesh in her semi-final bout, Nikita (60kg) of Uttarakhand was at the top of her game and secured a 5-0 win by unanimous decision. Utilizing her agility and precision, she hardly gave her opponent any chances of making a comeback in the bout.

Kirti (81+) on the other hand, had to hardly break a sweat in her bout as she got the better of Jagruti Both from Maharashtra with her

attacking approach after the referee stopped contest (RSC) in the first round.

Nikita will now face Siya of Delhi in the finals whils Kirti will go up against Nirjhra Baba of Rajasthan in their quest of securing a gold medal.

Continuing her momentum, Asian Junior Championship silver medallist Supriya Devi (54kg) of Manipur earned a hard fought 4-1 win against Babita Singh of Uttar Pradesh. She will now square off against Tanu of Haryana in the finals.

In the 50kg category, Anshu of Haryana proved to be too strong for Khushi Jadhav of Maharashtra as she recorded a stellar victory after the referee stopped contest (RSC) in the third round. She will take the ring against Chanchal Choudhary of Uttar Pradesh in the finals.

Haryana has the highest representation of pugilists in the finals with a total of eight pugilists, followed by Uttarakhand with four pugilists.

The usually placid Long Room crowd resembled something out of a football match as members hurled abuse at Australia's players — for which three members have now been suspended — as they went into the rooms ahead of the lunch break following the controversial dismissal of Jonny Bairstow.

According to a Cricket Australia statement it was alleged that players and staff from the Australian team were "verbally abused, with some being physically contacted" as they made their way to lunch.

Khawaja took offence with what he deemed to be "pretty big allegations", facing up to one of the members inside the Long Room before security intervened and ushered Australia's players up the stairs. David Warner was also separated from the crowd by the security shortly after Khawaja.

Following Australia's win, Khawaja revealed what took place during the fiery confrontation.

"It was really disappointing," he told Nine.

"Lord's is one of my favourite places to come, there is so much respect

shown at Lord's, particularly in the members pavilion in the Long Room, but there wasn't today. It was very disappointing.

"If anyone asks me where the best place is to play, I always say Lord's, the crowd is great, particularly the members are great, (but) some of the stuff coming out of the members' mouths was really disappointing.

"I wasn't going to stand by and cop it, so I just talked to a few of them. A few of them were throwing out some pretty big allegations and I just called them up on it.

"They kept going and I was like, 'Well, it's your membership here', so I was just pointing them out. It's pretty disrespectful to be honest. I just expect a lot better from the members."

The Marylebone Cricket Club confirmed the suspensions in a statement on Monday morning (AEST).

"(The) MCC can confirm it has suspended three

members identified from earlier today. They will not be permitted back to Lord's whilst the investigation takes place and were informed of this by MCC Chief Executive, Guy Lavender, this evening," the statement read.

"We maintain that the behaviour of a small number of members was completely unacceptable and whilst there was no suggestion by Pat Cummins in the postmatch press conference that there was any physical altercation, it remains wholly unacceptable to behave in such a way, which goes against the values of the club.

"(The) MCC condemns the behaviour witnessed and once again we reiterate our apology to Cricket Australia. We are thoroughly disappointed to be talking about poor behaviour when the Long Room, as stated by Pat Cummins himself, is otherwise renowned for being "really welcoming". It

Rugby championship preview: all Blacks to clinch another title ahead of the Rugby World Cup

has been a thrilling day to finish off a wonderful five days of Test cricket."

After the match, Australian captain Pat Cummins said someone from the MCC apologised for the behaviour of some of the members.

"I think some of them might lose their memberships over the way they behaved," he said.

"Other than that one time, they were fantastic all week. Normally fantastic, really welcoming. Something special about playing at Lord's. I quite like the tradition.

"I think they were just quite aggressive and abusive towards some of our players, which I know the MCC weren't too happy with."

Former England captain Eoin Morgan was visibly frustrated by the treatment handed out to the Australian players after seeing vision of the confrontation.

"I arrived here and signed as a 16-year-old kid and I'm lucky to have played my whole career here and I've never seen scenes like that, particularly in the Long Room, never mind all the way around the ground," he said on Sky Sports' coverage during the lunch break.

"There is a huge sense of frustration but I can't understand why, it's complete naivety around what's happened with Jonny Bairstow's dismissal."

'He's a freak': australia survives Ben Stokes' insane ashes heist attempt to take lord's test

Australian players have admitted to having Headingley flashbacks from 2019 after surviving a remarkable innings from Ben Stokes to win the second Test at Lord's.

Last up in our set of previews ahead of the Rugby Championship, we examine the prospects of last year’s champions, Ian Foster’s New Zealand.

australian indian radio important yes23 referendum interview

WALtERs Nkemfack of Queensland Community Alliance and Michelle McDonald (director of news Anglican Church) came into Australian Indian Radio studios to discuss the YES23campaign; the segment was an interactive one whereby the audience was encouraged to ask the question of the panellist.

Walters Nkemfack is an organiser with the Queensland Community Alliance. He is engaging Queensland multicultural communities about the forthcoming referendum to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution.

Michelle McDonald is a descendant of the Wiradjuri people. She married into a Hindu family in 2001 and is the mother of a 21-year-old son, Arun. She is the Director of News for the Anglican Church Southern Queensland, which is a member of Walters’ organisation.

Walters spoke about the importance of multicultural citizens 18 years and over getting on the electoral roll, how all Australians need to be part of the democratic processes and how all citizens

18+ must vote. Key points discussed were:

• The forthcoming referendum is compulsory for all Australian citizens 18 years and over.

• Constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

• The Uluru Statement from the Heart, or

• The Voice to Parliament

tHE ULURU diALoGUEs:

• Between December 2016 and May 2017, 13 regional dialogues were held across Australia, with 1,200 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples participating.

• From these dialogues, over 250+ leaders have appointed delegates for the National Constitutional Convention, where the Uluru Statement was signed.

• 60% were Traditional Owners

• 20% were from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community organisations

• 20% were activists, Elders, members of the Stolen Generations and significant figures.

Uluru Statement From the Heart:

• Was signed at Uluru in May 2017 by 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders.

• Acknowledges that sovereignty has never been ceded or extinguished and co-exists with the sovereignty of the Crown.

• Calls for two reforms — a Constitutional change (Constitutional recognition through a pragmatic Voice to Parliament) and a legislative change (a Makarrata Commission to supervise treaty and truth-telling).

• Is called “a roadmap to peace” by Aboriginal leaders.

• Is an invitation to the Australian people, who collectively ‘own’ the

Constitution and who will decide the outcome.

• Is not an invitation to politicians.

• Is carefully calibrated, ensuring the ‘asks’ (reforms) are achievable and meaningful.

tHE voiCE to PARLiAMENt:

• Will be an advisory body of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples whom their communities will appoint.

• Will offer a view to Parliament and the Commonwealth Government on matters that impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

• Parliament will retain supremacy and shape the Voice continuously, including its “composition, functions, powers and procedures”.

tHE REFERENdUM QUEstioN:

“A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

do yoU APPRovE tHis PRoPosEd ALtERAtioN?”

The proposed constitutional amendment (this has passed through the lower house and will be finalised in the upper house this month):

iN RECoGNitioN oF ABoRiGiNAL ANd toRREs stRAit isLANdER

PEoPLEs As tHE FiRst

PEoPLEs oF AUstRALiA:

1. The body shall be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

2. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

3. The Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have the power to make laws concerning matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, controls, and procedures.”

Palani Thevar dialled into the conversation and spoke o the topic; while he supported the idea, he said he would like to hear both sides of the campaign and suggested even a joint discussion from both sides., Umesh Chandra OAM, presenter, noted that it was a good idea and that AIR was open to the suggestion and would arrange the suggested session shortly.

lUminoUs lantern Parade 2023 Cost of living pressures and housing crisis addressed by QPASTT and multicultural australia

soUtHBANK Queensland

says Welcome! Now in its 16th year, LUMINOUS is one of Queensland’s most significant welcome events, capturing the imagination of Queenslanders with its spectacular use of light to symbolise hope and create a welcome for new Queenslanders.

The LUMINOUS Lantern Parade is now an iconic event on the annual Queensland events calendar, held in conjunction with Queensland Day to celebrate Queensland’s birthday and our unique culture, heritage, people, places, and industries.

We are celebrating the cultural diversity of Queensland and making a bold statement of welcome at Multicultural Australia’s LUMINOUS lantern procession and world music concert.

The spectacular lantern procession began at Flowstate, South Bank, winding its way on a short and symbolic walk down the promenade taking in the sites of the city skyline.

The parade ended at the South Bank Piazza for a vibrant world music concert, with the lanterns bathed in the luminous light symbolising welcome and hope for many people worldwide, especially our newest Queenslanders.

LUMINOUS attracts supporters from across the community, including all levels of government, corporate and community

organisations.

Indigenous elders, migrant and refugee communities, service providers, education and training providers, church organisations, schools, various stakeholder groups and the wider community also walked in the Parade

or participated in a range of LUMINOUS satellite events.

This year, Multicultural Australia featured LUMINOUS in the Neighbourhood across Brisbane, Toowoomba, and Rockhampton, spreading the welcome message across Queensland.

WOODRIDGE Thursday, June 29th, a Community and Faith leaders' dinner (CLD) forum was co-hosted by QPASTT and Multicultural Australia at 55 Wembley Rd Woodridge at the yet-to-officially opened centre.

The June event focused on the current cost of living pressures, particularly the current housing crisis. As requested by Community and Faith leaders in previous forums and consultations, the discussion centred on concerns about the present cost of living pressures and housing crisis.

The key speaker for this forum, Qld TreasurerCameron Dick MP, and the MC for the event was Habib Jamal. Aunty Peggy Tidyman

acknowledged the traditional landowners and the welcome address was by Christine Castley.

Queensland Treasures discussed the new affordable housing solutions and cost of living relief package in the

form of energy bill rebates. The event was fully subscribed to, and dinner was served to all presented at the beginning of the event. The second phase of the event included a panel discussion from the community.