March 2022 - Online Edition

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

Volume 18, Number 7 Saturday, March 12th, 2022

As God is One, we respect all Religions

Telephone: (07) 3192 5188 Mobile: 0430 193 715 E-mail: sales@indiantimes.com.au

AIR PAK What Warne’s ‘shocked’ friends were confronted with inside Thai villa as Excess Baggage Services Commercial Freight state funeral confirmed Import & Export

Freight Services Worldwide

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT AUSTRALIA APPROVED REGULATED AGENT

Fresh details have emerged following the shock death of Australia cricket legend and the greatest leg-spinner of alltime, Shane Warne, aged 52.

The 708-Test wicket great was found unresponsive by friends in a villa he was staying at in Koh Samui, Thailand.

According to the Herald Sun, attempts by Warne’s close friend and associate Andrew Neophitou to revive him were unsuccessful.

Thai authorities were preparing Sunday to conduct an autopsy before flying him home where he will receive a state funeral, which was accepted by his family on Sunday evening.

“It will be an opportunity for Victorians to pay tribute to his contribution to his sport, to our state and the country,” premier Daniel Andrews said.

“Details will be finalised in (the) coming days.”

The Bangkok Post reported that bloodstains were found on the floor of Warne’s room as well as on bath towels and pillows.

Pol Maj Gen Satit Polpinit, commander of Surat Thani Provincial Police, told Thai newspaper Matichon that Warne had “coughed up liquid and was bleeding” when CPR started.

Customs Facilitation Fiji Freight Specialist (Sea & Air) BRISBANE 33 Curtin Ave. West Eagle Farm QLD 4009 EMAIL airpakops@powerup.com.au

 07 3268 6188 Warne’s manager James Erskine said Neophitou attempted to perform CPR before the ambulance arrived to take Warne to hospital but he was pronounced dead shortly after.

Meanwhile, ambulance team leader Phet Boonrak was quoted telling Thai media that Neophitou performed CPR for 20 minutes.

“His friends were so shocked,” he said.

“They said they had found him unconscious on the bed and moved him to the floor to attempt CPR. In the room, there was vomit on the floor but no sign of injuries.”

Neophitou was an executive producer behind the recently released documentary SHANE. CONTD. ON PG 43

Free Home Loan Consultation Choose from 25 top home loan lenders.

Our Service: • home loans and investment loans • car loans and personal loans • business loans and insurance

Call Gagan deep Tandon 0425 158 280 gtandon@smartline.com.au smartline.com.au/gtandon Australian Credit Licence 385325

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022 — 1

Inside

• Local News ..................................4-34 • Real Estate ................................14-18 • wwww ...................................... 26-27 • India News ..................................... 38 • Fiji News ......................................... 40 • Entertainment .............................. 42 • Health & Well Being .................... 44 • Business Directory/Classified ... 47 • Sports News ................................... 48

A Division of Qld Multicultural Times Published Monthly OWNERS / PUBLISHERS: Umesh Chandra OAM & Usha Chandra ADVERTISING: 0430 193 715 sales@indiantimes.com.au JOURNALIST/ CORRESPONDENTS • 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) • Peter Lane Rai • Awadhesh Sharma • Shailendra Singh • Gagan deep Tandon • Ravi Vastrad • Brian Sullivan (Photography) • Amod Datar • Rajesh Chand • Ashok Attri Address: PO Box 197, Taigum Qld 4018 Ph: (07) 3192 5188 Fax: (07) 3865 5864 E-mail: prod@indiantimes.com.au Subscriptions: 12 months 6 months Brisbane Indian Times is a monthly newspaper published in English. No material, including advertisements designed by Brisbane Indian Times, may be reproduced in part or who without the written consent of the manager.

Opinions carried in Brisbane Indian Times are those of the writers and not necessarily endorsed by Brisbane Indian Times. Brisbane Indian Times will not be held liable for any advertising / editorial content - Advertisers supply / approve content therefore should any content be deemed inappropriate it is the advertisers / correspondents responsibility.

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

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

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

2 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022

From the Publisher Welcome to our March issue, the month of Holi, our festival of colors; I have never been keen on Holi and have avoided it whenever possible. These days the celebrations are not the same, the largescale commercial ones are great crowd pleasers and fun, but it misses the true meaning and purpose of celebrating Holi. Look! Don’t get me wrong; it is a great initiative and exposes our culture and tradition to the broader community, so well done. I would have liked to see the traditional Holika Dhahan, Matka breaking ceremony, and live Chowtal.

Growing up, we used to have Chowtal Mandali, and leading up to holi; the Mandli used to get together at members’ residences for “Faag Gaayan,” obviously accompanied by traditional refreshments; the members of the Mandli would polish their Jhanjh (small cymbals) and neaten up the handle and cords, etc., as my granddad would be inspecting them. On a primary day, we would begin from one member’s house and progress through the carefully prepared itinerary for the day. Refreshments were served at all the locations, but every year, the Mandli would finish at a chosen member's residence, and they would provide the sumptuous dinner, so that is how I remember Holi back in the days. Well, so much for Holi, I hope that the true spirit of Holi, which is to let go of the past and embrace everyone, is a day of forgiveness, forgetting, and leaving aside any differences, beginning fresh and moving forward.

Australians woke up in shock and sadness to the awful news of the death of Shane Warne, aged just 52, on Saturday 05th March; he had arrived in Thailand the night before for a three-month vacation, but alas, life took a tragic turn. Shane was one of our greatest cricketers of all time, one of only a few that could approach the extraordinary achievements of the great Don Bradman, But Shane was more than this to Australians. He was one of our nation’s most notable characters. His humor, passion, irreverence, and approachability ensured all loved him. The news is the second devastating blow for Australian cricket within 24 hours, with fellow great Rod Marsh dying on Friday the fourth of March and having suffered a major heart attack. His will be remembered with the same respect as Don Bradman; may his soul rest in peace.

And now for the Queensland floods, this time around I was here to witness the floods; during the last major flood in 2011, I was in India I had caught an early morning flight from Delhi to Kolkata, we had the NRI awards in Delhi the night before, and we were in Kolkata for the inauguration of the Girmit memorial, we had a lunch function before the opening ceremony, I checked in the hotel and was getting ready for the official lunch function when I saw the 2011 Queensland flood on TV, I immediately called Brisbane. I studied how things were going and advised our members to lend

a helping hand wherever they could. This time around, I was right here in the thick of it, next to Brisbane River; I was well placed for the up-to-date reporting. Our responsibility was to get the official announcements and warnings to our community, and we did via all our media channels. We witnessed the River Break its banks. As that happened, there was a bit of panic as the basement carparks had to be evacuated, there was a mad rush to get parking spots on higher ground, people double-parked, and some got locked in between other cars. While most people displayed responsible behavior, few did not do the right thing and not endanger their lives but put other people’s lives at risk. Our Real Estate office was inundated with calls for emergency repairs, North Brisbane took battering this time around, and Deagon became one of the worst-hit areas.

It is lovely to see that so many people have come forward to volunteer with Mud army 2.0. The wet weather event also affected parts of NSW, one of the affected areas was Lismore. Australia being resilient and adaptable once again demonstrated mateship and friendship during a time of need.

And now to the Ukraine crisis, Following the Russian invasion, people hoping to escape besieged cities in Ukraine were forced back to shelters after plans for a brief truce went awry. Despite agreeing to a ceasefire earlier - throwing an attempted mass evacuation of civilians into chaos. Russian President Vladimir Putin has described sanctions imposed by Western nations over his invasion of Ukraine as "akin to a declaration of war.” The Ukrainian Community of Queensland and friends held a peaceful rally in Brisbane on Sunday, the 6th of March, to show their support for Ukraine, currently under attack and invasion by Russia.

Brisbane's Australian-Ukrainian community will #StandWithUkraine alongside others worldwide to help keep the world’s focus on Russia’s aggression and the incursion of Ukraine.

On February 19th, I was honored to have attended International Mother Language Day 2022 at Reddacliff Place in Brisbane CBD; along with other guests, I was humbled to have been asked to lay a wreath at the replica of the memorial, welldone team Bangladesh Association in Brisbane and the leadership of Dr. Jishu Das Gupta (JD) Maha Shivratri 2022, I was at Gayatri Mandir Boondall; despite the looming storms, many devotees turned up on this auspicious occasion.

Being a Tuesday, our Tuesday Group (Mangal Mandali) had the privilege of reciting the bhajans and providing the live music; I enjoyed being on the table Pundit Ji sang very well, and his discourse was very appropriate and topical.

On Saturday, 5th March had the pleasure of attending an International Women’s Day high tea at Queensland Parliament House- the Indian Medical Association of Queensland organized the event.

Addressing and bringing to the forefront the issue of domestic violence and cohesive control behavior, all speakers and panelists presented well. It was highlighted that the problem is much deeper rotted than it appeared on the surface. It was beautiful to see the presence of Commissioner Katarina Carroll and Minister Leanne Linnard MP at the event.

Well, I should pen off now, by the way, with the floods and storms, COVID 19 has taken a bit of backstage, still there but behind the scenes, with mask off in Queensland people are more relaxed and out and about more than before, wishing you all the best, stay safe and look after yourself, Until next month, Happy reading.

—Umesh Chandra OAM Publisher

BIT APRIL 2022

DEADLINES

ADVERT BOOKING 28th March 2022 Call : 0430 193 715

or email: sales@indiantimes.com.au

Automatic Visa Extensions For COVID-19 Affected Temporary Graduate Visa Holders On 18 February 2022, certain eligible Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa holders had their visas extended or refreshed to 30 September 2022 automatically by the Department of Home Affairs.

Visa holders eligible for an extension were notified directly by the Department.

This interim measure allows eligible Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa holders who were affected by COVID-19 travel restrictions to enter, or remain in, Australia to live and work until they can apply for and be granted a replacement Temporary Graduate visa.

The Government recognises the valuable contribution of temporary visa holders and acknowledges the disruption caused by COVID-19.

Eligibility To be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa extension: • Visa holders must have held a Temporary Graduate visa on 15 December 2021 • The current visa expires before 30 September 2022 • The primary visa holder was in Australia at time of the visa grant • The primary visa holder has been outside Australia for any period between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021 (inclusive) • The visa has not been cancelled since 15 December 2021 • The holder has not been granted a further substantive visa since 15 December 2021.

To be eligible for visa refresh: • Visa holders must have held a Temporary Graduate visa that visa expired between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021 inclusive • The primary visa holder was in Australia at time of grant • The primary holder of the visa has been outside Australia for any period between 1 February 2020 and 14 December 2021 inclusive • The visa was not cancelled • The visa holder has not been granted a further substantive visa.

Cost The visa extension is free and occurred automatically. Applicants do not need to contact

the Department. The visa extension will include family members that were included in the original Temporary Graduate visa.

COVID-19 Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) replacement stream visa Applications for the COVID-19 Temporary Graduate replacement stream visa open on 1 July 2022.

The Temporary Graduate replacement stream visa will give current and former visa holders impacted by COVID-19 travel restrictions the same length of stay as their original visa.

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 Law - https://www. facebook.com/migrationguru/ Migration Guru Pty Ltd, Level 18, 127 Creek Street, Brisbane, QLD. Phone: 07 3036 3800 Migration Guru Pty Ltd, 31002, 27 Garden Street, Southport QLD. Phone: 07 5606 6160 Migration Guru Pty Ltd, Level 1, 162 Macquarie Street, Hobart TAS. Phone: 03 6281 8008 Migration Guru Pty Ltd, Level 5, 490 Northbourne Avenue, Dickson, ACT. Phone: 02 6109 9110 Migration Guru Pty Ltd, Suite 124, Level 1, 1 Queens Road, Melbourne, VIC. Phone 03 6240 1930 Migration Guru Pty Ltd, Suite 8, Star Tower, Shahupuri, Kolhapur, Maharashtra 416001, India Disclaimer: - The above article constitutes only generic information on migration issues, and does not constitute specific migration advice to any entity or individual.

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

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

Indus Institute

Eligibility Criteria

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

Provider number 40811

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

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com.au

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

Fax Web

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

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022 — 3

Recalling Elvis: Direct from Graceland … to Bendigo Gallery from March 19 to July 17 2022.

Aimed at showcasing the profound and lasting influence Elvis has on music, design, art and pop culture, it will include more than 300 exclusive items and artefacts straight from Graceland in Memphis featuring the King’s famous jumpsuits, ultra-cool outfits, vintage memorabilia and treasured personal items.

By Rama Gaind

Singer, actor and ‘King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’ – Elvis Presley – has left an indelible mark on popular culture that has endured to this day. He had that unique star quality that made him one of the most influential artists in his era of music.

He sure had the moves – from his swivelling hips to his rubbery legs – which made him a global phenomenon.

In 1956, he had this to say when talking about his way of moving on stage: “Some people tap their feet, some people snap their fingers, and some people sway back and forth. I just sorta do 'em all together, I guess.”

Now you have the chance to sneak a peek into the life of the legendary musician and cultural icon … as Presley will be coming to Australia for the first time … in an exhibition this month.

Whether you like to Shake, Rattle and Roll or just get All Shook Up, it’s all systems go to Bendigo as the central Victorian region gears up for the much-anticipated Elvis: Direct from Graceland exhibition.

The display can be viewed at the historic Bendigo Art

Accommodation packages On offer are some amazing deals. When you book your Elvis: Direct from Graceland exhibition stays, don’t forget to make plans to venture further than Bendigo’s arts and cultural precinct. The time is Now or Never – to book online.

Bendigo Regional Tourism has put together a series of early bird Elvis exhibition accommodation packages at many of their Heartbreak Hotels – so visitors won’t miss out or be Crying in the Chapel.

So, you won’t have to ask Are You Lonesome Tonight – take advantage of some accommodation package offers at Blue House Bendigo, Barclay on View or Balgownie Estate Bendigo.

Visit www.bendigoregion. com.au/explore-bendigo/ elvis-direct-from-gracelandaccommodation-packages As well, the team at Bendigo Art Gallery has put together special Elvis: Direct from Graceland gift vouchers to purchase online.

So, Don’t Be Cruel – why not spoil that special someone with this ideal gift. Go to www.bendigoregion.com.au/

Elvis: Direct from Graceland exhibition will be on view at the historic Bendigo Art Gallery from March 19 to July 17 2022. It promises to be one of the biggest exhibitions held at the gallery.

Soak up the heritage and culture while in the region, making the most of some golden opportunities during your visit. Plan your adventure (www. bendigoregion. com.au) not only to Bendigo, but also the surrounds to include Heathcote, Elmore, Axedale, Eaglehawk and more. bendigo-art-gallery/elvisdirect-from-graceland-giftvouchers Golden prospects Soak up the heritage and culture while in the region, making the most of some golden opportunities

during your visit. Plan your adventure (www. bendigoregion.com.au) not only to Bendigo, but also the surrounds to include Heathcote, Elmore, Axedale, Eaglehawk and more.

Founded in 1887, the Bendigo Art Gallery is one of Australia’s oldest and largest regional art galleries.

Visit heritage halls, banks and factories re-invented as restaurants and wine bars. Among the authentic attractions is Australia’s oldest working pottery which is still in full production at Epsom. Central Deborah Gold Mine’s crushing plant was once heard loud and clear across the goldfields. Today the mine welcomes visitors daily for underground tours.

Go on a variety of tours from rambling and bespoke wine to grape escape. Join the team at Twisted History for a night of spine-tingling stories of Bendigo’s haunted past learning about unexplained

Nicknamed the ‘King of Rock ‘n’ Roll,’ Elvis Presley left an indelible mark on popular culture that endures to this day. paranormal activity and ghostly sightings.

Whether Elvis is Always On My Mind or not, after this visit to Bendigo, you will be among the many who will be singing: I’ll Remember You!

There will be another opportunity to take a trip down memory lane when Oscar-winning Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis biopic opens in cinemas in June 2022.

MARRIAGE GARDEN STORY

Pastor Suresh Dass Joseph josephdass@optusnet.com.au

Dear reader, it is our joy to bring to you the word of God. Do you know that God will pour out His favour on you by using the people in your life? In the beginning, God saw that the first man Adam was alone, so He made Eve and brought her to him. Then He blessed them. Proverbs 18v22 says, “He who finds a wife … receives favour from the Lord.” This means that every husband should know that their wife is bringing favour to him.

Marriage requires effort, work, and labour.

Healthy marriages do not happen naturally. When

you got married, you did not only become a married couple, but you are part of a team. And to be a part of a winning team, you must be committed, focused, and disciplined.

The first marriage happened in a garden. God had planted a garden and put Adam there to tend it.

Adam was alone, so God caused a deep sleep to come over him. Then God took out a rib from Adam and formed a woman, Eve, out of it and brought her to him. Thus, they got married in the garden. God blessed them, and they became a team. She was not his better half, and he was not her better half. They were better together.

Today many couples get married in a garden. To grow a garden and see results, you must put effort and hard work into it. It needs to be fed and nourished. Growing together as a couple is like a garden. God gave Adam and Eve the garden to care for it. But there was another garden that God gave them to keep. That was their

4 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022

mutual relationship. But this was the garden that they did not cultivate.

Instead of living with obedience to God’s word, they agreed with the enemy. Through their pride, they thought they knew better than God. In their selfishness, they thought of what they could get by eating the fruit from the forbidden tree. Even today, many marriages are suffering because of pride and selfishness. The husband will say, “I didn’t want to marry you; it was your father who came to my house asking me to marry you.” The wife responds, “I didn’t want to marry you; you were the one chasing after me.”

Here are three things we can learn from healthy marriage gardens.

1) Just like removing weeds from the gardens, our marriages require regular weeding. I read about this couple who were always fighting and arguing. Instead of using kind and loving words, they shouted at each other. Their

garden was full of weeds.

They decided to approach a marriage counsellor for help. Each morning they would wake up and speak five encouraging words to each other, as per the advice from the counsellor.

Instead of finding faults in their spouse, they looked at what was good about them. Step by step, they began to remove the weeds and the toxins from their marriage. About a year later of regular maintenance, their marriage garden was looking healthier and stronger than before.

2) Gardens need fertilizer and nourishment.

Then they must be watered with the availability of plenty of sunshine. In the bible, we read, “a lazy man’s garden becomes a wilderness.”

Healthy marriages require regular doses of encouragement, affirmation, and approval.

Spending time together, going out on vacations, and going to the gym nourishes marriages.

Without these, a marriage garden can become a place

of wilderness. It is a process and takes time. Some wives put pressure on their husbands, trying to change them. We are not called to change people but to love people. People don’t change through force but through love. Treating people with love is the key. You don’t have to know whether you are married to the right person or the wrong person. But if you treat the wrong person like the right person, you will have married the right person. And remember, it is far more important to be the right person than to marry the right person. You may not see everything eye to eye. It is more important that you see things together.

So even when disagreed, the relationship is healthy and strong.

3) Gardens need protection.

Fences are placed around the gardens to keep unwanted visitors away. In the same way, marriages need protection from the acids of the world. Pride, selfishness, unforgiveness, bitterness, and jealousy are acids of

the world trying to come into your marriage. So, you need to keep your fences up in protecting your marriage.

Do not be hard and jealous of your spouse. There are enough difficult and jealous people they have to encounter at work, while driving etc. Keep the fences up around your marriage.

And keep God in the centre of your marriage.

In the beginning, the first man and the first woman failed as a married couple in the garden. Years later when Jesus came, the bible says, where He was crucified, there was a garden. Where Adam failed through pride and selfishness, Jesus triumphed through humility. God not only brought salvation to us, but He has brought strength to our marriage. He shows us that in any marriage, when He is in the midst of a relationship, that marriage can always work. So, trust Him. God bless you Ps Joseph Suresh Dass josephdass@optusnet.com.au

ADVERTISEMENT

LIBERALS & LABOR ARE THE SAME FREEDOM FREEDOM FREEDOM FREEDOM FREEDOM FREEDOM Vote 1 United Australia Party Vote 1 United Australia Party Authorised by: Clive Palmer, United Australia Party, Level 17, 240 Queen Street, Brisbane 4000

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com.au

UAP13469H2H

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022 — 5

Working Together for a Conscious Planet Sadhguru, Isha Foundation Sadhguru: Today, there is much talk about water scarcity and other ecological issues that humanity is facing. The fundamental behind all these problems is the human being. If any other species had perpetrated the kind of damage that we have to the planet, we would have found a way to deal with them. If billions of Martian locusts landed here and began to cut through all our trees, turn our soil into deserts, and suck the water out of our rivers – we would have definitely exterminated them. But the problem is not alien locusts.

The problem is us.

Since we are the source of the problem, we can also be the source of the solution. We are a problem only because we are in an unconscious, compulsive mode of action.

If we were conscious, we would naturally be a solution. This is why I have been working with United Nations agencies and other forces, and proposing this idea of a “Conscious Planet” movement.

As a part of the Conscious Planet movement, I am trying to bring focus to the most important aspect of rejuvenating this planet:

Right now over 95% of the global population have absolutely no awareness of the ecological disaster building around them.

Ecological awareness is confined only to a small segment of people, and even among them, the idea of ecology is largely limited to using less water while showering or turning off the tap when brushing teeth.

the soil. Everything you see as life on this planet – including worms, insects, birds, animals, plant life, and ourselves – happens out of just thirty-nine inches of soil profile. The real damage is happening to this topsoil, which sustains every life that we know. If we can ensure the soil is organically rich

and healthy, the planet will be capable of regenerating itself, and we will be able to manage the other problems, to a large extent.

Right now over 95% of the global population have absolutely no awareness of the ecological disaster building around them.

Ecological awareness is

confined only to a small segment of people, and even among them, the idea of ecology is largely limited to using less water while showering or turning off the tap when brushing teeth. It is wonderful that people are conscious about what they are using, but this is not a comprehensive ecological

solution. Only when ecology becomes an election issue, will it become government policy, and only then will there be large budgets allocated so that solutions manifest.

There are 5.2 billion people living in countries with the ability to vote and elect their nation’s

leadership. We are looking at how to get at least three and a half billion people on board so that ecological issues become the issues that elect governments.

Ranked amongst the fifty most influential people in India, Sadhguru is a yogi, mystic, visionary and bestselling author. Sadhguru has been conferred the "Padma Vibhushan", India’s highest annual civilian award, by the Government of India in 2017, for exceptional and distinguished service.

DISCOUNT OF $50 FOR PROPERTY PURCHASE

DISCOUNT OF $50 FOR PROPERTY SALE

DISCOUNT OF $150 FOR PROPERTY PURCHASE

PROMO CODE: CONTACT US TODAY BRISBANE OFFICE

Level 18, 127 Creek Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000 AUS | Phone: 07 3036 3828 | Fax: 07 3102 0750

CANBERRA OFFICE

Suite 12, Level 5, 490 Northbourne Ave, Dickson, ACT 2602 AUS | Phone: 02 6109 9118 | 0407 110 417 | Fax: 07 3102 0750

GOLD COAST OFFICE

Suite 31002, Level 10, Southport Central Tower 3, 9 Lawson Street, Southport, QLD 4215 AUS | Phone: 07 5657 7918 | Fax: 07 3102 0750

Email: info@gurulegal.com.au | Web: www.gurulegal.com.au

6 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022

IF IT DOESN’T FEEL RIGHT

Have you seen something that doesn’t feel right? One small observation could help stop a much larger border crime.

FLAG IT

Report anonymously at

borderwatch.gov.au Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022 — 7

Cyber-Security Start-up Kapalya Enters India after stints with FBI and NSA in USA With HQ in Bangalore, Kapalya is spreading its initiative to other states BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA, Cyber-security start-up Kapalya Inc. has entered India to help governments, including central and financial institutions and corporates, after having a successful stint with the NSA and FBI in the United States on various issues, including the security of data in vote banks.

The start-up, first launched in 2015 by Mr. Sudesh Kumar, its founder, has successfully managed to successfully launch its crowdfunding investment campaign in the United States through the StartEngine platform on February 7, 2022, Mr. Kumar announced to the media in India through a zoom conference from Berkely in California.

Founded in 2015, Kapalya has offices in Berkeley, California, Honolulu, Hawaii in the USA, and Bengaluru in India.

The U.S. has experienced thefts ranging from personnel records to military secrets, often traced to hackers from Russia and China. India is even more vulnerable, given its frosty geopolitical ties with some of its neighbors, said Sudesh Kumar.

Cyber security breaches have increased at an alarming pace in recent years. The Week reported that about 11.5 lakh incidents of cyberattacks were brought to the notice of India’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CERTIn) in 2021. The computer systems of Air India were hacked into, compromising the personal and financial information of 4.5 million customers worldwide. At the same time, telecom services provider Airtel Ltd and online grocery store Big Basket too were targeted, according to a report published on the Money Control website.

A CNBC-TV18.com report said about 27%

of Indian firms paid an average of $5,00,000 to cyber-criminals as ransom during 2021. Partnership with NSA Kapalya’s mission is to secure data and protect governments and enterprises worldwide against ransomware attacks.

What’s Ransomware?

Cyber gangs or criminals like drug cartels infiltrate your computer system or hack it and steal all sensitive and secretive information and block you from being able to open it for your use and then demand a ransom, mainly paid through cryptocurrency to allow you to reopen your files supposedly encrypted.

Something like locking you in your house electronically by hacking into your surveillance system and then demanding a ransom to be able to open the door of your home to get out.

Says Sudesh Kumar: “The Advanced Ransomware Countermeasures (ARC) solution is a game-changer which is being developed in collaboration with the National Security Agency (NSA) of the U.S., based on patented technology.

Kapalua claims that it is the only company that has partnered with the U.S. government’s leading digital surveillance organization for this counter ransomware solution.

NSF grant: The company has been awarded grants by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and Hawaii to develop the

Cyber security breaches have increased at an alarming pace in recent years. The Week reported that about 11.5 lakh incidents of cyberattacks were brought to the notice of India’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CERTIn) in 2021. solution.

The NSF grant gives Kapalya the unique advantage of selling its product directly to federal, state, and local governments, bypassing the bidding process. In contrast, the grant from the State of Hawaii makes it the preferred vendor for state government departments and agencies, Sudesh Kumar said.

The new battlefield Ransomware attacks have increased 148% in 2021*, with hackers, many statesponsored, targeting crucial sectors.

These include organizations’ that supply water and energy provide access to daily necessities such as food, financial services, and healthcare.

The bigger the target, the more the victim is likely to pay. Infiltration also happens by bribing insiders

The three brothers from left – Sunil Chandra –Senior project Manager, Kordia Ltd, Auckland New Zealand, Centre Umesh Chandra OAM CEO- Chantex Pty Ltd – Brisbane Australia, Right Sudesh Kumar -CEO Kaplaya, Berkeley California USA.

such as users, contractors, vendors, or partners of an organization to install ransomware on its systems.

Says Kapalya Founder/ CEO Sudesh Kumar: “Every organization is concerned about ransomware. In one incident in the U.S., patients died when the hospital’s systems were breached with ransomware and doctors could not promptly administer medication. This is not just about money but also about saving innocent lives. Indian enterprises and governments, too, are under constant cyberattack.

Our objective is to help

Indian enterprises and governments inoculate against these attacks.”

A complete solution Kapalya’s comprehensive enterprise-wide Encryption Management Platform (EMP), unlike its competitors, offers the most secure end-to-end encrypted file sharing, Sudesh Kumar said, adding, In the event of a ransomware attack, all data can be recovered with zero percent data leakage. Kapalya’s AI/MLbased counter ransomware solution, which is being developed with the U.S. government, will inoculate

and remediate ransomware in real-time across many platforms such as endpoints, mobile, cloud, servers, databases, and networks.

Sudesh Kumar will appear on the Australian Indian Radio Facebook Live segment on the 19th Of March at 10:00 am AEST (Brisbane time); Sudesh Kumar is the youngest brother of Umesh Chandra OAM of Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio. Sudesh Kumar is an ex-IIT graduate from Kharagpur, while Umesh Chandra completed his studies in Chandigarh.

Investment opportunity in Kaplaya If you wish to invest in Kaplaya, you can do so with as little as $300-00. Our Crowdfunding Campaign is NOW LIVE on the StartEngine platform, www.startengine.com/kapalya. All you got to do is click on the link and follow the steps there!

Using our excellent next-gen solutions, we help remediate ransomware making the world a safer place for all of us! Why don’t you join us as we create some of the best Cybersecurity Solutions?

Find out what's in it for you by visiting the link - https://www.linkedin.com/.../kapalya_cybersecurity... #cybersecurity #crowdfunding #startengine https://www.facebook.com/970288089796570/posts/2128967520595282/?sfnsn=mo 8 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022

2 0 2 2 L O R D M AY O R ’ S

Multicultural Business Scholarship Program and Mentoring Scheme

YOUR FRIENDLY FAMILY LAWYER helping you make the right choices

1 300 267 637 CORNERSTONE LAW OFFICES SOLICITORS CAN HELP YOU WITH ALL YOUR LEGAL NEEDS, INCLUDING: Marriage, de facto and divorce law Pre and post-nuptial agreements Spousal maintenance Property settlements Domestic and family violence orders Family mediation Child custody and visitation

Apply for a business scholarship or mentoring placement to expand your business skills and capabilities.

OUR LOCATIONS:

To apply, you must be an Australian citizen or have permanent residency status. For more information on course eligibility criteria and application forms:

Brisbane: Level Suite5,4,Suite Level2,8, 193 North Brisbane Qld 4000 Brisbane: 117 Queen St,Quay, Brisbane Logan:Suite Suite35, 34,3737-59 Bryants Road, Loganholme Logan: - 59 Bryants Rd, Loganholme Gold Ashmore Rd,Rd, Bundall Gold Coast: Coast:101 101 Ashmore Bundall North Discovery Drive,Drive, North North Lakes Lakes NorthLakes: Lakes:274/27 Discovery

brisbane.qld.gov.au/multicultural 3403 8888 multiculturalunit@brisbane.qld.gov.au

Applications are now open and close end of March 2022.

Call: (07) 3192 5188

Wills and estates Conveyancing - buying and selling Leases Financial agreements Debt recovery Migration Crime and traffic

Postal Address: PO Box 3517, Loganholme Qld 4129

CITY OF BRISBANE

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

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022 — 9

People of Indian Origin were honored in NSW Premier’s Multicultural Community Medals and Honour Roll SYDNEY The Premier’s Multicultural Community Medals and Honour Roll pay tribute to the many outstanding people who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to promote social cohesion and harmony across our state. Among the 2022 recipients, there were two people of Indian origin.

NSW Human Rights Medal

Stepan Kerkyasharian AO Community Medal

This prestigious medal recognizes an individual who has made a lasting and meaningful contribution to advancing human rights in NSW. The 2022 Settlement Services International NSW Human Rights Medal winner is

This award recognizes an individual’s contribution and achievement in facilitating and promoting social cohesion, understanding, and acceptance between members of different cultural or faith communities in NSW. The 2022 National Rugby League Stepan Kerkyasharian AO Community Medal winner is

Ravi Prasad

Shubha Kumar

In 2013 Ravi shifted the focus of his life, pursued his interest in social justice and civil society, and founded Parliament on King. Parliament on King addresses the barriers to social, cultural, and economic participation faced by asylum seekers and refugees. During the pandemic, Ravi and his team established a 'soup kitchen' (The Soup of Human Kindness) to address the food insecurity faced by vulnerable communities. The program pays asylum seekers and refugees to make food, and that food is then donated to those in need.

Settlement Services International (SSI) presented the NSW Human Rights Medal to Parliament on King founder Ravi Prasad at the Premier’s Harmony Dinner on Tuesday, March 1.

Mr. Prasad’s social enterprise is a café and bookshop providing hospitality training to Sydney’s refugee and asylum

seeker communities and addressing social, cultural, and economic participation barriers.

“The refugees and asylum seekers we work with have so much to offer us all and should be welcomed here with open arms, minds, and hearts,” Mr. Prasad said.

“I hope that each should find in Australia the safety

and belonging we need to build meaningful, useful lives.”

SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis said that Parliament on King’s mission and its important work with refugees and asylum seekers shared many synergies with SSI’s values.

“I’m delighted to have presented the award to Ravi Prasad, whose social

Since arriving in Australia in 1973, Shubha has assisted Indian migrants in integrating into Australian society, focusing on teaching women about their domestic rights. She established the Indian Club in 2004 and has served as president since its inception, providing a social networking outlet for members of Australia’s Indian community. Through her work at the India Club, Mrs. Kumar has helped newly arrived Australians learn about domestic violence rights and responsibilities and develop relationships with local community groups. enterprise focuses on solving food insecurity issues faced by vulnerable communities.”

The NSW Human Rights Medal, sponsored by SSI, celebrates people and organizations that go above and beyond to further human rights initiatives in Australia.

“This medal shines a light on the remarkable work that Australians do every day,”

said Ms. Roumeliotis.

The Premier’s Multicultural Community Medals and Honour Roll pay tribute to the many outstanding people who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to promote social cohesion and harmony across NSW and bring together multicultural community leaders, stakeholders, and

decision-makers.

Other 2022 medallists include Rosa Loria, who won the 2022 SBS Lifetime Community Service Medal for her work with culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and Khadijah Habbouche, the Youth Medal for helping to strengthen connections between people from diverse backgrounds.

NSW: The Premier’s Multicultural Community Medals are …

Announced at the Premier’s Harmony Dinner on 1 March at the ICC, the 2022 Medal winners and Honour Roll inductees can be found listed under their respective categories below.

Language Services Medal The winner of the 2022 All Graduates Interpreting and Translating Language Services Medal is Ashraf Abdelbaky.

Sports Medal The winner of the 2022 Village Plaza Sports Medal is Western Sydney Football Club Limited – GWS Giants Football Club.

Business Excellence – Local Government Medal The winner of the 2022 Welcoming Cities Business Excellence – Local Government Medal is NSW Police Force Multicultural Liaison Officer Program.

Business Excellence – Not for Profit Medal The winner of the 2022 Business Excellence – Not for Profit Medal is 3Bridges Community.

Business Excellence – Corporate Medal The winner of the 2022 Adaps Pty Ltd Business Excellence – Corporate Medal is Navitas Skilled Futures.

Stepan Kerkyasharian AO Community Medal The winner of the 2022

National

10 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022

Rugby League Stepan Kerkyasharian AO Community Medal is Shubha Kumar.

Regional Unity Medal The winner of the 2022 CommBank Regional Unity Medal is Joy Harrison.

NSW Human Rights Medal The winner of the 2022 Settlement Services International NSW Human Rights

Medal is Ravi Prasad.

League Youth Medal is Khadijah Habbouche.

Carla Zampatti Arts and Culture Medal The winner of the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup Carla Zampatti Arts and Culture Medal is Lliane Clarke.

Lifetime Community Service Medal The winner of the 2022 SBS Lifetime Community Service Medal is Rosa Loria.

Youth Medal The winner of the 2022 NSW Rugby

COVID Champion Medal The winner of the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup COVID Champion Medal is Srey Kang.

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022 — 11

Mahashivratri – Great Night of Shiva – Gayatri Mandir, Boondall Mahadevya Namah Inclement weather did not deter the devotees to celebrate Mahashivratri at Gayatri Mandir, it was celebrated with great fervour, blissful rendition of Rudrashtakam and Shiv Katha.

Mahashivratri is celebration of many qualities and deeds of Shiva, there are many different schools of thought and approach. On a profound level, there is two things in this universe, Shiva and Shav. Shiv is consciousness/ Chetna and Shav is corpsedead body. Shiva pervades all living entity, micro and macro, Shiva is shakti/ energy. On the Great Night of Shiva planet earth is positioned in such a way that celestial energy enhances each being based on their personality, disposition, and temperament.

As we all know our gross body (Stuhl Sharira) will perish, it is just a matter of time, yet our full attention and awareness is consumed in identifying with the gross body, not going beyond the five senses, mind, knowledge, consciousness to connect and identify with the spirit within and explore the inner world. Those

who are on the journey of spirituality have a simple yet powerful way of thinking, to clarify who I am is to understand that although the body is essential to my experience of life, it is not me hence soul and body are considered separate entities no matter what parallels or connections there ultimately be between them.

It was delightful to see that Bal Vikash started on 20th February, kids were back in swing of things, unfortunately this serious weather event gripping SE Queensland has brought an abrupt stop the class, however we are expecting to see weather improve in coming days and expect Bal Vikash to get back to normal resumption.

Phaagun month started

12 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022

Upcoming Events Ramayan Recital every Tuesday: 7.00pm to 8.30pm 18 March – Holika Dahan starts at 6.30pm 19 March – Holi starts at 9.30am 26 March – Sundarkand programs begins 6.30pm followed

by Prasad and Mahaprasad 2 April to 10 April - Ram Naumi Sundarkand and Triodashi is held every month at the mandir, for details and sponsorship please kindly visit our website and Facebook page. Regular updates will be sent to all devotees via Facebook and text messages.

on 17th February, despite the torrential rain Gayatri Mandir hosted phaag gaayan (chautaal) on 25th of February led by Mukesh Rattan and Robert Kanda Sami. It was pleasing to see that our youths were part

of the phaag gaayan this augurs well for the future and our culture to celebrate Hindu festivals.

Phaag gaayan is sung for a month in preparation of holika dahan and celebration of Holi.

The aftermath of the unprecedented weather system has left a trail of destruction, lots of people in SE Queensland are affected, one of our Committee Members Mr O D Mishra was in the thick of things, unfortunately his property at Deagon was badly affected.

In the true spirit of teamwork and support, Committee members and volunteers helped clean and remove debris from his property. Our hearts go out to the affected residents of SE Queensland, we all know how resilient Queenslanders are and I am sure we will rebound very quickly as the water recedes and the dust settles. We take this opportunity to pray

to the Almighty for inner strength and may all be drenched in the grace of God. Please visit our new website www. hindusocietyqld.org.au , our new email address is gayatrimandirqld@gmail. com. We have a feedback and contact us page, feel free to provide us feedback and we will be happy to oblige.

Stay Connected with Hindu Society of Queensland Website www. hindusocietyqld.org.au Facebook: Hindu Society of Qld and email us on gayatrimandirqld@gmail. com Phone: (07) 38653164 Address: 178 Lyndhurst Rd, Boondall QLD

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

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

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com.au

WBC01628-0321

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022 — 13

East coast floods and the housing market

By Eliza Owen, Head of Research Australia Property market performance across Australia’s east coast, particularly South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales over the past year, could be summarised as having leading price growth, increased auction activity, and favourable internal migration trends. However, the end of February was a sobering reminder of the impact of extreme weather events and climate change.

Numerous enquiries from the industry and media have reached CoreLogic regarding how current floods will impact property values, rents and the availability of dwellings.

Following the Brisbane floods in 2011, the city’s dwelling values sustained a decline from January 2011 to January 2012, which bottomed out at -6.1%. This decline kicked into recovery mode off the back of several cash rate reductions from

November 2011. However, it was not until March 2014 that the dwelling market fully recovered the value recorded in December 2010.

Flood impact on property values It is difficult to isolate the impact of flooding on property values, as Brisbane dwelling values were already trending lower from mid-2010. This decline was triggered by a tightening in monetary policy amid a resources boom, and Australia’s recovery from the GFC.

Figure 2 summarises the Greater Brisbane Home Value Index against a selection of eight suburbs that were inundated with flooding in January 2011, showing the change in dwelling values for each market. Figure 3 shows the depth of the downturn in values from 2011 and the time taken for each market to recover. Across the select suburbs it took an average of 5.1 years for values to recover to January 2011 levels, with flood-affected areas recording a sharper decline in dwelling values than greater Brisbane.

Rates on hold, but downside risk for housing market remains RBA Commentary by CoreLogic Research Director Tim Lawless Although there was no change in the RBA’s policy settings this month, with the cash rate on hold at 0.1% and the interest rate on exchange settlement balances still 0.0%, it is clear the RBA is firmly focussed on inflation outcomes along with labour market conditions and wages growth, to guide their policy decisions.

While inflation ‘has picked up more quickly than the RBA expected’, the RBA is not ready to

conclude that inflation will remain sustainably within their 2-3% target range.

Uncertainty related to the war in Ukraine, rising energy costs and global supply chain disruptions are adding further complexity to the policy environment.

While the unemployment rate is trending towards the sub 4% range, a more significant lift in wages remains the missing piece of the puzzle before the cash rate shifts higher. The RBA notes wages growth has picked up (the wage price index was up 2.3% last year)

and expects wages to rise further under tight labour market conditions, but the RBA anticipates growth in wages will be only gradual.

The RBA appears to be sanguine about housing market trends, noting housing prices have risen strongly and the rate of growth has eased in some cities. It is likely the RBA would welcome some heat leaving the housing market; a strong housing market has buoyed the household sector and supported the economy through the pandemic, but worsening affordability and

higher household debt levels are the downside to the housing market upswing.

CoreLogic’s Home Value Index (HVI), released today, shows a broad-based slowdown in the rate of value growth.

National housing values were up 0.6% in February, the slowest monthly rate of growth since September 2020.

Previous analysis from CoreLogic shows a strong inverse correlation between movements in the cash rate and housing values, albeit with the strongest correlation based on a

compared to the previous week (1574) but is just shy of three times the volumes recorded this time last year when 487 auctions were held.

Across Sydney, 1,082 homes are scheduled for auction this week, down 10.0% from the week prior when 1,202 auctions were held. This week’s scheduled auction volumes are up 37.1% compared to this time last year when 789 auctions were held across the city.

Across the smaller capitals, this week’s expected

With 3,078 homes scheduled for auction across the combined capital cities, this week’s auction activity is down compared to last week, and is the first week on week decrease recorded this year. Compared to the week

prior, when 3,386 auctions were held, auction activity is down 9.1% with each capital city recording a decrease in scheduled auction activity.

While auction volumes are down week-on-week, this week’s scheduled auction

14 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022

volumes are almost double those seen this time last year (1,569).

Melbourne is set to host the most auctions this week, with 1,456 homes scheduled to go under the hammer.

Activity is down 7.5%

lag, but other factors are also likely to influence the trajectory of housing values: Fixed term mortgage rates have been rising through most of last year, housing is less affordable, credit policy has tightened and lenders are likely to be more cautious in lending decisions.

Additionally, household savings are likely to fall which could take some demand out of the housing market, and advertised inventory is rising, providing more choice and less urgency for buyers.

Despite the growing

auction activity is down 11.5% compared to the week prior. Adelaide will host the most auctions this week, with 200 auctions, overtaking Brisbane, which had previously held the title of busiest smaller capital for four consecutive weeks.

Brisbane and Canberra are scheduled to host 192 and 138 auctions respectively, though there will be a disruption to auction activity across Brisbane given extreme flooding.

CoreLogic’s liaison with real estate agents in Brisbane

downside risks to the housing sector, other factors should help to offset a significant downturn. As the economy strengthens and labour markets tighten, the risks around mortgage stress or default should lessen.

Open international borders will help to support demand, initially from a rental perspective, but longer term for home purchasing as well.

Additionally, it will take some time for interest rates to normalise once they start rising, providing a low cost of housing credit for some time yet.

suggests that some auctions may pivot to in-house or online over the next few days. In Perth, eight homes are set to go to auction this week, while two auctions are scheduled to occur in Tasmania.

As the storm cell that impacted Brisbane and Northern NSW earlier in the week moves south, it is possible that Sydney’s auction market could be impacted over the weekend, with some vendors potentially choosing to reschedule or withdraw from auction.

A unique and elegant lifestyle Large ready to build on homesites from $599,000

Call: (07) 3192 5188

Located in the heart of one of Australia’s fastest growing regions, Brookwater is Brisbane’s best kept secret for luxury living. Crafted around the Greg Norman designed golf course, Brookwater provides a rare combination of prestige golfside living and natural bushland beauty. With the first stage of Brookwater completely sold, we are pleased to introduce the next stage of this exclusive community — your own architecturally designed piece of paradise — Dress Circle, only 15 minutes from Mount Ommaney.

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

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022 — 15

16 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022 — 17

18 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022 — 19

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland लोग आपको कैसे याद रखेंगे

रुपया पैसा ज़मीन मकान मोटर गाड़ी आदि संपत्ति तो सब यहीं छूट जाएगी। आपके साथ में यदि कुछ जाएगा, तो वह है आपका कर्म। पुण्य कर्म और पाप कर्म, ये दोनों आपके साथ में जाएंगे। इन पुण्य पाप कर्मों के कारण ही, आपको जीवन भर तथा जाने के बाद भी लोग आपको याद रखेंगे। "लोगों के आपत्ति काल में आप उनके साथ जैसा व्यवहार करें गे, उसी के अनुसार वे आपको याद रखेंगे। जीवन में आपत्ति काल तो सभी पर आता है , किसी पर कम, और किसी पर अधिक। पढ़ाई लिखाई धन प्राप्ति खाना-पीना घर परिवार आदि यदि सब कुछ ठीक चल रहा है , तो ऐसे सुख के समय में तो सब एक दस ू रे को पहचानते हैं , एक दस ू रे से मिलते हैं , बैठते हैं बातें करते हैं खाते-पीते मौज मस्ती करते हैं , और सब कुछ ठीक-ठाक चलता रहता है । "परं तु परीक्षा तो तभी होती है , जब किसी पर कोई समस्या/ आपत्ति आती है । पढ़ाई लिखाई में कोई कमजोर रह जाए, व्यापार में घाटा पड़ जाए, किसी व्यक्ति से कोई लड़ाई झगड़ा हो जाय, कोई कोर्ट कचहरी का केस बन जाए, कोई गंभीर रोग शरीर में आ जाए, ऐसी कठिन परिस्थितियों में/ ऐसे आपत्ति काल में व्यक्ति दस ू रों की सहायता चाहता है , अपने परिवार वालों से भी और अपने मित्रों रिश्तेदारों संबंधियों से भी। तभी उनकी परीक्षा की घड़ी

होती है । ऐसे आपत्ति काल में उस व्यक्ति को यदि आप सहयोग दे ते हैं , तो वह आपको जीवन भर याद रखेगा। अब यह आपकी बुद्धि विचारों संस्कारों तथा कर्मों पर निर्भर करता है , कि लोग आपको किस प्रकार से याद रखें । "जैसा आप चाहें गे और जैसा कर्म करें गे, उसी रूप में लोग आपको याद रखेंगे।" शायद आप बुद्धिमान होंगे, और यही चाहते होंगे, कि "लोग मुझे दे वता के रूप में याद रखें," तो सीधी स्पष्ट बात है , कि "आप दस ू रों के आपत्ति काल में उनका साथ अवश्य दे वें। यदि आपने आपत्ति काल में दस ू रों का साथ छोड़ दिया, तो फिर आप समझ ही गए होंगे, कि वे आपको जीवन भर और बाद भी किस रूप में याद रखेंगे! स्वामी विवेकानन्द परिव्राजक ओ३म ्

होली

होली भारतीय संस्कृ ति की पहचान का एक सुंदर पर्व है , भेदभाव मिटाकर पारस्परिक प्रेम व सदभाव प्रकट करने का एक अवसर है । अपने दर्गु ु णों तथा कुसंस्कारों की आहुति दे ने का एक वासन्तीय नवसस्येष्टि यज्ञ है तथा परस्पर छुपे वेश्मन्य को दरू करना, अपने आनंद को, सहजता को, और मधुर सम्बन्धों को सरल सहजता के सुख को उभारने का उत्सव है । यह रं गोत्सव हमारे पूर्वजों की दरू दर्शिता है जो अनेक विषमताओं के बीच भी समाज में एकत्व का संचार करता है । होली के रं ग-बिरं गे रं गों की बौछार जहाँ मन में एक सुखद अनुभति ू प्रकट कराती है वहीं यदि सावधानी, संयम तथा विवेक न रख जाये तो ये ही रं ग दख ु द भी जाते हैं । अतः इस पर्व पर कुछ सावधानियाँ रखना भी अत्यंत आवश्यक है । वैदिक युग में होली को 'नवान्नेष्टि यज्ञ' कहा गया था, क्योंकि यह वह समय होता है , जब खेतों में पका हुआ अनाज काटकर घरों में लाया जाता है । जलती होली में जौ और गेहूं की बालियां तथा चने के बूटे भूनकर प्रसाद के रूप में बांटे जाते हैं । होली की अग्नि में भी बालियां होम की जाती हैं ।"वासन्तीय नवसस्येष्टि होलकोत्सव" वसन्त ऋतु में आई हुई रवि की नवागत फसल को होम हवन मे डालकर फिर श्रद्धापूर्वक ग्रहण करने का नाम होली है । और बाद में होला से ही होली बना है । होली का वास्तविक अर्थ और

उसका स्वरुप वसन्त ऋतु में रवि फसल के रुप में जो अन्न हमारे घर में आता है । उसको हवन में आहुति दे कर ग्रहण करना है । क्योंकि भारतीय संस्कृ ति दान दे कर, बांट कर खाने में विश्वास करती है । वेद में कहा है "केवलाघो भवति केवलादी" अर्थात अकेला खानेवाला पापी होता है । इसलिए प्रसन्नतापूर्वक बांट कर खाना चाहिए। दस ू री बात यह है कि होली के दस ू रे दिन जो रं ग खेलने की प्रथा है वह भी एक प्राकृतिक उत्सव है । आपस में मेल जोल बढ़ाना, एक दस ू रे का सम्मान करना, एक दस ू रे के साथ प्रेम करना, _साल भर में किसी के साथ मनमुटाव हो गया हो, झगड़ा हो गया हो तो उसको भूलकर एक दस ू रे को प्रकृति के उपहार स्वरुप प्रदत्त वसंत ऋतु में आए हुए नए फूलों का चूर्ण करके उसका रं ग बनाकर सभ्यता से प्रसन्नता पूर्वक बिना किसी को परे शान किए लगाना और सम्मान करना चाहिए।_ यह कार्य भी प्रेम पूर्वक करना चाहिए। जिससे कोई व्यक्ति दख ु ी ना हो आपके रं ग लगाने से परे शान ना हो इसका खयाल रखना चाहिए। तो इस प्रकार भारतीय संस्कृ ति में होली का व्यक्तित्व, शारीरिक सामाजिक, राष्ट्रीय, तथा भूगोलिक दृष्टि से और वैश्विक दृष्टि से भी इसका महत्व है । बड़े प्रेम से अपने-अपने घरों में सामाजिक संस्थानों में होली के दिन हवन करें प्रीति सम्मेलन करें इसी निवेदन के साथ स्वस्थ रहें मस्त रहें व्यस्त रहें ।

MAY ALMIGHTY GOD GIFT YOU ALL THE COLORS OF LIFE, COLORS OF AFFECTION,COLORS OF HAPPINESS, COLORS OF FRIENDSHIP, COLORS OF PEACE AND ALL OTHER COLORS YOU WANT TO PAINT IN YOUR LIFE.

HAPPY HOLI. APSQ INC Holi होली Festival of Colors Celebrations Date : Saturday 12/03/2022 (RSVP ESSENTIAL) Time : 4 PM start with Havan Yajna Venue : Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre 198 Learoyd, Willawong ,Qld 4110

20 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022

Samaj Havan Yajna Satsang at Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre

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. ओ३म ्

Havan Yajna Agnihotra हवन यज्ञ, अग्निहोत्र It is really good to see many families performing Havan at home and on special occasions like birthdays, wedding anniversaries etc . The agnihotra (fire ceremony) havan yaj has been a very important part of all Vedic Hindu ceremonies since the beginning of time.

Havan Yajna. is the most ancient form of Hindu prayer/ devotion/invocation.

Havan or fire ceremony is one of the most important rites laid down in the Vedic scriptures for householders and is part of the eternal Sanatan Vedic Dharm/ culture.

The benefits of agnihotra are multi-dimensional.

Spiritually, it has an enlightening effect on us because selected verses from the VEDAS and other Vedic literature are recited during the course of Yajna. Other than enhancing intellectual agility, such regular recitation of so many important Vedic mantras leads to them being memorised..

Socially, it strengthens bonds between members of a family,Samaj or community because groups of people get together to carry it out communally. Hygienically, it has the effect of medicinal cleansing of air in the vicinity.

Physically, agnihotra also has an uplifting effect on the material domains of human life it encompasses all the meanings that are conveyed by the word YAJNA Yajna is the cornerstone of the Vedic way of life. It is said to be the soul of the sixteen sanskaars (sacraments).

Yajna is a very broad term-meaning Dev Pooja, Sangatikaran and Daan, Dev Pooja- prayer to GOD, taking care of the elderly,the learned and performance of

Havan; Sangatikaran- in the company of wise people and Daan is donating to the needy.

Saam VED verse 1529 states-Aagne sthooram rayim bhar prithum gomantamashwinam.Angdhi kham vartayaa pavimmeaning When Hawan is performed properly ,it purifies the air and the surrounding environment and provides clean rain water,sunlight and contributes to increase in wealth.

Rig VED 3/32/12-Yajo hita indra vordhano bhutYajna is the means for the soul to refine itself and seek prosperity (salvation).

Yajur VED 18/11 says – Matischa mein sumatischa mein yajyen kalpantaam meaning Humans ordinary intellect can be successfully transformed into super intellect through the conduct of daily yajnas.

Shatpathbrahman 1/7/1/5 states “Yajao vei shreshthatam karma”-Yajna is the most noble of deeds.

With many benefits and in this battle for achieving the goal of getting pollutionfree environment,we all should keep performing Havan day after day as fellow

human beings at home and other venues without any

distinction of caste, creed, colour, region or religion.

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022 — 21

THE FIJI TIMES 152nd ANNIVERSARY – PART 3 of 4

HOW FT CONTRIBUTED TO FALL CHAUDHRY GOVERNMENT IN 2000 “SPEIGHT COUP”.

Thakur Ranjit Singh, FIJI PUNDIT PROLOGUE - PART 3 This is the THIRD PART continuation of the fourpart series on the history of the Fiji Times (FT). This is from already published articles and my research of Master’s Thesis – a historical notoriety of a Fiji newspaper never told in this manner and language.

[See link to research at the end of this article] DISCLAIMER: All reference to FT is to the foreign-owned paper before localisation in 2010. Hence I do not have any concerns with the locally - owned FT of 2021.

INTRODUCTION In Part 2, we further showed how “skirtjournalism”, racist and biased reporting created ethnic issues and negativity against an “Indian” government of Chaudhry.

Part 3 enumerates extracts of conclusion from my research thesis as part of my Masters in Communisation Studies (Journalism) at Auckland University of Technology (AUT). It reveals that the leopard did not change spots even after a century. Subsequent to departure of the white men, they continued being towel boys and lapdogs of Eastern Chiefs, elite Itaukei, ethnonationalist politicians and Gujarati businesses (has it changed ever?), and how they contributed to the disturbances by George Speight and the fall of Fiji’s democracy in 2000. This was mostly done through unbridled and racially skewed newsroom management with conflicting viewpoint on boundary between good and fair journalism and racism, favouring your own types.

The partisan stance of FT, with poor internal management shamed journalism - the Fourth Estate. Please read that here…………..

THE FIJI TIMES PART 3 (OF 4) The Concluding Remarks of my Research I had conducted an analysis of the Fiji Times for one year, May 1999 to May 2000, leading to attempted coup by George Speight.

Almost two thirds (62.8%) of the analysis reported negatively against People’s Coalition government while less than 10% showed any warmth towards the government. Only just over a

Mahendra Chaudhry (L) with his captor, George Speight after his release from 56 days captivity in Fiji Parliament building in May-June 2000. quarter (27.4%) of the items were of neutral in nature. In fact a reputable and credible media should have 100% balanced, fair, neutral, and impartial reporting. Of the 19 sections covered, thirteen (68.4%) reported 50% or more negative items while three of these were above 90%. So, you can see how partisan and unfair FT was.

The sections of media analysis , among others, covered major issues of interest under Chaudhry government as reported over one year of People’s Coalition government rule.

The following topics were covered for analysis in my research: Election Victory & Politics , Media Issues, Racial Agitation/Protests, Land, Rajen Chaudhry, Tea Lady Affair, Baba & Chaudhry Tensions, Clark-Hunter Work Permits, Constitutional Amendments, Fiji Hardwood and Speight, Industrial Issues, Ganesh and Chaudhry Houses, Housing Authority, Margaret Wise, Daily Post and Radio Fiji Ban, Socialism and Sharing Wealth, Punja and Companies, Political Personalities and Zimbabwe Land Problems.

The trend of reporting showed that for the largest selling paper in the country, such a large percentage of negative items would end up affecting people’s perception of the government. However a poll conducted seven months after election victory revealed that despite so much negative reporting, Chaudhry government, reported very advanced positive poll results, higher than ever gained by Rabuka government before him.

Therefore it would appear that those plotting to overthrow the government had to act fast before the government became too popular with the common people. And then began FT’s questionable reporting, that has been summarised here.

If you read my thesis, (link given below) it also shows photo-shoot of relevant offending articles, photos and headlines that resulted in assault of democracy in Fiji.

My conclusion makes interesting reading, especially Fiji Indians will be able to relate to them from a racism perspectives. In the Newsroom of FT, almost 96% of stories and control were by Itaukei editors, journalists,

Mahendra Chaudhry, when PM(L-R) with President of Fiji Labour Party, Jokepeci Koroi, Fiji’s President, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara and his wife, Vir Mati. and controllers of news when the Fiji Indians comprised some 40% of Fiji population.

Read, be shocked, and clap your hands for 152nd anniversary celebrations of the Fiji Times for its contributions to the country: Some of the notable concluding observations from the content analysis in my research were: 1) There was obvious discord between what FT said and advocated in its editorials, and what appeared in the papers it failed to walk its talk.

There appeared to be clash, disagreements and conflict between editorials and news content. It was like one part of you is trying to make peace between two persons fighting, while the other part is secretly winking at one of them to keep on fighting. Or like a proverbial rat in some African traditions, which bites, and at the same time blows to soothe the pain of its biting. This description aptly fitted FT on occasions where it appeared to have one view of the editorial writer while completely opposite stance was seen in the stories appearing in the news pages.

In Hindi, the saying of ..” bagal mein choori, mukh mein Ram.. which means praising God, while hiding a knife on the side to stab at an opportune time. This reflected a disagreement between the editorial opinion and the newsroom. FT failed to practice what it preached.

What it advocated and pontificated in its editorials, it failed to reflect them in its news pages. What this means is, in its editorial by White men, it was preaching all the goodness of a fair journalism, while the stories by Itaukei Editor and senior Itaukei journalists spewed racial venom against a “Fiji Indian” Chaudhry government.

2) The lack of coordination between the newspaper management and the newspaper operations.

Elaborating what was said above, the ‘management’, comprised of expatriate policy and editorial formulators, notably the expatriate publisher and the editor in chief, Alan Robinson, and Russell Hunter (for part of the time) respectively.

The ‘operations’ or the Fijian(Itaukei) ‘gatekeepers’ comprised of the editor Samisoni Kakaivalu, his Deputy Netani Rika and

22 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022 Pic source:kingjamesbibleonline.org

the senior Fijian newsroom team including Margaret Wise, about whom you read in Part 2. Lack of coordination appears to have stemmed from unbridled newsroom control on the local staff who coined up the headlines that chose and manufactured stories and headlines, as had been cited by a researcher where a Fiji Indian journalist at FT admitted that the article she wrote was completely twisted and the headline was given by a member of the senior staff.

The ‘management’ expatriate executives have to be accountable for what we found as an environment which gave unbridled ‘gate keeping’ duties to unqualified, insensitive, and partisan newsroom (Itaukei) staff.

3) New groups of militant and nationalist makeshifts (tin-pot) organisations sprung up overnight to oppose government’s initiatives.

Their little-known leaders with suspect following were given undeserved and unbridled exposure by FT under the guise of media freedom, despite such utterances bordering on sedition and hate-speeches, and in clear breach of Media Code of Conduct and Ethics.

Every now and then you would have a tin-pot Itaukei nationalist and questionable leader, with little credibility and following, rising up and vomiting anti-Fiji Indian poison, and FT had no hesitation in highlighting verbal diarrhoea and racists diatribes of such leaders while ignoring clarifications and statements from the government and officials of the day.

4) Open disrespect to President and PM - FT provided ample opportunity to any man and his dog who wished to take a pot shot at the highest seat of the countrythe President and the Prime Minister.

A responsible, civilised media, especially in a developing country divided on racial lines would be expected to exercise caution and sensitivity. FT committed dereliction of ethics and duties by permitting and sanctioning such show of disrespect to the leaders of a developing nation under the guise of media freedom.

One is free to be critical of the politicians of any shades or colour. But when it comes to the SEAT OF THE COUNTRY,

Mahendra Chaudhry commanded huge respect, especially in cane belt of rural Fiji. He was more popular than any PM before him, hence had to be removed by the ethnonationalist Itaukei agitators before he became too popular. Here Chaudhry (R) is seen, having a word with his ardent supporter and friend from Rarawai, Ba, Fiji, Late Krishna Nand Maharaj.

Mahendra Chaudhry (L) with his captor, George Speight after his release from 56 days captivity in Fiji Parliament building in May-June 2000. such as the Prime Minister or President, the POSITIONS command respect, and no credible newspapers would ever allow any dogs of racism to piss on the highest poles and seats of the nation. Unfortunately, over a century-old FT allowed this to happen without blinking an eye lid.

5) Lack of Balance The number of important issues where government had to resort to letters to editor column to tell its side of the story was evident that there was something grossly amiss in media’s balance and adherence to Code of Conduct that called for equal opportunity of response. In the analysis, instances were quoted where the government as well as the members of the general public wrote in to clarify and inform on issues which was seen as the media’s role. It appears either FT failed to grasp and inform on issues, or it deliberately failed in its duty of keeping Fiji well informed to safeguard democracy. Sadly, FT failed to balance their stories with all sides of views - a strong pillar of respected journalism.

FT clearly displayed its neglect and recklessness of duties and failed to protect and defend democracy – another strong pillar of any respectable Fourth Estate (media). It failed to allow the same space and opportunity to the Government of the day to clarify lies and unsubstantiated claims by the opposition, ethnonationalist officials of statutory organisations (read NLTB) and tin-pot nationalist leaders.

6) Failure of FT to recognise lopsided racial mix: In Fiji, it is a Constitutional requirement and direction (in 1977 Constitution) to grant equitable distribution of civil service positions at all

levels to reflect the country’s demographic makeup. It seems this escaped the knowledge of FT. That is why it allowed misinformed viewpoints without trying to point out the anomaly, with extremely high percentage in Military and civil service with information on land ownership and other standard statistics. It not only ignored the lopsided racial mix elsewhere in government, but itself failed to abide by the general principle that the newsroom should be the mirror of the country. There was marked favour of Itaukei , not only at all (especially senior) levels of its news team, but also in news content reporting where some 95 % of the stories with by lines were from Itaukei reporters in a racially divided nation with Fiji Indians comprising some 40% of the population at that time. Over two-thirds of FT newsroom was populated

by Itaukei, and they filed almost all stories, with a few “balanced” stories coming from Fiji Indian reporters, and they were few and far in between.

Sounds shocking? The balance of conclusion and the concluding remarks leading to fall of People’s Coalition Government will be revealed in PART 4 and the final part of this four - part article.

[About the Author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is former publisher of now closed, partly governmentowned Daily Post newspaper, a journalist, a media commentator, a community worker in Auckland and runs his blog FIJI PUNDIT. He did a research on the role of the Fiji Times in contributing to destabilising of democracy by a partisan newspaper that culminated in Speight’s attempted coup in 2000. Details in the articles are largely from his Masters in Communication (MCS) thesis at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) in 2011, and already published material. All reference to Fiji Times is to the foreign owned entity prior to localisation in 2010.

E: thakurjifj@gmail.com Link to thesis: https:// openrepository.aut.ac.nz/ handle/10292/2554

Brisbane Chapter Vedanta Centre of Sydney

Programme for MAR 2022

Day/Date Tue 01.03.22 Wed 02.03.22 Fri 04.03.22 Sun 06.03.22 Tue 08.03.22 Wed 09.03.22 Sat 12.03.22 Sun 13.03.22

Mon 14.03.22 Tue 15.03.22 Wed 16.03.22 Thur 17.03.22 Fri 18.03.22 Sun 20.03.22

Tue 22.03.22 Wed 23.03.22 Sat 26.03.22 Sun 27.03.22

Mon 28.03.22 Tue 29.03.22 Wed 30.03.22 Daily Activities Mon - Sun Every Evening LINKS

Activity Class on Brahma Sutras Celebration of Mahashivaratri Vedic Chanting Class (via Skype) Class on Vivekacudamani Sri Ramakrishna Tithi Puja Celebration of Sri Ramakrishna's Birthday *booking required at www.trybooking.com/BXNWF Study of Brahma Sutras Physical Yoga Class Vedic Chanting Class (via Skype) Class on the Bhagavadgita (hosted by Vedanta Gold Coast Satsang online) Physical Yoga Class Study of Bhagavadgita by Swami Atmeshananda Bala & Yuva Sangha - Childrens and Teens Moral and Spiritual Educational class Hindi Language Class (all ages from 11yrs to adult)

Time 11am-12noon 6pm - 9pm 8.30am - 9.30am 6.30pm - 7.30pm 9.30am - 11.00am 9am-1pm

Venue Pls contact us to participate Ashram skype id: swami.atmeshananda Toowoomba City Library Ashram Ashram

11am - 12noon 6.30pm - 7.30pm 8.30am - 9.30am 5.30pm - 6.30pm

Pls contact us to participate Ashram skype id: swami.atmeshananda Zoom (link details below)

7.45am - 9am 10am - 11am 10am - 11am

Ashram Ashram Ashram

11.30am - 1pm

Ashram

Ekadashi - Sri Ramanam Sankirtanam Study of Brahma Sutras Physical Yoga Class Vedic Chanting Class (via Skype) Study of Ashtavakra Samhita Studay of 'Meditation and Spriritual Life' Physical Yoga Class Study of Bhagavadgita by Swami Atmeshananda Bala & Yuva Sangha - Childrens and Teens Moral and Spiritual Educational class Study of Brahma Sutras Physical Yoga Class Vedic Chanting Class (via Skype) Class on the Bhagavadgita (hosted by Vedanta Gold Coast Satsang online) Physical Yoga Class Study of Bhagavadgita by Swami Atmeshananda Bala & Yuva Sangha - Childrens and Teens Moral and Spiritual Educational class Hindi Language Class (all ages from 11yrs to adult) Ekadashi - Sri Ramanam Sankirtanam Birthday Puja for Swami Vivekananda Vedic Chanting Class (via Skype)

7.00pm - 7.45pm 11am - 12noon 6.30pm - 7.30pm 8.30am - 9.30am 7.30pm - 8.30pm 7.30pm - 8.30pm 7.45am - 9am 10am - 11am 10am - 11am

Ashram Pls contact us to participate Ashram skype id: swami.atmeshananda 101 Sharpliess Rd Springfield 134 Fleming Rd Chapel Hill Ashram Ashram Ashram

11am - 12noon 6.30pm - 7.30pm 8.30am - 9.30am 5.30pm - 6.30pm

Pls contact us to participate Ashram skype id: swami.atmeshananda Zoom (link details below)

7.45am - 9am 10am - 11am 10am - 11am

Ashram Ashram Ashram

11.30am - 1pm 7.00pm - 7.45pm 10am - 11.30am 8.30am - 9.30am

Ashram Ashram Ashram skype id: swami.atmeshananda

Chanting Vedic Mantras followed by Meditation Arati & Bhajans

6.15am - 7am 6.30pm - 7.15am

Ashram / Facebook Live Ashram / Facebook Live

Facebook Youtube Zoom (Gold Coast Vedanta Satsang)

www.facebook.com/VedantaSpringfield www.youtube/com/VedantaBrisbane Meeting ID: 811 6285 1385; Passcode: vedanta20

The Vedanta Centre runs a Soup Kitchen and Foodbank on Fridays at 10am Justice of Peace (JP) renders services at the Centre on Fridays at 10am If you wish to avail of these services at other times please contact us for appointment (Centre contact details below) Our community café 'Maa Sarada's Kitchen' serves delicious food at reasonable rates on every Saturday 10am - 1pm visit us at www.facebook.com/MaaSaradasKitchen

Vedanta Centre Brisbane: 96 Vedanta Drive (behind 2 Poppy Cres) Springfield Lakes QLD 4300 www.vedantabrisbane.org

Call: (07) 3192 5188

info@vedantabrisbane.org

Tel: (07) 3818 9986

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022 — 23

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Subhas Chandra Bose was a revolutionary leader who fought for Indian independence from British colonial rule. He believed in using all available means to liberate India.

Early life - Subhas was born in an upper middle class professional family on 23 January 1897 in Cuttack in the Indian state of Odisha. His father Janakinath Bose was an advocate.

His mother Prabhabati Bose managed the household. The couple had fourteen children, eight boys and six girls.

Subhas was the ninth child and sixth son.

His family originally lived in the village Kodalia in 24 Paraganas district, West Bengal. Janakinath moved to Cuttack to begin his career as a lawyer.

Later he built his family home at Elgin Road Kolkata. The house is now known as Netaji Bhawan and includes a museum, archives and library.

Subhas started his primary education at the Protestant European School, Cuttack in 1902.

He found the school curriculum distasteful, resenting its suppression of Indian culture in favour of European values.

In 1909 he enrolled in Ravenshaw Collegiate School, Cuttack.

This school’s curriculum included Indian and British studies.

The school staff members were predominantly Indian.

Subhas was very impressed by the school headmaster Babu Beni Madhav Das, who displayed moral appeal in his personality.

At the school he was introduced to the writings of Shree Ramakrishna Paramahans and Swami Vivekanand.

Subhas came into contact with Vivekanand group, whose members were devoted to working for a synthesis between religion and nationalism.

He stood second in the merit list of the entrance examination of Calcutta University in 1913 and joined Presidency College Kolkata. In Kolkata, his quest for spiritualism continued. In the summer of 1914, Subhas left his home in search of a Guru.

For nearly two months, he travelled through main pilgrim towns seeking a holy man who would set him on the path of enlightenment.

He returned home having lost his admiration for ascetics and anchorites.

At the Presidency College, his education was discontinued in February 1916 due to an incident between a British instructor and Indian students.

Subhas was alleged of being involved in the clash and eventually was expelled from the College.

After over a year, Subhas secured admission at the Scottish Church

College of Calcutta University in July 1917.

He graduated in 1918 from the university with a First Class Bachelor’s degree with honours in Philosophy.

Subhas’ father wished him to join the Indian Civil Service (ICS), which would offer him a prestigious position in British India.

Upon his father’s urgings he agreed to travel to England to prepare and appear for the entrance examination for the ICS. He left India on 15 September 1919 and arrived in England on 25 October.

Subhas enrolled at Fitzwilliam College on November 19. His coursework included Sanskrit, English, history, political science and other disciplines.

Simultaneously, he prepared for the ICS examinations, which were held in the summer of 1920. He scored the fourth highest grade.

Subhas followed the events in India. He realised that working for the ICS would trap and deter him from his service to his motherland as a freedom fighter.

He exchanged ideas with his family members and eventually decided the leave ICS and return home. He resigned from the ICS on 23 April 1921. Shortly thereafter, he boarded a ship and twenty-four years old Subhas arrived in Mumbai in the summer of 1921.

Politics in India Immediately Subhas set to arrange an interview with Mahatma Gandhi, who was in Mumbai during that period. During his meeting with Gandhi, he asked numerous questions relating to the independence movement and Gandhi answered his queries in detail.

Gandhi was impressed by his patriotism and enthusiasm.

Subhas was offered a position in the Indian National Congress, the political party spearheading the Independence movement under Gandhi’s leadership.

At Gandhi’s direction, Subhas was sent to Kolkata to work under the supervision of Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das, a Congress leader in Bengal.

Under Deshbandhu’s guidance, Subhas advanced his ideology for Indian independence.

During this period, Bengal had a number of active revolutionary groups including Anusilan and Jugantar, which were fighting against colonialism. Subhas had been in contact with some of their members.

Youths in revolutionary groups supported Subhas politically at various forums.

During the Prince of Wales’s visit to India in 1921, Subhas organised

24 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022

general strike and boycott of festivities. They were designed to display the anger of Indian masses against colonial rule and to make the Prince aware of local discontentment.

In 1923, he was elected the president of All India Youth Congress.

Subhas was appointed the Chief Executive Officer of Calcutta Municipal Corporation in 1924 when Chittaranjan Das was elected mayor of the city.

He continued lobbying for independence.

He was arrested in 1925 under Regulation III of 1818, which was a law for preventive detention enacted by the East India Company. He was sent to a prison in Mandalay, Myanmar. As a result of the appalling condition in the prison, Subhas became infected with tuberculosis.

While in prison in 1926, he was elected from a Kolkata constituency to the Bengal Legislative Council with a heavy majority. On the recommendation of a medical board, he was released from the jail in May 1927.

In November 1927, Subhas was elected president of the Bengal Provincial Congress Committee and in December he was appointed general secretary of the Indian National Congress. During this period, he came in contact with Jawahar Lal Nehru.

In 1928, Subhas established Congress Volunteers Corps and he was its General Officer Commanding.

It was a revolutionary group of uniformed freedom fighters. Soon afterwards, he was arrested for civil disobedience. While in prison he was elected mayor of Kolkata in 1930, a post he would hold until April 15, 1931. He was released from prison and again rearrested several times.

Between February 1933 and April 1936, Subhas

having been exiled by the British travelled to Europe. He tried to established contacts with major powers opposed to Britain during this time.

He met Italy’s Mussolini, who was sympathetic to his cause of national independence.

During his visit to Germany, he met Indian students and familiarised himself with their situation. In Vienna, he was operated upon for a medical condition.

Following his recuperation, he established his office there and completed his book ‘The Indian Struggle”, which was published in 1935.

In Vienna, he was intimately attached to his secretary Emilie Schenkle.

On his return to India Subhas was arrested and later released in 1937.

During his trip to Europe in 1937 Subhas married Emilie.

They had a daughter named Anita.

Subhas’ popularity soared and he became president of the Congress in 1938. His call to arms against British occupation led to opposition from old established leaders. His policies did not conform to Gandhi’s principles.

However, Subhas remained popular and in 1939 he was re-elected president of the Congress.

Later on, he was forced to resign due to lack of support in the Congress Working Committee.

Subhas wished to intensify actions against British rule when the Second World War started.

Gandhi opposed his opinion.

He left his position in the Congress and established the All India Forward Block, a faction of the Congress.

Without consulting Indian leaders, Britain had declared India at war against Germany. Indian protested against the decision and many were jailed. Subhas was held in the Kolkata Presidency jail during July to

December 1940. His health deteriorated and he was transferred to house arrest at his family home.

Actions from abroad - On 16 January 1941 Subhas slipped away in the disguise of a Muslim insurance agent from his home. Prior to that, he had grown his beard long.

He pretended to be in spiritual meditation and observed fasting. He lived in a secluded room and no one except a nominated person was allowed to see him.

His nephew drove him to the Gomo railway station in Jharkhand. He caught a train and arrived in Peshawar in the North West Frontier province.

A supporter received him at the railway station and introduced him to Bhagat Ram Talwar, alias Rahmat Khan, a member of Kirti Kisan Party affiliated to the Communist Party of India (CPI). Accompanied by him, Subhas travelled to Kabul, Afghanistan.

Subhas had intended to travel to Moscow to seek support for Indian independence. He believed that the Soviet Union was a supporter of independence movements.

The Communist International known as Comintern and national communist parties were the major sources of intelligence for Soviet Union at that time.

Indian leaders of these groups had not provided the deserving references for Subhas to the Soviet authorities.

In Kabul, Subhas was unable to get assistance from the Soviet embassy.

He approached the German and Italian embassies. The Italian embassy gave him an Italian passport in the name of Orlando Mazzota and secured passage to Rome. He travelled to Rome via Moscow and then to Berlin, Germany.

In Germany, Hitler’s foreign minister Ribbentrop welcomed him. Subhas managed to enlist the aid of Germany’s Special Bureau for India, and support to start a radio station Azad Hind Radio.

Subhas was able to form an Indian Legion made up of around 4,500 Indian troops. They declared him Netaji, respected leader.

He also established Free India Centre there.

Subhas urged Germany to declare support for Indian Independence, which did not occur. He was disappointed when Germany invaded Soviet Union in June 1941, despite the non-aggression pact they signed in 1939.

Subhas had hoped to enter India with his forces via the Soviet Union and Central Asia to liberate it. He met Hitler in May 1942 and realised that the German Chancellor’s interest was solely to utilise him for his own purpose.

Subhas wanted to be close to India. Finally

he boarded a German U-boat in February 1943.

On route, at Madagascar, he was transferred to a Japanese submarine and arrived in Japan.

Japan was fighting a war against America and European colonists in East Asia. It had occupied many nations and captured enemy soldiers as prisoners of war. Arrested Indian soldiers fighting for the British switched allegiance and formed the Indian National Army (INA) and fought for Indian independence under the banner of Indian Independence League led

by Ras Behari Bose.

Ras Behari gave control of INA to Subhas to lead the independence movement from East Asia. It was known as Azad Hind Fauz in Hindi.

Subhas inspired the INA members and attracted many volunteers from the local Indian population in the region. He created a special women’s unit called the Rani of Jhansi Regiment led by captain Lakshmi Swaminathan.

INA forces fought the British Indian army and conquered lands in the northeast India. The Indian flag was raised in the town of Moirang in Manipur. The combined forces of Japanese, Burmese national army, and Gandhi and Nehru Brigades of Azad Hind Fauz surrounded Kohima and Imphal.

In a speech in July 1944, broadcast by the Azad Hind Radio from Singapore, Subhas addressed Mahatma Gandhi as the ‘Father of the Nation’ and asked for his blessing for the war he was fighting.

Later, Commonwealth forces, which had bases in India, led a counter attack.

Japanese led forces were expelled from India.

After the atomic bombing of Japanese cities, Japan surrendered on 15 August 1945.

Subhas was on a flight for Tokyo on 18 August 1945. The plane landed for fuelling at Taipei airport in Taiwan. During take off from Taipei, the plane crashed and caught fire.

Subhas suffered thirddegree burn of his body.

Despite treatment, soon he was dead.

Before passing away he is said to have declared, “I have fought for India’s freedom till the last. Tell my countrymen India will be free before long. Long live free India.”

Subhas displayed extraordinary courage to liberate India, but the assumptions on which he planned his actions from overseas proved to be capricious.

Subhas’ birthday 23 January is celebrated as Parakram Diwas, the day of valour, in India.

—Awadhesh Sharma web:hinduguru.com.au

ओ३म ्

CELEBRATES

86 Scott Lane, North Maclean http://shreevishnumayamandir.org.au/ 04812 38360

Holika Dahan (Prahlad Raxa)

By Dharam Guru Pundit Tripathi Ji

Friday 18th March at 6:30pm Uniting, embracing of the great and the small, of the rich and the poor and uniting of equals symbolising brotherhood camaraderie and a new start to things. People love festivities, cheerful attitude - Inner illumination is real Holi.

Hope your life is framed with all colours of love and happiness -Happy Holi

Holi Geet & Bhajans will begin at 5:00pm

ͳͻ Ǩ

Venue : Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre 198 Learoyd Road, Willawong, Qld 4110 For further information please contact: Dr. Sukhvir Singh - 0421 897 157 Mr. Hari Chand - 0437 430 062 Mrs.Roslene Suman Chand 0401164232

RSVP BY 20/02/2022 FOR CATERING PURPOSES AND TO COMPLY WITH COVID SAFE SITTING REQUIREMENTS

Holi Enlightenment, Cultural Events, Entertainment,and Vegetarian Dinner.

Food (Maha Prasad) will be served afterwards.

Please come and join us for this very auspicious occasion!

Food Sponsor $400.00 For any queries, please contact: Dhirubhai Desai: 04062 13153, Ranil Dayal: 04031 46575, Bharat Solanki: 04111 31485, Rajesh Gopal: 04223 44046, Devika Maharaj: 04248 91159, or the Temple: 5548 6814 Or for secured online donation facility visit: http://shreevishnumayamandir.org.au/

MAY ALMIGHTY GOD GIFT YOU ALL THE COLORS OF LIFE, COLORS OF AFFECTION,COLORS OF HAPPINESS, COLORS OF FRIENDSHIP, COLORS OF PEACE AND ALL OTHER COLORS YOU WANT TO PAINT IN YOUR LIFE. HAPPY HOLI.

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022 — 25

Who, What, Where, When...

GOPIO Gold Coast members were honored to hear from newly appointed Magistrate Veena Govardhan about her journey and the positive impact at their International Women’s Day event

GOPIO Gold Coast celebrated Women’s achievements and raised awareness against the bias; collectively we can #BreakTheBias

Inauguration of GOPIO-CT 2022 Activities. Stamford City Mayor Caroline Simmons administers the Oath of Office to the new team headed by Ashok Nichani.

Inauguration of GOPIO-CT 2022 Activities with Indian Consulate General Randhir Kunar Jaiswal as the Chief Guest and Stamford City Mayor Caroline Simmons as an honored guest. Deputy Consul General Dr. Varun Jeph was also present at the program. The chapter financially supports many local service providers who were present at the Activities Launch and Oath Ceremony of the new team

Women’s Day on 5 March 2022 at the New Delhi Municipal Council Convention Centre in Delhi with Hon Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture Mrs. Meenakshi Lekhi, a college time friend, and Chairman NDMC, Chief Scientist Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Officials of Ministries of External Affairs and Science & Technology, several Ambassadors and High Commissioners, UN officials, UNICEF, teachers, and students from underprivileged areas of Delhi 26 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022

Who, What, Where, When...

Brisbane River breaking its banks

The debris – the riverside walkway was closed for days waiting for mud army.

The damage: middle portion of the Holman Street Ferry terminal got washed away, all debris piling up at the new Howard Street Ferry Terminal

Substantial water pumps used to drain flooded underground car parks in the visionary.

Hindu Society of Queensland committee members set up a marque in readiness for their cooked food pack distribution in Wilston.

Call: (07) 3192 5188

Bangladesh Puja and Cultural Society assist the needy with essential food items. www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022 — 27

Tat Tvam Asi – Thou Art That, All-pervading!

The content of this article is based on the teachings of H.H. Sant Shri Asaram ji Bapu. Pujya Bapu ji had addressed the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in September 1993, that was 100 years after Swami Vivekananda addressed the same parliament in September 1893. 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 the India and to save the countrymen from mental slavery, in 2014, he initiated celebration of Tulsi poojan on 25th December.

In this article Pujya Bapu ji discloses the ways to attain the spiritual glory and to develop love for God. Bapu ji preaches that fear not! All mortal things are as shadows. Unreality dominates all appearance.

All visible objects are everchanging. The changeful is called perishable. In reality, nothing is destroyed in essence. Just as waves and bubbles in the ocean appear to be perishing, but in fact their essence, the water is not destroyed. Similarly, visible objects seem to be undergoing change, but Thou art the Reality within which no change abides. Know thou art the Immovable One! Thy form is a dream.

Know this and be thou content! Thy soul is stationed in the formlessness of Divinity. Let the mind follow the blinking light; desire rules, limitations exist. Thou art not the mind: desire touches thee not. Limitless art thou alone.

Thou art contained within Omniscience and Omnipotence.

Remember life is but a play. Play thy part. Thou must. Such is the law. Yet, withal, thou art neither player, play nor law.

Life itself cannot limit thee.

Life is of the stuff of dreams.

Thou dreamest not. Thou art the Dreamless One, beyond the touch and taint of unreality. Know this! Know this and be free-free-free!!!

Life, as it is, is short; desire is rampant. Give at least some short time unto the Lord. He asketh little, only this, that thou shalt know thyself; for, verily, knowing thyself, thou comest to know Him. For God and the Soul are

One. Some say, "Remember, O Man, that thou art dust!"

True, of the body but the higher, the mightier, the truer, the holier revelation reads, `Remember, O Man, that thou art the Soul!' 'Indestructible and imperishable art thou alone, O Soul!' So speaketh the Lord.

All else wanes. However mighty the form, it perishes.

Death and destruction are the lot of all form. Thought is subordinate to change.

Personality is of the weaving of these-thought and form.

Therefore, stand aside, O Soul. Remember thou art the Self beyond both thought and form. All virtue resides in this consciousness, 'Thou art One with God.' In this alone art thou immortal; in this alone art thou pure and holy.

Try not to become the master. Thou art the master.

There is no becoming for thee. Thou art, O Soul!

However, sublime may seem the process of becoming, the hour shall come when thou shalt know, Progress is in time' but 'Perfection is within eternity.' (i.e. When you will know that all the three times are non-existent, and what exists is Timeless Reality, you will attain realization of perfection) And thou art not of time. Thou art of eternity.

Is there Divinity! then, "Tat Tvam Asi!" meaning, "Thou art That! All-pervading!"

Understand that which is the Highest within thee. Worship the Highest! And the most perfect form of worship is the knowledge that thou and the Highest are One. And what is the Highest? That, O Soul, thou callest God. Throw all dreams into oblivion! Having heard of the Self within thee, the Self thou art, understand! Having understood, perceive!

Having perceived, know!

Having known, realise!

Having realised, then- 'Tat

Tvam Asi!"- which is, Thou art That! All-pervading!

Retreat from the world!

It is the embodiment of dreams. It, together with the body, - verily, these are the nests of dreams. Shalt thou be a dreamer! Shalt thou be bound forever in the bondage of dreams! 'Arise, Awake and stop not till the goal is reached!’

Do not get entangled in desires for sense pleasures and passions.

While awakening into the nectarine experience of ‘I am That ...

I am He ... ' keep deepening peace and spiritual intoxication. Base thoughts and desires have made your life lowly and downtrodden.

Attain your spiritual glory by entertaining sublime thoughts and understanding of your true nature- “I am That!

Five means that develop love for God (1) Listen to stories of God, listen to or read the life tales and life incidents of great men. It will enhance devotion and help in the development of wisdom and dispassion.

(2) Sing or hear the praises of God (devotional songs) (3) Whenever you sit alone, hum devotional songs or be engrossed in the remembrance of God. do japa (repetition of mantra) else lust, anger, avarice, delusion (attachment), pride (ego), envy (jealous) will enter your empty mind. It is said, 'An empty mind is the devil's workshop (4) Whenever (you) meet one another discuss God or God-realized great men. Just below the lantern lies darkness.

However, when two lanterns are placed facing each other the darkness is dispelled. Then there remains nothing but light. One may entertain Pic. source: insightsfromtom.com

In Floods…

Jesus said “Arise and Shine…”

Key Scripture:

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” - Isa. 43:2 Dear Reader, Our world is troubled and traumatised by many disasters.

Some are natural such as floods and storms. But, some are due to the human greed and pride that leads to war between nations. We hope and pray that war between Russia and Ukraine must stop now.

Regardless of the source of our problems and issues in our life; we need divine help now. We need know and understand how we can receive such help from our Creator God.

We must learn to turn our hearts to a compassionate God. The world is weeping. The Bible states that Jesus weeps with the suffering world of humanity. He can save us from all our problems and pain.

But we have to recognise our sins. We need to repent for our sins. The Bible says everyone (all humanity) has sinned and fallen short of God’s glorious standards of living (Romans 3:23).

Recent floods in Queensland and NSW has caused heart breaking tragedies. Many have lost lives and

28 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022

homes. And many have been left with fear and trauma. The Word of God promises that God will be with us even through the floods, fire and war. You may ask “How is that possible?”

When fear, anxiety troubles surround us, then we need to raise

our faith God. Faith is like an anchor.

This anchor in God is strong and unbreakable; no power in this world has has capacity to break this.

Putting complete trust in Christ produces such a security in our mind and spirit. This trust and faith is the result of having a

sublime thoughts in solitude, but they are not expressed much.

When there is discussion about God. new thoughts arise that remove the ignorance of one another, annihilate heedlessness, and cure faithlessness (scepticism We should do and hear such discussions, whereby our faith in God and Godrealized great men increases.

We cannot meditate for the whole day; we cannot remain engrossed in Samadhi for the entire day.

Therefore, we should discuss God, listen to matters related to God. It will keep our wisdom increasing, light of knowledge enhancing, and peace and joy augmenting.

(5) Cultivate the habit of being ever delighted in the mind while remembering God. These five means are extremely beneficial in increasing divine love.

Five things that diminish divine love (1) Whenever you are taken in by talks of extrovert persons and read books written by them, divine love is dissipated.

(2) Divine love is dissipated also by reading many books.

Literature and scriptures approved by SatGuru are beneficial.

(3) Lowly vibrations are received by keeping the company of extrovert people. eating or shaking hands with them, and even inhaling the air they exhale, diminishes our love for God. (4) If you develop attachment to any person, you will fall from divine love to carnal love. If you extend much love to someone who has not attained God, he/she will drag you towards his /her base nature. One must be in the company of God-realized great men.

Bhagavan Kapila says to His mother Devahuti in the Shrimad

personal relationship with God Almighty. God has given invitation to all humanity to come and be reconciled through Jesus Christ.

Jesus is gracious and compassionate and full of mercy. He alone has defeated the death and raised to everlasting life. Therefore, to all who call on to Him will re-ceive the comfort, peace assurance of salvation.This salvation produces a trans-formed life in us to overcome all kinds of floods and fires.

We hope this message will bring you Good News of a Great comfort in these troubled times. Our theme is simple and clear. It is to make God real and person-al. And to present God as a Living and Loving Person; so you may understand His true character, nature and relate to Him personally.

God is not an object or an image or an imagination of human mind.

God is a liv-ing and loving person.

We find this amazing revelation in the pages of Holy Bi-ble. Keep reading His Words with an open heart and humble spirit. You will encounter His awesome forgiveness, mercy and unfailing love.

I am a recipient of many miracles in my life. And I know that many of my friends and family also have encountered the supernatural favour. This is purely as the result of relationship that we have been developing through the Holy Scriptures. It has nothing to do

Bhagavat, "The wise know that attachment to (objects of senses) is the unbreakable chain that fetters down the soul (Atman) in the samsara.

But that very attachment, if applied to saintly persons, is the open gateway to Liberation (Moksha).

If you want to love, do love the Brahmavettas (Knowers of Brahman), their nectarine words and their books. If you desire anyone's company: do have the company of Brahmavettas (Self-realized Masters). It increases the joy of divine love. It blossoms forth the sweetness of devotion. It gives the light of knowledge.

The joy of divine love is dried up by becoming a preacher or orator with your self-will.

"Narrow is the lane of love; it cannot contain two.

When enters the Lord; I cease to be, Where I am; the Lord enters not,” To listen 24X7 live divine Satsang of Pujya Bapu Ji, please search “Mangalmay live” on google, visit http:// www.ashram.org/live or search “THE SBM STUDIO” on you Tube. By the Divine Inspiration of Bapu ji, the weekly sessions of Bal Sanskar and yoga are held in Brisbane. To know more about His Divine Holiness Bapu Ji, please watch this video. https://bit.ly/2uZvJuN For more info about 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 to Ashok Attri and Anu Attri at +61 426 834 434 & +61 405 277 802. Please read more about our Vedic culture in the next issue of The Brisbane Indian Times.

with our great service to our job or community, it is simply knowing who we are as God’s children.

Therefore the greatest miracle that hap-pened to me was the changing of my heart and mind. When we learn to humble and accept the free gift of God’s love and mercy to touch your hearts, you quali-fy for a miracle.

When you say a prayer with childlike faith and sincere heart, God send a miracle power your way. No amount of good works or million dollars can buy or create a miracle. Miracle is simply learning to know and say YES to our Creator and Lord Jesus and letting His love flood our hearts. Therefore the greatest miracle is when you know you have been forgiven and made a new creation.

If you need a miracle today, why not say YES to the Miracle Maker Jesus Christ. Say this prayer with sincere hearts; “Father God, I need your help, forgive me, heal me, I believe that Jesus died for my sins and rose again to give me a life of miracles. Bless me with your unlimited grace and mercy.

Thank you God in Jesus name I pray, Amen”. Friends if you said this prayer for the first time, write to us, so we can help you to grow in the life of supernatural miracles that are waiting for you.

Our email is: navig8grace@ gmail.com

Kavita ji

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022 — 29

Arya Samaj Queensland

Arya Samaj and Women

Jitendra Deo President ASQ

We pay homage to the women of the Arya Samaj who distinguished themselves as leaders. In recognising their roles we hope that women of future generations will continue to develop the path

that they set. In this respect the work being done by the Women’s Empowerment Forum within the Arya Samaj is commended.

There are abundant references in the Vedas to the prestige, grandeur, and noble position of women and mothers. Mothers personify the attributes of Lakshmi and Sarasvati as they are the symbols of prosperity (barakat) and are our first worldly teachers. In Vedic times, women enjoyed equally the loftiest positions and respect in society as men did.

In the Rig Veda 1.113.20: Mother is Usha – glorious like the rising sun of dawn, the usher of light and hope.

Celebrating International Womens DaySalute to Women

She bears and endures, carries and sustains, supports and protects a new life in her womb. She is active and friendly -mitra like the setting sun, aditi. She is like the earth – prithivi – steadfast and tolerant; with depth of love and feelings, all-embracing like the oceans – varuna sindhu.

We salute the women who have left us and those who are currently leading society.

Dharma in the first instance means more than religion – it is righteousness, truth, virtue, morality, and playing a role in society.

Today many women work and have careers, and many South African women are breadwinners. There is the

issue of a call for equality so let us see what our scriptures say.

The dictum Ardhnaareeshvar refers to God as having equally the qualities of male and female, as we say Twam eva Maata cha Pita twam eva; Maata Pita tum mere. We are expected to see God equally in every being, for the soul has no distinction of gender or status of relationship.

This is our message to the modern woman. Take your rightful place in society.

Speak out when you are being bullied and abused.

The Atharva Veda 11.1.17 describes the woman as the mother of society. Atharva Veda 20. 128.2: He who defiles

women, who deliberately harms his friend or unwisely insults his elder, meets with doom and downfall.

With the pandemic of gender-based violence we call on all men to give women the respect they deserve.

On 19 March Hindus celebrate Holi, a festival of colours. To move forward on the path of progress, a society needs cohesion.

People need solidarity and unity of purpose.

The festival of Holi provides a golden opportunity for the entire society to come together, without any discrimination of caste, creed, colour, or sex. In celebrating Holi with colours one is for all, and all

Pramukh Swami Maharaj: Epitome of Compassion His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921-2016) was Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s fifth spiritual successor and the President of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha for over 60 years. Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a socio-spiritual Hindu organisation with its roots in the Vedas.

This year marks Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s centennial birth celebration; therefore, we aim to pay tribute to him through this article series. We will explore Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life and work that inspired millions across the world to maintain moral and spiritual lifestyles.

COMPASSION: A NECESSITY IN SOCIETY

If the entire nation were to take a cue from him and live by those standards, it would solve all of our problems.” Pramukh Swami Maharaj was one of the rare individuals who actually practised this credo while encouraging others to do the same.

Without compassion, society devolves into a state of chaos and brutality, as evidenced through multiple genocides and atrocities throughout human history. Although we seem to be surrounded by people invested COMPASSION BEYOND in their own agendas, the compassion that COMPREHENSION still exists in the souls of many, provides Perhaps the biggest test of this boundless us hope in making the world a better place. compassion was when Swaminarayan AkPramukh Swami Maharaj’s compassion shardham in Gandhinagar, India, fell victim was not due to a life-changing or tragic to a brutal terrorist attack in 2002. In the afincident in his life. His loving and genuinely termath of the incident, people throughout India were very hurt and angry, and the compassionate nature was innate.

He lived for the joy of others, for the progress of others and for the good of others.

IN THE JOY OF OTHERS...

“In the joy of others, lies our own.

In the progress of others, rests our own.

In the good of others, exists our own.”

Eṣāsyāno duhitā divojaḥ kṣiji ̄ruchchhantī mānuṣi ̄raji ̄gaḥ. Rig Veda 6.65.1.

“This daughter of the sky drives away darkness with bright lustre for us and calls the human beings from their slumber.”

We wish all the women a very happy International Womens Day. As the first light of dawn dispels darkness and birds chirp welcoming the new day, so too our actions and approaches in life must shed the light of truth and awaken those who remain in a sleep of ignorance.

When the barriers of socialisation are broken and exploitation is challenged, the light of truth shines on dark, grim, and unjust social practices. This has been revealed in 20th century whether it is the control of religion to divide society, as in the case of apartheid, or political control using

the armed forces as seen in civil wars, conflicts and strife in Africa, Middle East, and Europe or by those who accumulate wealth creating the haves and the have nots in the world. This aspect was recently experienced in the hoarding of Covid vaccines by the developed world. In taking up actions on these issues we awaken those who are asleep.

Women are equal partners in a family, community, and in society.

Social practices to bully women into submission, whether it is emotional abuse or rape or even murder reflects a society that is asleep and in a dark state. Women who break through the barriers that keep them out, who speak out and take their rightful places in society shine brightly as examples for future generations to emulate. They create a new dawn for society.

30 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022

are for one.

Holi is to welcome Spring and rejoice the harvesting of crops in the northern hemisphere. Those of us who are not settled in the northern hemisphere experience the end of Autumn when Holi is celebrated according to the Hindu calendar.

We can use this time to look at food security, those in need of a meal, consider the path of truth and the triumph of good over evil.

Please contact President: Jitendra Deo 3273 3029 or Secretary: Sunil Dutt 5613 3410 for information on activities of Arya Samaj Queensland or log on: www. aryasamajqueensland.org/ Facebook Arya Samaj Qld

These words are not merely a tagline given

by Pramukh Swami Maharaj; they were his lifestyle. This mantra also became the guiding principle for his followers. It was not enough to just tolerate and forgive, to merely wish well for others; it was imperative to contribute to their success.

This was the message delivered by Pramukh Swami Maharaj at the United Nations Millennium World Peace Summit on 29 August 2000. His remarks were applauded by world and religious leaders alike. When asked why this was remarkable, one religious leader said, “Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life is an extraordinary example of love and harmony.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj Spiritual Head of BAPS (1971 - 2016)

On his first visit to Akshardham after the attack, he went to the locations where shootings had occurred. He asked to go to where the terrorists had been shot. The volunteers were dismissive of the request. He insisted and said, “Though they attacked us and the innocent pilgrims, we must not allow their hate to overcome our love. Take me there. I want to pray for the peace and redemption of their souls as well.” The profundity of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s innate forgiving and loving nature is truly unfathomable.

Many have been inspired to imbibe these virtues in their lives. If practised sincerely, they transform lives.

COMPASSION THAT INSPIRES OTHERS

The depth and breadth of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s selfless love and compassion span decades and vast geographic distances. Pramukh Swami Maharaj has Swaminarayan Akshardham - Gandhinagar, India created a community of people who strive public’s instinct for retaliation reared its to bring joy to others. head. However, Pramukh Swami Maharaj He is the inspiration for a young made a heartfelt public appeal for peace and gynaecologist in Bryan, Texas, treating stability that echoed around the country and uninsured expecting mothers for free the world. so that they can have access to quality Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s response to this healthcare. He is the inspiration for a terrorist attack has been studied as an ex- professional musician and travel agent in emplary case of peacekeeping and dubbed Chino Hills, California, donating all of his income as a musician to humanitarian and as ‘The Akshardham Response’. spiritual charities through BAPS for the past 20 years. The list of those inspired by him to think and act with compassion for others is endless.

EPILOGUE

May all be happy. May all be free from illness. May all see what is auspicious. May no one suffer.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj addressing the UN Millennium World Peace Summit - 29th August 2000

The above is a prayer of compassion from the Upanishads; Pramukh Swami Maharaj was truly the epitome of such compassion — he not only prayed but persevered until his last breath to bring each word of that prayer to life.

To learn more about Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life and work, please visit: www.pramukhswami.org

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS JUST THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG

By Anoushka Kothari Domestic and family violence, a topic often discussed behind closed doors, was unlocked in an open forum last weekend at the High Tea for Domestic and Family Violence event, hosted by the Indian Medical Association of Queensland (IMAQ) at the Queensland Parliament.

In light of International Women’s Day on the 8th of March, and the event’s theme, ‘Observations, Obligations and Interventions’, an enlightening and informative afternoon scrutinised the nuances of family and domestic violence under the medical and legal lenses.

Challenges in both medical and legal practice were discussed with the focus placed on disadvantages experienced by culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and immigrant women.

The sold-out event was sponsored by Auswide Bank and raised funds for Women’s Legal Service (WLS) Queensland, a nonfor-profit organisation.

The trailblazing event was attended by dignitaries including the Honorable Minister Leanne Linard, Queensland Police Service Commissioner Ms Katarina Carroll and Honourable Consul of India, Archana Singh. The meeting was inaugurated by Dr Vagish Singh, President of IMAQ. Guest speaker Ms Natasha McGrow highlighted that WLS was established to provide free legal assistance to women who had experienced domestic or family violence, sexual assault or other forms of violence. Aishwarya Somal, Director of Emerson Family and Migration Law discussed the intricacies of family and migration law and presented strategies to develop medicolegal partnerships as a joint crusade against the effects of domestic and family violence.

In her keynote speech, Associate Professor Alka Kothari, Senior Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Redcliffe Hospital and University

Associate Professor Alka Kothari

Ms Anoushka Kothari and Ms Sarv Singh

(Left to right) Police Commissioner Katrina Carroll, Dr Rajvinder Kaur (award recipient), Dr Vagish Singh, Ms Sarv Singh and Dr Neeraj Khanna

(Left to right) Miss Anoushka Kothari, A/Prof Alka Kothari, Ms Archana Singh, Katarina Carroll, award recipient Dr Pratibha Sharma, Mrs Usha Chandra, Ms Natasha McGrow, Dr Braj Pande

(Left to right) Panel discussion- Dr Maria Boulton, A/Prof Alka Kothari, Inspector Ben Martain, A/Inspector Jacqueline Honeywood, A/ Prof Alka Kothari, Dr Vikas Moudgil, Ms Aishwarya Somal

(Left to right) Dr Helena Joshi, Minister Leanne Linard, Ms Archana Singh, Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll, Aishwarya Somal, Ms Sarv Singh

of Queensland presented staggering nationwide statistics and stated that what we see in our practice is only the tip of the iceberg.

One in six women and one in sixteen men have experienced physical or sexual violence since the age of 15 years. On average, one woman per week is murdered by their current or former partner and intimate partner violence remains the most common form of homicide in Australia.

Sharing her personal insights from her PhD work on ‘Forgotten fathers’, Prof Kothari said that pregnancy offers a unique

opportunity for positive engagement of men and women allowing research into the complex dynamics and the cumulative trauma of domestic violence.

Dr Vikas Moudgil, Consultant Psychiatrist, Clinical Director of Mental health services at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital gave a stimulating talk using the analogy of ‘Simran’ a migrant woman from the Indian subcontinent. He said that there is a significant mental health impact of domestic violence, especially in women who face language barriers, cultural biases,

(Left to right) Dr Neeraj Khanna, Dr Ravinder Batra, Ms Madhu Khanna, Ms Seema Chauhan, Dr Sonu Nigam lack of family supports and legal issues. Dr Moudgil emphasized that the current legal framework of managing domestic violence

needs to be tailored to specific cultural needs of migrant population.

A vibrant panel discussion offered a kaleidoscope of

In light of International Women’s Day on the 8th of March, and the event’s theme, ‘Observations, Obligations and Interventions’, an enlightening and informative afternoon scrutinised the nuances of family and domestic violence under the medical and legal lenses. Challenges in both medical and legal practice were discussed with the focus placed on disadvantages experienced by culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and immigrant women. perspectives from Inspector Ben Martain, A/Inspector Jacqueline Honeywood, A/ Prof Alka Kothari, Dr Vikas Moudgil, and Chair of the Australian Medical Association Qld Council of General Practitioners, Dr Maria Boulton, and lawyer Aishwarya Somal. Prof Alka Kothari stressed that gender stereotypes should not suppress boys’ emotions that can later translate into pent up violence in adulthood. Dr Shunil Sharma, convener of IMAQ Gold Coast, in his vote of thanks affirmed that ‘domestic violence is an abhorrent social crime’ and needs to be eliminated.

Dr Neeraj Khanna, a much respected and proactive IMAQ member, announced the two awards for community service to General Practitioners, Dr Pratibha Sharma and Dr Rajvinder Kaur.

The event was emceed by Ms Sarv Singh, Solicitor at Emerson Family & Migration Law, who has assisted many women through her legal practice and Ms Anoushka Kothari, final year medical student at James Cook University and a budding future doctor with a passion for women’s health and empowerment as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples healthcare.

The meeting concluded with the emphasis on developing an accountable system that recognises the widespread and intergenerational effects of trauma and the requirement to provide long-term support to victims of domestic and family violence.

Maa Saraswati Puja at Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir celebrated Maa Saraswati Puja on Sunday, 6th of February.

Dharam Guru Acharya PT R H Tripathi Jee and Guru Maa presented children as well as adults with Blessed Mata Saraswati Gift packs.

Program concluded with Bhajans, Bhog, Aarti & Mahaprasaad.

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022 — 31

Merits of Sha`ban

BY IMAM NAWAAZ ASHARFI Sha`ban is one of the meritorious months for which we find particular instructions in the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad S. It is reported in authentic ahadith that Prophet Muhammad S, used to fast most of the month in Sha`ban. These fasts are supererogatory (nafl) and well deserving of reward, for Sha`ban is the month immediately preceding the month of Ramadan. The Prophet S mentioned in a hadith, “Rajab is the month of Allah, Sha`ban is my month and Ramadan is the month of the Nation”.

1. The blessed companion Anas R , reports that Prophet Muhammad S, was asked, “Which fast is the most meritorious after the fasts of Ramadan?” He replied, “Fasts of Sha`ban in honor of Ramadan.”

2. The blessed companion Usama ibn Zaid , reports that he asked Prophet Muhammad S: “Messenger of Allah, I have seen you fasting in the month of Sha`ban so frequently that I have never seen you fasting in any other month.” Prophet Muhammad S , replied: “That (Sha`ban) is a month between Rajab and Ramadan which is neglected by many people. And it is a month in which an account of the deeds (of human beings) is presented before the Lord of the universe, so, I wish that my deeds be presented at a time when I am in a state of fasting.”

3. Ummul Mu’mineen `Aishah (r), says, “Prophet Muhammad S, used to fast the whole of Sha`ban. I said to him, ‘Messenger of Allah, is Sha`ban your favourite month for fasting?’ He said, ‘In this month Allah prescribes the list of the persons dying this year. Therefore, I like that my death comes when I am in a state of fasting.’”

4. In another Tradition she says, “Prophet Muhammad S, would sometimes begin to fast continuously until we thought he would not stop fasting, and sometimes he used to stop fasting until we thought he would never fast. I never saw the Messenger of Allah fasting a complete month, except the month of Ramadan, and I have never seen him fasting in a month more frequently than he did in Sha`ban.”

SHABAAN: ONE OF THE GATEWAYS TO PARADISE CONTD. FROM FEB 22 ISSUE The entire year is an occasion when the servants of Allah are to strive to do their utmost to obey Allah in his obligations and prohibitions and to perform voluntary acts of worship to draw closer to their Lord, gain extra credit, win His favour, and qualify for paradise. Because man was not sent to this world as a perfect creature but with the capacity and inclination to commit sins, Allah in His infinite mercy appointed certain times throughout the year when there is an abundance of rewards for good deeds and an abundance of forgiveness for evil ones. Allah the Almighty says, “Nay,-whoever submits His whole self to Allah and is a doer of good,- He will get his reward with his Lord; on such shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve” [Quran 2: 112]. As we go through our time on earth, we accumulate sins, both minor and major.

So it is necessary to make use of the months, days, and hours when Allah’s grace and favor are at their epitome.

The superior times, so described because of the abundant flow of Allah’s grace and favor upon His servants, are scattered throughout the year. Some of the months that have greater meritorious value above the rest are the four sacred months, and the months of Shabaan, and Ramadan. Examples of the superior days include Friday, the day of Ashura, Mondays and Thursdays, the night of power (Laylut al-Qadr), the six days of Shawwal, and the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.

Moreover, certain parts of the day carry more virtue than others. Examples include one hour on Friday when supplications are answered and the third part of the night.

SHABAAN Shaaban is the eighth month of the Islamic calendar, falling between the holy month of Rajab and the glorious month of Ramadan. It is one of the most meritorious months of the year; the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) made special mention of it and gave specific instructions on its observance.

The word ‘Shabaan’ means to spread or distribute. This month was so called because during this time the people of Arabia dispersedin search of

water or set out on military expeditions after the holy month of Rajab had ended.

The month of Shabaan is a month overflowing with Divine prosperity, mercy, and forgiveness. As with the other times that Allah has chosen for greater virtue, the importance of the month of Shabaan comes from its value for greater gains and rewards. It is therefore to our greatest advantage to seize this opportunity to do good deeds and to have their rewards multiplied to compensate for our mistakes and shortcomings throughout the year. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Every deed of the son of Adam is multiplied from ten to seven hundred times” [Muslim]. If this is the reward of good deeds performed at any time, think then of the rewards earned for the performance of good deeds during this special time!

5. In another report she says, “I never saw the Messenger of Allah, , fasting in a month so profusely as he did in the month of Sha`ban.

He used to fast in that month leaving only a few days, rather, he used to fast Good deeds come in many forms. They spring from a desire to please Allah the Almighty and end up putting extra weight in the good side of the scales. Every time we perform a good deed, the deeper the scales tips in our favor. There is not a single way to go about this; Allah in His grace and mercy provided us with numerous avenues for good. Some may be arduous, others may be effortless; some may be public, others may be concealed; some may be spiritual, others may have practical worldly value to us or to others. But no matter what, they are always motivated by a love for Allah, hope for Divine propinquity, and an elevated station in the hereafter. Allah the Almighty says, “So whoever does an atom's weight of good will see it” [Quran 99: 7] and “Allah is never unjust in the least degree: If there is any good (done), He doubles it, and gives from His own presence a great reward” [Quran 4: 40]. No good deed, however seemingly small or insignificant, will go unrewarded. This is because the reward for good deeds is based on the actual goodness they entail and only Allah can be the judge of this.

Prophet Muhammad (peace

32 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022

Ramadan It was said that the month of Rajab is the month when we plant seeds; the month of Shabaan is the month in which we water the seeds, and the month of Ramadan is the month when we harvest the fruit of our labor. How can the seeds bear fruit if we do not plant or water them?

The month of Shabaan is a prelude to Ramadan.

It is therefore tantamount to a training period for the upcoming month-long physical and mental strain of fasting.

The physical restraints upon nourishment and sexual activities required by fasting and the emphasis on the conscious avoidance of spiritual and moral defects and shortcomings during the fast of Shabaan all help to wean us off appetites, desires, and sins that can become our masters rather than our servants.

and blessings be upon him) said, “Do not underestimate any good deed, even if it is [just] a smile in the face of your brother” [Muslim].

Fasting and Shaaban Perhaps there is no greater act of worship that can be performed during this month than fasting, mainly due to its excellence and the superior rewards it entails.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "All of man's good deeds are rewarded tenfold or up to seven hundred times. Allah the Almighty says: Except for fasting. It is Mine and I repay the faster who gives up his desires and food for My sake” [Bukhari and Muslim].

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) emphasized the excellence of the month of Shabaan by fasting in it more than in any other month except Ramadan.

UsamaIbnZayd narrated that he once told the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), “OMessenger of Allah!

I do not see you fasting so

much in any month like you do in Shabaan.” The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) replied, “It is a month to which people do not pay attention for it comes between Rajab and Ramadan.

It is a month in which deeds are raised to the Lord of the Worlds, so I like for my deeds to be raised when I am fasting'" [Al-Nisa`i].

Several lessons can be deduced from this hadith.

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) observed fasting in abundance during this month to direct our attention to its importance and special merits. Since the month of Shabaanfalls between two months of extra worship — Rajab, a holy month, and Ramadan — the people tended to neglect this month, missing out on the great good it entails. This is why the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) wanted through practical example to redirect the people’s attention to this month. The hadith further provides us with

the motivation to increase our devotional activities. He said, “It is a month when the record of our deeds are raised to Allah the Almighty.”

So it is only fitting that our deeds be presented to Allah when we are in a state of piety, sincerity, patience, self-restraint, and humility produced by fasting.

Ibn Rajab said, “Fasting in Shabaan is better than fasting in the sacred months, and the best voluntary fast is that which is observed in the months closest to Ramadan, before or after.

The fast of these months is to Ramadan what al-Sunan al-Rawatibare to obligatory prayers; they make up for any shortcomings in their regard. Just as al-Sunan alRawatib are better than other kinds of voluntary almost the whole of the month.” prayers, so are the fasts observed (in the months) before and after Ramadan better than the fasts observed at other times.”

Preparation for

Other voluntary acts of worship Because Shabaan is tantamount to a training period for Ramadan, it is most advantageous to perform in it what is to be performed in Ramadan. Apart from fasting, it is also desirable to pray in abundance, make dhikr (remembrance of Allah), maintain good relations with others, give alms, and make a conscious and sincere effort to abstain from sin and disobedience to Allah.

It is moreover especially favorable to recite the Quran and reflect on its meanings.

Apart from being a religious duty, the recitation of the Quran will intercede for its reciters on the Day of Judgment, raise their status in this life, make them from the best of people, admit them in the company of the noble and obedient angels, and elevate their rank in paradise.

SalamahIbnKuhayl said, “It was said that the month of Shabaan is the month of reciters [of the Quran].”

The month of Shabaan is indeed an opportune time to engage in profitable trade with Allah.He says, “Verily, those who recite the Book of Allah, and perform prayer, and spend (in charity) out of what We have provided for them, secretly and openly, hope for a (sure) trade¬gain that will never perish” [Quran 35: 29], and “O You who believe! Shall I guide you to a commerce that will save you from a painful torment?”

[Quran 61: 10].

CONTD. ON NEXT MONTH.

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022 — 33

Akash Lodhia proudly presents the Ghazal Maestro ‘PANKAJ UDHAS - Live in Concert at the Sydney Opera House’ on 4 September 2022 Pankaj Udhas will be celebrating 40 years of his musical journey in a one and only mega concert accompanied by his musicians from India – This will be the only concert in all of Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.

Pankaj Udhas, an Indian ghazal singer, composer and musician known as The Ghazel Maestro. He is considered one of India’s most prominent, revered and recognisable artists. He has recorded over 60 albums during his lifetime. He is known to bring the traditional ghazal music to the masses.

His foray into Bollywood films also gained a lot of popularity with the ever popular ‘Chitthi Aayee Hai’ from the film “Naam”, bringing tears to every music lovers' eyes. This anthem of longing still tugs at heartstrings and evokes a deep sense of nostalgia. That is greatness of the soulful velvety voice of the Padmashri awardee, Pankaj Udhas. With a singing career spanning over 40 years, Pankaj Udhas continues to be a musical icon to millions of fans around the globe.

He will regale the audiences with his popular ghazals including the soulful ‘Aur Aahista Keeje Baatein’, ‘Jiye To Jiye Kaise’;

Pankaj Udhas, an Indian ghazal singer, composer and musician known as The Ghazel Maestro. He is considered one of India’s most prominent, revered and recognisable artists.

hits like ‘Chandi Jaisi Rang Tera’, ‘Na Kajre Ki Dhar’, ‘Aaj Phir Tum Pe Pyar Aaya’ and some intoxicating ghazals such as ‘La Pila De Saakhiya’ , ‘Maloom Mai Sharabi Nahi’ and ‘Todi Todi Piya Karo’.

This event will be a wonderful opportunity to listen to the most illustrious Ghazal singer from India, whose soulful singing and live performances make him an icon to millions of music lovers across the globe. The concert

promises to be a complete treat for music lovers. This concert with also feature leading musicians from India.

Be there to witness Pankaj Udhas Live in Concert to celebrate his musical milestone at the prestigious Sydney Opera House on 4 September 2022.

Pankaj Udhas’ select music catalogue are contained the following platforms: https://music.apple.com/au/playlist/ pankaj-udhas-essentials/pl.e4db41bb04004 3a78d060fcd7fde35dc https://open.spotify.com/ playlist/37i9dQZF1DZ06evO2QhwPb https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCr6uDOvBJ72_z9Q280a9AUw

International Mother Language Day was observed in Brisbane BRISBANE, অমর একুশে, and International Mother Language Day was celebrated on 19th February 2022 at the iconic and historical Reddacliff Place in the city of Brisbane.

Bangladeshi Association of Brisbane’s official spokesperson said, “It was our absolute honor to host this event in association with two leading multicultural organizations in Australia, the MLC Movement International INC & Multicultural Australia.

A huge thanks to Christine Castley, CEO of Multicultural Australia and DR JD, for their undivided support and inspiration during this event.

We were thrilled to have Mrs. Charis Mullen MP, Assistant Minister for Treasury (QLD Parliament), Member for Jordan; Dr. Amy MacMahon MP, Member for South Brisbane (QLD Parliament); Mr. Sam O'Connor MP, Member of Bonney (QLD Parliament); Hon James Martin MP, Member for Stretton (QLD Parliament); Umesh Chandra OAM, Australia Indian Radio; Councillor @ VickiHowardBCC, Councillor Central Ward; Councillor Charles Strunk; Senator Claire Moore, Queensland Parliament; Gail Ker OAM, Access Community Services Ltd. Hon Leeanne Enoch, Minister for Communities and Housing, Minister for Digital Economy, Minister for the Arts, Member of Algester, and Mr. Michael Berkman MP, Member for Maiwar (Qld Parliament), has also sent us their tribute to us and shared their respects.

On behalf of the whole Bangladeshi community, I would like to thank and convey our sincere gratitude to our Lord Mayor of Brisbane Adrian Schrinner for his enormous support to the Bangladeshi community and all other multicultural and multilinguistic communities in Brisbane.

I want to convey our

34 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022

heartiest gratitude to Brisbane City Council and all the council officials who worked tirelessly to make today’s event successful.

A special thanks to Chermside Library, which is currently hosting an Alphabet Exhibition, will continue displaying the alphabets of 100+ languages for the next two months. The display

also reflects and includes information relating to the First Nations Languages of Australia.

Language is our identity, and all language Martyrs are our inspiration. BAB, MLC international and Multicultural Australia will continue our journey to help preserve and conserve languages as well as promote

Bangla, Bangladeshi culture, and Bangladeshi community throughout Queensland”.

The event was well organized and very coordinated, invited guests and dignitaries were called upon to lay their wreath of respect at the replica Shahid Minar (Martyrs' Monument) to commemorate the sacrifices made by our

Martyrs.

21 February was declared to be the International Mother Language Day by UNESCO in 1999. It has been observed throughout the world since 21 February 2000.

The declaration came up in tribute to the Language Movement done by the Bangladeshis on 21 February 1952.

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022 — 35

Australian IndiaN Radio Interviews

The Global Head of Chinmaya Mission Pujya Swami Swaroopanandaji, appeared on the Australian Indian Radio Facebook live segment BRISBANE, On Saturday 12th February the Global Head of Chinmaya Mission Pujya Swami Swaroopanandaji, was interviewed on Australian Indian Radio Facebook and YouTube channel by Umesh Chandra In an era, rife with skepticism and confusion about spiritual matters, Pujya Swami Swaroopananda is a rare voice that blends authenticity with accessibility, theory with self-practice, logic with heart.

Formerly the Regional Head of Chinmaya Mission Australia, United Kingdom, Middle East, Africa, and the Far East, and presently Chancellor of the Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth Trust (University for Sanskrit and Indic Traditions) and Chairman of the Chinmaya International Residential School in Coimbatore, South India, Pujya Swami Swaroopananda has now been bestowed by Guruji, Swami Tejomayananda the privilege to also serve as the Head of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide.

Pujya Swamiji has authored several commentaries on such

Pujya Swamiji has authored several commentaries on such essential spiritual classics as Ik Onkar, Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, and Sankat Mochan, and numerous books on contemporary lifestyle subjects Simplicity and Meditation, Storm to Perform, Avatar, Managing the Manager, and Journey into Health. essential spiritual classics as Ik Onkar, Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, and Sankat Mochan, and numerous books on contemporary lifestyle subjects Simplicity and Meditation, Storm to Perform, Avatar, Managing the Manager, and Journey into Health.

Pujya Swamiji is equally

36 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022

adept at conducting’ seminars for senior corporate executives.

Among the well-known institute, he has been invited to speak at are The Ford, London Business School, and Harvard University, to name a few Aa proprietary self-development courses he conceived and initially

conducted, Make It Happen™️, has been adapted and integrated into the human resource training programs of various corporate organizations in India and beyond.

During the interview, Swami Ji gave a brief introduction to Chinmaya Mission. He also spoke on

how he got involved; the talks included the relevance of Indian Knowledge Systems to today’s fast-paced results-focussed world. The conversation also explored how Bhagavad Geeta has become a ready handbook for today’s youth The interview can be watched on Facebook:

https://www.facebook. com/1506195456308231/ videos/492050358997292 And on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Zvwjgp5CRV8 Information on Chinmaya Mission can be found on: https://www.chinmaya. com.au/pages/swamiswaroopanandaji

Aap Ki Sehat – Your health March episode features Dr Feroz Ameerjan

Dr Feroz Ameerjan BRISBANE, in the March episode, we had the pleasure of talking to Dr Feroz Ameerjan MBBS, MAVMed (Otago) FRACGP, FACASM on the series "Aap Ki Sehat”, meaning Your HEALTH Program, initiated by IMA, QLD, Australia.

Dr Feroz has worked in India, UAE and Qatar before settling in Australia.

In his previous role, he has worked in Airforce and an International Airline with special interest in Aviation medicine. He is interested in all aspects of General Practice. He is Member of the Royal Australian College

Call: (07) 3192 5188

of General Practitioners, Member of The Australasian College of Aerospace medicine, Member for The Australasian Society of Aerospace Medicine, Designated Aviation Medical Examiner for Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Dr Firoz said, primary prevention is one of the best strategies to maintain long term health, which he realized early on to keep Aviators in his game for a long time. This is the basis of good general practice care to improve the wellbeing of a person to live healthy especially as we are living

Dr Firoz said, primary prevention is one of the best strategies to maintain long term health, which he realized early on to keep Aviators in his game for a long time. This is the basis of good general practice care to improve the wellbeing of a person to live healthy especially as we are living much longer than the previous generations. much longer than the previous generations.

A balance lifestyle, good diet, regular exercise and stressfree life does a lot of good to the body.

His special interest in aviation medicine has ingrained the importance of prevention is better than cure.

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

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022 — 37

Divided over Russia, Quad on same page: channel for relief on Ukraine The war in Ukraine has had three of the four Quad partners -- US, Australia and Japan -- criticising Russia while India has chosen to remain "neutral" and abstain during votes against the Kremlin at the UN. With the Russian invasion of Ukraine dividing the international community, Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined a virtual meeting of Quad leaders Thursday where they publicly set aside their differences on the issue of Ukraine and agreed to establish a “new humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mechanism” which will “provide a channel for communication as they each address and respond to the crisis in Ukraine”.

The war in Ukraine has had three of the four Quad partners — US, Australia and Japan — criticising Russia while India has chosen to remain “neutral” and abstain during votes against the Kremlin at the UN. A carefully crafted joint statement, devoid of the

rhetoric from Washington, Canberra and Tokyo, said, “The Quad leaders discussed the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and assessed its broader implications.”

“They agreed to stand up a new humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mechanism which will enable the Quad to meet future humanitarian challenges in the Indo-Pacific and provide a channel for communication as they each address and respond to the crisis in Ukraine.”

In New Delhi, the Prime Minister’s Office said, “Developments in Ukraine were discussed in the meeting, including its humanitarian implications.

The Prime Minister emphasised the need to return to a path of dialogue and diplomacy.” This has been the consistent Indian position over the last month or so.

The coming together of the Quad leaders and the demonstration of unity, despite the divergence of views on the Russia-Ukraine crisis, also underlined their

common position on the Chinese challenge. “Today the Quad Leaders – Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan, and President Joe Biden of the United States – convened to reaffirm their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, in which the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states is respected and countries are free from military, economic, and political coercion.”

This was a clear reference to Beijing’s belligerence and

aggressive activities in the Indo-Pacific region — from the India-China boundary to the South China Sea to economic coercion against Australia.

“They reaffirmed their dedication to the Quad as a mechanism to promote regional stability and prosperity,” the joint statement said.

“In their continuing pursuit of a free and open Indo-Pacific, the Quad Leaders agreed to meet in person in Tokyo in the coming months,” it said — official confirmation of a Quad leaders’ summit in Tokyo in the first half of the

year.

Biden, in a Twitter post after the meeting, said, “I met with my fellow Quad leaders Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Prime Minister Kishida Fumio about Russia’s ongoing attack on Ukraine and our commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity around the world, including in the Indo-Pacific.”

Kishida said, “Unilateral changes to the status quo by force or coercion like the recent Russian aggression against Ukraine are also unacceptable in the IndoPacific region. It is critically important for us to bring about a free and open IndoPacific. We agreed we will work in close cooperation to ensure the success of our next face-to-face Quad summit, which will be held in Tokyo in the coming months.”

The PMO said Modi “underlined that the Quad must remain focused on its core objective of promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region”.

“The leaders also discussed other topical issues, including the situation in Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean region and the Pacific Islands.

Prime Minister reiterated the importance of adhering to the UN Charter, international law and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the PMO said.

This was reiteration of New Delhi’s position — of abstaining at UN votes on the Russia-Ukraine crisis, yet sending a message to Russia for violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

None of the tough language condemning Russia was there in the Quad joint statement, and that displayed accommodation of the Indian position.

Modi called for concrete and practical forms of cooperation within the Quad in areas like humanitarian and disaster relief, debt sustainability, supply chains, clean energy, connectivity and capacity-building, the PMO said.

Voices grow louder in AIADMK to Indian Student Shot At While bring back Sasikala, Dhinakaran Trying To Escape Ukraine's Kyiv: Union Minister Reacting to the development, Dhinakaran told reporters in Chennai that he can comment only after AIADMK arrives at a formal decision.

Voices supporting the reinduction of expelled leaders V K Sasikala and her nephew T T V Dhinakaran in AIADMK grew louder on Wednesday, a week after the party was routed in the urban local body polls.

The demand came from Theni, the native district of former chief minister and AIADMK’s coordinator O Panneerselvam.

AIADMK’s Theni district secretary Syed Khan and other officebearers on Wednesday night met Panneerselvam at his farmhouse in the district to hand him over a resolution asking the party high command to bring back everyone who left after the death of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa on December 16, 2016.

“He (OPS) said he will look into our demands,” Khan told reporters. “This is just the beginning. Such meetings will be held across the state.

Our main demand is that we should unite. For you, the known faces are Chinnamma (Sasikala) and TTV. But there are many other people.”

Time and again, there has been a section in the AIADMK which wanted Sasikala back even as she continues to reclaim the party from where she left off – as interim general secretary (the topmost post) -- but in vain. While Panneerselvam has been in favour of Sasikala’s return,

joint coordinator Edapaddi Palaniswami -- the numero

uno of the party hough the duo shares equal powers on paper -- has managed to keep the party away any form of rebellion. Both Panneerselvam and Palaniswami were propped up by Sasikala before she went to Bengaluru jail in the disproportionate assets case in 2017. Before she was released last February, the duo had united against her and solidified a dual leadership.

Reacting to the development, Dhinakaran told reporters in Chennai that he can comment only after AIADMK arrives at a formal decision. “Maybe they are thinking that if we are united we could have defeated the DMK even in the assembly polls,” Dhinakaran said. “But I’m not thinking about them (AIADMK). They have to do introspection. After they arrive at a decision, I will discuss with my cadre and then only can I make a decision.”

Ahead of the elections, the party had lost its allies one by one with a mutual agreement

38 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022

that they will contest alone to test their strengths but given

the results and BJP making a mark, senior AIADMK leaders were of the decision that they should do away with the saffron party and make themselves stronger with a Dravidian stance.

And the chorus for Sasikala is likely to grow in the coming days, feel AIADMK leaders. A senior AIADMK leader said the Theni district unit passing a resolution in favour of Sasikala and Dhinakaran is an outcome of the strained relationship between Panneerselvam and Palaniswami. “They are not even talking to each other,” said the leader, not wishing to be quoted. “The dual leadership would be fine but if a section of our cadre wants her back and if it will strengthen our vote bank then the high command must have that conversation.”

Joining hands will mean that AIADMK can collect Sasikala’s caste-based vote bank along with Dhinakaran’s Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam -- a breakaway faction -- which has been

Kyiv: An Indian student has reportedly been shot at in Ukraine capital Kyiv, Union Minister VK Singh told news agency ANI on Thursday, days after another student died in Russian shelling in the city of Kharkiv.

The student was trying to escape Kyiv and was wounded in firing, according to the minister. He was reportedly taken back into the city and is in hospital.

"We heard reports that a student leaving Kyiv was shot. He was taken back into Kyiv and immediately taken to hospital. This is happening in the fighting," General (Retd) VK Singh told ANI at Poland's Rzeszow airport.

On Tuesday, an Indian student was killed in Kharkiv, the second-largest city in Ukraine, when he was standing in a queue outside a grocery store. 21-yearold Naveen Shekharappa of Karnataka had stepped out to stock up on food before taking the train out of the city.

The minister said the Centre is making efforts to ensure that the maximum

eating into the AIADMK’s votes particularly in Tamil Nadu’s southern districts.

Political experts say that Panneerselvam’s moves are to show Palaniswami and his supporters that he too is powerful. As former chief

number of students can come out of Ukraine with as less loss as possible.

The minister said around 1,700 students are still waiting to be evacuated from Ukraine, which was attacked

by Russia last Thursday.

General Singh is one of the four ministers sent as special envoys to Ukraine's neighbouring countries to oversee the evacuation of Indians from war-hit Ukraine.

"The Indian embassy had earlier cleared on the priority that everyone should leave Kyiv. In the event of war, the gun bullet does not look at anyone's religion and nationality," General Singh

minister, Palaniswami grew powerful within the party and in turn made Gounders, the community he belongs, to also rise. This sidelined Panneerselvam and the Thevars, the community he and Sasikala belong to. “At

was quoted as saying by ANI. Thousands of students have been trying to escape Ukraine by somehow reaching the borders, where they can cross over to countries from where they are being flown back to India in evacuation flights under "Operation Ganga".

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, nearly 17,000 Indian nationals have left Ukraine's borders since advisories were issued over a fortnight back. Over 6,000 have been flown back home, says the ministry.

Before war broke out, around 20,000 Indians, mainly medical students, were in Ukraine.

the end of the day nothing can be done in the party unless both leaders sign.

And neither Panneerselvam nor Palaniswami will give up their power of signature,” said analyst Raveendran Duraisamy.

India Vision Institute, Sightsavers India, VisionSpring hosted VARS 2022 conference focusing on vision and policy for safer roads opens A two-day Vision and Road Safety conference VARS 2022 opened today.

Hosted by India Vision Institute (IVI), Sightsavers India and VisionSpring, VARS 2022 will focus on the correlation between vision and road safety and on the imperative need for inclusion of vision in the national road safety policy.

Keynote speakers at the conference include Dr Meleckidzedeck Khayesi, Department of Social Determinants of Health, World Health Organization (WHO), RN Mohanty, CEO, Sightsavers India, Vinod Daniel, CEO, India Vision Institute, Ella Rain Gudwin, CEO, VisionSpring, Global, Prof.

Praveen Vashisht, Office-in Charge, Dr. R. P. Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS, Peter Holland, CEO, International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), and David Navarro Olivencia, VicePresident, Vision on the Road Group Plan, EssilorLuxottica, among others.

IVI's CEO Vinod Daniel said, "The vision and road safety conference has brought together all key stakeholders to discuss the important issue of vision, road safety and prevention of serious and fatal road accidents. It is great to partner with Sightsavers

India and VisionSpring, and encouraging to see the participation of so many other vision care partners who all have the same focus to make our roads safer."

“Over two days, the online conference will have senior international and national experts participate as keynote speakers and in panel discussions,” he added.

Discussions will focus on overcoming barriers in vision and road safety, strengthening policies, and strategies for road safety and vision care.

Ella Rain Gudwin, CEO, VisionSpring, Global, said “To date, road safety interventions have focused on seat belts, speed, alcohol, road design, and overloading.

Today, we are going to talk about an additional solution that is hiding in plain sight – eyeglasses. They are a simple, powerful, scalable tool to help drivers avoid hazards on the road and save lives.”

Sightsavers India CEO, RN Mohanty said, “Sightsavers realises the importance of eye health in ensuring road safety.

Eye health is not accessible to many who don’t have the means and awareness. Our National Truckers Eye Health Programme—RAAHI seeks to make eye health accessible to the overworked truck drivers.

Research over the past few

decades has addressed the role of vision in driver safety (motor vehicle collision involvement) and in driver performance. It is wonderful to collaborate with India Vision Institute and VisionSpring to deliberate in finding solutions towards making our roads safer and making eye health accessible.

India Vision Institute is an independent not-for-profit NGO with the vision to provide access to primary eye care for underprivileged Indians and a pair of corrective glasses to those in need.

IVI’s initiatives have helped transform over 430,000 lives, including 300,000 children.

In 1,550 vision screening

programs across India, we have provided 100,000 free corrective glasses to people with uncorrected refractive errors.

Our beneficiaries have included women, the transgender and weaving communities, stone cutters / sculptors, and fishermen, among others. Vision and Road Safety is an important priority for us, and we work with corporates and organizations on screenings and provision of free spectacles for commercial vehicle drivers. Our ongoing programs in this area are benefiting over 75,000 drivers of trucks, buses and autos.

Sightsavers India is a development organisation

working to eliminate avoidable blindness and promotes equality of opportunity for people with disability. Sightsavers’ work in India, which started in 1966, has supported the treatment of millions of people with eye disorders and brought eye services to some of the least served areas of the country. In the last five decades, Sightsavers has supported treatment for over 36.5 million patients having potential eye problems and performed more than 5 million sight restoration operations. In little over the last decade, more than 25,000 visually impaired and blind primary school

children have been supported under Sightsavers’ Inclusive Education programme, and over 15,000 people with disabilities have received livelihood or vocational training.

VisionSpring is a pioneering social organization creating access to eyeglasses for low-income adults and children. Annually in India, VisionSpring supports vision screening for more than 27 lakh (2.7 million) people and corrects the vision of more than 10 lakh (1 million) people with eyeglasses.

On average, 73% of its beneficiaries acquire their first-ever pair of eyeglasses through VisionSpring’s See to Earn, See to Learn and See to be Safe programs. To date, VisionSpring has distributed more than 50 lakh (5 million) pairs of corrective eyeglasses in India, creating more than Rs. 8,100 Crore ($1.08 billion) in economic impact for low-income households.

VisionSpring also responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with personal protective equipment, oxygen concentrators and vaccination access and awareness.

VisionSpring’s work has been covered in The New York Times | The conomist | Forbes | The Lancet.

The CEO Institute confers Cayley Aerospace CEO Bishnujee Singh with CCEO February 21: Victoria: The CEO Institute, Victoria in association with the IIDM, Australia conferred Certified CEO (CCEO) on Dr. Bishnujee Singh of Cayley Aerospace Inc. besides accorded the status of Fellow of IIDM. The Rules for Certification, approved by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC),

Certification designation and use the corresponding post nominal. The ACCC, in approving the Rules for Certification, determined that they were satisfied that The CEO Institute demonstrates the attributes necessary to competently undertake the certification role in respect of the Certification Trade Mark.

Dr. Bishnujee Singh has

Australian Government set out the requirements for the approval of applicants as well as the standards of knowledge, experience and ongoing professional development that must be met in order to obtain the

been Doctor of Philosophy in Management from Liutebm University which has been 27th University to be added to the Gold Seal of Approved Business Management Degree with The CEO Institute and IIDM.

Call: (07) 3192 5188

CCEO Certification is first Global Certification program for Executive Leaders and Managing Directors conducted by University of North England in association with The CEO Institute & IIDM ,Victoria.

This certification is a mark of distinction and respect in the profession.

The CEO Institute’s Certified CEO certification sets the Gold Standard in recognizing the Professional Qualifications

www.indiantimes.com.au

of Business leaders globally.

World Record Association on behalf of the Hong Kong SAR Government has recently awarded World Record for Highest Grade in Post Doctor Degree (Doctor of

Science) DSc in Engineering Management to Dr. Bishnujee Singh with Universidad Azteca, Mexico City for achieving Summa Cum Laude (Highest Distinction Honours) in January 2022.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022 — 39

FOCUS ON FIJI self-sufficient’ – FLP joins the world in strongly ‘Be Municipal councils urged condemning the unprovoked to undertake projects Russian invasion of Ukraine Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry says they have joined the world in strongly condemning the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine which is an outright assault on an independent and sovereign State.

Chaudhry has called for an immediate stop to the war.

He says there are alarming reports of Russia sending lethal weapons into Ukraine that are banned under the Geneva Convention where bombs and missiles fired by the Russian army are killing civilians and destroying homes, schools and other non-military institutions.

Chaudhry says Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement that he had put his security forces on nuclear alert must be denounced in the strongest terms.

He says the world sees it as a “chilling” development.

Chaudhry says the invasion has created a humanitarian crisis of huge proportions displacing more

than half a million Ukrainians fleeing their country to seek refuge in neighbouring States.

He says many more have moved to safety in underground metro stations, now being used as bunkers.

Chaudhry says the aggression must stop immediately.

He says they call on the Fijian government to join the rest of the world and publicly condemn this outright display of unrestrained might by a superpower.

Chaudhry says they call for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and a return to diplomacy and peaceful resolution of the crisis.

FEO provides voter registration services to remote locations The Fijian Elections Office says it served more than 16,500 voters in five days in some of the most remote locations in the country.

According to the FEO, on March 2 alone, it recorded 3660 voters in its engagements.

“So far we have covered over 225 locations around the country. These numbers also include several voter awareness sessions conducted by the teams directly with Fijians,” the

FEO stated.

It stated that awareness teams reached Rewasau

Village in the heart of Viti Levu yesterday, and another team reached

Marou Village in Nadarivatu.

The northern team reached Cikobia Island and had begun voter services to the four villages there on the island.

“As the week progresses, we continue to reach out to some of the remotest villages and settlements in our country so that all the voters in these regions access voter services right before the next general election,” the FEO stated.

WAF aims to restore water to thousands of residents in Samabula, Tamavua, Namadi and Delainavesi by tonight Burst at the Waimanu Pumping Station fixed The Water Authority of Fiji says it is expecting to restore water to thousands of people living in Samabula North, Tamavua, Namadi, Delainavesi and Suva who are facing water cuts from yesterday.

Water Authority of Fiji’s Chief Operating Officer, Seru Soderberg confirms that they fixed the burst main at Waimanu Pumping Station late last night and the reservoirs are now filling up.

Soderberg says many residents continue to be affected and they are clearing the air pockets in the pipes now to ensure the affected residents get water by this afternoon or tonight.

The areas affected include Tamavua-i-Wai Bridge through to Togalevu Naval Base along the Queens Highway including all side

streets, areas from Twomey Hospital to Reservoir Road along Princes Road, areas include the side streets along Princes Road such as Ragg Avenue, Deoji Street, Mead

40 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022

Road, Niraji, Wairua, Upper Mead Road, Lovoni Road, Loa Street, Goodrum Place, Kaba Road, Saimoni Vatu Place, Bureta Street, Maharaj Place, Tuvana Place, Levuka Street,

Tubou Street, Lakeba Street, Helson Street, Nayau Street, Kabara Street, Fulaga Street, Sovu Place, Namuka Street, Moala Street, Vatoa Street, Matuku Street, Totoya Street, areas in Namadi Heights such as Lower Ragg Avenue, Pathik Cresent, Mika Dreu Place, Padam Lala, Salato Road, Tuisawaqa, Salesi Road and all side streets, those living along Rewa Street to Flagstaff roundabout including all side streets, Kula Street, Kaka Street, parts of Gaji Road including Jittu Estate and elevated areas along Laucala Bay and Ratu Sukuna Road.

Soderberg says people can call 5777 if they have no water and need a water carting truck to come to their area. He says people can also call to inform them if they do not have water but their neighbours are getting water supply.

We want more municipal councils undertaking projects in order to be self-sufficient, says Local Government Minister Premila Kumar.

Mrs Kumar made this comment last week during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Namoli Green Night Food Market project in Lautoka.

“We want more municipal councils coming onboard and doing projects because the Government cannot be funding most of the projects,” she said.

Mrs Kumar said she strongly believed the municipal councils should be one of the biggest landlords in the country.

“They should have a large number of properties and facilities from which they could generate revenue.

“In the past 10 years, a substantial sum of money has been given by the

Government for various projects that were undertaken around the country.”

She said running any municipal council was not easy. “How can anyone expect better facilities from the municipal councils if the ratepayers owe rates to the council despite us not increasing the fees and charges, thus it becomes very challenging to upgrade the facilities,” said Mrs Kumar.

400 depart for Australia under Pacific Labour Scheme More than 400 Fijians have departed for Australia in the past three months under the Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS), Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations permanent secretary Osea Cawaru said.

He said there would be an increase in the number of Fijians travelling to New Zealand under the scheme as soon as New Zealand opens its borders.

“From last year December, we started with the registration after the reopening of the border and over 400 people have left for Australia under PLS as New Zealand is still close,” he said.”

We are anticipating another 1000 for the next three or four months who were registered with us since 2020.”

Mr Cawaru said COVID-19 affected the number of people

applying and travelling under the scheme.

“I think we were one of the first countries in the Pacific that was affected and because of the high rush of the COVID-19 that we had, that resulted in closure of borders not only from Fiji but also from New Zealand and Australia. That actually really affected the number that we send abroad.

“There was a major decrease in the numbers from Fiji last year.”

High fever – Acute febrile illnesses concern minister

Reports of acute febrile illnesses are on the rise in Seaqaqa, Macuata and tend to worry the Health Minister Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete.

Dr Waqainabete said these fevers could be caused

by COVID-19, leptospirosis, dengue, typhoid and any of the communicable diseases.

“Specifically, I am worried about what they (staff) seem to think is a rise in acute febrile illness,” Dr Waqainabete said.

Meanwhile, an acute febrile illness is an onset of fever or raised temperature, whose cause is not clearly known.

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022 — 41

Ajay Devgn steps into the Metaverse universe with his all-new virtual avatar inspired

by Hotstar Specials’ Rudra – The Edge of Darkness set to release on Disney+ Hotstar

Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif ready to roar in theatres with Tiger 3 on Eid 2023, watch powerpacked announcement

Disney+ Hotstar’s upcoming Hotstar Specials’ Rudra-The Edge of Darkness is set to become the first-ever series to foray into the dynamic world of the metaverse.

Exploring the emerging intersection of the digital and physical world, the platform, in a first-of-its-kind initiative, has associated with Hungama Digital's Web3 venture called Hefty Entertainment to create this Metaverse.

Talking about this new development, lead actor Ajay Devgn said, “The exciting and novel space of the metaverse is an all-new world. It goes beyond our wildest imagination. I have always wanted to be closer to my fans and today I can proudly say I am there. With my avatar, inspired by my role in RudraThe Edge of Darkness, I am marking yet another first by foraying into the metaverse with the Hotstar Specials series that is so close to my heart now. From a digital series debut to my very first venture into the metaverse, this has been an incredible journey for me.’’

Commenting on the launch, Gaurav Banerjee,

Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif are all set to return to the theatres as Tiger and Zoya in Maneesh Sharma's upcoming directorial, Tiger 3. The third installment is bigger and is expected to be mounted on a large scale. The actors are all set to take over the big screen with their film on Eid 2023.

Following the announcements of Pathaan and Jayeshbhai Jordaar, YRF has now announced the release date for Tiger 3.

Dropping a video, Katrina Kaif is seen rehearsing with her Korean stunt team for the action scenes as the camera

Head, Content Disney+ Hotstar, and HSM Entertainment Network, Disney Star, said, “We are thrilled to present Ajay Devgn in a never-seen-before digital avatar inspired by his character in a highlyanticipated series Rudra – The Edge of Darkness. It will be a unique presentation and an engaging content experience for our users. We have always strived to be at the forefront of innovation and are delighted to associate with Hungama and Hefty Verse to introduce this new form of digital experience for

Ajay’s fans.”

Siddhartha Roy, CEO Hungama Digital said, “At the core of every entertainment lover is their undying love and adulation for their favorite celebrities. We at Hungama are extremely happy to introduce Disney+ Hotstar’s Rudra – The Edge of Darkness into the world of Metaverse through Hefty Entertainment.

Being one of the first movers bringing Entertainment into the Metaverse, through the 3D universe hosted on our platform, we provide a stable and secure space for entertainment lovers to

strengthen their relationship with their favourite celebrities.”

Helmed by ace director Rajesh Mapuskar, the riveting psychological crime drama is celebrated actor Ajay Devgn’s digital series debut, where he will be donning the avatar of a cop never seen before. Produced by Applause Entertainment in association with BBC Studios India, the series also features a stellar cast including Raashii Khanna, Esha Deol, Atul Kulkarni, Ashwini Kalsekar, Tarun Gahlot, Ashish Vidyarthi, and Satyadeep Misra in pivotal roles.

Spanning six episodes, the series is an Indian rendition of the globally successful British series, Luther. RudraThe Edge of Darkness will be available exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar from 4th March 2022 in Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Bengali.

Tune in to Disney+ Hotstar to catch Ajay Devgn’s digital debut with crime thriller drama Rudra – The Edge of Darkness from 4th March onwards.

pans to Salman Khan as Katrina asks him, "Ready?" to which he responds, "Tiger, always ready!"

The action spectacle Tiger 3, helmed by Maneesh Sharma, will release in cinemas on 21st April 2023 on Eid, in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.

BREAKING: Bachchhan Paandey cleared by CBFC with U/A certificate and 3 cuts; 2 violent scenes and a double meaning dialogue have been modified

Richa Chadha, Ali Fazal, Varun Sharma, Pulkit Samrat, and Manjot Singh’s Fukrey 3 goes on floors After much delay, Fukrey 3 has gone on floors. The successful franchise is headlined by Ali Fazal, Pulkit Samrat, Richa Chaddha, Varun Sharma, and Manjot Singh. The film directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba and backed

by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment was supposed to go on floors in April last year. However, owing to the pandemic, the shoot of the film was delayed.

Taking to his social

media on Thursday, actor Varun Sharma was happy to announce the third installment Fukrey 3, which went on floors today. He wrote, “Shuru Hogayi!!!”

Ever since the announcement was made, it created a wave of excitement among the audience and especially the fans of the Fukrey franchise.

The popular movie franchise is considered among the cult classics of the Indian cinema and has become a huge hit for giving viewers a wholesome experience and making sure to deliver a burst of giggles.

Fukrey 3 stars Pulkit Samrat, Ali Fazal, Varun Sharma, Richa Chaddha, Manjot Singh, and Pankaj Tripathi. The film is directed

by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba and produced under Ritesh Sidhwani & Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment.

After Shah Rukh Khan announces Republic weekend 2023 for Pathaan, makers of Fighter and Tehran likely to shift their release date to avoid a clash On Wednesday morning, YRF finally made an official announcement of their muchawaited film Pathaan. Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and John Abraham, the announcement of this film was done in a grand fashion and it immediately went viral.

Fans of Shah Rukh Khan were eagerly awaiting an official announcement ever since the film went on floors in November 2020. The makers announced that the film will be released on January 25, 2023.

Interestingly, two other

films are also scheduled to release over the Republic Day weekend 2023- Fighter and Tehran. What's even more interesting is that Fighter is being directed by Siddharth Anand and stars Deepika Padukone along with Hrithik Roshan. Tehran, on the other

42 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022

hand, is headlined by John Abraham.

But now with Pathaan going ahead with the Republic 2023 weekend, the makers of Fighter and Tehran will eventually postpone the release dates of their respective films as Siddharth Anand is directing Pathaan and it stars Deepika and John in lead roles along with SRK. Therefore, a three-way clash is highly unlikely considering that all three films are bigscale action entertainers and have the same actors leading

the projects.

With the kind of anticipation and buzz around Shah Rukh Khan's Pathaan, it is highly unlikely that any other filmmaker would want to release their film alongside Pathaan. In all possibilities, Pathaan will enjoy a solo release at the box office and is expected to break records.

The film will also mark the return of King Khan on the big screen after four years. He was last seen on the screen in the 2018 film Zero which failed to perform at the box office.

The success of Alia Bhattstarrer Gangubai Kathiawadi at the box office has brought much needed hope among the industry and trade members.

From today, theatres in 14 cities and districts in Maharashtra have been allowed to operate 100% occupancy. As a result, the trade expects the business to grow manifold in the month of March itself. One of the biggest films of this month is Bachchhan Paandey. Starring Akshay Kumar in the lead, it was always a keenly awaited film and the trailer has added to the hype.

Bollywood Hungama has now learnt that Bachchhan Paandey has already been cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

As per the censor report, the examining committee asked for three cuts in the action comedy. There’s a scene of a slitting throat and blood oozing out. In another scene, a character is stabbed, leading to a lot of bloodshed.

The CBFC members felt that the violence in both these places was quite gory. The makers were thus asked to remove or modify the violence in these sequences.

The third cut is with regards to a double meaning dialogue related to a banana.

The CBFC asked the makers to reduce or modify the dialogue, a part of which is “Kabhi toh (kela) khaane ke liye bhi le liya kar”.

After these changes were made, Bachchhan Paandey was awarded a U/A certificate. The certificate was handed to the producers on February 28, 2022. The duration of the film, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 149 minutes.

In other words, Bachchhan Paandey is 2 hours and 29 minutes long.

Besides Akshay Kumar, Bachchhan Paandey also stars Kriti Sanon, Jacqueline Fernandez, Arshad Warsi, Pankaj Tripathi and Prateik Babbar. It is directed by Farhad Samji and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala’s Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment.

Bachchhan Paandey releases in cinemas on March 18, which is a holiday. A trade expert said, “It releases on Holi and this will prove to be an advantage. Cinemas are running with no restrictions in most parts of the country.

The film seems like an ideal masala entertainer and as a result, expect the film to create a dhamaka at the ticket window.”

The Bombay Prince

By Sujata Massey, Allen & Unwin, $29.99 Reviewed by Rama Gaind

By Rama Gaind

Perveen Mistry is a courageous, likeable and determined young lawyerturned-detective. She has dramatic appeal in a striking combination of crime and mystery set in 20th century India.

As the country’s sole female solicitor, she holds a unique status in 1920s Bombay, a woman maintaining equilibrium between the weight of family tradition with her own dreams and is a trail blazer.

The title of Sujata Massey’s mystery refers to the Prince of Wales, son of King Edward VII and grandson of Queen Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom and Empress of India, who is about to embark on a four-month

tour of India. It’s November 1921 and the citizens of Bombay are not universal in their welcome of the British heir.

Mistry isn't surprised when local unrest spirals into riots. She is, however, horrified by the death of Freny Cuttingmaster, an 18-year-old student who falls from a second-floor gallery just as the prince's grand procession is passing by her college.

Freny had come for a legal consultation, just days before her death, and what she confided makes Perveen suspect that her death was not an accident. When the death is ruled a murder, Perveen knows she can't rest until justice is done.

Perveen’s third mystery propels a rich story of female empowerment during a pivotal era. The impressive Mistry makes her triumphant return to solve a shocking murder on the streets of 1920s Bombay.

Massey was compelled to write this novel because she found a “trove of research material on the Prince of Wales’s 1921-22 visit to India. These ranged

The title of Sujata Massey’s mystery refers to the Prince of Wales, son of King Edward VII and grandson of Queen Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom and Empress of India, who is about to embark on a four-month tour of India.

It’s November 1921 and the citizens of Bombay are not universal in their welcome of the British heir. from silent films to daily government records and photographs of the tour and newspaper articles that chronicled the darker side of India’s reaction to the imperial visitor”.

Introducing Debut Singer Psydu (Sid) Only 20 years old, Psydu is a hotshot new talent who successfully released his debut single "Millions On My Mind" on February 2, 2022, on multiple music platforms.

He is an independent songwriter and singer from Sydney, Australia who creates deeply intimate hip hop/pop music rooted in personal experience and reflection in both sound and writing. Siddarth Sivaprasad (Sid), stage name PSYDU, is looking forward to releasing more pop and hip hop music since his mind is very flexible when it comes to different genres.

The promising singer

always loved singing but believes that his music journey truly started when he discovered his beautiful gift of composing music. The artist finds music as a way to express his emotions, share his story and inspire others along the way. From being an independent young artist creating music only in his bedroom and shower, Psydu now has blossomed to be a full-blown creative music artist who has his eyes set on the limelight. He has gotten this far without any voice training, mentoring, connections, or support.

His ambition is to become a platinum record artist one

day.

His latest debut single “Millions on my Mind” has come to life after a year of unwavering dedication, demonstrating his unshakeable commitment and passion. Writing and performing his debut single, Psydu hopes to impart the lesson of resiliency and rising from all adversities on one’s own journey to greatness. The legendary singer Kamahl even commended his song and said "He’s creative! I’d like to meet him sooner than later" and also said, "I have just received Sid’s link! It’s interesting & impressive!".

He is an independent songwriter and singer from Sydney, Australia who creates deeply intimate hip hop/ pop music rooted in personal experience and reflection in both sound and writing. Siddarth Sivaprasad (Sid), stage name PSYDU, is looking forward to releasing more pop and hip hop music since his mind is very flexible when it comes to different genres.

What Warne’s ‘shocked’ friends...

CONTD. FROM PG 1 Staff at the Thai International Hospital told AFP in Bangkok that Warne’s body was taken to their facility around 6:00 pm local time (1100 GMT) from Samujana Villas, a luxury resort in the northeast of Koh Samui.

“No foul play was suspected at the scene based on our investigation,” Thai police told AFP. Erskine revealed Warne

Call: (07) 3192 5188

was in Thailand at the beginning of three months off having spent the summer working for Fox Cricket on the Ashes.

“Shane was having three months off and this was the start of it,” he told the Remembering Shane Warne tribute on Fox Cricket.

“They had only arrived the night before.

“They were going to go out for a drink at 5 o’clock, and (Neophitou) knocked

www.indiantimes.com.au

on his door at 5.15pm because Warnie was always on time and said “come on you’re going to be late” and then realised something was wrong.”

Erskine later revealed to Channel 9’s Today show that Warne had travelled to Thailand in a bid to get back into shape and had just finished a strict 14-day diet.

“He did go on these ridiculous sort of diets, and he was just finished one,

where he basically only ate fluids for 14 days and he’d done this three or four times,” Erskine said.

“It was a bit all or nothing. It was either white buns with butter and lasagne stuffed in the middle, or he would be having black and green juices.

“He obviously smoked most of his life (but) I don’t know, I think it was just a massive heart attack. That’s what I think’s happened.”

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022 — 43

ECCQ can now check if you have a fatty liver – for Free What is fatty liver?

When there is too much fat in the liver it can cause it to stop functioning at its best. This is called fatty liver disease. Fatty liver can also result in damage or scarring to the liver and increase the risk of developing cirrhosis and liver cancer. A person does not need to be overweight to have a fatty liver What can cause fatty liver?

Fatty liver can be caused by: • High body fat • Body weight gain – even if still within normal weight range • High fructose and high cholesterol diets • Some genetic risk factors • Alcohol consumption

to your liver can be reduced.

Your doctor will be able to assist you with information and services to assist you.

You may also find some useful information about healthy lifestyle choices at: www.eccq.com.au/whatwe-do/health/chronicdisease-and-living-well For more information about hepatitis B and hepatitis C and how you can • Sedentary lifestyles – too much sitting down • Some other health conditions including Diabetes, High cholesterol, high blood pressure and hepatitis.

ECCQ can now include a fatty liver assessment with your regular Fibroscans if you currently have or have had hepatitis B or hepatitis C in the past. This can be

done at the same time as a normal Fibroscan.

How can you get a Fibroscan?

Ask your doctor for a referral. Our referral form is available at www.eccq. com.au/bbv.

Only your doctor can complete the referral form.

Our Fibroscan is free for all people from overseas,

get a fatty liver assessment if you have or have had hepatitis please contact: Contact Marrianne our Community Management and Treatment Coordinator on 0466042799 or (07) 3291 1214 or email referrals@ eccq.com.au Please go to our website www.eccq.com.au/bbv or contact us at ECCQ on (07) 3844 9166

who have or have had hepatitis B or hepatitis C, including people do not have a Medicare card. You can find more information about Fibroscan at www. eccq.com.au/bbv.

Can fatty liver be reversed?

With appropriate management the risks of fatty liver causing damage

Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and Sexual Health Program Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ)

Enhance Your Beauty with amazing uses of Lemon Nimisha Modi

Hetvi Hair & Beauty 0412350013

Hey Girls, all your beauty needs from scrubs, moisteners, foundations, face masks, hair (shampoos and conditioners), cheeks, eyes, lips - you name we have covered them all.

You can be benefited by suggested homemade recipes on your skin, hair or body.

Do-it-yourself natural remedies for skin and hair are getting positive reviews from the users. These recipes do not use any chemicals, synthetic fragrance or colours, so they will not clog your skin pores or damage your skin and hair in any way.

Taking care of your whole body with natural ingredients will result in radiant, youthful skin and long, lustrous hair!

Remember, your skin and hair need tender loving care. Use them and feel the difference!

Lemon is one ingredient that not only adds a delicious taste to cooking, it is also known for its properties in health and beauty.

This food has properties that are astringent, disinfectant, and act as a natural lightener for hair and skin.

They are also characterized by high contents in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and compounds that regulate acidity and promote fat elimination.

If you still don’t know the best beauty secrets that lemons have to offer, read below for a few of their uses, so you can get excited about their benefits and

enjoy them.

They are good for skin: Lemon is a fantastic ally for skin, especially for people who suffer from oily skin. This ingredient, and its astringent properties, promote excess oil elimination and significantly improve skin’s appearance. That’s why it is important to keep in mind that lemon should be applied before going to bed, and under no circumstances should you expose yourself to sunlight.

This could cause stains. It’s best to apply the treatment, and the next day, use sunscreen. All you need to do is squeeze the lemon a bit and apply it directly to your face using a spray or a cotton ball.

Exfoliating Lips: There are a lot of factors that could affect lip health, making them look dry and cracked. In order to say goodbye to this problem, one good solution is to apply a bit of lemon juice to your lips before going to bed, and you will begin to notice the changes.

This ingredient promotes hydration and eliminating dead skin cells.

Skin Lightening Mask: Mix together 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of cucumber juice, 1 tablespoon of tomato juice and 1 tablespoon of sandalwood paste to form a consistent paste. Apply this paste onto your skin, leaving it there for 15-20 minutes. Rinse it off with water and moisturize.

Highlighted hair: This is one of lemon’s most wellknown beauty uses, as it has been proven to produce good results.

44 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022

In order to lighten your hair and to make it shiny, apply lemon juice to your hair and expose it to the sun. With sun contact, the lemon will help lighten your hair, giving it light and golden highlights. It’s best to do this at least once a week for good results.

Fight blackheads: Lemons have astringent and antibacterial properties that promote the elimination of waste and excess oil on skin. They are great allies for fighting annoying blackheads, because they promote the elimination of toxins and deeply clean the skin. At night, rub a bit of lemon on your skin and let set for 10 minutes. Remove it with copious amounts of cold water. Remember not to use this treatment if you are going to be exposed to the sun.

Lemon Juice to Get Rid of Wrinkles: Mix a few drops of lemon juice with a drop of almond oil and a teaspoon of honey to form a consistent thick solution.

Apply this mixture on to your face leaving it there for about 15 minutes, and then rinse it off with cool water. You can also apply this mixture around your eyes to remove fine lines.

But take care that it does not go into your eyes. Fine lines and wrinkles removal is a slow process and will take time.

Improves marks: Acne, sun

exposure, illnesses, diet, and other factors can all cause marks on skin, which aesthetically, do not look very good. One very effective way of improving and reducing the appearance of marks is to apply a bit of lemon juice to the affected area, allow working for 15 minutes, and washing off with cold water. Do this treatment at night, as sun exposure could cause adverse reactions.

Nail strengthened and whitener: Using chemicals, household chores, and a lot of other bad habits can cause nails to weaken and/ or become stained. Lemon is a wonderful ally for fighting this problem, as it promotes the elimination of marks on nails, strengthening at the same time. All you need to do is combining a bit of lemon juice with two tablespoons of olive oil. Then apply to your nails.

For your armpits: Lemon can be an excellent ally for caring for armpit skin, as its properties act as a natural deodorant while at the same time clearing up the dark stains that usually form in this area of the body.

Lemon’s citric acid is responsible for killing bacteria that cause bad odours, so it can work as an emergency deodorant.

In order to lighten your armpits, you should mix lemon juice with oatmeal and a little bit of honey; the resulting paste should be applied to your armpits and allowed to work for

1 hour.

How Often to Use Lemon Juice?

Don’t get tempted to apply lemon juice mask or lemon juice alone directly onto your skin daily.

Lemon juice has properties to dry out the skin, if applied daily. Limit its use to every other day or 3-4 applications in a week.

Tips to make sure before use of Lemon Juice: (i) Lemon juice is acidic, and its application can dry out your skin, so moisturize your skin after its use. (ii) Add yogurt to lemon juice to make your own skin brightening and moisturizing mask. (iii) Don’t apply lemon juice onto the

areas having open cuts, bruises, or wounds. The acid in the lemon juice will sting. Should this happen, wash the area with cool water. (iv) Never go out in the sun and avoid exposure to sun light with lemon juice on your skin. (v) If irritation, redness or dryness occurs then dilute the lemon juice with more water or discontinue its use on your skin. (vi) Lemon juice contains acid and its use can dry out your skin.

Apply moisturizer after its use to keep your skin hydrated.

It is simple but effective way to use lemon to your advantage. Have a nice month ahead, enjoy and keep smiling. Nimisha.

Woke Emotions and Wise Foods A book that will help you fix your emotions via food.

LETS BUILD WELLNESS RATHER THAN CREATING ILLNESS LET OUR FOOD SHOULD BE OUR MEDICINE. Excerpts from the book that you will be able to relate

By Reina Shukl

“If you had a neglected, abused childhood, toxic relative, you’ve seen rough days and uncertainty, dreamt of a business and failed, been cheated and betrayed, lost money or health, lost a dear one, and you are on the verge of breaking, please have hope. If I can get over it, you can too. I’m no superhuman.

Believe in yourself and listen to your body. I figured it out through my illness. It doesn’t need intellect. You

need to digest your emotions to understand them and heal them.

My journey from illness to wellness taught me to be more kind, humble, forgiving, and loving, first to myself, then to others. I have connected more to my emotions, “Why I feel” comes before “how I feel.” And when I understand the “why,” I can change the “how.” My only goal is that all my readers become healthier and happier after reading this book.” WOKE EMOTIONS AND WISE FOODS Going by the synopsis, "the easiest, gentlest, and safest way to treat the body: and avoid expensive surgeries is by food".

Studies show that in addition to hereditary factors, lifestyle, and environmental factors, there are factors related to emotional distress which interfere with the development of various diseases

especially cancer, arthritis , diabetes , hypertension, all inflammatory diseases, PCOS and cardiac diseases.

Out of them all the most dreaded and prevalent lifestyle disease these days is cancer ; research on this disease reveals that unexpressed anger and resentment are at the core of this disease .. What if I there were foods that can help you express or resolve your resentment??? Do you think its possible ? yes, it is . As per ancient medical systems like Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine the root cause of each and every disease is an emotion , a blocked energy , a negative emotions unexpressed unresolves unhealed emotions , they create blockages in the body and creates stress and inflammation by attacking particular organs ..

Also behavioural studies have convincingly

demonstrated that stress and depression can cause inflammation and studies have also confirmed that stress and inflammation can be controlled by right kind of foods. If you cannot control the external environment causing stress/ anxiety/depression at least you can keep the internal environment in control by positive thinking and positive foods..

Stressors-- impact our mood and emotions, as well as thoughts and beliefs. All of these factors combined play a significant role in influencing our mental and physical health and as both are connected if one is impacted the other is also affected. If you’ve ever felt your stomach tighten up Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com.au

when you were anxious, you’ve experienced the mindbody connection. In terms of specificity, specific emotions (e.g., anger, sadness, and embarrassment) can be linked with particular health outcomes/organs. In terms of bidirectionality, the influences of emotions on diseases and of disease on emotional functioning are considered valid by many research all this and more interesting facts of nutrition are unravelled.

This book is a guide, a tool to explore yourself; it scans your deep-rooted hurt and helps you weed them out; it shows you ways to sow seeds of positivity in straightforward, time-tested, proven ways using foods.

It helps you develop your PEEP, “positive emotional eating plan.” This plan will be an unbiased and honest approach as its going to be made by you :the most authentic custom-made plan where you will open up to yourself, and this book will then guide you at each step and help you choose the foods accordingly the healing you need and according to the emotions that are stored in your body..

This book also suggests foods to generate positive emotions. The five positive emotions that it talks about are vital in creating everlasting health and happiness ,gratitude, joy, love, calm, and forgiveness.

Available on AMAZON, order your copy now!

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022 — 45

MARCH-2022

Aries ( 21st March to 20th April )

Taurus ( 21st April to 21st May )

Gemini ( 22nd May to 21st June )

The transit of the Sun and Venus this month will produce mixed results in your love and relationship.

Make an effort to have a straightforward talk and to keep your promise and commitment. Singles have many options, and there's a good chance you may find someone you like. This month would bring you anticipated financial benefit from your work, but it may also bring you some unexpected expenses. You should make a plan ahead of time so that a financial crisis does not affect you, as Jupiter and the Sun indicate. This month likely to provide you with many chances to perform admirably at work. All you have to do is be committed to your words. In school, students should be mindful of their sleeping habits because they can affect their well-being and studies. Try to get some light exercise and stop using mobile devices excessively. Negative thoughts should be avoided because Saturn's effect can have an impact on your thinking. Try to take a realistic approach, think positively, and surround yourself with positive people; this would help you succeed in your studies. Planetary transits indicate that you should not disregard your wellbeing. Teeth-related health issues, as well as a bed-eating habit, can cause health problems. There is a chance that you may experience leg or muscle discomfort, so avoid strenuous exercise and exercise caution while using mobile devices.

In the middle of the month, you can face challenges due to a lack of immunity, which can cause a sudden fever and cold.

When the month of March begins, you may encounter several positives that you have not seen in the recent past. Finance, career, and even schooling would benefit from improvements. To begin with, the month would be ideal for students who have been studying for some critical tests, such as Board or University exams. Your training would benefit from a successful process in the right frame of mind to study for and take the best of the exams. The only advice is to do some last-minute studying to enhance your score and comprehension of the exams. This is the month when your contributions would be recognised for those in the workforce, and you would be considered for advancement. In reality, you would be interested in having a job, a shift, even if it would not be successful right away; you may have to wait a little longer. However, the good news is that you would be able to begin the transition to the new position by the end of the month. Furthermore, if you are searching for a job and looking forward to leaving your present organisation, you can wait for it. Perhaps the months following March would be more profitable and motivating. In terms of finances, the month would be moderate as well, but with the hope of a promising future. Again, your well-being would be beneficial this month. A good night's sleep and mental peace may make you mentally more comfortable and happy.

This month would be crucial for communication, friendship, and travelling. New knowledge may come your way, and you are most likely to meet with kind and intelligent people. There may be a new friend circle that are likely to provide you with unique insights into your life. Jupiter's transit would bring positive guidance from your manager as well as anticipated success in your personal and professional life. Competitive attitudes can worsen at work and in everyday life. There may be some disagreements with in-laws, which must be addressed. Marriage brings with it some us and our own, which must be treated with caution. Foreign networking can be available to you. Any of you may be granted entry to a foreign country. Because of their competitive attitude, sports students are unlikely to achieve the desired results. It is recommended that you practise and do some self-analysis to identify your weaknesses and strengths. A research-related topic would result in expected success. Financially, this month is not a good time to make significant investments. Family or friends can be able to help you financially. The transit of the Sun indicates that you would draw people to yourself. The love relationship is about to begin, but things may move slowly. Venus's transit demonstrates that you can enter into a discreet relationship. In terms of fitness, your immunity may increase, but you should watch your diet and avoid strenuous exercise. Pregnant women should avoid stress because Mercury and Venus transit can trigger unexpected disagreements and affect their health.

Cancer ( 22nd June to 22nd July )

Leo ( 23rd July to 22nd August )

Virgo ( 23rd August to 22nd September )

The monthly Horoscope predicts that the month would be full of unexpected activities. In addition, the monthly Horoscope predicts that you may encounter unforeseen twists and turns both professionally and personally this month. However, you may have to contend with fierce rivalry at your workplace. Those pursuing jobs in the government sector can be able to pass the rigorous recruitment process. People born under this sign would be able to get their loans approved. The month, on the other hand, is likely to stress you out because of increased spending. The love horoscope zodiac predicts that you may meet someone new, and love and relationship can make its way in your life. The marriage horoscope for the month, on the other hand, indicates that there might be some trouble in the marital paradise. For a smooth relationship, try to be considerate of your partner's thoughts and emotions. This is an excellent month to start a company with a partner. This may increase your chances of earning well in the month. However, be confident that you have a relationship agreement in place that is in your favour.

It would be a good month for conducting interviews. It is also likely that the imminent return may not be in effect. Take advantage of any opportunities that come your way. Those looking to migrate from their current location may often be pleased with how life has turned out to be beneficial. Those hoping to take out a loan this month are advised to postpone their application. In the near future, you may get a decent offer.

This week, success would be your hallmark in your professional life. You are likely to experience joy and cheerfulness. You would be able to rise above the stress and pressure of everyday life by engaging in introspection and exercising your mind on things that are not mundane. So, have fun. Generous and warm qualities in you can contribute to many joyful family interactions. Your dedication to the family may help you in gaining the love and care you need. While you may appear self-centred, you are polite, generous, noble, and benevolent. The revelation of this essence in you attracts more people to you who seek warmth and treatment.

Whatever tasks you work on this month are likely to bear fruits. Your stars seem to be aligned in a way that makes you more charming, intelligent, creatively enthusiastic, and adaptable. Your love and caring as a mother are expect to blossom more these days, as the children and those close to you would find more solace in your company.

Your fortune may fluctuate at the start of this month, and you may experience certain circumstances in which you feel things are not going as quickly as you would like. For business owners, development and activities for business expansion can speed up, but it would be more complex. During the latter half of the month, your astute moves can assist you in efficiently removing bottlenecks. This month could bring in a lot of money for you. However, you might feel some commitment strain at the start of this month. You are likely to see a steady change in your circumstances and a gradual increase in your financial flow during the second half of the month. The rate of your financial success is likely to begin picking up the positive momentum. You can find yourself in a difficult situation at the start of this month while trying to keep the happiness and beauty in a relationship alive. As the month progresses, you may have better luck with your love life and relationships in general. The middle of this month is likely to bring some problems, but things only get better as the month progresses towards its end. During this month, your academic success would also make your mentors proud. The time around the middle of this month would be ideal for beginning new educational activities. Your mental state and concentration rate in academics are expected to improve during the latter half of this month. Your health and vitality may be low at the start of this month, but you would gradually recover your fitness level. It would be best if you hoped to have improved health in the second half of this month.

Libra ( 23rd September to 22nd October )

Scorpio ( 23rd October to 22nd November )

Sagittarius ( 23rd November to 21st December )

You are likely to have a lot of work this month, so make a plan and work on a priority list. It would be going to save you time and energy. There would be several short-distance trips related to your job, as well as career shifts that can result in financial gains and profit from new investments. There would be a greater chance of being chosen for a new role or a promotion. It would be best if you took care of your well-being and do exercise regularly. There may be sleeping discoveries that must be addressed. In a romantic relationship, you should be respectful and humble this month. There would be sexual desire or attraction to the opposite sex. The romantic relationship may take a new turn. This month, singles may find their expected love partner. The student are likely to receive the desired outcome and favour from the tutor, as well as good fortune. For the rest of the month, stop any disagreements with family members and conflicts with your father and government officials. Financially, you can expect high expenses this month, as well as long-term investments. Religious and spiritual upliftment would be present, providing you with new perspectives for this month.

There may be celebration ahead, and being together with in-laws and children may provide you with fun and happiness. It is not a good time to make a significant investment in the stock market. Learning spiritual awareness and visiting religious sites can be costly. Beauty and makeup, as well as grooming costs, can be incurred.

You would try to create some problems in your life this month. During this time, however, you should avoid becoming a victim of confusion and misunderstandings. On the plus side, the Sun's transit is likely to boost your confidence and sharpen your focus. This determination and firmness would aid you in overcoming life's challenges. As Mars transits its sign, your efforts would lead to success. You would receive the expected support from your friends and siblings. Jupiter's transit would be advantageous in one or more ways. As a result, time is undoubtedly one of the supporting factors. This planetary alignment focuses your attention on your work. Distractions shall not sway you, and Lord Jupiter shall ensure that you achieve your goals. Some of you may begin a part-time job or position in addition to your studies. After Saturn's natural movement, your luck would start to favour you by the end of the month. You may also create a new business after the 12th of the month. Saturn and Jupiter's assistance may bring you one step closer to your goals and aspirations. Your efforts and conceptualisation abilities may improve. It is also possible to travel with your partner or spouse. You can take a weekend trip! During this month, your intimacy level would improve, and you may be able to dive into the ocean of love. This month, your friends would also be on your side to assist you in all your endeavours.

Your current employment would not only boost your status but also assist you in fulfilling your ambitions. However, there is a potential that you may have some health issues. Rahu's position indicates a high likelihood of travelling abroad. This could be pretty beneficial to your company. This month foretells changes in your professional life. This month, you have a good chance of getting a government job. The planetary positions promote domestic joy, harmony, and prosperity. You are generous in your desire to achieve something lovely and harmonious, and you are prepared to spend money and energy to do so. Your charisma and sense of humour, together with your quick analytical intellect, may propel you to the top of your field. This week, you would be relentless and driven in your pursuit of success, guiding you and others around you insane at times. Generous and warm attributes in you may lead to many wonderful family experiences. Your dedication to the family would assist you in obtaining the love and care you seek.

Stop criticising and consider how you, as a father, would deal with the circumstances your children are in. They are eagerly awaiting your assistance and support. As a man of high regard, you are likely to feel burdened by the unrealistic expectations that others place on you. Try to solve the issues that are impeding your progress. Too many commitments would only lead to overstrain. Your married life can be a constant source of delight and impression, provided you have picked the correct companion.

Capricorn ( 22nd December to 20th January )

Aquarius ( 21st January to 18th February )

Pisces ( 19th February to 20th March )

You would become weaker than you were before, to the point that you will feel incapable of making any decisions like a man. According to the indicators, you would be dealing with complex issues for the next few days. Whatever work you do, you would become restless and argumentative. You may feel as if you lack the analytical ability to make an informed decision.

A close, intimate friendship that has always brought significant meaning to your existence may prove to be the one you require for the rest of your life. Go ahead and propose, already you are a bit late. You approach anything you do with strength, sincerity, tenacity, and practicality. For the time being, this strategy of yours may offer you considerable success in your job or company operations. Your capacity to remain cautious and conservative in personal interactions would come in handy. Continue to believe what your mind tells you, but don't be completely closed off to other people's perspectives.

You would overcome the slight difficulties in your way to carry out the responsibilities bestowed upon you as a family as well as a social member. If you have other options, better depend on it than preferring journeys, as chances are minor accidents or mishaps. This is an excellent week to supplement your education with outside sources. This is the time when you will learn something significant and convey a message.

Just stay focused and grounded, and your knowledge base will grow from a variety of sources.

According to the monthly horoscope for March Native, endurance will be essential for most natives this month. Your seniors may recognise your efforts and hard work, and you may obtain praises and prizes as a result. However, to taste success you would need to work hard. If you are thinking about buying a house, now could be a good moment. There is a potential that you may receive a repeat order from a reputable customer/client this month. You may attend family gatherings or host an auspicious celebration at your home. Your monthly horoscope indicates that you take good care of yourself and follow a healthy food plan. There's a potential you may embark on a journey during this month. This month may be a good time for natives who want to get a legal separation from their partners. However, make sure that this is done respectfully so that the two parties may reach an agreement and then move on with their lives. This is the optimum time to do the least amount of damage and then move on with your life. This is the month for individuals who want to relocate to a new location. You would quickly obtain the necessary advice and assistance to get you to the new location. The only advice is not to pass up any opportunities that may arise during this period. This might be a great month to sell your property if you are a native. In such a case, your negotiating skills would be crucial.

You may have a lot of work this month, so make a plan and work on a priority list. This will save your time and energy. There may be many shortdistance trips related to your job and career changes that can result in financial gains and profit from new investments. There would be a significant chance of being selected for a new job or a promotion. It would be best if you took care of your health and exercise regularly.

There may be sleeping discoveries that must be addressed. In a romantic connection, you should be kind and humble this month.

There are likely to be sexual desires or attractions towards the other sex. The romantic relationship may take a new direction. This month, singles may find their predicted love companion. Students are likely to receive the promised result and favour from the mentor, as well as good fortune. For the rest of the month, avoid disagreements with family members and any differences with your father and government officials. Financially, you can expect expenses this month, as well as long-term investments. Religious and spiritual upliftment are going to be present, providing you with new insights for this month. There would be an excellent time celebrating, and getting together with in-laws and children may give you joy and enjoyment. It is not a good moment to make a significant investment in the stock market.

Learning spiritual understanding and visiting holy sites can be costly.

Beauty and makeup, as well as grooming fees, may be incurred.

46 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022

Gandhi’s Carpentry Service SPECIALISING IN SMALL JOBS •Alterations and extensions •Decks & Patios •Bathroom Renovations •Repairs & Maintenance •Home Improvements

Lekh Ram Sukh

Vinay Gandhi: 0426 971 606

Civil Marriage Celebrant, JP (Qual) Ph/Fax: (07) 5547 0081 - Mob: 0421 351 061 E: lekhramsukh@gmail.com

carindale@smith-sons.com.au

ENTERTAINMENT

West End Renovations (Qld) Pty Ltd

QBCC Licence #1247710

CIVIL MARRIAGE CELEBRANT CIVIL MARRIAGE CELEBRANT

LEGAL SERVICES

GOPAL LAWYERS

We guide you every step of the way

Conveyancing Migration Commercial Law Criminal Law AAT Reviews Litigation Sale or Purchase of Business Wills & Estates Family Law & Divorce Building Disputes

Principal: Rajesh Gopal LEGAL SERVICES P (07) 3161 6307

M 0422 344 046 F (07) 3112 0866 E gopallawyers@gmail.com

Office 10, 1644 Logan Rd, Mt Gravatt, Brisbane, Qld 4122

(at Mt Gravatt Showgrounds)

Ashu Babu Memorial Tabla School ~ devoted to Indian classical tradition ~

Instructor: Shen Flindell • QLD’s leading classical tabla player • 25+ years experience • Benares Gharana lineage • Kids/adults, private/group • Around Brisbane & Gold Coast • Annual student concert • QCE accredited exams • Sangeet Club for senior students Ph Shen 0415106428 ethnosuperlounge.com/learntabla

Advertise on AIR

Slots available in Forest Lake, Chermside West, Ashmore

TABLA LESSONS

07 3865 4466 or 0419 775 416

For Haw nive 040

reception@globenetrealty.com.au www.globenetrealty.com.au 42 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017

Lekh Ram Sukh

Civil Marriage Celebrant, JP (Qual) Ph/Fax: (07) 5547 0081 - Mob: 0421 351 061 E: lekhramsukh@gmail.com

ENTERTAINMENT

RELIGIOUS SERVICES

Classifieds....

FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES

Advertise on AIR

BIT FEBRUARY 2018 DEADLINES For all 16 Vedic Sanskaar Sanskrit prayers: Hawans, Weddings, Death rites; new homes, anniversaries, birthdays etc Pandit Dr G A Tularam 0403 819 327 or email a.tularam@griffith.edu.au 42 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, December, 2017

www.indiantimes.com.au

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com.au

Call 07 3865 6533

www.indiantimes.com

R

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

Call 07 3865 6533

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022 — 47

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2020 — 51

Australian cricket legend Rod Marsh dies after heart attack at 74 Australian cricket legend Rod Marsh has died at the age of 74.

Tributes have poured in for the former wicketkeeper and England selector just a week after he suffered a heart attack.

Marsh had been in a critical condition in Bundaberg, Queensland, and died in South Australia’s capital Adelaide on Friday morning local time.

Marsh made 96 Test appearances for Australia and ended his career with a then-record 355 dismissals.

He made a further 92 appearances in white-ball cricket for his country in an

international career that lasted from 1970 to 1984.

His passing was confirmed

by Marsh’s son Paul, who said in a statement: “On behalf of my mother Ros and brothers Dan and Jamie, it is with immense sadness that I advise that my father Rod passed away peacefully early this morning.

“He has been an incredible husband, father and grandfather and we have been so fortunate to have had him in all our lives.”

Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins led a chorus of tributes to Marsh, calling him a “colossal figure in Australian cricket”.

BECKER, NADAL PART OF STAR STUDDED LINE-UP FOR WORLD TENNIS CONFERENCE The world tennis conference in 2022 will be held from March 24th till March 27th as a virtual event and the lineup is tremendous.

The tennis event featuring some of the best coaches and players will be held virtually this year due to the pandemic but the event will still feature some of the biggest names in the world of tennis. The 2022 lineup is truly an amazing one with Rafael Nadal taking part as well as Boris Becker.

The event will also have two live

panels and will run from March 24th till March 27th.

Arnold Sports Festival Pro Boxing FacebookTwitterReddit Troy Speakman brought back boxing in association with the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio Friday night after a two year lay off from holding the event due to Covid. The main event featured Alante “Bam Bam” Green (10-0-1, 7 KOs) vs. Samuel Clarkson (22-71, 15 KOs). What was supposed to be a Cruiserweight championship fight for the IBF/USBA and WBC/ NABF titles, which Green holds, turned into a Heavyweight contest due to Clarkson weighing in over the limit. The early rounds showcased Green’s speed with a fast jab. Rounds 2 and 4 produced incredible action, as both fighters traded hard blows. In the end, Green proved too much and was able to score a knockdown that Clarkson could not rightfully stand up and continue. The 2:28 Round 6 TKO victory puts Green on the fast track for some bigger fights in the near future.

The most exciting point in the card was Lightweight Ronaldo Vargas improving to (7-1, 6 KOs) by defeating Jerrell Hodge (2-2) with a devastating left hook to the body of Hodge. The knockdown had Hodge swimming across the ring, attempting to get up. But he had no chance, as the KO at the 2:10 mark of the 1st Round ended his night.

The fight of the night honors went to the Middleweight contest of Roy Barringer (7-3, 5 KOs) vs.

Sam Wildenhaus (4-2, 1 KO).

Round 1 saw Wildehaus leaning on Roy, not allowing Barringer to

extend his punches. Round 2 and Round 3 were very close, giving both fighters great moments. In the 4th Round, Barringer caught Wildenhaus with a good, clean right. Round 5 had Wildenhaus catching Barringer with a right on the ropes. Round 6 is where Barringer’s hard work paid off with a knockdown of Wildenhaus.

Unable to do more, Referee Lonnie Scott saw too much, as he waved off the fight with a 2:32 TKO. Other fights had Kechayn Jenkins (1-0, 1 KO) winning his pro debut with a 2:28 1st Round TKO in the Junior Welterweight division over Chris Ortiz (0-1).

Mirady Lubanzadio Zola (2-0) won by UD over Light Heavyweight Jimmy Sandlin (0-1). The judges UD decision was (39-36, 40-35, 40-35).

And the first fight of the event had Heavyweight Cornelius Mitchell (1-0) winning by UD (3937, 40-36, 40-36) in his pro debut over Justin Richwine (0-2).

48 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022

He said in a statement released by Cricket Australia (CA): “I, along with countless

other people in Australia, grew up hearing the stories of him as a fearless and

tough cricketer, but his swashbuckling batting and his brilliance behind the stumps over more than a decade made him one of the all-time greats of our sport, not just in Australia, but globally.

“When I think of Rod, I think of a generous and larger-than-life character who always had a lifeloving, positive and relaxed outlook, and his passing leaves a massive void in the Australian cricket community.”

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison called Marsh a “fierce competitor and a fine sportsman”.

He wrote on Twitter: “Very sad to hear of the passing of Rod Marsh. As a kid he was my favourite player.

“He was part of one of the most exciting eras in Australian and world cricket.

“He will be remembered as one of Australia’s greatest ever Test cricket players.

“He was a fierce competitor and a fine sportsman who valued what the game stood for.

“Rod Marsh was a proud Western Australian and an absolute Aussie legend.

“My deepest sympathies go to his wife Ros and children Paul, Dan and Jamie.”

Massive brawl at Queretaro vs Atlas soccer match in Mexico leaves three in critical condition Mexico's top soccer league has suspended all matches after a massive brawl among fans left more than two dozen people in hospital and three in a critical condition.

Saturday's match between hosts Queretaro, and Atlas from Guadalajara, the reigning league champions, had to be stopped in the 62nd minute when multiple fights broke out in the stands before spilling onto the field.

Security personnel had opened the gates to the field so that fans, including women and children, could escape the stands.

State authorities said 23 people remained in hospital, 10 in a serious condition and three in critical condition with very severe injuries.

"They were savagely injured, which is a shame and a blot on soccer, for these type of things to happen, in a place that should be for families to go and have fun.

the clashes.

This is totally unacceptable," Queretaro Governor Mauricio Kuri said.

Chairs and metal bars were seen to be used in the fight Atlas was leading 1-0 when the fighting broke out.

Its players quickly fled to the locker rooms, as did some from the Queretaro side.

Other Queretaro players,

including Uruguayan goalie Washington Aguerre, stayed near the bench trying to calm the fans.

Some fans armed themselves with chairs and metal bars.

One could be seen pulling a knife to cut the nets of one goal. Others fought in the tunnel to the field.

Officials have not said what might have triggered

'Darkest day' in Mexican soccer history Both teams issued statements condemning the violence.

Mexican newspaper El Universal ran the front-page headline: "The darkest day for Mexican soccer."

"We regret and condemn these events, which run contrary to the spirit of our soccer," the Mexican Soccer Federation said in a statement.

Mr Kuri condemned the violence and said the owners of the Queretaro club would have to answer for what happened.

"I have given instructions that the law be applied with all of its consequences," he said.

"No-one will go unpunished," he tweeted following his meeting with the Liga MX president and Queretaro club president.

Giant-killer Sahaja Yamalapalli wins MSLTA Women's ITF World Tennis crown Sahaja Yamlapalli of India lifted the women's singles title at the Aryan PumpsMSLTA Women's 15K ITF World Tennis Tour event. The tournament took place at the Ram Nagar ground in Nagpur on Sunday.

The week-long tournament was organized by the Nagpur District Hard Court Tennis Association (NDHTA), under the auspices of the ITF, AITA and MSLTA in Nagpur.

Yamalapalli became the first Indian in four weeks to win the title in an anticlimactic summit clash. Young and the upcoming Sahaja lost the first set 4-6, but won the match after third seed Emily Seibold of Germany conceded due to injury.

Emily suffered the injury during the match and had to retire before the start of the second set against Sahaja.

Unseeded Sahaja wins 10 WTS points for her triumph The unseeded Sahaja performed excellently throughout the tournament.

Although Sahaja proved lucky in the final, she won the hearts

of everyone with her giantkilling run in the last few days.

Emily Seibold, who won the event in Ahmedabad last week, was unfortunate not to win the back-to-back event.

Sahaja shocked three higherranked players on her way to first ever career title.

On Saturday, Sahaja toppled second seed Anna Ureke of Russia in the

semifinals.

The singles champion won the trophy with 10 WTA points.

The prizes were given away by chief guests Dr. Pariniti Fuke and Prashant Sutar, MD of Aryan Pumps.

Kumar Kale, President NDHTA, Ashok Bhiwapurkar, Vice-President, Prashant Ugemuge, chairman, Vidarbha Infotech, Rajiv Desai, Joint Secretary MSLTA, Sudhir Bhiwpurkar, Treasurer MSLTA and Vijay Naidu, tournament director were the guests of the honor.

Shiv Mor, Ali Panjwani, Vikram Naidu, Dr Darshan Dakshindas, Ganesh Pagay, Behram Patel and Murli Asudani were also present on the occasion,

Queensland flood

appeal kicks off as new figures reveal extent of damage

Authorities say the financial toll on residents and businesses will continue for quite some time.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is asking Queenslanders to dig deep and donate to flood-affected families, announcing the state government will start the Queensland flood appeal with $2.1 million.

Ms Palaszczuk said the Australian Red Cross, Lifeline, The Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul would each receive $500,000.

BHP is donating $2 million and Suncorp is donating $1 million across the Queensland and New South Wales disaster, with $200,000 going towards the government's flood appeal.

It came as the Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe thunderstorm warning for heavy rain and damaging winds for the Gympie, Cherbourg, Sunshine Coast, Somerset, South Burnett, Wide Bay, Darling Downs and Granite Belt regions.

As the extent of the damage starts to come to light, Ms Palaszczuk has revealed 26,686 hardship grant applications had been submitted so far.

There have been 9,643 payments made totalling $4.2 million and benefiting 23,000 people.

On Saturday, the state and federal governments announced a financial support package of $558.5 million for small businesses, farmers, not-for-profit organisations and sporting and community clubs devastated by the flood emergency.

Ms Palaszczuk said there had also been more than 10,000 calls to the community safety hotline.

Suncorp Insurance said 15,000 claims had been made in Queensland alone.

It said the five most affected suburbs were Call: (07) 3192 5188

Rocklea, Deagon, Brighton, Windsor and The Gap. Logan Mayor Darren Power said 90 homes were lost in his region, and 50 businesses inundated.

"Logan dodged a bullet.

Had it not stopped raining on Sunday night, it would've been a lot worse," he said.

More wild weather Severe thunderstorms hit the southern Queensland coast on Sunday evening, bringing heavy rainfall and large hailstones.

Hail as big as 9 centimetres was recorded in Beaudesert as storms moved through the area towards the coast late Sunday afternoon.

Steve Hadley from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said that storm was "quite an organised supercell storm", but it quickly diminished in ferocity as it moved east.

The severe weather warning stretched from Rockhampton to the Gold Coast, with fears heavy rainfall could cause flooding in creeks and rivers already swollen by earlier rain.

Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll urged people to be careful on the roads.

"It is still quite saturated," she said.

"We will expect flash flooding so please be patient, please keep off flooded waters."

Authorities said the disaster response had moved into the recovery phase.

The Mud Army 2.0 has been stood down after Saturday's major effort.

The defence force will take over on Monday, with 135 personnel already assisting across Ipswich, the Lockyer Valley, Gympie and Brisbane.

There were clean-up efforts happening in some areas of the Redlands and

receive a $250 rebate for their next rates bill, as part of a recovery package from the Brisbane City Council.

Mr Schrinner said although the clean-up and recovery were still underway, the financial toll on many residents and business owners was expected to continue for quite some time. "[From what] I've seen so far, we will have more flood waste and debris to collect than there was in 2011 as well. So the task in terms of that kerbside collection is significantly more than what it was in 2011."

He said all Brisbane residential rates notices for the April quarter would also be postponed a month, ensuring bills did not arrive until the end of next month.

Annastacia Palaszczuk announces $2.1 million for Queensland’s flood appeal.

Thousands of Brisbane residents will receive a $250 rebate off their next rates bill.

Moreton Bay on Sunday.

Some communities in Gympie are still isolated but they are being looked after and the roads to those communities are expected to open on Monday.

There are 140 people left in evacuation centres.

Ms Palaszczuk said only

3,000 people were still without power.

"So that [restoring electricity] has been a huge mammoth effort as well," she said.

She said fewer than a dozen state schools would remain closed tomorrow, with the list to be available

www.indiantimes.com.au

on the website.

state

government

Council rebate available in Brisbane It comes as Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner announced up to 28,000 residents and business owners affected by flooding in Brisbane would

Public transport system returns Minister for Transport Mark Bailey said "most" rail services, and 90 per cent of bus services would be operational on Monday.

Mr Bailey said the government still had "concerns" over stations throughout Logan, which would remain closed.

The Beenleigh station has opened, but buses will continue to replace trains from Beenleigh to Kuraby.

The Shorncliffe and Cleveland lines will be running.

Mr Bailey said everything was being done to restore stations past Ipswich on the Rosewood line.

Some roads remain closed as repair works continue.

"We're opening as much as we can, as well as making sure it's safe … we'll continue to see gradual improvements [to road conditions] during the week," he said.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022 — 49

50 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022 — 51

52 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2022