November 2023 - Special Diwali Edition

A Division of Qld Multicultural Times

Print Post Approved PP : 424022 1724 | ISSN 2652-6182

Volume 20, Number 3 Saturday, November 11th, 2023

As God is One, we respect all Religions

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 07 3268 6188 The winners of the 16th Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA) were announced t at the Australian ceremony, with Japanese film Perfect Days taking home the Best Film Award and Evil Does Not Exist (Aku Wa Sonzai Shinai), also from Japan, winning the prestigious Jury Grand Prize.

The winner of the APSA for Best Documentary Film is Sarvnik Kaur’s Against the Tide, following two fisherman

friends from different classes in Mumbai’s Koli community who both face the same challenges at sea as their environment changes.

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Director Sarvnik Kaur said “We’re so grateful to Asia Pacific Screen Awards for awarding Against the Tide the Best Documentary. This kind of acknowledgement means a lot to independent filmmakers

like us, and it is not just an honour and a privilege. Still, it is a validation of the years of work from the DOP, the sound, and the mixing engineers and our team is rejoicing today, so we are so grateful. “ At this unique event, dedicated to celebrating culture through screen stories, the winner of the 16th APSA Cultural Diversity Award is Rapture (Rimdogittanga), CONTD. ON PG 43

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Inside

• Local News ..................................4-41 • Real Estate ................................12-15 • wwww ...................................... 28-29 • India News ..................................... 42 • Fiji News ......................................... 44 • Entertainment .............................. 46 • Health & Well Being .................... 48 • Business Directory/Classified ... 51 • Sports News ................................... 52

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

From the Publisher Welcome to our Diwali Edition, Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights or Deepavali, is celebrated in homes and communities in India and around the world by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists, Sindhis, and others who enjoy the spirit of the honoured tradition. It takes place in the Hindu month of Kartik, which tends to fall around October and November.

This year, the biggest Diwali day falls on November 12in India, and as per Drikpanchang Lakshmi Puja Muhurat in Brisbane is on Monday 13th from 6:26 pm till 7:26 pm, considering the time difference, but it's celebrated for five days.

Those who embrace the holiday fill their homes with sweets and the warm glow of Diyas (a small lamp or candle) and share happy Diwali greetings with loved ones.

Since Diwali symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, this also marks a time for people to renew and refresh, give Diwali gifts to family and friends, and spread positivity through Diwali messages and wishes. Like New Year’s Day, people celebrate the festival by bringing colour into their homes — decorating with intricate patterns called rangoli, made from materials like coloured powder, rice flour, and flower petals. In addition to adorning their homes, people will also give themselves a fresh start by cleaning, holding gettogethers, and exchanging well wishes.

Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio have supported and promoted many community organisations

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

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with their Diwali events; this year marks a record number of public celebrations; one can't keep up, so we tried to attend as many as physically possible. Many organisers came into our studios to talk about their events. It is a good feeling to see Diwali receiving broader community support and awareness. On an international scale, Disney Diwali and Diwali at various levels of government are encouraging; many councils and counties have proclaimed Diwali festival with talks of public holiday on Diwali. Diwali is a public Holiday in many countries, and the number of countries that have declared Diwali as a holiday is growing. We had attended many Diwali functions at the time of publication, and many were marked for attendance.

And now, to our front page, APSA, my association with APSA goes back to its drawing Board days when community consultation occurred. I was one of many invited for input into the proposed event; many discussions took place before the launch, and over the years, it has evolved; there has been a tussle between Gold Coast and Brisbane regarding hosting the event. I was honoured to have attended the awards at HOTA Gold Coast this year; Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio were proud to have supported the event since its inception.

Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio attended the media call and were accorded an exclusive interview with Rima Das. The video interview

will be aired on the AIR MIX show, and the article will be published in our next Christmas edition.

Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio are truly representative of the wider community and we are thrilled to receive invitations to attend and cover many multicultural community events, one such event was the Taiwanese Film Festival organised by WAMCI, Melody Chan, Edward Lin and Susan Yang always put in so effort in these events, it s amazing to see their commitment to the promotion and perseverance of culture and arts Durga Pooja this year was again celebrated with much Zeal and Vigor; we took part in BSQ annual pooja, Oikaton, Vedanta centre, Sai Saileshwara temple, Hindu Society of Queensland, Sanatan Dharam Qld and Shree Venkatesa Durga Temple. All of these were well organised and attended; our apologies to all organisers whose events we would not participate in in person.

Congratulations to the Queensland Nepalese Culture Centre management team for the successful completion of the land contract in Logan Reserves, I was happy to attend the Thanksgiving gettogether in New Farm Park, an excellent team working towards establishing the temple and community centre.

It's not every day that one gets invited to the product launch of a celebratory Chef, I was honoured to have attended Sarah Todd's product launch and later to interview her on her journey of making Aloo Gobhi on master chef show to where she is now. Talking about product launches, Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio were invited to the launch of BYD EV Cars flagship showroom in Fortitude Valley, the opening also saw the unveiling of their new series, the impressive “ Seal” which will roll out on Australian roads, in February.

To conclude let me talk about AIR MIX the new show is becoming very popular and we have had so many requests for interviews; if you have not seen the episodes, they are all available on our Facebook and YouTube channels, AIR MIX (registered) show replaces the daily news update, based on your valuable feedback, we will make improvements along the way. The other segment that is getting the largest number of views is the Tuesday Ramayana Live from Gaytri Mandir Boondall, the segment goes live every Tuesday at around 7:15 PM, and we get very good reviews, especially from India.

In these trying times and as we head toward the festive season, lets pray for world peace and spare a thought for the less fortunate and ones suffering the harsh brutality of war through no fault of their own. So, let me finish off by wishing you all the very best for Diwali, and may the coming year bring prosperity to you and your family.

Until Next Month Happy Reading —Umesh Chandra OAM Publisher

BIT DECEMBER 2023

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What is Englishtenment?

What is self-realization? At any point of time, if we try to describe something which is not yet in your experience, even something as simple as how an eatable tastes, you are not going to get it.

It does not matter if I use all my skills of articulation, still you will not get what a simple eatable is. So, if we talk about anything that is not yet in your experience, it will only lead to wild hallucinations or your own conclusion of what it could be.

Let me put it this way: do you recognize the limitations in which you are functioning right now?

If you break that limitation, that is one step towards enlightenment. Once you break that limitation, you realize you are in a different set of limitations.

If you break those, that is one more step towards enlightenment. Let us go this way. Don’t worry about enlightenment.

When it comes to outside realities, we are all differently capable. When it comes to inner realities, all of us are equally capable.

It is just that we never paid attention to that because we think everything that is worthwhile is outside. But there is no outside in your experience.

Everything that is happening is happening

Everything that is happening is happening only inside, but it gives you a false dimension, as if it is outside. Today, particularly in the last few years, neurosciences have taken huge leaps. They are now disproving almost everything that you believed as reality.

only inside, but it gives you a false dimension, as if it is outside. Today, particularly in the last few years, neurosciences have taken huge leaps.

They are now disproving almost everything that you believed as reality.

For example, “Seeing is believing,” isn't it? Today modern neuroscience is

6 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023

telling you, “Seeing is not believing.” The eye is not a simple camera, it is not taking in what is there. You are taking information in different levels and it goes into your eye, and breaks up into twenty-four different formats. You are actually seeing the picture that you are seeing in twenty-four different points in your

brain. You are seeing the colour in one place, form in another place, texture in another place, light in another place. This whole image that you are seeing right now is not real. That is not the way it is. A long time ago we told you, “It is all maya.” When we said “it is maya,” we did not mean that it does not exist, it just

meant it is not the way you think it is.

So, do not think of something which is not yet, because you cannot think of something which is not yet. All your thought comes from what is right now in your head. It is only a projection from the past experience of life. That is no good. That will not

transport you into the other dimensions of life; it only cripples you by giving you imagination and a false sense of knowing. So do not think about enlightenment.

Think of the limitations in which you are living and how to go beyond that. That will be a sensible way to progress.

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

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Boost needed as Uluru visitor numbers remain below long-term averages

By Rama Gaind Uluru, in the Northern Territory is where one of the world's oldest cultures still thrives. It’s a destination that’s not too far away, and should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Sacred to Indigenous Australians, Uluru or Ayers Rock — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — shines in all its glory as ever-changing colours and countless shades of red radiate their own conspicuous warmth.

Peruse the vast landscape before you, breathe in and pay attention to the natural beauty of the Red Centre.

Take a moment to really capture, as I have, the biodiversity and uniqueness of the heart of Australia.

Uluru is one of Australia's most recognisable natural landmarks, yet the number of tourists has steadily fallen since 2021 when the figure was 127,981.

Annual visitor numbers to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (year-to-date to 30 September) shows there were 222,118 visitors in 2022. In 2023, the figure was 190,288 YTD (1 January to 30 September 2023). Visits for the equivalent period in 2022 was 174,671 tourists.

“The impact of COVID-19 continues to be felt at UluruKata Tjuta National Park

as visitor numbers remain below long-term averages.

This is primarily due to its remote location, reliance on aviation and increased competition as Australians return to overseas travel and slow return of international visitors.”

As the hot summer season approaches, the national park heads into an annual quieter tourism period.

There was a spike in visitors prior to the Uluru climb being closed permanently from 26 October 2019. Parks Australia figures reveal year-to-date numbers were more than 300,000 in 2017, 370,408 in 2018 and 406,821

for the jurisdiction.

Part of the blame has been placed by tourism operators and officials on flight availability and costs. A call has been made for more flights and better prices to “make sure Territorians get the services that they deserve.”

Summer specials Red Centre deals are aplenty. Take up some of the exclusive offers on summer deals available now through NT Now. Explore Uluru for memorable, mesmeric, authentic experiences.

During the day, Uluru

First aerial view of Uluru flying at a cruising altitude of 34,000 feet. Photo: Rama Gaind in 2019. In 2020 numbers dropped to 93,221.

According to the Northern Territory Tourism Minister, Nicole Manison, there was a "social responsibility for all Australians to make sure they are travelling to the Northern Territory" to help improve economic outcomes

shines in all its glory as ever-changing colours and countless shades of red radiate their own distinct warmth. It almost makes the name ‘Red Centre’ feel like an understatement!

There are few places where the stars shine as brightly as they do in the

outback. Far removed from the bright lights of the big cities, the stars blaze fiercely in the desert sky. The cultural landscapes of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park resonate with meaning. They contain creation stories and the associated knowledge of law, relationships, plants and animals, all of which live in the shapes and features of the land.

The earthy red glow of Uluru as it basks in the glory of the rising sun will take your breath away.

This is more than worth the early wake-up call.

Best experienced during a small, guided sunrise tour, you’ll find a renewed sense of calm as you take in the magic of the enthralling, vibrant scarlet vistas all around you.

Many may consider Uluru to be the main event, but there is so much more to see, enjoy and experience during your visit to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. With over 101 tours, activities and attractions in and around the Ayers Rock Resort, your days will be action-packed to explore diverse wildlife and spectacular vistas.

Memorable tours Bear witness to the silent morning stillness of the Red Centre as the sun rises over Uluru.

Experience the breathtaking feeling of floating silently above the outback as the morning light begins to illuminate the MacDonnell Ranges. Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the incredible rock formations of Uluru and Kata Tjuta on a helicopter tour.

Go on a camel excursion to experience the ultimate Uluru has to offer as you view the evening sky ablaze

Spectacular start to the morning as dawn breaks over Uluru in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the Northern Territory.

Photo: Rama Gaind

Stroll through the ‘Field of Light’ display in the Northern Territory. Photo: Rama Gaind with colours as the sun sets over the park.

Another unforgettable experience is an immersive Field of Light art installation display, which is also named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku or ‘looking at lots of beautiful lights' in the local language.

As darkness falls and Uluru is thrown into silhouette, Field of Light illuminates

as you enjoy a three-course bush tucker menu.

As far as the eye can see you observe gentle rhythms of colour light up the desert as coloured lights of the 50,000 glass spheres gently sway and come to life!

If you can dream it, you can do it. So, make a booking … and get set to have a happy holiday!

FIGHTING OFF WEARINESS AND DEPRESSION

Pastor Suresh Dass Joseph josephdass@optusnet.com.au Dear reader, it is with joy we bring to you the word of God. Today, I want to talk about overcoming depression, weariness and anxiety. We are living in an age of anxiety. Everywhere you turn, people are anxious about something. They're worried about their jobs, children, future, health, and more. It seems like we have brokenness all around us.

David gives us some hope when he says, "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears

them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those crushed in spirit." He doesn't say that we are immune to weariness, brokenness, and depression, but the good news is that there is a way out of it.

In the scriptures (1 Kings 18), we read about the prophet Elijah, who had just called down fire from heaven and defeated 450 of the false prophets that worshiped the god Baal; they were all killed. It was a great victory in Elijah's life, but there was a lady, the queen Jezebel.

She was furious when she heard what happened to her prophets. She sent word to Elijah, saying, "If I don't kill you by this time tomorrow, I'm going to take my own life."

Elijah was so afraid he took off running. He ran for a full day into the desert.

He ended up sitting under a juniper tree. He was so down and depressed he prayed that

10 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023

he would die. He said, "God, I'm done. I've had enough.

Take my life". Here's this incredible man of faith, one of the great heroes in the Bible.

Elijah had seen God bring a child back to life. A few days earlier, he outran a chariot.

He had just called down fire from heaven, a great miracle, and he had helped a widow who was so down and depressed that she was going to eat her last meal and then die. But now, he doesn't want to live because one angry woman is after him.

He's lying under this tree, depressed, discouraged, and doesn't want to go on.

An angel appears unto him and wakes him up. He said, Elijah, wake up and eat, he looked over; there was bread cooking on hot coals and a jar of water. Elijah ate the bread, drank the water, and went back to sleep.

A few hours later, the angel woke him again and said, "Get up and eat." He

ate and drank some more.

The scripture says being strengthened by that food; he was ready for his next assignment.

His whole attitude had changed.

Here are 3 things we can learn from Elijah.

1.

Take the correct medicine. The angel said to Elijah, "Get up and eat." Selfcare is essential. Without it you won't have the passion you need, the creativity, you won't make good decisions.

And some people are praying for a miracle.

They're discouraged; they have no energy, but if the angel showed up, he would say the same thing he said to Elijah, " Start eating better." Take care of your physical body". You can't drink 25 cups of coffee daily, eat sugar all the time, and expect to feel good.

2. Have a rest. That means you can't stay up all night and not get the proper sleep and expect to feel good the next day. When

you are depressed, you are carrying extra baggage.

Elijah got depressed because the voice of Jezebel was louder than the voice of his God, who had made him a prophet in Israel. The question is, whose voice are we listening to? There is fear, worry, and danger all around us, yet Jesus told His listeners, "Do not worry about your life." Again, He said, "Bring all those things that are wearing you down to Me, and get some rest."

Don't beat yourself up for feeling weary. Don't be down on yourself because you're not always strong.

You're human. After eating the bread and drinking the water, the angel let him go back to sleep. The rest was vital as he travelled for 40 days and 40 nights for his next assignment.

3. Nothing is impossible with God. Elijah wanted to die because he thought his life was over and God could not help him. Depression is

also mentioned as a spirit of heaviness. 450 false prophets had died, and the evil spirit was unhappy with Elijah.

He gave in to the spirit of heaviness. The truth is we all get tired; we all get weary.

If you never feel like giving up, then your dreams are too small. If you feel like quitting, then know that it is normal.

Everyone feels that way at some stage. But feelings are not facts. If you dwell on feelings, you will allow weariness in. You'll become tired, weary, discouraged, and negative. Weariness cannot automatically come; you have to open the door.

When thoughts tell you it's never going to work out, it's been too long, say, "No thanks, I know my time is coming.

So, God sent His angel to strengthen him for what was coming. Interestingly, Elijah never died, but Jezebel died.

He went on to complete his assignment from God. God bless you!

Ps Suresh Dass Joseph

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Five things to know about migration and the housing market

Overseas migration is frequently being called out as one of the primary factors influencing the housing market. In the face of high interest rates, low consumer sentiment and stretched housing affordability, values and rents continue to rise and vacancy rates plummet as net overseas migration has hit record highs.

National home values have increased 7.2% in the year-to-date, and rent values rose 6.0% in the same period.

Heated discussions around migration are drawing more focus as housing affordability worsens. But there are many other factors driving values and the rental market, and long-term, strategic migration policy should not be influenced by short-term volatility in migration and property markets. This report unpacks five key insights into migration and the housing market.

1. Housing tenure of migrants skew to rentals in the short term Fluctuations in overseas migration most immediately impact the rental market, rather than purchases. ABS data on permanent migrant settlement outcomes showed 60.8% of migrant arrivals in the five years to 2021 were renters. The incidence of home ownership was higher among permanent migrants who had been in the country for longer. As of 2021, this included 55.6% of arrivals between 2012 and 2016, and

70.6% of migrant arrivals before 2012 (figure 1).

For temporary migrants, 68.9% of temporary migrants 15 years and older were renters in 2021. This included 91.6% of temporary skilled visa holders, and 83.5% of student visa holders.

2. Migration is high right now is because it was temporarily restricted Australia closed its borders to all non-citizens and non-residents in late March 2020, and fully reopened to vaccinated and non-vaccinated arrivals in July 2022. By March 2023, Australia’s annual population growth hit 2.17%, the highest rate since 2008. Net overseas migration, which is overseas arrivals minus departures , is currently at record highs annually, at 454,000 added to the population in the past 12 months. The pre-COVID decade average of annual net overseas migration is 217,000.

Assuming the average household size of 2.49 people per dwelling in January this year, the year to March would have seen demand for around 182,000 additional dwellings, in a year when around 175,000 dwellings were completed. That’s not to mention new household formation domestically, as young Australians move out, buy first homes, or start their own families. Domestic household formation has increased substantially in recent years amid a reduction

in average household size.

The high level of net overseas migration in the past year is partly a temporary result of the travel ban. It has been pushed higher by a concentrated number of overseas arrivals in a short space of time, and a 22% drop in departures compared to the historic fiveyear average. The decline in departures is explained by the ABS as a lagging result of fewer arrivals in recent years, which has translated to fewer departures a few years later. The record level of arrivals may in part be because of new, and postponed, decisions to come to Australia coalescing.

Without the ban, historic migration patterns suggest net overseas migration would probably be far closer to historic averages for the year to March 2023. Notably though, there has also still been fewer arrivals since COVID than we would have seen without travel restrictions.

The strong spike in migration this year will normalise in time, and should not be an influence on long-term migration policies.

3. The COVID migration ban created volatility in rental markets A temporary cap on migration may relieve housing demand in the short run, but COVID-19 has already demonstrated the longer-term issues with temporary migration caps.

Because housing demand (the movement of people)

is more liquid than housing supply (the construction or acquisition of new housing), the re-opening of international borders created a demand shock, which quickly pushed up rents and worsened an already tight rental market. The demand shock also came amid constraints to new available supply, as sellers were put off by rising interest rates, and new home completions were delayed by increased material costs and labour shortages.

Historically, the SA4 regions with the highest volume of net overseas migration has been Melbourne’s South East and Inner SA4’s as well as Sydney’s Inner South West and Paramatta.

Between July 2022 (when international travel

restrictions eased) and October this year, these areas had among the strongest increases in rent values, averaging 18% growth in rents. Figure 3 shows the positive correlation between growth in rent values since July 2022, and historic volumes of net overseas migration by SA4 region.

This reaffirms the upward pressure overseas migration has had on rents in the short term.

Some markets with high exposure to overseas migration also saw a sharp drop in rent values at the onset of the pandemic.

Between March 2020, when international borders were restricted, to July 2022 when restrictions were eased, Melbourne – Inner rent values rose just 1.1%. This is compared to a 16.4% increase

in rents nationally. Since the pandemic overall, rent growth in the Melbourne – Inner market is 15.7%, which is actually far lower than the national figure of 28.4%.

Interestingly, longer term growth in rent values is actually far less correlated with overseas migration.

Figure 4 compares the volume of net overseas migration by region with rent growth over the past five years. The graph shows the largest, longer-term increases in rents are in resource-based markets and Perth, which has also been subject to volatile economic conditions and housing demand.

High overseas migration markets meanwhile, have had more moderate rental growth in the past five years of between 20% and 30%.

week is set to overtake last week (1,071) as Sydney's

busiest auction week since mid-April 2022 (1,490).

This time last year, the city saw 704 homes go under the hammer.

In anticipation of next week's Melbourne Cup carnival, auction activity across Melbourne is set to plummet this week, with 457 homes expected to go under the hammer.

Last week (1,725) saw Melbourne host its busiest auction week since the week before Easter 2022 (1,795), while 797 auctions were held across the city this week last year.

Adelaide is expecting its busiest auction week of the year-to-date, with 179 homes scheduled for auction, up 5.9% from the week prior (169). Auction activity across Brisbane is set to decline -40.2% week-on-week, with 140 homes set to go under the hammer, while Canberra's auction volume is expected to fall - 12.1% to 145 this week. Across Perth, there are currently 19 homes scheduled for auction, while four auctions are set to be held in Tasmania this week.

Auction Market Preview After recording the busiest auction week of the year-to-date last week, capital city auction activity is set to ease, with 2,105 homes currently scheduled for auction. Led by a decline across Melbourne, this week's expected auction numbers are -37.7% below the 3,381 auctions seen last week and -11.0% below the average weekly volumes (2,365) seen through spring so far. This week last year, weaker selling conditions saw just 1,917 homes auctioned.

Sydney is set to host the

busiest auction market this week, with 1,161 homes

12 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023

scheduled for auction. Up 8.4% week-on-week, this

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14 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023

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16 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023 — 17

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland ईश्वर सब जगह है

ईश्वर एक है , वह सब जगह रहता है । ऐसा वेदों में बताया है , और प्रायः सभी लोग शाब्दिक रूप से ऐसा मानते भी हैं। परन्तु हृदय से इस बात को बहुत कम लोग ही स्वीकार कर पाते हैं, कि ईश्वर एक है , और वह सब जगह रहता है । वेदों के प्रमाण से, इस बात को यदि हृदय से स्वीकार कर लिया जाए, कि ईश्वर हमारे ऊपर नीचे आगे पीछे दाएं बाएं, हमारे अंदर बाहर सब जगह रहता है , तो हमें इससे बहुत अधिक लाभ प्राप्त हो सकते हैं. ऐसा मानने से ईश्वर से हमें मार्गदर्शन आशीर्वाद सरु क्षा सुख ज्ञान बल आनन्द उत्साह निर्भयता सेवा परोपकार दान दया इत्यादि अनेक गुणों की प्राप्ति होती है । यदि आप इन सब गुणों की प्राप्ति ईश्वर से करना चाहते हों, तो उसे इस प्रकार से सर्वव्यापक सर्वशक्तिमान न्यायकारी दयालु आनन्दस्वरूप आदि गुणों वाला स्वीकार करें , और उससे ऊपर बताए अनेक गुणों की प्राप्ति करके, उनको अपने जीवन में धारण करें । ऐसा करने से आपका यह जीवन भी सफल हो जाएगा और अगले जन्मों में भी उसका लाभ मिलेगा।

इतना ही नहीं, आपके वर्तमान जीवन में सुधार आने के साथसाथ, आपके परिवार समाज और राष्ट्र पर भी उसका प्रभाव पड़ेगा।आपके उत्तम जीवन को दे खकर अन्य लोग भी अपनाअपना जीवन सुधारने का प्रयत्न करें गे, जिससे सबका सख ु बढ़े गा। अतः ईश्वर को हृदय से सर्वव्यापक रूप में स्वीकार करें । अपना और सबका कल्याण करें स्वामी विवेकानंद परिव्राजक जी ओ३म ्

सब मिलकर दीपावली मनाएं आओ मिलकर दीप जलाएं रिश्तो की एक नई प्रीत जगाए, आओ सब मिलकर दीपावली मनाएं। आओ मिलकर दीप जलाएं कर दो ऐसे जग सारा रोशन, कहीं छूट न जाए कोई कोना अंधियारा। भूल कर सब द्वेष भावना दोस्ती का नया दीप जलाएं, आओ सब मिलकर दीपावली मनाएं। आओ सब मिलकर रूठो को मनाएं मिठाईयां बांटकर प्यार की मिठास बढ़ाएं, आओ सब मिलकर दीपावली मनाएं। आओ सब मिलकर उजियारे का दीप जलाएं अपने मन से क्रोध और इर्ष्या भगाए, आओ सब मिलकर दीपावली मनाएं। दे खो दे खो दीपावली का पावन अवसर आया। लेकर सुख समद्ृ धि और खुशियों की माला, सब लोग खरीद रहे है नए वस्त्र व आभूषण, दे खो दे खो दीपावली का पावन अवसर आया। बच्चे बूढ़े सभी कर रहे हं सी ठिठोली चारों और खुशियों की लहर फैल रही है , दे खो दे खो दीपावली का पावन अवसर आया। आओ सब मिलकर घी के दीप जलाएं

Deepawali दीपावली

Wherever we may be on this earth, the main message of Deepawali should be embraced in practice,ie to remove ignorance and spread knowledge -true knowledge so that the people can be happier and live together as members of the extended family unit.

And that should start from our own soul cleansingright thinking, right speech, and right action. May the light of lights illuminate our inner selves, enlighten our intellect, increase our understanding and may we prosper on the material as well on spiritual aspects.

Many people all over the world will be celebrating Deepawali this year. The entire Arya-Hindu world with family and friends is engaged in this ancient celebration. Deepawali night is recorded on our lunar calendar as Amavasya, the dark night.

The ancient Rishis were able to measure the ruin that inner darkness brings

to human lives. From ancient times they observed that, because of darkness inside, we humans are unable to control the way we think, speak and act.

They further saw how we constantly struggle to sort out our thoughts, feelings and inclinations, and how we consequently suffer from emotional turbulence. And so, in an effort to help us, the Rishis codified one of our holy days as Deepawali.

They chose a dark night, called Amavasya, and taught us to kindle and arrange little lights in beautiful rows. The whole outer Amavasya atmosphere, usually filled with darkness, is now illumined. This is a meaningful act that points to one simple fact - that the light of wisdom, once kindled, ultimately overcomes our inner darkness of ignorance. This is the basic, fundamental message associated with Deepawali.

Diwali is a festival practised by our forefathers since

18 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023

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 ्

Golden Wedding Anniversary Mr. Hari Chand Ji and Pandita Mrs. Vir Mati Chand Ji celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on Sunday 8/10/2023 at Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre with enriching Havan Satsang -Vedic Dharam prachaar with VED mantras being chanted , heart touching comforting Vedic bhajans and thought provoking ,motivating Vedic discourses/pravachans.

Yajmaan family had made superb arrangements for delicious, flavoursome refreshments/mishtaan for all present.

It was such a special day for the main Yajmaan of our organisationArya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland Inc, family and friends as they celebrated 50 wonderful years of marriage representing harmony, affection, wisdom, tolerance, prosperity,

ancient, Vedic times. With the passage of time, however, many historical events came to be associated with the date of Deepavali.

Deepavali is a festival celebrated by all members of Indian origin irrelevant of their cast, creed and religion with equal enthusiasm. While the rest of the Indians are imbued into the festive mood for the advent the Hindu New Year, the agricultural society is

strength, unity and lifelong love which is nothing short of impressive.

A 50th anniversary celebration holds deep meaning as it signifies the couple’s unwavering commitment and longevity of the love of the two people .

Half a century of unwavering love and commitment and many more to come, ove is a beautiful example. It’s a remarkable achievement that deserves recognition

and a joyous celebration with Havan Yajna to honour the couple’s enduring bond was quite fitting.

Among the many congratulatory messages received, personal congratulations were also received from The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia General David John Hurley, Prime Minister of Australia The Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Speaker Hon.

Milton Dick, Member for Oxley, Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young Governor of Queensland , Premier and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Annastacia Palaszczuk MP, Hon Leeanne Enoch MP Minister for Treaty, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Minister for Communities and Minister for the Arts Member for Algester, Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor Adrian Schrinner, Councillor for Calamvale Ward Angela Owen.

We express our deep gratitude, appreciation to everyone who contributed in any way and participated in this extraordinary celebratory and momentous Wedding Anniversary program. धन्यवाद नमस्ते जी ओ३म ्

in jubilation for a different reason.

Diwali is also the end of the cropping season. This is the time of the year when farmers would be getting the results of their sweat and blood. The farmers hard work they do all through the year is supposed to pay results in terms of a healthy crop. Harvesting period generally bear a lot of prosperity for the farmers.

Thus, the farmers perform

Havan thanking GOD ALMIGHTY for the good quality crop.

Special dishes are made on the harvest festival. Along with the rural farmers, the people living in the urban areas all over the country also commemorate the harvesting season with great dedication. ओ३म ् असतो मा सद्गमय ।ओ३म ् तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय ।ओ३म ् मतृ ्योर्मा अमत ृ ं गमय (Upnishad) O God lead us from untruth to truth.O God lead us from darkness of ignorance to light of knowledge.O God lead us from misery of death to immortality दीपावली मनाएं, परू ी खुशियों के साथ मनाएं । पर दीपावली की विधि कैसी हो, यह विचारने की बात है । अपने घर में उस दिन मित्रों संबंधियों के साथ बैठकर हवन करें , ईश्वर का धन्यवाद करें । अच्छे फल और शुद्ध मिठाइयां खाएं , एक दस ू रे को बधाई दें , एक दोष को छोड़ें और एक अच्छे गण ु को धारण करें । इस दीपावली पर्व पर किसी रोगी विकलांग या गरीब की

मदद करें । आपको निश्चित रूप से आनन्द मिलेगा । दीपावली के दिन आर्य समाज के संस्थापक महर्षि दयानन्द सरस्वती जी का निर्वाण दिवस है , अर्थात उन्होंने अपने नश्वर शरीर का त्याग किया था । वे वेदों के प्रकांड विद्वान, उच्च स्तर के योगी, वैरागी, त्यागी, तपस्वी, आदित्य ब्रह्मचारी, परोपकारी, निष्काम कर्मी, स्त्रियों एवं शद् ू रों के उद्धारक, उन्हें शिक्षा प्राप्ति का अधिकार दिलाने वाले, गौ माता आदि प्राणियों के रक्षक, कुरीतियों के विनाशक, मानव मात्र को धर्म का मार्ग दिखाने वाले, सच्चे ईश्वर का ज्ञान कराने वाले, मोक्ष मार्गी थे . उन्होंने जिन कार्यों को तन, मन, धन लगाकर किया, उन्हीं को परू ा करने की आज समाज को बहुत बड़ी आवश्यकता है आइये, हम उनके इस निर्वाण दिवस पर संकल्प लें, कि "उनके द्वारा आरम्भ किये गए अधूरे कार्यों को हम कुछ न कुछ परू ा करें गे ।मंगलमय पर्व दीपावली के दीयों की तरह, आपके, आपके परिवार, सभी प्रियजनों और मित्रों के जीवन में प्रकाश हो एवं सुख समद्ृ धि बढे ।इसी कामना के साथ दीपावली की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं एवं बहुत बहुत बधाई । ईश्वर की कृपा आप सभी पर सदै व बनी रहे

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023 — 19

FIJI SENIORS FEDERATION NZ AND FIJI GIRMIT FOUNDATION NZ MARK HISTORICAL INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR OLDER PERSONS

LAUNCH OF FIJI SENIORS FEDERATION NZ-CAKE CUTTING

SENIORS PERFORMING A FIJIAN MEKE

PART OF THE AUDIENCE

WAITAKERE SENIORS LADIES DANCE GROUP

Thakur Ranjit Singh, FIJI PUNDIT

It indeed was a day for the Seniors, Elders, or Older Peoples, or whatever you decide to call them, but it was a milestone for Fiji Indian Seniors to have launched FIJI SENIORS FEDERATION NZ on INTERNATIONAL DAY OF OLDER PERSONS on 1 October, 2023.

Fiji Indians who generally feel left out by other organisations decided it as a necessity to unite under their Pacifica identity which they are seeking, under the mentorship and sponsorship from the umbrella body of Fiji Indians in Aotearoa, FIJI GIRMIT FOUNDATION NZ. The event was held at A1 Event Centre in Papatoetoe, Manukau, New Zealand with an overflowing hall with a rolling crowd of over 450 people. It was a day for two-pronged celebration SENIORS DAY, combined with celebrating FIJI DAY. The Fiji day portion was graced by the First Secretary of Fiji High Commission in Wellington, Mela Baba, who passed best wishes of the High Commissioner, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola. She, with all others were also elated at Fiji’s Rugby win against Georgia that morning, and wished Fiji Girmit Foundation NZ best wishes for initiating

and sponsoring the day for the Seniors and uniting them.

The Seniors started filling the hall well before the nominated start time of 10am, with the ten groups bringing their snacks of Samosa, Fried and Boiled Cassava, Gulgula, Indian savouries, Bhajia, Dhokra, Fruit-platter and other mouth-watering finger-foods for the guests.

This was a huge culturallybased welcoming attitude in the largest gathering of Fiji Seniors in one programme, with their numbers exceeding 200 seniors out to celebrate their day.

Formalities included a welcome address by Sam Achary, the Chairperson of Trustees of FIJI GIRMIT FOUNDATION NZ, followed by recognition and a salute to seniors as well as to the sponsors and volunteers by the President of the Foundation, Krish Naidu.

The programme began with older persons wellbeing, safety, security and health in mind. The Counties Manukau Acting Inspector, a Baborn, Steven Smith spoke about Seniors keeping safe,

generally, but particularly from online scams and cold calls.

This was followed by wellbeing exposure on embracing healthy ageing and staying active in the golden years. This was conducted by Vimlesh Shukla, a health care Lecturer, who was able to talk in Fiji Hindi language to engage with Seniors and to pass the important message on elder wellbeing to Fiji Indian seniors.

This wellbeing was further emphasised by Dr Apiu Talemaitoga, a clinical consultant who focussed around staying healthy and a change in habits for better health.

And then the main event of celebrating the Seniors Day began. This was the formal launch of FIJI SENIORS FEDERATION NZ, by cutting the cake together by leaders of the ten seniors’ groups, joined by other dignitaries.

While this was a small step by Fiji Indian Seniors, it however is a leap for the message of unity to the Fiji Indian Diaspora worldwide, to control and overcome

Power of Amazing Grace…

Jesus said “Arise and Shine…”

Key Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:8-10 A paraphrase from St. Paul in the Bible, which states, "Last of all, as to one born abnormally, he appeared to me. For I am the least of the apostles, not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am…”.

Do you understand the power of Amazing Grace?

As the Word of God teaches us: “You shall know the truth and truth shall set you free.

Knowing and understanding the truth is important in any matter.

In legal terms, only truth in the judicial system has power to bring justice.

The Truth is not a concept or a good idea. Here in the Bible

Truth is a person.

And His name is Jesus Christ. One and only true God who can set you free from sins of our live.

It is the relationship that you build with the Truth has the power and capacity to set us free. It is a true freedom from every sin and from eternal death.

To understand the truth, we must understand Grace of

20 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023

God. It is clearly and powerfully revealed in the Bible. From creation to redemption of human history, God displays His love for humans.

Grace as defined in Christian theology, is the spontaneous, unmerited gift of the divine favour in the salvation of sinners; and the divine influence operating in individuals for their regeneration (of spirit) and sanctification (of life).

This is the true story of John Newtown. In 1748, this English slave trader, during his return voyage to England aboard the ship Greyhound; John Newton had a powerful spiritual encounter with Jesus Christ.

He awoke to find the ship caught in a severe storm off the coast of Donegal, Ireland and about to sink. In his desperation, Newton began praying for God's mercy, after which the storm began to die down. After a month in the sea, his ship safely reached Ireland.

This experience marked the

their personal egos, and work together as illustrated through the unity shown by matured, compassionate and caring leadership of Older Persons in Auckland.

And then began the Jadoo, the magical programme of Seniors, with magic show by Jai Prasad from Papatoetoe Seniors, a thrilling Girmit Dance by Shivarchan Trust Seniors. This was followed by a stage-shattering Bollywood and Garba number by very elegantly dressed, and well-choreographed dance by ladies from the only Seniors Group from West Auckland, Waitakere Seniors Association.

In recognition of Fiji Day, Damoni Seniors Fiji Indian members performed a Fijian Meke. Then Manukau Seniors, led by Vishnu took us into the old art of Laathi, the staff/stick fight and defence. The stage was also stolen by a fashion show from South East Auckland Seniors (SEASCA) with their fashion parade, showing dressing, clothing and dresses of various parts of India, with relevant songs and dances.

Items were also performed

by South Auckland Seniors (SASCA) and Fiji Indian Seniors Group.

In between we had Jack Punja with his thrilling Mohammed Rafi numbers on karaoke, joined by a hilarious Fiji Indian “funny-falla”, the famous DJ Sarra, using the sweetness of Fiji Hindi to create humour, in the footsteps of the legend John Mohammed.

Indeed, Fiji Hindi is a rich mixture of language, developed in cane farms and difficult environments of Girmit where various Indian dialects, Fijian and English intermixed together to create a chop suey or khichri, mixed rice, of unique conversational Fiji Hindi, or Fiji Baat (not “bat”) which creates richness, humour and friendship amongst those from Fiji.

Fiji Hindi is a free-flowing conversational language without grammar or structure. And DJ Sarra has a unique art of bringing this out to create comedy, ability for us to laugh at our way of speaking - and celebrating our culture -and the Seniors.

beginning of his born again experience to Christianity.

He began to read the Holy Bible and other Christian literature. By the time he reached Britain, he had accepted the Jesus as His Lord and Saviour. The date was 10 March 1748, an anniversary he marked for the rest of his life.

From that point on, he avoided profanity, gambling and drinking. Although he continued to work in the slave trade for some time. But later John Newton influenced William Wilberforce to abolish slave trading.

John Newtown deep convictions were beautifully written out in His Hymn song of praise to Jesus. This song has comforted, strengthened and healed many broken hearts.

More than two centuries later, this song can strike deep chords into listeners heart. Listen to the following lyrics of former slave trader who encountered Jesus as his Amazing Grace.

Amazing grace how sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost, but now I'm found Was blind, but now I see 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear And grace my fears relieved How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed The Lord has promised good to me His word my hope secures He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures When we’ve been there ten thousand years Bright shining as the sun We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise Than when we first begun We hope that our readers take into their heart this amazing grace. We all have sinned like John Newton. We all were blind and hopeless wretch.

But when we open our hearts to the amazing grace of God, we too can experience Christ’s forgiveness and reconciliation.

The day’s programme was rounded off with Manurewa Network Seniors, who had commenced the event with national anthem. They also closed the programme with the iconic Itaukei farewell song, Isa Lei sung by all.

Of course, no Fijian or Fiji Indian networking or event is complete without Kava - or feasting. After having bowlfull of delicious snacks, the remainder volume was taken by a sumptuous Fiji Indian meal, with a taste of Fiji, not adulterated by any cream of other additions. There is something unique about FijiIndian-type meals where you get the real taste of food.

The verdict of the Seniors was that they wish for more of such outings, networking and wellbeing network, a day out with fellow seniors, where they are shown respect and they the main focus. Requests have come from other Senior Groups wishing to be part of the inspirational FIJI SENIORS FEDERATIOPN NZ. Those others wishing to join are free to come under the wider banner of FIJI GIRMIT FOUNDATION NZ. A salute to the leadership of FIJI SENIORS FEDERATION NZ for their willingness to join and celebrate healthy and dignified ageing-together.

Wishing all Elder people, a happy and dignified ageing, best wishes for International Day for Older Persons and blessings and best wishes for a happy Fiji Day. [About the Author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is a journalist and a media commentator. He is a Founding Trustee of Fiji Girmit Foundation NZ and is Secretary and Coordinator of Fiji Seniors Federation NZ. He is involved with wellbeing of Seniors in Auckland. He runs his blog, FIJI PUNDIT. Email: thakurjifj@gmail.com]

We can experience a true and meaningful relationship with our Creator and King.

Therefore, we invite you to enter into a life giving relationship with Amazing Grace Giver Jesus.

We invite you to pray this simple prayer with a sincere heart.

Dear Father God, Today, I thank you for your word that has touched my heart. Thank you for your amazing grace. I sincerely repent of my wrongs and I confess with my mouth ‘Jesus is Lord’. And I believe in my heart that Jesus died for my sins, God raised Jesus from the dead for my Mukti (Salvation). Help me to know Jesus more and more so that I can grow in the knowledge of your grace and mercy. Teach me your ways so that I can be person who will learn to honour you and learn to love each other.

Amen.

Our email: navig8grace@ gmail.com

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023 — 21

Chakravarti Rajagopalachari Chakravarti Rajagopalachari also known as Rajaji was an Indian lawyer, freedom fighter, statesman and writer. He was elected premier of the Madras presidency during the British rule and became the chief minister of Tamil Nadu after Indian independence. He was the last and only Indian governor-general of independent India.

Early life – Rajagopalachari was born on 10 December 1878 in Thorapalli village in Hosur taluk of Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu. He was the third and last child of Chakravarti Venkatarya and his wife Singaramma.

The family followed the Shree Vaishnav Sampraday and Lord Venkateshwar of Tirupati was its highly revered deity.

Venkatarya was a Munsif or headman of the village Thorapalli.

Under the prevailing system, the munsif was an important position. He collected land tax, wrote reports for district officials, communicated and explained the government’s order to residents, drafted their petitions and settled petty disputes.

Rajagopalachari’s parents called him by nickname Rajan. His arrival proved to be auspicious for the family and the region, which had been inflicted by famine in preceding years. During the years following his birth, there was copious rainfall that resulted in abundant harvests, which ended the famine. When Rajan was four years old, his father was promoted to become the munsif of Hosur, officiating for a taluk with a significantly larger population.

As a child, Rajan was admitted to the village school in Thorapalli and then moved with his family to Hosur where he was enrolled at R.V. Government Boys Higher Secondary School. At the age of thirteen, he passed his matriculation examination, and in 1894, he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from Central College, Bengaluru. He enrolled at the Presidency College, Chennai to study law and passed the Bachelor of law examinations in January 1900.

Rajagopalachari set up his legal practice in Salem, headquarters of the district to which Thorapalli and Hosur belonged. His practice flourished and soon he established himself as a successful lawyer. His family lived with him in a large house.

He was the first in Salem to buy a car. He could afford to maintain a high living standard for his extended family.

Rajagopalachari married Alamelu Mangalamma in 1897.

The couple had five children, three sons named Krishnaswami, Ramaswami and Narasimhan, and two daughters, Namagiri and Lakshmi. Narasimhan served as a member of the Indian parliament from 1952 to 1962. Lakshmi married Devadas Gandhi, the son of Mahatma Gandhi.

In early 1915, Rajaji fell seriously ill with severe asthma and pneumonia. His condition became critical. At the same time his wife Mangalamma too had an alarming fever. Despite her own illness, she resolved to pray for her husband’s life. Duly purified and dressed in traditional wedded wife’s robes and makeup, she supplicated Lord Venkateshwar.

She pledged that if her husband recovered, she would donate her jewellery to the Tirupati temple.

Surprisingly, Rajaji’s condition started improving the same night

and soon he did fully recuperate.

However, Mangalamma’s condition further deteriorated.

Doctors from Salem and Bangalore treated her and Rajaji nursed her but she could not recover. She passed away at the age of twentynine before offering her jewellery to Tirupati temple. Rajaji partially fulfilled her wish to donate jewellery, as a number of her jewels were unfortunately stolen before he could donate. At the time of her death, their youngest daughter was only three years old.

Rajaji became solely responsible for the upbringing of his children.

He did not marry again.

Politics – He took notice of national events from an early age.

He was delighted when he came across a poster celebrating the release of independence leader Bal Gangadhar Tilak from jail in 1898. Inspired by Tilak, Rajaji became interested in politics after he began his practice in Salem.

He was mindful of the boycott of British goods following the partition of Bengal in 1905.

He became a member of the Indian National Congress and attended the 1906 Kolkata session. He noticed the divergent approaches of national leaders to obtaining Indian self-rule from the British. Rajaji sympathised with those leaders who supported dynamic actions for change. He also attended the 1907 Surat session where Congress split.

In 1911, Rajaji was elected a member of the Salem municipality and in 1917 he became its chairman. He served at this position until 1919. During his chairmanship, he tried to curtail liquor consumption and remove untouchability. He appointed people from the Dalit community in the municipality.

He also supported Dalit students by making possible for them to secure admission to training schools.

In 1918 Rajaji, defended independence leader P. Varadarajulu Naidu who was arrested and charged with sedition. The High Court judges acquitted Naidu based on arguments offered by Rajaji. His fame soared.

Rajaji followed Mahatma Gandhi’s writings, speeches and his activities. After Gandhi returned to India, and became actively engaged in national freedom movement, Rajaji became one of his devoted followers.

In March 1919, Rajaji moved to Chennai, the presidency’s capital.

The Rowlatt Acts had passed and Gandhi decided to oppose it through Satyagrah. Seeking support for his action, Gandhi arrived in Chennai. He stayed at Rajaji’s residence, where he made the decision to start Hartal on 6th April to protest against the Rowlatt Acts.

Rajaji made his first journey to North India to attend the Amritsar session of the Congress in December 1919. It was an opportunity for him to meet people who would be his future colleagues, including Jawaharlal Nehru and Rajendra Prasad.

He was appointed convener for Madras presidency of the Congress Jallianwala Committee to mobilise southern opinion over the Punjab.

In December 1920, the annual session of Congress was held in Nagpur. The main resolution on Non-Cooperation was passed during this session. Rajaji was

22 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023

selected to the position of General Secretary and also a member of the Working Committee of the Congress. He left his legal practice in 1921 before the start of the noncooperation movement to devote his service fulltime to the national cause. Rajaji was arrested for defying a government order against organising meetings and was held in Vellore central jail. He was released on 20 March 1922.

Rajaji commenced editing Young India, Gandhi’s publication, in April 1922, when Gandhi was in prison. During the 1922 Congress session in Gaya, Rajaji strongly opposed collaboration with the colonial administration.

During Gandhi’s absence, Rajaji led the group of No Changers who opposed contesting elections for the imperial legislative council and other provincial councils. The Pro-Changers advocated council entry.

During the session NoChangers won a majority of votes and senior Congress leaders were forced to resign.

Rajaji was a member of the Civil Disobedience Enquiry Committee when the party split in 1923. He was also inolved in the Vaikom Satyagrah movement against untouchabilitity during 1924-25 in the Kingdom of Travancore, Kerala.

Rajagopalachari established a Gandhi Ashram at Pudupalayam, in the present-day Salem district of Tamil Nadu. From this ashram, he organised constructive work to help depressed class people of the region. He became unequivocal leader of prohibition against alcohol consumption, which was an important cause of backwardness and poverty.

By early 1930, Rajaji emerged as one of the major leaders of the Tamil Nadu Congress. During the Salt Satyagrah of 1930, Rajaji violated the salt laws at Vedaranyam, where he reached with Satyagrahis after sixteen days of march. On 30th April while illegally holding salt in his hand, he was arrested and sentenced to six months of imprisonment.

Following his release from prison, he was asked to submit Rs 500 bond for peaceful behaviour.

He refused and for his rebuff he was sentenced for a year on October 25, 1930. On 26 January 1931 he was released along with other Congress leaders. He was re-arrested in January 1932, after the failure of second Round Table Conference and was sentenced for six months. He was released from jail in July and became the Acting President of Congress.

During Gandhi’s “fast unto death” against the Communal Award to untouchables, Rajaji, Ambedkar and others negotiated the deal which resulted in the Pune Pact.

He was elected President of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee.

Following the enactment of the Government of India Act in 1935, the Indian National Congress came to power in 1937 in the Madras Presidency. Rajaji became its first Premier. He removed restrictions on depressed class from entering temples. He also introduced prohibition along with a sales tax to compensate for the loss of government revenue. He introduced Hindi in educational institutions, which was later repelled due to protest by its opponents.

After the outbreak of the Second World War, Rajaji resigned as premier along with other members of his cabinet.

He was arrested in December 1940 and sentenced to one year imprisonment. He was released in October 1941. He opposed Quit India movement and advocated dialogue with the British.

In 1942, he resigned from the Congress following differences over resolutions passed by the Madras Congress legislative party and disagreements with the leader of the provincial Congress.

He was readmitted into the Congress in August 1945. From 1946 to 1947, Rajaji served as the Minister for Industry, Supply, Education and Finance in the Interim Government headed by Jawaharlal Nehru.

Post Independence – After India won its independence, Rajaji was appointed first governor of West Bengal. His appointment was opposed by some Bengalis for his prior criticism of Subhas

Chandra Bose and C. R. Das. However, the state chief minister and cabinet highly regarded and respected Rajaji. He served at this position from 1947 to 1948.

From 10 until 24 November 1947, Lord Mountbatten, the Governor-General of India was on leave in England to attend the wedding of Princess Elizabeth with Prince Philip. During his absence, Rajaji served as Acting Governor-General of India.

When Mountbatten left India for good, Rajaji was appointed the Governor-General of India. He served on the post from 21 June 1948 until 26 Jaunary 1950.

Towards late 1949, it was commonly believed that Rajaji would become President when India became a republic, due to his role of Governor-General.

Nehru supported him but Rajaji withdrew his candidature due to opposition from those concerned about his earlier position on Quit India movement.

On Nehru’s invitation, Rajaji joined the Nehru Cabinet as a minister without portfolio. He served as a buffer between Nehru and Sardar Patel, and on occasion offered to mediate between the two. Following Patel’s death in December 1950, Rajaji became the Home Affair Minister and served for about ten months.

Differences between Rajaji and Nehru became apparent. Rajaji submitted his resignation and returned to Chennai.

In 1952 election, Congress was reduced to a minority in Tamil Nadu. The state governor appointed Rajaji chief minister after nominating him to the Legislative Council. By luring MLAs from opposition parties, he was able to prove his majority in the assembly.

In 1953, he introduced a new education scheme known as the "Modified System of Elementary Education". In this model, students were required to attend school only three hours a day and were expected to learn the family vocation at home during the remainder of the day.

The plan was sharply criticised and protested as a paradigm to maintain caste domination. He eventually resigned from his post in April 1954 citing poor health as his reason.

After his resignation, he took a break from active politics. He devoted his time and energy to literary works. On Republic Day 1955, Rajaji was awarded India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna. He resigned from the Congress and later in 1959, started a new rightwing Swatantra Party, which survived for only a few elections.

By November 1972, Rajaji’s health had declined.

After celebrating his 94th birthday, he was admitted to the Government Hospital Chennai, where he passed away on 25 December 1972.

Rajaji was an accomplished writer both in his mother tongue Tamil as well as English. He authored an abridged retelling of the Mahabharat and the Ramayan.

He also wrote commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads. He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1958. He was one of the founders of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, an organisation dedicated to the promotion of education and Indian culture.

Awadhesh Sharma www.hinduguru.com.au

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023 — 23

The yogic techniques & the auspicious science of mantras to remove, stress, anxiety, mind-wandering, destroying all sins and attaining bliss. Part -2

The content of this article is taken from the satsang (spiritual discourse) of H.H. Sant Shri Asharamji Bapu. Swami Vivekananda addressed the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in September 1893.

A hundred years after him, Pujya Bapuji addressed the same Parliament in September 1993 and the whole parliament reverberated with the chanting of Hari Om. Both of these world-renowned spiritual leaders addressed the audience for a much longer period than the given time and the audience were absorbed in listening to them.

To save the youth who are being ruined due to the lustful festivals like valentine’s day, in 2007 Pujya Bapu ji-initiated celebrations of Matri-Pitri Pujan Diwas (Parents’ worship day) on 14th February. Pujya Bapu ji felt that, due to the blind imitation of Western culture there has been a steep rise in the incidences of alcoholism, suicide, and other immoral activities, especially among the youth during the last week of December. To rescue the youth from this debauchery and denigration, Pujya Bapu ji came up with the idea of worshipping a sacred Tulsi plant (holy basil).

So, with a view to awaken the cultural pride of India and to save the countrymen from mental slavery, in 2014, he initiated celebration of Tulsi pujan on 25th December.

Pujya Bapu ji has always emphasized the necessity to follow rich Indian culture and always said that it is only the Indian culture and Sanatana dharma which can give the world true happiness & peace.

Dear readers, in the last month’s article, we read about some yogic techniques and the power of mantras explained by Pujya Bapu ji.

In this article, emphasising the necessity of mantra japa, Pujya Bapu ji explains about the infinite glory of mantra japa in this Kali Yuga. How by mantra japa alone one can get rid of innumerable sins accumulated in the past lives?

Let’s read Bapu ji’s sermon and implement in our lives.

Quoting from Gita Pujya Bapuji says that Shri Krishna said in Gita (10.25): यज्ञानां जपयज्ञोस्म.......

‘Among sacrifices I am the chanting of the holy names [japa]. ' It occurs even in ‘Shri Rama Charita Manasa’ (Uttara Kanda: 102.2) कलिजग ु केवल हरी गन ु गाहा।

गावत नर पावहि भाव थाहा।। “Even in the Kali age, man reaches the end of mundane existence simply by singing Shri Hari's praises/' Many are the benefits of doing Japa of a mantra. नामु लेत भवसिंधु सुखाहीं। “Through the repetition of His name, the ocean of mundane existence dries up."

What is Japa? Ja stands for cessation of birth, Pa stands for destruction of sins. Thus, that which releases one from the cycle of birth by destroying all sins is Japa. ‘Japa is the art of forming a relationship with the Supreme Self. In the gap between two consecutive thoughts, one experiences supreme peace. Japa is an extremely useful means towards achieving such a state. It is therefore said: अधिकस्य अधिकम फलम। “Doing more Japa gives more fruit."

Pujya Bapuji has greatly obliged society by giving Guru Mantra, an easy means to God-realization, to millions in this terrible age of Kali.

Pujya Shri told us the glory of mantra to kindle interest in doing Japa; then he taught us the method of doing Japa: How to do japa, where and when to do japa, how to get success quickly in it; types of japa; different mantras and their respective benefits; precautions required while doing japa, etc.

In the nectarine satsang of Pujya Bapuji, we find a mention about the glory of the auspicious Guru Mantra which destroys all sins, and does good to all and does not part company even after his death: “In a Yajna (fire sacrifice), if you commit a mistake in the pronunciation of some mantra, or if you perform a Yajna with a selfish motive, it may cause some problem; however, while doing Japa of the Name divine, if you mistakenly utter ‘Mara, Mara' instead of ‘Rama, Rama’, He still knows that you are but calling Him alone. उल्टा नामु जपत जगु जाना। बाल्मीकि भय ब्रह्म समाना। “The whole world knows how Valmiki became as good as Brahma (God himself) by repeating the Name (Rama) in the reverse way (Mara)."

(Shri Kama Charita Manasa Ayodhya Kanda: 193.4) The Yajna that is performed by lighting a fire is all well and good in its own place; but if one receives the Guru Mantra and does Japa

24 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023

of the same, it is a hundred times more beneficial than the above type of Yajnas.

The performance of a fire sacrifice requires the help of Brahmins who conduct it by the prescribed method, and money for buying necessary materials; whereas, in doing Japa, you just have to take your rosary in your hand and start it, anywhere, anytime.

Pujya Bapuji mentioned in his nectarine Satsang: One repeating the Divine Name or Om wouldn’t need to take recourse to varieties of medicines, tonics, capsules and injections for one's health. The joy of devotion keeps one healthy enough. He need not depend on impure alcoholic drinks and stale food in clubs for joy.

Doing Japa of the Divine Name is not an act or deed, but a calling out to God with the sense of ownness with Him. This calling out obliterates latent impressions and desires. In Satya Yuga, people need to observe the vow of truthfulness for 12 years to gain something (religious merits); in Treta Yuga, one practices penance, while in Dwapara Yuga, fire sacrifice and worship of God brings one religious merit and eliminates his sins and afflictions. However, in Kali Yuga, just by doing Japa of the Name Divine one’s sins and afflictions are destroyed beyond one’s imagination. जब ही नाम ह्रदय धरयो भयो पाप को नास। जैसे चिनगी आग की पड़ी परु ाने घास।। When a spark of fire falls on a pile of dry grass it reduces the latter into ashes; the Name Divine, when received from the Guru and repeated while contemplating its meaning, it removes all adversities in life; it also continues to eliminate latent impressions of numerous past lives while increasing divine peace, love and bliss within, finally leading the individual soul to absolute contentment by attaining

its divine opulence. One attains the supreme gainBrahmajnana (realization of Brahman).

The regular repetition of the Divine Name will kindle and increase inner joy. Do japa regularly with divine love and reverence, while contemplating on its meaning. You will become established in the Supreme Self (God) and divine bliss.

Guru Mantra does not leave you until you attain the Supreme Self. It leads you to God through spiritual journey even after death. So that you do not sustain a downfall...

There are 1440 minutes in 24 hours. Try spending at least 440 minutes for attainment of the Divine (every day). If you are unable to do that, spend at least 240 minutes. If you are unable to do that, spend at least 140 minutes; and if you can’t afford even that, just spend 100 minutes, i.e. one hour and 40 minutes per day for the Divine; and the Divine (Supreme Self), Whose existence lends reality to the birth of your body. Whose existence keeps your heart beating, will Himself reveal in your heart before long.

You have 24 hours every day. Spend 6 out of that for sleeping and 8 for earning your livelihood. This totals 14 hours. 10 hours are left.

If you spend even 5 hours in various activities and even gossip, you are still left with 5 hours to worship God. If you are unable to spend 5 hours, earmark 4,3,2 or at least 1.5 hours daily for spiritual practice! And this 1.5 hours of practice will bring about a radical transformation in your life.

The regular Japa of the Guru-mantra with due faith will kindle the fire of separation from the Divine in your heart, and you will develop a yearning for Godrealization. Just like the hunger experienced during a fast eliminates your physical ailments, the yearning for God-realization will eliminate

defects of your mind and intellect and remove your grief and sins.

You will sometimes experience pangs of separation from God and sometimes love for Him. Love will give rise to joy and pangs of separation will give rise to yearning.

Japa of the Divine Name will bring about a phenomenal change in your life. One must repeat the Divine Name at least 1000 times daily, i.e. 10 malas; which will not only ensure spiritual progress, but also prevent your downfall.

Understand the meaning of your Guru Mantra and repeat it devoutly. This will prove highly beneficial.

It occurs in the scriptures: दे वाधीनं जगत्सर्व मंत्राधीनाश्च दे वता:। “The universe is under the power of God; the gods are under the power of mantras.”

Sant Charanadasji Maharaj said a sublime fact: श्वास - श्वास सुमिरन करो यह उपाय अति नेक। ‘Remember the Divine on each and every breath.

This measure is very true.’

SantTulsidasaji said: विवसहुँ जासु नाम नर कहहिं। जनम अनेक रचित अध ् दहहीं।। “If men repeat His Name even in a helpless state, sins committed by them in a series of previous existences are burnt away."

(Shri Ramacharitamanasa Bala Kanda: 118.2) If one is made to repeat the Divine Name, even in a helpless state under coercion, it still destroys sins accumulated over many past lives; then what to speak of the bright future and merits of those who do japa of the Divine Name devoutly and meditate on God? Guru-mantra: A Mass of Power Extremely great is the glory of the Divine Name.

If I say: ‘Ahmedabad', it includes only the city of Ahmedabad excluding

Surat, Gandhinagar, Rajkot etc. When I say: ‘Gujarat'; it includes Surat, Gandhinagar, Rajkot and other cities of the state. However, this still leaves Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, etc.; but if I mention the five-letter name ‘India’, it includes all states and towns of the nation.

Likewise, the Guru-mantra including the Divine Name is the name of the Divine Existence, Guru Existence that pervades not only the Earth but all the 14 worlds and countless Universes (Brahniandas), and includes all the supernatural powers and divine powers in it.

A Sadhaka should do Japa constantly. Continuous Japa of the Divine Name is especially beneficial.

The Mantragod helps miraculously in restraining passions of the mind, removing obstacles on the way and awakening the 15 divine powers.

Doing japa of the Name Divine repeatedly gives rise to divine joy, divine bliss and divine ambrosia within.

The divine aura produced by the repetition of the Divine Name not only cleanses the five subliminal sheaths of your consciousness viz., Annamayakosha, Pranamayakosha, manomayakosha, vjnanamayakosha and anandamayakosha, but also satisfies your mind.

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

To know more about His Divine Holiness Bapu ji, please watch this video. https://bit.ly/2uZvJuN For more info about Bal Sanskar and yoga sessions, to get a free copy of monthly spiritual magazine RishiPrasad in your mailbox in Australia or to get free online subscription of Rishi -Prasad, please contact by email at bskamd@gmail.com or by WhatsApp/phone to Shri Yoga Vedanta Seva Samiti Au & NZ Inc. at +61 426 834 434 & +61 405 277 802.

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

When: Sunday, 19th Nov 2023

5:00pm Bhajans, Kirtans & Katha.

6:30pm: Abhishek & Annakut Arpan.

Then Arti & Maha Prasad (Dinner) Food Sponsor - $400.00

We cordially Invite everyone to come over and please bring along a sweet Dish for Chappan Bhog (No namkeen please!)

Contact: Rajesh Gopal: 04223 44046, Devika Maharaj: 04248 91159, Ranil Dayal 0403 146575, The Temple 5548 6814 For online donation facility visit: http://shreevishnumayamandir.org.au

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

Conducted by: Dharam Guru Pundit Tripathi Ji

Kanya Daan $111.00 & Maha Prasad Sponsor $400.00 Baraat (Wedding Procession) will leave Pundit Ji’s residence at 6:30pm for the Wedding Venue – Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir.

We invite everyone to please come and witness this “Wedding” and enjoy the “Wedding Feast” (Maha Prasad) while getting blessed.

When: Sunday, 26th November 2023 Celebration will be from 5:00pm onwards.

Please regard this as a personal invitation to everyone.

Bhajans, Kirtans, Tulasi Vivah & Poojan. *Special Vivah Geet* Maha Prasad will be served after the wedding

Rajesh Gopal: 04223 44046, Ranil Dayal: 04031 46575, Devika Maharaj 04248 91159, The Temple 5548 6814 For secured online donation facility visit: http://shreevishnumayamandir.org.au

Call: (07) 3192 5188

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023 — 25

Knowledge and Progress 20 November 1966 DMC, Patna By Shrii Shrii Anandamurti What is jinána [knowledge]? It is subjectivization of the external objectivity.

It leads a person from crudity to subtlety; that is, wherever this tendency is found, that can be termed jinána, and where the tendency is not present, [there is no] jinána.

And what is the base of jinána? Where jinána is completely physical, its base is the mind; where it is entirely spiritual, its base is the soul. Jinána unifies the mind with the átman; this itself is the greatest quality of jinána. That jinána which does not unify the mind with the átman, is not jinána but the confusion of jinána. Because of this so-called jinána, vanity creeps into a person. If you see a person with vanity, you must understand that that person has no knowledge, but the confusion of knowledge.

In the fifteenth century in India, and especially in Bengal, this confusion of knowledge developed excessively. The

people of Bengal would keep arguing about minor things. For hours together they would talk about subjects such as sound, shape, etc. They thought themselves to be great in doing so, and the person having victory considered himself to be a great pandit. But these persons were neither pandits nor jinániis. They were not pandits because they were not established in panda bháva [the feeling that one is Brahma], nor were they jinániis, as their knowledge had not been subjectivized. They were arguing about pátrádhára taela or taeládhára pátra [“whether the pot is the container of the oil or the oil is contained in the pot”].

There was once an argument between two great pandits as to whether the sound of a falling palm-fruit is produced first, or the palm-fruit falls first. The discussion continued for a good number of months, but with no decision. They then decided

26 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023

to see practically, sitting under a tree one night, whether the palm-fruit falls first or the sound is produced first. The next morning it was found that both of them had been killed by palm-fruits falling on their heads. Hence this so-called knowledge is not a knowledge at all, but the confusion of knowledge, which you surely do not want to possess.

In the first stage, the mind itself is the base of knowledge. What is the mind? The structure of human beings is metazoic.

In that structure there are innumerable protozoa, protozoic minds, and protozoic microcosms. The resultant of all these protozoic microcosms is in the human mind. And in this metazoic structure there are metazoic minds, and with them are metazoic microcosms. Actually, each metazoic mind is a collection of [a number of] protozoic minds. For a human with a

complex physical structure, there is also a unit mind.

So the mind of a human has three compartments: the first is the collective protozoic [mind], the second is the collective metazoic mind, and the third is his or her own separate mind. Taking all three together, we get a human’s unit mind.

The protozoic minds are guided by instinct only.

The protozoic mind is citta only, with no development of aham[tattva] or mahattattva. Ingesting food, supporting offspring – this is all done instinctively, according to their svabháva [spontaneously], the reasons being quite unknown to those creatures. The earthworm does not know that it is an earthworm.

It moves instinctively, spontaneously, according to its undeveloped mind. The protozoic minds and the protozoic microcosm can be said to be the physical mind. A protozoic creature has only physical mind.

The collection of protozoic minds in the human can be said to be the physical mind of the human, known as the [kámamaya kośa]. It is guided by instinct, there is no discrimination.

But the metazoic mind moves with some intellect, or discrimination, as there has been some development of intellect in it. Hence the metazoic mind has control over the protozoic mind. The more the metazoic mind is developed in a creature, the more developed the creature is; that is, a metazoic structure will be more complicated. And where this complication has increased considerably, that physical structure is the human physical structure.

The individual mind in a human is a metazoic mind. Some one million years ago, the first parents of humanity were australopithecines. The metazoic minds of the then people were very, very simple as compared to those of present-day people. Hence in the intellectual realm, the then people were quite underdeveloped. In the course of this one million years, the metazoic structure and physical structure of humans became very complicated.

This resulted in the complication of their metazoic minds, too. Different propensities, a number of propensities, were added to their minds. The number of propensities in the human mind is far more than in animals’ minds. The reason is that the metazoic structure, the physical structure, of a human is very complicated, hence the human’s metazoic mind is very developed.

The whole of a person comprises the person’s own mind, the person’s physical mind, and the metazoic minds. But in the protozoic minds there is a dominance of instinct. An animal does not understand discrimination, but the stick. You know that a person within whom there is a dominance of animality does not agree with logic, but [understands discipline].

You know that at the time of the fight between the Kaoravas and the Pándavas, the latter [tried] very reasonably to make the former understand, but in vain. Yudhiśthira even prayed to God for a change in them. There was the grace of Paramátman also, but they were too crude to understand this. But they could very easily understand when they heard the thundering sound of Gándiiva [the bow of Arjuna].

Hence the protozoic mind succumbs to physical [discipline], and nothing else.

All the protozoic minds in a human try to influence the human mind. The metazoic minds try to do likewise. Where the personal mind of a human is not vigilant, it becomes influenced by the protozoic minds and the metazoic minds. The person is led towards animality. But when the personal mind is vigilant, it has full control over the protozoic and metazoic minds. To maintain control is an internal fight. This fight is [the] first stage of sádhaná. This fight is quite essential for sádhaná. On the one side there is dharma buddhi [good thought], and on the other, the forces of instincts.

Protozoic minds move instinctively, whereas metazoic minds move with abhijinátá [acquaintance, experience]. Hence undeveloped and underdeveloped metazoic structures work with both acquaintance and experience. Sub-human animals such as dogs and monkeys learn through this acquaintance [and experience]. The mind of an Alsatian dog becomes developed a lot when it comes in contact with a trainer; that is, it learns through training, for it has a metazoic mind. The jinána of a protozoic mind, that is, instinct only, is known as “physical knowledge”.

The knowledge that a human acquires in touch with physicality is in its first stage physico-psychic.

And when this physico-psychic knowledge becomes established in the mind, it is known as “psychic knowledge”. And psychic knowledge, when it is translated into the physical world, is psycho-physical knowledge.

CONTD. ON NEXT MONTH

HINDU SOCIETY OF QLD INC.

ESTABLISHED 1992, INCORPORATION No IA09788 ABN 625150008 806 ADDRESS: 178 Lyndhurst Road, BOONDALL, QLD 4034 POSTAL ADDRESS: PO BOX 73, TAIGUM, QLD 4018 Phone (07) 3865 3164 Face Book: Hindu Society of QLD’s Gayatri Mandir Email: gayatrimandirqld@gmail.com OFFICE BEARERS: President: Dr Jai Ram 0418786919 | Secretary: Nirmala Shandil 0466436964| Treasurer: Rajneel Raj 0420314465

HINDU SOCIETY OF QLD INC NOTICE OF AGM MEETING To all Financial members

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General meeting of the Hindu Society of Queensland will be held at Gayatri Mandir at 178 Lyndhurst Street Boondall Qld 4034 on Sunday 26 November 2023 at 10.am.

AGENDA 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Welcome by Chair President’s Report 2023 Financials/Accounts report Election of office bearers for 2023-24 Appointment of Auditor General business

Members or person who wish to nominate a name for a position on the management committee may do so by filing nominations in nomination form for the position. Nomination and proxy forms for the meeting can be obtained by contacting the Secretary on 0466436964 or email at nimshandil@gmail.com or gayatrimandirqld@gmail.com Please note the deadline for submission of the Nomination and Proxy Forms is strictly 5pm Sunday 19th November. All physical forms must be addressed and hand delivered or Post mailed to the Secretary and be received before the deadline.

Email / electronic copy of forms will not be accepted and any forms received after the deadline will not be considered or accepted.

This notice is given that pursuant to Rule 24(4) of the Constitution.

Dated the

31st

day of October

2023

Nirmala Shandil -----------------------------------Secretary Hindu Society of Qld Inc

Call: (07) 3192 5188

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023 — 27

Who, What, Where, When...

On the auspicious day of Sharad Purnima, Shri Satyanarayan Puja was performed by Pt Sanat Pandey at Baldev ji & Shushma Sharma ji’s house on 28th October 2023 with Family and friends and a special visit from Cr Angela Owen.

Durga Pooja held at Vedanta Centre in Springfield attracted a record number of attendees.

The panel in conversations with Brisbane’s multicultural communities at the Office of Home Affairs on Multicultural Framework review for Australia

Taiwan Director-General William Fan, Melody Chan, Susan Yang and Umesh Chandra OAM at the official launch of the Taiwan Film Festival

Invited dignitaries at the official launch of the Taiwan Film Festival in Brisbane 28 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023

Who, What, Where, When...

From Left Umesh Chandra OAM, Fiona Southwood-commanding officer HMAS Moreton, Councillor Steven Toomey- Gap Ward and John Paul Langbroek, deputy leader of the opposition

Steve Minnikin, Dr Coung Bui OAM, Umesh Chandra OAM, Serge Voloschenko and David Widjaja at the BCC Citizenship ceremony

Councillor Vicki Howard, pictured with Umesh Chandra OAM hosted the Jacaranda and Jazz Festival in New Farm Park.

The Jazz band performed popular numbers to the delight of many at New Farm Park for the Jacaranda and Jazz Festival.

Halloween lunch at Radio 4EB

Guests at the launch of BYD Brisbane's flagship showroom

Queensland Multicultural Council EC members prepare for their upcoming AGM Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com.au

Shelly Oberoi, Mayor of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, at the studios of Australian Indian Radio THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023 — 29

The Holy Quran and Modern Scientific Discoveries By : ML.M.Nawaaz Ashrafi

“Behold! In the creation Of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of Night and Day – There are indeed Signs For men of understanding.” [Al-Quran 3:190] Introduction There are scientific and historical facts found in the Holy Quran which were unknown to people at the time, and have only been discovered recently by contemporary science. This article lays out and explains some of these scientific facts that are found in the Quran, centuries before they were ‘discovered’ by contemporary science.

1. Sun, Moon, Earth, Planets, Stars and all which are all in rotation, mentioned in the Holy QURAN 1400 years ago, discovered recently: “It is He Who created The Night and the Day, And the Sun and the Moon: All (the celestial bodies) Swim along, each in its Rounded course.” [Al-Qur’aan 21:33] “It is not permitted To the Sun to catch up The Moon, nor can The Night outstrip the Day: Each (just) swims along In (its own) orbit (According to Law).” [AlQur’aan 36:40] In fact, the Sun travels through space at roughly 150 miles per second, and takes about 200 million years to complete one revolution around the center of our Milky Way Galaxy.

For a long time European philosophers and scientists believed that the earth stood still in the centre of the universe and every other body including the sun moved around it. In the West, this geocentric concept of the universe was prevalent right from the time of Ptolemy in the second century B.C. In 1512, Nicholas Copernicus put forward his Heliocentric Theory of Planetary Motion, which asserted that the sun is motionless at the centre of the solar system with the planets revolving around it. In 1609, the German scientist Yohannus Keppler published the ‘Astronomia Nova’. In this he concluded that not only do the planets move in elliptical orbits around the sun, they also rotate upon their axes at irregular speeds.

With this knowledge it became possible for European scientists to explain correctly many of the mechanisms of the solar system including the sequence of night and day.

After these discoveries, it was thought that the Sun was stationary and did not rotate about its axis like the Earth. I remember having studied this fallacy from Geography books during my school days.

The Arabic word used in the above verse is yasbahûn . The word yasbahûn is derived from the word sabaha. It carries with it the idea of motion that comes from any moving body. If you use the word for a man on the ground, it would not mean that he is rolling but would mean he is walking or running. If you use the word for a man in water it would not mean that he is floating but would mean that he is swimming.

Similarly, if you use the word yasbah for a celestial body such as the sun it would not mean that it is only flying through space but would mean that it is also rotating as it goes through space. Most of the school textbooks have incorporated the fact that the sun rotates about its axis. The rotation of the sun about its own axis can be proved with the help of an equipment that projects the image of the sun on the table top so that one can examine the image of the sun without being blinded.

It is noticed that the sun has spots which complete a circular motion once every 25 days i.e. the sun takes approximately 25 days to rotate around its axis.

This verse mentions an essential fact discovered by modern astronomy, i.e. the existence of the individual orbits of the Sun and the Moon, and their journey through space with their own motion. The ‘fixed place’ towards, which the sun travels, carrying with it the solar system, has been located exactly by modern astronomy. It has been given a name, the Solar Apex. The solar system is indeed moving in space towards a point situated in the constellation of Hercules (alpha Layer) whose exact location is firmly established.

The moon rotates around its axis in the same duration that it takes to revolve around the earth. It takes approximately 29½ days to complete one rotation. One cannot help but be amazed at the scientific accuracy of the Quranic verses.

2. It is possible to split even an Atom mentioned in Quran 1400 years ago, discovered recently “They say, never to us will come the Hour: say, ‘Nay! But most surely, By my Lord, it will come Upon you – by Him Who knows the unseen – From Whom is not hidden THE LEAST LITTLE ATOM In the heavens or on earth: Nor is there

30 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023

anything less than that, or greater, but Is in the record perspicuous.’” [Al-Qur’aan 34:3] In recent times modern science has discovered that it is possible to split even an atom. That the atom can be split further is a development of the 20th century. Fourteen centuries ago this concept would have appeared unusual even to Arabs. For them the ‘dharrah’ was the limit beyond which one could not go.

This verse refers to the Omniscience of God, His knowledge of all things, hidden or apparent. It then goes further and says that God is aware of everything, including what is smaller or bigger than the atom.

Thus the verse clearly shows that it is possible for something smaller than the atom to exist, a fact discovered only recently by modern science.

3. Milk in animals is produced by conjunction between the contents of Intestine and Blood, mentioned in Quran 1400 years ago, discovered recently: “And verily in cattle there is A lesson for you.

We give you to drink of what is inside their bodies, Coming from a conjunction Between the contents of the Intestine and the blood, A milk pure and pleasant for Those who drink it.” [AlQur’aan 16:66] “And in cattle (too) ye Have an instructive example: From within their bodies We produce (milk) for you To drink; there are, in them, (Besides), numerous (other) Benefits for you; And of their (meat) ye eat.” [AlQur’aan 23:21] William Harwey brought this understanding to the Western world in 16th Century before it was known what happens in the intestines to ensure that organs are nourished by the process of digestive absorption, a verse in the Qur’aan described the source of the constituents of milk, in conformity with these notions.

The Quranic description of the production of milk in cattle is strikingly similar to what modern physiology has discovered.

4.

Fetus protected by 3 Veils of darkness mentioned in Quran 1400 years ago, discovered recently: “He makes you, In the wombs of your mothers, In stages, one after another,

In three veils of darkness.”

[Al-Qur’aan 39:6] According to Prof.

Keith Moore, these 3 veils of darkness in the Qur’aan refers to: (i) anterior abdominal wall of the mother (vaginal wall) (ii) the uterine wall (iii) the amnio-chorionic membrane 5.

Pain receptors present in the Skin discovered recently, mentioned in Quran 1400 years ago: “Those who reject Our signs, We shall soon Cast into the Fire; As often as their skins Are roasted through, We shall change them for fresh skins, that they may taste the Penalty: for Allah Is Exalted in Power, Wise.” [Al-Qur’aan 4:56] Professor Tagatat Tejasen, Chairman of the Department of Anatomy at Chiang Mai University in Thailand, has spent a great amount of time on research of pain receptors. Initially he could not believe that the Qur’aan mentioned this scientific fact 1,400 years ago. He later verified the translation of this particular Qur’aanic verse. Prof. Tejasen was so impressed by the scientific accuracy of the Qur’aanic verse, that at the 8th Saudi Medical Conference held in Riyadh on the Scientific Signs of Quran and Sunnah he proclaimed in public: “There is no God but Allah and Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His Messenger.”

6. The first sense to develop in a developing human embryo is hearing.

The fetus can hear sounds after the 24th week.

Subsequently, the sense of sight is developed and by the 28th week, the retina becomes sensitive to light.

Consider the following Qur’aanic verses related to the development of the senses in the embryo: “And He gave You (the faculties of) hearing and sight and feeling (And understanding).”

[AlQur’aan 32:9] “Verily We created Man from a drop Of mingled sperm, In order to try him: So We gave him (the gifts), Of Hearing and Sight.”[AlQur’aan 76:2] “It is He Who has created For you (the faculties of) Hearing, sight,feeling And understanding: little thanks It is ye give!” [AlQur’aan 23:78] In all these verses

the sense of hearing is mentioned before that of sight. The Quranic description matches with the discoveries in modern embryology.

What modern science confirms today was known to Islam, 1400 years agoProphet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has said : “After the drop (nut. fa) has been [in the uterus] for 42 days, Allah sends an angel that gives it form and fashions its hearing, sight, skin, flesh, and skeleton (of baby child).”

As per modern science, the Organogenesis peaks precisely at 42 days. The time frame given cited above is in conformity with embryological observation.

The embryo reaches the sixth week without showing the semblance of human form but by the seventh week of its life – about three centimeters in size and beginning to move – that semblance becomes visible in the formation of the essential organs including the sensory organs and grown bone tissue. The arms and legs have lengthened. The foot and hand areas are distinguishable and they have digits. And the first recordable brain wave activity occurs.

7. The Barrier between two Seas of Water 8.

Universe is expanding mentioned in Quran 1400 years ago, discovered recently: 9. Area of Cerebrum responsible for Planning, Motivation and Behavior, what science confirms today was already mentioned in the Quran 1400 years ago: 10. 7 layers of Earth mentioned in QURAN confirmed by modern Science “It is Allah Who created the 7 heavens and of the Earth the same number, the Command descending down through all of them, so that you might know that Allah has power over all things and that Allah encompasses all things in His knowledge.” (Qur’an, 65:12) As per Scientific sources the Earth consists of seven stratas: 1st layer: Lithosphere (water) 2nd layer: Lithosphere (land) 3rd layer: Asthenosphere 4th layer: Upper Mantle 5th layer: Inner Mantle 6th layer: Outer Core

7th layer: Inner Core 11.

Scientifically correct shape of Earth mentioned in QURAN 1400 years ago:“He made the Earth Egg (Geoid) shaped.” Quran : 79 12. Iron did not form on Earth and came from outer space mentioned in QURAN 1400 years ago discovered by Astronomers recently: “And We also sent down Iron in which there lies great force and which has many uses for mankind…”

(Quran 57:25) 13. Preservation of Egyptian Pharaoh’s body correctly predicted in Quran 1400 years discovered recently: “Today we will preserve your body so you can be a Sign for people who come after you. Surely many people are heedless of Our Signs.” (Qur’an, 10:91-92)” 14.

Exploration of Space and Earth correctly predicted in Quran 1400 years ago: “O company of jinn and human beings. If you are able to pierce through the confines of the Heavens and Earth, pierce through them. You will not pierce through, except with a clear authority. (Qur’an, 55:33)” 15. ‘Rosette Nebula’ mentioned in QURAN 1400 years ago, discovered recently: “When the Heaven shall be cleft asunder, and become rose red, like stained leather”. (Surat arRahman, 16.

‘Black Hole’ mentioned in Quran 1400 years ago, discovered recently: “[I swear] by Heaven and the Tariq! And what will convey to you what the Tariq is? The Star Piercing [the darkness]!” (Qur’an, 86:1-3) “When the Stars are extinguished…”

(Qur’an, 77:8) “And I swear by the Stars’ positions-and that is a mighty oath if you only knew.” (Qur’an, 56:75-76).

17. Mountains have deep roots mentioned in Quran 1400 years ago, discovered recently “Have We not made the earth as a bed, and the Mountains as pegs?”

(Quran 78:6-7) “And He has set firm Mountains in the earth so that it would not shake with you…” (Quran 16:15)

MAINTAINING THE FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS IN ISLAM Maintaining the bonds of kinship (silaturrahim) indeed enjoys extraordinary importance in Islam.

Conversely, severing the ties (qata-ur-rahim), is very high on the list of enormities/major-sins.

At two places in the Qur’an, Allah has cursed the one severing family ties.

“And those who break the covenant of Allah, after its ratification, and sever that which Allah has commanded to be joined (i.e. they sever the bond of kinship and are not good to their relatives) and work mischief in the land, on them is the curse, and for them is the unhappy home (i.e. Hell)” [Ar-Rad 13:25.

See also Muhammad, 47:22-23].

“There is no sin more deserving of having punishment meted out by Allah to its perpetrator in advance in this world along with what He stores up for him in the next world than oppression and severing ties of family.” [Tirmidhi].

Another hadith highlights the high stakes involved here in a compelling way: “Rahim (family ties) is a word derived fromAr-Rahman (The Compassionate One) And Allah says: ‘I shall keep connection with him who maintains you and sever connection with him who severs you.’” [Bukhari]

“Whoever is likes that he be granted more wealth, and that his lease of life be prolonged, then he should keep good relations with his kith and kin.” (Bukhari) “Whoever has poor/ feeble kin and does not treat them well and gives his charity to others and neglects them, Allah does not accept his charity and will not look to him on the Day of Judgment.”

[Mundhiri] But whoever is poor should keep good terms with them, visit them and be heedful of them. The Prophet (pbuh) said, “Maintain family relationships even by just greeting.” [lbn Hajar AIHathami mentioned it in Majma’ Al-Zawa’id and said it is reported by AlBazzar] “Allah’s mercy will not descend on people among whom there is one who severs ties of kinship.”

[Baihaqi, Shuab Al-Iman] Silatur-rahim has been defined as politeness, kind treatment, and concern for all one’s relatives even if distantly related, corrupt, non-Muslim, or unappreciative.

[Shaikh Abdul Wakil Durubi in Reliance of the Traveller].While nearly every religion has emphasized good family relations, Islam has taken it to unprecedented heights. It is a duty to be discharged without an eye for reciprocity.

A Muslim is required to be kind even to his nonMuslim relatives. Similarly he is required to be kind to even those relatives who are harsh to him.

Maintaining relationships even with those relatives who break the relations & abuse: Al-Waasil means ‘one who keeps good ties with his blood relatives’.This is a general definition of AlWaasil. However, RasoolAllah (PBUH) gave more explained definition for AlWaasil. Following hadith tells us about this: Narrated Abdullah bin Amr (RA): The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Al-Waasil is not the one who recompenses the good done to him by his relatives, but Al-Waasil is the one who keeps good relations with those relatives who had severed the bond of kinship with him.” (Bukhari) It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that a man said: O Messenger of Allah, I have relatives with whom I try to keep in touch, but they cut me off.

I treat them well, but they abuse me. I am patient and kind towards them, but they insult me. He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “If you are as you say, then it is as if you are putting hot ashes in their mouths. Allah will continue to support you as long as you continue to do that.” (Muslim)

Allah’s mercy will not descend on people among whom there is one who severs ties of kinship.”

[Baihaqi, Shuab Al-Iman] Silatur-rahim has been defined as politeness, kind treatment, and concern for all one’s relatives even if distantly related, corrupt, non-Muslim, or unappreciative.

Someone asked the Holy Prophet (Peace be up on him), “What is the way of saving oneself in the Hereafter?” He replied: “You maintain the ties (of relationship) with the one who severed it with you, you give to the one who deprived you, and you forgive the one who wronged you.” (Tirmidhi) Islam came to set all our relationships right. This includes our relations with Allah as well as with other human beings. Silat-urRahim is a very important part of the latter.

Today, unfortunately, these teachings can mostly be found in Muslim societies in their

violation. The best we do today is reciprocate; more commonly we backbite, cheat, and hurt our relatives and continue the spiral of hurt and humiliation as they respond. And we just abandon those of our relatives who are economically unfortunate.

Reasons for general breaking of relationships today: There are three reasons for this sad situation.

First is the widespread ignorance about Islamic teachings in this regard.

Even in various Islamic groups the subject hardly gets the attention it deserves.

Second is the rampant materialism.

While materialism hurts all aspects of our life, it is especially damaging to family ties for they require sacrifice of time, money and personal comfort.

The third reason has to do with recent history. It is a “gift” of the transformation of Muslim societies under colonialism.

Industrial Revolution came at a time when Muslim civilization was in the doldrums. Muslim historians point out very accurately that the genesis of European Renaissance and the Industrial Revolution was in the Golden Age of Muslim Spain.

Yet it is also true that it progressed at a time of Muslim decline. And that

explains the form it took and the devastation it caused to the family life.

Everywhere it disrupted human relations. Poet Iqbal pointed to this when he said in his famous line: The rule of machines is death for the heart. Machine tools crush compassion.

Later, under the influence of colonialism, urban centres throughout the Muslim world faithfully duplicated all of these problems. This was just what a blind following of the West promised.

Relations between husband and wife, between parents and children, between workers and managers, between neighbors, between relatives, in other words between all segments of society were dealt a devastating blow.

The process continues in the post industrial, neo-colonial period.

To quote one example, television (and, more so today, the internet and mobile phones) is rapidly destroying what was left of human relations, cutting off even members of the same family from each other and engulfing everyone within his or her own pleasure cocoon, oblivious to the world without. It is just one, but probably the most subversive and intrusive tool of our so called postmodern global village. Village of distant neighbours without love and kinship

Kavita ji

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023 — 31

GOPIO Gold Coast Celebrates Senior's Wellbeing

GOPIO Gold Coast organized a Seniors Wellbeing workshop on the 14th of Oct 2023 in conjunction with Seniors Month and Mental Health Month.

The aim was to promote awareness of the various issues that can have an impact on seniors, especially those who have recently migrated to the Gold Coast. Topics discussed include physical

well-being, the need for social connections, having a routine (but not being obsessed with it), and overall having a purpose in life.

Specifically, Ranjitha Shenoy conducted chair Yoga sessions, Tomoko Sakai, who is the MCCGC Wellbeing Director, presented on the importance of having a positive outlook on life, and Neeraj Gill, professor

Specifically, Ranjitha Shenoy conducted chair Yoga sessions, Tomoko Sakai, who is the MCCGC Wellbeing Director, presented on the importance of having a positive outlook on life, and Neeraj Gill, professor of Psychiatry at Griffith University, presented on the importance of regular medical checkups so that any health issues can be detected early.

of Psychiatry at Griffith University, presented on the importance of regular medical checkups so that any health issues can be detected early. There were vigorous discussions (over delicious snacks) on these topics and how to put them into practice.

Various fliers were circulated, and attendees were requested to share

them with their friends so that the wider community is aware of the services available to help those who are concerned about their well-being. GOPIO-GC thanks all the sponsors Gold Coast City Council, Mental Health Foundation Australia, MCCGC and The Migrant Centre, the presenters, and the attendees for making the event a success.

GOPIO Gold Coast participates in the TMC Harmony Cup On 30th September, a team of 5 representatives from GOPIO GC competed for the TMC Harmony Soccer Cup. Our boys enjoyed the tough challenge as they played in the heat against many other teams across Gold Coast to win 4 out of the 5 games. The atmosphere was filled with community spirit and the supporters present cheered passionately for

GOPIO GC’s team. It was a wonderful opportunity and experience for all present and many new friendships were forged.

GOPIO GC would like to take this opportunity to thank the players on the day, which included: Nayan Soni, Sahil Chordia, Gaurav Nagakatti, Kanv Behal, and Yash Patel.

The Migrant Centre

Organization Inc. (trading as Thriving Multicultural Communities) TMC, provides various no-cost community services and programs to assist the Gold Coast community. Many of our programs focus on helping persons from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse 32 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023

(CALD), from migrant and refugee backgrounds to promote social and economic inclusion in Australian society.

For the next 3 years, TMC will be the provider of the Queensland Government’s CAMS program for the Northern Gold Coast. Our

CAMS Coordinator is Jake Coates.

Jake has been with TMC for a year as a Project Coordinator and has a bachelor’s degree in international relations, certificates in intercultural communication and grant and tender writing.

DJJS ORGANISED MATA KI CHOWKI 2023 at RSL Sunnybank Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan Qld Inc (DJJS) organized MATA KI CHOWKI on 15th October 2023 at RSL Sunnybank.

The event highlighted what Mata ki Chowki means, what it stands for and its significance in our spiritual journey. The event taught us in depth about Life, Practical spirituality and this treasure of God called the Human garb through exciting anecdotes and reverberating devotional music. To the joy of the attendees, the evening was constituted of an enthralling and energetic dance performance by young kids, which was even more pleasing to the eyes.

A good number of attendees from the community marked the auspicious evening. Here we would like to give a special mention to our esteemed guests, Mr. Indu Kant Sharma (President, GOPIO), Mr Rakesh Sharma (ExGOPIO President), Mr Rajiv Krishna (Director, Krishna Grocery), Mr ParsRam Punj (Chairman, Parsram Food Pty Ltd), Mrs Tanvi Goel (Director, AusIndia Tracvels), Mr Baldev Larohia (Ex-President, Laxmi Narayan Mandir) and Mr Manish Saini (Secretary, Queensland Gujrati). We can’t thank them enough for being there and supporting us in our efforts. Another vital mention to our Media Partners, with whom we share a very longterm association, Australian Indian Radio and Brisbane

Indian Times.

To conclude, I would pay my humble salutations on the Lotus feet of my revered master His Holiness Ashutosh Maharaj Ji, who is the Head and Founder of Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan (DJJS), without whom none of this would have been possible. He is the source of strength and the guiding light for every volunteer who was present there.

ABOUT DJJS ; Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan or DJJS as we call it, is a registered socio-spiritual, not-for-profit organization.

DJJS’s Vision is from ‘From Self Awakening to Global Peace’ Our Vision is “To usher into a world wherein every individual becomes

an embodiment of truth, fraternity, and justice through the eternal science of selfrealisation called Brahm Gyan, uprooting in its wake all social evils and threats.

'Brahm Gyan’ is an eternal technique through which we can practically experience and realize God. These are not mere words.

DJJS has been steadfast in its mission for 31 years, with millions of volunteers in

India and around the Globe.

DJJS is doing and has done several social and spiritual events together with the Government of India and other state governments in India.

IN AUSTRALIA: DJJS has been actively working in the community for more than 12 years now.

It has been organising and participating in various social,

cultural, and spiritual events like Shiv Aaradhna, Mata Ki Chowki, Bhajan Sandhya, Sai Sandhya, Indian New Year, Krishan Janamasthmi across different cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and here in Brisbane.

Furthermore, we have been organising the International

Day of Yoga for the last six years now, and our event pictures of 2019 were even shared by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, from his Twitter account.

Thank you very much to everyone who took the time to be there on this divine evening.

DANCE Pe CHANCE GARBA NIGHT 2023

by CHINMAYA MISSION BRISBANE “Youth – Determined to reach their goal, sure of their dignity, consistent in their endeavours, proud of their cultural background – can alone bestow upon a growing country status of a Nation.” – Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda True to the above quote by Swami Chinmayananda, the Youth of Chinmaya Mission Brisbane, called Chinmaya Yuva Kendra – CHYKs, hosted their second Garba Night on 1st October 2023 at Coorparoo Secondary College.

Following the success of last year's "Let's Nacho" event, this year, the CHYKs presented "Dance Pe Chance," which not only sold out but also achieved significant success. This fundraiser featured various attractions, including a henna stall, a Photo Booth, raffle prizes, and a garba tutorial stall to

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boost participants' dancing confidence.

This event allowed the Brisbane community to come together at the start of the festive season, with families, young and old, participating in the Garba dance with enthusiasm and energy.

Information regarding the various activities of the Chinmaya Mission in Brisbane was also provided. This event and other activities in Brisbane highlight the motto of Chinmaya Mission, which is to “provide maximum happiness to maximum people for maximum time.”

Chinmaya Mission, founded in India in 1953 by followers of Swami Chinmayananda, aims to foster inner transformation through Vedanta knowledge, spiritual practices, and service to society. It has expanded to over 300 mission centres worldwide, offering a unique study program for all ages and stages of life.

Proceeds from this event will support the construction of an Indian spiritual Vedantic education and cultural centre in Ellen Grove, Brisbane. The centre

will be ready for opening in the second half of 2024 and will host numerous events and classes to benefit the Brisbane community.

The success of the garba

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event was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including the exclusive media sponsor - Brisbane Indian Times/ AIR, Asmi Classy Home

and Temple Decor, Prakriti Wellness, Guru Property, as well as the talented band BrisRaga, which provided live Bollywood and garba music.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023 — 33

Oikotan Durga Pujo 2023 – Celebrating harmony and connection between Kolkata and Brisbane

Oikotan Inc. (formerly Oikotan) recently organised the third edition of its most significant festival on the 28th and 29th of October 2023 at the Albany Creek Community Centre. “Durga Pujo” this year was made special by the theme and the introduction of guest performer, Ujaan Mukherjee who is up and coming singer from Kolkata.

The baby is growing and 2023 marked an exceptional year in the journey they set out on, where more people joined in along with dignitaries from the state government, local council and other associations.

Making of and setting up Pandal – The Brisbane and Kolkata Connection This year, the theme was based on a rather challenging (the most to date) connection between the two most important cities for most of the participants, members, and organisers – Kolkata and Brisbane. Most of the members of Oikotan Inc. belong to the city of joy, Kolkata and life has brought them to Brisbane. After days of brainstorming and model building, the team finally decided to portray the connection between the two cities through the artwork and installations (also known as pandals).

Months of relentless hard

work and dedication went into turning the concept into a reality. With the use of curtains, ropes, cutouts, and wedding arches and after countless trips to Bunnings, what the team managed to put up and showcase caught the attention of not only the participants but also social media followers and the dignitaries.

Participants and important Dignitaries Oikotan Durga Pujo 2023 saw representation from both the state government in Tim Mander, state member for Everton and Cath Tonks from the City of Moreton Bay. The final day was graced by the presence of Swami Atmeshananda from Vedanta Centre, Brisbane and Usha Chanda and Umesh Chanda representing GOPIO (Global Organization of People of Indian Origin), Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio.

Pujo Rituals and Food With the introduction of a 2-day affair, day 1 marked the observation of boron(welcoming of Maa Durga) and Saptami Puja.

Day 2 comprised Ashtami, Anjali and Nabami puja followed by Dashami Puja, immersion(Bhashan in Bengali) and Boron. While the highlight from day 1 was Kolabou(Banana tree,

another form of goddess Durga) bathing, day 2 was made special by the traditional ritual of bidding farewell to the goddess by the women. Women draped in red and white sarees (the theme introduced his year) took part in the “Sindur Khela”, applying vermillion on the idol’s face and feet with betel leaf, offering sweets and smearing each other with “sindur”.

No puja is complete without bhog, prasad (prasad) and

non-vegetarian spreads(a must of Bengalis during Pujo).

A quintessential Bengali spread comprising of khichuri, begun, chutney and mishti brought smiles to the faces of the participants at lunch while the star of the show, mutton(a must for Bengalis became one of the main attractions of the final day/day 2.

Competition and Cultural Program Among many new initiatives,

Team Oikotan proudly organised puja-related competitions for participants in three different categories.

After some close battles, two of the very best were crowned champions and won exciting prizes.

Cultural programs in its second year saw an overwhelming response from participants who showcased their singing, dancing and acting skills. From Gulaabi Aakhei to Ami je tomar, evergreen/retro/Bollywood,

there was something for everyone regardless of age.

Finally what made this year’s Pujo was the fact that Oikotan Inc. hosted Ujaan Mukherjee, a budding young singing star from Kolkata who made her debut in Brisbane and made the members and participants get up and dance and lent her voice to all of our favourite songs, ending the festival on a high with the promise – “Aschhe Bochhor Abar Hobe”(Next year it will happen again.

Bangladeshi Community Durga Puja in Brisbane A family Durga puja of the Bangladeshi Community in Brisbane was celebrated on 24 October on the auspicious day of Dussehra @Paul Villa

by Paul's family and friends.

This year in Brisbane, Dr Tapan Paul and Pharmacist Suborna Paul celebrated their first Durga puja at their home @ “Paul Villa” on 24/10/23. This is arguably the first family Durga puja among the Bangladeshi

community in Brisbane.

The ritual was done by the priest Suman Chakraborty. All the friends who are involved directly by contributing and supporting the Paul Family to make the puja successful named: Avijit Sarkar, Priyanka Biswas, Akhi Biswas, Palash Biswas, Manoj Saha, Ilora Das, Rajib Rana, Mithila Rana, Saon baidya, Suchana Sinha, Sandip S Roy.

34 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023

STRONG SPIRITUAL VIBES AT NAVRATRI ON THE NORTHSIDE

By Marina Chand, Sai Saileshwara The overwhelming feedback from the 700-plus attendees at the Navratri festival in Virginia on October 21 and 22, was that the spiritual vibrations were palpable.

Attendees were wowed by the vibrant and colourful shrine, featuring Maas

Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati and Santoshi. The shrine also featured a vast backdrop featuring Saraswati Devi and many small Lakshmi ghats.

The program consisted of high-energy garba sessions with DJs Saie and Uri, who kept the garba music coming, a beautiful Devi puja on day one and a gorgeous Kanya puja on day two – with

more than 30 little girls participating. From toddlers through to primary schoolage girls – all the little Devis had their feet washed, were fed with special Maa Prasad and received gift bags – much to their delight.

Guruji Sai Saileshwara kept the energy high, conducting individual pujas at the shrine for whoever

wanted to have their own puja, and they were blessed with a Lakshmi pouch to keep at their home shrines, just in time for Diwali. One attendee got in touch with the organisers the next day to say that after she had done her prayers at the shrine and surrendered all her pain, she woke up pain-free the next day after suffering sharp

physical pains for so many weeks!

The organisers, Sai Saileshwara and Sai Baba Aarti Program Brisbane were delighted that so many families came along. “We lost count of how many people attended by the time we reached 700 we stopped counting!” said Guruji Sai Saileshwara.

Many attendees commented that the festival had strong spiritual vibrations and they felt so blessed to attend and participate– dancing around a Kalash for the Garba, participating in a Devi puja and Devi Aarti and being served unlimited bhandara (free food) were some of the things they connected with.

Bengali Society of Queensland – “Bango Sammelon”

Brisbane’s first-ever Bongo Shommelon, 2023, hosted by the Bengali Society of Queensland (BSQ), was a great success. As the first steppingstone into creating a legacy of the rich culture and heritage that all Bengalis would embrace, BSQ's effort was fantastic. No enthusiasm was lost, located away from the motherland (Bongo-Bhumi), due to geographical, language or cultural boundaries. The organisers and the patrons together collaborated, far and near, to put forth a longawaited dream that came true on Saturday, 17th September, at Coorparoo Secondary College. The Bengali festival of Durga Pujo is just around the corner, but Bongo Shommelon is a festival of a kind.

Bongo Shommelon -Brisbane, 2023 was a day event and, as one can imagine, was very long. How can Bongo Shommelon fit into “a day”?

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And as the name suggests, it was surely a challenge when you think of Bengal unified under one roof – everyone was on. The organisers did a wonderful job as they say that – “the priority was to be unique in diversity”. There was no boundary of age, food of all sorts, a plethora of arts and craft displays, shopping and fundraisings, diverse genres of cultural activities and performances, and on top of all was the positive vibe and enthusiasm in the crowd. None of the Bengalis in Brisbane would like to miss an event like this!!

The fun-filled day was scheduled in two parts - Phase I - Mela (Fair) with lots of stalls and a Cultural program open to all, which started at 2:27 pm.

The program was inaugurated with the Bengali drum - Dhak rolled out along with other musical instruments by the Brissy Boys Dhak group.

President Tapas Mandal, in his speech, welcomed everyone to enjoy this special event and thanked all the Members, participants, sponsors and other communities who came forward to make this a grand success. Seventytwo participants showcased their talents that day, and the audience enjoyed each part. Renowned groups in Brisbane like Vivo College of Music, Nrittya Bharati School of Kathak Dance, Iskcon Brisbane, Sanchari, Baula Bangla band, Sargam Music Academy, Sutanuti Bangla band and others performed on that day. The entire event was compared by Vikrant Roy Pradhan, Sohini Kundu, Dr Minali Vasandhani- Goswami and Souvik Kundu, followed by the close door concert by renowned Singer- composer Anindya Chattopadhyay. The event's media partner was Australian Indian Radio and

Brisbane Indian Times.

As the day culminated into a grandeur of colourful dresses, the cacophony of the orchestra and vocals, the frenzy of hot and mouthwatering food or grabbing the best bargain of the day, the evening was also getting prettier amidst the beautiful sunset and the Brizzy (breezy) spring that had spread the charm for all. The icing on the cake and the secret of the

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evening was already revealed, and the house was nearly full to a closed show, “A-a Anindya”.

The poet, the lyricist, the storyteller, and the music maestro – Anindya Chatterjee himself. The opportunity to close the Bongo Shommelon in an epic display of Anindya’s mesmerising voice, a hearttouching narration of selfcomposed prose and comic, filled the evening with laughter and music for all. The

probashi-bangalis of Brisbane rode along a musical ride filled with nostalgia and childhood memories of Kolkata, and the thirst for more prevailed. This was a perfect end for a new beginning in 2024. Thank you if you have contributed, in whatever small way possible, to the humble effort of the Bengali Society of Queensland.

HIP HIP HURRAY!!

Report by: Saheli Mukherjee, P.C: Krishnendu Bhattacharya

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023 — 35

Navratri Celebration at Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir: A Spiritual Extravaganza

Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir in Scott Lane, North MacLean, a sacred Hindu temple comes alive with a vibrant burst of colours and devotion during the Annual Navratri. celebration.

This nine-night extravaganza is a significant event in the temple's calendar and attracts devotees from far and wide in large numbers who come to take the Blessings of Goddess Durga.

Mata Ki Chunri is offered daily by Guru Maa. In return, Guru Maa Blesses devotees with Chunri, Shingaar and Prasaad.

Kanchika Puja is also performed on Asthmi day.

A large number of children come to get Gifts and Blessings from devotees.

The Navratri celebration at Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir is a grand affair, starting with meticulous preparations weeks in advance.

The temple

premises are adorned with intricate and exquisite decorations.

The main sanctum sanctorum, where the presiding deities are enshrined, is embellished with fragrant flowers, radiant lamps, and vibrant draperies.

Devotees gather in large numbers, seeking the blessings of the deities and participating in the evening prayers by Dharam Guru Acharya Pt Ram Harsh Tripathi Jee & Guru Maa

Asha Tripathi Jee. The highlight of the Navratri celebrations at Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir is the traditional Bhajan, Kirtans, Garba and Mata ki Chowki.

The temple also offers a culinary Bhog during Navratri. Devotees observe fasts during this period, and the temple's kitchen prepares a variety of delicious Mahaprasaad.

Another significant aspect of the Navratri

celebration at Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir is the cultural programs and events.

Renowned artists and local talents perform devotional Bhajans and Kirtans. These cultural events serve to educate, entertain, and engage the community in a meaningful way.

The Navratri celebration at Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir is more than a religious observance; it's a vibrant expression of faith, culture, and unity.

It brings people together, transcending boundaries of age, gender, and background. This annual event is a testament to the enduring power of devotion and the significance of preserving and celebrating cultural heritage.

It reaffirms the belief that, through faith and togetherness, one can find joy, peace, and a deeper connection with the divine.

By: Devika Maharaj SVMM

Significance of Diwali | Deepavali 57a Kenmore Road, Kenmore QLD 4069 | www.brisbanedurgatemple.com

Significance of Diwali | Deepavali

In the heart of Hindu traditions, Diwali also referred to as Deepavali, a festival celebrated for over two millennia, surpasses the boundaries of time. It's not simply the dazzling display of Diyas and colors; it is a celebration that unites generations, fostering a sense of togetherness and spiritual renewal that stands the test of time.

Anecdotes go back as far as the 7th century, where Emperor Harsha held grand Diwali celebrations in Northern India. Described in his Sanskrit play “Nagananda”, Deepavali is referred to as Dipapratipadotsava, painting a vivid picture of the festival where the term 'dipa' symbolized light, 'pratipada' marked the first day of the lunar cycle (Amavasya), and 'utsava' denoting the overall festivity. The celebration included the illumination of

In the heart of Hindu traditions, Diwali also referred to as Deepavali, a festival celebrated for over two millennia, surpasses the boundaries of time. It's not simply the dazzling display of Diyas and colors; it is a celebration that unites generations, fostering a sense of togetherness and spiritual renewal that stands the test of time.

Anecdotes go back as far as the 7th century, where Emperor Harsha held grand Diwali celebrations in Northern India. Described in his Sanskrit play “Nagananda”, Deepavali is referred to as Dīpapratipadotsava, painting a vivid picture of the festival where the term 'dīpa' symbolized light, 'pratipadā' marked the first day of the lunar cycle (Amavasya), and 'utsava' denoting the overall festivity. The celebration included the illumination of lamps, with newly engaged couples receiving gifts.

The cultural impact of Diwali extends beyond borders by evolving into a global phenomenon. Its universal themes of overcoming darkness and celebrating virtue resonate with people worldwide. Diwali is no longer confined to India; it's an open invitation for individuals from all backgrounds to immerse themselves in the vibrant colors, the gentle glow of Diyas, and the spirit of communal lamps, with newly engaged Diwali extends beyond Its universal themes of with people worldwide. togetherness. couples receiving gifts. borders by evolving into overcoming darkness and Diwali is no longer confined The cultural impact of

a

global

phenomenon.

celebrating virtue resonate

to

India;

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an

On Sunday, the 12th November, Brisbane’s Shree Venkatesa Durga Temple will be 36 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023 celebrating Diwali | Deepavali with a special Abishekam for Sri Venkateswara at 8:30 am, followed by the Maha Arathi at 9:30 am. The Temple will stay open for

open

invitation for individuals from all backgrounds to immerse themselves in the vibrant colors, the gentle glow of Diyas, and the spirit of communal togetherness.

On Sunday, the 12th November, Brisbane’s Shree Venkatesa Durga Temple will be celebrating Diwali | Deepavali with a special Abishekam for Sri Venkateswara at 8:30 am, followed by the Maha Arathi at 9:30 am. The Temple will stay open for Darshan until 2 pm followed by from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, with a special Deepavali Puja at 6:00 pm.

All are warmly welcome to partake in this divine and significant festival in Hindu tradition.

BRISBANE SHREE VENKATESA DURGA TEMPLE 57a Kenmore Road, Kenmore QLD 4069 | www. brisbanedurgatemple.com

Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar Multicultural Cricket Cup organised by the Queensland Kannadigas Cultural & Sports Society Inc (QKCSS)

The inaugural Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar Multicultural Cricket Cup, organised by the Queensland Kannadigas Cultural & Sports Society Inc (QKCSS), was a resounding success, celebrating multiculturalism and sportsmanship. The event occurred on October 29, 2023, with Honourable Councillor Fiona Hammond for Marchant Ward officially inaugurating the tournament and participating in the toss.

Four esteemed teams, namely Aust-Ind, Rebelstar, Squad Pakistan, and AusMix showcased their cricket prowess in intense matches.

Aust-Ind and AusMix emerged as the top contenders, securing victories over Rebelstar and Squad Pakistan, respectively.

The thrilling finals concluded with Aust-Ind Cricket Club clinching the trophy, asserting their supremacy in

this year's tournament.

The closing ceremony was graced by the distinguished presence of Mr. David Crisafulli, Leader of the Opposition of Queensland, and Mr. Auhutosh Misra from Queensland Cricket, adding significant weight to the event. The organizing committee expressed immense gratitude to community leaders and sponsors for their

contributions, emphasizing their crucial role in the seamless execution and the overwhelming turnout.

Given the success of the event, plans are already in motion to make the next edition even grander.

The vision for the next year includes expanding the tournament over two days or spanning multiple weekends, aiming for a richer cricketing experience

and broader community participation.

As the community reflects on the spectacular moments from the tournament, the Queensland Kannadigas Cultural & Sports Society

Inc (QKCSS) is committed to elevating the experience in the coming years, always in memory of Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar and his monumental contributions to multiculturalism. The

Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar Multicultural Cricket Cup has not only become a significant sporting event but also a platform for fostering unity and diversity within the community.

Businesses and students can now apply for win-win internship program Businesses looking to expand their international horizons and students wanting experience in Australia’s fastest growing city can now apply for Council’s 2024 International Internship Program.

The program will see Brisbane businesses host domestic students with multicultural backgrounds or international students from Brisbane’s sister cities on a four-week paid placement subsidised by Council.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the program is a fantastic opportunity for students and businesses alike.

“Brisbane is Australia’s most business-friendly destination and our International Internship Program aims to support our city’s growing economy through creating opportunities for business,” Cr Schrinner said.

“Local and international students will grow their industry experience and build professional portfolios, while businesses Call: (07) 3192 5188

are supported financially through the program with Council subsiding 50 per cent of the internship wage.

“As Brisbane continues to grow, these international opportunities are crucial for business owners wanting to expand their organisational reach abroad with fantastic

young professionals.”

Student applicants from various disciplines will be matched with the most relevant host business applicants based on their skill sets and requirements.

Disciplines include aviation, digital and technology, education and

training, health and aged care, media, professional services, tourism and hospitality, and trade and investment development.

Former host business Outsource Institute’s Managing Director, Stephen Love, said their participation in the program was a

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transformative experience.

“Our intern, Aisyah, brought her expertise in supporting diverse learners to provide disability and inclusivity training to our international engineering students and staff,” he said.

“Aisyah's dedication and valuable insights have led

us to integrate this training into our ongoing induction processes, creating a more inclusive workplace.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of Brisbane City Council's International Internship Program, connecting us with talented individuals like Aisyah to help us grow globally.”

Successful intern Aisyah Ardani, from Semarang, Indonesia, said she was able to experience an authentic working environment in Australia.

“I was supervised by a fantastic mentor and got the opportunity to expand my network,” she said.

“This internship program also helped me to contextualize what I learned into practice while getting paid.

“This is a life-changing experience you don’t want to miss.”

Expressions of interest are open via www.brisbane. qld.gov.au and by searching ‘International Internship Program’.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023 — 37

First Large-Scale outdoor Bathukamma Festival in Brisbane Brisbane Telangana Association (BTA) has recently organised their flagship event, the Bathukamma Festival on the 21st of October at Mount Gravatt Showgrounds under the leadership of Kishore Kathi (President) and the Executive committee consisting of Vice-President Neelima Janumpally, Secretary: Vinnie Tumukunta, Joint Secretary: Laxmi Narayana Varala, Treasurer: Srikanth Panjala, Joint Treasurer: Madhava Reddy Gurram, Cultural Coordinators: Shivani Chamakura, Bhargavi Kasireddy, Event Coordinators: Narender Kumar Cholluri, Sreedhar Vengala.EC Members: Surender Reddy Palla, Santosh Rao A K This is their 10th

anniversary of celebrating the festival of Bathukamma, also known as the Festival of Flowers, which means live long and is celebrated in Telangana of India.

Bathukamma is traditionally celebrated for nine days and corresponds to the festivals of Sharad Navratri and

Durga Puja. It starts on the day of Mahalaya Amavasya, and the nine-day festivities culminate on "Saddula Bathukamma" or "Pedda Bathukamma."

This event attracted a crowd of over 1,200 people which included women and girls predominantly

in their colourful sarees (traditional dresses) and with their artistically made towers of various coloured and sized flowers arranged in ascending height of multiple layers. There was even a tower of flowers that stood more than 12 feet as a centre of attraction. BTA

committee organised fingerlicking traditional Telangana dishes for all the guests who attended.

The BTA committee thanked all the volunteers, food and financial sponsors and Cr Angela Owen for attending the event and making it a huge success.

The event lasted for almost 6 hours, and all the women danced in massive circles to the music and traditional songs played by the DJ, and everyone, especially young girls enjoyed the event while embracing and promoting the history and culture of their homeland.

Queensland Nepalese Cultural Centre (QNCC) settles on land in Logan Reserve

The Queensland Nepalese Cultural Centre (QNCC) is a non-profit organisation that aims to build a new Nepalese cultural centre in Brisbane. The centre will serve as a place of worship and a showcase of Nepalese culture and heritage for generations to come. It will include a Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddha Stupa, and a community hall for cultural/religious gatherings.

The QNCC has been working hard towards achieving its goals, and as a first milestone, the centre has successfully acquired suitable land needed for this project. This was a result of the love and support of the entire Nepalese community in Queensland. It took more than four months of hard work to raise the funds

needed to acquire the land.

The centre primarily focused on life memberships from members of the local Nepalese community and donations from businesses and individuals for its fundraising.

The centre has been pleased to have life members not only from the local Nepalese community but also from the broader multicultural community, interstate Nepalese communities, and people living overseas. The fundraising efforts have been probably the largest in the history of the Nepalese community in Australia.

The QNCC has paid $1.45 million for a 4-hectare property located at 283 Logan Reserve Road in the Logan City Council area. The total purchase cost was $1.52M,

38 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023

which includes necessary expenses such as stamp duties and registration fees.

In order to celebrate the achievement of this milestone and acknowledge the support of the community, a tea party was organized at the New Farm Park on Sunday, October 29th. The function was well attended by several life members of QNCC, their families, and guests from the broader multicultural community in Brisbane. Tea and sweets were distributed. Everyone attending the function expressed their joy at having achieved this milestone.

QNCC President Dr Keshab Sharma thanked the life members, generous donors, supportive community organizations and groups, sports clubs, businesses, dedicated volunteers, and the past and current members of the QNCC management committee while appreciating the love of all the supporters and well-wishers. He also gave an update on the next phase of this initiative.

The association is currently working towards engaging a town planner, architect, and other consultants to conduct a detailed investigation and

prepare a report for the development application.

The development application, which will propose a twophase development, the first phase with the construction of the temple and stupa with other necessary infrastructure, and a second phase with the construction of the community hall, is expected to be launched within the next three months.

Once the development application is approved, the building will start, and the association hopes to complete the construction in the next five years.

The association will

continue its current membership drive and donation collection and at the same time, will look for other avenues of fundraising, including approaching local, state, and federal government for funding support, carrying out significant fundraising events, and working together with other multicultural groups with common interests.

QNCC anticipates continued support of the community in the days to come and promises that more milestone achievements and celebrations lie ahead on this remarkable journey.

An Evening of Inspiration, Conviction and Resilience: Celebrating Unsung Heroes

by Simply Human Inc.

Brisbane, 3rd Nov 2023 — The Simply Human Inc. – Superheroes Without Capes proudly announces the outstanding success of our recent fundraiser event, "Celebrating Unsung Heroes’, which took place on 14th October 2023. This unforgettable evening, we brought together a diverse community to support and inspire cancer patients. We featured the remarkable Lisa Ray, a celebrated actor, performer, author, and cancer survivor, as the keynote speaker.

The evening began with an insightful panel discussion moderated by the founder and President of our organisation, Ms. Prerna Pahwa. Ms Prerna had the distinct privilege of engaging in a candid conversation with Lisa Ray, allowing her to share her inspirational journey, which captivated the audience and left them profoundly inspired.

Her emotional journey left the audience spellbound and re-ignited the flame of hope in the hearts of everyone present.

A highlight of the event was the recognition of our unsung heroes who have been making a significant impact in our community. The Unsung

Heroes Award was conferred upon Lisa Ray, Dr. Neelima Gandham and Mr. Madhu Naiker, acknowledging their exceptional contributions and selfless dedication to giving back to the community.

The magical musical ensemble Yatra took the stage, weaving a lyrical tapestry with their extraordinary combination of Sitar, Tabla, Violin, and Didgeridoo. Their performance was met with a mesmerized audience.

Distinguished guests, including the CEO of Multicultural Australia, Ms Christine Castley, and Mr Peter Russo MP, who represented the Honourable Health Minister Shannon Fentiman, graced the event.

Their presence underscored the importance of this fundraiser in our community.

The event witnessed a remarkable turnout, with Multicultural Community and business leaders coming together to support our cause and make ‘Celebrating Unsung Heroes’ truly exceptional.

The audience was treated to a captivating performance

by Infusion World music group, who presented an array of Bollywood classics and lively musical numbers, keeping everyone entertained

throughout the night.

A unique aspect of the event was the live painting sessions featuring the talented artists Mili & Khushi Dakshin, who travelled from Sydney to create exquisite artwork. These paintings were then auctioned to raise funds for our mission.

Additionally, Ms Deepika Keni, an abstract artist from Brisbane, generously donated a picture for the auction, further enhancing our efforts to support cancer patients.

Infusion World music group added a vibrant note to the evening with their rendition of Bollywood classics and lively musical numbers, keeping the audience

entertained throughout the night. The event also featured a spectacular dance performance by the 2023 Duo category winners, Twin Brothers, who showcased their incredible talent, adding to the evening's vibrancy.

This heart-warming event was a momentous occasion that celebrated the strength, resilience, and impressive spirit of cancer survivors and patients. The event, co-presented by Swades Foods and co-sponsored by Platinum sponsors Cornzal Workforce Development and Mahindra Automotive Australia, would not have been possible without their unparalleled generosity, support, and cooperation. The

event's artist coordination was expertly handled by Shaurya Entertainment – Samika Bhandari, Deepak Bhandari and Silky Kanthed.

The event wouldn’t have been possible without their support.

The event was beautifully conceptualised and executed

by Ecutas Productions – Mr Paviter Kumar Noori and team.

As the evening concluded, the founder and President of Simply Human, Ms. Prerna Pahwa, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the entire team, the performers, and the volunteers who played a pivotal role in making the event a resounding success.

She credited their dedication and

commitment for the evening's triumph. She also thanked the partners and sponsors for their continued support and kindness, acknowledging that their contributions were instrumental in making the event possible.

In closing, Ms Pahwa requested the continued support of all attendees and the community at large, encouraging them to look forward to next year's event, where we will continue our mission to provide essential support to cancer patients and their families.

For more information and to be part of Simply Human Inc., please follow us on Facebook and Instagram - /@ SimplyHumanAustralia.

Banyo Diwali gets bigger and better Banyo Diwali gets bigger and bigger every year. The Banyo community is proud of this inclusive, accessible, multicultural event. The Banyo Diwali 2023 event was overseen by an event subcommittee of the Banyo District Community Group Inc (BDCG). BDCG management committee member Devinder Bains chaired the sub-committee.

The Sub Committee included Devinder Bains as chair with Jaghit Khosa, Jatinder Rehal, Randip Johal, Jatinder Rehal, Harpreet Singh Kholi, Amajot Goraya and others. The BDCG is particularly pleased with the level of organisation and ownership of the planning for the event by representatives of the local migrant Indian community.

The event was supported Call: (07) 3192 5188

by Councillor Allan Adam, Minister Leanne Linard MP (Queensland Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Minister for Science and Minister for Multicultural Affairs), and Ms Anika Wells MP Member for Lilley and Minister for Aged Care and Sport.

The number of visitors from the community was more than anticipated, with over 800 persons counted throughout the event at 3 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. The audience peaked later in the day around 5 pm.

The committee also acknowledges the generous sponsorship by the Brisbane City Council as a Cultural event and sponsors including Australian Indian Radio, Brisbane Indian Times, Globenet Realty, Macallan College and Powerlink. www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023 — 39

‘MOOD 2023’ by The India Australia Society Inc.

The India Australia Society organised the Diwali event ‘MOOD 2023’ on 29th October 2023 at Coorparoo Secondary College Auditorium.

Members of wider Queensland communities joined this event, which was filled with dance, music and food!

The India Australia Society (IAS) of Queensland is a non-profit and non-political organization established in Brisbane in 1974. The primary objectives of the IAS are to enhance friendly A community and business leaders were present to celebrate the event. The celebration began with the lighting of lamps by the distinguished dignitaries.

The welcome address by Dr Preethi Suraj, President of IAS, stated the objectives of IAS are to promote social, cultural and recreational activities to its members, families and friends. She also mentioned that one of the objectives of this organisation is caring for seniors with a similar cultural background, typically around providing comprehensive support and service tailored to their unique needs.

Speeches were delivered by Senator Paul Scarr, Mrs Archana Singh, Mr Anoop Nannaru and Mr Umesh Chandra OAM. The messages from all distinguished guests were in summary to celebrate

the Unity in diverse and multicultural Australia for the betterment of community prosperity and harmony.

The celebration also involved spectacular cultural performances from the various states of India.

The performance from Miss Ujaan Mukerjee, a playback singer from India

and Mr Yousuf Ali Khan lifted this event to a higher level. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by the Vice President of IAS, Mr. Krishna Mohan Yarlagadda.

This year’s celebration was well supported by sponsors - Centenary Accounts and Business Adviser (CAABA) and Century 21 (Browns

Plains), Vasthra, E-Bike Rentals, HAV Capital, Speed Cool and Holidazzle.

The event was a grand success, with IAS and its executive team working together with tremendous enthusiasm in bringing one-ness, unity, peace and harmony. A delicious Indian dinner by Lemon Chillies

Restaurant was organised for all present at the event.

IAS, as a whole, led by the current President Dr Preethi Suraj takes immense pride and thanks to everyone, for the support to celebrate this event by uniting mainly all the senior citizens in various communities year after year.

Uttar Pradesh Association of Australia (QLD Chapter) inaugurated The Uttar Pradesh Association of Australia (QLD Chapter) was inaugurated on 28th Oct 2023 during their 1st Diwali Celebration as the UP Community. It was founded

by Ms Tanvi Goel(Founder of AusIndia Travel, Vice President of Bharath Jagruthi Australia and part of many Indian organizations such as ICAQ, APQI to name a few and a very active community leader for the past 12 years) and Mr Gurpreet Singh(Owner- QLD Skips Hire) back in December 2022.

UPAA-QLD has legends like Ms Sneha Gautam, Ms Sonam Agarwal and Mr Pasupati Nath Dwivedi, who are building the UP community with passion.

In the last ten months, the team has gathered over one hundred people from the UP community with just two catchups. UPAA was first started in Victoria by Dr Santosh and the team in 2016, and together, the team is growing to another part of Australia.

The event was held at Desi Junction, Logan Central and was adorned with colourful lights, rangolis, and diyas, which added to the festive atmosphere.

The celebration began with a traditional Lakshmi puja, followed by a game

performance by the Tapori Dance group, a DJ who played popular Bollywood songs.

One of the most popular games was “Tambola,” similar to Bingo. The game was played with great enthusiasm, and the winners were awarded prizes.

The Brisbane Inaugural event was graced by many delegates, including a wellknown personality in the Indian Diaspora, Pinky Singh Ji(Immigration policy chair for LNP), Mr Ganesh Despande (Secretary of Indian Council of Australia, President of BRIMM), Mr Pankaj Agarwal(President of APQI) to name a few, they cut the ribbon to unveil the banner of UPAA (Qld Chapter) with a short speech. They congratulated the UPAA on the chapter's launch and passed on best wishes for Diwali.

The event was not only sponsored but generously supported by many sponsors including Mahindra Automotive, Education Embassy, QLD Skip hires, AusIndia Travel, Divya Jyoti Jagruti Sansthan, Northside Mechanicals & Tyres, Loaney Home loan expert, Blue Sky Solar, Customised Gifts co, Salt N Spice Indian and Islander groceries, Events by HKM, Indian Mums Connect, Priyanka Boutique, Brisbane

40 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023

Indian Times, and Australian Indian Radio, Parikh Digital Photography beautifully captured the event.

The event was full of many prizes for kids and adults; it

was fun with a sumptuous dinner and a U.P.-style DJ dance party by DJ Sandy of DesiBeats.

In conclusion, the Diwali celebration in UP style

was a grand success. It brought together people from different communities and cultures to celebrate this joyous occasion. The event was filled with

music, dance, food, and fun games that added to the festive atmosphere. It truly captured the essence of Diwali - spreading happiness and joy.

BYD opens a flagship store in Brisbane

BYD has just opened a new flagship store in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley and the brand is expected to further expand its footprint into more retail spaces in the coming months.

The new BYD Flagship Store at 358 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley, is the new halo retail space for the Chinese ‘new energy’ vehicle brand, which also has several retail touchpoints in Queensland’s capital city.

The new Flagship store

joins Experience Centres in Indooroopilly, and Pop-Up Experiences in shopping malls in both Sunnybank and Mt Gravatt. The idea with these centres, according to Luke Todd, Australian CEO of BYD, is to allow customers to see, touch, feel and sit in the newest models from the brand, without pressure from salespeople in a more traditional showroom floorstyle setting.

Mr Todd said the Brisbane Flagship shop is not the same

concept as the one-off BYD Megastore in Alexandria in southern Sydney. He said the Queensland store is “more refined” and less “about showing off the tech”.

“But yes, having more touchpoints, having more ability for people to test drive vehicles, interact, talk to people, talk to our product experts – we don’t have salespeople, we have product experts – and educate them on the car,” he said.

“We originally were a digital platform, and EVDirect still is a digital platform. But with our partnership with Eagers Automotive, and the dealer group that we’re forming together, we’re rolling out more and more touchpoints.

Currently, BYD has stores, experience centres or pop-ups in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, ACT, South Australia and Western Australia.

The new Seal range starts from

We originally were a digital platform, and EVDirect still is a digital platform.

But with our partnership with Eagers Automotive, and the dealer group that we’re forming together, we’re rolling out more and more touchpoints.

$49,888 + ORC for the entrylevel Dynamic RWD, while the mid-spec, larger-battery RWD Premium grade is $58,798 + ORC, and the Performance AWD model is a $68,798 + ORC proposition.

Even without the new Seal and Dolphin models, BYD has had a very strong year for sales in 2023 in Australia, tallying a total of 8706 sales to the end of September – all of which were the Atto 3 electric small SUV.

Dandiya Night at Robelle Domain Park, Hosted

by GSIA, Draws an Unbelievable Crowd Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023 The Greater Springfield Indian Association (GSIA) hosted a spectacular Dandiya night at Robelle Domain Park on October 7, 2023, that left attendees in awe. The event witnessed an incredible turnout and featured mesmerizing performances that had the audience on their feet.

With 13 live singers performing alongside the talented Naad Brahma group, the night was filled with captivating melodies and infectious energy.

Attendees were treated to an unforgettable evening of dance, music, and cultural celebration.

President Mukesh Dubey and the GSIA team expressed

With 13 live singers performing alongside the talented Naad Brahma group, the night was filled with captivating melodies and infectious energy.

Attendees were treated to an unforgettable evening of dance, music, and cultural celebration.

Call: (07) 3192 5188

their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the event's success. we extend a special thank you to Ms.Charis Mullen Member of

the Queensland Parliament (MP for Jordan), and Shri Swami Atmeshanada ji from Vedanta Centre, whose presence added prestige to

the evening. Additionally, President Dubey acknowledged the sponsors, media partners, volunteers, and other organizations that

www.indiantimes.com.au

came together to make this event a truly memorable and magical experience.

The GSIA's Dandiya night at Robelle Domain Park was

a testament to the power of community, culture, and collaboration, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023 — 41

Rajasthan election: Congress releases 4th list of candidates, denies ticket to 8 sitting MLAs The Congress on Tuesday released its fourth list of 56 candidates for the Rajasthan assembly elections, dropping eight sitting legislators.

The Congress on Tuesday released its fourth list of 56 candidates for the Rajasthan assembly elections, dropping eight sitting legislators while giving party ticket to Manvendra Singh, the son of late senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Jaswant Singh, to contest from Siwana in Barmer district.

The ruling Congress has so far announced 151 candidates for the 200-member Rajasthan

assembly, which will go to polls on November 25.

The Congress has fielded its national spokesperson Gourav Vallabh from Udaipur city. The party, which is eyeing to retain power in the desert state, has named 32 new faces in its fourth list of candidates.

The ruling party has denied tickets to sitting MLAs Khiladi Lal Meena, Bharat Singh Kundanpur, Bharosi Lal Jatav, Heera Lal Meghwal, Johari Lal Meena, Babu Lal Bairwa, Sandeep Yadav and Rajkumar Gaur.

Independent MLAs Mahadev Singh Khandela and Kanti Prasad Meena have been fielded from

UP teen kidnapped, killed; former tutor, partner held

Three people were arrested for the abduction and murder of a 16-year-old boy in Kanpur, India.

Three people were arrested on Tuesday after the body of a 16-year-old boy, who was allegedly abducted the previous day, was recovered from the house of his former tutor’s boyfriend in Kanpur, police said.

According to the police, Kushagra Kanodia, a class 10 student, went missing after he left for his coaching centre around 4.30pm on Monday. Hours later, his family members received a letter demanding `30 lakh ransom, following which a complaint was registered at the Raipurwa police station.

During the investigation, the boy’s body was found at the house of his former tutor’s boyfriend in Fazalganj area on Tuesday morning, a senior police officer said.

“The teacher Rachita Vats (23), her boyfriend Prabhat Shukla (25), and their aide Shivam Gupta alias Aryan (25) were arrested for the abduction and murder,” Kanpur joint commissioner of police (law and order) Anand Prakash Tiwari said, adding that prima facie it appeared the plot to kidnap and murder the 16-year-old was hatched

by Shukla.

The officer further said that the police pieced together the sequence of crime — Kanodia being abducted, his confinement in a room where he was murdered, his scooter being abandoned at some random

location and a ransom letter being dropped at his Acharya Nagar residence — using CCTV footages obtained from various locations.

In one of the footages, Vats was seen speaking to the boy, whom she home tutored from class 7 to 9, near Jarib Chowki.

Further investigations revealed that she intercepted the boy at a busy crossing and asked him to drop her off at the house of Pratap Shukla, with won she was in a live-in relationship for the past six months, the JCP said.

Later, Prabhat left the boy’s scooter near a club on GT Road. He also allegedly went on his two-wheeler to the boy’s house to drop the ransom note, police said.

“Prabhat and others tampered with the registration number [of the motorcycle] in a way that it was not captured by a CCTV camera,” DCP (Central) Pramod Kumar said.

The boy, whose father Manish Kanodia runs a textile business in Surat in Gujarat, was staying with his grandfather Sanjay Kanodia, also a textile businessman, in Kanpur, police said.

A case under sections 302 (murder), 364 (kidnapping or abducting in order to murder) and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offence) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) has been registered against the three accused.

Prabhat, the son of a home guard, is currently jobless, Vats works as a home tutor while Gupta works in a canteen of LLR hospital.

42 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023

Khandela and Thanagazi, respectively.

Deepchand Kheriya and Jogendra Awana, who joined the Congress after winning the 2018 elections on Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) tickets, are also in the fourth list of the ruling party.

The party also gave a ticket to BJP turncoat Vikas Choudhary from Kishangarh. Choudhary had contested the 2018 polls on a BJP ticket, but stood second.

Earlier, the Central Election Committee of the party on Tuesday

evening held discussions on the names of probable candidates for the Rajasthan polls. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chief Sonia Gandhi, Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot, All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge of the state Sukhjinder Randhawa and party’s state unit chief Govind Dotasra attended the meeting.

AICC general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal and state’s screening committee chief Gaurav Gogoi, among others, also attended the CEC meeting.

Political analyst Manish

Godha said the Congress has experimented with new and younger candidates to “counter anti-incumbency against sitting MLAs”. “The list seems to be based on survey and feedback reports. It also has Ashok Gehlot’s imprint as he has accommodated those who stood by his government during the crisis,” Godha said.

The Congress had on Thursday released its third list of 19 candidates while the party announced 43 and 33 names, respectively, in the first and second lists for the upcoming polls.

Results will be announced on December 3.

Militants gun down Manipur cop, target security convoy According to the police, Kumar, the officer-incharge of Moreh police station, was shot at with a sniper rifle from some distance.

A sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) was killed and three constables sustained bullet injuries on Tuesday in two separate attacks by suspected militants close to the IndiaMyanmar border at Moreh town in Manipur, in a major firing incident in weeks in the ethnic strife-torn state, police said.

Following the killing of Moreh SDPO Chingtham Anand Kumar, the state government recommend declaring World KukiZo Intellectual Council (WKZIC) as a banned group under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. “On 31.10.2023, Chingtham Anand Kumar, MPS, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Moreh, a resident of Haobam Marak Chingtham Leikai, Imphal was martyred in a firing incident by armed Kuki miscreants while he was on duty overseeing the cleaning of the grounds of Eastern Shine School, Moreh for construction of helipad, jointly by state force and BSF. Manipur Police strongly condemns this dastardly attack,” the state police said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

According to the police, Kumar, the officer-incharge of Moreh police station, was shot at with a sniper rifle from some distance, following which he was rushed to a nearby health centre and later airlifted to Imphal, where he succumbed to his injuries.

A commercial border town in Tengnoupal district, Moreh is 110 km from

Imphal.

Meanwhile, a reinforcement team being dispatched to Moreh came under attack in Bongjang and Sinam areas along the Imphal-Moreh highway, in which three police personnel sustained bullet injuries, officers said, adding all three received injuries on their legs.

Though the identity of the injured personnel could not be ascertained immediately, officers said the reinforcement team was led by IG (Zone I) Themthing Ngasangva and DIG (Range II) Jogeshchandra Haobijam. “…They have been evacuated safely to Imphal for medical treatment,” the state police said in the post.

Chief minister N Biren Singh said he was “deeply saddened by the coldblooded killing” of SDPO Kumar. “His dedication to serve and protect the people will always be remembered.

The perpetrators will be brought to justice,” he wrote on X. In an emergency meeting called at the chief minister’s office soon after the attack, the state cabinet announced a relief

of `50 lakh to the kin of the deceased police officer.

“A suitable government employment shall also be provided to the next-of-kin of the deceased martyr,” the CM’s secretariat said in a press release.

“In view of today’s incident leading to killing of a senior police officer, the Cabinet therefore approved to recommend for declaration of the World Kuki-Zo Intellectual Council (WKZIC), as an unlawful association/ organization under section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967,” the release added.

To be sure, the power to declare an organisation as unlawful under the UAPA rests with the Union government.

The cabinet noted that an FIR under UAPA was already registered against WKZIC, a Kuki-Zo group, on Monday for allegedly asking Kukis to get ready for “another war” and assured to supply weapons.

The cabinet also issued direction for launching a joint operation in Moreh and adjoining areas to nab the culprits responsible for the crime and to continue

the same till the culprits are arrested, the release said.

The operations have since started.

The cabinet further directed that the central and state forces shall ensure free movement of transportation and general public along Pallel-Moreh road on NH-102 while reviewing the security situation in the region.

At least 178 people have been killed and nearly 50,000 displaced in Manipur since May 3, when ethnic clashes erupted between numerically dominant Meitei and tribal Kuki communities.

Following the attack on Tuesday, people came out in large numbers in Singjamei and Wangjing areas in Imphal demanding justice for the deceased officer, who was from the Meitei community.

Meanwhile, Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), a Kuki organisation, accused the state government of “discrimination” while dealing with killings of police officers from the community. On September 13, Ongmang Haokip, a Kuki sub-inspector, was shot in his head, suspected to be from a sniper’s bullet, while he was posted at Chingphei in Churachandpur district.

“Recent events have brought to light an alarming disparity in the treatment of the citizens, based solely on their ethnic identity, further emphasizing the divisive agenda perpetuated by the Meitei-centric communal chief minister N Biren Singh and his cabinet,” the ITLF said in a statement on Tuesday. It accused the CM of remaining silent on Haokip’s death and claimed that no monetary relief was provided to his family.

RIMA DAS, AGAINST THE TIDE & RAPTURE (RIMDOGITTANGA) HONOURED AT 16th ASIA...

CONTD. FROM PG 1 directed by Dominic Megam Sangma. A rare coproduction between India and China, this Garo-language story explores the politics of fear in a northeast Indian village, where the community fears kidnapping, and the church prophesies a period of apocalyptic darkness.

The Award was accepted by four of the multi-country producers Xu Jianshang, Sun Li, Harsh Agarwal and Stephen Zacharias.

Rima Das, who was appointed to the esteemed 2023 APSA Youth, Animation, Documentary International Jury and also nominated for Best Director for Tora’s Husband in the feature film category, was awarded one of only four prestigious MPA APSA Academy Film Fund grants to develop a new project, selected from over 120 submissions.

Open exclusively to Asia Pacific Screen Academy members, the MPA APSA Academy Film Fund is a joint initiative of the Asia Pacific Screen Academy and the Motion Picture Association since 2010, which supports both organisations’ goal to increase cultural diversity on screen in the world’s fastestgrowing film production region.

Films from 8 countries have won prizes at the 16th annual event, honouring the cinematic excellence of 78 countries and areas of the Asia Pacific and movies that best reflect their cultural origins and the region's diversity.

APSA is Australia’s most international film event, with guests and representatives from more than 20 countries attending this year’s Red Carpet and Ceremony at Home of the Arts (HOTA) on the Gold Coast, Australia, on the traditional land of the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.

Best Film winner Perfect Days, a gentle comedy-drama about a toilet cleaner in Tokyo finding happiness every day, is directed by Wim Wenders and produced by Wenders, Takuma Takasaki and Koji Yanai, who also initiated the real-life Tokyo Toilet Project features throughout the film.

Following its Cannes premiere, Perfect Days last week screened in its home city, opening the Tokyo International Film Festival. It is also Japan’s submission to the 2024 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature category.

In accepting the award, Wim Wenders said, “It is with great pleasure and pride that my Japanese producers Takuma Takasaki and Koji Yanai and myself received the news that our film Perfect Days was awarded Best Picture at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards.”

“Wow, what an honour!

Especially for a German director. The film was, in many ways, a dream come true for all of us, especially the fact that nobody less than Call: (07) 3192 5188

the great Koji Yakusho played the leading role, the humble public servant, Hirayama.”

Mr Wenders said.

Evil Does Not Exist (Aku Wa Sonzai Shinai), winner of the APSA Jury Grand Prize, is the story of threats to nature and community when a talent company proposes to develop a glamping site near a small Japanese village.

It marks the second major recent APSA win for a film by Ryusuke Hamaguchi, whose Drive My Car won Best Film in 2021. Producer and APSA Academy member Satoshi Takata accepted the Jury Grand Prize.

Two part-autobiographical Korean diaspora stories have taken home awards in 2023, with Celine Song winning the APSA for Best Director for her nuanced tale of romance and emigration Past Lives, and Anthony Shim collecting the APSA for Best Screenplay for Riceboy Sleeps, a story of a South Korean single mother raising a son in Canada in the nineties.

Palestinian performer Mouna Hawa has won the APSA for Best Performance for her role in the Jordanian film Inshallah a Boy (Inshallah Walad). In the debut feature from Amjad Al Rasheed, Hawa plays the mother of a young daughter whose life is upturned by harsh local inheritance laws when her husband suddenly dies.

Rounding out the winners determined by the APSA International Jury, the Best Cinematography category has been given two honours.

The winner in 2023 is Azamat Dulatov for the Kazakh film Qas, with the jury adding a Special Mention for Krum Rodriguez for the Georgian film Citizen Saint (Mokalake Tsmindani).

APSA International Jury President Clara Law said: “The cultural diversity in this year’s Asia Pacific Screen Awards short-listed selections is truly amazing, as is reflected in the winners. I fervently hope that this will inspire upcoming and younger filmmakers to be brave, not to be afraid to break new ground in their pursuits so that the art and cultural diversity of our region will reverberate in many beautiful films in the years to come.”

Three awards have gone to films from Kazakhstan at the 16th edition of APSA. In addition to Best Cinematography, the APSA Youth, Animation, Documentary International Jury has awarded Best Youth Film to Bauryna Salu by Askhat Kuchinchirekov. The film explores the tradition of children being adopted by their grandparents while their parents are still alive.

Also, an actor known for his lead role in the international hit and 2008 APSA Best Film winner Tulpan, Kuchinchirekov made his debut as writer-director with Bauryna Salu, and he also produced alongside Anna Katchko who accepted the

award at the ceremony.

Also from Kazakhstan are the winners of the APSA for Best New Performer, for a first- or second-time lead performance in a featurelength role, going to Aibar Saly and Alisher Ismailov for Brothers (Bratya), the story of orphans searching for their father.

The Siren (La Sirène), France-based Iranian director Sepideh Farsi’s tale of the Iran-Iraq war told through the eyes of a young boy in a city under siege, has won the APSA for Best Animated Film.

Sébastien Onomo produces the film.

Previously announced winners were all present to accept their awards, with Jeremy Chua taking the FIAPF Award for Outstanding Contribution to Asia Pacific Cinema and Phạm Thiên Ân collecting the award, which recognises the abundant emerging talent of Asia Pacific, the Young Cinema Award for Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell (Bên Trong Vỏ Kén Vàng), which Chua produced.

The recipients of the four MPA APSA Academy Film Fund development grants of US$25,000 were announced as Ahmed Yassin Al-Daradji (Iraq), Rima Das (India), Tamar Shavgulidze (Georgia), and Anthony Chen (Singapore).

The successful filmmakers selected for the 2023/24-yearlong immersive development programme, the Asia Pacific Screen Lab, are Shadi Jamil Habib Allah (Israel) for his project Morning Thread, Haziqah Binti Azemi (Malaysia) for her project Garek and Bavaneedha Loganathan (Sri Lanka) for her project 46 Mondays.

The Asia Pacific Screen Lab is an initiative of the Asia Pacific Screen Academy in association with Griffith University, Griffith Film School, NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asia Pacific Cinema) and the Sun Foundation.

Chair of the Asia Pacific Screen Academy, Tracey Vieira, said: “I would like to congratulate all the winners and recipients at the 16th Asia Pacific Screen Awards and thank all attendees and participants at APSA and the Asia Pacific Screen Forum.

There is a phenomenal energy in the room at APSA, where it is abundantly clear that filmmakers thrive on coming together and connecting across cultures, borders and languages, and through a shared love of telling our diverse stories on screen.”

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said: “Seeing filmmakers and industry leaders from all over the region gather for this special celebration of cinema is fantastic. As a city, we are proud to continue our longstanding relationship with APSA, and I congratulate winners and nominees.”

Central Partner Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney said: “The Asia Pacific

Screen Awards has once again created incredible opportunities for local filmmakers to engage with their counterparts across the region and to see their films. This will immeasurably enrich our state’s film industry, and we congratulate all the winners at the awards.”

The Asia Pacific Screen Academy presents the Asia Pacific Screen Awards and the Forum with the support of significant partners: the City of Gold Coast, Screen Queensland, the Motion Picture Association and Griffith Film School, Griffith University.

APSA acknowledges and celebrates its founding partnership with FIAPF International Federation of Film Producers Associations.

See below for the complete list of winners and recipients.

ABOUT THE ASIA PACIFIC SCREEN AWARDS & ASIA PACIFIC SCREEN ACADEMY The Asia Pacific Screen Academy proudly presents the region’s highest accolade in film, the Asia Pacific Screen Awards. Established in 2007, APSA ignites and honours the cinematic excellence and cultural diversity of the world’s fastest-growing film region, comprising 78 countries and areas, 4.5 billion people, and responsible for half of the world’s film output.

APSA and its Academy are committed to its ongoing global partnerships with FIAPF, the European Film Academy (EFA), the Motion Picture Association (MPA), Premios Platino del Cine Iberoamericano, NETPAC (the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema), the Asia Pacific Screen Lab (APSL) and Griffith Film School.

All APSA nominees, Nominations Councils and Jury members are inducted into the prestigious APSA Academy by Australian screen legend Jack Thompson AM PhD. In 2023, the Academy will total over 1,500 members of the region's leading filmmakers.

It provides exclusive networking, development and funding opportunities available to Academy members through the MPA APSA Academy Film Fund and Academy mentoring opportunities for the next generation of Asia Pacific filmmakers through the Asia Pacific Screen Lab. 2023 APSA INTERNATIONAL JURY Determining the winners of Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Performance, Jury Grand Prize Clara Law (Australia) – Jury President Anna Katchko (Germany) Yeo Yann Yann (Malaysia) Hideho Urata (Japan, Singapore) Faisal Baltyuor (Saudi Arabia) 2023 APSA YOUTH, ANIMATION, DOCUMENTARY INTERNATIONAL JURY

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Determining the winners of Best Youth Film, Best Animated Film, Best Documentary Film Midi Z (Taiwan) – Jury Chair Rima Das (India) Hikaru Toda (Japan) 16th ASIA PACIFIC SCREEN AWARDS - WINNERS BEST FILM Perfect Days Japan Directed by Wim Wenders Produced by Wim Wenders, Takuma Takasaki, Koji Yanai JURY GRAND PRIZE Evil Does Not Exist (Aku Wa Sonzai Shinai) Japan Directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi Produced by Satoshi Takata BEST YOUTH FILM Bauryna Salu Kazakhstan Directed by Askhat Kuchinchirekov Produced by Askhat Kuchinchirekov, Anna Katchko BEST ANIMATED FILM The Siren (La Sirène) France, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium Directed by Sepideh Farsi Produced by Sébastien Onomo BEST DOCUMENTARY FILM Against the Tide India, France Directed by Sarvnik Kaur Produced by Koval Bhatia, Sarvnik Kaur BEST DIRECTOR Celine Song for Past Lives Republic of Korea, United States BEST SCREENPLAY Anthony Shim for Riceboy Sleeps Canada, Republic of Korea BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY Azamat Dulatov for Qas Kazakhstan Special Mention for CINEMATOGRAPHY Krum Rodriguez for Citizen Saint (Mokalake Tsmindani) Georgia, France, Bulgaria BEST PERFORMANCE Mouna Hawa for Inshallah a Boy (Inshallah Walad) Jordan, France, Saudi Arabia, Qatar BEST NEW PERFORMER For the first or second time, lead performance in a feature-length role.

Aibar Saly and Alisher Ismailov for Brothers (Bratya) Kazakhstan CULTURAL DIVERSITY AWARD Rapture (Rimdogittanga) India, the People's Republic of China, Qatar, Switzerland, the Netherlands Directed by Dominic Megam Sangma Produced by Xu Jianshang,

Eva Gunme R Marak, Anu Rangachar, Sun Li, Harsh Agarwal, Aditya Grover, Stephen Zacharias YOUNG CINEMA AWARD They are presented in partnership with NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asia Pacific Cinema) and Griffith Film School, recognising the abundant emerging talent of the Asia Pacific.

Phạm Thiên Ân for Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell (Bên Trong Vỏ Kén Vàng) Vietnam, Singapore, France, Spain FIAPF AWARD for Outstanding Contribution to Asia Pacific Cinema Jeremy Chua Singapore MPA APSA ACADEMY FILM FUND Recipients of four US$25,000 grants for 2023 were announced during the APSA ceremony.

A joint initiative of the Asia Pacific Screen Academy and the Motion Picture Association since 2010, the Fund supports both organisations’ goal to increase cultural diversity on screen in the world’s fastest-growing film production region. The Fund is open exclusively to Asia Pacific Screen Academy members.

2023 MPA APSA Academy Film Fund Jury Andrew Pike (Australia) – Chair Leena Khobragade (India) Marissa Anita (Indonesia) 2023 Recipients Ahmed Yassin Al-Daradji (Iraq) – Screenwriter and director for Madness and Honey Days Rima Das (India) – Screenwriter, Director, Producer for Malati, My Love Tamar Shavgulidze (Georgia) – Screenwriter, Director for Vika Anthony Chen (Singapore) – Screenwriter, Director, Producer for We Are All Strangers ASIA PACIFIC SCREEN LAB Successful recipients announced for the 2023/24-year-long immersive development program are: Shadi Jamil Habib Allah (Israel) for his project, Morning Thread Haziqah Binti Azemi (Malaysia) for her project Garek Bavaneedha Loganathan (Sri Lanka) for her project 46 Mondays An initiative of the Asia Pacific Screen Academy with Griffith University, Griffith Film School, NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asia Pacific Cinema) and the Sun Foundation.

Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio conducted an exclusive oneon-one interview with Rima, which will be shown on AIR MIX, and the article will be published in the next edition of Brisbane Indian Times.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023 — 43

FOCUS ON FIJI

Equal rent distribution policy | Updated policy divides minors’ funds The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) has made changes to its Equal Rent Distribution (ERD) Policy – designed to address the immediate needs of landowners under 18 years old and still ensure effective use of funds under the policy.

Under the existing arrangement, 100 per cent of the funds were distributed to minors upon reaching 18 years – not taking into account challenges for education, medical, and other needs before they turn 18.

“The updated ERD Policy now divides individual minor’s funds in the

following manner: 40% general funds: these funds will be available for minors,

ensuring quick access to financial resources for education, medical

emergencies, and in an event of another national pandemic,” the TLTB stated.

“60 per cent Preserved Funds: this portion will be retained and preserved until the minors reach the age of 18, providing a financial safety net for their future endeavours.

“This strategic move is in alignment with the TLTB’s mission statement to provide the best financial and investment services to the iTaukei landowners,” the TLTB stated.

According to the TLTB, under Section 3(5) of the iTaukei Land Trust Act 1940, the Board possessed the authority to establish rules for its proceedings, aiding in the administration and control of the institution.

Minister for iTaukei Affairs and TLTB chairperson Ifereimi Vasu said the adjustment in the “ERD Policy demonstrated TLTB’s commitment to evolve with changing needs of landowners, adhering to the Finance Framework, and aligning with the Investment Framework as outlined in Section 4 of the TLTA.” He said parents also had the option now to request the early release of minors’ funds, subject to the executive management’s discretion.

“By dividing the funds, we are addressing immediate needs while securing their financial future,” Mr Vasu.

US says last Netanyahu says Israel will not pause planned Israel war against Hamas charter flight will leave Tuesday

Jerusalem (Reuters) – Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that Israel would not agree to a cessation of hostilities with Hamas in the Gaza Strip and would press ahead with its plans to wipe out the group.

Netanyahu said all wars have unintended civilian casualties and Israel’s assault on Gaza, which Hamas controls, was a battle between “civilisation

and barbarism,” calling on allies to back Israel.

At a news conference

in Tel Aviv Netanyahu’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and his Minister

of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer also addressed journalists.

Dermer said Israel’s coordination with the United States in its fight with Hamas was “unprecedented in history” and that its relationship with Russia was complicated.

Gallant said that in the occupied West Bank, only the Israeli army and police were authorised to use force.

Israel ‘let down’ by UN and its agencies, envoy says Geneva (Reuters) – Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva said on Monday her country had been “let down” by the global body, saying its agency chiefs had not done enough to condemn Islamist movement Hamas and growing anti-semitism.

“I have to say, generally, the United Nations has let down the people of Israel,” Israeli Ambassador Meirav Eilon Shahar told reporters, saying that some heads of agencies had not condemned the Oct. 7 attacks when Hamas killed 1,400 people and took more than 200 hostages.

“What happens when you have an organisation here working in Geneva, WHO, that the next day on the 8th of October starts talking about Gaza?” she said.

Eilon Shahar appeared to refer to comments by World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on social

media platform X voicing concern about civilian deaths in Gaza the day after the attacks, the most deadly in Israel since the country was founded in 1948.

WHO did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Since the Hamas

44 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023

incursion, Israel has responded with retaliatory air strikes and a ground offensive, killing more than 8,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza medical authorities, drawing calls for a ceasefire or at least a humanitarian pause even from some of Israel’s closest

backers.

Her comments follow Israel’s criticism of U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres whom it accused of justifying Hamas’ attacks on Israel.

Guterres rejected Israel’s accusation, calling them a misrepresentation of his

The U.S. State Department said the last planned charter flight to help Americans depart Israel will leave Tuesday from Tel Aviv.

The U.S. government on Oct. 13 began chartering flights from Tel Aviv to Athens to help Americans depart Israel amid the ongoing conflict in the region.

U.S. airlines have halted all flights to Israel and earlier this month added flights to Athens to help Americans return home.

There are still other limited international commercial flights available from Tel Aviv, the State Department noted.

Demand for the flights has fallen sharply, which is prompting the end of the

flights.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Monday at a press briefing that a U.S. charter flight on Sunday had just five passengers.

“It is purely a demand issue… We have consistently seen the demand for our charter flights go down,” Miller said saying only about 25% of seats offered on U.S. charter flights have been filled by Americans and relatives seeking to leave Israel.

Miller said the State Department despite the end of the flights, it will continue to assess the situation and “whether circumstances change on the ground and if we need to make additional arrangements.”

remarks.

Eilon Shahar also said she expected international organisations to call out growing anti-semitism and signs of Hamas operations in Gaza, including those Israel’s military says are beneath Gaza’s main hospital.

“We’ve shared information quite widely and we do expect the international community and international organisations including WHO but not only, to condemn Hamas for using these protected facilities for military use,” she said.

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023 — 45

Ishaan Khatter starrer Pippa to skip theatres for a direct-toOTT premiere

Back in 2021, producer Ronnie Screwvala announced two feature films - Tejas and Pippa set against the backdrop of the Indian Armed Forces. Little did he know that both films would prove to be lossmaking ventures. While the Kangana Ranaut led Tejas has turned out to be a trueblue disaster, his second film, Pippa is taking a directto-digital route.

According to sources close to the development, the Ishaan Khatter-led Pippa will skip theatrical release as it has been sold to a leading digital player for an OTT premiere. "The stakeholders feel that it would make no sense to release Pippa on the big screen given the change in business dynamics. While the film has turned out to be a good project, the makers feel that the audiences are not stepping out to see non-

event films on the big screen, And hence, the film is sold to a digital player," a source told Bollywood Hungama.

The twist in the tale comes here. The film has been sold below its cost price to the OTT player. "Pippa has gone over budget in its making. It cost Rs. 75 crores and the idea ever since the shoot was wrapped up was to minimize the losses. The theatrical release would have resulted in big losses as the star-cast is not big.

So the makers have sold the film to an OTT platform and booked limited losses on the project. This is the bestcase scenario in terms of revenue for Pippa and that has happened because the content is good," the source told us further.

Pippa is set against the backdrop of the 1971 India vs Pakistan War and will be released in 2024.

Shilpa Shetty Kundra to earn over Rs. 43 crores from Mamaearth IPO launch Actress turned entrepreneur and fitness enthusiast Shilpa Shetty Kundra certainly knows how to act and of course turn a profit with almost everything she touches. After successfully launching and running multiple ventures, Shilpa, who had invested a massive Rs. 5 crores in Mamaearth, is all set to the reap the benefits of being an early bird investor as the company goes public. As per reports, Mamaearth parent Honasa Consumer Ltd has set a price band of Rs 308324 a share for its initial public offering (IPO), which will open on October 31.

Thanks to this, Shilpa Shetty who had initially invested approximately Rs. Rs. 5,83,19,352 for 1,393,200 shares at the rate of Rs. 41.86 per share, is all set to rake in a staggering Rs. 43,88,58,000 post IPO launch with each share being sold for an average price of Rs. 315 per share. While, this is a rough estimation of what Shilpa stands to earn, business insiders say that the amount could be well higher than that, based on the selling price of each share, since the top band range extends from Rs. 308 – Rs, 324 per share.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Shilpa was last seen in the movie Sukhee. Directed

by Sonal Joshi, the film also starred Amit Sadh and Chaitannya Choudhry. She has a keenly awaited project in the form of Rohit Shetty’s first web series Indian Police Force, where she is all set to play a pivotal character. The Amazon Prime Video web show also stars Sidharth Malhotra and Vivek Oberoi and will stream on the platform from January 19, 2024 onwards.

46 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023

EXCLUSIVE: Kubbra Sait to reunite with Shahid Kapoor for Deva Shahid Kapoor will soon be featuring in the role of a cop in the Rosshan Andrrews’ directorial Deva.

On the day of Pooja Hegde’s birthday, Siddharth Roy Kapur announced his next film which will star Shahid Kapoor as the male lead. On Dussehra, the makers took to social media to unveil the title of the film as Deva and revealed that the film will be releasing next year. Now, the latest update on that front is that actress Kubbra Sait, who received fame for her role in Sacred Games, is expected to join the star cast.

If the sources are true, this will be a reunion of the actress with the Kapoor boy after the duo came together for the latter’s debut web series Farzi. A source close

to the actress confirmed about the same and told Bollywood Hungama, “Yes Kubbra Sait will be a part of the film. It will feature Shahid Kapoor in the role of a cop but we cannot divulge any details of her character

right now. But she is excited to reunite with Shahid after Farzi”. Pooja Hegde will be essaying the leading lady in this thriller but details of the rest of the cast are currently being kept under wraps.

In association with

Zee Studios, the film will be directed by Rosshan Andrews. In an earlier statement given by the filmmaker, he had shared his vision for the film, stating, "I am honoured to be directing Deva, and I am eager to bring this thrilling story to the screen. With Shahid Kapoor's exceptional talent and the combined efforts of our fantastic team, I am confident that Deva will give a different cinematic experience." Deva is expected to release worldwide on October 11, 2024.

Speaking of her ventures, Kubbra Sait is known for her roles in shows like Farzi and The Trial. The actress has also featured in several films including Ready, Jawaani Jaaneman, RK/RKay, Gully Boy, among others.

Sunny Deol to team up with Abbas-Mustan and Vishal Rana for his next: Report Sunny Deol, who is riding high on the grand success of Gadar 2, is reportedly bagging some rather interesting projects of late. The superstar, who will be working with Aamir Khan soon, is said to have signed another big film which will be directed by the director duo Abbas-Mustan. The filmmakers, who are known for their suave stunt sequences and fast-paced thrillers...

Read more: https://indiantimes.com.au/

BREAKING: Dhanush to play the lead in the biopic of LEGENDARY music maestro Ilaiyaraaja Dhanush is a rare actor who did a successful crossover from South cinema to Bollywood before the Baahubali era.

He was seen in a couple of interesting Hindi films, which made him a popular name even in the Hindispeaking markets. Now, he is all set to deliver possibly the biggest Pan-India film of his career.

According to sources, the National Awardwinning star is all set to play Isaignani Illaiyaraaja in his biopic. Sources added that the movie will go on floors in 2024 and will release in 2025. This is likely to be a huge project given that it is about one of India’s music legends and has uber-talented Dhanush playing the role. The project is said to be produced by

Connekkt Media, which is also producing Mohanlal’s pan-Indian film Vrushabha.

A few months back, Yuvan Shankar Raja had said that he would love to see Dhanush play his father Ilaiyaraaja in his biopic and the stars seem to have aligned. A source said, "This is the first biopic Dhanush will be seen in

Release Date Movie Name 10 NOV 2023 Pippa 12 NOV 2023 Tiger 3 15 NOV 2023 Apurva 17 NOV 2023 Khichdi 2 23 NOV 2023 Antony 24 NOV 2023 Starfish

Audience Score 74 78 0 67 50 0

such an iconic role. The Captain Miller star is one of Ilaiyaraaja’s biggest fans and this role will definitely bag him some prestigious awards.”

We tried connecting Connekkt Media. However, there was no official confirmation of this development till the time of going to print.

Ilaiyaraaja, aged 80, has a record of composing over 7,000 songs in over 1,000 films and also performing in over 20,000 concerts.

He began his career in 1976 and has composed songs not just for Tamil movies but also for Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi films and also one English movie. In 2010, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian honour and the Padma Vibhushan in 2018, the second-highest civilian award, by the Government of India. He has even been honoured with five National Film Awards — three for Best Music Direction and two for Best Background Score. The title ‘Maestro’ was conferred on him by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London.

Release Date Movie Name 24 NOV 2023 Yaatris 25 NOV 2023 Farrey 24 NOV 2023 Fire of Love: RED 24 NOV 2023 Bombay 01 DEC 2023 Animal 01 DEC 2023 Sam Bahadur

Audience Score 29 25 0 29 75 68

The magic of Brand Bollywood … Downunder

By Rama Gaind Film: Brand Bollywood …

Downunder Director: Anupam Sharma, Forum Films Brand Bollywood …

Downunder is an engaging, witty and informative Australian love letter to well-liked Hindi cinema, popularly known as Bollywood, and refers to the film industry based in Mumbai, India.

It is captivatingly publicised as an “entertaining and informative insight into the ‘Bollywoodisation’ and globalisation of Indian cinema through its 89-year-old love affair with Australia.”

Director Anupam Sharma was born in Ajmer, Rajasthan, and moved to Australia to pursue a Bachelor's degree with a Master's in Films and Theatre from the University of NSW. He is acknowledged as a producer who has pioneered film links between India and Australia since 1997.

Delve beneath the colourful exterior of Hollywood’s biggest rival as this feature-length documentary provides a rare insider’s view of the “brass,

Filmmaker Anupam Sharma (at right, front) is pictured with the cast of his 2015 feature film UnIndian. The film starred former Australian cricketer Brett Lee and Tannishtha Chatterjee (Brick Lane, Shadows of Time), who is also a successful recording artist. arse, and farce of Bollywood's inner workings on a global scale.” Its glitz, glamour, magic and glory is brought to you by a cross-cultural film team widely credited as a major influence on the growth of ties between the Australian and Indian film industries.

The film is a celebration of Bollywood cinema and its expansion as an international entertainment giant. See past the myths and legends that surround the industry and witness the Bollywood reality — something far more entertaining than any fictional tale.

In what is sometimes hilarious, witness the clash of filmmaking cultures as Brand Bollywood explores the successes and failures of Bollywood's rise as a serious subculture in Australia, and around the world.

A bridge across 1897 to 2023, this musical feature amuses, diverts and is an enjoyable exposé. It was in the late 1990s that the outrageous, colourful,

One of India’s finest actors Anupam Kher. and musical Bollywood crews first descended on the Australian landscape and fascinated locals around the country.

More than just novel entertainment, Bollywood brought serious money to Australian shores, and the industry quickly became a darling of the tourism, trade and educational bodies.

Beneath the glitz and glamour is a rollercoaster tale of normally dry politicians bending over backwards to try and lure the industry to Australia — from announcing considerable film subsidies to premiers performing cameos in dance sequences.

Singers Rozana Azad and Avijit Sarkar evoke the emotional experience of migration through songs of separation, hope and joy

“From Home to Here" is an enchanting program that guides the audience through a musical odyssey.

Singers Rozana Azad and Avijit Sarkar will present a collection of melodies that delve into themes of separation, hope, happiness, and love, that are integral to the migration experience.

This program transcends being merely a celebration of diversity and cultural exchange; it is a profound exploration of the emotional journey of migration. The soulful music captures the spectrum of emotions, from the pain of leaving Call: (07) 3192 5188

loved ones behind to the excitement and anticipation of discovering a new home.

It offers audiences an opportunity to reflect on their own experiences and connect with the narratives being shared, as well as to appreciate the incredible resilience, strength, and beauty of those who have undertaken the journey from their original home to their new one.

WIdely acclaimed for their authenticity and melodious vocals, Rozana and Avijit, both originally from Bangladesh, share a mutual aspiration to honour

their heritage and languages by sharing them with the diverse communities of their adopted homeland. On this occasion, they will be joined by the talented Rheanna Hassan, who provides a unique second-generation perspective as a migrant musician, sharing her emotions through popular Bangla, English and Hindi songs. Adding depth to this musical voyage is Steve Shankar, who accompanies the team on guitar and keyboards.

For media inquiries, email Eyal Chipkiewicz at echipkiewicz@bemac.org.au

Bollywood superstar Akhsay Kumar (centre) in a song and dance sequence in Darling Harbour, Sydney, in January 2007 for the film Heyy Babyy.

In Australia and the west, Brand Bollywood pays homage to the in-style film industry and subgroup of Bollywood in form and in content. It features interviews with icons of Hindi cinema along with rare behindthe-scenes of Bollywood stars filming at picturesque locations including iconic Australian cities, India, France, UK and Switzerland.

Bollywood vs Hollywood Bollywood is older than Hollywood, having started in 1899 — 11 years before the birth of Hollywood. Bollywood represents the vibrant Indian film industry, reflecting the culture, traditions and societal issues of India. On the other hand, Hollywood is the epitome of American cinema, with its focus on high-quality productions and universal influence.

Bollywood produces around 1,500 to 2,000 films every year in more than 20 languages, which is almost double the

output of Hollywood.

Dil Chahta Hai, Love Story 2050, Deewane and Heyy Babyy are among the films shot in Australia, proving collaboration between India and Australia can be a success. As the Sydney-based Anupam Sharma articulates: the 2016 Lion is the “perfect example of the two countries working together in such a beautiful way.” Lion starred Dev Patel, as an Indian boy adopted by an Australian couple, played by Nicole Kidman and David Wenham.

Brand Bollywood is directed and written by Anupam Sharma (The Run, UnIndian) and cowritten and edited by Karin Steininger (Remember Anne Frank).

According to Sharma, this film has been a culmination of 23 years of working with Bollywood as one of the first Indian-born Australian film graduates. “It is my answer to all the questions about Bollywood I have had to answer trying to explain the different film culture.”

Sharma produced the film alongside Claire Haywood (Territory Cops, Pink House) and Deepti Sachdeva (The Run) and executive producers Lisa Duff (UnIndian) and Janine Barnes (Downriver).

Many well-known names in the Indian entertainment industry are featured, having generously given up their time and clips of their films to support this Australian celebration of Bollywood on a worldwide stage.

They include Sajid Nadiadwala, Anupam Kher, Salim Merchant, A.K. Tareen, Akarsh Khurana, Amit Khanna, Aproova Lakhia, Aseem Bajaj, Ashutosh Gowariker, Deepti Sachdeva, Dr. Amit Sarwal, Dr. Vikrant Kishore, Fardeen Feroz Khan, Farhan Akhtar, Harman Baweja, Jazeel Mistry, Kunal Kapoor, Leena Yadav, Maithili Rao, Manpreet Singh, Meenakshi Shedde, Nasreen Munni Kabir, Nataranjan Ramji, Ritesh Sidwani, Sameer Nair, Shabbir Wahid, Sharada Subramanium, S.M.M. Ausaja, Sonia Gandhi, Sushant Tungare, Vipul Amrutal Shah and Vivek Vaswani.

Considered to be one of the finest actors in Indian cinema, Anupam Kher is also a director and producer. He discloses: “Indian cinema is the richest cinema in the world. We do the most unbelievable things which make 1.2 billion people happy.

We don’t sell misery of life. We celebrate life. We are larger than life.”

• Brand Bollywood …

Downunder is now screening in Australian cinemas

from Home to Here A musical journey

AVIJIT SARKAR

ROZANA AZAD

The emotional experience of migration through songs of separation, hope and joy 7:30pm Thu November 16 Queensland Multicultural Centre

Info and Tickets: bemac.org.au 102 Main Street, Kangaroo Point

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023 — 47

Healthy Men, Healthy World The 19th of November is International Men’s Day. The Australian Men’s Health Forum (AMHF) have declared the theme for 2023 is ‘Healthy Men, Healthy World’.

All men are encouraged to make time to take care of their health. This includes: • Seeing your GP for regular check-ups if needed. Men normally die earlier than women, one of important factor is that men avoid doctors (https:// www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/ articles/PMC6142142/).

• Maintaining a healthy weight – being overweight increases the risks of many health conditions • Eating a healthy diet which is low in fat, sugar, salt and processed foods and rich in healthy choices including plenty of vegetables, fruit,

conditions including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV and STIs and not know as they often do not have any symptoms until the conditions start to cause damage to the body such as the liver.

It important to talk to your doctor and ask for these tests if you have not been tested before, or if you have been told you have these infections before but have not been having regular check-ups – for most people with chronic hepatitis B this is every 6

lean meats/seafood, healthy dairy and grains • Avoiding or limiting alcohol • Not smoking • Getting regular exercise.

Many conditions can be

improved by following the above.

It is also important to check for common chronic conditions that may affect your heath. These include diabetes, high blood pressure,

high cholesterol, fatty liver etc.

You should also check for other conditions such as blood borne viruses and sexually transmissible infections.

Many people may have these

months.

Think of it like you do to look after your car, you get it serviced, change the oil, check tyre pressure and make sure it is running well so it doesn’t break down – you should think the same way about your body and health.

For more information, please see our webpage www.eccq.com/bbv or contact us at ECCQ. Either call 07-3844 9166 or email us at health@eccq.com.au

Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and Sexual Health Program Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ)

Brittle Nails - Remedies to try right now Nimisha Modi

Hetvi Hair & Beauty 0412350013

There are many reasons to schedule routine manicures or apply paint and polish at home. It gives you a chance to express your style and creativity. One reason it’s important to consider regular nail care is that it can help to keep our nails healthy and strong and prevent future nail complications, like brittle nails.

Hey Girls, I did Gel nails I really loved the look. But in two weeks the look get verse when it starts to peel off. As

I feel my nails are Brittle nails can be challenging and painful to deal with, but don’t worry here we discuss some home remedies works well to begin caring for your brittle nails with ease, so you can get the relief and get your beautiful nails back.

You’ll find easy-to-use nail dip powder kits, manicure/ pedicure supplies stores, and the best guides for proper nail care, no matter what your nail needs might be.

What Causes Brittle Nails?

So many reasons you may be experiencing damage nails, but the good news is that you also have lots of options for

managing and caring for your brittle nails. Brittle nails can mean that you experience chipping, tearing, or damage more often than usual, or that you notice that your nails are weak, peeling, or easily cracked.

Common causes for brittle nails can be everything from application of artificial nails, gel nail paints, regularly application of dark colour nail polish aging and preexisting conditions, like circulatory and thyroid conditions, to environmental and daily behaviours. Excess exposure to the cold or even too much moisture, say from dishwashing, can cause your nails to become brittle over.

1. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize Brittle nails often occur because there is a deficiency in vitamins or nutrients.

That’s why many of the home remedies for caring for brittle nails include natural ingredients that can help to revitalize your nails.

Some of the best ingredients for moisturizing and rehydrating your dry brittle nails are ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter, which really get below the surface of the skin to provide complete hydration.

2. Hydrate In addition to hydrating

48 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023

your nails with lotions and moisturizers, you’ll also want to consider soaking them in nutrient-rich ingredients, as well. Some of the best options for effective, healthy soaks for brittle nails include apple cider vinegar, a sea salt mixture, and olive oil.

If you want to push back your cuticles or strengthen the nail and the skin around it, these ingredients can really do the trick.

3. Oils application Different vitamins and oils can have different benefits, and there are many useful tools for strengthening and supporting brittle nails. VitaminE, for example, strengthens and hydrates nails, removes signs of cuts and scarring, and makes the skin around the nails healthier, which can help to protect it for a long time to come. Or maybe you’ll want to reach for the tea tree oil, instead, since it has antibiotic benefits that can help to protect your nails from possible infections and irritations.

4. Protect Your nails If you know you’re going to be doing a lot of hands-on work, especially if you’ll be around hot water or strong chemicals, you always want to protect your hands. Wear rubber gloves when working in the kitchen or warm gloves if you’re outside in extremely cold temperatures. This will help to keep your nails from getting more brittle and will make it easier for them to grow back strong and healthy.

5. Regularly Manicures and pedicure Manicures have many benefits when they’re performed properly. If your tools aren’t sterilized or your nails aren’t removed properly, it can cause the nails to become brittle and damaged over time.

Always give yourself a

break between manicures so the nails can breathe and strengthen and listen to your nail needs when applying or removing artificial nails and polishes. Keep it small., while they heal and grow strong.

6. Nails are not cuter If you find you consistently use your nails to open packages, clean, or perform other tasks, then that may be the root cause as to why you’re experiencing brittle nails.

Too much pressure or use of the nails can cause them to degrade and wear over time and may even lead to acute damage that makes your nails vulnerable to infection and irritation. Always reach for real tools to do a job and keep your nails safe.

7. Speak 8. Use a Base Coat When you use a base coat on your manicure, it helps to smooth out the surface of the nail, which is useful for getting a smooth, shiny layer every time. The base coat also helps to protect and strengthen the nail, reducing the likelihood of brittleness and keeping it safe

for the future.

9. Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables One of the most common reasons you may be experiencing brittle nails is that your body isn’t getting the vitamins and nutrients it needs. You may be low on protein, so consider adding more meat or chickpeas to your diet, but the number of fruits and vegetables you eat can also have a direct impact on your nail health, as well as the health of your skin and hair.

Another reason you may be experiencing brittle nails is that you aren’t hydrated enough, so make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day. Your nails are sure to thank you.

10. Use Lotion and Moisturizer Moisturizing your hands is a great way to treat brittle nails at home, but it can also help to prevent them. If you wash the dishes, use drying materials for cleaning, or spend a lot of time out in the sun, make sure

you’re moisturizing regularly, to help keep the nails from becoming brittle again in the future.

Conclusion Brittle nails can be irritating and even painful over time, which is why it’s important to understand the root cause of the brittleness and to avoid the potential influences that can make the brittleness more intense. While there are some factors outside of our control, like age and genetic conditions, we can treat and prevent nail brittleness at home with a few ingredients and steps.

You can manage the effects of nail brittleness with tools and ingredients like coconut oil, tea tree oil, and shea butter. And you can prevent more brittleness by eating and drinking right, protecting your nails from the environment, and staying in good communication with your doctor.

Begin protecting and caring for your brittle nails today and get the looks that help you feel healthy and confident tomorrow.

Brisbane Has Stars celebrated its fourth year

BRISBANE After 200 days of competition and with 500 registered participants, on 15th October, eight finalists from the singing competition and seven from the beauty pageant gathered at City Hall for the grand finale.

That evening, the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor Adrian Schrinner and the Lady Mayoress, Nina Schrinner delivered speeches. Li Cun Xin AO from Queensland Ballet gave a speech, and the Queensland Ballet did a graceful performance.

In the auction segment

that night, we raised $51,388.88 for the Lord Mayor's Charitable Trust.

The Semifinal was held

at the prestigious Mercedes Benz precinct on Tuesday the twelfth. The competition was open to anyone over

eighteen, with two sections for contestants to enter: Singing and beauty.

David Wu, owner and

operator of Cloud8 Karaoke and creator of Brisbane has stars, upon speaking about how he thought of the idea

during the Covid pandemic.

Now in its fourth year, he is happy to see his event grow, with the first year running the beauty contest.

David expanded and explained the competition was finding beautiful, unique, and confidence-driven ladies and providing a platform for them to showcase their talent.

The winners received generous cash and gift packs as prizes, and many reputed brands were happy to be sponsors for the event; overall, a highly successful event presented in a very professional manner.

Sarah Todd's 'Hot Toddy Chilli Sauce' Sarah Todd, an Australian celebrity chef came on Australian Indian Radio to talk about her launch of the new chilli sauce range “Hot Today Chilli Sauce”. She sat down with host Umesh Chandra OAM to discuss her journey starting from Master Chef to creating her own Chilli range with her brother Matt Todd.

She talked about how she joined Master Chef Australia wanting a new career path.

She cooked Aloo Gobi which led to her rise in fame in India. She then travelled to India and opened her first restaurant. In India, amongst many things, she had a newfound love of chillis where she discovered their use for flavour and just for heat.

She went on to tell Umesh Chandra OAM how these chilli sauces came to be. It all began during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic when Sarah returned to Australia from India. A simple request from her friend, George Calombaris, to whip up a chilli sauce for his dish set off a whirlwind of excitement, thanks to an Instagram post that went viral. The flood of requests pouring into Sarah's messages was the spark that ignited the flame of creation for her chilli sauce range, a venture she embarked on with her brother, Matt Todd.

Sarah shared the inspiration behind these remarkable chilli sauces. With their diverse backgrounds, with roots in Queensland, Sarah’s son being half Indian, Matt’s Call: (07) 3192 5188

partner Japanese, and Sarah having travelled the world they were inspired to create a chilli sauce that incorporated all these different cultures with their tagline “taste the world one chilli at a time” encompassing cultures such as India, Japan, Thailand, and Australia.

The "Hot Today Chilli Sauce" range offers something for everyone.

From the smoky and rich flavours of the “Kashmiri Tomato”, perfect for adding

depth to dishes, to the mild and delightful “Sweet Chilli” sauce, sans the excessive sugar content that plagues many alternatives.

The “7-Spice Sriracha”, a Japanese-inspired sauce, pairs elegantly with Asian cuisine, while the “Birdseye Chilli” sauce delivers a tropical, mango-infused Queensland-inspired zest, ideal for barbecues and various dishes. For the daring and adventurous, there's the “Ghost Chilli”, an

Indian-inspired sauce that Sarah warns is "Not for the faint of heart."

What sets these sauces apart is not just their exceptional flavours but their commitment to health and dietary preferences. All the sauces are low in sugar, gluten-free, preservativefree, and proudly certified vegan. "Hot Today Chilli Sauce" truly has something for everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions or flavour preferences.

www.indiantimes.com.au

Today, Sarah Todd's remarkable chilli sauce range is readily available across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and greater Queensland. You can find it at The Standard Market Company, Harris Farm Markets, select boutique butchers, and groceries.

Additionally, you can explore the range and make purchases directly on her website at www.sarahtodd. com.au.

With a range as diverse

and culturally rich as the Australian landscape, Sarah Todd's "Hot Today Chilli Sauce" invites everyone to embark on a flavour-filled journey of exploration, connecting continents through the joy of chilli.

As Sarah's interview ends, it's evident that this entrepreneur's creation is destined to spice up not only dishes but also the culinary conversations of all those who savour its irresistible taste.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023 — 49

Monthly Predictions NOVEMBER - 2023 Aries ( 21st March to 20th April )

Taurus ( 21st April to 21st May )

Gemini ( 22nd May to 21st June )

This month some planetary movement demands attention and care to yourself. Try to have some personal time to make things easy. Avoid getting workload and spend quality time with your family and friends this will help you to come out of the negative result of Mars, Ketu and Venus this month. Don’t avoid the routine checkup and be regular with your medication for this month. In terms of health, this month you need to be careful as the transit of planets can give a busy schedule and workload. Physical exercise and meditation are going to help you this month to maintain good health. Things you should be careful to avoid in order to prevent your relationship from being negatively impacted

by Ketu and Mars are harsh and critical conversations. Venus and Ketu can cause a love relationship to fail, causing stress and emotional setbacks. As a result, it is advisable that you exercise caution before committing to a partnership. You should meet your emotional needs first and then have a constructive talk to prevent misunderstandings.

Your capacity to conduct study can help you succeed in the medical field under the influence of Venus and Ketu. Business and careers involving medical products will prosper. The blessings of Jupiter and Saturn this month can also help those of you who want to pursue an independent or freelance job. There will be costs associated with learning esoteric science, tarot card reading, or healing courses. Aim to avoid making big investments in real estate and land-related problems.

Venus' movement this month will require some attention at work. Mars and Ketu advise against making a hasty, forceful decision. The middle of this month of November may bring with it some expenses for your health as well as discussions or loan-related concerns that will stress you out. You should refrain from making any hasty or aggressive investment decisions, according to Mars and Ketu's movements in the final quarter of this year. This month will bring you numerous ups and downs in your romantic life. Mars with the Sun have the potential to cause divorce or an unexpected outburst of rage in a marriage. Therefore, it is essential that you give your marriage some breathing room. Have good and direct communication and try not to let criticism influence you. Because of Mars and Mercury in November, there could be a sudden debate at work. Some of you who work in fields related to research will succeed in your endeavours and be given excellent career opportunities. Backend and wholesale operations can provide the anticipated return on your investment. You who work in the medical field will be given the chance to travel and receive a competitive salary. Due to the movement of Mars and Venus, the learner could not succeed as quickly as anticipated. Venus and Ketu will increase interest in courses pertaining to the arts and medicine. We encourage you to adopt a positive outlook and to be persistent in your efforts because some of you may become depressed in the middle of this month because you did not achieve the desired outcome.

Venus and Ketu can provide some distractions this month, which could lead you to make the wrong choice. Therefore, before carrying out your idea, it would be wise to do some research and exercise patience. Mars and the Sun are prepared to give you the drive to work hard for a long time and the energy to accomplish a major goal. This month, you might acquire some nice and anticipated results, so be optimistic and do your best. Saturn will continue to be in its current state, necessitating diligent efforts. Venus and Ketu's marriage-related movement is not particularly favourable. You might sense a growing distance in your connection, and having excessive expectations of a spouse might cause stress in your marriage and romantic relationships. This month, make a sacrifice or a compromise to improve your connection and bring everything under control. You can get through debt-related problems with the help of the Sun and Mars movements. Business expansion and new projects both have the potential to produce unexpected workloads. This month should be successful for medical students, people training for government jobs, and people looking for jobs associated with the police department. Saturn will continue to be in the same position, so it will require perseverance and hard work. Rahu and Ketu might provide ambiguous difficulties as a result of unproductive ideas and arguments, which can stress you out and harm your health.

Cancer ( 22nd June to 22nd July )

Leo ( 23rd July to 22nd August )

Virgo ( 23rd August to 22nd September )

Your health and professional prospects are not very favourable this month due to Venus and Ketu. This Venus and Ketu combination can cause a sudden detachment in a relationship. You must give your neighbours some unoccupied space this month. To make things easier, try not to have too high of expectations. You can be blessed by the Sun and Mars with the proper wisdom to assist you carry out your plan. Having a few good pals may provide happiness to some of you. Some of you may experience unforeseen divorce-related troubles, as Ketu and Venus suggest. Both the in-laws and the family may put a strain on you. Your children can help you out. Your mother's health may suddenly deteriorate. Jupiter may grant you a few close pals who will support you both personally and professionally. Some of you might receive a romantic proposal from a coworker. Venus and Ketu this month can predict success in the medical field. Mars and the Sun determine one's profession choice in engineering or law enforcement. Rahu and Ketu's predictions of a rapid transfer are possible. Mars may inspire you to launch your own business. Financial benefit from your pals can come from the sun. Selling your property could result in an unexpected financial benefit. Rahu and Ketu, however, advise that you obtain appropriate proof before entering the final contract. She is welcome to request financial assistance. Avoid making a significant investment in the stock market to avoid suffering a loss as Mars suggests. So that you may make wise investments and savings decisions, get professional counsel. Don't skip your annual physical if you want to stay healthy this month. Overthinking and aggression can result in unexpected health problems.

Jupiter and Saturn advise you to be patient and take a positive attitude this month in order to get the desired results in your job and relationship. A small gathering with your in-laws but some philosophical disagreements can cause stress and tension in your marriage. Your marriage will depend greatly on your ability to communicate. Decide to go on a short excursion or outing with your spouse. Spending quality time with your partner might revitalise your marriage. Stress might be caused by health conditions involving your hands and nerves. Avoid strenuous exertion. Do your best to get in touch with nature, and avoid becoming a workaholic. Women who are pregnant should try to have a positive outlook and take care of their health. There are health problems with the teeth. This month, you ought to get a standard checkup. New writingrelated courses may cost money for the learner. This month, a career in legal matters will bring you good financial rewards. The cost of taking new courses may be incurred by the student. You will learn about many ways to earn money and make investments. Languages connected to travel can be successfully learned when Mercury is in motion. However, Saturn's motion can cause a slight delay in receiving the expected result from a government exam. You can be given a fresh opportunity for the position by the prior employer or employer. You will receive assistance from your senior on the job as you take on the new project. This month, you may be successful in a career involving research.

Be mindful of your health and don't skip your routine checkups. Poor health may be a result of aggression.

Your diet will change, which could have a positive impact on your health. In order to maintain a healthy married connection, both partners must learn to relax their rigid thinking. You can find yourself in a challenging scenario as a result of stress and a communication breakdown. Give your companion some space and try not to be aggressive. Unwanted expenses are possible. Try to budget your spending for this month. Try to budget your spending for this month. This month, you need to finish up any unfinished business pertaining to money and finances before moving on to your new shopping list. This month is not the best time to make a significant adjustment to the business strategy because legal issues pertaining to your company may cause you worry. Avoid arguing with your business partner because this could ruin your relationship and cost you money.

Try to be regular and upbeat at work; things will gradually improve if you have patience. To keep your attention on your studies, you must manage your negative habits and the Wrong Company. Celebrations and parties can divert attention. You should take care of your health because otherwise you can become distracted.

Libra ( 23rd September to 22nd October )

Scorpio ( 23rd October to 22nd November )

Sagittarius ( 23rd November to 21st December )

During this month, the planets will be in your favour for expressing your emotions. You might experience stability and joy in your relationship as a result. Friends would also offer assistance. Mercury and Venus will have a positive influence and bring harmony to your connection.

This month will be a wonderful time to stabilise your financial situation, create extra money, and catch up on missed payments. The Jupiter in transit will broaden your horizons and open up more lucrative career prospects for you. Your financial situation will gradually get better, but Saturn will insist that you make methodical investments in order to achieve the needed financial growth. New obstacles will present themselves in your professional life this month. More work and effort are required under Saturn. You must focus on the management and goals of your company if you are in business. During the second half of this month, the transiting Jupiter may provide a lot of wonderful energy and vibes, yet you might feel a little down. The latter part of this month will see a modest improvement in your performance. This month's first week could be particularly challenging for you academically. Planetary influences may cause you to become lethargic and less mentally acute in the later half of this month. This will make learning a little challenging. You may be more prone to illnesses due to Mars' and the South Node's influences.

Throughout the month, planetary circumstances will work in your favour.

Your awareness of fitness and health may become much more acute as the month comes to a close.

At the beginning of the month, the planets will favour you, and your love life and relationships will prosper.

Prepare yourself for some pleasant surprises over this month's first half. Devoted connections will be fertile ground for love. Older family members, though, may pose problems and disrupt the family's harmony. At the start of the month, you might expect a big inflow of cash. Venus, however, believes that as the month progresses, your lavish side will come out. Commitments could be under some pressure as a result. The planets will present you with some excellent earning opportunities to improve your position by the conclusion of the month. Starting this month, Saturn could bring stubborn issues to your place of employment. As the month progresses, Mars and Venus' influence may offer some good opportunities for success, but be careful not to have unrealistic expectations. Make business-related judgments after giving them significant thought and without letting impulses guide you. The month's end is when business turnover is most likely to rise. Although Jupiter's positive influence will definitely inspire you tremendously this month, your mentors might criticise you because of your carelessness or lethargy. Up until the middle of this month, you might not be able to concentrate on your studies very well. In the latter part, Jupiter may brighten your mood, and you may stay optimistic about your prospects. At the beginning of this month, you can have erratic energy levels and a slight unease. As the month progresses, Mars will also greatly increase your energy level.

Your productivity will also gradually increase over time.

You'll be inspired by Venus' influence to add charm and love to your connection. However, some resentments or anxieties may come to light, and this time, the impact of Nodes will be apparent. Now is the moment to figure out what is really making you unhappy. But over time, you'll be given the chance to rebuild your relationships and lay a strong foundation. It's possible that your financial situation started the month on a really mediocre note. You will struggle to get by if you have recently gone over budget.

The planets will support you in using your skills for financial gain as the month goes on. Reduce unnecessary stress by making wise financial decisions. A difficult task at the start of the month will probably put your abilities and patience to the test. Mercury and Jupiter this month, however, point to a wonderful capacity for learning new things, which may enable you to deal with pressure situations effectively.

A businessperson could search for new opportunities and prepare to export his goods. If you work in a partnership, you might need to exercise some caution toward the end of this month. Your preparations during this month are sure to improve thanks to the potent educational planets. You will continue to receive Jupiter's favours. Any competitive tests could be taken at this time, as there are better odds of success.

Jupiter's favourable influence will strengthen your health this month.

Typically, you don't have any health issues.

Capricorn ( 22nd December to 20th January )

Aquarius ( 21st January to 18th February )

Pisces ( 19th February to 20th March )

During this month, Venus and Jupiter will have a positive impact on your relationship and everything pertaining to love. Your partnership will probably be revitalised

by Venus, who will also provide charm to your love life. Mercury suggests that you might gradually make dialogue more amorous in your encounters. If you are too constricted in the latter half, Mars is likely to make you restless. Saturn could require severe discipline in your money dealings at the start of the month. Your financial situation may continue to be boosted by the stars, but you must exercise patience because the South Node may provide some difficulties around the middle of this month. Growth will occur, but only after a few setbacks and challenges near the month's end.

Your professional development will benefit from Jupiter's optimism this month. But you could also run into a lot of challenges. Saturn predicts that you will have to exercise patience and perseverance. The beginning of this month is not the time for hurried business transactions. Mars predicts that although you might face tough competition, things will start to improve as the month goes on. This month, academic progress will be greatly aided by the influence of Venus and Jupiter. Students, especially those getting ready for high school or college exams, will be in luck. You'll be able to retain good health this month thanks to the stars. There is no need for excessive worry at this time. Mars predicts that as the month goes on, you'll have plenty of energy.

Jupiter will continue to be a positive influence in your love life and relationships. The planets will inspire you to be creative and to pursue your interests. Your warm personality will become stronger. For you, things are about to become better. Venus may provide you with more security if you are in a committed relationship, while if you are not, you may feel a little insecure. Although you will have a steady income, you won't be able to save much. Saturn suggests that you may have family expenses and hence experience some financial limits. As the month goes on, Mars will give you a lot of ambition to obtain rapid gains. You must refrain from taking any excessive risks because if you do, it will be tough for you to back out of your commitments. This month, you may have a tonne of significant tasks to perform. The only way to succeed is via teamwork. If you are in business, you need to be as watchful as ever to avoid the challenges your rivals have put in place. Jupiter predicts that you'll have power and influence at work, and that you can feel good in the midst of things by lending a hand to your coworkers. Saturn's influence at the start of this month may put pressure on you to put in extra effort to advance in your studies as required. Higher education students should request appropriate senior guidance. Giving useful advice will facilitate learning the material fast and thoroughly. Although you may have sufficient planetary support to maintain your health, it is entirely possible that you neglected it at the beginning of this month owing to work pressure or other concerns.

Your personal life and your relationship seem to be going about as they usually do at the start of the month. Mars predicts that a seemingly unimportant matter will eventually affect your reputation. Jupiter might continue to encourage someone in a committed relationship to enjoy the benefits of physical closeness.

Venus strongly suggests that during the second half of this month, there is a probability that a single person will fall in love with the opposite sex. Venus could increase your costs at the beginning of this month, which could put pressure on your financial plans. No lending, borrowing, or investing should be done until the middle of this month unless it is absolutely necessary. You shouldn't count on smooth sailing, either, as Saturn may make you work extremely hard to accomplish your goals. During this month, Jupiter could give you more insight into matters pertaining to your career. Due to the negative effects of the North Node, there may be some complicated situations, but with your wise decisions, you may feel more effective in your working life. Around the middle of this month, businesspeople may have some fantastic prospects for growth and gain. During the second half of this month, Saturn could create some issues and prevent your work from running smoothly. Your performance in your studies may continue to be good throughout this month thanks to the strong backing of Mercury and Jupiter. Additionally, you might succeed in the tasks and projects you are now working on. However, because of Saturn's influence, there might be some initial delays and challenges.

This month, Saturn will alert you to some lingering health problems.

You may get stomach or headache issues.

50 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2020 — 51

India vs South Africa Highlights, World Cup 2023: Jadeja runs riot at Eden, IND win by 243 runs India vs South Africa Highlights, World Cup 2023: India (326/5) beat South Africa (83 all out) by 243 runs in Kolkata, retain top spot on points table.

India vs South Africa Highlights, Cricket World Cup 2023: Rohit Sharma-led Team India continued their supreme run at the ongoing World Cup and defeated South Africa by 243 runs at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Sunday. Ravindra Jadeja was the architect behind India's splendid show with ball as he completed a fivewicket haul. Riding on his effort, India folded South Africa for 83 in 27.1 overs after handing them a stiff target of 327. Apart from Jadeja, Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav scalped two wickets each, while

Earlier, Virat Kohli put up yet another monumental innings in trying conditions on his 35th birthday and in the process, he equaled Sachin Tendulkar's extraordinary record of 49 ODI centuries. It was a subdued celebration from the former India captain, he played through most of the innings in the humidity of Kolkata.

Mohammed Siraj picked one.

Earlier, Virat Kohli put up yet another monumental innings in trying conditions

on his 35th birthday and in the process, he equaled Sachin Tendulkar's extraordinary record of 49 ODI centuries. It was a

subdued celebration from the former India captain, he played through most of the innings in the humidity of Kolkata. His century led

the way in India putting up a mammoth total of 326/5 in 50 overs. India came out all guns blazing with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill

belting Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada to all parts of the ground. The run rate slowed down as Keshav Maharaj kept a check on the batters throughout the middle overs after the openers fell but Kohli and Shreyas Iyer soldiered through that phase. The pair then shifted gears and scored their respective halfcenturies. The stand finally ended on 134 off 158 when Iyer fell to Lungi Ngidi on 77 off 87. KL Rahul fell soon thereafter and Suryakumar Yadav then played an entertaining cameo, smashing 22 in 14 balls and Ravindra Jadeja then did the same. The all-rounder stayed unbeaten on 29 off 15 while Kohli at the other end got to his milestone. He finished unbeaten on 101 off 121.

Massive India blow as viceGYMNASTICS AGAIN AT captain ruled out of World Cup THE FRONT OF AUSTRALIA'S Star India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup in a giant blow to the team’s hopes of going all the way.

India are so far unbeaten and sit in the top two ahead of a massive match-up with South Africa on Sunday.

But they’ll be without the services of 30-year-old vice-captain Pandya, who rolled his left ankle while bowling against Bangladesh last month and has not recovered.

India has now replaced the injured star with rookie quick Prasidh Krishna, who has played just 19 white-ball

SPORTING PACK

games for his country with 33 wickets.

The right-arm paceman is a handy back-up to the likes of Jasprit Bumrah,

Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj in India’s pace ranks, but appears unlikely to break into the first team unless injury strikes.

Football-crazy town celebrates IDC win “Football is a passion and obsession shared by all the people of Ba.” Ba Football Association president Amzad Khan told this to a large number of Menin-Black supporters who were present at the Ba Gujarati grounds to celebrate their 25th Inter District Championship (IDC) win yesterday.

“Football is in our blood and that is what we are here to celebrate our win,” Khan said.

“It has been a very tough year for Ba FC. We had lot of critics that said a lot of things after we failed to win any matches at the BOG and we took those criticism positively and came back stronger with this win.”

As part of the program, there was a series of float procession and march pass from Ba Civic Centre, down Nukudrala Street through the Main street to the Ba Gujarati Grounds. Ba Football coach Asif Khan said the support from the fans have been overwhelming which helped

It has been a very tough year for Ba FC. We had lot of critics that said a lot of things after we failed to win any matches at the BOG and we took those criticism positively and came back stronger with this win.” them win the title after eight years. “Today the people have shown what Ba really is when

52 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023

it comes to soccer.

“It has been a sweet victory and we are privileged and proud, the way the Ba people have appreciated our win,” said Asif. The Kamil Muslim College teacher said this was not the end of the Men-inBlack as there was more to come. “I would like to thank all the Ba fans for the love and support shown towards the Ba team for the 2023 IDC win and we look forward to the support for more upcoming tournaments.”

Gymnastics continues to grow in popularity according to the latest research released today by the Australian Sports Commission, with 122,000 more Australian children taking part in the sport than the same time last year.

The latest national AusPlay (National Sport and Physical Activity Participation Report) Australian’s largest and most comprehensive survey of sport and physical recreation shows gymnastics joining swimming, football/ soccer and dancing (recreational) as the most popular activities amongst Australian children.

Speaking to the report’s findings, Gymnastics Australia’s CEO, Alexandra Ash said it was fantastic to see even more young Australians experiencing the enjoyment of the sport.

“Gymnastics has traditionally been a popular activity for children across the country, particularly in those fundamental years of a child’s development.

To see gymnastics once again the second most popular physical activity for this age group speaks to why so many people continue to participate,” said Alexandra.

“We know our sport provides young Australians with the basic skills and knowledge for all aspects of life. And this result is testament to our affiliated clubs which do an incredible job in educating and enabling

practice of these vital skills. Running programs like KinderGym, they are providing a new generation of Australians with the confidence and motivation to move their bodies.”

“Gymnastics has always been hugely popular with young Australians, but it is particularly encouraging to see more Australian’s have their lives enriched by our sport,” said Alexandra.

The increase in demand for gymnastics classes can be seen nationwide, with participation levels in the sport in both metropolitan and rural areas at a strong level.

“Gymnastics is such an amazing sport no matter what level of participation. It doesn’t matter if you come for one hour per week or twenty you develop coordination and strength that feeds into almost every other sport,” says Emma Oatley, owner and manager of All The Way Up Gymnastics in Sydney.

“We have worked hard to create a fun

environment for both our coaches and the children.

We are lucky to have built a great community at ATWU and I really do attribute the growth we have seen, especially this term, to our wonderful coaches,” said Emma.

The continued growth in gymnastics at a grassroots level reflects the recent successes of our elite athletes across the globe, with the last 12 months seeing our Women’s Artistic team qualify for their first Olympic Games since 2012 and five Trampoline gymnasts claiming World Championship titles.

Key Findings Second most popular sport for girls under the age of 5 - 135,000 participants Second most popular sport for girls for ages 5-8 - 210,00 participants Third most popular sport for children under 15 in LOTE households – 132,000 Fifth most popular sport for boys ages 0-4 95,000

Call: (07) 3192 5188

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023 — 53

Leeanne ENOCH MP State Member for Algester

Charis MULLEN MP State Member for Jordan

Jess PUGH MP State Member for Mount Ommaney

Corrine McMILLAN MP James MARTIN MP State Member for Mansfield

Happy

State Member for Stretton

Diwali

Wishing our wonderful Indian communities a most joyous and meaningful Diwali

Authorised: C Mullen, 6 Yoga Way, Springfield Central 54 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023

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15 ea

SAVE $1.55

SAVE 35¢

Bhuja Mix 140-160g

Kozhikoden Banana Chips 200g $1.58 per 100g

3

$

50 ea

6

$

ea

SAVE 90¢

SAVE 50¢

SAVE 50¢

Maggi Masala Noodles 560g Pk 8 64¢ per 100g

Mother’s Recipe Mild Pickle 500g 70¢ per 100g

Haldirams Gulab Jamun 1 kg 60¢ per 100g

We have everything you need to celebrate Diwali this year.

Visit woolworths.com.au/diwali for participating stores and products.

On sale from Wednesday 1st November until Tuesday 14th November 2023 unless sold out earlier. Products and specials only available in selected stores. While stocks last. Visit woolworths.com.au/diwali for store list.

Woolworths Supermarkets: 1 Woolworths Way, Bella Vista, NSW 2153.

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023 — 55

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56 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, November, 2023