Brisbane Indian Times - October 2020 Online Issue

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

Volume 17, Number 2 Saturday, October 10th, 2020

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has dropped a major hint ahead of the Budget, revealing the top priority outlined in the economic plan Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has given further insight into what the Federal Budget will look like, revealing it is "all about jobs" and Australia's recovery from the pandemic.

“COVID-19 is an economic shock like no other. Globally, the equivalent of 600 million people have lost their job, and here in Australia, 10 per cent of our work force either lost their job or saw their working hours reduced to zero,” he told reporters on Tuesday morning.

CONTD. ON PG 33

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Inside

• Local News ..................................4-26 • Real Estate ..................................... 28 • India News ..................................... 34 • Fiji News ......................................... 36 • Entertainment .............................. 38 • Health & Well Being .................... 40 • Astrology ........................................ 42 • Business Directory/Classified ... 43 • Sports News ................................... 44

A Division of Qld Multicultural Times Published Monthly OWNERS / PUBLISHERS: Umesh Chandra OAM & Usha Chandra ADVERTISING: Charita Deshpande (Sales and Marketing Manager) 0430 193 715, sales@indiantimes.com.au JOURNALIST/ CORRESPONDENTS Ram Jattan (UK) / Thakur Ranjit Singh (NZ) Thilliar Varnakulasingham (NZ) Shalendra Prasad (Fiji) / Dhaval Vyas (India) Rama Gaind (Canberra) • ML. M. Nawaaz Ashram • Imam Muhammad Aslam • Pastor Joseph Dass • Haji Abdul Rahman Deen • Jitendra Deo • Nimisha Modi • Ranjita Pillai (Immigration Matters) • Peter Lane Rai • Awadhesh Sharma • Shailendra Singh • Gagan deep Tandon • Ravi Vastrad • Cartoon Corner: Merwyn Machado • Brian Sullivan (Photography) Address: PO Box 197, Taigum Qld 4018 Ph: (07) 3192 5188 Fax: (07) 3865 5864 E-mail: prod@indiantimes.com.au Subscriptions: 12 months 6 months Brisbane Indian Times is a monthly newspaper published in English. No material, including advertisements designed by Brisbane Indian Times, may be reproduced in part or who without the written consent of the manager.

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

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

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

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

2 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020

From the Publisher October, in Australia is one of the nicest times of the year to gallivant across this great continent, with flowers in bloom, warm weather, and glorious landscapes everywhere you go. Obviously, this year is slightly different in terms of travelling due to COVID 19 travel restrictions. The season is particularly perfect for spending your days by the beach (there are a few festivals in beach towns across the continent). Keep in mind that the weather can be quite hot the farther north you go, and much more temperate in the southern areas. The humidity is very less and so is the rainfall.

The autumn season is among the best time to visit Brisbane. Late Autumn happens to be the shoulder season and you can easily avoid the local crowds during this period. In Queensland many Queenslanders have begun discovering Queensland, yes, many who had never been to the flower festival in Toowoomba made it here, regional towns and cities have recorded more than average visitors and Cairns has been a very popular destination. Queensland Premier’s strong stance on the border closures has largely contributed to the control of corona virus in Queensland.

The move has not gone without criticism

and protest, looming elections and declining sales in some businesses. Why I say some businesses, because some have actually picked up. In case to restaurants, take away and deliveries have picked up as opposed to dine in. Real Estate sector remains strong, though listings are scarce.

Job keeper and job seeker changes take place and the federal government incentive for apprentices is a welcome news for small business.Half the salary of new apprentices and trainees in any industry will be paid for by the federal government for one year under a wage scheme to create jobs, the Morrison government has announced ahead of the federal budget. Full coverage of the budget will be in next month’s publication which will be the Diwali issue.

With restrictions easing we are turning the corner , economic recovery is inevitable , so you need to place yourself in the market , the either night passing through the Valley I was surprised to see so many people lining up for the nigh clubs , with the job keeper and jobseeker many people are financially better off than they would have been ordinarily. So as soon as restrictions are lifted people will be flocking to venues that have been in

lockdown. Take advantage of the packages offered by Brisbane Indian Times and place your business in the market place with a competitive edge.

Well celebrated our seventieth anniversary on 26th September, BIT will soon be coming of age, hard to believe seventeen years has gone by since ago we set out on this journey, and what a journey it has been, it has had its moments, ups and downs. The trials and tabulations that comes with any venture, we have had so many great feedbacks, and even more constructive criticism, which we welcome as it helps us improve.

We face the same challenges any business faces, like competition, copycats, miss representation where by people have been led to believe that other organisations are part of Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio. We have been quoted as not covering enough of the community matters, I personally take that on board, as yes, I have often left out many incidents surrounding our community which I felt that community at large did not need to know. Things like politics surrounding elections of office bearers, community organisations in court, police reports and many more, in hind side I probably should have brought to the surface these matters. Well I will leave it at that, obviously our anniversary celebration went well, amid the moon festival we celebrated in Fortitude Valley. I would like to place on record our appreciation for all our advertisers and correspondents, our in-house team, our printers, distributers, readers and community organisations for their continued support Our style and pattern has been simple, rather than long winded lengthy article of academic nature we take the simple who, what, where and when approach, that is all people are often interested in , even on social media some people will write lengthy post , don’t get me wrong they are good writers who write well , but hey, people like to get the key facts and move on .

Virtual reality is now a reality and we have seen the rise in the uptake to many platforms in this regard. Many software developers are marketing their products related to video production, streaming, podcasting etc. This is their moment of glory, the space is ever changing and is heavily dependent on social media platforms so there is always the risk of policy changes that may greatly affect the way one sets up their stream, podcast or channel. The space is getting crowded as everyone jumps on the bandwagon, so as they say watch this space.

In conclusion, I would like to wish everyone all the best for coming Navratri and Dussehra for Hindus and Milad un-Nabi and Eid-e-Milad for Muslims.

Hopefully restrictions will ease to allow for a communal celebration, until next month, be good and stay safe.

Happy Reading Umesh Chandra OAM Publisher

BIT NOVEMBER 2020

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Spectacular destinations are ‘Good to Go’ in Queensland

By Rama Gaind

Many of us are slowly emerging out of hibernation and beginning to travel again since restrictions were eased after the COVID-19 lockdown.

With the opening of some state and territory borders, authorities have advised caution in our journeys as the situation changes daily.

While the health emergency is in place, make sure to regularly check the current situation at the destination and to contact the hotel before arrival.

A myriad of new and revamped adventures are waiting to be explored in Queensland as the state is ‘Good to Go’. Here’s a small range of new and revitalised sightseeing experiences

across the state.

Explore the world’s largest sand island by foot. Many people flock to Fraser Island for 4WD adventures, but it’s the journey you can take on foot that will give you a deeper understanding of the less travelled landscapes.

Join a small group guided tour with Fraser Island Hiking to discover parts of the 90km Fraser Island Great Walk that passes by iconic landscapes such as Lake McKenzie, Central Station and Pile Valley. Fraser Island Hiking offers three hiking packages across two-, three- and fourday itineraries.

The packages cater for a range of abilities and include a self-guided camping, ‘pack free’ and luxury option.

Another option is to stay at the eco-friendly Kingfisher Bay Resort that is located on the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, near Great Sandy Strait. The resort is a 50-minute ferry crossing from River Heads in Hervey Bay.

Culture trail Explore the Whitsundays’ rich cultural history along the Ngaro Sea Trail with Whitsunday Paradise Explorer’s new eco-certified Cultural Tours.

Join experienced Skipper John Henderson and principal Indigenous guide Peter Pryor, who is a direct

who have walked this land for over 9,000 years. The tour allows you to learn more about the history of the Ngaro People, their customs and how they source traditional bush tucker that is plentiful in this region.

new educational experience to share his Indigenous culture and passion for the ocean with others. Operating out of Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast, the sailing experience will give you a deeper understanding of the connection between Indigenous culture and the ocean though stories of

Hamilton Island is the only island in the Whitsundays with its own commercial jet airport. descendant of the Ngaro people, on a small group tour to visit culturally significant sites at South Molle, Whitsunday and Hook Island where a cave with ancient Aboriginal rock art paints a picture of the life of the Ngaro People

Kingfisher Bay Resort is located on the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island.

Set sail on the Sunshine Coast. Saltwater Eco Tours is the brainchild of Young Indigenous Tourism Leader and descendant from the Torres Strait, Simon Thornalley, who created this

the local Kabi Kabi people, musical performances and local bush tucker tastings - all aboard a traditional sailing vessel dating back to 1908.

Other packages The Whitsundays

are

the ultimate launching pad for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and recharging under the sun. Salty air, sandy toes and sundowners overlooking the Coral Sea. The winter months are best for whale watching and swimming.

At the Elysian Eco Resort you will experience sublime peace, privacy and attentive service. It is the most secluded island retreat in the Whitsundays and the first solar powered resort on the Great Barrier Reef.

A three-hectare private cove with a rocky beach, surrounded by rainforest and all the magnificence of the Great Barrier Reef, this tropical eco-luxury paradise is worth a visit.

Why not opt for special deals on Hamilton Island or Surfers Paradise? .

Innumerable special holiday ideas, deals and packages are available through Tourism and Events Queensland, Qantas and the Flight Centre. Further research will unearth even more destination gems!

An aerial view of the Elysian Eco Resort in the Whitsundays and the first solar powered resort on the Great Barrier Reef.

THE PRISON SINGERS

Pastor Suresh Dass Joseph josephdass@optusnet.com.au

Dear reader, it is with much joy we bring to you the word of God. Too many people go through life with a feeling of low selfworth and value. Often, we value ourselves by our success, the work we are doing, our achievements, how somebody treats us, the place we live, and the car we drive. But once somebody hurts you, business goes down; the job is gone, then we feel

less valued.

There are so many people trapped in this, and it restricts them from rising higher because of what they have heard other people say about them or how they feel about themselves.

But when you realise that your true worth and value can only from your Heavenly Father than how someone treats you, your mistakes, or what someone says to you or about you, doesn’t lessen your value. The money you earn, where you live, the place you work does not decrease your worth.

The reason some people mistreat or devalue you is that people have struggles, they have weaknesses, and emotional issues.

They cannot see what’s on the inside of you. Only God does. This is what happened to David in the

4 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020

bible. While his relatives saw David as a shepherd boy, God saw him as a king and rule over the nation of Israel. People saw Abraham as childless and without a future; God saw him as the fathers of many nations, kingdoms, and people.

In the scriptures (Acts 16 v 16-40), we read how Paul and Silas, while preaching in Macedonia, were followed by a girl possessed with a spirit of divination, who brought her employers much profit by fortunetelling. For many days she kept saying, “These men are the servants of the Most-High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” But one day, Paul, being annoyed with her constant talk, commanded the spirit to leave her in the name of Jesus. When her masters

saw their hope of profit was gone, they dragged Paul and Silas to the magistrates, where they were beaten and put in jail. They dragged them down to their level and put them in a trap/jail.

But people do not know your value. Only God does. People can only judge you and see you from what is on the outside of you, but only God knows what is on the inside of you. So, in the middle of the night, Paul and Silas were praying and singing praise to God. Suddenly,there wasan earthquake, the foundations of the prison were shaken, the prison doors opened, and everyone’s chains were loosed. The whole scene changed because Paul and Silas refused to let people decide their value and let God have the final say.

Here are 3 things we can learn from Paul and Silas.

1) Just because someone cannot see your worth and value does not mean you don’t have it.

It just means that those people are struggling with their worth and feel that everyone should be like them. When their profit was gone, the masters of the girl felt so little that they dragged them to their level. They had them whipped and placed in a prison. In their minds, they were already imprisoned and wanted to drag Paul and Silas with them.

2) Most people don’t see things and people as they are. They see things through their perspective and feelings.

When someone talks about your weaknesses, the mistakes you have made, your struggles, the work you are doing, then it is most likely

they are not describing you but their struggles and pain. Please don’t fall into the trap of believing and agreeing with them. They are speaking theirlife, not yours.

3) No one can make you feel smaller without your consent.Some people had Paul and Silas locked up in prison. But instead of getting to their level, they knew that what God had started in them would see them to the finish. So, in the night, they were praying and singing. By the morning, the whole scene had changed.

The prison keeper became a believer in Christ. The magistrates were pleading and apologising while Paul and Silas received honour, respect and, after much success, departed from the city.

God bless you Pastor Joseph Dass josephdass@optusnet. com.au

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Partner Visa’s The Department of Home Affairs allows Australian Citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their married or de facto partners on the basis of their genuine and ongoing relationship.

Partner visas are generally processed in two stages in Australia.

Sponsored applicants must hold a provisional visa, a Partner (Temporary) visa, in order to be granted a permanent visa, a Partner (Residence) visa. The grant of the provisional visa enables them to travel to and remain in Australia on a temporary basis. Following the grant of a temporary visa, a permanent visa may be granted where the decision-maker is satisfied the relationship has been ongoing for at least 2 years and is genuine and continuing. In some circumstances, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection may grant a waiver for the 2 year waiting period, or grant permanency even where the relationship has broken down before the end of the 2 year period.

Generally a provisional partner visa takes up to 12 months to be processed. Depending on the circumstances, visa applicants may be able to lodge their partner visa in Australia (subclass 820/801), and be granted a bridging visa, which

will allow them to stay in Australia whilst the visa is being processed.

Alternatively, a partner visa may be lodged and granted offshore (subclass 309/100).

Applicants will be required to show that together with their partner, they have a genuine commitment to a shared life together. This may be evidenced through financial interdependence, social context, nature of the household, nature of commitment to each other, and history of relationship.

The department may take into account the cultural background of the applicant, including cultural and legal marriage ceremonies.

Migration Guru has assisted a vast number of clients, in various and complex circumstances, including arranged marriages and de facto applicants. Migration Guru has more than 80 years of collective experience in the industry and a team of Migration Agents / Solicitors. With our vast experience and skills, we are able to provide accurate migration or legal advice based on our clients’ personal circumstances.

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The Four Kinds of Sounds - Sadhguru, Isha Foundation There are four kinds of sounds. The first type of sound is called “Vaikari.”

This is the physical sound that you hear, for example when somebody speaks.

The second form of sound is called “Madhyama,” which means, the middle one. Suppose I were to say “Chocolate,” or if I were to show you something that looks like a chocolate, your mind will think, “Oh, chocolate!” It is not just an abstraction or a vibration of thought. “Hot chocolate” is a voice, a sound that comes from a dimension of your mind. This is the middle sound. The third dimension of sound is referred to as “Pashyanthi.”

This is your mind’s ability to think it up. Without any input from outside – I did not show you anything nor did I shout “Chocolate,” but just like that, from within, from some deep recess in your mind – “Chocolate!”

It is not a reflection or a rebound of what I said; your mind can create it from somewhere within.

This is the Pashyanthi dimension of sound.

The fourth dimension of sound is referred to as “Para Vak.” “Vak” means voice, “Para” means the divine or the source of creation. Para Vak means the voice of the Creator.

For ages, every scatter-

brain in the world has been hearing God speak. I am not talking about that kind of nonsense. Hearing this sound does not mean losing control over your faculties and hearing things that you want to hear. Para Vak is about hearing the reverberation that is the basis of creation and Creator.

When Shiva was teaching yoga to the Saptarishis, his seven disciples, he taught them all kinds of intricate things continuously for many years, but he never spoke.

The seven disciples each received seven different types of teaching – seven dimensions of yoga. All Shiva did was sit there, seemingly disinterested in these people. When Parvati asked him, “Seven great sages are sitting there. Why don’t you say something? It will be appropriate.” Shiva said, “Ah! they hear me.” What he is telling her is, “You do not hear me because of your intimacy, so I have to speak to you. They hear me.” He does not mean to say, “They hear what is happening in my mind” He is saying, “The basis of my consciousness, they hear that and that's all. The rest is all made up for the sake of transmission. That's all they need to hear and they

6 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020

When Shiva was teaching yoga to the Saptarishis, his seven disciples, he taught them all kinds of intricate things continuously for many years, but he never spoke. The seven disciples each received seven different types of teaching – seven dimensions of yoga. All Shiva did was sit there, seemingly disinterested in these people.

The second form of sound is called “Madhyama,” which means,the middle one. Suppose I were to say“Chocolate,” or if I were to show you something that looks like a chocolate, your mind will think, “Oh, chocolate!” It is not just an abstraction or a vibration of thought. hear that.”

Para Vak is that sound which is the core of the soundless, utterly still consciousness. If we try and

educate somebody about the different dimensions of life, creation, existence, perception, experience and expression, it will be an

endless story because it is an endless universe. It is not that the tale is tall but the creation is such. But if you hear the sound, if you

hear this one sound which is “beginning-less,” then it is all here, it is no longer stretching into an endless scape.

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

Sadhguru has been conferred the "Padma Vibhushan" by the Government of India in 2017, one of the highest annual civilian awards, accorded for exceptional and distinguished service.

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8 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020

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Brisbane Indian Times Seventeenth Anniversary Celebrations Brisbane Indian Times was launched on 24th September 2003 at Ballymore Rugby Club Herston, the then Redcliffe Mayor Cnr Allan Boulton as the chief guest launched the venture.The first publication was released at the Diwali function of Hindu Society of Queensland at Coffee Club Auditorium with the RNA precinct. In 2004, Brisbane Indian Times Multicultural community and Business awards was launched. Brisbane City Council and Queensland Government were sponsors of the event. Later on, Brisbane City Council took on the business awards while state government took on the community awards.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia were naming rights sponsors till we wrapped up the awards to avoid duplication.

Our publication has come a long way from its humble beginning though not financially viable we have kept it going as a community service, and as a matter of personal pride and satisfaction.

We owned lot more Real Estate then, than we do now. We have always run it professionally with proper office, staff and contracted distribution company. With the introduction on the digital medium, we had to launch the digital online version as well as maintaining the hard copy. Our aim was and remains providing a balanced multicultural reporting for all communities not being aligned to any political party or religion.

On 29th January 2016, embracing the digital technology Australian Indian Radio was launched atop Sudima Suites by Honorary Counsel for India in Queensland - Mrs Archana Singh. The twenty-four seven online radio has bondless opportunities and reach. Unlike AM or FM, online radio is not restricted to the reach of a frequency and is available to the entire world. Australian Indian Radio is available via various online platforms. Many streaming platforms have picked up and are hosting our radio.

The lockdown of 2020 gave birth to the Facebook live channel of Australian Indian Radio, the idea was not new as a YouTube channel had been in existence since 2011,some nine years ago see https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=_63mgh2i8A0&t=20s.

The daily news feed has gained popularity and has reasonably good number of viewers daily.

Now the celebration was a small intimate affair at Golden Palace Chinese restaurant in the Valley, due Covid 19 restrictions.

The fun filled night was attended by correspondents, advertisers, AIR presenters and in-house team. Kavita ji’skavita was followed by Moon Festival Dragon dancers and the floor was opened to karaoke, Murugesh was a clear crowd pleaser. Our apologies to many whom we could not invite on this occasion, plans are under way for a bigger celebration in coming years to mark another milestone – god willing.

10 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020

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Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland Samaj Havan Yajna Satsang at Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre Patron Re’t Justice Pandit Devendra Pathik “Arya Ratn”

Trustee Mr. Sukarm Pal Singh

आप स्वयं कैसे सुखी होंगे? इस प्रश्न का उत्तर है कि सबसे पहले ईमानदारी सीखनी होगी और सभी क्षेत्रों में सत्य का पालन करना चाहिए । जीवन को सफल बनाने के लिए दस ू रों को सुख दे ना चाहिए। परं तु इससे पहले आपको स्वयं सुखी होना आवश्यक है । जो मिठाई वाला है , वह दस ू रों को मिठाई दे सकता है । जो कपड़े का व्यापारी है , वह दस ू रों को कपड़ा दे सकता है । लकड़ी का व्यापारी लकड़ी दे सकता है । और लोहे का व्यापारी लोहा दे सकता है । इन सब प्रत्यक्ष उदाहरणों से यही पता चलता है , कि जिस व्यक्ति के पास जो वस्तु है , वह व्यक्ति दस ू रों को वही वस्तु दे सकता है । *इसी प्रकार से जो स्वयं सुखी है , वही दस ू रों को सुख दे सकता है । और जो व्यक्ति स्वयं दख ु ी है , वह तो दस ू रों को दख ु ही दे गा। उसके पास सुख है ही नहीं, तो कैसे दे गा?* अब शास्त्र यह कहते हैं , *यदि आप अपने जीवन को सुखी और सफल बनाना चाहते हैं , तो आपको दस ू रों को सुख दे ना होगा।* जो लोग सुखी हैं , वे दस ू रों को सुख दे ते हैं । जो लोग दख ु ी हैं , वे दस ू रों को दख ु दे ते हैं । जिसके पास जो होगा, वह वही तो दे गा! तो पहले आप स्वयं सुखी बनें, फिर दस ू रों को भी सुख दे वें। तभी आपका जीवन

सफल माना जाएगा। अब प्रश्न यह है , कि "आप स्वयं कैसे सुखी होंगे?" इस प्रश्न का उत्तर है -- कि सबसे पहले ईमानदारी सीखनी होगी। ईमानदारी का अर्थ है , छल कपट से रहित होकर, सरलता से व्यवहार करना। मन वाणी और शरीर के व्यवहारों को एक रूप बनाना। और यह एकरूपता ईश्वर की आज्ञा के अनुकूल होनी चाहिए, अर्थात ् सुखदायक होनी चाहिए, दख ु दायक नहीं। इसके अतिरिक्त सुखी होने के लिए व्यक्ति को सभी क्षेत्रों में सत्य का

पालन करना चाहिए। मन इं द्रियों पर संयम रखना चाहिए। मन में परोपकार की इच्छा रखनी चाहिए, और व्यवहार में भी यथाशक्ति दस ू रों की सहायता करनी चाहिए। ऐसी ईमानदारी सच्चाई आदि गुणों से युक्त हो कर व्यक्ति यदि व्यवहार करे , तब तो ईश्वर उसे सुख दे गा। फिर वह स्वयं सुखी होकर दस ू रों को भी सुख दे पाएगा। ऐसा करने से उसका यह जन्म और अगला, दोनों जन्म सुखमय होंगे। अब दख ु से बचने के लिए, झूठ छल कपट धोखा चालाकी अन्याय शोषण आदि बुरे कर्मों से प्रत्येक व्यक्ति को बचना चाहिए। क्योंकि इन सब कामों को करने से, ईश्वर की न्याय व्यवस्था से, व्यक्ति स्वयं चिंतित परे शान एवं दख ु ी रहता है । *यदि वह इन सब बुरे कर्मों को करे गा, तो स्वयं दख ु ी होगा। फिर वह अपना जीवन तो नष्ट करे गा ही, साथ में दस ू रों को भी दख ु ही दे गा। ऐसा करने से उसका यह जन्म और अगला, दोनों जन्म बिगड़ जाएंगे। इसलिए बुरे कर्मों से बचें, उत्तम कर्म करके स्वयं सुखी रहें , तथा दस ू रों को भी सुख दे वें। इसी में मानव जीवन की सफलता है ओ३म ् स्वामी विवेकानंद परिव्राजक जी

धैर्य को धारण करने से, आप स्वयं भी सुखी रहें गे और दस ु दें गे ू रों को भी सख

परु ानी कहावत है , "धैर्य का फल मीठा होता है ।" आज भी इस कहावत की उतनी ही आवश्यकता है , जितनी पहले थी।* आपने दे खा होगा कुछ लोग बड़े धैर्यशाली होते हैं । और कुछ लोग बड़े उतावले या जल्दबाज होते हैं । वे हर काम में जल्दी करते हैं । और अनेक बार ऐसा भी दे खा जाता है कि वे जितनी अधिक जल्दी करते हैं , उतनी ही उनसे गलतियां अधिक होती हैं । गलतियां अधिक होने से उनके काम उतनी ही दे र से होते हैं और बिगड़ते जाते हैं । ऐसी स्थिति में उन्हें क्रोध आता है । क्योंकि वे गलतियां उन्होंने स्वयं की हैं , अपनी जल्दबाजी के कारण ही उनका काम विलंब से हुआ, इसलिए वे स्वयं पर झल्लाने लगते हैं । स्वयं पर ही गुस्सा करते हैं । ऐसा करना उचित नहीं है । इन सारी गलतियों से और झल्लाहट से यदि व्यक्ति चाहे तो बच सकता है । थोड़ा धैर्य को धारण करना होगा। जल्दबाजी को कम करना होगा। सुबह उठते ही सबसे पहला संकल्प यही करें , कि "मैं सब काम धैर्यपूर्वक करूं गा, किसी भी काम में जल्दबाजी नहीं करूं गा." प्रतिदिन

इस प्रकार से संकल्प करने से आपके मन पर धैर्य से काम करने का संस्कार पड़े गा। धीरे -धीरे यह संस्कार बलवान होता जाएगा और आप दिनभर की क्रियाओं को धैर्य से करें गे। जल्दबाजी नहीं करें गे। इसका परिणाम यह होगा कि - *आप की गलतियां कम होती जाएंगी। जैसेजैसे गलतियां कम होती जाएंगी, वैसे-वैसे झल्लाहट और क्रोध भी कम होता जाएगा। आपको शांति मिलेगी। आपके सारे कार्य अच्छी प्रकार से संपन्न होंगे। बुद्धि भी ठीक रहे गी। बुद्धि के ठीक रहने से आप दस ू रों के साथ अच्छा व्यवहार भी करें गे।* एक बात और है । जब हम कहते हैं कि धैर्य का पालन करें । सब काम शांति से सोच समझ कर करें । तो *बहुत से लोग कहते हैं , कि साहब यह हमसे हो नहीं पाता। धैर्य रखना बहुत कठिन है ।* ठीक है , हम मान लेते हैं , कि धैर्य रखना कुछ कठिन है , परं तु असंभव नहीं है । इसमें थोड़ा कष्ट तो होता है । परं तु यह भी तो सत्य है , कि बिना कष्ट उठाए कोई सुख भी तो नहीं मिलता। ऋषि लोग कहते हैं , भले ही धैर्य रखना कष्टकारक है , धैर्य का बीज और

12 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020

वृक्ष भले ही कड़वा है , परं तु जब इस वृक्ष पर फल आते हैं , तो बहुत मीठे होते हैं । आप सोचेंगे, कड़वे बीज और वृक्ष पर मीठे फल कैसे आएंगे? तो स्वयं परिक्षण कर लीजिए। आम का बीज खाकर दे खिए, वृक्ष को थोड़ा तोड़कर खा कर दे खिये, कड़वा लगेगा। लेकिन उस वृक्ष पर आम के फल बहुत मीठे आते हैं । बीज एवं वृक्ष तो प्रायः कड़वे ही होते हैं । परं तु जब वृक्ष बड़ा हो जाता है और फल पूरा पक जाता है , तब उसमें ईश्वर की व्यवस्था से मिठास उत्पन्न हो जाती है । इसलिए मीठे फल खाने के लिए धैर्य का थोड़ा कड़वा बीज और वृक्ष भी अपने अंदर धारण करना पड़े गा। कुछ समय बाद बहुत अच्छे मीठे फल खाने को मिलेंगे, अर्थात ् परिणाम बहुत सुखदायक होंगे। कुल मिलाकर सार यह हुआ, कि *धैर्य को धारण करने से, आप स्वयं भी सुखी रहें गे और दस ू रों को भी सुख दें गे। न आपके काम बिगड़ें गे, और न दस ू रों के। इसलिए थोड़ी सावधानी रखने की आवश्यकता है । धैर्य से सब काम करें , जल्दबाजी न करें ओ३म ् ।स्वामी विवेकानंद परिव्राजक जी

Trustee Mr. Mul Chand

President Dr. Sukhvir Singh

Secretary Mr. Hari Chand

TreasurerMrs. Suman Chand

What is Dharma?

Dharma is the individual’s natural, selfless duty, a responsibility towards self, parents, family, society, community, environment, and humanity. Dharma is pronounced as Dh-r-m. Dharma is divine in origin and deals with universal natural principles. The connotations are spiritual and metaphysical.

Mahabharata (12-31-7) described Dharma as follows: “That conduct which sustains, protects, harmonizes all human beings including family, society, nation, nature, and the cosmos”. An individual who goes out of the way to help others is said to have undertaken Dharma. Kanad Rishi in Vaisesika Darsan describes Dharma as follows: “Dharma is that righteous conduct which elevates a human being to a higher level of interaction;

Dr. Deen B Chandora thereby, one attains selflessness and is free from selfishness.”

Dharma is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Dharana,’ the root word, Dhr. ‘Dharana’, means ‘to uphold,’ or to sustain. One who upholds these destined natural duties is said to have undertaken Dharma.

For example, the Dharma of the sun is to shine. The Dharma

of the earth is to rotate, and a learned person should guide others in the righteous direction. The great lawgiver sage, Manu Ji , described ten characteristics of Dharma as follows: “The ten characteristics of a person who upholds Dharma are 1.धृति -या धैर्य Dhrati-Fortitude,2.क्षमा Kshamameans ability to forgive ,3. दम Damah-Control over mind and desires, 4.अस्तेय Asteyam-Non stealing, 5.शौच Shouch-Purity, 6.इन्द्रियनिग्रह Indriya NigrahControl of sensory organs ,7. धी Dhi-Wisdom , 8.विद्या VidyaKnowledge, 9.सत्य SatyamTruthfulness, 10.अक्रोध AkrodhAbsence of anger .

In essence Dharma means “natural righteous, conducts, and duties that help one to rise higher to become a better person ओ३म ् .

VEDIC WORSHIP by Dr.Vivek Arya Q: Should we worship GOD Ishwar or not? Why? After all He never forgives!

A: Ishwar should be worshipped and He alone should be worshiped.

It is true that by worship of Ishwar, you will not receive any shortcut pass certificate when you have actually failed. Only lazy and cheaters desire such unscrupulous means to success.

The benefits of worship of Ishwar are different: a. By worship of Ishwar one is able to understand Ishwar and His creation better. b. By worship, one is able to better understand His properties and adopt those in his own life.

This enhances one’s personality, annihilates the source of future sins, encourages virtues of truth and compassion and comes closer to truth and bliss. c. By worship, one is able to hear ‘inner voice’ better and get constant clearer guidance from Him. d. By worship, one eradicates ignorance, gains strength and is able to withstand toughest challenges in life with confidence and aplomb. e. Ultimately, one is able to remove ignorance completely and achieve Moksha or salvation with ultimate bliss.

I would like to add one more reason for worship.

- Ishwar has done so much for us and continues to do so endlessly. And hence it is natural for us to thank Him in same manner as we thank our mortal parents for their blessings. Only an unfortunate selfish person would not demonstrate his gratitude and lose opportunity to purify his or her heart.

Please note that worship does not mean some mechanical

Q: What are the key components of Worship?

A: There are three major components:- Stuti or Glorification - Prarthana or Prayer- Upasana or Yogic Practice

Dr. Vivek Arya recitations or blankness of mind.

It is a proactive approach to imbibe wisdom through actions, knowledge and contemplation.

Q: How should we worship Ishwar?

A: Basically worship of Ishwar lies in each act that we perform in our life. True worship implies following the ‘inner voice’ on a continuous basis. This is called living life of Yajna – selfless acts dedicated only to noble purposes.

This is called worship through actions. However to ensure that one conducts his life purely in a noble manner without deviations, one has to practice on two more aspects: a. Seeking knowledge b. Contemplation on the knowledge to imbibe the same as part of our sanskaars.

The trio of KnowledgeContemplation-Actions go hand in hand and are fruitless in isolation.

For this lesson, we shall focus on specific aspects of ‘Contemplation’.

But please note that this assumes that the rest of the two components – Knowledge and Actions are also being utilized in sync.

Q: Explain Stuti in more detail.

A: ‘Stuti’ or Glorification means stating the correct attributes/ properties of any entity in most truthful manner.

The purpose of Stuti of Ishwar is to understand the properties of Ishwar and attempt to model our own nature and actions in sync with Him. For example just as Ishwar is just and kind, we should also be just and kind. Ishwar never gives up, and hence we should also not give up. true praise of God called Ishwar Stuti in the Vedic scriptures implies remembering God's various attributes and following His messages at all times when performing one's deeds whereby one incorporates an element of God's attributes in one's personal life to the extent possible e.g. as God is Kind and Just, similarly, be kind and just to others.

One who merely sings the virtues of Ishwar like a drama artist but does not put effort in changing his or her own character is simply wasting time. Whatever Stuti we do is solely for our own benefit by improving our own self.

Ishwar Stuti – or appreciation creates love for GOD and helps an individual to reform his character by contemplating the characters of GOD. Ishwar Prarthana – or prayer creates humility, hopefulness and confidence.

Ishwart Upasana – conduces to communion with GOD and his realization. ओ३म ् (to be continued)

SAMARPAN MEDITATION AUSTRALIA

“AURA” - BODY OF THOUGHTS…. Continued Samarpan Meditation was founded by Shree ShivKrupanand Swami (Swamiji) in 1999 in India and in the past two decades this mission has spread to over 30 countries. Scores of people have learnt the simple way of meditation and gained the positive experiences. Swamiji has encouraged practitioners of this method to open meditation centres around the world where people can come and meditate and learn about meditation, free of cost. To make best possible use of technology and under the guidance of Swamiji, an initiative called Join Collectivity Online (JCO) has been launched. As part of this initiative, volunteers have organised online meetings via Zoom where people can join in and meditate online together as if they were in the same room.

For more information, please visit https://joincollectivityonline. com/. Swamiji has placed great importance in meditating with a group of people because meditating for 1000 days by yourself is equal to meditating with 1000 people for one day. Followers of Samarpan Meditation consider Swamiji as the Living Saint of the 21st Century.

Life these days is increasingly driven by competition resulting in stress, dissatisfaction and lack of fulfilment and due to these factors, it has become really hard for all of us to experience inner peace, happiness and satisfaction.

Now we will talk about one

Call: (07) 3192 5188

Thoughts… Continued “Aura is defined as a subtle body or energy body which comprises of thoughts, while our physical body comprises of five elements of nature”

such possible way to overcome these factors through which we will be able to experience inner joy and satisfaction.

Meditation is a universal technique that clears one’s mind and connects one’s inner energy to the universal energy, leading to the pure joy go being one with universal consciousness and experiencing unlimited peace and happiness.Samarpan Meditation is an ancient, yet simple meditation technique developed by the Himalayan sages for the benefit of the common man living in society.

Samarapan Meditation is a universal meditation technique to connect with the universal consciousness, it is beyond the realm of religion and is practiced all over the world. Samarpan means complete surrender (of negativity, of the ego and thoughts

of the past and the future) so that we may experience connection with the divine within our own self.

When we completely surrender everything , forget our physical existence as a body and identifies ourselves as a pure and divine soul, our mind becomes still, there are no thoughts and we reach a state of ‘Thoughtlessness’ which is the stepping stone to our ‘Inward Journey’. Thus, Samarpan Meditation does not involve any physical exercises, and anyone can easily practice it. There are no restrictions of age, belief, background, or lifestyle.

Regular practicing of Samarpan Meditation brings about complete balance in one’s life thus facilitating growth of a person at the physical, mental, social, and spiritual levels.

Hereby, we are presenting an article on “AURA” Body of

Scientific background and Validation of AURA by modern science: We can find many scientific studies in the current era which support the existence of Aura. There are many modern technologies which help you understand and visualise the aura present in and around us.

There is enough evidence to justify the existence of bio-photons or electro-magnetic waves emanating from a living being that forms an electro-magnetic field or bio-field or Aura around its physical body. And this can be seen using Kirlian Photography, P.I.P Scanners or Bio-field Viewers.

While positive thoughts influence one’s physical wellbeing by influencing the thought process of the person, negative thoughts influence the other way. If a person continuously engages in negative thoughts, it effects in the form of illness. Hence, an Aura report of a person can give us much insight into one’s Aura and consequently into what kind of ailments one may possibly suffer from in the future.

A Saint’s AURA: Aura not only tells us about the positive energy around us but also

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tells us about the spiritual state.

Spiritual leaders and saints always possess a very powerful AURA. It is often referred as “the body of light” His Holiness Shivkrupanand Swami is a Living Saint of the 21st Century and this Aura report by Aura Photo Clinic is clear evidence of His Supreme Spiritual State.

The above image shows His Holiness Gurudev bathed in White colour and Light Violet colour, which indicates a deep spiritual state, of one who has transcended all physical/bodily feelings. On seeing His Aura photo, the bewildered photographer asked him, “How is it possible that you are still alive?” He explained, “The report shows zero feelings of the physical/bodily state.” The photographer was puzzled as to how a person could remain alive with absolutely no sense of his physical body.

He further asserted that this is indeed an extremely unique, one-of-its- kind, exceptional Aura of a Divine, Spiritual Master. The violet light on the left indicates the ability to receive energy from the Universe, and the white light on the right indicates the ability to provide unlimited healing energy automatically to those who come within the range of His aura.

We are blessed to be always surrounded by positive vibes of Swamiji.

We are blessed to celebrate Swamiji’s birthday every year.

This event is popularly called Chaitanya Mahotsav- Festival

Of Consciousness. A live Event 7th/8th/9th Of November 2020

Background of Chaitanya Mahotsav: Chaitanya Mahotsav event is a birthday celebration of Swamiji who is the founder of Samarpan Meditation. This is an event and celebration of high consciousness.

The event will be live for 3 consecutive days starting from the 7th of November to the 9th of November. This 3 day festival covers the discourses bestowed by Swamiji and is followed by many cultural events.

Chaitanya Mahotsav is an amazing opportunity for all the beginners to join the collectively in which people across the world will be participating online.

People can experience the subtle flow & transformation of energy by the medium of online live discourse by the founder of Samarpan Meditation His Holiness ShivkrupanandSwami.

In this event, the flow & transformation of energy will not only heal us on a physical basis but also we will be able to achieve and experience spiritual heights.

Therefore, in order to get more information on this upcoming online event and discourse timings please visit our website and you can also follow us on Facebook and instagram to get specific timings about the discourse by His Holiness Shivkrupanand Swami.

Please find the flyer below for more information:

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020 — 13

WHEN SOME GOOD MUSLIMS STAND UNITED AGAINST TERRORISM

TERRORISM ON ANYONE IS ABHORENT AND HORRIBLENOT ONLY WHEN MUSLIMS ARE THE VICTIMS

Thakur Ranjit Singh, FIJI PUNDIT

The terrorism attack in Christchurch mosques in New Zealand in 2019 and ensuing events were historical and unprecedented in many respects.

This was an act by a lone White supremacist only against Muslims, reportedly as a retaliation to Islamic terrorism in Europe.

This was perhaps the first time international Muslims collectively deplored acts of terrorism.

And this was the first time where the victims and the bereaved from this terrorism attack were allowed to lock eyes with the terrorist and curse and humiliate him is a civilised First World Court trial.

This event shows that hurt and grief wrought by terrorism is universal and pains everybody including Muslims.

We hope good Muslims around the world can muster enough resolve and courage to stand up and deplore terrorism on anybody, anywhere - and not only when victims happen to be the Muslims – as was the case in New Zealand.

Please read on to get an insight into unprecedentedact terrorism in NZ by an Australian terrorist…….

On 26 November, 2008, Taj Hotel, Mumbai was attacked by a Pakistan -based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba. This terrorist group is alleged to be linked and helped by Pakistani Government and its Intelligence, ISI. Some 167 people were killed. They were

Pakistan based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba attacked Taj Hotel, Mumbai on 26 November, 2008. There was an almost complete silence on such Islamic terrorism around the world, especially by Muslims. mostly Indian citizens but many foreigners were also singled out.

Over the last fourdecades, there have been multitudes ofIslamic terror attacks worldwide against mostly non-Muslim targets. Apart from India, these were in Lebanon, France, Israel, Spain, Saudi Arabia, USA, Netherlands, England, Pakistan, Australia and Russia, among others. And the death toll in such attacks exceeded some five thousand (5,000).

After the Taj attack in Mumbai, I commented about the deafening silence on the attacks from any Muslims or Muslim organisations in New Zealand. I was indirectly threatened with harm by a supposedly Muslimleader for raising such a view.Because of tragic and sometimes, fatal endings to such criticisms by Jihadists and fundamentalists, there have been almost complete lack of criticisms on such Islamic terrorist attacks.This article was also given to one local publication, but understandably, I will understand if they choose not to publish it.

Islam is known as a respectable religion with very deep and learned l teachings for all of us. I have attended Islamic discourse, preaching of Kitaab (holy book) in my native Rarawai, Ba, Fiji at private

resident of my Muslim uncle, Wali Mohammed. I found the teachings extremely enthralling, deeply knowledgeable and highly educational.

Based on such deep philosophy, majority of Muslims in the world are good and peaceful citizens. But it saddens me that such a great religion appears to be tarnished by a handful of fundamentalists who seem to have hijacked it for violent purposes. And the greater tragedy for the world has been the deafening silence from the majority of good and peaceful Muslims themselves against such vicious actions by their brothersdegrading Islam.

Therefore, the change came as a breath of fresh air in the aftermath of 2019terror attack against Muslim worshipers on Jumma (Friday)prayers in two Christchurch Mosques in New Zealand. There were resounding cries, curses and denouncements of terrorismby Muslimsduring the trial in August, 2020.

Indeed, this was historical when the tables were turned. The majority of victims comprised people from international Islamic nations.Pleasantly surprisingly, the survivors and the relatives of the victimsall sang from the same hymn sheet in a loud chorus to deplore and condemn terrorism.

The Taj Hotel, Mumbai attack by Islamic terrorists from Pakistan in November, 2008 claimed over 167 lives, most of them Indians, and also some foreign nationals.

Such a stance against terrorism

by Muslims has been almost unprecedented.

The terror attack by a lone wolf terrorist in Christchurch on 25 March 2019 came as a complete surprise in a peaceful Aotearoa.

It was shockingly revealed that the attack was a reversal situation where Muslims were the victims of a supposedlyWhite supremacist killer from Australia. Reportedly he was partly inspired by past Islamic attacks on Europeans.

The response by New Zealand, and in particular, its very compassionateandempathetic Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern was exemplary. Her wrapping of arms, literally and metaphorically around the affected and grieving international Muslim community made her a world celebrity.

This show of leadership in face of adversity and tragedy became a model and “playbook” for other world leaders. Those injured and killed were from Turkey, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Fiji, Egypt, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan, among others. This became an international tragedy in Aotearoa.

However, some good appear to have come out of this adversity and tragedy. This was an extremely rare event where international Muslim community

Christ’s Ministry of Reconciliation Jesus said “Arise and Shine…”

Key Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:19 (NLT) For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation.

Dear Reader, through the pages of The Holy Bible.

We are blessed to bring you the This is an invitation from God to all Good News of peace and hope. Our humanity. As you keep reading with a theme simple and clear. It is to make humble heart and an open mind; You God Real and Personal to our reader. will surely encounter your Creator And to reveal our Creator as a God of today. You don’t need a thousand compassion and forgiveness, so that years for your Salvation (Mukti). You we may know how to relate to Him. can receive your greatest miracle Just like a Father and Children have a ‘Mukti’ today. This is the confidence loving and living relationships. you can have in Christ alone. There First, we need to understand that is no greater discovery other than to God is not an object or an image or an have a personal revelationof your imagination of human mind. God is a Creator. living and loving Person. His awesome Let us unpack the Word of God nature and characters are unchanging to know His loving purpose to all from generation to generation. We of us.The letter written by Paul to find this amazing truth revealed Corinthian Church is full of practical 14 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020

wisdom to give us an insight into nature and character of God. What is the meaning of reconciliation?

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

John Calvin describes reconciliation as the peace between humanity and God that results from the expiation of religious sin and the propitiation of God's wrath.

Therefore it is a situation in which two people or groups of people become friendly again after they have been separated in rebellion.

Apostle Paul, clearly and skilfully articulates the nature and ministry of Jesus Christ. Therefore, the primary purpose of Lord Jesus was to restore the sinful humanity to a glorious position. By paying the penalty for our sins; Jesus be-came the “Lamb of God” to die in our place.

Because there is no forgiveness unless our sins are washed away by the precious blood of Jesus. Through sin death entered into humanity.

Therefore Jesus defeated the death.

He rose again on the third day to everlasting life and offers the eternal

life to all who trust in His forgiveness.

Christ and His believershave no intentions of converting people from one reli-gion to another. People are changed as they are convicted of their guilt and sins; the Holy Spirit convicts the heart of sinners through the Holy Word of God. All humans have sinned and fallen short of God’s moral standards of living right. The only way to reconcile the humans, is to cleanse their hearts through the Blood of Jesus.

Jesus Christ is the complete and perfect demonstration of this reconciliation; and His work on the Cross is perfectly perfect and completely complete. Nothing can be added to His work by our human efforts. Only true response is to repent and accept His love. The Holy Spirit alone can give us birth of a new heart; when we trust in Jesus Christ and His perfect sacrifice on the cross for our sins.

For I am absolutely convinced that seeking and receiving God’s love and mercy is the most significant moment of your life. No religion or tradition can give you an unconditional love; and a supreme love that is offered by Jesus Christ is an invitation to save your soul. Come to Christ today and

stood shoulder to shoulder in unity to denounce, curse (coward, maggot, rotten meat, among others) and raise voice against terrorism and the terrorist.Tearjerking and heart-rending tales of the dead and the survivors came out in the victim impact statements.

In yet another unprecedented event, the surviving victims and the bereaved had an opportunity to face and lock eyes with the killer in a civilised court in a First World Country. They were allowed to rebuke, curse or shout at the killer. Similar opportunity may never have been granted to families of thousands massacred

by Islamic terroristsaround the world.

Indeed we need more Muslims to abhor and objectterrorism anywhere by anybody - and not only when Muslims are the victims.

Some overseas relatives even took advantage of New Zealand taxpayer generosity to be gifted free trips to attend the trial and give statements.

This also gave closure to the survivors and the bereaved. It presented them an opportunity to speak their hearts out, hoping the messages would touch cords of other terrorists, at least those of their faith, planning to commit similar monstrous andheinous

crimesonother innocent lives.

Edmund Burke, the 18th century Irish statesman and philosopher said: The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.

And the court case and ensuing victim statements proved that there are many good Muslims amongst us whoare prepared to do something good to curb and restraint the triumph of evil. They stood up to deplore and condemn terrorism.

There were even hails of Allah Hu Akbar (Allah is great) in the Christchurch High Court, to shame and denounce the Australian terrorist.

Ironically, the same chantsare also recited by many terrorists who take innocent lives and kill in the name of God, as they did at Taj Hotel in Mumbai in 2008.

And many terrorists also recite the same as they slit the throats of their innocent victims.

We need more goodMuslims around the world to oppose and detest against minority fundamentalists who tarnish the name of their religion.

The only thing I was disappointed with the Australian terrorist was that he chose to remain silent during the trial. I would have liked him to speak just this one line: I am sorry for what I did, but hope it delivered home the message that Muslims also have feelings and feel aggrieved like others around the world killed by terrorists like me.

We hope good Muslimsaround the world can muster enoughresolveand courage to stand up and deplore terrorism on anybody, anywhere - and not only when victims happen to be the Muslims – as was the case in New Zealand.

[About the Author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is a Kiwi Fijian Indian journalist and a media commentator, based in Auckland.

He runs his blog FIJI PUNDIT. E-mail:thakurji@xtra.co.nz]

For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself

be reconciled to your true position in God. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ.

To know Jesus as The Lord, mean to know that He is the author of your life. And to walk in His ways mean, that journey through this life by faith in His Word and in His finished work on the Cross. He is the most loving person you will ever know on this planet. His invitation is open to all who seek him with a sincere heart. His mercy is sure to all who put their trust in Him. And His pro-tection is available to all who call on His name. Oh, Taste and see the Lord is good, His ways are perfect and His promises never fail.

Therefore, we invite you to pray this with a sincere heart; ‘Dear Father God, today I thank

you for your word that has touched my heart. I repent of my wrongs and I confess with my mouth that 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). Blood of Jesus has reconciled me to the loving relationship with my creator. Now 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 Please email to us your encounter experience, so we can help you to grow in the understanding your Creator and Redeemer. navig8grace@ gmail.com

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020 — 15

Mahatma Gandhi - Formative Years A pair of glasses used by Mahatma Gandhi was sold at an auction for 260 thousand British Pound in August 2020. Values of his relics have grown significantly with the passage of time.

The full name of Mahatma Gandhi, also known as Rashtra-Pita or Father of the Nation and Bapu or Father, was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. He was born on October 2, 1869 at Porbandar, a coastal town on the western coast of India in modern Gujarat state. Porbandar is located on the national highway route connecting two major pilgrimage sites, Dwarka in the north and Somnath in the south.

Dwarka, where Krishna moved from Mathura, is famous for Dwarkadhish temple, whereas Somnath is well known for the Shiva temple, with its long history.

Mohandas was born in a comparatively rich family. His grandfather Uttamchand had risen to be the Diwan or Prime Minister in the principality of Porbandar.

After Uttamchand, his son Karamchand and another son Tulsidas held this position.

Karamchand was the father of Mohandas.

Mohandas was the fourth and youngest child borne by Putalibai, Karamchand’s fourth wife. Mohandas had two elder brothers named Laxmidas and Karsandas and a sister Raliatben.

Laxmidas practiced law in Rajkot and later became a treasury official in the Porbandar government.

Karsandas served as a sub-inspector of police in Porbandar.

Putalibai was a devout woman. Her character had left a deep impression on Mohandas’ mind. He was the youngest child in the family and was lovingly called Monia. The family was cultured. Religious and mythological books lined the bookshelves and musical instruments were available to play at home.

Mohandas started his primary school at Porbandar.

When he was seven, the family moved to Rajkot, another principality, where Karamchand was appointed to the position of Diwan. He was enrolled at an English school. Once, a British school inspector came to his school and set a spelling test for its students.

Mohandas made a mistake in spelling the word ‘kettle’. A schoolteacher noticed his mistake and hinted him to copy it from a neighbour’s slate. Mohandas refused to cheat.

When test papers were checked, Mohandas was the only student in the entire class who had made a mistake in the spelling test. He completed his primary

and high school education at Rajkot. Academically, he was average in his studies.

Mohandas was excessively shy and timid, and fearful of ghosts and spirits. A maid named Rambha was appointed to care for him at home.

She suggested he chant Ramnama or the holy name of Ram to cure his fear from ghosts and spirits.

Following her advice, Mohandas chanted Ramnama and experienced relief from fear. His devotion to Ram remained with him throughout his life.

During his school years, he read a book entitled Shravan Pitribhakti Natak. Sometime later, he saw a picture of Shravan carrying his blind parents on both sides of a sling over his shoulders. The devotion of a son to his parents that was displayed in the book and in the picture impressed him immensely.

A play called Raja Harishchandra also captured his heart. The play demonstrated the truthfulness of king Harishchandra who remained faithful to his words despite enduring unbearable hardship to maintain his obligations.

Mohandas was married to Kasturba in 1883 at the age of thirteen. Kasturba was also born in Porbandar and was of a similar age. Mohandas was very protective of his wife and tended to dominate over her during early stage of their married life. Mohandas gradually came to understand the negative effects of child marriage and later worked to eradicate this practice. Kasturba was not formally educated but was highly intelligent. The couple had four sons who survived to adulthood.

A person of bad character befriended Mohandas during his school days. He prompted him to eat meat and smoke tobacco. He also encouraged Mohandas to steal money to pay for these indulgences.

At one stage, he planned to commit suicide as he deemed asking permission from elders to do anything of his own choice was insufferable.

Mohandas belonged to a Vaishnav family.

Eating meat was a highly objectionable act for the family. Similarly smoking, stealing and thoughts of committing suicide were not acceptable behaviours.

Mohandas somehow realised his wrongdoings and repented. In a letter to his father, he described his actions and expressed remorse.

His father pardoned him without any criticism.

Karamchand remained ill for some time before his death in 1885. Mohandas

16 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020

used to nurse him during this time regularly. One night, after tending his father, he went to his room to sleep with his wife. Soon he was informed that his father had passed away.

Mohandas felt himself guilty of for not being by his father’s side during his last breath. He blamed his intense attraction towards his wife for this lapse.

Mohandas passed his Matriculation examinations in 1887 and was enrolled in the Samaldas College at Bhavnagar for further studies. He found the study difficult and distasteful. After the first term, he returned home to Rajkot.

During this period, a family friend named Mavji Dave visited the family. Mavji was an old friend of Karamchand.

He enquired about Mohandas and suggested his mother and brothers sending him to England to study law. This would help him obtain a respectable job on his return to India. Mohandas was delighted with the idea and his brothers agreed.

Initially, his mother was against sending her son overseas, mostly on religious grounds. A Jain monk Becharji Swami, who was revered by Putalibai, visited her. He did not object to the idea of sending Mohandas overseas provided he pledged not to violate certain practices.

Mohandas took vows to abstain from eating meat, drinking wine and touching a woman inappropriately during his stay in England. His mother subsequently consented to his trip.

Mohandas arrived at Mumbai to board a ship to England. The local community leaders of his caste raised objections to his overseas travel. Mohandas was unwilling to abandon his voyage. These leaders

excommunicated him from his caste and issued a decree for those who helped him to pay fines.

Mohandas sailed from Mumbai on 4th September 1888. During the journey, he ate his meals in his cabin and avoided conversing with strangers. He arrived at Southampton and then travelled to London, and stayed in a hotel.

Mohandas had four letters of introductions that included one for Dr PJ Mehta. Mohandas had wired him from Southampton. Dr Mehta came to visit him in his hotel. During their first meeting, Mohandas casually touched Mehta’s hat and by passing his hand over it disturbed the fur. Mehta glared angrily at him and told him about European etiquettes. He said, ‘Do not touch other people’s things; do not ask questions as we usually do in India on first acquaintances; do not talk loudly; never address people as sir whilst speaking to them as we do in India; only servants and subordinates address their masters that way’.

These were the first lesson for Mohandas in England.

His initial days in London were miserable, as he was unable to find vegetarian food. He stayed in a hotel in the beginning.

On advice from Dr Mehta and other acquaintances, he moved to live with a local family.

Living with a family was considered important for familiarising with the local practices and ways of life. During this time, he also found a vegetarian restaurant where he could buy meals of his choice.

Later he rented a unit, where he could cook his own meals. He wished to become a perfect Englishman.

He tried to learn to dance, wear fashionable western dresses and play the violin. He came in contact

with a vegetarian society and became its office bearer. He read books on vegetarianism in England.

He noticed different types of vegetarianism in practice.

One group of vegetarians avoided eating meat but ate fish and egg considering them to be vegetarian items.

Another group avoided eating meat and fish but not egg. The third group avoided meat, fish, egg as well as dairy products.

Mohandas had discussions with members of the group on the subject. He personally maintained that vows given to his mother should be the guiding post in selecting his vegetarian diet.

Accordingly, he avoided meat, egg and fish in his meals.

On one occasion, he came in contact with a lady who helped him in select vegetarian items at a restaurant. She became friendly and later she introduced him to a young relative who lived with her. She intended that he and her relative developed a relationship. Mohandas was married and chose to remain true to the promise he had given to his mother. He informed the lady that he was married and would not establish a relationship with any woman. The lady abandoned her approach, however, she maintained a friendship with him.

The law course in England was not very demanding and Mohandas found ample time for other activities. He chose to complete the London Matriculation, which was considered achievable in short time. He passed the Matriculation examination with commendable marks.

In London, Mohandas came in contact with two Theosophists brothers.

They introduced him to ‘The Song Celestial’, an English translation of the Bhagvad Gita, and ‘The Light of Asia’, a poetry book about Buddha,

by Sir Edwin Arnold.

Mohandas was highly impressed by reading the Gita. He also came in contact with Annie Besant, who later settled in Varanasi, India and established the Central Hindu School, which became the nucleus for Banaras Hindu University.

From London, Mohandas visited France to see an exhibition in Paris. It was an opportunity for him to acquaint himself with the contemporary technical and social developments in Europe.

He passed the law examinations and was called to join the bar on the 10th of June 1891. The next day, he enrolled to the high court and on 12th June, he departed from

England for home.

Mohandas landed at Mumbai. There, he learnt from his brother that his mother had died. The news was deliberately withheld from him, to spare him shock in a distant land.

It was dreadful news for him. He loved and revered his mother and had hoped to inform her personally of his academic achievements, and adherence to the promises he had made to her.

From Mumbai, he travelled to Rajkot and stayed there with his joint family. During his stay, he taught the children of his brothers and his own son Harilal, who was four years old. He led them to physical exercises and played games with them.

After staying for sometime in Rajkot, he decided to set up a law practice in Mumbai. He stayed in Mumbai for a few months and had little success. He secured only one case, and when he rose to argue for his client in the court, he felt nervous and could not utter a word. Overall, his experience in Mumbai was a disappointment, and he returned to Rajkot and set up his office there.

In Rajkot, he used to secure some jobs that paid him just enough to meet his ends. His older brother Laxmidas, a lawyer in Rajkot, had built high hopes on Mohandas.

Laxmidas had been a secretary and adviser to the throne of Porbandar and expected to become the Diwan, as his father and grandfather had been. However, he lost favour with the British Political Agent.

Mohandas had casually met the agent in London. Laxmidas asked Mohandas to meet the agent and seek his favour for him. Mohandas did not like the idea but yielded to his brother’s wishes.

The agent was unkind and told Mohandas that Laxmidas could apply through proper channel if he thought he had been wronged.

Mohandas persisted but the agent showed him the door. He stayed to argue but agent’s clerk pushed him out forcibly.

Mohandas was shocked by his mistreatment and approached other senior lawyers to seek redress for the agent’s behaviour.

They suggested ignoring it as such treatment of young Indian lawyers

by British agents was commonplace.

He observed the cruel and selfish approach of British officials as well as of legal professionals.

He felt suffocated in this environment.

At this juncture, a business in Porbandar offered Mohandas a job in South Africa.

Awadhesh Sharma

151st Gandhi Jayanti- from Indian Medical Association (IMA) Australia QLD The Doctors of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) share teachings of Mahatma Gandhi for all in their native languages, necessary in these trying times of a global pandemic.

Dr Neeraj Khanna of IMA Queensland Chapter said “Today is 2nd October 2020, the whole world celebrates the 151st birthday of the great Mahatma Gandhi, his teachings become even more relevant when the whole world is fighting the pandemic of Covid 19.

Doctors of Indian Origin have come from Different parts and different States of India and as far as Fiji and settled in this beautiful state of Queensland.

Brisbane has a Unique distinction, in 2014 Prime minister of India Shree Narendra Bhai Modi, during his visit inaugurated a statue of Mahatma Gandhi.

Today we have all got together to record public health message for people.”

Following is translated from Hindi “Whensomeone conveys a message in his mother tongue it has a great impact on the listener, that’s why different doctors have recorded a public health message for the common people in the native languages of India.

Brisbane has a Unique distinction, in 2014 Prime minister of India Shree Narendra Bhai Modi, during his visit inaugurated a statue of Mahatma Gandhi. This place has a special place in our hearts, every year we meet at the statue on this auspicious day to reflect on Gandhi ji’s teachings and we pledge that Gandhism will be a part of our life, so the doctors of Indian Medical Association of Australia (Queensland Chapter) dedicate this public health message to everybody in different languages of India and Fiji – Bharat Mata ki Jay – (Hail Mother India).

The YouTube video is available at https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=IHVJ GOrTAlg&feature=youtu.be

Call: (07) 3192 5188

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020 — 17

Arya Samaj Queensland

Jitendra Deo President ASQ

This mantra states that sages, wise persons and those desirous of bliss join their soul including the mind, and intellect with the Supreme Sage God so that the mind becomes tranquil and the person becomes blissful and enlightened with spiritual knowledge directly from God, the Source of all true knowledge. This conscious joining of the soul with Supreme Consciousness i.e. God is true Upasana or yoga, everything.

Sages and wise persons have been doing such Upasana since time immemorial.

This mantra emphasizes that joining both the mind and the intellect to God is important. The mind is prone to all kinds of flights of imaginations and ideas as well

as prone to blind faith and belief in all kinds of miracles promoted in the name of religion. Such blind faith in religion, however, often takes people astray and away from the truth, unless one also exercises intellect and common sense to differentiate right from wrong as well as what is plausible and what is unbelievable. The politically correct thing regarding religion, in many circles these days, is not to critically look at anyone’s beliefs regarding God, especially one’s own religion.

However, until one starts to combine wisdom and common sense with faith and devotion, one is very likely to be misdirected in one’s journey towards God i.e.

Ishwar-Stuti-Prarthana-Upasana.

In the second line, this mantra emphasizes there is only One God who may be called by different names but nevertheless remains only One. In this mantra, God is called Savita-the Creator of the universe and who as the inner voice of the soul, inspires us to follow the right path. He alone is the Supreme Divine Being who alone knows the karma (deeds) of every person and appropriately judges and rewards them. His greatness and praiseworthiness is endless, words are inadequate to describe it all.

Sages (yogis) completely surrender themselves to God and do all their

deeds in His service in a selfless manner. They do not get attached to money or material wealth but share it with others in a generous manner. This is the path to attain God and bliss, the aim of Upasana meditation or true yoga.

Traditionally, Ishwar-StutiPrarthana-Upasana are performed two times a day, at dawn as well as at dusk. If dusk is not a suitable time, then the bedtime hour is acceptable. It is recommended that one should try to spend at least half an hour at each session in a quiet area of the house and avoid all distractions. If a person thinks that he/she cannot even spare half an hour from daily affairs, this individual needs to review his/her priorities to determine why it is not possible. If he/ she determines that certain personal or financial responsibilities are too great so that he/she cannot genuinely spare the half-hour of time, then any amount of time is worthwhile.

The personal spiritual rewards gained from the limited time spent in earnest will usually far outweigh those obtained from time devoted to secular affairs. As a person advances in Upasana he/she is able to spend many hours at a stretch meditating about God. Also, He/she remains aware of God’s presence even while performing the daily

activities of life.

When performed in quiet solitude with faith and devotion, will help one obtain God’s grace and he/ she will find peace, joy and bliss in life.

One’s self-confidence and courage are also tremendously strengthened but not in an egotistical way. StutiPrarthana-Upasana helps one distinguish right from wrong and to follow the right path as well as seek truth without fear.

Praying will often open a clear path when one is lost in a jungle of choices and distractions.

A true devotee makes constant effort to improve his/her spiritual knowledge, contemplate on it and then live accordingly in a virtuous manner. A spiritually advanced person only prays for God’s grace and the well-being of mankind.

He/she does not pray for specific personal gains or for material wealth because God will give all of us what we need. Therefore, such a person prays only to follow God’s will and to do God’s work with a prayer such as, “Dear God, Thy will be done.”

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

Yog and Meditation- Healing through knowledge Elements of Cosmos: Nature, Consciousness, and God According to the traditional interpretation of the Vedas, the cosmos consists of three fundamen¬tal elements. They cannot be created or destroyed, but they interact with one another.

This view is consistent with the model presented by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras and as explained

by Vyasa. It is also in agreement with the other darshanas (Sankhya, Nyaya, Vaisesika, PurvaMimanmsa, and classical Vedanta). The three elements are as follows: 1. Nature (Prakrti) is matter, the fundamental elements that make up the physical uni¬verse.

Everything that we perceive is made of matter, including our bodies and minds. Matter is eternal, but not conscious.

Prakrticonsists of three classes of

elements (sattva, rajas, and tamas), which will be discussed in detail while introducing the philosophy of Sankhya 2. Individual consciousness is the soul (Purusa), one for each living being. Individual souls are eternal and conscious. They are distinct from nature. Nature provides for the enjoy¬ment and liberation of individual consciousness.

Consciousness needs nature to gain knowledge.

There are an infinite number of individual souls.

3. God (Isvara) is the Supreme Soul (Paramatma). God is eternal, conscious, and blissful. God is untouched by the things that limit individual consciousness. God is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent. God does not need Nature to know anything; God knows everything by God's very

nature.

Everything that we observe in this universe is an interaction of these three entities. This interaction is eternal — there is no beginning or end to it.

In order to bestow the knowledge and happiness that is inherent in himself (or herself, or itself, because God does not have a gender), God makes use of matter (Prakrti) to create the universe — which includes the planets, stars, our bodies and minds, through which individual souls can attain knowledge and bliss. Here, "creation" means the transformation of matter intothe universe as we perceive; it does not mean that God creates things from "nothing." Similarly, destruction does not mean annihilation of objects into nothingness. Rather, it is the dissolution of objects

into their individual elements.

This happens in a cyclical fashion as there is no begin¬ning or end to the cycle of creation and destruction.

It's important to note that a Soul is an individual. It is not shared or collective, but it does inhabit a succession of bodies. It is not a being's thoughts, feelings, ego, or memories (collectively called chitta, the mind). Rather, the soul is what gives the quality of consciousness to the mind. When the body dies, the soul, along with the subtle body, leaves the gross body and enters a newborn. This is the concept of reincarnation in Vedas.(Continued in next issue) Please contact Jitendra Deo on 3273 3029 or visit www.yogguru. com.au for more information and articles.

Diwali message and Havan Satsangh by ZOOM. We wish all a very Happy Diwali 2020 and the following Mantra from Upnishad in Sanskrit is relevant : " Om asto’maa sad gamaya " " Tamaso”maajyotirgamaya" meaning " O! God lead us from untruth to truth" "Lead us from darkness of ignorance to light of knowledge”. Friends we are fortunate to live in this great country, a country that values the rights of the individual, a country with unlimited opportunities, a country we call home, a country where all religions and races are given equal opportunity. It is really pleasing to see you people in beautiful attires and outfits coming together to celebrate the Festival of lights and have a sense of belonging to our beloved country Australia.

In celebrating Deepawali, let us also think of thousands of people who are suffering around the world due to various hardships. Let us pray for these people and consider what we can do to put a smile on their face.

While the celebration continues in this trying times of COVID-19 our wish is that “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”. What festival of light stands today is a reaffirmation of hope, commitment to friendship and goodwill. Let us celebrate joys of life, let us reaffirm our hope for a better world. Let the Diwali (festival of lights) be a celebration of harmony involving all the people beyond their religion.

Arya Samaj Queensland has continued with its regular Havan and Satsangh via Zoom.We are using new methods of keeping connected even in isolation, thanks to technology. Arya Samaj Queensland has beenperforming ZOOM Havan and Satsangh since

April and also livestreaming it on Facebook. The support from members has been overwhelming and now each household is enjoying Havan at their homes rather than at once place. Vedas state that each household should perform Havan in homes for well-being and healthy lifestyle.

Once the Havan Yaj is completed then Satsangh includes discussion on various Vedic principles and Vedas.

The Bhajans form part of the Satsangh and one member also prepares a speech on chosen topic to articulate amongst members.

Arya Samaj Queensland Inc has a website and all the details of performing Havan is provided. The Havan mantra’s in Hindi and English , utensils and ingredients required has been uploaded on the Arya Samaj Queensland website www.aryasamajqueensland. org.The files are downloadable and has full procedure for Dainik Yaj( Daily Havan Yaj).

Our Facebook page Arya Samaj Queensland has the video where the Havan is explained and performed to make it easier for people.

Please visit website and Facebook page for further details or you can contact me on 0411 798 012. We urge people to perform Yaj for their well-being.

We urge people to perform Havan if you can, do Yoga and meditation and look after yourselves. You can visit www.yogguru.com.au for information of Yoga and meditation. Please contact President: Jitendra Deo via phone:0411 798 012 or email: asq.president@gmail. comand if you wish to join ZOOM Havan and Satsangh the session is for 60 minutes.

You can send email or PM in the messenger (Arya Samaj Queensland) or we have WhatsApp group as well and I will send you the link.

Raksha Bandhan, Krishna Janmashtami and Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations at BalaSamskara Kendra, Gold Coast The relaxation of the COVID-19 restrictions allowed the children of the BalaSamskara Kendra (BSK) on the Gold Coast to be out in the open to celebrate RakshaBandhan, Krishna Janmashtami and Ganesh Chaturthi with great fervour. Having three continuous weeks of celebrations after being cooped up at home and having Zoom-based classes for over 3 months lifted everyone's spirits.

The weather gods were kind and we were blessed with bright warm days and blue skies. All of us thoroughly enjoyed a physicallydistanced and sociallyunited celebrations at our local park.

It was appropriate that RakshaBandhan was the first celebration. In difficult

times, it is important for the community to protect each other. The tying of Raksha to each other reinforced the message that all of us should support each other in times of need.

Krishna Janmashtami,

18 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020

celebrating the birth of Krishna, is, usually, a major celebration where the kids dress up and enact plays about Krishna. This year we had a young Krishna lead all the children in a parade around park. A pinata

symbolising the DahiHandi was broken. The modern Krishnas, Radhas and Gopis loved the candies that were showered on them.

Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations included a pooja, singingbhajans, and

shouting "GanpatiBappa Moriya" and, of course, making one's own clay idols. The children (and the parents) absolutely loved making their clay Ganeshas under the balmy Queensland winter sun.

Everyone's creativity and artistic abilities were reflected in their clay idols. The Gold Coast BSK community is still growing and our current size allowed us to meet outdoors and also maintain the necessary distancing. The Brisbane BSK community, being much larger, were constrained to use Zoom.

They made the best of the situation by preparing for the celebrations at home (e.g., decorating a cradle with Krishna, and making the Ganesha idols at home) and coming together

virtually for the festivities.

Krishna who was born to imprisoned parents and had many attempts on his life, and Ganesha who lost his head while defending his mother, show how to handle life's ordeals with great fortitude. We are thankful that we were able to celebrate three of the main festivals and seeing the kids having a blast.

We also send our wishes to others who were not as fortunate as us. May the Divine bless us all so that we have the mental and moral strength to overcome the challenges in front of us. We entreat Krishna, Ganesha and all the other Gods to give Raksha to all.

Please contact bskqld@ live.com.au or bsk. goldcoast@gmail.com for details on our activities.

100,000 NEW APPRENTICESHIP POSITIONS TO LEAD THE COVID-19 ECONOMIC RECOVERY and creating jobs as well as identifying the skills we need in the economic rebuild,” the Prime Minister said.

“Already 760,000 jobs that were either lost or reduced to zero hours as the COVID crisis hit, have come back into our economy. We want to continue to recover what has been lost and get young people into work.

“Whether it’s the manufacturing, housing and construction, arts or mining sectors - this new wage subsidy gives businesses certainty to hire and provides a career path to aspiring, young tradies.”

The subsidy will be available to employers of any size or industry, Australia-wide who engage an Australian apprentice or trainee from 5 October

2020 until the 100,000 cap is reached.

Under the new measure, employers will be eligible for 50 per cent of the wages for a new or recommencing apprentice or trainee for the period up to 30 September 2021, up to $7,000 per quarter.

Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash said the measure builds on the existing $2.8 billion Supporting Apprentices and Trainees wage subsidy that is helping employers to retain their apprentices and trainees.

“The Australian Government has already invested significantly to ensure that apprentices are retained where possible and supported to re-engage if

they lose their job,” Minister Cash said.

Assistant Minister for Vocational Education, Training and Apprenticeships, the Hon Steve Irons MP, said the new measures we are announcing today will build on the already significant investment to support apprentices and trainees.

“Through the existing Supporting Apprentices and Trainees measure, as many as 90,000 businesses employing around 180,000 apprentices throughout Australia will continue to be supported,” Assistant Minister Irons said.

More information on the measure is available at: https://www. employment.gov.au/ boosting-apprenticeshipcommencements

SAFE TRAVEL ZONE WITH NEW ZEALAND The Australian Government is establishing a Safe Travel Zone with New Zealand.

This is the next step for a COVID-safe Australia that will reunite families and friends, offer opportunities for businesses looking for workers, and back the communities that depend on tourism.

Australia and New Zealand have worked closely together since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

We are committed to opening up both domestic travel within Australia and travel with New Zealand, as well as other low risk countries as soon as the health advice says it is safe to do so.

The Australian Government’s Department of Health has undertaken a public health risk assessment of COVID-19 in New Zealand, which indicated that New Zealand posed a low risk of COVID-19 transmission to Australia.

Passengers from New Zealand will be able to travel to Australia, quarantine-free, from Friday, 16 October, provided they have not been in an area designated as a COVID-19 hotspot in New Zealand in the preceding 14 days.

As has been announced already, the Australian Government is defining a hotspot using a three-day rolling average of three locally acquired cases per day.

There are currently no COVID-19 hotspots in New Zealand. The last locally acquired case with an unidentified epidemiological source occurred on 21 August 2020. We are working closely with New Zealand authorities to ensure we are notified promptly of

Call: (07) 3192 5188

any outbreaks there.

Any state or territory that imposes travel restrictions consistent with the Australian Government-defined hotspot, as advised by the acting Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, will be able to participate in the Safe Travel Zone.

After offering these arrangements at the latest National Cabinet, we have reached agreement for this first stage of quarantinefree travel with New South Wales and the Northern Territory. We welcome those jurisdictions’ commitment to reopening Australia to the world.

Normal visa requirements will apply and travellers returning to New Zealand from Australia will be required to comply with New Zealand’s travel requirements.

The Australian Government will provide

increased Australian Border Force support at airports to support the establishment of green lanes of travel for New Zealanders and collecting information on arrivals to assist with contact tracing if required.

We expect the establishment of quarantine-free travel to Australia from New Zealand will also free up space for around an additional 325 passengers a week to enter quarantine in Sydney.

More information will be available at www. smartraveller.gov.au

Local heroes helping the city through the coronavirus pandemic are among the many ordinary, but extraordinary individuals being called on to nominate for the annual Lord Mayor’s Australia Day Awards.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said nominations are now open for the awards, which will be significant in celebrating those who have helped Brisbane get through one of the toughest challenges in its history.

“Time after time, Brisbane residents show an extraordinary amount of resilience.

Be it flood, fireor global pandemic, these testing events bring out the best in Brisbane individuals when it comes to caring for each other.

“We have heard some extremely heart-warming stories this year about residents helping each other throughout the pandemic and it’s these unsung heroes who are at the heart of the Australia Day Awards.

“I’m calling on friends, family, neighbours and coworkers to nominate someone they know who has generously

given their time and energy to support a cause or help someone.

“This year’s awards recognised humble residents who worked to improve the lives of foster children, support vulnerable youth and keen our city clean and green through forest rehabilitation.

“We want to recognise people who take on voluntary roles for the love of it and want to make Brisbane an even better place to live.

The award categories include: • Citizen of the Year • Senior Citizen of the Year • Young Citizen of the Year • Community Event of the Year • Australia Day Cultural/Arts Award • Australia Day Sports Award • Australia Day Achievement Awards The Lord Mayor’s Australia Day Awards are an annual tradition and nominees and award recipients will be acknowledged at the awards ceremony in January 2021.

Submissions are open until Monday 2 November and can be made at www. brisbane.qld.gov.au.

Queensland’s COVID Safe Future STAGES 1–3 Easing

HOW FAR WE’VE COME…

COVID Safe Check Point

Due to Queenslanders’ hard work, strong borders, testing and rapid response, restrictions have eased.

STAGE 4

Subject to results of COVID Safe Check Point

From 1am 1 October 2020

COVID Safe Check Point

BORDERS

> Border zone: Additional local government areas included in the declared Border zone across Northern NSW.

STAGE 5

Subject to results of COVID Safe Check Point

From 1am 1 November 2020

COVID Safe Check Point

BORDERS

RESTRICTION EASING

> All Queensland businesses and activities are able to open and run with appropriate measures in place.

> Standing eating and drinking: Standing eating and drinking permitted at indoor and outdoor venues with a COVID Safe Plan or Checklist (from 4pm Friday 2 October 2020).

> NSW: Visitors and returned travellers from New South Wales can enter Queensland with a valid Queensland Border Declaration Pass without having to complete mandatory quarantine, provided community transmission is under control (including whether there have been any unlinked cases in the previous 28 days).

> We can attend both big and small events.

Let’s move Queensland outside

RESTRICTION EASING

> We can go for dinner or drinks at our favourite pubs, clubs, cafés and restaurants. > Our kids can go to school and play sport.

> We can travel freely across Queensland, staying for as little or as long as we like.

> Outdoor density: Outdoor density requirements relaxed for businesses with a COVID Safe Plan or Checklist to one person per 2m2 (e.g. outdoor dining, beer gardens and theme parks).

> Visitors and returned travellers from five of the seven other states and territories can enter Queensland without having to complete mandatory quarantine.

> Outdoor events: Increase the maximum number of attendees permitted at outdoor events with a COVID Safe Events Checklist from 500 to 1000.

> We have a multidisciplinary team of experts prioritising exemptions for medical reasons.

> Open air stadiums: Increasing the seated capacity of outdoor stadiums and amphitheatres from up to 50% to up to 75% with a COVID Safe Plan.

COVID Safe Check Points Queensland Health will undertake a review at each COVID Safe Check Point. The review includes: > A check that testing is widespread and there is no community transmission > Analysis of state, interstate and international trends and data > Analysis that a move to the next stage of easing of restrictions will not present unnecessary risks.

THE ‘NEW NORMAL’

Maintain physical distancing (1.5m)

+

Wear a mask when distancing is not possible

(particularly in enclosed spaces)

Maintain good hand hygiene

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> Gatherings: Gatherings of up to 40 people in homes and public spaces across Queensland.

STAGE 6

Subject to results of COVID Safe Check Point

From 1am 1 December 2020

RESTRICTION EASING

> Gatherings: Gatherings of up to 50 people in homes and public spaces across Queensland. > Outdoor events: Increase the maximum number of attendees permitted at outdoor events with a COVID Safe Events Checklist from 1000 to 1500. > Weddings: Unlimited dancing at weddings with a COVID Safe Plan. > Further review of dancing restrictions to be undertaken.

> Weddings: Up to 40 people can dance at a wedding with a COVID Safe Plan.

If there is community transmission in Queensland, measures in impacted parts of the State may include: > Gatherings reduced to 10 in homes and public spaces > Increased testing > Wearing of masks

Borders, as at 1 October 2020.

For more information, visit COVID19.qld.gov.au

> Aged care, disability accommodation, hospitals and corrections restrictions put in place > Increased use of PPE in aged care facilities and hospitals > People need to be seated in indoor venues > Dancing at weddings will be reduced.

Stay at home when sick

Allow for effective contact tracing

Rapidly responding to outbreaks

BORDERS

> Victoria: Remains closed until community transmission is under control (including whether there have been any unlinked cases in the previous 28 days).

Travel restrictions from hot spots

DPC7475

The Morrison Government will invest an additional $1.2 billion to support Australian businesses to employ 100,000 new apprentices or trainees as part of our COVID-19 economic recovery plan.

Starting from 5 October 2020, businesses who take on a new Australian apprentice will be eligible for a 50 per cent wage subsidy, regardless of geographic location, occupation, industry or business size.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said apprenticeships are an important pathway to get young people into jobs and to ensure there is a skills pipeline to meet the future needs of employers.

“During this pandemic the Federal Government has been focused on supporting

Calling All Local Legends for Lord Mayor’s Australia Day Awards

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020 — 19

20 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020

Call: (07) 3192 5188

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020 — 21

Supreme Bliss is Self-realization

The content of this article is taken from the satsang of H. H. Sant Shri AsaramBapu Ji.Swami Vivekananda addressed the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in September 1893.

Hundred years after him, PujyaBapu Ji addressed the same Parliament in September 1993. To awaken the cultural pride of India and to save the youth who are being ruined due to the lustful festivals like valentine’s day, in 2007 PujyaBapu Ji initiated celebrations of Matri-PitriPujanDiwas (Parents worship day) on 14th February.Bapu Ji was aggrieved to see that people are being alienated from Lord Ram in Lord Ram's country, so he stoutly resisted the forces of conversion.

Through his religious discourse,PujyaBapu Ji always explained the spiritual and scientific significance of tulsi(basil) plant and argued countrymen to growtulsi plants in every house.

To save the countrymen from mental slavery and to redirect them from following unacquainted, to a beneficial direction, in 2013 PujyaBapu Ji initiated the celebration of tulsi pooja on 25th December.

PujyaBapu Ji has always emphasized the necessity to follow rich Indian culture and always said that it is only the Indian culture and Sanatana dharmawhich can give the world happiness & peace.

Irrespective of how much wealth you accumulate, how much power you acquire, how many celestial beauties serve you, or whatever things you gain, they can be at best suppress your thirst for true happiness, but not

quench it. Not withstanding how much material pleasure one has in his life, the thirst for the bliss of Selfrealisation remains hidden within everyone. Even after attaining enormous wealth, a most agreeable spouse, great name and fame, you will still strive to be happier.

So, that Supreme Bliss is Self-Realisation! The day on which you attain Supreme Bliss, Absolute Knowledge, and experience of the infinite power through the union of your self with the Supreme Brahman (Self) is known as Self-realisation day. This can not be expressed in words, (it is indescribable).

Ramakrishna Paramahansa attained Selfrealisation by the grace of his Guru Totapuri Ji and he was completely lost for three days in that supremely blissful state.

When I attained Self-realisation, I remained absorbed in That for two and half days.

Even three minutes of that experience shall free one from the cycle of birth and death forever. It is like, you saw the sun for three seconds and I saw it for thirty seconds reflecting thereon.

But in both cases the sun is verily the same. Of course, sun gazing is harmful to the naked eyes; but, to attain the supreme goal of human life by forging unity with the Supreme Brahman ( Supreme Self) who lends brightness to the sun and in the moon, fragrance to the earth, and sapidity to water is called Self-realisation.

In the Golden Era of Sata Yuga, numerous great men would attain Selfrealisation. It is mentioned in the ‘Shrimad Bhagawata’

that most people in the Sata Yuga were equanimous and Self-realized, while the rest would remain dedicatedly engaged in the Sadhana to realize their True Self.

Hence, there was no need for temples, mosques, and churches. These did not exist. In Sata Yuga, people were pure (Sattvik) in intellect apart from being pious and righteous in conduct; they always spoke the truth and recognised Brahmajnani(Self-realized) Gurus.

So, they were able to assimilate the spiritual instructions of Brahmajnanis.

Then, times changed.

SattwaGunawas diminished

by RajoGuna, and with a further passage of time, there was preponderance ofTamoGuna. Many persons would become self-styled Brahmajnanis, while many individuals would lose balance of their mind in their attempt to judge the actualBrahmajnanisby their respective criteria.

At this juncture, the wiseBrahmajnaniscame to the conclusion that with the change in times the preponderance ofRajoand TamoGunahas made people’s intellect body-centric and incapable of recognising the essential nature of the realBrahmajnanisliving in the physical world. The loss of that pure intellect is best corroborated in the following words of Lord Krishna: ‘Among thousands of men, scarcely one strives for perfection; and of those who strive and succeed, scarcely one knows Me in truth.’ (The Gita:7.3) Numerous people become religious minded, but only some rare souls strive towards attaining purity of heart and soul as well as the wealth of Sattwa (moral excellence); and out of those rare souls, scarcely one strives for perfection. And of those exceptional ones who achieve perfection, hardly one attains realisation of My essential nature, the Supreme Self. Some devotees do get a vision of Lord Rama, but in order to know

Rama in truth through the realisation of the essential nature of Lord Rama, Lord Hanumana served Him for so many years despite being a master of eight occult powers and nine riches, and he could experience Self-satiation through Selfrealisation only when Lord Rama came back to Ayodhya and being greatly pleased with him instructed him on Tattva Jnana ( Essential Knowledge).

The divine grace of God- realisation is not available to living humans in any religion other than the Vedic culture. One of those religions ventured to grasp the teachings of our Vedic culture and a due assimilation there of brought Sufism into existence.

Mansur attained Selfrealisation through it, but he was strongly opposed by the fanatics. Even Socrates attained Self-realisation, but he was administered poison by his opponents. In India, however, we still have a great deal of pure insight, sublime sentiments, and proper penetration to recognize men of Self-realisation.

“The Darshan, the Blessed Vision of the Brahmajnani, is obtained by great good fortune. To the Brahmajnani, I make my life a sacrifice.

Who can describe the limits of theBrahmajnani? Only aBrahmajnanican know the state of the Brahmajnani.”

Who could have dared to equal Arjuna in those times who did not only visit heaven and obtain the divine weapons, but also had the backbone to refuse the amorous invitations

made by Urvashi, the most beautiful celestial damsel? He remained steadfast in selfrestraint. Arjuna was thus cursed by her that he would have to lead the life of a eunuch for one year if he did not accede to her proposal.

Arjuna said, “ It does not matter.” Such an icon of continence, Arjuna – whose chariot was driven by Lord Krishna – had to suffer from despondency on account of not having realised the Truth. Arjuna is left terrified after having the vision of the cosmic form of Lord Krishna.

It’s only when Arjuna opens up his heart to Lord Krishna’s overflowing grace that he attains Self-realisation, and says, “Destroyed is my delusion, as I have now gained my memory (Knowledge) by your grace.”

It’s such an auspicious day! What a supremely divine experience!

The sorrows of one, whose charioteer was Lord Krishna, did not end before attaining the realisation of the Truth.

Though he was seeing Lord Krishna, his ignorance was not dispelled.

Once, Uddhava humbly put forth a query to Lord Krishna, “Lord, what is the greatest task in this world?

Like I am seeing Lord Krishna, Hanuman had Darshan of Lord Rama… this is a great achievement in itself; but is there any task (feat) even greater than this?

What is the greatest feat?”

In the 11thcanto of the Bhagwata Purana, Lord Krishna says,” To consider the body as “I” and to take this world for real is the

nature of the unenlightened.

To consider the Self as “I” and to behold the Supreme Self as one’s own being the nature of the Jnani ( enlightened one).”

Heroism lies in conquering one’s nature. To attain realisation of the Supreme Self while living in the body is the greatest heroism, supreme valour. Thus, the same Consciousness that shines in Lord Krishna, gives the bliss of samadhi to Lord Shiva, emerges as the Primal Energy in the divine Mother (Jagadamba), does verily impart knowledge through Supremely Revered Lilashah Ji Bapu and gets revealed in the heart of Asharam.

This event is called Selfrealisation.

I congratulate all of you even on behalf of my Gurudev as His wish to get a qualified aspirant who could imbibe His divine experience was fulfilled. That sacred day had come by the Guru’s grace and the religious merits of your virtuous people.

“The time was 2.30 in the afternoon on the second day of the bright fortnight of the months of Aasoj (Aashwin) in the year 2021 (as per the Hindu calendar) when God met me God. All bodies (five sheaths) became unreal and the world worthless when the Self was realised.”

To listen Vedic/knowldge 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.

To know more about His Divine Holiness Bapu Ji, please watch this video. https://bit.ly/2uZvJuN For info about Bal Sanskar and yoga sessions, to get a free copy of monthly spiritual magazine Rishi-Prasad in your mail box in Australia or to get free online subscription of Rishi -Prasad, please contact by email at bskamd@ gmail.com or by WhatsApp/ phone to Ashok Attri and Anu Attri at +61 426 834 434 & +61 405 277 802

One dream of Ashok Singhal Ji has come true, now it’s the turn of another dream.

By Ashok Attri It is a well-known fact that the former international working president of Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) – Shri Ashok Singhal Ji and the BJP MP as well as renowned jurist – Dr. Subramanym Swamy Ji have contributed greatly to the cause of building of Ram temple at the birth place of Lord Rama. Both of these leaders have also strongly advocated one more crucial issue and that is the acquittal of Sant shri AsharamBapu Ji. Both of them have vehemently stated on several platforms that Bapu Ji is innocent, and that he has been framed in a fabricated case and hence he should be

acquitted at the earliest. Both of these great leaders have travelled to Jodhpur to meet PujyaBapu Ji.

22 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020

After meeting with Sant Shri AsharamBapu Ji at Jodhpur Central jail, Singhal Ji, while addressing the media said,

“Anyone can be trapped by misuse of the law. This case and all the allegations levelled against AsharamBapuJi are concocted and the entire story is cooked-up. Bapu Ji at the age of 80 years (the age at that time) has been immensely persecuted and by using his name and this fabricated case as a means, it is an assault like an axe on the heads of Hindu Saints and the entire Hindu community. Bapu Ji till today has been working for the revival of our Hindu culture.

The entire Hindu community will remain indebted to Bapu Ji for the great work of making even tribal people and forest dwellers believers in our culture and they shall never be able to repay

the debt they owe to him. This great personality has initiated various types of philanthropic activities in the backward area.

Apparently, those who cannot tolerate his huge efforts and work in this regard, wish to defame him in the same way as ShankracharyaShri Jayendra Saraswwati Ji was defamed.

Big forces are working hereand donate huge funds to create an antipathetic environment against Hindu Dharma in India.

They have no idea about Hindu roots. They may destroy themselves but may never be able to demolish us as God Himself has started Hindu Dhrama and He is the saviour of it.”

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020 — 23

Who, What, Where, When...

Dr Asti Mardiasmo celebrates her birthday with QMC executive committee

Brisbane City Councils Citizenship ceremony at Brisbane Convention Centre

Minister Stirling Hincliffe at his campaign launch at Bracken Ridge tavern

Raffle time at Duncan Pegg MP function

Gandhi Jayanti by FICQ at Gandhi Statue in Roma Street Parkland

Sponsors of Bhagwat Katha at Vishnu Maya Mandir receive special blessing on the concluding night from Dharam Guru Pujya Pundit Tripathi Ji 24 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020

Who, What, Where, When...

Photography by Thakur Manas Singh

Altar to Saraswati and Guru-ji Pt Kaviraj Ashutosh Bhattacharya

MCs Keshav and Rishab

Chief Guest Mr Umesh Chandra OAM of Brisbane Indian Times

Nikhil Deo gave stable accompaniment to all the tabla performances.

Opening bhajan by SharadaMurali, with Nikhil Deo (harmonium) and Aditya Joshi (tabla)

Adults tabla quartet: Matthew Ross, Ravi Gokul, Riccardo Ferraro, Shylaja Cherukat

Vocal-Sitar Jugalbandi: Ananya Murali and AnjuhaKetheeswaran, accompanied on tabla by Guhanesh Ganesh

Nikhil Deo gave stable accompaniment to all the tabla performances.

Beginners tabla duet: Rayansh Shah and Arshaan Ameer

Sitar recital by AnjuhaKetheeswaran, accompanied on tabla by Jesinthan Ketheeswaran and Arun Pillai

Senior Tabla Septet: Ashwin Premraj, RishabJawajiwar, Aarav Vaidya, Guhanesh Ganesh, Aditya Krishna Joshi, ShainthraBirabaharan, Keshav Siraparapu Call: (07) 3192 5188

Tabla solo in Jai Taal (13 matras) by Sri Shen Flindell

Junior Tabla Septet: Amit Sawant, Dev GurudevKewalram, Hiyan Mehta, Mahin Singh, LineshGnanavelu, SreyasJawajiwar, Vivaan Shah

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020 — 25

The Exalted Character of our MasterProphet Muhammad (PBUH)

By Ml. M.Nawaaz Ashrafi If there is any personality that has lived on the face of this earth who was complete in every regard and the life of whom can serve as a beacon of guidance for people of every walk of life, that personality would undeniably be the personality of Muhammad (PBUH). Muslims follow Him because of Him being the Prophet of their religion and those who do not follow Islam also hold Him at a higher pedestal when it comes to human character.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born in Arabia in the city of Makkah about 1400 years ago. Since then the world has not seen the likes of Him in every regard and the study of human history shows that there have been none better than Him before Him as well.

The key factor that brings reverence and respect to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in both the Islamic and the non-Islamic circles is His character. He was the best in character and He also said about in one of His hadiths in the following way: “Allah has sent me to perfect good manners and to do good deeds.” (Bukhari) The lines below discuss some major character traits of Prophet (PBUH) that every Muslim should spread as much as possible.

1. All for The Sake Of Allah: Prophet (PBUH) as selfless as a person could be in life. All his undertakings and motives were just to fulfil the order of Allah and He did not undertake any action out of His personal desire and will. He lived everyday of His life for the sake of Allah and everything which He did was for the Almighty. The extent of His selflessness can be seen from the example of His preaching in the valley of Taif, where people lead naughty children to throw stones at Him while He was preaching. He had to run for His life and He was all covered in blood. But still He did not complain to Allah about Him, rather one of His companions narrates: “The Prophet (PBUH) resembled a Prophet who was harmed by His people.

He wiped the blood from His face and said: ‘O God! Forgive my people, for they know not!” (Bukhari) Such is the selflessness in His character and every moment of His life was for the sake of Allah and spreading His message.

2. Mannerism: Prophet (PBUH)

was

the epitome of good manners.

Every action that He undertook in life represented the highest morals and manners that a person could exhibit. He was an Ideal being in terms of manners and ethics, the likes of which the world has not seen. As one of His companions notes about His manners: “The Prophet (PBUH) did not swear at anyone, nor was He rude, nor did He curse anyone. If He desired to reprimand someone, He would say: ‘What is wrong with him, may dust be cast in his face!” (Bukhari) Thus if a Muslim is to give an example of the manners of someone, there would be none more suitable than Muhammad (PBUH).

3. Humour: People think that being a religious leader of Islam, Prophet (PBUH) had nothing to do with humour, rather He was all strictness and stringency.

This perception is wrong, as Prophet (PBUH) was the one with the finest sense of humour, the likes of which again cannot be seen in anyone. His sense of humour was not vulgar in any sense or anything that would debase or make fun of someone, rather it was fine. Anas (RA) reports such an example by saying: “Once a man asked Muhammad (PBUH) for an animal to ride. He replied that He would give him the baby of a she-camel to ride on. The man asked ‘What would he do with a shecamel baby?’ Muhammad (PBUH) replied, ‘Is there any camel which is not born of a she-camel?’”

4. Peace Lover: The general notion regarding Islam and Prophet (PBUH) is that they both encouraged violence in people and were and are not in favor of peace. It is totally baseless, because the religion Islam itself is peace and Prophet (PBUH) was a lover of peace. He wanted people to live in harmony and always encouraged people resolve their differences by opting for peace, instead of going for violence. In one of his Hadith Prophet (PBUH) said: “Let us go to resolve the situation and make peace between them.” (Bukhari) Thus, Muslims should spread His message of peace by giving examples out of the actions He undertook to ensure peace.

5. Kind to children: Prophet (PBUH) always treated kids with kindness and mercy. He always enjoyed their company and played with them to make them happy. One such

26 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020

example can be seen from His life when He used to say to kids: “I’ll give such and such (i.e. gift or so) to the one who comes to me first.”

So they used to race and fall on His back and chest.

(Ahmad) This shows His treatment towards kids and there are countless other examples in His lifetime where He commanded parents to be loving and caring towards their children.

6. Generosity: Generosity is another hallmark of the personality of Muhammad (PBUH).

He was the most generous person there could ever be. He preferred others over Himself and always fulfilled the needs of anyone who came to Him to ask for something. One of His companions notes: “The Prophet (PBUH) did not refuse to give anything which He had to someone if he asked for it.” (Bukhari) His generosity is something that Muslims should aspire to and spread the examples of His generosity to other people as well so that the world could become a better place.

7. Caring of Women: Another allegation against Islam is that it is a religion that oppresses women, therefore, being the bringer of the religion, Muhammad (PBUH) is also attributed with women oppressing attributes. This perception is also wrong, because Prophet (PBUH) was very caring of the rights of the women and commended His followers to give special treatment to women by giving them respect and equal rights that they ought to have. In one of His hadiths He said: “Whoever (brings up) two girls till they come of age, will be in the next world along with me, like my two fingers joining each other.” (Abu Dawud) If He were an oppressor of women, He could have simply mentioned male orphan children, however, He gave preference to raising up of female children. This shows the care He had for women and their rights.

8. Pleasantness: Another misconception is that Prophet (PBUH) would be someone who would always be harsh and strict on the people He interacted with. It is also a wrong perception because Prophet (PBUH) was the most pleasant person. He would greet everyone with a smile and always spoke to people with gentleness.

His companion said about Him: “I have never seen a

man who smiled as much as the Messenger of Allah.”

(Tirmidhi) This shows that the personality of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was pleasant and gentle. A person who would smile most of the times ought to leave a good impression on people, and wherever He would go He ought to have spread love and pleasantness.

9. Concerned About Orphans: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did not just love who were around Him, nor did He only loved those who were related to Him, rather He considered the entire society. In society, He was especially considerate of orphans and would commend His followers to take special care of the orphans as they did not have parents to look after them. In one of His hadiths, He said: “The best house among the Muslims is one where an orphan is well treated, and the worst house among the Muslims is one where an orphan is badly treated.”

(Ibn Majah) Muslims must take a leaf out of His treatment of orphans and treat the orphans fairly and wherever one sees the orphans being oppressed, a Muslim should raise voice for it and stop it from happening.

10. Cooperation: Prophet (PBUH) is the best and the highest among people, however, whilst all the greatness and grandeur, He was cooperative towards people and helped others in doing the chores in any way He could help them. He never treated Himself as someone special, rather He would mix with common people and cooperate with them in any way He could.

As one of His companion narrates regarding the battle of Trench: “I saw the Messenger of Allah on the Day of the Trench carrying dirt (that was dug from the trench) until His chest was covered with dirt.” (Bukhari) Thus, a Muslim must also not value status or rank, rather be helping towards people and give his or her fair share in the efforts that all of the people are putting.

11. Animal Rights Activist: Perhaps Muhammad (PBUH) was the first animal rights activist on the face of this earth who raised voice for the fair treatment of animal. He told people that animals were also creation of Allah and they deserved to be treated fairly, instead of being harsh, strict

He wanted people to live in harmony and always encouraged people resolve their differences by opting for peace, instead of going for violence. In one of his Hadith Prophet (PBUH) said: “Let us go to resolve the situation and make peace between them.”

(Bukhari) Thus, Muslims should spread His message of peace by giving examples out of the actions He undertook to ensure peace. and ignorant towards them. Hazrat Aisha (RA) narrated: “I once found difficulty in riding a horse, so I kept reining it in repeatedly.

The Prophet (PBUH) then said, ‘You must have gentleness.’” (Muslim) Ergo, Muslims should learn from His treatment of animals and should try being as gentle and as considerate towards animals as possible and treat them fairly.

12. Disassociation from Worldly Possessions: A person who is so selfless that He would give anything that He had to anyone who asked for it and would do everything for the sake of Allah, it is quite natural that person has little or no concern with the worldly possessions.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did not want anything of this world, rather whatever He had He spent it on other people and helped them solve their material problems and issues. Regarding this attribute of His personality, one of His companions notes: “The Messenger of Allah did not leave any gold or silver currency, or a slave, male or female, after his death. He only left behind his white mule, his weapons and a piece of land which He declared as charity.” (Bukhari) Prophet (PBUH) was the Prophet of Allah, the leader of Islam however, when He passed away all He left was nothing as mentioned in the above hadith.

Therefore, one can realize the disconcert He had for the worldly possessions and material things.

13. Modesty: Another striking personality attribute of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is His modesty. He was the modest of all and never encouraged any kind of vulgarity, rather He was bashful and strongly encouraged modesty in His followers. In one of His hadiths, He said: “Modesty is a part of teachings of the previous Prophets and anyone who lacks it is most likely to do whatever he likes.”

(Reported by Abdullah ibn Maslamah) Thus, modesty is imperative to Islam and Prophet (PBUH) being a living and breathing Islam ascertains that He was modest in every respect.

14. Considerate: Whether it be animals, women, children, orphans, enemies, fellow Muslims, followers, elders, or it be anyone in the society, for everyone of them Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was considerate. He would love children and orphans, He would treat animals fairly, He would give women their rights, He would respect the elders, He would provide what people asked of Him, thus He was considerate to everyone without any discrimination.

Prophet (PBUH) said in a hadith: “I stand up for prayer intending to prolong it. In the meantime I hear the wailing of a baby and I have to shorten my prayer, being apprehensive lest my recitation of a long verse may tell upon the baby’s mother.” (Bukhari) 15. General Appearance: In His general appearance , Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as beautiful, pure, simple, gentle and yet so common as any other person could be. His general appearance is detailed by one of His companions in the following way: “The Prophet (PBUH) was a person of average height.

His shoulders were wide. His hair reached his earlobes.

Once I saw Him adorned in a red garment; I never saw anything more beautiful than Him.” (Bukhari) In a nutshell, no matter whichever walk of life it is, whatever situation of life it is, a Muslim is to turn towards the personality of Muhammad (PBUH) and find that particular piece of guidance from it. Muslims must spread the life of Prophet (PBUH) because it is not only good for Muslims, rather the goodwill that comes from it has a universal appeal and will help make the world a better place. to be continued...

Australian IndiaN Radio Interviews

articles by staff reporter

Cost of workplace mental health injuries up 80% in last three years An overwhelming number of Australian employees are calling on their employers to take action to address mental health in the workplace. This comes as workers compensation claims relating to mental health have been increasing by 80 per cent, rising an average of 22 per cent year-on-year, since 2017.

The Allianz Future Thriving Workplaces report reveals the longterm impact mental health conditions can have on individuals’ holistic wellbeing. This comes as primary psychological injury claims are up to four times higher per annum than physical injuries

Julie Mitchell, Chief General Manager of Workers Compensation for Allianz Australia

claims.

One in two (50%) managers admit that as a result of the COVID-19 crisis they now feel they have more responsibility

The world’s first one dollar coin designed to be donated

for their employees’ mental health at work and one-third (31%) of managers surveyed think there is a stronger need for mental health initiatives in their industry.

Three-quarters (76%) of Australian employees note there are factors preventing mental health initiatives from being implemented at their workplace. Stigma appears to be a key hurdle to overcome in addressing mental ill-health in the workplace, with four in ten (38%) employees feeling that mental health issues will not be taken as seriously as physical illnesses.

Australian Indian

Radio’s interviewedJulie Mitchell, the Chief General Manager Workers Compensation for Allianz Australia.

Julie joined Allianz in October 2000 and across a 19 year career at Allianz, Julie has held a

number of key leadership roles including General Manager Victoria and prior to this, she was the General Manager for the NSW Treasury Managed Fund (TMF) business. Julie has led a number of highly

successful businesses and has been instrumental in contributing to Allianz diversifying into new areas including Comcare.

She said that new research reveals four in five Australian employees want workplaces to double down on mental health initiatives. She also stated that 80 per cent of Australian employees are now calling on their employers to take action to address mental health in the workplace.

Allianz has released a range of resources to help employers, across all industries, to create positive change when it comes to mental health in the workplace.

Every 36 minutes another Aussie begins their battle with blood cancer

Geoff Nyssen, Myeloma Patient

In the lead up to International Day of Charity (September 5th), the Royal Australian Mint (The Mint) released the world’s first Donation Dollar: a onedollar coin designed to be donated. This comes as The Australian Generosity Report reveals almost threein-five (57%) Australians would be likely to donate the coin if found in their change.

In an exclusive interview with Australian Indian Radio, Ross MacDiarmid, CEO of the Royal Australian Mint said that the Mint intends to distribute millions of Donation Dollar coins, one for every Australian, into circulation over the coming years, with each coin featuring a green centre with a gold ripple design symbolising the ongoing impact each donation makes.

She told that the innovative concept comes after a tumultuous year for Australia, with the bushfire crisis, ongoing global pandemic and economic recession leaving many in need of a helping hand.

In fact, one-in-five (20%) Australians will require some degree of charitable Call: (07) 3192 5188

Ross MacDiarmid, CEO of the Royal Australian Mint aid over the next 12 months, either for themselves or family.

If every Australian donated a Donation Dollar just once a month, it has the potential to raise an additional 300 million dollars annually*.

With two-in-five Australians saying finding a Donation Dollar in their change would encourage them to give to charity more, the Mint is hoping the new coins will promote charitable behaviours and provide Australians with a tangible way to give back to those who need it most. *Based on a population of 25 million Australians

In Australia, 41 people are diagnosed with blood cancer every day[1], that is one person every 36 minutes.

By the time you watch one of your favourite TV shows, cook dinner or take the dog for a walk, another person has been diagnosed with a form of blood cancer.

The staggering number of new diagnoses every day makes blood cancer the third deadliest form of cancer in Australia1.

Everyone knows someone who has been affected, whether it’s a close relative, a friend from university or a mutual friend’s daughter, blood cancer is difficult to detect, doesn’t discriminate and can affect anyone at any age.

Treatment for blood cancer is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach and in some cases, chemotherapy can be avoided. Providing hope to blood cancer patients are the clinically meaningful outcomes of genomic testing where in two-thirds (61%) of cases, testing resulted in a changed diagnosis, personalised treatment plan or updated prognosis[2].

With the number of Aussies diagnosed expected to double in the next ten years[3], equitable access to genomic testing is essential to provide patients with blood cancer a better quality of life

Treatment for blood cancer is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach and in some cases, chemotherapy can be avoided. Providing hope to blood cancer patients are the clinically meaningful outcomes of genomic testing where in two-thirds (61%) of cases, testing resulted in a changed diagnosis, personalised treatment plan or updated prognosis[2]. and a higher rate of survival.

Geoff Nyssen, Myeloma Patient was interviews by Australian Indian Radio. In 2014, Geoff at the age of 40, was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a terminal blood cancer. When Geoff was diagnosed, he was given just 10 short years to live, which was devastating news for him as well his wife Sarah, two young kids, his family and friends. Despite this adversity, Geoff has

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found the strength to lead by example and to give back to the community that has provided so much support to him. He said that genomic testing is crucial to improving blood cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and personalised treatment, but is widely unavailable to many patients This Blood Cancer Awareness Month, the Snowdome Foundation is encouraging Aussies

to wear red, take a selfie and post to their social media with the hashtag #ItCouldBeMe and create a national conversation around blood cancer. The power of knowledge and communicating between our peers can ultimately save lives and work towards the goal of zero preventable deaths by 2035.

[1]AIHW 2019. Cancer in Australia. Cancer series no.119. Car. No. CAN 123.

Canberra: AIHW. https://www. aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer/ cancer-in-australia-2019/ contents/summary (overall statistics for blood cancers combine Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukaemia, multiple myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, acute myeloid leukaemia and Hodgkin lymphoma).

[2]Christine and Bruce Wilson Centre for Lymphoma Genomics at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre [3]https://www. leukaemia.org.au/media/ new-national-reportreveals-impact-of-bloodcancer/

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020 — 27

1 October 2020

Value Index

Lower home values in Melbourne and Sydney continue to weigh downcontinue the national housing values in Melbourne and Sydney to while the remaining capitals record a lift the market national housing market while the remaining September rd a through lift through September

ng turnSeptember in housingmarked marketa striking turn in housing nce increased, new listings rose, market sentiment; consumer cities recorded rise in home confidencea increased, new ver, falling values Melbourne listings rose,inand six of the capital cities 40% recorded up an eight approximately of a rise in home values over y number and 55% by value, the month. However, falling into a values fifth straight monthand of in Melbourne

Index results as at September 30, 2020

Regional rent markets have held much firmer, with rents Change in dwelling values rising for both houses (1.4%) Median and units (1.1%) across the Month Quarter Annual Total return value combined regional markets over the past six months.

Sydney -0.3% -1.6% 7.7% 10.6% $859,943 This is further evidence of the Melbourne -0.9% -3.3% 3.1% 6.7% $666,796 relative resilience of regional Brisbane 0.5% 0.0% 3.8% 7.8% $504,902 Australia throughout the Adelaide 0.8% 0.9% 3.6% 7.8% $449,803 Sydney, which make up pandemic. an approximately 40% of With unit rents falling Perth 0.2% -0.3% -1.0% 3.3% $445,717 value index results showed a Australian’s housing stock by faster than unit values, the Hobart 0.4% 0.3% 6.4% 11.8% $489,059 55% by value, yield profile for Australia’s ionally. number This wasand comprised of a Darwin 1.6% 2.3% 1.9% 9.2% $398,885 pushed the national reading unit sector has deteriorated. apitals index and a 0.4% rise in into a fifth straight month of Across the combined capitals, Canberra 0.4% 1.5% 6.3% 11.3% $644,581 . Although the national index decline. the gross rental yield for units e 0.1% decline was the September smallest CoreLogic’s is tracking at a record low of Combined capitals -0.2% -1.5% 4.9% 8.3% $635,196 home value index results 3.85%, down from 4.23% a n May this year.

Combined regional 0.4% 0.5% 4.3% 9.1% $397,791 showed a 0.1% fall in dwelling year ago. The lowest gross National -0.1% -1.1% 4.8% 8.5% $554,372 values nationally.

This was yields are in Sydney (3.4%) d of research, Tim Lawless, comprised of a 0.2% drop and Melbourne (3.9%), drag on the headline results. in the combined capitals The housing market lender. A rise in urgent or expensive end of the housing despite their low reading, oss the capital cities, Melbourne index and a 0.4% rise in the outlook is subject to distressed listings would market has led both the however, gross yields for % in September.

Since peaking combined regionals index. headwinds as fiscal support provide a further test for the upswing and the downturn units remain higher than the the national index is reduced, 1.5% labour markets resilience of housing values,” cycles, however this trend yield for houses across every re downAlthough 5.5%. With restrictions was down over the month, the remain weak and mortgage Mr Lawless said. could be disrupted due to city. home inspections once again 0.1% decline was the smallest payment deferrals become Estimates of sales activity the over representation of With high supply and tivity liftsince in October.” values started to reduce less0.5% common. However, there have recently edged lower first home buyers in the weak rental conditions in May this year. are a number of factors that since rebounding between market who tend to focus on likely to persist, at least until Sydney’sAccording market tohas been are supporting improved May and July. This is largely properties around the middle international borders reCoreLogic and thehead remaining capital cities of research, Tim housing market conditions. a consequence of restrictions to lower end of the value open, inner city, investor-0.5% Lawless, Melbourne remains “The aggregate effect of low across the Victorian market spectrum. owned unit values are likely l of growth. the main drag on the headline mortgage rates, and the but also fragile sentiment in The performance of the to remain under significant “By far relative the weakest that rates could other regions, low advertised rental market has diverged downside risk. ued to results. out-perform to prospect -1.5% result across the capital fall further, low inventory supply levels and seasonal substantially between house In summary, apart from d level, the combined regionals Sep 15 incentives Sep 16 factors.Sep 17 Sep 18 and unit Sep rents.

19 Between Sep 20 cities, Melbourne housing levels, government the Melbourne, the performance since March capital values while were down 0.9%city in and improving consumer Auction markets have also end of March and September, of the housing market is over the sameSince period.

September. peaking In in sentiment seems to be shown some strength, with national house rents have consistently improving. Most March, Melbourne values are outweighing the negative the capital city clearance rate risen by 0.4% while unit rents of the capitals and regional tate’ region, except Western down 5.5%. With restrictions economic shock brought holding around the mid 60% are down 3.3%. Every capital areas of Australia are sing values. starting to lift and private about by the pandemic, “ Mr range through September, city has seen house rents recording rising home values, Past month Past 3 months Past 12 months inspections once again Lawless said. relative to the decade average hold up better than units or in Sydney’s case a reduced ence in home regional values can be permitted, we expect to see Low advertised stock levels of 64%. Melbourne’s auction rents, however, the biggest rate of decline. The improved factors. a cyclical are a key factor supporting market performance has difference between the two performance comes after only activity“From lift in October.”

Sydney -0.3% -1.6% 7.7% ren’t recording theofsame growth The rate decline across housing values. Nationally, been much weaker, with property types can be seen mild value falls, with capital Melbourne -0.9% -3.3% 3.1% Sydney’s market has been new listing numbers remain record low levels of activity in Sydney and Melbourne city home values down only me values in these markets are Brisbane 0.5% consistently easing since July, 22% lower than a year ago, and high withdrawal rates. 0.0% where unit rents are 3.8% down 2.6% since March. n’t have a high base to fall from. and the remaining capital and 25% belowAdelaide the five year Due to the 0.8% extremely low 5.0% To-date the support of 0.9% and 5.5% respectively 3.6% erving acities transition demand have allofreturned to average.

Similarly, total number of Melbourne while house rents have fallen low interest rates, scarce Perthwere auctions held,0.2% -0.3% -1.0% 1.3% and inventory, ds the major regional centres, advertised stock levels some level of growth. the impact on by a much smaller fiscal policy Hobart 0.4% 6.4% initiatives and government markets have 14% below last year’s level, the combined capital cities 0.3% 1.0%. djacent toRegional the larger capitals continued to ifout-perform five year reading has been According to Mr Lawless, incentives, together with Darwin 1.6%negligible.

2.3% 1.9% e back to the cities required. and 17%below the relative to the capital cities. At average.

Lower quartile home the significant difference Canberra 0.4% 1.5% 6.3% relatively successful virus ts are ano doubt a factor in broad level, the combined According to Mr Lawless, values have pushed into in rental performance is containment, have insulated hese markets, but haslifestyle regionals index slipped such tight inventory levels positive growth territory over a combination of supply the housing market from Regional NSW is the September 0.5%quarter. The and 1.5%demand side factors.

5.5% larger falls in value and only 0.8%housing since March while at a time when demand lower density options capital city values have fallen recovering Regional is creating some combined capitals stratified “Investment grade apartment activity. Unsurprisingly, the Vic -1.0% 3.6% 0.0% by 2.6% over the same period. urgency in the market. “While hedonic index recorded a markets have seen significant markets where the virus 0.6% 4.5% Regional Qld 0.5% every of the number of advertised 0.4% lift in lower quartile supply additions over the past has been well contained s subjectIntoSeptember, headwinds as‘rest fiscal 2.3% with a large portion 5.8% and economic activity is Regional state’ region, except Western homes is 14% lowerSAthan values over 1.5% the September decade, markets remain weak and Australia, recorded a lift in a year ago, our estimate quarter. there was of new-7.8% apartments built in less restricted are faring the -4.8% Regional WA -0.3% Conversely, become less common. housing values. However, of home sales through upper quartile Sydney 1.0% and Melbourne. The 10.5%best. At the other end of the Regional Tas the a 2.6% drop in 0.8% Lawless improved believes September quarter was 2.8% values. supply side has been further spectrum, the considerably s that are Mr supporting -3.0% -3.3% Regional NT -1.4% The weaker performance the resilience in of regional impacted by short term weaker conditions across “The aggregate effect low higher than the same time be attributed to a last year. The imbalance across the larger cities, where rentals transitioning to long Melbourne provide an ect thatvalues rates can could fall further, number of factors. “From a between available supply and housing term rentals. While supply -1.5% 4.9% example of the impact of Combined capitals -0.2% values are typically ment incentives and improving cyclical perspective, regional housing demand is one of the higher, helps to explain the 0.5% has surged, COVID-19 brought severe restrictions related to 4.3% Combined regionals 0.4% areas weren’tthe recording the reasons why housing values underperformance of the about a significant demand a virus breakout. o be outweighing negative -1.1% 4.8% Australia -0.1% quartile, however growth through upper shock from international Looking forward, the t by the same pandemic, “ Mrconditions Lawless have hardly fallen pre-COVID, so home values the COVID period so far, and it is clear that lower value and state border closures. market will be contending in these markets are often helps to explain the recent cohorts of the market are Overseas migrants comprised with a mixture of headwinds more affordable, and don’t upwards trend in values performing better in Sydney a material component of and tailwinds. have a high base to fall from. across some cities.” and Melbourne as well. tenant demand across inner Headwinds will be evident Harling– 1300 472 767we or media@corelogic.com.au Anecdotally are also “We aren’t seeing any Housing values CoreLogic across Melbourne and Index Sydney, as fiscal support winds down Home Value observing a transition of signs of a rise in distressed Sydney’s lower quartile with 1 many of these foreign and distressed borrowers Released October, 2020 demand away from the cities listings or stock starting to were down 0.4% over the students.” come to terms with their towards the major regional pile up in the market. In fact, September quarter while “Add to this the fact that repayment commitments. centres, particularly those the opposite seems to be upper quartile values fell by industry sectors such as food, It is logical to assume there that are adjacent to the larger true, where new listings are 2.1%. The trend is amplified accommodation services, the will be a rise in urgent or capitals where residents can being absorbed by the market in Melbourne where lower arts and recreational services distressed listings over the commute back to the cities faster than the rate at which quartile values were down have been hardest hit by job coming months, however so if required. Remote working they are being added. This 1.9% over the September losses and lower working far we have seen new listings arrangements are no doubt a trend will be important to quarter while upper quartile hours.

Workers in these rapidly absorbed by the factor in supporting demand monitor over coming months values fell by 4.6%. sectors are more likely to market. in these markets, but lifestyle as fiscal support tapers and While less extreme, this rent than in other industries, The expectation for opportunities and a desire for the financial situation of trend is holding true across which has also negatively persistently weak labour lower density housing options borrowers taking a repayment every other capital city. impacted rental demand,” Mr market conditions, low are also playing a part.” holiday is assessed by their Historically the more Lawless continued. rates of overseas migration

Month-on-month change in national dwelling values

Change in dwelling values

28 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020

DIGITAL BUSINESS TO BENEFIT ALL REAL ESTATE STAKEHOLDERS The Real Estate Institute of Australia has welcomed the streamlining for Australia’s property industry identified in the JobMaker Digital Business Plan announced today.

REIA President Adrian Kelly said the permanency of electronic transactions outlined in the plan should lead to positive outcomes in property and other areas.

“The amendments required, whilst simple, will improve efficiency and productivity in transactions within the property industry,” he said.

“As one of many stakeholders promoting the acceleration of digital technologies that are contactless and more efficient, we believe virtual meetings and electronic documentation will also make it easier to do business and transact property which will benefit all real estate stakeholders.

“Documents will be able to be validly executed without having to physically print and sign the same hard copy.”

The REIA has also backed the Australian Banking Association’s calls for jurisdictions to follow suit to join the digital economy.

“State and territory laws should be consistent and enable consumers to conduct a range of property-related activities including mortgages,” Mr Kelly said.

and minimal wage growth are other factors adding to downside risk. As businesses become more embracing of technology, and less-labour intensive practices, lingering unemployment could constrain housing demand.

On the upside, we are expecting a new round of government spending initiatives and stimulus measures to be announced on budget night next week. These policies are likely to be aimed at supporting jobs growth and consumption, incentivising business investment and productivity improvements.

Some potential initiatives may include a substantial lift in infrastructure spending, bringing forward income tax cuts, extending incentives for residential construction and more funding for social and community housing.

Additionally, the treasurer recently announced a plan to relax lending laws. If enacted we could see credit flows become more streamlined and available by early March next year. Credit availability has historically shown a close relationship with activity in the housing sector.

The prospect of lower interest rates later this year also presents some upside for housing market conditions.

Call: (07) 3192 5188

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020 — 29

30 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020

Call: (07) 3192 5188

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020 — 31

Bengali Society of Queensland (BSQ) Culture binds people together. In home country, or in a different one, festivals and cultural events help people to stay connected and continue with their traditions.

The ‘Bengali Society of Queensland’ (BSQ) has made it possible for Bengalis and Indians living in Brisbane, to continually cherish the Bengali heritage. Beginning with a small group of people, BSQ is currently a community of over 500 people and continues to grow. Over the years, BSQ has continued to celebrate multiple Bengali festivals and organise cultural programs,sustaining the Bengali spirit in a land more than 5,000 miles away from home.

Unfortunately, 2020 posed a never-seen-before challenge to the entire world, including BSQ.The COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns and social distancing protocols posed significant challenges in organising regular festivals and cultural events.

Overcoming the challenges, BSQ Executive Committee organised virtual events toengage with the members and keep up the spirit of BSQ. On 7th May 2020, BSQ Executive Committee published a video on BSQ YouTube channel featuring its young and young-adult members performing “Akash bhora surja tara”. An ensemble of musical instruments such as saxophone, tabla, keyboard, flute, guitar, piano accompanied by beautiful vocals were performed and recorded by individual members at their home.

These were then combined together and published as a tribute to Rabindranath Tagore on his 159thbirthday,

commonly referred to as ‘Rabindra Jayanti’ by the Bengalis.

Following this, BSQ Executive Committee urged members to record performances for a virtual cultural program.

The submissions wereassembled and broadcastedviaBSQ YouTube channel on 16th May 2020, to celebrate ‘Baishaki’, a traditional event organised by BSQ every year to mark ‘PoilaBaishakh’ - the beginning of the Bengali calendar year.Following the success of Baishakhi, on 18thJuly, another virtual cultural program was broadcasted live on YouTube

by BSQ.While some BSQ members participated and contributed to the cultural events, the appreciation, enthusiasm and support from members was overwhelming. Engagement of the wider community through likes and comments on BSQ Facebook page wasa welcome compliment.

On 17th September 2020, to mark the beginning of ‘Devi Paksha’, BSQ in association with their exclusive media partner Australian Indian Radio presented ‘Mahalaya’ on radio that was enjoyed and appreciated not only by BSQ members but also by Bengalis residing in other Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne.

With ‘Durga Puja’, the biggest annual Bengali festival approaching soon, followed by ‘Laxmi Puja’ and Diwali’, BSQ plans to bring out the talent of its members through more such virtual events.

The BSQ Executive Committeewishes a very happy Durga Puja and prays for the well-being of its members.

32 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020

Australian connection for new VP of Asian Development Bank High-ranking Indian public servant Ashok Lavasa, who studied a MBA in Australia at Southern Cross University in the 1990s, has been appointed Asian Development Bank’s new vice president.

Mr Lavasa commenced as Vice-President for Private Sector Operations and PublicPrivate Partnerships at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) earlier this month.

Australia is a founding member of ADB, an organisation committed to social and economic development in the Asia Pacific through loans, technical assistance, grants and equity investments.

“ADB is a unique institution committed to working towards creating an Asia and the Pacific that is free of poverty,” Mr Lavasa said.

“It has a developmental mandate and a strong commitment to work for the betterment of the masses in the developing member countries (DMCs) in the region. It also has significant challenges simply because the development challenges in the region are massive.

“As part of ADB, I will be able to contribute to the resolution of the most pressing development challenges of the countries in the region by mobilising financing, introducing best practices or newer ways of

doing things, and that is the most appealing aspect of ADB.” Mr Lavasa was most recently one of India's Election Commissioners.

He previously held a range of senior posts including Union Finance Secretary of India; Union Secretary for the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change; and Union Secretary for the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Last year Mr Lavasa was awarded the University’s 2019 International Outstanding Alumnus of the Year.

Mr Lavasa came to Australia in 1996 as a mature-aged international student to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Southern Cross University’s Lismore campus on the NSW North Coast.

In December of that year he captained a team

of mostly Indian students against a staff and guests team in the inaugural International Challenge Trophy, a limited-over cricket match to Hit Racism for Six in response to Pauline Hanson’s controversial maiden speech to federal parliament.

Mr Lavasa credits the degree and study experience for shaping his career.

“The academic inputs from Southern Cross University continue to be the foundation of my learning and understanding of the global economic environment and trends in transnational corporate management,” he said.

“At the time I aimed to acquire a deeper understanding of the role of the private sector in domestic and global economic growth, especially as India had embarked on the path of economic liberalisation and globalising its economy.

The MBA study contributed significantly as I played a bigger role in planning and implementing programs for infrastructure and industrial development.

“At the same time, the multi-cultural environment on the University and the rich interaction with students of different countries would prove useful in working in a multilateral organisation like the ADB, which too draws talent from all over the world.”

WorldRemit Launches WorldRemit Transfer Tracker App

App allows users to track and trace their funds WorldRemit, a leading global digital payments company, is today launching The WorldRemit Transfer Tracker mobile App for recipients of money transfers which allows them to track their remittances.

The WorldRemit Transfer Tracker App is now available through the Google app store in Nigeria, India, Mexico and Colombia. It will also be free to download through the app store in 90 countries in iOS and Android later this month.

Consumer research shows that financial insecurity is at an alltime high.

WorldRemit is working tirelessly to increase transparency and support users by providing easy access to financial services. With WorldRemit’s proprietary technology, each user can now track the money they have been sent, giving them added peace of mind at a time when they need it most.

“Whenever I have the chance to speak to our customers, they always remind me of the three reasons they choose our service – convenience, speed and safety. I’m delighted

that we have launched a service exclusively for our customers who receive money from their family and friends. Through developing the Transfer Tracker App, we hope to empower recipients of money transfers so that they can access their funds as conveniently and as safely as possible. This remains a guiding principle for us as we continue to provide an inclusive endto-end money transfer service,” said Stephen Lovell, Chief Product Officer at WorldRemit.

The Transfer Tracker App has a "track my money" feature, which allows recipients to see exactly where their funds are in real time for added peace of mind. According to the 2017 World Bank Global Findex database, there are 1.7 billion adults across the world who do not have a bank account, nor do they have an account with a mobile money

provider. The majority of financially excluded people tend to live in rural areas or places with limited access to reliable transportation, which often means having to make long journeys into city centres. For those who rely on financial support from loved ones abroad, visiting cash pick up agents is often the only option available to them.

WorldRemit is one of the first companies in the global payments industry to launch a Transfer Tracker app exclusively with recipients in mind. The digital payments company allows senders in 50 countries to send money via the app or website to recipients in over 150 countries, where they can choose from multiple payout methods including bank deposits, mobile wallets, mobile airtime top-up and cash pick-up.

For more details, visit: www.worldremit.com

Australian Federal Budget 2020: CONTD. FROM PG 1 “Our plan will create jobs.

This is all about jobs. It’s all about helping those who are out of about helping those who are out of a job get into a job.

“It’s all about helping those that are in work stay in work. Our plan will create opportunity. Our plan will drive investment. Our plan will grow the economy and guarantee the essential services Australians rely on.

Our plan will see Australia a stronger nation.”

Australia has entered its first recession in almost 30 years and is currently battling a one-in-100-year global pandemic, making this Budget particularly crucial.

Some of the measures that have already been announced include: • $1080 personal income tax cuts to be backdated to this financial year • First Home Loan Deposit Scheme will be extended to help an extra 10,000 people • $1.2 billion for a 50 per cent wage subsidy of up to 100,000 new apprentices • $7.5 billion for major infrastructure projects • $1.5 billion for manufacturing in six key areas • Tax breaks for businesses with an Call: (07) 3192 5188

aggregated annual turnover between $10 million and $50 million Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has given further insight into what tonight's Federal Budget will look like, revealing it is "all about jobs".

"COVID-19 is an economic shock like no other. Globally, the equivalent of 600 million people have lost their job, and here in Australia, 10 per cent of our work force either lost their job or saw their working hours reduced to zero," he told reporters on Tuesday morning.

"The Morrison Government responded with an unprecedented amount of support. JobKeeper. JobSeeker. $750 payments to millions of pensioners, carers and others on income support. And a $32 billion cash flow boost that is supporting small business through this crisis."

Mr Frydenberg said the Budget will lay out the plan for Australia's economic recovery.

"Our plan will create jobs.

This is all about jobs. It's all about helping those who are out of about helping those who are out of a job get into a job," he said.

"It's all about helping those that are in work stay in work. Our plan will create opportunity. Our plan will drive investment. Our plan will grow the economy

and guarantee the essential services Australians rely on.

Our plan will see Australia a stronger nation."

Mr Frydenberg said there have already been some "encouraging signs" for Australia's economy with COVID-19 restrictions being eased across the country.

"Right now we have a twospeed national economy. We have Victoria and we have the rest," he said.

"But, fortunately in Victoria, the number of daily cases has been coming down, and those restrictions have started to ease.

"And that will see more people in Victoria get back to work just as we've seen more people around the rest of the country get back to work."

The Morrison Government is set to deliver one of the most important budgets since World War II today.

It’s expected to include a staggering amount of spending and the biggest deficit in Australia’s history as the government tries to kickstart the economy amid the coronavirus pandemic.

But even with such a large amount of spending, not everyone will be a winner, here’s what we know about the Budget so far.

WINNERS Taxpayers:

Anyone

paying tax is set to receive some money back in their pockets although the largest amounts will likely go to those earning more than $90,000.

These were originally scheduled for 2022 but will now be delivered straight away, backdated to this financial year and 'turbocharged' for the rest for 2020.

First home buyers: The First Home Loan Deposit Scheme will be extended to help an extra 10,000 people and the value of properties eligible will also be increased.

Tradies: The Budget will include $1.2 billion for a 50 per cent wage subsidy for up to 100,000 new apprentices.

Road and rail users: The government will fast-track $7.5 billion for major infrastructure projects.

Manufacturing: There will be an extra $1.5 billion for manufacturing in six key areas, including resources technology and critical minerals processing, food and beverage manufacturing, medical products, clean energy and recycling, defence industry and the space industry.

Small businesses:

www.indiantimes.com

Businesses with an aggregated annual turnover between $10 million and $50 million will get access to tax breaks including on fringe benefits tax and simplified regulations.

LOSERS Anyone not paying tax: If you are one of those Australians who earn less than $20,000 and don’t have to pay tax then there doesn’t look like there will be much in the Budget for you.

Big business: There’s no sign of any company tax cuts on the horizon, although the government is ploughing billions into funding infrastructure and manufacturing.

Those relying on social housing: So far there’s been no indication the Morrison Government is planning a significant boost to social housing despite calls from Labor and support from the CFMEU, Master Builders Association, Housing Industry Association and the Property Council.

Superannuation: Those hoping for changes to the superannuation guarantee look set to be disappointed.

It doesn’t seem like Treasurer Josh Frydenberg is planning to stop the scheduled increases from going ahead.

The current plan sees people’s super gradually increase from 9.5 per cent to 12 per cent starting on July 1, 2021. There would be 0.5 percentage point increases over four years to July 2025.

Workers will secure a Christmas tax cut in Tuesday’s budget worth around $30-a-week on average in a surprise move designed to help beat the COVID-19 recession.

It has been revealed that the $1080 personal income tax cuts originally scheduled for 2022 will not only be backdated to this financial year but ‘turbocharged’ for the rest of the year to catch up on the missing weeks since July 1.

As soon as the Labor Party confirms it will vote for the fast-tracked tax cuts in parliament, the ATO will be advised to start working on the rollout which should be in workers’ pockets by December.

But despite speculation the Morrison Government might bring forward the more controversial ‘Stage 3’ tax cuts, it’s understood these will remain on the original 2024 time frame and not be fast-tracked.

The tax relief for the rich worth up to $11,000-a-year from 2024 will not be brought forward ensuring the rich have to wait for whopping tax cuts.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020 — 33

World’s longest highway tunnel opened in Himachal Pradesh Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Atal Tunnel at Rohtang at an altitude of above 3,000 metres in Himachal Pradesh. After the inauguration, he said the tunnel would provide new strength to the country’s border infrastructure.

The 9.02 km-long-tunnel, built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), is the world’s longest highway tunnel and connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti valley. It provides allweather connectivity to the landlocked valley of LahaulSpiti, which remains cut-off for nearly six months in a year as the Rohtang Pass is uually snow-bound between November and April.

Before the tunnel construction, the Lahaul Valley used to remain closed for vehicular movement due to bad weather conditions.

But Thanks to the tunnel, the people of the Valley will have round-the-year road connectivity. The tunnel reduces the distance by 46 km between Manali and Leh and the travel time by about 4 to 5 hours. It is expected to boost tourism and winter sports in the region. The tunnel, also significant from the military logistics viewpoint, will provide better connectivity to the armed forces in reaching Ladakh.

In 2019, The Union Cabinet decided to name the tunnel as ‘Atal Tunnel’ to honour former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for his contributions. The decision was taken in 2000 when he

was the Prime Minister. The foundation stone was laid

by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi on June 28, 2010.

PM attacks Congress Mr. Modi accused the Congress-led previous governments of not paying heed to border development projects, thereby compromising the nation’s security interests. “Projects related to improved border connectivity either never came out of the planning stage or those which did, got delayed or stuck. The same happened with Atal Tunnel,” he said.

“In 2002, Atalji laid the foundation stone for the approach road of this tunnel and after his government was gone, it seemed that work on this tunnel was forgotten. The situation was like that till 2013-2014; work done on the tunnel was only up to 1,300 metres (1.5 km).

Experts say that had the work on the tunnel continued at the same pace, it would have been completed perhaps in year 2040”, said Mr. Modi in a veiled attack on the Congressled UPA governments.

“It was after 2014 that

unprecedented pace was given to the project. Every problem faced by the BRO was resolved. The result was that while earlier 300-metre tunnel work was being accomplished every year, it reached 1,400 metres a year.

In six years, we completed the work of 26 years,” he said.

‘Economic loss’ Mr. Modi said the delay in completion of key infrastructure-related projects such as the ‘Atal Tunnel’ would only harm the country’s interests.

“The delay not just causes inconvenience to people but the country also has to bear the loss on economic front.

In 2005, the estimated cost of this tunnel was projected at ₹950 crore, but due to continuous delay, the tunnel has now been completed after spending over ₹3,200 crore,” he noted.

There was a direct relationship between connectivity and the country’s development.

“More connectivity means more development.

Especially in border areas, the development of connectivity is related to

the nation’s security needs.

But unfortunately, the seriousness surrounding the connectivity of border development was never shown by previous governments due to lack of strong political will,” he stated.

Just like the ‘Atal Tunnel’, many other important projects across the country had been ignored for long. “In Ladhak’s Daulat Beg Oldi, the airstrip, which is strategically very important, was closed for over 40-50 years. What was the compulsion? What was the pressure? I don’t want to go into details... The truth is that it was due to the strong will of the Air Force that the airstrip started to operate, and there was no ‘political will’ seen behind it,” he said.

“There had been several other such projects that were very important from security and convenience point of view, but for several years they were ignored by previous regimes... these projects were of not just of strategic importance but would have ushered in economic prosperity as well.

However, in the last six years, the situation has started to rapidly change. Specially, for connectivity development in the border areas, we have been working with full force.

In the Himalayan regionbe it Himachal Pradesh, Jammu-Kashmir, Kargil, Leh-Ladhak, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, dozens of such projects have been completed and work on several other projects is being done,” he added.

AIIMS panellist on cam: No proof of SSR murder, chapter is closed involved in re-evaluating Sushant Singh Rajput's postmortem report, a senior forensic-medicine specialist at Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences has confirmed on tape that their panel found no glaring holes in the autopsy conducted by Mumbai's Cooper hospital.

Remember, the Mumbai police, based on the same post-mortem report, declared Rajput's death a suicide by hanging.

"The Cooper hospital (report) suggests it's a case of clear-cut hanging. ...so far we haven't found anything distinct (suspect) that we could place a question mark on. Everything is corelating," Dr Adarsh Kumar from the forensic medicine and toxicology department of AIIMS told India Today's Special Investigation Team.

"THE CHAPTER IS CLOSED" "Would you be

going

there again?" asked the reporter.

"No, no. It doesn't mean anything now. Why do we go there again? We have done what was to be done. The chapter is closed," the doctor replied.

Kumar acknowledged that their team found no evidence suggesting the actor was poisoned.

"Yes, till now," he replied when asked whether he concurred with the postmortem findings that ruled out poisoning.

"Their method was right?" the reporter probed.

"Yes," the doctor answered.

"So, could he (Rajput) have hanged himself from that space (between the bed and the fan of his apartment)?'' the journalist asked further.

"Easily.

There's no confusion about it. That (he hanged himself) is most likely," Kumar said.

34 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020

"AIIMS CONCURS WITH COOPER" In another meeting, the AIIMS forensic specialist acknowledged that the Mumbai hospital, leaving aside minor issues, largely followed set procedures in conducting Rajput's autopsy.

"Allegations don't mean they are true. We investigated on the basis of those allegations," he said.

"People say how could they (Cooper doctors) commit such a big blunder. But when you see the system actually, you find out that they followed whatever was applicable there. If they hadn't or have done something wrong on purpose, then it would have been a blunder. It's not a blunder otherwise."

The Cooper hospital, according to Kumar, followed the set patterns.

"That's a different thing that some other people

are not able to digest that pattern because the system is by-and-large different elsewhere."

"So basically you found nothing (untoward) in the SSR case?" the reporter asked.

"Nothing," Kumar replied.

The AIIMS panel submitted its findings to the CBI on September 29 for the investigating agency's final conclusion.

Earlier, a Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) scientist involved in the CBI's probe into Rajput's mysterious death revealed to India Today that their team also found no compelling evidence so far to suggest that the actor was murdered.

"There's no strangling.

He did hang. The ligature marks show that he died by hanging," Amitosh Kumar, a senior scientific officer with the CFSL.

India Corona Vaccine Latest News: Planning to Provide Shots to 20-25 Crore People by July 2021, Says Harsh Vardhan New Delhi: Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday assured that his government is working towards “fair and equitable” distribution of Coronavirus vaccines after they are ready. Elaborating on the government’s plan, the health minister asserted that they are looking to provide vaccines to around 20 to 25 crore people by July 2021. Also Read - Breast Cancer Awareness Month: COVID-19 Pushed Breast Health to Low Priority, Reveals Latest Survey.

“Our govt is working round the clock to ensure that there is a fair and equitable distribution of vaccines, once they are ready. Our utmost priority is how to ensure vaccine for each and everybody in the country,” Harsh Vardhan said in his ‘Sunday Samvaad’. Also Read Japan All Set to Resume Short-Term and Long-Term Business Travel with South Korea.

“There is a high-level expert body going into all aspects of vaccines.

Our rough estimate and the target would be to receive and utilise 400 to 500 million doses covering approximately 25 crore people by July 2021,” the health minister added. Also Read - Unlock 5.0: Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple to reopen from October 13, Enjoy These Tourist Attractions.

The vaccine is likely to be made available in the first trimester of the upcoming year. “Research to develop a vaccine is

being done expeditiously.

There are at least three viable candidates that are in the phase of clinical trials right now in the country.

We are hopeful that within first quarter of 2021, it will be available,” Vardhan had said few days ago.

Notably, India is the manufacturing partner of the vaccine candidate named Covishield, developed jointly by the University of Oxford’s Jenner Institute’s and AstraZeneca. The Punebased firm, SII, is looking after the trials at 17 trial sites across India.

Besides this, trials of two indigenous vaccines

by Zydus Cadila and Bharat Biotech are also underway.

The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Limited, a global pharmaceutical company headquartered out of India, had also agreed to cooperate on clinical trials and distribution of Sputnik V vaccine in India.

Sputnik V, an adenovirus vector-based vaccine, was developed by the Gamaleya Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, along with the Russian Direct Investment Fund and registered on August 11.

Say No to Violence The International Day of Non-Violence is observed on 2 October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of nonviolence.

According to General Assembly resolution A/ RES/61/271 of 15 June 2007, which established the commemoration, the International Day is an occasion to "disseminate the message of nonviolence, including through education and public awareness". The resolution reaffirms "the universal relevance of the principle of nonviolence" and the desire "to secure a culture

of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence".

Introducing the resolution in the General Assembly on behalf of 140 cosponsors, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr. Anand Sharma, said that the wide and diverse sponsorship of the resolution was a reflection of the universal respect for Mahatma Gandhi and of the enduring relevance of his philosophy. Quoting the late leader’s own words, he said: "Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind.

It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man".

Sahara House Brisbane gets Federal Government funding Sahara House in Brisbane will receive more than $200,000 in the funding as part of the Safe Places package and comes under federal government's $340 million investment plan to reduce violence against women and their children.

Jatinder Kaur, the manager of Sahara House, said she cried “tears of joy” when she found out about the funding. It is the first time the service has received federal government support since it opened in 2017.

The shelter, which can currently house up to five women and children, will now be able to build another three-bedroom house, renovate a garage into a studio room, and finish a partially donated tiny house on the site.

Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said in a statement on Monday: “The first priority of the Morrison Government is to keep Australians safe and secure but, sadly, we know that home is not safe for many women and children.”

Sahara House manager Jatinder Kaur with her team. Source: Supplied

Senate inquiry in dowry abuse handed down in early 2019 to provide a "woman at risk in Australia visa" that would allow survivors temporary protection, irrespective of their visa status.

She has been running Sahara house project with the help of a handful of volunteers, she has been advocating for women’s welfare for a long time and

has been running awareness seminars. It is a very welcome and kind gesture by Federal government.

Sahara House project has received a grant of $3000-00 from Brisbane City Council towards a childproof fence in the children play area and Amit Prihar a lawyer at Caxton Street Legal Centre has donated a new swing for the children.

Jatinder Kaur, the manager of Sahara House, said she cried “tears of joy” when she found out about the funding. It is the first time the service has received federal government support since it opened in 2017.

The shelter, which can currently house up to five women and children, will now be able to build another three-bedroom house, renovate a garage into a studio room, and finish a partially donated tiny house on the site.

Ms Kaur, who is researching family violence among Indian migrants in Australia as part of her PhD at the University of Melbourne, said while the funding will go a long way, more needs to be done to protect women at risk.

She hopes the federal government will adopt the recommendation from the

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020 — 35

FOCUS ON FIJI I will answer in parliament - Premila Kumar Minister for Local Government, Premila Kumar says she will be answering in parliament in relation to revelation in the 2018/2019 Auditor General's Report on Municipal Councils that audits for 11 municipal councils are in backlog and 44 financial statements are yet to be received from various municipal councils.

The Auditor-General says due to significant delays in the submission of draft financial statements for audit, the risk of fraud being undetected is very high.

When questioned why the councils audits are in backlog and financial statements are not being provided, Kumar says they have submitted a large number of annual reports in the last few weeks.

She says Rakiraki Town Council has submitted its annual reports till 2018 while some municipal councils have submitted reports till 2014 and 2010 because annual reports were not submitted from 2005 as there was no parliament for

some years.

Kumar says they are now catching up and ensuring all annual reports are up to date.

Kumar has also refused to make any comments where the Auditor General has said the Local Government Ministry should investigate whether there was a conflict of interest when a contractor who gave the Rakiraki Town Council over $100,000 to pay off its debts was later awarded the $5.2 million Rakiraki Market construction contract.

The Minister says she needs time to conduct her own investigations.

Fiji Taxi Association to give time to LTA to respond before taking legal action

The Fiji Taxi Association is giving the Land Transport Authority time to reply to their concerns about the proposed taxi app, Vodo before taking them to court.

This was highlighted by the Association SecretaryGeneral Ashwin Lal after meeting with taxi operators and drivers at the Vunimono Community Hall today.

Lal says their lawyer has written to the Authority about their concerns regarding the app, and LTA has not responded to them.

He says they have already raised this with the Minister responsible and the LTA CEO Samuel Simpson after their meeting in Nausori a few weeks ago.

He adds that the CEO had

said that they would consult drivers on the app but Lal claims Simpson would not listen to them.

The Secretary-General says their last option would be taking LTA to court.

Lal adds that they will be doing a membership drive and they are hoping to get 2,000 to 3,000 signatures.

The meeting ended with the Association voting for the objection to the implementation of the Vodo app.

The Association will raise the issue with the Minister for Transport Faiyaz Koya, the Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama before taking LTA to court.

36 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020

Ratu Epeli, Bainimarama, Chaudhry and Naivalurua among the 32 people receiving Fiji 50 medals today Former President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama and former Prime Minister, Mahendra Chaudhry are among the people who have received commemorative medals for Fiji’s 50th anniversary of independence by the President Jioji Konrote.

The ceremony was held at State House.

Other recipients are former senior military officers, Major General Ioane Naivalurua and Brigadier General Apakuki Kurusiga, Fiji flag designer, Tessa McKenzie, former Methodist Church of Fiji President, Reverend Tevita Nawadra, former Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister, Taufa Vakatale, former Finance Minister, Sir James Ah Koy, former Home

Affairs Minister, Joketani Cokanasiga, former Suva Lord Mayor, Ratu Peni Volavola, and businessman Kantilal Punja.

Daryl Tarte, Doctor Robin Mitchell, Reverend Pauliasi Vatanitawake, Ratu Tui Cavuilati, Adi

Finau Tabakaucoro, Doctor Eci Nabalarua, Doctor Esther Williams, Doctor Angeela Jokhan, Bernadette Rounds Ganilau, Ratu Jo Nacola, Ratu Iliesa Tuisese, Brother Fergus Garret, Hafizud Dean Khan, Setaraki Macanawai,

Misau Fatiaki, Joji Qaranivalu, Jane Ricketts and Sitiveni Raturala were also recognised with medals today.

Former boxers, Alipate Korovou and Sakaraia Ve also received the Fiji 50 medals.

Number of people come forward to assist affected students at Saint Thomas Primary School A number of people have come forward to assist a group of parents who have been providing meals for the needy children of Saint Thomas Primary School in Lautoka since March.

The group have been providing meals since Term 2 and intend to continue in Term 3 but are facing financial difficulties as they themselves have either lost their jobs, are on reduced hours or reduced rates.

After hearing about their struggles on Fijivillage, three people have offered to buy groceries to provide meals for students while more people are contacting the group on how they can help.

Vika Leger who runs

a canteen at the school says they were providing 30 meals a day in Term 2 but have been advised by teachers that around 82 students will need

assistance in Term 3.

Leger says they intend to provide meals for the whole of Term 3 and is urging people to come forward and assist them in either cash or

kind.

You can contact Vika Leger on 8430-982 if you want to help the group in assisting the students of Saint Thomas Primary.

Akbar thanks Fiji’s 13,263 teachers for their selfless contributions on World Teacher’s Day Minister for Education Rosy Akbar has thanked Fiji’s 13,263 teachers for their selfless contributions as educators, coaches, counsellors and disciplinarians for their meaningful, continuous labour of love and dedication in shaping the future of Fiji While giving her message for World Teacher’s Day, Akbar says teachers are responsible for the early development of impressionable minds and have worked tirelessly to provide quality education to all Fijians.

The theme for this year is ‘Teachers: Leading in crisis, reimaging the future’.

The Ministry says the theme is a reflection of the academic challenges our teachers tackled this year due to the pandemic.

It says teaching is a noble profession and this was evident when our teachers continued to provide education to the children

of Fiji during this period adding their dedication and commitment must be acknowledged and recognised by all Fijians.

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

Newsletter 165-117 Aipasi/Ashvina Month (mid-October 2020 to mid-November 2020) Festivals

Dear Sri Selva Vinayaka devotees, Hindu Ahlaya Sangam Qld Inc (HASQ) cordially invites you to Sri Selva Vinayakar Temple Brisbane (South Maclean) for Aipaasi /Ashvina Month Festivals.

Navarathri Viratham starts Sri AyyapaSwamy Tulam Rasi Masa Abishekam / Aipasi Maasa (Ashvina) Pirappu on Saturday 17 October 2020 Sri Lalitha Sahastranama Stotram Chanting on Sunday 18 October 2020 Chathurthi Viratham on Tuesday 20 October 2020 Saraswathy Poojai starts on Friday 23 October 2020 Maha Nawami/Saraswathy Poojai on Sunday 25 October 2020 Vijaya Thasami/Kethara Gowri Viratham starts on Monday 26 October 2020 Pirathosha Viratham on Thursday 29 October & Friday 13 November 2020 Full moon/ Powrnami & Sathya Narayanar Poojai on Saturday 31 October 2020 Sri Vishnu Sahastranamam & Paaraayanam on Sunday 1 November 2020 Sankatahara Chathurthi on Wednesday 04 November 2020 Deepaavali Festival on Saturday 14 November 2020 Kethara Gowri Viratham Ends on Sunday 15 November 2020 Kantha Shashti Virataham starts on Monday 16 November 2020

Visit Brisbane Sri Selva Vinayakar (Ganesha) Temple and get the Blessing of Lord Ganesha.

For further information please contact our Temple on 07 5547 7302 or Mr: M.Surendra on Mobile-0407-753991

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

Kavita ji

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020 — 37

AKSHAY KUMAR DROPS BIG “LAXMMI BOMB” TEASER FOR FANS ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO ANNOUNCE 9TH NOVEMBER RELEASE DATE & WE ARE SUPER EXCITED! International superstar Akshay Kumar, took to social media to announce the release date of one the most highly anticipated films of this year, Laxmmi Bomb, as Monday,9th November on Disney+ Hotstar.

Akshay Kumar shared the latest film teaser with his 100M+ social media fans, which is being described as “The Biggest Explosion”. He plays the role of a transgender ghost who is seeking vengeance for being wronged.

The trailer shows Akshay Kumar’s face transform from a man to a woman while the sentence “When Outcast becomes Outraged” is met with the voiceover “Aaj se tumharanaamLaxmannahi, Laxmi hoga” in a chilling trailer that will certainly send a shiver down your spine!

The actor has already spoken of how mentally difficult the role was while emphasising his pride of using it to promote gender equality.

On his post, Akshay Kumar posted:

“Iss Diwali aapke gharon mein “laxmmi” ke saath ek dhamakedar “bomb” bhiaayega.

Aarahihai #LaxmmiBomb 9th November ko, only on @DisneyPlusHSVIP! Get ready for a mad ride kyunki #YehDiwaliLaxmmiBombWaali

#DisneyPlusHotstarMultiplex @advani_ kiara @offl_Lawrence” Akshay Kumar has been one of Bollywood’s most busiest in recent times, having recently appeared alongside Bear Grylls in the hit series Into The Wild With Bear Grylls.

Salman Khan reposts Will Smith's video to spread positivity; take a look Salman Khan resumed the shoot of his upcoming film 'Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai' and he confirmed the same through an Instagram post yesterday. Later in the night, the actor reposted the video shared by Hollywood star Will Smith on Instagram.

In the video, Will talked about "integrity" shown by two athletes during their run. Also, Salman didn't add any caption to the post.

It seems the actor wanted send out some positivity amid the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Salman has returned to sets of 'Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai' after almost seven months. The filming was stalled to Coronavirus pandemic. If the reports are to be believed, it’s going to be a 15day schedule at the ND Studios in Karjat followed by a final day shoot at Mehboob studios of Mumbai. The film team is following all the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) instructed by the government to ensure safety.

Ayushmann Khurrana shares that he feels fortunate to have worked with some of the best visionary filmmakers One of the most promising actors in Bollywood, Ayushmann Khurrana recently opened up in an interview with a news portal that he feels extremely fortunate to worked with some of the best, visionary film-makers.

The actor who has recently marked 15 years in Bollywood has really come a long way in terms of his experimental, unconventional film choices which has also given him back-to-back successes. He also shared that he likes to experiment, mix up and push the envelope as well.

He believes being a part of the best cinema is something that matters the most.

As his movie ‘Andhadhun’ celebrates it’s second anniversary since it’s release,

he shared that Sriram Sir is one of the finest minds of this generation and when it comes to clever, psychological thrillers, he is simply a master of the genre. He also stated that it was a huge privilege for him to creatively

38 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020

collaborate and learn from him. The actor feels honoured to get the opportunity to work in a Sriram Raghavan film.

Ayushmann’s remarkable acting skills and his onscreen presence has allowed him to create a niche for

himself. He has proved to be a versatile actor with rich content driven films he chose to work. The actor was last seen in Shoojit Sircar’s ‘Gulabo Sitabo’ sharing screen space with Amitabh Bachchan.

Happy Birthday Lata Mangeshkar: 10 timeless Bollywood classics by the 'Nightingale of India'

Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar has turned a year older and is celebrating her 91st birthday today.

Born in 1929, the woman who recorded thousands of songs is the eldest daughter of Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar, a Marathi and Konkani musician and his wife Shevanti. She is the elder sister of singers Asha Bhosle, Hridaynath Mangeshkar, Usha Mangeshkar and Meena Mangeshkar. Her career started in 1942 and has spanned over seven decades. One of the most respected playback singers in India, 'Lata Didi', was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2001 and is only the second vocalist, after MS Subbulakshmi, to receive this prestigious recognition.

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award was bestowed upon her in 1989 by the Government of India. The Queen of Melody became the first Indian to perform in the Royal Albert Hall in 1974.

Here’s taking a look at her 10 timeless Bollywood classics: 1. Tu Jahan Jahan Chalega (Mera Saaya, 1966) One of the most romantic popular songs, features veteran actors Sunil Dutt and Sadhana. The music for the film is composed by Madan Mohan and lyrics

by Raja Mehdi Ali Khan. The film is directed by Raj Khosla.

2. Lag Jaa Gale (Woh Kaun Thi, 1964) This iconic song is regarded to be among Lata Mangeshkar's top favourite songs. The music for the film is composed by Madan Mohan Kohli and lyrics by Raja Mehdi Ali Khan. The remarkable song was performed by popular Bollywood star Sadhana on the silver screen.

3. Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya (Mughal-eAzam, 1960) The soundtrack was composed by music director

Naushad, and the lyrics were written by Shakeel Badayuni. The song was heavily inspired by Indian classical music and folk music, particularly ragas such as Darbari, Durga. If reports are to be believed as there was no technology in those days to provide for the reverberation of sound heard in the song, Naushad got Mangeshkar to sing the song in a studio bathroom.

4. Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh (Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai, 1960) With lyrics by Shailendra, the music of the film is composed by Shankar Jaikishan. The song is picturised on Raaj Kumar and Meena Kumari.

Shankar Jaikishan bagged the Filmfare Best Music Director Award for the film.

5. Dil Deewana Bin Sajna Ke (Maine Pyaar Kiya, 1998) The famous song was composed by Raamlaxman, while the lyrics were written by Asad Bhopali.

Also, Asad Bhopali won the best lyricist Filmfare award for Dil Deewana.

Music director Raamlaxman had won the Filmfare award for the film.

6. Ek Pyaar Ka Nagma Hai (Shor, 1972) The popular music of this movie is composed by the duo Laxmikant Pyarelal. The memorable song, featuring Nanda and Manoj Kumar, was penned

by Santosh Anand.

7. Tere Bina Zindagi Se (Aandhi, 1975) The popular song from political drama Aandhi stars Sanjeev Kumar and Suchitra Sen. Gulzar had won the Filmfare award for best lyrics for the song. The music of this film was composed by Rahul Dev Burman. If reports are to be believed, the tune of the Lata MangeshkarKishore Kumar duet, was originally created as a Durga Puja song in Bengali, which Gulzar liked and wrote lyrics around the tune.

An Evening of

An Evening of Gratitude was organized by three local Brisbane groups: Australian Indian Theatre, Sargam Music Academy and Lets Bollywood. The event was held online as a Facebook LIVE event on the 19th of September and has reached over 20000 viewers. Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio were proud to be exclusive media partners of this unique event. BIT and AIR always support local talents and do

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whatever we can to encourage artists.

The evening was also supported by Peter Cabral Photography and DJ Amit.

It was essentially to celebrate, acknowledge, recognize and thank all the frontline workers by way of our performances. It was an evening of appreciation towards all those who have been working hard and making strides everyday in the fight against the Pandemic in their own unique way.

www.indiantimes.com

We had a variety of cultural program including songs by Sargam Music Academy, dances by Lets Bollywood and a stage enactment of the story of Bhasamasura by Australian Indian Theatre. The event was supported and praised by a huge audience around the world and is still receiving a lot of admiration by everyone. The groups are determined to bring more individual and collaborative events of this kind.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020 — 39

Do you know how many people might have hepatitis B or C in Australia and Queensland?

The recent Viral Hepatitis Mapping Project National Report 2018-19 published 2020 provides information about the number of people diagnosed with hepatitis B and hepatitis C and where they live in Australia. This report is produced by the World Health Organisation with the Doherty Institute for infection and Immunity and the Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Medicine (ASHM), with funding provided by the Australian Government.

Chronic Hepatitis B in Australia: • In 2018 it was estimated that 226,566 people were living with hepatitis B. • Over 72,000 people or nearly 32% of people with the infection do not know that they have it.This maybe because many people with chronic hepatitis do not show any signs or symptoms for the infection and thus don’t get blood tests to check.

• Only 22% of those diagnosed (154,291 people) are having regular monitoring of their infection. In fact,all

people with chronic hepatitis B should have check-ups at least once a year.

• People born in Asian countries (both North and South) make up over 40% of the people who have hepatitis B in Australia.

Chronic hepatitis B in Queensland: • Many people with hepatitis B in Queensland have not been tested or are not having regular care.

Nearly 30% of people do not know they have the infection.

• Only 17% are having regular care with their doctor for their liver disease.

• In the Brisbane South region only 29% and the Brisbane North region only 12.9% of people diagnosed.

Other regions are lower.

Chronic hepatitis C in Australia: • At the end of 2018 it was estimated 130,089 people have the infection and have not been treated.

• In Australia the treatment for hepatitis C is not expensive and can curethe virus (no more hepatitis C).Many GPs can

treat hepatitis C. • Nearly 75% of people diagnosed are between the ages of 30 and 60 years of age.

• It is estimated about 12% of people with hepatitis C in Australia were born overseas.

(Hepatitis Australia, 2017) Chronic hepatitis C in Queensland: • Only 35% of people with chronic hepatitis C have had treatment.

Testing for hepatitis B and C is easy. Just ask your doctor for the specific blood tests hepatitis B and C if you don’t know if you have been checked in the past.

Not everyone is tested for hepatitis B or hepatitis C before they come to live in Australia Regular monitoring for hepatitis B is very important to ensureany possible damage to the liver by hepatitis B virus can be identified early.

Regular monitoring includes blood tests and ultrasounds, at least every 6-12 months depending on the person’s age and where they were born, and Fibroscan every

You can also contact our staff directly who speaks your language: Staff Name Language we speak

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two years if needed. Not all people require medication for the hepatitis B virus and only regular monitoring can tell if you and when a person might need it.

You can access the full report herehttps://ashm. org.au/programs/ViralHepatitis-Mapping-Project/ Contact us ECCQ’s Hepatitis, HIV/ AIDS and Sexual Health Program can provide free Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and STIs information, resources and support in different

languages: Website: eccq.com.au/bbv Phone: 07 3844 9166 Email: health@eccq.com.au If you live in Cairns, you can also contact:

HIV, Viral Hepatitis, Sexual Health Coordinator Cairns Sexual Health Service 381 Sheridan St, Cairns North, QLD, 4870 Phone: 07 4226 4760

Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and Sexual Health Program Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ)

Too Cool for Sunburns?

Sunburn is a serious matter. Research has shown that even one serious sunburn can increase the risk of skin cancer. Sunburn often leads to dehydration. Healthy skin has a high water content and this is depleted rapidly with sunburn.

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Hetvi Hair & Beauty 0412350013

Hey Girls, we only worry about sunburns when it is warm and sunny; however, it is possible to get badly burned on overcast days that are cool. In fact, it's more likely, because you won't tend to feel your skin burning as quickly as you do when it's hot and sunny.

Sunburn is a serious matter. Research has shown that even one serious sunburn can increase the risk of skin cancer. Sunburn often leads to dehydration.

Healthy skin has a high water content and this is depleted rapidly with sunburn.

Prevention is, of course, the best remedy, but sometimes despite all of our preparations – sunburns happen. When they do, it is very important to treat them right away by giving your body what it needs to heal and repair the damage.

Prompt and thorough treatment can reduce the risks of long-term damage.

What follows are the most effective home remedies to treat the burn, heal the skin, and reverse severe skin damage.

1. Aloe Vera Gel or Cream.

One of the best and quickest remedies for mild sunburn, this African plant can soothe and calm burns. Aloe Vera also helps to heal wounds and preventing scarring. Rub the natural form of the gel (available in many health

increased intake of Vitamin E food scan help decrease the discomfort of a sunburn.

Sunflower seeds, as well as many other seeds, are full of Vitamin E. Other foods that are high in Vitamin E include wheat germ, soybean oil and most raw nuts. You can also rub vitamin E on the burn to cool the area.

food stores, or even better, buy an aloe plant for your home) into the location of the burn and leave on the skin.

Reapply as necessary. On a side note, Aloe Vera juice also has many health benefits when taken internally.

2. Coconut Oil A cooling oil that soothes burns, rub coconut oil onto the affected location.

3. Milk. Many people are unaware of the cooling properties of milk. If Aloe Vera gel is unavailable,

40 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020

dip a gauze pad into milk and apply it directly to the sunburn.

blistering and/or peeling.

O2-Zap works great for this.

4. Hydrotherapy. Taking a short, lukewarm bath, or using cool towel compresses aids in keeping the burn moist and cool. Do NOT use hot water, as this further strips the already damaged oils from the skin.

6. Increase Water Intake.

Sunburn’s dehydrates the insides of the body, as our natural healing mechanisms attempt to bring more moisture to the burned area.

Stay hydrated to avoid the headaches and fatigue that may accompany sunburn.

5. Ozontated Olive Oil. Gently rub the ozonated olive oil paste on the sunburned area and let sit. This will help the area heal without

7.

Sandalwood and Turmeric Paste. An ancient Ayurvedic remedy, these herbs have a cooling affect on the skin. Mix equal

amounts of these two herbs with a little cool water. Apply to sunburned area and leave for 15-20 minutes.

8. Vinegar. White vinegar has been known to ease the pain of a sunburn when applied to the skin. Apply to the skin as a compress, using a small towel soaked in a mixture of water and vinegar.

I would NOT recommend using apple cider vinegar, instead of white vinegar.

9. Eat More Sunflower Seeds. Studies show that

10. Use Cooling Essential Oils. You can quickly relieve a burn by soaking a wet towel in water containing several drops of cooling essential oils. Oils that reduce burns include lavender, sandalwood, chamomile, eucalyptus, rose hips, and buck thorn essential oils.

They can also be directly added to a warm bath.

11. Fresh Air. Bask in the moonlight! Burns heal quicker in the fresh air, than wrapped in bandages, which can cause the burn to hold more heat in.

So, put on some shades, put on a hat and stay out of the sun. We'll see you next time with some more wisdom.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020 — 41

OCTOBER 2020

Aries ( 21st March to 20th April )

Taurus ( 21st April to 21st May )

Gemini ( 22nd May to 21st June )

Businessmen may need to stick to the basic methods of boosting sales and work in a systematic way. They may need to keep calm and avoid unnecessary conflicts with people. Students pursuing graduation may remain busy handling irrelevant and unimportant matters. As a result, they may not be able to concentrate properly on studies.

This may certainly have an adverse effect on their progress. Salaried employees may remain under pressure from superiors at work to deliver more output. Things are likely going to get difficult for them to handle. They may need to be patient, especially post mid-month.

Students pursuing post-graduation may be able to study much better after receiving help and tips from seniors. This may not be a very comfortable month as far as your relationship equations are concerned. People in a serious relationship may be unhappy over some issue with their partner regarding their future plans together.

They may forcibly keep on stressing their point of view without listening to their partner. Married couples are likely to overcome marital problems and may enjoy the pleasures of marital life to the fullest possible extent. The month seems to be very moderate for matters pertaining to your finance and money. You may be required to work very hard for increasing your financial inflow. Things may certainly not come easy for you during this period. There are no major health issues foreseen during this month. However, you may need to be careful about minor ailments. These ailments may not seem to be a threat, but may get troublesome at times.

Due to some mental blockages or constraints, salaried employees may not be able to deliver their maximum output. As a result, they may constantly feel insecure about their position within the organization.

Students pursuing post-graduation may be able to study for extended hours. Students pursuing graduation in either arts or commerce may be able to learn without any major issues. A major business deal may get delayed without any plausible reason. This can be severely disappointing! However, patience may have its rewards. Businessmen may be able to strike a normal deal around mid-month. There may be some issues related with your family which may keep you stressed. It may not be possible for you to resolve the issue immediately. However, you may be able to spend a very pleasurable time with your close friends. The month seems to be very good with matters pertaining to your finance and money. However, you may need to control your unwanted expenses.

This may keep you in a healthy financial position. Planetary influences do not seem to be very favorable for matters pertaining to your health and fitness during this month. There is a distinct possibility of being troubled by a minor illness. As soon as you experience any symptoms of physical discomfort, visit your physician immediately.

Perseverance may be the key factor for businessmen. Regular customer follow-up may work wonders for your sales. During the monthend, there is a possibility of receiving a repeat order from a highly reputed customer. Students pursuing higher education may not be able to retain their focus and concentration during this month. They may make excuses and may not devote enough time for studies. However, soon they may overcome such obstacles and make due progress. Salaried employees may feel slightly dejected as they do not receive incentives that have been long pending. However, their performance may be amazing. Singles are likely going to fall in love with a new acquaintance of the opposite sex. Both may be mutually attracted to each other. The month seems to be very good with matters pertaining to your finance and money. Your financial inflow may increase. There is a high possibility of a major financial gain. A major issue within the family may constantly keep you under negative stress. You must remain calm and composed before making any financial decisions this month. Do not take any undue risks. This may ensure that you take maximum advantage of any opportunities that come your way. Things do not seem to be very promising for matters pertaining to your health and fitness during this month.

You may need to be very careful in this regard. Too much of fast foods and spicy foods may certainly cause issues related to your digestive system.

Cancer ( 22nd June to 22nd July )

Leo ( 23rd July to 22nd August )

Virgo ( 23rd August to 22nd September )

Businessmen may need to remain calm and composed. They should not make any impulsive or hasty decisions pertaining to their business.

They may need to persevere and work very hard.

Students pursuing post-graduation may remain busy with some personal issues. They may remain occupied trying to sort out differences with a loved one. It may be difficult for salaried employees to perform effectively and deliver targeted output within stipulated time. They may need to ward off any distractions and remain focused on assigned work. People in committed relationships may be stressed due to uncertainty on the occupational front. They may not be able to spend much time with their partners. The month may not seem to present any major financial issues. You may successfully be able to increase the inflow of money significantly without much effort. You may expect to see some results in this regard during the month-end.

This is the month when you may need to stay extremely cautious with matters pertaining to your health and fitness. People middle aged and above may have a lingering pain in the joints of their body which may keep them bothered.

Businessmen may need to deal with several competitors in the market. Short business trips may not prove to be immediately profitable. It may be a great idea to reduce profit margins for increasing sales. Students pursuing graduation may not be able to retain their focus and concentration during this month. Salaried employees may be under constant pressure due to heavy workload. They may even be expected to work extra hours to complete their assignments within stipulated time. They need to be patient and persevere. This is the month when your patience may be put to test with matters pertaining to your relationship equations and love. Singles may feel very upset due to some inappropriate behavior by their loved one. They may truly be concerned with the integrity and truthfulness of their partner.

This is likely going to be a moderately fruitful month for matters pertaining to your finance and money. A marginal increase in your financial inflow of money is foreseen for you during this month. With respect to the current planetary influences, Ganesha advises against considering any fresh investments during this period. no major health illnesses are foreseen for you during this month. Most of the month, your health may remain in top-notch condition. Refrain from eating junk food this month as they may cause stomach upsets and digestive system disorders.

Businessmen may be focused on increasing their product sales. However, increasing sales should not be their only objective. They must focus equally upon receivables as well. Students pursuing graduation may be motivated to study for extended hours. They may need to work very hard to learn complicated subjects and memorize effectively. Students must take complete advantage of this month which is definitely in their favor. Salaried employees may be able to deliver excellent work output. They may be offered a promotion or a raise in salary for their diligent efforts. Singles are likely going to fall in love with a person of the opposite sex, perhaps older in age. Both may be mutually attracted toward each other. This month seems to be reasonably good as far as matters pertaining to your finance and money are concerned. Consistent hard work and diligence may ascertain an increased financial inflow for you. There is a distinct possibility of incurring some major financial expenses in regards to your family this month. Planetary influences seem to be average for matters pertaining to your health and fitness. There is a chance of catching a viral infection. You must be careful in this regard.

Avoid eating junk food and always keep your hands sanitized.

Libra ( 23rd September to 22nd October )

Scorpio ( 23rd October to 22nd November )

Sagittarius ( 23rd November to 21st December )

Due to some mental disturbances, salaried employees may not be able to deliver their maximum output. As a result, they may constantly feel insecure about their position within the organization.

Businessmen may be busy negotiating multiple deals, all at once. They may not be able to close any major deals. However, they may be able to successfully conclude a few normal deals. Students pursuing post-graduation may receive extremely useful tips from their professors. These advices may be worth and may help them get a faster grasp over studies. Students pursuing higher education may display an inclination for going abroad for higher studies. Singles may remain negatively stressed about some issue. They may not be able to devote enough time for their newly found love! Planetary influences do not seem to be favoring their romance. The current planetary positions call for maximum precaution with matters pertaining to finance and money during this month. You may need to handle all matters regarding your finances very carefully. Your financial inflow may definitely increase. Things do not seem to be very promising for matters related to your health and fitness this month. There is a distinct possibility of getting accidentally injured on the upper part of your body during mid-month. You may need to be very careful in this regard.

Students pursuing higher education may be able to retain their focus and concentration. They may remain motivated to work extremely hard as a result of which they may get excellent grades. It may be a great idea for businessmen to consider expanding their territory horizons for increasing their sales. Short but consistent business trips may definitely prove to be profitable. Salaried employees may start looking for options that are more lucrative financially. During this month, singles may fall in love. Both may be mutually attracted to each other. They may want to meet at a nearby cafĂŠ to express their feelings more appropriately.

There is a distinct possibility of a monetary gain during the monthend. This may fill up with positivity and enthusiasm. It is always a good idea to keep contingency funds ready for tackling emergencies.

Planetary influences may not seem to be very favorable for matters pertaining to your health and fitness during this month. There is a distinct possibility of being troubled by some minor health issues.

Salaried employees may remain focused on work. They may work with a positive frame of mind, thereby delivering quality output. Patience may be very important. Businessmen may be presented with an opportunity to strike a major deal with a company located overseas. A senior representative from the company may visit you for finalization of this deal. Students pursuing graduation may not be able to retain their focus. They may be occupied with personal problems with someone they are emotionally attached with. This might not be a very promising month as far as your relationship equations are concerned. Your temperamental nature may cause severe turbulences with the one you are in love with. If you do not exercise control, you may eventually break up. The initial days of the month might be very good with matters pertaining to your finance and money. Your financial inflow may definitely increase.

There is a distinct possibility of a major financial gain. There is a distinct possibility of being troubled by illnesses such as a throat infection. You may need to be very careful in this regard. Visit your ENT specialist immediately upon any signs of discomfort.

Capricorn ( 22nd December to 20th January )

Aquarius ( 21st January to 18th February )

Pisces ( 19th February to 20th March )

During the initial days of the month, there is a distinct possibility of businessmen striking a profitable deal. This success may motivate them to work even harder. They must remain calm and composed. Students pursuing graduation in arts or commerce may remain attentive during class. They may devote enough time for studies and may be able to memorize very effectively. People in serious relationships may remain negatively stressed about their uncertain position in the current job. They may not be able to devote enough time for their newly found life partner. The month might be very good with matters pertaining to your finance and money. Your financial inflow may definitely increase during the initial days of the month. There is a distinct possibility of a major financial gain.

Students pursuing graduation may not be able to retain their concentration. They may be occupied with personal and domestic problems. Their attention may be diverted from studies. Ganesha advises you to stay extremely cautious with matters pertaining to your health and fitness. A lingering pain in the joints and muscles of your body is likely going to keep you bothered.

Salaried employees may be posted overseas with a responsible job. However, they may take a little time to settle down and perform effectively.

Students pursuing graduation in either science or information technology, may remain very attentive during class. They may devote plenty of time for sincere studying and may be able to memorize very effectively. Businessmen may want to try various methods to push the boundaries of their sales. They may start hunting for new opportunities and openings and may also plan to export their products. A major issue within the family may constantly keep you under negative stress. During this month, singles may fall in love. The month seems to be average with matters pertaining to your finance and money. Impatience is not a virtue. Plan your income sources and do not go overboard spending money this month. Be extra careful with all aspects related to your physical well-being. Visit your physician immediately upon signs of discomfort. People middle aged and above may be troubled by an old ailment.

Businessmen may need to remain attentive about outstanding payments. They may extend some credit to new customers post conducting proper background check. Salaried employees may remain motivated to work hard. Students pursuing graduation may need to remain calm and composed. Post-graduation students may remain busy handling irrelevant and unimportant matters. As a result, they may not be able to concentrate properly on studies. People who are already in a serious relationship with somebody may be pressurized by their partner to get married as soon as possible. Although, they may not feel too comfortable with the idea. This may be mainly because of uncertain future financial prospects. The month seems to be very good with matters pertaining to your finance and money. Your financial inflow is likely to increase. There is a distinct possibility of a major financial gain. Ganesha advises you to be careful in matters related to health and fitness as there is a possibility of getting injured unexpectedly during this month.

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30 SEPTEMBER 2020

Start your Sport Australia Media Awards entries now Entries are open for the prestigious Sport Australia Media Awards and early nominations are encouraged to avoid missing out.

The awards, in their 19th year, recognise excellence in Australian sports journalism, broadcasting, production and photography, with 12 diverse categories available for entry.

The online nomination process enables entrants to begin registering entries quickly and easily, but also allows you to work on these entries progressively up until the deadline of Monday 2 November 2020. The advantage of registering early is you will get reminders to complete and submit your entries ahead of deadline, limiting the chances of forgetting and missing out.

Start your Sport Australia Media Awards entries now Sport Australia receives hundreds of entries each year so take a couple of minutes to start your entry early at sportausmediaawards.awardsplatform.com

Entries are open for the prestigious Sport Australia Media Awards and early nominations are encouraged to avoid missing out.

The awards, in their 19th year, recognise excellence in Australian sports journalism, broadcasting, production and photography, with 12 diverse categories available for entry.

The online nomination process enables entrants to begin registering entries quickly and easily, but also allows you to work on these entries progressively

Award categories available for nomination are: Best reporting of an issue in sport

Best sport profile - broadcast

Best sport coverage by an individual - video

Innovation in sports media

Best sport coverage by an individual - written

Best coverage of sport for people with disability

Best sport coverage by an individual - audio

Best depiction of inclusive sport

Best coverage of a sporting event

Best coverage of a community sport issue rural & regional media

Best sport profile - written

Best sports photography

Finalists will be notified in December, with winners announced in February 2021. The Sport

ahead of adeadline, limiting up until Media the deadline a couple minutes to Australia Awards willofagain honour new Lifetime Achievement recipientof- last year the Tighe. chances of forgetting Monday 2 November Karen start your entry early at awarded to ABC broadcaster and missing out.

2020. The advantage of sportausmediaawards.

All entries for this year’s awards must have been published duringawardsplatform.com the qualifying period, from registering early is you will Sport Australia 18 October 2019 to 30 October 2020.

More information on the awardsFinalists is available here. You get reminders to complete will be notified receives hundreds of can also see the previous winners lists.

For any questions on the awards contact and submit your entries in December, with winners entries each year so take

sportausmediaawards@sportaus.gov.au ABOUT SPORT AUSTRALIA

Liverpool, Manchester United suffer crushing English Premier League defeats to Aston Villa, Tottenham

Sport Australia is responsible for driving greater participation, engagement and capability in Australian sport.

Sport Australia invests in national sporting organisations, including organisations for people with a disability, to champion the value of sport and encourage Australians of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities to get involved in sport. Sport Australia is focused on improving the capability of sporting organisations to create an effective and sustainable national sport sector.

Media contact: Chris Wilson 0407 135 280 or media@sportaus.gov.au

A sensational first-half hattrick from Ollie Watkins helped Aston Villa to a stunning 7-2 victory over Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday to end the champions' 100 per cent start to the season in extraordinary fashion.

That stunning result followed Manchester United being similarly embarrassed by a rampant Tottenham side in a 6-1 thrashing on a wild day in the English Premier League.

Liverpool started badly at Villa Park as a poor pass from Adrian — deputising for Alisson in goal for the visitors after the Brazilian

#SportAUS

picked up a shoulder injury — gifted Watkins the opener in the fourth minute.

If there was an element of good fortunate about Watkins' first goal in a Villa shirt, his second was

all his own fine work as he cut inside before firing into the top corner to stun the champions and make it 2-0 in the 22nd minute.

Mohamed Salah's fine left-foot finish seemed to

get Liverpool back in the game in the 33rd minute, but John McGinn's deflected strike two minutes later restored Villa's two-goal advantage.

Watkins completed his hat-trick inside 39 minutes, with former Everton midfielder Ross Barkley — making his debut after joining Villa on loan — making it five, 10 minutes into the second half.

Salah did give Liverpool hope on the hour mark, before a late double from Grealish completed a remarkable victory for the team who just avoided relegation last season.

Australia beats New Zealand by four wickets as Meg Lanning century steers hosts to victory A century by captain Meg Lanning has steered the Australian women's cricket team to a remarkable 20th straight ODI victory and a shot at history.

Lanning struck an unbeaten 101 off 96 balls as Australia claimed a fourwicket game two win over New Zealand in Brisbane on Monday that sealed the trans-Tasman Rose Bowl series.

After the White Ferns made 9-252 at Allan Border Field, Lanning hit her 14th ODI ton while vice-captain Rachael Haynes struck 82 off 89 to help steer Australia to 6-255 in the 46th over.

It ensured Australia retained the Rose Bowl trophy they have held since 2000.

Now Australia can make history with another victory in Wednesday's game three.

They can equal the ODI record of 21 consecutive wins held by Ricky Ponting's side in 2003 with a series whitewash.

And they will be quietly confident after Australia

backed up their sevenwicket win in the series opener by reeling in the biggest total of their impressive streak that started in early 2018.

Lanning put on a 117run second-wicket stand with Haynes before spinner Amelia Kerr (3-47 off 10 overs) threatened to turn the match on its head.

She trapped Beth Mooney leg before for six

44 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2020

before dismissing Sophie Molineux (14) and form batter Ashleigh Gardner in successive balls as Australia slumped from 1-154 to 5-196 in the 36th over.

But Lanning held her nerve, hitting nine fours and three sixes.

The White Ferns' hopes of restricting Australia were not helped when strike seamer Lea Tahuhu (0-26 off 2.4 overs) broke down

with a lower back complaint in the 13th over.

Earlier, skipper Sophie Devine (79 off 115 balls) and veteran number three Amy Satterthwaite (69 off 73) helped New Zealand post 9-252 after being sent in despite a late collapse.

The White Ferns were cruising at 1-168 in the 39th over before Jessica Jonassen (4-36) helped apply the brakes, taking three wickets in her 10th and final over.

Molineux (2-49) and seamer Megan Schutt (254) also impressed as the visitors at one stage lost 5-2.

Devine elevated herself to opener in the absence of destructive batter Suzie Bates (shoulder) and posted her highest ODI score against Australia and 13th one-day half century.

She enjoyed an opening stand of 75 with Natalie Dodd (34 off 59 balls) and put on 93 with Satterthwaite.

The last time New Zealand started an ODI innings with two 50run partnerships against Australia was back in 1997.

announced in February 2021. The Sport Australia Media Awards will again honour a new Lifetime Achievement recipient last year awarded to ABC broadcaster Karen Tighe.

All entries for this year’s awards must have been published during the qualifying period, from 18 October 2019 to 30 October 2020. More information on the awards is available here. You can also see the previous winners lists. For any questions on the awards contact sportausmediaawards@ sportaus.gov.au

ABOUT SPORT AUSTRALIA Sport Australia is responsible for driving greater participation, engagement and capability in Australian sport. Sport Australia invests in national sporting organisations, including organisations for people with a disability, to champion the value of sport and encourage Australians of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities to get involved in sport. Sport Australia is focused on improving the capability of sporting organisations to create an effective and sustainable national sport sector.

Yeppoon Swans win 89th game in a row to claim Australian Rules record for most consecutive wins ever

It has been a long time coming but after 44 years the Yeppoon Swans have snatched the record for the longest winning streak in Australian Rules history.

Based on the central Queensland coast, the Swans and their senior side last lost a game in 2015.

On Saturday night, the team defeated Boyne Island Tannum Sands in the grand final of the AFL Capricornia competition.

It was the team's 89th consecutive win, breaking the record set by South Australian team Heathfield-Aldgate during the 1970s.

Win tops off a tough season Swans coach Mark Wallin said the win was sweet.

"It's been a tough road. This year has been incredibly hard with the shortened 10-game season," he said.

"With the up and down troughs and uncertainty around when we're going to play, it was just a tough year.

"I'm incredibly proud of the boys to get it done."

The grand final was also a home game for the Swans.

"It was awesome to be at home at Swans ground and to get the record, on top of the premiership, is a perfect day," captain Matt Wallin said.

Swans took Saints Queensland record Runners-up, Boyne Island Tannum Sands Saints, started the game strongly but the Swans got ahead in the second quarter.

Until last year the Saints held

the Queensland record for the longest winning streak, with 65 consecutive wins between 2000 and 2003.

Saints coach Rick Bean said the team went into the game as the underdogs.

"It's how we stood up and how we acquitted ourselves.

"I thought the boys were very respectful to the game of footy and to Yeppoon and I couldn't be any prouder in that area.

"I think we've shown a lot of people around here and a lot of other clubs within the league that they're beatable, not today, but there's a chance.

"You never lose, you win, or you learn, and we've learnt a hell of a lot today and where we need to be."

Healthfield-Aldgate, based in the Adelaide Hills, set the record of 88 wins between 1971 and 1976.

The team existed for 12 years, before it merged with then archrival Stirling Football Club to form the Mount Lofty District Football Club.

In that time the team won seven premierships in a row.

John Coventry was part of the historical side and congratulated the new record holders.

"All records are there to be broken, and it's taken 45-years for it to happen. It was a different era back then, but I have to say congratulations to them."

He said he was pleased the side shared his team's colours — red and white.

"Job well done. They've got a few more premierships to catch up to us, though."

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