October 2022 - Online edition

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

Volume 19, Number 2 Saturday, October 8th, 2022

As God is One, we respect all Religions

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

Foreign minister S Jaishankar to visit Australia this month

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In September, Jaishankar had met Australian foreign minister Penny Wong on the sidelines of India-France-Australia and India-Australia-Indonesia foreign minister trilaterals in New York. They were also part of Quad ministers meeting in New York.

Earlier, the Australian deputy PM-cum-defence minister visited India.

Foreign minister S Jaishankar will visit Australia this month amid momentum in bilateral ties and shared concerns over Chinese ambitions in the IndoPacific region, ET has learnt.

In September, Jaishankar

had met Australian foreign minister PennyWong on the sidelines of IndiaFranceAustralia and IndiaAustralia-Indonesia foreign minister trilaterals in New York. They were also part of Quad ministers meeting

in New York. Earlier, the Australian deputy PM-cumdefence minister visited India.

The PM had twice met his new Australian counterpart, in Japan on both occasions first, during the Quad summit CONTD. ON PG 35

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Inside

• Local News ..................................4-41 • Real Estate ................................14-17 • wwww ...................................... 28-29 • India News ..................................... 42 • Fiji News ......................................... 44 • Entertainment .............................. 46 • Health & Well Being .................... 48 • Business Directory/Classified ... 51 • Sports News ................................... 52

A Division of Qld Multicultural Times Published Monthly OWNERS / PUBLISHERS: Umesh Chandra OAM & Usha Chandra ADVERTISING: 0430 193 715 sales@indiantimes.com.au JOURNALIST/ CORRESPONDENTS • Thakur Ranjit Singh (NZ) • Thilliar Varnakulasingham (NZ) • Shalendra Prasad (Fiji) • Rama Gaind (Canberra) • Ml. Nawaaz Ashrafi • Imam Muhammad Aslam • Pastor Joseph Dass • Haji Abdul Rahman Deen • Jitendra Deo • Nimisha Modi • Ranjita Pillai (Immigration Matters) • Peter Lane Rai • Awadhesh Sharma • Shailendra Singh • Gagan deep Tandon • Ravi Vastrad • Brian Sullivan (Photography) • Amod Datar • Rajesh Chand • Ashok Attri 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.

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2 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022

From the Publisher Welcome to our October issue; we are really and truly into the festive season, with Gandhi Jayanti, Navratri, and Dussehra leading us into Diwali and Bhai Doj; well, let’s begin with my first overseas trip after the lockdown; my last trip was in 2019 to Malaysia. So, this time round, we went to Fiji for a short family vacation; we stayed at Mana Island, an outer Island resort in The Yasawa’s. As our flight timing did not match the ferry time, we had to get on a fast water taxi, which took forty-five minutes compared to one and a half hours on the large ferry. Touching down in Fiji, we were greeted by an actual warm welcome, delightful weather with clear blue skies. The fast boat transfer started our adventure; the scene at Denarau marina as the boat left the jetty was nothing short of magical; the pristine deep blue waters were a pleasure to watch and experience. We received another friendly welcome in the good old Fijian style at the island jetty, minus any guard rails.

The overall experience was just unique. The only observation was the dryness; we had visualized lush green Fiji – and the other area was the neglect of upkeep, but that is understandable, as, over the pandemic, there was just no business. A well-earned break and quality time with family.

Now back to Brisbane, and what a hive of activity in Brisbane; there is so much happening here. It is a big catch-up after the lockdown; I can’t remember ever seeing this many “Garba “performances in Brisbane; it is encouraging also to witness great turnout at these events; well done, and congratulations to all the organizers. Navratri has been celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm; here again, the credit goes to all cultural and religious organizations for their tremendous efforts. I must mention “Oikotan,” who, in their second year, have doubled the number of attendees and being able to Bring in “Maata ji’s” idol, congratulation is in order.

Congratulations to the Bengali Society of Queensland for celebrating the 25th Year of Pooja celebration. This year, the grand celebration occurred at Coorparoo State High School and was attended by many members and guests; Australian Indian Radio was proud to have aired the “Mahalaya” segment.

We managed to attend both events.

We Came back from Fiji on Saturday, the first of October, for two reasons, first, to attend my dear friend Dharam’s birthday and second, to attend Gandhi Jayanti on the 2nd of October. Dharam and I go back a long way, and his son highlighted our Chandigarh days

in the main presentation. I did attempt two karaoke numbers, and to my surprise, there were people still in the hall after I finished; congratulation to my dear friend, who is instrumental for our family here in Brisbane, as on migration for the first year we had lived in Sydney.

It must be the season for birthdays; a GOPIO Queensland’s lifetime achievement award 2022 winner, Mr. Baldev Sharma celebrated his milestone 80th birthday; we were happy to congratulate him, and the family organized a pooja and lunch for many guests.

I want to mention the third birthday of Bryan Balraj Singh, son of Laddi and Pinky Singh, who turned twenty-one on 3rd October. It was good to see the multicultural community members at Brisbane Sikh Temple for his celebration. The “Sewa” by the volunteers at the Sikh temple is commendable and coordinated, a heartwarming experience for all attendees; we wish Bryan all the very best in his adult life.

GOPIO Queensland, as usual, organized Gandhi Jayanti at Roma Street Parklands; there was slight rain in the morning. Still, despite that, a reasonable number of attendees assembled to mark the occasion. The event was supported by FICQ, GSML, Gandhi statue committee, and other organizations. This is one of the three significant events of GOPIO Queensland, which takes place every year.

First, the Girmit Diwas is always on 14th May, Then India Day Fair on or around 15th August, and Gandhi Jayanti is always on 2nd October at 9:00 am by Gandhi statue in Roma Street Parkland. Gandhi Salt March Limited organized the second Gandhi Jayanti at event cinemas in Springfield; the two events are timed so that people can attend both.

Another fantastic event I must mention is the “Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s” 100th birth anniversary organized by BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple. The event at Royal International Convention Centre was a masterpiece presentation, superbly managed to raise the bar of event management within our community, and doing us all proud, welldone BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha Australia and New Zealand.

On 23rd September, Brisbane Indian Times turned nineteen, and we look forward to our big twentieth-year celebration in 2023.

We have come a long way since our humble launch at Ballymore Rugby Club, and we believe we have managed to maintain the core values, quality, and quantity of Brisbane Indian times over the years; the journey has not been plain sailing. However, it has been enriching and has given us a chance to serve our community, the value of which is way above any monetary gains. Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio will strive to serve our community with honor and pride for years to come.

In conclusion, I wish everyone all the very best for Diwali and hope Goddess Mother Laxmi showers her blessings on you all for prosperity in the New Year. May all darkness be removed, and may there be light in everyone’s life.

Until Next month, happy reading.

—Umesh Chandra OAM Publisher

BIT NOVEMBER 2022

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022 — 3

Luxury hospitality experience in ‘magical’ Mykonos

By Rama Gaind

There is so much waiting for you to see and do in Greece this year, that is, if you’re looking for a bucket-list destination to celebrate the return to travel.

Many of the best cities in Greece are located in stunning settings that are awe-inspiring. Other than the iconic Athens with its plethora of incredible historical sites, Greece has an enjoyable array of cities with some nestled among rocky hills with others overlooking the beautiful waters that surround the country. There are also so many islands to explore. much more than its party atmosphere.

Saturated in history, Europe's oldest Iconic landmarks include a row of 16thPanoptis Escape capital – Athens – has a wealth of historic century windmills, sitting on a hill above sites, still dominated by 5th-century BC the town. Captivating Mykonos is ready landmarks, including the Acropolis. No to welcome Australians back to enjoy an trip to Greece is complete without a visit unforgettable European summer. to the striking blue and white domes There’s plenty of pent-up demand of Santorini or check out an island in for the island’s unique blend of lively the Cyclades group in the Aegean Sea villages, beautiful beaches, authentic – Mykonos – which is bursting with cultural experiences, warm hospitality

and picture-perfect accommodation, and with direct flights resuming from Sydney to Mykonos via Doha, Australian visitors will once again be enjoying an iconic Mykonos sunset with a side of spanakopita in record time.

A veritable one-stop-shop for an immersive experience of Greek island life, travellers to Mykonos can discover ancient UNESCO WorldHeritage-listed ruins on nearby Delos, hit the dance floor at iconic beach clubs, stroll cobbled streets in whitewashed villages, enjoy traditional Greek hospitality in local tavernas and sail the turquoise Aegean Sea. Fascinating collection The official season to visit Mykonos runs from May until October. It offers multiple ways to holiday from the one idyllic destination, and the 11 boutique properties of the Myconian Collection portfolio that occupy the most sought-after real estate on the island, from Elia Beach, Ornos Beach and Platis Gialos to vibrant Mykonos Town. Capturing the essence of Greek charm and beauty, guests of the family-owned-andoperated Myconian Collection will enjoy incomparable hospitality and personalised attention, together with the ultimate in luxurious accommodation.

Each hotel in the collection boasts its own original personality and style, distinctive location and decadent design, covering a broad range of accommodation types, rates and entertainment options.

According to the managing

director of Myconian Ambassador Hotel Vangelis Daktylides, accommodation options are available to suit couples, families, friends or multi-generational groups.

“We’re beyond excited to be welcoming guests for the forthcoming summer season, and we can’t wait to see our loyal guests return and to welcome first-time visitors to discover the magic of Mykonos from their home-away-from-home at one of our Myconian Collection hotels.”

“We’ve spent decades fine tuning our unique blend of exceptional service, luxury accommodation and good old-fashioned Greek hospitality. Guests are returning year after year to enjoy the authentic local experiences we organise, as well as the personalised attention we offer every visitor, from collecting their shopping and unpacking suitcases to organising a donkey ride to a romantic beach dinner, booking a charter yacht, private helicopter flight or snaring an elusive table at one of the island’s hottest restaurants.”

You will be spoiled for choice. Why not book for longer, more luxurious stays and while at one of the properties in the Myconian Collection you will enjoy a variety of the most fascinating locations, avant-garde spa centres, gourmet restaurants, magnificent wedding venues and first-class conference facilities.

Experience new levels of luxe at boutique hotels and villas in idyllic beach, hilltop and town locations.

There is still time to plan an unforgettable Greek getaway or to explore magical Mykonos.

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Myconian Ambassador 4 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022

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A True Prayer - Sadhguru, Isha Foundation For most people, what they are seeking in prayer is not God but security and happiness. Their prayers are only about: “God give me this, give me that, God save me.” Ultimately, what they want with prayer is wellbeing, but they are not willing to admit it. If you genuinely want to take even a single step in your journey, the first step is to be straight with yourself. Only then can we look at crossing the threshold of limitations to true happiness and wellbeing.

It is time we realized that looking to God will not help until we look at our own foolishness. If you sincerely look at your deepest motivation for religion, you will see you have never aspired for the Divine – your aspiration was never for the ultimate. It is for comfort, wealth, power and pleasure, and you think God is a tool to achieve those things.

When you seek protection or wealth, greed and fear become the basis of your prayer. This will not work.

We usually think prayer is a means to reach God. But what do we really know about God? If you look at it truthfully, you must admit you have no direct experience of God. You are just coming from a particular belief system. Using prayer to reach a God we have no direct experience of, can be

The illusory is a more powerful experience than reality for most people because an illusion has the freedom to become anything it wants. The cinema is more powerful than real life for many people. You can exaggerate the illusory any way you want it.

When the illusory process gets exaggerated, it becomes more powerful than life.

illusionary. Thoughts and prayer can open a person, but at the same time they can create hallucinations.

The illusory is a more powerful experience than reality for most people because an illusion has the freedom to become anything it wants. The cinema is more powerful than real life for many

6 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022

people. You can exaggerate the illusory any way you want it. When the illusory process gets exaggerated, it becomes more powerful than life. So prayer can not only be misused, it can also be deceptive. If you want to come to reality, hallucinations must go.

People need to understand that it is not prayer which

makes the difference, it is being prayerful as a quality and not as an act that makes the difference.

Becoming prayerful means your whole being has become an offering; it is a process of offering yourself.

Being prayerful is a deep connection with the Divine inherent in everything and everywhere. It is a quality, a

state of being.

As you become prayerful, your experience extremely beautiful. And when you are really joyous, you are much more receptive.

Prayer no longer becomes a monologue, but a beautiful phenomenon and a celebration which brings great joy. Then we pray not out of fear or greed,

but because prayer itself is the reward. Patanjali, considered the father of modern yoga, goes as far as to say that when one knows how to be truly prayerful, prayer is not a means to reach God, but God is only a means so that we can pray.

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

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

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022 — 7

GOPIO GOLD COAST HOLDS AGM The GOPIO Gold Coast AGM was held on Sunday, 11th September, at The Indian Place, Surfers Paradise, followed by networking, delicious chai, and snacks.

We want to take this opportunity on behalf of all the broader community and member base to thank the outgoing executive committee for their contribution and hard work over the past few years.

We are excited to announce our new executive committee Gopio Gold Coast for 2022-2023 President – Mr. Pradip Gorasia Vice President – Mr. Mokhtiar Singh 2nd Vice President – Ms. Shruti Thakkar Secretary – Mr. Arash Singh Joint Secretary – Mr.

Padmanabhan Krishnan Treasurer – Mrs. Jasber Kaurah Assistant Treasurer – Ms. Varsha Badhe We look forward to working together to bring our members and the broader community more opportunities to meet, network, and celebrate with some fantastic events soon. We wish to provide a platform to assist business owners and professionals in growing and expanding their network through various networking events.

Also, to encourage the Indian community in Gold Coast to work together to address multiple issues that affect our community.

Please keep a look out on our Facebook for future events. https://www. facebook.com/GopioGC/ or our website https://www. gopiogoldcoast.org.au

GOPIO GOLD TO HOLD DIWALI FESTIVAL 2022 GOPIO Gold Coast invites you and your family to DIWALI Festival 2022 on Saturday, 8th October 2022, at Broadwater Parklands from 4 pm to 9 pm. An exciting event with Fireworks, Performances, Cultural stalls, a variety of food stalls, a Live DJ, Kids’ activities, and much more.

Book your FREE tickets at https://www.trybooking. com/CCVPT 8 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022 — 9

GOPIO Queensland’s Mental Health Seminar focused on Awareness and Beyond

BRISBANE, after the massive success of their maiden Mental Health awareness event in 2021, GOPIO Queensland saw it fit to hold the second one this year, realizing how important it was to raise awareness and to go beyond the three-focus area being – acknowledgeUnderstand and act.

This year with the support of Brisbane City Council and Queensland Mental Health Commission, GOPIO Queensland took the event beyond awareness. It focused on understanding the subject and getting the tools and strategies to tackle the ever-so-growing mental health issues within our society. The event was supported by Copy Cat printing and promotional items, Cornerstone Law offices, and Councilor Sandy Landers. At the same time,

the exclusive media partners were Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio.

The main auditorium of Brisbane City Hall provided the perfect backdrop for the function, which began with networking amongst speakers, presenters, and other attendees. The event’s central coordinator was Arpit Singh, vice president of GOPIO Queensland, quite aptly assisted by Sahil Sinha as floor manager, while Mayuresh Lande assisted with the AV. Irene Bayldon and Rani Sharma assisted with the registration, and Nayda Hernadez helped with raffles. Raffle prizes were donated by Councilor Sandy Landers, Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio, Rakesh and Rani Sharma, Ron Baker of Golden Key Realty, and Vikas Sinha of Finance point

Australia.

Councilor Sandy Landers shared her lived experience and thoughts on the importance of raising awareness and going beyond understanding to action.

There was a presentation by the Black dog institute followed by a powerful and thought-provoking dance by the Nishaan

group. This was followed by keynote speeches, Associate professor Dr. Alka Kothari came with a well-researched presentation focused on the importance of men's mental health, especially during childbirth. At the same time, the female partner gets attention often, and the mental status of men during this time is overlooked.

Prof Nigar Khawaja (Ph.D.), Drago Ileana – Queensland Transcultural Mental Health Centre, and Evelyn Nguyen; Umesh Chandra OAM joined the speakers in the panel session moderated by Arpit Singh.

After the keynote speeches, there was a second dance choreographed to the theme by Prana Group,

following which a short movie featuring Deepika Padukone on her battle with mental was screened. The panel discussion led to the audience interaction with Questions and answers. The audience's response and eagerness to learn more about the topic's importance were highlighted. Overall, a highly successful event.

Annual Gandhi Jayanti at Roma Street Parkland SPRING HILL, the annual Gandhi Jayanti organized

by GOPIO Queensland and supported by FICQ, GSML, Gandhi Statue committee, and other organizations, was held at Gandhi statue near gate six of Roma Street Parkland prescient on 2nd October.

Gandhi Jayanti is one of the three significant events of GOPIO Queensland, which takes place every year. First, the Girmit Diwas is always on 14th May, Then India Day Fair on or around 15th August, and Gandhi Jayanti is always on 2nd October at 9:00 am

by Gandhi statue in Roma Street Parkland. Gandhi Salt March Limited organizes the second Gandhi Jayanti at event cinemas in Springfield; the two events are timed so that people can attend both.

Despite the rainy conditions, staunch supporters of the cause gathered at the statue to pay tributes; Umesh Chandra OAM, the MC, welcomed everyone to the event, and mentioned that while we celebrated Gandhi Ji’s birthday, we should not forget Lal Bahadur Shastri Ji who was also born on 2nd October.

Rakesh Sharma, acting president of GOPIO Queensland, welcomed everyone as Prof Prasad

Yarlagadda OAM was overseas.

Anoop Nannuru, President of FICQ, was the next speaker.

Dr. Maha Sinnathamby AM patron of FICQ and GOPIO Qld delivered a very inspirational speech. Mrs. Archana Singh, honorary counsel for India in Queensland, quite eloquently spoke of the relevance of Gandhi Ji’s teaching and philosophy in today’s day and age. In the absence of Jim Varghese AM, Nik Senapati represented GSML and delivered his speech. Dr. Sukhvir Singh spoke on behalf of Arya Samaj Queensland, and Rahul Modi said on behalf of BAPS Swami Narayan Temple.

Mr. Hemant Naik and Kalpana Naik led the two popular Gandhi bhajans – Vaishnav Jan tene and Raghu Pati Raghav Ram. Refreshments, park booking, floral arrangements, and a sound system were arranged and provided by GOPIO Queensland. Special thanks to Mayuresh Lande for his efforts with the facilitation, Irene Bayldon for flowers, Rakesh Sharma, acting president, and Rani Sharma for assisting with refreshments and flowers, etc. Please mark your diaries for next year on 2nd October 2023, 9:00 am at the Gandhi Statue site.

10 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022 — 11

NO PAIN, NO GAIN

Pastor Suresh Dass Joseph josephdass@optusnet.com.au

Dear reader, it is with much joy we bring you the word of God. We all have been through or perhaps are going through some painful situation in our lives. Often when we go through things we don't understand, the unexpected opposition, people who should be for us but turn against us, the health report isn't good, visa gets cancelled, the job is denied, we cry out, "why me?" Sometimes the pain can frustrate and overwhelm us.

The good news is that pain is often only a preparation for something bigger, better, and more rewarding, so you reach your destiny.

In the scriptures, we read, "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."

That means, as a child of God, when you go through painful seasons, God is not punishing you but preparing you for something bigger, success.

Before he became a Christian, Paul persecuted and killed Christians. But when Jesus called him out of his old lifestyle to take the gospel to the world, it was not all easy going for him. Paul suffered many beatings, persecution, shipwrecks, jail time, death threats, and constant danger. He had a target on his back due to opposition from the Jews, Gentiles, and the false teachers. He often prayed for others and for himself to be delivered from the hands of people and asked for prayers to be rescued from those opposed to him. He prayed for boldness to take the gospel to the world. (Corinthians and Acts).

But in his letter to the Philippians church, He writes, "And I want you to know my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me has helped me…."

Here are 3 things we can learn from Paul.

1) Even in your pain, God prepares you for what you have been praying for.

Most of the prayers God answers are like going through tests.

During

12 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022

In the scriptures, we read, "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." That means, as a child of God, when you go through painful seasons, God is not punishing you but preparing you for something bigger, success.

difficult seasons, He helps your faith to be stretched.

So that you can learn to trust Him and depend wholly on Him to bring about the answers to your prayers, often when Paul prayed to take the gospel to others, persecutions would follow. These were times of preparations. As his faith strengthened, Paul wrote more letters of encouragement, edification, and comfort. He was able to do more through persecution. What you are going through now may be a surprise to you, but it is

no surprise to our God. He is called Alpha and Omega.

He knows the beginning, and He knows the end, and He is preparing you for more extraordinary things.

2) God is not preparing the blessing for you. He is preparing you for the blessing. In the scriptures, we read about Joseph, who had a dream from God of becoming a great leader, having authority, and becoming a person of significant influence. Yet he was betrayed by his brothers, falsely accused by his employer, and

imprisoned for something he hadn't done. It was a painful time for him, but at age thirty, he became Egypt's prime minister.

When his brothers came up to him asking for forgiveness, Joseph replied, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people."

Instead of talking about the pain, he spoke more about God preparing him through the pain. Pain may not lead you to success, but preparation through the

pain will surely lead you to victory.

3) God is not punishing you but preparing you for greater things. Trust His preparation and not your pain. He's going to take you further than you thought possible. While it is true, "no pain, no gain," sometimes the more significant the pain, the greater the reward. You have to stay in faith and keep trusting in the Lord. Sometimes good things take time. David was called to be king as a teenager. Yet he suffered pain, loss, and persecution, finally becoming the king of Israel.

God bless you Ps Joseph S Dass josephdass@optusnet.com.au

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022 — 13

Peak profit-making period has passed for Australia’s housing market Australian vendors seeking to profit from the resale of their property have seen the peak of the market come and go in the June quarter, as data shows the number of loss-making transactions are on the rise.

CoreLogic’s latest Pain & Gain Report, which analysed approximately 102,000 property resales that occurred in the June 2022 quarter, showed Australia’s profit-making sales plateaued at 93.8% when compared to the previous three months.

However, the rolling quarterly rate of profit-making sales showed the three months to April reached a resale gain peak of 94.1%, which coincided with the height of national dwelling values.

CoreLogic Head of Research Eliza Owen says the April peak for both profitable resales and national home values aligned with the first of several sharp and consecutive rate hikes.

“This particular Pain & Gain report provides a line in the sand and confirms the moment when the housing market peaked and started to turn,” she said.

“The figures align with peak growth in our national Home Value Index and highlights the decline in the rate of profitmaking sales, which has been largely influenced by an increase in the rate of loss-making resales in Sydney and Melbourne.”

Sydney’s rate of loss-making sales increased 160 basis points to 6.4%, coinciding with a quarterly decline in home values of -2.8% over the period. The portion of Melbourne loss-making resales were up 50 basis points in the quarter, to 5.3%, as home values fell -1.8%.

“Multiple interest rate hikes have led to a weakening in the home values in Sydney and Melbourne however residential resale results in some cities remain strong with significant gains across almost all resales,” she said.

“Resales data suggests a notable increase in loss-making unit sales across the Sydney council region, including in highdensity city fringe markets like Waterloo, Zetland and Roseberry.”

The report isn’t wholly negative for vendors, with strong resale figures still prevalent in smaller capital cities including Canberra, Hobart and resource cities.

Hobart and Canberra topped the capital cities for the rate of profit-making sales, each with 99.1% of resales achieving a nominal gain. Hobart has recorded four consecutive years of vendors recording the highest rate of nominal gain across the greater capital city markets.

Ms Owen said the improvement in some cities during the June quarter may reflect the actions taken by motivated sellers who took advantage of a recent high in dwelling values.

National Pain & Gain Nationally, the portion of houses that made a nominal gain (96.5%) was higher than across the unit segment (88.1%).

Investors saw nominal gains from 90.9% of resales, falling short of the 96.7% for owner-occupiers.

Longer hold periods were also generally associated with higher nominal gains. Property owners who sold after 30 years saw a median nominal return of more than $800,000, while the median hold period of all resales in the quarter was nine years, which placed the initial purchase date in the June quarter of 2013.

As Australian property values move through the downswing, Ms Owen expects median hold periods will increase as more recent buyers are less likely to sell in a downturn.

“The most recent housing market upswing, which took place between September 2020 and April 2022, saw a total increase of 28.6% in national housing values,” she said.

“This has led to substantial gains over relatively short hold periods. However, as the housing market continues its downswing, the nominal gains achieved from that relatively short hold period have already started to erode.

“In the March 2022 quarter, vendors who sold after only two years were achieving a median gain of approximately $170,000.

However, by the end of June, that median nominal gain made within two years of purchase had reduced to $150,000.”

Houses vs Units Both houses and units have seen an uptick in loss-making sales from the three months to April 2022 (April was also the month that the CoreLogic Home

Value Index hit a record high for houses and units nationally).

The rate of profitability across the house market has since declined around 10 basis points through to the end of the June quarter, and the rate of unit resales that made a nominal gain fell faster at 70 basis points.

“The relative strength in return from the house segment comes down to a few factors, including the value associated with land and the strength of owner occupier demand for houses over the past two years,” Ms Owen said.

“As noted in previous reports, the unit segment in Australia, particularly in the high density, investment centric centres of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, saw a surge in construction from 2012 to 2017.

“However, macroprudential changes to investment and interest-only lending triggered a downturn in investment demand for housing through 2014 and 2017. The combination of a surge in supply and loss in investment demand has contributed to weaker conditions across some of these markets.”

Regional markets The rate of loss-making resales in regional Australia continued to trend lower through the June quarter, falling 30 basis points to 5.4% from March, marking one of the lowest periods of loss-making resales since the three months to April 2008.

Ms Owen said regional Australian home values rose in the June quarter, bucking the national trend, however regions have since followed the capital city markets into a relatively sharp housing market downturn.

Through July and August, regional Australian home values declined -2.2% from a peak in June, which is likely to weigh on profitability in the regions going forward, she said.

Tree change and sea change markets continue to record increases in profitability with only 1.9% of resales in coastal and non-coastal lifestyle areas recording a nominal loss in the June quarter, down from 2.3% in the three months to March 2022.

Ms Owen said this marked a record low for the rate of resales with a nominal loss for the combined tree change and sea change markets.

“There were slight increases in the rate of loss-making sales across Geelong, the Gold Coast, Richmond Tweed and the Sunshine Coast, but these increases were marginal,” she said.

“Nonetheless, it is unsurprising to see these markets experience a slight shift in profitability, given these same markets are leading a sharp decline in value across regional Australia.”

Pain & Gain Outlook As the Australian housing market continued to see value declines through to the end of August, it is expected the rate of profit-making sales may be moving past a peak level. In the coming quarters, more broadbased dwelling value declines may place a limit on profitability for sellers.

Ms Owen said in Sydney the notable uptick in the rate of lossmaking unit sales was likely due to an increase in investor stock

being sold off.

Melbourne’s steep decline in dwelling values had impacted the number of profit-making sales, particularly across the city centre, where more than a third of resales were sold for a nominal loss.

“Rising rates may be triggering more sales decisions among investors, contributing to the increase in loss-making unit sales across the city,” she said.

“As rates continue to rise, it is likely the rate of profit-making sales will continue to fall in the coming quarters.”

Key findings for Pain & Gain, June Quarter 2022 • CoreLogic analysed approximately 102,000 dwelling resales in the June 2022 quarter • The incidence of profitmaking sales nationally declined to 93.8%, steady on the results from the March 2022 quarter • Data on a rolling threemonth basis shows profit-making

resales actually hit a peak of 94.1%in the three months to April 2022 • The median nominal gain made on resales nationally was $270,000, while median losses were -$33,500 • Sydney had the largest spike in the rate of loss-making resales, up 160 basis points from the March quarter • Profitability across both houses and units declined nationally quarter-on-quarter • Through the quarter, the median gain from house resales nationally was $370,000, compared to $173,000 for units • Nationally the median hold period for profit-making resales remained steady at 9.0 years • Hobart and Canberra were the most profitable of the capital cities, as 99.1% of dwelling resales recorded a nominal gain To download a copy of the Pain and Gain Report visit www. corelogic.com.au/news-research/ reports/pain-gain.

Women in auctioneering hits historic milestone for austros 2022 AUSTROS has hit new milestones in promoting the rise of women in auctioneering with a historic representation of females on the judging panel.

REIA President Hayden Groves said AUSTROS 2022 will take a small step forward to promote Australia's and New Zealand's talented female auctioneers.

"Franchise Principal Sandra Masters has gone from judging to competing, continuing her pioneering role in AUSTROS history.

"Ms Masters previously judged AUSTROS over 2018 and 2019 and has been the only female judge until this year to hold that position."

Mr Groves said he was

delighted that in a historic first the AUSTROS judging panel will include for the first time four female judges.

"This includes Jenna Dunley who was the first ever - and to date only - female finalist in AUSTROS 2019."

A total of 16 agents across Australia and New Zealand are set to compete for the top gong.

Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) and Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) will be holding the event from 16-18th October which will be chaired by Chief Judge Jesse Davidson.

Hosted by REINSW, this year's AUSTROS will see industryleading property auctioneers

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descend on Sydney to battle for the pinnacle industry award.

REIA President, Hayden Groves said tickets are on sale for the popular event here.

AUSTROS 2022: THE JUDGES Chief Judge Jesse Davidson (Chief Judge) auctionWORKS Australian Capital Territory Jenny Dunley Home by Holly New South Wales Briannan Davis Cooley Auctions New Zealand

Sabine Davison Sotheby's International Realty Northern Territory Daniel Harris Real Estate Central Queensland Justin Nickerson Apollo Auctions South Australia Brett Roenfeldt BR Auctioneer Tasmania David Jackson REIT Victoria Alisha Hobart

EYS Auctions Western Australia Tom Esze REIWA AUSTROS 2022: THE COMPETITORS Australian Capital Territory Alec Brown-Ray White Canberra Sandra Masters - LJ Hooker Kippax Queensland Greg Allan - Apollo Auctions Mark MacCabe - Apollo Auctions New South Wales Clarence White - Menck White Auctioneers Stuart Ritchie McGrath Estate Agents

New Zealand Conor Patton - Bayleys National Robert Tulp - Apollo Auctions Northern Territory Dominic Miller - LJ Hooker Alice Springs South Australia Anthony DeMarco - Harcourts Smith Bronte Manuel - Toop & Toop Victoria Andy Reid - Sold by Auctions Luke Banitsiotis - Woodards Blackburn Western Australia Prash Nayer - Perth Realty

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022 — 17

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022 — 19

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland Samaj Havan Yajna Satsang at Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre

For further information on Havan Satsang program at Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre 198 Learoyd Road Willawong QLD 4110 please contact Vice President Mrs.Sushila Pathik 33146059 ओ३म ्

Deepawali दीपावली

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

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

Many people all over the world will be celebrating Deepawali this year. The entire AryaHindu world with family and friends is engaged in this ancient celebration.

Deepawali night is recorded on our lunar calendar as Amavasya, the dark night.

The ancient Rishis were able to measure the ruin that inner darkness brings to human lives. From ancient times they observed that, because of darkness inside, we humans are unable to control the way we think, speak and act.

They further saw how we constantly struggle to sort out our thoughts, feelings and inclinations, and how we consequently suffer from emotional turbulence. And so, in an effort to help us, the Rishis codified one of our holy days as Deepawali. They chose a dark night, called Amavasya, and taught us to kindle and arrange little lights in beautiful rows.

The whole outer Amavasya atmosphere, usually filled with darkness, is now illumined. This is

a meaningful act that points to one simple fact - that the light of wisdom, once kindled, ultimately overcomes our inner darkness of ignorance. This is the basic, fundamental message associated with Deepawali. Diwali is a festival practised by our forefathers since ancient, Vedic times. With the passage of time, however, many historical events came to be associated with the date of Deepavali.

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

20 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022

society is in jubilation for a different reason.

Diwali is also the end of the cropping season.

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

Thus, the farmers perform Havan thanking GOD ALMIGHTY for the good quality crop.

Special dishes are made on the harvest festival. Along with the rural farmers, the people living in the urban areas all over the country also commemorate the

harvesting season with great dedication. ओ३म ् असतो मा सद्गमय ।ओ३म ् तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय ।ओ३म ् मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय (Upnishad) O God lead us from untruth to truth.O God lead us from darkness of ignorance to light of knowledge.O God lead us from misery of death to immortality दीपावली मनाएं , पूरी खुशियों के साथ मनाएं । पर दीपावली की विधि कैसी हो, यह विचारने की बात है । अपने घर में उस दिन मित्रों संबंधियों के साथ बैठकर हवन करें , ईश्वर का धन्यवाद करें । अच्छे फल और शुद्ध मिठाइयां खाएं , एक दस ू रे को बधाई दें , एक दोष को छोड़ें और एक अच्छे गुण को धारण करें । इस दीपावली पर्व पर किसी रोगी विकलांग या गरीब की मदद करें । आपको निश्चित रूप से आनन्द मिलेगा । दीपावली के दिन आर्य समाज के संस्थापक महर्षि दयानन्द सरस्वती जी का निर्वाण दिवस है , अर्थात उन्होंने अपने नश्वर शरीर का त्याग किया था । वे वेदों के प्रकांड विद्वान, उच्च स्तर के योगी, वैरागी, त्यागी, तपस्वी, आदित्य ब्रह्मचारी, परोपकारी, निष्काम कर्मी, स्त्रियों एवं शूद्रों के उद्धारक, उन्हें शिक्षा प्राप्ति का अधिकार दिलाने वाले, गौ माता आदि प्राणियों के रक्षक, कुरीतियों के विनाशक, मानव मात्र को धर्म का मार्ग दिखाने वाले, सच्चे ईश्वर का ज्ञान कराने वाले, मोक्ष मार्गी थे . उन्होंने जिन कार्यों को तन, मन, धन लगाकर किया, उन्हीं को पूरा करने की आज समाज को बहुत बड़ी आवश्यकता है Iआइये, हम उनके इस निर्वाण दिवस पर संकल्प लें, कि "उनके द्वारा आरम्भ किये गए अधूरे कार्यों को हम कुछ न कुछ पूरा करें गे । मंगलमय पर्व दीपावली के दीयों की तरह, आपके, आपके परिवार, सभी प्रियजनों और मित्रों के जीवन में प्रकाश हो एवं सुख समृद्धि बढे ।इसी कामना के साथ दीपावली की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं एवं बहुत बहुत बधाई । ईश्वर की कृपा आप सभी पर सदै व बनी रहे

उत्तम कार्यों को करते हुए जीवन सख ु ी

किसी अच्छे कार्य को आरम्भ करना और उसको जीवन में लगातार बनाए रखना, दोनों कठिन कार्य हैं , परं तु असम्भव नहीं। विद्वानों ने कहा है , कि "जो व्यक्ति किसी शुभ कार्य को आरं भ करते हैं , और उसको लगातार अपने जीवन में करते रहते हैं । कितनी ही बाधाएं आवें, फिर भी वे उस काम को बीच में छोड़ते नहीं। सब कष्टों को सहते हुए संघर्ष करते हुए भी, वे उस उत्तम कार्य को जीवन में जारी रखते हैं , ऐसे लोग उत्तम स्तर के होते हैं ।" "कुछ लोग अच्छे कार्य को आरं भ तो कर दे ते हैं । परं तु कुछ समय तक करने के बाद जब बाधाएं आती हैं , कष्ट आते हैं , तो वे उनसे घबराकर उन कार्यों को बीच में ही अधूरा छोड़ दे ते हैं , पूरा नहीं कर पाते। ऐसे लोग मध्यम स्तर के व्यक्ति कहलाते हैं ।" "परं तु जो लोग बाधाओं के आने के भय से किसी अच्छे कार्य को आरं भ ही नहीं करते। उन्हें हर काम बड़ा कठिन लगता है । क्या होगा, कैसे होगा, कैसे करें गे, यदि यह बाधा आ गई तो क्या होगा, वह बाधा आ गई तो उसे कैसे दरू करें गे, इत्यादि प्रश्नों में ही घिरे रहते हैं , और वे उत्तम कार्यों को आरं भ ही नहीं कर पाते, वे निम्न स्तर के लोग कहलाते हैं ।" अधिकतर लोग इसी तीसरे स्तर वाले होते हैं । इसलिए यह कहावत बन गई, कि "अच्छे कार्यों को करना कठिन होता है ।" परं तु किसी भी अच्छे कार्य को आरं भ करने के लिए यदि कोई प्रेरक व्यक्ति मिल जाए, जो थोड़ा उत्साह बढ़ा दे , तो थोड़ा भी हिम्मत वाला सामान्य मनुष्य भी उस कार्य को आरं भ कर सकता है । "यदि वह अपना उत्साह बनाए रखे, और लगातार पुरुषार्थ करता रहे , तो वह कार्य उसके अभ्यास में आ जाता है अर्थात उसे उस काम को करने की आदत हो जाती है । जब किसी काम को करने की आदत हो जाती है , फिर वह दृढ़ता से जीवन में चलता

रहता है , फिर वह नहीं छूटता।" इसलिए सभी लोगों को यह सोचना चाहिए, कि "जैसे दस ू रे लोग महापुरुष आदि, उत्तम कार्यों को करते हैं , वैसे ही हम भी करें गे। महापुरुषों के जीवन से प्रेरणा लेकर हम भी उत्तम कार्यों का आचरण करें गे।" और यदि अपने आसपास कोई ऐसा जीवित व्यक्ति मिल जाए, जो उत्तम कार्यों का आचरण स्वयं करता हो, तो उसके जीवन में उन उत्तम कार्यों को प्रत्यक्ष दे खने पर, और अधिक प्रेरणा मिलेगी। उस प्रेरणा से आप भी उत्तम कार्यों का प्रारं भ कर सकते हैं । जैसे यज्ञ करना, ईश्वर की भक्ति उपासना करना, व्यायाम करना, स्वाध्याय करना, दस ू रों की सहायता करना, रोगी विकलांग अनाथ मनुष्यों को सहयोग दे ना इत्यादि; इन सब उत्तम कार्यों को आप भी आरं भ कर सकते हैं । "और यदि आप हिम्मत बनाए रखेंगे, तो धीरे -धीरे आप उसे अपनी आदत में भी ला सकते हैं । एक बार इन अच्छे कार्यों की आदत पड़ गई, तो फिर कोई चिंता नहीं रहे गी। आप पूरा जीवन इन उत्तम कार्यों को करते हुए वर्तमान जीवन में भी सुखी रहें गे, और आपका भविष्य अर्थात अगला जन्म भी बहुत उत्तम अर्थात सुखदायक होगा। स्वामी विवेकानंद परिव्राजक ओ३म ्

सब मिलकर दीपावली मनाएं

आओ मिलकर दीप जलाएं रिश्तो की एक नई प्रीत जगाए, आओ सब मिलकर दीपावली मनाएं। आओ मिलकर दीप जलाएं कर दो ऐसे जग सारा रोशन, कहीं छूट न जाए कोई कोना अंधियारा। भल ू कर सब द्वेष भावना दोस्ती का नया दीप जलाएं, आओ सब मिलकर दीपावली मनाएं। आओ सब मिलकर रूठो को मनाएं मिठाईयां बांटकर प्यार की मिठास बढ़ाए,ं आओ सब मिलकर दीपावली मनाएं। आओ सब मिलकर उजियारे का दीप जलाएं अपने मन से क्रोध और इर्ष्या भगाए, आओ सब मिलकर दीपावली मनाएं। देखो देखो दीपावली का पावन अवसर आया। लेकर सख ों की माला, ु समद्ृ धि और खशिय ु सब लोग खरीद रहे है नए वस्त्र व आभष ू ण, देखो देखो दीपावली का पावन अवसर आया। बच्चे बढ ू ़े सभी कर रहे हंसी ठिठोली चारों और खशिय ों की लहर फैल रही है, ु देखो देखो दीपावली का पावन अवसर आया। आओ सब मिलकर घी के दीप जलाएं

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022 — 21

PART 4- BAINIMARAMA V/S RABUKA -THE FINAL CHOICE FOR FIJI – BETWEEN THE GOOD AND THE BAD

Thakur Ranjit Singh, FIJI PUNDIT

A Synopsis of Parts 1-3: I gave reasons as to why I changed camps after being disillusioned with Bainimarama (Bai) after he abdicated his position to his Attorney General who seems to have been running Fiji, and running it down. Bai does not seem to be in control of Fiji - or himself, as he is manipulated by his Deputy.

In Part 3, you saw how the questionable leaders bullied their way, removed and punished people through questionable means, abuse of powers, threats, blackmail and turning a democracy into a two-men dictatorship.

We continue with the justification to rescue Fiji from this rot. And Sitiveni Rabuka seems to be the reformed man standing who is our only hope to rescue what is left of Fiji.

The final Part 4 concludes with details of raping of governments machineries and a terminally ill system our hospitals have become.

Our leaders avoid by escaping overseas from a dying medical system in Fiji they failed to fund and improve for the common citizens of Fiji. And I conclude with some quotes that we need to heed.

And here is my concluding plea to people of Fiji.

Part 4 Rape of Government Machineries Where are the investigative journalists of Fiji to report on such blatant, shameful and gross abuse of power as I detailed in my three previous articles? But I appreciate they have all been bullied, gagged and muzzled by passage of shady and questionable Media laws, and control over other government machineries to oppress and intimidate them to enable the regime to continue deceiving democracy in Fiji.

Under the AG, Fiji has been rendered as a dictatorial state, masquerading as a democracy.

All this while Bainimarama naps.

Government institutions are abused, misused and used cunningly to hurt the opponents. And in this process, this contaminates and adulterates the epitome and the majestic principles of democracy: fairness, impartiality and neutrality of the three arms of the government: JUDICIARY, LEGISLATURE and EXECUTIVE. They should not only be independent of each other, but most importantly, also SEEN to be such.

Sacking of Ashneel Sudhakar with threats of framed-up jailing, the shameful framed up case at Nadi Airport on a respected business executive, passage of special overnight laws to benefit cronies of the regime, sacking of Solicitor General Sharvada Sharma with clear breach of the constitution, unceremonious deportation of USP Vice Chancellor, continued banning of Professor Brij Lal ashes and his innocent family to the country of their birth, and appointment of a politicallyaligned President against the grain of the Constitution. These are only a few of the multitudes of misdemeanour and abuse of power by the Fiji First Government, supposedly under Bai, which would shame any respectable and civilised democracy.

Shockingly, now you can hardly say which arm of government is which, as they appear to have been compromised. Fiji seems to have become many times dirtier than when Bai removed SDL and Qarase in 2006 with the supposed objective of cleaning it. Government machineries and those tasked to be watchdogs of democracy are now commandeered by the AG, who seems to have unabated control over them.

Do the good citizens of Fiji wish to see our beloved nation in this state? Do caring Fijians wish to leave such a Fiji to our next generation?

They will question our inertia and impotence in time to come.

Medical and Health Facilities The latest issue is with the health of Fiji hospitals. We have an acutely deteriorating health service in the country, while the top leaders (read Khaiyum and Bai) are flown to Australia or Singapore for first class

Two good sons of Fiji branded and banned as enemy of the state - Professor Brij Lal (right) and Thakur Ranjit Singh. The good Professor was banned from Fiji with his family when he was alive. The current government is even afraid of his ashes which is banned from Fiji. Sitiveni Rabuka has pledged to remove the ban once he comes to power. Reliable sources have informed that Thakur (the author) is also on the blacklist for speaking the truth and rot about the current government. medical treatment, as our common people are left to die in poorly equipped and grossly-neglected medical services here. There are many people who are crying and grieving today because their loved ones met untimely deaths in pathetically neglected Fiji hospitals, which have gone to the dogs, with lack of medicines, bed-sheets, basic equipment and care and general run-down of the infrastructure under Fiji First.

I have personally received complaints from many Fiji people in Auckland, lamenting at numerous untimely deaths of their loved ones in grossly neglected Fiji hospitals, with me losing some relatives this way as well where facilities and services in hospitals are criminally pathetic, grossly underfunded and neglected while aid funds from overseas are misused or questionably converted to other less-prioritised facilities.

I am told that CWM, once wellequipped and a pride of Fiji now stinks of sewer as one goes to visit sick relatives. Our common people die in neglected Fiji hospitals while the leaders get first class treatment overseas. Shamima Ali, the bold critic of the regime has slammed Khaiyum and Bainimarama for getting their hearts fixed overseas while cardiac patients in FIJI are left to fend for themselves with cardiac equipment at CWM not working or inadequate.

Many people I meet in New Zealand are so pleased to be here as they would have died long time ago in Fiji because of their run-down health services.

While Fiji First has been sleeping for the last 15 years, Rabuka of Peoples Coalition Party (PAP) has pledged that they would set

up a permanent cardiac service facility and look at National Health Scheme. There are former Fiji medical experts wishing to lend a hand but the neglect by Fiji First, their questionable practices and overbearing attitudes have made them reluctant to help.

How long will our people keep on dying and blame their fate, rather than the undeserving, careless and heartless leaders who are flown overs for medical treatment for their heart treatment? Isn’t it time to honour the memories of those who were “murdered’, untimely died at dying hospital services and neglected health system, honour their memories and change the leaders - AND THE GOVERNMENT? A call to good, caring people to change the Government I have said a great deal - much of it unsaid by any Fijian journalist not because of their lack of guts, but because media in Fiji have also been rendered helpless with draconian media laws. My heart is crying out for Fiji, my country, a country which my Girmitiya forebears worked to make into a paradise. I have been reliably informed that because of my critical viers of Kai and Bai, like family of Professor brij Lal, Thakur is also placed on black ban. So unless there is change in Government, I may not be able to visit Fiji, property of Kai and Bai. Fiji is a paradise lost unless we do something positive to reclaim it.

With such a depressing state of Fiji, I am reminded of two well said quotations by great people: FOR EVEIL TO TRIUPH, IT ONLY TAKES GOOD PEOPLE TO DO NOTHING. And the second one is:

For God so loved the world…He gave…

Jesus said “Arise and Shine…”

Key Scripture: John 3:16 NKJV:

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:16 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.

Dear Reader, We are excited to bring you the Greatest Good News on this planet earth. Our theme simple and clear.

It is to make God Real and Personal to our reader. And to reveal our Creator as a God of compassion and forgiveness, so that we may know how to relate to Him. Just like a Father and Children have a loving and living relationships.

First, we need to understand that

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

God is a living and loving Person.

His awesome nature and characters are unchanging from generation to generation. We find this amazing truth revealed through the pages of The Holy Bible.

Let us unpack the Word of God to know His love. For God so loved… opens up the truth about His nature.

When someone says, “I loves you”,

22 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022

how do you find out if they mean what they said. A true love always follows with an action of giving; and it demonstrates the commitment to the spoken word. God loves 7 plus billion people in this world, and He invites all people to taste His love.

But He has given every one a free will to accept or reject His perfect love. Only a fool can ignore such an awesome love.

If you say, “I love Australia” are you ready to give yourself and your entire life for this nation? Are you committed to follow up with your word?

Real love demands giving, forgiving and sacrificing. Real love is “Agape” love. It is an unconditional

love, non judgemental love and a perfect love.

Only a perfect person can promise and can deliver such a love. That person is the centre of our devotion and inspiration. His name is Jesus Christ.

Nicodemus was a religious Guru lived in Israel 2000 years ago.

His quest to encounter God personally, he came to Jesus. This man recognised that Jesus was sent by God. But he failed to see that Jesus is the eternal God. Jesus is the Word in the beginning of all creation, Jesus is the way and truth and life. Jesus is the Author of life, the Alpha and the Omega. If you follow a religion, it will never fully satisfy your longing to meet the living and loving God. But if you follow the One who truly loves you, you will begin to experience true life.

Jesus told to Nicodemus that unless one is born again in the spirit, he can’t enter into the Kingdom of God. Humans can only reproduce humans, but only the Holy Spirit can give rebirth to the our spiritual

People of Fiji have to make a choice between the good man Rabuka who can rescue Fiji from a dictatorship led by Bainimarama and Khaiyum, which has taken the country to the dogs.

The real PM of Fiji is on the left, Khaiyum, who is in the driver’s seat, running down the government, while Bainimarama seem to play the second fiddle. A vote for Bainimarama means a vote for Khaiyum to run the government for the next four years.

THE HOTTEST PLACE IN HELL IS RESERVED FOR THOSE WHO REMAIN NEUTRAL IN TIMES OF GREAT MORAL CONFLICT. I rest my case. But that of Fiji voters is still pending. Please choose wisely for the sake of our beloved Fiji - and do not remain neutral.

Therefore, for the sake of my birthplace and the country I love, I have to make a choice between two leaders, and for the sake of future generations in Fiji, I WILL VOTE FOR A CHANGE – I WILL VOTE FOR A REFORMED SITIVENI RABUKA. So, that is the choice, between the good and the evil. If you are unable to forgive, then keep on being sour, vindictive and unforgiving, while the same evil takes over Fiji for the next four years.

Do you want that? Vindictiveness and being unforgiving is a lazy form of grieving for the wrongs done in the past.

Wake up Fiji, especially Fiji Indians, be pragmatic, as seek refuge in the better man.

I would urge my Fiji Indian

life. God sent Jesus to this world to save all humanity from the sin and death. Because we all have fallen to a decease called ‘sins of the soul’.

Our blood is corrupted, our soul is deceived by the devil of this world.

God has made a remedy for all our sin and sickness of the soul. The only remedy is the blood of Jesus. God loved the world and He has given His Son. He alone can save the world from eternal judgement.

How can we escape from the grips of sin and satan? when we put our trust in Lord Jesus, when we believe that He died in our place to redeem us from our real enemy the devil. God loved the world and God gave to the world what the world really needed to function in peace.

God needed to wash our sins by the sinless and spotless blood of His Son. For the Life is in the blood, and the blood of eternal God alone can offer eternal life. Only condition is that we repent of our wrong ways and put our hope in Jesus Christ.

For I am absolutely convinced that finding and receiving God’s love and mercy is the most significant purpose 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.

To know Jesus as The Lord, mean to know that He is the author of your

voters to pragmatically look where we have gone. Do you wish your relatives to continue dying in rotting and ill-equipped Ba Mission Hospital, Lautoka, Sigatoka, Nadi, Labasa, Navua and other hospitals, most importantly at CWM, once the icon of service and quality, but now degraded to a morgue and sewer smelling ghetto? Please make your choice, and do not then blame others.

I plead Fiji Indians and others supporting Fiji First to review their positions in light of the quotations above. It is no longer sensible to blame your fate. People of Fiji need to become angry - so angry that they replace undesirable leaders, and bring a change.

Rabuka is that change.

[About the Author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is former Publisher of Fiji’s Daily Post newspaper. He is a media commentator, a journalist and runs his blog, FIJI PUNDIT. E-mail: thakurjifj@gmail.com ]

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 protection 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 in Heaven, 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

Brisbane Chapter Vedanta Centre of Sydney Programme for October 2022 Day/Date

Activity

Time

Venue

Sat 01.10.22 Sun 02.10.22

Chanting of Sri Durga Saptashati (Sri Sri Chandi) Chanting of Sri Durga Saptashati (Sri Sri Chandi)

6am - 7.45am 6am - 7.45am

Ashram Ashram

Mon 03.10.22

Chanting of Sri Durga Saptashati (Sri Sri Chandi) Sri Durga Puja Ashtami Durga Puja Market (Stalls)

Ashram Ashram Ashram

Tue 04.10.22 Wed 05.10.22 Thurs 06.10.22 Sat 08.10.22

Chanting of Sri Durga Saptashati (Sri Sri Chandi) Vijaya dashami (Shanti Jal) Peace Blessing Ekadashi - Sri Ramanam Sankirtanam Class on the Bhagavad Gita (hosted by Vedanta Gold Coast Satsang online) Physical Yoga Class Workshop 'Calm Minds Strong Minds' (ages 6-16yrs and parents)

6am - 7.45am 9am - 12.30pm 10am - 1pm 6am - 7.45am 6.30pm - 7.30pm 6.30pm - 7.45pm 5.30pm - 6.30pm

Sun 09.10.22

Mon 10.10.22 Tue 11.10.22 Wed 12.10.22 Thur 13.10.22 Sat 15.10.22 Sun 16.10.22

Tues 18.10.22 Fri 21.10.22 Sun 23.10.22

Tues 25.10.22

7.45am - 9am 10am - 12noon

Discussion group at Somji's Study of Brahma Sutras Physical Yoga Class Class on Vivekacudamani Study of Ashtavakra Samhita

7.30pm - 8.30pm 11am - 12noon 6.30pm - 7.30pm 6.30pm - 8pm 7.30pm - 8.30pm

Bushwalk & breakfast (all ages)

7.45am - 10am

Workshop 'Yoga the Meeting Place' - yoga class & talk by Swami Atmeshananda (all ages welcome)

7.45am - 9.30am

Volunteers Lunch Meet Physical Yoga Class

Ekadashi - Sri Ramanam Sankirtanam Physical Yoga Class Bala & Yuva Sangha Moral Education Class for Children & Youth Hindi Language Class (ages 11yrs and above) Physical Yoga Class

Ashram Ashram Ashram Zoom (link details below)

When & Where?

Ashram Registration: https://vedantaMHW.eventbrite.com.au 19 Scribbly Gum St Sunnybank Hiills Pls contact us to participate Ashram Toowoomba Library 101 Sharpless Rd Springfield Registration: https://vedantaMHW.eventbrite.com.au Registration: https://vedantaMHW.eventbrite.com.au

1pm - 2pm 6.30pm - 7.30pm 6.30pm - 7.45pm 7.45am - 9am 10am - 11am

Ashram Ashram

11.30am - 1pm

Ashram

6.30pm - 7.30pm

Ashram Ashram

Sun 30.10.22

Physical Yoga Class

7.45am - 9am

Youtube

www.youtube/com/VedantaBrisbane

Whats on?

"Calm Minds Strong Minds" Workshop for Kids & Youth

Sunday 9th Oct 10am- 12noon

For ages 6 to 16yrs & parents.

Saturday 15th Oct 7.45-10am

Bush Walk and Breakfast

Children to be accompanied by an adult.

Meet and great at Vedanta Centre for an 8am start. Join us for breakfast at the Cafe after the walk!

Ashram Ashram Ashram

LINKS

Mental Health week from 8-16 October'22 All events at Vedanta Centre, Springfield Lakes

"Yoga - the meeting place" Yoga class & Talk by Swami Atmeshananda

Facebook

www.facebook.com/MaaSaradasKitchen Zoom (Gold Coast Vedanta Satsang) Meeting ID: 811 6285 1385; Passcode: vedanta20 Justice of Peace (JP) & free food service is available Fridays at 10am. Please contact us for alternative timings.

Yoga class followed by a talk on yoga philosophy. Children to be accompanied by an adult.

Sunday 16th Oct 7.45-9.30am

All Events FREE. Register at:

https://vedantaMHW.eventbrite.com.au

Vedanta Centre

Vedanta Centre Brisbane Chapter Springfield 96 Vedanta Drive (behind 2 PoppyLakes Crescent) Springfield Lakes Ph: 07 38189986 email: info@vedantabrisbane.org

GROCERIES LIST - FOR SOUP KITCHEN & CAFÉ Well wishers may donate any item from the list below All must be in sealed, original packaging only. Ziplock bags are not accepted.

Vedanta Centre

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

Tel: (07) 3818 9986

Idli Rice 5kg bag Springfield Lakes Basmati Rice Any quantity Atta 5kg - 10kg bag Vegetable / Sunflower Oil LIST -4FOR Litre - 20 Litre KITCHEN & CAFÉ GROCERIES SOUP Gingelly Oil (idhayam sesame oil) 1 Litre - 4 Litre wishers may donate any item from the list below Urad dal whiteWell (whole) 1kg packets Chana Dalbe in sealed, original packaging 1kg - 2kg packets All must only. Ziplock bags are not accepted.

Toor Dal 1kg - 2kg packets Masoor 1kg 2kg packets Idli Rice Dal 5kg -bag Dry Green Peas / Red Kidney Basmati Rice Any quantity 1kg - 2kg packets Beans Atta / Black Eyed Beans 5kg - 10kg bag Dry Chickpeas white Oil - 2kg Vegetable / Sunflower 41kg Litre - 20packets Litre Nutrela Chunks sesame oil) 400gm packet GingellySoy Oil (idhayam 1 Litre --41kg Litre Mustard 500gm packet Urad dal Seeds white (whole) 1kg packets Cumin 500gm packet Chana Seeds Dal 1kg - 2kg packets Toor Dal Seeds Fenugreek Masoor Dry RedDal Chilli whole Dry Green Peas / Red Kidney Black peppercorn crushed Beans / Black Eyed Beans Hing Dry Chickpeas white Cardamon Nutrela Soy Chunks White Sugar Mustard Seeds Brown Sugar Cumin Seeds Salt Fenugreek Seeds Cashew nuts (split or whole) Roasted Semolina/Sooji Coarse Dry Red Chilli whole BlackFlour peppercorn crushed Rice Besan Hing Flour (Chickpea flower) Tamarind CardamonPaste Tumeric Powder White Sugar Corriander Powder Brown Sugar Red Chilli Powder Salt Ghee Cashew nuts (split or whole) Ginger / Garlic Paste Coarse Roasted Semolina/Sooji Tinned Tomatoes Rice Flour Coconut Milk(Chickpea flower) Besan Flour UHT Milk Full Cream Tamarind Paste Condensed Milk Tumeric Powder Corriander Powder Red Chilli Powder Ghee Ginger / Garlic Paste Tinned Tomatoes Coconut Milk UHT Milk Full Cream Condensed Milk

1kg - 2kg packets 500gm packet 1kg 2kg packets 500gm - 1kg packet

250gm - 500gm packet 1kg - 2kg packets 100gm bottles 1kg - 2kg packets 200gm packet 400gm - 1kg packet 1kg packet 500gm packet 1kg packet 500gm packet 1kg packets 500gm -packet 1kg packet 1kg packet 500gm - 1kg packet 250gm - 500gm packet 1kg packets 1kg packets 100gm bottles 400gm 1kg bottle 200gm -packet 500gm - 1kg packet 1kg packet 500gm - 1kg packet 1kg packet 500gm - 1kg packet 1kg packets 500gm Not Required untill December 2022 500gm -- 1kg 1kg jar packet 1kg packet jar 1kg Cans 1kg packets Tinned or Tetra packs 1kg packets 1400gm Litre --21kg Litre packets bottle Cans 500gm - 1kg packet 500gm - 1kg packet 500gm - 1kg packet 500gm - 1kg jar Not Required untill December 2022 1kg jar Cans Tinned or Tetra packs 1 Litre - 2 Litre packets Cans

Vedanta Centre 96 Vedanta Drive (behind 2 Poppy Cres) Springfield Lakes QLD 4300

www.vedantabrisbane.org

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com.au

info@vedantabrisbane.org

Tel: (07) 3818 9986

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022 — 23

Brahmarshi Vishvamitra Vishvamitra is one of the Saptarshis, seven sages visible as bright stars in the constellation of Ursa Major in the sky. He was born into a royal family and through his penance and hard work, attained the status of a Brahmarshi.

A Brahmarshi is a member of the highest class of Rishis or sages who have attained enlightenment and knowledge of the supreme divine and possess specific attributes of goodness.

Ancient texts including the Rigved, Ramayan, Mahabharat and Purans have described his exploits, which occurred over many aeons. He is also referenced in many legends of the antiquity.

Rigved - Vishvamitra is credited with the composition of most of hymns of the 3rd book of the Rigved. A hymn in the Rigved describes an event of his crossing of the rivers Bias and Satluj.

The incident took place when he was a priest of king Sudas. He made the two rivers fordable by the power of his Mantras.

The creation of the most venerated Gayatri Mantra is attributed to him. It remains a powerful hymn, which is recited everyday

by Hindus all over the world. It is an important part of the Upanayan ceremony. Social reformers and religious leaders stressed on its use as a prayer in daily life.

Ramayan – During the Ramayan period, Vishvamitra used to live on the banks of River Kaushiki, where he performed asceticism. Once he was performing special rites for the welfare of people at Sidhashram, which was infested by demons. They used to destroy his Yagya.

Vishvamitra approached the king Dasharath and asked for his son Ram for protection of his religious rituals.

With the king’s consent, Ram and Lakshaman followed the sage. On the way, Vishvamitra imparted knowledge of celestial weapons to Ram, and trained him in their use.

On his prompting, Ram killed the Rakshasi Tadka.

Vishvamitra took them to the Sidhashram, where Ram disabled demonic forces by killing Subahu and expelling Marich to a far away region.

Subsequently, the sage completed his sacraments.

Vishvamitra led the princes to Mithila where the Svayamvar for princess Sita was being held. On the way to Mithila, on Vishvamitra’s advice, Ram liberated Ahilya, mother of Shadanand from the curse of her husband. He was instrumental in settling the marriages of Ram with Sita, and of his brothers with her sisters.

In the Ramayan, Vishvamitra himself narrated the story of his

ancestry to Ram. Later, Shadanand revealed Vishvamitra’s feats while welcoming Ram in Mithila.

Ancestry - Vishvamitra was born in the lineage of king Kush, who was a celebrated monarch in the ancient lunar dynasty.

Kush had a son named Kushnabh.

Gadhi, the father of Vishvamitra, was Kushnabh’s son.

Being born in the Kush family, Vishvamitra is also called Kaushik. He had an elder sister named Satyavati.

She became a river named Kaushiki or Koshi after her death.

Vishvamitra became a king after his father retired. He was a just king and served his kingdom well.

Rivalry with Vashishth - Once king Vishvamitra went on a trip through his kingdom visiting villages and towns. Whilst passing through a forest, he came across sage Vashishth’s hermitage.

He entered the hermitage to offer his respect to the sage.

Vashishth welcomed him with due courtesy and insisted for the royal party to have their meals at the hermitage.

Vishvamitra accepted the offer.

Vashishth arranged a sumptuous royal dinner for Vishvamitra and his entourage.

Vishvamitra was surprised to witness the opulence of the hospitality arranged at short notice. He learnt from Vashishth that his cow, Nandini, the daughter of celestial cow Kamdhenu, was responsible for producing the meal.

Vishvamitra desired to have Nandini for himself and asked Vashishth to exchange it for whatever value he wished. Vashishth declined.

Vishvamitra decided to take the cow by force. His soldiers dragged Nandini from her shelter. The cow tossed the captors with her horn and ran back to Vashishth.

Vishvamitra’s soldiers and sons followed the cow and were about to attack Vashishth. With a single Humkar, chant of Mantras, the sage burnt them to ashes. Vishvamitra was stunned and felt humiliated by the sage’s power.

He left his kingdom, went to Himalaya and began propitiating Lord Shiv.

Following a long penance, Shiv appeared before him and granted him his wish of becoming a master of divine weapons. Armed with divine weapons, Vishvamitra returned to Vashishth’s hermitage. He deployed his weapons on the sage’s Ashram, setting it ablaze.

Vashishth came out of his room and witnessed Vishvamitra in action. He planted his Brahmadand in the ground and invoked its power. The fire was extinguished. Vishvamitra attacked Vashishth with his divine weapons, but they were entirely absorbed

24 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022

in the Brahmadand.

Vishvamitra stood trembling with defeat.

He decided to become a Brahmarshi like Vashishth, with all the power that the position holds.

He travelled to the Himalaya a second time and performed penance to please Brahma, the creator. After a thousand years of penance, Brahma appeared before him and granted him the position of Rajarshi, a royal sage.

Vishvamitra was not satisfied, as he wanted to attain the Brahmarshi’s status. He ventured south to continue his penance.

Trishanku – Trishanku was a solar dynasty king.

Once he strongly desired to enter the heaven in his human form. He asked his Guru, Vashishth to perform a yagya to help fulfil his craving. The guru considered his desire a folly, and declined to help.

Trishanku left his kingdom and wandered to the south.

He came to Vashishth’s hundred sons and asked them to perform the yagya for him. Knowing that their father had already refused to work for his insolent desire, they cursed the king to convert into a Chandal.

He was immediately transformed into a socially scorned person with strange appearance, unrecognizable by his subjects. He was driven out of the kingdom. In exile, he came across Vishvamitra who agreed to help him.

Vishvamitra organized the yagya propitiating the deities. The deities did not respond. Vishvamitra used his powers and ordered Trishanku to rise to heaven.

Miraculously, Trishanku rose into the sky until he reached heaven, where Indra pushed him down.

Upon hearing Trishanku’s cry for help, Vishvamitra said stay where you are.

Trishanku did not fall further down and remained suspended.

Vishvamitra commenced the creation of another universe for Trishanku.

Deities and heavenly sages appeared before him requesting to halt proceedings.

They agreed to honor the position of Trishanku in the sky. He remained fixed and upside-down in the sky and was transformed into a constellation, which is now known as Crux.

In the process of forming a new universe, Vishvamitra used up all the spiritual merits he had gained from his austerities to attain the status of Brahmarshi. He had to restart his penance to fulfill his objective. He travelled west to sit in penance beside a holy lake in Pushkar.

Shunahashep – King Ambarish of Ayodhya was engaged in a royal ceremony.

Indra stole his sacrificial horse. The priest advised the king to find the animal or offer a human sacrifice to avoid misfortune. The king was unable to find the animal.

He bought a child named Shunahashep, whose parents had sold him in exchange for a good price.

En route to the royal palace, the two took a break at the sacred site of Pushkar. At Pushkar, they encountered Vishvamitra, who was Shunahashep’s maternal uncle. He asked his uncle to do something that would conclude the king's rite successfully but also save his life.

The sage asked his own sons if any of them were willing to replace Shunahashep in the sacrifice. His sons were not interested. Angered at their impudence, Vishvamitra cursed them to become outcaste. Vishvamitra then

taught Shunahashep two hymns to recite during the sacrifice.

King Ambarish and Shunahashep arrived at the palace, where the sacrificial ceremony started.

Ambarish concluded the ceremony successfully, and Shunahashep recited Vishvamitra's hymns as he was about to be sacrificed.

Indra then appeared on the spot, and blessed him with a long life. He also rewarded Ambarish for his magnificent ceremony.

After the yagya, Vishvamitra adopted Shunahashep as his eldest son. His natural sons agreed to accept Shunahashep as their brother. Vishvamitra freed them from his curse.

Another variant of Shunahashep’s story relates to king Harishchandra.

After a thousand years of Vishvamitra’s penance at Puskar, Brahma appeared before him and declared him a Rishi. Vishvamitra was not satisfied and continued his penance to become a Brahmarshi.

Menaka – Vishvamitra had performed such a fierce austerity that Indra became afraid of ceding his position to him. He sent Apsara Menaka to deviate him from his penance.

Menaka appeared before Vishvamitra, who was overcome by desire on seeing her. They lived together for a long time and a girl was born to Menaka from their union.

After giving birth, she returned to Indra, leaving the child under protection of birds Shakunta. Sage Kanva saw the child and adopted her and named her Shakuntala.

Shakuntala grew up in the sage’s hermitage. After attaining marriagable age, she married king Dushyant according to the practice of love marrige. A son named Sarvadaman was born from their relationship.

Their child later became a king under the name Bharat. Kaurav and Pandav were descendents of king Bharat. India is named Bharat after his name.

After his lapse with Menaka, Vishvamitra moved north to Himalaya.

He performed his penance for a thousand years on the banks of River Kaushiki.

Brahma appeared before him and re-offered him the position of a sage, which was still below his expectation. Brahma reminded him that he lacked sense control.

Rambha - Vishvamitra resumed his penance.

Indra became fearful of him again and sent another Apsara, Rambha to deviate him from his penance. She started amorous activities near him to distract him from his Tapasya.

Vishvamitra understood her wicked intentions and transformed her into a stone through his yogic

power. With compassion, he ensured that she could regain her original form after a thousand years.

Brahmashi – Vishvamitra renewed his efforts in spiritual austerity. He moved to the east and performed a difficult penance. After thousands of years, Indra came as a hungry man asking for food. At that moment, Vishvamitra was about to ingest his meal after a long period of fasting. Immediately, he offered his meal to the guest. He endured his hunger without complaint.

By now, he had attained control of the senses.

Sages and deities acknowledged his achievements, and on their request Brahma came to him. He confirmed that Vishvamitra had attained the status of a Brahmarshi and along with other deities, he blessed him with a long life, complete knowledge of spiritual texts and the knowledge of all worldly and celestial weapons.

Vishvamitra wished to listen his accomplishment from the mouth of Vashishth.

Deities pleased Vashishth who came to Vishvamitra and acknowledged his new status. Both established their friendship.

Mahabharat - In the Mahabharat, legends relating to Vishvamitra have been narrated at multiple instances.

For example, he has been described in the story of the origin of the Bharat dynasty.

His extreme austerity, relationship with Menaka, birth of Shakuntala, her marriage with Dushyant and birth of Bharat and subsequent kings are described in detail.

At another setting, the celestial sage Narad mentioned Vishvamitra’s story to Duryodhan, while warning him to refrain from mischiefs against Pandav.

After the end of the Mahabharat war, Krishna visited Samantpanchak, a group of five lakes, with Pandav. On the way, he narrated to Yudhisthir the story of the origin of Vishvamitra.

Purans - Vishvamitra is mentioned in legends narrated in a number of Purans. Markandey Puran recounts the story of king Harishchandra and his quality of truthfulness.

Vishvamitra plays a significant role in testing his commitment to his vows. In spite of all the hardships, Harishchandra stuck to his pledges and maintained his integrity.

Brahmarshi Vishvamitra’s activities span over many stages of Indian civilisation.

His perseverance, hard work and dedication are meaningful qualities to follow.

—Awadhesh Sharma www.hinduguru.com.au

Call: (07) 3192 5188

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022 — 25

God Himself arranges for securing what we lack and preserving what we have – Part -2

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

Hundred years after him, Pujya Bapu Ji addressed the same Parliament in September 1993 and the whole parliament reverberated with the chanting of Hari Om. Both of these worldrenowned spiritual leaders addressed the audience for much longer period than the given time and the audience were absorbed in listening to them.

To save the youth who are being ruined due to the lustful festivals like valentine’s day, in 2007 Pujya Bapu ji-initiated celebrations of MatriPitri Pujan Diwas (Parents worship day) on 14th February. Pujya Bapu ji felt that, due to the blind imitation of Western culture there has been a steep rise in the incidences of alcoholism, suicide, and other immoral activities, especially among the youth during the last week of December. To rescue the youth from this debauchery and denigration, Pujya Bapu ji came up with the idea of worshipping a sacred Tulsi plant (holy basil). So, with a view to awaken the cultural pride of the India and to save the countrymen from mental slavery, in 2014, he initiated celebration of Tulsi poojan on 25th December.

Key to Self-elevation Dear readers, in this 2nd part of path of devotion to God, teaching about selfelevation, Bapu ji tells that until you associate yourself with any Self-realised saint or great man, his ashram or place, you won't be able to attain absolute bliss, that Supreme Self. You will get speech, words, some understanding but you will get bliss only when you stay in Guru's ashram and serve selflessly like Lord Krishna did while staying in his Guru's ashram. It will cause purification of your heart; love will develop, own-ness with Guru will develop.

This was the only reason Lord Krishna, the Controller of the Universe who can create a new Universe within a moment, went to the forest to collect firewood in heavy rain. What was not possible for Him to do

with His Yogic power? He could have piled up several cartloads of firewood in his Guru's ashram. But no, he didn't feel ashamed or hesitate in doing such a menial job. He did not show any of his divine powers.

Despite possessing great wealth he sacrificed it. He became an ascetic and came to live in Guru's hermitage.

He renounced the lordship of the entire world and sat at the door of his Guru. And he went to collect firewood. The heart is purified with GuruSeva and the knowledge of Brahman prospers well in such a pure heart. Those who read Yoga-Lila (Pujya Bapuji's biography in prose) sitting on a chair, those who read any spiritual book wearing shoes and socks, while travelling on a train, get words. At least they are getting something. When it rains on a road, it will get cleansed of horse dung, diesel stains,etc. You can't expect anything more. The same water, if rains in a field, it will grow the crop. But if a drop of the same rainwater is received by an oyster floating on water when the Svati conjunction of stars is in the ascendant, it becomes a pearl. The drops are of the same water, but the benefit is based upon the place where it falls. In the same way, the words of Saints will benefit you according to the eligibility and purity of your mind. Where the heart is pure like an oyster, a pearl of God will be produced by the words. Where the heart is impure like an asphalt road, it will get cleansed.

The municipal corporations try the whole year to clean the roads, but still they can't do it the way a single rainfall does.

Similarly, the heart does not get purified with the practice of meditation, performance of duty or observance prescribed by religion as it gets purified by attending a dhyana-yoga-shivir here, by hearing satsang discourses on Jnana delivered by Guru. Only purified hearts develop a longing for God and meditation. If you have a longing, be sure that your prayer has been received

by God. Until you develop a longing for meditation, be sure that your prayer is not yet received by Him. If you get the joy of meditation, your journey is on. And if you have understood the supreme goal of meditation, become established in

26 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022

the Brahman, be sure that Atman is united with Paramatma, Jiva is merged with Brahman.

God gives away everything for such devotees Those devotees who are engaged in reflection on God alone, thinking of no other, there is nothing in the world which they won't get when they need it. Whenever and whatever their needs are, God secures for them. Swami Ramatirtha wished to read Katha Upanishad in the dense forests of the Himalayas.

He thought - 'Now how I shall get that book in this wilderness?' A person came along and gave him a book.

He said. "Swamiji, please read this book. Will it be useful to you? It is of no use to me. Please keep it if you want."

Swamiji took the book and saw that it was Katha Upanishad. How loving my beloved God is towards His devotees! Such lilas of God happened during my sadhana period also.

As soon as the devotee develops exclusive devotion to God, God undertakes total responsibility for that devotee. Krishna not only undertook the responsibility of Arjuna, but also of his horses. Once a link is

established with God, the devotee does not desire anything. The materials needed for living are naturally drawn to him in adequate quantity. Such a devotee can't do without God and God can't do without him; as a child needs its mother, so the mother needs her child. God is ready to give away everything for such devotees.

O devotees! You too jump on the path of Param Purushartha, i.e ., effort oriented towards the realization of the Supreme Purusha – the Supreme Self. Don't be sad over the past and have no worries regarding the future.

Develop single-minded devotion to God. You will be surprised to see how your basic necessities, such as food, clothing and shelter are arranged, even in this terrible Kali Yuga the Age of Darkness. The means of sustenance are arranged automatically, not only for the present, but also, for the future. Quite unimaginably, one happens to get the required things, and meet appropriate persons.

And it's not just material necessities that are fulfilled; even spiritual necessities are fulfilled.

However, if one's devotional love is divided at some or other point in time, one suffers a blow

instantly. The great devotee Hanuman crossed the ocean in just one leap.

However, he forgot that it was only because of his single-minded devotion to Lord Rama that his willpower showed this unparalleled might. He became proud of this feat.

And that's when the two tender aged children - Lava and Kusha tied Hanuman with his own tail and took him before Mother Sita, complaining mother! This monkey wreaks havoc, that is why we have tied him."

"God can perform any action or not perform it.

Or perform it differently. " He can do anything and everything; and can even undo what has already been done. His grace can make the dumb eloquent, and the lame cross massive Mount Meru.

Should one want to throw away the burden of life and lead a life as light as a flower (completely stress-free), then one has to necessarily develop singleminded devotion to some or the other entity. The sadhaka, who has evolved (over a period of time) by means of Vedantic satsanga (spiritual discourses), would have to contemplate with a single-pointed mind upon the Sachchidananda, Supreme Self; while others worship one or another

deity with single-minded devotion. Depending upon the bhava (mental attitude or feeling) that you pray to God with - be it Dualistic or Non-Dualistic; the relevant results would be yielded accordingly (as per the bhava). In the earlier stages, I would worship a Pipal tree. I had the environment and the required stuff for the worship. Devotional love overflowing from my heart would make me hug the Pipal tree. This course of Bhakti-bhava (devotional mood and feeling) continued and lasted for years. God sweetens whatever sadhana you do with bhava. What is important is you must have bhava and devotion to your chosen sadhana.

You can accomplish even the most difficult task if you have firm devotion to your ideal. If one is firmly determined, with singleminded devotion to realise God or Paramatma fully, in this very birth; then that too could be attained.

However, even the slightest slackening; or thinking about the option that, 'I shall realise God in my next birth' will postpone things for so many births to come that one can't even imagine.

As an analogy, if a small, round metal pot, placed on the topmost rung of a ladder, tumbles down even a single rung; it automatically rolls down and falls down all the rungs of the ladder one after the other with a noise sounding like - thann, thann, thann, thann ... ; and thus, rolls down to the very bottom. ( to be continued in the next issue of The Brisbane Indian Times) Excerpted from Rishi Prasad issue number 319 & 320 To listen 24X7 live divine Satsang of Pujya Bapu Ji, please search “Mangalmay live” on google, visit http:// www.ashram.org/live or search “THE SBM STUDIO” on you Tube. By the Divine Inspiration of Bapu ji, the weekly sessions of Bal Sanskar and yoga are held in Brisbane. To know more about His Divine Holiness Bapu Ji, please watch this video. https://bit. ly/2uZvJuN Shri Yoga Vedanta Seva Samiti Australia & New Zealand Inc. will be distributing free Tulsi plants on Tulsi pujan diwas and free school bags to kids on Matri Pitri Poojan Diwas in all cities of Australia & New Zealand. To get a free copy of monthly spiritual magazine RishiPrasad in your mailbox in Australia or to get free online subscription of Rishi -Prasad, please contact by email at bskamd@gmail. com or by WhatsApp/phone to Ashok Attri and Anu Attri at +61 426 834 434 & +61 405 277 802. Please read more about our Vedic culture in the next issue of The Brisbane Indian Times.

Australian IndiaN Radio Interviews

September Interviews on Australian Indian Radio BRISBANE, Australian Indian Radio conducts a series of interviews of community interest, Air is approached by many agencies for the interviews conducted by Umesh Chandra OAM. Regular shows include weekly Real Estate Update, Monthly Migration Updates, Legal topic, topical community concerns etc. The interviews can be heard on our social media channels and on our online stream. Apart from the regular shows, Australian Indian Radio had the following interviews in September month: • Neeru Virk regarding Miss & Mrs Punjaban Australia Queensland, a National Competition (dance, singing, best dressed etc) for females to participate. Aventia Institute is hosting it for Brisbane.

Finalists will go in the grand finale to Melbourne, this is the 9th year of this competition. The goal of the event is to uplift the women in the society, boost their confidence, motivate them.

There are several women in this community who have suffered from DV, abuse etc yet are not aware of their rights, Many of them are scared to raise their voice or talk to someone as there are Visa matters connected to it (most cases).

• Arpit Singh from GOPIO

Call: (07) 3192 5188

Queensland regarding GOPIO’s Mental Health Seminar If you have any topic that

you would like to discuss, Australian Indian Radio will be more than happy to get you on the show,

please contact our office for further information.

Delhi based PIO TV has a long association with

www.indiantimes.com.au

Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio and they produce a daily India report exclusive to

Australian Indian Radio Facebook live, the program is live streamed on Facebook live and YouTube channel.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022 — 27

Who, What, Where, When...

Dinesh Palipana- keynote speaker (seated) at APA Leaders Breakfast meeting

Senator Paul Scarr and Umesh Chandra OAM at APA Leaders Breakfast meeting

The Chung Tian Buddhist Temple celebrating the annual Moon Festival

Guests at Duga Pujo 2022 by Oikotan

“Sindoor khela” ladies at BSQ’s 25th anniversary Durga Pujo

Duku Fore addresses the gathering at the APA Leaders Breakfast meeting.

All smiles at the “Marry Me Maybe “Stage play by Kenji Lee at Sunpac

Sarbani Sur presents melodious numbers on her sliding Hawaiian guitar; she is a regular artist on Australian Indian Radio Music Junction.

Vibrant, energetic, and rhythmic Tapas Mandal Kumar and team got everyone on the floor at BSQ’s Durga Pujo- the stage design was creative as usual

Dancing Paused for a group photo at BSQ’s 25th Anniversary Durga Pujo at Coorparoo State high School 28 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022

Who, What, Where, When...

From left Christine Castley – ceo Multicultural Australia, Cr Sandy Landres representing Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, Giri Sivaraman – Multicultural Australia Chair and Department of Home Affairs Assistant Secretary, Charlie Shandil as presiding officer at the citizenship ceremony at Mosaic festival 2022

Members of Queensland Multicultural community at Brisbane Sikh Temple Langar Hall to celebrate Bryan Balraj Singh’s 21st

Dharmend Prakash Chandra ( DPC) or Dharam Chandra celebrating his 70th birthday at Wavell Heights Bowls community hall , same place where he held his 50th with his son on left Aman Chandra and on right Krishaan Chandra ( Anuj)

The official party poses with the students of Islamic college, who recited our national anthem and we are one song in multiple languages

Birthday boy Bryan Singh with Mummy Pinky Singh left, Usha Chandra, Connie da Cunha, and Councillor Sandy Landers at Brisbane Sikh Temple Langar Hall

The bigger picture with Mum (seated) siblings, partners and children

And a group photo for Dharam Chandra’s milestone at Wavell Heights community hall Call: (07) 3192 5188

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022 — 29

The blessed birth of the blessed personality of our holy Prophet Muhammad sallallahu Alahi wasallam Prepared by: Imam M.Aslam

which show us how much tolerant he was towards others. Mawlid All praise be to Allah Subhanau celebrations aim at the promotion Wata’ala and peace be upon his of the culture of love and fraternity, beloved prophet, the prophet peace and harmony, justice and of mercy, the intercessor of the equality, restoration of human rights ummah prophet Muhammad and denouncement of terrorism.

Sallalahu Alayhi Wasalllam.

Also, they give the message of The month of Rabi al-Awwal human dignity, forgiveness and is approaching soon.The most accommodation. The Muslims significant day in the history of congratulate one another on this mankind is the 12th of Rabi al- day and salute and salawat upon Awwal. In which our beloved the Beloved Messenger of Allah. prophet sallallahu alahi wasallam The legal and religious status was born.The significance of the of commemorating the birth of day is associated with the dignity of Holy Prophet (Peace & Blessings be the man who was born on this day. upon him) in light of the Qur’an and The man born on this day was the Sunnah: answer to Abraham’s supplication.

And Indeed everyone rejoices And he was the glad tidings that except for Shaytan Jesus Christ gave to his people. His Translation: Iblis cried loudly birth had been foretold in previous four times, first when Allah declared divine Books. The Jews recognized him as cursed, second when he was him as well as one recognizes one’s thrown out,Third When Prophet child. They would even pray against (salallaho alaihi wasalam) was born their enemies through him. In short, and fourth when Surah al-Fatiha he is a great blessing for the whole was revealed [Ibn Kathir in Al of humanity.

Bidayah wan-Nihayah, Volume No. The 12th of Rabi al-Awwal is 2, Page No. 166] especially important to the Muslims, Note: The above is a small because on this day the Prophet introduction, the Qati'i (absolute) Muhammad (peace and blessings and clear proofs start from below be upon him) was born. This day which is a must read In shaa'Allah. takes them back to the memory Muslims rejoice on birth of of the one who led humanity Prophet (Peace & Blessings be from darkness to light and who is upon him) because Allah has told described by Allah as “a mercy to all us to rejoice on His"Bounties and the worlds”.

Mercies" This following text shall be The Muslims in East and West based on celebrate the Prophet’s birth on a) Qur'an and it's sciences the 12th of Rabi al-Awwal through b) Hadith literature zikre Rasool. Such an occasion is c) Sayings of eminent scholars meant to remind people of how the and fuqaha Prophet lived his life. Allah Almighty d) Counter refutation of claims directs us to follow in the footsteps made against Mawlid. of His Beloved Messenger: “Verily, a) Understanding through Alin the Messenger of Allah, you Qur'an wal Furqan and It's sciences have a good example for him who Proof No.1 looks to Allah and the Last Day, and Qur'an states: remembers Allah much.” (al-Qur’an, Translation: Say: "In the bounty 33: 21) of God. And in His Mercy, in that Nowadays, celebration of such "LET THEM REJOICE" : that is better a religious occasion is extremely than the (wealth) they hoard (Surah important, especially for youth. Yunus, 10:58) Forgetful of such sacred events Some might think in their and their significance, they have wildest of imaginations that birth indulged in other pleasures. When and arrival of Prophet (salallaho their hearts become abodes for alaihi wasalam) is not a mercy, the love of the Prophet, the best of some even falsely limit the Mercies the creation, they will emulate his of Allah by saying that mercy practice who was an embodiment mentioned here does not refer to of love, sympathy and peace. So the Prophet Muhammad (salallaho commemoration of the Prophet’s alaihi wasalam) thus we should not birthday should be cherished and rejoice, so in reply to such people maintained. the best answer is found in Tafsir of Such celebrations will instil in Qur'an through Qur'an itself. them the values, ethics and moral Qur'an states at another place: code practised by the Prophet. This Translation: We have not sent occasion serves a great purpose in you but as a “Mercy to the worlds” that it brings the people closer to (Surah al-Anbiya, 21:107) the teachings of Islam and to the Hence without any shadow of Prophet’s way of life. It causes them doubt arrival of Prophet (Peace & to remember that the Prophet was a Blessings be upon him) is a mercy blessing for the whole universe, so not only upon us but all worlds and they should also behave with others creations of Allah azza Wajjal, thus like him. His lesson of forbearance we should rejoice as ordered in will motivate them to forgive even Qur'an (10:58) the bitter enemies.

Imam Ibn al-Jawzi (rah) On this occasion the Muslim explains 10:58 in his Tafsir: parents should tell the stories of the Translation: ad-Dhahak narrated Prophet to their children – stories from Ibn Abbas (ra) that Bounty that shed light on different aspects mentioned in this verse means of his life: his birth, childhood, Knowledge (i.e of Qur'an and youth and adult life. This practice Tawhid) whereas Mercy means will kindle the flame of love in Muhammad (Salallaho alaihi their hearts. And this message will wasalam) [Ibn Jawzi Z'ad al Maseer serve as a beacon of light for the fi Ilm at Tafsir, (4/40)] future generations, so that they will Imam Abu Hayyan al Andalusi live together in peace, fraternity (Rahimuhullah) also says: and solidarity. His care for all of Translation: Bounty refers to humanity sets the best example for Knowledge whereas Mercy refers humanity. to Muhammad (salallaho alaihi In recent times, a very wasalam) [Tafsir Al-Bahr al Muheet, commendable practice has begun. (5/171)] Mawlids are being organized in Imam Jalal uddin Suyuti (R A) place of secular celebrations: they Abu Sheikh (rah) narrated from are organized to mark a child’s Ibn Abbas (RA) That Bounty of Allah birthday, move into a new house, means Knowledge, whereas Mercy marriages and similar events. means Muhammad (Salallaho Today’s violence-stricken, dark alaihi wasalam) Allah Ta'ala said: We world can only be illuminated have sent thee not but as Mercy to through the light of his teachings Worlds (Al Anbiya: 107) [As-Suyuti in 30 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022

Dur al Manthur (4/330)] Allama Aloosi (rah) explains that even Fadhl (i.e. bounty) refers to Prophet Muhammad (salallaho alaihi wassalam) Narrated by Al Khatib (rah) and Ibn Asakir (rah) that Bounty refers to An-Nabi (Alaih Salatu Wassalam) [AlAlusi in Ruh al Ma’ani (11/141)] Proof No. 2 Qur'an states That is the bounty of Allah; which He giveth unto whom He will.

Allah is of Infinite Bounty ( (62:4) Hadrat Abdullah Ibn Abbas (Radhi Allah) explains “Allah is of infinite bounty” as: (Allah is of infinite bounty) by bestowing Islam and prophethood upon Muhammad (pbuh); and it is also said this means: by bestowing Islam upon the believers; and it is also said this means: by sending the Messenger and Scripture to His created beings. [Tanwir al Miqbas Min Tafsir Ibn Abbas] Proof No. 3 Qur'an states regarding Yahya (a.s): Translation: So Peace on him the day he was born, the day that he dies, and the day that he will be raised up to life (again)! [Surah alMaryum, (19:15)] So the days when Anbiya are born are days of "Tranquility" in sight of Allah.

Proof No. 4 Qur'an states: We sent Moses with Our signs (and the command). "Bring out thy people from the depths of darkness into light, andteach themَ to remember the “Days of Allah (‫ِبأ َّي ِام‬ َّ ‫)الل‬. ِ " Verily in this there are Signs for such as are firmly patient and constant,- grateful and appreciative.

(14:5) What are the Ayyam of Allah?

Imam al-Bayhaqi narrates in his Shu'ab al Iman that Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: The Days of Allah are his "Blessings and Signs" [Tafsir Ruh ul Ma’ani under 14:5] Istadlal from Ahadith Proof No.1 Book 006, Number 2606 (Sahih Muslim) Abu Qatada Ansari (Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah's Massenger (may peace be upon him) was asked about fasting on Monday, whereupon he said: It is (the day) when I was born and revelation was sent down to me.

This Hadith is also reported in

by Imam al-Bahayqi in his “Sunnan ul Kubra” (Vol. 4, pg. 300 Hadith no 8182, 8259), in the “Sunan” of Imam Nisai and the “Musnad” of Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal.

It is clear from this Hadith that the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) was very happy about the day of his birth and so fasted out of gratitude. Fasting is a form of worship, so one can celebrate this day by any form of ibada. One can fast or hold gatherings or provide food to the poor, all being acts of worship.

Proof No.2 Volume 7, Book 62, Number 38: (Sahih Bukhari) Narrated 'Ursa; Thuwaiba was the freed slave girl of Abu Lahb whom he had manumitted, and then she suckled the Prophet. When Abu Lahb died, one of his relatives saw him in a dream in a very bad state and asked him, "What have you encountered?" Abu Lahb said, "I have not found any rest since I left you, except that I have been given water to drink in this (the space between his thumb and other fingers) and that is because of my manumitting Thuwaiba."

Abu Lahab freed Thuwaiba on joy at birth of Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam), even the worst of Kufaar and greatest of enemies is given relaxation in his Adhaab due to freeing Thawaiba by pointing

with his finger, so Imagine the situation of a momin who rejoices on Mawlid, detailed explanation of this hadith shall be given in the last section of Verdicts from classical scholars.

Proof No.3 Volume 2, Page No. 147, Hadith No. 1130 (Sahih Muslim, Dar ul Kutab al ILmiyyah) Ibn Abbas “Allah be pleased with him” reported: The Prophet “Allah’s blessing and peace be upon him” came to Madina and saw the Jews fasting on the tenth day of Muharram. They were asked about that. They replied: “This is the day, on which Allah made Moses and the children of Israel emerge victorious over Pharoah. So, we fast on it “OUT OF GLORIFICATION TO IT”. The Prophet “Allah’s blessing and peace be upin him” said: “We have more claim over Moses than you.” So, he ordered Muslims to fast on it If Jews glorify their days to venerate Musa (a.s) then we Muslims have more right to venerate and rejoice on day when Prophet (saw) was born, this is an accepted analogy as Ulama have derived this specific ruling from the hadith, which shall be mentioned in the last section with detail.

Proof No.4 Volume 1, Page No. 241, Hadith No. 448 (Sunnan an Nasai’i) Hadrat Anas bin Malik (RA) narrates that Prophet (Peace be upon him) while mentioning his journey of Miraaj explains: Jibreel (a.s) asked me to get off from Buraak at Bethlehem and told me to say the prayer there, after which he said: Do you know where you have prayed (O Messenger of Allah)? You prayed at Bethlehem where Isa (a.s)"was born".

Imam al-Bayhaqi (rah) narrated this hadith with a different route too from another Sahabi called "Shaddad bin Aws (RA). After narrating it he said: ‫هذا إسناد صحيح‬ Translation: This Sanad is "SAHIH" [al-Bayhaqi in Dalayl un Nubuwah (2/355-356)] So the Mawlid and the places where Prophets (A.S) are born are amongst Sha’ir (sings to be venerated) of Allah.

Proof from righteous Ulama and Fuqaha 1.

Imam Ibn Kathir (Rahimuhullah) He says regarding Shah Malik alMuzzafar (rah) : Translation: He was a generous, mighty master, and glorious ruler, whose works were very good.

He built Jamiya al Muzaffari near Qasiyun…During Rabi ul Awwal he used to celebrate Mawlid ash ‫ف‬ ‫)يعمل المولد ش‬ Shareef (‫ال�يف ي� ربيع االول‬ with great celebration, Moreover, he was benevolent, brave, wise, a scholar, and just person – Rahimuhullah wa Ikraam – Sheikh Abul Khattab (rah) wrote a book on Mawlid an Nabwi for him and named it At-Tanwir fi Mawlid al Bashir al Nazeer, for which he gave him 1000 dinars. His rule stayed till the Rule of Salahiya and he captured Aka and he remained a man worthy of respect.

Al-Sabt mentions that a person attending the gathering of Mawlid held by Muzzafar said: He used to fill the table with 5000 well cooked goats, 10,000 chickens, 100-thousand bowls (of milk) and 30,000 trays of sweets. [Tarikh Ibn Kathir, Al Bidayah Wan Nihaya Volume 13, Page No. 174] 2. Imam Shahab-ud-din Abul Abbas al-Qastallani (Rahimuhullah) the author of great Seerah book called Al-Muwahib al-Laduniya, he said: When it is said that Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam) was born

at night time then the question arises which of the two nights is greater i.e. Night of Decree or Night of Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam)'s birth?

The Night of Prophet (Peace be upon him)'s birth is superior due to 3 reasons First: He (salallaho alaihi wasalam) arrived (in this world) on the Night of Mawlid whereas Night of decree was granted to him (afterwards), therefore the arrival of Prophet (Peace be upon him) is greater than what has been granted to him, hence night of Mawlid is higher in virtue.

Second: If Night of decree is vitreous night because Angels descend in it, then Night of Mawlid has the virtue of Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam) being sent to world.

The Prophet (saw) is superior to Angels, therefore night of Mawlid becomes superior.

Third: Due to night of decree, the Ummah of Muhammad (salallaho alaihi wasalam) was given imminence, whereas due to Night of Mawlid all creations were given Fazilah, as Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam) is sent as Mercy to worlds/ creations (Quran 21:107), hence the blessing was made general for all creations.

Reference: Imam Qastallani – Rahimuhuillah in Al Muwahib al Laduniya Volume 1, Page No. 145, Also Imam Zarqani – Rahimuhullah in his Sharah of Al-Muwahib, Volume 1, Page Nos 255-256 Imam Qastallani (Rahimuhullah) also said: May Allah have mercy on the one who turns the nights of the month of the Prophet's birth into celebration in order to decrease the suffering of those whose hearts are filled with disease and sickness."[AlMuwahib- Volume 1, Page No 148] 3. Imam Jalal ud din Suyuti (Rahimuhullah) the Mujaddad (reviver) of 9th century writes: Translation: The reality of Mawlid is that people gather to recite Quran to the extent that is easy, also to discuss narrations which are regarding Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam), the signs which took place on his birth. Then dinning is arranged for them and they return without adding anything more to this "Bidat al Hasanah". The one who arranges it gets Thawab due to honoring Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam) and showing gratitude on his birth [As-Suyuti – Rahimuhullah in Al Hawi lil Fatawi, Volume 1, Page No. 292, Published by Maktaba al Asriya, Beirut, Lebanon] [Husn al-Maqsad fi Amal alMawlid Page No. 41] Imam Jalal ud din Suyuti (Rahimuhullah) answers why celebrating on birth supercedes the sorrow of Prophet (saw) passing away on same date.

Translation: The birth of Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam) is a great blessing for us and his death is very saddening for us too, however Shariah has ordered us to rejoice and thank Allah on blessings, whereas on calamity it has taught us to have patience while hiding it, this is why Shariah has told us to do Aqiqa on birth which is a form of being happy and thankful to Allah for giving us birth, but on death there is no concept of sacrificing an animal and even lamenting is forbidden. Hence in light of rulings prescribed by shariah one should rejoice in Rabi ul Awwal on birth of our beloved Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam) [Husn al-Maqsad fi Amal al-Mawlid Page No. 54-55] [As-Suyuti – Rahimuhullah in Al Hawi lil Fatawi, Volume 1, Page No. 298, Published by Maktaba al Asriya, Beirut, Lebanon] Note: The day of Prophet (Peace be upon him)'s demise is not 12th

Rabi ul Awwal as wrongly perceived by some people due to books like "Sealed Nector" The authentic day of his demise is proven to be 2nd Rabi ul Awwal from Sahih narrations.

4. Imam Shams-ud-din Dimishqi (Rahimuhullah) writes: Translation: It is proven that Abu Lahab's punishment of fire is reduced on every Monday because he rejoiced on brith of Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam) and freed the slave-woman Thawba (RA) When Abu Lahab, whose eternal abode is hell fire and regarding whom whole surah of Tabat Yada (i.e. Surah Lahab) was revealed, he gets Takhfif in his Adhaab every Monday then Imagine the situation of a (momin) who has spent his life in rejoicing over birth of Prophet (saw) and died as a Mawhid [ Mawrid as Sadi Fi Mawlid al Hadi

by Imam al-Dimishqi and Imam Suyuti in Hassan al Maqsad fi Amal al Mawlid, Page No. 66] 5.

Imam Ibn Jawzi (Rahimuhullah) the most strict scholar in al-Jarh wa't Tadeel, even he wrote a complete book on Mawlid where he said: In Haramayn (i.e. Makkah and Madina), in Egypt, Yemen rather all people of Arab world have been celebrating Mawlid for long. Upon sight of the moon in Rabi ul Awwal their happiness touches the limits and hence they make specific gatherings for Dhikr of Mawlid due to which they earn immense Ajr and Success.[Biyan al Milaad an Nabwi, Page No. 58] 6. Shah Wali Ullah Muhadith Dhelvi (Rahimuhullah) the great Imam of al-Hind mentions one of his all time wonderful experiences as: I took part in a gathering of Mawlid inside Makkah where people were sending Darood and Slaam upon Prophet (Peace be upon him) and mentioning the incidents which took place during the time of your birth (before and after) and those which were witnessed before you were appointed as a Nabi (such as Nur eliminating from Bibi Amina RA, she seeing Nur, woman proposing to Abdullah RA on sight of Nur on his forhead etc...) suddeny I saw Nur to have enveloped one group of people, I don’t claim that I saw this with my bodlily eyes, nor do I claim that it was spiritual and Allah knows the best regarding these two, however upon concentration on these Anwaar a reality opened upon me that these Anwaar are of those Angels who take part in such gatherings, I also saw Mercy to be decending along with Anwaar of Angels [Fuyoodh al Haramayn, Pages 80-81] 7. Shah Abdul Aziz Muhadith Dhelvi (Rahimuhullah) the author of leading book written on refutation of Rafidhis (i.e. Tohfa Athna Ashriyah) he said: The Barakah of Rabi ul Awwal is due to birth of Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam) in this month, the more this Ummah sends Darud and Salaam and arrange for (sadaqa for the poor), more will they be blessed [ Fatawa al Azizi 1:123] 8. Mullah Ali Qari (Rahimuhullah) the author of Sharh al Mishqaat and magnificent Hanafi scholar, he said: Allah said: There hath come unto you a messenger, (one) of yourselves (9:128), In this It is pointed towards honoring the time when Prophet (saw) arrived amongst us, therefore one should do dhikr (of Quran) to thank Allah. As for Samah and playing is concerned then that which is Mubah (i.e. allowed) could be made part of Mawliddue to happiness without any harm [Muallah Ali Qari in his Al Mawlid an Nabi, Page No. 17] CONTD. ON PG 31

The blessed birth of the blessed personality of our holy...

CONTD. FROM PG 30 9. The great Mufasir and Sufi, Hadrat Ismail Hiqqi (Rahimuhullah) said: To celebrate Mawlid is amongst the great tributes to Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam), but the condition is that it should be clear of evil things. Imam Suyuti (rah) has said: It is Mustahab for us to be happy on birth of Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam) [Tafsir Ruh ul Bayan, Volume 9, Page No. 52] 10.The Poet of the East, Allama Muhammad Iqbal (Rahimuhullah) said: Milad un Nabi (salallaho alaihi wasalam) is amongst the sacred days for Muslims. According to my understanding it is for nourishment and treatment of human minds and hearts, Hence it is necessary for Muslims to keep in their sight the Aswa ur Rasul (salallaho alaihi wasalam). In the following three ways they can keep their emotions intact.

1. The first way is of sending Darood and Salaam which is part and parcel of Muslim's life, they try to find every possible time to send Darood. I have come to know about Arab world that if 2 people get into a fight in market then the third says loudly: Allah humma Sali Ala Sayyidna wa Barik Wassalim, hearing this the fight stops immediately, this is the power which Darood holds therefore it is necessary to embed the thought in heart of the person on whom Darood is sent (i.e.

Prophet Salallaho alaihi wasalam) 2. The second way deals with Gatherings i.e. Muslims should gather in great number and one person out of them (i.e. leader) who is fully versed regarding the Life and works of Pride to the worlds (i.e.

Prophet Salallaho alaihi wasalam) should mention them in detail so that the devotion to follow the way of Prophet (saw) awakens in hearts of Muslims, for this purpose we have also gathered today.

3. The third way is although difficult but still it to be mentioned is very important. It is that Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam) is remembered in such a way that our hearts (and ways) become Mazhar (signs) of different aspects of Nabuwah i.e. the feeling which was there about 1300 years ago

due to literal presence of Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam), the same feeling arises in our hearts too.

[Asaar e Iqbal, Pages. 306-307] 11. Maulana Abdul Hai Luckhnawi (Rahimuhullah) said: When a kafir of Abu Lahab’s calibre gets rewarded upon rejoicing on birth of Prophet (saw), then an Ummati who gets happy on his birth and spends due to his love for him would of course be established on high standards, just like it has been mentioned

by Ibn Jawzi (rahimuhullah) and Sheikh Muhadith Haq Dhelvi (Rahimuhullah) [Abdul Hai in Majmua al Fatawa, Volume 2, Page No. 282] 12.The famous scholar of Ghair Muqalideen, Nawab Saddiq Hassan Khan Bhopali said: What is wrong in it if we cannot do dhikr of Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam)’s Seerah, his Hidaya, his Birth and his death evreyday, then we should do it every month and in days of Rabi Ul Awwal and they should not be left empty.

13. Sheikh ul Islam Imam Ibn Hajr al Haytami (Rahimuhullah) writes: The gatherings of Mawlid and Adhkaar which take place during our time, they are mostly confined to good deeds, for example in them Sadaqat are given, Dhikr is done, Darud and Salam is sent upon the Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam) and he is praised. [Imam al Haythami (rah) in Fatawa al Hadithiyyah, Page No. 202] Q) Mawlid was not practiced or arranged by any of the Sahaba, nor is there any proof of it being done

by Tabiyeen, these are the Islaaf whom we follow and choosing their way is the safest path.

Answer: First of all, it is false to say this because Prophet (Peace be upon him) himself celebrated the day of his birth as proven from Sahih Muslim that Prophet (Peace be upon him) was asked about fasting on monday and he replied "He was born on this day and reveletion was sent on him" [See above the heading called "Istadlal from ahadith, Proof # 1], above all, Allah azza Wajjal Himself takes the "DAYS OF PROPHETIC BIRTHS AS DAYS OF PEACE" [See Qur'an 19:15] Secondly, those who don’t believe in it are asked to bring

forward a categorical hadith in which Prophet (Peace be upon him) forbade Mawlid, remember to prove something haram you need a more stronger proof whereas even silence goes in favour of us Sunnis due to this following hadith: Translation: Abu Darda (RA) narrates that the Prophet (salallaho alaihi wasalam) said: Whatever Allaah has permitted in His Book is Halaal, whatever He has forbidden is Haraam, "AND ANYTHING OVER WHICH THERE IS SILENCE IS PARDONED" so accept the pardon of Allaah, for Allaah cannot be forgetful. Then he recited this verse: ‘and your Lord is never forgetful’ [Maryam 19:64].[Imam Haythami in Majma uz Zawaid 1:171, Hadith No. 794] Imam Haythami (rah) said: It is narrated by Al-Bazzar and Tabarani in his Kabir with "Hassan chain having reliable narrators" This hadeeth is also classified as Sahih by Nasir ud-din Albani in his Silsilat as Sahihah (5/325) Hence according to this hadith the Silence proves Mawlid to be allowed because the Asl for this is found in Qur'an and Sunnah as so many proofs have been shown above.

Thirdly even if assuming Sahaba or Tabiyeen did not do it (although no proof of Nafi exists) then there are many things which were not practiced by Sahaba and Tabiyeen, but later Ulama derived rulings on them looking at the principles, Therefore If anything does not contradict the principles of Shariah then it has always been allowed, for example the knowledge of al-Jarh wa't Ta'deel in hadith, the knowledge of Asma ur Rijaal, putting Araab (punctuation) on Qur'an, Building minarets on mosques, narrating hadiths with chain of narrators etc... The point is that their Asl is found in Shariah, similarly the Asl for rejoicing on Mawlid is found in Qur'an itself let alone Sunnah where it is definitely found too.

Q) Mawlid is Bidat al Dhalalah (blameworthy innovation), Prophet (Peace be upon him) said in rigorously authentic ahadith that All bidahs are misguidance and all misguidance are in the fire.

Answer: This hadith is not general but rather specific as

classical scholar Imam Ibn Hajr al Haythami (rah) explained: Translation: That which is narrated in Hadith that All innovations are evil and all evil are in hell fire, This hadith will be applied for Bidat al Muhrima (i.e. category of haram innovations only) not others.[Al Haytami in Fatawa al Hadithiyyah, Volume No.1 Page No. 109, Published by Dar ul Fikr,therefore we have to understand the reality behind words of Prophet (Peace be upon him), the Bidahs which Prophet forbade were all new innovations which contradicted shariah, the dalil for this could be found in Sahih Bukhari Volume 3, Book 49, Number 861: (Sahih Bukhari - Muhsin Khan Wahabi translation) Narrated Aisha: Allah's Apostle said, "If somebody innovates something which is not in harmony with the principles of our religion, that thing is rejected."

The Important Usool We know from many ahadith that Prophet (Peace be upon him) allowed new matters in deen, like few sahaba recited Fatiha on bite of snake (see: Bukhari Volume 3, Book 36, Number 476), they had no knowledge of it from Prophet (Peace be upon him), but on coming to Prophet it was approved, some people still argue that it was allowed in presence of Prophet, so whatever he allows and forbids we have to follow, the answer to this is that Prophet could never contradict in his sayings, If he has laid down a principle that all innovations are evil in mutlaqqan terms then there is no Jawaz of him accepting some himself, hence It is necessary to check everything according to principles of Shariah.

One more answer to this is that Umar (ra) called combining sahaba behind 1 Qari as "Na’imal Bidatu Hadihi (i.e. What an Excellent innovation this is)" refer to Sahih Bukhari in Kitab ut Tarawih... this is proof from Nass that every bidah is not bad, on this some people also argue that Umar (ra) was referring to Lughwi Bidah not Shari’i, they are asked to bring proof from hadith itself that Umar (ra) differentiated bidah between Lughwi and Shari’i?

Above all Uthman bin Affan

(ra) started the second Adhaan for Jumma, Salafis reply to this as: They were Khulafa ar rashideen and we are bound to follow them because hadith states so, the answer to this is same i.e. had every bidah been evil then our pious predecessors would not have contradicted themselves, had word Bidah been only bad then Sayyidna Umar (RA) would have used wording "Ni'mal Sunnat" rather than Ni'aml Bidatu" Q) The day of Prophet (Peace be upon him) ‘s birth is not confirmed to be 12th of Rabi Ul Awwal, rather his day of death is confirmed to be 12th Rabi Ul Awwal, hence to rejoice on a sad day is a wrong thing.

Ans): First of all those who prove Mawlid always believe that Mawlid is not restricted to 1 date only, you can rejoice on any day, secondly the early most Seerah books like Seerat Ibn Ishaq (rah), Ibn Hisham (rah), Tabaqat Ibn Sa’d (rah) confirm the date of birth to be 12th Rabi ul Awwal, so does Imam Ibn Kathir (rah) in his book Sirat ar Rasul where he calls it mainstream opinion and calls other opinions as weak....

Conclusion 12 Rabi-ul-Awal: The Most Authentic Date of Milad Some people claim that the exact date of birth of the Prophet (‫ )صىل هللا عليه وآله وسلم‬is not known and hence there is little room for the celebration of Eid-e-Milad-unNabi (‫ )صىل هللا عليه وآله وسلم‬on 12th of Rabi-ul-Awal.

12 Rabi-ul-Awal is not only accepted as Milad Day from the classical and ancient scholars, it is also confirmed by the governments of the whole Islamic world. The holidays of almost 2 dozen Islamic countries, Opinion of Renowned Historians about the Authentic Date of Milad 1. Imam Ibn Ishaq (85-151 H): Messenger of Allah (‫صىل هللا عليه وآله‬ ‫ )وسلم‬was born on 12th Rabi-ul-Awal in Aam-ul-Feel. (Ibn al Jawzi in AlWafa, Page 87) 2. Imam Ibn Hisham (213 H): Messenger of Allah (‫صىل هللا عليه وآله‬ ‫ )وسلم‬was born on Monday 12th Rabi-ul-Awal in Aam-ul-Feel. (Ibn Hisham in As-Sirat-un-Nabawiya, Vol. 1, Page 158) 3. Imam Ibn Jareer at-Tabari (224-310 H): Messenger of Allah (‫ )صىل هللا عليه وآله وسلم‬was born on Monday 12th Rabi-ul-Awal in

Aam-ul-Feel. (Tarikh-ul-Umam-walMuluk, Vol. 2, Page 125) 4. Allama Abu-ul-Hasan Ali Bin Muhammad Al-Mawardi (370-480 H): Messenger of Allah (‫صىل هللا عليه‬ ‫ )وآله وسلم‬was born on Monday 12th Rabi-ul-Awal. (Ailam-un-Nabuwa, Page 192) 5. Imam Al-Hafiz Abu-ul-Fatah Al-Undalasi (671-734 H): Our leader and our Prophet Muhammad (‫صىل‬ ‫)هللا عليه وآله وسلم‬, the Messenger of Allah, was born on Monday 12th Rabi-ul-Awal in Aam-ul-Feel.

(Aayun-al-Asr, Vol.1, Page 33) 6. Allama Ibn Khaldun (732-808 H): Messenger of Allah (‫صىل هللا عليه‬ ‫ )وآله وسلم‬was born on 12th Rabi-ulAwal in Aam-ul-Feel. It was the 40th year of Emperor Kasra Noshairwan.

(Ibn Khaldun in At-Tarikh Vol. 2, Page 394) 7. Muhammad As-Sadiq Ibrahim Arjoon: From various turaq (chains) it has been established as true that the Prophet (‫)صىل هللا عليه وآله وسلم‬ was born on Monday 12th Rabi-ulAwal in Aam-ul-Feel in the reign of Kasara Noshairwan. (Muhammad Rasool Ullah, Vol. 1, Page 102) 8. Sheikh Abdul-Haq Muhadath Dehlvi (950-1052 H):Know it well, that over-whelming majority of the experts of sayar and tarikh (i.e. biographers and historians) hold the opinion that An-Hazrat (i.e. the prophet ‫)صىل هللا عليه وآله وسلم‬ was born in Aam-ul-Feel … It is well known that the month was of Rabi-ul-Awal and its date was 12. Various scholars have shown their agreement with this (date).

(Madarij-un-Nabuwa, Vol. 2, Page 14) 9. Nawab Muhammad Sadiq Hasan Khan Bohapalvi: The birth (of the Prophet ‫)صىل هللا عليه وآله وسلم‬ happened in Mecca at the time of Fajar on Monday 12th Rabi-ul-Awal in Aam-ul-Feel. Majority of scholars holds this opinion. Ibn Jawzi has narrated a consensus (of scholars) on it. (Ash-Shumama-tul-Anbariya Fi Mowlid Khair-al-Bariya, Page 7) You can see that the historians / scholars from the first / second century of Hijri, as well as the scholars of later times, had been authenticating it. The list also includes the well known leader of Salafis, i.e. Nawab Sadiq Hasan Bohapalvi.

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Festival of Lights by Acarya Dada Krsnapremananda Avadhuta, Coordinator, Ananda Marga Universal Relief Team, AMURT Oceania The 'festival of lights' Diipa'vali - is nearly upon us.

This day is marked by joyous and blissful celebrations for one and all. The festival of Diipavali carries a sublime significance and is also a deeply meaningful event in the social sphere. Below are Guru’s guidelines for celebrating Diipavali in our units, as well as some of Baba's dharmic teachings about the inner meaning of Diipavali.

Ways to celebrate Diipavali Baba has laid down specific guidelines for observing the wonderful occasion of Diipavali.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "Diipa'valii: Once collective Iishvara Pran'idha'na and Varn'a'rghyada'na, illumination, collective merry celebrations, entertaining visitors at one's residence, and procession with ta'n'd'ava dance."

Something for everyone - from young to old Diipavali is a wonderful occasion for all kinds of heart-warming activities. Per Ananda Marga Caryacarya, we will perform our collective meditation and Guru Puja, i.e. dharmacakra.

And that will be accompanied by a wide array of social arrangements: Hosting friends and family, display of lights, spiritual dances, etc.

Festivals like Diipavali are also a perfect time for collective meals, collective bath, games and sports competitions, distribution of sweets, writing contests, art presentations, musical concerts, social talks, spiritual discourses, kiirtan,

and all types of other unifying events.

Our social functions offer something for everyone from young to old where every person from every corner of society can participate, whether they be margii or non-margii.

In this way, our Ananda Marga festivals cater to a wide audience with a diverse array of interests and liking.

All types of socially uplifting activities may be held. Here Baba gives His guideline for the starting point of festival Diipavali.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "At the outset of any festival or social ceremony, the Sam'gacchadvam' mantra is recited, the purpose is to impose the common ideal on all. The love for the entire humanity."

Signify the triumph of the sentient forces In India, and throughout the northern hemisphere, Diipavali is the darkest night of the year; it is the ama'vasya' (new moon or nil moon) night of the autumn season.

And the term 'diipa' itself means lamp in Samskrta. So the Diipavali function is a display which signifies the victory of light over darkness.

Citizens and hosts create a show of lights in the sky to signify the triumph of the sentient forces. And this basic idea is outlined in Caryacarya.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "Diipa'valii / Ka'rttikii Ama'vasya'. [The new moon of Ka'rttika. As that night is the darkest night of the year, the celebration with... illumination symbolizes the forces of light or vidya' (knowledge) overcoming the

forces of darkness or avidya' (ignorance).]

Baba's above teaching is about overcoming negativity with a positive psychic force: Overcome darkness by light.

Special meaning: upcoming festival As we begin this wonderful occasion of Diivali or Diipávalii, may we all rejoice and celebrate both the social and spiritual aspects of this highly significant and grand occasion. This is one of our recognized Ananda Marga festivals which is designed to bring a renewal and rejuvenation throughout one's entire existence.

Baba's special description of Diipávalii In Caryacarya part 1, Baba neatly outlines all our Ananda Marga festivals.

Plus, in various other discourses Baba also talks extensively about certain festivals like Shravanii Purnima etc. And that is the case with Diipa'vali also.

In His June 1990 DMC discourse, 'The Cult of Spirituality-- The Cult of Pinnacled Order', Baba makes special mention of this event. In this discourse Baba explains how this festival known as Diipa'vali is linked with the enlightenment of the soul. That is the great significance of this day.

Hence Diipávalii is related with spiritual refulgence, sentient thought, and all psycho-spiritual ideas that are linked with light: Igniting the lamp of love for Parama Purusa.

How we should celebrate Per abiding by The Supreme Command, each

and every Ananda Margii does sadhana twice a day, at minimum. So it is our regular habit and practice to illumine our minds and hearts with that deeply spiritual of flow.

This is Baba's grace and His great gift to all Ananda Margiis.

So when the day of Diipávalii arrives then what are we to do. We are to dedicate even more time to our spiritual practices of sadhana and kiirtan enabling our existence to better reflect and capture the infinite love of Parama Purusa. By Baba's divine grace, may we all pass this occasion in this splendid and deeply meaningful way. And, of course, we may join any festival programs organised in our local units, as outlined in Caryacarya.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "Diipávalii: Once collective Iishvara Pran'idha'na and Varn'a'rghyada'na, illumination, collective merry celebrations, entertaining visitors at one's residence, and procession with ta'n'd'ava dance."

Many Diipavali celebrations around the world Diipa'vali is not just a day celebrated in Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha.

Throughout the gamut of communities based on tantric traditions, Diipa'vali is recognised as a highly meaningful occasion.

Estimates are that upwards of 900 million to 1.4 billion people celebrate Diivali.

Whether one is a vidya tantric or an avidya tantric, whether one is an idol worshiper or one engages in prayer, whatever type of sadhana one does, Diipa'vali

is the day when all are involved.

At the same time, many materialistic and dogmatic people display fireworks in the external arena; that is also one aspect of this event.

In Ananda Marga, as noted above we do not support the use of fireworks. Instead, we might use safe, eco-friendly, electric lamps - if one has the desire to celebrate in this manner. After all, the term 'diip' means 'light' or 'lamp' and Diipa'vali is that occasion which is a festival of lights.

And many come forward in various ways to celebrate this widely recognized occasion.

In our Ananda Marga we have our own special, dharmic understanding of this great festival, as outlined above.

Social functions & festivals: "a great unifying force" Ananda Marga Caryacarya says, "You should make arrangements for different types of festivity on the occasions of the ceremonial functions of the Marga. Ensure that those who enjoy the celebrations also get thereby healthy opportunities for their physical growth, mental development and spiritual progress."

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Many of the ills of society develop because people do not care to know other members of society. This ignorance of the condition and difficulties of others leads to intolerance and a lack of interest in the affairs of the other members of society. Common social functions bring different members of society together and are, therefore, a great unifying force. By performing certain functions collectively

all the participants are engaged for some time in doing the same thing and brings about a feeling of unity and interest in others.

In A'nanda Ma'rga such common social functions are specially encouraged.

Milita Sna'na or collective bathing and dharmacakra or collective meditation are the basis for common social functions in the physical, psychic, and spiritual fields.

Common participation in such functions is a very unifying force and the participants of such functions will have no intolerance for each other; instead, they will become more united. Such functions are therefore a great unifying force."

Our Ananda Marga festivals bring charm in the life Ananda Marga philosophy states, "When people become tired and uninspired when they can no longer look towards the future with hope, when their colorful dreams are shattered, at that time the sweetness of a festival brings new joy and vigor in life. Thus, in individual and collective life, the importance of festivals is tremendous. One should always remember that festivals should be such that all can take part in them without any ostentatious display of wealth, and with an upsurge of their life force.

And these festivals should be conducted in such a way that people take part in them from a spontaneous inner urge. I hope that you will make such arrangements so that all are attracted towards your festivals which will be more and more charming-and this will bring about your collective welfare."

Baldev Raj Sharma’s 80th Birthday Celebration PARKINSON Sh. Baldev Raj Sharma, a recipient of the GOPIO 2022 Lifetime achievement award 2022, celebrated his 80th birthday with family and friends. Shri Satyanarayan Vrath Katha was performed by Pt. Sanat Pandey, followed by a beautiful cake-cutting ceremony at his house. Guests indulged in the sumptuous lunch prepared for the occasion.

Councillor Angela Owen has visited the family a day before and presented a certificate as well.

32 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022

Making Mandirs Within MASTER BUILDER Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921-2016), Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s fifth spiritual successor is the Guinness World Record holder for building the most mandirs worldwide.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj built two Akshardham mandirs and complexes, 37 traditional stone shikharbaddha mandirs, over 1,100 hari mandirs, and inspired thousands of families to install ghar mandirs in their homes.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj was indeed a master builder.

But, one wonders: Why build so many mandirs? For whom did he build these mandirs?

Pramukh Swami Maharaj built mandirs to eradicate their vices, strengthen their minds and offer devotion to God. ERADICATING VICES Mandirs have helped: thousands of people eliminate their vices, like drug and alcohol addiction, gambling, smoking and others.

Birju Patel of Toronto, Canada, was a drug addict.

From a young age of 16, he began experimenting with drugs. He soon became hooked and from his $500,000 annual salary, he spent a substantial $120,000 on purchasing cocaine.

In early 2016, after much convincing and insistence by his friends and family, Birju reluctantly came to the BAPS Mandir in Toronto. Hesitant at first, Birju climbed the steps and began doing darshan of all the murtis.

When he reached Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s murti, Birju suddenly became still, and his eyes began tearing.

He somehow felt connected to Swamishri. Pointing to his chest Birju described his experience as “a sense of being full. I feel that there is something in here.”

He added that for the first time in many years, he felt emotions like love, hope and peace.

He developed a deep love for the mandir and Swamishri. On 11 April 2016, Birju had the opportunity to personally receive blessings from Pramukh Swami Maharaj in Sarangpur. Just a mere five minutes with Pramukh Swami Maharaj brought new hope in Birju’s life. Today, because of the BAPS Mandir in Toronto,

Call: (07) 3192 5188

strength and learned to see past their crisis. In this manner, by stabilizing their minds, the mandir helped save the family’s lives.

Mandirs have played a vital role in stabilizing people’s minds and giving them the inner strength to overcome the challenges of daily life.

Birju has overcome his addictions.

Birju is one of the thousands of people who have been helped by the mandirs built by Pramukh Swami Maharaj to eradicate addictions, harmful habits and vices.

STABILIZING MINDS During times of despair, a person needs support and guidance to prevent them from falling prey to depression and inappropriate actions.

Mandirs provide mental stability in such trying times.

In 2001, to raise funds for the construction of a shikharbaddhba mandir in Bharuch, Gujarat, the local devotees went houseto-house to collect old newspapers. One evening, at 8:00 p.m., devotees arrived at home and rang the doorbell, a man opened the door and the devotees explained, “We are disciples of Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

He is building a mandir

here in Bharuch. Do you wish to take part in seva for the mandir?” The man expressed his interest, “You’re building a mandir by collecting old newspapers?”

After explaining the details of the fundraising project, the devotees described some of the mandir’s sociospiritual activities and Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s pious, selfless life. As they continued talking, the man suddenly began crying.

He explained, “When you rang the doorbell, my wife, two kids, and I, had collectively decided to take poison to end our lives and free ourselves from the dire problems we are facing.”

Hearing this, the devotees spoke at length about Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s teachings about the value of life. They also asked the family to come to mandir, seek advice from the sadhus and meet Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

By coming to the mandir, this family gained spiritual

CHAITANYA MANDIRS Pramukh Swami Maharaj was not merely a master builder of stone structures, but also a maker of mandirs within the hearts of people.

In the lives of all who came in his association, Pramukh Swami inspired moral values, character, culture principled and disciplined living, and heartfelt

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devotion.

His devotees became living mandirs — chaitanya mandirs.

The practices and values learned at shikharbaddha and hari mandirs became important and inseparable parts of the lives of all devotees.

On a highway, Chaitanya Patel (Houston, USA) pulled over onto the shoulder lane to perform the evening arti.

Even while on active duty as soldiers amidst the horrors of war, Angie Amin and Meera Amin (Los Angeles, USA) never ate a morsel of food without first performing their daily puja.

Before his entire class at Westminster College, Vinal Patel (London, UK) explained to his fellow students the significance of the tilak-

chandlo.

When his wife worked in Lumberton, his son worked in Washington, and daughter studied in Raleigh, Harish Patel (Knoxville, USA) regularly set up conference calls for ghar sabha.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj has made countless such chaitanya mandirs. This was his true purpose behind building mandirs across the world: to spiritually inspire people and enable them to attain ultimate liberation.

These Chaitanya mandirs live such pure, virtuous and devout lives that they are a source of inspiration to all.

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

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022 — 33

Lalithakalalaya School of Bharatanatyam’s

8th annual concert

Lalithakalalaya School of Bharatanatyam’s 8th annual concert held recently, was very enjoyable and culturally enriching.

There was a diversity in the choice of costumes, dances, music and inclusive of all age groups.

The dances were all choreographed and curated by the guru and founder of the school, Smt Padmalakshmi Sriram on the concept of “Nava Vidha Bhakthi “ , the 9 forms of bhakti, intended in emoting the essence of devotion, just in time for the Navarathiri season.

The first item was a demonstration of the twelve names of Lord Ganesha presented by Smt Padmalakshmi. Her energy, vibrance and creative exploration of Lord Ganesha was a treat for the audience.

She set the stage for the evening and provided the inspiration for her students to aspire and achieve a high standard.

Bharatanatyam is a story telling dance in which the dancers use poses, expressions and hand movements to communicate mythological stories.

The students presented mythological stories of Lord Nadarajah, Vishnu, Rama, Krishna and Hanuman.

The expressions, grace and synchronisation of the dancers were commendable.

A noteworthy feature of the evening was the interaction of the dancers with the audience, which injected a lot of energy and life in the auditorium and much enjoyed by the audience.

The students also enacted a thematic dance drama of Lord Nadarajah, something new for the audience.

It depicted the dialogue the devotee engages with Lord Nadarajah in the journey of life, from birth to death. It was meticulously choreographed, exhibiting intense vibrance, energy and intricate movements involving a significant number of dancers, performing alongside the guru. It was not only enjoyable watching this drama but also brought the realisation that the Lord only appears when there is a total surrender.

Salangai pooja is the first milestone in a dancer’s journey after learning dance under a guru for a few years.

Sisters, Harsha and Haron Shibu, due to unforeseen

circumstances could not join their team when they performed their Salangai pooja. Both the sisters crossed this milestone presenting the Pushpanjali and Alarippu and group performance with their salangai pooja batch, the Sapta Tandavam, the seven vigorous dances of Lord Shiva.

Lalithakalalaya School of Bharatanatyam has students who have just turned three. Teaching these students is not easy as it requires patience, effort and dedication. It was a proud moment for the parents to see their children on stage and demonstrating the mudras and Ganesha slokam while chanting.

Another presentation which received a great ovation from the audience is the Kolattam / dandiya dance by a group of ladies trained within a month, mostly above sixty years with minimal dancing experience.

Smt Padmalakshmi wanted to provide the pleasure and joy of dancing to those who did not have an opportunity to do so and also convey the message that age is no barrier to learn anything.

Smt Padmalakshmi affirms that the goal of the school is not only to teach dancing but also imbibe the fundamental values of discipline, respect, courtesy and hard work. She says that she treats each and every student as her own and her duty is to motivate them to achieve their best. Much thought goes in showing this to the students. Her students were made to feel special in seeing the collage of their individual photos displayed on the “wall of fame” in the foyer. All the students were also thrilled to receive an individualised hexagon wooden tile picture of themselves from the school. A number of students were also presented with certificates for dedication.

34 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022

Brisbane Indian Times Turns Nineteen HERSTON, Ballymore Rugby club on 24th September 2003, witnessed the launch of Brisbane Indian Times. The paper was launched by the then Radcliffe Mayor Councilor Allan Boulton; Maureen Hayes and Neil Roberts

were also in attendance.

The first print run was released at the Diwali function of the Hindu Society of Queensland at the RNA coffee club auditorium.

We sadly note the passing away of Pramesh Chand

on 21st September; he was present at the launch and did the face-to-face segment in the Brisbane Indian Times; he was laid to rest on 28th September at Hollard Park crematorium.

The journey thus far has been exciting and

challenging. Nevertheless, we forged ahead, maintaining the quality and quantity of the publication.

With the introduction of digital media platforms, many gave up print altogether; we have kept printed copies. The

production, printing, and distribution cost have gone up significantly.

We want to thank all our advertisers, correspondents, supporting organizations, distributors, and readers for your continued support. A big shout out to all the in-

house team thus far. Many lessons have been learned along the way; above all, our aim was and remains; to serve all in an all-inclusive manner; god willing, we are looking forward to our twentieth anniversary celebration next year.

Foreign minister S Jaishankar to visit Australia this month CONTD. FROM PG 1 and later, during Shinzo Abe's state funeral.

The growing convergence between India and Australia has been driven by oncerns over regional stability and security and a shared interest on international law and a rules-based order, Jaishankar had said in a virtual address at the Australia-India Leadership Dialogue 2022 a couple of weeks ago.

"A shared concern about trade reliability and economic volatility encouraged a partnership on the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative, along with Japan. The Tokyo Quad summit provided an opportunity to confirm, if confirmation was indeed needed, that the incoming Albanese government was just as committed to the bilateral relationship, as indeed to the Quad, as its predecessor," Jaishankar said.

A shared concern about trade reliability and economic volatility encouraged a partnership on the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative, along with Japan. The Tokyo Quad summit provided an opportunity to confirm, if confirmation was indeed needed, that the incoming Albanese government was just as committed to the bilateral relationship, as indeed to the Quad, as its predecessor," Jaishankar said.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022 — 35

Spiritual Well-Being and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Report by Umesh Chandra OAM, Editor, and Publisher Individually and collectively, multicultural communities drew inspiration and were able to let go of their fears during the Covid-19 pandemic challenges, especially in the last 20 months, as a result of spiritual adherence. Several speakers at the Multicultural Symposium organised by the Indian Council of Australia, Queensland (ICAQ) and Brisbane Institute of Strengths Based Practice at the MCA in Woolloongabba acknowledged spirituality.

Social workers, academics, researchers, medical professionals, and IT, management, teaching, and childcare consultants attended. The symposium first of its kind was presided

by Mr Ashish Katta, patron, ICA and was facilitated by Dr Venkat Rao Pulla. And Mr Shaji Theckanath, the Spiritual Convenor of ICA. Mr Ashish Katta as the chair began with a thought that we often consider spirituality to be a subset of

religion and religion to be a subset of our life but let me start with the first sutra of brahma sutras according to the Indian way of life " Athatho Bramhajignyasa" Now let is enquire into Bramha(self). This is said as spirituality is a journey of self-discovery wherein, we discover the path to self-realization which in linked to our mental state.

Further he reiterated, that spirituality may not need to be linked to a religion or a faith system, But rather be linked to our dharmic systems or moral code which is to serve humanity and in turn is serve God Associate Professor Abraham Francis, and Dr Hyacinth Udah of the James Cook University, addresses themes such as role of compassion and spirituality in crises such as covid-19, and the role that front line staff played during the crisis respectively.

Another speaker Sachin Kumar Dodwal explained that as he was worried for his friends and families, but he also noticed that the planet earth was rebooting.

He explained this in the

context of Hindu spirituality, there is this concept of the cycle of creation and destruction. this covid was one quick flash of what nature can do. we humans need to respect nature so that it stays in harmony with us. Ms Seema Lathker of Art of Living Foundation spoke to the importance of breathing and led the symposium participants through a wonderful movement of guided meditation.

Ms Bharathi Gitay , a clinician in mental health spoke about of her almost twenty months of strangeness due to borders closing and her humble work

in India during that time with several families in the thick of Covid-19 and the enormity of fear and challenge and how one took to spiritual pathways. Rev. Father Prem in his invocation explained how people face loss either through fleeing or freezing and alluded to the fact that facing it and fighting requires courage and that all of us as spiritual beings are endowed with that ability to cope. He said that In Australia – the assumption that government will take care of all problems was too quickly superseded that people had to look to a higher power for security.

Other speakers who

shared their valuable insights were social workers Rashida Riaz, Mr Nenad Bakaj and Mr Palani Thevar, Therapists, Paul Scaria, and Khalid Riaz, and Mr Umesh Chandra OAM, editor and publisher, Mr Parminder Singh, Mr Ganesh Deshpande, and Mrs Neetu Malik of ICA and Dr

Anil Dalsania of HSS and Mrs Nisha Rao. I believe meaningful programmes of this nature that connect community workers and professionals are much needed in the Indian diaspora, and it was pleasure associated with this event.

A Spiritually sensitive Strengths Approach Dr Venkat Pulla The Brisbane Institute of Strengths based Practice since its inception in 2006,has, maintained its commitment to the strengths approach in the field of human services.

A spiritually sensitive approach to social work provides practitioners and clients with the means by which they can seek a sense of meaning, purpose, and connectedness as they move forwards in their goals and aspirations, augment their strengths

and resources, and work towards overcoming both personal obstacles and environmental blocks as well as gaps in resources.

Human Service workers need to be prepared to hear the cultural narratives, personal anecdotes, and folklore of indigenous peoples that clients share with them in order to comprehend the profound resources from which clients draw during times of difficulty and crisis. The questions the institute raised previously and seem to be relevant even after

36 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022

24 months and more of Covid-19 are: 1. What have individuals discovered and come to understand about themselves, other people, and the world in which they live?

2.

Which of these people's personal qualities, characteristics, talents, and virtues do they possess?

3. What kind of behaviour do some of them exhibit in times of crisis and after traumatic experiences?

4. How can survivors become aware of their inner strengths, how can

they make the most of the strengths they already have and, 5. how can they develop new strengths?

6. What is it that they think is worthy of pride in themselves? as "the pride of the survivor" in having done so against the odds.

7.

What are their individual and familial stories of overcoming adversity and finding redemption?

8.

Do they offer techniques, instruments, symbols, and metaphors for the process of rebounding?

9. Is it possible for us to rediscover the community and the various resources it offers, which perhaps all of us, including the clients, tend to overlook when confronted with an existing crisis?

The social worker would be able to assist the client with their personal hopes and begin to reshape their dreams if they had access to such a broad-spectrum world view, which would be provided by the programme.

By taking an approach that focuses on a client's strengths rather than

weaknesses, social workers have the opportunity to create and foster spiritual enclaves that provide additional solace to the client's overall wellbeing.

An understanding of spirituality as a process of human life and development that focuses on the search for a sense of meaning, purpose, morality, and well-being in relationship with oneself, other people, other beings, and that the universe is very important is necessary in order to build a spiritually sensitive social work practice.

Multicultural Queensland Awards 2022 The Multicultural Queensland Awards recognise the valuable contributions of Queenslanders who support and promote a united, harmonious and inclusive Queensland community.

Winners for the 2022 Multicultural Queensland Awards were announced in August during Multicultural Queensland Month, Queensland's largest celebration of multiculturalism.

Award categories The 2022 categories were: • Outstanding Contribution by a New Queenslander • Diversity and Inclusion Champion • Multicultural Sector Outstanding Achiever A ‘Minister’s Multicultural Award’ was also awarded recognising the outstanding contributions of a nominee, selected by the Minister for Multicultural Affairs from all category nominations.

About the Multicultural Queensland Awards The Multicultural Queensland Awards recognise the valuable contributions of Queenslanders who support and promote a united, harmonious and inclusive Queensland.

History of the Awards Since 1990, the

Multicultural Queensland Awards have recognised community volunteers, groups, businesses, government agencies and media whose long-term efforts have helped all Queenslanders to participate in our economy and community.

In 2020 the Multicultural Queensland Awards were cancelled due to COVID-19.

Funding was redirected to community-based partners who played a critical role ensuring appropriate help was available for Queenslanders from diverse backgrounds, particularly those most vulnerable.

2022 winners The Multicultural Queensland Awards 2022 provided an opportunity to increase awareness of the benefits of diversity, while sharing the innovative ways people and organisations are making Queensland communities strong and cohesive.

Minister’s Multicultural Award Winner: Kerry McQuillan, Randstad in collaboration with Multicultural Australia For more than four years, Randstad and Multicultural Australia have worked together to provide a job mentoring program for migrants and refugees.

The program helps

participants prepare for employment in the Australian job market while creating meaningful connections with Queensland organisations.

In partnership with Suncorp, Deloitte, Queensland Government, Hasting Deering, La Boite and Randstad, participants are paired with a culturally-trained mentor.

Mentors and mentees then work together on creating a resume, building a personal brand, applying for jobs, performing well at interviews and preparing for the first day at a job.

At the end of the program, participants can attend a speed networking event where they get further help and coaching from mentors and build their professional network.

More than 60 migrants have participated in this program and many of them have found work.

Outstanding Contribution by a New Queenslander: Winner: Sheetal Deo, Shakti Legal Solutions Recognising that clients with intersecting identities can be significantly disadvantaged within the legal sector, Sheetal Deo created her own legal service, Shakti Legal Solutions, to improve access to justice by making legal services more affordable to those of moderate means. Sheetal also offers legal assistance in areas

of law where clients may be particularly vulnerable due to their diverse backgrounds and needs.

As a visible role model within the legal profession as a LGBTIQA+ identifying woman of colour, Sheetal recognises the responsibility and opportunities this brings and works tirelessly to use whatever platforms she has to ensure that other underrepresented voices and experiences are amplified.

Diversity and Inclusion Champion Winner: Sarah Scarce, Aqua English Program Refugee lawyer Sarah Scarce co-founded The Aqua English Project 15 years ago when she and her mother — an English as a second language teacher—discovered how many people were drowning in south-east Queensland.

They learned that many

of the drownings and waterrelated injuries involved refugees and migrants with no prior swimming experience.

Since then, they've helped more than 33,000 mums, dads and children learn to swim through the program which integrates language, water safety and essential swimming skills.

The programs help participants overcome the barriers to aquatic participation, including language, access to culturally sensitive swimwear, the provision of a welcoming venue, transport, cost, childcare, women’s only programs and transitional programs from the pool to open water.

Multicultural Sector Outstanding Achiever Winner: Indooroopilly Uniting Church Asylum Seeker and Refugee Hub The Indooroopilly Uniting Church Asylum Seeker and Refugee Hub was established

in 2014 to support asylum seekers recently released from immigration detention with welfare, English classes and community meals.

Started by volunteers from the church congregation, the hub offers a welcoming, trusted, one-stop shop of support. It provides a compassionate and safe place for culturally diverse and vulnerable people to engage socially.

Over the years, the Hub services have expanded beyond welfare to include clerical and administrative support preparing protection visa applications, and these days people benefit from efficient access to other asylum seeker services through Asylum Seeker and Refugee Assistance program partners, including case management, employment, housing, physical and mental health supports and legal advice.

More than 600 individuals and families were assisted at the hub in 2021.

Grand Navaratri Celebration at Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir NORTH McLEAN Navratri Celebration at Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir North MacLean began on 26th September and concluded on Tuesday 4th October.

Monday to Thursday, the timings were 6:30; Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the program started at 4:00 PM. Mata Ki Chowki was on Friday, 30th September, Saturday, 1st October and Sunday, 2nd October. Kanchika Poojan was held on the 3rd and 4th of October.

Acharya Dharam Guru PT Ram Harsh Tripathi Jee Blessed Devotees, food and Chowki sponsors. Maha prasad was provided throughout the celebration.

Call: (07) 3192 5188

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022 — 37

Oikotan Durga Pujo 2022 – The Second Edition of the themed Pujo in Brisbane

Oikotan Inc. (formerly Oikotan) has grown leaps and bounds in the last one year since its inception in May 2021. 2022 marked a very special year in the journey they set out on where they organized their second edition of “Durga Pujo” in Brisbane. This year was even more special for them as the event marked the beginning of a lot of new traditions.

New Traditions - New idol and two-day affair This year, participants and team members offered their prayers to the new idol which was unveiled for the first time to the public this year.

Oikotan Inc. in only their second year also managed to start a multi-day celebration of their biggest festival/event over the weekends which marked the beginning of a new tradition which will be followed for several years in

pictures with Maa Durga in a relaxed yet a celebratory environment.

the future.

The making of their “Pandal” Oikotan Durga Pujo, a theme based “pujo”, was all about replicating terracotta mandir adorned with intricate detailing and hand drawn wall art. The planning and execution took twothree months to deliver from procuring of materials to cutting to shape and painting on them. While most of the décor was procured in Australia, some had to be ordered from India to make it look more beautiful and complete the look.

Participants and important Dignitaries Oikotan Inc. in just their second year managed to double their participation from last year’s number with a cumulative footfall of over 500 people over the two days.

This year the festival was inaugurated by Mr Jimmy

Sullivan MP, Member for Stafford who represented the Premier of Queensland, Annastacia Palaszczuk, along with Councillor Cath Tonks of the Moreton Bay Regional Council. Day 2 of the event signified lighting of the lamp by Cr. Cath Tonks and Peter John Flannery, Mayor of the Moreton Bay Regional Council.

Pujo Rituals The traditional Durga Pujo meal of ‘Khichudi’, ‘Labda’ and ‘Chatni’ arranged by

Oikotan not only hit the right spot of traditionalism, but it was also appreciated by each participant on day 2 where over 150+ people had the traditional lunch while over 180+ people indulged in some lip-smacking Indian meals on the first day. Food stall was a welcome addition for all as chai, samosas and pani puri (Phuchka in Bengali) were sold out within the first couple of hours. The fun was doubled up with relentless Adda (casual chit chats),

Debi Boron, Sindur Khela and Traditional Dance Traditionally, Dashami marks the end of the puja rituals. However, the ageold tradition of giving a farewell to “Maa Durga” by women draped in beautiful traditional sarees was followed at the Oikotan pujo as well where the members bid their beloved daughter a final send off for this year often with tears in their eyes following that up with applying red vermillion on each other’s face which is yet another age-old tradition.

While sadness creeped in, celebrations were still on as participants and team members from age groups soon broke into the traditional dance form to the tunes of a very traditional drumbeats, “Dhak er awaj”.

Cultural Program Yet another first for this year and following the tradition back home in Kolkata, team Oikotan organized cultural program on both the days. New and old members showcased their creative sides ranging from dance, recitation to singing and drama. Some of the core team members made their debut in a drama which was a highlight of the day alongside a brilliant Bharatnatyam dance performance by one of the participants. Day 2 performances were equally matched by audio drama, recitation by one of the youngest members along with a tribute to the legendary KK with the proceedings being concluded by a fashion show where more than 20 members showed off heir traditional attire to the loud and cheering crowd. A sumptuous meal soon followed thereby signalling an end to Oikotan Durga Pujo 2022.

Brisbane mourns the passing away of Mr. Parmesh Chand Wishart, Mr. Parmesh Chand, a well-known Indian community leader and solicitor, passed away on 21 September 2022 in Brisbane.

He was a prominent leader of the Indian community and hosted the Indian Bazar, the most significant and first Indian festival to bring all Indian communities together in Brisbane, Qld. It is a significant loss to the Indian Community in Brisbane.

There were many instances where he stood firm and selflessly for the Indian causes. Renowned for his integrity and honesty, he will be dearly missed and loved forever.

Parmesh Chand was an advisor when Brisbane Indian Times was launched, and he used to conduct the monthly face-to-face section

in Brisbane Indian Times.

He assisted with writing the constitution for the Hindu Society of Queensland. In 2007 Parmesh handed over the documents of FICQ to Umesh Chandra and the secretary general, and Dr. Ashim Majumdar took over

38 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022

the presidency Thakor Patel.

from

Dr.

Corrine McMillan MP State Member for Mansfield,

said page.

on her “This

Facebook afternoon,

our community lost an extraordinary person.

Sadly, Parmesh Chand of Wishart, a significant leader of our Indian community, passed away.

Parmesh was a remarkable man, a confidant, friend, and mentor to many, a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle.

Parmesh was a beautiful friend to me and great support. A man of integrity, steadfastness, and humility.

My love, thoughts, and prayers are with Parmesh’s family at this heartbreaking time.

Rest in Peace, wonderful man.”

The funeral was held at 2:00 pm at Mt Thompsom Memorial Garden and crematorium, Nursery Road, Holland Park.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022 — 39

Drama series: Delhi Crime, Season 2 Director: Tanuj Chopra Streaming on Netflix

By Rama Gaind

The international Emmywinning drama series, Delhi Crime, is a discerning and commanding portrait

40 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022

of a city at war with itself.

The first season, written and directed by Richie Mehta in 2019, created history the following year by being the first-ever Indian show to win the Emmy as it bagged the Best Drama Series title. The Englishspeaking production (with subtitles) follows the police force as it investigates highprofile crimes in India’s capital. This series has seasons inspired by both real and fictional events; an ominous gang, a city in panic.

The first season's principal focus was on a blood-curdling crime that shook Delhi to the core. It is based on the 2012 Delhi gang rape case that took place in the neighbourhood of Munirka, in south Delhi. The series follows the story in the aftermath of the gang rape, where Deputy Commissioner of Police Vartika Chaturvedi (portrayed brilliantly by Shefali Shah) is tasked to find the culprits responsible for the assaults and subsequent death of the female victim.

Reprising their roles from Season 1 - Shefali Shah, Rasika Dugal and Tillotama Shome – reveals a concentrated police procedural backdrop where an intensive effort etches the scope for the women. The trio leave a distinguishing reverberation about

their sound capabilities, especially when it comes to dealing with psychological and emotional strife of varying degrees.

The five episodes in Season 2, which also stars Adil Hussain and Rajesh Tailang, follow a gang of killers who are responsible for the brutal murders of senior citizens in Delhi.

Tense and spellbinding, Delhi Crime S2 also takes a deep dive into the lives of the key members of the police team. It delves into the challenges that the cops must face up to and conquer, both on the work front and at home, as they probe a spate of gruesome murders that trigger a wave of panic.

Policing a city like this one is a complex task. As DCP Chaturvedi explains: “We can’t police the lifestyles of the wealthy, nor the aspirations of the less privileged. Sometimes, amidst this conflict, we encounter criminals and criminal activities that are beyond our comprehension.

These criminals are brutal and they’re roaming free.”

“This is a smart gang, a younger generation, more brutal, more aggressive.

Unfortunately, we seldom understand why people commit these kinds of crimes. Even the criminals can’t explain it when we ask.

But there are no answers in the eyes of a killer.”

nger generation of the rich culture and heritage of Karnatak The Association values the unique heritage of the members Kannada Queensland’s Kannada ditional ties withSangha Karnataka.

Rajyotsava and Deepavali Sambhrama

ng Kannada Rajyotsava (The state formation day for Karnata bhrama on 30th October 2022 at 3:30 pm.

Kannada Sangha of Queensland Inc. (KSQ), is a not-for-profit organisation incorporated under the Office of Fair Trading, Queensland.

It aims to promote and

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preserve ‘Kannada’, the language of Karnataka State through cultural and linguistic activities and thereby educate the younger generation of the rich culture and

heritage of Karnataka State in Southern India.

The Association values the unique heritage of the members ancestral links, cultural and traditional ties with Karnataka.

KSQ is celebrating Kannada Rajyotsava (The state formation day for Karnataka) and Deepavali Sambhrama on 30th October 2022 at 3:30 pm.

To make this celebration

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more eventful KSQ is delightfully organising a musical extravaganza evening “Sangeetha Sanje” with two well-known film fare award winning payback singers “Anuradha Bhat“

and “Santosh Venky”.

For enquires contact kannadasanghaqld@gmail. com —Sneha Rajkumar President, Kannada Sangha Queensland

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022 — 41

Telangana govt increases quota for Scheduled tribes to 10% The demand to increase the ST reservation was put forth in a bill passed in the Telangana legislative assembly around six years ago. This bill was then sent to the Central government for the President’s assent

The Telangana government on Friday increased the reservation for scheduled tribes by 4 per cent -- from 6 per cent to 10 per cent -- in the state’s educational institutes and government services with immediate effect, according to an official order.

K Chandrashekar Rao’s government has announced the decision on the occasion of Dussehra, keeping in mind the state’s 10 per cent ST population.

The demand to increase the ST reservation was put forth in a bill passed in the Telangana legislative assembly around six years ago. This bill was then sent to the Central government for the President’s assent.

“On the lines of legislation

enacted by Tamil Nadu, a Bill was passed by the Telangana State Legislature on 16-04-2017 unanimously to enhance the reservation of Scheduled Tribes up to 10 per cent in educational institutions and in State Government services. The Bill has been sent to the Government of India for obtaining the assent of the President in 2017. During these close to six years, the State Government sent several representations in this regard, but the same is still pending. Therefore, in these circumstances, it is expedient to enhance the percentage of Scheduled Tribe reservations, without any further loss of time,” the official order from the state government read.

One dead as ethanol tanker catches fire after collision with tractor in UP

An ethanol-laden tanker caught fire after it overturned following its collision with a tractor-trolley in the Sitapur district of Uttar Pradesh.

One person was killed while five others were critically injured as a major fire broke out in an ethanol laden tanker when it collided with a paddy laden tractortrolley in a Sitapur village on Sunday wee hours.

Superintendent of Police (SP), Sitapur, Sushil Chandra Bhan said the incident took place near Muratpur village under Thangaon police station limits when an ethanol tanker from Biswa sugar mill collided with the

tractor trolley. He said the tanker was heading towards Gonda district from the sugar mill.

Sharing further details, another police official said one person present in the tanker died on the spot while another was in critical condition at a hospital. He said six others injured in the incident were rushed to a Sitapur district hospital.

He said five fire tenders as well as a team of fire safety from the sugar mill was pressed into douse the flames. He said the team from the sugar mill are expert in dousing fire flames caused due to ethanol.

42 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022

Jaishankar's praise for PM Modi: 'Leaders, belief, ideology matter but...'

Jaishankar said if he is asked to give an example from his entire career in the diplomacy of how the role of the leadership came to the help of people, he would cite Operation Ganga in which India could evacuate its students from war-torn Ukraine because of PM Modi's leadership.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar heaped praises on PM Modi's leadership and diplomacy citing examples of Operation Ganga and Vande Bharat and said leaders, ideology and beliefs matter but the thinking that PM Modi represents will be a bigger part of the national thinking.

"So hopefully there will not be any need to change it over a period of time," the foreign minister said interacting with students in Vadodara.

Talking about operation Ganga, Jaishankar said the evacuation of around 20,000 students from the strife-torn Ukraine was an example of how diplomacy works. "It was a test for the system that whether we can address such a crisis after 7-8 years and in this, the leadership played a

major role," Jaishankar said.

"Those who know PM Modi's style of working will know, he does complete monitoring and more than that. At that time, the UP election campaign was going on. He used to hold back-toback rallies in the day and

in the evening he used to take updates of the rescue operation," Jaishankar added.

"Diplomacy is something where you must have heard that personal relationship is important. When you talk to the other person, the other person knows you, knows

your face, and voice and it becomes difficult to say 'no' to you. PM Modi talked to both Ukrainian president Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin and requested for a ceasefire when our students were being evacuated," the foreign minister said.

There was huge pressure on India on the issue of oil, but India was sure to not buckle under any pressure, Jaishankar said. “Due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict petrol prices doubled. We had pressure from where to buy the oil but PM Modi and the government were of the view that we have to do what is best for our nation and if pressure comes then we should face it,” the minister said.

GST collections in September reaches Rs.1.4 lakh-crore, 3rd highest ever Revenue from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in September rose 26%yearon-year to `1.48 lakh crore, the third highest ever and crossing `1.40 lakh crore for the seventh consecutive month, on robust business activities despite the global economic slowdown.

The gross GST revenue collection in September at `1,47,686 crore, reflecting business transactions in August, was `2,314 crore short of `1.50 lakh crore, but government officials and industry experts expect collections to cross that mark next month on higher sales during the festival season.

GST monthly collections stabilising above `1.4 lakh crore for seven months in a row provides more headroom in the fiscal front, said MS Mani, partner at Deloitte India, a consultancy. “The collections in the next three months are expected to be even more robust due to the higher consumption expected during the festive season and the extension of the mandatory e-invoice protocol to taxpayers having turnover above `10 crore from October 1,” he added.

“It is noteworthy that these collections reflect supplies made in August. With the festive season coming up, the GST collections can further be expected to go up in the coming months,” said Abhishek Jain, partner, indirect tax at KPMG in India.

“This is the eighth month and for seventh months in a row now that the monthly GST revenues have been more than the `1.4 lakh crore mark.

The growth in GST revenue till September 2022 over the same period last year is 26%, continuing to display very high buoyancy,” the finance ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

The monthly GST collection crossed `1.4 lakh crore for the first time in January (`1,40,986 crore) and, barring February (`1,33,026 crore), the collections crossed the mark repeatedly since March (`1,42,095 crore). The cumulative GST collections in April-September was `8,93,334 crore, with an average monthly collection of `1,48,889 crore, according to official data.

The streak of robust GST collections started from the first month of the current financial year, when April revenues surged an all-time high at `1,67,540 crore. Later, July saw the second highest collections at `1,48,995 crore.

Out of the total gross GST revenue collected in September, the central GST (CGST) component is `25,271 crore, state GST (SGST) is `31,813 crore, integrated GST (IGST) is `80,464 crore

(including `41,215 crore collected on import of goods) and cess is `10,137 crore (including `856 crore collected on import of goods), the ministry said in the statement.

High cess collections reflect rising demand of luxury goods such as automobiles, experts said. “The stability in cess collection after few months is an indicator that demand for goods such as automobile, cigarettes and aerated beverages has remained constant and has not shown further decline,” said Saurabh Agarwal, tax partner at consultancy firm EY. “This month witnessed the second highest single day collection of `49,453 crore on 20th September with second highest number of 8.77 lakh challans filed, next only to `57,846 crore collected on 20th July 2022 through 9.58 lakh challans, which pertained to end of the year returns,” the finance ministry said, adding that the development reflects the robustness of the GST portal.

September also saw

another milestone when more than 1.1 crore e-way bills and e-invoices (72.94 lakh e-invoices and 37.74 lakh e-way bills) were generated without any glitch on the portal on September 30, it said.

The state-wise GST revenue data show significant increase in “consumption pattern coupled with increase in taxable base” in percentage terms compared to same month previous year from states and union territories such as Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Meghalaya, and Nagaland, Agarwal said.

“The generation of 1.1 crores e-way bill and e-invoicing in a single day showcases a stability in the IT infrastructure,” he said.

“However, it’s important for the big business houses to move to private Invoice Registration Portals appointed by the Government in order to share the load of data which is likely to be increased due to increase in number of assesses liable to generate e-invoices from 1 October 2022.”

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022 — 43

FOCUS ON FIJI

Labasa Cane Cutter, Tea US Commits US$800m Boy-Turned Lawyer Tells Jitendra Reddy has finally opened an office in Labasa to cater for the high demand for his legal services. The office, opened on Wednesday, has four staff members and is lo­cated on the first floor of Bhadur Ali Building in the main street of Labasa Town.

Jitendra Reddy has finally opened an office in Labasa to cater for the high demand for his legal services.

The office, opened on Wednesday, has four staff members and is lo­ cated on the first floor of Bhadur Ali Building in the main street of Labasa Town.

For Mr Reddy, opening office was leaning giving back to his commu­nity.

He is from Qelewaqa, Labasa.

The father of two thanked his wife, Nazmeen Reddy, for being his pillar of strength and for encour­ aging him to open the office.

But Mr Reddy’s hasn’t always been the man in the suit you see today.

When he was 11 years old,

has recently converted into a visiting office.

Even while he was in Labasa, he used to get calls from his clients there prompting him to travel fre­ quently attend to their cases.

he was cutting cane and then at the age of 18 he worked as a tea boy and mes­ senger of Suva High Court.

The opportunity opened up when he was given a scholarship by the Government to study law.

He worked voluntarily for various law firms such as

Patel Sharma Lawyers and Ram Chand Lawyers.

Towards the end of his Bachelor of Law he worked for Reddy Nan­ dan Lawyers as a clerk and eventu­ ally became the man he is today.

In 2016, he opened his first office in Nakasi and then in Ba in 2019 which he

Secret to Success And while he is at level of suc­ cess, he said often provided pro-bono services to the point where people would knock on his door seeking justice.

“I understand the economic situ­ation of Northern Division and for over the past few years I have served various clients,” Mr Reddy said.

“My office will be in operation for six days and anyone who needs my service can visit or call me.”

Buy A Pink-Branded Rami Sami Egg Pack To Support The Cause Ram Sami & Sons (Fiji) Pte Ltd has yet again showed its com­mitment towards the Pinkto­ber and Movember campaigns this year. This time with the innovative, pink-branded egg pack.

Ram Sami & Sons (Fiji) Pte Ltd has yet again showed its com­ mitment towards the Pinkto­ ber and Movember campaigns this year.

This time with the innovative, pink-branded egg pack.

For the sale of every pack, consum­ ers would be contributing towards Fiji Cancer Society’s Pinktober and Movember campaigns.

This was announced during the partnership campaign launched by Rami Sami & Sons and Fiji Cancer Society on Friday.

The specially-branded packs are now available in the market.

At the company’s Wallson factory, the director, Prashneel Goundar, said it

The United States of America has committed more than USD800 million (about FJ$1.83 billion)) to the Pacific re­gion. This was announced to Pacific Is­land leaders present at the historic US Pacific Island Country Summit which concluded in Washington DC on September 29.

was a great honour to be part of such a noble campaign.

He acknowledged Fiji Cancer So­ ciety for the tremendous job to sup­ port the community.

Ram Sami Group marked October and November as one of the impor­ tant

months to contribute towards its corporate social responsibility programme.

“We have been partnering with as­ sociate stakeholders previously in this noble campaign and will con­tinue to do the same,” he said.

“The pack has been

redesigned with pink background.

“I urge the nation to be part of this campaign and let’s make a differ­ ence in someone’s life Fiji.”

Fiji Cancer Society chief executive officer, Belinda Chen, said they are humbled by the support.

“At Fiji Cancer Society we work to raise awareness, improve cancer prevention, provide support to can­ cer patients and provide an active survivorship,” she said.

Of the 1294 cancer patients re­ corded by the society from 2018 to date, breast cancer was seen as still the leading number of cancer type of 434 cases with 71 registered this year.

The United States of America has committed more than USD800 million (about FJ$1.83 billion)) to the Pacific re­gion.

This was announced to Pacific Is­ land leaders present at the historic US Pacific Island Country Summit which concluded in Washington DC on September 29.

US President Joe Biden had also made additional commitments, launching its Partnership strategy with the region, the first national US strategy for Pacific Islands.

President Biden said this was a key component to their broader Indo Pacific strategy.

Part of the announcement

by President Biden was the appoint­ ment of a first ever U.S. envoy to the regional Pacific Islands Forum and the re-establishment of a US­ AID mission in Suva by September 2023.

He said the new U.S. assistance was aimed at ensuring an Indo Pa­ cific region that was free and open, one that is stable and prosperous, resilient and secure.

ASSISTANCE President Biden announced more than $110million in expanded US programs to improve the lives of Pacific Islanders.

“Which includes more than $130million in new investments to support climate resilience and build sustainable blue economies in the Pacific Islands, prepare for climate impacts on public health and food security, and to strength­ en sustainable development

COMMITMENT President Biden said the US was committed to working together with the region to equitably rebuild the global economy in the wake of COVID-19 and Russia’s war.

He said security in the Pacific and for the Pacific Islanders remains as critical as ever to the US. “So this summit is also about deepening our enduring commit­ ment to each other and our shared future.

“Our commitment to tackling the climate crisis which threatens all of us, we’re seeing the consequenc­ es of climate change around the world very vividly, including in the United States right now.

“And I know your nations feel as acutely and for you all, it’s an existential threat, an existential threat.”

Ms Price further added that edu­ cation was critical to economic de­ velopment and can transform the lives

and livelihoods of our Pacific communities.

“As the national institution, FNU must play a key role in be­ing the catalyst for change, and with the continued support of the Fijian Government and the FNU Council, we will continue to help improve living conditions, assist many to achieve their academic aspirations, and take tertiary edu­ cation in the country to greater heights,” she said.

A total of 1734 students will grad­ uate from FNU during its Septem­ ber graduation ceremonies.

Gold Medalist Raj Grateful To FNU Fiji National University (FNU) gold medalist Bryce Rajat Raj expressed grati­ tude to the university for provid­ing him with the opportunity to explore and excel in his field of interest.

The 34-year-old was among 541 students who graduated from the College of Engineering, Science and Technology (CEST) and the Fiji Maritime Academy (FMA) during the university’s second graduation ceremony in Suva on Friday.

Originally from Labasa, Raj was one of three gold medalists and was honoured with a gold medal in Automotive Engineering for Heavy Vehicle from CEST. “I would like to thank FNU be­ cause when I decided to study, they allowed me to, and I am grateful because I felt that my age would mean I did not qualify. I was an ac­ counting and economics student in secondary school and then I later became interested in auto­mobiles,” Raj said.

44 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022

“Despite my background in ac­ counting and economics, I am still able to pursue studies aligned to my passion all the way through to a Level Four Certificate in Auto­ motive Engineering (Heavy Com­ mercial Vehicle).”

FNU Chancellor, Ms Tessa Price added that graduation was one of the most anticipated events of the year for any learning institution.

“After two years of cancelled cer­ emonies due to COVID-19

restric­ tions, our graduation ceremonies today and tomorrow are a wel­comed return to a sense of nor­malcy and community.”

and also to build better early warning capacity to predict, prepare for and respond to climate hazards.

“This is going to build on approxi­mately $375million in climate pro­ grams currently having the region.

We’re also taking several impor­tant diplomatic steps.

“We have been looking forward to this for a long time.”

The meeting also discussed the launch of a new trade and invest­ ment dialogue with the Pacific Is­ land nations that would enhance maritime security, and provide up to $3.5 million over five years to improve the region’s internet con­ nectivity and to support cyber se­curity.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022 — 45

Did Hrithik Roshan hint Ajay Devgn attends the prestigious 68th at the POSSIBILITY of a National Awards ceremony; receives the sequel to Vikram Vedha? award from honourable President of India, The much awaited film Vikram Vedha finally released yesterday, on September 30.

Starring Hrithik Roshan and Saif Ali Khan, the action-entertainer has taken a slow start. But the terrific word of mouth and lack of strong competition till Diwali has made trade hopeful that it can excel at the box office in the long run.

Meanwhile, there has been a lot of demand for the sequel to Vikram Vedha.

The first day reaction videos are full of viewers heaping praises for the film and demanding that Vikram Vedha's second part should be made.

Interestingly, Hrithik Roshan had hinted about a possible sequel in the offing at the song launch of 'Alcoholia' which took place two weeks back in Mumbai.

The event was held in the presence of the film's team, comprising Hrithik, Radhika Apte, Rohit Saraf, Yogita Bihani, director duo PushkarGayatri and others.

Radhika Apte at this event jokingly remarked that she wished if she had got a chance to dance with Hrithik Roshan in the song 'Alcoholia'. To which, Hrithik replied, "For Radhika, we should start thinking about a sequel. Vikram, Vedha, Priya (Radhika Apte's character)... everyone will be on the same side and we can all dance on another song like 'Alcoholia' in part 2."

Yogita Bihani, who plays Chanda in Vikram Vedha,

Smt. Droupadi Murmu

too raised laughs as she joked, "Main ro dungi. Mere saath dhokha hua hai. I was promised that I'll be a part of the song. I had learnt Kathak for 6 months.

I was like 'Hrithik Roshan ke saath dance karna hai. Mera footwork right hona chahiye (laughs)!' Lekin mujhe nahi (mila dance karne)."

Hrithik Roshan also told her, "In Part 2, (you'll get a chance). Chanda (will be back), in some way. We'll figure out something."

In an interview during the promotions of Vikram Vedha, Pushkar had even said, "We have so many of such stories in our mythology and folklore. I think we need to relook at this treasure, there’s so much fodder in there from a storytelling point of view."

A source told Bollywood Hungama, "Vikram Vedha is inspired from Vikram Betaal. It is a set of 25 stories.

With the way Vikram Vedha ended, it won't be surprising if the makers think of taking the story forward."

Bigg Boss 16: Sajid Khan, Tina Datta, Abdu Rozik, Nimrat Kaur Ahluwalia & more confirmed contestants from Salman Khan’s reality show

Bigg Boss 16 is all set to be back with Salman Khan as the host. The new season, which premieres tonight, promises an unprecedented dose of glamour and entertainment.

After months of anticipation, the viewers are all set to witness the extravagant house tonight along with the revealing of the contestants of the new season. While it is

known that Abdu Rozdik and MC Stan will participate this season, the rest of the names are yet to be announced tonight. The premiere will have Salman Khan welcome the contestants with his signature charm. In week 2, three contestants would be wild card entries. So let’s look at the contestants this season:

46 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, June, 2022

Ajay Devgn graced the National Awards ceremony at New Delhi's Vigyan Bhawan on Friday and was presented with the honour for his performance in Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior.

Not too long ago, we reported that Ajay Devgn bagged the Best Actor award last year for his performance in one of the last releases before the pandemic Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, a historical drama inspired by real-life events. The actor recently attended the prestigious 68th National Awards ceremony that was held in Vigyan Bhawan in Delhi amidst dignitaries and politicians. He was presented with the award and certificate by none other than our Honourable President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu.

Speaking of the National Awards, Ajay Devgn received the Best Actor & Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment for Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior. The film, which is also directed

by Ajay himself, featured the actor in the titular character with his real-life

wife Kajol also playing his reel life wife and Saif Ali Khan playing the role of the antagonist. The actor’s performance was highly appreciated by audiences and critics alike and now he had gone to receive the prestigious National Award for the third time. He posted the video with a caption saying, “Not counting the wins or the blessings, just feeling grateful for all of it.

Most importantly, your love. I share this win with all of you ???? Honoured to receive my awards from the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu @presidentofindia @official. anuragthakur.”

Referring to his third

National Award, Ajay shared about this honor on social media and posted a video. In the video, he has also added photos from the other films he has received National Awards for. It includes his 1998 release Zakhm which also starred Pooja Bhatt and Sonali Bendre as well as yet another historical drama, The Legend of Bhagat Singh in 2002, which featured him in the titular character. The film retells the story of one of India’s most respected freedom fighters.

In a statement, the actor said, “I’m humbled & honoured to win two National awards for TanhajiThe Unsung Warrior, one as

producer of best film & one as best actor. I also share the best actor win with Suriya, whose cinema I like & respect. This is my third win as best actor.

I feel elated yet humbled each time this happens. The National Award is significant because it comes from a larger demographic and it represents Indian cinema, embracing cultural and language barriers. And, it has an ‘inclusive’ audience.

Tanhaji was my hundredth film. And it made inroads because it spoke of valor, friendship, family and national fervour. I thank Om Raut, the director and the entire technical team. Not to forget my Co-actors, Saif Ali Khan and Kajol, both of who were pitch-perfect in the film.”

On the film front, Ajay Devgn is currently gearing up for the release of Drishyam 2, a sequel to his 2015 superhit thriller. The film features him alongside Shriya Saran, Tabu, Ishita Dutta and is a remake of the Malayalam film by the same name that released in 2021. The Hindi version is expected to hit the theatres on November 18.

Ed Sheeran faces another copyright lawsuit over claims that he copied a Marvin Gaye classic ‘Let’s Get It On’ Ed Sheeran headed for courtroom trial over claims of copying Marvin Gaye’s 1973 single ‘Let's Get It On.’ Ed Sheeran is facing yet another copyright lawsuit and is headed for another courtroom trial after a judge ruled that his 2014 hit ‘Thinking Out Loud’ is copied from Marvin Gaye's 1973 single ‘Let's Get It On.’ According to Entertainment Weekly, Sheeran's lawyers had tried to have the case dismissed, arguing that the alleged similarities (in chord progression and harmonic rhythm) are not copyrightable, but the plaintiffs argue that the specific combination of those elements is legally protected.

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Judge Louis Stanton has now ruled this debate has to be settled by a jury trial.

"The law does not support Sheeran's contention that the combination of LGO's chord progression and harmonic rhythm is insufficiently original to warrant it copyrightable," the judge wrote. "There is no bright-line rule that the combination of two unprotectable elements

Movie Name Audience Score White 30 Godfather 59 Maja Ma 34 Aa Bhi Ja O Piya 91 Goodbye 74 Hindutva 83 The Ghost 100 Nazar Andaaz 67 Doctor G 48 Double XL 100 Tara Vs Bilal 25

is insufficiently numerous to constitute an original work."

The claim over ‘Thinking Out Loud’ was originally lodged in 2018 by a company called Structured Asset Sales (SAS), which acquired a portion of the estate of Ed Townsend, who cowrote ‘Let’s Get It On’. It sought $100m (£90m) in damages, alleging that Sheeran and his co-writer Amy Wadge “copied and exploited, without authorisation or credit,” the 1973 Gaye song, “including but not limited to the melody, rhythms, harmonies, drums, bass line, backing chorus, tempo, syncopation and looping”.

Now the civil trial is set to take place in Manhattan at an

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unannounced date. This isn't the first time Sheeran is facing a copyright lawsuit. In 2017, he settled a lawsuit over the track ‘Photograph,’ and earlier this year he won a plagiarism lawsuit in the United Kingdom over his chat topping song ‘Shape of You.’ "Whilst we're obviously happy with the result, I feel like claims like this are way too common now and we've become a culture where a claim is made with the idea that settlement will be cheaper than taking it to court, even if there is no base to the claim," Sheeran said in a video to fans after the "Shape of You" victory. "It's really damaging to the songwriting industry."

Modi Ji Ki Beti 12 Love You Loktantra 34 Kartoot 50 Code Name: Tiranga 75 Bal Naren 50 Aye Zindagi 100 Thank God 75 Ram Setu 77 PhoneBhoot 64 Kuttey 50 Banaras 50 Shaakuntalam 0

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, June, 2022 — 47

October every year is international liver awareness month In October join ECCQ in caring for your liver.

Your liver is an amazing organ and you cannot live without one.

Did you know it can repair itself given the chance after an injury or surgery? What does your liver do?

Your liver performs over 500 different functions including: 4Produces bile to breakdown fats, some vitamins and cholesterol 4Produces protein for blood plasma 4Breaks down glucose and converts it to store and provide energy when you need it 4Stores iron from broken down old red blood cells and releases it when new red blood cells are being produced 4Stores vitamins and minerals and releases them when you need them 4Filters and removes bacteria, toxins, alcohol and drugs Unfortunately there are some conditions that can affect your liver, but with proper monitoring

liver cancer in 2021, with men diagnosed three times more often than women.

Unfortunately, most people will not develop symptoms of liver cancer until it has become advanced.

and management you can maintain a healthy liver.

The most common conditions include: 4Fatty Liver – this can be controlled and reduced with a healthy diet and regular exercise 4Alcohol related liver disease – stop drinking alcohol 4Hepatitis C virus – can damage the liver and lead to liver cancer. The hepatitis

C treatment can cure and eliminate the virus.

4Hepatitis B virus – can damage the liver and lead to liver cancer. There is no cure but with recommended regular monitoring and for some people treatment – the risk of liver cancer will be greatly reduced: 4If you have been told in the past that you are a ‘healthy carrier’ you still need to see your doctor

Diwali

make up essential

Nimisha Modi

Hetvi Hair & Beauty 0412350013

Hey Girls, It’s Diwali, that time of the year when we all Indians get into the holiday mood, the mood to enjoy some fire-works, mood to enjoy family dinners, mood to enjoy an ecstatic Diwali party with our family and friends. And amidst this celebration, how can we forget Indian Women, their beauty and their urge to look prettiest on these occasions.

Its festive season, and so, please don’t experiment with your skin using new products. You may never know when you end up with allergic reactions or pimple breakouts. So, go the regular way and simply Cleanse, Tone and Moisturize your skin at least twice a day.

Eyes:-Indian women are known for their beautiful mesmerizing eyes. So, on festive occasions like Diwali, enhance your eyes with the right amount of makeup.

Go for golden eyes with a

smokey look at the corners, or simply choose the neutral eye makeup and add a little magic with a smokey look at the outer ends. In case you want to look bold and play with colours, use colours like ivory and gold and use coloured eyeliner to finish the look. Add a little shimmer in the edges for a more dramatic and festive look.

Brows:-Thick and finely shaped brows are in vogue.

So, simply colour your brows with a black or brown shadow using a fine brush.

Avoid using pencils for their unnatural looks.

Eye Lashes:-Use long lasting, waterproof mascara on your lashes. Make sure you use enough to give your eyes the most beautiful look ever. Mascaras open up your eyes, making them look bigger and prettier.

Eye Liners:-Choose the eyeliner you are most comfortable with. However, the winged eye liner shape looks classy these days.

Blush:-Use a blush that adds a more glowing effect to your skin. Choose the colour

48 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022

that highlights your cheeks perfectly. (Not very light coloured) Highlighter:Use a highlighter on the cheekbones and also the bridge of your nose.

Lips:-Lip colour is absolutely your choice. You can keep it light or even bright coloured, based on your choice.

In case you are opting for a nude look, add a lot of gloss on your lips to add a little sparkle on them.

And if you are opting for colours, go for Pinks, Reds and Corals.

And Lastly, Don’t forget to carry your makeup essentials where ever you go for a final touch up.

Wish you all Happy Diwali and Prosperous New year.

Have a blessed life.

Nimisha

regularly - usually every 6 months for tests including blood tests, liver ultrasounds (these check for liver cancer) and Fibroscan to check for liver damage.

4‘Healthy carrier ‘is a term no longer used - as you still have the virus and it could be causing damage to your liver.

The Cancer Council of Australia advises 2832 people were diagnosed with

How can you protect yourself and your liver?

4Have a liver check with your GP including checking or testing (if not done in the past) for hepatitis B and hepatitis C, liver function tests, an ultrasound of your liver 4See your GP when they recommend follow up 4Eat healthier foods (avoid fried, salty and sugary foods and drinks) and get

regular exercise 4Reduce your weight if overweight 4Stop or reduce alcohol 4Stop smoking 4Get enough sleep – this will help your liver reduce its workload and get a bit of rest too.

For more information, please contact ECCQ: Website: www.eccq.com. au/bbv Phone: 07-3844 9166 If you live in Cairns, you can also contact: Rhondda Lewis Viral Hepatitis Health Coordinator Phone: 07-4226 4761 Email: Rhondda.Lewis@ health.qld.gov.au

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

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com.au

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022 — 49

OCTOBER-2022

Aries ( 21st March to 20th April )

Taurus ( 21st April to 21st May )

Gemini ( 22nd May to 21st June )

This month is significant in terms of relationships and collaboration with people you interact with regularly. Mercury transit would help you succeed in competitive exams and come out of challenges with the right intellect. There may be a small gathering in the family, at work, or at a business deal to begin a new journey. The transit of Venus and Mercury would bring about a slew of festive events. However, it would be best if you were careful of the Sun's transit because it can cause ego conflicts and manifest as an argument, which leads to problems at work or in relationships. This month's focus should be on health. Avoid eating outdoors and being aggressive during a conversation. Be vigilant when flying, as Mars' transit indicates that there could be some difficulties.

This month, you would be presented with an unexpected opportunity linked to a foreign country. Projects involving a foreign country or a shift in the workplace can be beneficial to you. Those of you who have been looking for a love partner likely to find it. You may get to spend a lot of time having fun with someone you like. This month would bring you planned financial gains from increments, as well as tips from your friends for a successful financial investment. This may provide you with an anticipated return. This month, students must adopt a constructive attitude toward their studies. Make a schedule for the upcoming exam and take baby steps to ensure you get the desired results.

You work hard to achieve happiness and success as a native who resists change but accepts it with modesty. This month, however, the hard work shall continue. You shall complete all of your tasks using your communication skills and overcome ongoing disputes with others using your persuasive ability.

Your strength would grow, and you would be able to complete several projects on time, paving the way for financial gain in your life. Aside from that, you are likely to develop in long-term ventures that would yield positive results in the long run. During this time, you should maintain good working relationships with your superiors. You would be just fine financially. However, you may consciously participate in spiritual acts, and if you do any study, you would be able to obtain good results. The transit of the Sun and Mars is very beneficial for students studying Medicine. The former would allow you to study Medicine, while the latter may enable you to pursue advanced studies that is likely to lead to specialisation. Your efforts would be worthwhile if you took the right decision. This would be a difficult month for single natives. Your isolation would be intense, and you would long for someone to be a part of your life. Just hold on to your feelings, and you would be free of this isolation in no time.

Again, the month would be more beneficial and rewarding for married couples.

This month, you must be patient when making decisions because most of the planetary transits may affect your intellect. There would be a delay in receiving luck's assistance, so it is best to have a backup plan and depend on your chance. Relationships with children must also be carefully handled because miscommunication can trigger stress. Jupiter's transit would provide you with advancement and progress in the project you were working on.

This month, your hard work and dedication would be rewarded by some significant planet transits. Engineering-related work or employment may lead to success. Students are encouraged to practise their skills and remain centred. Many of you who get nervous or stressed out about exams should break down your training plan into baby steps. This would support you in your test. When giving gifts to your partner, be romantic and imaginative.

This would help you have an excellent time in your love life. You should not use a realistic approach in your love life. Your love life needs rejuvenation through communication and quality time spent with your partner. Try to be humble in your interactions with your girlfriend. Avoid being violent because it can lead to health problems. Replace fast food with leafy greens and juicy fruits. This would help to increase your immunity. Meditation can help people embrace change in a positive way, and you can have stress-free days this month.

Cancer ( 22nd June to 22nd July )

Leo ( 23rd July to 22nd August )

Virgo ( 23rd August to 22nd September )

According to your monthly Horoscope, you may embark on a new business venture. It could be a unique business opportunity or a project in which you can participate this month. The monthly horoscope also includes the chance of your marrying. New alliances may form unexpectantly, and you may amass an abundance of fame and social status. You have nothing to worry about in terms of health this month. It is, however, advised that you take care in cases involving your eyes and lower limbs.

The month also brings a new and intriguing love interest with whom you can immediately interact. According to the monthly horoscope, the month would be smooth with some difficulties that you would manage well. These celestial alignments would result in favourable circumstances for many of you this month. In addition, the month may offer good opportunities for the natives. You may have a chance to grow your company or advance your career. This is the month in which it would be very beneficial to make the most of the opportunities that come your way during this month. In terms of your family life, you should be very cautious and tactical in your expressions. Try to remain calm and mature in the face of adversity. Try to keep track of your spending and cut back on unnecessary purchases. This would be an excellent month to invest in commodities like glittering mettle.

For those who are dating, this may not be an inspiring month. They may get bored, but they would be wise to stick with their partner. In addition, they want to make them happy with their love and care.

Children in the family should stay out of trouble. This month , they must exercise extreme caution. You may have to take a trip you've been putting off for a while.

However, this journey would likely be highly profitable. You most likely go on a vacation with your loved ones. This month, doctors and medical practitioners are likely to energised and motivated. Their hard work would be greatly appreciated. Judges and peers may commend legal practitioners for their efforts. They may gain notoriety and would undoubtedly profit from this. Teachers are in for a tough week, and they may be tired by the end of it. Athletes will quickly meet this week's obstacles. With all of their efforts, they will emerge victoriously.

You would have a fantastic time on this tour. Natives involved in the company or industry may make significant progress this week. They would perform admirably in their current ventures. They could take their company to new heights with a little more effort. Real estate brokers and builders shall make incremental progress in their day-today work. This week, they should also concentrate on starting their new ventures or deals. Teachers are encouraged to take the initiative to ensure that their work is recognised.

Some complications may cause discomfort at the start of this month. Don't be boring; try something out of the ordinary that is both realistic and important.

You should have ample time to make improvements as the month progresses. The latter half of this month may require you to reflect on previous decisions and actions. During the month's end, well-aligned planets would aid your cause. You should anticipate financial benefits at the beginning of this month. However, as the month progresses, you may find yourself losing the ability to think logically and rationally. A minor financial issue could cause you trouble around the middle of this month. In terms of finance, the latter portion would be much more beneficial to wealth formation. This month, the affection, warmth, and peace you feel are more vital than ever. Positive energy, trust, respect, romance, and intimacy may increase as the month progresses. You and your beloved are likely to experience plenty of passion, romance, and intimacy in the latter half of this month. The planetary positions during this month would make studying difficult. The middle of this month would be much better for your studies, but you may become easily distracted, and your results would suffer as a result in the latter half of the month. This month could be beneficial to your health and fitness.

There is no extensive illness on the horizon. About the middle of this month, your health would remain mediocre. However, you would soon feel at ease with your health and fitness levels.

Libra ( 23rd September to 22nd October )

Scorpio ( 23rd October to 22nd November )

Sagittarius ( 23rd November to 21st December )

This month may start on a high note in your professional life. Businesspeople can face numerous challenges and should avoid making hasty decisions.

If you are searching for a new career, you most likely find one in the middle of this month. As the month progresses, business is expected to thrive. This month has the potential to improve your financial situation. However, you must maintain a long-term perspective and maximise your savings. Avoid being risky with your money in the middle of this month, or you may find yourself in a difficult situation.

The second half of this month would be favourable for both your earnings and investments. As the month starts, your love life and friendship are looking up. As the month progresses, you may have a greater understanding of your partner's and loved ones' feelings and are more sensitive to each other's needs. There would be some upheavals, but the latter part are likely to clear the air, and you may feel much more optimistic and excited about your life. This month would be a blessing for you, with no significant issues in your studies.

You are likely to achieve the desired outcomes with your efforts and the encouragement of mentors. This is a time of accomplishment and total fulfilment. For the most part, your health would be in decent condition for the rest of the month. However, strict discipline can still be needed. Your health may remain good throughout the latter half of this month, but it may cause you to be a little careless, which may affect your fitness level.

You may face some ups and downs during this month. You are under the influence of Saturn and Jupiter, which is likely to create some confusion and problems in your life. You may experience a feeling of irritation as a result of stress. There would be an increased expenditure on travel this month. Some family disputes may also take place during this time.

The month suggests that you should try to be more careful regarding your actions. You may need to keep your words under control. You should retain your calm till the middle of the month. You may have some highs and lows at this time, but you should endeavour to maintain your sanity. As a result of this planetary alignment, you would need to increase your self-esteem at work. Furthermore, it is critical to take extra care of your eyes and avoid allowing employment to impact your health negatively. Your interest in politics or study may be piqued as a result of this planetary position. Some of you may be drawn to religious and spiritual pursuits, and you may even host auspicious events at your home. If you were involved in a legal issue, you might get some good news around the 21st of the month in 2022. Finally, your patience would allow you to obtain what you have been seeking for a long time. Your efforts will undoubtedly be recognised. You most probably become astute, organised, diligent, calculated, and willing to pull all the strings that your position enables. There's no need to be embarrassed if others see you have more vitality than femininity.

The first part of the month would need you to deal with issues concerning your personality and character. This planetary alignment may cause you to become emotionally dependant on your spouse.

You may also begin to feel insecure; yet, the intimacy are likely to grow throughout this period. You may be unable to think and form decisions fast, which would harm your finances and career. You may need to travel abroad for work, and this trip would be beneficial. You would put in a lot of effort, and your efforts would be rewarded. You should maintain your cool at work and be able to remain calm in stressful situations. Also, keep a close eye on your remarks to avoid getting into heated debates with your professional colleagues. Your mother's health may be a source of concern this month, as she would likely experience some health issues.

Similarly, monitor your child's eating habits and ensure that they follow a healthy lifestyle pattern. Others may criticise you because you are firm despite being a lady. Your ethics would hurt someone you deal with. Continue with your ways and dealings if you have complete faith in them. Others can quickly comprehend your motivations. You have an exciting and revitalising week ahead of you. You would feel prepared to take on new difficulties related to your work or new ventures. Your youthfulness is likely to provide harmony to your entire family.

Capricorn ( 22nd December to 20th January )

Aquarius ( 21st January to 18th February )

Pisces ( 19th February to 20th March )

This month, business professionals are likely to meet their objectives. It is time to improve your financial situation by enrolling in a new course in a similar sector. Your monthly horoscope suggests that expanding your skill set now would set you up for improved economic changes in the future. You may need to make a financial investment at this time to advance your profession, but you can be confident that your financial gains would improve in the long run as a result. If you've been thinking about buying a car, now is the time to do so, according to your monthly forecast. If you intend to speculate and generate money, this may not be the time or location for you. Those wanting to take out a loan this month are urged to reconsider their plans, as the credit facility may not supply you with the desired income that should be flowing under ordinary circumstances.

The work you have put into your projects up to this point is likely to bear fruits. For the time being, you can sit and relax. Then you can start reaping the rewards of your labour. When dealing with your siblings, try to keep your proud, impatient, and bombastic character at bay, as minor disputes with your siblings are possible. You would be clever, generous, engaging, and fascinating, giving you a never dull, constantly busy, and very alive personality to deal with. You need someone's support to enhance your energy and enthusiasm if you're feeling insecure. Others may perceive you as a forceful personality who makes bold decisions.

Others may criticise you because you are firm despite being a lady. The primary threat to your health is repressed anger, grudges, and painful reminiscences, which can even lead to a mental syndrome. You have an exciting and revitalising week ahead of you. You may feel prepared to take on new difficulties related to your work or new ventures. Your youthfulness would provide harmony to your entire family. Your trait of being silent, humble, and adaptable when it is not required to express yourself would earn you more respect from others. You can certainly express your philosophical ideas when they are needed. If you become hesitant to use your analytical skills more effectively, you may become stuck, which leave you with lots of pending work.

This month, your communication skills and diplomatic approach are likely to be extremely beneficial to you on both a personal and professional level. With Jupiter's blessings, you can expect a great outcome from family and savings this month. Nonetheless, it is recommended that you exercise prudence or seek professional counsel before making a major investment. You are likely to have disagreements with siblings as a result of miscommunication, and you are also recommended not to engage in a quarrel because this can result in financial loss. Commitment is needed at work, and be very careful before sending mail, texts, or phone calls.

Keep an eye out for squabbles and office politics. Those in the media should take care of their client relationships because planetary transit is not in your favour. Some of you may experience a delay in receiving your exam results. Don't get sidetracked by a relationship. Disagreements with a spouse are more likely to take place this month. Instead of criticising each other for previous mistakes, use constructive dialogue to revitalise your relationship. Some of you may incur property-related expenses in a foreign country as well as employment in a foreign country. With Saturn's influence this month, hard effort and tenacity are extremely required.

Don't rely on luck to achieve your goals in your job and business. There may be new employees at the office. A marriage proposal may be on the way unexpectedly. Those of you who are waiting for a love proposal or confession may need to wait a little longer.

50 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022 — 51

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, January, 2020 — 51

NRMA Insurance and Cricket Australia announce Platinum Partnership Cricket Australia (CA) is pleased to announce a new men’s Test naming rights partnership with NRMA Insurance, one of Australia’s most trusted brands.

NRMA Insurance will also be the Official Insurance Partner of both the Men’s and Women’s International Cricket Teams, as well as supporting community cricket across the country.

NRMA Insurance acknowledged volunteers from Pat, Josh and Ellyse’s junior playing years who have been instrumental in helping their local cricket communities Penrith Cricket Club’s Ron and Matthew Halse, St George DCC’s Kevin Greene and Belinda Robertson. Players and volunteers were joined by Cricket Australia Executive General Manager Stephanie Beltrame and NRMA Insurance Group Executive Julie Batch.

NRMA Insurance will hold the naming rights for all men’s Test series in Australia for the next four seasons, including the iconic Sydney Pink Test in support of the McGrath Foundation.

The partnership will begin with the forthcoming men’s Test series against the West Indies and South Africa.

This will be the first time NRMA Insurance has taken a national tier one partnership with an Australian sporting code, enabling the brand to bolster its national presence, and further demonstrating the wide reach and strong reputation of cricket as Australia’s national sport.

While the NRMA Insurance brand will be

prominent at Australia’s iconic cricket stadiums, the partnership will also have significant benefits for local communities and cricket clubs.

As a part of this partnership, NRMA Insurance will work with CA to support the sport’s continued growth, which relies heavily on a large network of volunteers and helpers. NRMA Insurance will celebrate and advocate for these helpers, who are

ICONIC VICTORY! The Indian Men's team have pulled off an historic win against the World no. 2 ranked Germany at the 2022 World Team Table Tennis Championships.

Sathiyan Gnanasekaran came back from being 0-2 to win it 3-2 to help India clinch the victory!

Getty • #SathiyanGnanasekaran #ITTFWorlds2022 #TableTennis #TeamIndia #BharatArmy 52 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022

the lifeblood of Australian cricket.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer Nick Hockley said: “We are extremely proud to partner with NRMA Insurance and are delighted that cricket has been chosen as the sport to promote its iconic Australian brand.

“This partnership further emphasises the enduring popularity of Test cricket with the Australian public.

“We are particularly

excited that NRMA Insurance shares cricket’s passion for helping local communities, meaning that benefits for clubs and volunteers will be significant.

“This is a great way to start a momentous summer of cricket and we look forward to NRMA Insurance becoming a prominent part of the cricket family going forward."

NRMA Insurance Group Executive Julie Batch said: “This is a significant and purpose-led partnership for NRMA Insurance. Cricket is considered Australia’s national sport, and one that is built on community connection, so it was the ideal partnership to support the continued growth of NRMA Insurance across the country as we deliver on our brand promise of Help.

“NRMA Insurance has been helping Australians for nearly 100 years and we believe in the power of help in building resilient communities.

“Without the helpers behind our national teams, the families that support and encourage the stars of

today and tomorrow, and the 220,000 volunteers across community club cricket nationwide, Australian cricket simply wouldn’t exist.

“In partnership with Cricket Australia, we look forward to celebrating the local communities and volunteers that make this great game possible and hopefully inspire others to help too.”

About NRMA Insurance: NRMA Insurance is one of Australia’s most trusted general insurance providers, helping people protect the things they care about since 1925. It has a long proud history of working with communities to build their resilience against severe weather and keep people safer on the road.

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NRMA Insurance is backed by IAG, the largest general insurer in Australia and New Zealand.

Indonesia orders punishment for football stadium disaster 'perpetrators' MALANG: 's government called on the country's police Monday to identify and punish whoever was responsible for a stadium stampede that left 125 people dead, as anger mounted over one of the deadliest disasters in the history of football.

The tragedy on Saturday night in the city of Malang also saw 323 people injured after officers fired tear gas in a packed stadium to quell a pitch invasion, triggering a stampede.

"We ask the national police to find the perpetrators who have committed crimes in the next few days," Indonesia's chief security minister Mahfud MD said in a broadcast statement, without specifying who he was referring to.

"We asked them to unveil who has perpetrated the crimes and that action must be taken against them and we also hope the National Police will evaluate their security procedures," he added, announcing a task force for the investigation had been formed.

The incident unfolded when fans of home team Arema FC\ stormed the pitch at the Kanjuruhan stadium after their loss 3-2 to bitter rivals Persebaya Surabaya.

Police responded by launching volleys of tear gas into packed terraces, prompting spectators to rush en masse to small gates where many were trampled or suffocated, according to witnesses.

Police described the incident as a riot in which two officers were killed but survivors accuse them of overreacting and causing

the deaths of scores of spectators, including a fiveyear-old boy.

"One of our messages is for the authorities to investigate this (incident) thoroughly. And we want accountability, who is to blame?" said 25-year-old Andika, who declined to give his last name.

"We want justice for our fallen supporters," he said.Outside the Kanjuruhan stadium on Sunday evening, people held a vigil beneath the roaring lion statue -- the club's symbol -- to honour the victims.

But fresh graffiti daubed on the walls of the stadium revealed bubbling anger towards the authorities.

"My siblings were killed.

Investigate thoroughly," read one message scrawled on the stadium's shutters, accompanied by a black ribbon and the date of the tragedy. "ACAB", an acronym for "all cops are bastards", was sprayed on another wall.

In Jakarta, hundreds of football fans gathered outside the country's biggest stadium on Sunday chanting "murderer! murderer!", singing songs in

support of Arema FC and placing police tape on the complex's fence.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo announced a probe into the incident, but rights groups said it should be independent and officers should be held accountable for using tear gas in a confined area.

"We call on authorities to conduct a swift, thorough, and independent investigation into the use of tear gas at the stadium and ensure that those who are found to have committed violations are tried in open court," Amnesty International said in a statement. "This loss of life cannot go unanswered." Mahfud said the task force would be chosen in the next 24 hours and would consist of government officials, analysts, ministry representatives, football organisation officials, academics and members of the media.

He said authorities would announce the results of the probe as soon as possible.

"It is estimated the task can be concluded in the next two or three weeks," he said.

Call: (07) 3192 5188

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022 — 53

54 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022

Call: (07) 3192 5188

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022 — 55

56 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, October, 2022