Brisbane Indian Times - September 2020 Online Issue

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

Volume 17, Number 1 Saturday, September 12th, 2020

As God is One, we respect all Religions

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India’s Vande Bharat Mission

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Fiji Freight Specialist (Sea & Air) Foreign carriers are returning to India using travel bubble agreements. Photo: Getty Images Now in its 6th phase, the Vande Bharat Mission (VBM) has brought home nearly 500,000 Indians on flights from around the world since May. With scheduled flights still banned, thousands are still relying on these repatriation flights to get home. However, with travel bubbles also now in place, what is the update on the Vande Bharat Mission?

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Inside

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

A Division of Qld Multicultural Times Published Monthly OWNERS / PUBLISHERS: Umesh Chandra OAM & Usha Chandra ADVERTISING: Charita Deshpande (Sales and Marketing Manager) 0430 193 715, sales@indiantimes.com.au JOURNALIST/ CORRESPONDENTS Ram Jattan (UK) / Thakur Ranjit Singh (NZ) Thilliar Varnakulasingham (NZ) Shalendra Prasad (Fiji) / Dhaval Vyas (India) Rama Gaind (Canberra) • ML. M. Nawaaz Ashram • Imam Muhammad Aslam • Pastor Joseph Dass • Haji Abdul Rahman Deen • Jitendra Deo • Nimisha Modi • Ranjita Pillai (Immigration Matters) • Peter Lane Rai • Awadhesh Sharma • Shailendra Singh • Gagan deep Tandon • Ravi Vastrad • Cartoon Corner: Merwyn Machado • Brian Sullivan (Photography)

From the Publisher Welcome to our September Issue, with Ganesh Chaturthi and Onam behind us we can now look forward to Navratri, Dussehra, Durga puja and Bathukamma all of which will lead us to Diwali. What shape and form these festivals will take this year is anyone’s guess. India has recorded the large number of Covid 19 cases, the economy has taken a nose dive and border tensions looms, despite all these Prime Minister Modi remains optimistic and in his address during Indo-US Summit, he said that India has huge potential and welcomes investment. In Rajya Sabha question time has been suspended six times, opposition parties are up in arms the suspension in the forthcoming monsoon session of Parliament. As a matter of fact, record show that sixty percent of the time during question time have been wasted due the disruptions. India claims a better recovery rate than some other countries, and the research work on the “Vaccine” continues.

Hopefully some good news will be forthcoming despite the shrinking GDP. Locally I have been very busy, yes even during this pandemic and even with the restricted movements we have ways to be extra busy, so virtually, I have

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

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been busy. Really excited with the revival of White ribbon and the reformation of the committees, watch out for further announcements, at this stage local committees are being formed, who will undertake the community awareness program and work with other like mined organisations.

And now to the incident in Harris park, it is very disgraceful and sheds a bad light on our community, of course everyone has right to his or her view, and you can agree to disagree, as we all have our own opinion on any given topic. We must remember that we are is Australia and not in any back alleys of India, and conflict resolution in Australia does not take place with few “goundas” (hired hitmen) and “laathis” (sticks). The incident clearly demonstrates that, while many new migrants have made it into Australia and rather than obeying the laws of the land, they are still stuck with the ways and means of where they grew up. It does not matter what the fight was over the fact of the matter is that you don’t take to the streets to sort out your differences. I hope the law will deal with the perpetrators in the strictest possible manner.

And now to our Facebook live segment,

well what can I say? I am overwhelmed by the response, we have a growing number of viewers daily, and great reviews and comments. This has caught the attention of many media agencies who have been regularly booking very important and informative interviews. At the moment, functions are on stand still, once the function begin the segment will be very busy, the segment goes live every morning at 10:00 am, except on the odd occasion when we are out and about at functions, in which case we go live at 2:00pm. On Saturday we have the weekend special a wrap up of the week. We offer special coverage of functions and event; out last hosted event was GOPIO Queensland India Day virtual event which attracted 106K views with 1.6 K likes. GOPIO Queensland’s India Day Fair at Roma Street Parkland attracts a large number of people but getting 106K viewers online for the event this year is ground breaking. Special thanks to our in-house team, Dilraj with the back end, Madhuri on the ground and in the field with Usha Chandra and the amazing Shveta in the studio with me as the cohost. I would like to place on record our appreciation for the many group admins who allowed us to share our event on their pages, really appreciated.

Was honoured to be a speaker at ODI International Web-Symposium with a global panel consisting of PIO academics, PIO community leader and professional Indian researchers on "Recent Security Threats to India from China: Responses of Indian Diaspora" on 5 September 2020.

Jointly organised by Organisation for Diaspora Initiatives, Central University of Gujarat and Jawaharlal Nehru University, hosted via WebEx at JNU. The WebSymposium was very well organised and all presenters of very high calibre, international Web-Symposium always has a world time challenge finding mutually appropriate time for everyone is impossible, so I was up till wee hours of the morning.

The other very important virtual event was the multicultural press conference with minister Alan Tudge, his opening remarks were as follows;“I suppose I wanted just to say a few things to you all as leaders of multicultural media. First up, justto alert you to the speech I did at the National Press Club last week, which was an important speechtalking about our social cohesion and how we can maintain it. And I made the point that we have, Ithink, the most socially cohesive, harmonious multicultural country on earth and we want toobviously do everything that we can to maintain that”. There were key policies outlined, see the full article, it was wonderful to be invited as Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio.

Well that’s all from me for this month, hope you all are keeping well, take care and remain safe, if in doubt get yourself tested, don’t go out if you don’t have to.Until Next month, stay safe and happy reading.

Umesh Chandra OAM

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Benefit from the natural beauty of Country NSW

By Rama Gaind

Country NSW has an astonishing miscellany of natural beauty spots and places of interest with the ‘wonder’ factor. There will be plenty to keep you entertained – from nationmaking heritage sites and

charming towns to cultural attractions, world-class food and wine regions and walking trails that wind through World Heritage wilderness.

While some travel restrictions have been lifted after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, caution is still recommended. Stay updated with the latest information before you head down the road to your destination as the situation can often change swiftly.

Be amazed by the diversity in Country NSW. Discover emerald-green sections of the Gondwana Rainforests near Armidale and Glen Innes in northern NSW, the World Heritage Mungo National

Visit Lowe Wines in Mudgee, Country NSW.

Park in southwest NSW and Australia’s first Dark Sky Park in the Warrumbungle region.

The list goes on: ride a paddlesteamer on The Murray, go on safari at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo, visit the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope, explore 430 million-yearold caves and joining the dots between cellar doors are just a few of the state's must-do experiences. You can even try your luck and go fossicking for gold.

Young and old will love wildlife sanctuaries, adventure playgrounds, horse riding and water parks. Choose your own adventure in Country NSW from placid pastimes like hiking, fishing and birdwatching to adrenalinepumping pursuits such as mountain biking, canyoning and skydiving.

Foodies regularly flock to award-winning regional restaurants like Lolli Redini, Tonic, Poachers Pantry and the Pipeclay Pumphouse.

You can also tuck into seasonal fare in heritage pubs and charming cafes.

Stop at a local farmers

Couple enjoy a glamping experience at Nashdale Lane Wines in Country NSW.

Paddlesteamer Emmylou cruising along the Murray River near Echuca-Moama. market to pick up fresh produce, cheese, wine and more.

Museums and cellar doors Plan your trip to Country NSW around an exciting regional event, festival, show or sporting match. The one-of-a-kind museums in Country NSW also make compelling pit stops, from the Bradman Museum in Bowral to the Age of Fishes Museum in Canowindra, and the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum in Bathurst. There is also a world-class collection of historic aircraft at the Temora Aviation Museum.

Some of Australia's most exciting art galleries are found in regional Australia.

Think Mama in Albury, Wagga Wagga Art Gallery and Western Plains Cultural Centre in Dubbo. The Bank Art Museum Moree, located in the thermal spa town of Moree, is also worth visiting for its collection of Aboriginal art.

The wineries of Country NSW also make for a sweet detour, with cellar doors offering sensational views in regions like Orange, Mudgee, the Riverina and the Hilltops. Take a wine tour, meet the winemakers and sample the latest

vintages amongst the vines.

You’ll also find boutique breweries and small batch distilleries turning out oneof-a-kind drops. Bookings are essential.

Lowe Wines grows, makes and sells premium organic wine in Mudgee NSW. Love both red and white?

Then Nashdale Lane Wines is another place to visit where you will find an extensive range of wines all grown from fruit on the 24.2 hectare vineyard in Orange, NSW. Here you will particularly enjoy a special Australian getaway - with luxury glamping cabins.

You can also appreciate luxury cruising on the Murray River. The majestic PS Emmylou is one of the most recognisable and iconic paddlesteamers in Australia, cruising the Murray River from Echuca, just 2.5 hours drive from Melbourne.

A new six-night All the Rivers Run Cruise will be introduced from November 2020. You will be able to enjoy the spectacular scenery of Australia’s longest river with a Murray River cruise aboard the world’s only cruising woodfired paddlesteamer and Australia’s most luxurious boutique river cruise.

THE GRATEFUL LEPER THE GRATEFUL LEPER

Pastor Suresh Dass Joseph josephdass@optusnet.com.au

Dear reader, it is with much joy we bring to you the word of God. Let me ask you, are you a grateful person? Do you take time to thank the people God has placed in your life, the place where you work and get your wages from, the suburb you live in, the people God has placed above you, your nationality?

It is not easy to be grateful all the time. But this is something we all need to work on. In the scriptures, we read that we are to be thankful in all circumstances.

Paul wrote this in the bible at a time when he was facing severe persecution and jail time. The question is, how can we be thankful when we are sick, when we are in lack, when business is slow or when we lose our job or when we are oppressed.

But the scripture doesn’t say we are to be thankful for the difficulties butin our difficulties.

That means, when we are sick, we thank God for our healing, when we are in lack, we thank God for His provision, when we feel weak, we thank God for His help and strength.

In the Bible (Luke 17 v 1119), we read how, on the way to Jerusalem, Jesus met ten lepers, who begged Him to heal them.

He told them to go and show themselves to the priests. On their way, as they walked, they found themselves healed. But one of them came back to Jesus, was so excited fell, down on his face and thanked Jesus. Jesus was very much aware whom He healed that day, so He asked the man, “Were there not ten healed,

4 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020

so where are the other nine?”

Just like this man, God knows all the blessings He has for you, and today He is expecting you to be grateful, just like the one man who came back.

Here are 3 things we can learn from the leper and his gratefulness.

1) Our gratitude/thanksgiving should never be a challenge or difficulty that we cannot overcome. It should be a choice.

No one told him to be grateful, he wasn’t paid to do so, but on his own accord, he chose to be thankful. Just like his healing, God has given us family, friends' house, and place to work. We have running water, electricity, and malls to get our groceries from. They are things we can be grateful for.But when we start to take things for granted and forget to be thankful, and we face challenges at work and in our homes. Things go wrong, and we begin to complain about having to go to work, pick up the children, clean the house, etc.

This leads us to live our lives in frustration and defeat. Instead, we have tochoose to be grateful.

Gratitude says, “God, I thank you that I get to go to work because I have a job. I have my own house that I get to clean.” That means when we learn to be grateful, we see the hand of God in our families, at home, and the place where we work, in a new way.

2) When you are grateful for what you have, you will end up having more. You attract things you are thankful for, and you move away from things that are no longer part of your destiny. This man, through his gratefulness, was moving away from the leper colony he had lived in for a long time, not only physically but in his mind also. He was getting away from people and distractions that were no longer a part of his future. Instead, he was drawing in God’s goodness, favour, and blessings.In, the same way, when you are grateful for your life, you start living more. When you are thankful for your future,

you make right decisions. When you are thankful for your health, you attract right foods. When you are grateful for the people around you, you draw in the right people.

3) Being grateful does not mean that everything is necessarily good. It just means that you can accept it as a gift.

When you are not happy with what you already have, there is no guarantee that you will be any happier with the things you are trying to get. But once you learn to accept what you have as a gift weather big or small, you are showing that you can be entrusted with greater influence and responsibility.

But sometimes we can get caught in a life of comparing on how someone looks or what they possess. Living a life of being grateful means you are comfortable with what you have and what someone else has. You set yourself free from any chains and distractions that are not part of your destiny and future.

God bless you

India’s Vande Bharat Mission CONTD. FROM PG 1 Air India, bringing home 13,000 passengers. Now, over 4,000 passengers are returning on VBM flights every day on various Indian carriers. For many, VBM remains the only option to travel to or from India.

The primary recipient of VBM flights remains the Middle East, with countries such as the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain seeing multiple weekly flights. This is primarily driven by the massive Indian population in these countries, and more recently, also the demand for Indians to return to these countries for work.

All Air India flights, whether part of the travel bubble or not, are tagged as Vande Bharat flights. The 6th Phase, lasting from September 1st to October 24th, will see nearly 1,000 flights from all over the world, operated by Air India and private carriers such as IndiGo, Vistara, SpiceJet, and GoAir. There will be nearly 145 flights to the US alone and hundreds more to the Middle East.

Air India will operate flights to countries where it does not travel agreements in place, mostly to bring citizens home. Australia, Philipines, Hong Kong (after its ban), and Singapore will all see flights, all of which are in huge demand right now.

Competition on routes The start of travel bubbles with other countries has eaten into Air India’s Vande Bharat monopoly. Agreements are now in place with the US, France, Kuwait, Qatar, UK, Canda, Germany, and more.

All of these agreements allow for foreign carriers from the respective countries to resume flights.

These agreements have helped passengers a lot, many of whom were unable to get flights for months, but has forced Air India to cut its high prices to stay competitive.

Vande Bharat Mission flights to these countries remain, but only due to the ban on scheduled flights. For all intents and purposes, passengers can fly any approved carrier back to India if they have an agreement with India.

Rescue flights remain essential Despite the start of international flights by other carriers, India’s Vande Bharat Mission remains essential for many. Both private carriers and Air India have been flying to countries with closed borders just to rescue stranded citizens.

For instance, there are currently no airlines operating flights to East Asia other than Air India. This means anyone wishing to travel to or from the region must book one of the few seats available with Air India. This makes these flights highly essential until flights are resumed.

As time goes on, India is looking to establish more travel bubbles with countries.

This will slowly reopen the door to international flights and help more passengers get home. However, without scheduled international flights, India will continue to rely on the Vande Bharat Mission.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020 — 5

Apply for a Permanent Visa to Canada!

Now is a great time to start preparing your visa application to Canada, as per three-year immigration policy that Canada introduced in 2019, it plans to welcome more than one million new immigrants between 2019 and 2021. Most of these newcomers will be skilled workers, ready to fill some of the many job openings in the Canadian economy.

Since 2015, Canada has the Express Entry System in place, which made it faster and easier for skilled workers to get a permanent visa to Canada in as little as four to six months.

Those with permanent resident status in Canada are able to live and work anywhere in the country, and enjoy the same social benefits as citizens. If Permanent Visa holders continue to meet their residency obligation, this status will last the for the rest of their life! Permanent residents may apply for citizenship after staying in the country for three out of the previous five years!

Canada has already started issuing invitations to skilled migrants to apply for permanent residency, in the week ending 24th August 2020 two Express Entry draws were held.

• The first draw invited 600 PNP candidates to apply • A day later, another draw invited 3,300 CEC candidates to apply

• A BC PNP draw issued 302 invitations How to secure your PR There are several routes to getting a visa to Canada.

In addition to Express Entry, each of Canada’s provinces offers their own immigration streams, called Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

Canadian provinces have their own unique demands for skilled labour, and PNP streams are designed to meet these demands. You never know when and where your experience could match up, so enlisting the help of immigration professionals can be the difference that keeps you up to date.

Migration law is constantly changing and engaging an experienced solicitor and migration agent can be invaluable in your goal of becoming a permanent resident or citizen of Canada. Whether you or if you know someone who can apply for Canadian Visa, encourage them to contact Migration Guru to see how we can assist. Migration Guru has assisted in countless visa applicants and has more than 80 years of collective experience in a dynamic team of Business Development Managers, Solicitors and Migration Agents in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Canberra, Melbourne and Hobart. This experience ensures that staff can advise and navigate client’s through the new changes to find

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SAMARPAN MEDITATION AUSTRALIA - “AURA” - BODY OF THOUGHTS Samarpan Meditation was founded by Shree ShivKrupanand Swami (Swamiji) in 1999 in India and in the past two decades this mission has spread to over 30 countries. Scores of people have learnt the simple way of meditation and gained the positive experiences. Swamiji has encouraged practitioners of this method to open meditation centres around the world where people can come and meditate and also learn about meditation, free of cost. To make best possible use of technology and under the guidance of Swamiji, an initiative called Join Collectivity Online (JCO) has been launched. As part of this initiative, volunteers have organised online meetings via Zoom where people can join in and meditate online together as if they were in the same room. For more information, please visit https:// joincollectivityonline.com/. Swamiji has placed great importance in meditating with a group of people because meditating for 1000 days by yourself is equal to meditating with 1000 people for one day.

Followers of Samarpan Meditation consider Swamiji as the Living Saint of the 21st Century.

Hereby, we are presenting an article on “AURA” Body of Thoughts We all know about our physical existence because we can see our physical body but most of us are unaware of our energy body which is a reflection of our thoughts and is called “Aura”.

Depending upon the quality of our thoughts, they affect our energy body which plays a significant role in building a

healthy or unhealthy aura around us. For instance, we have seen people these days who talk a lot about energy and vibes. Even in our day to day life we experience that in the presence of certain people we feel calm, content and relaxed.

We forget our worries and pain under the presence of these people and then we say that these people have really good energy and vibes around them. However, there are certain people with whom we get in contact with and start feeling anxious negative and depressed as they are always complaining, talking about negative issues and their problems.

Human beings now are more aware and can experience the positive and negative vibes.

However, we have never tried to understand the factors responsible behind the positive and negative energy around human beings.

According to the spiritual science the only factor that affects our energy body is our “Quality of Thoughts”.

If a human being has positive thoughts and has a level of purity in their thought process, then the energy body will radiate a positive vibe which in turn leads to a healthy and a sound Aura.

However, if the quality of our thoughts is not good and if we are continuously thinking negative and have no purity in our thoughts then it will radiate a negative vibe which in turn leads to an unhealthy and weak “Aura”.

Due to unhealthy and weak Aura we are more exposed to physical illness and diseases.

Therefore, it is very important for

6 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020

a human being to think positive and to have a level of purity in their thoughts, as it will help building a healthy and strong Aura.

It is very important for human beings to understand that Aura has a direct connection with our thoughts, and it can change frequently depending on the quality of our thoughts.

Aura provides protection on different levels such as physical, social, mental and spiritual.

1) Physical Due to a strong and a positive electromagnetic field it will protect human beings from various diseases and illnesses entering in our physical body.

2) Social - It provides a sense of security and confidence and will protect us from the feeling of being lonely because we experience to enjoy our own company as a result of a healthy and a positive Aura.

3) Mental - It protects us from negative and depressive thoughts and safeguards us from anxiety and suicidal thoughts. We enjoy

Swamiji with his Aura a healthy state of mind and stay balanced.

4) Spiritual - A healthy Aura is a performance indicator of our spiritual growth and therefore helps us in experiencing and achieving spiritual heights.

On the contrary, after reading this article about Aura people might be curious to establish the existence of Aura. However, there is an “Aura” photography (Kirlian Photography) through which Aura can be tested and with the results of the photography we can come to know about our physical and spiritual state.

The benefits of aura is not only limited to physical, social, mental and spiritual level, but it also provides protection in our day to day life. Considering there is a lot going on in the world, there is a constant fear of being exposed to microbiological viruses, low immunity due to lifestyle, man-made calamities which includes accidents, transmission of various viruses and bacteria’s,

terrorist attacks and natural calamities which includes earth quakes, lightening, cyclones and tornadoes, floods and drought.

All these incidents and accidents can occur around you but due to a strong electromagnetic field your Aura will safeguard you from the effects of these calamities.

There can be no viruses which can be transmitted in your body because your own Aura will protect you and you can never be a victim of any manmade or natural calamity. This is a demand of the situation that we must understand and make ourselves aware of the benefits and protection provided by a sound Aura.

How we can build a healthy and strong Aura? As discussed earlier, Aura is constantly affected by our quality of thoughts. It is very important to pay attention to our thoughts and the type of thoughts we are generating.

We all sometimes try to reduce the quantity of our thoughts be it positive or negative but we all know that we cannot control our thoughts by pressing a button or by taking a medication and therefore it is important to understand that there is a way through which we can not only improve the quality of our thoughts but we can also minimise the quantity of our thoughts and subtly reach to a state of thoughtlessness. We can achieve all this by practicing “Samarpan Yoga and Meditation”.

Samarpan Yoga and Meditation: For the beginners, it is recommended to practice Samarpan yoga followed by meditation.

Samarpan yoga

helps in calming down the breathing process which in turn calms down the physical body.

After your body is calm now it is ready to go into a meditative state. Sampan Meditation will help us in reducing the brain activities and slows down the frequency of thoughts. Practicing Samarpan Meditation everyday will not only improve the quality of our thoughts but also helps in experiencing thoughtlessness.

Most of the meditators believe that experiencing a thoughtless state is meditation but thoughtlessness is a state through which we start stepping into the meditative state.

It is a very subtle process and in order to experience changes we must practice it religiously and very importantly we should practice it without any “expectations.”

We should not force ourselves to Meditate when we are practicing Samarpan meditation because meditation is a process of happening, so let is happen by itself.

All you have to do is practice and practice it without expectations.

Practicing meditation without exception is the most important key in our spiritual growth.

In the end, practicing Samarpan Yoga followed by meditation not only balances our materialistic and spiritual life but also build a strong Aura which protect us and safeguards us from various diseases and illnesses as well as from natural and man-made calamities. Not only it will protect us, but it will also protect the people near us,around us and surrounded by us.

We will further elaborate on Aura in our next article.

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8 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020

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NO EUTHANASIA ALLIANCE – POSITION STATEMENT

The No Euthanasia Alliance (NEA) believes in the value of each human person.

We are concerned that our social conscience, and particularly society's views on the worth of human life will be permanently undermined by the legalisation of euthanasia and assisted suicide. We believe that Queensland communities are strengthened and enriched through mutual respect for human life and through ensuring that effective, caring and compassionate care is readily available to the sick and dying.

A Parliamentary committee is currently considering whether to recommend that the Queensland Parliament legalise assisted suicide and euthanasia (termed ‘Voluntary Assisted Dying’ or VAD legislation by some).

The No Euthanasia Alliance is concerned that such legislation will undermine patient wellbeing and the provision of ethical healthcare and irrevocably impact upon our society.

Queensland has the second highest rate of suicide in Australia.1 Mental health issues and suicide amongst particular groups, including our young, our elderly and our indigenous populations are already the focus of significant interventions and numerous programs.2 We are concerned that these programs are likely to be significantly undermined.

Legalised VAD places vulnerable people at risk.

As a society, one of our important roles must be to protect the vulnerable. VAD legislation undermines the worth of vulnerable people by offering a governmentsanctioned option for ending life prematurely.

We are concerned that the Government-sanctioned nature of this option will increase the likelihood of vulnerable people feeling that they are a burden on society, and has the potential to increase the likelihood of vulnerable patients being pressured or influenced into prematurely ending their life.

Feeling like one is a burden on society should never be an acceptable reason for the state to facilitate one’s suicide.

And yet, in the state of Oregon in the USA—which has assisted suicide laws very similar to what is in operation in Victoria and likely to be what is proposed in Queensland—there has been a steady increase in the proportion of people who have listed ‘being a burden’ as a reason for using these laws to obtain a prescription for drugs that will kill them. Between 1997 and 2002, 34% of people listed ‘being a burden on family, friends/caregivers’ as among their reasons for

euthanasia there is nothing that prevents a government from liberalising those laws potentially at the expense of vulnerable people in our society.

ending their lives. By 2018, that had increased to 54%.3 Similar legislation in overseas jurisdictions reveals a progressive broadening of the categories of people who can avail themselves of statesanctioned assisted suicide or euthanasia from the terminally ill whose death is imminent to people who are encountering normal aging processes, people with disabilities and individuals suffering from depression, and mental illnesses.4 • In the Netherlands, for example, where euthanasia and physician assisted suicide were legalised in 2002, one does not need to be terminally ill. Eligibility includes psychological suffering and the buildup of aging-related complaints. In 2014, a mobile euthanasia service (Levenseindekliniek) in the Netherlands reported that of all euthanasia’s it carried out, 10% had dementia, 9% had psychiatric conditions, and 25% had a build up of age-related complaints.5 • In Canada, where both physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia were legalised in June 2016, the original law required that death be reasonably foreseeable. In September 2019, a Quebec Superior court justice ruled this unconstitutional opening the way for people whose death is not foreseeable but who consider their own suffering intolerable to have access to euthanasia or physician assisted suicide.6 • In Belgium, in 2018, 3,5% of all euthanasia was of people who had only psychological suffering (not too be confused with psychiatric conditions).

And 14,6% of all people euthanised, death was not foreseeable.7 We believe that it is important that patients who are vulnerable, whether due to ageing or physical or mental illness or incapacity can trust in a society and health system that continues to place the holistic care of

10 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020

that individual at the heart of patient care.

We are concerned that this focus on the person will diminish if the State sanctions assisted suicide as an appropriate option for our vulnerable and dying.

Legalised VAD undermines the value and importance of palliative care and prioritises death over compassionate care.

Every Australian living with a life-limiting illness deserves timely and equitable access to quality, evidence-based palliative care and end-of-life care based on their individual needs.

According to Queensland Health, there are too few palliative care specialists in Queensland especially in rural and regional areas: “There are 49 palliative medicine specialists practicing in Queensland who work predominantly in a hospital setting for the public health system.

The greatest number of specialists are found at Metro North, followed by Metro South, Gold Coast and Townsville HHSs. While Queensland experienced exceptional growth of approximately 80 percent between 2013 to 2017, modelling suggests a large undersupply of palliative medicine specialists over the coming decade. … With an estimated resident population of over five million, and 49 palliative medicine specialists practicing in Queensland, Queensland currently has a deficit of approximately 50 specialist palliative medicine physicians when compared to this benchmark. Meeting this benchmark is a challenge given the demand issues that are impacting the palliative care sector.”8 The current lack of high-quality palliative care currently means that some Australians unnecessarily die in pain because of lack

of access to palliative care.

The solution is not assisted suicide and euthanasia but instead, properly funded, compassionate and effective professional palliative care. Research shows that high quality palliative care, when available, is effective.9 We need to ensure that it is available. Until then any legalisation of VAD is irresponsible.

Legalised VAD is a blank cheque for an unknown future.

While supporters of VAD will be eager to assert that safeguards prevent misuse, international experience shows that many of these safeguards are essentially ineffectual or can be changed over the course of time.

Recently, Oregon, for example, created an exception to its 15-day waiting period, allowing people who are ‘likely’ to die within the 15-day period to end their lives earlier. It is not clear how one could ever be sure with Oregon’s oversight framework whether a person really was going to die within 15 days or not.

In Western Australia, the bill under consideration already liberalises the safeguards of Victorian legislation.

• It no longer requires a permit approval from a central authority • It no longer requires that at least one of the doctors be a specialist in the person’s disease • It no longer prohibits practitioners from initiating discussion about VAD, thereby exposing people to possible coercion and doctor steering • It no longer protects people from negligence in the administration of euthanasia • It no longer requires a disease to be ‘incurable’ • It no longer requires death to be expected within 6 month, merely probable within six months.10 Once we legally sanction physician assisted suicide or

Legalised VAD goes against the advice of medical professionals on the frontline.

VAD is opposed by the Australian Medical Association (AMA), as well as each state-based branch of the AMA. VAD is also opposed by the Australian and New Zealand Society of Geriatric Medicine. The World Medical Association and the American Medical Association are also opposed to it.

Medical practitioners have an ethical duty to care for dying patients so that death is allowed to occur in comfort and with dignity. Assisted suicide and euthanasia shifts the focus and role of caregivers, particularly physicians, from preserving life to ending it – a seismic shift in the role of medical professionals.

According to the World Medical Association: “Physician-assisted suicide, like euthanasia, is unethical and must be condemned by the medical profession. Where the assistance of the physician is intentionally and deliberately directed at enabling an individual to end his or her own life, the physician acts unethically.”11 The No Euthanasia Alliance strives for compassion and dignity in our health system.

Legalised VAD presents a major threat to the ethos of our society by undermining the value we have always placed on the worth and dignity of every individual in society and their right to effective and compassionate care.

We urge all Queenslanders and our elected representatives to uphold these values and oppose state-sanctioned, tax-payer-funded assisted suicide.

1 Australian Bureau of Statistics, Causes of Death, Australia, 2018 (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 25 September 2019); available at https://www.abs.gov.au/ AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Looku p/3303.0Main+Features120 18?OpenDocument 2 Josh Bavas and Allyson Horn, “Queensland Budget to direct $62m at reducing state's high suicide rate,” ABC News Online, 6 June 2019; available at https://www. abc.net.au/news/2019-0606/queensland-budgetto-target-high-suiciderate/11182856 3 Public Health Division, Center for Health Statistics,

“Oregon Death with Dignity Act: 2018 data summary,” (Oregon Health Authority: February 2019); available at www.healthoregon.org/dwd 4 Christopher de Bellaigue, “Death on Demand: Has Euthanasia Gone too Far,” The Guardian, 18 January 2019; available at https://www.theguardian. com/news/2019/jan/18/ death-on-demand-haseuthanasia-gone-too-farnetherlands-assisted-dying 5 Stichting Levenseindekliniek, “Levenseindekliniek: feiten en cijfers 2017,” (The Hague, n.d); available at http://slk-jaarverslagbeleidsplan.nl/Portals/0/ Siteafbeeldingen/ downloads/ Levenseindekliniek%20 Feiten%20%26%20 cijfers%20totaal%20pd 6 The Canadian Press, “Quebec won't appeal ruling that struck down assisted death provision,” City News 1130, 3 October 2019; available at https:// www.citynews1130. com/2019/10/03/quebecwont-appeal-ruling-thatstruck-down-assisteddeath-provision/ 7 Federale Controleen Evaluatiecommissie Euthanasie, “Euthansie – Cijfers voor het jaar 2018,” Press release of the Federal Control and Evaluation Committee for Euthanasia (Beglium), 28 February 2019; available at https://overlegorganen. gezondheid.belgie.be/nl/ documenten/euthanasiecijfers-voor-het-jaar-2018 8 Queensland Health, “Queensland Health Palliative Care Services Review – Key Findings,” (State of Queensland (Queensland Health), March 2019), pages 27,35; available at https://www. health.qld.gov.au/researchreports/reports/reviewinvestigation/palliativecare 9 Kathy Eagar, Sabina Clapham, Samuel Allingham, “No, most people aren’t in severe pain when they die,” The Conversation, 11 December 2017; available at https:// theconversation.com/ no-most-people-arent-insevere-pain-when-theydie-86835 10 Australian Medical Association Western Australia, “VOLUNTARY ASSISTED DYING BILL EXAMINED MORE THAN 1500 DOCTORS SPEAK THEIR MIND THE ONLY DEFINITIVE SURVEY” October 2019; available at https://www.amawa.com. au/changes-to-voluntaryassisted-dying-bill-vital/ 11 World Medical Association, “WMA STATEMENT ON PHYSICIAN-ASSISTED SUICIDE,” Oslo, 2015; available at https://www. wma.net/policies-post/ wma-statement-onphysician-assisted-suicide/

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020 — 11

Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Queensland

Hawan Yajna Satsang program at Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre Yajmaan Mr. Ajay Malik Mrs Dimpy Malik Family- Beta Adhyaan Maliks birthday celebrations with Havan Yajna ओ३म्

श्री कृ ष्ण योगेश्वर थे, महात्मा थे, महावीर, धर्मात्मा थे। वह वेदभक्त, ईश्वरभक्त, दे शभक्त, ऋषियो व योगियों के अनुगामी थे। पूज्यों की पूजा व अपूज्यों की अवहे लना व उपेक्षा के साथ उनको दण्डित करते थे। योगेश्वर श्री कृ ष्ण जन्म पर्व पर हमें यह जानना चाहिये कि श्री कृ ष्ण जी वेद भक्त व उसके अनुयायी थे। उनका कोई सिद्धान्त, मान्यता व कार्य वेद विरुद्ध नहीं था। वह ईश्वर के भक्त व उपासक थे और इसी कारण वह योगेश्वर कहलाये। जन्म लेने, सुख-दःु ख का भोग करने से ,वेद के अनुसार कर्म करने से व मृत्यु को प्राप्त होने के कारण वह श्रेष्ठ जीवात्मा थे, महात्मा, योगेश्वर ,महावीर, धर्मात्मा कहलाये । हमें योगेश्वर श्री कृ ष्ण जी के वैदिक स्वरुप व शिक्षाओं को ही मानना चाहिये । King of Yogis Yogeshwar Shri Krishn Ji Maharaj was highly talented personality. He was super human with many fold characteristics of being a scholar of Vedas, worshiper of

Patron Re’t Justice Pandit Devendra Pathik “Arya Ratn”

Trustee Mr. Sukarm Pal Singh

Hawan Yajna Satsang program at Queensland Vedic Cultural Centre Yajmaan Mr. Danny Singh Ji Mrs. Shobha Singh Ji Family Mr. Danny Singhs birthday celebrations with Havan Yajna (above) ओ३म्

Acharya Dr. Satish Prakash Ji this highest goal, man would have to adjust all his goals of lesser quality and synthesize them with his ultimate goal. With this approach, man’s current life becomes harmonized with his subsequent lives, like links

Acharya Dr. Satish Prakash Ji From Mahat, God drew forth Ahankaar or Ego, the powerful sense of individuation.

4. The Creator caused to evolve the great mind that aids the Soul, all five subtle and gross elements rooted in the three qualities [Sattwa, Rajas, Tamas], and then, one by one in due order, the five cognitive and five active senses that grasp the objects of sensation.

5. Combining subtle particles of these six [the five subtle

12 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020

Secretary Mr. Hari Chand

TreasurerMrs. Suman Chand

आर्य प्रीतिनिधी सभा क्वींसलैंड, हवन यज्ञ सत्संग प्रोग्राम रविवार क्वींसलैंड वैदिक कल्चरल सेंटर पर, यजमान डॉ सुखवीर सिंह जी और श्रीमती राजेश्वरी सिंह जी परिवार ओ३म ्

GOD, observing celibacy, powerful, good political qualities, experienced speaker, religious and spiritual person. Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati revealed the facts about Yogeshwar Shri Krishn Js brighter and unblemished character in his immortal text “Satyarth Prakash – Light of Truth” writes - “Look the life (history) of Shri Krishan Ji is supreme in Mahabharata. His characteristics, deeds, nature and conduct was like AAPT – (noble, highly learned and religious seers) persons. Come, let us celebrate the birthday of the Gem of Aryas, Shri Krishn Chandra Ji Maharaj as adopting true directions/guidelines from his supreme brighter character. ओ३म ्

in a long chain. In the Manu Smriti we get a picture of the complete integrated life of a soul as it progresses through its many transmigrations, making use of multiple opportunities for working out its destiny, and finally arriving at its ultimate destination of self-realization.

Because of its focus on the Soul, Karma Yoga and ultimate freedom, we can safely say that the Manu Smriti is important not merely for being a lawbook but ranks highly as an expression of a complete philosophy of life. In this regard, the Manu Smriti is perceived as occupying the highest pedestal among similar Smriti works [of Rishis like Parashar, Yajñavalkya, Apastamba, Atri, Devala, etc.]

THE THEORY OF CREATION IN MANU SMRITI Acharya Dr.Satish Prakash Ji 1. In the beginning, in the period of grand dissolution, before creation took place, this universe existed in the shape of darkness, unperceived, destitute of distinctive marks, unattainable by reasoning, unknowable, as if immersed in deep sleep from all around.

2. After the period of grand dissolution, God – the SelfReliant One, indiscernible to the naked eye – caused this Universe to become manifest. In so doing, He infused inexhaustible energy into Matter causing the great elements, and the rest, to evolve and become manifest. With this evolution, He dispelled darkness associated with the state of dissolution.

3. From Matter that was under His Control, God drew forth Mahat, Cosmic Intelligence that contained in itself both Sat [the material cause for subsequent evolutes] and Asat [the yet-toevolve evolutes themselves].

President Dr. Sukhvir Singh

योगेश्वर श्री कृष्ण चन्द्र जी

KNOWLEDGE OF SOUL IN MANU SMRITI Acharya Dr. Satish Prakash Ji Manu says that among all of mankind’s actions, those that conduce to spiritual liberation are seen to be the greatest, for, of all kinds of activities, the knowledge of the Soul [AtmaJñana] is of primary importance.

The knowledge of the Soul [also called spiritual science], alone releases us from binding shackles and brings freedom from agony and death and so, it stands supreme over and above all other sciences – natural, social, economic, environmental, etc. [12:85]. Manu, in his treatise, acknowledges that man pursues multiple aspirations in his physical day-to-day living, but postulates that man’s highest aspiration is everlasting beatitude [Mukti]. To achieve

Trustee Mr. Mul Chand

elements and the ego] which possess measureless power, with particles of their corresponding gross elements, God created all beings.

These five verses above tell us the following: 1. God is the agental [efficient] cause of the universe.

2. Matter is the material cause of the universe.

3. The universe evolved over a period of time and passed through different stages; it just did not happen.

4. The universe constitutes dynamic realism. It is not a dream.

5. Before the universe became manifest, it existed in deep darkness. This is the darkness caused by a prior dissolution of all forms. Each cycle of creation is followed by a cycle of dissolution, which again is followed by a period of creation.

Cycles of creation and dissolution follow each other endlessly and rhythmically. Acharya Dr.Satish Prakash ओ३म ्

सबके साथ न्यायपूर्ण व्यवहार करना यदि आप चाहते हैं , कि लोग आपके प्रति प्रेम श्रद्धा विश्वास और सम्मान की भावना रखें, आपको सुख दे वें, तो आपको सबके साथ न्यायपूर्ण व्यवहार करना होगा।* यह संसार ईश्वर ने बनाया है । वह सर्वव्यापक और सर्वशक्तिमान ् है । ईश्वर ही इस संसार का सबसे बड़ा राजा है । इसलिए संसार में उसी का शासन सर्वोपरि है । आप और हम, ईश्वर के द्वारा बनाए गए संसार में रहते हैं । वह हमारा राजा है , और हम उसकी प्रजा हैं । उस राजा का संविधान हम सब पर लागू होता है । यदि प्रजा, राजा के संविधान का पालन करती है , तो उसे राज्य व्यवस्था से सुख मिलता है । यदि प्रजा, राजा के संविधान का पालन नहीं करती, तो राज्य व्यवस्था से प्रजा को दख ु मिलता है । मनुष्य की राज्य व्यवस्था में तो कमियां होती रहती हैं , क्योंकि मनुष्य सर्वज्ञ सर्वशक्तिमान ् नहीं है । वह सब ओर दे ख नहीं पाता। व्यवस्था नहीं कर पाता। परं तु ईश्वर के साथ यह समस्या नहीं है । वह तो सर्वज्ञ तथा सर्वशक्तिमान ् है । वह सदा सावधान रहता है । कभी लापरवाही नहीं करता। कभी किसी पर अन्याय नहीं करता। कभी किसी को कोई रियायत अर्थात ्

न्याय व्यवस्था में कोई छूटछाट नहीं करता। उसके नियम सबसे उत्तम एवं पूर्ण हैं । इन कारणों से यदि हमें और आपको ईश्वर के राज्य में सुख पूर्वक रहना है , तो यह अनिवार्य है कि हमें और आपको ईश्वर का संविधान जानना समझना ही पड़े गा। उसे ठीक प्रकार से जान समझकर, उस का पालन करना पड़े गा। यदि हम और आप ऐसा नहीं करें गे, तो निश्चित रूप से ईश्वरीय न्याय व्यवस्था के अंतर्गत हमें और आपको दं ड भोगना होगा। और इसके दोषी हम और आप ही होंगे, कोई दस ू रा नहीं। संसार भर के दे शों की सरकारों ने

ईश्वर तो सब जगह है अपने पूजा स्थलों आदि स्थानों पर तो ईश्वर है , परं तु क्या घर खेत दक ु ान कार्यालय आदि में नहीं।" लोगों का चिंतन बड़ा विचित्र है ।* एक व्यक्ति ने मंदिर में दस ू रे व्यक्ति से कहा - *दे खो, सच सच बताना, झूठ नहीं बोलना। तुम भगवान के घर में बैठे हो। यहाँ झूठ नहीं बोलना चाहिए।* जो व्यक्ति मंदिर में ऐसा कह रहा था, वही व्यक्ति जब अपनी दक ु ान पर जाता है , कहीं कार्यालय में काम करता है , अथवा कोई और व्यवसाय करता है ; तो मंदिर आदि स्थानों से बाहर, दक ु ान आदि अन्य स्थानों पर वही व्यक्ति स्वयं झूठ बोलता है । और यह सोचता है कि *"यहां तो भगवान नहीं दे खता। यहाँ तो वह हमारा झूठ नहीं पकड़े गा। हमें कोई दं ड नहीं दे गा।"* इसलिए वह वहां पर झूठ बोलता है , छल कपट चालाकी धोखाधड़ी आदि सब प्रकार के पाप कर्म करता है । और वहाँ दक ु ान आदि स्थानों पर, दस ू रों को भी कुछ नहीं कहता कि *"दे खो यहां भगवान है । यदि तुम झूठ बोलोगे, तो वह तुम्हें दं ड दे गा।"*

आप दे ख लीजिये, लोगों का चिंतन कितना विचित्र है । अपने अपने पूजा स्थलों पर तो व्यक्ति यह सोचता है कि वहां ईश्वर भगवान है । वहां उससे डरता है , और गलत काम करने से बचने की कोशिश करता है । परं तु दक ु ान में कार्यालय में या अन्य स्थानों पर वह सोचता है कि *यहां कोई ईश्वर भगवान नहीं है । यहां हमें कोई नहीं दे खता। यहां जो मर्जी पाप कर लो, कोई दं ड नहीं दे गा।* अब आप निष्पक्ष भाव से सोचिए, *क्या ईश्वर केवल मंदिर मस्जिद चर्च आदि में ही रहता है या अन्य स्थानों पर भी?* जब लोगों की आपस में बातचीत चलती है , तब तो लोग यही कहते हैं , कि * ईश्वर भगवान एक है । वह सब जगह रहता है ।* परं तु जब व्यवहार की बात आती है , *तो लोग झूठ छल कपट चोरी बेईमानी आदि पाप कर्म करते समय सब भूल जाते हैं कि ईश्वर भगवान सब जगह है और हमें दे खता भी है । हमें वह दं ड भी दे गा। यह दं ड ही तो समझ में

भी बहुत से कानून ईश्वर के संविधान के आधार पर ही बनाए हैं , क्योंकि वे सुखदायक हैं । जैसे न्याय पूर्ण व्यवहार करना, सत्य बोलना, दस ू रों की सहायता करना आदि। इसलिए जितना जितना संसार के लोग ईश्वरीय संविधान का पालन करते हैं , उतनी उतनी मात्रा में वे सब लोग सुखी हैं । और जितनी मात्रा में वे ईश्वरीय संविधान का उल्लंघन (चोरी डकैती झूठ व्यभिचार आदि) दख ु दायक कर्म करते हैं , उतनी मात्रा में वे सब दख ु ी हैं । इसी श्रख ृं ला में यह निवेदन है कि यदि आप चाहते हैं कि दस ू रे लोग आपके साथ अच्छा व्यवहार करें , आपके प्रति प्रेम और सद्भावना रखें, आप पर विश्वास करें , तो इस इच्छा की पूर्ति के लिए आपको भी, ईश्वरीय संविधान के अनुसार, सब के साथ न्यायपूर्ण व्यवहार करना होगा। अन्याय पूर्ण व्यवहार छोड़ना होगा। यह आप कब कर पाएंगे? जब आपके विचार संस्कार चिंतन आदि शुद्ध हो, उत्तम हो। तभी आपकी यह इच्छा पूरी हो पाएगी। इसलिए अपने विचार संस्कार एवं चिंतन को ईश्वरीय संविधान के अनुसार शुद्ध करें ओ३म ् ।*स्वामी विवेकानंद परिव्राजक*

नहीं आता, इसलिए लोग पाप करते हैं । जिस जिस व्यक्ति को दं ड समझ में आ जाता है , वह व्यक्ति फिर पाप कर्म नहीं करता। जैसे चौराहे पर ट्रैफिक पुलिस की टीम को दे ख कर लोग लालबत्ती पार नहीं करते।* आप भी ठं डे दिमाग से सोचिए, *यदि ईश्वर सब जगह है और वह सबके अपराधों को दे खता है , उनका दं ड भी दे गा। तो इसका अर्थ यह हुआ कि लोग ईश्वर को सब जगह स्वीकार न करते हुए, अपने आप को धोखा दे रहे हैं ।* इसलिए *भाइयो ! स्वयं को धोखा मत दो। अविद्या की नींद से जागो। अपराध करने से बचो। ईश्वर से डरो, वह बड़ा जबरदस्त है । किसी को भी नहीं छोड़े गा। जो भी पाप करे गा, उसी को दं ड दे गा। वहां कोई पक्षपात अन्याय रिश्वतखोरी सिफारिश रियायत या रिश्तेदारी नहीं चलती है । पापियों को अगले जन्म में, पशु पक्षी जानवर वृक्ष वनस्पति समुद्री जीव आदि बना ही दे गा, यह ईश्वर का न्याय (दं ड) है ओ३म ् ।- स्वामी विवेकानंद परिव्राजक

GOPIO Queensland’s Virtual India Day Attracts 106K viewers

GOPIO Queensland hosted a virtual India Day event which attracted more than 106 K viewers. In light of current COVID19 restriction the committee had to cancel the Iconic India Day Fair in its usual format but hosted the virtual – online event which became a huge success. This was the plan “C” as plan “ B” Was to hold a high class dinner function at City Hall and live stream from there, the planning had progressed well , until two new cases emerged in Queensland and everything went into a panic mode.

GOPIO Queensland Executive committee had to take the hard decision of cancelling the City Hall event which had progressed to an advanced stage. The committee quickly went to plan “C” which was to host a virtual event similar to the successful GirmitDiwas.

Australian Indian Radio came on board as the streamingpartner having the infrastructure in place, the idea was to cover few live events and show videos of previous years function, the challenge from other stage performances are the copyright issues with Facebook and YouTube. The livestream began with the Flag hoisting ceremony at Consulate office in Taringa, Australian Indian Radio team Madhuri Goli and Usha Chandra were on site live streaming back to the studio. In the studio joining Umesh Chandra OAM was ShvetaKapur as Co Host, the two did a wonderful job bouncing off each other. Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner joined in with his live message on India Day Fair.

GOPIO Queensland committee members got together at Mahatma Gandhi’s Statue in Roma street

Parkland for a floral tribute, National anthem and committee members messages. This was live streaming back to studio for inclusion in the live cast. President Rakesh Sharma delivered his keynote speech at the event. Mayuresh Lande handled the tech specs for the live cast on site.

Next we crossed over to Canberra to join in with High Commissioners event, unfortunately we could not connect to Melbourne as the timings clashed with other event.

In between Shveta talked to kids via phone link, all interactions were lively, and the kids got a special mention and a salute via hand held Indian Flags.

After the event at Roma Street Parklands GOPIO Queensland EC got together for lunch at Signature Events Restaurant. So even though India Day Fair did not take place in its traditional form virtually it was a run off success. Storey Bridge , Victoria bridge and City Hall were lit up in Indian Flag colours for two days. Many performers who used

to perform at India day Fair sent messages and many posted their previous year s performances, Drea Lam of Dance Masala staged a wonderful and emotional dance on

the stage to an empty amphitheatre, all dancers dressed in white, it was a touching and heartfelt performance, GOPIO Queensland appreciates their kind effort.

119th Australian National Flag Day observed in Brisbane Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schinner hosted the first civic event post covid 19 restriction in King George Square, and event was none other than Australian National Flag Day. Australian National Flag day is celebrated on 3rd September every year and this year was its 119thanniversary.

It commemorates the day in 1901 when Australian National Flag was first flown.

Here are some the interesting facts about the Australian National Flag. It is the only flag to fly over an entire continent.

Also, the Australian Flag was the first national flag chosen

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in an open public competition and the prize for the design competition, 200 pounds, was a substantial sum of money in those days, which are nearly a year’s wages for an average worker.

There were some 32,823

entries in the design competition in 1901, with a population that was estimated to be around 3.6 million in 1901; an equivalent response rate from today’s population would amount to some 200,000 entries.

The enthusiastic entrants in the flag competition gave their imagination free rein: designs submitted featured “every kind of flora and fauna identifiable with Australia – sometimes all at once” to display at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne.

The winning design was unveiled by the wife of the first Governor-General at a ceremony held at Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne on 03 September 1901. There were five prizewinners including two teenagers (a schoolboy Ivor Evans and apprentice optician Leslie Hawkins), a well-

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known female artist (Annie Dorrington), a first officer of merchant navy (William Stevens) and a Melbourne architect (Egbert Nuttall).

The southern cross, formally known as “Crux Australis” is a constellation that can be seen only in the night skies of the Southern Hemisphere. The individual stars are named by the first five letters of the Geek alphabet – Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Epsilon.

The Southern Cross has a very significant status in Aboriginal mythology eg; as part of the legend of Mululu of the Kanda tribe.

The Australian National Flag is raised every morning at the school in VillersBretonneux in France, in memory of the thousands of Australian casualties incurred in liberating their village in 1917 during the First World War. The event was attended by invited guests, members of Lord Mayors multicultural roundtable and school children, a moving but proud ceremony. Everyone missed the traditional morning tea that is normally served after the ceremony, covid 19 restriction in place did not allow that to happen.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020 — 13

BHARAT MAA TUJHE PRANAAM: A SALUTE TO INDIA ON ITS INDEPENDENCE DAY

Thakur Ranjit Singh, FIJI PUNDIT While we marked India Independence Anniversary last month, this subject is always relevant.

Bharat Swatantra Divas 2020 holds especially dear to Indian History, as India now has a leader who has started untangling the shackles India was mostly under since 1947 when it had very wanting and at times, questioning leadership.

Events in Kashmir and elsewhere, changing laws to grant rights to persecuted Indians in nearby Islamic nations, changing laws to make all Indians to come under one law, and the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, among others, make 2020 historically a very significant BHARAT SWATANTRA DIVAS- India Independence Anniversary.

As we celebrated Janam Astmi recently and prayed to Lord Krishn to …purakar de aajvachan who Gita mein joh tuu ne diya… fulfill the promise you gave in Bhagavat Gita to come back to save BHARAT when goodness and compassion are under threat.

It appears GOD has listened….. and sent us SHRI NARENDRA MODI JI. Hope Indians can recognize Him and support Him in quest to make BHARAT MATA (Mother India) proud and great - once again.

Please read on……Saluting Bharat maata…

On the night of 14 August, 1947, the first Prime Minister of Independent India, Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru, gave the historical, Tryst with Destiny speech Long years ago we made a tryst (date) with destiny (fate), and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially.

At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A

moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance.

I dedicate this article on behalf of Indian Diaspora in Auckland and also in memory of my Indian Girmitiya (indentured labourer) grandfather Bansi and to all the freedom fighters who were able to deliver this dream – a meeting with fate and cashing on the reality of an Independent India.

I am a third generation Fiji Indian by ethnicity.My grandfather Bansi, was displaced from Karouli, in Rajasthan and torn and tricked from his roots by British in 1915, to slave in Fiji to fill their coffers via sugar plantations, as an indentured (Girmitiya) labourer. I made a pilgrimage to his village in 2003.

India under a wanting leadership appear to have fallen under a huge chasm where many are still unaware of its history. It is significant that this article in written NOT by an Indian (from India), but a son of Indian Diaspora where umbilical cord had been cut from India some 140 years ago, and implanted in the South Pacific, in Fiji Islands as indentured labourers.

As an indentured labourer and later as a cane farmer in Fiji, my grandfather Bansi grew up craving for his motherland, Bharat, and he was in Fiji when India became Independent in 1947. I grew up affected by his patriotism, in listening to 78 RPM (rounds per minute) gramophone records which were played on those winding gramophone players.

Like Arjun’s son, Abhimanyu (of Mahabharat) learnt about Chakravyuh in his mother's womb, I learnt about Indian nationalism by listening to records of battles of Bhagat Singh with the British.

And there were many unsung heroes of Bharat Independence.

Unfortunately, huge credit for India independence is wrongly attributed to Nehru and Gandhi. But that story some other day.

Now, to my trip to India.

As the Airbus 320 of Lufthansa Airlines glided towards Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, it was a milestone in my life.

This was a flight from Frankfurt, Germany, around midnight of 20 October, 2003. Fate destined that I, together with my good wife Shashi

Understanding the Power and the Purpose of Life

Bharat mata ko Shat Shat pranam- a salute to India on Swatantra Divas

Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of Independent India (left) with father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. “Tryst with Destiny” was a speech made to the Indian Constituent Assembly in The Parliament, on the eve of India’s Independence, towards midnight on 14 August 1947. As I have indicated, while these two have been attributed with India Independence, there were many other unsung heroes and freedom fighters who appear to have been relegated by Indian history.

Kala Singh were passengers on that flight. I was filled with emotions and unprecedented feelings of delight. I had pledged on the burning pyre of my father that one day I would visit my grandfather’s birthplace, to trace my roots, and also visit the places that we only read in Holy Scriptures.

The land we looked upon with awe and reverence, and called Bharat Mata –mother India.

As I stepped out, I knelt down there and picked some dust and anointed on my forehead. This was the earth where Ram and Krishn also treaded, and so did my Aaja, (paternal grandfather) Bansi.

And the land we only knew from Bollywood, and little bit from my Girmitiya grandfather. This was his birthplace.

I had good and exciting memorable times in tracing my roots to my lineage and the land of Prithvi Raj Chauhan, near Jaipur in a small town called Karouli in Rajasthan.

I was saddened to see that the economic development and progress in India has failed to reach remote areas, as sections of the country is gripped in poverty, with

deep division in the then leaders.

Karouli is very close to Vrindavan, Mathura and Taj Mahal, and near stronghold of dacoits like Gabbar Singh of Sholay fame, near Chambal Valley. But those things some other day.

When the then Indian PM Indira Gandhi visited Fiji over three decades ago in 1981, she had good advice for descendants of indentured Indian labourers or girmitiyas as we are known there.

She told us that Fiji was now our country, hence we belonged there.

As a result, we owed allegiance, loyalty and love for our country, Fiji.

Nationalist leaders and others around the world should gain immensely from Indian history and the way of life. Ethnocentric Anglo Saxons, Europeans and other ignorant people who still regard India as a land of snake charmers and rope tricks need to see Akshay Kumar’s Bollywood movie Namastey London. (Greetings to London) They need to get a translation of episode where the protagonist Akshay Kumar, shuts up the great grandson of an English East Indian Company employee who was running down

Jesus said “Arise and Shine…”

THE BIG BREATH STORY Key Scripture: By the word of the Lord the heav-ens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. (Psalm 33:6) Have you ever been to a new year’s fire works and won-dered at the display of colours and lights that burst out in an instant?

At the back drop off a dark sky the light produces spec-tacular wonder of colours and shapes. But the sparkles of light quickly disappears as the gun powder is burnt out in to the thin air.

Imagine you were invited to a grand spectacle of fire works that no man on this earth is able to perform. I am inviting you to witness a greatest fire works that came out as a creative breath of God in the beginning of time.

14 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020

The vision described by the au-thor of Psalm 33 invites the all humanity to experience a grand story of the beginning. All you need is a faith of a child and heart of humility.

All my life I had never heard a creation story. I grew up learning about a big bang theory of evolu-tion through school text books. There were no alternative explanations for such a random collision in the cosmic particles.

We were forced study what ever text books instructed. This is a tragedy that has robbed many of a grand experience of creation story.

India and its people. By clasping his hands, Akshay say: When we Indians greet each other in the tradition of five thousand year old civilization, we fold our hands close to heart in Namastey (greetings) because we believe that God resides in the heart of every human being.

We come from a nation where we allow a lady of Catholic Religion (Sonia Gandhi) to step aside for a Sikh (Manmohan Singh) to be sworn as the Prime Minister by a Muslim President (Abdul Kalam) to govern a nation with over 80% Hindus (India) English is spoken and read more widely in India than in England.

India has 5,600 newspapers, 35,000 magazines and 21 major languages with combined readership of 120 million, many more than in England.

We have reached the moon and back but yet many Anglo Saxons (Europeans) still feel that India has reached only as far as gourd flute of snake charmers. We have third largest pool in the world of doctors, scientists and engineers. All these are of the details of our intellectual might, now look at our physical might.

May be the English grandfather did not tell that we have the third largest army in the world, and even then Indians clasp their hands in humility because they do not believe that they are above or beneath any individual…..end of the lesson.

So next time you are confronted by an ethnocentric individual who runs down your Bharat Mata, then you repeat the above to shut him or her. Some good movies, among others, to enlighten you and your children on pride of India are Manoj Kumar’s Shaheed, Upkar and Purab aur Paschim.

But how true are those dreams and future that Jawaharlal Nehru uttered some 70 years ago to the date? Nehru in 1947 said: The service of lndia means the service of the millions who suffer.

It means the ending of poverty and ignorance and disease and inequality of opportunity. The ambition of the greatest man of our generation has been to wipe every tear from every eye. That may be beyond us but as long as there are tears and suffering, so long our work will not be over. And so we have to labour and to work and work…

Unfortunately, Nehru and Congress legacy has left India bereft of dignity and many things

Think about these questions; Can chaos produce perfect order and peace?

There are no single example throughout the human history to support chaos leads to peace and or-der.

Consider: • Can random accident of two cars produce a perfect automobile?

• Mona Lisa painting did not appear by random spill of the paint on the canvass.

• If you happen to grind your well designed Swiss watch into fine particles and shake inside a closed container, can you bet your money that in a million years you will have your time machine restored by itself?

Such is the dilemma of evolution theory that I was forced learn and believe.

Not just myself, an entire generation of children are taught to accept this theory of evolution.

In the absence of truth the lies take strong hold in children growing up with such a foolish ideas. Albert Einstein quotes, “There is a pattern in Creation; Humankind’s desire for peace can be realised only by the Creation Rule”.

he promised over seven decades ago. For some seventy years after Independence, Congress leadership left a great deal to be desired. To appreciate the difference between reality and fantasy, see Aayushmaan Khurana’s 2020 movie: ARTICLE 15 Thank God for the Lion of Gujarat, Narendra Modi, who is seen as an incarnation who will rid India of the vices that have been nurtured by India's past corrupt and wanting leadership. India needed a nationalist leadership movement that has been long overdue. It appears to be delivered now.

And that work shall continue under a credible leadership that took 70 years in coming. And we are proud that India today is in better hands than ever been so, under Narendra Modi. And shall we pray that he will be able to wrest back the dignity India once had. The economic development of the last 70 years has not trickled down to the common people. There is a lot more that needs to be done, where social justice needs to bes delivered to ALL Indians.

And as we raise the Tiranga, the tricolour flag of India, we pledge to emulate the dreams of our freedom fighters who brought independence to India and many unsung heroes who outnumber many Nehrus and Gandhis, and who paved the path for an independent BHARAT long before them.

Nehru and Gandhi merely walked on the path paved by many unsung heroes and freedom fighters before them, some notable ones, among others being MANGAL PANDEY, BHAGAT SINGH, CHANDRA SHEKHAR AZAAD, SHIVARAM RAJGURU, SUKHDEV THAPAR, SUBHAS CHANDRA BOSE and JHAANSI KI RANI who Indian history appear to have FORGOTTEN AND IGNORED. SHAT SHAT NAMANSALUTATIONS TO ALL PAST UNSUNG HEROES OF INDIA INDEPENDENCE BHARAT SWATANTRA DIVAS JAI HIND - BHARAT MAA KO PRANAAM [ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Thakur Ranjit Singh, based in Auckland, New Zealand, is a third generation Fiji Indian. He was born in Fiji Islands.

His indentured grandfather, Bansi came as an indentured labourer to Fiji in 1915. Thakur is a media commentator and journalist who runs his blog, FIJI PUNDIT. E-mail: thakurji@xtra.co.nz]

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.

Therefore, we invite you to pray this with a sincere heart; ‘Dear Father God, today I thank you for your word that has touched my heart. I repent of my wrongs and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord and I believe in my heart that Jesus died for my sins, God raised Jesus from the dead for my Mukti (Salvation). Blood of Jesus has reconciled me to the loving relationship with my creator. Now help me to know Jesus more and more so that I can grow in the knowledge of your grace and mercy. Teach me your ways so that I can be a 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

Call: (07) 3192 5188

www.indiantimes.com

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020 — 15

The earliest source referring to Savitri and her accomplishments is found in the Van Parva, Forest Book, of the Mahabharat.

Pandavas were spending their twelve-year exile in the forests. Various sages visited Pandavas during this period and narrated motivating stories to soothe their feelings over their misfortune.

Once sage Markandey visited Pandavas after Draupadi was freed from king Jayadrath who had abducted her during their absence.

Yudhishthir recounted the tale of their tribulations and told him about the incidence of Draupadi’s abduction.

Markandey narrated the story of Ram who was exiled for fourteen years. His wife Sita was abducted in the forest. Ram recovered her, returned home and eventually became a king.

Ram had only one brother with him in the forest. His conditions were harsher than that of Pandavas.

Yudhishthir noted that he was not grieving for himself or brothers but for Draupadi who was subjected to unforgiving treatments.

Subsequently Markandey narrated the story of princess Savitri who endured challenging tasks and situations.

She overcame them and attained all the greatness that wellborn women might aspire to.

There was a king named Ashvapati who ruled over Madra, an ancient kingdom in India. He was merciful, truthful and devoted to the wellbeing of all creatures in his kingdom. He was childless and longed for progeny to fulfil his obligations to his ancestors as per tradition.

He performed severe penance and offered oblations with recitation of Savitri Mantra, also known as Gayatri Mantra, to acquire his progeny. After a long period of penance, goddess Savitri became pleased with his devotion and appeared before the king in person.

Goddess Savitri is the daughter of the solar deity Savitur. She and Gayatri are identified as consorts of Brahma. The goddess offered the king to ask for a boon.

The king requested her to bless him with offspring.

The goddess conceded that the king would soon have a magnificent daughter and promised that his wish would be fulfilled.

Soon the queen Malava, wife of Ashvapati, became pregnant and in due course delivered a baby girl. As the baby was born as a result of the boon from goddess Savitri, the king named the baby, Savitri. Savitri grew up with time and attained a resplendent form with all the splendours of an intelligent princess.

When Savitri reached a marriageable age, despite her extraordinary beauty and attributes, there were no proposals for marriage

Princess Savitri

from suitable candidates.

Suitable princes were shy of her beauty and accomplishments, and did not dare to approach her or her parents to ask for her hand. Savitri’s parents became worried about her future.

One day Savitri came to the king’s court to pay him respect. After traditional civilities, the king introduced the issue of her marriage. Savitri opted to select her husband herself, following the system of Svayamvar, a recognised process for a woman to choose her husband. The king consented to her choice and arranged for her travel to various regions to select a suitable spouse. Savitri supported by priests and assistants left in search of her potential partner.

Sometime later, when the roaming sage Narad was with the king Ashvapati, Savitri returned home after completion of her mission and presented herself to the king. Looking at the princess, Narad enquired about the actions being taken to arrange her matrimonial relationship.

Ashvapati spoke to him about her trip and asked Savitri to describe the progress of her journey in detail.

Savitri told them that she had found a proper person for marriage. His name was Satyavan, and he lived in a forest with his parents.

His father Dyumatsen was a king of Shalva kingdom.

When Satyavan was still a child, his father lost his sight.

A bordering king, former enemy of Dyumatsen, attacked the blind king and seized power from him.

Dyumatsen along with his wife and infant son took shelter in the forest, where they practiced austerity.

Now Satyavan, born in a palace and raised in a forest hermitage, was available for marriage.

Hearing her account, Narad became apprehensive.

The king asked Narad about the reason for his anxiety.

Narad said that Savitri had unknowingly erred. The king

16 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020

suspected that Satyavan might lack attributes necessary to be a partner of Savitri. He requested Narad to elaborate further.

Narad described Satyavan’s attributes, which were highly noble. He said, “Satyavan has the ardour of the sun.

He is Brihaspati’s equal in intelligence. He is as brave as Indra and as forbearing as the earth.” Narad also listed other qualities that Satyavan possessed. Then the king asked Narad about Satyavan’s weaknesses.

Narad said that his one and only weakness that undermined his strength was his short life. Satyavan would die in one year from now.

The king was alarmed and along with Narad asked Savitri to reconsider and nominate another person for groom. Savitri refused to change her decision.

Finally the king conceded and gave her his blessing to marry Satyavan. To formalise the relationship, the king visited Dyumatsen in his forest hermitage and confirmed Savitri’s wedding with Satyavan. The wedding of Savitri and Satyavan was solemnised in the forest with royal rituals.

Ashvapati offered gifts to his daughter appropriate to his position. After the wedding, Savitri began living with her husband and in-laws in their forest hermitage. She discarded her royal jewelleries and dresses, and embraced plain and rough clothes.

She performed her duties diligently. Despite being busy with chores of family responsibilities, she remained always conscious of Narad’s prediction about her husband’s death.

As time passed and the expected date for her husband’s death remained only three days away, Savitri requested permission from Satyavan and in-laws to fast, chant prayers and observe mental and physical purity.

They agreed. She took vows to perform her penance for the welfare of her husband and observed fast for three

days.

When three day fasting was over, her husband and in-laws insisted that she should ingest fluids and food. She declined to break her fast and convinced them that she would eat and drink after sunset that day.

This was the predicted day of Satyavan’s death and this impending event tormented her.

In the morning, Satyavan started for the forest to collect eatable roots and fruits and firewood for the family. Savitri was worried about him and did not wish to leave him alone. She followed him into the forest.

In the forest, Satyavan collected eatables and then started splitting wood near a Banyan tree for fuel.

Suddenly he felt extreme pain in his chest and fell to the ground unconscious.

Savitri went to him and started massaging him to soothe his pain.

As she was helping Satyavan, Savitri noticed a terrifying person with red eyes and noose in hand coming towards her husband. She asked him to identify himself, as his form was not of a common human being. He responded in a human voice that he did not normally talk to creatures, but had made an exception in her case due to her moral purity. He introduced himself as Yamaraj, the lord of death, and told her that he had come to take away Satyavan’s life. Normally his assistants performed this task but as Satyavan was righteous, handsome and virtuous, Yamaraj himself had come. Yamaraj tied Satyavan’s life in the noose and started toward the direction of his realm.

Savitri followed him.

Yamaraj noticed her behind him. He asked her to return to her husband and perform his funeral rites. Savitri responded by stating that it was her Dharma to follow her husband. As Yamaraj was taking away her husband’s life, she needed to follow him. Yamaraj became very

pleased with her intention and told her to request a boon, other than the return of her husband’s life. Savitri requested that her fatherin-law regain his eyesight and become as mighty as the blazing sun.

Yamaraj accepted her request and advised her to turn back as she was already very tired. Savitri responded that she could not be tired when she was near her husband. She said, “It is known that even a single meeting with a virtuous person is greatly desired, but she was blessed with friendship and marriage with such a person.”

Yamaraj said, “Your speech pleases my heart and enhances the wisdom of wise. Choose a second boon, other than the life of Satyavan.” Savitri asked that her father-in-law regain his lost kingdom and never stray from Dharma.

Yamaraj conceded to her request and asked her to turn back. Savitri said, “All beings on earth are governed by you and your ordinances and it is by ordinance that you take them away. The eternal Dharma of the virtuous is to do no harm to any creature by deed, thought and word, and practice kindness and generosity. Mostly people follow this according to their capability, but it is only the virtuous people, who show compassion even to their enemies.”

Yamaraj said, “Your words are to my ears like water to a thirsty person.

Choose a further boon, other than the life of Satyavan.

Savitri answered, “My father has no son. May my father be blessed with sons to continue his patriarchal lineage.

Yamaraj granted her this request and asked her to return as she had now travelled far. Savitri replied that she was not far when she was close to her husband. She requested Yamaraj to listen and said, “You are a mighty son of Vivasvan. You are known on earth as Vaivasvat and

Dharmaraj. People trust virtuous people even more than they trust themselves.

Everyone desires the friendship of the virtuous.

Yamaraj said, “I have never heard such words as you have spoken. Choose a fourth boon, other than the life of your husband.” Savitri requested, “May numerous sons be born to Satyavan and myself.”

Yamaraj bequeathed the requested boon and patiently asked her to return.

Savitri again lauded the importance of virtues and Dharma. Yamaraj felt obliged to grant her another boon of her choice. Savitri responded, “Please return life to Satyavan. To make your fourth boon true, my husband has to be alive.”

Yamaraj realised the import and approved her request and released Satyavan’s life from his noose. He said to Savitri, “Lady, you are delight of your family. I have released your husband. He will have a long life and you will have sons with him.”

Having secured her husband’s life, Savitri returned to where Satyavan had fallen on the ground. As she touched him, Satyavan regained consciousness.

He opened his eyes as if he awoke from sleep. It was already late in the night and they hurried back to their hermitage. Dyumatsen and his wife were relieved after seeing their son and daughter-in-law safely returned.

Soon Dyumatsen regained his eyesight and his kingdom. King Ashvapati was blessed with sons. Satyavan and Savitri became parents of many sons. After his father, Satyavan ruled his kingdom for a long period.

Sage Markandey concluded the story by telling Yudhishthir that Savitri rescued herself, her parents, parents-inlaw and her husband from calamity. In the same way Draupadi, like Savitri, is also a highborn woman renowned for her character, and she would save you all. The story demonstrates the importance of having patience, hope and caring attitude.

The story of Savitri has become a part of Hindu tradition and is celebrated as the Vat-Savitri festival.

Women perform rituals during this festival for the welfare and long life of their husband. They fast, worship Vat or Banyan tree and tie a sacred thread around it.

They also listen to the story of Savitri. Venerating the banyan tree also exhibits the significance of plants and trees in our lives. The celebration continues over three days in the Vikram Samvat calendar month of Jyestha (May– June). Observance of this festival highlights the determination, courage, devotion and love for her family displayed by a woman.

Awadhesh Sharma

School backpack giveaway helps Forest Lake kids, thanks to Heritage Bank and Inala Lions A free backpack filled with school materials will give a welcome boost to children struggling with their schoolwork in the Forest Lake area, thanks to the Lions Club of Inalaand Heritage Bank Forest Lake.

The gift is open to children who live and study in the Brisbane City Council’s Forest Lake Ward area.

This initiative started when the local Councillor, Charles Strunk funded a small backpack project to help children in Forest Lake Ward who were struggling with their studies due to COVID-19 restrictions. His office received many nominations from local schools, community groups and families.

From there, the Inala Lions Club and Heritage Bank Forest Lake came on board.

Heritage’s joint-venture partner Forest Lake One Community Board provided a grant of almost $5000 to broaden the initiative and reach more children, while the Inala Lions Club is looking

after distribution Forest Lake Ward Councillor, Charles Strunk, said “I could see that this project was needed in our local community after having been approached by lots of local families who spoke to me about the financial and emotional impact that COVID-19 was having on

them and their children, especially with the closing of the public libraries.

“Many families and children depend on the free Library wi-fi to do their study and extra-curricular activities, meet with study groups, or simply participate in many Brisbane City Council activities. It’s important to

acknowledge that there a lot of families in our local community that don’t have the funds to have internet at home.

“I welcome the collaboration between Inala Lions Club and Heritage Bank Forest Lake who will continue this initiative on a larger scale throughout the

'Boldy Brisbane'. Theme for Brisbane Festival 2020 From 4-26 September 2020, Brisbane Festival ran across the city with a program including giant outdoor installations, intimate street concerts, suburban symphonies, and new light and laser installation. This year's festival theme is 'Boldy Brisbane'.

Brisbane City Council is a proud foundation partner of Brisbane Festival and it's just one of the thousands of markets, festivals and events that they help deliver each year.

The most awaited and exciting Brisbane festival is back this year, with a different look and feel chopping off the Riverfirefrom the list to avoid large gatherings. Normally, South Bank is where the hub of the Festival is, but this year Brisbane Festival is going out to 190 suburbs across the city.

There are around 50events taking place as part the BrisFestin different categories like Interactive, Family, Visual Art, Theatre, Circus, Installation, Dance, First Nations, Poetry, Music, Talks, Film, Cabaret and other special events.

This year Brisbane Festival begins with ‘Jumoo’, a very special city-wide smoking ceremony honouring the first people of Brisbane.The Brisbane festival artistic director, Louise Bezzina said that six Giant finches have been perched atop iconic Brisbane locations in the inner-city river area, Messengers of Brisbane can be viewed on a leisurely stroll, bike ride, or even from a CityCat. These messengers of hope are our gift to you and an invitation to look up and smile.

She also added that – “We will welcome audiences to the grand Call: (07) 3192 5188

opening of the iconic Metro Arts at their new home in West End. And we will fill the city with music and be proudly Boldly Brisbane.”Tourism Minister Kate Jones said events like Brisbane Festival would play an important role in the state’s economic recovery.

Riverfire has fallen victim to the coronavirus pandemic, with the popular Brisbane fireworks attraction to be replaced with a laser and light show in September.

Artistic director Louise Bezzina said programming this year's Brisbane Festival was a "bumpy ride" amid COVID-19

restrictions The 2020 program was swiftly and carefully curated and created within the span of three months as the world changed in line with our new norm of COVID-19 restrictions," she said.

Instead of fireworks exploding over the Brisbane River, more than a dozen rooftops across the city will create an installation called Sunsuper Night Sky by internationally acclaimed artist Robin Fox. The "Boldly Brisbane" program, held from September 4 to 26, would bring personal and human connection back to

everyday life, Ms Bezzina said.

The festival will feature 490 performances across 91 events and more than 700 local artists were employed to create 28 works that were commissioned.

The program will be adjusted to meet the changing restrictions and requirements of Queensland’s Chief Health Officer, Jeannette Young.

Ms Bezzina said there would be more than 70 free events.

Brisbane Festival will begin with Jumoo, a city-wide smoking ceremony led by Yugara and Turrbal man Shannon Ruska.

QPAC will welcome audiences from September 3 to 12 to performances from 36 acrobats, dancers and performers that make up the team at Circa.

Hot Mess Mama is a cabaret created for the festival by Brisbane singer-songwriter Emma Dean alongside a fivepiece band.

Pop-up performances along footpaths, tracks and bikeways will range from Dead Puppet Society’s Megafauna and stiltwalkers and unicyclists to flashmob cheer squads.

South Bank's River Quay will host performances by Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra Camerata and outdoor dance theatre work by Australasian Dance Collective.

Brisbane lord mayor Adrian Schrinner said the team was overcoming challenges of COVID-19 to deliver the program.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the festival take hold of Brisbane’s suburban streets throughintimate performances of song, dance and creativity; these events will generate the hopewe need to get through these difficult times," he said.

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year. What started as a small idea is now being funded at a larger scale thanks to the Inala Lions Club.”

Inala Lions Club President Les Josiah and Inala Lions Member and Former President Rangi Ross have both been working with the Inala community for many years and welcome the generosity of Heritage Bank Forest Lake to support the local youth. The bags and supplies will be purchased from local shops to support local business as well.

President Les Josiah said, “Our club understands the importance of education and enriching a child’s schooling. We are known in our community for delivering projects that focus on our youth.

“On behalf of Inala Lions Club and everyone we would like to thank Heritage Bank Forest Lake and The Forest Lake One Community Boardfor the opportunity to service the community with the funding we have received.

We can’t thank them enough for the grant approval of close to $5000.

“Many families and schools have welcomed this news and we look forward to receiving lots of nominations from residents, community groups and schools. One of the many reasons this initiative is so important to our members is that we have so many talented students in our community and we need to support them during these difficult times.”

Heritage Bank, Forest Lake Leader, Belinda Killey said, “We are delighted to be able to support this initiative and the kids that will benefit from the backpack program. The staff at Heritage and the Forest Lake One Community Board believe in the education of our children and if we can make a difference to so many kids, then we are doing our jobs.”

Stock is limited, so to find out more and check on eligibility, please contact Rangi Ross on 0407 116 679.

GOULDIAN FINCHES SPREAD HOPE AND SMILE AT BRISFEST

Six Giant Gouldian finches are perched atop iconic Brisbane locations in the inner-city river area, Messengers of Brisbane can be viewed during a leisurely stroll, bike ride, a CityCat or even on your work commute.

The locations included Brisbane City Hall, Brisbane Powerhouse, Goodwill Bridge, South Bank, QPAC and Queensland Museum bringing up the spirit of the Brisbane Festival 2020.

Internationally renowned visual artist FlorentijnHofman created six giant Gouldian finches for Messengers of Brisbane, which are 8.6m long and 2.3m across and are a public installation bringing hope, joy and art for the duration of BrisFest 2020.

Brisbane Festival Artistic Director Louise Bezzina said each finch wears a party hat, creating colourful beacons that inject a sense of fun throughout the city. She also mentioned that, the giant Gouldian finches are glorious visual reminders that September is synonymous with Brisbane Festival and a cause for celebration.

She added “the messengers of hope are our gift to you and an invitation to look up and smile.” She finally stated that these giant inflatable finches with fibreglass legs set the look for the BrisFestwhich began on Friday, the 4th September evening with Jumoo, a traditional special city-wide smoking ceremony honouring the first people of Brisbane.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020 — 17

Arya Samaj Queensland

Yog and MeditationHealing through knowledge The purpose of the Yoga Sutras is to eliminate human misery by means of knowledge of the self and the universe.

This goal of eliminating misery is shared by each of the six Indian spiritual sciences, called darsanas, The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is one of them, and is also known as “Yoga-darsanas.” In ancient India, darsana is synonymous with science. The word derives from the root “dras”, which means to see. A darsana helps one see that which is not previously seen or recognized, much as a periscope or telescope lets one see things that are obstructed or far away.

In modern times, the six darsanas are more popularly known as “the six systems of Indian philosophy.” Six different rishis propounded these and are their founding teachers. These teachings do not compete with one another, nor are they mutually exclusive — each addresses a separate topic, but there is overlap.

Misery (duhkha) is classified into three kinds: • Adhyatmika: Suffering caused by one’s own body and mind — for example, depression, trauma, and frustration.

• Adhibhautika: Suffering caused by other beings, such as a bite from a snake or dog.

• Adhidaivika: Suffering caused by natural calamities, such as earthquakes, floods, and tornadoes, The highest goal of human pursuit is to completely eliminate these three kinds of misery. This goal and the effort to achieve it is called purusartha. The objective of all darsanas is to help us in achieving that goal. There are four purusarthas — right conduct, earning wealth, fulfilling physical and mental desires, and liberation from all misery. Liberation is one of the main topics of darsanas.

The Six Darsanas Each of the darsanas addresses a different topic.

• Sankhya: The distinction between consciousness and nature. The great sage

The highest goal of human pursuit is to completely eliminate these three kinds of misery. This goal and the effort to achieve it is called purusartha.

The objective of all darsanas is to help us in achieving that goal. There are four purusarthas — right conduct, earning wealth, fulfilling physical and mental desires, and liberation from all misery.

Liberation is one of the main topics of darsanas.

Kapila is considered the founder of this philosophy.

• Yoga: The control of the mind that enables this distinction between consciousness and nature (and the overall goal of Sankhya).

Patanjali codified this body of knowledge into the Yoga-darsana.

• Nyaya: Methods of investigating the truth (reality), and discussion of proof. Gautama is the author of the Nyayadarsana.

• Vaisesika; The discussion of various categories of substances, entities found in the universe, and atomic theory, and also discussion of proof. This work was developed by Kanada.

• PurvaMimamsa (also called DaksinaMimamsa): The discussion of virtuous conduct and the interpretation of ancient texts called Vedas (and associated rituals.

Sage Jaimini was the composer of this work.

Vedanta (also called Uttara Mimamsa, or Brahmasutras): The discussion of the nature of God (Brahman). This darsana is attributed to Sage Badarayana.

(Continued in next issue) Please contact Jitendra Deo on 3273 3029 or visit www.yogguru.com.au for more information and articles.

18 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020

A Brief Introduction- Vaidik Satya Sanaatan Dharma

Jitendra Deo President ASQ

The old name for Hinduism is Vaidik Satya Sanaatana Dharma.

In brief, we can say Vaidik Dharma, which means the Vedic Religion.

The four Vedas are the very basis of Vaidik Dharma.

These Vedas are called the Rig, Yajur, Saama and Atharva Veda Samhitas.

In the Vedas can be found, in germinal form, all the various sciences useful for man. In addition to the four Vedas, there are other Rishiwritten books explaining the Vedas. These are the 4 Brahmanas, 4 Upa-vedas, 6 Darshanas, 10 Upanishads and 6 Vedangas. Together, they extensively explain the tenets of Vaidik Dharma.

Vaidik Dharma is the

ancient-most religious system in the world.

It precedes every other faith or sect. It has been in existence since the beginning of human creation, i.e. 1960,853,093 years ago.

Every faith and sect in the world owe its existence to some prophet, messiah, holy man or guru, whereas Vaidik Dharma owes its existence to no such human being. It came from God through a deliberate act of revelation.

Vaidik Dharma teaches the worship of One God, Who is Formless, AllKnowing, All-Pervading, All-Powerful and Just. All worship and communion is due to Him, and not to supposed gods and goddesses.

God does not incarnate, i.e. His existence is not conditioned in bodies.

God, the individual Soul and Matter are three separate entities.

They are all beginningless and endless.

They eternally co-exist.

The tenets of Vaidik Dharma concur with the Laws of Cosmic evolution, and so, they are scientific.

On the other hand, many beliefs of other faiths cannot stand the test of

Science.

We perform pilgrimage not merely by visiting cities, rivers, mountains or temples. True pilgrimage is performed when we study knowledge, practise Observances and Restraints (Yamas and Niyamas), practise Yoga for physical and spiritual well-being and participate in Satsang, religious congregations.

Such pilgrimage cleanses our mind, intellect ego and senses and takes us across

the ocean of pain.

Belief in ghosts and spirits has no place of acceptance in Vaidik Dharma.

Ghosts do not exist.

Some people imagine them to exist.

By Dr Satish Prakash, Ph.D., Vyakaranacharya Please contact President: Jitendra Deo 3273 3029 or Secretary: Sunil Dutt 5613 3410 for information on activities of Arya Samaj Queensland or log on: www. aryasamajqueensland.org/ Facebook Arya Samaj Qld

FATHERS DAY Sept 6th 2020 Father’s Day, on September 6th is a time to honor our father and celebrate fatherhood. This is a wonderful tradition provided your father was a good man to you, your family and others. \Sadly this is not true of many fathers, including my own. So I never had any interest in Father’s Day until I became a father.

My Sikh father Ajit Singh Rai from a village in Punjab met my mother, an Irish Catholic, in war time England. My birth in 1946 was a problem as they were not married and my father had a wife and two daughters in the Punjab.

Ajit returned to his family in 1947, three more sons were born but I was the eldest son.

At age 23, I traveled by land to teach in India and to meet my father, his wife and his family for the first time.

This was a complete disaster. I was the evidence of my father’s adultery so the family’s shame and anger was not directed at Ajit but me! Being the eldest son they feared that I had come to claim the family home and land.

Sadly I never had a good relationship with the family except the second oldest son Bhindi who was serving in the army.

While teaching in

This is a wonderful tradition provided your father was a good man to you, your family and others. \Sadly this is not true of many fathers, including my own. So I never had any interest in Father’s Day until I became a father.

Mussoorie I met and married Dot an Australian.

When we traveled to Ajits village, he did not come to meet us.

However, Ajit did write to my own daughter when she was 14 and his granddaughter, now in her 40’s has written to myself and my daughter.

Amazingly Ajit has taught me the importance of Father’s Day. First, as I have two adult children I understand

family, fatherhood and children (including myself) are a gift from God. Secondly, being a father is a wonderful privilege and responsibility that God has given.

Thirdly, like Ajit all fathers make mistakes so we must admit our failures to our self and others and ask for forgiveness from both God and others.

Finally, seek to be the best father you can be.

Peter Lane Rai.

Brisbane's Economic Recovery Plan A message from the Lord Mayor Brisbane is a dynamic and resilient city. I am extremely proud of how Brisbane City Council, businesses and the community has responded to the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the collective Brisbane spirit that has emerged, as we work together to get our city back on its feet.

To help drive and prioritise Council’s coronavirus response and recovery, I established the Economic Recovery Taskforce and appointed Finance, Administration and Small Business Chair Cr Adam Allan to lead this effort.

The Taskforce responded swiftly by introducing immediate relief for the community, such as rates deferrals for those experiencing financial hardship and a $7.9 million business relief package.

Alongside local business and industry, community groups and residents also play a critical role in our economic recovery.

Brisbane’s Economic Recovery Plan details how we’re partnering with business, industry groups and residents to understand current and ongoing challenges, identify opportunities to support and undertake initiatives that make a real difference.

Council has already taken first steps in what will be a long journey towards rebuilding by cutting red tape, reducing payment terms for suppliers and spearheading our commitment to buy local

by investing 80 per cent of our procurement spend with local businesses.

Looking forward, we're also investing $840 million to progress city-shaping projects such as Brisbane Metro and Victoria Park.

This also includes $21.7 million on projects in every Brisbane ward to create local jobs and supplier opportunities while delivering long-term economy-boosting infrastructure.

Council will work closely with the Queensland and Australian governments, who also play a significant role in our economic and social recovery.

Just as we did after the 2011 floods, we will work closely with residents, businesses and community groups to overcome

this unprecedented challenge.

Together, we’ll ensure we’re making the Brisbane of tomorrow better than the Brisbane of today.

A message from Cr Adam Allan As chair of the Economic Recovery Taskforce, my highest priority is helping local businesses get back on their feet is our priority.

Many have faced hardship in the past few months due to the coronavirus pandemic, with small businesses doing particularly tough.

Small businesses are the backbone of Brisbane’s economy and with more than 124,000 in Brisbane, it’s imperative we help rebuild businesses.

This plan demonstrates

Council’s commitment to doing everything we possibly can to rebuild Brisbane’s economy and support those who have been most impacted.

Shortly, we will be introducing a Brisbane Business Hub to boost our support for Brisbane businesses. This is on top of our 24/7 Business Hotline, support through our Business Liaison officers and, a dedicated Business in Brisbane Facebook group and e-newsletter. year, Council introduced the buy local procurement policy which will see 80% of Council’s procurement spend go to local businesses.

As a critical part of our recovery, building and construction related economic recovery initiatives include application fee reductions, automatic time extensions for eligible existing development approvals, a new building and construction hotline and green building incentives.

As the coronavirus crisis evolves, the Taskforce will continue to identify and deliver initiatives to support the city’s recovery.

Updates will be added to Council’s website and can be found online by searching ‘Economic Recovery Taskforce’.

Contents • Rebuilding Brisbane’s economy • Engaging with Brisbane • Themes for recovery • Action plan summary

AUSTRALIA SECURES ONSHORE MANUFACTURING AGREEMENTS FOR TWO COVID-19 VACCINES A free COVID-19 vaccine will be available progressively throughout 2021 in Australia, if promising trials prove successful, following a $1.7 billion supply and production agreement between the Australian Government and pharmaceutical companies.

Under the agreement, the University of Oxford/AstraZeneca and the University of Queensland/ CSL will provide more than 84.8 million vaccine doses for the Australian population, almost entirely manufactured in Melbourne, with early access to 3.8 million doses of the University of Oxford vaccine in January and February 2021.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said both vaccines would need to be proven safe and effective, and meet all necessary regulatory requirements, prior to being made available to the public.

“Australians will gain free access to a COVID-19 vaccine in 2021 if trials prove successful,” the Prime Minister said.

“By securing the production and supply agreements, Australians will be among the first in the world to receive a safe and effective vaccine, should it pass late stage testing.

“There are no guarantees that these vaccines will prove successful, however the agreement puts Australia at the top of the queue, if our medical experts give the vaccines the green light.”

Health Minister Greg Hunt

Call: (07) 3192 5188

said Australians would be among the first in the world to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, once it is available.

“The Australian Government is a strong supporter of immunisation in that it is a safe and effective way to prevent the spread of many diseases in the community that can cause hospitalisation, serious ongoing health conditions, or even death,” Minister Hunt said.

“All vaccinations help save lives and protect lives. This vaccination though is fundamental to the safety of individuals and our nation and it will protect our elderly and our frail and we can all help save lives.”

“While the Government supports immunisation, it is not mandatory and individuals maintain the option to choose not to vaccinate.

“Any decisions regarding vaccines will be based on the advice of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation and other experts, and will be contingent on a vaccine meeting all requirements with regard to testing and safety.”

This commitment forms a crucial part of the Federal Government’s response to COVID-19 and our strategy to protect the health and wellbeing of Australians and the national economy.

The Prime Minister also remains committed to ensuring

early access to the vaccines for countries in the Pacific as well as regional partners in Southeast Asia. Both agreements allow for additional orders to be negotiated and for doses to be donated or on-sold (with no mark-up) to other countries or international organisations.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said these agreements demonstrate what can be achieved when researchers and industry work together.

“Both these vaccines were initially tested by the CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Geelong, while the UQ vaccine is being developed with $5 million in support from the Federal Government,” Minister Andrews said.

“Now our nation’s manufacturing prowess will ensure Australia is in the strongest position to roll out a vaccine as quickly as possible, if and when it proves safe and effective.

“The work we are doing now will also build our knowledge and strengthen our local manufacturing capability, which will grow our pharmaceutical and medtech sectors for the future.”

The University of Oxford/ AstraZeneca vaccine is world leading, having entered Phase three trials.To date it has generated strong immune responses, with no significant safety concerns.

The University of Queensland

(UQ) vaccine has been developed in Australia by world class scientists and researchers, with support from the Australian Government.

UQ has recently announced that pre-clinical testing showed the vaccine is promising and already effective in animal models.

This production and supply agreement is part of the Australian Government’s COVID Vaccine and Treatment Strategy and was recommended by the expert advisory group COVID-19 Vaccine and Treatments for Australia – Science and Industry Technical Advisory Group.

The deal leverages the manufacturing capability of experienced Australian pharmaceutical manufacturer CSL/Seqirus and will ensure that the vaccines will be manufactured onshore, to the highest quality standards at the earliest possible time.

Australia has a long history of vaccine development and vaccination which ensures Australians are protected from deadly and debilitating diseases including vaccines for rubella, polio and cervical cancer.

The Australian Government is contributing significantly to vaccine development work both in Australia and around the world, investing $362 million in vaccines, therapeutics and COVID medicines - including $257 million in vaccines.

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NEW TASKFORCE TO CREATE JOBS BY ATTRACTING BUSINESS AND TALENT TO AUSTRALIA International businesses will be lured to Australia and exceptional talent will be encouraged to call Australia home under a new initiative to support the post-COVID recovery and boost local jobs.

The new, whole-ofgovernment Global Business and Talent Attraction Taskforce will bring together experts from across the Commonwealth, States and Territories as well as the private sector, as part of the Government’s JobMaker plan.

Senior business leader, Peter Verwer AO, has been appointed as the head of the Taskforce and will be known as the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Global Business and Talent Attraction.

The Taskforce will operate as a ‘strike team’ to turbo-charge the creation of jobs by boosting our efforts to attract high value global business and exceptional talent.

The initial focus will be on three key sectors: advanced manufacturing, financial services (including FinTech) and health.

Australia is strategically well positioned given its management of the pandemic and our relatively strong economy.

We have always been an attractive destination due to our lifestyle, democratic system, clean cities and proximity to Asia. We can use those advantages to bring more global business and talent to our shores and help create more Australian jobs.

Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge said the global context had significantly changed and many talented people and businesses will now be looking to places like Australia.

“Australia has always been an attractive destination for talent and investment, but given our relative success economically, from a health perspective, and socially, we will be even more attractive.

“We want to capitalise on this and be very focussed on attracting key businesses and global super talent to Australia. This will aid our recovery and boost jobs for Australians.”

“The Taskforce will take a whole-ofgovernment approach, including coordinating closely with State Government initiatives.

We will be leveraging our networks abroad, including the Australian diaspora, to help identify opportunities.”

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham said luring more investment from global businesses in emerging industries would be a critical part of Australia’s overall economic recovery from COVID-19.

“Through this taskforce and the ongoing work of Austrade we will highlight to global businesses that our overall economic management and handling of the COVID-19 pandemic strengthens our reputation as a stable and attractive investment destination,” Minister Birmingham said.

“As our economy continues to transform, attracting talent and investment will be critical to bringing additional business nous and new technologies to help drive growth in the development of highvalue goods and services in emerging industries.

“With one in 10 jobs already supported by foreign direct investment, boosting investment and getting more global businesses to set up shop here will help drive more jobs and opportunities for Australians.”

On 9 July, the Prime Minister announced that Australia would develop incentives to attract export orientated Hong Kong based businesses to relocate to Australia.

This initiative builds on this idea, and the Global Talent and Business Innovation and Investment programs, to attract high value businesses and exceptionally talented individuals to Australia to create jobs for Australians.

The Taskforce will join up the Department of Home Affairs with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), and draw on expertise from the Treasury, the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, Defence, and the Department of Education, Skills and Employment.

They will work closely with the States and Territories, industry leaders and specialists in identifying and executing opportunities.

Parties can express their interest through the below: GBTATaskforce@ homeaffairs.gov.au Or www.homeaffairs.gov.au/ globalbusinessandtalent

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020 — 19

Celebration of Shree Krishna Janamastmi

by Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir

The auspicious occasion of Shree Krishna Janamastmi was celebrated by Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir in North Maclean from 04/08/2020 -11/08/2020 with daily discourse (Parvachan)

by Dharam Guru Acharya Pt Ram Harsh Tripathi Jee followed by Bhajan/ Kirtan, Bhog,Aarti, Prasaad and Mahaprasaad (Dinner served daily). Due to COVID 19 pandemic the occasion was celebrated on a smaller scale considering the social distancing measures. The daily glimpses of the program was also live streamed by Facebook page. A hearty thanks to Australian Indian Radio for showing the daily puja live videos on AIR. On the last night of Janamastmi the temple did a grand celebration with the birth of Lord Krishnathe supreme personality

who is Lord Vishnu Himself reincarnated from the guise of Lord Krishna on this planet earth.

Lord Krishna led an impeccable life. His divine deeds were ever-mysterious

and yet fully saturated with the fullest power of God. Only the highest of saints could catch small glimpses of His Divinity, that too with His grace alone. A vast majority of the people in those days

could not recognize Krishna for who He was. During His avataric career, He taught many lessons to mankind.

Most of His teachings were through His own actions.

While His teachings are as infinite and innumerable as His names and forms His teaching is very applicable

in our modern life.

Lord Krishna in the holy Bhagavad Gita pointed this out when he said; “It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else’s life with perfection.”

Integrity is the key to freedom. It’s only your

own truth that can ‘set you free.’ It’s perfectly fine if your truth doesn’t match that of others because the experience of physical reality is a completely subjective one. It doesn’t make either of you wrong, as long as you’re both being true to yourselves, that’s all that matters.”

Building community connections Krishna Janamasthmi at Boondall, GayatriMandir Celebrations Officers from the North Brisbane Crime Prevention team and the Police Liaison Officers were honoured to be invited to the first official sit down meal at the GayatriMandir Hindu Temple at Boondall.

The temple enables the Hindu community a central place to practice their faith,

join together as a community, and share their philosophy, culture, languages. It is also a place to share a meal together.

We have a COVID-19 safe plan in place to enable our community to recommence face-to-face connection, including the preparation and sharing of meals.

The guidelines to maintain social distancing is to be strictly followed by all devotees. Our humble request to all visitors is to kindly adhere to the rules till further notice.

MandirOpening Hours Monday to Friday: Morning: 9 am to 11 am Saturday Morning: 8am to 11am Sunday Morning: 9 am to 11 am

Despite restricted attendance, as per Covid-19 plan requirements, GayatriMandir celebrated Krishna Janamasthmi with great enthusiasm and vigor over eight days. Lord Krishna chants and bhajans preceded the daily Shrimad Bhagwat Katha led by Pundit Suresh Shandil and Pundit BrigeshMaharaj.

Each day devotees rendered flowers, prashad and prayers to the divine, Lord

Krishna.

Thousands of devotees followed the 8-day programme which was streamed LIVE on Facebook.

The maximum number of views was recorded at 31,000 on the final night. This is a significant achievement for the entire community. We would like to extend our gratitude to all our followers and viewers for their continued support during the celebrations.

20 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020

Afternoon: 3pm to 5pm Afternoon: 3pm to 5pm Afternoon: 3pm to 5pm

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020 — 21

We do not have to continue moving in the cycle of birth and death food and water, he would sit in the satsang only.

He didn’t have thoughts of eating or drinking as death was very close to him. He did not miss even a single word of satsang.

In the end Guru said: “Thou art That, Supreme Self ”, and he attained Self-realization. It is a very lofty goal. No other thing can be compared with it.

The content of this article is taken from the satsang of H. H. Sant Shri Asaram Bapu Ji. 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.

To awaken the cultural pride of India and to save the youth who are being ruined due to the lustful festivals like valentine’s day, in 2007 Pujya Bapu Ji initiated celebrations of Matri-Pitri Pujan Diwas (Parents worship day) on 14th February.

Bapu Ji was aggrieved to see that people are being alienated from Lord Ram in Lord Ram's country, so he stoutly resisted the forces of conversion. Through his religious discourse, Pujya Bapu Ji always explained the spiritual and scientific significance of tulsi (basil) plant and argued countrymen to grow tulsi plants in every house.

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

The whole world is now beginning to understand the virtues and importance of the basil plant in the current Kovid-19 pandemic period, an awareness for which Pujya Bapu Ji had been longing for.

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

This prapancha (world appearance) is unreal. Why is it called prapancha? Just as all constituents are mixed in Bhel puri (a type of mixed snack), similarly half of each of the elementary constituents of the universe (the five elements) remained unquintuplicated and half were quintuplicated.

That created the physical universe (Prapancha).

Particles of earth are found even in water, even

in the air and even in space. And earth (matter) also contains space, air, etc. The five elements compounded with one another to form 25 entities.

कभी न छूटे पिंड दःु खों से जिसे ब्रह्म का ज्ञान नहीं । “He who considers unreal to be real, is doomed and is never free from suffering.”

मिथ्या परपंच दे खि दख ु जिन आनि जिय । दे वन को दे व तू तो सब सुखरासी है ।। “Looking at the unreal world, why bring misery on your Self, You are the Deva of Devas, and a mass of felicity.” (Vicharsagar: 6.12) Look at the unreal world and do not bring misery in your Self. “Is this Deva or not?” You are the one who certifies Him. Even the divinity of God is established by you. You are the God of the God, the Guru of the Guru, such is your Atman.

As much as you digest this knowledge imparted by the Guru, you become that much humble and dearer to Him. आपनै अज्ञान तैं जगत सब तू ही रचै । “With your ignorance, you create the world…”

You don’t have the knowledge of your own Self (Atman)! Just like in the night while in deep sleep we forget about ourselves and create a dream world, and shrink back in fear, “Hello Sir! Hey Policeman! Hey so and so Sir!...”, and all of them disappear on waking up. All those big guns, eminent persons seen in the dream have their eminence because of your ignorance. If you open your eyes, then their eminence will vanish. Similarly, in this world, if you open your eye of knowledge, then the eminence of all will vanish. Such is your Atman! One who thinks about going from place to place, will wander in this world, which is like a dream. आपनै अज्ञान तैं जगत सब तू ही रचै । सर्व को संहार करैं आप अविनाशी है ।। “With your ignorance, you create the world; destroy them all and be eternal yourself.”

(Vicharsagar: 6.12) Atman is not anything other than Consciousness from which the “I” arises!

Realize that Atman, without any doubt. It

22 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020

requires no effort. The discipline that needs effort is different. It is the discipline of penance.

Two paths – Penance and Upasana (Worship) One is the path of penance in which one attains siddhi and powers by bearing hardships.

The other is the path of upasana. Love for your Ishta (presiding deity), Love for Guru is the path of upasana. “Upa” means near. This is the way to get close to the Guru or the Ishta.

In the path of karma yoga, desires are checked.

Upasana and Dharma, check the habit of going to wrong places to get pleasure. One is Manmukhi karma, obeying the dictates of one’s mind. Such a person is doomed to greater downfall. With good actions, the heart becomes pure and pure hearts develop strong will power. Your desires will be materialized. On bearing hardships, the subtle body gets purified.

By bearing hardships, siddhi is attained.

In upasana, one practices concentration and thereby attains power. One comes very

close to the established doctrine of Guru or God. One may go to the world of the Ishta, after death.

Upasana is so powerful that if there is a world of your presiding deity; that is fine, if not by the strength of your upasana a new world will be created for you. Just like everything is created in the dream, similarly the world of your presiding deity will be created for you.

Self-Realization is so easy The ultimate Truth (essence) of all the devas, objects of worship and upasakas (worshippers) is our Self-God. Penance and life devoted to righteousness purifies the internal organ (mind). Upasana develops concentration of mind. As much one concentrates the mind, that much power one attains. One may attain the golden city of Lanka, with the power of upasana. But if one does not realize the ultimate Truth of the Creation, the presiding deity, and oneself, then sooner or later one falls down. Just like earning and spending. Like one incurred loss and then balanced it with profit.

This way, people (jivas) keep wandering in the fourteen worlds up and down, rising and falling in the wheel of birth and death. So now we do not have to rise and fall. We do not have to continue moving in the cycle of birth and death.

One who worships his presiding deity gets Gurudev and there are different types of Gurudev too. Among them one who has realized the Truth through Self-realization, such Gurus are very rare to find. If such a Guru is found, he will inculcate the sanskara that, “Brother! You are the Atman, the Truth”. Until I met a Self-realized Guru, even I did not know what is Self-Realization; you also didn’t know, no one knows.

So, to have realization of the ultimate Truth of the Creation is very easy.

The man of rituals may get tired of performing rituals, a devotee may spend several lives in devotion, but realization of Truth, Self-realization can happen even in one week, it is that easy! King Parikshita attained it in one week. He received the teachings from Shukdevji.

He had such a deep yearning that forgoing

What is the nature of Self?

What is meant by Atman? From where this “I” arises. In everyone’s heart there is this, “I, I”.

This is so vast. We say this “I, I” pointing to the body, but it is not only there, it is everywhere. This Self-God alone gives the energy to absorb the sap to the trees. The cuckoo’s calling is happening with the power of Atman. The same Consciousness Atman is in these trees, plants and stones, but in the dormant state. The whole world is just a vivarta1 of Atman. Even a single wave of ocean is not separate from the ocean. In the same way not a single particle of the universe is different from the Atman.

Once you realize the Atman as the Supreme Self, abide in That for 3 minutes, stay in That, attain Self-realization with the grace of Guru just for three minutes you have crossed the ocean of birth and death forever.

Then you will not have to live as a fetus in mother’s womb, you will be free from the cycle of birth and death.

To listen Vedic/ knowldge stories or to listen 24X7 live divine Satsang, please search “Mangalmay live” on google, visit http://www. ashram.org/live or search “THE SBM STUDIO” on you tube. By the Divine Inspiration of Bapu Ji, the weekly sessions of Bal Sanskar and yoga are held in Brisbane.

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

Don’t Buy What The Devil Sells Sadhguru, Isha Foundation Questioner: I have been trying to clear the engineering entrance exam but have already failed twice.

I have become very frustrated and am unable to come out of it.

Sadhguru: Frustration, discouragement and depression are a continuous process. Once you get frustrated, you will get discouraged. Once you get discouraged, you will get depressed. Let me tell you a story. The devil decided to go out of business, so he put all the instruments of his business on sale. There was anger, lust, greed, jealousy, passion for wealth, ego – he put up everything for sale, and people bought them all. But then somebody noticed that he still had something in his bag. So they asked him, “What is it that you have got there?”

The devil said, “These are my most effective tools. I am not putting these for sale, just in case I decide to get back into business.

And above all, even if I put them on sale, they will be too expensive, as they are the best instruments of my work to somehow destroy life.” People asked, “Tell us what they are!” The devil said, “Discouragement and depression.”

Once there is no enthusiasm, once there is depression in you, there is no possibility of life. When you say “I am getting frustrated with something,” you are not far away from discouragement and depression – frustration is the first step.

So how do you drop frustration? Don’t buy it!

You don’t have to drop it because life – every life – is enthusiasm. Just look at the very way an ant moves about. If you try to stop him, does he ever get frustrated or discouraged?

Till he falls dead he will make his effort. Life energy knows no frustration. It is the limited mind which

knows frustration, because the limited mind works out of false expectations. When your expectations are not in line with life, when your expectations are fanciful psychology and not life phenomena, when that expectation is not fulfilled, the mind feels it is the end of the world.

The devil said, “These are my most effective tools. I am not putting these for sale, just in case I decide to get back into business. And above all, even if I put them on sale, they will be too expensive, as they are the best instruments of my work to somehow destroy life.” People asked, “Tell us what they are!”

The devil said, “Discouragement and depression.”

getting frustrated is a purely psychological phenomenon, not a life phenomenon. When you are frustrated and the mind is saying “There is no good living, let me die,” just close your mouth, hold your nose for two minutes and see, the life within you says, “Let me live.”

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

Frustration, discouragement and depression only mean that you are working against your own life. When people fail their examination, many of them commit suicide, isn't it? Because they feel without this, it is the end of the world. All the people whom you worship – Rama, Krishna, Buddha, Jesus – they never passed any examination. Why do you worship them? To pass your examination, you are calling upon people who never cared to pass an examination. It doesn't make sense.

Not passing your examination doesn't mean anything.

You want to pass because of a social requirement, that is different.

But

A true gesture of humanity from the Kerala association of Townsville on the occasion of Onam 2020 Covid19 has created a new world order, one of multitude of hardships and deprivations. This great pandemic has affected everyone around the globe and the pain and sufferings of millions of unfortunate ones have grown beyond unimaginable proportions.

As an organisation with an impeccable record of humanitarian efforts, Kerala association of Townsville (KAT) has come forward to extend their wings of compassion and

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love in a very unique way during this Onam season.

As the Onam celebrations and other festivities remain subdued locally due to Covid19 restrictions, KAT members have unanimously decided to provide Onam sadya in as many as 12 orphanages in Kerala, serving almost 2000 inmates. They have also extended a special package of Onam sadya to 30 families affected by last year's landslide in Wayanad district.

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020 — 23

Who, What, Where, When...

City Hall lit up in Afghani colours on the occasion of Afghani Independence Day.

Members of Lord Mayors multicultural roundtable at Australian Flag day

Lord Mayor addresses the gathering at Australian Flag Day

All photos below are courtesy of Robin

Invited guests at the special get together to mark Indonesian Independence day at Howard Smith Wharf

The speakers at Graham Perrots multicultural event in Mount Gravatt

Palani Thevar – labour candidate for Maiwar

Social distancing at Graham Perrott MP’S function

Queensland Multicultural councils reps Mok Singh and Umesh Chandra OAM

Duncan Pegg Mp(member for Stretton) lunch function with Hon. Cameron Dick MP, MC for above two function was Lewis Lee OAM. 24 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020

Australian IndiaN Radio Interviews

articles by staff reporter

New research reveals the impact of COVID-19 on buying and selling behaviour The Second Hand Economy Report reveals the value of marketplace trading in Australia could be worth a staggering $46 billion, an increase of $3 billion from last year.

The tenth annual report, released by Australian online marketplace, Gumtree, reveals Australians could stand to make an average of $5,800 per household, with approximately 19 unwanted or unused items laying around the house.

In an exclusive interview by Australian

Amanda Behre, Spokesperson from Gumtree Australia Indian Radio, Amanda Behre, Spokesperson from

Gumtree Australia said that more than half (56%) of Australians expect the COVID-19 pandemic to grow the second hand economy, with the increased unemployment rate fuelling people to be more savvy with their money. In fact, almost half of Australians (42%), say they are now more likely to sell items on the second hand economy due to COVID-19.

Amanda was appointed Head of Marketing at Gumtree Australia in December 2018,

having previously held the role of director of brand marketing and

Every 36 minutes another Aussie begins their battle with blood cancer

Geoff Nyssen, Myeloma Patient In an exclusive interview

by Australian Indian Radio, Geoff Nyssen, Myeloma Patient said that in Australia, 41 people are diagnosed with blood cancer every day that is one person every 36 minutes.

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

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

in Australia1.

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

Treatment for blood cancer is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach and in some cases, chemotherapy can be avoided. Providing hope to blood cancer patients are the clinically meaningful outcomes of genomic testing

where in two-thirds (61%) of cases, testing resulted in a changed diagnosis, personalised treatment plan or updated prognosis. Geoff said that genomic testing is crucial to improving blood cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and personalised treatment, but is widely unavailable to many patients.

With the number of Aussies diagnosed expected to double in the next ten years, equitable access to genomic testing is essential to provide patients with blood

cancer a better quality of life and a higher rate of survival.

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

In 2014, Geoff at the age of 40, was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a terminal blood cancer. When Geoff was diagnosed, he was given just 10 short years to live, which was devastating news for him as well his wife Sarah, two young kids, his family and friends. Despite this adversity, Geoff has found the strength to lead by example and to give back to the community that has provided so much support to him.

Antiviral nasal spray leads the fight against COVID-19

Dr Jackie Fairley, CEO Starpharma • A Melbourne biotech is developing an antiviral nasal spray to fight against COVID-19 • The nasal spray could provide a much-needed bridging solution prior to a vaccine, or could be used alongside a vaccine, offering hope on the horizon for Australia and the world

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• The spray could be available to healthcare workers in as little as 12 months, providing them with additional protection beyond PPE and social distancing Australian biotech company, Starpharma has joined the fight against COVID-19 by developing an antiviral nasal spray which kills COVID-19 upon contact. The spray utilises antiviral ingredient ‘SPL7013’ as a preventative for coronavirus while a vaccine is being developed and for use alongside a vaccine to increase protection.

In an exclusive interview

by Australian Indian Radio, Dr Jackie Fairley, CEO Starpharma said that with state borders closed and Victoria in strict lockdown, the antiviral nasal spray could offer a significant step forward for Australia to

reclaim a ‘new normal’ way of life.

Jackie Fairley has more than 30 years of operational experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries working in business development and senior management roles with companies including CSL and Faulding/Hospira (now part of Pfizer). She was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Starpharma Holdings Ltd in July 2006. She holds first class

honours degrees in Science (pharmacology and pathology) and Veterinary Science from the University of Melbourne and was a practicing veterinary surgeon prior to joining CSL. Whilst at CSL she obtained an MBA from the Melbourne Business School where she was the recipient of the prestigious Clemenger Medal.

Jackie currently also sits on the board of the Melbourne Business School and listed investment company Mirrabooka.

She said that with plans to expedite the development and commercialisation of the COVID-19 spray by leveraging Starpharma’s existing regulatory approvals and clinical data, the spray could be available to Australians in as little as 12 months.

She furtherstated that nasal spray will also deliver

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communications at travel website, Expedia. Before joining Expedia, Behre

was Wotif Group’s head of consumer and trade marketing.

She said that home decor and furniture (18%) made people the most money, followed by clothing (13%) and electronic goods (12%).

With Australians saving 13 items from landfill through the second hand economy in the last year, Gumtree is encouraging Australian households to find the $5,800 worth of pre-loved items in their house and get involved in the #Findthe5K challenge on social media.

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

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

In an exclusive interview

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

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

In fact, one-in-five (20%) Australians will require some degree of charitable

an additional preventative measure for healthcare workers who are currently relying on protective gear and social distancing guidelines.

It will also provide a potential treatment option for COVID-19 patients whilst reducing cross infection in hospitals and other healthcare settings.

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

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

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

This antiviral nasal spray has the potential to be a powerful preventative measure, and will also be available to wider front-line workers such as aged care workers, armed forces, police, airline staff and carers of COVID-19 outpatients.

Together, we can stop the spread.

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020 — 25

Anger and its remedy

By M. Aslam All praise be to Allah, the cherisher and sustainer of the world. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad SallallahuAlayhiWassalam, his companions and his family. I hope you are keeping well in this difficult situation. I will touch upon an important topic in today’s time which is anger.

In Islam, it is described as a spiritual disease. However, there is a remedy for this disease.

Anger is a psychological state that results from inner agitation and desire for revenge. And when this agitation becomes violent, it intensifies the fire of anger.

A violent commotion engulfs one’s brain on account of which the mind and intellect lose control and become powerless. It is for this reason that such a person becomes blind and deaf to etiquette and guidance. Anger is a weakness but people think of it as strength. In fact, it’s a spark that set you on fire and then you burn others. So, that fire not only hurts you, but hurts others as well.

THE EFFECTS OF ANGER Although anger is a natural feeling, it has negative effects on those who allow it to control them. It affects one’s mental health leading to anxiety, depression, guilt, frustration and isolation. Not only mental health, it has a great impact on person’s physical health as well, which includes headaches, eye strains, upset stomach, and heart problems etc. Moreover it affects family and society as a whole. When a person becomes angry and he acts upon it, he intensifies hatred among himself and people around him, as a result people cut off ties with him.

Worst can lead to killing and bloodshed. Above all, that person displeases Allah and chooses to walk away from the right path, for which he face consequences until he seeks forgiveness and mercy of Allah.

ANGER MANAGEMENT IN THE LIGHT OF QURAN As humans we go through many emotions that we feel unable to control. Anger is one of them and the strongest one too. Fortunately, for us, Allah has told us in the Quran how to deal with it. That is why Quran as a source of information that will help us lead an peaceful life, is so very important. Allah has advised us to repress our anger in all situations, no matter how testing they are. He has mentioned this specifically in the Quran when He says: Who spend [in the cause of Allah ] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people – and Allah loves the doers of good; [Quran 3:134] What great achievement can we have than the love of Allah and as they say, being in His good books. Repressing anger kills the situaation can

get ugly very soon and that is why Allah has prescribed it for us.

Allah has mentioned repressing anger and forgiving again and again in the Holy Quran by giving examples of His prophets as well.

As always if a person is unsure about how to act in any situation, he needs only to consult Holy Quran and seek Allah’s guidance and look to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) or our righteous predecessors to find the best way to act.

Anger management has been mentioned in the Quran, and along with it is also mentioned how much a person who controls his anger is loved by Allah. It is said: Whatever ˹pleasure˺ you have been given is ˹no more than a fleeting˺ enjoyment of this worldly life. But what is with Allah is far better and more lasting for those who believe and put their trust in their Lord; And those who avoid the major sins and immoralities, and when they are angry, they forgive..

Controlling anger is a sign of righteousness. A righteous person is promised paradise.

So let us restrain our anger and not utter anything which cannot be taken back. It is said: …Pardon and bear with them until Allah delivers His decision…

Surely the one who controls his anger pleases Allah and keeps the characteristics of the righteous believer.

ANGER MANAGEMENT IN THE LIGHT OF HADITH AND SUNNAH Anger is one of the evil whispers of shaitan which leads to many evils, of which Allah knows their full extent.

For this, Islam has a great deal to say about this bad characteristic and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) described cures for this disease and ways to limit its effects among which are following: Seeking Refuge With Allah From The shaitan Mu`adh bin Jabal narrated that one of the two men cursed the other next to the Prophet (‫)ﷺ‬, until anger could be recognized in the face of one of them. So the Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬said: “Verily, I know a statement, that if he were to say it, his anger would leave: ‘I seek refuge in Allah from Shaitan, the rejected (A`ūdhubillāhiminashshaiṭānir-rajīm).’”

[Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3452] Keeping Silent The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “If any of you becomes angry, let him keep silent.”

[Reported by Imam Ahmed, Al musnad. See also saheeh Aljaami, 693, 4027]

26 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020

This is because angry person loses self-control and could utter words of curses, or the words of divorce which would destroy his home or the words of slander which would bring him the enmity and hatred of others. So, keeping silent is the solution which helps to avoid ugly situations.

Not Moving Narrated Abu Dharr: The Messenger of Allah (‫ )ﷺ‬said to us: When one of you becomes angry while standing, he should sit down. If the anger leaves him, well and good; otherwise he should lie down.

[Abu Dawud] The narrator of this this hadith is Abu Dharr and there is a story connected to his telling of it. He was taking camels to drink at a trough that he owned, when other people came along and said (to one another) ‘who can compete with Abu Dharr (in bringing animals to drink) and make his hair stand on end?’ A man said: ‘I can’ so he brought his animals and competed with Abu Dharr, with the result that the trough was broken (i.e.

Abu Dharr was expecting help in watering his camels) but instead, the man misbehaved and caused the trough to be broken. Abu Dharr was standing so he sat down. Then laid down. Someone asked him: ‘O Abu Dharr, why did you sit and lie down?’ He said: ‘The Messenger of Allah said… (repeated the Hadith)’ Following The Advise Of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Narrated Abu Huraira: A man said to the Prophet (‫)ﷺ‬, “Advise me! “The Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬said, “Do not become angry and furious.”

The man asked (the same) again and again, and the Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬said in each case, “Do not become angry and furious.”

[Sahih alBukhari] Do Not Become Angry and Paradise Will Be Yours Remembering what Allah has promised to the righteous who keep away from the causes of anger and struggle within themselves to control it, is one of the most effective ways of extinguishing the flames of anger. One of the hadith that describes the great reward for doing this is: whoever control his anger

when he has the means to act upon it, Allah will fill his heart with contentment on the Day of resurrection.

[Reported by Al-Tabarani, 12/453. See also shaheeh Aljaami, 6518] Knowing The High Status Offered Prophet Muhammad(‫)ﷺ‬ said, “The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger.”

[Sahih al-Bukhari] The greater the anger, the higher the status of the one who controls it.

Following Prophet’s Example Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is our leader and has set the highest example in this matter. One of the most famous hadith says: Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I was walking with Messenger of Allah (‫ )ﷺ‬who was

wearing a Najrani cloak with a very thick border when a bedouin happened to meet him. He took hold of the side of his cloak and drew it violently. I noticed that the violence of jerk had bruised the neck of Messenger of Allah (‫)ﷺ‬. The bedouin said: “O Muhammad! Give me out of Allah’s wealth that you possess.” Messenger of Allah (‫ )ﷺ‬turned to him and smiled and directed that he should be given something.

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim] Knowing The Effects Of Anger The negative effects of anger are many. In short, they cause damage to oneself and others. The angry person may utter the words of slander, he may attack others (physically) in an uncontrolled manner, even to the point of killing.

Extreme anger results in social disasters and breaking of family ties. It can result in misery of children, regret, frustrations, mental

disturbance and a difficult life.

Supplication Dua (supplication) is always the weapon of the believer, thereby he/she asks Allah to protect him/her from evil, trouble and anger. One of the duas of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was: “O Allah, cause me to fear You in secret and in public. I ask You to make me true in speech in times of pleasure and of anger…”

[Sunan an-Nasa’i] Anger is a part of human nature, and people vary in their anger. It may be difficult for a man to not to get angry, but believers will remember Allah when they are reminded and will seek His help and guidance. May Allah guide us to path of righteousness and make us among His most pious people.

We all pray to Allah to remove coronavirus and that Allah also helps those who are suffering with the virus.

Ameen

India & Pakistan Owe their Freedom to Allama Mashriqi

By Nasim Yousaf Has a powerful ruler ever transferred power without facing a significant threat to their rule? The Indian sub-continent’s freedom was inconceivable without Allama Mashriqi’s private army of over five million uniformed Khaksars who threatened British rule.

Considering this reality, India and Pakistan owe their independence to AllamaInayatullah Khan AlMashriqi – alegend and a great freedom fighter.

Allama Mashriqi’s struggle to revive the glory of the Indian nation started with his poetic work, Kharita, which he wrote in his youth (1902-1909).In 1912, Mashriqidiscussed his future aims to liberate the nation when he spoke at a graduation dinner (hosted by the Indian Society of Cambridge University in his honor): “[translation]…Our educational achievements bear testimony to the fact that India can produce unparalleled brains that can defeat the British minds.

India is capable of producing superior brains that can make the nation’s future brighter. After we return from here, we must ponder how to break the chains of slavery from the British…We should keep our vision high and enlarge our aims and goals so we can be free from the chains of slavery as soon as possible” (Al-Mashriqi by Dr. Mohammad Azmatullah Bhatti).

Later, Mashriqi’s work Tazkirah (published in 1925) spoke of jihad as well as the rise and fall of nations and was a step towards bringing revolt against British rule.

In 1926, Mashriqi embarked on a trip to Egypt and Europe;there, he delivered a lecture on his book Tazkirah, jihad and fighting colonial rule. In Germany, Mashriqi was received by Helene von Nostitz-Wallwitz, the niece of German President Hindenburg (Al-Islah, May 31, 1935). While in Germany, Mashriqi discussed the aforementioned topics with Albert Einstein, Helene, and other prominentindividuals; these conversations reflected his mindset of bringingan uprisingin foreign lands (as well as in India) against the oppression of British colonial rule. Earlier, while in Egypt at the International Caliphate Conference, Mashriqi succeeded in defeating a British plan to have a Caliph of their choice elected to control the Muslim world.

During the trip, Mashriqi acted courageously and ignored the risks of being persecuted or even hanged for treachery against the British Empire in foreign lands… and that too as a government employee.

Meanwhile in India, M.A. Jinnah, M.K. Gandhi, the AllIndia Muslim League, and Indian National Congress had not takenany concrete steps to bring revoltor overturn British rule.

Anyone who attempted to rise against British rule was either ruthlessly crushedorfaced the end of his/her political career. As such, Muslim and Hindu leadership adopted ineffective methods such as passing resolutions, taking out rallies and raising anti-British slogans. Mashriqi felt that such methods were useless and would not end the British Raj. In 1930, Mashriqiresigned

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from his lucrative job to bring independence to the nation.

Risking the lives of himself and his family, Mashriqilaunched a private army called the Khaksar Movement. Enrollment in the combative and revolutionary Movement was tough;the masses were not only dispirited, butscared to risk their lives for freedom.

In order to promote his mission, Mashriqi traveled in buses, tongas, or third-classcompartments of trains and walked for miles at a time in poverty-stricken and rural areas. He was indistinguishable from the common people. This was a man who could have easily acceptedan Ambassadorship and title of “Sir” (both of which he was offered by the British in 1920) and continued to draw a hefty salary,brushing shoulders with the British rulers and leadinga life of utmost luxury. However, he chose to fight for the people instead.

In 1934, Mashriqi launched the Al-Islah weekly newspaper.

The Times of India (August 08, 1938) wrote, “The publication of Al-Islah gave a fresh impetus to the [Khaksar] movement which spread to other regions such as Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran [as well as Bahrain, Burma, Ceylon, Egypt, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Yemen, and U.K].” By the late 1930s, from Peshawar to Rangoon, the private army of Khaksarshad grown to millions.

Throughout these years, theKhaksars continued their activities, including military camps where mock wars were held using belchas(spades), swords, batons,and sometime even cannons. Many Khaksars had willingly signed pledgesin blood indicating thatthey would lay their lives and property if necessary for the cause of freedom. The Khaksar sparaded in the streets of India and spread their message against British rule, including running slides in cinemas, chalking walls, distributing pamphlets and flyers and through Al-Islah. By 1939, Mashriqi had prepared a plan tooust British rule. Later that year, heparalyzed the Government of U.P. Thereafter, Mashriqi formed a parallel government, published a plan (in Al-Islah newspaper) to divide India into 14 provinces, issued currency notes, and ordered the enrollment of an additional 2.5 million Muslim and non-Muslim Khaksars.

By now, thestrength of the Khaksars had been revealed and the British foresaw Mashriqi taking over. Under intense pressure, the rulers began to make promises of freedom for India and started conversations with M.A. Jinnah, M.K. Gandhi, and others.The Government alsotook immediate action by launching an anti-Mashriqi campaign in the media; Khaksar activities and

theAl-Islah journalwere banned.A large number ofKhaksars were mercilessly killed by police on March 19, 1940. Mashriqi, his sons, and thousands of Khaksars were arrested.Mashriqi’s young daughters received death threats and threats of abduction.

Intelligence agencies were alerted. While in jail, life was made miserablefor Mashriqi and the Khaksars; many individuals were kept in solitary confinement and several got life imprisonment.

While their activities were banned, the Khaksar Tehrik continued operating from the underground; Al-Islah’s publishing operations were moved to other cities (Aligarh and Calcutta).

To overcome censoring of mail and phone calls, they employed the use of secret codes. The Government repression brought additional uprise in the country against British rule.

Whilein jail, Mashriqi was informed that in order to obtain his release, he mustannounce thedisbandment of the Movement; he refused and instead kept a fast unto death that made the rulersfearful of additional backlash from the public andforced them to release Mashriqi after two years in jail without a trial (strict restrictions on his movementsremained after release). Thus, Mashriqi, his family, and the Khaksars refused to surrender and the rulers failed to suppress the Khaksar Tehrik.

Upon his release (despite restrictions on his movements), Mashriqiasked Jinnah, Gandhi, and other leaders to form ajoint front and stand with him so he couldend British rule. He also pushed for a Jinnah-Gandhi meeting and continued to promote Hindu-Muslim unity.

However, vested interests prevented these leaders from joining hands with Mashriqi.

As the British continued holding talks with their favored leaders, Mashriqi continuing pushing rigorouslyfor a revolt.

In 1946, Mashriqi succeeded in bringing about a Bombay Naval Mutinyon February 18, 1946 (AlIslah, March 08, 1946), which also prompted mutiny withintheother armed forces.

On June 08, 1946, at the Khaksar Headquarters in Icchra (Lahore), Mashriqiaddresseda gathering of Khaksars, soldiers released from the armed forces after World War II, and the soldiers of the defeated Indian National Army (INA) of Subhas Chandra Bose: “after sixteen years of unprecedented self-sacrifices, we are now ardent to reach our objective as fast as possible, and within the next few months will do anything and everything to achieve our goal” (Al-IslahJune 14, 1946).

Final preparations for a revolt for independence took place in November 1946 at a historic Khaksar Camp in Peshawar(from November 07-10,1946), where mock wars and military exercises were held. Mashriqiaddressed a crowd of 110,000 Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, and others; he shed light on the self-seeking and futile politics of Indian leaders and gave anaccount of the British exploitations of India’s resources.

The speech sparked a sense that further abuse by the rulerswould no longer be tolerated and their rule must come to an end.

Thereafter, on December 01, 1946, Mashriqidistributed a pamphlet in India proclaiming: “[translation] Idara-i-Aliya [Khaksar Headquarters] shall soon issue an order that in the entire India, four million [sources quote a range from 4-5 million members] Khaksars, side by side with hundreds of thousands rather millions of supporters shall march simultaneously…This moment shall dawn upon us very soon and that is why it is being ordered that a grand preparation for this historical day should commence immediately…so that British can clearly witness the day of India’s freedom…”

With this bold announcement, a British hold on power was no longer possible. As such, Prime Minister Clement Attlee announced a transfer of powerby no later than June 1948.

Mashriqisuspected that the announcement could beaploy to divert public attention or to buy time to create dissent within the country (for example, by encouraging ongoing MuslimHindu riots), so that the British could justify and extend their rule.

To close the door on any such ploys, Mashriqiordered 300,000 Khaksars to assemble on June 30th, 1947in Delhi; this orderput the final nail in the coffin for the British Raj. Such a huge assembly of this private army of Khaksars would enable them to take over all important installations – including radio/broadcasting stations, newspaper offices, British officials’ lodges, and government offices.

Immediately following these steps, an overturn of British rule was to be announced via media.

The timing of this coup d’état was fitting, as the entirenation (including the armed forces,who had already revolted against the regime)wantedan end to British rule. With this impending massive assembly of Khaksars in Delhi, the rulers saw the writing on the wall; they feared their humiliation and defeatat the hands of the Khaksars and angry masses. Moreover, the rulers could not accepta united India…and that tooat the hands of Allama Mashriqi.

Therefore, without any other

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compelling reason,a transfer of power wasundertaken by the British in an extraordinary rush;on June 3rd, 1947, the Viceroy of India, Lord Mountbatten, announced aplan to partition India.

Mountbatten called a hurried meeting of their selectedMuslim and Hindu leaders and asked themto accept the plan immediately.

The selected leaderssaw power falling in the hands of Mashriqi and he becoming the champion of freedom if they did not accept the plan. Jealousy and vested interests came into play. M. K. Gandhi, Jinnah’s All-India Muslim League, and the Indian National Congress accepted the plan almost immediately. Mashriqi tried to prevent the All-India Muslim League from signing off on the plan, but was “stabbed” (The Canberra Times, Australia, June 11, 1947) on the same day that the League accepted the plan (June 09, 1947). It was obvious that the motive of this stabbing was to keepMashriqi from stopping the partition of India (in order to have a united independence).

The partition plan was accepted and announced all over the world only about two weeks before the assembly of the Khaksars was to take place.

Logically speaking, can it actually be called a“transfer of power”?

The British handed over control of the nation in a rush because the Khaksars were on the verge of forcibly ending their rule; indeed, over 100,000 (Dawn July 02, 1947 reported “70,000 to 80,000”) Khaksars had already entered Delhi despite strict measures in place.

The establishmentsin India and Pakistan and historians overstate the role of the British’s preferred leaders, while failing to recognize the reality of what led to independence. Neither Jinnah nor Gandhi had the street power to overturn-British rule; it is for this reason that they were seeking a transfer of power,which they obtained based on the threat posed to British ruleby the powerful Khaksar Movement.

Historians have thus far presented history from a colonial or Pakistani/Indian state point of view, rather than based on the facts on the ground.

Instead of giving credit to Mashriqi, some historians provide flimsy reasons for the end of British rule. Some of the reasons they cite are: (1) Gandhi’s methods and Jinnah’s constitutional fight brought freedom to India and Pakistan respectively -- this argument is neither supported by human history nor the realities on the ground, as colonial rulers do not voluntarily relinquish their power without a significant threat

to their rule.

(2) The British fast-forwarded transfer of power and left quickly to avoid blame for the massive killings that would ensue --this argument also does not make sense as the massive communal riots/killings began on Direct Action Day (August 16, 1946), so an early transfer of power would not have helped the rulers avoid blame. Even if we were to accept these writers’ claims, why would Lord Mountbatten then become the first Governor General of India and why would many Britishers continue to hold important positions in Pakistan and India?

(3) The British left India because after World War II, they became economically weak and could not keep their hold on India -- this claim does not hold water.

India’s rich resources would have helped them to recover their losses from the war.

(4) The end of the British Raj came about because of Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army (INA) -- the INA was defeated in 1945 and thereafter, Subhas Chandra Bose was not on the scene anymore (he was either killed or went into hiding as claimed).

The Pakistani, Indian, and United Kingdom establishments do not let the truth come out. Despite my open letters to the Chief Justices of the Supreme Courts and the Prime Ministersof Pakistan and India, both countries (and the U.K.) have notdeclassifiedMashriqi and the Khaksar Tehrik’s confiscated papersfrom the pre-post partition era.In order to hide the truth, Mashriqi’s role is also excluded from the educational curriculum and academic discussionseverywhere.

The Partition Museum in Amritsar, Lahore Museum, London Museum and others do not display Mashriqi and the Khaksar Tehrik’s artifacts.

Despite the current state of affairs, the ground realities speak loudly toMashriqi’s heroic fight; without Mashriqi’s private army of Khaksars, the British rulers would not have evencome to the table to discuss the freedom of the Indian sub-continent (now Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan), leave alone quit the lucrative sub-continent.

As such, both countries owe their independence to Mashriqi and he is a founding father of India and Pakistan.

Nasim Yousaf is a biographer and grandson of Allama Mashriqi.

Yousaf’s works have been published in peer-reviewed encyclopedias and academic journals (including at Harvard University and by Springer of Europe), and he has presented papers at academic conferences, including at Cornell University.

Copyright © 2020 Nasim Yousaf

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020 — 27

All data to week ending 6 September 2020

CoreLogic Property Market Indicator Summary

Response to Tasmanian Government’s moratorium decision

Preliminary clearance rate remains fairly stable week-on-week despite lower auction activity This week, the combined capital city preliminary auction clearance rate was down only slightly across a lower volume of auctions. There were 882 homes taken to auction over the week, down from 1,128 over the previous week and 1,533 this time last year. Of the 696 results collected so far, 67.5 per cent were successful, slightly lower than last week’s preliminary figure of 67.7 per cent which later revised down to 59.8 per cent at final collection.

Over the same week last year, a final clearance rate of 72.3 per cent was reported across the combined capitals. Auction activity came to a virtual halt in Melbourne this week with just 28 homes taken to auction. The lower activity is not overly surprising given the city has been in stage 4 lockdown for the past 5 weeks, meaning both onsite auctions and private inspections are currently banned in Melbourne. Of the 24 results collected so far, just 33.3 per cent were successful, with all but one sold prior to the auction event. Two thirds of Melbourne auctions were withdrawn this week, skewing the clearance rate lower. Over the previous week, 162 auctions were held across the city, while this time last year, 765 Melbourne homes were taken to auction. Sydney was host to 625 auctions this week, down from 706 last week and 528 this time last year. Of the 491 auction results collected so far, 69.5 per cent were successful, down from last week’s preliminary result of 74.0 per cent which revised down to 64.2 per cent at final results. This time last year, Sydney recorded a final auction clearance rate of 75.7 per cent. Across the smaller markets, Canberra recorded the highest preliminary clearance rate of 78.6 per cent, across 70 auction results, followed by Adelaide with a preliminary clearance rate of 69.0 per cent across 42 results.

Capital City Auction Statistics (Preliminary) Clearance rate

Total auctions

Sydney

69.5%

625

CoreLogic auction results 491

Melbourne

33.3%

28

24

Brisbane

60.0%

64

50

Adelaide

69.0%

63

42

Perth

26.7%

20

n.a.

4

City

Tasmania

Weekly Clearance Rate, Combined Capital Cities

150

Clearance rate (last year) 75.7%

Total auctions (last year) 528

16

74.0%

765

20

56.8%

83

65%

29

13

65.6%

74

15

4

11

33.3%

28

55%

4

3

1

n.a.

1

Cleared auctions

Uncleared auctions

341 8 30

The Real Estate Institute of Australia welcomes the announcement by the Tasmanian Government today to provide real estate stakeholders certainty in their state.

The Tasmanian Government announced the emergency period under the Residential Tenancy Act 1997 would be extended to 1 December 2020.

This means that all protections currently in place for residential tenants will continue until this date. The Government has also announced additional measures to support tenants and landlords, including: • extending the Rent Relief Fund (including a second round of payments); • a new Landlord Support Fund; and • allowing tenants in

95%

85% 75%

45%

Canberra

78.6%

78

70

55

15

68.1%

54

35%

Weighted Average

67.5%

882

696

470

226

72.3%

1,533

25%

Weekly auction clearance rate

4 week average

Sep 09 Sep 10 Sep 11 Sep 12 Sep 13 Sep 14 Sep 15 Sep 16 Sep 17 Sep 18 Sep 19 Sep 20

Weekly clearance rate, Melbourne

Clearance rate

100%

90%

Total auctions

CoreLogic auction results

Sydney sub-regions

80% 70%

Central Coast

64.3%

16

14

Baulkham Hills and Hawkesbury

66.7%

17

15

n.a.

9

4

City and Inner South

71.0%

77

62

Eastern Suburbs

65.6%

75

61

Inner South West

60.0%

72

60

Inner West

77.8%

66

54

North Sydney and Hornsby

75.3%

99

85

90%

Northern Beaches

81.3%

46

32

80%

Outer South West

n.a.

3

Outer West and Blue Mountains

n.a.

8

6

60% 50%

40% 30%

Blacktown

20% 10% Sep 10 Sep 11 Sep 12 Sep 13 Sep 14 Sep 15 Sep 16 Sep 17 Sep 18 Sep 19 Sep 20

Weekly clearance rate, Sydney 100%

70% 60%

2

50%

Parramatta

48.3%

45

29

40%

Ryde

76.9%

37

26

30%

South West

54.6%

29

22

Sutherland

73.7%

26

19

Inner

n.a.

6

6

90%

Inner East

n.a.

8

6

80%

Inner South

n.a.

3

3

North East

n.a.

2

50%

North West

n.a.

1

1

40%

Outer East

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

30%

South East

n.a.

3

West

n.a.

5

5

Mornington Peninsula

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

80.0%

24

20

20% Sep 10 Sep 11 Sep 12 Sep 13 Sep 14 Sep 15 Sep 16 Sep 17 Sep 18 Sep 19 Sep 20

Melbourne sub-regions

Weekly clearance rate, Brisbane 70% 60%

20% 10% Sep 10

Sep 11

Sep 12

Sep 13

Sep 14

Sep 15

Sep 16

Sep 17

Sep 18

Sep 19

Sep 20

Weekly clearance rate, Adelaide

1

2

Regional SA4 Newcastle and Lake Macquarie

90%

Illawarra

80%

n.a.

4

4

44.8%

39

29

Sunshine Coast

n.a.

17

9

Geelong

n.a.

7

6

70%

Gold Coast

60% 50% 40%

CoreLogic Property Market Indicator Summary

CoreLogic Property Market Indicator Summary

20%

Sep 11

Sep 12

Sep 13

Sep 14

Sep 15

Sep 16

Sep 17

Sep 18

Sep 19

Sep 20

Monthly change

Yr to date change

Sydney

-0.1%

-0.3%

1.6%

9.6%

Melbourne

-0.2%

-1.2%

-2.1%

5.3%

Brisbane

0.0%

0.1%

1.0%

3.5%

Adelaide

0.3%

0.2%

1.5%

2.9%

3.0%

12 mth change

Perth

0.0%

0.2%

-1.2%

-1.9%

Combined 5 capitals

-0.1%

-0.4%

0.2%

6.1%

Monthly Change in Index

5

160

Dwelling Index

150

2.0%

140 130

1.0%

120

0.0%

90

80

Aug 11

Aug 12

Aug 13

Aug 14

Aug 15

Aug 16

Aug 17

Aug 18

Results are based on the CoreLogic Daily Home Value Index. Further information and daily updates on the index results are available from http://www.corelogic.com.au/research/daily-indices.html.

Capital city

Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Perth Hobart Darwin Canberra

12 month change (%)

Blackshaw Manuka

41 Newton Road, Strathfield

14 Malcolm Street, Narrabeen

6,061 1,468 3,545 1,417 2,941 282 77 544 16,335

Combined Capitals

0.6% -76.1% -11.5% -17.7% 3.9% -10.8% -51.6% -17.8% -25.3%

12 month change (%)

20,325 16,790 16,820 5,761 14,439 844 737 1,827 77,543

-0.4% -24.4% -19.5% -21.9% -22.7% -18.7% -32.7% -26.7% -17.7%

Total auctions

69.5%

625

CoreLogic auction results 491

33.3%

28

24

3

Brisbane

2

4

60.0%

64

69.0%

Perth

50

63

26.7%

5

Tasmania

20

n.a.

4

Canberra

78.6%

78

Weighted Average

67.5%

882

$4,270,000

Richard Matthews Real Estate

Clarke & Humel Property

Uncleared auctions

341

150

Clearance rate (last year) 75.7%

Total auctions (last year) 528

8

16

74.0%

765

20

29

15

13

4

4

11

3

1

80000 60000

35%

25%

Sep-11

Sep-12

Sep-13

Sep-14

Sep-15

Sep-16

Sep-17

Sep-18

Sep-19

Central Coas

60%

Baulkham Hi

50%

40% 30%

Blacktown

20%

City and Inne

Inner West

North Sydney

Northern Bea Outer South

26 Millar Road, Humpty Doo 70%

Outer West a

60%

2

5

50%

Parramatta

40%

Ryde

30%

South West

20% Sep 10 Sep 11 Sep 12 Sep 13 Sep 14 Sep 15 Sep 16 Sep 17 Sep 18 Sep 19 Sep 20

2 clearance rate, 5 Brisbane Weekly

4

6th

These results are calculated across properties that have been advertised for sale over the 28 days ending September 2020. A new listing is one which has not been previously advertised for sale within 75 days, total listings include new listings and properties which have been previously advertised.

3

Melbourne Inner Inner East

80%

Inner South

70%

North East

60%

North West

50%

Outer East

40%

Ray White Bayside 30%

South East

20%

10% Sep 10

Sep 11

Sep 12

West Sep 13

Sep 14

Sep 15

Sep 16

Sep 17

Sep 18

Sep 19

Sep 20

Weekly clearance rate, Adelaide

Newcastle a Illawarra Gold Coast

Sunshine Coa

10 Excalibur Court, Paradise Point

Geelong

40% 30% 20%

10% Sep 10

2

4

Sep 11

Sep 12

Sep 13

Sep 14

Sep 15

Sep 16

Sep 17

Sep 18

Sep 19

Sep 20

3

4

Media enquires contact: 1300 472 767 or media@corelogic.com.au

$8,000,000

$2,650,000

Ray White New Farm

Professionals Vertullo

33 Dutton Terrace, Medindie

46b Park Avenue, Rosslyn Park

$1,490,000

$1,290,000

$333,000

152

$337,500

$530,500

37

$418,000

Darwin

25

$480,000

27

$300,000

CoreLogic Property Market Indicator Summary Canberra

92

$706,000

120

$442,500

Combined Capitals

4,962

$614,156

1,839

$523,319

Sydney

Melbourne Brisbane

Adelaide

$706,000

141

$458,000

149

Real Estate Top two sales over the past Williams week, states and territories

Tasmania

$442,500

$490,000

803

Hobart

This week, the combined capital city preliminary auction clearance rate was down only slightly across a lower volume of auctions. There were 882 homes taken to auction over the week, down from 1,128 over the previous week and 1,533 this time last year. Of the 696 results collected so far, 67.5 per cent were successful, slightly lower than last week’s preliminary figure of 67.7 per cent which later revised down to 59.8 per cent at final collection.

Over the same week last year, a final clearance rate of 72.3 per cent was reported across the combined capitals. Auction activity came to a virtual halt in Melbourne this week with just 28 homes taken to auction. The lower activity is not overly surprising given the city has been in stage 4 lockdown for the past 5 weeks, meaning both onsite auctions and private inspections are currently banned in Melbourne. Of the 24 results collected so far, just 33.3 per cent were successful, with all but one sold prior to the auction event. Two thirds of Melbourne auctions were withdrawn this week, skewing the clearance rate lower. Over the previous week, 162 auctions were held across the city, while this time last year, 765 Melbourne homes were taken to To access detailed analysis of some of these key indicators on a auction. Sydney was host to 625 auctions this week, down from 706 last week and 528 this time last year. Of the 491 auction results collected so far, ring 1300 subscribe to Market Trends 69.5 per cent were successful, down from last week’s preliminaryAlternatively, result of 74.0 per cent which revised down734 to 64.2318 per centto at final results. This time last year, Sydney recorded a final auction clearance rate of 75.7 per cent. Across the smaller markets, Canberra recorded the highest preliminary clearance rate of 78.6 per cent, across 70 auction results, followed by Adelaide with a preliminary clearance rate of 69.0 per cent across 42 results.

$480,000

700

Perth

Units

$300,000

Adelaide

$530,500

$380,000

$418,000

$528,500

190

$458,000

$650,000

383

$500,000

$337,500

789

$650,000

735

$490,000

$795,000

972

Brisbane

$333,000

1,486

Melbourne

Houses

Preliminary clearance rate remains fairly stable week-on-week despite lower auction activity

$500,000

Sydney

$900,000 $800,000 $700,000 $600,000 $500,000 $400,000 $300,000 $200,000 $100,000 $0

$380,000

Median price

$650,000

Number of Sales

$528,500

Median price

$795,000

Number of Sales

Capital city

CoreLogic Property Market Indicator All data to week ending 5 2 4 Summary CoreLogic Property Market Indicator Summary 6 September 2020

Units

$650,000

Houses

Capital City Auction Statistics (Preliminary) Hobart Darwin CoreLogic Canberra Clearance

Perth

rate (last year) 75.7%

Total auctions (last year) 528

Melbourne

33.3%

28

24

8

16

74.0%

765

Brisbane

60.0%

64

50

30

20

56.8%

83

65%

74

55%

City

Clearance rate

Total auctions

69.5%

625

Sydney

Adelaide

69.0%

63

auction results 491

42

Cleared auctions

Uncleared auctions

341

150

29

13

Private treaty sales represent around 85% of all dwelling sales across the country. The statistics are calculated across houses and units sold over the most recent four week period. Records without a valid sale price have been excluded from the analysis.

Perth

26.7%

Tasmania

20

n.a.

4

15

4

4

11

3

1

65.6% 33.3% n.a.

28

95%

85% 75%

45%

1

Canberra

78.6%

78

70

55

15

68.1%

54

35%

Weighted Average

67.5%

882

696

470

226

72.3%

1,533

25%

Median time on market Median vendor Capital city median time on market and median To access detailed analysis of some of these key indicators on a suburb level, please log into your CoreLogic Professional sy stem or contact us on info@corelogic.com.au. discounting vendor discounting Alternatively, ring 1300 734results 318 to subscribe to Market Trends

Victoria

100%

90% 70% 60% 50%

40%

55 days

-2.9%

20 days

-3.6%

10 days

Perth 55 days 49 days Media enquires contact:-2.6% 1300 media@corelogic.com.au Hobart472 767 32or days -2.2% 29 days

n.a.

Darwin

-6.2%

Canberra

53 days 42 days

n.a.

-2.2%

74 days 43 days

9

4

77

62

65.6%

75

61

Inner South West

60.0%

72

60

0.0%

0.0%

77.8%

66

54

75.3%

99

85

Northern Beaches

81.3%

46

32

80%

Outer South West

-2.2%

40%

30%

20% Sep 10 Sep 11 Sep 12 Sep 13 Sep 14 Sep 15 Sep 16 Sep 17 Sep 18 Sep 19 Sep 20

-2.5%

Adelaide

Perth

Hobart

Darwin

Canberra

-7%

Units Brisbane

South West

54.6%

29

22

Sutherland

73.7%

26

19

n.a.

6

6

n.a.

8

6

3

3

North East

n.a.

2

1

North West

10% Sep 10

Adelaide

26

n.a.

40%

Melbourne

37

Inner East

Western Australia

30%

Houses

76.9%

Inner South

70%

Sydney

29

Ryde

Inner

20%

Melbourne Brisbane

6

45

90%

60%

-6%

Sydney

2

8

48.3%

80%

50%

days

3

n.a.

Parramatta

Melbourne sub-regions

Weekly clearance rate, Brisbane

-5%

n.a.

Outer West and Blue Mountains

-2.5%

-2.2%

-2.6%

-2.9%

-2.5%

-2.7%

-2.8%

-3.2%

-2.4%

-2.5%

-2.7%

50%

-3.6%

74 days

69 days

Inner West North Sydney and Hornsby

90%

-6.2%

-2.7%

15

n.a.

71.0%

Eastern Suburbs

60%

-4%

14

17

Blacktown

70%

Sep 11

Perth

Sep 12

Sep 13

Hobart

Sep 14

Sep 15

Darwin

Sep 16

Sep 17

Sep 18

Sep 19

Sep 20

Canberra

Weekly clearance rate, Adelaide

n.a.

1

1

Outer East

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

South East

n.a.

West

n.a.

5

5

Mornington Peninsula

n.a.

n.a.

n.a.

80.0%

24

20

n.a.

4

4

44.8%

39

29

Sunshine Coast

n.a.

17

9

Geelong

n.a.

7

6

3

2

Regional SA4 Newcastle and Lake Macquarie

90%

Illawarra

80%

Gold Coast

70%

60% 50% 40%

’Time on market’ (TOM) is simply the middle number of days between when a property is first listed for sale and the contract date. The rate of vendor discounting is the median difference between the original listing price and the final selling price. The statistics are calculated across results received by CoreLogic over the past week and include properties transacted over the past four weeks. The data is based on private treaty sales only and records without a valid sale price have been excluded from the vendor discount analysis. The analysis also excludes results where there are less Media enquires contact: 1300 472 767 or media@corelogic.com.au than 10 observations.

30% 20%

10% Sep 10

Sep 11

Sep 12

Sep 13

Sep 14

Sep 15

Sep 16

Sep 17

Sep 18

2

Belle Property Norwood

1

355 Strickland Avenue, South Hobart

0

4

2

$1,000,000

$800,000

Petrusma Property Sandy Bay

Petrusma Property Sandy Bay

80 West View Grove, Ocean Grove

6 Layman Court, Doncaster East

2

CoreLogic auction results

16

66.7%

City and Inner South

100%

-3% 43 days

30 days

42 days

40 days

53 days

-2.8% -3.2%

49 days

44 days 69 days

32 days

-2.7% -2.5%

29 days

44 days 63 days

55 days

50 days

Total auctions

64.3%

Baulkham Hills and Hawkesbury

30%

Weekly clearance rate, Sydney

-1% -2%

55 days

-2.5%

63 days

60 days

Melbourne

43 days

Units

70 days

Brisbane Adelaide

Houses

0%

43 days

44 days

Median Vendor Disc.

44 days

-2.4%

Median TOM

44 days

41 days

Median Vendor Disc.

44 days

Sydney

Median TOM

80 days

Clearance rate

Central Coast

20% 10% Sep 10 Sep 11 Sep 12 Sep 13 Sep 14 Sep 15 Sep 16 Sep 17 Sep 18 Sep 19 Sep 20

41 days

Capital city

Units

4 week average

2

Sydney sub-regions

80%

Houses

Weekly auction clearance rate

Sep 09 Sep 10 Sep 11 Sep 12 Sep 13 Sep 14 Sep 15 Sep 16 Sep 17 Sep 18 Sep 19 Sep 20

Weekly clearance rate, Melbourne

4

4

suburb level, please log into your CoreLogic Professional sy stem or contact us on info@corelogic.com.au.

47 Balmoral Road, Kingston Beach

Media enquires contact: Clearance Rate, Combined Capital Cities 1300Weekly 472 767 or media@corelogic.com.au

Sep 19

Sep 20

6

3

6

5

4

2

$2,250,000

$1,750,000

Pavilion Property

Jellis Craig Doncaster

4 Sea View Terrace, Cottesloe

23b Bindaring Parade, Claremont

4

3

2

3

2

$3,350,000

$2,195,000

Mint Real Estate Claremont

Wallace Realty Claremont

The above results are preliminary, with ‘final’ auction clearance rates published each Thursday. CoreLogic, on average, collects 90% of auction results each week. Clearance rates are calculated across properties that have been taken to auction over the past week.

2

Disclaimers : In compiling this publication, RP Data Pty Ltd trading as CoreLogic has relied upon information supplied by a number of external sources. CoreLogic does not warrant its accuracy or completeness and to the full extent allowed by law excludes liability in contract, tort or otherwise, for any loss or damage sustained by subscribers, or by any other person or body corporate arising from or in connection with the supply or use of the whole or any part of the information in this publication through any cause CoreLogic Mortgage Index Mortgage market activity whatsoever and limits any liability it may have to the amount paid to CoreLogic for the supply of such information. Queensland Data: Based on or contains data provided by the State of Queensland (Department of Natural Resources and Mines) 2020. In consideration of the State permitting use of this data you acknowledge and agree that the State All data to week ending Month on month 220 CoreLogic Property Market Indicator Region Index value 6 September 2020 accuracy, reliability, completeness, currency or suitability) and accepts no liability (including without limitation, liability in gives noSummary warranty in relation to the data (including change 200 negligence) for any loss, damage or costs (including consequential damage) relating to any use of the data. Data must not be used for direct marketing or be used in breach of 180 Preliminary clearance rate remains fairly stable week-on-week despite lower auction activity National 114.2 0.1% 160 the rate privacy South Australian Data: information is based on data supplied by the South Australian Government and is published by permission. The South Australian This week, the combined capital city preliminary auction clearance was down laws. only slightly across a lower volume of auctions.

ThereThis were 882 140 NSW 158.6 4.7% homes taken to auction over the week, down from 1,128 over the previous week and 1,533 this time last year. Of the 696 results collected so far, 67.5 Government does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the published information or suitability for any purpose of the published information or the per cent were successful, slightly lower than last week’s preliminary figure of 67.7 per cent which later revised down to 59.8 per cent at final collection.

120 QLD 109.9 1.9% Over the same week last year, a final clearance rate of 72.3 per cent was reporteddata. across theNew combined capitals. Auction activity came toContains a virtual halt in property sales information provided under licence from the Land and Property Information (“LPI”). CoreLogic is authorised underlying South Wales Data: 100 Melbourne this week with just 28 homes taken to auction. The lower activity is not overly surprising given the city has been in stage 4 lockdown for the SA 104.1 3.3% 80 past 5 weeks, meaning both onsite auctions and private inspections are currently banned in Melbourne.

Of the 24 results collected so far,by just the 33.3 per as a Property Sales Information provider LPI. Victorian Data: The State of Victoria owns the copyright in the Property Sales Data which constitutes the basis of this report cent were successful, with all but one sold prior to the auction event. Two thirds of Melbourne auctions were withdrawn this week, skewing the 60 TAS 82.8 14.6% clearance rate lower. Over the previous week, 162 auctions were across the city, while this last year, 765 Melbourne taken to andheldreproduction oftimethat data in anyhomes waywerewithout the consent of the State of Victoria will constitute a breach of the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). The State of Victoria does not Mortgage Index 40 auction. Sydney was host to 625 auctions this week, down from 706 last week and 528 this time last year. Of the 491 auction results collected so far, VIC 108.9 -8.9% warrant theperaccuracy ordown completeness theThisinformation contained in this report and any person using or relying upon such information does so on the basis that the State of 20 69.5 per cent were successful, down from last week’s preliminary result of 74.0 cent which revised to 64.2 per cent at finalof results. time ABS Owner Occupier housing finance commitments (monthly) last year, Sydney recorded a final auction clearance rate of 75.7 per cent. Across the smaller markets, Canberra recorded the highest preliminary 0 WA 91.3 -1.9% Victoria accepts no responsibility whatsoever for any errors, faults, defects or omissions in the information supplied. Western Australian Data: Based on information clearance rate of 78.6 per cent, across 70 auction results, followed

by Adelaide with a preliminary clearance rate of 69.0 peror centliability across 42 results.

Sep 16 Mar 17 Sep 17 Mar 18 Sep 18 Mar 19 Sep 19 Mar 20 Sep 20 provided by and with the permission of the Western Australian Land Information Authority (2020) trading as Landgate. Australian Capital Territory Data: The Territory Data Capital City Auction Statistics (Preliminary) Weekly Clearance Rate, Combined Capital Cities is the property of the Australian Capital Territory. No part of it may in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, microcopying, photocopying, recording or otherwise) 95% 85% be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted without prior written permission. Enquiries should be directed to: Director, Customer Services ACT Planning and CoreLogic systems monitor more than 100,000 mortgage activity events every month across our 4 main finance industry platforms. Monitoring 75% 65% Land Authority GPO Box 1908 Canberra ACT 2601. Tasmanian Data: This product incorporates data that is copyright owned by the Crown in Right of Tasmania. The data has the activity events across this platform provides a unique and timely lead indicator to housing finance commitments. The index shows an 81% 55% been used 45% in the product with the permission of the Crown in Right of Tasmania. The Crown in Right of Tasmania and its employees and agents: a) give no warranty regarding correlation with the ABS housing finance data series (88% using the seasonally adjusted series). Based on the strong correlation and significant 35% the data's number of events being monitored, the Mortgage Index provides the most timely and holistic measure of mortgage market activity available.

25% accuracy, completeness, currency or suitability for any particular purpose; and b) do not accept liability howsoever arising, including but not limited to negligence for any loss resulting from the use of or reliance upon the data. Base data from the LIST © State of Tasmania http://www.thelist.tas.gov.au Weekly clearance rate, Melbourne Clearance rate

Total auctions

Sydney

69.5%

625

CoreLogic auction results 491

Melbourne

33.3%

28

24

City

Cleared auctions

Uncleared auctions

341

150

Clearance rate (last year) 75.7%

Total auctions (last year) 528

8

16

74.0%

765

Brisbane

60.0%

64

50

30

20

56.8%

Adelaide

69.0%

63

42

29

13

65.6%

Perth

26.7%

20

15

4

11

33.3%

83 74 28

Tasmania

n.a.

4

4

3

1

n.a.

Canberra

78.6%

78

70

55

15

68.1%

54

Weighted Average

67.5%

882

696

470

226

72.3%

1,533

1

Weekly auction clearance rate

4 week average

Sep 09 Sep 10 Sep 11 Sep 12 Sep 13 Sep 14 Sep 15 Sep 16 Sep 17 Sep 18 Sep 19 Sep 20

28 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020

Clearance rate

100%

90% 80% 70% 60% 50%

40%

Total auctions

CoreLogic auction results

Sydney sub-regions

To access of Central Coast detailed analysis 64.3% 16 some 14 of these key indicators on a suburb level, please log into your CoreLogic Professional sy stem or contact us on info@corelogic.com.au.

Baulkham Hills and Hawkesbury 17 Alternatively, ring 130066.7% 734 318 to15subscribe to Market Trends n.a.

9

4

City and Inner South

71.0%

77

62

Eastern Suburbs

65.6%

75

61

90%

Northern Beaches

81.3%

46

32

80%

Outer South West

30% 20% 10% Sep 10 Sep 11 Sep 12 Sep 13 Sep 14 Sep 15 Sep 16 Sep 17 Sep 18 Sep 19 Sep 20

Weekly clearance rate, Sydney 100%

70% 60%

50%

Blacktown

Inner South West 60.0% 72 60 Media enquires contact: Inner West 77.8% 66 54 1300North472 767 Sydney and Hornsby or media@corelogic.com.au 75.3% 99 85

Outer West and Blue Mountains Parramatta

n.a.

3

2

n.a.

8

6

48.3%

45

29

Mornington P

Regional SA

70%

60%

South Australia

Median house and unit prices

Capital city private treaty median prices

Sutherland

90%

$925,000

36a Oxlade Drive, New Farm

Eastern Subu

Inner South W

90% 80%

50%

Sep-20

Sep 09

Sydney sub

80% 70%

Queensland

0

45%

54 1,533

80%

20000

55%

1

68.1% 72.3%

90%

40000

65%

74 28

15 226

90%

Real Estate Central Darwin

100000

83

55 470

100%

$1,355,000

120000

n.a.

75%

70

100%

Total Listings

65.6% 33.3%

85%

Weekly clearance rate, Melbourne

10 Parsons Street, Fannie Bay

New listings

56.8%

95%

696

Weekly clearance rate, Sydney

3

Week

Cleared auctions

30

42

4

$5,502,000

5 140000

Clearance rate

Sydney

Melbourne

City

10% Sep 10 Sep 11 Sep 12 Sep 13 Sep 14 Sep 15 Sep 16 Sep 17 Sep 18 Sep 19 Sep 20

Number of homes for sale, combined capital cities

No of Total Listings

1

Luton Properties Manuka

Northern Territory

No of new listings

2

This week, the combined capital city preliminary auction clearance rate was down homes taken to auction over the week, down from 1,128 over the previous week a per cent were successful, slightly lower than last week’s preliminary figure of 67.7 Over the same week last year, a final clearance rate of 72.3 per cent was reported Melbourne this week with just 28 homes taken to auction. The lower activity is no past 5 weeks, meaning both onsite auctions and private inspections are currently cent were successful, with all but one sold prior to the auction event. Two thirds o clearance rate lower. Over the previous week, 162 auctions were held across the c auction. Sydney was host to 625 auctions this week, down from 706 last week and 69.5 per cent were successful, down from last week’s preliminary result of 74.0 pe last year, Sydney recorded a final auction clearance rate of 75.7 per cent. Across th clearance rate of 78.6 per cent, across 70 auction results, followed by Adelaide wi

Adelaide

*The monthly change is the change over the past 28 days.

Capital city properties listed for sale

Preliminary clearance rate remains fairly stable week-on-week d

$1,640,000

6

60 Aug 20

Aug 19

3

$1,670,000

70

-3.0% Aug 10

1

Capital City Auction Statistics (Preliminary)

100

-2.0%

3

New South Wales

110

-1.0%

55 Coranderrk Street, CoreLogic Property Market Indicator Sum Reid

89 Buxton Street, Deakin

Monthly change in home value index, 5 capital city aggregate

Weekly change

Capital city

Australian Capital Territory

The above results are preliminary, with ‘final’ auction clearance rates published each Thursday. CoreLogic, on average, collects 90% of auction results each week. Clearance rates are calculated across properties that have been taken to auction over the past week.

Media enquires contact: Capital city home value changes 1300 472 767 or media@corelogic.com.au

needs to be negotiated – an area where real estate professionals can assist.

“The real estate profession has acted quickly and responsibly in response to developments to date including managing day-to-day issues between tenants and owners and being responsible for the care and maintenance of the property and ensuring the health and safety of tenants, their visitors, customers, clients and staff.

It will continue to do so.

“Tasmania has outlined a sensible and pragmatic framework with a very clear signal for other jurisdictions less affected by COVID to look at carefully.

“We encourage all premiers and relevant Ministers to look closely at this approach,” concluded Mr Kelly.

Top two sales over the past week, states and territories

30%

10% Sep 10

rent arrears at the end of the emergency period to apply to the Residential Tenancy Commissioner for a repayment plan.

“With the time frame for the initial moratorium on rental evictions fast approaching tenants, landlords and agents are eagerly awaiting responses from each state and territory government,” said REIA president Adrian Kelly.

“The Tasmanian Government’s response has to be commended,” said Mr Kelly.

“It realistically acknowledges that it is both tenants and landlords that may be suffering from the adverse impacts of the pandemic by offering assistance to both.

“It also makes it clear that a repayment plan

The above Thursday. rates are c

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020 — 31

LOCAL AGENCY SPREADS EKKA GODWILL FOR COMMON GOOD The Ekka is well known for its iconic Strawberry Sundae.

The sundaes are provided by The Common Good, which is an initiative of the Prince Charles Hospital Foundation to raise vital funds for medical research. When the 2020 Ekka was cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions, The Common Good launched a ten-day campaign across Brisbane to sell Do-It-Yourself

Strawberry Sundae packs as well as readymade strawberry sundaes during the People’s Day long weekend. Globenet Realty Boondall wanted to support this worthy cause and foster the Ekka spirit by giving one lucky winner a chance to win their very own Do-ItYourself Sundae pack by sharing their favourite Ekka story or memory.

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32 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020

competition winner with a heart-warming story of being born during Ekka week. At a time when we are adjusting to a new normal, it was great to read and see so many joyous stories or photos.

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The team at Globenet Realty Boondall hope everyone enjoyed the People’s Day long weekend!

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www.indiantimes.com

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020 — 33

No need for registration for Vande Bharat flights, passengers can book directly with the airlines This news will definitely cheer up air travellers as the Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that passengers will now be able to book tickets directly with airlines under the Vande Bharat Mission and Air Transport Bubble Arrangement.

However, this is only for non-scheduled commercial flights.

On August 22, a standard operating protocol (SOP) was issued by the Home inistry stating that travellers on outbound flights “will have to apply to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) or an agency/agencies designated

by MoCA for this purpose with necessary details, including places of departure & arrival”.

On Wednesday, the

ministry took to Twitter to announce that it “has designated all the airlines operating under Vande Bharat Mission

& air transport bubble arrangements as designated agencies for this purpose”.

India has now made bilateral air travel bubbles with the UK, US, UAE, Canada, France, and Germany along with the Maldives. With several other countries, the negotiations are still going on. Since May 6, several scheduled international flights have been suspended because of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Given this, since May 6, the Vande Bharat Mission has rescued more than 13.5 lakh passengers from various countries.

Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe requested meeting with Rajnath Singh three times in last 80 days New Delhi: In the 4 months long face-off between India and China, the Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe had reportedly requested thrice to meet Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in last 80 days.

The meeting between the defence ministers of the two countries that took place on Friday in Moscow on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting was also on the request of the Chinese side.

"The Chinese Defence Minister had requested for the meet with Rajnath Singh three times in last 80 days, something that was mentioned by the minister to Indian Defence Minister," sources said.

Explaining, "the Chinese Minister had even chosen to come down to the Indian Defence Minister's hotel for the dialogue."

The request for a meeting was also given to India when Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had visited Moscow for the victory day parade in June to which the Indian side had firmly said a no for any talks. That visit came after the Galwan incident in which

Indian Army lost 20 of its soldiers in the clashes, while China also reportedly suffered over 40-45 casualties.

It is believed that one of the main causes of Chinese insistence this time was India taking swift action and getting an upper hand by taking up positions in higher reaches at the southern bank of Pangong lake.

The meeting which lasted for over two hours was the first in-person political engagement between the two sides.

According to an official statement by the MEA, the two ministers had frank and in-depth discussions about the developments in the India-China border areas

as well as on the relations between the two nations.

"The Defence Minister emphasised that the actions of the Chinese troops, including amassing of large number of troops, their aggressive behaviour and attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo were in violation of the bilateral agreements," the statement read.

"The Defence Minister advised that it was important therefore that Chinese side should work with the Indian side for complete disengagement at the earliest from all friction areas including Pangong Lake as well as de-escalation in border areas in accordance with the bilateral agreements

and protocols," the statement said.

The statement added that Singh conveyed that the two sides should continue their discussions, including through diplomatic and military channels, to ensure complete disengagement and de-escalation and full restoration of peace and tranquillity along the LAC at the earliest.

India recently thwarted an attempt by the Chinese army to transgress into Indian areas near the southern bank of Pangong Tso near Chushul in Ladakh.

The two countries are engaged in a standoff since April-May over the transgressions by the Chinese Army in multiple areas including Finger area, Galwan valley, Hot springs and Kongrung Nala.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Singh will have a brief stopover in Tehran on Saturday (September 5, 2020) enroute to Delhi from Moscow in what would be the first high-level visit by an Indian minister to the Islamic nation ever since the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic.

Nitishwar Kumar appointed as Principal Secretary to Jammu and Kashmir LG IAS Nitishwar Kumar has been appointed as the Principal Secretary to Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet had approved the proposal of DoPT (Department of Personnel & Training) for inter-cadre deputation of Nitishwar Kumar (IAS, 1996 batch) from Uttar Pradesh cadre to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir for a period of one year, as per a letter dated September 5.

Soon after this, the General Administration Department of Jammu and Kashmir issued an order posting Nitishwar Kumar as Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor, replacing Bipul Pathak.

Further, Jammu and Kashmir (1992 batch) cadre IAS officer Bipul Pathak, who was serving as the Principal Secretary to

Lieutenant Governor, has been transferred and posted as Principal Secretary to the Government, Information Technology Department, through an order issued on behalf of the Lieutenant Governor.

Pathak will, however, continue to hold the additional charge of Principal Secretary to the Government, Science and Technology Department, CEO, Jammu and Kashmir e-Governance Agency, and CEO, Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency as per the order.

Congress' Rajya Sabha MP Deepender Hooda Tests COVID-19 Positive Chandigarh: Congress' Rajya Sabha MP from Haryana Deepender Singh Hooda tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday.

The 42-year-old, who is the lone opposition MP from Haryana, is currently in Delhi.

"My Corona# Covid19 report has returned positive. As per the advice of doctors, other tests are being conducted," Mr Deepender tweeted.

Mr Deepender, who is the son of former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, in his tweet added that "with the prayers of all of you, I will recover soon.."

He asked people who may have come in his contact during the past few days to isolate themselves and get tested.

Mr Deepender had recently toured the Baroda assembly constituency in Sonipat district in view of the upcoming bypoll.

The by-election has been necessitated after the death of Congress legislator Shri Krishan Hooda in April.

Other parliamentarians from Haryana who recently contracted COVID-19 are Union Minister of State Krishan Pal Gurjar (Faridabad), Sanjay Bhatia (Karnal), Brijendra Singh (Hisar) and Nayab Singh Saini (Kurukshetra). All of them are BJP Lok Sabha MPs. Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar had also tested positive for the disease.

His Cabinet colleagues Ranjit Singh Chautala, J P Dalal, Mool Chand Sharma and Haryana Assembly Speaker Gian Chand Gupta were among some legislators who have contracted the infection recently.

The state currently has over nearly 75,000 COVID-19 cases and over 780 fatalities.

Anger Over Government's 'No Question Hour' Move For Parliament Session New Delhi: A decision to cancel Question Hour in the monsoon session of parliament beginning September 14 in the shadow of the coronavirus crisis has generated growing resentment among opposition MPs. The session will have Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha working in separate shifts and there will be special seating for MPs to ensure distancing. Lok Sabha will sit from 9 am to 1 pm on the first day and from 3 pm to 7 pm till October 1. Rajya Sabha will sit

from 3 pm to 7 pm the first day and 9 am to 1 pm the rest of the days. Weekends will be working days.

There will be no Private Members' business, the hour set aside for bills put up by MPs. There will be a zero hour, slotted for members to raise matters of public importance, but that has been cut short to 30 minutes.

The Question Hour, the first hour in the House, allows members to ask the government questions.

34 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020

Rajya Sabha member Derek O'Brien of Trinamool Congress said the pandemic was being used as an excuse to "murder democracy" in a tweet this morning.

"MPs required to submit questions for Question Hour in Parliament 15 days in advance.

Session starts 14 September.

So Question Hour cancelled ?

Opposition MPs lose right to question govt. A first since 1950?

Parliament overall working hours remain same so why cancel

Question Hour?

Pandemic excuse to murder democracy," Mr O'Brien posted.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said questioning the government is the oxygen of parliamentary democracy. "I said four months ago that strongmen leaders would use the excuse of the pandemic to stifle democracy and dissent. The notification for the delayed Parliament session blandly announces there will be no Question Hour. How can this be justified in the name of

keeping us safe," Mr Tharoor said.

"Questioning the government is the oxygen of parliamentary democracy. This government seeks to reduce parliament to a notice-board and uses its crushing majority as a rubberstamp for whatever it wants to pass. The one mechanism to promote accountability has now been done away with," added the Congress MP from Kerala.

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar, reacting to the uproar, said: ""Parliament is being held

under special circumstances. The parliamentary affairs minister is in touch with all parties."

Opposition leaders say they were told by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh that if there was a Question Hour, ministers would need to be briefed by officials of their ministries and this would raise the number of visitors to parliament in Covid times.

Senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday to mark his protest.

Fighting Covid and Amphan – In BSQ (Bengali Society of Queensland) Style!!

2020 has witnessed devastations in the communities across the globe. It has been very challenging for all of us as we cope with the limitations in our ‘new normal’ lives. Joining the global response, Bengali Society of Queensland [BSQ] made an appeal to its members for contributions in the fight against Corona.

Many of our members were involved in helping the wider community, including joining the Food Army, liaising with international guests, supporting the need of international students and donating funds to different organizations who were working with the COVID-19 victims. And then the disastrous 'Amphan' cyclone hit West Bengal.

BSQ extended the appeal to Amphan relief as well and received generous donations from members for both the initiatives.

Funds raised were donated to institutions, including Jadavpur University Commune, Nava Nalanda Alumni Association, Sahanagar Community Kitchen, Jasim Shaikh Support group and HemchandraPathagar, supporting fight against COVID-19 and Amphan relief work.BSQ also donated funds to Ramakrishna Mission, Sunderban Green Environment, EbongAlap and Sahay Foundation, supporting Amphan recovery in the Sunderbans area that was hit hardest by cycloneAmphan.

All

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institutions have expressed deep gratitude and sincere appreciations for the generous donations received fromBSQ members.

Below are some snippets of the success stories.

Jadavpur University Commune: - On 21st March 2020, few students, alumni and research scholars of Jadavpur University started to make sanitizer in the university campus and distribute over 1000lt of sanitizer to the poor, migrant labourers, corporation workers, and food delivery workers who couldn’t afford to buy from the market. They also started distributing commune cooked food to the homeless, migrant labourer and others who needed it and for past 150 days have been feeding 700 people on a daily basis. They extended their support towards the people in South 24 Parganas and Sunderbans affected by the Super Cyclone Amphan providing dry ration, clothes, baby food and so on.

Nava Nalanda Alumni Association (NAAA): They took up several relief distribution initiatives, in addition to collaborating with other NGOs and Police in their outreach events in and around Kolkata. NAAA distributed dry ration, hand sanitizer, and masks to the families of patients in R.G.Kar hospital, who came from the outside districts.

Then Amphan hit Sunderban and put the families in the Bakkhali region, particularly Mousuni Island, under crisis of meeting their basic

needs like food, shelter, and medical facilities. NAAA, with the support of Cheshta, distributed huge amounts of Ration kit to cater for the situation.

Sahanagar Community Kitchen:-Sahanagar community kitchen started on 9th May. The idea of this community kitchen was inspired by the need to stand with the most deprived and marginalised sections of the community who were hit hardest with the Covid-19 and the associated lockdown.

The number started to increase every day and they catered to around 400 people per day.

In the meantime, Amphan hit West Bengal and left a trail of severe devastation and the organizers increased the capacity to server 2000 people in Amphan. Here is a small sneak peek of the menu served during their journey – Egg Curry/Rice, Mixed Veg, Khichuri, Mung Daal/Doi-Potol, Enchor, Murighonto etc.

Jasim Shaikh Support Group:- Probably, one of the biggest crowdfunded support for the migrant labourers in India, Jasim and his team ran this in Mumbai with a single goal - Nobody should go to bed hungry.

When the lockdown started due to COVID, the migrant labourers in Mumbai were in disarray. Jasim and team wanted to help some of them and initially started providing Rice, Dal, Potato, Oil to around 250-300 people but that number reached to 5 figures quickly. After

a few days, when savings began to deplete, the larger sections of the labourers started to depend on Jasim's team. Jasim's team was up for the task and they started crowdfunding frantically.

They supplied thousands of Kgs of Rice and Daal to the migrant labourers because, with those staggering numbers, those were the only things they could provide.

HemchandraPathagar: HemchandraPathagar is one of the oldest libraries in West Bengal. It was established in 1907. With that rich heritage, the library has always embarked upon the path of social responsibilities.

Their first program was to distribute packets of ample supply of groceries to 80 underprivileged families.

Then they provided food assistance to the workers of "100 diner kaaj" and then arranged the same for the health workers and the cleaners from the municipality.

The library then jumped in the Amphan rescue effort and went to the Deulbari village of Moipit block. Matla River destroyed the river banks and salt water made the lands infertile for harvest.

The library provided the following aid to the villagers - Dry food, clothes, medicine, drinking water and few other necessary items.

BSQ executive team thanks everyone for their continued support and active participation to create a positive experience for us, and the wider community.

Stay well, stay safe.

www.indiantimes.com

THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020 — 35

FOCUS ON FIJI EFL records reduction in electricity use Energy Fiji Limited has recorded a reduction in the use of electricity.

This as many hotels and resorts remain closed, while others are operating at half capacity.

Chief Executive Hasmukh Patel says the virus is ironically creating both opportunities and challenges for many sectors and EFL to some extent has also felt the trickle-down effects of the pandemic.

“So the electricity demand of the hotels have come down and even businesses were directly and indirectly impacted because of the travel

restrictions so our power supply or our demand has been impacted.”

Patel says they had estimated a 20 percent reduction in electricity use following the pandemic.

“For us to survive, we perhaps could handle about 20 percent reduction in the demand for electricity or sales. Each month it has wavered. Some months we had 16 percent and at times 17 percent.”

EFL is hopeful that the borders will open soon and the hospitality sector will get back to normal which will enable EFL to recover its lost revenue.

USP Council terminates proceedings against VC Ahluwalia The University of the South Pacific’s Council has resolved yesterday that it is terminating the proceedings initiated against the Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia.

The USP Council says this is based on the detailed and painstaking work undertaken by the Special Executive Committee.

It says the Special Executive Committee decided on 24th August 2020 that there were no allegations where the consensus or clear majority view were deemed material.

Ahluwalia says they are elated by the news that the USP Council has cleared all

Fijians have been waiting for as long as ten years to receive a response from the Housing Authority on their application for lot allotments.

This is one of the main concerns registered by the Public Inquiry Committee tasked to look into the possible irregularities and fraudulent transactions in relation to the allocation of lots by the Authority.

The Committee held consultations in the North last week.

Chair Seema Shandil says the lack of correspondence from Housing Authority staff have left Fijians frustrated and in the dark on the status of their application for housing lots.

“They have not been informed by the HA as to when they going to get any plot if they are going to get any plot. The issue here is that they are aging and with age, they may not be able

to get the needed loan to acquire the piece of land and call it a home.”

Shandil says another concern is that people have been allocated plots in different divisions.

“For example a person staying in Labasa, would want to have a plot in Labasa, but in fact she was assigned a plot in Nadi. So born and bred in Labasa and working in Labasa she does not prefer to own a plot in Nadi.”

The Inquiry Committee will submit its final report at the end of this month.

Rarawai Sugar Mill not in operation over the long weekend - FSC

allegations against him.

He says it has been a difficult and challenging time, but they must move forward and take USP to

greater heights and ensure that students are able to get the best possible education.

Ahluwalia also thanked God for hearing the

prayers of so many people throughout the region and for good governance, integrity and ethics to prevail.

Keresi Maya banned for 6 years

FRU considering to appeal decision as it wanted Maya to be banned for life Fiji Rugby Union confirms Naitasiri Under-19 player, Keresi Maya has been banned from all levels of rugby in Fiji for 6 years.

Maya punched referee, Peni Talemaivavalagi during an U19 match between Naitasiri and Tailevu on 29th August this year.

FRU’s Chief Executive, John O’Connor says during the hearing, Fiji Rugby Union and the Fiji Rugby Referees Association had made submissions for a life ban on the player since it was a cowardly act which resulted in the match official sustaining injuries and a broken nose.

He says while they respect the process and the decision made by the Judicial Officer, they are seriously considering to appeal the decision.

This sanction comes after a disciplinary hearing was conducted by an independent Judicial Officer.

No response on lot applications 10 years on

Tournament Director and FRU’s Operations Manager, Sale Sorovaki says all players owed a duty of care to ensure the safety of other players, match officials and any other administrative personnel and Maya’s act of Foul Play needed to be sanctioned appropriately.

The FRU CEO further says they have taken steps to ensure the safety and well-

36 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020

being of the referees and match officials during FRU organised matches.

O’Connor says going forward, any player in the field who verbally abuses the match official will be given a warning and should the player repeat the offence, he or she will be yellow carded.

He says any technical official or managers on the bench or in the technical area who

abuses the match officials will be warned and if they repeat the offence, will be removed from the field.

On reports that Maya will turn to Rugby League, the Fiji Rugby Union CEO says they have a good working relation with the Fiji National Rugby League and would also communicate the disciplinary decision to them and to the Fiji Sports Commission.

Fiji Sugar Corporation’s CEO, Graham Clark says Rarawai Sugar Mill is closed over the weekend to replace the main drive shaft on the cane carrier.

Clark says repairs will be completed today to resume crushing.

He says cane lorries from Rarawai have been diverted to Lautoka during this time.

Clark confirms Lautoka Sugar Mill is crushing normally and has crushed throughout the weekend.

Meanwhile, National Federation Party Leader, Professor Biman Prasad says there has been concerns raised that cane lorry drivers were forced to look for their own meals, sleep overnight inside their trucks during the cold nights, and there is no provision of any toilet or bath facilities.

Prasad says NFP’s Vice President Davendra Naidu went to Rarawai Mill yesterday and found only a handful of drivers while more than 100 lorries loaded with cane were lined outside the mill, which was broken down.

The NFP Leader says they feel sorry for all lorry drivers and operators,

Prasad says NFP’s Vice President Davendra Naidu went to Rarawai Mill yesterday and found only a handful of drivers while more than 100 lorries loaded with cane were lined outside the mill, which was broken down growers, cane cutters and mill workers who are suffering.

When questioned, Clark says cane lorry drivers are given meals in the event of long mill stops and also offered transport home and return.

He adds ablution facilities are available at all mills.

We have also sent questions to the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Sugar, Yogesh Karan.

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

Newsletter 164-116 Purataasi// Bhādrapada Month (mid-September 2020 to mid-October 2020) Festivals Dear Sri Selva Vinayaka devotees, Hindu Ahlaya Sangam Qld Inc (HASQ) cordially invites you to Sri Selva Vinayakar Temple Brisbane (South Maclean) for Purataasi / Bhādrapada Month Festivals.

Sri Lalitha Sahasranama Stotram Chanting on Sunday 13 September 2020 Purataasi ( Bhādrapada) month starts/ Sri AyyapaSwamy Kanni Rasi Masa Abishekam on Thursday 17 September 2020 Pirathosha Viratham on Tuessday 15 & 29, Wednesday 14 October 2020 Puratasi Sani Viratham Navakraha Abishekam on Saturday 19, 26 September & 3, 10 October 2020 Chathurthi Viratham on Sunday 20 September 2020 Nadesar Abishekam Wednesday 30 September 2020 Full moon/ Powrnami & Sathya Narayanar Poojai on Thursday 1 October 2020 Sri Vishnu Sahastranamam & Paaraayanam on Sunday 4 October 2020 Sankatahara Chathurthi on Monday 05 October 2020 Navarathri Viratham starts on Saturday 17 October 2020 Visit Brisbane Sri Selva Vinayakar (Ganesha) Temple and get the Blessing of Lord Ganesha.

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

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

Kavita ji

Call: (07) 3192 5188

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020 — 37

Akshay Kumar, Bear Grylls & 'Elephant Poop Tea' all in the crazy adventure of "Into the wild with Bear Grylls" International megastar Akshay Kumar is the latest big-name celebrity to join British adventurer Bear Grylls in his hit TV show, Into the Wild With Bear Grylls.

Fans have been eagerly anticipating the next episode of the series, which has become one of the most popular shows in India, and will see Akshay Kumar as the latest celebrity to take on some death-defying challenges. The special show was filmed in Bandipur National Park and Tiger Reserve, located in the state of Karnataka.

Survivalist Bear Grylls is known for putting personalities such as Zac Efron, Channing Tatum, Barack Obama and Julia Roberts through their paces.

As a renowned action star, Akshay Kumar appears to be the perfect fit for this next installment.

Although many have

found the experience a struggle, Akshay Kumar appears to face the challenges head on, including exploring the tiger reserve, taking on crocodile-infested rivers and drinking the infamous elephant poop tea in what will certainly get fans across the world talking!

Taking to social media to share a sneak peak of the episode, Akshay Kumar,

posted: “I knew there would be stiff challenges prior to #IntoTheWildWithBearGrylls but @beargrylls completely surprised me with the elephant poop tea. What a day! @discoverychannelin @ discoveryplusindia.”

Following the episode, Bear Grylls did not shy away from showing his respect and admiration for the

Sooryavanshi star. He told the media: “I did my homework prior to meeting Akshay, and knew he is a superstar, but what struck me the most during our time together, was his humility, his easy approach — he is, at heart, still that guy next door. Lots of commonalities between the two of us — including passion towards fitness, dedication to family et al, I really enjoyed being with him…

Akshay’s eyes lit-up with the mention of a new challenge and believe me, not many celebrities, across the world, have reacted so warmly to some harsh tasks that I can conjure.”

Akshay Kumar’s appearance on Into The Wild With Bear Grylls will air Monday, 14th September on the Discovery Channel.

It will be available in Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu, Bengali and English.

Sushant Singh Rajput case: Rhea Chakraborty reveals names of big B-Town A-listers to the NCB The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) is currently probing the drug abuse angle in the Sushant Singh Rajput’s death case. They grilled the prime accused Rhea Chakraborty for over six hours on Sunday about her role in the entire case.

According to a report in Times Now, in her interrogation, Rhea reportedly dropped in some big names of B-Town A-listers to the NCB. However, in what context the names were taken is yet to be known.

According to another report in a news channel, Rhea also reportedly revealed

that Sushant got hooked to the drugs in 2016. This was reportedly the time when he was shooting for Abhishek Kapoor’s ‘Kedarnath’ which also starred the debutant, Sara Ali Khan. Rhea also added that Sushant took drugs along with his costars when he was shooting for the film The report also further added that Sushant would dictate messages to type on WhatsApp regarding drugs and it is he who used to assure that the delivery of the drugs is done by his staff

members. According to her, nobody knew that he was procuring drugs.

Kangana Ranaut, who has been supporting the campaign seeking justice for Sushant Singh Rajput on social media, has been taking over Bollywood celebs with her tweets. According to her she has been first-hand witness of Bollywood’s drug abuse and can reveal names of people involved.

Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead in his Mumbai apartment on June 14.

Sanjay Raut wants Kangana Ranaut to apologise to Maharashtra for calling Mumbai a ‘mini Pakistan’, asks if she has the guts to call Ahmedabad the same Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut and Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut have been indulged in a war of words with each other on Twitter. Slamming Kangana over her PoK remark on Mumbai, Raut reportedly made some derogatory comments on the actress.

When asked if he is willing to apologise to Kangana, Sanjay Raut reportedly told the media that if she apologises to Maharashtra for calling Mumbai a ‘mini Pakistan’, he will think about

seeking forgiveness with her. He also questioned if she has the guts to call the state of Ahmedabad a ‘mini Pakistan’.

Elaborating more, the MP also stated that not only Kangana but anyone who lives and eats in Mumbai and has grown in the city has no right to speak against it.

The war of words between the two started after Kangana said in one of her tweets that she felt unsafe in Mumbai after the death of actor Sushant Singh

38 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020

Rajput. BJP leader Ram Kadam then had asked the Sena-led state government to provide police protection to Ranaut as she wanted to expose the Bollywood drug nexus.

However, the actress went on to say that she feared the Mumbai police more than the movie mafia, and would prefer security either from Himachal Pradesh or the Centre. Reacting to the same, Sanjay Raut requested her not to come to Mumbai.

Clapping back at him,

Kangana tweeted, "Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena leader has given me an open threat and asked me not to come back to Mumbai. After Aazadi graffitis in Mumbai streets and now open threats, why Mumbai is feeling like Pakistan occupied Kashmir?"

The ‘Queen’ actress is currently in Himachal Pradesh and had earlier tweeted that she will be coming back to Mumbai on September 9. She has been provided Y-plus security by centre.

Deepika Padukone to spend 3 days to complete brand commitments before heading for her film's shoot As the country witnesses unlock of the lockdown slowly, B-town celebs have resume shooting following the necessary precautions.

Like other few actors, Deepika Padukone to resume shoot adopting the new normal with all the necessary precautions.

Deepika is soon supposed to leave for Goa, where she will be starting shooting for Shakun Batra’s next. The film also stars Ananya Panday and Siddhant Chaturvedi.

But before she flys to Goa, according to the sources, ”Deepika has dedicated three days to finish her brand commitments which were on halt because of the COVID 19 situation all over.

Once the actress gets into shooting for her film, then there won’t be any time for this, hence she is wrapping it up prior.”

The 'Padmaavat' actress has many brands in her kitty, who have been associated with her for years. During the lockdown, she signed another big

brand as well. Deepika productively used this lockdown by conducting online narrations and preparing for her upcoming role.

Meanwhile, on the work front, she will be next seen in Shakun's film, a remake of 'Intern', a film with Prabhas which is a PAN India multilingual project helmed by Nag Ashwin. She is playing the role of Romi Dev in Kabir Khan's '83 opposite Ranveer Singh.

Amrita Arora slams people for sharing Malaika Arora's COVID-19 report; asks 'Was posting her result of any use to anyone ?'

Malaika Arora tested positive for COVID-19 recently. Today, the actress took to her Instagram handle and released an official statement. Sharing it with the fans, her statement read, “Today I have tested positive for coronavirus but I want to inform you all that I am feeling fine. I am asymptomatic and following all the required protocols and will be quarantined at home as instructed by my doctor and authorities.

I request all of you to stay calm and safe. Thank you for all your support.”

Her sister Amrita Arora has now slammed people for sharing Malaika’s report on social media. She took to her Instagram story and posted multiple messages. One of her posts read, “Price of being a celebrity? New normal? In sickness but not in health?

Is this ok? My sister’s results have been posted on various WhatsApp groups, Facebook and other mediums! While she was hoping and praying for a negative test and was also preparing herself to get better this is what one has to deal with? How is this ok????????? What’s has happened to us humans sad sad state of affairs.”

She further wrote, “Was posting her result of any use to anyone ?????? She’s a responsible citizen who would’ve declared it anyway!

What’s the perverse pleasure of making it a discussion and guessing how and when she got it, some going to the

extent of saying she deserves it with laughing emojis! Why why why!!”

She even wondered how Malaika’s report got leaked.

Speaking about it, she wrote, “The question is how did her report get out in the 1st place ... How was it ok to disregard a doc / patient confidentiality. Let’s just respect what’s happening in the world today and stop this ridiculous naming and shaming syndrome! STOP!” Yesterday, Malaika’s beau and actor Arjun Kapoor tested positive for the deadly virus. The actor had started shooting for his projects. Updating about his health, he wrote, “It is my duty to inform all of you that I have tested positive for coronavirus. I'm feeling ok and I'm asymptomatic. I have isolated myself at home under the advice of doctors and authorities and will be under home quarantine. I thank you all in advance for your support and I will keep you all updated about my health in the days to come.

These are extraordinary and unprecedented times and I have faith that all of humanity will overcome this virus. Much love, Arjun.”

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020 — 39

Why is it important for men to know if they have hepatitis B or hepatitis C? The Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland would like to encourage all men to have a specific blood test to check for hepatitis B and hepatitis C if they have never been checked, or don’t know if they have even been checked.

The tests are free if you have a Medicare card or a concession card such as a Healthcare Card or a Seniors Card. If you don’t have any of these but have private health insurance you may be need to pay a small fee.

Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are chronic illnesses and like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol need regular monitoring and possible treatment.

While high blood pressure and high cholesterol can cause damage to the heart, diabetes can damage nerves, blood vessels, eyes and kidneys, hepatitis can cause damage to the liver.

This includes:

• Scarring also called fibrosis • Cirrhosis – this means lots of scarring • Liver cancer and even death.

Hepatitis C has a cure and therefore the risk of developing liver damage and cancer is greatly reduced if people get treated and cured. Treatment takes 8-12 weeks and is tablets only and will not affect a persons’ ability to work, play sport and care for their family.

For hepatitis B, if people have appropriate regular monitoring, and when required medication, they can greatly reduce the risk of developing damage to their liver and liver cancer.

Monitoring includes regular ultrasounds (to check for liver cancer) and blood tests (to check liver function, how much virus is in the blood etc) and FibroScan (to check for liver fibrosis and cirrhosis). For men born in Asian countries who are over 40 years of

age these should be done at least every 6 months. Even those people who do not feel unwell, because hepatitis can silently damage the liver.

Whilst this may seem like a lot of testing – your GP can arrange the tests and they will generally take less than 3 hours of your time each 6 months.

We know for many men it is very important that they be able to work to support their families.

However, if they develop cirrhosis or liver cancer, because they did not take a few hours every six months to do these tests, it can definitely affect their ability to work. By having monitoring at least every 6 months if anything of concern is identified it can be more easily managed in a shorter time.

Putting our health first is very important, because without our health we cannot live a good quality life, and most especially we cannot take care of our

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

Phone

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Angeline

French, Kirundi, Kinyarwanda, English

0481 838 692

angelinem@eccq.com.au

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Daniel

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0481 827 751

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0479 153 742

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Tam

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families as wellas we may want to.

Contact us ECCQ’s Hepatitis, HIV/ AIDS and Sexual Health Program can provide free Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and STIs information, resources and support in different languages: Website: eccq.com.au/ bbv Phone: 07 3844 9166 Email: health@eccq.com. au If you live in Cairns, you

can also contact: HIV, Viral Hepatitis, Sexual Health Coordinator Cairns Sexual Health

Service 381 Sheridan St, Cairns North, QLD, 4870 Phone: 07 4226 4760

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

Home Remedies for Rough Dry Hands Nimisha Modi

Hetvi Hair & Beauty 0412350013

Hey Girls!

Following from the previous article, here are a few more tips for rough and dry hands.

6. Aloe Vera for Dry Cracked Hands What to do when your hands are not only rough and dry but cracked too! Use aloe vera! That’s the perfect solution for cracked hands, especially skin cracks on your knuckles. This is also a perfect solution for flaky dull hands that you get in winters. Due to the miraculous enzymes and other components present in it, aloe vera provides a right balance of moisture, proteins and vitamins to your dry hands. Not only this, aloe vera is a herb that also helps in healing the cracks in your hands by regenerating skin cells. You can apply it on your hands when and as you wish because its not at all oily or greasy. What more can you wish as the best remedy for dry and rough hands!

Get this: Aloe vera leaf (or aloe vera gel) Do this: Roll aloe leaf with rollar pin{velan} Cut from small side and press out the gel from within the leaf.

Apply this gel on your hands.

Leave it there for at least 15-20 minutes.

Wash off with warm water, pat dry and moisturize your hands.

While you can apply this gel as many times a day as you wish, you should at least apply it twice a day.

When using store bough aloe gel, try to buy the one that doesn’t contain any other substance and is pure aloe vera gel.

7. Avocado Mask for Dry and Rough Hands Whenever it is about fatty natural ingredients, avocado finds a place in such a list along with oils and other natural moisturizers. Avocado is rich in monounsaturated fats, good dry skin.

Additionally, this fruit also contains high amounts of vitamins A, C and E, all good for skin.

Get this: Ripe avocado- ½ Honey- 1 tbsp Do this: Take out the pulp out of the ripe avocado.

Add honey to this and mix well to get your hand mask Apply this all over your hands.

Wait for about 10-15 minutes before washing it off.

Repeat twice a week to get ultra soft hands.

In fact, you may also use avocado oil to massage your

40 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020

plastic bags over your hands.

Now, go to sleep to wake up with soft hands in the morning.

In fact, if you don’t cover your hands with anything and just apply Vaseline on it and go to sleep, then also you will wake up with softer hands in the morning! Just that, your bedsheets and pillow covers too may get a taste of petroleum jelly!

hands daily or 2-3 times a week.

8. Ripe Bananas for Dry and Rough Hands Remedy Not only ripe avocados, even ripe bananas are good for giving you softer hands.

If you are also struggling with aging wrinkled hands, you can use bananas in hope to get softer young looking hands, all thanks to the great moisturizing properties of this tasty fruit called banana!

Get this: Banana, preferably an over-ripe one- 1-2 Honey (optional)- 1 tsp Olive oil (optional)- ½ – 1 tsp

Do this: Take the banana, peel it and mash it properly.

If using, add the honey and/or olive oil to the mashed banana.

Mix them well to get a paste like thing Apply this to your hands.

Leave it for about 20-30 minutes.

Wash off with lukewarm water.

Pat dry and if it feels like, apply some moisturizer.

You can repeat it once or twice a week.

9. Petroleum Jelly Home Treatment for Dry and Rough Hands Petroleum jelly, also popular by the name of Vaseline, is one of the finest remedies for dry skin. It

locks in moisture effectively.

In fact, you can get a soft pair of hands overnight, just by using petroleum jelly and a pair of socks! Doesn’t that sound good!

Get this: Petroleum jelly aka Vaseline A pair of socks or gloves (if not, use a plastic bag) Do this: At night, just before you go to sleep, wash your hands properly with a mild soap or cleanser.

Pat dry your hands.

Take some petroleum jelly and apply this to your hands.

Rub it for a minute or two, all over your hands.

Slip on the socks, gloves or

10. Apple Cider Vinegar Soak for Dry Cracked Hands If your hands are dry and cracked, you can use apple cider vinegar to heal it. Vinegar, as you might be knowing, helps restore the pH balance of your skin.

This, in turn, helps retain moisture. It also exfoliates skin to help slough off rough dead skin cells to give you softer hands.

Get this: Apple cider vinegar- 1 cup Olive oil- 2-3 tbsp Warm water- 2 cups Do this Take a large bowl, large enough to soak your hands.

Pour all the ingredients (vinegar, oil and water) in this bowl.

Soak your hands in this solution for about 10-15 minutes.

Now pat your hands dry and apply moisturizer.

Repeat 1-2 times a week.

Also remember, hand sanitizer is a good secondary option, but nothing replaces soap. Stay clean and stay safe.

GettingThroughThisTogether provides practical tips to stay connected and mentally well during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic Sunday, 16 August 2020 – The National Mental Health Commission (NMHC) today announced #GettingThroughThisTogether – a national conversation to support the mental health and wellbeing of Australians as the uncertainty around COVID-19 continues. #GettingThroughThisTogether builds on the success of #InThisTogether launched in response to the pandemic in March, and acknowledges the continuing challenges for many Australians, as we navigate the compounding impacts of the pandemic.

Six months on, research conducted by several organisations, governments and universities has identified, and confirmed, the impacts of pandemic lockdowns and restrictions on at-risk groups, as well as the broader community. This includes the social and economic stressors challenging our collective mental health and wellbeing such as unemployment, access to education, financial insecurity and uncertainty.

Christine Morgan, CEO of the National Mental Health Commission said: “We have been affected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in different ways. The reality of the longevity of COVID-19 and its uncertainty has set in, and along with it comes fatigue and frustration as some jurisdictions are forced to return to, or canvas, increased restrictions.”

“When we know how difficult something is, it is usually harder the second time. This is particularly the case for young people and the vulnerable.”

#GettingThroughThisTogether has prioritised key at-risk groups including: • Women and children who are living in unsafe homes and victims of family and domestic violence • People struggling with financial stress and distress due to unemployment • Young people, especially those who are undertaking year 12 and at university • Women who shouldered a large share of the household burden during the first lockdown and are facing it once again • People who are already vulnerable,

living by themselves or have been dislocated from their community and support services #GettingThroughThisTogether acknowledges the stressors and difficulties of COVID-19 and provides simple and practical tips to support Australians’ mental health and wellbeing.

NMHC Chair, Lucy Brogden, said the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians remains a key pillar of the national response to COVID-19.

“GettingThroughThisTogether has been developed in collaboration with our country’s leading mental health organisations and social issues experts.

The advice and tips build on the core evidence-based findings since March 2020 to support Australians’ mental health and wellbeing and respond to the experiences we are living with now, and likely to be living with over the coming months.”

There are 10 new practical tips developed in collaboration with

more than 20 mental health and social service organisations to help all Australians to get through these extraordinary times: • There is no place for domestic or family violence - help is here • Caring for yourself helps you care for others • Financial stress is real stress – seek free support today • It’s better not to bottle up your feelings – Take steps to change your drinking habits • Make a routine that works for you • Your support can make a difference – connect with people each day • Choose me time over screen time • Play your part - feel good by doing good • Help is available if you reach out • Make a break a regular thing “We need to care for one another, despite being physically separated. We need to check in with family and friends by calling them or connecting via video if we can. The power of a person’s voice rather than typed words on a screen can be very powerful way to make a real connection, and we need to be heard,” said Ms Morgan.

“It is important we make a decision to get through this together. Help is available in many forms if and when you need help, or you know someone who needs help. Please connect with one of the many free support lines available or seek help with your GP or with one of the professional services.”

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020 — 41

SEPTEMBER 2020

Aries ( 21st March to 20th April )

Taurus ( 21st April to 21st May )

Gemini ( 22nd May to 21st June )

People in committed relationships may like to put their opinions aggressively. It is important to listen and talk with your partner in a relationship. On the whole, it maybe a good time for couples in love. Be careful of what you spend your money on. Small expenses can empty your pockets quickly. Your income may increase in a fair amount.

Businessmen may have an intense desire to strike a hugely profitable deal. They may get an opportunity to conclude such a deal around mid-month. This month is likely going to yield mixed fruits for students. Student pursuing graduation may remain distracted with unimportant matters. As a result, they may not be able to devote enough time for studies. You may need to take extreme precautions with regard to your health and fitness. There is a distinct probability that you may suffer from a major illness. You may also need to be careful about viral infections. Refrain from eating junk food and avoid visiting overly crowded or overly polluted places.

Your love life is likely going to be very pleasant this month. You may fall in love with your new neighbor. A series of sweet talks and meetings can lead up to a loving relationship.

Married couples and families may have a good and memorable time together. Your income may expand and you may get your hands on a great deal very soon. Planetary influences indicate that you may need to work very hard to increase the inflow of money. Besides your regular income, you may be presented with several opportunities to earn money. Salaried employees may be brimming with enthusiasm.

Businessmen may be able to strike a very profitable deal around mid-month. The month seems to be excellent in terms of the academic performance of students. Although, they may need to be a little patient with certain situations. Students pursuing graduation may be able to study for extended hours. No major illness is foreseen during this month.

This month may have wonderful news for single people. A romantic meeting can happen with your crush and a love story may spring up.

People in relationships can fight over some old and pressing issues. Understand each other and develop methods to cope up and compromise.

You can get your hands on a substantial deal. Some expenses over family can happen but overall, a considerable amount of money may be saved for future needs. Think twice before making any major financial decisions. Despite the hard work of businessmen, they may not get desired results as fast as they would want to. They must, however, refrain from adopting any unethical means of earning a quick buck. Such shortcuts may invariably lead to a major financial disaster. This month yields a mixed bag of fruits for students with matters pertaining to their academic growth. Student pursuing graduation in either arts or commerce may remain very attentive and well-focused during class. Planetary influences do not seem to be very favorable for matters pertaining to your health and fitness. Be extra careful with all aspects related to your physical well-being. Refrain from eating junk food this month as they may cause stomach upset and digestive system disorders.

Cancer ( 22nd June to 22nd July )

Leo ( 23rd July to 22nd August )

Virgo ( 23rd August to 22nd September )

Singles ones may find the love of their life at the place of work or employment. Couples in love may also have a blast of time together. Family people can go somewhere to spend loving and memorable time together. Business people need to take a leap of faith and trust themselves. Salaried employees may feel constantly insecure within their organization.

No big expenses during this month are foreseen but you need to keep an eye on your spending. Businessmen may remain cool and composed throughout the month. Planetary influences may help them work very hard and keep moving towards their goal even in adverse situations. This may not seem to be a very bright month as far as matters pertaining to your academic progress are concerned. Students pursuing graduation may not be able to devote enough time for sincere studies for some reason or the other. No major health issues are to trouble you during this month. Minor issues such as the common and cough may trouble you occasionally during this month.

This is likely going to be a good month for singles as they may be falling in love. Couples may enjoy married life. The month seems to be pretty moderate as far as matters of your finance and money are concerned. Family and household expenses are likely going to increase substantially during this month. This is likely going to be a tough but satisfying month for matters related to your career growth and business.

Planetary influences indicate a lot of progress for businessmen.

Students who are doing graduation may get stuck up in a problem which may consume most of their time. You need to manage that issue quickly and properly otherwise it may hinder your progress.

This month seems to be very good for matters pertaining to your health and fitness levels. Most of the time student this month, you may enjoy reasonably good health. Refrain from eating junk food to keep your digestive system in order. It may be a great idea to join a gym or a health club.

Singles may fall in love. Married couples may have a fight over something but they may spend a good time going out for a movie or dinner. Your relationship equations, in general, may not be very fruitful during this month. Income may increase this month which may boost your self-confidence and bring reliability. Don’t spend too much over petty things and activities. Make sure to save money for future emergencies.

Businessmen are advised to remain patient during this entire month and control their temper under all circumstances. They must refrain from adopting any unethical practices to earn a quick buck. Hard work and perseverance may certainly help you achieve your desired targets. This month is likely going to yield mixed fruits for students. Students pursuing graduation may remain ward off all distractions from unimportant matters. They may concentrate properly on studies. This month is likely going to yield mixed fruits for students. This seems to be a very promising month as far as your fitness levels are concerned. However, you may need to exercise certain precautions.

Libra ( 23rd September to 22nd October )

Scorpio ( 23rd October to 22nd November )

Sagittarius ( 23rd November to 21st December )

This month might not be much in favour of married couples. Singles may receive inviting gestures and signals from someone new but as they may be busy in some family-related work they won’t be able to give much time. You may have an inclination for spending money for charitable causes. Regarding money and finance, this month may be worthwhile as you may receive a salary hike or lucrative deal. You may help some social cause. There is also a possibility of spending a substantial amount of money for household expenses. You may not be able to save much money. Salaried employees may start hunting for new job opportunities where there is a better chance to grow, career-wise as well as financially. Businessmen may want to increase their sales figures during this month. But they may face several hurdles in their efforts to increase their overall sales. Students pursuing graduation may retain their focus and concentration to the best of their ability. They may be able to ward off all distractions and their attention may not be diverted from studies. There might not be serious health issues this month. Although, you may have to take preventive actions from getting small health problems such as common cold and cough. Avoid drinking cold water or beverages and if health deteriorates any further, see a doctor.

Singles may find their teenage crush on a shortterm trip. Married couples may extremely enjoy each other’s company. They may go out to spend some amazing time together improving their bonding in the relationship. Overall, the planetary movement may be on your side concerning finance.

Your earnings may fall but don’t look for illicit ways. You may need to work very hard and hunt for new avenues to generate more financial inflow. The month is likely going to prove to be fantastic for businessmen as well as salaried employees for matters related to their business growth and career. Adopting a methodical approach and keeping all business affairs may help increase sales. This is likely going to be an excellent month for students as far as their academic progress is concerned. They may devote enough time for studies and may effectively memorize whatever is needed. Although no serious health problem seems to be troubling you this month, an upset stomach or digestive system problems may likely bother you. So avoid heavy late night dinners as much as possible.

People in serious relationships may remain negatively stressed and agitated. This may be because of some misunderstandings with their newly found partner. Married couples may have issues in their life. The planetary movement suggests that you may get an exciting offer or deal to increase your financial inflow. Expenses related to your family may increase. Don’t spend more than required on domestic expenses. This month might seem to be a very progressive month for matters related to your business and career growth.

Businessmen dealing with Government or semi government organizations may be able to enter into a long term profitable contract. The month may also favor those businessmen dealing in industrial products. Students pursuing graduation may remain in a mentally agitated state for some reason or the other. They may not be able to focus properly upon their studies. Their learning process may substantially slow down during this month. The movement of these planets indicate a lot of disturbances in your health. You may need to be particularly careful in this regard.

Capricorn ( 22nd December to 20th January )

Aquarius ( 21st January to 18th February )

Pisces ( 19th February to 20th March )

Those in committed relationships may be forced for marriage. You may be busy making wedding arrangements. You may have a heated argument over some issue. You need to solve the problem peacefully to increase harmony. Married people may have a good time together. According to the current planetary movement, your financial inflow may substantially increase. However, you may need to work very hard. No accidental or major expenses are envisaged. This is likely going to be an average month for matters pertaining to your career growth and business. Businessmen may be absolutely enthralled to receive repeat orders from customers of high reputation. However, they may need to give their best efforts to expand their sales and attract more customers. This month might seem to be a moderately good month for matters pertaining to academic growth. Students pursuing graduation may remain very attentive about their studies for a prolonged time. However, they may face some problems memorizing. Ganesha recommends that they prepare short notes on important topics. The movement of the planets shows that an unanticipated health-related problem may trouble you. In regard to this, you need to take extra care of your health. Don’t eat unhealthy and junk food as well as food items which contain large amounts of fat.

People in committed relationships may have to suffer rude or inappropriate conduct of their partner. You may get sad because of this but don’t give up, try to understand and handle things more maturely. Singles are likely going to fall in love during this month. Your earnings may be cut down. Ganesha advises you to plan your expenditure properly.

You may be presented with an excellent opportunity to earn during the mid-month. For businessmen, despite trying very hard, they may not be able to achieve desired results. They may need to be patient with themselves and others around them.

This month seems to offer a mixed bag of fruits as far as the academic growth of students is concerned. Students pursuing science or information technology related subjects may be able to devote sufficient time for sincere studies. You may need to be extremely cautious with matters pertaining to your health and fitness throughout this month. Planetary influences may not be very favorable for the same. There is a distinct possibility of falling prey to a major illness.

Singles are likely going to find their life partner who may be older than them. Some familyrelated issues may cause you distress. Ganesha advises you not to be aggressive while handling matters instead be mature and calm. You may get surprise monetary gains which may increase your confidence and optimism. No major accidental expenses are foreseen. You may be successful in saving money for the safety of your own future as well as your loved ones. This month may offer you a mixed bag of fruits as far as matters related to your career growth and business are concerned. Ganesha advises you to stay patient. Students pursuing graduation may not be able to retain their focus and concentration this month due to pressure from their elders. They may try to learn what is necessary and memorize what is needed. Although no crucial health problems may trouble you, you might get infected by some minor diseases like the common cold and cough. Ganesha advises you to avoid drinking cold water or beverages and unhealthy street food.

42 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020

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THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020 — 43 www.indiantimes.com

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IPL 2020 schedule announced: Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings in season opener NEW DELHI: It was expected much earlier, but the unique nature of the global situation due to Covid-19 forced the BCCI to delay announcing the schedule for the upcoming 13th edition of the Indian Premier League to be held in UAE. It's official now, defending champions Mumbai Indians will kickstart the season against Chennai Super Kings with a blockbuster opening clash on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.

After the tournament opener on Saturday, Dubai will host its first game on Sunday with Delhi Capitals taking on Kings XI Punjab, followed by the third match on Monday between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

"The IPL action will shift to Sharjah on Tuesday, 22nd September where Rajasthan Royals will host Chennai Super Kings," a BCCI press release stated.

There will be 10 double headers

with the first match starting at 3:30PM IST and 2:00PM UAE time.

All evening matches will start at

7:30PM IST and 6:00PM UAE time. In all, 24 matches will be held in Dubai, 20 in Abu Dhabi and 12 in Sharjah.

Venues for the playoffs and the IPL 2020 final will be announced later.

India's series against Australia likely to begin in Adelaide or Brisbane MELBOURNE: Indian cricket team's much-anticipated tour of Australia will begin either in Adelaide or Brisbane instead of favoured Perth after Western Australia state government made it clear that there won't be any relaxation in quarantine guidelines in their territory.

According to a report in ESPNCricinfo, the Adelaide Oval is prepared to host back-toback Tests, including a day-night game as well as the Boxing Day against India later this year in case the iconic MCG is not available because of rising coronavirus cases in the state of Victoria.

Also the Indian and Australian players will be coming directly from the UAE after IPL where there is a second wave of COVID-19 cases.

"We didn't think it was acceptable to have the team return from a high-risk overseas location and then take part

in normal training activities outside of quarantine, before flying out to another state to play games." Mark McGowan, the Premier of the WA state government was quoted as saying by the report. "There were just too many risks in the model put forward by Cricket

Australia. We need to remain vigilant and do the right thing by all Western Australians and not take unnecessary chances." As per Cricket Australia's (CA) initial plans, the Australian team, which is currently touring England, and the Indian players were expected to enter the country

via Perth. Both the teams were supposed to be based and train in a relaxed quarantine environment in Perth ahead of the series, but Western Australia state government's insistence on a strict hotel quarantine for international travellers has put paid to CA's plans. The BCCI has requested the CA to allow its players to train during the quarantine inside the biobubble which is not possible in Perth. India's tour of Australia is likely to start with limited-overs matches (T20 series) before the action shifts to the fourTest series. "We acknowledge the WA government has a firm position on quarantine and border arrangements," a CA spokesperson said.

"The Australian men's team will not be quarantining in Perth upon their return from the UK." The CA is expected to come out with a revised Test series schedule this week.

Naomi Osaka Powers Into US Open QuarterFinals With Straight-Sets Win Two-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka booked a place in the quarter-finals of the US Open Sunday with a straight-sets win over Estonia's Anett Kontaveit.

Osaka, the fourth seed, powered past her 14th seeded counterpart 6-3, 6-4 in the late match in an empty Arthur Ashe Stadium at Flushing Meadows. The 2018 US Open champion said keeping her emotions in check was key to dominating the 1hr 12 min match. "For me it's very important because it's quite easy to get down on yourself, especially when you feel like you could have converted so many times," she explained.

"But I just told myself that she's

a great player she's supposed to hold her serve so yeah just keep pushing."

Frustration had got the better of Osaka in the previous round when she threw her racquet

44 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, September, 2020

during a tie-break.

Osaka said she hadn't watched live the incident with Novak Djokovic earlier in the day when he was disqualified for accidentally hitting a lines judge with his ball after losing a game.

She was sleeping ahead of her night match, but after becoming aware of it she said it served as a reminder to remain in control while on the court.

"That's definitely like a warning to never do that," Osaka said.

Kontaveit fought hard to hang in the contest, saving five match points before Osaka booked her place in the last eight.

Japan's Osaka will play 27-year-old Shelby Rogers for a

place in the semi-finals after the American upset sixth seed Petra Kvitova in three sets Sunday.

Osaka, of Haitian and Japanese heritage, walked onto the court wearing a facemask emblazoned with the name of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black youth shot and killed by a white neighborhood watch member in Florida in 2012.

Osaka, the 2019 Australian Open champion, is wearing different masks honoring victims of racial injustice and police brutality throughout the tournament.

She has already donned face coverings bearing the names of Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain and Ahmaud Arbery.

IPL 2020 is being held in bio secure bubbles in the UAE and all players and support staff are being regularly tested.

The upcoming 53-day edition is by far the longest in the history of the league.

The schedule was delayed after 13 personnel of the Chennai Super Kings camp tested positive for the dreaded virus. Also, due to different quarantine rules in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, IPL's operations team took time to finalise the schedule. As per IPL rules, the defending champions and last year's runner-up face off in the tournament opener. The same is going to happen this year after concerns over Chennai Super Kings' readiness were erased with their first practice session in Dubai on Friday.

CSK were the last franchise to hit the nets after clearing final rounds of COVID-19 testing. Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and all other CSK players, except for the COVID-19 afflicted duo of Deepak

Chahar and Ruturaj Gaikwad, started training on Friday.

With Deepak and Ruturaj testing positive last week along with 11 members of the CSK contingent, the team was forced to delay its training plan after completing the six-day quarantine, including three tests, upon arrival on August 21.

The virus free players had to undergo three additional tests before beginning their training on Friday. The infected players are in 14-day quarantine.

This year's IPL was originally scheduled to be held from March 29 to May 24 but was postponed barely two weeks before the start of the tournament due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Then, as the number of cases increased, the league was indefinitely postponed but the postponement of the T20 World Cup cleared the decks for the league to take place in the SeptemberNovember window.

US Open 2020: World No. 1 Novak Djokovic Disqualified From The Tournament After Hitting Official With The Ball In Round Of 16

Novak Djokovic was sensationally disqualified from the US Open on Sunday after striking a lines official with a ball during his last-16 match.

The world number one went 5-6 down in the first set to Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta when he hit a ball in the direction of the female official.

It struck her in the throat and she could be heard gasping. Djokovic rushed over to check that she was okay and after a few minutes she got up and walked off the court.

Following around ten minutes of discussions with the tournament referee, the umpire declared that Carreno Busta had won by default.

Djokovic shook hands with Carreno Busta before leaving the court.

The Serbian star is one of only a handful of players to be disqualified from a men's singles tournament at a Grand Slam since John McEnroe was infamously tossed from the Australian Open in 1990.

Djokovic had been chasing an 18th Grand Slam title at the Billie Jean King US National Tennis Center.

He was hoping to close the gap on Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, both absent from the tournament, in the race for the all-time men's Slam singles title record.

Djokovic is on 17, with Nadal on 19 and Federer on 20.

Earlier, American Jennifer Brady led a day of upsets in the women's draw.

Brady, the 28th seed, stunned three-time Grand Slam winner Angelique Kerber of Germany to

reach a Grand Slam quarter-final for the first time in her career.

The 25-year-old took just 1hr 29min to sweep aside the 17th seed 6-1, 6-4 to move into the last eight at Flushing Meadows.

"It's awesome. Hopefully I keep going," she told reporters.

Brady, whose previous best appearances at Slams were fourthround finishes at the Australian and US Opens three years ago, credited her run to becoming fitter.

Brady will play Yulia Putintseva for a spot in the last four after the Kazakhstan 23rd seed stunned eighth seed Petra Martic of Croatia elsewhere on Sunday.

Putintseva displayed a range of exquisitely placed dropshots as she sent Martic tumbling out 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 in 2hr 37 min inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Later, two-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka looks to move into the last eight at the expense of Estonian 14th seed Anett Kontaveit.

Sixth seed Petra Kvitova is also in action against unseeded American Shelby Rogers. In the men's draw Sunday, fifth seed Alexander Zverev became the first German to reach the US Open last eight since Tommy Haas in 2007.

Zverev, the fifth seed, bulldozed Spain's unseeded Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-2, 6-2, 6-1 in just 1hr 34 min.

Later in the men's draw, seventh-seeded David Goffin from Belgium goes up against Canadian 12th seed Denis Shapovalov.

The AFL announced that the 2020 Toyota AFL Grand Final will be played in Queensland embraced the game on television in record numbers.”

“I know a night Grand Final at the Gabba on October 24 will provide a fitting and spectacular end to a season like no other.”

The October 24 date set for the 2020 Toyota AFL Grand Final determines a BYE weekend will be held between Round 18 and the first week of finals.

Further details for the 2020 Toyota AFL Finals Series, including the scheduling policy for the hosting of finals, will be released in the coming days, as will the details of the Brownlow Medal and other events across the Toyota AFL Finals Series.

The match will be held at the GABBA on Saturday October 24.

It will be a scheduled night game with the start time to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Under the arrangement and pending health authority approval, the 2020 Toyota AFL Grand Final will be played before a crowd of approximately 30,000.

The AFL Commission ratified a recommendation by the AFL Executive yesterday, Tuesday September 1, and comes with the endorsement of the Victorian State Government, who have a contract to host the event annually until 2057.

Never before has the AFL Grand Final been played outside of Victoria and, as part of the historic decision, Queensland will host a festival of football for the State, from Far North Queensland to the Gold Coast, which will include a Premiership Cup tour across the state.

AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan said Queensland had supported the AFL at a time when it needed it most.

“This has been a season like no other and I want to thank the Queensland community and the Queensland Government led by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk for their support and for wholeheartedly welcoming our game to the state,” Mr McLachlan said.

“This is an exciting opportunity for our code and we look forward to now working with the Queensland Government to successfully stage the 2020 Toyota AFL Grand Final – the biggest event on the AFL calendar - and share it with the community right across Queensland.

“The Queensland presentation was world class and, while the 2020 Toyota AFL Grand Final will be the centrepiece, an extensive promotional campaign for the sport of Australian football, including multiple regional locations throughout Queensland, will bring fans closer to footy in the lead-up to the event and provide a lasting legacy.”

The AFL Executive based its recommendation on the following key criteria: Safety and the best environment for all; Integrity and the need for uncompromised games in a highperformance environment; AFL fans and the engagement of existing and new supporters; Financial support for our game in a year where revenue has been so impacted; Call: (07) 3192 5188

And the Legacy and the longterm vision for our game.

Mr McLachlan thanked all states who presented to the AFL last week.

“I want to thank all those Governments – NSW, Queensland, SA and WA - who formally presented and put together proposals for hosting the event. We thank you and are truly grateful for your support of our game. Both this season and all seasons.

The presentations were outstanding, and the decision extraordinarily difficult.”

Mr McLachlan also thanked the Victoria Government for their understanding during what has been a challenging time in the state.

“I want to thank Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Sports Minister Martin Pakula for working with us to ensure the 2020 Toyota AFL Grand Final can be played in front of a crowd.

“The COVID pandemic has meant we have had to take the game outside of Melbourne. For this year only before it returns home to the MCG in 2021.”

As part of the arrangement to relinquish the match in 2020, the AFL has agreed with the Victorian Government to extend the current contractual arrangement with the Victorian Government and the MCG for an additional year to 2058, including the right to host the Toyota AFL Grand Final.

With the constant changing landscape of the Covid pandemic nationally, the AFL has also announced today a contingency plan if the health and safety of the Queensland community is compromised and affects the ability of having a crowd at the Grand Final.

Should that occur, the Adelaide Oval in South Australia would be the back-up venue if required.

Mr McLachlan thanked the entire football community for assisting the AFL in completing the season “I want to thank all Australian Governments, their Chief Health Officers and health officials for their support. Every decision made across the season has been in consultation and collaboration with both Governments and Chief Health Officers. All with community safety as the over-riding guiding principle.

“I also want to thank our broadcasters, corporate partners, clubs, players and umpires. All have joined us in working together to overcome every challenge to ensure our season has continued.

And I really want to thank those members and supporters who have stuck with the game, who have loyally supported their clubs and

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