April 2022 edition of Desi Australia Magazine

APRIL 2022

NEWS I HEALTH I COMMUNITY NEWS I FESTIVALS I ENTERTAINMENT I TALENT

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I 2022 www.DesiAustralia.com NEWS I HEALTH I COMMUNITY NEWS APRIL I FESTIVALS I ENTERTAINMENT I TALENT

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PARLIAMENT OF AUSTRALIA

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

CRAIG KELLY MP 6th April 2022 My fellow Australians Liberal and Labor have given Australia one Trillion Dollars of debt ($1,000,000,000,000) (a million million) At the Government’s proposed rate of repayment, it will take Australians 250 years to repay the debt.

A Trillion Dollars of debt will increase home loan rates to 4% in 2 years and to over 6% in 3 years.

At 4%, over 60% of Australians will default on their mortgages and will lose their homes, and at 6% or more over 80% of Australians will lose their homes.

The real estate market will then collapse and foreign buyers will flood our real estate market as they will have the money to buy up our properties.

We have to stop Australians from losing their homes!

A maximum of 3% interest on Home Loans The United Australia Party will introduce a maximum interest rate for all home loans of 3% per annum for the next 5 years to save Australian homeownership.

My treasurer, Clive Palmer, has a wealth of business experience and the ability to save Australia. The Liberal and Labor finance teams just don’t know what to do and they are keeping you in the dark.

Repayment of National Debt Both Liberal and Labor fail to address the Trillion Dollars of National Debt, but not the United Australia Party.

We plan to address it head-on and save your family from its impact.

Australia supplies over 80% of all Iron Ore to the Asian manufacturing market, where tens of trillions of dollars are invested in manufacturing in China, Japan, Korea and the rest of Asia.

Asia achieves its position in world trade by using Australian Iron Ore. Asian economies and industry have no alternative.

In the 1960s, Australia had an export license on the export of Iron Ore. The United Australia Party will introduce a 15% export license on the export of all Australian Iron Ore. The export license receipts will be isolated for the sole purpose of repaying our National Debt which will relieve every Australian from that burden and set up our future. So Australia can be all it can be without the financial destruction the Labor and Liberal parties have imposed on our country.

Bring Australian Super Home Australia has over One Trillion Dollars of Super invested overseas. Just like when John Curtin in World War 2 brought the troops back to save Australia, the United Australia Party will bring back a Trillion Dollars of Australian Super back to Australia, to save Australia.

TTo save your home and Australia, I need you to vote 1, for your United Australia Party candidate for your electorate, in the House of Representatives and for the United Australia Party Senate team.

We can save Australia and your home.

God bless Australia.

Craig Kelly

Craig Kelly Leader United Australia Party Download Our App

Authorised by: Craig Kelly, Parliament House, Parliament Drive, Canberra ACT 2600

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EXPERIENCE SOUTH ASIA IN THE SOUTH WEST

5PM–10PM 20-22 MAY 2022 GEORGE ST, LIVERPOOL

#lovelivo www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/starrysari

Proudly funded by the NSW Government through The Festival of Place Open Streets Program

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A TASTE OF SOUTH ASIA IN THE SOUTH WEST IS COMING TO LIVERPOOL IN MAY One of Sydney’s biggest cultural events, Liverpool City Council’s Starry Sari Night, will return to the Liverpool CBD capturing the striking colours, bold flavours, vibrancy, and movement of South Asian culture.

From Friday 20 to Sunday 22 May 2022, festival goers will encounter something to see, taste and do along George Street, Liverpool, unofficially dubbed ‘Sari Street’ owing to the street housing the largest collection of Sari fashion shops in the country.

First introduced by Mayor of Liverpool Ned Mannoun in 2013, Starry Sari Night will provide a holistic experience of South Asian culture, seamlessly enmeshing both traditional and modern elements, through cuisine, fashion, dance, music, and art.

Mayor Mannoun emphasised how important it was for Council’s events to hold a mirror up to our community, reminding us of who we are.

“Experience South Asia in the South West encompasses everything we want to achieve with Starry Sari Night.

“We want to deliver an immersive cultural experience in the Liverpool CBD, transporting attendees to the vibrant streets that epitomise South Asia over three days.

“For some members of the community, this event will hold a degree of nostalgia capturing the sights, smells, and tastes of their beloved homeland – from India and Sri Lanka to Pakistan and Nepal to Bhutan and Bangladesh,” Mayor Mannoun said. “For many others, it will be an introduction to a new, interesting and ever-evolving culture.”

Mayor Mannoun said the event is the reintroduction of George Street and the local business that call it home to the rest of Greater Sydney.

“Beyond giving thousands of locals and visitors from Greater Sydney the chance to soak up the best of South Asia in the heart of Liverpool, our aim is to also highlight how special this space really is.

“We are confident people will want to return to George Street months and months after the celebrations are over allowing it assume its rightful place as one of Sydney’s most unique streets and a must-visit destination for South Asian food and fashion,” Mayor Mannoun said.

For more information go to: www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/starrysari

According to .idcommunity, Indian is one of the most common ancestries in Liverpool with 6.5 per cent of the population nominating Indian as one of their ancestries in 2016 – an increase of 0.7 per cent in 2011.

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WHAT’S INSIDE 21

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reflection on 08 Athe Holy Month of Ramadan an event 16 EID of celebration – a vibrant 20 RHYTHM evening of culture and fashion benefits 26 Health of having positive Social Interactions

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Where Culture and Art meets Purpose

Week 2022 40 Harmony at Radford College Junior School the Bias44 Breaking Having Conversations

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Five Gifts 34 Give to yourself Every Day Next 36 Sydney’s Big Thing 50-50 38 Zindagi A progressive women story

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PUBLISHER Desi Media Group (Desi Australia Pty Ltd)

Editor-in-chief Arti Banga

NSW Editor: Harmohan Walia

Sales and Marketing: Dimple Deez

Victoria Editor: Daljeet Bakshi

Queensland Editor: Priya Singh

ACT Editor: Rajni Ghai Malhotra

Western Australia Editor: Ankita Tandon

South Australia Editor: Daljeet Bakshi

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Ravi Mathur

Address: Desi Australia Pty Ltd PO Box 102, Casula, NSW 2170 Email : info@DesiAustralia.com

Mob: 0433121339

Disclaimer: All rights reserved. Do not re-use any content and photo from Desi Australia without the prior written permission from the editor. All the material published in Desi Australia, including articles, features, fillers, advertisements, and all other contents, are published in good faith, and the editor or the Desi Australia magazine cannot be held liable for any errors or omissions. All material is published on the understanding that it is copyright free, and Desi Australia accepts no liability for any subsequent copyright issues. We also cannot accept responsibility for and do not endorse views expressed by the contributors.

Hello Everyone,

April is the month of Festivals and Celebrations. In our multicultural Australia we are lucky to witness celebrations from various communities and be a part of them. We invite you to read all about the different festivities in the past month in this edition.

Looking ahead, Liverpool City Council (Sydney) is gearing up to bring us the taste of South Asia in the South West in May. Mark your dairies for Starry Sari Night (20th May to 22nd May).

From celebration of International Women’s Day to Arts and Drama we have covered it all. We hope you enjoy reading our April edition.

Arti Banga

Editor-in-Chief

Please do feel free to reach out to us if you have any stories that you would like us to share with the wider audience.

Stay Safe and Stay Healthy.

DesiAustralia.com “Keeping you connected”

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

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Mag Corner

A reflection on the Holy Month of

Ramadan

by Mohammed Ali, President, Rabitah Community Services Inc.

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amadan is the month in which Quran was revealed. Ramadan is the month of self control, self examination and spiritual cleansing. A chance to reshape yourself towards being a good Muslim and hence a good law abiding citizen.

The holy month of Ramadan (Ramazan), 9th month of the Islamic calendar has started. It will finish in the first week of May with the end of Ramadan Celebrations (Eid Celebrations) in place.

The month of Ramadan is the most blessed month of the Islamic Calender. The

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revelation of the Holy book, Quran, completed in this month. The month is characterised by the Night of Qadr (Lailatul Qadr), which has its promised blessings being greater than one thousand months.

Muslims fast in this month from dawn to dusk. They don’t eat or drink during the fasting time which starts early morning and ends around 6:00pm. They reflect, they seek forgiveness from their Creator, Almighty

APRIL I 2022

Allah, and they participate in charity more and more.

Some characteristics of the month of Ramadan are as follows: 4 Fasting from dawn to dusk: No food, no water (or any other drink), no sexual activity. All these things are allowed during night time.

4 Children under 12 are exempt from fasting.Travelers, sick people

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Mag Corner

and women during their monthly period are also exempt, but they must compensate later.

4 Extended prayers on top of mandatory 5 times a day prayers: Late at night for the whole month of Ramadan with preference of completion of the recitation of the whole Holy Koran during the month.

4 Special Night Prayers in the last 10 days of Ramadan: Last five odd nights of Ramadan are of special significance in seeking Allah’s blessing and favours.

4 Charity: Muslims believe that a good deed in the month of Ramadan is blessed with a reward by Allah 70 times greater than the normal reward. Muslims hence prefer giving Zakat (Alms giving) in this month. This is obligatory for all Muslims on their wealth and other assets. This is part of social welfare system of Islam.

This is to eradicate poverty and hunger.

This is to care for those in need.

This is to make the world a

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better place.

4 Self-examination, soul searching and accountability: Ramadan is a month of self examination for all Muslims. God is supreme and this month offers a chance to all Muslims to check their actions and seek forgiveness for their wrongdoings, with a promise to God for not repeating their mistakes. This month offers a chance to get closer to the Creator, re-establish severed links and rejoin those who are favoured slaves of Allah.

4 Self-control: Personal character traits like anger, lavish life style, treating orphans with disdain, treating poor badly, are reviewed

by Muslims. Ramadan offers a chance to recommit to the path full of good deeds and desert the road leading to vices like inequality and personal glorification.

4 Spiritual ascendance is the focus: Journey within SELF, personal cleansing and refraining from worldly pleasure in the month of Ramadan shapes up a better Muslim, a better person and a better citizen obeying the rule of Law and the rule of land. All that is right is reflected in behaviour and all that is wrong is negated. This is done to make His Lord happy and seek his favours. This also entails in a good citizen.

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Once a Muslim has completed the obligation of fasting and offering Self for accountability to the Creator, he/she is rewarded with the End of Ramadan festivities (Eid ul Fitr).

Blessed are those who will see Ramadan this year and will have an opportunity to offer themselves to God Almighty for forgiveness. If you are among those lucky ones do not lose this yet another chance to be among those slaves of God who are on the right path.

Remember the concept of fasting is in other religions as well and all focus is on assessment of self and self control. So join the club and fast, if it is mandatory on you.

RAMADAN MUBARAK

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Ramadan Wishing you and your family a happy, safe and blessed month of Ramadan. May this holy month bring health and happiness to your life.

May this Vaisakhi fill your life with the colours of life, joy and happiness

Happy Vaisakhi - Anne Stanley

Anne Stanley MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR WERRIWA Shop 7, 441 Hoxton Park Rd, Hinchinbrook 2168 (02) 8783 0977

anne.stanley.mp@aph.gov.au

www.annestanley.com.au Authorised by A. Stanley MP, ALP NSW, Hinchinbrook

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Festival

Celebrating Vais

The Story Behind the F

Vaisakhi is a festival celebrated across the northern India. It is the most significant religious festival for Sikhs. It is observed in the second week of the April month every year.

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aisakhi is not just the time of Harvest festival but also the one that scripts the birth of Sikh unity and brotherhood. This day is also marked as the New Year for both the communities Sikhs and Hindus.

According to the mythology of Hindus, in the solar calendar this day had been observed as the first day of the year. Hindus celebrate the genealogy of Goddess Ganga on the Earth on this particular day. In her honour, the fiend gathers for a holy dip along the banks of the river Ganga.

The prominent reason to Celebrate this festival in Punjab is that Vaisakhi marks the harvest of the rabi crops and farmers pay their tribute by thanking God for the copious harvest, which is a symbol of prosperity.

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For Sikhs the major historical significance APRIL I 2022

of this day is quite intriguing. It is believed that the 10th Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh ji established the famous Khalsa Panth on this day. The Khalsa Sikh order was founded after which the Guru Teg Bahadur was victimize and beheaded by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb when he repudiate to be converted to Islam religion. Following these events, in the year 1699, the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji laid the foundation of Panth Khalsa, by baptizing Sikh warriors to defend religious freedom.

This festival is celebrated across Punjab and parts of the North India. A number of processions called Nagar Kirtan led by five Khalsas, dressed as Panj Pyaare passes across the streets in the small hours of the morning.

Devotees visit Gurudwaras to offer special prayers and a number of fairs are organised where festivities are observed with folk songs, amusement rides and good food. A lot www.DesiAustralia.com

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Festival

sakhi:

Festival

of food services are also provided during the whole day known as Langar.

People enjoy with full enthusiasm. Many fairs are organised in the state of Punjab near tombs, shrines and Gurudwaras.

On the Vaisakhi day, people celebrate their happiness and excitement with the help of dance. The dance form performed by men is known as Bhangra. As the beat of the dhol changes, the steps progress. The dance movements express ploughing, sowing, weeding, reaping and winnowing. The final sequence shows the farmer celebrating the harvest.

Now days women also participate in the rituals of dance forms which are known as Giddha and Luddi.

the robes can be removed. The Nishan Sahib is then washed with yogurt which Sikhs consider to be very pure. After this ritual everyone helps to raise the flagpole again with new robes and a new flag flying from the top for another Year.

Each year at Vaisakh, the flagpole Nishan Sahib is lowered in every Gurudwara so that

The other traditional custom performed on this day is that water is drawn from all the

scared rivers of India and poured into the huge tank surrounding the Golden Temple.

The fields can be seen full of nature’s bounty dressed in their typical folk attires.

This is the time when harvest is gathered in and the farmer jubilates in the fulfilment of his year’s hard work.

Anthony Albanese MP

Richard Marles MP

Sen. Penny Wong

Leader of the Australian Labor Party Federal Member for Grayndler

Deputy Leader of the Australian Labor Party Shadow Minister for National Reconstruction, Employment, Skills and Small Business Shadow Minister for Science Federal Member for Corio

Labor Leader in the Senate Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator for SA

HAPPY

Vaisakhi

Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Labor Candidate for Fowler

Andrew Giles MP

Ged Kearney MP

Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs Shadow Minister for Cities and Urban Infrastructure Federal Member for Scullin

Federal Member for Cooper

Authorised by Paul Erickson Australian Labor Party 5/9 Sydney Avenue Barton ACT

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Sen. Kristina Keneally

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Maria Vamvakinou MP Federal Member for Calwell

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HAPPY From Chris Minns and your NSW Labor MP’s We wish you and your family a joyful and prosperous Vaisakhi

Chris Minns MP NSW Labor Leader Member for Kogarah P 9587 9684

Jason Yat-sen Li MP

Member for Londonderry NSW Labor Deputy Leader P 9833 1122

Prue Car MP

Member for Rockdale, Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism P 9597 1414

Steve Kamper MP

Stephen Bali MP Member for Blacktown P 9671 5222

Member for Strathfield P 9747 1711

Member for Granville P 9637 1656

Julia Finn MP

Hugh McDermott MP

Edmond Atalla MP

Greg Warren MP

Sophie Cotsis MP

Shaoquett Moselmane MLC

Guy Zangari MP

Member for Campbelltown P 4625 3344

Member for Canterbury P 9718 1234

Member for Prospect P 9756 4766

Member of the Legislative Council P 9230 2526

Member for Mount Druitt P 9625 6770

Member for Fairfield P 9726 9323

Authorised by Chris Minns, Prue Car, Steve Kamper, Stephen Bali, Julia Finn, Jason Yat-sen Li, Hugh McDermott, Edmond Atalla, Greg Warren, Sophie Cotsis, Shaoquett Moselmane, and Guy Zangari. Funded using Parliamentary Entitlements.

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Festival

EID an event of celebration D

By Mrs Farida Alvi

uring the month of Ramadan, Muslims observe to acknowledge Allah’s revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. During the Ramadan period, the Muslim community observes fasting for 30 days from dawn to dusk. Ramadan, in the Indian subcontinent, is known as Ramazan.

At the end of the Ramadan month, people celebrate the completion of their fast and commit to compassion and goodwill which is known as EID.

The day before EID is called “Chand Raat” where people sight the moon and declare EID. Traditionally, it is the day (beginning at sunset) of the first sighting of the crescent moon shortly after sunset.

If the moon is not sighted immediately after the 29th day of the previous lunar month (either due to low visibility from a cloudy sky or because the western sky is still too bright when the moon sets), then it is celebrated the following day.

EID in Arabic means “feast, festival, holiday”. EID is a worldwide festival and an an auspicious celebration for the Muslim community.

EID is also written and pronounced as EID-ul-Fitr, which means “festival to break the fast”.

wishes to family and friends during EID. To wish someone a happy EID, you

Much like other celebrations, it is customary to send messages and well Download Our App

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Festival

can simply say “Eid Mubarak”, which means you are wishing them a “blessed EID.” EID-ul-Fitr is regarded as a time to celebrate by gathering with friends and family to show gratitude toward the Almighty following the previous month of reflection. The holiday serves as a great reminder for Muslims to be grateful for what they have, and to share with those who are needier.

EID-ul-Fitr is a joyous occasion but it underlines the purpose of religious unity & harmony. EID brings a message of peace and harmony among people across the world.

EID is a time for reflection and starting afresh, a time to rejoice with family and friends, but also a time for remembering those who are less fortunate. It’s a time to count our blessings while also giving charity to those in need. As an obligatory act of charity, during the month of Ramadan before performing the EID prayers, money is distributed to the poor and the needy to enhance social equality to the community.

Ramadan fasting teaches empathy and compassion for those less fortunate.

Gifting is a big part of EID celebrations.

Children receive gifts as “EIDI” offerings in money bags, and sweet treats such as cookies and dates are exchanged among loved ones, neighbours, colleagues, friends and even strangers. During the festival, family members will also buy one another presents, although most of these are saved for the youngest members of each family.

This occasion is recognised as an opportunity to work with one another to build a peaceful and prosperous world where all live at peace side-by-side.

And this is considered a time to thank the Almighty for the blessings we have in our lives.

Farida Alvi An active member of the community who advocates social equality, peace and harmony through community events and educational programs.

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Wishing you and your family good health, prosperity and fresh beginnings #lovelivo www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au

Mayor Ned Mannoun

n a d a m Ra KAREEM

May you and your family enjoy the blessings of this special time #lovelivo www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au Download Our App

Mayor Ned Mannoun

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Community News | Sydney

RHYTHM – a vibrant evening of culture and fashion

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HYTHM – a vibrant evening of culture and fashion was organized by the Consulate General of India, Sydney at the renowned Powerhouse Museum in Sydney. From medley of classical dances to fusion of percussion, from bollywood beats to yoga, the mesmerizing evening culminated with DHAROHAR – a spectacular fashion show showcasing the rich legacy of Indian textiles.

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Those in attendance included Ms. Jodi McKay, former Minister and Leader of Opposition, NSW who joined the occasion in an exquisite Saree, Mr. Andrew Robb, AO , former Minister for Trade, Investment and Tourism, Mayors and Councillors and distinguished representatives from the fields of arts and culture, media, academia, community organizations and the business fraternity.

In his welcome address, Mr Manish

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Community News | Sydney

Gupta Consul General highlighted the rich heritage of cultural diversity of India and complimented the multicultural outlook of the Australian society. Ms. McKay deeply appreciated the efforts of the Consulate in building cultural bridges between India and Australia, and admired the diversity and ethos of rich Indian culture.

The evening began with a roar of Shiv Garjana Dhol Tasha who presented systematic rhythmic patterns and formations from the ancient tradition. Echoing the spirit of advancing people-to-people engagements that got a special emphasis during the recent India Australia second Virtual Summit, MAITRI – an interactive dialogue of Indian and Australian percussionists conceptualized by Mr. Aman Pal, Sydney based Tabla artist and

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Community News | Sydney

his team along with senior scholars of the Sydney Conservatorium in melodious Raag Puriya Dhanashree elicited a rapturous response.

The breath-taking display of various Yoga postures and formations displayed

by Dr. Amit Sharma and dedicated volunteers of Dhamma yoga, Sydney left the audience spellbound.

The legacy of classical dance was presented through the novel concept of SAMVAD – a medley of classical dances of legendary Bharatnatyam, electrifying Kathak and ever graceful Odissi by Mrs. Manjula Vishwanath, Mrs. Sakshi Kumar and Mrs. Nabanita Banerjee along with their disciples.

Audience tapped their feet on Bollywood beats and the Gujarati folk dance choreographed by Ms. Juhi Bhavsar.

The finale of the evening was a spectacular display of fashion through the concept “DHAROHAR – Uniting threads of India” showcasing the elegance, exDownload Our App

quisiteness and craftsmanship of Indian textiles. The fashion show displayed unique and gorgeous threads representing various states of India by members of the Indian Australian community. Recent festival of colours Holi, ongoing festival of Navroz and its significance was narAPRIL I 2022

rated by Ms. Farida Irani, Founder Subtle Energies.

Overall, it was a mesmerizing cultural evening that showcased India’s rich cultural diversity and its contribution to the cultural mosaic of Australia. www.DesiAustralia.com

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Arts and Drama

THE TWINKLING TARA

Local theatrical production called “Tara” was played at Pioneer Theatre in Castle Hill on 27th March. This play was by Prekshaa Art and Culture Inc under the direction of Bobby Mallick.

Tara is a two act English Play written by Mahesh Dattani.

By Poonam Naik

T

ara and Chandan have always been close. They were, after all, born as conjoined twins. But a horrific revelation drives a wedge between the siblings, plunging Chandan into a cycle of guilt and blame from which he cannot escape. One of Mahesh Dattani’s most popular works, Tara was also one of the first Indian plays in English to highlight the dangers of gender discrimination, and the insidious ways in which it operates in our society.

The first thing that I absolutely loved about Tara is you simply can’t stop staring at the simply laid out sets. The first act – your eyes skim through the setting and before you know, it has grabbed you and thrown you into the beautiful, witty, twisted and painfully sad world of the conjoined twins, Chandan and Tara.

What starts as a play about two self-sufficient

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siblings, in a family where the mother favours the daughter and the father prefers the son, slowly evolves into a beautiful and horrifying tale of parental preference for the male, guilt, making amends, secrets and lies.

The plot is good one, and I loved the nonlinearity of time. The plot revolves around two conjoined twins Tara and Chandan who were separated a few months after birth in a very complicated and revolutionary surgery.

However, there is a secret that the parents have maintained from the children, and the guilt of that drives the actions of the characters of the play. The actions of both Tara and Chandan emerge from such emotional places at times that I sat there awed.

My favourite part about the play was the way in which it juxtaposed various scenes and it made them more complex and everything was www.DesiAustralia.com

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Arts and Drama

told to us indirectly via that juxtaposed layer.

There is humour, tragedy, grace, twists, love, and pain. It is, at the same time heart touching and heart breaking. The mother played by Rima Sen

is a melodramatic mum adorned in her saree and so immersed in her character. Rushi Dave playing the role of the father with his typical office bag stole the show with his powerful adoption of the role. Dhanvi Dave playing Tara & Rwik Chatterjee in Chandan’s role were brilliant in their characters.

Tara is such a dynamic play, where more than reality what we get to see is the play of memory and flashback, with so many themes brought together succinctly. From the stereotypical gender roles to family conflict, from dealing with disability and its consequences to the sick hilarity the neighbour’s children find in the Patel family. Theirs is a marriage of cultures, Gujarati weds Kannada. And as they settle down in Bombay, their neighbour’s language, the funny accents or the misspoken and mispronounced words, there is such a flavour of Indianness in all of it. And when the

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APRIL I 2022

prejudicial jokes are cracked, it gives us food for thought. Then there is a dark secret that the parents are harbouring, something to do with Chandan and Tara’s present condition.

It is a poignant play about what life could have been. There is an element of suspense too, surrounding the Patel couple. And the revelation, after going through the entire play, left me with a thousand different feelings.

Ultimately, Tara is a laudable introduction for Australian Indians to Dattani’s dramatic oeuvre, and a good showcase for its characters. I look forward to reading all of his works now. Even if I don’t know how and when I will get to see them on stage. But I must admit, I had no clue about the potential of hidden theatrical talent before this. So, kudos to everyone who were the part of the play.

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Health

Health benefits of having positive Social Interactions

By Ms Anju Mathur

W

e human beings are social animals and live our entire lives as a part of society and social interactions and social connections has a positive impact on our health. Quality time spent with friends you trust and care about is good for everyone and good for our overall sense of wellbeing and also for our soul.

Not meeting anyone and spending too much of time on your own can make anyone feel socially isolated, sad and depressed. It is important to make an effort to spend time with others and find some measure of comfort in your social interactions.

Besides enjoying shared experiences with friends and doing some healthful activities from time to time with friends, our social contacts/interactions bring us actual health benefits as well.

Research has shown that by interacting with others, we actually train our brains.

Social motivation and social contact can help to improve memory formation and recall and protects the brain from neurodegenerative diseases.

According to Susan Pinker - a developmental psychologist and social science author having face-to-face connection is a human necessity. Of course during COVID period, she states that devising ways of connecting online are good options as well. Susan Pinker in her latest book, The Village Effect, explores about social and face-to-face interactions- how critical they are not only for our shortterm happiness, but also for our longDownload Our App

term health benefits. Ms Pinker states that direct person-to-person contact triggers parts of our nervous system that releases a “cocktail” of neurotransmitters which assists us to regulate our response to stress and anxiety.

Studies have been conducted that highlights that maintaining close friendships later in life could help to prevent mental decline. Scientists at the Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease Center at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, IL – researched and highlighted that people aged 80 and above, defined as “SuperAgers” - have the mental agility of much younger people, appear to have one thing in common: close friends. Their research found out that ‘’while both SuperAgers and [their peers with average cognitive performance] endorsed high levels of psychological well-being, SuperAgers endorsed greater levels of positive social relationships than their cognitively average-forage peers.”

Social connections have been linked with physical health benefits and more healthful lifestyle and habits. Researchers at Maastricht University Medical Centre in the Netherlands saw that socially active individuals have a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes. Studies also revealed that individuals who did not participate in APRIL I 2022

social activities, such as going out with friends or joining a club, had a 60 percent higher risk of developing a condition called “prediabetes,” which generally predates diabetes.

It is also believed that being around people who encourage us to keep healthful habits or achieve challenging lifestyle goals could also help us to remain mindful of our eating, exercise, and other lifestyle-related habits. Then there’s also the importance of enjoying close social ties with family, friends and community members that contributes to our happiness and improves our overall life satisfaction in the long run.

In conclusion there are various positive health factors around keeping and maintaining social interactions - it contributes to our better mental health, promotes a sense of safety, belonging and security and maintaining social connections can lighten our moods and make us feel happier and it is also good for our brain health and can lower the risk of dementia.

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Community News | Sydney

By: Harmohan Walia

Indian Seniors Group - Hornsby Inc. (ISGH) organised a bigger and better function (Multicultural Festival) at Epping Leisure and Learning Centre on Sunday, 20 March 2022. The Hon Mark Coure MP, Minister for Multiculturalism & Seniors and Mayor of Hornsby The Hon Philip Ruddock graced the occasion. Ten community leaders were honoured, who always helped ISGH. There were two best performances by Gitanjali Dance School headed by Sharmila Maitra.

The team also celebrated Happy 72 Wedding Anniversary of Mrs & Mr Jaswant Ramdev. Standing ovation was given to the couple.

It started with hot Tea/ Coffee and ended with hot Chhole Bhature & sweets.

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Community News | Sydney

Photo Credit : Harmohan Walia

l Festival by Indian Group - Hornsby

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Community News | Sydney

International Women’s Day 2

A collaborative celebratio

To celebrate International Women’s Day, three organisations; SAHELI/ Seva International Inc, Boronia Multicultural Services and Sri Lankan Australian Women’s Network, jointly held an event on 12 March 2022. The event was well attended.

and Bekhauf Azaad Hai.

T

By: Harmohan Walia

he mood was set with the screening of beautiful modern Kuchipudi dance video rendition of Maya Angelou’s song ‘Phenomenal Women’ by Sandhya Raju and her team.

Kaavya Jaishankar further enhanced the mood by singing two meaningful songs in her amazing voice, one in English and second in Hindi: I am woman

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Sue Advani, President of Seva International Inc. spoke about the importance of Women’s Day. ‘For a country to progress, it is essential that we empower both men and women and help them reach their full potential. While many International Women’s Day events are more likely to be social events, it is important to remember that the day involved marching for women’s rights and gender equality including equal pay for equal work – these issues remain even today. For us to make progress, we must challenge the barriers and break the bias which we have placed upon ourselves’; she said.

Bernadette Agyepong, Manager of Boronia Multicultural Services, while

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Community News | Sydney

2022- Let us Break the Bias echoing these thoughts, reminded us, ‘Let us not lose hope but continue to strive for a gender equal world.’

The panel discussion on ‘Breaking the Bias’ was facilitated by Dr. Shanti Raman. The four panelists were Dr Nasreen Yasin, Clinical Psychologist, Founder and owner of Gentle Mind Clinical Psychology; Priyanka Bromhead from We are the Mainstream; Sravya Abbineni, CALD National Organiser of Australian Labor Party National Secretariat and Nalika Padmasena, the President of Sri Lankan Australian Women’s Network.

Nalika Padmasena is the winner of the prestigious NSW Harmony Award for her extensive work in family and domestic violence field. A Senior Solicitor, her journey was not without facing discrimination. From being sent out of the meeting, to being asked if she was in the right place, she has seen it all. ‘Are women, especially migrant women, not supposed to be part of esteem gathering of solicitors? Do we need to have status to be

respected?’ she asks. She has chosen to work for the community, fight for seniors’ rights and has been a mentor to innumerable young people.

Nasreen, a clinical psychologist, highlighted the discrimination she faced as a queer person from the ethnic community and how she got over it. She was raised by a strong father who taught her to be a brave warrior and sowed the seeds of resilience and independence in her mind, helping Nasreen to break the bias. The unexpected and heartwarming acceptance by her grandmother who told her to be who she was, and not hide from the world, helped her assert her identity.

She is now a guide and proud supporter of her community. As the founder and owner of Gentle Mind Clinical Psychology, Nasreen focuses on human relationships, adverse childhood experiences and specific mental health issues faced by the LGBTIQ+ community of Australia.

Priyanka Bromhead from ‘We are the Mainstream’ is a writer, artist and a teacher. The daughter of Sri Lankan refugees, her arts, cultural and educational practise embodies principles of anti-racism, conscious collectivism and acts of radical love. Priyanka works with young people. While speaking about her experiences, she asked, ‘When are we going to

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APRIL I 2022

see more people like me on the panel?’, a poignant question that resonated with most of us.

Sravya Abbineni, the National Organiser for the Australian Labor Party, is an advisor to the party on issues faced by the multicultural communities. She joined the Labor party to make a difference. In her talk, she humoursly asserted that politics was not the West Wing and highlighted how sometimes a politician’s doorstep it is the last resort for the disadvantaged people before they give up. She ensures that they receive the help they need by connecting them to the relevant support services, thereby restoring their faith in humanity and the government.

By breaking the barriers, as a young person in politics, Sravya is making a positive difference in the community.

Overall, each speaker brought a different perspective to the theme and it was very enriching to listen to them and learn from their experiences.

The event ended with entire audience joining the chorus singing ‘I am woman’

by Helen Reddy. It was heart-warming to see the passion and the participation of the audience. Not only did this event and the speakers inspired everyone, but also motivated us to think how we can #BreakTheBias.

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Photo Credit : Harmohan Walia

on

Life Experiences

Where Culture and Art meets

By Rupa Parthasarthy

S

aree is the fabric that instantly connects me to the core of my being.

Worn by generations of women before me, when I am in the presence of women who drape them, I feel right at home.

Growing up in Southern India, Saree was the everyday attire. I saw women in my household, my community, and the larger

society leans on. However, that drastically changed migrated well over two decades ago. Like many migrant women, I have gone through a roller-coaster relationship in finding the right balance in assimilating into the new country while holding onto my roots. So, wearing Sarees became relegated to the odd occasions. That was until I got introduced to Saree Enthusiasts, an online community of women who share the love of Sarees.

Saree Enthusiasts are a community of women from the Indian Subcontinent who collectively believe that every Saree has a tale to tell. Thus began my long journey to know more about the group and join the group, and therefore I became a self-professed fan of the community. Then, again, a series of fortunate incidents led me to meet

the co-founders Shirley Jacob and Preeti Gupta. By this time, I had ventured on the journey of founding Mindkshetra, creative arts mental health studio.

They were planning their Annual Saree Meet, and I wanted to be involved, and I did in the role of a sponsor. This was mid-June 2021. As the theme of the annual Meet was centred on Mental Health, our mutual vision seemed to align. As a creative art therapist, who advocates community art activities to foster connections, I pitched the idea of developing group artwork using Saree as our canvas. The analogy being more than ever, Covid made it evident that the fabric of our community is influenced by every individual’s contribution, with our individual lives heavily impacted by collective decisions. We wanted to create an art piece that symbolised that and celebrates that sense of connection and community spirit.

However, after a few initial postponements, the event finally took place. Just like how a smell of home has the magical ability ‘memory trigger’ when I encounter anyone wearing a saree, they tend to remind me of the Patti’s, Atthai’s, Chitti’s, Mami’s, Akka’s and Snehidi’s, and I left behind a decade ago. So, you can only imagine my delight when I walked into a room with a brigade of them.

I must confess here, being an introvert at heart, I felt like a fish out of water. However, as if sensing my unease, intuitively, each of them took the first step to lean in, greet me and hug me. There is often this stereotype that when a group of women meet, it is most often for vanity, meaningless pleasure.

“Indulgence” is what it is titled. I realise now it is often uttered as a remark minimise the experience.

To them, I will say, Indulge we did, with pleasure and with purpose. To have meaningful conversations and build new connections.

Indulge we did; to raise awareness about mental health. To congratulate Pritika Desai, a young mental health advocate who

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Life Experiences

s Purpose founded “Shout out”.

Indulge we did; to make our mark on beloved six yards. To symbolise how intricately woven we all are in this fabric called community When I was still a naïve little maiden, a young nineteen-year-old, she came into my life.

When I met her for the first time, I held her tight as she hails from the land where I made my childhood memories. Kolkata, Bengal Cotton is her weave name.

She holds a special place in my heart, as she symbolises the carefree days spent frolicking with my cousins, of lazy summers, long strolls, eating Puchka’s, tasting Misti Doi’s from street vendors down the road.

She was a wanderlust who had travelled and lived in three continents, a constant in my life even when change became the only constant.

For this reason, I chose her to be the fabric, foundation, and canvas upon which to render the collaborative design.

A delicate weave she is, a sensitive one, who can crease easily even after diligent hours spent to iron her folds. For this reason, many refrain from wearing her on special occasions.

The crux of Mindkshetra is to nurture life stories using creativity.

We (Preeti Di, Shirley & I) chose it especially for this attribute! What better way to showcase that no matter how much one tries, no one can go through this journey called life untouched or perfect. Experiencing life means accepting the folds and creases that we accumulate along our journey and being proud of the path we have taken.

Our life on earth is fleeting and our intentions and actions do leave an imprint on the canvas beneath as the legacy we leave behind for our next generation.

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Life Style

Give Five Gifts to yourself Every Day 2. GO TO THE UNKNOWN: Read anything for at least 15 min, it takes you to what you don’t know and you end up learning something new. Learning satiates our inner self. This gives a feeling of growth.

By Rashmi Kataria 1. EAT THAT FROG: The thing you avoid and procrastinate but it important to do, do that first thing in the morning. This gives a feeling of accomplishment which is perfect for the day ahead.

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3. COME OUT TALLER: Take a walk in nature at least for 15 min and you would feel transported to a calm, relaxed rejuvenated state of the mind. Nature

APRIL I 2022

is the master and connecting with the master gives a feeling of being energetic.

4. STYLE TO SMILE: Change clothes at least 3 to 5 times per day accordingly to your certain activities. Changing clothes changes moods and thoughts.

5. BE COLOURFUL: Fruits and vegetables are food for life always remember to eat them five.

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Arts and Culture

Farhan Shah

Shab e Mast Live in Concert

A

fter months of Covid-19 rainfall, it was only fitting that we now chose to shine.

Powered by Maxine Road2Bollywood shab e Mast evening on 26th March was high with positivity and power . It was an empowering atmosphere and elevation, once again to live a normality life. Adelaide-based award –wining renowned singer, composer and music producer Farhan Shah and his team brought together the Sufi traditional music.

tural Award (South Australia) in Arts and Culture category. Farhan has distinguished himself as a high caliber artist in the Sufi tradition, who is using his talent to inspire and connect people not just in South Australia, but nationally and internationally through the global language of music. Dubbed the “Pakistani Pavarotti” he is now sharing his talents with children, by developing a community-based music curriculum. His aim is to introduce young people to the beauty of music and

foster intercultural understanding and acceptance in the young, thereby encouraging future generations to grow together in harmony Farhan Shah “The Sufi Rock Star” and his team captivated the Sydney audience with their spectacular performance.

The Poet Rumi said ‘seek those who fan your flames’ and Farhan Shah is exactly that.

Recently Farhan Shah has won the prestigious 2021 Governor’s Multicul-

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Talent

Sydney’s Next Big Thing

S

horaye Khatter is a hustler who, at the age of 22, has achieved his goals.

He began his modelling career on a small scale and has since represented India in pageants and runways.

He was also cast as the lead in an Indian feature film, where he spent a month filming his first film in the country.

He not only excelled in the artistic sector, but he also launched his own company at the age of 20.

While completing his business degree at the University of Technology Sydney, he founded Blue Moon Marketing, which he has led to tremendous success as the owner and Managing Director for the past two years.

“One must believe in the power of generating one’s own opportunities rather than waiting for them,” he says of his belief and contribution to his success.

He is currently building a reputation for himself in the musical world, having debuted with his debut song “Mera Dil,” which has been featured on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and other platforms.

He writes, produces, sings, and acts in his own music videos, and he’s always looking for ways to improve and make each day a new adventure.

Shoraye is now known as a rising celebrity in Sydney, having worked as an actor, model, singer, and entrepreneur.

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Arts and Drama

Zindagi 50-50

A progressive women story

By Poonam Naik

On 24th March at The Riverside Theatre Parramatta, Indian Women Empower – IWE and the Community Migrant Resource Centre – CMRC presented Zindagi 50-50, an entertaining play set against the backdrop of a wedding, Zindagi 5050, traverses startling revelations, buried over the years, to create shock waves that made the audience laugh at the absurdity of the unfolding situations, yet took stock of their own life, and recognized that often what seems simple, clear, and small, is just the tip of an iceberg that you had no idea about.

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C

elebrating its tenth anniversary this year, The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) is taking place from 8-17 August. Over the last decade the Festival has grown from a grassroots event to the largest Indian Film Festival in the Southern hemisphere, winning a number of awards and working closely with the Victorian government, who have strongly supported its growth. The 2019 Festival theme is ‘courage’, a central tenet that reflects the growing inclusivity and diversity of the Indian film industry.

Through the twists and turns of family violence, broken relationship between mother & daughter, opening past wounds was what the play was all about.

Before the start of the play a panel discussion was held by community leaders of South Asian Communities touching the topic of domestic, family violence and issues faced by the women of sub-continent communities.

Director Jyotsna says “To survive is not the same as to heal. That needs trust, sharing, acceptance and humour. Hard to find, critical to survive. Created by Crescendo Theatre and Films,

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the play had a stellar cast and production crew.

The direction and the cast are all local. The director is extremely versatile and talented, Jyotsna Sharma, a theatre professional with more than 17 years of experience performing all over the world. She had worked with some of the biggest names in Indian theatre and film, such as Mita Vashist, Aamir Raza Husain, Sohaila Kapur, Dolly Ahluwalia Tewari and in Sydney has acted in multiple projects, directed 3 major productions, and runs her own acting academy. She has won many awards and felicitations in Australia and India. With Zindagi 50-50, Jyotsna has collaborated with playwright, Smita Bharti and a stellar cast to bring to Sydney an entertaining and thought-provoking play about families and secrets and revelations.

Poornima Menon is a Sydney based theatre artist, a student of Crescendo Theatre and Films, who has acted in a short film. She believes in “living and loving life to the fullest and what better way to do it than through theatre”. I have also acted in a short film called ‘Maasi’.

Shikha Arora is a self-confessed drama queen, exploring theatre and its art in its every form.

She has played the lead in a recent production

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Arts and Drama

and has performed in many plays over the years.

She recently acted in short film Aftermath which touched many hearts. She has also acted in other short films too and played a lead role in one of her short plays, Men are from Venus and Women are from Mars.

Ashutosh Jain is an actor, singer and music director who has acted in many web series and short films. He is an all-round performer and is passionate about his craft. A runner up in a music reality show in India, he has learnt music from a very young age.

I had no clue there was so much talent in local productions. A topic like domestic violence and abuse has been delicately handled.

The music was nostalgic, and the cast did perfect acts. A play done in English with 3 or 4 words done in Hindi brought such Indianness to the drama. Each of the characters did justice to their roles – with their expressions, dialogue delivery, costumes, and voice modulation. The passion, seriousness of the topic was seen very well in this 1 act play. Stories like these need to be told and re-told to empower victims and liberate survivors from the trap of domestic violence. I hope to see more dramas staged by the local talents on such social issues as well.

Kudos to the entire team of Zindagi 50 50.

Akanksha Srivastava’s passion lies in theatre and performances. Some of the highlights of her journey so far have been playing an important character in ensemble production ‘In Farce’ by Alexandra Davies which won people’s choice at Short+Sweet Sydney. She also played one of the leads in ‘Shaadi ka laddoo’ directed by Vipul Vyas.

Photo credit: Balz iclick

Taufeeq Ahmed Sheikh made his acting debut at the age of 9, then continued to pursue his passion by acting, writing, and directing plays.

Radio, theatre, and films surround Taufeeq’s life, and he has performed in many successful productions in India and Australia, including works

by Shakespeare, Broadway hits and Indian and Australian playwrights. Taufeeq has produced, directed, and mentored local and global projects and is a weekly radio presenter on Kehte Sunte on 89.3 2GLF FM.

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Community News | Canberra

Harmony Week 2022 at College Junior Sch

In conversation with Karen Mahar Assistant Principal, Deputy H

A

By: Rajni Ghai Malhotra

t Radford Junior School, Harmony Week presents an ideal opportunity for everyone to capture and experience different cultures, appreciate differing perspectives and acquire an enhanced capacity to promote stronger harmonious relationships between people of differing cultures irrespective of race or religion.

What is it about Harmony Week that makes it such a special event?

Is it the feeling of a stronger sense of belonging?

ment of parts’. When it comes to seeking unity among individuals in any community, harmony seems a very appropriate and worthwhile outcome.

Is it that everyone seems to smile more?

Or maybe it’s that feeling of unconditional acceptance from others of who we are?

Communication is paramount in any environment involving the sharing of ideas and beliefs. Mark Twain once wrote ‘Kindness is a language the deaf can hear and the blind can see’. There is often no more apparent illustration of kindness and acceptance of oth-

One of the lesser known meanings of the word harmony is ‘A pleasing arrange-

As Karen explains, Harmony Day is about inclusion. It’s about respect for others, encouraging the acceptance of all cultural traditions and cultivating a sense of belonging among all Australians in the process.

Elaborating further, Karen takes a closer, deeper look at the significance of Harmony Week.

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Community News | Canberra

t Radford hool

Head of Junior School

ers than wearing a smile. As it has been said ‘Everyone smiles in the same language’.

This year Harmony Day at Radford Junior School began with a sensational sunrise. Like many Canberrans at this time of the year, early risers observed hot air balloons hovering peacefully over the landscape. Many of our Junior School students wore either a cultural dress or a splash of orange to acknowledge Harmony Day. To see such diversity of dress and apparel unified by smiles on the faces of everyone was truly something to behold.

Mid-morning, nearly one hundred Year 1 students came together and participated in a joyful yoga session under the instruction of Radford parent Rajni Ghai Malhotra (a yoga and mindfulness consultant). Along with the physical benefit, the central messages were through the practice of yoga; seeing goodness in ourselves and others; and being mindful of movement and breath, we can stand tall, open our hearts and be the best version of ourselves.

Our Year 4 students delighted in learning about Henna and experimented with a variety of Henna designs. Our staff quickly followed Rajni’s lead and carefully created the application of Henna. Our students revelled in this spontaneous and creative workshop, celebrating joyful events through the presence of Henna.

ate that while we may hail from different origins, people commonly have the same values, priorities and life goals.

Applying kindness to any situation and achieving harmony with others, we can instil and strengthen the belief that we each play a part in any community and by doing so, we connect and achieve a sense that everyone belongs.

Karen Mahar is Assistant Principal, Deputy Head of Junior School at Radford College Canberra. In more than a decade that she has been at Radford, Karen has helped shape young minds by inspiring excellence. She is passionate about well-being of students and strives to create an environment that promotes positive education.

Like many schools, our school is committed to contributing to a community of wellbeing, providing a safe and caring environment to everyone, that fosters respect for others. Such outcomes are best achieved through perspective - seeing things from other viewpoints and coming to appreci-

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Photo credits: Radford College Junior School

There seems so much value in celebrating Australian multiculturalism via gaining a deeper appreciation of the richness of other cultures. This is best achieved by showing respect and acceptance of cultural differences and encouraging inclusion among everyone.

Community News | Canberra

International Women’s Day c

by High Commission of In Integrated Women’s Netwo

By: Rajni Ghai Malhotra

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19 March 2022 Weston Creek Neighbourhood Hall Canberra - High Commission of India in collaboration with Integrated Women’s Network celebrated International Women’s Day as part of “Azadi ka Amrit Mahostav” events.

The event highlighted Empowerment of Women in India @75 and celebrated the

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progress made towards achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment.

The event started with opening remarks

by Ms Ruchika Jain of the High Commission of India and by Ms Jayanti Gupta, Chair of Integrated Women’s Network.

Ms Jain highlighted the progress made by

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Community News | Canberra

celebration ndia and ork (IWN) women in India since its independence. Ms Gupta spoke about the importance of using gender neutral terms and quoted ABS data on how Australia is lagging behind on gender equality. Ms Gupta gave the example of the ‘other Griffin”. Marion Griffin who worked with her then partner Mr Griffin on the design of Australia’s capital, Canberra, was not given recognition for her contribution when they won the competition for the design in 1912.

community support from volunteers, Community Radio 2XX, Radio Harmony and Radio Gender Equity Matters (GEM). IWN

would like to record its gratitude to Ms Rajni Ghai Malhotra and Desi Australia for its excellent coverage of Canberra events.

Photo Credits: HCI and IWN

Mr. Suneet Mehta, Deputy High Commissioner in his remarks brought out the importance of women’s contribution in all societies. This was followed by a brief talk and a very enjoyable interactive session by Professor Kuntala Lahiri-Dutt from the Australian National University, an expert on gender issues and development. Professor Kuntala Lahiri-Dutt highlighted the contributions of women from previous generations, our mothers and grandmothers, because of whose initial work, women of this generation are able to progress more rapidly.

There was a cultural performance, on woman related songs, by Ms. Sahiti Pendyala, a Kuchipudi dancer. After an interlude for networking and partaking refreshments, the event concluded with all participants taking to the floor and learning and grooving to a Bollywood song. Several local community leaders attended the event as a show of support to gender equity.

Integrated Women’s Network (IWN) was launched in May 2012 and is looking forward to its tenth anniversary celebrations this year. Despite the pandemic, the network held several online talks on yoga and meditation in 2021. The network is deeply appreciative of its collaboration with the High Commission of India and the Download Our App

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Community News | Sydney

Breaking the BiasHaving Conversations through monthly catch ups. Saree Club is a testament to the fact that from little things big things grow.

By: Poornima Menon

“I want to build a community where women of all races can communicate and ... continue to support and take care of each other. I want to give women a space to feel their own strength and tell their stories. That is power.” The Saree Club is a network of passionate women who share their love for sarees through stories, culture, traditions and memories. Along the way they empower and educate each other on social issues, fundraise for purposeful causes and provide a safe space for support. We remain connected

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On 20th March 2022, the Saree Club hosted an International Women’s Day celebration at Rydges in Parramatta. The event had 135 attendees. All women were dressed in beautiful sarees. The theme for this year is “Break the Bias”. The road to gender equality remains long and everchanging. This becomes more dynamic and unpredictable when gender intersects with race, strata and sexuality in many subtle ways. But fortunately, today’s influential female voices give us hope that we’re headed in the right direction.

The Ballroom at Rydges was filled with women who want to make a difference. It was heartening to see some men who had accompanied their wives to the event. No conversation about women’s empower-

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ment and breaking the bias is complete without the participation of the men. The aim was to take the conversations outside the confines of the Ballroom.

The event began with a beautiful message from Susan Moylan Coombs who is well recognised Indigenous Business leader. Jodi McKay, an inspirational woman leader and role model and a saree lover spoke about the role of women in politics and the society at large. This was followed by a presentation by BSI Learning, the main sponsor of the event. The interactive workshop by Denise Archie got the audience thinking and motivated them to think outside the box and get outside their comfort zone. Irfan Malik, President of AIBC called to action women entrepreneurs encouraging women in the audience to venture into the ‘Start Up’ world. The message was primarily

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Community News | Sydney

“To me IWD means a time for privileged women to think and act on effectively elevating their position over various aspects of Gender inequality and to also work effectively towards the upliftment and education of the marginalised women around the world. IWD is a time to revamp effectively and vehemently the grave issues that remain to be worked on of workplace discrimination, domestic violence and sexual abuse.”

Padmaja Sahani Sarkar

about connecting Indian and Australian businesses to collaborate with each other creating more opportunities for both the countries. His talk was encouraging and stimulating. Nimeesha Gupta, wife of the Consul General of India also graced the occasion and read her beautiful poem about the ‘Broken Crayons’ which was apt for the occasion.

Hamsa Venkat’s Samskriti School of Dance presented two short Bharatanatyam dance recitals portraying the stories of 2 women who were different, bold and broke the bias that surrounded the women folk of their times. They were ladies of grit, courage and character who Believe in their cause and pursued it relentlessly.

The first piece was about Yashodhara, wife of Siddhartha who later became Buddha and the second piece was Mirabhai, a 14th century princess. Even to this day is seen as the epitome of courage and devotion.

for their sponsorships and gifts.

Saree Club supports a charity in India and all funds raised is donated to Navya Sahithi Samithi based in Andhra Pradesh, where classes are run for women to make them computer literate and financially independent. Each session has about 25 to 30 women and runs for 2 months. They are also taught sewing and dress making.

So far 2640 women in Vijayawada have been trained. The idea behind the project is to make women self-reliant and financially independent.

I spoke to a few members of my saree tribe about International Women’s Day, and this is what they had to say,

“Imagine a world where women are celebrated in all the diversities.

Imagine the place where we embrace the facets and intersections of all the domains without even asking for it. We have come a far way, and that’s why I choose to celebrate this day to mark our progress towards equal rights for women.

Though I understand that this progress is still not exponential or even strictly always on the linear path, still we are on our way up.” Pooja Sethi “IWD to me is a day to pause and look at where we are with Diversity and Inclusivity and to look forward and set goals to where we want to be. It’s important that we reflect on both our personal and professional spaces to measure this change. Just like we don’t only express love on Valentine’s Day, we should continue to encourage and appreciate Women for their achievements, yearlong. To me, this day is about giving a pat on your back

The highlight of the second half of the afternoon was a Saree Parade that showcased some beautiful weaves from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The afternoon’s High Tea event was punctuated with some meaningful and entertaining games, tambola and raffle. Saree Club thanks Vzak Property and Asmita Verma, M Handmade Jewellery & Craft and Meena Patke, Pooja Sethi from Pooja & Bharat, Sai Creations and Payal Gupta, OzIndia -Made in India and Kiran Goli, Pooja’s Couture and Pooja Shah and Sejal Shah Download Our App

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Community News | Sydney

for standing strong and providing the right awareness and education to people around you.” Abhilasha Thakur “ International Women’s Day is very important event globally where we recognise the achievements and acknowledge the success of all the women.

Its also a reminder for us every year to keep pushing women up as hard as we can and amplify their voices and create awareness regarding gender equality.

For me personally, it’s about working on myself continuously and become the woman I always wanted to be and as long as I keep doing that I am sure I can truly inspire many around me and keep my work in progress going.” Lakshmi Jadav Finally, every year in March all conversations are around women and International Women’s Day. Life is to be celebrated every day and the only human being who has the privilege of carrying and nurturing life inside of her should also be celebrated every day.

Today women have become bolder and are voicing their opinions and Dissatisfactions more loudly and vehemently. But I feel a lot of it is still very misplaced as words like ‘empowered women’ or ‘Women’s Empowerment’ are used quite loosely these days, thus taking the traction away. I went back 40 years to check out some of the themes and this is what I gathered , Theme 1982 - “Women’s Right to A Job, Women’s Right to Choose, and Women’s Right to Independence” Theme 1992 - I couldn’t find a theme as such but the talks were around equality for women !

Theme 2002 - “Women’s Right to Decent work Theme 2012 - “Empower Rural Women End Hunger and Poverty Theme for 2022 - “ Beat the Bias” Things may have changed in the last 40 years. But how much has changed? And is the change enough? And are these changes comparable to the other changes that have come about in the last 40 years? This is food for thought, action and implementation.

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Life Experiences

My Life Experiences “Mumma, it’s too late. It’s too late to go back to India.” This was my five-year-old son’s response to me. He had seen and learnt only British culture and India seemed far away. It was a typical cold winter evening in London, the day 15th May, the year 2015. I was sitting with my family and chatting with my boys, checking on with their homework.

My husband and I had been away from India for nearly four years, and my sons were continuing their education in a British primary school. We are IT professional and knew that we would be returning to India some time in the future as we were on work permits. We knew the move back was inevitable and that we would soon become a part of the system there. But we wondered how our boys would cope with it.

We always encouraged our sons to learn Hindi and it was important for them to stay connected. My younger son who was nearly five was resistant to the idea. His argument being, “Mumma, it’s too late; I can’t learn Hindi now!” My husband and I exchanged glances, quietly asking each other, “What should we do now?”

His question triggered a chain of thoughts.

And we began to wonder, “Do we have any other options other than India or UK?” We were ready to embrace a new dream for a new destination and pursue it wholeheartedly. Yet the uncertainty of the unknown raised many questions – there were many fears and excuses. It was overwhelming and we knew there were risks as we would be giving up our great paying jobs. Yet we decided to overcome our fear of change, unfamiliarity, all the attached risks and step forward boldly.

down and assimilate so quickly?”

I’ve always believed in ‘The Law of Attraction’, as well as ‘The Law of Karma’, which states that by taking the correct actions to support our thoughts, we silently attract what is best for us. Our actions were in line with our goals, we created and achieved what options were opened to us by our little champs. We couldn’t have achieved what we have achieved without the support of our boys, especially our elder one. He has had to change eight schools in his first ten years of life!

We decided, acted, and here we are, ready with the migration plan to leave London and move permanently Down-Under. We remained calm, happy and thoroughly enjoyed the experience of settling down because we were together as a family, and we always believed in the power of thoughts.

We worked through our fears as a family.

Destiny, coupled with our actions, guided us on this new path. We were empowered by our need for growth and variety without getting stuck in the loop. We stepped right out of our comfort zone. My meeting and connecting with the ladies in the Saree Club has made this transition sweeter.

We have now found our life’s purpose as we help other families overcome their conflicts and fear. We help families resolve their relationship conflicts and help them move through arguments to agreements.

The Relationship Transformation Academy at PoojaBharat is our family’s vision, and we constantly thrive and strive to fulfil our purpose in our life.

By: Pooja Sethi

So, four and half years ago, my husband and I moved permanently to Australia with our two boys aged 11 and seven. We are often asked by our friends and acquaintances, “How did you do it?”, “How did you bring yourself to resign a well-paid job and move into a new country?” “How did you settle

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Mag Corner

Geeta Docume

wins social justice award

By: Daljeet Bakshi

I

change.

t’s about overcoming violence, the power of love, building dreams and the everyday heroism that creates grassroots

Geeta film is produced by Some Kind of Squirrel Productions. ‘Geeta’ was one of six films in the festival’s Social Change category, as well as one of six Australian films in the 37th Santa Barbara International Film Festival , Directed by award-winning Melbourne-based Emma Macey-Storch, this 90-minute film in Hindi with English subtitles. The World Premiers of Documentary GEETA was held at MIFF in August 2021.

The film tells the true story of a mother and her children whose lives were changed after an acid attack that critically injured Geeta, blinded her young daughter Neetu, and killed her newborn baby girl.

Set in the backstreets of Agra’s slums, GEETA follows one woman’s journey who is fighting for a better life for her three daughters. Married at a young age, Geeta found herself in an abusive marriage, and continually harassed by her husband and in-laws for giving birth to girls. Geeta and her three daughters’ lives were changed forever when her husband, egged on by his family, plotted and carried out an acid attack that critically injured Geeta, blinded her young daughter Neetu, and killed her newborn baby girl. Ostracized by her community and disowned by friends, Geeta pulled herself away from the brink of suicide and found the courage to fight for justice for herself and daughters and build a new

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life for all of them. From being forced – by social structures and property laws to remain living with her husband, to finding a way for her daughter Neetu to have life-changing eye operations, to becoming an independent and respected leader of the women of her community, Geeta’s story is wildly courageous and a stunning reminder of the power of love to create real and lasting change.

The creative team of this documentary did awesome work presenting the film, that attracted the audience. DIRECTOR/ PRODUCER Emma Macey-Storch is an award-winning Director/Producer of community led documentary and fiction projects in the UK and Australia. Emma is also the founder of social justice film making initiative Some Kind of Squirrel Productions. Other team members included PRODUCER Adam FarringtonWilliams EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS Clement Dunn & Tony Nagle, CO PRODUCERS Dipanjali Rao & Nayana Bhandari, founder of one of Australia’s leading Indian cultural organisations Oorja Foundation and writer/associate producer on multiple short film projects within the Indian community in Australia (Brides of Broken Dreams 2015 ).

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entary

d

Following from the wonderful Social Justice Award win at Santa Barbara Film Festival, film director Emma MaceyStorch, Geeta screened in late March in Pakistan at the internationally renowned FILUMS. FILUMS is known as one of the biggest film festivals in South Asia, with gold status on FilmFreeway. It is however more than a festival, it’s a movement spearheaded by the youth to reignite the passion for cinema that once breathed life into the city of Lahore.

Emma said: “To screen in Pakistan is such an important breakthrough for us. We anticipate that the messages of change and hope will resonate with the audiences.”

Acid attacks were outlawed in 2011 in the Pakistani criminal justice system. The punishment for such an attack was set to life imprisonment. The sale of acid and other corrosive substances was also made illegal, in the same attempt to eliminate this form of violence.

“Unfortunately, the legislation is

not enforced and the attacks continue,” Emma said.

The preview screening of Geeta at

the Astor in Melbourne on 30 March attracted over 300 people and won a standing ovation.

Geeta will screen at the Gold Coast Film Festival on 23 April and at ScreenWaves International Film Festival in Coffs Harbour 2pm, 29 April at the Jetty Theatre.

Geeta’s cinematographer Rudi Siira took out gold for cinematography for his incredible work on the Geeta Documentary at the Australian Cinematography Society Annual awards. ( Courtesy : Mediawise ) Download Our App

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49

Festivals

April is the month which ac promise that May is bound By: Sheetal Puri

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he word April is derived from the latin word ‘aperit’ which means to open and this month can be seen same as its meaning. This month gives us newness, growth and prosperity in the Northern Hemisphere of the Globe. Like every year, let’s cherish the blossoms of flowers and vivify season with the myriad of festivals all over the world.

The foremost festival which is coming this 13th April is VAISAKHI or VAISAKHI. This is known as Spring Harvest Festival. It is celebrated with huge enthusiasm in the Northern part of India. This festival is being celebrated by both Hindus and Sikh communities. It marks the harvest of winter crops i.e. Rabi crops. It also remarks the Sikh New Year and memorizes the formation of the Khalsa Panth of warriors under Guru Gobind Singh ji in 1699. You would be surprise to know that Baisakhi falls on 13th April every year and on 14th April once in 36 years.

Another festival which falls in the mid of April and is the most famous festival which celebrates the onset of the Assamese New year and welcomes the spring season is Bohang Bihu. It is believed that when large crowd started tilling the land in the Brahmaputra valley for nourishment that time this festival started to be celebrated for their healthy and wealthy progress. This year we can enjoy Bihu festival from 14th April onwards. Bihu celebration is stretched for seven days and every day has its own significance.

EID-ul-Fitr, across India

Baisakhi festival is celebrated to pay gratitude to Almighty for the abundant harvest and to seek blessings for future prosperity and progress.

Bohang BIHU, Assam

It is a joyous occasion but it underlines the purpose of religious unity & harmony.

EID brings a message of peace and harmony among people across the world.

EID is a time for reflection and starting afresh, a time to rejoice with family and friends, but also a time for remembering those who are less fortunate.

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Easter, across India

Although autumn is in its entire sway and winter is forthcoming in the southern hemisphere; fluffy rabbits, yellow chicks and eggs as are the symbols of spring, remain part of Australian festivities in this month of April.

The Easter bunny came into existence when people worshipped several god and goddess in pre Christian Germany. The rabbit was the symbol of goddess Eostre because of this animal’s high rate of reproduction. As the spring symbolizes new life and rebirth in the same way the eggs were mythological symbol of fertility.

Easter is a predominant Christian festival and now celebrated worldwide. Easter does not fall on a fixed date; it is computed based on a lunar solar calendar. It has come to be the first Sunday after the canonical full moon that occurs soon after 21st March.

People on Easter Sunday attend church services and enjoy the four-day weekend fete and relax with their family and friends. Some www.DesiAustralia.com

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Festivals

ccords for d to keep

people also like to exchange Easter gifts and kids are motivated to make Easter eggs and decorate them with their innovative ideas.

This year we can be part of the Easter feast on 17th April, 2022 and have a congenial day with our friends and family.

The festival commemorates the wedding of Lord Shiva (Sundareswarar) and Goddess Meenakshi (Lord Vishnu’s sister). Starting with the flag hoisting ceremony, there are plenty of processions carried out during the festival. Post the wedding of the divine couple, the celebration moves to Kallazhagar Temple in Alagar Hills close to Madurai.

while men show up in silk dhotis, waist-coats, plumed turbans and traditional ornaments to perform various rites and dance together.

Ooty Mariamman Temple Festival And Coonoor Mariamman Temple Festival, Tamil Nadu

Aoling Festival, Nagaland

“Celebrate and relish every festival irrespective of any religion and spread the gaiety beyond the faith.”

Tulip Festival, Kashmir

Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is the place where you must be headed in the month of April. Situated in the foothills of the Zabarwan range, the garden overlooks Dal Lake in Srinagar and is the proud host to Asia’s largest Tulip Flower Show. During this period, this part of Kashmir valley is painted in almost every color of the spectrum. Make sure that you spot all the colorful Tulips out there. This is among the most popular April festivals in India.

A popular festival in April to be celebrated in the Mon district of Nagaland in North East India, Aoling is the festival of the ferocious Konyak Tribes – headhunter tribes of Nagaland. They now spend most of their time doing agriculture activities, drinking alcohol, smoking opium, also hunting, which is done occasionally. They celebrate the festival to mark the beginning of spring festival every year. Various tourist circuits are organized by the operators showing the best of this part of India to the people during this time.

Chithirai Festival, Tamil Nadu

Shad Suk Mynsiem, Meghalaya he Shad Suk Mynsiem is celebrated in Meghalaya. Just like most of India is celebrating the harvest time, the Khasi men and women choose to celebrate in their trademark way. This is also known as the Thanksgiving Dance Festival in this part of northeast India. Women, wonderfully decorated in the wonderful silk dress and gold ornament, Download Our App

Celebrated in the Mariamman Temples of Ooty and Coonoor, this festival commemorates Mother Durga who represents three powers called Itcha Sakti, Gnana Sakti, and Kriya Sakti. People come together to organize the festivities by holding processions across Ooty and Coonoor. And it is a visual treat to the eyes of everyone present around.

Kadammanitta Padayani, Kerala Celebrated on the first day of the month of Medam as per the Malayalam calendar, this week-long festival in Kerala is organized when it is believed that the sun comes in the constellation of Aries, as per the western APRIL I 2022

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Festivals

calendar. During the festive time, there are plenty of events organized in Kerala which celebrates the rich culture and traditions of the state.

Mopin Festival, Arunachal Pradesh

The festival gives you a chance to enjoy the soulful raga-based compositions by the popular classical musicians of India Naba Barsha, West Bengal

Mopin Festival of Arunachal Pradesh is another delightful celebration that makes you have an awesome time amid the captivating beauty of North-East India. It is celebrated by the people of Along, Basar, and Bame as a harvest festival and is believed by locals as a measure to keep the evil spirits away.

If you want to witness the true vibe of West Bengal then you can surely plan your visit during Naba Barsha, the time when the entire state welcomes the New Year according to Bengali calendar. Houses and market areas are decorated with festivity across the streets of West Bengal.

Sankat Mochan Music Festival, Varanasi

Urs Festival, Ajmer Urs is amongst the most popular festivals of Rajasthan that is celebrated in Ajmer in the memory of Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. Apart from mass prayers and other rituals, the festival also makes you listen to the exclusive Sufi Qawwalis by popular artists.

festival that is organised at Asramam Maidan in Kollam to celebrate the presence of Lord Krishnaswamy, the one who resides in the popular Sri Krishnaswamy temple. During the festival, the idol of the temple is taken on a grand palanquin which is followed by devotees performing rituals, dancers and musicians paying their tribute through their art, and decorated elephants; giving a massive outlook to the festival.

Kollam Pooram, Kollam Kollam Pooram is a weeklong annual Download Our App

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EVENTS MADE SPECIAL Function Venue For Hire 200 Guests Capacity Ample on site parking Customised Packages Available Catering Available

0423 988 722 11 Lukis Avenue Richmond NSW 2753 Download Our App

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Community News | Sydney

Indian Support Center Inc o first ever INDIAN SUBCON CALD FESTIVAL 202

Guests including Minister Mark Coure and Minister Dr Geoff Lee, Mayor Philip Ruddock, Consul Generals of Subcontinent countries rising to participate in the national anthems of the subcontinent countries

T

he Indian Support Center Inc (ISC) celebrated the first ever INDIAN SUBCONTINENT CALD FESTIVAL at the Redgum Function Centre Wentworthville on Saturday 19th March 2022. The key objective of festival is bring all the Indian subcontinent communities living in New South Wales Australia under one roof to celebrate diversity and create a common voice for the subcontinent communities.

The night of was rainfall of performance from the subcontinent countries Afghanistan, Nepal, community Sri Lankan and Bangladesh.Vinod Rajput coordinated the entire cultural program and in the process presented excellent Bollywood melodies.

The formal part of the program got off to a start with a moment of SILENCE of all the guests present as a mark of respect

to remember the untimely death of Mr Shane Warne, the global name in the world of cricket and loss of lives in the RussianUkraine war and the loss of lives and property due to the recent floods in Australia.

This was followed by national anthems of all the seven countries – starting with Australian national anthem followed by anthems of India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Minister Mark Coure along with recipients of various Councilors who received felicitation awards and Vinod Rajput who was given Life Time Achievement a along with ISC Board Members and Manager Download Our App

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Community News | Sydney

organises NTINENT 22 Welcoming the guests Mr Varigonda said that “Today’s function is a unique one and probably never done in the past three decades. Today we brought all the subcontinent communities under one roof and to celebrate the diversity in the form of this subcontinent festival today”. Mr Varigonda further stated that at the Indian Support Center, there is a substantial contribution from other subcontinent communities in the form of Volunteer support. ISC has delivered its services in the areas of Jobs, Family support, Senior’s support, and Covid support to members of all these communities for the past few years. Mr Varigonda said “that the aim of todays’ program to extend a hand of generosity to our brothers and sisters from the subcontinent and play the big brother role. This has been made possible with funding from time to time

by Multicultural NSW, Department of Communities and Justice, Cumberland

Mayor Philip Ruddock along with Subcontinent community members and ISC Members

Guests dancing to Bangladeshi Melodies Council, Parramatta Council and the Good Things Foundation.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Mark Coure said it is a wonderful effort on the part of the ISC to put together cultures of the subcontinent together. Minister Mark Coure gave away felicitation awards to

all the Councillors who could not attend ISC’s event of 28th Jan 2022. Mr Vinod Rajput, the noted stage performer at various cultural events in Sydney for more than three decades, was awarded LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD for his contribution to Music and promotion of Indian Culture in Australia.

Sri Lanka dances at its best at the ISC’s Indian Subcontinent Festival 2022 Download Our App

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55

Technology

War of Robot Vacuum Cleaners By: Sarang Vengurlekar

O

ur life has become very busy with everyday chores. We have several responsibilities upon us and as you can imagine sometimes it gets a bit too overwhelming.

It is a normal chore that we have to go to work, then do shopping and take care of the kids, let alone all these tasks would take up considerable amount of time.

This leaves us no time to clean our homes on a regular basis and this can lead to poor health, prone to allergies and other condition which may affect your long term

health. Since cleaning is one of the major tasks, in my opinion if I am unable to carry it on myself then I would rather leave to someone else to do it… maybe a house cleaning contract or let’s have a look at one of the robot vacuums…

Yes, you are reading this correctly. I just mentioned about a robotic vacuum cleaner.

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Technology

4Eufy 4DEEBOT 4Xiaomi 4Samsung 4LG 4Neato robotics 4Makita (Commercial Only) In my opinion it is must to try these vacuum cleaners as they have become very effective from the model that was released just over a decade ago. The cleaning has improved with more suction power as well as a larger bin size. Overall, I recommend any of the brands above as they are all similar in pricing and features. They will all do a great job and are worthy.

Robot vacuums are the easiest way to keep your homes clean without you lifting your finger. The best aspect of robot cleaning is that you can set a time and then forget.

The robot vacuum will go and clean by itself. When the batteries are flat it will also recharge itself without any human intervention.

I have completed a bit of research into these robotic vacuum cleaners as I have purchased one myself recently to see how effective this technology has become. These vacuums are great for pet owners as it will always ensure your home is nice and clean regardless of the owners having the time to clean or not.

Robot vacuum cleaners use various types of sensors such as lasers, cameras, LiDAR, ultrasonic etc to manoeuvre around your home. They can bypass or go around your furniture and other things that are on the floor. There are various types of robot vacuum cleaners as some are cheap and others are very expensive. It will all depend on your requirements. Just as a sidenote, some robot vacuums can also empty themselves after cleaning, so they are ready for the next round.

All these vacuums have few things in common. They have two charging plates, a rotating brush to collect dust, a rotating floor sweeper and a dirt suction motor. These components are the core for these vacuums to work.

The variations are somewhat similar too such as two rotating brushes, or a single inline floor sweeper instead of two and/or a mop attachment. The mop function will ensure the floors are being mopped just after suction of all the dirt. The cheap end of the market will sacrifice on some of the options such as self-charging, which means you must put it on charge manually. The more expensive versions will see extra options such as self-cleaning and returning to spot where it left of during the cleaning.

As mentioned earlier there are robot cleaners that not only do vacuuming but are also capable of mopping the floor. There are also few brands out there that can do polishing of the floors to ensure the glossy floors are always looking immaculate.

A known brand in this arena is Bissell.

We have all either owned or heard about a Bissell carpet washer. they are a great product. Their new Spinwave edition is a very welcome edition to the family of robotics cleaners. It does the dry vacuuming as well as the active wet mopping.

I am sure we all would like to give these robot’s a chance to prove themselves and I personally have no hesitation in recommending one as I am now an owner of one of these. They work great and I can feel my home cleaner daily.

I hope I have provided a bit of inspiration to jump in to buy one of these as I can assure you that you will not be disappointed.

If you have any feedback regarding this article then be sure to send your email to sarang@ vengurlekar.com

Some of the brands to consider are given below as they are well received by the consumers all around the world.

You may find unbranded version of these cleaners on eBay though, but you may not get all the bells & whistles that are included in recognised brands.

4iRobot 4Bissell

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Australia News

“In every adversity lies the seed of an equal and greater opportunity.”

T

By: Dipen Rughani and Natasha Jha

his quote came true on Saturday when Australia and India broke their 10-year jinx of endless trade deal negotiations with an inked India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (IndAus ECTA). China’s belligerence and COVID’s onslaught have subjected both economies to reflect, reimagine and revive a deal that has been well overdue. India’s first deal with a developed economy in a decade, and only a second trade deal in a span of eleven years. The last agreement India signed was with Japan in 2011, followed by UAE and Australia in 2022. The negotiations for India-Australia ECTA were formally re-launched on 30 September 2021 and concluded on a fast-track basis by the end of March 2022.

The comprehensive IndAus ECTA provides for competitive tariff elimination or tariff reduction on a wide range of goods and opens new services markets for suppliers across both markets. The aim is to enhance the bilateral trade to $45 billion in the next five years (currently at $27.5billion), with a clear focus on job creation and exports. The deal provides duty-free market access to over 6,000 broad sectors of India, including textiles, leather, furniture, jewellery and machinery. In the services space, some of the key offers from Australia include: quota for chefs and yoga teachers; post study work visa of 2-4 years for Indian students on a reciprocal basis; mutual recognition of professional services and other licensed occupations; and work & holiday visa arrangement for young professionals.

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Australia has also agreed to amend its domestic laws to stop taxing the offshore income of Indian firms providing technical services, including IT majors, TCS, Infosys, HCL and Wipro, which will enable Indian IT and ITeS players to scale up their Australian operations.

Australia has been taxing income generated from offshore IT services rendered from India as royalty, even when the same income is being taxed in India as well. The anomaly in the 1991 Double Taxation Avoidance Treaty (DTAA) between the two countries has cost Indian IT companies about $1.3 billion since 2012, according to an industry estimate.

According to the text of IndAus ECTA, APRIL I 2022

both countries have established a negotiation sub-committee “within 75 days after the date of signature of this (ECTA) agreement, the negotiation sub-committee shall commence negotiations on amendments to this agreement, on a without prejudice basis, on areas including inter alia market access for goods and services, a complete productspecific rules schedule, a digital trade chapter, and a government procurement chapter, to transform this agreement into a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement” India is likely to get access to about $10 billion worth of Australia’s official procurement, pegged at $60-65 billion annually (Australia’s government procurement in MSME and defence sectors are protected, and not covered www.DesiAustralia.com

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Australia News

under ECTA).

IndAus ECTA is a stepping-stone towards a full Australia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) slated to be completed by the end of this year. Since the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in 2020, the engagement on both sides has amplified across multiple platforms and sectors, clearly focused on building tangible commitments and actions, to embrace a win-win partnership.

With the Australian federal elections just a few weeks away, Australian PM Scott Morrison with this historic deal has affirmed his government’s commitment to build Australia’s economic resilience and security by focusing on the need for economic diversification and strengthening international partnerships. The trade deal is a categorical reflection of Australia’s ambition to build an engaging economic relationship with the world’s fastest growing economy and nurture a new understanding of the opportunities that India offers. For naysayers, the signing of the trade deal is also a lesson in ‘strategic patience’ and ‘opportune timing’, a statement on the convergence of aspirations for the relationship, and the new geo-strategic and economic ambitions.

There has been a holistic approach to build the Australia-India bilateral story – at a political level with the announcement of holding annual summits at the level of the heads of government. Australia is the third country with which India will hold an institutionalised annual summit for regular review of our relations. At economic level – the release of the updated India Economic Strategy to 2035 by the Australian government, that chalks out a post-COVID bilateral economic engagement roadmap, focused on investment to strengthen linkages with India’s key policy, finance institutions and enhanced business engagement. At diaspora level with the release of Australia’s Indian Diaspora report, a national asset report that focuses on a better understanding of the Indian diaspora’s reach into the Australia-India economic relationship and integrate the Indian diaspora as compelling change Download Our App

makers in Australia – India bilateral ties.

The diaspora is a living bridge between nations, with a natural advantage of the language skills, cultural understanding and transnational networks that can be utilised in a big way. Australia’s investment of over $280 million in initiatives to drive deeper economic and cultural ties including “green steel” partnership, critical minerals, innovation and technology, space investment and a new Centre for Australia India relations, along with proactive Ministerial engagements, MoUs and commitment to finding shared values and partnerships that meet mutual needs.

Australia and India have also launched the Australia India Infrastructure Forum, to promote two-way investment in infrastructure and support broader trade and investment bilateral objectives. Both countries have also decided to focus on manufacture and deployment of ultralow-cost solar and green hydrogen technologies, as part of the low emissions technology partnership. Focus is to have a wider economic and strategic growth strategy and access that is inclusive, respects the rule of law be it with the QUAD in specific, the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative or the Indo-Pacific region as a whole.

Overall, the focus has been to keep the Australia story thriving in India, and the India story thriving in Australia on a consistent basis in public memory, involving a holistic multi-stakeholder APRIL I 2022

strategy and approach that deepens understanding and appreciation of each other, led by a nuanced understanding of dynamic factors like consumerism, capability, and capacity.

REFLECTIONS The past 18 months in bilateral ties have been exciting and action-packed, perhaps more so than ever before. The constant shuttle between the gloom and doom of COVID and the ambitions of the government to maximise options and opportunities for producers, manufacturers and industry sectors has been an interesting lesson in how tough times can become a lever for new promising gains.

The IndAus ECTA establishes India’s willingness for global economic integration with countries on deals that are reciprocal, equitable and non-discriminatory in nature. New India is at a position of strength and ready to negotiate on its own terms, asking ‘What’s in it for me?’

Safeguarding the interests of its domestic stakeholders (traders, manufacturers, MSMEs etc.), but also opening new opportunities for them. A tightrope walk, which Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has moved with trust, transparency, and commitment.

The recent trade agreement will also assist in changing perceptions in the developed world which has always typecast India as ‘protectionist’ and address scepticism around India’s openness to do business with the world. www.DesiAustralia.com

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Australia News

Domestically, there is substantial awareness that the extent to which India opens itself for global trade, will determine the degree to which it can attract investments, drive exports, make domestic industries competitive, incentivise other countries to manufacture in India and boost economic output.

Strong Australia India economic ties will also pave the way for a stronger Indo-Pacific economic architecture, that’s not just based on flows of physical goods, money and people, but on the basis of building capacity led connections, complementarities, sustainable commitments and mutual dependence across countries and sub-regions.

Time is also opportune for India’s APEC membership; the goal of a free and open Indo-Pacific is incomplete without the presence of the world’s fastest growing major economy in APEC. It would further enhance India’s role in global governance, encouraging greater economic reforms with improved domestic competitiveness, and economic integration with the region as a

whole. Also, with the deepening of Australia India bilateral ties, Australia can explore initiating a support lobby within APEC for India’s membership.

The goal for professional consulting firms (such as Newland Global Group) is to simplify and strengthen trade and investment ties between Australia and India. The journey may have been arduous, but it has definitely transitioned today from ‘Why India’ to ‘How to in India’ – an educated withdrawal from treating India as an option to engaging with it as an informed choice.

India has set itself a target to achieve 5 per cent share in world merchandise exports and 7 per cent in services exports by 2025.

IndAus ECTA will facilitate market-seeking approaches of both countries, assist in building brand India and brand Australia in respective markets and develop business confidence. It will bring India to the center of Corporate Australia’s business aspirations and connect Australian corporates to the New India growth story, along with witnessing tariff reductions on traded goods.

However, it is important to note that in any trade deal, governments can open the door, but it is up to business to find the courage to walk through it and strategise and capitalise on existing opportunities. The governments have delivered. Will business follow?

(Dipen Rughani is the Founder and CEO, and Natasha Jha Bhaskar General Manager, of Newland Global Group, a Sydney-based Australian corporate advisory firm specialising in the Australia-India space)

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Mag Corner

Sikh Anzac War Memorial plans unveiled

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statue dedicated to the memory of Sikh soldiers was unveiled among a well attended information meet. The statue of an unknown soldier commemorates the extreme sacrifices made by the Sikhs in particular in world wars including at Gallipoli.

The project led by Amarinder Bajwa tells about the legacy and the military history of Sikh brave hearts. These men went out to fight a war that was not even theirs to fight and laid down their lives

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for protecting Europe.

Bajwa representing Fateh Foundation.

This war memorial would be a befitting tribute to these fallen soldiers and would provide an opportunity to start conversations about their lives and sacrifices.

These men went to far and unseen world and never came back. Over 83000 Sikh soldiers died in these wars. Talking about Gallipoli, 379 Sikh soldiers died at Gallipoli alongside the Anzac allied forces.

These stories are untold and buried in history that need to be told.

The project is being installed in Glenwood at the Duck Park on Glenwood Park Drive under the auspices of Blacktown city council, RSL NSW and Sikh organisations in Australia. “It is an effort for the community and our next generations to remember, Lest we forget”, said Amarinder

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All are invited to join the project and support with their inputs and donations.

You can contact Fateh team through their website www.FatehFoundation.org.au

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Recipe

Kesari Pista Phirni

P

hirni is a delicacy from the state of Punjab and is made with grounded rice and thickened milk.

Kesar Pista Phirni is a delightful variation of the phirni loaded with the aroma of saffron and the indulgent flavor of pista.

It is best to serve Phirni in a small earthen pot for an authentic feel, however, you can use your regular serving bowls too. Make sure you refrigerate it before serving.

Health Benefits

Kesar pista phirni is a good source of calcium and protein as it is prepared from milk and contains the double benefits of kesar and pistas. Kesar contains a carotene which protects against cancer. It is used to treat memory loss and in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Warm saffron milk helps in protecting against cold. Pistachios prevent cell damage, protect eyes against damage, and protect against high blood pressure.

Ingredients for Kesari Pista Phirni Recipe 4Saffron a few strands 4Milk 1 litre

4Basmati rice 50 grams 4Sugar 1 cup 4Green cardamom powder 1/2 teaspoon 4Rose water a few drops 4Pistachios 1 tablespoon Method 4 Bring the milk to a boil in a deep pan.

Lower the heat and let it simmer till it reduces a little. Grind the soaked rice to a coarse paste.

4 Add a little milk to it and mix to make it a little thinner. Add this to the reduced milk in the pan and cook, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

4 Add saffron and mix. Add sugar and cook till it thickens. Add green cardamom powder and rose water and mix. Take it off the heat. Add pistachios and mix.

4 Pour into individual kasoris and set aside to cool. Chill and serve.

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