August 2024 edition of Desi Australia Digital Magazine

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NEWS NEWS I HEALTH | HEALTH I COMMUNITY | FESTIVALSNEWS | TALENT I |FESTIVALS ARTS & CULTURE I ENTERTAINMENT | ENTERTAINMENT I TRAVEL

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The NSW Government wishes you a happy 78th Independence Day

The Hon Chris Minns MP Premier of New South Wales

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HAPPY 78TH INDEPENDENCE DAY

Julia Finn MP

State Member for Granville Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier Parliamentary Secretary for the Arts

Authorised by Julia Finn MP. Funded using Parliamentary Entitlements.

AUTHORISED BY WARREN KIRBY MP. FUNDED USING PARLIAMENTARY ENTITLEMENTS, AUGUST 2024.

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CONTENTS 12 08 Mum Leads the Charge in Closing 36 Single the Gender Wealth Gap in Real Estate : 38 Listen-Share-Act Women’s Forum by Blacktown City Council Indian Consulate in Sydney and the Australia India Travel 39 The & Tourism Council (AITTC) collaborate to boost tourism to India Pulse collaborates with Qudos Bank Arena for 40 Cultural Arijit Singh Show Multicultural Eid Gala and Fundraising Lunch: 42 APWA’s A Resounding Success!

Rishi Sharma brings 46 Mastero Mayurbhanj Chhau to Sydney Indian 20 “Empowering Diaspora and SMEs: Explore the BusinessLounge and

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Business Connect Services organised by CGI Sydney”

Australian Sikh Awards for 22 2nd Excellence

24 Finalists Announced for the

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Stan Sport and Cultural Pulse partner for multicultural audience growth

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Talent Show of Indian Performing Arts organised by CG of India Sydney and SVCC

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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: Rajni Ghai Malhotra

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

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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, Happy Indian Independence Day to you all!

As we celebrate this significant occasion, we’ll be witnessing flag hoisting, speeches, and a variety of festivities. Stay tuned for comprehensive coverage of these events in our next edition.

Arti Banga

Editor-in-Chief

In this issue, we’re excited to present highlights from the festivals held in July, inspiring stories of local talent, details on upcoming events, and valuable health information, among other features. We hope you find this edition as enjoyable and engaging as we found putting it together.

with the community, we would love to hear from you.

Please reach out to us at info@DesiAustralia.com.

Enjoy the read and celebrate responsibly!

Stay safe and stay healthy.

If you have a talent to showcase or a story to share

DesiAustralia.com “Keeping you connected”

PINK CITY JEWELS Premium Fine Jewellery Exhibition

SYDNEY

August 23rd-24th, 2024 Rydges Parramatta 116- 118 James Ruse Drive Rosehill, NSW 2142 Time: 10:30AM-8PM

SYDNEY

August 25th-26th, 2024 Rydges Norwest 1 Columbia Court - Baulkham Hills, NSW 2153 Time: 10:30AM-8PM

MELBOURNE

August 31st-September 1st, 2024 Crowne Plaza Melbourne 1-5 Spencer Street, Docklands VIC 3008 R Time: 10:30AM-8PM RSVP Suchitra Rana : +61 403 571 350 | Manish Agarwal : +91 9915556926 Follow us on

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Indian Independence Our best wishes to India and the Indian-Australian community on India’s Independence Day.

Peter Dutton

Jane Hume

Leader of the Liberal Party

Shadow Minister for Finance Shadow Special Minister of State Shadow Minister for the Public Service Senator for Victoria

Angus Taylor

Simon Birmingham

Shadow Treasurer Member for Hume

Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator for South Australia

Hollie Hughes

Paul Fletcher

Shadow Assistant Minister for Shadow Minister for the National Disability Government Services and the Insurance Scheme Digital Economy Shadow Assistant Minister for Shadow Minister for Science Mental Health and and the Arts Suicide Prevention Member for Bradfield Senator for NSW

Jason Wood

Andrew Bragg

Maria Kovacic

Julian Leeser

Alex Hawke

Dave Sharma

Shadow Minister for Community Safety, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Member for La Trobe

Shadow Assistant Minister for Home Ownership Senator for NSW

Senator for NSW

Member for Berowra

Member for Mitchell

Senator for NSW

Authorised by A.Hirst, Liberal Party of Australia, Cnr Blackall and Macquarie Sts, Barton ACT 2600.

Happy

INDIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY

MARK COURE MP

NATALIE WARD MLC Deputy Leader of the NSW Liberal Party Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads, Infrastructure and the Illawarra and South Coast

MARK SPEAKMAN SC MP Leader of the Opposition, NSW Liberal Leader

Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, Member for Oatley

TIM JAMES MP TANYA DAVIES MP TINA AYYAD MP

Member for Holsworthy

MARK TAYLOR MP

Member for Winston Hills

Shadow Assistant Minister for Jobs and Small Business, Member for Badgerys Creek

MARK HODGES MP

JORDAN LANE MP

Shadow Assistant Minister for Multiculturalism and Health, Member for Ryde

Shadow Minister for Small Business, Shadow Minister for Fair Trading, Work Health and Safety and Building, Member for Willoughby

STEPHANIE DI PASQUA MP Member for Drummoyne

RAY WILLIAMS MP

Member for Kellyville

Shadow Assistant Minister for Western Sydney, Planning and Public Spaces and Housing, Member for Castle Hill

Authorised by Mark Speakman MP, Parliament of NSW, 6 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

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Happy 78th INDIA Independence Day Australia and India have always shared a special bond that strengthens our bilateral relationship.

Sincere thanks to the Indian Community for your wonderful contributions to South Australia. We wish everyone good health, prosperity and a joyful celebration of India's Independence Day!

Honourable Jing Lee MLC Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Shadow Minister for Multicultural SA Shadow Minister for Tourism & Hospitality Parliament House, North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000 : : : Download Our App

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Community News | Sydney

Good Horns, Good Brakes, Goo

I

grew up in Schofields – the Northwest of Sydney was the stopping grounds of my youth.

Once a relatively detached part of Sydney from metropolitan centres, surrounded by farms and upheld by local industry – the transformation of this area over the past few years is nothing short of astonishing. Riverstone and surrounds have undergone a dynamic journey – retaining histories and communities of past whilst also welcoming many new ones.

When I first entered office, I was eager to start working on the challenges facing the electorate. I had served as the vice president of the local chamber of commerce and was running my own business in the area. It was through this experience that I began advocating for community interests – 12 years of a Liberal and National government resulted in acute failures in key infrastructure areas. My advocacy had transcended from shouting from the outside to a seat at the table.

The electorate of Riverstone which I have the privilege of representing - is the fastest growing locality in the state.

From a photo studio in Riverstone to the chambers of Parliament on Macquarie St, while my view had changed – the driving force to represent my community had not.

But with Macquarie St came a new set of roles – on the campaign trail I began interacting with the plethora of cultural groups that call Riverstone home. Politics is not contained only to meeting with bureaucrats and speaking on the floor of parliament – and I would frequently find myself at vibrant events held by the Indian diaspora – from religious celebrations to cultural dance nights. I knew that Riverstone is home to a large Indian diaspora – indeed it is one of the largest in Australia, but now I felt a closer connection. I did not feel like the token politician to be paraded at events – I felt like a friend. I tried my hardest to understand this community – from the

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Community News | Sydney

od Luck - With Warren Kirby MP

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Community News | Sydney

colourful splendour of Holi to the magnificent lights of Diwali. In attending these events and hearing the journeys of this community firsthand – I felt there was a missing link. How can I truly understand this community in all its diversity and vibrancy? There was only one way to close the distance – by going to the birthplace of many of my constituents and visit India to see firsthand the place they once called home.

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So began a self-funded study tour of this vast country. Ironically, I had to detach from the label that brought me to India in the first place -as an MP I did not want to be isolated from the day-to-day life. It was crucial to me that the trip was not confined to hotels and conference rooms. I knew that the only way to truly appreciate this beautiful country was driving from city to city. It led to some of the most authentic interactions – from taking part in a cricket

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Community News | Sydney

game on the road Khajuraho to participating in an aarti on the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi.

Being a professional photographer before becoming a parliamentarian – there was only one way I could think of capturing these memories.

During my stay I captured over 10,000 frames – from the mundane to the brilliant. From the intricate architecture of the Delhi Mosque to splendour of the Taj Mahal. I visited temples as magnificent as Akshardham where I learned one way understand the culinary landscape of India is to consider McDonalds.

While this might sound odd, when you go to McDonalds the food come to you on a rectangular tray and each item comes in its own box, encouraging rigid consumption of each item separately. On the other hand, in India a thali is served on a round plate or banana leaf and contains sweet, spicy and savory together encouraging diners to choose their own way.

I visited places steeped in historical significance like Bandi Choor at Gwalior Fort where the 6th guru of Sihkism secured the release of 52 kings before accepting his own freedom.

These experiences told the tale of India’s rich and turbulent history that have culminated into the thriving society of today.

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Upon my return to Sydney, I began contemplating how I could share the stories and memories of my journey with my constituents. It didn’t take long to come to a conclusion, a gallery style exhibition with the images I had captured.

When coming up with a name for the exhibition I recalled asking our driver what was needed to successful navigate through the hustle and bustle of India’s roads. His witty response “First you need a Good Horn, and you need Good Brakes.

But most of all you just need Good Luck” and I knew I had a winner.

My journey allowed me to transcend cultural boundaries – it helped me understand the multicultural kaleidoscope of my constituency. While I eagerly plan further journeys to sub-continent to venture deeper into India as well as other countries – one thing is for sure this experience has been one of the most eye opening. I feel closer now to my Indian-Australian constituents than ever and I am better off for it. Good governance doesn’t start at good policy it starts at understanding the people who put you in office - understanding India unlocks doors to cross cultural appreciation and authentic connections with my constituents.

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Community News | Sydney

Saree Spectacle: Celebrating Sydney’s 6th Annual Sa

O Shirley Jacob

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n July 28, 2024, Sydney buzzed with excitement as nearly 200 women came together for the 6th Annual Saree Enthusiasts’ Event— a lively tribute to one of India’s most beloved garments! Picture this: a kaleidoscope of colours, joyful chatter,

AUGUST I 2024

and the grace of the saree, symbolizing femininity, strength, and cultural pride.

Founded by Preeti Gupta and me, Shirley Jacob, the Saree Enthusiasts group was inspired by our experiences growing up in armed forces families.

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Community News | Sydney

g Culture and Connection at aree Enthusiasts’ Event!

We were deeply influenced by the way our mothers dressed in sarees for mess parties and other elite gatherings, sparking our desire to create a space for women to embrace their identities and heritage through the timeless saree while also supporting the weaving community.

The day kicked off with a warm acknowledgment of the land by Helen Clarke, the Director of Cultural Diversity & Justice at Knox Grammar, followed by a ceremonial lamp lighting, symbolizing new beginnings and shared hopes.

I briefly spoke about the Rotary Club of Organ Donation’s Gift of Life Adven-

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ture Foundation and the use of funds that we are raising—an initiative close to my heart that supports transplant patients in India. We were fortunate to have Julie Edwards, Membership Manager from Transplant Australia, share her heartfelt story about being an organ donor to her brother, among other stories. Her words reminded us that, like the saree, we all have the power to wrap others in our support. Julie moved the room, and the spirit of DonateLife Week was palpable as we raised awareness among 200 families about the importance of registering for organ donation.

This proved that together, we can make a real difference!

The entertainment was on point, with

AUGUST I 2024

a mesmerizing performance by Shubhashree, who sang a medley of “Chura Liya,” “Ye Mera Dil,” “Dum Maaro Dum,” and “Jawani Janeman.” Her performance transported us back to family gatherings filled with music, dancing, and laughter. The energy skyrocketed during the exhilarating dance performances set to the catchy old Hindi song “Degree Lekar Baithe Hai Sab” and a fabulous fashion show showcasing the stunning creativity of the Saree Enthusiasts (Urvashi Pandey, Sujata Patel, Punita Yadav, Suzy Jacob, Pooja Wadhwa, Deepali Gupta, Sonali Pathak, Neha, Bhavana Sarene, Pooja Shah, Abhilasha Thakur). Choreographed

by Baishakhi these performances took me back to my own twirling moments in a saree, feeling like royalty!.

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Community News | Sydney

DJ Dimple’s team member DJ Sandy dropped the latest hits, and the dance floor was alive with energy! Watching the great moves, it’s no wonder we are known as a community that loves dancing and singing.

Stalls selling sarees and jewellery, the henna lady and the decorations by Ishi all added to the festive atmosphere, while Ribin Joseph of “The Money Shot Weddings” beautifully captured the essence of the day.

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Our annual event was made possible by generous sponsors like Maxwells Services Pty Ltd, Parul Mehta from Indian Matrimonial, and Jaam e Jaam, donations, sale of raffle tickets, stalls selling sarees, jewellery and our supportive Saree Enthusiasts in the room.

It was wonderful to see attendees from all walks of life, including white Australians,

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joyfully enjoying pani puris alongside their Indian friends at the chaat counter. The entrees, main courses, and desserts prepared

by Parravilla’s chefs were delicious, while Nirup Prabakaran, owner of Spice Baazar, contributed a stunning cake that was the cherry on top of this celebratory feast. The raffle was a great hit, as usual, with several ladies walking away with beautiful sarees, jewellery, and vouchers to award-winning

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Community News | Sydney

Indian restaurants (Punjaban Diva,Krithika Collections, Style Up with Ratan, Indian Matrimonial, Ann Maria, Kamini Sahni, Harinder Parmar, Malabar Indian Restaurant, Abhis Indian Restaurant).

As I scanned the room, I was delighted to see saree lovers who had travelled from far and wide—India, Victoria, Darwin, Tasmania, and all corners of Sydney—showcasing a global appreciation for this iconic garment that knows no borders. In a world dominated by fast fashion, the saree remains a symbol of tradition and modernity that resonates deeply with us all.

The real magic of our annual event lay in the beautiful mix of women celebrating the saree. It didn’t matter if the saree was new, or it belonged to their mother or was borrowed or was a handloom; each woman at the event carried her own unique saree story close to her heart.

As I twirled in my colourful saree, surrounded by incredible women celebrating their heritage with pride, I felt an overwhelming sense of belonging. Each saree tells a story—a narrative of empowerment, tradition, and the beautiful connections we share. For many of us, wearing a saree is not just a fashion choice; it’s a cherished link to our family traditions and cultural roots.

More than just a celebration of fabric, the Saree Enthusiasts event was a powerful testament to community and purpose. As Tika Verma from Tasmania aptly noted, “This gathering has transformed into a social phenomenon,” highlighting the growing impact of this vibrant event. As the event wrapped up, I left with a heart full of joy, knowing the bonds forged and stories shared would resonate in our community for years to come.

Here’s to more saree-filled celebrations and the powerful stories woven into each and every one!

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HAPPY INDIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY Wishing our Indian community a Happy Independence Day.

Andrew Charlton MP MEMBER FOR PARRAMATTA www.annestanley.com.au Anne.Stanley.MP@aph.gov.au

1/25 Smith Street, Parramatta 2150 PO Box 395, Parramatta NSW 2124

Authorised by Anne Stanley MP, ALP 7/441 Hoxton Park Road Hinchinbrook NSW

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(02) 9689 1455 Andrew.Charlton.MP@aph.gov.au

DrAndrewCharlton www.andrewcharlton.com.au

Authorised by Andrew Charlton, ALP, 1/25 Smith Street Parramatta NSW 2150.

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Cover Story

By: Eshan Sharma

The Story of Independent India India celebrates its 78th Independence Day this year, it is a day to remember our forefathers who sacrificed their lives for the independence of a nation that we today live in, a nation which is proud of its rich heritage, history of thousands of years, a nation where the rich and prosperous Indus Valley civilization blossomed and was nurtured here.

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Cover Story

W

e are a nation of religious independence, where spirituality transcends the boundary of religions, where everyone is treated as equal and is under the same law and order system as mentioned in the largest written constitution in the world, the Indian constitution.

Our Bollywood songs are enjoyed all over the world; the three Khans of the Bollywood industry have fans all over.

At the time of Independence, India was divided into more than 500 princely states; the interim government integrated all the states within the territory of India. Today we are a family of more than 1.2 Billion citizens and a nation with millions of youth members in this kin, making this nation the youngest. In India, as it was renamed by our colonial masters, we believe in our ancient culture, the ‘bharatiyta’ of our culture where we consider our guest as god, this world as a family, whatever we are today is because of our roots. We consider our land equivalent to heaven: ‘janani janma bhumishcha swargadhapi ganiyasi.

The Indian Independence Act, 1947: In the year 1947, the UK Parliament passed the Indian Independence Act 1947 transferring legislative sovereignty to the Indian Constituent Assembly. India still retained King George VI as head of state until its transition to full republican constitution. The struggle for our Independence was a long journey; the first full-fledged war against the British was fought in the year 1857 to 1947 when we finally got independence, not just that but the struggle was much longer than that, the battle of Plassey, the battle of Buxar et cetra are notable in this regard.

How we developed during these years from 1947 to 2018 is an example for most of the

nations. India just after Independence was at around 1% GDP and today our projected growth is 7.4% almost making us the third largest economy in the world in the years to come after the economies of the US and China.

The biggest gamble in the History of Democracy: In 1952, when the first general elections were to be held under the leadership of Sukumar Sen, who was the first Chief Election Commissioner, India played the so called ‘biggest gamble in the history of democracy’ by introducing the term ‘Universal Adult Franchise’ and we risked our very existence as a nation, because at that time, democracy survived only in the developed countries of the west but we took the chance and that turned out to be the biggest achievement of our nation as a whole, the Congress was elected to lead the nation under the leadership of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, previously the nation was ruled by an interim government and the first speech Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru gave at the Parliament House, the famous ‘Tryst with Destiny’ speech, is worth remembering and I can feel that patriotic vibes as I continue writing about it.

“Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.

A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance. It is fitting that at this solemn moment, we take the pledge of dedication to the service of India and her people and to the still larger cause of humanity. ”

-Tryst with Destiny speech, Jawaharlal Nehru, 15 August 1947 The Independence of India was a remarkable event in the history of this civilized world, and we are getting better. The Independence of our nation was a result of a long struggle which inspired many other countries too; we respect the sacrifices of our forefathers for this land.

India is a nation which celebrates each and every season with full enthusiasm and this is what makes us ‘Indians’. We have a rich culture and in contrast we are one of the most experienced country for the term ‘globalization’ where today almost every kid wears a blue jeans, have a hot dog in snacks, surfs the internet, posts a picture on Facebook, get an update about the US Presidential election or any test match or One day match happening between India and Australia at Adelaide Stadium, or having a McDonalds Burger. The ray of hope for this young India is its youth itself, which is undoubtedly revolutionary and it strives to get the best out of the available resources.

India is a nation which is being continuously shaped by the diversity, shared cultures and history, and many languages. It’s a land which provided refuge to thousands of refugees and we made them feel a part of our fraternity. The good thing is India and Australia are friends for many years now, even under the British regime, you may refer to the western Australian town of Australind which is a portmanteau word named after Australia and India. Mangalore city is situated in both the countries. Towns of Cervantes, Northampton and Madura were used for breeding cavalry horses for the British Indian Army during the late 19th century. So, both the countries have shared a significant share of history together and in the 21st century too, the youth of both the nations are going to be the best out of all, India always want to develop together with all the countries and we believe in sustainable development.

I read an interesting fact in this regard that after World War II happened, the Australian government under Ben Chifley supported the independence of India from the British Empire to act as a frontier against communism. Later, under Robert Menzies, Australia supported the admission of India as a Republic to the Commonwealth Nations. So, this friendship of both the nations is meant to grow and as our young friends usually say that both the countries and its youth are going to be the best friend forever.

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CHALO

A I D N I 589 FLY INDIA FROM

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Community New | Sydney

“Empowering Indian Diaspora and SM the Business Lounge and Busines Services organised by CGI Syd

D

r. S. Janakiraman, Consul General of India in Sydney inaugurated a Business Lounge & Concierge Services facility at the Consulate (at level 3 of the Consulate General of India Sydney) on 3 July 2024. It is a significant step by the Consulate on the continuous effort to facilitate and promote businesses between the India and Australia, in particular with the States of NSW and SA. During the event, the Consul General presented the Australian company registration certificate to Mr. Rajeev Koundinya, the representative of Mede Focus Aus Pty Ltd, an Australian branch of an Indian Medical Equipment and Healthcare Sector Manufacturer based in Chennai. Mr. Warren Kirby Kirby MP, Co-Chair of @NSW Parliamentary Friends of India, a strong supporter of bilateral trade and investments, as well as Mr. Irfan Malik, National Associate Chair and President of AIBC-NSW Australia joined the Consul General felicitating the Download Our App

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Community New | Sydney

MEs: Explore ss Connect ydney” company and soft inauguration of the Lounge.

Key Features of the Business Lounge & Concierge services: Interested business person has an opportunity to directly interact with trade and commerce team of the Consulate to seek guidance, share views, provide feedback on the website etc.; he/she can access to important database of Importers, Exporters, Companies reports, etc; the Lounge is centrally located in Sydney (CBD) well connected to public transport, by train, bus, and light rail, and approximately 30 minutes from the airport; it is equipped with workstations, video conferencing set up and systems including computers and printers with internet access; facilitate smooth operation of productive

business meetings both online and in person meetings and provides focused and private environment.

The Business Lounge can be availed of

Commemorating the

78 th

Indian Independence Day

City of Ryde will be holding a flag raising service to commemorate, followed by light refreshments. Please join us.

When: Thursday 15 August 2024 Time: 3.45pm for a 4.00pm start Where: Kissing Point Wharf, Putney

Customer Service Centre 1 Pope Street, Ryde (within Top Ryde City shopping centre) P: 9952 8222 E: cityofryde@ryde.nsw.gov.au Download Our App

during any of the working days from Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on prior appointment/registration.

Business visitors are free to use the facility with no cost.

AUGUST I 2024

/CityofRyde www.ryde.nsw.gov.au

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Community News | Sydney

24 Finalists Announce Australian Sikh Awards FIRST NATIONAL PLATFORM TO RECOGNISE AND CELEBRATE SIKHS WHO EXCEL AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF AUSTRALIA

A

USTRALIA, 24 July 2024 – 24 finalists from across Australia have today been announced for the 2024 Australian Sikh Awards for Excellence (ASAE).

Conceptualised by Sikh Youth Australia (SYA) and the Young Sikh Professionals Network (YSPN) in 2023, this national awards initiative aims to recognise unsung heroes from the Sikh community who have gone over and beyond in their contributions to the socio-economic development of Australia.

Winners will be announced at the second Australian Sikh Awards for Excellence on 31st August 2024 at the Shangri-la Hotel in Sydney amongst dignitaries, business professionals and community.

Spread across eight categories, the following 24 finalists were picked from a total of 160 nominations, with panellists making their selections based on the demonstrated excellence or expertise of Download Our App

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Community News | Sydney

ed for the 2nd s for Excellence nominees in the respective categories, all while upholding core Sikh values such as seva (selfless service).

“Sikhs have rolled up their sleeves to help Australians at any given opportunity, and especially in times of need. It is therefore important we recognise the effort and contribution from these individuals and celebrate where they have excelled as role models in society.

This is not just to make them feel proud of their achievements, but also to create a positive and informative view in the broader Australian community of the Sikh faith and our values, identity and culture.,” said Satwant Singh Calais, President Sikh Youth Australia.

1. Excellence in Agriculture: Amarjit Singh, Jasminder Kaur and Balwinder Singh

You can learn more about our finalists and their contributions by visiting: www. sikhawards.com.au

2. Excellence in Arts, Culture or Music: Gurpreet Singh, Harjot Singh and Parvyn Kaur Bennett

Gather your family and friends and let’s celebrate our heroes. Grab your tickets for the 2nd Australian Sikh Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner at: http://www. sikhawards.com.au/.

3. Excellence in Business and Enterprise: Daizy Kaur Maan, Deepa Pasricha and Harman Singh 4. Excellence in Community Service: Dr Sunita Siddhu Dhindsa, Gurshminder Singh, and Kulwant Singh Dhillon 5. Excellence in a Professional Field: Dr Sukhwinder Singh Sohal, Robyn Kaur Saranah and Satvir Mand 6. Excellence in Sports: Harjas Singh, Ranjit Singh Khera and Tanveer Sangha 7. Australian Sikh Woman of the Year: Harinder Kaur, Kittu Randhawa and Santosh Kaur 8. Young Australian Sikh of the Year: Ashleen Khela, Devraj Singh Grewal and Jasmine Kaur Renny “I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to this year’s finalists whose efforts in their respective fields are truly outstanding.

The calibre of this year’s entries and the finalists who have been selected will certainly make it challenging for our judging panel as one could argue that everyone is already a winner,” said Tarandeep Ahuja, Chair National Selection Panel.

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About Sikh Youth Australia Sikh Youth Australia is a volunteer run, not-for-profit charitable organisation established in 1999 to service the social, cultural and spiritual needs of Sikh youth and new migrants. We are recognised as the peak organisation representing Sikh youth in Australia. From humble beginnings, SYA has grown to be the largest youth organisation representing Sikhs in Australia with chapters in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.

Starting from its flagship Summer Camps, SYA has slowly built a full suite of programs focusing on the spiritual, charitable, cultural and leadership development of the Sikh community. Today, these activities have impacted over 100,000 lives across Australia. This has included initiatives such as the Future Leaders Program, Young Sikh Professional Network (YSPN), Culture Care, Sikh to Give, Women in Leadership, Spiritual and Self-Development Workshops, Natural Disaster Assistance, ANZAC Day Parades, as well as multifaith collaboration events.

To learn more, visit: https://www. sikhyouthaustralia.com www.DesiAustralia.com

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Stan Sport and CulturalPulse partner for multicultural audience growth

Community News | Sydney

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tan Sport in partnership with CulturalPulse, launched 8 exclusive international Olympics Channels at Gavroche French Restaurant in Chippendale in Sydney, on Friday 26 July 2024.

The historic launch celebrated the first time Australian viewers can access customised Olympics channels in 6 languages from 8 different countries

AUGUST I 2024

- France (French), India (English), Germany (German), Spain (Spanish), Greece (Greek), Italy (Italian), the UK (English) and New Zealand (English).

Over 40 guests heard from a range of speakers and panellists led by Stan Chief Executive Officer Martin Kugeler, Stan Sport commentator Craig Foster AM, CulturalPulse CEO Reg Raghavan and the Consul General of France in Sydney, Martin

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Community News | Sydney

Juillard.

Chief Executive Officer Martin Kugeler.

“We have the vision to bring the best Olympic experience to Australia and are delighted to deliver the most comprehensive, innovative and uninterrupted, ad-free viewing experience for the Olympic Games in Australian history,” said Stan

”We have an extremely passionate team who are proud to broadcast our new international channels, making the Olympics more accessible and relevant to Australian multicultural audiences.”

Speaking on the panel were special guests Consul General Mr. Feliz Schwarz, Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Sydney, Consul General Mr. Gianluca Rubagotti Consulate General of Italy in Sydney, Consul General Ms. Rebeca Chantal Guinea Stal, Consulate General of Spain in Sydney, Elise Léger the elected representative for the French in Australia, Fiji and PNG and Irfan Malik (MAICD) Malik, President NSW & National Associate Chair, Australia India Business Council.

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Talent

The cultural community of Sydney celebrated a milestone as Sarjna Shah, daughter and disciple of Guru Dr. Kanan Shah, performed her Bharatnatyam Arangetram with Prisha Patel, disciple of Guru Dr. Kanan Shah.

A SHOW THAT LEFT EVERYONE

speechless and in awe,

emotionally connected and captivated

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he debut performance for these young classical dancers, Sarjna (13) and Prisha (15), was held at the prestigious Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith on 29th June.

The atmosphere was divinely created by auspicious rangoli and rose water sprinkling to welcome the guests. A wonderful slide show flowing through the welcome and break showcasing the remarkable journey of the young girls. The jugalbandhi of the music ensemble tied the audience to the seats.

The evening began with paying respect to both Australia and India, followed by auspicious Pushpanjali and Ganesh Stuti, Saraswati Vandana, and an invocation to Lord Nataraja, the cosmic dancer.

The performance showcased the culmination of www.DesiAustralia.com

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Talent

The highlight of the evening was the Abhinaya segment, where Sarjna and Prisha displayed exceptional storytelling through expressive facial expressions and gestures, bringing mythological stories and characters to life.

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Talent

years of rigorous training, discipline, and dedication to the art of Bharatanatyam, the ancient Indian classical dance form.

Each performance, from expressive Varnam to intricate Shri Ramstuti, was executed with precision and grace, reflecting the dancers’ deep understanding

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and passion for the art form.

The highlight of the evening was the Abhinaya segment, where Sarjna and Prisha displayed exceptional storytelling through expressive facial expressions and gestures, bringing mythological stories and characters to life. The Emcess so

AUGUST I 2024

well connected the act of performers with the audience. The Padam performance connected the audience to the nostalgia of their childhood memories.

Guru Smt. Kanan Shah expressed immense pride in her disciples’ achievement, stating, “An Arangetram is a sig-

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Talent

nificant milestone in a dancer’s journey, symbolizing not just technical proficiency but also a deep spiritual connection to the art. Sarjna and Prisha have demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication, making this performance a memorable one.”

The stage was supported by a talented team of musicians: Shri Rucha Lange, Shri Maharshi Raval, Shri Satvik Desai, Shri Sabin Ghising, and Shri Nishant

Solanki, with Ranjith providing PA support. The emcees included Krina, Veda, Dhwiti, Riona, and the light and special effects production was managed by Sireesha. Rangoli was by Nimisha, henna

by Rachana, decorations by Aravinda, and hair and makeup by Ratna. The entire event was captured on video and photos by Venkatesh Babu.

The event was attended by eminent

personalities, including Hon. Chris Bowen, Minister of Climate Change and Energy; Lord Mayor of Penrith, Todd Carney; Ms. Niyati Mehta, Director of Vivekanand Cultural Centre, Consulate General of India; Councillor Susai Benjamin; Councillor Suman Saha; many community leaders and supporters, family of Sarjna and Prisha who flew in from overseas, friends, and wellwishers. All showered the young artists with praise and blessings. Many remarked on the dancers’ flawless technique, emotive expression, and the seamless blend of tradition and innovation.

The heartwarming speeches by Sarjna and Prisha, thanking their guru and parents, brought tears to everyone in the audience. One audience member commented, “The performers were not only connected to the music ensemble and their guru but also to the audience equally. We were moved by the vibrations of their dance, and we couldn’t stop having tears.” The successful completion of the Arangetram marks the beginning of a promising career in Bharatanatyam for Sarjna and Prisha, who aspire to further hone their skills and contribute to the rich legacy of Indian classical dance.

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Community News | Sydney

Talent Show of Indian Performing Arts organised by CG of India Sydney and SVCC THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF INDIA AND THE SWAMI VIVEKANANDA CULTURAL CENTRE HOSTED THE ‘TALENT SHOW OF INDIAN PERFORMING ARTS’ AT THE CENTRE. THE TALENT SHOW AIMED AT SHOWCASING EMERGING AND ESTABLISHED TALENT IN NSW AND SA.

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he talent show was categorised into seven categories such as poetry recitation, instrumental performance, painting, Indian classical dance performance (solo and group), Indian folk dance (solo and group), popular dance and vocal performance (Hindustani and Carnatic). The competition was held exclusively for women and girls to promote the ‘Women Empowerment’, initiative by the Government of India.

The Consulate General of India, Sydney and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre encouraged the local community and Indian diaspora to participate in the ‘Talent Show’ to demonstrate their talent on a competitive level. The participants were categorised into three age groups viz. under 14, 14-21 and 21-40. This has facilitated fair ground for all the participants. Based on the assessment of the

talent made by the jurors and judges, the winners of the talent show are shortlisted to perform at the reception organised on the occasion of Independence Day of

the Republic of India.

The program started with a poetry recitation competition. Mr. Ramakrisha Neti, Ms. Renu Natarajan and Dr. Shailja Chaturvedi were among the jurors.

The second component of the talent show was the instrumental performance.

Participants demonstrated their skills in Sitar, Violin and Flute. Nadhamuni Gayatri Bharat, Tabla Maestro Amna Pal and Vidwan Balaji Jagannadhan assessed the participants and shortlisted emerging artists.

The Talent Show also comprised a painting competition and enthusiastic young artists demonstrated their expertise in painting. The winning paintings will be displayed at the venue of the reception of Independence Day of the

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Community News | Sydney

Republic of India.

Indian classical dances (solo and groups) in the talent show. Renowned performing artists Dr. Kanan Shah, Ms Vidushi Vanishree Chinnadupparige, Ms Vidushi Pallavi Bhagavath and Guru Venkata Ramana gauged the emerging talent and nominated the winners.

Classical and folk-dance schools from Sydney participated in the Indian folkdance category to showcase India’s rich cultural and traditional heritage. Ms. Sumati Nagpal, Mr. Pratik Chavda and Ms. Nabanita Banerjee were among the juries panel to select the winners for the competition. A group of people standing in front of a stage Indian classical vocal performances (Hindustani and Carnatic) were the concluding element of the ‘Talent Show of Indian Performing Arts’.

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Community News | Sydmey

Project Mentoo “This project is initiated by 2 strong yet sensitive women of south asian background, Mrs Uthra Simhan and Dr Niveditha manokaran.

D

r Niveditha is a Medical Practitioner has worked as a clinician in Sexual Health and HIV, for over 15 years and is extremely passionate about women and youth health. She is a TEDx speaker, Sex educator and a Domestic violence advocate. She is the founder of the brand Untaboos through which she educates, counsels and talks about everything tabooed, thriving to bring awareness and change in the society, She is not only a resilient doctor and a survivor, but is also determined to bring change into the lives of others who are going through this. Dr Manokaran’s journey and expertise, centered around the mantra “Educate Yourself, Protect Yourself” makes her an impactful speaker, providing valuable insights for personal growth.

Uthra Raghava Simhan , an Entrepreneur, Model Actress and an engineer by background with 22 years of experience in Multinational organisation in Customer Experience and Cyber Security. She is Mrs Australia Legacy International Finalist 2024,Her personal interest and passion being Health Nutrition, Creating awareness on

early child developmental issues and Mental health and specially Men’s mental health.

Mother of 2 boys she felt it was extremely important to support young boys cope up with emotions which will help them be resilient , mentally and emotionally strong. She also believes with empowering women, it is equally important to support men express themselves

which will better the social and global issues like suicides, anxiety, DV.She is a cofounder of Fingerprints, an organisation to help kids explore their creativity from creating crafts and games from recycled items, she believes this skill help kids develop their thinking skills , independence and confidence.

The objective of this program is to create awareness on the support that can be offered on Men’s Mental Health and why it’s important for Men to come forward and express their emotional issues, as they can and are allowed to express themselves emotionally as much as women.

It is proven that built up emotions, hidden and unleashed anger, and resentment are some of the causes behind aggressive human behaviour. It is also true that this kind of behaviour is one of the major causes of Domestic violence in a relationship. Women are more accepting of their emotional side and are able to show their emotions externally and the society has accepted women can cry. This is probably one of the reasons behind why women were also labelled fragile.

As crying was associated with fragility and piling up emotions within was believed as strength, men unfortunately have been pushed by the society to exhibit strength in

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Community News | Sydmey

this way. Research has shown that one of the prevention strategies of DV is proactive and preventive Psychology and encouraging adolescent boys in recognising their emotions and feelings and finding a safe space to share them.

Through these workshops we would like to spread awareness across different communities and look forward to working with different communities within the local council and supporting their teams in one of the

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most critical areas, Men’s Mental Health.

They also believe that addressing mental health during adolescents and young age can be a big game changer in the prevention and reduction of domestic violence.

Their first event conducted at Delhi Heights in collaboration with CMRC and support from many organizations was a one of a kind event and was much spoken off.

Many community leaders were present and supported this event. This event has had a

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great effect, and a demand that they bring upon the next event in a few months.

They have now successfully launched the second event at Harris park, Little india.

The event has great speakers who are life coaches, psychologists and relationship coaches. They kindly invite everyone to register and come for the event to learn and spread awareness, and we believe that education is the basis of bringing change in the society.

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Community News | Sydney

Single Mum Leads the Gender Wealth Ga

Empowering Women Through Real Estate: A Transforma

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ydney, Australia – Sydney witnessed an extraordinary gathering at Rydges Parramatta as the 1st Real Estate for Women Summit brought together women from diverse backgrounds for a day of empowerment, education, and inspiration.

Founded by Varsha Banker, the summit aimed to close the gender wealth gap by providing women with the knowledge and tools to pursue real estate as a side hustle and build genera-

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tional wealth.

estate investment.

Varsha’s journey from a successful corporate career to founding RAW was driven by her passion for real estate and her desire to dismantle the barriers women face in this industry. “Real estate isn’t just about properties; it’s about possibilities,” Varsha emphasized, highlighting the mission of RAW to educate and empower women through real

We were also honoured by the presence of Parramatta Councillor Sameer Pandey who delivered an inspirational speech and supported this women led start-up.

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The event featured a series of panel discussions with industry experts such as Effie Nicol, Sakina Zubair, Cheryl Leong, and Monique

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Community News | Sydney

e Charge in Closing the Gap in Real Estate

ative Experience at the Real Estate for Women Summit Layoun. These discussions covered the latest trends and challenges in real estate, providing attendees with crucial insights and practical advice to navigate the property market successfully During the summit, Moxin Reza, CEO of Investor Partner Group provided key insights on building a property portfolio without sacrificing lifestyle. He emphasized the importance of stepping out of comfort zones to achieve success. “Success is the only revenge you ever need. Step out of your comfort zones and let your success speak louder than the voices of those who doubted you,” he said, highlighting the transformative power of real estate investment and the potential it holds for creating lasting financial security.

Olympic Champion Kerri Pottharst delivered an awe-inspiring keynote speech. Her “Walk of Courage” and incredible journey resonated deeply with the attendees. “Perseverance in the face of challenges is the key to suc-

cess. Embrace your journey with courage and determination, and you will achieve greatness,” Kerri shared, leaving the audience inspired and ready to tackle their own challenges.

The summit also showcased powerful success stories from women who transformed their lives significantly with property investment. Their real-life examples demonstrated the potential of real estate to create lasting financial security and independence, inspiring attendees to pursue their own investment journeys.

Real Estate for Women is dedicated to empowering women through education, encouraging them to explore real estate as a secondary source of income, and guiding them in building generational wealth. Its goal is to help women confidently step into the real estate market, whether for career advancement or investment purposes. By providing women with the knowledge and tools needed to invest in real estate safely and sustainably, we make

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real estate accessible and understandable.

Promoting real estate as a viable side hustle, Real Estate for Women empowers women to achieve financial independence.

The Real Estate for Women Summit marked the beginning of a powerful movement. RAW is committed to continuing its mission of empowering women through real estate education, supporting them in creating side hustles, and building generational wealth.

Join the Movement If you are interested in creating a side hustle in real estate or starting your property investment portfolio, reach out to Varsha Banker and join the Real Estate for Women community.

This is just the beginning of a movement that empowers women to achieve financial independence through real estate.

For more information, please contact: Varsha Banker Phone: +61 449 501 006 Email: info.realestateforwomen @gmail.com

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Community News | Sydney

Listen-Share-Act : Women’s Forum

by Blacktown City Council

By: Dr Chandrika Subramaniyan

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he 2024 Blacktown City Council Women’s Forum was successfully conducted at Bowman Hall last week, surpassing last year’s event in both scale and impact. The theme of the forum, “Listen-Share-Act,” fostered an inspiring evening where like-minded women actively engaged in driving change.

The forum featured a showcase panel discussion with prominent figures such as Councillor Julie Griffith of Blacktown Council, Dr. Valentine Mukuria, Campus Dean (Blacktown) from Australian Catholic University, Elfa Moraitakis, CEO of Sydwest Multicultural Services, and Detective Inspector Kylie Evans from Blacktown Police.

These leaders interacted with community members, addressing concerns and sharing insights.

During the open floor discussion, many women contributed valuable suggestions and voiced their long-awaited hopes and local expectations. The event also included

numerous stalls exhibiting services focused on supporting women, providing resources to help local women find solutions to their challenges.

The evening began with a welcome speech

from the Mayoress Norma Bunting who nailed her first address in the role followed by Mayor Councillor Brad Bunting’s speech, and included a variety of engaging activities designed to interest the women in attendance.

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Community News | Sydney

The Indian Consulate in Sydney and the Australia India Travel & Tourism Council (AITTC) collaborate to boost tourism to India

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he lack of visibility of India as a potential tourism destination for Australians was identified by tour operators and other industry members as one of the key reasons of leisure tourism to India not reaching its full potential. This came out at a recent industry event hosted by the Indian Consulate in Sydney in partnership with Australia India Travel & Tourism Council (AITTC).

products like Destination Weddings, Business Conferences, Cricket Tours, River Cruising, Wildlife Safari and Golf and Medical Tourism. While Bennet Stephen from Air India spoke about the direct flights between India and Australia, Ichcha Dhupia from Eastbound Tours in India and Claudia Wolfe from Tikka Tours outlined some of the exotic travel experiences available in India.

Led by Phillip Boniface Co- Chairman & Treasurer, AITCC as the MC for the evening, there were presentations on tourism developments in India by Dr S Janakiraman, Consulate General of India, Sandip Hor Chairman AITTC and Irfan Malik, National Co- Chair, AIBC. Suggestions were made by the speakers for the industry to develop India as a venue for newer

The highlight of the evening of the evening was an interactive panel discussion to on various issues affecting growth of leisure travel to India from this part of the world. Moderated by Lisa Maroun, a well-known name in the industry, the panel included Dean Long CEO AFTA, Thushara Liyanrachchi representing the Taj Group of hotels, Bennet Stephen, Air India, Eric

Finlay Adventure World and Cheryl Ryan from 123 Travel.

The key recommendation from the panel was to increase destination knowledge through multiple promotional initiatives. In this context some of the attendees, requested AITTC to recommence their ‘Know India Better’ seminars which during the pre-covid time was a successful avenue for the industry to know more about tourism developments in the country.

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Cultural Pulse collaborates w Bank Arena for Arijit Singh

Left to Right: Ashish Desai (President) CIA, Terrence Trujilo (Director of Commercial) Qudos Bank Arena, Patrick Skenel(Founder an PraFul DesaI CIA, Intan Malik President AIBC, Poorg Anand (Masters student UNSW, Dee Raghavan (Senior Manager Engagement Marketing) Consulate General of India Sydney Australia, Mrs Neeru Anand, Reg Raghavan Founder and CEO CulturalPulse, Vishal Anand Amazon Prime S Indian Associations NSW, Arti Banga and Dimple Desi Australia Dr. Sunil Vyas, President UIA and Mrs. Jyuthika Vyas, Rajesh Shama Indus Age, S and Mrs Paromita Mukhenee Pryanka Hatwalne (Journalist) SB Hindi Sydney and Minu Sharma Ind

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with Qudos h Show

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he Indian-Australian community came out in force to enjoy an incredible performance by Indian musical superhero Arijit Singh in a sold out Qudos Bank Arena at Sydney Olympic Park on Saturday July 13.

Arijit Singh is one of India’s premier musicians and enthralled the audience with a record 103 songs in a concert that finished after midnight.

For the last four years, Singh has been the most downloaded Indian artist on Spotify and the crowd sang along joyously with the PunjabiBengali maestro who showcased his vocal range and mix of classical and modern songs.

nd Chief Creative Officer) CulturalPulSE CulturalPulse, Consul BK Anand /CGO representing Seattle USA, Dr Yadu Singh (President) Federation of Sourav Mukheree President Bengali Association NSW dus Age.

CulturalPulse provided cultural advisory services to Qudos Bank Arena which included pre-event communications and announcements in Hindi, as well as Hindi language speaking event staff and an Indian tasting box which sold out.

A corporate event was also hosted featuring Indian media, business, community and government leaders including Consul B K Anand and his family who represented the Consulate General of India in Sydney.

A special thanks to Terrence Trujillo and the hardworking team at Qudos Bank Arena for executing the cultural initiatives that turned

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Qudos Bank Arena into a ‘home away from home’ for the Indian and South Asian patrons.

Reg Raghavan, founder and CEO of CulturalPulse highlighted the emerging power of the new India – the Indian and South Asian diaspora audiences in Australia around the world.

“Tonight, we are honoured to celebrate the Indian community through the incredible music and vocal artistry of Arijit Singh. The Indian and South Asian communities have come out in force to support the iconic singer and what we are witnessing is the power of the Indian and South Asian diaspora in Australia, which is growing rapidly. A special thank you to Mr. B K Anand who is representing the Consulate General of India in Sydney and who along with his family and Indian community leaders in Sydney, will enjoy an exclusive Arijit Singh entertainment experience at Qudos Bank Arena.

“We also look forward to working with Qudos Bank Arena with other communities to create a culturally inclusive experience for upcoming concerts.”

Thank you to the team at CulturalPulse who worked alongside the team from Qudos Bank Arena to deliver an exceptional night of entertainment.

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Community News | Sydney

APWA’s Multicultural Eid Lunch: A Resounding Su

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he Aus Pak Woman Association (APWA) hosted a spectacular Multicultural Eid Gala and Fundraising Lunch at The Sapphire Function Centre in Auburn, raising vital funds for the APWA Safe Heaven shelter home for domestic violence victims. The event brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds to celebrate unity, culture, and compassion.

The evening was graced by the talented Pakistani actress Sabeena Farooq, who engaged with her fans and added glamour to the event.

The White Rabbit Band delivered a captivating performance, leaving the audience in awe.

Honorable guests, including Counsel General of Pakistan Qamar Zaman, Warren Kirby MPA Riverstone, Sameer Pandey Councillor Paramatta, Moninder Singh Councillor Blacktown, Uzma Gillani legendary Pakistani actress, Melissa Monteiro CEO CMRC, and other dignitaries, attended to support the cause.

The event was made possible by the generous support of numerous sponsors, including Asif Iqbal Dean southern cross institute, S S smash mechanical Repairs, Kahloon Farms, Sapphire Function Centre, Yougesh Mandah, Raja Taseer, dream travel, Lion group of companies, Auburn radiology, Agha Noor

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Community News | Sydney

d Gala and Fundraising uccess!

Oasis, Shaukat Khanum, Pro green energy, and many others. Special thanks to dream travel for sponsoring a lucky draw for a return ticket from Australia to Pakistan.

APWA extended their gratitude to media partners, including Pehchan Tv, Humwatan media, Sadaye watan, Point pakistan, and Pakoz, for their support. The evening featured a delicious dinner, and President Shafaq Jaffery expressed heartfelt gratitude to all attendees and contributors for making the event a resounding success.

The evening will be remembered for its joy, unity, and generosity, all coming together for a noble cause. APWA’s Multicultural Eid Gala and Fundraising Lunch was a testament to the power of community and compassion, raising vital funds for those in need.

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Entertainment

He Came,He Sa

out. So when Arun Nanda and Heart & Soul Productions brought Arijit Singh this July they ensured it was bigger, grander and more elaborate. This time the chosen venue was the Qudos Bank Arena with a capacity of 21,000.

It was mammoth !

By: Poornima Menon

A

rijit Singh fans couldn’t have enough of him when he came to Sydney in July of 2022. He performed to a full house at the Aware Super Theatre at ICC Sydney in Darling Harbour. Only 9000 of his fans could enjoy that live concert, with thousands more missing

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On the evening of 13th July 2024,a dark auditorium with thousands of twinkling lights from the mobile phones of his ardent fans welcomed Arijit Singh as he walked on to the stage singing the opening number The euphoria in the air was immeasurable. It was indeed a 12 course musical gestation that was delightfully savoured by every fan present in the auditorium. The over 17,000 fans present were treated to an experience that would last a

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lifetime. The fervour and the love on display has to be seen to be believed.

Arijit Singh, the artist is redefining himself and his improvisation of some of his songs were indeed mind-blowing. The energy, the humility, his connection with his audience are incomparable. He communicates not just with his voice but with his entire being. There is something about him that is compelling, captivating and very child-like. He performed for over four hours, thus dispelling the disappointment of a delayed start due to some unavoidable circumstances. He also wooed the audience with some multi lingual renditions.

The artists of his live band who accompanied him on stage were perfectly aligned with his flawless performance.

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Entertainment

Photo Credit: Arun Nanda, Heart & Soul Productions Pty Ltd and Qudos Bank Arena

ang, He Wooed

The event was also a dream come true for the talented local singers as they got an opportunity to sing with Arijit Singh. It was a very rare and heart warming sight. All credit goes to Arun Nanda for making this happen. It is no mean feat.

Arun Nanda and Heart & Soul Productions are known for delivering top quality programs that are unique and different. And they didn’t disappoint, rising above expectations this time too. Everything was bigger, bolder, more magnificent and more entertaining. The audience definitely got more than they expected. Congratulations to the entire team and thank you for presenting the Sydneysiders with this amazing experience.

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Mastero Rishi Sharma brings Mayurbhanj Chhau to Sydney In conversation with Desi Australia Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.

I’m a Delhi boy born in a family of Engineers, doctors and professors. At the age of 4, obsessed with Hrithik Roshan, I started dancing to the tunes of ‘Ik Pal Ka Jeena’. My mother, looking at my keen interest in dance, enrolled me in The Danceworx Performing Arts Academy.

Over the course of the next 13 years I honed my skills in Jazz funk and Broadway Jazz to an advanced level. I also developed the foundations of Ballet both at The Danceworx and the Indian Fernando Ballet Company to an intermediate level.

My work in the Bollywood film industry includes projects under the Yash Raj Films and Tiger Baby Production banners including large-scale choreography and extensive dancer ensembles.

I assisted Ms. Vaibhavi Merchant in choreographing the Ambani Wedding, one of the biggest weddings in India, managing a team of over 100 artists, including 30 of my own students. The production was based on the famous love story in Hindu mythology, ‘Radha Krishna’ where I also featured in the lead role of ‘Krishna’ and performed with Mouni Roy, an Indian television and film actress.

Your Fondest memory of childhood.

My fondest childhood memory has to be the time I danced for the first time in front of a camera. I was only seven years old, and it was an opportunity I had never imagined would come my way.

What/ who inspired you to get into dancing and eventually take it as your career especially specializing in Mayurbhanj Chhau?

My journey into dance and eventually specializing in Mayurbhanj Chhau was profoundly influenced by my mentor and Guru, Mr. Santosh Nair. His belief in my Download Our App

potential was like the discerning eye of a jeweler recognizing the worth of a diamond.

I first met Mr. Nair during my college days while competing at Delhi University. Unlike many other teams who hired professional choreographers, he encouraged us to choreograph our piece independently. This act of faith and his mentorship instilled a deep confidence in us and left a lasting impact on my artistic journey.

After graduation, I chose to join his company, Sadhya - A Unit of Performing Arts. It was there that I was introduced to the captivating dance form of Mayurbhanj Chhau. Mr. Nair’s mastery of Chhau and his unique approach to teaching were instrumental in shaping my understanding of dance. His guidance allowed me to explore choreography and performance, and he provided me with the confidence and opportunities to refine my skills. His mentorship didn’t just teach me about dance; it ignited my passion for it and set me on the path to becoming a choreographer.

Anyone else in your family have an interest in dancing?

My family’s interest in dance is primarily centered around my work and achievements.

They are my most enthusiastic supporters and, at times, my most honest critics.

While they appreciate and celebrate my AUGUST I 2024

accomplishments, their engagement with dance is more about following my journey rather than pursuing it themselves.

Can you please share some experiences of your participation in ‘So you think you can dance?

Initially, I wasn’t particularly interested in competing in reality shows. My passion lay in the world of stage performances with my artistic dance company, where we focused on elaborate productions for international dance festivals.

However, So You Think You Can Dance was an exception for me. Growing up, I had watched the show with great admiration, and when it was announced that it was coming to India for the first time, I saw it as a golden opportunity. I felt it was the perfect platform to showcase the Indian warrior dance, Mayurbhanj Chhau, on a grand stage.

My nostalgia and excitement led me to audition, and to my surprise, I was selected.

But the journey was far from easy. Over 200 dancers were chosen in the initial rounds from across the country, and the competition was incredibly intense. Each week presented new challenges: we faced solo auditions, group choreography rounds, and various other demanding tasks. Within just six weeks, we had to navigate through two solo auditions, www.DesiAustralia.com

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one group choreography round, and two additional choreography rounds.

Being selected among the top 20 was a significant achievement, but the journey didn’t end there. I advanced to the top 12, which turned out to be one of the most challenging experiences of my career.

We rehearsed 10-12 hours a day with different choreographers, learning not only our own routines but also complex group choreographies.

Despite the grueling demands, this experience was transformative. It opened doors for me in the Bollywood industry and offered me a fresh perspective on pursuing my passion.

How do you handle stressful situations?

I dance them away. As a professional dancer and choreographer, dealing with stress is an integral part of the journey. The world of dance is filled with auditions, performances, and constant evaluation, and not every audition or performance goes as planned.

It’s a field where highs and lows are part of the routine, and handling stress effectively is crucial to maintaining both personal wellbeing and professional momentum.

When faced with stressful situations, I turn to dance as my refuge. Dancing allows me to channel my emotions, release built-up tension, and regain focus. Whether it’s a challenging rehearsal, a difficult audition, or a tough day in the studio, moving to the rhythm and expressing through dance helps me regain balance and perspective.

Tell us about your visit to Australia.

This is my first visit to Australia, and it has been an absolutely fantastic experience so far. The directors of the Bollywood Dance Company, Vihang, Darshan, and Sohini, have been incredibly welcoming and gracious hosts. Their hospitality has made my stay truly enjoyable.

have cultivated over the years. The students here are exceptionally talented and passionate about dance. Teaching them has been a joy, and their enthusiasm and dedication to their craft have made each session a rewarding experience for me.

And yes, the Aussies are absolutely right about their coffee. I’ve been enjoying some of the best coffee I’ve ever had.

Your future plans Following my tour in Australia, I’m embarking on an exciting new chapter in my career. I’m relocating to Los Angeles to pursue a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Choreography at California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). This transition marks

I’m thrilled about this opportunity to further refine my craft and expand my knowledge in choreography. CalArts is renowned for its innovative approach to the arts, and I’m eager to immerse myself in its vibrant creative environment.

One of my key goals during this period is to introduce and integrate Mayurbhanj Chhau into the American dance landscape.

I’m passionate about sharing this traditional Indian dance form with new audiences and exploring how it can contribute to the diverse tapestry of dance in the United States.

Any message for the youth.

Let Passion be the fuel that instigates your Drive.

Passion is a powerful force. It’s what ignites your interest, motivates you through challenges, and propels you toward your goals. When you are passionate about something, it’s not just a fleeting interest—it becomes a core part of who you are and what you strive for.

One of the highlights has been the opportunity to explore the local cuisine. Sydney has offered some amazing culinary experiences, and I’ve had the chance to sample a variety of delicious dishes. The food here has been a delightful part of my journey, reflecting the vibrant culture and diverse influences present in Australia.

So, find what you love and let it guide you.

Nurture that passion, let it inspire you, and let it be the driving force behind your ambitions.

The journey might be challenging, but with passion as your fuel, you’ll find that the road is not only rewarding but also exhilarating.

Keep pushing forward with enthusiasm and dedication, and let your passion lead the way.

It’s also been inspiring to see the dance community that Vihang, Darshan, and Sohini Download Our App

a significant step as I dive deeper into the academic side of dance.

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Mag Corner

NAIDOC Week commemorates the rich cultural heritage, profound history, and significant contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples throughout Australia.

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AIDOC Week: Celebrating Indigenous Culture and Heritage NAIDOC Week stands as a significant annual event in Australia, dedicated to honoring the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This celebration holds deep meaning, fostering awareness, respect, and understanding of Indigenous Australians’ contributions to the nation’s diverse tapestry.

Historical Roots and Evolution Originally established in the 1920s as ‘Aborigines Day’ by Aboriginal rights activists, NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week has since evolved into a week-long observance. It typically takes place in July each year, encompassing activities such as cultural performances, art exhibitions, community gatherings, and educational events across the country.

Significance and Themes Each NAIDOC Week is centered around a theme that reflects the issues and achievements significant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Themes often highlight the resilience,

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strength, and ongoing struggles of Indigenous peoples, promoting dialogue on topics such as reconciliation, land rights, and cultural preservation. These themes serve as a focal point for discussions and actions aimed at addressing social justice and equality.

Cultural Celebrations The week is a vibrant showcase of Indigenous culture, featuring traditional dance, music, art, storytelling, and ceremonies. These celebrations not only preserve cultural heritage but also provide opportunities for Indigenous communities to share their stories and traditions with the broader Australian population.

Education and Awareness NAIDOC Week plays a crucial role in raising awareness about the rich history and contemporary issues faced by Indigenous Australians. Educational activities during this time aim to challenge stereotypes, promote understanding, and foster respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Community Engagement and Unity Throughout NAIDOC Week, communities come together to participate

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in events that promote unity, respect, and reconciliation. It’s a time for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians to acknowledge and celebrate the diversity and strength of Indigenous cultures, fostering a sense of belonging and pride among all Australians.

Looking Forward As NAIDOC Week continues to grow in significance and reach, its impact extends beyond the week itself. It encourages ongoing efforts towards reconciliation, social justice, and equality for Indigenous Australians. By honoring and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and achievements, NAIDOC Week contributes to a more inclusive and harmonious society.

In conclusion, NAIDOC Week stands as a powerful testament to the resilience, diversity, and contributions of Australia’s First Nations peoples. It serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating Indigenous cultures not just during NAIDOC Week but throughout the year, as part of a journey towards reconciliation and mutual respect.

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Entertainment

The beginning of a big Punjabi film, “Dama Dam Mast Kalandar,” has been launched in Australia The direction of this film will be undertaken by young filmmaker Sukhveer Singh, who has previously been involved in several significant film projects.

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roduced under the banner of “Starmoon Film Productions” and co-produced by “Chakora Productions,” this film will feature the popular social media star and renowned comedy actor King B Chauhan alongside Malvi Malhotra in lead roles. Apart from them, several notable faces associated with cinema will also appear in important supporting roles.

Shot on captivating locations in Australia, the film is being produced by Vicky

Cambow, written by Sumit Bhatt, cinematography by Suresh Babu, music by J.K., choreography by Divesh Mahira, and edited

by Virender Singh Saini. This comedydrama themed film, shot from start to finish under a strict shooting schedule, is slated for a worldwide release in 2025.

King B Chauhan, known for his successful presence on social media and his debut hit song “Update Gabru,” continues to play a significant role in enriching Punjabi culture

on foreign soil. He has garnered acclaim from music lovers for his contributions and has also been appreciated by audiences and critics alike for his occasional short films, which highlight societal issues and interpersonal relationships.

Having played crucial roles in Hindi films like “Pareeksha Parinda” in 2018 and “Teri Meri Jodi” released in 2019, King B Chauhan is enthusiastic about his new film, which promises to deliver intriguing roles in the entertainment genre.

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Festivals

Punjabis living in Aust “Dhee Punjab Di -

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unjabi community known for its hard work and progress celebrating the culture and soil of foreign land Date 29-062024 BOWMAN HALL BLACKTOWN in which Australian Punjabi daughters

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participated where there was no place to throw mole.

The main organizers of this show were ‘DESI VIBES ENTRAINMENT’, ‘RHYTHM OF BHANGRA’ and

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‘NIRVANA CATERING’.

“Dhee Punjab Di – Miss & Mrs. AUSTRALIA PUNJABAN 2024” Title won by ‘MANJINDER KAUR’ in the Senior Category. First Runner-up was

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Festivals

tralia rocked the show -2024” Season-3 won by ‘MANPREET KAUR’ and Second Runner-up won by ‘SANDEEP KAUR THIND’ in the senior category.

‘HARSEEN KAUR’, ‘SUKHI BAL’ and ‘INDHU THAKKAR’ because this year’s competitions were quite tough.

This year a new initiative was taken by Team “Dhee Punjab Di” by introducing the Junior Category. And the Winner of ‘Junior Dhee Punjab Di 2024’ is ‘EKAMDEEP KAUR’. First Runner-up won by ‘MAHI KAUR’ and second runner up won by ‘SEHAJ KAUR’.

The Fabulous Gidha and Bhangra performances were presented by various enthusiasts teams of Punjabi Mutiara who actually put their heart and soul into the dance and those were ‘RHYTHM OF BHANGRA’, ‘Folk & Fun Bhangra Stars’, ‘DOWN TO BHANGRA’, ‘Lashkare Punjab de’, ‘Coach Jitender Kaur of ROYAL PUNJABANA’, ‘Shan-E-Punjab’, and ‘Gidha Sonka Da’ Groups.

The chief guest at this program were ‘CR KHUSPINDER KAUR – Councillor at Blacktown City Council’, ‘MANDY KANG’, ‘VIRINDER GREWAL’ and ‘HARJINDER KAUR of Harman Foundation’.

‘Dhee Punjab Di 2024-Season 3’ event judge’s role were successfully executed by

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desiOur proud media partners, ‘Punjabi Times’, ‘The Unmute Channel’, ‘Ajit Newspaper’, ‘Friends World TV’ and ‘Punjabi Express’ who executed their role with full responsibility by capturing every important

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news of the “Dhee Punjab Di 2024” event.

Sydney’s famous Photographer and Videographer, ‘RANBIR SINGH’ of RS FILMS, ‘SANDEEP SINGH’ of The Ponds Photography, ‘MANBIR SIDHU’ of Manbir Photography, ‘BALLY SOHAL Photography’, ‘GS Photography’, ‘HARMANDEEP SINGH’ of H3S Clicks Photography and ‘PREET SINGH’ of Mistri Studio Photography teams were present at show to capture magical moments.

The star Emcee of this evet were ‘AMAN SANDHU’, ‘SALONI SAREEN’, ‘TAJ SAINI’ and ‘ARSHNOOR KAUR’. Special thanks to our show mentor, KAMALJEET KAUR and SHUVINDER KAUR.

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Festivals

Thousands Celebrate Mango 2024 with Overwhelming Su

Fairfield Showground, Sunday 21st July 2024 – The Mango Festival 2024, held under the esteemed patr Commissioner of Pakistan in Canberra, turned out to be a spectacular succ

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ver 10,000 people attended the event, making it one of the most memorable festivals of the year.

for everyone. The lively atmosphere, coupled with the tantalizing aroma of mango delicacies, created an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

The festival featured 75 vibrant stalls, each contributing to the event’s triumph.

The diverse range of stalls showcased various mango varieties, delectable mango-based dishes, cultural exhibits, and entertainment options, offering something

Mr. Zahid Hafeez, in his opening speech, emphasized the importance of cultural exchange and community bonding. He lauded the efforts of the organizers and stallholders for their dedication and hard work, which were instrumental in the

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event’s success.

Asiya, Saima, Mr Qamar Zaman, Consulate General-Sydney, Uddav, Junaid, Sharjeel Siddiqui, Ruksanda Zaman, Naeem ul Haq, Shuail Shah and Zeeshan Iqbal of the key organizers of the Mango Festival, expressed her gratitude to all the participants, sponsors, and volunteers who made the event possible.

“The overwhelming turnout and the

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go Festival uccess

ronage of Mr. Zahid Hafeez, High cess. positive feedback from the community are testaments to the hard work and collaboration of everyone involved.

The Mango Festival 2024 not only celebrated the love for mangoes but also fostered a sense of unity and cultural appreciation among the attendees. The success of the event promises even greater things for the future, with plans already underway for next year’s festival.

The event was graced by the presence of several distinguished dignitaries, including the Representative of the Honourable Premier of New South Wales; Senator David Shoebridge; Senator Mehreen Faruqi; Hon. Julia Finn MP; Hon. Nathan Hagarty MP; Hon. Anne Stanley MP; and Hon. Warren Eric Kirby MP. A large numbers of local Mayors, Councillors and members of the diplomatic community also participated. Their presence underscored the significance of this event in highlighting the multicultural fabric of Australian society and key role played by the vibrant Pakistani Diaspora in this regard.

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Festivals

Sukhmanpreet kaur wins th

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Festivals

he title Dhee Panjab Di 2024

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n July 6, 2024, “Dhee Panjab Di’ Miss and Mrs. Australia Panjaban’ competition was organized amidst great enthusiasm at Bowman Hall, Blacktown, Sydney, Australia. The event was hosted by ‘Jindeep Productions’ Sardar Harjinder Singh and his wife, Pardeep Kaur. Special guests, sponsors, and the audience were sincerely thanked by the organizers for their presence. The daughters of Panjab captured the hearts of the audience with their Folk Dances and talents. Various prizes and awards were distributed among the audience and artists. Rami( Rami Hair and Makeup), Ana Sudaira, and Kamal Brar made significant contributions to the preparation of the event. S.Harjinder Singh also expressed deep gratitude to the honourable judges.

The winning contestants were honoured with prizes, trophies, and cash rewards. ‘Curry Culture’ tantalized everyone’s taste buds with its delicious cuisine, while ‘Cherry Decorations’ astonished everyone with their adornments. The program concluded successfully at 6 PM, leaving everyone fulfilled and content.

Winner Sukhmanpreet kaur 1st Runner up Gursharan Virk 2nd Runner up tie between Saloni Bansal & Diksha Kumari

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Festivals

A Bittersweet Rela a sister and a b

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aksha Bandhan is celebrated in India. On this occasion sisters tie a thread popularly known as Rakhi on their brother’s wrist. This thread symbolizes protection of the the and care of a sister.

This festival majorly falls on the last day of Hindu Lunar calender which mostly in the month of August.

In Sanskrit Raksha Bandhan means The bond of protection and care. This festival is rooted in Hindu Culture but is not limited till Hindus and Sikhs and is also celebrated by the Buddhists of Nepal. And is also performed by Christians from past few years.

Traditional Esteem:Different regions have different accreditation about this beautiful festival.

Some are as follows:Maharashtra, it is known as Narali Poornima also called the coconut day. On this day the people of this region worship Lord Varuna and offer coconut to the sea to seek blessing of the Lord. And then the sisters tie Rakhi to their brothers.

Nepal, it is known as Janai Poornima or Rishitarpani and is performed by both Hindus and Buddhists.

North India, you can see the sky full of colourful kites on this day and the sisters trying Rakhis on their brothers wrists.

Orissa, it is known as Jhulan Purnima and the people here worship Lord Krishna and Radha on this day then sisters tie rakhi to their brothers for their protection.

Mythology and History:Raksha Bandhan has a special mentions at various points in the Indian mythology and history:Creation of Santoshi Maa:- it is said that once on the occasion Rakhi the son of Lord Ganesha I.e. Shubha and Labha

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Festivals

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ationship of brother told him that they also want a sister who can tie them a rakhi so the Lord created Santoshi Maa from the divine flames of his wives Riddhi and Siddhi.

Lord Krishna And Draupadi:once Lord Krishna was fetching sugarcanes and in this process his finger got hurt and started bleeding as Draupadi was present there she quickly went to Krishna and tied his finger with a piece of her saree so that the bleeding stops. In return to this Krishna promised her that he would always help her whenever she will need help. Then Krishna helped Daupadi during her disrobe, making her saree neverending.

Hence saving her from

protection when she needed it the most.

Arvind Pal Singh Mandair introduced the term rakhi as a protection to farmers from the Mughals and Afghans in exchange of sharing a small cut from their produce.

Rani Karnavati sent a rakhi to emperor Humayun requesting him to help and sought protection from Bahadur Shah. Humayun accepted the rakhi and sent his troops to Chittor for Rani’s help.

Rakhi is performed by many people all around the world. It is considered as a secular festival and is bounded till blood relations. It is a physical symbol of emotions. The emotion is love, affection and care.

“Our Siblings. They resemble us enough to make all their differences confusing, no matter what we choose to make of this, we are cast in relation to them our whole lives long.” – Susan Scarf Merrell

There are numerous incidents and various stories related to Raksha Bandhan.

embarrassment and giving her

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Festivals

Dussehra Exhibition 2 D ussehra is just around the corner and shoppers are busy buying a variety of items for their families and loved ones. Although the festival is in October, the sale of festive products has already started in July. Even though the festival is still some time away, no one is willing to compromise on their shopping. While some prefer online shopping, the Dussehra Exhibition offers a unique experience where you can visit multiple stores and select your outfits, making the Puja shopping feel complete.

With Rakhi, Janmashtami, Ganpati Puja and then Dussehra, there are also birthdays and special events in between, which can stretch the budget. That’s why the Dussehra Exhibition is

here. It’s a shopping paradise where you can find everything from clothes and shoes to sarees and lehengas. Along with outfits, you can find matching jewelry, all under one roof.

There is also a great collection of designer blouses. With a diverse and colourful collection of jewelry and ethnic wear, jutties and traditional footwear, souvenirs, wall hangings, and traditional arts, shoppers will find colourful options for adults as well as kids. Pocket-friendly prices make it a must-visit with friends. The shoes available here are both affordable and of good quality. So, don’t forget to visit the Dussehra Exhibition before Puja. Additionally, colourful and comfortable outfits for children and traditional Punjabi and dhoti for men are

available. You can also enjoy delicious Puja foods like fuchka, chaat, sweets, traditional foods, fish chop, kachori alur dom, tea, Aam panna, and many more. Everything is available under one roof at the Dussehra Exhibition.

Special Attractions: 4FREE ENTRY & FREE PARKING 4 Face painting, outdoor play area, and a toy shop for kids 4 Fashion show and live music by Ashutosh Jain and Tamal Chakraborty To empower aspiring business owners,

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28 September 2024 we are launching Ethnic Bazaar Australia’s digital platform “e-Bazaar.” This online platform will not only sell ethnic products but also engage with consumers directly and build relationships. Through online marketplaces, our vendors’ businesses can reach more people 24/7. This year, we will also have a festival-themed fashion show

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where our local talented artists will wear and do a ramp walk to showcase our vendors’ products. Shoppers can see the products and buy them on the spot if they like them.

Everything is available under one roof at this Dussehra Exhibition. So, don’t forget to visit before Puja!

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Are you planning to visit this exhibition? If you are attending, please register as a visitor to win a surprise gift.

Contact us for more information: 0433 502 608 or visit our website www.Ebazaar.au

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Arts and Culture

KRISHNA LEELA AT

RIVERSTONE

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n July 19, 2024, Nithyakalashestra Dance School presented their 3rd annual dance concert at Riverstone High School. This year, they performed a dance drama called “Krishna Leela,” depicting the life of Krishna from his birth until the slaying of the demon Kamsa. The narration and drama were delivered in English, while the villu pattu was performed in Tamil.

The dances were performed in various Indian languages to cater to the diverse audience.

The portrayal of little Krishna with his mother Yasodha beautifully showcased the emotions between mother and son. The performance featuring the five-headed serpent Kalinga was a terrifying dance act, and the Kalinga Narthanam kept the audience on the edge of their seats.

The epic battle between Krishna and Kamsa at the end, culminating in Krishna’s victory, was a visual treat.

All the students of Nithyakalashestra, ranging from 4-year-olds to adult women, participated in the dances. The theme, concept, and choreography were created and directed by Smt. Jeeva Elyathamby, the founder and director of Nithyakalashestra Dance School. The event was

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Arts and Culture

graced by several well-known VIPs, including Mr. Warren Kirby, Riverstone MP, Councillor Mr. Moninder Singh, Sri Om Director Mr. Jay Raman, Mrs. Arti Banga,Dr. Nivatheditha Manokaran, Mr. Thiru Arumugam, Mr. Nithin Jay Raman and Mrs. Meera Joy. An audience of over 350 people filled the venue, and the performers dazzled with their traditional dance costumes. The dances and cho-

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reography were the highlights of the day.

Nithyakalashestra Dance School accommodates over 100 dancers, all trained under Smt. Jeeva Elyathamby. Based in Riverstone, the school conducts Bharatanatyam dance classes for students aged 4 years and above. The school takes pride in elevating the traditional art of Bharatanatyam and promoting Indian tradition and culture to the next level.

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Health

Women’s Health Forum by J

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ast week, I had the opportunity to be on the Women’s Health Forum panel hosted by Sally Sitou, MP for Reid, and Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney.

This panel discussion, which brought together a diverse group of women, focused on the unique challenges women face in Australia’s health system. It was an honour and privilege to share my experiences and hear from these amazing women.

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Sally Sitou shared a personal story about what the women in her family experienced navigating the health system.

Ged Kearney shared her experiences as a nurse and about research that showed the glaring biases against women in the health system. She also shared some of the wonderful initiatives that our government is putting in place to offer women a better experience and better outcomes when navigating the Australian health system.

Sue Advani, a triple cancer survivor,

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shared her lived experiences and the importance of early detection and how it can save lives. Sue also raised the important issues of equity, dignity and cost which prevent timely access to the medical system leading to poor health outcomes.

She also highlighted the fantastic work that Pink Sari Inc. is doing. Pink Sari Inc. is an organisation working with the South Asian community to raise awareness about the importance of screening for cancers such as breast, cervical, and bowel cancer.

Sue is also a founder member of Haathi in the Room (Elephant in the Room), which

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Health

Janu Dhayanathan is working to raise awareness about mental health in the South Asian community and Lean In Inc which supports newly arrived migrants with the employment skills and settlement pathways to enable them to achieve financial independence which is a key pillar to support their mental health.

We also got to hear from the audience during the Q & A component of the evening. The stories women shared showed that our medical system has come far but has a long way to go.

The two biggest takeaways from the event were that women need to speak

out more. We need more voices to effect change in our health system that will lead to better patient outcomes for women.

The second is that we need to be our own advocates. We need to speak up for ourselves to get the treatment we need.

We have to seek out second opinions or even third opinions. We can’t just suffer in silence.

This is just the beginning, and I hope there will be more forums like this because so much more needs to happen to improve women’s experience in our health system.

Dr Jess Theron is a GP registrar and co-founder of the Ella app. Ella is an app that helps people living with chronic pelvic pain manage their symptoms via a six-week program. She spoke about her experience as a doctor who helps people who struggle with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain. She spoke about her journey and how pelvic pain and endometriosis became her passion.

I spoke about my experience with the health system as a woman and a person living with Neurofibromatosis. I talked about what I would like to see changed in the health system, for example, the need for doctors to employ tact and diplomacy when delivering heavy diagnoses to patients because there is a human being attached to that diagnosis. In some cases, it’s a tiny human with terrified parents.

I also shared my pelvic health story, the awful experiences and the good experiences.

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Yoga

YouGo with Rajni – Yoga fo Warrior Pose Meditation – a dance balancing effort with

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By: Rajni Ghai Malhotra

he Warrior Pose (Virabhadrasana) series offers standing poses in yoga that build strength, stability, and focus. Meditation in Warrior Pose can be a powerful practice, combining the physical strength and stability of the pose with the mental focus and mindfulness of meditation. In this feature we will look at how you can engage in meditation while holding the Warrior Pose II. Benefits of Warrior Pose II Meditation 1. Enhanced Focus and Concentration: The effort required to maintain the pose can heighten your mental focus.

2. Strength and Stability: Holding Warrior Pose builds physical strength and endurance.

3. Mind-Body Connection: Combining meditation with an active pose fosters a deeper awareness of your body.

4. Stress Reduction: The mindful aspect of meditation helps reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Steps for Warrior Pose II (Virabhadrasana II) Warrior Pose II (Virabhadrasana II) is a foundational standing pose in yoga. Here are the steps to correctly perform Warrior Pose II: Preparation 1. Find a calm, quiet space and begin with a few minutes of gentle stretches or sun salutations to prepare your body.

2. Start in Tadasana (Mountain Pose) 4 Stand tall with your feet together and your arms at your sides.

4 Ground down through all four corners of your feet, engage your thighs, and lengthen your spine.

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2. Step Your Feet Apart 4 Step your feet about 3.5 to 4 feet apart.

4 Turn your right foot out 90 degrees, so the toes point to the top of your mat.

4 Turn your left foot slightly inwards, around 15 degrees.

3. Align Your Heels o Ensure your right heel is in line with the arch of your left foot.

4. Bend Your Front Knee 4 Exhale and bend your right knee over your right ankle, so the shin is perpendicular to the floor.

4 Make sure your right thigh is parallel to the floor, and your knee is aligned with your second toe.

4 Keep your left leg straight and strong.

5. Extend Your Arms 4 Raise your arms parallel to the floor, reaching actively out to the sides with your palms facing down.

4 Keep your shoulders directly over your hips, and your arms in line with each other.

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6. Gaze Over Your Front Hand 4 Turn your head to look over your right hand.

4 Soften your gaze.

7. Engage and Align 4 Ensure your torso is upright and not leaning forward.

4 Engage your core muscles to support your lower back.

4 Keep your shoulders relaxed and away from your ears.

4 Distribute your weight evenly between both feet.

8. Hold the Pose 4 Maintain steady, even breathing.

4 Hold the pose for 5 – 10 breaths, or longer if comfortable.

4 Feel the strength and stability in your legs and the openness in your chest and shoulders.

9. Release and Repeat on the Other Side 4 To come out of the pose, Gently straighten your front leg, lower your arms, and step back into Mountain Pose. www.DesiAustralia.com

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Yoga

or a Mindful You e of strength and grace, surrender 4 Turn your feet to face forward and then switch the position of your feet to repeat the pose on the left side.

10. Reflect: Take a moment to reflect on how you feel, noticing any changes in your body or mind.

Meditative Focus Here’s how to effectively integrate meditation into Warrior Pose: 1. Breath Awareness: Focus on your breath, taking deep, even breaths. Allow the

4. Stay Present: Concentrate on the sensations in your body, the stretch in your legs, the strength in your arms, and the grounding of your feet.

5. Hold the Pose: Aim to hold the pose for 5-10 breaths, or longer if comfortable, maintaining your meditative focus throughout.

2. Body Scan: Mentally scan your body from head to toe, observing any tension and consciously releasing it.

There YouGo! Virabhadrasana (Warrior pose) helps us to feel grounded, balanced and in command of ourselves. It helps us to stay in focus and fierce to stand up for a cause. By integrating meditation into Warrior Pose, you can create a dynamic and mindful practice that strengthens both your body and mind.

3. Mantra or Affirmation: Choose to use helpful affirmations while holding the pose. Repeat a calming word, phrase, or affirmation, such as “I am strong”, “I am focused” or “I am a determined being”.

May we face life’s challenges with the fearlessness, ferocity and steadfast resolve of a warrior.

Yours in yoga, Rajni Follow Rajni on Facebook @YogaWithRajni

inhalation to expand your chest and the exhalation ground you.

YouGo Yoga with Rajni

Yoga & Mindfulness workshops for adults and kids Experience the benefits of yoga and mindfulness through the following workshops: ✓ Beginner’s yoga ✓ Mindful breathing and meditation ✓ Yoga-in-isolation and de-stressing techniques ✓ Yoga-Zing with Rajni: Fun filled, creativity infused workshops for women and children

Rajni Ghai Malhotra | Founder, YouGo Yoga | 0424 434 031 | www.facebook.com/YogaWithRajni *All workshops now delivered in a physically distant, socially connected manner.

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Mag Corner

Caring for those gone Jainesh Jogia, director and founder of Agnee Funeral is doing yeoman service to mankind Can you tell us about your background.

“I hail from Suva, Fiji, where I was born to my parents, Kanji Bhai and Prabha Jogia, who are First Generation Indians rooted in Fiji. Raised in the rich traditions of Hinduism, I found religion to be an integral part of life’s fabric from an early age.

My educational journey took an intriguing turn as I attended Catholic schools, exposing me to diverse perspectives within our religiously varied community. Growing up, my family fostered an environment of openness and hospitality, welcoming all into our home without hesitation.

Beginning my formal education at the University of the South Pacific and later completing it at the Australian Catholic University, I furthered my studies with postgraduate work at Newcastle University.

It was during this time that my path diverged into the technology industry, where I dedicated myself until 2010 when I ventured into entrepreneurship in an entirely different sector.

Just before the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself drawn to an industry that had always held a mysterious allure for me – the funeral industry. Contemplating the journey between a person’s passing and their solemn presence in a adorned casket before their loved ones had long intrigued me.

Through the most challenging of times, I gained firsthand insight into the inner workings of this industry. Armed with this knowledge and experience, I founded Agnee Funeral Services.

I view my life’s journey as a tapestry woven with lessons, each one preparing me to offer the utmost care and support to grieving families. My purpose, my dharma, is to ease their burden during their darkest hours.”

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“What prompted the establishment of Agnee Funeral Services?

Foremost, I firmly believe that funerals within our Indian community should be conducted by individuals who intimately understand the intricacies and significance of our traditions. This belief stems from a deep-rooted conviction that only members of our own community can truly appreciate the nuances involved in honoring our departed loved ones.

Furthermore, I recognized a glaring need for someone from my generation to step forward and fulfill this essential role, particularly in a predominantly Western society where our cultural traditions may be overlooked or misunderstood by younger AUGUST I 2024

generations. This perspective is particularly poignant given that many individuals within my age group (ranging from 30 to 60 years old) still have elderly parents or relatives amongst us.

I am personally driven by the importance of reassuring our elders that there is someone within their own community who comprehends the correct procedures and cultural requirements surrounding funerary rites. It is paramount that they feel a sense of comfort and confidence knowing that their traditions will be respected and upheld with dignity.

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of various funeral service providers, I have witnessed firsthand the behind-the-scenes processes and the conditions of various mortuaries and storage facilities. Regrettably, there is often much to be desired in terms of standards and care.

I am proud to affirm that Agnee Funeral Services operates in partnership with impeccably maintained facilities, where stringent protocols are rigorously adhered to ensure the utmost sanctity and respect for the deceased. I am confident that these facilities provide the level of dignity and care that I would personally desire when my time inevitably comes.

At Agnee Funeral Services, our guiding principle is simple yet profound: to deliver cremation services with the utmost ethical consideration and compassionate care.”

“What distinguishes Agnee Funeral Services from other providers?

Our commitment extends beyond merely attending to the deceased’s needs as they transition to our facility for their final rites.

What truly sets us apart is the personalized care and meticulous attention to detail we extend to the grieving family throughout the entire process.

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I personally guide the family with compassion and empathy, ensuring they feel supported every step of the way.”

“Allow me to guide you through the process of arranging a funeral with Agnee: Upon receiving authorization from the family to represent them, we respectfully bring the departed loved one to our impeccably maintained facility. Here, they are allocated a private resting space where they remain under our attentive care for the ensuing days.

During this period, we meticulously handle all legal documentation necessary for a dignified cremation ceremony, affording the family the opportunity to witness the final journey of their cherished one.

Meanwhile, I personally visit the family at their residence to collaboratively organize the details of the final day, ensuring it reflects the essence and wishes of their loved one.

Throughout the entire process, our approach is characterized by unwavering care, comfort, and support. I am dedicated to being there for the family every step of the way, offering my personal assistance and

AUGUST I 2024

guidance.”

“To ensure that we deliver personalized and compassionate services to families during their time of need, we follow a comprehensive approach: 1. Personalized Consultation: Following the initial contact, I personally meet with the family to discuss their preferences and plan the funeral service. This allows us to tailor the arrangements to ensure they can bid their loved one a meaningful farewell.

2. Collaborative Approach: I work closely with the family and their religious leaders, such as their family pundit, to ensure that cultural and religious customs are respectfully observed. This collaborative effort ensures that the funeral service honors the traditions and beliefs of the deceased and their family.

3. Cultural Sensitivity: Drawing from my experience in both Hindu and Western funeral practices, I bring a deep understanding of cultural nuances to our services. This knowledge, coupled with compassion and precision, enables us to conduct the final rites in accordance with Hindu customs, respecting every aspect of the tradition.

By combining personalized consultation,

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Sports

Tape Ball Cricket has been officially launched in NSW Cricket “TAPE BALL IS A GREEN TENNIS BALL WRAPPED IN TAPE, WHICH MAKES IT SLIGHTLY HEAVIER AND HELPS WITH THE BALL’S MOVEMENT. We aim to bring people together to enjoy this unique version of cricket, while also showcasing the vibrant South Asian culture that resonates deeply with many in our NSW community.”

“This tournament is an opportunity to engage with our local communities, particularly the South Asian population, and to reinforce our commitment to inclusivity at Sydney Thunder.

Chinmay Mehta

T

ape Ball League is an exciting news for those who are not skilled enough to play with a hard ball or who, due to health, fitness, or age-related issues, want to avoid playing hard ball cricket.”

“Traditionally, cricket is always played with a hard ball in Australia, especially among adults. This is likely one reason why many migrants from South Asian countries have been excluded from playing in various leagues and competitions organized or affiliated with Cricket NSW.” “The beauty of tape ball cricket is that anyone can play without a proper cricket kit or gear.”

“During the promotional event at Cricket Central, the Hon. Sports Minister Steve Kamper, wearing a shirt, formal pant, a belt, and leather shoes, hit a few tape balls and enjoyed tape ball cricket with former Australian cricketer Fawad Ahmed, as well as current and past players from Sydney Thunder, Cricket NSW, and staff.”

Suffan Hassan, Multicultural Engagement Specialist, from Cricket NSW, says “The Tape Ball tournament is a celebration of cultural diversity and community spirit.

Tape ball cricket, known for its fastpaced and accessible format, is popular Download Our App

Through this event, we hope to celebrate the universal love of cricket and foster cultural connections.” Says Sydney Thunder’ General Manager, Trent Copeland.

The Tape Ball League will start on August 26 and be played over six weeks at Blacktown International Sports park.

Photo source: Cricket NSW in South Asia and among communities worldwide.

PHOTO “This article is written by Chinmay Mehta, a popular cricket writer from Sydney and an umpire with NSWCUSA.”

Photo Source: Cricket NSW Left to Right – Suffan Hassan, Fawad Ahmed, Trent Copeland, Comedian and MC Nazeem Hussain, Tanveer Sangha and Thunder’s staff AUGUST I 2024

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Community news | Melbourne

Sawan Celebrations by Melton Service Club

By: Satinder Chawla

T

he Melton Indian Service Club organized a successful event, SAWAN CELEBRATION, at the Water Garden Hotel in Melbourne under the leadership of Inderjit Sachdeva. The event saw the participation of

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over 70 members. Sarab Sachdeva organized entertaining and engaging games for seniors related to SAWAN, with prizes awarded to the winners. Attendees included S.N. Katyal, Sanjeet Verma, G.K. Kalia, Gurbin Kaur, Jagdish Chugh, Parvinder Sethi, Kawal

AUGUST I 2024

Oberoi, Ravi Arora, and Varinder Reen, along with their spouses and other esteemed members from across Melbourne. Everyone enjoyed the delightful food and games, and the event was highly appreciated, with calls for more such senior gatherings in the future.

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Community News | SA

OFFICIAL

DPC/G3.1 ACROSS GOVERNMENT POLICY

Hon. Joe Szakacs Cloud Information Sheet Minister for Trade and Services Investment, MP Introduction

A message from the Minister for Trade and Investment, Hon. Joe Szakacs MP Cloud services present many opportunities, including the potential to reduce electronic storage and internal ICT capital investment requirements.

For any businessDeepening transformation project, standard considerations and Australia processes the strong and enduring relationship between South andapply.

India isThese a priority of the include project Malinauskas planning, technical specifications, budget, risk, etc.

Labor State Government. India is the world’s fifth-largest economy and most populous nation. It has increasing influence on the global stage and is a long-standing, trusted trading partner for Australia. The

For cloud services, there between are additional considerations. series ofSouth Cloud Services Guidelines partnership our two countries makes usThis both stronger.

Australia’s Indian community makes articulates those considerations.

Consider these Guidelines alongside your normal processes. an invaluable contribution to our state. Through commerce, education, sport, and culture, we are so much the

Definition

richer for your contribution.

South Australia’s economic relationship with India continues to deepen, driven by exports to India growing

There are manytodefinitions clouda services.

Much ofproduce, the information in these is taken by Indian more than $1ofbillion year. Our premium including lentils and Guidelines wheat, are sought-after from the US Government’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). consumers, and India is the number one source of students studying in our world[1]class universities. Against this backdrop our Government recently announced the appointment of two new South Australian representa-

The South Australian Government’s definition of cloud services as per the Cloud Services Policy is: tives on-the-ground in India. These in-country Indian directors – Mr Kamran Khan (Chennai) and Ms Priya

Pankaj (Mumbai) – are embedded in Austrade offices, providing access to Commonwealth business networks “A cloud service allows users of ICT to access a service through a network without the and global connections. They have been appointed to strengthen our economic and cultural links, supporting need to acquire, own, and operate dedicated infrastructure, software and facilities.”

SA businesses to do business in India, and seizing the opportunities afforded by the recently signed free trade agreement between our two nations. In addition to these appointments, our Government provides export supCharacteristics port and advice right here in South Australia. The Malinauskas Government’s export advisers exist to share specialised knowledge of international markets, giving businesses in our state greater access to India, and other According to NIST, the five key characteristics of cloud services are: global markets.

• On-demand self-service – where capabilities can be provisioned automatically without human interventionFor more information on our India-based offices, and the State Government’s services and support, visit statedevelopment.sa.gov.au. I thank you again for your contribution to our South Australian community.

• Broad network access – as capabilities are available and able to be accessed across different platforms such as desktops, laptops, tablets and mobile phones

It is an exciting time in India-Australia relations – our Government is determined to make the most of the

• Resourceopportunity. pooling – where providers pool their physical and virtual computing resources dynamically across multiple customers

• Rapid elasticity – as capabilities can be provisioned and released elastically, providing the ability to scale upward or downward with demand • Measured service – where the use of resources at various levels (including customer) can be controlled and measured.

Page 1 of 3

OFFICIAL Hon. Joe Szakacs Minister for Trade and Investment, MP

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Community News | Adelaide

OzAsia Festival annou

Audiences can expect brilliant musicians, engaging conversations, hilarious comedians contemporary arts festival engaging with Asia, returns to A

aunched today, this year’s dynamic program features more than 300 local, national and international artists from 12 countries, and includes 7 world premieres, 4 Australian premieres and 9 Adelaide premieres. Tickets on sale now.

L

Por Por’s Big Fat Surprise Wedding. Starring Crazy Rich Asians’ Koh Chieng Mun as the spirited, 70-year-old Por Por (whose groom is a mystery to everyone including her own family.) Revel in the surprises of this unforgettable and hilarious dinner theatre performance which includes a four-course Indian meal and a glass of sparkling wine on arrival.

On OzAsia Festival’s opening weekend, more than a dozen giant lanterns will light up Tarntanya Wama/Pinky Flat for the beloved Moon Lantern Trail. This free, familyfriendly event features roving performances, giant puppets, interactive workshops and delectable food from Thursday 24 October to Sunday 27 October.

Experience the romance, action and melodrama of a big Bollywood film live on stage, in the internationally acclaimed A Passage to Bollywood. In this Australian premiere, breathtaking dance routines by renowned Bollywood film choreographer, Ashley Lobo, blend classical with contemporary styles to celebrate the vibrancy and magic of India.

Returning for its fourth year, The Special Comedy Comedy Special brings together a stellar bill of hilarious Asian Australian comedians hosted by ABC Radio Adelaide’s Jason Chong. Featuring Dilruk Jayasinha, Harry Jun, Jennifer Wong, Kushi Venkatesh, Lawrence Leung, Lizzy Hoo, Sashi Perera, Takashi Wakasugi and Urvi Majumdar for one night only in the Dunstan Playhouse.

Another fan favourite returning for the Opening Weekend is AnimeGO! a celebration of Japanese pop culture taking over Festival Theatre foyer for one day only on Sunday 27 October.

After captivating Swifties across the globe, Tik Tok superstar Taylor Sheesh brings The Errors Tour to Dunstan Playhouse for two nights only. With stunning choreography, dazzling outfit reveals, and a Meet & Greet after each show, Taylor Swift fans won’t want to miss this!

Award-winning Australian comedian, artist and author Anh Do performs his hit show The Happiest Refugee Live! at Festival Theatre on Thursday 7 November. Anh brings his incredible journey to life with storytelling, photos, and filmed pieces, inspired by his bestselling memoir, The Happiest Refugee.

In an Australian exclusive, Chisato Minamimura brings Scored in Silence to Space Theatre, unveiling the hidden perspective of deaf survivors of the 1945 atomic bombs in Japan. Performed in Auslan with English surtitles, Scored in Silence combines innovative technology, meticulous research and heartfelt interviews in a poignant portrayal of history and resilience.

The Honourable Andrea Michaels MP, Minister for Arts: “South Australia’s beloved OzAsia Festival is back for another year of contemporary Asian and Asian Australian festivities. Local artist Jessie Hui has created the beautiful brochure cover image representing this year’s program, which features an amazing lineup of local performers alongside international superstars.”

Adelaide Festival Centre CEO & Artistic

At Space Theatre in the final week of

Daljeet Bakshi

Showcasing the best of Asian and Asian Australian art and culture, OzAsia Festival is curated by Artistic and Executive Producer Joon-Yee Kwok: “This spring, we’re thrilled to host some of Asia and Australia’s most acclaimed artists. As the sun shines brighter and the days grow warmer, it’s the perfect time to leave winter behind and come together with your loved ones at OzAsia Festival.”

After an extended sold-out season in Singapore, it’s Adelaide’s turn to celebrate

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AUGUST I 2024

Director Douglas Gautier AM: “The first festival of its kind in the nation, OzAsia Festival is proud to engage with Asian and Asian Australian arts, culture and ideas through all art forms. In its seventeenth year, Joon’s program is a continuation of our rich tradition, demonstrating the power that the arts have to connect, inspire and delight us.”

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Community News | Adelaide

unces 2024 Program

s, delicious cuisine and astounding visual arts when OzAsia Festival, Australia’s leading Adelaide Festival Centre from October 24 to November 10.

OzAsia Festival, award-winning Afghan composer, instrumentalist and producer Qais Essar will perform an evening of emotional and thought-provoking music on the rabab; and electronic musician, singer and cabaret artist Dyan Tai will present Permaisuri, a live music and performance art project, exploring queer identity and the diasporic migrant experience in Australia.

At Nexus Arts, South Australian hip-hop artist Kultar Ahluwalia’s multidisciplinary performance The Mixed-Race Tape blends hip hop with old recordings, family interviews, and spoken word, exploring themes including identity and fatherhood. In a celebration of playfulness and experimentation, drummer Chloe Kim offers an expressive and masterful performance of solo drumkit. Punjabi Australian vocalist and Adelaide’s own Parvyn (from popular band The Bombay Royale) will launch her second album Maujada blending contemporary rock, disco, and jazz with rich Sikh Punjabi folk traditions.

For families, The Story of Chi is a captivating, coming-of-age tale that explores the bonds uniting us across generations through a combination of theatre, puppets and shadow puppetry. In a hands-on, art adventure perfect for families, interactive installation Tanabata: Star Village, invites audiences to make origami and contribute wishes to an evolving galaxy of wishes, in Dunstan Playhouse foyer, inspired by the vibrant Japanese star festival.

tural Centre, with Aussie K-Poppers United Concert and Seoul Vibe, an Australian music showcase including a line-up of local Asian Australian artists, and to close out the festival on 10 November – a free concert by Aussie hip hop royalty L-FRESH The LION.

Australian identity, South-Asian Australian slow fashion house Saree Selections will showcase their collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists on their latest collection of sarees, on display in Festival Theatre Foyer.

On the final weekend, audiences can enjoy thought-provoking panels and inspiring conversations at OzAsia Festival’s Weekend of Words, Australia’s largest gathering of Asian and Asian Australian writers and thinkers. Curated by multi-award-winning writer and comedian Sami Shah, this year’s stellar lineup includes Benjamin Law, Vajra Chandrasekera, Shelley Parker-Chan, Sara M. Saleh, Lawrence Leung, Louisa Lim, Qin Qin and many more. The full program of exciting free events for OzAsia Festival’s Weekend of Words will be announced in September – stay tuned!

Examining the Vietnamese Diaspora’s history of migration, Adelaide Festival Centre’s outdoor screens will exhibit An Action of Mourning by Phuong Ngo. At Artspace, OzAsia Festival’s Artist in Schools resident Jingwei Bu presents Life Maps, made in collaboration with children aged 3-7, reflecting the diverse experiences of life through simple yet profound drawings tracing life’s steps.

A vast array of visual arts will be on display throughout the festival, including the enchanting and dreamy solo exhibition Hello, how am I? by South Australian OzAsia Festival 2024 brochure cover image artist Jessie Hui, and the fantastical Wish you were here by Hong Kong’s Vivian Ho, evoking solitude and yearning within surreal, urban landscapes.

Flinders University’s Discipline of Archaeology explores underwater cultural heritage from the Maritime Silk and Spice Route in the world premiere of Reuniting Cargoes. In a contemporary cross-cultural expression of

Once again, OzAsia Festival has teamed up with Adelaide Film Festival to present the best of contemporary Asian cinema, featuring two award-winning films from India, including the first Indian film to compete at Cannes Film Festival in 30 years, and two short films from Restless Dance Theatre – Counterpoise and Dancing Against the Odds.

Stay tuned for the full program announcement on September 17. With plenty of free workshops, masterclasses, and talks also on offer, stay up to date on program details at www.ozasiafestival.com.au Early bird ticket specials available until Sunday 4 August. Check ozasiafestival.com. au for details.

OzAsia Festival 2024 runs from October 24 to November 10.

OzAsia Festival favourite, Lucky Dumpling Market, returns to Elder Park serving up a delicious range of cuisine from the best local vendors accompanied by free live entertainment on the OzAsia Festival stage.

Highlights this year include a celebration of K-Pop, presented by the Korean Cul-

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Community News | Adelaide

Unleash the Vibrant Colors of India: Et

Daljeet Bakshi

E

stablished in 2021 in Adelaide, Ethnic India has embarked on an extraordinary journey, captivating the hearts of the South East Asian Diaspora in Australia.

This versatile haven seamlessly blends traditional Indian allure with a modern, cosmopolitan flair, offering a curetted selection of apparel, jewelry, gifts, and home decor that celebrate the essence of the subcontinent.

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Community News | Adelaide

thnic India’s Captivating Masterpieces Gorgeous entrepreneur Priti Kumra, the visionary behind this enchanting endeavor, brings a wealth of retail expertise to the table. With a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for her cultural heritage, she has curated a collection that caters to the evolving identities and lifestyles of the modern Indian woman in Australia.

Starting with a modest selection of women’s apparel, Ethnic India has since expanded its horizons, now offering clothing for the entire family. The store has garnered a loyal customer base, captivating both men and women with its diverse offerings.

Venture into the vibrant world of Ethnic India, and discover a treasure trove of exquisite Indian handicrafts, reflecting the rich tapestry of the nation’s diverse regions. Elevate your living spaces with authentic home decor pieces that transport you to the heart of the subcontinent.

As the festive season approaches, Ethnic India is your destination for the latest and most captivating styles in men’s and

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AUGUST I 2024

women’s apparel, catering to a wide range of budgets. Conveniently located at 146 Ashley Street, Underdale SA 5032, the store is open from Monday to Friday, 1 pm to 8 pm, and on Saturdays from 1 pm to 5 pm. Recently , two days exclusive exhibition and sale was organized that was well attended by the locals .

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Ethnic India, where tradition and modernity seamlessly intertwine. Explore the store’s presence across social media platforms, including Face book, Instagram, and TikTok, and let the vibrant hues and enchanting designs of India inspire your unique personal style.

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Communiity News | Adelaide

Adelaide Film Festival Calls for Applications for AFF Expand Lab 2024 and $100,000 Expand Moving Image Commission

A

Daljeet Bakshi

AFF Expand Lab 2024 will bring together Australian visual artists, filmmakers, writers, and other creatives working with screen, performance, media arts and XR to learn from renowned mentors to develop new project ideas.

The lab will be held at Lot Fourteen and run alongside the Adelaide Film Festival closing weekend and encore screenings from November 1 – 8 2024.

One project developed in the lab will be awarded the $100,000 Expand Moving Image Commission, made possible through The Balnaves Foundation, Arts South Australia and Adelaide Film Festival. This is one of Australia’s most significant Moving Image Commissions, as it ensures that artists can advance their careers and create impactful moving image works. In addition, two projects will be selected for mentoring

by Art Gallery of South Australia and Illuminate Adelaide.

Hamish Balnaves, CEO of The Balnaves Foundation said: “The Balnaves Foundation is delighted to continue our support as Principal Partner of AFF Expand Lab and the $100,000 Expand Moving Image Commission in 2024 - a major opportunity to bring inspiring creative ideas to life. AFF Expand Lab highlights South Australia as a leading destination for artists to develop new work and expand their horizons to create new opportunities for collaboration, ideas, and exhibition.”

The mentors for AFF Expand Lab 2024 are Iranian-born, Melbourne-based artist HODA AFSHAR who examines the politics of imagemaking through her photographs and moving image works; BEN JOSEPH ANDREWS whose mixed reality work, Turbulence: Jamais Vu, will screen in the Venice 2024 Best Of Immersive program; AMRITA HEPI (Bundjulung/Ngapuhi Territories) whose award winning practice is concerned with dance as social function performed within galleries, performance spaces, video art and digital technologies and EMMA ROBERTS a passionate storyteller, producer and community builder creating public-facing

interactive technology installations, her VR work Gondwana created with Ben Joseph Andrews has recently been exhibited at SA Museum as a multi-sensory experience.

Adelaide Film Festival’s CEO and Creative Director Mat Kesting said: “We are delighted to present the third edition of AFF Expand Lab which will bring together practitioners from a range of backgrounds to test and try out ideas and concepts with visionary mentors. A major outcome from AFF Expand Lab is the ongoing mentoring and commissioning of new projects developed in the week-long lab.”

“The inaugural 2022 Expand Lab Moving Image Commission was awarded to Susan Norrie (NSW), Emmaline Zanelli (SA) and Matthew Thorne (SA) and will premiere at Samstag Museum of Art at AFF2024. Followed by the 2023 Expand Lab Commission awarded to Anna Lindner (SA), Nisa East (NSW) and Yasemin Sabuncu (SA) premiering at Samstag during AFF2025.”

AFF Expand Lab is open to Australia-based participants, with up to 15 places available for South Australian practitioners and 15 places for practitioners from across Australia. It is free to attend AFF Expand Lab and each participant will receive a basic stipend to cover daily costs. National participants will receive financial support towards travel and accommodation.

AFF Expand Lab is an initiative of Adelaide Film Festival with Principal Partner The Balnaves Foundation, and the Government of South Australia, Samstag Museum of Art, Art Gallery of South Australia and Illuminate Adelaide. With support from Lot Fourteen.

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Courtesy : TM publicity

delaide Film Festival (AFF) has announced the return of its award winning AFF Expand Lab - the leading opportunity in Australia for established creative practitioners to meet and develop new ideas for moving image projects.

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Wishing You All A Happy Independence Day! May the tricolor ag always y high and the spirit of patriotism ll our hearts

JAGDISH LAKHANI COUNCILLOR, CAMPBELLTOWN CITY COUNCIL RIVER WARD (CAMPBELLTOWN AND PARADISE) cr.lakhani@campbelltown.sa.gov.au 0452 297 873 PO Box 301, Campbelltown SA 5074 http://riverwardjags.com/ Download Our App

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Health

Winter Nutrition: Ensur During the Cold AS WINTER DRAWS NEAR, MANY INDIVIDUALS FIND THEMSELVES GRAVITATING TOWARD HEARTY COMFORT FOODS AND CONFRONTING THE DIFFICULTIES OF MAINTAINING A BALANCED DIET. COMPREHENDING HOW TO FULFILL YOUR NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS DURING THE COLDER MONTHS IS ESSENTIAL FOR SUSTAINING HEALTH AND VITALITY.

Gautami Patel APD MND MSc AN

M

anifestations of Inadequate Winter Nutrition Neglecting to appropriately adjust your diet for winter can result in several manifestations, including: 4 Fatigue: Experiencing an unusual sense of tiredness or lethargy.

4 Xerosis: Skin may become rough or flaky due to diminished humidity.

4 Mood Disturbances: Heightened risk of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which can influence mood.

4 Compromised Immunity: Increased vulnerability to colds and influenza.

4 Diminished Sunlight: Shorter days and reduced sunlight exposure can lead to lower levels of vitamin D. 4 Alterations in Appetite: Cold weather may enhance cravings for high-calorie comfort foods, potentially leading to weight gain if not managed judiciously.

4 Reduced Physical Activity: Individuals tend to be less physically active in winter, which can affect overall energy requirements and metabolic rate.

Winter Nutrition Challenges Various factors contribute to nutritional difficulties during winter:

Nutritional Strategies for Winter To remain healthy and balanced throughout winter, consider these strategies: 4 Enhance Vitamin D Intake: Incorporate vitamin D-rich foods such as oily fish (e.g., salmon), fortified cereals, and consider supplements if necessary.

4 Maintain Hydration: Despite the cold, it is crucial to consume ample water.

Herbal teas can serve as a warming alternative.

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Health

ring Well-being d Season 4 Select Seasonal Vegetables: Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes are excellent nutrient sources and help keep you warm.

4 Sustain a Balanced Diet: Include a variety of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to stabilize energy levels and support overall well-being.

Myths and Facts 4 Myth: “Consuming more carbohydrates will help keep you warm.”

4 Fact: While carbohydrates can supply energy, balancing them with proteins and fats is imperative. Prioritize whole grains and lean proteins for a well-rounded diet.

4 Myth: “You don’t need to drink water if you’re not thirsty.”

4 Fact: Hydration is vital even in winter.

Cold air and indoor heating can lead to dehydration, so aim to drink water consistently throughout the day.

Interactive Quiz Test Your Winter Nutrition Acumen!

1. Which food is a good source of vitamin D? A) Broccoli B) Salmon C) Apples 2. True

or False:

It’s essential to drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty in winter.

3. What is a common manifestation of inadequate winter nutrition?

A) Increased energy B) Xerosis (Dry skin) C) Improved sleep 4. Which of the following is a good source of hydration in winter?

A) Hot chocolate B) Herbal tea C) Sugary soda Answers: 1. B) Salmon 2. True 3. B) Xerosis (Dry skin) 4. B) Herbal tea Quick Winter Recipe: Hearty Vegetable Soup Ingredients: 4 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 1 large onion, diced 4 2 cloves garlic, minced 4 3 carrots, peeled and sliced 4 2 potatoes, peeled and diced 4 1 parsnip, peeled and sliced 4 1 can diced tomatoes (400g) 4 4 cups vegetable broth 4 1 cup frozen peas 4 1 teaspoon dried thyme 4 Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: 1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.

2. Add carrots, potatoes, and parsnip, and cook for another 5 minutes.

3. Stir in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and thyme. Bring to a boil.

4. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.

5. Add frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve hot.

Enjoy this nourishing soup as a warm and comforting meal to help maintain your health throughout the winter season!

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Health

Dos and Don’ts for Thy Guide to Better

THYROID DISORDERS ARE COMMON, AFFECTING MILLIONS OF PEOPLE WORLDWIDE. PROPER MANAGEMENT IS CRUCIAL TO MAINTAINING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE. HERE’S A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO HELP YOU NAVIGATE THE DOS AND DON’TS FOR THYROID HEALTH.

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Dos 1. Take Medication as Prescribed 4 Consistency is Key: Take your thyroid medication at the same time every day, preferably in the morning on an empty stomach.

4 Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions: Do not adjust your dose without consulting your healthcare provider.

2. Monitor Your Diet 4 Incorporate Iodine-Rich Foods: Seafood, dairy products, and iodized salt are good sources of iodine, which is essential for thyroid function.

4 Eat Selenium-Rich Foods: Brazil nuts, eggs, and sunflower seeds help support thyroid health.

4 Include Zinc and Iron: Foods like meat, shellfish, legumes, and pumpkin seeds are beneficial.

AUGUST I 2024

3. Regular Exercise 4 Stay Active: Regular physical activity helps regulate metabolism and improve overall well-being.

4 Choose Low-Impact Exercises: Walking, swimming, and yoga are excellent options, especially if you experience joint pain or fatigue.

4. Stay Hydrated 4 Drink Plenty of Water: Proper hydration supports metabolic processes and helps flush out toxins.

5. Regular Check-Ups 4 Monitor Your Thyroid Levels: Regular blood tests are essential to ensure your thyroid hormone levels are within the normal range.

4 Stay in Touch with Your Endocrinologist: Regular visits to your healthcare provider help in www.DesiAustralia.com

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Health

yroid Patients: A r Health adjusting treatment plans as needed.

Don’ts 1. Avoid Excessive Soy Intake 4 Limit Soy Products: High amounts of soy can interfere with thyroid hormone absorption. Moderate consumption is generally safe.

2. Beware of Goitrogens 4 Limit Certain Vegetables: Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts can interfere with thyroid function if consumed in large quantities. Cooking these vegetables can reduce their goitrogenic effects.

3. Avoid Excessive Iodine

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4 Moderation is Key: While iodine is essential, too much can be harmful.

Avoid excessive use of iodine supplements unless prescribed by a doctor.

4. Don’t Skip Medication 4 Maintain Consistency: Skipping doses can lead to fluctuations in thyroid hormone levels, causing symptoms to worsen.

5. Limit Caffeine and Alcohol 4 Monitor Your Intake: Excessive caffeine and alcohol can disrupt thyroid function and exacerbate symptoms.

6. Don’t Ignore Symptoms 4 Listen to Your Body: Symptoms like

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fatigue, weight changes, and mood swings should not be ignored. Seek medical advice if you experience any changes.

Conclusion Managing thyroid health involves a combination of proper medication, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine medical check-ups. By following these dos and don’ts, thyroid patients can maintain better health and improve their quality of life. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and treatment plans.

Authored By Dr. Yuvraj Devgan ( MBBS, MS, FMAS, DMAS, FDFM, MCh Endocrine Surgery Ex SGPGI, Lucknow ) Dr. Harpuneet Kaur ( MBBS, MS Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery Ex GOMCO Patiala); Member Indian Society of Thyroid Surgeons For more thyroid related blogs, visit us on www.ydsharma.com

Disclaimer : This article is intended for educational purpose only.

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Community News | Adelaide

Arjun Singh Tokhi: A Distinguished Career in Sports and Coaching Across Continents

DIVERSE PROFESSIONAL ROLES AND ENTREPRENEURIAL SUCCESS IN AUSTRALIA

A

Daljeet Bakshi rjun Singh Tokhi’s journey is a remarkable testament to dedication, skill, and perseverance. From his early days as a standout athlete in India to his influential role as a coach and leader in Australian weightlifting, Arjun’s career spans continents and disciplines. His achievements, both on the field and in his professional life, reflect a deep commitment to excellence and Download Our App

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Community News | Adelaide

a passion for fostering talent. This writeup explores the highlights of his illustrious career and his impactful contributions to the world of sports and beyond.

Tokhi Graduation from Guru Nanak Dev Uni • Worked in Railway(Rail Coach Factory) for 5 years • Worked in Punjab Police for 14 years • Six time Punjab state champion • North india champion • All India Inter University champion • Junior National Champion v In 2000-2001 did coaching course from N.S. N.I.S Patiala ..topped the batch and awarded “A” Grade v Coached Punjab Police team v Also imparted duty to National team as Coach. Moved to Australia in 2008 v Head Coach of SAWLA (South Australian Weightlifting Association) and produce weightlifters rom Club level to Commonwealth level--Best weightlifters in Women and Junior boys v National Coach of Australia, also become forest South Australian to Coach Australian team in international competition . v President of SAWLA (South Australian Weightlifting Association) for three years v Won Gold Medal in Commonwealth Weightlifting championship (Masters) Since I landed in Australia, have done various works Forklift Driver, Age Care Worker, Remedial Massage Therapist, Bus Driver and now running own business Tokhi Driving Solution which provide training and licencing in Heavy vehicles from 11 years .

Arjun Singh Tokhi Education and Early Career: 4 G raduated from Guru Nanak Dev University.

4 A ccumulated 5 years of experience working at the Rail Coach Factory.

4 Dedicated 14 years to serving in the Punjab Police.

Sports Achievements: 4 Six-time Punjab State Champion.

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4North India Champion.

4All India Inter-University Champion.

4Junior National Champion.

Coaching Career: 4 C ompleted a coaching course at the National Institute of Sports, Patiala, in 2000-2001, graduating top of the class with an “A” grade.

4 S erved as a coach for the Punjab Police team.

4 Also served as a coach for the National Team.

for three years.

4 Achieved a Gold Medal in the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship (Masters).

Other Professional Roles: 4 Since moving to Australia, he has held various positions, including Forklift Driver, Aged Care Worker, Remedial Massage Therapist, and Bus Driver.

4 C urrently, he owns and operates Tokhi Driving Solutions, a business that has been providing training and licensing in heavy vehicles for the past 11 years.

Migration to Australia: 4 R elocated to Australia in 2008.

Professional Contributions in Australia: 4 A ppointed Head Coach of the South Australian Weightlifting Association (SAWLA), where he developed athletes from club level to Commonwealth level, producing top-performing female and junior male weightlifters.

4 S erved as the National Coach of Australia and became the first South Australian to coach the Australian team in international competitions.

4 Held the position of President of SAWLA AUGUST I 2024

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9th Arts & Cultural Ganesh Festival of SA

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ome celebrate with us 9th Arts and Cultural Ganesh Festival of SA, hosted by the United Indians of South Australia on 7 (Saturday) and 8 (Sunday) September 2024 at Parks

Recreation Centre, Angle Park. Celebrate multiculturalism and unity in diversity.

Experience vibrant cultural performances from different countries and cultures and captivating dhol, tasha, and lezim presentation by kids and adults, and

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savour traditional prasad. Don’t miss the magnificent 21-foot Bappa idol. Bring your family, connect with the community, and celebrate the rich heritage of various cultures. For more information, visit www.uiosa.org.au

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