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Anmol Anand, Debasree Das, Dileep Narayan, Dr Raj Kotharu, Gary Nair, Harpal Sandhu, Manjit Sethi, Narisa Dawar, Sanchita Abrol, Karthik Arasu, Abhi Narayan, Gurpal Singh, Monisha Iswaran, P. Harsora, Nandita Chakraborty, Archita Baweja, Barinderjeet Kaur, Gurpal Singh, Muktesh Chibber, Shivani Prabhu, Payel Ghosh Disclaimer: Opinions published in G’Day India are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. No advertising design or material is to be reproduced without the written consent of the editor. All copyrights reserved to G’Day India. Articles, pictures, photographs and advertisements accepted by G’Day India Pty Ltd are on the understanding that the supplier of such materials has obtained all the relevant copyrights, permissions and grants permission to G’Day India Pty Ltd to publish them. Any liability arising from failure to obtain such permission lies entirely and exclusively with the supplier. Qualities of products and services advertised in G’Day India are not guaranteed by G’Day India Pty Ltd.
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2021 NEW YEAR MESSAGE
G’DAY INDIA | JAN 2021
Message from Prime Minister Scott Morrison Thursday 31 December 2020: Happy New Year, Australia.
You know, as we embark on this New Year, I have never felt more proud of my country than I am today. We have confronted the greatest challenge Australians have faced since the Second World War. And we have proved that once again, we are a nation of overcomers. We're a nation that prevails. And we are making our way through this crisis in a very Australian way, guided by our own enduring principles and values that have served us so well. And together we have done better than almost any other country in the world. Like the generations before us, in this past year we have found that same indomitable Australian spirit. We've found the grit; we've found the ingenuity and the forbearance. And we have been upheld most of all by our wonderful spirit of mateship. In a period of unprecedented isolation, we have once again found each other and turned to each other. As a result, we are getting through this together. But that's always been the story of Australia. A people who look out for each other and strive to do what's right, who seek to advance together. A people where everyone plays their part. Even though I know there are a lot more challenges ahead of us in 2021, I have the hope and I have the optimism and the confidence in my fellow Australians, in you, about our country and our capacity to respond to whatever continues to come our way. This is not a faint or vain hope, but one based on our experience together, especially over this past year. We have worked together to save lives and save livelihoods. Every part of our country has stepped up and continues to step up, even now. I want to thank all Australians who have sacrificed so much, served so greatly and even now continue in their steadfast dedication to their duty at this time. From our health workers, collecting test samples and tracing the contacts, tending to our elderly, counselling on our help lines, and supporting our quarantine arrangements, ably assisted by our defence forces and our police and emergency service personnel. And in our community, Australians, you have patiently come forward to be tested. You've complied with public health orders. You're doing the right thing, pushing past the disappointment and frustration of restrictions to push through as a country. And so also to the many business owners of Australia. I know you've been struggling with the uncertainty that a pandemic brings, but you've been keeping your show together and pressing on both for your own sake and that of the employees that you care so much about. I thank you. In 2021, well, we must stay vigilant as we continue our comeback, a comeback that is now well underway despite the present challenges we face. A safe and effective vaccine, validated, proven by our scientists, by our doctors, will be available to all Australians and will be a key step in our recovery in 2021. Our economic recovery plan will continue to get even more Australians back into work and restore their livelihoods, driven by a business led recovery. You know, around 80 per cent of the jobs that were lost during the pandemic have already been recovered. 450,000 businesses have graduated from JobKeeper to support themselves. That's taken more than two million Australians off taxpayer funded income support. That's real signs of progress. As always, though, for any government, our first responsibility is to keep Australians safe, to work hard to that objective, but to stand up also for the things we believe in as Australians and not be intimidated and always protect our sovereignty. So, Australia, as we go into this New Year, stronger, safer, together. That's the path ahead of us in 2021. Let's continue on that path in the way we've been able to get through this past year and emerge even stronger in 2021. I wish you a very happy, a very safe and a prosperous New Year, from my family to yours. God bless you, Australia, and thank you.
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NEWS VICTORIA
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Supporting COVIDSafe Multicultural Festivals and Events
MELBOURNE, Jan 6: The Andrews Labor Government is helping diverse communities come together in a COVIDSafe way to celebrate their culture and traditions.
Acting Minister for Multicultural Affairs Shaun Leane today opened the Multicultural Festivals and Events Program, inviting organisations to apply for funding for events to be held between March and June this year. The funding recognises the important role of community connection and celebration and will support events held either in person or in a digital format. Any in-person event must adhere to the COVIDSafe Public Events Framework. With the entertainment and events industry one of the hardest hit because of the pandemic, this funding will help bring more life and colour to the state, celebrating our vibrant cultural diversity, whilst ensuring the health and safety of all Victorians.
In March, Victoria’s Greek community will celebrate the 200th anniversary of Greek independence – a significant occasion on the cultural calendar. Delivering on an election commitment, the Labor Government is investing $200,000 to support celebrations. Victoria is home to the largest Greek
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population in the world outside of Greece. This year’s funding also includes $50,000 to support organisations holding Hindu celebrations, events and festivals. Applications close 3pm on Wednesday, 3 February. For more information or to apply, visit vic.gov.au/multicultural-festivals-andevents-program.
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All Trains to Lead to Footscray Thanks To Victoria’s Big Build
MELBOURNE, Dec 29: Train passengers at Footscray are set to be big winners in Victoria’s Big Build as the station will become a key gateway between Melbourne’s west and the CBD with projects like the Metro Tunnel and Melbourne Airport Rail. Acting Premier and Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan today visited Footscray Station, which will give Victorians easy travel to the growing western suburbs and regional Victoria from the CBD and the new station at the airport. Footscray passengers will enjoy a turnup-and-go service to the airport with a direct 18-minute trip every 10 minutes, while also delivering easy connections to Melbourne’s west and regional Victoria including Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong.
Citybound trains will run every two minutes from Footscray in the peak, providing direct access to the Metro Tunnel’s five new underground stations at Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall and Anzac. This new infrastructure is giving Victorians more choice on their journeys – and passengers will still be able to catch a direct train from Footscray to key destinations like Southern Cross, Flinders Street or Melbourne Central. Planning for Melbourne Airport Rail is progressing well, with the next phase of community and industry engagement now underway to gain valuable feedback that will help deliver this once-in-a-generation project. The confirmed Melbourne Airport Rail
route will see trains travel from a new station at the airport to the CBD through the new Metro Tunnel, before continuing on the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines.
go faster by 2025, while work on Melbourne Airport Rail is expected to start in 2022 and the railway will open in 2029 – subject to relevant Victorian and Federal approvals.
The Metro Tunnel will free up space to run more trains, more often across Melbourne, providing travel time savings for Sunbury, Werribee and Williamstown line passengers who travel via Footscray.
Together, these projects will support up to 15,000 local jobs, while also prioritising local suppliers and providing real life experience for apprentices, trainees and cadets.
More than 60 per cent of tunnelling is complete on the Metro Tunnel, with the project a year ahead of schedule – and the first tunnel boring machine, Joan, breaking through at the first CBD station. The Tunnel is on track to get hundreds of thousands of Victorians where they need to
The Andrews Labor Government is also delivering improvements to Footscray Station as part of the Sunbury Line Upgrade – with platform extensions and new wheelchair boarding pads to allow for bigger trains and ensure all Victorians have access to a worldclass train service. (MEDIA RELEASE)
Support for Victorians With Anxiety
MELBOURNE, Dec 29: The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring Victorians struggling with anxiety and distress get the support they need.
Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria will receive an extra $200,000 to provide surge capacity for their specialist OCD and anxiety helpline, which has experienced a 232 percent rise in demand this year. This comes following a $250,000 investment to ARCVic earlier this year, to improve access to support and ongoing care for people with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and other anxiety conditions. Since the start of the pandemic, the service has recruited 70 more volunteers and extended its operating hours, so more
Victorians can access the support they need, when they need it. This funding will deliver the new CARES 4ME program to be run by ARCVic, that caters to those who require ongoing support.
ensure Victorians get the mental health support they need when they need it. This investment will fund the rollout of the interim recommendations from the Royal Commission into Mental Health.
CARES 4ME program matches clients to trained volunteers with lived experience of anxiety. Volunteers provide emotional support and practical guidance to help people work through their individual needs and to develop anxiety management strategies.
Since the start of the pandemic, the Labor Government has invested more than $220 million into mental health services, to help Victorians reaching out for help with stress, isolation and uncertainty during and after the coronavirus pandemic.
This initiative continues to fill the gaps in the system during the pandemic and ensuring Victorians get the specialised support they need, by providing regular check-ins. The Victorian Budget 2020/21 is investing $868.6 million in the recent budget, to
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For OCD and anxiety support call ARCVic on 1300 269 438. Other mental health resources and support service are available at https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/mentalhealth-resources-coronavirus-covid-19
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NEWS VICTORIA
Mapping the Health of Victorians Through the Decades
G’DAY INDIA | JAN 2021
New Suburb for Melbourne’s South East
MELBOURNE, Dec 27: Victorian researchers are embarking on one of the largest health studies in the world, tracking a whole generation of Victorians to paint a complete picture of their health and wellbeing, and to help provide answers to complex health issues like asthma, food allergies, obesity, autism and mental illness. Over the next two years around 150,000 children born in Victoria and their parents will have the opportunity to take part in the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute’s Generation Victoria (GenV) project – officially launched today. Starting at the Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s at Sunshine Hospital, the project will roll out to all Victorian birthing hospitals throughout 2021, providing families with a baby born between 2021 and 2023 with the opportunity to join the long-term study, no matter where they live. The opt-in project will explore critical links between environment, genetics, physical characteristics and development milestones later in life. All information obtained in the study will be de-identified and the highest privacy provisions will be enforced. The first project of its kind in Australia, GenV will give Victoria’s research community access to a more complete picture of the health and wellbeing of a generation, providing the insight and information needed to make breakthroughs in some of the most complex health problems faced by families. As part of the GenV project, one of the world’s largest biobanking facilities was recently built at the Royal Children’s Hospital to store and protect bio samples.
MELBOURNE, Jan 2: The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring the right infrastructure is in place to support a new community in Melbourne’s south east – including thousands of new homes, four new schools and 22 MCG’s worth of parkland. Pakenham East will feature 7,200 new homes, creating 1,300 new jobs and adding more than $1 billion to the Victorian economy over the coming years. The new suburb will include a local town centre and convenience centre, two government primary schools, one nongovernment primary school, one government secondary school, three community centres and 44 hectares of local parks and sports reserves. Pakenham East will feature beautiful green spaces where the new community can enjoy the unique benefits of their natural landscape. Deep Creek, Hancocks Gully and two hilltops will be turned into public open space.
This state-of-the-art facility will provide researchers in fields like allergy studies, nutrition, mental health and immunity with the tools they need to analyse trends and make therapeutic discoveries for years to come. GenV is a joint initiative between the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, the Royal Children’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne, and is proudly supported by the Andrews Labor Government, the Paul Ramsay Foundation and the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation. (MEDIA RELEASE)
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Local residents will be able to move around easily with access to new pedestrian and cycling links to the recently announced Pakenham East and the existing Pakenham Station which will be upgraded as part of the Cranbourne-Pakenham Line Level Crossing Removal Project. The new suburb will also have an extensive network of local roads feeding onto the Princes Highway. The new suburb will be guided by the recently approved Pakenham East Precinct Structure Plan. This is the first plan to be approved under the Labor Government’s new VPA Fast Track program to provide certainty for communities about future development, a pipeline of development for industry and future jobs and homes for Victorians and unlock $17 billion for Victoria’s economy. Construction of Pakenham East will commence in early 2021, for further information on the plan for Pakenham East visit: vpa.vic.gov.au/pakenham-east-psp
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All 2021 New Schools Built Ready for Students to Attend
MELBOURNE, Dec 23: Thousands of students will start 2021 in new schools, as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s commitment to open 100 new schools. Minister for Education James Merlino announced that works on all 14 new primary and secondary schools for 2021 had now been completed ahead of staff and students attending in Term 1, 2021. Construction works have recently been completed on Footscray High School’s $29.275 million Pilgrim Campus, and the following new schools already completed to open in 2021: • Aintree Primary School
• Docklands Primary School • Cranbourne West Secondary College • Edenbrook Secondary College • Edgars Creek Primary School • Eynesbury Primary School • Gaayip-Yagila Primary School • Garrang Wilam Primary School • Keelonith Primary School • Orchard Park Primary School • Oberon High School • Ramlegh Park Primary School • Riverbend Primary School The Labor Government’s school building boom is creating new facilities for those in Melbourne’s growing suburbs, while delivering vital jobs as we drive the state’s economic recovery from the pandemic.
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Every new Victorian primary school being built from 2021 will have a kindergarten on-site or next door, to reduce the burden on parents and carers while continuing to build the Education State. In the past five years, the Labor Government has invested more than $9 billion in more than 1,600 school upgrades – creating more than 10,000 construction jobs – and is now ahead of schedule its commitment to open 100 new schools by 2026, with 48 new schools opening between 2019 and 2022. (MEDIA RELEASE)
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NEWS AUSTRALIA
G’DAY INDIA | JAN 2021
We are one and free:
Australia amends anthem to honour indigenous people CANBERRA, Jan 1: Australia brought in the New Year differently this year by tweaking their national anthem 'Advance Australia Fair' slightly to recognize the country's Indigenous history and communities, said Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
for the Indigenous population and a year later, athletes refused to sing the anthem at the football matches.
The first line, "Australians all let us rejoice, for we are young and free," will now end with "one and free." "Australia as a modern nation may be relatively young, but our country's story is ancient, as are the stories of the many First Nations peoples whose stewardship we rightly acknowledge and respect," Morrison wrote in an opinion piece in the Sydney Morning Herald as quoted by CNN.
In 2020, national rugby union players sang the anthem in the language of the Eora Nation -- the first time it has been sung in an Indigenous language at a major sporting event. Peter Vickery, the founder and chair of the non-profit Representation In Anthem, has been campaigning for a more inclusive anthem since 2016. "Many of our indigenous people found it difficult, if not impossible, to sing the exclusionary words of 'Advance Australia Fair'," Vickery said on Friday adding, "We simply can't have an anthem which causes hurt to its own people."
song and start fresh with bit of black history and white history in a positive light to what our great country is today," he wrote in a tweet. "The core of the anthem is advance Australia white!! Do your own research on it," it read further.
CNN reported that Vickery worked with other Indigenous leaders and singers to create alternate, more inclusive lyrics -- one change being the phrase "one and free" that Morrison adopted.
Vickery acknowledged such criticisms, saying the campaign's symbolic power "can never be a substitute for substance." But, he added, the anthem was still "a critically important first step."
"Frankly, I'm elated... It does achieve a major objective of our work, which was to convert words of hurt or exclusion to words of inclusion, and embrace a multicultural society of the 21st century," Vickery said.
While the country's Indigenous population makes up 3.3 per cent of 25 million people, by they account for more than a quarter of its 41,000 prisoners, CNN reported. Indigenous Australians are also almost twice as likely to die by suicide, have a life expectancy that is almost nine years lower, and have higher infant mortality rates than non-Indigenous Australians.
"In the spirit of unity, it is only right that we also now acknowledge this and ensure our national anthem reflects this truth and shared appreciation. Changing 'young and free' to 'one and free' takes nothing away, but I believe it adds much," he added. History suggests that the Australian governments of the past have changed the song to make it more inclusive when Peter Dodds McCormick's original 1878 composition was declared the official national anthem in 1984, replacing "God Save the Queen," two instances of "sons" were switched with gender-neutral phrasing. The American media outlet reported that the anthem has become controversial in recent years, amid growing conversation about Indigenous representation, systemic inequality, and racial injustice. "In particular, many have pushed back against the phrase "for we are young and free" -- a nod to when Britain's First Fleet landed in Australia in 1788 -- given Australia is home to one of the world's oldest known civilizations," CNN reported. In 2018, a 9-year-old girl was attacked by prominent politicians, who called for her to be kicked out of school, because she refused to stand during the anthem out of respect
While prominent Indigenous Australian figures, including Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt and Olympic gold medal-winning sprinter Cathy Freeman celebrated the change, it was met with skepticism that the change was it "insubstantial, and more symbolic than effecting any real change." Indigenous former world boxing champion Anthony Mundine called the new change as not "good enough" adding that the country must "scrap the song and start fresh with bit of black history and white history." "The anthem one-word change isn't good enough! Need to scrap the
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The unemployment rate for Indigenous Australians is more than 4 times the national average. Ian Hamm, chair of the Indigenous organization First Nations Foundation, praised the changed lyric -- but also highlighted other, more concrete actions that need to be taken. "I think it's a good step, but after all, it's just one step, one thing," Hamm said, as quoted by CNN. "And the anthem in itself is just that -- it's a song. There's a whole bunch of other initiatives and changes and efforts to be done to create equity of opportunity for Aboriginal people, and equity in life outcomes for Aboriginal peoples." (ANI)
G’DAY INDIA | JAN 2021
Majority of Australians willing to pay for early Covid-19 vaccine
CANBERRA, Dec 21: An international survey revealed on Monday that a majority of Australians were willing to pay for an early vaccine against the novel coronavirus. The survey, which was conducted by Australian consultancy firm CT Group, found that 72 per cent of Australians were willing to take vaccine compared to 57 per cent who were unwilling. Twelve per cent of Australians said they would pay to be vaccinated early at any price and 43 per cent said they would pay up to A$170 ($129) to receive the shot early. The Australian government has repeatedly said that the vaccine will be free but will be
rolled out in stages from March 2021 with the elderly, vulnerable and healthcare workers to be prioritized. More than half of Australian respondents to the survey said that the vaccine should be optional compared to 40 per cent who want it to be compulsory. Only 43 per cent of Australians said they expect further waves of the pandemic compared to 75 per cent in the US and 73 per cent in the UK. "Australians have shown themselves to be able to work together during the pandemic, and pride in what's been achieved is high," Catherine Douglas, managing director of CT
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Group's Australian research and campaigns business, said. "They are cautiously supportive of the vaccine, but just want to be sure it's safe and effective before committing to taking it. "But the research also clearly suggests people are not quite ready to return to doing things as they were pre-Covid," Douglas added. As of Monday, Australia's overall caseload and death toll stood at 28,171 and 908, respectively. (AGENCIES)
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NEWS AUSTRALIA
Govt urged to support Covid-affected businesses
CANBERRA, Jan 4: Australia's Opposition Labor Party urged the federal government to support businesses that continue to be affected by the coronavirus pandemic with emergency economic backing.
Katy Gallagher, Labor's finance spokesperson, said that the government was withdrawing economic support measures at a time when domestic border restrictions have been re-imposed as a result of recent coronavirus outbreaks. As of Monday, the Jobkeeper economic stimulus payment was cut from A$1,200 ($924) per fortnight to A$1,000 for workers who normally worked more than 20 hours per week but have been unable to because of the pandemic. The payment for recipients who normally worked fewer than 20 hours per week was cut
G’DAY INDIA | JAN 2021
from A$750 to A$650.
Gallagher further said that the changes would hurt regional communities that are reliant on tourism, calling for the government to "urgently consider options to provide targeted support to hard-hit parts of the economy and ensure those who need financial support continue to receive it". "Many business owners are seeing holiday bookings cancelled or empty tables in their cafes and restaurants at what is usually their busiest time of the year," she said. "This is the second time in three months that the Morrison government has cut jobkeeper without a proper plan for jobs, despite the fact that 2.2 million Australians are looking for work or more work and the government expects another 90,000 will join the jobless queues by March."
More than 1.6 million Australians were receiving the Jobkeeper payment in the December quarter, down from a peak of 3.6 million at the height of the pandemic when all recipients were paid A$1,500 per fortnight. (AGENCIES)
Australia sues Facebook over its use of Onavo VPN app Facebook acquired Onavo in 2013 for a reported $200 million to use its VPN app to gather data about what people were doing on their phones.
Following the scandalous revelation where the social network was found to have been collecting data from teenagers using the "Facebook Research" app, the social networking giant ended its unpaid market research programmes and took the Onavo VPN app off the app stores. According to the ACCC, between February 1, 2016 to October 2017, Facebook and its subsidiaries Facebook Israel Ltd and Onavo Inc. misled Australian consumers by representing that the Onavo Protect app would keep users' personal activity data private, protected and secret.
SYDNEY, Dec 26: Australia's Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) sued Facebook for false, misleading or deceptive conduct while promoting its Onavo Protect mobile app to Australian consumers. Onavo Protect was a free downloadable software application providing a virtual private network (VPN) service.
Facebook had said that the "data would not be used for any purpose other than providing Onavo Protect's products". The ACCC alleged that Onavo Protect collected, aggregated and used significant amounts of users' personal activity data for Facebook's commercial benefit. "This included details about Onavo Protect users' internet and app activity, such as records
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of every app they accessed and the number of seconds each day they spent using those apps". This data was used to support Facebook's market research activities, including identifying potential future acquisition targets. "Through Onavo Protect, Facebook was collecting and using the very detailed and valuable personal activity data of thousands of Australian consumers for its own commercial purposes, which we believe is completely contrary to the promise of protection, secrecy and privacy that was central to Facebook's promotion of this app," said ACCC Chair Rod Sims. "Consumers often use VPN services because they care about their online privacy, and that is what this Facebook product claimed to offer. In fact, Onavo Protect channelled significant volumes of their personal activity data straight back to Facebook." Sim said that the conduct deprived Australian consumers of the opportunity to make an informed choice about the collection and use of their personal activity data by Facebook and Onavo. (AGENCIES)
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Australia's next federal polls likely to cost additional A$30mn
CANBERRA, Jan 5: Australia's next federal election is likely to cost the country about an additional A$30 million ($22 million) due to measures in place against the coronavirus pandemic, it was revealed.
In a submission to a Senate budget hearing, the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) revealed that the next election would cost taxpayers at least A$400 million, up from A$372 million in 2019, as a result of an expected increase in postal ballots and the hiring of Covid-19 wardens. "Many of the direct cost drivers for a Covidsafe election relate to personal protective equipment, additional security staff for social distancing and hygiene materials," it said. "Due to the long lead times and storage of many of the sanitizer products, it is unlikely there would be significant reductions in cost as most will be required for readiness for a 2021 event, even if the election does not occur until 2022."
The current three-year term of Parliament is set to end in 2022 but local media reports have said that MPs were preparing for Prime Minister Scott Morrison to call for an early election between August and November this year.
The AEC said that the status of the vaccine rollout would have a significant effect on the cost of the election. "A post-vaccine electoral event may see a reduction in staff costs (compared to a pre-vaccine event) due to the resourcing requirements to manage hygiene and physical distancing," it said. However, the government is not expecting the vaccine program to be completed until
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October under a best-case scenario. On Tuesday, Morrison told local radio station 3AW that there was a lot of work to do over the course of next 12 months and "an election isn't a due till 2022". "The election is not due until 2022, so I've got enough to do in 2021 and so does the rest of the country," he added.
(AGENCIES)
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NEWS WORLD
G’DAY INDIA | JAN 2021
Biden calls for Americans to unite, heal and rebuild in 2021
WASHINGTON, Jan 1: US Presidentelect Joe Biden shared a New Year's Eve message calling for the nation to "unite, heal and rebuild in 2021." "The challenges we face as a nation will not disappear overnight, but as we look forward to the start of a new year, I'm filled with fresh hope about the possibilities of better days to come," he wrote. He added, "After a year of pain and loss, let us unite, heal, and rebuild in 2021." The President-elect's tweet comes as the United States -- which has been the worstaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic -- tries to turn the corner as it has more than 19 million
cases and more than 344,000 people have succumbed to the virus across the country, according to Johns Hopkins University. The US has also seen months of social unrest this year as protests erupted over the deaths of Black Americans George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery. "The president-elect's message of unity has been consistent throughout most of 2020. During the Democratic primary earlier this year... He maintained that he could make deals to get things done for the American people and serve as a uniting force in a country that appears to be politically divided," The Hill reported.
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Shortly after his win in the 2020 presidential election, Biden immediately called for Americans to come together. "With the campaign over, it's time to put the anger and the harsh rhetoric behind us and come together as a nation," Biden said in November. "It's time for America to unite. And to heal." (ANI)
G’DAY INDIA | JAN 2021
Indian American Republican sworn in as Ohio state Senator WASHINGTON, Jan 5: IndianAmerican Republican Niraj Antani, who was elected to the Ohio state Senate from the 6th District, has been sworn in as a Senator.
Antani, who served as a state Representative since January 2015, said: "Truly honoured to have been officially sworn-in as state Senator today. As I became the first Indian American State Senator in Ohio history today, I vow to work hard every day so each Ohio can achieve their American Dream. "So grateful to be able to represent the community in which I was born and raised. To all my voters, supporters, and team: thank you." Antani, 29, defeated Democrat Mark Fogel
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Etihad Airways offers complimentary Covid-19 tests
in the November 2020 election.
The 6th Senate District includes southern, eastern, and northern Montgomery County, which has an Indian American population of more than 87,000, the American Bazaar said in a report. Antani was first elected to the Ohio statehouse in 2014, from the 42nd District. At 23, he was the youngest member of the House. He was the first Indian American Republican to serve in the Ohio House and second to get elected from the community to the statehouse. The Senator, who was born and raised in the Miami Township, graduated from Miamisburg High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from the Ohio State University In Ohio, a State Senator has a four-year term. (IANS)
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ABU DHABI, Jan 1: As airlines around the world gear up for the New Year with exciting offers and plans, the UAE's national airline, Etihad Airways, is offering travellers complimentary Covid-19 PCR tests. Covid-19 PCR testing is mandatory before every flight and depending on where you are flying to, your test must be carried out between 48, 72 or 96 hours ahead of your flight departure time. Etihad Airways' complimentary Covid-19 test will run until March 31, 2021, and is included with all flights from Abu Dhabi. This excludes flights to China where you will be required to arrange a Covid-19 PCR test at an approved SEHA or G42 clinic. (IANS)
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NEWS INDIA
G’DAY INDIA | JAN 2021
SGPC not to extend invite to Modi for 'anti-farmer' stand
Earlier, Modi was the chief guest at the event to mark the 550th birth anniversary of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak in November 2019. Now, the SGPC is going to start year-long celebrations for the 400th birth anniversary of the ninth Sikh master, Guru Teg Bahadur, from April. Bibi Jagir Kaur also demanded the reopening of the Kartarpur corridor that links Dera Baba Nanak town in Gurdaspur district with Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara in Shakargarh tehsil in Narowal district of Pakistan.
CHANDIGARH, Jan 6: Owing to his 'anti-farmer' stand by bringing three farm laws that the farmers have been demanding to revoke, the highest religious body of the Sikh community, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), has decided that Prime Minister Narendra Modi won't be extended the special invite for the Sikh centenary events. Normally, the SGPC extends special invites to the Prime Minister and the President on historical occasions. "We have decided not to extend any
special invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the upcoming centenary events, including the 400th birth anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur," SGPC chief Bibi Jagir Kaur said. The reason, she cited, was the Prime Minister's reluctance to revoke the three laws that the farmers fear will affect their livelihoods. At the same time, the SGPC chief said, "Anyone can come to attend any religious function of the Sikhs."
"Keeping in mind the sentiments of the sangat (community), the government of India should reopen the corridor that was temporarily shut due to the coronavirus pandemic," she added. In the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak, travel for Kartarpur Sahib was suspended on March 16, 2020, by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Modi on November 9, 2019, had opened the Kartarpur corridor by flagging off the first lot of pilgrims to visit the Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara, believed to have been built on the site where Guru Nanak died in the 16th century, located some 4 km inside Pakistan. (IANS)
Real life 'Vivah' sees man stand by severely injured bride
PRATAPGARH (Uttar Pradesh), Dec 27: Life has again imitated art and this seems to be a perfect replay of the 2006 blockbuster "Vivah". The incident took place in the Kunda area in Pratapgarh, earlier this week, where a young girl, dressing up for her marriage, met with an accident that led to severe disability.
The bride-to-be, Aarti, was getting ready for her marriage when she tumbled down a staircase while trying to save a child. She suffered a severe spinal injury and was rushed to a private hospital in Prayagraj.
designated time and would take care of her treatment.
The doctors informed her family members that Aarti may have to be confined to bed for several months and may even end up disabled.
The doctors were informed and Aarti was brought home on a stretcher for two hours and the marriage was solemnised at the designated time.
Her family members prepared themselves for the worst -- they knew that the wedding would be called off.
Immediately after the wedding, Aarti was taken back to the hospital.
Aarti's father asked the groom's family if they would now prefer to accept Aarti's younger sister as the bride. The groom-to-be Avadhesh then made an announcement that left his family and Aarti's family shocked. He said that he would marry Aarti at the
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His family tried to make him see reason but Avadhesh refused to relent.
She underwent a surgery on Wednesday and Avadhesh signed the requisite forms as her husband. "Since the marriage, Avadhesh has not left hospital and is taking care of Aarti. The families are overwhelmed at what has happened and people are praying for the girl's recovery," said a family member.
(IANS)
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India calls for global efforts against terrorists acquiring chemical weapons
UNITED NATIONS, Jan 6: India has expressed concern over the possibility of terrorists getting hold of chemical weapons and called for unrelenting global action against them. At a Security Council session on Tuesday on the use of chemical weapons in Syria, India's Permanent Representative T.S. Tirumurti, said, "India remains concerned about the possibility of such weapons falling into the hands of terrorist organisations and individuals." "Terrorist groups have taken advantage of the decade long conflict in Syria to entrench themselves posing a threat to the entire region. The world cannot afford to give these terrorists any sanctuary or dilute its fight against these terrorist groups," he said. Several terrorist organisations operate in Syria, notably the Islamic State which is active in some areas even after it had been ousted from the large tracts it controlled. Tirumurti reiterated India's unequivocal condemnation of the use of chemical weapons. "India has been firmly opposed to any use of chemical weapons anywhere, at any time, by anybody, and under any circumstances. We strongly condemn the use of chemical weapons, and there can be no justification for their use," he said. The session, held virtually, was the Council's first open meeting and India made its first official statement after joining the body this month as a non-permanent member.
The session tested the diplomatic finesse of New Delhi, which has amicable ties with Damascus, and was caught between the US and its allies opposed to Syria, and Russia and China, which are supportive of it. "In our view, politicisation of the issue is neither helpful nor productive," Tiriumurti said. "Any concerns should be addressed on the basis of consultation among all concerned parties," he added. About the "allegations of use of chemical weapons in Syria and investigations conducted in this regard, India has consistently underlined the need for an impartial and objective investigation into any alleged use of chemical weapons, scrupulously following the provisions and procedures laid down in the (Chemical Weapons) Convention," he said. He said: "We encourage continued engagement and cooperation between Syria and the OPCW (Organisation for Prevention of Chemical Weapons) Technical Secretariat towards an early resolution of all outstanding issues. India has provided a financial contribution of US$1 million to the OPCW Trust Fund for activities relating to destruction of chemical stockpiles and related facilities in Syria." Earlier, UN's High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu briefed the Council about the implementation of a 2013 resolution requiring Syria to destroy chemical weapons in accordance with an OPCW plan. The Council action had followed
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allegations of use of chemical weapons in Syria. Nakamitsu said that the international community cannot have full confidence that Syria's chemical weapons programme has been totally eliminated because Damascus has not yet provided some data. US and Russia faced off with a bitter exchange. US Deputy Permanent Representative Richard Mills accused the Bashar al-Assad's "regime" of making "a mockery of the structures in place to realise a world free of chemical weapons". He accused Russia of running a campaign to discredit the OPCW, which he asserted, had corroborated charges that Damascus had used chemical weapons against its people and . Russian Deputy Permanent Representative Dmitry Polyansky accused the western nations of using the OPCW as a tool of political manipulation. He defended Syria saying that it had joined the OPCW and destroyed its chemical weapons stockpile. He alleged that the OPCW had used inconclusive evidence like videos from social media and testimonies from those he said were biased witnesses from the anti-al-Assad opposition. By Arul Louis
G’Day Mate
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‘Oliver’ Top baby name in Victoria for the seventh time
MELBOURNE, Jan 8: Oliver has taken out top spot as the most popular boys’ baby name in Victoria for the seventh year running, while the always strongperformer Charlotte has reclaimed prime position for the girls. Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes today revealed the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages list of most popular baby names in 2020 – a year which saw 75,000 babies born in Victoria. In a year we will never forget, 546 Victorian babies were named Oliver – with Noah, William, Jack and Charlie rounding out the top five. Victoria also welcomed 413 Charlottes in 2020 – just 11 more than Amelia, which placed second, followed closely by Olivia, Mia and Isla. Recent years have seen little movement in the most popular names for both boys and girls, with Oliver, Jack, William, Olivia and Charlotte claiming a top five spot each year for the past decade. However, 2020 did see some new entrants with Archie and Theodore appearing in the top 20 boys’ names for the first time ever. Archie and Levi broke into the top 10 names for boys this year, while Ella,
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Grace and Matilda surged into the top 10 for the girls. In the top 100, the fastest mover for boys went to River – jumping 49 spots up the rankings to 57th place. Rosie climbed 54 spots up the girls’ list to place 62nd. Registering the arrival of your new baby with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages is easier than ever – it’s free and you can do it online from the comfort of your living room. For the full list of popular baby names visit www.bdm.vic.gov.au/names
OFF BEAT
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Designer Swapnil Shinde comes out as a transwoman, changes name to Saisha
NEW DELHI, Jan 7: Fashion designer Swapnil Shinde has announced she is a transwoman and changed her name to Saisha.
Shinde revealed that it was only in her 20s when she joined National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), she found the courage "to accept my truth."
Shinde, who has worked with Bollywood stars like Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Shraddha Kapoor, Taapsee Pannu and Kiara Advani, took to Instagram to make the announcement.
"I truly bloomed. I spent the next few years believing that I was attracted to men because I was gay, but it was only six years ago that I finally accepted to myself, and today that I accept to you. I am not a gay man. I am a transwoman," she said in her note, adding that her new name means a "meaningful life".
She has also shared pictures of herself post the transformation. Shinde wrote: "Irrespective of your origin, there will always be something that reminds you of your childhood. For me, it takes me back to the kind of loneliness that aches, to pressures that pushed me into solitude and the chaos of confusion that grew every moment. All through school and college, while the boys outside tormented me because I was different, the internal pain was far worse." She wrote that she felt suffocated living a reality that she knew wasn't her, "yet one that I had to stage every day because of societal expectations and norms," she wrote.
Bollywood celebrities including Shruti Haasan, Aditi Rao Hydari, Esha Gupta and Shraddha Srinath, congratulated Shinde for opening up and speaking publicly. Television actress Hina Khan also penned a note for Shinde. She wrote: "Identity can originate on the basis of gender but to identify with it, one has to be soulfully connected to it. The warmth and inclusiveness, the creativity and liberalism, the calibre and candour that you possess dear Saisha ... is based on the power of your soul."
GETTING MARRIED IN AUSTRALIA
MARRIAGES IN AUSTRALIA All of this data is based upon the National and state statistics on marriages and divorces, including same-sex couples. As per the Attorney General’s department, the median age at marriage in 2019 was 32.3 years of age for males and 30.5 years of age for females. Since 2009, median age at marriage has increased from 31.5 to 32.3 years of age for males and 29.2 to 30.5 years for females. This includes those marrying for the first time, as well as those remarrying after being widowed or divorced. In 2019, nearly one-third of females who married did so between the ages of 25 and 29, and a further 23.6% married between the ages of 30 and 34. Over one-quarter of males who married were aged between 25 and 29, and a further quarter married between the ages of 30 and 34. In 2019, March was the most popular month in which to marry,12.6% of couples married in March. Spring was the most popular season in which to marry, with 32.4% of couples marrying between
September and November. Saturday 19 October was the most popular day on which to marry, with 1,976 couples tying the knot that day. Popularity of marriage month varies by state and territory. In 2019, March was the most popular month in which to marry for those who wed in NSW, Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania and the ACT. July was the most popular month to wed in the Northern Territory. September was most popular for Queensland weddings. November was the most popular month in which to marry in South Australia.
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Commenting on Shinde's post, actress Parineeti Chopra said: "So happy to read this. Up and up from here, Saisha." (AGENCIES)
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Magnificent Six
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Foodies of Melbourne Affair with food by home grown foodies
Chetna Kaku
Kavita Chabra
Krupa Vachhani
Mittel Chandaria
Rohan Desai
Sonya Brown
Some foodies of the Indian Food Australia Facebook group get-together in Melbourne hosted by Raja from Sabrini Foods
Inviting you to meet the 6 upcoming talents of the facebook group ‘Indian Food Australia” making their debut - G’day India talks to them about their food and love for food. COVID, from the lockdowns to the COVID-normal postlockdown, has changed everybody’s lives. Businesses, from art to media, felt the brunt of it; everyone just stopped. It was an unattractive proposition and there was this palpable sense of loss in the air. But it was amazing to see resilience in people. It was as if everyone was in sync with each other and a huge race came to a sudden halt, giving time to ponder. There was no warning, nothing, as if someone has pushed a temporary halt button with a never-ending expiration date for this mad race we called life. For many, a career change was forced, and for many it was a redemption. In March, the editor of The Indian Weekly and G’day India decided to do just that by
bringing the community closer to fill the void. A foodie group called ‘Indian Food Australia’ was formed on Facebook by Gurbir Sethi, a confessed foodie who wanted to keep the community engaged during this isolation – and also because every morning, the only question that would sizzle after breakfast in his household was “What’s for lunch?”
repeatedly shown persistence and consistence with their great talents for the love of food. Call it their calling, as for them 2020 has been one giant leap for them to re-invent themselves. So here are their stories. I hope you enjoy reading about them as I certainly enjoyed writing about them.
Ten months on, Indian Food Australia has grown to 4.7k members. It’s a strictly private group but we have seen exciting culinary triumphs from some cooks. They turn at least three to four people away on a daily basis because they can smell their honesty about food. It’s a nononsense group of likeminded people who worship food.
The class of 2020 is full of tasty, sassy storytellers – and food connects them with their families and friends. Blending their mothers’ techniques with modern antiquities, our six home grown foodies are precious jewels. From medicinal purposes to the five love languages of food, they flirt with food on daily basis in their kitchen, teasing us with photos to the point that we are drooling on Facebook.
But then there are six out of these 4.7K members who have
We have learned one thing during this pandemic: we are
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certainly excited for food and foodies, and we won’t stop writing about it – life is too short for that. Gurbir Sethi started the group for his wife, Manjit Sethi, because he wanted to create a place for her gastronomical affairs – an affair that he is proud to associate with. And with that, I conclude with a quote (or more a question) by the man himself, Gurbir Sethi: “Do we eat to live or live to eat?”
By Nandita Chakraborty
(Nandita is an Author, Screen Writer, Blogger and a foodie All foodies presented in alphabetical order
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Chetna’s La Gur Jo Lolo The lyrical jaggery roti – sounding more Parisian than the humble Indian roti.
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ife is a little boring without food and inspiration. But our home cooks have shown repeatedly how food manifests the idea of being someone else and taking us to a magical place. A plate of delicious food without the right accessories is as plain and boring as cup of tea without milk. This six-part series of our home cook chef in lockdown series has created this sudden surge in our passions, expanding food to that triumphant glory where we believe everyone can be cooks – but only few dare to expand on that belief. So here I am taking to another expat from India, this time from the capital: ‘Dil walon ki Delhi’. Meet Chetna Kaku. She beautifully sums up her life with choices: a mum by choice, corporate account executive by profession and chef by heart. What more does a woman want? Originally from Delhi (India), she lived in New Zealand for eight years and finally moved to Melbourne six years ago. To her, cooking seems like a small word with an enormous capacity to explore. Just like diving into an ocean, not knowing what to expect with each wave pushing you deeper inside. By comparing the ocean with her creativity, it’s like she’s diving into the recipe of ideas with which she cannot wait to experiment. To Chetna, food presentation is the best way for a chef’s interpretation and personality to come out in a dish. As I interview the six prodigies of ‘Indian Food Australia’ (A food group on Facebook started in March 2020), I get this deep sense of how they all use the five senses, but most common is eating with the eyes. Chetna says that if we could just spend that extra time, just a minute or so on plating, then the aesthetic results will be pleasing. Texture and colour create a symphony on the plate. We all know how important food is to us – we all cook at least once a day. Cooking for and feeding others says a lot about people. It’s an emotional thing, connected with the heart. Hence, it also plays an important role in Chetna’s life. She loves spending hours in the kitchen exploring a new recipe – just like Heston Blumenthal, but only with real food for home cooking. Her fondest memories are of her childhood; not mincing words, she says mothers are great chefs and she’s her mum’s biggest fan. “Staying apart brings us close” has been the mantra for 2020 and I think this is a phrase for every expat living away from home.
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Chetna’s favourite food memories are attached with a Sindhi festival known as “Thadri”; it falls in the month of August, just a day before Lord Krishna’s birthday (Janmashtami). The festival is also able to ward off diseases like measles and poxes. Her mum used to make a lyrical Parisian sounding snack, “gur jo lolo” (jaggery roti). The sound itself left me salivating, so I can understand Chetna’s dilemma in waiting for that festival just to eat “gur jo lolo”. She joined the ‘Indian Food Australia’ Facebook group in April 2020. Inspired by both home cooks and top chefs, it has been a rewarding journey so far. Posting over 250+ recipes so far, people have been texting or sending her private messages for tips and tricks relating to recipes. Chetna says it’s so encouraging that it motivates her to try something different every day; her prep time for the next day begins just before she goes to bed. Her huge recipe booklet comes alive. Chetna loves to mix traditional with new. Fusion food is her favourite as she gets to experiment, leading her to discover her own recipes or perhaps invent a few along the way. Like most of us, her inspiration is her family and friends for whom she likes to cook. It’s all about sharing the plate, creating memories around the table. She is her mother’s daughter, walking in her mother’s footsteps in terms of cooking. We have a lot to thank our mothers and fathers for when it comes to food and creating our history. Her mother is a great cook. During her childhood, she was enchanted seeing her mother watching cooking shows. She has grown up seeing her passion for cooking make a variety of food on the table, and that deep immense joy she could see in her mother’s eyes was irreplaceable. Chetna’s confession is that she used to hate cooking before her marriage. So, can I then say marriage changes people - for good! Moving to New Zealand meant not only having to adapt, but also to up her game in the kitchen. There were numerous phone calls made to her mother in exchanges of love, recipes and techniques. So, she had 15 years of culinary experience before lockdown – her tribute to her mother. When Chetna tells me her pantry is incomplete without salt, I am not surprised as it’s a basic ingredient to balance food. Her most recent creation is her Facebook and Instagram page called Ffoodist. You can not only see images of her beautiful food but she shares her recipes. Her dream is to start a couture café: translating to a Parisian or Venetian style cafe with a small, unique, delicate and decadent menu. She would serve rich menus along with coffee, rotating in change of produce. Everyone had a favourite memory during the lockdown. Mine (apart from eating of course) was simply interviewing well-known chefs, writing articles and screenplays. Chetna was not far behind: her best memories were cooking and creating new recipes. The most memorable one is the fruit platter she created for Indian Independence Day. It was a sailing ship with the Indian flag on top and the fruit arrangement inspired by the orange, white and green of the Indian flag. I could just see how excited she got when she screamed “JAI HIND!” It was her dedication, creating something beautiful out of the flag in her great pride and love for her country. With such love and texture, I am so intrigued to see Chetna in the new future of food with her couture café and I wish her the very best in inspiring others and to keep doing what she is doing. Julia Child once said, “Cooking well doesn’t mean cooking fancy – if you are afraid of butter, use cream.”
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Kav’s Sambaling in Melbourne
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Graphic designing her plate with sambhal chili paste
avita Chabra moved from professional assessor and facilitator to graphic design – and is now dressing a plate of gorgeous food and bringing home that sense of “come dine with me” any time of the day. Kavita Chabra, born in Malaysia, has been in Australia for the last 15 years. She changes between many hats: professional assessor, facilitator in communication, graphic design, business and marketing management, event management, and multimedia. She has 15 years in training development and has been a creative principle of Urban Vegas Melbourne since 2010. She is a dedicated professional who enjoys creating, designing and exploring new techniques. Recently she added another feather to her cap: she styles and dishes art in all things culinary. She comes from a loving and supportive family and is the youngest of three siblings. She pursued her tertiary education in Singapore, London and Australia – later exploring opportunities around Europe, America and South Asia. Her travels around the globe have shaped the person she is today. A single mum to her seven-year-old son, she thanks her diverse experiences in businesses and travels for grooming her independence, her optimism and her love for cultural diversity. Kavita gives all her credit to her family back in Malaysia, where cooking is just not cooking; it brings family and friends closer through happy times. Cooking brings a smile to her face because creatively she is at her full potential; twists and turns take place in her kitchen just like a good crime novel where a detective has to be strategic to overcome all obstacles. Whether it’s a dessert or just a snack, Kavita puts her heart and soul in her plate, strategically and creatively. To her, the final presentation of a meal or a dessert is an essential part of her cooking process. She believes that most of the time, people eat with their eyes; to her, styling is important to draw the punters to the dinner table. She is her own inspiration when it comes to food; her talent has soared recently like any other artist experimenting with different skills, adapting techniques for what she prepares daily in her kitchen. She has learnt to articulate her recipes and cooking tips – and somewhere along the line she has inspired her seven-year-old son Aarav, to love and appreciate food. She has learnt to build that anticipation of a theatre experience in a plate for her son to respect food.
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Kavita’s fondest memories of her childhood are when her mum used to cook various spicy foods using dry chillies, such as when preparing sambal. Kavita can’t live without chillies; she goes everywhere carrying her chilli flakes or sambal chilli paste. Sambal is a paste from a mixture of dry red chillies and is used in all main Malaysian dishes for flavouring, like garam masala to Indian food. Sambal can be used in marinades, dips, sauces and spread. Malaysian food also uses a lot of coconut cream and milk in mains or desserts. The most memorable dish that she has made is the Punjabi roti or paratha. She has always tried kneading from childhood but sadly it never got the way she wanted it to be. During lockdown, everything changed; she finally managed to get that solid round shape for her chapattis and square for her parathas. Life is now simple and soft with a round paratha. Kavita joined the ‘Indian Food Australia’ Facebook group simply because she wanted to show off her talent and skills with her multicultural cooking heritage. She is proud to share the magic of cooking. To her, a picture is worth a thousand words and therefore storytelling is very important to her. So, if she is posting an image or a memory of her childhood, she is actually sharing a gesture of thankfulness. She loves making desserts – cakes are her forte, apart from various cuisines. She loves playing around with different colours as they represent joy, thankfulness, nature, health and energy. She loves making agar (jelly) with different natural plants, fruits and flavours. She can’t have enough of it, giving each batch of agar a different shape and styling. She is thankful to her mother for a lot, such as her cooking techniques, especially for Indian and Malaysian cooking. Her mother has paved her way with respect to ancient techniques. She sees this as a huge business opportunity rather than a hobby; she would love to create a unique and urban taste experience of various Asian desserts, online or through a kiosk. She has also thought of a name: By Kav. What can we say, Kavita? We too are anxiously waiting to see where your talent takes you. We also want to see you online or at the kiosks. We here at G’day India wish you the very best for 2021. I can only think of one person who matches the spirit, determination and love that you have for food, and that’s Gordon Ramsay: “Pressure’s healthy and very few can handle it.’’
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The Krupa ofin Melbourne all Dabeli Dhokla’s T
Her name translating to grace, knows how to invigorate the taste buds.
he lockdown saga takes me to Gujarat today, where the spicy, tangy memories of chutney spark a whole new curiosity for my taste buds. The home cook genius continues with our six-part series – so does our flirting with food. My love for food has turned me into a food writer during the 2020 lockdowns and for our next home cook chef, it has given her the time to rediscover her traditional sweets. Krupa Vachhani has been in Melbourne for 13 years and is currently working as a family day-care educator. She is married and grateful to have two beautiful children keeping her days filled with parenting duties. Krupa is originally from Rajkot in Gujarat, which is well known for its quintessential Kathiyawadi cuisine – a spicy cuisine from the western part of India. Every dish is a blend of flavours: sweet, sour and spicy. For Krupa, cooking is an art that leads to creation. It is an extension of her storytelling. I have said that food intrigues memories. I am happy to discover Krupa agrees with me. The altruistic act of cooking brings back experiences and a whole range of wonderful memories, from good family time to travel to sharing food with friends. Cooking for others is nurturing and it gives her a tremendous amount of joy and self-esteem. Cooking nutritious dishes really promotes wellbeing, growth and closeness with relationships. Krupa couldn’t agree more with this. She puts a lot of emphasis on presentation. To Krupa it is very exciting, as it heightens anticipation for her family. It adds glamour to her plate of food, as a plain plate of food is more appealing when it’s dressed with a touch of Krupa’s style. It’s just not her family; even she waits eagerly for that crunch, that expression of absolution. According to Krupa, food presentation is the key to pulling all five senses into the experience of eating. As we know, love has five languages – so does food. Both food and love add music to the symphony of life. The five love languages for food are SOUND, SIGHT, FEEL, TOUCH AND SMELL. I repeatedly hear from others (such as these fabulous home cooks) that everyone is already living and breathing food with their eyes before it even hits the tongue – the brain is already salivating. Krupa was most influenced as a foodie when she got exposed to food of different ethnicities around the globe and saw how food impacts our health and lives. She’s an eager learner about different
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ingredients and spices. She experiments not only with trying different dishes in her kitchen, but also through reading. The one edible ingredient that Krupa cannot live without is rock salt; according to her, it is the ultimate seasoning, and it enhances the flavour of any food. She suggests that without it, everything tastes bland. As we continue further, Krupa talks about her fondest and earliest memories of food; the day she fell in love with food was when she was only six years old. It was the first-time kneading dough for chapatti. Something in that kneading proved not only educational, but totally captivating – seeing how water worked itself into the flour to make the dough smoother and tighter. She still remembers the smell of the flour; the smell of fresh halfcooked chapatti triggers her memories. Her mom used to make hot chapatti when she got back from school, each one puffing up into a golden ball. Her mother used to apply ghee and sprinkle jaggery before rolling them up nicely. Krupa excitedly says, “That’s one of the yummiest things I’ve ever eaten.” As glorious as one can get, Krupa exclaims that “Happiness is home-made!” This philosophy has motivated her to cook and share her food on the ‘Indian Food Australia’ Facebook group. Krupa explains that her passion for cooking and healthy eating motivates her to cook every day; it’s so liberating to know that one can satisfy themselves that way. Learning to share food on a social platform not only creatively inspires others, but it’s a self-inspiration as well. Food is best enjoyed when shared with the community, bringing that joy and success with friends and the community. Moreover, Krupa wants the tradition of cooking to be alive and not dormant for the young ones. The one dish she inspires to cook over and over again is the dabeli dhokla, which is a beautiful fusion of boiled potatoes with a special dabeli masala, adjusting this snack mixture in a bun and serving it with tamarind chutney, garlic and red chillies. The dhokla brings out the tangy and spicy flavours. It is a very well-known Gujarati street food. Her friend’s continuous temptation for dabeli dhokla inspires her to cook often. Of course, this is all glorified with her mother’s techniques for kneading dough and chopping vegetables. While it is great to be a home cook, I ask her if she sees this hobby one day turning into a business. Krupa is unsure of a business; however, one day she would like to voluntarily cook for community meals, perhaps a soup kitchen. When Krupa was put on the spot for her
most memorable dish, she says it’s churma ladoo, originating from Rajasthan, which is basically a sweet prepared from jaggery, ghee (clarified butter) and wheat flour. Lockdown has definitely given us the time, focus and determination to try something
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out of our comfort zone that would never have been possible before. I see this as a testament to 2020, in which food and books were the saving grace. So, for all the tests and tribulations, I can only think of a famous Kathiyawadi quote: “Sweet words are not always true, true words are not always sweet.”
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Mittel- The Annapurna of Melbourne Superseding passion, mixing creativity with cultural diversities
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s I continue with my class of 2020 chefs in this six-part writing escapade, I begin to wonder what the future of food in 2021 will be. I am not talking about chefs in a Michelin restaurant or our local restaurants. I am talking about the real chefs starting from home. I am so excited for them because 2020 was painfully plain and pain. However, the year also blessed them with that much-needed time to experiment with their curiosity. As long as there is the sun, water and air, crops will thrive, vegetables will grow and generations will come and go – giving birth to new chefs, foodies and critics. The love of food continues. So, I am pretty sure it will do the same for us in the coming years. I think the journey has already begun for this home chef. Meet Mittel Chandaria, a housewife, theatre artist and fashion enthusiast. She grew up in the city of dreams, Mumbai, to a Gujarati family. Now she is happily settled in the city of food, Melbourne. She came to Australia a decade ago with her family: a supportive husband and her daughter. Whoever said it’s hard to please a child, they got that right. She openly confesses that her daughter is her main critic and she is never too shy to admit being big on food. Mittel’s motto: “I eat to live and live to eat.” Some see cooking as a chore, but for Mittel cooking supersedes passion; it not only supports creativity, but also acts as a detox for stress in these challenging COVID-normal times, providing a halo over our heads. Mittel sees cooking as a learning medium to explore and integrate cultural dishes with hers. Being the ‘Annapurna’ (translating to being the giver or god of food) of her household, she considers this a serious business. It gives her an underlying sense of contentment. Like me, she too believes in bringing everyone together on the dinner table. The dining table is the table for bonding, and it all happens with food. Food brings it together, creating a positive atmosphere. That completes the much-needed nourishment of dining. So where did the journey of food begin for this home chef? It all started young, as a casual helping hand to her mom. Since then, Mittel has entrenched within herself a deeper significance for heritage – for learning about other cultures and discovering the science behind healthy eating. Like every foodie, she is curious behind the science of food – some develop this from an early age and some later. Food and knowledge is a deadly combination; just imagine what the power of food can lead to!
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Growing up in India is all about loving street food. Being a complete Mumbai-kar, though now a Melbournian, Mittel liked sneaking out and wagging classes to satisfy her love for street food. The menu mainly consists of sandwiches, chaats, dahi-puri, vada pav – you name it. Amidst the crazy lockdown of 2020 it was her daughter who motivated her to start posting and sharing her home, her kitchen, and her cooking preps on the ‘Indian Food Australia’ Facebook group. Plating and presenting has never been her forte. She always dwelled on creating an experience out of mere ingredients. It was only after she started actively engaging in food groups that, with a little bit of soul searching, she dug deep and – voila! Inspiration galore from fellow members flew through her Facebook and just like that, she began her food styling journey. Aesthetical platting has become the core feature for any dish she cooks, and it has continued since the last few months of 2020. It’s sexy, stunning and appeals to our five senses – and it’s priceless for the memory bank. Daal chawal and bajree ki roti summed with aloo curry is made regularly in her household and also a number one hit with the family. These are the dishes that connect Mittel with her home back in India, blanketing this expat’s soul with love. She is a true mummy’s girl, following in her footsteps. Her cooking process is never dictated with measurements, only personal touch. It’s this magic of touching and eyeballing ingredients that makes the dish special. So, I am not surprised when she says she cannot live without salt. She tells me her favourite dish has to be a tie between Gujarati dhokla stuffed with garlic chutney and paan ladoos. Mittel tells me cooking is a selfless act of caring about the people we love. As a mother, wife and a daughter, she is loved and feels the best way to respond to that love is to cook for her family and friends. At the moment, she is a home cook loving her family and enjoying this newfound love for sharing her plate with others – but should there be an opportunity to take it from hobby to business, it would definitely be food for thought. As I write about our home-grown chefs, I am seeing that they all somewhat share the same philosophy about food: the storytelling and chasing cultures in exchange for knowledge. With that I am happy to quote the queen of food, Nigella Lawson: “I don’t believe you can ever really cook unless you love eating.”
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G’DAY INDIA | JAN 2021
Rohan- King of Thepla Mother’s inspiration got him to spin Thepla Buns
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all me old school; growing up, when my dad used to step in the kitchen, he always packed a punch. The food would speak a million stories and that’s what made it special. Growing up during the 80s and 90s, food, books and Dad’s mutton curry were my society. Two decades on, society is now the community on social media – Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. It’s an invitation to the open world. I could be in Melbourne and you could be in Timbuktu. Anyone can post anything and get excited. So, the food and the city are a perfect fit for this column – and the most exciting part is foodies never “sleep”; even if they do, they will wake up and just repeat. The foodie escapade couldn’t get any better if we don’t introduce you to the only male foodie to be featured in this six-part series. He has been very consistent about posting his food and is happy for us to peek into his life in the ‘Indian Food Australia’ Facebook group. So here I am with Rohan Desai, an expat from the city of lights, Mumbai. He came to Melbourne in 2010, married his wife Shweta in 2012, and together they have a four-year-old son, Evan. Growing up in a half-Maharashtrian, half-Gujarati household where food is all about happiness and joy, he learned to worship food. A beautiful resume, typed boldly and belonging to the family of foodies – everything and everyone is surrounded by food in their lives. When they are simmering the pots for lunch, they are already thinking of their dinner menus. Typical phrase in the household at breakfast: “What's cooking for lunch?” I think I can relate to it, as I am constantly dipping my tea bags thinking of food. For Rohan – and unlike many Indian men – cooking has been a big celebratory journey for him. He says proudly that flavours have influenced and shaped his food journey. Rohan feels that food is first eaten by the eyes, and hence presentation has to be immaculate. Dressing a plate is an art; if it doesn’t speak volumes then there will be no customers. Poetry has its finesse from its poet, and so too does a plate which deserves the ultimate respect from its creator. Growing up, Rohan was his mamma’s prodigy, hand-picked by her to taste for the balance of spices before serving. I am so proud of Rohan when he tells me he made his first fried egg at the age of five. A perfect fried egg! This is all because he was attentive to what his mamma did in the kitchen, cooking amazing food. He doesn’t remember a single soul not bamboozled from eating her food. The immense joy it brought to her face was priceless – and that
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generosity that she shared with others inspired Rohan for choosing this industry, becoming a production chef in Crown Casino. Today, Rohan wants to create the same feeling and generosity on a plate that would transport him to that feeling when he was with his mamma. His all-time favourite dish is the spicy, sweet one-pot meal of lentils, simmering away with wheat flour pieces with spices and more: dal dhokli. Not just any, but only what his mum makes. This was a dish made at his house every month. Rohan used to help her roll the dough on the back of a plate. Being very young, his mother would avoid the knife, giving him a cutter used for cutting diamondshaped biscuits known as shankarpali (or tastefully known as sweet diamond cut biscuits), a tea time snack which is made of allpurpose flour. I could sense that he could smell the dal dhokli as he fondly says that the entire building back home would just know that they would be cooking it. Just like that, I walked with Rohan on his memory lane. Being an introvert and extremely shy, he somehow managed to post the food that he cooked on his Facebook and Instagram profile. It was his wife who would beg him to share photos or even write a blog on it. Then recently, a friend of his wife introduced him to the Facebook group “Indian Food Australia” and the response was overwhelming. When we have a shy chef, it is especially important to gently guide them into the world of foodies. He was shocked to see how much value he added to people, especially during these times. Strangers praised and messaged him. Since then his world has expanded and he’s never looked back. Rohan is my kind of a brunch guy. I survive on coffee and tea when writing until noon to break for a masala omelette, whereas Rohan on his day-offs like to sleep in and have a nice brunch. It is his routine and now his wife and son are his partners in crime, table laden with a variety of eggs and a nice loaf of sourdough. That’s why one will always find a never-ending tray of eggs in Rohan’s pantry. Rohan, the chef, is most inspiring and happy at home when he is making his authentic Maharashtrian or Gujarati food. Especially when they are his mum’s recipes and techniques. A fond memory for Rohan is waking up to the smell of thepla back home. When he lands in Mumbai, he breaks bread with thepla – and when he leaves for Melbourne, he makes sure they are all packed for him to take away. He confesses he can never make them as delicious as his mum’s, which is originally flatbread made of gram flour or wheat flour. When Rohan decided to make the best rendition of his mum’s thepla, he twisted
the flatbreads to buns. He has forgotten the countless comments of gratitude that he has received from people on sharing his mum’s recipe, but the bun version. When Rohan shared the comments and photos with his mamma, she was overwhelmed with emotion. That’s the power of food; that’s how it creates friendships, bringing strangers and communities together. Rohan’s dream is to open a cafe one day, where every day is a surprise and the menu is cooked fresh with seasonal produce. I am loving this idea and hope to see it come
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true. Writing about a promising chef, cook, father, husband and son, I jump with joy to see his love for cooking. Food is fluid just like imaginations and dreams – you just need to create it. As the saying goes, behind every man, there is a woman. In Rohan’s case, it doesn’t matter if it’s his mother or his wife – as long as food is in the middle, it all takes care of itself. I can only think of Paul Bocuse, the famous French chef from the 1920s: “Classic or modern, there is only one cuisine … the good.”
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Sonya’s fashionable food ideas
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Her name translating to wisdom - Rethinking cooking as a medicinal purpose and value
ood is not everyone’s cup of tea as a pastime. But we are in a new world where setting trends is not just trendy, but it gives a purpose to a detached world. I believe if we take away the theatre from the plate, we lose our audience. And in this six-part edition of our home cook series, I have seen the same attachment with all of the interviewed cooks – the eyes are one way that we consume food.
cook tells us about.
We should not limit ourselves to just one dish – and you cannot stick to just a favourite dish, because otherwise it will be boring not to like the unknown. That’s what our next home
Meet Sonya Brown, a qualified fashion designer and make-up artist. She has called Melbourne home for the last seven years. Sonya is from Northern India, which is known not only for its architectural heritage but also for its rich culture and food. So, food is embedded in her DNA. She made her debut in the kitchen almost six years ago when her husband Bobbi Brown handed her a knife and chopping board. Since then, she hasn’t looked back and has learned to be patient – learning, testing, failing, and learning again to blend her spin on each dish. According to Sonya, not only is cooking therapeutic, but the food that we ingest is like medicine to our body. From the womb, we need nourishment and nutrients – and nature has these in abundance. With that thought, she would like to prioritise and rethink cooking as a medicinal purpose or value. This is what she would like to teach her future kids, as that’s the way it has shaped her life. It would be priceless for her if they too could inherit this belief and value. From time to time, I have seen this across the board with all six of our interviewed home-grown foodies of the ‘Indian Food Australia’ Facebook group. They are all in sync with the idea that we all eat with our eyes. I cannot agree more with Sonya: a beautiful food is as beautiful as a plate of food. She dresses each of her plates as well as she does make-up for her clients. When asked what the fondest memories of childhood have been and eating for her, Sonya doesn’t give me a definite answer; she has not confined herself to anything as her speciality. Instead, she just relishes food, and her slice of spice is the flavour that attracts her to food.
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Her motivation to cook and share her food on the ‘Indian Food Australia’ Facebook group was simply because she’s been flirting and eating with flavours since childhood. She’s been an optimist since that first chop of vegetables six years ago, embracing the pleasure and happiness it brought to not only her, but also her husband. Then her friends demonstrated that feeling of awe when she posted those first pictures on Facebook. Like with her make-up and clothes, she has flaunted and taken advantage of social media to create exposure for herself and her business. During COVID, it has just become that important to stay connected to that world. Sonya is not limited to cooking special dishes; she is open to all kinds of food, and any cooking that takes her to a happy place. To her, cooking takes no basic techniques and there’s no need to adapt to someone’s style of cooking to create a dish. The knowledge of food is never-ending, and the challenge is simply to cook. Likewise, she doesn’t have any special ingredients; she will cook with anything and everything, as long as it inspires her. It’s all about fun and play for this foodie. I agree with Sonya – that is all that food is. But Sonya doesn’t see cooking as a hobby. To her, it’s a daily ritual. Turning it into a business is something she is not thinking about at the moment. For her, food is all about happiness and mood. With that, Sonya remarks that she doesn’t have one memorable dish. She eats what she pleases. As a progressive cook, if she has to pick one, it will be the Thai green curry. One needs to be certain about the food one eats – but it is not that important to be certain of what one wants to eat, as it can be anything. Sonya is a hunter-gatherer; she is still on the hunt for her perfect treasure of a dish, and for this foodie we wish her all the best. May the gods of food give her an abundance of knowledge and skills, so that one day she can go on to become a famous designer, make-up artist and an influencer within the foodie world. I can only think of a quote by the late fashion designer, Pierre Cardin: “The clothes that I prefer are those I invent for a life that doesn’t exist yet – the world of tomorrow.”
Join the Indian Food Australia group www.facebook.com/groups/ IndianFoodAustralia
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LEGAL
G’DAY INDIA | JAN 2021
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The final parenting orders and variation BY GURPAL SINGH
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he parenting orders made by the court carries complete sanctity and it is expected that the parties who subjected to the orders must comply with the same by paying proper attention to the terms so designed therein. In general situation, the orders are drawn after proper deliberation between the legal representatives of the parties. Some part of the orders is made with consent and other part made by the court after hearing the conflicting stances of the parties. Notwithstanding all the care and attention, it had often been seen that a new situation or change in the existing situation would make the orders impracticable and not carried out as per the letter and spirit of the otherwise binding dicta. However, once the proceedings are finalised, the court will not lightly entertain an application to reverse such an order on the basis that parties must be discouraged to continue the endless litigation. A parent or another party directly affected by the impact of the binding final parenting order can request the court for a review of the orders. The curious question, however one needs to ponder over is whether variation and material change in the order is a plain and simple exercise? It is not so.
The family court is governed by the principle of ‘child’s best interest’ based on substantial or significant change in the circumstances rather than the convenience of one of the parents. The changes in the circumstances need to be of a serious nature to warrant a variation. Such a threshold test was developed in the decision of the court known as ‘Rice v Asplund’. Such a threshold test is not applied uniformly in every case but an assessment is made on the peculiar facts of each case. One is required to make a strong and convincing case for the variation of the binding final parenting orders. In this case of Rice and Asplund, the issue was in regard to the living arrangements of the three-year-old daughter who had previously been ordered to live with the father. However, after nine months of the orders, the mother sought to change the final order seeking the child to live with her and only spend time with the father. The mother presented that the original orders so made doesn’t reflect the best interests of the child. The parenting orders can be varied on an application of a party to the cause in the following circumstances: a. In the event of contravention of the order where a party to the order is repeatedly failing to comply with the existing orders without reasonable excuse b. If the party cannot reasonably comply with the orders on account of intervening circumstances c. If the orders are no longer reflecting on the actual arrangement for the child given the conflict between the parenting plan and the order of the court. Interestingly the parenting plan is not an enforceable document so it becomes imperative that the conflict between the parenting plan and the
parenting order be cured. d. By mutual resolution of the parenting issue. e. Material change in the circumstances of one of the parents including moving to a different jurisdiction requiring the material and physical residence of the child. f. In the cases, where the existing orders were made without consideration of the material information presented to the court whether by inadvertence or intentional. In another case, the final parenting and property orders were made one year prior to the application for variation in respect of the 10-year-old child. The father sought an order that allowed distributions made to the child from a trust be paid to both the parties and applied to the school fee and other expense of the child. The father said such orders were required as he had no knowledge of the existence of the distributions at the time of the original orders. The court however, dismissed the application having fount that there was insufficient evidence to establish the material change of circumstances and also that there was potential for adverse impact on the child by virtue of exacerbating existing parental conflict by further litigation. Such a proposal was not directly beneficial to the child. A person seeking to vary the final parenting orders should at the first instance seek to resolve the situation through dispute resolution process and arrive at a consensus amongst themselves. It is often seen that even despite the significant change in the circumstances the court might not agree to variation considering the same to be nondesirable.
Gurpal Singh is the principal lawyer of Melbourne law firm, Saundh Singh & Smith Lawyers | W: www.sssl.com.au
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OPINION
G’DAY INDIA | JAN 2021
A year to Review, Reset & Reinvent! BY KARTHIK ARASU President of “Australia India Sports Council
Congrats 2020 is over! Bushfires to Covid19 pandemic, almost a billion animals perished, more than a million lives were lost, a whole generation succumbed to this virus in some countries. The world witnessed oil barrel prices trading in negative, no one would have imagined it can happen in a million years but it all happened in just a few months, we were at war with a lethal invisible enemy and our only weapons were masks and sanitisers. We were locked down in our own homes, we fought for toilet rolls, we were not even allowed to meet family and friends, we became inmates in the pandemic prison. Quarantine, border closures, flattening the curve, vaccine became everyone’s daily discussion, and every other disease deadly or not were forgotten. The year which just passed has given us great learning, we have become stronger and more resilient and adapted to a new online world in a matter of days. Even if we have planned it and structured it with all the best resources and tools, we wouldn’t have been able to accept and adapt this quickly. Online birthday parties, weddings, schools, work meetings, online drink catchups, even online funerals became the new normal in 2020. The challenges were immense, work
from home, and the full-time online world made life difficult for many, families confined in the same space for days had to invent quality time in new ways. Domestic violence, online abuse, mental distress, anxiety, job losses, business shutdowns all threatened us on a never before seen scale. But still, we overcame them in our own way, Governments, health care workers, businesses, students, employees from every industry, volunteers and community organisations rose to the challenge and did what they can in the best possible way. We saw so many people going out of their way to support others, as Australians we came together, we swallowed the hard pill and followed every possible restriction, and today we are in a much better position than the rest of the world. Even in all this turmoil, we did something remarkable, when the world was fearful we questioned China and stood tall even in the face of trade threats. 2021 the year of hope! We have started this year with a very important gesture, a vital change in our National Anthem. The second line of Advance Australia Fair will change from 'For we are young and free' to 'For we are one and free', as many have been advocating that the line 'we are young and free' was disrespectful to Aboriginal history. The new Anthem came into effect from January 1, 2021. Those change
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in words reflects the true Aussie spirit and shows the world we are many, but we are one. So many cultures, customs, religions, languages, and traditions, but we are one. Together we will succeed and reach new heights. The pandemic which created chaos in our lives also gave us new learnings and opportunities. “Chaos is a staircase covered behind smog, those who take the first step with courage and keep climbing will come out on top, and those who fear and pause will be left behind”. I strongly believe we have climbed not only with courage but also with faith in each other. A quote attributed to Lord Buddha says “No matter how hard the past, you can always begin again”, true to these words the hard past is almost over and the building of a new society has begun. Though the end of year 2020 has given us some mental relief, it is just an end of a year, not end of the pandemic or the problems it brought upon us. We have learnt a great deal from it and it is very important for us to ‘Review’ our last year, understand what is important, who and what we missed, and to value and cherish them so we will never be at a loss. It is equally important to ‘Reset’ our lives to the new normal. We will be spending more time at home, won’t be able to travel as much as we used to, work and study differently, so it’s imperative to find the balance and maintain quality of life. Finally, we need to ‘Reinvent’ many things, starting from the way we go on about our daily lives, change ourselves so much that it may appear to be entirely new, but it will most certainly change the future and influence the rest of our lives. John le Carre famously said “I am still making order out of chaos by reinvention”, let’s reinvent and make a new order with this chaos for our new beginnings. Happy 2021!
EMPOWERING DESTINY
G’DAY INDIA | JAN 2021
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Your New Life Demands a New You Every Day is a Choice: What’s Your Strategy to Achieve Success? BY BARINDERJEET KAUR
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ach day presents a choice. Living life in a certain manner is just one of the many daily decisions. Everyone has their way of thinking and making decisions. These behaviours impact life positively or negatively. Should you grow or remain the same? What is your life strategy? We each have a strategy, whether you’re aware of this or not. When we think about strategy, this can be simplified as what gets you from where you are now to where you want to be. The steps to progress and close the gap ¬¬¬¬–– that’s strategy. But the real question is, do you have the right strategy? Do you have the right strategy to help you understand what should be the next important step to achieve results faster? Do you have the desire to accomplish more? Do you see other high achievers and think they are blessed to have it all ¬¬–– wealth, growth, and success? Do you think to yourself that those high achievers are different, and growth is not for everybody? Well, here are 3 reasons why you’re stuck and are unable to elevate to the next level of success: 1. Break the routine: Many people come to me because they want to grow and reach new heights. They want to achieve new
heights, but they are held back by their past. What do I mean by that? They are unwilling to leave their old place and want to go to the new place. Think about it. Is it possible to visit a new place while remaining at home? No, it’s not! To reach new heights, we need to leave our current mindset to achieve more success. This requires departing from our old thinking style to achieve different results. The important thing to understand is that your new dream demands a new you. Your new life demands a new you. To bring a different level of success, you need to bring different levels of changes. Bigger dreams demand bigger risks, fast-growth demands fast action, and different results demand different thinking. Albert Einstein once said, “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is a form of insanity”. Running the same pattern and the same strategy means you are operating your business with the same style, thinking, and decision-making strategies. A different approach, perspective, and mindset are required. There is no secret recipe for growth. Your better life demands a better version of you. So, to achieve the next level of success, you must work on yourself. 2. Leave the comfort zone: Operating in your old style is comfortable, convenient, and familiar. After overcoming challenges, we’re ready to reap the rewards. And no doubt you are reaping the rewards. But deep down inside you want more, you desire bigger rewards, but are not ready to leave your comfort zone. Because you have already accomplished a lot in the past, and it is common to equate future success with the amount of energy exerted in the past. Successful people work smarter ¬¬–– they value time, understand the importance of support, and specifically the right support
which contributes to achieving results faster. The things that brought you here are not the things that will take you to new heights. Your decision to work alone until now was good enough to achieve the rewards thus far and now it’s important to understand that new levels demand a new you, a new strategy, a new mindset, which is possible through the right support because two minds are better than one. People hire a coach for the exact same reason. It’s important to understand and recognise what needs to be changed or shifted. When we think about change, our minds think about bigger results equal bigger changes. That’s why working with a coach creates results because many times that shift is not a major one, as small shifts can bring major changes that a coach is aware of and can support. 3. Your perception is your reality: Success has a different meaning to different people and sometimes that could be intimidating. Many times, people equate success to loss of comfort, loss of a relationship, loss of neighbours, or something else. And this perception makes a huge difference. They start to create a pattern unconsciously, which eventually hinders their growth. Now, it’s your turn to reflect: • Have you been doing the same thing for years and are operating your business in the same manner and secretly expect success? • Have you ever equated your success to a loss of some kind? If you answered YES to any of the questions above and are serious about making a change in your personal life, career or business then contact me at 0426886501 to book a complimentary strategy session.
Barinderjeet Kaur is a Life coach and human behavior specialist based in Melbourne. | Facebook page: Empower Your Destiny
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G’DAY INDIA | JAN 2021
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Education trends to look out for in 2021 According to UNESCO, in 2020, one billion students, two-thirds of the global student population, faced either school closures or uncertainty. The most vulnerable populations, particularly girls, remained especially at risk. 2020 brought remote, virtual learning to the horizon at a pace and scale never before. Is this to be carried forward into 2021? As per Antonius Raghubansie, Director of Learning Services, British Council India. the year 2020 saw people turning to online resources to pursue their love for reading in the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic, this was fuelled by the need for safety and reduced access to physical libraries and stores. “The British Council online library content witnessed a 67 per cent increase in subscription over the last year (as of November ‘20). We are also seeing users above the age of 18 show increased preference for audiobooks evident through a 192 per cent increase in checkouts over 2019 for our online library members. E-resources available through online library memberships gained popularity, especially among young readers, owing to the convenience of accessing them safely from personal devices at home. We foresee this trend continuing in 2021, as readers including families, professionals and young kids, would continue to prefer online resources for infotainment. In view of the current situation, we anticipate both E-books and audiobooks to continue gaining favor among learners in a digital-first world,” Raghubansie said.
“One thing that will remain in 2021 is blended pedagogy. We have seen the flexibility that the online mode has provided and there is no denying of its advantages. Entire industries have shifted to the virtual platform and the education sector will also have to continue in a blended format. Institutes must develop their digital infrastructures to match up in this post digital era. Meetings, seminars and such activities will remain online. However, in terms some experientials, campuses will have to be opened up for these activities, but a blended pedagogy is here to stay. This will also have a long-term impact, especially on valuable programs. The institutions that adopt the new method, new mode and new model will flourish while the others may perish. The quality of educational institutions will get enhanced and the number of students enrolled will only increase in the
digital mode,” said Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director of IIM Sambalpur. “COVID-19 has taught our teachers and the education sector to use technology to seamlessly impart education to all students. This trend will continue in the coming year and more smart campuses and digital libraries will be implemented to cater to the new-age learner. This digitization of the education sector will have a long-term impact, democratizing education globally. We will also continue to see a hybrid learning model, which will pave the way for the future of education with access to both classroom teaching and online education, catering to each student’s unique needs while giving them the best of both worlds,” said Rahul V Karad, the Visionary Educationist, and the Managing Trustee & Executive President, MAEER’s MIT Group of Institutions & Executive President, MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), Pune. By Siddhi Jain
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FESTIVALS
G’DAY INDIA | JAN 2021
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Happy Lohri! BY ARCHITA BAWEJA
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n the shivering cold winter of north India, the month of January brings the Lohri festival that gives us warmth with its blazing bonfires, the company of loved ones, songs and sweet treats. Lohri is celebrated every year on the 13th of January. This festival is also traditionally the most popular folk festival of Punjab and is associated with the harvest of the rabi crops. People worship the sun and the fire and thank them for the abundant harvest. The day is observed by all communities with different names. It is believed that from this date onwards the freezing winters ease a bit and it starts to get warmer in northern India. Traditionally Lohri is celebrated by lighting a huge bonfire in a yard after the rabi crops are chopped. The bonfire is lit at sunset and people donning traditional attires, circle around it and throw sesame seeds, jaggery, nuts and sing traditional folklores. Sugarcane products such as gajak, jaggery are an important part of Lohri celebrations as these are made from the crops harvested in January. Apart from this til, peanuts, and popcorn are also distributed among the people as prasad (offerings made to god). People sit around the fire and sing and dance till the fire dies out. In this
way, they pray to the god of fire, to bless their land with abundance and prosperity. Following this people exchange greetings and gifts with their friends and family members. Sarson ka saag (mustard greens) and makki ki roti (millet bread rolled flat and roasted on a pan) and sugarcane kheer (pudding) are the special Lohri food items prepared on this day. As part of this auspicious occasion some people take a dip in the holy waters of rivers to cleanse themselves of their sins. Others
donate to charity as a mark of sharing the bounties they have been blessed with. Lohri is also often associated with the legend of Dulla Bhatti, the medieval warrior who rose up against the Mughal Emperor Akbar. He became a folk hero by stealing from the rich and rescuing young Hindu girls who were to be sold into slavery. He would get them married to Hindu boys in the presence of fire (Agni) and sing songs in celebration. Thus, began the tradition of the Lohri bonfire. Two maidens named Sundri and Mundri, who were so rescued are included as part of Lohri folklore, Sunder Mundriye. Songs hailing this hero and his brave feats are still sung today. It’s common for children to go door to door singing songs about Dulla Bhatti, receiving treats and money in return. Lohri is also a grand affair for a new bride and newborn child. I remember my cousins first Lohri celebration in her home town Amritsar, Punjab after she was married. On the day of the festival, a different kind of vibe had set in. My cousin dressed in traditional clothes, adorned herself with flowers, jewellery and fragrance. She and my brother in-law then sat at the centre of the celebration, friends and family went up to them to wish and gift them. The whole ambience was electrifying, cheerful and upbeat. Festivals like Lohri mark those unique times, that connect the dots between our past, present and future. The culture and history from the past touch our present moment in the form of an ecstatic spirit of celebration and creates a distinct legacy for our future generations.
Archita Baweja of Melbourne is an engineer by profession but a writer at heart
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FEATURE
G’DAY INDIA | JAN 2021
PARENTS SWEAT it out over screen time, emotional health of kids
As millions of parents still struggle to cope with the pandemic amid an extended remote learning phase, a national poll in the US has revealed that they are most concerned about the overuse of social media and screen time, internet safety, unhealthy eating,
depression and suicide and lack of physical activity.
children are using devices and more on how they are using the technology.
Almost half of parents also described COVID-19, the disease itself, as a “big problem” impacting kids, coming in at No 10, according to the CS Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health at Michigan Medicine.
“It’s important for children and teens to maintain social and family connections that we know are critical for their emotional well-being, especially during a time when they are feeling stressed or isolated,” Freed noted.
“This is an especially challenging time for families, with many children experiencing significant changes in routine that may negatively impact their health and wellbeing,” said Mott Poll co-director and Mott pediatrician Gary Freed. Parents’ biggest concerns for young people seem to be associated with changes in lifestyle as a result of the pandemic. “COVID-19 has turned the world of our children and teens upside down in many ways and this is reflected in how parents rate health issues in 2020,” Freed said in a university statement. However, Black parents rated racism as their top health concern for children and teens, with COVID-19 coming in at the second spot. Racism did not make the top 10 health issues for US children among white parents and COVID-19 much lower on among their concerns. According to the researchers, it is not surprising that the top three issues on parents’ list of concerns are related to screen use. Children are spending more time online because of virtual school or not being able to spend time with friends in person. Freed said that parents should worry less about the amount of time
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“Technology may be an important vehicle for those connections.” “Parents need to have ongoing conversations with their children and teens to guide them on safe internet practices,” the researchers noted. Families should try to maintain routines, especially keeping regular sleep schedules and helping teens resist the temptation to go to bed much later than usual and sleeping in later. Children who have lost family members to COVID-19 may also need special attention and mental health services to help in how to understand and cope with their loss. “Families should also recognise the emotional toll of racism on children and teens”.
(AGENCIES)
EXPLORE VICTORIA
G’DAY INDIA | JAN 2021
7 Hidden gems at Yarra Valley
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BY DEBASREE DAS
ear of end holidays are best enjoyed at home state, especially when Victorian Govt has taken the initiative to boost local tourism with Travel Vouchers. There is never a shortage of places in Victoria to appreciate and explore and Yarra valley is one of them. From stunning snowcapped mountains to breathtaking valleys offering panoramic lookouts and views. From aboriginal architecture to beautiful cherry blossoms, this region offers you all. If you ask me about my favourite road trip destinations in Victoria, then I must tell you how many times I have visited the Yarra Valley. Running out of road trip ideas? Then this blog would give you a glimpse of those hidden places in and around Yarra Valley. #Alfred Nicolas Memorial Garden Autumn colours are best seen at the Alfred Nicolas Memorial Garden, and this little boathouse is my insta-favourite. The perfect getaway place for a weekend picnic or a mini trail walk in nature. My favourite place is relaxing by the boathouse amidst nature, and their trail walks are equally amazing. Park your car and take any walk depending upon your energy levels. #Alowyns Gardens You do not need to visit Japan to encounter the beautiful Cherry blossoms, you can enjoy these spring blossoms right here in Victoria. A Yarra valley nursery, which sells plants,
is ideal for visiting during springs to enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms. It is a ticketed place but worth the weekend visit during spring. During Summer, this place offers you with floral extravaganza too. Wisterias are the most famous highlights of this place. #Kolorama Lookout point Situated along the Mount Dandenong tourist road, this is the perfect place to view the Dandenong ranges and its surrounding. Take a walk down the hill to the Yarra ranges National Park to enjoy the serenity this place offers. Perfect walking trails for kids and family and do not forget to pick your Coffee from the local cafes, Melbourne coffee is always great, isn’t it? #Sherbrook Forest Park & Olinda Falls The Dandenong tourist road leads you to numerable trial walks, an being an adventure seeker you’re bound to love the variety it offers. One of the trails leads you to the Olinda falls, there is a small walking trail down the falls and an observatory platform to view the falls. Ideal for visiting during the wet season to enjoy the falls. Get up and close with the Australian native birds, do not forget to buy a bowl of grain for a close encounter with them. Probably the perfect place to spend those summer afternoons. #Emerald Lake & Park Other than being kids-friendly the puffing billy and the emerald lake is just the perfect location for a weekend day out. Take the Puffing billy from Lillydayle station or drive straight to Emerald, parking is not free at the lake so make sure you always check the parking signs before you drive in.
There is a cafe up the lake that serves a fair number of light lunches and breakfast. Boating is a popular option at the lake, both kids and adults love it, especially during the warmer weather. This place turns into a colourful wonderland during the Autumn season, but summertime this is a paradise too. #Warbuton Valley The stunning Warburton valley is a hidden gem in the Yarra Valley, the famous Yarra river offers stunning valley views, the La La falls and the adventurous walking trails. The perfect short road trip that offers the family an unwinding time amidst nature. Mont DeLancey Historical Homestead is the perfect place to relax in the valley. Don’t forget to check out Monty’s tearoom, they offer amazingly fresh scones with the homemade strawberry jam. #Warrantina Lavender Farm We love lavenders and who would not love to take a stroll in aromatic fields filled with colours and chase those honeybees that wander from one lavender to the other. No matter the season in Victoria, you will not be disappointed to catch the beautiful Lavender fields at the Warratina Lavender farm. The tearoom over there offers some amazing soups and freshly made scones too. #William Ricketts Sanctuary Perched deep inside the Mount Dandenong tourist road, this world-renowned tourist destination is the majestic sculpture garden of William Rickett Sanctuary. Amidst tranquillity and mountains, this place reflects aboriginal philosophies. Entry is FREE and so is parking. Do not forget to visit the Canadian Pancake cafe for a grab.
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @travelinstylewithdebs for your daily fashion inspiration. travelinstylewithdebs
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TECH
G’DAY INDIA | JAN 2021
New wearable device detects hand gesture you intend to make
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The team succeeded in teaching the algorithm to recognise 21 individual hand gestures, including a thumbs-up, a fist, a flat hand, holding up individual fingers and counting numbers.
magine typing on a computer without a keyboard, playing a video game without a controller or driving a car without a wheel. A team of scientists has developed a new device that can recognise hand gestures based on electrical signals detected in the forearm.
Like other AI software, the algorithm has to first “learn” how electrical signals in the arm correspond with individual hand gestures.
The system, which couples wearable biosensors with artificial intelligence (AI), could one day be used to control prosthetics or to interact with almost any type of electronic device, said engineers from University of California, Berkeley. “Prosthetics are one important application of this technology, but besides that, it also offers a very intuitive way of communicating with computers.” said Ali Moin, who helped design the device as a doctoral student in UC Berkeley’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences. Reading hand gestures is one way of improving human-computer interaction. “And, while there are other ways of doing that, by, for instance, using cameras and computer vision, this is a good solution that also maintains an individual’s privacy,” Moin said in a new paper appeared in the journal Nature Electronics. To create the hand gesture recognition
To do this, each user has to wear the cuff while making the hand gestures one by one. “In gesture recognition, your signals are going to change over time, and that can affect the performance of your model,” Moin said. “We were able to greatly improve the classification accuracy by updating the model on the device.” system, the team collaborated with Ana Arias, a professor of electrical engineering at UC Berkeley, to design a flexible armband that can read the electrical signals at 64 different points on the forearm. The electrical signals are then fed into an electrical chip, which is programmed with an AI algorithm capable of associating these signal patterns in the forearm with specific hand gestures.
Another advantage of the new device is that all of the computing occurs locally on the chip: No personal data are transmitted to a nearby computer or device. Not only does this speed up the computing time, but it also ensures that personal biological data remain private. While the device is not ready to be a commercial product yet, it could likely get there with a few tweaks, said Jan Rabaey, senior author of the paper.
(AGENCIES)
Google to automatically add 3D effect to your 2D photos
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oogle photos will turn your 2D photos into 3D ones and over the next month, people will start to see the Memories feature brought to life with Cinematic photos.
Google said that Cinematic photos use machine learning to predict an image’s depth and produce a 3D representation of the scene, even if the original image doesn’t include depth information from the camera. “Then we animate a virtual camera for a smooth panning effect — just like out of the movies,” the company said. Google Photos will automatically create Cinematic photos for you. “Just make sure your app is updated and when one’s ready for you, it’ll show up in your recent highlights at the top of your photo grid”. People can also share Cinematic photo with friends or family. Earlier this month, Google started rolling out updated collage designs.
In these refreshed collages, the users will see richer, artistically designed layouts populated and stylised using AI. “This helps pick the right layout for a selection of photos by finding similar colours and using those to accent details like the front and background colour for a more cohesive look,” Google said.
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The company is also rolling out new themes for looking back. “Starting soon, you’ll also see Memories about your favourite things — like sunsets — and activities like baking or hiking based on the photos you upload”..
(AGENCIES)
VIRTUAL
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G’DAY INDIA | JAN 2021
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Google brings more Indian languages to Search results in India
content viewed on Google Discover is in Indian languages,” the company informed.
n a bid to deliver a richer language experience to millions of its users, Google India on Thursday announced to let people toggle their Search results between English and four additional languages: Tamil, Telugu, Bangla and Marathi.
A third of Google Assistant users in India are using it in an Indian language, and since the launch of Assistant language picker, queries in Indian languages have doubled.
The company said that over the next month, Search will start to show relevant content in supported Indian languages where appropriate, even if the local language query is typed in English. “This functionality will also better serve bilingual users who feel comfortable reading both English and an Indian language. It will roll out in five Indian languages: Hindi, Bangla, Marathi, Tamil, and Telugu,” Google said during its ‘L10n’ virtual event. The company announced a range of features across its products for the India market, with a commitment to further invest in the ML and AI efforts at its research centre in the country and partner with innovative startups who are building solutions in local languages. In Google Maps, users can now quickly and easily change their Maps experience into one of
The tech giant said that at Google Research India, it has spent a lot of time helping computer systems understand human language. “The new approach we developed in India is called Multilingual Representations for Indian Languages (or ‘MuRIL’). MuRIL currently supports 16 Indian languages as well as English,” Google informed. nine Indian languages. “This will allow users to search for places, get directions and navigation, and interact with the Map in their preferred local language”. Since the launch of Hindi and other language features, Google have seen more than a 10 times increase in Hindi queries on Search in India. “Today in India, more than 50 per cent of the
Google said it has now made MuRIL open source, and it is currently available to download for free from the TensorFlow Hub. “We hope MuRIL will be the next big evolution for Indian language understanding, forming a better foundation for researchers, students, startups, and anyone else interested in building Indian language technologies,” Google noted .
(AGENCIES)
WhatsApp to soon roll out audio, video calls for PC users
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nstant messaging app WhatsApp is reportedly rolling out a new feature where a user can make or receive audio and video calls right on the desktop screen. According to WABetaInfo, a website that tracks WhatsApp, the audio and video calls are now rolling out to the WhatsApp Desktop app. Unfortunately, this seems to be a very limited launch for now, with the buttons also getting beta labels according to the tipster. The options to make audio and video calls have started appearing for some beta users, besides the search button at the top of the chat window — both bearing the beta tag. As per the report, a user would still need a phone to be connected to the desktop app. Although, any audio or video calls will be routed via one’s computer. WhatsApp is also working on a new feature that would let users mute their videos before posting those to their friends and family members or putting them up as status. The company is now developing a mute video feature and it has appeared on a beta
update. In the screenshot shared by the WhatsApp features tracker, one can see the option of muting the video along with the trimming option. The social media giant is also planning on making desktop a standalone application, meaning one would no longer require a smartphone to pair with the app or browser.
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WhatsApp has also started rolling out advanced wallpaper features to more users. This feature lets users set a different wallpaper for each chat. You can choose to set one wallpaper for all chats on WhatsApp, or manually select a different one for each chat.
(AGENCIES)
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RELATIONSHIPS
G’DAY INDIA | JAN 2021
Dating apps don’t always ruin long-term relationship goals
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ontrary to common perception that dating apps only encourage casual relationships, a new study has shown that people who met their partners on these mobile applications have often strong long-term relationship goals. Moreover, these new ways of meeting people encourage socio-educational and geographical mixing, said the study published in the journal PLOS ONE. What is more, women who found their partner through a dating app have stronger desires and intentions to have children than those who found their partner offline, said the study. “The Internet is profoundly transforming the dynamics of how people meet,” said researcher Gina Potarca from University of Geneva (UNIGE), Switzerland. “It provides an unprecedented abundance of meeting opportunities, and involves minimal effort and no third-party intervention.” These new dating technologies include the smartphone apps like Tinder or Grindr, where users select partners by browsing and swiping on pictures. The Geneva-based researcher decided to investigate couples’ intentions to start a family, their relationship satisfaction and individual well-being, as well as to assess couple
composition. Potarca used a 2018 family survey by the Swiss Federal Statistical Office. The analysis presented in this study looks at a sub-sample of 3,235 people over the age of 18 who were in a relationship and who had met their partner in the last decade. The results showed that couples that formed
after meeting on an app were more motivated by the idea of cohabiting than others. “Knowing that dating apps have likely become even more popular during this year’s periods of lockdown and social distancing, it is reassuring to dismiss alarming concerns about the long-term effects of using these tools,” said Potarca. By IANSlife
Thailand partners with Tinder for single tourists
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9, 2021.
he Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is partnering with famous dating app Tinder to promote domestic trips for single tourists, according to report.
TAT is also partnering with the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) for a one-day trip by train under the “Rod Fai Loi Nam” programme to Pasak Jolasid dam in Lop Buri, scheduled for Jan 23, 2021, said bangkokpost.com.
“Tourism connects people, and some people might end up being lifetime partners. Tourists can also help support tourism and the economy during tough times,” Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT deputy governor for tourism products and business, was quoted as saying to bangkokpost.com.
The Single Journey campaigns targeting singles will help drive sevenmillion domestic trips, generating at least 100 million baht in tourism income during the first quarter of next year, she said.
The Single Journeys campaign consist of nine tourism routes: Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lop Buri-Saraburi, Udon Thani-Loei, Chumphon-Surat Thani, Phuket, Pattaya and Ayutthaya.
by the river and have dinner on board.
During the pilot programme, the TAT will introduce three tourism campaigns in December and January.
According to the reports, this project is a partnership with the dating application Tinder and Facebook page called Sneak Out.
Starting on December 20, single tourists who would like to pray for a relationship can join a river cruise trip to visit nine holy temples
For solo travellers who prefer travelling alone, the agency is also offering a secret island party at Koh Khai in Phuket on January
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The TAT expects to raise awareness of this campaign via social media to more than 70 million engagements in the next three months. Kiatphaibool said throughout next year, the TAT and partners that include airlines and tour operators will offer more than 20 tourism routes nationwide for solo travellers that will be available on Sneakoutdeal, an online tourism platform. By IANSlife
LIFESTYLE
G’DAY INDIA | JAN 2021
Fear of losing loved ones motivates people to get vaccine
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toward social distancing.
o motivate more people to mask up and get vaccinated, emphasising the benefits of being a protector for the family and loved ones is more effective to overcome their resistance, shows new research.
“When people think about what protective behaviours to follow, negative beliefs -- the perception of external control -- override positive beliefs. This means that simply repeating that people should follow public health guidelines is unlikely to be effective,” explained study author Kenneth Resnicow in a paper published in the journal Patient Education and Counseling.
While many people have listened to messaging about wearing a mask and following social distancing guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19, resistance remains. The new study from University of Michigan has found that appealing to people’s concerns for their loved ones can encourage people to get the vaccine. “People who respond negatively to being ‘told’ what to do are much less likely - by more than 50 per cent - to routinely wear a mask. However, at the same time, concern for others increases mask wearing, especially among those who report greater negativity,” said study author Lawrence An, associate professor of general medicine at Michigan Medicine. In a recent survey, people who said social distancing and COVID-safety guidelines violated their personal freedoms responded more positively to these ideas when they felt a loved one might be at risk of severe illness. As the coronavirus pandemic continues
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to ravage the world, messaging focused on shaming or pressuring people to wear a mask or avoid crowds are backfiring. An and colleagues surveyed 1,074 people across the US about their attitudes toward the coronavirus. They discovered two distinct sets of attitudes toward social distancing: Positive beliefs that largely mirror public health messaging and negative beliefs, including the idea that social distancing violates individual rights and freedoms. Concern about a loved one’s risk of severe COVID-19 infection was tied to both higher positive attitudes and lower negative attitudes
The data showed that when people consider being a protector for others, they approach risk differently. “They are less likely to let their personal beliefs and politics discourage them from practicing COVID protection. Emphasising the act of protecting others may help people who would otherwise be reluctant to practice COVID protection to feel independent and strong, rather than compliant or obedient,” Resnicow emphasised. Protectors can take responsibility for monitoring the at-risk person’s COVID exposure and protecting them from the disease by limiting the person’s exposure to others. This includes doing the shopping, maintaining cleaning protocols and PPE, and providing safe By IANSlife transportation.
Frequent travel will make you 7% more happier than others
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to fitspiration goals via Instagram influencers.
ot just women, men and teenagers are affected by Instagram influencers who set global benchmarks for ideal body shape, fashion and even facial trends, say researchers.
“It is interesting that both the fitspiration and fashion images made participants feel more inspired to exercise, and we have certainly seen a rise in men following international fitspo and professional sporting hero influencers,” said study co-author Isabella Anderberg.
While perhaps not as focused on ‘thinness’ as women appear to be from female influencers, the study, published in the journal Body Image, confirmed males are responding to the body image and fitness messages shared by Instagram leaders, some with millions of followers. “This may mean men are less exposed to some of the negatives of social media but confirms the influence of fitspiration (‘fitspo’) and body image on this online platform,” said study author from the Flinders University in Australia. Despite the rise in use of social media, there haven’t been many studies into its effect on men and the new study found there are similarities and differences between women and men.
“While participants all had some vulnerable responses to some types of social media imagery, results typically obtained for women cannot simply be generalised to men,” said study author Marika Tiggemann, who has extensively researched the power of social media images on body image, eating and other behaviour in women. According to the researchers, the new study shows there is a high level of response
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The team studied responses from 300 US adult men aged 18-30 who were randomly shown images of bare-chested (fitspiration), clothed (fashion) and control images, similar to those posted by Instagram influencers. It was found that exposure to bare-chested and muscular images resulted in significantly lower body satisfaction relative to viewing clothed fashion images or scenery images. “It’s important to expand this research, including on the ‘Brotox’ facial ideals set in social media which is leading to more men reportedly using skin products and even cosmetic fillers and botox to keep up to influencers,” Anderberg noted. By IANSlife
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HEALTH
G’DAY INDIA | JAN 2021
Abnormal BP while sleeping can increase stroke risk
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daytime. Follow-up occurred annually via phone or clinic visit, with total follow up ranging from two to seven years.
eople who experience high blood pressure while sleeping are more likely to experience future cardiovascular disease especially heart failure, even when their daytime blood pressure is within normal ranges, warn researchers.
Researchers analyzed the rates of cardiovascular disease events, including heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and death, among the participants. Study participants experienced a total of 306 cardiovascular events, including 119 strokes, 99 diagnoses of coronary artery disease and 88 diagnoses of heart failure.
“Nighttime blood pressure is increasingly being recognized as a predictor of cardiovascular risk,” said study lead author Kazuomi Kario from Jichi Medical University in Japan. This study, published in the journal Circulation, provides in-depth information about the cardiovascular risk associated with high night time blood pressure. For the findings, the research team rolled 6,359 patients from across Japan between 2009 and 2017 and measured daytime and night-time levels using an at-home, wearable, ambulatory monitor. Blood pressure was measured during daily activities and sleep for at least 24 hours at a time, and device data were periodically downloaded at a health care clinic. Almost half of the study participants were male, and more than half were over the age of 65 years. The patients all had at least one cardiovascular risk factor, and three-quarters of
them were taking blood pressure medications, and none had symptomatic cardiovascular disease when the study began.
The analysis showed increased levels during sleep -- a systolic blood pressure measuring 20 mmHg above a person’s daytime systolic reading -- was significantly associated with the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and heart failure.
The study participants were instructed to rest or sleep during night time hours and maintain their usual daytime activities. Their daily activities and sleep and wake times were self-reported in a diary. Almost every participant recorded 20 daytime and seven night-time automated blood pressure measurements.
The participants who had an abnormal circadian pattern, which is when sleep blood pressure exceeds daytime readings, were at particular risk of developing heart failure and had a greater risk of experiencing any cardiovascular disease events.
To determine night time measurements, patients self-reported the time they fell asleep and woke up. All other readings were defined as
“Results indicate that night time systolic blood pressure was a significant, independent risk factor for cardiovascular events,” said Kario . (AGENCIES)
‘Casual’ smokers may also have nicotine addiction
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ven if you consider yourself a light or “casual” smoker, it does not necessarily mean that you have completely escaped nicotine addiction, warns new research. Many light smokers -- those who smoke one to four cigarettes per day or fewer -- meet the criteria for nicotine addiction and should therefore be considered for treatment, said the study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. “In the past, some considered that only patients who smoke around 10 cigarettes per day or more were addicted, and I still hear that sometimes,” said Jonathan Foulds, Professor at Pennsylvania State University in the US. “But this study demonstrates that many lighter smokers, even those who do not smoke every day, can be addicted to cigarettes. It also suggests that we need to be more precise when we ask about cigarette smoking frequency.” The researchers examined an existing data set from the National Institutes of Health in the US, including more than 6,700 smokers who had been fully assessed to find out if they met the 11 criteria listed in the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) for
tobacco use disorder. They found that 85 per cent of the daily cigarette smokers were addicted to some extent -- either mild, moderate or severe addiction. “Surprisingly, almost two thirds of those smoking only one to four cigarettes per day were addicted, and around a quarter of those smoking less than weekly were addicted,” Foulds said. The researchers found that the severity of
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cigarette addiction, as indicated by the number of criteria met, increased with the frequency of smoking, with 35 per cent of those smoking one-to-four cigarettes per day and 74 per cent of those smoking 21 cigarettes or more per day being moderately or severely addicted. “Lighter smoking is correctly perceived as less harmful than heavy smoking, but it still carries significant health risks,” said Jason Oliver, Assistant Professor at Duke University in the US. (AGENCIES)
G’DAY INDIA | JAN 2021
ASK DR. RAJ… HOMEOPATHY’S EFFICACY: DEPRESSION ALTERNATIVE orthostatic hypotension, liver, ANSWERS: kidney problems and more.
Q: Hello Dr Raj, I suffer from depression and my doctor has put me on antidepressant pills (The active ingredient in the pills is called Mirtazepam) for a while, which helps me with my symptoms, but has also side effects. Is there any Homeopathic remedy which I can take instead of it and which has similar results sans the side effects? Ms A. Can you please indicate what possible alternative remedies are available and what has been the outcome of such remedies? (without side effects).Ms.A A: Dear Ms.A, As you may be well aware of by now, side effects of anti depressants can range from increased or decreased appetite, weight gain, dizziness, nausea, sexual debility, sedation,
Depression is a disease of the mind, thought and body. Homeopathy is an effective alternative to anti depressants and has several remedies which can reduce the symptoms, their recurrence and more importantly give you a permanent or long lasting results for your condition. Homeopathic remedies are very popular for elevating mood and bringing about a natural sense of wellbeing in general. They act on the body’s vital force and rectify underlying hormonal changes responsible for the ailment. Also depression is one of the most treated diseases in Homeopathy. However, much more information about your health, family history, etc is required to prescribe the right remedy. By Raj Kothuru
Please send any of your health related questions to drraj@aurahealth.com.au with Ask Dr Raj as the subject line or ph: 94788649 / 0425761826. The questions will be published with your identity protected.
Health tip:
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Research indicates that the thymoquinone in nigella seeds may help stall the development of pancreatic cancer
Zoom Vs. Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kits
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ave you experienced people coming up to you and gently letting you know that you have pale teeth? According to popular belief, pale teeth, more often than not, make you look dirty and old. Is getting rid of those yellow ones your biggest concern right now? Then you must look for teeth whitening options and save yourself all the worry. We are going to discuss some basic facts about the two most popular ways amongst all the teeth whitening options. They are Zoom In-chair teeth whitening and Take-home teeth whitening kits. Let us have a look at what aspects differentiate them from each other. Zoom In-Chair Teeth Whitening This method lies at the forefront of cosmetic dentistry and plays a crucial role in providing patients with an attractive smile. This tooth whitening treatment is performed by qualified and experienced dental professionals with the help of advanced equipment. The basic features of this method are as follows: Quick Zoom teeth whitening is the fastest way to brighten your pale set of teeth. The process requires applying whitening gel and leaving it to work for at least 15 minutes in one go. This step is repeated for 3 to 4 times depending upon how bright you want your teeth to be. It usually takes even less than a couple of hours for your teeth to reach the level of whiteness you require. Safe Professional teeth whitening is the safest option compared to other methods. Being in the safe hands of experienced dentists who take all the measures to avoid any risks and injuries during your teeth whitening procedure is anytime better than doing it on your own. Efficient Dentists first examine your teeth to ascertain the type of stains you have. This helps to ensure if you are a candidate for Zoom teeth whitening and whether the level of whiteness you want is achievable. This further enhances the efficiency of teeth whitening. Lasts longer Usually, the results of Zoom teeth whitening last longer than the take-home teeth whitening kits or any other methods. You must also remember to avoid foods and drinks that contribute to staining your teeth and harming the enamel. Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kits This is yet another popular form of teeth whitening. All those who
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cannot make it to a dentist’s clinic in time or are suffering from dental anxiety often prefer to whiten their teeth at home. The sales of home teeth whitening kits are on the rise. Cost-effective Take-home teeth whitening kits are lighter on your pockets compared to the in-chair teeth whitening option. If budget is your biggest concern, you might want to check out the home teeth whitening kits. Hassle-free This method does not require artificial bonding or attachments to teeth. It is just like getting your teeth whitened at a dental clinic except for the effectiveness. Home teeth whitening takes longer to show results as compared to Zoom in-chair teeth whitening. Easy to use tray The home teeth whitening kits include simple trays and are designed in a way that makes them easy to use on your own. You need not call in your friends or family to help you whiten your teeth. Variety of options Just like the different kinds of teeth and stains on them, takehome teeth whitening kits come in a variety of options. You may ask your dentist to help you select the best home teeth whitening kit for you. Conclusion: You can wave your pale teeth a goodbye and welcome the new smile any time you want. Teeth whitening is the way forward. But before you select any teeth whitening method, make sure you consult your dentist. They will suggest the right teeth whitening option according to your teeth and the stains present on them. Happy teeth whitening! For more information about teeth whitening options at Healthy Smiles Dental Group clinic in Blackburn, feel free to visit us during work hours. You may also call us on 03 9877 2035 to talk to our frontdesk coordinators and book an appointment. Dr Ved Berani BDS(Mum), ADEC(Aust), MBA(Melb), FIADFE, MFGDP(UK) Principal Dentist & Clinical Advisor Healthy Smiles Dental Group 150-152 Canterbury Rd, Blackburn South VIC 3130 Call us: (03) 9877 2035 www.healthysmiles.com.au
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HEALTH
G’DAY INDIA | JAN 2021
Different BP reading between arms linked to high death risk D each pulse. A significant difference between the systolic blood pressure measurements in the two arms could be indicative of a narrowing, or a stiffening, of the arteries, which can affect blood flow.
ifference in blood pressure readings between arms is linked to greater risk of heart attack, stroke and death, a significant, large international study has revealed.
Led by the University of Exeter, the global collaboration conducted a meta-analysis of all the available research, then merged data from 24 global studies to create a database of nearly 54,000 people. The data spanned adults from Europe, the US, Africa and Asia for whom blood pressure readings for both arms were available. Funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and published in the journal Hypertension, the study is the first to find that the greater the inter-arm blood pressure difference, the greater the patient’s additional health risk. “Checking one arm then the other with a routinely used blood pressure monitor is cheap and can be carried out in any healthcare setting, without the need for additional or expensive equipment,” said lead author Dr Chris Clark of the University of Exeter Medical School. While international guidelines currently recommend that this is done, it only happens around half of the time at best, usually due to
These arterial changes are recognised as a further risk marker for subsequent heart attack, stroke or early death, and should be investigated for treatment. time constraints. “Our research shows that the little extra time it takes to measure both arms could ultimately save lives,” Clark said. The research could lead to a change in international hypertension guidelines, meaning more at-risk patients could be identified and receive potentially life-saving treatment. “We’ve long known that a difference in blood pressure between the two arms is linked to poorer health outcomes. The large numbers involved in the INTERPRESS-IPD study help us to understand this in more detail,” Clark noted. “Patients who require a blood pressure check should now expect that it’s checked in both arms, at least once”. Blood pressure rises and falls in a cycle with
The researchers concluded that each mmHg difference found between the two arms, elevated predicted 10-year risk of one of the following occurring by one percent; new angina, a heart attack or stroke. Research co-author Professor Victor Aboyans, head of the department of cardiology at the Dupuytren University Hospital in Limoges, France, said that “We believe that a 10 mmHg difference can now reasonably be regarded as an upper limit of normal for systolic inter-arm blood pressure, when both arms are measured in sequence during routine clinical appointments”. An inter-arm difference of greater than 10 mmHg occurs in 11 per cent of people with high blood pressure (hypertension) and in four per cent of the general population, the authors noted. (AGENCIES)
Higher meat intake linked to symptoms of childhood asthma
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examinations.
ietary habits established earlier in life may be linked to potentially the future development of asthma as a new research has found that substances present in cooked meats are associated with increased wheezing in children.
The researchers used NHANES survey data to evaluate associations between dietary advanced glycation end-products and meat consumption frequencies, and respiratory symptoms.
Their study, published in the journal Thorax, highlights pro-inflammatory compounds called advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) as an example of early dietary risk factors that may have broad clinical and public health implications for the prevention of inflammatory airway disease. “Research identifying dietary factors that influence respiratory symptoms in children is important, as these risks are potentially modifiable and can help guide health recommendations,” said senior study author Sonali Bose, Assistant Professor at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. “Our findings will hopefully inform future longitudinal studies to further investigate whether these specific dietary components play a role in childhood airways disease such as asthma.”
They found that higher advanced glycation end-products intake was significantly associated with increased odds of wheezing, importantly including wheezing that disrupted sleep and exercise, and that required prescription medication.
The researchers examined 4,388 children between 2 and 17 years of age from the 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a program of the National Center for Health Statistics, which is part of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is designed to evaluate the health and nutritional status of adults and children in the United States through interviews and physical
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Similarly, higher intake of non-seafood meats was associated with wheeze-disrupted sleep and wheezing that required prescription medication. “We found that higher consumption of dietary advanced glycation end-products, which are largely derived from intake of nonseafood meats, was associated with increased risk of wheezing in children, regardless of overall diet quality or an established diagnosis of asthma,” said Jing Gennie Wang, lead author of the study, and a former fellow at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
(AGENCIES)
G’DAY INDIA | JAN 2021
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Healthy sleep habits help lower risk of heart failure
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behaviors,” Qi said.
esearchers have revealed that adults with the healthiest sleep pattern have 42 per cent lower risk of heart failure regardless of other risk factors compared to adults with unhealthy sleep patterns.
Sleep behaviors were collected through touchscreen questionnaires. Sleep duration was defined into three groups: short, or less than seven hours a day; recommended, or even to eight hours a day; and prolonged, or 9 hours or more a day.
Healthy sleep patterns are rising in the morning, sleeping 7-8 hours a day and having no frequent insomnia, snoring or excessive daytime sleepiness, the study published in the journal Circulation said. “Our findings highlight the importance of improving the overall sleep patterns to help prevent heart failure,” said study author Lu Qi from the Tulane University in the US. This observational study examined the relationship between healthy sleep patterns and heart failure and included data on 408,802 UK Biobank participants, ages 37 to 73 at the time of recruitment (2006-2010). Incidence of heart failure was collected until April 1, 2019. Researchers recorded 5,221 cases of heart failure during a median follow-
The findings showed that participants with the healthiest sleep pattern had a 42 per cent reduction in the risk of heart failure compared to people with an unhealthy sleep pattern. up of 10 years. Researchers analysed sleep quality as well as overall sleep patterns. The measures of sleep quality included sleep duration, insomnia and snoring and other sleep-related features, such as whether the participant was an early bird or night owl and if they had any daytime sleepiness. “The healthy sleep score we created was based on the scoring of these five sleep
They also found the risk of heart failure was independently associated and: eight per cent lower in early risers, 12 per cent lower in those who slept 7 to 8 hours daily, 17 per cent lower in those who did not have frequent insomnia and 34 per cent lower in those reporting no daytime sleepiness. The researchers noted other unmeasured or unknown adjustments may have also influenced the findings.
(AGENCIES)
An egg a day can trigger diabetes too, warn researchers
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crambled, poached or boiled, eggs are a popular breakfast food the world over but new research warns that excess egg consumption can increase your risk of diabetes.
While the association between eating eggs and diabetes is often debated, this study aims to assess people’s long-term egg consumption of eggs and their risk of developing diabetes, as determined by fasting blood glucose.
The study found that people who regularly consumed one or more eggs per day (equivalent to 50 grams) increased their risk of diabetes by 60 per cent and the effect was more pronounced in women than in men.
“What we discovered was that higher longterm egg consumption (greater than 38 grams per day) increased the risk of diabetes among Chinese adults by approximately 25 per cent.
Conducted in partnership with the China Medical University, and Qatar University, the longitudinal study (1991 to 2009) led by University of South Australia is the first to assess egg consumption in a large sample of Chinese adults. Epidemiologist and public health expert Ming Li said the rise of diabetes is a growing concern. “Diet is a known and modifiable factor that contributes to the onset of Type 2 diabetes, so understanding the range of dietary factors that might impact the growing prevalence of the disease is important,” Ming said. Over the past few decades, China has undergone a substantial nutritional transition that’s seen many people move away from
“Furthermore, adults who regularly ate a lot of eggs (over 50 grams, or equivalent to one egg, per day) had an increased risk of diabetes by 60 per cent,” Ming claimed.
a traditional diet comprising grains and vegetables, to a more processed diet that includes greater amounts of meat, snacks and energy-dense food. “At the same time, egg consumption has also been steadily increasing; from 1991 to 2009, the number of people eating eggs in China nearly doubled,” he said in a paper published in the British Journal of Nutrition.
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While these results suggest that higher egg consumption is positively associated with the risk of diabetes in Chinese adults, more research is needed to explore causal relationships. “To beat diabetes, a multi-faceted approach is needed that not only encompasses research, but also a clear set of guidelines to help inform and guide the public. This study is one step towards that long-term goal,” the authors wrote. The study population comprised 8,545 adults (average age 50 years) participating in the China Health and Nutrition Survey. (AGENCIES)
G’DAY INDIA | JAN 2021
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Alia Bhatt is ready to face ‘whatever lies ahead’ in 2021 A
Big B shares philosophy on friendship and life
mid speculations of her engagement with actor Ranbir Kapoor, Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt expressed that she is ready to face whatever lies ahead of her in the year coming up.
Alia shared a photograph on her verified Instagram account where she can be seen standing near a bonfire with a drink in her hand. The actress wears a short red dress with a long shrug, a woollen cap, and knee-high boots. “And to whatever lies ahead of us... cheers!” Alia wrote on Instagram. Fans responded to the post by sharing adjectives like “beautiful”, “cutie” and “hottie” to describe the actress. Incidentally, it is not Alia but the person sitting next to her who has caught the attention of a section of netizens. In the picture, a man is sitting near the bonfire next to Alia, who netizens feel is her rumoured beau Ranbir Kapoor. However, the photo has been cropped in a way that the man’s face cannot be seen. “RK is next to her,” commented a user.
“So nicely you cropped Ranbir,” wrote another user. Rumoured lovebirds Alia and Ranbir are currently holidaying in the exotic resort Aman-i-khas, near Ranthambore National Park in Sawai Madhopur, where they plan to usher in 2021. Alia’s mother Soni Razdan, Ranbir’s mother Neetu Kapoor and sister Riddhima Kapoor Sahni are also with them. Incidentally, Bollywood couple Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone are staying at the same resort to celebrate the New Year. (IANS)
Time for female actors to get respected: Manoj Bajpayee
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ctor Manoj Bajpayee feels it is time for female actors to get respect for their talent, and says even the male counterparts are also looking for a situation where everybody gets what they deserve.
“It’s a time for female actors to get and be respected for what they are and what they can deliver,” Manoj said. “This is something that only they were looking for but we as male counterparts were also looking for a situation like this where everybody is getting what they deserve,” he added. Actress Sayani Gupta feels OTT platforms are driving a change in the industry. Asked about young actors finding a place on OTT platforms, Sayani said: “OTT has really changed the game. With how Bollywood worked, you only get a certain kind of stories green lit but what OTT did was break that mould. So, now you’re looking at talent and you have a huge pool to choose from. I feel there couldn’t be a better time to be a part of the industry.” To this, Shweta Basu Prasad added: “I think the stories that are now being told are
B
ollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan began the last week of the year on a philosophical note. Big B tweeted from his verified account reminding us of the value of old friends in our life. “Make new friends but Keep the old. Those are silver, these are gold,” he wrote. The 78-year-old actor also offered a suggestion on how to tackle the challenges that life throws at us. “We can’t always choose the music life plays for us, but we can choose how we dance to it,” he wrote in a separate tweet. Bachchan’s fans responded by sharing their opinions.
very diverse. All my releases this year were completely different from each other. OTT is a very democratic platform and today, there is a viewership for everything, and every kind of content is being viewed.” “When you’re watching a series over a three-season arc, you would want to watch an actor who would invest in a character more than somebody who has 8 pack abs. Come to think of it, Cinema started with short films,” said Shweta on the diversity that OTT platforms now offer to the audiences. The stars opened up about the industry in an upcoming episode of “Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films”. The show airs on Zee Cafe (IANS) in India.
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“That’s so true Sir ji... We have to dance beautifully as per the music suggested by God Almighty. How best we do depends on us. Only at the end of the day it is Happiness that matters. Be always Happy n blessed Sir ji,” wrote a fan. “How true it is! The truth! What we give is what we get... And no one is to blame for anything. We are responsible for our own life, for our own reality. In any most difficult situation, there is a choice. And we make this choice ourselves,” commented another user. On the work front, Big B has a busy year ahead with upcoming films like “Chehre”, Nagraj Manjule’s “Jhund”, Ayan Mukerji’s “Brahmastra”, Ajay Devgn’s “Mayday” and a yet untitled film co-starring Prabhas and Deepika Padukone.
(TIW)
G’DAY INDIA | JAN 2021
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Don’t want to do things out of pressure anymore: Radhika Apte
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Games”, “Pad Man” and “Ghoul”.
ctress Radhika Apte has realised she was doing a lot of work just because of the fear of missing out, and says she is now determined not to take up work under pressure. The realisation dawned on her when the world was under lockdown due to the Covid-19 crisis.
Radhika is currently seen in “A Call To Spy”, the international production capturing the story of three female spies during World War II. In the film, Radhika plays British spy Noor Inayat Khan, also known as Nora Baker, who served in the Special Operations Executive during the war.
“I realised that I’m grateful to get a lot of work and I have chosen work only when I wanted to do it. But there were a lot of other things I was doing with work, which are part of work and are a part of my job. I was doing these just out of FOMO,” Radhika said. “I did so just because I didn’t want to miss out or just because others were doing it. In this time, when no one was doing anything, I was really chilled. I didn’t want to do it either,” she added. The actress continued: “I realised, ‘Oh, I wanted to do it because others were doing it. If others don’t do it, I don’t want to do it’. So, just to distinguish between what you really want to do and what you’re doing out of pressure -- that’s what I’ve learned in these few months and I don’t want to do things out of pressure anymore. Let’s see how long that lasts.” Radhika entered the industry with a small
role in the 2005 release “Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi!”, and went on to do films like “Shor In The City”, “Kabali”, “Phobia”, “Badlapur” and the short film “Ahalya”. The actress is credited for breaking the stereotypical image of the Bollywood heroine with her roles in “Phobia”, “Badlapur”, “Manjhi: The Mountain Man”, “Lust Stories”, “Sacred
I don’t look at stardom: Sara Ali Khan keeps changing,” Sara said.
Looking back at the challenges of playing the role, Radhika shared: “The biggest challenge is when you are trying to portray a real-life person. It is so difficult because you have a huge responsibility, you can’t just come up with things. So, it was difficult because there are no clips or anything that you can watch. It’s just literature and photographs. She is a very unique personality, not just because of a geographical diversity, but because of a spiritual inclination, and her philosophy, and her reasons behind participating in the war.” The spy drama is directed by Lydia Dean Pilcher, written and produced by Sarah Megan Thomas, who also stars in the film along with Stana Katic. The film released in India on Amazon Prime Video. By Sugandha Rawal
Tiger Shroff wants 2021 to heal the planet
“I think the only thing that matters is your ‘neeyat’ (intention). What matters is your intention, hard work, passion, and craze. Everything else keeps changing and will continue to change,” she added. Sara entered Bollywood in 2018 with Abhishek Kapoor’s “Kedarnath”, co-starring late Sushant Singh Rajput. She was then seen in Rohit Shetty’s “Simmba” opposite Ranveer Singh, the Kartik Aaryan co-starrer “Love Aajkal 2” by Imtiaz Ali, and, her latest release, David Dhawan’s “Coolie No. 1” opposite Varun Dhawan. Coming from a family of stars and having worked with that sort of a line-up of big co-stars and co-actors, Sara says she is lucky. While friends lament their nine-to-five jobs, for Sara acting is no work.
I
n a span of two years, Sara Ali Khan has seen the highs of glamour and has also garnered a substantial fan base. The daughter of Bollywood stars Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh may have been born in the lap of fame, but she insists she does not believe in stardom. “I don’t look at stardom. Till now, I don’t use the word fans. I don’t use the word star. I don’t believe in these things. I think Friday to Friday -- I mean it used to be Friday and it can now be released any day. With every release of a film your stature, stardom -- whatever you call it --
“I am lucky to be in a profession I like. I see a couple of people -- friends of mine -- do nine-to-five jobs they don’t like, and are like, “oh god! work’. But this is not work. My work is the most exciting part of my life. I am lucky to have that rest is all irrelevant,” Sara, who is the granddaughter of veteran actress Sharmila Tagore and former skipper Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, said. The actress has an equally important film lined up for her in future. She will next be seen with Akshay Kumar and Dhanush in Aanand L. Rai’s “Atrangi Re”. (TIW)
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t a time when the Covid pandemic has paralysed the world, Bollywood action star Tiger Shroff wants the new year to be a healing force for the planet. “The shadow of 2021 is among us. Wish you all the best of health and happiness. May this year be a year of healing for our planet. Let’s do what we can to help speed that up,” Tiger shared on his verified Instagram account on the first day of the year. On the work front, Tiger will next be seen in the action drama Ganapath. The film is set in a post-pandemic dystopian era. Shooting for the project will begin this year. The film has been planned as the first film of a franchise. The actor will also be seen in the second instalment of his debut film Heropanti, an action film that released in 2014. The second instalment, to be directed by Ahmed Khan, will co-star Tara Sutaria, who made her Bollywood debut opposite Tiger in the 2019 release, Student Of The Year 2. (TIW)
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Taapsee Pannu’s new post is all about ‘confidence’ A
G’DAY INDIA | JAN 2021
Ranveer
Singh
ctress Taapsee Pannu has shared a picture on social media, which is all about being confident.
shares his mantra for success
Taapsee posted a picture on social media, where she is seen wearing a grey ensemble paired with round sunglasses and has left her hair open. “Confidence is not walking into a room thinking you are better than everyone else. It’s walking into a room and not having to compare yourself to anyone else in the first place. #HappySunday,” Taapsee posted the picture. Taapsee will next be seen in “Rashmi Rocket”, where she plays a runner from the Rann of Kutch who fights for her identity and
becomes an athlete. Priyanshu Painyuli plays Taapsee’s husband in the Akarsh Khurana directorial. She will also be seen in “Looop Lapeta” and “ Haseen Dillruba. (IANS)
Nawazuddin Siddiqui credits ‘struggling’ days for success today A cclaimed actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui recalled his days of struggles and said that it has helped him achieve all the success he has today. Nawazuddin started his acting career with a one-scene appearance in the 1999 film “Sarfarosh”. Anutag Kashyap’s “Gangs Of Wasseypur” series of 2012 helped him attain critical acclaim and popularity, which he soon substantiated doing films such as “Kahaani” and “Miss Lovely”. Today, Nawazuddin is tagged as one of the finest actors in Hindi cinema.
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ctor Ranveer Singh has shared his secret for success with fans on social media.
Talking about his run in Hindi cinema, Nawazuddin said: “In my journey, I spent 12 years struggling. Finally, I started doing small roles and now, thank god, in 2012 ‘Gangs Of Wasseypur’, ‘Kahaani’, ‘Talaash’ and other films released, and the journey absolutely changed.”
Ranveer posted a picture on Instagram from a basketball court, dressed in basketball gear. Alongside the image, he wrote: “Kheloge Kudoge Banoge Nawab.” Ranveer will next star in “83”, as the iconic Kapil Dev, who captained India’s first-ever cricket World Cup victory campaign in 1983.
The 46-year-old actor has had his share of hits and misses.
The actor will also reprise his role of Sangram Bhalerao ‘Simmba’ in Shetty’s upcoming cop action drama, “Sooryavanshi”, which stars Akshay Kumar as ATS officer Veer Sooryavanshi.
“There were ups and downs in the beginning,” he recalled, adding: “The times of struggles cannot be forgotten. I have learned a lot from those times. too. I experienced a lot of things then and it has helped me today. A man can also learn if the time is bad. I have learned a lot from that time (phase), and that is helping me today,” Nawazuddin added.
Later, he reunites with Shetty to adapt Shakespearean comedy for the Bollywood screen. Titled “Cirkus”, their new collaboration is an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s play “The Comedy Of Errors”, with Ranveer essaying a double role.
In 2020, the actor had two acclaimed performances, in releases the OTTreleased films “Raat Akeli Hai” and “Serious Men”. (AGENCIES)
(IANS)
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Don’t think I am a very content kind of person: Kiara Advani A
ctress Kiara Advani has had a satisfying year. She was among the rare Bollywood stars to have releases on OTT as well as theatres, in a year that has been fraught by the pandemic.
G’DAY INDIA | JAN 2021
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Never thought that one day a book will be written on me: Sonu Sood
This year, she was seen in the OTTreleased films “Guilty” and “Laxmii”, while “Indoo Ki Jawani” opened theatrically across India earlier this month. Kiara, who started her journey in Bollywood with “Fugly” in 2014, has impressed in hit films as “M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story”, “Kabir Singh”, and “Good Newwz”, as well as the digitally released anthology “Lust Stories”. She is, however, not in a mood to rest on her hits. “I am yearning for more. I don’t think I am a very content kind of person -- (I am) somebody who always wants to push and try doing better. I think the drive is very much alive and it should be that way. So, yeah that is how I am as a person,” Kiara said. The actress has three films lined up over the next months -- “Shershaah” opposite
Sidharth Malhotra, the Kartik Aaryan-starrer “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2”, and “Jug Jugg Jeeyo” costarring Anil Kapoor, Neetu Kapoor and Varun Dhawan. (IANS)
Kareena Kapoor Khan to pen guide to pregnancy
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ollywood actor Sonu Sood never envisioned that there would be a book about him someday, adding that he misses his mother when such a thing is happening. Sonu has written a book recounting his experience of helping migrant workers during the Covid lockdown. Titled “I Am No Messiah”, the book is written in first person, revealing the emotional challenges the actor faced while extending help. “It has turned out to be very special because I never realised that one day, I will do something, on which a book will be written on me, where I can share my experiences, share all the moments where I connected with millions of people across the globe,” Sonu said, on writing the book. “Now, putting everything on paper... my mom, who was a professor, always used to tell me to write about my experiences, whenever you feel they are special because they will stay with you forever. With so many things happening, you tend to forget those experiences, but you can always go back to those pages and revisit those times,” he added.
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ollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan is all set to pen her first book titled Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Pregnancy Bible, which will be a comprehensive guide to pregnancy and will come out next year. Kareena made the announcement on her son Taimur Ali Khan’s fourth birthday. “Today is the perfect day to announce my book- Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Pregnancy Bible for all you moms-to-be. I’ll talk about everything from morning sickness to diet and fitness and being a mom-on-the-go! I can’t wait for you to read it. To be published by Juggernaut Books in 2021,” she wrote.
Kareena is married to Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan. The two, who are fondly called as Saifeena by their fans, got married in 2012. She gave birth to their first born, Taimur, in 2016. She is currently expecting her second baby with Saif and she often shares photographs of her baby bump on social media. Kareena and Saif had announced on August 12 that they are expecting their second child. The actress recently completed her shoot for the upcoming film “Laal Singh Chaddha” costarring Aamir Khan in Delhi.
(AGENCIES)
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The actor continued: “I wish she was around, and she would have been a proud mother, if she would have read the book. Today, I miss her more. I thank my parents for teaching me, guiding me and praying for me, which is helping me.” At present, Sonu is seen hosting “Bharat Ke Mahaveer”. The series brings stories that represent the spirit of solidarity in the country and celebrates Indians who have shown extraordinary kindness during the coronavirus pandemic. The series airs on Discovery channel, and Discovery Plus app, and comes in partnership between the United Nations in India, NITI Aayog and Discovery channel . (IANS)
FOOD
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bon appĂŠtit
G’DAY INDIA | JAN 2021
Lactic acid in yogurt helps smooth and exfoliate skin. Use a thick kind with active cultures for the greatest benefits
Did you know:
A peek into upcoming F&B trends of 2021 T
he only way to move forward is to leave something behind. With 2021, everyone wants to forget their woes and look forward to a bright and cheery future. After witnessing the worst shut down ever, the F&B industry is getting back to its feet by adopting means to adhere to the new normal. Leveraging the pool of data from its B2B platform, Dineout has come up with the expected trends in the F&B industry by 2021. These are the result of an analysis of more than 15000 restaurants using inresto's Contactless Dining suite of products. The Pandemic has transformed every aspect of the F&B industry. These trends are set to dominate the industry and equips restaurants to stay ahead of the curve in the coming years. From Cloud Kitchens to Staycations with Dineout's latest white paper: Digital Menu As the consumer is seeking higher safety and hygiene measures at the restaurants, the adoption of the digital menu is becoming the new normal that supports social distancing
within the restaurant. As per Dineout's latest whitepaper, Digital menu has infiltrated about 50 per cent of the market and projected to grow 90 per cent by 2021. Restaurants adopting digital ways in daily operations like a digital menu, digital payments, digital feedback and technology to communicate with their customers will be successful. Takeaway and Delivery services Restaurants are expanding their offerings to takeaway and delivery services keeping with the changing trends to cater to the new demands of the consumers. Takeaways and deliveries will gain prime focus post COVID era for restaurants to stay financially viable amid strict social distancing norms. These services will continue to garner undivided attention and grow exponentially by 15 per cent & 30.55 percent, respectively. Budding Home Chefs Pandemic has led to a surge in demand for home-cooked food and a consequent rise in demand for food prepared by local home cooks and bakers. Dineout report indicates a further rise in number by 4X in 2021.
Cloud kitchens Increasing trends of delivery and takeaway, fast-paced lifestyles and changed consumer behaviour have further driven the rise of Cloud kitchens in India. At the moment it holds a 13 per cent market share and is expected to expand to approximately 30 per cent in the coming year. Healthier Food Choices Consumers are now more careful than ever while making food choices. There is a paradigm shift in food consumption from comfort food to healthy dishes and more vegetarian options. The report suggested that 45 percent of young adults will make healthier food choices by 2021. The study has revealed some interesting insights into the parallel side of the industry. Staycation is the new buzzword and has given the industry an alternate source for revenue generation. Staycation & Workation combined will rule 80 percent of the market by 2021. Similarly, drive-in theaters struggling to make a mark in the pre-covid area will see a surge of 12 percent in the coming years.
A biryani per second, home meals most loved on Swiggy in 2020
NEW DELHI, Dec 27: As contactless food became the norm in the pandemic-hit year, online delivery platform Swiggy said that some form of biryani was ordered more than once every second while home-cooked food was one of the most ferried items in 2020. The chicken biryani reaffirmed its place as India's favourite dish. For every veg biryani, there were six chicken biryani orders.
Over 3 lakh new users made their Swiggy debut by ordering in a chicken biryani, according to the data from fifth edition of Swingy's annual 'StatEATstics' analysis.
"While we delivered 5 times as many orders to 'Home' addresses compared to 'Work' addresses between January and March, that number rose to 9 times as many Home orders vs. Work orders in April and May," the report mentioned. Missing office cappuccinos and masala chais while working from home, lakhs of hardworking Swiggy users ordered varieties of tea and coffee. Swiggy also delivered over two lakh pani puri orders postlockdown. The company launched 'Swiggy HealthHub' in
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August, a curation of healthy food items.
While users in the National Capital Region (NCR) ordered the healthiest meals, Bangaloreans showed a high resolve to get healthy. At 130 per cent, the city saw the highest increase in healthy food orders on Swiggy HealthHub. People ate an average of 342 calories for dinner. Lunches ranged at under 350 calories, while breakfast, the day's most important meal, saw people consume an average of 427 calories. Swiggy Instamart, its instant grocery and essentials delivery service, delivered over 75,000 kgs of onion. "Our shortest delivery request came in from someone in Bengaluru and spanned a 600 metres to collect an empty water can from their home and exchange it for a full one at the store". "Meanwhile, our longest delivery spanned 39kms in Kolkata and involved the delivery of a SIM card," Swiggy informed. (IANS)
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Chef Kunal Kapoor shares tips to fulfil your eating resolution in 2021 We generally tend to get hungry during the evening and grab the closest snack- it could be potato chips or even ice-cream. Instead, when you plan a snack for the day, you ensure that you are consciously making a choice to eat something healthy. A snack could be a lip-smacking bhel with tomatoes and onions or a simple, easy to make salad
I
n 2021 we want to set the path right by turning into a healthier leaf. A lot of people across the world are making new year resolutions that will help them lead a wholesome life. Celebrity Chef Kunal Kapoor says every year, we make a resolution to lead a healthier life by eating healthy and nutrient rich food that contains fresh produce. He suggests a few ways that can aid you in fulfilling your fitness goal for the year: Focus on Fitness: Don't concentrate on losing weight, as weight gain or loss can be caused by a lot of factors. If the focus is shifted from weight loss to remaining fit, we won't subject ourselves to unreasonable body standards. This will also ensure the consumption of a nutritious, balanced diet rather than the latest diet fad which may not suit your body! Meal Planning: Make a weekly meal plan and write down the ingredients that you would require. Ensure you do all the grocery shopping over the weekend and keep your fridge well stocked Eat a snack everyday: While planning your meals, always ensure that you plan for breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner.
Prepping meals: If you are making a dish in the morning that requires vegetables, you could chop them the previous night and store it in the refrigerator. This will help you in spending less time prepping for your meal the next day Have a Morning Ritual: Once you wake up in the morning, don't grab that cup of coffee or tea, instead drink a glass of warm water, which will flush out the toxins from your system and will aid digestion Drink water through the day: Ensure that you are hydrated through the day. Dehydration can cause fatigue and make you even hungrier Mindful eating: Keep your phone on silent mode and don't look at any screen while you are eating. Concentrate on the food and savour the taste of each morsel. Mindful eating enables you with a better understanding www.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383
of your appetite Moderation is key: If you force yourself off fried food and sweets, it may not necessarily help you. For example, if you haven't eaten a Gulab Jamun in a while and suddenly come across it, you might just end up eating a lot more than general. It's okay to indulge in your favourite dishes, just remember to do so in moderation Don't starve or skip meals: Each body type is different and starving or fasting may not suit your metabolism. Fasting can cause irritability and mood swings in people and drains you of the nutrients your body requires Eat an early dinner: Try winding up your dinner early and ensure you have a minimum of 2 hours before you hit the bed Kapoor says: "The fruits and vegetables available in supermarkets and local sabzi mandis are often laden with pesticides and germs. It is imperative to make it a routine to wash them thoroughly with a natural action vegetable and fruit cleaner like Nimwash before eating or cooking natural produce." By Puja Gupta
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DIET
G’DAY INDIA | JAN 2021
New year, new you!
But this time make it for life! BY DEEVYA GUPTA
N
o doubt many of us are looking forward to starting fresh for 2021. The year of 2020 has brought upon many changes, especially in our lifestyle. From the first half of the year of cooking and baking things we normally would not have time for, to suddenly having a sedentary lifestyle for some, there may be now a focus to try and get back into the swing of keeping up an improved lifestyle and overall fitness. New years resolution for your health Make a promise to yourself to put yourself and your health as number 1 priority. Normally this may be very difficult when caring for others but remember if you take care of yourself first, you will be able to take care of your loved ones even more. One important point to keep in mind is that we want to aim for realistic goals. If you have a goal to improve your lifestyle, then think of reasonable goals which are achievable. This will help keep your motivation in check and allow you to continue on your path much farther than just one month into the year. Think long term- are you able to maintain the goals you are setting for yourself in the long term? Will it still be applicable to you by the end of the year? Will you still be able to keep up with the changes you have decided to go for? Keep up a routine Whatever you choose to do, once you get into a routine of changes it will become easier and easier. It is usually the initial stages of change that take time. This includes allowing your body to adapt to new tastes, new timings, and new quantities. You don’t need to make drastic change all at once to see results, changes may take time to show. This is usually better in the long run. What food and lifestyle related changes can I make? If you have been eating out more, make a goal to try and cook at home more often. Try and aim for at least half of your meals at lunch and dinner to include vegetables or salads. Aim to increase your water intake to the recommended eight or more glasses per day. Keep up regular physical activity as
suggested by the guidelines, even if you can’t do much at a time you can break it up and remember something is always better than nothing! Keep processed foods and drinks to just ‘sometimes’ and in small quantities. Think ahead and plan your meals and snacks; it may take time at first but you will get faster at it and it will save you time as well as money in the end. Have a variety of foods from the food groups, the more colours, the more vitamins and nutrition you will be getting. Have as much high fibre foods as possible. Overall aim to reduce salt and sugar intake when it's not needed and keep an eye on the types of fats you are having an intake of. Remember to enjoy your food, eat slow and always be thankful for what we have today. Seek help when you need it Sometimes it may be overwhelming when you are unsure about where to start. You might find it helpful to speak to someone with experience or who is able to help you plan steps to help you get there. Be positive, be happy Stress can play a major role in our overall health. Never underestimate this! If you can find activities and ways to help you relax, this will make changes easier to maintain and give you happiness. Please note this advice is of a general nature. If you have any concerns or queries, you should get tailored advice from an Accredited Practicing Dietitian and always consult with your General Practitioner before making any changes.
Deevya Gupta is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian in Melbourne | W: www.abcofnutrition.com.au
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RECIPE
G’DAY INDIA | JAN 2021
Healthy Chicken Pulao
This healthy aromatic one dish meal is cooked with brown basmati rice and tender boneless chicken cubes flavoured with spices. This Chicken pulao is quick and easy to make and is no less than any saffron laced biryani in spite of its simplicity. To make a healthy chicken pulao, you don’t go overboard on the spices, you certainly do not put any ghee and you may also cook it with least oil and no nuts.
Ingredients:
Serves 4
Method:
1. Marinate the chicken in yogurt, ginger and garlic paste and salt for an hour. 2. Wash and soak the brown basmati rice for about 15 mins. 3. Heat oil in a thick-bottomed pan. Add cumin seeds and sauté till they change colour. 4. Add cloves, green cardamoms, cinnamon and bay leaves and allow sizzling for a few seconds. 5. Stir in the onions and fry till golden brown. Add tomatoes and cook until mashed, stirring continuously. 6. Gently add in the marinated chicken pieces and cook until half cooked. 7. Add in the chilli and coriander powder, stir well to mix. 8. Pour in the chicken stock and saffron and bring to a boil. 9. Stir in the drained rice and allow to boil until water level is reduced to the same level of the rice. 10. Cover with a tight lid and allow to cook on a low heat for about 20 mins until fully cooked. 11. Serve hot
Variation:
Serve cold with seasonal fruit of your choice like blueberries and mango. Alternatively, serve the kheer hot, garnished with pistachios and pine nuts.of your choice like blueberries and mango
Tip:
Garnish:
Gently stir the rice because basmati after soaking becomes very fragile
with chopped coriander or sprig of mint
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6 chicken thigh fillets (skinless) cubed 1 1/2 cups brown Basmati rice 1/4 cup yogurt 2 inch ginger, chopped 6-8 garlic cloves, chopped 4-5tbsp olive oil or ghee (Optional) 1 tsp cumin seeds 7-8 green cardamoms 6 cloves 2-3 anise star (opt) 1 1/2 inch cinnamon stick 2 bay leaves 2 med onions sliced 2-3 med tomatoes, chopped 1 tbsp red chilli powder 1tbsp coriander powder 4 ½ cups chicken stock Saffron, pinch Salt, to taste
recipe
BY MANJIT SETHI
from the private collection
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ASTROLOGY
G’DAY INDIA | JAN 2021
By D. Narayan (Tantracharya) Mesha (Aries)
Vrishabh (Taurus)
Mithuna (Gemini)
M: 0425 660 220
Karkat (Cancer)
You can expect the exceptional year 2021. Career professionals can expect a prosperous year, and growth will be quite encouraging. Finances will be quite tentative, with expenses overshooting income. The year is beneficial for love relationships, and marriages can be expected.
Taurus will find the year somewhat unpredictable. Career prospects are quite good with prospects of a change of place of work with better financial prospects. Finances will be erratic, though the last quarter of the year will be quite promising. Health will be tentative and will require more attention. Old health problems may occur.
Financial expenses for Gemini’s tend to increase this year. However, income will be much more than the expenses, though it will be erratic. Partnership ventures will face a few problems. The year promises to be an excellent one for academic prospects. The first half of the year is auspicious for pursuing advanced studies. Health may create a few problems.
The year will create quite a few hiccups for people pursuing their careers. The second quarter of the year will be very problematic. Finances present a highly encouraging picture. You will have surplus income, which can be used to liquidate existing liabilities. Educational prospects will be very good for students during the first and last quarters of the year.
Best days: 3, 12, 30 Lucky Colour: Red, Orange, Cream
Best days: 9, 18, 27 Lucky Colour: Green, Blue
Best days: 2, 7, 9 Lucky Colour: Red, White, Yellow
Best days: 9, 18 Lucky Colour: Red, Blue
Simha (Leo)
Kanya (Virgo)
Tula (Libra)
Vrishchik (Scorpio)
You should be prepared for a roller coaster ride during the year 2021. The career will show good progress, though the second quarter may pose a few hardships. Take care to maintain a harmonious relationship with your seniors. Finances will be little tough, but the third quarter will present you with a good bounty. Health prospects are not promising and require more attention.
The year 2021 throws up diverse results for the you people. While the year starts with a pleasant note, the middle of the year will throw up a few challenges. Career professionals will have an excellent year. People desirous of changing jobs can do so during the second quarter of the year. Finances are not very much encouraging. Family relationships will be harmonious.
You can expect the fascinating year 2021. Career shows a lot of promise. Finances will be smooth with a good inflow of money during the first half of the year. The first quarter of the year may be problematic for partnership businesses. Family relationships present a peaceful picture. Professional commitments may keep you away from the family.
You will have mixed fortunes during the year 2021. Career people will have to keep a low profile at the workplace and avoid all controversies. Financial prospects are profitable. Though expenses may go up, income will be surplus enough to save money. Health may present a few minor problems. Proper attention will help to maintain your well-being.
Best days: 3, 12 Lucky Colour: Orange, Green
Best days: 9, 18 Lucky Colour: Red, Blue
Best days: 1, 3, 4 Lucky Colour: Red, Orange
Dhanu (Sagittarius)
Makara (Capricorn)
Best days: 5,3 Lucky Colour: White & Orange
Kumbha (Aquarius)
The year 2021 is promising foryou. If you are a career professional, you can expect promotions and salary increases with colleagues and seniors’ help at the workplace. Finances will be good with a large inflow of money. You will have enough money for spending as well as saving. Health will be excellent. Also, minor problems can be cured with medical assistance.
You can expect the booming year 2021 with overall prosperity in various areas of life. Career-oriented persons can expect rewards for their diligence and sincerity with promotions and pay increases. On the financial front, expenses tend to overshoot during the year’s commencement, and you have to monitor your financial budget carefully.
The year 2021 will be enriching for you. Unemployed persons can expect to get jobs at the end of the year. Employed persons should be prepared to face unexpected problems in the workplace frequently. There may be a change in the workplace for the Kumbh people. Financial prospects show uneven trends during the year, and you will be better off by saving money.
Best days: 9, 18 Lucky Colour: Red, Blue
Best days: 1, 3, 4 Lucky Colour: White, Green, Blue
Best days: 5, 3, 6 Lucky Colour: White, Green
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Meen (Pisces)
2021, Career professionals can progress in their jobs by maintaining harmonious relationships in the workplace. Finances will fluctuate frequently, and you have to keep a strict watch on income and expenses. Real estate dealings may turn out to be profitable. Married persons can expect a harmonious and enjoyable life. Students should be ready to face hardships in their academic pursuits. Health promises to be wonderful. But do not ignore minor health issues. Best days: 2, 7, 9 Lucky Colour: Red, Yellow, White
Have a laug h
G’DAY INDIA | JAN 2021
HAVE A LAUGH
Covidian Neo Wisdom...
sanitizer
*20 New Proverbs to be included in Curriculum from Apr 2020*
10) Better to be poor and healthy than rich and sick
1) Divided we live, United we die.
12) Distancing is the best part of Valor.
2) A sneeze, in time...infects nine.
13) Don't count your chickens before next March
3) All that sniffles has caught a cold
14) Every crowd has a carrier lurking
4) Homestay is the best policy. 5) One man's mask is another man's poison 6) When things get cough, the smart get going. 7) An unmasked guy is the Covid's workshop. 8) As you spray, so shall they reap.
11) Curiosity killed the doc.
15) Every cough has its spray. 16) A cough hits nine lives 17) Ignorance is a kiss 18) Necessity is the mother of infection 19) Out at night is out of mind 20) Rome wasn't infected in a day
9) Snot is weaker than
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