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MAR 2021

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VOL 15 ISSUE 167

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AUSTRALIAN INDIAN PERSPECTIVE

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UNAPOLOGETIC AVAN!

#EQUALITYTALKS2021

From international table tennis star to working with refugees on Christmas Island, Avanti Sinha believes when the going gets tough, the tough get going

JOURNEY OF THE HEROINE

This International Woman’s Day we celebrate the story of Alison Murphy and her fight for equality.

#BACKTOTHEFUTURE

BODY BUDDIES

Aayushi Khillan is working the room in confidence with her Body Buddies – the soft toys for a good cause

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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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NEWS VICTORIA

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

Vaccine Rollout Continues to Ramp Up Across Victoria

MELBOURNE, Mar 1: The Andrews Labor Government is working with the Commonwealth to ramp up its coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination program across regional Victoria with the launch of hospital vaccination hubs in Bendigo and Ballarat. Minister for Health Martin Foley today visited Bendigo Health to thank local frontline health workers who are continuing to keep our state safe and congratulate the first among them to be vaccinated. There are now six hospital vaccination hubs operating across Melbourne and regional Victoria, providing the vaccine to those most likely to be exposed to COVID-19, with the remaining hubs to come online shortly. The first to be vaccinated include Hotel Quarantine and Health Hotel workers, airport and port workers, and frontline health staff in COVID-19 screening clinics, specialist COVID-19 wards, Intensive Care Units and Emergency Departments. Hubs also deliver the vaccine to public sector residential aged care residents and workers, with the Commonwealth responsible for providing the vaccine to private residential aged care and disability care facilities. Bendigo Health and Ballarat Health Services will focus on public sector residential aged care residents throughout this week. COVID-19 screening clinic nurse Nicole Harper will be the first Bendigo Health staff

member vaccinated. She has done incredible work and swabbed more than 4000 people since starting in the role 12 months ago. Hospital vaccination hubs managed by Albury Wodonga Health, Goulburn Valley Health and Latrobe Regional Hospital will begin delivering the vaccine from the week of March 8. As of 28 February, nearly 4000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine have been delivered at Victoria’s hospital vaccination hubs. It is

anticipated that over 40,000 doses will be delivered over the first four weeks of the program in Victoria. The Labor Government is working closely with the Commonwealth on the rollout of its vaccination program. For more information about the COVID-19 Vaccination Program, visit health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/ covid-19-vaccines or coronavirus.vic.gov.au/ vaccine.

Victoria Taking Action on Single-Use Plastics

MELBOURNE, Feb 27: The Andrews Labor Government will ban specific singleuse plastics – like straws, cutlery, plates and polystyrene containers – across Victoria to reduce the significant amount of plastic waste going to landfill each year. Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio today announced a phase out and ban of specific single-use plastics by 2023, which will include single-use plastic straws, cutlery, plates, drink stirrers, polystyrene food and drink containers, and plastic cotton bud sticks. In many cases, these single-use plastics can be substituted with readily available, cost-effective alternatives. The phase out and ban will not impact on medical or scientific equipment, emergency services or other activities that require these types of plastics for health and safety reasons. The government will work with the aged care and disability sectors to ensure appropriate emptions for people who require straws or other single-use plastics. The ban will apply to all cafes, restaurants

and organisations in Victoria by 2023. The Government will lead by example by phasing out certain single-use plastic items from government departments and agencies by February 2022. Government bodies like Melbourne Museum, the NGV, TAFEs and Zoos Victoria have already started to phase out these products and replace them with sustainable materials. Many businesses have also already started to transition and have made significant changes to reduce plastic waste. The Government will consult businesses and the community further with public consultation occurring throughout 2021 as part of a formal regulatory impact statement process. On average, each Victorian sends around 68 kilograms of plastic waste to landfill every year. Victorians can all play a part by avoiding single-use plastics where possible in their daily lives and choosing the sustainable and reusable alternatives available. The ban is a crucial step in protecting our rivers, waterways and oceans from plastic

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pollution which is killing our turtles, whales, seabirds and other precious marine life. The ban is part of the Labor Government’s 10-year plan to build our state’s circular economy and transform Victoria's waste and recycling system, supported by an unprecedented $515 million investment and creating thousands of jobs in recycling and manufacturing. For more information on the ban, visit vic. gov.au/plastics

NEWS VICTORIA

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

Nominations Now Open for Victorian Training Awards

MELBOURNE, Mar 1: Outstanding individuals and organisations in the TAFE and training sector can now be nominated for a Victorian Training Award. The prestigious event is now in its 67th year and recognises the achievements of apprentices, students, teachers and employers. Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney today opened nominations while visiting Rose City Vets in Benalla to present the VTA Trophy to 2020 Trainee of the Year winner Nicole Barrow. There are six award categories for individuals, four for employers and four for training organisations as well as the Industry Collaboration Award and the Lynne Kosky Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement. Winners will receive $5000 prize money and winners in some categories will have the opportunity to represent Victoria at the Australian Training Awards. Applications close at midnight on Friday 4 June 2021 and winners will be announced at a gala ceremony in Melbourne in September. The event is supported by principal partner Apprenticeship Employment Network (AEN) and the Global Apprenticeship Network (GAN Australia).

Last year’s winners included South West Institute of TAFE (SWTAFE) which was named the Large Training Provider of the Year in both the Victorian and Australian Training Awards for its innovative learning approach, smart classrooms and leadership in supporting students from lower socio-economic backgrounds. TAFE Gippsland forestry teacher Kevin Nunn won both the Victorian Training Awards and Australian Training Award Teacher/Trainer of the Year categories. The Builders Academy Victoria was named the state and national winner of the Small Training Provider of the

Year Award. Since 2015, the Government has invested to rebuild TAFE, refurbish campuses, launch Free TAFE for Priority Courses and support disadvantaged students into training and jobs. In the Victorian Budget 2020/21, we invested a record $1 billion to make sure the state has the training and skills system it needs to emerge stronger from the coronavirus pandemic. To nominate for the Victorian Training Awards 2021 visit: www.education.vic.gov.au/vta

French Impressionist Masterpieces to Come to Melbourne

MELBOURNE, Mar 1: Victorians will be able to get up close to more than 100 French Impressionist masterpieces this winter when the next instalment of the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces series arrives at the National Gallery of Victoria in June. Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson today announced the Melbourneexclusive exhibition French Impressionism, which will feature iconic works by some of the biggest names in art – including Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro, PierreAuguste Renoir, Mary Cassatt and more. The National Gallery of Victoria has partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston to bring this unparalleled collection to Melbourne, including many famous works never-before seen in Australia. French Impressionism will tell the story of this rich creative period in the late 19th century and the radical artists who changed the course of art history. A major highlight of the exhibition will be a show-stopping, immersive room dedicated to the work of Monet and his beloved scenes of the French countryside. The Victorian Government has supported the annual Melbourne Winter Masterpieces series since 2004, bringing major international

art exhibitions exclusively to Melbourne each winter. The series has welcomed almost seven million local, interstate and international visitors since its inception and has featured treasures from the best galleries, museums and collections across the globe. Previous Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibitions at the National Gallery of Victoria include chart toppers such as MoMA at NGV (2018), Van Gogh and the Seasons (2017), Salvador Dali: Liquid Desire (2009) and many more. Coinciding with French Impressionism at

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NGV International, The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia in Federation Square will present She-Oak and Sunlight: Australian Impressionism, with more than 250 works from public and private collections around Australia. The exhibition will run from 2 April to 22 August 2021. French Impressionism will run from 4 June to 3 October 2021 at NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne. Further information is available at ngv.melbourne

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

Free Public Transport for Senior and Carer Card Holders

MELBOURNE, Mar 1: Senior Victorians and Carer Card holders will be able to enjoy free public transport from 21 to 28 March 2021. Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan and Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll today visited Southern Cross Station to announce the eight days of free travel on Melbourne trains, buses, trams, and regional V/Line trains. Victorian Senior Card holders and Carer Card holders will be able to jump on public transport for free to visit friends and family, take in attractions and enjoy all that Melbourne and regional Victoria has to offer. Cardholders have a lot of options available when exploring regional Victoria including visiting the Bendigo Gallery for the 70s

fashion icon Dame Mary Quant Fashion Revolutionary retrospective or taking in the Ballarat Begonia Festival with its creative display featuring more than 700 begonias in the Conservatory at the gardens. Cardholders can also take advantage of wide range of activities on offer across Melbourne including exhibitions at the National Gallery of Victoria, Old Treasury Building, Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne Museum and visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, State Library along with the Queen Victoria or South Melbourne markets. V/Line free travel bookings will open to cardholders from tomorrow, Tuesday 2 March 2021. Free travel is available on all economy class services, and cardholders are able to pay to upgrade to First Class where

available. Cardholders will still need to carry their Seniors Card or Carer Card and myki and touch on and off as usual – however the myki cards won’t be charged. Another free travel week for Senior and Carers Card holders will still occur in October this year in conjunction with The Seniors Festival and Carers Week events. In line with public health advice, everyone on public transport is required to wear a fitted face mask, practise good hygiene, follow health directions and shouldn’t travel if unwell. To find out more visit: seniorsonline.vic. gov.au/free-public-transport-march-2021

Development Grants to Help Athletes Get Back on Track

MELBOURNE, Mar 1: Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence announced. The Program, previously known as the Athlete Pathway Travel Grants Program, provides grants to help with travel costs for recipients to attend state representative events, training or compete at events that

contribute to their sporting pathways. This round of the program will also provide funding for athlete development beyond travel costs, to address the impact of coronavirus on many of our athletes’ progress. This includes competition entry and registration fees, online training and development programs and state representation fees for training camps and competitions. Grants of up to $6,000 are available for state sporting associations, regional academies of sport and state sport and recreation bodies for travel to training camps, selection trials, national championships events and athlete development, plus nontravel costs. Victorian sport and recreation clubs can apply for grants of up to $2,000 towards travel for teams, coaches, athletes and

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officials to train or compete at events that contribute to their development within their sporting pathway. Athlete Pathway Program has provided more than 1,500 grants worth more than $2.6 million to help teams and individual athletes reach their goals. The Athlete Pathway Grants Program is part of the Labor Government’s work to make sport more inclusive, increase local participation and accessibility of sport, stimulate local economies and create new jobs and volunteer opportunities. Applications for the current round of the Athlete Pathway Grants Program will close on 6 April 2021. For further information, visit sport.vic.gov.au/grants-and-funding

NEWS AUSTRALIA

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

Facebook commits extra $1B to support Australian news industry

of how open societies function — informing and empowering citizens and holding the powerful to account," Facebook global policy chief Nick Clegg said in a statement on Wednesday. Last month, Facebook announced deals with The Guardian, Telegraph Media Group, Financial Times, Daily Mail Group, Sky News and many more, including local, regional and lifestyle publishers, to pay for content in its Facebook News product in the UK.

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb 25: Facebook has announced it will invest $1 billion more over the next three years in Australia to support the news industry. The social network has already invested $600 million since 2018 to help the local news publishers and content platforms.

The new $1 billion commitment is matches the one Google made in October last year, announcing that the search engine giant would start paying publishers to create content for its News Showcase platform. "Facebook is more than willing to partner with news publishers. We absolutely recognise quality journalism is at the heart

The Facebook News tab is where you can find headlines and stories next to news personalised to your interests. Similar deals have been reached with publishers in the US, and Facebook is in active negotiations with others in Germany and France.

(IANS)

Step forward for South East Queensland 2032 Olympic bid

CANBERRA, Feb 25: Queensland is a step closer to hosting an Olympic and Paralympic Games for the first time in the state’s history following a decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to enter into exclusive negotiations for the 2032 event.

The decision is a game-changing development for the Bid which has long been supported by all levels of government. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has welcomed the decision from the IOC and reaffirmed the Commonwealth Government’s support to host the Olympic Games for the third time, and Paralympic Games for the second time. “Since we announced our early support for the Bid in 2019, we’ve been working with the state and local governments, the Australian Olympic Committee and Paralympics Australia to put forward the best possible case for Queensland to host in 2032,” the Prime Minister said. “I was pleased as part of our support for the bid to directly pitch Australia and Brisbane’s case to IOC President Dr Thomas Bach during my last two visits to Japan. On each occasion I received a good hearing and walked away confident there was strong interest in Brisbane hosting the games.” “Today’s announcement from the IOC is a positive development but we still have a lot of work to do.”

“Particular credit must go to the Member for Fairfax, Ted O’Brien who has campaigned heavily to bring the event to the Sunshine State. It will see Queensland beamed around the globe, while delivering an economic and jobs boom.

Rugby Australia to submit a host bid for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.”

“We saw how Sydney 2000 brought our nation together and took Australian sport to a new level, and that’s what we’ll be aiming to do again if we’re successful in hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games again in 2032.”

He said Queensland is well placed in this regard, with more than 80 per cent of the venues existing or proposed to be delivered through temporary solutions.

Federal Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said Australia has an enviable reputation for its ability to hold world class international sporting events, having recently hosted the AFC Asian Cup 2015, the Sydney 2018 Invictus Games, the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020. “You don’t have to be a sports fan to understand the profound impact hosting these major events can have on host cities, regional areas and the nation,” Minister Colbeck said. “Just next year Australia will host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the FIBA Women’s World Cup, and the UCI Road World Championships. “Last year we also successfully secured hosting rights for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, which will be co-hosted with New Zealand, and we are actively working with

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Member for Fairfax, Ted O’Brien said Queensland was ready, willing and able to host the Games in Australia in 2032.

“These Games will be a legacy event— affordable, beneficial and sustainable for Queensland and Australia,” Mr O’Brien said. “This is a great milestone, but the real prize lies in being announced as the host ideally later this year. That would be an enormous shot in the arm to ‘brand Australia’ as we continue our economic recovery effort.” Minister Colbeck and Mr O’Brien will continue to lead the candidature process on behalf of the Commonwealth Government with the IOC and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in partnership with the Queensland Government, the South East Queensland Council of Mayors, the Australian Olympic Committee and Paralympics Australia. Finalisation of the candidature process is a matter for the IOC. (MEDIA RELEASE)

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

AustralaSian Covid-19 trial starts in India

New Delhi, March 1: The AustralaSian Covid-19 trial (ASCOT) which aims to discover which existing treatments are most effective in hospitalised patients has been expanded into India.

generalisability, external validity and be adequately powered, it would need to be expanded to international sites."

The first patients were recruited last week to the first two sites, Christian Medical College and Hospital Ludhiana in Punjab and Sterling Multispecialty Hospital in Pune, Maharashtra, George Institute for Global Health which has partnered with ASCOT to oversee the trial in India said.

The number of patients with Covid-19 in India remains significantly higher than in Australia and New Zealand.

While ASCOT began as an Australian and New Zealand trial, expanding internationally to allow more widespread access to investigational treatments was crucial, according to ASCOT Principal Investigator, Associate Professor Steven Tong, a Royal Melbourne Hospital infectious diseases clinician and co-lead of clinical research at the Doherty Institute. "A key principle of the trial is equity in terms of access to experimental treatments that could potentially have benefits for patients," Tong said. "The ASCOT Management Team and Leadership Group recognised early in the course of the trial that in order for it to have

While there are other ongoing clinical trials in India for Covid-19, the novel combinations of treatments included in ASCOT will provide greater opportunities to patients for accessing new treatments, said Bala Venkatesh, Professorial Fellow at the George Institute for Global Health.

Japan as a treatment for acute pancreatitis and some blood clotting conditions," explained Tong.

One new treatment that's recently been added to ASCOT is nafamostat, which in laboratory experiments has shown to block SARS-COV-2 from entering human cells and be far more potent than re`mdesivir.

The ASCOT trial aims to generate results quickly. After the trial begins, results will be continually analysed, so that ineffective therapies can be stopped and new therapies can be evaluated as part of the trial.

"Nafamostat is mainly used in Korea and

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(IANS)

NEWS AUSTRALIA

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

FB restores news content as Australia to modify media code

SYDNEY, Feb 23: Facebook will restore news pages in Australia in coming days after the government has agreed to amend the News Media Bargaining Code, the media reported. "We will restore news on Facebook in Australia in the next few days," Campbell Brown, vice president of global news partnerships at Facebook, said. According to ABC News, the government has been advised by Facebook that "it intends to restore Australian news pages in the coming days". "As a result of further discussion, the Australian Government has agreed to a number of changes and guarantees that address key concerns about allowing commerce to recognise the value that the Platform provides to publishers compared to the value it receives from publishers. I'm happy with it," Brown said.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation's ABC News app shot to the top of Apple's App Store charts in Australia over the course of

the last few days, just after Facebook banned Australian news sources on its platform. Facebook's ban was in response to the new code that will force tech platforms to pay Australian media companies for the content users share (and that platforms earn ad revenue from). Facebook took issue with the change and prohibited Australian news and media organisations from sharing news posts, and Australian users from seeing news from international sources as well.

"From now on, the government has made it clear that it will retain the ability to decide whether news will appear on Facebook and not be subject to compulsory negotiations," Brown further said. Late last month, Google also threatened to pull its Search engine from Australia if the proposed media bargaining code, that directs Google and other tech giants to pay news publishers for using their content, goes into effect.

(AGENCIES)

Facebook tells 'real story' behind blocking news in Australia

SYDNEY, Feb 25: Facebook, which first announced to block access to news on its platform for Australian users and publishers and then rolled back its decision, has now revealed the "real story" behind what exactly happened. The social networking site said that the assertions -- repeated widely in recent days -- that Facebook steals or takes original journalism for its own benefit always were and remain false.

Last week, Facebook announced it was stopping the sharing of news on its service in Australia. "This has now been resolved following discussions with the Australian Government we look forward to agreeing to new deals with publishers and enabling Australians to share news links once again," said Nick Clegg, VP of Global Affairs at Facebook in a blog post late on Wednesday. At the heart of the issue, in Facebook's view, is a fundamental misunderstanding of the relationship between Facebook and news publishers.

"It's the publishers themselves who choose to share their stories on social media, or make them available to be shared by others, because they get value from doing so. That's why they have buttons on their sites encouraging readers to share them," Clegg argued. "We neither take nor ask for the content for which we were being asked to pay a potentially exorbitant price. In fact, news links are a small part of the experience most users have on Facebook," he asserted. Facebook's ban was in response to the new media bargaining code that will force tech platforms to pay Australian media companies for the content users share (and that platforms earn ad revenue from). According to Clegg, Facebook would have been forced to pay potentially unlimited amounts of money to multi-national media conglomerates "under an arbitration system that deliberately misdescribes the relationship between publishers and Facebook -- without even so much as a guarantee that it is used to pay for journalism, let alone support smaller publishers".

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In order to comply, Facebook had two options: provide open ended subsidies to multi-national media conglomerates or remove news from our platform in Australia. "Thankfully, after further discussion, the Australian government has agreed to changes that mean fair negotiations are encouraged without the looming threat of heavy-handed and unpredictable arbitration," the company said. Facebook admitted that the decision to block news "wasn't a decision taken lightly". "In doing so, some content was blocked inadvertently. Much of this was, thankfully, reversed quickly". Clegg said that the internet needs new rules that work for everyone, not just for big media corporations. "New rules only work if they benefit more people, not protect the interests of a few," he added. (IANS)

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

300,000 AstraZeneca Vaccine Doses Arrive in Australia

CANBERRA, Feb 28: Signalling yet another major milestone in Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, 300,000 doses of the University of Oxford/ AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine have arrived in Sydney today. Australia has secured 53.8 million doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine. The first doses of this vaccine have arrived from overseas ahead of 50 million doses to be manufactured by CSL here in Australia on behalf of AstraZeneca. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) will now batch test the vaccines to ensure they meet Australia’s strict quality standards. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said today was a significant milestone for the vaccine rollout. “This is the next step as we ramp up the vaccine rollout,” the Prime Minister said. “The University of Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine will undergo the same rigorous TGA process to batch check the vaccine that the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine underwent.

“We will now be able to scale up the vaccination rollout to our priority groups, including our most vulnerable Australians and to our frontline border and health workers. “Most Australians will receive the University of Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, with the rollout of these due to commence from 8 March 2021 – provided they clear the TGA’s rigorous batch testing process. “Australia is in a unique position because importantly this vaccine gives us the ability to manufacture onshore. Every Australian who wishes to be vaccinated will be able to receive a vaccine this year.” The approximately 300,000 doses that arrived this morning will be distributed via logistics partners DHL and Linfox and made available to priority groups in Phase 1a. A further 50 million vaccines will be manufactured onshore and 1 million of these doses will be delivered each week from late March.

than 14 days after the second dose.” On 3 February 2021, the Lancet Journal said, “COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca confirms 100% protection against severe disease, hospitalisation and death in the primary analysis of Phase III trials.”

“As well, vaccine providers can use some of the vaccine vial, put the rest back in the fridge for 48 hours and use the rest the next day. “This will save lives and protect lives.”

Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt said this vaccine provides the option for the majority of Australians to get their vaccination through their usual GP, local respiratory centre and eventually community pharmacies.

Australia has maintained a diverse portfolio of vaccines, and we are constantly engaging with international counterparts and vaccine sponsors to access the best available information on vaccine developments worldwide.

“Importantly the TGA has conducted a full and thorough, and world class assessment process,” Minister Hunt said.

Pending TGA approval, the Government has also secured 51 million doses of the Novavax vaccine.

“As the rollout begins, the people in priority groups who need the most protection will receive a vaccine first. This includes aged care and disability care residents and workers, frontline healthcare workers, and quarantine and border workers.

The Australian Government has also signed up to the international COVAX facility, which provides access to a range of vaccines to immunise up to 50 per cent of the Australian population.

For AstraZeneca, the second dose of the vaccine will be administered at 12 weeks after the first dose.

“Having AstraZeneca available in Australia provides an easier avenue for distribution across the nation, meaning people in rural, regional and remote areas will not have to travel as far to receive their vaccine.

On 15 February 2021, the World Health Organization said, “This regimen was shown in clinical trials to be safe and effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19, with no severe cases and no hospitalisations more

“The cold chain requirements of this vaccine – it can be stored and handled in the same way as any other vaccine – make it a very good candidate for a country like Australia.

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This diverse portfolio ensures access for everyone in Australia and is likely to equip us to support our neighbours in the Pacific and Southeast Asia. The University of Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is the second vaccine to receive provisional approval for use in Australia by the TGA. The TGA bases such decisions on the safety, efficacy and quality of the vaccine candidates.

(MEDIA RELEASE)

NEWS WORLD

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

Trump repeats environment criticism of India in 1st speech after WH departure cost jobs and affect the economy while India, China and Russia were the polluters.

"What good does it do when we're playing (by the rules), but China is not and Russia is not and India is not, so they are pouring fumes... and we're trying to protect everything," he said at the annual conference of the Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC) in Orlando, Florida.

NEW YORK, March 1: Former US President Donald Trump has repeated his criticism of India's environmental record in his first speech since leaving the White House in defeat. Speaking to a conservative group on Sunday, he attacked his successor Joe Biden's decision to re-join the Paris Climate Change Agreement asserting that the US had "the cleanest air the cleanest water", but it was accepting restrictions that would

"First of all, China doesn't kick in for 10 years, Russia goes by an old standard which was not a clean standard and other countries, but we get hit right from the beginning when it costs hundreds of thousands and millions of jobs, it was a disaster," he said. While attacking Biden's reversal of his immigration policies, Trump made a distinction between legal and illegal immigrants. He accused him of opening the borders to illegal immigration but reiterated his call for a merit-based immigration system. "Trumpism means strong borders, but people coming into our country based on a system of merit. So they come in and they

can help us, as opposed to coming here, and not be good for us, including criminals, of which there are many." He said that an immigration crisis was brewing at the southern border with Mexico and the countries in Central America sending "caravans" of illegal immigrants were not "not giving us their best and their finest". He criticised Biden's policies to allow "chain migration" of members of extended families and increase the number of legal refugees allowed in. He said that Biden's orders to restrict deportations was letting criminals go free. The former President also took aim at outsourcing. "We believe in standing up to China, shutting down outsourcing, bringing back our factories and supply chains and ensuring that America not China dominates the future of the world," he added. By Arul Louis

After lifting green card, visa ban, Biden to ensure high-skill immigration

NEW YORK, Feb 28: President Joe Biden, who has ordered an end to his predecessor Donald Trump's ban on issuing green cards and work visas, is committed to ensuring that highly skilled workers can get permanent residence, according to his Spokesperson Jen Psaki.

Biden believes that it is important and long overdue "to modernise our immigration system, and that includes taking steps to help ensure that high-skilled workers can stay in the country and can go through the proper process to stay in the country", she said. "We're eager to work with Democrats and Republicans in Congress to get that done," she added while replying to a question about what he intended to do about those in the country legally but have to wait decades for permanent residentship or green card. Two Democratic members of Congress introduced legislation last week that would have the effect of allowing more professional

Indians on H1-B work visas to get green cards and cut their wait, which can stretch to several decades.

on issuing green cards and work visas, dismissing Trump's claims the ban was meant to protect US interests.

The bill introduced by Senator Bob Menendez and House of Representatives member Linda Sanchez seeks to remove the annual limits on green cards for each country, a measure that would benefit them.

Biden said that it does "not advance the interests of the US. To the contrary, it harms the United States, including by preventing certain family members of United States citizens and lawful permanent residents from joining their families here. It also harms industries in the United States that utilise talent from around the world".

State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said the Department will be normalising visa operations following Biden's orders ending the ban on issuing green cards and work visas. "The Department of State is committed to serving the American people and to restoring our visa operations to normal as soon as possible, always prioritising the health and safety of our applicants, their loved ones, and our staff," he said. Biden issued a proclamation on Wednesday ending the Trump restrictions

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Trump had claimed the ban, which after extensions was to expire at the end of next month, was meant to protect US workers in a labour market pummelled by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Trump ban exempted some categories like spouses of citizens and workers needed in the fight against the pandemic. By Arul Louis

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

UAE: Indian expats' plea for Covid tests exemption gains momentum

DUBAI, Feb 28: A plea for exemption from mandatory Covid tests by the UAE-based Indian expats before travelling to India is gaining momentum as social workers and community groups have recently joined the bandwagon.

As reported by the Gulf News, Indian expats here have raised concerns over making RTPCR tests mandatory for all the passengers, including the infants and sought government funding for on-arrival confirmatory molecular tests. The plea seeking government funding for the Covid tests on arrival in India and exemption for children below 12 years from getting tested twice is gathering the steam. Since February 23, India has made predeparture RT-PCR negative test report taken within 72 hours prior to the flight mandatory for boarding flights to India. All passengers from here should also undergo "self-paid confirmatory molecular test" on arrival in India. Indian airports are charging different rates for the on-arrival test as per the cost capped by

the respective state governments.

Expats have taken exception to paying for a second test and concerns were also raised about not exempting young children from Covid-19 tests from the UAE and India. Several expats are also seeking an exemption from both the tests for children below 12 years. Ashraf Thamarassery, a prominent social worker and winner of India's Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award for NRIs, said the on-arrival test cost would be an additional burden for several Indian families flying home. "There are many people, who have lost jobs, flying back home. There are families with four or five members leaving the UAE. Also, how can people, who are leaving after staying without any documents and financial cases, pay this amount? Those who came on visit visa looking for jobs will also be affected." He said the Indian government should urgently address the issue and help fund the tests like its counterpart in the UAE. "People coming to the UAE are also

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tested on arrival. But the UAE government is bearing the cost of testing passengers of all nationalities. The Indian government should bear the cost of testing its own citizens travelling home during the pandemic." K.V. Shamsudheen, who runs Sharjahbased Pravasi Bandhu Welafre Trust, said he has written a letter to Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan to stop the "self-paid" test on arrival.

He said many NRIs are financially struggling after salary cut, job loss and business failures during the Covid-19 pandemic. "It will be an additional burden for the passengers arriving from abroad with financial struggle. So, I appeal to the authorities to stop the paid PCR test in the airport." Meanwhile, some expats are delaying their journey to India hoping that the government would revise the rules following pressure from community organisations and social workers.

(IANS)

NEWS INDIA

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

Kejriwal blames Centre for R-Day violence roads."

The Delhi Chief Minister said that he was aware of what had happened on the day the farmers took out a tractor parade. "The farmers of our country are unhappy. It has been more than 90 days that they have been protesting near Delhi along with their families. More than 250 farmers have died in these three months, but the centre has done nothing about it," he said. The AAP leader said that the protesting farmers faced atrocities which were not meted out even during the British rule. MEERUT, Feb 28: Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) president, Arvind Kejriwal, blamed the centre of orchestrating violence on Republic Day at Red Fort during the farmers' tractor rally. Addressing a 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' in Meerut, Kejriwal extended his support to the farmers and said, "The centre is behind the Red Fort violence, not the farmers. It misguided the farmers who did not know Delhi

"False cases are being slapped on protesters. Our farmers can be anything but not traitors. However, they have faced sedition charges. One son of the country is defending the country's borders, the other is at the border of Delhi," he said. Kejriwal described the three agricultural laws as death warrants and said that the laws had been passed to benefit capitalist friends of the government. (IANS)

Same-sex partners not comparable with Indian concept: Govt

NEW DELHI, Feb 28: The Centre told the Delhi High Court that living together as samesex partners is not comparable with the Indian concept of a family unit. The government stated this in a counter affidavit filed on petitions filed by same-sex couples seeking enforcement of fundamental right of choice of partner.

"Despite the decriminalisation of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, the petitioners cannot claim a fundamental right for same-sex marriage," the government further said. In India, marriage is a bond between a biological man and a biological woman, it added. One of the couples had sought direction from the court to declare that the Special Marriage Act, 1954 ought to apply to all couples regardless of their gender identity and sexual orientation, and reading the SMA so as to apply to all couples irrespective of their

Upskilling a priority for small businesses in India BENGALURU, Feb 28: Upskilling has become a priority for small businesses this year and majority of the demand for skilling programmes is being received from merchants in Tier II and III cities, a new report said on Tuesday. Upskilling programmes on digital marketing, finance and fund-raising saw surge in demand while 42 per cent of the learners chose to take up these skilling programmes on their mobile devices, according to Instamojo, a growth gateway platform for Micro, Medium & Small Enterprises (MSMEs). "Be it digital marketing tools or managing accounts digitally, embracing change in the New Normal is key to business survival for a sector which is traditionally driven. Upskilling will soon become a regular routine for small businesses to help them stay educated about the nuances of business, and grow better," said Akash Gehani, Co-Founder & CEO, Instamojo. Instamojo's online skilling platform Mojoversity reported a 9 times increase in the active students (small business merchants) count, and an 11 per cent increase in the number of merchants getting digitally certified in the last two quarters of 2020.

gender identity and sexual orientation.

The other couple, an Indian citizen and an Overseas Citizen of India are two gay men, who married in Washington DC, US in 2017, stated that the Foreign Marriage Act, 1969 in as much as it discriminates against same-sex couples by denying legal recognition of their marriage is ultra vires of the Constitution of India. The pleas filed through advocates Arundhati Katju, Govind Manoharan, Surabhi Dhar and argued by senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy stated that like any other couple, "the petitioners want their relationship to be blessed and sanctified by society and by law." "Marriage offers both legal protections and social recognition of the commitment, support and security a couple offer each other, which are even more important in these times of the Covid-19 pandemic." (IANS)

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"Majority of the demand for these skilling programmes were received from merchants in Tier II and III cities, with Ratnagiri, Raniganj and Kondotty featuring among the top 10 cities in terms of traffic on MojoVersity," the report said. In 2020, the platform witnessed more than 40,000 new unique visitors, of which 30 per cent were female learners. 42 per cent of the learners chose to take up these skilling programs on their mobile devices. "Be it digital marketing tools or managing accounts digitally, embracing change in the new normal is key to business survival for a sector which is traditionally driven. Upskilling will soon become a regular routine for small businesses to help them stay educated about the nuances of business, and grow better," said Akash Gehani, Co-Founder and CEO, Instamojo.

(IANS)

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

Covid threatens a comeback, key phase in India's fight

NEW DELHI, Feb 28: In DecemberJanuary, it appeared coronavirus was tapering away in India. The three major aspects of the pandemic -- the curve of cases, deaths and hospitalisations -- which have been fluctuating, suddenly plummeted drastically. Many believed this may be the end of the pandemic, after it destroyed thousands of families and the economy. People began to sense a reprieve, after a year -- when they were continuously being cautioned to maintain strict social distancing and wear masks -there may be light at the end of the tunnel and post-pandemic life may begin soon. But February brought out some harsh reality and dashed hopes, that the pandemic was retreating. Scientists believe this is an important phase in the pandemic, as apprehensions are ripe that cases may again begin to rise again, as the year-old coronavirus is unpredictable and also, for how long people will remain immune to it. In the backdrop of emerging mutations, Prof. N. K. Ganguly, former Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), said "As mutations interact with the natural environment, they are likely to increase transmissibility and also increase virulence. Mutations and the new strains are endemic not pandemic. The surge in cases is mostly due to a drop of guard against the virus (nonappropriate Covid behaviour)." He stressed that decline in cases during winter season in northern India, not sufficient to conclude that virus was less active during winters, and indicated that cases might increase in summers, as it happened last year. Ganguly added that Maharashtra and

Kerala have never experienced long winters, unlike northern India, yet cases have begun to increase this month. "In Maharashtra, they started train travel and cases increased", he said.

Except Maharashtra and Kerala, after a couple of months of lull, cases have also begun to rise in Karnataka, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat and Punjab. The surge in cases has come, after it fell below 10,000 daily in early February, from a peak of over 90,000 cases in September last year. Many epidemiologists see the most common reason for the spike in some states is that normalcy is returning to people's lives: big weddings, reopening of cinema halls, gyms and swimming pools, crowded markets, people not wearing masks and large political rallies in election-bound states. Scientists point out although there is an aggressive vaccination drive in progress in the country, but it will take a few months to make a dent in the pandemic. Now, the virus is transforming faster than expected, and evolving into variants, which might by-pass the immune system. Rajni Kant is currently working as Director, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, said after observing the drop in cases, people became complacent, but until cases become zero, people should follow Covid appropriate behaviour seriously. "Mutations are not the reason for rising cases, instead the economy has been opened...We don't know how long the immunity will last...Difficult to say, if antibodies are found in people, for how long they will stay, maybe 5 to 6 months", said Kant.

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He stressed that minor changes in the genome sequence of the virus is not an issue, and there is no need to panic with the emergence of new strains. "Covid is unpredictable, the entire world is struggling against it and it is also difficult to say how many waves will come in future", added Kant. The immunity against the virus is also a complex issue. People who have recovered from either severe or mild infection, after contracting the virus, it is difficult to predict how long their immunity will last against it. Also, how long will the immunity last against new strains. Epidemiologist Lalit Kant says there is no explanation for the decline in cases and it has also nothing to do with the seasonal changes, as the virus is merely a year-old and not enough is known about it. "Virus goes into places where it was not present before and when it finds susceptible a population, then its transmission increases. Nearly 50 per cent people in Delhi were exposed to the virus. In case of bad infection, the antibodies may last for 4 to 5 months, and maybe less, in case of milder infection", said Kant. He added that after mutations circulate, whichever virus transmits faster, will stay for a longer period. "This period is an important phase; people need to be vigilant and testing and tracing has to be increased... Scientists say contagious variant first discovered in Britain will become the dominant form of the virus in the US by March-end," he added. By Sumit Saxena

NEWS INDIA

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

Varanasi students develop glacier flood sensor alarm

VARANASI, Feb 28: Three students at Ashoka Institute of Technology and Management have developed a glacier flood alarm sensor which will alert the people before any natural disaster. Anu Singh, one of the students who developed the alarm, said: "A lot of people lost their lives in the Uttarakhand disaster. We have developed the sensor so that people can be alerted before such disasters. This alarm of the sensor will be placed near the dam or glacier and its receiver will be at the relief centre. The range of the alarm is 500 meter. We are working on increasing the range of the sensor." "It is a rechargeable sensor and on one time charge it works for six months. The total

cost of developing one sensor alarm is Rs 7,000-Rs 8,000," she added.

Shyam Chaurasia, in charge of Ashoka Institute Research and Development Cell, said: "This sensor alarm will help in saving thousands of lives. This will alert in case of natural disasters like avalanche, cloudburst, flood etc." Senior Scientific Officer of the Regional Science and Technology Centre Mahadev Pandey said that a lot of lives are lost in natural disasters due to lack of forecast. This can be prevented with the help of glacier sensor alarms. If it can give information in advance after increasing the range, it will prove to be a big boon for humanity. By Vivek Tripathi

Upskilling a priority for small businesses in India

BENGALURU, Feb 28: Upskilling has become a priority for small businesses this year and majority of the demand for skilling programmes is being received from merchants in Tier II and III cities, a new report said on Tuesday.

sector which is traditionally driven. Upskilling will soon become a regular routine for small businesses to help them stay educated about the nuances of business, and grow better," said Akash Gehani, Co-Founder & CEO, Instamojo.

Upskilling programmes on digital marketing, finance and fund-raising saw surge in demand while 42 per cent of the learners chose to take up these skilling programmes on their mobile devices, according to Instamojo, a growth gateway platform for Micro, Medium & Small Enterprises (MSMEs).

Instamojo's online skilling platform Mojoversity reported a 9 times increase in the active students (small business merchants) count, and an 11 per cent increase in the number of merchants getting digitally certified in the last two quarters of 2020.

"Be it digital marketing tools or managing accounts digitally, embracing change in the New Normal is key to business survival for a

"Majority of the demand for these skilling programmes were received from merchants in Tier II and III cities, with Ratnagiri, Raniganj and Kondotty featuring among the top 10

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cities in terms of traffic on MojoVersity," the report said. In 2020, the platform witnessed more than 40,000 new unique visitors, of which 30 per cent were female learners. 42 per cent of the learners chose to take up these skilling programs on their mobile devices. "Be it digital marketing tools or managing accounts digitally, embracing change in the new normal is key to business survival for a sector which is traditionally driven. Upskilling will soon become a regular routine for small businesses to help them stay educated about the nuances of business, and grow better," said Akash Gehani, Co-Founder and CEO, Instamojo. (IANS)

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

More Indians turn entrepreneurs as job market still bleak

NEW DELHI, Feb 28: While the job market still looks bleak in India after a pandemic-hit 2020, the world's professional network LinkedIn said on Wednesday it has seen a 10 per cent growth in members with the title 'founders' or 'co-founder' on their profiles on the platform.

The survey attributes this dip in optimism to the workforce's growing concerns about the status of the pandemic, surmounting expenses, and job availability in the present economic climate.

This professional uncertainty comes right after the year-end holiday season, when India's hiring rate dropped to 17 per cent yearover-year in December 2020, according to the latest edition of LinkedIn's Labour Market update.

Entrepreneurship looked up for Indian professionals last year. "This uptick in new entrepreneurs was particularly strong in the fields of mental healthcare, e-learning and online media," according to the latest LinkedIn 'Workforce Confidence Index'. "Skills are expected to become the new professional 'currency' this year as workers from different generations rely on learning new skills to future-proof their careers, at a time when industries continue to strengthen their remote operations," said Ashutosh Gupta, India Country Manager, LinkedIn. "Reimagining employee skills and roles to welcome the post-pandemic ways of working will be crucial to building resilience for companies across sectors," Gupta added.

professionals, findings from January 1-29 revealed that professionals in India are confident about career progress despite growing uncertainties about the job market and financial future in the current environment. Nearly 80 per cent professionals are confident about skilling opportunities, while 79 per cent are confident about the strength of their CVs. However, the survey showed a dip in India's overall confidence.

Based on the survey responses of 1,752

The survey showed that while India remains resilient, professionals from different generations have contrasting reasons to stay confident in these testing times. While 92 per cent of Gen X and 98 per cent of Baby Boomers say the strength of their work experience and academic qualifications makes them more confident, 86 per cent of millennials state they are more inspired by opportunities to grow their skills and climb the ladder. Further, 80 per cent of Gen Z professionals said that the likelihood of progressing their careers makes them more confident today, said the survey. (IANS)

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G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

G’Day Mate

On Women's Day, read stories of real, unapologetic women

AHEAD of the International Women's Day on March 8, two collections of short stories of flawed, rebellious and most importantly real women, are set to be published by Penguin. The new titles -- "Women Who Misbehave" and "Impetuous Women" -- are stories of women who step across the Laxman Rekha, who are unapologetic, strong and unconventional but always flawed. "Women Who Misbehave" is written by Sayantani Dasgupta, an assistant professor of Creative Writing at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and much like the women within its pages, contains multitudes and contradictions. At a party to celebrate her friend's wedding anniversary, a young woman spills a dangerous secret. A group of girls mourns the loss of their strange, mysterious neighbour. A dutiful daughter seeks to impress her father even as she escapes his reach. A wife weighs the odds of staying in her marriage when both her reality and the alternative are equally frightening. An aunt comes to terms with an impulsive mistake committed decades ago. In this wildly original and hauntingly subversive collection of short stories, Sayantani Dasgupta brings to life unforgettable women and their quest for agency. They are violent and nurturing,

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sacred and profane. They are friends, lovers, wives, sisters and mothers. Unapologetic and real, they embrace the entire range of the human experience, from the sweetest of loves and sacrifices to the most horrific of crimes. "Impetuous Women" by Shikhandin (the nom de plume of an Indian writer who writes for adults and children) is about women who step across the Lakshman Rekha, whose transgressions fly in the face of the establishment, the patriarchy, often their own families and loved ones. From two housewives who play a potentially lethal game of keeping up to an expert baker who serves revenge with chocolate sprinkles on top; from a stern hostel warden who examines her relationship with the teenagers she must surveil to a grouchy widow shuts out the world; From a couple madly in love and desperate for a bit of privacy to a tender bond between a husband and wife, these stories create an unforgettable portrait of modern-day India and the experiential realities of being impetuous, of being women. This darkly comic, thrillingly tragic collection of stories is sensuous, bittersweet and whimsical by turns, and always wildly, subversively original. By Siddhi Jain

OFF BEAT

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

The perfect pair of shoes for brides-to-be

SPRING wedding season is fast approaching, and brides-to-be must already be on their toes, planning everything down to the very last detail. Planning a perfect wedding is no small feat. From doing rounds of multiple outlets every day to buy your dream lehenga, to visiting one jewellery store after another to finalise that perfect 'rani-haar', it can all feel a tad overwhelming at times. Owing to the ceaseless wedding check-list, brides generally tend to put off shopping for the perfect footwear till the very last moment, and then end up opting for the wrong pair due to time constraint. The right pair of shoes can make or break your entire look. Sometimes a perfect pair of shoes is all you need to add a dash of magic to your entire ensemble; we all remember what it did for Cinderella, right? Well, no need to fret just yet! We have Matteo Lambert, Chief Collection Officer, Bata India Limited, to help you make the correct choice that will help you be every inch of the gorgeous bride that you always dreamt of being. Here are a few tips from him:

For the glam goddess A pair of glamorous golden or red chunky heels is the perfect pick for the bride who believes in keeping the glam quotient high

and making a grand entrance. The best thing about chunky heels is that you can pair it with a number of outfits in your wedding trousseau and have both your style and comfort quotient on point. For the minimalist bride If you are someone who likes to keep it minimal yet chic, you should go for footwear in pastel shades. From pumps to wedges to flats, pastel hues work phenomenally for all shoe’s styles. Shades like dirty pink, periwinkle blue, beige and lilac are going to be all the rage this wedding season. For the hopeless romantic If you are the quintessential romantic bride who wants the element of whimsy in her bridal ensemble, a pair of floral or bejewelled heels are the perfect choice.

For the laid-back bride If you don't believe in the entire big-fatIndian-wedding hoopla and just want to relax and enjoy with your loved ones, then a pair of ballet flats would be your ideal bet. Ballets will allow you to dance the night away without worrying about the blisters and pain. For the modern bride Most new-age, millennial brides know exactly what they are looking for and aren't

GETTING MARRIED IN AUSTRALIA DIVORCES All of this data is based upon the National and state statistics on marriages and divorces, including same-sex couples. There were 49,116 divorces granted in Australia in 2019. This represented a divorce rate of 1.9 divorces per 1,000 persons. The divorce rate has decreased over time, it was 2.8 divorces granted per 1,000 persons in 1999. For those marriages that end in divorce, the median age at marriage has increased over time, and so too has the age at separation and divorce. The median age at divorce is now 45.9 years for males compared to 40.9 years in 1999 and 43.1 years for females compared to 38.2 in 1999. For males, the highest divorce rate was for those in the 45-49 years age group, with 9.3 divorces per 1,000 population. For females, those aged 40-44 years had the highest divorce rate, with 9.1 divorces per 1,000 population. In the younger age groups under 45 years, the divorce rate was higher for females. In the older age groups aged 45 years or more, the divorce

rate was higher for males. The median duration of marriage to separation was 8.5 years in 2019 compared to 7.9 years in 1999; and divorce was 12.2 years in 2019 compared to 11.3 years in 1999. Following the amendments to the Marriage Act 1961 in late 2017, same-sex couples can now access the Australian divorce system. In 2019 there were 104 divorces of same-sex couples. This represented less than one per cent of all divorces. 34 same-sex divorces were of male same-sex couples, and 70 were of female same-sex couples.

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big sticklers for rules and traditions. They love experimenting with the latest styles and giving it their own modern and quirky touch. For all such brides, sneakers would just be perfect. Sneakers are trendy, comfortable, stylish, and most importantly, easy to dance in! By Puja Gupta

FEATURE

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

BODY BUDDIES

Aayushi Khillan is working the room in confidence with her Body Buddies – the soft toys for a good cause

t’s not every day I let myself into an interview where everything I know about the person is unique and awesome. The outspoken woman, a budding young philanthropist at the age of twenty, has definitely taken over the world. As I Zoom with her, there’s already talk of the Melbourne snap lockdown in the air; coincidentally, her story rose from last year’s COVID lockdown. I couldn’t be prouder to introduce you to the unassuming Aayushi Khillan. Born in Saudi Arabia to a paediatrician father and gynaecologist mother, naturally science was not alien to Khillan. Moving to Melbourne with her family when she was three, she inherited the best of both worlds: her mother’s Lucknowi manners and her father’s Punjabi strength. Her parents not only brought her up with Indian values but also fed her to be curious, innovative and multicultural. Her journey started at the age of eighteen when dreams and destiny collide. In 2019 Khillan became the youngest Australian to be appointed as a board member for VCAA (the Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority).

Creating soft toys in the shape of various human organs is a fun way to teach kids about their body. It’s for a good cause, with fifty percent of proceeds going to Transplant Australia. She definitely turned heads in media but then COVID hit, shutting everything, including schools. This sparked Khillan’s need to do something for the disruption in students’ lives and she rose to represent these students. Collaborating with various schools, students and organisations such as VICSRC, she helped ensure that the 2020 curriculum acknowledged the disruption to students’ education. I think the class of 2020 has a lot to thank Khillan for her efforts to advocate reduced content for all year 12 students. She tells me (having been in the same boat in the not-too-distant past) that it is a hard gig for students, especially when they cannot interact properly in a contactless world. Khillan, being the only Asian representative in many of these organisations, raised these

concerns about the isolated world of student life. The admiration and the determination of this twenty-year-old left everyone’s head turning, including the VCAA chairperson, in admiration of her game changing effort. It’s no surprise when she tells me her ‘father’ is her role model. It was Khillan’s father who instigated her to nominate herself for the 2020 City of Melbourne Youth Champion Award from the Melbourne Council for her extraordinary work for the community during COVID-19. Undergoing the interview and then finally winning the coveted title, Khillan was honoured not only with the award, but she was also honoured as a COVID hero. Her image was projected onto the State Library during their Christmas festival. It is a

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dream come true for most twenty-year-olds, but to be listed as one of the ’40 under 40’ most influential Australian Asians and also awarded the Excellence Award by the state governor is commendable. Academically, Khillan is no less than a genius. She received an impressive ATAR 99.90 in her year level. She not only received the highly coveted Melbourne University Chancellor’s Scholarship – which provides her a guaranteed medical entry and $5000 annually for going to university to complete a Bachelor of Biomedicine – but she also received a Metcalf Scholarship from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. Therefore, she will be completing a full year of undergraduate research in the foremost blood cells and cancer division in the institute.

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

Apart from being busy with her company on this project, Aayushi Khillan is also keeping herself busy being on the Future Amp Youth Advisory Board, and as an ambassador for GirledWorld, a female empowerment not-forprofit program.

At present, Khillan’s recent project, ‘Body Buddies’, is in collaboration with Transplant Australia, creating soft toys in the shape of various human organs. It is to create awareness among kids and help them learn about the human body in a fun way. The idea has been brewing in Khillan since she visited Nepal in 2019. She visited one of the most remote communities in Nepal as part of a programme by Bodyworks: a health awareness program for Victorian primary school students to introduce health hygiene and healthy eating habits. Health awareness was at the forefront of this curriculum. Bodyworks made it easy for the twenty-yearold to bring ‘Body Buddies’ to life. When you know your ‘why’, your ‘how’ will find a way – that’s what happened to this noble cause. I am looking forward to the Body Buddies launch in March. The soft toys and key chains are on track, and will soon be ready for stockists. Khillan excitedly tells me that she will be making sure every kid has a Body Buddy by making it readily available in pharmacies. The young philanthropist tells me that something similar to her Body Buddies is happening in the US, where it’s more from a business angle then a philanthropy idea. She is here to make it her own. When the academic Khillan is not her academic

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self, she is as traditional as any other twenty-year-old can get – that includes enjoying time with her friends and serving up a good laugh. Khillan enjoys photography and loves capturing nature. She’s also a true-blue Bollywood fan, her favourite movie being Andhadhun. Sharing her birthday with Mahatma Gandhi, he inspires her and she wants ‘to be the change she wishes to see in the world’. Her second favourite inspiration is Kamala Harris. I look at her and there is this sudden tingling feeling, as if I am talking to a future politician who not only knows her craft, but also knows how to use her confidence. Her message for our audience is just like her confidence: “You can do anything in the world. Gain confidence and be empowered.” As for me to quote this young philanthropist ebbing in her own flow, I can think of none other than Kamala Harris herself: “What I want young women and girls to know is: you are powerful and your voice matters.” By Nandita Chakraborty

FEATURE

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

JOURNEY OF THE HEROINE This International Woman’s Day we celebrate the story of Alison Murphy and her fight for equality.

nternational Women’s Day is held in March each year to celebrate the achievements and contribution of women and girls. The theme in 2021 is “#Choose to challenge”. #BackToTheFuture #Equalitytalks2021 #iwd2021 ‘From taking the first pill that’s going to change Ali to ‘her’ to where she is now -this is the story of a brave woman who has fought against all odds for the most basic right of being a woman: Identity.’ The heroine in my story is just like water, flowing through the circle of life in search of some answers to shape her future. As we celebrate International Women’s Day on the 8th of March, I want to know what it is exactly to be a ‘woman’, and why cisgender is the only acknowledged condition in society. Identity is powerful and a basic right of every woman – cisgender or not. Today I feel privileged to write about a brave woman who has fought for this right. Her story is titled Astitva/ Identity, and Rosemary Johns is the co-writer (known as R. Johns) with Alison. Rosemary calls Alison a heroine, and the play is a heroine's journey. It is one of the seven plays to receive a full staged reading at the Women Playwrights International Festival in Montreal in June 2022. This is Alison Murphy’s story. Alison was born as Ali to Malayalam (Kerala) parents in Pakistan. Like many of us, it took just one decision by our ancestors to decide our backdrop – and it was no different for Alison. During the partition, her grandparents chose to cross the border to Pakistan and call Karachi their home. Ali always thought that he was different. Often scoring some nasty sarcasm from siblings would make Ali whimper in a corner, abandoned and crying to be loved by the voice of the little girl suppressed within him. As I write this, images of both Ali as a child and the partition come floating in front of me as if through an old National Geographic magazine, then quickly dissolving to the day I first met Alison. Either by karma or destiny, three years ago, I met her at a hair salon called Deus Hair Design in Sydney Road, Brunswick. It was a rainy day, and it was just the two of us with the hairdresser, Marie. As Marie introduced me to Alison, we exchanged a hello and that was that. But what she was about to ask me

would change everything for us as strangers. “Did you recognise me?” She was not asking if I knew her from somewhere. What she meant was her gender. I was quite surprised by her forwardness. She sensed the white elephant hovering under the white light of the salon. Or it could just have been my ignorant face? I was thankful to her for saving me from falling to my own accidental judgemental grace. I realised then that no matter how modern, educated or aware we are, we live in a conditioned society and no matter how hard we try to resist it fogging our judgement, we are human. It was that brief introduction to her journey that would motivate me to pitch

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about her to my editor at G’day India and The Indian Weekly. Alison migrated to Australia in 1996, completed a Diploma in Textiles at RMIT and has just finished her Diploma in Makeup and Media at the Academy of Makeup in South Yarra. Three years since I last met her in 2018 (and now past our latest lockdown), I am sitting in a café in Carlton with Alison (now 46) and Rosemary Johns. I met Rosemary Johns in 2018 with Alison when they both came to my book launch for Rosemary’s Retribution. I knew then the universe was cooking up a story for us. The café is empty and we find a quiet spot, knowing that between the three of us

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

racism and homelessness – and going alone to Thailand for her confirmation surgery. Faint trepidation crossed my heart. I see Rosemary’s eyes cloudy with tears and her voice wrapped with love towards Alison. I turn to Alison and I see the pain that has touched Rosemary. Alison continues with how she fled from her own culture, family and the political instability of Pakistan – and in between all of this, she was struggling to suppress the woman. The only family Alison recognises is Rosemary and I can see how beautiful their friendship is. I think as much as Alison is Rosemary’s internal monologue, she is also the voice of reason for Alison to write her story.

It took Rosemary five years as a cisgender woman to be educated by Alison on how to portray and visualise the emotional struggles of transition. Together, they created the play of Alison's journey of transformation.

there will be tears. Rosemary’s work has been a recipient of the Australian Government’s Anzac Centenary Arts and Culture Fund with As Told By The Boys Who Fed Me Apples (supported by Auspicious Arts, Big West Festival 2015. Rosemary was nominated for an AWGIE in Community and Youth Theatre for this script by the Australian Writers Guild. In 2018 she was shortlisted for the BBC International Playwriting Radio award with Fire in the Head. Rosemary has been nurtured as a playwright by La Mama, with such works as At the Centre of Light presented at WPI 8 Mumbai through skills and development grant from the Australia Council for the Arts. While we order coffee, I ask Alison and Rosemary how they met. They both smile and say in chorus, “While moonlighting at the [National Gallery of Victoria].” Rosemary was a security subcontractor at the NGV taking security guards through acting workshops (like how to deal with difficult patrons). But it was a series of events that brought them together. When they first met, Ali had already started the journey to bring out the Alison in him. It included a number of trips to the psychiatrist, because at the time one had to gain a psychiatrist’s approval before having that transition. In the play we witness: Ali taking the first pill, her several suicide attempts, educating herself in English, facing sexism,

Alison tells me the saddest part was when people confused her with gays and drag queens; that was another prejudice she had to go through. I ask Rosemary about Astitva and the emotions behind the play, and she tells me briefly that it’s nonlinear, going back to the past with Alison’s experiences as a child – including a couple of horrific incidents, family tribulations and sibling hatred, and needing to suppress the woman in her. It continues with going to the psychiatrist, the first pill and the confirmation surgery in Thailand, which rested Ali forever and gave birth to Alison. This immersive play is about the birth of the woman. Rosemary tells me there’s a musician and five culturally diverse actors playing multiple parts. These actors will be playing the Anglo part as well. She wants Indian and Pakistani actors. She has a famous Iraqi actor already on board and I have already raised my hand as well. In a previous life as Ali, Alison performed as a solo singer (religious and patriotic songs) at high school functions at St Lawrence’s School, Karachi. Alison, now a makeup artist, has worked as a

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makeup assistant for Miss Blossom Callahan at La Mama in 2017 and was the makeup artist for Tchekov at the House of Special Purpose in 2019. She was the assistant makeup artist on the photoshoot for GMAR magazine in 2019 and again assisted with makeup on the photoshoot for LGBTQI Immigrants – Queer Refugees at Docklands Cotton Mills for a gallery exhibition in 2020. I ask her why this profession, and she speaks to me with those beautiful dark eyes: “Makeup makes you pretty; so, you want the woman in you to be perfect.” Her message to all the future parents and parents who have children like her is just to give them love unconditionally. I can only think of Rumi at this point: “The wound is the place is where the light enters you.” By Nandita Chakraborty

FEATURE

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

UNAPOLOGETIC

AVAN!

From international table tennis star to working with refugees on Christmas Island at the Department of Justice and Correction, Avanti Sinha believes when the going gets tough, the tough get going

s a writer, I often don’t interview friends, but this interview I couldn’t resist writing. I met Avanti Sinha (lovingly called Avan) four years ago through a common friend; I was instantly taken by her personality and later her creativity. There’s always something refreshing about her, whether it’s her Instagram page, her Facebook page or in real life with a quote or a dance video. She’s the sort of person you can spot in an empty car park doing a music video at three in the morning. When I told her that G’day India and The Indian Weekly would like to interview her, she asked me if her story would be worth writing about. I would reply to that comment that it’s not every day you come across people who are inspiring us with their journey – and in her case, it’s no less than a hero’s journey. From being nominated at the Indian Film Festival Melbourne in 2020 to being recognised as an essential worker, this woman wears a lot of caps; that’s what fascinates me about her. So, I invite all my readers to join me in this fluid tour of Avan. Her journey started in 2013, when she got made redundant at a textile company. She wanted a change and had enough with the desk job. So, she hung up her business suit to start her job as a security and welfare officer with the recreational department in Christmas Island Detention Centre, working with the refugees. Who does that for a ‘change’? She tells me that it was one of the most positive experiences she’s ever had. Most people would steer away from saying that but only Avan can see the real human endurance. Was it because of her being a migrant herself and travelling a lot because of her sports career? Avan is definitely a people person but between that soft, kind, creative heart, she is tough – if you clear that façade you will be lucky to catch a glimpse of the elusive Avan. I titled the story “Unapologetic Avan” because she doesn’t hold any regrets; one thing that is constant to her is change and detachment. According to Avan, one just should keep moving and not worry

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G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

about what other people think. As a recreation officer on Christmas Island and working with immigrants, especially those from war-torn countries, one hears stories of pain, suffering and genocide – you need a brave heart to do this job. I definitely wouldn’t be able to do that job. But then she goes on to another surprising twist: working for the Department of Justice. According to her, it’s a very people-oriented job and she doesn’t see it as tough. It’s like any other job and it’s about the welfare of people. Due to her non-disclosure agreement with the Department of Justice, she cannot tell me about her typical day, but she tells me that a

few times she had been at the wrong place at the wrong time, with a couple of incidents where she had to experience unpleasant aggression. The warm friendly demeanour certainly has a firewall. Avan tells me she gets frustrated when she sees so much talent getting wasted. People who know Avan might feel that they know her, yet the real Avan is elusive. But she has a heart of gold; recently I had to endure a walking stick and in passing, I had told her about my condition. Voila! Next day she gets me a new walking stick. Coming to the sportsperson, Avan tells me that she got into table tennis by accident. In reality she loves sports, although she wanted to be a fashion designer or pursue a creative field … an artist at heart! I loved the idea of being a dancer or an actor too. She was living her father’s dream, who was also a table tennis player at the state level, then left his career to pursue acting – and then left acting to become her table tennis coach. Her father acted in some Bengali films too, and he was hailed as Bengal’s Amitabh Bachchan – you have to see for yourself to believe it! Avan started her table tennis journey at the age of eleven; slowly but surely, she climbed the ladder to state championships and international meets. She travelled a lot for her international matches. In India, she played ten matches and she was semi-professional with ranking, which meant she now had sponsors. She gained work through sports quota recruitment in West Bengal, and she was hired by Indian Airlines, Indian Railways, and Life Insurance. Soon her ranking got her to the Asian Junior and Cadet Table Tennis Championships, the Commonwealth Championship and the US Open. To Avan, playing sports is more like an adventure; she agrees it has given her exposure and confidence, but she’s not one of the regretting kind who would sit and analyse a match-point loss. In fact, she would be planning the next adventure in her head. She tells me that when she was in India, she was hired by Indian Railways and Indian Airlines and she would just hop on a

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train to seek her game or the next adventure, with places to explore. In Australia, she represented Victoria at the state level; I remember her showing me some of her medals after a game in 2018. She also won Police Games twice in a row, as well as the World Master Games in 2017 in Auckland, New Zealand, representing Australia. But saying all that, she’s her father’s daughter: recently she completed a short film, It’s on me, which will be touring the international short film festivals (including our own Melbourne festival). I ask what’s next for Avan. Taking a brief pause, she tells me COVID has dampened a few plans but the spirit of sportsmanship is still alive – and with that, she indulges us in her little secret. She will soon be volunteering at IPDC, a non-profit organisation teaching young Islamic women table tennis. She will be coaching girls at the age of 10–12 at the Melbourne Multicultural Centre in Tarneit. The universe surely does a full circle and pokes us to give back what we gained. She started her career at the age of eleven, although her adventure for sports never gave her the same thrill as travel. Avan the person is strong and no one can enter that private place; if anyone has slightly indulged, she is quick to regain that control. To her, rejection gives her strength, may that be love, career or any other setbacks. She is also an avid animal lover; she loves taking her cat Kyra on long drives and wants to do more to create awareness about animals. I often told her that she is like the firebird, but never told her its meaning. The firebird (Russian folklore) is a magical and divinatory bird from a mysterious land which is both a blessing and damnation to its confinement. So how can I quote someone else when Avan is her own fame? In her own words: “You are born original. Don’t die a copy.” By Nandita Chakraborty

LEGAL

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

Residence requirements in the divorce proceedings BY GURPAL SINGH

any young Indians and for that matter from the south East Asia have arrived and continue to arrive in Australia on a student visa. Interestingly the trend recently had been to first get marry at home country and then take the flight together with the spouse to ensure the safety and mutual support. However, increasing number of couples holding student visa/student dependent visa seek to file an application for divorce on the ground o irretrievably broken marriage. The question of eligibility and jurisdiction to file for divorce/dissolution of marriage when holding student/student dependent visa is the point of discussion in the present topic. The Australian law recognise a marriage solemnised outside of Australia provided such marriage was valid under the law of the place where it was solemnised. Such marriage is valid marriage for the purposes of Family law proceedings in Australia. (s88C, 88D and 88EA of the Marriage Act 1961) An application for divorce/dissolution of marriage in Australian jurisdiction can be made by an applicant who complies with the requirements postulated under s39(3) of the Family Law Act 1975 (the Act). The law requires that on the date on which the application for the orders is filed in the court,

either of the party must fulfil one of the conditions being either a. is an Australian citizen; b. is domiciled in Australia or c. is ordinarily resident in Australia and has been so resident for 1 year immediately preceding that date. The scope of ‘ordinarily resident in Australia and has been so resident for 1 year immediately preceding the date of filing such an application for divorce/dissolution of marriage seems ambiguous at first reading and subject matter of statutory interpretation. The importance of this clause lies on the involvement of foreign law to the party seeking invoking the jurisdiction of Australian family law. The party who may be ordinarily a resident of Australia by implication holds the passport and/or the domicile of another country and have married in an overseas country thereby involving a foreign element. The ordinary resident requirement was seen to have been wrongly interpreted by many of us resulting into a disappointment in the court resulting in the application becoming not maintainable for lack of jurisdiction. The term ‘jurisdiction’ for the purpose of divorce implies to the court having authority to decide with a question arising under the family law in an Australian context and the way Australian family law deals with ‘cases involving a foreign element’ for the purpose of divorce/dissolution of marriage. Curiously, the term ‘ordinarily

residence’ was defined by the legislation (s4(1) of the Act) to include ‘habitually resident’. For a person to be ordinarily resident in Australia, it must imply something more than merely being residing in Australia. The word ‘ordinarily’ connotes a comparison, a measure of degree given that one may have more than one residence but could not necessarily ordinarily resident in each of them. The concept of ‘ordinarily resident in commonwealth of Australia for the purpose of the Act connotes a place where in the ordinary course off a person’s life, one regularly or customarily lives. There must be some element of permanence, to be contrasted with a place where one stays only casually or intermittently. The expression ‘ordinarily resident in’ connotes some habit off life and is to be contrasted with temporary or occasional resident per Lockhart J. (1992) 37 FCR 194. The term ‘ordinarily resident’ is also defined with better clarity by the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 (Citizenship Act) s3 which implies that a person is taken to be ordinarily resident if and only if the person has his or her home in that country or that the country is the country of his or her permanent abode even if one is temporarily absent from that country. It further clarifies that a person is taken not to be so resident if one is residing in that country for a special or temporary purpose only. The recent trend of divorce applications by the holders of student visa are considered by the court with a great caution. In every such case, a requisition is sent to demonstrate the compliance of the ‘jurisdiction’ requirements. We suggest that a considered approach and proper legal advice be obtained prior to making an application for divorce.

Gurpal Singh is the principal lawyer of Melbourne law firm, Saundh Singh & Smith Lawyers | W: www.sssl.com.au

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EMPOWERING DESTINY

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

Don't miss this 1st step to accelerate success BY BARINDERJEET KAUR

o condition the brain for success, psychologists, coaches, athletes, gurus, and many successful people recommend visualisation, planning, and affirmations. Despite that, visualisation techniques are uncommon. According to the logical and rational mind, visualisation, affirmations, vision boards are just words. It's about wishing, hoping, and fantasising about the future. Unbeknownst to the average person, visualisation is a neuroscience technique used to improve your performance and achieve a goal. Knowing the science behind these techniques and concepts will replace scepticism with logic. Business owners and entrepreneurs must approach this concept by seeking to understand the neuroscience behind this technique. Let's get started. As an entrepreneur, you must train your brain for success and not get discouraged or distracted by challenging situations. Moving through the challenges is what an entrepreneurial mindset is all about. Certainly, some days or tasks feel more complex and challenging than others, but an entrepreneurial mind requires training to move through the necessary steps to accomplish big dreams. An individual can get distracted very easily with social media, browsing the Internet, watching Netflix, and the list goes on. While this behaviour is inefficient and can lead you to believe it is rewarding. We need to understand why this happens. Why do millions of people get hooked onto their phones for hours and cannot perform on a level that matches their actual ability? Entrepreneurs must have gratitude, a vision, written goals, affirmations, and high emotional intelligence, but a rational mind might ask, does this work? And the answer is simple, we know these traits make a difference—it's science! Rational thinkers need logic to support any statement, so to understand this let's first understand this process; how does it work? To understand the science behind how to condition your brain to achieve your dreams or goals, you must first understand how your brain functions. The process of imagining future outcomes creates new neural networks in your brain. Visualisation stimulates an area of the brain called the Reticular Activating System (RAS), one of the brain's essential parts, which subconsciously works as a filter for roughly eight million pieces of information that flows through the brain. Its purpose is to eliminate

the noise and the message that gets past the RAS filter enters the cerebrum and is then converted into conscious thoughts or emotions. The message that passes through depends on what's currently considered important to you. Just as social platforms learn your behaviour and show you related posts or the Internet pulls up information based on your queries; the RAS presents the most relevant content. Keeping your goals top of your mind aids your subconscious mind to reach them. And techniques like— visualisation, affirmations, writing down your goals play an important role. Doing so helps the RAS filter what's important to you and not what it thinks is important to you. These techniques help you visualise your success. When you see yourself succeeding, your brain also releases a chemical called dopamine. This neurotransmitter is commonly known to relate to a chemical best known for its role in addiction and drug usage. Despite its negative connotation, an individual with a growth mindset knows how to make the best out of every situation and is resourceful. While RAS helps you maintain focus, the dopamine release is what makes success feel great. Even though the impact of dopamine is short-term, our brains remember that incredible feeling so it strives to seek it out over and over again, which gives us the motivation to repeat the behaviour. An individual with optimal dopamine levels can exhibit self-confidence and selfdiscipline and can easily focus on the task in which an individual is not interested in or finds challenging, anticipating a greater reward in the future. Dopamine influences how we navigate, interact and respond

to the world around us. The driving force behind every entrepreneur stem from their ability to see past immediate risk for a future reward as well as their vision and ability to persevere. Elevated dopamine levels keep entrepreneurs going even when others tend to give up. You can make these neurotransmitters work before you even perform or complete a task by using envisioning techniques. Using these techniques sends a signal to your brain that a reward is on its way. This expectation of a reward motivates you to do the task that looks mundane but necessary to achieve your goal. And as entrepreneurs possess the mental and emotional strength to see past challenges, dopamine supports critical thinking and causes people to strive towards a solution. There is a direct correlation between high dopamine levels and heightened creativity. As dopamine elicits a feeling of reward and accomplishment, people with higher dopamine levels exhibit more energy, supporting them in accomplishing their desired goal. These traits collectively define the entrepreneurial spirit. The most successful entrepreneurs become aware of the facts, then accept or embrace the concept fully and finally take the necessary actions. With this knowledge, you can learn to train your mind by intentionally showing it what is most important to you rather than randomly letting it choose for you. You can now hack your system and have it work in your favour. And don't forget to create a goal accomplishment system and reward yourself after finishing a task. Now the choice is yours. What do you want to type in your search bar or the browser? Activate dopamine in your brain to create and achieve success today.

Barinderjeet Kaur is a Life coach and human behavior specialist based in Melbourne. | Facebook page: Empower Your Destiny

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OPINION

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

Patience + Love + Confidence + Strength + Compassion + (Little pain) = Woman! BY KARTHIK ARASU President of “Australia India Sports Council

es, a woman is a person who anchors and shows the world ‘w(h)o man’ is. As a person born and raised in India, growing up under the over-the-top care of three sisters, I know all too well the importance of woman in our lives. As we celebrate International Women's Day on March 8th, I would like to write about the power and influence of women in our society. Any community’s development and success can be easily measured when you see how they value women, and the level of education or status women can achieve in society. Unlike other parts of the world, in India, women are celebrated and respected above men even before the world debated on equality. Yes, some do the wrong thing; like in any community, we too have some bad apples. If you take all the ancient cultures into account and look at history, India has had many prominent female poets even 3000 years ago. I don’t think any culture can boast of that feat. ‘Gargi Vachaknavi’ a great philosopher, was one such example we can quote for women’s education and freedom from the most ancient days (around 3000 years ago). She was invited to attend an assembly of scholars to discuss philosophical matters presided by King Janaka of Videha. The poetess who fascinated me not just with her literary work but the command she had over the three most powerful kings of the ancient Tamil world Chera, Chola & Pandya

was ‘Avvaiyar’ during the Sangam period (c. 3rd century BCE). She has challenged the kings in the assemblies and questioned their misbehaviour, she even stopped wars between warring kings in the middle of the battlefield. Her songs and poems are even revered and learned today by Tamils and teach us morality very simplistically.

killing the guards and opened the gate of the fort to the men in their army. This is probably the first incident of giving such self-sacrifice in defence of one’s motherland. Here we are in the 21st century, and still some countries are debating about permitting women to have a driving license and allowing them to drive cars.

If you talk about rulers, many Queens ruled with absolute power and control long before the world ever dreamed of it. When the British conquered India, their succession laws didn’t allow a female heir to come to power after the King's death, so many Indian Queens have fought and lost their lives in the war for their people. One such great queen of India ‘Rani Velu Nachiyar’, was one of the first Indian queens to wage war with the East India Company, the British army in the year 1780 and successfully defeated them and retook her kingdom, probably the only queen to ever achieve that feat. Mother Kuyili, one of the commanders of Rani Velu Nachiyar’s army, carried out a suicide mission against the British army. She entered the fort disguised as rural women on the pretext of performing puja, doused herself in ghee, and set herself on fire before jumping into the ammunition storage of the British army. These fearless women warriors succeeded in

In today’s world, we have woman pioneers in every field and they are leading the change from the forefront. When I write about women, I can’t miss the women who inspire me every day. Starting from my mother, of course, who is the source of my being and has instilled every good in me, I am still amazed how love can be so pure and unconditional by experiencing it from my three sisters every moment. When my mother passed away, she left behind three more mothers for me in them. One of my dear friends, a women business leader went through horrid social media attacks, bullying, email threats, name-calling; what not but the resilience and courage she showed was the epitome of empowerment. My teachers, friends, and colleagues, so many to mention, I am blessed with the presence of all these great women in my life as my shining light, and so is everyone. Just a single day is not enough to celebrate Women’s day. Every day we need to celebrate and cherish them because when you empower a woman, you empower a generation. In the words of Diane Mariechild “A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.” Happy Women’s Day!

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FESTIVALS

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

The Joy of colours – Happy Holi! BY ARCHITA BAWEJA

ith the end of the winter's cold spell arrives Spring bringing with it the most colourful, joyous and one of my favourite festivals-Holi. It is considered one of India's most revered and recognised festivals and is celebrated in almost every part of the country. Holi, sometimes referred to as “festival of colours" or “festival of love” is an ancient Hindu religious festival that is not only celebrated in India but has also become popular with non-Hindus in many parts of South Asia, as well as people of other communities outside Asia. Every year here in Melbourne-Australia, a fest is organised around Holi usually lasting for two days. The event is full of colours, dance, music, food and lots of fun. Holi signifies the victory of good over evil and happiness for all. It also focuses on the arrival of spring and comes in the form of a festive day to meet family and friends, play and laugh, forget and forgive and spread cheer. The festival is celebrated over two days -The first day is known as Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi and the second day as Rangwali Holi. On the eve of Holi large pyres are lit and people gather around it. They often

throw wood, dried leaves and twigs into the bonfire and pray that their internal devils are destroyed with the fire. The next morning is a free-for-all carnival of colours, where people play, chase and colour each other

with dry powder and coloured water, with some carrying water guns and coloured water-filled balloons. People nibble on Gujiya, a popular Indian sweet made from Mawa and dried fruit-filled in a ghee fried dumpling. Bhang Lassi is another refreshing drink and is sold in shops in parts of North India during the festival. As a child, I never missed celebrating Holi. Every year on Holi, I got up early and engaged my whole family in filling up coloured water balloons for me. Holi was all about prepping up with colours, water balloons and water guns. Sometimes, it felt as though we were going for a battle but the only difference being that this was a fight with splashes of colours and water-filled balloons were flung from rooftops. After playing Holi for a few hours, we ate lunch which usually consisted of a kadi (a thick gram flour curry made with vegetable fritters), mixed vegetable, rice, roti and kheer (rice pudding). Later in the evening, after cleaning up and getting sober, all my family and friends spent some quality time together. The memories of Holi bring a smile to my face. In the end, Holi is the day to express love and affection with the vibrancy of colours. It is time to let go of any differences and express happiness. Let this Holi burn away any negativity and bring positive spirit and joy through colours.

Archita Baweja of Melbourne is an engineer by profession but a writer at heart

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FEATURE

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

Flight Of Faith

Reuniting 10,000 families, a dream for Sonthalia brothers of Gaura Travel that was not possibly believed to be achievable a few months ago

From left: Mrs Chloe & Ashwini Sonthalia, Mr Raj Kumar, Mrs Renu Sonthalia & Abhishek Sonthalia

hose were chaotic days with people from India stuck in Australia, unable to return home as the pandemic forced the borders to be closed. Then to their rescue came Gaura Travel, who flew out 10,000 people thus reuniting 10,000 families back in India. The size of the gathering belied the enormity of the occasion. The joy in the air was palpable and could be cut with a knife. On February 5th, 2021, Ashwini Sonthalia and his brother Abhishek of Gaura Travel streamed into the room at ‘Mint O Mustard of Dockland’ in Melbourne to commemorate a feat that they wouldn’t possibly have believed to be achievable a few months ago, in July last year to be precise. But it did. Their Gaura Travel had just flown their 10,000th passenger back home to India from Melbourne. Akash Vijay Rajput, a student who had completed his five-year studies. He was booked to fly to Mumbai in economy class, but Gaura Travel gave him a free upgrade into business class; he was a special customer after all for the travel operator, marking a milestone that came about through sheer grit and a never-say-die attitude at a time when

the Covid pandemic is still to become a thing of the past. “He was excited,” Abhishek said of the 10,000th passenger. And why not, his was the 10,000 family that Gaura Travel reunited back in India. The brothers narrated hearttouching anecdotes of a few among the 10,000 people left stranded in Australia after the pandemic struck and India, like almost all other countries across the world, sealed their borders to keep the invisible enemy away from their shores. Speaking at the get-together, the Consul General of India in Melbourne, Mr Raj Kumar, reminisced about the days when Gaura Travel started their chartered flights to Delhi and other parts of India following the Vande Bharat Mission (VBM), which the Indian government launched to help people who were stuck across the world, including Australia, reach home.

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“With Gaura Travel, the operation went like a breeze,” Mr Kumar said heaping praise on the siblings who started the business about 14 years ago.

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

Abhishek Sonthalia & Dr Virk

Statistically, 18,000 passengers flew out from Melbourne. 15,000 by chartered flights and 3,000 under VBM with Air India flying 17 sorties. Of the 15,000, Gaura Travel accounted for 10,000. “ It was a tremendous job, “ Mr. Kumar said not holding back the unadulterated appreciation. “Amazing figures,” exulted Mr Arun Sharma- Chairman, Celebrate India, while commending Ashwini and Abhishek for the “humane face” they imparted to their business when it was most required with the pandemic breathing down the neck, separating the near and dear ones and casting all in uncertainty. He attributed this aspect to the siblings’ strong grounding in Indian values. “You should be proud of them,” he said addressing their mother, Mrs Renu Sonthalia who was also present, to be greeted by a round of generous applause. When his turn came to speak, Ashwini recalled the tumultuous days when panic

gripped the people finding themselves suddenly cut off from their families in India, not knowing when they would be reunited. “We were attending to phone calls through the day from people anxious to know how or when they could get back. We decided to fight it out, not give in,” he said. Abhishek remembered how he and his team had become an extension of the families of those travelling not mere travel agent. “ We would be there at the airport attending to all the needs of the travellers, from carrying their bags, pushing wheelchairs, providing them water bottles, translating since many couldn’t speak English,” he said. Abhishek said that the idea of starting the chartered flights came from Dr. Jagvinder Singh Virk, who had operated the first chartered flight from Sydney in April. He inspired them to do the same. Then they got in touch with Mr Kumar. Abhishek recalled Mr Kumar saying, “You will get plenty of opportunities to make

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money but take this as an opportunity to get blessings.” For the brothers, that was inspiration enough to go ahead. In the 14 years that they have been in business, Gaura Travel has flown more than a million passengers, but the 10,000 were indeed very special. It was not just about flying 10,000 individuals but reuniting 10,000 families. The knife came out eventually and sliced through the cake to celebrate the occasion; no prizes for guessing that the cake resembled an airplane standing on a runway. Ready to fly. So, what next, someone asked of Ashwini. Aptly the reply was, “25,000”. What more would you expect from someone who always thinks ahead. Flight of faith, shall we say? By Tonee Sethi

MOTOR REVIEW MOTOR REVIEW

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

BMW M440i xDrive Coupe BY AMANDEEP SETHI

Another model year, another caged beast from BMW – This time, the 2021 BMW M440i xDrive Coupe. A battle between ferocity and elegance seems to be the driving characteristic when it comes to the new top model of the 4-Series lineup, which is clear in more areas than one. The angry straight-six powerhouse is paired with even angrier front-end styling, resulting in a package that will make some mad and others fall in love. For a base price of $116,900, you get an unhinged animal that certainly risks offence. Since its release, the new 4-Series has been swimming in negative press due to BMW’s decision to push its new ultra-modern, sharklike, front-end styling ahead into their new models. The front grilles, or gills in this case, demand attention and will be the first thing that anyone notices in their rear-view mirror. BMW forums are full of heated discussion on the matter, but one thing is for certain: Nothing else on the road looks quite like it. As to whether the styling is a glimpse into the future or a face that only a mother could love, that is left entirely to the eye of the beholder. Besides the grumpy – albeit classy - front end, the aggression in styling ends there; The rest of the M440i’s lines flow smooth and buttery. It is evident that BMW is trying to play off design elements from the heavy-hitters in their lineup, primarily the 8-Series. The pronounced door creases and sloped roof-totail elements break the dullness, although the fading roof does cramp the rear headroom a

bit. The 19” M alloy wheels put the grace of the body lines in check with some harsh angles to balance the otherwise smooth form.

brake unnecessarily. This is obviously meant to prevent rear-end crashes, but instead it attracts confused onlookers.

Taking a step into the interior might cause a bit of deja-vu, as it seems that all new BMW’s share the same interior DNA these days. In a blind comparison, it would be nearly impossible to distinguish the M440i’s interior from say, a 2020 3-Series of a supposedly lower class. With that being said, it isn’t necessarily a negative, as long as plush leather and polished aluminum are still in style.

Performance is where the savage nature of the M440i is most noticeable. Immense forward thrust is generated by the TwinPower turbo inline-6 powerhouse, pumping out 285kW and 500Nm of torque. That’s absolutely brutal. In comparison of sheer acceleration, the M440i is 0.5 seconds faster in a 0-100 km/h straight-line race than a Ferrari 360.

Surprisingly for a BMW coupe, long weekend cruises are not out of the realm of possibility for the M440i. The gentle hug of the optional ($2,000) ‘Vernasca’ Cognac leather seats in our test vehicle is a welcoming reminder that the M440i is a two-door with grand touring in mind. The 440-litre boot (with additional room with the rear seats folded) will fit multiple daybags comfortably, no shoving required.

This ludicrous acceleration can largely be attributed to the M440i’s xDrive - all-wheel drive – system in combination with BMW’s back-to-basics 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission; A combo that leads to silky shifts and even power delivery. But don’t let the effortless shifts fool you, in a straight line the M440i is as violent as an animal on the hunt.

Standard tech is impressive in the M440i, which can be found crammed into nearly every nook and cranny of the vehicle. From the included windshield-projected head-up display, to the now common - but necessary - reversing assistant, electronic aides are impossible to escape in the cabin. Also standard from the factory are BMW Laserlight headlamps that illuminate the path ahead with 10 times the intensity of standard LED light. It is a nice surprise that these tech elements are no longer individually packaged, skyrocketing the MRLP.

While the M440i can certainly sprint, it often falls on its face when faced with sharp bends. The coupe’s suspension is the main downfall here. In quiet neighborhoods the M440i seems to float above the ground, absorbing any and all bumps that might be significant in any other car – even in its stiffest setting. While that makes it extremely usable and comfortable during the day-to-day, the softness of the suspension causes the BMW to wallow around turns in a performance setting. This is certainly an area where the M440i is more of a house pet than a beast.

The goal of these electronic gizmos is to deliver us an easier driving experience, but I found myself fighting with a few of these modern features. Lane assist, for example, forces you to hold on for dear life at times, as it misunderstands natural movements like avoiding bikers on the side of the road. The included backup assistant also contains some strange nuances. When backing up a steep driveway, the feature attempts to save the vehicle from itself by engaging the parking

As a new flagship for BMW, the M440i is confusing to unpack. It seems to have mood swings between ferocious and tame, with little compromise between. On one hand, it will tear the face off of any challengers at a stoplight, and on the other it will caress you on a long-travelled vacation. While a bit of a mixed bag, the 2021 M440i does many things well and disappoints far less. It’s brutal looks and performance balanced with an elegant interior make the 2021 M440i a beautiful beast.

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FEATURE

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

HERE’S HOW TO SHED THE

‘LOCKDOWN KILOS’ The coronavirus virus lockdown took a toll on our mental as well as physical well-being. The quarantine period was a tough one for people. There is a steep rise in the number of people who have gained oodles of weight during the pandemic, owing to many challenges and disruption in their regular routine.

Long work from home hours contributed to a sedentary lifestyle where people were required to sit for hours without any movement. Furthermore, less sleep, stress, unhealthy diet and overeating also contributed to weight gain. The fact that gyms were closed didn’t help either. The quarantine period also led to change in mental states that contributed to emotional eating and people struggled to stick to their fitness routine. There are various reasons behind why people must have piled up those excess kilos during the coronavirus lockdown, say experts. They attribute a sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity and movement, faulty eating habits, and stress to be the culprits behind weight gain. “Weight gain happens when your daily calorie intake surpasses your expenditure. The number of calories consumed during Lockdown on a daily basis was very high. People were not used to consuming food together on a daily

basis for such a long period of time. Right from morning teas to evening snacks, breakfast, lunches, dinners and late-night snacks or desserts all were made and consumed,” explains Dr Kiran Rukadikar, Founder, DietQueen.

She adds: “Eating is a mood elevator and stress reliever. More you eat, the happier you become. But this is adding more issues to your health. Now that we are getting control over the pandemic, it’s our own duty to take care of ourselves. As the whole world is getting back to normal, so should you.”

breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you get any mid-night cravings then try to indulge in healthy options like yogurt, crackers, makhana, and try to drink a lot of water. Try to limit junk, spicy, oily, and processed foods. Set proper meal timings. Do not eat your dinner late and then sleep immediately. Portion control is equally important. Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables to stay hale and hearty.

Walk around at home If you are working from home and are required to talk on the phone then just try to walk around your house while doing so. Common, after all, it will be These weight loss strategies good for you, right? Try to set will help you get back on track. a target every day and see to it Suggested by Sukhvinder that you complete it. Set smaller Singh Saggu, Bariatric surgeon, goals. It is the need of the hour Apollo Spectra Delhi, here to exercise at home. You can are some vital tips to battle also do other activities such the bulge, stay fit, and lead a as aerobics, weight training, or healthy life: Zumba at home. Try to de-stress It is a known fact that stress can give a tough time to your body. Likewise, many studies also suggest that stress can invite weight gain. If the reason behind your weight gain is stress, then you need to calm down. It will be imperative for you to improve your resilience. Try to motivate and support yourself when a challenging situation arises. You can destress can opting for yoga and meditation. You can also try some breathing exercises that will help you calm down. You can do what you like. Just listen to the music to unwind, dance, cook or do gardening. Follow a proper routine. Journaling can be a good idea You will have to write down whatever you eat, how much oil you use, or what you have during your snacks. Yes, it is understood that you’re eating habits must have gone for a toss, so it is essential for you to avoid binging or emotional eating. Plan what you will have for

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Eat in moderation, reduce high calorie fried foods and sweets. Your kitchen is the beat weight loss centre, and Balanced Home Diet is the best diet. By

Siddhi Jain

FEATURE

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

10 HEALTH BENEFITS OF that it retains the moisture in the skin, clear off dead skin cells, and dirt from the skin pores, and makes the skin look radiant and toned.

Pudina (mint) is one of the oldest culinary herbs known to humans. It has remarkable medicinal properties and is a rich source of polyphenols. It has carminative and antispasmodic properties. Saurabh Arora, Inventor Pudhinaa and Snec30, Director at Arbro says: “Pudina leaves or mint leaves are low on calories and contain very low amounts of proteins and fats. It has an enormous amount of Vitamin A, C, and B-complex that enhances skin and boost immunity. Another nutritional benefit of pudina is that it is rich in iron, potassium and manganese that increase hemoglobin, and improve brain function.” Arora lists down 10 health benefits of mint leaves that one must know: Helps in digestion -- Mint is rich in antioxidants, menthol and phytonutrients that help the enzymes to digest food. The essential oils in mint possess strong antibacterial and antiseptic effects that calm stomach cramps and help ease acidity and flatulence. Treats asthma -- Regularly taking pudina can ease chest congestion. The methanol in mint acts as a decongestant, it helps loosen mucus collected in the lung and also shrinks swollen membranes in the nose to allow you to breathe easier. While using pudina, make sure that you don’t overdose it,

leaves otherwise, your air passage will become irritated.

Cures headaches -- Pudina contains menthol that can help relax muscles and ease the pain. Applying pudina juice on your forehead and temples can give you relief from headache. Also, balms of pudina base or mint oil are effective in curing headaches. Eases stress and depression -- One of the main advantages of mint is that it is the most widely used herb in aromatherapy. Pudina or mint has a strong, refreshing smell that can ease stress and refresh the body and mind. The apoptogenic activity of mint helps regulate the cortisol levels in the blood that triggers the body’s natural response to ease the stress. Inhaling pudina essential oil can instantly release serotonin in the blood which is a neurotransmitter that is well known for easing symptoms of stress and depression. Makes your skin healthy -- Pudina has antiinflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that help treat acne and pimple on the skin. Pudina leaves contain a high amount of salicylic acid which acts as anti-acne. It also acts as an effective skin cleanser. Pudina has antioxidant properties that help you get clean and youthful skin by removing free radicals from the body. Other ways pudina makes your skin healthy is

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Oral care -- Chewing pudina leaves is a great way to improve oral hygiene and dental health. The essential oils in pudina can help you get fresh breath. Also, using the mouthwash containing peppermint oil can help you kill bacteria in the mouth and provide you with healthy gums and teeth. Improves memory -- According to a research, mint can improve memory and retrieve the cognitive function of the brain. Consuming pudina regularly can increase brain power by improving alertness, and memory retention, and other cognitive functions. Promotes weight loss -- The aromatic herb pudina could help you in weight loss. The essential oils of pudina stimulate digestive enzymes to increase the bile flow and promote digestion. It also helps in improved nutrient absorption from the food. When the body is able to assimilate and absorb nutrients properly, your metabolism increases. The increase in metabolism promotes weight loss. Treats common cold -- If you are struggling with cold and finding it difficult to breathe, pudina is the best remedy for it. Most of the vapor rubs and inhalers contain mint. Mint naturally clears nose throat, bronchi, and lung congestion. Apart from respiratory channels, mint also eases irritation caused by chronic coughing. Eases symptoms of nausea -Pudina is an effective treatment for nausea that often occurs in morning sickness. Eating a few pudina leaves or smelling it every morning can help pregnant women prevent the nauseous feeling or cope with it better. By Puja Gupta

EXPLORE VICTORIA

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

Travel Post-Pandemic

Staycation is taking the front seat!

BY DEBASREE DAS

ravel, the word spells luxury to me these days and I am sure it resonates the same to many. The world which was, free and easy has been divided by restrictions and radius boundaries. While International travel is restricted, and domestic travel is always a risky proposition owing to quarantine and lockdowns. Travelling and re-discovering your own state is a wonderful choice we have, isn’t it? However, being a travel blogger, I am giving myself an opportunity to be a tourist in my city. Yes, you heard it right. Being a proud Melbournian, living in the Western suburb of Melbourne, I do miss the city vibes. Grabbing a good cup of coffee from a boutique Café to kick start my day, to falling in love with the sunset that lingers over the Skyline of Melbourne. I miss everything, so while the restrictions keep easing and travel within Victoria becomes more viable, I decided to boost and support these small City Apartments by

having few Staycations in the city. It is a great way to boost some local tourism and support small businesses that are striving hard to hit back post-pandemic. Do you remember the last time you had a Staycation in Melbourne city? Well, I never actually did in the last five years whilst calling myself a true Melburnian. I recently stayed in this beautiful Melbourne Lifestyle Apartments on 889 Collins Street, Docklands, famous for its shopping and café vibes. This place was my weekend destination with friends. Waking up to some amazing city views and re-living those moments without a rush to catch the V-line or drive home, I had my fair bit of extravaganza with family. These city Apartments are self-contained and offer the perfect venue for a family with kids too. Wake up, smell the coffee and cook up your favourite breakfast, while enjoying the city views. Jumping on the pool and reading over your favourite book while you see the city coming back to life again. My 7-year-old daughter misses the fun she used to have at the District docklands, while I enjoyed my lasagne and coffee with some afternoon retail therapy. Catching up with some old friends over a glass of wine to doing some pub hopping in the Flinders Lane. No matter where you stay, Sunshine, Broadmeadows, Sunbury, Footscray, Altona, Whittlesea or anywhere in Melbourne or in regional Victoria, gift yourself a Staycation

this Summer and help these small businesses to survive and bounce back again. While I am doing a bit of my share to help these small businesses survive and grow, how would you like to support your local tourism? With the Travel vouchers support from the Government our Regional Victoria is getting back on track. However, these small businesses in the city are yet to gain back their prominence and still struggling to make a come back. Give these small businesses a little push to bounce back, we all can do our little best towards growing our local tourism. What say?

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @travelinstylewithdebs for your daily fashion inspiration. travelinstylewithdebs

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TECH

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

GOOGLE AND LEVI’S CONNECTED JACKET HELPS PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES A connected jacket designed by Google and Levi’s has proved to be beneficial for people with disabilities who tried out the apparel. The connected jacket with woven “Jacquard” technology allows people to connect to their smartphone and use simple gestures to trigger functions from the Jacquard app. With this

interactivity and connectivity built in, one can tap his/her sleeve to hear directions to their next destination or brush their cuff to change the song playing on their compatible music service. Jacquard by Google is a digital technology platform created for smart apparel, footwear, and other everyday essentials. Google said it worked with Champions Place, a shared living residence for young adults with disabilities in the greater Atlanta area in the US. Residents at Champions Place tried out the Jacquard Levi’s Commuter Trucker Jacket. “We discovered that for the residents at Champions Place a connected jacket gave them a simple and unobtrusive way to access technology on the go,” Leonardo Giusti, Google Advanced Technology

and Projects’ (ATAP) Head of Design, wrote in a blog post. “For example, many residents at Champions Place commonly rely on emergency call solutions -- usually a device worn around the neck that lets them quickly call for assistance. Those who use these devices imagined how the connected garment could be used as a discreet and less obtrusive alternative while blending into their daily lives.” One resident trying out the Jacquard connected jackets admitted: “I am not necessarily a jean jacket person. I am thinking it will be useful that I can have a band that can be slipped on, underneath different sleeves or jackets, that way it is not tied to one piece clothing.” Jacquard technology works for phones running Android 6.0.1 or newer and iOS 11 or newer. “Enhancing everyday objects with digital functionalities can lead to products that are helpful, comfortable, easy-to-use and stylish for everyone - including people with disabilities,” Giusti said. (AGENCIES)

ZOOM TO ROLL OUT

‘AUTOMATIC CLOSED CAPTIONING’ FOR ALL FREE ACCOUNTS Video conferencing app Zoom said it is working towards making “automatic closed captioning” available for all the free account holders to make the service more accessible.

“Among the Zoom Meetings accessibility features we offer to all users are manual closed captioning, keyboard accessibility, pinning or spotlighting interpreter video, screen reader support, and a range of accessibility settings,” the company said. “Now we are excited to announce that we are looking to take our efforts a step further and are working towards making automatic closed captioning available to all of our users in the fall of 2021,” it added. For a free user who needs access to the feature, the company is allowing users to manually request access to the Live

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Transcription feature via a Google Form. “To help free account holders who require Live Transcription, starting today and up until the feature’s broader release, we will also be offering automatic closed captioning to meeting hosts who need accommodation upon request,” according to the blogpost. Users need to enter their information in the form to sign up. Further, they will receive a confirmation email with more details. Automatic closed captions are also available with other video conferencing services like Google Meet. Recently, Zoom has added a feature “Studio Effects” that allows users to add a variety of eyebrows, facial hair and lip colour during live video streams.

(AGENCIES)

VIRTUAL

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

41 41

Telegram introduces auto-delete messages feature

TELEGRAM, which is fast gaining users in India in the wake of a WhatsApp privacy row, on Wednesday said it has introduced an autodelete messages feature for individual chats, groups and channels. Earlier, this feature was only available for Secret Chats. Now users of the instant messaging platform will be able to set a timer of 24 hours or 7 days in any chats before sending messages.

After the selected timeframe, the messages will disappear for all the users in a group or channel, or for the single recipient in an individual chat. In group and channels only admins are able to enable this feature or edit it. All the messages show a countdown to their deletion time, users can track the time to specific messages by simply tap on Android or press and hold on iOS. Auto-delete only applies to messages sent after the timer is set, earlier messages will stay in the chat history, Telegram said.

To enhance user’s chat experience with higher privacy and better security, Telegram also launched other new features including expiring invite links, scannable QR codes as joining invites, home screen widgets for Android and iOS, among others. A new form of Telegram group called

Broadcast Groups has also been introduced to allow participants to connect with a live voice chat. Telegram said it has also made it quicker and easier for users to report any spam content or fake accounts, any content related to violence, child abuse, pornography, etc. (AGENCIES)

YouTube announces supervised content, more parental control

GOOGLE-owned video-streaming platform YouTube has unveiled a new feature that would help parents to control what their kids watch on the platform by enabling different content settings on the platform.

The new feature will give parents the ability to choose from Explore, Explore More and Most of YouTube. “Over the last year, we’ve worked with parents and experts across the globe in areas related to child safety, child development, and digital literacy to develop a solution for parents of pre-teens and teens,” James Beser, Director of Product Management, Kids and Family, YouTube, said. “In the coming months, we’ll launch a new experience in beta for parents to allow their children to access YouTube through a supervised Google Account,” Beser added. “Explore” will feature a broad range of videos generally suitable for viewers who are more than nine years old, including vlogs, tutorials, gaming videos, music clips, news, educational content and more.

“Explore More” will include an even larger set of videos and also live streams in the same categories as “Explore.” “Most of YouTube” will contain almost all videos on YouTube, except for age-restricted content, and it includes sensitive topics that may only be appropriate for older teens.

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“This supervised experience will come with content settings and limited features. We’ll start with an early beta for families with kids under the age of consent to test and provide feedback, as we continue to expand and improve the experience,” the company said. (AGENCIES)

RELATIONSHIPS

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

Beauty in the arranged marriage process should be stopped According to recent survey, nine out of ten women in India feel they are judged and rejected based on their looks during the marriage process. Moreover, 68 per cent claimed that rejections based on beauty during the arranged marriage process impacted their self-esteem and confidence, reveals the “India’s Beauty Test (2020)” survey conducted by Dove. Conducted by interviewing 1,057 women in the age group 18-35 from 17 cities across India, the report reveals these unsettling statistics about the pressures and anxieties around conforming to a narrow ideal of beauty in the run-up to arranged marriage. Urging people to stop the ‘beauty test’, Dove’s has launched #StopTheBeautyTest. Under the campaign, the brand has released a film under its campaign, which is born out of conversations with women from across the country, captures some raw situations where women are judged during the matchmaking process for not being beautiful enough. It goes on to emphasise the unspoken impact of these judgements on their self-esteem and body confidence.

will also partner with women magazines in India, to celebrate the beauty of women who were not seen as beautiful enough in the run-up to marriage. In a partnership with UNICEF, the Dove self-esteem project aims to reach 6.25 million girls and boys in schools by 2024 to improve their knowledge and skills so that they enhance their body confidence and self-esteem through education materials to realize their full potential in India. By Puja Gupta

Through real stories enacted by real women, the film sends out a powerful message -- ‘We must stop putting women through this unjust beauty test’. Priya Nair, Executive Director, HUL and VP -- Beauty and Personal Care South Asia opined: “In a country of 631 million women, it is unfortunate that there is such intense pressure to adhere to one definition of beauty. As owners of some of the largest beauty brands in the country, the onus to make beauty more positive and more inclusive is on us. Dove has always believed that beauty should be source of confidence, not anxiety. With #StopTheBeautyTest, we want to go one step forward in that direction.” Supporting the campaign objective, Dove is partnering with leading matrimonial platforms, based on the shared belief that the matchmaking process should be free of beauty biases. Dove and Shaadi.com have also come together to encourage users on the platform to look beyond body type, complexion, scars on face or hair type and length, to see new sizes and shades of beautiful. In addition, Dove will also help rewrite matrimonial ads free of beauty biases to drive significant change in this direction. It

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LIFESTYLE

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

The growing trend of baby, maternity shoots

Family portraiture was once a formal affair with no space for spontaneity. Many social taboos surrounded the idea of photographing newborn babies and pregnant women. A fashion inspired maternity shoot was almost unheard of back in the day, but now everyone from A-list celebrities like Kareena Kapoor Khan and Anushka Sharma to models like Lisa Hayden want to capture and share that special moment. Celebrated photography entrepreneur Amrita Samant who runs the venture, ‘Mommy Shots by Amrita’, operating out of India and Singapore, says things have changed for the better now. Routinely helming maternity shoots, photographing newborns and toddlers, she says, “The taboo still exists in certain pockets but yes, there is less discomfort around women wanting to celebrate a pregnancy. Young mothers-to-be want to enjoy their pregnancy and they want to capture that bliss forever. Many young couples also want to capture the milestone moments of their babies because they grow up so fast! I feel privileged to be a part of such intimate experiences and feel happy that more and more families are so comfortable expressing themselves before the camera. The monotony of forced expressions is also now a thing of the past.”

For young parents, such photo shoots have become a norm with social media normalising the sharing of personal moments. Also, celebrities stepping out of their comfort zone and sharing the different facets of their life, has encouraged and motivated others to celebrate their own lives in a similar way. Many mothers-tobe feel confident about posing before the camera. Samant says: “Photography is largely about emotional bonding. The warmth I capture and communicate through my images tells a unique story every time. Even if I take pictures of different families in the same place or pose, the emotions captured are different, because each time, the family dynamics are different. I also bond instinctively with children and it was a natural choice to combine my love for babies with my passion for photography.” Samant’s work went on to pioneer baby portraiture in India and she shares: “Newborn and creative baby photography has always been very popular in the West, and I wanted to carve a niche back home by capturing moments that families could treasure forever.” Before she ideated her venture, this double Master’s degree holder in Human Resources (HR), was climbing the corporate ladder for over seven years.

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The decision to start Mommy Shots in retrospect was inevitable because she comes from a family of entrepreneurs with a strong affinity for the arts. Today Samant travels all over India for shoots and her work has also taken her to over 10 countries. Even the pandemic did not impact her work. She says: “An emphasis on safety practices is mandatory in this industry and we have been following stringent safety measure even before the emergence of Covid-19. Now, in the new normal, we adhere to safety protocols even more strictly.” With seven years of experience in the field, what remains constant is the magic of instant connection she forms with a baby every single time. She concludes, “Moments I capture become precious because they are forever and will be cherished and looked back upon by families even after 20 years. Their culture, their lifestyle won’t be just a memory from the past to be forgotten by the next generation. Their legacy will be carried forward with the help of these images. That is why every happy mother, every joyful baby, each memorable family shoot motivates me to continue preserving memories for posterity. By Puja Gupta

HEALTH

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

Drinking six or more cups of coffee per day may up CVD risk IF you drink a lot of coffee throughout the day, it can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), a new study suggests. The findings, in a genetic-based study, indicate that long-term, heavy coffee consumption -- six or more cups a day -- can increase the amount of lipids (fats) in your blood to significantly heighten your risk of CVD. Importantly, this correlation is both positive and dose-dependent, meaning that the more coffee you drink, the greater the risk of CVD, the researchers, including Elina Hyppönen from the University of South Australia said. “There’s certainly a lot of scientific debate about the pros and cons of coffee, but while it may seem like we’re going over old ground, it’s essential to fully understand how one of the world’s most widely consumed drinks can

impact our health,” said Hyppönen.

For the study, published in Clinical Nutrition, the team used data from 362,571 UK Biobank participants, aged 37-73 years, using a triangulation of phenotypic and genetic approaches to conduct comprehensive analyses. While the jury may still be out on the health impacts of coffee, the researcher said it is always wise to choose filtered coffee when possible and be wary of overindulging, especially when it comes to a stimulant such as coffee. According to the researchers, high levels of blood lipids are a known risk factor for heart disease, and interestingly, as coffee beans contain a very potent cholesterolelevating compound (cafestol), it was valuable to examine them together.

“Cafestol is mainly present in unfiltered brews, such as French press, Turkish and Greek coffees, but it’s also in espressos,” said Hyppönen. Globally, an estimated 3 billion cups of coffee are consumed every day. CVD are the number one cause of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. (AGENCIES)

EATING GRAPES

MAY PROTECT AGAINST SUNBURN, UV DAMAGE TO SKIN EATING grapes can help protect against sunburn and ultraviolet (UV) skin damage and natural components found in the fruits known as polyphenols are

thought to be responsible for these beneficial effects, according to a new study. The results published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology revealed that participants in the study showed increased resistance to sunburn and a reduction in markers of UV damage at the cellular level. “Grapes may act as an edible sunscreen, offering an additional layer of protection in addition to topical sunscreen products,” said lead researcher Craig Elmets from University of Alabama, Birmingham in the US.

UV light.

The study investigated the impact of consuming whole grape powder -- equivalent to 2.25 cups of grapes per day -- for 14 days against photodamage from

The participants’ skin response to UV light was measured before and after consuming grapes for two weeks by determining the threshold dose of UV radiation that induced visible reddening after 24 hours -- the Minimal Erythema Dose (MED).

The results showed that grape consumption was protective as more UV exposure was required to cause sunburn following grape consumption, with MED increasing on average by 74.8 per cent. Analysis of skin biopsies showed that the grape diet was associated with decreased DNA damage, fewer deaths of skin cells, and a reduction in inflammatory markers that if left unchecked, together can impair skin function and can potentially lead to skin cancer. “We saw a significant photoprotective effect with grape consumption and we were able to identify molecular pathways by which that benefit occurs -- through repair of DNA damage and downregulation of proinflammatory pathways,” said Elmets. Most skin cancer cases are associated with exposure to UV radiation from the Sun -- about 90 per cent of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 86 per cent of melanomas, respectively. Additionally, an estimated 90 per cent of skin ageing is caused by the sun.

(AGENCIES)

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G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

ASK DR. RAJ… This months Q: HELP FOR AUTISM: Q: Hello Dr Raj, I am writing to you to find out if Homeopathy can do anything for Autism in kids. Ms A. A: Dear Ms.A, Autism, as you might know is a general term for numerous overlapping syndromes and no generally accepted form of treatment exists. Homeopathy can greatly help in most cases (I have seen so in my own experiences) given the following chief reasons: while conventional treatment is meant to calm the patient down, Homeopathy aims at bringing the balance and hormony in the general behaviour of the kid. Homeopathy is capable of addressing the spectrum of autism (caused be a variety of diseases and reasons, neurological and bio chemical) which ranges from mild to severe, not just a single aspect and most of all, Homeopathy is highly based on the individual and the totality of symptoms, traits, reactions etc and is safe. This is a very exhaustive issue to be answered in a few sentences. By and large, most of the people we see for the treatment of autism have been referred by someone else who has had some success using Homeopathy.

Health tip:

STAGE FRIGHT & HOMEOPATHY: Q: Hello Dr Raj, I have been your patient for a long time now, and I have a big presentation coming up. I want to find out if there is anything that can be done to help me with my fear/ nervousness? Ms B. A: Dear Ms B, General awareness is that, Homeopathy is used for chronic conditions, However there are many remedies that can be used in many common situations, such as examination funk or fear in job interview, poor concentration, exhaustion from overwork, and stage fright, socio phobia etc. Each of these homeopathic remedies have their own unique set of associated mental and physical symptoms and is prescribed when accurately matched with a person’s presenting symptoms. Some of the common remedies that can be indicated in such situations are Gelsemium, Argentum Nitricum, Aconite, Silica etc. Pls remember these are medicines and have to be prescribed by your Homeopath before consumption. 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.

The high Vitamin C content in kiwis make it a popular fruit to fight fatigue and depression

All You Need to Know About Sleep Dentistry

ick one! A horror movie night or a visit to the dentist? If you just opted to watch a horror movie over going to the dentist, and find yourself constantly avoiding seeing your dentist, you seriously need some help. But don’t worry, you are not alone. Many Australians deny visiting the dentist despite a bad state of their oral health. This fear of the dentist or dental procedures is often known as dental anxiety or phobia in severe cases. The good news is a revolutionary technological advancement in dentistry can help you face your fears. Sleep dentistry is the procedure you must be asking your dentist for the next time you visit them. And as far as our experience goes, you surely are going to call the dentist after reading this blog. 1. What is Sleep Dentistry? Sleep dentistry is the process used to provide a virtually pain-free and comfortable dental treatment to patients using a range of sedatives. It is used to perform various dental treatments that otherwise would have been painful for a patient. People suffering from dental anxiety and phobia also benefit a great deal from sleep dentistry as they no longer need to worry about the pain and discomfort. This process is often also called ‘sedation dentistry’, disregarding the minute difference between the two which stems from the choice of sedatives. Some sedatives, such as general anaesthesia, produce a calming effect where the patient can sleep during the dental procedure. While some lighter sedatives, such as laughing gas, can only make you dizzy and relaxed enough to lay still during your dental treatment. 2. What types of sedation are used? Sleep dentistry uses a wide range of sedatives to suit individual needs and make dental treatments less scary. The most common types of sedation used are as follows: • General anaesthesia • IV sedation • Happy gas or nitrous oxide • Oral sedation • Anti-anxiety medication/ sedation via inhalation All these sedation options produce varied results that help dentists provide their best dental treatment. A patient can select any sedation option that suits their dental treatment requirements and general health. Sedatives are also used with analgesics to ensure the patient has maximum comfort during their dental treatment. 3. Are there any side effects of

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sedation? As with any other surgeries, the after-effects of sedation may show for a short period following the surgery. Some of the side effects of sleep dentistry include dry mouth, mild headache, dizziness, nausea, and visual disturbances. These side effects are rare, and one might not experience any. However, to minimise the health risks for a patient, our dentists make sure the patient is not allergic to a sedative. We conduct a thorough medical history investigation of every patient to determine their suitability for sleep dentistry. We encourage patients to share their medical history before proceeding with sleep dentistry. 4. What is the follow up required? The follow up after undergoing a sleep dentistry treatment mainly depends on the type and duration of the dental treatment itself. For example, a patient with dental implants will have a different follow-up regime than the one who had a root canal treatment. Our dentists at Healthy Smiles Dental Group provide each patient with a customised and detailed followup plan to ease things and avoid confusion. 5. Who is suitable for sleep dentistry? The following types of patients are deemed the best candidates for sleep dentistry: • People with severe dental anxiety or phobia • People with conditions causing involuntary movements • People with a severe gag reflex • People with low pain threshold • Anyone who needs extensive dental treatment • People with extremely sensitive teeth However, please note that certain other health conditions need to be determined before proceeding with the surgery. Consulting a specialist sleep dentist will help you decide better. To know whether you are a candidate for sleep dentistry.

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

HEALTH

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

GREEN TEA, COFFEE MAY LOWER CVD RISK FOR STROKE SURVIVORS D

rinking green tea may help reduce multiple causes of death and prevent further cardiovascular problems among stroke and heart attack survivors, a new study suggests.

the amount and frequency of green tea and coffee consumption. When compared with participants who rarely drank green tea, stroke survivors who consumed at least seven cups of green tea daily lowered their risk of all-cause mortality by approximately 62 per cent.

The research, published in the journal Stroke, also found daily coffee consumption helps heart attack survivors by lowering their risk of death after a heart attack and can prevent heart attacks or strokes in healthy individuals. “There is a strong need for scientific evidence on the lifestyles among survivors of stroke and heart attack considering the rapidly aging population and the need to improve life expectancy following these cardiovascular events,” said researcher Hiroyasu Iso, Professor at Osaka University in Suita, Japan.

For the study, the researchers analyzed data of more than 46,000 participants (aged 40 to 79 with 60 per cent being females). Participants were then divided into three groups -- history of stroke; history of myocardial infarction (MI); and no history of stroke or MI. The team then analyzed

Heart attack survivors who drank one cup of coffee a day reduced their overall risk of death by approximately 22 per cent when compared to those who did not regularly drink coffee. People without a history of stroke or heart attack who consumed one or more cups of coffee a week had approximately a 14 per cent lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to non-coffee drinkers. (AGENCIES)

GREEN LEAFY VEGGIES MAY UP THINKING SKILLS LATER T People who eat a Mediterranean-style diet - particularly one rich in green leafy vegetables and low in meat -- are more likely to stay mentally sharp in later life, a study shows.

he study indicated that closely adhering to a Mediterranean diet was associated with higher scores in a range of memory and thinking tests among adults in their late 70s.

“Eating more green leafy vegetables and cutting down on red meat might be two key food elements that contribute to the benefits of the Mediterranean-style diet,” said researcher Janie Corley from the University of Edinburgh. For the study, published in the journal Experimental Gerentology, the researchers tested the thinking skills of more than 500 people aged 79 and without dementia. The participants completed tests of problem solving, thinking speed, memory and word knowledge, as well as a questionnaire about their eating habits during the previous year. More than 350 of the group also underwent a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scan to gain insights into their brain structure.

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The team used statistical models to look for associations between a person’s diet and their thinking skills and brain health in later life. The findings show that, in general, people who most closely adhered to a Mediterranean diet had the highest cognitive function scores, even when accounting for childhood IQ, smoking, physical activity and health factors. The differences were small but statistically significant. The individual components of the diet that appeared to be most strongly associated with better thinking skills were green leafy vegetables and a lower red meat intake. “In our sample, the positive relationship between a Mediterranean diet and thinking skills is not accounted for by having a healthier brain structure, as one might expect,” said Corley. “Though it’s possible there may be other structural or functional brain correlates with this measure of diet, or associations in specific regions of the brain, rather than the whole brain, as measured here,” Corley added. (AGENCIES)

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

Obesity may worsen effects of Alzheimer’s disease B

eing overweight is an additional burden on brain health and it may exacerbate Alzheimer’s disease, a new study suggests.

onset of Alzheimers -- white matter integrity, cerebral blood flow and obesity. In mild dementia patients, a positive association was found between obesity and grey matter volume around the right temporoparietal junction. This suggests obesity might contribute toward neural vulnerability in cognitively healthy individuals and those with mild cognitive impairment.

The study revealed that obesity may contribute toward neural tissue vulnerability, while maintaining a healthy weight in mild Alzheimer’s disease dementia could help to preserve brain structure. “More than 50 million people are thought to be living with Alzheimer’s disease and despite decades of ground breaking studies and a huge global research effort we still don’t have a cure for this cruel disease,” said lead researcher Annalena Venneri, Professor at the University of Sheffield in the UK. For the study, the team examined MRI brain scans of 47 patients clinically diagnosed with mild Alzheimer’s disease dementia, 68 patients with mild cognitive impairment, and 57 cognitively healthy individuals. The study, published in The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease Reports, used three complementary, computational techniques to

The study also found that maintaining a healthy weight in mild Alzheimer’s disease dementia could help preserve brain structure in the presence of age and disease-related weight loss.

look at the anatomy of the brain, blood flow and also the fibres of the brain. The international team compared multiple brain images and measured differences in local concentrations of brain tissues to assess grey matter volume -- which degenerates during the

“We found that maintaining a healthy weight could help preserve brain structure in people who are already experiencing mild Alzheimer’s disease dementia. Unlike other diseases such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes, people don’t often think about the importance of nutrition in relation to neurological conditions, but these findings show it can help to preserve brain structure,” researcher Matteo De Marco from the varsity said. (AGENCIES)

Green tea compound boosts protein’s tumour-suppressing activity S

ipping green tea could be quite beneficial as researchers have found that a compound in the popular beverage may increase levels of a natural anti-cancer protein, known for its ability to repair DNA damage or destroy cancerous cells, says a new study. The study of the direct interaction between the anti-cancer protein p53 and the green tea compound, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), published in the journal Nature Communications, points to a new target for cancer drug discovery. “Both p53 and EGCG molecules are extremely interesting. Mutations in p53 are found in over 50 per cent of human cancer, while EGCG is the major antioxidant in green tea, a popular beverage worldwide,” said corresponding author Chunyu Wang, Professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. “Now we find that there is a previously unknown, direct interaction between the two, which points to a new path for developing anticancer drugs. Our work helps to explain how EGCG is able to boost p53’s anti-cancer activity, opening the door to developing drugs with EGCG-like compounds.” The protein p53 has several well-known anticancer functions, including halting cell growth to allow for DNA repair, activating DNA repair, and initiating programmed cell death -- called apoptosis -- if DNA damage cannot be repaired.

One end of the protein, known as the N-terminal domain, has a flexible shape, and therefore, can potentially serve several functions depending on its interaction with multiple molecules. EGCG is a natural antioxidant, which means it helps to undo the near constant damage caused by using oxygen metabolism. Found in abundance in green tea, EGCG is also packaged as an herbal supplement. The researchers found that the interaction between EGCG and p53 preserves the protein from degradation.

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Typically, after being produced within the body, p53 is quickly degraded when the N-terminal domain interacts with a protein called MDM2. This regular cycle of production and degradation holds p53 levels at a low constant. “When EGCG binds with p53, the protein is not being degraded through MDM2, so the level of p53 will increase with the direct interaction with EGCG, and that means there is more p53 for anti-cancer function. This is a very important interaction,” said Wang. (AGENCIES)

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

AMITABH BACHCHAN HINTS AT NEW BEGINNINGS BOLLYWOOD icon Amitabh Bachchan spoke of new beginnings, dropping hint that a big announcement is in the offing. Big B penned a rhyme with names of his upcoming films like Chehre, Jhund and Brahmastra, and wrote about following up these projects with something new. He tweeted in Hindi: “Chehre Jhund Brahmastra hai kuch aane wale pal, jald shuru honge kuch aur, futenge nariyal!”

LOCKDOWN MADE US UNDERSTAND HOW IMPORTANT OTT PLATFORMS ARE:

ADITI RAO HYDARI Bollywood release The Girl On The Train starring Parineeti Chopra.

Aditi insists it is not the platform of release that counts, though being a full-on romantic she loves the experience of going to theatres. “My OTT experience has actually been in 2020 when two films of mine released on OTT platforms. It started off with me in tears and then I realised it was incredible and how with that one click in one second everyone is watching your film!” Aditi said. “People really needed stories and content. I am a full romantic. I love the theatre. We have all grown up going to the theatre. We Look forward to going to the theatre and it is that whole thing that someone is making out time to go to the theatre. There is another thrill of watching a film larger than life,” she added. SHE made her digital debut with the Malayalam romantic drama Sufiyum Sujatayum last year, and was later seen in the web space in the Nani-starrer Telugu action flick V. Actress Aditi Rao Hydari is now gearing up for her third film on OTT, the

She credits lockdown for OTT platforms becoming important. “I think lockdown has really made us understand how important these OTT platforms are. They have been out best friends during lockdown. Today, I can confidently say it is really not about the

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Big B also shared a photograph where he can be seen playing football. Incidentally, the upcoming Jhund, directed by Nagraj Manjule, is about how the protagonist, played by Big B, uses football to instil a sense of responsibility and purpose in the lives of a bunch of slum kids. The film is slated for June 18. His next release is Chehre, costarring Rhea Chakraborty and Emraan Haashmi. The film has been confirmed for theatrical release in April 30. Big B also features in Ayan Mukerji’s forthcoming venture Brahmastra alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, and the Ajay Devgn directorial film MayDay. His other upcoming film is an untitled project with Prabhas and Deepika Padukone. (IANS) platform on which your film releases,” she said. It’s not the platform but other things that are important for a film. “It is more about the story. The time you spend making that film. The content, the team, the director -- just the whole journey you grow through -- is so much more important. Every film has its own destiny. Some films are made for the theatre and some for OTT platforms. Both are valid and will always be very important to us,” she said. By Durga Chakravarty

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

ANIL KAPOOR TALKS ALL THINGS FOOD! BOLLYWOOD veteran Anil Kapoor reveals he has different foods for different moods. The 64-year-old says he loves to try different cuisines and special items from every country he visits. In an exclusive interview, Anil, who has collaborated with KFC India to shoot for its new campaign launching its new range of burgers, talks all things food. Q: What’s your favourite cuisine? A: I have different foods for different moods. I don’t have a favourite cuisine as such really. A good meal is a good meal regardless of its shape, colour or form. Q: Where is the food capital of India, according to you? A: Aamchi Mumbai! I might be biased, but there’s no doubt that the food culture in Mumbai has evolved a lot over the past decade... with so many great new restaurants and talented chefs, it’s a haven for all foodies now.

Q: Do you try local food of places you travel to? A: I love to try different cuisines and special items from every country and whenever I visit the place again I know my favourites! My manager Jalal conducts a proper research on the famous foods of every country/city we visit and we make it a point to try at least a couple of the items, if not all! Q: Do you eat fast food? How often and how do you compensate? A: I do eat junk food! I love my burgers and fries every once in a while. My daughter Rhea often whips up some great food for my cheat days. As for how I compensate, I read a quote a while back which said you cannot overstrain a diet... and I couldn’t agree more. If I have a great meal, I always balance it out with a great workout. Q: Do you follow a strict diet? A: I do follow a good diet that works for me, but I keep switching it up. Currently for example, I

am following a weekly 24 hour fast. I’m not sure how long I will do this, but it’s working for me so far. My diet also depends on how heavy or light my workday is... Honestly, it is because I keep changing things up that I can sustain it for longer... Cheat days are very important to break the monotony. In fact, during the lockdown, we had a designated cheat day where Rhea would cook some delicious food and I would eat to my heart’s content! Now too we have our occasional binge days and I look forward to it! Q: Do you also cook sometimes? A: I don’t usually cook but I would love to if I had the time and I am sure I would enjoy it as well. By Puja Gupta

COMPETITION IS EXTREMELY HEALTHY: JANHVI KAPOOR EVER since she made her debut in 2018, Janhvi Kapoor has been pitted against her contemporaries by the audience, and also been compared to her mother, the late superstar Sridevi. The actress insists competition is healthy and says that there is enough work for everyone. “I believe in healthy competition. I find my contemporaries inspiring and motivational. They keep me on my toes, and they are doing such great work. There is something to learn from all of them. We are all finding our space and trying to pave our own way,” Janhvi said. She added: “I really believe you can co-exist in the industry. There might be times when two or more people are eyeing the same film but that is a part of life. Ultimately what best for the film happens and what is meant for the film will happen, but I think competition is extremely healthy.” So far, she has been seen in the OTTreleased films “Ghost Stories” and “Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl”, after her 2018 big screen release “Dhadak”. The actress also has a following of 9.5 million followers on Instagram. “I still feel these are my first baby steps into what I want to do. So, I have not even come close. I see actors like Alia Bhatt and I saw her Gangubai Kathiawadi teaser. I realised if I thought I

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knew a little bit of acting then after watching this trailer I felt that with the level of acting she has brought to this country and industry, she has raised the bar,” said Janhvi. The 23-year-old actress currently awaits the release of her next film “Roohi”, a horror comedy. The film co-stars Rajkummar Rao and Varun Sharma. “Roohi” follows the 2018 hit “Stree” and last year’s “Laxmii”, and there is a slew of horror comedies lined up, namely “Bhoot Police”, “Phone Bhoot”, and “Bhool Bhulaiya 2”. Asked if she fears competition between films of the same genre, Janhvi is diplomatic: “A good film will get its due and I hope we have made a good enough film. I am a movie buff so if there are other good films, I will be happy to see those. I want my film to do well but that does not mean I want others not to do well.” In “Roohi”, Janhvi plays a supernatural character of a “chudail” (witch or banshee), which the actress says was gruelling. “We shot it a year and half ago. It was physically gruelling. (We) tried to get that voice (of the banshee) -- the screaming, screeching and a lot of harness work. It was quite taxing. I had a lot of back problems because of it,” she said. The film is slated to hit the big screens on March 11. “Please go watch the film, carry a mask and sanitizer but please go to the theatres and watch my film. My life depends on it. The theatre culture depends on it,” she winds up with an appeal.

By Durga Chakravarty

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

YOU CAN’T BE CAUTIOUS AND STILL MOVE AHEAD IN CAREER:

KRITI SANON

ACTRESS Kriti Sanon has a packed year ahead, with five films scheduled to release. Her projects are at different stages of production, boast of either big production houses or new genre or high expectation from fans owing to commercial value.

Over the next few months, she will be seen in “Bachchan Pandey”, “Mimi”, “Adipurush”, “Bhediya” and “Ganpath”. The varied assortment, you would think, would weigh her down with pressure. The actress has no time for pressure or be scared. “I don’t think you can be scared and cautious and still move ahead in your career. Fear pulls you back. Once I know why I am doing a project, there is no fear. You like the film, the storyline, the scene. You know you are doing something slightly different. Ok, it can be experimental but that’s your reason for doing it then,” Kriti said. “I believe in all the films I am doing right now. Beyond that, my job is to do my part really well and work hard for it. The rest is not really in my hands. I don’t want to take the pressure of ‘oh what if this goes wrong?’ I would rather think.’ what if all of them go right!’” shared the actress, who had made her Bollywood debut with 2014 film “Heropanti”. Over the past seven-odd years, Kriti has been noticed for her roles, particularly “Dilwale”, “Raabta”, Bareilly Ki Barfi”, “Luka Chuppi”, and “Panipat”. Her upcoming films are a mixed bag, too. “Mimi”, a heroine-centric film about

surrogacy, has particularly drawn interest. While she wants to do more such films, she would prefer to balance it with every other kind of films. So, “Bachchan Pandey” is a commercial entertainer co-starring Akshay Kumar. “Bhediya” takes her to the zone of supernatural horror with Varun Dhawan. In “Ganpath”, co-starring Tiger Shroff she engages in heavy-duty action. “Hum Do Hamare Do” co-stars Rajkummar Rao and is a social comedy drama. “Adipurush is a historical action drama with Prabhas and Saif Ali Khan. “Would I love to do more such films (as ‘Mimi’)? Yes, I would. But would I be looking for only this? No. I feel for me it’s not only about what I am doing, it is about a project that really excites you. I feel like you have to really go beyond how many scenes I have and go more into how good the character is. Is it doing something to the film and I feel like as an actor, I want to explore more and do all kinds of films. I want to do smaller roles, which are very impactful as characters,” said the actress. However, Kriti does specify that “if it’s just two scenes and two songs and if those are cut out from the film and the story remains the same, then that’s not exciting. Your character is pivotal. As an actor I am very greedy and I know that I would always balance it out. So, I want to do everything”. By Yashika Mathur

FILMS IN THEATRES WILL BRING BACK THE FESTIVITY: GULSHAN GROVER upcoming film Mumbai Saga.

VETERAN actor Gulshan Grover says he has respect for OTT platforms, but theatres define the festive experience of watching films, and it is something that has been missing over the past year. “For almost a year now, we have been watching films and series on OTT in our homes. We have been watching content from across the world. The OTT has its own advantages, but we also want to get out there and want to have a real experience of watching a film,” said Grover at the trailer launch of the

About filmmakers who have gone ahead and released films amid Covid protocol, he added: “It’s a gutsy and courageous move from producers and entertainers that we care for the audience. Accepting the idea of 50 per cent capacity in theatres is a big step for financiers, producers and actors because the numbers are going to be counted.” The Sanjay Gupta directorial Mumbai Saga, is set in the eighties and the nineties. It chronicles the changing landscape of Mumbai when mills were being replaced by malls and high-rise buildings. “We have respect for OTT platforms. They are here to stay and they will be an integral part of our lives, but when you release a film on OTT there is no festivity, no celebration, no noise. There is no getting

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together of people, no one calls you and expresses his enthusiasm of watching the film,” Grover said. “The festivity was missing, the publicity was missing, the excitement was missing. So, it all comes back. As for competition among producers, there is no competition at the moment. They all want to get to a theatre somehow or the other. (Industry) People will make way for others and will celebrate success of other producers,” he added. Mumbai Saga features John Abraham, Emraan Hashmi, Suniel Shetty, Kajal Aggarwal, Rohit Roy, Anjana Sukhani, Mahesh Manjrekar, Prateik Babbar, Amole Gupte, Samir Soni, Shaad Randhawa and Gulshan Grover. The film is set for a theatrical release on March 19.

(IANS)

I spend an hour doing the house chores: Jacqueline Fernandez

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

Actors are a mix of being thick-skinned and being soft: Parineeti Chopra

BOLLYWOOD star Jacqueline Fernandez, who recently moved house, admits she indulges in household chores, too, in between her hectic professional schedule. “I spend an hour doing the house chores -- from looking into groceries to cleaning the house and looking into the food menu,” she said. “Living independently does give freedom but brings in a lot of challenges along with it. You need to have the right balance of personal and professional life,” she adds.

If maintaining a physically healthy routine amid the grind of Bollywood is a challenge, and the actress has her way to manage with that bit. “I maintain a journal which I write in the morning that helps me channelise my thoughts,” she reveals. She says her day starts early. “I am definitely a morning person and I prefer to start my day early as it gives me enough time for myself before the work commitments begin. (I love) Starting the day with yoga and then

my bulletproof coffee which helps me to stay energized through the day,” she says. The actress made her Bollywood debut with Aladin in 2009. She later went on to do films such as Housefull (2010), Murder 2 (2011), Dishoom, Judwaa 2 (2017), Brothers (2015), Kick (2014) and Race 3 (2018). Jacqueline has multiple films lined up. She will be seen in Bachchan Pandey, Kick 2, Bhoot Police and Cirkus in the coming months.

(AGENCIES)

POSSIBLE TO HAVE A CAREER IN THE WEST NOW: PALLAVI SHARDA

PALLAVI Sharda shot to Bollywood fame as Ranbir Kapoors heroine in the 2013 film Besharam and had a few other Hindi releases. However, she has been busy in the international scene with roles in Australian shows such as Retrograde and Pulse, and the British series Beecham House.

“It has definitely changed, it’s definitely more possible to have a career in the West. I know that because I work solely in the West now,” Pallavi said. “It is still a matter of making that space and pushing to create roles that have a different gaze, in terms of the way that they are written. Making sure that storytelling is authentic, and that people of colour are not being used as plot devices,” she added. However, there is change for the better. “As an Indian Australian actress, I have

Talking about possible comparisons leading to criticism, Parineeti said: “I think criticism, judgement and scrutiny are a part of actors’ everyday lives. I think the amount of rejection an actor goes through, nobody goes through in their lives. We are rejected for an outfit that we wear or a photo might click. We are rejected for who we might date, we are rejected for a film we do, and at the auditions.” “Actors are an amazing mix of being very thick-skinned but being soft and emotional inside, and that is why this job has an edge over so many other jobs,” she added. In the film, Parineeti will be seen playing Meera Kapoor, an alcoholic widow who gets embroiled in a murder investigation.

She is now ready for her new role in the upcoming Hollywood live action-animation adventure, Tom & Jerry. Pallavi says the scene has certainly changed for people of colour, but it is still about pushing for roles that have a different gaze.

PARINEETI Chopra says that criticism, judgement and scrutiny are a part of an actor’s everyday life. She adds that actors are an amazing mix of being very thick-skinned and very soft and emotional inside. Parineeti is gearing up for the release of her upcoming film “The Girl On The Train”, a remake of the Hollywood film starring Emily Blunt and is based on the book having the same name.

been able to play vastly different roles in everything that I’ve done in the last few years, which is something that’s actually extraordinary, because one thought of Indian actors in the past and thought they would always be playing a doctor or a certain archetype. But that’s definitely not the experience of my career,” she said. Pallavi’s next release Tom & Jerry Next is directed by Tim Story, and the film reloads the adventures of the mischievous duo of Tom the cat and Jerry the mouse. The Warner Bros. Pictures project opened in India this weekend, in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. (AGENCIES)

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Parineeti continued: “There are times when you get world attention and love and you could go back to an empty house or you can do a 100 crore hit film and have nobody to call. There are various things that can happen. So, the point I am trying to make is that they are very thick skinned, they are made for criticism and they are ready for the love they receive. So, it goes hand-in-hand,” she said. Parineeti is not worried about comparisons. “We honestly are excited because we have a very good reference point. The film was received well, the book was of course a huge hit. We are positive that we are riding on a good train. We just hope that that film and book was appreciated and we are appreciated also,” she said. “The Girl On The Train” released on Netflix on February 26. It also stars Aditi Rao Hydari, Avinash Tiwari and Kirti Kulhari. By Durga Chakravarty

FOOD

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

bon appétit

Did you know:

Research suggests that a daily dose of tomato ketchup could significantly improve the functioning of blood vessels

M u ghlai menu : Sp ic e J e t t o o f f e r Kari m' s d is h es t o f lye rs

o entice flyers with authentic Mughlai cuisine, SpiceJet has tied-up with Old Delhi's iconic restaurant, Karim's. For the uninitiated, Karim's is an iconic landmark for the food connoisseurs dated to its Mughal legacy since 1913. Accordingly, the airline is introducing the 'Shan-e-Tandoor' platter, from Karim's on-board select flights. "To start with, the platter will be

available on select domestic and international flights departing from New Delhi, effective from 19th February, 2021, followed by Mumbai and Kolkata and eventually the entire network," the airline said in a statement. "SpiceJet will also be adding many more delicacies from Karim's to its elaborate in-flight menu in the coming weeks." Additionally, SpiceJet will keep serving its curated vegetarian and non-vegetarian flyers 'Hot Meals'. (AGENCIES)

More Indians opting for healthy food in 2021

fter binging a lot on junk food during the lockdown, Indians are moving towards healthier food options as a new survey showed that people are ordering healthier, nutritious food in 2021. According to Swiggy's Health Hub survey based on lakhs of orders, healthy food orders saw a jump of 20 per cent in January as compared to December, clearly indicating a resolve to start the year on a healthy note. While most binged-on biryani and pizzas on New Year's Eve, the food delivery app witnessed a rise in healthy meals and even

healthy desserts being ordered on the first day of the year.

the most barbeque grilled salads, protein guacamole bowls and healthy breakfasts.

Dishes such as millet khichdi, multi-grain masala dosa, Mexican burrito bowl, caesar salad, corn sandwich, along with Belgian bites and sugarfree ice cream made for the maximum orders, the food delivery app said in a statement.

Mumbaikars opted for burrito bowls, caesar salads, homestyle north Indian khichdis and combos. And healthy eaters in NCR ordered healthy breakfast items such as poha and upma -- protein salads and bowls for other meals.

India's IT hub Bengaluru was crowned as the city with the maximum orders for healthy food in the country.

The survey also reported that the average calorie count per meal was higher for lunch orders at 360 calories with people ordering meals with 335 calories for dinner orders.

A look at city-wise preferences for healthy meals shows that Hyderabad ordered

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(AGENCIES)

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

The business of food

rom being the Food Producer for MasterChef India to starting one of the most popular food channels 'Your Food Lab' on social media, Chef Sanjyot Keer has come a long way. Mumbai-based Keer also featured in 'Forbes India's Tycoons of Tomorrow' in the year 2018. We spoke to Keer to know about his journey and future plans. Excerpts: Tell us more about your journey and the 'Your Food Lab' initiative? Keer: In 2014, right after my graduation, I was offered to be the food producer of MasterChef. It was a really interesting and amazing amalgamation of visuals and videos for me. After the show, I did get other offers, but I wanted to pursue something of my own. It was then Your Food Lab came into being. I started working with my father for a while and started working on my culinary skills on the weekends. I decided to upload one of my cooking videos on Facebook and to my surprise it gained millions of views in just 24 hours. From there, I went ahead and officially launched Your Food Lab. In a week's time, the third video went viral and garnered over a million views and then there was no looking back. That is how the journey began for YFL. We diversified into Instagram and YouTube as well. Today, YFL has become one of YouTube's biggest channels where people see my content and connect with it. The journey has been strong and it is growing at a significant pace. We look forward to an amazing growth on all the platforms.

What are your future plans? Keer: We will surely produce a series for an OTT platform in India and see how it goes. It could be about food or a combination of both food and travel. Also, I want to venture into virtual education. I am planning to start with YFL Academy where one can learn cooking and how to become a creator on an online media platform. But currently, we are working on the YFL online presence apart from social media in terms of applications and a dedicated website. How did you utilise the lockdown period to channelise YFL? Keer: A lot of things changed during the lockdown. In the initial lockdown phase, not many people come out of their houses. So, they used to cook with whatever

ingredients they had. And that's how a lot of different recipes came into being. We also did a lot of 'jugaadu' recipes that means cooking without all the ingredients available. Any advice for aspiring chefs? Keer: I think you learn through the way. I started my journey from scratch. You will need to stop comparing yourself with others. Secondly, whatever ideas you're going to have, what you want to do in the future, try it out before really giving it up. Never kill your 'stupid' idea. Believe in yourself and do whatever it takes to make your idea a real thing. Don't make prewww.gdayindia.com.au | M: 0412-114-383

assumptions about how the path will teach you, because if you are open to learning, you will evolve, you will grow, and you will always be successful. A recipe you would like to share? Keer: Spinach rice with vegetables and paprika sauce. It's a very simple recipe I did recently. Set water for boiling, add the cleaned and washed spinach leaves and blanch for few seconds, remove and immediately transfer to ice cold water. This process helps in retaining the bright green colour of spinach. Now, transfer the spinach in grinding jar, along with fresh mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chillies, grind to a fine puree and keep aside. Set a wok on medium heat, add butter & oil, garlic and red chilli flakes, cook for 1-2 minutes on medium flame, now add the spinach puree and cook for 4-5 minutes. Add cooked rice, salt to taste, black pepper powder a pinch and lemon juice, stir and cook for 2-3 minutes, stir gently without breaking the rice grains. Spinach rice is ready, serve hot with hot paprika sauce. For sautéed veggies, set a wok on medium heat, add oil, garlic and red chilli flakes, cook for 2-3 minutes. Now, add baby corn & carrot and cook for 2-3 minutes on high flame, further add the remaining veggies, salt & pepper to taste, stir and cook for 2-3 minutes, sautéed veggies are ready, keep aside to be added later in the paprika sauce. For paprika sauce, set a sauce pan or wok on low heat, add butter and flour, mix and cook for 3-4 minutes, now add milk in 3-4 batches, make sure to whisk well while adding milk to avoid lump formation. Cook the sauce until its thick and creamy. Now add paprika powder, salt to taste, black pepper powder a pinch and nutmeg powder, mix well and cook for 1-2 minutes, further add the sautéed veggies and cook for 1-2 minutes, now add the paneer and mix gently. sauce with sautéed veggies and paneer is ready, serve hot with hot spinach rice. It's a perfect meal for a lunch, brunch, or dinner, or also an early dinner recipe. And I am sure you guys will love it. By Puja Gupta

DIET

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

Eating for two during pregnancy BY DEEVYA GUPTA

A common saying we have when someone is pregnant is that you ‘now have to eat for two’. Nutritionally is this really required? It is not necessarily that you must eat double but certainly a variety of foods and slight increases during different stages during pregnancy are recommended. For vegetarians, it is very important to make sure you have enough protein intake for you and your growing baby. Higher protein sources include: lentils (daals), beans, tofu and egg, for example. Having B12 vitamins and fish oil or omega oils are also essential in addition to folate/folic acid for babies brain development. Vitamin D, Iodine and Iron are also very important in making sure your and your babies health will be at it’s best. If you are unsure, you can request your doctor to check up on how your nutrient levels are and if you require a supplement. Prenatal supplements and folic acid are recommended for at least the first three months of your pregnancy however, you should always follow the advice of your doctor. Eating for each trimester: Trimester 1: Many but not all would experience morning sickness or nausea at some time during the day. During the first trimester, it may be a challenge to eat as much as you normally do. To assist in reducing your nausea try the following: • Eat small, frequent meals • Drink plenty of fluids (water) • You may like to increase your dairy if you are not able to eat much in the form of lassi, yoghurt or cheese • Have at least 2 serves of fruit throughout the day, if you cannot, you can have a small amount of fruit juice • Add ginger or lemon to water may help nausea • Avoid having long gaps between meals or snacks • Have frequent snacks during the day Trimester 2: By now you may start to get your appetite back. Your nutritional requirements have slightly increased but still not up to double the amount you eat. An extra serving of fruit in addition to a well-balanced diet should help you meet your bodies increased requirements. Trimester 3: As you near the end of your pregnancy

and your baby is ready to meet you, your nutritional requirements are slightly higher however, with a few extra snacks, you should be able to easily meet this requirement. By adding 2-3 more additional snacks to your balanced diet such as extra servings of yoghurts and fruits you should be able to provide yourself and your baby with all it needs. Make sure to keep your fluid intake up, so you are well hydrated. Foods to avoid As you are growing a new life your immune system needs a chance to work it’s best. Some foods can disrupt this and are better avoided during pregnancy. Make sure to look at food labels and follow instructions on storage. • Any raw meats, fish or eggs • Unpasteurized dairy products • Sprouted seeds • Cold meats • Pre-prepared salads • Soft serve ice-cream • Soft cheeses (such as ricotta and feta) • Fish high in mercury such as flake

• Alcohol • No more than 2 cups (200mg caffeine) coffee/tea per day Things to do to increase food safety • Cut raw meats using separate knives and chopping boards • Wash vegetables and salads well • Cook foods to a high temperature • Wash hands regularly Quick and easy snack ideas: • Peanut butter on toast • Cooked eggs • Toast and soup • Milkshake or smoothie Overall, your dietary requirements may depend on you as an individual and you may need slightly different advice to the above. 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 and changes.

Deevya Gupta is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian in Melbourne | W: www.abcofnutrition.com.au

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By Deevya Gupta

RECIPE

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

Chicken Jhat Phat

Tasty chicken in no time!

For a really quick meal try this chicken dish cooked with vegies in a mild sauce.

Serves 2

Making chicken doesn’t has to be always an elaborate process. I have used skinless chicken breast fillet with a mixture of Indian spices and cooked it like Chinese style stir fry! It’s different, tasty, easy, quick and makes a wonderful dish. A must try chicken with vegies

INGREDIENTS 500 gm chicken fillet cubed or sliced handful of beans sliced 1 med red onion sliced 1 red capsicum sliced 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms 1 tbs ginger sliced 1 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp ground chilli 1 tsp ginger/garlic paste each little grated rind of lime (opt) salt to taste olive oil to cook SAUCE

1 cup stock 2-3 tbsp sweet chilli sauce 1 tsp ground all spice 1 tbsp lime juice pinch nutmeg 1 tsp arrowroot or cornflour Salt to taste Olive oil to cook

METHOD

Marinate chicken with ginger,garlic. coriander,chilli and lime rind for about 30 mins. Heat oil in wok or pan. Add sliced ginger, onion and capsicum and stir fry about 2-3 mins. Set aside. In the same wok heat a little oil and stir fry the chicken pieces till tender. Whisk all the ingredients for the sauce

in a bowl and pour over the chicken and mix well. Add the veges to the chicken and toss well. Pour cornflour mixed with 2 tbsp water and cook until thickens.

GARNISH:

chopped spring onion or coriander leaves

SERVE:

Hot with basmati rice or brown rice.

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TASTY TIP

This dish taste best served immediately. You may use tender pork or beef and vegetables of your choice. BY MANJIT SETHI

recipe

from the private collection

ASTROLOGY

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

By D. Narayan (Tantracharya) Mesha (Aries)

Vrishabh (Taurus)

Mithuna (Gemini)

M: 0425 660 220

Karkat (Cancer)

This month your financial prospects would be extremely encouraging. There is every possibility of good Fortune coming to your door-step, some of you would also have a way of handling your workers and subordinates, in a manner that will enable you to derive the maximum benefit, This could also prove to be quite a boon financially.

A fairly beneficial month in so far as your educational prospects are concerned, because the stars are in an obliging mood. Those pursuing accountancy, journalism, and other forms of mass-communication are in for a particularly beneficial time during this coming month.

Despite your association with several gifted people of learning and spiritual stature, your efforts would bear little fruit. Writers, painters, sculptors, and artists of other descriptions should make provisions for a rainy day, since they might have to face a lean period. The climate would also not be congenial for investment. These could easily get blocked.

Most of you would have to struggle to derive your planned objectives, and even then not achieve much success. Not a very favourable period, during which you should maintain a low profile. Your ambitions in the sphere of education are likely to have rough going during the coming month, since the configuration of stars facing you is none too favourable.

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)

This month the stars are quite favourably disposed towards your health affairs, leaving you very little to be dissatisfied about, on this score. There are a few precautions that you must observe, however, at all costs, over-exertion should be avoided. This could be done by chalking out a fresh schedule which allows full play to normal activity of all types, and yet does not unduly tax your strength.

During the coming month, you would do well to carefully scrutinize your travel plans and scale them down to the minimum, since few, if any, gains can be expected from travel. Yet, some travel you would have to undertake because the circumstances would be such. Most of it would be by land i.e. by rail or by road with a little possibly by air.

Dhanu (Sagittarius)

Makara (Capricorn)

Best days: 5,3 Lucky Colour: White & Orange

Best days: 3, 12 Lucky Colour: Orange, Green

Tula (Libra)

Vrishchik (Scorpio)

Your educational prospects look good since the stars are in a mood to bless you. There is every chance that any pending loan applications or a new proposal for fresh advances from a bank would not be approved or delayed on one count or the other. Artists of all descriptions are unlikely to fare very well, and it would be a wise policy for them to make provisions for a lean period.

This month you would have fairly useful opportunities for career advancement. In an atmosphere completely free of tension and politics, you would carry out your pursuits and realize the expected gains. In fact, some of you would go on to make a mark with your contribution in social or religious work, writers and others in such-like vocations would also do particularly well.

Kumbha (Aquarius)

Meen (Pisces)

Best days: 9, 18 Lucky Colour: Red, Blue

Your financial prospects are quite bright. This should be a beneficial period for people from performing arts. Not only in terms of financial gain but also gain a lot of satisfaction at their creative output. The degree may vary a little, but there would be cause for satisfaction for most of you. You would be able to realize your anticipated goals.

A profitable month, during which your financial prospects look good. Some of you could literally expect to reap an unexpected windfall while others can look forward to gains from speculative activity. In addition, there is a distinct possibility of a favour being done to you by a member of the female sex, which could well turn out to be a financial boon.

Your ability to get workout of your subordinates would meet with stiff opposition. You might tend to exploit your workers or juniors, which would create seething discontent against you. You must therefore, desist from gambling and suchlike activities quite firmly. Most of you would also miss even the normal self-confidence and the ability to take initiatives.

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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Best days: 1, 3, 4 Lucky Colour: Red, Orange

You must therefore, desist from gambling and such-like activities quite firmly. Most of you would also miss even the normal self-confidence and the ability to take initiatives. There would be a lot of travel, but this also would bear little fruit, because of a basically disorganised approach to your own affairs still any sojourn to the East would bring some gains but this, too, could only be marginal. Best days: 2, 7, 9 Lucky Colour: Red, Yellow, White

Have a laug h

G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

HAVE A LAUGH

*Pl stop calling workers by their old titles*... Please address them by using their *new* titles! OLD: *Garden Boy* NEW: *Landscape Executive* OLD: *Gardner* NEW: *Plant nutritionist*

OLD: *Window Cleaner* NEW: *Transparent Wall Technician* OLD: *Temporary Teacher* NEW: *Associate Teacher* OLD: *Tea Boy* NEW: *Refreshment* *Technician*

OLD: *Petrol attendant* OLD: *Garbage NEW: *Fuel transmission Collector* technician* NEW: *Environmental Sanitation Technician* OLD: *Car Cleaner* NEW: *Vehicle Image OLD: *Guard* Developer* NEW: *Security Enforcement Executive* OLD: *Water Pump Operator* OLD: *Thief* NEW: *Aqua line NEW: *Wealth Executive* Relocation Specialist* OLD: *Lift Operator* NEW: *Vertical Movement Specialist*

OLD: *Driver* NEW: *Automobile Propulsion Specialist*

OLD: *Receptionist* NEW: *Front Desk Executive*

OLD: *Maid* NEW: *Domestic Management Executive*

OLD: *Typist* NEW: *Printed Document Handler* OLD: *Messenger* NEW: *Business Communication Conveyer*

OLD: *Cook* NEW: *Food Technician* OLD: *Gossiper* NEW: *Oral Research and Evaluation Executive*

OLD: *Telephone Operator* NEW: *Communications Executive*

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G’DAY INDIA | MAR 2021

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