2009-10 Sydney (1)

INDIANLINK

PUBLISHER

Pawan Luthra

EDITOR

Rajni Anand Luthra

ASSISTANT EDITORS

Usha Arvind

Sheryl Dixit

MELBOURNE

Preeti Jabbal

CONTRIBUTORS

Aparna Jacob, Madhuchanda Das, Shafeen Mustaq, Raka Mitra, Preeti Kannan, Shivangi Ambani-Gandhi, Chitra Sudarshan, Sunil Gautam, Ruchi Lamba, Farzana Shakir, Graham Sims, George Thakur, Thomas E King, Noel G deSouza, Guneeta Dhingra

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GRAPHIC DESIGN AND LAYOUT

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Indian Link is a fortnightly newspaper published in English. No material, including advertisements designed by Indian Link, maybe reproduced in part or in whole without the written consent of the editor. Opinions carried in Indian Link are those of the writers and not necessarily endorsed by Indian Link. All correspondence should be addressed to Indian Link

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Courting the Indian Community T

he New South Wales state elections are still some time away, but the Labor party is on the back foot. Few, if any, election analysts give Labor any chance of winning in the 2011 elections and in all probability there will be a change in government in NSW. Unless of course, the Liberal Party led by Barry O’Farrell makes a major blunder to the effect that the electorate feels their animosity against the Liberals is greater than their frustrations against the Rees Labor government.

The Labor party in NSW has been in power since April 1995 and if it wins the next election, it will reach the 20 year mark. The Liberals have been outmanoeuvred by their opposition in the last two elections, the most notable being the 2007 election when the then Premier Morris Iemma came up with the slogan, “More to do but we’re heading in the right direction”, which both acknowledged the past few years of Labor’s ineffective rule but promised a more effective governance for the future. The public, disappointed by Liberal’s choice of leader Peter Debnam, decided to stay with the devil they knew and voted the Labor Party back in power.

The Liberals have regrouped, and as the Labor party has lurched from one disaster to another in the past 2 years, the Liberals under their new leader Barry O’Farrell have kept a reasonably low profile and presented a very small target to their opponents. Being in Opposition has allowed them to point fingers at the government rather than to make any pro-

If you are in year 10,11,12

By PAWAN LUTHRA

active policy statements.

If anything can go wrong for a political party, it has for the NSW Labour party in the past few years. Back biting, internal faction splits have all been evident for the public to see, also with a general breakdown in public services such as hospitals, transport, law and order, etc. Mix this with potent explosive issues of alleged corrupt property deals and alleged links with the underworld through murdered businessman Michael McQuirk, it does not paint a pretty picture. All the Liberals have to do is to keep very quiet, not release any major policies until they are absolutely necessary and the natural flow of events will win them the 2011 elections.

Meanwhile, both parties will come courting the Indian Australian community in NSW. With increasing numbers, it is a community which cannot be ignored any longer. As Maxine McKew who defeated Prime Minister John Howard in the last Federal Election proved, going to the grass roots in the community can create unexpected results. Both the NSW Labor and Liberal parties are well aware of the Indian vote block. Recently Premier Nathan Rees has made himself available to almost all major Indian community functions. Opposition Leader Barry

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O’Farrell has invited Indian community leaders to an informal tea at the Parliament House. Both want to be friends with the Indian Australians, knowing that the 2011 state elections will happen soon.

So, now that they are coming courting, does the Indian Australian NSW community and their leaders have an active plan to capture this opportunity for the local Indian community? Our needs are many – better facilities for our senior citizens, assistance with various issues of new migrants to Australia and NSW, problems of domestic violence, assistance for job seekers from the Indian community, help with promoting Indian languages in NSW; but in the past none of these issue have been given their due importance by the local state government. Now, can there be special state government facility to help with these issues? There is the need for a group of like-minded Indian Australians in NSW who can drive the Indian agenda in times when the demand for votes will start gathering pace. Who can step up to the plate and work for the community, keeping any personal political and social agendas aside?

Meanwhile, as we start the festive season, let’s keep politics to one side and enjoy this wonderful season of sharing and giving. A very happy festive season from all of us, to all our readers.

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evotions to evotions to

Durga Puja is inarguably the biggest event in the Bengali calendar and it is at this time of the year that most Bengalis miss their Motherland the most. However, thanks to the hard work, dedication and initiative of several people, all Bengalis in Sydney get to celebrate this special time in style and flair. This year, there were five Durga Puja celebrations over two consecutive weekends. And the beautiful hand-crafted deities, the warmth of the organising committees, festive beats of the dhak, colourful cultural programs and last but not the least, delicious food all made up for an amazing raft of Sydney Durga Pujas.

West Bengal is famous for its craftsmanship of deities. Every Durga Puja, artists carve out the most intricate forms of the Goddess Durga, or Ma Durga as she is referred to in Bengal. Ma Durga is essentially a Mother and hence she is always accompanied by her children – Lakshmi, Karthik, Ganesh and Saraswati.

At the Sydney Utshab puja, Ashish Bhattacharya handcrafted an amazing deity, Durga with her entourage. “The puja would not be a success without all these people here.”

In Cumberland, at the Uttaran Durga Puja, Partho Das also created his own masterpiece. He worked for a year and half to

create this mesmerising deity. Using wood, he carved and shaped his deity and the results, well, a picture paints a thousand words! The cultural program at this event showcased a raft of brilliant talent from across the Bengali community.

The Bengali Association of New South Wales (BANSW) held its annual Durga Puja this year and attendees numbered at over 2000, for ashthami and navami (The eighth and ninth days of Navratri). The BANSW deity has been sourced especially from India and to this day I find myself mesmerised in the eyes of Ma Durga. Many fun activities like the antakshri competition, best couple competition, children’s drawing competition were a part of the annual BANSW puja. While the ladies dress up in their finest sarees, the men are attired in kurtas and dhotis. Some men dance the amazing “dhunuchi naach” with smoking embers in a clay pot as they swirl to the festive dhak beats. Married women smear sindhoor on each other in celebration of Durga’s triumph over the evil Mahisashura and her return to her husband Shiva.

As Durga Puja comes to an end the Bengalis say – “Asche bochor abar hobe” which means, “In the next year, we will celebrate again!”

Raka Mitra

Durga Ma Durga Ma

Celebrating light

It is no coincidence that the Hindu “festival of lights” falls at the end of October or early November on Amavasya - the darkest night of the year. It is a call to Indians everywhere, from Britain, Guyana, Fiji, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, to Singapore, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, Africa and Australia, to light up their homes with rows and rows of earthen lamps or diyas to ward off the inauspicious darkness. As they bow to Maha Lakshmi, the goddess of abundance and prosperity and to Ganesha, the lord of new beginnings, on their lips is the potent Sanskrit chant Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya Lead us into the light - the ‘light’ being spiritual enlightenment, knowledge and self-awareness. On Diwali night, Hindus everywhere join in a battle against the dark forces of violence, hatred, ignorance and fear, the way Lord Rama battled demons many centuries ago.

Diwali is indeed a great unifier, believes Sydney-based Creative Copywriter, Rowena Pillay. It is a time to gather in faith, to reach out to members of one’s home, and extend this emotion to one’s community, nation and the world at large. Rowena cherishes fond childhood memories of celebrating Diwali in Durban, South Africa. “On Diwali day, mother always made generous sweet parcels for all our neighbours,” she remembers. “Throughout the day, the gesture would be returned with plates of sweets, dried fruit and savouries being dropped off at our house!”

For Amsha Rassiah who grew up in Malaysia, Diwali always meant a reaffirmation of filial bonds. “The grand Diwali lunch was always the highlight of the day. With a gathering of over 60 uncles, aunts, grandparents and miscellaneous cousins at our ancestral home in Kuala Lumpur, we had to hire caterers every year. But we always made it a point to be with family on Diwali day, even if it meant driving for six hours,” she recalls. At Diwali, every abode, no matter how humble, is tidied and prepared for a visit from the gods. “Cleanliness is next to godliness,” remembers Rowena. “Our small rented room with its kitchen and veranda was cleaned, scrubbed and polished until everything sparkled,” she says. ‘Otherwise,’ my mother would warn, ‘Lord Rama and Maha Lakshmi would not enter our home!’”

Elaborate patterns of fine rice flour are drawn with a deft hand to adorn the entrance of the house. Among most Indian communities, tiny footprints are painted, leading from the doorway to the prayer room to represent the footsteps of goddess Lakshmi. Bunches of sacred mango leaves and marigolds are strung above main doors.

leading up to Diwali are just as significant. On the eve of the big day, Amsha’s family who celebrate Diwali the South Indian way, would pray for their ancestors and as a mark of respect, eat only vegetarian food. Two days before Diwali, Rowena’s family who are originally from North India, would unpack their diyas and wash them with turmeric and warm water. Thin, long cotton wicks were then rolled out and kept ready for Diwali night. Adds Rowena, “On the night before Diwali, my mother would make a diya from flour and water, and fill it with enough ghee to burn all night outside our doorway. A stainless steel spoon was placed above this Jum ki diya to collect the pure soot that we girls used as kohl on Diwali day.”

Traditionally, everyone receives new clothes and jewellery to be worn on Diwali to welcome the brand new year. On the eve of Diwali, Amsha’s mother would bless the children’s new clothes by daubing turmeric and vermilion on the insides.

On Diwali morning, everyone is up at the break of dawn for a compulsory cleansing oil massage followed by a shower. New clothes are donned and families gather to pray to Lakshmi the giver of plenty, the harbinger of health, wealth and happiness. Offerings of grains, fruit, sweets and silver are made. “But on Diwali, we humbly ask for faith, not money,” says Rowena. “We

our spiritual lives, not a promotion at work.” After a visit to the family deity’s temple, a specially prepared breakfast is served. Classic Indian sweets like gulab jamun, burfi, jalebi, laddoos made in pure ghee, butter biscuits like nankhatai, and savouries like samosas, chevda, sev and nuts, prepared well in advance by mothers, grandmothers and aunts are passed around after being blessed at the pooja. The Diwali lunch in North India is purely vegetarian, usually a wholesome vegetable biryani, daal and spicy pickle. NonBrahmin South Indians like Amsha’s family, however, celebrate with varieties of meat preparations to symbolise plenty.

Diwali being a festival of wealth and prosperity also means inaugurations and purchases of expensive possessions, setting up new businesses, launching new projects, fixing wedding dates, even buying cars or jewellery. In Malaysia, Amsha says, “Hindus have adapted the Chinese custom of ‘Angpow’ where the elders give children money in the hope that the New Year will bring riches, both spiritual and monetary.”

Feasting and siestas done, dusk descends and the skies turn resplendent reflecting glittering light from hundreds of diyas that adorn every house. “Just before sunset my mother would say a special prayer with all the lamps, before they were lit and set out at various entrances,” says Rowena.

“Clay lamps were lined up along verandahs, on windowsills, along driveways, in gardens and courtyards. On terraces, lamps and candles were placed as far back from the ledge as possible so they didn’t die from the breeze and plunge the house into inauspicious darkness. All doors and windows would be left wide open to welcome the gods.

After that, fathers and uncles would prepare the courtyard for the much awaited fireworks display.” The lighting of firecrackers at Diwali celebrates the triumphant return of Rama to Ayodhya his kingdom, after vanquishing the demon king Ravana.

APARNA JACOB on traditions and customs that herald the festival of Diwali and mark the beginning of a new year

It is a time to gather in faith, to reach out to members of one’s home, and extend this emotion to one’s community, nation and the world at large.

New clothes are donned and fmailies gather to pray to Lakshmi the giver of plenty, the harbinger of health, wealth and happiness.

A festival of joy and thanksgiving

SHAFEEN MUSTAQ explains the significance of Eid-ul-Fitr, with insights on the symbolism that marks the celebrations

Eid is an Arabic word meaning “festivity”, while Fitr means “to break fast”; and so the holiday of Eid ul Fitr symbolises the end of the holy month of Ramadan, and its period of fasting. It is celebrated on the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal, with the sighting of the new crescent moon. Eid-ulFitr is a festival of joy, family reunion and thanksgiving, and is one of the two great Islamic festivals, the other being Eid-ulAdha

Eid-ul-Fitr’s importance can be judged from the fact that Allah himself ordered the believers to celebrate it. Prophet Muhammad established the Islamic egalitarian society, free of all kinds of exploitation and corruption, and maintaining the sanctity of society was made obligatory for all believers in every age.

The month of fasting was selected to help prepare believers for this responsibility. During the specific fasting periods, believers are required to refrain from enjoying such things which are otherwise allowed. To restrain from lawful things consistently for a month helps a great deal in building willpower to refrain from unlawfulness. The purpose of this exercise is mentioned in the following verse of the Quran: “So that you may learn restraint”.

(2:183)

This year, all the various Muslim communities in Sydney celebrated Eid on September 21. They commemorated the end of a month of fasting and spiritual and physical cleansing by beginning the day with prayer and supplications, followed by visits to friends and family, and partaking in food and fun in groups of families, friends and fraternities.

The concept of giving to a special charity on this occasion is obligatory. This is known as zakat. It is also a time to give to those who can’t afford to participate in Eid and during the last few days of Ramadan, Muslim families give a pre-determined amount as a donation to the poor. This donation can be in the form of food staples like rice, sugar, dates, vermicelli - to ensure that the needy can have a holiday meal and participate in the celebrations. This donation is known as sadaqah al-fitr (charity of fast-breaking).

Eid preparations begin at least a week before Ramadan. The entire family usually shops together. Clothes, decorative household articles, rice, vermicelli, dried fruit are purchased and ladies draw mehendi designs on their hands.

Eid-ul-Fitr is a festival of joy, family reunion and thanksgiving, and is one of the two great Islamic festivals, the other being Eid-ul-Adha

On the day of Eid, Muslims gather early in the morning to pray the Eid prayer preferably in outdoor locations (Idgah) outside the city, following the footsteps of the Prophet who would pray on the outskirts of Madinah on both Eids; in fact he never prayed on Eid in his mosque, except once when it was raining.

Eid celebrations usually last for three days, however as Eid was on a Sunday this year, many families were content to push back celebrations to the following weekend, while others visited family and friends throughout the week. This year, several events are being held to celebrate Eid as a community.

A chand raat mela was held at Liverpool Whitlam Leisure Centre where glittering clothes, hot food and interesting presentations, audio and visual gifts, jewellery and accessories were all on sale. Women had their hands artfully decorated with henna and children had fun exploring the many things to see and

do. Another post Eid festival was held at Auburn on September 26. Another major event which showcases solidarity and friendship is Sydney’s annual Multicultural Eid Festival and Fair (MEFF), to be held on October 11 at Fairfield Showground. MEFF is a big family event which hosts the largest gathering of Muslims in the southern hemisphere, attracting around 30,000 people, Muslims and non-Muslims, men, women and children of multicultural background, who are joined by federal, state and local politicians, community leaders, imams and all in a friendly Islamic atmosphere of peace, unity and enjoyment. The annual MEFF festival has been regularly held for the past 23 years. On the day Fairfield Showground will be turned into a multicultural market place with over 130 stalls selling a huge variety of delicious food, clothing, jewellery, Islamic books, audio, video discs and computer software, toys, show bags and other attractions. There will be rides for children, a variety of cultural programs, martial arts displays, drama, songs, folk dances, HSC and community awards, and congregation prayers in thousands.

It is also a time to give to those who can’t afford to participate in Eid and during the last few days of Ramadan, Muslim families give a pre-determined amount as a donation to the poor

Children’s workshops inaugurated

The Indian Australian Arts and Film Association (IAAFA), a community-based association, commenced a series of workshops for children from 5 to 14 years, held once a month at the Wentworthville Community Centre.

Children from various community groups participated in the first workshop on Yoga and Mediation, which was inaugurated by Federal

Member for Reid, Laurie Ferguson. Also in attendance were Dr. Stepan Kerkyasharian, Chair of the NSW Community Relations Commission, Trevor Oldfield, CEO of Kids West, Parramatta Councillor Paul Barber, former Parramatta Councillor Maureen Walsh, Darug Elder Uncle Greg Simms, IAAFA President Balaji Venkatarangan and IAAFA Secretary Jay Hosur.

The event began with a ‘Welcome to

Country’ ceremony by Uncle Greg Simms. Participating children were then introduced to Yoga Guru Suresh Ji, who conducted the workshop, which was designed to introduce them to Yoga techniques and its philosophy, as well as the benefits of Yoga in their daily lives.

A series of free workshops will be held on the first Saturday of each month from 12 noon to 2:30pm, in the Grevillea Room of

the Wentworthville Community Centre at 2 Lane Street. Future workshops will include Indian music, Australian indigenous music, and creative painting.

IAAFA’s mission is to promote art and culture between Australia and India by bringing art and artists from India, and by communicating Australia’s history and heritage to the Indian subcontinent.

Jay Hosur

A Surgeons are all heart

After years of working hard outside the homeland, two Indian surgeons in Australia believe its time they gave something back to their country. Dr Himanshu Desai, a cardiothoracic surgeon at the Westmead Hospital in Sydney and his wife, Dr Sadhana Desai, an anaesthetist, want to ‘reach out’ to the poor in India through their new project – The Outreach Heart Care Project. This project aspires to help poor people in Jalgaon, Maharashtra undergo cardiac surgeries for free and give them a fresh lease of life. A team of 20 professionals, including surgeons, anaesthetists, perfusionists and theatre specialists from Australia will fly to India at their own cost in November, to perform the first batch of surgeries.

“Surgeons in my department at Westmead Hospital are heavily involved in Project Open Heart Surgery run by The Sydney Adventist Hospital. A team of surgeons, nurses and other allied health workers visit pacific Island nations like Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa and Tonga, Papua Guinea and far away countries like Rwanda once or twice a year,” reveals an enthusiastic Dr Desai.

“Last year, I was part of a team of surgeons who went to Fiji to perform free surgeries. I asked myself, if I can perform such operations in other countries, why can’t I do the same for my own country?” says Dr Desai, adding, “This is what inspired me to start a similar project in India.”

A cardiothoracic surgeon practicing at Westmead Hospital for 5 years, Dr Desai is from Gujarat. He specialised in cardiac surgery at AIIMS, New Delhi and has worked overseas extensively. After working in New Zealand for ten years, followed by a stint in the USA for two years, he moved back to India to work as a cardiac surgeon in Escorts Heart Institute in New Delhi, finally moving to Sydney.

According to Dr Desai, Jalgaon would be the ideal place as it is a city populated with over 400,000 people and yet there are no facilities for open heart surgeries in any public hospital in the city. Patients are often referred for surgeries to Mumbai, Pune, Nasik or Aurangabad.

The Westmead Hospital has donated two cardiopulmonary bypass machines to the Maharshi Kanva Ashram in Jalgaon, which is also part of the project. “The hospital was giving away the two machines and I requested them to donate it for our project. Prof. Peter Kleinberg, Director of Anaesthetic Department of Westmead Hospital donated the machines. I had them sent to the ashram in Jalgaon. This provided the initial stimulus for this project,” says Dr Desai.

The Indo-American Heart Institute in Jalgaon will provide its facilities at cost for Dr Desai and his team, to perform heart surgeries. The team will be in India from November 17 to November 22 and hopes to plan another trip soon next year.

Dr Desai who was in India earlier this year, has formed a committee comprising of local physicians, lawyers, hospital employees and Kanva Ashram trustees to man the project in his absence. Local physicians will help prepare a list of patients, who will be operated on in November, based on their priority for surgery.

“The Kanva Ashram, is based in a

village near Jalgaon. The trustees of the Ashram are devoted to performing services free, spending their own time and money for the humanitarian purpose. During my visit early this year, I met up with some of the local doctors and floated the idea. The response was very encouraging from all involved – the trustees of Ashram, local physicians and the owner of the Indo American hospital. All have pledged their support and time to make this endeavour successful,” he says.

The project is hoping to attract donors to help perform operations, and also hospitals to invest in the equipment. “This is our first time, so we are testing the waters. We do not have any major financial backers. We also face bottlenecks due to infrastructure, and we can only do two open heart surgeries in a day. If the services are

upgraded, we can increase the number of cases,” says Dr Desai. “However, we have to start somewhere and sell the concept to the local people if it has to be successful. By doing just 15 surgeries a year, it is hard to help a population of 400,000. But we hope that once the ball starts rolling, things will fall in place and we can perform more surgeries every year,” he adds.

Sadhana, his wife, is also managing the project by helping in co-ordination and presentations. When questioned on the choice of Jalgaon as recipient for this humanitarian initiative, she says, “Jalgaon was selected because a charity organisation took the responsibility of accepting the donated bypass machine, and also because Himanshu managed to talk to the local physicians when he found the cardiac hospital in Jalgaon. The logistics clicked

well in one place, and hence Jalgaon was our choice. However, if we find general and local support in any place in India, we can continue the initiative there.”

According to the couple, a valve replacement could cost about RS 1.5 lakhs and a bypass surgery could amount to over RS 1 lakh. The medication, investigation and disposables are a separate cost. The doctors are also appealing to Indians in Sydney to come forward and donate generously for the project, as each surgery is expected to cost between AUD 2500 and AUD 3000. They are also holding a fundraising dinner on October 22 at the Nilgiri’s Restaurant at St. Leonards. The Spirit of India, Sydney, is also helping in fundraising for the project. For further details, please contact hsdesai@hotmail.com

Preeti Kannan

Dr Himanshu and Dr Sadhana Desai

Return of the Legend

Kuch na kuch to jaroor hona hai, samna aaj unse hona hai…”. It was with these words that ghazal legend Jagjit Singh made his introductory return to the audience of Sydney. His voice, though enfeebled by age, still penetrates to the heart. The melody and poetry of his ghazals bring out the romance and emotions of one’s past. Accompanied by his team of musicians –Deepak Kumar Pandit on violin, Abhinav Upadhyay on tabla, Devendra Bhatt on flute and Narendra Vasant Salaskar on guitar, each musician left their mark on the audience with their unique performance. Delivering to a near-packed house at the fabulous Hillsong Convention Centre in Baulkham Hills, the show started close to schedule. The programme began with an old time favourite, “Chaundhavin ka Chaand” sung by Sydney’s popular singer – Bhupinder Mintu. Jagjit sang nonstop for the first half of the programme, rendering popular ghazals like “Chithi na koye sandesh”, “Kal Chaudhvin ki raat thi”, “Baat Niklegi to door talak jayegi”, “Huzoor aap ka bhi aahtram karta chalun”, and others However, through the eight ghazals in the first half, there was virtually no involvement with the audience. One could have been listening to a CD of his recordings, rather than a live concert – the interaction with this huge and eager audience was missing. The few verbal conversations he had were mostly with the technicians controlling sound, and that too, in not very polite tones. Having attended many of his concerts in India particularly during the 80s, I found the penetration of his voice missing. Perhaps age and personal events in his life have dimmed his performance

on stage.

Before the interval, two young female singers, Shweta and Ankita sang a “Tum aasha vishwaas hamare”. Their voices were fresh and melodious. When Jagjit took to the stage again, he sang some of his popular hits like “Hoosh waalon ko khabar kya”, “Apne ankhon ke samanadr mein utar janede” and a few Punjabi songs. But here too, it was his team of musicians who seemed to enthral the audience with their skills, rather than his routine singing.

The concert was brought to an abrupt ending when two policemen walked to the stage and the Master of Ceremonies announced that they only had permission to perform until 10:30pm, which is why the programme would have to end immediately. Naturally, the audience did not appreciate the announcement and asked for more. After a discussion with the organisers and in the presence of the policemen, they agreed to another 5 minutes, during which the hall suddenly came to life – Jagjit was lively and the crowd joined in – alas, at the very end! If I, with my complimentary ticket felt disappointed, I can empathise with those who paid big dollars to attend the show. Perhaps the glorious days of Jagjit Singh are now a thing of the past… But there’s no doubt that his melodious memories will live with us forever, particularly those that he performed with his wife, Chitra Singh.

The Jagjit Singh show was brought to Sydney by Yogesh Sharma from Cinestar Channel Pty Ltd and Kashi Indian Restaurant and Commonwealth Bank were the Platinum sponsors.

Vivek Bhatnagar

Smmagam at Parklea Gurudwara

The international Akand Keertan Smmagam was organised by the sangat (Gursikh community) in Sydney with Rehensabai on October 2, with hymns sung all night long. On October 3, the panch payara’s cleared the path for bridh (old) swaroops of Guru Granth Sahib Ji for Sanskar (crimination as per Sikh rites). The sangat payed their respects and even nature paid homage with the rain ceasing for the next three hours.

Bhai Sahib Amolak Singh Ji, who spoke on the occasion, advised that the smmagam was specially dedicated towards Sewa (service), Simran (chanting the name of WaheGuru), universal brotherhood and self introspection. October 11 is the final day for the International Akand Keertan Smmagam in Sydney. Besides daily Dewan by Giani Iqbal Singh, Hazoori raagi Bhai Nirmal Singh Ji’s jatha, and the International Akhand Keeratani Jatha, children will be provided knowledge on Sikhism through Gurmat camps. On October 10, hymns will be sung throughout the night and Amrit sanchar will be organised. The Amrit is administered in the presence of the holy text of the Sikhs, the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the 11th Guru and omnipresent Guru of the Sikhs. The five candidates for the initiation of the Amrit represent the five beloved, who have led a virtuous life and have strictly observed the Sikh discipline. They are chosen to prepare

before the ceremony is started. They are informed about the pure and virtuous life they must lead. When the candidates agree to live by the discipline and code of Sikh conduct, the Panj Pyares conduct the initiation ceremony. Sikhism believes that Amrit Chhakhna is not the end purpose, but the start of one’s journey on a right path to attain a pure and pious life which is essential to attain God (according to the

activities and programmes wouldn’t be possible without strong community support and the tireless effort of Giani Jasbir Singh, Bhai Maha Singh, Bhai Balwinder Singh Multani and countless other volunteers, who hail from different backgrounds and bring their skills together to work as a team. The management of the Australian Sikh Association (ASA) include proactive individuals who work without

remuneration, for the good of the community, which reflects one of the basic principles of Sikh philosophy.

The Australian Sikh Association (ASA) manages the Sikh Centre located in Glenwood. Its main focus is to serve the spiritual, religious, cultural and social needs of the Sikh Community and establish charitable and welfare programs, including promoting an understanding of the Sikh philosophy, religion and culture, and to providing a common meeting ground to exchange ideas with other communities, thus promoting interfaith dialogue, tolerance and harmony.

The Parklea Gurudwara caters to the religious and spiritual needs of the Sikh Community, donations to Australian Charities and causes, programs to relieve distress, sickness and suffering from the disadvantaged, and sports and recreational activities connected with mental, spiritual, physical and social welfare of the community. There are also provisions of free service for the needy and accommodation, meals, language school, counselling and meditation facilities.

Guneeta Kaur

at Cultural Night START A CAREER IN NURSING

Cultural Night is a premier community charity event, held annually since 1994. The event is produced by the combined effort of representatives from five major universities in Sydney which include The University of Sydney, University of Technology, University of New South Wales, Macquarie University and University of Western Sydney. With an increasing audience every year, Cultural Night now is of enormous significance amongst Sydney’s student community, and is renowned for being the most anticipated event in the calendar of all universities each year.

Cultural Night 2009 was held recently in the Hills Centre at Castle Hill, and showcased an extraordinary offering of talent in the form of over 200 performers in 18 various acts on the night ranging from hip-hop, Bollywood, bhangra dancing to live bands on stage and spectacular fashion parades. A magnificent dance spectacular presented by UNSW Vishwaas, a live and rocking performance by Element V and the long awaited and exclusive Michael Jackson Tribute performed by the most skilled dancers in Sydney, deserves a special mention. The audience of over 1600 enjoyed every moment of the spectacular event, which exceeded all expectations. The event was testimony of the Indian community’s efforts to encourage youth to explore its culture and tradition, within their local communities. All profits from Cultural Night are equally shared between the I-India Project and the Bangladesh Australia Relief

Committee. The I-India Project is a branch of the I-India organisation which aims to keep homeless and impoverished children off the streets and offers education, training and moral support, and employment assistance. The Bangladesh Australia Relief Committee is a charity established in 1998 with the aim of aiding those who were affected by the effects of cyclones and floods. This committee is dedicated to building a permanent cyclone shelter which will aim to protect against the devastating effects of natural disasters. The permanent cyclone shelter project has currently begun its initial phase by seeking approval and obtaining finance to fund the project, and funds raised from the Cultural Night 2009 will go a long way to help the project and speed up its progress.

As a charity event, sponsors are crucial to its success, so special thanks are due to major sponsors: www.kamilkhan. com.au, Le Montage, Indus Age and Hungama.com.au for their support. The organising committee and its members, Anchal Saxena, Ruchi Bhatt, Sureena Singh, Raj Saxena, Mita Anand, Pritam Rakshit, Aarushi Sharma, Mili Kapur and Mallika Sandhu, along with volunteers put in time and effort over the past six months to make this event a success. The organisers also appreciate feedback from the audience which was positive and encouraging.

Check www.culturalnight.com.au for updates and the release of the official Cultural Night 2009 DVD.

Anchal Saxena

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Festival fever

The essence of our Indian heritage comes alive through our festivals, says MADHUCHANDA DAS, while urging us to celebrate them with deserving enthusiasm

It’s that time of the year when, no matter which corner of the world you inhabit, the Indian in you starts craving for the home and the hearth… Yes, the festive season’s here and that unmistakable scent of misty autumn breeze blowing across the homeland around now doesn’t fail to twitch you too. Atlanta or Antigua, Adelaide or Aberdeen - the quintessence of the Indian identity and ethos lies in its festivals. Festivals symbolize our unparalleled penchant for family, friends, frolic, for fasting, food, fashion, for fanfare, faith, flurry, fervour, fairs and the list goes on and on. They are the unquestionable testimony of “We, The People”, a collective celebration of life itself that connects and conjoins us, in spite of our regional diversities.

Indisputably, Indians celebrate more festivals than the rest of the world put together.

Come September or may be even end August, and our calendars start getting chock-a-block. The desi zest for gaiety and gala sets itself free and warm hues of red, gold, orange, yellow and pink commence colouring everything from our choice of saris, salwars and kurtas, to our mithai, our mehendi, make-up, music and even our minds if I may say so. The supremely satisfying shopping sprees and the even more soul gratifying receipt of gifts make us thank our Indian stars profusely. Dietary restrictions are conveniently tossed out of the window as we’re heralded into the delectable world of gastronomic divinity. Right from the motichoor laddoo that, if you remember, we’d stolen from the carefully stashed away stack in the fridge as perennially hungry 9-year-olds, to the enduringly appetising badam halwa and puri that took us straight to seventh heaven over the years - happy days are here again!

It’s the time to not only throw lavish parties, but also to catch up with friends who were eclipsed from memory of late, to laugh out ragingly, to bond, share, bow

in respect, to bless with magnanimity, to embrace with unqualified affection, to dance and sing with careless abandon, to stay connected with tradition and roots, to reaffirm our belief in the victory of good over evil, and yet to forgive and forget. Hopping with cousins and friends from one pandal to another during Durga Puja and Ganesh Chaturthi or gliding from one auntie’s to another, not so much for the kanya puja on ashtami as for the love of kale chane and puris; gorging on the irresistible Id spread of biryani and seviyan at Rizvi Chachu’s amidst the customary Id Mubarak greetings; grooving to the beats of disco dandiya; joining in the building society’s ear-splitting shrieks on seeing glittering fireworks brighten the Diwali sky or clandestinely counting the

money that big bro had hurriedly slipped into our hands after bhai duj. These chapters from history may agonise us with memories of times gone by and make us feel forlorn and desolate momentarily, but festivals celebrate our values, our profoundly intense emotions and our spirit of community and brotherhood. No matter which corner of the globe we’re perched in today, festivals evoke the same engaging merriment and endearment, be it in the

form of compact, private cards sessions during Lakshmi Puja in Manhattan, grooving to the beats of the electronic dhol in Macau or a mammoth audience watching a celebrity from India perform live in Melbourne. They, unfailingly, help us to recline, repose, reconcile, re-kindle, recreate and regain everything, including the few kilos we’d surprisingly managed to lose on that hairraising diet. Hopefully or hopelessly we’re reinspired to hit the gym with renewed gusto thereafter.

Devi Durga’s ceremonial immersion or Ravana’s effigy eventually going up in flames has eternally wrenched our hearts, whether we viewed it live as kids in Kolkata or on satellite TV as the eternally kids-at-heart in Kentucky. They signified the close of festivities, as also the fleeting holidays. But again, festivals are about hope and prospect.

And thankfully, there’ve always been

more to follow. The chocolate and raisin cake during Christmas at Aunt Jenny’s has forever occupied a special place in our hearts.

And the tackily embellished Xmas tree in the corner of the room looked on triumphantly as we shrieked ‘Happy New Year’ as the clock struck midnight.

Baaro maashey tero paarbon goes a Bengali saying, which stands for thirteen festivals in twelve months. It succinctly sums up our compulsive urge to publicly rejoice at the drop of a hat. The modes and the manifestations may have changed over the decades that have rolled past, but the mood, morale and motivation remain indomitable. As we prepare to plunge into a sea of revelry this festive season, let’s be thankful for our festivals – they provide the succour, solace and sustenance that we desperately need in these challenging times.

So, on this peppy note, happy gorging and forging.

The modes and the manifestations may have changed over the decades that have rolled past, but the mood, morale and motivation remain indomitable.

... but festivals celebrate our values, our profoundly intense emotions and our spirit of community and brotherhood

Jodhpur’s treasure comes to Sydney

Atreasure trove of 54 Indian paintings from the royal collection at the Mehrangarh Museum Trust in Jodhpur will showcase at the Art Gallery of New South Wales from October 29. Garden & Cosmos: The Royal Paintings of Jodhpur consists of rare 17th–19th century paintings that have not been seen outside India until now. They travel to the AGNSW after a successful show at the British Museum, as part of the Gallery’s Indian Summer at the Gallery.

The royal collection was established by

the current Maharaja in 1972 to promote awareness of the unknown treasures in the royal store. The paintings in this exhibition are all from major manuscripts, and deal with two main themes, including paintings of Krishna and the gopis, and incidents from the Ramayana

The paintings of the Ramayana theme were created under the patronage of Maharaja Man Singh (r. 1803-43), inspired by his devotion to the Nath religious tradition of yogins, practitioners of hatha yoga. The Naths revered and

emulated immortal ascetics known as mahasiddhas (great perfected beings), whose supernatural powers were believed to surpass even those of the Hindu gods, according to the press release for the exhibition.

Portraits of these yogins, particularly the immortal ascetic Jallandharnath of whom Man Singh was a devotee, appear in the exhibition. These paintings explain Nath beliefs which, until this time, had been only been related orally or through text.

The paintings feature intricate details,

bold colours, stylised features to depict the luxurious lifestyles of the maharajas, as well as the ascetic lives of the ash-smeared gurus.

“Visitors to Garden & Cosmos are sure to experience spiritual bliss” said Jackie Menzies, inaugural Curator of Asian Arts at the Gallery.

Garden & Cosmos: The Royal Paintings of Jodhpur, Art Gallery of New South Wales, 29 October 2009– 26 January 2010, $8, $5 concession, $21 family.

Shivangi Ambani-Gandhi

Help find a cure for breast cancer … and WIN a pink sari!

Log on to www.indianlink.com.au and make a donation. Enter your details and your name will be included into a draw to win one of THREE pink saris.

* The first lucky winner wins a sari valued at $600 donated by Neelu Maharaj of SareeHaven (www.sareehaven.com.au)

* A second lucky winner wins a sari valued at $300 donated by Neelu Maharaj of SareeHaven.

* A third lucky winner wins a sari valued at $100 donated by the Mitra family of Mt. Colah NSW.

Cover shoot MAKE-UP Manisha Chopra (0431 563 627, www.manishachopra.net) LOCATION Manjit’s Function Centre, Concord PHOTOS Pratik Rastogi OPERATIONS Stephanie Loh CONCEPT Raka Mitra and Rajni Anand Luthra

Clockwise from extreme left: Pooja Rastogi, Poonam Chandiramani, Ashima Aggarwala, Priti Sharma, Raka Mitra, Annie Pathania.

PEOPLE PARTIES PLACES

PEOPLE PARTIES PLACES

Do you have a photo for this page? Email it to info@indianlink.com.au

Aparna Davé celebrates her 50th birthday with family

Big boy Hemish Dubey celebrates his 3rd birthday with a cake shaped like his favourite toy.

Vania Duggal shares her 1st birthday celebrations with sister Muskan, who turns 11.

Hari (7) and Harini Lakshminarayan (10) had a packed house at their joint birthday party

Baby Nimisha celebrates her first birthday with Dad, Mom and Grandparents

Blue’s going to be big

Akshay Kumar says when Blue director

Anthony D’Souza approached him for the underwater thriller, the first thing he asked was, “Are you sure you can make the movie?” Touted to be India’s first underwater film, which is said to match international standards of filmmaking, Blue promises to bring with it some never-seen-before visuals and stunts.

“The first thing I did was to look straight into his eyes and ask him - ‘Do you actually think you are capable enough of making a film of this scale, genre and setting? You may say that you want to shoot the film in space or on the moon, but saying something and doing it are two different things. So how will you actually shoot the film?” confided Akshay. As things turned out, D’Souza had done his homework well in advance and took the sceptical actor through some of his work which included certain advertisements he had directed, as well as some groundwork on Blue

“Honestly, it all led me to at least start listening. I got really interested in how he intended to execute Blue,” said Akshay.

“After all, there were going to be extreme stunts in it and that too under water. Then Tony (D’Souza) also showed me the work of the DOP (director of photography)

Pete Zuccarini, who shot Pirates of the Caribbean.” Akshay spoke to Zuccarini, which finally convinced him that D’Souza had the talent to pull off the movie. Once on board, Akshay wasn’t too worried about the fact that a film like Blue had never been

Aish-Abhi steal the show

Bollywood’s first couple made quite an impact on the Oprah Winfrey show recently, talking about their family traditions and generally glorifying their Indian lifestyle and culture. Aishwarya Rai, looking stunning and svelte in a sari and the tall, dark and handsome Abhishek Bachchan graced the sets of Oprah’s show, exuding confidence, flair and a sense of humour.

Aishwarya told Oprah that there was a family tradition of eating one meal at home with all the members of the family, if they are present within Mumbai. She elaborated that it enhanced their closeness and kept them in touch with each other’s lives. It was time spent with family in the true sense of the word.

However, when Oprah turned the spotlight on Indian way of marriages, and especially that of Aishwarya and Abhishek in Mumbai, they seemed somewhat embarrassed. Footage of fans being lathicharged outside Bachchans’ bungalow for trying to get a glimpse of the star-studded

attempted before on the Indian screen.

“I am sure that it would be legendary in its own way. Let’s see how the box office treats it, but while doing the film we went all out for Blue,” confided the actor.

“With the backdrop of a treasure hunt to it, it involves real sharks. I had to go through some training, take diving lessons and earn a certificate for myself,” he added proudly. But that’s not all. Akshay had to get back to reading after years - but this time underwater. “Can you beat that? I had to read books under the water. Tony made me do so much for this film, and it has a

AISHWARYA AND ABHISHEK

minimum of special effects. In fact, not a single shot has been taken against a green screen,” said Akshay.

“My cameraman, Peter Zuccarini, who is famous for underwater swimming, also helped me a lot. I thought it would be easy because I know how to swim, but this man taught me how to ‘belong’ underwater. That’s the kind of encouragement I was looking for,” admitted Akshay with enthusiasm. Also starring in Blue are Sanjay Dutt, Lara Dutta and Zayed Khan along with Katrina Kaif and Kylie Minogue. Let’s hope Blue’s run at the box office doesn’t run into the red.

atmosphere light with one-liners and witty remarks. So kudos to the couple, for showcasing the true traditional side of India, albeit with a bit of Bollywood glam!

Sambo Kat

Her fans have often referred to her as ‘Kat’, but now actress Katrina Kaif has a new nickname - Sambo - courtesy her Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani co-star Ranbir Kapoor.

Odd couple are adorable

He’s 43 and she’s 29, but the difference in their ages doesn’t seem to matter. That’s why Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor make an “adorable” couple on screen in the soon to be released movie, Main Aurr Mrs. Khanna.

wedding drew instant regrets from the couple. Talk also veered towards Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan still living with his parents. But they fielded this one well, stressing the importance of Indian traditions and revealed that when their grandparents were alive, they too lived together with the rest of the family in the same home.

Aishwarya has been on the Oprah Winfrey show once before, but it was a first for Abhishek, who did well, keeping the

“Ranbir coined the name on the sets of the movie when both were required to shoot for an action sequence,” said a source. For the scene, Katrina and Ranbir were required to climb a ladder placed at a height of 200 feet. Ranbir had to save Katrina from goons and then escape on a jet ski. While everyone was doubtful about Katrina doing the stunt, she shocked everyone with her confidence.

“Everyone on sets was quite sceptical about Katrina. But she amazed everyone as she comfortably climbed the ladder leaving Ranbir lagging behind. Ever since that day Katrina has always been addressed as Rambo’s sister, Sambo by Ranbir,” said the source. Well, cats are good climbers too…

“The age difference between Salman and Kareena was never a consideration. They make an absolutely adorable couple and complement each other on screen,” said debutant director Prem Soni. “They look good together in the film as there are no loud or awkward moments between them. The film has romantic instances here and there, but it has a very subtle treatment. There are cute scenes in the film and both of them have carried these really well,” he added.

Newcomer Soni considers Salman his “godfather” and says the superstar was on board the project as soon as he heard the script, and even asked his brother to produce the film. “I had written the script and then fixed an appointment with Salman. His reaction after the narration was overwhelming. All he said was, ‘I’m doing it!’ That’s how the project began,” the director said.

“Salman is indeed my godfather in the industry, as he is the one who has given me a break,” he added.

For Soni, it was a cakewalk to get

VIRAL BHAYANI and ABHILASHA SENGUPTA bring us up-to-date on what’s hot and happening in Bollywood

INDRANIL HALDER

Ashort while ago I finished reading an article in the Financial Times on casual jobs undertaken by global entrepreneurs. It was fascinating to read and learn that Lakshmi Mittal’s first Saturday job was at his father’s steel mill in Calcutta, while studying for his degree. Moving on to the next read, I found myself looking at a glossy advertisement of the Paspaley Polo in Calcutta. I have attended some of the polo matches at Centennial Park in Sydney and I still remember sitting in the biggest marquee in the park, watching player and horse together balance the excitement of the game of polo. Chukka after chukka was played with Moet & Chandon champagne freely flowing and contemporary Australian cuisine served, while a parade of Jaipur maharajas socialised in the Blue Hotel of Woolloomooloo marquee, and the scene reminded me of the first full length polo game that I ever saw. Today in Australia, the polo social scene includes people from all walks of life, be it a farmer from the Aussie outback, a city worker from the

Sydney business district or Aussie girls who work in the stables, or even just a polo lover like me, from the healthcare industry.

My first experience of the game of polo was not in England, Argentina or Australia. It was in Calcutta, in Bengal, India. The game was played at the Calcutta Polo Club on the Pat Williamson Ground, with the majestic Victoria Memorial in the background. It has been long time since I watched that game of polo. I went to see the match after the colourful Durga Puja celebrations, an enthusiastic spectator in my teens. I fell in love with the game; the strength of the horses and the players who rode them, the skill of the game simply enthralled me.

My parents, who used to travel to extensively because of my father’s job, would tell me stories of locals playing fabulous polo in Manipur and Assam, but watching a game of polo in the Calcutta Polo Club truly made me a polo enthusiast. I understood that polo is actually a team sport and although the sport involves players on horseback, the aim of the game is to score goals against each other just like cricket or football.

Today we have many forms of bike polo, beach polo and snow polo. A polo team has only three players. Just like cricket or hockey, polo involves the use of a small inflatable leather ball and field polo matches consist of between four and eight 7-minute

chukkas. I have also watched elephant polo in Thailand, as players use extra long sticks to hit the ball from the back of this majestic animal. My love for polo has led me to become a member of the NSW Polo Association since my university days in the late 1990s.

I have travelled around Australia to watch polo matches being played in NSW, at the Richmond polo ground or Bong Bong Polo Club in Bowral, even at Werribee Park in Victoria. Today, great awareness is being created among people from all walks of life with a simple message: if you love polo, you are welcome to watch it or participate, just like any other game.

In India, the birthplace of the game of polo was in the state of Manipur, bordering Burma. In the 1850s, English tea planters discovered polo by chance, as it was played by locals, and fell in love with the game. In Manipur, the game of polo is known as ‘pulu’ which is a Tibetan word meaning ‘ball’. Polo is also known as ‘Sagol Kangjel’. Commoners who own a pony and love polo can play the game, which is still widely played in the state today. Historically, polo was first played in Persia in the 6th century BC or perhaps even earlier than that. The oldest polo ground in the world is at Imphal Polo Ground in Manipur. There is even a local ritual related to the Marjing, a winged-pony god of polo. The local Lai Haraoba festival in Manipur enacts

the life of Khori-Phaba, the polo-playing god of sports. In 1834, the first polo club was established in the town of Silchar in the state of Assam, which is best known for its rhinoceros, tea and crude oil.

In 1862, the first of its kind, the Calcutta Polo Club was established by two British soldiers, Captain Roberts Stewart and Major General Hoe Shearer. It soon became a favourite sport of the colonial English society of India, and later gained popularity in England too. The sport then spread across the globe.

The club has a rich history of holding the oldest polo trophy The Ezra Cup, since 1880. Since 1862, several outstanding players have graced the Calcutta Polo Club. Today its facilities include riding and polo coaching clinics, professional playing services and online events. My dearest wish is that one day the Australian Polo team will play with the Calcutta Polo team, both in Calcutta and Sydney. I would like to thank the Calcutta Polo Club for introducing me to such a thrilling game. In these times when the popularity of the game is increasing day by day across the globe, be it in Argentina or Moscow, the upcoming 150 years celebration of the Calcutta Polo Club in 2012 is a milestone in itself. I am sure this auspicious birthday will highlight the sport’s growing importance and appeal worldwide. Visit www.calcuttapolo.com for more information.

Six singing sensations

When Indian Link Idol 2009 began its musical journey, we had 70 singers and 2 rounds of live auditions. Judges Subhendhu and Rajesh Thakur shortlisted the top 20 singers who touched the hearts of radio listeners with their melodious rendition of great songs. The challenge began in earnest when the first four singers were eliminated in round 1and 2 respectively. The third round of 12 singers in the quarter-final is now complete, and we have the 6 finalists.

The judges stated that in every round, since the beginning of the competition, all singers put in fabulous performances, giving their best and it was tough deciding on the finalists. Say Subhendu and Rajesh, “It was a great experience to listen and judge such a talented bunch of voices, and at times it was very difficult to choose the best from equally talented contestants. Their choice of song, their renditions of old, new, contemporary, romance songs was a musical journey worth taking.”

Indian Link Idol now presents the final 6 contestants, and this time, the judges will be the listeners. They will choose the next Indian Link Idol 2009.

So meet the contestants and tune in to Indian Link Radio to pick your winner.

currently learning music from Avijit Sarkar, and my idol is Sonu Nigam, a truly versatile modern contemporary singer. I love listening to Arziyaan from Delhi 6; its very well sung.. If I had a chance, I would love to sing for AR Rahman. Today’s music business uses modern techniques of music making and a wider array of singers and digital instruments. AR Rahman is a classic example of music today that not only has appeal to global mass audiences, but is also technically very sound. Shankar Ehsaan Loy and Pritam are also today’s top music composers and directors who create very melodic but at the same time, very relevant

Link radio and the newspaper are doing a great job in promoting the Indian culture and the contribution of Indians to Australia.

Hi, I’m Pankaj Bankoti

I have sweet memories of my schooling days, with overnight camping in high schoolbonfires with lots of singing and fooling around with best mates and childhood sweethearts. My first singing performance was when I was about 8, and I had to sing about 15-17 songs. I was rewarded Rs 85 by the audience, which I gave to my mother as my ‘ early music gurus would be Kishore Kumar and Jagjit Singh, as I learned how to emote and sing in such a way that it connects one to the audience. I admire Kalish Kher, he has made his mark with sheer hard work and talent and has made sufi music a new and popular genre. I have many favourite songs, so I will pick Deewani by Kailash Kher. I would love to sing fro AR Rehman and Vishal Bhardwaj. I am very impressed with the new talent of music directors, and I love the fact that today’s music cannot be stereotyped as it is really very versatile. My Indian Link Idol been very interesting so far, and I am enjoying

music to our current era.

When I begun the Indian Link Idol simply decided to give my best and continue However, I soon realised that the competition was tough, which motivated me to do even better. I have now seen myself grow as a singer and hope to continue improving. I’m currently learning to play the guitar and piano, and learning more about the technicalities of music theory and sound engineering. So in the future, I hope to compose music of my own. wish all our listeners and readers a very happy Diwali, and may the festival of lights truly light

Hi, I’m Jasmine Gill

My most memorable performance was singing at the Indian Idol Reality Show in India, before hotshots like Anu Malik, Sonu Nigam, Kailash Kher, Javed Akhtar and Sonali Bendre. I will never forget this event in all my life. My music guru is Ustaad Vijay Sachdevaji (Kirana Gharana) and guruji Shri Om Prakash Thappar (Patiala Gharana). Sukhwinder Singh is my idol, I find his voice and dedication to music amazing. My favourite song is Piya re.. Piya re.. by Ustaad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, it makes me feel as if he’s still alive. I would love to sing for Shankar, Ehsaan, Loy, they are among the best.

My Indian Link Idol journey was really great, and I feel that I should work hard to win the title out here. My experience with Indian Link Idol has taught me about the choice of songs, how to sing in a studio, be versatile and coordinated while singing. Its been good, and in the future, I’m looking at putting together a fusion band, because its currently in great demand and I enjoy this style of music. My message to listeners and readers is: Thank you for the chance to share my talent with all of you. Keep a clear vision, believe in God and put in your best effort to achieve your goal.

Hello, I’m Kshitij Bhatnagar

I am an IT Consultant, aspiring to be the next Indian Link Idol 2009. I first began singing in High School, and I specially remember singing at a wedding, when a father and daughter danced together, a touching moment. I am

I’m an accountant, with high aspirations in music. My first performance was at a Sydney radio station in an Indian program. I was just 10 at the time, and it was a great experience for me. All my performances have been memorable, but a dear one is singing in the Afghani language with Jawid Shariff. music guru is Ustad Sarsharji, and I admire my mum and my best friends (cassettes and CDs). My musical idols are Alka Yagnik and Sonu Nigam, and my very favourite song is itna pyar tumko karte hain hum heart and I love it. Given a chance, I would love to sing for AR Rahman. Today’s music is great because of the involvement of more technology and the development of musical

instruments, and composition are newer through mixing music from other cultures. My favourite MD in Hindi is AR Rehman and from the South is Illayarajaji. I am having a great and challenging time on Indian Link Idol. I have improved on my mistakes and taken the judges’ comments on board. Singing is my passion and that’s what I intend doing throughout my life.

I have to say a big thank you to all listeners, readers and Indian Link, who have all provided us with a platform to prove our talent. Indian

best musical memory. I loved every bit of the practise sessions and the final show was rapchik, mast and dhamakedar. I have always admired Sumathi Krishnan, a well-known Indian Classical music lover in the Sydney music circle. She is simply amazing. Asha Bhonssle and Sunidhi Chauhan are my idols, they have beautiful and powerful voices and fantastic songs. Currently my favourite song is Twist, because of the ronak shounak, rolla ruppa and maddi tuppa! And of course, its magic beats and fun elements. I would live to sing for AR Rahman and Himesh Reshamiya. I think true talent comes from life’s experiences and professionalism, as well as doing research about the type of song one is composing. Many composers today lack the art of gelling the music with the lyrics. A.R Rahman is arguably the best. I also like Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Anu Malik, Preetam Chakraborty, Salim-Suleiman and Bohemia. My Indian Link Idol was great fun, very challenging and extremely interesting. And it taught me so much. I

hai ke maanta nahi, it is undoubtedly the most romantic song I have ever heard. I would love to sing for AR Rahman. Music today comprises a good mix of Sufi, classical and western tunes and because of vibrant competition, music directors need to give a lot of importance to technicalities (music arrangement and post production) instead of just producing a good tune. Rahman is good at this and I like VishalShekhar and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy too.

Indian Link Idol trip was very inspiring and very musical. The comments from the judges helped me improve my singing in areas which needed developing. I’ve also learnt that there are a large number of extremely talented singers in Australia, who can now show off their talent, and this saga will continue as we discover more singers. In the future, I would like to learn some semi/light classical music. When I’m not singing and playing my guitar, I love playing video games and fishing. To listeners and readers, I say: Thank you for being such avid listeners. It is an audience like you that makes this show successful. So please keep listening and supporting us, and we promise to entertain you to the best of our

Gurpreet Sharma

Jasmine Gill

Kshitij Bhatnagar

Priyanka Rao

Pankaj Bankoti

Arunaditya Basu

Multiculturalism heralded at Arts Festival

Ashfield Public School was transformed into a colourful and lively arena recently, as children danced, sang, enacted dramas and showed multi-media presentations, much to the delight of their proud parents. Nearly 200 children, aged between 5 and 12 years, put their best foot forward to showcase their talent for the school’s annual Arts Festival, bringing the Inner West Australian suburb to vibrant life.

Cheered on by parents, siblings and school staff, the younger ones were absolute show-stealers with their bright and spunky costumes, coordinated movements and melodious voices. The school’s multiculturalism shone through the performances, as children from different communities and ethnic backgrounds including Indians, came together to put up their best act – be it while rendering their version of High School Musical, Happy Feet or Viva La Vida

The Art Festival kicked off with ‘Another Opening, Another Show’ – a dance performance by students dressed in black, followed by song and dance sequences, piano solo performances, skits, an aerobics show and multi-media presentations. While each act had its own charm,

Happy Feet – the Hip Hop Penguins was one of the most anticipated performances of the evening, as Early Stage 1 and Stage 1 students tapped their ‘happy feet’ away. The school’s teachers deserve a special mention, as they had painstakingly coached the children, directed and choreographed dances and even guided them through some of the songs.

“Such events bring different families, communities and the children closer,” said Robyn Hutchinson, principal of Ashfield Public School. The school, which is home to children from 40 different nationalities, is also witnessing a rising number of Indian families, she observes. “This is an annual event and it showcases the work of children in different talent groups including art, film, performing arts, music and dance. It is a whole school event and every class and every child is a participant. There are three special needs classes and they are also a part of it. The Arts Festival brings families and children together and it helps build a child’s self-confidence,” added Ms. Hutchinson.

“The percentage of Indian students is rising in the school and so is the number of Chinese students. This is reflective of the changing landscape of Australia and Ashfield, where a number of families are

moving in,” she stated.

Parents, on the other hand, were brimming with pride as their children took to stage. “My son, Pathik Desai, has a part in the drama. It is really nice to have such events and we meet so many people from our own community,” said proud mum, Parul Desai.

“My niece, Sania Parekh, is in the penguin dance and we are really excited to see her. The education system here is very different from India, where the emphasis is always on studying. Extracurricular activities are hardly a part of the system in India. On the other hand, children are ensured holistic development in Australia,” observed Meha Parekh. However, she added that both systems have their pros and cons. “When they go back to India, they realise they are academically way behind children of their own age. Besides, after living here all their life, it’s really hard for them to adjust back into the Indian way of life,” she said.

Neville Shah, another parent, agreed that Australia was a healthy environment for Indian children as multiculturalism exists and children are more understanding of other communities.

Kara Holt, a former student of the

school, who had come to watch her sibling perform, said she loved the fact that the school brought together so many different communities. “The school has always been very multicultural. It’s important for it to be that way, as children learn right from the beginning to be more accepting and tolerant of other cultures. We understand other communities better and are geared to be better adults,” says Kara, who is Australian.

David Webb, a Scottish parent who has been in Australia for many years, conceded that the school mirrored the change which Sydney and the area was undergoing.

“There is a diverse mixture of families here. The Arts Festival is a fine example of teaching our children more harmony and helps our children understand that it is important to judge people as human beings first, rather than the colour of their skin or ethnicity, which is a narrow-minded and preposterous view,” said Webb, who had come to watch Luis, his six-year old son perform.

The cultural pot-pourri ended aptly with the songs: ‘Best years of our lives’, ‘Sing a little song’ and ‘We go together’. It was an evening to remember, and one that will be etched in the memory of young and old.

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Open days for international students

Fridays, 11.00am – 5.00pm The High Commission of India in Canberra, Indian Consulates and Honorary Consuls have designated every Friday an Open Day for students, when any Indian student can walk in, without prior appointment, to meet the High Commissioner, Consuls General, the designated Student Welfare Officers and Honorary Consuls and discuss their problems and grievances.

Classical music duet

25 Sept – 30 Oct The South Indian Fine Arts Association of Canberra sponsors the visit to Australia of Indian classical musicians Debapriya and Samanwaya, vocal and sitar performers. While in Australia, Dev and Sam are scheduled to perform at various venues in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane and Byron Bay. Details email devasaman@gmail.com or visit website www.myspace.com/debapriyasamanwaya

Spiritual discourses by Swami Omkarananda

Pujya Sri Swami Omkarananda will be giving following spiritual discourses in Tamil in Sydney

Happiness Seminars

12-14 Oct Happiness Guru Sunanda Parthasarathy will present talks on spiritual health and wellness at South Campus, Blacktown TAFE, 1 Main Street, Blacktown.

How to Beat Stress 7.30pm Monday, 12 Oct

3 Spiritual Laws of Success

7.30pm Tuesday, 13 Oct

JET Australia Prajna Classes

3rd & 4th Sunday of the month JET Australia invites you to weekend Prajna classes, Sundays at 1.00 pm. Venue: Aurelia St Catholic Church Toongabbie. Separate English and Telugu classes. Healthy refreshments served after the class. Contact: Prajna coordinators Keshav 02 9837-4792 or Navneeth 0434 537 242

New Day Care service for aged

6, 7, 8 Oct, 7.30 - 9 pm

“Aanmeegha Vaazvu” at Sydney Murugan Kovil Cultural Hall, 217 Great Western Highway, Mays Hill

12 & 13 Oct, 7:30 to 9 pm

“Purushothama Yogam” Bagvath

Gita Chapter 15 at Dundas Community Hall, 27 Sturt St, Dundas

10 & 11 Oct Retreat – Manisha Panchagam at Yerrinbool Bahai

Centre

For details contact Rama 9837 2595 or Ramanan 0430 487 780

Paratha-eating competition

10 Oct Newly opened Blacktown restaurant Singh da Dhaba announces a unique paratha-eating competition. Entry $5.00. Winner gets cash prize of $100. Details 02 9676 4677

IWA picnic

10 Oct NSW Indian Welfare Association is organising a sightseeing trip and picnic to Napean and Cordeaux Dams. Tour departs at 8.30am from Parramatta (opposite to the Council Library) and drop off at 6.00pm.

Additional pick up at Liverpool would be arranged if there are sufficient numbers. Cost per person (including food) is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Details contact N Sampath (02 9893 7729) or s Saraswathi Venugopalan (02 9838 0654)

MEFF Eid Festival

11 Oct Sydney’s annual Multicultural Eid Festival and Fair (MEFF), a family event to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr and showcase Islamic unity in diversity and Australian multiculturalism, will be held at Fairfield Showground. Details visit www.meff.com.au.

The Secret of Happiness

7.30pm Wednesday, 14 Oct Tickets www.vedanta.org.au or call Mohan on 0412 995 230.

Curries by Candlelight

13 Dec Enjoy a Christmas meal with an Indian feel, at Pennant Hills Community Centre, cnr Ramsay and Yarrarra Rds. All proceeds will be donated to Hornsby Hospital’s Koala Care Cottage. Details Pam 4733 0445 or Shalini 0410 485 522.

Australian Carrom Federation

The International Carrom Federation has appointed the Australian Carrom Federation as the parent body for Carrom in Australia.

As a result of this, Australia now joins with eighteen other member nations around the world that now have International recognition.

The Australian Carrom Federation (ACF) is a non-profit organisation formed to promote the game of Carrom throughout Australia. We are community based, and obtain members through membership and registration, and we welcome potential sponsors for support.

Our goal is to create community awareness of Carrom, to organise tournaments at all local and national levels, and most of all to prepare an Australian team for future national and international tournaments.

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Volunteers required

The Health Promotion Service for Older People is looking for volunteers (both male and female and 50+) to give talks about health issues to older people. Details: Habib/ Barbara: 02 9281 3588 or 1800 451 488 (free call) or health@cpsa.org.au

New branch of Maharishi Ramana Ashram

Maharishi Ramana Ashram announces a new branch at 11 / 48 – 54 Shaw Street Bexley North. Meetings will be held on 3rd Saturday of every month from 2 to 3.30pm

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Sri Om Care announces a Day Centre for frail aged (very limited number) people of Indian and SriLankans at Bankstown/Milperra on Wednesdays from 10 am to 2 pm.

Facilities offered will be door-to-door pick-up, cultural specific meals, and activities.

Details Jay Raman 0410 759 906 or visit www.sriomcare.org.au

Free Yoga classes for seniors

The Spirit of India (NSW) Inc. (a not-for-profit organisation) announces yoga classes at Pennant Hills. Details Dhanraj 0424 075 364 or Suresh 0412 202 182

IAAFA workshops

First Saturday in the month, 12noon to 2:30pm, at the Wentworthville Community Centre, Grevillea Room, 2 Lane Street. The Indian Australian Arts and Film Association Association (IAAFA) is conducting a series of free workshops for children from 5 to 14 years. Subjects are Indian music, Australian indigenous music, and creative painting. For registration and information please visit: www.iaafa.org.au

Seminar on reducing stress

12/13/14 October, 7.30pm onwards at Building C, South Campus, Blacktown TAFE, 1 Main Street, Blacktown. Entry via gate 3 & 4. International speaker Sunanda, daughter of Swami Parthasarathy will talk on how to reduce stress, increase productivity and gain success and happiness. Tickets: $19 per single or $12 concession. Or $49.00 for all 3 seminars, or $27 concession. Snacks included. Book online at www.vedanta.org.au or call Mohan on 0412 995 230 or (08) 9317 7297/ 0414 321 877

Nanak Noor Khed Mukabla

8th November, 12.30 onwards at Francis Park, Blacktown. Althletic event for individuals, teams and community. Cash prize for best male and female Athlete. Contact Kirpal Pooni (0409 667 088) or Gurlal Pooni (0410 490 485)

Dances of India

21 November from 7pm at Epping Community Hall, Epping. Entertainment event with dinner to raise funds for the Mathru Educational Trust for the Blind, Bangalore. A voluntary contribution of $25 per family is appreciated. Phone: 9868 6942, Mob: 0416 343 577 for more details.

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Indian American activist Mallika Dutt wins Courage Award

Indian American civil rights activist

Mallika Dutt will be honoured by the Asian American Justice Centre (AAJC), a leading US civil rights organisation, with the American Courage Award in early October.

Dutt is the executive director of Breakthrough, an innovative, international human rights organisation using the power of popular culture, media and community mobilisation to transform public attitudes and advance equality, justice, and dignity. Through initiatives in India and the US, Breakthrough addresses critical global issues, including violence against women, sexuality and HIV/AIDS, racial justice and immigrant rights.

Anita Botti, deputy director of the President’s International Women’s Initiatives InterAgency Task Force, will present the award on behalf of Ambassador-at-Large, Melanne Verveer at a ceremony here.

Mallika Dutt has a long history of activism and commitment to social change and has addressed global issues ranging from women’s rights to racial justice and immigrant rights, AAJC said. For the last decade, she has been spearheading efforts to stop the erosion of fundamental human rights in the US, particularly in the aftermath of 9/11. Most recently, Breakthrough has partnered with the AAJC, along with 25 other leading organisations, to produce “Restore Fairness”, a powerful documentary that calls on the government to bring back due process to immigration in the US.

“Restore Fairness” features interviews with members of Congress, immigration judges and individuals directly affected by unfair immigration policies.

“Restore Fairness” follows the successful launch of the groundbreaking video game ICED - I Can End Deportation (www. icedgame.com), and interactive website End Homeland Guantanamos (www. homelandgitmo.com) - two multimedia initiatives that have brought national attention to the harsh impact of unfair detention and deportation policies on immigrant communities.

“I am deeply honoured to be the recipient of the American Courage Award,” said Mallika Dutt. “We hope that our collective efforts will result in new immigration policies that respect fundamental American values of fairness and due process.”

Indra Nooyi heads list of top 50 women in world business

PepsiCo Chairman and Chief Executive Indra Nooyi of India has topped the inaugural Financial Times (FT) list of top 50 women in world business.

Nooyi, 53, is among four Indians making it to a list that FT said prompts the question whether the struggling male-dominated world of business would have been better off with more women in charge.

“The collapse of some of the world’s biggest banks has been blamed partly on directors’ failure to ask tough questions. A study by The Conference Board of Canada found that boards with women directors paid greater attention than all-male boards to audit and risk controls,” the FT said.

The other three Indians on the list published Friday are: Britannia Industries head Vinita Bali, Biocon Chairman and Managing Director Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and HT

Media Chairperson Shobhana Bhartia. Nooyi attributed much of her success to the US, saying: “I think the United States represents the greatest meritocracy in the world... the US is a country that likes to see others succeed.”

The list commended Bali, ranked 22, for her experience in the food production business.

“In the 1980s and 1990s, she shuttled between Cadbury and Coca-Cola, occupying key marketing roles in India, the UK, South Africa and across South America. Her opportunity to take the leadership role at Britannia came after the controversial resignation of Sunil Alagh in 2003,” it said.

The FT said the entrepreneurial skills of Mazumdar-Shaw, placed 47, “have taken Biocon from being a start-up in Bangalore to a successful listed company”.

Bhartia, at number 48, was praised for helping shape HT Media into one of India’s largest media companies.

“HT Media’s editorial portfolio includes Hindustan, Hindustan Times and Mint, India’s second largest business newspaper. Under the guidance of Bhartia, this group has expanded online and recently launched desimartini.com, a social networking site.

HT Media launched Fever 104fm, the product of partnering with Virgin Media,” the paper said.

Another four Indians figure in a ‘women to watch’ section: Cisco Chief Technology Officer Padmasree Warrior, and HewlettPackard India Managing Director Neelam Dhawan in the technology and media sector; and UBS India Chief Executive Manisha Girotra and HSBC India CEO Naina Lal Kidwai in finance.

The paper said it could not include ICICI Bank CEO Chandra Kochhar despite her being in a powerful position because she had not served at least 12 months in the role.

Indian-origin minister quits British government, takes G20 job

British Business Minister Shriti Vadera, one

of Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s most trusted colleagues, is to quit and work fulltime for the G20 group of nations, Brown said recently.

“I came to her and said, ‘This is the job for you’,” Brown said in New York. “Her expertise in this area is such that there is no one better to do this job,” Brown added.

Vadera, an ex-banker, will co-ordinate the hand-over of the G20 presidency from Britain to South Korea. She will work unpaid and will continue to have a desk in the Cabinet Office.

Vadera will start work for South Korea in the middle of October and is taking her post at the request of President Lee Myung-Bak, the department of business said.

“Shriti has real passion for the G-20 and has done excellent work, so this is a logical move for her and us,” her boss, Business Secretary Peter Mandelson, said in a statement.

Her duties as a business minister will be taken over by Mervyn Davies, who already serves in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Indian American to represent US in farm trade talks

President Barack Obama has nominated an eminent Indian American agricultural scientist to the key post of chief agriculture negotiator in the office of the US Trade Representative to represent US in crucial agricultural trade talks.

Obama Tuesday announced his intent to nominate Islam A Siddiqui, who earned his Bachelor of Science degree in plant protection from the Uttar Pradesh

Agriculture University and MS and PhD degrees in plant pathology, both from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.

“I am grateful for the willingness of these fine individuals to serve my administration and am confident that they will represent our nation well. I look forward to working with them in the coming months and years,” Obama said of Siddiqui and seven other key appointees.

Siddiqui is currently Vice President for Science and Regulatory Affairs at CropLife America, where he is responsible for regulatory and international trade issues related to crop protection chemicals.

Previously, Siddiqui also served as CropLife America’s vice president for agricultural biotechnology and trade.

From 1997 to 2001, Siddiqui served in various capacities in the Clinton administration at US Department of Agriculture as Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programmes, Senior Trade Advisor to Secretary Dan Glickman and Deputy Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programmes.

As a result, he worked closely with the USTR and represented USDA in bilateral, regional and multilateral agricultural trade negotiations.

Since 2004, Siddiqui has also served on the US Department of Commerce’s Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, and Health/Science Products & Services, which advises the US Secretary of Commerce and USTR on international trade issues related to these sectors.

Between 2001 and 2003, Siddiqui was senior associate at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), where he focused on agricultural biotechnology and food security issues.

Before joining USDA, Siddiqui spent 28 years with the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

Indian origin minister plays good Samaritan mid-air

Deepak Obhrai, an Indian origin junior minister in the Canadian government, has earned kudos for helping out a woman diabetic while on a flight from Ottawa to Calgary.

Obhrai, a five-time MP from Calgary and parliamentary secretary (minister of state) to Canada’s minister for foreign affairs, was flying from Ottawa to his hometown when a woman passenger suddenly fell ill.

Seeing the crew in a commotion at the back of the plane, Obhrai went and checked the woman. Being a diabetic who carries an insulin kit with himself all the time, Obhrai sensed that the woman’s sugar level had dipped.

“I figured it out and took a reading with my blood-sugar measuring instrument. I was right. I asked the attendants to give her orange juice.

“The woman drank the juice and was soon feeling normal. She completed her journey and walked off a normal person,” Obhrai told IANS.

The good deed mid air earned the IndoCanadian minister kudos from the crew and the national media.

Obhrai, 59, has been a diabetic for more than two decades. “I have taken all precautions and done well,” he said.

Mallika Dutt

Indra Nooyi

Countdown begins for Commonwealth Games

A YEAR-LONG countdown has begun for the 19th Commonwealth Games India is hosting, the country’s biggest sporting extravaganza that the government says will showcase its abilities even as critics say the preparations are not up to the mark and may fall short of international expectations.

The 12-day event will open Oct 3, 2010 at the 75,000-capacity Jawaharal Nehru Stadium in the heart of New Delhi.

Over 5,000 athletes from 53 countries that were once part of the British empire will compete in 17 disciplines. The event is the biggest India will host since the Asian Games in 1982 that saw 4,595 athletes from 33 nations take part in 21 events. Amid hiccups and criticism, the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee of India is confident that the grand show will go like clockwork.

“Let me tell you that 80 percent of the work at all the venues will be completed before December 31, except cycling and

rugby venues where work started a bit late. But those two will also be completed in time for the competition,” Committee

Secretary General Lalit Bhanot told IANS.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, for whom the games are a matter of personal prestige, admits to spending sleepless nights but is equally sure that the event will go off without a hitch. “We will be ready on time,” she has declared.

But the going hasn’t been exactly smooth.

Last month, Commonwealth Games Federation president Michael Fennel shot off an angry letter to Indian Olympic Association (IOA) chief Suresh Kalmadi demanding a meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to ensure that work on various projects was expedited.

“With only a year to run until the games, I feel I must personally brief the prime minister on the lack of preparations and to seek his input in developing an appropriate recovery plan,” Fennel said.

Fennel’s outburst has spurred the Indian authorities to pledge that all the facilities

will be ready on time. Security is a major issue but the home ministry has ruled out any threat to the Games. “To the best of our knowledge, there is no specific threat to the Commonwealth Games,” Home Secretary G.K. Pillai said. India has briefed security professionals and representatives from 26 Commonwealth countries including Australia, Britain, Canada, New Zealand, Kenya, Nigeria and Singapore about security and traffic related arrangements to be put in place during the games. The delegations were also shown around the venues of the games. Pillai said the delegates were impressed with the professional nature of presentations. But some did make suggestions.

“There were 10 major issues. The most important was the management of public perception of threat to the games. Others included appointment of nodal officers for co-ordination. It was decided that all countries would share their threat perceptions with each other,” he said. Delhi’s chaotic traffic, with some 900-1,000 vehicles being added every day, could prove to be a bugbear. But the police say a solution is at hand with an Intelligent Traffic System (ITS) being installed to cover 302 intersections and 87 corridors covering 204 km. What is also causing concern is the multiplicity of agencies involved in putting the games infrastructure into place. Then, it took an outburst from IOA secretary general Randhir Singh, vice chair of the Commonwealth Games Organising committee, to get it to activate its subcommittees.

“Time is running out and there is all round scrambling, leading to grave doubts about the successful conduct of the games. Do you think the promise of organising the games will be fulfilled?” Randhir Singh, who took part in the shooting event at the 1982 Asiad, wondered while speaking to IANS.

“Criticism should be ... welcomed because sometimes you may think things are moving in the right direction, whereas it might not be so,” he added.

Thanks to him, the 23-odd sub-committees are up and running. This, however, cannot be said of the venues across the city where the games will be staged.

Be it the showcase Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the venue of the opening and closing ceremonies and the athletics competition, the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, the Yamuna Velodrome, the S.P. Mukherjee Aquatic Complex or the K.D. Singh Babu National Stadium, work is at best 40 percent complete.

In all this, the only bright spark seems to be the Commonwealth Games Village - largely because the athletes’ housing complex is being executed by a private builder.

Games Village will be a residential showpiece

AN ARMY of more than 500 people, including architects, engineers, supervisors and labourers, troops to a dusty 27-acre complex in east Delhi that is witnessing some of the most frenzied construction activities among the many such sites being readied for next year’s Commonwealth Games.

The area is littered with sand hills, granite, marble heaps, construction cranes and complex building-machinery. Another group of daily wage earners waits outside for day jobs in any of the 34 apartment blocks under construction by Emaar-MGF. A new road linking the complex to the south is also under construction, along with a practice arena for athletes next to the

complex.

“The apartments will be ready by 2010 because the pace of work is frenzied,”

Aijaz Utsahi, a designer and supplier of tiles, marbles and plaster of paris (PoP), contracted by the builders told IANS. Twenty-eight years ago, a sprawling village had been built at Siri Fort in the heart of the capital for the athletes who had participated in the 1982 Asian Games. Now, finishing touches are being put to yet another residential showpiece, the Commonwealth Games Village, overlooking the Yamuna river and next to the landmark Akshardham Temple, for the athletes who will make it their home for the October 3-14, 2010 sporting extravaganza.

The township, unlike the Asiad Village which was rather spaced out and idyllic amid tree-lined avenues, reflects the changing city-scape of the capital.

The homes are sleek seven, eight and nine storied luxury apartment blocks laid out amid green landscaped parks, a mini golf course, a swimming pool and a club house which will be equipped with a food court and shopping mall. Each block has 12 apartments on an average. The township, taken over by the New Delhi Municipal Council for the Commonwealth Games, will be handed back to Emaar and the Delhi Development Authority in 2011, which will then sell the homes to private buyers after renovation and clean-up, a senior official of the Dubai-based Emaar told IANS.

Emaar MGF Land Limited, one of India’s leading real estate developers is a joint venture between MGF Developments Limited and Emaar Properties PJSC (“Emaar”) of Dubai. Emaar is one of the world’s foremost real estate companies with operations in 16 countries. MGF has over the last 10 years established itself as one of the key players in retail real estate development in India.

The DDA will hawk 11 towers, while the remaining 23 will be sold by Emaar. “The floor areas vary between 1,900 and 2,200 square feet. The apartments are either twobedrooms, three-bedrooms, four-bedrooms or five-bedrooms,” the Emaar official said. Work is on in full swing at the village. “I have supplied Italian tiles in cream and white for the rooms and matching darker shades for the baths. The finish of the walls, facade and ceilings will be textured with Italian marble grains and PoP,” Utsahi said. A walk through a sample apartment at the Games Village was like a peek into a studio set - going by the sheer luxury of the homes. A four-bedroom apartment opened into a spacious drawing-cum-dining-cumliving room with four bedrooms (with baths attached) fanning out radially. Each bedroom gave out to a small terrace. The kitchen was a trendy built-in unit in marble, granite, tile and steel.

The bedroom floors are made with wood to give them a western look - and to ensure easy maintenance.

“The homes come furnished with airconditioners and Italian bath and kitchen fittings keeping in mind the ethos of the international visitors in 2010,” the Emaar official said.

“Bookings started last year,” the Emaar official said. The prices of the apartments vary depending on the view. The homes facing the river are more expensive.

“The homes are priced from Rs.2 crore ($420,000) onwards, with the smallest ones being the two-bedroom apartments,” the Emaar official said, adding the booking down payments for the apartments to be sold by the company range from Rs.25 lakh to Rs.40 lakh.

Continued on page 47

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AMIT BAIJAL answers some frequently asked questions and provides solutions to your migration problems

I am Jagjit Singh, 28 years of age and am currently a student in a college in Brisbane on a Subclass 572 visa. My visa is due to expire in December 2009. I am about to complete my 1 year Diploma in Business and don’t want to study cookery, bakery or any trade course. Are there any options for me to do a professional course and still be eligible for 60 points for skills after completing my Diploma of Business?

Dear Jagjit,

It is important to note that student visas are aimed at achieving an educational outcome. While many overseas students make a decision to apply for permanent residence upon completing their studies, this is an entirely separate process and there is no guarantee that, on the basis of having held a student visa, a person will meet the requirements to be granted permanent residence. The criteria for grant of GSM visas can change in response to the changing economic circumstances of Australia. Students should not make educational choices solely on the basis of hoping to achieve a particular migration outcome, as the GSM program will continue to change and adapt to Australia’s economic needs. There are several options but each option needs to be evaluated in the right context. Currently there are a number of Non Trade Pathways that are available for international students who wish to apply for a permanent residency application upon their course completion. One pathway is illustrated in (e.g. India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh etc) it is a mandatory requirement that in order to lodge for a Student Visa application either onshore or offshore the minimum course of study for which

the visa is being lodged has to be at a level of Certificate IV or higher.

Due to this students who have completed a Diploma of Business and whose student visas are about to expire must also have at least evidence of enrolment for a course at a Certificate IV level or above when applying for a student visa. For instance you may combine an eCoE for a CERT III level course with an eCoE of cert IV level course and then lodge your application for a student visa.

There are several factors that affect the grant of a student visa and as such you should consult a Registered Migration Agent for a better understanding of your circumstances. Currently there are a number of Trade Pathways that are available for international students who wish to apply for a permanent residency application upon their course completion. One pathway is illustrated in Picture 2. However I must add

that receive large numbers of student visa applications.

The measures implemented with immediate effect include:

• Upgrading the interview program to confirm the genuineness of the applicant and to check financial capacity

• Removing or restricting eVisa access for some agents where there is evidence of fraud or inactivity

• Restricting access to eVisa for some segments of the case load if analysis demonstrates restricted access would allow for better control. Prospective students are encouraged to apply well before their intended course commences in Australia and to ensure their application is complete. Incomplete applications without all relevant documents can cause delays in processing an application. For students applying through eVisa from outside Australia, they can lodge their application up to three months before their course commences. For students lodging paper visa applications, they can lodge up to four months before their course commences. Where additional checks are required; the application is likely to take longer.

I am Aamir Syed from Melbourne, a recent graduate after having completed 2 years study in Australia consisting of 1 year Diploma of Salon Management + I year Cert III in Hairdressing. I am 26 years old, currently on a bridging visa A which is in effect as I have made an application for subclass 886 in September 2009, as my Uncle is a citizen of Australia. I have heard that recently some changes have come up which may affect the processing of my applications.

Dear Aamir,

The Minister has set priority processing arrangements. The changes take effect from 23 September 2009 and apply to applications lodged with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (the Department) on or after this date. The changes also apply to applications that had been lodged previously with the Department and have not been finalised. The changes apply to the following visas from 23 September 2009:

• Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)

• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS)

• General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas except for:

4. applications from people who are neither nominated nor sponsored but whose nominated occupation is listed on the CSL

5. applications from people who are nominated by a State/Territory government whose nominated occupation is not listed on the CSL

6. (i) applications from people whose occupations are listed on the Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL) and

(ii) Applications from people who are sponsored by family and whose nominated occupation is not listed on the CSL.

7. All other applications are to be processed in the order in which they are received.

For the Subclass 485 (Skilled – Graduate) visa the following processing priorities (with highest priority listed first) apply:

1. Applications from people who have completed an Australian Doctor of Philosophy (PHD) at an Australian educational institution in Australia.

2. Applications from people who have nominated an occupation on the CSL.

3. Applications from people who have completed an Australian Bachelor degree and Australian Masters degree at an Australian educational institution in Australia.

4. Applications from people who have completed an Australian Bachelor degree and Australian Honours degree (at least upper second class level) at an Australian educational institution in Australia.

5. Applications from people who have completed an Australian Bachelor degree or Australian Masters degree at an Australian educational institution in Australia.

6. All other valid applications are to be processed in the order in which they are received.

If you have applied for an onshore or offshore GSM visa and your nominated occupation is on the CSL, it is estimated that your application will be finalised within 12 months from your lodgement date.

If your nominated occupation is not on the CSL and you have applied for an offshore GSM visa or intend to apply for an offshore GSM before the end of 2009, it is unlikely that your visa will be finalised before the end of 2012.

On 20 August 2009, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship announced the strengthening of checks on student visa applications to prevent fraud and ensure students have the financial capacity to live and study in Australia.

As one of the measures to strengthen integrity, the department will be strengthening checks around parts of the student visa case load in India, Mauritius, Nepal, Brazil, Zimbabwe and Pakistan.

Australia’s student visa program supports the entry of genuine international students, for whom the department provides a convenient, efficient service. The targeted measures will address concerns around some elements within the student case load relating to document fraud, financial capacity and student bona fides. This approach is consistent with other countries

o Skilled – Recognised Graduate Subclass 476

o Skilled – Designated Area – Sponsored (Residence) Subclass 883

o Skilled – Regional Subclass 887.

Under the Ministerial Direction, the following processing priorities (with highest priority listed first) apply:

1. applications from people who are employer sponsored under the ENS and the RSMS

2. applications from people who are nominated by a State/Territory government and whose nominated occupation is listed on the Critical Skills List (CSL)

3. applications from people who are sponsored by family and whose nominated occupation is listed on the CSL

If your nominated occupation is not on the CSL and you applied for an onshore GSM visa or intend to apply for an onshore GSM before the end of 2009, it is unlikely that your visa will be finalised before the end of 2011.

Please note that individual circumstances may differ and the above information is generic in nature and it is strongly recommended that you speak to a registered migration agent prior to taking any decision based on the above information. Please visit MARA website for a list of Registered Migration Agents. www.mara.com.au

You may contact Amit Baijal for further information at amit@visainfo.com.au; Ph: 02 9233 3128 / 02 9231 2651 Level 9, Suite 3A, 428 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000

It’s millionaires and billionaires in Haryana polls

IN A YEAR when Haryana has got much less rainfall, it is raining millionaires and billionaires in the state’s electoral fray.

Over 50 percent of the candidates in the fray for the Oct 13 assembly elections are millionaires and the ruling Congress is leading the pack with 80 percent of its 90 candidates being millionaires and billionaires.

Even more startling are the figures of the 42 legislators in the previous assembly who are seeking re-election. Between the February 2005 and October 2009 elections, their assets have increased a whopping 388 percent at an average of Rs.4.8 crore. One legislator has recorded an increase of nearly 5,500 percent in assets in just over four years.

The figures have been arrived at by a survey of the contestants done by the NGOs, Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and National Election Watch (NEW).

At least 50 crorepati candidates have admitted to having assets worth millions but have failed to provide any income-tax permanent account number (PAN) - a must for all major financial dealings.

The ADR-NEW analysis, done from affidavits filed by the candidates, has found that the Congress has given the poll tickets to 72 millionaires and billionaires while the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) has a list of 56 crorepati candidates.

Other parties are not far behind - Haryana Janhit Congress (HJC) has 44 millionaires, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) 41 and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) 29.

The average assets of all candidates of the Congress are pegged at over Rs.5 crore while for the INLD and HJC candidates the averages are above Rs.3 crore each.

Millionaire candidates in the February 2005 assembly election were only 19 percent of the 983 contestants compared to over 50 percent millionaires among the 1,222 contestants this time.

HJC candidate Mohit for the Kosli assembly seat has assets of over Rs.93 crore while the richest Congress candidate is industrialist-businessman and former union minister Venod Kumar Sharma for the Ambala city seat with assets of Rs.87 crore.

One of the richest women in India, Savitri Jindal, who belongs to the Jindal Steel group family and is a Congress candidate for the Hisar seat, has assets of over Rs.43 crore.

Ajay Singh Chautala, son of former chief minister Om Prakash Chautala, has declared assets of over Rs.28 crore. He is contesting the Dabwali assembly seat. BJP candidate Abhimanyu (Narnaul seat) also has assets of over Rs.27 crore.

District-wise, the highest number of millionaires are from Faridabad (45), Gurgaon (37) and Hisar (37).

At the other end of the assets spectrum, Ram Niwas, Samast Bharatiya Party candidate for the Israna seat, has declared no assets at all.

Kailash Bhagat, INLD candidate for Kaithal, has declared assets of over Rs.63 crore but has liabilities of Rs.55 crore. Former MP and HJC president Kuldeep Bishnoi has declared assets of Rs.17 crore but has liabilities of Rs.12 crore.

NSG’s India exception can weaken NPT, says nonproliferation body

THE EXCEPTION THAT the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) has made for India

in allowing global nuclear trade and fuel commerce with it can weaken the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), says the International Commission on Nuclear NonProliferation and Disarmament (ICNND).

“There is a thinking that the India-US (civil nuclear cooperation) agreement would jeopardise the position of NPT,” Yoriko Kawaguchi, co-chair of International Commission on Nuclear Nonproliferation and Disarmament and former Japanese foreign minister, told reporters.

ICNND is a ‘track two’ initiative of Australia and Japan to redirect the global debate on disarmament and nonproliferation. It held a two-day South Asia regional meeting here, which was attended by experts from all the South Asian countries and abroad.

Gareth Evans, a former foreign minister of Australia and ICNND co-chair, pointed out that the India-US nuclear agreement, in the context of which the NSG last year granted an exception to the NPT non-signatory India, “did not necessarily fill our heart with joy”.

“India got the best deal. That’s true. But, not sure, if it was the best deal for the rest of us,” he said.

He felt that the deal was “too soft” as there wasn’t enough “quid pro quo by India” and conditions like signing the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) could have been imposed on New Delhi.

He felt that if there was a criteria-based approach to allowing nations to trade in nuclear technology, there would have been greater acceptance.

Evans, however, admitted: “India has an excellent non-proliferation record.”

On a query about the controversy in India about the success of the 1998 thermonuclear testing, Evans said the commission’s view was that “there should not be any more testing”.

“There is no need to increase size (of the bomb). There is enough deterrence in the world,” he said.

Flood situation easing in Karnataka, still grim in Andhra

RESPITE FROM RAINS improved the situation in flood-hit north Karnataka but surging waters from an overflowing Krishna river threatened to inundate coastal districts of Krishna and Guntur in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, senior officials said.

“The ground situation in the 10 worstaffected districts is improving as we had a break from torrential rains that battered the northern region for three-four days,” Karnataka disaster management authority member K.K. Pradeep told IANS. Though rescue and relief operations are on in the affected districts of Karnataka, flood waters and severe damage to roads and state highways are hampering movement of food and shelter material to the marooned villages and towns.

“The death toll remains at 170 as earlier in the day. But a total of 4,595 cattle head, including cows, bullocks, goats and sheep, have perished in flash floods and rain havoc,” state disaster management authority secretary H.V. Parashwanath said. According to reports from the affected districts, a total of 204,268 houses have collapsed across the region. The number of villages still reeling under the rain havoc has gone up to 1,467.

“We have set up 1,211 relief camps in 12 districts, including Davangere in central part of the state to provide shelter to 356,769 people. Besides gruel and food packets, we are distributing blankets and clothes to the homeless people,” Parashwanath said.

Inordinate delay in reaching relief materials - including food and drinking water - to several villages forced the affected people to turn violent and torch six government vehicles at Talamari, about 20 km from Raichur in north Karnataka.

In Andhra Pradesh, rumours about the Tungabhadra river dam at Hospet in Karnataka bursting caused panic in Mantralaya, forcing people to flee the temple town.

“The police and officials had tough time in spiking the rumours and restoring order in the town, where flood waters started receding,” a police official told IANS on phone.

Though the deaths in the three districts of Mahaboobnagar, Kurnool and Nalgonda went up to 33 from Saturday’s 26, the flood situation remained grim as three towns and about 200 villages in the worst-hit districts remained under water.

Dinesh Kumar, commissioner (disaster management), said 15 people were killed in Kurnool district while 13 died in Mahbubnagar. The remaining deaths were reported from Nalgonda, Guntur and Krishna districts.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah undertook an aerial survey of the affected districts and was monitoring the situation in Vijayawada and Guntur where thousands have been evacuated to safer places fearing submersion from the gushing Krishna waters.

“The administration has been put on high alert and people living in low-laying areas have been asked to shift to safer places, as heavy discharge of waters from Nagarjunasagar dam and Prakasam barrage are likely to submerge several villages in the next 12-24 hours,” a senior official said in Hyderabad. Most parts of Nandyal town in Kurnool district remained inundated due to the overflowing Kondu river.

The floods triggered by heavy rains under the influence of a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal inundated 400 villages and affected over 1.8 million people in five districts, rendering 400,000 people homeless and damaging thousands of houses. The floods also destroyed standing crops, civic infrastructure, electricity and telecom facilities and paralysed road and rail transport.

The water level at the Srisailam dam continued to be 10 feet above its capacity of 885 feet.

The state government has pressed eight Mi helicopters and six Chetak choppers of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in rescue and relief operations.

“About 22 tonnes of relief material consisting of foodgrain, blankets and medicines have been rushed to the affected areas so far,” the senior government official added.

Happy days are back for India’s realty industry

INDIA’S REALTY INDUSTRY is all set to be lit up this Diwali. The pointers: At least 12 public offerings, a slew of new projects and the return of private equity funds that had turned away proposals due to the global slowdown last year.

“After weathering the worst funds crisis for 18 months the realty sector has now started seeing inflow of capital and funds,” said Anuj Puri, the country head of leading global realty brokerage firm Jones Lang LaSalle-Meghraj.

“Sales are improving and private equity funds are coming back. With market sentiments getting bullish, prospects of fund-raising are even brighter. You can now see how every company is taking the QIP route to raise funds,” Puri told IANS.

QIP, or qualified institutional placement, is a tool to raise capital whereby a listed company issues equity shares, fully or partly convertible debentures or securities, instead of warrants, to institutional buyers. After losing almost 75 percent of its stock valuation last year, India’s realty sector has raised about $15 billion (Rs.750 billion/ Rs.75,000 crore) through routes like QIP in the past six months, analysts say.

Among the developers who have started mopping up funds over the past few months are the largest player in the industry, DLF Ltd, with $780 million, Unitech with $325 million and Indiabulls Real Estate with $550 million.

“Last year was really very painful. But this year the demand is improving. Buyers have started returning. We are expecting good sales this Diwali,” Rohtash Goel, chairman and managing director of Omaxe, told IANS.

Seeing the success of such companies and also sensing the return of buyers in the market after a year-long lull, 12 more realty firms have planned to enter the primary market over the next two-three months, analysts said.

“If a project is viable with realistic pricing and deadlines, there is no dearth of buyers,” said Red Fort Capital managing director Parry Singh. “Now that realtors are setting prices, things are improving,” Singh told IANS.

According to industry estimates, these companies, including Emaar MGF, Lodha Developers, Sahara Prime City and Ambience, are together expected to raise around $4-5 billion from the primary market.

Emaar MGF is hoping to raise $775 billion with an offer of of $11.7 million in shares. The Sahara group’s realty arm, Sahara Prime City, is eyeing a pie of $690 million while the Mumbai-based Lodha Developers has targeted $500 million.

This apart, Ambience, which has operations in the National Capital Region, has filed a draft prospectus for a $260-million offer, while Godrej Properties, BPTP, Oberoi Constructions and Nitesh Estates are also eyeing the primary market for funds. The bullish sentiments seem to have rubbed off on private equity funds as well, who are making a beeline for developers. Red Fort has picked up a 22-percent stake in Parsvnath La Tropicana, a high-end residential project in Delhi, for $25 million. Similarly, global investment fund IREO announced Sep 29 it would invest $2 billion to develop an integrated township with 20,000 flats in Gurgaon, adjacent to the national capital, and in an outsourcing and shopping hub, over seven-eight years. Apart from luring financiers, price corrections have also led to buyers returning to the market, even as the challenging times because of the slowdown led to the small and non-serious players closing shop or selling their businesses to bigger developers.

“The realty industry has finally learnt the lesson that it’s not freebies that attract buyers. If a project is on time, pricing is correct and the procedure transparent, buyers will always be there in the market,” said LaSalle’s Puri.

Seeing buyers, developers have started planning new projects -- evident from the number of advertisements that have started reapprearing in newspapers. Omaxe is set to launch four projects soon and Parsvnath recently launched three with more in the pipeline.

Said Parsvnath chairman and managing director Pradeep Jain: “In boom times, everybody turned a developer. But the

Continued on page 49

&

slowdown was the real test and it removed small and non-serious players from the market.”

India aims at energy partnership with US on Manmohan Singh visit

WITH THE US showing a better appreciation of India’s position on climate change, New Delhi hopes to have in place an energy partnership when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh comes on a state visit in November.

The ultimate objective is to “have some articulation and finalisation of institutional partnership in the field of energy, environment and climate change”, Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh said winding up his visit to the US.

“We are hoping that between now and November, we would be in a position to give operational content to many of these ideas. It would be reflected suitably in some statement after the two heads of state meet in November,” he said.

“India is a responsible player wanting a fair and equitable (climate change) agreement and prepared to play a leadership role in this regard, given its unique position in world affairs,” said Ramesh noting that “in the last month and a half, there has been a noticeable shift in narrative as far as India is concerned”.

“We have a long way to go,” he said. But “The fact that the US is saying emission cuts is not the only way for countries like India to reflect their domestic obligations internationally is a big step forward.”

The United States’ readiness to appreciate India’s actions taken unilaterally and voluntarily as part of a domestic legislative agenda is also a better appreciation of that today than may be a couple of months ago, he said.

“We have to take forward this dialogue. We will be in close touch with our American counterparts,” he said adding: “Today we have a better understanding of what the US is doing and certainly the US has a better understanding of what we are doing.”

Ramesh, who met US officials on climate change and several influential lawmakers, said: “The important thing is change in perception of India” in the US. During his visit to New York and Washington, Ramesh had two rounds of discussions with Todd Stern, special US envoy for climate change. He also met Energy Secretary Steven Chu, besides a number of lawmakers - John Kerry, chairman of Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Congressmen Edward Markey and Jim McDermott.

Cyber crime generates more money than drug trafficking

AND more people going online and social networking becoming pervasive, cyber crime now generates more money than drug trafficking, says global cyber security solutions provider Symantec.

“Cyber crime has surpassed drug trafficking as a criminal money-maker. Every three seconds, an identity is stolen worldwide,” Symantec consumer business unit vice-president for Asia-Pacific David Freer told IANS.

Cyber crime is perpetrated by hackers through a spate of attacks in the form of malware, spam, virus and bots when computers are connected to the Internet. Hackers use spyware, fake anti-virus applications, e-mail and phishing to trick netizens into parting with their personal data and even money.

“Phony e-mails, fake websites and online

advertisements trick netizens into divulging personal data such as social security and credit card numbers,” Freer said at a demo of Symantec’s Norton anti-virus 2010 product here.

The company’s latest Internet security product equips computers to fight cyber crime with new detection technology. Symantec’s data showed cyber criminals not only steal personal information such as identity, profile and credit card numbers but also sell it to the highest bidder on the online black market.

During the beta testing of Norton 2010, Symantec detected and blocked a whopping 245 million attempted malicious code attacks every month the world over in 2008.

“The increasing use of Internet and web for a plethora of services and applications has made computers vulnerable to malicious attacks,” Freer said. Convergence of information and communication technologies (ICT), globalisation and exponential growth of information have enabled transacting goods and services in the form of e-commerce and mobile commerce.

“The phenomenal growth of Internet traffic for mailing, surfing, browsing, social networking, buying or selling expose netizens to online thieves who will stop at nothing to steal anything, be it money, identity, signature and even names,” Symantec marketing head in Asia-Pacific David Hall said.

Though the $6.2-billion Symantec has been arming its customers and end-users with security solutions over the years, cyber criminals have been outsmarting them by hacking into computers to wreak havoc. Norton 2010 leverages a new model of security, code-named Quorum, to detect new malware and go beyond traditional signature and behaviour-based detection. Cyber criminals are furiously re-writing malware to stay undetected. But Quorum has been developed to track files, applications and attributes such as age, download source, digital signature and prevalence.

“These attributes are combined using complex algorithms to determine a reputation. As a file is distributed across the Internet and these attributes change, Quorum updates the reputation of the file, which is significant when a file is new and likely to be a threat,” Hall said.

As the third largest cyber country in Asia after China and Japan, India may become a soft target for cyber crime unless the government, industry, enterprises and netizens jointly wage the war against the underworld economy.

“Since cyber criminals destroy lives more than computers, we have raised the bar for Internet security and set a new standard for the industry. The new version empowers netizens to deny digital dangers for a safe online experience,” Hall claimed.

The Internet security version is priced at Rs.1,450 for a single licence and the antivirus version is Rs.1,125 for a single user.

We want to make Goa smoke free: Anti-tobacco group

DESPITE ITS REPUTATION as a leisurely, bohemian tourism destination, Goa has seen almost 70 percent implementation of the anti-smoking law and actions are being taken to make the state smoke free, an anti-tobacco lobbyist said.

“The state government and the antitobacco group are working in tandem to make Goa a smoke free state,” National Organisation for Tobacco Eradication (NOTE) general secretary Shekhar Salkar

told reporters.

NOTE has in the past dragged Bollywood heavyweights like Shahrukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan to court for allegedly promoting smoking through films and on television.

“The Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI) in its survey has already endorsed that the anti-smoking laws have been implemented up to 70 percent,” Salkar said.

“To make Goa a smoke free state, we need to raise the bar to 90 percent implementation,” he added.

VHAI is a pan-India NGO and operates as a federation of 27 state health associations bringing together under its umbrella 4,500 health and development agencies throughout the country.

The VHAI survey was carried out in Goa some weeks ago and the findings, Salkar said, were a shot in the arm for anti-smoking efforts put in by the state government and NOTE.

“By smoke free, we do not mean that smoking will not be allowed throughout Goa. It only means that the process of implantation of the anti-smoking law will be made more stringent,” Salkar said. Director of Health Services Rajnanda Desai, who heads the state level steering committee that monitors the implementation of anti-smoking regulations, said implementation was made easier by allotting the responsibility of enforcement to a cross section of society. “It is not government officials alone. Private hoteliers too can take action against offenders of the law,” Desai said. The state government has planned to strictly enforce the anti-smoking law in the popular beach shacks of Goa, which are thronged by tourists during the season.

“Tourists can smoke on the beach if they want to, but not in the shacks,” Salkar said.

Thekkady lake toll at 45

THE BODY OF 19-year-old Abhilash was recovered by navy divers from Kerala’s Thekkady lake, taking the toll from the boat capsize to 45, officials said. Abhilash was the last of those listed as missing after the boat tragedy in the lake in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

“The body of 19-year-old Abhilash from Hyderabad was recovered after it was found floating near the accident site. The navy is likely to call off their search operation soon,” Kumily Circle Inspector Anil Sreenivas told IANS.

Three bodies, including that of Abhilash’s 14-year-old sister Apoorva, were recovered. Their bodies would be transported to Hyderabad from Kochi later.

Sreenivas added that the state police intelligence department has confirmed that a couple from Mysore, who were reported to be in Thekkady but their whereabouts were not known, were back in their hometown.

The double-decker boat owned by the state-run Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) capsized recently. The dead include 14 from Tamil Nadu, 12 from Delhi, seven from Andhra Pradesh, five from West Bengal, three each from Karnataka and Kerala and one from Mumbai.

The double-decker fiberglass boat that capsized had been pressed into service just last month. Chief Boat Inspector M. Mathews had Friday given a clean chit to the boat and said it might have capsized because the driver made a sharp turn. The Crime Branch of the police, which is inquiring into the accident, is to submit its report to the government.

KTDC had suspended boat driver Victor Samuel and two other staff members. Samuel, who is convalescing in a hospital

near here, had said that he was not experienced enough to drive this new boat. The state government has already announced that they would initiate a judicial probe into the incident by a sitting judge.

UN issues stamp to honour Gandhi

THE UNITED NATIONS has released a one-dollar colourful postal stamp of Mahatma Gandhi to commemorate the 140th birth anniversary of the apostle of peace observed as the International Day of Non-violence.

The stamp, released by the UN Postal Administration, the world body’s postal agency, has been designed by Miami-based artist Ferdie Pacheco, with the Father of the Nation in red, blue and gold.

First Day Covers marked with the stamp and the United Nations’ seal were also put on sale.

A successful pharmacist and doctor, who has worked as a corner man for 12 world champions, including Muhammad Ali, Pacheco has also served as a commentator for NBC and won two Emmy awards. The artist was represented by his daughter Tina and granddaughter Alexis.

Several UN envoys, present at a function organised by the Indian mission to celebrate his 140th birth anniversary, reiterated the influence of Mahatma Gandhi’s life.

“In many ways, Mahatma Gandhi previsioned the UN. Much of the work that we do in the area of human rights owes its genesis in the struggle against racial discrimination, which he focused on,” said Hardeep Puri, India’s permanent representative to the UN.

Paying tribute to Gandhi, US envoy to the UN Susan Rice said, “Gandhi had influenced millions of Americans. Gandhi believed that physical force could be turned aside by moral forces.”

All over New York City, small and big events were organised to mark the occassion. In the morning, New Yorkers gathered to sing Gandhi’s favourite songs and paid floral tribute at his statue at Union Square in Manhattan.

“Gandhi has to be celebrated all over the world because his message echoes around the globe,” said Prabhu Dayal, the consul general of India in New York.

Mayawati on anticorruption drive to re-build image

UTTAR PRADESH CHIEF Minister Mayawati will soon launch an anticorruption drive against “top corrupt” officials across the state in a move to burnish her image as a tough and nononsense leader, say sources close to her.

A vigilance raid was conducted against a senior official of the rank of joint trade tax commissioner in Ghaziabad. The move is expected to be carried out against other senior bureaucrats reported to be living beyond their means.

This follows a review held by Mayawati last month of the state’s different investigation agencies during which she told the top brass of these organisations to pull up their socks and reactivate their machinery to become meaningful and effective once again.

The state’s vigilance department, alleged to have become a dumping ground for “unwanted” officers, has been put under the charge of a highly reputed police official - Additional Director General Atul (he goes by only one name). Atul, who was appointed a week ago, has been allowed to

Continued on page 51

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handpick his team of subordinates. The vigilance department is in the process of preparing a list of the “top corrupt” officials in different government organisations and departments, the source said.

“The chief minister is set to bring about qualitative improvement in the state’s governance, which was suffering largely on account of corrupt officials in the hierarchy,” the source said, adding, “More raids will follow in due course.”

The Mayawati government’s decision to spend a whopping Rs 2,600 crore public money for constructing memorials of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) founder Kanshi Ram and other Dalit leaders in Lucknow city has come in for criticism from all quarters. The case will come up for scrutiny before a special bench of the apex court. The BSP boss is understood to have directed her key functionaries to zero in on all officials who have held long stints in “lucrative organizations”.

The vigilance department has also been asked to expedite all pending inquiries, while punitive action was being ordered in cases where reports have been submitted to the government.

“We would be able to easily identify those whose assets were well beyond their legitimate sources of income. Once that is done, a systematic crackdown will follow,” the source said.

Action is being contemplated largely at the higher levels to send the message loud and clear “the chief minister means business”.

India rejects OIC move to appoint Kashmir envoy

INDIA HAS CONDEMNED the “regrettable” move by the Organisation of

Islamic Conference (OIC) to name a special envoy for Kashmir, saying it has no locus standi in India’s internal affairs.

“It is regrettable that the OIC has commented on India’s internal affairs. We condemn and reject this,” the external affairs ministry said here.

“Inherent in OIC’s statements and actions on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir is a complete inability to understand India’s position,” it said in a statement.

Asserting that “Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India”, it said: “It is our firm position that the OIC has no locus standi in matters concerning India’s internal affairs.”

In a step believed to be influenced by Pakistan, the OIC, which promotes Muslim solidarity in political, social and economic matters, appointed Saudi Arabian Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman as special envoy to Kashmir last week.

This is the first time the OIC, which routinely issues resolutions on Kashmir, has taken a decision of this kind.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chairperson of Jammu and Kashmir’s separatist All Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC), has welcomed the move.

“We believe the OIC appointing a special envoy on Kashmir is a significant development. We want Muslim countries to use their good offices to persuade India to work on Kashmir,” he told a ‘contact group’ of OIC in Washington.

107 low-floor buses flagged off in Delhi

DELHI CHIEF MINISTER Sheila Dikshit Sunday flagged off 107 low-floor buses, including 30 air conditioned ones, in the capital. With these, the total number of low-floor buses plying on the roads of the capital has gone up to 763.

Garlanded and flashing words of welcome for the upcoming Commonwealth Games next year, the buses were lined up near India Gate where the chief minister flagged them off and took a ride in one of the cherry red coloured air conditioned buses.

“With the commissioning of 3,500 lowfloor buses by March 2010, much before commencement of the Commonwealth Games, Delhi will become the city with highest number of CNG low-floor buses,” Dikshit said.

“It will also help in providing a reliable, modern and secure public transport in the capital city as well as change the entire scenario of the public transport system,” she added.

The entire fleet of Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses constitute 3,559 buses, including 631 non-AC and 25 AC low-floor CNG buses and 2,903 standard floor buses.

Dikshit also said that some of these buses could be used for visitors to show them around Delhi.

Delhi Transport Minister Aravinder Singh Lovely added that a special training programme is going on to give DTC drivers tips on etiquette.

Court asks government on status of people awaiting deportation

EXPRESSING CONCERN over the status and living conditions of foreigners, many of them Pakistanis, detained in camps for years, the Delhi High Court has asked the central government to explain why these people have not been deported to their own countries.

Counsel Arvind Nigam told a bench of Chief Justice Ajit Prakash Shah and Justice

Manmohan, that many foreign nationals have been languishing in Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) camps since 2006 and no effort has been made by the government to deport them back to their country.

“Some people have been there for 2-3 years without any detention order,” Nigam told the court. The exact number of people detained in these camps is not known. Government counsel Zubeda Begum said some of the people have been detained for security reasons.

To this, the court said: “You (government) must detain the person with appropriate legal order.”

The court also asked the government counsel whether any exchange of detainees has taken place between India and Pakistan. The petition says that many of the foreign nationals in the camps are Pakistanis. “Provide us with the figures as to how many such exchange of prisoners took place (between India and Pakistan). We just can’t turn a blind eye to the people who are suffering because of (lack of) diplomatic relations,” the bench said.

The court asked the government counsel to consult the union home secretary and file a detailed affidavit as to what is the present status of all the foreigners living in camps by the next date of hearing.

Last year, 11 detainees wrote a letter to the chief justice complaining about the poor standards of living in deportation camps. They said the camps faced perennial shortage of drinking water and quality of food served was also poor.

The court took the letter as a public interest litigation and initiated legal proceedings.

Source: Indo Asian News Service

Jermaine Jackson (R), elder brother of the late pop icon Michael Jackson arrives in Mumbai, India, and is received by singer - composer Adnan Sami (L). Jermaine is on a 10-day visit to India, and will collaborate with Adnan Sami to release a new album. A song will also be dedicated to Mumbai city as a sign of tribute to the place that hosted Michael Jackson back in 1996. (AP Photo)

Pooja Kohli

Dooriyaan, Jai Ho, but alltime favourites would be Dil to Pagal Hai and Salaam Namaste

Fav actor Saif Ali Khan, Sushmita Sen and Angelina Jolie

Latest movie Love Aajkal and Life Partner

I love Myself, my family and my friends

I hate Double standards and arrogance among people Fashion Whatever makes me feel comfortable….

Sport Love watching cricket and lawn tennis……but too lazy to play

Fav food Indian and Thai

Fav quotable quote “Love life and trust life process”

My favorite Indian Link moment When I received my first call from a listener saying “You have a great voice and you will go a long way”.

I would most like to interview Sushmita Sen and Barrack Obama

Tune in to Pooja on Monday evenings on Drive Time 4pm to 7pm. It’s non-stop chatter (gossip, fashion, beauty and health tips) and a music play list filled with ‘can’t-stop-moving’ kind of numbers!

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Maths and Monty

CHITRA

SUDARSHAN

reviews two books with different themes, which chronicle the apex of two young lives

The focus this month in our book column is on a biography and an autobiography: the former by a renowned American biographer David Leavitt, and the latter an autobiography by the British-Indian cricketer Monty Panesar. The life of the extraordinarily gifted and precocious Indian mathematician of the twentieth century Srinivasa Ramanujan is the stuff of legends, and has attracted the attention of several biographers. The latest, by the American David Leavitt, focuses on the strange friendship between this young Indian and G H Hardy, who was already considered one of the greatest mathematicians of his time and was teaching at Cambridge. Ramanujan was a self-taught mathematical prodigy who had been working as a clerk in Madras, and who would turn out to be one of the great mathematical minds of the twentieth century - before dying at the very young age of 37 in 1920.

The book begins with Hardy receiving a ninepage letter filled with prime number theorems from S. Ramanujan, a young accounts clerk in Madras in 1913. Intrigued, Hardy consults his colleague and collaborator, J.E.

Littlewood and the two soon decide that Ramanujan is a mathematical genius and that he should be brought to Cambridge to work with them. Hardy recruits the young, eager don, Eric Neville, and his wife, Alice, to travel to India and expedite Ramanujan’s arrival. Although ultimately the move would prove disastrous for the young Indian clerk, the men set to work on proving the Riemann Hypothesis, one of mathematics’ great unsolved problems.

The novel is based on the remarkable true story of their friendship, spans several decades and continents, and is populated with luminaries such as D H Lawrence, Bertrand Russell, Lytton Strachey and Wittgenstein. World War I looms, Ramanujan is plagued by ailments and obstacles – yet he comes to renown as the “Hindu Calculator”. Leavitt takes this amazing slice of history and builds it into a riveting story in The Indian Clerk: he had said elsewhere that the book was 70% truth and 30% imagination. Mathematicians will relish this book, but the author renders complex mathematics in a clear and lucid manner that non-mathematicians would not find it daunting. In the end, the focus is on the perennial human quest for knowledge, and the quest for the self: and how the two are often intertwined.

Monty’s Turn is the autobiography of Monty Panesar (written with Richard Hobson), who shot to fame as the electrifying spin bowler in the England cricket team – hard though it is to believe only - in 2006. Within a few years he has achieved a cult status and has

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been feted as the best spin bowler to emerge from Britain in the last 30 years. One might ask if three years in the spotlight is enough reason to write an autobiography: I suppose the answer is that if one is going to publish an autobiography, it might as well be done at the height of one’s fame rather than during the sunset of one’s career. This way, there is a good chance of the book selling well and eliciting interest.

Cricket lovers will lap up what the book has to offer, as it is full of anecdotes from the

young cricketer’s short but interesting life in test and one-day cricket, especially his rise to fame through his dedicated application of his talent; tours of India, Australia and New Zealand; his meetings with cricket’s greats who were once his childhood heroes. Others will find in it an example of how a first generation young Sikh has been able to achieve success in the UK by dint of hard work and perseverance. Whatever it is the reader is looking for, there is something in there for everyone.

Simple charms of Gandhi’s khadi

Khadi is experiencing a revolutionary revival, discovers SHWETA SIROHI GUPTA, as she traces its journey into contemporary couture

Many decades ago in India, a skeletal, bare-chested man sat behind a spinning wheel and spun khadi, a fabric that not just nurtured a revolution, but zealously popularised the cloth and its use during the freedom struggle. Post Independence, the country’s freedom fabric witnessed a diffused phase where khadi was sold only in deficiently run, shabby, dim government stores. It was also tagged as ‘uncool’ as young Indians appreciated lycra and polyester fabrics, whereas khadi became something only worn by politicians, hence boring. As Indian politics started shaking hands with indignity and sleaze, there was also a phase where khadi was looked down as the cloth of corruption, leave alone setting the fashion bazaar ablaze.

However, things started to change around a decade ago, and for the better, when a handful of fashion designers, resolute buzzcreators and socialites thought ‘off-beat’, and determined it was time to reinvent the spinning wheel and revive the thrill of humble khadi. It was time for khadi Khadi inspired fashion shows were held in five-star hotels, khadi boutiques were opened, and India’s top designers were called in to make it hip. As the popularity of organic fabrics grew, khadi came into the limelight once again. Nowadays khadi is considered chic, thanks to its environment friendly properties and handcrafted texture. Youngsters love it because it is a no fuss, wearable fabric, and very easy to maintain. It falls well and becomes second skin after two washes. It breathes, it has a self-texture. And being a breathable and comfortable fabric, khadi has several distinct characteristics. It has a very rustic feel infused with a modern sensibility and one can play with it in different concepts. Every process of its formation is handcrafted and hand-spun, and this human touch at every stage of its weaving makes it exclusive and high-end. It gives more breathing space to the body and has a unique thermal effect, which lends greater warmth in winter and cooling in summer. What more can you ask for?

The beautiful textured fabric has been accepted not only nationwide but worldwide by international designers as well. Leading

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designers like Rohit Bal, Jatin Kochchar, Malini Ramani, Bhavna Thareja and upmarket clothes brands like Fabindia and Anokhi have given an elite consciousness to the fabric. Rohit Bal sells his khadi line in his store ‘Balance’ in New Delhi. Designer duo Parvesh and Jai recently showcased their collection inspired by the theme Diana meets Gandhi, where the duo presented how a Princess gets fascinated by the Gandhian way of non-violence, simple living and high thinking and in her journey, she transforms her dressing from free-flowing chiffons and georgettes to organic cotton. The same collection also showcased in Paris, Milan and Rio. “We imagined how Diana met Gandhi and was inspired by things that he epitomized, especially khadi weaving,” says the duo. Popular designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee is the latest designer to join the khadi bandwagon. Mukherjee is well aware that celebrating the timeless appeal of India’s national cloth means getting the message across to India’s biggest media outlet - Bollywood. He has dressed Aishwarya Rai in homespun for two films currently in production, Ravana and Guzaarish, and Vidya Balan in Paa which is due to be released soon.

Mumbai-based designer Sangita Sinh Kathiwada has worked with khadi for over a decade to make it India’s ‘cool and contemporary fashion statement’. She holds khadi workshops every summer, where aspiring fashion students learn how to spin

and weave by hand. When she sells her khadi line to Bombay’s rich and famous, she tells them that they will not only look like a dream, but also support a weaver in the village. Young designers Ashish Parikh, Amrish Kumar, Nisha Jamvwal, Nida Mahmood, Vijay Lakshmi Dogra are all inspired by the fascinating fabric and more then excited to base their creations upon khadi. They have implicated surface ornamentation, layering and embroidery with khadi, turning it into a chic and beautifully cut ready-to-wear garment. Designers and fashion watchers in India also insist that the best khadi can compete with the famed Egyptian cotton. Apart from being the king of the wardrobe, khadi has also become a lifestyle product. It is used to make durries, gaddas, upholstery, cushions, bags, mats, bedsheets, and curtains. Its inherent toughness ensures that it doesn’t wear down easily.

Khadi’s journey from its eventful birth as the fabric favoured by revolutionaries, to designer boutiques and elite consciousness has been an exciting one. While designers sing praises to the versatility of the fabric, wearers swear by its practicality and comfort. Khadi is a big job creator for weavers in Indian villages, as it is labourintensive work. It is both an emotional and economic cause for India. With more than hundred million meters of khadi cotton, silk and wool cloth produced every year, khadi continues to be the glam garb. Khadi is the way we keep Gandhi’s dream alive.

“I see God in every thread that I draw on the spinning wheel.”

Mahatma Gandhi, 1926

Every process of its formation is handcrafted and hand-spun, and this human touch at every stage of its weaving makes it exclusive and high-end

With more than hundred million meters of khadi cotton, silk and wool cloth produced every year, khadi continues to be the glam garb

The beauty of giving

not all people responded in the same way. The study showed that people whose brain reacted more to being given money, were less willing to make donations.

Let’s face it, giving doesn’t come naturally to us. Babies first learn to grasp, then we grow up and fight over toys, clothes, magazines, DVDs, girls and boys. All major conflicts in our early life are over owning and possessing. We are greedy by nature, we steal for pleasure, we are happy getting things for free.

The question is – when and how do we learn to give? What drives us to part with money and resources and help people whom we will probably never know? How do we cease to be selfish for a while and become selfless? Is the act of charity what really makes us human?

An experienced researcher says, “I believe that human motivation to give is rooted in their desire to find meaning through community, not the hope that doing so will benefit them. The motivations of each individual giver are, of course, unique. But just as we eat to satisfy our desire to live, we give to satisfy our desire for meaning.”

Along with such anthropological observations, there have been some studies more scientific in approach. The Chicago Tribune reports that a study, which scanned the brains of volunteers as they donated money to a food bank, showed that the pleasure centers of the brain were activated by the act of giving. Even more interesting,

On a more emotional and probably easy to understand level, an expert says, “Giving is a part of human nature. That’s why when we do it, we enjoy the process so much. We enjoy seeing the other person smile; we enjoy helping someone else in some small way.”

Whatever the reasons may be, the fact is that charity is certainly a ‘feel-good’ thing to do. First, let us try to understand charity. Most schools of thought agree that charity simply has to be a selfless act, with no expectation of any kind. Here is one thought: “When you give simply from the heart you are saying – to the universe and your higher powers - that you truly care and want to share what you have. You are also sending out energy that others pick up, communicated by the selfless act of giving. You also say that you don’t care if you don’t get anything in return. You don’t care if no-one notices or if no-one thanks you. After all that’s not why you are doing it.” Whether we expect anything in return or not, the ‘what goes around, comes around’ principal takes care of it. An expert says, “Charity comes in all shapes and sizes and doesn’t necessarily mean money. You can give your time, labor, knowledge, and (of course) money. When you give away any of these things, it’s human nature to reciprocate with something, and that something is usually worth far more to you than what you gave in the first place.”

I think that is where the crux of the matter lies. The beauty of charity is in its equal

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rewards to both, recipient and giver. And in its ability to perpetuate.

For example, giving $30 a month may not require any serious sacrifice on your part. But donated towards a child’s education in a poor country, the same amount means the world of a difference at the other end. It liberates a suppressed soul, wakes up a dormant mind and gives the world one more individual who can contribute to society with skills and education.

What follows is you receive a handwritten greeting card from the child you have sponsored, and you have every reason to feel special and quietly acknowledge the fact that you are being a good citizen. You feel empowered, and compassion becomes a more integral part of your nature.

Years later, when the child sponsored by you finishes his education, the world is richer by one more person who is most likely to give back to society. We have another ‘giver’ who already knows what it

is like to receive. Someone who will give, naturally and regularly. Someone who will inculcate the same values in his/her children.

And to think it all started with you sparing a dollar a day.

We may not understand it, but there is a reason why almost everyone who donates regularly is a happy, content soul. I have spoken to volunteers and each one of them actually believes that they get more than what they give. We all need something that is missing from our lives. And when money, books, clothes and medicines are not an issue, maybe it’s the feeling that you have made a difference to someone’s life. A small act of charity has the power to create a stronger individual who knows the real value of things. Who believes in sharing, who has taken his blinkers off and stepped out of his silo to be one with the world. You can argue that the donor is, in fact, the bigger beneficiary.

SUNIL GAUTAM enumerates on the concept of giving, and its implications on human life

Siva and Joanna Lovell

Enjoying Eid

The concept of Indian Muslims celebrating Eid with their non-Muslim compatriots is a natural and indeed, expected one, says RUCHI

LAMBA

Eid Ul Fitr – a joyous Muslim festival celebrated all over the world is generally a private affair in countries like the United States and Australia. Unlike Christmas and its rampant commercialized festivities, the fasting period of Ramadan and the festival of Eid recently went by and unless you are a Muslim, or have close Muslim friends, you probably didn’t even notice it. You may not have known that for most of September, millions of people around the world were waking up before dawn to eat an early meal which lasted them until sunset. You may not have known that they were gathering every evening at sunset to pray and break the fast together in a ceremony called an Iftar. And then on September 20, they held special congregational prayers in mosques. They wore new clothes, decorated their homes, gave and received gifts and feasted on the first daytime meal since the beginning of the Ramadan fast.

But if you were one of the nonMuslim Australians that did join in the Eid festivities, you probably did with an Indian. There is something about being an Indian Muslim that makes you friendlier and more willing to share their religious and cultural beliefs. Indian Muslims don’t feel threatened if a Hindu joins them at

the evening Iftar because somehow, the ties of brotherhood and love between them are stronger when they are in Australia. Festivals like Eid in India are a public affair and celebrated openly just like Diwali or Christmas. Sweets and other delicious festival dishes are shared with neighbours, whether they are Muslim or not.

Sure, there are individual Hindus or Muslims that might not be open-minded enough to share this kind of secularity in their religious holidays, but I believe those are rare.

The essence of Eid ul Fitr contains a theme that is universal – to be thankful for all the blessings that God has given us and that we take for granted. It is a reminder that we all have the same need at a deeper level - the need to receive God’s grace. It is an idea that is not unique to Islam, and it is best explained by an articulate Muslim friend of mine, Farida Akram.

“The exertion and struggling in the month of Ramadan is not to focus on how bad one is or earn our way to heaven, but to focus on the reality of God, His attributes, our need of Him,” she says.

Thus, all the acts of charity and successfully striving in the month of Ramadan are seen and recognized by Muslims as God’s grace upon His creation. And the end of Ramadan is a time of giving thanks for these acts of service and recognizing the many blessings we have taken for granted throughout the year. With this acknowledgement and recognition, Muslims continue in that spirit to take what was learned in Ramadan, forward.

Universal ideas like this are so beautiful and timeless, that it is nothing but a crying shame that Muslims find it difficult to talk about love and God so openly in westernized countries such as the United States, United Kingdom and Australia.

Eid is a festival that can be very easily celebrated in Australia with great joy. And we could all use some neighbourly love and understanding. Trust and generosity. Empathy and kindness. These are universal values and we can all learn to embellish them in our lives, no matter what religion we follow.

My greeting might be a little belated –but the meaning is not.

Eid Mubarak everyone!

Indian Muslims don’t feel threatened if a Hindu joins them at the evening Iftar because somehow, the ties of brotherhood and love between them are stronger when they are in Australia

Healing with honey

FARZANA SHAKIR lists the properties of one of nature’s most resilient and therapeutic natural foods

The preventive and curative medicinal qualities of honey have been widely recognised by every culture and civilization since ancient times. In its purest form it is regarded as the most complete food in the world. Honey is the only natural food source that contains twenty-two nutrients, multivitamins and antibiotic properties.

Research has proven that honey can cure most diseases, and scientists have begun to accept it as an effective medicine for all kinds of diseases. A big plus is that it can be used without any side effects to treat a myriad of conditions. Here is a list of some of the more commonly known maladies that can be controlled and healed by regular use of honey.

HEART DISEASE

Honey reduces cholesterol in the arteries. Eaten regularly for breakfast, it can save a patient from heart attack. It also works wonders for those who have already had an attack since daily intake at breakfast will prevent them from having another one. Honey strengthens the heartbeat and relieves the symptoms of shortness of breath. As you age, arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged. Many nursing homes have treated patients successfully, finding that honey revitalizes the veins and arteries.

DIABETES

Sugar is referred to as a dead and lifeless food with no nutritional value. Its consumption is regarded as hazardous and fatal for diabetic patients but scientists believe that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients.

ARTHRITIS

Chronic arthritis can be cured by taking two spoons of honey in a cup of hot water, morning and night. One research study found that when doctors treated patients with a mixture of one tablespoon honey and half teaspoon cinnamon powder before breakfast for a week, of the 200

people treated, 73 were totally relieved of pain, and within a month, all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis, began walking without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS

Honey destroys infection-causing bacteria in the bladder to relieve irritation and pain. For effective relief, mix two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink.

TOOTHACHE

A combination of honey and cinnamon has proven effective in treating toothache. Make a paste of one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and five teaspoons of honey and apply on the aching tooth at least three times a day until the tooth stops hurting.

CHOLESTEROL

Given to a cholesterol patient, honey was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. When taken three times a day, it is capable of curing chronic cholesterol. Pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of high cholesterol.

COLDS AND FLU

Those suffering from common or severe colds are advised to take one tablespoon of warm honey daily as this cures most chronic coughs and colds and clears up the sinuses. Many pharmaceutical companies make use of the healing powers of honey and base their cold and cough syrups on it. Scientists have proven that honey contains a natural ingredient which kills influenza germs and guards the patient against flu.

STOMACH AILMENTS

Honey is the mildest and easiest to digest of foods. It is readily accepted by the body, even by those suffering from digestion problems. Honey cures stomach aches and clears stomach ulcers from their roots. According to studies conducted in India and Japan, it relieves the stomach of gas. Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.

IMMUNE SYSTEM

Daily use of honey fortifies the immune

system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Honey contains various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles. Its natural antibacterial and anti-microbial properties assist in fighting diseases.

LONGEVITY

A low calorie health food such as honey, if taken regularly, prolongs life and slows down the ageing process. It keeps the skin fresh and soft as it has the ability to renew skin cells and moisturizes it. Honey has the same level of antioxidants as some fruits and vegetables and so it prevents the development of free radicals that can damage the body.

PIMPLES

Applying a paste of honey and cinnamon to pimples overnight and washing off in the morning with warm water is thought to remove pimples from the roots.

SKIN INFECTION

Honey is used to fight many skin and

dermal infections. It is also used as a first aid to treat burns and wounds. Applying honey on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and other skin infections.

WEIGHT LOSS

Boil honey and cinnamon powder in a cup of water and drink before breakfast on an empty stomach and at night before sleeping. This helps in losing weight and if taken regularly will not allow the accumulation of fat in the body.

Apart from these, honey has also been proven to reduce fatigue, manage bad breath, treat ear infections, maintain blood sugar levels, improve endurance in athletes, boost fertility and treat eye infections. And these are just some areas in which research has already been done, but honey is under continual scrutiny by scientists and more useful cures are being discovered every day.

(This article is not intended as advice. Consult your doctor before adopting the practices listed)

Research has proven that honey can cure most diseases, and scientists have begun to accept it as an effective medicine for all kinds of diseases

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An Amazing Bush

Indian Link September 2) we read about the crash of a Stinson airliner in the McPherson Ranges, near the NSW Queensland border in February 1937, and of the genius of an outstanding bushman, Bernard O’Reilly, who single-handedly found the wreckage and its two survivors, 600 kilometres north of where a huge search had been made, on the faulty assumption that the plane had crashed near Sydney.)

Typically for an Aussie bushman, the first priority after finding the two survivors, Proud and Binstead, was to boil the billy for a cup of tea.

They told O’Reilly of Captain Boyden’s great skill in trying to angle the stricken plane to land among the trees. It did, in fact, hit the great tree which O’Reilly had used as his guide, 20 metres above the ground, and the wreckage crashed to earth. After escaping from the burning wreck, the three survivors were initially confident that they would be rescued “within 24 hours at the most”.

They knew nothing of the confusion that led to the massive but pointless search being conducted and finally abandoned, 600 kilometres south of where they actually were.

The young Englishman, Jim Westray, must have had some premonition that they would not be found soon. A keen sportsman and outdoorsman, he valiantly set off to find help. Meanwhile, Binstead did his best to bandage and splint Proud’s badly broken leg, and went in search of water. It was to be found some three hundred metres away, down the almost perpendicular mountainside. No longer a young man, Binstead made this hazardous trip many times over the ensuing days. His efforts no doubt kept him and his companion alive. Each journey took up to five hours!

Far below, the two men could see clearings which signalled civilisation, and as the days and nights went by, they began to realise that something must have happened to young Westray. To add to their misery, they frequently saw and heard planes flying overhead, on their Brisbane – Sydney routes. On the Saturday before O’Reilly found them, they saw a small plane circle overhead for some minutes, but without seeing them.

Interestingly, the young pilot, Frank Buchanan, had chartered this plane at his own expense, with the same idea as Bernard O’Reilly himself had had. If the wreckage had been visible from the air, he could well have found it first.

O’Reilly now faced a further dilemma. Having found the two men (there was still no sign of Westray), what would he now do? It would take him at least five days to return to his home and then bring back the medical help which both men needed urgently.

Although O’Reilly knew that there were settlements “as the crow flies”, but getting through the rugged terrain quickly enough would be difficult for him and impossible

for Proud and Binstead. Indeed, O’Reilly feared that for the badly injured Proud, with his gangrenous, broken leg, it was already too late.

The accomplished bushman that he was, O’Reilly made a quick, firm decision: he would make a forced march to reach a settlement by the quickest possible route. He gave his woollen jacket to Binstead, took a last glance at his map (an encumbrance, since he knew exactly where he was) and, because it was glossy paper on canvas, gave it to the two men to use as a rain-cover.

He left them with the words: “I’ll bring back a doctor and 100 men!”, and headed

days before. Soon he found Westray’s tracks deep in the leaf-mould on the forest floor, and followed them, convinced that the young Englishman had done the correct thing following running water.

O’Reilly soon came to a waterfall, blocked by matted vegetation down a cliffface which Westray had tried to descend. A tangled mess of torn-out bush-lilies told him what had happened. Westray had fallen down the cliff. Eventually, and to his surprise, he saw Westray sitting with his back against a large rock. The English lad would never respond to O’Reilly’s cheery “Hello!” He was quite dead, with a smashed ankle and a bloody face. On the rock beside him lay Proud’s silver cigarette case, and in his wallet was more than enough money to buy comfort and safety in different circumstances.

His heart heavy, O’Reilly focused on his duty to the living. In Green Mountains, he writes “So I ran off and left Jim Westray. Time will never remove that picture of him, sitting with his back to the rock.”

After stumbling and running for what seemed like many miles, O’Reilly found himself on a bush track and suddenly

heard the sound of a rifle shot. O’Reilly had encountered a young man called Buchanan out shooting flying-foxes, who was astounded at O’Reilly’s news that he had found two men still alive in the crashed plane.

The quick thinking young Buchanan gathered in his two horses and, by then in darkness, he and O’Reilly headed for the nearest farmhouse, where, were a truck, a telephone, and perhaps most precious of all, the owner John Buchanan, who knew the Lamington Plateau better than any living man.

O’Reilly first telephoned Airlines of Australia, who authorised him to organise the rescue as he saw fit. In five minutes, an action plan was developed and put into action. John Buchanan took every available man up onto an open ridgeline and began cutting a track up the slope towards the wreck, so that the two men could be stretchered out.

O’Reilly himself led another party, including a doctor and several locals, carrying medical supplies and food and water, by the fastest and most direct route to the survivors. With no time to lose, and although himself exhausted, O’Reilly insisted on leaving while it was still dark.

Concluding this feature, GRAHAM SIMS recounts the daring rescue of the survivors by a brave and determined bushman

Words Ibusam estiorum ea eumquosant laborpos samustoreMaed in sesilis. Mist fuius mor

From all over the district, an army of men (and women) took up the call, either to help build the track, to bring food and drink, or to assist with nursing and first aid

Rescue PART TWO

Reverently, the group stopped at poor young Westray’s body, and buried him in a grove of trees, where he still lies.

O’Reilly and his loyal mate, Bob Stephens, reached the two survivors first, and gave them nourishment as directed by Dr Lawler, who arrived with the rest of the party somewhat later. Incredibly, the doctor expressed confidence that Proud’s gangrenous and broken leg could be saved. In the meantime, the “road gang” made amazing progress, often in the dark, in cutting a track through to the injured men. From all over the district, an army of men (and women) took up the call, either to help

build the track, to bring food and drink, or to assist with nursing and first aid. When, incredibly, the work was done, strong men lifted Proud’s and Binstead’s stretchers, and began their long trek through the rainforest. Among the many folk they met along the way back home were most of O’Reilly’s family, who had come to lend a hand.

Eleven hours after their journey “home” had begun, John Proud and Joe Binstead were placed in an ambulance, on their way to hospital and eventual recovery.

One of Bernard O’Reilly’s sad but important meetings was with the brothers of the deceased pilot, Captain Boyden, and with the parents of the ill-fated Jim Westray. O’Reilly considered both men to be of the finest type.

In 1988, the ABC and the Australian Film Commission produced a docudrama, called The Search for the Stinson, which starred Jack Thompson as Bernard O’Reilly.

It was, as I recall, an excellent and factually very accurate portrayal of these events of over 70 years ago. The O’Reilly’s guest-house still exists, high in his beloved Green Mountains, the family tradition of bush hospitality still maintained. Bernard O’Reilly served with the Australian Infantry Forces in World War II. Apart from his books about the Australian bush, he was a published scholar on Catholicism. He died, aged 72, in Queensland in 1975.

(O’Reilly) left them with the words: “I’ll bring back a doctor and 100 men!”, and headed up the gorge, taking the same route he supposed young Westray had taken some days before

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Peace message through music

Aziz Mian Qawal, John Denver, Stevie Wonder, David Foster and Arif Mardin. He grew up listening to singer/songwriters such as Van Morrison, John Denver, Cat Stevens, and also was influenced by West Coast hip hop.

Singer, composer, performer and recording artist - Mahmood Khan is all of these and more. Mahmood is gaining increasing popularity worldwide for his advocacy of peace, and his trip to Sydney is a statement of his attempt to achieve global harmony.

Born in Pakistan, Mahmood was raised by his parents who moved from India after the war. He started writing music at an early age, drawing inspiration from his surroundings, and family and friends. As he grew older, he felt the need to move out into the world and push his boundaries, so he moved to Los Angeles, taking on the role of an assistant sound engineer at Jam Power productions in California, a hub for R&B, rap, hip hop and funk genres led by visionary Tom Berry. Mahmood says, “That was an exciting period in my life where I was able to work alongside and with the likes of Chuckii Booker, Livio Harris, Damon Thomas, Budd Ford and Ronni Van, among many others.”

His first break came in LA when a song he wrote won the Los Angeles Songwriters Showcase song competition, and through this, he got a gig with veteran music producer George Tobin. Mahmood’s inspiration comes from legends such as Barry Gibb, Michael Omartian, Paul Simon,

Mahmood says he wanted to learn as much about music as he could simply because it was and is his passion, so he started off with sound engineering and because writing lyrics came naturally to him. But he reached a point in his life where he needed to do more; producing and playing music just wasn’t enough. That when he turned to spirituality and he claims to sing of hope is very rewarding indeed. “I am perhaps the only singer/songwriter from the Indian region that does not believe in values that Bollywood represents,” he says.

Talking about his style of music Mahmood reveals, “It’s a new genre called world/pop. I develop different sounds for my songs by fusing exotic instruments while keeping the American funk song formation as the foundation, original melodies and lyrics as the soul and South American inspired gypsy guitars as the bed. I think the combination of my music and the onstage chemistry between the players makes a once-in-a-lifetime concert performance.”

On playing in Sydney he says, “It is both exciting and humbling that, considering my geographic disposition, I get the opportunity to play at the Sydney Opera House.” “There are some amazing moments we captured on film while shooting the documentary Journey of a sound, covering the events which have been nothing short of miracles

leading up to the concert,” Mahmood adds.

Mahmood can recall several memorable highlights of his career, including collaborating with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan on his album Only one, internationally released in 1997. The songs from that album became

the sound track of film Kartoos. More recently, 30 Australian independent artists recorded his composition for a charity song for The Red Cross. Local artists involved with Project Down Under included Amanda Easton and Tania Murray who co-wrote the lyrics with Mahmood, as well as Jo Elms, Yolanda Thomas, Evelyn Duprai, Snez, Melanie Griffiths and Ellen Arthur. The song also includes a beautiful Sitar solo performed by Rosie Henshaw. Mahmood was also commissioned by the Government of Pakistan to compose for the 9th SAf (South Asian Games) games opening and closing ceremonies, which was a big honour for him.

Mahmood is currently touring Australia and is very happy with the warm welcome he has received. “This is a land of endless abundance and sometimes I say that one of the greatest accomplishments of my life is that I found Australia. If feels good to be here and I’m writing the best songs of my life living here,” he reveals. He intends to keep on producing and writing more music and campaigning for peace, as it is his calling. “Peace is the single most attractive quality that I have always strived for in my life. It all starts with peace within yourself and I am lucky to have music as a vehicle to spread the word around through it,” he says. His message is simple, “I would like all readers to think of the fact that ‘thought is an inventor’. Everything that you see in the world was a thought at first. So think good creative thoughts and don’t let anything stop you from doing what you passionately want to do,” says Mahmood.

SHAFEEN MUSTAQ talks to a singer and global peace campaigner, about his trip, his music and his campaign for peace

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All about a fair go

PREETI JABBAL reports on the work undertaken by the overseas students network support centre in Melbourne

Is Australia the right choice for Indian/ International students? In his recent trip to India, Premier John Brumby assured everyone that it certainly is, however, the 1500 calls received by a newly formed overseas student’s support network belies the claim that things are entirely satisfactory with Australia’s international education sector.

Rob Palmer Executive Director of OSSNA claims to be inundated with calls from students after an article on OSSNA, written by Sushi Das, was published in The Age recently. OSSNA also came into the limelight for supporting the case of Jaspreet Kaur, an Indian student who is seeking deferment from a private college in Melbourne.

According to reports Jaspreet Kaur, 24, arrived in Australia in April this year to study information technology. She paid in advance for the first two terms of the course. She says she discovered she was pregnant after two weeks of starting her course, and then fell ill with what was later diagnosed as a recurrence of malaria. She was only able to attend for a few weeks and switched to patisserie cooking for the second term when she found the IT course too tough, and paid a further fee for equipment and the next term of the new course.

Jaspreet and OSSNA claim that her Institute was more interested in the $7000 worth of fees she has paid, rather than her welfare. But the college claims she should have sought a deferment earlier, and they started the process of reporting

her to immigration for non-attendance as per their standard procedure. The Immigration department asked Jaspreet to seek deferment from her course, however her college rejected her initial appeal for deferment.

Jaspreet and her husband Kulwinder Singh are keen to go back to India so that Jaspreet can have the baby and receive treatment for her recurring fever, however, without a deferment she could lose her student place and risk having her visa cancelled, besides being banned from returning for three years. Jaspreet’s college has since confirmed a deferment of nine days and Jaspreet was expected to resume classes by 28/09. At the time this report was written, the matter was still under dispute.

“There are many stories of discontent amongst the International student population here in Australia. Countless overseas students fleeced by offshore agents and unscrupulous local private college operators Students are commonly tricked and ripped off. Some are placed in courses they did not enrol for, and threatened with deportation if they refuse to pay extra money or pay in advance,” informed Tess Lawrence, journalist and advocate who recently joined OSSNA as a consultant.

OSSNA was incorporated in May this year, soon after the much-publicized spate of attacks on Indian students in Australia. “At OSSNA we provide information and advice to the students who approach us and we liaise with immigration department, colleges, ombudsmen etc in an attempt to reconcile these issues” she added.

Rob and Tess shared their concerns about several issues that they have come across. According to them, besides shonky operators the key issues for international students include concerns about social inclusion, safety and accommodation. Vitoria holds the record for

on a rotational basis. A place in St Albans was reported to have 38 students using the same facilities. The place has since been closed down. Safety is another concern, according to Robert; there are still colleges that will not pass muster if they were scrutinized carefully for their emergency/evacuation procedures. These colleges are in breach of section 9B, which is a regulation in place by the Government to ensure safety of the premises. “Some students I spoke to did not even know what a fire drill was, leave alone having participated in one,” said Tess. “Some thought I was talking about a Black and Decker drill,” said Rob.

Then there is the issue of social inclusion. Many students feel isolated without a support network. Students come here with expectations that are not always met. Jobs are not easy to come by, there are several instances where they are underpaid or overworked. Robert recounts an incident of a student from Punjab

who worked in a restaurant owned by another Indian. He complained that his employer did not pay him his full wages if he did not smile at the customers. Incidents like these are rampant and unfortunately students are not aware of their

“At OSSNA we are looking at induction programs of about 41 colleges, not to be critical of them but instead, to make sure every aspect is covered appropriately. We don’t expect colleges to become ‘nanny colleges’ but there are still 10% of colleges who are not doing a lot of things to enhance the student’s experience. The other 90% are fine, however, these irresponsible 10% are letting the whole lot down,” claimed

OSSNA’s operations are largely voluntary according to Rob. OSSNA charges a one-off membership fee of 250 dollars or a fee of $50 for online support only. According to its website, OSSNA offers a range of services from immigration advice to helping students switch courses and colleges, a job placement network and support to address financial difficulties and emergencies.

“At OSSNA we want to promote all that is good about Australian Education and Training. It’s all about a fair go for everyone,” said Rob Palmer. “I walk the students through just as a friend not as an agent, nor as a lawyer. We don’t offer legal advice at OSSNA. We inform students about their rights and make sure they know that rights come with responsibilities” he said.

As an independent organisation OSSNA is perfectly positioned as an unbiased intermediary to serve the international student community. Hopefully they will be unbound by any political or commercial agenda and be as effective as they claim.

Consul General Ms. Anita Nayar with Robert Palmer

Too late!

GEORGE THAKUR’s short story explores a sacrifice to tradition which binds, cheats and ultimately slowly destroys a life

It was Diwali. The Indian community was busy preparing to usher in the festival with its usual fanfare. For the first time in the history of Melbourne, Parliament House was to be lit with festival lights. Federation Square was already decked up to hold a two day-long entertainment programme for all, and Indian businesses were recording bumper sales of new clothes, candles and sweets.

Various associations had joined hands to host an exclusive dinner event, with prominent political figures as guests and of course, plenty of dance and music. The funds would go towards serving the community in general. At the dinner venue, officials checked invitation cards and ushers escorted guests to their seats. Dashing in his three-piece suit and tie, John stopped short as he spotted a senior couple approach. Bewildered, he looked at the couple again, then welcomed and escorted them to their seats. “I’m John Roberts,” he said in his throaty voice, addressing the man. “I don’t seem to have had the pleasure of meeting you earlier?”

“We have recently moved to Melbourne from Chicago,” came the answer in a voice that sounded frail and tired. “I’m Shiv Karkare,” he said, extended a hand, “And this is my wife, Neelam.”

“Welcome to this very beautiful part of the world,” said John, shaking hands and bowing a namaste to greet Mrs. Karkare. As they settled into their seats, a lady in silk sari glided to their table, and John turned to her with a smile. “Here’s my wife Kamini,” said John. “I’ll leave you in her capable hands for now.”

“Welcome,” said Kamini, covertly assessing Neelam and her still-apparent beauty. “So you are new to Melbourne, eh? From where have you arrived?”

“From Chicago,” Neelam answered, seemingly genuinely pleased to meet Kamini, as was Shiv.

“I don’t mean to pry,” said Kamini charmingly, “but why so far to Melbourne?”

“Because Manoj, our only child, lives and works in Melbourne,” explained Neelam. “Also, one fine day we discovered that we were not getting younger and that we would rather be with our son.” She laughed melodiously, instinctively reaching out to hold Kamini’s hands. “Where do you live?” was the next pertinent question and once they found out that they lived within a distance of five kilometres from each other, the inevitable exchange of residential and e-addresses, and phone numbers followed Kamini escorted the newcomers around, introducing them to like-minded members of the community. Back at their table, Kamini told Neelam about her children, and that both she and John had recently chosen retirement.

“I think we have found a fine couple to befriend in Melbourne,” whispered a visible elated Shiv to his wife during one of the more noisy performances. “Melbourne will make a lot of sense now!”

Late that night, John and Kamini Benz-ed

Shiv and Neelam home, since they hadn’t yet bought a car.

Neelam phoned the following day and had a long friendly chat with Kamini, while inviting them over for a home-cooked dinner. The Roberts arrived and as Shiv and John went out to view the manicured flora and fruit trees in the backyard of the Karkares’ new house, Neelam gave Kamini a conducted tour of the inside, making small talk. Dinner was a delightful affair, with both couples discovering that they absolutely loved each other’s company.

When the ladies were alone together, Kamini asked Neelam about herself.

“It’s a long story,” said Neelam, hesitating.

“I have all the time in the world”, answered Kamini.

“When I finished college at nineteen, I visited my grandmother in Delhi,” began Neelam. “Grandma asked me about life in Chicago, and I answered her truthfully. She suggested that I marry in India, as life in Chicago was not safe for a spinster. I disagreed, and explained that I wanted to do medicine and practice a few years before settling down in Chicago, and because I had already met someone I wanted to marry, India could never be my home. Is he Indian, she asked? I replied in the affirmative, but when I divulged his name which was an English one, she confiscated my passport. Soon she began to introduce me to her friends whose sons and daughters were all tall, healthy and married, with the exception of Shiv who was a mere 5.6 ft champion skater. Then Grandma insisted that Shiv was the man for me. I was trapped! My mother was already dead, Dad and my brother were in Chicago and no matter how much I explained or cried, or even uncharacteristically lost my temper, she put her foot down. I was left with no choice

but to marry Shiv, so that I could return to Chicago, my home”.

“When we landed at O’Hare airport in Chicago, I saw him and the shock on his face as he saw the sindoor which adorned the parting in my hair. I tried desperately to contact him, but he was lost to me both spiritually and physically, and I could never locate him. America was rather conservative in the late ‘60s, and Shiv, with his Indian qualifications, failed to get a job. My father helped us open a clothing boutique, which was a big success.”

Just then Shiv and John joined them, and Neelam stopped her narrative.

“You’re a lucky man, John,” commented Shiv, watching Kamini blush. “Kamini is a true beauty, and so friendly. In my opinion, she is more suitable for Bollywood than Melbourne!”

“Well, I can say the same about Neelam as well, Shiv,” countered John, smiling.

After dinner Shiv and Neelam drove away, and Kamini shared Neelam’s story with John. “I am surprised that she shared the story of her life with me so soon,” she said in wonder. Contemplative John’s reaction was quite human, the story nearly brought him to tears.

Reciprocating the invitation, Shiv and Neelam found themselves at the Roberts’ residence within a few days. When they were alone, Neelam took Kamini’s hands in hers and asserted that she and Shiv cherished their friendship. “Allow me to complete the story of my life, Kamini,” said Neelam and continued. “I soon discovered that Shiv was seriously unhealthy. He was a diabetic and suffered breathlessness. His jaw had been fractured in a skating accident and he couldn’t fully open his mouth. I had not been informed of any of this before marrying him. But the worst was that he was the oldest of his siblings and 15 years my senior. Soon after, he suffered a heart attack, and began to lose hair.” Reliving the tragedy of her life made Neelam break down, and Kamini instinctively hugged her, nearly in tears at her plight.

“Did you take up this deception with your Grandma, Neelam?” asked Kamini when they had both calmed down. “It was deceit of the worst kind!”

“Grandma died shortly after we were married, and there was nothing an Indian woman could do but learn to love the man she was married to,” explained Neelam.

“Don’t some Indian traditions squeeze the life out of unassuming persons?”

After a pause, she said forcefully, “I would have willingly embraced all adversity if the man I had loved and married had been sick, even sicker than Shiv! But instead I was married to someone whom I did not love, did not want to marry, did not even know!”

After a while Neelam sighed, and said, “It’s so heartening to see you and John so much in love.”

“Yes, Neelam, John is a gem I do not honestly deserve. We are so devoted to each other, we never even argue or contradict each other. He is into sentimental Urdu poetry and sings beautiful ghazals; in fact I’ll ask him to sing to us this evening,” said Kamini. “He is so sensitive, many times I have noticed tears well up in his eyes when singing poignant ghazals. I know that he sings to someone other than me, but I have never embarrassed him by asking. The fact is that he is now mine, and cherishes our togetherness as much as I do. In our journey together, all that glitters has truly been gold to me. We both respect each other’s faith as well.”

Kamini continued, “Please feel free to talk to me about the man you were cheated of, Neelam, as it will lighten the burden that you, a good woman and a good wife, are destined to carry all your life.”

“Thank you, Kamini, but I have learned that it is futile to talk of irredeemable

losses,” said Neelam resignedly. “But the one memory that I will never give up is of those glorious years I shared with him at St. Laurents..”

In that moment, Neelam realised in dismay that she had said exactly what she had never ever meant to reveal.

“St. Laurents?” exclaimed Kamini. “John also studied at St. Laurents, before moving to the New York Medical College.”

Kamini sat silent, thoughts racing through her mind. Finally she asked, “Did you and John know each other at St. Laurents?”

Neelam said nothing, but the look on her face answered Kamini’s question.

“Oh my God,” cried Kamini, “John was the love of your life, the one you were cheated of, you poor woman!”

I am surprised that she shared the story of her life with me so soon

When we landed at O’Hare airport in Chicago, I saw him and the shock on his face as he saw the sindoor which adorned the parting in my hair

Heading for Hollywood

two Indian films – Virsa in Hindi and in Telugu. She has also featured in Wess Carr’s music video and in Jessica Mauboy’s music video, Been waiting

Young, beautiful and hip, Preity Uupala looks every bit ready to take on the world, no matter what it has to offer.

A finalist in the recently concluded Miss Earth Australia pageant, she is a Sydney-based actor, model, dancer and presenter.

Robust and vivacious, the IT Honours student from Wollongong University was the only contestant of Indian descent to be part of the prestigious event that promotes awareness on environmental conservation. In fact, Preity, who is also of Portuguese descent, says she was the only Indian to have ever participated in the pageant, held last month. She was one of the national finalists among 50 contestants.

“I simply loved being a part of the event. The whole experience of being a part of something as exciting and as big as the Miss Earth Australia event, was rather overwhelming for me. I had to speak in front of 2000 people and that was a great experience,” says the 21-year-old professional actor from the National Institute of Dramatic Art.

Preity, a trained Latin American dancer, had to perform a dance for the talent show at the pageant. She says dancing helps her keep fit, and she doesn’t have to watch her weight unlike most models. “Since I love dancing, it is the best regime for me,” quips the Indian from Goa.

When asked if she felt disappointed at not being crowned the winner, Preity says, “It wasn’t disappointing at all as I got a lot of exposure from the event. On the contrary, the experience was extremely rewarding as many people came up to me and said I stood out because of my looks and confidence, which was very gratifying.”

Environmentally conscious and involved in a number of charity events, the model, who has taken part in many national and international beauty contests, planted trees – a prerequisite for the Miss Earth Australia.

On the career front, Preity has also acted in a lot of short films including The Hug, The Intervention, The Evolution of Evan and even

The young ‘unique method’ actor, who has been a part of several beauty contests in Australia and abroad, was born and raised in Dubai, after which she moved to Paris for a while and finally moved to Sydney, where she has been living for the past 10 years. She even speaks five languages, including Arabic. Interestingly, she worked as an IT consultant for an investment banking company before taking up modelling. She has appeared in a number of feature and short films and is an experienced commercial model, and has worked for various fashion shows and brands for both Australian and International designers. Preity is now extending her skills to TV presenting.

So how did the talented and pretty lass take to acting in the first place?

“When I was at University, I did take part in a few shows. Then a photographer told me that I had an exotic, unique look that was good for modelling and that I had the potential to make it big in the industry. So I decided to give it a shot,” she says.

Preity says her parents have been extremely supportive in her choice of career. “My family is really very happy for me. They want me to follow my heart,” says Priety, whose father is Portuguese and mother is Indian.

Preity has now set her sights on Hollywood, where she hopes to act in English films. “I really want to be a part of global cinema. I would like to act in a James Bond movie at some time. I am in talks with Hollywood producers on upcoming projects in the US,” she says, adding that she plans to move to the US in the near future, to help further her acting career. Preity says the success of Slumdog Millionaire has opened up more opportunities for Indian actors. “The movie has generated immense interest. Suddenly everyone is embracing Bollywood and that is a positive sign,” she adds.

While Bollywood is not really her calling, she says she would never give up on a chance to work in some interesting role. “I wouldn’t chase Bollywood. But, if something interesting opens up for me, I would definitely take it up,” says the versatile actor.

PREETI KANNAN discovers a new talent, who is way much more than a pretty face

Are you a true

SHWETA SIROHI GUPTA

if living in Australia and adopting the customs and mannerisms makes you

You’re a typical Indo-Aussie if….

lYou prefer Aussie chicks for eye-candy but only desi girls fit the wedding bill. A desi wife will double your income, yet halve your domestic workload, without demanding individually-managed bank accounts. Now that’s what you call a winwin situation!

lYou find it easier to chuck rubbish just outside trash-bins, not inside! How difficult is that?

lYou criticise aapno des wholeheartedly when you migrate to Australia. Within weeks, you start missing home and remembering all the good things about it.

lYou work really hard to find your place abroad.

lYou miss your comfort zone the most after leaving India.

lYou discover and live by the fact that dignity of labour exists! You proudly drive a taxi or serve in a restaurant to pay off your fees.

lYou abide by most, not all, rules to make Australia your new home.

lYou roll your eyes when looking at the price of groceries. You are reminded of the cliché, “Aate-daal ka bhaav pata chal jayega, jab ghar sey door nikloge!”

lOn a budget, you sacrifice bhujia to buy a phone card.

Being a vegetarian, you are extremely careful about what passes as veggie food.

lYou pay triple the price of fast food to pig

Whether you are a student, migrant or even an employee on a work visa, from the first day that you arrive in Australia you need to get accustomed to doing you own chores from cooking, cleaning, ironing, washing, grocery shopping and everything else. It’s a huge culture shock for most, many feel homesick and want to go back because of the comforts they have in India. The Australian culture and attitude to life is unique and every Indian here needs to experience it themselves. It is an experience worth it, mainly because of the weather, the laid back attitude of Aussies, and potential for our future. We came here and struggled a fair bit for the first two years. We did different jobs from car-washing, driving taxis, working at gas stations, pizza delivery, bartending, cleaning…you name it! We experienced shared accommodation, worked dual shifts and long hours, but the journey was full of learning experiences and loads of fun. Now we are on the threshold of completing our studies and getting settled, but we wouldn’t change a thing from our past which has made us what we are todaystrong men!”

Tushar, Arpit, Naresh, Aroon, Pankaj, Kshitij

out on desi chatpata khana. $3 for a humble samosa…what a rip-off!

lYou crave desi mithai more than you ever have in your life!

lYou think the Aussie accent is funny, but only until you pick it up yourself. Switching over to barbeque lunches is a natural progression.

lYou pretend to enjoy healthy salads, but deep within you crave for ghee fried-fatty stuff that you’ve eaten when growing up.

lYou try hard looking for ‘Made in Australia’ souvenirs when planning a trip back home. Something (read everything!) which is ‘Made in China’ is not going to impress your cousins in India, is it?

lYou love the three B’s of your newly acquired Aussie lifestyle…beach, barbecue and beer. Although bhawan, Bharat and bhajiye still top your list, without a doubt!

lYour interest and love for sport isn’t just restricted to cricket, but has widened to footy and rugby…

lYour dictionary now consists of words like ‘Sorry’, ‘Thank you’ and ‘Please’.

lYou become more tolerant on roads as you learn to drive in your own lane without using the horn.

lIt takes you several months to realise that buses and trains here are relatively noise-free and listening to bhangra on your phone’s speaker isn’t a good idea.

lYou realise the true value of family and friends. They would always come forward to lend a hand, but you’d think they were interfering….Oops!

For Indian vegetarians, Australia is a bit of a punishment unless we want to survive on salads or fast food at every street corner. Indeed, as diehard vegetarians we were quite nervous about potentially starving in this land of burgers and steaks, or being served a platter of indifferently boiled vegetables or even fish (but fish is vegetarian! Hah!). When we arrived there were barely a handful of vegetarian restaurants, let alone Indian cuisine. But now every cuisine from Mediterranean to Greek to Italian has superb offerings which are meatless and there are plenty of Indian restaurants around. In fact, at some restaurants what we have on our vegetarian platter looks so delicious, that we have the carnivorous lot eyeing our food!

Shwetha and Divyesh Iyer

I was zapped when I migrated to Australia two years ago. I was fluent in English and did not even think of the Aussie accent as one of the initial hiccups of settling down. ‘G’day mate! Howya goin?’ I initially felt that Aussies spoke English as if they had returned from the dentist! I have one particularly memorable episode to recount. I slipped in the bathroom and injured my back, and had to be hospitalised. I was alarmed when I heard the nurse telling me, “You’ll be going home to die.” What she actually said was, “You’ll be going home today.” It was dreadful and later, hilarious moment! I love the ‘no worries’ Aussie accent now, and have adapted to it so well that when I go to India on holiday, my friends tease me of flaunting a foreign accent.”

Rahul Gupta

TOONGABBIE $339,950

PENDLE HILL AUCTION

124 Smith Street NORTH FACING

Great Starter, this home features 3bdrms, separate lounge and dining rooms Updated kitchen and bathroom, separate sunroom and carport all set on a good Size block close to all amenities ideal first home, investment or even knock down and rebuild

Open For Inspection: Saturday 11.30am – 12pm

VERY CHEAP

Buy the land and get the house for free!

This house needs a renovation rescue or a

BAULKHAM HILLS $529,950

Interest* Laing & Simmons Wentworthville 9688 4000 Contact Leanne Ollerenshaw

GIRRAWEEN $589,000

THE COMPLETE PACKAGE

Situated close to school, shops and transport is this 5 bedroom home is sure to please, 2 spacious living areas, original kitchen, 2 original bathrooms, separate dine and lounge, split system air conditioning, security alarm, all bedrooms includes built-in’s, great outdoor entertainment area with double lock up garage. Set in a great quiet location.

Auction: Saturday 31 October 2009 on site at 12pm

Laing & Simmons Wentworthville 9688 4000

Contact Leanne Ollerenshaw

CONSTITUTION HILL AUCTION

LARGE BLOCK

32 Mount Street

This home is situated on a large block of 815sqm, high on the hill and still close walking distance to trains, shops and schools, features include 3 bedrooms, main with built-in, reverse cycle air conditioning, alarm, large lounge, and dine area, good size kitchen and double LUG, currently tenanted, lease expires 30/01/09.

Open for inspection: Saturday 1:30pm

TOONGABBIE $389,950

815SQM BLOCK APPROX

This old style country home has loads of character, with an east facing frontage of 20mtr approx and set on approx 815sqm. Needing some TLC this home has so much potential, currently the home consists of original kitchen & bathroom, large lounge and dining, reverse cycle air conditioning, above ground pool and lock up garage.

TOONGABBIE $349,950

WELL PRESENTED MODERN TOWNHOUSE

This three bedroom townhouse offers spacious open plan living, built in wardrobes in all rooms, main bedroom with ensuite, modern kitchen & bathroom, air conditioning, generous sized courtyard and tandem lock up garage. Laing & Simmons Toongabbie 9631 5555 Contact Leanne Ollerenshaw

WENTWORTHVILLE AUCTION

TOONGABBIE $389,950

ROOM TO MOVE

Extra large townhouse in popular complex with 3 good sized bedrooms, spacious L shaped living area, ensuite to main bedroom and third toilet downstairs, modern kitchen with gas cooking, ducted air conditioning, double garage with remote door and extra large private courtyard.

Laing & Simmons Toongabbie 9631 5555 Contact Alan Fowler

MERRYLANDS AUCTION

A hand-crafted brass idol & Shiva Lingam are here from Kolkata, India

Principal activities of Sydney Kalibari shall be:

• To run Soup Kitchen (vegetarian) for infirms & retirees of Neighbourhood

• Hold socio-religious activities through prayer, meditation & discourse

• Care for elderly/senior citizens during weekend afternoons followed by complimentary lunch

WE SOLICIT YOUR ACTIVE PARTICIPATION

ALL ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COME & JOIN

THE INAUGRAL KALI PUJA CELEBRATION ON 17TH OCTOBER 2009

AT 83, WENTWORTH AVENUE, WENTWORTHVILLE

THE CELEBRATION WILL START FROM 08:30 P.M. ON 17TH OCTOBER 2009

www.sydneykalibari.com

Sydney Kalibari, PO Box 7907, Baulkham Hills 2153 NSW

Phone: (02) 9836 4097 Fax: (02) 8580 4637

Email: sydneykalibari@gmail.com

Contact Nirjhar Dutta on 0412 368 767

Luscious Latvia

By THOMAS E KING

While Sigulda can’t claim lofty snow-capped mountains or vast ski fields, this small town 50 km east of the capital of Riga is nonetheless called the “Switzerland of Latvia”. Snow has yet to dust this cosy community so its 1200m bobsled track - built for the Soviet bobsled team and now used for training the Latvian Olympic squad - still awaits the first flake of snow and the initial winter season visitor.

Right now, the colours of autumn are still dancing across this Tasmanian-sized north European nation and perhaps nowhere more energetically than in the leafy hinterlands that encompass Sigulda. October is an idyllic month for hiking and cycling on the pine-lined and flower-laced roads that spring from this quaint country town. And there’s no more pleasant or picturesque journey than a 6km ramble that links two

fortresses and ends at a third, the stunning Turaida Castle.

Built on a commanding knoll overlooking unbroken stretches of lush forest and the languid Gauja River, the castle dates back to the early 13th century. After admiring the stunning vistas from elevated vantage points this past summer, my wife and I learned more about the castle’s medieval inhabitants when we leisurely pored over detailed displays in the castle’s well-kept museum.

The fortress, the prime attraction in the 42ha. Turaida Castle Museum Park has been totally restored, unlike another we saw in the nearby town of Cesis. Cesis Castle has been deliberately left unreconstructed and is now considered the single largest complex of castle ruins in the Baltic states of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.

We got an inking of its enormous size during an unforgettable lanternlit exploration. Even though it was an unusually hot day at 29°C, the temperature dropped dramatically as we entered the low doorway and descended into the castle’s dolomite and boulder bowels. Dressed in period costume ,the guide who led the way enthralled us with tales of monks who brewed beer and baked bread within the expansive castle compound and chilled us

with stories of the dank dungeon where one soul lived in complete darkness for 13 years. Cesis Castle is not the only show in town. Later we walked past rows of restored merchant houses that face Riga Street and continued on to the venerable St John’s Church. Dedicated on June 24, 1284, St John’s – one of the oldest churches in Latvia – looms over quiet Rose Square which was a bustling market place in the late 13th century. The ancient church and even older castle are not past their use-by dates. They, along with a host of other buildings and monuments, are serving as the heritage centrepiece in the bid for Cesis to become the European Capital of Culture in 2014. Diminutive Cesis has some heavy- weight competition, however, as the granddame of the Baltics is also a forceful contender.

Cesis has an outside chance, though Riga which celebrated its 800th anniversary in 2001 is favoured by many to receive the nod. It wouldn’t be the first honour for this city which has been described as “The Paris of the North”.

Located on both banks of the Daugava River, Riga is only 15 km south of the Gulf of Riga, an inlet of the Baltic Sea. Cruise liners from ports afar and ferry services from Lubeck and Stockholm regularly disgorge cashed-up passengers for a fast-paced

A solid stone statue of Riga’s patron saint, St Roland takes centre stage in Rātslaukums Square

Cesis has an outside chance, though Riga which celebrated its 800th anniversary in 2001 is favoured by many to receive the nod

frenzy of sightseeing, shopping and more than likely not, a boisterous night on the town. We didn’t fancy such sightseeing, shopping and free time options. Instead we selected a comfortable air conditioned bus from northern Lithuania, and decided upon four days of carefree casual discovery without a late night hangover.

As the long distance coach pulled into the bus station that serves this metropolis of over 700,000 residents, I could see what looked like a row of large round roofed buildings. A city of such size needs a large facility for selling huge quantities of produce and the Centre Market has filled this need since 1930.

We wandered around the lively marketplace – one of the largest in Europe – buying in-season strawberries and delicious breads and meats. While doing this we listened to sun-browned vendors speaking in Latvian, Russian and English to local customers as well as tourists who wanted to see something of the local life. Incidentally, I later learned that the immense buildings were previously used as Zeppelin hangers during WW II!

In a different area of town, gigantic

Finnish

heralded as the Art Nouveau Capital of the World that would be reason enough to visit this amazing city, but there’s an even bigger attraction.

Old Riga, the most ancient part of the city, is its historic and geographic hub.

We began our visit of the old town known as Vecrīga from Rātslaukums, the central square where the city’s patron saint stoically stands before bedazzled visitors. In the picturesque backdrop of St Roland is the incredibly ornate Blackheads’ House (totally rebuilt in 2001 from the original plans), where bachelor German merchants lived in the mid 14th century.

Beyond, the Gothic classic of St Peter’s Lutheran Church is even older. We took a lift up its sole spire and stepped out on a small observation platform to see the Old City spread out like a giant maze.

Well-worn cobblestone lanes and curving alleyways lead from one architectural treasure, like the sky scraping cathedral that’s still used for worship to the next, which could well be an old warehouse that continues life as a cafe or a boutique. The historic centre of Riga, in fact, has so much to proudly present to the world that in 1997 it was included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list as “a masterpiece of global and

specialists MyPlanet, tel 1800 1800 221 712. Visit www.myplanet.com.au

TIP

Available from numerous outlets including hotels and the Old Town-sited Riga Tourist Office, the Riga Card provides free admission to most museums, accommodation discounts, a free walking tour and a complimentary city guide. See www.rigacard.lv

INFORMATION

For travel and tourism specifics on Latvia and Riga visit www.latviatourism.lv and www.rigatourism.com. We found Lonely Planet’s Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to be an essential guide in making the most of our Baltic odyssey. See www.lonelyplanet.com

capital we flew to Vilnius, the

(Above) The red brick turret of the restored 13th century Turaida Castle is the iconic symbol of Sigulda.

(Above Right) During the short summer months when most visitors flock to Riga, handicraft stalls line pedestrian walkways.

Diwali Dhamaka!

SHWETA SIROHI GUPTA

suggests cool ideas to pep you up this Diwali, to give the festival an off-beat and fun flavour

Diwali is on the weekend this year, which gives you some more time to indulge in the festive spirit. Although Diwali rituals were modest in the past, the festival is now celebrated in manifold contemporary ways. Not just in Indian, but the diaspora across the globe indulge in the merriment of the season, keeping the spirit of Diwali alive and kicking. And in our fast paced lived, it is these festivals that give us a reason to spend quality time with loved ones and create fond memories which we will cherish for life. Here are fun ideas to help you get into the festive groove. These concepts have been tried, tested and loved, so go on, enjoy a bit of adventuring this Diwali.

Express yourself

Take a moment to think… aren’t there loads of things you wanted to share with your family and friends back in India? No matter how often you catch up on the phone or internet… wo baat nahi hoti! How about grabbing the ‘old is gold’ idea of expressing your feelings by putting pen to paper? Haven’t done that in a long while? Use Diwali as an opportunity (read excuse!) to send them your wishes with special hand-crafted letters. To commemorate the festival, choose a decorative letterhead and get going. Surprise your loved ones!

Musical feast

Mehendi mania

Mehendi is the perfect accessory you can wear to flaunt the festival spirit, that’s exuding from your soul! The art is an ancient one that goes back centuries, yet it is also one of the trendiest. Try this breathtaking design at home and mesmerize everyone. To ensure that the mehendi is rich and dark, adopt proven techniques like applying lemon and sugar, or apply Tiger balm or Vicks Vapourub, as they are known for their heating properties. Once the mehendi dries up, scrub it off with coconut oil and keep your hands dry for at least 24 hours. Show off girls, it’s Diwali!

Looking for the perfect theme for your Diwali party? Well, sweets are passé, anyone can serve them. One ‘beyondthe-box’ idea is to organize a musical evening and treat your guests with festive songs prepared by you and your partner, encouraging them to join in. Print the songs so that everyone has the lyrics handy and you’ll be surprised at your guests’ enthusiasm to participate, maybe after a few false notes! You don’t have to sound like a pro to entertain; your guests will love your authentic singing…if nothing else, it will give them a reason to laugh. Entertainment at its best!

Radical rangoli

This Diwali, create a beautiful rangoli to welcome Goddess Lakshmi in your home. Go wild with colored powders, ground chalk, paint, or even try natural material from your kitchen shelf like colored rice, turmeric, ground chili, lentils, or flowers from your garden. Don’t worry about a fancy design, if you are a beginner, use a design stencil or try geometrical patterns as they are easier to implement. Mesmerize everyone!

Paint pictures

Thinking of a fabulous Indian-style makeover for your home this Diwali, but can’t afford to spend thousands? How about grabbing your colour palette and bringing out the artist in you? Create something artistic to adorn your walls, which will give them a face lift and you a great sense of pride, in your ability to be unique and individualistic. Bull’s eye!

Doll up, darlin’

The festive season is all about dressing up and making everything look beautiful and glittering, including you. After all, it is the festival of light! Most of us shy away from getting all decked up as we’re away from the festive environment of India. We celebrate in our cozy homes with controlled dhoom-dhamaka! But wake up girls, this is the best justification to shake the dust off your traditional wardrobe and get into your most sparkling outfit. Whether sarees or salwars, mix n match with jewellery and double the fun by inviting girlfriends over for a little get-together. Nothing can be more fun for us girls than decking ourselves in our best attire and make-up. Spice up the occasion by putting up a fashion show for your partners, the catwalk is as much fun for those on it, as for those watching. ‘D’ is for divas and ‘D’ is for Diwali…way to go!

Rasoi revels with Rice

Vegetable Biryani

Compliment the celebrations

2 cups Basmati rice

1 cup mixed vegetables (cauliflower, potato, carrot, french beans)

150 gms green peas and corn

3 onions, finely sliced

2 green chillies, finely sliced

Salt to taste

1 tsp red chilli powder

2 tsp cinnamon, cumin seeds

4 cloves

1/2 tsp black pepper powder

4 tomatoes

1/2 cup yoghurt, beaten until smooth

4 tbsp oil

1/2 tsp mustard Seeds

Handful of coriander

3 tbsp dried fruit (cashew nuts, raisin, almonds, sultanas)

Wash rice well, add 4 cups water with a little salt and some dried fruit and cook until the rice is done. Cut the vegetables into small pieces and fry each separately, including the green peas. In a saucepan, add mustard seeds, green chillies, cinnamon and cumin, cloves, black pepper powder and fry till the mustard seeds crackle. Then add onions and fry until soft and brown. Add salt, red chilli powder, chopped tomatoes and fry for about 5 minutes until fully cooked. Add yoghurt to the paste and stir well. Add fried vegetables. Add cooked rice and mix well. Cook for 3 minutes more, then garnish with dried fruit, coriander leaves and serve hot.

Manpasand Pulao

An ideal dish to enhance the festive table

2 cups Basmati rice

2 finely sliced onions

¼ cup sprouted moong beans

¼ cup sprouted black chana

¼ cup sprouted peas

1 cup coconut milk

4 tablespoons ghee

8 cloves of garlic, minced

1” ginger, minced

1-2 green chillies cut fine

8-10 cloves

6-8 pieces cinnamon

6-8 cardamoms

10 peppercorns

2 bay leaves

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Handful chopped coriander

Salt to taste

Wash the rice and soak for 15 minutes. In a saucepan, melt the ghee and fry onion till it turns golden brown. Remove half the quantity and keep aside. In the same pan, sauté the cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, peppercorns and bay leaves along with the remaining onions for a minute. Add all the sprouted pulses and mix well. Add the minced ginger, garlic, chillies and salt and sauté for a few minutes.

Add the coconut milk, cover and cook for 10 minutes. Now drain and add the rice, mixing well. Add enough hot water to cook the rice, until done. Serve hot, garnished with chopped coriander.

Nawabi Biryani

Give your tummy a royal treat

325 gms Basmati rice

1/2 kg. mutton or lamb (cut in pieces)

3 medium sized onions, sliced

1/2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

1 tsp garam masala

3 small-sized red chillies

1 piece cinnamon

1/2 cup curd (beaten)

3 cardamom pods

5 peppercorns

5 cloves

½ tsp shahjeera

½ tsp turmeric powder

¼ cup milk, with a few strands of saffron

Small handful coriander/mint for garnishing

5 dried apricots

Handful dried fruit – Raisins, sultanas, cashewnuts, almonds

¼ cup ghee

Fry the dry fruits and apricots in a little ghee, adding salt to taste. Remove and fry onions until soft. Remove and grind the fried onions and red chillies, to make a fine paste. Marinate the mutton pieces with curd, ginger-garlic paste, onion paste, turmeric powder and salt for 2 hours.

In a saucepan, heat ghee, add the marinated mutton and cook till done. In another pan, heat ghee and fry the whole spices, adding washed and drained rice. Add salt and warm water and cook till done.

Remove the rice from a flame and spread on a tray to cool, pick out the whole spices. To assemble, coat the base of a heavy-bottomed saucepan with ghee, add the cooked mutton and sprinkle over with some garam masala. Cover with a layer of rice, followed by some melted ghee and the saffron milk. Lastly, add the fried nuts, cover tightly and slow-cook for 15-20 minutes, to allow the flavours to blend. Mix before serving hot, garnished with chopped coriander and mint.

Khara bhath

A South Indian breakfast treat 1 cup rice

The festive season is an excellent reason to indulge yourself with India’s sweet and savoury delights. But let’s not forget rice – our most important staple. Rice can be cooked on any occasion and here are some recipes to prove it.

By SHERYL DIXIT

Rice Kheer

Who says rice can’t be a dessert?

1/2 cup Basmati rice, pre-soak for 15 mins

10 tbsp sugar

A few strands of saffron

6 cups milk

1 tsp ghee

1 cup water

1 cup moong dal

10 cashewnuts

3 chopped green chillies

Handful chopped coriander

3 cups water

2 tbsp dry coconut flakes

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp cumin seeds

1 tsp pepper powder

2 tbsp oil

Salt to taste

Wash rice and moong dal and keep aside. Heat oil in a pressure cooker and sauté cashewnuts. Remove and keep aside. Add cumin and mustard seeds to the oil. When the seeds start crackling, add chopped green chillies and ry. Add dal and fry. Next add rice and fry briefly. Add water and mix thoroughly. Add turmeric powder, coconut and salt. Close the pressure cooker and cook until third whistle. Cool down the mixture and add cashew nuts, pepper powder and chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot.

Rice Khichdi

Take a break from rich food

2 cups rice

1 cup toor dal

5 cloves

1 cinnamon

5 cardamom pods

2 finely sliced onions

6 to 8 small size tomatoes

4 chopped green chillies

12 to 15 mint leaves

1/2 bundle coriander leaves, chopped fine

1 tsp garlic paste

1 1/2 tsp ginger paste

Salt to taste

1 tsp raisins

1 tsp cardamom powder

1/2 cup cashew nuts (thinly sliced)

Pour milk in a thick bottomed saucepan and bring to a boil. Gently add raw rice to the boiling milk. Cook rice until half done, adding a little water if the

1/4 cup oil

A few curry leaves

3 cups water

A pinch of turmeric powder

Wash and cook dal with a pinch of turmeric powder.

Keep aside. Fry onions, cloves,

consistency is too thick. Add sugar and cashew nuts into the semi-cooked rice. Continue cooking, stirring continuously until the rice is fully cooked. Dissolve a few strands of saffron in milk. Now add raisins, cardamom powder, ghee and the saffron milk. Mix well and serve. Can be served warm or chilled.

soft and brown. Add chopped green chillies, mint, curry leaves and half of the coriander leaves and fry. Add salt, ginger and garlic paste and fry for two minutes. Add washed and drained rice and chopped tomatoes. Fry for 5 minutes.

add the water. Cook for 1012 minutes or until the rice is done. Garnish with the balance coriander and serve hot.

Mango rice

Something summery and seasonal

2 cups cooked rice

3 cups grated raw mango

3 red chillies, break into half

2 finely chopped green chillies

1 tsp each channa and urad dal

10 cashew nuts, broken into halves

Few curry leaves

tbsp oil

Salt to taste

Heat 2 tsp oil in a kadai, add urad and channa dals, and cashew nuts. Fry till golden brown, remove and keep aside. Add rest of the oil to the same pan and heat. Add curry leaves, green and red chillies. Saute for a few seconds, then add grated mango and fry for a few minutes until the mango turns tender. Remove and keep aside. Now mix thoroughly with the warm cooked rice and roasted nuts. Serve hot.

Chicken Fried Rice

Add the exotic to traditional fare

1/3 kg chicken, diced

1 finely chopped onion

3 garlic pods, finely chopped

2” piece ginger, peeled and

3 nos spring onions

11/2 cup frozen peas, corn, carrots

3 eggs, lightly beated

1/3 cup vegetable oil

Few drops soy sauce (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

3 cups cooked and cooled long-grain rice, white or jasmine with grains separated

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large heavy-bottomed wok or kadhai, on high heat. Add chicken and cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally until lightly browned and fully cooked. Add onions, salt and pepper, (optional 2-3 drops soy sauce) cook till onion turns soft. Add garlic, ginger and spring onions and stirfry for 30 seconds. Add frozen vegetables, cook until just defrosted but still crisp. Transfer mix to a large bowl. Heat 2 tbsp oil in the same pan, add beaten eggs, season with salt and pepper. Stir eggs continuously until fully cooked but still moist. Transfer eggs to the same bowl. Heat remaining oil in the same pan, add rice, breaking up lumps, if any. Add salt and pepper (2-3 drops optional soy sauce) to lightly season and stirfry to evenly coat the rice with oil. Let the rice cook for about 2 minutes until slightly crispy, remove and add to bowl. Stir together until all ingredients are

1 kg prawns

1 tsp each pepper, turmeric and chilli powders

2 tsp each coriander and cumin powders

Salt to taste

800 gms Basmati rice

¼ cup oil

250 gms potatoes, evenly sliced

1 large onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, chopped

¼ tsp black lemon powder

2 large tomatoes, chopped

Marinate prawns with ½ tsp each turmeric and chilli powders, 1 tsp each coriander and cumin powders and salt. Keep aside for 30 minutes. In a pan, heat oil and fry prawns until light brown. Remove and keep aside. Boil rice with salt until nearly cooked. Remove and strain. In a pan, heat remaining oil and sauté onion, chopped green chillies and garlic till light brown in colour. Add cinnamon, pepper powder, remaining

and stir. Cook well for 10 minutes. Add tomatoes and salt and cook for 3 minutes more. Take off fire and keep aside

Layer the bottom of a saucepan with potatoes. Add a layer of friend prawns followed by the gravy and finally the rice. Tightly cover and cook on very low fire for 15 minutes or until done. Mix and serve hot.

Migrant cricketers make history

Community cricket recently reached new heights, thanks to an unprecedented effort made by a host of parties, in conjunction with the Indian Australian community. The New Australian Sports Association, Indian Link, Parramatta Park Authorities, Footwork Sports Academy, Melbourne Institute of Technology and Group Colleges of Australia, along with team sponsors set a record for organising a cricket tournament and also broadcasting it live on the internet. The tournament, called the Migrant Cricket World Cup was organised in the cause of peace and harmony among the multicultural Australian community, and was the first of its kind in Australia.

This combined effort was welcomed on different levels as it provided a fertile foundation for social inclusion and interaction, an opportunity for equal competition, while reinvesting in a social cause which is as popular as the game. The cricket event was open to all, irrespective of their cultural, social or religious associations, thus helping the multicultural and wider community to promote awareness of cultural diversity and harmony through the medium of sport.

Teams from the Indian sub-continent as well as local businesses have taken on ownership of these teams, similar to what has been witnessed in IPL. The Haryana Bulls became Ryde Automobiles Haryana Bulls; similarly Sydney Deccan Chargers became Hyderabad Travel’s Sydney Deccan Chargers, and so forth.

The 20-week long summer of cricket enjoyed a colourful start with teams such

as Ford Pro Vibrant Gujarat, Nandoos Srilankan Lions, Limra (Afganistan), Group College of Australia, Melbourne Institute of Technology’s Red and Yellow teams, Ryde Automobiles Haryana Bulls, Hyderabad Travel’s Sydney Deccan Chargers, Auburn All Stars (Pakistan), Chandigarh, West Ryder’s, Nepal Cricket Association Australia, all challenging each other to be a part of the opener 8A Side Indian Link Cup.

Most of the teams had players of significant representation, for instance, the MIT team had team members who played in the Ranji trophy for Gujarat in India. Ryde Automobiles Haryana Bulls also had players with state representation here in Australia and India, and Nepal’s team was boosted with two Nepalese internationals in their camp. Group College of Australia emerged the winner from group ‘A’ after beating MIT

Yellow and the Nepalese Cricket Association Australia.

Group ‘B’ witnessed Ryde Automobiles Haryana Bulls overcoming the challenge from Ford Pro Vibrant Gujarat and West Ryder’s.

In Group ‘C’, Chandigarh overcame Hyderabad Travels Sydney Deccan Chargers and Auburn All Stars.

Group ‘D’ had a close encounter between the Srilankan Lions, Limra, and MIT Red, with the Srilankan Lions emerging to battle head on with favourites, Ryde Automobiles Haryana Bulls in the semis. In a nail-biting finish, the Srilankan Lions clinched a thrilling victory on the last ball of the game, reaching the target of 78 runs in 7 overs. Srilanka’s Anuk and Gishan played a key role in securing the all-important victory against the much-fancied Haryana Bulls team.

Group College of Australia was the surprise winner, as they overcame the Chandigarh Boys in the semis.

The finals saw the Srilankan Lion challenge the Group Colleges of Australia, using their experience to prevail over Group Colleges of Australia, winning comfortably by reaching the target of 55 runs in the last over of the game, and cruising away with the Cup. Binit from Group Colleges of Australia was adjudged the player of the tournament, for his outstanding performance.

The teams will also compete in the 30/30 GCA-Macquarie Bicentennial commencing from October 4 and the 20/20 MIT Sydney Cup, commencing at the end of November.

The tournaments are widely acknowledged as another window where the community will have an opportunity to participate, as well as have access to a structured cricket event of unprecedented magnitude. They are a form of social service which initiates general interest and helps integrate the new Australian migrant community through sport. The teams will play cricket together, but still call Australia home.

The competition will reach an audience of more than 20,000 on a regular basis, thanks to its alliance with Indian Link Newspaper and Indian Link Radio, and also with other media and government agencies. Keep listening to Indian Link Radio for updates of the tournament.

It should be seen as a social service of general interest and great way of integrating the New Australian Community through the medium of sports.

India’s forgotten children

NOEL G DE SOUZA traces the origins of a little-known community and its significant international impact in varied fields

The Anglo-Indian community was born on Indian soil, of Indian mothers and European fathers. Though a small and dispersed ethnic group estimated at just 300,000 at the time of independence, Anglo-Indians made their mark in India. Indira Gandhi acknowledged that the Anglo-Indian community “played a part, out of all proportion to its size, for the development and progress of India.”

Frank Anthony, the first Anglo-Indian nominated to the Indian Parliament told his community that it has “an inalienable Indian birthright. The more we love and are loyal to India, the more India will love and be loyal to us.” Henry Louis Derozio, a 19th century Anglo-Indian poet wrote several patriotic poems lamenting India’s colonial condition, as in the Harp of India: “Neglected, mute, and desolate art thou”; and in To My Native Country: “My fallen country! One kind wish for thee!”

Frank Anthony persuaded Pandit Nehru to constitutionally define “Anglo-Indian” as an Indian of mixed descent with a European male ancestor. Thus their surnames are invariably European, being British, Irish, Portuguese or French. But because of their European surnames, Anglo-Indians are not immediately recognisable as being Indians.

The British who spent many years in India

also styled themselves as “Anglo-Indians” like the English-born parents of renowned Indian-born writer Rudyard Kipling. For Kipling, “there is neither East nor West, Border, nor Breed, nor Birth, /When two strong men stand face to face, though they come from the ends of the earth!”

Anglo-Indians of Portuguese paternity first appeared in the 16th century. Portugal never erected racial boundaries in India, the populations freely mixed in schools and clubs. Small Portuguese-Indian mixed populations are found in Mumbai (amongst the East Indians), in Goa (though the majority of Goan Catholics are wholly Indian, but carry Portuguese surnames obtained on conversion to Catholicism) and in Kochi.

Most fathers of Anglo-Indians in the 18th and early 19th centuries were British soldiers who had Indian wives, as few British women then lived in India. At that time marriages across races, colours, castes and religions were frowned upon. However, Anglo-Indians are Caucasians and many of them blend amongst either Europeans or Indians, or both.

During the British Raj, the armed forces were made up of Indian personnel and British officers. A suggestion to form Anglo-Indian regiments did not materialise,

but Anglo-Indians were eventually allowed into the Indian armed forces and participated strongly after independence, some rising to high ranks. Examples include two air force officers, the Keelor brothers (Denzil and Trevor) who both shot down Sabre jets during the Indo-Pakistan war of 1965. They were both awarded Veer Chakras in 1965. Denzil, who later became an AirVice Marshall, was also awarded the Kirti Chakra in 1978. Trevor became a Wing Commander. The Indian navy counted Rear Admiral Douglas Cameron and Admiral Oscar S. Dawson in its ranks, the latter becoming the Chief of the Naval Staff.

The All India Radio newsreader Melville de Mellow (awarded the Padma Shri), an Anglo-Indian, headed its English news section and is remembered for his marathon commentary during the funeral of Mahatma Gandhi. De Mellow was a founding father of the Cricket Club of India. His brother Arthur migrated to Australia, and his descendants live in Sydney.

in India and wrote Life in India and Thiry Years of Shikar

Indira Gandhi acknowledged that the Anglo-Indian community “played a part, out of all proportion to its size, for the development and progress of India

Another immigrant from India was Henry Cornish, a judge of the Madras High Court, who had an Indian mother. The Madras East India Society organised two shiploads of Anglo-Indians migrants to Sydney (Gloria J. Moore in A Brief History of the AngloIndians). Some British families spent several generations in the subcontinent, many being born there; such was the Hawke family who pioneered tea planting in the Nilgiris and many of whom ultimately settled in Australia. Anglo-Indian migration to Australia accelerated after Indian independence in 1947 and more so after the end of the White Australia Policy. Being English-speaking and Christian must have helped their assimilation into the country. However, they carried with them their own variant of English with an Indian accent. They also brought in Anglo-Indian cuisine and built their homes with verandas.

Some Anglo-Indians migrants to Britain and Australia distinguished themselves in entertainment such as the renowned singer Cliff Richard (Lucknow-born), British actress Vivien Leigh (Darjeeling-born), Australian actress Merle Oberon (Mumbaiborn) and Boris Karloff (originally William Henry Pratt).

Since the 1950s, numerous Indian migrants to Britain and Portugal married Europeans and have descendants in those countries. Some are married to famous people like British actors Rowan Atkinson (married to Sunetra Sastry) and Michael Caine (married to Shakira Baksh). Rear Admiral and Commander of the Italian Frontline Maritime Forces, Mumbai-born Rinaldo Veri has an Italian father and a Goan mother. Other notable individuals of mixed IndianEuropean descent include industrialist J. R. D. Tata, actress Leela Naidu and actor Ben Kingsley (originally Krishna Bhanji), who played the lead role in Gandhi Australia’s links to India go back to 1809 when Lachlan Macquarie, who had spent many years in India, was appointed the Governor of New South Wales. Another well-known individual was Caroline Chisholm who started charitable works in Chennai for the destitute wives and daughters of British soldiers, before coming to Australia in 1838. It is likely that some of those soldiers had Indian wives.

Anglo-Indians have participated in Australian politics; important examples include Robert Ray, Senator from 1981 to 2008, who held three important cabinet portfolios; Lucknow-born Anne Marie Warner, MLA in Queensland from 1983 to 1996, who became the Minister for Family and Aboriginal Affairs in the Wayne Goss Government; and June D’Rozario who was a prominent Labor member of the Northern Territory Assembly from 1977 to 1983. Incidentally, the wife of former Western Australian Premier Alan Carpenter, Anne Marie de Costa, is an Anglo Indian.

Anglo-Indians were eventually allowed into the Indian armed forces and participated strongly after independence, some rising to high ranks

Anglo-Indians have represented India and Australia in international sports including the Olympics. They were once the backbone of India’s hockey teams. In the 1960 Olympics, Leslie Claudius (winner of the highest number of hockey medals; he was awarded the Padma Shri) captained the Indian team. During the same games, Keven Carlton captained the Australian team. Both were Anglo-Indians. Today we have the cricketer Stuart Clarke, who performed well in the 2009 Fourth Ashes Test, whose parents came from India. The entrepreneur Basil Sellers, a sportsman in his own right, is a patron of sports and the arts in Australia.

Anglo-Indian immigration to Australia began in the mid-19th century, Tasmania being a popular destination particularly for those British who had served in India, some of whom had Indian wives. Sir Edward Braddon, a prominent settler and short-term Premier of Tasmania, was elected to the first Federal Parliament; he spent thirty years

The Anglo-Indian story shows us that Indian immigration is not a recent phenomenon in Australia. Anglo-Indians have successfully immersed themselves in all walks of Australian life, but never forgotten their old homeland. They gave Indian names to farming properties which they set up. Anglo-Indian Associations exist in all Australian capital cities. Melbourne hosts The Centre for Anglo-Indian Studies whilst Perth is the location of The International Federation of Anglo-Indian Associations.

Interest Rates go up after 19 months, Economy coming out of recession

How high will the interest rates go? NAVJEET SINGH MATTA, Full Accredited Member of Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia also Director- Gain Home Loans, answers pertinent questions on the subject

Hello Friends, I hope all of you are looking forward to the festive season and lot of fun. Deepawali is round the corner and will soon be followed by the Christmas and Gurpurab celebrations. That is the beauty of living in a Western country and enjoying your culture too. I assume lots of you will be going away on holiday overseas or some of you will be staying back here in Australia and enjoying the festive season with your friends.

Now for some information which is of importance to you. In its meeting on October 6, the Reserve Bank finally increased the rates by 0.25%. It’s been 19 months since the Reserve Bank lifted the cash rate rates. It was in March 2008 when the rate was raised and after that until April 2009, we saw a free-fall of rates until they were down at a 49 year low! The latest GDP growth figures have been very encouraging, outlining outlines that the Australian economy has actually grown by around 0.6% despite the earlier gloom warnings by a lot of economists that the recession is here to stay for longer. In fact, Australia has been one of the very few countries which has avoided recession! Now the question is, how many times will the Reserve Bank increase rates? Some economists are predicting that the rates will increase by 2% in the next 12-24 months. Even if this happens, they are still going to be well under the rates which we saw last year, when they went up to 9% and it was a challenging time for people’s budget to make the mortgage repayments. All the banks have been smart enough to hike fixed rates well in advance. If you now fix your mortgage, you will be paying almost 2% more than the variable rates. Should you go for fixed rates now, call me on 02 9676 3417 and get the answer!

What does the deadline mean for First Home Buyers?

There is panic among first home buyers, “We have

SEEKING BRIDES

Sister seeking a suitable bride for her handsome Hindu Khatri brother. 28, 6’1” working as Service Manager, Sydney, studying Masters of Accounting. Please respond with details and photo at rashi.sethi@hotmail.com/ 0433 059 618.

Seeking very slim educated match for a very handsome, slim Jat Sikh boy, 28, 5’9” innocent divorcee, IT professional, Australian citizen. Please respond with details and photo to mrhs09@yahoo.com

Australian citizen, 36 year old male, employed full time, 170cm, non-smoker non-drinker, never married, from Baha’i faith seeks female of Indian background for marriage. Please reply to mills_35@yahoo.com.au

Caring, sincere, slim, youthful looking, male divorcee, Hindu, India-born, 50-year-old, Australian citizen, in professional government job seeks a suitable match. Caste and religion no bar. Looking for caring lady with family values. Call 0416099177. Only genuine enquiries please.

Australian citizen, 36 years old, hospitality professional working in Sydney. Seeking girl between ages 27-36, no caste bar. Please contact 0416398869 or for other details and photo mail me at satishsingh_2009@yahoo.com

Seeking alliance for a 28 year, 5’11”, Gujarati boy. Working as a Database

to buy property before September 30, or we will lose the $14K”. Most people have very little knowledge about the situation. Let’s go back to the time when the grant was not increased. First home buyers received the $7,000 grant and the full stamp duty exemption (for properties upto $500K). So what’s the rush? Even if you are not able to buy the property by December 31 this year, you are still going to be eligible for the $7K grant and also the stamp duty exemption. Yes, between October 1 and December 31 2009, the grant will be reduced to $10,500. What I have noticed is that people have paid a higher price than the actual worth of a property just to meet this deadline and don’t get me wrong, a few of them have got good bargains too, especially our clients who have taken advantage of the free property report which would otherwise cost them $79. This report is obtained from RP Data for our clients, which gives them really useful information about the properties, area, prices and helps them to negotiate a very good price. If you also need one of these reports, please go to our website www.gainhomeloans.com and order the free report online. Don’t forget, we deal with all lenders for your home loan and negotiate the best deal for you, so there’s no need to shop around for lenders. Come to us and we will look after you well. Get your Loan approval today (and the best deal too!) Contact us to discuss your situation. As we deal with all the lenders, it becomes very easy for you to compare different loans from different lenders.

The last thing you want is to hop from one bank to the other, trying to understand the products, features and interest rates, thus wasting your valuable time. We make it very easy for you to get the best product to suit your situation, and can provide service at your home or at our office, whichever suits you. Our services are absolutely free. We may even get you some fees or charges waived from the bank. But that is not the only reason why people choose us; we look after your financial needs from the time of the application to the settlement, and for the life of the loan. We have a regular newsletter that goes out to all our clients, which is full of information about property and finance market.

Our services are absolutely free. Don’t forget, we provide free Property Reports, which can potentially save you thousands. You are more than welcome to send me an email to nsmatta@gainhomeloans.com. au and order a free property report for a suburb or a particular property. The website address is www. gainhomeloans.com or call me if you need to discuss in detail. Contact us at GAIN HOME LOANS , Level 1, 9 Flushcombe Rd, Blacktown. So visit our website or call us 7 days a week on 02 96763417.

Disclaimer: Any advice given in this article does not take into account the personal needs and objectives or financial situation of the reader. The reader should consider the appropriateness of this and seek professional advice before making a decision whether to acquire or continue the products and services mentioned.

Matrimonials

Analyst in Melbourne, Australian citizen. Looking for a well educated, preferably Gujarati girl with family values. Please email with biodata at mayurimodi@ hotmail.com or ring 0400 872 333. Bharat Matrimony id: G549338

Sister-in-law seeking a suitable bride for her handsome Sikh Khatri, clean shaven, 28, 5’9 inch Australian citizen brother-in-law. Business Manager, Melbourne, Masters in Finance Has a perfect mix of east and west cultures. Contact matrimonial.mb@gmail.com

Australian citizen, 27, 168cm, handsome Punjabi Hindu Khatri boy. Masters in Accounting & Finance. Own business. Well established family in Sydney. Seeking good looking and qualified match. Caste no bar. Please contact: 0401057224 or send details with photo to: matriaussyd@gmail.com

Seeking well qualified match from good family background for handsome, well settled Gujarati boy 31, 5’7”. Raised in India, living in Sydney since past 9 years. MBA from Sydney, CPA ongoing. Working with leading FMCG as accountant. Please respond with details and photo. email: kdsydney@gmail.com

SEEKING GROOMS

Avery warm simple hearted, caring, extremely hardworking, attractive, never married, 40yr old Christian seeks groom. Working for an MNC in India. She is very family-oriented with good moral values. She’s a blessing. Please contact 0425253501 or email angelina2003@ gmail.com

Professional qualified match for 38/165, never married, fair, slim, Punjabi Arora engineer, Australian citizen, in Govt job. Early marriage. Can relocate. Parents well-settled in India. Educated family. Caste no bar. Respond with photo. Contact mr15840@yahoo.co.in

Sister and brother-in-law seeking a suitable groom for a lovely 24 year old Fiji born H,indu girl, independent, fair, lovely girl. Australian citizen, professionally qualified currently working in an Australian company. Family well-settled in Australia. Family seeks a qualified match for suitable 25 to 29 year old boy with strong family, cultural values and good family background. Please email bio data and recent photographs to arieso@rediffmail.com

Sydney-based Hindu girl (never married, 36, 160 cm), occasionally non-veg, speaks Hindi, Fiji-born, plans to settle in Australia, completing PhD (mid2010). Seeking a qualified professional for marriage (35-41, 165+). Caste no bar. Please send details/recent photos: youdee02@yahoo.com.”

Seeking professionally qualified and well settled match for 34/165cm slim fair beautiful engineer, Australian citizen, girl working as Project Manager in IT in Melbourne. Girl innocently divorced after brief marriage, without issue. Please respond with complete details to sanjuus@rediffmail.com or 0414901508.

Alliance invited for a Sikh girl, June 74/ 5’2”, working in Delhi. Seeking educated Sikh/Punjabi boy. Call brother on 0432020068, email: matriprofile08@ gmail.com

Punjabi Arora parents invite wellsettled/ professional match for never married fair slim beautiful 36/ 165, Information Technology professional. Working in MNC. Australian citizen. Status family, caste no bar. Early marriage. Respond with photo. Em: sydgirl09@gmail.com

Dear Auntyji, I have an older brother who thinks he’s a real superstar. He plays cricket for our school’s first team and because of that, but whole family adores him. If only they knew he’s actually a real fool. He bullies me when no one’s watching, teases me all the time and is actually a really mean person. And then my mom tells me to try and “be more like him”. How can I expose him for the badmash he really is?

Dear Good Guy,

Good Guy, Campsie

Your brother does sound a bit like a fool. But then again, so do you. I’m not sure how much older he is, but you sound like a whining little boy. What kind of man runs to a newspaper Agony Aunt instead of fighting his own battles? No, Good Guy – I’m just kidding! Being bullied is no laughing matter, but you need to learn how to stand up for yourself, without “having to expose your brother”. Maybe you could use humour – making funny comments when he teases you, might turn the tables on him and make others laugh at him. When he sees that it doesn’t feel very good, he might reconsider doing it to you.

It’s just a family dynamic that happens when you’re the younger sibling – the older ones tend to pick on you and if you can’t deal with it, you’ll be the odd one out. Find a way to manage your brother’s bullying, which will make him take notice and even respect you. For instance, if you like cricket too, take an interest and start playing backyard cricket with him. Older kids sometimes tease you to get attention, so spending time and getting to know him might stop the bullying and start a good healthy relationship. And if all else fails, take secret cricket lessons so that you can kick his butt in the one thing he’s good at. Making him cry in front of all his friends might not stop the bullying, but it sure will

make you feel better.

Dear Auntyji

I’m having trouble with my younger daughter. She’s just turned 13 and everything I do is “so old” and “like, so embarrassing!” I know that I thought so as well when I was her age, but surely times have changed and kids understand their parents better these days with all the media hype and movies about parents and kids. Surely kids of today are aware more than ever that their parents have experience and that we really care about them. I’m not sure how I can get through to her that when I say “No” there’s usually a reason – I’m not out to get her all the time. Do you have any tips on what I can do to reach through to her and bring her around to seeing things my way?

Locked Out, Edensor Park

Dear Locked Out,

I have a great tip for you: Back. Off. Kids of that age, especially girls, need time to form their own views on the world. You’re right – these days with the media and the movies, kids get to know more about the world they live in than ever before. It can get quite

Smash Repairs

Dear Auntyji, My neighbour’s kids are driving me crazy. They’re loud and noisy, and have no respect for the elderly. In my day, children were seen, not heard, but nowadays, pata nahin kyon, they are always heard, sometimes well past midnight. When I try to tell them to keep quiet, they mock me and repeat what I say. The little boy even wags his finger back at me. Their mother spends her entire day either talking on the phone in her mother-tongue, or looking for people to talk to. My afternoon naps are now history. How do I make these little brats history?

confusing trying to interpret all the signals mation, when you really don’t have all the information yet. Trying to work out what to wear to the movies is hard enough, now they’re also bombarded with all the adult themes we didn’t have to deal with until we were in Uni. How times have changed!

They’re trying to persuade you that they’re old enough to handle themselves in this crazy world so that you will loosen the reins, yet they’re still so confused about it all. And through all this, you’re in there holding on even more tightly and trying to force them to see your point of view. You’re the adult – you should try to see theirs. It’s much easier for you to bend down low enough to see their point of view, than it is for them to reach up to yours.

If you’ve done your job well enough through the first 13 years, they know you’ll always be there through the next 13 and more. You’re the backup when they want to sit down and talk. You’re the shoulder to cry on. And you should make sure that you have a shoulder as well, when you need it. Because letting go is so much harder than finding a way to hang on. Soon, you’ll realise that you’re not locked out anymore.

Grumpy Grandma, Wentworthville

Dear Grumpy Grandma,

I suggest you move house. Some kids nowadays have very little respect for their parents, so its not likely that they’ll even listen to you. Parents have a way of explaining the racket their kids make by simply saying, ‘They’re just being kids!’ or blaming it on ADHD. Of course, I can’t imagine what they’re doing awake beyond midnight, maybe their parents are asleep. If moving house is not an option, take the civilized approach and explain to the mother, in polite but simple terms, that she needs to keep her kids quiet, at least after 10pm. If this doesn’t work either, counterattack would be the best solution. If you can’t beat them, join them. When their house is quiet, presumably because the kids are napping or in bed, make as much noise as you can. Talk loudly, knock over kitchen utensils, turn up the volume on the radio or TV, listen to bhajans at full blast, until they finally wake up. Their parents should finally get this not-too-subtle hint, and if they still don’t, use the final weapon – get yourself a really good pair of earplugs.

Tarot ‘n’ You Tarot ‘n’ You

Tarot predictions for October 2009

ARIES March 21 – April 20

Tarot signifies success and fulfilment. You are likely to be happy on achieving lasting success. You have the support of people around you. It is a positive card in a travel reading. The project on your mind would ultimately bring you success. Overseas projects are indicated by this card. You should keep on putting in hard work in whatever you do.

TAURUS April 21 – May 21

Your dreams are trying to convey a message to you. You will be able to find answers to the questions in your mind if you pay heed to your intuition. You need to be careful about deceit in any form. You should not accept things at their face value, as certain things involve deeper issues that might be hidden from your view. In such cases, you should pay attention to the voice of your subconscious mind. In a relationship reading, Tarot sees the need to resolve certain issues.

GEMINI May 22 – June 23

You are likely to find yourself emotionally satisfied as far as relationships are concerned. The card for you represents friendship, happiness, contentment of the heart and love. Your family situation is likely to be congenial, where the entire family is committed towards deep-rooted values, leading to inner contentment. You are in a work environment where team work is very important for achieving common goals. Collaboration is the key to your success.

CANCER June 23 – July 22

There seems to be an illusion that there is no choice other than to accept things as they are. Tarot indicates the hold of materialism on a person because of the temptations it provides, and signifies a consuming passion for money (in a business reading). Free will is lost, as being controlled seems an easier way out than taking responsibility for oneself. It could even mean a reluctance to change at the cost of growth. It is only you who can liberate yourself from this situation.

LEO July 23 – August 23

Tarot signifies the need to adopt the qualities of strength of purpose and be steadfast in approach. You are able to think about your emotions and feelings in order to get a clear perspective of what you desire, and plan your line of action for future success. Don’t let past difficulties faced in a relationship hold you back from experiencing what life may have to offer to you in the present.

VIRGO August 24 – September 22

You need determination and fortitude to succeed. Once you are successful, you shall be respected for your achievements and be the source of inspiration to others. Have faith and confidence in your abilities as you have the inner resources to come out from any situation as a winner. In a relationship reading, it is a positive time as people involved are ready to listen to each other. Communication is the primary factor in the growth of a relationship.

LIBRA September 23 – October 23

Tarot signifies that the present time is the opportune moment to start a new project. You need to use your skills and follow your instincts. You should be determined to use your potential to the maximum, to succeed. It is the right time to initiate action and execute plans. In a relationship reading, Tarot indicates a dynamic relationship where one partner provides the inspiration and the other makes them a reality, through his skills and practicality.

SCORPIO October 24 – November 22

A career in law, the armed forces or medicine will get you success. It is suggested that you look up new options and even go ahead with new projects. Tarot indicates advancement and also help from a person in a high position. You are likely to get clear advice which would bear fruit if paid heed to and acted upon. Tarot describes a relationship that has a clear purpose and is a meeting of minds.

SAGITTARIUS November 23 – December 21

Tarot signifies a new beginning for you. You may be required to take a decision and act on it. Hence, it is important for you to keep yourself emotionally balanced for the same. You would act with utmost passion towards your desired goal. In a relationship reading, you have a clear idea of what you want from a relationship. Your purpose is clear, so you are able to focus on what you desire. It may be a relationship where mental compatibility is required.

CAPRICORN

December 22 – January 19

Tarot signifies a period for spontaneity. There is a focus on trust and hope. Be prepared for the unexpected. It is a positive time for travel. You are likely to be offered new opportunities leading to new heights. You are likely to feel fulfilled if you undertake this unforeseen journey, trust your judgement while planning for the future. Tarot depicts the journey of self-discovery with confidence, fun and optimism. In a relationship reading, you will benefit by living in the present.

AQUARIUS

January 20 – February 18

Tarot portrays isolation, a need to think over issues, meditate on the options and energize oneself before acting. You are able to prioritize things and focus on your goals. You contemplate on your future prospects, making use of the time in your hands. You are trying to be at peace with yourself after a long period of turmoil. The time is right for regaining mental and physical health. You may be undergoing a period of ill health and need to recoup your strength.

PISCES

February 19 – March 20

Now is the time during which your actions will revolve around emotions. Any problem that has arisen in the past would be sorted out, giving way to celebrations. Tarot forsees perfection, merriment, victory, healing and happiness. Better health is indicated. There is an emphasis on family gatherings and weddings. In a relationship reading, Tarot suggests a successful reunion, also a choice between several partners.

CINETALK

Too violent to be entertaining

Film: Baabarr

Cast: Om Puri, Mithun Chakbraborty, Sushant Singh, Sohum Shah

Director: Ashu Trikha

It’s a brutal world out there. Welcome to the killing fields of Lucknow. The paths and alleys are bathed in blood. The roads are strewn with corpses. It’s almost as if the city has no respite from violence.

Baabarr is arguably one of the most violent films ever made in Hindi. It inhabits a world where the characters live in crusty brick lanes, homes that have seen more slaying and slaughtering than the butcher shops where some of director Trikha’s characters work.

Full marks to the director, art director Jayant Deshmukh and cinematographer Suhass Gujarathi for giving the work a gritty, edgy lived-in feeling. From the first frame onwards, Trikha goes for the corkscrew effect. The tension is unpretentiously relentless and real.

Once we enter this doomed world, there’s no way out.

Writer Ikram Akhtar gets substantial help from action director Abbas Ali Moghul in giving the characters their sense of adrift despair.

The characters never sit back to watch their own

damned lives. They are either running from or chasing their adversaries. The world of the normal is given the slip, as we slip and slide into kingdom of the doomed and the damned. The protagonist Baabarr’s life is chronicled in no particular scheme except the one that occurs naturally to the character’s destiny. There’s a ruthlessly rigorous rhythm to the narration, somewhat like a Ram Gopal Varma film. In fact there’s a reference to Varma’s Satya towards the end when the hero dismisses it as “just a film” when in fact his own life replicates the story of gangsterism in Satya with far more brutal candour. But the greatest virtue of Baabarr is also its undoing. The world that Trika creates is too devoid of the soft moments and too violent and barbaric to be accepted as entertainment.

The performances match the mood of heightened anxiety.

Om Puri as a cheesy, sidechanging cop and Sushant Singh as the protagonist’s arch-enemy blend with the fiercely bloody fabric of storytelling.

Tinu Anand has one outstanding sequence where he tries to stop the protagonist from killing him through emotional blackmail. Newcomer Sohum Shah gets bravely into the sanguinary act. However the soundtrack is ear-splitting. Does violence have to be so noisy?

A delightful movie

Film: Wake Up Sid

Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Konkona Sen Sharma, Anupam Kher, Supriya Pathak, Rahul Khanna

Director: Ayan Mukerji

Next time when a star son gets an opportunity to get an author-backed role, let’s not complain. That’s because if he actually goes on to come up with as flawless an act as seen in Wake Up Sid, there is no reason why one should really be looking around for anyone else.

Ranbir Kapoor comes up with a neat, simple and believable performance. When most actors would have been happy to establish their standing in Bollywood with a quintessential romantic hero role, Ranbir is anything but a hero here.

This is why he allows himself to be treated as a ‘kid’ by Konkona Sen Sharma, who by the way is happy to play a woman five years elder to him. However, there is this special something which brews between them that pretty much gives the true meaning of a platonic relationship.

There are five things that make Wake Up Sid a delightful affair. It has a constant flow throughout; no over the top or understated drama; no ultra emotional strangulation of audiences; absolutely no yuppie cool dude act; and last but not the least, this is an original and refreshing story. While the film actually becomes really engrossing in the second half, the first half facilitates an adequate groundwork for the story to progress. There are bitter sweet moments in the first half as well but one

still wishes for that extra something to kick start that would make Wake Up Sid go beyond a regular “coming of age” film. This is where young director Ayan Mukerji’s writing comes in handy because unlike a conventional movie, he doesn’t just bring a turnaround in Sid’s character by throwing a song to bring in that ‘overnight transformation’. He keeps it soft and subtle starting from something as simple as Sid learning how to prepare an omelette, keep his comic books

stacked, prepare his own bed and of course, earn his very first cheque. By the time he returns to his dad (Anupam Kher in a short but effective role), you realise that the destination was eventually met even as the journey wasn’t quite ‘on your face’ or ‘over the top’. Meanwhile Konkona gets yet another complex role for herself. She is brilliant. Watch out for her in the interview scene or the outburst when Ranbir decides to go back to his parents’ house. Her irritation in certain scenes with Ranbir is utterly believable too and so are the tender ways in which she looks after him.

The supporting cast fits in well too. The young man who plays Rishi (Namit Das - last seen in The President Is Coming as Ramesh) is just effortless. Kashmira Shah, in her four-scenes act, is a pleasant surprise while Rahul Khanna is decent in the limited footage.

While Wake Up Sid would of course raise Ranbir’s stock in months to come, it would be noticed in a major way for Mukerji’s script sense and direction. He makes the kind of debut that made Farhan Akhtar hot property after Dil Chahta Hai.

CINETALK

Too violent to be entertaining

Film: Baabarr

Cast: Om Puri, Mithun Chakbraborty, Sushant Singh, Sohum Shah

Director: Ashu Trikha

It’s a brutal world out there. Welcome to the killing fields of Lucknow. The paths and alleys are bathed in blood. The roads are strewn with corpses. It’s almost as if the city has no respite from violence.

Baabarr is arguably one of the most violent films ever made in Hindi. It inhabits a world where the characters live in crusty brick lanes, homes that have seen more slaying and slaughtering than the butcher shops where some of director Trikha’s characters work.

Full marks to the director, art director Jayant Deshmukh and cinematographer Suhass Gujarathi for giving the work a gritty, edgy lived-in feeling. From the first frame onwards, Trikha goes for the corkscrew effect. The tension is unpretentiously relentless and real.

Once we enter this doomed world, there’s no way out.

Writer Ikram Akhtar gets substantial help from action director Abbas Ali Moghul in giving the characters their sense of adrift despair.

The characters never sit back to watch their own

damned lives. They are either running from or chasing their adversaries. The world of the normal is given the slip, as we slip and slide into kingdom of the doomed and the damned. The protagonist Baabarr’s life is chronicled in no particular scheme except the one that occurs naturally to the character’s destiny. There’s a ruthlessly rigorous rhythm to the narration, somewhat like a Ram Gopal Varma film. In fact there’s a reference to Varma’s Satya towards the end when the hero dismisses it as “just a film” when in fact his own life replicates the story of gangsterism in Satya with far more brutal candour. But the greatest virtue of Baabarr is also its undoing. The world that Trika creates is too devoid of the soft moments and too violent and barbaric to be accepted as entertainment.

The performances match the mood of heightened anxiety.

Om Puri as a cheesy, sidechanging cop and Sushant Singh as the protagonist’s arch-enemy blend with the fiercely bloody fabric of storytelling.

Tinu Anand has one outstanding sequence where he tries to stop the protagonist from killing him through emotional blackmail. Newcomer Sohum Shah gets bravely into the sanguinary act. However the soundtrack is ear-splitting. Does violence have to be so noisy?

A delightful movie

Film: Wake Up Sid

Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Konkona Sen Sharma, Anupam Kher, Supriya Pathak, Rahul Khanna

Director: Ayan Mukerji

Next time when a star son gets an opportunity to get an author-backed role, let’s not complain. That’s because if he actually goes on to come up with as flawless an act as seen in Wake Up Sid, there is no reason why one should really be looking around for anyone else.

Ranbir Kapoor comes up with a neat, simple and believable performance. When most actors would have been happy to establish their standing in Bollywood with a quintessential romantic hero role, Ranbir is anything but a hero here.

This is why he allows himself to be treated as a ‘kid’ by Konkona Sen Sharma, who by the way is happy to play a woman five years elder to him. However, there is this special something which brews between them that pretty much gives the true meaning of a platonic relationship.

There are five things that make Wake Up Sid a delightful affair. It has a constant flow throughout; no over the top or understated drama; no ultra emotional strangulation of audiences; absolutely no yuppie cool dude act; and last but not the least, this is an original and refreshing story. While the film actually becomes really engrossing in the second half, the first half facilitates an adequate groundwork for the story to progress. There are bitter sweet moments in the first half as well but one

still wishes for that extra something to kick start that would make Wake Up Sid go beyond a regular “coming of age” film. This is where young director Ayan Mukerji’s writing comes in handy because unlike a conventional movie, he doesn’t just bring a turnaround in Sid’s character by throwing a song to bring in that ‘overnight transformation’. He keeps it soft and subtle starting from something as simple as Sid learning how to prepare an omelette, keep his comic books

stacked, prepare his own bed and of course, earn his very first cheque. By the time he returns to his dad (Anupam Kher in a short but effective role), you realise that the destination was eventually met even as the journey wasn’t quite ‘on your face’ or ‘over the top’. Meanwhile Konkona gets yet another complex role for herself. She is brilliant. Watch out for her in the interview scene or the outburst when Ranbir decides to go back to his parents’ house. Her irritation in certain scenes with Ranbir is utterly believable too and so are the tender ways in which she looks after him.

The supporting cast fits in well too. The young man who plays Rishi (Namit Das - last seen in The President Is Coming as Ramesh) is just effortless. Kashmira Shah, in her four-scenes act, is a pleasant surprise while Rahul Khanna is decent in the limited footage.

While Wake Up Sid would of course raise Ranbir’s stock in months to come, it would be noticed in a major way for Mukerji’s script sense and direction. He makes the kind of debut that made Farhan Akhtar hot property after Dil Chahta Hai.

Only for Salman Khan fans

Film: Wanted

Cast: Salman Khan, Ayesha Takia, Prakash Raj, Mahesh Manjrekar, Govind Namdeo and Vinod Khanna

Director: Prabhudeva

Though National Award-winner Prakash Raj’s flamboyant villainy and Ayesha Takia’s endearing cuteness miraculously find a place in the plot, this is the hero’s vehicle, like the very few masala movies in recent times.

Salman Khan adapts his goon’s name Radhe from his earlier Tere Naam, where he mixed violence with vulnerability in a heady brew. The mix in Wanted is far more brackish and tangy.

Wanted is an old-fashioned bone-cruncher with guns and goons creating a kind of orchestrated anarchy that was done with far more elan in Ghajini

In Wanted, the violence is far cruder and guttural. The hero is on a sort of societycleansing spree where the mode of conduct adopted by the villains and heroes become the same.

Director Prabhudeva retains the crude edges from the Telugu original Pokhiri. The villains are vicious and foul-mouthed and very often represent the kind of unfettered anti-socialism that can only be contained by the vigilanteism that Salman practices in the last-quarter of this bloodthirsty tale.

The plot is essentially about a one-man army who takes on a city filled with scums. The villains are everywhere in Mumbai. It was Hyderabad in the Telugu original. But what difference does it make? Cities change, morality doesn’t. The predators are everywhere - in boats, trains, pubs and warehouses.

One khaki-clad foul-mouthed villain (played with despicable authenticity by Mahesh Manjrekar) even infiltrates a decent woman’s house and threatens to sleep with both mother and daughter.

Mercifully the daughter, Ayesha, has Salman for a boyfriend. But the poor police commissioner (Govind Namdeo, in a positive role for a change) is unlucky with his daughter. She gets kidnapped and raped by the arch-villain. It’s a mean world out there...And thank goodness for the screen hero.

While Vinod Khanna is wasted, Manoj Pawa’s role as the overgrown boy-next-door doesn’t quite fit into the scheme of things. Prakash Raj as the villain gives celluloid diabolism an interesting new twist. He definitely looks menacing. His confrontation with the police commissioner is written with that polished panache that brings a twist to pulp fictions. But make no mistake. This is a madeto-order film for Salman. As a one-man army, he springs into every frame with that trademark mix of a bored swagger and agile comicality. His romantic moments with Ayesha have a lived-in credibility except when the songs take over. Strictly for fans of action flicks, and Salman...in that order.

Priyanka X 12, a pleasure to watch

Film: What’s Your Raashee?

Cast: Priyanka Chopra, Hurman Baweja

Director: Ashutsoh Gowariker

A Gujarati downmarket wannabe bride dragged out of her traditional habitat into tight skirts tops and a 7-star hotel by her

parents, to meet the eligible bachelor from Chicago. The girl’s longing to go West leaps out at you even when the guy politely rejects her.

“It must be snowing in Chicago,” she says with a warm wistfulness that melts your heart.

Elsewhere, almost at the end of Yogesh’s (Hurman Baweja) long and exhausting bride-hunt, a 15-year-old is passed off by her desperate parents as a purported bride. When our hero politely asks her which college she attends, the school girl burst into wracking sobs.

There are enough heart-melting moments in this lengthy treatise on how not to go bridehunting for money’s sake, to make Ashutosh Gowariker’s reputation as a filmmaker. His films constantly ventures into areas of filmmaking that seem at first commonplace but actually secrete the most valuable truths of life.

We saw him make a resplendent virtue of simplicity in the storytelling in Swades where Gowariker said “go back home” to the NRI played by Shah Rukh Khan. A lack of pretension and a thorough affinity to simplicity and grace in the narration imbue What’s Your Raashee? with shades of life done in the quirky satirical tones that completely reject obscure images and symbols.

Raashee relates the episodic story of the NRI’s search for a bride in the easygoing rhythms of a folk tale set to a contemporary but unobtrusive beat. The director’s eye for detail is unmatchable. When a postman huffs and puffs up that dusty village-road to deliver a much-awaited birthday card to a rich nanaji (grandfather) from his favourite grandson in Chicago, the postman’s shirt is sweat-stained.

When the first of Yogesh’s wannabe brides, arguably the best of Priyanka’s 12 spectacular turns, walks in, her shoes seem to have been bought only hours ago. Gowariker pitches the elemental tale at a satirical level. Some of the supporting characters - too broadly parochial to match the narrative’s mellow mood - needed to be toned down. Also the whole subplot about the marriage broker (Darshan Zariwala)’s extra-marital affair and a bumbling detective on his trail needed to be edited out.

Some of the music in the otherwiseinteresting mix of acoustics and sporadic melody by debutant Sohail Sen is also a burden on the narrative. But Yogesh’s bride-hunt never gets tedious, thanks to the unadorned interiors of the simple plot. The bride-encounters move

from the poignant girl who frankly tells Yogesh she had sex with her neighbour to the satirical self-crowned yogini who gets horny on the flustered Yogesh; to the unabashedly idealistic barefoot doctor who invites Yogesh to move from Chicago to the village; to the satirical theatre actress who spews venom at the NRIs - each character brings her own little universe of flickering emotions and ideologies.

The film is the consummate post-date film. It tells us about what happens to the nice decent Gujarati boy Yogesh, played with heartwarming niceness and decency by Hurman, when he meets 12 prospective brides.

By now we all know Priyanka Chopra plays all the 12 brides. What we don’t know is how beautifully she balances every character’s inner life in the swarming but serene paradigm of the plot creating for each of the 12 intended brides an inner life and an outer glow within a restricted timespan.

It’s an amazing achievement. Priyanka gives soul to all the 12 characters she plays. In the climactic song, she brings all of them together, quirks and mannerisms all on display in one unified flow of feelings and body-language. The actress achieves individuality for all her characters while giving the plot a homogenous flow.

As for Hurman, this film is his actual debut. His equation with Priyanka is similar to Shahid Kapoor’s vis-a-vis Kareena Kapoor in Jab We Met. Hurman is warm and sincere and ever-articulate before the camera. What a nice guy he has made out of Yogi. A lovely uncluttered, unassuming and transparent film from Gowariker!

Only for Salman Khan fans

Film: Wanted

Cast: Salman Khan, Ayesha Takia, Prakash Raj, Mahesh Manjrekar, Govind Namdeo and Vinod Khanna

Director: Prabhudeva

Though National Award-winner Prakash Raj’s flamboyant villainy and Ayesha Takia’s endearing cuteness miraculously find a place in the plot, this is the hero’s vehicle, like the very few masala movies in recent times.

Salman Khan adapts his goon’s name Radhe from his earlier Tere Naam, where he mixed violence with vulnerability in a heady brew. The mix in Wanted is far more brackish and tangy.

Wanted is an old-fashioned bone-cruncher with guns and goons creating a kind of orchestrated anarchy that was done with far more elan in Ghajini

In Wanted, the violence is far cruder and guttural. The hero is on a sort of societycleansing spree where the mode of conduct adopted by the villains and heroes become the same.

Director Prabhudeva retains the crude edges from the Telugu original Pokhiri. The villains are vicious and foul-mouthed and very often represent the kind of unfettered anti-socialism that can only be contained by the vigilanteism that Salman practices in the last-quarter of this bloodthirsty tale.

The plot is essentially about a one-man army who takes on a city filled with scums. The villains are everywhere in Mumbai. It was Hyderabad in the Telugu original. But what difference does it make? Cities change, morality doesn’t. The predators are everywhere - in boats, trains, pubs and warehouses.

One khaki-clad foul-mouthed villain (played with despicable authenticity by Mahesh Manjrekar) even infiltrates a decent woman’s house and threatens to sleep with both mother and daughter.

Mercifully the daughter, Ayesha, has Salman for a boyfriend. But the poor police commissioner (Govind Namdeo, in a positive role for a change) is unlucky with his daughter. She gets kidnapped and raped by the arch-villain. It’s a mean world out there...And thank goodness for the screen hero.

While Vinod Khanna is wasted, Manoj Pawa’s role as the overgrown boy-next-door doesn’t quite fit into the scheme of things. Prakash Raj as the villain gives celluloid diabolism an interesting new twist. He definitely looks menacing. His confrontation with the police commissioner is written with that polished panache that brings a twist to pulp fictions. But make no mistake. This is a madeto-order film for Salman. As a one-man army, he springs into every frame with that trademark mix of a bored swagger and agile comicality. His romantic moments with Ayesha have a lived-in credibility except when the songs take over. Strictly for fans of action flicks, and Salman...in that order.

Priyanka X 12, a pleasure to watch

Film: What’s Your Raashee?

Cast: Priyanka Chopra, Hurman Baweja

Director: Ashutsoh Gowariker

A Gujarati downmarket wannabe bride dragged out of her traditional habitat into tight skirts tops and a 7-star hotel by her

parents, to meet the eligible bachelor from Chicago. The girl’s longing to go West leaps out at you even when the guy politely rejects her.

“It must be snowing in Chicago,” she says with a warm wistfulness that melts your heart.

Elsewhere, almost at the end of Yogesh’s (Hurman Baweja) long and exhausting bride-hunt, a 15-year-old is passed off by her desperate parents as a purported bride. When our hero politely asks her which college she attends, the school girl burst into wracking sobs.

There are enough heart-melting moments in this lengthy treatise on how not to go bridehunting for money’s sake, to make Ashutosh Gowariker’s reputation as a filmmaker. His films constantly ventures into areas of filmmaking that seem at first commonplace but actually secrete the most valuable truths of life.

We saw him make a resplendent virtue of simplicity in the storytelling in Swades where Gowariker said “go back home” to the NRI played by Shah Rukh Khan. A lack of pretension and a thorough affinity to simplicity and grace in the narration imbue What’s Your Raashee? with shades of life done in the quirky satirical tones that completely reject obscure images and symbols.

Raashee relates the episodic story of the NRI’s search for a bride in the easygoing rhythms of a folk tale set to a contemporary but unobtrusive beat. The director’s eye for detail is unmatchable. When a postman huffs and puffs up that dusty village-road to deliver a much-awaited birthday card to a rich nanaji (grandfather) from his favourite grandson in Chicago, the postman’s shirt is sweat-stained.

When the first of Yogesh’s wannabe brides, arguably the best of Priyanka’s 12 spectacular turns, walks in, her shoes seem to have been bought only hours ago. Gowariker pitches the elemental tale at a satirical level. Some of the supporting characters - too broadly parochial to match the narrative’s mellow mood - needed to be toned down. Also the whole subplot about the marriage broker (Darshan Zariwala)’s extra-marital affair and a bumbling detective on his trail needed to be edited out.

Some of the music in the otherwiseinteresting mix of acoustics and sporadic melody by debutant Sohail Sen is also a burden on the narrative. But Yogesh’s bride-hunt never gets tedious, thanks to the unadorned interiors of the simple plot. The bride-encounters move

from the poignant girl who frankly tells Yogesh she had sex with her neighbour to the satirical self-crowned yogini who gets horny on the flustered Yogesh; to the unabashedly idealistic barefoot doctor who invites Yogesh to move from Chicago to the village; to the satirical theatre actress who spews venom at the NRIs - each character brings her own little universe of flickering emotions and ideologies.

The film is the consummate post-date film. It tells us about what happens to the nice decent Gujarati boy Yogesh, played with heartwarming niceness and decency by Hurman, when he meets 12 prospective brides.

By now we all know Priyanka Chopra plays all the 12 brides. What we don’t know is how beautifully she balances every character’s inner life in the swarming but serene paradigm of the plot creating for each of the 12 intended brides an inner life and an outer glow within a restricted timespan.

It’s an amazing achievement. Priyanka gives soul to all the 12 characters she plays. In the climactic song, she brings all of them together, quirks and mannerisms all on display in one unified flow of feelings and body-language. The actress achieves individuality for all her characters while giving the plot a homogenous flow.

As for Hurman, this film is his actual debut. His equation with Priyanka is similar to Shahid Kapoor’s vis-a-vis Kareena Kapoor in Jab We Met. Hurman is warm and sincere and ever-articulate before the camera. What a nice guy he has made out of Yogi. A lovely uncluttered, unassuming and transparent film from Gowariker!

Blue’s going to be big Akshay Kumar says when Blue director

Anthony D’Souza approached him for the underwater thriller, the first thing he asked was, “Are you sure you can make the movie?” Touted to be India’s first underwater film, which is said to match international standards of filmmaking, Blue promises to bring with it some never-seen-before visuals and stunts.

“The first thing I did was to look straight into his eyes and ask him - ‘Do you actually think you are capable enough of making a film of this scale, genre and setting? You may say that you want to shoot the film in space or on the moon, but saying something and doing it are two different things. So how will you actually shoot the film?” confided Akshay. As things turned out, D’Souza had done his homework well in advance and took the sceptical actor through some of his work which included certain advertisements he had directed, as well as some groundwork on Blue

“Honestly, it all led me to at least start listening. I got really interested in how he intended to execute Blue,” said Akshay.

“After all, there were going to be extreme stunts in it and that too under water. Then Tony (D’Souza) also showed me the work of the DOP (director of photography) Pete Zuccarini, who shot Pirates of the Caribbean.” Akshay spoke to Zuccarini, which finally convinced him that D’Souza had the talent to pull off the movie. Once on board, Akshay wasn’t too worried about the fact that a film like Blue had never been

attempted before on the Indian screen.

“I am sure that it would be legendary in its own way. Let’s see how the box office treats it, but while doing the film we went all out for Blue,” confided the actor.

“With the backdrop of a treasure hunt to it, it involves real sharks. I had to go through some training, take diving lessons and earn a certificate for myself,” he added proudly. But that’s not all. Akshay had to get back to reading after years - but this time underwater. “Can you beat that? I had to read books under the water. Tony made me do so much for this film, and it has a

minimum of special effects. In fact, not a single shot has been taken against a green screen,” said Akshay. “My cameraman, Peter Zuccarini, who is famous for underwater swimming, also helped me a lot. I thought it would be easy because I know how to swim, but this man taught me how to ‘belong’ underwater. That’s the kind of encouragement I was looking for,” admitted Akshay with enthusiasm. Also starring in Blue are Sanjay Dutt, Lara Dutta and Zayed Khan along with Katrina Kaif and Kylie Minogue. Let’s hope Blue’s run at the box office doesn’t run into the red.

Aish-Abhi

steal the show

Bollywood’s first couple made quite an impact on the Oprah Winfrey show recently, talking about their family traditions and generally glorifying their Indian lifestyle and culture. Aishwarya Rai, looking stunning and svelte in a sari and the tall, dark and handsome Abhishek Bachchan graced the sets of Oprah’s show, exuding confidence, flair and a sense of humour.

Aishwarya told Oprah that there was a family tradition of eating one meal at home with all the members of the family, if they are present within Mumbai. She elaborated that it enhanced their closeness and kept them in touch with each other’s lives. It was time spent with family in the true sense of the word.

However, when Oprah turned the spotlight on Indian way of marriages, and especially that of Aishwarya and Abhishek in Mumbai, they seemed somewhat embarrassed. Footage of fans being lathicharged outside Bachchans’ bungalow for trying to get a glimpse of the star-studded

AISHWARYA AND ABHISHEK

atmosphere light with one-liners and witty remarks. So kudos to the couple, for showcasing the true traditional side of India, albeit with a bit of Bollywood glam!

Sambo Kat

Odd couple are adorable

He’s 43 and she’s 29, but the difference in their ages doesn’t seem to matter. That’s why Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor make an “adorable” couple on screen in the soon to be released movie, Main Aurr Mrs. Khanna.

wedding drew instant regrets from the couple.

Talk also veered towards Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan still living with his parents. But they fielded this one well, stressing the importance of Indian traditions and revealed that when their grandparents were alive, they too lived together with the rest of the family in the same home.

Aishwarya has been on the Oprah Winfrey show once before, but it was a first for Abhishek, who did well, keeping the

Her fans have often referred to her as ‘Kat’, but now actress Katrina Kaif has a new nickname - Sambo - courtesy her Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani co-star Ranbir Kapoor. “Ranbir coined the name on the sets of the movie when both were required to shoot for an action sequence,” said a source. For the scene, Katrina and Ranbir were required to climb a ladder placed at a height of 200 feet. Ranbir had to save Katrina from goons and then escape on a jet ski. While everyone was doubtful about Katrina doing the stunt, she shocked everyone with her confidence.

“Everyone on sets was quite sceptical about Katrina. But she amazed everyone as she comfortably climbed the ladder leaving Ranbir lagging behind. Ever since that day Katrina has always been addressed as Rambo’s sister, Sambo by Ranbir,” said the source. Well, cats are good climbers too…

“The age difference between Salman and Kareena was never a consideration. They make an absolutely adorable couple and complement each other on screen,” said debutant director Prem Soni. “They look good together in the film as there are no loud or awkward moments between them. The film has romantic instances here and there, but it has a very subtle treatment. There are cute scenes in the film and both of them have carried these really well,” he added.

Newcomer Soni considers Salman his “godfather” and says the superstar was on board the project as soon as he heard the script, and even asked his brother to produce the film. “I had written the script and then fixed an appointment with Salman. His reaction after the narration was overwhelming. All he said was, ‘I’m doing it!’ That’s how the project began,” the director said.

“Salman is indeed my godfather in the industry, as he is the one who has given me a break,” he added.

For Soni, it was a cakewalk to get

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Kareena to play the heroine. “I went for the script narration to Kareena in Goa where she was shooting Golmaal Returns. She loved the role and when I told her that Salman was doing the film, she said ‘Why would I say no to Salman?’ She instantly agreed,” he said. “Kareena is such a delight to work with. She is among the finest actors these days. She is so effervescent and completely dedicated as an actor,” he enthused. The film’s plot is a story about three people, but is not based on an extramarital affair, Soni hastened to clarify. “The movie is very ordinary, very simple. It will touch a billion hearts with its real touch and that is what will make the story effective to the audience. We have given it a very contemporary look, but it isn’t flashy at all,” he added. Salman and Kareena – a jodi made in heaven, would you say, Saif Ali Khan?

Lara and her threesome

Lara Dutta, the sizzling hot Bollywood babe who won the crown of Miss Universe before entering tinsel town, plays the character of a supermodel in upcoming flick Do Knot Disturb opposite Ritesh Deshmukh, Govinda and Sohail Khan. Yes, Lara is involved with all three at the same time. Lucky guys!

Lara Dutta also acted in Bhagam Bhag with Akshay Kumar and Govinda, which was a super success at the box office. Looks like the former Miss Universe has found her genre. Her combination of beauty and comedy is formidable indeed!

Prateik pitches into tinsel town

Sanjay Leela Bhansali has signed on late actress Smita Patil’s son Prateik Babbar for his next production My Friend Pinto that will go on the floors later this year. And the youngster is naturally delighted.

“It’s a privilege to be working with Mr.Bhansali. When I met him I was amazed to find out how normal he is in spite of being an artist of such a high calibre,” said Prateik in an interview.

My Friend Pinto will be directed by Raghav Dar, who assisted Mani Ratnam during Guru and then served as associate director on Abbas Tyrewala’s Jaane Tu...

Ya Jaane Na. That’s when Dar and Prateik got to know each other.

My Friend Pinto will be Prateik’s first author-backed title role. He had a captivating cameo in Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na and his second film Dhobi Ghat apparently has Aamir Khan playing the lead.

While she is the mistress of Govinda, who is married to Sushmita Sen, her actual ex-boyfriend is Sohail Khan. Ritesh Deshmukh is involved in pretending to be Lara’s boyfriend, to deflect attention from Sushmita. This complication of relationships amongst the characters leads to a comedy of errors, with misunderstandings galore. David Dhawan, with his reputation of directing super-hit comedies with Govinda, has also directed this flick.

The buzz around the industry is that Lara Dutta has given a superb performance in the film, under the able direction of David Dhawan. In fact, her comic timing in the film has come out superbly and she is Govinda’s equal in enacting her character.

David Dhawan was so impressed with Lara Dutta’s comic timing that he compared her to Juhi Chawla, the only actress who has done full-on comic characters in her flicks.

Lara Dutta’s stunningly hot looks will also help her attract the attention of audience when the movie releases.

Ritesh Deshmukh is equally impressed with Lara, praising her comic talent, which he feels surpasses Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra, from the current breed.

Prateik’s aunt Manya Patil is thrilled by the progress he is making. “When Abbas Tyrewala told me about the role in Jaane Tu ...Ya Jaane Na, I wasn’t so sure. It sounded like a small role. But Abbas told me to trust him and the role turned out to be tailormade for Prateik. I’m glad Prateik’s career is working out,” she said proudly.

“Today, there is room for all kinds of cinema. And like his mom, we want Prateik

to be adventurous in his choices. I’m there to guide him, though I’m not really part of the film industry,” added his Aunt. Speaking on Prateik’s life as a child since he lost his mother when he was born, Manya said, “Actually Prateik has so many self-appointed mothers including my mother, my elder sister Anita and me, of course.” Good luck Prateik, if you get your talent from Smita, you’ll definitely be a star.

Birthday bonanza for Ranbir

Ranbir Kapoor, the latest heartthrob of Bollywood who plays the role of Siddharth in Karan Johar’s upcoming flick, Wake up Sid opposite Konkana Sen Sharma, watched the first trial of the flick on his birthday.

Ranbir was accompanied by his parents Rishi and Neetu Kapoor, as well as gorgeous girlfriend Deepika Padukone for the viewing. Sources say that Rishi and Neetu were thrilled to see their beta’s performance in this Ayaan Mukherjee directed flick, and prayed for its success at the box office.

The film is cited to be a lavishly produced offering, mounted on a grand scale. For Ranbir, the viewing was the icing on his cake. Just before the viewing, he found

himself at his surprise birthday bash hosted by Deepika, and went on to have a blast. And that wasn’t all…Deepika’s surprise birthday gift was a high-end laptop, a thoughtful one for Ranbir, who loves all kinds of gizmos and gadgetry. Lucky Ranbir, looks like love and success are in the air…

Manna Dey’s day

Ninety-year-old playback legend Manna Dey - who belted out evergreen songs like “Ae mere pyaare watan” and “Zindagi kaisi hai paheli” - is being honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke award, the highest honour in Indian cinema, confirmed his family recently. “We got a call from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, informing us about the award. We are very happy for him,” said Anuradha Dey, a member of his family.

Manna Dey lent his voice to the movies of Bollywood from the 1950s to the 1970s. He has recorded more than 3,500 songs over the course of his career. Some of his most memorable hits are “Sur na saje kya gaun main”, “Ye raat bhigi bhigi, ye masta fijzayen”, “Jhanak jhanak tori baaje payaliya”, “Tu pyar ka saagar hai”, “Chunari sambhal gori udi chali jaye re”, among others. Congrats, Manna Dey, well deserved recognition indeed!

RANBIR AND DEEPIKA

PRATEIK

LARA DUTTA

“The internship placement was very helpful. It gave me real practice at a local IT company, where I was able to experience how a local company does business. I learnt so many skills there.”

“There are great discussions in Professional Year classes where students and teachers can exchange ideas.”