2010-11 Sydney (2)

FREE Vol. 18 No. 2 (2) • November (2) 2010 • www.indianlink.com.au • FORTNIGHTLY

SYDNEY

Vandana Shiva’s

Seeds of Change Syndey Peace Prize for Earth Crusader

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Published Sydney • Melbourne • Adelaide • Brisbane • Perth

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From physics to philosophy

COVERSTORY

As an environmentalist and harbinger of human rights, Vandana Shiva has embarked on a long and arduous journey to save the Earth

BY SYDNEY SRINIVAS

It was indeed a privilege for me to be able to interview Dr. Vandana Shiva, recipient of this year’s Sydney Peace Prize.

We met at the Observatory Hotel in Sydney on a busy day for her, given that she had half a dozen interviews lined up.

Vandana impressed us with her affable nature, both on and off camera. Here are some excerpts from the interview.

Sydney Srinivas: You are a Quantum Physicist and have written a thesis entitled “Hidden variables and locality in quantum theory”. So what made you take up “natural philosophy” as you call it?

Vandana Shiva: Quantum theory was interesting to me, and I did not stop because I was bored with it.

However, there were many issues that I thought were more compelling and needed attention. The protection of Nature was an urgent issue and had a big impact on me. I felt it was selfish to continue with my intellectual preoccupation in a field like Quantum Mechanics, which would make very little difference to people on the planet. I felt that I was given my life to help others, so I undertook this new venture.

SS: I admire your ability to pursue what you felt was important and win glory for your cause. Many cannot do that.

VS: You have to take risks. At the beginning I had no idea of how it would be. It is easy to not take a stance when you are assured of a pay check at the end of the month.

SS: Are you against the ill effects of globalization?

VS: I am against ill conceived globalization which will have ill effects. The reason why present globalization is wrong, is that it has been designed and defined by multinational companies to help them make a profit. It is based on greed and market grabbing. For them, it does not matter how they make a profit, it does not matter how many people lose their livelihood…we can see this happening in India.

Small farmers are losing their farms and the big companies are ready to swallow everything. There’s no reason why a tailor down the road cannot sew your clothes or why our little Arathi down the street cannot sell vegetables. Why should everything be done by Walmart? Why does all trade have to be routed through the five or six big companies?

The fact is that ninety percent of the profits go to these companies, whereas the ones actually responsible for supplying them get only ten percent. Fewer and fewer people are able to earn a decent livelihood because of this system.

This is not true of any particular society; this is true of I believe in the concept of Vasudaiva all societies - Indian, Greek and French. We hear everywhere that Kutumbakam: to see the closure of shops and small life as a family, not as industries are affecting ordinary people. What we need is not a property; what the corporate globalization, but social big companies do is a globalization. There should be violation of freedom. more social interaction and cross cultural exchange, and better understanding of each other. We should be able to trade less of what we produce locally, but exchange ideas.

SS: Tell us about the institutions Navdanya and Beeja Vidyapeetha.

VS: In 1987, I started Navdanya. It emerged from the problems in Bhopal. There was a tendency on the part of big companies to control life on earth in the name of NATIONAL EDITION

patents. That totalitarianism was against my belief that all species have the right to live. I believe in the concept of Vasudaiva Kutumbakam: to see life as a family, not as a property. What the big companies do is a violation of freedom. Farmers had to pay a royalty; they had to sow seeds that came from a particular source. Navdanya was formed to save seeds and to save freedom. We have 55 seed banks which have proved to be very useful and this concept has been of help to farmers, who sometimes resorted to suicide in desperation. We have been able to distribute seeds in areas hit by the tsunami. I called the project Navdanya because a farmer on the border between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu had grown nine crops in the area, and he offered me an interesting discourse on the relationship between the nine planets or navagrahas and nine crops or dhanyas, and how the balance in the cosmos has to be maintained by our actions.

Beeja Vidyapeetha began as a school. I teach at a college in England started by Satheesh Kumar, who went on a peace yatra long ago. He was keen that I start a similar school in India. Seeds gave me the inspiration and hence the name.

We offer short courses and also have visiting lecturers. I like to call it the University for Earth Citizenship, as that in essence, is what it is for us.

SS: You are trying to bring back into focus some nearly forgotten grains such as ragi and amaranth. Is it because of their nutritional and health value?

VS: The reasons are twofold, to bring back diversity in crops and because they are nutritious. Ragi, for example, has a huge quantity of calcium, and amaranth is full of protein. They also use very little water, and in these days of water scarcity, we should grow more of ragi.

SS: The welfare of women has always been of interest

to you. How do you combine this aspect and promote bio-diversity through Navdanya?

VS: I am a woman. Most of the movements in India, such as Chipko were initiated to protect nature. A woman fights for many issues and she also provides the basic needs for her family. She realises that these basic needs of water and food are a gift of Nature and are being threatened. She realises that she must protect them. That is why all our seed savers are women and we promote the knowledge gleaned from women. In fact, we run a course I like to call ‘Grandmother’s University’, as they are the ones who remind us of foods we have forgotten. We keep the knowledge that they gave us alive through this course.

SS: Mahatma Gandhi has been a source of inspiration for you. How were you drawn into his ways?

VS: I was drawn into the Gandhian way since my childhood, and my whole family was influenced by him too. I wanted to do something like his spinning wheel, which is why I call the seed, the spinning wheel of today.

It is a symbol of swaraj and swadesh. When the company Monsanto started dictating terms and imposing their monopoly on seeds, we began a satyagraha because seeds are not their property. They are ours.

SS: What kind of world would make you feel content?

SV: I would like to see a world where bio-diversity flourishes, where there is hope and complete security. I would like to see a world where no child starves or dies of diahorrea. Nature gave us pure water, we humans are polluting it. Let that stop.

Here’s wishing you all the best, Vandana, and may your journey towards a better world, be a successful one.

Interview courtesy of the Chandana program on TVS NOVEMBER (2) 2010 <> 11

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PARRAMASALA

Unlikely jodi makes a hit show An extraordinary combination of tap and kathak result in a creative and mesmerising performance.

MONICA DALIDOWICZ reports In celebration of Parramasala, the heart of Parramatta teemed with the sights, sounds and smells of India as the neighbourhood was transformed into a vibrant centre for the South Asian arts. On November 4 and 5 the Riverside theatre became the home for an unlikely collaboration between two very different artists: the first, a 65-year-old American-based, Kolkata-born kathak dancer, and the other, a New York-based tap dancer, less than half the age of the first.

“Tap Kathak” opened the inaugural festival with a spellbinding performance between these two great artists. For any of us with doubts about the mixing of such different art forms and artists from different generations and cultural backgrounds, such uncertainty was instantly dispelled the moment these two performers met on the stage. It was magic!

The performance began with Emmy Award-winning tapper Jason Samuel Smiths taking to the stage with a jazz trio of piano, drums and bass. All clad in black, with gleaming white tap shoes and a white tie to match, Samuel Smiths astounded the crowd with what were, no doubt, some of the fastest feet in rhythm. His individual style of American tap and the improvised exchanges with his jazz trio impressed, warming up the stage. Samuel-Smith’s own charismatic personality, his interactions with the audience including an impromptu rap, enticed his viewers into a sensational journey of rhythm.

Samuel-Smiths’ performance was followed by Das’s solo presentation of traditional kathak, albeit a shortened version.

Beginning his dance with the powerful Shiva Vandana, Das paid respect to the deities of Shiva and Parvati, transforming the stage into a space of both, devotion and masterful performance.

Sitting in the audience, one could see fans of the Indian arts carefully marking the tal (time cycle), and throwing their arms up in the air with Das’s brilliant renditions of traditional bols (compositions). In his thaat, stunning flourishes of footwork were juxtaposed with surprising instances of stillness, so characteristic of kathak, creating delight for even the most unknowing within the audience. And this was perhaps one of the highlights in Das’s performance: despite one’s pre-conceived ideas of kathak, or their lack of familiarity with the art, he was able to communicate its power and beauty through a compelling performance. Das easily made the language of the art palpable for all of the audience, despite their diverse backgrounds.

Das’s interpretation of the story of Shankutula and Dushanta was most exemplary of this skill, to translate and make the stories of Indian culture relevant to all. He fluidly moved between his explanation, delivered specifically for this Australian audience unfamiliar with the narrative, and a masterful portrayal

Jason Samuel Smiths and Chitresh Das

of both male and female characters using his body, hand gestures, facial expression and the sounds of his feet. For those seated close enough, the subtle nuances of facial expression, evocative eyes and agile eyebrows added to the layers of the story.

Amidst whispers behind me, “I can’t believe he’s 65!” Das continued on with a crowd-pleasing rendition of “the train”, an imitation of the sounds of a train on its voyage, created exclusively through the sounds of his feet and ghungroo (ankle bells).

Asking permission from the audience, Das humbly proceeded to present his newest technique, kathak yoga, an almost unhuman-like feat of self-accompaniment and polyrhythmic play. This dance-exercise form inspired by the great sadhus of India requires the artist to dance, sing and play the tabla in different rhythms.

And then finally, after much anticipation, Samuel-Smiths returned to meet Das on the stage. When they finally danced together, it was exhilarating experience that left us all breathless.

The ensuing sawal jabab (call and response) was a delightful exchange of rhythms between the musicians and each artist.

Samuels-Smith listened intently to the Indian musicians, waiting for the rhythmic challenge. Tabla player Abhijit Bannerjee delivered furious tabla rhythms, and Samuels-Smiths responded, throwing it right back, in tap style, giving these accomplished

musicians a run for their money! Then it was Das’s turn to take on the jazz artists.

The rhythms began to circulate: from jazz musicians to bare feet and ghungroo, to Indian musicians to tap shoes. As these artists engaged in such a playful interchange of energy and rhythm, I became oblivious to the fact that one artist was of Indian descent, one of African descent, one 65, one 30, not to mention, one being several feet taller than the other. All of these differences disappeared into an experience of sheer joy and pleasure.

While Samuels-Smiths is an accomplished artist and master of his form at such a young age, he paid his due respects to the Indian musicians and especially to Das, revealing a deep reverence for this kathaka and the Indian artistic tradition.

When the audience sprang to their feet for a standing ovation, I looked around to see gleaming faces and huge smiles, and there was no doubt that somehow, we were all active participants in this collaborative celebration of dance and culture.

But aside from sharing an appealing playfulness and creating an experience of joy for the audience, the performance achieved something far greater. It showed that two very different cultures can find common ground and mutual understanding through art and dance. We all felt it. And in today’s world, this is a lesson we can all learn.

More contemporary, less classical A Million Eyes, performed at the Lennox Theatre (Parramatta Riverside Theatre) as part of the Parramasala Festival was an innovative piece, depicting the many aspects of the feminine, as seen by a million eyes.

The performance was widely advertised as Sydney dancer Anandavalli’s return from retirement since 2003.

This statement perplexed me as I had watched her perform with other artistes in early 2009, so I naively assumed that this performance marked her return to solo stage shows. Alas, I was disappointed. While the dance was solo indeed, there was not much dance to it. Of the four pieces performed, only the last one (Naan oru villaiyattu bommai) incorporated movement and actions.

Anandavalli’s portrayal of the rejected lover as well as the woman overcome with desire, comprised mainly of mime. The slow hand gestures, the long glances, the quivering facial gestures and the emotive eyes were all very well done, but were wholly inadequate as a mainstay.

The final piece showed her complete mastery over the dance form and was a visual treat for all; however, I can’t help but wish she had chosen this style for the entire show.

The music was provided by Anil Srinivasan and Sikkil Gurucharan, two very exciting and inspiring musicians.

Anil is a western-trained classical pianist and Sikkil, a stunning carnatic vocalist. The duo has been hailed 14 <> NOVEMBER (2) 2010

worldwide for their musical innovations.

I had never heard carnatic music played out on a piano before this performance, but it was a wholly amazing experience. Anil provided the perfect accompaniment to Sikkil’s haunting melodies with his subtle changes in tempo and tone. If I was to find a fault though, it is that when I closed my eyes to better enjoy the music, I kept imagining that I was in a café or bar. Perhaps it’s just that my mind is not accustomed to seeing a pianist in a carnatic music concert!

Sikkil Gurucharan hails from a great lineage of musicians. His performance, while unconventional (he sits on a stool instead of crosslegged on the floor and maintains rhythm by tapping his feet, instead of his hands!) was simply mesmerizing. The emotion expressed by the artist has to be conveyed to the audience – thus rasa is born. When Sikkil sang, the audience was completely lost in his songs, imagining the water droplet on the Goddess (ksheerabdi kanyakkaku), or the sparkle in the bride’s eyes (suttum vizhi), or shedding tears in sympathy for the man who had forgotten his mother’s face (asai mugham marandhu poche). He left us all thirsting for more.

Despite the superlative music, I felt short-changed – as I had come to see a classical dance performance.

Anandavalli

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Parramatta’s Little India Scenes from Parramasala, Nov 2010

Photos: Jamie Williams Photography / ICE

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1. Parramasala flags 2. Masala night market 3. Masala nights 4. Rikshaw 5. Parramasala audience 6. Parramasala Town Hall

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PARRAMASALA

Sawhney Sensations The Parramasala festival in the city of Parramatta from November 2-8 saw a variety of performers showcase their talent to an enthusiastic and appreciative audience. The festival was a vibrant celebration of arts performed by modern professional contemporary artists from around the world, and Nitin Sawhney was one of the more prolific of talents on show. This versatile Indian-British musician, composer and producer reached out to fans, both Indian and mainstream, through his show Nitin Sawhney Sound System.

Nitin performed at the Roxy in Parramatta on November 7, creating a simply magical aura of music and light.

He was accompanied by his regular band members Ashwin Srinivasan on flute/ vocals, Aref Durvesh on tabla/dholak and Tina Grace on vocals. The music was an exclusive blend drawn from flamenco, Indian classical music, Brazilian samba and hip–hop, and the combination set the audience foot-stomping on the dance floor within five minutes of the band coming on stage.

Nitin moved effortlessly from style to style, showing off brilliantly how mixing genres creatively can truly heighten the enjoyment of the individual components.

Nitin Sawhney at Roxy Theatre

In the end though, the final product goes above and beyond its disparate constituent elements.

Tina Grace on vocals was amazing, with her beautiful voice rendering

Photo: Jamie Williams Photography / ICE

shlokas and verses in Sanskrit that one couldn’t imagine coming from a nonIndian. The fact that Tina has been in India only briefly and has not received any professional training to sing these

traditional classical Indian compositions, is simply astounding.

The crowd ranged from different age groups, from teens to the mid-40s, and came from a range of different backgrounds, from Indian-origin to local Australian.

The show began with Nitin and his band arriving on stage armed for action with guitars, keyboards, decks, tablas, dholak and flute. Instantly the venue was transferred into a totally different world of blistering sounds, from cutting edge drum and bass to sensational soundscapes.

They soon had the faithful dancing away to their beats.

The combination of moving lights yellows and reds and purples and blues - along with sounds from a medley of instruments made for compositions that helped that audience lose themselves in an eclectic atmosphere, one which they are unlikely to forget for some time. We came away with feet sore from dancing but with the tunes still humming in our heads, blown completely away with the Sawhney experience.

What a way to end the weekend…

Astha Singh

Dare your body to remain still!

Rajasthani folk music brings the house down at Desert Wedding.

RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA reports Terataali Colourful turbans and grand moustaches top off their crisp white shirts, black coats and pleated dhotis. As they play their ancient instruments and work up a crescendo, the crowds clap along in rhythm and sway with them.

The Manganiyars were a huge hit when they toured here in January this year as part of the Sydney Festival.

Now they are back again for Parramasala, bringing with them their particular brand of earthy music from rural Rajasthan.

The Courtyard at Riverside Theatres is decorated in Rajasthani style, bright mirrorwork cushions strewn around on dhurries. The atmosphere is perfect for an afternoon of folksy wedding songs – for this is what the musicians have picked for this event, out of their usual repertoire of birth, death and family songs.

This time round they’ve brought with them their distant ‘cousins’ the Langa musicians, and together they sing gentle songs of letters passed between lovers and of wedding traditions such as the bride’s girlfriends stealing the groom’s shoes in tease.

The Manganiyars and Langas have throaty singing styles which they embellish with their ancient instruments. The stringed khamaycha, made of mango wood, is the centerpiece, and on this afternoon, the instrument we see being played was apparently handed down from four generations. A variety of flutes are also used – been, murli, surnai, and the fascinating algoza, a double flute. The dholak provides the beat, but the khartaal (a pair of wood clappers) is simply thrilling.

The khartaal player is the most animated - getting up on his knees in full enthusiasm while the others remain seated, swinging his arms all around him, and varying the pitch of his clapping from barely audible, right up to thundering!

Having learnt their art from their forebears, these musicians are classified as ‘folk artistes’ even though large smatterings of classical ragas are clearly evident in their pieces. Although the classical elements are not rigid here, it is easy to see the roots of stylised classical Indian music.

And of course, some of their numbers have been

The movements are swift and the clanging is loud, as the manjiras twirl around in synchronized frenzy.

The Manganiyars

converted to huge Bollywood hits in recent times. The original versions of Nimbuda nimbuda and Kesariya balam, bring the house down again on this occasion, and by the time that evergreen number Jhoolelal comes on, the mainly non-Indian crowd has been well and truly won over. Whether you understand the words or not, the rhythm is enough for you to get lost in this music, and there’s no way you can prevent your body from swaying along!

The next and final act get straight into it: the Terataali dancers of the Kamar tribe hold the audience in complete awe. The first time we see women on stage this afternoon (the musicians are all men), the dancers perform while sitting. Their bodies and arms sway as they clang away on manjiras (little cymbals) tied to different parts of their bodies, perfectly in rhythm.

There are thirteen little cymbals on each dancer’s body, and they are struck in thirteen different ways – hence the name Terataal – the dance of thirteen beats. The movements are swift and the clanging is loud, as the manjiras twirl around in synchronized frenzy. The dance builds up in difficulty as the dancers shift sides and even lie on the ground, hold a dagger in between their teeth or balance a pot on their heads!

As the show comes to a close, everyone wants to take a bit of Rajasthan back with them, even if it is only a bright khadi turban that will probably hang on a living room wall in a suburban Sydney home …

The earthy quality of it all has been, in a way, therapeutic.

It is heartening to see the revival of folk arts such as these, when the world is rapidly losing much of its traditional skills and wisdom. Noted Indophile William Dalrymple wrote passionately about the efforts made by erstwhile Rajasthan royals in stimulating this resuscitation in his latest book Nine Lives (also the name of the show he presented at the Opera House early this year).

Take the chance to go see such an event next time an opportunity presents itself – you will be pleasantly surprised.

Photos: Jamie Williams Photography / ICE

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www.indianlink.com.au Kailash Kher in concert Photos: Jamie Williams Photography / ICE

The rain, Tauba tauba ve!

Sydney crowds brave the elements for singing sensation Kailash Kher Swaraathma

BY NOOPUR SINGHAL

Kailash Kher might as well have been referring to the rain when he sang Taube taube ve, teri surat in Sydney recently.

There were pretty girls galore in the audience, but he probably couldn’t see them in the rain… Tauba, the rain!

As headline act of the inaugural Parramasala Festival, the diminutive singer was expected to pack in the audiences at Parramatta Park’s beautiful Crescent amphitheatre. The concert was a free admission event, where people were encouraged to simply turn up with a picnic blanket and enjoy the entertainment and the eats.

However, Mother Nature had plans for a sound and light show of her own.

The rain wouldn’t stop and the temperature dropped to a surprising low for what was essentially a summer night.

At 6pm, the show appeared to be a wash out. The lawns were empty, save for about a hundred people, half of who were volunteers and organizers.

When he spoke in However, as Punjabi, they adored time passed, the unfavorable weather him; when he asked conditions proved to them to back away be no match against from the stage for his the magnetic pull peace of mind, they of Kailash Kher’s soaring voice, and humored him (for a the crowds started few minutes at least!) pouring in. By 7pm, and when he invited the lawn was full and a strange thing seemed them up on stage to to be happening. dance with him, they The audience began had the time of forming a close-knit their lives. community of coconspirators tied together by the sense of adventure that had brought them out in the storm. The true Indian spirit was clearly visible as relative strangers shared picnic blankets and umbrellas, passed around steaming samosas and chole, and turned an event organiser’s nightmare into a spontaneous rain dance.

Watching Kailash Kher perform live is a privilege. He is this small, curly-haired ball of energy that bounces about the stage, singing in a powerful voice and delivering an electrifying performance. He engages with his audience at every level and involves them in his act so that they are so caught up in his infectious energy and contagious laughter, it’s amazing. AR Rehman once described his NATIONAL EDITION

Kailasa

voice as ‘the fragrance of rural Indian soil’, and you realize this is entirely true when you witness his almost karmic connection with his audience.

After the first song, Kailash Kher thanked the audience for turning up in the rain, that too on Diwali night, just for him. He praised the Gods ‘on this auspicious occasion’. Then he completely disarmed the crowd by humbly admitting that he had just learned the big English words in honour of his Australia visit and he had felt compelled to use them. The audience was bowled over!

When he spoke in Punjabi, they adored him; when he asked them to back away from the stage for his peace of mind, they humored him (for a few minutes at least!) and

when he invited them up on stage to dance with him, they had the time of their lives.

Kailash and his Kailasa team (Tapas Roy, Naresh Kamath, Paresh Kamath, Kurt Peters, Sanket Athale, Sameer Chiplunkar, Sankarshan Kini and Tejasvi Rao) typically belt out a brilliant synthesis of songs that convey different emotions, sounds and melodies designed to resonate with a diverse audience. Riding the wave of success, Kailasa has regularly played to packed audiences and become a fixture on the international performances scene.

Despite the weather being dismal, Kailash Kher did not disappoint. Fans danced, clapped and sang along to his earthy tunes all night long. He performed an eclectic mix of vibrant and energetic tracks with a few romantic ones thrown in, rocking the stage with songs like Tauba Tauba, Teri Deewani, Bubumbum Leri, Rang de ni, Sajna Tere Bina, Tu Jaane Na and Chak de phatte. No, he did not sing that evergreen favourite Allah ke Bande (wonder why) and the audience was left craving for more.

Also making their Australian debut, in the opening act, were Bangalore boy-band Swarthama. Their stage acts, exhilarating energy and off-beat costumes, silly jokes and irreverent lyrics combined with a fresh sound made from combining contemporary Indian folk music with rock, Carnatic music and jazz, was the perfect start to a show par excellence.

Today, Kailash Kher is undoubtedly one of India’s top singers with numerous Bollywood songs to his credit. A former guest judge on the talent contest Indian Idol, Kher’s music ranges from high-energy to inspiring while his performances bring diversity to the stage with romantic ballads to Bollywood jhatka numbers. He’s not only a sensational vocalist, but also a sensitive songwriter, and a truly charismatic performer. His earthy, soulful voice has shot the simple Meerut boy to legendary fame. Known equally for his pop-rock albums, Bollywood songs, sufiana singing style and powerful folk music, he hit the limelight with the smash hit Allah Ke Bande from the film Waisa Bhi Hota Hai Part II and since then, there has been no looking back for this powerhouse of raw singing talent.

When he teamed up with brothers Naresh and Paresh Kamath of Bombay Black to form the band Kailasa, the blending of Kailash Kher’s Indian with the Kamath brothers’ contemporary modern sounds resulted in musical nirvana. Kailasa is a mature band with a unique sound that displays Sufi, folk, classical, rock, electronic and funk influences.

Parramasala promised audiences an unforgettable outdoor concert and they certainly delivered on that guarantee. Kailash Kher impressed beyond words not only with his extravagant singing style but also with his innocently charming personality – and in the end, no one really cared about the rain.

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PARRAMASALA

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Life’s a gamble

The Parramasala screening of Himanshu Rai’s A Throw of Dice unearths the fascinating story of this early Indian film-maker The film contains thousands of cast members and animals, including a thousand horses and a large number of elephants that the Maharajah of Mysore had apparently lent to the film-makers.

BY RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA

Peter Dietze had tears in his eyes as the film A Throw of Dice came to an end at its Parramasala showing in Sydney recently.

“I was quite emotional the whole way through, actually,” he reveals later.

You see, the 1929 silent film featured his grandfather Himanshu Rai as both actor and producer. Hindi film buffs will recognize that name as one of the pioneers of India’s film industry, the founder of the famed Bombay Talkies.

The stunningly beautiful film was shown for the first time in Australia since it was digitally restored by the British Film Institute in 2006 (as one of a number of commemorative projects to mark India’s 60th Independence Day). It had been lying in the Institute’s archives since 1945.

It has been brought to life by an orchestral score written by British-Asian composer Nitin Sawhney, and is currently touring the world where it is played, accompanied by a live symphony orchestra.

A Throw of Dice (known as Prapancha Pash in India) is an Indo-German production directed by Franz Osten, the last of a trilogy of films that have all been restored now. It is loosely based on the gambling episode from the epic Mahabharata. It tells the tale of two kings Ranjit and Sohan who share a passion not only for a game of dice, but also the same woman Sunita (Seeta Devi). Sunita falls for the good guy Ranjit (Charu Roy), while the nefarious Sohan (Himashu Rai) gets up to some dirty tricks. Of course all’s well that ends well, and the happy couple walk off into the proverbial sunset.

The silent film was shot in black and white on 35mm film. It contains thousands of cast members and animals, including a thousand horses and a large number of elephants that the Maharajah of Mysore had apparently lent to the film-makers. The film was shot on location in Rajasthan: the images of Pushkar, Udaipur Lake and Ajmer Chishti, as well as those of the state’s mountains and forests and waterfalls, are breathtaking. The film became known for its epic scale outside of India, and within the country, for its intimate scenes. No kissing in Bollywood? Not so in 1929!

Charu Roy and Seeta Devi in A Throw of Dice (and inset, Nitin Sawhney)

Nitin Sawhney’s score is wonderful - the roar of the tiger and trumpeting of the elephants, the swishing of the trees and the tinkle of the water, all play out beautifully synchronized. It is not entirely Indian, although there are some Indian elements, such as the flute and the tabla and some singing and chanting in Sanskrit by Tina Grace, herself of non-Indian background.

Of the other two films in the trilogy, the 1925 Prem Sanyas (The Light of Asia) is based on the life of Buddha, and the 1928 Shiraz (Siraj) is on the life of Mughal emperor Shahjahan.

Sydney audiences have had a chance to see Shiraz, screened by the Sydney Film Festival (accompanied by a live symphony orchestra), not so long ago.

This time round, the outdoor setting at Parramatta Park’s Crescent Amphitheatre, was perhaps not a wise choice, as the weather played havoc and the crowds kept away. But it was a rare opportunity to see this gem of a film with Nitin Sawhney playing live, and for those who braved the showers and sat through, ponchos and all, it will remain a most memorable - and uplifting - experience.

Of course, the organisers need to be congratulated for making this a free event:

their intent, no doubt, was to offer as many people as possible a chance to see one of the pioneering films of Indian cinema.

The Dietze family was all there.

Accompanying Peter were his brother Paul and Paul’s family – wife Melissa and young daughters Sophia and Isabella.

Peter has seen the film before (and the other two from the trilogy on VHS tapes brought back from the Film and Television Institute of India in Pune). “But nothing compares to Nitin’s interpretation,” he says.

“It was quite remarkable, really, to see it on the big screen at an outdoor venue. And the audience was thoroughly enjoying it – their reactions heightened the experience for us all.”

In the past few years Peter has spent considerable time researching his Indian grandfather Himanshu Rai. It was only in his 30s that Peter and his brothers realized they had Indian heritage.

“We grew up thinking we were of German extraction,” he told Indian Link. He had chanced upon some old photos among his family’s papers, and his mother then revealed to him that her father was Himanshu Rai. Apparently her German mother Mary had introduced Himanshu to the German film

industry and influenced his career in the arts quite substantially. (Himanshu was actually a lawyer and was studying for the Bar in London). Himanshu later went on to marry Devika Rani, grand niece of Rabindranath Tagore and the most legendary of India’s actresses.

“Finding the photos of this Indian man, who looked like me, opened a whole Pandora’s box,” Peter reveals. “I became totally immersed in his life and works and contribution to Indian cinema, as well as his attempts to tell the western world Indian tales.”

Today Peter has a large collection of original documents and items from Himanshu’s life, such as his favourite pen. “I wanted to learn everything about him – what influenced him, where his talents came from, where and how he lived in London, how he created Bombay Talkies – his legacy to the people of India.”

Peter hopes to curate all his collections into an exhibition shortly. And one of his long-term plans is to do something about his illustrious grandfather’s Bombay Talkies that lies in a dilapidated state in Mumbai’s Malad district. He is currently looking for funding for this massive project.

Devika Rani had run the studios quite successfully with Himanshu’s partner Sashadhar Mukherjee (Ashok Kumar’s brother-in-law) after Himanshu’s death in 1940, but it was neglected after her subsequent marriage to painter Svetsolav Roerich in 1945.

Himanshu Rai’s fascinating story is not done yet, not even with the restoration of his beautiful cinematic works that are currently wowing film buffs all over the world. Peter Dietze will tell the real tale of an amazing man who was one of the founding fathers of the world’s largest film industry.

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A North Shore Diwali It was a large community effort for one particular Diwali party Kamini Sahni and Shibani Sahni with friends

Dance by Taal Academy

I have some wonderful memories of Diwali, the most grandly celebrated festival of Indians. As a child, it was time for joy, plenty of sweet eats, gifts, togetherness, fun and merry-making. Of course I knew festival of delight is actually a festival of light, when all the buildings are illuminated with lights, candles and diyas.

Growing up, I understood that the Diwali celebration has a much deeper meaning – it encourages us to acquire inner light, by moving on a spiritual path.

Keeping this in mind and in order to revive personal relationships and social ties, I decided to organise a Diwali get-together this year. The aim was to preserve and maintain our great Indian culture, Indian traditions, art and dance, and ultimately light the lamps of wisdom to help attain that ‘light of lights’ – oneness with God. On the night, kids, adults and seniors, all clad in exquisite ethnic Indian attire, got together at the St Ives Community Hall at North Shore.

They were greeted by a beautiful rangoli design at the door. A powder painting on the floor created by the community’s well-known poet Maya Narpatsingh, the design reminded us all of the palaces of Rajasthan. It not only signified a welcome to the guests, but also to Goddess Lakshmi, who it is believed, visits our homes on this particular night.

Inside, there were flashing and dazzling lights and colourful Jaipuri chunnis, all beautifully decorated by Veenu and Kavita. The Diwali mood set in almost immediately for the guests!

As they came in, they were received with a tilak on the forehead, thanks to the lehnga-clad Nirali, Bela and Hemi.

Laksmi Poojan was beautifully performed by Panditji.

Om sarveshaam swastir bhavatu Sarveshaam shantir bhavatu Sarveshaam poornam bhavatu Sarveshaam mangalam bhavatu Sarve bhavantu sukhinah Sarve santu niraamayaah Sarve bhadraani pashyantu Maakaschit duhkha bhaag bhavet Auspiciousness (swasti) be unto all; peace (shanti) be unto all; fullness (poornam) be unto all; prosperity (mangalam) be unto all.

May all be happy (sukhinah) May all be free from disabilities (niraamayaah) May all look to the good of others May none suffer from sorrow! (duhkha)

Puppet show

Lakshmi Poojan

All the families participated in the Aarti glorifying the goddess, and everyone was blessed for their good health, happiness and prosperity.

Time for fun and games – and the kids were enthralled by a professional puppet show. They cheered in glee, and some of the bolder children interacted, shook hands and danced with the puppets.

Shobha Ingleshwar who can sing in six languages almost stole the scene with her devotional songs.

Little angels Skye and Pari danced beautifully to Bollywood hits, and Jai Ho by the children of Taal Dance Academy brought the house down.

Older girls from the Nupur Dance Group also won the heaqrts of the audience, as they swayed to Bollywood rhythms in their dressed in their exquisite costumes.

Popular singer Vinod Rajput was a huge hit as always and many sang along, while young artiste Sunanda came impressed with her rendition of classical hits.

And wait, there was more! Three lucky ticketholders won attractive gifts in a surprise raffle (drawn out by little Lara).

Delicious, titillating and mouth watering snacks and food were served in abundance and people ate to their heart’s content.

And what is Diwali without fireworks? Of course we had some, but only a small number of very safe ones, and plenty of sparklers, to keep it all ecofriendly.

To add to the fun and masti was Bali’s DJ and Dhol, who opened the floors up for the audience. Children and elders danced to glory tirelessly till late night.

The many non-Indians present on the night (not only from Australia but also from Japan and Malaysia) also enjoyed themselves thoroughly, taking part in every aspect form the poojan to the dancing and of course the eating. It gave them a good feel of our traditions and our hospitality.

An enjoyable night indeed for the families who attended - where parents, children and grandchildren could all rejoice together on the same platform.

It was a joint effort of some from our community who came forward to help as they were keen that their children should inculcate Indian traditions and values. Dr Shibani Sahni,Veenu, Anisha, Kripa, Arupa, Kavita, Shweta Kumar, Pankaj Patel, Dr Chirag Patel, Aman Kochar, Vipin Shrama, Kusum Singh and may others worked inexhaustibly with me to make this a happening, marvellous and memorable event and also rendered great support in making this a happy Diwali for us all.

Kamini Sahni

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Thank you for the food we eat Annakut ceremony at BAPS temple It was a spectacular start to the Gujarati New Year at Rosehill’s BAPS Shree Swaminarayan Mandir earlier this month.

Immediately following Diwali, the Annakut ceremony performed at the temple saw in the new year with a traditional offering of food to the deities.

‘Annakut’ literally means ‘a mountain of food’, and that is pretty much what it was, with 1000 individual dishes prepared lovingly by the congregation.

Following custom, the food - all vegetarian, of course - was arranged in tiers or steps in front of the deities, including Lord Krishna. There were sweetmeats of all kinds, savouries, rice dishes, dals, fruit - some beautifully carved, drinks of various colours, chocolate and cakes - even one showing the new building plans for the temple!

It created a stunning display, with lighting and decoration, and remained exhibited for ‘darshan’ or ‘viewing’. After prayers, the food was distributed to all members of the congregation.

Essentially, Annakut is a way of offering thanks to God for the comforts in our lives, and as such, is a great way of commencing the new year. If you are happy and peaceful on this day, it is believed, peace and happiness will be yours for the entire year.

The celebrations took place in the presence of BAPS Sadhus, Pujya Jnanpurush Swami and Pujya Adarshmuni Swami.

Explaining the customs, Yogi Savania of the Swaminarayan Mandir said the devotees sang the ‘thaal’, which includes kirtans (hymns) listing and glorifying the food items, presented rhythmically, as well as hymns requesting the deities to accept the offerings and partake of them. Once the food is blessed it becomes Prasad, or sanctified as holy.

The tradition has become a Swaminarayan mainstay all over the world. In most displays, the sweets are seen placed closest to the deities. Often a mound of cooked rice is placed in the centre.

The mountain symbolism is seen elsewhere in the layout of the food as well: the mithai (sweetmeats) are usually stacked up in circular tower-like arrangements.

Legend has it that it is Mt. Govardhan that is symbolized here. In one of the tales pertaining to Lord Krishna (the Govardhan Leela), it is believed that Krishna had once lifted up the entire mountain and held it balanced on his little finger, to shelter the people of Vraj. Indra, the God of the Heavens, prone to egoistic tantrums, had unleashed a massive storm on the township of Vraj, incensed at its residents for

honouring Krishna more than his own self.

Krishna, with the help of Mt Govardhan, sheltered the people of Vraj for seven days, until Indra relented. When the people thanked Krishna, he said they should pay obeisance to the lord of the mountain, Govardhan Nath, instead.

Another belief is that Annakut symbolizes the offering to God of the first harvest, and then distributing it to all. As each family added to the offering, the pile took the form of a mountain.

Whatever the symbolisms and legends behind the tradition, Annakut as a Hindu festival is a joyful start to the Gujarati new year - Vikram Samvat 2067, according to the Hindu calendar. According to Yogi Savania, the Annakut festival has been celebrated uninterrupted at the Rosehill Mandir, ever since its inception in 1998.

The Chief Guests for the Annakut assembly this year were Ray Williams (MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Western Sydney), and Parramatta Councillor Tony Issa, representing the Lord Mayor His Worship Cllr John Chedid. Welcoming the guests to the assembly, Pujya Jnanpurush Swami explained the significance of the Annakut festival to the assembly, introducing the theme of “Go Veg, Go Green” due to the numerous vegetarian

ms MP Trustee), Ray Willia Gohil (BAPS Mandir an BAPS), Councillor airm (From left) Haribhai (Ch el Pat hai ary), Rajnib PS) admire (Parliamentary Secret Yogi Savania (PRO BA tta City Council) and Tony Issa (Parrama y the Annakut displa

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dishes which had been offered to the Gods. He reiterated that vegetarianism could help alleviate the global problem of climate change, as a substantial proportion of greenhouse gases were produced by the meat stock industry.

Both Mr Williams and Cllr Issa wished the Indian community a Happy Deepavali and commended BAPS for its outstanding service to the community through its multi faceted social and cultural activities.

Earlier on Diwali evening, many devotees took part in the Chopda Pujan ceremony.

This is a ritual where those involved in trade and business do Pujan (sanctification) of their new financial ledgers to augur success in the forthcoming year. The Chief Guests for the evening were Cllrs Julia Finn and Prabir Maitra of Parramatta City Council.

Cllr Maitra wished the congregation on this festive season and commended BAPS for its organisational skills and community engagement. He also recalled his experiences from his visit to the Delhi Akshardham early in the year.

Major refurbishment plans to the current Mandir building will occur in the new year, with construction expected to begin very early in 2011.

Pujya Adarshmuni Swami welcomes Cou ncillor Tony Issa to the fes tivities by placing a kum kum chandlo on his forehe ad.

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Diverse dhamakas at Diwali Mela

Photo: Sunny Cherian

All the colour, fun, food and excitement of Sydney’s largest Indian cultural festival came alive once again this year at the Parramatta Stadium on November 7. The 20th Diwali Mela was a fun-filled day of activities for the Indian community, most of who had spent Diwali day on November 5 at work or school. Over 5000 people attended the mela, ranging from subcontinent origin visitors to local Aussies.

It was a family day out for Neelima, Ashish and their eightyear old son, Rohan.

“Since November 5 was a working day for us, there wasn’t much of a celebration except for the Lakshmi puja at home that evening. However, the mela on the weekend compensated for all the celebrations we missed,” said Ashish.

The day-long mela is one of the largest of its kind in Australia, and has something for everyone. Bollywood song and dance mingled with the traditional; food stalls displayed culinary delights from different parts of India; a bazaar-like atmosphere

was created through clothing, jewellery and homeware stalls and even henna painting was a hit.

Flaunting henna-painted hands, Monica from Turkey was excited to be at the festival with her Indian friends. “I simply love Indian dresses and jewellery. The food is quite different and dances are just amazing to watch,” she said.

The Indian Dance competition, sponsored by Western Union was the main event, with various Indian dance school teams in Sydney competing for the big prize. Judges Mitu Bhowmick and Roy Lange from Mind Blowing Films and Western Union Marketing Manager Monica Khanna unanimously crowned the Ministry of Bhangra as the winner, while Lotus School of Dance bagged the second prize for performing Shankar Mahadevan’s song Breathless. Indian Dance School’s entertaining rendition of Aa re megha won them the third prize. However, all participants received gifts of DVDs, CD and movie tickets for their performances.

The mela also featured a visiting dance and music group from Rajasthan and a raffle draw.

Hosted by Hindu Council of Australia, the mela had an added dimension to it this year as it was an integral part of Parramasala - the Australian Festival of South Asian Arts. It was supported by the NSW Government, Westpac, Western Union, Parramatta Council and Stadium, Gujarat NRE and Hello Mobile, among other sponsors.

Present among the guests were NSW Premier Kristina Keneally, Consul General of India in Sydney Amit Dasgupta, MP Laurie Ferguson and NSW Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell. Speaking about the festival, Hindu Council of Australia Chairperson Professor Nihal Agar said, “By holding this important festival, we hope to focus in unity, strength and success. This mela is a celebration of cultural diversity and inclusiveness in a multicultural Australia.” Professor Agar also took the opportunity to propose a Hindu Cultural and Educational Centre in Australia.

Offering her best wishes to the Indian community on Diwali, NSW Premier Kristina Keneally said, “Parramatta is the heart of Sydney, and the Parramasala festival is a new beginning for us. Diwali is not just a festival of lights but also a celebration of joy, excitement and a diverse society. So much has changed for India and Australia yet so much remains the same, cultural diversity being one. We move together in this spirit of friendship.”

“The Hindu Council is doing a commendable job in preserving their culture and religion and at the same time, engaging with Australia,” said Laurie Fergusion, while wishing all a happy Diwali.

“It is a pleasure to be a part of this grand celebration of Diwali,” said Amit Dasgupta. “I express my gratitude to the NSW Premier Kristina Keneally, David Borger, MP and the Lord Mayor of Parramatta who put together this outstanding program of Parramasala”.

Diwali mela and no fireworks, yeh to ho hi nahi sakta! The mela culminated with an amazing fireworks display and burning of the giant Raavan effigy which was, for the first time, made in Australia.

More photos on pages 34-35 Mamta Sharma

Diwali at NSW Parliament Since 2003, the Diwali celebrations at the New South Wales Parliament have grown in significance and stature, but this year was a special one. Even as Parliament House remained lit up during the Festival of Lights in acknowledgement of the valued contribution of the Indian community to Australian cultural life, NSW Premier Kristina Keneally announced the Premier’s Indian Subcontinent Community Awards to recognise volunteer work and community service.

Welcoming guests and wishing all a “Shubh Deepavali” on behalf of the NSW government, Parliamentary host MP Virginia Judge said, “Deepavali is a festival that promotes the sharing of knowledge and values which enrich our lives. This festival celebrates springtime, the renewal of life and the light of wisdom in pursuing a better future.”

(We’ve grown accustomed to seeing the Indophile Virginia Judge clad in a beautifully wrapped sari, and have often wondered how many she owns - she picked a bright Bollywood red number this year, all ‘auspicious’).

The celebrations, held on November 11, commenced with the chanting of Vedic hymns and the lighting of the traditional lamp by Parliamentarians, including the NSW Premier, Amit Dasgupta (Consul General of India in Sydney), Deepak Khadka (Consul General of Nepal), the President of Legislative Council of NSW Amanda Fazio and the Speaker of the NSW Legislative Assembly, MP Richard Torbay.

Said Premier Keneally, “It is on nights like this that we can truly appreciate the incredible opportunity of living in Sydney, in a society that is a global advertisement for the benefits of diversity, and the joys of it. Events like Deepavali enrich our cultural life and inspire us to create even broader celebrations like Parramasala, which has been a huge success and enjoyed by Western Sydney families of all cultural and spiritual backgrounds.

Parramasala adds yet another layer to the rich calendar of events, celebrations and festivals which has seen Sydney recently named as the Best Festival and Major Event City in the World.”

“Our diversity and the wealth of experiences it brings, 22 <> NOVEMBER (2) 2010

NSW Premier Kristina Keneally wishes the Indian community on the occasion of Diwali

is a key reason why Sydney has, for a remarkable nine years in a row, been named the Best City in the World by readers of travel and leisure magazines,” she added.

Premier Keneally also announced that the NSW Government will host the Premier’s Indian Subcontinent Community Awards to recognise volunteer work and community service in the NSW Indian subcontinent community. The inaugural awards presentation will be held in early 2011 and will be organised by the Community Relations Commission. Nominations will be sought from Australians of Indian, Bangladeshi, Nepalese, Pakistani and Sri Lankan backgrounds from early December.

“The awards will recognise the role of the Indian Subcontinent community in NSW’s professional, philanthropic, business and cultural life,” said Ms Keneally.

“These awards send a clear message about the importance of the Indian subcontinent community to the State of NSW.”

The evening gala continued with a classical dance performance by the Bharatnatyam Dance Academy, followed by a performance from the Geetanjali Dance Academy.

Highlighting the theme of this year’s Diwali celebrations, Chairperson of the Deepavali Festival Committee of NSW Raj Datta said, “Celebrating Deepavali is celebrating unity in diversity. Each year we have a festival theme which focuses on certain values that, we believe, can make Australia a better place for all.

The theme for this year is “Living Australian”. We share commonalities despite our differences in heritage, and we believe in the values that make us Australian, which includes an aspiration to promote social equity, equality, compassion, decency and a sense of responsibility.”

The celebrations concluded with an energetic performance by the Ministry of Bhangra that had guests tapping their feet to Punjabi beats.

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Celebrating Kerala The Malayalee community in Sydney celebrated their culture at a special function recently to mark Kerala Piravi (the birth of Kerala). On 1 November, the southern state of Kerala observes its foundation day. On this day in 1956, the state of Kerala was born when the princely states of Travancore, Kochi and Malabar were combined into one.

Today, the state has gone on to become a premier tourist destination for travelers all over the world, known as much for its scenic beauty as for its rich heritage and culture. Kerala is not only India’s most literate state, it is also the least affected by communal tensions. For these reasons, it has come to be known as ‘God’s own country’.

SydMal, Sydney’s premier association of Keralites, marked the occasion with a program that saw high attendance.

Padmanabhan Karamil, President of Sydmal welcomed the

24 <> NOVEMBER (2) 2010

gathering and Sreedevi Ramesh and Muhammed Iqbal lit the traditional lamp to start off the proceedings.

The evening’s entertainment included Kaikottikali, Kavitha Parayanam, folk dances, folk songs, and mono acts. Staged by the local Malayalee community, these performances were a reflection of the rich cultural heritage of Kerala and were performed by local Malayalee community.

A couple of specialities this year were Kathaprasangam and Oppana.

Kathaprasangam literally means story telling. Here the story is told by characters who speak and sing alternately. Musical accompaniment creates the appropriate mood. Performed by Redhoy Paul and team, the tragic story picked for the evening was from Shahanameh (Book of Kings) written around 1010 AD in Persia (Iran).

Oppana, a traditional dance of north Kerala

Oppana is a special dance ceremony of the North Kerala Muslim community. On the wedding day the bride is dressed in her bridal dress including jewelry and her hands and feet decorated by henna in intricate patterns. Her friends, females, dance around her, singing songs and clapping hands. Oppana performed by Sreedevi and team, enthralled the audience.

An important presentation, “Why promote Malayalee culture in the context of Austria’s way of life” was made by Murali Menon, Muhammed Iqbal, Shinoj Kalyadan, Thomas Kuruvila and Vinay Karamil. The presentation was as a dialogue between the youth growing up in Australia and their peers on cultural matters that our youth in Australia is unclear about and was well received.

A simple but tasty Malayalee meal, served hot, ended the evening’s celebrations.

New committee members of SydMal were also introduced on the occasion, and the new website launched.

Text & Photo: Sunny Cherian

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BUSINESS

India shows bats and balls at sporting expos Pradesh. Many factories in these centres were set up after partition.

BY Sporting equipment was developed THOMAS E KING as an export industry because local consumption at that time was so small, he said.

“The love of sports by most Australians “It’s rather different today though is good news for India, as your country India’s expertise in producing and ranks as the third most important export exporting quality equipment from market for our sports equipment”, said sport shoes, hockey equipment and Tarun Dewan, Secretary, The Sports carom boards to water bottles, table Goods Export Promotion Council, New tennis supplies and caps is widely Delhi. acknowledged”, he said.

Speaking at India exports the Sporting sports equipment Goods Expo to 100 countries.

Australia 2010 The top three B2B Meet in markets are the Sydney in mid UK, the USA and November, Australia. the senior The one executive said point objective that Australia’s of the Sports love of sport Goods Export and demand Promotion for quality Council (www. equipment sportsgoodsindia. had prompted org) is to promote this three city, exports of sports two country goods and toys sales mission. from India.

Mr Tarun In addition to led the its promotional delegation of activities, the 17 exhibitors Government of who met with India sponsored leading sports Tarun Dewan was enthusiastic about the organisation interest from local sport equipment buyers. equipment provides a buyers in link between Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland. industry and government, disseminates The sports expo - the first in six years information, maintains export - was organised in conjunction with the statistics and projections, recognises Australia India Business Council. achievements of exporters with annual Australia is a significant market for awards and acts a s mediator to resolve cricket supplies, inflatable balls and disputes. protective equipment, he said.

More than 60 sports equipment “Virtually everything that relates to buyers from Sydney, 45 from Melbourne sports can be made in India. Perhaps and 35 from Auckland visited the expos the only exception would be golf clubs which were designed to create an even although we do manufacture golf balls greater awareness of India’s capacities in a sole plant in Gurgaon”. as a world class manufacturer, said Mr Most sporting items are made in Dewan.

Jalandhar, Punjab and Meerut, Uttar

Ranking in the top three buyers, Australia is the key export market for Aussie Rules balls.

Photos: Thomas E. King

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ARIA win for

Bobby Singh

Creating inroads on the Australian music scene and winning an award is just the beginning for this talented Indian-origin musician

ARIA Bobby Singh at the awards ceremony

BY DEEPA GOPINATH

What do you get when you put an England-born, Mumbai-trained and Australian-based tabla artist in a room with a Malian kora player and an Australian songwriter/guitarist?

The answer is a surprisingly smooth blend of rich sounds that warms the soul and goes down better than hot chocolate on a chilly winter day. And the effect of this union is an exciting one as we realized when the 2010 ARIA for Best World Music Album was awarded to Djan Djan, the musical brainchild of Bobby Singh, Mamadou Diabate and Jeff Lang.

Bobby Singh is one who was born to play the tabla. After an early childhood in England, he spent many years under the tutelage of the great tabla maestro Pandit Nikhil Ghosh at Sangeet Mahabharati, an institute of classical music in India. After this early training, it was the highly sought after Guru Aneesh Pradhan, a senior disciple of the same school, who would nurture and refine Bobby’s great talent into an incredibly skilled and sophisticated tabla player. Bobby is now based in Australia, but makes frequent trips to India to further his training with his guru.

Djan Djan is one of several fascinating collaborations in which Bobby Singh is involved, and is a result of a very fortunate houseshare between the three artists during the 2008 Adelaide Guitar Festival. The early beginnings of the band started with a series of casual ‘jam sessions’ in the living room, between the artists’ performances at the festival. An

An idea was born and blossomed into a dynamic collaboration which, two years on, has been recognised by what is perhaps Australia’s most prestigious music industry award idea was born and blossomed into a dynamic collaboration which, two years on, has been recognised by what is perhaps Australia’s most prestigious music industry award.

While Bobby appreciates the 26 <> NOVEMBER (2) 2010

importance of winning an ARIA, the true honour lies in having his music recognised and enjoyed by the greater audience, including his own community.

“Although this formal and highly prestigious recognition by the industry is valued, my true drive lies within my passion for the art and in exploring where this musical journey takes me,” says the talented musician.

Bobby Singh’s sensibilities are deeply rooted in Indian classical music; however he feels that living in Australia provides him with tremendous opportunity to explore many different genres and to be

involved in the marrying of his style with that of other cultures to create unique musical fusions. Some of the other diverse artists that this tabla expert has joined forces with include the John Butler Trio, Cat Empire, and artists of flamenco, jazz and south Indian classical styles.

“Both aspects of my music - the purely classical as well as fusion are equally relevant,” says Bobby vehemently, and he is inspired by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s words that a musician has a “duty to make music for the time”.

With so many demanding projects simultaneously in the pipeline, Bobby somehow finds time to

study a Masters in Contemporary Improvisation at Macquarie University, which he enjoys immensely. Musically, the world can look forward to a fusion of his style with flamenco musicians in the trio Rasa Duende, a complex and very exciting collaboration with many varied artists for the upcoming Bobby and Friends, and several other innovative projects.

Bobby Singh is one of the most exciting Indian-Australian musicians of our time, and he is rapidly proving to be instrumental (pun intended!) in globalising and popularising Indian classical music.

Stay tuned, music-lovers!

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NOVEMBER (2) 2010 <> 27

Obama in India US President Barack Obama’s four day visit to Delhi has been applauded by India and the US as a successful and timely one, particularly in his declaration of support for New Delhi’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.

Obama flew into India on November 6 and spent a night in Mumbai, where he stayed at the Taj Mahal Hotel, one of the key targets of Pakistani terrorists in November 2008.

He flew into New Delhi on November 7, for two hectic days of engagements.

Besides visiting and admiring the Humayun’s Tomb with Michelle, Obama held talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and addressed members of both houses of Indian parliament.

The US’ declaration of support for India for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council formed the high-point of Obama’s maiden visit to this country.

Here are excerpts from his visit.

US supports India’s rise: Obama President Obama said ties with India constitute a “defining and indispensable” partnership of this century that cannot be wished away, and asked businesses from the two sides to look at each other as partners and not threats.

“We not only welcome India’s rise, but we ardently support it, as we live in an inter-connected world. Commerce between America and India will benefit both,” the president told a business summit at Oberoi’s Trident Hotel on November 6, the first day of his maiden four-day visit to India, his longest to any country.

“I believe the relationship between the United States and India will be one of the defining and Indispensable partnerships of the 21st century,” he said, as some 400 top executives and business leaders from the two sides listened with interest.

“Economic relations between our countries still has enormous untapped potential. Of all the goods that India imports less than 10 percent comes from US and of all that the US exports, less than 2 percent goes to India,” he said.

“Americans have helped build India and India has helped to build America,” he said in a speech that received at wide applause at least five times, ending with a standing ovation after his 25-minute address.

Obama, who made passing reference to the Congressional election where the Democrats lost control in the House of Representatives to rival Republicans, told his audience back home that Americans stood to “benefit from strengthening ties with India”.

Both Democrats and Republicans support the growing partnership with India, though a section of Republicans have criticised the Obama visit for the expense factor.

Obama’s comments came against the backdrop of trade between the US and India more than doubling to $37 billion in 2009 compared with 2003, according to data available with the US Commerce Department, which has also been worried over the trade imbalance skewed in favour of India.

In the first eight months of 2010, total 28 <> NOVEMBER (2) 2010

US President Barack Obama (R-crouching) and First Lady Michelle Obama (R-standing), mingle with children of the workers who restore historical sites during the couple’s visit to the Humayun’s Tomb in New Delhi on 7 November 2010.

trade topped $32 billion, with imports by India up 20 percent and exports higher by 40 percent. The two sides feel bilateral trade can top $50 billion in the next couple of years.

Among the corporate leaders invited for the event included Honeywell’s David Cote who co-chairs the India-US CEO Forum with Tata Sons chairman Ratan Tata, PepsiCo chairperson Indra Nooyi, Boeing Co’s Jim McNerney and General Electric Co’s Jeffrey Immelt.

The event was organised by the United States-India Business Council (USIBC), and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the US Department of Commerce were co-hosts of the event, also attended by over 200 business leaders from the US. Ahead of President Obama’s speech, the US side unveiled commercial deals worth over $15 billion that will also address the domestic constituency by supporting nearly 54,000 jobs in the US. The deals include the purchase of as many as 33 Boeing-737 aircraft by the Indian budget carrier SpiceJet and an order on General Electric to supply 414

engines to power India’s indigenous light combat aircraft, knowledgable sources here said.

The US side also eased export control norms on some Indian defence firms.

These entities could include the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and guided weapons maker Bharat Dynamics, all of which are state-run agencies, officials said ahead of the business meeting.

Obama salutes Mumbai, Gandhi on beginning India journey US President Barack Obama pledged to deepen counter-terror cooperation with India on November 6, while saluting Mumbai for its resilience and Mahatma Gandhi for rewriting history.

Standing in the very Taj Mahal hotel where Pakistani terrorists went on a killing spree two Novembers ago, with the historic Gateway of India monument in the backdrop, Obama paid homage to those who died in the 2008 terrorist savagery popularly referred to as 26/11.

The dead included six Americans -

which Obama underlined. But walking a tight diplomatic rope, Obama refrained from naming or alluding to Pakistan, a US ally New Delhi blames for the Mumbai terror attack.

“Those who attacked Mumbai wanted to demoralize this city and this country but they failed,” he said. “The very next day Mumbaikars came back to work...

Within weeks, this hotel was welcoming guests from around the world.”

All the while, Michelle, clad in a grey dress and sporting a string of pearls around her neck, stood gracefully by his side.

In a memorial book, Obama wrote: “We will always remember the events of 26/11; not only the sorrow, but also the courage and humanity displayed that day.

The US stands in solidarity with all of Mumbai and all of India in working to eradicate the scourge of terrorism, and we affirm our lasting friendship with the Indian people.”

The Obamas stayed at the Taj as a sign of solidarity. They placed a white rose at the memorial to the victims of the Mumbai carnage -- a stone wall carved with the names of the dead and a tree sculpture.

Speaking with the Gateway of India and the Arabian Sea in the backdrop, the president said he would “never forget the awful images of 26/11” as the heavily armed terrorists went on a killing spree in Mumbai for three long days.

“Taj has been a symbol of strength and resolve. Mumbai has been a symbol of incredible energy and optimism,” Obama said, addressing select families of the Mummbai terror attack, some survivors and hotel employees.

From the Taj, Obama proceeded to Mani Bhavan, where his “hero” Mahatma Gandhi used to stay and which is now a museum, to pay tribute to the apostle of non-violence who has wielded enormous influence on African Americans.

Obama and Michelle walked through the rooms filled with books, pictures and other memorabilia of Gandhi. The sense of history was palpable as they flipped through the bulky visitors’ book.

After the 30-minute tour, a visibly moved president wrote: “I am filled with hope and inspiration as I have the privilege to view this testament to Gandhi’s life. He is a hero not just to India but to the world.”

Michelle wrote: “This visit will be one I will always treasure.”

With great interest, Obama read the remarks written by American civil rights leader Martin Luther King, another hero of his who visited Mani Bhavan in 1959.

Obama’s outsourcing stand relieves Indian IT industry On November 10, the Indian IT industry expressed relief over US President Barack Obama’s stand on outsourcing and his commitment to do away with protectionism.

“Obama did a great job for our industry by terming them (anti-outsourcing lobbies) stereotypes. I think his administration will also do a great job in terms of changing those stereotypes,” IT industry body Nasscom president Som Mittal told reporters.

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For positioning India as the market for US businesses and declaring India was no longer emerging but had emerged, Mittal said the industry would support the US administration’s efforts to change the stereotypes.

“I think we too have to do our job to change those stereotypes and ensure there is a much larger community that understands our business model that we are part of the solution rather than creating the problem,” Mittal said on the margins of Nasscom’s annual Product Conclave & Expo 2010.

Expressing the industry’s satisfaction over the outsourcing issue figuring in discussions between Obama and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Mittal said both the governments had committed to do away with protectionism.

“Obama and Manmohan Singh have both spoken out against protectionism and curbs on outsourcing. It was part of their discussions. Both the governments have committed to protectionism not being the way forward,” Mittal asserted.

‘Kesariya balam’, Indian delicacies, wow Obamas at state banquet Lighted earthen diyas lining the steps, colourful rangolis on the floor, pretty string lights on the bushes, and the melodious welcome song - Kesariya balam, padharo mhare des... - US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama were left captivated during the state banquet at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on November 8.

The state banquet, hosted by President Pratibha Patil, was held on the lush green Mughal Garden lawns at the brightly illuminated presidential palace, specially done up to welcome the US first couple.

The Obamas called on Patil and held a half-an-hour meeting with her at 7.30 p.m. in the Morning Room of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, which was personally redecorated by the Indian president.

Highly placed sources said the entire passage leading from the Rashtrapati Bhavan to the Mughal Garden lawns was lit up with earthen diyas, string lights, and decorated with flowers and rangoli, adding to the ambience.

The Obamas were taken on a round of the beautifully lit Mughal Gardens where Rajasthani singers sang Kesariya balam, padharo mhare des... - meaning “welcome to my land, beloved”.

In her speech, Patil said India and the US should work together for global peace and stability and be partners in diverse sectors like international economic development, clean energy, food and health security.

She also said the two countries have “responsibilities to work together for peace, stability and security in the world”.

Obama once again showered praises on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, saying his country and India were working together to build a global partnership in the new century.

Later, the Obamas met the invited guests along with Patil and her husband Devisingh Ramsingh Shekhawat, the sources said.

Over 100 guests were part of the banquet, including Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife Gursharan Kaur, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and her son and Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi, and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitely, Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav and business magnates like Tata Group head Ratan Tata and Mukesh Ambani and his wife Nita were present.

NATIONAL EDITION

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama with President Prathiba Patil and her husband Devisingh Ramsingh Shekhawat at a state dinner at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on 8 November 2010.

Photo: AP

Clad in a cream and green sari, Patil had Obama, Michelle, who was in a grey dress, seated at her table, along with Manmohan Singh, Sonia Gandhi and former president A.P.J.Abdul Kalam.

India was showcased in a cultural extravaganza through a 20-minute performance that included a percussionist group were led by known musician Guruvar Dorai and V. Raja Rao; Maitrayee - a mix of India’s diverse classical dances; a performance by the 16-member Shillong Chamber Choir and finally, Yeh Dosti Hum Nahi Todenge.. - the hit Bollywood number - was sung by the group, bringing smiles to the faces of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Obama, who are known to have high regard for each other.

The cultural show was organised to showcase India’s rich culture and heritage, said the sources.

As the guests settled down to a sumptuous dinner, the Navy Band took over, playing lilting music from old Bollywood hits of the 1960s and 70s, including Awara Hoon..

The banquet consisted of a mouthwatering repast of Indian delicacies from pineapple halwa, to achari fish tikka, chicken shami kebab and even palak papdi chaat.

Obamas’ India experience to be showcased at Maximum India fest Maximum India - a festival of India - will be held in Washington in March next year, showcasing Indian textiles, dance, music and cuisine to allow Americans “experience” what US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle experienced in India.

This was stated by US Ambassador Timothy J. Roemer recently. The festival of India in US is being held after 26 years, and will be in Washington on March 1-11 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts culture hub.

Romer said: “Maximum India will take Indian textiles, dance, music, jewellery, literature and cuisine to US to allow Americans to experience what Barack Obama and his wife experienced in India.”

The festival will be a collaboration between the Kennedy Center and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).

Some of the programmes at the festival will travel beyond Washington to a broader audience in mobile clusters - a series of performances - under heads like literature, tourism, fashion, Bollywood and archaeological heritage woven around a common theme, ICCR Director General Suresh Goel said.

“It has also been ICCR’s dream to have a cultural centre in Washington for a long time. We are moving in the way to have it in place during the festival,” Goel said.

A separate section in the festival will focus on Rabindranath Tagore on his 150th birth anniversary next year. The US plays an important part in the Tagore celebrations by hosting several expositions of the Nobel Laureate’s art and works across the country.

The last India festival was a joint initiative between the Indian government and the Smithsonian Institute.

Besides big names like Zakir Husain, Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi, ‘Maximum India’ will celebrate cultural diversity of the country with unique performances such as concerts by the National Symphony Orchestra featuring repertoire influenced by India’s vibrant culture.

The ‘Manganniyar Seduction’ will bring 43 Muslim musicians spanning three generations from the deserts of Rajasthan whose music is a mix of folk and classical Indian styles.

Indian dances will be represented

by Odissi performer Madhavi Mudgal, Bharatnatyam exponents Alarmel Valli, Priyadarshini Govind, the Daksha Sheth

Dance Company and several others.

According to Alicia B. Adams, vicepresident of international programming of the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts, one of the high points of Maximum India will be a gastronomic carnival.

“Twelve Indian chefs from The Taj Group of Hotels, one of the sponsors of the festival, will camp at Kennedy Center from March 1 to cook Indian food for participants and visitors,” Alicia Adams said.

The Kennedy Center does not have many Indian presentations. “One of the reasons we host international festivals is to tap into those regions which are underserved,” Adams said.

Adams was in India to announce the festival.

The focus of the art and crafts sections will be on “offbeat”. “Contemporary artist Jatin Das will display 40 hand fans that he has collected from all over the country,” Adams said.

An interactive space for children, “Hi, I am India” by pop artist duo Thukral and Tagra will break common ground that will allow children to create their own artwork while the Ishara Puppet Theatre will present theatres combining “puppetry and imagination”.

“American audiences like Indian music, books and films. Personally, my family and I were able to appreciate the tradition of India at the opening of the Commonwealth Games that came out through music. I have been to Tagore’s home in Kolkata (Jorasanko)... I enjoyed meeting Aamir Khan at Barack Obama’s dinner as well,” Roemer said.

“It will increase people-to people contact and strengthen diplomatic ties between both the nations. The first lady had been thanking the Indian people for their hospitality,” the ambassador said.

IANS

NOVEMBER (2) 2010 <> 29

NATIONAL EDITION

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Diwali Mubarak!

Scenes from the Diwali Mela, Parramatta Nov 7, 2010 Photos: Sunny Cherian and Mohit Sharma

VIEWPOINT

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The O Show It was a historic visit with landmark decisions that set the pace for a future relationship based on equality, respect and common gain Obama also reciprocated Indian hospitality by making some strong statements in favour of India. “It’s no BY coincidence that India is my first stop MARK SHARMA on a visit to Asia or that this has been my longest visit to another country since becoming President. For Asia and around the world, India is not simply emerging, They came, they spoke and they India has emerged,” said Obama conquered. For three days, US President pointedly, while addressing a joint session Barack Obama and his first lady Michelle of Indian Parliament.

Obama sang, danced, played hopscotch, Apart from all of the above, Obama made passionate speeches and conquered also signed on billions of dollars worth the hearts and minds of the Indian of trade deals, relaxed export controls people. on dual-use technology and offered a No other visit by a beautiful tribute to the head of state to India victims of Mumbai has engaged with the Obama’s hesitancy to attack.

Indian public like directly blame Pakistan All the criticism of Obama’s did. And why the first two days when for the terrorist wouldn’t it be? After he failed to mention acts on India was getting a “shellacking” Pakistan was set aside in the recent US disappointing, but when he addressed the midterm polls, Obama not unexpected.

Indian Parliament, and has no choice but to supported India’s bid do everything in his to UNSC’s permanent power to bring US seat.

“In the years ahead I look forward unemployment down, which currently to a reformed United Nations Security stands at a whopping 9.6%.

Council that includes India as a America and Obama’s future are permanent member,” stated Obama in his intertwined with the creation of jobs. As address.

US President, the Americans expect him In between trade and politics, the to create jobs and Obama sees India as American couple also visited Humayun’s a major source to make this happen. In Tomb, a museum dedicated to Mahatma the last quarter, Obama had boasted of Gandhi, an agriculture expo, a school creating 150,000 jobs in America. Now trip and a town hall style meeting at compare that with the 50,000 jobs he the Mumbai University.

Obama also announced as part of the US-India trade interacted with villagers from Rajasthan on the first day of his trip. Clearly, India via video conferencing, using optical fibre is important for the US, no matter which cable. way one looks.

The only issue On the Indian side on which Obama too, stronger ties disappointed Indians ….Obama also signed with the world’s most was his reluctance powerful country on billions of dollars to take tough action is a welcome sign. worth of trade deals, against Pakistan.

India’s aim is to be a America has a very big relaxed export controls strong international stake in Afghanistan on dual-use technology player and a close for which they need relationship with and offered a beautiful Pakistan. Obama’s America perfectly fits tribute to the victims of hesitancy to directly within that plan. In the blame Pakistan for the Mumbai attack. last decade, Indo-US terrorist acts on India military cooperation was disappointing, but has gone from not unexpected. strength to strength. America carries The three-day whirlwind tour of US out more military exercises with India President came to a fitting finale when than any other country. There are also President Prathiba Patil hosted a banquet reports of intelligence sharing and in honour of the first couple. The Americans provided a lot of input into Shillong chamber choir which serenaded the investigation of the 26/11 attack on the Obamas with hymns at the start of Mumbai. the function ended with a fitting tribute.

The fact that India is the largest The hit song from old Bollywood hit democracy in the world and shares Sholay was played.

Its lyrics “Yeh dosti hum common values with America also kabhi nahi todenge” (We will never break helps. With the decline of Europe and a this friendship) aptly describes the mood threatening China, America has realized that it needs India as much as India needs there.

Whether these bonds of friendship it. This was evident when Prime Minister developed over time and nurtured Manmohan Singh broke protocol and through tough situations will last the test received President Obama at the Delhi of time is a trillion dollar question. But Airport. Such a privilege has only been one thing is for sure; there will be lots of accorded to a select few in the past. dancing and singing in this friendship.

It includes George W Bush, Vladimir Putin and Saudi King Faisal. All three of them have been crucial for India. Barack Obama has now joined this elite list.

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VIEWPOINT

A shaadi of barbadi It’s a marriage of convenience with both partners reluctantly forging to create a mutually beneficial, but still uncertain future orders with conflicting policies. Fighting Talibanis on her western borders, and then training and financing militants to infiltrate BY Kashmir to her East. This must be deeply ROY LANGE confusing to US State Department officials who habitually stop at red lights and like country music.

The US is screaming for an ally who Obama’s visit to India is a renewal of can be more easily understood and less marriage vows between two countries that shifty.

But does India want to increase have historically neglected one another. His its co-operation with a nation that has an tour has rekindled a passion that was never occupying force in two countries in the really there. For India is at last getting region?

Can India suppress its gag reflex some love, because the US knows this when lectured by Obama on how to fight union is good for business. militancy when his country has fertilized For Obama’s visit the fundamentalist’s to India is as much ideology almost single of a tribute to an Obama’s visit to handedly? emerging power as it India is as much Of course they can, is an admission that because it’s business, of a tribute to an the United States is yaar!

India wants to emerging power as it a submerging power. be able to continue its The global financial is an admission that startling rise as the US’ crisis has laid bare the the United States is a call centre. Obama fragility of the West’s had made strong submerging power. institutions. Its Achilles promises on his election heel grows in step with campaign to slow the its increasing financial outsourcing of American jobs to India. complexity.

This would be bad for India and simply Like an Ambassador car being hit by a apoplectic for Gurgaon.

The days of the bus, India has not only survived but has Non Alignment Movement are now dead flourished. This robustness is something and cremated.

India can now be seen to be that is not easily ridiculed. Obama went as a big buddy with the evil imperialist power far as to say India was not emerging, but and can sell credit cards to people who had “risen”. He knows that with this new have nearly killed themselves jumping out wealth comes military power. of the bath to answer the phone.

That military power is I have a fantasy that something the US wants one day Americans on their side, pointed India can now be seen working in a Texas call well away from them. to be a big buddy with centre will have to learn The badly kept dirty Punjabi accents to take the evil imperialist little secret is that India calls from India. This is perceived as being power and can sell will take some time I rather more serious credit cards to people fear, but in this spirit, at killing Muslims who have nearly killed Manmohan Singh militants than Pakistan. placed an astronomical themselves jumping Obama has consistently order for 10 C-17 cargo stated in his Mumbai out of the bath to planes that will create trip that India has the answer the phone.

22,000 jobs in the US! greatest investment Was this a bribe to stop in Pakistan’s stability.

Obama cracking down Diplomatic speak, for it on US outsourcing to India? is deeply in India’s interest to do more to What has not been reported is India’s suppress Muslim militancy in the region. huge medical tourism industry that must be The Americans are very fond of domino bitterly anti-Obama.

Had his brave attempt analogies and it would not have escaped at universal health coverage been a larger their imagination that if the Afghan success, India would have lost billions of domino continues to fall too heavily on dollars from uninsurable Americans staying Pakistan’s, it will topple. That would make at home to have a bypass.

They must have India, in America’s eyes, decidedly more breathed a huge sigh of relief when the essential in containing the ‘onslaught’.

Democrats were hammered in the polls.

But of course, under their enlightened However dysfunctional the marriage, leadership. the relationship will survive out of mutual But the US is comically out of its necessity.

India needs business. America depth. With every passing day, Pakistan needs allies in their war against an emotion. looks increasingly like the multi-headed But above all none can afford to have a beast, Kalyan. With a multitude of stately unified Pakistan under a militant leader heads from the Army chief to the actual with an undeveloped love for multi-faith President, who is quite unintentionally democracies, but a well developed nuclear ceremonial, and the madly swaying arsenal. intelligence heads in between. Conflicting NATIONAL EDITION

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OPINION

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Caring for the aged Community associations can do their bit to help the growing number of elderly in Australia cope with lack of social interaction and isolation issues between the carer and the cared due to language difficulties. The report emphasises BY “developing cultural competencies among NOEL G DE SOUZA staff ” and “cultivating tolerance and antidiscrimination”.

By looking at the factors which have Governments, particularly at election been identified, it becomes clear that there time, have a habit of lumping all retirees are both physical and psychological aspects into a single category. Take for instance involved. For example, “loss” in the elderly the Intergenerational Report 2010 which might actually involve nostalgia for the past, implies that the aging and retiring segment resulting in a state of melancholy. of the Australian population will constitute The launch of the report included a a burden on working Australians. There discussion forum with an expert panel. are retirees who depend on governmental Lack of awareness of the available services pensions and others who are self-funded. was highlighted during the discussion.

Likewise, relatively healthy retirees look after A significant factor which came out was themselves and others (still a minority, but the mismatch between available staff and growing in number) need help to look after services and the specific needs of those who themselves. Added to this are a significant are being cared for. For example, carers may number of ethnic or CALD (Culturally and come from new migrant countries, whilst Linguistically Diverse) retirees. those cared for could well have come from According to a 2010 report by Access the old migrant countries.

Economics which was commissioned by the The Access Economics 2010 report noted National Seniors Productive Ageing Centre that: “There are serious supply constraints (NSPAC) in June 2009, 800,000 retirees were to the provision of informal (family) care, recipients of government-funded aged care. due to smaller family size, more single Of these, 80% accessed community care person households, and less willingness of (mainly Home and Community Care services) younger generations to care for the frail, aged and of these 6% were in low care residential relative to their parents accommodation, and grandparents.” whilst 14% were in The report highlights There might not be a high care residential several common factors lack of willingness but accommodation. an inability, because affecting people of A study conducted by of modern pressures CALD background, the Australian Nursing of living such as both Homes and Extended including such aspects marriage partners Care Association in working and children to as “loss” of various 2004 identified funding, be looked after. kinds like homeland taxation and capital The lack of direct and status issues, and raising to be crucial family support in caring elements in the delivery “vulnerability” because for the aged means that of appropriate aged there is a gap to be filled. of isolation. care. Indeed, the accent There is mention of a till now has been on the Culturally Appropriate financial aspects of aged care provision.

Volunteer Service (CAVS). Such a service has However, there are the human and cultural been piloted in Queensland and its main aim aspects which also need to be considered. is to counteract isolation amongst the CALD The NSW Department of Health & Ageing elderly. One of its important objectives has runs a service called NSW Transcultural been the “Identification of local responses to Aged Care Service for this purpose. social isolation through community meetings The Benevolent Society, on November 2 and forums, and a submission process.” launched a report entitled Supporting Older A network study was conducted in People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Queensland to identify community groups, Backgrounds. I attended the function on associations and other relevant individuals. behalf of the social entrepreneurial network, The objective of the project is to “resource SEVA. The report was prepared by the Social and support agencies (both multicultural and Policy Research Centre of the University of mainstream) to develop and expand culturally New South Wales. The report was launched appropriate volunteer services, recruit and

by Pino Migliorino, Chair of the Federation skill volunteers from CALD backgrounds of Ethnic Communities Council of Australia and develop a pool of volunteers”. and also the Chair of the NSW Ministerial Indeed, such a service would be best Advisory Committee on Ageing. developed in cooperation with ethnic The report highlights several common communities. Take the Indian and other factors affecting people of CALD South Asian communities; there are several background, including such aspects as associations amongst these groups but “loss” of various kinds like homeland and their main focus is cultural, though they status issues, and “vulnerability” because occasionally hold information sessions of isolation. Then there is the added factor concerning health and other related issues. of “culture and religion” which might Ethnic associations are by themselves a include certain entrenched attitudes about resource and whilst they have up to now illness. Dementia, unfortunately a growing focussed almost exclusively on cultural problem, for example, is viewed differently events, they should move towards interacting by different cultures. And finally, there is the in practical ways with official groups like question of “communication”, particularly those mentioned above.

34 <> NOVEMBER (2) 2010

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THISMONTH

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e l p o Pe P a rtie s Places

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Email it to info@indianlink.com.au

es her seventh

l celebrat Tashwana Pate

ends

birthday with fri

ni of The IIT Alum

brate Diwali

Australia cele

Indian Link Radio’s most senior listener Sundar Lal Gupta gets a pleasant surprise as radio anchor Uzma Beg drops in at his home to wish him a happy 90th birthday Shivani Dhawan is crown ed “Karva Chauth Queen” at Blacktown’s Ka rva Cahuth event

It’s a Diwali celebration at the Ashfield home and Dipika Gandhi

36 <> NOVEMBER (2) 2010

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entered, so make sure you have a list of any usernames and passwords. You may also have username, password and mail server details in your email client that will need to be re-entered.

4. Locate your software installation Remember when your computer was files Get into the habit of storing all your shiny and new? Windows ran smoothly, software CDs in one box, to make it easy applications opened fast and error messages to find the original files when you need were few. Over time you may have noticed them for reinstalling. If your software was some changes, though. As applications were obtained via an internet download, store all installed, patched, upgraded and uninstalled, as data files were created or downloaded, and downloads in one folder on your computer (eg: name ‘Source’). You also may need to perhaps as the occasional virus or malware provide a serial number, license number jumped in (and hopefully was promptly or product key, which would have been squashed by your protection software), your supplied when you originally purchased the shiny new PC began to slow down. Between software. Keep these details filed in a box leftover temporary files, changes to the or in a folder on your computer to ensure configuration files, and other debris often they can be easily retrieved for the rebuild. left behind by normal applications, it’s no If you own a brand name computer like surprise that your computer is slower, less reliable, and more prone to errors than it was HP/Compaq or Dell, you may not have the Windows CD. Instead you’ll have “Restore/ when you first unboxed it. The best way to Recovery CD” or a hidden partition on give your computer a new your hard drive that will lease of life is to wipe all return your system to The best way to give of the information and your computer a new the state it was in when start again with a new it left the factory. Many software load, commonly lease of life is to wipe laptop manufacturers do known as a ‘rebuild’ or a all of the information not supply CDs with the ‘wipe & reload’. laptop. Instead a program and start again with Computer experts is provided on the laptop regularly rebuild their a new software load, to create your own own computers to restore commonly known as a recovery or restore CDs their performance, and ‘rebuild’ or a ‘wipe or DVDs. Make sure sometimes it’s a better you have created such & reload’. alternative than trying restore or recovery CDs to remove a particularly or DVDs. nasty virus. However, before the rebuild proceeds, there are a number of things that 5. Your computer’s new look If you’ve you can do to make the process easier: spent some time customizing icons, menus, screensaver etc, much of this will be lost 1. Know where you’ve been saving your as your computer returns to the default files If you create a new document or copy software settings. Take a photo of your some photos from your digital camera, menu layout before the rebuild or take the where do you save those files? Whilst it is opportunity to create a new look afterwards. possible to search for common file types, it’s a much quicker process if you have your data structure well organized. This also facilitates easy backup. Apart from saved documents, photos etc, you may wish to backup emails and your browser bookmarks.

2. Know what software you use If you use any specific software packages (such as accounting, sales or customer management software), check other locations for hidden data. These types of software can store your information in locations which may not be obvious.

3. Know your account details Your computer may be set to store and ‘remember’ your login details for certain websites. This information will be lost during a rebuild and will need to be reNATIONAL EDITION

Once you’ve got Windows going after the reinstall, ensure you install up to date anti-virus software before you connect to internet. When the anti-virus software is installed, connect to the internet and update this software. Browse to Windows Update and download all critical updates for your version of Windows. In fact, it is a good idea to visit the websites of the hardware used in your computer and check for any driver updates. Finally reinstall all your software and restore data. Keep in mind these software manufacturers too may have released updates or service packs. Download and install these updates.

You can now customize Windows to your liking. It’s all done!

NOVEMBER (2) 2010 <> 37

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SPORT

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Game in progress Sydney Tasers Against Amin Events XI

Team of the Week: Afghan Lions

Billu’s 30/30 Parramatta Spring Cup Community cricket series continues to allow talent to shine through BY SANJIV DUBEY

The New Australian Sports Association is soon becoming a premier sports provider in Sydney’s Indian community, engaging the people in sports and contributing towards a healthy lifestyle. With the help of supporters such as Parramatta Park, Indian Link, Billu’s and Sharma’s Kitchen, it has been organising a series of community cricket tournaments where games are played professionally and the focus is on fun, fairness and competition.

In its second year of competition, series have been ongoing in the 20/20, 30/30 and other formats of the game.

The competition this year has moved a few notches up from last year. It has attracted many young and talented cricketers from the subcontinent who play at high levels for different clubs around Sydney. They have joined local community cricket teams in their quest to win the prestigious Billu’s Parramatta Spring Cup currently being played in Parramatta. To name a few, Kausikan Beatle is playing for Vibarant Gujarat and Wendel Dilpechetra is playing for Footwork Sports Academy - they play first grade for Blacktown and Fairfield Liverpool respectively.

The tournament favourites Punjab Lions who have a long history of being one of the best teams in community cricket, have already made the semis.

Sydney Supersonic, another club which is being hailed as the one of the strongest teams within the comp, has also reached the semifinals.

The Tournament is now wide open and there are four other teams who will be fighting hard to grab the last 2 spots available for the semi-final stage in the following weeks. The teams Vibrant Gujarat, Afghan Lions, Ahmedabad 40 <> NOVEMBER (2) 2010

Warriors and Amin Events XI have equal chance to make it in the semis.

Team of the Week: Afghan Lions

Made up of boys originally from Afghanistan, now living in the Sydney metropolitan area, the Afghan Lions have been playing together for over 3 years.

The team also includes many young and talented players from diverse backgrounds who share a passion for the game. Matin Azzimi is the captain of the team and Ali Hesari is the Manager. They all believe in contributing and being a part of the true Australian community which loves cricket and moving forward in life.

The team: Qai-shmal, Majeed Azzimi, Najeeb Azzimi, Ashiq, Eaimor Hesary, Mirwais Sarsha, Gharasa, Sharon, Puri, Ainsley

Player of the week: Navdeep Singh

Navdeep Singh, playing for Ahmedabad Warriors in the ongoing Billu’s Parramatta Sping Cup, has become the highest individual run scorer of the tournament as he smashed 156 runs (which included 12 sixes) against Vibrant Gujarat. His innings has definitely given Ahmedabad Warriors a glimmer of hope to make it to the semis.

Young opening batsman Navdeep, who hails from Ambala city in Punjab, was also a hero with the bat during last years 30/30 GCA Macquarie Cup where he played for cup winner Mantra Ryde’s Chandigrah team. Well done Navdeep; we hope to see many more such innings from you.

• Round 4 results

Ahmedabad Warriors (181/8) defeated Sydney Tasers 133/8 Man of the match Snehal 64 runs, 1 wicket Sydney Supersonic (128/6) defeated Footwork Sports Academy (126/7)

Man of the match Kannan 5/16

(Above) Player of the Week: Navdeep Singh (Below) Najeeb of Afghan Lions in action against Sydney Supersonic, Team

Vibrant Gujarat (102 all out) defeated Punjab Lions (87 all out) Man of the match 33 runs and 3 wickets Afghan Lions (145/8) defeated Amin Events XI (107 all out) Man of the match Mirwais Sarsha 4/23

• Round 5 results

Vibrant Gujarat (118 for 5) defeated Sydney Tasers (54 all out) Man of the match Kausikan Beatle Sydney Supersonic (137 all out) defeated Ahmedabad Warriors (111 all out) Man of the match Bala 37 runs Afghan Lions (111 all out) lost to Footwork Sports Academy (2/115) Man of the match Karminder Singh 50 not out Punjab Lions (175 all out) defeated Amin Events XI (60 all out) Man of the match Rehan 34 runs and 4 wickets

• Round 6 results

Ahmedabad Warriors (232 all out) defeated Vibrant Gujarat 123 all out Man of the match Shanty 156 runs Sydney Supersonic (115/7 defeated) Afghan Lions (114) Man of the match Hari Ramassamy 4 wickets for 13 runs Amin Events XI (175) defeated Sydney Tasers (144 all out) Man of the match Dhanush 84 not out Punjab Lions (208) defeated Footwork Sports Academy (94 all out) Man of the match Rehan 94 runs 2 wickets

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SPORT

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The

Comeback of

Cricket

The cricket season has barely taken off, but close matches with unexpected wins and losses have renewed interest in the sport and all its forms

BY RITAM MITRA

There is life in the old dog yet! The last month of one-day international cricket has been a breath of fresh air for the most maligned format of the game, with a number of close finishes and landmark victories providing the perfect jump-start ahead of the lead-up to the World Cup early next year. It’s worth taking a look back on what has already been a fantastic start to the 2010/11 season.

and Afghanistan is only an Associate nation, the latter’s form over the last two years in this format has been impeccable, and it is not without reason that they are ranked number 1 in the Associate rankings. However, Kenya prevailed in the final match with a spirited bowling performance, reeling in Afghanistan for a total of 188 which their batsmen reached with 8 wickets to spare.

match that will definitely go down as one of the greatest ODI comebacks of all time. Words do not do justice to the emotions that must have run through both the Australian and Sri Lankan camps during the course of this epic.

Lasith Malinga and Angelo Matthews put together a worldrecord 9th-wicket stand of 132 to send the predominantly Sri Lankan crowd into raptures, after Australia’s total of 239 was overhauled with 1 wicket in hand. This came on the back of a T20 win that should have sent a clear warning to the hosts.

It didn’t. The most blatantly disrespectful hitting by Malinga, as well as Matthews’ ice-cold temperament and perhaps just a touch of complacency from the Aussies saw them lose control of the game. After a rain-affected victory in Sydney, Sri Lanka celebrated their first series win in Australia after 26 years of trying. That Australia won the dead rubber in Brisbane will settle only a few minds ahead of the Ashes – the winning habit for Australia has, as Mark Nicholas put it recently, become the losing habit.

India v Australia

Bangladesh v New Zealand

It all began with a scarcely believable 4-0 whitewash for Bangladesh, over New Zealand. The passionate Dhaka crowd turned up in huge numbers, and were deservedly treated to four thrilling matches of one-day cricket, with one match washed out without a ball bowled. Bangladesh opened their account with a 9 run victory in a rain-affected match – the world’s best ODI all-rounder took 4 wickets and a calculated 50, to set the tone for the entire series; Shakib was the leading wicket-taker and run-scorer, a phenomenal feat.

The series was wrapped up after another 9 run victory in the third match, before the icing on the cake – the home side defended a meagre 177 in a tense 3 run win. The most encouraging aspect of this series was the fact that Bangladesh stepped up to the challenge as a team, and did not rely solely on Shakib. New Zealand was, just earlier this year, ranked second in ODIs, and yet even without their number one batsmen Tamim Iqbal at the top of the order, the Bangladesh team were convincing victors.

Then followed a “series” that left The most blatantly disrespectful hitting much to be desired. India was

by Malinga, as well originally due to play 7 ODIs at home against Australia - however, as Matthews’ icethe BCCI pushed to have 2 cold temperament tests included in the tour, at the and perhaps expense of 5 ODI matches. This just a touch of was in itself a flexing of BCCI’s complacency from political muscle; India had recently the Aussies saw reached the number 1 position in them lose control of Test rankings, and the best way to keep that ranking secure was the game. to play more tests. While this may seem fair enough, the fact that a high-profile test rivalry such as that which has emerged between Australia and India was kept to just two matches was a farce – it would have made much more sense to have one full series of either test or ODI cricket, rather than a bit of this and a bit of the other. It left the crowd wanting more after both series, especially since both Tests were so enthralling. After two washouts, the ODI series was a onematch affair, which India won with a fantastic run chase led by two of the shining youngsters of Indian cricket, Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina.

Australia v Sri Lanka Kenya v Afghanistan

The next series went under the radar, but was nevertheless a very encouraging one for the administrators of the game – Kenya defeated Afghanistan in the decider to clinch a 2-1 series win. Although Kenya is a full-member of the ICC ODI system NATIONAL EDITION

Australia and Sri Lanka took part in a series that few would have regarded as important, ahead of the truly tantalising Ashes series headed for our shores and television sets later this month.

However, all bets were off when Sri Lanka pulled off a truly memorable performance, coming back from the dead in a

South Africa v Pakistan

South Africa and Pakistan were entwined in an extremely tense contest in Dubai, before another controversy-filled build up to the decider, even spectacular by Pakistan’s standards, led to a meek defeat. After a first-match pummelling at the hands of a strong South African outfit, Pakistan had come back in superb fashion to level the series at 2-2. The middle three matches in the series read: Pakistan won by 1 wicket (with 1 ball remaining), South Africa won by 2 runs, Pakistan won by 1 wicket (with 1 ball remaining). In an era where ODIs are becoming increasingly marginalised in favour of the shorter format of the game, these results must seem like a godsend to the game’s administrators. The first Pakistan win also featured an innings that will go down in ODI history as the best singlehanded demolishing of a bowling attack to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Abdul Razzaq smashed a 70-ball hundred, hitting ten 6s and scoring 63 of the last 65 runs, to somehow guide Pakistan to a win and this included 55 runs in the last 4 overs. Hashim Amla’s prolific run in ODIs continued and it cannot be long before he translates this form into the Test arena. At the end of a series like this, although South Africa came out on top, it is clichéd, yet true to say – the game of cricket was the true victor.

One day cricket is still very much an important form of the game. While T20 provides young cricketers with opportunities to explode into the international scene and success in Test match cricket is the ultimate pinnacle of a player’s ability and talent, it is only in ODIs that a game of cricket can have so many momentum swings in such a short amount of time, and still leave you guessing till the end. The only concern is if we start expecting such treats as the ones we have been given in the past month, every match – besides, there are only so many palpitations a cricket fan can go through!

NOVEMBER (2) 2010 <> 41

PSYCHE

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The right kind of hope Facing up to realistic hope could be rejuvenating for one’s psyche, but dwelling on hopeful fantasies could be highly detrimental

BY SAROJA SRINIVASAN

Time and time again we evoke the theme of hope – for example when a new year is heralded, or when someone is sick or fails to achieve something. Each time we struggle to get losses and disappointments into perspective we are comforted by hope, the thought that somehow there will be amends in the future.

We often hear the common cliché: ‘Where there is life there is hope’. This notion is quite dominant in our thoughts, in our everyday behaviour and speech. It is a very potent construct that gives us the will to continue.

In many individuals suffering from depression, it is the experience of a sense of hopelessness that is very difficult to confront. Hope is a construct that is invisibly embedded in negative experiences. Yet it is the one thing we need to hold on to, and not lose in the face of misfortune.

Even in our everyday life, hope acts as a temporary relief in the face of misfortunes. Sometimes this hope is illusory but in a moment of crisis or calamity, it is hope that gets us out of the initial conundrum. It is equally important however, to turn this hope into a more realistic optimism which could become the

42 <> NOVEMBER (2) 2010

basis for future plans. This kind of hope tends to look towards the future, allowing for new possibilities in a mature fashion.

However, there is another kind of hope. This occurs when one is not willing to make the move from an illusory hope to something more realistic.

Many people often indulge in this kind of fantasy hope, which is a dream-like state in which one escapes from harsh reality.

A common example is in gambling, when an individual pins their hopes on a fantasy indulgence of winning enormous amounts

Realistic hope can set the tune for the future, while staying with illusory hope can lead to disappointment and further frustration

of money to solve their monetary problems instead of making some workable plans. Staying with this kind of hope that rests on fantasy very often conditions the individual to make very little real effort.

Hope is very vital for our mental well being, but which kind of hope is important? Realistic hope can set the tune for the future, while staying with illusory hope can lead to disappointment and further frustration. Illusory hope gives temporary relief from the harshness of immediate reality momentarily, so one does not descend into a vortex of negative downward spiralling.

Yet to have the ability to use the energy that this brief moment offers, to get on with more realistic plans, is absolutely vital. A certain amount of effort is required to capitalize on this brief moment. Some however, fail to make this effort and miss out on a chance to make some really important changes in their life. If the right effort is not made, it drags the individual into fanciful realms of solutions that only increase their frustration.

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NOVEMBER (2) 2010 <> 43

44 <> NOVEMBER (2) 2010

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TRAVEL

Vietnam

the tantalising taste of Asia

This ribbon of land flanking the South China Sea is a proud, increasingly prosperous nation and a great place for a value-for-money holiday

BY BRUCE HEILBUTH

Tabatha Muldoon experienced the eye-widening honesty of the Vietnamese on her first visit to the country some years ago. After a long flight from Australia, she met the person assigned to greet her and said, “Hello I’m Tabatha.”

“I know,” said her host with a smile. “I knew it was you because of the colour of your hair and because you’re a little bit fat.”

Tabatha, who’s not fat, has never forgotten that welcome but points out that, obviously, not all local folks speak to visitors quite so frankly. That’s especially true at the Hanoi Opera Hilton Hotel, where she’s now Director of Sales and Marketing and where the staff are unfailingly polite and obliging.

Still, in Vietnam what you see is what you get, as I discover on my first visit there this year. Over nine days I experience first-hand the hospitality and openness of the people who 46 <> NOVEMBER (2) 2010

inhabit this 1,600-kilometre-long ribbon of land bordering the South China Sea. I find, too, that Vietnam is no Third World backwater.

From the chrysalis of occupation and war a butterfly has emerged – a proud Asian nation of 86 million whose value for money, splendid food and warmth towards visitors create a compelling recipe for a holiday.

And Vietnam, ranked among the countries expected to see the strongest tourism growth in the next decade, is keen to get more and more Indian visitors.

“We want to pitch ourselves hard in India . . . it is obviously a huge tourist market for us,” says a spokesperson for the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT).

One major reason for traditionally modest arrivals from India, officials say, has been an absence of direct flights between the two countries. With better value fares now available, tourism authorities expect more Indian tourists to be among the four million-plus arrivals each year.

It’s a cool, overcast morning in the capital Hanoi as I emerge from the cavernous marble lobby of the Hanoi Opera Hilton Hotel. The five-star property is so named

because it’s adjacent to the ornate opera house, built by the French, and so that visitors can distinguish it from the original, more infamous “Hanoi Hilton” – the Hoa Lo jail – a few blocks away.

In Hoa Lo prison, now a museum, the French colonial government incarcerated political prisoners in appalling conditions. It was also home to US presidential candidate John McCain for five-and-a-half years during the Vietnam War after his Skyhawk was shot down.

Later, taking some time away from my tour group, I approach a parked cyclo rider and ask him if he can take me shopping. “Of course,” he says with a gap-toothed grin.

“Anywhere you like.”

I negotiate a fee in Vietnamese dong that’s the equivalent to $7 (“too much,” the concierge tells me later) and we set off, threading traffic in which squadrons of motorcycles, of which there are two million in the city, dodge and weave like angry hornets.

My obliging driver stops at a shopping centre so I can buy a shirt ($5), a pharmacy for aspirin (75 cents for a box of 100) and an art shop for limited-edition prints of Ho Chi Minh posters ($8 each).

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2

4

5

3

6

1. Hom Tam Island resort 2. Sofitel Dalat room 3. Hanoi scene 4. Dalat BH scene 5. Hanoi scene 6. War veteran and guide Le van Cuong 7. Hon Tam Island

7

1 The paradox of communist Vietnam’s budding lesson from renowned local chef Nguyen Phuong Hai. “One commercialism is evident everywhere in Hanoi, which of the secrets of Vietnamese food is sugar,” he cries as we celebrates 1,000 years of existence this year. Western brand file into a gleaming kitchen. names and malls are juxtaposed here and there with garish Phuong shows us how to make green papaya with dried party posters. One, a giant portrait of Lenin hugging a child, beef salad, grilled fish Hanoi style and black sticky rice syrup. is set close to a KFC outlet.

Afterwards, as we devour our own Tour guide Le van Cuong, 57, creations, an explosion of flavours explains it like this: “In Hanoi we have tantalises our tongues. Delicious!

From the chrysalis the Red River and the Black River.

A short flight from Hanoi is Dalat The red is for communism and the (population: 200,000) set in jungly of occupation and black is for capitalism. We used to be hills, where we spend two nights at the war a butterfly has all red but now we’re grey. And we’re gracious Sofitel Dalat Palace, a colonial getting wealthier; we can’t see the architectural masterpiece in the city emerged – a proud bottom of the rice bin any more.” the French developed and dubbed Le Asian nation of Hanoi’s food is cheap and Petit Paris. A prime feature of Dalat is uniformly wonderful, from the its busy food market, with vegetables 86 million Brother Café, an ancient temple and colourful fruit piled like miniature converted to a bountiful restaurant, to mountains. the Aussie-run Kangaroo Café where, Then it’s on to the resort town of incongruously, I enjoy a terrific cheeseburger and chips.

Nha Trang and, a fifteen-minute boat ride away, Hon Tam For an insight into how genuine Vietnamese fare is island. The luxury “eco green” Hon Tam resort is an eden prepared, we visit the Hoa Sua school for a hands-on cooking of pristine beaches, turquoise water and an open-sided NATIONAL EDITION

restaurant from which diners gaze through palms over a marine park.

Here I wash my grilled fish down with an Australian sauvignon and, not for the first time this trip, toast a country whose amalgam of tastes and sights will endure in the mind long after the visit is over.

From a pastiche of memories the words of Le van Cuong stand out. At the age of 15 he spent three months walking from the north to the south of the country to help fight Australians and Americans. Like every Vietnamese I meet he bears no grudges. “That’s all in the past!” he says with a booming laugh. “We’re all good friends now.”

Travel notebook Vietnam

GETTING THERE

Vietnam Airlines offers daily non-stop flights from Australia to Vietnam.

Flights depart Sydney and Melbourne four times a week. The airline will join the SkyTeam alliance late in 2010.

NOVEMBER (2) 2010 <> 47

BEAUTY

Happy Hair

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It’s important to take good care of your tresses, particularly when battling the vagaries of weather and a hectic modern lifestyle

BY MINAL KHONA

Healthy hair is a sign of general wellbeing and gives you a sense of confidence. You can counter common problems with your hair through some simple tips, which will ensure that you have healthy, happy hair all your life.

SPF for the hair

Just like your skin, hair too can get damaged by the UVA and UVB rays of the sun. And especially in a country like Australia, where the sun’s rays can be really harsh during long summers.

Unprotected hair can develop a straw-like texture and become dry and brittle. A leave-in serum or conditioner can work in protecting strands of hair.

As for the roots, use a bit of sunscreen, preferably the non-greasy ones on your parting to protect the roots. In an emergency, lip balm will also work, but it might leave your hair greasy.

Deconstructing hair

Often our modern day lifestyles result in overuse of chemicals in sundry products we use. To minimise product build-up which can leave your hair flat and brittle, not to mention faded because sun’s rays strip hair of its colour, it is good to change products occasionally. Use a herbal shampoo if you can, or find one which is made with fewer chemicals and no preservatives. An old wives’ tip is to mix baking soda with your shampoo and wash it off after five minutes.

Another good idea is to use shikakai powder to wash your hair.

Also, never rub your hair vigorously when it is wet. The best thing is to use an extra thin, highly absorbent towel to squeeze out the excess moisture. Then just wrap a towel around your hair, or let it dry naturally. Don’t run a fine toothed comb through it while it is wet or it is likely to break. Instead, use a wide toothed brush. Also, avoid styling hair while it is still wet. Wait till it is almost dry and then style it or use curlers.

To minimise product build-up which can leave your hair flat and brittle, not to mention faded because sun’s rays strip hair of its colour, it is good to change products occasionally.

Style right

A good way to maximise your tress appeal is to get it styled well. Always go for hairstyles that suit your face. For example, if you have a square jawline, opt for a bob which frames your chin and softens your facial lines. If you have a short forehead, go for longer bangs that don’t hide your forehead like a fringe would and if you have a chubby face or jowls, keep it short and away from the face. A haircut with long bangs will look unruly.

General haircare tips • While having your hair cut, avoid smiling as it moves the muscles in your face and could affect your haircut • Sitting cross-legged while the hair dresser is cutting your hair could lead to a lopsided cut as your body is not symmetrical.

• Don’t style your hair when it is dripping wet.

Make sure it is nearly dry and then start styling with the dryer or heated irons.

• Bend over and look down while drying your hair. This will give it extra volume. Keep moving the dryer all around your head, and never hold it too close to your scalp.

• Avoid too many chemical treatments like highlights or straightening of the hair.

• It is a bit difficult to avoid hot water in Australia’s harsh winters, but when possible, wash your hair with lukewarm water.

• Use conditioning treatments like protein packs and hot oil treatments to nourish your hair.

Don’t towel dry your hair vigorously. First, squeeze out the excess water and then dry with the towel.

Gentle dry

As everyone knows, using a hair drier too much can make hair dry and brittle. Use a hair dryer only if you must and when you do, keep moving it all around your head, or it can even burn your hair.

Bend your head and dry it upside down as well, for extra lift and volume.

48 <> NOVEMBER (2) 2010

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EDITORIAL

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INDIAN LINK PUBLISHER Pawan Luthra EDITOR Rajni Anand Luthra ASSISTANT EDITOR Sheryl Dixit MELBOURNE Preeti Jabbal CONTRIBUTORS Jyoti Shankar, Sydney Srinivas, Monica Dalidowicz, Vidya Bhardwaj, Astha Singh, Noopur Singhal, Mamta Sharma, Thomas King, Sunny Cherian, Deepa Gopinath, Roy Lange, Mark Sharma, Noel G deSouza, Sunil Ranadive, Ritam Mitra, Sanjiv Dubey, Saroja Srinivasan, Minal Khona.

ADVERTISING MANAGER Vivek Trivedi 02 9262 1766 ADVERTISING ASSISTANT Priti Sharma 02 9279 2004 GRAPHIC DESIGN AND LAYOUT Kaye Martin 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 Level 24/44 Market St, Sydney 2000 or GPO Box 108, Sydney 2001 Ph: 02 9279-2004 Fax: 02 9279-2005 Email: info@indianlink.com.au

NATIONAL EDITION

More than cricket and Bollywood India is more than just cricket and Bollywood but walking around the art galleries in Sydney and attending a few programs at the recently concluded Parramasala in Sydney, one could be forgiven in assuming that Indians only take the effort to attend Bollywood programs or enjoy watching cricket on their televisions.

Over the past few years, there has been an explosion of Indian cultural, educational and artistic programs around Sydney. Earlier this year, the Sydney Festival included a number of Indian shows that became soldout events (AR Rahman, The Manganiyar Seduction, Nine Lives). Only this month, the well-known Sculpture by the Sea event had two entries from India that proved to be quite popular. Sculpture by the Sea is a free annual event, presented on one of the most scenic spots in this city – the Bondi to Tamarama cliff walk. On a clear day with the blue skies above and the deep blue ocean on the left, this walk itself is a treat. Art sculptures along the path are an additional treat, and then discovering a few pieces by contemporary Indian artists further adds to the experience for us.

Which brings us to the recently concluded Parramasala, an entire event dedicated to Indian shows. As a performing arts festival,

BY PAWAN LUTHRA

it tried its best to showcase India. In many cases, there were presentations from either end of a spectrum - we had experimental music from a cutting edge composer of the likes of Nitin Sawhney, as well as classical music and the earthy sounds of rustic Rajasthan; bharatanatyam and kathak, and folk dances and fusions; contemporary Bollywood music from Kailash Kher and a restored 1929 film from one of the founding fathers of the industry; photographic exhibitions of families, and stand-up comics talking of the same thing.

There was something for everyone. And this was reflected in the pricing too – you could do it high end, or take it in free. And some 50,000 people lapped it up.

It was wonderful to see the participation from mainstream Australians who seemed to enjoy all the Indian culture at their doorstep.

Just as we go to press, Sydney’s Macquarie University is preparing for the launch of

its India Research Centre. A cursory glance at its program of actions reveals a wealth of academic endeavour on India – not just in terms of political and business relations between the two countries and communitybased issues, but particularly in the arts field: music, poetry, translation, urban cinema, folk arts, even ‘folk religion’.

The Indians in Australia are certainly a pampered lot. We continue to enjoy our Bollywood options, with latest movies screening at the multiplexes, as well as entertainers touring here with increasing regularity. At the same time, we have a wonderful opportunity to also savour the rich offerings for us in cultural events in the mainstream. Many of these are totally free of charge (eg the Sydney Festival’s AR Rahman concert, the shows in Parramasala, Sculpture by the Sea). All we have to do is make the most of these opportunities this will be enough thanks to those in our new home who take the effort to bring these to us.

NOVEMBER (2) 2010 <> 5

kids

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By Devna & Manan Luthra

Poem

Harry Potter Trivia Philosopher’s Stone 1. What colour is unicorn blood?

2. What magical device are first years not allowed to use at Hogwarts?

3. What are the two black balls in Quidditch called?

Harry Potter, the series Harry Potter 1, Was loads of fun.

Had a nice long run, And was very well done!

Kids in the Kitchen A Harry Potter Recipe: Butterbeer (For your next Harry Potterthemed party)

Chamber of Secrets 4. Where are underage Wizards not allowed to use magic?

5. Whose nose swelled to the size of a melon during Prof.

Snape’s potions class?

6. A person who can speak to snakes is called what?

Harry Potter 2, Got a great review.

Too long was the queue But all made it through!

Prisoner of Azkaban 7. What magazine carries reviews and tests of different broomsticks?

8. Which exam is held at midnight?

9. Which one of Harry’s friends had to write an essay called “Explain why Muggles need electricity”?

Harry Potter 4, I truly did adore It was great for sure, And I really wanted more!

Harry Potter 5, Pleasure did derive Characters came alive, And the series was in thrive!

Harry Potter 6, Got plenty of ticks.

Clever magic tricks, Made it best of the flicks!

Harry Potter 7, I’m in heaven!

I’m seeing it with Bevan, My sister’s going with Helen!

Manan

The Goblet of Fire 10. What is the name of a rival wizarding school beginning with B? 11. Which teacher can see through Harry’s Invisibility Cloak?

12. Who repairs Harry’s injured leg with tears?

Answers 1. Silver 2. Broomsticks 3. Bludgers 4. Outside school 5. Draco Malfoy’s 6. Parselmouth 7. Which Broomstick? 8. Astronomy 9. Hermione 10. Beauxbatons 11. Prof. Moody 12. Fawkes

Harry Potter 3, It was great, said she (my sister, who likes tea).

It was fabulous, said me!

Laugh Out Loud

Harry Potter Jokes

1. Knock Knock.

Who’s there?

You Know You Know Who? Yep! Avada Kedrava 2. What kind of cereal do they have at Hogwarts?

Hufflepuffs.

2 ½ cups of milk ½ cup of butterscotch chips Heat milk in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Add the butterscotch chips.

If you have a hand-mixer, use it to make the mixture frothy.

Bring it to almost boiling, but not quite.

Pour into mugs and serve!

Digital Mischief

3. How many Voldemorts does it take to light up a wand?

Now you see that’s why he’s called the DARK lord.

4. What does Snape see in the Mirror of Erised?

Shampoo 5. Did you hear about the witch who won the lottery?

Yeah, she went completely Knuts!

6. What does a death eater eat for breakfast?

Cruci-O’s!

Sarina Patel joins the gang!

(Image created by Radhika Bhatia, 15) 50 <> NOVEMBER (2) 2010

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NOVEMBER (2) 2010 <> 51

BUZZ

ENTERTAINMENT

The

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

Ash & Hrithik

HRITHIK-AISHWARYA

on a winning streak?

After Dhoom 2 and Jodhaa Akbar, the sizzling pair of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Hrithik Roshan will set the screen on fire with their intense chemistry in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Guzaarish, a film that deals with the sensitive issue of euthanasia.

Guzaarish sees Hrithik playing a paraplegic patient, while Aishwarya plays his nurse. The film also stars Aditya Roy Kapoor, Monikangana Dutta and Nafisa Ali. The film’s soul-stirring music is already making waves. The story is set in Goa, which is home to accomplished magician Ethan Mascarenhas (Hrithik). Ethan is severely injured when one of his magical tricks goes wrong, turning him into a paraplegic. He becomes the Radio Jockey of an FM Station called Radio Zindagi. His show spreads magic, hope and laughter through his irrepressible wit and humour.

Sofia D’Souza (Aishwarya) is his elegant nurse who has been accompanying him like a shadow for the past 12 years. Ethan’s life centres on Sofia and they share a silent tacit love, which is beautiful and spirited.

However, on the fourteenth anniversary of his accident, Ethan files an appeal in the court for mercy killing, leaving Sofia in an impasse that challenges their relationship and their love. The subsequent moral, emotional and social issues that arise from the situation make it a compelling subject.

“It’s a very unique subject,” said Bhansali in an interview. “It has been handled very, very sensitively, specially by the actors and their performances. We have taken care that it’s done gently, correctly because it’s a very important debate”.

While Aishwarya has worked with Bhansali before, this is the first time Hrithik teamed up with him, despite Bhansali’s reputation as a shorttempered director. But the actor admits that there was no shouting or yelling on the set.

“It was fabulous working with Sanjay. I’ve never had such an experience. In the beginning, people told me that he is slightly mad, he screams, but once I started working with him, it was a different experience,” said the heroic hunk.

Guzaarish isn’t totally free of controversy as novelist Dayanand Raajan has reportedly accused the writer of the movie of plagiarism. Raajan alleges that the plot line and characters of Guzaarish are similar to that of his yet-to-be published novel, and has been threatening to go to court over copyright issues.

Sanjay, Aishwarya and Hrithik all need a good break with their previous starrers turning out to be box office duds. Fingers crossed that Guzaarish is the one that makes their wish come true.

GUESS WHO

?

This Dev Anand discovery was launched with great fanfare, but went nowhere (Find the answer under Caption Contest)

52 <> NOVEMBER (2) 2010

Golmaal third time lucky!

The cast and crew of Golmaal 3 are laughing themselves silly all the way to the bank. The Rohit Shetty-directed laugh riot which released on Diwali has earned Rs. 117 crore gross worldwide in its first week, claims its distributor, Eros International.

Golmaal 3 managed to rake in Rs.102 crore in India and Rs.15 crore overseas, after opening across 2,000 plus screens worldwide.

“Even in its second week Golmaal 3 is doing extremely well across all overseas markets... Mauritius, Australia and Fiji have registered record breaking collections,” said Pranab Kapadia from Eros International.

The comic caper stars Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor, Mithun Chakraborty, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, Kunal Khemu, Ratna Pathak,

Johnny Lever, Sanjay Mishra, Vrajesh Hirjee and Ashwini Kalsekar. And with a cast like that, it’s no surprise that Golmaal’s going for gold!

Akshay Khanna to surprise audience

Actor Akshay Khanna, who plays a funny over-the-top actor in Tees Maar Khan, would come as a jolt to the audience, says director Farah Khan.

“He is playing a bad actor in the film. His role is of a superstar, but he’s put his full acting potential into it. Akshay has worked so freely in the film, that he is going to be our surprise factor, especially for the audience,” said Farah in an interview.

The actor has requested his director not to promote him; instead, he would like the audience to watch his performance and make a call on his ability to pull off the

role. The name of the film Tees Maar Khan is the alias of the lead character (Akshay) who plays a con as he believes himself to be the criminal ‘kalakar’ (artiste). It is not a negative character though.

“It’s a funny character. He is half Robin Hood, because he robs the rich, but keeps the spoils for himself,” said Farah.

Farah claimed the item number Sheela ki jawani… that she choreographed for her lead actress Katrina Kaif in the film, was very different from her recent hit Munni Badnam Hui… of Dabangg.

“Munni is a very earthy, rustic number, while Sheela ki jawani is like a Chicago make of a Bhojpuri song,” she said.

Farah revealed that Katrina worked hard to tone her figure to fit the lead female role, and she is all praise for the actress’ performance.

“She didn’t have to lose weight because INDIAN LINK

www.indianlink.com.au

Abhi’s homage to Big B Abhishek Bachchan’s role in Dum Maaro Dum is an homage to his father Amitabh Bachchan’s portrayal of an irate cop cleansing corruption in the 1970s-release Zanjeer.

Says a source: “Abhishek’s role in Dum Maaro Dum of a cop on a drug-busting mission in Goa has distinct shades of his dad’s career-turning role as a cop settling scores in Zanjeer.”

“Since both Junior Bachchan and director Rohan Sippy are huge fans of the Big B, Abhishek’s role in the film will now be a full-on homage to the irate cop’s cleansing of corruption in Zanjeer,” the source adds.

Apparently, the action sequences that were the forte of Zanjeer are now being strengthened in Dum Maaro Dum. Also, with two back-to-back Abhishek Bachchan-starrers Ashutosh Gowariker’s Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey and Abhinay Deo’s Game scheduled for this year, Fox Star Studios has pushed Dum Maaro Dum to April next year, although the film is nearly complete.

So we’ll have to wait a lot longer than expected to see if Abhi matches up to the talent and charisma of the Big B. Who knows, it may be a case of like father, like son!

SAIF ALI KHAN

AKSHAY KHANNA

Saif in 2 States

Saif Ali Khan is all set to play his first biographical character in Siddharth Anand’s 2 States, a film adaptation of Chetan Bhagat’s book based on his own real-life experience, of a Punjabi boy who wants to marry his Tamil sweetheart, but only with the consent of both their parents.

Saif is expected to spend time with Chetan Bhagat to understand his character, Krish, and get into Krish’s mind. In real life too, Saif is all set for a cross-cultural marriage and 2 States will be quite a learning curve for him.

Bhagat would like to exercise a closer vigil over the casting of the protagonists than he did in his novels’ other movie adaptations like Hello (One Night At The Call Centre) and 3 Idiots (5 Point Someone).

In both these adaptations, Bhagat had no say. And he liked it that way.

But in 2 States the personal element is extremely pronounced, and Saif was involved from the onset of the project. Bhagat is okay with that, saying, “It is not important for Krish to be played by a Punjabi or Ananya to be played by a Tamilian. I’m aware Saif is not a Punjabi. To me that serves the story’s purpose even better. The whole idea of 2 States is to convey a pan-India appeal.

The novel is about an interstate union. What better way to show this than to have a non-Punjabi actor playing my Punjabi protagonist?”

However, if Saif thinks he can just walk into the role NATIONAL EDITION

of the Punjabi guy and claim it to be his own, as he did in Imtiaz Ali’s Love Aaj Kal, he has another thought coming.

Bhagat would like the Punjabi protagonist’s projection to be free of stereotypes and external trappings.

“We’re always showing Punjabis and Tamils in a culture-specific light. I wouldn’t want my protagonists to be portrayed with regional eccentricities.”

Bhagat admits that 2 States is his most personal novel to date and the screen adaptation most precious to him. Without revealing too much he claims that 2 States will be like Ek Duuje Ke Liye meeting Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge.

Saif has his work cut out for him, as the role would require a personality transformation far more subtle than the actor’s Langda Tyagi in Omkara, and with very little physical props. Director Siddharth Anand too, who is the star’s old friend, is looking at a largish stretch of preparation time for his hero.

And of course, Saif will need even more time when he decides to tie the knot with long-time love Kareena Kapoor. Bebo has been candid that matrimony is on the cards in perhaps a year’s time. While the experience will be a first for her, Saif ’s past plunge was with feisty actress Amrita Singh.

Perhaps 2 States will help Saif pop the question and face the families sooner than later.

Rejections helped shape Frieda’s career

ABHISHEK BACHCH

FREIDA PINTO

AN

Actress Freida Pinto admits she is happy that she faced so many rejections before finding fame as it helped shape her career.

The Mumbai-born actress auditioned for hundreds of roles before achieving fame in the 2008 Oscar-winning movie Slumdog Millionaire, but insists her bad experiences made her the person she is today.

“I’m glad things happened the way they happened. I needed to be rejected, and I needed to learn that it’s part of the game.

I said, ‘It’s okay. I can have 100 rejections, but I’m sure there’s going to be one particular thing that is almost destined for me to have, and I am going to have it’,” femalefirst.co.uk quoted her as telling a magazine.

“I used to go for these crazy auditions and they’d have the most stupid, silly scripts. My heart was never in it. I would go and try to do what I could, and then a shortlist would come out. Every day I was on the shortlist I would have a bad day - I’d be very moody and on edge. At the same time, I thought, ‘What would happen if I made it to the final list?

Maybe that would be my ticket’. But deep down in my heart I always had doubts, and I think when you have doubts, you just say no,” she added.

Well, Frieda’s come a long, long way and you can bet that she has an even longer way to go….

CAPTION CONTEST

What’s Farah Khan whispering to husband Shirish Kunder?

Send in your responses to info@indianlink.com.au and win a surprise prize

Last issue Caption Contest winning entry

What’s the chitchat between Farah Khan and Priyanka Chopra here?

Farah: Oh my God, Piggy, you forgot to put a blouse on over your slip…

Priyanka (to herself): At least I’ve got a trendier purse…

Anita Menon Lane Cove West, NSW. Anita wins a free ticket to new Hindi release Guzaarish

GUESS WHO ANSWER: Mink

she actually toned her body to reveal her stomach while wearing knotted cholis and low waist half saris. Katrina toned herself so that she would be comfortable while dancing,” said Farah.

“She has danced so fabulously that her performance is at par with any other heroine dancer down the ages,” added Farah.

Now with a good actor playing a bad one and Kat revealing her midriff, it looks like the movie’s set to tees!

NOVEMBER (2) 2010 <> 53

ENTERTAINMENT

Cine Talk Back to the future Film: Action Replayy Cast: Aishwarya Rai, Akshay Kumar, Aditya Roy Kapoor Writer-Director: Vipul Amrutlal Shah

food of science fictions. It is, after all, the ultimate human fantasy.

What is new is how Action Replayy lays bare the difference

Hollywood and Bollywood, despite similarities in their names, hardly have anything in common. Except that the latter often borrows concepts from its older cousin. Yet, it manages to make something different from the original.

Action Replayy is an example of that.

When proposed to, Bunty (Aditya Roy Kapoor) refuses to marry his girlfriend because he has seen his parents Kishan (Akshay Kumar) and Mala (Aishwarya Rai) fight since he was born. Even on their 35th marriage anniversary, they fight as if they were sworn enemies. A determined Bunty steals a ride on a time machine invented by his girlfriend’s grandfather to go back in time to make it all right.

Doing this will be tougher than he had imagined, as he finds his parents very different from what they are today. Parenting one’s parents, Bunty would realise, is the toughest job in the whole wide world.

The basic premise isn’t new. Even before Back To The Future made it famous, travelling to the past to correct one’s present was staple

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between two of the biggest commercial filmmaking centres of the world, Hollywood and Bollywood. While in Back To The Future the stress is on science fiction and survival of the time traveller, here it is on human relations and the various emotions associated with it.

Also the paper thin, cliched villains of the film shows that Bollywood is still in a time-warp.

Much effort has gone into getting the sets right, and surprisingly, it all works. Vignettes of ancient advertisements, painstakingly made a part of the set by the filmmakers, make it a thrill to watch, especially for those from that era.

The costumes, however, try too hard to be retro. If you watch films of that period, they were not so flowery and jazzy as in this film. However, given the lighter vein in which the film is made, it is perhaps justified.

Aishwarya and Akshay are as good as Bollywood can get, which isn’t much. Pritam’s music is average and only when we do an action replay from the high plinth of the future, will we come to know the corners of the world he has plagiarised from.

Some of the spoofs are hilarious, especially the one on the Gujarati band led by Mahesh Kumar whose brother can sing in two voices. The one where the son is desperately trying to make his retro father understand the concept of sex and uses the typical Hindi film analogy of two flowers meeting, is a laugh-riot.

Despite this the film misses many opportunities for gags that can easily be part of a time travel film. Just the inclusion of names common today like Obama, Mallika Sherawat, Saif Ali Khan etc., does not necessarily make it humorous.

Action Replayy, despite its best intentions and few successes, fails in many ways. Perhaps it will take someone else to say action-replay and better the present for Bollywood.

Satyen K. Bordoloi

A rib-tickling trilogy is now complete Film: Golmaal 3 Starring: Kareena Kapoor, Ajay Devgn, Mithun Chakraborty, Kunal Khemu, Tusshar Kapoor, Arshad Warsi, Johny Lever, Ratna Pathak-Shah Directed by: Rohit Shetty

It is touted as the first real trilogy of Indian cinema. It’s about time that the distant cousin of Hollywood had one. Yet, what’s important is that Bollywood did not need to have trilogies as one hit film has the habit of spawning a whole generation of films that look and feel like the original. Golmaal 3 also suffers from that syndrome. Thankfully, it only feels like its previous avatars.

Despite retaining most characters from its previous outings, Golmaal 3 enters a hitherto uncharted territory. Madhav (Warsi), Laxman (Khemu) and Lucky (Kapoor) are the three scheming sons of Pritam (Mithun) who manage to lure Vasooli (Mukesh Tiwari) into one scheme after another.

However, as luck would have it, in 54 <> NOVEMBER (2) 2010

everything they start, they find competition from three other down-on-their-luck kids Gopal (Ajay Devgn), Laxman (Shreyas Talapade) and Dabbu (Kareena Kapoor) with funding from Puppy bhai (Johnny Lever). Gopal and Laxman are the sons of Geeta (Ratna Pathak Shah).

Inevitably, locking horns, they end up destroying each others’ businesses. What the two groups don’t know is that their parents are unrequited ex-lovers. When Dabbu finds out she schemes and unites the two lovers in a marriage without letting their children know about their step-brothers. All hell breaks loose when they finally find out and a hilarious war engulfs between the two groups right under their parents’ noses.

Like its predecessors Golmaal 3 has enough laughs going through the film to keep the momentum. Johnny Lever as the Ghajini-style forgetful don who adopts a new filmy avatar every few minutes has the audience in splits. The few spoofs of old Hindi films, full of camera pans and quick zooms, will nostalgically tickle the funny bone. The twists of various popular phrases and known adages, raises more than a chuckle.

Mithun gets to do his Disco Dancer once again. Theatre veteran Ratna Pathak-Shah waltzes through the film with aplomb.

Arshad Warsi is his usual tapori self while Shreyas Talapade and Kunal Khemu do a good job. It is however the beefed up Tushar Kapoor who seems to be trying too hard, and despite raising giggles, fails to arouse laughter. In the first part he, looking the most vulnerable, is the funniest of the lot.

Director Rohit Shetty tries his best in merging comic vignettes into one comprehensible film. However, had it not been for the funny dialogues, his lack of directorial verve would have shone out.

He is spared the fate by some ingenious dialogue writing by Robin Bhatt (Aashiqui, Sadak, Baazigar) and Yunus Sajawal.

Now that Bollywood finally has a trilogy, will it please also make one that has some real standing in the world of cinema?

Satyen K. Bordoloi INDIAN LINK

MERRYLANDS

$369,950

WENTWORTHVILLE

Presentation plus – this home is close to all amenities and is neat as a pin – Features include 3 good size bedrooms, large separate lounge with combustion fire and r/c air, separate dining area, modern kitchen with dishwasher, neat bathroom, large yard with decked a/ground pool, kids cubby house, loads of room for entertaining, LUG and carport, other features also include, new gas hot water system, alarm, 2nd toilet all set on a 695sqm block approx, close to trains, Westmead hospital, schools and shops.

INVEST TODAY • Walk to public transport • Two large bedrooms • 2 toilets • Remote controlled single garage • This property is ideal for an investor • Currently leased with a rental return of $380PW.

OPEN FOR INSPECTION: Saturday 12:30-1:00pm AUCTION: Saturday 4 December 2010 on site at 1:00pm Laing & Simmons Wentworthville 9688 4000 Contact Leanne Ollerenshaw 0414 790 887 or Alan Fowler 0413 057 699

Laing & Simmons Wentworthville 9688 4000 Contact Alex Mich

MERRYLANDS

$429,950

WENTWORTHVILLE

GREAT HILLTOP LOCATION

Laing & Simmons Wentworthville 9688 4000 Contact Leanne Ollerenshaw 0414 790 887 or Alan Fowler 0413 057 699

WENTWORTHVILLE

INVESTORS TAKE NOTE

AUCTION

AUCTION: Saturday 4 December 2010 on site at 12:00pm

Laing & Simmons Wentworthville 9688 4000 Contact Leanne Ollerenshaw 0414 790 887 or Alan Fowler 0413 057 699

Laing & Simmons Wentworthville 9688 4000 Contact Michael Cuskelly

PENDLE HILL

FULLY RENOVATED 7 Flamingo Place

AUCTION

Be impressed by this spectacular, renovated home offering impressive entry area, 3 large bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, separate formal dining , enormous open living area, huge Caesar stone top kitchen, tiled throughout, high ceilings, reverse cycle ducted air conditioning, security system and video, intercom and more outside. There is a large covered entertaining area and a potential fully self contained granny flat, set in quiet cul-de-sac location. This property is a must to inspect.

QUALITY AND STYLE

Immaculate townhouse in small complex of 5, featuring spacious tiled living area, ultra modern kitchen with gas cooking, 3 extra large bedrooms with ensuite to main, ducted air con, double garage with remote door, fantastic fully timber decked courtyard. A pleasure to inspect!

OPEN FOR INSPECTION: Saturday’s 2:30pm-3pm AUCTION: Saturday, 4th December 2010 on site at 3pm

Laing & Simmons Wentworthville 9688 4000 Contact Alan Fowler 0413 057 699 or Leanne Ollerenshaw 0414 790 887

Laing & Simmons Wentworthville 9688 4000 Contact Leanne Ollerenshaw

$369,950

GRAND HOME WITH VIEWS 48 Thane Street

If you are after something with space for your family and another family this is the home you have been looking for!, not only is it a huge home it has a self contained guest home attached under the same roof line. The home is endless and includes 4 double size bedrooms, separate study or 5th bedroom, huge modern bathroom, large balconies with views to Parramatta and the City, large formal lounge and separate formal dining area, huge timber kitchen with dishwasher and gas cook top, separate large family room with combustion fire, separate tv room or games room, ensuite to main and 2 bathrooms, 3rd toilet and shower in the internal laundry.

Ideal for the investor or first home buyer with fantastic returns and still plenty of deprecation. Situated opposite Ritchie Benaud Reserve and only 3 ½ years of age this 2nd floor unit offers 2 large bedrooms, floating timber floors, spacious lounge & dining room, ultra modern kitchen with gas cooking, 2 balconies, a secure lock up car space and more. Situated close to transport & shops. Not to be missed.

PARRAMATTA

AUCTION

OPEN FOR INSPECTION: Saturday’s 1:30pm-2pm AUCTION: Saturday, 4th December 2010 on site at 2pm

Laing & Simmons Wentworthville 9688 4000 Contact Alan Fowler

SOUTH WENTWORTHVILLE

$519,950

NORTH FACING 24 Essington Street

Wow what a stunner!, you will surely be impressed by this home, it is pretty as a picture, features include 3 large bedrooms with built-ins, modern bathroom, large lounge with airconditioning, ultra modern galley style kitchen with gas cooktop, separate large family room, polished floor boards and tiles throughout, 2nd kitchen with gas cooktop, internal laundry with 2nd shower, large covered pergola area, huge yard - excellent for the kids, large driveway room for several cars.

Set in a popular Hilltop location is this modern 3 bedroom townhouse. Features include 3 good sized bedrooms all with built ins, ensuite to main, internal laundry with 3rd toilet, modern bathroom & modern kitchen with granite bench tops, separate lounge, lock up garage, private courtyard and set close to local shops, schools and buses. Not to be missed.

NORTH PARRAMATTA $345,000

AUCTION

FANTASTIC LOCATION – CLOSE TO WESTMEAD 79 Darcy Road

BLACKTOWN

HUGE POTENTIAL

AUCTION

This property has huge potential, ideally located opposite Kmart and Westpoint shopping centre this home sits on an approx 750sqm block. Features include 3 bedrooms plus sunroom off main, timber floors, new carpet, neat kitchen and bathroom and r/c air conditioning. This home would be ideal for an investor or owner occupier.

GREAT LOCATION - GREAT OPPORTUNITY

Located within walking distance to Parramatta CBD with trains, shops and transport at your door step. Offering spacious bedrooms with large built in wardrobes, high ceilings, open plan living area, modern kitchen and bathroom, balcony and internal laundry with clothes dryer. Features include intercom, key access to the main entrance and lock up car space.

OPEN FOR INSPECTION: Saturday 10:30-11:00am AUCTION: Saturday 20th November 2010 on site at 11:00am

Laing & Simmons Wentworthville 9688 4000 Contact Alex Mich 0433 882 145

Laing & Simmons Wentworthville 9688 4000 Contact Alan Fowler

SOUTH WENTWORTHVILLE

$419,950

LARGE COURTYARD

Beautifully presented townhouse in a well maintained complex offering 3 extra large bedrooms, ensuite to main, combined lounge/dine, modern kitchen with gas cooking, double garage with remote door, plenty of storage, currently rented by a long term quality tenant & situated close to transport. A must to inspect!

Laing & Simmons Wentworthville 9688 4000 Contact Alex Mich

NATIONAL EDITION

PROSPECT

$639,950

MAGNIFICENT HOME

Situated in quiet residential street amongst other quality homes, you find this outstanding Claredon property which offers 4 large bedrooms plus study (possible 5th bedroom) main with ensuite and walk-in robe, formal lounge and dining area, large informal family room downstairs, and huge family/rumpus upstairs, and more. An absolute pleasure to inspect!

Laing & Simmons Wentworthville 9688 4000 Contact Alan Fowler

NORTHMEAD OFFERS OVER $350,000

WALK TO WESTMEAD HOSPITAL

This great second floor unit features 2 bedrooms with ensuite to main & built in wardrobe, spacious combined lounge and dining area with air conditioner, large modern kitchen with Caesar stone bench top & gas cooking plus dishwasher, balcony, video intercom, security parking within a well maintained security block close to shops and transport.

Laing & Simmons Wentworthville 9688 4000 Contact Alan Fowler

GIRRAWEEN

$419,950

DON’T BLINK!

This house will not be on the market for long, this well presented 2 bedroom clad home features Modern kitchen, renovated bathroom, combined lounge and dine with r/c air conditioning, floor boards throughout, 2nd toilet, north facing sunroom, good size shed, great yard for the kids to play in and carport, all ideally located Close to Girraween Selective school, buses and shops.

Laing & Simmons Wentworthville 9688 4000 Contact Leanne Ollerenshaw

PENDLE HILL

$349,950

WON’T LAST LONG This 2 bedroom villa is set in a small well maintained complex in a quiet street. Features include; modern kitchen, large lounge and dine area, internal laundry, lock up garage and easy maintained courtyard, all set nice and handy to trains, shops and station.

Laing & Simmons Wentworthville 9688 4000 Contact Leanne Ollerenshaw

WESTMEAD

$389,950

EXCELLENT PRESENTATION IN GREAT LOCATION

This beautifully presented modern 2 bedroom unit features; main bedroom with ensuite & air conditioning, built in wardrobes to both bedroom, large modern kitchen with gas cook top & dishwasher, 2 x balconies, modern bathroom, large combined lounge and dining, internal laundry, alarm, intercom & lock up garage all within a well maintained security complex which also features a residence swimming pool.

Laing & Simmons Wentworthville 9688 4000 Contact Leanne Ollerenshaw

GIRRAWEEN

BE IMPRESSED

$649,950

Young & modern, this home is a must to inspect. 4 bedrooms with ensuite and walk in robe to main, large formal lounge and dine with high ceilings, fantastic timber stairs and belistrate huge gourmet kitchen with gas cooking, 3rd bathroom down stairs, family room and prayer room, ducted air conditioning, double garage and more. Walk to shops and station, don’t miss out!!!!

Laing & Simmons Wentworthvile 9688 4000 Contact Alan Fowler

CASTLE HILL OFFERS OVER $425,000

WOW - ITS HUGE!

This apartment is overly spacious, featuring 2 bedrooms, huge lounge and dine area, ultra modern kitchen with gas cook top, large balcony with views to the mountains, modern bathroom, alarm, security intercom and lock up garage. Only a few minutes walk to shops, restaurants and entertainment from the top of Cecil Street.

Laing & Simmons Wentworthville 9688 4000 Contact Leanne Ollerenshaw

NOVEMBER (2) 2010 <> 55

BACKCHAT

www.indianlink.com.au

Biwi or billi?

Dear Auntyji Some weeks back I wrote to you and told you about this wonderful man I met, who is perfect in every way, but has a strange relationship with his cat. He seems to obsessively love his tirchi ankhon wali, and at first, I thought I would live with him and see what happened. If you recall, I said I disliked cats. Well, now I have developed an allergy to the billi rani and I scratch and itch like I’m a lifelong user of dope. What to do now Auntyji, what to do now? Neel loves the cat and wants a doctor’s opinion that I have an allergy. He says he cannot understand how I can just suddenly develop this condition. I need your help.

Confused Cat-hater Auntyji says Oh, you poor little chuhi, I totally sympathize with you. Now you might say that Neel is wonderfully perfect, but listen to me you little nadaan, the man prefers his billi over you. If he loved you, he would realise that you have an allergy and would re-home the cat. But there is none of that happening. In fact, he has demanded a doctor’s certificate, as though you were a recalcitrant schoolgirl who

Rueful rejection

Ask Auntyji was psychosomatically manifesting these symptoms to get rid of the puss.

So, move out. It’s quite simple. The namard prefers his billi rani over you, and I’d like to see what happens when the cat dies in a few years. So, cut your losses and move on. Your health is too important, and that billi is just too much trouble. And do you know what dadimas used to say in the olden days? That if you eat a cat’s fur, you will get asthma. So don’t wait to add wheezing and sneezing to the itching and scratching. Bid the man hasta la vista baby and find yourself another man. A real man, for a change!

Work woes Dear Auntyji I started a new job and I was so

Dear Auntyji I really like this girl and want to ask her out. But she is soooo beautiful I am scared she might say no. What should I do?

Affection affliction

excited by it. But now it’s not what I thought it would be. What to do?

I have a mortgage. The company is very small, my boss is mean and my co-workers and rude and lazy. Plus the work is boring. But it pays well.

Exasperated employee Auntyji says Life is too short; go find yourself another job, Exasperated Employee.

Unemployment is fairly low in this country. If you’re good, you should be able to find one easily. Of course, if you’re lazy, have a crap work ethic, abuse company resources, are rude to co-workers, dump your dirty dishes in the communal kitchen and don’t wash up, then you deserve what you’ve got and you need to stay there. Karma is teaching you a lesson.

Auntyji says Your email makes me wonder if you’re a hideous little dwarf with garlic and tandoori breath who is totally repellant to women. Well, if you’re going to be a little chuha all your life, you will never get what you want. Be a man, go on and ask her out. She will probably be so surprised, she might just say yes. Of course, if you are a kaala bouna as described, I suggest you go out and find yourself a little kaali bouni.

No point in setting yourself up for a fall, I say. Let me know how you go.

Do you have a question for Auntyji?

Send it in to GPO Box 108 Sydney 2001 or email it to info@indianlink.com.au

Matrimonials SEEKING BRIDES

M

atch for Melbourne resident never married Arora boy, self employed, earning good money, 30-081977, 5′-5″, smart features, fair colour, open minded. Caste no bar. Girl’s merit main consideration. Respond with photo, education and professional details to email: sachdevasunil30@ gmail.com M; 0401 408 211. Boy is in Chandigarh, India for next 10 days.

highly successful software engineer, 29 years, 5’7″, slim, fair, working in Sydney. Email photo, CV including height and weight: sen3@y7mail.com SEEKING GROOMS

S

ndian man, university educated Government occupation, mid 40s, seeking honest Indian /Fiji Indian lady for marriage. Please call 0404 263 400 or email tamavu@hotmail.com

eeking match for Agarwal girl, 24 years old, 5’4″, very beautiful girl, born and raised in India, Family well settled in Sydney. Graduate in commerce and completed PG Diploma in Banking and Finance from IFBI .

Seeking professional , match with good family background. Early marriage.

Prefer an Agarwal, Hindu boy. Contact: 0401 44 8186/91- 9849728729 or email: giri32@yahoo.com.au.

G

A

I

ursikh male 25 years physiotherapist, Australian citizen of Sydney, 6 feet, slim, healthy, happy life style of Khatri background but with an open mind seeks 20-24 years, good natured, healthy, honest match.

Truthful replies only to greenkochia@ gmail.com

S

eeking a good looking, caring, sincere and family oriented, responsible girl for Melbourne resident Arora boy. Permanent Resident, October 1971, 5’7″, handsome, fair colour, spiritual/open minded. Caste no bar. Please respond with photo, education and professional details to email: sndpsachdeva@yahoo.com, M: 04 3224 9651

S

eeking very slim, fair, professional Bengali girl, prefer Kayastha, for

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lliances invited for Sikh Jassal girl, 27, 5’, Registered Dentist in NZ practicing in Auckland, Permanent Resident. Clean shaven preferred.

Caste No Bar. Eligible to practice as Dentist in Australia also. Contact: litledocship3@gmail.com. Ph: 0064-92766 519, 0064-21106-2734

S

eeking match for Sidhu Jat Sikh beautiful girl, 23 years old, height 5ft. 6inches, doing B.Sc Post Basic Nursing final. Raised with Indian values, in a very well settled family in India. Both her grandfathers are retired Colonels from the Indian Army.

Father is a serving commander in the Indian Navy; mother was the principal of a Teacher Training College in Karnal. Seeking a decent match with a loving family background. Reply with bio-data.Early marriage. Email:

matchsidhu@gmail.com

J

at Sikh parents seeking professionally qualified well settled match for their Australian citizen daughter, 32, 5’4”, slim, beautiful, intelligent & family oriented. Highly qualified with two Masters degrees in IT and Information Systems. Working as an Administration Manager in a leading MNC in Sydney . Upper caste no bar. Please send full bio-data & recent pictures to matrimony8491@yahoo.com.au

with strong family values. Girl in Sydney till February visiting her sister.

Cast no bar. Please email your profile and photo to rajkundra@yahoo.com.

S

eeking respectable, presentable, professionally qualified and well groomed 29 – 32 years, Hindu match for 1981 born, professional, slim, attractive Indian girl, currently visiting aunt in Sydney. Please email details and recent photos to Nidhi Sharma – nnsharma8@gmail.com

S

S

S

S

eeking a Gujarati girl with good family values, for my son, 35, divorced since 3 years, no children, tax consultant, fair, 5’8”, non-smoker, light drinks, eggetarian, living in Sydney since 18 years. Contact 0402 416 353 or hp11869@hotmail.com. eeking match for Sikh girl, 30 years old, 5’2″, very beautiful girl, born and raised in New Delhi with Indian values, from a very well settled family in India. Eldest sister married and well settled in Sydney. Highly qualified with couple of masters degrees, completed CA from ICWAI and experienced in working with a top prestigious firm.

Seeking professional, well-educated match with good family background.

Early marriage. Caste no bar. Contact: 0403 421 720 or email: kitty.80@live. com

S

eeking alliance for 26-year-old, 5’3″, good looking Punjabi Manglik Brahmin girl with strong family values.

Boy must be professionally qualified

eeking well settled Australian citizen/ PR match for slim, beautiful and intelligent Mair Rajput Goldsmith girl.7 bands in IELTS and has done nursing in India. Well mannered with strong family values Call on 0421 229 034, 0412 017 992, 91 9888 718 900. eeking alliance for a 35-year-old, 5.85″ Hindu Punjabi Khantri boy, never married, working in Yes Optus Adelaide. Holding regional residency.

Looking for an educated girl with family values, of any visa, prefer early marriage.

A

lliance invited from professionals for Kannada Brahmin girl, 43 years, 5 ’4″ B.E., MBA (Melbourne Uni), vegetarian, slim and fair. Married briefly and divorced with no children.

Well employed and settled in Australia.

Please reply with details to Email: raosn@bigpond.com

INDIAN LINK

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INDIAN LINK

NATIONAL EDITION

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What’s On SPIRITUAL Chinmaya Mission events 21 - 25 Nov Faith: Mirror of the Mind Chapter 17 of the Bhagavad Geeta with Swami Swaroopananda at 197 Derby St, Silverwater, 7.30pm to 9.00pm each night.

3 – 5 Dec Annual National Youth Camp “The Secret to Perfection” with Swami Swaroopananda at Cataract Scout Park, Baden Powell Drive, Appin NSW. Details call Br Gopal Chaitanya 02 8850-7400, Mobile: 0416 482 149 or visit the website www.chinmaya.com.au Maha Gayatri Yagya Sun 19 Dec The Ram Krishna Temple’s long-standing development application with the Liverpool City Council for building a Temple on our Austral site at 275 Fifteenth Avenue, has now been approved. In celebration of this important development, the Mandir is holding a Maha Gayatri Yagya at the Temple with Pundits Sachin Sharma and Shyam Sharma. 6.00pm start.

Details Babita Singh 02 9608 6099 SPECIAL EVENT Macquarie University launches India Research Centre 16-17 Nov and 19-20 Nov The new India Research Centre at Macquarie University will act as a focus, a catalyst and a showcase for the exciting styles of research on India already taking place within the university’s Faculty of Arts. Centre members are currently drawn from a wide range of disciplines, including Anthropology, Sociology, Cultural Studies, Music, Media, Law, and Asian Languages.

The Centre will aim to create a research community of work on India, as well as to develop further research links with India and other countries.

Details at www.irc.mq.edu.au EXHIBITIONS Casula Mela Upto 28 Nov Join Sydney Utshab in celebrating Bijoya and Diwali program of exhibitions, festivals, dance, bollywood movies and food in conjunction with The Powerhouse Museum, Casula. Details 02 9824-1121 or visit www.casulapowerhouse.com Verandah 5 Nov – 6 Feb Sydney artist Vandana Ram presents Verandah, an exhibition of artworks that explore historical and cultural exchanges between Australia and India through shared colonialism, migration and cultural memory.

Elizabeth Farm, 70 Alice St, Rosehill.

Details 02 9635-9488 STAGE Deepavali Treats Thur 18 Nov Join the Redfern community in celebrating Deepavali, the Indian Festival of lights, as Nayika Indian Dance presents an evening of classical Indian dance, Balinese mask dance, and traditional Indian storytelling. Venue: Sound Lounge, Seymour Centre, from 7.00pm – 9.00pm. Details Vimala Sarma 0409 690 220 or at www.seymourcentre

Bollywood Dhamaka 2010 Sat 20 Nov Canberra’s Soumitra & Sydney’s Merina team up with Sydney’s Saaz band to bring an unforgettable evening of Bollywood numbers. Enjoy the musical entertainment for the whole family at John Lingard Hall, Canberra Grammar School, Alexander St, Red Hill ACT from 7.00pm. Details 0414 840 215 or at www.sur-sangeet.com Anup Jalota Sun 28 Nov Sydney’s Mukti Gupteshwar Mandir presents an evening of devotional music by Anup Jalota at the Mandir, 203 Eagleview Road, Minto, 5.00pm. Details Rama 0413 139 000.

FESTIVALS Xmas celebrations Sat 27 Nov MCAS [Mangalorean Catholic Assc] will be holding its annual X’mas Dance on Sat [27/Nov/10] at Granville Town Main Hall from 7.00pm. Program includes live music by Face2Face, buffet dinner, grand ole Santa, gift hampers and other exciting stuff.

Details Peter D’Mello 0406 101 740.

FUNRAISERS Support for Pakistan flood victims Sat 20 Nov The Sikh Council of Australia has announced a concert to raise funds for the flood victims in Pakistan. Venue Baha’i Centre, 107 Derby St, Silverwater. Dinner and entertainment including Pupinder Mintu, NZ artiste Shagufta Zia and others.

Details Ajmer Singh 0419 409 608.

Fixing the flood of tears in Pakistan Sat 20 Nov Meera Mehta supports Oxfam Australia in raising funds for the flood-affected communities in Pakistan at a special event in Sydney Olympic Park (Wentworth Common, Bennelong Parkway, near the P1 & P5 parking areas). The event features a unique treasure hunt (Survivor meets The Amazing Race) in a day of fun, family, friends and food, plus an opportunity to win some great prizes. All proceeds will be donated to Oxfam Australia.

Details Meera Mehta 0421 702 206.

Also check out www.everydayhero. com.au/meera_mehta MISC Free Hindi classes Saturdays 2.00pm-3.00pm Dr Bhawna Kunwar presents free Hindi lessons at St George Migrant Resource Centre, 552 Princes Highway, Rockdale. Ph 02 95975455 or 0430 653 598.

Sexual health of migrant Indian men living in Australia The University of Sydney is conducting a study on the impacts of migration on attitudes toward human sexuality, sexual behaviours and sexual health of Indian men living in Australia. We are requesting participants aged 18+ and fluent in English to participate in this survey. Participation in this survey is voluntary, anonymous and confidential. The survey takes about 20minutes to complete. To know more about the study or to participate, click on the link: http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/ WEB22BE4RHXXRL

“Now Is The Time To Have Great Health Using Homoeopathic Medicine” FREE PROFFESSIONAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT. A golden opportunity to discuss your health concerns and learn how homoeopathy can help you achieve great health & healing. Valid ONLY until 30th November

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Homoeopathic medicine for strong, vital health and healing Medical Homoeopath & Naturopath, Andrew Collishaw (ND, B Med Sci) has over 22 years experience & runs a busy practise in Newtown. He has helped 1000’s of clients achieve great health using classical homoeopathic medicine.

Enjoy the health-benefits that homoeopathy brings.

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INDIAN LINK

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INDIAN LINK

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NOVEMBER (2) 2010 <> 7

COVERSTORY

Crusader

Earth

for the

A feisty environmentalist wins kudos for rethinking and redefining the paradigm of economy and ecology BY JYOTI SHANKAR

Peace with justice. That is what the Sydney Peace Foundation’s “Peace Prize” aims to promote. And this year’s winner of the Sydney Peace Prize could not have been better picked.

Indian environmentalist Dr. Vandana Shiva was awarded the Sydney Peace Prize for the year 2010 in Sydney this month.

The 57-year-old activist was picked for the prestigious prize in recognition of her efforts towards women’s emancipation as well as her scientific contribution to ecological conservation.

Shiva was chosen from among 23 personalities shortlisted for Australia’s only international prize for peace.

Introducing her during the Peace Prize Lecture at the Sydney Opera House on 3 November, Prof. Stuart Rees, Director of the Sydney Peace Foundation, said that during the deliberations of the jury this year, global warming emerged as the main issue, especially that of courage and vision to respond to this issue. Based on three criteria – commitment to global peace with justice, evidence of commitment to universal human rights, and the use of philosophy, language and practice of non-violence, Vandana Shiva was unanimously voted the winner.

Her citation reads, “For courageous leadership of movements for social justice – the empowerment of women in developing countries, advocacy of the human rights of small farming communities and for her scientific analysis of environmental sustainability.”

Accepting the award, Vandana expressed joy at joining an amazing group of past recipients, people like Prof Muhammad Yunus, founder of the Grameen Bank; John Pilger, Australian journalist; Irene Khan of Amnesty International; Arundhati Roy, author and human rights campaigner and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, among others.

Vandana’s interest in the rights of the earth and farmers began as a volunteer in the Chipko movement in the 1970s, when women activists adopted the approach of forming human circles around trees to prevent their felling. The movement combined 8 <> NOVEMBER (2) 2010

(Vandana says that) the issue of ecological justice, according to her, be it water crisis, climate chaos or disappearance of species, is a remnant of the war humans have waged for years against the earth.

INDIAN LINK

www.indianlink.com.au

two of her pet passions - the protection of biodiversity, and support for women in agriculture - and Vandana the “ecofeminist” was born. As an eco-feminist, Vandana suggests that a more sustainable and productive approach to agriculture can be achieved through reinstating a system of farming in India that engages women.

She advocates against the prevalent “patriarchal logic of exclusion”, claiming that a woman-focussed system will bring about better sustainability. The larger issue of ecological justice, according to Shiva, be it water crisis, climate chaos or disappearance of species, is a remnant of the war humans have waged for years against the earth. No place is safe in what she reckons is the biggest war taking place on this planet. “This war has its roots in an economy which fails to respect ecological and ethical limits, limits to greed, injustice and economic concentration, and it is the global corporate economy which is responsible for this. They are trying to transform the world into a supermarket, where everything is for sale,” she averred.

War and militarisation are used as means to control the resources by the powerful. Vandana offered an example of the recent victory of tribals in the case of Orissa’s bauxite rich Niyamgiri hills where clearances granted to Vedanta, a UK-based company, were revoked. The government sent its military forces ostensibly to contain Naxalites and Maoists, but were, in fact, trying to empty out tribals from mineral rich areas. “Mining and smelting of one tonne of aluminium requires several thousand tonnes of water and electricity. It also destroys the bio-diversity of the hills and water sources,” she noted.

Issues like this are close to Vandana’s heart. She was also involved in the first court case fought and won on an ecological issue – limestone mining in the Doon valley. They proved to the courts and government that the revenues collected by the government to mine limestone was insignificant, compared to the contribution of water from the tributaries of rivers that originate in the limestone hills, to agriculture and the lives of people. She rightly said, “If commerce starts to undermine life support, commerce must stop, as life has to carry on.”

Australia too, is not far from these ecological problems. Vandana Shiva did not mince words when speaking about the Murray-Darling basin issue, coal mining ‘on steroids’ and Arun Kumar Jagatramka’s Gujarat NRE and their expansion plans for coal mining. “Where does this kind of hubris and blindness come from?” she lamented.

“To facilitate industrialisation, nature has been made to subserve man and it is now considered a resource to be exploited.

Indigenous peoples of various cultures have rightly venerated nature as a mother or goddess and understood the notion of interconnectedness of all living things.

But the global economy considers this veneration an impediment and a cultural constraint to their plans for expansion, as one does not readily slay one’s mother or dig her entrails,” explained Vandana emphatically.

The roots of industrial agriculture are in war, opined Vandana. The pesticides that killed people in the Bhopal gas tragedy, NATIONAL EDITION

Indigenous peoples of various cultures have rightly venerated nature as a mother or goddess and understood the notion of interconnectedness of all living things.

the victims of the biological weapon Agent Orange in the Vietnam War, and fertiliser bombs used in Afghanistan, are all examples of this. War chemicals were reoriented to make pesticides and fertilisers, and were produced from the same factory that also produced explosives. The packed audience at the Concert Hall in Sydney Opera House tittered when Vandana started reeling off the names of Monsanto’s herbicides - RoundUp, Machete, Lasso, Pentagon, Sceptre, Squadron, Assert, Avenge. “What is this if not the language of war,” she asked. “Instead of controlling pests and weeds, they are creating super-weeds and super-pests. The high costs of seeds and chemicals pushed farmers into a debt trap and across India, 200,000 farmers have been driven to suicide!”

Refuting the argument that organic farming cannot feed the world, Vandana Shiva said that sustainable systems need diversity – cereals need to grow with pulses and oilseeds. Her organisation, Navdanya, is engaged in creating a non-violent farming system where one works with nature and not against it. The farmers who are doing this have more food per acre, and more incomes. Her message is to stop the patenting of seeds and recovery of the commons. There is no separation between rights of the earth and rights of people, she asserted, and ended her lecture with an ancient peace prayer from India.

The evening began with a Tamil song and dance, and ended with Aboriginal soprano Deborah Cheetham singing a tribute to peace and to Vandana. Lord Mayor Clover Moore of the City of Sydney which is the major supporter of the Sydney Peace Prize, spoke after Vandana’s lecture and affirmed the city’s obligation to redress the imbalance in nature, to make peace with the earth, and work with nature instead of exploiting it.

Listening to the lecture one was reminded of Gandhi’s words, “There is enough on this earth to satisfy our need, but not our greed”. It was an inspiring evening with a feisty woman who has been walking her talk. Vandana Shiva founded the Research Foundation for Science, Technology and Ecology, and Navdanya International, which aims to protect biodiversity, farmers’ rights and organic farming. Navdanya’s educational initiative is Bija Vidyapeeth or the Seed University which, in partnership with the Schumacher College in the UK, educates students on the art and science of sustainability based on ecological principles. Vandana is the author of numerous books which include Soil not Oil, The Violence of the Green Revolution, Ecofeminism and Earth Democracy.

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