What’s On

Kannada hit movie

10 July 2:30pm at India Talkies (China Town), 200, Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD. Kannada super hit movie Naanu Nanna Kanasu, starring Prakash Raj, Ramesh Aravind, Amoolya, Sitara and others. Tickets: $12 only for adults. Call 0435 161 571, 0413 489 548 for tickets. www.kannada.net.au

Mehfil Night

16 July 8-10pm at Coburg Library Hall, Cnr of Victoria & Luisa Sts, Coburg. Open as he sang Jal se patla kaun hai, kaun hai bhoomi se bhari. Navnit embellished his performance with classical interludes, even with jazz for one brief moment. And he offered a ghazal, before the audience could demand one, singing, Hosh walon ko khabar kya bekhoodi kya cheez hai. Ishq kijiye phir samajhiye zindgi kya cheez hai. An absolutely delightful performance! night of Bollywood singing. Contact Dr Saratchandran on 03 9366 5444 for more details.

Of Fijian origin, Navnit has a strong Hindi influence with his grandfather being a priest with knowledge of Sanskrit, who insisted that his family conversed in Hindi as spoken in Bharat. Aussie-born Navnit began to portray his talent at singing at the tender age of two, and when four, he was introduced to the harmonium and piano in which he now excels. When eight, he began formal training in Indian classical music at Guru Shome’s School of Music. Navnit has been trained by Julia Sandel in contemporary and classical western music as well. He is the lead singer of pop-rock band The Flaming Suns, which won the ‘FREEZA Battle Of The Bands’ competition in August 2010. This talented musician has sung along with Bollywood superstars such as Sonu Nigam, music director Annu Kapoor and many more. In early 2012, Navnit will collaborate with bhajan ustaad Anup Jalota in India.

Kannada Sangha AGM

17 July 9:30am – 1pm, at Fregon hall, Fregon road, Clayton 3168. Mel. Ref. 70 D12. Annual General Meeting (AGM) to Financial Members of Melbourne Kannada Sangha.

33rd Spirit of India 2011

24 July 7:30pm onwards at The Playhouse, the Arts Centre. Dr L Subramaniam, Ambi Subramaniam and Kalapini Komkali will perform. Tickets: adult $50; concession $40; child $25; family (2+1) $105 Booking:

Accompanying Navnit on the tabla was young Aman of Dhol Entertainment fame. A lefty, Aman played a ‘sweeter’ tabla as both youngsters remained in constant consonance with each other.

The Forum first began serving the community in Dandenong, but on public demand moved to Camberwell. As they were repeatedly requested to return, the community will be pleased to know that the Forum is in active negotiations with Dandenong City to hold meetings in Dandenong as well. Nibbles were donated by members and were enjoyed by all. Forum meetings are held at Shirdi Sai Sansthan, 32 Halley Road, Camberwell, from 2 to 4 pm on the last Saturday of the month. For more information on the Forum, please contact Shri Sri Krishan Auplish on 03 9543 6615.

Indian Senior Citizens Association

This month, Indian Senior Citizens Association (ISCA) entertained a hundred fifty members by inviting Gurmeet Sahni, called the ‘Mohammed Rafi of Melbourne’ to perform. President Prem Phakey jokingly, but superfluously introduced Gurmeet saying, “If he is covered under a sheet so that his beard is not visible, when he sings people may conclude that Rafi has arisen

1300 182 183; www.theartscentre.com.au

Shri Sankat Mochan Mahotsava 2011 30 July 2:30pm onwards at CCTC Auditorium, 44-60 Jacksons Rd, Mulgrave, Mel way Ref: 80 K-3. Puja and Path recitation upto 7pm, followed by Prasad upto 7:30pm.

Balagokulam 2011

31 July 1-3pm at Mt Waverley North Primary School Hall, Marcus Avenue, Mt Waverley, 3149, Melway ref: 61 H11. Theme for July: Guru and Respect Guru dakshina: $2, refreshments provided. Please contact Abhijit Bhide on 0402 081 193 for more details.

The Kingston Indian Senior Citizens Association (KISCA) this month was equally enthusiastic in organising an entertainment programme. Members of the Ram Mandir Society were invited to chant the Hanuman Chalisa three times to complement the programme. The chanting was followed by an interactive yoga session, conducted by a representative from “Yoga In Daily Life” organisation. Lunch followed. For more information on KISCA, please contact President Mona Raju on 03 8558 1610.

The need for inclusiveness

Sixty-five thousand a few short years ago, the Indian community in Victoria now stands at a hundred thousand. Although associations to assist and entertain the community are manifold today, history is testimony that foreign forces who repeatedly invaded and looted India, even ruling us for centuries, would not have succeeded in their illintent, had India adhered to togetherness. Regretfully, in the recent past, I asked an executive of a ‘state’ association if they would accept residents from other Indian states into their fold, the answer to which was “Up to ten percent!” They did not want outsiders to “contaminate” their culture. An executive from another association suggested that the executive should “get rid of” members who are “not the well wishers of…”. Without naming names, I would make the point that complacency can be fatal.

2011 Volunteer Call Out

Volunteers wanted in a variety of roles for the The Melbourne Writers Festival, a not-for-profit organization. We provide a friendly and supportive environment, where you can learn new and valuable skills, meet people who share your interests and, above all, have an enjoyable and rewarding experience. All volunteers will receive a Festival Pass and a festival T-shirt. Visit www.mwf. com.au/2011/?name=Volunteer to enrol or contact Volunteer Coordinator, Daria Wray on daria@mwf.com.au / 03 9904 7563