2012-02 Melbourne

INDIAN LINK

PUBLISHER

Pawan Luthra

EDITOR Rajni Anand Luthra

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Sheryl Dixit

MELBOURNE

Preeti Jabbal

CONTRIBUTORS

Chitra Sudarshan, Usha Ramanujam Arvind, Sudha Natarajan, Noel G deSouza, Sanam Sharma, Saroja Srinivasan, Tim Blight, Shafeen Mustaq, Talia Kaur, Thomas King, Geeta Khurana, Nancy Sood.

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Louie the fly

PAWAN LUTHRA

As Louie the fly now is officially going to be attacked by a bug-killing non-Australian manufactured spray, it represents but one of the many businesses finding Australia non-compatible to their business manufacturing plans.

Australia with its low population base and draconian labour laws seems to be in a nowin position, especially as the after-effects of the global financial crisis forces businesses to restructure themselves.

It was just not the Mortein factory relocating to Asia. The Australian car industry also recently announced mass scale retrenchments. With the soaring Australian dollar and an inflexible work relation labour policy, the challenge of manufacturing economically viable cars was too much for iconic brands like Holden and Ford. In spite of the over $500 million government handout, they have decided to streamline their workforce.

Even the finance sector is not immune. Headlines of jobs being outsourced to India are common. Practically all the banks have been strategic in their thinking. Citing the problems of tight monetary markets, Westpac management has done the numbers and realized that a credit officer in Asia costs $6,000 per annum while in Australia, the cost

amounts to ten times that, at $60,000. Blind Freddy (especially the capitalist one) can tell you which way their management will jump on this issue. Westpac’s recent decision to send over 160 jobs to India should not surprise anyone. Other banks will follow suit if they have to remain competitive and satisfy their shareholders.

While there is a strong moral argument about the social responsibilities of management, it is uncertain how much big businesses have to do to satisfy these ideals.

Australia needs to rethink and create a strategy to work and plan these issues, which will change the face of the workforce in years to come. While we enjoy the benefits of the mining boom, there has to be a strategic process to position our workforce. Recently, bogged down by local politics, the government has been impotent on the issues of job creation.

While the Gillard government was upbeat in its jobs assessment in June last year, the employment market has stalled, creating only 13,000 new positions nationally since the beginning of the financial year and leaving the government well short on its promise to create 300,000 jobs over the next two years. Since the start of this calendar year, this situation only seems to have got worse. It will have to be a brave person who will take any bets that the target of 300,000 new jobs can be created within the next eighteen months. For a Labor government that is in power with support from the unions, any move to rationalize workers’ privileges will not be tolerated. Employers, already grappling with the drip feed of negative

news from the global financial crisis and the ongoing doubts of the world economy, are looking at ways to save costs and run sustainable businesses. Work will flow where there is cheap labour, especially as the skill levels of this labour force increases to match Australian standards.

What is needed is a brave vision. In a global competitive environment, one needs to play to one’s strengths. Among other options will be to further enhance and promote Australia as a tourist destination, especially to countries in our region whose populations long for blue skies and clean air. Australia has excellent scientists; CSIRO is a wonderful institution where clever ideas can be developed and marketed. Australian universities and colleges provide excellent learning programmes which Asian masses need. Australian companies can provide resources for Asia as the world looks to set up regional base in this part of the globe. Australian enterprise is well respected, build upon it. Address the issues of labour cost and employment benefits seriously.

In the meanwhile, address the issue of the future Australian population. The Labor party wanted a Big Australia in its early years, but when they got shouted down, they changed the mantra to ‘sustainable’ Australia. We are a big country, we can take in more people from wherever they come. A larger population will only allow more production and consumption internally rather than be dependent on world factors. This can help sustain good long-term employment numbers as our self-reliance will be an important factor. We just need to have the political guts to take long-term decisions.

Otherwise like Louie the fly, we will suffer a lot from international interference in our own growth and development.

Farrha Khan, LP Ayer, Ritam Mitra, Shivangi Ambani-Gandhi,

First-ever Hindi program in Government school

BY PREETI JABBAL

For the first time in Victoria, a government school in Cranbourne will teach Hindi to the students for LOTE. The Rangebank Primary School recently embarked on this exciting challenge to teach an Indian language to all its students from prep to Grade 6.

“India is one of the world’s fastest growing economies and holds a wealth of opportunities for Victoria and Victorians, which is why it’s vital we continue to build relationships with Asia, and particularly India,” said Education Minister Mr Martin Dixon while visiting Rangebank Primary recently.

“Many Victorian government schools are strengthening students’ understanding of Asian history and culture, including teaching a range of languages such as Japanese, Mandarin and Indonesian, but until now Hindi has not been one of them,” stated Mr. Dixon.

“I am delighted to be here with the teachers today to witness the

final preparations for the new Hindi program and I look forward to hearing how the classes are progressing throughout the year,” he added, speaking from the school.

Rangebank Primary School’s Principal Colin Avery said there was a buzz among teachers preparing for the Hindi program. “Everyone is really excited about this new challenge, which we think will really benefit our students,” said Mr Avery.

Pooja Verma who teaches in Rangebank Primary agrees. “We have recently started preparing our school for this momentous step. Right from the Principal Mr Avery, who was mainly instrumental in getting this going, to other teachers, parents and students, everyone is looking forward to learning and understanding Hindi. To begin with we intend to start with prep, grade 1 and grade 2, and eventually this will be rolled out to other classes as well,” disclosed Pooja.

Young Pooja migrated to Melbourne nearly five years ago from India’s capital city, New Delhi. She is a qualified teacher and has experience in teaching primary and middle schools in

Delhi. In her current teaching role at Rangebank Primary School, she will be mainly responsible for the Hindi classes.

“Our Principal Mr. Avery has been to India and loves the tradition, culture and language there. He believes that Hindi is one of the most scientific languages

of the world, and India will soon be a very vital part of the global economy,” said Pooja. According to her, Mr. Avery and his team are also planning to set up a sister school relationship with India soon, where students will have an opportunity to share their experiences and learn from each

other.

“This is the first time a Government school will be teaching Hindi in Victoria and we need all the support and guidance we can get from the Indian and mainstream community to ensure the success of this initiative,” added Pooja.

Fun and games mark Hindi Niketan picnic

Pardes lage apna apna sa. This catch phrase for a TV ad for Haldiram’s Minute Khaana could well be applicable to all the efforts we make to celebrate Indian festivals and special events here in Australia. It stands for our ongoing commitment to adapt to our chosen home, yet retain the memories of our country of origin.

Similarly, the Hindi Niketan in Melbourne held a picnic recently to celebrate India’s Republic Day and Australia Day. The Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC), the Federation of Indian Associations in Victoria (FIAV) and Singh’s Gourmet Food were sponsors for the family-oriented event held in Jells Park.

The event commenced with Dr Sharad Gupta, President of Hindi Niketan extending a warm welcome to all the guests and hoisting the Indian and Australian flags. The guests joined him in singing the national anthems of both countries. A quiz program hosted by Atit and Sharad kept attendees guessing and interested.

Mr Nick Wakeling, State Member

of Parliament and MP Member for Ferntree Gully; Mr Rakesh Kawra, Vice Consul of India in Melbourne; Mr Vasan Srinivasan, President FIAV; Mr Peter Frielander, Hindi Lecturer at La Trobe University; and Chaudhary Shamsher Singh were among the chief guests for the afternoon.

The formal part of the event was kicked off by a beautiful poetry written by Phool Chand Manvji and presented by Anil Sharma. The chief guests then briefly addressed the audience and congratulated Hindi Niketan for their ongoing commitment to the community. A sumptuous

free lunch was served, soon after followed by sports and entertainment.

Post-lunch activities included tambola, musical chairs, chess championships, dodge-ball and athletics. No Indian outdoor event is complete without cricket so the bat and ball were seen out on the

field too. This was followed by fun games like rumal pakad (another game from the memory bank of a childhood spent in India). A large number of people from diverse parts of Melbourne attended the picnic and enjoyed themselves in the company of their family and friends.

Rangebank Primary School’s Principal Colin Avery with Hindi teacher Pooja Verma and students Ashleigh Jeffs, Ruhani Kaushal, Alexander Roth, Lucas Jeffs, Dineth Weerasooriya

A Republic Day breakfast

In spite of Sydney experiencing its wettest summer in over 50 years, over 250 people turned up at the home of the Indian Consul General in Sydney, Amit Dasgupta, for the celebrations to mark the 63rd Republic Day celebrations for India. The occasion marks the day India emerged as a strong, independent nation with its own Constitution and identity, while still having the maturity of being close to its former ruler. By a happy coincidence it is also the day when the First Fleet arrived in Australia from England, way back in 1788. Both India and Australia share this common connection with Britain, however both have moved on in their own way from there.

At precisely 9 am, CG Dasgupta unfurled the Indian national flag as the gathered crowds proudly sang the Indian national anthem. In a land so far away, in the leafy

streets of Sydney’s North Shore, the singing of Jana gana mana must surely have sent a shiver up most people’s spine.

Amit Dasgupta then stepped up to the dais and read the message of the President of India to the nation.

President Pratibha Patil’s note to her countrymen was poignant in its appeal for a return to our “age-old values”, no doubt in the face of increasing corruption that marred much of last year. Talking about the “growing aspirations of the people”, she noted that “there are worries about the direction in which the human community is heading in this age of globalisation, knowledge and technology…. Sometimes one gets distracted by discordant pulls and pressures”. Those intrinsic qualities which saw India prosper through the centuries, must once again light our path, she declared.

These include duty and truth, compassion and humanity, care and respect of others, harmonious co-existence. The extraordinary mass discipline, steadfastness and patience that marked our freedom struggle should once again be reignited. “As we remove poverty, let us also enrich our thoughts”, she suggested. And for Gen Y, the very same message was even more forthright: “As our youth study more and acquire more knowledge, let them also learn to be more involved in activities for the progress of

the nation, other than only selfadvancement”.

The President also called for “more faith in our own people’s strengths and in our institutions”.

Special mention was also made about the work that still needs to be done in the core areas of education, health, agriculture, the building of infrastructure and the status of women. Regarding foreign policy, she could not resist slipping in a passing comment that reflects India’s ambitions: “India seeks an architecture for global institutions that is more reflective

of contemporary realities”.

The heavens opened up during the reading and while many stood bravely under the pouring rain, others found shelter in the attached double garage.

The skies were grey, but the mood was upbeat as various aspects of the President’s note sunk in. Breakfast was sumptuous as always as the crowd mingled. Having done their bit for the homeland, they went on to enjoy Australia Day, to whatever degree the rains would allow them to!

Pawan Luthra

Renew and extend India-Oz cooperation, says Vic Premier

the somewhat congested hall, Mr. Baillieu could not resist some tongue-in-cheek comments on India’s dismal performance in cricket recently.

“The sun is out, the crowd is out… and I am afraid Sachin and Rahul are also out,” he said, quickly adding that Australians would also like to see Sachin make his century if not here then in another match very soon.

“There are many things that bond us together besides the cricket, our economies, our culture and our democracy; and this Republic Day and Australia Day we want to renew and extend the cooperation between the two countries,” he said.

Dr. Behera also highlighted the commonalities between the two nations and expressed his happiness at the Australian Government’s decision to sell uranium to India.

“This will result in a new chapter being scripted in the relationship between our two nations,” said Dr. Behera.

India is as busy as a beehive but sweeter than honey,” said Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu recently, much to the delight of members of the Indian community.

The Premier was speaking at a reception hosted by the Consul General of India (Melbourne) Dr. Subhakanta Behera and Mrs. Rajashree Behera. The reception was organised at the Indian Consulate in St Kilda Road, to

celebrate India’s Republic Day.

“Anybody who knows India also understands the depth of passion that India holds for its tradition, history and culture. India has made enormous progress in the last 62 years and more progress will follow in the future. I am sure India will become an important part of our lives here in multicultural Victoria,” continued the Premier.

Clearly the tallest presence in

Continuing his speech the Premier conceded, “We have had some hiccups in the past, however we have addressed these issues at a state and Federal level, we had to correct them and move on from there. Next month we also have a trade commission going to India. We want people in India to know that Australia is a welcome, open and democratic country and Victoria is a safe place for Indian students.”

He concluded his speech by saying that Australia was built by people coming together, not by people who seek to divide it and we should continue to build that relationship and togetherness.

Following Mr. Baillieu’s speech,

He praised the Victorian Government for their recent initiatives with the Indian community like the proposed Bollywood Festival, scholarships for Indian students, Victorian Government’s India strategy, City of Melbourne’s India Statement under the international engagement framework, and the trade commission being led by Ted Baillieu in this month. According to Dr. Behera, all these initiatives are geared to make the relationship between India and Australia more dynamic.

Dr. Behera raised the concern that Australian universities do not offer much in the way of formal studies of India and its rich history. Understanding of Indian social studies and humanities through higher studies and scholarships is almost non-existent in Australia.

“If Australia wants to engage with India in the Asian century it is very important to restore this tradition,” said Dr. Behera. He suggested that Victorian Government should take the lead in doing so and the Indian

Government will be very happy to support them in this initiative. The formal part of the evening gave in to entertainment in the form of a patriotic composition by renowned dancer and teacher Mrs. Tara Rajkumar. Her students displayed discipline and grace in a splendid performance that was followed by some Bollywood dances. The Premier good -naturedly tried some ‘light bulb’ steps with the dancers much to the delight of the audience. The guests comprised of Indian community members, organisational heads, business owners and politicians including Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews and MLC for South Eastern Metropolitan Region Inga Peulich, with newly elected chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, Chin Tan.

The evening progressed with food, drinks, photo sessions and networking, and ended with a renewed commitment towards more meaningful engagement between India and Australia. As Dr. Behera said, Australia is not a melting pot, it is a bouquet where individual flowers retain their identity; however they make a beautiful statement only when they come together collectively. He wished that the Indian-Australian friendship continued to bloom and blossom to new heights.

Preeti Jabbal

The Consul General of India (Sydney) Amit Dasgupta reads out the message of the Indian President, Pratibha Patil.

Photos: AP Guruswamy

Ted Baillieu with members of Melbourne’s Indian community

Victorian premier Ted Baillieu tries some ‘light bulb’ steps

Never a dull moment

As Her Excellency Ms. Sujatha Singh, High Commissioner of India to Australia, leaves for her next posting to Germany, Indian Link exclusively discussed various issues pertaining to her term. Ms. Singh spoke candidly to DARSHAK MEHTA on her tenure and its challenges.

Darshak Mehta: Please tell us what was the highlight of your posting?

Sujatha Singh: All of it. Truly. This has been one of my most eventful assignments. It’s been a privilege to work hard at forging a strategic partnership that has so much unrealised potential and to start seeing the results.

There was never a dull moment, which speaks for itself in telling you how dynamic the relationship is, how much is happening in all sectors – be it trade, investment, energy, mineral resources, education, academic exchanges, culture, tourism, people to people contacts, community affairs, migration…

DM: What are your feelings on the success of the uranium sales to India?

SS: I’m glad my tenure here was long enough to see the policy change happening. We now need to negotiate a bilateral civil nuclear cooperation Agreement, which when successfully concluded, will have an impact way beyond uranium exports and nuclear energy.

DM: How has the relationship between India and Australia developed during your tenure? What have been its successes and failures?

SS: The development of any relationship is a process that

takes time, commitment and patience from all stakeholders. The ability to weather differences of view, ups and downs, is one of the indications of the strength and maturity of the relationship.

Successes? The enormous growth in trade and investment – both of which have grown several fold over the past four years, a reflection of the fast changing profile of the Indian economy, slowly but surely coming into its own. Australia is now our 8th largest trading partner, with nearly 80% of the trade being mineral resources needed for our industrial development; the significant growth in Indian investment, especially in mineral resources and connected infrastructure; the decision to forge a strategic partnership; the partnership in energy, including clean energy and mining; significantly growing people to people contacts; new policy dialogues; growing resources being put into understanding where the other comes from; the growing number of high level exchanges, both at the federal as well as the state level, including at the highest level at multilateral Summits such as the G-20 and the EAS; the opening of the Consulate General in Perth, the second new Consulate we’ve opened here in five years after Melbourne; a significant strengthening of our diplomatic presence here in the High

Commission, all of which gives you an indication of GOI’s commitment to this relationship. Failures? I don’t see anything as a failure. What one may perhaps perceive as a failure today can turn into a success tomorrow, with enough will to address the issues.

It’s been a team effort, with inputs from several sources, including our Consulates and the vibrant Indian community in Australia. It’s truly been a privilege working with all the people, departments, organisations and institutions involved to jointly make all this happen.

DM: What are your views on the outsourcing of visas and consular services?

SS: The outsourcing of visa, passport and consular services has been important in making the process more people friendly and efficient. Four years back when I arrived, I used to literally get hundreds of e-mails every month complaining about delays of three months or more; these are now down to just a few and we attend to these promptly. Turnaround times have reduced sharply. We were able to accede to the longstanding request to allow credit card payments and offer many other conveniences as well. True, there is a service fee involved, but we’ve streamlined the process and made it much more efficient. It is important to realise that our service charges are still lower than those charged by several other countries. This also goes for our visa fees, and one should remember, much of the fee structure is based on reciprocity too.

I think people who are critical of our consular services should pause to compare these with what they receive from other foreign embassies. It saddens me when the same Indian, who is unfailingly polite to foreigners can behave quite differently with

DM: The student issue dominated a large part of your tenure. In hindsight was there another way to handle the situation?

SS: This was one of the more difficult and complex issues that I dealt with where the complete picture emerged only slowly, over a period of months, of all the factors, circumstances, institutions and policies in play. And all this against a backdrop of relentless media focus.

It was a learning experience in every sense of the word, for everyone concerned. I am hopeful that the lessons to be learned have been learnt.

It was also an issue that I felt strongly about as a parent, as both my children have studied overseas. I felt strongly for those students who were affected and for their families. I am glad that it’s behind us now, and that measures have been put into place to deal with the various factors that contributed to the incidents that took place.

DM: In the next 10 years, other than a better relationship between the two countries, what else would you like to see happen between India and Australia?

SS: Everything I’d like to see happening is already in the process of happening. It takes time.

DM: What are your views on the plethora of Indian organisations?

SS: Given the rapidly growing Indian community and the diversity that exists in our country, this is inevitable and not necessarily a negative thing. There is comfort to be had by newly arrived migrants from the company of people from the same background, speaking the same language and observing the same festivals. I also think that these organisations have an important role to play in mentoring and guiding the younger generation, some of whom may not be from

All ears for members of the community

new ideas, investments and technologies back home. All

BY greg chapell mBe

My wife Judy and I first met the High Commissioner of India in Australia at the home of our good friend Darshak Mehta in Mosman in 2008, not long after we had returned from India. We both found her a very warm, engaging and interesting person.

Subsequently I met her many times at social functions and a number of times at the Sydney Test match where she began to learn understand and enjoy the game of cricket. I found her questions on the nuances of the game quite insightful.

Late last year I launched my autobiography entitled Fierce Focus which covered all aspects of my

cricket life including the three amazing years that Judy and I spent living in India while I worked, first with the Indian team and then with the Rajasthan Cricket Association.

Out of courtesy and friendship I invited Sujatha to the launch of my book. Perhaps cheekily I asked if she would say a few words at the launch. I was honoured that she agreed to attend and flattered that she agreed to say a few words as the representative of the Indian people in Australia.

Sujatha was most generous in her words of support and I was touched that she spoke so warmly about the effort that Judy and I made to make a difference in our time in India. It meant a lot to us both and only served to reinforce the many happy memories we have of our time in India.

We both congratulate her and wish her well in her new posting and look forward to the day when our paths cross again.

effective advocate for india

Association for Regional Cooperation.

BY john faulkner

I appreciate this opportunity to place on record my personal thanks and appreciation for the work of HE Sujatha Singh, who will soon be leaving Australia after four and a half years of distinguished service as India’s High Commissioner.

Simply put, Sujatha has been an extraordinarily effective advocate for India. Her accomplishments include the Strategic Partnership agreed by Prime Ministers in 2009, the 2009 Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation, the defence policy talks in 2010 and 2011, the commencement of FTA negotiations in 2011 and bringing Australia and India together to reinvigorate the Indian Ocean Rim

Sujatha has also worked tirelessly for the Indian community -   for example, by ensuring the safety of Indian students and visitors to Australia, and by encouraging SBS to add Hindi News to its daily diet of foreign news programs.

I personally appreciate Sujatha’s support for a wide range of charity events – including our fundraising efforts for Oxfam, where Sujatha has been a consistently generous supporter.

Just a couple of weeks ago Sujatha and I watched a session of the Second Test - Australia vs India - in the M.A. Noble Stand at the SCG. Of course, the views I expressed to Sujatha about cricket remain strictly confidential and highly classified!

I sincerely wish Sujatha well on her next posting to Berlin, and I thank her for her important and lasting contribution as High Commissioner here in Australia, and for her friendship.

Selling india’S Soft poWer

Her Excellency Mrs Sujatha Singh has had a good innings as India’s High Commissioner to Australia. She has travelled extensively in her 4 year plus term, and, I venture to guess, knows Australia better than most diplomats. I know that she has consulted extensively with the Indian community which holds her in high regard and she has been a wonderful advocate for India in her stint, here.

I have had the pleasure of meeting her and getting to know her and it has not merely been in a cricket environment. In her own quiet and charming way, she has strongly represented and advanced India’s interests, my Indian friends

tell me. She has handled various crises in her term extremely adeptly. Soft power has been one of her themes. India after all has a rich culture and cuisine and she has ensured that virtually every Australian who asked (and some even who did not!) got a copy of Aamir Khan’s Lagaan.

Of course, I have seen her a bit at the cricket as well - where she is known to be highly emotional, like most Indians, I know!

It is the role of a Diplomat to be a roving Ambassador and I guess it is an indicator of how highly she is thought of by her bosses back home that she has been posted next to Germany – one of India’s strongest trade partners.

I know that all of us who got to know her will miss her and I wish her all the best.

I am sure that one day, in the near future, she can be an excellent Foreign Secretary of India!

At the launch of SBS TV’s Hindi services

Jahanpana, we will miss you!

By darshak mehta

The Indian High Commissioner

Smt Sujatha Singh is about to pull up stumps in Australia and head to the land of Franz Beckenbauer (Germany). I don’t think her knowledge of soccer rivals her understanding of cricket but if I was a betting man, I would not put it past her to have frank and informed discussions (“babu” speak for arguments) with “Der Kaiser” himself, by the end of her term there.

When Ms. Singh came to Australia in August 2007, her knowledge of cricket was superficial. Tolerating and amusing her cricket mad spouse, Sanjay – currently, her boss. Yes, one of India’s power couples in the diplomatic service – both from the Indian Foreign Service. Now, at the end of her term (which is imminent), she is confident enough to discuss the nuances of cricket with the likes of the legendary Greg Chappell and Steve Waugh.

This embodies Sujatha Singh superbly. A shy, calm and smart woman who applies herself, and by sheer dint of application is always on top of her brief.

Ms. Singh has understood Australia better than a lot of her predecessors. She has travelled far and wide, met people in lofty places and many others at ground level. She has a common touch. She can be a tough cookie and she can be a softie.

But, she has been a wonderful ambassador of Mother India.

I reckon (and Steve Waugh agrees!) that she probably has been paid a royalty by Aamir Khan – so many copies of his Lagaan has she distributed to the high and mighty in this land.

Ad nauseam, Ms. Singh has spoken about the three “C”s that once linked India and Australia: Cricket, Curry and the Commonwealth, but she has extolled the need to go beyond these and engage across the board in all areas.

She has also been a good firefighter when the reprehensible student attacks were raging. She met everyone concerned, invested a lot of time in understanding and analysing the issue, listened to students and visited students who had been attacked. She urged the Governments concerned to concentrate on ensuring they did not continue and to apprehend and prosecute the culprits. Her point to the Premiers and the Prime Minister seemed simple: how does it matter to the student who was targeted, whether he was

injured as a victim of crime or a victim of racism? Please make it stop and make it go away – full stop. Their safety was paramount.

The message got through, eventually.

Ms. Singh has had success with the intractable uranium supply issue - after 4 years of dogged, daunting behindthe-scenes work. In the end, it may well have been the Yanks who influenced the Australian Government more than she did, but, by Jove, she did her damnedest in the face of heavy odds.

The bilateral relationship between Australia and India has really taken off. If the numerous ministerial visits on both sides are a yard-stick, we are on the cusp of deepening and meaningful engagement for which Ms. Singh deserves credit.

One of her failures has been also due to the same virtue which has resulted in her success in other issues - her sense of inclusion. She has tolerated the myriad of Indian associations and listened to them. As most readers would know a lot of these associations have more “leaders” than followers and almost none of them are capable of conducting a fair-dinkum election under the supervision of the Australian Electoral Commission.

Why she continued to give them credibility, attend their functions or took any notice of them beats me?

On a personal note, I confess that as far as she is concerned, I am not the most objective person going around. My wife and I count her as a friend and therefore the adage “there are none so blind as those that will not see” applies richly to us.

She has been absolutely rocklike in support of the educational charity, The LBW Trust, which this writer chairs.

Of course, there are a couple of things that jar – are you perfect? For one, it can be her ability to resort to “babu” lingo or bureaucratese. I try and take the Mickey, when she is doing sowithout realising that she is!

Another is her sheer faith in one of the world’s more erratic and indifferent performers – the Indian cricket team.

But, to me, Ms. Singh’s greatest and most galling failure is that despite her assurances (at the start of her term), we are no closer to eating the delectable Alphonso mangoes of India, here in Australia. Of course, she deflects the blame on others, but I think it is simply unpardonable!

(Warning: The author considers himself a fawning friend of the High Commissioner and therefore exceedingly ill-suited to being objective!)

when they migrated, have a bond with the mother country, and with a civilisation that is one of the richest and most diverse in the world. We need to build on this common heritage and be as inclusive as we can in doing so. It is also important that any organisation, regardless of who runs it, is transparent and open in all its dealings. In a day and age when Freedom of Information and the Right to Information are playing such a large role in our lives, I think the time has come for the all relevant details to be on the web, and for there to be a regular and orderly change of leadership so as to infuse fresh blood and vitality and bring in the younger generation, as well as newer migrants. Also, that organisations do not fight with each other or individuals polarise and divide the community for reasons of ego or personal gain. A community, by definition, consists of numerous individuals, all with points of view. One needs to respect this and be civilised in our dealings with one another. Hopefully, coming years will see the community being increasingly represented at the political level and in Parliament. Coming from the largest democracy in the world, I think this is only a matter of time.

DM: Will India ever win a Test series in Australia, in your lifetime?

SS: at home but I have great faith in our team and our ability in this great game. I have no doubt that we will learn the right lessons.

DM: What is your one lasting memory from this tenure?

SS: but if I had to choose one, it would be the warmth and the friendship that I have received from the people of this beautiful country.

Meeting Indian students with India’s External Affairs Minister SM Krishna At

Presenting India’s point of view

Ban cruel jallikattu, urges PETA Australia

“In the name of training them, the bulls are subjected to a lot of torture, like rubbing chilli powder into their eyes or hitting them,” explains Niranjan Amarnath, a PETA volunteer. They do this in order to try to make the bulls more ferocious, usually purposefully aggravated and even not allowing them to mate.

Braving the rain, donning bull masks and holding up signs, animal activists stood outside the Indian High Commission in Canberra recently, protesting against jallikattu

After a string of protests held in other parts of the world, including New Delhi and Chennai in India, as well as Hong Kong and Washington DC, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) volunteers in Australia organised the rally in Canberra on January 30. In a statement, PETA explain that jallikattu is “a cruel and dangerous “sport” in which terrified bulls are kicked, punched, jumped on and dragged to the ground – and in which human

participants are often injured and even killed.”

While there is currently a national ban in India against using bulls as performing animals, the Madras High Court recently permitted Tamil Nadu to continue jallikattu. The protesters in Canberra were calling on the Indian government to enforce the ban and stop the use of bulls or any other animals during jallikattu

“Jallikattu is a black mark on India’s reputation,” said PETA India’s Poorva Joshipura. “These events are illegal – they violate the ban on using bulls in ‘entertainment’ and are completely against the spirit of India’s animal-protection laws, which prohibit beating, kicking and

torturing animals.”

The PETA website give further details on the yearly “game”, played in the Madurai, Tiruchirapalli and Tanjore districts of Tamil Nadu province in India, from around January to March.

“Bundles of money or other prizes are tied to the horns of a bull who is released in an open area and then chased by villagers. Only men participate in this cruel display, which is supposed to demonstrate their strength but really only demonstrates governmentsanctioned animal abuse,” the website states. The website also urges people to write to the Chief Minister of Tamil Naidu, protesting against jallikattu

PETA have conducted undercover investigations of jallikattu, with the pictures from the investigation highlighting mistreatment and physical abuse of the bulls, as well as the dangers posed to the participants and quite possibly the spectators.

“Some think it is a cultural tradition to show bravery or that it’s fun to watch,” said Niranjan Amarnath. “But you cannot hurt animals and justify it by saying it is tradition or promoting culture”.

There are real concerns for India’s international image as well.

“Some think that jallikattu will attract tourists, but the Western world will not agree that it is okay to hurt animals like this. It will effect tourism negatively,” said Niranjan Amarnath.

PETA isn’t the only organisation concerned with the mistreatment of bulls in jallikattu. Animal Rights Action Network (ARAN), mostly based in Europe, has called

jallikattu “a cruel bull-abusing game”.

It has announced that it will launch a “tourism boycott” campaign against India and jallikuttu

The protesters in Canberra were made up of mostly local Australian PETA members, animal activists and supporters. The small but supportive group carried signs that read, “Save India’s Reputation: End Jallikattu” and “Jallikattu: Harmful to Humans and Animals”.

As a proud Tamilian, Niranjan feels strongly against jallikattu Although he currently lives in the Philippines, Niranjan was born and brought up in Tamil Naidu.

“A lot of Tamilians believe that it gives a wrong message, that it is okay to hurt animals for entertainment. But it is not okay,” he stated.

Farrha Khan

PETA activists wear bull masks to protest outside the Indian High Commission in Australia

Jallikattu

MoDel reseArcher AnD coMMuniTy chAMpion

be termed ‘pioneer’ immigrants because when they arrived at Adelaide in 1966, there were only three Indian families here, including them. Even as Jagan was establishing himself as a valuable staff member of Adelaide University’s Mathematics Department, he and Maya managed to find time to help other Indian migrants who started arriving in small numbers, with the change in Australia’s migration policy. Many new arrivals in the ‘70s and ‘80s gained from the couple’s support in a variety of ways.

For service to applied mathematics and biomedical engineering as a researcher and educator,and to the Indian community

Order of Australia (AM).

“This January 26 is a memorable day for me,” Dr. Mazumdar said.

interest and his latter-day love of Biomedical Engineering. He was the prime mover in establishing the Biomedical Engineering laboratory. His interest in this area led him to undertake research on non-invasive studies of heart valves tissue pathology. He was also involved in research on tissue engineering on articular cartilage impacting on osteoarthiritis that affects some 10 percent of Australians.

BY LP AYER

To the array of accolades already accumulated over the years, Adelaide’s Dr Jagan Mazumdar added another one on Australia Day. As part of this year’s Australia Day Honours, he became Member (AM) in the general division of the

“To have my services recognised in such a way by my adopted country on a day when my country of origin, India, celebrates its Republic Day honouring a number of distinguished persons is a double dose of delight”.

Anyone who knows Jagan will readily accept that this award is an acknowledgment of his contribution to academia and service to the Indian community.

Jagan and his wife Maya could

After obtaining his Masters in Science from Patna University, Jagan received a scholarship to do his PhD in Applied Mathematics at the Moscow State University. Among the attendees at a conference where he presented a paper was the head of the Mathematics Department in Adelaide University, who asked Jagan to join the University. He accepted and starting as a lecturer, he progressed to Associate Professor and finally, Adjunct Professor in Electrical and Electronic Engineering in the School of Applied Mathematics and also Emeritus Director, Centre for Biomedical Engineering.

During his forty plus years at Adelaide Uni, Jagan was involved in two main areas of research – Solid Mechanics, his area of primary

Dr Mazumdar has published over 200 research papers and written two seminal books. In view of his scholarship in biomedical engineering, he was one of the few non-engineers elected to a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers.

Jagan is the recipient of a number of awards in his academic fields. He has been a visiting professor at overseas universities in the US, Canada and India during his sabbaticals.

During his years at the uni Dr Mazumdar had supervised the project of a number of research students and is proud to say that a handful of his Indian students are now highly placed in defence and IT occupations.

But even amidst all his academic activities, Jagan found time to be of great service to the Indian community. With only four Indian families in Adelaide in 1968, he formed the India Club. He served as President of the Indian

The geogr A phy of M en TA l he A lT h

BY RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA

hile the mentally ill in general are considered to be vulnerable as a group, those who are mentally ill and live in rural communities can be said to be at a greater disadvantage due

WDirector of Rehabilitation, Bloomfield Mental Health Services, Bloomfield Hospital, Orange, NSW.

When the drought hit parts of NSW in the early 2000s, rural communities were severely affected: not only was there an economic downturn, but there was also a rise in mental health problems. The Rural Adversity Mental Health program was then set up to address the mental health concerns of people in our rural regions.

Dr. Murugesan’s work involves providing the support systems necessary to help rural residents in managing and coping with stress and mental health problems that have arisen from their particular set of problems.

It is a problem we are likely to see more of, as climate change takes greater hold.

Dr Murugesan has been with the Program since 2001. At the same time, he continues his own practice at Wentworthville’s Northside West clinic.

Over a 35-year career, Dr Murugesan has worked in a variety of roles: not only with rural adversity mental health, but also at the military

hospital, at a women’s prison, with transcultural mental health. He has also taught psychiatry at the Universities of Newcastle and Wollongong. On top of medical practice, Dr Murugesan has also been extensively involved in medical administration such as in healthcare standards and as superintendent of a large Sydney hospital, and in medico-legal roles. Much of his leisure time, when he can squeeze some out, is spent with the Indian community organisation AIMGA (Australian Indian Medical Graduates Association) of which he has been an executive committee member.

“It feels great to be recognised for my life’s work,” Dr Murugesan told Indian Link Dr Murugesan hails from Tamil Nadu in India. His family moved to Malaysia when he was a child, and he finished university there. He came to Australia in 1977. In his current practice, Dr Murugesan is seeing a rise in the number of patients with depression.

“It’s one of our biggest problems and is going to take on epidemic proportions,” he warns. “Statistics reveal that one on five people will

Australian Association of SA (1974-‘76) and the Hindu Society (1996-‘98). Jagan still maintains active interest in the local Indian community. His wife Maya has held many offices at the Indian Association for several years, and in her role as the Welfare Secretary, she has helped numerous Indian migrant families sort out their early problems when settling down in a new country. Those of us who arrived in the ‘70s will happily endorse that she can make a legitimate claim to a part of the award presented to Jagan.

Recalling their early days in Adelaide, Jagan says “There being only a few Indians, we became sort of ambassadors. We did our level best to represent India giving talks on Indian culture, politics and religions. In the process we ourselves learnt so much about India. I can remember the number of talks we had to prepare to give at schools, churches etc. Our efforts also included saree parades, cooking demos and film shows.”

The Mazumdars have two sons: Raju,an architect in Melbourne, and Sanjay, CEO of Defence System Informtion Centre in Adelaide.

be affected, and the WHO has said recently that by 2020, depression will be second only to heart disease in the International Burden of Disease ranking”.

Thankfully, he says, many new trends are also coming up as intervention, so there is help at hand.

“Although it can hit any age group really, older people are particularly vulnerable”.

But depression and anxiety are in any case more common here, as compared to India, he states. “This is partly because of the different nature of our societies”.

What are the trends if any, is he observing amongst the Indian community here?

“It’s geography again, you know. Most of the problems are those that manifest in relation to adjusting to the change of culture. Underlying problems surface in the form of relationship issues… Fortunately, the wider mainstream is largely welcoming. Also, it is much easier to seek and get help”.

So what advice does Dr Murugesan give to new arrivals here?

“Integrate well with the mainstream. You must keep in touch with your own culture no doubt, but if you’ve chosen to live and work in this country, you must think and feel like Australians”.

Dr. Jagan Mazumdar AM

For service to medicine, particularly in the field of psychiatry

Dr. g. Murugesan oam

lessons from bees

provide answers for safe landing of aircrafts. An engineer would measure the distance, air speed and use other complicated calculations requiring heavy equipment. Insects use cues based on image motion to gauge the distances to objects”.

Prof. Srini is all praise for this little insect, whose general fascination is its ability to produce honey. “Bees are one of the smartest invertebrates. They have to memorise several things like food sources, the colour, shape and smell of a flower which has nectar. They also have great colour vision,” he said.

It will surprise you to know that a bee brain is the size of a sesame seed and weighs about a tenth of a milligram – while the human brain is about 1.5kg.

When Prof. Srini started observing bee behaviour, he was quickly impressed. “I realised that these creatures are actually miniature human beings - they’re extremely intelligent, they will learn things very quickly, they have excellent colour vision... They can remember things for long periods of time. They’re just beautiful creatures,” he said enthusiastically. He is working on learning more about a bee’s emotional range. “They’re remarkably patient when they’re foraging - they don’t sting you if you suddenly take away the food (but) if you went and intruded in the hive, they’d obviously show aggression... The way a bee follows a moving target when it’s angry is very different from the way a bee follows a flower, gently swaying in the breeze, when it’s trying to land on it... These are two totally different individuals,” he added. However, it is the simple joy of scientific discovery that drives him. “I took up this study for the better understanding of the bee brain, not knowing it would find any application,” he says.

cost, disposable robot planes for exploring Mars.

“We built microfliers - small aircrafts with a wingspan of a foot - which would take off from a mothercraft and fly in different directions, close to the ground, without running into obstacles,” said Prof. Srini.

“They would inspect the terrain for traces of water and ice and take images. Finally, when the batteries go out, they would land smoothly,” he added.

His team also created a robot that could steer through cluttered environments, a camera that can give panoramic, insect-like vision for robots, and surveillance cameras and an autonomous navigation system for helicopters, with help from the US Defence Advanced Projects Agency.

For his ground-breaking research, Prof. Srini was awarded the Prime Minister’s Prize for Science in 2006. In 2007, he was awarded the Queensland Smart State Premier’s Fellowship to continue his research in Queensland.

Prof. Srini’s earlier work on how bees fly without hitting other objects won the Australasian Science Prize in 2001 for its help in finding a way to provide pilotless helicopters.

Before coming to UQ, Prof. Srini headed a 20-strong team at the Australian National University where – for more than two decades – his laboratory produced some 180 publications, including 21 in high-impact journal articles in publications such as Nature, Science, PNAS, PLOS Biology and Current Biology

Abee would probably be the last thing that you would imagine when faced with navigational problems. Mandyam Srinivasan has spent almost a quarter of a century studying the visual processes of small insects to provide simple, novel solutions to problems in machine vision and robotics.

And the effort has paid off. After much acclaim from the scientific community and awards such as the Prime Minister’s Prize for Science (2006), Prof. Srinivasan was announced this year as Member

(AM) in the general division of the Order of Australia. This talented scientist is currently Professor of Visual Neuroscience at the Queensland Brain Institute and the School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering of the University of Queensland.

Prof. Srinivasan owes his success largely, among other things, to bees. While to most of us, bees perform simple functions of buzzing around and fertilizing flowers for the more botanically minded, he has spent the past 20 years studying how honey bees detect, chase and intercept moving targets, avoid collisions, and land smoothly every time. His studies of the visual processes of these small insects have provided simple, novel solutions to problems in machine vision, navigational

techniques and robotics.

“Based on what we have learned from the honey bee, we have been able to apply the same principles of control and navigation to unmanned aircraft. We can create smaller, cheaper and lighter models that can be used for surveillance out in the field,” explained Prof. Srini (as he prefers to be called). Although honey bees have been the main focus of Srini’s work over the years after “graduating from flies”, this intrepid scientist has also worked with budgerigars, and with facets of the human visuomotor system.

“Some of nature’s solutions are surprisingly simple and effective, because nature has been operating and evolving for millions of years,” he explained. “The way bees land on horizontal surfaces can

Prof Srini believes that insect systems have and will inspire many new, efficient and economical ways to achieve complicated engineering feats.

“Insect eyes have been studied for their efficiency in light absorption for developing optic fibres. Insects are being studied for their ability to navigate uneven terrain by walking on six legs. The efficiency of the ant colony working as a single unit is also being studied,” he said.

It’s little wonder then, that Srini’s work has been recognised by research contracts and grants from NASA and the US military, as well as the Australian military forces. The NASA project he worked on several years ago, involved mimicking the bee’s navigational skills to create light weight, low

Among his awards is the 2009 Distinguished Alumni Award of the Indian Institute of Science.

Prof. Srini was born in Pune and lived in Calcutta, Delhi and Bangalore. He acquired a PhD from Yale University and worked at the University of Zurich before moving to Australia in 1985.

What started as a one-person operation in honeybee vision in which he ran the whole outfit from beekeeping, designing and conducting experiments, analysis and interpretation of data and finally writing out his findings in papers, has now morphed into a full-fledged, multi-tasking team which has caught the attention of interested bodies both nationally and internationally.

With input from Sheryl Dixit

Prof mandyam srinivasan Am

SHIVANGI AMBANI-GANDHI

For service to visual and sensory neuroscience through the Queensland Brain Institute, as an academic, researcher and mentor, and to the national and international scientific community

ClaSSiC ally ConteMpoRaRy

culture and traditions of Australian society, and by teaching Indian music, Ravi has helped the community nurture and keep alive its rich cultural heritage. Over the years, Ravi’s immense contribution has helped preserve and raise awareness of traditional Indian music especially amongst the younger (generation) Australians.

M.Ravichandhira oam

For service to the arts, particularly through the Academy of Indian Music and Cultural Studies Australia

BY CHITRA SUDARSHAN

Ravi M Ravichandhira of Glen Waverley, Melbourne, was announced as one of the recipients of the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) on Australia Day 26 January 2012, for his dedicated contribution to the cultural fabric of Australia by teaching and blending South Indian art into the Australian music community. He brings together different music practitioners including musicians of the

Australian Art Orchestra, and has facilitated the creation of new music forms in Australia and abroad.

Ravi founded the Academy of Indian Music, Australia, 24 years ago with abroad range of objectives. Through the Academy and two other significant institutions - namely, mrudangam

maestro Kaaraikkudi Mani’s Sruthi Laya Kendra in Australia and Padmasri Adyar K Lakshman’s Bharatha Choodamani School of Indian classical dance, (of which his wife Narmatha is the artistic director), Ravi and Narmatha have both achieved a number of significant milestones and provided yeomen service to the arts. Indian art forms are now wellwoven and entrenched in the

Besides being an approved A Grade artiste of All India Radio and TV, Ravi has, for many years, been involved in training hundreds of young artistes; facilitated frequent exchanges between Indian and Australian artistes; organised and played in mega performances; regularly conducted music and dance festivals by working with several resident and overseas artistes.

This award which recognizes Ravi’s services to the arts, was received with lots of excitement and gratitude by Ravi’s family - all of whom have a strong passion for this art form and have taken it up as a second career. His wife, Narmatha who is a versatile and eminent vocal, violin and Bharathanatyam artiste, also teaches these art forms. Similarly, Ravi’s sons - Sai Nivaeithan and Sai Sarangan - have become mrudangam concert artists and have been playing regularly in major festivals in Australia, India and the UK.

“I dedicate this award to my late father Sri S K Mathiaparanam and mother Smt Annalakshmy for their foresight and faith in introducing this art form to me at a tender age; and my aunt Gunalakshmy Kathirgamathamby, for her encouragement in my childhood years in Sri Lanka,” Ravichandhira told Indian Link humbly.

He also acknowledged his indebtedness to his teachers of music, late Prof A S Ramanathan of Sri Lanka and maestro Kaaraikkudi Mani of India, for providing ongoing guidance and support.

Ravi deeply appreciates his wife Narmatha’s contribution, who comes from a family steeped in Indian arts herself - for being a pillar of support in all his endeavours, and at the same time looking after the needs of their two sons and caring for their three aged parents who have been living with them.

Ravichandhira is the founder and Artistic Director of The Academy of Indian Music and Cultural Studies Australia, since 1984. He is also the Artistic Director of the Tyagaraja Trinity Festival of Indian Music, Melbourne, held annually for the past almost 25 years. He is a Visiting Lecturer at University of Madras, India and Sessional Lecturer, Monash University. Ravi has been a musical collaborator with the Australian Art Orchestra, and has helped create cross-cultural musical opportunities for both Indian and Australian musicians, composers and audiences; he is a mentor, adviser, facilitator and performer. He was a Peer Adviser, Music Board, of the Australia Council for the Arts, in 1999 and 2005. Ravi is a former Member, Performing Arts and Arts Management Advisory Committee, AsiaLink, University of Melbourne. He was instrumental in setting up the Radio Station 3MBS FM, and was a former Presenter of the Indian music programme Ragas and Rhythms

Ravi produced Australia’s first

Carnatic music instrumental CD, Rhythms & Ragas with some of India’s leading artistes such as Lalgudi, G Jayaraman, N Ramani, U Srinivas and E Gayathri, which was released in May 1996 to critical acclaim.

When Ravi is not immersed in music, in his parallel life he is a Civil Engineer with Vic Roads (and its predecessors). He is currently Manager of Traffic Operations, Metropolitan South East Region (Melbourne). He won the Meritorious Service Award in 1998 for the development and documentation of the Traffic Management Plan for The President’s Cup (golf event) held in Melbourne. He has an Honours Degree in Civil Engineering from the City University, London.

Ravi produced Australia’s first Carnatic music instrumental CD, Rhythms & Ragas with some of India’s leading artistes such as Lalgudi, G Jayaraman, N Ramani, U Srinivas and E Gayathri, which was released in May 1996 to critical acclaim.

FiRSt Sikh to ReCeive auStRalian honouR

For service to the Sikh community in Australia

the Order of Australia (OAM), one of Australia’s highest civilian honours.

Bawa Jagdev oam

BY RITAM MITRA

Sikh Australians around the country celebrated a moment in history on January 26, as the Secretary of the Sikh Council of Australia (SCA), S. Bawa Singh Jagdev, proudly accepted the Medal of

As Secretary of SCA, Bawa Singh’s work has involved a passion to protect and gain recognition for Sikh rights, as well as a longstanding ambition to safeguard human rights and fight for humanitarian issues.

“I truly feel humbled to be the recipient of this prestigious award,” said Bawa Singh. “I may be the first Sikh to receive this

honour, but I personally feel that the award belongs to all those who helped me and worked along with me over the years to solve our community problems of which there were many, and achieve what, as a community, we have accomplished. I thank them all.”

Bawa Singh has enjoyed an immensely colourful and successful life, having been born in Punjab, educated in the United Kingdom, worked in Africa and

An icon of the hindu community

at each other’s homes to celebrate festivals. The concept for the first ever Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere was born from our keenness to preserve our culture and heritage for future generations,” Dr Bala reminisced.

The Sri Mandir Society was thus founded and the first Hindu temple in Australia was eventually built in Auburn, in New South Wales.

dr. A. Bala oam

For service to the Hindu community in Australia

BY USHA RAMANUJAM ARVIND

hindu Council of Australia’s founding chairman and the man behind the hugely popular Ganesh Visarjan and Deepavali Mela celebrations, Dr Appupillay Balasubramaniam was named in this year’s Australia Day Honours list. Dr Bala, as he is affectionately known, received the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his services to the Hindu community over the past

finally settled in Australia. He has taught at various schools and colleges across the world. In 1975, when he and his family migrated to Australia, he recalls that there were not many Sikh families around the country. Seeking to build a strong community, he helped establish the Sikh gurdwara in Revesby – the very first gurdwara in Sydney. This was followed shortly by the Sikh Mission Centre in Austral.

“At that time, the community was small and didn’t have much money to purchase the property - I mortgaged my home in Matraville to help out,” he revealed.

Speaking to Indian Link about the issues Sikh migrants faced, Bawa Singh recalls, “We looked different, and new migrants were subject to various vilifications.

four decades. Talking to Indian Link, the soft-spoken and deeply religious Strathfield resident said he was honoured and humbled by the announcement.

“The award has firmly put Hinduism on the map of Australia.

I think it is a win for our growing community, which has burgeoned dramatically over the years”.

A Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, the Malaysia-born and UK-trained GP moved to Sydney to practice medicine in 1972, soon after the “White Australia” policy was lifted.

“Back then there was barely a handful of south Asian migrants. Homesick and missing our roots, we bonded closely together, meeting

I took up the issues with the authorities. They were harassed by the police for carrying the kirpan, as it was illegal to carry a knife with you at the time. In the 1990s when knife legislation was being discussed in Parliament, I wrote to the Community Relations minister and also raised the issue with Premier Bob Carr.

As a result, the legislation was amended - Sikhs can carry the kirpan with them for religion purposes.”

A particularly significant contribution of Bawa Singh was his part in allowing the Sikh religion to be officially recognised as a separate religion in Australia.

“If a marriage was performed in a gurdwara, the couple still had to get registered in the registry office. I wrote to the AttorneyGeneral, and ultimately the Sikh

Since 1978, when the idea for the sprawling Helensburgh temple was mooted, Dr Bala led a tight knit group to lobby not only the community, but also political groups and the government to further the interests of Hindu Australians. With this aim in mind, he started the Sri Venkateswara Temple Association.

Since its humble beginnings in 1985, the temple has undergone major expansion to become the largest temple in Australia, catering to diverse socio-cultural and religious needs.

The Hindu Council of Australia (HCA) was eventually set up in 1989 as an umbrella organisation to unite various fledgling associations and speak with one voice.

As an influential representative of the Australian Hindu community and chairman of HCA, Dr Bala has since lobbied with the federal, state and local governments, as well as lateral institutions.

Inspired by the rallying words of Lokmanya Tilak and his firebrand freedom movement in colonial India, Dr Bala was also instrumental in starting the Ganesh Visarjan celebrations in 1983.

“For Hindus, Ganesha is the auspicious god of good beginnings, and he has truly brought us together,” he proudly stated.

The annual Ganesh Visarjan

Council of Australia was allowed to nominate marriage celebrants. So in the Sikh community if someone was to become a marriage celebrant, any marriages they perform are recognised - they don’t have to go to the marriage registry,” he explained.

Bawa Singh’s work is not limited, however, to the Sikh community. “In general if any other community had any problems, I always raised my voice. Bronwyn Bishop was going to introduce a bill saying Muslim girls shouldn’t be allowed to wear their hijab in schools – I wrote against that and made a submission to the government. There were attacks on the Hindu temple in Auburn, including shootings. I took up the issue with the Premier. Internationally, there was a ‘Shoot

celebration with its street procession and cultural showcase, culminating with public immersion at Stanwell Beach, attracts thousands every year.

Spurred by its success, Dr Bala also launched the inaugural Diwali Mela at Fairfield in 1999, attended by over 30,000 people. Since then it has been an annual feature on the Sydney calendar, relocating to the prestigious venue of Sydney Olympic Park.

“Our aim was to target a wider mainstream audience with an explosion of colour and culture. Besides being an iconic Hindu festival, Diwali has broader secular connotations as well. The concept of having stalls, live music and cross cultural performances is very inviting. And food, of course, is a major drawcard,” he explained.

Leveraging on his political connections, another watershed event Dr Bala spearheaded was the celebration of Deepavali at Federal Parliament House on November 13, 2004 for the first time ever.

“It was a memorable moment for all Hindus marking the recognition of one of our most important festivals as an important and significant event to be celebrated in multicultural Australia,” he stated.

“The Hindu Council took this initiative in 2002 when we requested Premier Bob Carr to light up exterior of the State Parliament building. He agreed immediately and we had the first Deepavali celebration in 2003, and again in 2004, with electric lights adorning the façade of our Parliament House,” recalled Dr Bala.

The next logical item on his packed agenda is to push for a public holiday on Deepavali for Hindu Australians.

Despite his success and considerable influence, Dr Bala has steered clear of political affiliations, remaining neutral.

“My focus has always been and will remain on community work,” he reiterated.

Besides running a busy practice at Homebush, Dr Bala has, over the years, helped found and presided over many cultural and religious organisations, including Dialogue on Interfaith Cooperation, Community Building and Harmony, Abayakharam Australia, Ceylon Tamil Association of NSW, Sri Lankan Association of NSW, Sydney Tamil Manram, Balar Malar, Sri Mandir Society, Carnatic Music Circle, Sydney and Rotary Club, to name a few. Dr Bala is also a founding trustee of the SVT Educational Building fund to promote Hindu education in Australia. The Trust hopes to establish a Chair for Hindu studies in one of the Universities in NSW in the future.

Personally though, Dr Bala claims he owes a lot to his wife Devi Bala.

“Without her unflinching support, I would not have achieved half of what I did,” he acknowledged. “She virtually took the responsibility of Sri Venkateshwara Temple (SVT) on her shoulders”.

“Likewise, I am also grateful to all my co-workers at the Hindu Council and my practice manager and support staff at the Homebush Medical Centre,” he added.

Dr Bala has previously received The Australian Doctor’s national GP award to recognise his achievements and work within the community.

to Kill’ bill in America, and I wrote against that too. During the 2004 tsunami, as well as the floods in Pakistan, I arranged a council, collected funds and sent it to the victims. Every time there is a disaster, I think it is my duty, simply as a human being, to help as much as I can”.

And for Bawa Singh Jagdev, the most rewarding thing was the simple, yet powerful concept of helping others. “For me everything I have done, no matter how small or big it was, was rewarding because there was a small community and I felt like I was doing something for that community. I don’t think there is such a thing as a ‘small’ or ‘big’ contribution - for me it was my passion to help the community in any way I could,” he stated.

A particularly significant contribution of Bawa Singh was his part in allowing the Sikh religion to be officially recognised as a separate religion in Australia.

Punjabi Lohri with multicultural flavour

The Sikh Welfare Council of Victoria (SWCV) recently initiated an entertaining event to celebrate the Punjabi festival of Lohri in Melbourne. The event involved many diverse communities of Victoria who got together to promote friendship and cross cultural understanding.

Members of the Victorian Sikh Association (VSA) joined the SWCV in participating in the celebration with great enthusiasm. More than 200 people turned up at Ashburton Hall on January 14, with all joining in the excitement of Punjabi dhol beats, bhangra, giddha dances and folk songs. The women also played the traditional dholki and sang folk songs around a real Lohri bonfire.

Mrs Hardeep Madan from SWCV said, “One should

celebrate life in every possible way no matter what the reason: births, marriages, harvest or culture, there are many opportunities for us to live it up. Lohri is just one of them. I wish this year turns out to be an on-going celebration of life and friendships.”

At the SWCV celebration, delicious food was catered by Tandoori Junction restaurant, followed by a range of sweets donated by the Uppal and Pasricha families to celebrate the first Lohri of their grandchildren and the newly-weds in their families. Special songs were sung to offer congratulations and blessings to the families.

Traditionally, Lohri is a celebrated on the evening before Makar sankranti. It is a vibrant

Excellence award for economics educator

The achievements of Ms Sonu Sarda in her distinguished teaching career epitomize the success of an ambitious educator who has successfully managed to strike a balance between work and family obligations. She has won several accolades in the field of education in different parts of the world, the most recent one being the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in the domain of economics at the University of Ballarat.

Ms Sonu is immensely creative in her approach when it comes to teaching and emerges from a rare breed of teachers who believe teaching is all about ‘mediating learning’. She envisages a strong rapport with her students as the

key to inspiring a ritual of twoway communication in her lessons, and to good effect.

“I try to empower my students who come from diverse backgrounds to interact during lectures, and encourage them to be confident about voicing their opinions,” says Ms Sarda.

“Most importantly, I expect and constantly receive regular feedback from the students regarding the techniques applied in class, which helps me evolve as a teacher and also helps keep the students engaged with their studies,” she adds.

In regards to the teaching methods that her students approve of unanimously, Ms Sonu

festival that marks the end of winter and signifies the harvesting of crops. The festival has no religious significance but it holds a great social significance, and is celebrated as a day of imparting social love to one and all

explains, “I explain economic concepts verbally to highlight the intuition and reasoning at work, graphically along with mind maps to summarize the relationships for visual learners, and mathematically in the context of an example from everyday life.”

She goes on to assert, “I want my students to not only learn the analytical tools of economic theory, but also how economists use these tools to frame and solve problems in the real world.”

Sonu Sarda motivates herself to come up with modern methods of teaching depending on the subject and also creates various factual situations in class for better awareness. Without doubt, Ms Sarda is a gifted teacher who instantly captures the pulse of her students, as is clearly evident from what some of her students had to say about their beloved teacher: “Thank you very much! Economics is now easy to understand for us students. Your teaching style and the way you encourage us is excellent. After a long time I actually found a teacher who is a Guru…hope everyone adopts your teaching style.”

“Sonu is the best one for teaching business economics. I still remember economics because she teaches difficult concepts in a simple way”.

An inspirational teacher to the core, her message to readers is, “If you persevere and do your best, there is no reason to hold back. Every change brings challenges, and every challenge must be faced with perseverance and the right attitude to excel.”

Sujith Krishnan

The focus of Lohri is on the bonfire. The prasad comprises of five main items: til (gingelly), gajak (a hardened bar of peanuts in jaggery or sugar syrup), gur (jaggery), moongphali (peanuts) and phuliya (popcorn). Apart from

celebrating a good harvest, Lohri also celebrates fertility in Indian families. The first marriage or the birth of a child in the family calls for celebration at the time of Lohri.

What’s on

Dinner with Ravi

Belagere

Wed 18 Feb Kannada

Sangha organizes a dinner with Ravi Belagere the founder/publisher/ editor of famous tabloid Hi Bengalore, and a noted journalist, writer, columnist, novelist, educationist, actor and presenter. Limited seats only. Details at  www.mks.org.au

Shankar, Ehsaan, Loy concert

Sat 25 Feb Plenary Theatre, Convention Centre, 7 pm onwards. It’s the first time in Melbourne for Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan Noorani and Loy Mendosa!

Details Anita 03 9846 2595

Vasudeva Kriya Yoga

Surya Yajna

Sun 26 Feb The first Surya

Yajna with 108 Surya Namaskara will be held on Brighton Beach at sunrise, facing the sun, 5:30am at Brighton Beach. There are immense benefits in doing the Surya Namaskara as our Prana Shakti increases,

radiance increases, it strengthens our immune system, eyesight improves, digestion improves, lifespan increases and overall health improves.  We are invoking the Grace of the Lord in the sun to illumine our path. The session will last two hours. Email bookings essential. Details Rajendra at www.vasudevakriyayoga. com

AIII Holi celebrations

Sun 4 Mar The Australian Indian Innovations Inc. celebrates Holi, the Festival of Colours at Sandown Race Course (591 - 659 Princes Hwy, Springvale VIC 3171), from 11:30am –6pm. Live entertainment by DJs and Bollywood dancers, Platinum dholis and singers. Other attractions include Holika Dahan at noon, dancing area and lots of food and variety stalls. Free parking, entry fee: $5 adult (Child under 12 free). Strictly alcohol free event. Full security and police presence.

Jasminder Kaur

Raj Kapoor comes to Melbourne!

BY SUJITH KRISHNAN

The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) is going Indian in February, celebrating the success of the world-renowned movie mogul Raj Kapoor through an event titled ‘Focus on Raj Kapoor’, from Feb 14 – March 16, 2012 in Melbourne. Organized by Co-ordinating Curator James Nolen, in collaboration with TIFF Lightbox, Canada, the festival has recently done its rounds successfully in the United Kingdom and Canada. This event would feature 13 of Raj Kapoor’s eternal classics such as Boot Polish, Aag, Barsaat, Shree 420 and Bobby, to name a few.

Cinema connoisseur Nolen disclosed the reasons behind

bringing this fete to Melbourne. Fascinated by the era when the Raj Kapoor classics came out, Nolen says, “I believe that Kapoor was a multi-faceted talent who gave Bollywood cinema a whole new dimension at the time.”

Kapoor has a huge following in Asia, Russia and the Middle East, but is a relative unknown in Australia. Nolen believes that the festival would cast a spell on the audience since there is now a greater degree of cross-cultural exchange between Australia and India with people from both sides attempting to seek a better awareness of each other’s soft power that includes history, cinema, cuisine and trends. As for the target audience, Nolen firmly believes that the festival would witness multi-generation Indians as well as movie enthusiasts from various other communities.

On whether the festival would have garnered more attention had the spotlight been on a more commercially viable

star such as the Big B, Nolen makes a point saying, “ACMI is a cultural organisation with the objective of solely embracing and promoting quality cinema rather than revenue”. Being quite knowledgeable about Indian cinema, Nolen says, “I am aware that films are longer in duration with song and dance sequences thrown in, but musicals are very much in vogue now. Take the popular television series Glee, for example; I have faith that the Melbourne audience will embrace these period films with open arms.”

When asked if the festival which runs for a month is a tad too long, Nolen claims, “People are busy these days and it has been spread out for a month so that they have the time to plan their dates accordingly and return to catch the films without upsetting their routines.”

An avid movie buff, Nolen is aware of the fact that quality cinema also exists in other parts

of India, and aspires to watch a big movie in India someday to experience the buzz and frenzy that one has come to associate with the Indian movie fanatic. He rates Boot Polish his favourite out of the 13 Raj Kapoor films on exhibit.

In the future, ACMI proposes to put together a series of films made by Satyajit Ray and also has plans of doing a career retrospective on the Big B, but adds that India needs to start preserving their movie classics which would only benefit the industry in gaining more mileage on the international scene.

1994.

Now AP GURUSWAMY captures beautiful moments in Melbourne’s Indian community!

In his 40-year career experience as a professional photographer in India Guruswamy covered news, corporate events, large scale events and celebrities.

For stunning images of your next big event, call Guruswamy on 0406 820 413.

“I believe that Kapoor was a multifaceted talent who gave Bollywood cinema a whole new dimension at the time.”

James Nolen

The legendary actor’s legacy lives on not just through his future generations, but through a series of unique and unforgettable movies

He captured the magic of Aishwarya Rai when she got back home after winning the Miss World crown in

Dream Merchant

BY USHA RAMANUJAM ARVIND

There’s one thing that I think is so different in Australia: it really doesn’t matter what position you are in, we are all equal. It’s not a country where a doctor is different to a plumber; they respect you for what you’ve achieved. Work hard and you will definitely strike it rich.”

In 1990, inspired by innumerable western flicks, a starry-eyed young man from an unassuming coastal town in Kerala, arrived on Australian shores in search of his El Dorado. Armed with nothing more than resourcefulness, the grit to succeed and a few personal belongings, he enrolled in a business studies course, hoping to eventually work up the corporate ladder. Every day was a struggle, as he had neither mentors nor financial backing. His lucky break came soon enough, when he landed a job as a humble waiter on a harbour cruise ship. Within seven years when the original owners divested, he took over as CEO of Sydney Showboats, the company that owned and operated the vessel.

With a commanding and well-diversified presence across the prestigious eastern seaboard of Australia, today that young man is a powerful stakeholder in the lucrative tourism and hospitality industry.

His remarkable story will no doubt strike a chord in every migrant household aspiring for a better future.

Meet Sudhir Warrier, owner of Australian Cruise Group (ACG). He calls himself a “pragmatic Indian with a positive Australian attitude”, assimilating two different cultures in perfect harmony. A risk taker and a sharp businessman, Warrier’s rise to success has been meteoric.

His harbourside portfolio is impressive and includes the flagship Sydney Showboats (pictured), authentic replicas of the colonial paddle wheeler, refurbished with modern interiors while retaining the romance of the bygone era; as well as Magistic Cruises , (pictured), contemporary custom built catamarans. Warrier has also launched online tourism marketing services called Sydney Things To Do and Sydney Bookings to extend his reach.

ACG’s luxury fleet has a proven track record in providing once-in-a-lifetime tourism experiences at value prices for domestic and international visitors.

Operating out of Sydney’s relatively new waterfront precinct – King St Wharf, the purpose-built vessels, equipped with state-of-art audio-visual and lighting systems, are licensed to host cruises for burgeoning top end corporate and international markets as well as the rapidly increasing inbound tourist sector. As spending power in developing economies India and China constantly increases, it has opened up dedicated niche markets.

With business spread across the eastern coastline, Warrier has recently forayed into the prized Great Barrier Reef market with the acquisition of the iconic Ocean Spirit Cruises, which has been in operation over 20 years. The popular cruise offers guided scuba diving, snorkelling as well as glass bottom boats for a complete marine tourism experience. The company holds the largest permit to operate to Michaelmas Cay on the Barrier Reef – the most important sea bird nesting sanctuary in the southern hemisphere.

This latest acquisition has allowed Warrier to leverage existing relationships and expand his portfolio.

“The secret of my success is believing in myself and driving through my convictions. To be in business, you need to be able to take risks and trust your judgment. Quite simply, you should go with your gut instinct,” Warrier told Indian Link

“Our success is based on the fact that we have been able to clearly define our customers for each of our experiences. We target them through either the established distribution channels or direct to consumer online strategies. Likewise, a key executive team of trusted

and experienced individuals is equally critical for any sustainable venture,” he added.

Warrier describes his early upbringing as average and middle class.

“I lost my father at an early age; the responsibility of shouldering my family therefore fell on me,” he recalled. “In many ways, it was a huge learning experience. Most importantly, it gave me the resolve to be successful”.

“Perhaps I was rapidly able to expand my business because I had nothing to lose,” he went on. “So whenever an opportunity presented itself, I was happy to take the plunge, and it has turned out well in most instances”.

Warrier’s “first career changing event” was to get involved in the wholesale vegetable trade back in Kerala. Within a period of eighteen months he had turned the business into a very profitable venture.

“It allowed me to learn the ropes of business from the street wholesale business merchants in Cochin – at both the vegetable and fish markets,” reminisced Warrier. This grassroots exposure has, he believes, given him a firm grounding. “The Indian work ethic and values, which I imbibed in those early years, have always been a contributing factor in my business decisions,” he claimed.

“But I guess the individual who influenced me most was Brian Gray, the original owner of Sydney Showboats, who gave me many opportunities and trusted me to move up the ladder in rapid succession,” acknowledged Warrier.

Like Warrier, Brian was “an ideas man and an avid risk taker”.

“He gave me confidence throughout my career to take calculated risks, vital for a business to flourish,” he said.

Another mentor who shaped his destiny was iconic Sydney restaurateur and The Summit (first revolving rooftop restaurant) owner, Oliver Shaul.

“Shaul literally gave me the insight into how to run a business profitably with the customer in mind. Oliver’s wisdom is legendary amongst the Sydney hospitality circles,” Warrier stated.

Besides risk taking, Warrier’s biggest assets are his sociable personality and strong interpersonal skills. His daily routine includes staying in close touch with his employees.

“A businessman needs to be really connected with his people, while keeping an eye on his product,” said Warrier. “In fact having risen up the ranks, I still feel I am one of them. Unlike traditional set ups, we don’t have a HR department and in our company we don’t send memos,” he quipped.

“Instead, we just talk to each other when necessary and get on with what needs to be done. We have hardly any bureaucracy

Sudhir Warrier recounts the story of his success through dint of sheer diligence and hard work

Merchant

is, don’t CC an email unless it is absolutely essential.

email is banned when you can speak on and resolve little things

instantly. We work on the principle that winners have parties, while losers have meetings. Our proactive management team enjoys winning and loves a no-report-writing culture,” added Warrier jokingly.

Likewise, keeping abreast with technology has allowed him to maintain efficient bottom lines. “Particularly in the context of variable market conditions and threat of the GFC, we need sophisticated technology to forecast trends. In addition, being a family-owned business, we are nimble and agile to quickly adapt to any market changes,” stated Warrier.

Business aside, family and sport form the Holy Trinity for Sudhir Warrier. He enjoys spending quality time with his wife and daughter, and weekends are often spent

hosting a relaxed barbecue for friends at his harbourside home.

Warrier shares his mantra in life saying, “Australia is definitely not a saver’s paradise. It is a great lifestyle destination. Don’t come here to make money, instead work hard and live well.”

As Sydney’s enviable harbour switches on its class act with a heady mix of lights, sights and cityscape, Warrier’s opulent fleet transports tourists into the mystical world of getaway tourism.

With business spread across the eastern coastline, Warrier has recently forayed into the prized Great Barrier Reef market with the acquisition of Ocean Spirit Cruises.

Main pic: Sudhir Warrier with Alan MacDonald, Captain of Ocean Spirit Cruises.

Indian American to groom US Muslims for public service

A Mysore-born Indian American public affairs specialist has been charged with revitalising the Muslim Public Service Network that grooms young American Muslims for public service and to take on civic leadership positions.

“I believe that MPSN needs to form strong alliances with organizations in the US, while working to stabilise its flagship Summer Fellowship programme,” said Sabith Khan, the new executive director about his task of revitalising the organisation founded in 1994.

“I believe we need to also engage our stake-holders and community in a creative way, so they come together and give back and re-learn the meaning of community development,” Khan, who “lived in Bangalore for most of my life” before coming to the US said recently.

Over the last 18 years, a few fellows of the programme have gone on to make a name in public service. The most prominent is Rashad Hussain, son of a mining engineer from Bihar, who was named by President Barack Obama as US Special Envoy to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

“The American Muslim community is among the richest, best educated communities there is, and has been consistently giving back to the country,” Khan said. “But one area where it lacks substantial contribution is in the area of Public policy.”

“With my understanding of public policy and civic engagement, I believe I can make a deep impact on the organization and help it move forward; and grow in size and also partnerships/ alliances,” said Khan, who has a Masters in Public Administration from the Maxwell School of Syracuse University.

“MPSN is at a stage where they needed someone to stabilise the program and also grow its support base, while maintaining its high quality programming. I believe I will be able to do that, going forward,” he added.

Building the next generation of South Asian American leaders

Sam Arora is a Maryland state Delegate, Aaron “Ronnie” Chatterji served on President Barack Obama’s Council of Economic Advisors (CEA) and Hari Kondabalu is a rising comedy star just back from an India tour to spread religious harmony.

The three Indian Americans could not be more different from each other. Yet they have one thing in common. They are alumni of the Washington Leadership Programme (WLP) dedicated to building the next generation of Indian and South Asian American leaders.

The organidation was founded in August 2008 in memory of pioneering Indian American publisher and philanthropist Gopal Raju, who sponsored a programme that placed over 170 students in eight-week summer Congressional internships over 15 years through his Indian American Centre for Political Awareness.

Over a hundred students who have applied for the programme this summer would be whittled down to about ten after a three stage “very intense” selection process, Harin Contractor, a 2003 alum who serves on the board of the programme now run by the alumni of Raju’s programme, said.

“We actually just used to do exclusively Capitol Hill,” he said, “but with the influx of South Asians being appointed to the administration, who have been knocking at our doors for quality interns, we have extended the opportunity to government agencies.”

For the first time last year, WLP placed student interns in the departments of commerce, labour and transportation.

Arora, “one of a handful Desi elected officials in the country”, who worked on three of then-Senator Hillary Clinton’s campaigns and also volunteered for Obama during the 2008 presidential campaign, had a “really eye opening experience” as a 2002

alum as he “had not considered what it meant to be an Indian American in public service.”

“The most valuable part of WLP was the mentorship because in politics you really need to cultivate mentors to succeed,” said Arora, who was a member of Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley’s recent trade mission to India.

“I think, I relate better with the Indian American community now. I represent all people my constituency, but I also feel a duty to be looking out for the greater Indian American community that is part of the great Indian diaspora,” he said.

The programme made three get-to-know trips to India from 2003 to 2005 with six students each “to connect young leaders of Indian origin with political leaders there,” said Contractor who was on the original trip to India that was organised in association with the Society for Policy Studies in New Delhi.

“It was interesting to see after my summer in DC, the contrast, the political style and the government style between the two of the oldest and largest democracies,” he said.

Looking to grow in the next five years, WLP is now plans to raise the number of interns to 20 as also making it year round programme.

Expansion of the programme from only Washington to New York, Chicago, Atlanta, California is also on the cards to give students opportunities to intern with local members.

Nigeria attracts enterprising Indians despite terror

With major Indian interests in Nigeria in the areas of trade and investment, the west African country’s huge economic potential continues to be a big draw for Indians despite recent terror attacks, one of which killed 160 people, including an Indian, in January.

Coordinated attacks carried out by the Boko Haram sect, known to have ties with

Al Qaeda, targeted the security forces Jan 20 in Kano city. Kevalkumar Kalidas Rajput, 23, who hailed from Gujarat and had been working for Kano-based company M/s Relchem since March 2011, was killed.

Boko Haram is an Islamist group that says it is against Western education and has vowed to implement Sharia law. Many people across the northern part of the country are known to have been killed or maimed in their bomb attacks.

These incidents would not deter others because “with an annual bilateral trade in excess of $13 billion, India continued to be Nigeria’s second largest trading partner”, Indian High Commissioner in Abuja Mahesh Sachdev said in a recent speech.

“We were the largest investor-country in Nigeria in 2010 and major new Indian investments were announced in 2011. India’s Airtel alone is amidst a $600 million network expansion plan in Nigeria,” Sachdev added.

It is not only Indians who are visiting Nigeria.

Figures show that “nearly 33,000 Nigerians got Indian visas during 2011 - up 40 percent on 2010”, he said, adding: “... India has become a destination of choice for Nigerians seeking state-of-the-art healthcare combining quality with affordability”.

With a population of 158 million and considerable revenue from oil exports, Nigeria is the largest trading partner of India in Africa.

The Indian community in Nigeria is estimated to be 35,000-strong. Most Indians in the country are well-off and enjoy a noncontroversial existence.

Wall Street Sheriff Preet Bharara on Time cover

]dian-American attorney Preet Bharara, nicknamed the Sheriff of Wall Street for prosecuting the likes of Rajat Gupta, the poster boy of Indian business in America, has made it to the cover of Time magazine.

“This man is busting Wall Street” screams the cover of the magazine detailing Ferozepur-born Bharara’s anti-corruption crusade as the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York.

“US Attorney Preet Bharara has already taken down some of the financial world’s most prominent figures. He’s just getting started,” notes the cover story written by Bill Saporito and Massimo Calabresi.

After successfully winning the conviction of Sri Lankan American hedge fund tycoon Raj Rajaratnam for insider trading, he is now prosecuting Gupta, former McKinsey head and a former Goldman Sachs director, for allegedly giving tips to Rajaratnam.

Born to a Sikh father and a Hindu mother, 43-year-old Bharara grew in New Jersey, a State which has a significant IndianAmerican population. He graduated from the prestigious Harvard College in 1990. Bharara’s picture appeared in the latest edition of Time, a day after he announced to have taken action against one of the oldest Swiss banks for having evaded American taxes and helping in flight of US money.

Giving an overview of Bharara’s insidertrading probe to date, it begins with an anecdote of the conference call at hedge fund Level Global Investors Nov 4, 2009 that kicked the investigation into high gear.

Unknown to the participants, Bharara was recording the conversation. He had obtained a secret court order to join the conference call after a confidential informant told his office that the party line was being used

Indian wine, anyone? The consumption and production of wine has grown by leaps and bounds in India in the last decade. The Nasik-based Sula Vineyards, established in 1999, sold five million bottles last year and hopes to cross the six-and-a-half-million mark this year. Spread over 1,700 acres, the company has pioneered many classic grape varietals in India like Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc in 2000, Zinfandel in 2001 and Riesling in 2008. In 2005, Sula launched its first reserve wine, the Dindori Reserve Shiraz, as well as India’s first dessert wine, the Late Harvest Chenin Blanc.

Photo: IANS

illegally to trade inside information.

Sworn in on August 13, 2009, Bharara oversees hundreds of criminal and civil cases, involving international terrorism, financial fraud, insider trading, public corruption, and gang violence, as well as the resolution of alleged civil rights violations at various public venues.

This scientist left US job to fight Maharashtra local polls

He lived in the US for over a decade. But the nanotechnology scientist left his cutting edge work when conscience beckoned him to help change and improve things in his deprived Parda village in the Vidarbha region.

Treading the heat and grime of grassroots politics is 28-year-old Balasaheb S. Darade, who is contesting as an independent candidate from the Pangradole constituency in the Buldhana district council polls scheduled soon.

“I am focussing on three key aspectsrural development, youth empowerment and changing the attitude of people - if they want to see change, they must change themselves,” Darade, who came back to India last year, said in an interview.

Born in Parda village, 450 km southeast of Mumbai, which has now grown into a small town with around 25,000 people, Darade was educated here and in other parts of the state before joining the University of Cincinnati, US, from where he completed his masters in nanotechnology.

“I had always been keen on research, especially nano in solar cells. My work got me a consultancy assignment with US space agency NASA and I worked on the Mars Rover Project on nano solar cells,” he said.

Darade always longed to return to his town and do something for people’s upliftment - almost like Shah Rukh Khan in the movie Swades

During his stay in the US till August 2011, Darade keenly watched and drummed up support for social activist Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption crusade. He also came in contact with spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in the US and met former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on several occasions.

He even formulated plans for a revamp of villages partly by incorporating Hazare’s Ralegan-Siddhi model village principles.

“I launched the Shankar Rural Transformation Project (SRTP) in 20 villages in the Vidarbha region, plagued by farmland suicides, huge unemployment and consequent problems, and depression among the people who feel they have no future,” he said.

“These personalities appreciated my efforts, inspired and encouraged me to enter politics which is abhorred and shunned by the educated class in India,” Darade stated while on the campaign trail.

The SRTP project - dedicated to the memory of his late parents Shankar and Ratnamala, who perished in a fire accident three years ago and his mentor, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar - has taken off with volunteers in each of the target villages.

Darade has taken up SRTP in three parts - sustainable village development projects for solving a village’s need-based problems, individual empowerment, and finally collaboration with government and other agencies.

Initially hoping to contest the state legislature elections in 2014, it was barely

two weeks ago that Darade decided to take the plunge into the local body polls - which he said would enable him to study and understand deeply the problems afflicting the rural, agro-based state economy and people’s plight.

Darade has been allotted a ‘cup and saucer’ election symbol, but says he is not bothered about ‘token symbolism’. Instead, he wants to involve the masses in a big way and put them on the path to progress and prosperity.

His public meetings, with audiences ranging from groups of 20 to 8,000 (the biggest till date attended by curious farmers who decided to hear yet another speaker), have short issue-based speeches and are spiced with meditation and chanting of popular folk songs.

“I prefer quality in my meetings. Quantity or big crowds do not really get the message across,” he explained.

Though reluctant to name his main challengers, he said the biggest rivals would be the Shiv Sena with its powerful local MP Prataprao Jadhav and legislator Sanjay Raimulkar, and the Congress-Nationalist Congress Party combine.

Depending solely on public donations, volunteers’ contributions, including sympathizers from India Against Corruption (IAC), and his own meagre resources, Darade moves around in a hired vehicle, armed with his cap that says “Now Change is Certain”, which he distributes to people he meets daily.

He claims that though written off initially, he has now been flooded with messages, letters and e-mails of support. The village youth participation in his campaign has grown manifold.

“I have realised that elections, however small, are a tough job. But in a democracy, elections are a must and it is imperative to elect good representatives at all levels - I have taken the first step towards this change.”

After this experience, Darade hopes to

contest the Maharashtra assembly elections due 2014.

Booklets provide guidance to women dumped by NRI spouses

As part of efforts to help women deserted by their non-resident Indian (NRI) husbands, the government has brought out booklets and pamphlets on safeguards, legal remedies and whom to approach for redressal of grievances.

Besides the booklet Marriages to Overseas Indians, the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs has brought out a pamphlet titled “Thinking of the marriage of your daughter with an NRI?” to highlight precautions to be taken before entering into a marriage with an NRI man.

In addition, the National Commission for Women (NCW) - the coordinating agency for dealing with the issues pertaining to NRI marriages - has brought out a pamphlet titled “Problems Relating to NRI Marriages - Dos and Don’ts”.

The pamphlet describes problems related to NRI marriages and suggests precautionary measures for Indian women considering marriage to an NRI or a Person of Indian Origin (PIO). The NCW has also brought out a report on problems relating to NRI marriages, titled “The ‘Nowhere’ Brides”.

According to an official press release, a scheme was launched in 2007 to provide through the Indian missions legal or financial assistance to Indian women deserted or divorced overseas. The scheme was subsequently revised.

The release said the scheme would be available to Indian women who have been deserted by their overseas Indian or foreign husbands or were facing divorce proceedings in a foreign country, subject to the following conditions:

*The marriage of the woman has been solemnized in India or overseas with an overseas Indian or a foreigner

*The woman is deserted in India or overseas within fifteen years of the marriage; or

*Divorce proceedings are initiated within fifteen years of marriage by her overseas Indian or foreign husband; or

*An ex-parte divorce has been obtained by the overseas Indian or foreign husband within twenty years of marriage and a case for maintenance and alimony is to be filed by her.

The release said the scheme would not be available to a woman having a criminal case against her, provided that a criminal charge of parental child abduction shall not be a bar if the custody of the child has not yet been adjudicated upon.

It said that assistance will be limited to $3,000 per case in developed countries and $2,000 per case in developing countries and will be released to the empanelled legal counsel of the applicant or Indian community association or women’s organisation or concerned non-government organisation to enable it to take steps to assist the woman in preparatory work for filing the case.

Mission impossible: Hollywood star and politician Arnold Schwarzenegger misses out on seeing the Taj Mahal up close on February 3, 2012 as the monument remains closed on Fridays. Schwarzenegger was in India to attend the Sustainable Development Summit in New Delhi

Not obsessed with PM’s post, Congress solid in UP: Rahul

Making it clear that he was not obsessed with becoming the prime minister, Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi recently said his mission was to change and develop Uttar Pradesh and the assembly polls would be “solid” for the party.

Addressing a press conference in Varanasi, Gandhi fielded questions on various subjects, and dismissed speculation that he was in the race for prime ministership.

“Rahul Gandhi’s obsession is not to be PM. Rahul Gandhi’s obsession is to work for the people,” he said.

“All the political leaders in India, all the top ones, have an obsession with prime ministership. This is not Rahul Gandhi’s obsession. I have another obsession.”

“My mission is to change UP, bring development to UP...You will see Rahul Gandhi in villages, in slums, in agricultural fields.”

Targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party over corruption, he said its leader L.K. Advani and some others had laughed at him for his idea of constitutional status to Lokpal but a constitutional status for Lokpal was “India’s idea”.

He said there is a “beauty” in the design of the Election Commission which has constitutional status. “Let us make a Lokpal bill along the same lines.”

He said Advani overlooked corruption in BJP-ruled states during his anti-corruption yatra.

“Whenever there has been a problem of corruption in the Congress party, any place, any time, we will take action. We have put ministers in jail.”

Gandhi said he was not concerned about winning or losing the assembly elections that have very high stakes for the Congress.

“Frankly, I am not concerned about what the results are,” he said, but denied he was conceding defeat.

“I am not conceding defeat, I am conceding victory. Elections results for the Congress will be solid.”

“People are looking up to the Congress seriously. This is what people told us. The common man in Uttar Pradesh is telling me they have been fooled for the last 22 years.” term. It is not mine,” the Congress leader replied to queries if his Mission 2012 would be successful.

years is a crime, nothing less than that,” he

said, adding he was confident that Uttar Pradesh has the energy to transform itself.

“I have learnt what it means to passionately believe in an idea. I have realised the power of the people of the state. I have realised that this state can stand on its feet very soon,” he said.

Gandhi said his mission was to strengthen the Congress in the state where it has been out of power for the last 22 years.

“Once the Congress party is strengthened, it will define whatever happens in the state,” he said, adding that the party would be strengthened if it wins 100 seats or a little less.

Gandhi said it was vital to hear to voice of the people. “I have no strength. I listen to people.”

He asserted that black flags, shoes or even bullets would not deter him. “Main kisi se nahin darta (I am not afraid of anything),” he said.

Gandhi said his work would not be complete till common people, farmers, labourers get their due respect whether the party gets 200 or 400 or two seats.

He said the Congress will not have truck with any party as he has come here to bring about a change.

2G verdict will have no impact on foreign investments: Moily

The Supreme Court judgment regarding cancellation of 2G licenses will have no impact on the inflow of foreign investments in the country, Corporate Affairs Minister Veerappa Moily said in Kolkata recently.

“Everybody should know that every country has its own regulations... If there is a case of any distribution of a national asset that is contrary to the rule of law of a country, then one should know the consequences. Any honest dealing will be rewarded and there will be problem if there is dishonesty,” Moily told reporters in Kolkata.

In a blow to the government, the Supreme Court recently quashed all 122 licenses for mobile phone services issued in 2008. In what also comes as a respite to some 45 million phone subscribers covered by the 122 licenses, Justices G.S. Singhvi and A.K. Ganguly ordered that the services will

Tele, Idea and MTS. But not all the licenses that are currently with them pertain to the tainted ones awarded in 2008.

When asked about the reported apprehensions of the foreign business houses regarding their investments not being safe, Moily said: “This is only a small segment of the business that is being done by foreign companies. There are large segments of business that is being done and that is unaffected. Any honest business done by the foreign business houses will be rewarded.”

Moily also dismissed reports that the telecom space can be anti-competitive after the cancellation of 122 licenses and said: “A competition law is there and the competition regulatory body will get into it to stop it.”

viSparsh: Helping the blind through touch

Mohammed Wasim is a young helpline operator at India’s National Association for the Blind (NAB) who could only perceive brightness and lights, but the lack of ability to discern shapes meant living in a shapeless world where every small obstacle could prove a barrier.

However, viSparsh, a belt-based sensor system (sparsh literally means touch) created by a young team of engineers, could herald a revolutionary change for 25-year-old Wasim, and millions of others who are blind.

Engineers Rolly Seth, Jatin Sharma and Tushar Chugh are Young India Fellows and are developing viSparsh under technical guidance of professor Rahul Mangharam of the University of Pennsylvania.

Whenever a user wearing viSparsh belt encounters an obstacle, the sensors find the distance and direction of the obstacle and provide vibratory feedback to the user.

For this, the team modified Microsoft’s Kinect, a motion sensing input device for the Xbox 360 video game console, and mounted it on the belt.

The vibrations are produced only in the direction of the obstacle and the intensity of the vibration increases as the obstacle gets closer so that the user can identify the direction of obstacle and judge if the obstacle is near or far.

detected,” said Wasim during the trials. The first stage of development is already over, engineer Jatin Sharma said.

“We’re now at stage two. We have proved the usability; now our focus is on minimising the weight of the system and enhancing the battery backup,” said Sharma.

Speaking of their roadmap about viSparsh, Rolly Seth said, “The stage one is over and stage two is progressing rapidly. The next stage will be fabrication of the device.”

“The fabrication will be done in the US, after which the device will be ready for mass production,” Tushar Chugh revealed. If produced, viSparsh will be a new hope to many, who could walk free and unhindered.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are some 285 million visually impaired people around the world, of whom 39 million are completely blind.

Nagpur man aims to unite lonely elders

Advocating the need for companionship in the autumn of life, a Nagpur octogenarian has taken up the task of mooting live-in relationships for senior citizens who are leading a lonely life after outliving their spouses.

“The relationship might not be sexual only. They can live together as friends or define their own relationship,” said Arvind Godbole, 81, who is spearheading the initiative.

Godbole is working under the aegis of Jayeshthanche Live-In Relationship Sanyojak Mandal, formed by the Geeta Godbole Smriti Trust named after his daughter. He said he got inspired by a book written by Dada Dharmadhikari, an Indian freedom fighter and philosopher.

“Fondly known as Acharya Dada Dharmadhikari, he was one of the strongest adherents of Mahatma Gandhi’s principles. In his book ‘Purush aur Stree Sahajeevan’ Dada quoted Gandhiji as saying that a woman has many ‘roopas’. She can be a sister, a mother, an aunt, a friend and so on,” Godbole said.

“What we need to realise is that a woman can shower her affection in any form of a relationship. It does not have to be sexual. When we understand this, we will be free from the shackles of backward and narrowminded mindsets,” he added.

Godbole said that the book inspired him to bring together lonely senior citizens. The recent Supreme Court verdict making live-in relationships legal encouraged Godbole to take the initiative forward.

The mandal is now on the verge of laying down rules for membership and soon a drive would be formally launched to enrol interested elders.

“Once that is done, we will be open to registering members. A general member can be anyone over the age of 55 years -- single, married or widowed. We will then call them for a general meeting in March and discuss the format of the mandal and put it up for approval,” Godbole said.

The octogenarian said that the mandal currently had 15 core committee members and that the committee was a part of the Geeta Godbole Smriti Trust.

“As of now we are a sub-committee of the trust. Later, we might apply for a separate entity,” he said.

“Once the members agree upon a format,

The Last Supper:

artist Vivek Vilasini exhibited at the Indian Art Fair in New Delhi in late January. The art work blends eastern and western nuances as it attempts to bring forth contemporary global concerns on the issues of faith and betrayal. The dancers sit down to a traditional meal of Kerala sadhya served on banana leaves.

we will be organising several workshops and programmes for senior citizens,” he added.

Godbole, however, conceded that the initiative might be much more difficult to take forward.

“While it sounds like a wonderful idea at first instance, we also cannot ignore the fact that elders are set in their ways and their ideas. If we bring together a hundred people, chances are that only two of them would be compatible,” he said.

“But companionship is only one part of it. We would also look forward to sponsoring hostels where seniors could pay and stay in the comfort and company of others,” he added.

Godbole said that youngsters could also register as volunteers. “From all the general members, those who are left alone in society will be registered as beneficiaries. Our aim is that these beneficiaries be benefited from the mandal.”

The former Bank of India officer said that once the members were registered, the mandal would help them with a memorandum of understanding (MoU).

“The agreement of the MoU will be signed by both the beneficiaries who plan to stay together. We are also thinking about deciding an amount of compensation for women who might get cheated in this case. But this is just a preventive measure,” he said.

Godbole said that the core committee may arrive at a decision that the legal or biological heirs of the elders give a clearance to their proposed live-in relationship.

According to 61-year-old Nandini Pimplapure, a committee member of the Mandal, “This is an age of nuclear families. Moreover, when your children grow up and start working or go abroad for work, parents are left alone. It becomes even more difficult to tackle loneliness if your spouse dies”.

Pimplapure, a retired school principal, says that a live-in relationship is often misunderstood.

“By taking this initiative, we are trying to remove the tabboo that surrounds a livein relationship. I never married due to my dedication to work. Today I stay with my 92-year-old mother and take care of her. This is a live-in relationship of sorts,” she said.

Pimplapure said that instead of misinterpreting the phrase people should look at it in a broader sense.

“At the evening of your life, you look for moral support and companionship. Our organisation will work towards this. Two women or two men or even a group of oldies can live-in and be good friends,” she said.

BCCI to clear issues with Sahara through dialogue

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) appeared to climb down and talked of reconciliation rather than confrontation with its estranged chief sponsor Sahara India, recently.

The board’s devil-may-care tone was missing when its president N.Srinivasan said the BCCI only has “perceptional differences” with Sahara India, the Team India’s sponsor for 11 years, and insisted that all the problems would be sorted out through dialogue.

A source in Sahara said that the corporate is studying the board’s conciliatory tone and weighing its options before reacting officially.

Srinivasan said he was open to dialogue

for sorting out the issue with Sahara India, which recently announced it was ending its sponsorship deal with the BCCI for Team India and also pulled out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Pune Warriors.

“We only have perceptional differences and any dialogue is welcome. We have a long 11 years relationship with Sahara and I was surprised with their decision,” Srinivasan said.

When pointed out that Sahara chairman Subroto Roy took the decision after talking to him, Srinivasan said: “We had a long conversation recently and he expressed that he was hurt. But we never expected them to take this decision.”

Srinivasan was confident that the issue would be sorted out when the two parties sit down.

“When we sit down, we can sort out all the problems,” he said.

IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla also stated that “back channel negotiations” are on with Sahara to sort out the issue amicably.

“We have not yet officially heard anything from Sahara on the pull-out, but the board is ready to discuss the corporate’s grievances,” Shukla said. “After all, we have had a long and fruitful association.”

An optimistic Shukla refused to treat the issue as closed and said: “Pune Warriors are still part of the IPL and their genuine grievances would be addressed to their satisfaction.”

Shukla said the board would like to hear out Sahara first before taking any decision. In any case, decisions cannot be taken on the spur of the moment because of a festering problem.

“They have been our partner for 12 long years and we cannot take any decision in a haste. We are hopeful of finding a solution soon,” he said. Shukla, however, was clear that no IPL rule would be bent to accommodate any team, let alone Sahara.

“We cannot change any rule in the IPL to favour a team. It would have been unfair for other IPL franchises,” he said.

Sahara chairman Subrata Roy addressed

a news conference in Mumbai after his corporate first announced it was withdrawing the sponsorship of Team India and then also that Pune Warriors were pulling out of the IPL.

The group’s grouse is that the BCCI did not show the respect a commercial partner should be shown by ignoring some of their genuine concerns with regard to the Pune Warriors.

Sahara signed a fresh sponsorship contract with the BCCI July 1, 2010, and it runs till Dec 31, 2013. According to the Rs.532-crore contract, Sahara will pay Rs.3.34 crore per Test match, one-day international and Twenty20 international under the new terms.

Sahara bought the IPL franchise Pune Warriors for Rs.1,702 crore, making it the most expensive franchise in the Twenty20 league. In all, the BCCI stands to lose around Rs.2,234 crore.

Sahara India snapped its multi-milliondollar sponsorship deal with the BCCI and also pulled out of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Pune Warriors, claiming they have been “denied natural justice yet again”. Sahara’s decision came hours before the IPL 2012 auction in Bangalore and there was no one from Pune Warriors team at the bidding.

Trouble was brewing between the two parties since 2008 and Sahara says the last straw was the form of BCCI’s denial to add Yuvraj Singh’s price to Pune Warriors auction purse after the southpaw was ruled out of the tournament with a lung tumour.

Sahara India chief Subroto Roy told the media in Mumbai that the board’s “onesided and arbitrary attitude” drove the corporate to end all their cricket activities in despair.

Defending Sahara’s decision to end its 11-year-old relationship with the BCCI, Roy said: “Our decision was not bad at all, we had enough of it. Any relationship does not break on one single issue. In a long relationship, it will always be over many issues and they have happened

continuously.”

Roy said Sahara’s problems with the BCCI started in 2008 when their bid for one of the first eight IPL franchises was disqualified “owing to a small technicality”.

“There were so many genuine things we had but it (BCCI) did not give a heed to even a small thing like opening the bid. They did not open the bid (when Sahara had submitted for the first time). Rules were broken for other teams, but we were not given natural justice,” said Roy.

Roy also said that Sahara even requested the BCCI to settle all the issues through arbitration and had also proposed the name of an eminent lawyer as an arbitrator, but the board didn’t respond.

Roy also said Sahara India paid 25 percent extra when it bought the Pune franchise in 2010 for $370 million. When the two new franchises were up for sale, they were promised 94 matches but the 2011 edition had only 74 matches.

Roy said Sahara has asked the BCCI to look for a new buyer for Pune Warriors at the earliest.

The Sahara chief also said his group would continue sponsoring the cricket team for two-four months till a new sponsor was found.

IPL chairman and commissioner Rajeev Shukla, also a senior member of the BCCI, said it was extremely unfortunate that Sahara decided to snap its ties with the board on the day of the IPL auction.

“It’s unfortunate but we have not received any formal notice. But the show will go on. The marketing committee will take a decision. Dialogue will always continue,” Shukla told reporters during the break after the first phase of auction in Bangalore.

IPL chief executive Sundar Raman said Sahara wanted flexibility in the rules, which the league management could not accept.

“It would have been unfair on our part to accept their demands. It would be unfair to other franchises if we bend rules for one team,” he said.

Deep freeze: The Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary on the outskirts of Srinagar, is covered in snow as all parts of northern India shiver in an unusually severe winter.

‘Australia’s Gandhi’

people, Prof. Dodson said the proposition is neither radical nor new. “The Constitutions of countries such as Canada, South Africa and India all contain similar non-racial discrimination provisions… such a provision would bring us into step with international standards”.

It is a relatively simple matter of recognition of the First Peoples of this land, he added.

Yet Prof. Dodson did not condone the aggressive behaviour at the Tent Embassy event. But he asked for the perpetrators not to be judged, saying they were merely asserting their political position, and asked for consideration of their sense of oppression.

Prof. Dodson also took offence at the discourse in Aboriginal affairs being largely about “us having to conform to a new set of rules or be inducted into yet another set of implementation strategies, all authored by outside agencies… If there is any parallel with Gandhi’s wish to get the Empire out of India, it would be the desire to displace the authoritative position of the public service from the lives of the Aboriginal people so that our values might again find expression”.

He also echoed Gandhiji’s despair at the propensity of Western civilization and modernisation to disconnect people from their spirituality and connection to nature, and stressed the need for ecological and social balance to be restored in the face of rampant commercialization.

In his closing remarks, Neville Roach felt compelled to declare that though Pat Dodson has been called the closest Australia has to a Nelson Mandela, he himself would go so far as to say, Pat Dodson is the closest Australia has to a Mahatma Gandhi.

bringing out clearly the parallels with Gandhi’s life and principles. He spoke freely, frankly and comprehensively about the issues facing Indigenous people, about justice and fairness and about how difficult it will be to get the proposed amendment through.”

Neville admits he was concerned about the controversial aspect of it all.

“Of course I totally support everything Pat has to say, but you know, there are people against! But at the end of the talk the whole auditorium was up on its feet applauding,” he concluded.

Behind the scenes

It was Amit Dasgupta, Consul General of India (Sydney) that came up with the idea of instituting an annual Gandhi oration, Neville Roach revealed.

The ‘Gandhi Address’, it was decided, would be delivered by a non-Indian person whose own life has been influenced by Gandhi’s values and beliefs.

“The challenge was to find an appropriate speaker,” Mr. Roach said. “I have always admired and respected Prof. Dodson, who has stood out in matters of Aboriginal welfare. He is calm and collected yet strong, with an active but reasoned and certainly non-violent approach. But he is based in Broome, and when we approached him last year he was heavily engaged in cochairing the panel on constitutional change, travelling around the country consulting with Indigenous communities. Jane Cunningham of the Kimberley Institute understood how keen we were to get him for a 2 Oct event (to coincide with Gandhi Jayanti), but she said he would only be available maybe November.

Martyrs’ Day”.

As someone whose current mission in life seems to be to make Australia more India-savvy (his own words), Neville Roach wanted to make the event a significant one. He was thrilled to see a packed auditorium on the night.

“By the first week of January we had 400 registrations even though it was the holiday period, and by the last week, we had crossed 800. Ultimately just over 700 people attended. I’m a great believer in big events, and luckily for me, functions at the UNSW - a great location really - have always turned out that way. The last function we did there was the lecture by Rajinder Pachauri of the Inter Governmental Panel on Climate Change; before that the Brain Food series of talks, all of them packed to the rafters”.

For now, the challenge for Mr. Roach is to find someone who can match Pat Dodson for next year’s event.

“Pat has set a very high benchmark, and we will have to put our thinking caps on!” he says.

Remembrance Ceremony

The Remembrance Ceremony that was held earlier in the evening was

bust that sits serenely at UNSW’s Library Lawn was garlanded, and then the First Information Report (FIR) recorded upon the death of Gandhiji was read out by Amit Dasgupta. (This is a written document prepared by the police when they receive information about the commission of a cognizable offence). It records the statement of a witness by the name of Nand Lal Mehta, who described the arrival of Gandhi at the prayer meeting at Delhi’s Birla House supported by his two granddaughters, his welcoming ‘Namaste’ to people on the sides of the footpath, the emergence of assassin of Nathuram Godse and the firing of three shots pointblank, Gandhi’s collapse to the ground, the apprehension of Nathuram and the carrying away of Gandhiji to the house.

Sixty-four years to the day, the sheer enormity of the event that occurred on January 30, 1948 was palpable in the crowd gathered at the UNSW. It brought them immediately closer to the man in whose honour the event had been organised that day.

“I thought it was fitting to have that reading,” Neville revealed later. “Even Pat mentioned how moved he was.”

“If there is any parallel with Gandhi’s wish to get the Empire out of India, it would be the desire to displace the authoritative position of the public service from the lives of the Aboriginal people so that our values might again find expression”.

Pat Dodson

Photos: Jenny Evans

Clockwise: Remembrance Ceremony, Pat Dodson speaks, Neville Roach with Pat Dodson, Mala Mehta helps Pat Dodson light the lamp.

Partition and the present

Two Indian-origin authors create very different images and scenarios of life in the past and modern times, in their home country

BY CHITRA SUDAARSHAN

Two books by Indian origin authors published recently – albeit in the US and the UK – are Partitions, by Amit Majmudar, and India, by Sanjeev Bhaskar, based on his 4-part series for the BBC and published by it. It was perhaps on account of the fact that there were no Indian editions (yet) that they were not prominently displayed in Indian bookshops. Be that as it may, the books occupied pride of place in Singapore bookshops, and that is what drew my attention to them during my recent travels.

There have been some great Partition novels over the years – in English and in the vernacular. Khushwant Singh’s Night Train to Pakistan, Saadat Hasan Manto’s poignant novels in Urdu, those of Rushdie, and Bhisham Sahni’s in Hindi, come to mind. 15 million people were displaced during the partition in 1947 – a movement of such epic proportions that it is hard to find a parallel. Perhaps a million people lost their lives in this frenzy of ethnic cleansing. This new novel by Amit Majmudar, an Indian origin doctor in the United States, offers another perspective. The book, called simply Partitions (published in 2011), looks at the lives of four people on their way to India and Pakistan, and the unlikely bond that develops among them when they chance to meet along the newly created border.

The story is narrated by the ghost of a doctor – a pulmonologist, to be precise – who narrates the story of the four protagonists, two of whom are his twin sons Keshav and Shankar who become separated from their mother in the huge melee during their trek with hundreds of thousands of others to India from the newly created Pakistan. They begin their search for their mother, and on the way they meet the young devout Sikh girl Simran Kaur, who has run away from her family’s suicide pact, for they would rather die than see their daughter violated. She is taken by a trio of human traffickers. Then there is the Muslim doctor Ibrahim Masud, who limps towards Pakistan rediscovering on the way his role as a healer. As the displaced face a variety of horrors, this unlikely quartet comes together, defying every rule of selfpreservation, to forge a new future – of hope.

The author focuses on the lives of the four protagonists, their travel for a brief distance amidst the

fury, chaos and violence of partition. His narrative’s focus is not on the epic journey, but is a lyrical description of the deep emotions and travails of this small group of people. It is soaked in poignant philosophical observations about the human predicament, and what humans do when placed in difficult circumstances. While it does not shy away from the horrors of the period, it does highlight more the moments of shared humanity.

Amit Majmudar’s lyrical prose draws us inexorably into the lives of this strange quartet, and we find ourselves travelling with them – at times angry and at times sad, but with a heightened sense of sympathy for all people rent asunder by an arbitrary border. This is an extraordinarily fine first novel.

Amit Majmudar is a diagnostic nuclear radiologist in Dublin, Ohio; he worked in Cleveland before that.

Sanjeev Bhaskar, of The Kumars at No 42 fame, and before that of Goodness Gracious Me etc, produced a 4-part travel series on India for the BBC a few years ago – mainly on the lasting legacy of the Raj (the DVD of which is available in ABC shops for those who may be curious about what it had to say). It has been published as a 288-page book by the BBC and touted as “one man’s personal journey”.

In the book India, Bhaskar traces his Indian ancestry –and straddles the country from the deserts of Rajasthan to the tea plantations of Darjeeling, from the Himalayas to the Ganges, trying to bring to the reader the old and the new India: the new economic giant and the old civilization, the staple of all new documentaries on India recently. Anything on India – travel writing or ‘infotainment’, is like the blind

Bhaskar is not Amartya Sen, so as long as the reader is not looking for deep and meaningful analysis, his book provides an easy distraction.

Sanjeev Bhaskar

man and the elephant: it sees only a part of this very huge and complex society. Bhaskar is not Amartya Sen, so as long as the reader is not looking for deep and meaningful analysis, the book provides an easy distraction.

Partitions looks at the lives of four people on their way to India and Pakistan, and the unlikely bond that develops among them when they chance to meet along the newly created border.

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Amit Majmudar

Rushdie affair: Wimpish government fails to stop bigots

The gagging of Salman Rushdie at a recent writers’ festival has disgraced the country, writes

AMULYA GANGULI

There was much less of a furore when The Satanic Verses was banned in 1988. Some major newspapers even approved of the ban. The probable reason for endorsing what would now be considered a retrogressive step, was that the country was in an uncertain frame of mind at the time. A popular prime minister had been assassinated following the army’s storming of the sacred shrine of a minority group, while another minority group was restive over a judicial verdict on an issue of its personal law.

Two decades later, India is a different country. It has come to terms with Indira Gandhi’s tragic death in 1984; the Khalistani upsurge in protest against the killing of a rebel Sikh and his followers has petered out, and the Supreme Court’s judgment on the alimony for a divorced Muslim woman is now no more than a chapter of history.

There have been other changes as well. There has been a veritable explosion on the media front with the emergence of hundreds of television channels and scores of newspapers in English and regional languages. The rise of the market is linked to the growth of the middle class, now approaching 300 million, and its consequent assertiveness, aided and abetted by the ubiquitous 24x7 news channels, endlessly engaged in “breaking news”.

Is India splitting up emotionally?

States taking measures to protect their ethnicity and treating other settlers as outsiders poses a cultural and demographic challenge

and the blanking out of even a video link with a controversial author, are disgracing the country.

The standard explanation of politicians - that these steps are unavoidable because the books and works of art hurt religious sentiments - is a throwback to the silencing of Galileo in 1633 because his claim that the earth moved round the sun offended orthodox Christians. It took the church four centuries to apologise for its mistake. Similarly, the value of diverse vote-banks is so high for Indian politicians that it may take a long time for them to see the folly of their pandering to fanatics.

The value of diverse vote-banks is so high for Indian politicians that it may take a long time for them to see the folly of their pandering to fanatics.

The latest rumpus concerning Salman Rushdie took place, therefore, in conditions vastly different from what they were in 1988. Sadly, however, the new circumstances have not all been positive. While the country has changed with the appearance of a vocal middle class and intelligentsia, a thriving free press, a powerful Supreme Court and Election Commission, the political class, unfortunately, has retained its nervous pusillanimity of the past. There is little evidence that it has the courage of its convictions where its liberal pretensions are concerned.

This is not the only backward step which the country has taken. Unlike 1988, when Sikh anger was an exception and Muslim disquiet was fanned by bigots - even if both were the fallout of political miscalculations - the fundamentalists have gained ground as never before. As a result, the banning of books, the hounding of artists into exile, the vandalising of libraries, the peremptory deletion of passages from university syllabi

It will be naïve, therefore, to expect any respite from a spectacle such as that of Hindu zealots sending M.F. Husain into exile to protect Hindu sentiments, or Muslim bigots keeping Rushdie out of India for hurting Muslim sentiments, or Marathi chauvinists attacking the Bhandarkar Research Institute in Pune for allowing James W. Laine to work on his biography of Shivaji there, or Shiv Sena activists forcing the Bombay University vice-chancellor to drop Rohinton Mistry’s Such A Long Journey from the syllabus for making disparaging remarks about the Sainiks, and their Hindutva counterparts ensuring that A.K. Ramanujan’s various versions of the Ramayan are omitted from Delhi University’s reading list. Clearly, the world’s largest democracy, has become the stomping ground of the fundamentalists of many hues, each of whom can easily persuade a wimpish government to ban a book or harass an artist to ensure that the communities which they claim to represent are not displeased. None among the politicians has the courage to ask whether the zealots speak for their entire communities lest their parties fall foul of them at election time.

It has been left, therefore, to the intelligentsia to ask this crucial question. The judges too have occasionally tried to introduce an element of sanity by saying, as the Supreme Court did, that a nonagenarian artist like Husain had the right to live and paint in his own country and that the ban on Laine’s book should be lifted. But the politicians can afford to ignore them because, first, the power of decision-making is in their hands and, secondly, they are thick-skinned enough to brush off any jibes.

The High Court in Gujarat has recently declared Hindi to be a “foreign language” where Gujaratis are concerned. The reason cited is that state-run primary schools teach in Gujarati. Farmers from Junagadh were objecting to a notification published by the National Highways Authority of India concerning the widening of a national highway. The notification had been published in Hindi which the farmers claim is unintelligible to them.

Hindi is the most widely spoken language in India for simple conversational purposes, thus making it India’s lingua franca. However, that does not mean that people outside the Hindi region can read official documents in Hindi. Widely-spoken Hindi has absorbed words from Turkish, Persian. Arabic and English. It is the language of the Hindi movies. Movie Hindi (or call it Hindustani or Urdu) is widely understandable in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

tremor of magnitude 6 or more could lead to the dam collapsing and threatening its structure thus causing serious concern to the 50 lakh people who live downstream; tremors in the vicinity of the dam have been noted recently.

Another such interstate quarrel is the Madhei River diversion dispute between Goa and Karnataka. The westflowing Mhadei river, which reaches the sea in Goa as the Mandovi River, has its headwaters in Karnataka. It is Goa’s lifeline in that water-deficient state. Karnataka has initiated work on the Kalasa-Bandura Nala project which proposes to supply drinking water to several cities (Hubli-Dharwar, Belgaum and Gadag) in Karnataka.

The plan involves building barrages across the Kalasa and Banduri tributaries and diverting water to the eastflowing Malaptabha River. By reversing the natural direction of flow, Goa would be deprived of the Madhei water.

When the current Maharashtra Assembly MLAs took their oath, a Samajwadi Party member Abu Azmi was attacked by Raj Thackeray, leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena Party for not taking his oath in Marathi, but in Hindi.

When the current Maharashtra assembly MLA’s took their oath, a Samajwadi Party member Abu Azmi was attacked by Raj Thackeray, leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena Party for not taking his oath in Marathi but in Hindi. Raj Thackeray had sometime earlier been attacking Hindispeaking Biharis for coming to Mumbai.

The Mullaperiyar dam was built 116 years ago. Following the reorganisation of states on a linguistic basis, the dam got located in Kerala but continued to provide large quantities of water to Tamil Nadu.

The Kerala and Tamil Nadu governments are in dispute about the dam. An Empowered Committee (EC), led by the former Chief Justice of India, A.S. Anand, is looking into the issue. The Kerala government has asked the Empowered Committee to demand that the Tamil Nadu government lower the storage level of the dam from 136 ft. to120 ft. till a new dam is constructed.

The reason cited by Kerala is that a

On the 9th of December 2011, a devastating fire ripped through AMRI which is an upmarket hospital in Kolkata claiming 90 lives. The managerial staff of the hospital were arrested. But also arrested were some members of the board of the company that ran the hospital. These all happened to be Marwaris, an immigrant group from Rajasthan, who have made Kolkata their home for generations.

Amongst these are six individuals who claim not to have anything to do with the day-to-day running of the hospital. They pleaded not to be sent to jail. The FICCI (The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry), India’s peak industrial body, appealed to the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, to arrange for their release but she has refused ob the grounds that the law should take its course.

Marwaris now feel insecure in West Bengal and have begun to resign from company directorships. This could drive a long-settled entrepreneurial community out of the state.

If every Indian state treats Indians who do not belong to the ethnic communities of that state as outsiders, then the protagonists of chauvinism will have won.

BY noel g de soUZA

Almost the good life

BY TIM BLIGHT

When a friend came to visit me in India recently, I was shocked to realize just how much I have gotten used to life here. I’ve now been here for six months, and I’m starting to feel more and more like a local. I know that this will never be completely true, but I find that I am now increasingly taking for granted things which were once a novelty. My intrepid friend fresh out of Australia, brought to my attention some of these. Take nimbu pani, for example. The saltysweet beverage was a treat when I first landed here in the middle of last summer. However now, as India’s southern states begin to heat up for the year, I find myself unexcited about the prospect of downing more of the yellowish liquid. In contrast, when my friend arrived last month, he was full of excitement about the exotic new drink, and was bemused by my “Oh, yeah…” reaction.

As we head towards the Indian summer, the regular flood of deodorant commercials is upon us, with another group of advertisers exploring just how far they can push the censor board. The overt sexuality in many deodorant advertisements was surprising when I first arrived here – now it’s just normal to watch Neil Nitin Mukesh being asked if he “can handle two?” by a pair of

buxom swimsuit women. India seems to be deodorant-obsessed, although that’s understandable given the climate. Thanks to advertising, my pronunciation of certain brand names has changed as well. I wonder how I ever used to refer to instant noodles as “Mad-jie”; conforming with the Indian standard, these days it’s always “Maggi”, as in Rod Stewart’s ‘Maggie May’. On the topic of music, I barely cringe any more when sitting in a bar, Bryan Adams graces the airwaves and the entire patronage of grown men nod approvingly. My visiting friend also drew my attention to other things which used to crack me up, like when movies are advertised as “running successfully nationwide”. What if a film was not running successfully – would this describe a situation in which viewers couldn’t make it all the way through? I can picture the headlines now: “Rockstar unsuccessful – yet another audience dies of boredom!”

Some things I can’t get used to. The length of time taken at transactions in supermarkets, shopping centres and restaurants still drives me insane. I still feel like hurling abuse when the person behind the counter grabs the cash/card from the person they’re serving, then has a conversation with a fellow worker, looks at the card for a bit, goes back to the conversation, tries to work out how to operate their register, chats a bit more, walks away to see what’s happening at checkout 7, comes back, chats a bit more and then finally turns to the customer and asks if they

have change. And seriously –why doesn’t anyone ever have change?!? I wonder if it’s a legacy of the bargaining culture which hasn’t really died out. Admittedly, this seems to be worse in Chennai than in the northern states - my customer service experiences in Delhi, Rajasthan, UP and Punjab have been largely efficient. In terms of food, I don’t know that I’ll ever develop a taste for gourd. Bitter gourd wasn’t too bad until I swallowed it, while my throat almost refused to admit entrance to ivy gourd (‘kovakka’ in Tamil, ‘tindora’ in Hindi). Snake gourd freaks me out simply because of its proportions.

Of course, I’m sure that many of my Indian friends write this off as a symptom of me being a westerner. Thankfully I’ve escaped the tag of ‘IBM’ – International Big Mouth – the type of foreigner (often American) who travels to another country, talks too much and too loudly, and complains about everything. At least this is a sign that I’m fitting in better than some! India’s class society concept is still something I’m coming to grips with, although I dispute the notion that it is completely absent in Australia. I should stress here that I’m referring to economic class, not caste, although I’m aware that the two are very intertwined. As a result it’s not something that I’m completely alarmed by, and it’s definitely something which I would like to explore at length in another article. Until then I’ll just sit back and enjoy the ride. I’ll happily stack on the kilos by snacking on dried moong dal and bhel puri between meals – how did I not know about

these before? I’ll keep enjoying the little sachets of seasoning that come with pizzas in India - I don’t know how I’ll survive without them when I leave.

I’ll keep enjoying the sea breeze that wafts through the window, penetrating the late afternoon warmth, as I savour some chai and Kabul pomegranate or Alphonso mango. And I’ll enjoy the sunset as I recline on the khatiya (rope bed) on the rooftop terrace and sip Limca, rounding out another perfect day in my new home.

Oh Gourd!

Thankfully I’ve escaped the tag of ‘IBM’ –International Big Mouth – the type of foreigner (often American) who travels to another country, talks too much and too loudly, and complains about everything.

From Anglicised to Indianised, the trip is sometimes frustrating, but always interesting

Bhel Puri: The taste of India!

Chilled-out Chennai

Instant refreshment: Fruit vendor

Mastering

BY THOMAS E KING

Bordered by an ultrascenic coastline of some 15,000 km and dotted with around 1400 islands of incomparable beauty and history, Greek waters are among the best in the world for sailing. This year, many of the hundred thousand Australians visiting Greece will discover these charms as part of day’s brief ‘sailaway’ or a long cruise holiday. Opportunities for excellent sailing, it seems, are as limitless as the Hellenic horizon.

The ultimate luxury in cruise magnificence in Greece is offered by cruise ships. Capable of accommodating hundreds of passengers and often fully booked during the peak summer season, lush cruising is considered by many to provide the perfect combination of comfort and relaxation along with interest and variety.

More than 30 different cruise ship lines now operate to strict schedules in the spectacularly beautiful Aegean and Ionian Seas. Three-day to two-week itineraries are designed to offer sightseeing opportunities on major and even some lesser known islands during the day, and sailing between islands during the night. In between these hours are a variety of shipboard activities ranging from swimming in heated pools or working out in gyms, to shopping in boutiques or – for the less adventurous – watching the latest videos on the latest hitech equipment. Multi-course long, lavish and ‘licious’ meals are effortlessly organised in massive dining rooms with hundreds of other famished passengers.

The 15,015 ton, 875 passenger MTS Atlas, was, not too many years ago, a star performer of the then well known Epirotiki Line. Though the ship no longer exists, it was our home away from

home for a seven day cruise of the Greek islands a number of years ago. (Your travel agent can suggest a broad range of sophisticated cruise vessels that currently operate in Greek waters.)

Standing on the shiny deck of the MTS Atlas we departed Athens (actually the nearby bustling port of Piraeus) on a Friday evening. By 7am the next morning we had arrived in Santorini. A far too short four hours was spent on this fantasylike crescent-shaped isle noted for its volcanic origins and prehistoric civilisation. The dynamic beauty of Santorini coupled with stories that this island gem may well have been the legendary Atlantis lure many visitors to trod its cobblestone streets, passing white-washed churches and quaint courtyards. Later they might well pause in tiny tavernas for a strong coffee and even more powerful vistas of a real postcard-perfect scene. The excitement was duplicated each successive day as we meandered through idyllic isles.

Major cruise vessels the size of Atlas and even bigger cruise liners of today cannot anchor dockside in some of the smaller ports like Santorini and Mykonos. Consequently, all too precious sightseeing time is taken with shuttling from ship to shore and returning in much smaller ‘tenders’. This is not the case with much smaller cruise vessels called caiques (pronounced cah-yeekays). Often converted traditional fishing boats upgraded with full private facilities and catering to a boutique 20–30 passengers, caiques are moored dockside overnight at all but the very smallest of Greek ports. Such flexibility allows passengers to comfortably stroll city streets after cruise liner throngs have departed, dine in inexpensive harbour sidesited restaurants and enjoy local entertainment.

Broadly speaking, facilities of a luxury cruise liner are traded for the flexibility and personalised nature of a caique. Gone are the swish bars, multitude of decks and spacious rooms found on

Greek

these floating air conditioned ‘cities’. In their place are relatively small rooms, tiny showers and bathrooms, usually a single sun deck, and a dining room which doubles as a bar and sometimes a rousing disco.

Because of fewer passengers on caiques, guests get to know each other as well as the captain and crew. Service is not luxurious, but it is very personalised. This congenial spirit, fair costs and the chance to participate in the local

nightlife were major bonuses of our cruise on the Zeus, a noted caique owned by a leading Greek company offering scheduled trips on motor yachts and motorised sail boats. Mykonos was by far the highlight of our weeklong caique cruise of Aegean waters. The world-renowned island has retained much of the charm of a small traditional fishing port while adopting a cosmopolitan culture attracting short term visitors and

a number of longer term resident artists. The small main town on Mykonos is extremely picturesque with its maze of whitewashed alleys, small distinctive churches, quaint tavernas, fashion boutique and souvenir shops, trendy jewellery outlets, cafes and hole in the wall discos. In summer the nightlife is divine, to say the least.

Because our caique docked overnight in Mykonos, we were able to walk its well-worn cobblestone-lined streets to

Sailing the charming Hellenic isles on a trip of exploration can be an enchanting experience, regardless of your choice of craft

The dynamic beauty of Santorini coupled with stories that this island gem may well have been the legendary Atlantis lure many visitors to trod its cobblestone streets, passing white-washed churches and quaint courtyards.

Seas

1. Small cruise boats are able to take visitors to isolated coves and beaches.

2. Explore Athens and see the Parthenon before setting off on an island cruise.

3. Greece’s ancient monuments can be visited during informative shore excursions.

4. The distinctive windmills of Mykonos are popular with cruise passengers.

5. The luxurious SeaDream rests at anchor in the beautiful port of Hydra.

6. The beautiful cliffs of Mantrakia, Milos, Greece.

previous evening aided by a glass of port or the local and extremely powerful brew, ouzo.

Flotilla sailing is available to those who have had some previous experience in navigating their own seaworthy craft, but enjoy travelling in the company of other yachts. Flotillas consist of up to 12 identical yachts skippered and crewed by those who chartered the stylish vessel. As well, there’s one guide yacht with its own crew. In this lead yacht is a skipper, hostess and a mechanic/engineer who offers guide services, organise social gatherings and provide emergency aid. Generally yachts in a flotilla travel together in a 7 to 15 day schedule, although independent sailing during the day may be permitted. Yachts are ‘connected’ by VHF radio to ensure that no one gets lost and everyone is able to receive full assistance.

For those wanting the freedom to fully set their own itineraries, a bareboat yacht charter is the optimum experience. Independent yachties set their own pace, travel where they want to go, can seek out hidden coves and unexplored bays, and generally act as pioneers in Greek waters. Bareboat chartering allows travellers to go where they want, when they please and stay as long

as they like. Devoid of crew only, bareboat charters are nonetheless equipped with everything from fully stocked galleys and a barrage of maps, to full safety gear and VHF radios.

If past experience is anything to go by, several thousand yachts will be available for the coming April to November cruise season. With perhaps 75% of these being bareboat yachts, get-awayfrom-it-all, do-it-for-themselves independent travellers will be able to staunchly declare that they have discovered the best way to ‘sea’ the Greek isles.

More than 30 different cruise ship lines now operate to strict schedules in the spectacularly beautiful Aegean and Ionian Seas.

Travel noTebook GREECE

several oddly styled thatched windmills beyond the busy town centre. Unusual silhouettes and the golden sunset provide the most memorable scenes of any we encountered during a glorious month in Greece.

Looking beyond the town and towards the harbour, the lights on a sparkling collection of moored yachts provided me with a bobbing reminder of the third type of pleasure craft available for exploring Greek seas, private

yachts. Would-be sailors can select from a tremendous variety of yachts available which meet their interest, skills and budgets.

A fully crewed chartered yacht is by far the most luxurious and indulgent of small capacity sailing vessels mastering Greek seas.

This vessel is perfect for a group of four to eight guests who want to be pampered by a skipper, hostess/cook and a deck hand on board their own 15-metre yacht.

Often the entire yacht is chartered

by a small group of friends or even an extended family. (It’s no wonder that chartered yachts are popular with mobile upmarket Indian families!)

Some charter companies welcome two to four independent couples who, in turn, act as a newly formed group and in effect, charter the yacht. Depending upon the wishes of the group a prearranged itinerary can be followed or the plan for the following day can be selected the

FLIGHTS

See your travel agent to discuss the best flight option as there is a choice of good carriers departing Australian capital cities. Check to see if you can include India as a stopover en route to Athens, the gateway to Greece. Otherwise, Athens and your outstanding cruise holiday can be made as part of a Greek stopover en route to Europe.

SEASONS

May, June and July are the peak months when reservations must be made well in advance.

INFORMATION

The Greek National Tourist Organisation, level 3, 37 -49 Pitt St, Sydney 2000, tel (02) 9241 1663, e-mail hto@tpg.com.au offers a number of services for intending visitors from Australia. You can download a wide variety of themed and destination brochures on subjects from archaeological sites and cruising to Athens and Greek Islands as well as maps and newsletters. See www.visitgreece.gr Also visit the Eastern Mediterranean Tourism Association website www.emta.org.au

The current career climate

Jobseekers have an uphill task as they try to find employment while the global economic downturn shows no sign of abating

BY SANAM SHARMA

In my earlier article (Indian Link Jan-1 2012,) I focussed on resume writing and interview skills for job seeking candidates. However, another important aspect of job hunting is to be savvy about current trends and the status of the labour market. The economy of any nation is a significant factor in contributing to the state of the employment market in that nation. A fragile economy dampens employer confidence in creating and hiring for new roles, as businesses position themselves to contain costs. Often, recruitment and labour costs are the first ones to be looked at in a financial crunch.

To put it all in perspective, based on recent IMF predictions and all the media commentary around the state of the global economy, Australia (like most other

developed economies) is facing a bumpy economic ride within the immediate future. Job cuts by large manufacturers such as the recent announcements by Toyota, offer some insight into the harshness of current times. And this crisis looks like it will linger on for some time in the future.

The Australian economy by all indications is currently a twotiered one. The booming mining sector may offer a healthy look in relation to the rest of the struggling economy. Several key industries and sectors are facing dire financial circumstances in the wake of severe global economic turbulence. It is very critical to be aware of the industries/sectors within the economy that are feeling the economic crunch and may seek to reduce their workforces, or are unlikely to offer attractive roles in the current climate. Manufacturing, retail, banking, to name a few, are the industrial sectors most affected from an employment perspective within the current state of the economy.

Add a soaring Australian Dollar to the mix and the recovery forecast for

these sectors seems utterly clouded. Government policies such as the much-debated “Carbon Tax” may arguably contribute to an enhanced economic stress within these sectors as well.

So what does this mean for job seekers in the current climate?

Job vacancies are likely to dry up in the short to medium term future, especially in the struggling sectors within the economy. As struggling employers realign themselves for long-term viability and profitability, job security and vacancies are likely to diminish. Further, as businesses cut jobs to harness their costs, the labour market will become increasingly saturated with “experienced” job seekers, thereby increasing the competition for jobs on offer.

Job seekers interested in mining industry careers will have to be prepared for relocation towards Western Australia or away from most of the main capital cities. This may pose some challenges for young migrants with young families. Sustaining a family/work balance in these jobs may be a concern too,

as the work locations may often be geographically apart and may require fly in/fly out arrangements which may lead to extended periods away from home.

Once again, a well-constructed resume and a polished interview technique may offer job seekers an edge over their competitors in a crowded job market. Professionals should also contemplate diversifying their skills through additional training and experience. This will offer wider options if the going gets tough within a role or a company.

As you browse through job listings and vacancies, spend time researching the credentials of potential employers. Sift through their annual reports and websites to obtain information about their current financial standing, and also about their future plans and strategies. In addition to assisting you with your decision to apply for quality roles, company research will also prepare you better for potential interview questions during the recruitment process.

Professional networking websites such as “Linkedin” offer

a great platform to connect with professional contemporaries, so expand your networks and promote yourself through these “informal” networking channels. A lot of recruiters are busy browsing through Linkedin profiles in search of quality job candidates.

The world today is faced with momentous economic challenges, and future economic portrayals continue to be discouraging. Business shake-ups in such a climate are inevitable and securing a job (especially your first one), can be an uphill task. So be creative in your networking, weigh up your personal circumstances, try and keep your financial debts as low as you can, and persevere. Carefully pick the sectors and employers while planning your careers. As history tells us, it may be tough, but it will turn around.

Seek I ng g room S

Well settled/professional alliance invited from Australia/ India for 40/165, unmarried, charming Punjabi Khatri girl, family oriented and responsible, IT professional working in Sydney. Australian citizen. Early marriage. Can relocate. Serious proposals only. Email profile with recent photo: sydgirl09@gmail.com

Seeking qualified Hindu match for our daughter, 5’1”, 22 years, vegetarian, Australian born, degree in IT. Working as a technical consultant in Sydney. Contact father in Australia on email: rlagrawal55@gmail.com

Seeking suitable match (from Australia, never married) for Hindu girl 34 years, Chartered Accountant (non-veg), living in Australia over 25 years, with eastern and western family values. Please email with all details on ganesh2011v@gmail.com

Sister seeks alliance for a Sikh, 26 year old, 5’7” height, very beautiful girl, Finance Law degree from UNSW, now working in AMP. We’re a family of doctors living in Sydney for the past 40 years. The girl has been born and brought up here with Indian values. Please contact with profile and photo at sydney2012kaur@gmail.com

Seeking well qualified match for very fair, young looking Hindu lady, 54, veg, divorced, daughter living with her.  The man must be

aged 49-55, non smoker, with strong moral values. Contact lifepartner@hotmail.com.au or 0404 043 904

Suitable well-settled/professional match for Punjabi Arora girl, beautiful, never married, 38/165, qualified IT professional. GSOH with good family values. Brought up in India. Working in MNC Sydney. Australian citizen. Early marriage. Serious enquiries only. Email details with photo to ausgirl101@gmail.com

Seek

I ng B r ID e S

Seeking Hindu girl, preferably Gujarati, good family values, for my son, 36, dob 7/8/’75, divorced, no children, fair, 5’8”, vegetarian, down to earth, fun-loving, genuine, well-built, non-smoker, light drinker, Australian citizen, tax consultant, lives with parents. Contact 0423 328 800 or email sydau714@hotmail.com

Australian citizen, university educated, in 40s, government profession, seeking lady for marriage. Call 0406 688 262 or email: tamavu@hotmail.com

Well-settled family in Australia invites alliance for 28 year old, 5”11, Sood Punjabi boy (Aust Citizen), working as a senior IT consultant for the Australian government, high income. Seeking Indian girl, caste no bar. Please send biodata/particulars of girl to rmahendra55@gmail.com

Colours collide

Go for bold, beautiful blocking to feel the warmth of summer

BY TALIA KAUR

If there’s one thing fashion lovers know, it’s that this season is all about experimenting with colour. Mixing and matching what we all thought would be impossible, is now summer’s hottest trend. From orange to aqua, there’s every shade under the sun in everything from shoes to jeans to bangles. It seems colour blocking has hit hard and is showing no signs of

A-list celebrities have been gracing it down red carpets for months. But now, colliding colours has made its way into people’s wardrobes and seems to be working for all.

If you’re a daring and confident fashionista, wearing bright colours won’t be a problem for you. But if you’re anything like me and don’t quite have the courage to wear an array of colours which pop, a few simple tips will ensure you strut this season’s look with comfort and confidence.

1Although there are no rules when it comes to colour blocking, there are definite limits to avoid walking out of the house looking like a packet of crayons. The first and most important tip to remember is to never wear more than three different colours at once. If you’re wearing a few pieces of bright clothing, try to keep your accessories to a minimum. However, if you’re going for black or white clothing, experimenting with colourful accessories and even nail polish can add a fun and playful mood, which screams summer.

When pulling off this trend, stick to outfits which have simple shapes and lines such as collar shirts, pencil skirts and even maxi dresses. Also, when choosing your outfit, aim for colours that are opposite to each other on the colour wheel, as this will create a successful blocking effect. Try pairing blue with red or green with purple. Be sure to choose shades that have the same level of intensity for a balanced look. And remember - don’t add patterns, florals or any form of prints when colliding colours, or you may look completely uncoordinated.

3If you love colour blocking but you’re not the daring type when it comes to fashion, there is an answer for you in colour toning. It’s a form of blocking where you wear shades next to each other on the colour wheel instead of opposite. Try pairing orange with yellow or blue with purple. You can

even wear pastel colours if brights are not for you, giving your outfit a more conservative feel. Try pairing pastels together or with black or white to safely dip your toe into the trend. Use neutral or metallic pieces when accessorizing to give a smooth, elegant finish and allow greater focus on your colours.

4

The last and probably most important tip is to know your body type and make the trend work for it. If you have an hourglass figure, flaunt your waistline and use it to break the colours apart with a thin belt.

If you’re apple shaped, avoid horizontal shapes of colour around the abdomen. If you’re larger around the thighs or bust, use darker shades for a slimming

If you’re going for black or white clothing, experimenting with colourful accessories and even nail polish can add a fun and playful mood, which

Tony Bianco colour block shoes

Karen Millen colour block dress

Gucci colour block dress

Harper Laurel bag

Belle Gray orange earrings

Wedding glamour

for the HSC

Design and Technology student

Talia Kaur talks about her top-ranking creation materialistic society

BY RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA

When Talia Kaur attended a wedding not so long ago, she was fascinated with the white perfection in which the bride turned up. But as the wedding ceremony concluded and the party moved on to the reception, the observant Talia noticed that the bride seemed a bit weighed down by the large dress. Perhaps the dress could have been designed to be a two-in-one, Talia thought – a beautiful flowing gown for the wedding ceremony, which somehow converts into a cocktail dress for the party afterwards…

Within the next few months, Talia had created exactly such a ‘multi-function’ dress, all from scratch, as the major design project for her Design and Technology course in the 2011 HSC.

It won her the top mark in the

“I loved every minute of my year-long work with the dress,”

Talia, a Marrickville High student, Indian Link. “The portfolio that was supposed to go with it, was hard work but just as fun – all 70 pages of it!”

The seventeen-year-old described the three components that make up the dress.

“The cocktail dress is a simple boob-tube style which ends just above the knee. It’s in white of course, made with satin-backed shantung and a princess satin lining. The wedding skirt goes on top of it. It is a huge skirt which can be attached easily, and is made from different types of net. There’s a lining and then two layers of hard net, one layer of soft net tulle, and then two more layers of tulle with glitter. To cover the join, I created a pure satin sash in black, which is tied up in a bow at the back. The black waist band I thought added a modern feel to it all. For the head, I decided to do away with the traditional veil and designed a headpiece instead”.

The headpiece sits on the temple, and features a large white flower which Talia had specially flown in from a Paris milliner. It is attached to black feathers and black netting scrunched up at the back, all of it

sitting on an oval base. It turned out to be the most enjoyable part of the whole exercise for Talia.

“Firstly it was easy to make –and being so small, there was room for error, whereas with the wedding dress I had to be really careful”.

The hardest bit was the cocktail dress.

“It had to be properly fitted and that was difficult to accomplish. The boning was hard to work with and so was the invisible zip”. But it all came together beautifully at the end.

“When my teacher saw it finally he loved it – he said it was a Band 6! I didn’t believe him, of course, I

best”.

Talia first began to sew at the young age of ten, when her mum Harjit taught her to hem her own dresses.

“Mum used to work as a dressmaker, making dresses and handbags, so she got me started early!”

These days, Talia says, she prefers to create dresses.

And what did Mum think of the winning dress?

“She really liked it. She wasn’t too sure about the black aspect of it, being a wedding dress and all, but I explained to her that we were required to be creative and innovative. She’s ok with it now!”

Talia’s mark in the D&T exam, 98, contributed substantially to her overall ATAR of 92. She is now set to do a journalism degree at UTS.

“I’m passionate about writing –who knows, I might even take up fashion journalism!” Talia said with enthusiasm.

“I decided to do away with the traditional veil and designed a headpiece instead”. Talia Kaur

“My teacher loved it when he saw it – he said it was a Band 6! I didn’t believe him, of course, I thought it was worth a Band 5 at best”.

Clockwise Sister Sarah models the dress, Talia with her HSC project The headpiece is a huge hit, Sarah and mum Harjit

Red Glow

Adding a variety of red foods to your culinary consumption can have very good health benefits

BY GEETA KHURANA

In an earlier issue, we discussed the health benefits of eating different coloured foods. Now let us discuss the important nutrients in food items of the colour red, and how they can help to improve or maintain our health.

The bright hue of red foods depicts the concentration of nutrition. Red fruit and vegetables are high in vitamins and minerals and are coloured by natural plant pigments called “Lycopene”, “Anthocynanins” and “Resveratrol” that are excellent anti-oxidants and help protect us from cancer and heart disease. Here are some of the choicest of red fruit and vegetables and their benefits.

R E d C HERR i E s

Dark red cherries contain the antioxidant amthocynanin which reduces pain and inflammation, and also offers protection against cancer. Cherries contain melatonin, another natural pain reliever. Melatonin also helps to regulate sleep cycles.

(natural plant compound) found in red grapes and their skin. Resveratrol helps prevent heart disease, and stops or reverses the growth of cancer cells. It also helps regulate inflammation in the body, mainly inflammation that is linked to several diseases, from arthritis to Crohn’s disease. Red grapes are also a good source of vitamin C, manganese, vitamin B and potassium.

E s

Strawberries are low-calorie and loaded with vitamin C, potassium and folate. The malic acid in strawberries is an effective dental cleaner when mixed with baking soda. The tart cranberry is filled with vitamin C. Dried cranberries can be eaten as easily as nuts and raisins. Cranberry juice is notable for its high acidity, which can prevent urinary tract infections in some women.

Dark red cherries contain the anti-oxidant amthocynanin which reduces pain and inflammation, and also offers protection against cancer.

R E d C ABBAGE

The rich colour of red cabbage reflects its concentration of anthocyanin polyphenols, which contribute to red cabbage containing significantly more protective phytonutrients than green cabbage.

R E

Red onions are one of the best natural sources of quercetin, a bioflavonoid that helps in scavenging free radicals and thus helps to prevent cancers. It also possesses anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to quercetin, red onions provide allicin, a potent health-promoting compound. Allicin has been shown to promote cardiovascular health, prevent and treat cancer, and reduce high blood pressure. It has also been suggested that allicin could be helpful for people with dandruff due to its anti-fungal properties. Red onions are also a good source of the trace mineral chromium.

Tom ATo E s

Red tomatoes contain high levels of lycopene, which helps in fighting cancers of the prostrate, esophagus and stomach. lycopene is most abundant in cooked tomato products, such as tomato and pizza sauce, and stews, chili and soups. But we have to be careful of the sodium levels in preserved foods. Tomatoes are also rich in potassium, which is important for the heart’s health. In addition, they contain vitamin C, which helps support skin integrity and immunity.

BEET s

Beets contain phyto nutrients called betalains. Betalains are anti inflammatory and are excellent anti-oxidants. In a recent study, beets were shown to be an especially important contributor of two carotenoids in the overall diet: lutein and zeaxanthin. These are very helpful in eye health and common age-related eye problems involving the macula and the retina.

R E d RA dis H

Red radishes contain glucosinolates, which are substances that produce the strong spicy flavor in radishes. Studies have shown that glucosinolates dramatically slow the growth of colon cancer cells.

RE d m EAT

Lean red meat is an excellent source of iron and protein, but we have to be careful with portion sizes since meat is high in fat too.

The rich colour of red cabbage reflects its concentration of anthocyanin polyphenols, which contribute to red cabbage containing significantly more protective phytonutrients than green cabbage.

Inspiring cricket at Amba tournament

A local tournament provides the thrills even as India’s stars fail

Strikers test Rocks in riveting stalemate

Melbourne Strikers and Southern Rocks played out an absorbing tie in the ongoing Amba Bazaar MPCL cricket tournament. Batting first, Rocks posted a decent 108 runs on the board with useful contributions from Senthil (13 runs), Raghu (12 runs), Kranti (17 runs) and Harsha (20 runs). The Strikers did a pretty good job with skipper Mihir once again playing an influential role capturing four wickets. In pursuit of the target of 109 runs, the Strikers seemed to be on course to record their first win in the competition, but the resilient Rocks fought back and eventually bowled them out off the last ball of the innings. Despite being out of contention, the Strikers have valiantly rallied to play some fine cricket and stood up to other teams.

Rocks ‘Mandared’ by Tuskers

Melbourne Tuskers improved their chances of qualifying for the final after comprehensively trouncing the resourceful Southern Rocks by six wickets. Captain Madan made the bold decision of opting to field first upon winning the toss and that’s an indication of a team high on confidence, particularly against a team that has beaten all and sundry in the competition.

The Rocks’ batsmen played one shot too many and while Senthil (20 runs) and Subbu (12 runs) kept the runs flowing, Vignesh and Amit bowled competently in tandem for ten overs – a masterstroke that resulted in twin dismissals in quick succession; Ameya, Kunal, Mandar and Sriram also chipped in to snare wickets at regular intervals. Captain Shafi walked out to bat with his side in

dire straits, astutely absorbed the pressure and played a masterly unbeaten 42 runs, thereby, helping his team post 122/9 in 25 overs which was a respectable score considering how they floundered early on in the innings.

Vignesh (16 runs), Nitin (14 runs), Sholly (14 runs) and Kunal (17 runs) provided ample support to man-of-the-match Mandar who executed the chase to perfection with a commanding unbeaten 46 runs; a prime feature of his innings being his ability to exploit the gaps in the field with proficient ease. The Rocks’ progress in the competition has been built around Pradeep’s heroics with the ball but as he was struggling with an aching back, none of the bowlers were able to get the measure of the batsmen who were in cruise control all the way. One of the

reasons for the Rocks’ recent stuttering form has been their redundant experimentation with the batting order which they have to sort out quickly.

As the Rocks fell short by one man in the field, I was more than happy to volunteer to fill in and would like to thank everyone for allowing me to play a small part in this exciting tournament.

Apoorva’s heroics send Tuskers packing

It was a memorable moment for all present as former top Indian leg-spinner BS Chandrashekhar (currently visiting the city) was kind enough to have a chat with the players prior to the game, wherein he shared some valuable thoughts about cricket with us.

However, the Tuskers were whipped by Jai Hind by 70 runs in a must-win encounter, and thereby, snuffing out any hopes of qualifying for the finals. Opting to field first, the Tuskers bowlers were put to the sword by Apoorva who bludgeoned his way to a glorious century (103 not out) studded with nine boundaries and three massive sixes. Ulhas was amongst the runs

yet again (36 runs) and the pair combined for a century stand for the fourth wicket that took the match away from the opposition. With temperatures soaring, Apoorva, with his unique baseballlike stance, gathered greater momentum as he hammered the bowling to all ends of the park in an exhibition of exquisite strokeplay. Jai Hind piled on a colossal 168/4 in 25 overs.

A lot depended on the flamboyant Vignesh to provide the impetus in the chase to get anywhere close to the target, but that was not to be as he failed to capitalize on a start (18 runs) along with Ameya (17 runs) and Sriram (12 runs). The innings folded in the 23rd over as Tuskers were skittled out for just 98 runs. Spinner Mukund seemed to be inspired by the presence of Chandrashekhar earlier in the day as he drew the batsmen into errors with his probing flighted deliveries. Jai Hind were ruthless yet clinical in the field, latching on to difficult catches and are now red hot favourites to win the competition.

Sujith Krishnan

Traditional marriage ceremony upholds Indian heritage

BY USHA RAMANUJAM

Rituals and mantras have always been the bedrock of Hindu culture for centuries, steadfastly carried forward through generations by the oral tradition. No Hindu wedding is complete without elaborate Vedic rites that go hand in hand with euphoric celebrations.

Of late though, the rapidly turning wheels of modernism have prompted time-poor Gen Y brides and grooms to tailor and abbreviate old-fashioned customs to suit the needs of the day.

Not so Gauri Belapurkar and Chaitanya Cheruvu, who took their vows during a three-hour long ceremony at the Dockside Function Centre in Darling Harbour recently. The wedding, a sumptuous combination of Maharashtrian and Telugu rituals, was solemnised by well-known priests Pandit Ramanujacharya (Ramiji) and Sri Vasudevacharya, assisted by Pandit Andhare, Pandit Trivikram and Pandit Shambhu Petersen.

Witnessed by close friends and family, the newly-weds not only conformed to traditional customs laid down in the ancient texts, but also courageously chose to chant the powerful mantras themselves. Sanskrit verses are veritable tongue twisters even to the initiated; that two relative novices raised abroad and with no knowledge of either Sanskrit or Devnagiri scripts opted to take on the challenge is truly remarkable. So, what prompted them to take it on? Simply, a friendly challenge by the head priest!

“During our initial consultations with Pandit Rami, the priest in his typical jovial style casually mentioned that in olden times, the bride and the groom would chant these mantras. ‘So would you be able to do it to make it a true traditional Hindu wedding?’ he quipped. The groom offered to take it on and the bride consented readily without realising the magnitude of the effort,” recalled Vijay Belapurkar, proud father of the bride.

“Maybe it was their own intense motivation to do it that way,” he added.

“It all happened in the spur of the moment and we both

agreed to this bold venture instantaneously,” explained Gauri.

In addition, the young pair also chose to chant extempore, without any reading aids. “Both of us decided not to read from the book, as it wouldn’t reflect our true sincerity,” Gauri added.

With the help of Pandit Rami, Gauri and Chaitanya set about the task of mastering the shlokas in right earnest. Initial lessons were under the tutelage of his disciple Pt Shambu Petersen. A friend copied the shlokas onto a CD and the couple spent the next three months memorising the texts. Every free moment from their hectic professional schedule was assigned to the task ahead.

Incidentally, Chaitanya is a cardiologist at St Vincent’s Hospital while Gauri is a financial consultant with leading investment bank, UBS. With the blessings of their parents, the pair was introduced through mutual family friends early last year. Their relationship blossomed, culminating with a grand engagement ceremony during Dussehra.

“Both of us are very spiritual ourselves and perhaps this is what brought us together and enhanced our relationship,” said Gauri. “Professionally our lives are completely different, but religion and spirituality are the common meeting ground. It has made

us mentally strong to deal with whatever life throws at us. And I think, we have been able to face ebb and flow of life with greater equanimity.”

Born in India, Gauri and Chaitanya moved to Australia as preschoolers. The groom comes from a conservative Telugu family where strict adherence to rituals is observed, and he regularly attends spiritual discourses on Gita and Vedanta. The bride has also attended Gita discourses conducted by Sri Vasudevacharya more recently.

“I think their traditional upbringing, coupled with the intense desire to master the no doubt helped them succeed,” noted Vijay Belapurkar.

“As the parents of the bride, we are delighted with the wise selection Gauri has made. Having reared her for over 25 years, any parent would give away their daughter with a heavy heart, but we are glad that she would belong to a very noble family deeply embedded in rich Hindu culture,” he added.

Conforming to both Mahrashtrian and Telugu rituals, Pandit Satish Andhare conducted the ceremony in the lead up to Kanya Daan starting with Marathi rituals like Nav Graha Pooja, Dev Devak, Gouri Haar Pooja, Mangalshtak and Varmaala Pandit Rami later took over

to conduct the required Telugu rituals, which included applying jeera jaggery paste during Muhrtham, Maangalya Dhaaranam, Talambralu (rice pouring) and Maha Ashirwad

“On completion, when the bride and the groom chanted ‘Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti’, the entire hall burst into a loud applause and ovation,” recounted aunt Sadhna Belapurkar, who had flown in from India to attend

this unique celebration. “In the sound of that ovation was present the blessings of the friends and well wishers as well as sheer admiration. Rami could not hide his elation in his large frame.” She could not have summed it up better. Inspired by Gauri and Chaitanya’s example, I am sure many more young couples, on the verge of matrimony, would find the task more fulfilling and less daunting.

Gauri Belapurkar and Chaitanya Cheruvu chant their own Vedic hymns at their wedding ceremony

Yum for yoghurt

One of the most versatile of foods, it is not just healthy, but can be used to prepare a host of delicious dishes

It’s hard to find an Indian household (or most Aussie households for that matter) who don’t have this essential foodstuff in their homes. Yoghurt is a part of our diet, and has been for ages, perhaps even before the legends of Krishna kanhaiya, the makkhan chor came into existence. From being a part of traditional Indian marriage ceremonies at which the priest advises that yoghurt’s cooling properties will help calm down the couple in times of stress, to sweetening a spoonful of yoghurt and feeding it to a person on the threshold of an important event, like before an exam, taking a journey or going to a job interview, yoghurt is very much a part of our lives. More recently, Shahrukh Khan’s Ra.One may not have impressed, but even the more critical among us will have to admit that the scene in which he pours yoghurt over his Chinese food and slurps it up is decidedly hilarious. For my mum-in-law, a progressive Kannadiga, every meal still ends with her curd-rice combo.

Research has shown that yoghurt is packed with microscopic bacteria, unseen warriors that are essential for good health. It is a good source of Vitamin B (including folacin) and phosphorous. It provides lactic acid which aids protein, calcium and iron assimilation. Traditionally, yoghurt is recommended as a cure for a varied list of ailments, from diarrhea to reviving the digestive tract after a course of antibiotics.

Most Indian households prepare yoghurt at home; however, I have sadly failed in my experimentation here in Australia. No matter what I do and which milk I use, no matter if I boil it or not, all on the advice of well-meaning sources, I’ve come to accept the fact that homemade yoghurt is something that eludes me. However, the impressive number of brands now available in Indian shops is heartening, and it’s pretty much a permanent place in my fridge.

Yoghurt is available in lots of textures and flavours, from thick Greek varieties to a plethora of flavours, diet options like low-fat, low-sugar, fruit added, etc. However, the ‘household’

version of yoghurt is the plain, slightly less creamy variety which can be used not just as an accompaniment, but also in cooking. Here are some recipes which indicate just how well yoghurt complements a range of dishes, both sweet and savoury.

Lemon curd tarts

My friend Nora is an absolute master at preparing these yumilicious tarts which are a perfect teatime snack or an anytime dessert. Unfortunately her recipe has only been revealed to the elite few, and this is the closest I can get to the original.

For the pastry

1¾ cups plain flour

¼ cup icing sugar mixture

125g cold unsalted butter, cubed

1 egg, lightly beaten

Lemon curd filling

4 eggs, beaten

1 cup caster sugar

½ cup lemon juice

125g butter, cubed

For the pastry, mix the flour and icing sugar together, adding butter and mixing to form a fine crumb-like consistency. Add the egg and gently mix until it forms a dough. Place the dough on a clean flat surface and roll out until

it forms a circular disc. Next, carefully wrap in cling wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes. Roll out the dough on a sheet of non-stick baking paper to about 3mm thick. Cut the pastry to fit into tart tins, and line. Cover each pastry lined tart with nonstick baking paper, and fill with dry rice or pastry weights. Bake for 15 minutes, remove weights and paper and bake a further 10-15 minutes or until light golden brown. Remove from oven and cool completely. If this method is too time-consuming, simply use frozen sweet shortcrust pastry tart cases, available at your local supermarket.

For the filling, place the eggs and sugar together in a bowl and whisk gently over a saucepan of simmering water until sugar dissolves. Stir in lemon juice and butter and whisk constantly for about 20 minutes, or until the mixture thickens. Do not allow the mixture to get too hot or boil.

Once the mixture has cooled, spoon into prepared tart cases and serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. You can also scatter the top with blueberries or a cut half of a strawberry, for a more fruity effect.

Curd Curry

Made in different forms throughout India, curd curry or kadhi, is a popular accompaniment to enliven a meal of dry subji and rice/roti

1 cup/200 gms yoghurt

1 cup water

1/3 tsp mustard seeds

1/3 tsp cumin seeds

1 dried red chilli

2-3 cloves

4-5 curry leaves

1 medium garlic clove, finely

chopped

1 tsp besan/gramflour

Pinch of turmeric powder

1 tbsp cooking oil

Salt to taste

1 tbsp fresh coriander

chopped fine

Mix together the yoghurt and water, to make a smooth consistency, removing all lumps. Keep aside. Heat the oil in a thick bottomed vessel or kadhai. Add the mustard seeds and once they crackle, add the jeera, red chilli, cloves and curry leaves and fry for ten seconds. Next, add the garlic and fry until slightly crisp. Add the besan powder and turmeric powder and fry for a few seconds on low flame. Gently add the curd mixture, stirring continuously. Add salt as desired. Continue stirring on low flame until fully mixed, taking care that the yoghurt doesn’t curdle. Remove from flame, garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot.

Frozen strawberry yoghurt

The great thing about this recipe is that it can be adapted to suit fruit like blueberries, plums, cherries or any other

50g strawberries

1 can light condensed milk

500g tub low-fat Greek yoghurt

Roughly chop half the strawberries and whizz the rest in a food processor or with a stick blender into a purée. In a big bowl, stir the condensed milk into the puréed strawberries then gently stir in the yogurt until well mixed. Fold through the chopped strawberries. Scrape the mixture into a loaf tin or container, close tightly with the lid and freeze overnight, until solid. Remove from the freezer about 10-15 mins before serving the frozen yoghurt. The mixture keeps for up to 1 month.

Yl dixit

Photo: www.koraorganics.com

TAROT

ARIEs March 21 - April 19

This month is charged with changes. The cards show if you are single, you will attract a new love. You will spend a lot more time with family and friends, as fun is on your mind. Work and money are going smoothly, but you will look for more money, as you plan to save for later this year. Communication is strong, make use of all your contacts as major changes are coming up. Do you need an eye check up?

TAURUs April 20 - May 20

You will concentrate on new beginnings and putting the past where it belongs. You will also be looking at improving your diet and fitness levels. The cards show that a new healthy regime is planned. There are changes around work and career, and other opportunities are going to be knocking on your door, so finances will be looking up. Relationships are going through a few ups and downs, but you will be making decisions about a certain person this month.

GEmINI May 21 - June 20

You will see changes around your social life; expect invitations to different events. There will be some stress with work, but try and take it easy as the cards indicate restructuring at your current job (if working). If looking for work, this is a good time to find a job which will be with a company that has the letter ‘A’ in its title. You are good with your diet and relationship. You are trying to conform to being committed.

cANcER June 21 - June 20

You are feeling good, sexy and ready for action. This is a leap year, so you may be thinking of popping the question to your loved one. If so, you will surprise them when you get down on one knee to propose. If single, amazing cards indicate finding someone likeminded. You could move into a new house or flat by mid-month. There are some family matters to take care of and you will be asked to sign some important documents.

LEO July 23 - Aug 22

The cards indicate harmony and peace around you, as you have decided to make things easier by not losing your temper as much with those around you. The cards indicate a time of news and training at work. There is a business you are thinking of getting into. Look at the paperwork and all the details before you go ahead. You may decide to go in for a dream new car by instalments. Re-decoration is also on the cards.

VIRGO Aug 23 - sep22

You will be rewriting your plans; the cards show that you are deciding to make adjustments around home and work areas. A friend will give you money-making ideas and you could decide to work together. A job offer is on the cards. A relationship you have been in is tiring right now so you will take a break. If single, be careful of someone who is attached wanting to be around you. Take care of migraines, drink lots of water.

predictions for FEBRUARY 2012

By NANcY JADE ALTHEA www.nancysood.com

LIBRA sep 23 - oct 22

You are trying to please others, you feel guilty about not doing enough for your family in the past. You have an opportunity to make things right, but you have a stubborn streak. You have important hospital appointments to make. The cards indicate travel to visit family. You may be thinking of making a will and getting paperwork up to date. There is a strong connection with a friend from the past who may show up out of the blue.

scORpIO oct 23 - nov 21

The cards favour fresh air and healthy eating. There seems to have been over indulgence of late, so stop eating too much sugar. There may be news of a wedding or an addition to the family. Drive carefully, as you can lose your temper on the road. Relationships with women this month are not easy, so take care at work and family situations. You may buy a new electrical item. Saving is on your mind, but not easy right now.

sAGITTARIUs nov 22 - dec 21

The cards indicate that you will be working very hard this month. There will be additional pressures at work, so do not make any mistakes as you may not have much energy to work long hours. Colleagues around you are being very competitive and difficult, so you need to keep your cool. Your partner will be demanding this month and may complain that you are not spending enough time with them. There are plans to buy a pet, think carefully!

cApRIcORN dec 22 - Jan 19

The cards indicate confusion: you will not know in which direction to go. Financially, you will be looking at ways to bring in extra money but will try and work for yourself rather than in a routine job. You will be thinking of embarking on a new diet plan, to combat health issues. You may be thinking of buying a new car and moving abroad. A family member will cause you concern. Keep a check on your knees and back.

AqUARIUs Jan 20 - feb 18

The cards indicate pressure at work and a lot more responsibility, which may make you want to run away and hide. There is going to be a strong force keeping you going, but look at relaxing, as you have not been able to. You are concerned about a child, but things will be sorted out. There may be some financial matters to handle this month, also make sure your taxes are up to date. There may be a refund due.

pIscEs feb 19 - March 20

The cards indicate that you will be thinking of taking up a hobby or sport. You may look at booking a short break, and looking into spirituality and meditation. You will make new friends, as you will be energetic and moving around in different circles. You may think about writing and submitting some pieces to a magazine or newspaper. A matter of concern is your stomach; take care and change your diet as you may be allergic to diary products.

Legacies

Romance keeps us young, or so goes an ancient adage. And if there is any truth in this saying, it comes alive in the stories below which highlight the experience of true love among the senior members of our community. They share their tales of romance which are still strongly unravelling, even after half a century or more in each others’ company.

a great laugh.

Sushmita and I were married in 1977. Our honeymoon that continues to date could not have begun in a more symptomatic city than Mumtaz Mahal’s Agra, and one can imagine how much and in what measure viewing the Taj by daylight and in moonlight, and strolling through centuries of history in Agra fort, added to our commitment to each other. Old fashioned, we rate this God-gifted opportunity as monumentally romantic, which just keeps growing upon us.

More recently, our cherished togetherness took us on an Alaskan cruise where we travelled through the inner

continents. We now agree that romance has less to do with ‘buying stuff’ for one another, but more to do with knowing that as life partners we are there for each through the thick and thin that everyone faces at one stage of life or another. Conscious of this Natureimplanted boon, no problem seems unsurmountable and no challenge too difficult for us together.

Anand Shome is Vice President for COMMON (Centre of Melbourne Multi-faith and Others Network), affiliated to United Religions Initiative and United Nations - and the epitome of politeness!

own currency.

In 1951, I was invited to Delhi to see Lalit, my future wife, at whom I barely stole a glance, for during that era morality ruled the epoch, and I did not wish my staring at beautiful Lalit to be construed as improper. I admit I had seen her photograph before meeting her. Although lady Lalit had little say in the matter, we got married in 1952, and to this date, are completely immersed in each other. Soon came our first

and some in the UK. We recently celebrated our sixtieth wedding anniversary, and inshaallah, we will celebrate my ninetieth birthday in December 2012.”

Tilak and Lalit Chaddha quite appropriately address each other as ‘Jaan’, or soul. Tilak is sentimentally poetic and owns a Diwan-e-Ghalib, so whenever us Urdu lovers stumble upon a technicality, Tilak will sort out our conundrum.

GEORGE THAKUR

of love

An exemplary love Kirit and Meenakshi Kapadia

Kirit and Meenakshi

Kapadia’s grandson Akshay describes the romance between these two simply spoken and good at heart people, who will readily give a needy the shirt from their backs.

My grandparents, who I call Aja and Aji first met in Mumbai on January 1, 1970. Tragically, they were given no time to get to know each other and since it was an arranged marriage, they were married by January 5. In comparison, I would like to know my future wife for four years than just four days, before agreeing to tie the knot.

my parents began to look for suitable partners for me. My first glance of my future life partner, also a doctor, was in March 1968, in Lucknow. It was love at first sight of Shakespearean proportions. My request to take Pavita out to a movie was conditional that her brother accompanied us: kabab men haddi! I returned to Amritsar, but our romance blossomed while our families settled formalities, and we were married on December 9, 1968. Our honeymoon was at freezingpoint in Nainital, but when has cold ever triumphed the warmth of love? We frequently visit Nainital to re-live those romantic moments. Soon, we were blessed with a son and were also lucky to be granted immigration to Australia.

Well settled into our respective careers, we were blessed with another son, which cemented our commitment to the other. We travelled to every nook

Pavita has been a dutiful daughter-in-law, a devoted mother and a perfect soul-mate to me which no other woman, in a million years, would match. Without her personified motivation I could never have achieved professional success, and we raised two sons in education and music. We enjoy holding social gatherings of lovers of Indian music at our cottage, and Pavita’s cooking skills equal her affable demeanour. Even as seniors, our togetherness attracts enviable comments. I hope in the years to come, the Almighty will strengthen us to love all and continually serve our community. Jasbir and Pavita Bedi are a treat to be with, friendly and never presumptuous. Jasbir is Vice President of Indian Senior Citizens Association (ISCA), and Pavita complements his endeavour in serving the community.

same apartment block in Mumbai, soon became friends and some twenty-eight years ago, we married. We migrated to Australia 20 years ago, and to settle down in our new country of choice quickly, I gave up specialised Italian cuisine where I loved to see Nandita enjoy my cooking, in favour of public service.

A ceramic artist, Nandita has floated exhibitions of 15 Australian ceramic artists to New Delhi in 2006 and 2010. We share many interests such as gardening, travelling around Australia in motor homes, and entertaining friends with innovative and

therefore we love and respect the other, avoid controversy and with each passing day, we keep getting closer. In consequence, every day is Valentine’s Day to us. Not just us, but our daughter and son uphold our adorable Indian culture. Since we are now Aussies, we equally regard the culture this beautiful country bestows upon us.”

A famous German saying goes: “Ich will mit meine frau alt werden!” (I want to grow old with my wife). Nilesh Nadkarni appears to live this saying, with wife Nandita.

Tragically again, their honeymoon was not a typical honeymoon in the true sense of the word. In 2012 parlance it was an anticlimax, for seven killjoys including Aja’s parents and other family members, trailed along with them. This alone speaks volumes of the non-romance in their early lives together.

My Aji is a traditional Indian wife who still listens to her husband, respects his wishes and cooks curry and roti for him every night, but their love for each other drips from their postures every minute. They are simply two good people, such as those who lived during Ram Rajya. Their two daughters and three grandchildren find their love quite exemplary.

Valentine’s Day may be a special day for romance, but I see my grandparents express romance silently to each other every single day of the year!

A life for a life

BY LP AYER

Dr. Jaya Lakshmi was making her usual round at the Smithfield Nursing Home in the northern outskirts of Adelaide. As ever, she received a friendly smile from Nick Rippon in his wheelchair, making the extra effort to come out of his room to greet her, fluttering a Southern Cross. But that morning his ‘BMW’ (Bound to My Wheelchair) had a Japanese flag as well. Knowing his not so friendly attitude towards the Japs – he had a reason for it –the doctor was surprised.

“I am welcoming my Japanese granddaughter today,” he told her.

The doctor was confused, perhaps it was the start of dementia. Administering the usual painkiller injection, she meant to continue the conversation, but just then the duty nurse called her to see another patient. Relieved of his severe back-pain, Nick gently closed his eyes and nodded off, but his memory flashed back to some seventy years ago…

It was Thursday, February 19, 1942. On that unusually sunny day in the midst of the wet

season, Father John McGrath, Catholic priest in Melville Island in the north-west of Darwin, saw something strange in the sky. It was a large formation of war planes flying towards the city. Besides being a defender of the Catholic faith, McGrath played a small, but vital role as coast-watcher in the forward defence of Australia. He promptly cranked up the wireless and called Darwin’s coastal station to pass on a message to the RAAF base. But the base first mistook the planes as American Kittyhawk fighters returning from Timor and before the air raid siren could sound, the city was pounded by Japan’s First Air Fleet, led by ViceAdmiral Nagumo, the very force that launched the surprise attack on Pearl Harbour, Hawaii just twelve weeks earlier, on December 7, 1941.

The Darwin raid, the first ever attack on Australia by another country, was carried out by 188 bombers and fighters taking off from three aircraft carriers under the personal command of Mitsuo Fuchida, the same officer who led the Pearl Harbour attack, destroying the US Pacific fleet and drawing that country into World War II. The hour-long Darwin bombardment destroyed 21 vessels at the harbour and left 243 (292 according to some sources) military personnel and civilians

dead, the highest toll in a military encounter on Australian soil. The toll would have been much higher but for the forced evacuation from mid-December approved by the least popular Administrator C L Abbott on orders from Canberra, of some 4000 persons. Only 2000 remained to maintain vital services. The evacuation was to conserve essential supplies since Darwin had no road or rail link with rest of the country, and depended on coastal shipping from eastern states for all its supplies. Adding to its poor design, this port had the most militant wharfies union. Labor Prime Minister John Curtin’s hope of getting better cooperation from them by appointing leftist Eddie Ward as Industrial Relations Minister proved elusive.

Since most of Australian defence resources had been diverted by Britain to protect other parts of its empire, local help was thin on the ground, air and sea. On December 7, Prime Minister Curtin, in an article in the Melbourne Herald made a famous declaration that “Australia looks to America”, implying moving away from its strong British links. But when black soldiers arrived as part of the US forces, the reaction here was different with Customs refusing to let them land. Foreign Minister Dr H V Evatt grumpily

agreed that there was not much choice.

disable the US air and naval forces stationed there in order to protect fuel supplies from their recently captured oil fields in the Dutch East Indies (Indonesia) and to consolidate their gains in SouthEast Asia. In a matter of weeks, Japanese forces overran Singapore,

On the seventieth anniversary of the Darwin bombing, here is a short story in which forgiveness brings a great reward.

of shame, there were some acts of bravery. From the four ill-equipped anti-aircraft gun batteries, the one at Fanny Bay scored a direct hit on a Zero fighter, but not before the ace Japanese pilot dropped a bomb and destroyed the gun, killing all the gunners except 19-year old rookie Nick Rippon. Lying on the ground severely injured, he saw the Japanese fighter tail-spinning with a trail of smoke, and disappearing on the horizon. After emergency treatment Nick was transferred with the other injured via an army truck along the dirt track to Alice Springs, and then to Adelaide Repatriation Hospital where he underwent several surgeries to remove shrapnel from his leg and back, except the one close to his spine. As a result, Nick developed a limp. He did odd jobs to maintain himself and it took some years to get his war pension, as it did to locate his boyhood sweetheart Janet, who was put on a boat during the evacuation. It took a few more years to become father to his only son Jason.

A capable handyman and team leader of the Maintenance crew

Jason was among the first batch of Aussie volunteers to arrive, to help their trans-Tasman cousins. Gruelling work did not tire him, but Jason was heartbroken when efforts to retrieve dozens of young international students buried under the debris of the Canterbury TV building had to be abandoned. The lives of so many youngsters from faraway lands hoping for a bright future were

As some premonitions would go, it did happen on March 11, 2011 when Tanaka, his daughter and 15,812 others were swept away by tsunami waves swallowing cars, boats, houses and everything in their way.

a sense of satisfaction in serving as a State Emergency Service volunteer. He gladly gives his time whenever and wherever nature, in its fury, leaves behind a trail of damage and destruction.

On February 22, 2011 the city of Christchurch in New Zealand was rocked by a strong earthquake leaving 181 dead and hundreds of buildings in ruins.

childless man in his forties, Jason agonised over how their hapless parents would handle the tragedy. Looking out the window on his return flight to Australia, every bundle of white cloud passing by reminded him of an innocent life lost.

With a thick trail of black smoke, the Japanese Zero fighter plane shot at by Nick Rippon

plunged into the sea far from the shores of Darwin. But the 22-year old ace pilot, Kento Tanaka, bailed out in time and was picked up by a rescue raft from the aircraft carrier. On deck, his commander Fuchida applauded Tanaka for his daredevil deeds in Darwin, following his heroic hits in Hawaii. But Tanaka was somewhat subdued that his plane had been hit by a ramshackle gun battery. After the war he returned to civilian life in Sendai, north of Fukushima. With his love and knowledge of the high seas thanks to his aircraft carrier days, he joined a maritime fleet specialising in whaling. As in the air, he made his mark on the sea as well. After years of work Tanaka retired, but the 92-year old former pilot kept fit by going for walks along the foreshore twice a day with his widowed daughter. During such walks he had premonitions of being devoured by whales as an act of natural revenge for hunting them. As some premonitions would go, it did happen on March 11, 2011 when Tanaka, his daughter and 15,812 others were swept away by tsunami waves swallowing cars, boats, houses and everything in their way. The horrendous scenes hit every TV screen around the globe. Even as he was unpacking his gear on his return from Christchurch, Jason saw those

tormenting tidal waves tearing Japan apart and started re-packing. He never imagined that he would be on another mission within three weeks. If New Zealand was nervewracking, Sendai shocked Jason to the core. The scale of death and damage was soul-destroying, and he wondered if he would ever recover his senses. A day before his return, Jason helped to repair a community hall in which several tsunami-orphaned children were being cared for. Something yanked at his heartstrings. The only way he would regain his soul, he thought, was to be a saviour to of one of those victims. For one who had volunteered to rectify the damages of nature’s fury, it felt like a call of destiny. His offer to adopt three-year old Sumi Ahihito was approved after overcoming a mountain of bureaucratic hurdles on both sides.

After attending other patients, Dr Lakshmi returned to catch up with Nick, who was just coming out of his long road of reflection. Waving the little Aussie and Japanese flags he told his doctor the story of his acquiring a ‘granddaughter’, and waving them, Nick waved away his long-held animosity towards Japan.

Little does he know that sweet Sumi is the grandchild of the pilot he shot down, and the one who caused him such physical damage. Seventy years on, his physical pain has given way to sense of peace.

Gruelling work did not tire him, but Jason was heartbroken when efforts to retrieve dozens of young international students buried under the debris of the Canterbury TV building had to be abandoned.

Factual details have been sourced from:

Australia Under Attack: The Bombing of Darwin by Douglas Lockwood

An Awkward Truth: The Bombing of Darwin by Peter Grose

1942: Australia’s Darkest Hour by Timothy Hall

the Buzz

Slapgate saga all resolved?

Mystery still surrounds the now-famous incident of Shahrukh Khan and Shirish Kunder, with claims that SRK slapped Shirish, while the megastar still refuses to reveal what actually happened. The venue was Sanjay Dutt’s party to celebrate the release of Agneepath, at which Bollywood’s badshah reportedly roughed up editor-filmmaker Shirish, the husband of his former friend Farah Khan.

yard) sari created by Neeta Lulla, sporting a nose ring and mundawali - a decorative strings of pearls - around her forehead. Riteish wore a typical Marathi groom’s attire – a cream sherwani, red turban and mundawali.

Showbiz and politics mingled to wish the happy couple, with guests from Bollywood ranging from Jaya and Abhishek Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Karan and Hiroo Johar, Kajol-Ajay Devgn, Sohail Khan, Indra Kumar, Ashutosh Gowarikar and wife Sunita, to Shweta Pandit, Sajid Nadiadwala, Maria Goretti, Jackie Shroff, Sajid Khan, Akshay Kumar, and ex-Bollywood actress Tina Ambani, wife of industrialist Anil Ambani. Among the politicians, the guest list included names like the state Congress chief Kripashankar Singh, Chief Minister Prithviraj Chauhan and Aditya Thackeray, son of Shiva Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray.

Slapgate saga

SHIRISH KUNDER-FARAH

KHAN

Naturally, the press aren’t ready to let the story rest, particularly as Bollywood’s last most exciting event was the birth of the Bachchan beti. And let’s face it, of late Bollywood’s become milder and milder, with hardly any masala to keep its fans happy. Live-ins are no longer hot news, who’s dating whom has become boring, so now that ‘slapgate’ has come on the scene, would you blame them if they milk it for all that its worth? Rumours have also been doing the rounds that SRK and wife Gauri are going through a rough patch, with a shadow of Priyanka Chopra in the backdrop.

While the Farah Khan camp displayed signs of increasing hysteria when the story broke, SRK however, is mum about what happened, simply saying that the reportage had affected his 14-year-old son and 11-and-a-half year old daughter. “Lots of things are being said about my life on news channels but they are not the whole truth. This is embarrassing at times,” confessed SRK recently. “It becomes embarrassing as a father, as a brother or as elder son of the family, to explain about what is being stated,” he added, somewhat sheepishly.

Breaking news on the story is that the protagonists patched up after the event with Shirish, Farah, Sajid and producer Nadiadwala meeting Shah Rukh at his home. Naturally, after the patch up, Shirish has been crowing that their friendship has become stronger than ever. However, public opinion is strongly with SRK, perhaps because he has turned out to be, after all, human enough to be provoked, as any of us. Guess if we want to know the truth, we’ll have to wait for the next Farah Khan blockbuster!

Netas-Abhinetas at riteishGenelia wedding

Bollywood buzzed as actors Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza tied the knot in a lavish traditional Maharashtrianstyle ceremony, attended by the crème de la crème of the industry and politics. It wasn’t surprising as the couple are popular in Bollywood, and Riteish happens to be the younger son of former Maharashtra chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh. Genelia, who belongs to a Mangalorean Catholic family, looked ravishing in a red-golden Nav-vari (nine

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, along with his wife, and Minister for Public Works and Tourism Chhagan Bhujbal too attended.

In respect for the bride’s religious beliefs, Riteish and Genelia married for the second time in a Catholic wedding ceremony held in the Bandra Church in Mumbai. Genelia looked ravishingly ethnic in a white gown, Riteish wore a formal black suit and a bow tie, and was accompanied by good buddy filmmaker Karan Johar, who stood in as his best man. It was a relatively low-key affair, but the reception that followed at the Grand Hyatt was a mega affair with the best of Bollywood and politics gathering to wish the happy couple.

Riteish and Genelia first met while shooting for their debut film Tujhe Meri Kasam in 2003, and have been a couple for ages, but only disclosed their relationship last year.

SHAHRUKH KHAN

Post-marriage, they have a new release coming up titled, Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya. Here’s wishing the happy couple a joyous life together.

Imran: A man of many talents!

First it was acting, then photography and now Imran Khan’s taking a stab at journalism, offering the scribes tips, the most memorable being that a good interview should be like a good conversation instead of being an “exam sheet”.

“Most journalists have an exam sheet which comprises - what is your favourite colour, your favourite holiday destination, what you like to do in your free time. This is not an interview, this is a questionnaire. I feel to make a good interview, be it print, radio or TV, it has to be a conversation. Fifty percent of the job is yours, half the job is mine. That is how you make a good interview,” said the somewhat smug 29-year-old actor recently.

Imran also revealed that if the opportunity came his way, he would love to interview actor Salman Khan who, according to him, rarely opens up. The hunky and talented actor is also a mean photographer, displaying shots he took of co-star Kareena Kapoor during the shoot of Ek Main Aur Ek Tu. With the help of on-set photographer Amin Ahuja, Imran made quite an impact with his shots. Kareena was completely flattered looking at her pictures saying, “I think it’s the first time ever one of my co-stars has clicked beautiful pictures of me. So, thank you Imran!”

The pair will be seen on screen soon in Ek Main aur Ek Tu, also starring Boman Irani, Ram Kapoor and Ratna Pathak Shah.

So what’s next on Imran’s agenda? Keep watching this space…

Vidya: Smart about her love life!

Some actors wear their love lives on their sleeves, making no bones about who they are dating. And there are others who vehemently deny seeing their love interests, often hiding behind the clichéd guise of ‘good friends’. In Vidya Balan, Bollywood seems to have stumbled upon a third category which is somewhere in between. While we’re all for the adage pyar kiya toh darna kya and give a thumbs-up to actors who are open about their love lives, one must admit that there’s a certain grace and dignity in Vidya’s unique approach of handling her relationship in the public eye.

At the ceremony of the recently concluded Zee Cine Awards 2012 in Macau, Vidya, who has been on a welldeserved winning spree at all awards shows this year, clinched a trophy. During her acceptance speech, after thanking everyone else, she spoke of the two new connections in her life that have proved to be her good luck charms. She thanked her young niece and nephew whose very presence in her life has brought the awards pouring in. Then she went on to thank that “special someone in her life who makes every day worth living” - clearly a reference to beau Siddharth Roy Kapoor without actually spelling out his name. So Vidya is in a

slot of her own - a breed of actors who believe in acknowledging the existence of a love life without the compulsion of shouting out the partner’s name from rooftops. Smart!

Milkha will be the master

He’s a legend in his own right, so when athlete Milkha Singh advises Farhan Akhtar on recreating his life on screen, the young actor had better be paying attention. Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s most ambitious project Bhaag Milkha Bhaag starring Farhan, is set to go to the floors soon, and Milkha Singh will be the key consultant to the project. The Olympian sprinter will be present on the location when special scenes of his life

“Milkha Singh wants Rakeysh Mehra’s film to portray him as realistically as possible. He has told the team he will make himself available throughout the making of the film,” said a source close

And that’s not all. Milkha will also participate in a series of events being organised until the film is released. Farhan and Milkha are due to also make a public appearance together at a huge promotional event in

“The idea is to let the real and reel Milkha get to know each other really well. Sure, they’ve met. But so far their interaction was limited. They now need to know one another closely,” said

“Milkha is expected to spend large part of this year away from Punjab in Mumbai with Farhan, director Rakeysh Mehra and the Bhaag Milkha Bhaag team,” the source added.

Well, let’s hope Farhan can keep up with the running.

Kareena lauds maestro Aamir

Kareena Kapoor, who has worked in umpteen movies and is the acknowledged queen of Bollywood is astonishingly impressed with none other than Aamir khan. Although the versatile actor has earlier worked with Aamir, she will now be seen with his nephew Imran Khan in Ek Main Aur Ek and she feels Aamir is the maestro of the film industry.

“Aamir’s body of work is unbelievable. He is the maestro of the industry and Imran is just starting out. Working with Imran is a lot of fun. I think he is a marvellous actor and I hope we get to work together in the future too,” the 31-year-old actress said, and judging by her success, she should know!

Kareena is ready with her next two films Ek Main Aur EK Tu and Agent Vinod in which she stars with longtime boyfriend Saif Ali Khan.

“Right now, Ek Main Aur Ek Tu is in the priority. Agent Vinod is like an

I’ve got my Hollywood break!!! I’m playing Shrek in the new Shrek movie.

Krutika Ambalal (Crows Nest NSW)

Some other good ones:

Sanju: “Manyata, please tell the kids it’s only me, there’s no need to get scared. Oh alright, I’ll come home with a wig!” Jaspreet Kaur

Sanju (looking at himself in mirror): Aaayi laa, Mamu !! Meri to watt lag gayi! Sunil Kumar

Sanju: Saala comedy karte karte yeh bhool gaya hoon ke khalnayak ka role kaise kare. Manivel Sahayam

action thriller and you know... let Saif do the talking, he’s been out for the media for a while. You enjoy him for a while and may be I will step in before the film releases,” she said to reporters recently.

Wonder what Saif thinks of his bossy bride-to-be?

Krutika wins a pack of two new Hindi film CDs

Genelia D’Souza

ViDya Balan

Kareena Kapoor

imran Khan

Cine Talk

Gabbar Singh’s mayhem over the Sholay.

works so wonderfully within its high-voltage ‘masala maargenre because of the actors who instinctively grasp the street-level gut-wrenching grammar of Malhotra’s Barring Priyanka Chopra who seems in a land of looming credibility, every character shines through the crime-drama maze. The action sequences by Abbas Ali Mogul convey rawness. Every blow that Hrithik Roshan so manfully receives on his chin makes you flinch. You wait for him to give back as good

This is not a film for the fainthearted. Its basic structure and the leitmotif of the ‘tree of death’ (where Vijay Chauhan’s father was hanged and where his wrongdoer will finally meet his nemesis) draw audiences into a vortex of viciousness and sadism.

This is a dark brooding world; this is a world where the laws of retribution and redemption are rewritten according to who rules the Agneepath where the poet gets hanged and the pervert

Karan Malhotra revels in the language of commercial Hindi cinema. The characters in Vijay’s chawl are all good-hearted. Every character in Kancha’s kingdom is a creep or a coward. The battle lines are tightly drawn. The pace is breakneck.

The mob scenes of violence and religion often merge on the streets of Mumbai and in the lawless backwaters of the imaginary Mandwa. The narrative features a Gokul breaking sequence at the start and a Ganesh visarjan sequence towards the end, both shot spectacularly on Mumbai streets. The background music is a suitable banshee of memories and pain.

Since Hrithik Roshan has chosen the language of understatement to portray the wronged wounded social outcast Vijay Dinanath Chauhan, it is up to the eloquence-level of the soundtrack to supplement the hero’s stunning

Every component of the film falls into place, with a resounding thump. is brilliant in its brutality. It’s a riveting and hectic homage to the spirit of the cinema when revenge reigned supreme. And content was Agneepath takes us back to the era when there was no computer or cellphones. And communication with the audience was immediate and electrifying. Relive that tingling sensation of watching the hero get his groove back.

Subhash K. Jha

FILM: Agneepath

wRIttEN &DIREctED By: Karan Malhotra

StARRINg: Rishi Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra, Om Puri

An uninspiring, dry take on corruption

Sadly the satire doesn’t evoke any empathy for the common hero of this film who is sucked into the vicious vortex of bribery and palm-greasing for no seeming reason except his political innocence. Like Shyam Benegal’s last satirical outing Well Done, Abba this film forgets to oil its joints which creak in protest each time the hero shrieks in protest.

While credit must be given to writerdirector Rumy Jaffery for focusing on the issue of corruption, noble intentions don’t necessarily make a notable work of art. Certainly Gali Gali Chor Hai (GGCH) must have sounded amusing and topical on paper. It is a savagely stinging satire on the harassment of the average lawabiding middleclass man, played with arresting earnestness by Akshaye Khanna, in the hands of various touts, middlemen, law enforcers, goons and politicians all of whom infest the tranquil city of Bhopal with the destructive determination of termites eating into a ‘system’ that has long ceased to be if any consequence, moral or ethical.

While the script has some sparkling vignettes and scenes taken from the portrait of a

common man trapped in the wheels of a fluctuating fortune, the treatment of the theme of corruption is staid, prosaic uninspiring and frequently bland. The screenplay unfolds in segments and episodes that could belong to a long-running government-sponsored serial on Doordarshan, made with the express purpose of cleaning the bureaucracy’s image.

Lamentably, for all his sincerity, Akshaye Khanna’s Bharat remains clueless about what the script hopes to achieve by showing the character running in and out of police stations and court premises, except to project the helplessness of the common man into a script that seeks to desperately extract creative juices out of the bourgeois desperation which has baffled, bewildered, frustrated and destroyed the under-privileged classes the world over.

The problem with Jaffrey’s film is its dry, almost clinical, treatment of the theme of corruption and the Common Man. While the ambience, characters and the plight of our hero Bharat all seem authentic, the languid movement of the story suggests a far less involving sequence of events than what we set out to witness when we sat down for a film.

Don’t rub your hands in anticipation when you sit down to watch this ode to corruption. In Singham the slap sounded far more musical to the ears. Yes, there are stray amusing moments in GGCH. But by the time Bharat’s slap on the face of the ‘system’ occurs it’s a case of too little, too late.

And what on earth is that item song with Veena Malik lighting up her vital statistics with Christmas bulbs - a symbol of the common man’s dream gone bust?

Sorry, but the original Bharat, Manoj Kumar did the anti-corruption theme much more interestingly in Roti Kapada Aur Makaan. You have to bribe the audience to watch the characters getting high on the anti-corruption theme of this film

Subhash K. Jha

An India Australia cricket comedy

though the Indian cricket team fared miserably in Australia this season, Indian cities Varanasi, Kolkata and Mumbai are serving as a pitch for an Australian comedy movie Save Your Legs!

The movie is being described as a ‘wild ride from the suburbs of Australia to India’. It narrates the story of Edward ‘Teddy’ Brown, who is in a desperate bid to wind back the clock and cling to his childhood dreams. He begs his boss Sanjeet, a retired cricketer, to allow his D-Grade cricket club, the ‘Abbotsford Anglers’ on a tour of India. They lose all the matches, but win many friends along the way.

Renowned Indian actor Darshan Jariwalla (Gandhi, My Father) will play the role of Sanjeet. He will be joined by big-name Australian actors Stephen Curry (The Cup, The King), Brendan Cowell (Beneath Hill 60, Love My Way) and Damon Gameau (Balibo, Spirited) who star

respectively as Ted Brown and his two best friends, Rick and Stav.

Melbourne girl Pallavi Sharda will star as Sanjeet’s gorgeous and savvy daughter Anjali who sweeps Ted off his feet once the ‘Anglers’ arrive in India for their tour.

First-time feature film director Boyd Hicklin will helm Save Your Legs! alongside producers Nick Batzias (Not Quite Hollywood) and Robyn Kershaw (Bran Nue Dae, Looking for Alibrandi). The script was written by Brendan Cowell, whose authorial talent has brought us The Slap and Love My Way

Pallavi has starred in a string of Hindi films ever since she moved to Mumbai in 2008, including My Name is Khan, Dus Tola, Walkaway and Love, Breakups, Zindagi as well as featuring as a recurring cast member of Anubav Pal’s theatre comedy, 1888 Dial India Pallavi was also crowned Miss India Australia in 2010 and won the ‘Fresh Look’ title at the Miss India

Worldwide competition held in Durban.

“Cricket is very much part of the relationship which binds Australia and India together in so many ways,” acting Australian high commissioner Lachlan Strahan, said in New Delhi recently. “It’s wonderful to see the best of Australia’s film industry taking the sporting and cultural relationship in a new direction, telling a very human story about a game which grips the national imagination in the two countries. All of this is done with humour and sensitivity”.

Indian actor Sid Makkar will also be seen in the film; which also includes a guest appearance by Indian Premier League (IPL) Extra Innings anchor Shibani Dandekar.

The film also features a cameo by cricket legend Sir Richard Hadlee, who will take to the pitch on the big screen for the first time.

The production in India is being supervised by Line Producer

Melbourne actor Pallavi Sharda will star in Save Your Legs!

Pravesh Sahni and his team at India Take One Productions (ITOP), who managed shoots of international projects like Mission Impossible 4, Eat Pray Love and Slumdog Millionaire

The world premiere of Save Your Legs! is scheduled for the Melbourne International Film

Festival in August 2012 before its commercial release in Australia and India later this year.

The phrase Save Your Legs! is commonly used in Australia when a batsman hits a boundary. It is the cry heard from teammates as there is no need for the batsman to run, hence the term “save your legs”.

F ILM : Gali Gali Chor Hai StARRIN g: Akshaye Khanna, Sriya Saran, Satish Kaushik, Mugdha Godse, Anu Kapoor

D IREctOR : Rumi Jaffery

I’m going to die this Valentine’s Day!” moaned my friend, often given to exaggeratedly dramatic statements which everyone mostly ignores.

“Why?” I asked, knowing that the answer was likely to make me tear out my hair.

“You know that Brett and I broke up three months ago… how will I survive V-Day without him! He was a right s*** most of the time, but he could get very romantic on Valentine’s Day,” she said mournfully.

V-Day is me-day

I couldn’t quite see what she was complaining about, she had no dearth of boyfriends. “Mark and I used to walk along the beach at sunset, holding hands…” she reminisced dreamily.

“Mark?” I asked, a tad sharply.

“Yes, Mark! My boyfriend,” she said impatiently, “You’re not listening!”

“But you said ‘Brett’..,” I replied confusedly.

“Oh yeah, must have been him,” she said. Couldn’t blame her though, she went though boyfriends at the rate most people change their underwear. “What am I going to do? All my friends will be celebrating with their boyfriends! I’ll be sooo lonely! I’ll have to listen to Adele!”

“Do you have a mirror?”

“Why, do you need to check for nostril hair?”

Grant me patience!

“Look into it,” I urged, after she’d pulled out a hand mirror cleverly disguised as an iPhone.

“I can only see me,” she complained after a minute of gazing at herself and retouching her lipstick.

“Precisely!” I said, taking the mirror to quickly check my upper lip.

“So what?”

“You see the one you love the most, get it?”

The Brett in question had been dating her for about six months before they decided that it wasn’t quite working out. Now I’m not great at Maths, but even I could figure out that the coordinates here weren’t quite right. Not that I could stop her with petty logic when she was on a roll!

“Valentine’s Day is for lovers! You’re supposed to spend it with the one you love, or it’s not special,” she sighed. “You buy something nice for the one you love, you spend the day together, you’ll enjoy a romantic dinner… I’m going to miss all that!”

You buy something expensive, you’ll book into parallel massages at some expensive spa and have dinner at an overpriced restaurant – and think its romantic, thought the cynic in me.

I thought for a moment, and the ole brain didn’t let me down, but instead, came up with a corker! “Why don’t you spend Valentine’s Day with the one you love the most,” I said.

“Duuuh,” she replied rudely, continuing in that irritating singsong tone that younger people seem to think drives home a point. “That’s what I’m say-ing, you’re not lis-ten-ing!”

“Okay,” I replied, quickly sitting on my hands to stop myself from assaulting her. “Whom do you love the most?”

“Dunno…my dog?” The creature looked more like a cat than a dog, but I wasn’t going to digress.

“And who else?” I insisted. She got this look on her face, a kind of vacant, dreamy expression which lasted for a good part of a minute. Worried that I’d lost her, I interrupted the look to ask a practical question.

It took slightly longer than an energy-saving bulb to charge up to complete wattage, but finally the light shone forth in all its glorious brightness.

“Yes,” she said with the air of one making a wonderful discovery.

“I love myself!”

“So instead of the gift you were planning to get him, get yourself one. Instead of taking him out to dinner, stay home with some great takeaway. Instead of filling his ears with meaningless nothings, catch some unsuspecting friend on Facebook’s chat and discuss philosophy of life or the Kadarshians!” I said enthusiastically.

“That’s a great idea,” she said.

“I’ll be in love with myself. In fact, I’ll get in touch with some of my girlfriends who don’t have boyfriends. We can make a night out of it!”

I smiled smugly, and just as I was getting ready to leave she said, “It’s funny how you thought of that. Maybe it’s because you’re old and have no romance in your life, what with having kids and all.”

I didn’t quite see the connection, but hey, I’m out to prove her wrong with a vengeance. This Valentine’s Day is going to see a new, romantic me. I’m going to plan it well, chalking out the time, place and programme. It’s going to be at 2pm so that the kids are at school. The venue will be this speciality chocolate boudoir. On the dot, I’m going to walk in, get my order and sit at a table in the darkest corner of the shop. Then I’m going to look longingly at my deliciously thick, gooey, calorie-filled, double icing slice of chocolate mud cake, and I am going to say with utmost and complete sincerity, “I love you!” Happy Valentine’s Day!

You buy something expensive, you’ll book into parallel massages at some expensive spa and have dinner at an overpriced restaurant – and think its romantic, thought the cynic in me.

The romantic in me is going to find a true expression of love this Valentine’s Day

SHERYL DIXIT