King Momo decrees Goans to party on!

BY FRANKEY GERARD FERNANDES

The Konkanni Cultural & Heritage Inc (KCHI) in Melbourne enjoyed festive celebrations at The Royal Red and Black Carnival Dance cum exhibition of Goan cartoons by renowned cartoonist Alexyz Fernandes, chief guest for the event.

Goans living in Victoria came together to experience the Goan carnival and share the spirit of their fair state back in India with their families and other Australian friends.

“The Goan Carnival is one of the biggest events in Goa and each year, the Konkanni Cultural & Heritage Inc brings in the spirit of the carnival to all who are away from their homeland,” stated Mario Carvalho, chief organiser of the event.

Chief Guest Goan cartoonist Alexyz Fernandes was all praise for the Goan community and the efforts made to promote Goa down under.

The carnival is a tradition and celebration of merry making and feasting before the beginning of Lent, which is a time of sacrifice and prayer.

At the carnival, five decorated floats with a variety of participants of various age groups all dressed in vibrant, colourful costumes depicted Goa’s culture and its themes.

Each float was unique and boasted of a specific theme such as Goan cuisine, tourists to Goa, past and present Goan music, among others. The floats were very impressive and exuded sheer grandeur and a spirit of celebration that is truly Goan.

Members and their guests danced to the music of Coda Mix, a renowned AngloIndian band based in Australia.

Earlier, chief coordinator Mario Carvalho welcomed the gathering and listed the highlights of the KCHI, assuring the gathering that there would be many such events to promote Indian and Goan culture. Jude and Saroj D’Sa provided the mouthwatering snacks and meal, while

Royden and Lidia Rodrigues, Vernon and Corryne Da Gama, Simon and Nancy Mendonsa and Ursula Fernandes along with Chinky Carvalho, coordinated the floats parade.

The event was hosted by Titus

Fernandes. The traditional King Momo accompanied by his Queen made their presence felt with the King reading out his decree to carry on the party during the carnival period and enjoy life like a true Goan now settled in Australia.

India-Victoria nano-biotechnology research centre opened

A new world-class India-Victoria project focused on cutting edge technology to tackle critical issues of global importance was opened recently in India by Victorian Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business, Louise Asher.

The TERIDeakin

University Nano-Biotechnology Research Centre is a joint venture between The Energy and Resources Institute of India (TERI) and Deakin University.

Ms Asher joined Nobel Laureate and TERI Director Dr R. K. Pachauri to inaugurate the New Delhi facility during the Victorian Government’s Super Trade Mission to India. The Centre will address issues including food security in changing climates, environmental remediation using natural products, better health through novel molecules and better life quality in developing communities.

Around 70 researchers, including up to 50 PhD students from Deakin, are expected to be using the facility within five years. Students will be cosupervised by both Deakin and TERI staff, further strengthening education ties between Victoria and India.

Ict

A new partnership between Victoria’s La Trobe University and India’s HCL Technologies, a major Indian IT company, will deliver high-caliber research and industry benefits to both countries.

A MoU was signed in New Delhi to collaborate in research, development and commercialisation activities, and was witnessed by Mr Baillieu and Minister for Technology Gordon Rich-Phillips.

“ICT in Victoria is dynamic, globally-focused and competitive, generating around $29 billion in revenue and $2.45 billion in exports annually,” Mr RichPhillips said.

La Trobe University ViceChancellor and President, Professor John Dewar, said as well as recognising La Trobe’s key role in leading-edge ICT research, HCL Technologies would also provide opportunities for La Trobe University students to undertake internships on community and government ICT projects.

Ravi Bhatia, ChairmanCustomer Advisory Board HCL Australia, said HCL was delighted to have signed the partnership with La Trobe University.

“We look forward to continuing our conversation on how HCL can extend its expertise to some of Victoria’s finest young minds, which in turn will play an important role in improving Victoria’s transport infrastructure,” he said.

The collaboration between La Trobe University and HCL Technologies will focus on research and development for Intelligent Transport Systems. Using innovative ICT, the project will look at problems associated with traffic management, infrastructure management and security, enhanced driver safety and logistics support for transport operations.

Expected outcomes of the project include improved traffic flow for commuters, better transport information for city planners, increased productivity of businesses, reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, and better quality of life for citizens.

Aviation and aerospace

A MoU between Aviation Aerospace Australia (AAA) and the Society of Indian Aerospace and Technologies Industries (SIATI) was also signed at the trade mission, formalising a long-standing agreement between Victoria and India to work together co-operatively to grow their aviation and aerospace industries.

Victorian Minister Responsible for the Aviation Industry Gordon Rich-Phillips said this signalled a new level of co-operation and exchange between Victoria and India in aviation and aerospace. The agreement will make it easier for their respective organisations to share knowledge, develop expertise and transfer skills, while tapping into new opportunities in India.

Around 20 of Victoria’s leading aviation and aerospace companies were a part of the trade mission.

Software engineering

Another announcement was the establishment of a new Australia-India Research Centre for Automation Software Engineering (AICAUSE) at RMIT University. Premier Baillieu announced that up to 300 highly skilled software engineering jobs will be generated in Victoria as a result of this new partnership between RMIT, ABB Australia, ABB Corporate Research Centre (CRC) and Global Industries and Services in India.

The new facility is set to become Australia’s centre of excellence in automation and robotics, which will not just significantly boost employment in Victoria but also strengthen the state’s global reputation as a leader in ICT and R&D. It will support ABB Australia and other businesses in sectors including advanced manufacturing, energy generation and distribution, utilities, building automation, and mining and natural resources. Academia and researchers will together develop solutions that tackle issues core to industry, such as improving energy efficiency, raising productivity and addressing climate change.

ABB India CEO Bazmi Husain commented on the benefits of this alliance in its ability to draw on the global expertise of a company that invests more than US$1 billion a year in R&D globally - much of it directed at ABB’s seven Corporate Research Centres.

Banking products

Victorian company GRG International Limited (which supplies and distributes GRG Banking ATMs and management software and additional banking products and services) signed a MoU with the Madhya Pradesh Consultancy Organisation (MPCON) to supply ATMs and cash dispensers for eligible recipients to access payments using transaction cards that will also be issued by GRG.

One of the key outcomes will be a distribution system for payments made under India’s National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which will substantially improve the efficiencies of government welfare.

The agreement will create 50 new jobs in Victoria and another $500 million in Victorian exports over the next 10 years.

Subject to final contracts GRG expects to deliver 5,000 ATMs, 25,000 point-of-sale terminals and four million cards, to be deployed over three years under a 10-year agreement.

Defence and aerospace

A major Indo-Victorian joint venture in Bangalore was also launched diring the premier’s trip.

Vyoneesh Rosebank Technologies (VRT), will manufacture, maintain and provide product support for components and equipment used by India’s defence and aerospace industry.

The Victorian partner, Rosebank Engineering, is a leading supplier of defence, commercial aerospace and land systems products and services, with customers including the defence forces of Australia, USA and Malaysia.

Mr Baillieu unveiled a plaque to mark the start of construction on a new facility for VRT in Bangalore, that will operate stateof-the-art design, manufacturing and engineering technology.

“Rosebank Engineering will be responsible for training VRT staff, and provide its great expertise and skills to help ensure VRT becomes an Indian leader in defence and aerospace services,” Mr Baillieu said.

This project will deliver approximately 10 new jobs in Victoria in the near future.

Clean technology vehicles

Another MoU was signed with Indian automotive pioneer Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles to support a feasibility study exploring the potential for research, supply chain development, and manufacturing of clean technology vehicles in Victoria.

Mr Baillieu said Victoria was a driver of the Australian automotive industry and offered companies such as Mahindra Reva a comprehensive suite of capabilities, from initial concept and design right through to manufacture and assembly.

Mahindra Reva is a pioneer of electric vehicle technologies and was one of the first companies to introduce electric vehicles worldwide.

Mr Baillieu also welcomed new partnerships between Mahindra Reva and three distinguished Victorian research institutions: the Victorian-based Automotive Cooperative Research Centre, Latrobe University, and Swinburne University.

Mahindra Reva has entered into an MoU with the AutoCRC to establish an operational framework for an Applied Research Program. The two-year MoU will facilitate the sharing of relevant confidential information and enable the two parties to establish specific project agreements under the Applied Research Program.

The company has also entered into a three year MoU with La Trobe to facilitate collaborative research and development for new energy management technologies. The research program will develop new concepts and techniques for high-efficiency building design, electric vehicles, and vehicle-to-grid technologies. Energy management systems for commercial buildings would encourage employees to use electric vehicles, which could in turn serve as a source of energy for the workplace or help to stabilise renewable energy sources.

Mr Chetan Maini, “the man behind Reva”, will become Swinburne University’s first Entrepreneur in Residence, and will be engaged in the excellent work being undertaken by the Swinburne Electric Vehicle Group.

Victoria’s automotive excellence showcased

The Future Technology Trends in the Automotive Sector Conference held during the Victorian Government’s trade mission to India showcased the state’s technological prowess in the automotive sector. 17 leading Victorian automotive companies and research organisations with world-leading capabilities were a part of the delegation who met with leading Indian automotive operations to discuss new opportunities for industry and research partnerships.

Mr Richard Dalla-Riva (Minister for Manufacturing, Exports and Trade) said Victorian ideas, technologies and components were found in hundreds of automotive models worldwide.

“Our home-grown innovations such as the ute and variable ratio rack and pinion steering have had a significant and lasting impact on the industry around the world,” he said.

“Our local automotive industry has also been quick to participate in the global trend towards low and no-emissions vehicles. It has developed unique skills to produce multiple model variants on a single production line and innovative products that are profitable at niche volumes”.

“Today Victoria is one of only 13 locations in the world with the capability to take a vehicle through the entire production process – from concept, design and engineering through to manufacture and delivery to the showroom floor.

“One of our recent successes in the global market was the Ford Figo, India’s own 2011 International Car of the Year and the most awarded car ever - designed and engineered in Victoria” Mr Dalla-Riva noted.

$500,000 support is announced for Melbourne’s

Urban design and clean technology

Premier Ted Baillieu highlighted Victoria’s skills and expertise in urban design and clean technology while speaking at the Building Sustainable and Liveable Cities of the Future forum held in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry, the India Green Building Council and the Victorian Government in New Delhi.

He stated that with its wealth of knowledge and experience in urban design and related technologies, Victoria is wellplaced to assist India in meeting the challenges of sustainable urban development.

During the visit, Victoria’s award-winning urban design business LAB Architects announced that it would be establishing its first office in India.

The ‘Victorian Connection’

As part of a new Trade Engagement Program, the ‘Victorian Connection’ was launched as a new initiative to develop investment and trade opportunities in global markets. The program will help Victorian expatriates and people who have lived or studied in Victoria and who now live and work overseas stay connected with each other and everything Victorian. It will support them in forming professional and personal

Bhatia

Australia oversees the signing of a partnership between his company and La Trobe University networks that can provide market intelligence and identify and develop new investment, trade and joint venture opportunities between Victoria in their respective regions.

Members will be encouraged to become ambassadors for Victoria, helping to raise the State’s profile and awareness of what it can offer in global markets.

Following the launch in India, the Middle East and North Africa, The Victorian Connection will be launched in other markets identified by the Victorian Government as priority areas.

The program will also be extended through The Victorian Connection Business Insight Series, an annual event in key international markets, with one event per year held in up to ten countries and will position Victoria at the forefront of innovation and cutting-edge knowledge through exclusive functions for Victorian alumni with leading thinkers from industry and/or academia as speakers.

Films

A Bollywood biopic on one of one of India’s greatest sporting heroes will have key scenes shot in Melbourne, announced Premier of Victoria and Minister for the Arts Ted Baillieu, during the trade mission to India. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (Run Milkha Run) will tell the story of the legendary Indian runner Milkha Singh, known as the ‘Flying Sikh’, who won 77 of the international footraces out of the 80 that he entered.

Milkha Singh first represented India at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics which introduced him to the world stage and launched his international running career.

Bhaag Milkha Bhaag will be directed by one of India’s most celebrated filmmakers, Rakeysh Mehra, and will feature two of India’s biggest film stars - the multi-talented Farhaan Akhtar and style icon Sonam Kapoor.

The shoot in Melbourne will take between two and three weeks, and generate more than $1 million in local economic activity.

“As with other Indian films shot in Melbourne, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag will raise our profile in India and showcase Victoria as a great tourism destination,” Mr Baillieu said. “Tourism Victoria will leverage the release of the movie through a marketing campaign in India featuring the key locations from the film.”

Mr Baillieu said that as part of the Victorian Government’s Trade Engagement Program - India, screen industry ties were being strengthened between Victoria and India.

“We have committed $500,000 to deliver an Indian Film Festival in Melbourne in 2012, 2013 and 2014; we are establishing fellowships for young Victorian directors and producers to travel to India, and we will appoint a well-known Indian Film Ambassador,” Mr Baillieu said.

“We have signed a VictoriaIndia Co-production initiative which will see 10 Victorians travel to India’s FICCI Frames in Mumbai and support up to three Victorian screen companies in joint ventures with Indian production entities,” he added.

Mr Baillieu said Milkha Singh’s story was an inspirational one, and its strong ties to Melbourne were an excellent opportunity to expand Victoria’s relationship with India in the realm of the arts.

Also present at the announcement were the film’s director Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra, Vikram Malhotra, COO - Viacom18 Motion Pictures, and Mitu Bhowmick, Director of Mind Blowing Films, the Victorian line producer.

And a bit of cricket

Mr Baillieu joined in an informal game of cricket with children on his tour, with cricket legends like former Indian captain Kapil Dev, Victorian cricket star Dean Jones and Cricket Victoria CEO Tony Dodemaide also participating.

Afterwards he revealed, “In May this year, up to 20 Indian students will take part in an upcoming pilot program in Melbourne run by Cricket Victoria’s ongoing Sports Business Program, where I am certain they will receive a warm welcome and gain valuable skills and experience”.

Ten PhD scholarships are announced for Indian researchers to work in Victorian universities

Each PhD scholarship is worth $90,000 over three years for doctoral research.

An additional ten scholarships were announced for the year 2013.

The program is an initiative where participants develop skills in a range of sports-related fields, including administration and training, marketing and major events management.

Mr Baillieu also announced on the occasion that the Victorian Government will be working hard to secure the 2015 ICC World Cup final for the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). He said that Melbourne is the sporting and cultural capital of Australia and has been voted both the World’s Most Liveable City and the Ultimate Sports City on numerous occasions.

The ICC World Cup is the fourth-largest international sporting event, with 14 nations participating and an estimated television audience of 953 million people.