2012-05 Sydney (1)

PUBLISHER

Removing LAFHA no laughing matter

PAWAN LUTHRA

CONTRIBUTORS

Usha Ramanujam Arvind, Sujith Krishnan, Malavika Santhebennur, Sydney Srinivas, Asha Chand, Chitra Sudarshan, Noel G deSouza, Tim Blight, Petra O’Neill, Sudha Natarajan, Uttam Mukherjee, Shafeen Mustaq, Malli Iyer, Rani Jhala, Geeta Khurana, Nancy Althea, Avijit Sarkar

ADVERTISING MANAGER

Vivek Trivedi 02 9262 1766

ADVERTISING ASSISTANT

Nitika Sondhi 02 9279 2004

DESIGN Danielle Cairis

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

Indian Link

Level 24/44 Market St, Sydney 2000 or GPO Box 108, Sydney 2001

Ph: 02 9279-2004 Fax: 02 9279-2005

Email: info@indianlink.com.au

www.indianlink.com.au

While on one hand the government is keen to build its credentials promoting Australia as a good place to do business for Indian and other multinational companies, on the other hand, a grab for cash by removing the tax benefits related to Living Away From Home Allowance (LAHFA) as per the current budget, will be a serious detriment to Indian companies sending their top professionals to work in Australia.

In a global marketplace where countries are competing for top talent to enhance their local workforce skills and business opportunities, shutting this perk could be another shortsighted measure by the Gillard government. LAFHA is paid to overseas workers on a tax-free basis to allow them to meet their expenses and to an extent, compensate them for other charges (such as cost of children’s education even in the public school system) which they pay as overseas residents.

It is to be remembered that it was under Julia Gillard’s tenure as the Minister for Education that the

private college system was reviewed and effectively dismantled, which not only affected the future of a number of overseas students but also had an adverse impact on the export earning capabilities of the education sector. Enrolments have fallen, colleges have closed, students have faced and continue to face uncertainties, and a number of Indian businesses have closed down due to the slowdown in new student arrivals.

Indian IT companies such as Infosys, Wipro, TCS, HCL and other NASSCOM Australia members are active contributors to the Australian economy. With a combined workforce of over 10,000, these companies employ Indian IT workers to work on projects in Australia. By doing so, they are able to crossover Indian IT skills with their local Australian workforce, and allow for a high level of skills transfer. NASSCOM Australia member companies have currently invested upwards of $100m to set up more than 20 development centres in Australia; they have strong links with many universities in Australia to recruit students for global projects, run student internships programmes and have established scholarships.

All this is under scan now as these companies, which provide back up services to various Australian companies such as Telstra, Qantas, Westpac,

Commonwealth bank etc., scramble to make the employment opportunities here more exciting for their potential employees from India. Not being able to package part of their salary package under LAFHA and still bearing the full costs of public school education for their children or their Medicare costs, makes Australia a less attractive destination for these employees whose skill sets are in demand globally.

As an Indian Australian community, we lose out on a new set of educated and ethical future migrants; as Australians, we miss out on attracting top talent down under.

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, has just returned from India where he reaffirmed the importance Australia places on its longstanding bilateral relationship with India.

But it seems that his colleagues in Canberra are not of the same mind as they implement new taxes on a large number of Indian workers on 457 visas, by taking away their LAFHA benefits.

Whether this effects the Australian economy in a similar way as the changes to the education policy, only time will tell.

But one suspects, these increased costs will be passed on to the Australian clients by their Indian IT suppliers, which then will be paid by the local consumer.

GET A HEADSTART

Get a Headstart today, to ensure HSC success

If you’re in Year 10, Our Headstart Programs gives students a competitive advantage in Year 11 and 12, by teaching them the core concepts in Maths, English, Physics and Chemistry one year early.

YEAR 11 & 12 PROGRAMS

Weekly classes in Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Economics & English that help you develop strong understanding, and perfect your examination technique: Personalised Learning in small Groups, Complete review of every syllabus point to a full marks standard, Comprehensive exam practice with HSC-Style Questions

Try our courses for FREE!

We are offering 3 weeks free trial for our Year 9 to 11 courses for a limited time only. Try our courses in Mathematics, Science, Physics, Chemistry, English and Economics and see how our students are scoring such exceptional results!

SPIRITUAL

Bhagavad Gita classes by SVT Learn Chapters 7 to 13 of the Bhagavad Gita as taught by Sri Vasudevacharya, a senior disciple of Sri Swami Dayananda Saraswati, and a respected Vedanta Guru. Darcy Road Public School Hall, Darcy Road, Wentworthville, 3:00pm to 5:30pm. No prior knowledge is required. The course is in English and all materials will be provided. The course is free of charge; donations are accepted. Details at www. srivasudevacharya.org

Shree Ram Sharnam society

The Shree Ram Sharnam society’s Sydney headquarters are located at 23 Sheba Crescent, South Penrith. One-hour prayer sessions featuring the recital of the Shree Amritvaani are held daily between 7:30pm and 8:30pm (except Saturday and Sunday when prayers are held from 6pm to 7:15pm). The society’s next prayer-meditation sessions are scheduled for May 13 and June 3 from 9.00am to 10.00 am at the Woodcroft Community Centre on 65 Woodcroft Drive.

Bhajan event

Sat 26 May Gayatri Parivar

What’s on

Australia presents a display of Indian scripture, heritage and culture with bhajans from Shantikunj Toli, at Grevillea Room, 2 Lane St, Wentworthville, 1.30pm – 2.30pm. Details Neeraj Ram: 0405 777 539.

Kabir Jayanti

Sun 3 June Kabir Jayanti will be celebrated from 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm at the Max Webber Function Centre, 1st Floor, Max Webber Library,corner of Flushcombe Rd and Alpha St, Blacktown.

The program will include the recital of Kabir’s poetry, pravachan, satsang and live Chowki bhajans. Details Virendra Prasad 0425 309 977.

STAGE

Hindi poetry

Fri 18 May An evening with Ashok Chakradhar, leading Hindi poet and satire writer, Parramatta Town Hall (182 Church St, Parramatta), 5.30pm – 8.00pm. Details www. bhavanaustralia.org

Yakshagana

Sat 2 June Sydney Kannada Sangha Inc will host a Yakshagana performance as a part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, at Bowman Hall in Black Town, Sydney. The

performers are the Chitpavana Yakshagana Mandali from Bengaluru. Details contact Sydney@kannada.org.au

MISC

Hindi studies for high school students

Hindi Language is offered by the Saturday School of Community Languages – DET at Liverpool Girls High School, Hills Sports High School and Strathfield Girls High School. This provides opportunities for high school students to study Hindi language to Higher School Certificate levels as it is not available at their day school. Board of Studies syllabus is followed. The classes are free of charge and are run on Saturdays from 8.30 am to 10.30 am for Years 7 – 10, and 8.30 – 11.45 am for Years 11-12. Enrolment forms can be accessed from the School Principal of the mainstream school of your child or can be downloaded from www. curriculumsupport.education. nsw.gov.au/secondary/ languages/sscl/ Details 02 9886 7505 Saturdaycl-h.School@det.nsw. edu.au

Hindi language symposium

Fri 18 May International Hindi

Grammar Teaching- Current State and Direction: A symposium by Bageshri Chakradhar 3:30pm –5:00 pm at Parramatta Town Hall. Details www.bhavanaustralia. org

OzSpell Challenge

OzSpell Challenge, a new Australia-wide spelling competition, is sponsored by Macquarie Dictionary and targets students aged 10-14. The Grand Final will be held at the Seymour Centre, the University of Sydney in August 2012. The Champion of Champions (based on one district finalist from each of 150 Australian federal electorates) will take home $5,000 cash and $5,000 cash for their school’s library resources. Details visit www.ozspell.com. au or calling 1300 ozspell (1300 697 735).

Sydney Sakhi Sangam

Sun 24 June Sakhi Sangam will be held this year at the Croatian Club. Details Nandini 0423 684 340, Sushma 0411 967 374, Aruna 0410 338 900.

IABBV Hindi School for NDTV’s Greenathon

Sun 20 May For the second year in a row, Thornleigh’s IABBV Hindi School will participate

in NDTV’s annual 12-hour Greenathon campaign. The campaign supports solar lighting in rural India. The event coincides with the Hindi School’s Sports Day / Grandparents’ Day, 10.00am – 3.00pm. Details Mala Mehta 0412 283 677.

FUNDRAISER

Mother’s Day Multicultural Movie Screening

Sun 20 May Probasy charity organisation will be screening an iconic Bangla film Deya Neya (starring Tanuja and Uttam Kumar) at Seddon Park (opposite Glenfield Train Station). Join them for a great cultural experience to raise funds for neonatal care in Bangladesh, 5:30pm for 6.00pm start –9.00pm Details Shafeen Mustaq 0431 594 522.

Correction

In the article Forum reveals elderly as victims of domestic violence by Indira Ghosh that appeared in our April-2 2012 issue, a special mention was made to Maya da Dhaba “for sponsoring the event and delighting everyone with the delicious meal after the seminar”. The event was actually sponsored by Subway at Castle Towers. The error is regretted. Ed

The making of a mother

Although many cultures have defined the essence of motherhood, Indian history, tradition and even myth have revered and respected her many avatars

BY USHA ARVIND

Unrivalled and unsurpassed by any other human emotion, the maternal instinct is a manifestation of love in it purest form. A mother’s capacity to give, defies quantification. Despite her apparent physical shortcomings, she is the source of life, the nucleus of any family, the central pillar of support, the binding force holding communities together. As a logical derivative, the country of our origin is called the ‘motherland’, the dialect we communicate in, is known as the ‘mother tongue’. Terms such as ‘mother’ earth, ‘mother’ nature, alma ‘mater’ have all become common parlance, and remain so to this day.

The Mother figure is deified in many societies around the world. For Indians, she is the embodiment of selfless sacrifice, compassion and charity (Devi, Stree, Mata, Maa, Amma, Ardhangni, Dharmapatni), she is also Shakti the source of benign power.

As former President Dr S Radhakrishnan said, “The position of women in any society is a true index of its cultural and spiritual level”.

The ancient Vedic saying: Matru devo bhavaa, Pitru devo bhavaa, Athithi devo bhavaa (Mother, father and guest, in that order, are equal to God) therefore, sums up not only the role of women in our society, but our entire philosophy in a nutshell. Respect for women is one of the founding principles of our culture. Not only is one’s own mother to be regarded as equal to God, every girl/woman is regarded as the incarnation of motherhood. The child sets his eyes first on the mother, only later is he/she introduced to the rest of the world. In fact, the motherchild relationship is established much earlier. She is the first guru, nurturing him not only with lifesustaining food but other qualities like good character, basic learning and moral values. She guides him through those crucial formative years. Therefore, the mother possesses the power to change the course of history by properly moulding the mind and character of her children.

In Hindu philosophy, the terms ‘woman’ and ‘mother’ are nearly

synonymous. With motherhood, the woman undergoes a spiritual transformation. The wife may and often does demand and take; but the mother feels it her privilege to give and give, never once expecting any return. If woman as wife is socially significant, woman as mother is spiritually glorious.

Karmanyevadhikaara asthe maa phalechu kadhaachana

(Our duty is to give without expecting returns)

The child, it is believed, is indebted to the mother even while in the womb. But Maatru runa (emotional debt to mother) can never be paid back. Likewise, Pitru runa and Guru runa too can never be compensated. In Matru Panchaka, Adi Sankara describes the trouble we cause the mother while in her womb and through the intensity of labour. Even Sankara, the very incarnate of Lord Shiva, rushed to Kerala to perform the final rites for his departed mother. Similarly, Rama and Krishna too held their mothers in reverence. Sita Devi is also worshipped for her numerous sacrifices.

The concept of mother worship dates back to Vedic period and stems from the inherent fact that women in ancient India were bestowed with enormous power and looked upon with awe. Through the years, it has evolved, changing direction as our present day society emerged. But the fundamental attitude has remained more or less the same. The earliest instance is of Aditi, the Deva Mata or mother of gods. Others include Prithvi and Prakriti, both of whom have been closely linked with fertility rituals and are eternal symbols of prosperity. In this context it is easy to understand why the sanctum sanctorum of Hindu temple is known as garba griha

The trinity of Mahalakshmi, Saraswati and Parvati, in turn represent wealth, knowledge and power. Lakshmi is often synonymous Bhoodevi (Bhoomidevi) and Sridevi. On the mortal plane are Kunti, Gandhari, Ahalya. Vasistha’s holy cowKamadhenu is an extension of this very principle of giving.

The Manusmriti (code of ethics) lays down that a woman needs to be treasured, first by her father, then by her husband and finally by her son. According to a modern interpretation, “Just as the crown jewels should not be left unguarded, neither should a woman be left unprotected. No

extra burden of earning a living should be placed on women who already bear huge responsibilities in society: childbirth, childcare, domestic well-being and spiritual growth. She is thus the transmitter of culture to her children.”

In a fitting tribute to motherhood in the Mahabharata, Bhishma describes her thus: “The mother is the panacea for all kinds

of calamities. There is no shelter, defense or refuge like the mother. There is no one so dear as the mother. For having borne him in her womb, the mother is the son’s dharti. For having been the chief cause of his birth, she is his janani

For having nursed his young limbs, she is called amva (Amma).

For nursing and looking after the son she is called sura. The mother is one’s own body”.

The concept of mother worship dates back to Vedic period and stems from the inherent fact that women in ancient India were bestowed with enormous power and looked upon with awe.

Not only is one’s own mother to be regarded as equal to God, every girl/woman is regarded as the incarnation of motherhood.

Vanitha Sujith with her son Suren

Photo: Sujith Krishnan

Me, mummy!

BY SHERYL DIXIT

Iheard one of my favourite songs on the radio, one that I hadn’t heard in a long, long time. It brought back memories of psychedelic lights flashing over vigorously gyrating bodies on the dance floor in some obscure nightclub of my youth. It made me sing - loudly and tunelessly, much to the despair of my two sons.

“Do you want to sing on The Voice,” asked my younger one.

“I think I’d be better off in The Noise,” I replied.

“Yes, you’d win!” said my older one, tongue-in-cheek and straightfaced.

I gave him my raised eyebrow look, guaranteed to quell any sign of juvenile rebellion, and he returned my look with disarming innocence. The little one laughed outright, compelling me to join him. In a couple of seconds we were all encased in a bout of soulhealing mirth.

They’re getting good, I thought!

As we approach another Mother’s Day, I realise with a heightening awareness that I really enjoy my kids. They can be a right pain at times, but the sheer quirkiness of their personalities at just 7 and 5 are a joy to behold. They are funny and happy, baffling in their logic and uncomplicated in their affection. They are no different from the hundreds of children who are the product of a reasonably happy and close-knit family.

All mothers know what’s expected of them when they take on the responsibility of having children, and for the most part, they deal with this complete tilt to their ‘normal’ lives with a mixture of affection and pragmatism. Quite simply, they do their best for their kids according to their lights. And for some, those lights shine brighter than most.

I have to reluctantly admit that I’ve been there and done that. Motherhood added another, more overwhelming dimension to my life, and I think I lost myself in that aura of involvement, which can suddenly be akin to slavery.

I spent the first few years of motherhood being pretty much absorbed with my kids. They were my focus and my life, I knew the words of every song that Hi Five

sang, and would win any quiz on Postman Pat hands down. I felt I knew everything about them, and indeed, I wanted to know everything about them. I wanted to be an integral part of their lives, and often felt indignant and annoyed that other mums had what I thought was a more cavalier attitude towards their kids. I was, what my friends would cheerfully label, a ‘paranoid’ mum.

But now as they get older, I’ve learned to breathe more and let go even more. The school-going experience opened up hitherto unknown vistas of revelation for me, when I could actually listen to a complete album of Alan Parsons without having to compromise by watching the Lazy Song (enactments and all) for the rest of the day. Between the hours of 9am and 3pm, I can think about articles to write and write them, get the shopping done within half an hour, talk on the phone without interruptions….

Of course, after 3pm, all hell breaks loose! But it’s a small price to pay for those hours of reconnecting with myself, that lady who was lost somewhere in the mire of nappy-changes, feeds, teething issues and the trauma of the terrible twos. I’m no longer paranoid to leave them with their dad on a Saturday evening as I catch up for a meal with other like-minded mums. And it is this very bunch of easy-going, live and let’s live mums who have brought around that gradual and, if I have to be honest, somewhat reluctant change of attitude. Yes, I do have a few of the normal fears and apprehensions, but I’m becoming my own person again. And I’m enjoying the experience.

I feel like I’ve grown up as much as my two boys since those green days of motherhood where everything was perceived as a challenge, simply because motherhood in itself seemed like a challenge. But now, as they grow into distinct individuals in their own right, I feel less inclined to lead them on the straight and narrow. Rather, the occasional nudge when they step off the path seems to work better for them. And this philosophy, I now know, is practiced way more than it is preached.

Almost all the mums I know, the ones with attentive or indifferent partners, the single ones, the gutsy grandmas who live with their kids and uncomplainingly take on the responsibility of bringing up

Rock on, mums!

their grandkids, the grandmums who are carers, mums with adopted kids, same-sex mums – all have this amazing ability to be themselves in spite of being mothers. And although motherhood is believed to be a state of ‘selflessness’, isn’t it nice to have a bit of one’s ‘self’ back? Yes, we all have our bad hair days and experience the zombie syndrome that comes from lack of sleep, but for the most, they’re very well adjusted with themselves. Almost all take time out to sneak back into their pre-mum days, even if it means pushing a pram with a sleeping child through a mall for a couple of hours while they window shop for clothes…for themselves. They get their nails done, visit the hairdresser, lounge in the local

library, take power naps during the day – they give a true meaning to the concept of ‘me time’. To me, this attitude is revolutionary, given my somewhat narrow perception of what a mum should be, that I harboured until not so long ago. A strange attitude indeed, as my own mum had a near-perfect balance between us kids, a job and a hectic home and social life back in India.

So to all you mums out there, on this Mother’s Day, enjoy the excess of affection that’s bound to come your way. But on the next available date, take time out to catch up with your friends, have a coffee together, go out to dinner, get a bottle of white at the pub down the road – and celebrate yourself, the person you were and still are, under the ‘mummy’ avatar.

Yes, we all have our bad hair days and experience the zombie syndrome that comes from lack of sleep, but for the most, they’re very well adjusted with themselves.

Motherhood added another, more overwhelming dimension to my life, and I think I lost myself in that aura of involvement, which can suddenly be akin to slavery.

Being a mum is a great experience, and going back to being oneself is pretty interesting too

Because I said so,

Have you noticed how mums say the most hilarious things, even if they don’t mean to? In moments of stress normally brought on when they’re not happy about what they consider as our latest act of insanity, they say something silly that absolutely has us in splits. It’s great having a funny mummy – in addition to all the loving, caring and nurturing, making us laugh is the icing on the cake! That’s why we love our mums!

Have you noticed how you can say the most hilarious things, even if you don’t mean to, and specially to your children? In moments of stress normally brought on when you’re not happy about your child’s latest manifestation of imbecility, you say something that, instead of chastising them, makes them break out into disrespectful laughter! When I was your age…. Well, having a sense of humour is just another challenge of motherhood – and don’t we know it!

Ten-year-old Ronit Jabbal of Glen Waverley (Vic) with his mum Preeti

that’s why!

Slow the music.

(She means turn the volume down).

We’re having Indian for dinner again today because we come from India, that’s why!

Dal is very healthy food, ask anyone. You can do better than that in mathsyou’re an Indian girl/boy.

You can’t go out wearing that!

Will there be boys at your party tonight?

You must marry an Indian boy. Go to your room… no, wait, you like your room…

Don’t make me turn this car around.  Well, you’re the only one who could have done it.

Go ask Dad.

Do you think money grows on trees?  Indians can’t have babies till they are married.

We can drive like this, we are Indians. I wouldn’t be driving like this if you didn’t make me late.

You can do anything, you are an Indian. Of course you believe in god, you are an Indian.

Go wear your jumper, I’m feeling cold. Do you want me to shout at you like a mad woman?

Get out of the shower NOW. (30 seconds after I get into the shower)

We are going out for a few hours; you’ll be alone at home, DON’T do anything we wouldn’t want you to do. We don’t do that in our house. I used to shiver in fright when my mother scolded me.... look at you, you don’t even listen when I scream at you. Have you even brushed your teeth?

Do it NOW or else NO wifi for the next whole week.

Are you on Facebook?

MMwwwwaaaahhh, smooch, smooch, my little baby, I am so proud of you. Right, go do the dishes now.

Look, learn from the cat, she never answers back.

(When I tell her I got the second highest mark on the maths test) Who got the highest?

If you get that hair off your face everyone will be able to see how pretty you really are.

If your friends jump into the well, will you jump too?

I can get this made in India for half that price.

Aaaaahhhhhhhh.

(After her 14th cup of chai: she’s seriously addicted, poor thing).

How many times do I have to repeat the same thing again and again?!

Why can’t you swtich off the lights/TV/ computer when you leave the room?

Bijli ka bill kya tumhara baap dega…

(Oh yeah, mum, baap hi to dega!)

Am I talking to a brick wall?

When I was your age I used to help my mum all day…

In our days we never had the guts to questions our parents, look at you…

Am I your servant to pick up your clothes, cook your food and clean your room…?

Can’t you both sit together for 5 minutes without bickering?

You’ll understand my pain when you have your own kids!

You call this homework ‘work’? This is how much we had to do in an hour, not over a week.

I don’t care if your friends’ families only invite a few people over at a time; we are Indians and I have to invite everyone we know including uncles, aunties and grandparents or they will get offended.

You are Indian and you call this spicy?

Indians ke naam pe kalank ho (you are a blot on the name of the country)

That’s a total rip off! Buying at full price is against my retail principles… you want that latest game, research the best price in the market and make sure it’s on sale

I don’t care if it’s too much: if there are hundred seniors around you have to matha teko (bow before) all of them!

If you don’t learn how to speak Hindi you’ll never know what Dad and I talk about you in front of you

Don’t you dare say sh#@ - I will make you wash your mouth out with soap Look at your tond (bulging tummy) stop eating McDonalds or you will turn into a fat pig.

When I was your age I used to bike or walk to school. No fancy cars for us… learn to appreciate what you have. Get off that Facebook-shacebook thing! How can you be texting / facebooking / youtubing / watching TV while doing your homework?

Funny Mummy

There are no wells any more, mum. Ok, into the Indian Ocean then! We don’t live near the Indian Ocean. Ok (screaming), off the Harbour Bridge then!!

Dad (muttering): Don’t give her ideas. You’ve got to start ironing your own shirts – don’t assume your wife will iron them for you.

Then why do you still iron Dad’s shirts…?

Skirt neeche karo. (She means my skirt’s too short for her liking). Undies don’t like to live on the floorthey like to be on you, in the drawer or in the wash!

Contributions from Ronit Jabbal (10), Janhavi Bhandari (14), Devna Luthra (15), Sarina Patel (15), Nehchal Anand (13), Manan Luthra (13), Dhriti Bhandari (11), Sachin Gupta (14), Sajini Gupta (16).

FunnyMummy Things our mums say

Toni Collette and Dev Patel in Anupam Sharma’s next

Sydney-based film-maker Anupam Sharma’s new venture, announced in Los Angeles in late April, will star Academy Award nominee Toni Collette (Little Miss Sunshine, The Sixth Sense) and Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel).

Titled Defiant, the film will be directed by Bill Bennett of Kiss or Kill and In a Savage Land fame, and is set against the world of honour killings in India. Sharma will be producing.

Based on true events, Defiant tells the story of Nisha and Hari - two young lovers in India on the run from their parents who want to kill them, because they want to marry against their wishes. When Sally Lane, an Emmy-winning journalist, hears of their plight she sets out after them to cover the story, but becomes involved and ultimately risks her own life to try and save them.

Toni Collette will star as Sally Lane while Dev Patel will play Hari. Additional casting announcements will be made in the coming weeks.

The film will shoot entirely in North India with principal photography slated to begin in late October.

Bennett wrote the script based on a newspaper article he read in an Indian newspaper about five years ago, and ever since he’s wanted to make a feature film about a ‘double honour killing.’

“Bill wanted to set a fast paced love story and chase film within the chilling context of honour killings,” said Anupam Sharma. “In our research we found a lot of staggering factual material which has given him plenty to work with!”

Bennett said he was thrilled to be working with Toni Collette and Dev Patel. “Toni is one of the world’s truly great actresses, and it will be an absolute delight to work with her. And Dev is an intensely smart young man with enormous energy and charisma, and he too will bring something very special to this powerful film.”

Described as part Romeo and Juliet part Bourne Ultimatum, the film will be introduced to foreign buyers for the first time in Cannes this month.

Anupam Sharma

Toni Collette Dev Patel

Potential to earn +$100,000 p.a. while keeping your present job

Are you like most people who have studied various material on wealth creation, then got “fired-up” each time and pledged to go into business for yourself someday, but NEVER got around to it because you

• did not have the (large amount of) start-up capital that was required?

• Just couldn’t afford to give up your full-time job to do so due to existing commitments?

• Simply could not find the right opportunity (one with minimum outlay and maximum returns)?

If you are a motivated, self-starter who would seriously like to attain financial independence, earning a residual income with the potential to exceed *$100,000 p.a. in 2-4 years, starting part-time with relatively no financial risk, then call

(02) 82302521 (24 hrs)

And we’ll introduce you (without obligation) to one of the most lucrative business ventures of our time. This is a genuine, legal and high-integrity opportunity that is attracting people from all walks of life, including highly skilled professionals such as doctors, lawyers and business executives. It is definitely not for those looking for a ‘get rich quick’ scheme or rewards without effort-such things don’t exist.

Understand that if you don’t have, it’s because you don’t act. Call Now. (Serious enquires only)

CONTACT : DEEPIKA SHARMA

Tamils unite

BY MALAVIKA SANTHEBENNUR

There is no better way to celebrate the beginning of a new year than by getting together with members of your community and spending the day singing, dancing and celebrating one’s rich culture.

And that is exactly what the Tamil community did on Sunday, April 22. Rain and clouds didn’t seem to hold the community back from coming together to cheer for their culture and language. Despite a gloomy, cloudy day, the Tamil community turned out in full force to celebrate ‘Sydney Chithirai Festival’, a fair organised by the Tamil Arts and Culture Association (TACA Sydney). Formed only in October last year, the association united Tamils from all countries like India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, Fiji and Mauritius for a grand celebration of the Tamil New Year.

Held at Castle Hill Lower Showground, the fair attracted about 2000 people, young and old and celebrated the festival of Chithirai. Chithirai is the first month of the Tamil calendar and is a festival that spans a month for the Tamil community.

Music and dance are staples of the Tamil community and this fair was no exception. The highlight of the event was the much awaited recital by renowned Tamil folk artists, Dr Pushpavanam Kuppusamy and Anitha Kuppusamy. Performing for the first time on Australian soil, the celebrated couple are loved by Tamil communities around the world for their simple ways of conveying moral messages through singing and storytelling in the folk music genre. They aim to convey the message of upholding the ancient Tamil tradition and culture to the children and youth of the community. They did so beautifully in their Sydney tour. The audience, from young to old, found themselves tapping their feet, clapping their hands and dancing merrily to the beat and rhythm of their traditional music from the rural Tamil landscape.

Before the songs of this famous couple, the cultural show was inaugurated with the Tamil anthem, which pays respect and prays to the Tamil mother and soil. The Australian national anthem was also sung, paying

homage to the country we live in. An instrumental item followed, with a rendition on the nadaswaram and thavil, two popular instruments in Carnatic Music.

Anagan Babu, one of nine founding members of TACA Sydney, said that when they formed the association, they conducted a survey among the Tamil community to gauge their expectations about what they would like to see happening in the Tamil community. This got him and other members of the association thinking about how they can unite all Tamils living in Sydney, not just Indian Tamils.

“What we were thinking is there are so many associations in the community. They are different small associations. But we wanted to make ours different and have a strong Tamil association,” Mr Babu said in an interview.

“With members from countries like Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Fiji, our numbers are strong – and our members all feel like they belong. For example, we have Tamils from South Africa who don’t read or write the language but they are still of Tamil origin. Our first function brought all Tamils in Sydney together”.

Mr Babu said that he and his colleagues in the association wanted to organise an outdoors function where large numbers of people could attend. His inspiration was the United India Association yearly fair, where thousands of attendees come from all states of India. He hopes this can become an annual event.

Being the first month of the Tamil calendar year, the Chittirai Festival is celebrated on a massively grand scale in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Hundreds of thousands of people turn up and participate in festivities that last a month. It is one of

the longest lasting festivals. TACA Sydney managed to mobilise the Tamil community through media support from the Australian Tamil Broadcasting Corporation and other media outlets, which promoted the event to the wider community. They also approached other Tamil organisations and associations, who were all very supportive. In

The inaugural Chithirai Festival celebration brings together Sydney Tamils from around the world

Vidya Balan to launch Melb Indian Film Fest

She’s the other ‘Big B’ of the Indian film industry, after superstar Amitabh Bachchan.

Vidya Balan will be in Melbourne on 11 and 12 May to launch the program of the 2012 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. Balan was named the Festival’s brand ambassador by Victoria’s Premier Ted Baillieu when he visited India earlier this year.

In Melbourne, Vidya will launch the program of this year’s Film Festival, which runs from June 11-22.

Says Mitu Bhowmick Lange, director of the festival, “We are honoured to welcome the one and only Vidya Balan, one of India’s finest and boldest actress, as the festival’s official ambassador; flying the flag for our exciting Film Festival. As someone who has changed the way women are portrayed on screen in India, she is the true embodiment of a festival that endeavours to showcase the sheer breadth and evolution of Indian cinema”.

This year the film festival is bigger than ever before – just as it should be, given that the Indian film industry is celebrating its centenary.

“We’ll be screening a dazzling selection of thirty-five films from across India, celebrating the film industry’s dizzying breadth, from “masala” movies to regional art house and even straying across the subcontinent for rare Australian screenings of their cinema,” Bhowmick-Lange reveals.

Starting with Vidya Balan’s Kahaani on opening night, Bollywood buffs can get to see blockbusters Agneepath, Delhi Belly, Bodyguard, Don 2, Ra.One, Rockstar, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Singham, Vicky Donor, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, as well as new releases Ishqzaade and Teri Meri Kahani. In the list of “thinking” cinema, there’s Paan Singh Tomar, Shaitan, Stanley Ka Dabba, I Am Kalaam, Michael etc Beyond Bollywood, there’s Adaminte Makan Abu (Malayalam), Baboo Band Baaja and Balgandharva (Marathi), Bettada Jeeva (Kannada), Laptop (Bengali), Nanban (Tamil) and Virodi (Telugu) to name a few.

From across the border, the crowd puller will be Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy’s Oscar-winning documentary Saving Face, as well as Bol from Pakistan, Flying Fish and Chatrak from Sri Lanka, Meherjaan from Bangladesh and Beauty and

Brains from Nepal.

A number of A-list Bollywoodwallahs will be attending including stars Priyanka Chopra, Shahid Kapoor, film-makers Rituparno Ghosh (whose film Memories in March will close the festival), Kunal Kohli, Jugal Hansraj, Raju Hirani, Abhijat Joshi, Vicky Bahri and fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Tamil star Vijay.

As in previous years, a short film contest is announced this year as well, the theme being ‘Connections’. Judges include Indian film-makers Raju Hirani, Kabir Khan, Kunal Kohli and Aussie broadcaster Mick Molloy. The Western Union Short Film Competition is open to filmmakers from India, Australia and New Zealand. Some of the winning entries will be screened at Hoyts during the festival, and shortly on SBS.

A new addition this year is the Masterclass: four seminars will aim to create greater dialogue between Indian and Victorian film practitioners. These include Raju Hirani and Abhijat Joshi’s ‘Thinking Through Laughter’ (they should know this, given they made 3 Idiots and Munnabhai respectively); Sabyasachi’s ‘Talking Through Fabric’; Jugal Hansraj’s ‘Animation: Possible Co-Productions’ and a panel discussion on possible collaborations.

“There’s something for everyone this time again!” the bubbly Mitu Bhowmick Lange observes with a laugh.

Vidya concurs, “Many people do not realise just how broad the reach of Indian cinema is; how many genres and styles it produces. If I can help introduce Australian movie lovers to the incredible industry I’m so proud to play a small part in, then I’m happy”.

W HERE TO CATCH V IDYA THIS WEEK

After launching the program on 11 May, Vidya will meet fans at a special screening of her film The Dirty Picture at Hoyts Melbourne Central. She will introduce her awardwinning film. On 12 May, fans will get another opportunity to see Vidya at the MCG, where she will present the match ball to umpires in the middle of the ground, just before the Richmond v Sydney match.

Priyanka Chopra and Shahid Kapoor will be in Melbourne in June to introduce their new film Teri Meri Kahani

Mitu Bhowmick Lange with Vidya Balan, Malaika Arora Khan and Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu in India earlier this year

Melodious masterpieces at Swati Tirunal tribute

masterpiece of the composer –Thillana in raga Dhanasree

Swati Tirunal (18131846) was a king of Travancore in Kerala, but he was also famous as a king-composer of Carnatic music, his kritis being in circulation even today. In fact his Bhavayami is one of the most popular items sung and danced to date. Rendered as a

ragamalika in seven ragas, it brings out the essence of the Ramayana and its different shades. A fitting tribute to Swati Tirunal is not just appropriate, but necessary as well. The Swatitirunal Organising Committee has been bringing together musicians from all parts of Sydney for this purpose, resulting in a day-long celebration

held at the Dundas Community Centre in Sydney on April 21.

The day began with the Talappoli with several young girls carrying lamps and flowers on plates. Then was the highlight of the day with a mass rendering of Bhavayami

It was a grand sight with more than twenty-five singers and accompanists onstage, rendering

that eternal composition. It was a full-blasted presentation where the experienced and the novices came together in happy harmony. It was difficult to take one’s eyes off the young Sudarshan who sat in the forefront and sang with all the confidence of a mature singer. All came together at the end once again, to render another

The stage was then ready for various groups to each present a composition of Swati Tirunal. Some of the well-known and rare compositions were presented. One heard mature renderings of Janani paahi (Suddha saveri) and Deva Deva Jagadeeshwara (Purvi Kalyani), a swaying Neelapuri (Yadukula Kamboji), well crafted Devi Paavane (Saveri) and Srikumara Nagaralaye (Atana), a smooth flowing Pankaja lochana (Kalyani), a pleasing Bhaja Bhaja (Sindhubhairavi). When Balaji and Sudarshan rendered the slowmoving number Bharathi Mamava Krupaya (Thodi), one wondered whether they were born to sing. The young Anitha and Shreya gave an appealing rendering of Gopalaka Pahimam. There were instrumental renderings as well on flute, synthesizer and veena. Apart from being a tribute to the great master, the day provided an opportunity for everyone participated to showcase his or her talent. The committee deserves congratulations for organising this event every year. I do regret that I could not stay till the conclusion of the programme.

Sydney Srinivas

Transcending religious barriers

BY SYDNEY SRINIVAS

In dance, it is said, you move in measure; your hand gestures, limb movements, eye movements and that of the neck have to be exact. But, mind you, it is not a drill. It has to be artistic to be called a dance.

Dance is a difficult art, but to Claudia Solomons, it seemed to come easy. As she brought age-old stories to life on the stage, her execution was full of life and appeared effortless. She demonstrated aptly that dance runs in her very veins.

The occasion was the bharatanatyam arangetram of Claudia in early May, at the Everest Theatre, Seymour Centre in Sydney. She is a disciple of Sashi Bala of the Natyadarshanam School of Dance.

What clearly stood out in Claudia’s repertoire was her very different and truly innovative Shabdam: it portrayed incidents from the life of Jesus Christ, including his birth and crucifixion. Very appealing, it showed that bharatanatyam has no religious borders, and it can lend itself beautifully to traditions other than those from which it originated.

Phrases such as Deva maindan tordinan, and Deva maindane paduvo reverberated as Claudia enacted the crucifixion. Anguish and despair were evident. In the end, as Claudia knelt, with a divine grace falling on her, a sense of wonderment swept across the audience. Indeed, it was a sight

Tandoor/Curry Chef

Experienced Tandoor/ Curry Chef required in Adelaide.

The right applicant must have experience cooking in a busy Indian restaurant.

Exceptionally favourable working conditions.

5 day working week, closed Sunday and Monday. This is a full time position.

Please email resume to tandoorchef01@gmail.com

in all the three departments. The

Chamundeswari, the killing goddess.

Bho Shambo, a celebrated composition of Dayananda Saraswathi, was chosen for the item Shiva Stuthi Being an item repeatedly heard in concerts, I wondered how it would be danced out! It started with a preface which was shadow play, itself wonderfully remarkable.

Claudia’s dance matched the rhythmic and slow tempo of nijaguna nihita nidanta anata, ananda atishaya akshaya At the finale, the majestic voice of Bharath Mohan, the crafty mridangam by Bala Shankar, choreography and able dancing all

converged in heightening the appeal.

In Dashavatar we saw the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu acted out. The episode where Narasimha tears Hirnyakashipu to pieces, the abduction of Sita by Ravana and the assurance given by Krishna, Sambhavami yuge yuge, left a lasting impression on the audience.

Claudia also included in her repertoire the Snake Dance, Thillana and other items, to fully exhibit her prowess. Music for the occasion was provided by Bala Shankar (mridangam), Shashi Bala (nattuvanagam), Bharath Mohan (vocal and veena), Lakshmi Narendra (vocal and veena), Iynkaran Mahadevan (flute) and Nagaraja Iyer (violin). While Bala Shankar has proved himself to be indispensible to dance in Sydney, Bharath Mohan is a discovery full of promise.

Claudia Solomons’ bharatanatyam arrangetram is refreshingly different

COMPLETE

MIGRATION SERVICES

WORK, STUDY, LIVE IN AUSTRALIA!!! REGISTERED MIGRATION AGENT

For all your Migration and Australian Visa related queries call now at0433 986 780

Our services include:

• Advice on Migration pathways

i) General Skilled Migration

ii) Student Visas

iii) State Sponsored Visas

i v) Business Migration

v) Partner and Family Migration

OPPORTUNITY TO OWN A HOME

B anks won’t loan you the money because you’re newly arrived in Australia, contracting, self employed, have a bad credit rating or simply don’t have a big enough deposit.

> Are you renting and giving away your hard earned money to landlords?

> We are private investors who have houses & units available in many areas including Blacktown and Parramatta.

• Visa assessment (Eligibility assessment)

• Complete preparation of visa application

• Guidance on study options and facilitate Student Visa procedures

• Review procedures in Australia

CONTACT:

Sonal Agrawal MARN- 1169617

Level 2, Suite 8A, 48 Macquarie Street

Parramatta, Australia 2150

MOB 0433 986 780 PH 02 8677 5161

Email: sonalagrawal0@gmail.com

Syed Mohiuddin 0421119628 syed@completemigrationservices.com.au contactus@completemigrationservices.com.au

For quick visa assessment ll the online visa assessment form on www.completemigrationservices.com.au

We help you achieve a better life and pursue your dreams.

> We can get you into home ownership with a small deposit, with no bank loan required.

Call 0419 273 653 to own your own home now >>

Contact:

Westmead’s First Indian Restaurant

Mums are always special so why not come to a special place this mother’s day & celebrate!

‘Happy Mother’s Day’

*Complimentary sweets from Daawat Westmead this mother’s day! *conditions apply

Pickle profits to help less privileged Fiji women

It’s business as well as community work for this Sydney entrepreneur

BY ASHA CHAND

Fiji-born Rooty Hillbased businesswoman

Anita Kumar has reached out to women from Fiji, who have been cooking up a storm in Sydney with their pickles and chutneys.

Kumar’s Fiji Island Supermarket on 63 Rooty Hill North Road has become the supply chain for pickles made by Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises and Development (FRIEND), an organisation especially set up to help women from disadvantaged backgrounds in Fiji. Operating from Tuvu, a village in Lautoka, the organisation also supplies locally available raw material to youth and people with special needs, so that they can put their skills to use by making all occasion greeting cards.

“These women are putting their skills and talents to use and I am happy to be in a position to help them realise their potential in a global market,” Kumar said.

“I was born in Bulabula, Ba, where I grew up on pickles and chutneys as the side dish adding a special flavour to the plain meals of rice and dhal, or roti and curry.” Kumar migrated to New Zealand as a teenager, got married and lived there for several years before moving to her new home in Sydney. “Living here and enjoying the luxury of the western world with our adult children has helped me realise how lucky I am,” she stated. “I now want to help women who have a tough life in Fiji, because I value the hard work that goes into making these chutneys and pickles”.

The first shipment of the pickles arrived at her supermarket recently, and Kumar reiterated that she does not plan to make any profit on these goods, simply to ensure that the women who make and package the products are the real recipients of any profit.

Recalling her childhood days in the village, Kumar said her mother Sushila Narayan who lives in Auckland, made tamarind chutneys and mango pickles for the clan of families who inhibited the tola (group of village homes).

“The days of my mum going

around to Fiji Indian homes in Auckland to make chutneys and pickles for weddings and other celebrations will soon be out of vogue as these items are available in spice shops around Sydney, and will soon be shipped out to Auckland,” Kumar quipped.

She was excited about the products gaining international fame through global networking made possible through the new media environment, and hopes to one day begin selling these products online.

The women working for FRIEND use smart technology, with high-powered solar drying panels used to dry the pickles before adding spices and preservatives. This method has come a long way since her childhood as Kumar recalls how she used to climb on the roof of their home using a ladder, to lay out the diced mangoes for drying before her mum applied here ‘magic’ to make the fruit into pickles.

“I sell all the Fiji Indian spices that are used for making pickles in my store. However, I encourage my customers to notice and buy the ready-to-use pickles as there is an interesting human story of survival behind the jars that proudly adorn our shelves,” Kumar said.

The recent floods in Fiji have damaged or destroyed many of the mango and other fruit trees. The women making the pickles will be affected directly; however there is excitement and hope as they prepare to make do with what is available to them.

“They use seasonal vegetables and fruit, and are willing to wait until particular crops have recovered from the onslaught of nature. I am deeply moved by their level of tolerance as well as the excitement this project has brought into the lives of these women,” Kumar stated.

Some of the products include mango, lime and chilli pickles; sweet mango, tamarind, chilli and khatai (dried mango) chutney, and jam made from guava, mango and marmalade. All the fruit and vegetables are locally grown in Fiji. FRIEND, a non-government organisation encourages the use of natural resources and skills for sustainable livelihoods. The organisation says that the chutneys and pickles are made using recipes which “have been passed down from generation to generation. Each product has a taste unique to Fiji, just the way our mothers and grandmothers used to make them.”

Kumar also recently organised a drive to collect donations from

Fiji Indian and other communities in Sydney, to be sent to the flood victims in Fiji.

Her shop was the drop-off point for food, clothes and other daily essentials which were collected on behalf of Humdard Incorporated, an organisation working towards helping the people of Fiji improve their lives through education and providing assistance during times of natural disaster.

Kumar said she sees her shop as a business venture, as well as a refuge centre for community work.

“I am able to reach out to communities in need through my business and I am glad to be blessed with this opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives,” she said enthusiastically.

Food breaks all barriers and pickles, made by these enterprising women, have become a duty free item at airports. The colourful labels make the product stand tall among other others, as do the handicraft items individually created by women and youth, using locally available resources such as pandanus and mulberry.

“Many tourists too seek out these chutneys in Sydney, now that word is out about our supply chain,” said Kumar in conclusion.

The pickles are made by Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises and Development (FRIEND), an organisation especially set up to help women from disadvantaged backgrounds in Fiji.

Kumar claims that she does not plan to make any profit on these goods, simply to ensure that the women who make and package the products are the real recipients of any profit.

Photos: Iqbal Barkat

Anita Kumar

Commonwealth Bank launChes nRI BankIng In austRalIa

A quiz show with a difference

Ashwin Bhaskaran, a member of the G.O.D Youth wing. Ashwin spoke about G.O.D’s aims and Sri Swamiji’s message of inner transformation through Mahamantra Chanting as the path to universal peace. It was also during this short break that the chief guest, Mr Raju Varanasi was introduced. As the Director of the Curriculum and Learning Innovation Centre, Mr Varanasi promotes a culture of innovation and organisational learning across NSW Department of Education and Communities. His presence at Puranava served to strengthen the educational message of our puranas Just like his work, the event was presenting our traditional culture in an innovative light and encouraged learning in a fun, positive way. Mr Varanasi then proceeded to say a few words in his short address in which he expressed his delight at G.O.D’s initiative and how it bridges the gap between our heritage and children.

The Global Organisation for Divinity (G.O.D) was back onto the cultural scene yet again with a fresh new concept and lots of energy to match. Puranava, their newest initiative, was a heritage quiz contest based on the famous Hindu epic, Ramayana, in celebration of Sri Rama Navami. The contest held on 1st April 2012, was open to children from ages 10 to 16 and garnered 6 strong teams of which one was crowned winner.

The Global Organisation for Divinity is a non-profit organisation founded by the Sydney devotees of Sri Muralidhara Swamiji with the prime objective of popularising the Rama Nama Mahamantra as ordained by the

Swamiji. With that as the main objective, Puranava was inaugurated with Siddharth Murali as the MC.

As all auspicious occasions do, Puranava started off with prayers and the chanting of the Mahamantra to bless the event. This was sung by the children from Gopakuteeram, another G.O.D initiative. Gopakuteeram aims to educate and empower children about their faith and heritage through monthly classes. The children did the invocation with the chanting of the Mahamantra 11 times with the audience joining. An incredible vibration was felt in the hall, the energy and excitement almost palpable.

A very entertaining story by Vandan Raisinghani followed, in which the young boy recounted

the story of Ramayana while interjecting his own quirky observations much to the enjoyment of the audience. He concluded very aptly by saying that chanting the Nama is true happiness in the analogy: ‘If jewelry adorns the face then the Nama adorns the lips.’ Two year old Skanda Kulkarni then wowed the audience by chanting few verses from Nama Ramayana Initially, Skanda shied away from the mike however as he went on, he warmed up to it and delivered a great performance supported by his encouraging mother. Lathika Shekhar then took stage and sang two soulful renditions of Rama bhajans.

With the celebration of Rama Navami well under way, it was time

for Puranava the quiz contest to begin. Sujit Vasudevan served as the host and quite an entertaining one too! His delivery of the questions combined with his quick wit and excellent timing made the evening an enjoyable one for the audience. 12 children were divided into 6 pairs and given a team name A, B, C, D, E and F respectively. They competed in five rounds which were direct questions, charades, rapid fire, tough or easy option and audio/ visual. Throughout the first half, the children participated enthusiastically, answering all questions quickly and correctly, much to the elation of the adult audience.

As the first half was brought to a close, Siddharth introduced

Puranava resumed with four of the six teams remaining, two teams having been eliminated. The final rounds were entered with increasing excitement and anticipation from the audience as the teams battled to win first place. In the end, Team B consisting of Bharath Yalandur and Skanda Jagadish, were crowned winners of Puranava 2012.

All in all, the evening proved to be one of great contrasts. The traditional context of our puranas as the backdrop of the innovative and engaging quiz turned out to be quite popular as the question/ answer session concept is rooted in our culture. Our biggest epic, the Bhagavad Gita serves to convey its message through the medium of a question/answer session. So, what’s better than to gather the future of our generation, children and get them to learn about their own roots in a positive, encouraging manner? May initiatives like Puranava keep prospering!

Smriti Sekhar

People Parties Places

Happy birthday, Aarav Lohan!

BUSINESS FOR SALE $150,000 (OBO)

A unique opportunity to purchase a beautifully fitted contemporary Asian restaurant (business only) for $150,000 or best offer. Excellent lease terms for a double shop front and a double story premises. Currently seating 70 people, with residence upstairs, located amongst the busy restaurants of King Street in Newtown and with a brand new fit out, this turn-key operation would suit an owner operator or an astute investor. With unlimited potential to grow your business and nothing to spend, this restaurant can be converted to suit a cafe or any cuisine. It comes with a new fully fitted stainless steel kitchen and all equipment, POS system, monitored alarm system, liquor licence and much more.

Are you looking for a career in Family Day Care?

Come along to “Aussom Family Day Care ”

Aussom Family Day Care opened its doors in Jan 2008 and has offices in both Melbourne and Sydney, to provide quality early childhood education and care to children.

• We offer flexible contracts to genuine people interested in caring for and educating children aged between infants to 12years old in their own home,

• We would love to engage a diverse range of educators from many different cultures, • A commitment to enrol into Certificate 3 in Children’s Services and other criteria apply,

• We have a team of dedicated professionals waiting to help you kick start your career in Family Day Care.

• We offer comprehensive support and guidanceall you need to do is pick up the phone and make an appointment.

Aussom Family Day Care NSw

4/1 Station Road

Auburn 2144

1300 164 794

Aussom Family Day Care Scheme

49 Hopkins Street

Footscray 3011

1300 556 043

BUSINESS FOR SALE

Indian Restaurant / Takeaway

Established and reputed for over 15 years. Near Sydney CBD. Completely renovated recently. Selling at fitout cost.

NOT SUITABLE FOR INVESTORS. Suits family with high equity in own house. No experience in cooking required. Full training provided. Once in a lifetime oppurtunity for the right family!

Price: $630,000 + stock

Apply via email: recklaw2012@gmail.com or write to PO Box 578 Gordon NSW 2072

India, US send strong signals to Pakistan, Iran

India and the US recently signalled common intent and purpose, asking Pakistan to take stronger action against terror, advising Iran to desist from its nuclear weapons programme and pledging support to Afghanistan’s peace and prosperity.

Visiting US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna were critical of Pakistan on its handling of terror groups operating from its soil and asked it to take “strong and more concerted” action against these outfits that threaten peace and security of the US, India and the world at large.

The two leaders had their bilateral meeting in New Delhi over a breakfast of idlis and vadas at the Taj Palace Hotel.

They also affirmed that they were on the same page on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, though Tehran remains a key supplier of oil to meet New Delhi’s energy needs.

On Afghanistan, the two nations committed to assist Kabul in handling its security, development and governance on its own, without interference from outside, even after the International Security Assistance Force moves out of the embattled nation in 2014.

At a joint press conference after their meeting, Clinton said the $10-million bounty on 26/11 Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed was an unmistakable sign of US “solidarity” with India on bringing the perpetrators of the audacious attack to justice.

Clinton said the US had every reason to believe Saeed was the “principal architect” of the Mumbai terror strikes that claimed 166 people, including six Americans.

“Combating violence and extremism is one we all agree on and we need to do more. And we look to the government of Pakistan to do more. It needs to make sure its territory is not used as launching terrorist attacks anywhere, including inside Pakistan,” Clinton said.

Krishna noted that the recent violent strikes by Taliban on diplomatic missions in and around Kabul had once again highlighted the need for elimination of terrorist sanctuaries in the neighbourhood and “for stronger action from Pakistan” on terrorism, including bringing to justice the perpetrators of the Mumbai attack.

Clinton noted that terrorism was obviously “incredibly important question” on the minds of both the US and India.

“We both know the tragedies and losses that come with terrorism on our soil. So we have increased our cooperation between India and the US. We are going to continue to do everything we can, not only to prevent terrorists from doing evil acts of violence, but also try to convince people not to get recruited into terrorism,” she said.

Asked about the terror groups, like the Haqqani network, operating out of Pakistan, Clinton said the US and the international community was committed “to going after those who pose a direct threat to the US, Afghanistan and to our allies”.

“We are also cooperating closely with India regarding the threats that emanate against them,” she said.

On the sanctions against Iran over its nuclear weapons programme, Clinton said

the US and India “share the same goal” of preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

“India is a strong partner in urging Iran to adhere to its international obligations,” Clinton said.

Krishna, noting that he discussed the importance of a peaceful settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue, said it must be based on the position that Iran has its rights as a member of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

“But it must also abide by its obligations as a non-nuclear weapon state under the NPT,” he said, asserting that “this issue, however, is not a source of discord” between India and the US.

Clinton said the best way to achieve a diplomatic solution that the international community seeks was to keep up the pressure that brought Iran to the negotiating table.

On Afghanistan, the two leaders said their respective strategic partnership agreements will pave the way for “stability and security” in the region.

Clinton said US consultations with India on Afghanistan was “very substantive and useful” and that the international community will remain engaged with Kabul on its future.

The critical issue of forwarding economic ties was discussed too.

Krishna said India was committed to providing a “level playing field” for US companies in nuclear commerce and expressed the hope that the talks between US and Indian companies will soon result in contracts.

Krishna also pointed out the difficulties faced by Indian IT companies in the US.

Clinton returned to the US after her swing through China, Bangladesh and India, where she visited Kolkata and New Delhi.

now “exploring a race for citywide office in 2013.”

“My 15 months at the Public Advocate’s office were truly some of the best of my life,” said Saujani, currently the deputy advocate for special initiatives in the watchdog body charged with ensuring that all New Yorkers have a voice in shaping the city’s policies, in an e-mail interview.

“What we were able to accomplish with the Fund for Public Advocacy, from encouraging immigrant entrepreneurship to providing scholarships to undocumented students was powerful,” she said.

“I’m committed to being a leader in charting the future of New York City, and I want to keep creating opportunities for the people who live here.”

Explaining what made her run for the US Congress in the first place, Saujani said: “Things were not getting done in Washington, and I was frustrated by the lack of leadership and the lack of political courage we were seeing in Congress.”

“I was noticing people around me become jaded and I wanted to do something to change it,” she said.

“New ideas are so important for driving innovation in this country, and I wanted a chance to get my ideas out there, and talk to voters in New York City about theirs.”

But “the experiences I had talking with voters every day showed me what a difference could be made by showing up, by being at the senior centre or the street fair and meeting the people that are working to make a difference in our communities,” Saujani said.

“I’ve always been an organizer, and as the daughter of immigrants I have always been especially passionate about engaging people in the political process, who have been excluded from it or who felt no one was listening to them.”

New Delhi recently.

“We have a well-established material and training assistance programme with Indian Ocean region countries for their capacitybuilding and enhancement,” he noted.

Indian Navy chief Admiral Nirmal Verma and other top naval commanders were present at the conference.

Describing the emerging security matrix in the Indian Ocean region as “really complex”, with “some political developments” and “worrisome factors”, Antony also asked the navy top brass to maintain high levels of preparedness at all times.

“Today, the security situation in our immediate neighbourhood has become really complex. Considering the challenges in the Indian Ocean region, it is essential to maintain high levels of operational preparedness at all times,” he said.

“On the one hand, there are some political developments, and on the other hand, a number of other factors are a cause for worry and need to be factored into our preparations, both in the short-term and long-term,” he added.

Stressing the importance of security of maritime activity through the sea-lanes in the Indian Ocean for economic prosperity of India and that of the world, the defence minister said free movement of trade and energy supplies and various economic activities such as fishing and extraction of mineral resources is equally crucial for economic security.

On the navy’s modernization programme, Antony said the induction of the nuclear powered submarine, INS Chakra, in April had ushered in a new era of submarine operations for India.

Clinton lauds

‘incredible contribution’ of Indian Americans

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton lauded the “incredible contribution” of Indian Americans in her country and said the people to people relationship was at the heart of the ties between the two countries.

Clinton, who flew to Kolkata from Dhaka on her visit to India recently said in 2011, 35 percent of all L1 work visas in the US had been issued to Indians. Addressing a gathering at the La Martiniere school in Kolkata, she said more than 100,000 Indian students were studying in the US.

“So many links between us, we want to promote even more,” Clinton said.

In her opening remarks, she also recalled Rabindranath Tagore. “I discovered him when I was in college.”

She also recalled his quote: “Age considers, youth ventures”.

‘Indian-Americans working as change agents’

Reshma Saujani, the first Indian-American woman to run for the US Congress, now as a change agent wants to create opportunities for immigrants who have made New York City their home.

Although Saujani, a lawyer, politician and entrepreneur, lost her 2010 ambitious run against Democrat Carolyn Mahoney, a nine term member of the US House of Representatives from New York, she is

“The Light of India Awards are a powerful way to celebrate the work Indian Americans are doing and to show their innovations and accomplishments,” Saujani said noting that they “are in every form of government from policy leaders to activists to change agents.”

Author Jhumpa Lahiri, television personality Padma Lakshmi and CNN contributor and surgeon Sanjay Gupta are among the nominees for the second annual Light of India awards, recognising excellence and exemplary achievements of Indians abroad.

The winners of the awards, instituted by Remit2India, a Times Group service, in the fields of business, education, science & technology, arts & entertainment and literature & journalism, will be announced on June 1 at a gala event in New York.

India natural leader of Indian Ocean region: Antony

India positioned itself as a natural leader of the Indian Ocean region in view of its strategic location and operational capability, even as its navy was asked to be prepared to meet eventualities in view of the complex emerging security matrix in the region.

“India’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean and the professional capability of our navy bestows upon us a natural ability to play a leading role in ensuring peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region,” Defence Minister A.K. Antony told the conference of Indian Navy commanders in

“It has placed us in a select group of navies that operate such a platform. We must ensure that INS Chakra is utilised effectively to harness its real potential and also evolve operational concepts for future platforms,” he said.

Antony said the navy is on course to acquire potent platforms to add to its blue water capability.

“The induction of INS Vikramaditya in the near future, the potent MiG-29K combat planes as well as P8-I long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft would strengthen the navy further. Recently, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) for the navy made its successful maiden flight,” he said.

Commending the navy’s commitment to indigenisation, Antony said, “This is amply borne by the fact that 44 out of 48 ships and submarines, presently on order, are being constructed in India.”

Endangered pheasant species multiply in Himalayan park

The presence of the highly endangered, elusive western tragopan can now be felt more clearly in the Great Himalayan National Park in Himachal Pradesh, with its numbers multiplying.

Park authorities say the population of this brilliantly coloured pheasant species in the park has gone up and so has its sighting.

“The density of the western tragopan in the park was 6.5 birds per sq km (in this year’s census). Last year, it was six birds per sq km, while it was just five birds in 2010,” said Park Director Ajay Srivastav recently in Kullu.

For population estimation, the western tragopan, like other pheasant species, needs specialised techniques. One of the standard census techniques is recording their call counts at a specified time and location.

Srivastav said that estimation was done at 18 locations. “This exercise is now part of regular monitoring protocol being followed in the park to ascertain the status of population dynamics of the western tragopan.”

As per the estimation figures of the last two-three years, it is clear that the population of the western tragopan is on the rise.

Srivastav attributed the increase to management strategies in terms of protection through regular patrolling of the area.

The western tragopan belongs to the family Phasianidae, which also includes peafowl and red jungle fowl. It’s the least studied bird in the world.

Being a shy bird, it is rarely sighted and is found at an altitude of 2,000 to 3,600 metres in the temperate forests of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Jennifer R.B. Miller, who studied the park in April-May 2008 during the US Fulbright Student Research Scholarship, says the populations of three pheasant specieswestern tragopan, koklas and Himalayan monal - in the Great Himalayan National Park have grown since surveyed in the late 1990s.

“Surveys conducted in the late 1990s indicated that pheasant populations in the park were declining. In 1999, the government legally notified the park and the authorities began enforcing the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act. Relative abundances of all three pheasant species were significantly higher (in 2008) than in previous surveys,” says Miller in her paper titled “Himalayan pheasants in the Great Himalayan National Park” published in the Indian Birds journal in 2010.

With magnificent glaciers, lofty mountains and gurgling streams, the Great Himalayan National Park, spread over 754 sq km in Kullu district, is one of the richest biodiversity sites in the western Himalayas.

The park is home to 203 bird species and 31 mammal species, three reptiles, nine amphibians and 127 insect species, besides 425 species of plants.

The famous mammals in the park are the leopard, the Himalayan black bear, the brown bear, the rhesus macaque and various herbivores like the goral, a small antelope, and the Himalayan tahr, a wild goat that lives on the steepest cliffs.

One of the most elusive species in the park is the snow leopard. It can be spotted in the highest portions, adjoining the Pin Valley National Park.

The best time to visit the park is AprilMay and September-November.

Tagore’s birth anniversary celebrated across Bengal

Rabindrasangeet was played at traffic intersections, in schools and colleges, events were held across the state and television channels competed with one another to air his songs, poems and dances as West Bengal marked the end of the yearlong 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore with great cultural

fervour on May 7.

From north Kolkata’s Jorasanko, where the poet-philosopher was born, to the districts and small towns, people thronged in hundreds to pay their homage to the literary genius, whose appeal has remained largely undiminished even 71 years after his death.

People from all walks of life queued up at Jorasanko Thakurbari in north Kolkata - Tagore’s sprawling ancestral home - since dawn to see the room where he was born and watch a cultural programme, where well-known singers, elocutionists and dancers participated.

The main official function organised by the state government began in the afternoon on a makeshift stage on Cathedral Road, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was present.

Cultural programmes, film festivals, and book fairs were arranged to kick off a fortnight long celebration. With Tagore songs, as on other days, played at traffic signals, people savoured a holiday declared by the state government.

From the morning, there was a frenzy of activities across the state, with Tagore’s compositions rendered in many localities and schools and colleges.

Born on Vaisakha 25 according to the Bengali calendar (May 7, 1861 according to English calendar), Tagore in 1913 became the first Asian Nobel laureate and the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize for literature.

He also holds the distinction of having authored the national anthems of two sovereign nations - India and Bangladesh.

The political “parivartan” in West Bengal left its imprint on Rabindranath Tagore’s 151st birthday celebration, with the Mamata Banerjee government changing the traditional venue and timing of the official function.

For decades, the state governmentorganised official function had been held at the crack of dawn on the bard’s birthday under an open space in the Rabindra Sadan premises.

All leading artists and elocutionists used to participate in the programme to play homage to the Nobel laureate poet. However, following instructions from Mamata Banerjee, the programme this time was deferred to the afternoon, with the venue shifted to Cathedral Road near Rabindra Sadan.

This took many singers by surprise, though they were unwilling to come out in the open with their criticism.

“It was a tradition to pay homage to Tagore early in the morning. I don’t know what prompted the new government to change the place and time,” said a Rabindra Sangeet exponent, on condition of anonymity.

The government has, however, claimed the decision was taken for the convenience of the Tagore-loving public, who would have had to wake up in the wee hours.

But leader of opposition and Communist Party of India-Marxist politburo member Surjya Kanta Mishra was at his sarcastic best.

In an obvious reference to Banerjee, known as a late riser, he said: “There are some people who are not early risers. But there are auspicious days when one should try to wake up early.” IANS

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton catches up with Congress president Sonia Gandhi prior to their meeting in New Delhi, India, 7 May 2012. Clinton was in India for a three-day tour during which she discussed foreign direct investment in retail, the India-US civilian nuclear deal and Iran. Contact

ANZAC Sikhs

BY SHERYL DIXIT

For the sixth year in a row, a Sikh contingent, resplendent in their crisp uniforms and holding their banner high, marched proudly in Sydney’s CBD as a part of the ANZAC Day parade on April 25. Over 25 Sikh ex-servicemen and women under the command of Col. Mahinder Singh (retd) took part in the parade and marched behind the ‘Sikh Regiments’ banner. Organised by the Sikh Council of Australia (SCA), the Sikh Regiments dressed in dark blue turbans and impeccable suits with medals flashing, made an impressive sight among the other ANZAC heroes present at the parade. The Sikh banner was carried by Capt Sarjinder Singh and Fauji Kuldip Singh, and the parade was well-covered on Australian TV, bringing the Regiments’ participation to a larger mainstream audience. The Sikh Regiments also participated in the official wreath laying ceremony on April 24 at Martin Place, performed by Mr Ajmer Singh Gill, President, SCA; Col. Mahinder Singh (retd); and Bawa Singh Jagdev, OAM and Secretary, SCA.

The contribution of Sikhs has been officially recognised through the ANZAC Day parade since 2007, thanks to the efforts of the SCA who approached the Retired Services League of New South Wales, asking them to allow Sikh war veterans, other Sikh soldiers and their descendants to march in the ANZAC Day parade. The SCA drew their attention to the history of Gallipoli, providing photographs and statistics indicating that the Sikhs fought alongside Australian and New Zealand soldiers as a part of the British forces in World War I and II, and in Gallipoli. And since 2007, the Sikh Regiments have been proudly marching in the parade, recording their significant contribution to Australia’s history for the benefit of the nation. It is a proud moment indeed, to see the Sikh Regiments stand tall among other Australians as defenders of this country, in memory of the 3400 wounded and over 370 dead Sikh soldiers who fell at Gallipoli.

“The ANZAC Day march has a special significance for us Sikhs, because during the two World Wars, specially the first, many army units were made up of Sikhs from Punjab,” says Bawa Singh Jagdev proudly. “We march together in this solemn ceremony of remembrance to show our gratitude for bravery and heroism, and to honour those men and women, in particular the Sikh soldiers who gave their

highest military recognition) were awarded to members of the Sikh Regiment.

This year’s ANZAC Day parade was once again made possible due to the efforts of the SCA, and in particular President Ajmer Singh Gill, Media Liaison Officer Vickram Singh Grewal, Col Mahinder Singh, Fauji Kuldip Singh, Capt Sarjinder Singh and Secretary Bawa Singh Jagdev. However, the task of organising the participation of the Sikh Regiments has not been an easy one. “Since we represent the Indian Army in the march, the SCA wrote to the Indian High Commission in Canberra and Consul General in Sydney, to request the Indian military to provide us with a Military Band on ANZAC Day, so that we could march behind our own band,” says Bawa Singh Jagdev. “However this year, like in the past, the SCA never received a response from the Indian High Commission. The SCA has attempted to focus on positive and innovative awareness programmes to raise the profile of the community in Australia, and it would be great to have the support of the Indian government in our endeavours, which we will continue to promote in the coming years”.

The SCA once flew in a band from Malaysia at great expense to give the occasion its due importance, however this was not possible in 2012. “It adds a

march again

festive touch to have a marching band as part of your presence in the parade,” Jagdev says. “I am disappointed at the lack of response because ultimately we are promoting India, and India’s efforts in the international arena.”

At the 2012 ANZAC Day parade, the Sikh participants’ turbans and attire distinguished them from the others, leading to encouraging remarks and overwhelming applause from the onlookers, who displayed an enthusiastic curiosity about the Regiments’ involvement in the parade.

But equally heartening has been the response from the Indian community at large, which supports the Sikh Regiments’ involvement in the parade.

“The community here is proud of our participation, and we always get a lot of cheers from those watching us march along,” says Bawa Singh Jagdev. “We would encourage more people to come and watch the ANZAC Day parade, to honour those who at the call of the duty, paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we could live as free human beings.”

The ANZAC Day march has a special significance for us Sikhs, because during the two World Wars, specially the first, many army units were made up of Sikhs from Punjab

Bawa Singh Jagdev

Candidate capers

A captivating novel unmasks the unsavoury and intrigue-filled side of presidential politics

BY CHITRA SUDARSHAN

American Presidential campaigns have been the subject of several novels, movies and TV shows over the years. There is something alluring about the power and glory that the office commands – in that, it is like no other. Vinay Kolhatkar has weighed in to the genre with his debut novel, The Frankenstein Candidate, (self published in the US), which is a kind of fictional Presidential campaign trail set in 2020.

Olivia Allen is a brilliant senator – and a basically decent human being - who has been invited to join as a Vice Presidential candidate by a Congressman running for President. She is one of the major candidates along with the incumbent Vice President, and the billionaire Frank Kenneth Stein a.k.a. “The Frankenstein Candidate”,

who is running as a self-funded independent. The reader realises quite early on that things are not as hunky dory as they seem: Allen suffers from the ‘Imposter Syndrome’, a psychological feeling that her success has been more on account of good fortune than any inherent skill or hard work; and her husband fancies another woman. Not very far into the campaign, Olivia realizes that things are not what she thought they would be. On discovering some horrifying truths about some of her fellow travellers, she makes some earth-shaking decisions that affect every major player in the race.

By the end of the book, we are privy to an assassination, enough scandals, as a result of which a candidate struggles to clear his name in court, while another is forced to withdraw from the race.

For someone who lives in NSW, Australia, Kolhatkar captures the ambience and aura of a US presidential campaign rather well: the candidates and the politics that drive them; the minders and the media; their primaries, the

numerous states, their cities, the intra-American differences; even particular football teams - are described with attention to detail and sound quite authentic. He teases out the lives of the main protagonists in ways that are quite engaging; so is his highly well-informed and fine-tuned description of the financial world and its shenanigans. The reader is driven to read on to find out how they all unravel. Kolhatkar has a Master’s degree in finance in addition to experience in the inner workings of Wall Street, and he is able to draw on that experience and his ‘insiders knowledge’ to his advantage.

Kolhatkar has said elsewhere that he was quite uninterested in politics – indeed was quite disillusioned at the way campaigns are run – that he decided to do something about it: write a novel that would throw light on the whole process and show how it was blighted and tainted by money and machine politics – something that would be an eye opener. The reader must judge for themselves if he succeeds in doing that! In

the meanwhile, they will not be disappointed by this novel and the rollercoaster ride that is the American Presidential campaign trail.

The Frankenstein Candidate: The Book that Could Alter the Course of the Next Presidential Election is available for sale online at Amazon.com and other channels.

Kolhatkar has a Master’s degree in finance in addition to experience in the inner workings of Wall Street, and he is able to draw on that experience and his ‘insiders knowledge’ to his advantage.

An eye opener on Pakistan’s terrorist arm

There is no book quite like The Caliphate’s Soldiers: The Laskhare-Taiba’s Long War, says Ashley J. Tellis of this seminal work by Indian strategic expert Wilson John. He could not have been more on the spot. This gripping book should be made a must read globally, including in Pakistan, where the terrorist outfit, John tells us, has enjoyed the active support of civil society as well as military and intelligence agencies.

John debunks the theory that LeT, which carried out the audacious and murderous Mumbai terrorist attack in 2008, is a socalled non-state actor. It may be so but only in name. For all practical purposes, this is an extended arm of the Pakistani state, enjoying the strong backing of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), with deep roots in Punjab, the country’s political and military heartland. It is silly to think that ISI officers in league with LeT are “rogues”.

“They are all ‘regular’ officers pretending to be ‘rogues’”.

No wonder that trainers in LeT camps are retired or serving military personnel.

The book provides a comprehensive insight into LeT, covering a wide sweep - from its

birth to ballooning growth, close ties with Islamabad/Rawalpindi, its vast terrorist producing factories, global threat and links with Al Qaeda, its sleeper agents, as well as its colossal cadre and financial strength.

Based on both published literature and other documents, John estimates that LeT has trained since the late 1990s a staggering half a million men and women to carry out an armed struggle. Of this, about 50,000, comparable to an army division, are on active duty while the others act as reserves, ready to fight for Pakistan, if need be, against India.

Until recently, there has been considerable ambiguity and ignorance in the West about LeT. The perception began to change from the time US commandos raided Pakistan and shot dead Osama bin Laden, exposing, as never before, the duplicitous relationship the Pakistani state has had with the US (while taking its money) and the Islamists, including Al Qaeda. So although LeT trained its eyes and guns on India, it is “not driven by any domestic agenda or grievances but a broader Islamist one of establishing an Islamic Caliphate through jehad”.

What do you do with a terrorist group that has the backing of a state wedded to terrorism as an instrument of state policy, an outfit which at one point had about 2,500 offices in Pakistan, has operated in 22 countries, shown capabilities comparable only to state-backed intelligence agencies, and which has provided training to a large number of foreigners ranging from Chechens and Uzbeks to Germans, Britons and French to Algerians, Indonesians, Bangladeshis, Afghans and Indians?

John answers the question without mincing words: the threat posed by LeT to peace and stability in the world has never been more serious than now. And he makes another, related point: LeT needs to be destroyed. Now!

M.R. Narayan Swamy

Vinay Kolhatkar

Herbal

Hair and Beauty (for ladies only)

Specialised from Overseas (Shahnaz Herbal) and Australia

• Threading • Hair cutting / Colouring / Streaking

• Waxing / Nail / Body treatment

• Beauty and Skin care • Simple Mehandi and Bridal Mehandi

• Wedding and Engagements packages (Indian brides) • Facials

Harvinder Kaur (Nenu)

Beauty therapist & Hair stylist

Look Good Feel G ood

Shop 3, 22 Henley Road

(inside the Arcade)

Homebush West 2140

Ph: 8746 0400

Mob: 0413 062 984

Open 7 days

Open from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm

Shop 34, 74 Genesis Building

Rawson St, Epping 2121

(Entr y also via Beecroft Rd)

Ph: 9868 4040

Mob: 0430 343 565

Monday closed

Open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

The Great Game in Afghanistan continues

BY NOEL G DE SOUZA

In the nineteenth century there was an on-going tussle between two great European powers – Britain and Russia –in Afghanistan. The third country involved was China, then weak and battered by European nations which had extracted trading areas in Shanghai. However, Britain and Russia conceded that China had suzerainty over Tibet. Nicknamed the ‘Great Game’, it was fictionalised by Rudyard Kipling in his novel Kim which was twice made into films.

There was then no Western aim to interfere with either the culture or the governmental structure of Afghanistan. However, the British meticulously studied Afghan culture and gazetteers on the tribes in Afghanistan and the neighbouring North West Frontier Province were published.

Britain’s aim was to block Russia from access to the Indian subcontinent, much of which had been subdued by the British. India was then a collection of British provinces and Indian princely states under British protection.

Russia desired this access whilst aiming to safeguard its expansion into the Turkishspeaking areas to the north of the subcontinent in what was vaguely known as “Turkestan”. The region was later demarcated into several Soviet republics which have now become the independent nations of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Within these independent republics, a strong Russian influence continues to prevails.

considered Afghanistan to be its exclusive domain and once even mooted a merger of the two nations: and (5) India, which has no military involvement in Afghanistan but has strong development and cultural ties.

To the above we need to add Afghanistan itself. During the 19th century Great Game, Afghanistan was weak, although because of its mountainous terrain it could create trouble for any invader. In the 21st century Great Game, it zealously guards its independence and even considers the border area with Pakistan which was denominated by the British as the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) as its own. It has predominantly Afghan people including some three million Afghan refugees.

Afghans have a deep-seated relationship with India. Known as Pathans, Afghans are found in almost every city in India. In some areas they have settled for centuries such as in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Punjab. They are also found in clusters in Bihar. They came as warriors and small merchants and settled down with their families.

There are also Afghan single men who come without their families to earn a living as travelling salesmen.

During the 19th century Great Game, Afghanistan was weak, although because of its mountainous terrain it could create trouble for any invader.

Afghanistan has strategic importance as it lies along the corridor between the subcontinent and central Asia. It is through the passes in its high and dry mountains that invading armies have historically moved into the verdant lands of India and Pakistan.

Historians speculate that the Aryans migrated about 5000 years ago from northern Asia. Much later, the Greeks established kingdoms in these mountains and in the adjoining lowlands of the Indus valley. The Mongol-Tartars followed from Central Asia and set up the Moghul Empire (Moghul is the Indian word for Mongol).

The Great Game of the 21st century is radically different from that of the 19th century. Several powers are involved: (1) Russia through its allies within Afghanistan and its proxies in the neighbouring central Asian republics; (2) the USA with its NATO allies and Australia; (3) a powerful and resurgent China; (4) Pakistan which has

Rabindranath Tagore’s famous story Kabuliwala (made into a Bengali film by Tapan Sinha in 1957) concerns one such individual.

When the Taliban government was overthrown through US intervention, India sent a plane not with food and medicines as other nations had done, but loaded with discs of music and films so that the people of Afghanistan could once again enjoy the creations of Bollywood. The Taliban had forbidden playing and listening to light music.

The Prime Ministers of India and Afghanistan have had frequent contact. India signed a strategic partnership treaty with Afghanistan in 2011. India has given massive aid (2 billion dollars) to help fund highways and build a new parliament building.

The new Great Game in Afghanistan has morphed from being a military incursion intended to remove the Al Qaeda and the Taliban from power, to fighting a cultural war. In the 19th century neither the British nor the Russians attempted to promote cultural change. Such change has been looked upon by extremists as an affront to their centuries old traditions. Democracy had been non-existent in Afghanistan till now. Rather, warlord domains were the order of the day. Female education and the rights of women were unheard of.

The future will depend upon the outcome of the war between modernisation and tradition. Similar wars were fought in 19th century Japan and in a different way in 20th century China. India is still encountering similar problems In a variety of ways, especially in its remote areas.

This strategically placed country is finally making its own rules in the midst of various players

Ignorance is not bliss

more disturbing about the Mumbai-Delhi axis’ general disinterest in anything east or south.

BY TIM BLIGHT

Vanakkam and welcome back to Chennai, one of the hottest cities in India during the summer. Although built along the coast, seaside Chennai only seems to get the cool sea breeze in winter. Without this respite, the sweaty heat lasts long into the night, and on the hottest of days everything seems to radiate the sun’s warmth.

The Indian media is now flush with stories of the rising summer and the impending monsoon along the west coast. For Chennaikers however, the monsoon is still at least six months away. While watching India’s plethora of news channels, I can’t help but sense a deep disconnect between the India of people’s minds, and the modern geographic boundaries. Listening to news emanating from Mumbai and Delhi, it would seem that India doesn’t extend any further east or south than the Western Ghats. Of course, the biggest, most important news so often occurs in centres of population – this is true even in Australia, where nearly all national news programmes are produced in Sydney or Melbourne. However, there is something altogether

Many years ago, an acquaintance once told me that all Indians speak Hindi. I challenged him on that, saying that the Mahl speakers of Minicoy Island, or the Tibetean language-speaking people of Arunachal Pradesh might argue otherwise. To this he replied, “Yeah, but they’re not really Indian”. I was aghast – how could he simply write off thousands, possibly millions of people, as “not Indian”, simply because they didn’t look or sound like him? And in a country like India, which prides itself on pluralism? I dared to stoke the fire by suggesting that if those people aren’t Indian, perhaps India should give those territories up. Needless to say, the fury that swelled in his eyes informed me that now would be a good time to stop talking. Unfortunately, this was an extreme manifestation of a widespread problem which I was to encounter many times again.

Like most prejudices, this one is based on ignorance. But at what cost? A trigger issue for many Indians is the Kashmir conflict. Yet how many Indians know which languages are spoken in the disputed territory? How many people could locate Gilgit on a map? Does anyone actually know the current status of the conflict at the United Nations? Or do we just know that it’s “ours”, not “theirs”, and that’s why we

should fight? In his excellent book Superpower, Raghav Bahl speaks of the “siege mentality” of Indians; that is, a deep suspicion of the countries which occupy India’s borders, and a knee-jerk hostility to any action by them. Through the sweep of history, Bahl makes sense of why this has developed. But as India emerges as a superpower, it is time for all of us to understand.

The monsoon, although much less volatile than the Kashmir conflict, is a case in point.

A quick survey of my fairly educated, reasonably worldly contacts from the western and northern states revealed that all but one were blissfully unaware that India experiences more than one monsoon each year.

A recent commercial for The Hindu newspaper played on this, by asking people to name India’s vice-president and Hrithik Roshan’s pet name. For the purpose of the commercial, most people could identify only the latter. Taking inspiration from this, I decided to cast a wider net with my research, to examine what a selection of Mumbaikers and Delhiites know about India today. In my quizzing, few knew the capitals of Tripura or Meghalaya, and none that Hyderabad was once an independent state, forcefully incorporated into India by military action. Two people weren’t aware that Chhattisgarh was now a state of its own, two more thought that Delhi was in Uttar Pradesh! And no-one was

aware that India fought a short war with Portugal over Goa, in which 22 Indian servicemen died, and which is still referred to in much foreign literature as an ‘annexation’ or an ‘invasion’. Now there’s something to get angry about!

History and politics aside, the point is that we all need to start recognizing India as a whole. 28 states and 7 union territories? We should be able to name them all, plus their capitals. And we should be able to call them all Indian; otherwise maybe we shouldn’t call ourselves Indian. Things are definitely improving; the days when people called for Dravida Nadu or Khalistan are now but a memory. However it has been shown throughout history that separatist groups thrive on exclusion, so I worry when I hear of ignorance or outright hostility to India’s various minorities, some of whom have a legitimate axe to grind. We need to know about India because knowledge is power, and if Indians are knowledgeable, then we will be powerful.

Ok, so I shouldn’t say ‘we’, because I’m not really Indian. But at the very least, in September, when everyone else is celebrating the end of the monsoon, spare a thought for us down in hot-asHades Chennai, where we know the real meaning of the phrase ‘Indian Summer’!

Listening to news emanating from Mumbai and Delhi, it would seem that India doesn’t extend any further east or south than the Western Ghats.

We need to know about India because knowledge is power, and if Indians are knowledgeable, then we will be powerful.

Being truly Indian means possessing indepth knowledge of the country, and not just of one’s state

On the periphery: Lakshadweep

The asiatic faces of Arunachal Pradesh

Photo: Lenish Namath

Photo: Diganta Talukdar

Confluence of cultures

BY PETRA O’NEILL

For centuries, Malaysia was at the crossroads of trade between China and India, strategically positioned between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea.

53% of Malaysia’s population of 28 million are Malay, 26% Chinese, 12% indigenous mainly from Sabah and Sarawak, and 7.7% are Indian. This cultural heritage is reflected in the architecture of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital, with Moorish and north Indian Mughal influences, Hindu temples, Buddhist pagodas, mosques and elegant British colonial buildings. Lying at the juncture of two rivers, Kuala Lumpur means “muddy confluence” and was founded in 1857 by 87 Chinese miners who set up camp here. Within a month, all but 17 had perished from tropical diseases. That proved an insufficient deterrent once tin was discovered, and Kuala Lumpur became a

boomtown. With its modern skyscrapers, diversity of its cuisine and luxurious shopping malls, Kuala Lumpur has emerged as one of Asia’s best stopover destinations well deserving of several days stay.

To appreciate the city’s historic architecture, it is worth spending time walking around Merdeka Square where independence from Britain was declared in 1957. Here you can view the Royal Selangor Club and the Moorish style Sultan Abdul Samad Building built in 1897, Kuala Lumpur’s oldest landmark. Formerly the Selangor State Secretariat, it now houses the Federal and High Courts.

Opposite, the National Textile Museum built in 1896 demonstrates the success of an adaptive reuse of a historic colonial building. The displays of jewellery, songket woven with gold and silver thread, and the ceremonial cloth worn by the Iban and Orang Ulu tribes of Sarawak are stunning. Then follow the riverside promenade to Masjid Jamek, built in 1909, the oldest mosque in the city.

Nearby, Kuala Lumpur Railway Station built in 1911 by the same British architect who

designed Masjid Jamek, is built in the same north Indian Mughal style. Fuel up with a glass of teh tarik, a frothy brew of black tea and condensed milk at Restoran Teratai on the ground level of the Dayabumi building.

The architecture alone is reason enough to visit the turquoisedomed Islamic Arts Museum. Built in 1998, the white interiors are spacious and filled with natural light, perfect for viewing the exquisite collection of decorative art from Asia, India and the Middle East.

Kuala Lumpur also has several parks, and close to the Islamic Arts Museum is my favourite park – the 92-hectare Lake Gardens built around an artificial lake with beautifully landscaped

gardens. It also has an Aviary, Butterfly Park and Orchid Garden with over 800 orchid species from Malaysia alone. Weekends, afternoons and evenings are the best times to explore Little India, just off Jalan Sultan Abdul Rahman, where bustling narrow streets have remained largely unchanged. Offering tee shirts, jeans, fabrics, saris and all manner of hair decorations, food and snacks for sale, this is the heart of the mostly Tamil Indian community. Here you will find numerous restaurants with great food at bargain prices.

Another bustling neighbourhood is Chinatown where you can see many examples of the south Chinese shop house,

Still a popular stopover destination, Kuala Lumpur offers enough to see and experience for a longer stay

elongated and with louvered windows and verandas borrowed from Malay architecture, often with ornamental facades. Here I enjoy visiting Peter Hoe for quirky gifts. Tucked away in a narrow street is the Sri Mahamariamman Temple founded by the Pillai family in 1873, initially as a private shrine and currently the oldest functioning Hindu temple in Malaysia. Built in the south Indian style, the temple has a tower that is 22.9 metres high decorated with depictions of Hindu deities.

When the day becomes too hot, do what the locals do and head for one of many luxurious shopping malls including the Suria KLCC and the Pavilion, that offer every conceivable designer label to gaze at, including my favourite, the bold and colourful clothing available at Shanghai Tang. On level 3 of the Suria KLCC you will also find Galeri Petronas that displays contemporary Malaysian art.

Malaysia is one of Asia’s best

Travel noTebook

kuALA Lu MPuR

GETTING T h E r E

Malaysia Airlines flies frequently to Kuala Lumpur from Australia.

wh E r E TO E aT

food destinations and although Kuala Lumpur boasts its share of renowned chefs, a vast array of cuisines – Malay, Chinese and Indian - is found in the upmarket food halls within shopping malls and at open-air hawker centres. For a quick pick me up snack, try roti canai or curry puffs, for lunch a thali, spicy laksa soup or mee goreng, and for a sugar fix try the brightly coloured desserts made from coconut milk. Choose the stall with the longest queue.

The modern high-rise buildings to the north east of the city, especially the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, are well worth a look. The towers light up the night sky, and like twin beacons, allow you to always know where you are. Standing at an awesome 452m with 88 stories, the towers were the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004.

Kuala Lumpur has morphed into a safe, clean city, with excellent shopping, restaurants, fantastic hotels to suit every budget and many attractions to visit. I’ll be back again soon, because each time I visit, there is always something waiting to be discovered.

Tourism Malaysia

Lakshmi Vilas Restaurant

Little India

Fresh food delivery

Exquisite jewelled art

Islamic Arts Museum

Mandarin Oriental Hotel

Malaysia Tourism Office

With its modern skyscrapers, diversity of its cuisine and luxurious shopping malls, Kuala Lumpur has emerged as one of Asia’s best stopover destinations well deserving of several days stay

Old style Kopitiams or coffee houses, once an integral part of Malaysian society, are hard to come by these days. Yut Kee, 35 Jalan Dang Wangi, has been serving coffee since 1928, and is now in its third generation. Restoran Teratai on the ground level of the Dayabumi building by the river has good coffee and Malay food. In Little India, I like Saravanaa Bhavan, 1007, Selangor Mansion, Jalan Masjid India, part of the Indian chain and Lakshmi Vilas Restaurant, 57 Lebuh Ampang. Good places to eat are to be found everywhere.

wh E r E TO STaY

A favourable exchange rate translates to Kuala Lumpur being a bargain destination. The emergence of clean, comfortable, newly refurbished and centrally located hotels achieves further savings. Recommended budget hotels include the Citin Hotel Masjid Jamek and Tune Hotel, though there are other good budget hotels, many in Little India.

For a splurge, the splendidly deluxe Mandarin Oriental offers city skyline views and rooms that feature king-size beds and marble bathrooms. Just metres from the Petronas Twin Towers, Suria KLCC and a lake and garden ideal for a pleasant early morning or late afternoon stroll, .....

The Club Lounge is extraordinarily good with a welcoming, clubby ambience. The food and refreshments on offer throughout the day make it hard to leave. The pool is lovely, the gym wellequipped with trainers on hand, and the massage from the hotel spa the best I have ever had.

G ETTING ar OUND

Access from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to downtown takes 28 minutes by train or one hour by taxi or bus. Kuala Lumpur’s public transport system is inexpensive, efficient and frequent, but negotiating three separately run monorail, commuter and light rail systems is challenging for the uninitiated. Taxis are inexpensive and numerous, just be alert as to where you are heading.

TIP

At KLIA, not having access to an airline lounge is no obstacle to boarding your flight feeling buffed, refreshed and ready to go. The Transit Hotel offers a shower, towel and soap for RM20. The Plaza Premium Lounge charges RM25. Both are open 24 hours.

Money-changers give the best rates, higher for larger denominations and prefer notes in pristine condition. While Kuala Lumpur is a relatively safe city, take care with your wallet while on trains and buses, at stations and when walking in Chinatown and Chow Kit. My overall impression is that Kuala Lumpur is becoming more affluent, relaxed and welcoming to visitors.

INFO r MaTION

Australian passport holders do not need a visa to enter Malaysia for a visit of up to three months, provided their passports are valid for at least six months on arrival and they have a return or onward ticket to another international destination. For citizens of India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Afghanistan, a visa from the High Commission of Malaysia in Canberra is required. Tourism Malaysia has many brochures and is at Level 2, 171 Clarence Street, Sydney Phone: 02-9299 4441 Email: malaysia@malaysiatourism.com.au

Clockwise: Main pic: Petronas Twin Towers, image courtesy

Ambalal Patel’s generosity continues to help RAIN seniors

In a fitting tribute to the man who connected three countries - India, Fiji and Australiathrough his generosity, Mr Ambalal Patel was fondly remembered by his friends, family and all RAIN members at the Senior Citizens Centre in Hurstville recently. Over a hundred people gathered and followed a bhajan conducted by Mr and Mrs Prathab Amin.

Mr Patel was featured in Indian Link three years ago, for his various philanthropic activities. Born in India, he travelled to Fiji as a young man and worked hard to establish himself and bring up his family. His hard work was rewarded and soon he set up a business. However, whenever Mr Patel visited his mother back in their village in Gujarat, he remembered that he had to do something for the people of his village, and he promised his mother that he would help them. When he could save up a bit, Mr Patel spent this money on doing good for the people of the village, with his contribution helping to lay roads across the village and assisting the needy.

As his business thrived in

SeeKInG GrooMS

Fiji, Mr Patel did his bit for the community and sensing the good work taken on by Resourceful Australian Indian Network Inc (RAIN) to support the seniors from the Indian subcontinent, he contributed the first donation cheque, following which a senior care fund was set up in his name. Generous-hearted community members followed his initiative and now RAIN has its own home in Penshurst, NSW.

Mr Patel passed away peacefully in India two months ago, as it was his wish to breathe his last in the country in which he was born. He remembered the needy even in death, and left a request in his will for his children to provide a dwelling for a young man who worked for his family. True to their genes, Mr Patel’s family rallied forth and organised a place for the person just last month.

Mr Patel did not forget his favourite group of RAIN Seniors. As per his final wishes, the family donated $3100 recently, towards the RAIN Life Long Learning Centre building fund trust.

Sudha Natarajan

T Rimonia L s

Seeking well qualified match for very fair young looking hindu lady, 54, veg, divorced, daughter living with her. he must be aged 49-55, non smoker with strong moral values. Contact lifepartner@hotmail. com.au or 0404043904.

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

Well-settled Sikh family in australia seeks good natured, educated, professional match from a cultured family for their good looking, slim and fair daughter. Completed medicine (M.B.B.S), currently doing internship. Please contact singh195950@yahoo.com

Seeking well-settled professional from australia for a 25-year-old, 5’ 6” charming Punjabi arora girl, working in aust. Public Service. Been in australia for 21years, family oriented, vegetarian, non smoker and non drinker, with a modern outlook. Email profile and recent photo to Sydney. matri87@gmail.com

Well-settled Hindu family seeks a mature, well settled, good natured, professional boy from a cultured family for our charming daughter, ‘79 born, 5’2”, IT professional (Masters IT). Caste no bar. respond with photo sssvjp@hotmail.com

SeeKInG BrIDeS

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

Compatible match for 1975 born, clean shaven Sikh Khatri boy, 5’ 9”, two postgraduate degrees from India and recently finished Masters in I.T from australia. Currently on temporary resident visa (with full work rights) and doing 3 months Internship at Optus Sydney. Living with elder brother (australian citizen), and parents who are on 1 year Visitor visa. Girl should be tall, well educated, with pleasing personality and must be from Sikh background. Early marriage and serious proposals please. Contact Ph. 02 9476 4570 or Email: jas_ghai01@hotmail.com

Seeking a suitable match, with Indian values, for 27-year-old, 5’6”, Punjabi Khatri boy, Permanent resident, permanent job, parents in australia for visit. Please email sunaina_aqua1@yahoo.com or call 0421 959 861.

Well-settled Hindu family invites alliance for tall, handsome australian citizen, 38/5’-10”, innocent divorcee. Excellent salary package, own house in Sydney. Seeking qualified, beautiful girl from cultured hindu families well settled in australia or India. Please send details with recent pictures to shaadi@live.com.au

ma

Chinese rule at Yonex Open

Indian players experience an early exit, reports UTTAM MUKHERJEE

The hall reverberated with calls in Mandarin and screams of ‘Chen Jin’. It seemed to me that I was somewhere in China, although I was actually in the heart of Sydney, at the Sydney Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour, witnessing the men’s finals between Chen Jin and Tien Minh Nguyen at the 2012 Yonex Australian Open Badminton Championship.

The tournament was played from April 3 – 8 with an impressive draw of players (307 in all), including Ajay Jayaram and Kashyap Parupalli from India. There were many players from Australia too, but unfortunately both Indian and Australian players were knocked out, not even reaching the quarter finals of the tournament. The most impressive Indian player was Ajay, who went down fighting in a 3-set match against Wan Ho Shon. Although players came from Europe, Africa and South America, the domination of Asian countries, in particular China, Chinese Taipei, Japan, Malaysia, Korea, Indonesia and Vietnam, was overwhelming. As an indication

of their might, from the quarter finals stage onwards there was only one representation of a non-Asian country - Poland. Once they were eliminated, it was an all-Asian affair from the semi-final stage.

Some of the highlights of the tournament included former world champion Taufiq Haidayat of Indonesia. Taufiq showed why he was once the world’s number 1, as he possesses one of the best backhand strokes in the game. He executed his backhand strokes time and again, effortlessly and accurately. The crowd backed him and was sad to see him depart at the quarter finals at the hands of Sho Sasaki, last year’s winner. If I have to vote for the most devastating smashes in the singles games, it must go to Sho Sasaki. As a player of short stature, he leapt into the air and unleashed smashes at lightning speed which were rarely returned by his opponents. However, Tien Minh Nguyen overcame him at the semi finals through sheer persistence and sound strategy of minimising his chances to smash.

The singles winner, Chen

Smashin’ 21s!

The shot isn’t over until the shuttle hits the floor – a true representation of the attitude each player carried through the 7th Crestwood Badminton Association Tournament which came to a magnificent end last month. Indika Jayawickrema and Vikram Soni’s consistent attacking performance across the entire tournament showed results as they gained a 21-10, 21-18 victory over Venkatesh Srinivasan and Bala. The latter pair displayed great strength and tactical placement to reach to the finals of the tournament. The tournament also showcased experienced players Sandip Khanal and Spoorti Rattan.

The tournament commenced on 28th March, 2012 with a draw pool for 40 badminton enthusiasts from the Crestwood Badminton Club. The first day of matches presented interesting clashes which saw the ousting of 10 talented pairs including Sandip/ Shivakumar, Spoorti/Mani, Bob/ Sagar, Prasanta/Rahul, Kim/ Nivi, Amitabh/Nitin, Basker/Lin, Michael/Ravi, Rikki/Ranga and Satish/Malkit. Bob/Sagar fought tough opposition from Sam Murti and Karthik Ram Prasad but lost by a margin of 1 point. The

two pre-quarterfinals matches were a fair prediction of the mixture of talent present in the club. Murthi/Karthik’s expansive court coverage and percentage play proved difficult for Sajith/ Ryan to handle. Venkat Srinivasan and Jonathan Tolenino displayed a good, steady performance to outclass Aditya/Jeyakumar to reach the quarter-finals of the tournament.

The quarter-finals were a mixed affair. Koshi/Byju lost a well fought match to Indika/Vikram as the latter’s aggressive style of play presented limited opportunities to fight back. True to their performance in the pre-quarters, Murthi/Karthik showed precision and substance in taking out Gowtham/Jitender. In the other half of the draw, Bala/Venkatesh’s persistence and pre-emptive play paid off as they managed to seal a close match against Neni/Vijay with a 3 point difference. Venkat/ Jonathan played Harry/Siva in an evenly matched contest however, Venkat/Jonathan managed to scrape a 1 point victory to proceed to the semi-finals. After some intense rallies, mind games and an aggressive strategy show, Indika/Vikram gained victory over Murthi/Karthik and Bala/

Jin, had a flawless game and his opponents could not exploit any chinks in his armour. He had an answer to everything that his final opponent, Tien Minh Nguyen, threw at him. The only threat he had was in the semi finals against Indonesian, Simon Santoso. Although Simon penetrated Chen’s defence, his undoing was his inconsistency as he committed many unenforced errors. Simon, like Taufiq, had a smooth backhand. The women’s singles was tame, as Han Li of China had

Venkatesh defeated Venkat/ Jonathan to gain a rightful place in the finals of the tournament.

On the Final day of the tournament, the dedication, commitment and enthusiasm of various players was recognised by awarding trophies to players as a mark of achievement. The players that showed a ‘cool head’ and were recognised as being the most consistent of the tournament were Jonathan Tolentino, Manikandan Parakulam and Bob Yost. The most dedicated player awards were given to Venkatesh Srinivasan, Rikki Wei and Rahul Kulkarni for their sincerity and passion. The ‘cheetahs’ of the court – the swiftest players were Karthik Ram Prasad, Hitesh Bansal and Amitabh Mukherjee. Finally, the best players of the tournament recognition were given to Prasanta Panda and Spoorti Rattan for their extensive skills, court coverage and tactics. The collective enthusiasm of badminton lovers from varied cultural backgrounds at the Crestwood club has been a major driving force that brings everyone together on a weekly basis to enjoy the sport. However, the immense support of the tournament sponsor, Value World Travel and its Director, Neni Tiwary who is also an enthusiastic member of the club, was to be acknowledged as their assistance for the club and the tournament brought lustre to the court. The

an easy win.

The doubles were generally fast and furious games. In the men’s doubles, a crowd puller was the pair of Markis Kido and Hendra Setiwan. Whenever Kido leapt to smash, the crowd hooted for him. In the women’s doubles, the crowd loved the never-say-die attitude of Luo Ying and Luo Yu from China. The final of the mixed doubles was evenly fought. However, in the end, the Chinese Taipei pair of Fang Chieh Min and Lee Sheng Mu prevailed over the Malaysian

duo. Another doubles pair that impressed me was the Indonesian pair of Angga Pratama and Ryan Agung Saputra who went down in the semi finals.

Now, a quiz question: What is the fastest racquet sport on earth? It’s badminton. At the women’s doubles the Luo pair smashed at 210 to 220 kmph. Chen Jin, in the finals, smashed at over 260 kmph. The fastest ever recorded badminton smash was by Malaysian player Tan Boon Heong at 421 kmph!

awards ceremony was followed by festive dinner buffet for all the members and their families involved bringing the tournament to a lavish finish.

The unique essence of the Crestwood Badminton Club is the feel-good atmosphere and the “one big family” attitude amongst all the members which brings everybody to the courts. The slightly competitive yet sportsmanship air adds to such a friendly ambience. Basker

Ratnam’s persistent approach and sincere dedication allows for a platform to bring all badminton lovers to come together and enjoy the sport in its true spirit at the club. Without his invaluable

management and contribution in running the Crestwood Badminton Club, it would not have been possible to propagate the club to such stature and to make it a funfilled environment. Basker’s peppy commentary, Praveen’s teasing expressions, Amitabh’s enthusiasm and spurring himself on, Bob’s energetic rallies, Prasanta’s smiling attitude and Nivi’s young passion – such colourful characters in the Crestwood Badminton Club embody the uplifting charisma and the recognition of the unity and excitement within members of the club. The spirit of the club is a unique gift to the local badminton community.

Spoorti Rattan

Prasanta Panda (seen here with Jitender Balani and Basker Ratnam) is the star of the Crestwood Tournament.

Men’s Doubles

In pursuit of a childhood dream

CHANNA WICKREMESEKERA on an up and coming cricketer

Kevin Indulanka Tissera first went to the Melbourne Cricket Ground as an eight-yearold. His artist dad Vernon had created a portrait of Sri Lankan ‘spin wiz’ Mutthiah Muralitharan which he wanted to present to him in person. Understanding that the team was training there, Vernon decided to take his two boys Kevin and George to the ‘G’ to present the portrait to the Sri Lankan hero. Whilst such a trip to the ‘home of sport’ may have been one to saviour for some, at the time it was not one Kevin relished. Simply put, cricket was not one of his passions. His older brother George was the cricketer in the family.

Forward ten years, and all that has changed. In fact, Vernon claims, that trip to the MCG was the changing point in Kevin’s life.

“At the MCG, I was told by one of the Sri Lankan officials that I would be able to meet with Murali and present him with the painting,” recalls Vernon. However sent on somewhat of a 90-minute outlandish chase, Vernon was despondent as he found out that Murali and the rest of the Sri Lankan team had left the venue.

Tired, sad and disappointed, it was at this time that Kevin spoke up and promised his dad that he would one day play at the MCG.

“Prior to that, Kevin didn’t really take to cricket as much as his brother, but something changed that day.” (Later on that day Vernon was able to hand over his painting thanks to the helps of Chaminda Vass).

That was the beginning of a dream for young Kevin. Now, the boy who didn’t necessarily want much to do with cricket, grew an unbridled love for the game. He began to read avidly about cricket, and got involved in the game at school. Cartoons now gave way to cricket on TV. While his brother George played the game more as a means of relaxation, Kevin seemed to indulge in it with a passion.

Kevin’s ultimate passion for the game was rewarded recently when he was chosen as one of three young Victorians to participate in Cricket Australia’s new initiative, the Multicultural Leadership Program. The program, which is aimed at changing the face of Australian cricket, will provide the participants the opportunity to

gain an understanding of all the facets of the game – in and out of the grounds – and turn them into multicultural ambassadors for the sport in Australia.

Since then Kevin had grown and matured into to fine young cricketer. Representing his schools and clubs from the age of 9 and onwards, he had developed into a promising right arm leg spinner with a penchant for aggressive stroke play. Under Kevin’s deputy leadership his primary school, St. Joseph’s in Springvale, Melbournbe won their maiden premiership in 2005. This love for the game would only become deeper whilst at secondary school, where he represented Mazenod College’s school cricket team in every year level from 7 to 12, even taking up leadership responsibilities as vice-captain in Years 8 and 9 to captaincy in Year 10, as well as captaining the First XI in Year 12.

Whilst there have been setbacks, where Kevin’s talents had not always been recognised at club level, he persisted in his quietly determined way, not allowing little obstacles to halt his progress. To take his cricket forward, he began to get expert coaching by Owen Mottau and Dr. Rene Ferdinands, both of whom, as Kevin explains, continue to play a crucial part in his development.

“Without the likes of Owen Mottau who has helped me wholeheartedly with my batting and love of the game, and Dr. Rene Ferdinands who has taken the time out of his busy schedule to work closely with me so that my ‘leggies’ develop, I wouldn’t dream of being in the position now where I can potentially go far with my cricket,” says Kevin.

He also said that he has benefited from the Young Cricketer’s Development Program (TYCDIEP), a unique program developed in Melbourne. Cofounded by his father and one of his close friends Johann Jayasinha, the not-for-profit organisation takes young boys on cricket tours so that they may experience the life of an international cricketer with regards to touring, media commitments and the like.

Participating in the inaugural tour to Sri Lanka in 2009, and the following tour in 2010 as captain of the team, this as he puts it, is where he really wanted to be as a cricketer.

Kevin’s ultimate passion for the game was rewarded recently when he was chosen as one of three young Victorians to participate in Cricket Australia’s new initiative, the Multicultural Leadership Program.

“The tours were some of the best times you could have. Not only did you get to experience some of the things international cricketers do, but you do so with your mates around you. Captaining the team in the second tour was a privilege, and to be able to win four out of the six games we played was a massive improvement from the previous year, and really solidified the belief that anything is possible with a bit of hard work.”

Despite his modest successes in cricket so far, Kevin has not allowed the sport to totally dominate his life. He studied hard to obtain excellent VCE results and enter university this year. However, for the first six months to a year, his studies will take a back seat as he flies to Sri Lanka where he will be training during the off-season. This can only lead to greater success for this affable young man who lives and breathes the sport.

Kevin has been blessed by a family that understands his passion. His father Vernon who is Sri Lankan and mother Lethi

who is Indian, both love the sport and have supported and nurtured Kevin’s love for it. His brother George has always been a great foil to the rising young star, despite their being many a fight between the two owing to a game of backyard cricket! Whilst thanking his family, Kevin also mentioned some of the other people who have helped him indefinitely who have shaped his

actions today. They include Owen Mottau, dr. Rene Ferdinands, Ravi Rathnayaka, Manjula Munasinha, Duleep Saraweera, Adrian Jones, Peter Mathison, Johann Jayasinha, Kirk and Julian Lawrence, Aldo Cerner and Dr. Nihal Henatigala. Perhaps it is too early to predict but given Kevin’s passion it may not be long before he can keep that promise to his father. We all wait for that day.

Let go, live life!

Carrying the baggage of past pain in our daily lives can be a debilitating burden

BY SHAFEEN MuSTAQ

Iwas in the garden the other day cutting some roses. As I held a stem to cut a beautifully formed rose, I inadvertently pricked myself and before I knew it, I had let go!

It constantly amazes me how wonderfully intuitive and resilient the Almighty has made our bodies. There was obviously a process by which the nerves in my finger relayed a message of pain to my brain, which in turn sent back an order to disassociate. This process occurred so fast that I could say, ‘I didn’t have time to think’; but ‘think’, I did. My subconscious self overruled the need to acquire a beautiful rose in order to preserve my body from the pain it registered, however fleetingly.

As children we are taught to stay away from fire and sharp things, and the consequences we face if we don’t. Our curiosity would have overcome us and we all felt pain in experimenting with fires, knives, needles or whatever was one’s choice of intrigue. As we grow up, that curiosity diminishes and is replaced by the wisdom of experience. We know fire is hot, knives are sharp and to stop feeling pain – we have to let go.

So why is it that even as adults with so much experience and wisdom under our belts, we find it so hard to let go when it comes to certain aspects of our lives? Why do certain people come into our lives and form such an attachment to us that it clouds our judgement and sense of self? We know we should let go but we hold on, oblivious to the pain they cause us and we may be causing them, in the desperate hope of acquiring that figurative rose?

We live in a society where we are taught to expect.

Consumerism ingrains in us that shoes, purses and even people, will bring us happiness. We buy these things or acquaint ourselves with such people and form attachments, which lead us to have expectations. But these expectations lead to disappointment. Because really, which purse, shoe or outfit will give you eternal happiness? Which person will always make you happy no matter what? People and purchases can only give you

fleeting elation. Constancy in happiness comes from knowing when to stay and when to walk away. But when do you know its time to walk away? When you prick yourself on a thorn it’s easy enough to let go; but in other more intangible situations where people and emotions and relationships are involved, how do you know when enough is enough? The first thing you may need to do is to let go of your ego. Put aside the expectation that ‘this person owes me’, or ‘so and so should love me as much as I love them’, or ‘they should do this because I did this’, and it’s easier to assess a situation objectively without a sense of entitlement clouding your judgement.

When you see that you are meeting someone more than halfway and they are not making the effort in return, let go.

When you see that your overinvolvement and emotions are making someone uncomfortable, let go.

When you know you’ve lost, let go.

When you feel that you’re losing your self-respect, let go.

Letting go of something or someone you love will bring the realisation that one has to be humble to achieve a state of emancipation that alleviates pain. When you stop expecting or feeling a sense of entitlement, or believing you are always right and that you can make everything go your way - that’s when you realise that the best thing to do is to let go. Forming attachments to worldly things or people will always end in disappointment, because they are not perfect. But forming an attachment to God will not let you down, because your expectations are aligned to the Almighty, and not to things or people.

That’s easier said than done though – sometimes even when you know that letting go is the right thing to do – you don’t do it. You cling to the familiar even though it may have become painful. In such cases something has to give. And something does. Relationships go sour, friendships end. Families fall apart. Because people think with their egos, act and speak in anger and most of all, refuse to let go. But as Joseph

the life we have planned, so as to accept the life that is waiting for us”. But when you let go of something that consumed you, with what do you replace it?

1. Keep busy. Doing things keeps your mind occupied and you will have less time to replay the negativity and the healing process is expedited. Cleaning is the best way to stay busy because focusing your attention on dirty dishes or messy cupboards helps. Physical cleaning is the best catalyst for a mental cleaning.

2. A different view. Look at the situation differently. Stop the ‘woe is me’ nonsense and have faith that whatever happened was meant to be. Even if you do not see it now, there was a reason it happened. Be grateful and move on.

3. Cry. Sleep and crying are two of the most underrated things in the world. Cry it out and sleep it off. It’s been scientifically proven that crying away your negative feelings releases harmful chemicals that build up in your body due to stress. Have a good cry or rant to your best mate. But makes sure you don’t overdo it. Wallowing in moderation is the key.

4. Change. Retail therapy isn’t called therapy for nothing. Buying something new, getting a haircut, applying for a job – positive

yell at yourself. You are your own best friend. Be nice to yourself. List your positive attributes and achievements and when your inner voice fills your head with positive thoughts, you will find it easier to push away the bad ones.

7. Give more and expect less Don’t expect anything from anyone. You are not entitled to anything. Be charitable to others and have no expectations, so that whatever comes your way will be a pleasant surprise.

8. Take responsibility. Hating the other person will not solve your problem. Focus on what you did and how you can improve. Empowerment will always negate bitterness and lead to selfrespect. Self-realisation leads to understanding and empathy, and letting go.

9. Express yourself. Write, sing, paint – but express your feelings. Let it all out, because bottling things up has never helped anyone. Overcome, don’t avoid. You cannot run away from yourself.

10. Laugh. Laughter really is the best medicine. Watch a funny movie; hang out with your mates, hear yourself laugh and feel it cure you.

11. Have faith. In God and the abilities He has endowed in you. Enough said!

I love the warm, gooey, melting chocolate feeling the endings give me, and I love swooning over the handsome, yet sweet and sensitive heroes.

Letting go of something or someone you love will bring the realisation that one has to be humble to achieve a state of emancipation that alleviates pain.

It’s been scientifically proven that crying away your negative feelings releases harmful chemicals that build up in your body due to stress.

Modern match-making

needed, in addition to patience and perseverance in these matters.

BY MALLI IYER

Meeting a soul mate is a common need, and something everyone dreams about. It must be underlined that if love were a T-shirt, one size no longer fits all. Eligible prospects hawking themselves on internet websites impress only the very few, and many would admit that partnering is a highly complex business. No matter where people live or what their lifestyle, the business of finding a partner or a soul mate is, more often than not, a challenging task. It is obvious that we have come a long way from the days of parents finding a suitable match for their offspring and following that, everyone got on with life without further ado.

Whether the search for a partner is initiated by the parents or elders in the family, or by the man and the woman who seek a relationship the goal is the same – that of finding the ideal partner – although the preferred route chosen by the parties may be completely different. In almost all cases there seems to be a yawning gap in the way families communicate with each other about this vexing issue. A parent-to-child talk is rarely a conversation between equals, and frequently a breakdown in communication looms large. The generation gap intervenes and mistrust is created. When selecting a partner they are intimidated by a fear of the unknown. Gone are the days when eligible men/ women/boys and girls didn’t have to go far – their family searched within their community or social grouping, and at best they went exploring in the next village or town, and the deed was done.

More recently, experience shows that parental concerns about their unmarried children, particularly true of South Asian families, creates family discord and unnecessary stress. Their frustration increases as the young members in the family are unable to find partners till they are in their late twenties or early thirties. The incidence of this happening is quite widespread – most of it due to societal transition caused by employment and migratory trends. A better understanding of the changing roles and personality profiles of those involved becomes high priority. Adjustments are

We are now in the realm of scanning a vast expanse – the world is the stage and the players come with several strings attached – a different culture, varying levels of education, upbringing and family values that are alien, not to mention the choosy, unyielding disposition of the parties directly involved. Anyone with an unchanging mindset is unlikely to find easy pickings in such an environment. On the other hand, a somewhat adventurous approach brings with it greater opportunities – be it browsing the internet with matrimonial websites, hobnobbing with ‘singles ’ and lonely hearts clubs, or simply getting into active circulation with the help of friends and family. Nothing should be ruled ‘in’ or ‘out’, since there are scores of potential soulmates waiting ‘out there’ with a similar need to meet a prospect with whom they could share their life.

Statistics revealed in 2011 that over 5 billion use mobile phones, and over 2 billion browse the internet regularly. Electronic age marvels have come out to aid partner-seekers such as tablets with android and other downloadable apps, smart phones, social websites like Facebook, You Tube and Twitter all provide the latest tools to help people come together. Skype and Google Chat enables one-on-one communication or small groups to chat live and help to make seamless contact as often as needed, shrinking the world through satellite communications.

As with any unproven technique, linking up with people electronically is fraught with risks – such as the fakes and fraudulent, imposters and the predators – all of who prey on the innocent and the gullible. In the final analysis, there is no substitute for a gestation period to developing chemistry between two people before settling down together in the longer term. Most people would do well to understand that there are no guarantees, and most relationships will stand the test of time only if the partners change with the times and are willing to share and care for each other, literally! The respective roles played by the man and the woman are not cast in stone, particularly as breadwinning and money-making is no longer the sole prerogative of the man. Women in our society are very much in the forefront, so it is not uncommon for the male of the species to be adept in kitchen duties and tending to babies, whilst the lady of the house plays tennis or golf. It lends a completely new

meaning to the old cliché, ‘It takes two to tango’. Macho and chauvinistic thinking are on their way out as women have become more assertive and have demonstrated resilience to create a niche for themselves in the social milieu. It is no longer unusual to see a homemaker husband with a super-professional or globetrotting wife who calls the shots in a relationship. The male of the species cannot claim their virility or sexual prowess as being adequate reasons for living in a socalled ‘man’s world’ or superiority in a relationship, since ‘hired help’ in every area is developing as an industry. European statistics compiled in 2011 on the state of relationships are interesting: 60% of married people are polyamorous and have extramarital affairs. Whilst 8% of children were born out of marriage in 1971, more than 50% of children were born out of marriage in 2010. The figures for North America are not any different – in 2010 there were 88 unmarried men for every 100 unmarried women. There are 12 million people who are cohabiting but unmarried, and this is a tenfold increase since 1960. These figures clearly illustrate that it is not a social malaise that we are dealing

with. A sustaining change in our attitudes will undoubtedly help to adapt to the changes that we are witnessing.

People need to review their own understanding of what ‘compatibility’ means and what each one has to do to meet at a common ground on people’s expectations. People have to openly address the fears associated with getting into a new relationship. For example, there is no room for men to remain a ‘Mama’s boy’ even though they are in their midthirties. Parents have to work incessantly at creating children who think for themselves and become independent, mentally and financially. Parents have to acknowledge that nothing educates a child better than his/ her own mistakes as they advance to adulthood. Family backing to build confidence amongst younger family members is a continuing exercise.

In our society, we will need to address the issue of same sex relationships with openness and creating a support structure towards gay and lesbian offspring, but that would be an inconclusive analysis until sometime in the future, as it is still in the domain of ‘work in progress’.

Macho and chauvinistic thinking are on their way out as women have become more assertive and have demonstrated resilience to create a niche for themselves in the social milieu.

Parents have to acknowledge that nothing educates a child better than his/ her own mistakes as they advance to adulthood.

The complexities of searching for a soulmate in today’s world are many, but the process is undoubtedly easier

The ticket to freedom

BY RANI JHALA

Jay could not believe that he had made it!

He was seated in a room with hundreds of other applicants, strangers in every sense of the word, yet with whom he shared a common dream. To be the chosen one!

While the others used the ‘waiting’ time to socialise or

rehearse, Jay chose to ponder over the journey that had brought him there. Only seventeen, he was mature beyond his years. The death of his parents when he was eleven forced that on him. His sister was only twenty-one when she accepted responsibility for him and became his guardian. For the next six years, she became his mother when he needed caring, and his father when he needed discipline. But he did not mind, for both those roles brought with them, her unqualified love.

And it was that very protective care that had resulted in their first

fight, a fight that had lasted over three months and continued to this day, so much so that even on this, his most important night, she was not there with him. It was the first time she had not been supportive. It was the first time she had voiced an objection. Even now he could hear her words as clearly as if she was standing in front of him.

“Jay, this is crazy. You don’t know what you are walking into,” she had said vehemently.

“Didi, I know what I am doing. You yourself said that I am good. No, not good, the word you used

was ‘best’,” Jay had replied.

“Even the ‘best’ can be hurt. I do not want you to be hurt,” she had said.

“But it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. This could make my life. Please don’t stop me, didi,” he had pleaded.

“At what cost, Jay, at what cost?” she had questioned.

“Didi, if I fail, I fail. But if I don’t give it a shot, I will always regret it,” he had countered.

“You have your HSC coming up. It’s better that you concentrate on that. That is more important for your future,” she had said adamantly.

“I won’t let this affect my studies,” had been his honest promise.

“Jay, fame brings with it ‘notoriety’ for there will be many who will try to pull you down, and money brings with it ‘greed’ and a ‘pretentious life’. We don’t want that. Surely what we have is enough. I will always be there for you. You do not need to worry about money,” she had said.

“Didi, I am not doing this for money. I am doing it so that I can use the gift that I have been given. It is useless having a voice if noone else can hear it. It is useless writing words that no-one else can read,” he had said, desperately trying to rationalise his thoughts.

“I know all that, I am the adult here. But I also know of the dangers of which you are not aware. Not many have walked on the path you are choosing, and come out whole at the end of that journey. You are complete. Don’t go and shatter yourself just to get known. You have real talent. Let time discover you,” she had said.

“What if that time is now? What if this is how it wants to discover me?” he had questioned.

“What if you are left dejected, humiliated or discouraged? You have invested so much time. Why do you want to risk it all, for this?” she had counter-questioned.

“Didi, what is really worrying you? You have always asked me to face life’s challenges head on. You have always guided me to fight every battle, and yet at the first sign of competition you are asking me to run away. You know me better than anyone else. Fame will not turn my head. Money will not ‘corrupt’ me,” he had said determinedly. His didi was then silent.

“Didi, you will not lose me,” he had added when the silence was prolonged.

“Jay, do you not see how ruthless the selectors can be? Do you not see how they tear a person

down when it suits them? Do you not see the emotional rollercoaster to which the candidates are subjected? You won’t suffer alone, I too will suffer, each moment and each heartache with you,” she had said emotionally.

“Ah didi, they do that if you not the best, and you have already said that I am the ‘best’,” he had joked, knowing that she was not convinced.

“Jay, what will people say! That I made my little brother go out and sell his talent because his parents were not there to protect him. And that I left a minor at the mercy of judges who insult and ridicule the contestants to improve the rating or to demoralise another judge’s team,” she said, finally relayed her fear.

“It is you who looked after me, not the people you worry about. I only care what you think. And I am strong enough to take what the judges dish out. I can cope with everything as long as I know I have your permission. Let me try. Please!” he finally pleaded.

After many silent moments, didi had finally relented. “Okay Jay, go. You have my permission and my wish for your success, but I cannot come with you. I cannot go through that pain,” she had said with finality. She left the room while he watched his sister walk away from him, for the very first time.

And now he was here and his name was being called. Jumping out of his reverie, he rushed to the stage. His heart was thumping. He looked at the three judges. They smiled and he introduced himself. He could see what they were thinking. Their thoughts were written across their faces. Another kid with a guitar thinking he was good and looking for fame! For the first time he stood alone. For the first time, his didi was not there.

As the hall fell quiet, he strummed the first chord. By the time he had completed his song, every person in the hall was standing, but more importantly he was receiving a standing ovation from the judges. He had made it! And there, by the exit stood his didi with tears streaming down her cheeks. Holding her was her fiancé. They were to marry the very year his parents died. With that tragedy, the two had put their marriage on hold until he was eighteen, so that she could fulfil the responsibility left to her. One more year, and he would give her the freedom she so richly deserved. And tonight’s victory was the ticket to that freedom.

By the time he had completed his song, every person in the hall was standing, but more importantly he was receiving a standing ovation from the judges.

A journey that begins alone spells the end of another, more precious one

Home Loan Interest Rate cut-what it means for You and the Property Market !

By Navjeet Singh Matta, ASIC

Dear friends,

Licensed Mortgage Broker also

Director-

Gain Home Loans (Full member MFAA)

2nd May 2012 is kind of an important date when after almost three years the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) cut the interest rates by 50 basis points, why I am saying this date is important and that is because this is the first time in three years that the RBA has cut the rates by more than 25 basis points. You see previously, major banks used to pass on the full rate cut to their customers which was announced by the RBA but interestingly in the last couple of years the major banks have not been passing the full rate cut to their customers. With the low-inflation figures and a weakening retail sector, the Reserve Bank really wanted to see the benefit to be passed on to the general public and that is why I think they decided to cut the rates by 50 basis points so that the banks pass on a good percentage of that.

At the time if writing of this article, I can inform you that except ANZ all major lenders have announced their decisions. The interest rate cut ranges from 30 basis points to 40 basis points and no major lender has passed on the full 0.50% rate cut to their customers. I think it’s an important time for our economy when the retail sector and the property market needed a boost to recover from the weaker figures. Property market and the retail sector have been a bit slow lately and this interest rate cut has already seen some positive movement. I have myself received lot of phone calls and enquiries after this cut. The first home buyers and investors should now seriously think to purchase a property as I believe that the property prices will now see a slight jump. The rentals are still high and one must take advantage of this fact and should can potentially save by buying own property or investing in one. Please feel free to contact me if you need any advice on home loan or a free property report either by calling me on 0412 452 429, sending me an email on nsmatta@gainhomeloans.com.au or visiting our web-site at www.gainhomeloans.com.au Our services are absolutely free. One thing I would like to advice to all of you that you should advantage of this rate cut. The first thing to do is to keep on making the repayments what you are making now and not ask the bank to reduce them because this way you are actually paying more towards your loan and thereby reducing your mortgage and also paying less interest over the life of the loan. Extra repayments on top will help immensely !

Do you have the right home loan?

Lot of mortgage holders soon forget about their home loan after they take it and just keep on making repayments and rarely compare what other lenders are offering and I don’t blame them as we are all so busy with our work, family and other commitments that the home loan takes a back seat and we continue with our daily routine. That is where we come in picture. Gain Home Loans has been helping the community for the last 8 years, not only get the best deal as per their situation but also hold hand of our customers and achieve their financial dreams. We also have a financial planning arm which has experienced Financial Planners, Accountants and other professionals who can make your life easy by protecting and building your assets and make you financially independent in less time than if you do it by your own. With your home loan it is best to get it reviewed by an experienced mortgage broker, in most of the cases you can be better-off by switching your home loan and save thousands of dollars of your mortgage over the life of the loan. The other very important thing you need to find out is whether your loan is structured well because if the structure is not correct, no matter what your interest rate is, you may not be taking the full advantage of the less interest rate and that is another important thing to understand. I have outlined in some of my previous articles, how the major banks have been offering better discounts to outbid each other and to also get a larger share of the mortgage market, on the other hand we are being also told that these discounts are not sustainable and sooner or later the banks will recover their margins. Australia has only four major banks which have the lion share of the mortgage market and which actually is concerning. Previously we have seen all major banks increasing the interest rates outside the Reserve Bank and which make you believe that there is an acute shortage of competition against these major banks. So in future too, these major banks can potentially increase the rates and the current discounts may just be like a honeymoon !The government has tried to do it’s bit by making funds available for smaller player but then it’s too little for this market. Apart from these major lenders there are lot of second-tier banks and credit unions operating who offer really good services and excellent products. These lenders do not have too much media presence as the majors but do have good offerings, so if you want to compare and save, do contact an experienced mortgage brokers who can help you choose the right home loan for you.

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

Winter warmers from

Each region from India has its distinct cuisine, and some are perfect to keep you warm this winter

2 tbsp lemon juice

2 tsp garam masala

Salt to taste

3 tbsp oil

BY SHERYL DIXIT

There’s a chilly nip in the air, and a distinct growl in my tummy.

It’s the weather, I tell myself convincingly, and for good reason. Autumn and winter always make me crave hot puris, spicy kadhi and warm gajar ka halwa, cooked in ghee.

In India, each state has its own culinary solution to dealing with cold weather. Speciality dishes could range from spicy hot to subtly rich cream-based gravies. Here are a range of recipes from different parts of India that may be challenging to prepare, but will be worth the effort.

Bajra aloo ke roti

Bajra is a staple in dry Rajasathan, and rotis and khichdi made from the grain are just delicious. And when you add potatoes and spices for a touch of additional flavour, you’ve got a dish that’s simple and superb.

2 cups bajra (black millet) flour

¾ cup boiled and mashed potatoes

¼ cup chopped onions

4 tbsp freshly chopped coriander

2 tsp ginger-green chilli paste

1 tsp dried mango powder (amchur)

½ tsp garam masala

Salt to taste

Ghee

Combine all the ingredients to make a soft dough, using warm water. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and roll out each portion into a roti of approximately 6cms. Cook the rotis on a hot tava using ghee, until both sides are golden brown. Serve hot.

Kadhai Gosht

Generic to the northern part of India, many States take ownership of this dish, each adding their individual flavour to the ingredients. No matter which, this meat dish is a mouth-watering favourite even with non-north Indians.

1 kg lamb/ mutton cut into medium sized cubes

1 cup yoghurt

2 tbsp garlic paste

4 green chillies slit lengthwise

2 tsp coriander powder

1 tsp cumin powder

2 medium tomatoes chopped fine

Finely cut ginger strips and chopped coriander for the garnish

In a large bowl, mix the lamb/ mutton pieces with the yogurt, garlic paste, lemon juice, garam masala and salt to taste, cover and keep aside to marinate for 3 hours. Heat the oil in a kadhai on a medium flame, add the green chillies and fry till they stop spluttering. Add the lamb with its marinade and fry, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes. Add the tomatoes, coriander and cumin powder and mix well. Sprinkle some water over the meat, cover, simmer the flame and cook till the meat is done. Add more water if needed as the meat mustn’t stick to the pan. Normally this dish has very little gravy. Turn off fire, garnish with ginger and coriander leaves and serve with hot rice or chappatis

Pork Vindaloo

There’s something about this spicy, piquant dish that absolutely makes my mouth water, specially if it’s been left to pickle for a day or two. Guaranteed to warm you up, specially if accompanied by a tot of feni

1 kg pork

2 large onions

15 Kashmiri chillies

5 garlic pods

1 inch piece ginger

2 tsp cumin seeds

11/2 tsp turmeric

1 inch cinnamon stick

4 peppercorns

4 cloves

½ cup vinegar

4 tbsp oil

Salt to taste

Cut the pork into medium size pieces and place into a colander or sieve to drain out the excess water. Make sure the pieces are as dry as possible, then transfer to a large bowl. Add salt to the pork and keep aside. For the masala, grind the Kashmiri chillies into a powder, adding a little vinegar to make a smooth paste. Next, add the garlic, ginger, cumin and turmeric to the chilli mix and grind them to a paste using

a blender. Add this paste to the pork, mix thoroughly so that all the pieces are evenly coated with the masala. Add the rest of the vinegar to the meat, mix again, cover and store overnight in the fridge.

When ready to cook, blend the onions into a paste and add to the pork mixture and keep aside. In a heavy bottomed vessel, heat the oil and fry the cinnamon, peppercorns and cloves to release the aroma. Gently add the pork and fry thoroughly, turning the pieces around so that they cook evenly. Reduce the flame to low and add some water to create the gravy. Cook on a slow flame until meat is tender, fully cooked and a fiery red colour. Store the vindaloo for a day or two to pickle thoroughly, then serve hot with rice or sannas (soft, steamed rice cakes).

Macher Jhal

This delicious traditional Bengali recipe for peppery fish is just perfect for these cold evenings when nothing but something spicy will chase away your winter blues.

½ kg firm fleshed fish like such as cod, halibut or salmon

1½ tsp turmeric powder

2 large onions, finely chopped

5 garlic cloves, crushed

1 tsp pepper powder

2 medium tomatoes, chopped

4 tbsp oil

1½ cups water

2 tbsp chopped coriander for garnish

Salt to taste

Wash the fish with cold water, and cut into 2 inch pieces. Place separately on a tray and keep aside. Sprinkle a little turmeric and salt over the fish pieces, coating on both sides. Leave to marinade for about 15 minutes.

In a wok or frying pan, heat the oil and carefully slide the fish pieces one at a time into the pan, making sure that they don’t stick to the bottom. Sauté fish to a light brown, turning once. Do not over-fry, or the fish will become chewy. Remove the pieces and drain excess oil on a kitchen paper towel.

Next, in the same pan, add the chopped onion and fry on medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Add garlic and fry for another minute. Add pepper powder and remaining turmeric, and stir for 2-3 minutes. Add tomato and keep

stirring. Add water to the mix, and heat gently for a minute. Add fried fish to the pan, gently turning so that the pieces are coated with the sauce. Season with salt, simmer for about ten minutes and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with plain rice.

Lucknow Murgh Biryani

This recipe comes from India’s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh. Named after the state’s capital, this dish uses the traditional ‘Dum Pukht’ style of cooking, with the food sealed and cooked over a slow fire.

(For rice)

1 inch piece of ginger

2 cloves of garlic

1 stick of cinnamon

8 black peppercorns

4 cloves

300 grams basmati rice

Salt to taste

6 tbsp cooking oil

(For gravy)

300 grams cubed boneless chicken

2 large onions, chopped

½ cup chopped tomato

300 ml plain yogurt

70 ml cooking cream

1 tsp ginger paste

1 tsp garlic paste

1 tsp each cumin seeds, red chilli,

turmeric powders

1 tsp whole black cumin seeds

2 tsp garam masala powder

6 tbsp cooking oil

Salt to taste

(For garnish)

1 large onion, thinly sliced 4 tbsp each of fresh coriander and mint leaves, chopped fine 1 tsp saffron soaked in 2 tsp milk 1 tsp rose water

2 tbsp cooking oil

For the rice

Wash the rice, drain excess water and keep aside. Heat oil in a pan and fry cloves, peppercorns, and cinnamon until the aroma is released. Add garlic and ginger and fry. Add rice to the mixture, adding enough water to cook well. Season with salt, and cook until well done, ensuring that the grains are separate and don’t stick together. Remove from the flame, pick out the ginger and garlic and keep aside. Keep warm.

For the gravy

Mix chicken with plain yogurt, cream, salt, ginger, garlic, cumin, red chilli and turmeric powders. Heat oil and fry black cumin until it pops. Add chopped onion and cook until brown, then add chopped tomato and garam masala powder. Cook until well blended, then add chicken mixture. Stir fry

around the country

until the oil separates, then add 300ml hot water. Reduce heat and cook until chicken is tender. Take a deep, thick bottomed dish and arrange a layer of rice at the bottom. Place the chicken gravy over this layer and cover with another layer of rice.

Heat oil in a small pan and fry the thinly sliced onion until brown and crisp. Sprinkle on top of the biryani along with the saffron, rose water, chopped coriander and mint leaves, and cover tightly to seal in the flavour. Place in a hot oven for 10 -15 minutes until the biryani is heated thoroughly. Serve hot with raita or plain yogurt.

Bisibele Bath

A favourite in Karnataka, this hot rice, lentils and vegetable combination dish is delicious and once eaten, could lull you into a contented stupor for a few blissful hours!

25 small onions (shallots)

2 medium potatoes, cut into small cubes

1 carrot, cut into cubes

15 beans, chopped

½ cup corn (optional)

1½ cup rice

1 cup toor dal, cooked and lightly mashed

½ cup fresh grated coconut

4 tbsp ghee

1 tbsp tamarind paste

½ tsp turmeric powder

2 tsp sambar powder

Salt to taste

For the masala

1 tbsp coriander seeds

1 tbsp chana dal

5 dry red chillies

1 tbsp cumin seeds

¾ tsp methi seeds (fenugreek)

1 tsp fennel seeds

3 cloves

1 bay leaf

1 cinnamon stick

½ tsp khuskhus (poppy) seeds

¼ tsp asafoetida (hing)

8 black peppercorns

12 curry leaves

In a deep pan or kadhai, heat 1 tsp of ghee and fry all the whole spices for the masala. Add grated coconut and roast along with the mix until it turns reddish in colour. Take care not to burn any of the spices or the coconut. Transfer to a bowl to cool, then grind into a coarse powder.

In the same kadhai, add another teaspoon of ghee and roast the small onions for a couple of minutes. Add the chopped potatoes, carrots, beans and corn and fry for a couple of minutes. Add salt, turmeric, sambar powder

Bajre ki roti

Chicken-dum-biryani

Porkvindaloo

Karhaighosht

Zaaffran: The icon continues to lead

To truly appreciate Zaaffran, it is important to have a glimpse of the culinary landscape before this iconic restaurant opened its doors to Sydney food lovers back in 1998.

Back then, few associated an Indian meal with anything more than basic entrees and curries. For those seeking new tastes, there was hardly any variety. Indeed, for those wanting a contemporary, up-market experience, there was practically no choice.

Then, a new restaurant dared to be different.

Zaaffran launched with more than a breath of fresh harbour breeze. With its roots firmly in India, Zaaffran brought sleek and modern styling to Indian dining. The menu was refreshingly new and the service had the touch of Indian hospitality blended with local sophistication.

And yes, there was the location which offered breathtaking views of the magnificent Darling Harbour. Never before had an Indian restaurant offered such a complete sensory experience that went beyond great, awardwinning food. Naturally, Zaaffran became the most visible sign of

the emerging Indian community in Australia.

Today, 14 years later, Zaaffran continues to be a delicious success story. There have been renovations in décor and of course, innovations in the menu. From a great dining venue it has also grown into a very popular venue for celebrations – both private and business. While local clientele has increased manifold, Zaaffran has also become famous the world over.

“We get many bookings from people in Europe, USA and New Zealand among other places, before they fly out to Sydney,” says Vikrant Kapoor, Executive

Chef/Part-owner. “It feels great to be part of people’s travel plans. But, we appreciate most of all the loyalty of the Sydneysiders. Without their regular patronage, we wouldn’t have survived.”

“As we’ve grown so much in popularity, customers have to make bookings way in advance, especially if they want a good view of the harbour.”

International award-winning culinary king Vikrant Kapoor leads his team of talented chefs, making sure the unique culinary character of Zaaffran remains intact. Vikrant says, “Our restaurant may look modern and the presentation of our dishes may be contemporary, but we have never abandoned the long-

standing traditions of Indian cooking.”

Famous for his menu which dares to be different, Vikrant has some interesting bits to share. “We were actually chided by a lady from London for not having Anglicized Indian dishes on the menu,” he laughs. “She also wanted us to include Pakistani dishes, such as ‘balti’. Imagine a proper English lady being upset over not finding her favourite curry!”

“We keep changing our menu regularly,” adds Vikrant, “and we maintain a good blend of old favourites and new creations. “ However, some things will never change: the great service, the unbeatable harbour views and the mouth-watering food.

The green foods

Mum was right when she insisted that we eat our greens

BY GEETA kHuRANA

We have been advised since our childhood to eat our ‘greens’ and that these are beneficial to us, but even today less than 10% of us actually consume the required amount of green foods every day. The colour of green foods comes from the phytochemical chlorophyll which is the equivalent, in plants, of the oxygen-carrying red pigment haemoglobin in our red blood cells. They are a rich source of minerals (including iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium) and vitamins like K, C, E, and many of the B vitamins. They also provide a variety of phytonutrients including beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. Here are a few green foods needed for good health. The list is endless - cucumber, bok choy, green apples, green olives, celery, chives, green grapes, green capsicums, etc.

BRuSSEL SPROuTS

Brussels sprouts are a part of the cruciferous family widely known for their health-promoting properties.

Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of vitamins C, E, K and B6 and contain phyto nutrients sulphoraphane and isothiocynates. They help reduce the risk of colon, prostrate and breast cancer.

SPINACH

We grew up watching Popeye the Sailor man eat his spinach and gain instant strength. This leafy vegetable is a nutritional powerhouse and loaded with minerals and vitamins. Like other dark greens, spinach is an excellent source of beta-carotene. It possesses several important phytochemicals, including lutein, which helps prevent age-related macular degeneration. Spinach also contains lipoic acid, which helps antioxidant vitamins C and E regenerate. Served raw, it is a good source of vitamin C, another powerful antioxidant. Spinach leaves can be added to salads and also cut and added to chappati dough.

ASPARAG u S

Asparagus is a very good source of fibre, foliate, vitamins A, C, E and K, as well as chromium. Asparagus is packed with antioxidants, ranking among the top fruits and vegetables for its ability to neutralize cell-damaging free radicals.

AVOCADO

Avocado is a good source of monounsaturated fats and therefore helps in improving cholesterol levels by increasing the good cholesterol. Avocado contains vitamin B6 and folic acid, which help regulate homocysteine levels. A high level of homocysteine is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Avocado is an excellent source of carotenoid lutein, which is known to help protect against agerelated macular degeneration and cataracts. Add avocados to salads, soups, tacos and sandwiches. However be careful to use only around half an avocado every day and not more, as these are quite high in calories.

FRESH HERBS

Fresh herbs have become a major food trend these days. But herbs not only provide flavour to our food, they also have many health properties. Basil is a good source of vitamin K and iron; fresh basil leaves boast anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Add some leaves into salads and pasta. Basil and parsley are good sources of Vitamin C, while dill is a good source of betacarotene. Mint is well known for its soothing effect in digestive problems and stomach aches. Coriander mint chutney is an excellent substitute for

SEAWEED

Seaweed, a Japanese cuisine mainstay, is gaining popularity because it’s chock-full of minerals. Seaweed is an excellent source of iodine and also has a fair amount of iron, vitamins C and A, potassium, magnesium and riboflavin. It can be added to vegetable dishes and miso soups.

GREEN TEA

Green tea is made from unfermented leaves. The Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of green tea since ancient times, using it to treat everything from headache to depression. It is said that green tea has been used as a medicine in China for at least 4000 years. The secret of green tea lies in the fact that it is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Polyphenols are chemicals with antioxidant properties and EGCG is a very powerful antioxidant. Besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills them without harming healthy tissues. EGCG is considered to be at least 100 times more effective than vitamin C and at least 25 times more effective than vitamin E.

k IWI FR u IT

Kiwi fruit contain a remarkable amount of vitamins C, E and A. Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that has been proven to protect our body from free radicals. It is also a good source of potassium and has a good amount of beta-carotene. The high content of fibre in kiwi helps to keep check on cholesterol and also helps relieve constipation. Slice some kiwi into your cereal, yogurt or salad for a refreshing health boost.

k ALE

Pakistan and Bangladesh. The green gram is soft in texture and does not produce flatulence as some other whole lentils. It is a good source of protein especially for vegetarians, and is low in fat. It is low GI and therefore good for diabetics too, if we do not add too much of oil via the tadka into it. Moong dal sprouts are an excellent source of vitamins C and A. The protein and iron in these is also much more. Added to salads, sandwiches and even paranthas, puris, fruit chaat and bhel puri could increase the nutritional value of these foods.

Kale is one of the cruciferous vegetables that help to fight cancer. It contains two powerful antioxidants - carotenoids and flavonoids that protect our cells from free radicals. The main flavonoids are kaempferol, lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene, along with well-known antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and manganese, making kale a powerful cruciferous vegetable. Kale is also a very good source of vitamin K which is necessary for the synthesis of osteocalcin, a protein that strengthens the composition of our bones. Vitamin K also prevents calcium build-up in our tissue that can lead to atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and stroke. Kale contains high levels of nutrients such as calcium, fibre, and iron.

FENNEL

Fennel contains its own unique combination of phytonutrients, including the flavonoids rutin, quercitin, and various kaempferol glycosides, that give it strong antioxidant qualities. Fennel tea is known as one of the best and most effective natural aids for digestion. It can assist in avoiding upset stomach, getting rid of colic, bloating, abdominal and stomach cramps, relieving constipation and irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.

mastering mathematics

2. How can I improve my marks and eliminate my careless mistakes?

In this article, Anthony Morris providessome tips and strategies to mastering mathematics. Anthony Morris is a gifted mathematician who came 1st in the State in Maths extension 1, 4th in Maths extension 2 (HSC 2007) and won a bronze medal in the international Mathematics Olympiad. Anthony currently studies Advanced Mathematics at UNSW on scholarship.

In this article, I will examine the main issues facing HSC students studying mathematics. Like English, almost all students study some level of mathematics. The most common questions confronting students are:

1. What level of Maths should I take?

One of the first decisions you make when considering your HSC is what level of Mathematics you should study: should you take 2 Unit, Extension 1 or Extension 2? In deciding, you should consider both your own ability in Maths, and the relative scaling of each subject.

The Extension Mathematics course are the highest scaling courses in the HSC. Obviously if you are strong in maths, the Extension 2 course is a must. However, even if you are average in the Preliminary Mathematics Extension course, Extension 2 may definitely be worthwhile simply because it is scales very highly. The benefits of scaling can be significant. For instance, if you were looking to score an ATAR of 97, you would need to score in the top 8% of the 2 Unit Course, but would only need to be average in Ext 1, and –surprisingly – in the top 80% (i.e. well below average) in Ext 2. Hence, you should choose the highest level of Mathematics that you think you are capable of.

While there is undoubtedly a certain amount of natural acumen involved in mathematics, with correct technique, you can dramatically increase your marks. Here are three of the things that have worked for me:

Understanding your formulae

One of the most important (but also most tedious) parts of preparation for a mathematics exam is knowing all the formulae in the course. ‘Knowing’ is more than just memorizing. It involves understanding your formulae, and how to apply it without making any mistakes. The best way to internalizing a formula, is through repeated practice with questions that have a range of difficulty. Practice gives meaning to your formulae, and will make it clear when and how to apply the formulae to a given circumstance. Very soon, doing questions will become second nature.

For this reason, at Talent 100, every time we teach a formulae, we always test it with a series of typical HSC questions so students not only understand the formula but can recognize when and how to use it.

Furthermore, even if a proof for a formula is not examinable, it is often good to know how a formula is derived. When you can see the logic behind the formulae, it will be much easier to understand and to remember. For instance, you can easily remember the formula for first principles differentiation, by noting that it is essentially the same as the gradient between two points.

Set out your work properly

One of the most important ways to improve your marks in mathematics is to set out your work properly. Clear and logical setting out is useful because:

• It helps prevent careless errors. Many students give away “cheap” and easy marks in the first few questions due to poor setting out, or taking shortcuts.

• It provides examiners with a clearer picture of the logic and flow of your argument, ensuring that even if you do make mistakes, examiners give you marks for working.

• It can help you making inroads into more difficult questions, by helping you “get started”

Some simple tips to make your proofs clearer include:

• Write a series of equations down the page rather than in a single line, ensuring that you will have enough space for each equation.

• Generally explaining the logic in your proof. For example, in a harder permutations and combinations problem, don’t just state the answer but explain where the solution comes from, or in an induction proof, explain where you used your assumption for n=k when proving true for n=k+1. ‘Talk’ to your marker in your proofs and explain why it is true, don’t make them guess your logic.

• Draw BIG diagrams. In geometry questions a larger diagram lets you to mark in more angles and allows you to see things more clearly. In curve sketching questions, you are able to indicate the important features accurately, in volumes questions etc...

Practice makes perfect

Once, you have revised all your theory, the most effective way to study in the final few weeks before the HSC exam is to do as many past papers and sample papers as possible. It is important that you do the papers under exam conditions in a 2 or 3 hour time slot and that you treat the practice paper just like a real exam by doing every question. I personally used to lose a few marks in the first few sections of an exam because I would forget the constant of integration or not change the limits when making a substitution, however after doing full exams for practice I was able to almost completely eradicate these mistakes in the first 4 or 5 questions of the exam. You should then make a habit of marking the practice paper and reviewing the questions that you made mistakes on.

At Talent 100 we know that the best way to improve your exam technique is to repeatedly put it into practice and so every week our homework is set in examination style, to condition you to the style, structure and difficulty of the HSC exam, on a weekly basis. If you’re looking to score top marks in 2 Unit Maths, Ext 1 or Ext 2, our programs provide a systematic approach to understanding, applying and perfecting your mathematics. Contact us on 8003-6887, or info@talent-100.com.au for a 3 week free trial of our Mathematics programs.

Mathematics is the highest scaling subject in the HSC. Being just average in MathsExtension courses can boost your ATAR significantly.

TAROT

ARIEs March 21 - April 19

You have a lot to deal with right now, and need to prioritise what to deal with first. You are burdened, both emotionally and professionally. You are feeling very upset and alone right now, and unsure of how to handle your lover’s demands. If single, someone who is playing hard to get. You are stressed so watch your health. Be positive, think that all is well and will work out for the best. There will be great demands on you for the next few weeks.

TAURUs April 20 - May 20

Your health is poorly right now, and you may need alternative medication to boost up your immune system. You have been overworked and stressed, so take good care of yourself and your soul. Work is tense as changes could lead to redundancies and cut-backs, but they will not affect you. Emotionally you are reasonably peaceful, but also bored of yourcurrent circumstances and are thinking of what to do. Financially, tighten your purse strings and spend less!

GEMINI May 21 - June 20

You will be more spiritually aware of your surroundings and existence, with peace, meditation and a lot of thinking. You may think of moving to another country or city, for work or settling down. You need to decide if you want to be with your partner or not, to end the procrastination, but your decision will still leave you confused. Life is going well and financially you are secure; look at buying property for stability. Keep a tiger’s eye in your pocket.

cANcER June 21 - June 20

It’s time to start speaking up for what you want in life instead of sitting back while the world goes by. Emotionally you are looking for security and stability, and will make a commitment to a possible engagement or marriage. Watch your tongue, as you can get short tempered. Promotion and money are indicated in the future. Take care of health and follow a good exercise regime. Cut down fried and sugary foods. Enjoy fresh air and long walks which are good for your system.

LEO July 23 - Aug 22

Try gaining peace this month, as disagreements with family members have left you feeling tense and stressed out. Work is not great, and life is a drain. It is a time of change and you need a calm approach. Try deep breathing to prevent losing your cool. Emotionally you are feeling close to your partner, and may take a short break together. Financially you want to make more money, and your current job is going well. If looking for work, put in applications now.

VIRGO Aug 23 - sep22

This is a time for inner soul searching. Look at what you want to do and where you want to be, and then change your direction accordingly. The current workflow or study pattern does not satisfy your cravings. Change in your environment indicates you could be travelling shortly. Love is on the cards with an attraction to someone at your office or place of study. A change of wardrobe, image and a makeover are indicated as you have been neglecting yourself lately.

predictions for MAY 2012

By NANcY JADE ALTHEA www.nancysood.com

LIBRA sep 23 - oct 22

This month is all about changes and work-related decisions. Be resourceful and strive to achieve at work, as you will have the opportunities. There will be interesting developments in your love life. Financially, look at investments and property through the year. Parents will cause some stress as they will want you to be more settled and focussed. It is a time of communication and loving feelings towards yourself and your close ones.

scORpIO oct 23 - nov 21

Fun-loving days are here, so take time out and really relax. Your work-home life balance has not been happy as you have been working too hard. Learn to relax and let things flow. Try not to be such a workaholic, which causes family problems. Lovers will be on edge, with many changes around. Children are in thoughts, either deciding to have a child or their future. Financially you are not saving, so be careful and put some money aside for rainy days.

sAGITTARIUs nov 22 - dec 21

This month sees the end of inner conflict and pessimism. With a major shift in attitude, you will feel a lot better. Loans or overdrafts may cause worry as you may have splurged on the house or your partner. Love is going through some difficult times, but understanding will grow towards the end of the month. Work is causing a little stress, but you will be given extra responsibility. Spend time outdoors, and stay close to water.

cApRIcORN dec 22 - Jan 19

You are going through a confusing and indecisive time. Move away from people who do not feature in your life. A new person entering your life in a relationship will give you support, love and respect, making you happier and content. Bury and forget the past, karma is in play and you will soon see a shift in attitude from those who have done you wrong. Work will pick up and financially you will grow and achieve. Take care of your health.

AqUARIUs Jan 20 - feb 18

You will look back with regret on how you have handled certain situations. Work is busy, with pressure on to completejobs and take on new tasks and projects while new faces appear and others leave. Financially, treat yourself to a luxury item. You may purchase a new property in another state or country. Problems with digestion may occur, so take care. Love is cooling off and if married, you are feeling bored. Be careful of temptations.

pIscEs feb 19 - March 20

You want to march ahead with plans and ideas, and are bursting with energy and inspiration. Working with children is on the cards and new contacts may lead to new ventures. You may do charity work. Companies will support your ideas and will lead to strong ties. As you have been working hard and have proved yourself to superiors, promotion or more money is indicated. Socialise and have fun. In love, you may propose to your partner or get closer to them.

Cine Talk

A sticky subject, but a fertile piece of work

STARRIng:

When was the last time you saw a Bollywood comedy that made you chuckle and smile for two hours? when was the last time you saw a funny film that you wished wouldn’t end? when was the last time you saw a film where every actor in a big or small role simply sparkled on screen?

Vicky Donor is original and thoroughly engaging. how good it feels to watch a director pick up a pertinent issue and convert it into a perky precocious and endearing rom-com which is less rom and, ahem, a whole lot of cum. Indeed Vicky Donor is suffused with delectable plus points, not the least of them being debutant ayushmann Khurana who seems to be born to play Vicky the…er donor.

ayushmann - God bless his spontaneity - has formidable competition in the acting department from Kamlesh Gill and Dolly ahluwalia who play his grandmother and mother, and from the redoubtable anu Kapoor who as the sperm doctor, adds so much to his role and to the film you wonder why he isn’t seen more often in our films.

Each character is written with a keenness for details that go a long way in giving them a life beyond the camera Delhi, done to death in film after film, re-awakens in Vicky Donor. Kamaljeet Negi’s cinematography makes no overt attempt to explore the city through the topography. Sircar’s splendid direction takes us into the heart of Delhi. The people, their homes and specially their spoken language come alive in ways that cinema has ceased to

offer in recent times.

I’d give the film the thumbs-up for the sheer exuberance, joy and conversational authenticity expressed in the spoken words. writer Juhi Chaturvedi is a prize find. and cherish this film’s ability to turn the subject of sperm donation into a joyous celebration of life. There are no dull moments in the narration. No character walks by in Sircar’s Delhi just for the heck of it. There are no incidental characters. Even the guy on the road who calls out the leading lady’s name on Vicky’s behalf is there because he belongs to the film’s perfect-fitted jigsaw design depicting domesticity and adversity in the competitive city.

Never in living memory have I seen a film where every character comes alive as an individual. If Dr Malpani (anu Kapoor) is quite a character, so is his assistant Chaman (Bupesh Pandya) and his nurse Lata (K.V rajni). If ayushman’s Vicky is a scene-stealer, so is his romantic lead, the lovely Yami Gautam who as an independent working girl from a Bengali family brings a disarming grace to her character.

Vicky Donor is a precious and important work of art. It negotiates an unusual theme with the least amount of fuss and the maximum warmth and vigour. The scenes are woven with seamless serenity into

heartbreaking moment where ayushmann holds his sleeping mother’s hand defines the undercurrent of somberness that life in Delhi constantly secretes.

Scratch the surface, and the pain under the bravura display of flamboyance and gaiety comes to the surface.

Vicky Donor gets that urbane mix of the light-hearted jaunty mood at the top and the agony beneath, with pitch-perfect accuracy. The very act of attempting a film on a sticky subject like sperm donation suggests a dry staccato treatment. Pulling away from the pitfalls of pontification and

self-importance, Vicky Donor simply takes us on a carefree joyride where the blend of pain and pleasure is never forced into the narrative. It just happens.

In a film industry saturated with slapstick double-meaning comedy, Shoojit Sircar has conceived a comedy on sex which is a not a sex comedy. No small achievement this.

Large-hearted and generously endowed with moments that you take away with you from the film even as John abraham comes on screen for an irrelevant song and dance item, Vicky Donor is the surprise entertainer

of the year. It is the warmest, funniest most sensible and sparkling comedy in a very long time. In Shoojit Sircar’s vision every single actor shines with a glorious naturalness. ayushmann is effortlessly the discovery of the year. as for the film, in anu Kapoor’s words, there are impatient sperms, angry sperms, stupid sperms. Seen in those terms this film is quite a fertile piece of work which says a lot more about life than we expect from it.

Subhash k. Jha

FILM: Vicky Donor

Ayushmann Khurana, Yami Gautam, Anu Kapoor

DIRECTED BY: Shoojit Sircar

A slick action film with

engaging thrills

What do you do when a country, a culture and their purveyors wrong you irreparably? You plant a bomb in a speeding train and hold the establishment to ransom.

Taking a cue from hollywood’s most watched bomb-maro-bomb rush-hour excursions into plunder-land, Tezz springs forward a nicely-packaged expertly-cut hedunnit. and that’s a very different genre from the whodunit. here we know ajay Devgn is the closet terrorist. But since his fans won’t like it, Devgn is, with due respect to Mira Nair, a reluctant terrorist... how reluctant, we won’t reveal fully.

Devgn has a back story with screen wife Kangna ranaut, who in keeping with her character’s British domicile, sports blonde hair. No, this is not a joke. Luckily, Priyadarshan’s plot has a lot more going for itself than its leading lady’s hairto-stay problems. The director creates a taut cat-and-mouse game between ‘terrorist’ Devgn and cop anil Kapoor who in true hollywood style, is on the verge of retirement from service when duty beckons.

There are enough men on duty on both sides of the law here to fill up one section of Tihar jail. The narration allows elbow-room for an army of actors laden with anxious motivations and tense expressions to match, all hurling like the speeding train towards an uncertain nemesis. Luckily, the plot finds itself a convincing finale. and we can go home feeling all is not lost for the slick action genre in Bollywood. There is hope.

There are some jaw-dropping action sequences here. Some of them, like Devgn and Kapoor’s fist-to-fist in the grand finale and the search for Devgn in a hospital’s car park, are so expertly executed they make you forget how far Bollywood lags behind in the action genre from its firangi counterpart. But then again some of the stunts like the one where passengers from the bomb-threatened train climb into a safe train, are done clumsily enough to bring us down with a thud.

Curiously, Zayed Khan and Sameera reddy who play Devgn’s accomplices in the

in-the-mouth chase sequence each. They show remarkable agility in their given space. Ditto the film’s technicians. Thiru

S. appan’s camera looks at London with keen anticipation.

aditya Dhar doesn’t come up with one memorable dialogue except, Teri maa ki... when Devgn while negotiating his ransom money with train executive Boman Irani drops his cellphone.

“he’s Indian, not Pakistani,” Boman confidently informs cop anil Kapoor with a straight face.

The absurdities don’t swamp Tezz. True to its title, the tale of a bomb and a Boman trying to diffuse the crisis, whizzes by at breakneck speed.

Priyadarshan tackles what’s a new genre for him, with pleasure and aplomb. ajay Devgn, anil Kapoor, Boman Irani, Sameera reddy and Zayed Khan furnish a flavour of slickness to a story that holds your attention till the end.

Not quite edge-of-the-seat, the thrills in Tezz are engaging enough to keep us watching.

Subhash k. Jha

FILM: Tezz

STARRIng: Anil Kapoor, Ajay Devgn, Zayed Khan, Sameera reddy, Kangna ranaut, Boman Irani

DIRECTED BY: Priyadarshan

In this Jannat, you sell your soul to the devil

There is a memorable moment of flushed pain at the end of this textured film on arms and the mangled, when randeep hooda symbolically throws out his wife’s memories from the car window. Life’s life that. Sometimes you need to just roll down the window and throw away the extra baggage that you carry around in the name of love and commitment.

Shorn of artificial affectations Jannat 2 is easily the best film from the Bhatt camp since Gangster years ago. Neither as gruesome as Murder 2 nor as bland as Blood Money, Jannat 2 brings forward some inspired writing and two watchable performances that lend a blend of the bitter and the biting to the proceedings.

Let’s get one thing straight. Jannat 2 leaves behind the world created in Jannat four years ago. This is hell, for sure. Shot in the dark ember hues of a scorching humid sweltering May evening when all things bright and beautiful shrivel up in the heat, Jannat 2 is not for the squeamish. Once you stop wincing at the volley of MCs and BCs (some of them quite unnecessary, I thought) Jannat 2 (ironical title, if ever there was one) sucks you into its murky world of illegal arms and other soul-bartering deals with the devil.

Don’t believe the silly promotional trailers of Jannat 2 There is nothing funny, flippant, flighty or farcical about this film. It’s a brooding intense study of the troubled relationship - or a bro-mance, if you will - between a burnt-out alcoholic cop (randeep hooda, spectacular in his devastated avatar) and a gun dealer who turns police informer when love hits him where it hurts the most.

Emraan hashmi as Sonu Dilli (whatever!) kind of takes over the film from the first frame. he loves his character and embraces it unconditionally. he gets to play all the roles that his fans like to see him in-including the

incorrigible kisser’s part - and he does them all effectively.

But hashmi is best at expressing the wonderment and self-abnegation of love.

The courtship scenes with the selfimportant doctor (debutante Esha Gupta) find hashmi expressing a kind of bewildered intensity that makes you believe this guy can give up a life of crime for the girl.

But the film belongs to make no mistake about that. Every word he speaks is delivered with a sledgehammer’s impact. Playing a cop grieving for his murdered wife, hooda’s angst spills out of every shot. You can’t take your eyes off the screen when he is around.

The resonant writing (Shagufta the dramatic tension to the two principal male actors.

These two guys love to hate each other. all the energy that the narration so effectively exudes emanates from the two main actors and then spills out into various directions. Somewhere in the mid-section the plot begins to get somewhat predictable and baggy, what with arms dealer Manish Choudhary snarling his threats so loud, you wonder if villainy in our films got stranded in the 1970s.

The climax chase shot in a mosque’s courtyard is absolutely heart-in-the-mouth. and then comes the endgame where Mahesh Bhatt’s masterly touch comes into play with such luminous alacrity that you are left finally with a film that tells us it is easier to live with hatred then with pain.

Director Kunal Deshmukh demonstrates a far firmer grip over his characters and plot this time than he did in the politically correct Jannat and the soggy Tum Miley.

supporting performances by little-known actors like Zeeshan Mohammed ayub (playing hashmi’s sidekick) and Brijendra Kala (hooda’s right-hand man).

Delhi, the city that houses many Bollywood tales of late, is shot by cinematographer Bobby Singh in shades of grey and dusty brown.

Subhash k. Jha

FILM: Jannat 2

STARRIng: emraan Hashmi, randeep Hooda, esha Gupta

DIRECTED BY: Kunal Deshmukh

the Buzz

Fatboy Slim flattens ‘em!

Oh yeah, it certainly was a night to remember as British Disco Jockey (DJ) Norman Quentin Cook a.k.a. Fatboy Slim recently rocked an enthusiastic audience of lovers of electronic and house music. The venue in Gurgaon reverberated with the sound of music and the audience’s energy, as Fatboy gave it his all in his debut performance.

The show began with Indian DJs arjun Vagale and Dualist Inquiry warming up the crowd with progressive house genres.

Midastouch Aamir does it again!

Aamir khan has the legendary Midas touch – but instead of gold, everything he touches turns to success.

as with his debut TV show Satyamev Jataye, which aired recently drawing a huge and positive response from colleagues and fans alike. Disbelief, horror, tears, smiles - aamir evoked the entire plethora of emotion among his rapt audience as he dealt with the sensitive topic of female foeticide and bias toward the male child. and what was amazing is that he didn’t preach!

Equipped with well-researched instances and case studies, aamir’s one-and-a-half hour programme was telecast on Star Plus and Doordarshan simultaneously. The maiden episode highlighted how unethical medical practitioners are hand in glove with families wanting to kill the female unborn baby. he also dispelled the perception among people that female foeticide is practised by rural people or those living in small towns with the case of Mitu Khurana, a doctor who left home to save her twin daughters from death from her educated in-laws. Three compelling stories of the three women interviewed brought tears to host aamir’s eyes, as well as that of many in the audience. according to the 2011 Census, the rate at which the unborn female child is killed amounts to killing off 10,00,000 girls a year.

also according to the 2011 census, there are 914 girls for every 1,000 boys. aamir brought into focus various dangers of female foeticide, including human trafficking, whereby Virendra Vidrohi, a social activist from alwar rajasthan, said thousands of women from poor families in eastern states are being “sold” in some places in rajasthan due to a dearth of women. aamir also forcefully reminded the audience that the sex of the unborn child depends on the chromosome of the father.

“If we worship goddess Durga, why kill unborn girls,” he said. aamir also brought on the show two journalists who carried out a sting operation against doctors involved in sex determination in rajasthan and how the case is still dragging in various courts in rajasthan. and aamir’s made his point, as viewers ranging from filmmakers to clinical psychologists to professors – have been lavish in their praise for the show.

Satyamev Jayate is a gutsy, hard-hitting and sensible programme that strikes an emotional chord with the audience. and what’s amazing is that aamir has shown the total picture in all its aspects. he has even talked about solutions in the show. well, once a perfectionist, always a perfectionist. For all the hard work he puts into making a show this good, aamir is certainly well-deserving of the accolades. Keep up the good work!

Then Fatboy Slim entered to the sound of psychedelic radioactive beats in the background and started off his performance with Now you are going to die followed by I am in Delhi, an altered version of Chuckie

The artiste also presented late Michael Jackson’s classic number Billy Jean in a house avatar, while also doling out some hip-hop numbers to satisfy the varying musical appetite of the crowd.

The fans loved it, with the crowd dancing vigorously to every track. Looks like Fatboy’s got India groovin’ to his beats!

Jacqueline in the race again actress Jacqueline Fernandez joins the bandwagon of Bollywood actresses who’re into action with a vengeance. after Sameera reddy’s creditable performance in Tezz, aishwarya rai’s average one in Dhoom 2 and Priyanka Chopra’s stunts in Drona and Don, it seems like sexy stuntwomen are fast becoming an industry standard. Even

GUeSS WHo

the sultry Katrina Kaif will be doing action scenes in Ek Tha Tiger and Dhoom 3. So now it’s Jacqueline in Race 2, and she’s been training hard for the action sequences while hoping that the effort pays off.

“I am working hard on the action for Race 2 and concentrating on putting all my time and effort into that,” said the 26-year-old actress who seems upbeat about the action sequences.

“I love action... so I am very excited. actually it’s a role I have been waiting to do for a very long time. I am most excited about this character because I get to do so much,” she added.

In fact, Jacqueline and co-star Saif ali Khan have been going through a gruelling routine for a particular action sequence, which includes a lot of stunts and back flips. They have been training since November last year for this particular sequence, so it had better be a good one. But I reckon that any scene with the sultry Jacqueline and sexy Saif in action together would be worth watching. what do you think?

Lata endorses

Sachin’s decision

while the entire nation is still having its vociferous say about living cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar’s nomination into the rajya Sabha, India’s nightingale Lata Mangeshkar has added her voice to the melee. In her soft, lilting, stillmellifluous voice she says that two of her favourite personalities - actress rekha and cricketer Sachin Tendulkar - would perform better than her.

“My tenure in the rajya Sabha was anything but happy. I was reluctant to be inducted into parliament,” said Lata. “In fact, I pleaded with those who urged me into rajya Sabha to let me off. Though I had the highest regard for (Bharatiya Janata Party leader) L.K. advaniji and (former Prime Minister) atal Bihari Vajpayeeji, I still do - I am not affiliated to any any political party. what did I know about politics? I’m sure Sachin knows more about politics than me,” she added.

Lataji is quick to point out that the ace-cricketer must have a game-plan for entering politics.

“I’m sure Sachin knows what he’s doing. he won’t be a novice in parliamentarian affairs the way I was,” she said.

he won the Best Newcomer award in 2010, and will very shortly be seen sharing screen space with the Big B

Lataji shoots down the misgiving about Sachin’s oratorical skills in parliament. “ why are people presuming that he is only a master of cricket? Sachin is a widely-read, widely-travelled individual. and parliament needs people with an open and fresh approach to politics. with me it was different. I live only in the world of music,” she said. The 82-year-old music legend hopes

SE ngUPTA brings us up-to-date on what’s hot and happening in Bollywood

Sachin would be given a chance to prove his abilities in the rajya Sabha, and is convinced of his integrity. “I can vouch for Sachin’s integrity. I hope he makes a success of his tenure in rajya Sabha. as for me, if I’m given a chance to return to parliament I’d firmly turn it down with folded hands. I wish Sachin all the best in parliament. he would need it,” she said, tonguein-cheek! So that’s another person convinced that Sachin will make a difference to Parliament! Good luck, Little Master!

Bollywood and the test of time whether it is rewinding back to the 1910s or fast forwarding into 2050, Bollywood filmmakers are going back and forth in time with films like Teri Meri Kahaani and Dangerous Ishq, whose stories span over decades.

It’s a trend that’s fast catching on in Bollywood’s chameleon-like vista of concept, but the filmmaker’s biggest challenge is in creating the right ambience and weaving a wellconnected story.

Take Kunal Kohli’s upcoming romantic offering Teri Meri Kahaani Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra. The movie is set in three time periods - 1910, 1960 and 2012, but each has its own flavour. Similarly, Vikram Bhatt’s a story which, somewhat optimistically, spans over 500 years. Though alleged to be based on the theme of reincarnation, the movie will see actors Duggal and Karisma Kapoor in varied looks as the story travels from one era to another.

Bhatt, who went back to the 15th century for Dangerous Ishq, says it took a good amount of team effort to shape up the film with the authenticity for each era kept intact.

“ we did a lot of research in terms of setting, costumes, dialect and colour palette. Otherwise, we could have lost the authenticity. So whether it was art direction, costumes, dialogues or colour...all departments did their individual research and worked as a team to perfect the look of the film,” said Bhatt.

In the recent past, the transition in the looks of characters and the ambience have been portrayed in films like Veer Zaara, Bachna Ae Haseeno, Actionn Replay, Love Aaj Kal, Mausam, 7 Khoon Maaf and Kohli, who had portrayed these changes in his hit 2004 love story Hum Tum, says more than the sets, costumes and research, it was important to focus on how the story holds over the time zones.

“It’s very important that the story holds over time zones. how do I overcome the challenge of covering different time zones in a film? well I write a good story,” he quipped.

Kohli admits that reflects his perception of the 1960s

and his fantasy about the 1910 period.

“Most of my research for the 1960s era came from my passion for films. I have watched a lot of Shammi Kapoor and raj Kapoor films and enjoyed watching them. So the setting came naturally to me. Capturing the 1910 period was complete fantasy for me,” he revealed.

“But unlike the way many filmmakers show the preindependence period with -clad individuals, I wanted to show it with some fun. I’m sure people had fun back then and fell in love; so, that’s the aspect I have tried to capture. In the 2012 era, I wanted to show a contemporary take on relationships and how love is taken forward through SMS and BBM,” he said.

JACqUeLIneFernAnDeS

Filmmakers, who chose to deal with the subject of reincarnation in movies Madhumati, Prem, Milan, Kudrat, Karan and Om Shanti , were also posed with the challenge of showcasing different time zones.

Bhatt insisted that the idea of going back and forth in time is not distracting for the hether there are three eras or five eras in a story... one film has one story, and that shouldn’t be disjointed,” he added. we can hope to see a whole new genre of movies spanning centuries soon, so watch this space for news of their releases!

o recession in this industry, luckily!

Believe it or not, our newest up and coming actress actually trained in London to become an investment banker. Parineeti Chopra claims she grew up wanting to be a banker. She studied in Manchester Business School and then went to London looking for work. But the recession hit in 2009 and it wasn’t easy, so she got back home. But luckily her hugely successful cousin Priyanka’s industry was suffering no such recession, and the plucky Parineeti decided to try her luck in the film business – in the finance side, of course!

“I worked with actors at very close quarters and my respect for the profession increased. I loved what actors used to do and I felt like I could do this, and I could do this well,” she

ell, she impressed in her first off-beat role in Ladies Vs Ricky Behl, and her first solo film Ishaqzaade (opposite Boney Kapoor’s son rjun) hits theatres shortly. at least there’s no doubt she’ll know how to handle that pay packet….

What’s the chitchat between kareena and Priyanka?

Kareena (to herself): I think I can look gracious beside her – I’m the bigger star!

Priyanka (to herself): I think I can look gracious beside her – I’m the bigger star!

Ravinath Pillai Trivandrum India

Ravi wins a free one-year subscription to Indian Link newspaper

FATBoY SLIM

KArISMA KAPoor

The GFC gathering

BY AVIJIT SARkAR

Many social breakfasts, lunches and dinners have come and gone, like the months and years. Infants have started walking and three prime ministers have ascended the Australian throne. But certain topics of discussion never seem to change. So profound is the situation, that these days my old eager anticipation has been replaced with a new predicable expectation at most of the eating orgies.

At social gatherings, other than the usual suspects grazing voraciously on the calories, I usually foresee the customary “heated” topics to emerge. Most occasions like Diwali, Holi and Christmas not only bring forth the spirit of festivities enhanced by strong spirits, but also expected idiosyncratic behavior from unexpected quarters.

The most popular topic that has gained immortality thanks to the American fat cats is the ‘global financial crisis’ or GFC, as the regulars call it. This theme has the commonality of an alley cat at social gatherings, and to me, it is the ‘inevitable’ GFC forum.

The ‘G’ word is dropped at every single gathering and I have already met a few local Warren Buffets heralding the advent of non-festivities at festive occasions. Strange as it sounds, I am often impressed because these newborn Warrens seem to know more about the global economic weather than the original Buffet! Before the economic meltdown, the only ‘Buffet’ I knew was culinary.

I have made a study of the essential foundations of this undying subject.

To start with, every person has an expert opinion and after a couple of tight serves of whiskey, some will even table solutions for the entire GFC. Past facts and figures will emerge with the deepfried entrees, doom and gloom will be served with the elegant and heart-warming mains, and the inevitable final solutions will

be laid out together with a vast array of colourful caloric desserts.

Now I tend to first settle down with a glass of white and let the warmth hit me, brought on not by global warming or the wine, but by the discussions around me. Pretending interest, I pull my chair closer to one of the more garrulous groups and find the usual suspects.

Like Mr. Doom, who will always be at the forefront.

“Every person here is doomed… finished,” he will lament, while Mr. Gloom sitting next to him will nod wisely. The GFC always varies between two perennial groups at these occasions – the male and the female (and I am so glad that we don’t have a third group). However, the objective and perspective of the discussions within these two groups will be vastly different.

The females will use this moment to crucify their partners.

“Ajee, woh sab kuchh khokar baithe hain…” (Oh, he has lost everything…)

“Arey jaane do, pucho to kehte bhi nahin hain ki kitna gayaa…” (Forget it! He won’t even tell me how much he has lost)

“Han Jee, mainay to pehele se kaha thaa ki jaane do ye share vair…”

(Yes, I had forewarned him about these shares…)

The males on the other hand will use this as a platform to firstly, display a complete knowledge of world economics – past, present and future; secondly, duck away from the wives (their own, of course); and finally, fantasize about assets (of the monetary kind, of course!) that they wish they had.

Next, comments will be thrown into the air by Mr. Optimist who will say, “Lakhon chale gaye… par koyee baat nahi”. (I have lost millions, but it does not matter.)

Followed by Mr. Fantasizing Optimist, “Lakhon chale gaye… par koyee baat nahi. Karodo banaa lenge!” (I’ve lost millions but it does not matter – will make ten fold again!)

Mr. Buck Passer will comment, “Pataa nahi kyun itney ghar le liye maine! Meri missus ki vajah se ye saara kaam bigad gaya”. (I don’t why I invested so much money in properties, it’s entirely my wife’s fault!)

Mr. Curable Pessimist will air his view, “Iska ab koyee solution nahi raha. Aage ki pidhiyan iskaa dukh jhelenge”. (Now there is no solution, but future generations will pay for this.)

Followed by Mr. Incurable Pessimist who will say, “Kahin aisa

“Lakhon chale gaye… par koyee baat nahi. Karodo banaa lenge!” (I’ve lost millions but it does not matter –will make ten fold again!)

na ho ki sub kuch khokar ab desh vapas jaana pade”.

(Hope we don’t come to a state where we lose everything and need to go back to our country of origin).

Frankly, it often needs an incident or an accident to stop this flow of gibberish. Like at the last dinner when the hostess came rushing out of the kitchen screaming, “My tenderloins are burnt!”, which brought conversation to an abrupt halt.

Past facts and figures will emerge with the deep-fried entrees, doom and gloom will be served with the elegant and heartwarming mains, and the inevitable final solutions will be laid out together with a vast array of colourful caloric desserts.

Some who understood that the beef tenderloins have been overcooked sympathized with the hostess, but the other slower ones who had split ‘tenderloins’ into two words, looked down in embarrassment and sympathized quietly with the host.

But although these outbursts are meaningful in halting further comments about the GFC, they could start up the next expected channel of conversation – either cricket or Anna Hazare. And this scares me. Not the topics, but the ensuing boredom. Maybe Bertrand Russell was spot on when he said, “Boredom is... a vital problem for the moralist, since half the sins of mankind are caused by the fear of it.”

I love the warm, gooey, melting chocolate feeling the endings give me, and I love swooning over the handsome, yet sweet and sensitive heroes.

But more on that torture later….

Every social meet these days has the added value of unexciting topics of conversation, with the same uninspired views being aired by the same predictable characters

“For men may come and men may go But some topics go on forever”

9th July 2012