2012-09 Sydney (1)

Anusha Menon, Sunny Cherian, Malli Iyer, Priyadarshini Chidambaranathan, Ritam Mitra, Priyanka Tater, Chitra Sudarshan, Noel G deSouza, Amit Dutt, Tim Blight, Mohan Dhall, Geeta Khurana, Farzana Shakir, Talia Kaur, Petra O’Neill, Rani Jhala, Nancy Althea, Deepa Gopinath

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ASydney public school recently took the decision to ban handstands, cartwheels and somersaults in the playground during lunch and recess unless “under the supervision of a trained gymnastics teacher and with correct equipment”.

Should the move be accepted as current day reality, or does it mean the snatching away of childhood from our children?

On one hand the school feels that it does not have sufficient teachers to supervise lunchtime play, and is keen to avoid injury to the children who may indulge in these robust activities. The school maintains that these children are under their care during school hours, and simply want to ensure a safe play environment, just as parents in the community take extra care of their children’s friends when they come visiting.

On the other hand, parents are concerned that an important part of childhood fun is being taken away from their children and the school is bending excessively to a strict regime.

Childhood does seem to have veered in a different direction these days. Most

readers will recall their own childhood before the advent of the internet, iPods, iPads and even 24/7 television, when they found their entertainment in the great outdoors, coming home only when mum shouted out that dinner was ready. Growing up in India, we can all remember congregating in the streets after school to play cricket or other traditional games (gilli-danda, anyone?) or better still, making up our own games with battered tennis balls and even more battered cricket bats. Play/entertainment was all about inventing fun, rather than having it package-delivered to us. Rough and tumble was part of this fun, as we took physical risks in cycling without helmets or playing on hard surfaces or facing a fast bowler without a helmet. Sure, there were more than a few cuts and grazes and chipped teeth - even a broken arm or a leg - these were but a staple of childhood.

Even parents were more relaxed about these activities, oftentimes happily unaware of the risks their children were taking. What doesn’t kill you can only make you stronger - when was the last time you used these words as a parent?

We put padded surfaces on play areas in the park, keep slides short (plastic only please), and teach kids to use antibacterial hand soaps.

In sport, we give trophies to all participating kids.

Everyone’s a winner, baby.

At school, ‘F’ for fail is becoming increasingly uncommon. Some teachers don’t even put a cross against a wrong answer in maths because it is ‘too negative’ - choosing instead to mark it with a dot that is ‘less confronting’.

Is this an insane effort to overprotect our kids from physical and mental injuries that we all suffered growing up, and which taught us resilience? Are we making our kids think the world is more dangerous than it really is, thereby stifling independence and imagination and raising a generation of risk-avoiders rather than risk-takers?

While you might argue that the Sydney school - and perhaps parenting attitudes in general - have taken matters too far, a fact of modern life is that new dangers do exist which were less prevalent when we were growing up. Car seats and safety belts do help protect lives in our more streamlined cars that we drive on smoother roads and in faster traffic; coloured drinks do have more harmful food additives, and stranger-danger is a relevant menace.

In the modern era we need to learn, as responsible parents, what limits our children need and when to let them test their independence. Equally, responsible schools should provide students avenues for exciting physical (and mental) activities that teach them that well-managed risk is good for them.

SPIRITUAL

Chinmaya Mission events

24-26 Sept School holiday camp for kids ‘Satyanarayan Katha’. Details Chinmaya Sannidhi 02 8850 7400.

Navratras 2012 20, 21, 22 Oct The Mukti

Gupteshwar Mandir is organizing a 3-day spiritual festival to perform Mahayagya of Navagraha yagya, Trisakti yagya and Mahamrityunjay yagya as well as rudrabhishek on jyotirlingam. Plus, launch of the Holy Book: Shiv Dharm Maha Shastra

Details Rama on 0422 22 67 24

Religious discourses by Sri Velukkudi Swami

7 – 11 Nov The Vedic Society of Victoria announces a series of lectures in English by the renowned Sri Velukkudi Krishnan Swami. Sri Velukkudi Swami comes from a long parampara (tradition) of religious scholars and is singularly equipped to give pravachans on all forms of Hindu scripture, due to his knowledge of various Hindu theological traditions. He has travelled widely, giving religious discourses and representing Hindu dharma in world forums and his lectures on the Bhagawad Gita are at once awe-inspiring and moving,

What’s on

lucid and erudite. Details Ramesh Raghuraman 0406 133 233.

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

Children’s classes by G.O.D

The Global Organisation for Divinity conducts ‘Gopa Kuteeram’, monthly spiritual educational classes for children aged 4-12 years.  4.00 - 5.30 pm on the 4th Sunday at the Crestwood Community Centre, Crestwood Drive, opp.Conway Ct, Baulkham Hills.  Classes are free.  Parents can join in the devotional lecture by Sri Deepak Vinodji, kirtans and prayers in the adjacent room during the children’s classes.

Details Jayashree 02 9620 4676 or visit www. godivinity.org.au

MISC

Marathi Sakhi Ga Sakhi

9 Sept Marathi Association Sydney

Inc announces its annual Sakhi Ga Sakhi. This year a ‘girls only’ picnic has been arranged to Shark Island after a short cruise around Sydney Harbour on MV Captain Cook III. Boarding from Huntleys Point, Gladesville at 8:45 am, return about 4:45 pm.

Details Manjusha Ranadive 0402 753 840.

Hindi Divas

Australian Hindi Committee (AHC), IABBV Hindi School and ILASA (Indian Literary Arts Society of Australia) jointly celebrate Hindi Mela with two events:

Sat 15 Sept Kavi Sammelan at Epping Leisure and Learning Centre, 1 Chambers Court, Epping, 4.30pm to 7.30pm

Sun 16 Sept Hindi School program at Thornleigh West PS, Giblet Avenue, Thornleigh, including display of students’ work and resources, children’s poetry recitation, light snacks, awards and skits, 10.00am to 3.00pm.

Details Mala Mehta 0412 283 677.

Seniors

Sri Om Foundation is planning to set up a Day Centre (from Sept/Oct 2012) at Liverpool for Seniors above the

age of 65 with any disability. This Day Centre will be primarily for Liverpool LGA residents. The centre will be open once a week (Tues or Wed), from 10 am to 2 pm. All the activities, including transport, morning tea and lunch and once a month outing will be provided FREE.

Details Jay Raman 0410 759 906.

FUNDRAISER

Baltarang 2012

7 Oct Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation

Australia is organizing a fund raising event Baltarang 2012 at Bowman Hall, Blacktown, Sydney. It is going to be a fun-filled evening of dances, dramas and songs performed by young local artists, and choreographed by top Sydney dance schools and choreographers. All proceeds of the function will go towards educating poor children in rural and tribal parts of India. All donations are hence fully tax deductible.

Details Devendra Gupta 0411 597949 or visit the website www.ekal.org.au

Diwali with a twist

Fri 5 Oct Mona Singh (Mrs India Australia 2011), Poonam Chandiramani and Ranju Chaddha present a festive Diwali night. Join in for a night of extraordinary entertainment, sumptuous dinner

and … a surprise element that will not be revealed until the night!

Venue Urban Tadka, 321 Mona Vale Rd, Terrey Hills. $50 per head. Details Mona 0438 079 781.

I-India Project’s Diwali Night

Sat 10 Nov I-India Project is organising a wonderful night of themed entertainment including Bollywood singing and dancing, magic and comedy. Grand Ballroom, Four Seasons Hotel, 199 George St, Sydney, 6.30pm. Details Renate Barnett 0402 958 582.

FESTIVAL

North Shore Ganesh Utsav

Sat 22 Sept The first ever Ganesh festival in Sydney’s North Shore, come along for Ganesh puja, food stalls, cultural program, painting competition, and much more. Asquith Community Centre (10a, Old Berowra road, Hornsby NSW), 5.00pm-8.30pm

Details Rashmi 0414 771 605 or visit northshoreganeshutsav.com

Deepavali Milan

Sat 10 Nov Celebrate Diwali with friends on the North Shore: Laxmi Poojan, cultural program, lucky draw prizes, dinner. Town Hall, 1186 Pacific Highway, Pymble NSW, 6.00pm. Details Kamini Sahni 0401 059 923.

Mahabali stops by in Sydney on his annual visit to the earth An old Kerala tradition continues on in Sydney

Sydney’s Malayalee community celebrated their major festival Onam recently.

The Aug 25th celebrations, held at Granville Town Hall, was filled with cultural programs fitting the harvest theme of the festival.

The arrival of Onam transforms people and nature all over Kerala. The monsoon rains not only make the land lush green with vegetation, but also uplift people’s spirits and put them in a playful mood.

It is a creative time for the family back in Kerala, especially for children. As women collect from abundant flowering bushes to create their colourful flower carpets (pookalams), kids run around chasing the season’s dragonflies (known as ‘Onam dragon flies’ as they are seen only during this time).

True to tradition, the Sydney celebration started with the pookalam, the flower decoration on the floor which is one of the most significant aspects of Onam.

Earlier, the traditional lamp was lit jointly by Mr Arun Kumar Goel, Consul General of India, and his wife.

Sydney Malayalee Association

President Mr K P Jose in his address welcomed all, including distinguished guests including Ms Julie Owens MP (representing Ms Kate Lundy, Minister for Sport and Minister for Multicultural

Affairs) and Mr Tony Issa OAM MP (representing Mr Victor Dominello MP, Minister for Citizenship and Minister for Communities).

Sunny Stephen who is a talented song writer and counselor, gave a fitting Onam message to show love and unity.

Then it was time for the annual visit of King Mahabali from the underworld ‘ subjects and blessed all present. The legend is that under his rule Malayalees were very happy, prosperous and united. However, he was sent to by Vishnu in the form of Vamana as the jealous gods complained to Vishnu. However, he was granted an annual visit to his subjects. Mahabali was accompanied by President Mr K P Jose and other officials from Sydney Malayalee Association and was welcomed on stage by women in Kerala’s traditional dress.

Ms Julie Owens, dressed in a bright blue salwar kameez thrilled to receive King Mahabali’s blessings

The cultural presentation that followed involved songs and dances based on the Onam theme.

The program concluded with the saadhya, a vegetarian feast including the traditional dessert everyone about the prosperous time under King Mahabali.

Sunny Cherian

Special Onam blessings for Julie Owens from King Mahabali

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Kalasree shines on stage

Students of the Kalashree Institute of Indian Classical Dance took to the stage in a dazzling performance celebrating the school’s tenth year anniversary in Sydney.

On August 18, audiences thronged to the Hurstville Civic Centre auditorium to watch the talented students perform items in the highly intricate dance genre of Bharatanatyam.

The performers, ranging from ages six to fifty, demonstrated the discipline and precise skill required in mastering the ancient and sacred style of classical dance.

Through meticulous hand gestures and sculpturesque poses, the dancers portrayed different stories found in Hindu mythology. Set against a simple yet effective backdrop consisting of a few props of hanging bells and garlands, each of the dance items stood out in their own right.

The opening item of the night, Mahaganapathim, paid homage to the Hindu deity Ganesha. The powerful Carnatic song sent spiritual vibrations throughout the auditorium as the younger-aged students bounded onto stage in colourful traditional costume. Emulating the Hindu god of success, abundance, wisdom and learning through their steps and poses, the item was well coordinated and succeeded in setting the scene for a night of exquisite dance and tantalizing music.

Some dance items, such as Angikam, explored the Bharathanatyam dancer’s ability to express the meaning of a song using their whole body, placing particular emphasis on the movements of their eyes and head. Other items, like Hasta Mudra, showcased how different hand

gestures can denote the different Hindu deities, the nine planets, animals and more. The students that performed both of these items were very young, yet they did an impressive job in conveying the sophistication behind this age-old art form.

Following Angikam was the tantric Natesh Gautakam, the dance of Lord Shiva. Also known as a Thandav, this dance portrayed the creative and destructive forms of Shiva and was performed by both young and mature aged students. As the dancers executed the sturdy

Bengali flavoured musical evening

The Jadhavpur University

Alumni Association (JUAA), in cooperation with the Bengali Association NSW, co-hosted an enjoyable feast of classical and light music on August 18, to the delight of a 200-strong audience.

Sri Avijit Sarkar and Smt Srijani Dan charmed the audience with several compositions in Bengali and Hindi, and surprised everyone with some rare old gems. Avijit was in his element when he rendered Ei Raat Aamaar Tomaar, a classic of yesteryears by Hemanta Kumar (Yeh nayan darey darey in Hindi). Srijani Dan was exceptional in her rendering of O Sajna barkha bahaar aayi and Lag jaa galey sung originally by Lata Mangeshkar. She was equally good in her Bengali rendering of Aami je jolsha ghorey

Avijit Sarkar regaled the audience by reciting the hits of Manna Dey and Hemanta Kumar such as, Ganga aaye kahaan se, Aey meri zohra jabeen tujhe maloom nahin, and Phool gendva na maaro, whilst Hemanta’s Na tum hamen jaano, na hum tumhe jaaney was lilting and conveyed the feelings of the lyrics well. The audience’s approval was signified by prolonged claps and ‘wah wahs’. Sadiq Rehmani on the guitar and Sri Avijit Dan on the tabla lived up to their youthful promise and ably accompanied the main artistes.

The second half of the evening was a pure Hindustani classical concert on the sarod by Sri Anindya Banerjee. As though his musical pedigree and tutelage from the late Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and the late Nikhil Banerjee on the sitar was not enough, his style

of playing is that of the SeniaMaihar gharana that has given the musical world luminaries like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Pandit VG Jog. Anindya Banerjee introduced the origins of the instrument, explaining that the word, ‘sarod’ is a derivative of ‘Sarada’ the Goddess of learning, Saraswati with her divine veena He has worked on his instrument to play the ragas that can only be played on the veena, and has adapted these suitably. Sri Banerjee was accompanied on the tabla by Maharishi Rawal, who complimented exceedingly well this unique style of sarod playing. Sri Banerjee kicked off with an Alaap, Jod and Jhala in raga Kedar, an evening raga He played a Gat in Jhaptaal in the same raga towards the end. His sarod playing was

skill of the deity as well as his mischievous qualities through lively and playful music and dance steps.

But it was dances like Jugalbandi and The Story of the Artisan that reeled the audience in and left them wanting more!

Jugalbandi presented the story of an intense battle between drought and flood. Graceful thrusts of the body and sharp crescendos in music kept the audience on the edge of their seat throughout the performance.

The Story of the Artisan was a particularly poignant item that depicted the story of a sculptor who relentlessly tries to create brilliant works of art, but keeps finding that her work lacks something essential. After perpetual disappointment, she eventually realizes that her sculptures will only gain depth if she literally pours her own soul into them. The protagonist of this item sparkled on stage, her facial expressions were incredibly evocative and her “sculptures” were equally impressive, moving with grace on stage.

steps characteristic of the mighty Hindu deity, their anklets jingled vigorously, echoing the “Jan-jana” tune of the song.

Gopala enacted the story of Lord Krishna and his gopis. Like a scene frozen in time, this dance portrayed the beauty, charm and musical

But just when audiences thought that they had seen the very best of the show, Kalashree founder and guru herself, Dhanashree Karandikar, stepped onto the stage. Finishing her program with a bang, Dhanashree not only mesmerized audiences with her incredible poise and brilliant ability to easily switch between different emotions; she also illustrated the pure joy and passion for dance on which her school is built.

“The students should not learn Bharathanatyam as a strict art,” she said. “They should learn the technique, the discipline, the love and the enjoyment of it”.

Anusha Menon

inspired, although he found the faltering sound system provided to him a definite distraction. At one point Sri Banerjee chose to play without the hall microphones and still enthralled the audience by playing Raag Desh, Raag Malkauns and Raga Darbari Kaanada all of which held the audience to rapt attention. To conclude the evening, he played a dhun in Raga Bhairavi after the audience pleaded for more. The organisers acknowledged the courtesies extended by Taranaa and the Nataraj Music Academy.

Catering during the intermission was adequate, if not sumptuous. Over $1200 in funds was raised from the event. Part of the proceeds will go towards Mukti, an NGO that serves deprived communities and villages in the Sundarbans area of West Bengal. A contribution will also be made to the Bengali Association of NSW’s building fund. Wellknown musicians and local musical personalities performed at the fundraiser without a fee - a commendable gesture indeed.

Malli Iyer

Photos: Santosh Kulkarni

Goan bazaar recreated for World Goa Day

It was fun, food and festivity as Goans in Sydney celebrated their unique cultural heritage

August 20, 1992 is a significant day for the state of Goa, as its regional language Konkani was recognised as one of the official languages of India, and included in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution by the Indian Parliament. World Goa Day was introduced to commemorate the anniversary of this day and is celebrated by Goans all over the world with fervour and enthusiasm through showcasing Goa’s rich heritage, traditions, culture, cuisine, dance and music.

Keeping this spirit alive in Sydney, Goan Overseas Association (GOA) NSW celebrated its traditional annual World Goa Day with customary style and flavour at St. Gertrude’s Parish Hall, Smithfield on August 19.

Said Alwyn Henriques, Committee Member of GOA in his welcome address, “World Goa Day is an inspiration for future generations of Goans. To support this initiative and to make our motto ‘Proud to be a Goan’ a reality, our association here in Sydney makes a special effort every year to commemorate WGD by organising a day of celebration, thereby promoting our young and old talent and bonding our entire community together into a common celebration.”

And it was indeed a celebration as the venue was gaily decorated to recreate an authentic atmosphere of a Goan village bazaar with a large number of stalls dotted around the venue. From a nice mixture of small family businesses, to independent families eager to share their Goan delicacies with the guests, the stalls offered a variety of mouthwatering Goan dishes, bringing the distinct flavour of home to the venue. From sorpotel, Goan fish

curry and rice, pulao, choris pao to Indian snacks like batata wadas and gulab jamuns, to traditional Goan sweets like bebinca, gram doce and desserts, guests enjoyed a culinary feast amidst a wonderfully festive atmosphere. A live band played in the background welcoming patrons as they arrived and visited the stalls for a scrumptious lunch, many ordering takeaways too.

It was an enlivening sight to see the 350-odd guests mingling and enjoying themselves prior to the cultural entertainment which began post-lunch.

It was a treat to help digest a hearty lunch as The Goan Mando Troupe (Rachel Menezes on organ, Ashley and Norman Menezes on violin, Noreen and Abel Rosario on percussion, Vincent Flor on guitar with Roy, Agnelo, Gerard and Sharmilla) led the Konkani mandos, Konkani dulpods and the Portuguese medley, creating a lively carnivallike atmosphere. Reminiscing was rife as a series of duets by various performers brought back memories of swaying palms and crashing waves from Goa’s still-pristine coastline. And finally, the Goan Kunbi and Portuguese Corridinho dances were enthusiastically greeted by the crowd, who joined in with fervour, adding their individual styles to the beats.

The GOA’s got talent contest was won by young and talented ‘Michael Jackson of GOA-NSW’ Francis Flor, for his awesome display of moonwalking steps. The other performers were the young singing duo Andrei and Ashwin Rodriques, Deanne do Rosario on the organ and Chloe Rosario (who also acted as MC for the event) giving a showstopping vocal performance. They were all awarded with the ‘Spirit of GOA award’, in keeping with the association’s policy of promoting and encouraging talent

No true Goan event is complete without the traditional raffle and bingo that nicely rounded up the afternoon’s entertainment.

Norman and Rachel Menezes said after the event “A very enjoyable and well organised World Goa Day. It was good to see the big turn out and the fantastic programme that kept the crowd going and have the best time ever. Talented Goans on stage and the children performing this time, was a very good idea and hope to see more next time.”

Ashley Menezes

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Photos: Santosh Kulkarni

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Namaste Julia, G’day Tony

The India Australia Friendship Fair packs in some wonderful surprises this year

BY RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA

It was a star-studded affair at India Fair this year, with the Prime Minister Julia Gillard attending, along side Leader of the Opposition Tony Abbott, NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell, state Opposition leader John Robertson, and a host of other dignitaries.

The India Australia Friendship Fair, organised by the United Indian Associations Inc (UIA) commemorates India’s Independence Day, and denotes the gathering of the ‘clan’ for a day-long event of food and festivity. Community businesses reach out to the masses with special promotions even as khanapeena and naach-gana go on.

It was a beautifully warm winter day as the Sydney Olympic Park’s Athletic Centre opened its gates to the Indian community for the day. This time round, travel agents, accountants, migration agents, educational institutions, entertainment channels, spiritual organisations, all made their presence known.

Madame Tussaud’s wax museum brought out gorgeous Kareena Kapoor; candidates in the upcoming local council elections shook as many hands as they could; portrait photographer Rajesh Kumar broke a world record by taking over 1000 portraits, and the hand-crafted wooden temples tugged at the spiritual side hidden in every heart.

The Australian Indian Medical Graduates Association (AIMGA) for the seventh successive year, conducted complimentary blood pressure, blood sugar, height and weight checks, detecting several cases of diabetes, unstable diabetes, hypertension and related disorders, and suggesting followup treatment.

But, no surprises, it was the food stalls that did the best business (and why not – the jalebis were fresh, the chaat was crunchy, the chhole bhature finger-licking good and the dosas divine…).

The most noise, however, was made by the travel companies, as they brought along their own entertainment. At one point during the formal proceedings, a UIA official was sent bounding off the stage to a stall nearby to tell them to tone down those dhols Were numbers down this year

from last year? It certainly seemed so; in another observation, it appeared that the large mass of attendees were the relatively newer arrivals, with older settlers preferring to stay away.

Still, the star chief guests made up for it all. Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott, Barry O’Farrell and John Robertson, all did the round of the stalls, checking out the ware as well as meeting and greeting people and happily posing for pictures. Ms Gillard’s first stop was at the henna stall (mehendi artist Zeenat remained on cloud nine all day after doodling on the prime ministerial palm as one of her earliest jobs of the day). The PM also checked out the Indian fashions on display.

In the formal proceedings, UIA President Amarinder Bajwa introduced the community well to the dignitaries, listing the ways in which we have grown in recent times. He mooted the idea of a “Little India” precinct in the Harris Park area which would not only strengthen the community but also increase tourism. He also urged the government to support the community with more grants, stating quite pointedly that the previous government had been more forthcoming in this regard.

He looked dapper in his bandh-gala, and should perhaps have shown it off more by speaking centrestage rather than disappearing behind the lectern on one corner of the stage.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard, like

other speakers after her, chose to keep no barriers between herself and the people. Looking fetching in her embroidered silk scarf, she declared to much applause that she was the first prime minister to join the community on the occasion. Listing all the areas in which India and Australia have close connections, including now the sale of uranium, she also announced that she would be visiting India before year-end.

Tony Abbott, perhaps slightly more charismatic on this occasion, firstly wished India on its anniversary of Independence (a tiny detail that seemed to have missed the PM’s attention). Abbott found himself constantly applauded, such as when he remembered his own visit to India as a 23-year-old: he travelled to Mumbai, Rajasthan, Delhi, Kashmir, he recalled, and in Bihar, he spent some six weeks with the Australian Jesuit mission.

His message of support to Dilip Chopra, “a very old friend of mine”, and for whom he had secured citizenship in one of his first jobs as an MP, was clearly noted by the community: no doubt it will provide a boost to Dilip’s campaign for reelection as a Hornsby councillor in the upcoming local council elections.

To the community, Abbott’s words of encouragement were welcome: “Indian-born people are great citizens of Australia. No community better exemplifies Bob Menzies’ great phrase “lifters, not

leaners”. The Indians are lifting Australia to the heights we all want to achieve”.

He concluded, “This is not just an Indian/Australian occasion. Days like today typify modern Australia and as I look around me I see great Australian people”.

NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell began his address with a polite and friendly ‘Namaste’, and then let it slip that he knew his absence last year was duly noted by the community. He went on to thank Indian Australians for their contributions in various sectors of endeavour, and also announced an India trip in October.

Biren Nanda, the new Indian High Commissioner, sounded rather like the old school principal from back home when he remembered on this occasion “the sacrifices of our freedom fighters”. In a speech that was clearly directed towards the personalities seated behind him on stage, he rattled off some stats about India’s incredible growth, and the possibilities for India to learn from the best practices of other developed countries like Australia. Sadly, he had no message for the Indian community here.

In a wonderful new initiative this year, a parade of member organisations was held which went off rather well. The smart Marathi contingent clearly stole the thunder, even from the bhangrapawnde Punjabis! Organisers later revealed that they have bigger

plans for the parade, perhaps to take it mainstream, much like New York’s India Day Parade down Manhattan’s Madison Avenue.

The cultural program was predictable, although the attempts to move away from Bollywood fare were commendable. In one such effort, young Mili Dakshin, a talented artist, created a painting live on stage accompanied to music. Mili completed her painting of Karnataka’s famed Jog Falls in 7 minutes flat. She had hoped to present her work to the PM, but was disappointed not to be able to. Next time, Mili!

Earlier in the day, in what was another first at the India Fair, a citizenship ceremony was organised at the venue with Greenway MP Michelle Rowland officiating.

With fireworks to finish off, it turned out to be quite a day. For next year though, the organisers will need to work harder to attract larger numbers, especially the established community (who will probably return if new initiatives like the parade are advertised well beforehand). Bringing in mainstream audiences could be another challenge.

Cover pic: Henna artist Zeenat (www.zenatart.com.au) applies a mehendi design for PM Julia Gillard

Photo: AP

More pics pages 34-35

Uia ropes in high-powered attendees for this year’s india Fair

Funny Daddy

Funny Daddy

That’s not funny,

‘Daaad, you’re embarrassing me!’ is a familiar refrain now, and isn’t just confined to teens. Familiarity with fathers has now reached new heights with kids saying what they feel, and dads taking their comments in their stride – and even going out of their way to further embarrass their children. It’s an easy, open, cheerful bonding that is a delight to experience.

We love them to bits, but dads can sometimes make us want to cringe. Like when yours says, “Comb your hair!” when it’s taken 20 minutes and a whole jar of gel to achieve a cool ‘tousled’ look. And you’re 30! Or he pretends to bump into you and your girlfriends in the mall, when you know that he’s been stalking you for the past hour, hoping to catch you’ll talking to boys!

FunnyDaddy

When I was your age…” is all it takes to get the familiar ‘rolling eyes’ look. What is it about kids these days, in our day we were never so disrespectful to our fathers! But of course, we never got down to an impromptu wrestling match interspersed with shrieks of laughter. Kids may be quirky and annoying, but they can also be lovable and caring. Why else would they take their dad shopping for bikinis, or try besting him on the XBox. So what if their dad uses green Vaseline to gel his hair, it’s their job to embarrass their kids. Even Bob Geldof admitted that his kids don’t think he’s cool. “They think I’m a total tiresome loser. They say ‘daaaaad, you’re so embarrassing’ and ‘dad, why is your shirt unbuttoned?!” he said in an interview. But guess what, when they get to dad’s age, his kids will think he’s cool. And it’ll be worth the wait!

Funny Daddy

Funny Daddy Funny Daddy funny, Dad!

Daddy

Funny Daddy

Things my dad does that embarrass me

He shouts, “Run, girls!” at the top of his voice in his Indian accent at my cricket matches.

He tries to act cool in front of my teen friends, and has even said, “Aren’t you going to introduce me to your homies?”

He’s really quite cool and I love him very much, but not when he’s singing I’ve Got the Moves Like Jagger.

He’s the worst dancer ever, but he thinks he’s great and always grooves right in the middle of the dance floor at parties!

When we’re at the shops and if I move out of his line of vision, he always calls my name out loudly, as if I’m 4 instead of 14!

My dad has a favourite story, that he used to bully Shahrukh Khan at school: he tells it all the time and I feel so emabarrassed!

He says he’s going to get an earring on his 50th birthday.

He wore lime green pants with a wide white belt and a pink shirt tucked in, to a party recently.

He drives around with loud Bollywood music blaring out of his car – it’s so embarrassing!

He brought out my baby photos at my birthday party. Yes, even the one of me in nappies. My friends put that one on a t-shirt!

He wants to adopt my fashion sense, wear skinny jeans and spike up his hair with gel.

He naps on the lounge and snores really, really loudly – just when my friends are over on Sunday afternoon!

He tried on a pair of really low cut hipster jeans, and then asked the teenage shop assistant whether they had ‘trendy’ wide-banded designer underwear to match.

He’s constantly substituting lyrics in songs, or singing silly English versions of Hindi songs.

He told off my maths teacher at school once – I was so embarrassed to go back!

He asks me to recite a poem, sing a song, or ‘show latest dance steps’ whenever we have company. I’m 16!

He tries to sing One Direction songs, but is convinced that the name of the band is ‘Inside Edition’.

He begins telling a funny story and is so overwhelmed by the punch-line that he’s in hysterics before telling it. So everyone’s looking bemused and waiting to hear it, while he’s laughing himself silly.

He’ll ask what movie is going on, about three times in the same hour.

He tells all my girlfriends I fancy Zac from One Direction just because he’s part South Asian like me… But that’s so not true, because I like them all… oops, does that sound bad?

When a Bollywood love song is on (eg You are my Sonia), he’ll start singing along and acting like Hrithik Roshan, and then grab mum and pretend she’s Kareena Kapoor. Thankfully she rolls her eyes most times and pushes him off.

He says, ‘What? Whaat? What did you say?’ He’s not hard of hearing, but he can’t understand my accent. It’s ‘Ab-(o)ri-gin-al’ not ‘Abor-i-ginal’, dad. And he says, ‘Po-ta-to, Po-tat-o, same difference!’

Funny Daddy Funny Daddy

He sometimes belches loudly after a big meal and then looks around the table and says, ‘Who was that?’ It’s gross, but you gotta smile!

He likes to recount episodes of my babyhood, but when he gets to the terms I used to use for bodily functions, I have to hide.

He thinks Salman Khan movies are entertaining – ‘nuff said!

He makes one line jokes while in the midst of a serious discussion before a gathering.

He organises kids’ games at parties and tells them to dance around to warm up before starting the game. But he’s the only one dancing….

He puts up baby photos of me on Facebook and then tags me!

He sings in an opera voice just to make me laugh – it’s hilarious and embarrassing!

When we’re at the airport, he always tries to get an upgrade at the check-in.

FunnyDaddy Funny Daddy

Photo: Istock

Jeannette D’Souza, Sajini Gupta, Devna Luthra, Anushe Uzair, Nehchal Anand, Katarina Ahmed, Mischa Sahgal, Sid & Nik Dixit, Manan Luthra, Kris Fernandes, Sachin Gupta

Shooting 2.1 people per minute

A talented photographer aiming to establish a new world record finds the challenge interesting as well as daunting

To hit the ground running for the event, Rajesh started planning three months in advance, listing everything he would need, from volunteers to light fixtures

Rajesh Kumar likes making people happy. He likes watching their faces light up when they see themselves caught on film and hearing them say, “Wow! That’s fantastic!”

“It’s intoxicating,” he says enthusiastically.

Rajesh made over 1000 people happy at the India Australia Friendship Fair (AIFF) in Sydney Olympic Park on August 19.

This 39-year-old Sydney resident set out to establish a new world record for the highest number of individual portraits taken in a single day. He managed to take 1010 photographs within a space of 8 hours, shooting an average of 2.1 people per minute. The world record is still in the process of being verified,

but the numbers are still mindboggling.

So how did the idea to create a record originate?

“I have been taking a lot of photographs, and wanted to do something different. I wanted to exhibit my unique skills to the world and establish myself in the growing Indian community here in Australia,” admits Rajesh.

The aim was to garner publicity for his wedding photography business, and it has worked. He has received a few enquiries after the event.

To hit the ground running for the event, Rajesh started planning three months in advance, listing everything he would need, from volunteers to light fixtures. “It would have been a far greater

One of Rajesh’s first challenges was converting his minuscule 2.4sqm stall into a makeshift studio. With the help of his volunteers, he got groups of people to come in and get their pictures taken. Most of them wanted to be photographed together, and had to be persuaded to have individual portraits shot instead. Persuasion in Hindi, a language he does not speak, was also a challenge.

For Rajesh, this was very different from his usual relaxed studio setting, as he had to have an eye on the clock and concentrate on shooting as fast as possible. But he still got complimented on the quality of his photographs, and on his ability to remain cool under so much pressure.

The worst period of the 8-hour day was the half hour when Prime Minister Julia Gillard arrived at the event; Rajesh was only able to take 12 photographs in that half hour. (Of course it would have been quite a coup if the PM herself could have sat for him, but sadly that did not seem possible!) However, once the Prime Minister left, he and his team were back to working with the crowds, persuading them to come and have their photographs taken.

Rajesh gallantly multi-tasked throughout the 8-hour period, continuously snapping with his camera, monitoring the video,

Facebook stats and even being interviewed by a TV crew.

There were a variety of participants ranging from small children to senior citizens. “Relax”, “Smile”, “Pose” and “Thanks” were words Rajesh repeated constantly throughout the day. He got participants to relax by cracking jokes, and the ones about actor Rajnikanth really got his audience smiling.

Rajesh’s favourite photograph is of an Aboriginal man. “He had a didgeridoo with him but I asked him do something different,” he says. He ended up with a shot that stands out in the collection. Rajesh also remembers a girl who came in as part of a dance troupe, raising her hands and asking him, “How should I pose?” but he had shot her before she had even stopped speaking.

The collection of photographs will be composed into a montage and presented to UIA to display in their office and at various art exhibitions. A time-lapse video of the event will also be available online. All the individual pictures have been uploaded on Facebook, and about 200 people have seen their photographs so far. Those who would like a high resolution picture can send Rajesh a request on Facebook, or email him.

In spite of a sore neck and the immensely stressful

experience, he says, “I enjoyed the event 110%, and all the people who came to get photographed also enjoyed it.”

This is a man who seems to thrive under pressure. He works as an Emerging Technology Specialist by day, and spends the rest of his time as a photographer. As the official photographer in Sydney for the Australian Banking & Finance magazine, Rajesh spends many of his evenings at corporate events. Weekends see him at weddings and birthday parties across the city. He is also involved in video production, covering weddings and corporate events. He has also shot a few community-based TV commercials that aired on SBS, TVS and some online channels.

Inspired by one of his colleagues at his office, Rajesh decided to turn photography into a business four years ago, and hasn’t looked back since. He bought his first SLR five years ago and currently uses a Nikon D90. He enjoys portrait photography because he gets to meet so many different people.

With no formal training in photography, Rajesh believes it is his hard work that has brought him where he is today. “I don’t believe in luck too much, hard work yields profit, that’s what I believe in,” he says.

Rajesh’s advice to budding photographers is to keep practicing. “It’s not just about the camera or the lens, its practice that makes a person perfect,” he avers.

To view the photos online, visit www.rajesh.com.au.

CHIDAMBARANATHAN

Rajesh Kumar

BY RITAM MITRA

It was still winter down under, but in late August India won the Under-19 Cricket World Cup, beating Australia in a tense final in Townsville, Queensland. The match was underlined by a stunning century by the Indian skipper, Unmukt Chand, and certainly exposed some exciting talents to the international cricket community.

U-19 tourney gaining glory

The ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup has taken place every two years since 1998, having initially been staged as a one-off event that year. While it does not carry with it the prestige of the senior version, the pedigree of the players that take part in it makes up much of the attraction –players such as Saqlain Mushtaq, Brian Lara and Sanath Jayasuriya

A rising

featured in the earliest edition; the 2008 tournament included James Pattinson, Darren Bravo and India’s Virat Kohli, who led the side to the trophy, and currently sits as the second-best ODI batsman in the game. The hype that has surrounded the tournament in recent years, then, is not without reason – it really has become a breeding ground for future champions.

Mental preparation is key

While the senior Indian team was at the same time busy thrashing a hapless New Zealand outfit by an innings and 115 runs at home in Hyderabad, the U-19 side proved just how much more mental preparation goes into young Indian players today. The side lost their very first match against a talented West Indian outfit, but comprehensively thrashed minnows Zimbabwe and Papua New Guinea. They then scraped through a ridiculously tense quarter-final against Pakistan, winning by just one wicket – and then backed the performance up with another narrow win in the

A determined win

semi-final by just 9 runs against New Zealand.

After such an emotional rollercoaster, the side, which featured players as young as 17, might have been forgiven for an average display in the final. Instead, India got off to a great start, picking up four early wickets against an Australian batting line up that had not yet failed to deliver. Led by a steady unbeaten 87* by captain William Bosisto (who was dismissed only once in 6 innings – and that too, run-out), the Aussies recovered and posted an impressive 225/8 off their 50 overs.

Ian Chappell, the former Australian captain, had remarked about this tournament that it was notable how much more advanced the fast bowlers were in their development than the batsmen – and this explains the low-scoring affairs throughout the competition. The top team score in the semi-finals was 209; in the quarter-finals, 244. For India, chasing 225 in a final, with cloud cover and a strong home bowling attack, was not an easy task.

While Australia were 4/38 early in their innings, India had moved steadily to 1/75, largely due to the sparkling strokeplay of Baba Aparajith – who is definitely one to watch out for in the shorter format of the game. Australia’s Gurinder Sandhu, however, who spoke to Indian Link ahead of the tournament, broke the ChandAparajith partnership, and a flurry of wickets followed.

At 4/97, with vice-captain

Akshdeep Nath woefully out of form, India moved their enterprising and confident wicketkeeper, Smit Patel, up the order. By now, Australia were rampant – runs were extremely difficult to come by, and the pressure on Chand was immense.

Joel Paris, the Australian leftarmer, was regularly clocking up speeds above 140km/h. The parttimers were stifling and the fields intuitive. The Aussies had their tails up, and they let the Indians know it, too. It was no place for the faint-hearted.

Some unbelievably beautiful batting then turned the match on its head.

Chand began hitting pure cricket strokes – drives over extra cover, lofted straight drives down the ground – to not only reach the boundary, but to clear it comfortably. Chand, who was especially brutal on Sandhu, hit 7 fours and 6 sixes in all, including a perfectly-timed drive over the cover region which both brought up his century and all but sealed the trophy. It was Chand’s 5th century at the U-19 level, but more tellingly, his third in tournament finals – Bosisto, the Australian captain, later remarked that that it was “not the first time he has terrorised us”.

Patel’s contribution, too, was crucial; his 62* in a partnership of 130 – the highest in any U-19 World Cup final – was enterprising, and similarly risky. But it paid off.

Pick the talent

There were also notable performances by seamer Sandeep Sharma – who finished with 12 wickets at 15.75, including 4-54 in the final, as well as tweaker Harmeet Singh, who Ian Chappell has stated categorically as the best

Baba Aparajith, left, celebrates with teammates the dismissal of Australia’s Kurtis Patterson, the 2012 ICC under-19 Cricket World Cup final Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012, in Townsville, Australia.

force

left-arm spinner in the world, and the second-best overall behind Graeme Swann. But you can only compare apples with apples – and it’s plaudits like these which can often send young athletes down the wrong road.

Greats such as Tendulkar and Ponting never played in an Under-19 World Cup. India’s Rohit Sharma and Australia’s Moises Henriques both shone in the 2006 edition, yet both have found international cricket thoroughly miserable. Lara, Jayasuriya, Kohli – none of these names were the top run-scorers in their respective tournaments. There was some brilliant cricket played in Townsville, and no doubt there was an abundance of talent on display – but part of the fascination of the U-19 World Cup is seeing how they develop from here. There’s still one more step to go – who will put their

triumphantly carried home the World Cup. Winning against Australia has become almost as prestigious as a win against hereditary arch-rivals Pakistan, and cricket-loving Indians were quick to shower appreciation on these young stars.

The triumphant U-19 Indian cricket team arrived home to a euphoric reception in Mumbai.

As Delhi boy and skipper Unmukt Chand came out of the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport terminal holding the trophy, celebrations broke out.

Mumbaiite Harmeet Singh’s relatives and friends also turned up in large numbers and carried a huge cutout of the spinner.

“I am very happy. We played well in Australia and won it. It’s a proud feeling,” said Chand, who is the third captain after Mohammed

CaptainUnmuktChand

Kaif and Virat Kohli to lead the country to the under-19 World Cup title.

In Kolkata, a host of Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) officials and a large number of East Bengal fan club members waited at the NSC Bose International Airport here to greet Ravikant Singh and Sandipan Das, the two cricketers from Bengal who were in the winning squad. With 12 wickets, Ravikant finished as the most successful Indian bowler in the tournament played in Australia.

In the melee of fans eager to greet the young cricketers, their families were pushed to the sidelines and security personnel had to intervene, getting the cricketers into their cars in a hurry, thus cutting the celebrations short.

However, the glory of the win was overwhelming, as Ravikant stated. “We were over the moon. Never in my life was I so happy,” he said adding, “I owe a lot to captain Unmukt (Chand). I came into the team as a replacement but he showed faith in me and gave me confidence. Unmukt is a batsman, but he is a bowlers’ captain.”

Unmukt is now richer not just in experience, but also financially as the state of Uttarakhand announced a cash reward of Rs.11 lakh for the young cricketing star who hit a match-winning unbeaten century in the final.

Although Unmukt plays for Delhi in domestic cricket, he hails from Khudku Bhalya village in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district. Officials said the state was also considering felicitating the entire

U-19 cricket team.

And while accolades have been pouring in, the International Cricket Council (ICC) president Alan Isaac also congratulated the Indian team for winning the U-19 World Cup for the third time. “It has been an incredible performance by India. The way the team bounced back after losing the tournament opener reflects the talent and self-confidence of the side. And with captain Unmukt Chand leading the side from the front with a century in the final, it just sums up three great weeks for them in Townsville,” said Issac.

Ironic loss over win

And in what can only be termed as a bizarrely typical situation, Unmukt Chand was disallowed by St Stephen’s College in Delhi

to sit for his annual exam because his class attendance was poor. Unmukt was forced to approach the Delhi High Court petitioning that he was unable to attend classes because of cricket matches, including the Indian Premier League. He requested the High Court to ask his college to allow him to sit for the annual exam. Fortunately, the Association of Old Stephanians are backing up the talented cricketer, and have appealed to St Stephen’s College and Delhi University “to take necessary steps to ensure that promising sportspersons are encouraged to perform better and bring laurels to the country”. It’s the old familiar argument between academics and sports. So who will be the winner?

The Indian U-19 team returns home with the Cricket World Cup trophy to many accolades… and one brickbat!

India’s Under-19 boys take home the trophy

People Parties Places

Do you have a photo for this page? Email it to info@indianlink.com.au

Sujai and Sandhya Ramakrishna welcome babyArav into their lives

are blessed with a baby boy Vihaan and littleMancy, become Australian citizens

Karan Bir Singh, a student at James Cook University, leads a bhangra troupe at Townsville Cultural and Aruna Khurana on their wedding day

Gangabehn Rangoonwala celebrates her 90th birthday with family and friends from RAIN Seniors

Kya karoon haye..

Ever the entertainer, Alka Yagnik doesn’t let little hindrances prevent her from having a good time on stage

BY PRIYAnk A TATeR

It is not often that organisers give a free upgrade to a better view of the stage, when you have already bought the low cost seats at the furthest corners. The VVIP seats were still to be filled in despite one of Bollywood’s most famous singers taking centre stage. If you were there, you probably have already gotten the drift.

On this Saturday afternoon the Athletic Centre (Sydney Olympic Park) was missing the footfall - it waited till the very end for the rest of the 4500 (approx.) seats to be filled, out of the 5000.

The crowds, though sparse, were there for the extremely talented and popular Bollywood singer Alka Yagnik. With a career spanning over three decades, 35 Filmfare nominations of which 7 wins are in her kitty, and 2 National awards, she is one of India’s most sought after playback singers.

The last time she performed in Sydney was with music maestro AR Rahman. But this was meant to be her first solo live concert in the Harbour city.

It began with a warm up by stand-up comedian Ashok Mishra tickling our funny bone and the wonderful voice of Chetan Rana remembering India’s first superstar Rajesh Khanna, with Mere sapno ki rani and Zindagi ka safar followed by hits from Dabangg and Rowdy Rathore.

Soon the wait was over as the

sound of Kya karun haaye, kuchh kuchh hota hai… got the sparsely populated Grandstand a tad bit pumped. After all it was one of Bollywood’s most revered playback singers making an entry through the aisle, rendering that hit number.

Dressed in a beautiful baby pink sharara and long sleeveless kurti, her graceful presence managed to get my attention off the clumsily done make-shift stage.

And then after the usual greeting, she almost spoke my mind, when she said “Andhera nahi hua hai, I am not used to singing in daylight…” Oh, didn’t I tell you it was 4:30 pm. It is not often that you get to attend a musical evening in the afternoon! But that didn’t dampen brave Alka’s spirits. She was on a roll, churning out one number after another, promising to cater to as many requests as possible.

From Kisi roz unse mulakaat hogi (Pardes) to Gazab ka hai ye din (QSQT) to Dil ne ye kaha hai dil se (Dhadkan), Alka Yagnik got many of us nostalgic.

And yes, she did give us a taste of her sense of humour too, when she quirkily asked a man sitting in the crowd which one was his wife, the one on his right or left, trying to make sure that partners hold each other’s hands. This was just prior to the very romantic Dekha jabse tumko, bas dekha tumko yaara (Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Ghum).

With the very peppy Laal dupatta udd gaya re mera (Mujhse Shaadi Karogi) she pulled in the crowd to take over the dance floor (the athletic tracks in this case!)

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After Alka Yagnik excused herself for a bit after almost an hour-long performance, comedian Ashok Mishra took charge of the mike and had us in splits yet again. Soon enough, back came the melody queen this time dressed in her trademark salwar kurta all shimmery in black. And it was now turn for duets with Chetan Rana who was doing a Kumar Sanu and Udit Narayan. As the two sang duets from Baazigar, Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke and Tere Naam, the sound

of the orchestra got louder than their voice. Shoddy sound work prompted Ms Yagnik to repeatedly walk up to the sound man and get it fixed, but in vain. It was disappointing to see how even the best voices are at the mercy of the sound technicians who can make or break a performance.

This did break the tempo; it felt like a poorly arranged private ‘sangeet sandhya’ that somehow managed to rope in an artist of the calibre of Alka Yagnik.

Although I would have loved her to carry on, there were too many factors spoiling the event. And even if she were planning to sing a few more hits, the crowd just wanted her to count the numbers…yes, they kept asking for that cult song that catapulted her to fame Ek, do, teen. So while she gave the people what they wanted, the song that she was to wrap up the show with, my countdown for the show to end got over too… teen, do, ek !!!!!

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Smart Suvercha

A Blacktown student takes on the NSW Brain Bee Challenge and nails it

BY SHeRYL DIXIT

Want to know anything at all about the brain? Ask Suvercha

Khattar from Blacktown Girls High School, who recently came second in the NSW Australian & New Zealand Brain Bee Challenge 2012. This bright young Year 10 student with a promising future has just taken her first steps towards studying medicine and specializing in reproductive endocrinology. I had to ask her to repeat that, and still had to look up the spelling on the web!

For Suvercha, the Brain Bee Challenge was special, because she had sourced the competition on her own, having found out about it through a work experience project. “I approached my school

and teachers with the details of the competition, and the entire class decided to participate in round 1,” she told Indian Link. Of students across NSW who sat for the competition, only 1000 were chosen to go into round 2. And it is at this level that Suvercha’s scores put her in an enviable second place.

Suvercha’s parents Braham and Bindu were very supportive of their daughter’s desire to participate in the Brain Bee. Despite a personal loss back home in India as Suvercha’s maternal grandmother passed away, they gave her all the encouragement possible.

“We knew that she had the will to succeed,” said proud dad Braham. “We are very proud of her and of her extraordinary achievement. She worked hard and deserves this award.”

Indeed, Suvercha had to keep her nose in a book, specifically one – Brain Facts, from which all the questions for round 2 of the competition were derived.

“On moving to round 2, I put in a good 2-3 hours of intense studying daily, but in the final two weeks I increased the hours of studying until I was satisfied with my preparation. It was tough, but I wanted to do well,” Suvercha revealed shyly.

Suvercha attended the competition with her science teacher, and was initially quite nervous, but her knowledge of the subject kept her ahead of the game. “When the results were announced, I was thrilled and excited to be among the top three. I felt that my hard work had paid off and I was glad to have made the effort,” she said.

Apart from a certificate, Suvercha was also presented with an iPod Touch but the most exciting offer for this talented young girl was that of a scholarship from the University of Western Sydney when she decides to pursue higher education, post high school. It is a thrilling opportunity for Suvercha, who has clear plans for her future.

She has always been an exemplary student since the family moved to Australia in 2005, when Suvercha joined school in Year 3. She has received the ‘Best Student’ award consistently every year since Year 6, and continues to flourish.

Suvercha also enjoys extracurricular activities like swimming and writing – her repertoire mainly being poems. Here’s wishing Suvercha all the very best for a bright and brainy future.

Alka Yagnik, Javed Akhtar unveil literacy anthem Bollywood celebrities like Alka Yagnik, Javed Akhtar and Lalit Pandit, along with Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal, recently launched a new literacy anthem as part of the campaign of promoting adult literacy in India.

The national literacy anthem Humko padhna hai aage badna hai has been written by Akhtar, composed by Pandit and sung by Sonu Nigam and Yagnik.

The song marked the launch of the National Literacy Mission’s new mass adult literacy awareness campaign Saakshar Bharat Abhiyan, which aims to educate non-literate people at the grassroot level.

A video of the literacy anthem featuring actors Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Shabana Azmi, Farhan Akhtar, Kareena Kapoor and Anil Kapoor was also showcased at the occasion.

“The song is so heart-warming that all those people who would hear it, will automatically get inspired to come together and support the cause,” Sibal said in New Delhi at the launch programme on the Red Fort grounds.

“It is of utmost importance to fight against illiteracy. If we don’t educate the women of our country, India will never rise. I would like to congratulate the people behind Saakshar Abiyaan, who have been able to successfully move ahead with their adult education programme.

“As many as two crore adults, especially women, have given their literacy exams and according to assessment of National Institute of Open Schooling, 1.5 crore people have cleared it, of which 70 percent are women. This is in itself a big achievement,” he added.

Sibal called for the support of common man as well as Bollywood celebrities to help eradicate illiteracy from the country.

“Actually this initiative won’t be successful, if all of us don’t come together to work towards the cause. We need the support of volunteer teachers, gram panchayats, parents and society too. We need the support of those Bollywood celebrities

also, who can inspire common man,” he added.

Also present at the occasion were Minister of State for Human Resource Development D. Puransdeswari, Anshu Vaish, secretary, department of school education and literacy in the ministry and National Literacy Mission Authority chief Jagmohan Singh Raju.

India will ensure clarity in tax regulations: Chidambaram

Finance Minister P. Chidambaram recently assured investors that the government would bring clarity in tax regulations and take necessary measures to ensure a stable tax regime.

“We will ensure that there is a stable tax regime and clarity in tax laws,” Chidambaram said at a media briefing in New Delhi after addressing chief commissioners and director generals of income tax.

The finance minister said he had asked tax officials to adopt a “non-adversarial” approach to tax collection.

“I have asked chief commissioners to adopt non-adversarial approach to tax collection. I have told the CCITs (chief commissioners of income tax) to repeat this message to all commissioners, all assistant commissioners and deputy commissioners and ITOs (income tax officers),” he said. Chidambaram hoped that the government would be able to meet Rs.5.7 lakh crore direct tax collection target in the current financial year.

“It is our intention to achieve the Rs.5,70,257 crore direct tax collection target for the current fiscal. We will be able to achieve the target,” he said.

The finance minister admitted that the collection from the direct taxes so far had been below target and said it is likely to pick up in the second half of the current fiscal.

“Collection is growing at 10.5 percent against the asking rate of 15 percent,” he said.

Chidambaram said lower-than-expected economic growth does not necessarily lead to low tax revenue, as there was no direct

co-relation between the GDP growth and tax collection.

The government targets increasing the tax-to-GDP ratio to 12 percent from around 10 percent recorded in 2011-12.

The tax-to-GDP ratio declined to 10.1 percent in 2011-12 from 11.9 percent in 2007-08. “Our aim is to go back to 12 percent. Even at 12 percent India will be one of the lowest tax countries as proportion to tax to GDP,” he said.

Judges cannot fix poverty line: Supreme Court

In a pronouncement of considerable significance that could check the judiciary’s overstepping into legislative and governmental functioning, the Supreme Court has said the question of fixing the poverty line was in the domain of expert bodies like the Planning Commission and the judiciary could not engage itself in setting the nation’s economic policies.

“This should be left to expert bodies. Reviewing the poverty line is very difficult. We can’t be setting economic policy,” the court said recently in the course of a hearing in New Delhi.

The apex court bench of Justice T.S. Thakur and Justice Fakkir Mohamed Ibrahim Kalifulla said this when senior counsel Colin Gonsalves appearing for People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) invited the court’s attention to the low fixation of the poverty line norm at Rs 32 per day, an issue that has led to considerable debate in the country.

As Gonsalves pleaded the government could not shy away from its responsibilities, particularly towards the vulnerable section of society, the court said the petitioner should come with suggestions that could be entertained without stepping into the domain of governmental functioning.

Shrugging off Gonsalves’ plea, Justice Thakur said: “Where is it written in the constitution that food subsidy should be given?”

“The poverty line is hypothetical. Its only relevance is for subsidy,” he said.

In contrast, the earlier bench of Justice

Bhandari and Justice Dipak Verma had put the government in the dock and compelled it to revise its below poverty line (BPL) norms of Rs.32 for urban areas and Rs.26 for rural areas. It even asked the Planning Commission to spell out the basis on which it had fixed Rs.32 and Rs.26 as the poverty norms in urban and rural areas.

It is not just that the court appears to be less than enthusiastic; it appears to be seeking to shrink its monitoring of welfare schemes.

The court made it clear that it was not going to overstep the statutory regimes governing the food subsidy scheme for people living below the poverty line.

The court said monitoring of the public distribution system (PDS) by it had to come to an end.

“It is going on for six years and it could go on for another 26 years,” Justice Thakur said.

He said the court would pass the orders and if they were not complied with, then the court could be moved for necessary remedies.

“Once we direct and if they don’t follow then you can move the court. It can be before the Supreme Court or the high courts as well.”

Apparently, a change in the approach could be read into the restraint that Chief Justice S.H. Kapadia has asked the judges to exercise before stepping into the territory of the government and the legislature.

Chief Justice Kapadia spoke of judicial restraint during his address at a function on Independence Day and also later on.

Obama names Bombay IIT graduate to key post

President Barack Obama has appointed Romesh Wadhwani, an Indian American founder of several software and IT companies, on board of trustees of the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts.

Announcing his intent to appoint Wadhwani and nine other general trustees of the centre, Obama said, “These dedicated men and women bring a wealth of experience and talent to their new roles and I am proud to have them serve in this Administration.”

“I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come,” added Obama, whose administration has over a score Indian-Americans serving in senior positions, more than any other previous administration.

Set up in 1971 as a living memorial to former President John F. Kennedy, the centre is the busiest performing arts facility in the United States and annually hosts approximately 2,000 performances for audiences totalling nearly two million.

According to a White House announcement, Wadhwani, who received a BA from the Indian Institute of Technology in Bombay and an MS and Ph.D. from Carnegie-Mellon University, is the founder, Chairman, and CEO of Symphony Technology Group.

He is actively involved in Kennedy Centre initiatives, having served as Co-Chair of the Maximum India Festival in 2011 and as a supporter of the 2010 Honours Gala.

He is the founder and Chairperson of the Wadhwani Foundation, and serves on the Board of Trustees of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.

Previously, Wadhwani was the founder, Chairman, and CEO of several software

Devotees attend evening prayers at the Golden Temple, the holiest of Sikh shrines, illuminated on the occasion of 408th anniversary of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the holy book of Sikh religion in Amritsar, September 1, 2012.

and IT companies, including Aspect Development, Inc.

Lok Sabha passes bill against sexual harassment at workplace

Taking a step towards making a safe workplace a reality for women, the Lok Sabha recently passed a bill which would protect women, including millions employed as domestic help, against sexual harassment at work.

The bill, which still has to get the Rajya Sabha’s nod, covers under its list of offences sexual remarks, demand for sexual favour, or any act of physical advance or an unwelcome touch.

Inclusion of domestic help in the bill will benefit about 47.5 lakh women registered as domestic workers in the country. The original version of the bill, which was introduced in Lok Sabha in 2010, did not include domestic help.

The government had then said that it would be practically difficult to cover domestic help, as they worked in homes which were private places.

Domestic workers, according to government data, account for 30 percent of India’s female workforce.

The bill defines domestic worker as a woman employed to do household work in any household for remuneration whether in cash or kind, either directly or through any agency on temporary, permanent, part-time or full-time basis, but does not include any member of the family of the employer.

The bill mandates an internal complaint committee for any organisation with 10 or more employees.

For an employer not following this, the penalty will be Rs.50,000. Repeated violations may lead to higher penalties and cancellation of licence or registration to conduct business.

The bill covers not only employees, but also clients, customers, apprentice, or daily wage workers who enter the workplace.

Dhoni happy with team’s showing against New Zealand

India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni recently ticked all the positive boxes while asserting that he was quite happy with the overall performances of the team that is unlikely to see any kind of “reshuffling” for the forthcoming home Test series against England and Australia.

Speaking to media in Bangalore after leading India to a 2-0 series sweep against New Zealand, Dhoni said he was not unduly worried about the poor form of some of his batsmen, notably opener Gautam Gambhir and Sachin Tendulkar, while making a case for a longer run to the younger players rather than judging them on the basis of a couple of innings.

“No reshuffling. I think, it is just a matter of time before he gets going. I thought he batted quite well in the second innings,” said Dhoni with reference to Gambhir who had scores of 22, 2 and 34 in three innings in the two Tests against the Kiwis.

With regard to Tendulkar, the captain said: “Everytime we talk about Tendulkar’s form, he comes up with a big innings and I am waiting.”

Dhoni was dismissive of criticism of Suresh Raina’s injudicious shot that cost him his wicket in the second innings here and emphasized that younger players needed to be given a long run.

“Like I said, there are two ways of dealing with pressure. Either you go for your shots, like Raina did, or soak in the pressure, like Virat (Kohli) who batted brilliantly. It depends on the individuals, but I feel we need to back the youngsters, for that’s the way to groom them,” said Dhoni.

The Indian captain again made a strong case for playing home Tests on pitches that assist spin, but in the same breath, Dhoni praised spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Pragyan Ojha for their effort on tracks that did not assist them, but favoured the batsmen.

“I would like to see us batting on turning tracks, but our spinners were brilliant (in the just-concluded series) on pitches that didn’t help them, but I feel that the fast bowlers need to chip in.

“Ashwin and Ojha complemented each other and hunted well on pitches that were good to bat on.

Ashwin has been bowling brilliantly and is learning variation while Ojha bowled well in the first innings here,” said Dhoni.

Ironical that Bose did not get Nobel Prize: CERN chief

India is like the “historic father” of the Higgs boson project, the search for what could be the basic building block of the cosmos, says CERN chief Rolf-Dieter Heuer, ruing that Indian scientist Satyendra Nath Bose, from whose surname the word ‘boson’ is derived, did not get the Nobel Prize.

“India is like a historic father of the project. I am really very impressed seeing the immense talent pool that the country has,” said the director general of CERN (European Organisation for Nuclear Research), the world’s premier particle physics laboratory.

The Geneva-based organisation had discovered the new sub-atomic particle, possibly the Higgs boson, in July. The Indian scientific community had expressed its displeasure at boson being spelt in lower case while Higgs (after British physicist Peter Higgs) was spelt in the upper case.

“It is really ironical that he (Bose) was not

given the award. His contribution to science is immense and the absence of a Nobel doesn’t in any way undermine his genius or his contribution. However, we have done our bit by naming the particle after him,” said Heuer.

He was in Kolkata to address a two-day international science conference organised by the Centre for Natural Sciences and Philosophy and the Critical Issues Forum.

On the issue of boson in ‘Higgs boson’ being in the lower case, he said the bosons were a family of particles so the name was in the lower case.

“The new particle is a member of the boson family. So the name Higgs signifies it as a definitive particle and boson signifies that it belongs to the boson family. We do not have any intention to belittle Bose’s contributions,” said Heuer.

The city-based Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP) had said it would take up the matter with Heuer.

About the discovery of Higgs boson, Heuer said there was still some time and more work to be done before it could be successfully concluded that the particle had been discovered.

“We have reached the first step of the ladder and there are more steps to follow. We have set a certain limit which the data significance has to exceed in order to call it a discovery and the signs are very encouraging. It takes a lot of time to say what we have discovered,” he said.

However, he would not be disappointed if the project did not yield the expected result.

“Rather we will have something new to work on. If for that matter the particle does not comes out to what we are expecting we will still be having something new which will take us closer to decoding the cosmic riddle.”

Asked about India’s status in becoming an associate member of CERN, Heuer said he was yet to get any written application from the country.

“We have information about India applying for the membership but we have not received anything in writing. I need it in

writing before I can say, that yes, India has applied.”

Once India becomes an associate member, it will open up new avenues and a host of opportunities not only for the Indian scientific community but also the industry.

“Membership will be a boon for the industry as well as for the scientific community. The industry would be eligible to bid tenders and get orders from CERN. We constantly require various tools to continue our research which are provided by the industry. For a country like India, I think it is very useful and important,” Heuer said.

To get associate member status, India will have to make an annual contribution of 10 million Swiss francs to CERN.

According to Bikash Sinha, Homi Bhabha professor of the department of atomic energy, formalities for the membership were almost over with only the sanction from the finance ministry awaited.

“The only thing required is the sanction from the finance ministry which is only a matter of time. I think India will become an associate member before Dussehra (Oct 28),” said Sinha.

IAnS

India’s Grisha Hosanagara Nagarajegowda takes the silver in the Men’s High Jump F42 event atthe London 2012 Paralympic Games on September 3, 2012.

friendships Forging

Scenes from the India-Australia Friendship Fair, Sydney Olympic Park, Aug 2012

Photos by Rajesh Thakur

Sweat soaked saris: Dance disclosures

A daring book reveals the unacknowledged influence of Indian classical dance into America’s modern genre

of South Asian communities in the US, and their location within the US multicultural discourse.

BY CHITRA SUDARSHAn

In her ground-breaking work, Sweating Saris: Indian Dance as Transnational Labor (December 30, 2011) Priya Srinivasan examines dancers not just as aesthetic bodies, but as transnational migrant workers and wage earners who negotiate citizenship and gender issues.

Sweating Saris seeks to understand dance – and more specifically, Bharatanatyam – as gendered bodily labour, and through it, highlights racism and a certain cultural bias inherent in the idea of American citizenship. The author argues that by examining the Indian-American dancing woman as a labourer, one can see her negotiating the terms of US citizenship. The dancers’ sweat-soaked sari is the symbol of that unrecognized labour – and hence the title of the book. Srinivasan introduces and deals with several complex ideas in the book – including the idea of Bharatanatyam dancers as upholders of cultural nationalism

In the course of her inquiry, she examines and demonstrates the debt owed by Ruth St Denis to Indian dance which has never been recognised or acknowledged. Following the work of Edward Said’s Orientalism, the author places this squarely in the lap of US colonialism and imperialism of the early twentieth century. Srinivasan points out that Ruth St Denis’s ‘modernist’ project of American dance reproduced ‘nachwalis dance’ of India without acknowledging it; the contribution made to her career by Indian male performers was erased from public discourse; St Denis benefitted from Indian dancers and teachers without honouring them. The nachwalis labour was effectively effaced through the process of absorption of their dance practices without acknowledging their contribution.

Ruth St Denis never admitted the contribution of Indian bodies to her dancing, yet she is touted as this great innovator of ‘modern dance’ – the guru of the legendary Martha Graham. Invoking the French philosopher Foucault’s ideas, Priya Srinivasan describes Indian

dancers as the subalterns: male and female Indian labour in the context of race-charged US citizenship debates.

The author argues that they highlight the racist overtones and underpinnings previously sidelined in North American Orientalist discourse. Modern dance attempted to establish itself as new and original, while denying its Oriental origins. This is part of the construction of the larger myth that US citizenship is a purely a white endeavour.

The author, while demonstrating this, nevertheless resists the temptation of going to the other extreme: of clinging to the idea that Bharatanatyam – and Indian classical dance – in its twentieth century form as somehow ‘authentically traditional’. She locates those ideas too in India’s independence movement and its drive to establish a national identity.

In Chapter 6, Srinivasan argues that while resisting the dominant American culture represented by White American nationalism in the early twentieth century, Indian dance too, presented its own problems of cultural nationalism. Nevertheless it offered and offers an alternative to the dominant

mainstream US citizenship, and allows young Indian dancers to access possible alternatives to assimilation – however temporary.

Srinivasan merges ethnography, history, critical race theory, performance and post-colonial studies among other disciplines to investigate the embodied experience of Indian dance. She is the ‘unruly spectator’; the dance ethnographer who frames the whole field of Indian dance within the larger question of race, gender, class and politics. This book is not for everyone. It is written very much

in academic language and apart from academics, few readers will be able to read the book from cover to cover and be able to glean the thrust of the author’s argument. That does not take away from it the fact that it is an important book that needed to be written; an argument that had to be made. Srinivasan makes it forcefully, clearly, honestly, fearlessly, and with a great degree of sophistication.

Priya Srinivasan is Associate Professor in Critical Dance Studies at the Department of Dance, University of California, Riverside. In 2008, she received the Gertrude Lippincott Award given by the Society of Dance History Scholars for the best English-language article published in dance studies.

The author argues that by examining the Indian-American dancing woman as a labourer, one can see her negotiating the terms of US citizenship

Priya Srinivasan

empty your mind and relax

Ancient texts exhort the neccessity of staying calm and finding serenity in the face of adversity

from correct cognition (pratyaksha) 1.6’.

In contrast, ‘false knowledge (viparyaya) is either wrong information, illusory ideas (mithya-jnanam) or notions which do not possess (pratishtham) a firm foundation (atadrupa). 1.7’.

We are living in difficult times. More tranquillisers and antidepressants are being sold than ever before. And some of these medications have been known to create more havoc, rather than soothing the recipient.

Centuries ago, the unrivalled classic of mental contemplation The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali enunciated that for any form of mental discipline, it is essential to calm or restrain (nirodhah) the fluctuations of the mind (chitta-vritti).

The world is a troubled place with the financial markets creating daily havoc, and armed conflicts not getting resolved. This coupled with the unresolved wars in a belt stretching from Turkey to Afghanistan are reflected in personal mental turmoil. Retirees see their superannuation funds dwindle, whilst those who invested in scams which were ‘too good to be true’ are affected by the financial crisis.

After gaining all the information for buying a property, the mind is bound to be in turmoil. One needs to mentally quieten down, to be able to make a sound decision. The mind needs to be emptied and relaxed.

If a troubled person sees a counsellor or a psychologist, it is very likely that the very first thing that that person will be told is to relax and to stop worrying about the problem. Very often, modern medical practice uses drugs to induce tranquillity. Centuries ago, Patanjali had spoken about drugs as a means to attaining yoga but he had frowned on such a practice.

The world is a troubled place with the financial markets creating daily havoc, and armed conflicts not getting resolved.

Still worse is the case of those who participate in the wars themselves. They and their families pay the price in mental turmoil and often in anguish. This has happened whilst the scars of the Vietnam war in Australia are still being felt.

In Australia, the younger generation (popularly called the Y-generation) are under intense pressure, for example, needing to buy the right housing, in the right suburb and at the right price. High prices in the most desirable suburbs creates the burden of repayment over the next twenty tears or so. Childcare and school fees add to the load of responsibilities. Then there are travel expenses. Many migrant groups, including Indians, are expected to make a trip occasionally to India to meet close relatives.

At this stage, it is important not to have fanciful ideas about the place one wishes to acquire. One has to live within one’s means and one should remove impractical ideas with regard to transport, schools and so on. One should remember that, as Patanjali noted, ‘fanciful ideas (vikalpah) can have their basis in verbal or rhetoric expressions (shabdajnana) which are devoid (shunya) of substance (vastu). 1.8’ Such expressions include ‘posh suburbs’ and ‘country athmosphere’.

The necessity of right knowledge at every stage of the process cannot be overemphasised. As Patanjali had said, ‘Right knowledge (pramanani) can be gained from making logical inferences (anumana), from traditional knowledge (agamah) and

Such emptying of the mind (pratyahara) is a prerequisite for mental yoga. We can envisage two levels: a simple relaxation by stopping worrying, and a higher level where one withdraws one’s senses from the external world.

The modern face of despondency and hopelessness stand in marked contrast to the emptiness or nothingness (sunyata) of mental yoga. These negative terms, for which Indian philosophers are famous, means the opposite. Nothingness for them meant an describable plenitude, that is, a fullness beyond human imagination.

The Hindu concept of sunyata or nothingness was elaborated by the Zen Buddhists and by French poets and writers as the ‘vide’; incidentally the Sanskrit term for this state is videh! At the higher level (asamprajnata samadhi) there is an absence of all modes of the mind (time, space and number) and only subconscious impressions (samsaras) are retained. This comes from the constant practice of the highest type of nonattachment, (1.18) which is not the level for the average person.

However, the average person should slow down their materialistic pursuits and remove fear, worry and anger from themselves, to remove the burdens that can overload the mind. This can free them from their shackles. For example, anger is one of the main burdens which afflict the young and the media must share a lot of the blame for that. Anger (raga in Sanskrit, similar to the English ‘rage’) goes hand-in-hand with attachment (also termed raga).

Achieving simple tranquillity can help the young as it can the old. Many of those in turmoil are today’s old people. Some of them lost substantially during the global financial crisis. Others see themselves as misfits in the modern world, and still others find it difficult to relate to their children.

Life in Facebook world

BY AMIT DUTT

Legendary singer Mohammed Rafi

sang Ankhon hi ankhon mein ishara ho gaya, baithe baithe jeene ka sahara ho gaya. Had Rafi saab been singing today, the lyrics would have been like this, Facebook hi Facebook mein ishara ho gaya, like, share aur comment ka sahara ho gaya

According to a recent survey, Facebook, with almost 900 million users, is the third largest country in the world after India and China, and a country that size will certainly have its own language too. Diehard Facebook converts

through SMS was the ‘in’ thing. But again, the world is moving fast. Even SMS is a personal one-to-one contact. You send, and one other person responds. But on FB, you can do the most personal of things without being personal at all. And what’s more, the whole country knows it and there’s no recourse either!

While on a positive note, FB has helped in catching up with friends from the distant past and lands, whom we would never have imagined seeing again. It cannot be blamed for how it is being used, but it has also served as a tool to become faceless. Faceless, when you want to.

No words were

To people you know, those you have been friends with and shared your time with, and people who deserve better. As a matter of fact, there are

his fiancée to discuss their relationship, or what was left of it.

Till a few years ago, expression of emotions

communities our social achievements. And just like FB, our self-image refuses to take a break from FB.

Being a citizen of the world’s largest cyber country can lead to quiet assassinations and even intense isolation

The rising storm

Fundamentalism by ultranationalists is seeping through the core of India today, with damaging effects

BY TIM BLIgHT

Acolleague once told me that he loved travelling in Asia for all its hilarious contradictions.

Such as the metro trains in Tokyo, where talking on mobile phones is banned to avoid disturbing other people. Arriving at each station, however, passengers are earbashed by an organ player, announcing the name of the stop along with a ditty on the keyboard at full volume. Absurd? Absolutely! Living in India, I see similar contradictions; however the paradoxes here are often much more profound and unsettling. Each evening now a huge bank of clouds builds over Chennai belying the heat of the day, an ominous warning of the approaching monsoon. A not dissimilar sensation may also occur to anyone who has monitored the media in recent months and years. The question of national identity has been a hot topic in Asian countries for many years, and India is no exception. Since as long as people can remember Indians have struggled, and for the most part, balanced who they are: nationality, language, religion, job – but not necessarily in that order. Occasionally the balance would be thrown and would explode into violence. However in the late-2000s many held their breath that maybe economic progress would outstrip the days of communal unrest. Today, those people find themselves in between ultranationalists, religious fundamentalists and hardline secularists, all of whom have a vision of what India should be. This debate is an old one, but is rising in intensity and scope thanks to social and traditional media sources. It is particularly fraught in India, where morality and politics has been confused by years of foreign invasion and rule.

The 2009 overturning of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code is a case in point. The law which famously criminalized sexual activity ‘against the order of nature’ was introduced during British rule. That considered, opposition to overturning the law came from an unlikely source – ultranationalists. Of course religious figures also

campaigned against the move, but for different reasons to those given by the nationalists. It served to highlight the contradictions in the ideology of the far right – that some of the (allegedly) proudest Indians would seek to uphold a relic of the British era. Is India not the home of the Kamasutra?

Isn’t the world’s finest example of theological erotic art in Khajuraho?

The point here is not that we must all engage in the acts sculpted out of those stone walls. We don’t even have to condone them –blush if you will! The point is that India has an indigenous tradition of sex independent of Britain and its scandal-ridden ‘passions of the flesh’ paranoia.

The contradictions in modern India are rife. Conservative Muslims receive uninvited promotional text messages advertising: “The secrets of love – just Rs. 5, push yes to know more!” Young girls are tut-tutted by old men for the clothes they wear enroute to a nightclub. Don’t be fooled, this is not a struggle between tradition and modernity – it’s a battle between two different visions for the nation. And although this isn’t unique to India, what is most concerning is the often vitriolic form it is taking. In 2010, journalist Sagarika Ghose coined the term ‘Internet Hindu’ to describe those who had attacked her online for her “pseudo-secularism” (cue outraged gasps). Many have objected to the term ‘Internet Hindu’ as Hinduism preaches peace, while so-called ‘Internet Hindus’ are characterized by their aggression. And therein lies the biggest contradiction of the ultranationalist movement.

If Hinduism is a religion of peace, it is difficult to comprehend how it can be reconciled with some of the acerbic rhetoric emerging nowadays. Equally, the marriage of rabid ultranationalism and modern India is troublesome, given the foundations laid by the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. He spoke of his vision for a pluralistic, harmonious society, and I can’t imagine the current tide of ultranationalism being condoned by the ‘great soul’, were he still alive. Moreover, the consequences of an overly aggressive India could be catastrophic for the nation. Gujarat’s reputation is still recovering from the riots of 2002, and the local tourism market has felt the pinch. Tourism is just one area that would be affected by a

paradigm shift in Indian society. India has had front-row seats to the effects of extremism in Pakistan in the past decade, not to mention the implications if India was drawn into a war with its neighbour. Uber-patriots claim that the Indian military could conquer any adversary – they fail to address what would be the cost to the nation’s credentials and society. The storms that breaks over

Chennai every night brings with them tumult and turbulence but come morning, the clouds are gone. India, on the other hand, can’t sleep during the growing storm over its future. The idea that India is a peaceful nation is problematic, given its long history of internal conflict. Nevertheless it’s an idea that must be aspired to – the stakes are too high for it to be otherwise.

If Hinduism is a religion of peace, it is difficult to comprehend how it can be reconciled with some of the acerbic rhetoric emerging nowadays.

Storms brew over Chennai... and over the government in Delhi.

The Gay Rights movement is only just beginning in the land of the Kama Sutra

Ultranationalists, religious fundamentalists and hardline secularists, all have a vision of what India should be.

Decisions, decisions, decisions…

learning difficulties such as ADD, ADHD, dyslexia or GLD that need targetted intervention. A ‘test’ for a school is when parents request access to the policy document relevant to the need. If a school cannot produce such a document, it may indicate that a child would be better placed in a different school. Further, parents can ask questions like, ‘What is the school’s approach to children with particular needs?’

From the answer given it should be clear whether consideration has been given to the needs of the students or not.

Selective or nonselective

By MOHAN DHALL

It is now September and parents are faced with a number of decisions regarding schooling and education. If a child is in pre-school, the decision will be about primary school. If the child is in Year 6, the decision will be about which high school to attend. If the child is in Year 10, the decision may be about whether the present school is the right one for Years 11 and 12.

Systems

There are different types of schools into which a child can be enrolled. The various options are the public schools, the Catholic systemic and non-systemic schools, Independent schools (including GPS, Montessori, Steiner, International and religious schools) and parent-controlled schools. Each of these types of schools has advantages but given this level of diversity, the choice is not simple. Parents need to be aware of what each type of option offers prior to deciding what’s best. Children tend to feel settled when the choice of school is settled, and changes are not made more than once or twice throughout the length of their schooling.

Default or choice

The default position is that of the local public school, where

education is generally ‘free’ (a nominal annual levy may be imposed) in most cities and towns, and are very accessible. Whilst the closest one is often the obvious choice, there are good reasons why a parent may opt for an alternative school for their child. If, for example, a child has special needs, another school may offer a special programme based around such needs and thus be more appropriate.

Every child can attend the local public school. Public schools generally have a uniform policy, as do most private schools, though some independent schools do not.

Public or private: Feepaying or non-fee paying

If it can be afforded, private schooling may be an option. About 34% of parents nationally opt for a private school for their child.

Private schools can vary in cost from very expensive (up to $28,000 per year) for GPS schools, to quite cheap (around $400 - $600 per year per child) like many Catholic schools and religious schools, for example. Many private schools have excellent facilities, but parents must weigh up costs against opportunities.

Accountability

A significant attraction of private schools is the perception by parents of greater involvement and greater educational accountability. Whether this is actual or just a perception is a significant question. The

MySchool website offers a lot of insight into features and performance of all schools, subjecting them to greater public accountability than has been the case in the past.

Religious, culture or ideology

A very important aspect to the choice made by parents is in relation to the value they hold over a particular religious, ideological or cultural experience. For some parents this aspect is crucial. A trade-off with such schools can be that some staff may not be trained for mainstream education, whereas others may be. If this is the case, there can be some variation in teaching standards in the school.

Co-education or single sex?

This decision is mainly made for students in Year 4, for Year 5 and onwards. Research tends to show that boys perform academically better in coeducational environments and girls perform better in single sex schools. However, increasing understanding of the ways in which boys learn is addressing the gap in outcomes between boys and girls in single-sex schools.

Giftedness and other special needs

Gifted children or children with abilities that are well above average may do well to be enrolled into a particular school. Parents need to assess whether a particular school can actually address specific issues in respect of a gifted child, or a child with any form of special need. Such needs could include

A significant factor affecting the choices of many parents is whether to help their child attempt entry into a selective school. There are different types of selective schools: academic, creative, performing arts-based, and sporting. Entry into such schools is normally through a combination of assessment and school-based referees. If a child is aiming to get into an academically selective school, some preparation or practice, generally with a tutor or coaching college will be useful.

Changing schools and authority issues

It is common for parents to feel unsettled with the choice of school they initially make. This can arise on account of the school seeming not to meet the individual needs of the child as evidenced through bullying, boredom, isolation, lack of performance and similar issues. Under such circumstances, parents need to be very careful prior to deciding on a move. If the issues can be addressed at the school, the resolution is more likely to be satisfactory to all parties.

Sometimes however, changing schools is the only option to best meet the needs of the student and make a fresh start. However, care may need to be taken if this option is considered, as the child might carry the perception of the first school ‘not being good enough’ as compared to their new one, bringing in a negative attitude. They may expect all schools to be limited and of little use to them. If this is the message that is understood, there can be a lack of respect for authority arising as a consequence.

The transitions

The transition from primary

Children tend to feel settled when the choice of school is settled, and changes are not made more than once or twice throughout the length of their schooling.

school to high school is a very major one in a child’s life, and it offers an excellent opportunity to make positive choices about which high school would be best. It is at this point when a decision to move between systems (usually, public to private), or between types of schools (coeducational to single sex) is most likely to be made. Parents need to consider the reputation of the school, actual school performance in academic and nonacademic endeavours, the range of subjects offered, the needs of the student, distance from home to school and transportation options, total costs for enrolment and fees for schooling, class sizes, where the child’s peers will be going to high school and so forth.

Visiting a number of schools is important and asking key questions like, ‘What can I expect from the school for my child?’; ‘How will my child’s specific needs be met by the school?’; and ‘What opportunities does the school offer?’ are important in establishing whether the school is right for your child.

Educational choices made by parents have to be carefully considered from various perspectives to ensure that they are right for the child

What makes a good dad

Men are realizing the importance of getting to know their kids from an early age

As we celebrate Father’s Day, it seems appropriate to reinforce the importance of a dad’s involvement in the upbringing of children. A father has the great responsibility of nurturing his children by ensuring his constant presence in their lives, and being a positive role model to help them develop into confident and balanced individuals.

Parenting can be compared to a bicycle ride where the child is the rider and the mother and father are the two wheels supporting and helping the child through the journey of life to reach his or her goals. Both wheels are equally important, otherwise the bike will lose balance and the rider will fall. And it is impractical to assume that one wheel will suffice to keep the bike moving. There are many things that a mother does for a child which the father cannot; likewise a mother cannot replicate the paternal role model every child needs. Today in most families, fathers are getting involved with parenting more and more. From assisting their partners with the housework to helping raise the kids at all levels, getting involved in their life, checking report cards, soccer, band, religion, helping with the homework, attending school meets, parenting classes and even volunteering for sports events. Men are realizing the importance of getting to know their kids from an early age.

But then there are those who believe that by putting a roof over their family’s head and food on

the table, their job as a parent is pretty much done. They leave the bulk of parenting to be done by their partners, and whinge when the kids don’t do well and grow up to be stressed and emotionally imbalanced. These are the same fathers who have a gripe about their kids neglecting them in their old age.

Well, you do reap only what you sow! So sit up and take note. Here are some of the things a man must do to be considered a good father. Find out if you or your dad has got it right and if not, the time to start working on it is now!

The gift of time

The best thing you can give your children is the gift of your time. Get to know them and build a bond from a young age. You’ll be surprised at how many times a child would pick going to the park with his father over a treat or a toy. Children need the reassurance, guidance and approval of a father at every step of the way. Make them feel secure by involving yourself in their lives, discussing issues that might be bothering them and helping them find solutions. Let them know you’re there for them, no matter what. If you establish that trusting relationship, there is very little chance that your children will feel derailed and confused in their teen years and beyond.

Lead by example

Children need firm and persistent guidance and a demonstrated differentiation between right and wrong. It’s a father’s responsibility

to lead them on the right path by example. Just like a child who swears in public and displays bad behaviour is a reflection of what his parents must be like; so it is with a child who is kind, considerate, honest and polite. Remember, whatever traits you exhibit yourself will be mirrored in your children.

Do not be overly critical

Love your children for who they are and not what you expect them to be. Refrain from comparing them to other people’s children. An overbearing and overly critical father quickly loses the respect of his child, which can result in defiance and rebellious behaviour. Set realistic and reasonable expectations on your children and help them recognise their strengths and weaknesses. Encourage them to do their best to realize their full potential, but avoid being too pushy. Your children are individuals, not an extension of you, so don’t try reliving your life through them by expecting them to achieve what you did or hoped to have accomplished.

Let them know it’s okay to make mistakes

Involving kids in making decisions gives them confidence to face problems in life, so make decisions in front of them and explain the reasons for coming to those conclusions. Teach them that it’s okay to make mistakes, everybody makes mistakes, the important thing is to learn from them and avoid making the

same blunders again. Excessively reprimanding children for making mistakes can eat away at their confidence and leave them shy of making their own judgements for fear of repercussions.

Make your child feel loved

It is important to show affection towards your offspring and let them know that they are valued. A man should be able to communicate to his children that he enjoys being their father and that he feels blessed. This is a great way of teaching kids to be affectionate toward others and to be open about their feelings. Fathers who are elusive in displaying affection are merely teaching their children to keep their feelings bottled up, which can be damaging for their emotional health in the long run.

Respect the mother of your child

Always show respect to your children’s mother, whether you’re still in a relationship with her or not. Children emulate their parents where relationships are concerned. Argue in private when you have to, if you don’t want your children to have shouting and abusing matches in front of your grandchildren. Agree on ways to discipline them and stick by these, presenting a unified front to the children.

Being a father is hard and never-ending work, but at the same time it is lots of fun and very rewarding. Kudos to those who do it right!

Happy Father’s Day!

An overbearing and overly critical father quickly loses the respect of his child, which can result in defiance and rebellious behaviour.

A father plays an integral role in the life of a child, but it’s not an easy job, writes FARZANA SHAKIR

Dump that dressing!

y GEETA KHURANA

We all enjoy salads as a meal or as a snack. But a high-fat, high-salt salad dressing can ruin a perfectly healthy dish or meal. It is not difficult to turn a healthy salad into a disaster full of calories, sodium and fats. It is sometimes surprising to note the amount of fats and sugars in salad dressings today. Generally, fat-reduced salads dressings have more sugars than regular salad dressings. Most of the bottled salad dressings are very high in sodium too. Even if a bottled salad dressing is low in sugar, salt and contains no bad fats, most dressings you buy at the supermarket contain preservatives, artificial food dyes – and some contain monosodium glutamate. Sometimes you sacrifice a high calorie meal with a salad, but if it is full of high calorie dressings, then you are better off eating paranthas or puris!

If you think it is difficult to find or plan dressings that are low in calories and taste good too, here are a few tips on how to create a truly healthy and delicious salad.

Yoghurt

Low fat yoghurt is an excellent alternative to mayonnaise and cream. Yoghurt can also be used as a dip or a salad dressing instead of sour cream. It is an excellent source of protein and calcium, and has live bacteria that aids in digestion. But try using low fat yoghurt to reduce the amount of fat and calories consumed. Try blending plain yoghurt with Dijon mustard, and coriander or chives. You will still get that creamy consistency, but without all the saturated fat.

Olive Oil and Vinegar

The olive oil and vinegar combo is a common homemade salad dressing. You can use flavoured vinegars such as Balsamic, pomegranate or rosemary, etc. Olive oil being high in monounsaturated fatty acids is also good for the heart and for improving cholesterol. Studies have found that monounsaturated fat-based salad dressings achieved the greatest absorption of

healthy carotenoids for the least amount of fat. Carotenoids are a fat-soluble family of plant compounds that play a vital role in cardiovascular health and cancer protection. A little addition of fat also aids in better absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. You can use a higher amount of vinegar to reduce the total calories.

Salsa

Traditionally salsa actually meant sauce and was reserved for Mexican cuisines to be used a dip. It was made with a combination of tomatoes, onions, coriander and spice from chilli peppers. But it is a great option when you are looking for a healthy low calorie dressing to satisfy your craving for a chunky spicy kick for your taste buds. Tomatoes, being a good source of phytochemical Lycopene, prevent free radicals in our body. These are also a good source of vitamins C and A.

If you do not like a tomato salsa, go in for a bean salsa or roasted corn salsa.

Tahini

A common ingredient in hummus, tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds and has a very nutty flavour. It is mainly used in Mediterranean cuisine, but makes a satisfying alternative to creamy dressings on salad. Tahini is a source of calcium, protein, B vitamins and essential fatty acids. It is one of the richest sources of Methionine (an essential amino acid) and also contains natural lecithin.

Fruit juice

Simply squeezing a little lime, lemon or orange juice gives a good tang and freshness to a salad, and also adds a boost of vitamin C to the dish. Lemon juice is also a perfect alternative as it improves digestion. It is a good alternative to the heavy creamy dressings and does not add any calories or fat.

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese provides the same creamy texture to salads as creamy salad dressings, but without the addition of fats and sugars. For a more creamy consistency, add some low fat Greek yoghurt and Dijon mustard. It is a good source of calcium and protein too.

MUFA or the good fats, fibre and are full of vitamins and minerals.

Herbs

Herbs such as basil, parsley, rosemary, chives and oregano with a dash of black or white pepper and dill, all provide good flavour to salads. Herbs and spices can be used partially or whole to replace undesirable ingredients such as salt, sugar, oil, marinades and dressings. Most of these herbs have antioxidant properties and also are good for digestion.

So get creative and plan a new healthy dressing every time you make a salad, instead of going in for regular bottled fare.

Sometimes you sacrifice a high calorie meal with a salad, but if it is full of high calorie dressings, then you are better off eating paranthas or puris!

Herbs and spices can be used partially or whole to replace undesirable ingredients such as salt, sugar, oil, marinades and dressings.

Rich, unhealthy salad dressings take away the goodness of a regular salad, but there are healthy alternatives available

Photo: www.thenourishingroad.co.uk

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Neon

bright

We bid adieu to Winter and welcome Spring with all that’s bright and beautiful

By TALIA KAUR

I’m sure all of you rugged up in jumpers and boots can’t wait to welcome warmer weather. So what does spring have in store for us? Well, it seems the latest trend is all about fluorescent-hued clothing and accessories, and it’s taking off fast! This season seems to be all about hot pink, citron yellow and bright lime green shades, so if you’re a little colour shy like me, this trend can be quite daunting to master. But don’t worry, I have a few tips for you, whether you’re a little shy of neon, or ready to rock a full-on neon outfit.

Neon accessories

The easiest way to incorporate neon into your wardrobe and to dip your toe into the trend, is by simply adding accessories to instantly brighten up your outfit. Neon scarves, belts, shoes, handbags and jewellery are all simple, inexpensive and subtle ways to pull off the neon look. For spring, why not pair a white dress with some lace details and add a bold pop of colour by styling it with a hot pink skinny belt and/or a matching pair of shoes? A sleek, neutral-coloured clutch makes sure you’re not going overboard with the neon, and finish off with simple gold jewellery to add a feminine touch.

Pair neon with neutrals

Mixing neon and neutral colours together creates a balance between the strong colours, and is a match made in fashion heaven. It’s also the perfect stepping-stone if you feel comfortable enough to start wearing neon clothing. Choosing to wear just one piece of neon clothing with a neutral colour palette allows the bright colour to be the statement piece and the focus of the outfit, creating a bold, yet tame look. You can choose any neon hue you want; for

example, take a basic lime green t-shirt and tuck it in cream shorts and matching cream coloured shoes. Throw some sunnies on and you instantly have a casual, yet stylish look for spring. You can also team a pair of neon skinny jeans with a grey top and by adding a small neon necklace to match the jeans, you’ll really be embracing the trend.

Downplay the neon colours

You can also choose to downplay the neon in your outfit. This means that rather than making a bright neon piece stand out by pairing it with neutral tones, instead style it with other bold clothing and accessories. This ensures that the neon piece is just one element of the outfit, and when styled correctly, it can look super trendy and boho-like. This look works particularly well with softer neon colours that aren’t as bright on the eyes. For example, experiment with pairing a pleated neon orange skirt with a printed t-shirt and a denim vest. Finish off with some strappy sandals, feathered earrings and a light floral satchel. All the different elements in this outfit help to balance out the neon and create a casual look – it’s perfect for those who still want to incorporate the trend, but not make it the focus.

Create contrast

Black and neon are total opposites in the colour world, yet still work very well together, when paired. Wearing bright neon with clean-lined black clothing and sleek accessories not only creates a fantastic contrast, but also makes for a daring look that will

definitely get you noticed. A neon yellow dress with a black belt will create great contrast. If you feel your neon dress can do without a belt, add a pair of black anklecuff heels instead and a simple black shoulder strap bag, to create a polished and elegant look. Finish off with and some black and silver accessories to tie the whole theme in and give the outfit a little edge.

Colour block

Colour blocking has been big the past few seasons, so naturally pairing one neon piece with another is a great way to wear this trend. Just keep the neon pieces solid and bright for maximum effect, and since neon colours are quite bright, it’s best to colourblock a piece of clothing with an accessory instead of two items of clothing, just so you don’t look like a bad ‘90s flashback and over the top. For example, try pairing a neon yellow shirt with cream shorts and a thin neon pink belt. You could also try a white shirt with neon blue jeans and a neon yellow necklace. Finish accessorising with a black and white watch and simple studs for an outfit that incorporates the neon trend with a modern and classic edge.

Colour blocking has been big the past few seasons, so naturally pairing one neon piece with another is a great way to wear this trend.

Ice Swatch

Laser

Etsy

Ruthie Davis

General Pants Co

All About Eve

Essie

Robert Robert Bardot

Alexander McQueen

adventure Borneo

Travel noTebook KUCHING, B ORNEO

GETTING T h ERE

Kuching is 1.30 hours by air from Singapore (Silk Air) or 1.40 hours from Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia Airlines or Air Asia).

G

ETTING ARO u ND

Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive. Buses are cheap, efficient and modern. The Visitors Information Centre has timetable and fare information. Sampans cross the river for around 15 cents per person. The Sarawak River Cruise’s sunset cruise is recommended. For Bako, catch Bus No 1 to Kampung Bako and from there charter a boat. Local tour operators also offer trips to Bako. Purchase a map of the 16 walking trails on arrival.

wh ERE TO STAy

The newly refurbished Hilton Kuching is the place to stay, a landmark in its own right, on the Waterfront Esplanade in the centre of town. Rooms are newly refurbished, well appointed and with great views. Phone: + 60 82 248 200 Email: kuching@hilton.com / website: www.hilton.com

The modern and quirky Batik Boutique Hotel will suit those wanting an upbeat experience, www.batikboutiquehotel.com, while Berambih Lodge www.berambihlodge.com and the Tune Hotel www.tunehotels.com are good budget choices. Four hours by road and a short boat ride away, the Batang Ai Longhouse Resort, managed by Hilton is set in a pristine rainforest setting. www.hilton.com Bako National Park offers overnight accommodation.

wh ERE TO EAT

Magna Carta, Main Bazaar for cafe food at Sydney prices; Food Courts and Hawker Centres for authentic no-frills dining. Recommended are spicy coconut milk-based Laksa, popiah, satay or any of the many noodle dishes. The Hilton is where Kuching’s movers and shakers meet, with a menu that ranges from authentic Malaysian cuisine to great club sandwiches.

M ORE INFORMATION

Borneo Adventure, 55 Main Bazaar, Kuching. Website: www.borneoadventure.com organizes highly regarded ecologically sustainable tours.

Sarawak Forestry has information on National Parks: www.sarawakforestry.com

Sarawak Tourism Website: www.sarawaktourism.com

Tourism Malaysia Website: www.tourism.gov.my

With its laidback attitude and plethora of tribal wares, Borneo’s Kuching is a city worth exploring for its old world charm

By PETRA O’NEILL

Afort with turrets is not what you might expect to see as you cruise gently downstream by sampan on the Sarawak River, but Fort Margherita built in 1879 by Charles Brooke the second White Rajah, is just one of the many charms you will find here.

At the beginning of the 19th century, Sarawak was under the control of the Sultan of Brunei. After the appointment of an unpopular governor, the locals revolted. In 1839 James Brooke arrived in Kuching, put down the rebellion and became Rajah. His nephew Charles, though not quite the adventurer he was, was an excellent administrator expanding his rule to encompass all of Sarawak. After the Japanese occupation during World War II, Sarawak came under British colonial rule until 1963 when independence was granted and it formed part of Malaysia.

Kuching is the capital city of Sarawak on the island of

Borneo, the third largest island in the world and one of the most delightful cities in South-East Asia. Kuching offers a glimpse of what other Asian cities were once like. Laidback, gracious and friendly with a population of 600,000, a walk along the streets will reveal dragon-festooned Chinese temples and shop houses, a 19th-century South Indian mosque and historic colonial architecture, the most atmospheric streets being Jalan Gambier, India and Carpenter. Restaurants and open-air hawker stalls sell a variety of Asian cuisines, including the multilayered rainbow-coloured egg sponge cakes known as kek lapis. There are many museums including the splendid Sarawak Museum with an exceptional ethnographic collection, the Textile Museum with hand-woven fabric made of gold or silver thread, an Islamic Museum and a cat museum; after all ‘Kuching’ means cat in Malay.

The road that runs along the

river has long been known as the Main Bazaar. This is the best place to shop for traditional tribal handicrafts including blowpipes. A shopping highlight is the chaotic Sunday Market at Jalan Satok with open-air stalls, many run by tribespeople, selling an exotic array of fresh produce including okra, ginger, red chillies, jungle herbs, spices and bananas of all sizes and colours from yellow to dark red.

The appeal of Kuching however, lies outside the city according to Dr Philip Ting, Australian Honorary Consul in Kuching.

While half the population of Sarawak is Chinese or Malay, the

other half are tribal including Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau and Orang Ulu with rich cultural traditions, handicrafts, handwoven textiles, beadwork and wood carvings. Many still live in longhouses, a communal habitation for an entire community who share an open plan living area. I visited Annah Rais home to Bidayuh that welcomes visitors.

You can go in search of the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia at Gunung Gading National Park when they’re in bloom, or visit the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre established to rescue orangutans from captivity, though

Kuching is the capital city of Sarawak on the island of Borneo, the third largest island in the world and one of the most delightful cities in South-East Asia.

Main Picture: Promenade, Sarawak River.

Clockwise: Longhouse Cat, Bako boat ride, Cakes, Astana, Annah Rais Longhouse, Roadside fruit stall, Sampan.

given the centre’s vast size of 653 hectares, sightings are not I went in search of the endangered proboscis monkey at Bako National Park. Getting there is quite an adventure. After a 37km bus ride, I experienced an exhilarating boat ride. Bako National Park is 27 sq kms of seven complete ecosystems including beach and cliff vegetation, heath, mangrove, peat, forests and grasslands, representing the types of vegetation found in Borneo. Mangroves fringe the coastline and rocky headlands lead to secluded beaches. I trekked all day along trails trying, but failing to do all 16 walks, or sight a proboscis monkey, the male having a huge pendulous nose and a large pot-belly. I was sorry not to have stayed overnight as most visitors do.

In the 20 years since my first visit, many changes are evident. Kuching has evolved into a very pleasant city, well deserving of several days stay. On one of my strolls, I stopped for a shampoo and haircut at the Superior Unisex Salon. My stylist Lynn was Orang Ulu. I asked if she knew anything of the plants found in the rainforest that for over 2,000 years have been used by tribes-people for therapeutic and curative purposes. She shrugged her shoulders. Her children had a bright future she said, made possible by efficient transport, good education and healthcare. And the prime growth rainforests that filled me with such awe have long gone. To encounter the Borneo that is still untamed, you need to venture deep into the forest.

Proboscis Monkey

Rafflesia Flower

M at r i M onial S

SEEKiNG GROOMS

49-year-old, 5’3” lady seeks Srilankan origin Christian never married (no encumbrances) working professional groom 40s to early 50s N/S, teetotaller with a view to marriage. Email selc99@hotmail.com

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

Gujarati Patel (native Sunav), ‘87 born, 5’6”, dentist, good looking, unmarried girl (presently in Mumbai) looking for a smart and highly educated Gujarati boy. Send biodata and kundli to kaushikpatel2602@gmail.com

Parents seeking match for Australian-born (1975) good looking Punjabi girl, medical professional working in SA. Prefer Australian citizen or long-settled residents with good profession. Serious proposal only contact mandy_sing@hotmail.com

Well educated Punjabi family seeks professionally qualified well settled match for their Australian citizen daughter, 27 years, 5’ 4”, fair, slim, traditional Indian/ Western values, highly educated, Master of Teaching and MBA from Australian universities. Working as project officer in well reputed company. Please email particulars with recent picture to schanderchopra@hotmail.com or call 02 9760 1832 / 0431 289 442.

SEEKiNG BRiDES

29 years, 5’9’’, Punjabi, Khatri boy, born and brought up in Delhi, India and settled in Australia since 2006, seeks a traditional, god loving, family oriented girl.

Email: am121982@gmail.com

Shaadi.com: SH74368540

35-year-old, Hindu, Australian qualified specialist doctor, working in major sydney hospital, never married, 6 feet, handsome, athletic, good habits and sociable in nature. Seeking Hindu girl, age 27 to 34 years, height above 5’3”, similar family values and genuine nature, well educated. Please respond with photograph to sydney2407@gmail.com

Seeking graduate Hindu girl for well established 5’10”, very fair 21/11/1968 born Australian citizen. Never married. BE(Electrical) self employed. Vegetarian non-smoker teetotaller. Please email profile with photo to anandrao68@gmail.com

Compatible match for 1975 born, handsome, clean-shaven Sikh Khatri boy, 5’9”, two post grad degrees from India and recently finished Masters in IT from Australia. Applied for temporary resident visa (currently with full work rights) and working as Vehicle Service Agent for Hertz multinational car rental company, earning $4000 per month. Girl should be tall, well-educated with pleasing personality, and must be from Sikh background. Early marriage; serious proposals only please. Phone 0422 102 242 or email jas_ghai01@gmail.com

Mmm.... mandarins

This sweet, seedless quick fix fruit can add colour as well as flavour to your salads

Mandarin and Fennel

Salad

6 small mandarins

BY Rajni anand LUTHR a

Buy some more mandarins, my kids have said to me lately, even when there are some still sitting in the fruit basket on the kitchen bench.

We’ve OD-ed on them this season – and why not, they’ve been particularly good this time round.

I bought a box full not so long ago from a door-knocking farmer who said he had driven in from the country to sell direct. My neighbours and I wondered if he was fair dinkum, but we all enjoyed his mandarins immensely.

In my home, we’ve used them for school lunches, after-school snacks eaten on the drive back home, and as an after-dinner TV snack. But for the first time, I’ve tried them in salads.

Essentially, you pick some salad greens, nuts of your choice, maybe one other ingredient, and dress to your taste. Try different greens and different nuts (which you can candy or keep plain).

Mandarins are loaded with vitamin C and offer dietary fibre, too. Plus they provide substantial amounts of vitamin A and folic acid (a B-complex vitamin).

To buy, look for mandarins that have shiny skin and feel heavy when handled.

1 fennel bulb

A good squeeze lemon juice

1 ½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 ½ tbsp white balsamic vinegar

1/3 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

1/3 cup fresh continental parsley, chopped Salt and pepper to taste

Trim fennel and cut into thin strips. Add some lemon juice to a bowl of ice-cold water and immerse fennel strips briefly.

Peel mandarins and segment; remove white pith, membrane and seeds.

Whisk the oil and vinegar in a small bowl until well combined. Drain fennel and place in a serving dish. Add the mandarin and herbs. Pour dressing over. Season with salt and pepper and then toss gently to combine.

Mandarin and Spinach Salad

6 small mandarins

1 packet baby spinach

½ small Spanish onion

½ cup walnut pieces

Shaved parmesan, as much or as little as you like

For dressing:

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp Dijon mustard

2 tsp honey

Juice and zest of one orange

Salt and pepper to taste

Peel and segment mandarins. Cut onions into very thin slices. Toast walnut in a moderate oven lightly until aromatic. Wash spinach leaves and remove long stalks if any. Place leaves in a deep bowl and throw in mandarin segments, walnuts, onion and parmesan cheese. Toss gently. Prepare dressing by shaking ingredients together in a small jar. Pour over salad and toss again to coat. Serve decorated with more shaved parmesan.

Mandarin Salad with Avocado

1 packet leafy salad mix

6 small mandarins

1 very ripe avocado

½ cup crushed walnuts or almond slivers

1-2 tbsp orange juice Salt and pepper to taste.

Cut avocado in half, discard stone and scoop flesh into a deep bowl. Mash till very smooth. Add salad greens in now. Tale care to add a few leaves at a time and mix well each time, so that all leaves are coated with avocado. Then introduce the mandarin

segments and nuts. Season with salt and pepper, and then pour orange juice over for some moisture. Toss gently to combine.

Mandarin and Chicken Salad

500g chicken breast fillets

6 small mandarins

1 red capsicum

Handful snow pea sprouts

½ cup coriander leaves

3 green onions

5cm piece ginger

Juice of one lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tbsp peanut oil

1/2 cup salted roasted cashew nuts, chopped Poach chicken in large frying

pan, covered with enough water. When cooked (say ten minutes after boiling), remove from heat and cool.

Meanwhile, peel and segment mandarins. Seed and thinly slice capsicum. Cut snowpeas in half. Trim green onions and finely chop. Peel ginger and cut into matchsticks.

When chicken is cool, shred finely.

Combine the chicken, mandarin, capsicum, sprouts, coriander, onions and ginger in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Toss gently. Prepare dressing by mixing lemon juice and oil in a jug. Drizzle over salad. Decorate with cashews.

coaching

Death can wait...

From great pain and despair can rise hope, if the cause is worth fighting for

When his parents found out, they burst into tears and pleaded with him to fight for them, if not for himself. They reasoned that as long as he was alive there was hope and as long as there was hope, there was a future. And miracles were known to happen! The family just had to pray harder. For his deeply religious family, even to think of ending life was sin.

On the morning of his departure, his condition became worse and he was readmitted into hospital. All his well laid plans were outwitted by the wretched disease.

As he lay in hospital, once again hooked to tubes and given additional doses of morphine, he regretted his decision to delay his departure. He must have mumbled aloud, for the patient in the bed next to him spoke in return.

“I too had planned it and even fought to legalise it, but backed out. Yes I am suffering, maybe just as much as you, maybe more, but I had to take the decision that was right for me,” he said.

By RANI jHALA

The prognosis was not good. There was still no cure and no medication to arrest the progress of the disease. The only things that the medical world could now offer were relief from pain and patient support. But even as the assurance was being given, Mark knew that the time was not far when neither of these would be enough. He was witnessing his body suffering its biggest defeat, and did not have a single defensive move to offer in return.

Just last year, he had been nominated his company’s ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’, with a bright future before him and the promise of material success.

Nine months later, as he lay looking at the retreating figure of the nurse, he wondered at the irony of fate. The day he had acknowledged his wonderful beginning, a routine blood test proclaimed his end. A rare form of cancer that simply had no cure! He had tried everything, from

alternative treatment to herbal therapy. On his mother’s request he even saw a faith healer but the cancer progressed at an alarming rate and spread to different parts of his body, until all he felt was excruciating pain from one extremity to another. And this was just the beginning. Every book he read, gave the same warning that it would only get worse.

Now he was permanently on morphine. His parents had left their jobs and were full-time carers. His brother took on the medical expenditure. And his nurse came in more frequently to administer the painkillers. Even a trip to the bathroom in a wheelchair, was now unbearable. With no end to the suffering, he remained in perpetual dread of the future.

And then one day as he lay watching TV, he saw a debate about euthanasia. He knew about it, for the same arguments had raged in his family when he was a child. His grandfather had begged for it as he lay bedridden after a car accident. It had been denied to him by the medical profession. His family too, had opposed the idea on religious grounds. Even he, a seven-year-old child had thought of his grandfather as a coward for wanting to escape and worse, for

wanting to commit a sin.

Yet now, as he lay writhing in pain, he understood the need his grandfather had felt to escape. He was not running away from life; he simply wanted release from the ache. He understood the hopelessness a person feels at being given no promise of recovery, only an assurity that they would try and delay death. He remembered how his grandfather was forced to endure painful procedures that were never guaranteed to save him. He also remembered pleading with the doctor, “I love my Grandpa too much. Don’t let him die.”

Now it was his turn and he was fighting the same battle. When he had first broached the subject with his doctor, he was told it was illegal. Mark wanted to argue that the abuse the elderly suffered at hospitals and nursing homes was a worse crime. He wanted to shout that being at someone else’s mercy and whim, was a worse situation. He wanted to point out that the actions taken by some medical staff against vulnerable patients were worse crimes. And he wanted to yell – feel my pain, live my terror and then tell me what is legal! But he did none of these; instead he began searching the internet to find the countries where euthanasia was legal.

He did not have the heart to tell them that he was all out of prayers and that he was all out of hope. The medical profession had ended that for him, and the test reports had verified it. All that fate now allowed him, was a wish for release. Just as he had kept silent with his doctor, he did not argue with his family either. Instead he contacted the doctors overseas.

They asked for all his medical reports and he scanned them across. Only when they were satisfied that hope was nonexistent, did they finalise arrangements.

Strangely, he felt no fear. The date would bring with it his independence. It would end his suffering. It would release his family of the burden his sickness had inflicted on them. He was truly at peace and more importantly, he was ready to go.

The day he told his family, they were heartbroken. On every level a wrong was happening and they wanted to stop it, but he ended their opposition with just three questions. “Do you hate me so much that you wish this suffering on me? Do you not love me enough to help me escape this hell? I have a way out of this pain now. Do you not want me to walk the easier path?” he had asked. His mother had fled the room. His father had merely looked at him, and then held him as he offered his acceptance.

“Why did you give up on your fight?” Mark asked.

“Because there are no laws that would help remove the moral obligation and guilt that our loved ones would face. I could have left, but what would I have left them with? The moment I exited my life, I would have destroyed theirs. Did I have the right to do that? And there are no laws in place to safeguard those that may be forced to leave by unscrupulous family who want their inheritance, by medical organisations who want to end the expenditure, or against genuine mistakes,” was the reply.

Mark got help in sending an email to cancel all arrangements. He realised that he now had two battles to take on. The first would be against the cancer and the second against the legal department. He wanted to fight for amendments so that no one ever need ask if euthanasia was murder or mercy killing. No one would need to judge those who execute it or those that opt for it.

But most of all, he would ensure that euthanasia, which was such a powerful weapon against life, was safeguarded from being abused. Only when he had found the way to protect those that plan to exit the world and those they leave behind, would he think of escaping this world. Even cancer would have to wait, for he had found the will to fight!

TAROT

ARIES March 21 - April 19

This month you may want time out to clear your head and decide what you want to do next. The cards are indicating a great time for space and thinking. You are determined to get projects and plans underway and will not allow anything to get in your way. Do not allow others to influence your decisions. There is going to be some interesting developments this month with family members. Stress and tension will ease and you will feel better.

TAuRuS April 20 - May 20

This month sees you being very outspoken and standing up for what you believe in. There are decisions you need to take with regard to career and personal life. You have been stuck in a certain relationship for some time now and cannot seem to make a move on or out. Make up your mind this month and make changes. Take time out for a health check up too. You may hear from an old friend who may need your help.

GEMINI May 21 - June 20

predictions for SEPTEMBER 2012

By NANcy JADE ALTHEA www.nancysood.com

LIBRA sep 23 - oct 22

This month you may have some outstanding dues to pay off. Make sure you pay bills on time; do not neglect your bills and look into finances carefully. There will be some news of a wedding, which may leave you feeling upset to be losing a good friend, who may decide to leave his hometown. You will still keep in touch. Your focus will be on making chances in your career and personal life. Try getting away for a break.

ScORPIO oct 23 - nov 21

This month you will be at your best ever, with work, love and finances ticking over as you desire. You have worked very hard this year, and you are constantly trying to make improvements in your life. As the year is coming to a close, you will be looking at new ideas for work and at doing something for yourself. There is an indication of you looking for a new place to live. Look for a place near water and greenery.

SAGITTARIuS nov 22 - dec 21

This month sees you trying to make moves and changes, but something holds you back at the last point. There are family members who seem to be putting pressure on you and you are not able to discuss anything with them. Stress and tension is affecting your health, so take it easy; make sure you relax and take time out for yourself. Your car may give you problems so make sure that you check out the oil brakes and water.

cANcER June 21 - July 20

This month the cards are indicating a time for making that commitment. You are dancing around an idea of being with that one person. Your heart is being guided by your head. There is some news from an overseas contact that will send your whole system into confusion. You may be looking at the possibility of working away from home. An older member of your family may be feeling a little under the weather. Nothing serious is indicated here.

LEO July 23 - Aug 22

This month sees you being a very popular person, with people flocking towards you from all over. Your charm and sense of humour will keep your social calendar packed out. You may be thinking of buying a new car or treating yourself to a new wardrobe. Make sure you do not over do things this month and overspend. Control your urges as you will need to keep an eye on your finances. Look at your diet this month and start exercising.

VIRGO Aug 23 - sep 22

This month the cards indicate that you will want to travel and stay carefree and relaxed. You are looking into the possibility of a new concept getting off the ground. Efforts from the past will pay off and your work will start from mid next month. There are also friends around you who may be a bit argumentative. Steer clear and keep calm. You may be feeling a little restless and not able to sleep too well. Try deep breathing.

This month will be a time when you need to keep a control over your tongue and not upset anyone with your truths. Some people will take offence, even though what you are saying is not wrong. There are also plans to buy a pet, but choose carefully. There will be concern over a younger member of your family. Tests need to be done. There will be some stress over their condition but things will improve so do not worry.

cAPRIcORN dec 22 - Jan 19

This month you are oozing sexual power and your appetite will be just as large. There will be many encounters with people of the opposite sex, who may catch your eye. You will also be thinking about making a commitment or propose to a significant other. Decisions will force you to make some drastic changes in your love life. Work will be another area where you will focus much energy. Take things easy and make some intelligent choices.

AquARIuS Jan 20 - feb 18

This month sees you being the leader of the pack. At work you seem to be getting on well with your co workers and there is an indication of more money around you. End-of-year travel plans will be made. Yet loved ones seem to be putting pressure on you to drop a certain habit. You know what that is and you do need to exert control there. Life will be a little stressful but relax your mind and spirit.

PIScES feb 19 - March 20

This month sees a change in your appearance and outlook. You have been wanting to change your hair for a while now. Time to go for it and look at buying some new clothes. You have been neglecting yourself a bit. Time to take some bold steps into the future and allow yourself to be that confident, bold person you see yourself as. Do not hold back. A colleague or a significant other could help you in making that change.

the Buzz

Remembering AK Hangal

He is remembered in many avatars across the fickle screen on Indian cinema. From loving father to concerned uncle to dogooder neighbour, AK Hangal played each role with aplomb. His was a face that automatically lent itself to these roles, with kindliness and a belief in humanity etched on his features since he faced the cameras at the comparatively young age of 50.

Born in Sialkot now in Pakistan, Hangal spent most of his childhood in Peshawar. He grew up to be a tailor but quenched his thirst for acting through theatre. Postpartition, he is said to have moved to Mumbai in 1949, and got his first breaks in Bollywood around 1966-67. Hangal’s initial films included Teesri Kasam and Shagird

Being 50, he had few options in terms of the variety in his roles but he gladly and responsibly played uncle, father and grandfather to heroes and heroines starting from the 1970s.

This talented character artist is best remembered for playing Rahim Chacha in Sholay, but some of his other memorable movies include Namak Haraam, Bawarchi, Chupa Rustam, Abhimaan, Shaukeen, Guddi, Lagaan and Paheli

It’s Aamir Khan’s Time!

There’s something special about Aamir Khan. And it’s not just his versatility as a hugely successful actor, director and producer, it’s possibly because he comes across as being an honest, sincere and down-to-earth individual. Add this to his repertoire of movies with a message and you have the man in his element. But Aamir is now becoming much more than this. He’s now becoming the face of Brand India. The actor’s hugely successful TV show Satyamev Jayate focusing on burning issues facing India and ways of tackling them, has landed him on the cover of the prestigious Time magazine as India’s “first superstar-activist.”

‘he’s breaking the Bollywood mould by tackling India’s social evils. Can one actor change a nation?’ asks the blurb on the cover of the Asia edition of the September 10 issue of the US magazine, which features a close-up of the actor looking intensely into the camera.

Tracing the rise of Aamir Khan with the 1988 blockbuster hit Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Time’s Bobby Ghosh noted over the past decade the 47-year-old actor has acted in, directed and produced a string of “movies that artfully straddle the demands of popular cinema and that desire for grace.”

“Now, with his groundbreaking TV show Satyamev Jayate (Truth Alone Prevails), he has dispensed with commercial considerations to indulge his conscience,” writes Ghosh. “With it, Khan has taken on the mantle of the country’s first superstar-activist.”

There’s no doubt that the show brings some of India’s worst social problems to the fore, but Aamir had the nerve to carry it through.

“It’s a ballsy move, and potentially jeopardizes his status as the beloved idol of millions,” writes Ghosh, since the subjects his show tackles “are precisely the sorts of harsh realities from which many of Khan’s fans seek escape in his movies.”

As Khan assesses the impact of his first series, Time suggests, “Whatever Khan chooses to do next in his quest for grace, there’s a good chance it will lift India a little closer to what he - and fellow Indians - would wish their country and society to be.”

Aamir Khan is the third Indian actor to be featured on the cover of Time magazine. Aishwarya Rai made it to the cover in 2003 and Parveen Babi was featured in 1976. And when the issue hits the stands, it’s likely that Aamir’s fan base would have swelled across Asia, and perhaps other populists will seek answers to the endemic problems in their own countries. Kudos Aamir, you’ve made us proud!

Most of his films were with Rajesh Khanna, India’s first ‘superstar’ who passed away on July 18. They shared screen space in Aap Ki Kasam, Amar Deep, Phir Wohi Raat and Sautela Bhai

But life wasn’t easy for the actor as he grew older. After featuring in over 200 films in a career that easily spanned over four decades, Hangal was living a life of penury - a fact which came to light in 2011.

GUESS WHO ?

He had no income and his only son Vijay, who is 70-plus and with whom the veteran actor lived, had to give up his job due to a severe back ailment. The result was their inability to afford mounting medical bills. But even then Hangal didn’t give up or seek financial aid. Such was his spirit - and pride. Hangal and Vijay were said to have had medical expenses of Rs. 15,000 per month, and had to choose between spending on food and medication. But once the news broke, the film fraternity immediately came to his aid.

Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan funded a chunk of his medical expenditure, with Aamir Khan, Salman Khan and Priyanka Chopra contributing too. His seniority and respectability in the industry also moved the Maharashtra government and the Cine and TV Artistes Association to lend a helping hand. The humble hangal was overwhelmed.

At 96, he was already recharged enough to ‘walk’ the ramp in a wheelchair for designer Riyaz Ganji. At 97, he lent his voice-over for an animated film and did a TV show. Age was clearly never a bar for AK Hangal. He lived with an undying passion for his craft almost till his last breath, epitomising the phrase, once an actor, always an actor.

A man with a never-say-no attitude, Hangal maintained his enthusiasm to wear greasepaint when he entered the sets of TV serial Madhubala in May 2012.

“I believe there is no age limit to work,” Hangal said, on agreeing to the cameo role. He was ill by then, but he wasn’t willing to give up.

He reached the sets, looked around, and just as he must have done in his prime, he called out: “Make up man!”

RIP, AK hangal!

Confident Kareena doesn’t go over the top

Kareena Kapoor may be one of Bollywood’s best known and loved belles, but she’s still grounded when it comes to her work. The actress recently admitted that she was “confident, but not over-confident” of her soon to be released movie, Heroine.

“I am not over-confident, but quite confident and excited about the film,” said Kareena recently of Heroine, which revolves around the ups and downs in a journey of an actress. However, she was quick to point out that although her role was the lead one, in real life she is nothing like the actress in the film.

She loves the limelight, this one…

(Find the answer under Caption Contest)

“People think there are similarities, but I am not like that in real life. She is bold, manipulative, dark and edgy. I am not at all like that,” she said.

Her favourite looks are in the title song of the film, which is yet to release.

Answering general questions, Kareena

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

came up with general, and sometimes predictable answers. Asked of whom she is jealous in life, she said, “I am jealous of people who get to go on holidays, even though I go on many on my own. I love travelling. I am also jealous of people who get to eat whatever they want.”

But the actress still maintains that the film closest to her heart will be Refugee - her first film, despite acting in blockbusters like Ra.One, Bodyguard 3 Idiots. “The first film is always special. That innocence never comes back,” she said.

But back to Heroine

Arjun Rampal and Randeep Hooda, and has been directed by Madhur Bhandarakar.

So it’s up, up, up for Kareena. Another reel life portrayal, even if it isn’t quite like her real life!

What fazes Big B?

Now he may be India’s megastar and reasonably comfortable in front of the camera, but Amitabh Bachchan finds it hard to perform when his wife Jaya is on the sets with him. The actor, who will be seen with Jaya in Bhojpuri film Ganga Devi says there is lot of restriction when his wife is on the sets and he gets conscious in her presence.

“When your wife is on the sets with you, then your behaviour also changes, there are lots of restrictions, there is always a discipline on the sets or else when you go back home, the situation goes out of control,” a laughing Amitabh told reporters recently, during the music launch of the film.

“I hope the audience likes the film,” he added.

Amitabh played a key role in his makeup man-turnedproducer Deepak Sawant’s film, which is about reservation for women in elected bodies. He acted earlier in Bhojpuri movie Gangotri, which did well at the box office.

Amitabh says Sawant is like a family member.

“I am glad to be part of this film. Deepak is like family and when he approached me for this film, I did it without any hesitation. I know him now for 30 to 35 years,” stated the actor.

“He is my makeup

man, he takes care of my face and it was my duty to give him something in return. The best part of working with (the Bhojpuri crew) is that they finish shooting for 30 to 35 scenes in a day, so that I don’t have any problem,” added the megastar.

Produced by Sawant and directed by Abhishek Chaddha, Ganga Devi also features Dineshlal yadav ‘Nirahua’, Pakhi Hegde, Girish Sharma, Awadhesh Mishra and Vinay Bihari. The music director is Madhukar Anand.

CAPTION CONTEST

for both projects, which are most likely to mint at least Rs.100 crore, according to trade pundits, as no other films are releasing a week before and after them.

The Shah Rukhstarrer marks the return of veteran filmmaker Chopra to direction after a hiatus of eight years. He is currently shooting for the romantic drama in the scenic locales of the Kashmir Valley. His movie also stars Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma and is said to feature King Khan in his true-blue romantic avatar, making it one of the most awaited releases of

Son Of Sardaar, a romantic comedy directed by Ashwini Dhir, features Ajay and Sanjay Dutt in key roles, with Sonakshi Sinha and Juhi Chawla essaying the female leads. The movie’s teasers have received a positive response.

A budget of at least Rs.60 crore each is said to have been utilised in the making of the two films, according to the buzz around Bollywood. However, punters opine that

Pooja: Thanks Dad, you’ve showed me how to rake in the moolah…. Mahesh: Just sit tight and keep doing as i tell you.

Srinivas Reddy Chermside West, QLD Srinivas wins one ticket to new Hindi film English Vinglish

yash Chopra’s film may have the edge over the other and will benefit more. But both the films have the potential to survive, and should collect around Rs.100 crore each.

yash Raj Films ( yRF) is lately riding high on the success of blockbuster Ek Tha Tiger, starring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif which has already amassed over Rs.170 crore and is on its way to creating more records.

To make sure the film got one of the best openings ever, yRF released Ek Tha Tiger in over 3,000 screens on Independence Day.

Now, yRF is reportedly planning to go bigger with its mega Diwali release, pre-booked maximum screens for the new film which also marks the coming together yet again of the award-winning duo of music maestro AR Rahman and poet and lyricist Gulzar. Son of Sardaar will need to have strong content to match up against the yRF camp.

So the gloves are on, let’s see who emerges the winner!

Rakhi Sawant

SHAHRUKH KHAN

KAREENA KAPOOR

AMiT-JAYA

Cine Talk

Gripping espionage romp, with unique star chemistry

There is something about the SalmanKatrina pairing that goes deeper than real-life affection. Even deeper than that crackling pitchperfect chemistry that we see among endearing starpairs, like Raj-Nargis, Rajesh -Mumtaz, Shah Rukh-Kajol... you name it!

Here in Ek Tha Tiger, we see a look of genuine protectiveness in Salman’s eyes every time he looks at Katrina Kaif. That look suits the film’s purposes fine.

Ek Tha Tiger is the love story of two spies from different sides of the border who during the course of their volatile sinister cloak-and-dagger work, fall head over heels in love.

As the lovers flee their enemies, they are pursued by do mulk ke dushman. Which is nine mulk less than where Shah Rukh’s Don was wanted.

Salman’s spy-hero codenamed Tiger cuts through the chase, brings the secret agent’s role down to an amiably human level, drawing secret alcoves of childlike vulnerability and, yes, humour from his character’s secret life, making the spy’s double life look doubly redeemable.

Every time Salman looks at Katrina his eyes melt. Kabir Khan taps the actor’s potential to fill up the screen to great advantage. Even while flexing his biceps through four continents in some of the best staged action sequences in some never-seen rugged exotic spots of the earth (full marks to action director Conrad Palamisano) Salman gets lots of very quiet contemplative moments with his beautiful co-star.

For once the superstar looks neither bored nor distracted. And he isn’t impatient to move on.

Ruminative reflective rich in self-mocking resonances, Salman’s spy in Ek Tha Tiger is a remarkably restrained and expressive character. He

handles both the action and the romantic sequences with seamless empathy.

Katrina gets better with every film. As a woman who had a genuinely happy childhood that has been snatched away by the nature of her profession, her eyes convey infinite pain. She conveys pain and love with as much elan as she kicks ass when the need arises. yup, this lady rocks.

Kabir Khan whose earlier Katrina starrer New York defined Islamic isolation during times of terrorism with gripping gusto, this time, decides to have fun with the espionage genre without trivialising it. The blend of action and romance is achieved with a fluency that we’ve seldom seen in the action-romance genre.

The storytelling is laced with loads of humour.

Aseem Mishra’s camera-work punctuates the pungent drama of lovers on the run, capturing the bustle and the festivity of Ireland, Cuba and Istanbul with much warmth and affection and a detached fascination that is the opposite of touristic curiosity.

Kabir Khan has an eye for everyday details. Though his frames are arranged to convey aesthetics, the beauty of the moments shared by lovers is never defined by their surroundings.

It’s a very commonplace attraction seen in umpteen Hindi films of every hue and variety. What makes director Kabir Khan’s telling of this routine love story come alive, is the presentation and

packaging, both unique but never over-punctuated.

Epic in design, the film has a surprisingly low number of main characters.

Kabir works on building the love story through the intelligently-written interaction between the two protagonists rather than their exotic environment or the incidental characters. Still, Girish Karnad as Tiger’s boss and Ranvir Shorey as Salman’s buddy-in-arms are first-rate, never letting the script down.

It’s not easy to make an intelligent film on intelligence without tripping over the barbed wires of politics and espionage jargon. Kabir Khan strips the love stories to its bare necessities without diminishing the density of the drama.

Ek Tha Tiger is more a

passionate love story than an actioner. Brilliantly scripted and deftly directed, it’s Salman Khan’s best film in ages. As for his chemistry with Katrina Kaif, it is the stuff legendary love stories are made of.

Very few films make you sit at the edge of your seat when the hero fights and then makes you recline in sighing submission when he romances his sweetheart, in equal measures.

Ek Tha Tiger gets it right.

Subhash K. jha

FILM: Ek Tha Tiger

CAST: Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif

DIRECTOR: Kabir Khan

Farah shines in Parsi romance

When two Parsis fall in love, there’s bound to be friction. They are such a talkative community. At least that’s what we get to know from the eccentric bustle that our movies tend to create when dealing with the community.

While watching Bela Sehgal’s sweet tender story of Shrin and Farhad - past the age of marriage, determined to find love and companionship in each other’s unexciting company, one immediately thought of Basu Chatterjee’s Khatta Meetha and Vijaya Mehta’s Pestonjee. In the first, a widow and a widower from the Parsi community overcome their children’s opposition for an autumnal marriage.

The second was a remarkably accurate portrayal of the benign quirks of the Parsi community.

Though not a Parsi herself, Bela Sehgal plunges into the centre of the dwindling community’s eccentricities without trying to give the characters any kind of a novel existence beyond what they are stereotypically known for.

The love story of Shirin (Farah Khan in a remarkably poised debut) and Farhad (Boman Irani, as natural as ever) holds no surprises. They meet, they smirk, they walk hand-in-hand,

he mistakes her invitation for coffee in her home for suggestion for sex. While she makes him coffee, he waits for her undressed. And you know the rest.

The portrayal of Farhad’s mother (Daisy Irani) and grandmother (Shammi) reveals the film’s writer Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s penchant for loud extroverted singing, dancing, chortling ageing woman characters, e.g Helen in Bhansali’s Khamoshi: The Musical and Kirron Kher in Devdas Beneath all the feminine giggles (bras and panties, hee hee) and male guffaws (tera rocket kab phutega?) that surround the theme of courtship between a middleaged couple for whom life is neither a picnic nor a funeral, Sehgal seeks out silent passages of undulating sensitivity.

Listen carefully. The film makes terrific use of silent moments that are becoming progressively rare in our cinema. Farah Khan is specially

reticent, a mysterious smile hovering in her eyes constantly as though she knows that life, and life in the movies, is a secret joke. In her scenes with her comatose screen-dad, Farah’s eyes melt with affection. yup, she handles the emotional moments better than the comic. Boman seems to be reinedin. It’s like a new singer, say Shailendra Singh, when he had to sing duets with Lata Mangeshkar in Raj Kapoor’s Bobby. She had to hold back. Boman does that quite well to

A village of wackos

Imagine if Shah Rukh Khan left his posh job at NASA in Swades and returned to a village filled with escapees from a lunatic asylum - you have the basic plot structure of Shirish Kunder’s Joker, a film as crazy in intent as its characters make the proceedings appear to be.

The film is fun to watch when it isn’t trying to be too clever for words, or when it isn’t tripping over with its tongue-in-cheek smart-ass humour. The characters are uniformly self-deprecating. Some of the material connected to an outsider helping set a scrambled village in order through mirthful masquerade echoes Farah Khan’s Tees Maar Khan, though this time Akshay Kumar plays a far more ‘serious’ character. He doesn’t even have a romantic duet with his co-star Sonakshi!

I wonder why Akshay Kumar chose to distance himself from this film! He has done much worse comedies in his career. Crass, loud, inane, repetitive and unfunny ones. Joker is none of these. The humour is never below-the-belt.

Its big uSP is its audacious originality. A village named Pagalpur that has been wiped off the Indian map during the British Raj, a scientist-hero who is trying to make contact with aliens, a heroine who has nothing to do except stand attentively listening to her live-in partner’s crazy schemes to bring aliens down to earth, and a village filled with crazy maladjusted anachronistic oddballs for whom the clock stopped ticking 50 years agothese populate Kunder’s kookie kingdom.

Welcome to blunderland!

There is an arresting sense of frozen farce in the proceedings. The characters are so silly they end up being distant avatars of the zonked-out villagers in Farah Khan’s Tees Maar Khan

The spoofy ambience is painted in believable shades. The film is shot in interesting shades of iodized sepia which creates a sense of fading flamboyance in a location where the characters have lost their sense of time.

Beneath the veneer of joviality the film has a serious message on the malnourished state of rural India.

Politicians are shown to be so conniving and caricatural, they seem real! Likewise the ‘aliens’, actually villagers dressed in pumpkins and other fruits to attract outside attention, are so clumsy they look more aliens than real aliens.

Peepli Live gone berserk, Joker is funnier and less vulgar than a lot of the over-the-top situational comedies that rely on double meanings, cleavages and gay-bashing to tease titters out of a comatose script. Not everything in Joker works. Some of the material echoes the calibrated linear movements of a televidio serial with our hero Agastya aka Sattoo moving from one place to another with the villagers in tow. yet setting aside the aimlessness, the film gradually builds to a moderate momentum where we don’t need to feel cheated by a story that splits the comedy genre wide open without fracturing the farce. The jokes hold up.

in a rom-com about two overthe-hill Parsis, one of whom sells lingerie and meets the woman of his dreams when she comes to buy a brassiere.

amok with an antique gun threatening to kill anyone who comes in his way. He doesn’t make much sense in the scheme of the plot. But then, what makes sense in life other than the senselessness that we see all around us?

Sehgal doesn’t try to make sense of the chaos. She flows with the chaos seeking laughter in the eccentricity. Hence when an old Parsi gentleman constantly writes love notes to Indira Gandhi, you know he has lost it. And you smile, because eccentricity is a pre-condition

Laughter designed on innerwear can never fail. Luckily, the film goes beyond innerwear and seeks a place in one’s heart. The director emerges with some truly heartwarming moments between Boman and Farah. The debutante director has carved an endearing relationship between the unlikely couple. The romance is embellished with charming little incidents that add beautifully to the pacy perky pastiche of Parsi proceedings. And if Boman is confidently in character as a 45-year-old who surprises himself by finding love, Farah is no less confident. Is this really her first film?

Subhash K. jha

FILM: Shirin Farhad Ki

Toh Nikal Padi

CAST: Boman irani, Farah Khan

DIRECTOR: Bela Bhansali Sehgal

And so do some of the performances. Shreyas Talpade as a gibberish-mouthing villager who gets all weak kneed in front of journalist Minissha Lamba, steals every scene from Akshay Kumay whenever they are together.

Could this be the real reason why our Rowdy Kumar decided to distance himself from this film? Like it or not Joker is a masterpiece compared with Akshay Kumar’s Blue or Thank You

Flawed? yes. Seriously so, specially in its failure to pin the aliens’ theme down to a manageable streamlined

structure. That apart, Joker is an utterly original parable on rural development, done with lots of colour, vibrancy, attitude, gusto and giggles.

Subhash K.jha

FILM: Joker

CAST: Akshay Kumar, Sonakshi Sinha

DIRECTOR: Shirish Kunder

My kitchen rules!

Being a creative mind in the kitchen with the motivation to cook up a feast is tough, specially when it comes to choosing the right recipe

DEEPA GOPINATH

Ilove to cook. Different cuisines, traditional dishes, modern dishes, traditional dishes with a modern twist. Entrees, mains, desserts….even cocktails! Cooking, in particular baking, is for me not only a release when I’m stressed, but also an excellent procrastination tool when what I really should be doing is proofreading a paper that was due yesterday or cleaning the bathroom. I own a shelf full of cookbooks which are strategically positioned close to the kitchen for convenience. From your basic $5 pasta bible bought at the discount table in a shopping centre to spectacular hardbacks written by celebrity chefs with photography that is almost as delicious as the recipes themselves. From Madhur Jaffery to Masterchef, it’s all there on that shelf, in pristine condition and waiting to be used.

One thing that strikes me about these recipes is the names of the dishes: Spiced Lamb Rack with Herbed Couscous and Pomegranate Dressing; Soy and Sake Scallops with Fuji Apple and Taro Chips; Lemon and Garlic Chicken with Green Beans. My question is, why do the authors feel it’s necessary to include all the main ingredients in the title? I mean, we don’t do this in Indian cooking! I have never, ever gone to my parents’ place and been greeted by my

mum saying, “Hello! I have made rasam with tender tomatoes, lentils and coriander!” Nor have I made korma and greeted my husband with, “Today I have made Mixed vegetable curry in a ground cashew base with spices and chapattis”. I guess if us Indians tried to incorporate all the ingredients that go into our intricate dishes in the title of our recipes, our cookbooks would take up more than just the shelf by the kitchen! But I digress……..

Somewhere in a parallel universe, there is a me who has the time to attack this collection of recipes with vigour. That highly organised, efficient me has a 9-5 job that allows her to try a new elaborate recipe every night, master the processes that accompany the more complex recipes, and maybe even cook a fabulous three-course meal for her husband twice a week. Sadly, like many other enthusiastic but time-poor home cooks who are happy enough to put together a wholesome albeit unadventurous meal every night, that me is a pipedream. So I satisfy myself with the occasional burst of experimentation on an infrequent and precious free evening. I generally start by flipping through at least 4 of my favourite cookbooks as well as back issues of food magazines. I look through each book from cover to cover, drooling over the pictures and imagining the flavours in my mind. I linger on my personal favourite, the desserts sections, knowing full well that I have no intention of cooking dessert that day. I run through each recipe in

my mind, rejecting many for being too difficult, timeconsuming or requiring ingredients that are hard to find. I do a thorough stock-take of the pantry, and inevitably by then I am quite peckish and hence get distracted by the things I come across. Eventually I make a short list of 3-4 recipes that are not only do-able but satisfy whatever food craving I happen to have at the

time, as well being sure to delight my husband. Usually by this time, the sun has set, as if even it can no longer bear to watch me procrastinate.

On these nights, the hubby comes home, fishes me out from the piles of cookbooks on the couch, and stifling his laughter asks, “Takeaway?”

And I, sheepish but always grateful, say, “Okay!”

i guess if us indians tried to incorporate all the ingredients that go into our intricate dishes in the title of our recipes, our cookbooks would take up more than just the shelf by the kitchen!

Eventually i make a short list of 3-4 recipes that are not only do-able but satisfy whatever food craving i happen to have at the time, as well being sure to delight my husband.