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EDITORIAL INDIAN LINK

The more things change, the more they remain the same

PUBLISHER Pawan Luthra EDITOR Qajni Anand Luthra ASSISTANT EDITOR Sheryl Dixit MELBOURNE Preeti Jabbal CONTRIBUTORS .

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s we head into the final monch for 2012, it is perhaps a good time to take stock of the year about to pass.

For the Indian commtmicy in Australia, this time last year there was a buzz in the air with the much awaited arrival of the lndian cricket team. Team Blue did arrive down under but rather than the tigers of world of cricket, they were more like lamb who were slaughtered by a mechanical and professional Australian cricket team. Their pathetic display on the field - and arrogance off it - made it all a sad episode indeed for cricket lovers from the sub continent. As we go to prim, the lndian cricket team has just been thrashed in India by E ngland by 10 wickets. The problem .it seems, dear friends, L~ not in our stars bur in ourselves that we are underlings, to paraphrase a well known saying. Aging scars, lack of vision by decision makers and impotent attitudes by people who matter, are all part of the decar And yes, chis can be carried across co the politics of India. le has been a year when the common man has become shriller in bis demands for

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the Indian politicians to clean up their act. Prime J\,linister Manmoha.n Singb feamred on the cover of the influential Time magazine as a leader without a \Tision. \Vbile tbe Indian media reacted in its predictable way by featuring US P resident Ba.rack Obama on its cover as a u seless lead er, the point stiJJ is that India with all its promises has consistently failed to reach the heights which it has d1e potential for. With GDP growth declining, and infl ation high, the only money being made is by the politicians.

In spice of top rating television shows on social issues by well-respected film maker Aamir Khan, it seems that there is no desire by the powers-that-be co create any effective change. Ir is over two years since the sagas of Commonwealth Games corruption scandals surfaced; tl1ere is still co be any punishment meted om to the guilty parties who brought so much shame on the nation.

In Australia, the strength of the Indian community is being noted and politicians are falling over each other to be present at Tndia-cencric functions. From tl1e Federal side, both Prime Minister Gillard and Opposition leader Abbott are playing tag with each other. As soon as one confirms their attendance for a function, the other also finds time to be available for the function. Stace Premiers in the two big states of Victoria and ew South \l(laJes also attend community functions

regularly, and trade missions to India a.re tbe flavour of tl1e year as tl, ey work hard to draw out Indian investment to their state. The Indian community, while enjoying the p hotographic opportunities with tl1e leaders, has not been able to gee access to their wailers to obtain funding for projects which can help tl1e local community. Perhaps with d1e elections due in 2013, tl1e Indian local leaders can lay tl1e right groundwork with the political leaders to make grand announcements at their functions.

For tl1e Australian Indian community, 2012 was a year in which we continued our growd1 as a community. While numbers of students were down and businesses catering co them su ffered, d1ere was an influx of professionals on 457 v isas as the governmen t worked hard to fiJJ in the skills gaps. We continued with our massiYe Holi and D iwali celebrations; overseas singer s and stars came to entertain us; talk fests wid1 visiting inceUecmals took place; local. music and dance performances kept the entertainment levels high. Community groups mutated and new associations were formed, presidents and leaders in some changed, in others they clung to d1eir positions co continue with their claim to fame.

Yes, the more things change, the more d1ey remain the same.

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DEC EMBER 2012 3

COMMUNITYSCENE

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Brisbane discovers the joy ofDiwali through day-long celebrations of the festival

(L-R): Lila Pratap (Women's Committee Chair Person), Varad Raval (PRO), Dr. Naidu Bodapati (President FICQ), Surendra Prasad (Patron), Jim Varghese (Patron), Prof. Prasad Yarlagadda (Vice-President), Premier Campbell Newman (Honorary Indian of the Year), Paramjit Sarai (Vice-President), Dr. Maha Sinnathamby (Patron).

s Indians ail over the world celebrated the Festival of Lights, Brisbane rook to the stage with its own Diwali celebrations.

Diwali or Deepavali is a fiveday festival, and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali commemorates the auspicious day when Lord Ram remrned wid1 Sita and Laxman to the kingdom of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, vanquishing d1e evil king Raavan.

Organised by the Federation of Indian Communities Queensland (FlCQ) and supported

by Brisbane City Council,

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4 DECEMBER 2012

Queensland Government, Springfield Land Corporation and Adaui i'vlining Group, rue Indian Festival of Lights was held at King George Square in the heart of the Brisbane city, on November 2, from "11am to 11pm.

As the Diwali festivities took centrestage caking over the entire city for the day, King George Square was transformed into an outdoo.r auditorirnn, with hundreds of chairs centrally lined up with the stage in focus.

Stalls bordering on either side sold everything from vibrant outfits and cable TV to food stalls offering an array of exquisite, mourh-wateringly delicious lndian food.

Bollywood melodies boomed through the air, even through the aisles of the Queen Street mail.

When the festivities began, ilie day provided endless emettainment with a range

of dance performances like Bollywood, ka rhak, classical, bharatnatyam, Assamese folk dances and bhangra.

The program also included a 'welcome to land' prayer recited by an Indigenous elder, speeches

by Graham Quirk, Lord Mayor of Brisbane; federal i\lIPs Bernie Ripoll and l'v[s Gambaro; Archana Singh, cbe Indian Honorary Consulate; and Samir Vora, CEO Adnani Mining Pry Ltd. A highlight was the honouring of the Queensland Premier Campbell Newman as die 'Honorary Indian of the Year' for die state of Queensland. He received a plaque and a sill, scarf in trne lnclian tradition.

One o f the key orgauisers of the event, Dr P Naidu Bodapati, President of FICQ spoke to Jndidn Link abom the event.

"The Indian Festi\Tal of Lights is an event we hold every

year r.ight here in the centre of Brisbane to celebrate me festival o f Diwali, and each )'ear it gets bigger and bigger!" he said.

"As d1e day progresses and people co me and go, we expect a mrnour of approximately 20,000 people throughout me day.

Generally it gets nmch busier after 5pm, and that's when v isitors gee a true feel of die festivities," added Dr Bodapati.

As evening came ro d1e city, as promised, the grounds became busier as people on their way home wandered over to view the festi,Tities wid1 awe. The atmosphere was filled with a joyous buzz as people gOL into the full swing of the event, enjoying d1e entertainment and indulging in mouth-watering Indian delicacies!

The Indian Festival of Lights in Brisbane was indeed a celebration away from home, a day filled widi festive Joy!

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DECEMBER 2012 5

COVERSTORY

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An enterprising doctor and inspirational individual carries forward the family legacy of bravery and honour

Capt. Sandeep Bhagat

ack small, pack light, cake only what you need, know where everything is so that you can reach for it in the dark, repack everything. As Captain Dr Sandeep Bhagat was crossing off the list of things he needed to cake to his deployment in Afghanistan, the mundane was being mulled over with some real concerns. Is it safe? WiU the family manage? Who will cake care of them? \,Vhat if .. . ?

All of these were very valid questions for a 37-year-old happily married father of two children who chose to join the Australian Army, and was off to do a stint in the war zone. As a qualified medical practitioner and palliative care specialist, Capt Bhagat was required co treat military personnel, civilians and Afghans in Tarin Kowt for two months, followed by a four month stint recently in the UAE and Kabul.

Ir may be difficult for many to understand, but Capt Bhagat was glad tO go there. Experiences like these were the .reason be joined the Army Reserve.

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"!vfy deployments gave me an enormous sense of adventure and a great opportunity to work with people from all walks of life," said Capt Bhagat as he explained the reasons behind his readiness to work in tlus poten ciaJ!y hazardous envtronment. "I bave always had a penchant for uniforms, it could be the influence of my grand father who served in the Indian Army in World War n, or my relatives who chose the army as a profession" .

Being a Punjabi son, his inspiration comes from the Sikh Gurus, especially determination and the sense of sacrtfice for others.

"It could also be due to the rraining l received as a cadet, in the prestigious Sainik School in Kapurthala, Punjab. I have always wanted to serve the nation. I migrated ro Australia 12 years ago and went th.rough the initial settling-in period, bur I always knew l would end up in this uniform that is m y pride and joy.

1t is my privilege to be able co the serve my adopted country both as a practicing doctor and as an Army Captain," added Capt Bhagat with conviction.

"Like so man y hard working lndians in Australia, our deeds bring respect co o ur motherland as well as the country we call our home now," he scared.

As I spoke co Capt Bhagat in

the comfort of his lounge, he came across as an everyday family man who likes to play cricket with his two sons. As his story unfolded 1 saw the grit and determination that earned him the name 'RocketPocket' from his army mates.

"Most of the men I work with are bigger and taller than me," he said disarmingly, adding, " I am not in the least bit daunted by tlus, though! I have a very srrong physical Jimess regin1e char holds me in good stead along with a seriously competitive streak that I developed during my days LO Saini.k School. I rend to be the first to clear most of the obstacle courses designed to test us, hence the nickname".

Capt Bhagat, who has just remrned from the Ivf.iddle East Area of Operation of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), hails from the state of Punjab in India. He was born in Jalandhar and went to a boarding school in Kapurthala at the age of 10, going through strict mili.ta1.-y regimental schooling for the next 7 years. After his schooling be comple ted his MBBS from Government 1v[edical College in Amritsar, and within five months of acquiring his medical degree, Capt Bhagat left India to live in Hamilton, New Zealand where his bride Harvinder (Rosy) bad family connections. TI1e young

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doctor was keen on doing medical research and M·elbourne appealed co him as a place chat offered more potentllll in the medical field as welJ as a multicultural environment.

Capt Bhagat completed his GP training and got his first break as an advanced academic registrar at Monash U niveq;icy, a prestigious funded position towards medical academics and research. He started his own practice in Drouin in West Gippsland. Bue as he always had a passion for caring for the frail and elderly, Capt Bhagat left general practice to undertake specialist physician training in palliative care.

"The more you do palliative care, the more you love it. It is a very noble and humbling experience. I got interested in palliative care after a visit co an aged care centre as a GP. There I met a 94-year-old man from Britain whose inspiring storr changed my mindset," he continued.

"This retired .Major who had served in the British Army at Amritsar reminded me of my grandfather. The genuine wishes and blessings drnt you get from the people who are affected and their families are dungs that money can never buy," shared Capt Bhagat who is currently working as a Consultant in Palliati, e Medicine-Eastern Health and as a Sessional Primary Care Consultant in Dandenong Hospital ED. Talking about his recent deployment in Afghanistan, Capt Bhagat claimed that bulJets and bombs don't discriminate.

"A.s a combat doctor, om skills are required to cure a common cold or simple ailmen t, to serious blast injuries. IEDs or home-made 7

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destructive devices cause injuries to everyone, including their own people. le is horrific co see the destruction especiaUy when ic affects local children and women," said Capt Bhagat as he shared his personal encounters during his time in Tarin Kowt previously, and in the Middle East and Kabul recently.

Describing bis soujourn in Afghanistan Cape Bhagat said, "I will not go into specifics however in Afghanistan a typical day for us was very busy. Work days began at 0530 witl1 morning PT, and we would finish nor before 2300. As a doctor my day was fiUed with common general practice type issues, along with creating war injuries involving locals and coalition soldiers. W/e mainly stayed in the camp bur we had opportunities co go out as weU. Afghani workers on the base were very respecrti.1! especialJy when they learned I could communicate in Urdu. They have a special regard for Punjabis and Sikhs. My leisure hours were fiUed with exercise and more exercise, or chatting with my ream mates. l spoke to my family once a week, sometimes more".

And what was his most memorable e._x"Perience?

"There were lots of experiences char: I cannot elaborate on, however the most memorable ones were when I could serve our bard working diggers".

A question that he is often asked is, was he ever scared for bis life?

"My answer to that is, if I was, I wouldn't have gone for the second time and I wouldn't have offered myself for the third rour ... " He added after a thoughtful pause, "I do understand the dangers, though".

With an impressive list of credentials co his name, Capt Bhagat was awarded the .Australian Active Service Medal with International Coalition .Against Terrorism (ICAT) Clasp, Afghanistan Campaign Medal and NATO Medal with International Security Assistance Force Clasp by the ADF between 201 1-2012.

Capt Bhagat has served on the board of many medical and educational bodies and advisory commircees. Despite all his commitments, he is also involved in improving the care of patients dying w itl1 advanced w'U1cers in lndia, as a member of Australasia Palliative Link (APLl)'s Ha.mrahi Project. As part of their commitment to the cause, participating doccors provide free mentorship to Indian doctors caring for patients with advance cancers and illnesses in India.

The)' also hose visiting doctors from India to gain experience in managing pain management of advanced cancers.

When asked how be gees the time and energ)' co be involved with defence, medicine, altruism and stilJ find time for family, Capt Bhagat shrugs philosophicalJy. ·'J believe in the ancient adage: 'Do all the good you can, by aU the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at al] the times you can, to everyone you can'. As a doctor I am fortunate enough to be able to offer comfort, and as a defence personnel I am brave enough to stand against chalJenge and controversy. These to me are the ultimate measure of a man in uniform, and that is why if I am offered another opportunity to serve in Afglrnoistao the amwer will be 'yes' al1 over again," he says confidently.

DECEMBER 2012 7

STUDENTS

Australia's earliest international student An octogenarian UNSW alumni returns to Sydney and shares his experiences oflife as a student

-; BY

1 ,

JYOTI

SHANKAR

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ixty years ago when I boarded a BOAC Skymaster fl ight for Sydney I had my one newly-tailored blue suit in my bag and very litcle idea of Australia, beyond an excited sense of o ptimism for what cl1e furure might hol.d . I'd never before left Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) and, of course, I'd never been on a plane.

I had grown up io a rural village where we rook cl1e buggy carr to school. And I hadn't had much rime co get used to the idea either. \Xfhen the teleg ram delivery boy tracked me d own on his bicycle at a tennis court in Colombo in 1952, I tore cl1e envelope open to discover my application for one of cl1e very first Australian 1miversity scholarsbips for Asia□ students had been successful and that I'd be leaving for five years within a fortnight."

This is 82-year-o ld Tennyson Rodrigo reminiscing about his journey to Australia as one of this country's earliest i.urernarional students, who came here under the 'Colombo Plan'. He returned to Sydney last month on a special invite co attend a gala dinner at his alma mater, ilie U niversity of New South Wales. U SW itself has come a long way from the makeshift corrugated-iro n classrooms of Tennyson's da)7 S, to one of Ausn:alia's premier educational instin1tions with state-of-the-art buildings and programs. The Colombo Plan, under whose aegis Tennyson came to Sydney, has since bro ught over 20,000 students into the cow1try, changing cl1eir lives forever and making a substantial impact boili locaUy and in their home countries.

NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell delivered the keynote address on international education at che 60-year retmion on November 22 co an audience chat included Colombo Plan alumni daring back to the first year of ilie scheme in 1952. Tennyson was cl1e only person the}' could trace back from cl1at year. ln the fi fries, after the Second World War ended, countries were

8 DECEMBER 2012

have gone on to occupy important positions in ilieir countries and have clone tl1eir bit to promote a mutual understanding of cultures, ilius becoming de-facto ambassadors for Australia. Past Colombo Plan scholars include Baburam Bhattarai, the current Prime Minister of Nepal; M. J Perera, the first Director General of Radio Ceylon, cl1e oldest radio station of South Asia; and Khaw Boon \Van, ilie current Minister for National Development in Singapore. When asked if he ever thought of migrating co Australia, Tennyson replies clrnt he never considered this move.

The Sri La.nkan government had him sign a bond cl1at was assured by a family friend, to ensure his "-Dto l1t1 ~~Oc;; return after completion of his H,i <, r\ ' "1ts ~ 5-year studv. That was not what ',I -'// ' cook him back, hut a sense 2 '• J&t /' of respo nsibilil:)' for <'IJ nation building. f-le returned co a job as 'temporary assistant engineer' in Ceylon's @ public service on a salary •'k ~i, "•-:,,~:1:-:: equivalent to $2 a month, · -~ but rose through the ranks Ss1'ft,~ ' Vt ' co set up and manage two ,'t• ___., of Sri Lanka's largest industrial ~,~7,•:,_,, ~ projects: its first oil refinery ", and its first nitrogenous fertiliser · ;:,,•..,, JJ . L ant. Later Tennyson took up .....:.., , senior positions in banking, ~ consulting and industry. He has continued to live in Colombo with his wife co this day, occasionally visiting bis old friends in Australia and India.

Lately, with the release of the Asian Century white paper, there cast of Australian, Sri Lankan and has been much talk about reviving Indian students. They lived at the International Friendship Centre cl1e plan with Australian students smdying in Asian countries as at Drummoyne, which became a well, and time is not a bad idea as little microcosm of cultures.

"The mix of Chinese, Malay, cl1e equation has now changed.

Indian, Pakistani, Nepali, Filipino, Developing countr.ies have a lot to offer too, and a mutually Indonesian, Fijian, Papuan and oilier students, as well as their symbiotic relationship would go a different religions, was itself long way to promote world peace unusual in Australia," says and development. Tennyson says, Tennyson.

'1 have always tl1ought of myself as lucky, rather than especially He is now pleased to see how multiculturalism is such an talented. I felt clrnt good fornme integral part of Australian society when that telegram arrived. cl1ese days. \lifhen leaving, he was Neither of my parents had been presented with a boo k about co Lmiversity, so 1 was the first. My Kangra Valley paintings of India failier was a good man, but rather by ilie then Secretary of the taciturn. However, on that day l Indian Association as a parting could see rhe pride in his eyes."

H e is happy that Australia gift, and he cherishes ilie book has moved away from it~ insular even to day. "i'.v'hite Australia' ouclook since.

The Colombo Plan graduates

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Tennyson Rodrigo in 1953, and (top right) in 2012 Right: Rodrigo's special talents made him a mini celebrity coming out of their colonial shackles and trying ro rebuild their economies. The White Australia policy was slowly being dismantled. Australia wanted to move al1ead, change perceptions and engage in a meaningful Souili-South cooperation. At che Commonwealth Conference of Foreign Ministers held in Colombo in January 1950, me Colombo P lan was formulated ro strengthen ilie economic and social development of the countries in che reg ion, and promote the transfer and sharing of technology and developmental experiences. Original signarories to the Plan were Australia, Canada, Ceylon, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, United Kingdom, Malaya aod North Borneo, bur later the membership expanded co 25 countries.

Tennyson won one of the first Colombo P lan scholarships to study chemical engineering, and at 22, found hu.1.1self bound for Sydney. Everything was new and different. i\filkshakes and baked beans o n toast soon became part of his diet. He soon discovered that his tailored suit with its huge lapels wasn't quite right, so he saved up bis allowance to buy a blue pin-striped suit from Gowings which helped him sail

through the next five years. " There were plenl:)1of other new arrivals on campus, moscly Europeans in ilie first wave of post-war migration, but 1 did not encolmter racism," recalls Tennyson. "Some looked at me strangely but not with hostility, often displaying a genuine curiosil:)• about Asian cultures".

Brown-skinned people were rare those days and Tennyson so(.)n became a mini celebi~ry with his musical talents on the sitar, violin and tabla. The .fydmy 11,foming Herald nm a front-page picture of bim attending a ball.

He was invited by ABC Radio to play the sitar and featured on the cover of /IBC lf'eek,&. The L1dian High Commissioner, KC Sengupta's wife Manjnla was accomplisbed in Rabindra Sangeet and Tennyson was often called Ltpon to accompirny her with his instruments.

His association with the Indian community was strong during his stay in Sydney, and he fondly recaUs cl1e staging o f tl1e Tagore dance drama Chitmngadha wicb a

L}l

::~,d ...

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SPECIALREPORT

Ratan Tata conferred UNSW's highest award A respected industrialist and philanthropist, success has always been about the betterment ofsociety for Tata

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ac,~ ;ata, chai_rman ~f Inrua s Jargest mdustrtal conglomerate, the Tata group, was conferred with Doctor o f Business Honoris Causa by the University of New South Wales in late November.

David Gonski, the university's Chancellor awarded the degree in a glittering ceremony that was so well-attended by d1e alumni and d1e Australian-Indian community, the nniversicy bad to change the venue to the largest auditorimu on campus, which was filled beyond capacity.

Fred Hilmer, d1e university's Vice Chancellor, read a citation thac eulogized Ratan Tata's contribution in service co cbe global community via advancement in technology, innovation and higher education.

His hallmark was listed as his willi ngness to pursue bold ideas such as the law1eh of lndica, the people's car in 1998; ano, d1e $2000 car; the wave of acquisitions that include Jaguar, Land Rover and Corns; and his successful campaign in modernising the Tata Group. He was Forbes As.ia Businessman of the Year 2004.

But the highest praise was reserved for his philanthropic activities. His family has been known to distribuce d1eir weald1 co dozens of medical, educational and social causes, and Ratan Tara bas accelerated the trend.

The formal ceremony was followed by d1e Wallace Wurd1 leccure, as part of which Tata was interviewed by bod1 David Gonski and Fred Hilmer.

Talking abouc the Tata business dynasty char goes back ro its founrung in 1860, be talked about his unplanned entry into business.

He had graduated as an architect and was working as one in Los Angeles when he was called back and asked ro join rlle group. He worked for about 9 years on die coalface of business in rlle iron and steel works.

"Shovelling limestone on d1e production floor was a greac levelJe.r," recalled die family heir.

Tara acknowledged that while he was initially pushed into the business by bis family, it later became meaningfol as he realised what he could achieve for the greater good of society through d1e business.

Talking of mentors, he mentioned JRD Tata, from whom he inherited dle Tata

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empire. They had a common love of aviation. He also mentioned Dr Bose, the owner of Lhe legendary audio company.

He listed his biggest achievement as streamlining me group.

W'hen he inhe1fred the group in 1991, me Tata Group was a loose confederation of over 300 companies mar he consolidated into 9 major groups. One of the major initiatives mat he used was to build a common identity for the group companies on me basis of quality and common standards.

His biggest contribution is leading d1e group from a conservative to a growth-oriented business group.

Ratan Tata has helped me group hold on to dle values and ernics as the cornerstone of mis empire.

He was proud d1ac in an age of deteriorating values, he bas kept the group fumJy on the side of integrity. "~vfy goal was d1at we will not succwnb to any corruption; I wamed to go home at night and be proud of what we had done," he said, sharing hjs personal ideals wirn me rapt audience.

Only 2% of die group is owned by me family, and the rest of the equity is held by various cl1aricable trusts. Tata received immeasurable satisfaction in continuing the trarution of caring for the communities in which d1ey operate.

TaU<lng abouc d1e AustraliaIndia business and economic relationship, he mentioned drnt

Chancellor David Gonski Australia has developed advanced technology in many areas, and India seeks some of it. In return, Australian business could rap inro the 350 million (soon to be 500600 million) strong midclle class.

He emphasized the role of sn1dencs in builrung bonds between cotrntries, going back to his fondness for the USA after he sturued and briefly worked mere.

Free trade agreement, exchange of smdems and internships is his three-pronged solution to puc our bilateral relationship to rlle next level.

Tam answered questions from rlle audience wid1 a great sense of htrn1our d1at had the audience in splits several times. He shared his learning, views and opinions on a range of subjects from business, democracy, role of women,

education ere. He asked young people, especially women, to get the best possible education and ro hold their ideals high in d1eir career, and this will lead to success. He also acknowledged that meritocracy was more important in die world rather than concept of quocas; quotas can create rusadvanraged groups out of advantaged groups, he said.

The conferral of UNSW's highest award ro Ratan Tata is an apt conclusion to an illustrious career during which he revived India's most respected industrial group and continued to shine a light for India's entrepreneurs and business people, on hmv to uphold values and work for society's greater good. Ratan Tara retires on December 28.

DECEMBER 2012 9

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t was a spectacular start to the Gujarati New Year at the BA PS Shree Swaminarayan event mid last month at Macgregor Primary School, Macgregor.

Immediately following Diwali, the Annakut ceremony saw in the new year with a traditional offering of food to the deities.

'An.nakuc' li ter,'l.lly means 'a moLmtain of food', and that is pretty much what it was, with nearly 1200 individual dishes prepared lovingly b y the congregation.

Following custom, the food - all vegetarian, of course - was arranged in tiers or steps in front of the deities, including Lord Krishna and Lord Swaminarayan.

The food items ranged from traditional vegetable preparations and curries from all. regions of India co desserts such as cakes, ice creams and puddings. There were

12 DECEMBER 2012

soups and fresh Jtiices; sweets and savouries, bakery items such as biscuits and breads; decorativdy carved fresh fnuts and freshly prepared salads, and many other items.

More than 50 vol unteers, men and women, bad worked diligently co prepare the food and decorations, w hich were arranged artistically.

It created a stunning display, \Vith lighting and decoration, and remained exhibited for 'darsh,111'.

After prayers, tl1e food was distributed to all members of the congregaaon.

Essentially, Annakut is a way of offering thanks to God for the comforts in our lives, and as such, is a great way of commencing the new year. If you are happy and peaceful on this day, it is believed, peace and happiness win be yours for the entire year.

Devotees sang the 'thoot, whicb includes kirtom (hymns) listing and glorifying the food items, presented rhythmically, as weU as hymns requesting the deities to accept the offerings and partake of them. This was followed by Arti, Annakut darshan and Mahaprasad.

The event was graced by two BAPS Swar□is (Hindu monks),Jnanpurush Swami and Adarshrnuni Swami, who travel extensively throughout Australia, New Zealand and Asia Pacific for spiritual and moral uplift. The two - hour long programme was nicely balanced with blissful bhrgons, orti, p1yo, discourses, a cultural drama and a video presentation of the Diwali celebration with His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj in Amdavad, India.

The tradition bas become a Swaminarayan mainstay all over tl1e world. In most displays, tl1e

sweets are seen placed closest to the deities. Often a mound of cooked rice is placed in the cen ere.

The mountain symbolism is see□ dsewhere in the layout of the food as well - the mithoi (sweetmeats) are usually stacked up in circular tower-like arrangements.

Legend has it that it .is Mt. Govardhan that is symbolized here. In one of the tales pertaining co Lord Krishna (the 'Govardhan Leela'), it is believed that Krishna had once lifted up the entire monntain and held it balanced on his little finger, to shelter the people of Vraj. Indra, the God of the Heavens, prone to egoistic tantrums, had unleashed a massive storm on the township of Vraj, incensed at its residents for honouring Krishna more than his own self. Krishna, wiili the help of ]\,fr Govardhan, sheltered tl1e people of Vraj for seven

days, until Indra relented. When the people thanked Krishna, he said they should pay obeisance to Govardhan Nath instead.

Anotl1er belief is that J\nnakut symbolizes the offering to God of the first harvest, and then distributing it to all. As each family added co the offering, the pile took the form of a mountain.

Whatever the symbolisms and legend s behind the tradition, the message essentially is generosity and welfare work, and is a joyful start co the Gujarati new year Vikram Samvat 2069, according co the Hindu calendar.

The BAPS cormmmity in Brisbane meets every Sunday from 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm at Macgregor State High School Macgregot; 29 Black wattle St. (end of Wadley St.), Macgreg01; QLD, 4109. Details Suresh Patel 07 3299-2929 or 0487 I BO 000.

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DECEMBER 2012 15

INDIAN NEWS .,,:::r

for the first time in 1989 &om Jalandhar in PLm jab, re-elected in 1998 when he was interim prime minister but he decided not to contest the 1999 elections, choosing to retire from electoral politics.

He spent his last decade writing and speaking largely on foreign policy issues and was much sought after in inteUectual and academic drcles.

~

China's naval modernisation a 'major, major concern': Indian navy chief

Gurvinder Singh Chandi of India (rear) passes the ball between the legs of Muhammad Rizwan of Pakistan (front) during their match on the final day ofthe International Super Series hockey tournament in Perth on Nov 25, 2012. Hosts Australia beat England to win the tournament, a lead up to the Champions Trophy which started in Melbourne on Dec 1.

Gujral: Gentleman politician who sought peace with neighbours Inder Kumar Gujral was India's prime minister for a brief 11 months in 199798. Bur the mild-mannered, soft-spoken politician, whose personality Aew against the political archetype, will be remembered primarily for his keen interest in p rotecting and promoting India's external interests and the eponymous Gujral Doctrine - his mantra for India's neighbourhood policy when he was external affairs minister twice i n a decade.

Tbe quintessential Congress member who later left the party to join the Janata Dal after differences with former prime minister Jndira Gandhi over her auroc.ratic ways, Gujral died this month at the age of 93, as quietly and gracefully as he had exited the political stage rwo decades ago.

In a way reAecti.ve of the man, who came to Delhi from Pakistan in the traumatic post-partition period, the Gujral Doctrine advocated magnanimity towards small neighbours in d1e interest of regional peace and progress.

"The logic behind the Gujral Doctrine was chat since we had to face two hostile neighbours in the north and the west, we bad to be at 'total peace' with all ocher immediate neighbours in order co contain Pakistan's and China's influence in the region," said Gujral in his autobiography i\tl.atters of Discretion.

Derided as a weak and conciliatory policy at the time when reciprocity was still rhe ruling mantra at South Block, the principle was nevertheless carried forward by successive governments. It helped change

16 DECEMBER 2012

mindsets and improved fodia's ties with irs neighbollrs through d1e years.

Gujral s aid: "When I finally demitced office (as prime minister) in March 1998, I had the satisfaction char India's relations with aU its neighboms were not o nl)' very healthy bur also, to a large extent, the elements o f misCTust and suspicion had evaporated."

Gujral headed the external affairs ministry tl1rm1gh two crucial period s (198990 and 1996-97) under first prime minister V.P Singh and tl1en H.D. Deve Gowda. He helped steer J ndia through the crises of the early 1990s, when India was making the difficult adjustmen t to the end of the Soviet Union, and the oil shock administered br Iraq's invasion of Kuwait (both important oil .suppliers to India).

T he Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) was being nego tiated during his seco nd term and bis period as prime minister. Despite strong i nternational pressure, India refused ro sign the unequal treaty as banning futme tests would have closed India's nuclear option.

The invasion of Kuwait not o nly disrupted India's oil supplies but, more imponantly, left almost 200,000 Indians stranded in tl1e region. Guj ral flew co Moscow, Washingto n and Baghdad and obtained assurances o n oil supplies from Moscow: In Baghdad he was greeted by Jraqi president Saddam Hussain with a hug.

Gujral was pilloried by the Western and sections of the Indian media for tl1at but tl1e visit ensured char rhe Indians stranded in Baghdad and Kuwait were allowed to be evacuated w hen "others were being held as guests".

Gujral re, ealed in his autobiography that in the general elections after the fuse NDA governmem led by Acal Bihari Vajpayee fell by just one vote in parliamen t, Congress president Sonia Gandhi offered him a Congress nomination for the polls. "ln case, 1 did no t wish to contest, she told m e that she would back my entry to the Rajya Sabha. H owever, I decided tha t having held the position of the prime minister o f lndia, I must refrain from switching parties and call it a day gracefully." lnder Gujral was born Dec 4, 1919 in the town of Jhelum on die banks of d1e river of the same name, now in Pakistan. His parents were freedo m fighters and members of the Congress but Gujral was drawn to the students' wing of the Communist Party of India.

He was sent to Lahore Borastal Jail for organising a demonstration.

Gujral came co D elhi after the l 947 partition and got involved in local poli tics, becoming closer to d1e Congress. Tn 1964 he was elected to the Raj ya Sabha wi tl1 lnclira Gandhi's backing. Three years later, in 1967, she made him minister of state for parliamentary affairs and communications.

When E mergency was imposed in 1975, he was the information and broadcasting minister. Bur he soon fell foul of Sanjay Gandhi and was relegated co the planning minis try. When his Rajya Sabha term end ed a year lacer, L1dira Gandhi sent him co Moscow as India's ambassador (1976-80) "since he refused to bow down to the d e facto powers (read Sanjay Gand hi)".

He left the Congress after his stint in Moscow, lacer joining die anti-Congress Janata Dal. He was elected to the Lok Sabha 7

Against the backdrop of Beijing's assertiveness in South China Sea, India's navy chief in a to ugh message early December said tl1e rapid modernisation of rhe Chinese Navy is a "major, major cause for concern" and declared support for an Indian firm's oil interest in the contested waters.

Navy chief Admiral D. K. Joshi robustly defended freedom of navigation and w1derlined that d1e force was .ready to protect the country's assets in the mai:itirne domain.

T he navy chief's remarks came on a day when ational Security Adviser Shivshan.kar Menon is in Beijing to hold tal ks with China's influential state councillor Dai Bingguo, Beijing's chief pointsperson for boundary talks.

"The modernisation (of Chinese Navy) is truly impressive... It is actually a major, major cause of concern for us, which we conrinuOL1sly e\Taluare and work out our options and o m strategies," Admiral Joshi told repor ters at the Navy Day p ress conference.

With an assertive China flexing its muscles in Soum China Sea, he also stressed char d1e Indian Navy will protect O GC Videsh's investments in oil blocks off d1e coast of Vietnam. " Our primary concern is freedom o f navigation. The ONGC also has blocks in die South China Sea. The navy is here to protect our interests in the maritime domain," he said.

"The Somh China Sea is a complex issue. \Xle are not a direct par ty. No teri:irorial interest is there for us," Jos hi mid reporters here to queries abom recent Chinese activities in the South China Sea. "In certain sectors ONGC Videsh has certain interests. le has energy exploration blocks, d1ree in number, and since it is an area of fodian interest the Inclian Navy, should there be a need, would stand by," he said.

"Nor that we expect co be in those waters very, very frequently, bm when the requirement is there for situations w here the country's interests are involved, for example ONGC Videsb, we will be required to go there and we are prepared for that.

"Are we holding exercises for drnr narnre?

The shore answer is 'yes'."

Joshi also rn1derlined that d isputes over freedom of navigation and territor)' within the South China Sea must be resolved wid1.in the ambit of international treaties.

"Not only us, but everyone is of tl1e view char d1ey have co be resolved by the parties concerned, aligned with the international regime, which is outlined in UN CLOS (United Nati.ons Convention on the Law of the Sea), that is our fi rst requiremen t," he said.

China's massive m ilitary build-up in recent years has evoked much concern among strategic circles in India.

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• "The accretion of trans-bo rder military capability by China is a matter o f legitimate concern for India," C. Uday Bhaskar, a strategic expert at the Society for Policy Studies, a think tank, told IANS. Bhaskar stressed that while China does not pose an immediate threat to India's interests, the Chinese modernisation needs to be monitored carefuUy. China's military budget has recorded a major upswing, and has officially couched $106 billion in 2012.

With an evolving strategic enviconmem on mind,Joshi focused on scaling up the lndian Navy's capabilities and spurring the modernisation of the naval infrastructure to meet a host of challenges.

"11odernisation and enhancemenc of the Navy's capabilities is an ongoing process, to meet emerging maritime challenges/ threats.

These include aircraft carriers, stealth frigates, destroyers, corvettes, amphibious ships and submarines."

"The Indian r avy would also be inducting state-of- the-art aiccraft and helicopters co augment our snrveiUance and integral aviation capabilities," he said.

More glamour than business at fashion week From Indian names including Zeenat Aman, Bipasha Basu, Genelia D'Souza, Shazahn Padamsee to international fashion icons like Paris Hilton, Miss Paraguay Leryn Franco and Nicole Huber, the second edirion of India Resort Fashion Week (IRFW) was more about glamour than bus.iness.

With as many as 30 shows, d1e four-da)' festival that was divided into three areas 'The Fashion Show', 'The Fashion Village' and 'The l\fosic Festival', concluded in Goa recently, with a energetic performance

by Paris, who visi ted me countrr for the second rime.

The first edition witnessed 15 designers showcasing d1eir talent, but d1e second edition had mo.r e names.

Some of d1e established names part of tl1e fashion fest were r arend.ra Kumar, Neeca Lu.Ha, Arjun and Anjalee Kapoor, Pria Kataaria Puri, James Ferreira, Falguni and Shane Peacock, Rocky S and Babita Malkani. \Xl'hen asked why there were lesser established names this year, Mumbai-based designer Narendra Kumar said diat people in India were little exposed to trends in resort wear. "l thin k I understand the value o f the resort week, other people probably do not understand or cannot make clothes that are different from one collection to other. Ir's important diat I participated and am sure d1ere will be more desiguers who will enjoy the mi" o f fi.m, fashion and music cogether in the coming days," be said. "l think the reson trend is relevant to lndia. le is one kind of doming that is perfect across India. le is probabl)' the best dung one could do," Kumar added.

Unlike last season, this fashion week was orgatused in open air, giving more space for designers to showcase d1eir creativity.

While space was provided, there were hardly any collections displayed for the buyers. Almost aU the stalls were empty, and d1ere was much .Leisure and chatting.

Shane and Flagu,u Peacock, who were the finale designers for the fashion week, said char orgaiusing a resort week is surely going to help the Indian fashion world.

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"Resort week is de6nitely a good ming to do for the Indian market and it was our guc feeling mac made us say yes to tlus event," said the designer duo, who rarely participate in Indian fashion weeks because of their international commitments.

Amit Patel from E -Sense entertainment, who brought some of the internatio nal names, including Paris, said that buyers from arotmd tl1e globe had flown in to see the collection.

"Indian fashion is much more appreciated outside India and with IRFW we strive to create a platform for all aspiring designers to showcase theic talent globally. Ir's a perfect blend of music and fasluon. Also there has been a lot of business as buyers from around die globe have flown in to watch die collection," said Patel.

Visitors at the lRFW seemed more drawn to the music than the fashion.

The four-day event had a robust line-up of Indian and international disc jockeys (DJs).

From Indian DJs like V ijay Chawla, Anish Sood and Clem ent D'Souza to international names like Sidney Samson, Dimitri Vegas, Like Mike and of course Paris Hilton, tbe music definitely attracted one and aU.

Pakistani daily rues delay in opening trade with India T he outreach to Lndia could be the centrepiece of me Pakistani government's foreign pol.icy credenrials going into the election, a leading daily said recently, lamenting that the process of trade liberalisation with New Delhi has been "gummed up because of parochial interests".

An editorial in the Danm said trade with India is supposed co be the game-cl1anger in relations between the two countries.

"Beerer ties with India, including flinging open d1e doors co mutually beneficial trade, is supposed to have become a bedrock principle among mainstream politicians. But few dungs here follow a smooth script," it said while .referring co Pakistan missing a self-imposed deadline to allow all tradable items to cross the land border wim India.

Agriculturalists and their supporters in cabinet are reluctant to endorse the government's own plan ahead of an election, it said.

"The d1inking is typically protectionist, and bereft of a full understanding o f what Pakistan would have to do after cabinet endorsement of trade liberalisation wid1 India. " ...given the quality of debate in me cabinet and the electoral considerations of politicians becoming paramounr with an election on the horizon, rational argw11ent is an unformnate casualty in decisionmaking," the daily added.

Equally worrying, tl1e editorial said, is how easily d1e decision-making process c:,11i be manipulated by vested interests, even on the civilian side.

"The outreach to India could be the centrepiece of this government's foreign poliq· ctedemials going into the election; the manifold benefits of trade, including the positive spillover for otber security aspects of me fraught Pakisrn.n-India relationship, are llt1deniable; and with an econom>7 struggling to ren1rn to a high growth path, every litde bit can help - and yet the process of trade liberalisation with India has been gummed up because of parochial interests."

Jc went on to say that after over six

South Australia Premier Jay Weatherill poses during his visit to the Sikh Shrine Golden Temple in Amritsar on Nov 17, 2012. Weatherill was in India fora tenday visit to increase trade business finks and student exchange programs.

decades of a "dispiriting" relationship with India, there are few reasons or excuses drnt have not been proffered to d1wart better ties. " Bur at least this much has become dear: withom bold and cou.rageous political leaderslup, meaningful iniprovements in Pakistan-India relations will never materialise," it said.

"The issues and disputes between Pakistan and lndia are very real. The hawks on the Indian side are equally real, as is the growing suspicion of Pakist,w across tbe Indian elite in goverornent, civil society and die media. But none of that is reason co stop trying. Trade is a win-win situation for both Pakistan and India; the federal cabinet needs to better educated in the matter," the daily added.

Tibet owes its religion to India: Tibetan PM-in-exile Attributing the success of die Tibetan democracic experiment in exile to Indian values and traditions, Tibetan Prime Minister-in-exile Lobsang Sangay recently said that the country "owed irs religion to lndia". " Tibet owed its religion to India and d1at it is owing to the proximity to India physically and spiricuaJJy mac tl1e T ibetan

struggle has conformed to the tenets of ahim.r,1 (n on-violence), dialogue and reconciliation," said Sangay, who took over as political successor to the Dalai Lania.

The Tibetan leader was speaking at me 'Sixth Dr. K .R. Narayanan Memorial Lecture' on the meme - 'Democracy in Exile: The Case of T ibet' a[ tl1e Jamia i\,lillia l slamia in New Delhi.

Harvard-educated Sangay, who was elected head of the Central Tibetan Administration, said that d1e Tibetan democracy, above all, owed itself to d1e vision of His H oliness the Dalai Lama.

On the importance of Tibet's water and ecology~ not just for India but for the environment sustainabili ty of me world, Sangay said d1ar continued destruction of natural resources, mindless expansion in d1e name of development and extensive militarisation wiU only add to global climate worries.

The Dalai Lama has lived in India since fleeing his ho meland in l 959. The Tibetan exile administration is based in Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh.

Some 140,000 T ibetans now live in exile, over 100,000 of them in India. Over six million T ibetans live in what is now known as the T iber Autonomous Region in China.

IANS

DECEMBER 20 12 17

COMMUNITYSCENE

Minority within a minority Same-sex issues discussed at South Asian GLBTIQ forum

I

a a first for Australia, the South Asian community came cogetber on l ovember 3 to talk abouc queer life for desis living here. The forum titled Lee's T alk: Being South Asian and GLBTIQ was arranged by Trikone Australasia, and held at ACON's Surry f-ljlls premjses. Sou tl1 Asiaus constimte one of A ltscralia's fastest growing comnmnities and hrul from the Indfan subcontinent, comprising countries such as lndia, Bangladesh, Palcistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and Maldh7es. The event brought

together over 60 people from varying culnual and religious backgrotrnds.

In a relaxed atmosphere, the audience heard the views of a panel of experts includjng health professional Aziz Mal1ee; psychologist Sekneb HammoudBeckett; social justice advocate and conunentator Senthonrn Raj; academic and auchor Dr Yasmin Tambiah; and lawyer Meena Sripathy. The panel discussed wide-ranging topics from human rights co d epictions of same-sex love in Hindu and Buddhist texts.

The audience listened attentively as the panel recounted d1eir own stories o f coming out in South Asian fanulies. Tbe presentations were followed by a lively and at times moving, question and discussion session chrured by Andy Quan, author and musician.

"Let's Talk has been a great opportunity for Somh Asians co come together and talk about issues drnt aren't openly discussed withjn mu commm~ties," said Alan Maurice, co-C hair of Trikone Australasia.

·'Tbe South Asian GLBTIQ community is a minority wid~ a minority, and at the forum we came cogether to talk about o m identi ty, our visibility and our communities.

Many GLBTIQ South Asians have co leave home to b e able to live their lives freely. \Xie hope that today is me first step u1 making this process easier and that it Lncreases the visibility of GLBTlQ Soud1 Asians so that others know d1ey are not alone," he added.

"The forum was fantastic,"

said a member of d1e audience. "\'7hen I first came our there were very few gay Soutl1 Asian people around. The organisers are creating something that has been needed for a long time."

Following its success, or1,,ranisers hope co make d1e event an annual fixmre on the GLBTIQ comrntrnity calendar. Let's Talk was sponsored by ACON and Parish Patience Immigration Lawyers.

Trikone Australasia can be contacted via www.ttikone.org.au Simon Ruth

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TRAVEL

From Garden Ci Bangalore has come a long way since its botanical nature has given way to the best of technology

he .late British Prim . e Minister Winston ChurchiU, during the early part of his life as an army officer, bad a three-year stint in Bangalore.

He didn't like the place. In his memoirs titled My Ear!J1Life, he described the city which the British capmred after defeating emperor Tipu Sultan in 1799, as a "tl1ird rate watering place wit!, !ors of rou tine work to do, without society of good sport".

However my experience was noming similar, when in the late seventies I first visited the elegant metropolis tl,at was founded by a chieftain called Kempe Gowda in the early 16th cenmry. Bangalore's colonial vestiges, architectural magnificence, historic sires and slow-paced classy Li fesryle filled with cocktails and cricket, three piece suits and horse racing were enough for me (and perhaps for many ochers) to fall in love at the first visir, and rhereafrer remrn rime and again.

Blessed with a salubrious clin,are, lush gardens, parks and namral lakes, it was men fondly called the Garden City. Along witl1 locals and tourists, I always enjoyed trund ling through the sprawls of me 240-acre Lal Bagh Boranical Garden and me 300-acre Cubbon Park mat provided a splashing green landscape for grandiose edifices such as me Neo-Dravidian scyle state parliai:nem house caUed Vidhana Soudha and the 19th cenrury red-brick High Court and Government Museum buildings, all located nearby.

Being not an awfully pricy ciry, I could then afford sleeping at Lhe opulent five star Ashok or me colonial West End for a price that was much less compared to similar horels in other Indian metros. I could dine in style at the rooftop Topkapi Restaurant, which was said to be owned by Bollywood actor Amjacl K han of Sholtry fame, before getting into disco mod e at one of me vibrant joints at Brigade Road.

I lost couch with my heartthrob after moving to Australia in the eighties, but the capital city of Karnataka state did n't lose her

T

20 DECEMBER 2012

phce in my heart Driven by that nostalgic feeling, few years ago I touched its soil again and was amazed by che quanttlm of change tbat has swept through me metropolis since my last visir almost 25 years ago. It was hard for me to spot the Bangalore 1 knew intimately.

As the plane was about to !and, me firsr change that hit me was hearing, "Our flight will shortly be landing at Bengaluru airport" .

Though I knew abour the name change, me announcement instantly created uncanny wimdrawal symptoms wimin me, something similar to tl1e experience of being taken away from your comfort zone.

The next lot of surprises came after entering the same old airport terminal building once dominated

by Indian Airlines, bur now sharing floor space with hordes of newly introduced domestic airlines from Spice Jet to Kingfisher.

Pushing my trolley through the mick mulrilingmu crowd, I realised how liberalisation of air travel has revolutionized tbe way a common lndian used to travel earlier. Air travel is no more me cartel of tl1e rich and the mighty; it bas almost become a common man's vehicle.

Stepping outside I found the carpark foU as usual, bm goodold Ambassadors and Fiats were replaced witl1 Toyorns, Opels, BMWs and Merced es, proclaiming India's economic progression parr.icularly in this city, due to me global convergence of tl1e information technology business.

Witl1 'jobs being Bangalored' as the western world quotes, my 'Garden City' is now crowned with her new ti tle, 'Silicon Valley of the East'.

My image of familiar Bangalore soon got lost in a new genre of a traffic-clogged metropolis sprinkled wit!, new flyovers, lofty office rowers, glittering shopping maUs, massive residential blocks and a plemora of luxury hotels, bars and resraurant5. Flavoms o f .Microsoft, Oracle, Pizza Hur and McDonalds have taken over me baton from HAL, HMT and those traditional 'Udipi' restaurants.

The city, wbicl1 was once a haven for wealmy retirees because of its slow- paced way of life, has become a hub for me younger generation keen on technology, money and a fast routine.

Forttmacely me magical transformation didn't take away my imrinsic liking for mis South

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Indian m etropolis that is steeped with history and culture. The warm hug o f welcome didn't disappear.

I enjoyed my time watching the b lend of old and new and left with a promise to return soon.

It took me another four years to seep in there again and guess w hat welcomed me? More changes!

This time l walked ouc of an ula·amodem airport located 40 km m.vay from the city centre; wafted around rhe ciry-hub using the new mecro rail; visited new trend y restaurants; saw more lmm_ry hotels li ke the plush Park Plaza near Mararhahalli junction; found that streets have become swirling sea o f cars and pedestrians while 1 stumb led on overhead cranes, bulldozers and dug up streets in every direction, a clear message that something n eater and bigger is on the way.

INDIAN LINK

I am told now that over 10 million passengers move an nually throug h the new airport which hints thar the ciry hasn't lost its charms, other than Time changing its offerings. What surprises me the most is d1e return home of many ymmg NRis mainly from the US, who prefer Bangalore to New Jersey or Los Angeles, from a Jjfes tyle and employment point o f view.

I came across a good number of international tourists. They trundled over popular stretches of MG Road , Commercial Street and Brigade Road taking pictures of colon ial buildings; crowcling the sw:nmer palace of Tipu Sultan, an elaborately decorated structure with o rnate arches and minarets; visiting the 300-year-old Venkataramanaswamy Temple: and lighting candles inside St. l\fary's Basika, d1e city's oldest church. I felt pleased to see my favourite city well-placed in the touristy circle.

But the w hy didn't Churchill like Bangalore? Perhaps during his tim e there was not much of action and entertainment in the sleepy cantonment to keep young Englishmen like him amused and occupied.

The thought came back to me when I visi ted the legendary Bangalore Club established in 1868 to meet the social needs for the city's European inhabitants. It is said that young Churchill, who was m iserably bored, spent time at iliis club, perhaps drinking locs of whiskey. le didn't do him any good; rather he left ilie city with a debt o f Rs 13 owed to me club.

The ledger book of the club from June 1899 is now displayed in the club prem.ises and bas 'Lt WLS C hurchill' named as one of 17 defaulters! lt is really amazing to see documentary evidence of a later-turned-ruigh ty Prime 1'1inister owing a small amount of mo ney ro an establishment i.t1 a country d1at

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crune wider his rule. Many Britis h citizens visiting the clL1b, after seeing Lhe deb t have offered to clear his dues, buc the club auchorities always politely refuse, saying mar hisrory is history, and can't be rewci cten !

GETTING THERE SingaporeAirlines (www.singaporeair.com) has convenient flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane Adelaide and Perth to Bangalorevia Singapore.

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DECEMBER 2012 21

SCHOOL

Building self-confidence and resilience An effort should be made in understanding children's awareness of themselves when tackling esteem and self-worth issues

arents and educators often assert that they would like children to have a healthy self-esteem and to be resilient in the face of change and uncercaint)'. 'Self-esteem' is a nebulous concept and it is more probable that parents and educators use the term to inilicate that they want their children co have confidence and a belief in !heir own abilities. In practice this should be seen when a child shows determination when faced with difficulty, who will make repeated efforts to master something when failure has been experienced, and who will also know when to scop if something is not quite working out.

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Encouragement le is often assumed that encow-agement is all diat is required co build a heal thy selfconcept. Praising a child can be very appropriate in reinforcing desired behaviow-. However in my experience, over-praising a child is acmally counterproductive for several reasons. Firstly, overpraising gives a child no room to grow. After all, from w here can a child grow? "That is SO awesome and I am numb ,vith amazement''.

Secondly, too much praise can make a child seek outside affirmation and can actually reduce d1e capacity for child to develop their own personal standards against which to strive.

ThirdJy, over praise tends co focus on wbat is clone (the outcome), rather tha n on how achievement feels. Thus, the outcome can be affirmed when che processes matter more.

A more confidence-building approach to encouragemen t would take the form of noting elements of performance and ilie journey.

Thus, acknowledging effort ilirough observations such as: "I notice that when you try your best you seem most happy?" or " It is good to do well and I can see you are happy. What makes me happy is iliac you are pleased wicl1 your effort."

Sometimes what appears to be enco1u-agement can actua.lly be quite destructive implied criticism.

This is particularly the case when ilie prompt co encourage comes from a parent or teacher's desire to have their own values and

22 DECEMBER 2012

standards imposed on another.

So, for example, a well-meaning parent may encourage hours o f study o r revision to instil an understanding of academic excellence and success.

Howe\7 er, some children struggle academically and may feel like ilie 'encouragement' places iliem under pressure. Worse, it can actually undennine the child's sense of worth because they will always feel not good en ough. ] meet so many children who are far behind their eyes because cl1ey are noc like their acad emically high achieving o lder (or younger) brother or sister.

Articulating the struggle for cl1e child is a good foundational step in building a sense of understanding and empathy. After all, children who understand cl1emselves are likely to be less sel.f-critical and more self-aware.

Th.is is intrinsic to feelings of self-confidence and self-worth.

In mis way a child can learn what d1ey find hard and then learn co manage strategies around dealing with things they find difficult.

Friendships One significant area where self esteem and inner confidence can be built arises in cl1e realm of friendships. All pa.rents and educators know mat friendships come and go, cl1ey change and cl1ey can be a somce of great happiness and sometimes also great pain.

If a child asserts that they are excluded from a friendship g roup it is common for a parent or teacher to reassure them by saying, "Just cry harder" or

"Friendships don't matter" or even "If you show initiative and be confident they will follow". l one of these statements actually emboilies dl1Se listening or understanding. A response like "Sometimes you feel left our and d1at makes you feel a bit lonely" is more likely to foster a sense in ilie child cliac ilie adult understands cl1em. lt may also lead to tears.

Protective parents and teachers may be more interested in solving the problem cl1ac being sciJJ with feelings and managing tears. Tears howe,1er, dry.

Unformnacely, a focus on solving me problem generally applies logic and rationalisation and misses d1e feelings aspect, d1us undermining a child.

Undermining and non-validation can last much longer.

This 1)1)e o f listening articulates and normalises feelings and is basic co validating a child. It also gives the children an oppornmity to further refine cl1eir own values, though ts and feelings around cl1e issue.

Parents and teachers may ask, "But doesn't this simply instil in the child a sense of negacivi1:y?" After all, articulating feelings of being left out and lonely sound s all very negative.

The reality is, in fact, o cl1erwise.

Starting with what is real means chat ilie child can learn to articulate at least what is happening v;rithin iliem. This is essential as self-understanding builds self-awareness and also confidence. le also leads to a better understanding of others.

After a child knows they a.re und erstood , a discussion

abouc inclusion and friendships can be broadened. ln cllis way, the issue can be dealt with, whilst boosting cl1e child and increasing their independence and capacity co understand.

Learning to fail Learning co 'fail' can be a significam source o f learning, maturing and growth. Both self confidence and resilience ('stickability') can be nurtured in an environment where the process matters ac lease as much as cl1e produce. Setting goals and challenging oneself to achieve them can place a child under pressure to perform. Goals can bring out the best in us, can encourage focused effort and a lso bring attention co helping a person be cl1eir best. In doing so, a person learns abouc himself.

When a goal is sec buc not acllieved, it is often characterised as 'failure' or rationalised through excuses and logic. But cl1e real feelings of disappointment need to be articulated and felt rather than snppressed, as otherwise there can be significam emotional blocks to caking a risk and trying. 1n cl1is way, achievement and effort can be understood and resilience bu.ilt. Following articulation, pa.rents and teachers can guide the child through the self-talk required for restoration. Thus, moving from "Somecin1es ic can be ilisappointing when we miss out on something we wan e" (articulation of feelings) to " If you were to give it anod1er go, what would you do differently and how could I support you wicl1

that?" (resilience and support).

An approach like ili.is makes non-achievemenc of goals less likely to be perceived as failure, and much more likely tO be a learning and confidence-building experience. As children get co know d1emselvcs, cl1ey can gee better at setting goals and learning how to adj ust to changes, and iliey can focus on the process of achievement, rather cl1an purely on the o utcomes.

In summary We all wane children to learn to be independent, confident and resilient. These notable qua.Ii ties are built through the way cl1e normal stuff of life is managed. Too often parents and educators bring a rational, linear and logical approach co solving problems and being supportive.

However, often well-meaning support is misplaced and actually undermines the child.

Scarring with the child and affirming chem for who cl1ey are is likely to build self-esteem, self-understanding and feeling of confidence. Nloreover, a focus on the means and processes helps children co integrate feelings and mus understand themselves whilst also learning abom the namre of adlievemeot and resilience.

www.indianlink.com.au

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BOOKS

Great Game East A unique novel tackles the global, political and social importance of a beleaguered country sa:ife in that sector hold me key to understanding the crue complexity of die hostilities and political ambitions that Asia's two giants harbour. In the Great Game East:

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n the old colonial days, the 'Great Game' was a reference to the rivalry between Russia and the British colonialists in India, over Afghanistan.

Later, the 'New Great Game' was the moniker given co the conflict between the \Xie.stern powers and Russia and China over Central Asia's oil and natural resources.

Across tl1e Himalayas, in the east, another great game has been on for some rime now between the two A~ian giams - India and China. The fight began over Tibet and now includes Northeast India, Myanmar, Bangladesh and the lndian Ocean one that will significantly impact the course of global politics, according co Bertil Llnmer, and be calls it the 'Great Game East'. Lintner has even devoted o ne chapter to lndoBangladesh relations in his book.

Strategically located at the crossroads of tl1e Indian subcontinent, China and Southeast Asia, tbe nordi-eastern states of lndia and the continuing armed

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India. Cbi11a and the Stmgg/efor Asir1 s Most Vol,,tile Frontier. (Harper Collins, India) Berti) Linmer - acknowledged as one of the foremost expercs o n insurgencies in the region - unpacks the layers and layers o f complex political intrigues and spy networks diat define the Grear Game East, and .looks at the geopolitics of that region. The defining rivalry is the India-China one, which saw a border war in l 962, and an uneasy peace since. Spies and agents from bodi countries have been stirring up trouble.in tbe \70)acile frontier areas all these years. Besides, intelligence agencies of various other countries (the United States and Pakistan, among them) have also been keeping a sharp eye on the developments in d1e region.

Lintner believes chat at the core. of China's covert interference in the region is the Indian Ocean which the country wants to penetrate for sa·ategic gains, wid1out India's interfere.nee.

China's role in north-eastern

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China's role in north-eastern India is not to create, but 'maintain instability' because it wantsto keep India out of Myanmar, says ' Berti/ Lintner

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Lintner

lndia is not to create, but ' maintain instability' because it wants to keep India out o f Myanmar, says Bertil Linmer. The intricate net of intrigues has kept tl1e game going, d1e writer says. "ln 1950, China invaded Tibet after which the Ameticans began to support the cause of an independent Tibet. In 1959, the Dalai Lama Bed co India and China was angry. In a few years, China attacked Inclia resulting in the border war of 1962 and by the mid1960s, China decided to support d1e rebel movement in the nord1east. Pakistan was also interested...

Difficult games are being played in

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. ............................................ the region," says Llntner.

Myanmar wim .its ed1nic groups along the border was in die crosshairs. Lintner says, '1t is difficult for Myanmar ro lessen irs dependence on China; d1ey can't do it. China will always be there...

As for Myanmar's ethnic con flicts, they will always be there. These conflicts ha\ e existed for hundreds of years - starring with Myanmar's ancient warrior kings waging their wars against the non-Myanrnarese nationalities and continuing to dlis day - and are not likely to go away any tinie soon".

Lintner, who is recognised as an e.,-..:perr on :Myanmarese issues as well as on South Asia, was one of tbe first outsiders to reach i'v[yanmar's isolated northern-he.Id rebel areas; and reach China from India's nordieast after a 2,275-km 7

overland trek in 1985. Lintner has been the FEER correspondent for Southeast Asia for 20 years, and has written several books on :Myanmar, die Golden Triangle, South East Asia, Ch.in.a and Korea. This book needed co be written - as few comprehend or appreciate the myriad of co mplexities or the significance of that region better d1an Lintner. The book has an entire chapter on die relationsbip between Assam and Bangladesh, and it will surprise the reader: tbe massive migration from Bangladesh and tbe conflicting separatist movements and the struggle for land. This is a mustread for anyone who wishes to gain an understanding of d1e political fun1te of a continent, or tbe world.

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DECEMBER 2012 23

OPINION

Spare more than a thought

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C

hrism1as is a universal festival in a country like Australia. Schools and workplaces have their own Xmas parties.

Children, no matter of what religious denomination, expect to receive presents a t Chrisrmas-time and tO show those gifts to

organisations in the USA. They were set ,1p by super-rich people like Ford, Carnegie, Bill and Melinda Gates, and B uffet. President O bitma in his victory speech, rightly told a cheering audience, "Wlc believe in a genero,,s America, in a compassionate America ... " Likewise, talented young Americans who arc hit by the burdens of recession can expect, in a non-disc.riminarory atmosphere, to be helped along. Obama continued his speech, " ...in a tolerant America open to the dreams o f an im migrant's daughter who studies in

o ur schools and p ledges ro our flag, to the young boy o n the so uth side of Chicago who secs a life beyond the nearest street corner, to the furniture worker's child in Nortl1 Carolina who wants to become a doctor o r a we need to ponder on those It would be hoped families which have been scientist, an engineer or an that the super-rich entrepreneur, a diplomat or dealt a sudden shock, such in Australia would as by H urricane Sandy when even a president." set up philanthropic numerous people were Obama's poignant words foundations as the affected. Some have had apply to all countries, super-rich Americans partial ltJsses such as the particularly tl1ose which are loss of children's coys, whilst doing well like A ,,stralia and tJthcrs virtually lost everything. which take: pride in being have done. ' ' Severa.I neighbourhoods have considered as democratic. seen incredible des truction by They apply to India as the force of waves and by fire, such as along well, and they encapsulate the teachings of the waterfrom in Man hattan.

Maham,a Gandhi.

I Ierc in A ustralia, we have been spared I ndian readers can take time-honom ed such devastation. I Iowever, there have been conceptS of Indian philosophy to d raw a other shocks. In recent weeks and month s, roadmap (mnrga) for tl1e future. That is why numerous workers, such as in manufacturing CJu jscmas and New Year is considered as a ind ustries, have suddenly been made good time for making resolutions. red undant; their families cannot celebrate as Those who are well-off can reach o ,,t to they would normally do. Early November tl1osc who arc suffering (dukha) and give them saw the loss of 400 m an ufacturing jobs in solace (da11) which m ay o r may not be material V ictoria alo ne. help; there is no substitute for sym pathy which The Australian l\fanufacturing Workers is sincerely given. T he term dan is akin to the Union (AMWU) mlldc French donner and English a cash donation to help donation. Giving can be support the homeless witl1 material or emotional. emergency accommodation.

Those wh o are doing well Some of tl1ese eould actually should refrain from the greed Those who are wellbe members tJf the union (tnh11a) of constantly acqui1·ing off can reach out who now face hardship. more. They m ay also do to those who are T he m uch-loved D arrell Lea well by refraining to Aaunt suffering (dukha) and their wcaltlJ o r ind ulging confectioners arc expected give them solace to close stores and reduce themselves excessively in the prod uction while cu tting pursuit of sensual p leasures some 160 jobs. There are (k.oma /1111/Ja), whilst those (dan) ' ' thousands of jobs being lost around them suffer for want in the motor car industry, i.n pharmaceuticals of tl1c mere basics. and in Q antas.

Those who moan that the Indian The pain su ffered by workers and thcir community in A ustralia has numerous families gets exacerbated when company associations based on differcm languages and management gets rewarded with higher pays religions sho uld consider that at times Li.kc and bonuses, despite their workers getting Christmas they might actuall)' be a strength, because they may be the best placed to provide retrenched.

It is situations like tl1esc that p ut heavier companionship and solace to those members pressure on charitable o rganisations like of their communities who feel distressed th e Salvation Army. I t wou.ld be hoped that and lonely.

Let me close witl1 tl1e following lines from the super-rich in Australia would set up philantl1ropic fo,mdatio ns as the super-rich Rabindranath Tagore's celeb rated Geetmyali: Americans have done.

117/Jn·c the 111it1d i1 J11itho11t.fear I lowcver, the stare of Victoria has been and thr bead is held h(gh; said to have quietly gained some 13,000 IV/Jere k,110111/edge is ji'e.e; m anufaem.ring jobs in the private sector (Ian IP-here the world bas 110! bee11 hrokm 1tp Po rter, Fai1·fa.x Media). One would wish snch t//!o.frag111ml.r ~'J' 11a1r01v rkit11estic 111al/J; enterprises every success.

11110 that hea11e-11 efJreedot11, ll!J Father, Those who arc suffering th e aftcrmatl1 of let 11!)' co11nhy al/lake.

I [urricanc Sand y can exp ect to receive some (Geetmyali, Bengali 1910, English 1920) their friends. Shopping centres play C hristmas songs and are well-decorated at Yuletide and thus, one cannot escape a permeation of cbe Xmas spirit in the atmosphere.

At a time of such festivities,

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AN AUSSIE BOY IN CHENNAI

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Dilemmas of an ussie guy in Chennai living in India has brought about a strange, comforting and paradoxical sense of belonging in the author

fter eighteen monchs in India, my time as 'An Aussie Guy in Chennai' is now drawing to an end. Over the last year and a half I've had made lots of friends, seen som e amazing sights, learned a lifetime's worth of lessons, suffered frorn 'Cbennai drnnder' twice, and significantly improved m y knowledge o f H indi.

(Unforruna[ely, the latter came at the expense of tongue- twisting Tamil, which l have failed to pick up despite some attempts).

I have battled tl1e bureaucracy, the heat and humidity an d the traffic, and been hie at low speed by a motorbike (me driver was most apologetic, and I walked away with barely a scratch). I've visited north, soum, ease and west ar ound the nation w hich I now feel is somewhat an adopted home for me.

Throughout my time in India, on e question 1 have grappled with is w hy I like ir here. Som e say it's tl1e preferential treatment I receive as a foreigner although tl1at actually makes me ramer uncomfortab le. Some have pointed to the exoticism and glamour of living abroad, although 1 promise mere were just as many unpleasant experiences as [here were enjoyable. A Hindu approach might suggest tl1at I lived in India in a previous life, and felt chat I had come home. A M L1slin1 or a Sikh might suggest that the sense of community is responsible, being dose co the m11111ah or the shcma11 di kau111, though I might not know it. A Marxist might tell me that I have turned my back o n tl1e materialist West, but anyone who shops in India knows that's not true!

Two years ago I wrote an article entitled 'Indophile' in which 1 declared my love for India, and spoke of the eve.ryday spirituality which enchanted m e with every visit. Having now lived here, I can rea.ffum these sentiments.

Yes it's dirty, polluted, crowded, fi:ustrati.ng, difficult and all the rest of it. However tl1ese un pleasant facts of life might only serve to heighten one's awareness of o ther aspects. Unlike me subdued rises and falls of Ji fe in Australia, the highs and lows of life in lndia are extreme, terrible and beautiful.

A

INDIAN LINK

India is really a country that you feel. As a feeling person, as a spiritual person, 1 can ho nest!)' say tha t I felt at home here and would stay longer, possibly forever, if I had the option. Perhaps I am actuaUy suited co Indian life?

Perhaps it was S[eppi.ng out of my own society and inro o ne where I was anonymous, where I could be whoever I wan ted to be, where I would be judged differencl y - isn't that what so many of us love about b eing in a foreign country? Being a novelty soon wears off, but tl1e feeling of breaking free from tl1e shackles of our native society is a powerful drug. How many Indian A ustralians love their lives in Australia for tl1at reason? When we leave o u r native country to live abro ad, \Ve offer a contract to our own selves; that we will relish the positive aspects of life in a new nacion, witl1 [he negatives as a small cost. Without such a contract, living abroad wouldn't seem worm it: "Oh yes, Australia has its problem s, but look at the benefits!" is a phrase wbid1 can be applied both ways. Not to mention the fact that we often judge our own culture much more harshly than we do others - how many people pass off (or don't notice) negatives in foreign countries when the same ming in thei.r own would make them cringe? Maybe mis is che secret co why I love it here.

Pei:baps t hese questions will never be answered. Ar me end of a year and a half in India, there are still many q uestions to be answered, asid e from mese. \Vhy is 'India the superpower' an ideal fasc-becom.ing reality, yet development for the average Indian is largely an elusive dream? Why, after 65 years, has so little changed in me nation's relationship with Pakistan? Why is Indian politics so dominated by stuffy, bureaucratic, corrupt old men when the country's youth have so m uch exciting porential?

Why is Salman Khan no t in jail?

Maybe like tbe reasoning behind my affection for India, we'll never solve these. Bm India is a riddle w hich might not need solving.

As D ev Patel's character iu ThP Best Exotic Marigold Hotel said time and time again, "Everything will be alright in the end. If it's not alrig ht, it's not the end ". Say wbar you like about me film, truer words were never spoken about life in India - there is hope, no matter how futile, that things will be better. It's a lesson we could all use from time to time.

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Indian is largely an elusive dream?

Why, after 65 years, has so little changed in the nation's relationship with Pakistan? Why is Indian politics so dominated by stuffy, bureaucratic,

~

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the country's youth have so much exciting potential'! Why is Salman Khan not in jail?

'' DECEMBER 2012 25

INDIADIARY

Australia supports revival of Nalanda University This historic University will emulate the same high standards ofeducation as its original namesake

alanda is situated about 80kms south east of the city of Patna, capital of the state of Bihar in India, and is borne to the ruins of tbe ancient Na.landa University. Lord Buddha is said to have visited this site.

Historical sources indicate that the ancienr and original Na.landa University had a long and illustrious life which histed almost contiuually for 800 years from 5- 12 century CE. Ir was !he first residential international educational institution in the world which housed about 10,000 students and 2000 teachers. Its educational model. emphasized inter-civ.ilizational connections and the development of interAsian interactions. India at that time was considered a leading place for imparting knowledge, and Nalanda's reputation attracted scholars from distant countries such as China, Turkey, Korea, Japan, T ibet, Mongolia, Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.

Close to the end of the 12th century, Na.landa was destroyed by invaders. The period from which Nalanda ceased co exist was a time that the great universities of the western world came into being, marking the sbift in knowledge production and dissemination from the ease to the west. Only Al Azhar in Cairo (972 CE), Bologna in Italy (1088 CE) and Oxford in the United Kingdom (11 67 CE) had been founded before the destruction of alanda.

Recently, d1e idea o f a new university has been mooted, at the sire o f this old institution of earning. ln June 2007, d1e Government of India announced the establishment of a new university close to the sire of the original Nalanda.

A Nalanda ·M entor Group was constituted under the Chairmanship of Nobel Laureate and Bharat Ratna awardee Prof Amartya Sen. This included members from Singapore, Japan, China, Thailand, UK and India.

TI1e Parliament passed the Na.Ia.nda University Act in 2010 following \vhich d1e University came into existence on 25 November of the same year, as a non-state, nonprofit, secular and self-governing international institution with a continental focus that would bring together the brightest and the most dedicated students from all countries of Asia.

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26 DECEMBER 2012

The ruins of Na /anda in modern day Bihar

The unique cl1aracter of Nalanda University is that its revival was welcomed not only by lndians, but also by Member States of the East Asia Summit (of which Australia is a member) th.rough a Joint Press Statement issued at the EAS Summit in Thailand in Ocrober 2009, co strengthen regional educational cooperation, understanding and appreciation o f each od1er's heritage and history. l alanda University is an international university and has been declared as an institution of national importance.

Inter-Asian linkages, such as those which grew out of Nalanda, had declined during the colonial period, but have been revived in recenr decades.

It is anticipated drnt L alanda will again play a major role in Asian connections sim.ilar to the one it played in the past. The University aims co build for contemporary Asia, an appreciation of Asian achievements and mutual learning as exemplified by tbe original Nalanda.

The University regards Easr Asian Summit member states as partners and sees their role as central to forming links berween nations separated by geography, but linked to one another for centuries. The most obvious interactions will be through collaborative projects, University level tie-ups, and student exchanges. It is hoping to aru-act the brightest students and faculty from around the world and establish a global centre of scholarly excellence.

The site of the University is located about 10km from the sire of the original Nalanda University. The University plans to embark on a new concept of campus building by emphasising sustainability and environmental sensitivity at all levels while developing the campus. As an integral part of this innovative approach, d1e developmenr will consciously 'walk' the path of Net Zero. The ultimate aim is to achieve a campus that is Net Zero Energy, Nee Zero Emission, I er Zero Waste and Net Zero Water.

The University plans co stare the first two of its seven Schools - d1e School of Ecology and Environment and the School of Historical Srucljes - in 2014.

Other Schools will be started subsequently i□ phases. The University wiU reach its planned maximum intake of smdems by 2021-22.

The estimated cost of establishment of d1e U niversity, exclurung che cost of land measuring about 450 acres, which has been provided free by the Government of Bihar, is expected to be Rs 2150 crores or $400 million approx. In d1e Joint Press Statement, the member scates of EAS had encouraged appropriate funding arrangemen ts o n voluntary basis from governments and o d1er sources, includjng public-private partnership. Thoug h some EAS member scares have already made or offered some contributions to the University, bulk of d1e funding at present is being provided by tl1e Government of India.

A ustralia, as an important Member State of the East Asia Summit, has been supporting the project. le was party to d1e Joint Declaration issued by EJ\S in ThajJand supporting tbe establishment o f Nalanda University. The Government of Australia has also offered co finance a Chair in the field of Ecology and Environment at d1e U niversicy, and Prime J\,[inister J Lilia Gillard during her recent visit co India confirmed that chis grant would commence in 2013.

The first gift to tbe University has also come from Australia in the form of a large collection of books o n medieval Chinese and Korean history. This is a collection by late Prof Ken Gardiner of Australian ationa.l University.

Ao incidental link of tbe University wid1 Australia pertains to personnel - d1e present High Commissioner of lndia, Mr Biren Nanda and the Consul General in Sydney, Mr Anrn Goel were among the fuse few officers i □ the Ministry of External Affairs to handle this project on behalf of the Gm,er□ment of India. Ir is hoped d1at they will maintain their liok wid1 Nalanda and encourage further close participation by Australia in this prestigious project. i\forr detaiLr at 11111m•.1wla11d111mii1.td11.i11 Sudhir K1111111r is aJor111er t11w1her of

th,· Indian Pore{r,11 Serl'ire a11d had se,nd a.s a Co11s11/ }11 the C01wdatc General o/ Indi,1. Syd11tyJro111 1999 to 2002. _ lfier retimm11fJi·om the service, he isprwwt(>' rrorki11g 11s a C1ms11/to11t with }\J11lt111d<1 U11i1·e1:ri!J•

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ij

FASHION

Military Grab attention with army jackets, skinny cargo pants and lace-up boots

1,.

BY

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TA_LI~ KAUR_'

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ilicary fashion as a trend is nothing new; in fact, it's been o n the rise since 2008, coming back every few seasons; but this time it seems like it's here to stay. In 2012 we saw cbe military trend evolve from a cough edgy look co a more chic look in collections by Alexander Wang, Tommy Hilfiger and Victoria Beckham. Items like army jackets, skinny cargo pants and lace-up boots are easy ways to wear this trend and of course, the earthy palette of olive greens and neutrals along with clean cuts is a perfect compliment to every wardrobe. This is a perfect trend to cake advantage of - once you get a few staple military pieces in your wardrobe and you know bow to style them to suit your personality, you'JJ be sec for many seasons co camel Here are a few ways co rock your military chic look.

Rock Chic This style is all about toughening up your loo k with detailing such as structured jackets, sbouJder pads and large gold buttons. Gold detailing and ornate trims re,1lly sec off the slick military cllts and add a little extra energy co yom outfit. An easy way co pull off tl1e rock chic look is with a simple, yet edgy military jacket- it's a musthave! These can be of various types with different lengths, fabrics, curs, embellishments and shades - just experiment and wear a jacket that fee ls comfortable and reAects your personality so you feel confident when wearing it.

A personal favouri te that gives a great edge to an outfit is a khaki coloured jacket with black leather sleeves. Pair it with some black skinny pants o r shiny leggings and smdded ankle boots or even a pair of killer heels, and you've got yourself the ultimate rock chic m.iJi cary outfit.

Feminine The key to keeping military looks feminine is to choose fitted pieces. The most feminine way of wearing this trend would have to be by wearing skirts. Military skirts ending just above ilie knee are classy and versatile - team tl1em up with a white or nude formal shirr to dress it up, or a plain black or white t-shirc to

dress it down. i'vlilitary jackets can also be played up wiili a feminine touch. Pair a red military jacket with a dark coloured Aoor-length gown and fu1ish off with some jewels. It adds a pop of colour and edge, while sciJJ remaining soft and ladylike. Another way to make this trend feminine is a brass-buttoned jacket with a peplum finish. The peplum style has been big the past few months and is a super girly addition to any outfit.

The cut allows it to show o ff your curvy sill10uette, but tl1e darker green colour still ensures your keeping up witl1 the military trend.

A Ii ttle black dress is also a no-faiJ option, bm look for militaristic vibes such as button-from details or inclusions o f khaki colours.

To maintain tbat edgy feel, accessorize your LBD with a fur collar, some statement jewellery and a pair of heels.

Casual This look is probably che most easy to achieve. A military trend shire is a very versatile piece of clothing. You can mck ir in or leave it open. You can use it as an outer layer or wear it under a jacket. Chose an army-style buttoned shin, leaving it open and contrasting it with tighter, more polished pieces inside. Play around with proportions too - a slim pencil skirt witl1 a loose khaki sweater on top with some ankle boots is a perfect casual look. A pair of pan cs is also a basic yet versatile military trend item. It works for everyone as it suits all types o f bod)' frames. For a casual look, opt for distressed, day panes in shades such as olive, khaki and even navy. These pants should be worn witl1 a very simple black, white or nude coloured cop.

Not only does tlus immediately make the putEt look and feel more -relaxed, it also allows all tl1e attention to be focused on the trousers. Feel free ro add a few fun necklaces and bangles or a printed bag since tl,is is a casual look.

Even the most basic uliliraryinspired pieces deserve a dose of print. A leopard-printed bag is rhe perfect offset to a mix-and-match casual military omtic.

However, as with any heavily themed trend, the trick is neYer to go overboard - one piece per our6c is always enough whether it's incorporating tbe coolest military trench coat into your wardrobe, or pairing khaki coloured jeans with a favourite striped shirt. Don't be afraid to experiment and see wbac you're most confortable wearing because in tl1e end, pulling off che military trend is aU about having confidence!

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ll

WELLNESS

7 bad pantry foods With the New Year nearly upon us it's time to clean out the pantry and make a fresh, healthy start

hatyoucook as meals and whar you eat is mainly determined by what is available in your pantry.

If it includes healthy nutritious food, that is what you would be eating; bur if your pantry is either not stocked with healthy options or stocked with calorie laden foodstuff, you would eat out or get takeaways or end up preparing high-calorie meals.

The first step towards a healthy diet is co stock your pantry with healthy foods and throw the extra calories, sodiw11, fat, sugars and preservatives into the bin.

Here is a .List of food items that your pancry could do without:

W

Soda and high calorie sweetened beverages One of the worse foods in the pantry is sweetened beverages, as these are just empty calories without providing any nutrition.

Even diet soft d rinks have artificial sweeteners and caffeine w hich may n ot be good for us. Ioscead, ope for natural refreshing drinks like lemon jruce,;,1!Jeem, coconut water, green tea or fruit juice. Drink plenty of water, as it is the best drink.

High sugar snacks and cereals High sugar cereals made ,vitb refined sugar and flour contribute no nutrition and do n or even satisf}• brmger for a long time, as these are h igh Gl. Some sugarladen cereals are even worse than candies. Loaded with white flour, most often from wheat, corn or rice, and refined sugars such as high-fruc tose corn syrup, most breakfast cereals are not a good way ro start the day. Cookies and candy bars are also high GI carbohydrates and no nutrition, and will provide you with only m omentary boosts of energy.

Pick cereals and cookies with wbolegrains listed as one of the first ingredients and those that are hig h i n fibre.

High fat pre-packaged mixes and meals These foods are lade□ with saturated fats, trans-fats or

INDIAN LINK

hydrogenated fats. Trans-fats are chemically altered saturated fats that show up on food labels as 'partially hydrogenated' or 'hydrogenated oil'. Hrdrogenared fars are created when oil has hydrogen added to it - a process designed to extend the shelf life of the products that contain ir. These fats raise levels of bad (LDL) cholesterol while lowering levels o f good (HDL) cholesterol, which can lead to heart and other health problems, and have also been associated with some cancers. These are also high in sodium and may cause hypertension. Try to make your own sauces and gravies at home with fresh ingredients, less salt and no preservatives.

Refined flour Products made from refined flour such as white bread, bagels, pasta, crackers, mrtillas and cookies are low in Gl and do not make you full.

White Aour has been ground, processed and stripped off the outer layer of fibre and nutrients. Replace these white flour products with produces made with wholegrain Aour w hich contains more nutrients and fibre such as muJtigrain, soy linseed or pnn1pkio seed bread, wholewheat bagels and buns and oats. Replace rice w ith low G I brown rice or basmatj rice.

Processed meats Processed meats are high in saturated fats, calories and sodium. These include sausages, salami and ham. They also contain chemicals that are known to be carcinogenic. Try to avoid processed meats or at least limit your intake and balance by eating more fruits and vegetables. Even better, choose organ.ic meat and unprocessed chicken and turkey, and round ir out by eating more fish as a smu:ce of protein to get more omega-3 Ears.

Chips Open a packet of potato chips and it is gone. This is o ne food yo u start to ear and never seem to stop until the whole packet is finished, especially if you are sitting in from of the television or wo.rking on a computer. But chips are h igh in salt, oil and mostly trans-fats. These just add empty calories and provide no nutrition.

Instead, try snacking on nuts or unsalted popcorn.

Salad dressings Sometimes you sacrifice a high-calorie meal wi ch a salad, but if it full of high calorie d ressings. Yo u are better off having a regular meal. It is sometimes surprising as to the amount of fats and sugars in salad dressings. And generally. far reduced salad dressings have more sugars than regular salad dressings. Most o f the bottled salad dressings are very high in sodium too. Even i.f a bottled salad dressing is low in sugar, salt and contains no bad fats, most dressings bought at the supermarket contain preservatives, artificial food d yes - and some contain monosodium glucamare.

These hoLidays, clean up and srock your pantry carefully and enjoy healthy food.

SPORT

Gentlemen of the game Two of the world's greatest cricketers are honoured for their passion, courage, talent and integrity

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BY RITAMMITRA

n October, the Sydney Cricket Ground played host to the seven th annual Bradman Gala Dinner, a truly memorable event that recognises not just cwo of the greatest cricketers of all rime, bur rwo gentlemen who exemplified the values of integrity, respect, 2012 Bradmon Gala Dinner and determination - traits char Sir Donald Bradman brought co the game more successfully than most. This yeac, the recipients of the honour were Australia's Glenn McGrath and India's Rahul .., Dra,Tid. :r 0 Each year since 2006, The ~ Bradmao FoLmdation has 8C: honoured a successful past ~ '< cricket player who brought co ~ the game every otmce of passion and courage expected of a Test ~ cricketer, but left pride in the wake of humility botl1 on and off the field.

5 ~ Tbe list of past Honourees is er :, few and exclusive - the list reads: Norm O' Neil, Neil Harvey and Australian captain and now Patron Arthur Morris (who were both of me Bradman F'oundarion, paid tribute co both, McGrath and in attendance on the night, and Dravid on their achievements. are also the only two surviving members of Bradman's 1948 Benaud is synonymous witl, the 'lnvincib les' ream), Sam Loxton, Australian summer of cricket, and as one of the most respected Bill Brown, Alan Davidson, cricket personalities in history, the Dennis Lillee, Sunil Gavaskar, Adam Gilchrist, Rid,ard Hadlee praise he reserved for these two players will certainly rank among and Bob Simpson.

If it wasn't already rough rneir proudest honours. enough to find more iJJ ustrious Benaud aptly summed up the company, the 20 12 Bradn1an esteem in which Dra\Tid is held worldv,,ide sa}~ng, " He represenrs Honourees managed to raise tl1e everything that is decent about bar. Altl1ough Dravid was unable to attend the function because of dtis great game." Benaud also looked back 011 calling Dravid's an illness in the family, he gave his acceptance speech through debut match at Lord's - a debut a familiar voice - former Prime he shared wid, Sourav Ganguly with gemtine fondness.

Minister John Howard delivered Dravid's words co an audience Joint Honouree Glenn packed with paSt cricketing icons, McGrath was no less generous in his praise of Dravid hin1self. "I'm after they had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity co have drinks on proud to accept tltis alongside the field and rake a phoco witl, a Rahul; ro me he's a guy d1e Australian team respec ted more very realistic curour of the Don himselJ. tl1an any other in the world. He's a class player and a top bloke. "l remember tl1e excitement tliat went through Indian cricket There are a lot of memories with when we heard di e news tlur him - good and bad, of course Bradman had seen Sachin one rime in KoUrnta be and VVS Tendulkar bar on TV and thought (Laxman) batted all day," he said. he batted like him. It was more In Dravid's absence, however, McGratl, was the focus of the than mere approval; ir was as if the great Don had finally passed 1tight, with tributes being paid not on his torch. Not to an Aussie or only to his wonderful career - he an Englishman or a Wesr Indian. rook 563 wickers in Test matches and 381 in ODis, retiring as tlJe But to one of our own," said leading Test match fast bowler Dravid tl1rough Howard.

Ridtie Benaud OBE, tl1e former o f all time - but also to his work

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30 DECEMBER 2012

in establishing d1e Jane McGrath Foundation, whose 78 McGrath Breast Care [ urses now support over 16,000 Australian families.

McGrath has also recently taken over from Dennis Lillee's role as the director of MRF's Pace Foundation fast bowling academy in Cheunai, under which howlers like Javagal Srinatb, Zaheer Khan, Brett Lee and Chaminda Vaas have all prospered. Ind eed, even Tendulkar spenr some time at the academy in his younger yeacs, training to become a fast bowler.

McGrath's stature in die gan1e as one of the most respected greats will certain ly have a significam impact in ltis nurmring of the next generation of fast bowlers. " To srnnd here (at tl1e SCG) it's a.mazing co see w here the time goes. I feel privileged and lucky to represent Australia for founeen yeacs. I sciJJ get goosebumps when I walk out onto the SCG - it's my favourite grotmd in the world. To tltink about where l grew up ... to think I was lucky enough to play for Australia for fourteen years alongside guys liJ(e Steve Waugh, Martl1ew Hayden and Gilly," reminisced McGrath in what was a humble and heartfelt speech.

P lenty of otl1er fast bowling greats were present on tl1e night - 2009 Bradman Joint Honouree, Dennis Lillee, as weU as Ltis partner-in-crime Jeff Thomson formed pact of a ·w orld Series

Cricket 'Expert Panel', along with Rick .McCosker and Richie Benaud.

Quizzed by Stuart Clark (who was sci.lJ fresh off tl,e plane from the Sydney Sixers' Champions League triumph in Soutli Africa) and Tin1 Gilbert, tl1e quarter gave some fascinating insights into the rise of World Series Cricket and the chaJJenges it overcame to change the face of cricket forever.

The players looked back with perhaps bittersweet nostalgia about the tough ti.me tl,ey had as players in the face of a regime under which players received little pay and relied on en1ployers being accommodaring with leave requests, making it impossible for players to support their families.

Benaud continu ed to charm with his quips - saying Cricket Australia, formerly known as the 'Australian Board of Control', was named so "for good reason".

Thomson in particular was the crowd favourite, and perhaps with good reason - he bowled some qttick-fire b0tmcers at the late Kerry Packer (all in good humour of course) to prove that he was sciJJ as sharp as a tack. Incredulous at the amount o f money Packer had thrown at the game in order co bring entertainment value to cricket and professio nalise the players, Thomson's selfdeprecating humour and

McCosker's raw admiration for the West Indian quicks at the tin1e Holding, Garner, Croft, Roberts typified d1e relaxed yet interesting conversation.

Lillee summed up Packer's influence on rhe game with tl1is: "Every single professional c1:icketer should find Kerry Packer's gra,Te and worship him."

And indeed they might - Lillee recalls being paid in the vicinity of $400 a Test match at the rime.

The night was stiU however, mostly abour the two Honom:ees - and McGrath and Dravid are two of iliose gentlemen in the game's history who are, qttite simply, in a class of thei.r own.

www.indianlink.com.au

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Searching for something out ofthe ordinary A amir Kh~n n~ver ceases to surprise viewers.

In Talaash, he does so quite literally. The complex screenplay, succinctly written, interlays smoothly police investigation wit h personal emotional turmoil of the characters, making Talaash a nail-biting thriller.

The plot, about a police officer Surjan Singh Shekhawat (Aamir Khan) investigating a high profile case of film star Armaan Kapoor's accidental death, keeps you riveted.

Alongside the main plot, one gathers that Shekhawat and his wife Roshni (Rani Mukerji), have lost their eightyear-old son Karan in a freak accident in a lake, for which Shekhawat blames himself and lives in guilt.

His investigations constantly lead him to Kareena Kapoor, a prostitute with a good heart, who acts as the ace informer for Shekhawat. Kareena as Rosy has shades of her earlier Chameli, although she makes a conscious effort to be different. She is effective and convincing, touching your heart with the innate goodness of her character, in spite of her circumstances.

The mystery shrouding the case unravels gradually in a carefully written tight script, with no loopholes. The film is entirely unpredictable, not conforming to the usual approach to thrillers in Bollywood. This one is clearly different and keeps you guessing till the very end.

The climax brings you to the edge of your seat, but leaves you satiated. As the case unfolds, you get your answers from the characters on celluloid.

But clearly, Reema Kagti and Zoya Akhtar, the scriptwriter duo, give you much more than just that. They take you through a complete self-exploratory journey and bring you back replete with answers. Farhan Akhtar's dialogues in colloquial parlance are witty and unleash several underlying messages.

Ram Sampath gives an apt background score, in keeping with the flavour ofthe film and if anything, only enhances the viewer's experience. Music in the film otherwise is nothing to write home about, but you're definitely not complaining. The plot and performances leave no room for frivolities.

Rani Mukerji in her de-glam avatar, is true to her character as the distraught mother.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui asTaimur, the lame Man Friday in the brothel doing odd jobs, excels in a superbly written role.

Realistic performances and getups of all the characters, add to the ingenuity of the plot.

The cinematography, though simple, captures the essence of Mumbai. The locales of the city are wonderfully depicted, making these a character in the film rather than a mere backdrop.

Devoid of the usual Bollywood masala and gimmicks, this one is a pure treat. Aamir Khan's fans apart, Ta/aash has the power to grip all cine-goers.

Troy Ribeiro

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•••• •••• ••• •••• ••• •••• ••• •••• ••• •• •• •• • • !=ILM: Talaash • • •• CAST: Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji, • • Kareena Kapoor, Nawazuddin Siddiqui • • • • • and Shernaz Patel • DIRECTOR: Reema Kagti • • • • • • • • • • • •

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*****

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INDIAN LINK

DECEMBER 2012 31

Mira's back with a big one!

Internationally acclaimed director Mira Nair recently claimed that her latest film The Reluctant Fundamentalist, is her most ambitious project yet. The film was the closing movie at the 43rd International Film Festival of India in Goa, and was very wel I received. It is based on a 2007 bestseller of the same name by Pakistani writer Mohsin Hamid.

A brilliant exploration of bias and the phenomenon of globalization, the film is about a Pakistani Princeton graduate who is torn between his American dream and the call of his homeland.

Its sense of nothing being completely what it seems comes across in an unsettling manner from the characters' divided selves, or through the locations, which see Atlanta standing in for New York, and Delhi substituting for Lahore and Istanbul.

"It is how we - the east and west, see each other," said Nair about the film.

The Reluctant Fundamentalist has an international cast and crew of Hollywood, Indian and Pakistani actors, and depicts two very different worlds coming together through dialogue. It took three years to adapt the novel into a screenplay and was shot across four continents.

The movie is a comment on t he situation in the world today. "We discuss two very important forms of fundamentalism- that of the capitalists and that ofterrorists;'Nair said.

Nair's debut film Salaam Bombay was nominated at the US Academy Awards for best foreign language film in 1988. Her other acclaimed films are Mississipi Mas ala,

Monsoon Wedding, The Namesake, New York, I Love You, among others.

Nair is the founder of Maisha, a centre in Kampala, Uganda, that provides film labs and workshops for aspiring screen-

writers, directors, actors, technicians, and documentary makers from Africa.

And like most of her other offerings, let's hope this one's fascinating too!

Vidya Ba Ian, Yash Chopra tribute at Melb Indian Film Fest 2013 Vidya Balan will return to Melbourne as the ambassador for the 2013 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, Victoria's Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business and Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Louise Asher announced in Mumbai recently.

Vidya is one of Indian cinema's most respected actors and a genuine box-office drawcard.

"Securing such a high profile actor as our brand ambassador adds to the prestige of the festival andVidya's attendance at next year's festival will be sure to delight our local Indian film fans," Ms Asher said.

To be held in April 2013, the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne showcases the diversity and breadth of Indian film culture to Victorian audiences and will once again be delivered by Mind Blowing Films.

The Minister also announced that the Festival will pay a rich tribute to legendary film makerYUash Chopra next year.

"Mr Chopra had a deep relationship with Victoria given he was a Patron of the Festival and that he shot two major blockbusters in Victoria, Salaam Namaste and Chak De India;• Ms Asher said.

Speaking at the event, Vidya Balan said she was delighted to be the ambassador for such a vibrant and exciting festival showcasing the best of Indian cinema.

"Melbourne is like a second home to me and I look forward to being back," she said.

Minister Asher was in Mumbai as part of Victoria Week, a program of activities to showcase Victoria's cultural, creative and business strengths in India. Her government is delivering on an election pledge to develop an Indian film festival and bring the best of Indian cinema to Victorian audiences, she said.

Saif the shweet hubby Kareena Kapoor is over the moon, and it's not just because critics have been giving her rave reviews for her performance in Reema Kagti's Talaash. It's also because husband Saif Ali Khan seems equally thrilled at her role and plans to throw a small party to celebrate the actress' success.

"Saifis still in Lucknow, but he's been very excited as he has been receiving messages from our family and friends about my performance in Talaash;' said an elated Kareena.

"He was happy about the fact that this is

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my first big fi Im after our wedding and we have broken the norm to prove that even married women can get the box office going," she added.

A decade after Chameli, Kareena once again plays the role of a prostitute in Talaash, and is delighted that the audience has accepted her in this role.

"It's quite ironic that I did Chameli when I was 22 and I did Talaash when I am 32;' Kareena said. "It is easy to do song and dance, as though it is a part of me and my USP, but I feel really blessed to play something like this on screen''.

As the happy couple are thrilled, Saif plans to make the occasion special with a small party for friends and family. Not a bad start for a month-old marriage and wonderful to see that supportive filmi husbands still exist.

. ..

•

•

audience wants to see one actor as a master of all -whether it is action or comedy. The past formula of having a separate comedian alongside an actor in a film is long gone.

"People want their actors to do comedy too. They want one solo hero and want to see everything in him;' he said.

Well, looks like the perfect description of what Akshay does best. So will the action hero-cum-comedian lives up to his reputation in Khiladi 786? Let's wait and see. ....

Talaash is a true thriller

Inspiring Akshay His is a strong presence in Bollywood's teeming industry, and he's also one of its most bankable actors. After the success of Akshay Kumar's films Houseful/ 2 and Rowdy Rathore, the actor has catapulted into the Rs. 100 crore club. But despite all the hype, the actor remains disarmingly modest about his success and performance. And although Akshayfeels the pressure of success, he says once a film releases, he doesn't dwell too much upon its box-office performance.

"I feel p ressure when the film nears its release, but after that ifit doesn't work, I am on to the next film. I also don't take a big hit too seriously, because the next Friday you have to go into the same circle... you never know what will happen.

I just take it as it comes. I just work and entertain;' said Akshay.

The actor made his Bollywood debut with 1991 film Saugandh and went on to acquire the tag of'Khiladi Kumar'for his inclination towards action. But since then, Akshay has veered his focus to comedies.

"After Khiladi 420, I stopped doing action movies because I got married. I just wanted to work on comedy, romance and everything. Being a father and a husband, a man has to settle down a little bit. Now my son has grown up, I want to go back to action;• said the actor, who is married to actress Twinkle Khanna and has two kids - Aarav, 10 and daughter Nitara, who was born in September.

Rowdy Rathore signified Akshay's return to action, his first love, and his new film Khiladi 786 will see him in a similar avatar. "It is a great thing to return to action. It is my love. I have been in this industry because of action. I have tournaments of action.

I have my own personal gyms. Action is what I am. It's because of action that I am here;' said the 45-year-old martial arts expert.

Over the years, the genre of action has been mixed with comedy and successfully presented to the audience through hit films like Dabangg, Ready and Rowdy

Rathore.

And there's a good reason for this, reveals the talented actor. "The audience wants this from me. They want overthe-top action (movies). These are their demands and we have to try and give it to them. The films are made for everybody.

Not only masses, but classes also love this," said Akshay.

He added that now the overseas

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We've come to expect nothing less from Aamir Khan, and once again, we are not disappointed. Taalash released recently and has been lauded not just by critics and the industry, but also by the aamjunta.

The thriller is expected to have raked in Rs 15 crore on its opening night. Aamir's wife, filmmaker Ki ran Rao is very happy w ith the movie, as she says it offers something for everyone. "It is my kind of film and I really liked it;' the 39-year-old said.

"We just hope that people also like it. The story is such that everyone will get something in it. It is emotional also, so it should touch the audience and will lead them to think as well;' she said.

Directed by Reema Kagti, Ta/aash is a thriller and also stars Kareena Kapoor, Rani Mukerji and Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

Asked to describe her husband in a few words, Kiran's response was to the point: "A good human being and very talented at the sametime:'Nuff said and well said!

Paris gets Goa grooving She may be miles away from the dazzle of Hollywood, but socialite--cum-actress-cum-singercum-entrepreneur- cum-heiress Paris Hilton got into yet another avatar on her recent trip to Goa. And she did a good job of it too. As deejay at the Sandkastle Music Festival of India Resort Fashion Week (IRFW), Paris knew what was needed to get the aowd swinging and swaying. She began with the popular Korean song Gangnam Style, peppering the hit number with the words, 'We will rock this night Goa!"The crowd went wild as Paris kept them grooving, dressed for the occasion in a metallic knee-length dress. It was her second venture as DJ, but she certainly kept the party going!

"So Goa how are you feeling today, all set to rock the night and get grooved?" she asked before starting the performance and continued by adding, "I love you people. You guys are just so amazing, I love India and the country rocks!"

The 31-year-old also played

Last issue Caption Contest winning entry

What are Big Band Anil Am bani saying to each other at Bal Thackeray's funeral?

We each may own Mumbai in our own way, but ultimately we go like everyone else.....

Monisha Lahiri Kolkata, India Monisha wins a CD of new Hindi film Jab Tak HaiJaan

tracks that she had remixed herself.

People from as far as Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai, and from countries like Ireland, New York and London attended the show, enjoying it in their own ways. Paris finally ended the show, promising to return and tweeted: "Wow! What a fun show! Had the best time performing tonight! So happy that you all loved my set! Loved seeing you all dance!

Yes (sic):' The heiress also walked the ramp for fina le designer Shane and Falguni Peacock on the trip. She admits to being fascinated

by Indian fashion. "Whenever I visit, I make sure to buy something for myself. Last time I tried a sari;' she said.

"I love everything that is beautiful and this is the reason why I love India for its vivacious and bright colours and designs''.

And naturally, Paris took ti me out to indulge in her favourite occupation shopping. "I bought some spices. I love Indian food. I also bought trinkets from the local market here for my family and they are just beautiful''.

I'm sure Paris'trip has boosted the country's retail economy...

ue4)! !Iv' eqes WHM SS3n9 oi JaMSU'v'

DECEMBER 2012 33

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FOOD

Australian Christmas lunch This X'Mas, try a local laid-back lunch that allows you to relax and enjoy the holiday r

he sLm is beaming down and the air condicioning has been switched on early mid-morning. The sound of kids splashing in the pool echoes throughout many suburban backyards. It's summertime and Christmas day. There is no need to spend homs slaving over a hot stove. Chill our and have a cold style Christmas Aussie lunch.

T

2 tsp corn.flour 1 tsp white vinegar I cup fresh cream

. ....................

Roast Chicken Drumsticks with Salsa Serves 8 Preparatio11 lit11e: 30 111i11utes Cooking time: 1 hour This dish should be prepared the night before Xmas, scored in the fridge overnight and ready for your Christmas lunch the next day.

2 kgs chicken drumscicks 1 lemon I tsp paprika ½ esp lemon pepper seasoning 1 tbsp olive oil P inch of salt Lemon wedges co ser ve Preheat oven to 200 degrees or 180 degrees (fan forced). Place the drumsticks in a roasting dish.

Cut the lemon into quarters and squeeze lemon juice over die drumsticks. Rub the oil over the drumsticks and sprinkle with paprilrn, lemon pepper seasoning and salt. Roast the drumsticks for 45mins - l hour, until golden brown. Cool and refrigerate until needed.

Salsa 4 ripe tomatoes ½ small onion, finely chopped l clove garlic, crushed 1 tbsp lemon juice I tbsp Tabasco sauce I tbsp olive oil Pinch salt ¼ cup chopped parsley Cut the tomatoes in half and remove che seeds. Dice the tomatoes into 1cm cube-sized pieces. Combine this in a bowl with cbe diced onion, crushed garlic, lemon juice and oil. Add Tabasco sauce and salt to taste.

Stir through die parsley. Stand for and hour so to lee the flavours

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Place into a large bowl.

Add grape romaroes; scatter thinly sliced onion and capsicum through dish. Add the pesto sauce and stir until well combined.

Ready to serve! develop.

When ready serve alongside chicken drumsticks.

Brown Rice Salad Serves 8

Cooking ti111e: 15 mi1111tes Prep11rr1tio11 time: 15 111i1111tes The rice can be cooked in advance for this recipe. Slice and chop the vegetables beforehand and place in fridge until ready co serve 500g small cooked prawns 2 cups (22g) cooked brown rice (approx 2/3 cup uncooked brown rice) 1 medium red capsiCLtm, chopped finely 3 spring onion, finely chopped 2 trimmed celery stalks, finely chopped 2 tbsp lemon juice 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp crean1 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives l tsp cas cer sugar Shell and devein prawns, chop up into 1cm cubed sized pieces. Place brown rice in a large bowl. Add chopped prawns, sliced capsicum, chopped spring onion and chopped celery stalks. Combine

lemon juice, olive oil, cream, chives and sugar together. Add to rice and vegetables.

Gendy toss through.

. ................... .

Homemade Pesto Pasta Salad

Serves 8 Prepamtion ti111e: 20 111in11tes Cooking times: 10 111i1111/es I bunch fresh basil leaves 2 tbsp pine nuts 2 gloves of crushed garlic 2 tbsp olive oil 500g penne pasta 250g grape romaroes ½ Spanish onion, thinly sliced 1 red capsicum, thinly sliced Bocconcini cheese Place d1e basil leaves, pine mus, garlic and cheese into a food processor. Pulse until welJ chopped. Slowly add d1e olive oil and continue to pulse food processor. Season with salt and pepper.

Cook the pasta in boili ng salted water as per die packet instructions. Once cooked, drain pasta into a colander and rinse with cold wacer.

• • • • ••••••••••••••••• Green Salad with Mango Serves 8 Prepamtio11 ti111e: 20 111i11utes 3 Lebanese cucumbers 1 small red o nion t hinly sliced 2 medium mangoes, peeled and cut into matchsticks 400g mixed salad leaves I /3 cup olive oil '/ • cup lemon juice 2 esp wholegrain mustard Using a vegetable peeler, cut thin ribbons from cuCLm1bers. Place cucumber in a large bowl. Add onion, mango and salad leaves.

Whisk togedier oil, lemon juice and mustard in a bowl until weU combined. Add die dressing to the salad. Tos~ gendy to combine.

Serve

• • •••••••• • ••••••• • ••

Sunset Pavlova Serves 8 Total cooking time: 1 ho11r Prepamtion ti111e: 30 111i111tfes The Pavlova should be made die day before.

4 egg whites I cup castor sugar

¼ cup flaked coconut ½ peeled, cored and dunly sliced fresh pineapple I peeled and sliced thinly fresh mango 2 peeled and sliced fresh bananas 2 fresh passion fruit Preheat the oven to 170 degrees for a conventional oven or 150 for a fan forced oven. Line a baking tray with baking paper.

Place the egg whites and a pinch of sale into a large and very clean glass bowl. Ensure the egg whites are at room temperature. Using an electric beater, beat slowly until the ,vhites stare co become a frodiy foan1, increase the speed of the beaters until die bubbles have become small and evenly sized. When the foam forms stiff peaks, add che sugar graduall)~ continuously beating after each addition., until the mixnire is diick and glossy, and all the sugar has dissolved.

Don't overbear the mixnire odierwise it will become grainy.

Using a metal spoon, fold in the sifted cornAour and vinegar.

Spoon the m.ixntre into a mound onto the prepared baking tray.

Lightly flatten the top of the Pavlova and smooth the sides.

The Pavlova should have a cake shape. Bake the Pavlova for 1 bom, or until pale cream in colour and crisp on d1e outside. Remove from die oven while warm, and carefully rum upside down onto a serving dish.

Spread flaked coconut onto a baking tray with baking paper and cook for 2-3 minutes, until lightly toasted. Cool complete.ly.

Using the electric beaters, whip die fresh cream until soft peaks form, dien spread over tbe Pavlova.

Top die cream with d1inly sliced pineapple, mango and bananas.

Drizzle die Pavlova with the pulp of 2 fresh passionfruit, and sprinkle with toasted coconut. Cm into wedges a.nd serve.

DECEMBER 2012 35

FICTION

• A strange quirk of fate and technology results in a new beginning and ending

ii he smartphone she held in her hand burned her lingers.

She read the text message again. That is all he had sent, a re.xr m essage comprising a mere re □ words: " l can't do d1is co her. I'm nor coming hack. Sorry."

Ten years of m arriage wiped out by ten words. \Xlorse, her husband had not even had the decency to tell her in person.

"Sorry-'' - that single word was neither an apology nor a consolation. As rears slid d own her cheeks, she asked herself the qu estion: \'\!hy me?

Wbat vital sign of the affair had she missed? His regular absence from ho me was normal co heL He was a pilot and the very nature o f his job called for chose trips.

Like mosr wives she had been on the lookout for the classic signs - lipstick o n the collar, wrong numbers, unexplai_ned gifts, new additions to the wardrobe and disappearance of mo ney fro m d1eir accounts. But □one of mese bad happened. When be was home, every moment was spent with her. And yet the.re was d1e message o n her phone, forcing her heart to believe what it did not want to.

L1 me next fe,v h our s she faced all ten aspects o f human personalities.

Kama (Love): Theirs had been a Jove marriage. They had fought family and society for the rig ht to wed. People had accused them of forge tting all sensibilities for an em otion they were m istaking for love. And just when everyone was linally admicring that they were wrong, Just had truly stepped in and made a mockery of their marriage.

Krodha (Anger): This was me one emotion that she had never shown during her entire m arriage.

Yee now after the initial shock bad worn off, it was me ern otion d1ac surfaced lirsc. Anger at her husband, anger at 'that woman' and most of all, she expressed anger at her own srnpidity. She was eve□ angry witb the phone.

Mo ba (delusion): She derided

36 DECEMBER 2012

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herself for getting caught up in di e ilfosionary world of love. She had built her life aroun d what she felt for her husband and was always grateful for what she got i□ return. Buc now that the illusion had been lifted, all she felt was betrayal. And she vowed that it would never happen to her again.

Lobha (Greed): She spent a good half hour logging into their bank accoums. From the join t accounts she transferred half of the funds to her personal account. She was tempted to empty the accoun ts as retribution, then realised that right has its place, but greed would always be wro ng. And anyd1ing wrong had no place in her future.

Mada (Pride): She cook a long time co come to terms wid1 this failing bur no matter how much she wanted to forgive her husband, her pride would not lee her. Had he left after celling her the trL1th, she could have forgiven him. Bue to send her a te.'(t message celling her that their marriage was over and d-iat d1ere \Vas another woman in his life, was unforgivable. l\1a tsara Qealousy): Of course, she was jealous. She was d1e wife, theirs had been a love marriage and he had promised her a lifetime of togetherness. Now he was promising all that to another.

The parmer left behind is d1e one most disadvantaged. They still wan t the past, rhey still hope for a future and d1ey believed in the present.

Manas (Mind): The mind was d1e hardest to control and d1e

a

And just when everyone was finally admitting that they were wrong, lust had truly stepped in and made a mockery oftheir marriage.

''

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m osr difliculr to steer in d1e right direction. Since receiving that o ne message, her mind was out of her control. Her mougbts ran helter-skelter! It remembered what they had together and it mourned what mey would never have.

After hours of mentally torturing herself, she decided, she wo uld stop hurting herself. Her husband was feeling n one of d1e pain sbe was, so why was she wasting h er time wid1 d1oughts o f 'what was'. Jc cook her many hours to conclude d1at if she did n or matter to h im , he would no longer maner to her.

Buddhi (Intellect): As mough ts of revenge surfaced, she decided that she would never give h im a divorce. If be wanted d1e o d1er woman, she would have to wait a li fetime for him. A lifetime! The same li fetime d1at she would have co waste in tears and heartache!

But as thoughts of revenge and hatred filled her mind, bile began to lill her throat. Was revenge worm more of this bile?

Would mey ever be able co Jove each od1er again? When bod1 questions got a negative answer, she decided that it was time to use her in tellect. She was an educated woman, w ho once bad an independent career. Sbe could use both mose experiences. A n independent life of dignity was b etter than a life where sbe was merely tolerated.

Chitta (\XliU): After many hours of soul-searching, her inner power resurfaced and assured her that she would survive the turbulence.

Not o nly would she survive, but she woLtld mrive one more. le spoke of courage and sttengm. It brough t calm and peace. She was the same person she was before she got d1e message, a complete bein g and she would always be the same person as long as she believed in herself and adhered to her principles.

Ah ,mkar (Ego): The self drnt had been hurt, insulted and abused, scattered into the unknown. The self mac remained was a spiritual being and the person drnt n ow looked at the message asked just one question, "\'v'hy nor m e?" In what way was she more special di.at the woman living ne.'(t door? fo what way was she clearer man the wife down the street? Between her intellect and her will, she chose die pad, that was right for all.

She packed her b ags, locked d1e fron t door and left in her car. She drove to the beach house she and her husband loved during their short breaks. She would not be Mandodari, silently waiting for her husband's infatuation wim another woman to end. She would not be Ravana who was Lmable to control the ten aspects of his life as symbolised by his ten heads.

She would do as Ram a did, rake a negative situati on and bring about a posirive result.

Just as she reached the beach house, her husband entered their home. " D arling?" he called out.

His words were met with s_ilence. He looked around but could nor lind bis wife. Her car

''

It took her many hours to condude that if she did not matter to him, he would no longer matter to her.

'' was missing as well. Intending to call her, he cook our his mobile phone. J ust then a message showed up in his in box. I r was from his wife. "l hope you both are very happy roged1er.

Goodbye."

Goodbye? He looked at cbe word and frowned. And then panic set in as he scrolled down co rhe message below. His words jumped up from d1e screen.

Hell! He had mhed up the t\vo messages. As realiLy set in, his mobile slipped to the floor.

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n TA K

Q TPREDICTIONS FOR DECEMBER 20,2

ARIES March 21 - April 19

By NANCY JADE ALTHEA www.nancysood.com

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22

It is im portant that you are very firm about any plans that you have, and not allow anyone to come in your way. Remain strong an d deter mined in what you desire. The cards indicate that you need to be very m eticulous w hen it comes t o any business dealings this month. Check the facts, details and wording before you sign any documents. Romantically, t here is a strong chance of meet ing a fire sign which can turn into a long term love.

TAURUS April 20 - May 20

The ca rds indicat e a t ime t o t reat yourself and spend on some w ell-deserved luxuries. You are feeling unhappy with your love life of late, and recently you have become bored and frustrat ed.

There has to be some mutual interest and respect which is missing. The cards show a very good chance of a promot ion or a new opportunity around you this month. Make sure yo u d o not show complacency, as this opportunity will be very good for you.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21

You will be thinking of t aking a nice long holiday. You are particu larly fond of water, and the cards indicate that you will be close t o it. Make sure that you allow people t o prove themselves t o you. There are also a lot of changes around your work llfeand you are bursting with ideas. You will be thinking about a past lover, and you may hear from them. You may need a blood test- do not delay.

GEMINI May 21 - June 20

The ca rds indicate that you need to make some firm decisions t o change your lifestyle. There will be a new person entering your life, and you need to make sure you can accommodate t hem.

You are quite set in your ways, but t his lover will want a serious relationship. Work-wise, if in business there is a wonderful opportunity, but you are advised to look at all angles and plan accordingly. Take it easy so you do not get ill.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 - Dec 21 This month your focus w ill be debts and m oney. You have a lot of strength and are willing to take on some new challenges. You will also be in a very opt im istic mood with work and family. Even though there has been some difficult t imes lately, you w ill be able to keep t he peace. There are friends around you w ho w ill be supportive and stand like pillars of strength when you need them.

Look at changing your hairstyle.

The cards indicate that you may meet a lover of t he o pposite sex w ho w i II share your mont h of b irth. You w i II be better off as friends. You w ill be called upon by an organ isation t o prove yourself. Th is month promises a tim e of great achievements and fresh ideas. You will also be full of energy w hen it comes to your own healt h and exercise routines. You may w ait for a mail or document, which will arrive t h is m onth.

CANCER June 21 - July 20

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 19 There are some happy t imes in store for you, both at work and in your romantic life. There is a need to keep happy and smiling, and avoid feeling tense and angry for too long for no reason. Be particularly tactful w hen dealing with colleagues. When you are dealing w ith them, listen to t heir viewpoint. There are some difficult family members around you this month, so keep your pat ient hat on or you w ill get into arguments. Check your health.

The cards indicate a tim e to be ext ra careful w ith financial matters. You may be tem pted by a financial pro posal, but make sure you read all the small print and not allow yourself to get carried away. There is a marked improvement in your life at home, you will be feeling better and happier about th ings. There is an indication that you may be f eeling a little stressed-out this month, but allow yourself to say, t his too shall pass!

LEO Ju ly 21 - A ug 22 This month t he cards indicate a time to get aw ay with a loved o ne for a w ell-deserved break. Some lucrative j ob offers may come your way, but you need t o be able t o accept t hem with full confidence. This month is all about advancement and promotions. You are in rea l need ofrest, so there is an indicat ion t hat you w ill need t o go out less during the w eek. You will be looking at a new car, t reating yourself ?

VIRGO Aug 23 - Sep 22

-

This month you are being urged to start making plans and t o stick t o them as you have been sitti ng o n the fence for far too long. There are amazing o pportu nit ies coming your way, but you have got int o a lazy mode, and are u nable t o go forward. A strong connection with a m arried person must stop, as there is , an indication of heartbrea k. You are also thinking of buying a pet Think carefully, as a dog is for life!

AQUARIUS Jan 2 0 - r=eb 18 J

This month you will be looking at a physical exercise and fitness routine, w hich will help solve m any major problems around you.

There may be some office politics, t he cards indicate that you need to keep clear of t hem. There are maj or changes t his month, wit h regard to relat ionships you will be making an effort to compromise w hich you do not find easy to do. Your partner will be testing your patience and you may have some arguments. Keep cool.

PISCES r=eb 19 - tv1 arch 20 This month is a time for building old bridges and forgiving t hose who have upset you. There w ill be some hea lth issues that are persisting. Nothing to worry about, just aches and pains seem to be bothering you. You will be thinking about buying a property or doing some house-hunting, as there is a chance you will be moving from your present accommodation. Work w ill get better as long as you put in 100% effort in your daily regime.

BACKCHAT

, ,.

~ BY .,.

LP AYER

hristrnas .is around the corner. Some call it the 'silly' season, bm it is really the 'C'illy season - a time for carols, cakes, crass consmnerism and cards. l or the kind of cards you send o ut to convey goodwill cowards fellow humans.

Ir is the credit card, sn1pid! It is given a workout as if there is no comorrow. In fact, some folks would wish that tomorrow, when the payment is due, never comes.

U nfornmarely for them m oney doesn't grow on trees. Christmas tree included! The plastic panacea used ro cure all shopping ills soon turns ou t a pose transaction stress disorder.

The credit card, when it ap peared on the horizon a few decades ago, had a noble pmpose.

Like the old saying ' the way co hell is paved with good intentions', it has, over the years, produced some dread ful debt consequences. !ts original concept was to give its holder the convenience of not carrying cash without ever running our. It was to take the weight off the wallet, travel light and shop w ith security any ti me, any place. Now credit card providers literally lighten your wal.let every tim e you pay a bill, charging a percenc or two o n top of the bill amounr, besides an annual fee. You pay a fee to pay your money co someone! How fair is that? The points too, have become pointless over time. My return journey to lnclia once cost 70,000 points. Now that will take me up co the local airport.

In the beginning, cards were issued by banks in bland colours co a band of selecr customers who bad to pass through several hoops of credit wor thiness. Soon retailers moved in fol.lowed by airlines, petrol stations, all and sundry. They are now offered willy-nilly. I have seen some women carry umpteen plastic cards, enough to recreate Michael Jackson. Sorry for showing disrespect to the departed; one shouldn't speak ill of the dead. Talking about a li,>ing legend , Jane Fonda's trim, taut figure is an all-plastic miracle and nor from her well-publicised workout. The car is o m of the

C

38 DECEMBER 2012

bag only after thousands of women had shed several pounds (monetary) with their creclit cards to buy her fitness fads.

Over the years, the credit card bas evolved into a class syscem of its own with silver, gold and platinum types signalling the st.'lntS of the holder. Ir has also taken on new avatars li ke charge and debit card - tl1e darling of m erchants wbo get their money once tl1e card is swiped. Each swipe shaves a slice of your savings with silky smootlrness. What swipe, tl1e Y-gen may ,vonder. In its infant days, the card was p laced on a metal cradle with a wringertype roller passed over it and a set of triplicate vouchers. The triplicate had an Indian aura since

everything over there still needs to be in triplicate. (Even our god system is Trivmrtbi).

Besides the one chat offers permanent sancniary in the US, tl1ere is a green card tliat does nor cost you a cent. Ir is the Meclicare Card, provided the ser vice provider bulk bills you.

It may bulk up his bank account and even make you green witl1 envy.

Over the years, cards have grown out o f the tt swipe cradle and moved to hand-held machines with 'PIN' or 'sign' commands. I don't l.ike to be pinned by a set of numbers and PIN being a Pain In (the) Neck, I always opt to sign.

Ar 01)' age with a poor memory, tl1ac is the only way to remember

who I am. Even this choice is now under threa t. No need ro sign if the pu.rchase is LL11der a certain amorn1c. Just a wave of the card and away you go. Bingo! Can't gee easier than that.

If you lose your card someone can use it and smile all the way out of the shop shouting, "Start tl1e earl" ti !t1 the Ikea ad . To assuage cardholders' concerns, providers assure that they will bear tl1e cost o f purchases under a certain amotu1t; some say $50 and others, $100. So if your December statement shows a munber o f $99.99 purchases, someone may have had a good silly season. You might have spread some goodwill.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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