2013-02 Sydney (1)

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EDITORIAL INDIAN LINK PUBLISHER Pawan Luthra EDITOR Rajni Anand Luthra

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ASSISTANT EDITOR Sheryl Dixit MELBOURNE Preeti Jabbal CONTRIBUTORS Nima Menon, Usha Ramanujam Arvind, Sai Narayan, Leanne Woodward, Daniel Connell, Noel G deSouza, Dolly Singh Miranda, Mohan Dhall, Geeta Khurana, Rani Jhala, Farzana Shakir, Petra O’Neill, Nancy Jade Althea, LP Ayer ADVERTISING MANAGER Vivek Trivedi 02 9262 1766 ADVERTISING ASSISTANT Nitika Sondhi 02 9279 2004 DESIGN Danielle Cairis Proud members of:

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BY PAWAN LUTHRA

D

espite the hovering ghost of Kevin Rudd, Prime Minister Gillard used her first major speech in 2013 at the National Press Club to announce the date of the next election – September 14.

With 227 days to go, it is designed to be the longest election campaign in Australian history. Why the Prime Minister made the announcement so much in advance has the pundits guessing, and has given rise to a number of conspiracy theories.

It will take very poor poll numbers for the Labor caucus to move against the Prime Minister and make changes at the top. Though ex-PM Rudd has maintained, after his failed attempt in 2012, that he will not challenge the leadership, it is doubtful he will refuse the top job which might be offered to him by those trying to make amends for the coup against him by the faceless men within the party. The sceptre of losing their own seats may

well be a stronger motivation for this.

Knowing that Rudd’s elevation might bring back voters, perhaps the necessary action is to stop the further decline of Labor’s popularity before the election. PM Gillard, who has never backed away from a scrap, is hoping that Labor’s poll numbers rise to stem off any challenge by Rudd’s supporters. Her strategy will be to draw out the Coalition party and particularly Opposition Leader Tony Abbott on his plans for Australia, should he win. If she can draw the voters’ attention to any gaps in Abbott’s policies, she has a better chance on the day of the final vote. PM Gillard is playing for the ultimate prize, the ongoing Prime Ministership of Australia, and will need much to go right for her.

In the meanwhile, PM Gillard’s announcement is seen as the start of a de facto election campaign.

The Indian community in Australia holds a considerable vote bank which will be of interest to both the major political parties. As evidenced in the NSW and Victoria state elections, politicians are more than keen to capture the goodwill of the Australian Indian community. We also seem to have suddenly found advocates of major

political parties, now willing to bridge the gap between the community and the politicians.

With various Holi and Diwali melas, Republic and Independence Day functions and other events, do not be surprised to see high-level politicians pitching for your votes.

Already we can see many claimants to the positive decision by the Australian government to sell uranium to India.

That this happened so soon after US President Barack Obama spoke about the US-Australia strategic partnership in Asia particularly to counterbalance the influence of China, is a convenient fact which has been forgotten by a few, especially those on the Labor side of politics who have opposed the sale for years. The federal election campaign will be a great opportunity for our community leaders to seek better benefits for their members, such as assistance in aged care or for new migrants, or a consolidated identity for Indian Australians. It will be interesting to see how our leaders – in the community and at the federal government level – approach the Indian Australian vote bank.

FEBRUARY (1) 2013 5

SPIRITUAL Chinmaya Mission Australia activities Mon 25 Feb – Sat 2 Mar 7:30- 9pm Public talks on “The Supreme Knowledge, The Supreme Secret”, Free talk on the 9th Chapter of Bhagavad Gita by Br Gopal Chaitanya, one of the disciples of the current Master of Vedanta H.H. Swami Tejomayananda. This chapter contains some of Sri Krishna’s powerful instructions on ways of achieving freedom from worry, despair, fear and guilt.

Details Mahal 02 9482 7178.

Dance and Drama Auditions Auditions for the Sundarakanda / Kishkinda Kanda dance/drama and major 2013 youth play Sita will be starting in 1st week of February.

Bala Vihar A children’s program (Grade K to 6) called Balavihar (which covers learning of veda and stotram chanting,

6 FEBRUARY (1) 2013

What’s on

Bhajans singing, logic and reasoning development, love for God through stories and activities, personal and moral development and leadership development).

Developed internationally, it is in use in over 30 countries.

Enrolments for these classes are open for Sunday 10am to 11.30am at Castle Hill.

Balavihar commences this year on 10 February at Chinmaya Sannidhi Ashram, 38 Carrington Road, Castle Hill.

Shishu Vihar “Shishu Vihar” is a programme for ages 2 to 4.5 years starting 16 Feb, 10.15am to 11.15am at Chinmaya Sannidhi Ashram, 38 Carrington Road, Castle Hill. Learn how to love God, love the parent, love the child, and learn to spend quality time with each other, at the same time growing spiritually and gaining skills both need in daily life.

Details (and for info on Vedanta, Bhagavad Geeta and devotional classes) Br Gopal Chaitanya on 02 8850 7400 or email syd.info@chinmaya. com.au

Ramakrishna Sarada Vedanta Society of NSW activities Shivaratri celebration Sun 10 Mar 10.30am to 12 noon Program: Spiritual music, Hari Om Ramakrishna chant, silent meditation, group chanting of ‘Om’ 108 times, 2 speeches including one by Pravrajika Gayatriprana (Senior nun of Ramakrishna Order). Offering and distribution of sweets and savouries.

Venue: Vedanta Hall, 15 Liverpool Road, Croydon.

Details 9745 4320 or email: admin.saradavedanta@ bigpond.com.

Website: www.saradavedanta.org

Brahma Kumaris Mahashivratri Sun 23 Feb Public program in Hindi on the significance of Mahashivratri. Wentworthville Community Centre, 2 Lane Street Wentworthville.

Details BK Asha on 0435 196 146 or BK Monika on 0430 403 857

The Last Chai Feb 15-23 Trikone Australasia presents a Bollywood-inspired theatre production as part of the Sydney Mardi Gras Festival, at Sidetrack Teatre, 142 Addison Rd, Marrickville. Bookings www. sidetrack.com.au. Details www.trikone.org.au

STAGE Yakshagana Sun 10 Feb Natyanjali Australia presents a Yakshagana performance by Prof. Heranje Krishna Bhatt and members of Yakshagana Kendra, Udupi at Redgum Function Centre, Wentworthville NSW 2145, at 6 pm. Details Aruna 0450 341 312.

MISC Valentine’s Day Ball Sat 9 Feb 6:30pm Celebrate Valentine’s Day with glamour while supporting a good cause at The Ballroom, Parravilla Function Lounge, Parramatta.

Enjoy a sumptuous Indian dinner, DJ and dance, music, entertainment, raffles/ prizes and much more. Money raised from the event will be donated to the Cancer Council NSW and the Oncology Ward at the Children’s Hospital, Westmead. Contact Usha Salagame 0416964782 or ushasalagame@gmail.com

Sri Purandaradasa Aradhane Sun 10 Feb 9.00 am to 2.00 pm at Ermington community hall, 8 River Road, Ermington.

Details Chandrika Subramanyam 02 8677-7178

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specialreport

Why the Mahatma matters even today Justice Michael Kirby delivers the annual Gandhi Oration at UNSW

H

e is well known as a skilled raconteur - and this time again, Justice Michael Kirby, lawyer, judge and social commentator, did not disappoint. Addressing a packed audience, the accomplished orator’s trademark courage and intelligence shone through brilliantly as he tried to answer the question of what Gandhi would do today, and whether his ideals are still relevant. The occasion was the second Gandhi Oration to mark Martyrdom Day, the day the revered Indian leader was assassinated, and was organised by the Australia India Institute at UNSW. Mohandas Gandhi and Michael Kirby, both lawyers and advocates of human rights, do have a few things in common. Just as Gandhi won the hearts of his people as he led them to independence from the British, so Michael Kirby has won the love and admiration of his own countrymen as he urges them to think compassionately on a range of salient social issues.

If one was the Father of the Nation, the other is a National Living Treasure.

Kirby spoke on Gandhi’s position on a list of issues that hold special significance in his own life: women’s rights, climate change, animal rights and human sexuality.

The Delhi rape case of December 2012 that brought the citizens of India out on the streets, was bound to feature in the address. Justice Kirby outlined a similar case that took place in Sydney in 1886, reminding the audience not to get “too selfrighteous about Delhi: violence against women is endemic in the world”. He went on to appreciate the manner in which the law has taken its course in the matter: the setting up of two official enquiries, and the holding back of the recommendation of the death penalty, because “hanging does not deter or prevent such offences. It is the risk of detection and speedy and proper determination of guilt that does so”. And that, Kirby concluded, is what Gandhi would say about the case: he would condemn the brutality of the act and the disrespect for women it showcased, and then insist upon

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And that, Kirby concluded, is what Gandhi would say about the case: he would condemn the brutality of the act and the disrespect for women it showcased, and then insist upon the due process of law.

Photo: Mark and Jenny Evans

By RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA

the due process of law.

And yet, Kirby pointed out, for a man who espoused ahimsa (nonviolence), Gandhi did not hesitate to recommend violence in case of sexual attacks, writing, “God has given (woman) nails and teeth – she must use them with all her strength”.

Regarding climate change, Kirby recognized Gandhi’s doctrines of self-sufficiency and simplicity as tenets of an early environmentalism. (One famous Gandhi quote would have gone down well here: “The earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need, but not every man’s greed”). And although Kirby dismissed as impractical Gandhi’s “extreme solutions” in terms of spinning his own cloth and grinding his own grain, the message of ecological restraint, Kirby claimed, came through loud and clear.

On animal welfare, another of Kirby’s recent passions, there was much common ground to be found. Kirby himself turned vegetarian a few years ago, and as patron of the animal welfare organisation Voiceless, he has been campaigning for better animal laws in Australia including legitimate farming and slaughtering methods. He recounted, to some amusement, Gandhi’s early attempts at eating meat (ostensibly to grow stronger and fight the British), and chastising himself for lying to his parents about it. And although Gandhi’s embrace of vegetarianism was for purposes of spiritual upliftment, Kirby’s support of it is to “protect the other sentient creatures that share the planet with us”.

Much has been written on the topic of Gandhi’s sexuality in recent years: his vow of celibacy, his abhorrence of birth control, his instruction of sex to young men and women in his ashram, and his “experiments” on sleeping arrangements involving young women – all of which Kirby found “other-worldly and disconnected with … reality”.

Yet it was his somewhat detailed description of the alleged homoeroticism in Gandhi’s life that the audience will remember most from the event. Of course, it was nothing new, taken as it was from the 2011 book Great Soul: Mahatma Gandhi and His Struggle With India by Joseph Lilyveld. In this controversial book banned in some parts of India, Lilyveld chronicles the relationship between Gandhi

Justice Kirby (centre) garlands the Gandhi bust as Neville Roach, Fred Hilmer, Nihil Gupta and Arun Goel look on

and Hermann Kallenbach, a German Jewish body-builder and architect, revealed through letters. These letters, part of Kallenbach’s estate, are now held in the National Archives of India.

Lilyveld inferred from the letters that the two had lived together “after Gandhi terminated marital relations with his wife”. The references to their “mutual love”, to portraits in the bedroom, to vaseline and cotton wool, and to “Upper House” and “Lower House” nomenclature led to such conclusions. A passionate gay rights campaigner himself having come out in 1999 - Kirby took the opportunity to call for the Supreme Court’s repeal of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code drafted by Thomas Macaulay in 1837, which outlaws homosexuality and stands valid to this day. The Delhi High Court - “a great, independent court” -

already invalidated that part of the Code in 2009.

Interestingly, Lilyveld’s work continues to be the only source that makes the claims on Gandhi’s homoeroticism. Other works of Gandhi’s sexuality such as psychoanalyst Sudhir Kakar’s Intimate Relations: Exploring Indian Sexuality and Mira and the Mahatma find no evidence of homosexuality or homoeroticism.

Other analysts of the letters suggest that the loaded terms could not have been homoerotic for the time in which they were written. Kirby himself concluded, “A century on, who can tell what Gandhi meant?”

There is also the fact that no mention of homoeroticism is to be found in Gandhi’s own writings – which is replete with honest accounts of other ‘indiscretions’ and ‘misdemeanours’ such as indulging his passions with his

wife while his father lay dying in the room next door, visiting prostitutes on at least five different occasions (but being saved by ‘God’ in the nick of time each time), and indulging in non-contact sexual activity such as bathing and nude massages and lying next to young women.

“My life is my message,” he said famously. If he had the courage to write with such complete honesty, surely the homoerotic episodes would have found mention somewhere as well?

In the end though, it is Gandhi’s great grandson Tusshar Gandhi that has the last word: “What does it matter if the Mahatma was straight, gay or bisexual? He would still be the man that led India to freedom.” He helped change the world for not only 400 million Indians in the 1940s, but also many more citizens of the world, even as the century ticked over.

Neville Roach, Patron of the Australia India Institute and organiser of the event, spoke glowingly about Michael Kirby’s speech. “It was a powerful piece of work, extensively researched and quite a balanced perspective on Gandhiji’s positions on a variety of issues,” he said on Indian Link Radio.

“Gandhiji himself embraced self-critical evaluation, as we all should, and would have looked upon Michael’s speech with tolerance,” he concluded.

FEBRUARY (1) 2013 9

firstperson

What January 26 means to me We know it’s Australia Day and India’s Republic Day, but does this day have greater personal significance?

BY NIMA MENON

T

he culture, history and heritage of a country comes to fore on occasions like this. January 26 is a special and significant day for both Australians and Indians for historical reasons, though the connotations are different.

Let us step a moment back in history to recapture the reason why this day is deemed special.

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, oye, oye, oye!

It was on this day in the year 1788 that a fleet of 11 ships lead

by Captain Arthur Phillip landed at Port Jackson in New South Wales. The day was first celebrated as ‘Foundation Day’ in 1808.

Thirty years later, this day became Australia’s first public holiday; but it wasn’t until 1946 that the day was celebrated as ‘Australia Day’ in all states. So there is not a lot of history attached to this day, except for the fact that it is the day of the ‘first landing’.

Indigenous Australians have often felt that their culture that thrived before the ‘first landing’ has been overlooked in the celebrations.

Australian celebrations on the day are marked with fun and frolic the Aussie way, which would be a day out on the beach, BBQ with friends and of course, the Australia Day cricket match.

However with time, a lot of meaning and significance has been added to this day.

Eligible migrants are granted citizenship on January 26 and prominent citizens who have made a remarkable difference or contribution to Australian society are honoured with the ‘Australian of the Year’ award. The Australian flag is flown with pride on cars, from balconies and on rooftops.

But I have often wondered during all these displays, how often have people asked themselves the question, “What does it mean to be an Australian?”

Jai Hind and Jai ho!

India has a strong history, and embedded in it is the sacrifice of thousands of known and unknown Indians who fought fearlessly and fiercely for deliverance from foreign rule. A country that was once the ‘Golden Bird’ had to start all over again and establish a government that would be governed by the people, would be of the people and for 10 FEBRUARY (1) 2013

India’s Consul General Arun Goel reads out the Presidnt of India’s message at his Lindfield home on Republic Day, while Sonal Chopra of Pennant Hills is taken in by the “thong race” at North Bondi on Australia Day.

the people. After the declaration of independence on August 15 1947, Dr Ambedkar was given the task of formulating the Constitution that would govern free India. This actualised on January 26, 1950 and Indians all over the world celebrate this day with great fervour and patriotism.

The date gained prominence in 1930 when the Indian National Congress declared it as the day of ‘Complete Freedom’ (Purna Swaraj). Every year on this day, with great pride the country showcases its tapestry of cultures and traditions that make the fabric called ‘India’. Capital New Delhi’s main boulevarde Rajpath comes alive with tableaux from various states and social organisations, cultural shows by school students and artists from different states, marching bands, and a procession of children who have won bravery awards for their extraordinary feats. As well, various gallantry recipients add more glitz to the show. The world gets a glimpse of India’s military prowess and

sophistication. Many Indians travel to Delhi and brave the city’s hostile weather to be a part of this spectacular parade. The celebration culminates with the ‘Beating of the Retreat’ ceremony by the armed forces bands on January 31. But during all this, how many have asked themselves the question, “What does it mean to be an Indian?”

Double the pride!

I have had the unique privilege of watching the Republic Day parade and the ‘Beating of the Retreat’ live, and have felt myself swell with pride. The Indian National Anthem always gets my heart racing and there is something about it that fills me with nostalgia every time I hear it, no matter where I am.

After nearly a decade in this country that I call my own today, I sing the Australian National Anthem with pride, savouring the meaning of the words, ‘Advance Australia Fair’. I strongly believe that the respect I feel for this nation and its values,

the camaraderie I share with my neighbours and colleagues, and the ease with which I have slid into the framework of this society have been enthused by my strong Indian roots. Even today when my colleagues or friends come over for lunch, I prefer cooking the entire meal and serving my guests before I sit down at the table. There are quite a few such idiosyncrasies in me that may be called old-fashioned, but it is a part of my cultural make-up, a part of who I am.

So as an Indian-Australian what does January 26 mean to me? It is a day that I feel proud to be born an Indian, there is nothing that can take that away from me.

It is the foundation on which my beliefs are based. It is also a day on which I feel fortunate to be a part of Australia, where my talents and capabilities have been finetuned and my children are being raised in an environment where there are no societal pressures, and they have the freedom to choose a career path and a lifestyle that suits them the most. It is a day when I acknowledge that I am indeed, a well-balanced amalgamation of the East and the West!

Australian celebrations on the day are marked with fun and frolic the Aussie way, which would be a day out on the beach, BBQ with friends and of course, the Australia Day cricket match.

Every year on this day, with great pride the country showcases its tapestry of cultures and traditions that make the fabric called ‘India’

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republicday

Republic Day festivities bring out the politicians Song and dance for India-Australia friendship at IAANSW event

John Alexander, MP for Bennelong enjoys the festivities (left), while Yadu Singh and his team draw door prizes (top right) and guests soak in the atmosphere (bottom right) on the IAANSW special night.

T

he irrepressible Yadu Singh does know how to work a crowd. As President of the newly formed Indian Australian Association of New South Wales, Singh was able bring together over 400 people and keep them entertained to celebrate India’s Republic Day and Australia Day, on Sunday of the long weekend in January. With the help of an entertaining group of dancers, particularly from South Pacific Islands, Singh was able to convey his message to the attending politicians and the gathered crowd that the Indian community in Australia is growing and attention needs to be paid to them. Not that the attendees were in any doubt about that as the guest list included politicians from all forms of government, the local councils, state politicians and the Federal politicians.

Federal parliament members

included Laurie Ferguson (Werriwa) representing the Government; John Alexander (Bennelong) representing Tony Abbott, the leader of the Federal Opposition, and Philip Ruddock (Berowra).

From the State level, there was Geoff Lee, Member for Parramatta, representing Premier of NSW Barry O’Farrell; the Minister for Communities and Citizenship, Victor Dominello, was represented by Matt Kean, Member for Hornsby, and Guy Zangari, Member for Fairfield, represented Leader of NSW Opposition, John Robertson.

Moving down a rung in political structure, from the local councils were, Mayor John Chedid from Parramatta, Mayor Ivan Petch from Ryde, Mayor Ross Grover from Holroyd and Mayor Michelle Byrne from Baulkham Hills.

The Indian government was represented by Consul General

of India Arun Kumar Goel, and representing the multicultural community was Community Relations Chair Stepan Kerkyasharian Keeping with the theme of the day, invited speakers all paid glowing tributes to the Australia-India relationship. While cricket, curry and being in the commonwealth was the common theme from all the speakers, there was a strong pitch from both sides of politics claiming closer ties with India. PM Gillard’s’ visits to India were mentioned as was Premier Barry O’Farrell’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the relationship between NSW and India.

Dr Yadu Singh as President of the organisation took centre stage and used his speech to have a dig at other organisations. He was cynical about organisations which give out awards and promised to take to task

other Indian organisations who gave out awards to curry favour from local business people.

Warming to the theme, other association members made sure that Yadu’s achievements on behalf of the Indian community were remembered as a fighter for the local Indian community, be his efforts against radio jocks insulting India or Indians, or aviation schools who rip off overseas students, or cartographers who do not get the map of India right.

Yadu’s promise to continue the good fight, even against those who conspired to switch the air conditioning off at the function centre that evening, was greeted with applause by those gathered.

Festivities of the night was Shehnai, Ruchi Sanghi’s Group performing Kathak dances, Flamenco dancers and a group drummers and dancers from the Cook Islands. Interestingly enough, other than a recorded

version of Waltzing Matilda, the Australian influence on the evening of Australia Day and India Day was limited. Dinner from Ajay Raj’s Maya da Dhaba was well appreciated; however, it would have been respectful for the many invited guests to have special dining options rather than to have to queue up with plate in hand. Having said that, it did give many in the audience a chance to interact with the chief guests.

As a gutsy fighter willing to take on a scrap with anyone, Yadu Singh is to be admired.

If he can harness these energies, it will be good for this newly formed association, which has promised to soon bring to fruition an India House for the community. If that happens under Yadu Singh, the queues of politicians lining up to be present will be a sight to behold.

Pawan Luthra

A true Aussie ambassador

W

orking behind the scenes, dream merchant Anupam Sharma has over the past two decades adopted many different roles - cinematographer, casting director, consultant, writer, facilitator and film expert. In the process he has forged strong links with individuals, companies and countries carving a niche for himself in the fickle world

12 FEBRUARY (1) 2013

of films. His brainchild Films & Casting Temple is an icon in the entertainment industry and credited with single-handedly bringing India and Australia together, selling their individual brands like never before.

Nominated by NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell, in 2013 Sharma has taken on yet another exciting role – that of Australia Day Ambassador.

The Australia Day Ambassador program is a nationwide initiative that sees high achieving and proud Australians attend local Australia Day celebrations in towns and cities across the nation.

“As an Indian who made Australia home, it is humbling to receive this honour not only because it also happens to be Indian Republic Day but also

because it indirectly honours the team of people with me who have been tirelessly working for strong film links between India and Australia”, Sharma told Indian Link.

From relatively humble origins in 1990, today there are around 400 ambassadors who volunteer their time and energy to inspire pride and celebration in hundreds of local communities.

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Comic cheer with Indi and Ozzie The CIA’s entertainment evening to celebrate January 26 brought together politicians and the community

T

he Council of Indian Australians (CIA) has come a long way since its inception just over three years ago. Since that time, despite internal leadership ructions, the organisation has made some meaningful contributions to the local Indian community.

Celebrating India’s Republic Day and Australia Day, and taking on the mantle of educating the community on the issues of domestic violence as one of its missions for 2013 is indeed to be applauded. Subba Rao Varigonda and his energetic team are emerging as an organisation with a conscience and will help fill a much-felt void in the community.

With over 400 people present at its annual celebration of two important events in the Indian and Australian calendars – India’s Republic Day and Australia Day, the highlight was the entertainment for the evening, conceived and put together by well-known Sydneysider, Sanjeev Mehra.

Mehra, a Bollywood veteran with over 35 years in the film industry teamed up with the very talented Neeru Singh. Neeru as ‘Indi’ and Mehra as ‘Aussie’, both dressed in traditional Marathi costumes, took the audience through a fun filled hour, bringing forth issues between the cultures of both countries. The dialogues were clever and funny, and despite a few sound issues, had the audience in splits. This was definitely one of the best entertainment sections seen for a while in local Indian functions. Interspersed were songs from Vinod Rajput, particularly his clever take on the popular Australian chant “Ozzie, Ozzie, Ozzie” and others; while Mohit Kumar, Priya Rao and Ajay Ghosh; dances from Road to Bollywood; and Tamil dance groups kept the audience entertained.

Politicians from both sides were present to show their support

for the Indian community’s celebrations. Michelle Rowland MP, Member for Greenway, representing Ms Julia Gillard, Prime Minister of Australia; Ms Louis Markus MP, Federal Member for Macquarie representing the Tony Abbott, Leader of the Opposition; the Victor Dominello, MP, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Minister for Citizenship and Communities representing the Barry O’Farrell, Premier of NSW; the John Robertson, MP, Member for Blacktown and leader of the NSW Opposition; Nihal Gupta, Chair of the NSW Multicultural Business Advisory Panel were present. Also, adding a cricketing flavour to the evening was Geoff ‘Henry’ Lawson, test cricketer, former captain of NSW cricket team, and former coach for the Pakistan Cricket Control Board.

In her address, Michelle Rowland spoke of the growing number of Indian-born Australians in Blacktown, and the importance which Australia places on India, reinforced by the Prime Minister’s Asian Century

paper. With the election’s in September and Rowland’s slender hold on her seat of Greenway, it was a good opportunity for her to be seen out and about in the community. Louis Markam also laid down the Liberal party’s intentions for the Indian community at the function, emphasising that it was her party under John Howard who had wanted to sell uranium to India as they had full faith in India’s responsible handling of this resource. Victor Dominello, with boyish charm, had the listeners captivated as he spoke about his fascination with India and the time he has spent there. He also reaffirmed his leader’s faith in India by confirming that later this year, Premier O’Farrell will undertake his third visit to India in so many years.

CIA President Subba Rao Varigonda spoke about the shared interest in the Indian Ocean and stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region. He also noted the brutal rape incident in Delhi in December, and the guests stood in silence as a mark of respect.

CIA shared the evening with ‘SIMaid’, a charity organisation that assists in rescuing girls off the street and provides safe homes in India and the rest of the world. Part of the ticket sales and proceeds from a raffle netting $1,350 were donated to the organisation. Madeline Laxroix, senior manager from the Department of Family and Community Services also spoke about the issue of domestic violence and urged the community to speak out against it.

At the function, as a part of its Rising Star Awards program, the CIA honoured a number of high achievers at the HSC 2012 examinations. The students felicitated included Shruti Yardi, Sandhya Srinivasan, Bhavya Nanda, Nikhil Kankarla, Jostana Raghavulu, Jainoor Kaur Rana and Megh Mankad.

While the speeches and the messages were rather drawn out, the ambiance of the function was well appreciated by all. What needs to be applauded is the team which Subba Rao has created in this organisation, with Praful

Desai, Shail Wadhwa, Balu Vijay, Rakesh Puri, Jaspreet Chopra, Tony Calaco, Ashish Desai and Mohit Kumar.

Pawan Luthra

Anupam Sharma’s place of choice was 3000 strong community of Coonabarabran in Warrumbungle Shire of northern NSW. “Country Australia has always been so appealing to me. The landscape and the scenery are quite breathtaking. I have done location surveys in this region (thanks to Screen NSW), have filmed in Dubbo, as well as in many regional areas of Australia and NSW, so I jumped at the opportunity to visit such a friendly and beautiful region again,” he explained.

“To be an Australia Day Ambassador in Coonabarabran which has been ravaged by bush fires, and engage with the locals, was even more poignant”, he added.

“The whole experience was so fulfilling. It was like a cherry on my cake. I was supposed to be an Ambassador but felt more like an apprentice learning from the community, their amazing spirit of mateship, of volunteer work, and humanity which is fast eroding in the hustle bustle of big cities but refreshingly alive in

small towns,” he acknowledged.

It was so touching that despite having faced so much hardship barely the week before, the whole community rallied around for Australia Day, he pointed.

While he was moved by camaraderie and hospitality of the country region, one woman certainly made a lasting impression on the respected filmmaker. “The conductor of the local band was particularly bubbly and enthusiastic, making sure I was well looked after. I saw her at the breakfast meeting and again

at several functions throughout the day. When I finally got talking much later, I found out, she had lost everything in the recent fire.

Yet she was warm and welcoming.

This struck a deep chord. This is the true spirit of Australia,” he remarked.

“Australia Day may have started primarily to celebrate the arrival of the first fleet, but over the years it has developed into a celebration of all things Australians for all of us migrants,” he added.

Sharma who was recently

named as one of the 50 most powerful and influential film professionals in Australia by the prestigious Encore Magazine took part in a range of activities throughout the day, including flag hoisting and citizenship ceremonies.

Addressing the community gathering earlier, Sharma stated, “It is your resilience and Aussie spirit which makes the terrible fires of last week look like history. It is your Aussie spirit which won.”

Usha Ramanujam Arvind

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HSC achievers felicitated

Auction winner Jaspreet Chopra gets batting tips from cricket great Geoff Lawson

FEBRUARY (1) 2013 13

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Australia Day Matters of the heart For significant service to medicine in the field of cardiology

Associate Professor Jitendra Vohra, AM

BY PREETI JABBAL

A

ssociate Professor Jitendra Kantilal Vohra was in India celebrating with his family on January 26, when his name was

officially declared amongst this year’s Australia Day awardees in the prestigious AM category.

The cardiologist and senior electrophysiologist at Royal Melbourne Hospital was honoured for significant service to medicine in the field of cardiology.

He was the first physician to apply the ‘His Bundle Electrogram’ in Australia in

1971: the technique involved the insertion of an electrode catheter into the heart via the femoral vein in the groin.

Today Prof. Vohra is a leader in genetic testing for inherited disorders of cardiac rhythm. He is the founder and current director of the Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) Clinic and was instrumental in the introduction of the first automatic ICD in Australia in 1984. Since 1961, he has authored over 120 medical publications and book chapters nationally and internationally.

Originally from Gujarat in India, Dr Vohra migrated to Australia in 1969 soon after the end of the ‘white Australia’ policy. He completed his MBBS and MD from Mumbai and had gone to the UK to complete his post graduation training. There he met the director of the Royal Melbourne Hospital who asked him to consider migrating to Australia.

According to him, moving to Melbourne was the ‘best decision of his life’.

“If you are sick, there is no better place than Australia as the medical standards here are comparable to America and Europe,” said Dr Vohra.

Commenting on the Indian community in Melbourne Dr

Vohra said, “When I migrated things were different; there were very few Indians here. However today the community has grown in significant proportions due to migration. Australia has become richer from all the diversity.

Whilst there has never been any overt discrimination, the mainstream community today is far more accepting of migrants”.

Dr Vohra recently established the Cardiac Genetic Clinic in collaboration with the Royal Children’s Hospital and was involved in establishing the Cardiac Genetic Registry forming part of the National Genetic Heart Disease Registry. He also is a mentor and educator of trainee cardiologists, particularly in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. He co-authored in 1989 a book titled Coronary Care Workbook, widely distributed today throughout cardiac units in Australian hospitals.

“Genetic heart diseases are my main area of interest,” claimed Dr Vohra as he explained his work in layman terms. “Genetic testing is a potentially life-saving screening for patients with cardiac conditions that may predispose them to sudden cardiac death and other genetic heart diseases. It is not commonly known that many young people die due to inherited

cardiac disorders. We screen families as a proactive measure to identify and help determine if they have any heart disease predisposition. At RMH we do a significant amount of testing in collaboration with the Murdoch Institute”.

Dr Vohra’s CV outlines the numerous publications, as well as organisations, research and medical health facilities that benefit from his expertise.

In the little spare time he has, he likes to read, play tennis, dabble with photography and travel. He has strong ties with India, travelling back every year during Christmas to spend time with his family. According to him, people entering the medical profession nowadays are very bright, talented and hardworking, and rarely need advice. However when asked, Dr Vohra’s advice to young doctors would be to ensure that they have the ability to get along with people and other doctors, to work well within a team and have empathy for their patients.

Receiving the Australia Day honour was a very rewarding experience for Dr Vohra. He is looking forward to the official ceremony later this year, when the awards will be handed to the recipients.

a woman’s best friend For service to medicine in the field of urogynaecology BY USHA RAMANUJAM ARVIND

W Professor Ajay Rane, OAM

14 FEBRUARY (1) 2013

hile bowels and bladders are often a no-go zone for many, Professor Ajay Rane, head of obstetrics and gynaecology at James Cook University’s School of Medicine, has dedicated his career to improving the pelvic health of women.

The gregarious UK-born, Indiaraised and British-trained Dr Rane moved to remote north Queensland

to found the department of urogynaecology at the Townsville Hospital.

The Pelvic Health Unit, a comprehensive, multidisciplinary, one-of-its-kind service in regional Australia which Dr Rane heads, is ‘at the forefront in research and treatment of debilitating bowel and bladder conditions, offering compassionate and minimally invasive therapies for their ailments’.

Since 1997, Dr Rane has brought dignity to the lives of numerous women. It is estimated that at least a quarter of women worldwide suffer silently because of the stigma associated with the issue.

Little wonder then that he is often affectionately referred to as the Saint of Townsville, and a woman’s best friend.

Dr Rane was conferred the Medal of Order of Australia (OAM) on Australia Day this year, for services in the field of medicine.

“For someone who has spent only fifteen years in this country, the recognition is a humbling one,” he confessed.

“It is more a recognition of women’s suffering. I have been very blessed for the opportunity to serve in a community that has never been serviced before.

Whether it is the haves or the have not, there is always so much

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Seeking a solution to Alzheimer’s disease For distinguished service to medicine in the field of psychiatry through leadership in the research into Alzheimer’s disease.

rofessor Ralph Martins, an Australian researcher of Indian origin was named in the Australia Day 2013 Honours List recently. He was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia for his research into Alzheimer’s disease and the development of early diagnosis and treatment programs. Professor Martins is the Foundation Chair in Ageing and Alzheimer’s disease and Director of the Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer’s disease research and care at Perth. He is an internationally recognised expert in the field of Alzheimer’s research, and has published more than 200 research articles in peer-reviewed publications. He was named Citizen of the Year for Western Australia in 2011 and Western Australian of the Year in 2010.

Speaking from Perth, Dr Martins said, “I am deeply honoured at receiving this prestigious award and humbled that I have been lucky enough to be selected, because I know that there are many outstanding Australians who have given so much more

of themselves to others in our community.”

Dr Martins believes that 2013 is going to be an exciting year for prevention trials. “My key future goals are to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease early, well before the symptoms are apparent and to develop and undertake effective prevention programs in collaboration with colleagues in Australia, India, Indonesia and the USA, with the aim to keep Alzheimer’s disease at bay”.

He also expressed gratitude to members of his team, the research foundation, the University and generous donors who enabled the research efforts to progress.

For more than 25 years, Dr Martins has been a dedicated researcher and world leader in Alzheimer’s research, and a part of medical teams who have made a number of internationally recognised discoveries which have contributed not only to the understanding of the disease, but also to its early detection. His other discoveries include genetic risk factors and lifestyle factors which contribute to the disease.

Through his leadership, commitment and tenacity, Dr Martins has built and continues to grow, a body of substantial and world-class research. He also continues to develop the clinical capacity of Western Australia with active links to his international

peers who are at the forefront of the battle against Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr Martins has collaborated with specialist colleagues in India at various levels, sharing breakthrough research and projects. One of these is the startup of collaborative Alzheimer research centres in India in some of the major metro cities.

“India is on the verge of an Alzheimer’s explosion of 100 million people affected by the disease in the near future, and there is not enough government funding or awareness of the problem,” he said.

Born in 1957 in Bahrain to parents who hailed from Goa in India, Dr Martins studied his ‘Senior Cambridge’ secondary qualifications at a boarding school in Quetta, in the Baluchistan region of Pakistan. Interestingly, to facilitate his frequent visits home, he was given a Pakistani passport (although he was never considered a Pakistani citizen). In June 1974, aged only 16, Dr Martins came to Perth, and the rest of his family followed three months later. On arriving, they immediately felt completely at home. Dr Martins appreciates the choice, freedom and opportunities that Australia has given him. He was interested in science and medicine, but when he couldn’t get into medicine, he enrolled in biochemistry at the

University of WA, where he met his Burmese-born zoologist/ microbiologist wife Georgia, who now also works with the foundation. They married when he was 20.

Dr Martins went on to do research on the action of insulin on diabetics, but it was Georgia’s father’s very different disease that ultimately determined his direction.

“My father-in-law had Alzheimer’s, so I changed to neuroscience and started work with Colin Masters,” he said.

He believes the most important trait for success is self-belief; when he started off with research into Alzheimer’s, many in Melbourne – then the ‘Mecca’ of medical research – tried to dissuade him, but he was determined to go ahead. The success Dr Martins has achieved is a testimony to his determination, self-belief and perseverance. A recognised leader of research in Alzheimer’s disease, he continues to work to develop an early diagnostic blood test and feels that if the current rate of research is sustained, an early diagnostic test is just five to six years away.

With lifestyle a surprisingly large factor in the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, Ralph suggests

some basic warning signs GPs can pick up in their patients to get them onto a preventative course of action. Alzheimer’s risk factors include many of the usual suspects: lack of physical activity, obesity, high cholesterol, vascularassociated diseases (particularly type-2 diabetes), high blood pressure, and poor diet.

He says, “What’s good for the heart is good for the brain”. He recommends physical activity of around 30 minutes a day which includes a mix of cardio and weight training. His research has shown fish, turmeric and green tea to be deterrents against Alzheimer’s and is collaborating with an Indian herbal product manufacturer to create an “antiAlzheimer’s” pill which can incorporate all of these ingredients in a form that’s easy for the body to absorb.

Dr Martins is also actively involved in St. Vincent de Paul as president of the Bentley branch, and spends several hours a week volunteering and visiting the needy.

“It is more instantly rewarding, the joy of people being happy, just seeing their response, rather than doing research, which is a long road,” he claimed.

more to give,” he said.

Over the past decade, Dr Rane has helped generations of women overcome physical and psychosocial issues associated with incontinence. He has recently copatented a mesh-based surgical kit (Perigee) to help sufferers.

“In the developing world, the burning issues we grapple with are birth and sexual trauma, fistulas and genital mutilation; while in the developed world we see prolapse, incontinence and now the scourge of females – genital cosmetic surgery,” he admitted.

After starting up the department of urogynaecology, he developed awareness-raising initiatives such as the ‘Beat the

Bladder Blues’ program in a bid to educate thousands of women, particularly indigenous women in isolated communities.

Looking back at the challenges Dr Rane faced at the remote community hospital, he stated that the main hurdle was the metrocentric approach previously adopted.

“But in my opinion, all hurdles are a great opportunity to improve. Persistence, genuine passion, humility were the core building blocks of my team that totally changed the scenario. We soon learnt to leave behind our foreign egos and become one with the community,” he declared.

Despite extensive research and

teaching commitments within Australia, Dr Rane has also made it his mission to share his knowledge and expertise with developing nations where the sub-speciality is still in a relatively nascent phase. With this aim, he founded the UroGynaecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgical Society of India in 2005.

Besides initiating a substantial research fellowship for overseas doctors to train in Australia, he has also established a fistula ward at the renowned Kasturba Gandhi (Gosha) Hospital in Chennai.

Named after his wife Paula, whom he acknowledged as his pillar of strength, the ward lends support to distraught

women, both young and old.

Dr Rane has also facilitated close bilateral cooperation between India and Australia, with local doctors travelling to India to research and address the issue.

Equally passionate about female infanticide and foeticide, Dr Rane has championed the tragic cause.

In 2010, he co-produced Riwayat, a Bollywood film exploring the issues around female foeticide and infanticide.

“The movie was the result of the combined passion of Sanjay Patole and myself. We read that 40 million girls have been killed since 1984, and believed we needed to do something via the mass media.

Our aim was to highlight the issue without apportioning blame.

We got 14 international awards and met Omar Sharif, Richard Gere and Juliet Binoche. Sadly, we flopped in India. I think our message went too close to home.

Nobody in the government is interested in adopting the movie.

But we just want to save one life.

If we did that was an effort well worth it,” he concluded.

As well, Dr Rane has managed to shake off the inertia and reticence towards urogynaecological disorders.

“Fifteen years and a liberal dose of humour later, people and the press are pouring into our forums,” he quipped.

BY SAI NARAYAN

P

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Professor ralph martins, ao

FEBRUARY (1) 2013 15

coverstory

Australia day honours Auntyji of the community

Photo: A P Guruswamy

For service to the community through multicultural and aged welfare organisations

Krishna Arora, OAM

H

er phone has not stopped ringing and her inbox is flooded with emails ever since people have found out that Melbourne Indian community’s favourite ‘Auntyji’ has received the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) recently. Krishna Arora has been inundated with

congratulations!

As a community stalwart, food enthusiast and former Principal of the Pusa Institute of Hotel Management, Mrs Arora’s popularity within the community knows no geographical barriers.

“One of my former students from Muradabad (India) rang me recently to tell me that my photograph had appeared in their

local news. All my students who have settled in different parts of the world, some of whom I don’t even remember, have found out about the award and are sending me good wishes,” said the 85-year-old Mrs Arora with her characteristic enthusiasm.

Enthusiasm is only one of the words synonymous with Krishna Aunty; others that come to mind are tireless, energetic, helpful, caring…. the list goes on.

With no intentions of hanging up her boots yet, her daily schedule at 85 is busier than ever. At any given time she is either off to a seniors meeting, joining the Australia Day parade, helping someone in need, dancing with Shiamak Davar’s students, cooking up a delicious meal or lobbying for a cause with local politicians. “I do whatever I can as I enjoy helping people,” said Ms Arora, giving credit to her family who encourage and support her in all her endeavours.

Krishna Aunty migrated to Australia in 1992 to live with her daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren.

“I may not have been able to do

much if I did not have freedom of movement, but thanks to my family I am able to dedicate time and effort in working with the community,” she said.

Born in Bangalore, Mrs Arora is the co-founder of the Indian Senior Citizen’s Association (ISCA) and currently on the Executive Committee of FIAV (Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria) as a representative of the Sangam community organization.

She was the Founder and Principal of the Pusa Institute of Hotel Management in Delhi before retiring and migrating to Australia. Mrs Arora has authored several cook-books and contributes a regular food column in a local publication based in Melbourne. She runs a hotline tele-service offering cooking tips to people. Mrs Arora has also won several awards and citations over the years. In 2010, she was honoured with the Shilling Wall tribute for her outstanding contribution to the community. Her name was engraved on the Queen Victoria’s Women Centre Wall,

and she became one of the first women of Indian origin to be awarded a Shilling Wall certificate by the Victorian Multicultural Commission.

“Receiving the Order of Australia medal is wonderful, but my real reward is the blessings, affection and respect that I have earned for helping people, especially newly arrived migrants,” claimed Mrs Arora. There are countless stories of how Mrs Arora has helped those in need, not necessarily documented or recorded, as that was not her intent.

“There are so many young families who need guidance and support from those who have lived here longer; there are people suffering from depression in their attempt to settle in a new country; there are elderly citizens who are not looked after well by their families. I try to help wherever I can in my personal capacity and recently through the FIAV, and I will continue to do so,” said the stalwart Mrs Arora.

Preeti Jabbal

Climate change trailblazer For dedication to numerical weather modelling in the service of the Australian and global community

Dr kamal puri, Australia Day Achievement Medallion

T

he Australia Day Achievement Medallions are awarded under the auspices of the Australia Day Council to promote good citizenship and achievement.

They acknowledge employee contributions on special projects that have made a significant contribution to the nation, or outstanding performance of core duties in the year prior to which the award is presented.

Dr Kamal Puri, Senior Principal Research Scientist with the Bureau of Meteorology, won an Australia Day Achievement Medallion for his work in weather modelling.

16 FEBRUARY (1) 2013

The Bureau Executive on the basis of nominations submitted by senior managers determines medallion recipients within the Bureau of Meteorology.

Dr Kamal Puri is the Research Programme leader for Earth System Modelling Programme and has led the Bureau of Meteorology’s Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) modelling and research since 1980. He was a key figure in establishing the Australian Community Climate and Earth System Simulator (ACCESS) that enabled the CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology to have the best possible scientific tools for climate impact and adaptation analysis, and

weather forecasting. According to the citation, the NWP and climate projection models now rank in the top three internationally, and the ACCESS system has generated the data that lies behind much of Australia’s contribution to the IPCC 5th Assessment Report. Dr Puri has also been a key advisor in a number of the Bureau’s major supercomputer acquisitions and in the organisation of R&D collaborations with supercomputer vendors.

Originally from Kenya, Dr Puri migrated to Australia in 1972 after completing his PhD from the University of Manchester in the UK. Prior to that he completed his BSc (Hons) and Diploma in Advanced studies from the same university. He came to work for CSIRO Australia as a modeller with the intention of returning after three years; however, he liked Australia and decided to migrate to Melbourne.

“In those days there were hardly

any Indians or East Africans here; however the ones that were here formed a closely knit circle. I still maintain my friendship with those I met in my early days in Australia,” said Dr Puri. “I find that the community has changed tremendously since then with the influx of migrants from diverse backgrounds,” he continued.

“Personally I think those were better days when we were so closely knit; now the community is too large and widespread for that to be possible”.

Dr Puri is highly respected internationally and has travelled extensively to UK, US and India as a visiting scientist. He is a member of key international panels on earth system modelling and has written over 50 publications.

Dr Puri’s links with India continue professionally. He is a member of the International Advisory Committee that was set up by the Indian Government’s

Ministry of Earth Sciences to advise the Ministry on issues relating to weather and climate in India. The Panel meets in India annually and is hosted by the MoES. “Receiving this medallion in a special ceremony held on January 25 was very satisfying and gratifying for me. It is good to be recognised and respected by my colleagues as they are the ones who nominated me for this honour,” said Dr Puri.

“Australia is at par with the best in the world as far as weather prediction and climate change analysis; however we do suffer from lack of sufficient funding and are behind in the acquisition of supercomputers due tothe high cost,” he claimed.

Speaking about the future, Dr Puri said he finds his job very stimulating and intends to continue his focus on research and modelling.

Preeti Jabbal

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IndiaDiary

Empowering India’s women Several organisations within India are doing their best to support and empower women to face societal challenges

BY LEANNE WOODWARD

W

ith recent extensive media attention covering incidents of rape in India, the Indian government must be feeling some pressure to act more diligently toward such horrendous acts, and to start improving awareness about the importance of treating women decently and with value.

India, although part of the modern world, is also very traditional. Women still largely hold traditional roles of managing households, of being housewives and mothers. At the same time, many women still face issues of child marriage, gendercide, rape and its shame and stigma, forced marriages, physical and/or mental abuse, widowed and outcaste, and of having less opportunity than their male counterparts in work and education. The Indian government is yet to address these issues adequately, according to modern views of basic human rights.

According to the 2011 Indian census, there are 94 women to every 100 men. Surely if not now, at some stage Indian women will collectively find their voice and when this happens, this 50% of the population should be hard to ignore. Time is just waiting for the day when Indian women realise the influence they possess which presently lies latent in their hands, that will impact decisions and values of the whole country, and give them the power to run their own lives.

The Indian Women’s Movement (IWM)

To facilitate empowerment of Indian women including the most destitute, I found that there are many organisations currently working towards this objective. I met the founder of the Indian Women’s Movement, Ms Staci Luton who is passionate about social justice and empowerment of women. Her future dream is to set up welfare centres/sanctuaries across India that will cater to raped, abused, and ostracized women. These sanctuaries will provide compassion, safety, therapy, support and education, with the aim of reintroducing these women back into society as more empowered women. Ms Luton is 24 FEBRUARY (1) 2013

‘Shakti’ meetings are run by local concerned women, who meet to identify specific needs of women in their local area and who then endeavour to address these needs with the help of the IWM.

a graduate of American Indian studies, sociology, international relations and peacekeeping, and her studies interested her in the cause of empowerment of women in India. Many of Ms Luton’s projects and work will be done under the umbrella of the Indian Women’s Movement, IWM (www.indianwomensmovement. com). Maharaja Ramlaxman Singh Ratlam, co-founder of IWM, outlines the organisation’s commitment to giving of aid without discrimination. “India is changing. We now see more equal opportunities than ever before. We also see the destitute, persecuted and people in need in all communities. In all castes and creeds there are women who are rich and poor, abused and ostracized,” he says.

A current project of the IWM now in the pilot stage, is the development of ‘shakti’ meetings throughout India. Shakti meetings are run by local concerned women, who meet to identify specific needs of women in their local area and who then endeavour to address these needs with the help of the IWM. Ladies interested in participating or starting up a group contact the IWM directly.

The organisation relies largely on the generosity of people through donations, gifts of new and used toys, clothes, sewing machines, books and fabric. Spreading the word helps create awareness, and the IWM also welcomes volunteers.

In 2012, the University of NSW

sent a group of volunteer students to teach in a women’s education centre in Rajasthan, run by one of the non-government organisations (NGO) endorsed by the IWM. The IWM links people to these endorsed NGOs via their website.

IWM-endorsed organisations do real grassroots work and are not motivated by ego or profit; but simply by empowering and helping women in need. Two such NGOs are Sambhali Trust and Udaan.

The Sambhali Trust

The Sambhali Trust whose motto is ‘Empowering women of today and tomorrow’, was founded by Govind Singh Rathore in 2006.

Govind lost his father at the age of 14. As the oldest male member of the family, he was taken out of school to become the head of the household. It indicated a patriarchal society in which a widowed woman could have no status and could be outcast because of unforseen and uncontrollable circumstances. Govind’s experience through the women in his life gave him motivation to start the Sambhali Trust.

Today the organisation runs 12 programs, looking after 600 women in Jodhpur. This is possible thanks to the support of benefactors like Mr Tony Vila from the Lonely Planet Foundation, and Rotary International, including funds raised through the sale of products produced by the graduates of the sewing program.

The Sambhali Trust helps

empower women through knowledge. They run classes for young children right through to adult women in English and mathematics, in hygiene principles, and in textiles and sewing. Graduates of the latter can earn from their learnt skills by producing garments, manchester and handmade toys which are sold at the Sambhali boutique and online. Online purchases can be made at www.sambhali-trust.org/.

Another program offered by the Sambhali Trust assists in setting up local self-help groups. Women in these groups devise methods of saving money so that they are able to take out loans and start a business. The program helps women take control of their lives and get on a path to independence.

Udaan

Udaan or ‘Wings to imagination’ (www.udaanforwomen.org), is an organisation principally working in the city of Jaipur. Shiva Naruka founded this organisation in 2011, and is yet to be recognised as an NGO as the application process takes 3 years. Shiva presently works without any assistance from the government, but thankfully, her family openly supports her choice of helping empower women and children in need. They have allowed her to use the home as an office, a school and a meeting place. From time to time Shiva receives words of discouragement; she understands not all people share her family’s openness about

helping the poorest and most outcast of women.

Through Udaan, Shiva offers English language classes to help make ‘globally competent citizens’.

Udaan also offers education and support to women and their children in issues of dowry, infanticide, marriage, widowhood, woman empowerment, and empowering one’s own children.

Shiva says, “It is important to teach mothers not to put their children into a box, but rather to empower them so that they will grow wings to bring their ideas into reality.”

She adds, “India should be careful about how they handle children, because they turn out as they are raised. Parents and peers need to change their ideas about widows, dowry, infanticide, education and women being empowered, so that their children will grow up and adopt the same ideas”.

How you can help

Apart from increasing global awareness of what’s being done currently to empower women in India, there is the need for a change in the culture and perception of women and their concerns.

Indian women would greatly benefit through support from outside India via individuals and organisations, and through political pressure. By donating to the above organisations, Australians have the opportunity to participate in many ways to help make these changes happen.

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INDIAN NEWS Photo: AP

Kashmir’s first girl teenage rock band Pragaash, or First Light, from Indian-administered Kashmir has decided to quit after the region’s top Muslim cleric declared their music to be “un-Islamic”, according to their manager. Pragaash, a three-piece group whose members are still in high school, had been the target of an online hate campaign ever since winning a “Battle of the Bands” contest in Srinagar in December.

IAF eyes private vendors to replace Avro fleet

For the first time in its service, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will buy transport aircraft from private vendors to replace its ageing Avro fleet.

“We will release this month an RFP (request for proposal) to acquire 56 cargo aircraft from the private sector for replacing the indigenously-built Avros, which will be phased out,” Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne said at an aerospace event.

Of the 56 aircraft, 16 will be procured offthe-shelf and the remaining 40 will be built in the country by a private consortium of overseas and domestic vendors.

Estimated to cost a total of about $3 billion (Rs.16,000 crore), the defence ministry’s acquisition council has recently allowed the air force to float a global tender to purchase a twin-engine cargo aircraft in six-eight tonne class, with a cruise speed of 800 km per hour and a range of 2500-2800 km.

The vintage Hawker Siddeley 748M Avros, built by the state-run defence behemoth Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) during the 1960s, were inducted into the IAF transport fleet for ferrying its personnel as well as heavy equipment.

The Avros are also being used for rescue and relief missions.

“Acquisition from non-PSUs (public sector undertakings) will encourage the Indian private sector to design and develop a modern transport aircraft for military operations,” Browne said at the international seminar on “Aerospace Products Challenges in Design to Development”, being held ahead of the ninth edition of the biennial Aero India trade event.

The programme will also enable the vendors to service the aircraft besides encouraging small and medium enterprises to develop parts, sub-systems and accessories, as the first 16 aircraft will have 30 percent

26 FEBRUARY (1) 2013

indigenous component and 60-80 percent in the remaining 40 aircraft.

Airbus Military with its C295 and Alenia Aermacchi with its C-27J are likely to be in race for the multi-million dollar deal.

Obama awards science medal to Indian-American inventor

President Barack Obama has awarded Rangaswamy Srinivasan, an Indian-American co-inventor of LASIK eye surgery, with a national medal for science, technology and innovation along with 22 other researchers and inventors.

Srinivasan, 82, an inventor at IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Centre, received the 2011 National Medal of Technology and innovation with Samuel Blumand James Wynne.

They were awarded for “the pioneering discovery of excimer laser ablative photodecomposition of human and animal tissue, laying the foundation for PRK and LASIK, laser refractive surgical techniques that have revolutionized vision enhancement,” according to the White House citation.

Lauding the recipients for their hard work and contributions at a White House ceremony, Obama joked that they represented “the greatest collection of brainpower we’ve had under this roof in a long time.”

The medals represent the highest honours the US government can give to scientists, engineers, and inventors.

Speaking in the East Room of the White House, Obama flanked by Dr. Subra Suresh, Indian-American head of the National Science Foundation, thanked the recipients for “the sacrifices they’ve made, the chances they’ve taken, [and] the gallons of coffee they’ve consumed.”

The president also used the opportunity to make a pitch for increased focus on science and technology education, as well as

immigration reform.

“In a global economy, where the best jobs follow talent, whether in Calcutta or Cleveland, we need to do everything we can to encourage that same kind of passion” that has led to scientific breakthroughs and innovation, he said.

Punjabi, Bengali, Gujarati among top 10 languages in Britain

Punjabi, Urdu, Bengali and Gujarati are among the top 10 languages spoken in Britain, according to latest census figures.

BBC reported that the number of people in England and Wales who could not speak any English was 138,000.

According to the 2011 census, after English, the second most reported language was Polish, with 546,000 speakers, followed

by Punjabi and Urdu.

Some four million people - or eight percent of the population - reported speaking a different language other than English or Welsh.

The top 10 reported languages were English, followed by Polish, Punjabi, Urdu, Bengali, Gujarati, Arabic, French, Chinese (excluding Mandarin and Cantonese) and Portuguese.

Not all languages were spoken, with 22,000 people using sign language, BBC reported.

English or Welsh was the main language for 92 percent - or 50 million - of residents aged three and over.

Of those with a main language other than English, 1.7 million could speak English very well, while 138,000 could not speak English at all.

In London, 1.7 million residents used a main language other than English.

US-based linguist discovers a new dialect in Bihar A US based Indian linguist claims to have discovered a new dialect spoken by the

minority Musilm community in some districts of Bihar that has no written record or name.

Mohammad Warsi, who teaches linguistics and Indian languages at the Washington University in St. Louis, said the main language for communication in Darbhanga, Madhubani, Samastipur, Begusarai and Muzaffarpur, is Maithili. But when Muslims speak among themselves, they speak a dialect that is different from Maithili, Hindi, and Urdu. This dialect does not have its own script or literature, he said.

This might be the reason that this dialect went unnoticed to linguists so far, said Warsi, who is a recipient of James E. McLeod Faculty Recognition Award for 2012.

While doing a comparative study, Warsi said he found that this new dialect is completely different from Hindi, Urdu, and Maithli and their verb conjugation and sentence structure, is quite different from each other.

For example “We are going” would be rendered “hum jaa rahain hain” in Hindi, “hum jaay rahal chhii” in Maithli and “hum jaa rahain hain” in Urdu sentence. But in the new dialect it would be: “ham jaa rahaliya hae”. Also, there is no agentive marker “-ne” in Mithilanchal Urdu.

Only one second person pronoun “tu” is used in the new dialect instead of “tu, tum and aap”.

From these examples, it is clear that the verb conjugation in the new dialect is completely different from that of Hindi, Urdu, and Maithli, Warsi said.

Warsi, a native of Darbhanga district in Bihar has given the nomenclature of ‘Mithilanchal Urdu’ to this dialect.

“Language does not have any boundaries, nor is it dependent on any boundary,” he said.

“Dialects are the contact languages of particular regions, and they have a deep impact on their cultural heritage,” he said.

“Slowly with time these dialects begin to take shape of languages.”

The convergence of a dialect into a language is a symbol and pride of the people who speak it, Warsi said suggesting the inclusion of the new dialect in a recently initiated nationwide linguistic survey.

Kashmir’s all-girl rock band quits performing

The teacher of the all-girl rock band against whom a ‘fatwa’ was issued said that the girls have stopped performing even as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah promised police investigations into the threats.

Adnan Muhammad Mattoo, who trained the three Class 10 girls before they formed the valley’s first girls’ rock band said “Since the grand mufti, whom we treat as part of the government, says they must not play music, the three girls have decided to quit.”

“I formed the valley’s first rock band, Blood Rock, seven years ago. I now feel seven years of my life have been wasted. I have also decided to quit and give up my pursuit of rock music,” Mattoo said.

He added that there are nearly 40 rock bands in the state. “Their future is also in doldrums now,” he said.

After receiving threats on the social media, the family sources of the three girls who formed the Pragaash band said they had told their wards not to continue their pursuit.

Bashir-ud-din Ahmed, head of the Muslim

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INDIAN NEWS

States will invite bids for power to meet demand

States will invite bids for procuring electricity to bridge the gap in demand and supply in the next six months, the government said.

It is part of a package of measures power ministers of states and union territories resolved to adopt to improve the country’s power situation after a meeting with union Power Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.

A power ministry statement said the states will now invite bids for procurement of power to meet the uncovered gap in demand and supply within the next six months through Case I bidding.

Case I is an open bid where the developer has to decide for fuel and location and compete against any other developer.

“State governments would prepare plans covering generation and transmission infrastructure for all time horizons and would procure about 90 percent power of their requirement under long-term or medium-term agreements,” the statement said.

Briefing media persons on the progress of the financial restructuring programme (FRP) for distribution companies (discoms), Scindia

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Photo: AP

clergy in Kashmir, issued a ‘fatwa’ (religious decree) asking the parents of the three girls to impart religious education to their daughters and labelled the girls’ performance as “a shameful act”.

Separatist leaders also disapproved of the girl’s band and said: “This (band) was against moral values and they (the girls) should refrain from singing. There is no place for such acts in Islam.”

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had hoped on his micro-blogging Twitter site that the three talented girls would not give up under threats from “a handful of morons”.

Abdullah also said he would have the threats against the girls investigated.

Mehbooba Mufti, president of opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), said here Monday that Kashmiri women singers like Raj Begum, Kailash Mehra and Shamima Azad had been widely appreciated and encouraged. “I don’t know what religious reasons the grand mufti had to issue his decree, but I feel it is being blown out of proportion,” she said.

PDP spokesperson Naeem Akhtar told media persons: “Music is part of our spiritual culture since decades. Kashmir has produced many women singers and Kashmiris are still fond of their songs.”

Ruling National Conference leader Mustafa Kamal said: “The chief minister has said he would provide security to these girls if they want to pursue their passion. He has also said he would not intervene if the girls decided to give up their pursuit of music.”

Taking strong exception to the ‘fatwa’, state BJP chief spokesperson Jitendra Singh said: “These (fundamentalists) who are uncomfortable with the return of normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir want to keep the Kashmir pot boiling for their vested interests.”

He added: “These are elements which do not want the youth of Kashmir to be a part of the national mainstream in democratic India.”

The band Pragaash (morning light) comprising three Class 10 girls, gave their first live performance at Srinagar’s music festival, Battle of the Bands, Dec last year.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and television actress Shweta Tiwari (2nd from left) perform for the Support My School telethon in Mumbai.

said 5 out of seven “focus” states had agreed to take part in the scheme.

“Five states are already on board (the FRP). Their total short-term liability is close to Rs.120,000 crore. We are speaking to the finance ministry for the approvals so that in the near future, next week, we’ll be able to take it forward,” Scindia said.

Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are the states which have commited to the FRP. In September last year, the Cabinet approved the restructuring package for discoms’ debt burden, which stood at a staggering Rs. 246,000 crore at end of March 2012.

Under the scheme, 50 percent of the short-term outstanding liabilities would be taken over by state governments. The balance 50 percent loans would be restructured by providing moratorium on principal and best possible terms for repayments.

The 6th conference of power ministers of states and UTs deliberated several issues regarding providing affordable and adequate power to consumers and making electricity accessible to all, particularly in those areas that are not connected with the grid.

It was also decided that the state governments would ensure the accounts of the utilities, up to 2011-12, are audited and finalised by March 2013, and in future the accounts of a financial year are audited by September of the following financial year as per the Companies Act. States would ensure that discoms file multi-year tariff petition and that State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs) announce multi-year tariff as per the National Tariff Policy.

Wipro unveils aerospace facility in Bangalore SEZ

IT major Wipro Ltd’s global hydraulics business unveiled its aerospace facility in the special economic zone (SEZ) at Devanahalli near the airport on the city’s outskirts.

Set up with an upfront investment of Rs.650 million in a 7.2 acre campus, the country’s first of its kind plant has an installed capacity to manufacture about 2,000 actuators annually for various aerospace applications.

An actuator is a device used to control

hydraulic fluid or pneumatic pressure in a mechanical or electronic system and convert this energy into motion.

“Our actuators will have various applications in aircraft, including landing gear, flight control systems, engines and utilities,” Wipro Infrastructure Engineering president Pratik Kumar said on the occasion.

The global actuator systems market is estimated to be around $3 billion.

“Our vision is to build a significant presence in the aerospace and defense market, leveraging on our experience and competence in precision engineering and machining space,” Kumar said.

The company’s engineering division tied up in May 2011 with Spanish firm Compania Espanola de Sistemas Aeronauticos SA, a subsidiary of the European Aerospace and Defence Corporation, EADS, to manufacture precision engineering components.

“The pact involves technology transfer as well as manufacturing aerospace actuators and related precision engineering components by Wipro for CESA,” Kumar said.

The company plans to double the investment over the next six years to expand capacity to about 8,000 actuators per annum and add new product lines in precision manufactured components.

“We have big plans for this business and are in talks with several players to develop multiple product lines as the facility, with end-to-end capabilities from product development, manufacturing to testing, is well positioned to partner global OEMs/tierIs, which are looking to extend their supply chains to cost-competitive countries like India and to meet their offset obligations,” said engineering business head Sunil Rajagopalan.

The facility will commence its serial production in April.

Wipro chairman Azim Premji, EADS/ Airbus vice-president Klaus Richter and Karnataka’s principal secretary (industry) M.N. Vidyashankar were present on the occasion.

Now Ramayana in Polish language

Ramayana, the great Indian epic, is now

available in Polish language, courtesy Janusz Krzyzowski, an Indologist in Poland who has translated the monumental work.

Though few episodes of Ramayana were translated into Polish in 1816, these were mere translation of western writers. In the 20th century, some attempts were made to translate a few more chapters.

It seems Krzyzowski collected the material from dozens of books and presented in a coherent manner so that a reader could sustain his interest while going through different chapters. The original was penned by Maharishi Valmiki in Sanskrit.

“My main purpose was to translate this epic into many chapters in a story format so that laymen and particularly Polish children could enjoy the book as well as they should be aware of the great Indian mythological tradition.

“Ramayana and Mahabharata are two great epics which cannot (be) compared with other epics. Even Greek epics come out as pale shadows when we see the canvas of the Indian epics. They are almost unique in the history of mankind,” Krzyzowski told reporters.

The book’s effect was visible when a group presented a two-hour show on the pattern of Ramlila. In May, the group will visit few cities in Poland to enact Ramlila for Polish schoolchildren with the help of the Embassy of India in Warsaw.

“He has done great justice to promote India in his nation. He deserves all our praise and we feel proud that such a gem is with us in Poland,” said the Indian ambassador Monika Mohta.

Krzyzowski has been a prolific writer on India since 15 years. His love for India has roots since his university days when he enrolled for a master degree in philosophy after a medical degree. This interest turned him into an automatic Indophile.

His books on Ashoka and Tansen were well-received along with books of Urdu masters like Mir Taqi Mir, Mirza Ghalib, Firaq Gorakhpuri, Faiz Ahmad Faiz that he translated with Surender Zahid, an Urdu poet in Warsaw.

Krzyzowski is the president of IndiaPoland Cultural Committee since its inception in 2004.

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ARTS

The Kochi Muziri Biennale The Indian century begins now India launched its first Biennale for Contemporary Art in Kochi on 12/12/12 and according to art critics worldwide, it has been a huge success.

T

BY DANIEL CONNELL

he Kochi Biennale story is one of integrity, hard work, sacrifice, leadership, determination and guts by the Biennale Foundation and a handful of political leaders who maintained a belief that India can again foster big picture inspiration and that it deserves nourishment of the newest ideas.

In 2010, the then Cultural Minister for Kerala Mr M A Baby and well-known Kerala artists Bose Krishnamachari and Ryas Komu initiated the Indian Biennale idea and succeeded enormously in pulling it off. It was affirmed in the office of the Prime Minister, and the Kochi Muziris Biennale Foundation was formed with the date set at December 12, 2012 (12/12/12).

But for the visionary leadership of these few, India’s first real contemporary art event almost would not have happened.

It was plagued by baseless allegations of corruption and beset by government enquiries.

When public funding was withdrawn after a change of state government, the Biennale Foundation forged on and attracted private sponsorship.

To their credit they produced a magnificent show, which the world of art is talking about. Australia too can be proud of backing a winner as out of 6 international project supporters, 3 are Australian: the Australia Council, Department of Foreign Affairs, and Trade and Asia Link.

Of the 80 artists, 6 were Australian and an additional 10 Australians were involved in satellite shows, as well as Melbourne University and the University of South Australia.

Why Kochi?

Kochi is not just interesting, but also the right choice for India’s first Biennale and Keralites should be proud. This coastal city was a thriving cosmopolitan centre for hundreds of years before Europe even knew that the East existed! Kochi has the first mosque in India, the first church and 30 FEBRUARY (1) 2013

the first synagogue. It has held communities of Arabs, Chinese and Europeans alongside the dynamic Dravidians, and is the only place in India where three different European nations ruled consecutively and continuously for over 400 years. Kochi had the second elected communist government in the world and is still the most literate state in India.

Amar Kanwar, The Sovereign Forest, on-going research project

A venue with character It seems that Kochi is the natural home for new ideas. The island of Fort Kochi where the Biennale is centred, offers a contained yet spacious environment to exhibit and create work, accommodate visitors and artists, all within walking distance of venues. It has a multitude of abandoned spice warehouses, lanes, walls and forgotten gardens, pungent with memory and character. The Biennale foundation has turned many into world-class art spaces.

The huge Aspin Wall House, an abandoned space and coconut fibre trade house on the sea wall, is the main venue. Works are displayed in small and vast rooms, previously kitchens and offices. In pours an abundance of tropical light, and outside are immense cargo ships and wooden fishing boats so close you can touch them. It is potentially the most picturesque biennale venue in the world.

The venues, location, history combined with the sheer determination to make the event work with the raw energy of international and local artists working side by side in heat and humidity with tradesmen and labourers, all came together to create a fierce authenticity that makes the KMB a very Indian and a very new and important art experience for the world.

Daniel Connell at work at Kochi (and below) his finished pieces.

Ariel Hassan, HFV Project

Behind the scenes

Some of the accusations hurled at the organisers were of elitism and exclusivism, yet I witnessed both Artistic Directors Bose and Ryas, as well as high profile members of the organising committee, attend community event after community event when no one else was looking. On one day they were welcoming the world’s most important artists to India: Ai Wei Wei, the director of Tate Modern, John Abraham or Miss India; and the next day they were

Rigo 23, Kochi Tower

Rigo 23, Kochi Tower, 2

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Vivek Vilasini, Last Supper - Gaza

Ariel Hassan, HFV Project, 2

Ernesto Neto, Life is a River

Aspinwall House

at the Cochin Carnival community event with 25 local women in a small temple. No entourage, no pretence; the office is open, bustling and focussed everyday.

An avid audience

Most importantly however, I witnessed the rare delight of ordinary people engaging with contemporary art for the first time, and loving it. The difficult videos of Pakistani artist Rashid Rana who uses tiny moving cut squares from pornographic videos, which are inoffensive, yet somehow seductive; then there is a collage that depicts victims of a suicide bombing. In a terrible moment of recognition we are forced to link

O

seduction and violence, forced to acknowledge a horrific familiarity.

There was a policeman who spoke little English, but knew every sensitive video piece by Australian artist Angelica Mesti by heart, who showed me around Moidu’s house. I saw crowds of families reading the heart-breaking books of Amar Kanwar’s records of farmer suicides, page by page and watching open-mouthed the hidden protests against forced land accusation by villagers in Chhattisgarh. I saw auto drivers parking their 3-wheelers and coming in to see sculptures by Subodh Gupta, videos by Chinese artists and installations by South African artists. I spoke to lawyers,

the centre of a controversy.

There’s talk of a side exhibition of those inspired by the Biennale at its next event.

Art liberated!

Room after room of sensitive, intelligent, gutsy, humble artworks, and I could not progress without stopping to call a friend to share the delight. After years of seeing exhibitions of paintings in Delhi and Mumbai by artists desperate to sell their work to survive, here comes this confident explosion of audacious tenacity. Art liberated! I was deeply moved by the focussed humanity that had gone into this exhibition. This event represented every potential

goodness I knew existed in the new Indian psyche.

Art is about ideas, not products.

Art is a container for ideas, if you like. Ideas are the raw material for creativity. Creativity expands personal freedom and accelerates human progress, not necessarily in industry but also in relationships, understanding, inventions, design, sensitivity, health and the underlying reasons for why we do what we do. Art is an essential ingredient of a dynamic and healthy society. Art gives us not only the tools, but also the permission to think.

So if you like ideas and you love India, get to Kochi before March 13, and see India shining.

Biennale in the making

ver the last decade much has been spoken of the ‘boom’ in Indian art, sparked by an increase in purchasing power of the middle classes coupled with an international curiosity on how Indian artists reflected the rapid changes India was experiencing.

This boom however, was short lived. Many galleries were exploiting a new market and it could also be argued that an unsupported art infrastructure in India – museums, critics, publications, tertiary courses and events – meant that there was not sufficient depth to sustain it.

Supporters of the arts know that creative societies are prosperous ones and that a sustainable arts sector cannot happen without public and private funding for experimental art and an art-educated public. For this to happen, large public events for the visual arts are required. Over 150 cities worldwide now host Biennales. A Biennale for contemporary art is an event for which India has been crying out.

The idea of an international Indian visual art event is not new to

NATIONAL EDITION

businessmen, students, children, housewives and unemployed labourers in exhibition halls who had favourite pieces. I saw a mum and her two teenage daughters in full Islamic dress laughing like children as they discovered a sculpture in Cabral Yard. I saw the slow drip feed of ideas seeping into the local psyche: a worker returned from Dubai who was motivated to enter one of his photos in a national competition and won; an engineer picking up his pen to write creatively after spending days in the free library of art and design in David Hall; a chai shop owner talking to the media about the value of art after his portrait drawn on a wall became

the country. The Triennale of contemporary art spearheaded by writer Mulk Raj Anand began in 1968 under the Lalit Kala Akademi.

This sadly folded and India was left in the dark.

The recent boom/bust renewed interest in the visual arts and soon the India Art Fair in Delhi originated. However, like art fairs across the world, it is an art supermarket where the price tag is often more important than the ideas within the work. Money always turns heads, but ideas are more difficult to sell; hence a Biennale, where nothing is bought nor sold but instead simply invites people to engage with ideas, was harder to get off the ground.

Visual art has the reputation of being the most avant garde of all of the art genres; a little different from performing arts and literature. It is non-conformist, but provides a richer space for ideas and is often controversial.

The lack of public or private funding for radical experimentation or conceptual art in India has forced most practicing artists either out of India or into commercial applications, such as paintings for home decoration. It has also meant that local artists have to see

new international works on screens and rarely have a chance to view them for real.

The eternal problem for artists worldwide is the tyranny of commercial galleries, that is, making what people want to buy.

One antidote to this is what has become known as a ‘Biennale’, invented in Venice in1895. This is a curated exhibition happening every two years and is usually attached to a city. Biennales are expected to be the apex of avant garde, where the most complex ideas in art give a censorship-free snapshot of the current social, philosophical and political landscape from that city’s perspective.

Indian artists have been well represented in international Biennales for decades, and their highly sophisticated ideas about India have been consumed by foreign audiences.

Indian audiences and Indian artists came together in a serious space to discuss reviving an interest in contemporary art, and thus was born the concept of the Kochi Muziris Biennale Foundation.

Daniel Connell, an Australian visual artist who has lived and worked as an artist in India for over 5 years, spent a month at the Biennale creating new work.

FEBRUARY (1) 2013 31

opinion

Herbal

Is Gandhism extinct in India?

Mahatma Gandhi’s unique ideals were adopted across the world, but their relevance seems to be paling in India today

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President Barack Obama openly professes his admiration for Gandhi. He told students at the Wakefield High School in Arlington in 2009 that Gandhi represents the power BY of change through ethics, and how to use noel g de sOUZA morality to foster change. Obama pointed out to the students that Gandhi made people realise that they had power within themselves ahatma Gandhi, the Father of the and that that power needed to be used to Indian nation, was a complex person, help others, and not to oppress them. like many other great people. However the Gandhian methods helped India gain its thing which stands out was that he was a freedom from the British and the French peaceful man, even to the point of naiveté. which were democratic countries, but There has been no other such person in failed when it came to India’s history since its the Portuguese under the independence. dictatorial rule of Salazar.

There are those who Peaceful demonstrators consider Mohandas (sathyagris) marching into Goa Karamchand Gandhi During his famous in 1955 were met by gunfire (‘mahatma’ is a title meaning speech, ‘We have a and mowed down. Several ‘great soul’) to be a naïve dream’ on Capitol Hill, were killed. and impractical person.

In 1961, India ultimately For example, Gandhiji (a Martin Luther King seized control of the respectful address) believed and his supporters Portuguese possessions that passive resistance by around him wore within India through Jews against the Nazis could white Gandhi caps military means. In 1975, help them to ultimately win the army overthrew the their rights. History has undemocratic successor to clearly proven otherwise. the late Salazar regime and Gandhiji hailed from the soon after, democracy was state of Gujarat. When he re-established in Portugal. The country then moved from Britain to South Africa, he was signed a treaty recognising Indian sovereignty smartly dressed and sat in a carriage reserved over its former possessions. for whites. But though he was fair-skinned, Today, the relationship between Portugal he was thrown out of the carriage because a and India is a very friendly one. There are white person objected to his presence there. thousands of Indians (both Christians and This started the Civil Rights movement in Hindus) living in Lisbon where significantly, South Africa. there are two statues of Gandhi in the city.

After returning to India, for a time There was one true follower of Gandhi Gandhiji lived in Gujarat which was known who lived a selfless life. He was Acharya then for its Hindu-Muslim amity. In Vinoba Bhave, a freedom fighter who was recent decades ironically, Gujarat has seen jailed for agitating against British colonial communal riots in the city of Godhra. In rule in 1932. He was known in a limited 2002, a railway carriage carrying activists circle because of his writings in his native returning from Ayodhya was set on fire, Marathi. It was Gandhiji himself who reportedly by extremist Muslims (over 30 of them were later convicted); fifty-nine persons introduced him to India in 1940.

Bhave was a spiritually minded person were killed including women and children. who had deeply studied the major Hindu In retaliation, Hindu activists set fire to texts and commented on them, as well as Muslim shops and homes, resulting in over a some on Islam and Christianity. He stated thousand deaths. The current premier of the that his main purpose was the union of State has been blamed for the incident, but hearts. Bhave dedicated himself to achieving he denies any involvement. land distribution to the poor by persuading Gandhiji’s methods of peaceful and nonlarge landowners to donate land, in what violent agitation secured India’s freedom became well known as the bhoodan (gift of from British rule. His methods worked land) movement. admirably within the parameters of a Gandhiji’s utopia was an India composed democratic society. That is why Gandhian of self-sufficient villages. Since then, ideas of ‘passive resistance’ (called ‘satyagraha’ urbanisation has skyrocketed and what or action for truth, that is, for justice) have were once small towns are now growing been successfully used in South Africa, the urban centres. To protect rural jobs, the USA and Zimbabwe. government has allocated certain industries Gandhian methods helped to secure rights to rural areas. It is essential that jobs for Afro-Americans in the USA. Gandhi’s having mass employment be protected. methods were emulated by Martin Luther Thus a machine invented to mechanise the King Jnr in the Civil Rights movement in production of a local cigarette-type item the USA. During his famous speech, ‘We (bidi) was banned, as it would create mass have a dream’ on Capitol Hill, King and rural unemployment. his supporters around him wore white In India, Gandhism is still alive in the rural Gandhi caps. People were reminded of that sector. However, growing intolerance and speech during the Atlanta Olympic Games vociferous activism is harming the country’s when images of Gandhi were prominently political fabric. displayed.

M

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FEBRUARY (1) 2013 35

VIEWPOINT

Golden and shiny or grimy and grey?

India Inc still hides mammoth social issues under its veneer of glitz and opulence

BY DOLLY SINGH MIRANDA

I

s it finally happening - are we witnessing the rise of the East? Is the world tilting, the powers shifting? Are we looking at India rising and India shining?

Is India Inc all golden?

Or does it have some deep, dark greys?

This question haunts me as I return to Sydney after a 2-month holiday back ‘home’ in Mumbai.

The city of Mumbai, a city I’ve called home for 25 years, always did beat to its own drums. It’s truly a city that never sleeps; it fills you with a manic energy, a crazy insatiable zest for something. I felt like an ‘energizer bunny’ buzzing around all day and all night, giddy, restless and unable to sleep.

It felt like I should be doing things, achieving something, digging for gold!

The roads are packed. Traffic is a snarl but the cars are all high end - from Audis to BMWs, Ferraris, Mercs, Lexus, Hondas, Toyotas, Skodas. The city is changing: there is huge amount of money being earned and spent - it’s the middle and upper middle class spending on lifestyle!

The roads maybe broken in parts, but along these are malls and more malls - bigger, brighter, more extravagant and boasting of brands from around the world: spas, salons, beer cafés, lounges, theatres, multiplexes, parlours, lifestyle and hobby stores replacing the humble kirana shops.

Fine dining restaurants with cuisines from around the world are peppered across the city. An average meal cost per person at one of the ‘new age’ cafes ranges from Rs1200 to Rs1500 (average $25).

The new residential complexes come built with all the bells and whistles - rubber paved play areas for kids, swimming pool, clubhouse, games court, spas, mini theatres and security systems.

Each home has a maid, cook, nanny and driver – along with the grandmother supervising the daily chores and the grandchildren’s activities!

Everything is ordered over the phone and delivered at home.

From medicines to milk, from daily needs to fancy needs - all it takes is one phone call.

And it functions 24/7!

There are 300 channels on 36 FEBRUARY (1) 2013

W Mumbai, a hotel set to open in 2015 TV from which to choose, and Bollywood has become big business. Films are crossing the Rs100 crore mark, and Mumbai is buzzing with MONEY! There is investment in infrastructure; the Sea Link which has been built over the sea connecting Bandra to South Mumbai (Worli) is world class.

Travelling on the bridge, as the Mumbai skyline comes into view, you know you are in one of the major cities of the world.

The Metro construction is also underway.

Most of our friends who are employed by the corporate sector are now also venturing into being entrepreneurs. Besides their day jobs they are becoming restaurateurs, firm owners, etc.

High risk, high returns! Looks like the city of Mumbai is playing the high stakes game!

This is India Inc: shining bright and golden.

Or is it?

On the surface, it seemed like an easy answer. There was

plenty of evidence to support the hypothesis of India’s phenomenal progress, all golden, proud and brave.

However, digging deeper and looking beyond the gold, I found cracks which seemed very grey, very deep and unaddressed.

The first crack, which is personal to me and perhaps to many families in our situation, is the service level and support provided to parents in their old age.

Lacklustre support services with little adherence to process, ethics or humanity! Most services are delivered pathetically, and often for the elderly, it is a curse to get anything repaired or serviced.

It could be the TV, washing machine, laptop, camera, microwave, it’s always the same story.

After innumerable calls, repeated requests and humble pleas, half-hearted attempts are made by technicians to solve the problem. Eventually it always leads to more repair costs, parts

that need to be changed or a complete re-haul! It’s scary to see the falling service levels and rising expense levels.

Let’s look at the services provided by the domestic staff.

‘Maids in Mumbai’ come equipped with certain prerequisites about working hours, bonuses, holidays, perks, loans, advances etc. They all carry mobile phones, iPods, and a ‘don’t talk to me, I will do what I want’ policy while working!

The cooks, or should I say ‘chefs’, behave like they are cooking for a 3-hat restaurant.

Noses in the air, they will only cook certain types of food and of course, the ingredients have to be high-end. The domestic staff are holding to ransom hapless Indian families accustomed to their support.

One of the deepest and most fundamental cracks in the system is the medical service, commercialised and full of contradictions.

Big shiny, beautiful hospitals, state-of-the-art equipment, doctors with advanced degrees - it’s all there! Unfortunately it’s accompanied by expensive but shoddy services and practices which inspire little faith. Again, I heard many horror stories of wrong diagnosis and treatment, and expensive tests that were not needed.

It is distressing to see the helplessness and pain our parents feel while trying to live and cope with their daily lives, encountering big issues with simple things, which defeat them.

So what can old people expect from ‘India Shining’ in their twilight years? Are there adequate social support systems, legal systems, and consumer forums to protect them and make life easier for them?

Maybe we should discuss this in the new café down the lane.

Another debatable topic is the education system in India today.

There are new fancy schools with international boards but questionable admission processes, donations, super hiked fees, etc.

After various discussions and drinks with family and friends, there is only one conclusion I can safely reach: it remains a very complex and confusing issue.

India shines today, but hiding behind the glitter are some very deep-rooted issues.

There is plenty of wealth being generated; however depending on where you sit in the equation, the spectrum shifts to gold or grey.

Each home has a maid, cook, nanny and driver – along with the grandmother supervising the daily chores and the grandchildren’s activities!

The first crack, which is personal to me and perhaps to many families in our situation, is the service level and support provided to parents there in their old age

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FEBRUARY (1) 2013 37

school

Timetabling and planning As students begin a new academic year, putting together a clear routine of study and play is essential

BY MOHAN DHALL

A

ll parents would like the school year to be one of academic success and growth in self-confidence for their children. To achieve this, it is often wise for some time to be allocated towards planning for the year ahead. This helps manage the transition from holidays to school and also assists in ensuring that time is well utilised during the school term.

Students themselves are used to timetables and plans.

The school day is structured around timetables and each day follows a predictable pattern, each week or fortnight is repeated, and the student has a sense of what to expect.

Settling in

In the first instance, a student will need to settle into their new class(es). For students in primary school this will mean adjusting to a new teacher, new classroom rules and expectations.

For students in high school, there are different kinds of adjustments. For those entering Year 7 there is a major transition that needs to be understood.

Students are going from being the leaders of their primary school to being the youngest in high school.

Other features of settling into Year 7 include: • Moving from having 1 full time classroom teacher to a day divided into ‘sessions’ or ‘periods’. There can be up to 8 sessions per day each of around 42 minutes or 4 sessions per day of just over 70 minutes • Moving to having many teachers instead of one teacher. This means learning to adapt to up to 13 or 14 different teachers, varied classroom expectations, different teaching styles and different classroom cohorts • Moving from being in a cohort of 30 to 60, to moving to a year level of up to 200 students who come from numerous schools and backgrounds.

• Changing the friendship group as new friends are made and older friends may find other new peers.

Moreover, some friends may be going to other schools and thus there will be a change to the friendship circle.

• Subject specialisation is another aspect of Year 7 that students 38 FEBRUARY (1) 2013

will have to get used to when they transition to high school.

For students entering Year 9 there will be the opportunity to study elective subjects, which is a further specialisation that students need to adjust to. For students entering the senior years there is academic pressure that students will feel, coming both from school staff and also from their peers.

Years 11 and 12 are serious years and cannot be treated lightly.

Structuring time

Given the changes and transitions from one year to the next, the need to structure time becomes apparent. This means having an ‘after-school’ timetable that is followed in the afternoon and evening, once the school day is over.

It may seem odd to expect students to do academic work at the end of the school day.

However, the expectation from school is that a little bit of academic time be allocated whether for homework, research, revision or reading, for a few nights per week.

Of course, many students will also have other structured activities such as music or dance classes, tutoring, sports training and so forth. These activities also take time and are often scheduled after school hours. Thus, there is quite a lot of complexity to manage.

Prioritising tasks

A crucial skill for students to learn is that of prioritising. Learning to prioritise means learning how to manage tasks in terms of order of importance. This can be tricky and can take a while to learn because it is common for external factors to dictate what is done and when.

That is, homework that is due will

take on a higher priority in the student’s mind than revising for next week’s quiz.

As students gain experience they should learn that doing steady work even when there are no demands from school, is very important. This is because academic work done is never wasted and a student who keeps up to date by reading over the days’ notes each evening will be ‘working ahead’ and minimising later stress.

Creating a timetable

High school students are encouraged to have a timetable that runs from 4pm until 9pm (or later for senior students) on weekdays. Students need a break from school, time to eat and refresh, and time for just ‘chilling’.

This is crucial to integrate into the 4pm to 9pm time slot. They might have a favourite television show, they will need time to have dinner and so on. Apart from this between an hour and up to 3 hours (for senior students with no other activities), should be possible to structure for schoolwork from Monday to Thursday. Friday should be a night off.

It should also be very possible for students of all high school years to spend a total of 4 hours or more over the weekend that are allocated to school.

To create a timetable, students need to create a table that shows the days of the week and the hours from 4pm until 9pm.

The first thing that must be done is for students to write in any and all activities that they know.

Cricket training or tutoring, for example, must be written in place into the timetable. Thereafter it should be clear where there is

room to allocate time for study and homework.

Using colour on the timetable

It can be very helpful for students to use colour when marking in time for study. This means homework can be allocated one colour, revision another colour and reading a third colour. In this way the timetable becomes highly visual and easy to read.

Taking ownership

If students create their own timetable under supervision and with support where required, they have the opportunity to demonstrate ownership over it.

When students take ownership over what they do they tend to take things more seriously and personalise what they do. They are more likely to value the timetable and follow it. In this way, a student is firstly accountable to himself or herself. This is very important, as it is a basic aspect of maturing as a student.

Time spent alone may or may not be productive time

Note that just because a student spends time alone in their room in following their timetable does not mean that this time is productive.

Parents should not be put off from asking to see what was done during this time.

Some students do not like to include their parents, and simply say that they followed the timetable. But parents need to ensure that they are not being ‘shut out’. Asking for inclusion is appropriate, but it must not come across as being aggressive or intrusive. Rather it should be supportive and encouraging.

In summary

Adjusting to the school year can take some time. It is important that students get time to settle.

After-hours timetables can be useful in helping students to structure their time so that it is productive and so that they can achieve their academic goals.

Accountability and timetabling

Many students do not like to be told what to do, particularly as they mature. The advantage of timetabling is that they are accountable to their own structure.

This does not mean that parents have no role. Parents play a crucial role in oversight, monitoring, supporting and guiding.

Thus, if a student makes two copies of the timetable, one can be placed on the fridge and parents can encourage that it be adhered to. A parent can also inquire about how maths is going, or reading, or whatever has been done when their child has spent time in their room.

As students gain experience they should learn that doing steady work even when there are no demands from school, is very important

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FEBRUARY (1) 2013 39

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wellness

8 bad food habits Giving up on unhealthy eating habits could result in a better and healthier lifestyle

By GHEETA KHURANA

N

o one can eat perfectly all the time, but sometimes when unhealthy eating patterns become a way of life, one can be confronted with a major health issue. Living in a fast-paced society you sometimes end up with many bad food habits. To break the trend of unhealthy eating habits, you need to first determine what they are. Here are some common bad eating habits that you should learn to avoid.

1. Skipping meals

Though everyone knows skipping meals is not good for us, most of us tend to skip one or two. We might do it either to lose weight or just through lack of time. Breakfast is the most commonly missed meal. However organised you might be, early morning is the rush hour for every household. So who has time to fit breakfast into all that mayhem? If we miss any meals, our bodies and brain run low on fuel and we grab cups of coffee or sugary candy bars, or look for other snacks to keep ourselves alert. This might work for a short while, but we tend to get lethargic and are more prone to eat in excess at the next meal.

2. Food bingeing

Skipping meals often leads to bingeing on food. Sometimes we binge just out of boredom, and we always tend to binge on the wrong foods when we are hungry.

Regular bingeing also makes us lose touch with the body’s hunger and satisfaction signals, and that can lead to chronic overeating and piling on extra calories. Try to eat several small meals in a day to avoid binging.

3. Poor meal planning

Poor meal planning, unplanned meals and last minute planning of meals often lead to opening packaged or frozen foods, or ordering for home deliveries and fast foods. It is very important to plan weekly menus and shop accordingly, to avoid last minute chaos.

4. Eating on the run

In a busy life, sometimes there is no time to sit down and enjoy or even have relaxed meals. Leaving NATIONAL EDITION

the house for a busy day without packed snacks or meals sets the stage for disaster. You will resort to meals that are too processed, too heavy and too much on your waistline. Eating on the run, buying food through a drivethrough or eating in the car may become a habit with some people.

When you eat quickly in the car or on your way somewhere, your mind is on other things and not on how much you are eating.

When eating fast food, you are very likely consuming more fat and excessive calories without the necessary nutrition.

5. Eating while doing other activities

If you eat while watching TV, working, reading or even when cooking, you are also developing unhealthy eating behaviour.

When you eat while doing other activities, you are unable to measure how much you eat. As a result, you tend to overeat without knowing it. You can eat a bag

of potato chips or a big box of popcorn while watching a movie, which adds unnecessary calories.

Try and switch off the TV or computer while having meals and try to make meals a time for family.

6. Large portion sizes

This is a common bad food habit with most of us. Eating larger portions than what our body needs is a common practice.

This might happen sometimes if the food is very delicious or it is our favourite food, but most commonly it happens if we miss or skip meals. Skipping meals means we are hungrier at the next meal, and tend to eat larger portion sizes. Overdoing portion sizes even with healthy meals is not a good habit and adds extra calories. To control portion sizes, use smaller plates and avoid having seconds. Also try not to eat snacks from the box since you always end up eating the whole box or carton.

7. Emotional eating

Emotional eating or stress eating is another common unhealthy habit that should be avoided.

This occurs when you are driven by certain emotions to eat, even though you are not hungry.

Perhaps you munch on candy bars when stressed about a deadline at work, or perhaps you indulge in a tub of ice cream when you are feeling depressed. Most of the time we probably reach for unhealthy junk food in order to cope with emotions. Therefore, try to find another channel for your stress and negative emotions.

8. Late night eating

Eating late at night is another common bad food habit. Some of us, due to busy schedules during the day, tend to skip meals or just eat whatever is available on the run, but we sit down in the evening to enjoy big, large meals.

Some people are late sleepers and end up bingeing while surfing the net, watching TV or working.

Night-time eating often consists of snacking and excessive calorie consumption. To avoid eating late at night, find interesting things to do that takes away the boredom.

It is never too late to change bad food habits. With determination, anyone can fix bad eating habits and develop a healthier lifestyle.

Emotional eating or stress eating is another common unhealthy habit that should be avoided. This occurs when you are driven by certain emotions to eat, even though you are not hungry

FEBRUARY (1) 2013 41

tribute

A noble soul farewelled Community stalwart commanded great respect and deep love

W

e can be excused for thinking that we were attending the funeral service of a celebrity. So vast was the crowd, so deep was the sorrow. But those of us who had gathered at the Northern Suburbs Crematorium on 23 January 2013, were bidding farewell to a person who commanded a greater love and a deeper respect.

Born on 5 November 1943 in Seraikela, Jharkhand, India, Dilip Mahanty went on to study at Loyola School Jamshedpur. He did his B. Com with Honours from Ramjas College, Delhi and completed his education with a Postgraduate in Indian Cost and Works Accountancy.

On 8 December 1972, Mr Mahanty, an avid fan of cricket, commenced his longest partnership when he wed his wife Shikha. On 6 November the following year, he welcomed his little girl, Sunaina.

If Shikha was the strength and the “light of his life” as aptly described

by Darshak Mehta, who spoke at his memorial, then Sunaina became the ‘apple of his eye’.

His working career had begun as an accounting officer at Tata Robbins Fraser in Jamshedpur. This was followed by his position as Account Manager at Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC) Calcutta In 1981, he was transferred to Australia with the EEPC as head of Oceania and remained with them until 1988. His next three years were with the Department of Treasury in Australia. His next tenure was as Export Manager for South Pacific Trade Commission and then he moved on as Export Manager for the Fiji Trade Commission.

While excelling in his chosen career, it is his religious endeavours that gained him his greatest

42 FEBRUARY (1) 2013

Surrounded by loved ones

Dilip Kumar Mahanty rewards and led him to his noblest achievements.

Deeply spiritual, he was noted for his in-depth study of religious books and doctrines. He was there leading Sai bhajans; he was actively involved in various religious organisations including Rama Krishna Mission, and he was also there helping in the soup kitchens at the Wayside Chapel. He happily participated in spiritual debates and he volunteered his help wherever it was needed.

Mr Chandrasekhar, another close friend who paid tributes at the memorial, referred to Dilip Mahanty as a Shiva devotee who made Tandav Priya his trademark bhajan but while he respected all faiths and imbibed the good from

each, he was primarily a Kriya Yoga follower.

Dilip Mahanty loved Australia and adored India. He kept himself abreast of all that was happening politically and socially on the Indian subcontinent. He enjoyed, reading, cooking and entertaining. He was a poet and a writer, who left behind his views and thoughts in the many articles and online submissions that bear the name Dilip Mahanty, Sydney, Australia.

While many knew of his brave battle with cancer, the end of his earthly sojourn on 19 January, still came as a shock. It remained unbelievable even when family and friends farewelled his physical form on 23 January.

Mr Mahanty, the person, was

best described by his son-in-law Anoop Kalra. “Papa was a true gentleman, a noble soul, a man to whom honour and dignity and morality were all that mattered. He lived every day of his life according to these virtues. To papa, there was no room for grey. There was simply black and white, right and wrong. God was truly attempting perfection when it came to him!!”

Or maybe I can borrow the words of Ashirwad Mohanty, who said, “Radiant, encouraging, optimistic, cheerful, astute. These are 5 words which symbolise how I would describe Dilip Uncle. If you had to describe him in one word, it would quite simply have to be ‘Awesome’”.

Many agreed with Shanta Vishwanathan’s comment, “So if life is a journey, we all here are so glad to have travelled a part of that journey with Dilip” Unfairly given out before he could reach 70, Mr Mahanty never complained about fate’s decision nor the ‘bouncers’ that were sent his way. Instead he went on to play a perfect match, even defeating the opponent by describing his own game as a “wonderful inning”.

Our deepest condolences to his

family - his wife Shikha, his beloved daughter Sunaina, son-in-law Anoop, and the joys of his life, his grandchildren Manav and Sarani.

Those of us who had the good fortune of knowing Mr Mahanty, know we belong to an elite group that can boast of having come across a truly honourable soul. In a world dominated by commercialism and greed, he actively chose to uphold his lofty ideals and adhere to the path of righteousness. He was vocal in his fight against social injustice and he was openly critical of all that was wrong.

And for the many who had the privilege of calling him a friend or an uncle, we know we have just farewelled another of God’s chosen devotees. A quintessential man who has earned his rightful place among the angels!

His family can be proud that he ended his visit to this earth, just as he began it – untainted by greed, unpolluted by wealth, and with a love that embraced all of humanity.

We will all miss his signature smile and the hug that always went with it.

Mr Dilip Kumar Mahanty, you were always there for everyone; may God be there with you.

Rani Jhala

www.indianlink.com.au

NATIONAL EDITION

FEBRUARY (1) 2013 43

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valentine’s day

Not on Valentine’s Day, please!

For all those lovers with romantic ideas, here’s what not to do as you celebrate this special day of romance, writes FARZANA SHAKIR

T

his year is advancing way too fast for me. Wasn’t it just yesterday we were celebrating New Year and lo, in a blink of an eye, it’s February. The month of love, Cupid’s playtime or whatever you want to call it, all over the world, it’s time to celebrate Valentine’s Day. And what a wonderful time of year it is to slow down and take stock of the romantic situation in your life. To make that special person feel fully loved. And if things haven’t been going too well, it is the best time to start making amends by going out of your way and making an extra effort on Valentine’s Day. Let’s face it, while there’s a sea of information and advice out there on what to do, how to dress, where to go and the right gift to buy for your Valentine, there’s not much about the things to avoid. So here’s what you must never do on Valentine’s Day.

Don’t do nothing!

The worst thing you can do on Valentine’s Day is, not do anything.

Don’t make that mistake: not only is it an unforgiveable faux pas, it also breaks your loved one’s heart.

It gives the message that you don’t consider them important enough to make an effort on this very special day. So please, whatever you do, just don’t do ‘nothing’! Take the initiative to make your Valentine feel special.

Arrange for a romantic day together and don’t forget the flowers and a gift - the costlier the better, but even a small gesture means a lot. Try to be generous; it only comes once a year.

Fast food faux pas

For the boys, if you can’t afford a lavish dinner date, try arranging something intimate and special at home. Taking her to a fast food outlet doesn’t say much about you; it lacks style, looks cheap and does

not feel special at all. Instead, take the initiative to cook for her.

Set up a romantic table for two complete with candles, flowers and music. Ask her to wear her favourite gown, and dress up to impress as well. Even a night in on Valentine’s Day can be made special.

The worst thing you can do on Valentine’s Day is, not do anything.

Just the two of you

If you’re single, what you absolutely mustn’t do is accept an invitation to join a couple on their night out on Valentine’s Day. This is a romantic day and three can be a crowd, which will very likely leave you uncomfortable. So thank your friends for their good intentions but decline graciously.

Being unattached doesn’t mean you have to sit around moping on Valentine’s Day. Instead, hook up with friends who are in the same boat, watch a movie, go out for dinner and have a fun night out in town. With Cupid out to strike, who knows, maybe you will meet someone special.

No first date

Don’t go on a first date or worst still, on a blind date on Valentine’s Day. This is never a good idea as your judgement and actions could be influenced by the pressure of timing and the situation. Everyone around you is in a romantic mood, and you could feel obliged to go with the flow (if only for the other person’s sake), leading to mistakes you might regret later. You might even overlook qualities that you would ordinarily find off-putting in a prospective partner.

Don’t break up

If your relationship is on the rocks you might not want to celebrate the day dedicated to lovers, but do keep track of the calendar and whatever you

do, please don’t break up on Valentine’s Day. It’s just not worth it. Not only will you break someone’s heart on this sacred day for love, but you will create unpleasant memories for yourself for years to come.

Forthcoming V-Days will remind you of the relationship that ended on that day and while there will be relief, there could even be some regret. So save yourself the baggage and hold up for a day or two after Valentine’s Day to call off a relationship.

Don’t overspend

While it is recommended you splurge a little on Valentine’s Day, it is definitely not worth getting into debt. So be mindful of not breaking your budget as a single day of enjoyment could lead to financial burdens which, in many cases, will strain the relationship with that same person on whom you splashed all your dough.

Girls like to be made to feel like

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princesses on Lover’s New Year, but they resent having to pinch pennies for months afterwards to pay for the experience.

Don’t expect too much

It is not a good idea to set yourself up for disappointment by expecting too much. If you expect little and get little, even that will make you happy. And if something extraordinary happens, it will be a bonus.

Cut the comparisons

Don’t compare your gifts with those that your friends have received. Be thankful for a considerate partner who made an effort to make you feel special and loved. Show your appreciation by reciprocating the gesture. Comparing gifts is a bad idea. After all, isn’t it the thought that counts?

If you can’t afford a lavish dinner date, try arranging something intimate and special at home.

Have a memorable Valentine’s Day!

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TRAVEL

Historic religious edifices and lush greenery adorned the banks of the river on a leisurely cruise upstream from Kolkata to Farakka

I

BY PETRA O’NEILL

t was our welcome dinner at the gracious Oberoi Grand Hotel in Kolkata.

I entered the dining room late, having made a quick dash to collect my shirt from the tailors, Jaggi and Co. I was ushered in to join several English couples who had earlier cast somewhat disapproving looks at me as I stood in the lift covered in the pink dye that is so liberally tossed about during Holi. Together we would cruise upstream on the Hugli river.

The next morning we departed Kolkata in a cramped bonerattling bus, the English group having departed in a hurry after securing the superior bus with air conditioning. Off on a dusty highway once known as the Grand Trunk Road, our driver possessing a bearing that inspired confidence in his ability to do battle if perhaps not to drive, the bus bearing the scars of previous journeys, testimony that driving in India can be hazardous. Long

distance trucks travelled one behind the other and amongst them, all manner of vehicles.

The noise of tooting horns and exhausts soon subsided, and we were surrounded by the green lushness of rural India.

The Hugli runs through the heartland of West Bengal to Kolkata and beyond to the Bay of Bengal. It was once a busy trade route that brought ships from Europe to Patna along with the Portuguese, Danish, Dutch, French and British who established settlements along its shores, providing a transport route onto Agra, Delhi, Varanasi and Lucknow. The river is narrow and the landscape is resplendent with the green of jute fields, mango orchards, palms and rice paddies.

Several hours later, with an inside temperature gauge that swung between 32 and 37 degrees Celsius, we arrived at the sleepy town of Chandernagore, established as a trading post by the French in 1673. I walked along the promenade and visited the former French Governor’s residence. Men rode by on bicycles. Otherwise there was little activity.

The English, Danes and

French came to the Hugli after the Moghuls drove out the Portuguese in 1632, who had earlier established a settlement in 1537 near Bandel, a misspelling of the Arabic word for harbour, suggesting that the Arabs had been there even earlier. At Bandel we viewed the Imambara, dating from 1841, one of the most famous Shiya pilgrimage centres in West Bengal built by Hajee Mohummud Mohsin at an exorbitant cost.

The next day we arrived at Kalna to visit the intricately designed Rajbari temples, a unique mix of Bengal temple architecture built of bricks with intricate terracotta designs. The Nabakailas Temples, built in 1809 by the Bardhaman Maharaja, contains 108 sloped roofed Shiva temples arranged in two circles.

The Pratapeshwar temple, built in 1849 contains terracotta plaques depicting themes of Hindu epics.

The other temples are the Lalji temple built in 1739, the oldest in the complex, and Krishnachandra temple built in 1751.

In Murshidabad, the once great capital of the Nawabs, we visited Hazarduari Palace, built during the reign of Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah (1824 - 1838) by

Colonel Duncan McLeod. The palace is fanciful and enormous in scale, with huge balustrades and more than a thousand doors along its vast corridors. Inside each of the huge rooms are collections of weapons, marble statues, porcelain, books, maps and numerous portraits and landscape paintings by Dutch, French and Italian artists.

The Palace was busy with families and their children who gazed up at the lofty ceiling. In wagons led by horses, our group was transported to Katra mosque, built in 1724, with huge domes and high minarets. I walked instead. Murshidabad is a pleasant town, its denizens friendly. All seemed to know I was following the horses, and would point the way ahead. As I turned a corner, I heard young children laughing on their way to school, saw a young boy having his hair cut, an elderly man asked if I could take his photo, and I admired beautiful lengths of fabric that had been hung out to dry.

After Murshidabad we sailed onto Jangipur, a temple complex built in 1714 – 1793 by Rani Bhabani, the landlord of Natore.

The brick temples are considered to be amongst the best examples

of Bengal terracotta art.

On arriving at the village of Akbarpur, we were surrounded by women and young children, some curious, some hoping to sell us cheroots and woven cotton textile sheets made locally.

We moored just before nightfall at a small village. I ventured off on a short walk, finding the market by the light of lanterns that were burning, the vendors long since having ended their day, the women now relaxed and engaged in friendly conversation. I was unnoticed away from the light of their lanterns, and this was the special moment which travellers hope to experience, of what life is like for those who live here.

We entered the Farakka feeder canal to pass through the Farakka Lock Gate. Soon after, we entered the mighty river Ganges so wide that the banks were barely visible.

The boat rounded a bend in the river and beyond it were vast fields. The women wearing their brightly coloured saris stopped working to gaze at us and against such a brilliance of green, it made for an amazing sight. Several Gangetic dolphins came into view, the landscape changed becoming much drier, and so ended my journey on the Hugli.

Main pic: The Hugli river

apha s the Suk

e Kali bless

Ricks haw pulle Farra r, kka

46 FEBRUARY (1) 2013

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HIGH

ving Wea cha, r dpu gam amma Moh

lace

Pa duari Hazar

oy ng b r’s u o Y e arb a in b r, Kaln i cha

Matiari chil cruise pa dren greet ssengers

Wome n in field s, Farrak ka

Bea

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aris , Ka

lna

We entered the mighty river Ganges, so wide that the banks were barely visible.

Travel notebook Cruising the Hugli While the cruise ship I travelled on no longer operates, the highly recommended Assam Bengal Navigation’s Sukapha does, an experience I find not dissimilar to travelling with friends. Assam Bengal Navigation operates cruises from Kolkata to Farakka on the Hugli, and from Farakka to Patna on the Ganges. The cruises may be taken separately or combined. The Sukapha is compact at 40 metres long and with a maximum of 24 guests; it maintains an onboard ambience convivial to relaxation. Cabins are spacious with a lounge, dining and observation deck for viewing the passing scenery. Contact: India: Assam Bengal Navigation Co. Tel: 9192070 42330 E-mail: sales@assambengal.in Website: www.assambengalnavigation.com

li

ha o

ukap

The S

NATIONAL EDITION

Hug n the

GETTING there

Singapore Airlines flies from Australia to Singapore with connections to destinations across India including Kolkata.

Accommodation

in Kolkata To experience exemplary service in gracious surrounds, the Oberoi Grand is a hotel that harks back to a bygone era. Contact Tel: 91 33 2249 2323 email reservations@oberoi-cal.com or www.oberoihotels.com

FEBRUARY (1) 2013 2012 47

48 FEBRUARY (1) 2013

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FOOD

On the beet bandwagon Purple and precious, this vegetable is healthy, nutritious and versatile in cuisine

B

BY RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA

eetroot as garnish.

I’d never seen that before. As I sat looking at my plate of tokri chaat at Chandigarh’s most popular eatery Gopal’s, the beetroot took my breath away. Long thin shreds of the vegetable brought the plate alive with colour, especially as its juices spread like tiny rivulets of maroon-and-purple over that final yogurt topping. Its beautifully earthy flavour was a perfect precursor to the explosion of taste that was to follow.

The beetroot garnish has since been adding a touch of glamour to my own salads, a bright reminder of my recent India holiday that already seems eons ago.

Wasn’t so crash hot about beetroot juice, though - a regular hotel breakfast item during my tenday tour of Kerala. Nonetheless, there’s been a fair bit of beetroot ever since I got back.

Beetroot is filled with antioxidants and minerals such as sodium, potassium and magnesium, and Vitamin C. Its bright colour comes from antioxidants called betacyanins which are fantastic for cardiovascular health, protecting blood vessels and preventing blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.

Golden beetroots, available from select grocers, are sweeter: they do not bleed or stain, as their colour is not dominating. Roasting brings out a sweet caramelized flavour.

Beetroot leaves are edible as well.

Beetroot lends itself to a variety of easy preparations such as soups and salads, as well as raitas, chutneys and halwas. This last one will probably nullify any benefits of the beetroot towards cardiovascular health, but you could try beetroot chocolate cake NATIONAL EDITION

if you have a sweet tooth; it is definitely a healthier type of chocolate cake!

Roast Beetroot

6-8 medium beetroot 2 tsp fresh thyme 2 tsp balsamic vinegar 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp honey Salt and pepper to taste Heat oven to 200 degrees. Scrub beetroot and trim. Cut into wedges and arrange on a lined oven tray. Mix together vinegar, olive oil, thyme and honey and pour over the beetroot. Sprinkle salt and pepper over and toss together well - use hands to ensure the beetroot is thoroughly coated. Roast for 25 minutes until the beetroot wedges are cooked through.

Roast Beetroot Salad 6-8 medium beetroot 200g walnuts 2 tsp honey 150g Danish feta ¾ cup pomegranate seeds 3 tsp light olive oil 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 ½ tbsp brown sugar Salt and pepper Rocket leaves

Preheat oven to 200 degrees.

Scrub beetroot and trim. Wrap in foil and cook in oven for about an hour or until tender when tested with skewer. Remove from oven and unfurl carefully. Stand for 10 minutes and then peel - wear disposable gloves to save hands from staining. Cut into large neat portions.

Put walnuts into small frying pan and add honey. Cook, stirring, till nuts are well-coated and heated through. Cool.

Make dressing by combining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, salt and pepper.

To put salad together, throw in rocket leaves in deep bowl and add beetroot, pomegranate, honeyed walnuts and Danish feta (cubed or crumbled). Drizzle dressing over and toss.

Beetroot Raita

1 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp mustard seeds 1 dry red chilli 1 tsp sesame seeds 1 sprig curry leaves Pinch asafoetida 1 cup (200g) thick Greek-style yoghurt 2 small beetroots, cooked, peeled chopped into 5mm cubes Heat oil in a small frying pan.

Add the mustard seeds and dry red chilli. Cook till chilli is blackened: this gets rid of its heat and increases its flavour. Throw in sesame seeds, curry leaves and asafoetida, and cook till sizzling.

Meanwhile, combine the yoghurt and beetroot in a bowl and season with salt and pepper.

Pour tempering over straight from

the frying pan and mix, and watch the yoghurt turn into a beautiful pink.

Beetroot Chutney

1 large beetroot, grated ¾ tsp tamarind concentrate 3 numbers eschallots (scallions) 4 tbsp fresh grated coconut 1 tbsp chopped garlic 1-2 dry red chillies 1 tsp chana dal 1 tsp coriander seeds 1 tsp urad dal Salt to taste 3 cloves ½ inch cinnamon stick ¼ tsp fenugreek seeds For tempering: 1 tbsp oil 1 tsp mustard seeds Pinch asafoetida 1 sprig curry leaves Heat oil in a pan and add garlic, fenugreek seeds, dals, cloves, cinnamon and red chillies and cook until sizzling. Add grated beetroot, coconut and tamarind.

Stir to combine. Cook till the raw

smell disappears. Cool.

Process in a blender with a little water, to make a smooth paste.

Add salt to taste and mix well.

To temper, heat oil in a small frying pan and add mustard seeds, asafoetida and curry leaves. When it comes to a sizzle, pour over beetroot chutney.

Beetroot Dip

1 kg beetroot 1/3 cup orange juice (preferably freshly squeezed) 3 tsp dry roasted and ground cumin seeds 2 tsp dry roasted and ground coriander seeds Salt and pepper to taste 1 cup yoghurt Roast the beetroot as explained under Roast Beetroot Salad. Cool and chop flesh up.

Process together with orange juice, cumin powder and coriander powder.

Add yoghurt, salt and pepper and mix well.

Refrigerate until needed.

FEBRUARY (1) 2013 49

m at R i m o n i a l s Seeking Grooms Seeking suitable match, a non smoker, ideally aged between 50 and 60. For fair, young looking Hindu lady, 5’ 2”, 54, divorced, veg, Australian citizen. Caste no bar. Please contact 0449 623 316 or email alpine_rhapsody@hotmail.com

Seeking suitable match (from Australia, never married) for Hindu girl, 35 years, Chartered Accountant, non-veg, living in Australia over 25 years, with eastern and western family values. Please email with all details on ganesh2011v@gmail.com

Suitable well-settled / professional match for Punjabi Arora, beautiful, never married, 39 / 166, qualified IT professional.

GSOH with good family values. Brought up in India. Working in MNC Sydney. Australian citizen. Early marriage. Serious enquiries only. Email details with photo: ausgirl101@gmail.com

Well settled / professional alliance invited from Australia / India for 41/165, unmarried, charming Punjabi Khatri girl, family oriented and responsible, IT professional, working in Sydney. Australian citizen. Early marriage. Can relocate. Serious proposals only.

Email profile with recent photo: sydgirl09@ gmail.com

Seeking match for tall, good looking, slim, fair, educated, working Hindu Khatri girl, 25, brought up in Sydney.

Well educated and settled family. Boy with similar background preferred. Email: 1169ab@gmail.com

Respectable Sikh Family of New Delhi seeks alliance for their smart good looking sweet natured family oriented daughter 24/165cms, B.Com Graduate, Primary Teacher, looking for a well educated boy from a cultured family well settled in Business/ Industry/Profession. Girl and Parents in Sydney from end December until mid January.

Call 0431 337 881

Seeking genuine, compatible, well educated, employed / business match from respectable family, broad minded /mature outlook, independent, Indian background, age 50+ for caring, honest, Indian Christian divorcee, Australian citizen, well settled in Perth, 50 years, 5’3” tall, younger looking, attractive graduate nurse, employed. Caste no bar. Please send profile with photo to email emily.lotus@hotmail.com

50 FEBRUARY (1) 2013

37 yrs old Brahmin never married graduate girl currently visiting Australia. Looking for Australian citizen preferably unmarried. Whole family settled here. Belongs to status business family. Applied for permanent residency earlier.

Contact with photo and details urgently at npkhanna@ymail.com

Seeking BRIDES Seeking suitable match for 37 years, good looking Gujarati Brahmin boy, 5’7” Australian citizen caste no bar. Born and brought up in Mumbai, India and moved to Sydney 5 years ago. Please email with details on ravi_p100@hotmail.com Match required for a 48-yo, slim, clean shaven, Jat Sikh Aust PR living in Melb, working for a Bank, own house. I have no children but I don’t mind if she has children.

Genuine enquiries only email: jat_sikh@ hotmail.com Single tall man, often travels with work, desires to meet attractive good character single or widow lady over 40 with a view to marriage. Apply PP GPO Box 2336 Adelaide, South Australia 5000.

Seeking suitable match for a boy, 6’ tall, 31 yrs, never married, Australian Citizen, Athletic, Punjabi Khatri, reputed corporate professional. Please email your particulars with recent photo( Compulsory) on win.rocky@gmail.com or call 0430 179 273.

Compatible match for 1975 born, handsome clean-shaven Sikh Khatri boy, 5’ 9”, two Post-Graduate degrees from India and recently finished Master in I.T from Australia . Currently on temporary resident visa and working full-time in Customer Service role. Looking for welleducated, Permanent resident / Citizen girl from Sikh family background.

Early marriage.

Phone: 0422 102 242 or Email: ghai07@yahoo.com

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starsforetell

TAROT

predictions for FEBRUARY 2013 By nancy JADE ALTHEA www.nancysood.com

Aries March 21 - April 19 This month the cards show that your career and work life will be at an all-time peak. The month will start off with a lot of enthusiasm, interest and good fortune. There is an increase in finances too, so make sure that you keep yourself in check with your spending. Your love life will take a new turn, as you will be looking at making a commitment to the one you have loved for a while now.

Taurus April 20 - May 20 The cards show that this month you will be on a real high and feeling very positive. There is travel indicated for you. You will be looking to improve your career and lifestyle both, and at bringing in more stability. There will be an idea to make some investments, but take care that you look into everything, be cautious and do not be too hasty. There will be some good news relating to a property.

Gemini May 21 - June 20 This month you will be feeling that you need someone close to you to love and hold. The cards are indicating that there may be a surprise on Valentine’s Day. Take care of your health and money. The month of love is making you feel very sensual and ready to mingle, if single. If married you will be thinking of taking your partner on a special date for V Day. However, there will be some stress around the home.

cancer June 21 - July 20 The cards are indicating a time when you have to be careful of not being too hasty. Your life may take on a completely different direction. Health will be fine, apart from some stress.

Love is also in the air, even a commitment is possible. There is a new exciting month ahead for you, you will feel very energetic and have many ideas. Make sure you take things slow and think everything through in detail.

Leo July 21 - Aug 22 You will be making some tough decisions if in business. The latter part of the month will be quite a social time for you. Be careful not to get involved in any legal issues. There is stress relating to a relative, you may not be seeing eye-to-eye lately.

Take some time out, and take things through. There is an indication a new car, and red is the colour you may be thinking of buying.

Virgo Aug 23 - Sep 22 This is a time when you may be feeling low, but your close friends and family will lift your spirits. You will do well financially, but there will be concerns around work or business.

You will need to put in some extra time and hours to make things come together. You have some contracts that need to be sealed. If in work, go for that promotion. Health will be good.

Make sure to de-stress.

NATIONAL EDITION

Libra Sep 23 - Oct 22 The cards indicate a time that you will spend recovering from small muscle pulls. There will be new work and an interest in stocks and shares. Take good care of the way you communicate with people, as there is an indication that you may be a bit blunt and hurt some people’s feelings. You will just be your old self, but there are sensitive people around you right now. The initial ‘M’ is very significant.

Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21 It is a time to reassess your affairs. There is a little difficulty with finances this month, but you will sort things out. You will not be feeling that great about your love life. Be careful about being too temperamental. You may not know what to do about a certain situation which concerns matters of the heart.

You will not be feeling like doing much on Valentine’s Day, then again to you, it is all commercial!

Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 The cards indicate a time of restlessness and you will be upset about certain family members. You will be looking at new opportunities, as work seems to be a little mundane. Look for a new way to relax as you are not getting enough rest, and have problems sleeping, with real nightmares that will cause you to feel very shaky. Make peace with a friend who you have not seen for a while due to a misunderstanding.

Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19 Unexpected financial gains are on the cards. Work is your top priority, and you may join someone in a new business. There is a strong chance you may be romantically linked, but make sure they are single! Look at plans to travel more extensively, making your base in another country. There will be additional stress caused by people who don’t support your projects and ideas at work. If self-employed, decide on where to go next.

Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18 Be careful of your health and minor problems. There is a chance you will be looking at buying a property or investing in a new purchase. Workwise, make sure you complete everything on time. You are slowly losing interest in work, so decide what you want to do, as there are some major decisions to make. Your love life is going smoothly. If single, try and decide what you really want out of life.

Pisces Feb 19 - March 20 The cards indicate a time to be careful with finances and not be too hasty with purchases. Take some time out away from your city and chill out with family. Look after a younger member of the family who needs TLC. You may have a problem with one of your legs. A deep tissue massage is needed and steam treatment. Follow that gym regime. Good news relating to a birth of a child is coming.

FEBRUARY (1) 2013 51

ENTERTAINMENT

THE BUZZ

Up-to-date news on what’s hot and happening in Bollywood

Race to crorepati club

It was anticipated to be a winner, and looks like Race 2 is rapidly making it to the finishing line of the Rs 100 crore club.

At the time of going to press, the Abbas-Mustan action thriller had raked in Rs 79.6 crore, in its first week in the domestic market. In the international market too, the movie is doing surprisingly well, grossing over $4.25 million in its opening week. Made at Rs 60 crore, the film features an ensemble cast of Saif Ali Khan, John Abraham, Deepika Padukone, Jacqueline Fernandez, Anil Kapoor and Ameesha Patel. So will Race 2 be a winner? Let’s wait and see!

Major moments in Midnight’s Children

A

It’s payback time!

ctress Kajol, who with husband Ajay Devgn has been actively involved in social work, says getting associated with causes is part of social responsibility and it is their way of giving back to society.

The 38-year-old, along with her actor husband, is supporting Coca Cola-NDTV’s Support My School campaign and has donated Rs.10 lakh.

“I believe it is part of our social responsibility. Especially after having kids, Ajay and I feel the need to give back and in a different way, not in regular cinematic way,” Kajol says.

“We feel passionate about causes like save the girl child, education and literacy. We believe, these are the things that will make a difference and

52 FEBRUARY (1) 2013

make our country grow”.

An endeavour to get better facilities in schools in rural and semi-urban towns, the Support My School campaign has impacted as many as 100 schools by providing them with improved amenities like access to clean water, proper sanitation, and sports facilities among others.

Last seen in the 2010 film We Are Family, Kajol feels that celebs can make a huge difference to charitable causes.

“Their association brings more focus on the whole issue. It brings a different kind of publicity and also spreads awareness,” she said.

Currently busy with her home and children - daughter Nysa and son Yug - Kajol hopes to get back to work next year.

Narmada Ahuja

Recently released and much anticipated Midnight’s Children is a big-screen adaptation of Salman Rushdie’s Booker Prize winning novel of the same name.

Directed by Deepa Mehta, the movie is yet to create an impact on cinema-goers. But for the actors, the experience of working on Midnight’s Children has been unique.

And Darsheel Safary, who has portrayed the lead role of junior Saleem Sinai says he feels lucky for being a part of such a big movie.

Talking about his experience while working with Mehta, Darsheel said, “I was almost like an assistant on the sets helping her set up things.”

“I have come a long way from Taare Zameen Par and it was like a stepping stone in my life. I feel so lucky that finally there is some big movie that I have done,” said the 16-year-old at the premiere of Midnight’s Children. Darsheel admits he is

who wore it better?

still not very familiar with the film’s script, and that is why he was very “curious” to watch the movie. “Whatever she wanted, I used to help her and she also used to help me. Even in my studies she was very supportive. It was fun working with her and I am looking forward to working with her again,” he added.

Actress Shahana Goswami who plays Amina Sinai, mother to lead character Saleem Sinai, says the filmmaker is quite a taskmaster on the sets, but a great one to work with.

“Deepa is a task master but in the best possible way. I find her to be really good and hardworking with her actors and in every other aspect which she looks into before coming on the sets,” said Shahana.

For the actress, it was a learning experience to work with Mehta. “I won’t say she is a taskmaster in making you cry or giving you a bad time. She is very involved in her actors. So for an actor, she is a brilliant director to have,” Shahana explained. “She really pushes you to bring out a deeper emotional connect with the character and that’s really a great thing for an actor’s growth”.

Midnight’s Children also features Rajat Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Anupam Kher, Ronit Roy, Satya Bhabha, Seema Biswas, Siddharth, Anita Majumdar, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Soha Ali Khan and Shriya Saran.

Narmada for Nihalani

Ausie actress Gracie Otto at Sydney’s AACTA Awards and Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu at Mumbai’s Stardust Awards in the same Gucci dress

Film producer Pahlaj Nihalani plans to give actor Govinda’s daughter Narmada Ahuja a “perfect launch” in Bollywood.

“One thing is for sure... I am definitely going to launch Narmada. She is like family and I would like to give her a proper launch. I am scripting something special for her and I assure it will be the perfect launch for her,” Nihalani said recently.

Narmada has been waiting on the sidelines for the right break to make her

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Vivek Oberoi

Prateik gets pumped up

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debut into filmdom, but the wait has been long.

So fans of dad Govinda can hope to see shades of the actor in Narmada. A mildly scary thought!

Asked what the film will be about, Nihalani said, “It is too early to talk about it, (but) I shall disclose it soon.” But Nihalani has earlier produced films like Shola Aur Shabnam, Andaz and Aankhen, so Narmada shouldn’t be too worried.

In fact, Aankhen was one of Govinda’s biggest hits and after two decades.

Nihalani will bring out a sequel to the super hit comedy. The buzz is that the actor may do a cameo in it. The producer is already working with Govinda in his next film Avatar, and the duo seem to work well together. Now Nihalani wants to cast some youngsters in the sequel of Aankhen which goes on the floors in August, so can we assume that Narmada stands a chance to kickstart her acting career? Dad in cameo and daughter in debut! An interesting thought!

Vivek’s two-in-one

Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story is going to be an interesting movie for actor Vivek Oberoi who says he got to relive two of his past characters - Chandu of Company and Aditya of Saathiya, in one single character.

“Filmmaker Kumar Tauraniji called me and said, ‘There is a perfect script for you’. Vinnil Markan narrated the story.

What I liked the most in Jayantabhai Ki... was that there is a goon similar to Company and a loverboy similar to (the one I played in) Saathiya’,” the 36-year-old actor explained. “I found it very exciting that I will get to play both shades and (so) I said yes”.

Vivek also spotted one similarity

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Prateik B

abbar

between his real life and his character Jayantabhai. “I am a simple boy in real life. But one thing is similar between the character and me - when (my wife) Priyanka tells me to do something, I can never say no to her. She also knows that I will never say no to her. It is the same is in the film - when Simran asks for something, Jayanta cannot say no,” Vivek said. Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story also features Neha Sharma opposite Vivek.

Good luck with the film, Vivek!

Warming to Vishwaroop

The controversy surrounding veteran actor Kamal Haasan’s film Vishwaroopam (Vishwaroop in Hindi), seems to be drawing to a less than dramatic end. The actor/director/producer has agreed to edit the movie and cut some scenes, following talks with Muslim groups recently.

“I’ve arrived at a consensus with my Muslim brothers. We’ve agreed to cut some scenes from the film which they found to be objectionable,” Kamal Haasan, who produced the film and acted in it, told reporters. The film, a Rs 95 crore espionage thriller, ran into hot water following protests from Muslim groups over certain scenes in the movie, which seem derogatory to their community.

The controversy reached the extent at which the actor warned that he would “seriously leave” India if similar protests again envelop his films. So fortunately for Indian cinema, Kamal Haasan will be around to entertain us some more – with or without controversy!

Smita Patil and Raj Babbar’s son Prateik is taking a long introspective sabbatical from the public eye until his next release Isaaq, a North Indian take on Shakespeare’s Romeo And Juliet, which would be the actor’s do-or-die bid to consolidate his precarious position as an eclipsed star son.

The decision, one hears, has been taken by the producers Viacom 18 who saw Isaaq and immediately decided to buy its worldwide distribution rights, apparently on condition that Prateik undertake an immediate crash course in career and image reinvention.

Another step in Prateik’s career recuperation is his voice. A Hindi voicecoach Sushil Bouthiyal with a solid background as a theatre artiste at the National School Of Drama has been employed to modulate his voice-quality.

On a more personal level, his overhyped relationship with his Ekk Deewana Tha co-star Amy Jackson has been thrown out of the window. Apparently, Prateik has been “strictly advised” to stay away from romantic involvements and focus on his career.

Commenting upon the developments, Isaaq director Manish Tiwary said, “I’d really not like to comment on whatever happened in Prateik’s life and career. It’s all in the past. And he is looking at a new career for himself. Hopefully, Isaaq will mark the rebirth of Prateik as an actor.

He is working hard on himself, his voice, image, attitude - everything.”

Apparently Prakash Jha, in whose Aarakshan Prateik’s performance was patently panned, saw rushes of Isaaq and was jolted by the difference.

Tiwary, who made Dil Dosti Etc in 2007, said: “Maybe Prakashji wasn’t able to focus as much on Prateik’s performance as I have. Aarakshan had a huge cast. In my film, Prateik is the solo hero. I had to work on him from scratch.”

Set in the backdrop of Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh, Isaaq is an action drama.

Let’s hope it helps revive Prateik and his flagging career!

CAPTION CONTEST What’s the chitchat between brothers Salman and Sohail?

Send in your responses to info@indianlink.com.au and win a surprise prize

Last issue Caption Contest winning entry What’s the chitchat between Anushka Sharma and Imran Khan here?

Imran: That kiss in Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola was so awkward...

Anushka: Yaaa! Let’s make a deal to never kiss again?

Imran: You got it buddy!

Divya Jindal Lidcombe NSW Divya wins a double ticket to new Hindi film release Race 2

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ENTERTAINMENT

CINETALK

Stylish and substantial, and no sentiments hurt Vishwaroop

Starring: Kamal Haasan, Pooja Kumar, Rahul Bose, Andrea Jeremiah, Shekhar Kapur and Jaideep Ahlawat Directed by: Kamal Haasan

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irst things first. Kamal Haasan’s enormously controversial film doesn’t hurt Muslim sentiments. In fact, it doesn’t hurt the sentiments of any section of the people except those partypoopers who think having a ball at the movies went out of style with Sholay and Chachi 420.

Leave aside its sobering take on global warfare, Vishwaroop, the Hindi version of the Tamil, Telugu Vishwaroopam, is one helluva entertainer. If you’ve forgotten what edge-of-the-seat entertainment

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meant, then it is time to rediscover that pleasure. Stylish and substantial, the narrative weaves and winds its way into coherent and compulsive threads that bring together the theme of international espionage with the more sensitive issue of the Islamic and the personal identity of a man, whose heroic stature grows out of a sense of commitment to the country and to world peace.

Personal interests, we are told, are easy to put aside if you can define heroism from a context far greater than your own good.

The deeper thrusts of Kamal Haasan and Atul Tiwari’s devious screenplay leap out of this compact epic drama, which takes off into the Taliban terror outfit in Afghanistan and hence to the New York suburbia where domestic normalcy is replaced by a violence - a kind of ceaselessly renewable violence that has gripped working-class

lives ever since the 26/11 attack on the US made it clear that international terrorism is here to stay. Deal with it.

Just about the only desirable thing that emerges from the horrific folds of global militancy are some great adventure sagas. And Vishwaroop is as gripping as it gets. The narrative moves steadily and sharply to an inevitable nemesis.

Maverick director Kamal Haasan (and this is his best directorial attempt since the grossly underrated Hey Ram in 2000) is in no hurry to tell his tale. Not that he wastes time. The mood for adventure is built quickly, and the payoff is enormously satisfying.

With some remarkably austere and sharp editing by Mahesh Narayan and camerawork by Sanu John Verghese that captures scenes of violence with as much rugged candour as the sharply-drawn

scenes from the hero’s personal life, Kamal Haasan’s tale of terror during the times of love, witticism, philosophizing and, yes, dancing, comes alive in a huge adrenaline rush of adventure, action, drama and other related artistic tools which never come in the way of the actor-director’s primary concern.

Kamal Haasan means business. He is here to narrate an edge-of-the-seat story of international terrorism. The rigorous research that has gone into the plot never weighs down the narration. Whether infiltrating the Al Qaeda (scarily real in the detailing and eerily cinematic in its visual sweep) or focusing on the hijinks of our hero, the creative crossovers in the narrative are achieved with the fluency of chapters in a deftly-written novel.

And yet Kamal Haasan avoids getting overly breathless in his narration. Shall we just say Vishwaroop moves at the pace that it is meant to? Neither measured nor hurried, the director negotiates the socio-political and cultural spaces in the plot with an elegant erudition.

Gone is the heavily cerebral over-studied atmosphere of his earlier directorial epic Dasavatharam. Also gone is the overindulgent footage-occupancy of this actor’s recent screen outings.

Yes, Kamal Haasan dominates the show with three different avatars whose destinies intertwine in ways that one can’t reveal without giving away the plot. But that’s the way the plot unfolds. That is the way it is meant to be. The narrative in this case just can’t get enough of Kamal Haasan. Who but this actor can pull off heart-in-the-mouth never-seen stunts (action director Lee Whittaker and his associates have done a remarkable job) in the same range of vision as an elegantly performed Kathak number?

Pooja Kumar as Kamal Haasan’s beloved is charming. She has a pleasant screen presence and yes, she isn’t in awe of her awesome co-star. However, if anyone leaves a lasting impression after Mr.Haasan, it is Rahul Bose, who as an Al Qaeda chap swathes his persona in menace and terror without getting into the gritting-teeth mould.

Bose had last played a villain in Govind Nihalani’s Thakshak in 1999. It is no coincidence that he returns to the colour black in a film that in many ways owes allegiance to the dark sinister angry anti-establishment tales of Nihalani. But Kamal Haasan adds a dash of warmth and humour to the intrinsically ominous saga. He is in terror-land with his tongue firmly in cheek.

The sharply-drawn characters, the terrifying insight into the psyche of terrorism and the sumptuous mounting and packaging add up to a movie that is quite easily one of the finest adventure sagas in recent times. The action sequences are, at last, on a par with Hollywood.

Insult to any community? Hah! It would be an insult to the filmmaking community to miss Vishwaroop. Miss this big screen adventure your own risk.

Subhash K.Jha

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Rich, restless and completely clueless Race 2

Starring: Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, John Abraham, Jacqueline Fernandez, Anil Kapoor, Ameesha Patel Directed by: Abbas-Mustan

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veryone is busy deceiving everyone else in this paper caper, which probably looked tempting in the writing but comes across on screen as a masquerade of hedonistic hi-jinx filmed at exotic locales where men and women play for high stakes, live dangerously and die foolishly.

Abbas-Mustan’s love for depicting the high life is by now well-known. Everyone in an Abbas-Mustan caper takes his or her life at the race course seriously when in fact the characters are all an extended joke. They are comicbook cut-outs pasted on to the big wide screen with all their exaggerations blown out of proportion.

It’s hard to pinpoint where the leakage

in this latest Abbas-Mustan adventurecaper begins to seep septically into the plot. But you know there is something serious amiss in the plot when one protagonist, Saif Ali Khan deadpans: “Revenge is best served cold.”

Really? If that were indeed the case then the volumes of vendetta served up by disgruntled men and women in Race 2 should have made our adrenaline...er... race really hard.

Alas, the proceedings are as exciting as graffiti on a newly-painted toilet wall. The uni-expression macho man John Abraham loves the leggy Deepika Padukone who loves the scowling Saif Ali Khan who loves Jacqueline Fernandes. In the end, these self-serving hedonists seem to love none but themselves.

Boring in their self-absorption and utterly oblivious to the world around them where pain and suffering are to be obtained once the fun and games end, these characters are busy striking

artificial poses in carefully-toned bodies draped in the best dresses and suits created for the rich and the restless.

These are the nowhere people searching for thrills in a plot that revels in restlessness and seeks succour in making suckers out of all the characters. The only mildly interesting characters are the brassy detective played by Anil Kapoor and his air-head secretary Ameesha Patel: she flutters her eyelashes at his incessant phallic jokes feigning complete ignorance.

Sadly, the holiday mood that prevails through the film grips the film’s architects.

They seem to be on leave as the action director takes over the proceedings.

To be fair a couple of chase sequences specially one through the crowded streets of Istanbul where Saif hunts down his beloved’s killer, are killers. But the climax on board a fake luxury aircraft is a howl.

Amateur adventurers getting a kick out of their big-boy antics, John and Saif are to be taken as seriously as Superman and

Batman cut-outs in a multiplex displaying forthcoming attractions.

The girls Deepika and Jacqueline try hard to pump up the steam by raising the mean quotient in their characters. They hardly look provocative enough to be convincing as femme fatales. Saif plays a somewhat smirkier avatar of Agent Vinod.

John alternates the scowl with the smirk sometimes interchanging the two expressions without warning. Can’t blame him, poor chap. He must be as confused about the plot as we are.

Does anyone associated with this poshlooking but vacuous caper have any clue as to what they are doing? Drowned in a cacophony of one off-key song after another, wallowing in their one-note wickedness and getting high on their endless bouts of drinking, partying and masquerading, the characters in Race 2 are a laugh. But shhhh. Don’t tell them.

Subhash K.Jha

Striking epic despite its flaws Midnight’s Children Starring: Rajat Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Anupam Kher, Ronit Roy, Satya Bhabha, Seema Biswas, Shahana Goswami, Siddharth, Anita Majumdar, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Darsheel Safary, Soha Ali Khan and Shriya Saran Directed by: Deepa Mehta

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eepa Mehta’s Midnight’s Children is not a well-crafted film of Salman Rushdie’s Booker Prize-winning novel of the same name. Yet it captures the essence of the novel to the core.

Told through the lives of the children born at the stroke of midnight of Aug 15, 1947, especially Salim, Shiva and Parvati, it is a multi-layered tale of destinies.

It is a story of the rich, the poor and the misguided. It is fiction and fantasy delightfully wrapped within the folds of the political scenario of the three countries, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

What precedes the birth of Salim is a complex tale that is narrated in the first 45 minutes of the film. Inspired by her rebel husband’s communist slogan, “Let the rich be poor and the poor, rich”, the misguided peadiatric nurse, Mary, deliberately switches the identity tags of the two babies as a

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gesture of solidarity and thereby swaps their destinies.

Moving ahead, in childhood, Salim discovers that thanks to a sneeze and the sniffles, he can hear and see all of the other 581 surviving children around the country born at the same historic day and time as he. Dubbing them as Midnight’s Children, he has the power to call “conferences” in his bedroom late at night, bringing their presence together from all parts to plan the fate of the nation, including the hot-headed Shiva and pretty and mystical Parvati, the spellweaving witch.

The three are intertwined again as adults in the film’s last act when Shiva, now a ruthless military commander, and Salim, following six years of amnesia, become involved with the beautiful adult witch, Parvati against the background of Indira Gandhi’s brutal emergency measures.

Rushdie’s rich characters are brought to life by a strong ensemble of esteemed actors whose performances were well extracted by director Deepa Mehta.

Debutant Satya Bhabha delivers a confident performance as the grown up Salim and Siddharth is the perfect foil for him as the embittered Shiva. Darsheel Safary as the young Salim is undoubtedly brilliant.

The competent Seema Biswas is charming as the misguided, guilt-ridden

nurse and the catalyst for the unfolding sequence of events. Shahana Goswami smoothly conveys the poignant turmoil of the mother inadvertently caught in the cross-fire, while Ronit Roy is exacting as the frustrated businessman. Anita Majumdar also makes an impression as the hard-hearted, ambitious Emerald, alongside Rahul Bose as her military powerbroker husband, Zulfikar.

Rajat Kapoor as Dr.Aziz, Salim’s putative grandfather is amusing.

Shabana Azmi as Rajat Kapoor’s wife, Sriya Sharan as Parvati, Soha Ali Khan as Salim’s sister and Kulbhushan Kharbanda as Picture Singh are wasted.

Visually, the film encompasses scenes of war, liberation, celebration, corruption, romance and mourning - all beautifully captured by cinematographer Giles Nuttgens. The visuals are brilliantly layered with Nitin Sawhney’s ethereal score, making it a perfect backdrop with the mystical quality of the magic realism scenes; it is like watching a stunning canvas gradually come to life.

Even with Salman Rushdie’s narration and screenplay, what probably did not work for Midnight’s Children are the abrupt scenes. Each scene is brilliant, but in silos, disconnected with the next, making it difficult to capture and bring to life the essence of the book that combines a type of unexplained practicality.

Yet this is a striking, well-produced and thoughtfully designed epic.

Even with all its flaws, Midnight’s Children is worth a watch. If nothing else, go and watch Midnight’s Children to satiate your curiosity about this much-talked about novel.

Troy Ribeiro

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backchat

On fiscal cliffs and gold-plated glitz From fiscal cliffs to Mayan myths, a look at popular jargon in the media recently

By LP AYER

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hew! Our world became doubly safe and secure in January after averting two disasters in a matter of ten days. The much-feared Mayan meltdown myth did not materialise on December 21.

Perhaps the Mayan gods did not want to ruin my birthday: a kindred gesture towards a fellow Indian on this side of the globe?

With the physical planet now safe, the fiscal world was pulled back from the edge, inches before it went over. The eleventh-hour drama played out at the White House was redolent of a climax scene in a Hollywood blockbuster.

‘Fiscal Cliff ’. The powerful phrase has been repeated a million times over in every form of media! Who coined the jargon - a clever copywriter in an ad agency? If only he had followed Shah Rukh Khan’s lead and trademarked his creation, he could have made millions. Mumbai’s multi-millionaire movie mogul has written to the Government’s Registry to trademark his initials ‘SRK’, to stop others using them to promote their products and make money. If he succeeds, will he run into strife with another of filmdom’s SRK - Siddarth Roy Kapur, husband of vivacious Vidya Balan? Poor Vidya may end up with two SRK partners – the screen version and the home brand.

If the trademark trend catches on, another ‘SR’ celebrity (Sachin Ramesh) Tendulkar may pile a few more tons of moolah beside his marquee of fast cars in his fourstorey Bandra mansion. Sensing SR seems to stand for ‘Super

Rich’, will expectant parents surf baby name portals for words with such initials? Yes sir, I bet!

Even as the Fiscal Cliff cast jitters on the world markets, it was all glitter down under as the jargon jangling the airwaves was ‘gold plated’. Our Prime Minister used this pet mantra to tarnish the grid operators’ greed to push up power prices. Wonder if the power coming down the ‘goldplated’ lines shines brighter than those sent down through black cables. If you want to see what gold plating really means, a visit to Thailand will do the trick. Every single Buddha statue – sitting, standing, smiling, sleeping – is coated in gold paint. The great religious teacher who renounced his worldly possessions has been transformed from the simple Siddhartha to the golden Gautama! It seems appropriate, though, since visitors enter the country at Bangkok’s Swarna Bhoomi (golden land) Airport.

During the ‘90s, the high-flying buzz word in Oz was ‘Clayton this’ or ‘Clayton that’. It was a phrase used to satirise something that seemed to exist, but in reality did not. Like a phantom pregnancy.

In the current climate, Wayne Swan’s budget surplus will qualify to wear that badge. His mining tax that hasn’t generated a single red cent, can best be described as a ‘Clayton tax’. I am intrigued as to why the Opposition hasn’t dug up this fossilised phrase to taunt the Treasurer.

While ‘Clayton’ was ruling the airwaves here, Clinton and Gore were glorifying the ‘information super highway’ as the sign post to El Dorado in their election campaign. After exiting the White House, Gore turned green, became an environmental evangelist and produced a hugely successful documentary. He then managed to flog his poorly rating

The term ‘brand ambassador’ is used to peddle goods from headgear to footwear, and everything in between.

TV channel (was green the only colour on it?) promoting climate issues, for a cool 150 million greenbacks. Not an ‘inconvenient’ treasure trove!

One specific jargon that continues to baffle me is ‘brand ambassador’. It amuses and amazes me at the same time. It is now used to peddle goods from headgear to footwear, and everything in between. The role of an ambassador as we know it is to smoothen ruffled feathers and snuff out spot fires between nations. But brand ambassadors like Jennifer Hawkins, Laura Bingle and Kim Kardashian are content to strut their gear on catwalks and stuff their wallets with big cheques. Bingo, Laura could even flush down the drain a diamond ring worth a couple of

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big grands! Our own MS Dhoni was once a brand ambassador for 48 different companies, including Karnataka Soap and Detergents Ltd. The role of a brand ambassador is to ‘embody the corporate image in appearance, demeanour, values and ethics’.

To present that many images is a big task that will stump anybody.

With successive series losses, sponsors have now run out of the door. Alas, ambassadorial assignments aren’t for ever.

By the way, how many fans buy those soaps and detergents spruiked by sports stars and Bollywood babes?

Does anyone care for these ambassadors - except those who craft jargon like Fiscal Cliff that fall off our ‘Clayton’ memory before long.

Even as America’s ‘Fiscal Cliff’ cast jitters on the world markets, it was all glitter down under as the jargon jangling the airwaves was ‘gold plated’.

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