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EDITORIAL INDIAN LINK

Rudd's return will slow down the India-Oz relationship

.PUBLISHE:R Pawan Luthi-a E:DITOR Rajrii Anand Llltl.~.ra

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high-ranking Indian diplomat often expressed his exasperation widi Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in his first term of office, as to his leanings towards China. The sentiment in South Hall was that tmder Rudd, the Australia-China re lationship was a bit more warm and cosy than it needed ro be. India was frustrated at die way the Labor Party under Kevin Rudd rebuffed India's cliplomats, especially in d1e area of uranium sales. In the dying days of the Howard government, it was announced that should the Coalition return co power, they would initiate steps to sell uranium to India. However, wim Labor caking cont:rol in 2007, in his first stint at prime ministership, Kevin Rudd made no moves to progress any cliscussion on this ropic; in fact, it was put on the back burner. lt was under the next prime minister Julia Gillard, that me Labor caucus end orsed die sale of die p recious yellow cake to India. Interestingly enough, this decision seemingly was undertaken

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without consulting her then Foreign Minister Rudd, who was only informed of this after it ,vas p ublicly an nounced.

This decision was made in December 2011 and to date Iittle progress has been made in practical terms. O ne expects thac: under the reincarnation of Kevin Rudd as Prime .Minister, not much will happen in this regard. Interestingly, Rudd supporters, such as current Deputy Prime J\,[inister Anthony Albanese and Labor stalwart Doug Cameron, both disagreed with the then P1vf G illard's decision. 2008-2009 was the period when the smdents' crisis had rocked the relations between India and Australia.

An enduring image from the time is th.at of Rudd's effigy being burnt by demonstrators outside di e Australian High Commission in India. While this was certainly not pleasant, it further distanced Kevin Rudd from all diings lndian.

As co how the Indian community in Australia reacts to the change of leadership in the Labor Party will be interesting to observe. Over the past few months, there hHs been a concerted effort by the subcontinent friends of Labor to reach om to the lnclians in Australia. Parmer PM G illard's visit co me Park.lea gurudwara, a meet-and-greet with selected rueclia at Kirribilli House,

weekend fundraisers for the LHbor Party within me Indian co mmunity and the constant parade of Labor's marginal sear politicians at Indian functions. These ha,,e all shown the importance given to the lndian vote at the next elections. \Xlhether the new (or old?) Prune Minister Rudd will embark on simihr gimmicks will be interesting to observe.

However, i f history is any indication, PM Rudd will prefer co practice his Mandarin at local Chinese functions, rather d1an covet di e lnclian vote. Australian lndians will also remember promises and grandiose statem ents such as the 20/20 fonm1s, grocery watch, fuel watch, the Jack of coherent policy on 'the g reatest moral challenge of our times' and carbon tax, the clismantling of the Pacific solution of the Howard government, the near breakdown in the working of me government after d isagreements in the kitchen cabinet etc. \XlhiJe all these can be forgiven, what the Australian Indian community will be watching, is how the relationship between India and Australia progresses under a reincarnated Kevin Rudd.

Pawan Luthra is the current Parlia.ment of NSW Multicul tural Journalist of the Year.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ...........•..•..•••..••.........•.••....•.............

Support for young couples Supporting young couples in need by Frankey Fernandes in the last Indian

is only one side of the equation.

The Australian Government also

Link is easily one of the best artides I have read in recent times. It vividly highlights the plight of recently-arrived skilled migrants. They arrive here with great hopes of making a decent living, banking on their education and experience, but get disillusioned by a lack ofjob opportunities in their field of expertise. Just to put food on the

plays some role in attracting them with its long-term interest of populating the country with young and employable

table many of them take up any job, often menial, that come their way. For fear of shame and ridicule from friends and relatives back home they keep their predicament a secret from them.

Disappointment and delusion can lead to depression.

Being in a position to meet a number of newly-arrived skilled migrants from India, I am aware of their hardships including one case very close to what Frankey has described - an unexpected pregnancy that sadly did not go the full term. Of course one would say these migrants have chosen to come here with their eyes wide open. True. But that

people to keep the economy going and fund the care of the aged, invalid and unemployed. It has some moral responsibility to bear particularly when it spends billions on medical care and the general well-being of unauthorised arrivals. Do those MPs and Senators who bombard the airwaves with the perceived plight of the unauthorised arrivals ever bother to know what the skilled migrants go through? l highly doubt this. Because no one tells them.

There are dozens of community organisations representing every region of India and they can play a role in bringing the problems of their kindred to the public arena. They should look beyond bajans, bangras and Bollywood 'tamasha' if they want to prove their worth to their community and be taken seriously by the powers that be.

LP. A. Viramani

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JULY 2013 5

COVERSTORY

• The state of Uttarakhand reels beneath nature'sflood fury

ayhem!

That's the only way to describe the current simation in Uttarakband, over a fortnight since the devastating floods that overwhelmed th.is picturesque state, leaving behind unimaginable wreckage and destruction.

Uttarakhand, formecly known as U ttaranchal, is situated in the northern part of India, and is a renowned place of pilgrimage for Hindus with an abundance of temples and holy sites. It is also a popular courisr destination, thanks to its breathtaking natural beauty and i ts location at the foot of the Bhabhar and the Terai in the mighty Himalayas. It was created in November 2000 as the 27'" state of the Republic of India, from the Himalayan and adjoining northwestern districcs of Utrar Pradesh. Sharing borders wid1 T ibet, Nepal, Uttar Pradesh and J-limachal Pradesh, Uttarakband consists of che Garhwal and Kumaon divisions widi 13 districts. Dehradun is its provisional capital.

According to the 2011 census of India, Urtarakhand has a population of 10,116,752, with more than 88% following Hinduism, and Muslims making up the largest minority. Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, and Jains are the other major religions.

Two of the most importam rivers in Hinduism originate in the region, tbe Ganga at Gangorri and che Yamuna at Yamunotri.

These t\VO, alongwirh Badrinath and Kedarnath form the Chota Char Dharn, a holy pilgrimage for the Hindus. The state hosts me Bengal tiger in Jim Corbett National Park, d1e oldest national park of die Indian subcontinent.

The Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Sire located here, is known for the variety and rarity of me flowers and plants found there. Besides diis, Govindghac in Uttarakhand is me commencement poim of me trek to Hemhmd Sahib, the holy shrine of die Sikhs. Kedarnath is a

6 JULY 2013

revered pilgrimage sire for millions of Hi ndus, simated at an altirude of 3,586 metres in die lap of the majestic mountain peaks and near me head of die l'vfandakini river.

It can be reacbed after a steep 14-km-long trek.

Natural disaster Licessanc and intense rai11s hit me hlll state over diree days from June 14, triggering Aash Aoods and landslides, leading to hundreds of deaths and resulting in mousands more tTi.issing.

Though over 100,000 people have been evacuated so far, at the time of going ro press, hundreds were still stranded at various poims across the state. At last count, approximately 800 people were dead and over 3,000 missing, but diese were just estimated based on what evacuated people recounted to the rescue teams and to government officials.

Major pilgrimage centres have also suffered terrible damage.

Pilgrimages to places like Kedamath and Badrinath, home to among me most revered Hindu shrines, have been all but washed away. Entire villages and small towns have simply disappeared in me Aood waters, with bridges and roads swept away, cutting off large areas, as weU as homes, hotels and businesses. Power lines have been damaged and die loss of life is tragically high. To make things worse, continuous rain and foggy conditions seriously hampered rescue operations in the first week of the tragedy.

Many people had fallen ill because of starvation and staying out in the open in d1e freezing cold for long hours, so docrors were air-dropped in strategic locations.

It is reported that in one day, 700 people were given medicines for various ailments. Personnel of the A rmed Forces Medical Services are working in the state wid1 29 teams deployed around Kedarnath while an emergency centre bas been set up at Joshi.math, an official release said.

The National Disaster Management Aud1ority (NDMA) declared die Uttarakhand devastation a "severe namral disaster" and requested leaders not to politicise the issue. Inspector Gopal Singh Meena from the NDMA has worked in some cough environments whenever namral calamity has struck, bur he said he has never seen such utter devastation. The NDJ\l[J\ team that was air-cL:opped at Guptkashi, which is located between Kedarnath and Rudraprayag, saw a ghost town with structures smashed to me ground like match boxes by the fury of me flood waters, and twisted bodies of the old and young, men and women simply strewn around, revealed Meena. l'vfeena al.s o said many people

took shelter in d1e jungles when the flood water inundated the areas. "There were wailing women and children in hysterical condition. They were there without food and water. They were totally in panic. They were crying for help. \Xie faced a lot of problems, as we had no way to reach them. \Vle then made ropeways and then many of our men carried them on their backs.

Our firsr priority was to reach d1e women, children and the o ld," Meena added.

"Here (Gaurikund), people had taken shelter in jungles. Many just couldn't walk. Their feet were swollen. They were corally famished and in urgent need of food and warer:' said Meena, whose team members were the ones who rescued and evacuated hundreds of people stuck in the entire stretd1 of Kedamath valley.

One of the casualties of the rescue operatious diat shocked

the nation was the crashing of an lndian Air Force rescue plane 011 June 25. The crash claimed the lives of nine personnel of DRF, six of tbe Lido-T ibetan Border Police and five of me Indian Air Force. J\mong the dead \Vas Wing Commander Darryl Castelino, who was piloting the iUfated helicopter when ir crashed.

He was laid co rest on June 30 in Mumbai, wim full military honours.

Stories have also been filrering out of looting and rape. Says i\nupam Sharma who grew up in most of the areas in which the floods unleashed d1e ir fury, "i\1Iy broken heart skips a beat every time one hears abom the victims being looted, helpless female pilgrims awaiting rescue being raped, swami con men conning ac die worst time, kids who are orphaned being saved for the child labour market - the list goes on. All in the most holiest

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of areas where even the worst evil goes for penance!" He adds, "Then there is the plight of the survjvors having to take clothes off dead borues ro save themselves, the chopper crash, the noble and honest defense personnel, and some of the local administration. For me, it is a big churning of emotions as each time I hear the name of a place in Uttarakhand, I am taken back to the wonderful memories of childhood." A poignant and tragic feeling indeed!

Forewarned and ignored What has come to light in recent days is that an alert was sent to the Uttarakhand government about the rainfall activity for 48 hours before the d isastrous rains starred around June 14, India Meteorological Department official N Doraiswamy said recently. An WO official based at Dehradun reiterated that waro.i11gs of heavy rains and landslide were sent ro the state government.

However, rl1e Congress gave a clean chit ro U ttarakhand Cluef Mjnisrer Vijay Bahuguna, who has been facing flak for "ignoring" rl1e advance warnings of very heavy rains by the meteorological department, saying it was satisfied wirl1 the state government's rescue and relief work. The Met Office claimed d1at the Char Dham Yatra could have been halted in time, saving hundreds of lives. "The reasons (berund the tragedy) will

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be examined. The focus eight now should be on evacuating stranded people, ensuring relief and rehabilitation and rnecking rl1e spread of epidemic," said Maken, spokesman from the Congress.

Maken said thousand s o f people have been left homeless and their houses uprooted. "\Y/e should rise above partisan politics and serve the people," he added.

The hand of God? Bur for rl1e locals, the damage and devastation is the only rluog they are talking about. The Haridwar ghats, as well a.s the temples are empty. The rains and landslides are God's way of teaching mankind a lesson, they say.

"Rampant illegal construction on the banks of the river, corruption and looting rl1e pilgrims have led to this. God was angry. It is his way. Omerwise, why would rl1ousands of people who had come to pray at these shrines perish like rlus?" said Man Singh Upreti of DehradLrn. "This is god's way to teach people a lesson," added tbe 70-year-old.

Others cite rufferent reasons for the djsaster. Neighbouring Madhya Pradesh Ch ief l\iinister Shivraj Singh Chauhan said the central government should declare a national environment policy ro stop illegal construction and prevent a disaster like the one that

wrecked U ttarakhand. Chauhan also asked for me Utt·irakhaod Aash Aoods to be declared a national calamity. " \'v'hen you camper wit!, nacure, then namre will unleash its fury o n you," Chauhan said. Talking o f the mushrooming of several buildings near rivers in UtL'lrakhand, he said, "Illegal construction and corruption go hand in hand".

Over 5,000 people from Madhya Pradesh were rescued and have remrned home by helicopters, buses and u·aios. Chauhan declared a compensation package of Rs.2 lakh for the next of kin of those who died in rl1e Aoods, and Rs.5 lakh for tl10se who have lost meir entire family.

Saviours of survivors On hearing of che rusaster, help poured into Uttarakhand from all over the countr)7. Many religious and social o rganisation rose co the occasion, with one of them distributing d10usands of food packers and even offering to conduct the last cites of rl1ose who rued at Kedarnath. As the news of the devastation and deluge started pouring in, many religious and social organisations came om to extend a helping hand to chose anguished people looking for their loved ones.

From Yoga Guru Rarndev co All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP)

to Nirmal Ashram - all extended help of meir volunteers and their reso urces.

The All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP), whose sprawling complex, Shamikunj, is housing many o f the rescued people, is being used as a relief camp by many states. Ac Rishikesh, many of rl1ese institutions are offering free food, water, merucines. And some are not charging money for those getting photostat copies of photographs of their dear ones.

The Gayatri Pariwar also rusrribured food packets. "Of the total 10,000 food packets rlut were air-dropped, most were sent

by Shanti Kunj," an official of Shantikunj said. And international aid agencies have also come to the aid of rl1e flood-devastated state. Among rl1ese are the '\Vaste Warriors,' headed by Briton Jome Underhill and a band o f volunteers. [(nown as tl1e 'garbage girl' of me mountains, she has embarked o n the mammod1 task of cleaning up after the ilisaster.

"When I lea.mt abour the disaster, I decided co adopt d1ese hills as part of our next clean-up campaign," Underhill said. "I was saddened to see hmv dirty it was everywhere. There is huge human waste. For the local civic aumorities, rescLting the peo ple is me first priority. But we will take care of it (removing garbage)," she added. Underhill has also come ro the rescue of mules and horses that have been trapped by the Aood waters in Uttarakhand's Kedarnaili-Badcinath axis.

Bue it's rime to wake up India, said U nderhill.

Search continues For hundreds, rl1e searcl1 for missing family members continues unabated. Phocographs of loved ones taken on happier, merrier occasions, showing a family gettogether or celebrations now adorn the walls at relief camps, railway stations and bus stands.

For the many hundreds of kjn, photographs are the one way to trace rl1eir kin still missing even a.frer a fortnight-long rescue and evacuation work carried om in nood- ravaged Uttarakhand.

Ac the Haridwar railway $Cation, relief camps have been set up by many state governments whose people had come to Uttarakhand for the Char Dham yatra when the rain-nood tragedy struck.

At the Shanti Kunj comple.,, headquarters of the spiritu al and

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Inadequate training or the lack of it may turn out to be the big gaping hole that let slip a preventive response. It was widely believed that such warnings of heavy rain were routine and nothing really happened most of the time to cause panic

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It is time to ask whether it is better to develop well planned urban settlements than to try and support scattered habitations in the fragile mountains of Uttarakhand

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social organisation of All World Gayau·i Pariwar (AWGP), diree stares - Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Odisba - have set up relief camps and many of their rescued people are staying in its sprawling complex.

The photo of an elderly woman, sitting \Vith a shy smile alongside her husband, or a family of four, who were photographed at a family function, or a mug size photo of a 40-year-old man

JULY 2013 7

COVERSTORY

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One of the casualties of the rescue operations that shocked the nation was the crashing of an Indian Air Force rescue plane on June25

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La..""mikant Sharma, a minister in Madhya Pradesh Chief 1Vliuister Shivraj Singh Chauhan's cabinet, said they have heard many a horror story of people being trapped and being swept away in the waters. ''A family saw cwo of ics members swept away by tbe water. They watched in horro r.

They were mute spectarors," Sharma said.

Bue there were some stories of hope too. "We met three boys,

Pankaj Pokhir.iyal said so far they have registered 794 missing cases.

"We are giving people a simple form and asking chem to attach photos mo," Pokhriyal said. Ten years in service, che police officer from Tehri Garhwal said he has never ever seen such d evastacion.

"I have been born here and spent my entire life. But have never seen such a massive descruccion where hundreds have died and hundreds are missing. I think ic's God's way

who were pa.rt of a large g roup of 18 people, coming back alive.

They told us that when the first Aoor of the lodge where they were Sta)~ng was filled up with water, they went to the second floor. But when the second floor too filled up, chey held on to the \vi.ndow grills and saved their lives. "They were inconsolable. le was difficult for us to make them understand.

Their entire families have died," said Sharma, who leads the team of over SO state officials tracking and rescuing people. He said they bad also come across people wbo walked for 2-3 days, reaching a relief camp in Rish.i.kesh or were picked up on their way from the main road. "Many people have lost their clothes, their footwear and their vehicles. Apart from offering chem food , water and medicines, we offer them chappals, soap, tootbpaste and moth brush," Sharm a stated.

The scene is the same at the R.ishikesh too. Large posters of loved ones can be seen from far off. The R.ishikesh bus stop does not look like a normal interstate bus stand; as one side o f the bus stop waU has been taken over by photographs and posters, the other side has been taken over by the police and by voluntary and religious groups offering people free food, water and medicines.

Station Officer of R.ishikesh

o f punishing us humans. \Vhat else can we call it,' he said.

nurnbers live on murism.

According to one business stud)', the loss to the tour.ism industry on accoum of the Aoods is estimated at Rs.12,000 crores.

Urcarakhand ranks eighth among aU stares on the tourism map.

Major pilgrim age centres have also suffered terrible damage and pilgrimages to places like Kedamatb and Badrinath, home to among the most revered Hindu shrines, are unlikely for months, if

simacion in the state.

He has spelled out enhanced rates of compensacion, w hich make sense in the case of lives lost, chose injured, and property damaged, but are merely symbolic in the case of circumstances such as farm land being washed away.

Rs 10 lakh, each, will be paid co the families of those killed in the IAF chopper crash, and special pensions and ocher benefits co the deceased members of the Urcarakhancl police.

Help has been offered by

not a few years. lndustry insiders say the state will be able to bounce back by the next murisrn season only if all governrnenc departments and bodies in the stare work in coordinacion.

"The government says it will tal,e tl1ree years for the state to get back to normalcy but tl1e duration will be longer seeing tl1e loss of infrastrucmre," warned George Kurt)' of che Travel Agents Associacion of India.

otl1er stares as well, witl1 the i\ndhra Pradesh government announcing Rs.SO crore for relief works and for construction of four pilgrim amenicies cencres.

Chief 1\finiscer N. Kiran Kumar Reddy aimounced that Rs.1 0 crore would be given to Utt.'u-akhand government for rescue and relief works. Another Rs.40 crore will be spent through Tirumala Tirupaci Dev asrhanarn (TI'D) for construccion of pilgrim amenicies complexes, said a statement from the chief minister's office.

Chief Minister Bahuguna said tl1at children in areas hit by the floods would be given Rs.500 and college smdenrs Rs.1,000 each as intermediate relief.

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The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) declared the Uttarakhand devastation a "severe natural disaster" and requested leaders not to politicise the issue

''

- they all tell the story of families corn apar t by a force greater than mankind. All of them are m issing.

For the anguished families, ic has been a hellish 15 days.

Facigued and looking fragile was Rajkwnar Singh from Rajasthan, searching for his SO-year-old brother, sister-in-law and their three children. Sneha Sharma, 21, desperately searched in hospitals, police stations and relief camps for her parents, two brothers and two sisters who had gone ro Keclarnach shrine. Carrying photographs of her family, Sharma met an army official, who after seeing her 17-year o ld sister J yoci's photograph, told her tbaL they have cremated her. "He cold me that they found her body and cremated her. I don't know about Lhe rest of the family members.

No one is able to help me our.

Where should l go, what should I do," she wailed. She said if she had been the only smvivor in her family she would have killed herself. Bur she has to think of a younger sister who is in college.

Similarly, Subhash Chandra Sharma from Ghaziabad was desperately searching for his nephew, his wife and their three children. When he failed to get an y news, he registered a missin g persons' report.

8 JULY 2013

Blowto tourism The devastating Aoods have strangled the booming tourist industry too, and experts say recovery will take a long time. Mass cancellacions by tourists and pilgrim groups have taken place in Urcarakhand, affeccing even places that did not experience what has turned out to be one of the worst ever natural disasters in the state.The cancellacions extend ro the months of July, August and September. ''The impact of the floods is being felc by hill sracions like Mussoorie, ainital, Jim Corbett, Dehradun, Lansdowne and Kasauni," said Richa Goyal Sikri, director of STIC Travel Group.

"Travellers are reconsidering their p lans due to exaggerated reports of rhe bad weather and road cond.icions," she said.

The cancellacion rares are touching an alarming 50 percent, a huge b low ro a region where large

Rnancial aid Chief J\lli.niscer Vijay Bahuguna has announced the fuse round of measures, mostly financial, to deal with the post-disaster

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Rescue and rehabilitation The Uctarakhand government has now set up a reconstruction and rehabilitation authority co oversee relief wor k in the state, while Chief l\1inister Bahuguna ann0tmced setting up of the Uttarakhand Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Authority. ln a far-reaching decision, the chief minister said no permission would be given henceforth for construction along riverbanks.

Thousands of dwellings and buildings along riverbanks have been ,vashed away or destroyed in the Aoods. The chief minister announced chat \Vater and power bills for flood -affected people would be waived. He also said chat kin of all missing people should report co the authorities, so that compensation can be given co them on the basis of an affidavit.

As the rescue operations continue, the au thorities are now confronted with the manunoth task of clearing up the debris, searching for bodies and disposing them of properly. The chief minister announced that a team of 200 people, including officials from the police, health, animal husbandry expert.~ and sanitation, are being rushed to Kedaroath to collect D r A saniples of bodies.

Various state governments have been asked to verify the list o f missing people and if thei7 are not traced in a momh, they will be declared dead.

The l ational Disaster Response Poree ( DRF) bas sent a rerun to the state for locating bodies tmder the debris and co deal with

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decomposing corpses of httmans and animals, which could pose a severe health hazard and could possibly cause ai1 epidemic. To hasten the process, the state government has sought earthexcavating machines from the central government. It bas also sought 100 ronnes of bleaching powder to help dispose of the carcasses of anin1al s killed.

Commentary Gurinder Kaur is on the board o f Voltmtary Action Network India and, having worked for Oxfam, she has first hand experience in disaster preparedness and relief and rehabilitation. Ms Kaur comments, "The Uttarakband tragedy needs to be understood in its entire[)', Natural river courses and other drains seldom respect human-made concrete, scone or tar structures. On the contrary, it must be the other way about. We must keep habitation out of the expected and known ways of the occurrence of natural phenomena.

In the case of the Uttarakhand disaster, we now have all the analysis and narratives about what happened, what really could have been done before, during and after the melange of rain, flood and mud overtook tbe collective lives o f thousands of people.

We know that scores of hotels and other buildings had been built in violation right on the flood courses of rivers rapidly Aowing across steep gradients. We know that di e tim ber mafia, d1e stone mafia and the construction mafia made the region far more vulnerable by taking away

httmungous quantities of wood, stone, sand and other materials. \X'e also know now that greedy tour operators colluded ,vid1 equally g reedy hotel owners to disregard die actual carrying capacity of the sta re's roads, transportation and dwelling units.

Mose astonishing ly, we know that advance weather forecasts and Aood and landslide warnings were issued by the meteorology department. Officials, leaders and other responsible people were informed about die prediction of widespread heavy rain. Alerts were issued for halting theyatll'Js to the Chaar Dhams for four days and for moving die pilgrims already in the Chaar Dhams to safer locations. Did d1ese warnings fall on deaf ears?

Although ir would seem that such was the case, we know now that the warnings were received and read. What then was the matter? The officials and die others responsible for responding co disasters and in charge o f protecting and saving lives knew diere was a drill to be followed.

But it is evident diey did not know when or how co kick it in.

Inadequate training or the lack of it may turn out to be the big gaping hole that let slip a preventive response. ] r was widely believed that such warnings of heavy rain were routine and nothing really happened most of the time to cause panic.

Oddly and simply enough it. is all about training. Each and every resident of Utrarakhand, permanent or transient, official o r ordinary citizen, muse be exposed

ro appropriate and adequate disaster preparedness and response training. Training must be so good that even if woken from sleep, a response should begin at once.

1n a disaster prone and ecologically fragile habita t, expect the tmexpected to happen.

Commmiity level preparedness and response training need to become the backbone of a statewide disaster management strategy. For the governing appararus, repeated trainings - at least three a year - must be mandatory. Disaster preparedness and response must permeate om very consciousness".

Also commenting on die situation, a powerful editorial published in die Garlnval Post on June 18 states "The problem lies with the lack of a comprehensive development policy diar focuses on what is sustainable as against mere tokenism . .. It is time to ask whether it .is better to develop well planned urban settlements than co cry and support scattered habitations in die fragile motmtains of Uttarakhand. The people are already voting with their feet, taking die first opportunit)• to get o ut of the harsh and increasingly djfficult life in the hills. lt is for the government to meet this challenge in eidier

a positive manner, or waste funds and energy in d1e futile effort to shore up a collapsing way of life.

The hills cru1 nurture only a limited mtmber of people in die context of modern day lifestyle demands. Funds would be better utilised in developing the urban infrastrucrure for the people corning in anyway, rather dian spending it on building that which will be destroyed in the next landslide, flood, cloudburst, etc."

The Garh1val Post edjtorial of June 27 comments on the state's post-disaster policy saying, "The shape that Uttarakhand's development has taken is d1e cumulative result of historical forces, political and economic asp irations, centcal and state policjes, and the raw energy of the people trying to make a living. All of th is needs to be reviewed to establish what die state waots co change and what it will stand by''. It further comments, "Tbe tragedy was certainly ' man-made' in !.hat the forces of namre were ignored in the rush for development. However, diere is an extent to which the people of Uttaral<hand need to be apologetic for the speedy and unplanned growth. After all, what jg better?

Youth involved in chaotic entrepreneurship; or jobless and Maoist fodder?"

To donate Caritas: www.caritas.org.au

INDUS Fair: Sun 11 Aug 11 am-6pm Rosehill Gardens, Roseh1II Race Course, Rosehill All proceeds go to the Uttarakhand disaster relief fund www.indausfair.com.au

Google person finder goog le.org/ personfi nder/2013-u ttrakhand-flood s You can also request a status via SMS by sending an SMS to 9 77 33 00 000 with the message Search person-name.

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Queen's Birthday Honours Gambhir Watts and Arcot Sampath Kumar were awarded Australian honours this month

Gambhir Watts, OAM

Multicultural missionary E.xecutive Presideor of Bharatiya Vjdya Bhavan and Founder and CEO of International Cemre of Nonviolence Australia, Gambhir Watts is renowned and respected within the Indian community, and for very good reasons. Since his arrival here in 1992, ]\fr Watts has made a significant contribution to Ausrra]jan society, working tirelessly towards the promotion, education and acceptance of India's rich herimge and culmre.

For Mr Watts, the award is certainly an honour and an acknowledgment of the work he has been doing for a while now, but he is modest about being presented with such an accolade.

"The important thing is to continue the good work for Bharaciya Vidya Bhavan Australia (BVB), and to continue striving to make a difference," Mr Watts tells Indian Unk. As one of the largest , GOs in the world, d1e BVB literally means the House of Indian Knowledge/Wisdom, and has over 367 constin1ent instimtions, with d1e Sydney Centre being its first in Ausrralia. M.r Watts was instrumental in setting up and launching the Bhavan in Australia in 2003, and has carried d1e reins of responsibility since d1en; his current role is that of President.

"My motto is that of the Bhavan: Vt1s11dhaiva K11!111J1hak.a111 or 'The world is one family', and I strive to achjeve this through various events designed to bring people together," he says.

The Bhavan organises various activities co enhance India's culmre and heritage in Australia, as well as promo ting Sanskrit a.ad Hinru languages and multiculturalism through mainstream events.

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Dr Arcot Sampath Kumar, OAM

One of the biggest events organised • A country practice by the Bhavau, the Holi Mahotsav is held : Dr Sampath Kumar was hono ured for !us annually at Darling Harbour, and is attended : service to the co 1nn1Lu1iry of Cano\vindra in with equal enthusiasm by local Australians : NS\V, particularly as a general practitioner.

• "l am very grateful to receive an OAM and lnclian origin patrons. ]\fr Watts works tirelessly to showcase the event every : for n1y \Vork as a general practitioner : for over 40 years in Canowindra and the year, which keeps gaining in strength and popufacity. "The Holi Maliotsav celebrations • smrounrung area (including Eugowra and have increased co three days now, but my '\'.Voodstock)," Dr Kumar tells Tndia11 Li11k. eventual aim is to organise a week-long His work involves visiting the 32-bed Canowindra Hospital as well as at the 60celebration," he says.

Another significant event organjsed bed Moyne Nursing Home. under the auspices of the Bhavan was "Working as a doctor in a small and d1e highly successful World Culmre supportive country town has been Concert and Arrs Festival that ran from rewarrung to say the least," Dr Kumar says. " I am now campaignjng for young doctors 2004-07, displaying performances of original cultural music a.ad dance from : to come and serve in the country. Ir is a different nations, wluch hemtends reviving : great opportlllury. Every little bit you do is in the future. : greatly appreciated".

One of the Bhavan's newest achievements : Dr Kumar moved to Australia in 1971 is d1e recent setting up of the Internacional : as a yow1g doctor keen to take on postCentre of Nonviolence Australia, with the : graduate smdies. blessings of Ela Gandhi (granddaug hter of : ul was alJ ready to go to tbe U l<, but Mahatma Gandhi) and in association wid1 : a senior colleague who was already here International Centre of Nonviolence South : c o nvinced n1e d1at r\ustralia is a g reat Africa and Gandru Development Trust : place to Live and ,vork. I am glad l cook his South Africa, of which Mr Wlatts is Founder : advice!" : and CEO. Dr Kumar started work at Manly Hospira!

As can be in1agined, Mr \X/atts leads an : but soon found an opening in the coLtntry extremely busy life, balancing his business : at Canowindra. with his philanthropic work and working : He has never left. tirelessly towards achieving his goals. He : He took lus bride U ma there soon after : they were wed, and they raised chert family works seven days a week, sometimes well over ten hours a day, but it's aU for a good : of three kids therel quite happily.

• "The community welcomed us with open cause - to achieve greater recognition for • all that's good about hj5 motherland. : arms," Dr Kumar says.

On behalf of the community, we • The Kumars became quite prominent congratulate him on dus important : n1en1bers of the local con1n1unicy. Dr felicitation and wish lum all the best in : Kumar joined local organisations such as lus endeavours. : Apex Club and Lio ns Club (of which be Sheryl Dixit : served as Secretary as welJ as President),

.

and wrote for the local Ca1101JJi11dra 1'Jew.r.

The family also got involved with the local farming community, having bought a farm themselves in the area. "\'{le took steps to involve ourselves whole-heartedly wid1 d1e whole gamu t of the social and conmmnity life here - from work to school to farming," Dr Kumar reveals. "Being involved in farming has also given us greater insight into this rural COllll11Ullit)'".

Yet be lees slip that Uma was a bit taken aback at having co start life in a small community after having lived in d1e bustling city of Bangalore back home.

"Bue she assimilated very well. ln no rime, she had made many friends, and when the children ca.me alo ng, we pur them in the local schools here, which al.so helped".

The Kumars are all for a country up-bringing for their children. "\Y/e soon discovered Canowindra is a great place to raise a family. Our kids have got a good educatio n starting here and tl1en boarrung in Orange and Canberra. Today, our sons are specia]jsc doctors in Sydney working as a neurologist and an oncologist, and our daughter is a lawyer".

The Kumars travel to Sydney every fortnjghc to visit their kids - and to stack their fridges wid1 home-made food!

But for them, it wilJ always be the country life.

"I'd like co send the message ouc to young doctors our there, to come and try a country practice. The work is varied and rewarding, and you'U enjoy the peace and qwet and the country hospitality of the wonderful people here".

Rajni Anand Luthra

JULY 2013 11

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uss1e Mulwarra lamb is making inroads into the Indian palate through a host of traditional and non-traditional dishes

M ulwarra lamb for Hyderabadi diners: Lamb noisette, Ba rbecued butterflied lamb leg and Slow-roasted Zaatar lamb

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BY MINNAL

KHONA

here's no doubt that most Australians love their Aussie lamb, but a taste of this viand cooked to suit the Indian palate in the Indian subcontinent is unusual.

Recently, the Hyatr Group of Hotels in India has collaborated with Mulwarra Export, a Viccoria.n company, to supply lamb to its properties at the Hyatt hotels in Chennai, H yderabad, New Delhi and Mumbai.

Prom Australian wines ro coffee, and now lamb, products from down under are ga.i.o.ing popularity and acceptance in India. To promote tl1eir product in partnership witl1 Hyatt Hotels, Mulwarra Export Pry Ltd, Meat and Livestock Australia, and Treasury Wine Estates recently organised a.u 'Australian lamb experience' The participating Hyatt Hotels include the Hyatt Regency in Chennai and Delhi, the Park Hyatt Hyderabad and Grand Hyatt i\'1umbai.

I attended a media lunch at the Park Hyatt in Hyderabad for a taste of Aussie lamb, India.n.-

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style. 1 was curious to see how Australian lan1b would fit imo Hyderabacli biryani and other meat dishes for which the city is renowned. The lunch was hosted by "Mike Tafe, Corporate Chef, Jl,{ulwarra Export, at The Dining Room, Pack Hyatt's Indian fine dining restaurant. Accompanying the food was the Koonunga Hill Chardonnay and Koonunga Hill Shiraz from Penfolds.

Greg Darwell, Managing Direccor of Mulwarra Export, told me his company's lamb is being exported to over 30 countries. Greg revealed, "Eady this year, we decided co introduce our product in India. The Hyatt group is one of our largest end users. 1t has been very well received in other parts of the world, and we hope to repeat tliat success in India".

IncidentaU)~ the partnership means that any lamb dish served at any of the Hyatt properties mentioned will be the ivlulwarra lamb, and not the local variety.

The Mulwarra lamb is all-natural prime lamb sourced from the pristine lamb regions of Victoria, which has specialised growers and some of the finest lamb producing areas in the world.

The lamb is halal certified and USFDA approved.

Chef Tafe, who also has his own spice marketing company, has

been using the M ulwa.rra lamb for over 12 years at all the hotels in which he has worked.

"I am not afraid co use spices to appeal to the lndian palate, but at the same tin1e I don't W{e to overshadow the lamb,'' he said, commenting on the menu for the day. Minimal marinades, slowly braised curs of shoulder or leg of lamb were served in different avatars.

We started with a lamb and lentil soup Aavoured witl1 cumin and lemon-scented yoghurt.

The soup tasted a lot like our dal 111akbni, except for the b its of lamb added and the hint of lemon. It was delicately Am oured and the lamb and lentils were easily distinguishable, even though both bad absorbed the flavours of the spices. This was followed by a Japanese salad, a tataki of lamb loin with ginger, sesame a.ud soy.

Chef Tafe, it seems, really knows his lamb. The several options that were served in tl1e main cow·se, all lamb-based of course, were full of Aavour a.nd each one was different from the other.

"I have created different recipes," Tafe said. "Some are traditional ones. Essentially, tl1e dishes are appropriate for the international traveller who is exposed to global cuisine. l try and incorporate Aavours from the J\iliddle East, South East Asia 7

and the Mediterranean as well as India," he said, adding that the lamb lends itself very well to rogan josh and Chertinad style curries.

True to his word, each serving had a different Aavour.

The barbecue MuJwarra lan1b, butterAied witl1 Greek spices and served with a basil tzatziki was refreshing and very soft. The breaded lamb rack cutlets with Italian herbs evemually emerged as my favourite from all the dishes I tried , and was replete with the aroma and taste of Italian herbs. l\lixed w itl1 the bread, it was rea.Uy t.c'lsty. This was followed by the lightly smoked lamb cutlets with chipotle butter, also quite d ifferent. The roast lamb rump w itl1 ras-el-hmumt had a distinctly Middle Eastern AavoUL The one aspect that repeatedly stood om in all the lamb dishes served was that tl1ere was no prominent odour that lamb can sometimes have. ln fact, even tl10ugh all me dishes were delicately flavoured with a minimum of spices used, none of tl1e dishes had any odour.

Chef Tafe definitely accomplished h is goal of not overshadowing the lamb.

W/e ended witl1 a mango pavlova and though none of the dishes were traditional co the lndian palate, I could see satisfied faces all around me.

JULY 2013 13

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PEOPLE

An old head on young shoulders Devanand Sharma is the new Ambassador to Israel

evanand Sharma is his country's youngest Ambassador.

And, no, he is not representing ludia.

He is unique in more ways than that.

He has recently been desigua[ed Australia's nexr Ambassador to Israel. Yes, be is a true-blue, dinkydi, ridgy-didge A ussie. And if 1.hat means he is half Indian, well, welcome ro the new, really, really multicultural Australia.

Devanand, or Dave as he is known, is just 37. When l fuse heard that, I said "\Y./ow".

A nd I thought: you @%*"#*! overachiever.

The world is at his feet and barring a disaster, he should certainly be heading The Australian Departmenc of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAl) before he mrns 50, surely!?

Ao extremely rare fact: Dave is probably o nly the second A ustralian of Indian descent to represent Australia as an Ambassador.

In case you are curious as to who was the first, 1 believe it must be Peter Varghese who was Australia's Ambassador to ludia

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14 JULY 2013

between 2009 and 2012, before he was promoted and made the head honcho o f Australia's diplomatic service - the DFAT. He still beads it. Varghese was born in Kenya to Malayali parents and has been one of Australia's mosL distinguished and senior civil servants.

Dave Sharma holds a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Arcs from die University of Cambridge and a Master of Arts in International Relations from Deakin University.

He is a senio r career officer with the DFATand was most recently Assistant Secretary in tl1e Africa Branch, and previously, Acting First Assistant Secretary, International Division in the Department of Prime Jv[inister and Cabinet.

Sharma's prior international service includes postings as Counsellor at the Australian Embassy in Washington, Third Secretary at the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby and as Senior Civilian Adviser with the Peace Monitoring Group in BougainviJle. Sharma was also an Adviser to Foreign Minister Alexander Downer from 2004 2006. His father originally hails from U ctar Pradesh, d10ugh they subsequently settled in T rinidad and Tobago, and his mo ther's fanuly is from Sydney and Dave grew up in Sydney bm remains in close touch wit!, d1e Indian side of his family.

Sharma \vil] be accompanied to Israel by his wife Rachel and tl1eir

three young daughters.

Clearly his young age is the first thing that strikes one about Dave. (By comparison, the average age of an Ambassador or High Commissioner that India appoints, is generally in the 50s). Bm he himsel.f is nonchalant abom it.

He says wid1out hesitation, "My appointment proves that Australia is a meri.cocracy and even the highest positions are available to aJJ comers".

"The younger generation should certainly look at opportunities in public life and in the public service," he adds. "Though there are only a handful or so of Australians of Indian origin in tl1e ranks of DFAT, their nw11bers are certainly growing in d,e junior ranks".

Australia has been a strong supporter of the State of Israel. since irs establishment, and was o ne o f [he fuse co untries to grant official recognition and co establish diplomatic relations.

The Australian E m bassy in Israel opened in 1949.

Australia and Israel enjoy a significant trade relationship worm more man $900 million a year. Australian exports to Israel include coal, meat and aluminium, with imports including gems, manufactured items and telecommunications equipment.

So, it is an important posting, and the Australian Government would have made it after due consideration abom d1e merits

of various candidates.

Questions have forever been raised about the influence of the strong Israel lobby wi tl1i.n Canberra (and Washington/London), so the new Australian Ambassador may have to walk a tightrope and be prepared to teli his hosts mings they do not want to hear on the Palestine problem which has defied a solution for over 60 years.

Australia recognises that Israel's long-term security requires a comprehensive, durable l'vfiddle

Ease peace settlement. Australia supports a negotiated two-state solution, witl1 an independenc, viable Palestinian Sta[e al.ongside a secure Israel.

Bm in fact, the superior lobbying skiJls of Israel and the Australian je\vish cornnmnity has ensured that Israel has had a robust inpm in the decisions this country has made.

This is something that eludes tl1e Indian community - even tl1ough it is four ti.mes bigger!

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JULY 20 13 15

YOUTH

Srajan Singh's space odyssey The sky is no longer the limit for NASA International Space Camp winner

Srajan Singh and Aimee Parsons

shuttle simulator, having a go at the gravity machine, and tbe scuba tank which replicates working in micro-gravitational situations. "All of that is going to be just fantastic and I'm really looking forward to jc."

pace is one of the few things that makes us wonder and dream as both children and adults.

The moon and the sun are so intangible; yet so tangible. The mystery of the night sky, the wondrous event of a shooting scar, and the desire to experience weightlessness - every one o f us is fascinated by these thoughts, and yet such an incredibly small number of people have dared to dream of taking them any further.

Srajan Singh is one of those few.

Recently, the Year 11 student from Scone Grammar School was one of just two students in Australia selected for a prestigious space camp conducted by NASA at the U.S. Space and Rocket Centre in Huotsville, A labama this month, and he hopes it is just tl1e start of a bigger dream.

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The NASA International Space Camp was established in "I 990, and invites two smdents and one educator from 35 counr.ries around the world to represent their country and participate in a comprehensive education program exposing the students to various demonstrations, sinmlations, activities and projects at the Space Cent.re in Humsville. The camp is said to be both academically and physically challenging, with students given a taste of the intense training astronauts go through.

Srajan has grown up in towns such as Parkes and Narrabri, and .it's clear his outback NSW lifestyle has had a big part to play in his interest in space. " Botl1 of [Parkes and Narrabri] have large radio telescopes. And especially when I was in Narrabri, we had friends who worked as astrophysicists for CSIRO. So rhere were times when they would take us to have a look around the main comrol for the array and deep in d1e belly of the telescope itself. As a 7 year old at tbe time - its definitely a motivator!"

More recently, Srajan has taken a particular interest in his science and maths subjects at school - a must-have for any budding NASA astronaut. He not only achieved a result in the top band of HSC Extension 1 Matl1s in year 10, bm will be taking oo the HSC Extension 2 Exan1 chis year - in year I l. Bue chat's just rhe tip of the iceberg. "I really love music as well and it's a huge passion of mine. 1 enjoy reading up on and watdting documentaries about space; but more generally science and new discoveries. Recently I've gotten into a new series of books and documentaries called the Fabric of the Cosmos - it's worth looking up!" Given astronauts are required to be incredibly fit, it's a good thing Srnjan loves his sport, too - including tennis, cricket, swimming, archery and hockey. He credits his school for providing the support he needed to manage his busy schedule.

Srajan applied for d1e e.xciting camp through the Australian Schobrships Group, which held a competition for its stL1den ts

aged l 6-18 years old. After considering rheir academic results, achievements, career aspirations, social and community participants, the ASG decided on two students - Srajan and J-\ jmee Parsons from Nowrn Christian School, SW - to travel with the winner of its National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA) 2013 lnternational Space Camp Award, Sophie Fenton of Ballarat Grammar in Victoria. ASG CEO John Velegrinis said of the pair: "Srajan and Aimee both have a passion and great interest in space.

They have achieved exceptional academic results and are bod1 involved in a number of extracurricular activities. I knmv they will be great ambassadors for A ustralia and ASG at the Space Camp, and we wish d1em all the best."

At the camp, Srajan will spend a week going through all kinds of experiences that only a lucl--1' few have been able to enjoy - including tl1e same training undergone by the NASA astronauts who Srajan wants co join some day. Srajan looks forward co Ayi11g rhe space

This is just tl1e first step in what Srajao hopes will be the start of a journey towards realising a childhood dream, bur he knows it's a tough road al1ead. Although NASA is associated wirh space e.'<ploration more d1an anything else, there are o f course only very few astronauts in rhe organisation - and Srajan is determined to be part of the latter group.

He hopes that his time at the Space Camp will. not only be enjoyable, bm lead to imporcam connections and experience in reaching his goal. "My dream really has been to see the Eard1 from space and to know that I'm acn1al1y playing a part in our progress to a new funrre. The International Space Station is just a way for me to achieve d1at goal. To reach tl1ere, 1'11 have to achieve some sort of science degree and then apply to NASA. Having been co rhe lnternarional Space Camp will certainly .increase my chances of being accepted. Once in NASA, who knows, maybe my calling will be as a ground scientist; but nothing beats the ISS -it's a whole different ball game."

His parents, Anuradha Singh and Dr Sanjay Verma, are naturally very proud and supportive of Srajan's achievements. Anuradha took d1e phone call that carried rhe great news, and Srajan labels it as "One of the happiest moments in my life! My parents would have loved co come, bur the centre has strict rules that no one other than the delegates of the 35 invited couna-ies can come in so unformnately they can't."

Srajan's favourite moment in space e.xploration history is d1e launch of d1e space probe Pioneer 10, which was rhe first manmade object to reach escape velocity from the solar system , taking it past d1e asteroid belt, and becoming, as Srajan puts it, "Our beacon to d1e rest of the universe, to let everyone know ,ve're here mo!"

To any smdents unsure abont what their future holds, Srajan's advice is simple. "Trying to balance hobbies and studies is hard, but it's doable. My advice is do what y0L1'll enjoy and put your heart into it.

Then the sky is d1e limit!"

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INDIAN NEWS India declines Snowden's asylum request India recently said ic has declined che asylwn request of fugitive former CIA agent Edward Snowden who blew the whistle on US data 1nin.ing.

"I can confirm that on July 2, Ollt embassy in Moscow did receive a communication dated June 30 from Mr Edward Snowden. That communication did contain a request for asylum," said India's external affairs ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin in New Delhi.

"We have carefuUy examined tl1e request.

Following that examination we have concluded th.at we see no reason to accede co the request," he said.

Snowden, who is holed up in i\.foscow airport has sought asylum from 21 countries, including India. His US passport has been revoked.

The 30-year-old blew the whistle on massive data mining by America's National Security Agency (NSA), using its top-secret Prism programme.

India said earlier chat it would be " unacceptable" if it is revealed chat the cyber snooping has infringed on the privacy laws of Indian citizens.

Snowden has reportedly sent asylum requests to 20 cotmrries, including Ausa·ia, Bolivia, Brazil., China, Cuba, Finland, France, Germany, lnd.ia, Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway, Poland, Russia, Spain, Switzerland and Venezuela.

Snowden has been crapped in Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport since Jw1e 23 after Aying in from Hong Kong, from where he leaked cop secret documents detailing NSA smveillance programmes.

WikiLeaks recently posted a statement attributed co Snowden on its website, i □ which be slams President Barack Obama for " using citizenship as a weapon".

"Altl1ough I am convicted of nothing, (tl1e US) has unilateralJy revoked my passport, leaving me a stateless person," Snowden says in the statement. ''\Vithout any judicial order, tbe administration now seeks to stop me exercising a basic right. A right that belongs to everybody. The right to seek asylum".

"Their purpose is co frighten, not me, but those who would come after me," says the statement.

SpiceJet to be first to import aviation fuel: Ajit Singh A yeat after aUowing domestic airlines to directly import aviation fuel co save o n costs, Civil Aviation J\finister Ajic Singh has said that he expected budget carrier SpiceJet to be the firsr co opt for th.is.

"We have alJowed them (airlines) to directly import fuel by entering into tie-ups with other companies. I e.""'pecr SpiceJet to be the first to directly import the fuel.

When they will stare is up to them," Ajit Singh said in an interview in New Delhi.

Spicejet was also tl1e first private carrier co get approval to directly import fuel.

The approval was granted by che Directo r General of Foreign Trade under tl1e ]\11.inistry of Commerce and Industry, clearing the airline's applicatio n co source aviation curbine fuel directly from overseas suppliers, a top company official said.

Last year, the company's chief executive officer Neil :Mills had said thac me carrier was negotiating with leading oil marketing companies to start directly importing fuel.

A ministerial group headed by men

INDIAN LINK

Australian minister for Defence Stephen Smith (left) and Indian Minister for Defence, Mr AK Antony (right) speaks during a press conference at the Department of Defence in Canberra, in June

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee had Feb 22, 2012, alJowed domestic airlines to directly import fuel, which till time time can1e under the restricted import list and could o nly be imported by certain public sector uni ts.

The mo\·e was said to enable airlines to cut operating costs by about I0-15 percent.

Even the Airports Authority of India (1W) had said it wiU form a joint ventures with ai.tli.nes, state-nm L1nits and Reliance Industries to provide cheaper fuel.

Currently, ATF sold in tbe country is nearl)' 50-60 percent costlier than in overseas markets like Bangkok, Singapore o r Dubai as an additional 4-34 percent state sales tax hikes tl1e prices.

Ajit Singh also said his ministry was working on a mechanism to bring the sales cax to a uniform four percent, a move tl1e industry says wiU considerably bring down prices.

Fuel comprises about SO percent of the total operar.ing costs of airlines in India.

High fuel prices have dented the Indian civil aviation sector as major airlines bleed under the high sales cax regime. Fa.res a.re also increased time-to-tin1e on the pt·etext of d1e soaring fuel prices.

A momentous week of US decisions impacting Indians From the passage of a comprehensive Senate immigration bill to a series of US Supreme Court rulings on minority voting righ cs co gay marriages, tl1e bst week of June in \v'asbington was one o f momentous decisions with wide implications for Indians.

The Senate immigration bill passed with a 68-32 vote with 14 Republicans joining al1 rl1e 54 Democrats, for one, is a mixed bag for India with 1T service companies like TCS, \X"fipro and Infosys and US companies doing business witl1 them complaining about higher fees for HI B and L 1 visas for highly skilled workers.

Indian techies, on the ocher hand, are happy over the prospect of wider oppornmities with the cap on HlB visas being raised from 85,000 to 195,0U0.

Students in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and maths), coo

have been put on the fast track for green cards, though critics complain it would spur a brain drain from India.

But South Asian organisations led by South Asian Americans Lea.cling Togetl1er (SAAL1) have branded it a "deeply flawed" bill as it limits family-based immigration options for siblings and adult married cl1ildren and "creates needless barriers in tl1e patl1way to citizenship" for 11 million tmdocumented immigrant.~, including some 260,000 Indians.

With the Republican controlled House o f Representatives working on its own versions of immigration reform, the US corporate lobby, Indian techies as also Soutl1 Asian organisations are hoping co in.Auence the final shape of the bill before ir lands on President Barack Obama's desk, if ever, after its passage by a deeply divided Congress.

South Asian organisations are also elated over tl1e US Supreme Court decisio n co declare unconstitutional a key section of the Clinton era Defence of Marriage Act (DOMA), which only recognised marriage between man and woman for hu ndreds federal benefits.

Desi gays are happy that same-sex couples will be able to petition for the in1migration o f their partners, despite me fact that those provisions were not included in the Senate bill.

SAALT has also welcomed another Supreme Court decision on Texas U niversity, Austin's use of race in irs ad.missions policy for promoting diversity within education.

D espite common misperceptio ns to the contrary, Souch Asians support and benefit from holistic race-conscious admission policies, SAALT said as "Soutl1 Asian students, along with aU ocher students, enjoy a richer learning environment when tl1ey are in.m1ersed in a diverse educational setting."

However, SAALT has condemned tbe Supreme Court decision to invalidate a key section of che historic Voting Rights Act of 1965 which required several Southern stares witl1 a history of racial discrimination to get any changes in voting laws cleared by tl1e US Department of Justice or a federal court.

While the court recognised that racial discrimination continues to plague the ability of many co vote, it asked tl1e Congress co update me criteria for a state to be covered by the special provision in the light of recent increased minority voter nrrnout.

Noting tl1ac South Asian and other voters of colour continue to encounter barriers at tile polls because of race, religion, and language ability and resrrictive voter identification proposals, SAALT said the community will not be immune from the court's "disappointing" ruling.

South Asian communities have also welcomed the passage of two bills by ew York City Council on community safety, which curb discriminatory policing practices and e.""'pand tl1e basis for prohibited profiling and discrimination. l n addition co the current prohibition on profiling on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, and national o rigin, the ban would now include age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, immigration status, disability or housing status.

Telecom Commission approves 100 percent FDI in sector The Telecom Commission recently approved JOO percent foreign direct invesnnent (FDI) in tl1e relecom sector.

A Department of Telecom (Do1) official said in New Delhi tb.ac the department will send a detailed note co tl1e Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), wbid1 will subsequently forward it to the cabinet for approval.

Raising the FDl li1nic from the cL1rrent 74 percent will help in Aushing fresh funds into t he sector. Of tl1e 74 percent FDI allowed at present in cbe sector, 49 percent is done through aucomatic route and the rest after approval from the F'oreign Investmen t Promotion Boa.rd (FlPB).

The Commission also discussed creation of Telecom Finance Corporation (TFC) to address tl1e sector's funding chalJenges, and asked for a derailed project repo rt on this.

JANS

JULY 2013 19

SPECIALREPORT

ear Mary Hutton has made it her life's work to rescue and shelter bears from a life of exploitation and danger

henifirst met Mary Hutton, she was speaking at the Sydne)' office of World Expeditions, the Australian adventure travel compan y, and she was about to lead a com to India co visit the sanctuaries established there to care for rescued bears.

In 1993, Mary, a grandmother living in suburban Perth was con templating her retirement.

Instead, her Life rook an entirely different and unexpected mm.

When she switched oo d1e television one nighr she saw gut-wrenching news footage of traumatised Asiatic black bears, confined in boxes, unable ro move, wid1 catheters piercing their gall bladders to extract bile for use in traclirional Ch inese medicine. On learning that d1ousaods of bears suffer extreme cruelty, Mary embarked on an unstoppable mission ro free them.

Mary S\Vtmg into action col.leering signatures at d1e local shopping mall. Within mo n ths she had a group of volunteer supporters and by 1995, the 'Free the Bears Fund' was formed. She also learnt of the plight of other bears Like the Cambodian Sun bears, killed to make bear paw soup. She b rought some that had been rescued to Taronga Zoo, and later co Perth Zoo to start a regional breeding program.

Mary then set to work building a sanctuary in Cambodia, now the world's largest sancruary for sun bears. In Laos, Mary also established sanctuaries aod contiJrnes to campaign for the closure of bear bile farms in Vietnam and Laos.

Hundreds of thousands o f local school children have visited the sancruaries in an attempt at educating them about the environmen t and the need co p rotect animals in the wild.

Mary's iuvolvernent with India was prompted by an email from Maneka Gandhi in 2002, that led to the Free the Bears Fund joining Wildlife SOS (an Indian based conservation group) and International Animal Rescue, in the seemingly impossible

W

20 JULY 2013

chal.lenge o f rescuing India's dancing bears.

The tradition of dancing bears had existed since the 13th century, when nomadic Kalandar tribespeople would visit the palaces of Mughul Emperors with performing wild animals, including sloth bears.

Unfortunately, the practice continued through to the twentieth century, "~ th the bears used to enter tain foreign tourists at popular sites such as the Taj Mahal. Although the sloth bear has been protected by Indian law since 1972, and bear dancing has been prohibited since 1998, with all bear dancing licenses evenmally revoked , it was difficult to enforce this la,v, since no facilities existed to place the bears.

The Free the Bears fund financed the construction and ongoing care of rescued bears at the Agra Bear Rescue Facility.

All the sloth bears that were n1rned in remained in the sanctuaries due to health and behavioural problem s.

The Fund also financed the Kalandar Rehabilitation Program, which enabled the owners/masters of former dancing bears to develop new livelihoods. In collaboration with Wildlife SOS, d1e Fund made 'seed' money a,7ailable to over 500 Kal.aJ1dar faJnilies to buy equipment and learn new skills, so they could begin new sustainable for ms o f income, with a basic education provided for their children, in exchange for turning in d1eir bears. Some chose to remain witb their bears aJ1d gained employment at the sanctuaries.

The Fund paid for 554 rehabilitation packages for the rescue of former dancing sloth bears and supports four sanctuaries. Sadly due to deaths caused by illness, mainly tuberculosis, the F Lmd currently supports 370 sloth

bears at the sanctuaries at Agra, Bannerghatta near Bengaluru, West Bengal and Bhopal (Van Vihar) providing a safe and secure home. \Vhen the last dancing bear entered the Bannerghatta sancnrnry in December 2009, the pitiful sight of bears being dragged o n ropes through the street.5 was consigned co the past.

1v1ary maiorains contact with the Kalandars, v isiting a village recently where cottage industries had been established, \vith women se\ving and the children attendi ng school. Mary is currently developing a vohmteer program in India and welcomes volunteers, as [he sanctuaries chat could not continue withom tl1e generosity of donors, whether companies o r individuals.

1v1ary advised that she would be accompanying another tom to Laos and Cambodia to visit tl1e bear sanctuaries in November, after just having her aurobiography Free the Bears published. ''\Xlill you ever stop? " I asked this unique lad)r.

"Unli kely," replied Mary, with conviction. "\l({ich each country facing a unique set o f issues co overcome, we employ a range of strategies including environmental education, conservation research and strengthened law enforcement, to ensure that we achieve o ur mission to protect, preserve and enrich che lives of bears

Thispage: (top) Sun bear Dilll shows Mary some love.

Above: Mary'sfirst sighting of a dancing bear Kalandar with a Sloth bear.

www.indianlink.com.au

ij

■ Main picture:

Tina and Santiago were less than two weeks old when rescued.

This page (C/odcwire from bottomleft): Cyril Sunshine resting by

the pool.

Bears in a hammock having fun at Phnom Tamao.

Keeper Sreekanta with cubs in Quarantine Facility Agra Rescue Centre India.

Mary with one of the rescued

dancing bears in the Agra Facility.

Soon to be rid of his rope.

Feed time for Serey.

throughout the world," she added. I don't think l\fary will be retiring any time soon.

At Free the Bears, 100% of donations go directly to the rescued bears. At last count, 554

INDIAN LINK

bears in India and 31 bears in Laos have been rescued so far, with 25 moon bears placed at the Tat Kuang Si Rescue Cemre. In Cambodia, 168 sun and moon bears have been rescued, with 127 at the Phnom Tamao Rescue Centre.

As I was completing our chat,

l\fary mentioned that a little one year old male sun bear had been brought co the sanctuary, rescued by a policeman from a province nearby. Over 80 bears have been rescued in Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, and broug ht to sanctuaries b uilt with support from Free the Bears F Lmd. Overall, over 800 bears have been rescued and reside in the safety of sanctuaries built or supported by Free the Bears, with over 500 bears relying on the Fund fortheir ongoing care.

For opportunities to voluntee1; wid1 commit111e11t t/Je

main criteria visit: Freethebe111·s.org.a11

JULY 2013 21

OPINION

Saraswati symbolism Indonesia's gift ofa statue ofSaraswati to the USA is a profound expression ofits heritage and legendary beliefs

INDIA TRAVEL SPECIALISTS

Indonesia's motto, and he set about co create unifying bonds.

He did chis by making the Mahabharata and Ra111t!)'tma official legends and by invoking the Buddhist concept of the Pa11cha Sila or five principles. The statement of the Indonesian spokesperson concerning the non-religious nanire of the Saraswati ndo.nesia has gifted a beautifully crafted white sranie of Saraswari, the Goddess statue is correct, because She emanates from lndonesian legends which transcend of Learning and the Ans to the USA, as a gesture of friendship. all religions and seers i.1.1 :tv[osc Western reports have that country. ei,rpressed surprise that this The island o f Java 1fosli.m majority country (with where a majority of lndonesians live, practice the largest Muslim population) When Suharto has gifted the statue of a Hindu a syncretic form of assumed the goddess, when Hindus make up religion. The legends of the Hindu epics are only about three per cem of that Presidency, he coun rry's pop u.la cion. celebrated in unique went a step further puppet shows, drama and Bue such reports have got it than Sukarno, dance. wrong. Indonesia cherishes its This writer sa,v this

by Sanskritising fascinating blend between Hindu past which incidentally, Indonesia's educational is termed within the country as Jakarta and Jogjakarta. terminology its 'Golden Age' (Zrm1an Emas).

On the way to Bandung, Two famous Hindu epics, the there exist places at which lvfahabharata and the &111r!)'ana puppets are meticulously manufactured. were declared as the official legends of lndonesia a long rime When Suharto assmned the Presidency, he went a step further ago. These are taught in Indonesian schools than Sukarno, by Sanskrirising Indonesia's and thus all Indonesians are conversant with these legends. educaciona.l terminology.

The choice of Saraswati as a gift does not Most Indians with whom l have spoken represent a minority, but a vast majority of do not realise the Jndian-ness and the the lndonesian people. As the Indonesian Hindu-ness of Indonesia. When BJP leader spokesperson said, Devi Saraswati was La.I Krishna Advani visited Indonesia recently, he expressed his asconishmenr chosen because "Her representation at the Indonesian Embassy was nor decided only at the Indian things he had encountered, out of any religious grounds, but more including banks with the names of Hindu on irs symbolised values that para.I.Id with deities and Ganesha on an lndonesian banknote. several key principles of lndonesia- CJS Bali is a concentrated culuire house relations Lmder comprehensive partnership, in particular education and people- to of Indonesia. It has some of the people contact" . finest craftsmen who create incredible representations of Hindu art. This writer Ir was Indonesia's foLmding Ptesident was thunderstruck with tl1eir creations.

Sukarno who provided official recognition for this already existing situation. He had It was fortuitous that the lndonesian a Javanese fac:her and a Balinese Hindu Ambassador D r D ino Pac:ti D ja.la.l came mother, and he made Garuda, up with the idea of [he presentation to the US, the vehicle of the Hindu God Vishnu, as the country's symbol. along \Vitb d1e regent of Garuda also was chosen as the Badung. name of Indonesia's airline.

The statue of Saraswari The choice of Garuda, depicted differently, is has four hands which Saraswati as a gift also the symbol of Thailand. is a common feamre does not represent Freedom Square in Jakarta was of Hindu deities. One a minority, but a erected to showcase Indonesia's hand holds prayer beads vast majority of the various historical epochs. (aks,m,ala) symbolising Indonesian people learning; two hands play Amongst the large stames a string instrument (vee11a) built, the first one is a chariot showing Krishna preaching symbolising the arts; the Bhag1J1ad Gita co Arjuna. and the fourd1 hold s a Indonesian television has shown manuscript symbolising learning. Saraswari is the entire JV!ahahharata series produced for lndian audiences dubbed in shown on Her vehicle, a white swan (hansa).

Indonesian, several rimes. The Ramayana is This is a faithful depiction of Saraswati very important in the country. In honour as idealised i.1.1 the painting by Raja Ravi Varma, India's most famous painter of of Laxman who Jed the Aeet against the demon-king Ravana, Indonesia ca.I.ls its mythological themes. The adherence to Her admirals 'Laxmanas'. symbols has been meticulous.

When Lldonesia became an independent In Bali, there is temple dedicated to nation, thanks to the intervention of Saraswati and an educational instimte ca.I.led Australia and India at the U nited Nations, Maha Saraswati Universiry. In Thailand , Saraswati is known as Surasawadee. it was a large archipelago with diverse Indonesia's choice of Saraswaci as a gift cultures, several religions and sects. The ro the USA is a tribute to India, from where fom1ding President Sukarno invented the slogan 'Unity in Diversity' which is now the concept of Saraswaci originated.

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BOOKS

He ain't heavy, he's my brother Two brothers aim to achieve their dreams, through personal sacrifice and unshakeable determination • • ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

I 1,

),

as over 400 concerL~ in India, Ausa:alia, New Zealand and the

'I BY CHITRA

,:

-- .

SUDARSHAN

ings of Silmce (Silverfish, Bangalore, 2012) is a debut novel

by Shriram Iyer, a Melbournebased management professional.

Bangalore born Shriram Iyer is somewhat of a high-achiever; besides his busy career. He bas authored several short stories, theatre scripts and screenplays for short films. Silver medallist under the Shankar's International Award given by the Presidem of India, Shrira.m is also a professional singer who has co his credit an Indian pop album, Ts Dh1mdh Mein, (released in 2007 by singer Shankar l'vlahadevan), as well

USA. 11Vings of Silence is about cwo brothers in an Indian-American family and their epic journey en route co ,vinning an Olympic medal for Raj Sethi, who is the elder of the rwo, but born deaf.

Saurav Sethi, the younger brother, is a tennis prodigy and a Grand Slam champion in the making, but he watches his elder brothe.r Raj fight a losing battle in life and plunge into the depths of depression. All this time, their father Akshay Sethi poms scorn on his elder son's attempts to make something of his life, and heaps attention only on Saurav. U nable to countenance chis injustice, Saurav gives up tennis and his own chances and ambitions to resurrect his brother Raj's life. Unable to make their fad1er understand, they run away from home together and embark on a rollercoaster ride

d1ac will pusb d1eir courage and determination to d1e limit. As the stori' unfolds, the brothers bond emotionally, and there are a few twists and turns. Por tuicously, they receive considerable help from Sourav's 'soulmate' Shalini, and their rather rich aunt who had been banished from their family circles some years earlier, for an indiscretion.

As Saurav prepares to give Raj a life he deserves, the reader is drawn into the world of the two brothers, and becomes engrossed in their travails anJ their setbacks, d1e strengd1 they draw from d1e enormous trust placed in them by people within their close circle place, and ultimately, their joy and tcitm1phs. The protagonists' heartaches and their elation at realising the impossible dream of running che marathon in the 1980 O lympics engage the reader, and cornpels a feeling of anticipation.

Will chis completely tear the famiJir apart, or bring them together

WINGS OF SILENCE

again? The saga is sec against the cold war tensions of the time, and Iyer brings the political landscape of that period into clear relief. The training regimen of a marathon runner is meticu!ousl)' woven inco the narrative - Iyer seems to have had help from the Australian marathon legend Robert D Costella - and this brings a g reat deal of authenticity to the storytelling.

''

The saga is set against the cold war tensions of the time, and Iyer brings the political landscape of that period into clear relief

''

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© 2013 Citibank, NA Cit ibank and Citibank and Arc Design are service marks of Citigroup Inc. or its aftillates and aro used and registered throughout the world. •rees and charges apply for our home loan products, and terms & conditions apply and are available upon request Home loan offers: apply to r~idential loans only. Loans are subject to Citigroup's Credit Criteria. Rates and rate reductions offers are available for new loans only and are subject to change without notice. EstablishmMt fees and. where applicable. legal fees apply. The Citibank Mortgage Plus package Is not offered with Basic Variabl@ loans or stand alone Standard rix0d Rate loans. Not mandatory if you select a Standard OHset Home Loan. ~Non-Citibank and non·Parlner• ATM owners may charge you a fee for use of their ATM$. "'Partners ATMs include Westpac branded, Sl George, Bank of Melbourne and Sank SA ATMs within Australia.'free lnternattonal transfers available from Cit ibank Australia to select Citibank accounts in more t han 25 countries worldwide usinQCitibank Global Transfers. Daily t ransfer limit applies. runds are converted to the destination account currency at the exchan0e rate specnied lo you on Citibank Online before you confirm your transaction. This exchange rate includes a commission for the conversion service. Subject lo local regulations. transfers will normally reach the destination account almost immediately aft er being effected, but in some cases (depending on the availability of processing facilities at the destination) may lake a maximum of 24 hours.'Fixed rates quotes are held 60 days from the day the application is submitted. If settlement occurs after t he 60 days, t he prevailing fixed rate will apply. Citibank Plus is issued by Citigroup Pty Limited ABN 88 004 325 080. AFSL 238098. Australian Credit Licence No. 238098 ('Citibank'). The Terms & Conditions that apply are available on request. Total balances held by a depositor w~h Citibank. up to an amount of AUD$250,000, automatic,,lly access the flnancial Claims Scheme. For more lnfonnation go to www.apra.gov.au or call 1300 55 BS 49. Any advice is general advice only. It was prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Before acting on this advice you should consider if it 's appropriate lor your particular circumstances. Further information and our dispute resolution process is available at www.citibank.com.au or by phone on 1300137 931.

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INDIAN LINK

JULY 2013 23

EVERYDAYINFOTECH

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Children can test their creative skills through websites that help them to develop simple games and interactive stories

s parents and teachers, we have not adequately realised the need for programming skills as part of children's education. In fact, some say that it is as important as their literacy and numeracy skills.

Progrnmming helps kids express their creativity, learn logic, build objects that are not just 'be' but also 'do' in nature, test and improvise. By learning to programme, children learn co solve problems, get over o bstacles and collaborate with others. These are essential life skills needed co excel in any profession. As :i'vUT Professor :i'v1itchell Resnick wrote, when kids 1earn to code,' they also 'code to learn'.

Many o f us are intimidated by programming, viewing it as endless lines of computer code.

However, I look at programming as creative expression that blends logic, technique and art. The details of syntax and programming languages are just incidental, not the core of

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24 JULY 2013

programming. lt should be rnught at an early stage when children's minds are not con sumed by specific streams of knowledge.

These are the skills of the 21st century. I n a few years, everyone will be programming, not just prograrnn1ers. Let's make sure our kids learn these essential skills w hi.le they are still in primary school.

So how do we teach programming to kids (and adul ts)?

One of your first destinations is Scratch Q1tgJ://scratch.rnit.edu/).

Designed for kids aged 8 to 16, it helps kids develop animations, interactive stories and games by dragging-and-dropping b locks.

T h ey can select or draw their own characters called Sprites, code in behaviour by selecting blocks of script that can help them move, make sound and doing activities.

Their creations are saved, can be described and shared with others.

Scratch is my eight year old's favoucite tool and o n a recent Sunday morning, he built a game in which 'evil alien astronauts' who try to enter tbe solar system (complete with a Saturn with its rings in the background) are fired upon by the player who scores points for direct hies, loses points for missed bits and the game is timed to be completed in a minute. He was thrilled to receive

a dozen views a few minutes after he shared the game with the Scratch community.

Similar to Scratch is Hopscotch, except chat it is an iPad app. The app provides just the right number of controls for kids starting out, which means they can find om and learn how each method works without the involvement of adults. lf you are reall)' interested in only games, ace older or an adult, and want co design once bm play everywhere, cross-pbtform in otbe-r words, then Scencyl (http:/ /www.s cencyl.com) is rour choice. Bring your ideas to life with this extensive development platform and then publish your games on Windows, l\fac, iOS (iPhone and iPad), Android (Samsung, HTC and other smartphones) and other platforms, so almost anyone can access and play your games.

It is a paid software app, but if you become an expert, yo u also have the opportunity to monetise your creations by selling your work.

For the really young, even pre-kindergarten, there are a few interesting iPad applications. iPad is great for this purpose as its touch interface is intuitive to kids. D aisy the Dinosaur lets the players manipulate the character and solve challenges chat involve loops, events and other basic

prog rarnming. Move the Turtle is a similar app for very young kids.

Making animated greeting cards and basic games can be a great introduction to programming. But here is a review of resources that teach kids how to programme: • Free courses on bow to programme and specifically on Scratch and App Inventor (anod1er game creation software) are available at Plura!Sight (hcgJ:// p luralsight.com/craining/ Kids) • For older kids, say 14 years and older, Codecademy (http:// ww,,r.codecademy.com) is a great resource to learn programming interactively.

• Khan Academy Q1ttp:/ /W\V\\, k.hanacademy.org), the celebrated provider of free Mad1s education on tbe web has a module on computer progranrnung that Salman Khan teacl1es as intuitively as he teaches Mad1s.

So, it's cime for children to not just play games, but also learn how to design and build tbem.

It's a skill that they would find to be as essential as reading, writing and cotmting as they grow up and build their careers in the information age, in which software is 'eating d1e world'.

I will talk about why this learning is so important to adults in the nexc part of this series.

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ij

WELLNESS

Howt in is toot in?

How your weight can affect your chances of getting pregnant, can increase your risk of osteoporosis and more

f you can you hide behind telephone poles, or pass thrnugb cracked doorways, then you are too thin. ln this world full of overweight and obese people we sometimes forger char there are too skinny people around.

The social pressure ro be chin beckons each one of us at all rime.,;. Television, magazines, movies, and the internet, all o f which are Aooded with information about how to be slim, tell us being thin is symbolic of intelligence and beauty.

Advertisers heavily market weight reduction progran1s and present anorexic young models as the symbols of achievement and sexual desLrability. Clothes are designed and displayed for thin bodies in spice of the fact that few women could ,vear them successfuJJy. l n countries wbere obesity is widespread, young adolescents who tend to remain d1 in feel chat they have achieved a great personal vicrory. This victory is further applauded by friends and relatives who are heavier and make the adolescent feel d1e urge to maintain their dlin physique even more. Therefore weight loss is viewed as a sign o f extraordin ary achievement and self discipline, whereas weight gain is looked upon as a loss o f self control and d eternlination.

Most o f us envy these people but we do not realise that these people might have their own set of problem s which might be. as serious as being overweight.

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Nutritional Deficiencies Being underweight is usually accompanied by a deficiency o f essential nutrients and/ or trace elements. Anemia and lowered immune system s are just two deficiencies that might be prevalent in skinny people.

Anemia is a disease o f the blood d1at occurs when there's a deficie ncy of red blood cells.

Anemia is caused by nutritional deficiencies of iron, B- 12, and folate. There is lack of energy and fatigue, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, and headaches.

be rising. Thin people might also skip our on the regular check-ups and blood tests tha t can detect these problems because they think they're in good sha pe.

Osteoporosis Being mo skinny increases the risk of d1e bon e-th in ning disease osteoporosis, and the chance of breaking b~mes. Fat fuels me production of the hormone estrogen, which women need for strong bones. Too little estrogen can make bones porous and brittle, and more prone co fractures. As a result, a simple fall or accident is m ore likely to cause serious injury.

Unaware of risks VI.le no rmally associate overweight with diabetes and high cholesterol but sometimes thin or skinny people are more at risk of d1ese problems. It's very easy to be thin yet unhealthy, as naturally thin people might indulge in fast food, or eat more high fat or high calorie foods and think they can get away with it. No matter the weight tbough, blood sugar levels and bad cholesterol counts can

Eating Disorders Although we all worry about our weight sometim es, people with an earing d isorder go to extremes co keep themselves from gaining weight. Although we all worry about our weight som etimes, people with an earing disorder go to extremes co keep themselves &om gaining weigbt. These are mainly anorexia m:rvosa or bulimia.

People with an orexia are. obsessed wid1 being thin. T his condi tion is characterised by selfstarvation and emaciation. They don't want to eat, and they are afraid of gaining weight. T hey may constantly worry abour how many calories they take in o r how much fat is in their food. They may take diet pills, laxatives or water pills to lose weight, o r d1ey may exercise too much. Anorexics usually thi nk they're fat even though they're very thin.

Bulimia is eating a lot of food at once (called bingeing), and then throwing up or using laxatives tO remove the food from the body (called purging). After a binge, some bulimics fast (don't eat), or over exercise to keep from gaining weigh t. People wid1 bulimia may also use water pills, laxatives or diet pills co " control" d1eir weight.

People with bulimia often cry to hide their bingeing and purging.

They may hide food for binges.

Bulimics are usually close to no rmal weight, but their weight may go up and down.

T here is no single !mown cause for these disorders m oug h physical, psychological, personal, and social issues have been associated with triggering eating disorders. The gastro intestinal tract is profow1dly affected in anorexia as iL may result in constipation or bloating. Excessive vomiting in bulimia may cause dehydration and also severe potassium deficiency. L1 very severe cases medical complications such as seizures, heart failure, or irregular heart rhythms may also exist.

Fertility Being underweight can affect your chances of getting pregnant. A shortage of fat can mean your

body is n ot producing enough estrogen, w hich is needed for conception. It's a form of narural protection - when you get very d1in, your body knows that ir will be harder for you to sustain a healthy pregnancy, so makes it more difficult for you to conceive in the. firs t place.

It is no t bad to be skinny, bur those who are underweight should assess their condition wid1 the help of a heald1 professional and work coward attai ning a healthy weight in order co minimise healm problem s and achieve personal well bein g.

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JULY 2013 25

FOOD

Creamy custard apples Australians are getting to know and love the unique look, flavour and texture of this unusual fruit

..• ..•• .

I

n India, ie was alwavs the strange fruic wieb the strange name - a green apple-shaped monstrosicy with a b Lm1py, serrated outer skin and lots of big black seeds within, clothed in the most delicious creamy flesh. le is the custard apple, or .ritaphrJ!.

Living in Mumbai, the sitaphal milkshake for dessert on a drive down to Bandra Bandstand was almost a Saturday night ritual, as any true Mumbaikar will kn ow. i'wd sitaphrJ! ice cream was a SLmday afternoon delight!

So it's just fantastic that Lhe custard apple is causing a sensation right here in Australia, and is expected to be a big hit this winter. According to Adam Liaw·, Desti11rJtion FJm,011r host and Maste1Chef Series 2 winner, Aussies are no\V embracing the quintessential dessen fruit as !hey broaden their palates and experiment with more exotic foods when it comes to home cooking. "In Australia, custard apples are becoming increasingly popular for their delicious sweet flavour and soft creamy texrw·e, and chey can be used to give a tcopical accent co drinks and dessercs like cheesecake a.nd smoothies," he says.

Custard apples are highly nutritious; 100 grams of their sweet Aesh provides 110 per cent of ehe recommended daily imake of vi tamin C. They are also low Gl, and a somce of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. And that's to saeisfy d1e healch fanatics.

For us foodies, custard apples can be eaten as a snack, pmeed for dessert recipes including fruit sorbets, ice creams, cakes and pies, made into smoothies, and even sliced raw and added to Asian salads. Adam suggests that custard apples can also be added to hot dishes like Thai red curries with chicken and stir- frys.

Now that would be an interesting combination for gourmands to try and enjoy! But until you decide co get m ore adventurous with cooking th.is delicious frui~herearewme~taphal recipes drne are delicious, nutritious and simply irresistible .. . even in winter!

26 JULY 2013

•

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.•

• •• • • • •

. . ..• .• •• ..• . . ,. .• .• •• •• . .................... . . .•• -~ •. CUSTARD APPLE, . . . .• RUM AND COCONUT . .................... .. . .................... . ..• PANNACOTTA .

• CUSTARD APPLE, CUSTARD APPLE • •• AND HONEY FROZEN : PASSION FRUIT AND .

YOGHURT : COCONUT ICE BLOCKS . . ................... .

• • • CUSTARD APPLE POTS .. .• •

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Serves 4-6

Makes about 750ml of frozen yoghurt Prep aration Time: 5 nuns Waiting Time: Overnight

Ingredients 3 cups organic full-cream yoghurt 1 cup custard apple pulp and ju.ice (about 1 large custard apple, or you can use frozen pulp) 3 tbsp honey Method Line a fine sieve with muslin or a clean tea towel and place it over a large bowl. Pour the yoghurt into the muslin and leave in the fridge co strain for at lease 2.5 hours but preferably o vernight. Put d1e stcai.ned yoghurt inro anorner large bowl and mix through the custard apple pulp and honey until well combined. Freeze in an ice cream maker for 1 bour and then transfer to die freezer co set for a further 2 hours. If you don'e have an ice cream maker, you can just freeze d1is mixn1re in a large bowl in the freezer, whipping vigorously wid1 a whisk at 45 minute ineervals until it is set (abom 3-4 hours).

Ad,1111 Liaw

:

Niakes 8 100111.I ice blocks

• •

Ingredients 280ml water ¾ cup caster sugar (170 grams) 350 grams ripe custard apple flesh (approximately l custard apple) 120ml passion fruit pulp (no seeds) 120ml cocon ut cream

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•• • :

• •• • • •• •• • ••

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: • • •• •• • •• :

Me thod Make up sugar syrup by placing \Vater and sugar in a smaU saucepan and bringing to the boil. Stir to dissolve sugar then mm off beat and leave to cool.

Blend custard apple in a processor until completely smooili, and then mix blended cusrard apple with half of the

sugar syrup.

E\,enly spoon custard apple mixture inco eight 100ml ice block moulds. lnsert ice block sticks and then freeze moulds for four hours .

Mix 120mls passion fruit pulp with 3 tablespoon s (45 mls) of • the remaining sugar syrup and • pour inro four of the moulds.

• Mix 120mls coconut cream • with 3 tablespoons (45 mis) • : of the remaining sugar syrup : and pom into ehe remaining • four moulds.

•• Freeze for anod1er four hours.

•• Christina Soong-Kroeger

. . . .. .

: Pre paration Titne: 10 n1it1s : Waiting Time: 2 hrs : Cooking T ime: 5 n:tins

• Makes 6

: Ingredients

Ingredients :

210g ginger biscuits (approx. 18 biscuits) • 70 grain s shredded coconut • 525 grams custard apple flesh

.

(approx.

• l .5 custard apples) : 280mls coconut milk

: 2 rbsp brown sugar • 1 lime, zested and juiced • (reserve zest)

: 400mJ pourj1_1g cream : 400n1l coco nut nUlk : 2 tsp dark rutn

: 1 tbsp honey : 2 tbsp caster sugar : 18g powdered gelatin : 400n1.l custard apple pulp

: and juice

. .

: Toasted coconut and macadamia

• nuts, to serve

: Metho d

• Me tho d : Process biscuits until they :

rese1ub)e fine breadcrun1bs

• d1en divide evenly amongsc six :

serving glasses.

• : : : : : :

Toast shredded coconm in a dry fry pan (no oil), stirring occasionally unciJ it turns brown. Remove from heat and leave to cool. Blend custard apple flesh, coconut milk, brown sugar and two teaspoons lime juice until : smooth. Spoon into glasses on • top of biscuits crumbs, diving

• die mixture even ly.

Sprinkle toasted coconut : evenly on top of custard : apple m.ixcme and garnish : each pot with lime zest. :

Store in refrigerator

: w1 ti] serving.

• Christina Soong-Kroeger

: Place the pouring crerun, : coconut milk> run,, honey and caster sugar in a saucepan and 0 : sprinkle the gelatin over the : co p . .Hear the liquid gend~r until : nearly a sin1mer, stirring until : all the gelatin has dissolved . : (To check this, lift your stirtjng : spoon out of tbe mixture and : n1ake sure there are no gelatin : granules sticking to it). A lio\\' to : cool for 5 minutes and then stir : through the custard apple pulp : and juice.

Freeze in individual molds : or g lasses for at least 2 hours~ : or tin til the panna cotta is set. : To serve, scarcer tbe top of die : panna cotta with either roasted : coconut or n1acadamia nuts. : AdnmLiaw : AU recipes© Custard Apples : Aust mlia

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FASHION

5 ways to get through winter, stylishly! the floral pants and dresses, even scarves, sweaters, bags and shoes are aJl pare of the floral trend.

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BY KALYANI

WAKHARE

often get asked about ideas for looking stylish in winter. As the weatl1er cools clown and adding layers becomes essential, it can be a bir tricky to avoid looking claggy and repetitive witb the same outenvear, unless .it is a trench coat (which is a clear winner ,mytime!) But l guess there are plenty of occasions when you'd like to tr)' something besides tl1e classic trench...

Here are some of tl1e big, hot trends that give you extraordinary styling o ptions with a range of really simple pieces.

I

Chunky or sparkly knits The pull over is by far tl1e most reliable and practical piece during winter!

The question is how to \Vork the pullover to make it interesting, trend y and packed with style Chunky knits: a versatile neutral pullover will go a long way for unlimited styling o ptions. Think abom combining it with printed pams, coloured jeans and even over pastel dresses for a polished ladylike look.

Sparkly sweater: sparkle, shine and still stay warm on a cold winter night, plus you'll never have to worry about how to dress for a winter party with this one. Add that sparkly statement neckpiece for instant glam.

Winter florals The Rora! trend conci.nues into winter and I'm loving the possibilities! I find the idea of working my spring pieces overtime really appealing. So bow exactly do you make ir work in this harsh weather? Simply layer your floral pants with chunky knits, cardigans, blazers and coats in complimentary colours to the i;,rint. Wear the floral dress with a dark coloured coat and bright beret.

If you think the floral look is far too casual, wear everything else a1J black. Also, think beyond

Coloured coats A warm coat is a must have but a coloured o ne is just perfect for adding drama! A burst of colour peps up wintry black, navy and grey outfits. Keep your handbag and boots really plai n and neutral, and conrrast your scarf with tl1e coat to make a statement.. Stripes and polka dots are perfect coo wben you have a strong solid coloured outerwear. Try a leopard print scarf or ankle boots with a crimson red coat for tl1ac daring look!

Jewel tones F'iery ruby, rich emerald, royal amethyst or sapphire!

Don't just think jewellery.

This trend includes scarves, shoes, be!ts, clutch bags and even Jeans.

Perfect co light up a dreary clay and make you stand our and look radiant. The tci.ck to mal,e it work is co combine opposite colours.

For example, work your jeans n' black tee look with plLm1 ballet Rats and a mustard yellow structured bag, or a bright red cardigan over the crisp white shirt, teamed witl1- a dark green pencil skirt.. If you're not much of a risk taker, just start off witl1 a jewel to ned scarf worn over a beige top or dress and matching ballet flats.

Big bags Totes, hobos, slouch bags... yes! T is the ti.nie of the year to flatu1t these big bag.i that are roomy and can 6t all your prized possessions, including rour lapcop. Plus it's handy ro have an oversized bag in wimer to put away the scarves and sweaters once you're indoors too.

So what are ~ome of tbe popular colours? Tan and black are certainly the more predictable choices but this year go all om ,and experiment with colour. Try a red cote or a teal one! Mustard, coral, animal prims or textures are rigbL on trend too. Ensure that one piece of your outfiL marches or complimencs the colour of tl1e bag for best results.

winter orals ·ewel tones

PSYCHE

ues We are all susceptible to mood swings, but when a low mood turns persistent, it's time to take notice

s we come into winter, the weather changes with shorrer days and perhaps less sunshine during d1e day. For many people, quite often this triggers a lowering of their mood. Called seasonal mood variation, it is common in countries closer to the Arctic. For those who come from tropical countries where there is guarnnteed sunshine almost all through d1e year, this variation in sLmshine is quite uncomfortable.

This is when it is important ll0t to let a low mood take over and allow one to insidiously lapse into feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, which are a hallmark of early depression, d1e persistent 'blue' mood.

Feeling sad and b lue are the milder level emotions we feel when faced w iili many everyday simations when we are disappo inted. Everyone feels sad or b lue at some time.

But when it stops one from meeting d1eir normal e\ eryday conunicments, or from being active and begin to show serious physical symptoms such as loss of weight, appetite, and sleep disorders, it is important to seek professional help.

Many of me mild symptoms of being b lue are triggered by me way we evaluate a situation. Wie have certain expectations about a way d1e situation should be and when they are not met, we can become frustrated and angry, or become sad and dejected.

Reaction to loss, be it a material dung, employment, a person or a pet, makes us sad. Sometimes this sadness continues for longer periods, making it more counterproductive to continue effective handling of future situations. le is at d1ese times that we need to rn.ke time to reflect on me immediate situation and begin co deal wim it wimom procrastinating for coo long.

Grief and bereavement fall into a different category of experience. They may take much longer to resolve depending on d1e siniation of those left behind. Even grief foUowing bereavement warrants some

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28 JULY 2013

limiting of the time spent in grieving.

Understanding depression l'vliJd co moderate levels of depression are a pervasive malady of our times. Depre.~sion is a response mat is located on a continuum. Beginning wim feeling sad or blue and moving on to mild, moderate and severe levels, sometimes as a reaction to a siniation and sometimes for oo known reason, me term depression is easily misunderstood. It is a term mac is increasingly used co describe even a brief lowering of mood.

Statistics teU us mat the likelihood of anyone born in d1e lacer hal f of d1e twentieth century suffering from some level of depression is mree times or greater than that of meir grandparents. The age group of those Likely co suffer from any level of depression is decreasing dramatically. lr seems the cha.nee of a young adult, adolescent or o lder child suffering from depression is alarmingly high.

Often depression is not

something like an infection d1at comes and goes once you have treated it. The trigger may be a situation that is something quite trivial.

Evidence is now mounting mat feelings of depression a.re often triggered by social causes, and hence need to be addressed at d1e individual level. Since it is a frame of mind, lingering feelings can stay on just below the surface and mat is why it is important co become aware as early as possible, so th.at someming can be done about it. Understanding the early warning signs and getting them tmder control is an important aspect of early and effective management, before chis escalates to a more severe level.

What makes you feel 'blue' Many life and everyday events in adulthood, even some that are p leasant, such as marriage and pregnancy, can often prove to be quite stressful. Combined wirn fewer traditionaJ 'buffer' resources such as religion and extended families, mese events can just

as easily foster a sense of hopelessness and helplessness.

It is also possible mat as a sense of isolation increases, one may look to ways of counter-balancing the simation by seeking to satisfy the need for recognition, material success and a need to be seen as 'special'. The need to achieve is overvalued, leading only to further stress when one does not achieve. When cl-us occurs at times of increased uncertainties because of economic conditions, employment becomes a major soutce of stress, be it obtai1-ung a position or keeping it. The frustration of being unable to confront me 'systemic' stress which is beyond one's cona:ol, further fuels a feeling of helplessness, leading to feelings of mild depression.

People who move their place of residence are particularly susceptible to many simational stresses. The need to adapt to new environn1ents, often completely different to what their expectations were becomes onerous. One way to cope Lmder such stress is to strive for material success, as a way of counteracting the self-doubts that arise. But hope turns ta fear when success does not follow immediately. This in turn, places enorrnom physical and emotional stress d1at can also lead ta further feelings of helplessness.

Many children of n-ugrants feel they are in a 'no man's land' in d1e clash of culmral values and beliefs. The options may seem equally inappropriate, leading to considerable distress. Often yOLmgsters feel constrained, and a sense of increased helplessness is quite common. Peer pressure in adolescence and young adulthood to seek maximum monetary and material reward for preferabl)' minimum effort, former fuels d1e stress. Increasing levels of discontentment are experienced when th.is is not achieved.

The accelerated socjal and technological changes that lead ro greater demands on one's ability, further add to d1e vulnerability. A sense of failure, hopelessness and helplessness may begin to surface, starting me spiral o f depression ever so insidiously.

Increased awareness of early signs of persistent changes is very important i.t1 dealing effectively with any level of depression.

''

The age group of those likely to suffer from any level of depression is decreasing dramatically, with chances of a young adult, adolescent or older child suffering from depression becoming alarmingly high

'' ''

Understanding the early warning signs and getting them under control is an important aspect of early and effective management before this escalates to a more severe level

''

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BEAUTY

ness A few timely tips can help you care for your skin better during cold weather

J I .

the ciry, you often have co walk through wind tunnels, those strong gusts of air that blow between tall buildings. So make sure you have lip balm on and your head covered, as the extrem e cold can make hair very dry too.

BY MINNAL KHONA

. :iii:.

e's getting colder, with winter having arrived in full swing and cold biting winds, plus dipping temperatures can play havoc with your skin. Skin reacts immediately to changes in weather conditions, and needs maximum protection in extreme temperamres. In winter especially, if not looked after well, skin can get dry and Aaky, even i tchy. Thar's because tl1ere is low hwnidity in tl1e air and tl,e moisture from our skin gets dried our; in fact, it can even wrinkle prematurely, if nor properly moisturised.

So what do you need to do to make sure your skin is kept healthy during winter? Most people know w hat needs doing, bur few foll.ow through with tl1is.

However, i f you do follow these simple rips, you can protect your skin from tl1e harsh effects of the winter season.

Don't clean your skin Now don't take chis the wrong way, but a lot of people have a cleansing, toning and moisturising roucine. You can skip tlrnt routine at night as cleansers strip tl1e skin of its natural moisture, and toners can be alcohol-based which further dry the skin. Splash your face witl1 lukewarm water if you feel the need to clean it.

Moisturise, come what may No matter how busy you are, you

Extreme temperatures A really hot bath can be a divine respite on a freezing day, especially if you work outdoors a lot. Bur that is one temptacion you have to avoid for the sake of your skin. Use hot water by all means, only don't make it reall)', really hot. It might warm your skin, bur nothing strips the skin of moisrnre the way very hot water does. So ensure the water is hot enough for you to feel comfortable, witl1our your skin drying out.

Also, avoid getting into the warmtl1 of indoors aud running out into the freezing cold too often. If you are going skiing and if your skin changes colour in tl1e extremities and is painful, see a doctor. You could be suffering from frostbite.

Vitamin supplements must moisturise rour skin every day. Cream based ones work better in winter, for all types of skins.

For sensicive skin types though, a hypoallergenic o ne works well as tl1ese are usually fragrance free.

Prevent lips from chapping An inevitable fall om of winter winds is dry, chapped Lips. So always keep a chapscick or lip balm handy and rub some on your lips the moment you feel them starting to go dry. If you leave too long between applications, the skin can crack and bleed.

• /11 t' •• 7' MRMANJOU •• •• •• •• ••

Sun protection The winter sun may not be very harsh, and sitting in rhe park in a sunny spot feels grea t in winter.

But tbat doesn't mean the sun is not harming your skin, just because it seems far away from your part of the world. It still has UV rays that can harm, so even in winter, p lease do use sunscreen.

You can reduce ilie sun protection factor to 15+ if need be, but don't step o ut witl1ouc it.

Wind chill Sydney and Melbourne can get very windy and if you work in

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A Jot of people are nor exposed to enough sunlight, so a vitamin D supplement helps to keep immunity levels up. Our body produces some amotmts of it naturally, but that is usually more so dL1ring summer. So avoid the winter colds and Aus by drinking warm water and taking Vitamin D supplements.

If, despite all tl1ese precaucions, you still have scratchy skin, please consult a doctor. And moisturise your hands and feet every night before you go to bed. Your skin will thank you for it.

''

No matter how busy you are, you must moisturise your skin every day. Cream based ones work better in winter, for all types of skins

'' ''

A lot of people are not exposed to enough sunlight, so a vitamin D supplement helps to keep immunity levels up

''

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JULY 2013 29

RADIO

•

orn1n It's a laugh riot on UZMA BEG's morning show on Indian Link Radio, and yet there are some life-changing moments

Uzma With Joh nnyLever

. AkrOrTI 'th wos1rTI

uzrnow•

f you're looking for a show with a C\visc, tune in to Moming Masala!

On Mondays we go from jokes to poetry co discussions about children and what on eanh to do with them once you've had chem!

Every Tuesday on 1'foming Ma.sala I cell you what to do with your kids so you're not tearing your eyes, out \Yhen they're tearing your house down! Relax, 1 am not telling you what my grandma cold me; I back my advice up with a lot of research.

Wednesday is a very special day on Afor11i11g 1vfosala not because the weekend is two days away bnc because our show brings hope to a lot of people. I encourage people co share their troubles so all the listeners can come together as a family and lend a helping hand. Those who wa.nc co remain anonymous most certainly do.

Together we've helped so many unfortunate men and women find their vocation in life!

What's a show without celebrities and gossip? That would amount to Mornings Without l\fasala! Hear the most candid interviews of celebrities and their juiciest gossip right here on 1'1-orning lv[a.sala. Well, they have it all, so I am sure they won't mind!

For instance, my dear friend Ra hat Fateh Ali Khan came on air with no notice at all and l can never thank him enough

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30 JULY 2013

for that. People loved bearing ''Rahat the Friend" on air as opposed to Rabat the celebrity who chinks before he speaks to the press. People were blown away by the humble man behind all d1a c talent. His an1azing self deprecating sense of humom shines through when you know him as closely as I do, and people loved the interview! He told us the uncut version of how he lost his manager Chitresh Shivastav in a road accident while touring the US and how he escaped injury - or worse, death - by a last minute decision to sic with his musicians in tbcir van.

Johnny Lever may be a comedian to che world but my listeners got to know him as a healer. The way he prayed for me day after day when I lost one of my C\vins was at the time unbelievab le to me. The fact that he called me everyday during my pregnancy frorn Mumbai, right from tbe time he mer me to pray for me and the safe delivery of rny baby, just b lew me away. He may be a comedian to his fans but to me he's the most amazing healer who helps people through d1e power of prayer. \Xlasin1 Akram agreed co give me a very rare interview where he was at his candid best and had me in stitches with his amazing sense of humour. My listeners got co know him for the direct, frank, candid and humorous person he is. He narrated th.e whole horror

of being accused of match-/i.,ung in the Cricket World Cup of 1999 when Pakistan reached the final and lose to Australia. He couldn't believe that his people were so ready to blame him for the team's loss instead of congratulating him for leading the team ro the finals.

Cricketer Shahid Afridi gave only o ne personal interview when he was in Sydney last and iliac was ro me. His spirit of charity and his compassion for ilie Lmclerprivileged really struck a nerve in me. \Xlhen l got to know him better I realised what a lovely, obliging, fLm loving and patriotic person he is.

I was thrilled to bits when multiple award winning director of award winning TV series East lf?"est 101 Peter Andrikidis came to my show along with lead actor Don Hany. We talked from Bollywood ro Hollywood, co all aspects of acting and directing including the episode of Bast W'esl 101 Thad acted in. le was a pleasure co ace for Peter Andrikidis a treat to see him in action and learn so much from him. An even bigger treat was co have him on my show and get to know him as a person.

Most definitely one of d1e most humble, down to earth and unassuming people I've ever met.

Some memorable moments: • \X'hen the listeners all got together as a fan1ily and helped a grieving sister find her missing brother.

• When we helped a yOLmg man through wedding jitters and convinced him to go ahead wirn his marriage. Soon we heard al.I about his happily-ever-after from India!

Uzma With Shahid Alridi

'th Rohot Foteh Ali Khon

uzrnow1

• \Vhen we convinced a suicidal lady that the man she was giving it a ll up for was nod1.ing but a fraud and life had much better in store for her!

Earn show clone for people on Wednesdays is a memorable one because it changes someone's life.

So if you're looking for a show that gives you fun, laughter, seriousness, gossip and a chance to lose your inhibitions and be crazy, tun e in to Morning 1'1fasafa.

We do it all here, from A11tak.rhmi to composing poetry together, to making a movie script from just a couple of lines! Bored of your mundane daily routine?

Well, no more... pick up me phone and participate your heart out. I am just a phone call away!

Morning Masnla with Uzma Mon-Tue-Wed 9am-12 noon Listen here: www.i11di1111link.t'o111.1111

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FICTION

What happens when the lure ofeasy money becomes an insatiable and unstoppable desire for wealth

he stood beside the window and gazed out at the landscaped garden and colourful blooms. Serene and beautiful, it was the ideal locatio n in which co sit and contemplate her life, meandering through the pathways that she had chosen, and to that all-crucial moment. Sanita was an addict and like all addicts she had remained in denial for over a decade. During that time she saw her marriage faU apart, her children lose faith and her friends disperse from her Life. Of course, she regretted her every act and her every lie. She would always regret those, but de.spire the many losses she had brought about in her life, she had been unable co take control.

Then o ne day, feeling lost and desperate, she had stood at the edge of her fifth storey balcony and looked at the concreted ground below. It welcomed her, and it o ffered her a conclusion.

Then just as she prepared herself for the jump, t\VO questions arose ,._,; thin her: What were the odds chat she might survive? And if she did, what were the odds that she would recover completely?

Busy working out the odds, that decisive momenr to jump passed, and Sanita realised that she really did not want co leave this earth, at least, not as a failure.

And for the first time in her entire Life, she also admitted diar she truly had a problem because even at the moment when she was end.i.ng her life, she was betting on the odds.

Careful.I)' she had climbed back omo the balcony and, sitting down in an oucdoor chair, she spent d1e next three hours contemplating on all that bad happened. Like the pages of a book, she flipped through each and every moment of her life.

Her birth had been welcomed, her childhood had been happy, and her roud1 was joyo us.

Everytb.i.ng about that phase of her life was normal and beautiful.

At 21, Sanita married the man of her dreams. He was everydung that she had wamed in a partner - handsome, funny and generous.

S

INDIAN LINK

Everyone loved him, even the kids in her family. They had a wonderful six mond1s which she treasured even today. If one thing lacked in their lives, ir was the freedom to spend what tbey wanted and d1e liberty to stay where they liked. Financially they were comfortable, but nor rich.

With bod1 of thern working fulltime they had managed ro buy a lovely home, small buc quaint and close to her family.

Sanira had always seen her mother dependant on her father for ever)Ttbi.ng. He made aU the decisions, and whenever mere was budgeting to be done, it was always her mother who made the sacrifices. \'(Thile SaL'lita and her husband combined their income, she maintained d1e liberty of having her own account and she retained the freedom ro shop as she wanced. One by one, she bad decorated each room in their new home and d1ere had been just rwo more rooms to go. One of d1em was a nursery.

In tbe seventh month of their marriage, Sanita found out diat she \Vas pregnant. The initial joy was soon overridden by their financial worry. She ·would have to give up work and d1e mo ment she did that, d1ey would have to sell rneir home. She was not prepared ro make that sacri lice.

She kept the pregnancy a secret from her husband for a week, while she debated on her action.

At the end of rhat week she had come ro a decision. The baby must go. Nothing was ready for it.

She and her husband had planned a world trip which would have ro

have been pm on hold. She had also just bought her first car. It would have to be resold. They would not be able to educate the child .i.n a prjvare school, nor offer it all d1e luxuries they had planned for it.

On tbe morning of the seventh day, she gave her husband the news. He was ecstatic, but d1at euphoria lasted just a few moments before !us countenance turned to one of worry. His look gave her d1e courage to give him her second piece of news. This she relayed as a decision. They would nor be keeping rhis baby as d1ey were both young, and could have anod1er baby in a few years as planned. While her husband did nor verbally agree, he did not disagree eid1er. And the relief on his face convinced Sanira d1ar she had taken the right decision.

A week later, their life had returned to normal. There was no baby and d1ere was no conversation about it. They worked each week and saved each monch. A year later rhey had cleared the car loan. The second year they had saved enough to go on their trip. By the third year, they had sold their home and bought a larger one. This increased mortgage meant chat d1ey had to postpose having a c.luld for another couple of years.

As she turned 31, d1ey were in a position to think about starring a fanuly, but it srill meanc that Sa11ita would have to return ro work, leaving d1eir baby in childcare. It was d1is plan that nnnerved her. le was also at this ti.rue that she befriended a woman at her new

job. Nita was a genius at making money. She called it a lucky streak, and promised d1at she could solve SaL'lita's problems too.

And she was right On d1eir first outing together, Sanita had made $50,000. i\foner that would make her year-long marenuty leave, wori-y-free. On d1eir seconding outing just three weeks later, she made another $25,000. The outings became a regular 'all girls' event. A year later she fell pregnant agam. Two years la ter she had her second child . Through it all she successfully mainrained her two lives.

Her husband never once questioned the 'bonuses' that she was frequently receiving, but still she set up another secret bank account and began depositing the funds in there. Not once did her husband delve in rhe derails, and not once did he pick up diat she had become a gambler.

The lucky streak .lasted nearly ten years, dur.ing which she m oved from the racing circuit to casinos, and was now weU and truly hooked onro internet gambling.

They were getting so far ahead in d1eir paymencs d1at her husband even spoke of early retirement.

Then just as if the skies had moved and the stars had shifted, that lucky streak ended. In the hope of a recovery she began to draw money from her secret stash. \Vhen that was exhausted, she began drawing on d1eir joint account. Thar too was emptied.

Still hopeful, Sanita began using the mortgage payments. It was hard work juggling money around, bur she managed for another nine months. She increased the home Joan by forging her husband's signature. She wou ld have been able to get away with it again, bad d1e kids not overheard a call to the bank and repeated it to 'Daddy' that evening. By die time Siuuta's husband returned from work rhe next day, he had found our everything. Every desperate act and every fraudulent deed!

When he did not express either anger or horror, and instead blamed lumself for not being actively involved in the financial aspects of their life, Sanita knew the meaning of shame. When the bank foreclosed on their loan, she experienced the meaning of pain.

And when her children told her that they hated her for making them lose their home, she knew

''

As she turned 31, they were in a position to think about starting a family, but it still meant that Sanita would have to return to work, leaving their baby in childcare

'' tl1e meaiung of degradarion.

They moved into a small aparanenr and the children even had to move schools. Sanirn too had to change her job, ro a nonfii1ancial institution. Through it aU her husband blamed on.ly himself. Had he blamed her, life would have been bearable. Had he yelled, her days would have been tolerable and had he mid her tl1at he hated her, her man~age would have been workable.

He did none of these; instead he found a second job and she had sought an outlet on the balcony. Ir was at the balcony that she had that Lifechanging moment.

She admitted herself into the cli11ic in which she now resided.

She declared herself as a gambler and she promised ber kids rhat she would never let d1em down again.

The recovery would be long, the journey hard and rhe experience unpleasant, bur she would succeed because the one person who should have walked away, who was justified to leave her, never did.

JULY 2013 31

CONSUMERIST QUIRKSOI= Tl-IE GREAT INDIAN MIDDLE CLASS GHANCHAKKAR STARRING: Emraan Hashmi, Vidya Ba Ian, Rajesh Verma and Nam it Das DI RECTOR: Rajkumar Gupta

**'1rt:?*

e is a lazy lad. And she is one helluva crazy Punjaban whose kookie cooking drives her sullen husband up the nearest wall. Disgust on the dining-table camouflaged in tons of table-salt, Sanju (Emraan Hashmi, pitchperfect in his spousal indolence) would probably have gone on tolerating his wife's appalling culinary skills, matched only by her hideous fashion sense, if only he didn't decide to pull off one last heist that would make him and his inept cook of a wife rich for the rest of their life.

Take-home food, here we come!

Oh, I forgot to tell you... Hashmi plays an expert lock-picker, the kind of safe-bet who can crack safes faster than we can say 'Saif Ali Khan'. Forgetfulness comes easily in this crazily unpredictable dark comedy about an ordinary Delhi couple's life going unimaginably out-of-control when they decide to mess around with two self-styled bumbling baddies, who seem to have modelled their crime life on pirated video prints of Guy Ritchie and Quentin Tarantino crime flicks.

Really, they suck at their job.

Every character in this out-of-the-box comedy is a bit of an ineffectual selfimportant clown. In trying hard to be cool, they end up looking like fools. And they don't even know it!

Ghanchakkar is a domestic comedy that gets progressively dark and sinister. Some of the film's most riveting moments find our amnesiac hero searching for his own identity and trying to locate the trust factor in his marriage that is threatened by his lack of cogent memory. Director Rajkumar Gupta is the master of straight-faced whimsy.

There are no laugh-out-loud moments in Ghanchakkar. Its humour is the kind that hits you in hindsight.

Characters such as Parvin Dabas keep popping up for no seeming purpose.

But then we begin to realise the plot's larger design is to tell us that there's no real larger design in life. Very often things happen haphazardly and inexplicably because that's the way life is.

32 JULY 2013

The characters and situations in Ghanchakkar are neither relatable nor particularly likeable.

You really don't want to run into these people even for fun.

Many chunks of Gupta's storytelling seem excessively quirky capturing in languid motions, the vagaries of everyday life without whipping up an overpunctuated drama either through the background score or fancy editing patterns. Setu's camera looks at Mumbai's middleclass with affectionate disdain, not judgmental, but certainly not aloof either.

Some ongoing gags, like the Namit Das' character's phone-sex and the guy on the local train returning home with vegetables for his wife who is repeatedly intimidated by Namit Das, just don't hold together. That may be because this is not comic cinema as we know and acknowledge it.

Gupta creates a world high on eccentricity in the uncaring city. If the truth be told, we've never seen anything like this film before. Gupta's third film is wacky, whimsical, dark, scrumptious and though not as lightly humorous as your average comedy, wonderfully innovative in the sparing use of dramatic devices, including music.

Its sinister thrusts, especially towards the end, eat ravenously into the comedy. This may not work for those who are comically regaled by the Golmaal series or even the wacky w it of Fukrey. The comedy in Ghanchakkar is entirely reliant on the principal characters' ability to penetrate and make sense of the squalid world of greed and acquisitiveness that they seem to inhabit so casually.

The film's heist-quotient is substantially sustained and aggrandised by the crackling, hissing and snarling

chemistry between the bold and fearless Balan and the endearingly restrained and under-the-top Hashmi.

Their mutual suspicion of one another's marit al integrity is delightfully irreverent and yet disturbingly relevant in today's times when distrust is a dowry gift in a majority of marriages.

In their delightful lovemaking sequence, Gupta and his astute co-writer Parvez Shiekh turn the politics of the bedroom on its head.

Hashmi appears seductively at the bedroom door wearing the nightwear that his wife has brought him...

Underwears and condoms are shyly mentioned. What follows is funny and, er, unforgettable.

The incidental characters - an inquisitive neighbour, an over-friendly real-estate agent, a nosy mother/motherin-law whom we only hear on the phone, et al, appear unannounced. But then

all said and dumped, Ghanchakkar is nothing like anything we've encountered in the genre of dark comedy.

Depicting the scary but savagely funny underbelly of the Great Indian Middleclass' consumerist caprices, Ghanchakkar gives Vidya Balan another chance after The Dirty Picture and Kahaanito create an unorthodox heroine. You may not think much of her loud attitude to life, but then you have to hand it to Vidya for staying constantly unpredictable in her characterisations.

Emraan Hashmi seems to instinctively grasp his forgetful character's obstinacy and anxieties. He brings calm to the breathless proceedings.

Ghanchakkar may not be every moviegoer's cup of tee-hee. But this comedy of arrears, monstrous arrears, is quite simply one of the most unusual comedies in... er, living memory.

SUB HASH K. JHA

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Tl-IE PAIN OF UNREQUITED LOVE RAANJHANAA STARRING: Dhanush, Son am Kapoor, Abhay Deal, Swara Bhaskar, Mohammed Zeeshan DIRECTOR: Anand L. Rai

* ~;(';:

his hugely enriching film about the pain of love has four heroes: Dhanush, Sonam Kapoor, A.R. Rahman's music and the city of Varanasi.

Not necessarily in that order.

He loves her to death. Cross his heart and hope to die. And it's their wedding day. But they're not getting married to one another. As he returns exhausted from messing up her marriage to another man, the slumbering band-baaja wallahs at his own wedding hasten awake and begin playing a wedding song wearily.

It's a brilliant moment defining the contradictions and savage ironies of romantic associations.

Sometimes it's not so cool to fall in love.

This non-derivative take on unrequited love set amidst the bustling river-bank politics of Varanasi, tells us that love can kill your spirit, soul, self esteem and

T

finally, your physical presence as well.

Raanjhanaa is an opulent, epic, seductive, raging and rippling ode to love. The script by Himanshu Sharma, journeys from lover-boy Kundan's childhood when he first sees his object of adoration doing her namaaz, and follows him to adulthood, much in the same way as he follows Zaya around.

In seductive spirals of song-filled rhapsod y, we see Kundan pursuing his lady-love through the robust gal/is and mohallahs of Varanasi. It's a beautifully charted journey, made vastly enjoyable by the director's confident and unhurried control over his lover's uncontrollable passion. It's as though Rai knows that the heart is more prone to betrayal than redemption.

She slaps him?That's fine. He loves her all the more for it. She turns his proposal down? That's okay. He'll do it again... and ... again. It's the protagonist's single-mindedness that navigates this enchanting love story through a series of circumstances that make Kundan look as brazen as they make destiny look cruel.

Throughout Kundan's self-destructive odyssey into the heart's darkest regions,

we are made privy into his agony and ecstasy.

We know exactly how his heart beats. Maybe partly because it beats to the sound of A.R. Rahman's evocative songs. We see Zoya just the way Kundan does: tall, creamycomplexioned, warm, seductive and unattainable.

Dhanush, as the worshipping loverboy, lets his face become the map of his heart. So transparent are his feelings for t he girl that every kind word or gesture from her brings a response of teary gratitude in his eyes.

The characters dither, stray, falter and lose focus. The narrative never does.

Every performer, including bit-player Rahul Shankliya who the forlorn hero encounters at the river ghat, seems to have come into the picture knowing not only his or her own lines, but everyone else's as well.

There is an air of unrehearsed preparedness in the way the actors pitch their characters. Dhanush's performance would go down in cinematic history as one of the most consistent and compelling portrayals of single-minded ardour.

As for Sonam Kapoor, she is a

complete revelation! In a bornagain performance she sparkles, creating a kind of sunshine-girl who is so taken up with herself that she doesn't get the chance to see what effect she has on the other until it's too late.

Swara Bhaskar as Dhanush's devoted ill-treated girl-pal and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub as his loyal friend, once again prove themselves natural-born scene stealers.

Raanjhanaa is a very simply-told story of a love so intense, durable and destructive, that it hurts.

SUBHASH K. JHA

A COOLLY CRAFTED CAT-ANDMOUSE GAME SHORTCUT ROMEO STARRING: Neil Nitin Mukesh, Ameesha Patel and Puja Gupta DIRECTOR: Susi Ganesh

***s,'.r,'r

here are two ways of doing a fullon masala film.

You either turn it on its head and poke fun at ridiculous cinematic conventions. Or you treat the stereotypical characters and sacred cows of our cinema with full seriousness.

Shortcut Romeo takes the midway route. It seems so full of the old-world formulistic flavo ur and the stench of the familiar that parts of the pulsating aggressive storytelling actually feel like a spoof.

So, we have the film's unfaithful wife Monica (Ameesha Patel) and her slimy lover (Jatin Garewal) making out on a golf turf: it is beyond logic why an affluent couple, who could afford the poshest of duplex to meet, would choose such a spot.

And then the lover tells the unfaithful wife, "First time you do it, you feel b ad.

Then it becomes your style''.

Er, how stylish!

INDIAN LINK

But please don't laugh. First-time Hindi director Susi Ganesan is dead serious. The fi lm shot at the speed of sound is filled with bizarre twists and t urns. It's basically the story of a woman who cheats on a saintly tycoon of a husband (effectively played by Rajesh Shringapure) who has a massive portrait of Rabindranath Tagore in his bedroom, and a cheesy blackmailer named Suraj (Neil Nitin Mukesh), who believes in taking risky short- cuts to get rich.

This is not the first film about a cheating wife and a blackmailer. Reena Roy and Naseeruddin Shah had done the roles with heart-stopping tension in Bezubaan. Shortcut Romeo scores in the way the plot paces out its drama in the ongoing friction between the cheating wife and the blackmailer.

Neil plays the cheesy go-getter with a schemer's delight. His eyes glint when he talks of teasing more money out of Monica. He drools when she transfers cash into his trashy life. Alas, excessive hedonism is just an excuse for African tourism.

The Kenyan expedition reads like a botched-up touristic brochure.

Bad idea, Ganesan. Even worse is the director himself showing up in the

second-half as the cheated husband's detective-friend.

Ganesan's accent is so thick, it slices the gamboling narration into smithereens. At least for a while. But then again the film gathers momentum towards the end-game. The finale is a breathless whammy with Neil making a run for his freedom, quite literally, with the narrative panting behind him.

Shortcut Romeo is redeemed by a strong message on today's 20-somethings yearning for materialism. And when our Shortcut Romeo finds his short-skirt Juliet (Puja Gupta) there is a delicious irony attached to the association. The fi lm's most vivid interludes go back to Neil's childhood to show how he learned to be corrupt, acquisitive, and inquisitive, at a tender age.

Some of the action sequences with Neil, specially one key fight with African tribals, are first-rate. But then the songs - oh my god! - they pop up at the most inopportune moments.

In spite of its massive flaws, including the cheesy dialogues, Ganesan's stylish shocker of a thriller manages to stay constantly one step ahead of the audience.

A coolly crafted cat-and-mouse game Shortcut Romeo finds Neil giving grit to the gripping goings-on. The last half-hour is a knock-out.

SUB HASH K. JHA

JULY 2013 33

IIFA and women empowerment

BLAST FROM Tl-IE PAST, BOLLWOOD'S GOING VINTAGE all it the filmmaker's confidence in the bygone era or their love for the romanticism of the retro look - Bollywood's forthcoming offerings like Lootera, Gunday, Bombay Velvet and Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai Dobara have oodles of the past in their look and feel.

Old world charm has gripped Bollywood, a key element of Indian cinema that is celebrating 100 years of its existence this year. But it requires the right mix of research and vision to hit the bull's eye as far as styling such projects is concerned, designers say.

A retro look can be described as anything from t he 1930sto the 1960s or even the 1980s, said designer Pria Kataaria Puri, who is responsible for actress Priyanka Chopra's look in the remake of the 1973 filmZanjeer. Research is the key, claims Puri, stating that when styling an actress according to the fashion of the 1960s, knowing the way women wore saris and eyeliner, and made the beehive hairdo, is crucial.

There are different examples of fi lms experimenting with some distinct looks of the past - some focus on bell-bottoms and some on fitted short kurtis, while others are inspired by the Sadhana cut, the bouffant, the cat eye makeup, the oversized glasses and the hairbands, as well as the unique sari drapes.

Lootera, a period romance drama set in the West Bengal of 19S0, spells the vintage flavour from the word go - Ranveer Singh sports a clean-shaven, hatted and neat look, complete with crisp white shirts and chic braces to hold up his trousers. His on-screen lady love, essayed by Sonakshi Sinha, is seen in simple saris teamed with quarter-sleeved blouses and a big round bindi.

Fashion from the past years also reflects in Gunday, set in the Kolkata of 1971 to 1988. True to its time period, the film's lead actress, Priyanka Chopra, dons a stunning retro look, with sensuous saris, sleeveless blouses and long tresses.

Similar is the case for Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Dobara, with the story backdropped against Mumbai of the late 1980s.

In her new film Bombay Velvet, actress Anushka Sharma will reportedly go retro as the movie chronicles the evolution of Mumbai over a period of two decades.

The trend is surely up and coming!

Ace designer Anju Modi, who has designed costumes for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's period drama Ram Leela, co-starring Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone, said it is the"romanticism of the retro look"which inspires filmmakers to dig into the past.

"They like to recreate the old world charm. While there is no dearth of stories that they can derive from the modern era, there is a certain glamour that constantly draws Bollywood filmmakers to the retro look;' said Modi.

Globally known designer Ritu Kumar said of the trend, "It is a measure of confidence in India's history and identity that any industry goes looking back to recreate a bygone feel and t ouch:' Designer and stylist Pernia Qureshi, who was behind Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor's uber chic style in Aisha, believed "lndian films have now started taking fashion more seriously''. "People have realised how styling can play a key role in portraying exactly what is needed;' Qureshi said.

"To go deep into a character, the clothing, accessories and the overall look are vital. The retro look is about imitating the styles from the past without losing out on the modernity of the clothing and the looks so that it is relatable to the people of today's day and age;· she added.

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3 4 JULY 2013

The 14th edition of the Internat ional Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards has added women empowerment as a cause that it will pursue under the programme 'Power of49'.

"It gives me great pleasure to announce that IIFA from this year onwards has taken upon itself, in addition to climate change, as a cause it wishes to pursue - the 'Power of 49~' veteran actress Shabana Azmi announced recently at a press meet.

"Fortynine percent is the figure of the women we have in our country today, and as a nation we can call ourselves civilized if this 49 percent gets empowered,"Shabana added.

Filmmaker R Balki believes fi lms can promote t he cause in a lot of ways - for instance superstar Shah Rukh Khan's initiative to name Deepika Padukone first in the credit roll of their upcoming film Chennai Express.

"It's always 'starring somebody' and then the heroine. I think Shah Rukh was good enough to be the first person to say I'll do it differently and Chennai Express will be the first film where Deepika's name will come first and then Shah Rukh's. So it's a signal and not an end by itself, that focus on the 49 percent;' Balki said.

"So films can do it in a lot of ways and the same thing will happen at IIFA. IIFA plans to surprise you at the show.

There will be a change which will signal something extremely significant as far as this cause goes,"he added. Well, at least the IIFA is now recognising the contribution of women in Bollywood.

There's a long way to go, but at least it's a start!

What's the drama about D- Day? Spies and pat riots, not gangsters and villains, says O-Day director Nikhil Advani.

He vehemently asserts that his film is not a regular underworld or 'bhaigiri' one, but a serious espionage thriller based on the country's intelligence agency RAW and its operations. Actors Arjun Rampa I, lrrfan and Huma Qureshi are p laying RAW agents in the film. "There is no connection to the underworld. It is about terrorism, it is about bringing back India's most wanted man. It is an espionage thriller. All three of them and A aka sh Dahiya, they are spies, they are RAW agents;'said the director recently. "There is no 'bhaigiri' in the film. It is about India, it is about four patriots;' he added.

Shruti Haasan will feature in it, with Rishi Kapoor in the role of an antagonist. With that kind of impressive star cast, O-Day could well enjoy a V-day at the box office.

It releases soon, so let's wait and see!

Hi rani's not running races Director Rajkumar Hirani has a slew of successful films under his belt, like Munnabhai MBBS, Lage Raho Munnabhai and 3 Idiots, which makes the curious compare his success to his contemporaries. But Hirani insists that he is not running a race with any director, inst ead his endeavour is to tell good stories. Currently, he is busy shooting P.K., starring Aamir Khan and Anushka Sharma in the lead.

"I don't think any of us is running a race. I don't think I am running a race with any other director or his films... I don't think we are in a race at all;' Hirani stated recently, rather repetitively.

Fortunately he elaborated, saying "All of us are telling stories which are completely d ifferent. If we tell good stories, if it connects w ith audiences, all the films will work. So there is no race!"

According to Hirani, there is no formula to make a successful fi lm. "I don't think any of us can make a formula. If we could, then every film would work. So the best thing is not to worry about whether your film will work or not. Try and make what will work for you. So my effort is to try and tell a story that works for me, I connect with, and which I believe in;' said the SO-year-old filmmaker. Well, Aamir can make any story work, so race or no race, Hirani's onto a winner!

Intimacy, but in front of mummy Sonakshi Sinha was in the news recently, when her lovemaking scene with co-star Ranveer Singh for Lootera was completed in the presence of her mother!

Apparently Poonam Sinha was there to make sure that the scene didn't get too raunchy. Sonakshi usually has a nointimacy policy with her films, but this one scene is the plot twister, and couldn't be avoided. So mum came along to keep

www.indianlink.com.au

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SHABANA AZMI PRIYANKA CHOPRA

it all clean. And what was her verdict? Well, no more acting lessons for Sonakshi! Poonam was so in awe of her daughter's performance in the film, she admitted that even Sonakshi's father, veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha, will think twice before advising her on anything after the film.

Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, Lootera is a period romance set in the 1950s. Poonam was also generous in her praise for Ranveer. "Ranveer and Sonakshi, both have done brilliantly well.

A mother doesn't consider her children that talented, but when outsiders say so, she agrees. But I think I have to bow down to Ranveer and Sonakshi's work in the film;' she said.

So while Sonakshi had mummy, who did Ranveer turn to for reassurance and inspiration? Director Vikramaditya, of course, who made both actors comfortable for the intimate scene.

"Sonakshi is so cool that I never felt awkward. We all are professional actors and this is our work. Vikramaditya made a closed set for our comfort where there was only cameraman, Vikram, myself •

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Ranveer's look in Lootera has been inspired by late Hollywood actor James Dean and Bollywood legend Dev Anand, he said. "Vikram was very clear it had to be an amalgamation of James Dean and Dev Anand. So those were the references that he used to send me;'revealed the 28-year-old actor. "I did not do anything, he knew the kind of look he wanted, the kind of hair he wanted. Every detail he looked into, so I really didn't give any input this time, it was all Vikram's," said Ranveer who is happy with the appreciation his clean look is garnering, especially from his female fans. Both stars are expecting the usual barrage of

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WI-IO WORE IT BETTER? Selena Gomez or Ileana D'Cruz in Vintage Dolce &Gabbana Share your views with us on our Facebook page I

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questions speculating about their offscreen romance, but are taking this in their stride. "Earlier, when I used to read such stories it used to bother me and I used to think how can they write such things about me, this is my private life.

Then I realised such things will happen in the industry, so now I don't even read these stories," said Ranveer pragmatically.

Lootera is co-produced by Anurag Kashyap, Shobha Kapoor and Ekta Kapoor, and will hit t heatres soon.

Time for theatre? Big B thinks not!

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan says t he stage is the most trying and difficult of all performing arts, and that it would be wonderful to get back to it. The thought came to the 70-year-old after he came back from watching a play at the Prithviraj Theatre recently. He says the experience reminded him of work in school and college.

"It would be wonderful to get back to it, but now it is frightening to get up there... a controlled environment is suitable to us today;'Big B posted on his blog. "We can make countless mistakes not so on the platform of the stage ... not so also the immediate reaction of the audience, not so also the immediate reaction and applause of the people sitting in front of you. That attraction is something only those that experience it can say;' (sic) he added.

Acting on stage is tough job.

"The stage is the most trying and difficult of all performing arts, a wonderful place to learn to get initiated of what may follow some of the greats have migrated from the stage to greatness of their own elsewhere, but have never forgotten the days of the smell of the wood work;' he wrote.

Bollywood actors Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi and Anupam Kher are often seen entertaining live audiences with their plays. But will Amitabh make a theatre comeback? Seems unlikely, but you can never know with the Big B!

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JULY 2013 35

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n QTPR~o,cr,oNs FOR __ TA K

...A,jl

By NANCY JADEALTMEA

ARIES March 21 - April 19 The cards show very passionate times in your life this month.

You wiU need to make some important decisions regarding land or a house. Try not to rely on advice from close friends. Take time out as you will be stressed because of having so many things to deal with. A young child in the family will suffer from tantrums, spend time with them. Make sure your car brakes are checked and that the oil and water are topped up adequately.

TAURUS April 20 - May 20

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22

·,

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21

You need to be careful how you communicate to loved ones this month. There may be some extra expenses coming up, but there is an indication that more money will come your way. Be careful of all documents that you sign, read them very carefully. There will be extra pressure at your workplace, and changes around the office. You may be blessed with a promotion. Make sure you have a medical check up, as you are feeling low on energy.

GEMINI May 21 - June 20

This is the time for impressing your superiors, and your charm will certainly pay off. New deals and ventures will be bagged because of your magnetic personality. You may think about writing a book or article. You are looking for something that takes your fancy. Look after your hair, you may be losing some of it. There will be some testing times with a neighbour this month, deal with them with diplomacy.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 - Dec 21 Your cards indicate that you will be travelling this month, and important decisions will be made with regard to matters relating to the home. You will wonder whether to re-locate or stay where you are. This is a time of confusion in your love life, Be very careful, as there will be some unexpected expenses coming up. Make sure your health insurance policies are up to date.

The cards indicate a time of real intensity and meaningful conversations with your loved ones. You will plan short trips or quality time with your partner. Rnancially, things will look up too. Avoid important decisions until the end of the month, as you need to be prepared and get your facts together. There is an indication that you have impressed your superiors. If planning for a child, good news is on the way.

CANCER June 21 - July 20

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 19 The cards indicate a time when passion and love are high on your agenda. There could be some hot steamy nights, but make sure that you remain in communication with your lover. You may be thinking of making a commitment and marrying. Health needs attention, as previous ailments may return. You will be trying hard to maintain a friendly cooperative disposition with colleagues. There will be some tension around work colleagues.

Your cards indicate a lot of energy around you this month.

You will be on full force with your life, and your energy will remain high. You will be keen to maintain this pace, but others will find it hard to catch up to you. There will be some news regarding a new job or promotion. Do not forget to maintain or start an exercise and healthy eating regime. Take care of your bones, keep up the vitamins or supplements.

LEO July 21 - Aug 22 Your cards are showing that you will be a really busy social butterfly this month, and you will be meeting and attracting all kinds of interesting people. Enjoy yourself and the moment, it will be hectic but don't get too involved at this stage. At work, it will be imperative to maintain teamwork and keep everyone motivated. Be careful not to waste money this month on unnecessary and frivolous expenditure.

VIRGO Aug 23 - Sep 22 The cards indicate a time when you may not be feeling your usual self. There will be a lack of energy around you, which is affecting your attitude and motivation. There have been some stressful situations lately, you are advised to take it easy. Take time out to relax and recuperate before heading back into the situation, this will help you deal with it better. You will look at how to improve your work/business situation.

This month is filled with excitement and new ideas. Your mind will be like a buzzing tornado. Do not upset anyone with your (attimes) blunt speech. You will make new friends, who will turn out to be close aJliances in the future. Red is very significant for you, so if you are thinking about buying a new car, consider this colour. You will also be thinking about taking up some outdoor activities.

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - f=eb 18 J

,

The cards indicate a time of difficulties in close relationships.

You may be stressed out about a friend who is going through some major difficulties. Your work life will be demanding.

You may be thinking of moving into a new residence, with interesting houses to choose from. Keep your options open, but you are keen to live close to water and greenery. There will be some over bearing relatives wanting your attention.

PISCES f=eb 19 - March 20 You may be trying to arrange a loan. The education of a child will cause stress. Work will take up a lot of your time, keep your focus and attention on every detail. Take care of your back, because of problems with it. You will worry about a situation from the past. Travel is indicated with work, along with news about extra responsibility. A friend starting a new business may need your advice.

BACKCHAT

over Hallmark cards and the thrill of the chase vs Face book relationship statuses and on line stalking

Love

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Just "unfriend" (or"block"for serious hurts or infidelities) and reset your social media status to "single" and you are ready to "mingle'; yet again

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BY

ocial media has been a game changer at a lot of levels. Reading the tweets and Facebook updates of youngsters these days, it seems that cupid has gone digital as well. Falling in Jove these days, and expressing it to the otber person, is convenient, discreet, and "online," thanks co smartphones and a galaxy of social media platforms.

If your heart skips a beat for someone then all you have co do is find (or shall I say "search'') his or her online avatar. A click of a bmton and you are "friends" with that person. A few online chats and a bunch of "pointed" comments on stams updates of the other person, and you are officially in love - or as Facebook would prefer to call it "in a committed relationship". ot much exrra effort is needed to call off this "committed relationship" or more casually known as a "break-up". Just "unfriend" (or " block" for serious hurts or infidelities) and reset your social media status to "single" and you are ready to " mingle", yet again. Love via che

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3 8 JULY 2013

social meclia thrives on "pings," "pokest "en1oticonst "tags," and " hashtags". Like everything else that has gone online, love, falling in love, and expressing love these days must therefore seem quite effortless, risk-free, cliscreet, and from my perspective "extremely boring".

So youngsters, romans, countrymen, allow me to reintroduce you to the tl1rill and adventure of being in love, as we clid it in the 1990s. No smartphones, no social rnedia, and no internet (for most part of that decade). Just good old emotions fuel.led witl1 a healthy dose of Di/wale Dulhanjya Le.fc!)'e11ge (aka

DDL]).

I say thrill because in tl1e last decade of the previous millennium it used to cake people a good two to three montl1s (on average) to fall for someone. I reserve the definition of "people" for the purposes of this write-up specifically to the nation of l ndia (and perhaps our neighboring nation towards the west). Th.is time frame had notlung to do with any sort of "cupid complacency" on the part of tl1e people involved.

You see, in the absence of online profiles, you had to cross paths on city srreets, college corridors, adjacent terraces, and even places of worship, and prayer to get a decent glimpse of each other.

Once you got past the .i.tutial

pleasantries between two interested people through random glances, disguised snules, and high-speed chases on scooters (you would be booked for stalking these days), the next challenge was to express the "love" in some tangible way.

Archies gallery came in quite handy at tlus juncture.

Dish our a Hallmark card dripped in over the cop romantic poetry and you could not have gone wrong (well, most of the time). However, it was not as easy as attaching the card to an email and sencling it through ether. TI-us is the precise moment when (in the case of guys) the best friend of tl1e ladylove came in ultra handy. Pamper her, get her on side and you had a " mecliacor" acting as a pigeon delivering your love notes (usually tucked inside school books), for tl1e rest of the romance.

As the "in a committed relationship" equivalent phase of those pre-social media times commenced, catch-ups between the love stuck souls were few and far belween. Land.line phones were tl1e most sophisticated medium for comn1tmication, however, nor the most discreet The entire household had one phone at their clisposal and often sat in the bedroom of tl1e parents. If by any IL1ck the.re was another e.xtension of the phone line stretched out to a relatively

remote and private location within the house, you always ran tl1e risk of someone else dropping in on your "love talk" from the other room. So when you young lot of today take for granted the luxury of calling each other in exquisite privacy of your very own smartphones, spare a tl1ought for us who struggled our way through getting busred every so often.

A lot was said with ink on paper.

The moon and the stars featured a lot in love notes ludden amongst notebooks. Accurately timed and frequent drive-bys by a guy through the girl's street on his scooter helped fetch glimpses of each other throug h the day (something that has been made ridiculously easy by " face time'').

Love and romance in my days may have been slow, tedious, and "Bollywooclish," bur it was the way it ought to be, incense, <;>verpowering, enduring, and at times dramatic. Lovebirds longed co be with each other (in person and not online with a green dot next to their names), wrote to ead1 other, and stole secret moments out of their days to be wid1 each od1er.

So my yotmg fciends, next time ;701.1 are in love, do not lock yourself in a room and make it a social media experience. Get on a rooftop and lee the world know about it. Stand ne.xt to the person who makes you go weak in the knees, look into tl1e.ir eyes and tell

''

Dish out a Hallmark card dripped in over the top romantic poetry and you could not have gone wrong (well, most of the time)

''

tl1ern how you feel. \X'rite a letter to tl1em, a hand written one and nor an email. Charrn the girl's rnother.

Tell the girl that "bade bade deshon mein aisi choti choti baatein hoti rehti hain, Senorita," (watch DDLJ if you do no t know what I am saying). Go watch a rom-com cogetl1e.r (Yeh Ja1n111i H,,i Deei11a11i will do perfectly fine). Hold hands.

Go for a long drive.

Take love and romance "offline" for a while and leave Facebook for tl1e oldies tQ hook-up with tl1eir old flames so that d1ey get through tl1eir uud-life crises.

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