2014-02 Sydney (2)

SAVOUR AIJSTfW.JA REST~ ~ C,:..rrT", HOSTPI..US

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AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

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AT MULTIPLE FUNCTION VENUES • 2 l=EBRUARY (2) 2014

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IN EXT 1 ENGLISH

TOP

rhe BEST in HSC English Extension 1, AGAIN

In 2012, North Shore Coaching College produced a champion in HSC English xtension 1.

Last year, North Shore tops the HSC English Extension 1 AGAIN. A Year 12 student, Helen Chen, at our Chatswood Centre received the top honour.

Helen was born in Australia and attended a local primary school. Her academic potential was demonstrated clearly in her phenomenal success in Year 6 exams. She gained entry into North Sydney Girls High and was offered a ,~ -· ful l scholarship into Pymble Ladies College. She, together with her parents, chose Pymble Ladies for its superior facilities and wider choice of subjects.

AA Obviously her stellar success in HSC proved that she made the right choice.

From an early age, Helen loved reading, lots of reading from classical novels to trendy magazines t o newspaper articles. She loves reading everything written. Her mum remembered an incident when Helen disappeared during a family shopping trip only to be found standing next to a newsstand reading magazines. Helen stressed that it is through reading a wide variety of books/publications that she managed to pick up lots of different ideas, often opposing and unique ideas. Helen revealed that reading w idely is one of her secrets of success in English Extension 1. Another ingredient of success is writing a lot, from diaries, assignments through to critiques. It is through this endless cycle of reading, writing, further reading and rewriting that has g iven her insight into some unique ideas. It has additionally given her the skills to present her ideas clearly and succinctly.

Helen revealed another ingredient to her success: self-motivation and developing a good study habit at an early age. Many students think preparing for HSC exams is stressful yet Helen realized that careful planning can circumvent stress. Apart from excelling academically, Helen also likes playing musical instruments and participates in debating.

Helen's mum mentioned that North Shore Coaching College has made an extremely positive contribution to Helen's success. She started attending the College from Year 3 and has since received a lot of positive stimulation and encouragement.

Congratulations again to Helen Chen's superb achievements and we wish her every success in her future studies.

Of TH£ STAT£

To find out how North Shore Coaching College can help YOUR child realize their full potential, please ring our Head Office on 9415 1860 Tuesday to Sunday or visit our branches for details.

The Management congratulates the students and teachers on yet another successful year. Our 2013 Year 12 students have again excelled in the HSC. A high proportion of our HSC students achieved an ATAR between 95 - 99.95.

NATIONAL EDITION

l=EBRUARV (2) 2014 3

4 l=EBRUARY (2) 2014

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EDITORIAL

INDIAN LINK

The winds of change

PUBLISH~R Pawan Luthra ,

EDITOR . Rajni Anand Luthra •ASSISTANT EDITOR Lena Peacock·

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MEL.BOURNE Preeti Jabbai C:C>NTRIBUTC>RS , Komal Utsav Jagad, M_o han Dhail, Poornima Bhat, Prakash Subbarao, ..... Noel G De So~;~~ifAy~';,· ..

Avi Chandiok, Sanam Sharma, ' Sandip Hor,Minnal Kho~~

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ADVERTISING MANAGER 'Viv~k Trivedi ·

•. 9~ 9.~~~,17~6 ADVtRTISING ASSIST.ANT. .... Nitika Sondhi 02 9279,2004'

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Jobalisation of the world economy can have bitter side effects. The advantages of global connections by a fast internet or cheaper telephony also come wirh tbe disadvantages of cheaper forms of labour and tbe ease of movement of capital. Capitalism is not limited co geographical boundaries as corporates seek out oppormnities around the world.

Resources flow to options which best meet the demands of production and capital. Labour is a commodity which now can be sourced globally.

Australia has been hit hard by companies closing down thei.r operations in this country. Ford, Holden and Toyota are all closing their manufacturing operations in Australia ,vichin three years.

Engineering group Forge has cut 1,500 jobs and recently aluminium giant Alcoa announced the closure of its ageing Point Henry aJLllilinium smelter and associated rolling works at Geelong and its rolling mill and recycling unit ar Yennora in Sydney.

Ir is going co a rough time for the

CrRCULATIONS AUDIT BOARD

Indian Link is a fortnightly newspaper published in l:nglish. No material, including advertisements designed by Indian Link, may be reproduced in part or in whole without the written consent of the editor. Opinions carried in Indian Link are those of the writers and not necessarily endorsed by Indian Link. All correspondence should be addressed to Indian link level 24/44 Market St. Sydney 2000 or GPO Box 108, Sydney 2001

Ph: 02 9279-2004 Fax: 02 9279-2005 Email: info@indianlink.com.au

workers and their families going forward.

They will need co be retrained and cry their future in the job market. Those on the more e lderly side will find it more challenging.

The question whicb emerges is, is manufacturing in Australia on its lase legs?

The reality is chat it is in a tough spot. The local labour market is highly regulated; tl1e consumer market is very small and being on the doors teps of some of the most popuJatecl countries of d1e world makes it difficult co compete on pricing. \Xlhile the government has been able co prop up some companies witl1 handouts in the past, it just does not make sense to continue doing this in the future.

There needs to be a radical rethink as co what we wane furn.re Australia to be like, especially for the next generation of Indian Australians. A big picture needs to be thought through and true leade.rship needs to be shown in forging this path forward. The government needs to decide also if it wants a 'big Australia' or a ' sustainable Australia'. Former NS\"J Premier Bob Carr shut the debate on dus effectivdy a few years ago when he stamped his authority on wanting Australia to slow down on population growth. Citi ng environmental reasons, including scarcity of land, d1is failed co

take in to account how co1mtries like Singapore and Japan have coped well with limited land bur large populations. With clever planning, a larger Australia will allow for greater domestic constm1p·tion and innovation with opportunities co succeed nationally. \Xfhile a road map for tlus objective can be mapped out, d1ere needs to be more work in building a clever AL1stralia. lt has been raised in the past that opening d1e dqo.rs to higher educated PhDs to settle in Australia will allow for more research and development options. Perhaps it is time to set up a platform for this to happen.

Anod1er lead which can follow is co encourage innovation and foster a culture of entrepreneurship wid1in young Australians. Allow funding for srart-ups be it in information technology or pharmaceutical or biotechnology.

Rarher than pushing young entrepreneurs to Silicon Valley to experiment with d1eir ideas, create options tl1rough federal fw1ding and encourage tl1em to start up locally. \V/e do live in changing times indeed. The winners will be those who can innovate and work with the chan~es. A vision and conviction by our .leaders is important if Australia needs co win in the long term.

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WHA.T'SON MISC Help 3-Year-Old Kamal Walk Melbourne's Samyuktha and Ashok Pothireddy are parents of twins Kamal and Nayan who turned three on Christmas Day. They are reaching out to the Indian community to help their son Kamal learn to walk. He has cerebral palsy.

The twins were born at 23 weeks making them possibly the youngest premat ure twins to survive in Australia.

They were only 524 grams and 554 grams respectively at birt h. They spent 131 days in hospital and had numerous operations. But Kamal was not reaching the milestones that Nayan was doing with ease. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Kamal still can't crawl or sit up. He is undergoing numerous therapies but stern cell treatment in the US could possibly help. The Reddys are looking to raise $40,000 for this.

Details: yukthareddy@gmail.com or Bumper Whist and Bingo Sat 23 Feb 11 am-4pm The Goan Overseas Association announces its annual Bingo night, Reg Byrne Community Centre, cnr Fyall Ave and Darcy Rd, Wentworthville.

Details: Abel do Rosario 02 8814 9258.

Volunteer interpreters required The Refugee Advice and Casework Service (RACS) is in urgent need of volunteer interpreters for many different languages. RACS will

provide training and support if you are interested assisting refugees and asylum seekers.

Details: (02) 91141600 or adrnin@racs.org.au 3 rd Australian National Hindu Conference Sat & Sun 26-27 April 8.30arn-5.30prn Workshops, networking and discussions. Organised by Vishva Hindu Parishad of Australia Inc. Both days registration fee: $50.

Details: www.vhp.org.au or email: conference@vhp.org.au Tamil Show Terekutu Sat 15 March 6.30pm Shakti Terekutu Team Sydney w ill perform the traditional terekutu dance in a fundraiser organised by the AusreliefFund Inc, at Serbian Centre, 259 Hyatts Rd, Plumpton.

Details: Rarnlu 0400 608 795.

Ashok.pothi@gmail.com or call Sarnyuktha on +61 0469 109 308 or facebook.com/Helpkamalwalk The BETTERMAN Pledge Campaign Mon 3-Fri 7 March The recently founded national not-forprofit organisation, The BETTERMAN Foundation is calling on Australian men to take The BETTERMAN Pledge during M arch. It is a men's v iolence and suicide prevention campaign and is a timely and thought provoking initiative, which aims to empower young men to make positive choices; delivering life-skil ls promoting

programs and more.

Details: Michael Colling 0431 817 130 or michael.colling@betterman.org.au www.thebettermanpledge.com FOOD Taste of Sydney 13-16 March There will be a fantastic line-up of restaurants, over 100 food and wine exhibitors, including AKl's Indian Restaurant, and a host of interactive foodi e attractions and classes. At Centennial Park.

Details: www.tasteofsydney.com.au MUSIC Sydney Nadaka Priya's Sondha Bandham Sun 30 March 4pm Sydney Nadaka Priya presents a Tamil drama Sondha Bandham wit h local talents in aid ofUNNATI, a vocat ional training and social transformation program. Venue: Castle Hill High School, Castle Street, Castle Hill Details: Krish 04 18 200 724 or Jayshree Sankar 041 0 169 112

Music Training Workshop

by Sri Ramachary 12- 24 April Letsgivehope (Australia) is proudly sponsoring a "Learn to sing"workshop in partnership with Little Musicians Academy (LMA), India. The workshop will be followed by a Musical Night wit h perform ances by the students and Sri Ramachary.

Details: lma.sydneyaustralia@grnail. com or www.facebook.com/pages/ Little-Musicians-Academy-Australia HOLi Holi M ahot sav Festival of Friendship and Harmony Fri 21 11am-2pm, 5.30-7prn, Sat 22 & Sun 23 11am-7pm March Hundreds of artists from India and all over the world will be performing, alongside delicious Indian vegetarian food stalls and craft stalls at Darling Harbour.

Details: www.holimahotsav.com.au

For full calendar of What's On listings (nation-wide) check out:

w·······indianlink.com.au You can also submit your listing online

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Community congratulates Indian Link Congratulations on such great recognition .

cyber technologies and front end tools such as

Totally well-deserved. Best wishes for many

Face book.

future accolades!

Well done Indian Link and best of luck moving

Neville Ro ach

forward in your efforts for the recognition of the

By awarding Indian Unk in three categories,

Vis h Viswanathan

Australian Indian d iaspora. namely Print Reporting, Online & Digital Media and Young Journalist of the Year (Ritam Mitra)

Huge congratulations on scooping the pool at

in the multicultural media awards this month,

the NSW Premier's Multicultural Media Awards.

the NSW Government has also honoured the

Warm wishes and kudos to your capable and

Australian Indian community. Indian Unk was

award-winning team.To win the Young Journalist

also in the final nomination in many other

of the Year, Best Online Digital Med ia and Best

categories by the independent j udges. For

Print Report of the Year is something to be proud

years, Indian Link has been contributing to

of, not to mention being short-listed in numerous

the community silently to create awareness

other categories. Well done!

of complex community issues and need for

Nlhal Gupta

participation in t he Australian multicultural environment Bringing out timely editions

Congratulations on winning t hree awards at the

over a long number of years, rain or no rain, is

Multicultural Media Awards night. You doa gre at

not an easy task. This speaks of a lot ofteam

j ob and deserve all the accolades.

effort, commitment to community welfare an d

Harry Harinat h

also reflects the support from the community especially the younger generation and

Congrats once again, Pawan, Raj ni and theteam.

emerging young writers such as Ritam Mitra.

Anupam Sharma

The awards to Indian Unk highlight the growing importance of the role of the Indian

Great news. Congrats on being so consistent.

media in multicultural Australia .

Pradip Pandya

Another important point as stated by Mr Pawan Luthra, CEO of Indian Link during the

I congratulate heartily the Indian Link

awards night, is that it has become more than

team for these awards. Please congratulate

important to be connected with the younger

Ritam Mitra also.

generation using current and emerging

Malli Iyer

8 l=EBRUARV (2) 2014

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Three wins at 2014 Premier's Multicultural Media Awards

be Indian Link Media Group has woo vet another three awards at the 2014 Premier's Multicultaral Media Awards held ar Doltone House in Sydney on 13 February, 2014. They cook home the Best Print Report of rbe Year, Best Use of Online & Digital Media and Young Journalist o f the Year: llirarn Miera.

T

The Sydney-based Indian media group was nominated in eight of the 12 categories. Ia o ne category, Best Print Report, all three finalists came from l11dia11 Link.

The awards were judged by an independent panel of academic and working rnedia experts, with some categories varying from last year.

Pawan Luthra, CEO of Indian Link said he was proud of the ongoing recognition rbat the media group has received, from within the conummity as well as from the mainstream.

"To claim three awards yet again this year, reveals nor oaly our dedication but also the high standards we sec ourselves," said

Luthra. "1 congratnlate m y teain for their talent and their efforts".

After this awards night, Indian Link has now become the most awarded multicultural media group in Australia.

The event was opened by NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell, who said the growth of the State's multicultnral media reflects NSW's status as one of the most nmlriculrural societies in the world.

'1 was impressed to see more than 110 entries were received for the 12 categories covering print, radio, TV and oaline media in di.is year's awards, which are in their second year," said Premier O'Parrell. He also commenced on

the trend within the multiculrural commuruty which is seeing its media expand as compared co d1e mainstream where it is contracting.

The Prem.iei:'s l'vfolticulmral.

Media Awards are one of d1e feamte events of Multicultural Mi!rch, a celebration of what the Seate call-5 one of its greacesc assets, its cultural diversity.

"Congratulations ro foditm Link, wid.1 the fortnightly pL1blicacion taking oucBest Print Reportet, Pawaa Luthra, Best Young Journali5t, lliram Mera, and the categqry of Best Use of Oaline and Digical Media," Minister for Citi2enship and Corrmmnities Victor Dominello

said after Li.is moving speech.

"The awards proudly recognise the role multicultural media plays in promoting I SW co audiences around the world," he furthered.

Dominello's speech in wb.ich be urged the gathered mulriculmral .media ro put the spotlight on the unacceptable treatment of girls ai1d women erupted imo a loud applause. He implored che multicultural media gathered co con tinue tackle the " tough issues".

"We would like to congrarulate tl1e other media 9rganisarions that won or were nominated on the night," lrtdian U11k Editor Rajni Anand Lmhra said. " \X!e also acknowledge the Government of NSW in providing a platform

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INDIAN LINK NOMINATIONS 2014 • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• •• •• • • • • • • • •• • •• • • • • • • • • • • •• •• • • • • • • • • •• •• •• • • • • • • • • •• • • •• • • • • • • • • •• • • BEST FEATURE OF THE YEAR

BEST PR INT PUBLICATION OF

PRINT REPORT

BEST ONLINE PUBLICATION

Autism - Usha R Arvind

THE YEAR - PERIODICALS

OF THE YEAR

OF THE YEAR

Bookwa/lahs BEST ARTICLE ON

COMMUN ITY TV OR

- Jyoti Shankar

BEST USE OF ONLINE

MULTICULTURALISM

COMMUNITY RADIO REPORT

Election Survey Results

& DIGITAL MEDIA

OFTHEYEAR

OF THE YEAR

- Pawan Luthra

It's an Honour -Australia Day

Q&A with Tony Abbott

Tony Abbot's India Plan

YOUNG JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

and Queen's Birthday Honours

- Pawan Luthra

- Pawan Luthra

RitamMitra

10 FEBRUARY (2) 2014

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such as [be Mulcicultw:al Media Awards to showcase our talents and efforts".

Pawan Lurhra added, "At lndim1 U11k, we like co call ourselves 'observers of the trends fo Australia's Iadiaa community'.

Our clea.r grasp of issues in the community for 20 years now ha~ earned us much. respecr not only witbin the community but in the mainstream as well. W/e pride ourselves on our 9uality of content, our design, as well as regular.icy of production. Our cote ream of 10 staff rnembe(s, and some 70-odd contributors act()ss the cotmcry, ,vork very hard to see that a 9uality publication goes out every fortnight, even as we struggle with the drastic upheaval that our industry i.~ going through".

The company produces two fortnightly publications for its Sydney audience, and monthlies for Melboutne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

On the airwaves, it brings audiences rogether thro ugh Indian Link Radio. This was laund1ed l J years ago o n a 'pay-raclio' forma l for listeners in Sydney and Melbourne only but is no~· accessible 'round the world round the clock' via a downloadable smarrphone app as well as online s creaming. Online, the company's presence encompasses an iateractiYe website, formigbuy e-newsleners that reaches the targeted audience direcLly, a busy Facebook page, and cegular 'twitter feeds.

The Indian Link J\,[edia Group is no stranger lO wiruJing awards.

Just lase year at the inaugural

NATIONAL EDITION

Preinier's Multicul tural J\1fedia Award 2013, India11 Li11k also won three awards: Best News Report, Best Online "Publication of the Year and Best Image of the Year. ln addition to th.is, India11 U11k also rook out two awards at rl1e 20 13 Pacliamen t of NSW Multicultural Media Awards, three awards at rl1e 2012 Parliament of NS\'v' Multiculrural Media and the 201 I NS\XI Premier's Harmony Award.

This multi-media group just tnighl have to b uy a new shelf co display all of the awards wo n.

BEST USE OF ONLINE & DIGITAL MEDIA www.indianllnk.com.au

A

lways a step ahead, Indian Link has been on the cutting edge of technology since its birth. The stylish website is now available across all platforms, inclucling smartphones for 'news on the go' and links the latest news to their 24 /7 cligirnl raclio station, and integrates their social media outpuL By crearing a highly effective digital strategy, t.he Indian Link Media Group has been able to Sta)' up-co-date with the latest digital trends. W/e don't just create conrent for users, we also engage and listen to chem in order to conrinue our media group's innovative use o [ the latest tedmology.

FEBRUARY (2) 2014 11

BEST PRINT REPORT OF THE YEAR :..:.--------------=-~=-=--~

dian-Austra\ians

The 2013 Federal Election: An Indian community poll awan Luthra's piece o n the analysis of an lr,di,m Link election survey, conducted in the lead up tO the Jast federal elections, was a clear and concise report on the issues which matter to the Inctian community, aod their perceptions of w hich political parry would best fulfil their needs. No doubt it helped the u ndecided voters in the community co make

their 6oal electoral decision.

"Our pre-election surveys are conducted objectively and provide valuable insight inm the manner in which the community is thinking," Pawan said. "This is part.icuJarly important as large sectio ns of our commu nity's voters live io marginal seat areas. It turned om, we were right on target. In fact, this was the third time io a row that our pre-election poll was right on target".

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COVERSTORY

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YOUNG JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR: RlTAM MITRA was a fair bit of anticipation around it," tecalls MiLra of the award night. "I'd spent most of tbe night enjoying tbe speeches, cultural performances, and celebrating the Indian Link team's win in rwo otber categories, so I ctidn'r dunk roo much abom the award, as l knew there were some very impressive nominees who deserved the honour. From tbe moment name was called up, everything became a bit of a blur. It was a big surprise and a very humbling moll:leot.

«Bm it was a moment I'll never forget ,..-and an award .

L'll bold very dearly co me". .,

heYouog Journalist of the Year Ritam Miera, is a perfect example of the mentoring cbat Tndian Link does for young writers.

"I definite.I)' wasn't expecting to win, and it was an honour simply co be shortlisted for the award," says Ritam of his award. '"The other nominees were of very high ca.Lib re".

Ritam was 17 when he first began to contribute to T11di1111 Link. Today; at 21, fioisbing a law degree at uni a.ad working for a leading Sydney law Ii.rm. he is one of the most prolific writers on our ream. " Indian Link has given me a wide range of oppormnities, which I'm exLremely grateful

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OUTING AN UGLY TRUTH

Manpreet Kaur Singh's enlightening and realistic report on domestic violence has won two prestigious awards. FARZANA AHMAD reports BS Radio Punjabi's Executive Producer Manpreet Kaur Singh added more feathers to her cap recently by dinchiug two awards in t.he 2014 NSW Premier's Multicultural Media Awards held in Sydner, Manpteet's multi-mvard winning fearnre Tbe Bnl!llQ' [Vithin Wl"\S recognised as che Best Radio Report and Best Feamre of the Year (any medium) during rl1e ceremony.

The reporl whim ,vas first aired in December 2012, confronts the issue of domestic violence within the 1\uscralian lndian co=unity.

It is a compelling dissection of family abuse through the voices of rl1e victims, the police, experts and rl1e court system, and it has struck a chord with the community on manr different levels.

"The documentary was commissioned by SBS in 2012", i\lanpreec told Tndia11 Li11k. ''It took around four months of intensive investigative work to complete. Doring lhis time we consulted with authorities, e.."perts and victims in Melbourne and

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NATIONAL EDITION

Sydney to portray an honest picture of domestic violence within the Indian community in Australia. W/e presented seven stories by imerviewing victims directly; o f them, one couple and one victio1 are now deceased as a J.irect result o f domestic violence".

The report aimed ro determine whether Indian culture and circumstances like arrang ed marriages am! migracion make domestic violence unique in this community. "\Ve have asked th.e experts and the victio1s, and □ow il is up to the people to decide", she added.

Regarding rl1e rooction of the lndian community to this report, ]'\'lanpreet said, "lt was an honest appraisal of questions everyone asks. The respnnse has been strong and mostly positive where people have realised d1at d1ey have co stop being in denial and do something about iL But at che same rime, there has been some negative reaction with people arguing rhat the victims are partly to blame LOO. For die wider community though, the

documentary has been an eye opener".

Manpreec regards the documentary Tbe Ene11!Y fr/ithin as the most difficult and complex story she's handled professionally.

She rs deeply moved by the plight of victims of domestic violence in theL1ellan community and feels a need co make a difference. She believes chat although a lot is being done in this regard, it is nOL enough. '·there is a need for community orgaaisacions, governmem agencies and ,velfare groups to come together and work as a unit in understanding the intricacies of die Indian culture and address family violence accordingly", she averred.

"Cw:renrly in cases of domestic abuse, the government wants the police to be the first point of contact, but most Indian victio1s will not do that a$ it escalates rl1e issue to a poior of no remrn. Culmral orientation is necessary to handle di fferem cases appropriately and sensitively", she added.

After the resowicllng success of

the Punjabi broadcast, Tht Et1611D' IVithin was remade in English and aired in August 2013. It received che United Nations Association of Australia Media Award in lhe special category 'Increasing Awareness and U nderstanding o f Women's Rights and lssues' and was also a finalist for rl1e Walkley Award in the same year. This makes Manpreet the first Indian-origin journalist in Australia to be nominated for the Walk.leys. i'vlaapreet insist~ that though it is gra1jfying to be recognised, she didn't make The Enet!Q' lf?itbin to win awards. She maintains thar she bas done many stories on sensitive issues, and purity of intention and compassion has been her strengrl1 in getting tl1e message out. ''l have uanost respect fot ever1 victim who spoke to us in making this documentary," she said. "We can't imagine what they go through, so let's nm waste their bravado and do something to bring about a change".

Even though she is best known in J\ustr.alia as a radio broadca~ter, Manpreet's contribution to other

b ranches of journalism , in p rim, television , radio and o□lin e m edia, cannot be igno.r ed. But radio is her medium of d10ice.

"T o b e honest it was the only m edium rlrnt gave me a break w hen I came to Australia;' she revealed. "Tlie work we do is totally spo ntaneous and w1scripted. People Jet us inro their homes w here we have intimate conversation s with them rl1at are straigh t fro m the heart.

People op en up more on radio as it provides the elemem o f ano nymi ty. I wouldn' t change an yth ing about it".

Her 2 l -year invo lvement ·with SBS has seen her go from being a 'o ne-man show' to heading a team as Executive Producer of the Punjabi broadcast. The SBS Punjabi bro adcast went fro m being aired once a week to Jive rimes a week since last year.

For someo ne who has received considerable recognitio n, Manpreet is surprisingly down-toearth and friendly.

She has received many awards indudiog the Media Award at V ictoria's 2013 Multiculmcal Awards for Excellence in December 2013, and the state's l□dividual Award for lvfedia Excellence in 20 I I. Manpreet is passionate abouc preserving the history of Indian arci,,aJs in Australia and contributes artides to the repmed website Sikhchic.com.

A significant highlight of her career bas been fulfilling the last wishes of a Sikh hawker Pooran Singh who died in Australia in I 947, and wanted his ashes ro be returned to lndia and spri:n.k.led in the river Ganges. l'\fanpreet was insm.uneatal in fulfilling1.bis wisb through uniting people from India, Australia and England in this goodwill mission. This story has now been commissioned by Educational Services Australia as an educational resource for high school Students in Australia.

l=EBRUARY (2) 2014 13

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BAPS temple inaugurated BY KOMALUTSAV JAGAD

c was a historic week for the Flindu community in Sydney as 3,000 devotees gathered together for the inaugural celebrations of the newly renovated temple ar BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir at Eleanor Street in Rosehill.

The week-Jong festivities began on 6 February with a Swag"t Sabha (welcome assembly) and continued rill l2 February, packed full of holy celebrations including Vedic ptijas performed by priests who travelled from fodia and the United States for this special event.

NS\XI Premier Barry O'Farrell with Param Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami officially inaugurated the temple at its JYbirti Pmna Pratishth" ceremo ny, in the midst of a number of dignitaries and community leaders ,vbo attended tbe festivities. Amon~t these were Dr Geoff Lee MP,Jttlie Owens MP and CounciUo.rs Julia Finn and James Shaw.

Pa ram Pujya Ishwarcharan Swami consecrated the temple idols according co traditional rites. In this ceremony a deity's statue is infused with its soul and power to awaken its holiness and bring it to life within the temple.

The holy event continued on the second day, with Ki,tcm Amdhna (prayer), and a cultural program presen ted by the children and youngsters of the temple.

For devotees, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of this landmark event. The Mabapl(ja (grand prayers) and the Min-ti Pmna Pmtishlha were of major reverence. Mahapzija is a Hindu worship ritual that allows many devotees to sinrnltaneously participate in prayers. Du_ring the rimal, devotees offered their humble pra)'ers to seek harmony and world peace as they bowed to their ido l and offered flowers.

The BAPS Mandir (temple) has been a part of Sydney's muJticu.lturnJ landscape since 1996, and m oved to its cmrent location in 2000. The original temple deities had humble beginnings, having been installed and inaugurated back in 2002 by his Holiness Pramuk.h Swami Maharaj. His leg;icy continued

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NATIONAL EDITION

as the temple grew, marking an exceptional journey over the past 14 years. As the influx of visitors grew each year, it was imperative for the BAPS community to embark ou tbjs project and rebnild the temple.

The construction of the temple began in mid-201 1 and it was recently completed in Novem ber 2013, resulting in tl1e grand weeklong celebrations.

Not o nly its effervescing spicimality, bur the Rosehill temple's special amenities are also sin1ply extraordinary. Its aesthetic design is remarkably unique, witl1 dramatically large front gates made of very intricate designs. A large dome designed in the centre of the main shrine seems to bring in the ambience of a shiny moon in the sky. The temple also boasts a state-of- the-art con1JI1tuiiry centre with facilities like a di.ning area, activity rooms, prayer hall and ample car spaces.

The Premier heartily congratulated BAPS and the hundreds of volunteers on the completion of tl1e l\fandir. "lt is a wonderful achievement reflecting the hard work and conm1itmenc of tl1e entire co nununiry,''

Mr O'Farrell said. "lt is certain to continue to serve this community as a place to come together iu support of rou r culmral and spiritual growth".

The Mandir in Rosehil.l is one of the tl1ree BJ\PS Mandirs in A ustralia, in addition to the ones in Melbourne and Perth. A new BAPS Mandir will open in

Brisbane on 15 Febrnary, while construction is underway for a Mandir in Adelaide.

The inauguration of tl1e temple was a surreal experience for all. the arrendees as they basked in tl1c glory of tl1e sacred celebrations.

Yogi Savania., Public Affairs Coordinator of the Mandir said, "le is a landmark event for Sydney and the entire credit goes to Lord Swaminarayan and his Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj". He also ac.knowleclged tl1e support of the 270 volunteers.

For all devotees, this unbelievable spiritual journey through the corridors of the BAPS Mandie was indeed a true experience to be kept in their beans for rest of their Lives, as everyone hailed the glory of Lord Swamioarayru.1.

~EBRUARY (2) 2014 15

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BY PAWAN LUTHRA

estination NSW has decided to pick the low hanging fruit as i t attempts to woo Indian tourism co chis state.

Lau nching its campaign Jbappi Time, Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase built up the need to use the connections of the Indians in NSW to attract thdr family and friends to this state and its major attractions. Alas, rather than seeking to reach out to the upper class travel-savvy Indians, Jbappi Ti111e limits its campaign to those who may already be sold on the idea of visiting this Australian State.

Research by To11rism Australia Research ( fRA) indicates that NSW received 77,700 visitors from India for the year ended Sept 2013. This was an increase o f 9.4% over the previous year.

Of the 77,700 visiting l S\'v; 38% were here co visit friends and reJatives.

The Indian tourist market is growing. By 2020, the U nited Nations' World Tourism Organisation forecasts 50 million outbound travellers from lndia. In fact by 2030, predicts a report by Amadeus, the 4.5 million lndians who travelled to the Asia Pacific regio n in 2011 will grow to a staggering 70 million. According co research, I ndian travel preferences are changing and the younger affluent Indians are keen on experimental, eco and outdoor adventtu·e tourism.

Destination SW is tbe first Australian tourism body to target tourism from India.

Jhappi T ime or 'rime for hugs', directed by world famous Bollywood director A nupam Sharma, feamres four 'Bo llywoodscyle' vignettes in popular courist locations around NSW including Sydney, Manly Beach and the Blue Mow1cai.ns. A cast of local Indian dancers, actors and musicians feature in tbe campaign. Filmed agai nst the backdrop of famous landmarks in Sydney and around NS\~~ the Jhappi Time skits feamre actors and key members o f tbe indian community in NSW

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including Mala :lvlehta OAJ\,[, head of GOPIO Lucky Singh, founder of TiE Dilip Rao and two finalists of Australia's first Bollywoocl reality show, SBS's Bollywood Star.

The four vignettes include stories of Sikh parents wanting to visit their daughter w ho is stud ying at the University of Sydney; a husband and wife missing their adult children w ho all live in Sydney; a woman who is becoming a grandmother for the first time and wants to visit her new grandchild in Sydney; and a yo1mg woman w ho wants to visit her best friend in Sydney.

The plan is co promote this

digital can1paign through o nline media, as weJJ as through cinema advertising, w here they were rested across different demographics. It will also support .industry partners and travel wholesalers co promote travel packages and airfare offers to Indian travel agents and visitors.

The campaign is warm and fuzzy. Ir hinges o n the values chat regular Indians hold dear, such as family rogetherness and the importance o f education, and the sheerJoie de uiure that typifies the Indian way of life. Sharma has cleverly used these 1ndian themes to sell his adopted home state to audiences in bi s native cotuitry.

Regardless, it does leave a few gaps in its missive. While the use of local Indian Australian people in the ads helps identify wjch the message, the campaign has resorted to the stereotyped Bollywood image, rather than to build on what the yo ung Indian afHnent traveller is looking for - adventure, excitement, ecoroucisrn ere. The glaring absence of cricket tour.ism is also notable, especially in the lead up ro the World Cup. A major issue which holds Indians back in travelling to Australia is the travel time, b ut with more flights and connections between the two countries now in place, this should not be as much

of a concern. Unfortunately, th.is facet has totally been ignored in the new campaign. The tyranny of distance still persists i o the minds of lndiaos wishing to travel here. The target of d oubling the Indian visitors to NSW by 2020 is rather tame especially i f growth is expected at 9% pa. D oubli ng the figures will almost be achieved by org anic growth, rather than being campaign-driven .

D estination NSW is to be commended for caking this initiative to bring more Indians 'down under'. The relationslup between lndia and NSW is improving constantly with Premier Barry O'FarreJJ making tliree visits to l od.ia in three years, as well as the recent visit by :Min ister V ictor D om.inello to build on the connections and agreements reached during the Premier's visit.

NSW has been a bit slow in working on atu·acring tl1e India n tour.ism doUar, witb Victor ia having stolen tl1e march o n this.

Whether Sharma's jbappi turns out to be the proverbial jaadu ki jhappi for D esti.nation NS\XI, only ti.me will tell. Meanwhile, Indians 'down under' need to get on their phones and start sp ruiking the message of welcoming family and friends here. Your scare now needs ymL

l=EBRUARY (2 ) 2014 19

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SEMINAR

Parents advised of tutoring accountability Tutoring service providers can be held accountable for the quality of their services

Fair Tradi ng

Fa,r Trading

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TI1e OFThas had he Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UD HR) articulates in Article 26(1) chat it is a basic entitlement that all children receive an education at least in the 'elementary and fundamental stages'. ln Australia, this aspect of the universal right is left ro the mainstream schooling sector.

Article 26(3) states tl1ac pa.rents have the prior right to choose the kind of education diat shall be given to their children. Private tutoring and other personal educational choices e.xercised by parents fall into d1is category of hLu11an rights.

An issue inherent in the use of private tutors is that of the commercial imperative associated with the tuition providers. The providers are businesses and the main aim of businesses is to generate profits. Profits are best earned when costs or expenses are minimised and when income .is maximised. This can lead to compromises that affect the 9ualiry of the service being provided. Issues of rights arise for parents and their children, when the focus b y private tutors is too srrongly on the commercial and not enough on the educational.

In every national jurisdiction where there is a private mtoring sector, common issues arise in regards to the accountability of tutors to fair trading, consumer protection and educational laws.

The SW government bas been particularly proactive in assisting the private tutoring sector to improve accow1tability for nirors. Annually, the Office of

reievanr documems

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relr1ting to theJaw translated lnto .

Hindi, wimarilyto c1chieve the purpo.s~ of protecting the lOl!1munity and

educat.ing parents about their rights reganJiny iutorir,g servtce providers

'' ATA CEO Mohan Dha/1 (extreme left) with others at the Office of Fair Trading Indian media function Fair Trading through die releva.nr .i\.finisrer and the Commissioner of Fair Trading, issue a warning to parents in regards to the use of tutoring services. This year, in a notable initiative, Stuart Ayres, Minister for Fair Trading has made it a priority co reach out co vulnerable communities where the use of private tutors is on the rise. Most notable of these are die Indian, Chinese, Korean and Arabic-speaking communities.

It is well known <liar education is highly valued amongst lndians across the world. fodi.a.n families are classified as 'aspirational' and many families prioritise study at

school and at ll.Iliversity, for dieir sons and daughters. In such a conrext, che Indian community use private tutors and value additional or supplementary education. This makes me Indian comm1UI.ity vulnerable, particularly if d1eir rights in regards to die provision of mtoring services, are not weU understood.

On February 6, Ayres and Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee, invited a.round 30 attendees o f the Indian media to a function at the new Office of Fair Trading (OPT) in Patra.matta. The purpose was to advise the media about d1e rights parents have when they take

on private mtors for their children.

The Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe, ministerial staff and several media groups were also in attendance.

The OFT has had relevant documents relating to die law translated inro Hindi, primarily to achieve the purpose of protecting die commw1ity and educating parents about their rights regarding tutoring service providers. The Ausrralian Tutoring Association (ATA) has also realised the immense importance of having its Code of Conduct u·anslated, and this is now available in Hindi. fn the next fe,,•

weeks, it will also be translated into Telegu and Gujarati. "\Xie encourage parents ro seek only J\TJ\ mtors and we support a self- regulation model," said Ayres.

It is extremely important diat all parents understand their rights and ensure that they seek proper in formation and accountabilities from prh7ate mmrs. Parents can go to W\V\\'1:tta.edu.au and \VW\\, fa.irtrading.com.au to .find useful fact sheets. fo tbe first instance, the OFT recommends that parents only take on mtors who a.re registered \vith the ATA and are accredited. ln chis way they can ensure best practice standards a.re being upheld and that they have an avenue of support in the event o f an issue arising from the standard of service being prpvided.

~EBRUARY (2) 2014 21

STAGE

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Brother-sister duo Arnita and Akshay Rao impress in debut performance

o hear abouc the nuances of classical Indian music in t:be words of young ones, is always a pleasure for connoisseurs of tbe a:rt.

As Amica Rao spoke abom the purpose of ragas in Indian classical music, you couldn't help thinking about what other girls her age spend their rime listeoing to.

As Akshay Rao spoke about alaaps and how they prepare the listener to receive the emotions from die singer, you goc a sense of die many Saturdays spent in practice.

Despite hectic school and universicy studies (Al;:shay is a commerce-law student ar universicy and Amica, a Year 12 student), the brother and sister

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22 l=EBRUARV (2) 2014

duo presented a commendable show in their debut performance i n mid-January. With Sanskrit prayers, Tagore compositions, ghazal.s, mgc,-based film songs and Marathi and Kannada creations, the singers show-cased their repertoire in elegant style.

Bod1 singers presented the traditional invocation to Lord Gauesha in the Sanskrit Aja111 Neervi .Kalpa111. Amica impressed just as much with her Bengali A11lara !Vf.ama, a composition widi underpinning of mysticism and spirimalit:y, as she did with the ghazal Aq;jaane ki zid in rag,1 Ya1na11 Kabm1. In Bo/ere prippi hara she managed to keep all the ornameutacions intact, and she tackled the popuhr song Di/ cbeez l;,ya bai with careful and

smooth navigation, especially widi die very high notes in the third anh"a.

Akshay Hrutred his stuff with Poocho 11a kaise 111ai11 11e in raga Ahir Bhaimv, inducing the right moods associated wirn chis raga i.e. peace, sadness and love. He also showed off his nuanced n,ga Ya111t111 Kabm1 (Mana 1·e) and raga Khtwuy (/ /yo kaba11 se Gha11sqya111).

The Marntbi duet Nt1111agetba and A.mita's Kannada compositio n Bandaalo 11a1m11a 111anege were also well received by t:be audience. lvfadbuban mei11 radhika in raga F-Ia111invas the concluding song for the evening and there was no sign of weariness as Akshay delivered the classic Mohammad Rafi song wbicb was quite challenging in rerms of tam11as and

the sargaJJ/_S involved.

As d1ey sang o ne composition after anorner, diere was no doubt diar born had a firm control on the notes and rhythm. A great connection was builc between the audience and the artistes as introduction was given abom each song including mga and /tJti/by die artistes d1emselves. Tbe brilliant, lively tahlr1 accompanimem by Abhijic Dan and die perfect h.armooium support by Med ha Padiak uplifted the atmosphere.

The sound, managed by Abdul Sajwani ensured a well-balanced output.

Earlier in the evening, Aksbay and Amita to uched the feet of d1eir reacher, d1e eminent Medha Padiak, as well as the

musicians on stage, to seek their blessings. The proud teacher was seen nodding ber head in appreciatio n as her smdencs delivered some very challenging compositions, sharing d1e srnge with her.

Parents Hema and Sudhakar welcomed me guests and Sudhakar spoke about his children's desire to demonstrate d1rough a performance, d1e knowledge that they had acquired during their pursuit in music. He also acknowledged music personalities Pushpa Jagadish, Aparna Nagashayana and Avijit Sarkar for their mentoring of Aksbay and Amira during their journey ill mUSIC.

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!=EBRUARY (2) 2014 25

INDIAN NEWS

A female leopard sits inside a snow covered enclosure at Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary, outskirts ofSrinagar, India, Jan. 23, 2014. Wildlife authorities in Indian Kashmir are making special efforts to provide food t o the endangered stags known as 'hangul,' as they face difficulty in finding vegetation following heavy snowfall

Joy in Telangana as Lok Sabha passes bill to divide Andhra Amid pandemonium and a television blackout of the proceedings, the Lok Sabha recently passed a bill to carve out a Telangana stace out of Andhra Pradesh, triggering joy in the Telangana region and protests elsewhere in tl1e southern state.

The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill was passed by voice vote in the face of noisy protests by M"Ps from Seemandh.ra - as tl1e orher C\VO regions (R.ayalseema and coastal Andh.ra) a.re coUectively known - as weU as a section of the opposition parties.

The passage of the bill, moved by Home. !vlinister SL1sbilk-umar Shinde, took a total of 90 minutes.

If the biUalso get5 the approval of Rajya Sabha, the Telugu-speaking people will have C\vo states with Telangana becoming India's 29th state.

Telangana will have 10 districts inclucliug Hydernbad, which will serve as a common capital for a period nor e.,'{ceedi.ng LOyears.

The residuary state of Andhra Pradesh will have 13 districts.

In a move to assure protection to Seemandhra people living in Hyderabad, the bill proposed that common governor of the two scates will have power of maintaining law and order in the city, but ignored the demand from Seemandhra leaders that the city be declared a union territory.

The bill, when passed by Rajya Sabha, will bring curtains on Andhra Pradesh, which can1e into existence in 1956 with the merger of TeJanga.na, then known as Hyderabad State with Andl1.ra Seate, which was earlier carved out of Madras State.

With an area of l.14lakh square km and a population of 3.52 crore, Telangana will be 12th largest stare in terms of both area and population.

The bill was passed amid dramatic scenes.

Those opposing the bill massed near Speaker Meira Kumar, some shouting slogans and others holding placards. But they were simply ignored as amendments co d1e bills were taken up and then the bill was finaJJy declared passed by the lower house.

So higb were the tempers in the house tbat a group of Congress members from Andhra Pradesh stood near Sh.i.nde as he read out tbe clauses in a bid to protect him from anciTelangana MPs.

26 l=EBRUARV (2) 2014

Congress president Sonia Gandhi watched the p roceedings with visible dismay. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was not present.

Participating in the debate, Leader of Opposition Sushma Swa.raj said her BJP supported d1e creation of Telangana 6-m not the way ir was being done.

"I and my party support the bill ..

Telangana should be formed ... We rise to prove our credibility and to see wishes of youth of Telangana are fulfilled", she said, accusing the Congress of delaying the process.

Science and Technology Minister S. JaipaJ Reddy said the. demand for separate Telangana was raised for last 60 years.

"I don't think any demand has been raised for such a long period with such an intense feeling", be said.

The passage of the bill and the manner in which it was done came wider severe criticism from various parries.

A fuming Y.S. Jaganmoha.n Redd); leader of d1e YSR Congress which is bitterly against the creation of Telangana, d ubbed it "a black day" for the country and called a general strike in Andhra Pradesh on Feb 19. The reaction to the development was immediate w:ith cemraJ minister D. Purandeswari reponedJy sending her resignation to Sonia Gandhi.

Three Anclhra Pradesh ministers from Seemandhra resigned in protest whiJe Chief lvli.nister N. Ki.ran Kumar Reddy is aJso set to quit soon. Pitani Satyana.rayana, one of the ministers, said Ki.ran Reddy would submit his resignation on Feb 19.

Central ministers from Seemandl1.ra hit out at d1eir own party-led government for passing die bill in "undemocratic" manner.

"Ir is totally undemocratic, immoral and uned1ical", said Te.xtiles r.1unister K.S. Rao, who like other ministers from Seemandhra hope that the bill will be stalled in Rajya Sabha. Human Resource Development ~[inister .M.M.Pallam Raju said the bill was passed against all democratic norms.

Another minister I<. Chi.ranjeev.i said after die meeting with Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi last night, they hoped char justice would be done to Seemandhra. He said the BJP also disappointed d1em.

Vijayawada 1-fP L. RajagopaJ, who bad used pepper spray in Lok Sabha last week to protest tabling of the bill, announced that

he is retiring from politics for failing to stop bifurcation.

Telangana erupted in joy on hearing the announcement, while protests broke our in Seemandh.ra. Telangana supporters in Hyderabad and nine other districts of the region burst 6recrackers and distributed sweets.

Rajiv assassination conspirators escape noose, release demanded The Supreme Court recently commuted the death sentence to three key conspirators in the assassination of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, holding the 11-yea.r delay in deciding their mercy petitions "unreasonable and dehumanising".

Political parties in Tamil Naclu as well as the elated families have now demanded the trio's release.

A bench of Chief Justice P. Satbasivam, Justice Ranjan Gogoi ROd Justice Shiva Ki.rti Singh said, ''\Xl'e commute d1eir death sentence into imprisonment for life. Life imprisonment means te end of one's life, subject to any remission granted by the appropriate government''.

The decision takes to four the number of deatl1 row convicts in the case whose sentences have been commuted.

The three who escaped the gaJJows are V. Sri.haran alias J\1[urugan, A.G. Pera.rivaJan alias A.rivu and T. Suthendraraja alias Santhan, currently lodged in Tamil Nadu's VeUore prison. They had sought commucacion of tl1eir death sentences due to tl1e long delay in deciding dieir mercy petitions.

Rajiv GandJ1i, ,vho was tbe prime. minister 1984-89, was killed by a Tamil suicide bomber Dhanu at an election raUy in Sriperumbudur near Chennai May 21, 1991.

Fourteen otlier people also lost d1eir lives in tbe blast. ln 1998, aU the 26 accused in die case were sentenced ro death by a special triaJ court.

In 1999, the Supreme Court confirmed the death sentences of four - Murugan, Santhan and Pernrivalan and Nalini - whiJe the capitaJ punishment to the others was redL1ced ro varying terms of imprisonment.

While Perarivalan and Nali.ni are Indians, the other C\Vo a.re Sri Lankan Ta.mils.

Srihara□ was a member of the intelligence wing of the. now vanquished Tan1.iJ Tigers, whose leader V. Prabhakaran ordered Gandhi's assassination.

The death sentence of Nalini, who is married to lvfurugan and who became a mother in prison, was commuted to life imprisonment after her mercy petition was accepted. The petition had d1e recommendation of Gandlii's widow Sonia Gandhi.

The mercy petitions of the d1ree men were rejected by the Tamil Nadu governor April 25, 2004, and forwarded to tl1e union home ministry J\fay 5, 2004.

After over five years, d1e ministry forwarded the petitions to the president but recaJJed them Feb 23, 2011. EventuaJJy, the president rejected di e mercy petitions A ug 12, 201 1, after more than 11 ,ears of the apex court judgment.

The reject.ion was chaJlenged in the Madras High Court Aug 29, 201 1. In May 2012, the Supreme Courl transferred d1e case to itself.

In its verdict in Chennai, the apex court said tlie delay in deciding die mercy petitions was ".inordinate and no.reasonable".

C hief Justice Sathasivam, junking the government's contention that the death row convict needed to prove that he suffered during the prolonged dela)' in deciding his mercy petition, said tl1at there was no such requirement in Indian law as well as in international judgments.

The court addressed two questions whether the nature of delay caused was reasonable or inordinate and whether the dehrnnanising effect on the accused due ro delay has to be ascertained or mere delay on the face of it ,vas Sllfficienl for commutation of death sentence to life.imprisonmenr.

Divya Iyer, a researcher at Am.nesty InternacionaJ India, said, "The positive rulings of commutations of January 2014 and those of today offer context and impetus for India to move rowa.rds a direction of a society that can be free of the death penalty".

Expressing happiness at the Supreme Court's decision, DMK president M. Karunanidhi urged die central and state governments to release tbe convicts from jail.

Iv!DMK leader Vaiko said the judgement should be etched in golden letters in lndia's judicial history and also demanded their release.

Communist Party of India's Tamil Nadu secretary D. Panclian also urged the state government to release t he convicts as they have spent more than two decades behind bars.

Elated at the news, Perari.vala.n's mother ArputhammaJ told the meclia that she now hoped tl1e Tami.I Nadu chief minister would help in her son's release.

Murugan's mother Somani also met her son .in Vellore. She thanked the media and others for their support.

How realistic are Chidambaram's fiscal projections? Obiter Dicta by Arvind Padmanabhan One would have expected Finance Minister P. Ch.i.damba.ram to go a litde easy on the fiscal deficit front, given that he presented an interim budget in an election year. But far from it, he has promised to keep the fiscaJ deficit - the difference beC\veen total projected expenditure and revenues from

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INDIAN NEWS sources like ta.'s:es, loan recoveries and other receipts - on a tight leash. Are d1e numbers realistic?

The target for fiscal deficit for the next year has been kept at 4.1 percem of the countty's gross domestic product (GDP), as opposed to the revised estimates of 4.6 percent for the current fiscal It is equally noteworthy that the finance minister feels the deficit for chis fiscal will be at least 20 basis points lower than his budget estimates.

But the above calculations are based on several assumptions. Among them he expects the nominal gross domestic product - the final monetary value of all goods and services produced within a councry - to grow at 13.4 percent i.11 2014-15, against the official estimate of l 'I .9 percent for this fiscal.

Here, if d1e inAation rises beyond expectations, it will cert-unly boost the nominal GDP, but the real GDP growth, which is what is looked at, will suffer.

That's the reason why he has managed to keep the actual fiscal deficit in monetary terms higher at Rs. 528,631 crore, against the revised estimate of Rs. 524,539 crore for the current fiscal.

Another projection is on tax revenue.

He has assumed an increase of 18 percent in the tax revenues next fiscal, against the projected 12.9 percent growth in the currenr fiscal - even though there has been a shortfall between the revised estimated for 2013-14 and what he himself had projected in d1e budget presented last year.

Tax revenues being one of die key components in determining the fiscal deficit, a shortfall can send the projections haywire.

One cannot ignore the fact that d1ere is a tlirect correlation bet:\veen GDP growth and tax collections, if other faccors remain the same.

Compared with the b udget estimates, there has been a shortfall in the revised numbers for this fiscal on account of all sources of ta.xes, collections of corporate tax, income tax, customs, excise and service tax have all been lower.

Accordingly, one isn't sure how this sbarp increase in ta.x revenues as projected can be achieved. More so when i:be economy has still not picked up much and the bulk of d1e growth so far has been contributed by the agriculture sector which remains a non-tax entity in India.

On the revenue-generation side, anod1er area where there has been a substantial increase in projection is under d1e head mi scellaneous recejpr, which primarily includes sale of equity in state-nm and nongovernment companies. This year, against a projection of Rs. 54,000 crore under these two heads, d1e realisation has been only Rs.19,000 crore - a shortfalJ of Rs. 35,000 crore. Yet, d1e projection for next fiscal is Rs. 51,000 crore.

One may argue drnt money raised from divestment goes into tbe special National lnvestment Fund. But d1e proceeds can be used towards capital addition for state-nm commercial banks and capital expendimre of dJe railways. Despite that, there has only been a marginal increase in d1e budgetary support for the railways, while Rs. '11,200 crore is being provided for the railways.

Subsidy is another area where the finance minister appears to have played with numbers.

He has cut the petroleum subsidy from Rs. 85,500 crore to Rs. 63,500 crore. At d1e same time, while absorbing d1e rollover of fuel subsidy worth Rs. 45,000 crore of last fiscal in d1e cnrrent year, he has only factored in a

NATIONAL EDITION

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Tourists visit a large snow sculpture called "Tomb ofltmad-ud-Daula" of India, during the 65th annual Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan on February 5, 2014. The Agra mausoleum is called ''Jewel Box" or "Baby Taj" and is considered to be an early draft of the iconic Taj Mahal. Some 200 snow statues were on display at Sapporo

roll-over of Rs. 35,000 crore from this year to d1e next.

Fuel subsidy, like the doles on food and fertilisers, remains a sensitive issue.

Remember, die government bad to roll back even that small. measure of limiting the release o f subsidised cooking gas. In that event, it is anybody's guess how this massive, real cue of Rs. 32,000 cmre in fuel subsid y will be achieved.

In conclusion, one has to concede that Chidambaram presented the interinl budget with one hand tied - he had litde room for manoeuvrability as far as the receipts side of ch.is exercise was concerned. But it is he who has made the projections - t,-tlJ, modest or understated as one rnay deem them.

1n any case, it is tl1e ne.xt government that will p.r esent the final budget after general elections. All these projections are more likely to change, even if Chiclambaram comes back to die o rd1 Block as finance minister.

Consequendy, when a comparison is made bet:\veen the projections for the next fiscal with the revised estimates, it will be on the basis of the final budget. What Chi.dambaram presented on Feb 17 will remain, at best, an academic e.xercise with litde meaning or purpose.

India, US to cooperate in fight against terror funding India and the US have agreed to cooperate to crack the financial network and fimdraising activities of Pakistan-based terror outfits and also in tackling counterfeit currency and illegal financial ttansactions.

This was stated by i\1inister of State for H ome R.P.N. Singh in the Lok Sabha in New Delhi recently.

He said India and the US have agreed to work togedier under the framework of the India-OS (ministry of home affairs and deparm1em of homeland securiry) bilateral discussions.

A bilateral meeting held in October 2013 facilitated d1e exchange of such information

between concerned agencies of both the counrnes.

India and die US have agreed to have cooperation between their agencies in fighting against counterfeit currency and illegal financial transactions under the aegis of die India-US Homeland Security dialogue, said an official statement.

A sub-group on "illicit finance, illegal smuggling of cash, financial fraud and counterfeiting" has been formed to work in d1e areas of information exchange, capacity building and technical/ research cooperation.

US H omeland Security and Indian agencies are workil1g toged1er to investigate sources of material and technologies llsed in d1e production of fake Indian currency no tes, said the statement.

BEL to invest $100 million in electronic warfare products State-run Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) will invest Rs.620 crore/$100 millio n over the next five years in developing electronic warfare produces joindy with d1e Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), a top official said recently in Bangalore. " We will invest $100 million from ensuing fiscal year (2014-15) over tl1e next five years for funding joint programmes witb DRDO to develop electronic warfare products required for our armed forces", BEL chairman and managing director S. K. Sharma said at a conference in the city.

As the country's leading electronics major, BEL manufactures and supplies a range o f products, including radars, electronic warfare system, sound and vision broadi;:asting, missiles and sonars to the Indian army, navy and air force.

With nine manufacturing facilities across the country, tl1e company had joindy developed a mobile integrated electronic warfare system 'Samyukta' with DRDO, E lecu-onics Corporation of ]ndi.a Ltd (EC1L) and me army's signal corps for tactical

batdefield use.

Covering a wide range of frequencies, the system is used for surveillance, analysis, interception, direction finding and position fixing, listing, prio ritising and jamming of alJ communication and radar signals.

"In view of our capability to manufacture electronic warfare systems, we bave decided to associate with DRDO in developing advanced and ne.'s:t generation electronic warfare products from inception to avoid delays in production", Sharma said at the th.ird Jntemational Conference on Electronic Warfare (E\XTCI 2014).

As a force multiplier system, an electronic system needs bigh level of secrecy to maintain an element of surprise against an adversary. le ensures racticaJ and strategic advantage for armed forces during an operation. "\Xie sold electronic warfare systems to the armed forces to the value o f Rs.2,000 crore over the years. The market potential is about Rs. I0,000 crore in view of d1e growing requirement for such warfare by tl1e armed forces in the coming years", Sharma added.

Earlier, delivering a keynote address, Air Marshal M. Mad1eswaran of d1e Inregraced Defence $t,'lff told about 600 delegates from across tl1e country and overseas mat .information operation and information warfare were inseparable. ''Armed forces tend co put electtonic warfare o n backburner and information operation in d1e forefront. Gathering information, building upon mat information against adversary by deception or jamming gives tactical advantage", he said.

Stressing on tl1e need to educate and tJ"aia more engineers on operating electronic warfare systems, he said the academia and .industry should take advantage of d1e policy change to involve the private sector in developing die technology and products to gather information and use it for national security.

IANS

!=EBRUARY (2) 2014 27

PHOTOGRAPHY

Brea .

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I

BY PRAKASH

~ SUBBARAO

twas 5.45am and a bit cold when 1 arrived at Halebidu with my daughter Apoorva.

The sun was just breaking through the horizon, and I was excited to explo.re and phocograph the famous sculptures of Halebidu and Belur.

Halehid .is 16 kms from Hasan and approximately 200 kms from Bangalore by road.

As tbe sun sta.rted to cast its golden rays on the temple, the effect was surreal. The 12'h century sculptures sta.rted to come to life with a warm glow, as I srnrted to click away. I began at the ease-facing fa<;ade, shooting with the camera in my hand as l was informed that tripods/rnonopods should not be used as they may damage the floor. 1 also had no flash, so 1 bumped up the ISO, trusting d1e sensor of my camera.

When I visited the same location to phocograph it for the first rime about 20 years ago, it was with my mentor who knew the history of d,e temples as well as the best shooting angles and composirion. I still remembered the beauty of the sculptures and imagined the bard work that must have gone into producing such life from stone with ancient implements.

Halebidu temple was consu·ucted during die Hopala rimes, and was dedicated to Harshavardhan and his wife Sbantala by the famous architect Jakanachru:ya. The temple and sculprures are can ed in soapscone and date back to 1121.

AU the panels depict Hindu gods in various forms. There are various sculprures of shi!abct!ikas or dancing figures, which have been re-produced on canvas many times. The postures of the .rhilabalikas on swne are great subjects to be captmed on canvas or camera. The temple was never completed because of an attack from die north by Malik Kafur, a Mughal king. His army destroyed the beautiful sculpmres by disfiguring the idols.

While I focus on the panels to captllCe the iorricate details on the stone, my mind is shocked to see the drunage caused by religious intolerance! The andi bull carved out of monolithic stone was never completed due to repeated plunder. The beauty of Shiva> Arjuna, the depiccion of the Mahabharata battlefield,

I

7

28 l=EBRUARV (2) 2014

different avatars of Vishnu and Ganesha a.re beautiful beyond words!

As the sun rose, differem panels lit up, displaying the weather-beaten stone sculptures as ir bas been doing for cenruries.

Here and tl1ere a shafc of light penetrated the shadows and brought life to a panel. I enjoyed solitude in the company of those silen t sculptures and figllCes; this is hiscory you can touch and feel.

By 8.30am the sunlight was too ha.rsh for photography, and it was time to pack up and head for a cuppa at a nea.rby cafe.

I left wid, a feeling o f not having captured the full beauty of Hale.bid which was imprinted inmy mind. \Xle then drove towards Belur, which carries the same signature of sculpting, to get more photographs.

• life

The 12th century Halebidu temple is a photographer's delight with its intricate and beautiful sculptures

OPINION

By any standard, a barbaric act The decision to allow an animal to be killed despite strong protests, has resulted in global anger and disgust and knew nothing about the matter.

Lr has just been annotmced on febrnary 13 that an individual who .lured a baby great white shark into his boat and then beat it ro death with a metal pole bas been fined over $18,000 in New South Wales.

The barbaric and senseless deed of ustifiable outrage. has followed the. killing i\ifarius must nor go nninvestigated. public killing of a healthy and peaceful It seems to be based on the so-called baby giraffe. by zoo staff in Denmark. 'science of eugenics' expounded by Francis Done. in front of large. groups of supporters Galton, incidentally a cousin of Charles of the. baby giraffe named Marius, the Darwin. The idea of eugenics became audience included numerous tbe justification of racism children. A member of the. ju st prior to World War ll. zoo staff shot the. ani.Lnal Groups of Jewish people and with a rifle and its tender gypsies considered intellectually flesh was thrown to lions Before the public inferior or as carrying physically and other carnivores. The act 'euthanasia' of the undesirable. traits were made smacks of be.ing done in a to suffer under the l azis unfortunate animal, hurry as worldwide protests and laws were enacted in a petition by 27,000 several countries, including as well as offers to take away people to save the the animal, were beginning S()me states in the USA, to harmless animal was to gain momennun. Social prohibit or restrict marriage ignored media has been saturated with such groups known as with condemnation, both 'miscegenation', a concept before and after this which found its way to the aparcheid era of South Africa. senseless deed.

This barbaric act soured Charles Darwin's ideas are many pet lovers. The action was justified quite the opposite to those of eugenics, however much the eugenics camp cries to

by Lesley Dickie, the Executive Director of the European Association of Zoos and say otherwise. ln Darwin's The Descent of Aquaria, on the grounds of limited space. lvl,m, he wrote.: "With savages, the weak in body or mind are soon eliminated; and The Copenhagen Zoo says it was preventing in-breeding. Was it? We have hopefully not those that survive commonly exhibit a heard the end of the story. vigorous state of health. We civilised There are rumours that zoo staf~ men ... build asylums for the imbecile., the including Bengt Holst, Director of Research maimed, and the sick. .. our medical men and Conservation, have received warnings exert their utmost skill ro save the li.fe and even death threats. What else could one of every one ... The aid which we. fee.I expect? Before the public 'euthanasia' of impelled to give to the helpless is mainly the unfortunate animal, a petition by 27,000 [a] result of... sympathy". people to save che harmless animal was Darwin knew the value of human. ignored. After the outrageous act, another sympathy. He had personaJly suffered when pe.ti rion signed by 16,000 people have called looking after his own children's maladies. for Bengr Holst ro be sacked.

The. Narional Disability Scheme, enacted There had been offers co house the in 2013 in Australia m ight have gained animal such as. by Yorkshire \'(iiJdlife approval under true Darwinian principles, but it ,vould not pass the Park which has state-of-the. arc facilities for giraffes, but scrutiny of the followers of they received no response eugenics. which raises the suspicion Some of the introduced fauna that the. Cope.a.hagen Zoo was in Australia have gone 'feral', determined to publicly kill the Some of the which is an emotionally loaded animal. If that is the case, were introduced fauna in word used to m;ilign animals d1ey crying to prove that they Australia have gone who have moved into the bush alone have the right 'feral; which is an and become naturalised. Animals to determine which animal Ausu·ali;i writes: "The word emotionally loaded 'feral' is incorrectly used .. . [it] lives or dies? word used to malig n accurately refers to native as weU Fairfax Media reveals that animals who have some sixty-five animals were as non-native animals. However, moved into the it also has overtones of 'savage' put down in Sydney's Taronga bush and become and 'brutal'. 'Pest', 'noxiou s' and Zoo last year. TF1ere was no naturalised 'vermin' are similarly emotionally p ublic fanfare or provocative announcements. loaded words which have no In Australia we are taught by place in a sound and scientific our educarion system to be kind d iscussion of these issues". to animals. Those who ill-treat The emotional use of words animals have been taken to courts with regard to introduced species is found and petpetracors of in fl.icting cruelty in the paper The Gret1t Feral Ct1! Con Joh: The have even been jailed. In one well-reported Ungentle Ait Of Srt1pegoating t111d Scarev1011ge1ivg case, a former Premier of NSW eville

by Frankie Seymour. The paper debunks \\7ran, was taken to court because stray myths li ke "Rabbits may have caused donkeys had wandered into a property extinctions in arid Australia". Public acts owned by him. Those donkeys were in an of barbarism such as that meted out to d1e innocent Marius, muse not be allowed emaciated condition, and Wran pointed out that he did not visit the property to be repeated.

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At the time this went to print, Council and the community have been waiting patiently as the Federal Government considers plans to approve a second Sydney airport at Badgerys Creek. One way or the other, we would all like a final decision to end 30 years of uncertainty for our region. An airport development has the potential to generate a huge economic boost and up to 20,000 jobs for Liverpool alone.

Council is commined to working with all levels ofgovernmentand will establish a multi-agencytaskforce to ensure Liverpool h as a strong voice atthe table and that community concerns are heard and any local impacts are addressed should an airport be confirmed.

Last month I joined the Hon. Jillian Skinner MP, Minister for Health and Minister for Medical Research to launch Donatelife Week at Cecil Hills. Atthe launch, I also officially named the lake in Dunumbral Park, Doujon Lake which acknowledges the memory of local organ donor, Doujon Zammit. Doujon's organ donation saved the life of four people. If you're thinking about organ donation, I encourage you to visit www.donatelife.gov.a u Ned Manno un Liverpool Ciry Mayor

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~EBRUARY (2) 2014 31

VOLUNTEERING

China dream comes true An Indian-Australian teacher spends a year volunteering at a Chinese university

cursory look at an indiscreet ad in the daily ne\vspaper one lazy afternoon, took an Adelaide woman away from her horne to China where she did voluntary work for a year. ·'Ar an age when many are probably thinking about recirement, I ·was looking for a dream job char would give me personal and professional satisfaction," Rajni Madan, an Adelaide-based teacher, says. "\Xlich my China sojourn organised by rhe AustraliJm Volunreers International (AVI), I was able to do just that".

Placed as an ESL reacher for Life-Science students at North\'v'e st University for r ationa.lities in Lanzhou, capital of Gansu province adjoining Tibet, Rajni claims she has had an an1azi11g year.

"I've always had an inherem pull rowards China and wamed ro visit," Rajni reveals. "So to go there, and for a year, doing what I love best, was a dream come true".

A keen craveller and one who is always looking for new challenges, she was on the lookout for projects char would suit her quali..6cations and skills, when she chanced upon two returned AVI volrn1reers from Fiji and lndonesia speaking about their experiences.

Her mind was made up.

Not long after, she found herself in a classroom in China, smrounded by students eager to learn.

"Ir was a ple,'lsure reaching in Lanzhou," Rajni tells Tndian Lit1k. "The students are hardworking and po lite and very respectful of their teachers. All the other volunteers thought so roo: many felt that they had never experienced such respect in their careers! The students had only one objective - ro learn. Since there were no behaviour prob.lems to deal with, all my focus was o n my goal, that is, to reach. I felt I had made an impact on a number of sn1dents who initially thought English was too difficult a language to learn, but became enthusiastic learners during the course. At times my class had 168 students, the largest I have ever handled. Some students are still iu couch".

Rajni Madan is a multi- faceted

Cl'1tnbing th Wal/ e

A

32 !=EBRUARV (2) 2014

With students in traditional dress

personality in the rrne sense of the word. Arriving in Auscralia in 1993, armed wid1 a Bachelor of Education and Masters in Life Sciences degrees, she went on to obta.i.n a PhD in Biology.

Finding opportunities limited in that field, she used her B.Ed to rake up relief teaching at schools and, at die same time, r un a small business besides managing a family of three school children and a husband whose job often took him tO the bush.

Today she is all for organsations like the AVl. that help people realise their dream o f working ro make a difference in the lives of people. But it ,vas no wall, in rhe park, she soon found om.

Interview after imen7iew assessed

not only her skills but also her capacity ro survive in a foreign land and level of family support, besides medical and psychological evaluations. Ir took more than six months to get that final nod. ''\X'hen I landed in China, l was received by an AVI support officer and a university staff member. I felt l was wid1 friends".

F-1.er accommodation, however, was a bit daunting, bur she claims all the concerns disappeared when she opened her fourth floor windows out to a beautiful hillside view.

"The university paid me local wages, and though this was not comparable to my Aussie wages, it was enough ro live comfortably.

Volumeer colleagues stayed in d1e

same building as me and before I knew ir, I was o n my way ro becoming a 'Foreign Expert', a tenninology used to describe us all".

Outside the classroom, the students became friends and local guides.

"They informed us regularly on issues such as when die power or water supply would be cue, since such instructions were always in Chinese. The encire city had an efficient heating sysrem ,vith oil heaters for the biting cold weather.

Some students accompanied us ro die market helping us translating to d1e stall holders and even bargaining. ln:vitatioos to dinner at their homes were numerous, in line with Oriental hospitality".

China i tself was a revelation.

"Al though the population is larger d1an that of India, 1 never saw crowded streets o r rail stations because of its large land mass.

Generally the streets are clean and safe ro walk at any time of the day. I t:tied to learn Chinese too, in weekly lessons. I cried my Chinese on some students with Jim ired success. Writing d1e Chinese script however, proved to be a kind of meditation. And when my family visited, we saw the sights, such as the Great Wall".

How did she cope with food?

"Food was a major fear, yes.

Being a vegetarian how would I cope in a land where they say, anything that creeps or crawls is eaten. Bur that fear was soon overcome: the markets were foll of fresh produce, vegetables, fruits and varieties of bread. It was a delight for a home cook like me. T-lowe\ er there ·were problems when 1 wen t out with colleagues or to students' homes. They had no concept of how anyone could live without eating meat. . . bas Buddhism failed in this regard, one is rempred to think".

And finall)7, any regrets?

"Probably that I ended up teaching ESL rather than life sciences!" Rajni laughs. "But overall, it was an amazing experience. l will avidly support anyone d1inking of taking this plunge!".

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FEBRUARY (2) 2014 33

INDIADIARY

We'll miss the Maruti 800 Discontinuing manufacture of the car of the people will leave behind many memories, and a tinge ofsadness

·-:

.;.

'Papfl, 111ere koMamti khoreed do no'. 'fro beti, kol chfllenge'.

This conversation won't be bappening anymore, as Maruti Suzuki has taken the decision to stop producing the original, muchloved Maruti 800. It was cheap, affo rdable, the young loved it and the old felt in control driving it. lf it broke down, it was light enougb to push along, and almost any worksbop in rhe country could repair iL It was miserly with petrol and was known to carry a whole baraot, well almost!

'So J1Jhat is cot11111011 het1J1em a 1Waruti {l!I(/ fl hae111on1Joirlproblem?'

'Everyone gets it soo11er or late,'.

Tbe reality is that almost everyone did have a 1-farnci, and along the residential streets of Delhi it seemed as if rbeir numbers grew overnight, like mushrooms in the dark. The Maruti seemed to be a part of the family and eaougb jokes were told

34 l=EBRUARV (2) 2014

about it to fill vol L1mes.

But it was nor always such lightbearted fun. Going back in history we might recall the dour days of the stagnantlndian economy, infl uenced by the Soviet style 5-year plans when the only cars on the streets were the Fiat 1100 and the Hindustan Ambassador from Italy and England, respectively. These models, already th.rown onto the scrap heaps in their countries of origin, were introduced into India in the l 950s and 60s and for decades, were the only vehicles co be seen chugging around tbe streets. Surely, this discouraging state of affairs could not continue forever.

The public was disenchanted.

The cars available were expensive, one had to join a waiting list when placing an order, and then accept whatever colour of car chat was offered. New cars were already out-dated, did noc have pleasing designs, had little cllaracter and were basic in tl1e extreme. The public was being taken for a ride! Then along came the swashbuckling Sanjay Gandhi, son of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. This young ma.n

had taken to tinkering with motor vehicles in his younger days and co consolidate bis learning, he served an apprenticeship with Rolls Royce in E ngland. He came back to lndja with a vision of producing an indigenously made car from scratch that woL11d be affordable for the masses. The favourite son was soon given a licence to produce an automobile.

The name 'Maruti' was chosen and Gandhi set about making the automobile he had visualised.

Regrettably, his efforts came to naught as he underestimated the complexity involved in producing a road-wor thy machine.

In Mrs Gandhi's second term as PM she resurrected her son's idea which clearly had a lot going for it, and set about rnaking it a reality, in earnest. The rest is history!

1n 2012, the 10 millionth Maruti was sold. Of the series, abouc2.8 million Maturi 800s were sold in all, and this car has been exported co many cOLmtries. Even the Kathmandu ta.xi Aeet is almost entirely made up of these cars.

The introduction of the Maru ri 800 was more than just another car from which to choose. It

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was a breath of fresh air. The country was being released from tbe shackles of cbe Fiat and Ambassador. There was now a choice, a more modern, u p-todace design and engine. \'\Then a country is used to carrying a family of four o n a scooter, the tiny 5-door hatchback felt more like a limousine. Ar a price of around two-thirds of that of a Fiat, the demand for chis car simply skyrocketed!

After using it for a few years, my aunr wanted ro sell her Maruti 800. "You can't do that, we'll have it", said ber children. So the 800 wen t down the line from parents ro children and o nto friends. Like a per, one just doesn't hmTe the heart to gee rid of it.

But the time has come! Maruti Suzuki announced that they are discontinuing production of their original Maruti 800. Maybe chis should be a time of sadness in India. Now with a choice of almost I 00 cars, the 800 bas bad its rime and goes om quietly.

Bue surely it will be the one remembered, when many ocher models have faded from memory.

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CRICKET

• An open letter to cricket great Mahendra Singh Dhoni begs him and the team to try just a little harder

,r ·

~

~ BY SANAM SHARMA

&,c

SDhoni,Ihad co write this letter to you, mate. For my own sanity. And perhaps also for the sanity of a few million others. We are those who cheer for you and the team of men you lead. Cheer you relentlessly, at home and overseas alike.

We are the most optimistic race on the planet. Un.fl.inching optimism, mostly, in the face of extreme sporting adversity usually inflicted by your men upon themselves. And in turn on us.

D o not get me wrong. \'(/e stand by you. Always have, always will.

Your success, although sporadic and often inconsistent, makes us proud. We wake up at odd hours to watch you guys play.

Tin1e zones do not maner much to us. They just ensure we set the correct alarms on our clocks.

If we can get a chance to get

M

36 l=EBRUARV (2) 2014

down to tl1e ground, we do so in all out splendour, co.lour, and Hamboyance.

A bad day at tl1e office is expected and widely acceptable.

However, don't you think a bad tour, after a bad tour, after a bad tour (especially on foreign shores) is a tad bit frustrating?

And annoying. And as it would seem watching from far away, the inability to learn from previous mismkes, may enhance the grievance that us lnruan cricket fans harbor.

You are not individually responsible for the misery the Indian fans und ergo while watching your team dish out substandard performances (again, more frequently on overseas tours). However, you are the skipper and hence, the obvious "go to" man. Even for the fans. ow, witl1 my personal rant out of the way, here's what I wouJd like you to address, please.

First and foremost, scout some feisty balling talent. I beg you.

And .L mean, the Johnson, Steyn, Morke~ Harris, Siddle, Akram and Younis equivalents. Io skill, f:itoess, and temperao1eot. Fast, brutally fast, bullish, and in your

face. Pro nto. Tt's 11ot your role to select players, you may protest.

If you know some in domestic Indian circles, or the IPL, push the BCCI to cut the red rape for such selections. Speed them tl1rough the ranks.

Go on a dhama (protest) for this cause, if you have co. The current Delhi CM may lend support coo (not for tl1e cause itself, but in organising a suitable venue, a mob, and utilities needed for the protest).

I will, and l know that scores oiliers roo, will come our witl1 you for chis cause. And for once, ir will not be an trnconstinitional protest. Let's make fast bowling in the Indian cricket team ranks a 140 kms plus proposition. Consistently. And of course, with precision and accuracy.

Secondly, grab all those batsmen in your top o rder who look and bebave like ''Bollywood" folk most of tl,e time. Steroiy instruct them tl1at they will score more by Hi.rting with Bo.llywood ladies (in their spare time), and nor with balls outside the off stump (yourself included). I have n ever held a bat in a competitive cricket game of any creclibility, and even T get tlnt d elive_ries o utside off in rest

matches have to be left alone, most of the times. This obsession has for a long time brought tbe downfall o f Indian batters. So isn't it high time tl1e top order learnt their lesson? And applied it to their batting performances? Didn't it work recently fo a test match in South Africa when they dug in and held gro1md? Gave us a chance co win a rare overseas test match. Well, almost. U ntil our "fast" bowlers let it drift away, yet again.

You and your team have sufficient technical advice at your disposal. Perhaps more than you lot may require or seek at times, you may argue.

Coaches, consulrams, media con1menrators, and menrors of all sorts pour out unending technical wisdom and opinion towards e.n.bancing (or sometimes critiquing) your performances.

However, at the very core of it is a human element of grit, determination, and purring up a light. The basic iliread of any sporting encounter. And this is where me perspective of a fan must matter and must be conveyed to you.

We seek a iig bt. An earnest

effort. Not an occasional one, but, every single time. We yearn for sustained aggression from tl1e playing eleven. Io all departments of the gan1e.

We want to stand up and scream our our lw1gs from tl1e stands when such aggression brings victories. And men if a victory is denied, we will still smod and applaud because your men v.rent down trying. To meir very last breath.

Lastly, I am aware that tl1is letter may never reach you. lt is insignifican t in me larger scheme of tl:ungs that matter for the Indian cricket team, or indeed, its captain. Yet, in life, if you feel strongly about something and you have a message, t hen l firmly believe it's wonh mking a leap of faith, putting a message like tl1is in a bottle and throwing it our into tl1e ocean. \Vho knows one day it may catcl1 a favourable wave on the social media and reach you.

If it does, do give it a thought.

A good long thought.

Un ril then, we will all get back to w hat we do best.

Support the Indian cricket team.

www.indianlink.com.au

ij

CRICKET

• Cricket fans attending the ICC Cricket World Cup will be granted entry into Oz and NZ with just one visa ricket fans will only need one visa for entry into Australia and New Zealand when attending the ICC Cricket World Cup in 20 LS. This is welcome news for crici{et fans, as well as the Australian and New Zealand tourism industries.

"This announcement means cricket fans will o nly have ro secure a single visa ro be able to see games on bmh sides of the Tasman," Tourism & Transport Forum Australia (TTF) Chief Execurive Ken Morrison said.

"It will make the process simpler and cheap er, encouraging more visitors to travel to both Australia and I ew Zealand, benefitting the tourism sectors in both countries.

We congratulate Austtalian Prime :tvI.inister Tony Abbott and New Zealand Prime :Minister John Key on this commonsense decision.

The timing is perfect, too, with tickets to go on sale from ne."\t \Veek".

C

TIF and Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) are pleased that their campaign for the single visa was successful, as fans will save time and money.

"Visitors from countries like Lidia and Pakistan will only have to apply and pay for one visa instead of rwo," said TIA Policy and Research Manager, Simon Wallace.

Wal.lace also commends the "Australia and New Zealand governments on their foresight in appreciating the mutual benefits this decision will bring. We alread)T have a close relationship with New Zealand and reducing the barriers to travel between our two countries would serve to further d eepen those bonds". This is also important for next year, which is the centenary o f tbe ANZAC landings at Gallipoli. "We believe an agreement to further streamline trans-Tasman travel would be an ideal way to commemorate that important anniversary," furthers Wal.lace.

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TRAVEL

sco~ The mystery and oppressiveness of the Soviet rule has disintegrated to reveal a friendly and modern city

s I was about to enter the historic Red Square in Moscow with hundreds of others, I saw Stalin - not exactly, but an impersonaror who appears to me almost like the Soviet dictator as seen in photographs. Dressed in a milir.ary uniform embellished with red straps, the man with a perfect moustache, back-brushed hair and carrying a smoking pipe, waved at the crowd. While 1 captured h im on camera, a few young Russians standing aroLtnd giggled but an eldedy lady came forward and asked me in poor English, why am I taking pictures of a killer?

This small incident imrnediarely made me a\vare of rwo messages - that today's generation doesn't care about the past, but the older ones can't forget Stalin's atrocious rule from 1924 till his death in 1953, when over a million people were executed and 1S million more were sent co rem ote camps where death came from hard labour and starvation.

However what struck me as most amazing is the people's freedom of speech, which was very restricted in the past. Locals were happy and keen to talk about anything from the revolution and policies, to literature and food, though language is still a big barrier. However, in almost every conversation, a fondness for India came through as they referred to names such Nehru, Raj Kapoor and Mithun Chakravartil The Red Land has profoundly changed since the dissolution of the former Soviet Union in 1991, and its effects can be explicitly seen in the capital Moscow, which appears no different in character and lifestyle to any other Westerninfluenced metropolis. With the traditional red flag replaced by a blue, red and white one, the emerging wealthy elite called 'New Russians' have vastly improved the standard of Moscow living, making it one of the most expensive cities in the world. Our omniscient tour manager Anna from Insight Vacations informs us that after Perestrnika, car ownership quadrupled in the city and today the streets are clogged

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40 FEBRUARY (2) 2014

with vehicles, many of which are the top brands of the industry like Mercedes, B:MW and Lexus. The city is now peppered with flashy restaurants, cafes, discos and nightclubs where vodka flows like water, and glittering shops that sell nothing but high fashion from famous design ers.

The cit)' was heavily dented by severe bombing during World War II; however in 1997, much of Moscow was renovated back to its o.ciginal past grandeur, as a part of its 950'1' anniversary program.

This included rebuilding several churches which were destroyed d uring the Soviet e:ra. Religion, which was practiced underground during the Soviet era, has regained its prominence with churches again being used for weddings, baptisms and other religious ceremonies.

From her 12'1, century origins as a murky defensive outpost, Moscow at it zenith governed almost one sbah of the planet's surface and present;; a story of rising and falling, laced with glory and setbacks. Having endured imperialism, wars, revolution s, communism and drastic social changes, tl1e metropolis today is a Lmique blend of the past and present that captivates and charms. Visitors are often surp.cised by the wealth and variety of its architectural marvels - forts, palaces, cathedrals, monuments - spread throughout the city, and the magnitude of art housed in its several museums.

I read in a guidebook that there are over 100 p laces of interest in Moscow. But while exploring the city, there are countless and it is impossible to savour, even the main ones, in a single visit. Sol ventured to view the icons which are regarded as almost mandatory - Red Sq uare and the Kremlin.

Derived from the Russian word Kramry meaning 'red and beautiful', the 500111 long paved square started as a marketplace and becan1e a familiar location since tl1e Soviet era, when it was used as the \7 enue for government addresses and military parades.

Adding Aavour to its name, red-coloured buildings like the Hisrorical M useum and tbe Resurrection Gates Aank tbe square. However, the highlights of this domain are tl1e 16'1, century built Sr Basil Catl1edral wi th its twisted onion domes, Lenin's Mausoleum where the former leader's body is preserved

and the GUM departmental store that is celebrated as one of the world's largest shopping arenas.

Also unique is the .Kremlin which has remai ned a symbol o f power of the State since it was built in the 12'" cenmry as a wooden foru:ess (kre711/ in Russian, m eaning 'fortress'), at the conAuence o f two rivers .M oskva and Negliru1ya.

The Kremlin is also the confluence of several periods of Russian history. I t began its humble jo urney when built to keep the Mon gul invaders away; next, ir became the citadel of the T sars; even later, it was the head quarters of powerful Soviet Union; and it now exists as die administrative seat of die Russian Federation and the residence of President Vladimir Putin. Relics from me past are visib le at every corner. The expansive complex, with jus t half open to public

NATIONAL EDITION

viewing, houses several p alaces and cathedrals, an ensemble mat depicts stately g randness.

I visited the famous Cathedral of Annunciation and Cathedral o f Assump tion, two of d1e most important churches in Russia, wand ered inside the Great K remlin Palace, browsed through the royal artifacts in the State Armoury Museum, and watched an evening balJet performance at the State Kremlin Palace, a nice alternative venue to the prestigious Bolshevik Theatre where tickets are extraorclinatily expensive and have to be booked monrhs in advance.

Following a path along the red brick walls that surround d1e Kremlin, I witnessed the Change o f Guards ceremony at noon, and walked past graves of many Soviets including the ruthless Stalin and astronam Yuti Gagarin,

the first man to orbit space.

Ta..'i:..is are expensive in Moscow, but transportation by the metro railway is cheap and very rewarding for arr lovers, as rhe concourse and platforms of some underground statio ns resemble miniature museum s, with mosaic art\vork o n walls and ceilings, sculpmres ornamen ting spaces, and grand chandeliers il.luminati.ng

the works on display.

As the former Soviet Union was always circled by a sense of mystery, I en tered Moscow with an eerie feeling which soon vanished as I was engulfed in a friendly environment, offering me ch e space and time co enjoy mis historic city in safety and com fort. l'v[y trip co the Red Land ended on a happy no te.

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VISA Australian passport holders wi II requirea visa to enter Russia. Checkwww.australia.mid.ru/ b r details.

l=EBRUARV (2) 2014 41

HONDA. The Power of D reams

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Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Finance offer only available at participating Honda dealers while stocks last for Jazz, City, 13YM Accord VTi and 12YM/13YM Odyssey with nil deposit, and a maximum term of 36 months, ordered and finance approved by 31 March 2014. • Subject to credit assessment criteria. Finance provided by Macquarie Leasing Pry Limited ABN 38 002 674 982 (Australian Credit Licence No. 394925) trading as Honda Financial Services to approved applicants only (not available to fleet, government or rental buyers!, subject to its credit assessment criteria. Fees and charges are applicable. Full conditions available on application.

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BEAUTY

Maintaining the right kind of healthy diet can work wonders for your skin, from within More veggies please Yes, you would have heard chis before, b Llt it's tme - die more vegetables you ear, die better it is for your skin. While the starchy mbers must be had in moderation, every o d1ei: vegetable is good for you. Carrots, beans, mrnips, spinach, fenugreek, pnmpk.in, cabbage, gourds, among ochers, aU help iu nourishing yonr skin with die vitamins and minerals they coma.i n. Of course, try not earing too many of them in a fried state, as the excess oil wi.l.l cause breakours on yonr face.

W

:~.: i~::1d everything w ith scant regard for the damage the food we eat cm~lcl do to our skin from within. So while you slap o n moismriser and have yom regula r facials, it is impo rtanr to eat right so thar you look younger for longer.

I remember seeing a photograph on Facebook of Nigella Lawson and another lady who had eliminared all dairy products from her diet. While Nigella looked, well, her usual gorgeous self, the other lady looked like she was in her 60s, despite the copy below staring thar they were of the same age!

So unless you are a diehard vegan or, like this lady, have removed all dairy products from yom diet, it is best to ear the right kinds of far and eliminate foods tliat are high in sugar.

Healthy fats There is much to be said in favour o f eating healthy fat as it is viral to our skin's youtl1fu.l app1,arance. '11 moderation, butter and g hee are also good for you, as m onounsaturnted fats are whar prevent your skin from premarure wrink.ling. Olive oil, nuts and avocados are good sources of

NATIONAL EDITION

Protein protection Proteins are vital for retaining the skin's hea.lthy cone. They are important for every function o f our body as building blocks.

Beans, chicken, cereals and dais are healdiy sources of protein.

Make it spicy monmmsaturated fats. ln fact, you can mash a ripe avocado and apply it to yonr face for 15 m inutes, it is a namral moisturiser and its oils acts as emollients for rhe skin. So next ti.m e you are tempted to have a pastry, maybe you should give in to yonr temptation.

Eat salmon and other fish that are rich in omega 3 which also help retain younger looking skin.

For vegetarians, Aax seed is a good source o f omega 3.

Sugar facts \\Th ile sugar in excess is bad for all of us, ir also hastens the

ageing process, the main reason b eing collagen fibres can lose their elasticity if your body has too much sugar. This is a process known as glycation, w hich occurs due to prolo nged exposure to sugar and glucose. Instead o f regular sugar, use honey as a sweetener, bur artificial sweereners are a strict no-n o. Eat mo re fruit that are not coo sugar heavy.

Oranges, kiwifruit and dark ber ries are rich iu au tioxidants.

You can even apply fruit to your face - an overripe banana or papaya make excellent face packs.

There is much co be said abour the benefits of spices in improving the quality of our skin. T he curcumin in turmeric is a potent an tioxidant, while garlic, rosemary and cinnamon, among o d1ers, are all good aids to hea.lchy skin. They coma.in substances ,vhich work as detox agen ts and in some cases, help in weight reduction too.

Turmeric can even be mixed with cream and applied on the face for removing a tan and rno ismrising die skin.

Minimal carbs The whole multigrain, whole grain trend has everyone believing that grains are good for you,

''

In moderation, butter and ghee are also good for you, as monounsaturated fats are what prevent your skin from premature wrinkling

''

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The curcumin in turmeric is a potent antioxidant, while garlic, rosemary and cinnamon, among others, are all good aids to healthy skin

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bur eventually, the search and carbohydrate in grains gee converted to sugar and make the skin age faster. So while you have to eat bread, rotis, pasta and rice, make sure you eat them in moderation and concentrate more on salads and fresh vegetables.

l=EBRUARY (2) 2014 43

FOOD

Renowned chefs from 'God's own country' serve up modern variants of age-old traditions

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~:~:i~n;e~ 1:ore and more popular, non-1\,fallus are learning chat there is more to it than merely id/is and rlosas. And fish moi/ee and :tvfalabai prawn curq.

If you 're a foodie or if you've travelled to the state that's called 'God 's own corn1try', you've probably heard of Kerala's appams and p11tt11.r, pathiris and tfpperis, and stews and bi1yanis. And you're aware that over and above that ever-present coconut (in the form of o.il, or milk, or graced vegetable, or garnish, or some or all of these together!), the other essentials in this cuisin e are curry leaves, mustard seeds, tamarind and asafoetida. O h, and you can boast to your friends chat tbe clistinct sourness in dishes from Kerala comes from k11rlam!J11li, not kok11111which is really Konkani/ Marathi - surely you knew that!

Not content with having 'educated' the rest o f Inclia abput their real cuisine, some of the state's most renowned chefs are

now sprucing up their centuriesold traditions, presenting an a.tray of dishes to international tourists descencling on their s tate in droves. Elangovan Shanmugam of Kovalam and Michael Saju of Kocb.i for instance, bave experim ented successfuJly with variations of the traditional, co make their cuisine so much more internatio nal.

Elangovan's particulai passion is to apply elements of European cuisine, in which he trained, co everyday Kera.la□ fare. While Ela□govao does it in bis cooking technique, Michael Sa.ju does it with great Aa.ir in his style of presenration.

Elangovan has been a Taj chef for over ten years, having served in the iconic hotel chain's many properties not only in India, but also in Malaysia. Currently he is at Vivanta by Taj at the lmrurious Kovalam Resort. The resort's swanky restaurant 'Bait', known as the state's best seafood restaurant, serves up some of Elangovan's many novelties, such as fish firebaked on slabs of wood.

"Yes, slabs of wood ," Elangovan tells Indian Link.

"Mango wood, to be precise! A gentle mango Aavour infuses into the fish as ic cooks. You serve it smoking hot, on the slab. The a.im .is co introduce a fa.int mango

aroma as you present it before d1e guest. Not too overpowering, bur just a whiff of it". l t makes for picturesque presentation, d1e smoky wood and hint of mango bringing in an exotic and earthy appeal. (fn much the s,1me sryle, another Kera.la chef Nibu James of the eco-resort Greenwoods in The kaddy, prepares a var iation of the famed Parsi d.ish Patrani 111achchi, iu which fish is barbecued in banana leaves. Living and working in the d istrict which is called Kera.la's 'spice basket', c ibu replaces the banana lea f with the long leaves of the cardamom bush. The aroma is unmistakable).

Elangovan also likes to cook and serve - meat on s tone slabs.

"A thick stone slab is heated to 600 degrees some three hours in advance," be explains. " Tbe marinated meat is first sealed on a pan and then placed on the slab inside the oven. It is served on the stone slab, but of course the guests are warned that the slab is piping bot!"

The slab meals are served with potatoes a.ad vegetables in continental style.

Elangovan's other innovations a t Taj Kovalam include some magnificent breakfasts. Passionate about changing food habits in India given the increase in

diabetes, he bas deve loped an en tire range of low Gl breakfast foods. Along with your traditional Indian and western fare, you can try bis low GI lndian: wholewheat 11pma, cornmeal 11pma, mgi dostJ, red rice rlosa, green l!l0011g dosa, barley pongaL l ow; how healthy is that!

Meanwhile at Kochi, Michael Saju of Holiday Inn fame is creating b.is own modernisms.

Stationed in lndore in India's north early in bis career, not only did this Malayalee learn to speak Hindi, he also began to play with north-south fusion in cuisine.

Southern- flavoured chicken, cooked in the f.tmdoor, why not?I "I loved it!" i\liichael tells 1nditm Ll11k. "I worked and reworked it to perfection, and then began to experiment with international fusion. Chicken with olives, cooked in the tandooil Potato s11hzi with peanut butter. Hot and cold combinations. The possibilities were endless!"

Soon be was trying fusion in desserts: paa11-Aavoured desserts such as paa;1 paonacotta, andg11/ab ja/mousse.

Some of his creations are now regulars at his Holiday lnn brunch buffet, so popular with Kochi locals that it is alm ost becoming an i.nstimtion.

T bese culinary masterpieces

are all immaculately presented.

"Presentation is vital to my dishes", l\.fichael reveals. "I want you to fall in love wid1 the food before you eat it!"

Plating up bas never bee□ big .in Inclian cuisine, largely because diners sen'"e themselves, and also because pre-plated food is seen as an 'in sult'. But it is catching on, as our lifestyles change gradually to reAect a growing internationalisation. Adopting techniques of presentation gleaned from h.is wester□ training, ntiichael firmly believes tl1ac food ought to be a feast for t!1e eyes just as much for the mouth and nose.

His signature d.ish (fried fish wid1 potatoes and green mango sauce), the recipe of wb.ich is presented here, is distinctly Kerala.n in Aavour, but is presented in contemporary style, bu.ilt up on the place architecturally in tl1e 'vertical' fashion tl1ac is in vogue these days.

Michael is a figure ha.id co miss at Holiday Inn. As he bustles around in b.is busy restaura□c at this new five-star hotel, be won't hesitate to scop and chat if you call out to b.im with a question about the food.

"Can't you tell by looking at me tl1at I love food?" he says wid1 a sm.ile.

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•• •• • Elangovan ••• Shanmugam's Wood Fire-Baked Fish •• 300 gms red snapper filler IO gms red chilli powder •• Salt to tasre

2 gms g inger and garlic paste I gm turmeric powder IOgms tamarind puJp or juice of o ne lime S rnl coconut oil I slab mango wood

:Mix together red chilli powder, ginger and garlic paste, turmeric powder and tamarind pulp or lime juice. Add iu grated on.ion and coconm oil ro make marinade for the fish .

Keep fish maiioated iu th.is for about l S minutes.

G riU the fish briefly on a bot skillet, bod1 sides.

Place the fish on the mango wood slab then bake in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes.

Serve smoking hot, garnished with a sprig of curry leaves.

For accompaniments, cry roast baby potatoes and char-grilled vegetables.

• I small onion, grated • •• 1 sprig curty leaf •• • • ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 44 FEBRUARY (2) 2014

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•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• • • • powder into a fine paste. .30 gms gatlic (peeled and •• •• Marinate fish in this for half sliced) an hour. Cook on a hot barbecue 10 gms ginger (peeled and • • or skillet till skin is crispy. chopped) • • • • 100 grns shaUots • • (peeled and sliced) .Forpotatoes • • 20 gms mustard seeds 10 gms green chilli •• • (slit whole) 30 ml coconut oil •• 30 gms garlic (peeled and 20 gms curry leaves •• • sliced) 15 gms mrmeric powder •• 15 gms fresh coriander 10 gms ginger (peeled and ••• chopped) Sall to taste •• 50 gms coconut milk 100 gms shallots •• (peeled and sliced) • • Hear coconut oil in a pan and •• 10 gms green chilli • (slit whole) add curry leaves and mustard • • 20 gms curry leaves seeds. \Xlhen seeds pop, add in • • sliced onions and scir briefly.

15 gms turmeric powder • Michael Saju's Fried • 15 gms fresh coriander Then add ginger, garlic •• Fish with Masala • Salt to taste and green chilli, and turmeric • • Potatoes and Green 20 gms clarified butter • powder and salt. Stir ro • Mango Sauce •• combine and then introduce •• green mango and fresb Peel boiled poracoes and mash • with hand. Heat oil. in a pan and coriander. Cook for some • Forjish • • 600 gms fish fillets (red snapper add curry leaves, mustard seeds, time, rhen add coconut milk. • •• or any firm Aeshed white fish, sliced onions, mrmeric powder Al.low to thicken.

•• on) and salt. Scir till onions start to •• skin •• 30 gms Kashrni.r.i red chilli lose colour but are still crunchy, To serve a few minutes only. Add potat0es A.rtange the potatoes on plate •• 2powder •• and mix well. Add clarified butter in a neat circular mound. Place eggs • • curry leaves, chopped and fresh coriander. fish on cop, one or two fillets • 510gms • rice flour depending on size. Drizzle •• 5 gmsvinegar •• mango sauce over. P lace some Forgreen 1110ngo sauce 50 gms green mango vegetable batons oo top as Salt to taste • • Oil (peeled and grated) garnish if desired, and some • • for frying •• Nlix 1:ice Aour, eggs, curry tender greens or coriander. Use • 20 gms mustard seeds •• some sauce m decorate plate.

• leaves, vinegar, salt and red chilli 30 ml coconm oil •• •• • • • • •• • • • • • •• •• • •• •• • • ml

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• ••• • •• •• • ••• ••• • • •• •• • • • • •• • •• • • •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• NATIONAL EDITION

•••••••••••••••••••••••••• • • Nibu James' chicken and fish preparations • • • are cooked in cardamom leaves • • • I •• •• • • • • • I • • • • • • • •

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l=EBRUARY (2) 2014 47

MINDLESS, CLUELESS CRIME PORN J

1

GUNDAY STARRING: Ranveer Singh, Arjun Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, lrrfan Khan DIRECTOR: Ali Abbas Zafar

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eriously, this is the funniest Yashraj film in the distinguished banner's range of existence. Tragically the humour is mostly unintended....

Like the gaffes and boo-boos that litter the decked-up garbage masquerading as a pseudo-historical depiction of Bangladeshi migrants in Kolkata post the 1971 Bangladeshi war of liberation.

Two boys, Bikram and Bala, crawl across the border into Kolkata and become some kind of messianic outlaws.

Shamelessly, the film glorifies a life of crime to a level of embarrassing exultation until we see the two "heroes" (ha ha) constantly on the run from the "the law" (as represented by the insanely sane and sensible lrrfan).

But Bikram and Bala, who grow up to be two blobs of brainless brawn played

by Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor, are no ordinary criminals on the run. They run in slow-motion sometimes shirtless most-times brainless, their biceps and 6-packs glistening in hairless glory. They are the Milkha Singhs of the internet generation, meant to eulogize wanton materialism by flaunting their physicality without inhibition or reservation.

They are the greedy generation from before greed was invented.

Gunday (Gun Day? Gun De? Gande???) is the kind of subverted cinema that reduces every incident, historical or fictional, to a dramatic distress. After the fairly impressive opening that seems to be shot and edited by a different director, there's no narrative structure, only a

series of clumsily punctuated episodes meant to spotlight a kind of heightened yearning for a life freed of moral expectations and obligations.

The two leads think they are cool when in fact the script highlights their stupidity in the clumsy conflicts of interests when they fight. Chests waxed in the 1970s when wax was used only to make idols.

A major portion of the narrative is devoted to the triangular courtship with Bikram and Bala wooing Kolkata's hottest cabaret dancer (who isn't what she seems, but shhhhh!). Nandita (Priyanka Chopra) first meets her two sleazy suitors in a loo when they have their dhotis hitched up to their thighs to relieve themselves.

Yes, you heard right. That's the acme of below-the-belt humour in this downright absurd and offensive crime drama. Priyanka Chopra's character is partly seductress partly Mata Hari and wholly preposterous in trying to be many things in a script that isn't sure of what it wants to be.

Just why an actress of Priyanka's calibre should agree to be part of a film so wobbly and weird is beyond comprehension. Perhaps she really saw this film as an authentic chronicle of the wages of the Bangladesh war. There is no end to how optimistic an actress can get when she puts her heart where her mind should be and mistakes kitsch for art.

As for the two leading men it's a tossup between Ranveer Singh and Arjun Singh as to who ha ms it more to the flashy finale where they both make a desperate run for their lives: we do the same in our own far less exciting world outside the ridiculous realm that this

artificial film, lit up with fake bonhomie and bogus bravura, tries to create for our entertainment.

This is not the first time this film's director has made a royal hash of a potentially promising premise. He had messed up big-time in Mere Brother Ki Dulhan. The damage done in Gunday is far more ominous and dangerous.

It extols the illicit presence of acrossthe-borders migrants and attempts to sanction them with a kind of legitimacy, much in the same way that it glorifies the two scummy protagonists as heroes of our times... rather, their t imes.

The film unfolds in Kolkata circa 1973.

Periodicity is showily generated through a poster of the Big B's Zanjeer here and a snatch of R.D. Burma n's Keh doon tumhe ya chup rahoon from Deewaar there.

Beyond these the film doesn't make any pertinent point of periodicity.

Of course there are Priyanka's low- cut blouses ending many inches above her waist in a neat bow.

Alas, Priyanka's blouses are the only neatly tied-up component in this anarchic world of guns goons, guffaws and gaffes. lf l was a Bengali I'd be seriously offended by the loud caricatural ambience created in the name of Bangla culture.

Of course the Howrah bridge looms up on location and as studio-props every once in a while. But t he astounding amount of garish colours that Anil Mehta's cinematography is compelled to shoot just numbs the senses.

The dialogues range from the strange

to the very strange.

At one point while killing a friend-turned traitor Arjun Kapoor (making more faces in every frame than Sridevi did in her entire career) says, "Never trust a Bengali who doesn't like football''. Huh???

Gunday is a dumbed-down version ofYash Chopra's classic Deewaar where the boy from the world of poverty grew upto a life of glamorised crime. There was a strong matriarchal figure in Deewaar frowning deeply in disapproval of the anti-hero's anti-heroic antics.

In Gunday, there are no moral obstacles as Bikram and Bala whoop it up in orgiastic rituals of disorganised crime. There is only the very talented Saurabh Shukla looking embarrassed uncertain and defeated trying to tell the heroes they've lost the plot. He probably saw what the makers of this film couldn't.

Gunday wastes acting talent as though it was available at discount rates. The very talented Victor Bannerjee and Pankaj Tripathi show up in walk- on parts and are hastily packed off to focus on the two studs on steroids in the 70s slithering in slippery motions across the railway tracks stealing koy/a from the carriages. lrrfan's voiceover tries to keep the plot together. But brilliant actors have their limitations too.

SUBHASH K. JHA

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WATCI-I OUT FOR PARINEETI CI-IOPRA HASEE TOH PHASEE STARRING: Parineeti Chopra, Siddharth Malhotra, Adah Sharma DIRECTOR: Vin ii Mathew

**** ;r he is certifiably wacko, eats toothpaste, hobnobs with foreign powers, steals from her father, talks Mandarin and bluntly asks her sister's fiance to marry her.

"I promise I won't run away... Life-time guarantee,"Parineeti Chopra, as the zany fey and mad Meeta tells Siddharth Malhotra in a beautifully written and directed sequence in an empty bus.

Ab bus bhi karo! How many more commercial Indian films are going to be set in the Great Big Fat Indian Wedding?

And really, Jab We Met, Tanu Weds Manu and Mere Brother Ki Shaadi, there's nothing runaway brides can do to shock us anymore...

The good news here is, there is no runaway bride in Hasee Toh Phasee.

But don't break into a Bhangra just yet.

Because there is a runaway bridegroom.

Set during a Gujarati wedding between two souls who are not meant to be together, the fi lm at heart is not a comedy at all... unless you think a grown-up girl who is locked up for hours in a room peeing in her pants is funny... so I wonder why it was promoted as one!

Though the surface mood of the film is skittish and cheeky, this is a sombre study of dysfunctionality as seen during a time of tremendous festivity.

So here's the all-too-familiar scenario.

Nikhil (Siddharth Malhotra) is about to marry Ms Money. Luckily for Nikhil and for the audience Karishma, as played by the sweetly believable Adah Sharma, is not a rich bitch like the hero's embarrassing fiancee in this week's other release Babloo Happy Hai. She is rich. But not a bitch. Got that?

The characters in this darkly humorous tale of misfits and other adventurers steadily remain within the realm ofthe believable even when the situations

handed to them by the uneven script wobble dangerously out of control.

Nonetheless there is so much here that just warms the innermost spaces in our hearts.

The longish sequence where Nikhil takes Parineeti outside her home so she can get a glimpse of her estranged father, orthat moment when Nikhil picks her up from a dingy guest house... these are bravely written scenes.

There are many sluggish moments in the storytelling. You wish the editing was tighter, and the film's setting and festive moo~d less cliched. And you wish there wasn't so much stress on catching the characters in a constant condition of quirkiness. It's like watching decent people on pot and on the potty all the time.

But then there is Parineeti Chopra, so wonderfully articulate even as she grapples with the gibberish grammar of her character's screwed-up personality.

It's not easy to play a wacko with such steadfast empathy.

Siddharth Malhotra seems more taken with putting his best profile forward on screen. He struggles to subjugate

his innate vanity and look sincere in his space. But it's a losing battle. One doesn't see the actor identify with his character's wayward entrepreneurship and his sudden discovery of a protective warmth towards the zany girl who jumps in to his life.

Mohan Joshi as the father of the bride gives a first-rate performance. To me this is more a father-daughter drama than a loverboy-wackogirl rom-com.

No matter how you look at it, the fi lm and every rich resplendent moment in it, belongs to Parineeti Chopra.

She irons out the rough spots in the storytelling, hides the wrinkles in the jaded plot and makes her character seem far more empathetic than it would have been in a lesser actress' hands.

Yup, if the film gets your undivided attention it's because Parineeti won't let us look away.

SUBHASH K. JHA

STVLISM CAREER RELAUNCM l=OR ADMVAVAN SUMAN How can we have a modern day Devdas without the music STARRING: Adhyayan Suman, Ariana flowing in his veins?

Ayam, Deepti Naval, Om Puri The Dubai landscape is glamourised by DIRECTOR: Shekhar Suman cinematographer Derrick Fong only to the outer limit of ou really can't put a good man believability. The star son gets to down. Even when his heart breaks drive sleek sports cars and wear designer suits only because he he bounces back stronger than before. plays rich.

The film's biggest USP is its So it is believed. But watching actorturned-director Shekhar Suman's restrained narrative. Nowhere directorial debut I am not too sure. His does the director allow the vulnerable ailing protagonist Aditya inherent melodrama of the plot to (played by his son Adhyayan) goes overpower the characters.

The actors grapple successfully through a series of life-changing knifein-the-heart experiences that leave him with characters that seem to disenchanted and shattered. belong to a daytime soap opera.

Adhyayan Suman makes a confident Heartless is no ordinary coming-of-age story. It tells the powerful, if illogical story comeback in the author-backed role.

His eyes are filled with a pain that of a young heir whose urgent need for a heart transplant puts him in an incredible seems more existential than physical. medical and emotional crisis.

He brings to his borderline-ludicrous The screenplay by Nina Arora weaves the character a sense of bridled tragedy story of love and betrayal into a tenable if and a stifled desperation evident in his breathless speech and anguished body somewhat far-fetched medical condition known as anaesthetic awareness. language. He plays a life threatened with The film is subtly sleek in appearance. annihilation, stopping itself from falling The first half when the romance between apart in the nick of time.

Adhyayan's scenes with his screen the weak-hearted Addy and the girl at the hotel reception (treacherously mom Deepti Naval ring true even sweet newcomer Ariana Ayam) unfolds when they go from the real to the has a zipped-up classy quality to it. The surreal to the other worldly. Shekhar courtship is cluttered with unwanted Suman plays a kind of mentor-friend songs. And just this once, they are to Adhyayan with that jaunty gaiety excusable. that comes naturally to him.

HEARTLESS

***-._,_'r;r

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NATIONAL EDITION

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lndeec.:l if this week's other release Hasee Toh Phasee is at heart a fatherdaughter story, Heartless is a mother-son saga told with a tearful wave of the hand by a director who doesn't weigh down the narrative with excessive characters.

The plot restricts its manoeuvres to just a handful of effectively etched designercharacters, in clothes to match.

While Adhyayan's character remains on its feet, the film works effectively and cogently. Once he is horizontal on the operation table, the narrative suffers a rush of woozy incredulity requiring herculean amounts of suspension of

f

belief from the audience. Tragically the sort of going-with-the-flow that the film demands from us is not justified by the thinned-out proceedings.

But all said and done Heartless works within its ambitious realm of love, betrayal and mortality. It makes an endearing departure from routine romances about broken hearts and mended morale. Director Shekhar Suman doesn't quite manage to hold the audience's attention in that spellbinding grip which the plot suggests. But the drama never sags.

SUBHASH K. JHA

l=EBRUARY (2) 2014 4 9

Anil's all for America!

PRIYANKA'S GOING GREAT GUNS! riyanka Chopra star of Gunday earned over Rs.40 crore in its opening weekend, and is expected to do well going forward, whispers the industry buzz. Director Ali Abbas Zafar's action thriller starring Ranveer Singh, Arjun Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra has managed to draw crowds to cinema halls. The songs, the genre and the two young actors with Priyanka were all well received.

The film was made on an approximate budget of Rs.SO crore, so it's likely to break even, if not rake in a fat profit.

So how does Priyanka feel about yet another success in Bollywood? Well, in an industry dominated by the Khans and the Kapoors, the actress is proud to have made her own space without the support of any guardian angel.

"I came into the movie business with no help and no one to guide me. I take pride in the fact that I am self-made and I have become tough over the years'; said Priyanka recently.

The desi girl's first brush with showbiz came when she stormed her way to success at the Miss World pageant in 2000. A career in movies was waiting to happen, and she was noticed with the 2003 film Andaaz.

The versatile actress has essayed various roles and even pocketed a best actress National Award for Fashion. But Priyanka believes she still has a long way to go in the industry.

"There is so much more that I have to do and which I will do. As long as people watch me or want to be entertained by me, I will find ways of entertaining them as I am a performer and that is what I intend to be'; said Priyanka.

She is also one of the few new-age Indian actors to diversify and take up a career in singing. A trained singer, Priyanka has so far launched two singles titled, In my city and Exotic and hopes to strike a balance between both careers.

"I think as women, we can multi-task really well. I hope to be able to balance both my careers. Both are very important to me'; said Priyanka, who recently released a teaser of her third single in London.

But Bollywood can be a tough battleground, and the actress seems geared to combat any hurdles which may come in her way.

"This [Bollywood] was also very tough. I am not someone who came from here.

Doing anything new is hard. That [a music career] will be difficult as well. I don't know how or where it will go... all I am doing is trying'; said the 31 -year-old.

2013 proved to be a good one for Priyanka, although a blot was her father's demise. She enjoyed success with Zanjeer and Krrish 3, fans enjoyed her two item songs - Babli badmaash hai from Shootout At Wada/a and Ram cha he lee/a from Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, and she even did a voiceover in Hollywood animated film Planes.

For now, the shooting of a biopic on Olympic medal-winning boxer M.C. Mary Korn is keeping Priyanka busy. Let's hope success continues to follow this multitalented actress.

P

50 !=EBRUARV (2) 2014

Actor Anil Kapoor has always been a strong advocate for Indian cinema going international, and he feels at least some level of success in this has been achieved in the US. The fact that the US has opened its doors to host the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend and Awards is testimony to the growing awareness about Indian cinema in that side of the world, states the veteran actor.

The 15th edition of llFA, a fourday event which celebrates the grandeur and glitz of Hindi cinema, will be held in Tampa Bay in Florida this April. Preparations are on in full swing to make the stars feel at home and to bring fans closer to their big screen idols.

Anil was in Tampa Bay recently to spread the word about the event, and also to source shooting locations for his next film venture Saat Hindustanis, believes that there's a 'sense of business' in everything that happens in the US. "One of the reasons that IIFA is happening in the US is because there is awareness about Indian cinema, which is popularly identified here (in the US) as Bollywood'; Anil says. "People here are now more aware of what Indian cinema is than before. They also know the reach of Indian cinema'; he adds.

"Also, they know about the kind of films we make, the amount of movies we do and the way that our film business is increasing. It is these things that are making a difference;' states the 57-yearold, who feels hosting the event is a Iucrative 'opportunity' for the country.

Anil himself has wide experience of both Bollywood and Hollywood. " Over 1.2 billion Indians will watch the show and it will spread awareness about the region to the Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Asians and to the Indian diaspora all over the world. The one stroke through the awards will make so many people aware ofTampa Bay. So, there is a sense of business involved in llFA and that's why they are going all out to host us'; he further explains.

The actor-producer shared how officials at Tampa Bay are encouraging him to fi lm his next home production at picturesque locales, in the culturally rich city in Florida.

"America is America. Once you succeed here, then you make a great impact, especially as far as showbiz is concerned.

It has a tremendous impact'; he says with confidence.

After a long and successful career in Bollywood, Anil's brush with Hollywood began with his star performance as quizmaster in Danny Boyle's 2008 big screen feast 5/umdog Millionaire, which won a coveted Academy Award. He then won a part in the eighth season of the Kiefer Sutherland-starrer TV series 24 and a cameo in Tom Cruise's actioner Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol.

So what's in the offing for the actor?

"So far everything has gone well as far as

ANI\... l(APOOR

my international assignments go. So if I do anything next, hopefully that also does good, if not better'; he said in his inimitable suave style, yet giving away nothing! Kudos to the star for promoting the cause of Indian cinema!

Gyrating Govinda's gratitude We've seen him performing some unusual contortions on the big screen through t he'80s and '90s, so it's no surprise that actor Govinda is grateful to younger actors who copy his dancing style in these modern times.

Ranveer Singh for instance, is an unabashed fan of Govinda and he has often copied his style for songs and performances. Govinda says he is grateful to such young talents who feel his inimitable dancing style is worth being imitated. Now Ranveer will get a chance to match steps with the senior actor in Shaad Ali's Kill Oil. In fact, Ranveer even paid a tribute to Govinda's dancing skills in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, as well as at an awards function.

Showering praise on the younger talent, Govinda said, "Yes, I saw Ranveer in the song lshqyaun dhishqyaun in ...RamLeela. He was in full form. I am grateful to the younger actors who think my style is worthy of being copied''.

The duo is said to be sharing a great bonding on the sets of Kill Oil, prompting Shaad to incorporate a full-on GovindaRanveer dance number where the fan will try to match steps with his idol.

Meanwhile, Govinda has lately lost a lot of weight to look convincing as Ranbir Kapoor's father in Anurag Basu'sJagga Jasoos.

The actor is also excited about his first villain's role in Kill Oil. "It's my first full-fledged negative role. I had played a negative part in N. Chandra's Shikari years ago. Times have now changed. Back then there was a past history for my character's dark deeds. Now in Kill Di/, my character is the way he is because he chooses to be'; he said.

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VIDYA BALAN

RANVEER SINGH

AISHWARYA RAI BACHCHAN Well, Govinda as a dancing villain will certainly be a sight to see!

will be shot in exotic locales ofnorth India and some important portions in Cambodia.

The film, to be shot simultaneously in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi, will be produced

by K. Ramesh of Global One Studios.

But here's the catch - Ash is yet to confirm her participation in the Vasu venture. She has previously starred in southern films such as Jeans, Enthiran and Raavan, is reportedly also being considered for filmmaker Mani Ratnam's next project.

But will she or won't she? Ash is still keeping fans and followers guessing...

Ash is back ... maybe!

Speculation has been rife about when Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan intends returning to the big screen, after her sabbatical following the birth of her daughter. Now southern filmmaker PVasu, known for films such as Chandramukhi and Chinna Thambi, let the cat out of the bag, saying that he has finalised Aishwarya Rai for his upcoming untitled multilingual, which will feature the former beauty queen as a Kalari fighter.

"Aishwarya was really impressed with the script. She liked the never-seenbefore powerful role. She will essay a Kalari fighter in the film and for the same she will undergo special stunt training'; Vasu said in a statement. Vasu, who has been scripting the film for over two years, says it will be high on visual effects and

Beyond Bollywood for Yo Yo Honey Singh After churning out hit after Bollywood hit in 2013, rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh is all set to take a break from Hindi film songs, to focus on his non-film career. He is also excited about breaking new ground and working with names like Amitabh

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

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Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan.

"After I did Lungi dance with Shah Rukh bhai, I felt I had achieved everything there is to achieve. But then I am getting to work with Amitabh Bachchan sahab now. And it's really the ultimate Bollywood experience for me. It really can't get any better for me'; said an elated Honey Singh recently. But after working with the Big B, he's definitely taking a break from Bollywood.

"I need to now focus on other things before I carry on in Bollywood. I can't be doing what I've done in Lungi dance and now the song Party with bhootnath with Bachchan saab over and over again.

I've to reinvent myself for Bollywood'; he said.

Honey has flown in director Giftie and choreographer Big Dance for the Big B's music video. And he's impressed with the veteran superstar. "My team and I have been working on the song with Bachchan saab. Believe me, Bachchan saab is the youngest member of our band... I am having the time of my life'; said the performer, who believes that working with Big Band SRK has been a life changing experience.

"I thought I was passionate about my work. Then I saw Shah Rukh bhai and Bachchan saab at work. Their spirit was so infectious! I felt I had so far been just fooling around. It's time for some serious work now'; he said.

"I have fulfilled all my dreams in Bollywood. Now I have to find new dreams for Bollywood before I strike again'; he added.

Well, good luck Yo Yo, may you bring better beats to Bollywood!

Baby for Ms Balan?

No, says Vidya Balan firmly, squashing rumours of her pregnancy. The actress has said that 'right now' she doesn't see any possibility of starting a fami ly.

At a recent event to promote her forthcoming film Shaadi Ke Side Effects in which she stars with Farhan Akhtar, the actress was asked when she plans to start a family. Vidya said, "lnshallah one day I will be able to answer your question, but right now I don't see any possibility''.

Vidya is married to UTV Studios CEO Siddharth Roy Kapur since 2012, and rumours of her pregnancy have been rife lately. So only time will tell if her shaadi produces a bonny side effect!

~EBRUARY (2) 2014 51

BACKCHAT

••

I

~ ---------------~----------7

Dear Auntyji I have a particular problem and I really am in a bit of a pickle, so I want your help. I am 24 years old, and people say I'm hot. I am doing a

'Tt,l VV\- t,l5h. t,l

law degree, so some people say I have brains

lfJLth. tlfJLV\5

Anyway, I have two friends from uni who are

and beauty. Plus I can cook dosas and id/is too. also studying law and they are twins called

'

'

*

Dear Auntyji I sew clothes for family and friends, and charge very well for it. Recently my friend

rSt8ttlLV\5 f roVV'- tt stth.8ll

bought some expensive lace for a nice dress, and my daughter fell in love with it. It was 3 metres in all, so I displayed my

Vicky and Nicky. Both of them are tall, good-

usual genius and made the dress for my

looking and smart. Recently I went to a party

friend who was delighted with it, and

and had too much Smirnoff Double Black and the next morning I woke up next to Vicky. We didn't say much to each other but about a month later, I went to another party, had too many Bacardi Breezers and this time I ended up with Nicky. Now both ofthem are showing an interest in me and while I love this attention, my best girlfriend thinks it won't work out for me.

She sees trouble ahead. What should I do? Both boys are just so nice - and either would make a good match for me. There have been other occasions too when I

because I had cut the fabric sparingly, I had enough left to make a top for my daughter. Anyway, the next time my friend came over and saw my daughter wearing the lace top, she made a face but didn't say much. She has not returned since, and I don't know what's her problem. It was leftover lace, and because I was dever with using the fabric, I could get two items from it. Why do you think my friend has an issue? Have I done something wrong?

find myself intimate with one twin or the other. Can you tell me how to choose the

Auntyji says

right twin?

Have you done something wrong? What kind of nasamajh asks me

Auntyji says

this question! Listen here chomi, while I explain the basic principles of morality to

Besharam! Behaiya!Why are you even writing to me- mere mind ko corrupt kar

you. Your nadaan saheli paid for teen gaj of lace. Whatever was left over from the

rahi ho. Tum auratzaat per ek kaali daag ho! Hamay koi evidence nahi dikh raha hai

expensive lace belonged to your friend - because she had paid for it. Now, if you

of your intelligence. Aki kedushman, tumhare kale kartoot won't remain hidden

had not charged for the sewing of her dress, then perhaps you could argue that the

for long. You are a shameless young dayan, and boasting about your drinking,

leftover lace was fringe benefits. But you charged her and stole from her. Tum sirf ek

carrying on and sleeping around would make all your ancestors hold their ears and

common chornl ho. So, of course, your saheli is pissed off. You took something from

say'tauba'! Now think of this. You are a plaything for those chiknajudwa boys. You

her, without her permission. Tum ne chori ki hai unse. If you want to make good, l

are playing with them, and I think the only one who will end up hurt is you. In fact,

suggest you call her and apologise, and say that you should have asked her for the

I can just see Nicky and Sh icky or whatever their names are at 50, sipping on their

leftover lace. Then say you will make her next garment for free, that should be good

cognacs, puffing on their cigars and reminiscing about this besharam laundiya who

recompense. Of course, if you are a busd/1 and can't do this, then dekhna karma tum

was a plaything of their youth. So stop abusing your body and start respecting it

ko kya dikhati hai. Prepare to have something stolen from you. Obviously not your

- and stop monopolising the affections of those boys.Jaanti ho, there was a time

integrity because you never had this in the first place, but perhaps something else.

when there was this cheez called izzaat and maryada. Obviously, ye sub baatein

Like your eyesight which you need for sewing those delicate fabrics. Go and beg

are Swahili to you. Kalankani, wake up and smell the coffee. Start learning the

Ganesh's forgiveness for stealing, because he is the only God wise enough to

meaning of respect. Write back to me when you have something decent to say.

forgive you.

Do you have a question for Auntyji?

Email info@indianlinl<.com.au

LEAllN YOGA, PRANAYAMA ANIJ

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J:EBRUARY (2) 2014 53

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