2017-02 Adelaide

Dr Purushottam Sawrikar OAM

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INDIAN LINK PUBLISHER Pawan Luthra

editorial

Strength in diversity

EDITOR. Rajni Anand_L_ut_ hra.

ASSISTANTEDITOR Kira Spucys-Tahar CONTRIBUTORS Sunila Vig, Nanditha Suresh, Vinaya Rai,: Saroja Srinivasan, Rita,n Mi.tra, Nancy Jade Althea, LP Ayer.

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Indian Link is a monthly newspaper published in English. No material, includi�g advertisemen.ts designed by Indian Link, may be reprodu�ed 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 India,{ . Link... AII correspondence shou.ld be addressed to• Indian link Level 24/44 Market St, Sydney 2000 or GPO Box 108, Sydney 2001 Ph: 02 9279·2004 l=ax: 02 9279:' 2005 Email: info@indianlink.corri.au·

BY PAWAN LUTH RA

A

irports and streets around the United States have been filled with protestors showing their anger against President Trump's executive order banning people from certain countries from travelling to America. Unleashing chaos and outrage, this executive order bas been condemned for what it is - xenophobic, mean spirited and racist.

While the international community has expressed shock, there has been deafening silence, strangely, from the Australian government. More on that later. \Xfhat is heartening ro note is how the corporate world has reacted to the situation. \Vhether driven by humanitarian concerns or the need for open global bow1daries, a nun1ber of corporates have reached out co counter the executive order.

Starbucks has said rlrnt it will hire 10,000 refugees over the next five years as their way to allow for best opportunities for new migrant.�. 1\i.rbnb said soon after the Trump announcement that it will provide free housing co anyone left stranded by the ban. Its co-founder and chief executive Brian Chesky said, "Open doors brings all of US together. Closing

doors further divides US. Let's all find ways to connect people, not separate them. Not allowing countries or refugees into America is not right, and we must stand wirl1 those who are affected."

Other technology-centric companies which have a large number of mi.grant employees also weighed in. Apple CEO Tim Cook st.'lted that Apple would not exist without immigration.Jeff Bezos, Amazon's chief executive said, "'iXfe're a nation of immigrants whose diverse backgrounds, ideas and points of view have helped us build and invent us as a nation for over 240 years."

I etilix condemned the President's 'un­ American' actions.

Google cofounder Sergey Brin was at the San Francisco airport protest, "because I'm a refugee ", while CEO Sunder 'Pichai joined the ocher employees in their protest.

Goldman Sachs, 21st Century Fox and JP Morgan also voiced their opposition to this travel ban.

It is at times of crisis like these drnt true leadership is shown. Corporate America is vociferously fighting back and adding its might behind protests around the coumry.

What has been shocking is the Australian government's complete silence on the issue. Prime l'vfinister 1falcolm TurnbuU bas refused to condemn or speak our against the injustice of this racist order. Hiding behind the guise of not wanting to interfere in another country's domestic

policies, Mr Turnbull has shown a side of himself which is disappointing.

Other world leaders such as British Prime Minister Theresa May, French President Francois HoUande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have all spoken Out against i\fr Trumps clampdown, while Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said his country would welcome refugees.

Here was a chance to reassure Australia, a country of migrants, abour the importance of diversity.Wasn't it only days ago that our Prime Minster had waxed lyrical on dus very topic?

On Australia Day; Turnbull had said, "Our First Australians have ... the oldest continuous human culture on earth and it enriches us all. As do the cultures of all our migrants from every corner of the world. Each new Australian adds another thread to our national r.apestry, magnificent in it.5 diversity and the most successful multicultural society in the world. We. come from nearly 200 countries of all faiths, cultures and backgrounds. And yet in a world where conHict and intolerance seem more intractable than ever, we live cogether in peace... (Om) strong sense of justice springs from the solidarity, d1e mutual respect and mateship that binds us together in our diversity. Togerl1er we have built a remarkable nation."

Great speech then, Mr Turnbull, bur when it came ro speaking up against a xenophobic President, you let us down badly.

OPEN

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l=EBRUARY 2017 3

YOUR SAY

DECOLONISING OUR ARTS AND MINDS

It's time the Indian community acknowledged First Peoples' ownership of the land, and decolonised our perspective on arts practice, wrote APARNA ANANTHUNI

Footscray Arts @Footscrayarts tweeted: 'Decolonising our arts and minds'

a reflection on @Arts_Front held at FCAC last Nov

Arts Front @Arts_Front tweeted: It is time to envision a new future for the

arts in Australia. A decolonised future @indian_link

THE CURSE OF THE MILLENNIALS

Gen Y aren't lazy, they're disadvantaged by the system, wrote SARGUN BHATIA

CulturalPerspectlves @CPerspectives tweeted: Agree - Millennials face

societal stereotypes and over expectations in the work force today

(Turn to page 12 for more about the great work our youth are involved in)

HELPING PEOPLE TURN THEIR LIVES AROUND

PARAMVIR 'S/NGHY' CHHATWAL talked to us about his work as a Custodial Officer

Justice NSW @NSWJustice tweeted: Paramvir Chhatwal says working

for Corrective Services as a newly arrived migrant has been a rewarding experience

RIP BHAVITA

Bhavita Patel, 33, has been named as the sixth victim of the Bourke Street incident. She died on 30 January when her family decided to tum off her life support after she was injured in the 20January attack. Young mother and IT consultant Nethra Krishnamurthy is still recovering after the attack.

Smlta Sharma wrote: May your soul rest in peace. You are in a better place

now.

MANISH MALHOTRA LAUNCHES VIRTUAL REALITY FASHION SHOW

Ace Indian fashion designer Manish Malhotra launched his virtual reality fashion show, filmed at last year's Lakme Fashion Week.

Maqsood Godll wrote: Manish Malhotra is one of the best designers of

India and has designed. dresses for Bollywood celebrities. The idea of a virtual reality platform for the fashion week and show is to let everyone feel like they are there at the show. My hearty wishes for success and congrats to the planners and programmers and sponsors.

SAYIT AGAIN 4 FEBRUARY 2017

"I'm sure Dr Gondane will feel at home here in Sydney.

We have Bangalore traffic, Mumbai house prices and Delhi bureaucracy."

Barry O'Farrell welcoming High Commissioner Dr AM Gondane

Nandlta Bajaj wrote: Rest in Peace Bhavita, condolences to her family.

Anll Singh wrote: Very tragic event, deep sorrow.

Nallnl Singh wrote: Sad day for all Australians. RIP.

'THERE IS NO GOD HIGHER THAN TRUTH'

Each year on 30 January, India observes Martyrs' Day in honour of the anniversary of the assassination of Mohandas Gandhi in 1948.

Krlsh Na wrote: Gandhiji fought for the dignity of the most vulnerable people

in society. He is sorely missed these days when even children running from certain death have become pariahs for the rest of the world!

"Here's another thing common between India and Australia: the length of our main rivers, the Ganges and the Murray."

Barry O'Farrell at AIBC

"Australian politicians treat black and brown people like Pokemon cards, trying to trade them to other countries."

L-FRESH The LION on Australia's asylum seeker policies

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RECONSIDER YOUR DECISION, MELTON CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA reported on a Sikh boy denied enrolment at a Melbourne school for wearing the turban

DEMONETISATION: WHATS IN IT FOR US, MR MODI?

PA WAN LUTHRA was in conversation with Indian television personality and current affairs commentator Abhigyan Prakash

Sanjeev Agarwallast wrote: Where is Abhigyan...? We would like to see him, we need such people to save our country! Please do not quit!

Vlkas Saxena wrote: The interview does not give the right balance of view in my opinion, too many questions on a particular individual and not on the topic at hand.

NRI OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA With all they have to offer, the diaspora should be better engaged by the Indian government, wrote PAWAN LUTH RA

Jay Shah wrote: While the government is trying to engage much more that previous governments, why can't we start doing our bit proactively? There is much we can do without government intervention. In fact, the discourse should be how we can come together and make a difference when so much change is happening already.

IT'S TIME

MOHAN DHALL wrote about the importance of teaching children about time management and goal setting for a smooth year ahead

Slrla wrote: Excellent article and very relevant in this day and age. Well written, Mohan Dhall.

"Australians inspire me - they are so physically fit and so far progressed in the physical fitness space. Australian physical therapy has helped. me during my injuries. I love the brightness of the people and the way they live."

Hrithik Roshan in Indian Link INDIANLINK

Bastian Gianino wrote: The school has the right to enforce its uniform policies. These rules are for everyone who attends that school, those are the uniform rules; the boys at this school are not allowed to have their hair long or deviate from the standard uniform, i.e. wear different coloured socks that are not in accordance with their dress code. This is a private Christian school and we too must respect their rules if we wish for our children to attend that school.

I am sure that there are a lot of suitable schools in the area which do not have a strict dress code so that you wouldn't have to compromise your religious beliefs, but having said that if a Christian child wanted to attend a school of a different faith and didn't, or couldn't, comply with the dress code of that school due to faith I am sure the outcome would be the same. If you want people to respect your religious beliefs, you too have to respect theirs.

Babu wrote: Come on, this is Australia - a land of freedom of choices! A dominant section of our population that is of European origin appears to be feeling some kind of baseless insecurity and going through integration problems themselves in mingling with the other ethnic sections of our society such as Sikhs or Muslims. Wearing a turban or veil is in no way appearing to impact the basic Christian nature of Melton Christian College or the belief of any other school.

Any decision from Melton Christian College about its uniform policy points to a discriminatory attitude and passive aggression by a handful in its management committee. Even the law makers in our nation are poorly represented by ethnic groups - the numbers seem to be disproportionate with the percentage of the ethnic population. This is possibly leading to double standards when it comes to Court outcomes. As a moderate ethnic citizen of Australia, I strongly support Arora's case and hope to see his son being allowed to wear a turban to school. I urge one and. all Australians (all skin colours) to come together, evolve and make this nation a truly multiracial to achieve the best.

Noel Lal, Executive VP, GOPIO lntematlonal wrote to the Prlnclpal of Melton Christian College: The Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) is the largest organisation for the welfare of PIOs living outside India, and is a non-partisan, secular global organisation engaged in promoting their wellbeing and enhancing cooperation and communication between Indians living in different countries.

GOPIO is extremely saddened with your school's decision to refuse a five­ year-old Sikh boy admission just because he wears a turban, and it does not align with your uniform policy.

Your attention is drawn to a landmark case of September 2008, where a Brisbane private school was forced to back down on a strict uniform policy that would have forced a Sikh boy to cut his hair and remove his turban.

GOPIO is disappointed that in today's day and age, instead of uniting various communities, your institution is actually dividing them (even at the tender age of five).

GOPIO hopes that the school will reconsider its earlier decision and do the needful by admitting the five-year-old Sikh boy.

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"I will be very surprised if the result of the series will be any different to the one between India and England recently but if Australia adapt well and bore the Indian batsmen, you never know what could happen."

Monty Panesar on the upcoming INDvAUS series

"Catching the wrong train can sometimes get you to the right station."

Saroo Brierley promoting the film Lion in Kolkata

FEBRUARY 2017 5

holidays

So you think millennials are over-privileged, lazy, narcissistic, entitled and out-of-touch? Have a look at what some of them have been doing over their summer holidays

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PUTTING E-WASTE TO GOOD USE

Simran Rekhy 19

Anirban Ghose 24

During the summer break, I volunteered at an aged care home. My visits consisted of organising activities and games for the residents, engaging in conversation with them as well as creating an atmosphere that would be visually inspirational and motivational.

I had the opportunity to plan their birthday celebrations within the premises, which included decorating the lounge and organising food and drinks.

It gave me immense pleasure to bring joy into the lives of the residents and see them celebrating with happiness.

Some of my most memorable moments included playing scrabble with one senior, taking them out to the garden to pick flowers and actively listening to them talk about their past.

I strongly believe in the importance of giving back to the community, which is what inspired me to volunteer at an aged care home. My grandmother has been volunteering at an aged care home for the past couple of years. Seeing how

This summer I began building a micro­ factory. I had the immense privilege of working at the University of New South Wales SMaRT Centre to develop innovative solutions for recycling electronic waste (e-waste). We can all appreciate the challenge of the quantum of electronic waste that we are producing - all the old phones, televisions, microwaves, basically anything with a cord we throw out, making it the fastest growing waste stream globally. These devices are complex waste products, comprised of over 1000 different materials, some of which are toxic such as lead, others which are immensely valuable, such as copper. So, the SMaRT centre has been researching solutions to this global challenge which has now culminated in the design of a micro-factory. We are designing a containerised factory to disassemble, sort and process in furnaces to convert our waste into high-value materials based on our

Bachelor of Commerce and Science, Monash University

Graduated in Robotics, University of Sydney

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passionate she is about this, as well as the joy and pleasure she received from this role, made me extremely proud of her, wanting to follow in her footsteps.

Volunteering an aged care home was an experience that I will cherish forever.

patented micro-recycling technology. I have been working on the automated vision systems, drones and robotic arms to augment the material processing techniques being developed by the centre.

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DISCOVERING MYSELF IN DANCE Vishakha Iyer, 10

Year Six, Kings Langley Public School

I have always told my mum, "I wish I could dance 24 hours of the day and do nothing else."

This wish has been coming true over the past two years as I go to India during the summer break to train in Bharatanatyam with Abhinaya exponent Bragha Bessel. Learning from Bragha Aunty is very special. When we enact everyday situations in dance she presents the ideas in such a refreshing way that we start to discover the same common things from different angles.

The best thing about training under Bragha Aunty is that even when she makes corrections and is critical, she does it with such humour that I never forget what she has said. As she was teaching me on how motherYashodha was caressing Krishna's face, looking at the way I was holding my hands, she said, " You are holding baby Krishna's face, Vishakha, not a Halloween pumpkin!" Every time I practice, comments like these will not only help me never make those mistakes again but will also bring a smile to my face. I am very lucky to have teachers who train me with love and patience like Chidambaram R Suresh in Sydney and Bragha Bessel in India.

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REACHING OUT TO UNDERPRIVILEGED KIDS Brinda Ohri 23

Doctor of Medicine, Griffith University

During my gap year I volunteered teaching English to disadvantaged children in Argentina. It was both an eye­ opening and rewarding experience and I was able to immerse myself in their community, culture and way of life.

I had always been interested in travelling to South America, and I whilst I was researching, I came across an NGO in Argentina, which was very passionate in helping their underprivileged population. I made contact with them and was lucky to join their incredible work.

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BACK IN THE HOME COUNTRY Anindya Bhowmik 27

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Graduated in Mechanical Engineering from University of Technology, Sydney

I volunteered for Yuva Australia and the Consulate General of India in Sydney last year and in January this year, representing Australian Indian youth at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas organised by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. It was a pleasure participating in a Panel Discussion on youth NRI issues at Youth PBD 2017 with the Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj, and meeting the Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a lunch event. Youth PBD 2017 was a huge success, particularly the Q&A session with an audience of 700 PBD attendees. The three-day main affair from 7-9 January, 2017 in Bengaluru, entailed an inaugural session on the "Role of Diaspora Youth in the Transformation of India", two plenary sessions and discussions about various aspects of NRI and student/youth issues.

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SEEING HOW THE OTHER HALF LIVES

. A SONG FOR YOU Mahek Anand 17

Nishtha Chadha 19

Year 12, Melbourne

I am currently on a scholarship program in Southeast Asia for about three months. The program has two phases; the first is working with various charities in Cambodia and Vietnam that my college currently sponsors and assessing their impact and budgeting our donations that we raised throughout the year. The second phase is an internship, for which I am currently working at the SAELAO project - an ecologically friendly community development project in rural Laos.

The project provides surrounding communities with education support, employment opportunities and promotes ecological awareness and sustainable practices across the surrounding villages. Both phases have

During the summer break I was a part of the David Jaanz School of Singing showcase. I got the opportunity to perform in front of a large audience.

In the past year I have started doing gigs as a singer and since then have performed at various venues around Melbourne. I am passionate about RnB, soul and pop music but I like to keep my doors open to other genres as well.

I have been singing for a few years now and aspire to gain more experience in live performances. I have always been fascinated with music, even in different languages - whether Latin, French or Bollywood - and would love to explore more in the future. Something I enjoy thoroughly with music is being able to be versatile.

Preparing for this showcase and having been given the opportunity to be a part of it has definitely been one of the best moments of 2016 for me.

Bachelor of Global Studies & International Relations, University of Sydney

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•• • •• been incredibly eye-opening and pushed me very far out of my comfort zone, but I've learnt and seen more than I ever could've imagined.

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FEBRUARY 2017 7

holidays •

REPORTING FROM THE DIASPORA Arpita Singh 23

Graduated in IT, Charles Sturt University

ACCOUNTING: GETTING A LOOK IN Tom Smith 18

Bachelor of Commerce, University of Melbourne

As the secretary of Yuva Australia, I was invited by the Indian High Commission and the MEA to be a panellist at PBD 2016-17 on the topic of "Problems faced by Indian international students in Australia".

I travelled to New Delhi late last year and had the honour of participating in the 8th PBD Panel Discussion chaired by the External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. The issues we raised and the solutions we proposed were thoughtfully considered by the MEA and significant implementation strategies and solutions were announced at the annual Youth PBD 2017 held in January.

•• Since finishing high school in •• November I have begun developing •• the necessary accounting expertise • to transition into the corporate world, •• by working at the accounting firm Murdoch Partners. I have learnt ••• the basic skills such as filing and archiving before undertaking a •• graduate accounting course in the •• CBD. that these experiences •• willI hope prepare me for the Bachelor of •• Commerce and beyond.

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EXPERIENCING THE LIFE Of INDIAN FARMERS Hazel Johal 20

Bachelor of Business, University of Technology, Sydney In January, I participated in a 21-day innovation and empathy workshop with BUiLD UTS in rural Maharashtra.

I went with fi ve other students from UTS to study the local community and one of the challenges they are facing, agriculture. For 18 days, I studied the local agricultural practices. One of the things I noticed was that they didn't use any machinery, the farmers still hand­ picked their crop and used methods that their fathers taught them. Soon, I realised that the old-school method of farming is heavily dependent on a regular water supply, and in the

summer, lack of water makes farming impossible. Unfortunately, the farmers lack the training to do it any other way.

On the other hand, meeting the local children was very exciting; they were so eager to share. I had a really good experience because everybody I met was kind and no one made me feel that I was from a strange, foreign country.

For Makar Sankranti on the 14th, the villagers bought all us girls matching sarees and took us to the local temple for an evening of cultural activity and prayer. Meeting these people is something I will cherish forever.

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team of students working hard to re­ establish the UTS Tamil Society and its annual event Kathambamalai.

First established in 1999, the society has a long and rich history of organising cultural events to fundraise for communities in Sri Lanka and India.

We have now brought back its annual Kathambamalai event, reinvigorated for a new and diverse audience.

These past months of summer, we've passionately been working on script writing, dramaturgy, dance and acting rehearsals with a great cast and crew to bring to stage a thrilling dance drama titled Kaya/ Vizhi. We're proud to have provided a platform for upcoming youth talent and to have used this opportunity to establish ties with our Tamil community in the form of donations to Vanni Rehabilition and Palmera Projects. Being able to bring this production to life has truly shown

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of my law and commerce (corporate finance) double degree, and armed with a lot of enthusiasm, I decided that this summer, much as I would miss the opportunity to sleep in, I would immerse myself in the opportunities available to me. The first step was applying to be a volunteer at JusticeNet, a not for profit legal service that provides free legal help for people who cannot afford a lawyer or who are low-income and disadvantaged members of society.

This has so far provided me with invaluable practical experience in a variety of areas of law and increased my passion for justice. I was also fortunate enough to secure a summer position at the Australian Financial Security Authority, a Commonwealth Government Department, doing corporate related work as part of a project team. And just to ensure I really did not have even a moment to be bored these holidays,

I have also been doing research and oral advocacy as part of the University of Adelaide's Jessup International Law MootTeam. We will be representing the University at the national round of the competition in Canberra in a few days.

All in all, a busy but fulfilling summer and one that I am sure will shape my future!

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COOKING WITH REFUGEES Tara Mahapatra 21

Bachelor of Commerce/Law, University of Sydney

I joined Enactus, an international organisation that encourages university students to use entrepreneurial action to create a better world for all, in my first year of university. Currently, I am part of the Enactus University of Sydney project, Culinary Tales, which empowers refugees to run their own cooking classes in the community.

The purpose of the project is to provide a social platform for refugees to share their stories, culture and recipes with the community, and to provide a source of employment. Being part of the project has been one of the greatest experiences in university, and has allowed me to meet so many wonderful people.

We offer cooking classes in Iranian, Indian, Lebanese, Tibetan and more cuisines. You can visit our website for further information about Culinary Tales and the classes www.culinary-tales.com

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INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMACY Sujneet Kaur Johal 17

Bachelor of Economics/Law, UNSW

I was extremely fortunate to have been given the opportunity to explore 9 European countries in the span of 4 weeks with the UN Youth Australia Young Diplomats Tour. I was amongst 15 other students selected from across Australia through an extremely demanding selection process which lasted a few months.

Throughout the tour, I had the opportunity to engage with key players in international diplomacy, including significant European politicians, UN representatives, diplomats, leading thinkers, grassroots organisations, media outlets and NGOs. I also met with well-known figures such as Helen Brady, Head of Prosecution Appeals for the International Criminal Court, ABC's foreign correspondent Lisa Millar in London, German Negotiator for climate change Karsten Sach and UKIP member Raymond Finch.

I gained a deeper understanding on the role of diplomacy and the evolution of nation states shaping our global community. This understanding came through intense workshops focusing on major historical events and eras, specifically W WII and its repercussions, which transcends European politics and heavily infl uences political discourse today.

Overall, this experience challenged my political views and enhanced my passion for politics and creating change.

Most importantly, I engaged with many young people who have already created change and excelled in their respective fields which was highly motivating. As an Indian Australian, UN Youth Australia has allowed me to voice my opinions, which have been nurtured by my cultural upbringing as well as understanding how I can convert my views into real change despite my young age.

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THE BUSINESS SIDE OF SOFTWARE Nehal Jain 19

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Software), University of Adelaide Although my degree is mostly technical, there is also an element of project management and business involved. I have always been keen on exploring this technical side and seeing how it all comes together. In the future, I aim to work in a position that combines both aspects, as opposed to being in a solely software developer role.

So, when I came across an opening for a role which required knowledge of technology, business and marketing, I felt like I had hit the jackpot. I am now

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doing an Internship with Microsoft, as the Program Manager of the Microsoft Innovation Centre South Australia.

Through this role, I am expanding my networks as I am required to constantly be working with the local community, start-ups, universities and the government. This internship experience is also bringing to light the vast plethora of jobs that I did not even know existed. Hopefully this will help me evaluate whether or not I truly enjoy being in a hybrid role so that I can really nail down my career goals.

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FEBRUARY 2017 9

youth

Japan plan brings in award

A

mrutakrishna Kumbhar has

won the 2016 Dunstan Award for excellence in languages and culrures.

A Year 10 student of the

Norwood Morialta School, Amruc has shown exceptional brilliance in the learning and use of the Japanese language. He has jusc returned from Japan, in whac mrned out ro be a drean1 trip for him. He was selected to go to their sister school, located in

Takahashi in the Okayama prefecture.

Amrm told Indian Link, "During my sray in Japan I made countless friends and unforgettable memories. Takahashi is one of the mosr beaucifoJ places I have ever seen. Unlike Tokyo it is located in the country side and we were surrom1ded by mountains. Ho,vever, this being so, there was a brilliant mix of technology too so it felt like a regular modern city. In short I had the best of botl1 worlds."

It was during the trip that the young man learnt from his parents chat he had won the award. It meant that he could not be present to receive his award - his parents Vidya and Ravi Krn11ar accepted it on his belialf from the Member for Dunstan, Steven Marshall.

But of course chat didn't dampen the entlmsiasm for Amrut one bit.

"It made me feel good because I had

me as it shows proof of my hard work."

demonscraced e.xceUency in Japanese, given

All of SL"Xteen, Amrut aspires to be a

directed'. He likes to cook, play table-tennis,

many speeches in the language and most

Japanese teacher and seems like a balanced

importantly I was always involved with caking

and well brought up young man. He is

His dad is training to be a nurse and togetl1er

care of the exchange smdents who came from

a wonderful role model to other teens.

his parents have provided a nicely row1ded

Japan regardless of whether I was hosting

1-lis mother Vidya, a psychologist, says he

aonosphere ac home.

iliem or nor. This award also means a lot to

is emotionally intelligent and 'inwards-

saint, Mata Amricanandamayi, and shared

like his parents, and is a keen Judoka. A

that Amrutakrishna was born after she

loving son, he helps around the home too.

received blessings from Amma, adding a

Vidya is a follower of Amma, the hugging

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newsmaker father, the lace Sri R.K Hegde was the Vice­ ChanceUor of tl1e University of Agriculmral Sciences in Dharwad. She undertook a Master's degree in mathematics and worked as maths teacher in India before moving to Australia, with her husband Vivek and yom1g son Vikas, in 2004.

They fust arrived in Sydney and tl1en moved to Adelaide once Vivek found a job in his line of expertise. After a few months, Asha abo found employment and then went on to work at a multinational company.They bad to move co Albany as Vivek found better work in his profession there.

In Albany, Asha had tO start afresh. She started as an accow1tant in a smaU firm and tl1en won the account,wt position at SAC. Going on to becoming Management Accow1cant and Finance / HR Manager and then, Corporate Secretary, she was appointed to the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in 2013.

AU along, Asha studied co gee tlJe qualifications needed to update her skills.

Like many of us, she decided to acquire Australian qualifications and completed a Cert III in Financial Service.5 from TAFE SA. After moving to Albany she gained a Master of Business i n Professional

BY VINAYA RAI

A

lbany is a small city in the Great Southern region of Western Australia, about 418 kilometres south east of Perth.

The estimated population of Albany in 2015 was about 34,000 of which people of Indian birth were 0.3%, or just 102 persons!

In this city, with a little over 100 people who were born in India, the Citizen of the Year Award wem to Asha Bhat.

Asha says she is deeply honoured to have received this award. "I am bumbled co be the person who has been singled out from tl1e thousands of volunteers in Albany who do great things in the community."

Asha Bhat has lived in Albany for only eight years and in Australia for 12 years. Hers is a typical migrant's srory with the same struggles we all have for employment, skill development etc. However, she has shown that with bard work and dedication, we can

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reach extraordinary heights.

In a chat witl1 India11 Link, Asha speaks about her wock in her current role. "As CEO of the Southern Aboriginal Corporation (SAC), l am passionate about empowering and building the capacity of this Aboriginal community organisation through improved governance and innovation. SAC represents the interests of over 3,900 Noongar people of Great Southern and South West regions of WA providing services and programs in areas such as indigenous training and employment, a free family violence prevention legal service, advocacy and referrals, health promotion, and a housing program. The Corporation also has approximately 83 houses, two super-2,000 hectare farms and otl1er commercial building assets."

Asha works closely with the SAC Board of Direccors, all elected Aboriginal community members, providing tl,e strategic direction co the organisation and ensuring outcomes are achieved. She won the ACCI Business Award for noc-for-profic organisations for SAC last year and this was considered quite an achievement.

Apart from her regular job, Asha has been on the Board of several organisations. She is currently on the regional cormnittee with

the CHIA (Community Housing Industry Association) and has been elected as an executive member on tbe Albany Chamber of Con.1merce Industry (ACCI).

The City of Albany website states ''Asha was selected for her amazing achievements within the community since moving to Albany in 2008. Under her leadership, Southern Aboriginal has gone from strength co strength. She demonstrates the contribution tliat migrants can make to growing OLtr community."

Asha was nominated for the awards by a well-known local businessman, Paul Lionetti. "I have nominated Asha Bhat for the Citizen of cbe Year award due to her accomplishments as a leader of the local and regional Aboriginal Corporation.Asha has made significant impact in the community and has implemented a fair and transparent process in her workplace," he says."She also works on several boards and brings awareness among people tl1at migrants are capable of taking up higher level jobs. She stands up to racism and demands mutual respect. l e is a pleasure co know ber."

Asha Bhat, who hails from Uttara Kannada in Karnataka, was born in Bangalore and grew up in Dharwad. She came from an academic family and her

Accounting from tl1e Uni of SA. Currently she is studying for an :tvIBA from Kaplan Business School.

Asha's career graph shows how much one can aclueve if we just try our best and work with passion and drive. Awards or not, success will be yours.

Asha's husband, Vivek Bhat says, "To be honest, I just couldn't help be a spectator in her journey. Living away from home in Alice Springs for over three and a half years, 1 could not help her nor even assist her in die household. She was a single mother for all practical purposes during that time but, in spite of working in a highly demancling .role, and studying, she attended to the needs of our teenage son witl1om compromising on his aspirations at any time.

I just can't get my head around how she did it all and achieved what she has. AU I can say is 'she did it' and made us aU very proud indeed."

As for Asha, she is magnanimous about it all."It is very hard to balance life when you are actively involved in various boards and offering your expertise on a volw1cary basis.

I chanl, my family for their patience. I would not have been able to do it \vitl,out tl1e support I got from my husband Vivek and son Vikas."

l=EBRUARY 2017 13

celebration

■

l

Saluting our Janmabhoomi as well as our Karmabhoomi

T

BY VINAYA RAI

he date 26 January is always special for Indians. More so in Australia, since we get a holiday and are able co celebrate our country of origin and the country we have chosen ro live in on rhe same day!

In Adelaide, rhe tradition of hoiscing the lndian Aag on Republic Day scarred only last year. So ir was quite special hoisting it again on a make-shift pole and singingja11a Gana Mana standing tmder it. More than a hundred voices rose with the raising of rhe Aag and it was a very special moment. The Australian national amhem was also sung and this was followed by speeches inside the Indian Education Centre HaU. Dr Jagan Mazumdar Al\lf spoke about the first Republic Day, giving an interesting hisrorical fact why India chose to become a sovereign democratic republic within three years after independence. He rhen quored from rhe first speech on this occasion by Nehru who said, ''The Aag under which you srand today and \vhich you just now saluted, does not belong to any particular communiry. All those who stand today under the Aag are Indians, nor Hindus, nor Muslims, not Sikhs, bur Indians." He also quoted Dr S. Radhakrishnan who in one of his Republic Day messages, told Indians "nor m be prisoners of the past bur be pilgrims of the future".

Several others spoke including local

14 F=EBRUARY 2017

Councillor l\{ichael Iammarone who praised migrants' and 1.ndians' contribution to Australian society and extolled diem to participate more fuUy i n business and orl1er community activities. Lr Col Jacinder Singh Passan spoke very poignanrly about how and why we celebrate Republic Day. Several orl1er members in the audience spoke spontaneously about Republic Day as well as Australia Day and the imporrance of inclusiveness and contributing to society.

T h e morning came to a firring end wirh samosas, mysore pak and larningtons! And !ors of time for everyone co mingle and get to know each ocher.

The main event for Australia Day in Adelaide is a multiculrural parade followed by a public concert at Elder Park in the middle of the city. It has become rradition for the Indian Australian Association of South Australia to join up with another association to showcase a region of India.

This year, the Shivagarjana Band from the Maharashtrian communiry took centre stage, playing traditional music on their dhols and tashas.

On the cop of a truck, they played that beautiful rousing drum music that is so familiar in tbe streets of Maharashtra.

The crowds watching the parade along the length of the main thoroughfare, King William Street, quite enjoyed die music

and could be seen clapping along to the beat and even dancing along ar times!

Maharashtrian ladies and children also came out in sizeable number, all dressed in beautiful saris and rhe children in traditional clothes. They made a wonderful contingent dancing along m the music.

Various Indian groups also rook part in the Parade. The BAPS Swaminarayan l\fandir had placards with value-based sayingi;; the PLmjabi Association was resplendent in rl1eir traditional gear complete with kirpans; Tamilians had a large contingent led by a JaUikattu buJJ and ,virl1 children dancing the Kamgattam, Kavadi and orl1er folk dances ro their traditional percussion music!

ISKCON also made their presence felt

with a beautiful Rath at the Parade, and ladies danced the Raas Garba to die singing of kiitans along wirl, live music with dhol, cymbals etc.

The Indian contingent was very popular with the crowd with their bands, music and dance and, along wirl1 Vande Matamm and Bharat Mata kiJai, when they yelled Aussie, Aussie, Aussie... the 'Oi, Oi, Oi' was the loudest!

A truly enjoyable 26 Jan in Adelaide - Republic Day with Aag hoisting in the morning, and Australia Day wirl1 Parade, music concert, one-day cricket match and fireworks at the end with a barbecue lunch in between ... What a rypicaUy Aussie holiday!

www.indianlink.com.au

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l=EBRUARY 2017 15

cover story

GENERAL PRACTICE AS WELL AS SOCIAL WORK

Dr Purushottam Sawrikar, OAM For service to medicine, and to the Indian community of Sydney

ow clid Dr Sawt:ikar feel when he heard the news that he had won an Australia Day honour?

"Honoured, but mostly surprised... and also motivated co cake on some more projects!"

Purushortam Sawrikar, general practitioner, has been a social work enthusiast ever since he arrived here in 1972 from Hyderabad in India.

"I love interacting with people. Social work is something that has been a part of my life since I was a school kid. It continued through my university days and as a young adult." There was much opportunity in India for this tO find outlet.

As a doctor, preventive medicine became one of Dr Sawrikar's passions and he cook the message of improving quahty of life to the people through the media.

On radio, pt:int, TV and through audio CDs, Dr Sawrikar reached out to tbe Indian community in Sydney on health-related issues.

On his Marathi radio show on 98.5 FM Akashvani Sydney, on the Kannada language Cbandana and on Channel 3 1 , he produced and directed shows about participating in government-initiated health and screening programs such as those for bowel cancer, breast cancer and the Mother's Day \'(lalk in Parramatta. These shows helped create awareness an10ngst newly arrived migrants on a variety of topics. Some of his memorable sho\vs have been about what to do when a heart attack occurs, our predisposition to diabetes, bow ro stave off depression, and age-related eye disorders.

Many of tl1ese programs were turned into resource materials for distribution at surgeries and at community functions.

Ar large-scale community events, Dr Sawrikar organised for free health clinics on BP and diabetes.

As executive member and president of the Australian Indian lv[edical Graduates Association AIMGA, Dr Sawrikar advocated on behalf of India-trained doctors who found it hard to qualify for

nr

16 FEBRUARY 2017

registration.

"We liaised with ministers and helped organise clinical attachments at a time when the draconian registration process was causing some clistress."

He was also instrumental in organising overseas conferences and seminars for AIMGA, especially a particularly successful one witb the Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (GAPIO) in 2014.

Another project, creating a directory of Indian doctors in Australia, also met with much success: two editions were created, in 2003 and in 2013.

,, As executive member and president of the Australian Indian Medical Graduates Association AIMGA, Dr Sawrikar advocated on behalf of India-trained doctors who found it hard to make registration ,,

What does the future hold for Dr Sawrikar?

"I'm 71 now, and lately the issue of aged care bas begun to interest me. I'd like to explore further tl1e government initiatives that are in place such as MyAgedCare and help popluarise them in our community.

As well, I would like to aid the creation of volunteer teams within the community that can take 011 some of the burden of caring for our seniors."

Given he is still working 12-hour days most days, wonder when this new project will rake off.

Rajni Anand Luthra

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REMOVING DISPARITIES IN HEALTH CARE

Dr Ranjana Srivastava, OAM

For service to medicine, particularly in the field of doctor­ patient communication

A

s an oncologist and a medical writer, Ranjana Srivastava claims it was her experiences as a patient that influenced how her career ultimately shaped om. Her doctor's demeanour as he delivered bad news - his "unflinching truth " and his tears - sparked a lasting professional passion for doctor-patient communication.

Today the Melbourne-based doctor has won acclaim not only for her work in the field, but also for her turn i.n the media as ptint columnist, radio presenter, television host and expect commentator, and of course as author of four well-received books.

Her OAM honour this year tops an ever-growing list of awards that includes academic honours, prizes in literature, 'women of influence' mentions and distinguished uni alumni awards.

"I'm very humbled, and a little thrilled," she cells Tndian Link.

It is clear from Dr Srivastava's work that being a good doctor, is all about the patient. "I want to demystify medicine to the general public. Thar's what good medicine is about - having a hand in one's own health."

The "asymmetry in medicine between doctor and patient " is a source of concern for Dr Srivastava.

"Taking the patient's perspective increases their own understanding of the situation. There is better compliance, and better participation in their own health care.

It also aids them in leading a good life, and also having a good death. It's important to define their role in the process, because ultimately heald1 is a shared responsibility."

Her commitment to dealing direcdy wid1 disparities in health care has also moti v ated Dr Srivastava to take up a variety of other roles, such as helping mose that need immediate help. She has volumeered at natural disaster zones, and works with the Asylum Seekers Centre.

Mentoring younger doctors is anomer aspect along the same lines. "l\,figrant doctors especially have a tough time," she observes. "Those of us who

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know the ropes must support them in whatever way possible. \Xie all help create a good doctor, and all of society benefits.

I'm drawn to the experiences of migrant doctors because I identify with tbem."

Dr Srivastava has spoken often about the role good mentors have played in her own life as a student and as a medical practitioner.

As well, she is not averse to speaking up about racism - and sexism - in the medical fraternity.

"AIJ of this ties in with my passion for medical ethics, really," she concludes. "That is why there is something very special about being a migrant and being recognised (on Australia Day), in terms of what we can give back to this country."

Her writing, with straightforward but captivating tides (D)'i11gfora Chat: The

Co1111111111ict1tion Breakdown Bet1veet1 DoctoJJ and Pt1tie11ts-, TellJvie the Tmtb: Conversations with ti{)' Patients Aho11t Life and Death; So It's Cm1ce1; Now lV"hat? and After Ca11cer: A Guide to U11i11g Wei� may have given her a

,, 'For a good doctor, humility, compassion and integrity never go out of fashion ,, fan following outside d1e hospital scenario and in writers' festivals across d1e nation, but it is medicine chat is her first love. "l'vfedicine is the fulfilling career; all else is icing on d1e cake," she reveals. '1 always dreamt of becoming a doctor, even though l've been writing since l was five or six."

Dr Srivastava was born in Canberra but grew up in India, UK and the US as she travelled with her academic parents. Ar l 7, she returned to Australia to study medi.cine at Monash University.

"I'm grateful to my parents who took me rotmd the world, caught me resilience

and to cope with change by role modelling it for me," she recounts. "They also taught me to keep in touch with my roots. My work has increasingly begun to rake me back to India.I was there only recendy: as a visiting scholar at the University of Chicago, I was speaking at their Delhi centre about medical ethics.I think it is important to pay tribute to ,vhere you come from and to your heritage. For instance, I'm married to an Ausrralian bur my kids speak Hindi. Best of both worlds, I'd say."

What advice would she have for young doctors scarring out?

"Firsdy, always remember that it is an incredible privilege co do medicine.

For every person d1at gets in, there are 100-150 aspirants who have missed out.

Second, don't underestimate the power of compassion and integrity. It's what patients most remember most about their doctor.

For a good doctor, humility, compassion and integrity never go our of fashion."

Rajni Anand Luthra

l=EBRUARY 2017 17

cover story

PROMOTING NUCLEAR MEDICINE Prof. Vijay Kumar, AM

For service to medical research in the disciplines of nuclear medicine and biology, to professional organisations, and to the community ome of Life's extraordinary moments happen when you least expect them.

Sydney-based radiopharmaceutical scientist Dr. Vijay Kumar was travelling in Europe when he learned from his wife Shan that he had been picked for an AM honour this Australia Day. It is an honour only a select few from the coLmtry are bestowed with.

The road to this glorr has been a long and memorable one.

It was in 1974 that a young Vijay arrived in this country as a bright-eyed research scholar from Tamil l adu.

"I came here on a scholarship to do my PhD at the Australian National University in Canberra," he recounts co Indian Llnk.

Today, his career spanning more than 40 years has given him soli.d expertise in the field of nuclear medicine. Dr. Vijay owes a lot of his professional success and exposure to \Xlestmead Hospital and The Children's Hospital \Xlescrnead. "Nuclear medicine is a very niche area, which uses radioactive medicines to treat specific diseases. It can improve the treatment and palliative care of patients significantly and also reduce the side effects of treatments in conditions like cancer," he informs.

In this specialised field, the 67-year old scientist's contributions are aplenty.

Over the past two decades, Dr. Vijay has played a pivot.'Li role in establishing radiopharrnaceutical production and research facilities in many institutions in the coLmtry. His contributions co his field of expertise are not just recognised nationally; Dr. Vijay was among an elite group of scientists chosen co consult for the Internacional Acomic Energy Agency (lAEA), the acomic arm of the United Nations. This provided a uni9ue opportunity for Dr. Vijay co offer professional guidance to several developing naaons.

With a long list of achievements, recognitions and awards that Dr. Vijay has

18 FEBRUARY 2017

to his credit, he agrees that the Order of Australia (AM) tops the list. "I feel very honoured by d1is recognition. What makes me particularly happy is the fact that this will bring recognition co the discipline and hopefully encourage aspiring scientists to take it up seriously."

Dr. Vijay's drive for community work is also well-known. A former member of rl1e United Indian Associations and founder of the Sydney Tamil Sangam, Dr. Vijay has given back to the Indian community in the country by helping several immigrant Indians to find a footing in Australia.

He however misses giving more time ro his passions. "In the past few years I have been caught up with my professional life, and I wish I could dedicate a little more time for my other interests," he muses.

One of these is perhaps his talent for music. Dr. Vijay has utilised his passion to

,, Nuclear medicine is a very niche area which uses radioactive medicines to treat specific diseases. It can improve tl'eatment and palliative cal'e ,, join hands with some Indian community associations/groups to raise funds for charity.

Dr. Vijay believes his success sterns from the fact d1at he gets the best of both worlds. "I am very proud of my Indian upbringing, which has nurtured the importance of dedication, hard work and diligence in every cask that I undertake," he reveals. "Couple that wirl1 the exposure, professionalism, professional freedom

d1at I ac9uired from Australia, I am very fortunate tO have obmined the best from both cultures."

He also gives credit where it's due - to his family. According ro Dr. Vijay, his wife, a retired histoparl1ology scientist, his 87-year-old mother, son, daughter and his rl1ree granddaughters are his greatest suengths.

"My wife having been a scientist herself, it was easy to share sharing professional success with her," he says. "A supportive family while having a demanding career is the greatest gift. All this success wouldn't have materialised without them."

He hopes their support wiU allow him to continue doing what he has been doing.

"I see great oppormnicies to give more back to rl1e community and revolutionise treatment and care for patients with conditions like cancer," he says confidently.

Nanditha Suresh

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PIONEERING IN NEURO­ RADIOLOGY

Prof. Makhan Singh Khangure, For significant service to medicine in the field of neuroradiology, to education, and to a range of professional medical associations ow do surgeons treat a rupntred brain aneurysm? \'{Tell, in the 'old' days, they would saw through the skull to get to the artery. Today, most likely, they would employ what is called endovascular coiling: they would go in through an artery in the groin, insert a catheter that would travel up co the brain, and then through it, push up some platinum coils or acrylic glue to fill up the aneurysm, so that blood flow to it is sropped.

The newer technique is much less invasive.

The 'old' days, you might be surprised to learn, was not that long ago. The coil technique was introduced in 1995, and went through seven years of trials before it came into widespread use. In Australia, Perd1based radiologist Prof Mark Khangure was one of the early practitioners involved in the trials. l n this year's Australia Day honours, Prof Mark (i\fakhan Singh) Khangure has been felicitated for his work in neuroradiology, among other things.

"I was delighted when I heard d1e news," he tells Tndia11 U11k in his trademark gencle manner. l n a career chat spans almost half a cennu-y, Prof. Khangure bas not only been practising nenroradiology (a subspecialcy of radiology focusing on the diagnosis and characterization of abnormalities of the brain, head, neck and spine), but has also been involved in counselling, teaching, research and advocacy.

He bas also served on the boards of a number of medical organisations including Australian and New Zealand Society of Neuroradiology, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists and the Australian Medical Association. i\,femoring other trainees and advocating for radiologists have been particular passions that continue to this day.

"I like co tell younger practitioners to be involved with their careers in a broader sense, over and above merely earning a

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/

living, " he reveals. "I want them co think about consumer concerns, government funding, equipment update, advocate for private treatment, and generall)' to be honest and provide what patients expect."

Prof. Khangure was born in India but grew up in the UK where bis family moved when he was nine. He finished university d1ere and worked briefly before moving to Perch in 1976. He worked with the Royal Perch Hospital until 2006 but for a brief stint in the US for further training. It was at Royal Perd1 that me clinical trials for endovascular coiling were undertaken.

The professor's links wicl1 me land of his birth continues in a professional sense. "I've been teaching in Jvhunbai about procedures for ruptured aneurysms

, , I like to tell younger practitioners to be involved with their careers in a broader sense, over and above merely earning a living. I want them to think about consumer concerns, government funding, equipment update, advocate for private treatment, and generally to be honest and provide what patients expect ,,

wid1om surgery, in both public and private hospitals. Trainees have come here too, to learn from us: a young Indian doctor worked with us for a year before setting up in India. Od1er than India, we have been training radiologists in UK, Germany, Singapore and Malaysia."

Toda)' he continues to work actively, but for a private radiology group, and is mosrl)' involved in diagnosis.

"I'm like a high-end sportsperson who has climbed the peak before falling back into the precipice! " he laughs. \X'hen not seeing patients, Prof.

Khangure is into long distance walking, classical music, theatre, travelling, and spending time wid1 his grandchildren.

Rajni Anand Luthra

l=EBRUARV 2017 19

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l=EBRUARY 2017 21

dance

BY LP AYER

A

elaide's Indian community were given a fantastic ew Year cultural treat by three of its favourite daughters - Lakshmi, Nid1ya and Sarvesh.inee - who held their joint Bharatanatyam arrangetm111 at the Westminster High School audicor.ium.

The fact that mis arrangetm111 (debut) had been on the anvil for over a year was apparent from die level of organisation in every aspect from the moment the invited guests entered me hall. The huge hall was filled to capacity with members of Indian, Sri Lankan and Australian communities, easily the largest audience l had seen for an event of mis kind.

The lengdi their families had gone co make th.is a momenrous event for their daughters was evident by die fact diey had invited me entire team of supporting artistes - singer, instrumentalists and their earlier day dance teachers - from Singapore to give a stamp of authenticity to ilie arrrmgetra111. Since their first dance teachers Jayaletchimi Raman of Perd1 and Adelaide's well-known Jayanti Natarajan - are products of Chennai Kalashecra, an internationalJy acclaimed academy, its style was writ all over the performance. Their present guru Harnie Kumaraguru trained by her modier Sugandii and aunt Jayanthi Kesavans, has an indirect link to Kalashetra too.

The moment the vocalist Aditi Gopinath, also a Kalashecra student, sang die first line, there was every indication die audience was in for a treat. Her lilting voice was simply mesmerising with her accompanying violinist and mridangist equal to the cask.

Lakshmi, Nirhya and Sarveshinee started the afternoon program with the traditional invocation co Lord Ganesha widi a slokam.

22 l=EBRUARY 2017

They folJowed it up wirl1 Jathis1vam111, a purely technical piece wirJ1out any lyrics illustrating the compl�xity and dexterity of the dance movements. The next .item Vama111 was a composition by Papanasam Sivan lvlayam edho SJVtlll!J' on Lord Muruga, a slow tempo song. Being d1e central piece of the repertoire, it combined all die technical elements of mitta (movements) and mitf!)•a (expression) and the trio showed all their artistic skills learnt over the years of training.

After a musical .interlude on violin, it was the rurn of solo performance by the dancers. T h e first item, performed by Sarveshinee Pillay was Shiva panchaksham sostra111 composed by Adi Sankaracharya in Sanskrit, a na.rrative glorifying Lord

Shiva. Lakshrni Sriskandaraja chose Nee 111ata/ejavali, rendered in raga Poorvi kalyani depicting an angry 11q;yah sarcastically recounting me empty promises of her suitor. The last solo, by N.ithya Odiayakumar, a padam on Durga in raga

&vathiwas in ptaise of Goddess Durga, rl1e eternal modier and die all-powerful sakthi.

After their solo, rJ1e three dancers came togedier again for the conclucl.ing piece Thillanri, a joyous display of pure dance where rhythmic patterns are woven together

wirn salutation to a particular deity, in di.is case Bhuvaneswari, queen of the universe.

Chief guest Kris Hanna, Mayor of die local Marion Council, in his brief speech, portrayed the place of Bha1'flft111a()'t1J11 on me Indian culrnral fabric widi impressive insight. Stephen McManis deserves credit for his brilliant photographs and design of the classy brochure on the programme, although the texts were very wordy and repetitive, as was rJ1e vote of thanks segment - the only flaws in a splendid 90-minute performance.

It takes hours of bard work and years of training, as in other artistic endeavours, to reach a level to present a public performance for a large audience. T h e girls did a n admirable job.What i s even more amazing about these young ladies is ilieir professional achievement - Lakshmi is a psychologist by training, Nithya an accountant and mmn of a toddler, and Sarvesh.inee has just obtained her medical degree.

A double delight to rbeir parents, families and friends, and they presented a triple treat to an admiring Adelaide audience.

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FEBRUARY 2017 23

MATRIMONIALS SEEKING BRIDES Match required for a well-established Actuarisc, handsome, Hindu Pll11jabi boy, 6ft 3in, 35 years old, slim, fait. Citizen of Australia and UK. Looking for bealltiful, call, fair, educated git:! from a cultured family. Caste no bar. Respond with photo and profile to puran@ prasand.com.au or call +61 412 563 757

Seeking professionally qualified, settled match for Sydney-based, never married, Aus citizen, Hindu, Punjabi Khatri, 43, 5'3", slim, fair, attractive girl. Girl is postgraduate and is working in a good position in government organisation. Please send derails witl1 phoco: Indsyd2016@gmail.com

Hindu Punjabi parents looking for a suitable match for their son, 26, based in Sydney, with good mix of Indian and modern values, graduated from a reputed Australian tuuversit:y with li..rsc dass honours, well settled and working with consulting company. We prefer graduates. Email: jvaid312@gmail.com

Seeking a match for a Hindu, professional, 24/ 5' 6" fair, beautiful, vegetarian, smart girl.

Australian citi2en, high status family seeks good alliance from a well to do fanuly. Email: indiao.bcide2017@gmail.com or call +61 429300961 with details of tl1e groom. NRI/ Australian citizen preferred

Indian Christian Protestant parents seeking a suitable match for their 36-year-old son, a Software Engineer, born and brought up in Australia.Prefer Protestant girl between 28 and 34 years. Email: sammy5073@gmail.com, Mob: 0403 836 360

Seeking suitable match for Hindu Punjabi girl, Australian citizen, 32, 5'4", slim, very fair, charming, beautiful. Professionally qualified, working in marketing held. Boy should be professionally qualified, settled in Australia, from well co do family. Please send details ,vitb photo: khubstttat2017@gmail.com

Looking for a suitable match for Gujarati Vaishnav Vanira, 4 1 , divorced, well settled and running small business. Please email witl1 photographs and biodaca to marriagect@gmail. com

SEEKING GROOMS Match required for ill)' sister, Aus citizen, Hindu Punjabi, non-veg, 5'0, slim/fair/ beautiful, 1988-born, Masters of Professional Accounting, working in Melb. Aus Citizen/ PR req. Email: melbournejodi@rahoo.com Seeking suitable alliance for Jatt-Sikh Sandhu daughter of Army Officer. 1987 born, 5'5", convent educated, MBA, serving in repllted Ii.rm in India. Fair completion and has grown up witl1 nice nux of modern and traditional values. Family settled in Jalandhar, brother in Melbourne. Seeking qualified and compatible groom. Please contact: Sanunder +61 433422 121, samindersandhu@yahoo.com Suitable match for Australian citizen, Sydney-based, Sikh girl. 1991 born, 170cm, qualified chartered accountant, working for Australia's leading bank. Parents highly educated and well settled in Sydney. Please respond co hs52216a@gmail.com

24 FEBRUARY 2017

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foretell PREDICTIONS FOR FEB 2017

BY NANCY JADE ALTHEA

------------------------------------ARIES March 21 - Apri l 19 This month you will feel in a motivated and energetic mood. You have a list of things to do and you are determined to get things done. You will find ways of making extra money but you need to make sure you do not overspend. Romantically, you will be feeling content and happy.

Make sure that you are getting enough sleep as you seem to be burning yourself out. Take some time out to sort out matters at home.

TAURUS April 20 - May 20 This month you will be concentrating on your business and implementing new ideas with regard to bringing in new clients. If you are working for someone, you will be looking at new job opportunities as you may be a little restless. Relationships are a little unsettled and you may decide to let things roll as they are for now. You are advised to take care of your health as you seem to have a lower back issue that has been troubling you lately.

GEMINI May 21 - J u ne 20 You will be feeling like you are not sure if you are coming or going this month. There is a lot of energy around you that is making you feel restless and impatient. There will be some friends or relatives visiting from abroad. Take some time to look at your diet and exercise regime as you are feeling a little low on energy. Your partner may be a bit moody and troublesome, but you know how to handle them.

CANCER J u ne 21 - J u ly 20 You have been trying to move on with life and you are now ready to take that final plunge. This month you will be thinking about moving to another house, or maybe even another state. You will also be looking at your career as you are now ready for a change. Lovely energy of movement and motivation surrounds you. There will be someone you are interested in romantically who may also be living where you are planning to move.

LEO J u ly 21 - Aug 22 �-��yr.1 This month you will be going through some testing times, but you will get through with ease and patience. You have a tendency to want everything to be completed immediately. There will be some matters relating to property that need your attention. A family member may not be feeling too well, but they will soon bounce back. Finances and career seem to be going well, but get excited as you are in line for a promotion and more money.

VIRGO Aug 23 - Sep 22 You have your hands full with family matters and your home this month. You will be feeling slightly over tired and need to pace yourself. There will be some exciting news with regard to your partner's work which would mean more money coming in. There will also be some stress around your children, as they will be confused ·,. with regard to learning or what they want to study. Property matters and matters relating to your vehicle will need your attention.

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LIBRA Sept 23 - Oct 22 This month you will be wanting to travel and get some matters of finance sorted out. You are trying to get your financial affairs and will in order. There will be some complications regarding taxation that you will need to deal with and pay. Do not let these matters go unattended. Romantically, you will be feeling a little less enthusiastic with your partner as you are just feeling quite tired and worn out.

Take some time for yourself and recharge.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - N ov 21 You will want to make some movement with regard to matters of the heart this month. You are feeling as though there are things that need to be discussed and dealt. Valentine's Day stirs your emotions.

Financially, you are looking at your investments and wanting to make some changes with regard to your property. Children will need your attention this month and you will need to pay some outstanding bills. You will be thinking of booking a holiday.

SAGITTARIUS N ov 22 - Dec 21 This month you will be travelling with work and dealing with some difficult clients. You can handle them with your charm and diplomacy. There will be some extra work on your shoulders as there seem to be a number of colleagues leaving your workplace.

Try to maintain your routine. Your partner will be in the mood to travel and start planning your summer holidays. Financially you are saving, but allow yourself to splurge a little when it comes to relaxation.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 19 You will need to make sure you get proper rest and relaxation this month as you will be working long hours. There is a lot going on.

You will be thinking of buying another property, as you are now looking at an extra income. You will also be looking at possible renovations. Travel plans and meeting old friends will be on your agenda. Romance is not on the cards as of now, but this may change in the near future.

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 This month you will be busy. You will need to find a fine balance as you do not have enough time for yourself. Home life will be happy and cordial. You are planning to meet a relative you have not seen for a while and this will be quite nerve racking for you. There may be some matters relating to property that you will be helping your parents with. A sibling is also going to be needing your help.

PISCES Feb 19 - March 20 You will have a calendar full of activities this month, in line with your desire to achieve a lot more this year. You have set out some goals and you will be making plans to buy yourself a new car.

There will be some news relating to a possible job opportunity. You will be feeling quite energetic, taking on tasks and getting things done. Make sure you get those tests done, you will be fine and are panicking for no reason.

l=EBRUARV 2017 25

interview

26 l=EBRUARY 2017

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BY PREETI JABBAL

,, The box office is not true success; it is a one or two week episode in your life. Your worth should be be_yond your work ,, Working in Hollywood 1 am absolutely open to it as it is the right time for me. I would love to, as a student, go and learn new ways of acting. Hopefully, 1 will get something good that will ignite my interest. I haven't given it a solid thought as to how I will go about it but I am definitely open to it. Let's see where my actions take me.

On his love for Australia and physical fitness

On the emotlonal Impact of a good script

I loved the time I spent in Australia.Australians inspire me as they are so physically fit and so far progressed in the physical fitness space.Australian physical therapy has helped me during my injuries. I love the brightness of the people and the way they live.

I hope to launch my clothing brand HRX in Australia soon. HRX represents an extreme state of mind that inspires people to be the best version of themselves, to keep on pushing and to keep achieving.

I have incorporated a lot of Australian philosophies in my life as well as in HRX, so thank you Australia for inspiring me.

What success means to Hrithik Roshan Success lies in the appreciation and love of the fans.

Success is to be able to contribute to society through your skills and give people joy and entertain them.

From a broader perspective, success is to wake up each day enthusiastic about whatever you chose to do with your life. If you are waking up every day with passion and doing what you love, that's what reaUy makes your life successful.

Preetijabbal interviewed Hrithik Roshan at the invitation ofMind BlowingFilms

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l=EBRUARV 2017 27

entertainment

----------------------------U P-TO-DATE NEWS ON WHAT'S HOT AND HAPPENING IN BOLLYWOOD

SALMAN KHAN

KABIR KHAN AND SALMAN KHAN ALL SET TO DELIVER AGAIN

It'll be their third film together as director and actor. Come this Eid, everyone will be going gaga over Tubelight, the Salman Khan-starrer directed by Kabir Khan.

The duo have worked together in the 2015 hit film Bajrangi Bhaijaan and the 2012 blockbuster Ek Tha Tiger. But this time round, it's going to be very different.

"If you thought Salman was special in Bajrangi Bhaijaan, then his performance in Tubelight is five times better," Kabir said recently.

Worth waiting for? You decide!

VARUN DHAWAN IN SALMAN MODE

Varun Dhawan is all excited about

Judwaa 2, his next film in which he

reprises the double role of Salman Khan in the 1997 film Judwaa.

It's a readymade role for him to move to the next level, and boy does he know it... have you seen him on Koffee With Karan lately, all so cocky and confident? Nah, just kidding, we think he's a cutie, can't wait to see him in Badrinath ki Dulhaniya with that other cutie Aalia Bhatt. Gosh, the sheer energy of the two on KFK.... nazar ne lag jaye.

STRONG ROLES FOR STRONG WOM EN

K

angana Ranaut, who will soon be seen as 'Jaanbaaz (fearless) Julia', an actress who travels, performs and entertains soldiers of the British Indian Army in Vishal Bhardwaj's period drama Rangoon, says the film is a perfect Women's Day watch as it's about a strong woman.

The petite 29-year-old has built up a reputation for herself as a strong woman, not holding back about broken relationships, or other actors who were born with the proverbial silver spoon, and evolving an enviable style quotient.

But hang on, Fearless Julia, does that name ring a bell? Oh yes, the character's based on Fearless Nadia, aka Hunterwali, aka Mary Ann Evans, the Australian actor who moved to India in the 1930s and found fame as a stuntwoman. i Hmmm, how we wish a real l fe Aussie actress could have taken on that role...

Kangana may be a strong woman, but she is not exactly known for a Hunterwali vibe. Nakharewali, now that's something else. Lately, Kangana has taken to driving around Mumbai in an exquisite vintage car. Clever promotional gimmick using a vehicle that features in the film.

Kangana drove to the airport recently in the magnificent car, en route to Jammu and Kashmir. The film's promotions will be launched at an army base there, given the film, set in 1940s India, is centred around troops that were entertained by Julia.

Co-starring Saif Ali Khan and Shahid Kapoor, the film is due for release on 24 February, ahead of International Women's Day on 8 March.

28 l=EBRUARY 2017

Anyway, Judwaa 2, directed by Varun's father David Dhawan, also stars Jacqueline Fernandez and Taapsee Pannu, and is scheduled for release on 29 Sept.

RANA DAGGUBATl'S TRIBUTE TO THE NAVY

Rana Daggubati's new film The Ghazi Attack is set in the Indian Navy, based on a true event in the 1971 war with Pakistan. Pakistani submarine Ghazi had attempted to destroy the Indian aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

At a recent promotional event, Rana said, "I think this is a very important story to tell. Also, we've seen many films that glorify the army and the police. This is somewhere a tribute to our navy."

Rana is one of the few lucky owners of a Bajaj V motorbike, made from the recycled metal of the much-loved aircraft carrier INS Vikrant when ii was decommissioned.

The film will see him playing naval officer Lt. Commander Arjun Varma, who was said to have remained underwater for 18 days during the war.

"Besides my love for the bike, I am also a keen deep sea diver," Rana

revealed. "There are a lot of underwater stunts in the film."

He claimed he missed sunlight while shooting 18 days non-stop underwater the Telugu-Hindi war-at-sea drama.

"When you haven't felt the sun on your face and you've been breathing recycled air for months, getting on the surface of water and on land is like freedom at last!"

Recollecting the experience of shooting underwater in a submarine setting, he said, "The sailors possess tremendous grit as they live life without surfacing from underwater for days altogether, breathing the same air virtually every day."

Directed by debutant Sankalp, the fi lm is partially based on the book Blue Fish, penned by the director himself.

"For the last one year of my life, I've been researching the incident and what India went through during that war. INS Vikrant was one of the most celebrated warships in the Indian naval fl eet. I know the importance of it at that time.

It's lovely to be part of the entire thing," he said.

Also starring Taapsee Pannu, Kay Kay Menon and Atul Kulkarni, The Ghazi Attack releases on 17 Feb. The fi lm also stars Nassar and late actor Om Puri in a pivotal role.

Rana also awaits the 28 April release of Baahubali: The Conclusion starring Prabhas, Tamannaah, Anushka Shetty and Sathyaraj.

BANATE RAHO, MUNNABHAI

Talking of reprisals, Arshad Warsi will reprise the much-loved character of Circuit in the third film in the Munnabhai franchise.

He revealed that the script for the third instalment is ready.

"Rajkumar Hirani the director spoke to me to give an idea about the story.

It is simply superb, very relevant to the times. He was peaking at a press conference for his upcoming film lrada.

The film will go on the fl oors as soon as Sanjay Dutt's biopic is complete next year.

Talking about the film, the 48-year­ old actor said, "You will soon see the same innocent idiots coming up with a www.indianlink.com.au

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social issue once again. They will make you see the world we want to see. It's a feelgood story."

Meanwhile, let's wait for lrada, directed by Aparnaa Singh and featuring Naseeruddin Shah and Divya Dutta. It hits the screens on 17 Feb.

SOMETHING DIFFERENT: ANUSHKA SHARMA

Her first production was the gritty thriller NH10, and now she is coming up with her second outing Phillauri, which is a quirky tale featuring Anushka as a ghost named Shashi.

While asked about choosing an out­ of-the-box subject, Anushka said, "I think the idea came out because my brother Karnesh and I wanted to tell a different story and present a new idea as well. That is why NH10 was made, which was well-received by people.

"Similarly, the Phillauri trailer is getting a good response in all aspects.

The vision is to create good content and introduce new talent. It's a very relatable character. I have tried to be honest playing the role. Finally, it depends on the audience how they react to the film."

The film is scheduled for release on 24 March.

CLICHES, OR QUIRKY CONCEPTS?

There's much going on in the trailer of Phillauri - but it has little to go for itself.

It is a beehive of activity with a beautiful ghost played by Anushka Sharma hounding a nerdy NRI (played by Suraj Sharma of Life Of Pi fame) while a gaggle of relatives and freeloaders add to the progressively increasing volume of intended vitality.

Suraj Sharma is clearly the poor man's Dev Patel. Throughout the trailer, he is a screechy, whiny mass of bewilderment - something like Omi Vaidya in 3 Idiots.

Suraj clearly can't come to terms with being accosted by a ghost. Hopefully, we can, when the film releases.

This is rural Punjab. We all know what that means. There will be noisy revellers, a whole lot of head-banging Bhangra, wide-open spaces filled with colour... the works. And if it is Punjab, there is bound to be that mandatory shot of the Golden Temple. And guess what?

Female fans of Diljit Dosanjh get a bonus because they get the Punjab's superstar to emerge from the holy waters of the Golden Temple. Dosanjh clearly wants to slot himself as India's first turbaned stud. Our best wishes to him.

If Dosanjh is a stud on demand, he is also a singer by choice. As the roving ghost's past love, we see him wandering across spaces in Phillaur with a song on his lips and an ektara in

WHO WORE IT BETTER?

NATASHA POONAVALA or KIM KARDASHIAN in BALMAIN?

+ Share your views

with us on our Facebook page /lndianLinkAustra/ia

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his hands.

Just how all of this fits into the comic cosmos of a film that is eager to show us its quirky side, only time will tell.

In the meanwhile, the trailer leaves us with a sense of infuriating incompleteness. There are seeds of novelty in the plot. But the intended humour is way too predictable. The intended novelty of a nerd accidentally married to a ghost in a tree somehow gets frittered in a free-for-all of frisky romantic yearnings.

Going by the trailer, it seems doubtful that first-time director Anshai Lal has been able to hold together the slippery satirical strands of the whimsical rural fable. But miracles do happen. We have one in the film.

A ghost released from a tree that the nerdy NRI is persuaded to marry because he is maanglik.

Not sure though whether mocking superstition actually helps us to understand why it exists, let alone eradicate it.

Two stars for this trailer.

What is KAREENA KAPOOR KHAN thinking here?

Send in your responses to

win@indianlink.com.au and win a movie pass

WHAT TWEETY BIRD TOLD US THIS WEEK

Can you match the following tweets to the stars that tweeted them?

Deepika Padukone, Twinkle Khanna, Karan Johar, Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan Boys and girls new song from Raees coming up in a bit. Didn't make it to the film but will make it to ur heart I hope.

App download kiya? #BeinglnTouch It's 37 years of 'Do aur Do Panch' a happy ride filled with some delightful moments!

When plays can be banned for using the word 'Bra' here's a bit from my book read wonderfully by @ AzmiShabana about the best bras in the world As Padmavati I can assure you that there is absolutely no distortion of history.#Padmavati This Holi, jam with @varun_dvn and @ aliaa08 http://bit.ly/Badri KiDulhania

What's the chitchat between DEEPIKA PADUKONE and ELLEN here?

Ellen: Ok, challenge accepted - it's going to be a badminton match between Deepika and me.

SANJANA PUROHIT WESTMEAD, NSW Sanjana wins a ticket to see Raees

l=EBRUARV 2017 29

backchat

Awar s all aroun Prominent people who deserved an award this Australia Day/Republic Day

BY LP AYER

J

anuary 26 is not oaJy a special day of national importance to India and Australia. This day means much more to a select group of citizens in both these countries as they are given awards for their exemplary service in various walks of life. Honouring their distinguished citizens is pare of the social fabric of most countries in the world, and each country has its own method of selecting such persons and nomenclanire for those awards.

In India it ranges from Bharat Rama co Padma Sri whereas the Australian honours have categories like AO (Officer of the Order of Austtalia), AM (Member of the Order of Australia) and OA.tvf (Medal of the Order of Austtalia).

I have no due of the lndian selection process except perhaps to guess it is on a \,vho you know' basis. Thankfully, Down Under it is a lot more open. Anyone can nominate a fellow Australian citizen considered co have made an outstanding achievemem. The Australian Honours Secretariat, an independent body, considers all the nominations and make its recommendations to the Governor General. ot being privy to the selection process, I took the liberr:y of coming up with a list of prominent persons who are worthy of some award, based on what I have read in the media of their feats.

Kevin Rudd; Citizen q( the U7orld ever one co be cowed down by obstacles, and not content with his claims to have saved Australia from the GFC by emprying a war chest of some $32 bi.Ilion squirreled away by the previous Coalition government, he UNearthed bis ambition to save the world to become the UN Secretary General.

UNdaunced by Australia's veto co his approach to endorse him for d1e job, he got UNdisclosed support from an UNknown African country, Botswana. Turnbull nirned down his 'endorse me or else' message and, alas, the world has lost a great opporUlnity.

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.sro So me above award is some consolation.

Nick Kyrgios: Sp01ts111a11 ef the )'ear

Nick off, he said to his fans. Who in the sports world would dare say such a d1ing? He has more guts man his racquet. His tennis talent may be matchless but his temperament is not d1at grand; it is the one diat stands in the way of his netting any grand slam. Since eleven time grand slam winner Rod Laver has vouched that cranky Kyrgi "could be the best tennis pL-iyer in the world ", who am I co ace d1e Australian legend's comment?

Derryn Hinch: Golden lV'agon lf7hcel Having fallen off the wagon, d1e Australian wine industry's top award goes to this guy for giving a boost to meir booze business, clain.1.ing drinking won't harm his borrowed liver. ·atasha, the latest ex of this five-time married, tweeted mat he Aogs his new Jiver with a Aagon. He watered down her claim saying he drinks d1e 'odd glass of wine, one third wine, two-thirds water'. Does an odd glass makes him so tipsy as co change his mind three times on the Backpackers Tax

bill, back-tracking his own proposal? This former presenter of A Current Affair (some of mem cooked-up), after a life-saving liver transplant, vowed not to touch another drop.

Now quoting that bis surgeon has cleared his drinking, he seems to have a golden endorsement and the award too.

Narendra Modi: Aladdin M"gicLn11;p Aivard Trying to 'sell' new money for old, Narendra /Jabi has let a genie out of the bottle in his battle to curb corruption by bringing black money out in the open.But d1e long queues of ordinary folks outside the banks to swap their notes may be lengthening his odds of winning public acclaim from .500/1 to 2000/1, at least in the short run.

Salman Khan: Houdini Esmpe l.JJop It was a fourteen-year saga of the hit-and­ run court case over charges of causing death tO a guy sleeping on a Mumbai footpad1 while driving after heavy drinking. At last, one Sessions Court judge Deshpande found him guilry of manslaughter and he was expected to spend time inside. However,

later d1e Bombay High Court turned down me lower court's verdict observing "strong public suspicion of guilt cannot be used to hold a person guilty". In an earlier case too, whe.n he was charged witl1 killing a deer, sacred to d1e local Bishnoi people, he got away.No Indian could be diat silly to expect our hero Sallu to be locked up.He bears Houdini any day hands down.

Donald Trump: 1Wultiple t1IJJt11rls Every professional association is competing to confer its highest honour on him.

American Hair Dressers Inc. gives its top 'Golden Comb' award for his inimitable hairdo.The US Consortium of Construction Industries confers its prestigious 'Master Builder of America' (not to be confused with d1e commonplace MBA) for his proposal co build a wall along the Mexican border d1at will boost their business and promote employment. China, of course, is not chuffed since d1is will rival its Grear Wall as the oaJy man-made feanire seen from space.

Unfornmately, space here limits me in listing many omer awards for ilie triumphant Tnunp!

►

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