2017-02 Melbourne

SYDNEY • MELBOURNE • ADELAIDE • BRISBANE • PERTH • CANBERRA

™

SootJCoa

direct to bank account

..-, MoneyGram. �

.

money transfer

*Flat fee of $1 applies to the first transaction only for new customers to MoneyGram at ?-Eleven. Offer valid from 21 November 2016 until 11.59pm 12 March 2017 AEDT. In addition to the transfer fee, a currency exchange rate may also apply. MoneyGram also makes money from currency exchange. MoneyGram and the Globe are marks of MoneyGram. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. © 2016 MoneyGram Send limit at a ?-Eleven store is AUD3000 with some countries restricted to less than this Offer excludes transactions to Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Benin and Vietnam.

16-01307

2 FEBRUARY 2017

www.indianlink.com.au

l'J

INDIAN LINK PUBLISl-iER· . Pawan Luthra

editorial

Strength in diversity

l:DITOR Rajni Anand Luthra ASSISTANT l:DITOR Kira Spucys-Tahar Ml:LBOURNI: COORDINATOR Preeti Jabbal CONTRIBUTORS Nanditha Suresh, Dhanya Samuel, Dipanjali Rao, Nancy Jade Althea, LP Ayer Ravinder Si,ngh Jabba ADVERTISING National Sales Vivek,Trivedi 0410. 578.146 ADVl:RTISING ASSISTANT Charuta Joshi 02 9279 2004

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 !:mail: info@indianlink.corri.au·

• INDIANLINK

BY PAWAN LUTHRA

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. Utileashing chaos and outrage, this executive order bas been condemned for what it is - xenophobic, mean spirited and racist.

W hile the international community has expressed shock, there has been deafening silence, strangely, from the Australian government. More on that later. \lv'hat is heartening co note is how the corporate world has reacted co the situation. \Xfhether driven by humanitarian concerns or the need for open global boundaries, a number of corporates have reached out to counter the executive order.

Starbucks has said that his company will hire I0,000 ref ugees over the next five years as their way co allow for best oppormnities for new mi grants. Airbnb said soon after die Trump announcement that it will provide free housing to anyone left stranded by the ban. Its co-fom1der 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 wich those who are affected."

Other technology-centric companies which have a large number of migrant employees also weighed in. Apple CEO Tim Cook seated that Apple would not e.xisc without immigration.Jeff Bezos, Amazon's chief executive said, "We'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."

NetAix 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 Sw1der Pichai joined the ocher employees in their protest.

Goldman Sachs, 21st Cenmry Fox and JP Morgan also voiced d1eir opposition co this travel ban.

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

What has been shocking is the Australian government's complete silence on the issue. Prime Minister Malcolm Tlll'.anbnll has refused to condemn or speak out against the injustice of dus racist order. Hiding behind the guise of not wanting to interfere in another coLmtry's domestic

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

Otl1er world leaders such as British Prime l\1iniscer Theresa May, French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have all spoken out against Mr Trump's clampdown, while Canadian Prime Mi1uster Justin Trudeau has said his country would welcome refugees.

Here was a chance to reassure Australia, a country of migrants, about the in1porcance of diversity. Wasn't it only days ago tliat our Prime Minster had waxed lyrical on tlus very topic?

On Australia Day, Turnbull had said, "Our First Australians have ... tl1e oldest continuous human culCllle on eartl1 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 tapestry, magnificent in its diversity and the most successful multiculmral society in d1e world. We come from neady 200 cotmtries of all faiths, cultures and bad:grounds. And yet in a world where conAict and intolerance seem more intractable than ever, we live together in peace ... (Our) strong sense of justice springs from the solidarity, the mumal respect and mateslup that binds us coged1er in our diversity. Together we have built a remarkable nation."

Great speech d1en, Mr Turnbnll, but when it came to speaking up against a xenophobic President, you let us down badly.

Importer and Distributor: Ostlndo International Pty Ltd Tel: 1300 970 357 Email: sales@ostlndo.com.au Please visit our website: www.ostlndo.com.au

FEBRUARY 2017 3

• Indian Linlt

LINKING INDIA WITH AUSTRALIA

SPECIAL FEATURES ACCOLADES Dr Arvind Sinha wins Aerospace Engineer Leadership Award

SPORT Indian players at the Australian Open

FUNDRJUSER Aussies continue the light against polio in India

HOLIDAYS How the next gen spent the summer break

19 24

28

32

ARTS

Fighting domestic violence with powerful words

37

•

Australia Here We Come

migration

AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRATION LAWYERS AND CONSULTANTS

Seamus Taaffe Fe.A 1CAA GCAMLP

Maggie Taaffe BA LLB \Hon<> GCAMLP

B s.taaffe@australiaherewecome.com.au

S m.taaffe@australiaherewecome.com.au

FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL Migration Consultant(MARN0901684)

PRINCIPAL Barrister & Solicitor (MARNOSSl585l

Australia Here We Come is an Australian Migration Law Firm with expertise and ext ensive experience in all areas of Australian Migration Law.

Book a consultation online at

australiaherewecome.corn.au

or call 1300 887 818 today!

Calls from outside Australia +61 3 9573 5200

IF WE CAN,T GET YOU A VISA, NO ONE CAN!

Australia Here We Come Pty Ltd ABN 6692oaJ6so2

Level 1, 376 Punt Road, South Yarra, Victoria 3141 t! 1300 887 818 Q australiaherewecome.com.au

4 FEBRUARY 2017

www.indianlink.com.au

l'J

ONLY

P!'lllllll t.1'11i1 Iii REMAIN

Celebrate the best of Indian writing and ideas.

Gala: India Now An exclusive keynote by award-winning writer Shashi Tharoor, and electrifying performances

by Sofia Ashraf and Sampurna Chatterji.

A full day of free talks Performances and activites featuring Mishi Saran, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, Michelle Cahill and Roanna Gonsalves.

at MELBOURNE

View the full program mwf .com.au/jlf-melbourne #JLFMelb [ Melbourne ] Writers Festival

... lFAMw:J?r( C!LEIUTING THE 1111 TEAMWORKARTS.COM

This project fs supported by the .Si dney Myer Fund and Art!. Centr@ Melbourne forAsio TOPA.Asio TOPA Is o joi nt lnitl ot i ve of the Sidney Myer Fund ondArts Centre Mel bourM ond is supported bytMAustrolion ond ViCtorion Govsrnment�. JLF M@lbourM is supported by the V ictorian Governm@nt throug hCreotive Vi c·torio, the UNESCOMe lbourne City of Literature and the Victorian Mu1ticult"uro l Commi!ision, and theAustrali an Government through theAu!.tro l io�IMio Councl1 of the Depo rtment of ForeignAffofrs ond Trode.

INDIANLINK

--111m "fl'ouqtcE Re� -.�-.,..,.

t.l��••u :..,·"".., ........-...

c 'T) or rlllil\11111

....•ovh•·••w•""""••

OOOKS MUSI(. ,ilM.

l=EBRUARY 2017 5

YOUR SAY

.....................................................................................................,

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

DEMONETISATION: WHATS IN IT FOR US, MR MODI?

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.

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.

WHAT THE IPL CAN LEARN FROM THE BBL

SA NAM SHARMA on what the BCCI can learn from Cricket Australia about nurturing, managing and promoting cricket

Manlsh Rao wrote: Money talks. The quality of cricket is best in the IPL due to international stars, not just some retired players like in the BBL

VCE LESSONS ABOUT MYSELF

Students from the community who completed Year 12 with outstanding results shared their insights into surviving the final year of school

Varun Thakkar wrote: I wish, in my final year of school, I was aware of all

25 YEARS AND COUNTING

PREETI JABBAL wrote about Telugu Association of Australia Inc. celebrating its Silver Jubilee

Surendra wrote: Rao, amazing work for the Indian community staying in

Australia. Proud of you!

David wrote: TAAi, instead of being exclusive to the Khamma caste Telugu groups please diversify to all Telugu people. Time and time systematically suppressing other castes is no good. All your organisers and board members are Khamma.

NRI OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

With all they have to offer, the diaspora should be better engaged by the Indian government, wrote PA WAN 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.

6 FEBRUARY 2017

the career options available in Australia as well as overseas and also at what universities, their fees, duration and how exactly would it be useful in life and also what prospects they hold!

GOT A CONFIDENTIAL NEWS TIP?

Do you have the next big story? Want to share It with lndlan Link Media Group?

We offer several ways to get in touch with and provide materials to our journalists.

Email us on info@indianlink.com.au, call us on 02 9279-2004, o r follow us on Facebook o r Twitter.

.f.

[@J

+ JOIN THE CONVERSATION > LOG on to your own Facebook or Twitter account > TYPE "Indian link" into the search box at the top of the sc reen and click on the link that comes up > CLICK 'like' to join the Indian link Facebook community or 'Follow' @lndian_link on Twitter

www.indianlink.com.au

l'J

Your dream. our goal Save with us today

Amit Sharma Mortgage Broker / Paragon Business Group M / 0428 231 452 E / amitsharma@paragonbg.com • Home Loans • Ca r Loans

• Cash Out • Refinance PH / 1300 000 188

PLATINUM BROKERS

LANGUAGES SPOKEN: HINDI. URDU. PUNJABI. ENGLISH

GPB{i R PA AGON BUSINESS GROUP

• nNANCE • WESTIIENT • PROPERTY •11111:IIIGRATKlN • CONWLTI"iG

INDIANLINK

FEBRUARY 2017 7

8 FEBRUARY 2017

www.indianlink.com.au

l'J

Wollert's Newest Address Only 27km from the CBD, Lyndarum North is close to so many amenities that you rely on. This exciting development will offer an abundance of parks, play areas, facilities for children and a proposed town centre and train station. Poised to be the benchmark community in the region, you will be proud to call it home.

The perfect place to collect the memories that make a good life grow euen better FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT OUR SALES & INFORMATION CENTRE AT CNR OF EPPING RD AND DE ROSSI BLVD, WOLLERT BEN 0407 852 564

LYNDARUMNORTH.COM.AU

AVJennings·

INDIANLINK

Call 131 878 or visit avjennings.com.au

l=EBRUARY 2017 9

mainstream

Hope amidst tragedy

Australians show their true spirit in the face of the Bourke Street incident

BY PREETI JABBAL

A

uscralians, especially those living in Melbourne, have been wiited in shod<, grief and condemnation of the Bourke Street tragedy that resulted in five fatalities and injuries to multiple pedestrians who were ploughed down by a motorise. Bhavita Patel, 33, was named as the sixth victim of the incident. She died on 30 January after her family decided to mrn off her life support. " l have no idea what to say about what happened except that I miss her and love her .so much and can't believe that I won't see her any more," her brother Mitesh cold the Herald Sun. Nechra Krishnamurthy, a young Indian mother, was among tbe shoppers, tourists and workers who fell victim to this senseless acc.

In an incident chat shook the entire city, 26-year-old Dirnicrious GargasouJas allegedly drove his car into the busy Bourke Street Mall, deliberately striking pedestrians after lunchtime on Friday 20 January. He was witnessed doing doughnuts with his vehicle outside the busy Flinders Street Station prior to the crash.

Victoria Police have charged him with five counts of murder for killing Matthew Si (33),Jess Mudie (22) Thaila Hakio (10) and Zachary Bryant (3 months) as well as an unidentified 25-year-old man. A charge regarding Bhavita Patel is expected.

About 30 people were injured; many are

10 FEBRUARY 2017

still receiving treatment including Nethra Krishnamurthy.

Nethra is undergoing treatment at the Alfred Hospital for her injuries. She has multiple spinal and rib fractures, a puncmred lung and lacerations on her liver, kidney, intestine and scalp. She has been through many surgeries and her medical treatment will continue. Ic is expected to be a long road to recovery. ethra is an IT consultant who migrated to Australia from Mysore, Karnatal<a and moved to Melbomne in 2012. She is married to Mohan Kumar and they have an eight­ month-old son, Hari. She had just finished feeding her child who was in a daycare and was remrning to work when the tragedy occurred. Her husband was with her, however he was unharmed in the incidem. "l was lucky to miss the in1pact but unlucky enough to witness the massacre first hand," he said in his social media post informing people abom his wife's wellbeing. "l would have done everything I could and leave everything I have to prevem this from happeni ng to her," he added as he thanked everyone for their concern, care and support.

According to updates ethra had her ventilator, lung and nasogascric mbes removed recently and is able to talk and drink fluids. She is expected to undergo plastic surgery for the lacerations on her scalp.

Friends and Mohan's mother, who reached Melbourne soon after the cratunacic incident, are caring for her child.

This unprecedented tragedy has impacted many fami.lies and the outpouring of support from the commmiity has been enormous.

The floral tributes, messages of hope, condolences, letters and funds are pouring in. Vigils and memorials were held to honour the innocent victims of tbe rampage.

Saddened and concerned, the Australian

community has dug deep imo their pockets co donate to die victims. At last count over $700,000 had been raised.

A fundraising campaign was also created for Nethra and her family. Exceeding its original goal in the first few da)'S with neatly 2000 donations, so far, over 5.SK people have shared the campaign link and there has been an overwhelming response for the young family during this tragic time. To continue die support donations can be made at mycause.com..au.

Besides the grief, there is growing anger at d1e accused, Diniitrious Gargasoulas, who was released by a bail justice days before he allegedly caused diis incident. There is an increasing demand from the community to review the bail system and make amendments or overhaul current strucmres to protect people from violent offenders.

Amidst die backlash, the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has pledged a full e:xan1ination of d1e bail system and establishment of an after-hours magistrates' court. The: ,light court will consider bail applications for people charged with violent crimes when police oppose bail. Leader of Opposition Matthew Guy also proposed a 'one strike and you're out' policy and presumption of remand for those charged widi violent offences.

As the stories of the victims unfold there is much heartbreak; however, shining through ail this is the indomitable spirit of d1e people of Melbourne. Kudos to d10se heroes and wonderful people who reached out to help the victims on the day the tragedy occurred and chose who continue to work tirelessly to care for them. Humanity is alive and kicking.

Taking care of Bourke Street Families The Victorian Government has set up a 'Bourke St Fund' for families affected by the tragic incident. It will work in addition to existing compensation being made available through the Transport Accident Commission (tAC) and WorkSafe Victoria.

For those who lost loved ones following the tragic events of Friday, people physically injured and witnesses, the TAC can cover the cost of: • Ambulance and hospital care • Rehabilitation services, including physic and psychologists • Counselling for individuals. families and couples • Additional medical services. including surgery, pathology and GP visits • Prescribed medication • Travel expenses to and from medical appointments • Loss of wages • Funerals and lump sum payment to dependants WorkSafe will provide similar assistance for people who were at work, on their lunch break and were affected by the incident.

Anyone directly impacted by the incident is encouraged to call the TAC as the first point of contact during business hours on 1300 654 329 to discuss their needs.

Anyone who wants to make a donation can do so the Victorian Government's website, www.vic.gov.au/bourkestreeLhtml or by calling 1800 226 226 .

www.indianlink.com.au

l'J

FRI 1 7 FEB, 2017 FROM 2PM

*Time in AEDT

CRICKET AUSTRALIA IHDIAHLIHK

Download the app at cricket.com.au/live

l=EBRUARV 2017 11

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 31, 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

12 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

www.indianlink.com.au

l'J

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 motivated 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

INDIANLINK

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 medic . ine 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=EBRUARV 2017 13

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

14 F=EBRUARY 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

www.indianlink.com.au

l'J

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. ln 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 N e w Zealand College o f Radiologists a n d 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

INDIANLINK

/

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=EBRUARY 2017 15

cover story

GETTING INVOLVED WITH THE WIDER COMMUNITY Philomena Docherty, OAM

T

For service to the community through a range of organisations

he congratulations are pouring in from all directions as we speak with Philomena Docherty about her Australia Day honour.

She claims she is grateful to aU the "little fairies" chat worked behind the scenes to make it happen, and although she is looking forward to d1e investiture in April, she intends to remain the I same Philomena wid1 no change" after receiving her new tide.

The Melbourne-based Mrs Docherty was fel.icitated for her commLtnity service wid1 organisations such as rhe Royal Flying Doctor Service, Lioness Club of Camberwell, Liberal Party of Victoria, Morhers Auxiliary Group De La Salle College, St Cecilia's Parish,Jambudvipa Youth Association for Indian Arts and the Bharatam Dance Company.

Philomena hails from Chennai where she met her husband, Australian born and

16 FEBRUARY 2017

raised, Bernard Docherty. They were borh involved with rhe Young Christian Workers (YCW) movement that aims to create an interculmral society where solidarity and justice prevail. Bernie was in India for three years as part of YC\Y/ and he returned to Australia with 20-year-old Philomena as his wife. They stayed in Moorabbin with Bernie's mother, initial1y, till they moved to live in Glen Iris, Melbourne.

According to Philomena Dochercy, Australians welcomed her wid1 'open arms' when she arrived here to live with her husband and his family.

"I came to Australia in 1963 when the White Australia policy was yet co be officially abolished," she recounts. "I came wid1 trepidation but no hesitation to live with my mod1er-in- l aw who proved to be marvellous. She guided me and made it very easy for me to settle in."

Talking about her early days, Philomena

'' The White Australia policy was in its early stages of being dismantled, and Philomena realised that cultural exchange was necessary , , remembers rhose she met as "frienclly, sincere and easygoing".

"I feel people who migrate to Australia should become involved wid1 the larger community rather than restricting themselves to groups with similar race, religion or social background," she advises.

Tbe couple went on to raise their three children giving them a deep understanding of bod1 Indian and Australian heritage, which enabled diem to entwine d1e two cultures and embrace rhe best of borh.

According to Philomena's daughter, Ambika, during the early years of adapting to her adopted country, Philomena fully realised rhat cultural exchange was necessary. She became a self-appointed ambassador for India, and was invited to speak at many occasions on lndi .a and her life d1ere. Australia was stil1 in its early stages of dismantling the White Australia Policy, and rhere were literally only a handful of other Indian families living i n Melbourne.

Indian food was not easily available so Philomena and Bernie started an Indian catering service in 1970. In 1971, Philomena was rhe manager of the Indian restaurant as part of Gini's restaurant in Toorak. Following d1is, in 1972 she was appointed by the Government of India as 1vfanager of rhe Indian Tea Centre i n Melbourne city. A s part of their catering business, Philomena and Bernie conducted Indian cooking classes and often took rhe students on guided wurs tO India.

Bernie's family were always great supporters of the Liberal Party and Philomena joined rheir women's section in 2000 as member, supporter and fundraiser.

She was me co-founder and vice-chairrnan of their first mulciculmral branch in Victoria.

Philomena's accomplishments are diverse and over the years she has garnered enormous response and support for her chosen causes. A namral leader, she is both inspired and inspiring, possessing a great passion that drives her in everydung she does.

Preeti Jabbal

www.indianlink.com.au

l'J

Shop 4 Emirates House 257 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Ph: 03 9981 1400

1 6 Flushcombe Road Blacktown 2148 Ph: 02 9830 1600

Best& LessTravel Gkeu\p�s-+ Ait"fAt'�s- c,MAt'A"+w

Shop 4, 1 86 Church Street Parramatta NSW 2 1 50 Ph: 02 9407 2300

2/98 Burwood Rd Burwood NSW 2 1 34 Ph: 02 8583 0100

1 300 GO BEST 1 3 00 46 2378

www.bestandlesstravel .com.au •Cheapest Airfare Guarantee terms and conditions can be found on bestandlesstravel.com.au/guarantee.

Best & LessTravel Pty Ltd © 201 1 All Rights Reserved I License No: 2TA4244 J IATA No: 02-3601 86 I ABN: 33 070 559 456.

INDIANLINK

l=EBRUARV 2017 17

community

Leadership, Sikh style

A

ctivist and educaror Ha.cinder Singh, from the USA, presented a thought provoking talk on the Sikh leadership model, with a focus on servant leader principles, at Swinburne University, recently.

Several prominent members of the community, students, academics and otl1er representatives attended the free event organised by the Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria (SIC\').

Witl1 irs potential to create a positive change in society, tl1e age-old concept of servant leadership continues to grow in its influence and inspire leaders today. There is growing interest in understanding the philosophy behind this holistic way of being that offers hope for the contemporary world. The learned speaker discussed bow tl1is transformational concept could be applied both in work and life to improve self and strengthen the community.

Harinder Singh is the co-founder of the Panjab Digital Library (PDL), a non-profit, voluntary organisation that provides digital archiving services for Punjabi heritage and rexes. Launched in 2003 the PDL colJecrs, preserves, digitises and offers accessibility to the biggest resource of digital material on Punjab. Singh is also the co-founder of tl1e Sikh Research Institute (SIKHRI), an organisation that aims to connect people with the teaching of Sikhs.

According co Harinder Singh, historically, tl1e origin and relevance of the servant leadership model in the Sikh religion goes

bad, to the times of the first Sikh Guru Sri Nanak Dev and the principles outlined in the holy Gramh. Clarity, consistency and currency is required to benefit from this belief system that incorporates ten core values of humility, submission, quality, service, self-sacrifice, justice, compassion, clarity, composure and courage.

QuocingJohn C MaxwelJ, Singh said a leader is the one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way. A leader becomes great not because of their power, but due to their ability to empower others.

Love inspired leadership creates a creative excitement tliat is directly proportionate to levels of leadership.

During his talk, Harinder Singh invoked history and referred to tl1e Guru Granth to explain leadership in the current context.

The Sikh Gurus model for involvemenr in tl1e public domain is based on foUowing the practice of Nam (deep introspection), Dan (philanthropic spirit) and Isnan (relevant experience). According to him the Guru's word is active and relevant in spiritual, political, economic or social arenas. One needs to nor just read ir but needs to connect with it.

The presemacion reAected on current leadership culture and possibilities for the future. An interactive Q and A followed where a cluey audience puc Harinder Singh's vast knowledge of Sikh.ism, diverse interests in current trends and experience in leadership training, to the tesr. He answered wiili intelligence and authority.

Young Sikh activist Sukhjeet Kaur Khalsa raised a question in an attempt to understand why all ilie Sikh Gurus were male in a religion thar espouses gender equality. In response Harinder Singh said chat Guru Nanak proclaimed tl1e equality of men and women as a mandate that was continued and encouraged by alJ ilie Sikh Gurus that succeeded him, This occurred at a rime when the prevalent political and social condition did not offer women equal status. In Sikhism, both men and women are considered capable of reaching highest level of spirituality.

1-larinder Singh pointed out that even today, despite ilie suffragettes and other movements, we stilJ live in a patriarchal world. "The need is to create a society where women in leadership is a mandate not just tokenism," he said.

Speaking after the event, Ha.cinder Singh said, "I love doing what I do in making people tbink about tl1e doctrines of Sikhism articulated in the Guru Grantl1 Sahib. M)' aim is not to make people talk like a Sikh or act like a Sikh but it is to make people think like a Sil,h."

Preeti Jabbal

SRI SAi BABA ASTROLOGY CENTER

Indian Astrology From My Generation Palm Reading & Horoscope

1'4NDITH : D4ND4DH4R IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM I HAVE A SOLUTION

• FAMILY • LOTTO • LOVE • BUSINESS

• PROPERTY

• EMPLOYMENT

• MARRIAGE

• SPIRITUAL PROBLEMS

e HEALTH e JEALOUSY • CHILDREN • SEXUAL PROBLEM • COURT e PROTECTIONS e HUSBAND & WIFE e ENEMY PROBLEM e RELATIONSHIP e PROMOTION e VISA ETC Astrology Hand Reading, Numerology Horoscope Reading ,Face Reading Spirit Problems ,Predicts Your Past, Present and Future .Performs Laxmi Chakra,Home/Shanti Pujas, Vaastupuja.

He will help in all problems and work with God and holy spirit.

1 /1 64 Lightwood Road, Noble Pa rk ,VIC -3 1 74 7 Days A VVeek - 9.00 AM to 8.00 PM 18 FEBRUARY 2017

www.indianlink.com.au

l'J

■

accolades

Dr Arvind Sinha wins an international leadership award recognising his distinguished career in vertical flight technology

C

BY PREETI JABBAL

ombining technology wid1 tactics, he has soared ro heights that have landed him many coveted international accolades throughout his career. ?\lost recently, Melbourne's Lieutenant Colonel (Ret'd) Dr Arvind Sinha received the World's Outstanding Aerospace Engineer Leadership Award from the American Helicopter Society (AHS) Inter nacional. AHS is the world's premier professional inscirucion dedicated to vertical flight technology

and advancement.

In addition to this award, Dr Sinha was bestowed the title of Honorary Fellow in May 2016. According to the AHS, tbe title is granted to society members who have shown exceptional leadership, or made iru1ovative or otl1er meritorious contributions, that have significanrJy advanced AHS International and the vertical Aight community.

During his distinguished career, both in India and Australia, Dr Sinha has received numerous awards, spanning military operations, design projects and academia, but this one, according to him, is "the creme de la creme ". Nominations for the prestigious AHS awards come from "across the globe" and it is the benchmark for leadership excellence in vertical flight technology.

According to Col. Samir Roychowdhury, Dr Sinha's Guru while he was a cadet in the early 1970s at tl1e National Defence Academy in India, and coordinator of Vicrorian Indian Veterans, Dr Sinha is most sought out in the world in his field of Aerospace Engineering. This inter national recognition is befitting of his contribution to aviation globally, said Col. Roychowdhury. "He has done us most

lNDlANLINK

proud wicl1 his achievements in a specialised, niche rotorcraft technology."

Dr Sinha is ntrrencly the Director of Engineering, Helicopter Systems Division, Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) , at the Department of Defence, Australia. Working on Australian Army and Navy aviation platform_ and systems technologies, he is an expert in Tactical Aerospace Systems, covering helicopters and rnm1anned Aircraft.

He is the fom1ding President of the AHS Australian Chapter and is on the AHS International Board-of-Directors as Dicector of the Asia-Australia Region, and the lnternacional Helicopter Safety Team as the Australian lead. He was also a former Professor and Director of Aerospace and Aviation Research Centre at RMIT, and now holds the title of Professor of Aerospace Design at Monash Universit:y.

Speaking to Dr Sinha on his reruro from the Internacional award ceremony held in Virginia, USA, it is clear that he has an array of high level competencies as well as an impressive personality. From shero-sht!Jari (couplets and poetry) to yesteryear music, his hobbies are eclectic and filled with joie de vivre. So is his customary pre-dinner drink. "I prefer to keep an ordinary public profile, as one amongst you all, however, I enjoy meeting people, provided one's stature and position is kept at rest," said Dr Sinha.

In few words, in an imprompru shayari/ poetic format he said,

Mili hai 1myhe k11ch gine saanse, Jeeta h1111 111ain har saam tll{ye lekm: IJ7ho bhi k;yajeena h11i, har rvaqt rote hue, i\!IaZfl tho 111ein !eta h11n, aasoon kn hasi 111e hadal ke.

Kabhi, mere makhane ke 1/leh_ftl 111ein cwkar tho dhekho, Har k-Lldam zi11dagi ka, tho mtr hell" .raamjeena kn, lviaZfla he fe;;1a hai.

As an Active Combatant Paratrooper, Dr Sinha invests considerable time and energy in his fitness and health.

"I go co India every year in I ovember, to para jump and sky dive with my Army Officers - comrades half my agel" said Dr Sinha with a chuckle.

Prior to his early reciremen t from the Indian Armed Forces, Dr SinJrn commanded elite units of Electronic Warfare and Airborne Special Forces. As a young Major he was posted to command an engineering unit on the high-density alcin1de Siachen Glacier as pare of Operation i Meghdoot in 1984. The Glacier reg on is the highest battlegrotmd on Earth, at a height of over 6,000 metres (20,000 fr). ''An average stint there does not exceed 90 days due to the harsh conditions chat test hwnan endurance," Dr Sinha recalled.

"However, my tenure was specially extended to two years for operational reasons, and my command was honottred with a 'Special Operations Order. " ' Speaking of his move to Melbourne, Dr Sinha shared that he was the fust person, and probably tl1e last, to migrate overseas in bis entire family.

"I belong to a proud Kshatriya Rajpuc family with a tradition of serving in the Indian Armed Forces. T here was no thought of moving overseas. However, I was selected based on my TIT Masters \Vork in Helicopter Design for a Doctoral Project-based application research under an Australian Government Sponsored Scholarship with RMIT University," he said. ",\ special approval was granted by tl1e Indian Ministry of Defence enabling me to proceed overseas for over three years, despite being an active duty officer . " After his Doctorate he returned to India to become the Dean of the Faculty of Aviation in Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering. He subsequently rose co the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. In 1999 Rlv11T University offered him an opporrunity to continue his helicopter design work as a Senior Researcher and Manager Aerospace Design and Commercial Office on a project with Australian Defence Science and Technology Group. He was granted retirement from the Indian Army and he moved to l.ive and work in Melbourne with his wife and daughter. ''My circumstances are different co other migrants as I had no break i. n continuity of my profession. I adapted to balance cl1e two (Indian and Australian) professional styles, way-of-life, culmraJ outlook, and accepted tough challenges," Dr Sinha said.

"Witl1 the support of both the lnclian and Australian Governments I achieved global success as an individual and contributed to die people and nations at .large in the field of Aerospace. Today I walk \vith pride and humility and am extremely content with my profession and life."

FEBRUARY 2017 19

WHAT'S ON COMMUNITY Women of Wyndham Annual event, Sat 1.8 Feb 5pm-9pm

Women of Wyndham (WoW) in association with Ramon Helps Inc present the wow Annual Event - A Multicultural Evening. This evening aims to recognise women's empowerment and multiculturalism in our communities. This is a free event held at Suzanne Cory High School.

225 Hoppers Lane, Werribee. Come along with your family and enjoy the evening, which is lined up with multiple activities. Contact: Monica Sharma Ra1zada, 0433 773 413 or visit womenofwyndham.org Hume City Council Summer Sessions, Sat 4 Feb • Fri 10 Mar

Corne down and enjoy a free family night out each weekend of summer. with an outdoor movie screening. food stalls and activities hosted at a different location in the Hume Council area. Visit l1ume.vic.gov.au Chlldren's Services Centres Open Night, Thurs 23 Feb, 5.30pm

Parents will have the opportunity to take a free tour around the centres of Hume City Council, ask questions to the educators and choose the services that best meet their needs before registrations open for the 3-year-old Activity Program (2018) and 4-year-old Preschool (2019). Contact: Jen Lopez.

9205 2564 or visit hume.vic.gov.au lramoo Community Centre Festival, Sat 4 Mar 10am-2pm

The Iramoo Community Centre would like to gi ve back to tl1e community and show appreciation for all the support they receive. A highlight on this day will include the Centre using the woodfire oven to cook pizzas for the community!

The free festival will include market stalls, children's activities, cooking demonstrations, performances and more. Head to lramoo Community Centre. 84 Honour Avenue. Wyndham Vale to enJoy the day with family and friends. Contact: 8742 3688 lndlan Young Women's Group

Fridays 12.30pm-2.30pm The Indian Young Women's Group 1s organised free by Wyndham Community and Education Centre (Wyndham CEC) every Friday afternoon at the Wyndham Park Primary School.

Community Hub Room, Kookaburra Avenue, Werribee. Contact the Wyndham Community and Education Centre, 3 Princes Highway Werribee. wyndhamcec.org.au or call 03 9742 4013 The Gurukul Hindi Classes

Saturdays llam-12pm Connections@Craigiebum. 59 Craigieburn Road, Craigieburn VIC 3064. These weekly classes are taught by Manisha Gard and Bhupinder Kahlon. Contact: Narinder Garg 0431 123 045 or infotllegurukul@gmail.com Let's Talk: Conversational English

Saturdays, 10am-11.30am Practice and develop your English speaking skills in a relaxed small group that has a wann and friendly atmosphere. Meet every Saturday at 20 FEBRUARY 2017

Wembee Church of Christ, 200 Tame1t Road. Werribee. This is for people who want to gain confidence and practice their English. All are welcome to attend, morning tea is provided and it's free. Contact: 9741 6051 or werribeechurchofcl1rist.org Pronunciation Workshop 1st Sunday

of the month 12pm-3pm Are you learning English as a second language and interested in working on your pronunciation? Join Kaled - a friendly ESL (English as a Second Language) expert who will help you work on your English language skills for free at the Library at TI1e Dock, Activities Room, 107 Victoria Harbour Promenade, Melbourne. ESL speakers and learners of all levels are welcome.

FUNDRAISER Swachh Bharat

Help provide financ ial support for Swachh Bharat mission through the Sulabh Social Service Organisation. The ongoing campaign invites all persons of Indian origin to generously donate for Swachh Bharat. Donations can be made to Sulabh through Western Union. Bank details are below In favour of: Sulabh International Centre For Action Sociology (SICAS) Account No: 63012660749, IFSC Code: SBIN0030262 MlCR: 110002347 Name of the Bank: State Bank of India, Branch Name: C 28 Community Centre, Janakpuri, New Delhi-58 Contact: bharatramvasudevan@gmail. com PERFORMANCE Krishna - Master of Wonders Production Auditions, Sat 4 and Sun 5 Feb 1pm-5pm

Be a part of a dynamic and modern dance drama depiction of the enchanting tale of Shri Krishna! If you are successful, performers will be expected to attend bi-weekly rehearsals from March onwards as well as full weekend days starting July.

Held at Chinmaya Mission Melbourne, 4 Pioneer Drive, Templestowe. Contact: 9846 8359 Mee Appu, Sun 12 Feb, 6.30pm-

11pm Western Victoria Sri Lankan Buddhist Association presents Kusumsiri and Yashodara's latest children's theatre production in aid of the Paramitha Buddhist Vihara Building Fund. In association with Paramitha Buddhist Temple. Held at Gladstone Park Secondary College, 14-36 Taylor Drive, Gladstone Park. Tickets: $20. Contact: Bandarananyaka, 0425 855 621 MUSIC Haadu Baa Koglle

Melbourne's first ever Kannada musical event held every last Saturday of the month. All welcome. Organised

by Ankura Music School. Contact: 0432 192 424 or haadubaakogile@ gmail.com The lndlan Music Collective Melbourne Sundays 4pm

The Indian Music Collective Melbourne (IMCM) provides space for practice/

jamming in a friendly environment for musicians to meet and practice.

Anyone who plays a Hindustani classical music instrument (such as tabla, sitar, sarod, etc.) or can sing Hindustani classical music at any ability/level is warmly welcome at St John's Catholic Primary School, 77 Queens Parade, Clifton Hill. Listeners are also welcome. Gold coin to contribute towards tea/coffee/snack costs. Contact: Harjinder Bhogal at oldmanindia@gmail.com SPIRITUAL Maha Shlvaratri • The Trance of Mighty Shiva, Fri 24 Feb 6pm-1am

Immerse yourself in the journey of the mystical dance of the eternal Shi va and celebrate the auspicious festival of Mahashivaratri. Tl1ere will be a yoga class. vegetarian dinner. sacred chanting, Tandava dance performance. live music and more. Held at a warehouse venue on Dawson Street In Brunswick. E xact address on your ticket. Tickets: $30. Visit: indomyst1c. com.au ARTS SISFFA · Fight Against Drugs, Sat 25 Feb 12pm-6pm

Come and join the first ever Sikh International Short Film Festival Australia! This is a non-profit cultural organisation dedicated to creating awareness of and pride tn the diversity, culture and history of the Sikhs, as we11 as the contributions of Sikhs in Australian society. This event will showcase short films based on the theme 'Flgllt Against Drugs·. Held at Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre, 35 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang. Contact: 0430 582 078 or visit sisffa.com Architect Bljoy Jain at MPavllllan,

daily 9am-10pm Australia's MPavilion is an award wtnnlng annual architecture commission and design event.

MPavil1on 2016 is designed by acclaimed Indian architect Bijoy Jain of Studio Mumbai. The temporary summer pavilion in Melbourne's historic Queen Victoria Gardens, St Kilda Rd, hosts a free fourmonth program of talks workshops, performances and installations. Visit: mpavilion.org Asia TOPA, tll April 2017

Asia-Pacific Triennial of Performing Arts will bridge diverse art forms Including performance, visual, screen and literary arts. Vital, fresh and always unpredictable. the event offers a city-wide window Into the creative imaginations fuelling the many cultures of our region. Highlights include the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra performing the music of AR Rahman. Visit: asiatopa.com.au

SENIORS The Gurukul Chopaal, Tuesdays

6.30pm-7.30pm The Gurukul Chopaal is an Australian Indian senior c itizens club which hosts cultural activities as well as laughing yoga, computer literacy lessons and games. Held at Connections@Craigieburn, 59 Craigieburn Road, Craigieburn.

Contact: Narinder Garg 0431 123 045 or e-mail infothegurukul@gmail. com SPORT KFC BBL and Rebel WBBL

Held at Etihad Stadium and the MCG, don't miss your favourite teams as the fun and excitement of the KFC T20 Big Bash League and Rebel Women's Big Bash League returns this summer. Visit: cricket.com.au Singh Sabha Annual Kabaddl Tournament, Sun 12 March

Singh Sabha is the proud host of Victoria's biggest Kabaddi Mela.

Held at Singh Sabha Sports Club Melbourne, St Albans.

MISC Australla lndla Institute Events Drop In Chai Every 1st Friday of the month, 2pm-3pm

Come chat to other South Asia enthusiasts over samosa and chai and catch up on what different people are doing in relation to India. The chai and conversation is free and open to all. Held at 147-149 Barry St - 147149 Barry Street, Carlton.

Publlc Lecture: Corruption, Rule of Law and Governance In lndla, Mon 13 Feb 6.30pm-8pm

Held at the YHM Room, Level 1, Sidney Myer Asia Centre, 761 Swanston Street, The University of Melbourne. Asialink Business and the Australia India Institute are delighted to invite you to attend a Public Lecture with Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor, O.P. Jindal Global University, Director, International Institute for Higher Education Research & Capacity Building Visit: aii.unimelb.edu.au FESTIVAL Sri Durga Temple Holl Festlval, Sun 12 Mar 11am-5pm

Come and join the fun as Sri Durga Temple celebrates the festival of colours! With a live DJ, dholi and cultural programs, children's games and rides, live performances from local artists and much more. Holika Dahan at 4.30pm. Free Entry. Ample free car parking available. Held at 705 Neale Road, Rockbank. Contact: 9747 1628 or visit sridurgatemple.com

For ful l calendar of WHAT'S ON listings (nation-wide) check out: www.indianli nk.com.au You can also submit your listing online

www.indianlink.com.au

l'J

Manningham Function Centre specialises in weddings and social functions.

• All inclusive packages • Indian banquet • Large dance floor • Convenient location (ample free parking) • Spectacular views

!� TANDOORI J UNCT ON

�

NORTH SHORE Coaching College

State of the art commercial kitchen

!Juiticm tliat w.oJt&!

Classes for ALL Primary & Secondary students (Prep to VCE) Offers sh·uctured & challenging courses in English, Maths, General Science, Physics & Chemistry with emphasis on concepts understanding and foundation building

We offer catering services for all occassions: • Birthdays, • Weddings, • Corporate Events • Puja / Langar

Provides weekly workbooks with excellent learning and revision materials plus practice exercises for aLI students enrolled i n our classes

We cater from 20 to 2000 guests and we suit your budget, taste and requirements.

All classes conducted by experienced teachers Scholarship / SEAL program / Selective Schools exam preparation classes with fuJI length practice tests also available for prospective students

PH: (03) 9898 9880 enquiry@northshorevce.com.au WWW.NORTH-SHORE.COM.AU

Phone 041 7 379224 Our Glen Waverley restaurant is now closed

INDIANLINK

Principal School:

50 Rutland Road, Box Hill VIC 3128

Branch Schools: Berwi ck, Bundoora,

Burwood, Crai gieburn, Dandenong, Footscray, Hawthorn, Point Cook, South Morang, Springvale, Taylors Lakes, Werribee

l=EBRUARV 2017 21

indian news Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza poses for a fan at the 2017 Australian Open in Melbourne. Photo: AP

Indian diaspora seeks Modi's help over demonetised currency

The Global Organisation of People of fodian Origin (GOPIO) has pointed out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that diaspora Indians are being turned away by the RBI from depositing or exchanging their demonetised cur rency and appealed that they be allowed to do so.

The GOPIO, which brings together the fodian diaspora around the world, said in a statement that Indian diaspora with foreign citizenship and O0/PIO card holders are being turned away by Reserve Bank of lndia from depositing their demonetized currencies, despite the extended deadline for NRis being till June 30, 2017.

The GOPIO, in an appeal co Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said that after standing outside for several hours, Indians with foreign citizenship were being told by the RBI that only l Rls with Indian passport can go inside and exchange the scrapped Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.

The organisation requested the Prime Minister that Diaspora Indians with foreign citizenship, and Person of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card holders be given the same opportunity for depositing old currency notes as given co NRis (Indian Passport holders), aUowtng them to deposit up to Rs 2,50,000 of Indian currency in the RBI instead of notified amount of Rs 25,000.

The appeal further states that Diaspora Indians (who are not able to visit the country) should also be permitted co deposit money m their bank accow1c in India through an authorised agent. (The an1ount certified by the foreign branches of State Bank of India or Indian Missions i n the country o f their residence o r i n RBI/ NRO accounts with various banks in India.)

GOPIO also said that since all Diaspora lndians with foreign citizenship, PIO and OCI card holders may not be able to ,,isit India prior to JLU1e 30, they should be aUowed to deposit old currency notes at either the RBI/ RO accounL� mamtained with various banks in India up to December 31.

The appeal addressed to the PM states, "You have repeatedJy acknowledged the

22 l=EBRUARY 2017

role of NRls/PIOs and expatriates in the resurgence of India and their record annual remittances to India which is the highest compared to any country in the world. \Y/e urge }'OU to agree to the requested concession for goodwiU of 30 million NRis and PIOs and amend the notification # RBI/2016- 17/2005/DC:M/ (Plg) No 2170/10.27.00/2016-17 dated December 31, 2016."

The Centre had e:,rtended for s_ix months the last date for applying for conversion of PIO cards to OCI cards to June 30, 2017 from December 31, 2016.

The PIO card was first implemented in 2002 as a benefit to foreign nationals who could establish at least a third generation tie to Indian origin. It was valid for travel, work, and residence in India for a period of 15 years.

The OCI card was implemented in 2005, and carries more expansive benefits than the PIO card, and is valid for the holder's lifetime.

Sarosh ZaiwaUa, founder and senior partner at London-based law firm Zaiwalla & Co. Solicitors, said in a sL'ltement that the "Indian diaspora from various countries have expressed that the government should consider for deposits in Indian embassies around the world as a solution for ease of implementation of the currency exchange across the globe, as majority of NRis reacted positively to the demoneti-zation move. Tbe fact that the NRis did not receive any guidance after the shock announcement of the demonetisation even until December 30 felt somewhat misplaced. However, just after the deadline and fresh inro the New Year, first communication from the government towards at the NRis emerged of the extension until 30th June 2017. If NRis are co travel to India within the window period to exchange their old bank notes, it ma}' be tricky under the current FEi'v1A guidelmes considering the cap for bringing in Indian currency from abroad is set at INR 25,000 per person, and It would be economicaUy unviable to spend nearly INR 50,000 (UK airfare) on air tickets just to convert it."

He went on, "Expecting nullions of Indian nationals to return to the country just to drop back dead notes is incom,enienc

and ineffective. Therefore, a localised solution through any of the Indian banks or embassies abroad would be a viable alternative."

Modi, Trump discuss South Asia security; will stand together to fight terror

Prime Minister Narend.ra Modi and US President Donald Trump discussed the security simation in South and CentraJ Asia during their phone conversation on 24 Jan and resolved that India and US will "stand shoulder to shouldd' to fight global terrorism, the W hite House said.

Strengthening defence partnership was among topics that came up during their talks about furthering cooperation between the cwo nations, according co the \'.{/hire House.

"Trump emphasised that the United States considers India a true friend and partner in addressing challenges around the world," the W hite House said.

This was reflected in the fact that conversation between the leaders of the world's two greatest democracies came before Tmmp had talked co leaders of important allies like Britain, Germany and Japan or major powers like China and Russia smce formally caking office on 20 Jan. During bis campaign, Trump praised Modi as a "great leader" and sought a kinship of ideas with him as a "pro-growth leader" when be attended a r. aUy organised by d1e Republican Hindu Coalition (RHC) in New Jersey in October. He added that after his election India would have true friend in the White House.

White House said chat Trump invited Modi to visit hini later this }'ear.

President Pranab Jvfukherjee invited Tnm1p to visit India when he congratulated him on assuming the presidency. T h e real estate investor-mrned­ politician bas visited India severaJ ttmes for business.

Another topic Trump and Modi discussed was strengthening the parmership in the economy, but the statement did not give any details of what they might have discussed. },fodi and Trump have parallel priorities

of job creation, especially through manufacturing, and increasing investments which may appear headed for a collision.

Ea.r lier in the day, Trump met wid1 auto industry leaders to promote his programme of "Make in America" and on Monday, he met union and industry leaders and emphasised bis campaign mantra of "Buy American, Hire American".

Shalabh Kumar, the founder and head of the Republican Hindu Coalition who is close to both leaders, told IA S that trade need not be a zero sum game and both nations can mutually benefit from their respective ''Make in India" and "tvfake in America" domestic manufacmring programmes.

As an example, he said that while the US increases manufactured exports co India in defence, technology and energy sectors, India will have an opportunity ro take advantage of Trump's move away from China and increase its own manufacmred exports in a balanced manner. This would help create jobs in both countries and enable both leaders to achieve d1eir priorities, he added.

Tnunp has also spoken about limiti .ng the use of temporary professional visas known as H1-B, which he has repeatedJy said is abused and is used throw Americans out of jobs.

That is a matter of great concern for lndia as the visas are the l.ifeblood of technology sector exports to the US. 24 Jan was a special clay to hold their conversation. Nikki Haley became the first lndian American co get a cabinet-level appointment when the Senate approved on that day Trump's nomination of her to be the US ambassador to the United Nations.

Before the call with Modi, Trump had spoken only with the neighbours, Canadian Prin1e Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Pena Nieto, with premier all)' Israeli Prin1e Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who will have a major role in helping Trump deal with the 'Middle East and with terrorism.

All 5 Indian American lawmakers nominated to key Congressional panels

All five Indian American lawmakers successful this election have been nominated to key Congressional panels, the media here reported.

All five are Democrats, as are the bulk of Indian-Ameri cans.

US Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, elected to the House of Representatives from Seattle, wtU serve on the House Judiciary Committee, helping to oversee the federal-court system and law­ enforcernent agencies, said a report in die Seattfe Ti111es.

Jayapal said she looks forward to working on in1.migration reform, criminal­ justice reform, reproductive rights and voting rights.

"I'm proud co have led efforts for some of the most progressive immigration

www.indianlink.com.au

l'J

Freezing! Elephants at a rescue and conservation centre in Agra are snug in their jumbo jackets as the mercury dips to 10 degrees Celsius. Rescued from shocking circumstances of abuse, they are weak and vulnerable, making them susceptible to ailments such as pneumonia. Photo: IANS

policies in the nation," Jayapal said in a sratemenr. "In the l 1Srh Congress, l pledge to fight for our progressive values, and block the Trump administration's plans to deport vulnerable undocumented immigrants, create a Muslim registry and violate our civil rights and civil liberties."

Congressman Ro Khanna was appointed to two key comlilirtees - Budget and Armed Services, reported daily Mercury News. He represents the 17th District of California, which covers the Silicon Valley communities of Cupertino, Fremont, Newark, Santa Clara, and Sunnyvale.

Raja Krisbnamoorthi, who was sworn in as a Member of the US House of Representatives earlier this month, would be serving on two influential committees. l n addition to being tbe voice of Illinois' Eighth Congressional District, the Democrat will serve on rhe House Education and Workforce Committee, as well as die House Democratic Policy and Steering Committee, indiawest.com reporred.

"These committee assignments will give my constituents a voice ro make sure l can stand up for working families every day by focusing on job creation and affordable higher education," said Krishnamoorthi.

Congressman Ami Bera was renolilinated ro the House Foreign Affairs Committee and House Science, Space and Technology Committee. He is the senior most among all Indian American lawmakers in che House of Representatives and is also co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, said a report.

Kamala Harris, first Indian American to serve in the US Senate, will serve on four influential committees - the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee; the Select Committee on Intelligence; the Committee on Enviroru11ent & Public Works; and the Commjttee on the Budget.

Harris said that her committee assignments i11 the US Senate will be "key battlegrounds in the future of our country", the Los A11geles Times reported.

"At a time when so many Californians and Americans are uncertain about our future, 1 will aggressively fight for our families and the ideals of our nation, " Harris said.

2016 was a bumper year for the Indian­ American community, wirb a record haul of four in the House of Representatives, and their first seat in the Senate.

Trump appoints Ajit Pai to head communications agency

President Donald Trump has appointed Ajir Pai ro head the powerful US communications regulatory agency, becoming the third Indian American picked fot key positions in his administration.

Pai, 44, will be the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the federal authority regulating

INDIANLINK

cellphone spectrum and services, radio, television, phone, internet and satellite and cable.

Pai annmmced his appointment on Twitter, saying it "is a deeply humblli1g honour". He added that he would work to bring the benefits of the digital age to all Americans.

The FCC also has a major role i n controlling the content o f television and radio, a sensitive issue given Trump's contentious relations with the media.

The agency sets and enforces certain norms on content Jjke obscenity in TV and conditions like having a certain amount of local news content for stations to keep their licences.

Underscoring its importance, Representative Frank Pallone said: "By some measures, the FCC oversees approximately one sixth of the US economy." ikki Haley, Trump's nominee for the cabinet-level post of US ambassador ro the UN, was confirmed by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for the job.

Another Trump nominee is Seema Verma, who is co head the Centers for Jvfedicare and Jv[edicaid Services, the agency for government health insurance programmes.

Already a member of the FCC, Pai will succeed Tom \'vheeler, a Democrat, who quit recently.

A free enterprise advocate, Pai has been a critic of the functioning of the FCC and clashed witl1 its Democratic Parry leadership. Recently be rook .issue with an FCC report rbat questioned the legality of offerings given free of charge for people ro access online music, videos and other content.

He has said he wants to end net neuu·ality, which prevents internet service providers from giving special preferences ro certain websites or accept payment from a web service ro give it priority or better access.

Democrats expressed their concern about Pai's role in a letter ro h i m .

T h e senior Democrat o n the House Committee on Energy and Commerce that deals witl1 communications wrote to him saying his success would depend on being

responsive to members of Congress from botl1 parties and working for consensus on major decisions.

Before his appoimment to the FCC i n 2012, Pai had worked as a lawyer for the telephone and communications giant Verizon, tl1e Senate judicial Committee and the Justice Department.

Pai's parents, both doctors, immigrated from India.

Trump has also appointed an expert on strategic communications and political research, Raj Shah, as depucy assistant and research director on the W hite House staff.

Another Indian American, Balaji Srinivasan, is under consideration to head the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), according ro Sean Spicer, Trump's spokesperson.

Srinivasan is a biotechnology entrepreneur who has been critical of the connections between large pharmaceutical companies and FDA. He now heads a start-up that deals wirh bircoin, the internet-based currency.

Assam's rice wine qualifies for GI registration

The "Judima " traditional rice wine, a popular alcoholic beverage of Assam's Dimasa tribe - and an integral part of the community's social and cultural life - is a fit candidate for geographical indication (GI) registration, a don at New Delhi's Indian Law lnstirute says. n a report published in the Indian Journal flIntellectual Proper(} Rights, Assistant ProfessorJ upi Gogoi has urged the judima producers ro form an association and file for GI registration to protect rbe traditional knowledge and promote the wine's trade for rbe community's economic development.

Under tl1e international agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellecmal Property Rights (TRIPS), the GI tag is assign ed ro a product that has a specific geographical origin and possesses qualities or a reputation chat are 1mique to that place. T h e GI recognition gives local producers exclusive brand protection.

Darjeeling tea became tl1e first GI tagged product in India in 2004. Since then, 272 products have been added ro the

o

list tl1at includes Dharwad Pedha, Tirupati Laddu, Muga Silk, Kangra Tea, Madhubani Paintings and Telangana's Pochampally lkat.

Besides protecting the cultural identity of a community, tl1e GI recognition prevents unautl1orised use of the tag by others and promotes economic prosperity of producers by enhancing the demand for their goods in national and international markets, Gogoi says.

1n India, there are many communities (such as 1'ocba.rupally) rhat were economically benefited by GI recognition ro rheir traditional products, he says.

"If Judima is registered as a GI, it can go a long way in maintaining the cultural identity of Din1asas as well as bringing economic prosperity ro tl1e rribe."

To produce J udima, the Din1asa tribe uses a glutinous rice cal.led Bora chat is indigenous to tl1e region and the bark of a plant called Them bra (Acacia pem1clf{I) collected from forests surrounding the region. The powdered bark is mixed with rice flour and some water and made into a dough that, on fermentation, yields the beverage. The uniqueness of this product lies in the use of T hembra.

"The taste of Judima is a result of the plant Thembra and various ocher ingredients used in a particular man. net known exclusively to rbe Dimasa community," says Gogoi. "So, without a doubt, Judi ma is a traditional knowledge of the Dimasa community and is a strong case for getting G l registration. " Juclima, according to Gogoi, can seek GI protection in .similar lines to Goa's Feni - a drink made from cashew apples or coconut sap - which goc the GI rag in 2009. He says existing documentary evidence and the role that J udima plays in the lives of the people of the Dimasa community should be regarded as adequate proof of irs origin for getting the G l tag.

According to Gogoi, stuclies have inclicated that Juditna may have tremendous health benefits. "Therefore, more scienti.fic research may be undertaken ro highlight the nutraceutical and therapeutic properties of Judima which can give a huge boost ro its trade."

IANS

FEBRUARY 2017 23

sport

Scenes from the 2017 Australian Open Tennis Championships by RAVINDER SINGH JABBAL

Leander Paes (IND) 24 FEBRUARY 2017

www.indianlink.com.au

l'J

I

Dlvlj Sharan (IND)

Sania Mirza (IND)

INDIANLINK

FEBRUARY 2017 25

celebration

Celebratin India's 68t Republic Day 0 .0 Q)

� (3 u vi

s= a..

$)

,i- i GI

t i IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM ? WE HAVE THE BEST SOLUTION.

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

SOLVES PROBLEM RELATED TO HUSBAND WIFE PROBLEM, GETTING YOUR LOVER BACK, STOP SEPERATION AND DIVORCE, HE WILL HANDLE AND REMOVE OF NEGATIVE ENERGY Ei GIVES LIFELONG PROTECTIONS. ALL KIND OF NEGATIVE ENERGY WILL BE REMOVED IN 9 DAYS AND GIVES YOU LIFE LONG PROTECTIONS

100% GUARANTEE RESULTS

SPECIALIST IN GETTING LOVED ONE BACK

26 l=EBRUARY 2017

www.indianlink.com.au

l'J

• • •• • •• • • ••• • •• • •• •

• •

INDIAN LINK RADIO

Download the App Now

INDIANLINK

FEBRUARY 2017 27

reve

fundraiser

a

■

■

0

Three Australian polio survivors are travelling to India to help the WHO's polio eradication initiative

BY PREETI JABBAL

A

pril 2017 will mark 62 years since lhe development and approval of the fust polio vaccine by Jonas Salk, which became an important 1nilesrone for humanity. April this year will also see three Geelong polio survivors seeking ro 'pay it forward' by travelling to India ro help Rotary International and the World Heallb Organisation's global polio eradication initiative.

Gary ewwn, Jennifer Merrett and Jan McDonald each contracted polio as children during the 1950s. They understand the gravity of the disease that still remains endemic in parts of the world. T hey are committed to a self-funded trip to Delhi and Visakhapatnam to help create awareness and encourage vaccination of children under the age of five.

The WHO officiaUy declared India 'polio free' in 2014 after a massive drive ro eradicate the disease reached fruition. The focus is now on remaining \7igilanr against importations from neighbouring countries and maintaining high immunisation coverage.

According to the WHO, endemic transmission of polio is continuing only in Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan. Failure to stop polio in these last remaining areas could result tn as many as 200,000 new cases every year, within 10 years, all over the world. So long as a single child anywhere remains infected, all children who are not immunised are at risk.

Reports state that India still faces the threat of polio. It has the highest number of unvaccinated children in the world, with 8.9 million children who don't receive all vaccines and 1.7 million who receive none at all. More than half the deaths of children under five in India are due to vaccine­ preventable and treatable infections. The WHO, Rotary and its partners are aiming to immunise 90 per cent of the 26 n1ill.ion children born in India each year.

For Gary Newron, Bay FM radio presenter and Volunteer Communications Coordinaror for Polio Australia, the journey and fight against this debilitating disease is deeply personal.

Born in 1952 as a normal, healthy child, Newron contracted polio 15 months later.

The disease affected his motor neurons learung to muscle weakness and paralysis.

Gary, Jan and Jennifer, who are now in their 60s and 70s, have lived with the physical and emotional conseguences of tbe crippling disease. They have also

28 l=EBRUARY 2017

experienced d1e later effects of polio resulting in decreased endurance and diminished function.

When Jenny Horton, a nurse and Rotarian, invited the three polio survivors, along wid1 their carers, to travel to India and create awareness and vaccinate children they enrhusiasticaUy agreed.

'We do not wish to have this disease raise its ugly head again anywhere in the world," said Gary Newron a.s he spoke to lndia11 Link.

During their first ever visit to India, the d1ree plan to help administer d1e polio vaccine to children in areas of last refusal as part of India's national immunisation clays. They wiU also visit the polio ward at St Stephens Hospital, Delhi to provide encouragement and support to patients and staff. In Visakhapatnarn, they wiU talk about post-polio syndrome or PPS. "People think tha-r disability is the end of life. However, by sharing our stories we wish to help inspire them to draw on their emotional resilience and seek the support

·--

of d1eir families," Gary said. "We wiU also honour our parents who gave so much of d1emselves for d1eir polio-stricken kids. We will acknowledge and thank all parents of sick children as a tribute to their bmmdless, unswerving devotion."

Expressing his indignation at d1e an ti-

,, During their first ever visit to India, they plan to help administer the polio vaccine to children in areas of last refusal as part of India's national immunisation days ,, vaccination movement, Gary said, " I feel people wbo choose not to vaccinate or immunise their child have no idea. They should come and spend a day with me and d1ey will realise how this disease can impact lives."

Gary and his team have a shared commitment to seei ng this disease become a rlll11g of the past. They are currently working to galvanise financial support to fund their trip and polio eradication efforts.

"I hope the Australian and Indian community will see the value and stand behind us," said Gary.

Campaign organiser Peter Poclbury has set up a fundrnising page at: gofundrne. com/garyspolioproject You can also view tl1e Facebook page, Gary's polio Project to India to follow the group's journey: facebook. c om/ garyspolioproject

www.indianlink.com.au

l'J

thismonth Do you have a photo for this page?

Emall It to lnfo@lndlanllnk.com.au

INDIANLINK

FEBRUARY 2017 29

H IGH FLYING'( 1' I PERPORM I NG ARTS * CLASSES FOR KI DS !

INDIAN LINK SOCIAL MEDIA

Fun, inspiring classes in drama and musical theatre for kids aged 8-18 !

From novice to advanced.

•

Develop successful life skills like confidence, communication and teamwork.

•

Great value - all weekly classes, workshops and costumes included. No registration fee.

•

Perform on stage twice a year.

•

30 years of success.

•

Highly qualified, experienced teachers.

Join classes for 2017

CALL 8199 8344

to book a free try-out session today.

--

YIBC J,

"

,'j ...

DANCE

D

Cl

RI

GAYATRI MATHA ASTROLOGICAL CENTE Now i1 n Melbourne

WORLD FAMOUS INDJAN. ASTROLOGER

•

Panelli • Nallad•v• Gwn.

SPECIALIST IN PALM READING Ctt•EN 7 D..\ \'.'S I 01Ul · 8P1'1

He is an expert in Palm, Face, Photo Reading, Numerology & Predicts ya, ur Past, Present & future Flerforms Home I Shanti Pujas Sudarshana Chakras1 Laxmi cha1 kras, -1 Vastu ConsuUation � Ho:me & commercial Premises, Don't worry any more .....

Speaks: iE n,g lish, Hindi, Tamil & Telugu

<:a: (I@ -c 8 11r

. AJ'e you rnt'fuiog from anr of the fo]lo" iug problems

• Viia • Health • Ma rriaige · Love .i:=::£i�;;;:.·-- • • Bus.iness • Emphiyment • Hus-nbadn &Wife · Property • ,Court • Children • Promotion · Lotto

• Bad Luck • R.enite Lovers - Stop Div&rc:e - Depr�s�km • Psyc::h0-logical • Mortage • Drinking Problems · Sexual Prob! ems • Succ::e:ss In Life • Financial Pr-oblem, s • Business Work • Other Problems

[f �,ou h:1 , e burning desires he "'ill g-uide ) ou ho\\' to fu lfill it.

Ca ll for Appoi ntme n t

916 Ann Street Dandenong, Near Dan 1d enon·g Super Clinic

Mo'bile : 04 14 7 1 2 827

30 FEBRUARY 2017

www.indianlink.com.au

l'J

special feature ■

1ne

For this Victorian Sikh family, wine making is more than a passing folly

BY DHANYA SAMUEL

A

panoramic expanse of lush greenery, with rows and rows of beautiful grape vines, greets you at Nazaaray Estate, siruated on tbe "tv[omington Peninsula.

Nazaaray produces award-winning artisan wines and has repmed restaurants like the Vue De Monde (fwo Hat) and Simone's (Two Hat) on its customer list.

Nazaaray is the family-owned venrnre of Paramdeep and Nirmal Ghumman.

Paramdeep is the winemaker responsible for the award-winning pinot noirs and pinot gris, while irmal is the marketeer and in charge of the cellar door events. They are ably assisted by their viticulrnrist and assistant wine maker Ranjit Gill.

Originally an IT specialist, Pararndeep arrived in Melbourne with his family on a freezing cold, gloomy winter day in 1981.

They thought they had made a huge mistake migrating to Australia.

INDIANLINK

Having been bought up in the foothills of the Himalayas, Nirmal yearned for wide, open spaces. Most weekends the family would make day trips om of Melbourne.

This sowed the seeds of wanting to own an Australian bush block. Tirnt dream came true ten years later.

It rook another six years before Paramdeep made the decision to do something more challenging with the land.

He joined NMIT (Melbourne Polytechnic instirute) for a course on viticulmre and wine making.

"We had no an.,iety or apprebensions about buying Nazaaray," said Nirmal. "For us this was what we cl_id to unwind and get away from our busy professional lives. We spent the weekends in a cosy room which was part of an old cattle shed and all day our in the sunshine looking after our piece of heaven."

The Ghummans planted their very first block in 1996, which irmal very cheekily named, 'Param's Folly'. ''For the first seven years we didn't have any electriciry and it was great bonding time for our young family. Maoy board games were played and every evening was spent around a campfire lit in an old washing machine tub. We shared the shed with hay

,, 'For a turban wearing Sikh, breaking into the wine scene was challenging ,, bales, whld1 often had snakes, and w e often played hide and seek with them as we went about our business," she sharecl There was a lot of trial and error in the earlier years. But ci1e hobby was soon rnrning into a business. For a rnrban wearing Sikh, breaking into the wine sceoe was a bit challenging. "le is important to get over the initial reservations and let people see who you really are; that helps breaks down barriers," said Paramdeep. "Aussies are a great bunch." azaaray produces some excellent pinot noirs and Paramdeep attributes it to their terroir - the soil and weather conditions of the Peninsula.

"It is a reasonably tough environment; winters are wet windy cold and summers are

dry - the day cracks because of the strong ocean winds. " Nazaaray also produces small batches of chardonnay, sauvignoo blanc and syrah. It is often difficult for artisan wines to have a strong retail presence, said Paran1deep, but their wines are stocked at Porters in NSW and a few outlets in Victoria.

Most of their selling is done at ci1e cellar door aod online. Their regular customers find it a very convenient way to have quality assured drinking wine at a reasonable price delivered to their door.

'Tiffin Time' is an experience that's unique to Nazaaray. Ir is a buffet lunch at $45 per head that is held about six times a year. You can relax in beautiful private picnic spots among gnarled old boobialla trees overlooking the vineyard. Sip your wine along with hot lniliao food whilst enjoying the viev;i On other weekends you can bring along your own picnic and use barbeCL1e spots which are provided. Wine has co be bought at the cellar door. \When asked if he has any words of advice for those who are contemplating the wine making jour ney Paramdeep replied, '1t will be the story of .Bees saal haad (20)'ears later) - Do you have the endurance to last the distance?"

l=EBRUARV 2017 31

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

• ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• LOOKING AFTER OUR ELDERS

.

Simran Rekhy 19

PUTTING E-WASTE TO GOOD USE Anirban Ghose 24

Bachelor of Commerce and Science, Monash University

Graduated in Robotics, Sydney University

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 w ithin 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

•

• 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.

• •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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 m istakes 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.

32 FEBRUARY 2017

www.indianlink.com.au

l'J

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.

• •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

BACK IN THE HOME COUNTRY

,r.m � �!wf PR�vASI SHARATIYA DI VAS 1'!¥2017 8ENGALURU

Anindya Bhowmik 27 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 studen1/youth issues.

• •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• • SEEING HOW THE •• A SONG FOR YOU OTHER HALF LIVES : Mahek Anand 17

Nishtha Chadha 19

: Year 12, Cranbourne Secondary •• College, Melbourne

Bachelor of Global Studies & International Relations, Sydney University 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

INDIANLINK

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

• : • • •

•• • : • •

•• 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.

• : • • : •

•

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 o r 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.

FEBRUARY 2017 33

holidays REPORTING FROM THE DIASPORA Arpita Singh 23

Graduated in IT, Charles Sturt University

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 E xternal 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.

• ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• •

RELINKING WITH ARTS HERITAGE • NOT-FOR-PROFIT LEGAL SERVICE • •• Azaara Perakath 21 •• Bachelor of Law and Commerce, • University of Adelaide ••

Keerthana Parthiban 22

Bachelor of Science in IT, University of Technology, Sydney Over the past year I've been part of a 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

• •

•• • : • • : • • : • •

• the potential of young people when we come together. Overall, it has provided us with an avenue to tap into our creative cultural roots in a university and community setting.

• • : • •

•

• • •

•• • :

Having just completed my third year 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 Moot Team. 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!

• •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

ACCOUNTING: GETTING A LOOK IN Tom Smith 18

Bachelor of Commerce, Melbourne University

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. I hope that these experiences will prepare me for the Bachelor of Commerce and beyond.

34 FEBRUARY 2017

www.indianlink.com.au

l'J

Zee TV presents starry Nignts witn Kamal Nanata.

R new Boll�wood chat show that's brutall� honest.

ZEE lV

Every Saturday, 6:30 pm (HKT) For advertising inquiries contacts: Deepali Gupta +65 97287561 , deepali.gupta@zee.esselgroup.com f /zeetvasiapacific I G/zeetvapac I Owww.zeetelevisionasia.com

Zee Channels available on I Cable & Now TV.

INDIANLINK

FEBRUARY 2017 35

LIKA DAH 4.30PM

36 l=EBRUARV 2017

www.indianlink.com.au

l'J

arts

A unique art initiative, Poetry Corners brings together women from diverse backgrounds to write poetry about domestic violence

BY DIPANJALI RAO e dark screen lightens and reveals the sombre face of a very young girl with big, soulful eyes. She slowly looks downwards. The camera moves to focus on the string of pearls around her neck and the frilly edges of the top that gently hangs over her shoulder. You hear a dul l , aching, rustling, like lonely waves crashing on a distant shore.

You bear her voice, slow, st.ark and deliberate , as she looks straight ac the camera and says: People will te!IJ'Ott, 'You should t14/11st' Tht!)' 71 m11tte1· 011t lo11d 'P11I theJa111i!JJint' Becattse Illa/!)' IJ)illjudge a11d many 11Jill bla111e Tbe one i11 three with a sto-ry like 111e.

Tts one i11 three.

Tts one in three.

Twelve-year-old Erienna Fernando performs these moving lines from a poem about domestic violence titled 'One in Three'.

Wricten by 22 women from Jv[elbourne's northern suburbs, 'One in Three' is a produce of Poehy Comers, a print and digital art project designed and developed by social activist Nayana Bhandari and fil.11.1maker Emma Macey-Storch. Passionate about the power of art to bring about social change, they brought women from diverse backgrounds cogetl1er co wrice poetry. The poetry is showcased in a multi-lingual book titled One i11 Three, and me poem was filmed to be a digital art installation. Performers

INDIANLINK

were recruiced from within the writing group and me community, with sisters Brienna and Brivini the youngest performers, and 81-year­ old Percy Mason the oldest.

The choice of performers of varying ages was a deliberate one.

"I wanted co shift tl1e stereotypes," says Emma Macey-Stord1, founder of Some Kind of Squirrel productions, a not-for­ profit filmmaking company, whose work with underprivileged children in the UK won her 23 international awards.

"I wanted a 10-year-old girl to tell the story of a 60-yea.r-old woman, and a 81-year-old man co tell the story of a 20-year-old woman to challenge perceptions of me issue," Macey-Storch says. "When you hear an 81-year-old man saying 'On my wedding day', or 'The pressure of patriarchy', the resuks are mind-blowing."

The chosen art form coo, was deliberate.

Nayana Bhandari, fom1der of the Oorja Foundation, started writing poetry at the age of 16.

"Khooh ladi lllardrmi, JJJoh toh.fhansi 1Pali nmi thi," she says joyously when asked what inspired her, quoting the iconic poem by Subhadra Kuma.ri Chauhan.

After performing at her first spoken word event in 1vl"elbourne, she felt empowered and realised that poetry could be a powerful tool in commmlity engagement and preventing violence. She approached Emma and Poetry Corners was born.

Funded by the Victorian Government's Community Crime Prevention Program in association witl1 the Northern Community Legal Centre and Prime Scar, Poetry Corners brought women from Indian, Pakisr.ani, Sri Lankan, Somali, Anglo and other backgrounds together for three days

,, Each participant is an ambassador.

When they see themselves in the video, and see their work in the book, they will be inspired to create change ,, o f poetry workshops. T h e process was transformational for some.

"Mere dekhne at1r sochne ka 11azariya /Jada/ gqya hai, " (It has changed my views and perspective on domestic violence) says Gurpreet Kaur.

Others enjoyed tl1e cross-culmral engagement. Debbie Anscombe fom1d the process of engaging with women from different cuJmres, some of whom she didn't even sba.re a common language ._,.,ich, "fantastic".

Fauzia Elalli, another writer and performer edloed similar sentiments. ''Oh God," she exclaims exuberantly, describing when she heard a woman with a Somali background talking about her experiences at Poetry Corners. "She has seen different places, smells different Rowers and eats different food, but her eirperiences a.re the san1e as mine. It made me feel united i n our diversity.

It is empowering."

For the filming, the performers were coached by professionals.

"I have been so inspired, moved and

touched by these courageous women and tl1eir stories," said performer Kattimoni Beames. "It's made me realise how important it is tl1at we bring these issues om of the dark."

Spoken word and performance artist Su.khjit Kaur Khalsa was amazed.

"Getting 22 women togerner to create something so real, authentic and powerful... that's why I fell in love with this project and that's why I believe in it."

Emma shares tl1ar sense of amazement. "\'v'hat blew me away is how simply tl1e addition of a creative activity sparks just the most raw, tl1e most personal and intimate type of reaction," she says.

Nayana hopes that Poetry Comers will create a ripple effect. "Ead1 participant is an ambassador. When they see themselves in the video, and see tl1eir work in the book, tl1ey will be inspired ro create change."

Reading the poem, that dlange may have already begun.

Lets challenge whats 111rong Let's I/lake our sisters st/'Ong Lets chrdlenge 011r brothers And make the111 11ndersla11d 111e 1va11t to change the ,to,y Thry have to take a stand For ellCIJ' wo111a11 and child In their co1111111miry Because it's one in three It's one i11 three And this epidemic of violence Has lo md with me

If

One in Three nmsfi·om 9 Februa1y - 2 April, 2017at Gee Lee- WikDoleen Gallery, Hume Global Leaming Centre, 75-95 Central ParkAvenue, Craigi.ebum.

1'1e book will be launched on 8 March, International Womens Day.

FEBRUARY 2017 37

arts

OPEH

esivo ution

A photographic tribute to Melbourne's Indian food culture

BY DHANYA SAMUEL

S

onia Sarangi is an architect by profession, but sbe is also an avid foodie and photographer.

Her recently concluded phocogrnphy e.xhibition, Desivolution, presented in association witb Multicultural Arts Victoria, is testimony to this, capturing tbe hean and soul of the lndi an food culrure in Melbourne.

"Restaurants have become powerful billboards for culture and diversity in Melbourne," Sarangi says. "It is in this space that maoy of us are willing to share different aspects of desi culture that ochers are unaware of."

She continues, "The exhibition focuses on the design and food of tl1ese 'new wave' Indian establishments, I hesitate to call tliem restaurants as many do not fit tliat description, from food trucks to specialist market stalls; from healthy street food to contemporary fine dining, tucked away in tlie laneways of Melbourne. Ultimately, I belie,,e tlrnt food is a fantastic window into our culture."

38 l=EBRUARV 2017

Phocography has always been a silent passion for Sonia, but an important one being in the field of design and ard1itecture.

"It began witl1 me 'borrowing' my dad's film camera before 1 headed to university and tl1en forgetting to ever return it," Sarangi says. "I don't have formal training, but I think chat being self-taught is a route chat many creative people take. It's taken me quite a long time to find my voice in photography and to find the perfect platform co share it."

Michael Silver (who runs l'vfagnet Galleries where tbe exhibition was held) showed Sonia some beautiful archival papers on which her photographs could be printed. The minute Khadi was mentioned, she knew tl1is would be the most befitting surface for her photographs. The paper comes from a handmade paper mill outside tl1e village of Tarihal near Hubli, in Karnataka. K.hadi papers are made from 100 per cenc cotton rag, which is known for its exceptional strength and durability, and have longer fibres than li.nters wbich are generally used in papermaking.

Ali of tl,e food outlets involved in the project "instantly grasped the concept and embraced it". Sarangi is full of praises for the restaurants, cafes and pop-ups who agreed tO be a part of tl1e project. "They were generous witb their time and let us inco their very busy working routines," she

explains. "I would describe tl1is new wave as young, healtb-focused, experimencal and passionate about w hat chey do."

Featured in Desh7olution are Babuji (4-6 Grey St, Sc Kilda), Delhi Streets (22 Katherine Place), Dilli 6 (290 Old Geelong Rd, Hoppers Crossing), Original Chai Co (Queen St, Opp. Shed H, Queen Vic l\farket), Overdosa (pop up stalls across 1klbonrne), Tadka Boom (22 Goldsbrough Lane) and Tonka (20 Duckboard Pl).

"Even in a city like Melbourne, which marches on its stomach, it is a very competitive and brutal scene witl1i11 tl,e hospitality industry," Sarangi says. "They each rook a risk in presenting a facet of Indian food or culture that many of the locals do not understand. Ai1d in doing s o tl1ey each inadvertently took o n tl1e role of being constant cultural ambassadors."

J\ native of Orissa, born and brought up in Dubai, completing her higher srudies in Singapore and tlieo moving to Australia in 2006, Sonia calls herself a global citizen.

This nomadic journey has also broadened her horizons about what Indian culrure really means and how food alwa)'S plays an intricate part, especially when you live outside India.

Sonia says that the extensive support of Mu.lticulcural Ans Victoria and Magnet Galleries has enabled her to bring these stories to life through her photographs that are quite different to what is often seen in

, , The exhibition focuses on the design and food of Melbourne's 'new wave' Indian establishments as powerful billboards for culture and diversity , , mainstream media.

"Instagram, I fear, has desensitised everyone to picture-postcard photos," Sarangi says. "My advice would be to tal-::e your time to discover an autl1entic story or copic tliat you are passionate about. Photographs don't simply capture a moment, tbey are also a powerful story telling medium. And tbe best stories are tl1ose chat come from within."

www.indianlink.com.au

l'J

Packing a healthy school lunchbox will help your children to learn and grow

E

very parent knows the challenge of finding fun, healthy recipes to cure kids' lunchbox boredom. A good diet is essential for growth and development in children, but also for simply giving them the energy to be kids!

A key change at the start of the school year is the transition from holiday play to sitting and concentrating back at school.

Fuelling your kids with the right balance of nutrients will play a part in keeping them energised and focused throughout

unc

.. ...

• .•• .•• .• • •

food ■

the day.

So how do you get the right balance of nutrients? "Keep it simple by remembering to include something from each of the five core foods groups: plenty of veggies, fruit, meat o r meat alternatives, dairy and wholegrains," says Amanda Menegazzo from The Dairy : Kichen. : If you're after some inspiration : • for fabulous back to school, healthy lunchbox combinations, try these recipes : • from The Dairy Kitchen.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ••.• c..--­ .• �. Cauliflower and �. Cheddar Fritters with �..• Kiwi Salsa .• .•• ...

•. ..• .• •.

Cheesy Broccoli Gems ••.•• •. .•• .•.

•. .•. .•• ..• •.

• ... . . ................................................................................................................... .

Serves 4 Preparation Time: 20 min Cooking Time: 30 min Ingredients

Fritters:

1 cup tri-colour quinoa ½ medium cauliflower, cut into fl orets ½ cup rolled oats 4 eggs, lightly beaten 6 spring onions, sliced 1 ½ cups grated cheddar cheese Finely grated rind of one lemon Oil, for shallow frying

Mai<es 30 Preparation Time: 20 min Cooking Time: 20 min Ingredients

1 medium head broccoli, cut into florets 2 spring onions, finely chopped 1 cup grated cheddar cheese ½ cup dried breadcrumbs 2 tbsps chopped fresh basil or parsley Salt and pepper, to taste 1 egg lightly beaten

Method

Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for

1 minute then refresh in iced water.

Drain well. Place all the ingredients except for the egg in a food processor and 'pulse' until finely chopped and combined. Add the egg and pulse to combine.

Shape approximately 2-3 teaspoons of the mixture, into nugget shapes and place on a baking paper lined tray.

Spray the gems with oil and bake at 200 ° C for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with sour cream or thick

Kiwi Salsa:

250g punnet red and yellow cherry tomatoes, quartered 1 kiwi fruit, peeled and diced 1 tbsp olive oil

Method

Rinse the quinoa and place in a medium saucepan with 2 cups water.

Bring to a boil then immediately reduce heat to a simmer, add a pinch of salt and cover and cook for 15 minutes.

Turn off the heat, fl uff with a fork and set the lid ajar to rest.

In a food processor, pulse the raw

caulifl ower until it resembles cous cous.

You will need 2 cups caulifl ower crumbs.

Remove from the processor.

Process rolled oats in the food processor until fine. Add quinoa, cauliflower crumbs, eggs, onions, cheese and lemon to the food processor and pulse untiljust combined. Season to taste and set mixture aside.

Make salsa by tossing together all ingredients. Set aside.

Thinly cover the base of a large frying pan with oil and heat over medium-high heat. Drop ¼ cups of mixture into the pan and fry, in batches, for 3-5 minutes on each side, turning carefully with an egg fl ip. Cool slightly before serving with salsa.

Tip:

Tri-colour quinoa is a blend of white, red and black quinoa. Substitute any coloured quinoa if unavailable. If you don't have a food processor try grating the caulifl ower, use quick oats and toss everything together in a bowl.

Cheese & Egg Muffins Makes 6 Preparation Time: 20 min Cooking Time: 20 min Ingredients

6 small (50g) eggs 1 cup self-raising flour 1 spring onion, finely sliced 1/3 cup grated cheddar cheese ½ cup milk ¼ cup (50g) melted butter 1 large (59g) egg, lightly beaten, extra 1 tsp English-style mustard good pinch of salt 1/3 cup grated cheddar cheese, extra

Method

Preheat oven to 200 ° C (180 ° C fan

IHDIAHLIHK

forced). Line the bases of 6 x 1/3 cup muffin pans with muffin paper cases or baking paper that overhang at the top at least 2cm.

Place eggs in a small saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring the water to the boil and then simmer for 3 minutes.

Run under cold water until almost cold.

Peel, discard shells and reserve boiled eggs.

Combine flour, spring onion and cheese in a medium mixing bowl and make a well in the centre. Combine milk, butter, extra egg, mustard and salt in

a separate jug and pour into the well.

Gently stir mixture with a large metal spoon until just combined. Do not over mix.

Place 1 tablespoon of muffin mixture into the base of each muffin case. Top with a boiled egg. Top with remaining mixture to cover. Sprinkle with extra cheddar cheese.

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through and cheese is golden brown.

Cool on a wire rack and serve warm or cool. These muffins are best eaten on the day they're made.

FEBRUARY 2017 39

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 Looking for a suitable match for Gujarati Vaishnav Vanira, 41, 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 433422121, samindersandhu@yahoo. c om 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

SRI RAG H U RAM ASTROLOGY C ENTRE Wo r l d Fa m o u s A s t r o l o g e r from I n d i a n G e n e r a t i o n s

PAN DITH : RAGH U RAM is in Mel bourne Are you suffering from any of the following problems: • PROPERTY • HEALTH • HUSBAND & WIFE • VISA • BUSINESS • FAMILY • MARRIAGE • RELATIONSHIP • LOVE • PROMOTION • EMPLOYMENT • LOTTO • COURT • CHILDREN ETC

40 FEBRUARY 2017

He is an expert in Palm, Face, Photo Reading & Numerology & Predicts your Past, Present & Future.

Performs Home / Shanti Pujas, Sudarshana Chakras, Laxmi Chakras, Vastu Consultation - Home & Commercial Premises Don't worry any more ....

SPEAKS

• ENGLISH • HINDI • TAMIL • TELUGU HAS SERVICED

3 Mason Street Dandenong VIC 3 1 75 (Only 1 Min Walk From Dandenong Station) E-mail: raghuramji96@gmail.com

7 Days A Week - 1 0:00 AM TO 7:00 PM

• GERMANY • MALAYSIA • SWITZERLAND • SINGAPORE • NEW ZEALAND • UK • INDIA

www.indianlink.com.au

t1

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 o r 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.

INDIANLINK

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.

FEBRUARY 2017 41

entertainment

■

- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FllmKRAFT

.!;,..;!.J.......u

KAABIL

STARRING: Hrithik Roshan, Yami Gautam, Suresh Menon, Narendra Jha, Ronit Roy, Rohit Roy DIR ECTOR: Sanjay Gupta

+rlc ;·_, ' '�

Loosely inspired from the 2013 Korean film Broken, which was based on a novel written by the Japanese writer

I

Keigo Higashino, Kaabil is a morality I tale wrapped in a fascinating revenge I drama.

Rohit Bhatnagar (Hrithik Roshan) is a blind dubbing artist, whose newly-wed wife, Supriya (Yami Gautam) a pianist, who is also blind, is raped by Amit Shellar (Rohit Roy), the younger brother of local MLA Madhav Rao Shellar (Ronit Roy) and his friend Wasim, the son of a

butcher.

When the couple approach police to file a complaint, they are rebuked and turned away. Disappointed, they return home only to realise that the perpetrators of the crime, are emboldened to repeat the crime. Soon, Supriya takes the drastic step of ending her life.

With no hope left for justice, Rohit considers vengeance as his only recourse, and so he throws an open challenge to Inspector Amol Chaube (Narendra Jha) and his assistant that he would take revenge for his wife's death by executing the perpetrators. He tells them that his ingeniously planned execution would neither be detected nor solved. In other words, he would commit a perfect crime. How he goes about keeping his word, forms the crux of the narrative.

A three-way game of cat and mouse chase ensues between Rohit, as he hunts the culprits, and the police hunting him. The drama and action that blurs the line between the victim and the perpetrators of crime, is exciting.

But the script lacks the chutzpah of an engrossing, nail-biting thriller.

With a blend of romance and thrill designed to suit the Indian audience, the story adapted by Vijay Kumar Mishra, is engrossing. But unfortunately, the pace of the story telling is its undoing. Also, the tell-and-show technique used for the plot progression, robs the audience of its thrill factor.

On the directorial front, the first hour

focuses on the romance in a perfunctory manner and makes the inciting moment seem forced. From the very word go you are compelled to anticipate trouble from Amit and his friend Wasim. Also most of the hero's journey is dealt superficially.

The complex issues are smoothened with cinematic liberties.

The second hour can't sustain the initial energy, as the story focus becomes diffused and an excessive flashbacks and time jumps cause some narrative confusion.

On the performance front, while Yami and Hrithik are charming, their portrayal of a blind couple, with unblinking eyes and robotic movements is far from natural, making the characters seem unconvincing.

Ronit Roy in his introductory scene tries to emulate Nana Patekar as the Marathi-speaking M LA, but he soon runs out of steam. Rohit Roy playing his brash younger brother is effortless.

Narendra Jha as Inspector Chaube and his assistant have their moments to shine.

The music is nothing extraordinary and the item number 'Haseeno Ka Deewana', a remix of the yesteryear song from the 1981 film Yaarana, is just run-of-the-mill.

The action sequences are well­ choreographed.

Overall, the film does not offer any tension nor a gripping portrait of a grieving husband. It is a mediocre fare at its best.

Troy Ribeiro

"I used to think that all mortgage brokers are the same .... until I met Swati" - Koma/ Talk to a specialist for all your Home Loan needs THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR EXPERIENCE. swati@buyerscho ice.co m.au

Over 18 years of experience in finance industry.

Talk to a qualified professional.

Priced to Sell - Contact Magesh 04071 76005

42 l=EBRUARV 2017

• Reliable Service and Privacy Guaranteed • Over 25 lenders to choose from Aulhorised Credit • Commercial finance Representative 400349 of BLSAA Ply. Ltd. Health check for existing Home Loan (Australian Credit Licence No.391237)

Dandenong and Springvale

www.indianlink.com.au

l'J

-

- - - - - .- - - - - - - - - - - - -

All

EX(IlENTERlMMNT IWl¢1111

nmWt:l!l'RMISMmlfMl:3Er.WBl Al(JID,R110o11J1W1Wl!l'llUt(IWIAN11:VM1181BrRNll. !Hl.Al(i,,,IW«f"�A.'tD!\MtC tllAJSIJI.A mronn BYRllESH SiOOWf\NI. Gf\IBl KHAN t FARHAN Al<JflM �18> BY !WU. tm.AKJ/\

25TH JAN.

� N /\ /\ r r L M S H ... r , o N W I D E R ! l f A S t T

RAEES

STARRING: Shah Rukh Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Mahira Khan DIR ECTOR: Rahul Dholakia

*tt- �r \r

It's the same old wine - hooch wine - in a not-so-new battle, and I do mean battle.

Prohibition in Gujarat is the playground for this pulsating saga of twisted morality. As the good policeman Majmudar (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) wages

I

an all-out war against hooch seller Raees Khan (Shah Rukh Khan). What emerges from the smoke, fire and ashes is a kitschy 1980s-style potboiler that tells the story of a gangster's protege who grows into a Robin Hoodlum, the do-gooder whose Ammi (Sheeba Chadha, so brilliant and yet such a fugitive figure in the screenplay) teaches him that no job is too small o r petty.

Taking that maternal advice a bit too seriously (probably uttered by the short-lived Ammi-jaan in an unguarded

moment after she may have heard it being said by Alok Nath), Raees spends the next 40 years of his life and two hours of ours, selling illicit liquor and killing opponents with an impunity that defines death by Dawoodian ideology.

A hai-haifor a hai and bomb for a bomb.

There is plenty of gratuitous action, rapid fire movement and swift reflexive responses to violent impulses. But Raees never succeeds in getting its act all together. It's all too hazy, scattered and sketchy, except when Nawazuddin walks in as the ·good cop' who vows he will get Raees by hook or crook.

Nawaz's Majmudar is funny without trying to be. Habituated to being transferred on his job, he insists on his seniors giving their orders in writing, and when he realises that the sweets he is savouring have come from his arch-enemy, he continues to nibble on them while reiterating his vow to get the bootlegger. This is a man who probably laughs twice a year and that too because his wife expects him to.

While Nawazuddin makes sure his character is coherently defined, Shah Rukh's Raees remains surprisingly hazy, and we are not talking about his moral values alone. It's the way he plays Raees, as though he doesn't really like the man for his immoral acts. But what to do? He must do the job to the best of his ability.

At many points in the plot, Shah Rukh's Raees falters as he attempts to come to terms with the rapid changes in his fortunes. Failing to find a feasible centre to his character's doddering ethics, Shah Rukh plays Raees with an arrogant indifference.

In his defence, the material provided by the writers (Rahul Dholakia, Harit

Mehta, Ashish Vashi, Neeraj Shukla) is at best derivative. We have seen the same story about the rise and fall of the 'Gangster With The Bloodied Gun' in scores of films by Ram Gopal Varma and Anurag Kashyap.

There is nothing even remotely novel in the shootouts and the other shindigs (the latter includes a sudden sunny swing of Sunny Leone's 'Laila' kind into an item song). Even the tender relationship that Raees shares with his coy wife Asiya (Mahira Khan, assuming the Mere mehboob persona all pert, pouty and silky) has been done so much more effectively by Manoj Bajpayee and Shefali Shah in Ram Gopal Vanna ' s Satya.

Such considerations are perhaps unwarranted in Raees. Director Rahul Dholakia attempts to assemble an inherently messy saga of gangsterism set in the 1980s, told in the way films were narrated in that era. There is even an action sequence in a drive-in theatre where an Amitabh Bachchan film plays while Raees intimidates a builder.

Deliberately stagey and self­ consciously 'retro', Raees gathers its strength from the voluptuous resources of drama in the protagonist's life and the power of the narrative to make cliches come alive by their defiant reiteration. The director knows his material is weather-beaten and he doesn't pretend it is any other way.

The shoot-outs filled with bombast and bravado, are from an era when such violence was considered macho.

At the end, when Raees's world falls apart with a close encounter of the 'thud' kind, there is no surprise left in the plot. It isn ' t only Raees who has nowhere to run to.

Subhash K. Jha

.. .

CORRU PT.I ON H U RTS EVERYONE. When something's not right, report it.

INDIANLINK

•

Corruption within the public service our councils and state government agencies - hurts every Victorian.

So when something's not right, do something about it.

To find out more about IBAC or how to report your concerns in complete confidence, go to ibac.vic.gov.au

ibac

independent broad-based anti-corruption commission Victoria

FEBRUARY 2017 43

entertainment

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

HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO AS ACTOR: NAWAZU DDIN

A TRA I N R I DE WITH S R K

S

hah Rukh Khan had one mission in mind when he got onto a train to promote his film Raees - to get closer to his fans. But he didn't anticipate that his stardom would spell trouble for his admirers, inside as well as outside the train.

For many, it would have been a dream-come-true to know that their favourite star was just a couple of carriages away from them. But it soon turned into a nightmare, with bulky bodyguards cordoning off an entire carriage for the star, the frenzy around his presence in the train, and the inability of passengers to get on or off.

Trains have been an intrinsic part of Shah Rukh's movies (Chaiyya chaiyya, Di/wale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Chennai Express). Perhaps that was the reason he decided to take a train from Mumbai to Delhi to promote his new film. After starting off on the right note, the train ride got engulfed into controversy due to the death of a fan on Vadodara station, and injuries suffered by others.

As the fans went berserk and got out of control, actor Sunny Leone who was on board, rightly described the train as 'a tightly packed sardine can'. That it truly was.

For me, the journey began much before the 5:40 pm start. To many, the idea of taking a Delhi-Mumbai flight, only to take a train back, may seem senseless, but it made total sense with Shah Rukh for company.

I channelled Kajol from Di/wale Dulhania Le Jayenge, running against time to make it on the train. Only, Shah Rukh was not waiting at the gate and I was instead wading through a maddening crowd.

The euphoric tunes of Udi udijaye, the garba track from Raees, added to the jubilant mood. Luckily, the actor, who is infamous for being late at events, was on time this time.

His plan involved waving to the crowd at nine stops, Vapi, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Ratlam, Kota and Mathura.

Everywhere it was the same fan frenzy - people jumping on to tracks, climbing on the top of the train, banging on windows - without thinking of their own safety. Other people huddled together on stairs, and up some poles as well. The craze was there for all to see, with people's shoes loitered all around the platform as they ran amok looking for SRK. It left us pondering on the extent to which fans can go for the screen idol.

Inside the train, we hoped and prayed that no one would be hurt. Sunny, peeping out of the window with curiosity, was heard muttering: "I don't want anybody to get hurt. Oh, there's a guy with a stick ... Please don't hit anybody. I will start to cry."

Alas, everyone's fear came true with the news of one fan - a relative off a female journalist travelling in the train - dying at the station. There are confl icting theories about the death: some claim he had a cardiac arrest, others that he was suffocated to death due to the stampede-like situation.

The fun of the train ride soon faded away, casting a pall of gloom.

SRK has been blamed for the mayhem, but we saw him on his toes trying to pacify his team. He appeared shaken as he stepped in for a chat with scribes very late at night. There was no stardom to be seen as he spoke to us straight from the heart.

Consoling the journalist who had just lost a loved one, Shah Rukh organised for members of his security team to accompany her and her mother back to Vadodara.

Could this major publicity event have been planned better? Probably.

Is SRK to blame? Probably not.

Sugandha Rawal 44 �EBRUARV 2017

Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui may be basking in the appreciation coming his way for his performance in Shah Rukh Khan starrer Raees, yet he believes his journey as an actor has just begun.

"Even though I have been in the industry since 2000, my acting career kind of took off in 2012 and it has been a very satisfying journey so far.

But it has just begun and I have a long way to go," Nawazuddin said recently.

With Rahul Dholakia-directed Raees, he has worked with all the three Khans. He starred with Aamir Khan in Sarfarosh and Talaash, and with Salman Khan in Kick.

Looking back at the experience of working with the three leading actors, he said: "It's from them I learnt how to sustain one's position for long, with a variety of roles. The learning has been immense because of their vast experience. They are all great entertainers and that's proof to their popularity."

Nawazuddin's performance was much talked about in Raees, with most critics highlighting that he overshadowed King Khan.

Prod the Raman Raghav star about this opinion, and pat comes the reply: "I believe my performance was enhanced due to Shah Rukh's presence. Acting is a process of give and take. Had he not given me the scope and platform to perform, I wouldn't have done so well. He understood and respected my character, thus allowing my role to hog the limelight."

Not willing to take any credit for film's success, he said, "As actors, we complemented each other very well. Our theatre background helped us discover new facets. The love-hate relationship we share in the film didn't reflect on paper, but we made it work because we understood each other." " I t's unfair to single out a performance. People are enjoying the film and not just my performance. All of us involved in the film deserve equal credit," he added.

With an interesting line-up of films in his kitty this year, Nawazuddin is kicked about playing Urdu writer Sadat Hassan Manto in Nandita Das's upcoming biopic.

"I'm working very hard to get a grip over the character. Manto as a writer was way ahead of his time and his writings have strong contemporary relevance," he said.

He will be seen playing an astronaut in Chanda Mama Door Ke, which goes on the fl oors in June this year.

"This project will be very big in terms of scale. I will have to undergo special training in zero grav ity room and also under water," he said.

SOHA ALI KHAN: MODERATELY FAMOUS

Bollywood is getting into books. We've just had Karan Johar and Rishi Kapoor release their books in recent weeks, and actor Twinkle Khanna is becoming better known for her writing than she ever was for her films. The l atest to Join the publishing bandwagon is Soha Ali Khan.

Her soon-to-be published book is tit l ed The Perils of Being Moderately Famous. It is described as a collection of humorous, and sometimes bizarre, stories on her life as an erstwhile royal princess and a "moderately famous" celebrity.

Penguin India has acquired the debut writer's novel.

Soha, however, warns readers, "If you are hoping I will reveal the secret behind Kareena's glowing complexion or how bhai (Saif Ali Khan) trains for an action film, then I am afraid you are barking up the wrong book."

BHANSALI INCIDENT IN JAIPUR BIG BLOW TO RAJASTHAN'S TOURISM: NIHALANI

Condemning the recent attack on the filmmaker in Jaipur, CBFC Chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani says the incident is a big blow to Rajasthan's tourism.

Activists of Shree Rajput Karni Sena misbehaved with the crew of Bhansali's upcoming film Padmavati and vandalised the set in Jaipur last week.

Describing it as a shameful act of violence against the finest living filmmaker in the country, Nihalani said, "Sanjay Bhansali has taken our cinema to every corner of the world.

He is celebrated as a genius all over the world. And look at how much he has done for tourism in India. H is Khamoshi: The Musical and Guzaarish were shot in Goa and promoted the beauty of the coastal paradise. Hum Di/ De Chuke Sanam and Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela promoted Gujarati culture. Bajirao Mastani took the Maratha warrior's story all over the world. And now, Padmavati is all set to open a new chapter of our rich heritage and culture in Rajasthan. But will the lumpen elements allow Bhansali to shoot in Rajasthan? Will he ever go back www.indianlink.com.au

l'J

SOHA ALI KHAN

there? This is a big blow to Rajasthan's tourism. Once the state government had agreed to let Bhansali shoot in Jaipur, it was their responsibility to provide him protection."

Nihalani questioned why must filmmakers face danger while shooting outdoors in India. ;'Fiji, Mauritius and South Africa provide every safety and subsidy for Indian film shoots. In India, forget subsidies, even the well-being of your crew and equipment is not ensured," he said.

Bhansali, a National Award-winning director, was accused of "distorting" history in the film about the medieval­ era Delhi ruler Alauddin Khilji, who fell in love with Rajput queen Padmavati.

Ajit Andhare, of Viacom 18 Motion Pictures, the producers of Padmavati, said the incident is a "huge low in the relations between politics and creativity".

"We are celebrating the glory of the queen. We are dismayed at the ugly turn of events," he added.

Veteran actor Shabana Azmi also condemned the "reprehensible attack on Bhansali". ;'Is it a mere coincidence that the attack on the film Water many years ago was also in a Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled state? The guilty must be punished and the film industry should stand firmly together and do whatever it takes to ensure that such an incident is never repeated. This has reached flash

point," she added.

Lyricist, screenwriter and ad guru Prasoon Joshi called Bhansali a "stalwart and a gentle soul". "Violence can never be the solution. The idea of democracy is not to feed the animal in us but to nurture human values."

Filmmaker Sudhir Mishra asked the film industry to stand up together and demand for justice. "When you slap Sanjay, you slap all of us and we should not take it lying down."

I LOVED AUSTRALIA: SUNNY PAWAR

Child actor Sunny Pawar who made his debut in acclaimed Hollywood film Lion said that he enjoyed filming in Australian cities and developed a great bonding with his co-actor Dev Patel.

"Although we shot in Bhopal and Kolkata I loved shooting in Australia.

The place was so beautiful. There were so many places to roam and play, we went there after shooting and I loved the place," the young actor told !ANS. Sunny, a Year 3 student at Air India Modern School, Kalina, lives in a slum with his parents and two young siblings in Mumbai. He went through an audition to bag the role.

"I went to the audition where they gave me some lines and asked me to say them looking into the camera. I did that, and then I got to know that I am

WHO WORE IT BETTER?

PRIYANKA CHOPRA or KENDALL JENNER in OLCAY GULSEN?

+ Share your views

with us on our Facebook page /lndianLinkAustralia

INDIANLINK

selected for the role," Sunny said.

Recalling the first day of the shooting, he said, "Director sir just asked me to run, and I ran! No, I did not feel any pressure of facing camera or shooting first time."

While the film received six Oscar nominations for the 89th Academy Awards, little Sunny has already has bagged Grand Jury Prize (Special Mention) at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards and he is very thrilled about the fact that he walked the red carpet wearing a black suit like his "new friend" Dev Patel at the Golden Globes in Los Angeles.

As the shooting went on for more than a year, though he found it little tough to manage study and acting both, Sunny enjoyed the process throughout.

Sunny said, "After the shooting Dev and I wou l d play cricket and would goof around on the set. It was so much fun."

Was there a language problem?

"No, there was no language problem.

Dev spoke to me in English, and I spoke back in Hindi."

The young Ajay Devgan fan wou l d like to continue in films. "My teachers congratulate me and they encourage me to study. I want to act, but I like my studies too. Mathematics is my favourite subject."

WHAT TWEETY BIRD TOLD US TH IS WEEK

Can you match the tweets to the stars who tweeted them? Priyanka Chopra, Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, H rithik Roshan, Amitabh Bachchan Proud moment for all of us. PINK now available on @TheFilmPink #Pink #PinkOnNetfl ix Just a little shout of love for all the praise for my#KaabilETareef team!

Thank you !!!

Beyond thrilled & overwhelmed with the amazing response & reactions to #Se renaUnger!#xXx: Retur nOfXanderCage Thank You for all the LOVE! Be warned, Summer brings Victoria Leeds. #BeBaywatch @baywatchmovie On train & listening to the new song from Raees. Dhandhe Ka #Dhingana...

What's the chitchat between DEEPIKA PADUKONE and ELLEN? Send in your responses to win@indianlink.com.au and win a surprise prize

What's the chitchat between LION sta rs DEV PATEL and SUNNY PAWAR here?

Dev: Slumdog street stars are a lucky omen for me. Bring the Oscars on, 2017!!

SUMANA RAO Ashfield NSW Sumana wins a ticket to new Hindi release Raees

FEBRUARY 2017 45

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.

lk Z.016 1?� OSCARS,,,

A

46 FEBRUARY 2017

OF A

Rt;:F\JBUCAN Bl25r '3B:JA)...

a=H:Cr5

� 9-'PRJt<nNS k:lOR � HIS � fN "�DE:NT TRVMP�

8�

:::i 0 a..

-;::..

(1)

filco ro z

.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

Anti-corruption campaign extended to non-English groups successful anti-rnrruption campaign to raise awareness about corruption in Victoria and encourage reporting, has been extended to include languages other than English.

CEO of the Independent Broadband Anti Corruption Commission (IBAC), Victoria's anti-corruption body, Mr Alistair Maclean said, "The campaign, launched in December lastyear is now being extended to reach more Victorians, induding those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities."

"From today, messages in several community languages will appear in Victoria's major non­ English newspapers and online, to reach more Victorians, particularly those who speak languages other than English," Mr Madean said.

Thecampaign focuses on corruption in the Victorian public sector, induding both state and

Bl;sr ACrOR f=tR HIS �VAL

local government agencies.

The campaign advertisements will be advertised in Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, Greek, Indian and Italian newspapers, and SBS On Demand.

To support the accessibility of information to people from culturally and linguistically diverse groups, IBAC has also translated too facts sheets that provide detailed information about corruption and how to report it into 20 community languages.

These can be found at www.ibac.vic.gov.au "IBAC is responsible for investigating and exposing corruption, and informing Victorians about corruption and howto prevent it. This initiative will help to build understanding of what corruption is and will encourage more Victorians to report public service corruption, in confidence to IBAC," Mr Maclean said.

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!

Kenyan of South Asian background? _ esearc stu v see s pa ticipants Are you from Kenya, East Africa? Did you arrive on a skilled worker visa or other category? Would you be willing to share your experiences in Australia? Ifyou have answered yes to the three questions, then you are invited to participate in a research study that explores your career experiences as a skilled migrant and how you pursued your career goals in Australia.

Participation is voluntary and involves face to face or telephone interviews. The interview process will be totally confidential and you will not be identified in any way in the final document. If you do decide to volunteer and share your experiences, please contact the principal researcher Khalida Malik, PhD candidate from Western Sydney University, on the email 9161 730 !@student. westemsydney.edu.au for further i.nfonuation.

I'his study has been approved by 1he Western Sydney U11iversiry. The approval 1111111ber i., HI1832.

www.indianlink.com.au

l'J

('1 3 1 4 23

I tpg.com.au

Min charge includes $20 Prepayment + $99.95 Setup + $10 Del ivery (i f applicable}. Only avai labl e i n sel ected coverage areas. If the nbnT"' network comes to yourarea, TPG wi ll invite you to move your service to the nbn™ network on 18 month contract with Wi-Fi modern included at no additi onal cost to you. Some call types not supported, incl. fax, pay TV program purchase, back to base al arms and s i mil ar. Prepayment of$20 required for call charges. Prepayment automatically topped up if it falls below $1 0. Service barred i f prepayment top up payment fails. This offer may be wi thdrawn at any ti me. For full terms, conditions & exclusi ons visi t tpg.corn.au.

INDIANLINK

FEBRUARY 2017 47

48 FEBRUARY 2017

www.indianlink.com.au