2017-08 Sydney (1)

IND EPE DAY ND IS S EN CE UE

FREE Vol. 24 No.11 (1) AUGUST (1) 2017 • www.indianlink.com.au FORTNIGHTLY

SYDNEY

India

#GoBeyond

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editorial INDIAN LINK PUBLISHER Pawan Luthra EDITOR Rajni Anand Luthra ASSISTANT EDITOR Harshad Pandharipande MELBOURNE COORDINATOR Preeti Jabbal CONTRIBUTORS Meenakshi Seetharaman, Saroni Roy, Beheshta Wasseh, Judy Williams, Chitra Sudarshan, Grahak Cunningham, Usha Ramanujam Arvind, Dhanya Samuel, Vandana G, Emily Itee Dewan, LP Ayer

It’s birthday time

ADVERTISING MANAGER Vivek Trivedi 0410 578 146 ADVERTISING ASSISTANT Charuta Joshi 02 9279 2004 EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Beheshta Wasseh

Indian Link is a fortnightly newspaper published in English. No material, including advertisements designed by Indian Link, may be reproduced in part or in whole without the wri en consent of the editor. Opinions carried in Indian Link are those of the writers and not necessarily endorsed by Indian Link. All correspondence should be addressed to Indian Link Level 24/44 Market St, Sydney 2000 or GPO Box 108, Sydney 2001 Ph: 02 9279-2004 Fax: 02 9279-2005 Email: info@indianlink.com.au Cover pic: Sam Goraya (Photo Zlatko Varenina)

BY PAWAN LUTHRA

I

ndia, as we know it now, is turning 70.

Before you pick up the phone to remind me that our country is actually a few thousand years old (yes, you’ve done this to me in the past!), let me assure you I am well aware that the Indus Valley civilization was dominant in the sub-continent as far back as the 3rd millennium BC. For fact-checkers out there, and those interested in trivia, Japan (660 BCE) and China (221 BCE) are the world’s oldest countries.

Along with India, some other notable birthdays this month are those of Singapore (9 August), Indonesia (17) and, of course, Pakistan (14). And then there are those who share the same date of 15 as their Independence Day, becoming birthday buddies with India.

These countries include the two Koreas,

the Republic of Congo, Bahrain and Liechtenstein.

So, for these August-born countries, what does the report card look like?

Clearly, India is a student who has performed well in class, having built up its confidence, and showing a fair bit of maturity. It has largely kept its faith with its people, and has done well to create a country of highly skilled and entrepreneurial individuals.

On the world sTage, India has conducted itself with dignity and has succeeded in keeping a fine balance between opposing powers such as the United States and Russia, and recently between Israel and the Arab nations.

Economically, it has progressed well, though there is still a lot of disparity in the population, with some surviving below living standards while others having far in excess of what they need.

The population, most of it anyway, has an inherent belief in secularism, although lately this has been tested by a select group of so-called nationalists.

There is a high value on education, and family values are treasured.

On the other hand, what of the red

areas? US President Thomas Jefferson said way back in 1809, “The care of human life and happiness… is the only legitimate object of good government.”

India’s government probably still has a bit of distance to cover as far as this is concerned. It still has to work through some of its democratic processes.

(Democracy thrives on in India, but the leaders need to be vetted a bit more thoroughly to ensure honesty in leadership.) The punishment for corruption and crony capitalism needs to be harsher. Even in a country of 1.2 billion, life needs to be valued more.

Gender inequality needs to be reduced.

These markers will be reached no doubt, but it will take time. Seventy years is a short time in the history of any nation, and India will square the circle in many of the areas it is found wanting.

The foundations of honesty, integrity and honour are strong in its citizens, and over time, this will allow it to prosper and grow, not only economically but also morally and as a society. Just like it did so successfully, for over 5,000 years, before 1947.

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AUGUST

CONTENTS Indian Link

Indian Link

LINKING INDIA WITH AUSTRALIA

SPECIAL FEATURES FILMS Documentary on an Aboriginal women’s choir

WORK Indian-origin police officers

FIRST PERSON Judy Williams’ India adventure

BOOKS Untold tales from the Raj

21 23

21 36

36 40 COVER STORY

FOOD Vibrant, colourful salad

51

40 51

Celebrating history.

Creating history.

12

India: Beyond the comfort zone

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AUGUST

YOUR SAY

OUR VIDEO: INDIAN FESTIVAL MELBOURNE

Watch: People shake a leg to Tamma Tamma by Naach Box Priyanka Vajpayee wrote: Told you it’s going to be fun Nomi Qureshi wrote: How did we miss this?

Meenakshi wrote: Oh no! If only this had taken place in Sydney! So cool.

PRECIOUS FLOWER

HARSHAD PANDHARIPANDE spoke to the grieving mum of Akanksha Kadam, who died in a car crash in Sydney last month. Condolences continued for the vivacious girl Rupa Kumar wrote: Heart wrenching Raghu Rules wrote: Sad a happy soul lost may her family get strength RIP Payel Ray Munni wrote: This is one of the saddest pieces of news that I have read. Rest in Peace, Akanksha. May I also inform all of you mainly youngsters who are coming to Australia as international students, please remember that you leave your loved ones behind. Please do not take any steps in Australia like swimming on a beach without professional lifeguards or give in to peer pressure of a long drive at night that will cause unimaginable heartache to the ones that you leave behind in India.

GENDER STEREOTYPES CONTINUE TO HOLD STRONG

SHAFEEN MUSTAQ had written on what’s wrong with traditional norms and how the youth can help advance equality.

Raka Mitra wrote: To be fair, this happens across most communities.

Across the world women are judged more harshly and men continue to have insecurities. It’s not Indians alone...Italians, Spanish, Mexicans, Orientals etc all single out women. Some cultures encourage their daughters to conform to a body image stereotype to ensure getting a man. However if I stick to the Sydney Indian community - I can hold my hand over my heart and say I’m quite lucky to be Bengali. I never appreciated this till several years ago....but Bengalis don’t push gender roles on their children. Don’t get me wrong, not trying to make a separatist or elitist comment...but it was an awakening of sorts for me...of exactly how open minded Bengalis are relative to others. I have never had an aunty/family tell me I need to be married to be happy or that my life is incomplete without marriage or pry into my personal life. On the contrary they have supported my decisions to travel alone, told me to never accept crap from a man and have always said that happiness is key, pursue that whatever it may be.

Betty Jager wrote: Never give up on your Indian culture, it is so very beautiful. I love India and her people

LINGUISTICALLY SPEAKING

MEENAKSHI SEETHARAMAN wrote on how language teachers from across the Indian community brainstormed ideas to seek larger mainstream presence.

Chandra Kishore wrote: The Institutions which are running Hindi/Sanskrit and other language schools are commended for their great contribution to the society.

THE CHANGING FACE OF THE COMMUNITY

JOURNEY INTO THE INTERIOR

On one of the world’s legendary train journeys, The Ghan, Australia’s interior inspires awe for its vastness and ever changing landscape. PETRA O’NEILL wrote about her interesting journey Khyati Raval wrote: On my bucket list!

SAY IT AGAIN AUGUST

PAWAN LUTHRA, an old-timer, wrote on the new codes among the latest batch of Indian migrants coming to Australia Krish Na @IndigoKKing tweeted: Good one! I’m terribly glad it didn’t say, ‘the new ones are low quality and low class’ like some senior immigrant said to me once.

Chandra Kishore wrote: Seen the change in last 30 years

So much love back home.

Overwhelmed! This journey has provided me with so many wondrous lifelong memories, Grateful.

Indian women’s cricket captain Mithali Raj, after the team’s performance in the World Cup

Warming temperature trends over the last three decades have already been responsible for over 59,000 suicides throughout India.

Scientist Tamma Carleton, in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

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WOOLWORTHS TO PHASE OUT PLASTIC BAGS AROUND THE COUNTRY

A LIFE LOST, AND GAINED

A family were crushed when leukaemia took their 2-year-old daughter. But somehow, she found a way to come back, wrote NANDITHA SURESH Meenakshi Seetharaman wrote: This is such heartbreaking and tearful story, at the same time teaches us to have hope in life.

We shared an ABC story on Supermarket giant Woolworths’ plans to phase out single-use plastic bags over the next 12 months.

Dhanya Samuel wrote: A commendable move.

Chandra Kishore wrote: Great move.

Payal Gupta wrote: Wonderful Khyati Raval wrote: Good move!

Narayan Shankar wrote: It must be implemented strictly

VIDEO: SAREE SECRETS OF AUSSIE POLITICIANS

We shared our archival video on Aussie woman politicians and their love for the Indian saree.

Betty Jager commented: I love them, I bought some in India to wear in the temples and to attend bhajans, and still do here in Aust when I go to the temple, they are so beautiful.

THERE ARE SOME THINGS WE DO NOT NEED TO KNOW

Humanity should be able to live with mystery without feeling uneasy. It is important to ask, when is it okay not to know? MOHAN DHALL wrote.

Krish Na wrote: Interesting perspective. Seeking truth is the core of any religion, yet religions often dissuade followers from asking too many questions. ‘Have faith’ is the most common refrain. Is it okay to not ask questions? Yes. But is it okay to prevent others from asking questions though?

Curiosity is a basic human trait and is fundamental to progress.

However, progress has its victims too. Exploration led to isolated lands joining the rest of the world but destroyed native life.

Individuals may curb their curiosity due to inherent limitations, but societies cannot. A question there for asking will be asked, later if not now, by someone else if not us. Alien life exploration may doom us all one day, like Hawking says, but if we don’t go looking for them, they’ll come looking.

There’s an ancient saying in my first language Telugu- ‘truth is like fire. If you try to cover it up, it’ll burn through its cover and come forth’.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Indian village renamed after Donald Trump without authorisation. The Indian philanthropist who renamed the village in honour of America’s president had no permission to do so. (This article originally appeared on The Washington Post) Charishma Kaliyanda @Ckaliyanda retweeted: Why is this a thing?!

Krish Na @IndigokKing tweeted: I just don’t get this Indian fascination with Trump. Is Islamiphobia the common ground or is it just for entertainment value?

Meenakshi S @manju_gsr replied to Krish Na: Pure entertainment value!

And ignorance.

Rupa Kumar wrote: Seriously

+ JOIN THE CONVERSATION MALCOLM ROBERTS’ S44 CONUNDRUM: THE RAJIV GANDHI CONNECTION

Malcolm Roberts, in spite of his express denials, very likely continues to be a citizen of India, thanks partly to India’s former PM Rajiv Gandhi, wrote KRISHNA NEELAMRAJU Mike Westerman: Couldn’t happen to a nicer fellow!

Stoked to be at the first international footy match IndvAus. Fantastic way to share our culture with India. #sportsdiplomacy Aust High Commissioner in India Harinder Sidhu

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> LOG on to your own Facebook or Twitter account > TYPE “Indian Link” into the search box at the top of the screen and click on the link that comes up > CLICK ‘Like’ to join the Indian Link Facebook community or ‘Follow’ @Indian_Link on Twitter

Filth - Quit India; Poverty - Quit India; Corruption Quit India; Terrorism - Quit India; Casteism - Quit India; Communalism - Quit India PM Modi, ahead of India’s Independence Day

It’s a massive headache but I guess a good one.

India’s cricket captain Virat Kohli on who to pick for Colombo match, given all top-order batsmen are in form

AUGUST

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cover story

#GoBeyond

Beyond guided tours and sanitised hotel rooms.

Beyond Taj Mahal and tigers. Beyond naan and butter chicken. Beyond the window of the taxi.

Beyond seeing from afar. Beyond comfort zones.

Beyond obvious. Beyond boring. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

In this #IndependenceDay issue, Indian Link brings you an India that is off the usual tourist map, and away from the beaten track. An India that will take you by your hand, lead you to its valleys and mountains, caves and underwater treasures, that will feed you full with the stuff the locals like to devour. This India will make you leave the highway behind. This India will help you lose yourself. Or maybe, even find yourself.

Go on, dance with the tribals, trek across a frozen river, try your hand at a centuriesold art, spot a red panda, volunteer at a remote school. There is a whole new India out there. There is a whole new world out there. All you need to do is go beyond.

Words Harshad Pandharipande, Saroni Roy, Meenakshi Seetharaman and Rajni Anand Luthra

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Cycling and Biking

TOUR OF NILGIRIS >

This much loved 1000-odd-km cycling tour of Nilgiris - covering parts of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu over eight days - is gaining fans especially in the corporate world. Now in its 10th year, this tour spans the wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka, Wayanad in Kerala and Mudumalai national park in Tamil Nadu.

Each day involves pedalling more than 100 km while traversing the high points of the Nilgiri Hills, testing the riders’ endurance, temperament, physical and mental limits.

BEST TIME OF THE YEAR: December STAY: The tour organisers take care of the accommodation GETTING THERE: The starting point of the tour is Bengaluru. The easiest and quickest way to reach there is by air.

AUGUST

MOTORCYCLING >

Bhalukpong > Dirang > Bomdilla > Tawang When it comes to Indian biking routes, the north-east is a goldmine to be explored. Arunachal Pradesh, the land of dawn-lit mountains, has a meagre road network and that is what makes motorcycling in this region ‘a crazy ride’.

The slush, rain, dirt tracks, rocky river beds and camping will test your riding skills to the max.

There are many operators that carry out this 10-day expedition covering approximately 1200 km.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: October to March STAY: Usually, motorcycling touring operators arrange for accommodation GETTING THERE: Tezpur airport in Assam is the nearest airport (260 km)

Guwahati > Shillong > Cherrapunji > East Khasi Hills This route is a must-do if you wish to visit the northeast and are a bikey at heart. You start at Guwahati, the gateway to the north-east, and make your way to hilly Shillong, the picturesque capital of Meghalaya, on to one of the rainiest places on earth, Cherrapunji, and then to the East Khasi Hills. Along the route, you will pass through the cleanest village in India, Mawlynnong.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: October to March STAY: There are many tour operators who arrange food and accommodation along the route GETTING THERE: The easiest way to reach Guwahati is by air

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Adventure

CAVING >

‘Meghalaya’ means ‘The land of the clouds’. But, for thrill seekers travelling to this state in north-eastern India, the real fun is not in the sky, but underground.

With more than 1,200 caves, Meghalaya has the largest network of caves on the Indian sub-continent, stretching over 300km.

Negotiating slippery inclines, wading through waist-deep water and marvelling at gigantic limestone formations are some activities that you will do while caving.

Many operators offer caving tours, complete with gear and a professional guide.

BEST TIME TO VISIT November to March STAY Many medium-range and budget accommodations in state capital Shillong GETTING THERE The closest airport from Shillong is Guwahati, 128 km away. From here, buses and taxis ply regularly

SCUBA DIVING >

Beaches are for relaxation, but if you want adventure, you must take the plunge. Literally.

India has some of the best scuba diving destinations in the world, with the Andaman, Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands offering pristine waters that have corals, stingrays,

dugongs and even whale sharks.

In the Andamans, the most popular spots are Lighthouse, Mac Point, Neil Island and Cinque Island, while Lakshadweep’s top picks are Kavaratti, Bangaram and Minicoy.

The other places in India where you can go scuba diving are Puducherry, Goa, Netrani Island (Karnataka), Tarkarli (Maharashtra) and Dwarka (Gujarat).

BEST TIME TO VISIT October to June STAY Private hotels and resorts as well as governmentrun hotels GETTING THERE Both sets of islands are connected to the Indian mainland by air. Port Blair is the gateway to Andaman and Nicobar, and Agatti for Lakshdweep.

FROZEN RIVER TREK >

Walking on water is possible for mere mortals, too, if you can brave subzero temperatures.

The Chadar trek in Ladakh is challenging but has been attracting trekkers for some time now. The trek gets its name from the sheet, or chadar, of ice that the Zanskar river turns into during winter. For eight to ten days, trekkers must walk on the frozen river and stay in caves Caption or tents.

BEST TIME TO VISIT Mid-January to February-end

STAY Mostly tents, homestays on some days GETTING THERE The only way to get to Leh in January is a flight from New Delhi. Drive from Leh to Sumdo, the starting point of the trek.

TRY THESE OUT, TOO >

Punjab’s rural Olympics Held near Ludhiana, these feature horse racing, acrobatics, athletics, martial arts and feats of strength.

River rafting While Rishikesh in Uttarakhand is known for its rapids, other places where you can do it are Ladakh (J and K), Kullu (Himachal Pradesh) and Kolad (Maharashtra).

Bungee jumping Rishikesh has the highest bungee jumping spot in India, but you can also experience the extreme thrill at Goa, Bangalore, Delhi and even Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh state.

Air show at Bengaluru Aero India is a biennial air show and aviation exhibition and the second largest air show in the world after the Paris Air Show. The next edition is in 2019.

Mahalaxmi race course Built in 1883 and modelled on the Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne, take in the Indian Derby on the first Sunday of February.

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Photo: Ravinder Singh Jabbal

Forests & Wildlife

TSOMORIRI WETLAND CONSERVATION RESERVE >

Comprising Ladakh’s Lake Moriri and its surrounding environment that includes the Changthang plateau region, this is a paradise for eco-tourists. The district is home to some endemic alpine animals and bird species including the Tibetan Wolf, the Himalayan Blue Sheep and the Snow Leopard. You can also catch the Korzok Gustor festival, which takes place in the 6th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar and attracts many Changpa nomads and tourists.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: June to September STAY: There are some hotels and several homestays at Korzok village, close to the lake GETTING THERE: Leh has direct flights from Delhi.

Leh to Lake Moriri by road is about 220 km.

NATIONAL EDITION

KHANGCHENDZONGA BIOSPHERE RESERVE >

Trek, hike and camp to explore the rich biodiversity in this park in Sikkim. The Green Lake Trek and Dzongri Goechala Trek are some of the best alpine treks in Sikkim that pass through here. Also in north-east India are other wildlife parks such as Manas National Park and Kaziranga National Park, both in Assam.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: April-May STAY: There are some private hotels in close range and a government rest house as well GETTING THERE: Nearest airport is Bagdogra (222 km away), nearest railhead is New Jalpaiguri (221 km away). Well connected by road.

THENMALA >

This is India’s first planned ecotourism destination.

Literally meaning ‘honey hill,’ it shares its resources with the renowned Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary at the foothills of the Western Ghats. Indulge in Kerala’s local food, see the open air musical dancing fountain and the beautiful sculpture garden. Feeling adventurous? Stay at tree top huts, go for mountain biking, rock climbing and riverside treks. A visit to the Deer Rehabilitation Centre is a must.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Through the year STAY: Basic rooms and tents GETTING THERE: 72 km away from state capital Thiruvananthapuram that is well connected to all major cities

AUGUST

cover story

Artist Villages

BISHNUPUR >

The terra-cotta Bankura horse is often used as shorthand for Indian handicraft, and the credit for this goes to Bishnupur. This village’s craft developed as much as it did because of the lack of stone in the area. The village is equally well-known for its handwoven Baluchari silk sarees with intricate designs.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: October to April STAY: There are a few guest houses and hotels in the village GETTING THERE: The nearest airport is Kolkata, 155km away. Buses and trains run from Kolkata to Bishnupur.

ANDRETTA >

Founded by Irish woman Norah Richards in 1935, Andretta has remained a haven for theatre artists, potters and other creative types. Richards invited master potter Gurucharan Singh from Delhi to move to Andretta.

Today, his son Mansimran ‘Mini’ Singh and his wife Mary run 3-week-long residential programs here for serious students. Its theatre scene has had a revival too.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Throughout the year

STAY: The Andretta pottery centre offers homestays GETTING THERE: Take an overnight Deluxe bus from ISBT Delhi to Palampur, 13 km from Andretta.

SAPUTARA >

Apart from being one of the very few hill stations in the state of Gujarat, Saputara is committed to tribal art and all residents living there are taught how to draw, paint and craft. Visitors are encouraged to try their hand at some art or craft.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: October to February STAY: There are many hotels and guest houses in the village GETTING THERE: Railway is the best mode. The Waghai railway station at Billimora - well-connected to Mumbai and Ahmedabad - is the nearest railhead, about 50 km away. From here, hire a taxi or hop on to a bus

RAGHURAJPUR >

Even in today’s times, this Orissa village has kept the art of writing on scrolls, known as Patachitra, alive. But the villagers are experts in other art forms such as stone craft,

cow dung toys, filigree, bell metal work, and terra cotta.

They also write poetry and have their own dance troupe.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: October to February STAY: Many hotels in Puri, 12 km away GETTING THERE: Nearest airport is Bhubaneswar (50 km away). Nearest railway station and major town is Puri.

CHOLAMANDAL >

This is touted to be India’s largest self-supporting artist village and has been around for over four decades. It has over 20 resident painters and sculptors, who live as a community and pool their skills. Every single thing in the village - right from the kitchen walls to their art galleries - was built by the artists inhabiting it. It has a permanent exhibition which includes paintings, sketches, terra-cotta, stone, metal sculptures, batiks and handicraft.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: December to February STAY: There is a guest house in the village, but a place is not guaranteed. A day trip from Chennai is recommended.

GETTING THERE: Chennai is the nearest airport, about 15 km away.

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Photo: www.podvolunteer.org

Photo: Nicky O’Neill

Voluntourism

AUGUST

So you’ve done it all before - the Taj Mahal, the beaches in Goa, the temples in the south, the palaces in the north, the game reserves in the centre. Now, how about travel with a cause? Make your vacation count with voluntourism, where you do your bit to improve life for someone else, while still enjoying the sights.

You could teach English, work with street kids, in orphanages, or in women’s empowerment. Most likely, you would be travelling in groups of like-minded people, staying with “volunteer families” and seeing the sights after or in between your volunteering.

It won’t cost you an arm and a leg: the packages are affordable as many of the NGOs that organise these are not-for-profit.

Some wonderful programs are in operation, ranging in duration from a week to a year. They combine fun and adventure with learning and volunteering.

Rewarding for gap students as well as older adults, these grass roots initiatives allow you to immerse yourself in another culture, and to see life from the perspective of the citizens themselves. In India, you could choose to work in the mountains, rural regions, cities, even in monasteries.

Alongside working in education, vocational training, primary care or health care, you could be involved in renovations like painting and building (such as structures on school grounds or libraries).

Constructing greenhouses and solar passive structures, working with clean-water technology, planting trees and running workshops on conservation have been other fulfilling activities voluntourists in India have been involved with. Other areas include organic farming, promotion of ecological revival and sustainable living.

For health professionals and students, there is no limit to the opportunities - NGOs are constantly seeking doctors, dentists, ophthalmologists and nurses, but call-outs have been made for physiotherapists, speech pathologists, even dance therapists!

Volunteering with animals is also popular. There’s a great program about tiger conservation in Ranthambore for volun-tourists, elephant clinics in Assam, and marine turtle projects in Maharashtra. At other spots you could help study breeding biology of some bird species, amphibian population dynamics and herpetology, or help build photographic inventories of flora and fauna. If you’re a film-maker, you’ll be welcomed with open arms and probably treated like a VIP - at any of these places.

You could also choose to do office work, data entry, or base maintenance kind of jobs, especially if your partner wants to do something more professional.

One NGO recently asked for ‘spiritual volunteers’ to help run meditation courses.

Want to experience the beauty of Ladakh? Why not take the opportunity to volunteer at the Druk Padma Karpo Institute – the remote school where the last scenes of the iconic film Three Idiots were filmed?

Prefer Mumbai? Work at a street school that takes in kids as the parents go out to work on construction sites.

Soccer fan? There’s a Slum Soccer club in Nagpur that is in need of a coach.

Check out these websites for opportunities > volunteerindiaispiice.com > podvolunteer.org > meaningfuljourneys.in > 40kglobe.com.au > volunteersindia.org > i-indiaonline.com > enchantedindia.com > pollinateenergy.org

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Festivals

HORNBILL FESTIVAL >

The state of Nagaland is home to several tribes who have their separate festivals revolving around agriculture.

However, since the year 2000, the government began organising Hornbill Festival, named after the bird that is important in tribal culture, to foster inter-tribal interaction. The result is a spectacular display of arts and crafts, dance, music, food and culture and traditional games of the tribes. The festival takes place in state capital Kohima from 1 to 10 December every year.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: First week of December STAY: There are hotels and camps in and around Kohima but they are booked full during the festival. Plan in advance.

GETTING THERE: The state’s biggest city Dimapur has flights from Kolkata. From Dimapur, Kohima is 2.5 hours by road.

SULAFEST >

The vineyards of Nashik in Maharashtra play host to a three-day music, food and wine extravaganza in February each year. With a line-up of international artists, a host

of wine and spirit brands, gourmet food and fashion labels, the festival is a hit among youngsters. Glamping is particularly popular.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: First weekend of February STAY: Camping at festival venue, hotels of all budgets in Nashik GETTING THERE: The nearest airport is Mumbai, about 180km away. Nashik is also a prominent railway station.

BHAGORIA >

In Madhya Pradesh’s remote Alirajpur and Jhabua districts, around the festival of Holi, a festival takes place in which elopement of young couples is not only tolerated, but celebrated. While most couples have known each other in the past, it is here that they ‘go public’ with their relationship. The men generally make the first move, applying gulal, a bright pink colour, to the girl’s cheeks.

If she responds likewise, the two elope and, by tradition, their match is later approved by their respective families.

Caption The festival also doubles up as a fair, with trinkets, jewellery, toys and other knick-knacks for sale. The women in chunky silver jewellery and matching saris make for a

photographer’s delight.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Around the festival of Holi that generally falls during late February and mid-March.

STAY: The MP government sets up a camping village with Swiss tents near the festival venue.

GETTING THERE: About 250km by road from Indore.

CAMEL FESTIVAL >

While the camel fair at Pushkar in Rajasthan is quite wellknown, the one at Bikaner is equally exciting. One of the most interesting activities during the two-day festival is the camel fur cutting competition. The desert animal’s hair is artistically trimmed so that it appears to have intricate designs and patterns on its body. Other activities include tug-of-war competitions between Indians and ‘foreigners’, a turban-tying contest and cultural dances by folk artists.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: January to February STAY: Several private hotels, heritage properties and government-run hotels available.

GETTING THERE: Jodhpur airport is about 250 km away. Bikaner is also well-connected to many major cities by rail.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Heritage Stays

SURYAUDAY HAVELI >

Set on the Shivala ghats in Varanasi, this was built in the early 20th century by the royal family of Nepal as a retreat for the aged. You can start your day with yoga on the roof terrace by trained instructors or take a walk through the narrow alleys. The haveli is also connected by small alleys leading to the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: November to February GETTING THERE: The nearest airport Babatpur is 30 km away, then an hour’s drive + 15 min boat ride. Via Bus or Train, Varanasi junction is 7 km.

SAMODE HAVELI >

This is another property with loads of history and character. Built 175 years ago, it is still the family’s residence while a part of it has been converted into a heritage hotel.

It doesn’t accept tour groups, which offers a peaceful and

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relaxed cocoon for independent travellers and honeymooners. The rooms are adorned in classic Rajasthani style block prints and hand-woven damasks. For a real treat, reserve the haveli’s Sheesh Mahal Suite, which is embellished with 18th-century frescoes and mirrorwork. A special feature of the haveli is the elephant ramp; it offers an outdoor swimming pool and a spa and wellness centre.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: November to January GETTING THERE: Located in Jaipur city. Train station is 1.5 km away while the airport is 13 km away

KHATU HAVELI >

Just half a km off the main East-West artery of Jaipur is the exquisite and luxurious Khatu Haveli. The word ‘haveli’ means mansion.

Comprising three spectacular courtyards and terraces, it offers views of the Nahargarh Fort and the City Palace.

The haveli was built in mid-19th century, and six generations of the Khatu family have lived here ever since.

The mansion offers lavish heritage rooms and a Maharaja suite where guests can enjoy the renowned Rajput hospitality.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: November to January GETTING THERE: Located in Jaipur city. Train station is 1.5 km away while the airport is 13 km away.

BONUS EXPERIENCES >

Explore the 200-year-old haveli Braj Bhushanjee in Rajasthan’s Bundi city (kiplingsbundi.com). Another gem is the Amet Haveli (amethaveliudaipur.com) built during the rule of Maharana Jagat Singh. You could also opt for the DeraMandawa (deramandawa.com), a boutique hotel adorned with Rajasthani jharokhas and regal arches mixed with British inspired door-frames.

AUGUST

coverstory

FOOD WALKS IN VARIOUS CITIES >

Apart from having several tourist sites and being gateways to other travel destinations, metros such as Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata have a rich and distinctive culinary character. Old Delhi’s chaat, parathas and tandoori delights; Mumbai’s toast sandwiches and ‘desi’ iteration of the burger, vada pav; and Kolkata’s rolls, street-style Chinese and the spicy snack of jhal-muri are but starting points for someone who wants to explore each city’s yummiest dishes. In each of these cities, and a few others as well, food walks are slowing becoming popular.

Typically, they have a handful of participants being taken to a curated list of eating places by a professional guide.

The tours can last anywhere from three to five hours.

Just like the food in India, the variety in these food walks is amazing. In Delhi, for instance, the most popular one is the one through the narrow lanes of Old Delhi to sample some lip-smacking dishes such as gol-gappe (fried pastry filled with potatoes and dunked in tangy mint-and-tamarind water), chhole bhature (spicy chickpeas with fried bread), parathas (stuffed breads baked in a clay tandoor or shallow fried in a skillet), aloo chaat (fried potatoes garnished with chutneys and dry spices) and dahi bhalla (lentil dumplings in curd). Then, there’s a tour that only covers Indian sweet dishes such as the sticky-saccharine jalebi, the cool and creamy kulfi or the sumptuous falooda. There are culinary classes in which a professional chef teaches participants some dishes and shares a few recipes. Looking for something simpler? Some travel operators even arrange visits to a typical family where one can learn how to prepare homestyle snacks or meals.

Mumbai is a city on the move and street food is very popular here. Many food walks take you around South Mumbai - full of colonial-era buildings and beaches. So, it’s a feast for the eyes as well. Apart from the celebrated Bombay sandwich (sliced veggies, couple of chutneys, plenty of cheese), pav bhaji (spiced mixed veggie mash with fluffy bread) and vada pav (spicy potato patty and

AUGUST

chutneys stuffed inside a bun) are two of Mumbai’s yummiest contributions to street food. During the month of Ramadan, night tours of the Mohammad Ali Road, which has snack shops and restaurants operating until dawn, are available.

Culturally rich Kolkata is gastronomically rich too.

Food walks here give you a taste of jhal muri (puffed rice snack), kathi rolls (wrap with a filling of mutton, chicken or vegetables), fish fry, tele bhaja (fritters), and, of course, Bengal’s fabled sweets.

COOKING HOLIDAYS >

If one evening of sampling a selection of foods doesn’t satisfy your culinary cravings, there are several culinary tours that span various regions across a week or even more. While some are confined to just one part of India (northern India is very popular), some take you across states. On one tour, for instance, you can start in Delhi, and eat your way across Rajasthan, Gujarat and Mumbai and end in Goa. Culinary tours of Kerala are also catching up, because of the southern state’s centuries-old history of spice cultivation.

On these holidays, travellers typically get an insight into a region’s culinary character along with its tourist attractions. For example, you may stay in a restored palace in Rajasthan and get cooking lessons in its kitchen from the chef there. The beauty of such tours is that the ingredients are locally sourced, and in some cases, you may even get to do the sourcing!

One unusual stop on the tour could even be cooking in a temple community kitchen. The food here is, of course, pure vegetarian; sometimes even onion and garlic would be out of bounds. To create tasty dishes even with these limitations is a delicious challenge.

Many tours will also take you to popular restaurants in select destinations. Others will give you access to a family’s home where you can get a hands-on training of a home-cooked meal and may be even score a recipe that has been passed down through generations.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Culinary Tours

INDIA: FOOD EXPERIENCES > > Learn about the intricacies involved in the serving of a banana leaf meal - it’s not really as random as it looks. > Ask about the fascinating story behind the invention of the galauti kabab. > Make a trip to Udupi Temple to see how cuisine can be associated with worship and purity. > Discover the Tamil origins of the English Mulligatawny soup. > Find out where the southern dish Chicken 65 got its unusual name. > Get through an entire meal with your ten-piece cutlery - your fingers. > Tick off as many varieties of naan as you can. > Go for langar, or free hot meals, at the Golden Temple in Amritsar - it is the largest free kitchen in the world: you might understand that the Sikh taxi driver in Darwin, who regularly feeds the hungry, does so out of a sense of ‘seva’, ie, service to society. > Try some kehva if you can find it: this is Kashmiri herbal tea, served with Kashmiri bread. > Tick off as many varieties of kulfi as you can. > Bheja Fry is the name of a popular Bollywood movie as well as a Mumbai street food item. Find out what the main ingredient is. > Discover the intriguing story behind the invention of the veggie burger vada pav. > Find out if Bibinca is the name of a Bollywood starlet, a Goan dessert, a suburb in Gujarat, or a Maharashtrian river. > Watch the amazing dabbawalas of Mumbai doing their lunch deliveries. > Learn to make a fish curry, Bengali style. > Find out how the tandoor oven was invented. > Learn to roll out a roti – in a neat circle!

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youth

Light in the dark Enactus Macquarie University is shining a light on stigmas to create a supportive community for all

BY BEHESHTA WASSEH

E

nactus is a global non-profit organisation which uses entrepreneurial action to empower individuals to improve their livelihoods. Through implementing various sustainable projects, namely, PeerLink, and the Women’s Creative Hub, Enactus Macquarie University has been instrumental in implementing social change.

This student-run organisation is transforming the lives of university students and asylum seekers and refugees for the better, bringing to light issues that are ignored. In the words of 2016-17 team President Kush Sood, “Enactus Macquarie enriches, encourages, and empowers individuals from all walks of life.”

Enactus is present in 36 countries around the world, and every year, all Enactus teams come together for a National Conference and Competition, with each team presenting on the progress and impact of their projects. For the very first time, Enactus Macquarie placed as finalists in the top 4 out of 15 Australian universities.

I had the privilege of being a speaker, along with Salonika Mitter, Niyati Roy, and Lisbeth Wong as we presented on the aforementioned projects. It was insightful to listen to other universities present their projects and to hear about the impact they are having in society.

Congratulations to Enactus University of Sydney who won this year’s national competition. They will represent Australia in the Enactus World Cup in London this September.

PeerLink

Headspace CEO Jason Trethowan has stated that when it comes to mental

AUGUST

health, students are a group that “can fall through the cracks.” With over 250,000 university students in Sydney alone, Enactus Macquarie is shining a light on, and destigmatising, student mental health.

PeerLink is a buddy program which seeks to defeat the stigma surrounding mental health. University students help each other through a mentor and mentee format.

Mentors are psychology students who are passionate about assisting fellow students achieve better health. Mentees are university students who experience symptoms of mental distress. The level playing field allows for the comfortable discussion of mental health in an unintimidating environment.

The project comprises both individual and group sessions, providing multiple opportunities for participants to talk about their mental health. Whilst weekly individual sessions personalise the program for mentees, weekly group sessions create reliable support networks through teambuilding and peer relaxation exercises.

Enactus Macquarie’s initiative also aims to assist Campus Wellbeing, the on-campus student welfare service, by increasing student engagement in their services.

PeerLink provides Macquarie University students with a stepping stone to access professional counselling and disability

Handmade earrings

services. Whilst mentors are not qualified to provide a diagnosis, they will refer mentees to Campus Wellbeing if they are in need of professional counseling.

Women’s Creative Hub – Auburn

In March this year, Enactus Macquarie became involved with the Women’s Creative Hub, an initiative started by House of Welcome in 2015. Australian and migrant women from diverse backgrounds, such as India, Sudan, and Sri Lanka come together every Thursday to create a range of items, ranging from jewellery and cushion covers, to scarves and bags.

Refugee and asylum seeker women are invited to come along to teach and learn new textile skills, transforming recycled material into handmade products. Seeing as their previous qualifications and work experience are not recognised in Australia, Enactus Macquarie helps these women gain employable skills. It helps the Hub with its business model, generating strong marketing strategies to sell products, transferring the necessary soft skills, and ultimately providing an income stream for the women.

The Hub has recently introduced a Design Lab. The program will be led by

Women’s Creative Hub, Auburn

skilled refugee craftswomen, teaching participants craft skills such as beading, crochet, knitting and designing new products.

As well as textiles, Enactus Macquarie’s online marketing of the Hub also showcases the culinary skills of the women involved. The Women’s Creative Kitchen is a new program that commenced on August 1, allowing participants to come together to share skills and learn to cook street food from Sri Lanka, Sudan, Egypt, Bangladesh and beyond!

Further information about their workshops can be found on the Women’s Creative Hub – Auburn Facebook page. All programs and classes are held at Auburn Centre for Community.

Suma Pillai, House of Welcome Facilitator, is extremely pleased with the effort. “Enactus Macquarie has brought tremendous marketing and technological prowess to support the Hub. (The) group has taken entrepreneurial action to give voice and presence to asylum seekers and refugee women and sought more income generating opportunities for them,” she says.

This can especially be seen through their organisation of exhibitions at Macquarie University and Gosford which not only expanded the Hub’s presence in other locations, but also increased community awareness about the plight of refugees and asylum seekers.

Enactus Macquarie has successfully shone a light on the asylum seeker and refugee debate by increasing community involvement and social cohesion. The Hub participants have shown greater confidence and have developed their communication skills as they increasingly engage in open conversation.

UN Millennium Development Goals

Enactus Macquarie is committed to fulfilling the UN Millennium Development Goals. Whilst PeerLink addresses good health and wellbeing at all ages, the Women’s Creative Hub calls for decent work and economic growth, reduced inequalities and responsible consumption and production.

Utilising entrepreneurial action is at the heart of Enactus Macquarie’s operations.

By creating meaningful change, they create a better world for all. To get involved with this active organisation, follow their Facebook and Instagram pages for regular updates on their projects.

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film

The world’s oldest sacred songs

Indian-origin film-maker Naina Sen is drawn to the work of an Aboriginal women’s choir

BY PREETI JABBAL

A

n Indian origin filmmaker, an Indigenous story, a German influence and an Australian film. Together, these take cross-cultural relationships to another level in Naina Sen’s documentary The Song Keepers.

The Melbourne International Film Festival Premiere Fund, which offers minority co-financing to new Australian feature films, brings to MIFF 2017 this 84-minute feature-film-length documentary.

Naina Sen

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The Song Keepers will be among the six Australian films that will have their world premiere season at Melbourne International Film Festival during 4-20 August 2017.

It relates the story of an Aboriginal women’s choir and their efforts in preserving some of the world’s oldest sacred songs.

This choral practice in remote Central Australian communities is a union of Baroque music and centuries-old sacred poetry (hymns) held within the Western Arrarnta and Pitjantjatjara languages.

In mid-2015 the choir embarked on a tour of Germany to take back the 14th century Lutheran hymns given by German missionaries, now sung in Aboriginal languages.

Naina documented the historic tour and captured the strength, camaraderie and joy

of the participants. A powerful narrative was created combining a rich cultural resource, a legacy of music and a realist aesthetic.

“It is an extraordinary story of some extraordinary women,” said Naina as she shared her experience behind the lens. It took three and a half years for the film to be created from concept to screen, she revealed.

Naina came to Australia in 2001 to do her Masters in Media Studies (Film and Television). Originally from Bengal, she grew up partly in Saudi Arabia and mostly in New Delhi.

Her initial plan was to start a career in making ad films, however, six months into her studies she realised she wanted to make documentaries instead. After what she terms as a lot of ‘grunt work’ she slowly realised her dream.

In the last decade Naina has created a number of award winning film clips, installations and documentaries. Most of her work has been in remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

“I experienced a real connect with the Indigenous culture and people,” Naina recounted. “I felt a strange sense of familiarity that down the track made me leave lovely Melbourne and move to Darwin in 2007.”

Since 2012 she has moved back and forth between Darwin and Melbourne.

“Unlike many people from Melbourne and Sydney who move up north looking for something outside of their culture, I was looking for something closer to my upbringing and cultural references,” claimed Naina.

According to her the Aboriginal people have diverse communities, rituals and languages that is quite similar to the regional

diversity in India.

She was intrigued when she heard about an Aboriginal women’s choir from a woman named Miranda Daniel who she met on a flight to Alice Springs. She did a Google search but did not find much on them besides some amateur clips.

She was drawn to the tonality of their voices and the extraordinary sound that seemed to come from a very old place. She offered to assist Morris the conductor with the projection and installation. He loved the idea of the narrative and visual projection and contacted her.

When she found out about their plans to go to Germany, taking the 140-year-old music back to the place of its origin, she felt this historic tour should be documented.

That became the start of her journey with The Song Keepers.

The niche audience for the movie would be anyone who is willing to go on an enjoyable, layered journey with some incredibly powerful, strong, funny and cheeky women who come together unexpectedly and against the odds to do something extraordinary.

The film is deeply rooted in the heart of Australian identity. “MIFF has tagged it as Australia’s answer to the Bueno Vista Social Club. It is in a sense a personal storytelling, which is the type of storytelling that I gravitate to most,” said Naina.

Naina Sen and the entire Aboriginal Women’s Choir will be at the Melbourne International Film Festival in early August.

Naina is currently working on a couple of different projects with a focus on links between Indian and Indigenous cultures.

The world premiere of The Song Keepers is on Sun 6 August 3.30pm at The Forum Theatre.

You can also see the film on Tue 8 August 6.45pm at Hoyts Melbourne Central Cinema 10

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work Rupinder Sidhu, Gurpreet Sekhon, Vardhan Arora

‘‘

I don’t think the crime rate has increased as much as the stats imply. What has changed is the reporting of it and the visibility through social media

‘‘

Rupinder Sidhu

Keeping the community safe

Victoria Police’s diversity drive sees Indian-origin officers increase in numbers

BY PREETI JABBAL

T

hey are young, capable, and ready to serve the community. And now they have the knowledge and skill to back them up.

Meet Vardhan Arora, Rupinder Sidhu and Gurpreet Sekhon, new graduates of the Victorian Police Academy, Victoria’s oldest and most distinguished organisation.

The trio were among the 33 graduates from diverse backgrounds that received their graduation at a ceremony held recently, at the Main Chapel in the Victorian Police Academy, Glen Waverley.

“It’s good to see that the diversity of our community is reflected in the graduates today, with some born in Australia and some born overseas,” said Acting Chief Commissioner Shane Patton. “I am pleased to see that Victoria Police has recruits that are truly reflective of our multicultural society.”

According to Minister for Police Lisa Neville, “One of the things that really strikes you as you look at the graduates today is the diversity of their backgrounds, jobs and skills. Victoria Police continues to be as representative of our community as possible and those skills will also strengthen the capacity of the organisation to deal with the challenges ahead.”

She added, “We have a changing and

NATIONAL EDITION

dynamic community with concerns to counter terrorism and challenges of dealing with youth offending, ice and family violence.

These graduates have already confronted some of those issues during their training and placements and I know that they are very well prepared, through this training that is second to none, to deal with these challenges and keep Victoria safe.”

Assistant Commissioners Kevin Casey and Tess Walsh, and Victoria Police Association representative Ken Ashworth were among those present to support the graduates as they set out to professionally and confidently handle a range of duties and roles.

According to Gurpreet Sekhon from Punjab, who worked as a Protective Services officer for three and a half years prior to this, “It’s a long journey; there’s lots to take in and learn but I am looking forward to it.” According to him it’s a tough gig that requires a lot of hard work and one needs a lot of support from family to be able to continue. His goal is to join the Criminal Investigation Unit.

Vardhan Arora from Lucknow came to Australia when he was in Year 8. He initially started with Engineering but did not find it interesting, then decided to do a Bachelor of Commerce from Monash University and finally went on to join the public sector. He likes the diversity aspect of Victoria Police and he feels he is a good fit. Vardhan will be doing general duties in Prahran for the next few years and may take up Prosecution later.

“The process of selection is fairly lengthy but there is a plenty of time to prepare,” said Vardhan. “There are several resources

that help you to reach the level of fitness and ability that is required in this role. It’s very doable as they are looking for normal people not Superman.”

Rupinder Sidhu came to Melbourne from Ludhiana and found the settling process a bit tough initially, however he persevered and found a job through an acquaintance. He even slept in tram stops for a couple of months before he found a place in a garage where he lived for a while.

He eventually found his own place and is now well settled with his wife and little daughter.

He originally qualified as a Mechanical Engineer from India, then did Automotive Engineering in Australia and is currently studying Criminology and Social Justice on a part-time basis. He wants to either join the Highway Patrol or specialise in counter terrorism.

Law enforcers in India often come with the tag of corruption and Rupinder wants to set an example and change that perspective by doing the right thing and encouraging people to do so too.

When asked for their comments on the increase in crime rates in Victoria and how the situation will improve, Vardhaan replied, “There is a massive recruitment drive coming up in Victoria that will lighten the load for all the constables out there. It is very busy at all times and police are always going from one job to another. Hopefully with the extra numbers we will have that presence in the community and it will deter crime.”

“Bear in mind that sometimes statistics may tell you the wrong story,” Vardhan

continued. “Stats go up because crime is reported more and people are encouraged to report incidents, which is a credit to the Police Force. Hopefully we will see a decline soon.”

Gurpreet chimed in, “Crime is definitely going up but I am more inclined towards community policing. We are trying to reduce crime by helping the community to improve, by making amendments, by changing their thinking. We are not there to punish criminals and put them in jail forever or kick them out. We are there to help them as they are part of the community.”

Rupinder, however, agreed with Vardhan.

“I don’t think the crime rate has increased as much as the stats imply. What has changed is the reporting of it and the visibility through social media. Media plays a massive role because as soon as anything happens there is a camera around to capture it and disseminate it through Twitter, Facebook, news etc. I think that the crime rate is still the same, however, we are more informed about it nowadays,” he said.

“It’s kind of like when the PSOs kicked in crime went up because we were catching more criminals and crooks at stations than before,” Vardhan explained further. Before that people wouldn’t go to the police stations and report every incident but when PSOs started there was a voice and person that represented the Police and people felt it was easier to report.”

Whether the crime rate has spiked or not is debatable, however, for now it is reassuring that these bright graduates are committed to providing a sense of security as a vital part of their roles.

AUGUST

community

110 years of trust Bank of Baroda’s Sydney branch celebrates the institution’s foundation day

I

t was a day filled with nostalgia and pride as the Sydney office of Bank of Baroda celebrated the institution’s 110th foundation day on 20 July.

A business seminar that was organised on the occasion saw the attendance of Consul General of India in Sydney, B Vanlalvawna, representatives of Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), leading businesspersons, officebearers of various trade and business bodies, officials from various financial institutions and a handful of the bank’s long-standing customers.

The entire team of Bank of Baroda’s Sydney office, led by its Chief Executive Kavita Singh, was also present.

In his brief but impactful address, Vanlalvawna praised Bank of Baroda for its role in India’s banking sector. He also took the opportunity to call on the Australian business community to invest in India. “This is an immense opportunity to boost India’s infrastructure and skill development,” he said, and wished Bank of Baroda success in the years to come.

Singh then made a presentation about the bank, its history and its creditable progress over the years. “The bank was set up in 1908 was Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad in Baroda. Today, it has over 5,530 branches in India and 126 branches and offices in

27 countries around the world.

The Sydney branch started on 17 November 2012. As of March 2017, it had done a business of $360 million,” she said.

Singh added that the bank’s Sydney branch was not only actively helping its Indian customers, it was also simultaneously focusing on extending financial assistance to Australian businesses.

“We want to play an active role in Australia’s economy. We want to help set up businesses which will generate employment,” she said.

She said that the bank had a wide range of clients in various sectors such as manufacturing, trading, SMEs and start-ups.

The bank also has a range of attractive services for NRIs. “We take deposits and offer the highest rate of interest of 3.10% (based on tenure) among all other Indian banks. As part of a special festival offer that runs until 19 October 2017, we are offering an additional 0.10% over this,” she said.

The bank’s remittance service is also preferred by many for its economical rates, security and quick processing. “We offer the best exchange rate among Indian banks, have a low fee of $4 for existing customers

Spirit of India’s Community Development Initiatives

a

a

or $8 for non-customers. As part of our festival offer, we are offering first four remittances free for any new customers.

If our existing customers refer us a new customer, they too will get an incentive,” she added.

Singh’s presentation was followed by officials and representatives from various institutions offering their congratulations to the bank for its journey and wishing it success for the future.

A few customers also spoke about their long-standing relationship with the bank and how association with it had made a positive impact in their lives, be it by extending educational loan for higher studies, business loans to set up a new venture or even remitting money from abroad to India.

The event fittingly concluded with the cutting of a cake to mark the bank’s ‘birthday.’

Yoga Classes Every Saturday & Sunday Hath Yoga Batch starting from 26th Aug 2017

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Centre

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BATCHES

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Saturday Saturday Sunday

9.30 -10.30 am 5.00 – 6.00 pm 5.00 – 6.00 pm

START

Free* Ongoing Yoga Classes for Seniors At Auburn, Epping, Pennant Hill, Homebush Age 55 +

Centre

Address

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Time

Auburn Epping Pennant Hill Pennant Hill Homebush

Community Hall Basement Library Basement Library Leisure Centre 1B Bates St

Tuesday Thursday Friday Sunday Thursday+

11.00 – 12.00 11.00 – 12.00 10.00 – 11.30 4.00 – 5.00 pm 11.00 – 12.00

contactus@spiritofindia.org

FROM Batch 42

Wentworthville

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Saturday Morning 10.00 am to 12.00

26th Aug till 2nd Dec 17

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For More info Contact: Suresh 0412 202 182, Raja 0402 789 109

AUGUST

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community

Problems at work?

Now, migrant workers can report workplace issues in their own language, including Hindi and Nepali

T

he Fair Work Ombudsman in Australia has made it easier for migrant workers to report workplace concerns to the agency by launching its popular Anonymous Report function in 16 languages, including Hindi, other than English.

Fair Work Ombudsman Natali James said that the new tool was developed to overcome some of the barriers that migrant workers face when dealing with workplace issues.

“Factors such as limited English skills, cultural barriers and a lack of awareness of workplace rights mean that migrant workers can be particularly vulnerable to exploitation in the workplace,” James said.

“These same factors also make it difficult for migrant workers to know where or how to seek help.

“My agency is aiming to break down these barriers and make it as easy as possible for migrant workers to report their concerns to us.”

The Fair Work Ombudsman had originally launched the Anonymous Report function in May 2016 to allow the community to report potential workplace breaches, in recognition that some employees are reluctant to complain about workplace issues.

“Since the launch of the Anonymous Report function, the Fair Work Ombudsman has received more than 10,000 tipoffs with 15 per cent of these coming from visa

holders,” James said.

“To make it easier for people from a non-English speaking background we have now launched this tool in 16 languages other than English, including Chinese, Korean, Arabic and Spanish,” she said.

“Now migrant workers can tell us their concerns, in their own language, without being identified.”

These languages include Hindi, Nepali, Indonesian, Vietnamese and Thai among others.

High profile inquiries by the Fair Work Ombudsman into matters such as 7-11, Woolworths trolley collectors and 4 and 5 star hotel cleaners have highlighted the prevalence of often deliberate and systematic exploitation of migrant workers.

Intelligence gathered via the anonymous report tool enabled the agency to target its compliance and education activities.

“Improving the employment experience of migrant workers in Australia is a priority for my agency,” James asserted.

“We understand that it can be hard to speak up if you are facing issues at work, but we hope that our new translated Anonymous Report function will encourage more migrant workers to do so.”

The Fair Work Ombudsman also

understood that visa holders working in Australia may be reluctant to seek assistance if they thought that doing so will lead to adverse consequences, such as damaging future job prospects or cancellation of their visa.

“I would like to reassure visa holders that in line with an agreement between my agency and the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, you can seek our assistance without fear of your visa being cancelled” reassured James.

Employers and employees seeking

assistance can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or contact the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94. An interpreter service is available on 13 14 50.

The Anonymous Report tool can be accessed at: www.fairwork.gov.au/ inlanguageanonymousreport.

The tool is available in the following languages: Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Korean, Hindi, Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Filipino, Portuguese, Thai and Nepali.

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WHAT’S ON INDEPENDENCE DAY Celebrate India Day Tue 8 Aug The Consulate General of India, Sydney marks Celebrate India Day at Martin Place, Sydney, 11.30am-2.30pm. Program features cultural shows, tourism promotions, yoga, food stalls and promotions of Make In India campaign. Details 02 9223 2702.

India Day Fair 2017 Sat 12 Aug FIAN celebrates India’s Independence Day at Parramatta Park, Parramatta, 12 noon to 7.00pm. Free event.

CIA’s India Day Dinner Sat 12 Aug Join NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and other dignitaries to celebrate India’s 71st Independence Day organised by CIA. 6.30pm Bowman Hall, 35 Campbell St, Blacktown. Details 0477 370 179.

Consulate General of India, Sydney 15 Aug Members of the Indian community and friends of India are invited to attend a flag hoisting ceremony at the Consulate General of India Sydney at Level 2, 265 Castlereagh St, Sydney, 8.45am - 11.00 am. Refreshments will be served after the ceremony.

ART Baranasi: Paintings by Keroshin Govender 4 - 14 Aug Sydney artist Keroshin Govender presents his exhibition of paintings Baranasi at Gaffa Gallery (281 Clarence Street, Sydney) Details www.keroshin.com Pagoda Country: Paintings by Gauri Torgalkar 20 July - 8 Aug Artist Gauri Torgalkar presents her exhibition Pagoda Country, based on the landscape of the Blue Mountains, at the Art Est. Art School (4/67-69 Lords Road, Leichhardt NSW). Details www. gauritorgalkar.com.

COMMUNITY Garba Bhangra Night 2017 Fri 4 and Sat 5 Aug Chinmaya Mission Australia Youth Wing (CHYK) presents Sydney’s Biggest Indian Dance Night, Garba Bhangra Night 2017. Bowman Hall Blacktown. Details www.chinmaya.com.au Sydney Kannada Sangha’s 35th anniversary Sat 5 Aug Bowman’s Hall, 35 Campbell St, Blacktown, 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm. Details www.kannada.org.au Sydney Tamil Manram’s Thillana 7 Sat 5 Aug Thillana 7 is a fund raising event hosted by Sydney Tamil Manram. An entertainment night with dance, music and stand-up comedy from YouTube sensation “Smile Settai” team. Sydney Sri Durga Devi Devasthanam 21 Rose Crescent, Regents Park, 5.00pm to 10.00 pm Details www.sydneytamilmanram.org Immigration forum Sun 6 Aug The Council of Indian Australians (CIA) presents a free public meeting with the Assistant Minister for Immigration. Alex Hawke

AUGUST

MP, facilitated and supported by Mark Taylor MP, Member for Seven Hills. Venue Toongabbie Sport Club (Main auditorium), 12 Station Road, Toongabbie, 10:30am-12:30pm.

Details Mohit Kumar 0400 300 111.

Hariyali Teej 2017 Sun 6 Aug First ever family-based event to celebrate Teej with lots of entertainment for kids and adults is planned along with many more surprises. 921 Punchbowl Rd, Punchbowl, 11:30 am - 02:30 pm.

Details 0421 763 254.

ENTERTAINMENT Roma Bollywood Dance & Dinner Night Fri 4 Aug Bring your best Bollywood moves for a night of family fun, food, dancing revelry. Roma Function Centre, 167 Northumberland St., Liverpool, 7:00 pm to 12 midnight.

Details 0452 337 787 Yaadon Ki Baaraat Sat 5 Aug Bollywood Musical Charity Event, a fundraiser for Sri Om Care, produced by Bandeesh. Dinner and snacks included in ticket price. Don Moore Community Centre, cnr North Rocks Road and Farnell Av, Carlingford, 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Details www. facebook.com/Bandeesh/ The Magic of AR Rahman Sat 12 Aug Avijit Sarkar and Natraj Academy present The Magic of AR RAHMAN. Redgum Function Centre, Wentworthville at 6.30pm. Details 0425 275 883.

SPIRITUAL Sant Nirankari Mission Sydney Sun 6 Aug Weekly congregations held every Sunday 5:30pm to 7:30pm followed by community meals.

Venue: Sant Nirankari Bhawan, 166 Glendenning Road, Glendenning.

Details Devinder 0403 216 084 Shanti Mission Satsang Sun 6 Aug Meet at the Shanti Mission Abode of Peace Ashram (1 hour north of Sydney), 45 Kings Road, Cooranbong, or at the Henley Community Centre, 2 Crown Street, Henley 9:30am to 10:30am. Details 4977 3300 Bal Samskar Kendra Open Day Sat 5 Aug Bal Samskar Kendra opens at Oran Park Public School, 390 South Circuit, Oran Park at 2:30pm. Learn more about Bharateeya Samskriti through Samskritam followed by afternoon tea. Details Akila 0450 117 372.

Global Organisation For Divinity Australia: Activities at Namadwaar G.O.D Australia gladly informs that Namadwaar, Chanting and Prayer Centre at 44 Oakes Road Winston Hills, is fully operational. All members of the community are welcome to have Darshan of the Lord and participate in Nama chanting and other programs during the following times: Monday to Friday 9am-10.30am and 6pm-7.30pm Weekends: 10am-12.30pm and 4pm6.30pm Details godivinity.org.au

Vedanta classes with Arsha Vidya Australia Bhagavad Gita, Sundays 6pm Upanishads, Saturdays 8.45pm Beginners class, Sundays 2pm Vishnu Sahasranama, Sundays 10am Vedic chanting classes, Saturdays 6.30pm All classes except chanting classes are on Zoom. Details Shankar Arunachalam on 0403 059658 or arunachalam.shankar@gmail.com Maha Mrityunjaya Yagna (Homam) Sun 6 Aug Chanting Rudram Mantra (Namkam and Chamkam), Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, Shivalinga Abhishek, Yagna. Bhojan Prasad (lunch) to be served on conclusion.

Sponsorship $51 per family. Shri Shiva Mandir, 201 Eagleview Road, Minto. Details 0421 376 384, 0421 301 779 YOGA Free Yoga with Divine Life Society Tuesdays 7pm Swami Uditramanandaji of The Divine Life Society of Australia offers free Yoga classes every Tuesday from 7.00pm8.15pm at Strathfield Girls High School. All levels of fitness welcomed.

Entrance via Oxford Rd. Details Karo 0413 535 157.

Yoga: The way of life Saturdays 8am; Wednesdays 7pm A retreat for body, mind and soul, join weekly yoga sessions at Glenwood Public School (Saturdays) or Moorebank Community Centre (Wednesdays). Details Meera 0433 125 708.

Spirit of India Yoga Saturdays and Sundays Yoga classes are held in Ryde, Wentworthville, Quakers Hill and Epping. All levels incl. beginners, senior citizens, children. To enrol in this 15 week course email spiritofindia2002@yahoo.com, visit www.spiritofindia.org.au or contact Suresh 0412 202 182 MISC Race Discrimination Commissioner’s Student Prize 2017 The Race Discrimination Commissioner’s Student Prize is an annual competition for school students aimed to promote research and discussion of racism among young people.

Entries close 15 Sept, 2017.

Students in Years 10 and 11 at a school in any Australian state or territory are eligible to enter. Entrants may write an essay (maximum 1,000 words) or record a speech (video or audio, maximum 5 minutes) and submit it to the Commission via the entry form.

Entrants must answer one of the following questions: 1. The best way of killing ugliness is

with kindness. To what extent should this guide our society’s response to racism?

2. Fighting racism demands that we also defend liberal democracy.

Discuss.

The winning student will be awarded a book voucher from Dymocks worth $150.00.

Grants available for Seniors Groups Mark Taylor MP, Member for Seven Hills, has announced grants of up to $10,000 for seniors groups in Seven Hills to host events and activities during the 2018 NSW Seniors Festival, the festival’s 60th year. Organisations are encouraged to apply and be part of more than 1,000 free or discounted events to be held across the state.

The 2018 festival, the largest celebration of older people in the Southern Hemisphere, will run from April 4 to Sunday April 15, 2018.

Past events have focused on creativity, recreation, technology and health, while also benefiting the culturally and linguistically diverse, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

For the first time, there are three funding categories available: * Tier 1 Grants of up to $1000 for small-scale local events or activities targeted at community organisations and schools * Tier 2 Grants from $1,001 to $5000 for local community events targeted at larger community organisations * Tier 3 Grants from $5,001 to $10,000 for large scale community events run by local councils in partnership with organisations and groups.

Grant applications close 5pm, Friday September 8, 2017. For more information or to submit an application, go to www. nswseniorsfestival.com.au .

Activities at Indian Cultural Centre Kajari Teej Ro Melo Sat 5 Aug Rajasthani Association of NSW Incorporated (RANI) invites you to Teej festival ‘Kajari Teej Ro Melo’, 11am-3pm at the Consulate General of India, 265 Castlereagh St Sydney.

Come and experience the glory of Rajasthani culture and cuisine. It is a free event; catered lunch is included.

Dress code will be traditional Rajasthani. Register via Facebook page: Rajasthani Association of NSW Incorporated (RANI) Hindi Classes Saturdays 2.30pm4.30 Located at the Indian Cultural Centre, Level 1, 265 Castlereagh St, Sydney. Hindi classes are $5 per one hour class or $40 for ten classes. Registration is essential as there is a maximum of 20 people per class. Paid parking is available in the vicinity.

Details email icc2.sydney@mea.gov.in

For full calendar of WHAT’S ON listings (nation-wide) check out: www.indianlink.com.au You can also submit your listing online

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stage

Ode to Shiva The third godhead of the Hindu Trinity and perhaps one of our most complex deities is at the centre of a new dance production

Govind and Vidya

BY USHA RAMANUJAM ARVIND

A

ll that begins must end, thereby continuing the cycle of life and death in eternal continuum. As god of yogis, Shiva sustains change, both in the form of death and destruction but more importantly, in the positive sense of shattering ego and illusion. In doing so, he enables the vision of truth, purity and reality - Satyam Shivam Sundaram.

Exploring the complex metaphysical themes of Karma, Gnana and Bhakti Yoga, Yogatrayam, a unique Bharatanatyam ballet brought together artistes from two well-regarded institutions, Kalasadhanalaya (Chennai) and Samskriti School of Dance (Sydney) at the UNSW Science Theatre.

Conceptualised by Swami Paramarthananda Saraswathi, it was a celebration of the many manifestations of Shiva and contradictions that constitute the enigmatic third god of Hindu Triumvirate.

Kalasadhanalya founder Revathi Ramachandran and her daughter-disciple Manasvini portrayed Karma and Gnana Yoga in exquisite detail through Laya Nirupanam, while Hamsa Venkat and Samskriti School delved into Bhakti Yoga with enchanting tales from the Puranas. Esoteric themes were innovatively choreographed and succinctly executed, making Yogatrayam a feast for the senses.

The event was in aid of AIM for Seva, which runs an extensive support network for disadvantaged children in rural India.

Representing both action and knowledge, Laya Nirupanam, a thematic presentation in Melatur style of Bharatanatyam examined Shiva, first as Nataraja, the god of dance, who shoulders the all-important tasks of creation, sustenance and destruction, thus keeping the world in harmony; and subsequently as Daksinamurthy, the

NATIONAL EDITION

Mouna Guru and supreme Brahman, who transcends name and form as he resolves doubts through reflection and contemplation, leading the individual towards sat, chit and ananda (truth, consciousness and bliss).

Juxtaposing movement with introspection, youthful energy with restrained elegance, the mother-daughter duo is indeed a fine torchbearer of the shudha nrittam legacy, bequeathed by Guru Mangudi Iyer.

Beautifully rendered vocals, nattuvangam and orchestral support carried the narrative forward. Novel use of percussion heightened the sense of expectation as synchronised footwork and mathematical precision allowed the duo to demonstrate the splendour of pure nritta. Elaborate sancharis portrayed the cycle of life in all its infinite variety.

Amidst rhythmic chants from Chamakam and Guru Ashtakam, Laya Nirupanam commenced with ‘Guru Vandanam’ and ‘Shambu Natanam’, set to tune by maestros Ganesh and Kumaresh. The sounds that emanate from Shiva’s damaru leading to the creation of the cosmos ensued.

The rendering of Dikshitar kriti ‘Ananda Natana Prakasam’ demonstrated skill and mastery as the virtues of the Lord of Dance were extolled. ‘Nee Aada Naan Aaduven’ yet again showcased rhythmic unison.

The study of contrasts continued with ‘Sankara Sankara Shambho’ from Thayumanavar’s Anandakalippu, culminating in energetic and joyous Thillaana - ‘Deena Karunaakarane Nataraja Neelakantane’.

Borrowing heavily from the wealth of narratives present in ancient Hindu scriptures and mythology, Bhakti Yoga, that followed post interval, was indeed a prayer, a heartfelt offering of utmost devotion and reflected the deepest passion for the art form through self-surrender. Adi Shankara’s soul stirring compositions offered the perfect blank canvas for the very capable artists.

Ably led by their guru Hamsa, senior students including Vidya, Sruthi and

Revathi and Manasvini

Hamsa and Vidya

Govind crafted the individual’s personal relationship with god as he journeys along the path of self-realisation, singlemindedly overcoming obstacles. In doing so, the jeevatma ultimately seeks union with paramatma.

Among the tales narrated in lavish detail were those of Sage Patanjali, often regarded as father of Yogasutra and considered an avatar of Adhisesha. Bhakti Yoga thus opened with this beautiful tale. The narrative of Nandi blocking Patanjali from entering Chidambaram temple followed.

Elaborate hand and foot movements characterised the ‘Charana Shrunga Stotram’, demonstrating not just Patanjali’s vexation but also his skill and mastery over short syllabic verses while extolling the beauty of Chidambaranathan.

Vishakha Iyer rendered ‘Nandi Chol’, a beautifully choreographed Shreejith Krishna

composition, with remarkable grace and dexterity.

A magnificently structured Varnam depicting the tale of Kannappa Naayanaar showcased the power of unstinting devotion that surpasses all barriers.

Bhakti Yoga also paid tribute to the phallic form of worship, symbolised by Lingam as the formless, all pervasive reality.

‘Lingotbhava Vaibhavam’ was a colourful representation of his omnipresence, with beautiful choreography and sound effects.

The auspicious odyssey of Yogatrayam concluded amidst chants of ‘Pranava Naadam’, in a fitting tribute to Omkaara, controller of Life Force.

Be it the song selection, stage set up or thematic representation, Yogatrayam was a deeply uplifting spiritual experience one that grappled with the nebulous and transformed into a vision of beauty.

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indian news UP Yoddhas’ players pin down Telugu Titans’ Vikas, in yellow jersey, during their VIVO Pro Kabaddi League match in Hyderabad, 1 Aug 2017.

Photo: AP

BJP says OBCs cheated for minority politics, Congress hits back

After the Indian government faced embarrassment in Parliament over a bill on the Backward Classes Commission, the BJP accused the Congress of “cheating the OBCs for its minority politics” but the Opposition party hit back with a countercharge.

The Congress had hatched a conspiracy in the Rajya Sabha to not support the bill to confer constitutional status on the National Commission for Backward Classes, Bharatiya Janata Party’s Rajya Sabha member Bhupender Yadav said at a press conference in New Delhi.

In response, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said the “betrayal” of the cause of the backward classes was evident as 35 BJP members were absent from the Rajya Sabha, leading to failure of the constitutional amendment bill.

The opposition party also demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah must apologise to the backward classes for what it called compromising their interests.

“It was a Congress conspiracy. The amendment brought in by the Congress was not to favour the OBCs or to get them justice, but to halt the amendment bill in the Lok Sabha and cheat them,” BJP leader Bhupender Yadav said.

The government suffered embarrassment in the Rajya Sabha when it could not ensure the passage of a bill to give constitutional status to the Backward Classes Commission, with the opposition succeeding in getting amended an important provision on the matter.

The BJP leader said the kind of amendment the Congress supported did not come under the ambit of the Constitution.

“This could have been questioned in any court of law,” he claimed.

Yadav accused the Congress of being an “anti-poor” party and said: “For the last 70 years, they did not allow any scheme to favour 15,000 small caste groups in the country. They don’t want these groups to get their rights.”

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He also questioned the Congress on implementation of the Kaka Kalelkar Committee recommendations as well as the Mandal Commission over the years.

“Whatever schemes we brought, the Congress opposed these -- like demonetisation, which was brought to benefit the poor. We brought in MUDRA scheme, but they opposed it. We opened accounts of the poor under the Jan Dhan Scheme, the Congress opposed it,” the Rajya Sabha member said.

“We brought the bill on Aadhaar cards and the Congress not only opposed it but also filed a petition in the Supreme Court so that money doesn’t reach the poor,” the BJP leader said.

“Is minority politics more important for the Congress or those deprived of their rights for long,” Yadav asked.

Surjewala said, “Under the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government, a systematic decimation of the rights of the Scheduled Castes and Tribes, and the backward classes, has become the mantra.”

“As the BJP attempts to put a lid on this sordid episode by blaming the Congress, let us remind the nation that it is the Congress which brought in 27 per cent reservation for the backward classes in jobs/educational institutions and constituted a commission on the issue,” the Congress leader said.

“Instead of enacting a public drama of admonishing its MPs for absence from the Rajya Sabha, Modi and Shah must apologise to the backward classes for compromising their interests and bring in fresh legislation to undo the wrong,” Surjewala added.

12 national highways to double up as emergency landing airstrips

The Indian Air force (IAF) has cleared 12 National Highways (NHs) as emergency landing airstrips that will enable rescue operation teams to reach affected areas easily, an official responsible for executing the project said.

Although there was initially a proposal to develop a total of 21 NHs into airstrips, for now 12 highways have been cleared, with three of those connecting Odisha,

Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh -- all Maoistaffected areas, which also witness vagaries of nature like floods and cyclones almost every year.

“The IAF has given clearance to 12 NHs to be developed into emergency landing airstrips out of the total 21. However, on the remaining NHs, discussions and testing are on and soon they too are likely to be cleared by the IAF,” a senior government official, requesting anonymity, said.

Despite repeated attempts, the IAF had no comment to offer on the project and on related issues like the facilities to be put in place if the highways are to be used in times of emergencies.

To start with, the thickness of tar will be increased and highways will be made strong enough for aircraft to land.

“The highways will be open for public during normal times, but in case there is an emergency, normal traffic will be blocked and the stretch will be used for aircraft landing. Also, alternate ways will be created for the normal traffic flow during emergencies,” said the official.

According to the Ministry of Road, Transport, Highways and Shipping, the National Highways Authority of India has been chosen as the executing agency.

“In all, 17 highways were assigned to the NHAI, but after a joint survey, we found that airstrips can be developed only on 12 of the NHs. The bill of quantities has been prepared and we are waiting for approval from the competent authority on when to start,” NHAI Chairman Deepak Kumar told IANS. Asked specifically how long it would take for the work to commence, Kumar, who was appointed recently to head the national road construction agency, said: “The work is expected to start in the next three-four months.”

One major reason behind the initiative is to strategically operate in places prone to natural calamities and where relief work cannot be carried out without the help of choppers or aircraft.

Among the 12 NHs cleared for being developed into airstrips are: JamshedpurBalasore highway and Chattarpur-Digha

highway (both touching Odisha), the Kishanganj-Islampur highway in Bihar, Delhi-Moradabad highway in Delhi-Uttar Pradesh, Bijbehara-Chinar Bagh highway in Jammu and Kashmir, Rampur-Kathgodam highway in Uttarakhand, Lucknow-Varanasi highway in Uttar Pradesh, Dwarka-Maliya highway in Gujarat, Kharagpur-Keonjhar highway in West Bengal and MohanbariTinsukia highway in Assam.

Others include Vijaywada-Rajahmundry highway in Andhra Pradesh, ChennaiPuducherry highway in Tamil Nadu and Phalodi-Jaisalmer highway in Rajasthan.

Elaborating on the planning of the entire project, the official said that the selection of highways had been done in a way that the entire country could be covered during natural calamities.

“The highways chosen in Odisha are connected to Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.

Planning is such that within short duration, aircraft will be ready to land and the soldiers can be deployed to help during a natural calamity,” said the official, adding that such initiatives were in existence and had been tried during World War II. In 2016, Minister of Road, Transport, Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari had announced the project and the formation of a committee to come up with specifications for highway stretches that can double up as airstrips.

The committee will look into details like feasibility of the stretches, their length and breadth, among other issues.

India, Russia likely to ink deal for more Mi-17 V5 choppers this year

India and Russia hope to conclude a contract to purchase an additional 48 Mi-17 V5 medium lift helicopters by the end of this year, an official in Moscow said.

Aleksandr Mikheev, CEO of Rosoboronexport, the state agency for exporting defence equipment from Russia, said price negotiations are to start by August.

“We are holding negotiations with a view to sign a contract for 48 Mi-17 V5 helicopters. In July-August, we are starting price and contract negotiations within the framework of the applicable Indian procedure and we hope that we will reach agreement before the end of this year,” Mikheev told this visiting IANS correspondent.

“Our Indian partners know the programme very well. They have more than 300 helicopters belonging to the Mi-8 and Mi-17 family,” he added.

India, at present, has more than 150 Mi17 V5 helicopters, the last of which were delivered in January 2016. Most of the Mi8s have, however, been phased out while some of the Mi-17s are still flying.

The Mi-17 V5 is based on the Mi-8 airframe and is one of the most advanced aircraft of the Mi-8/17 family.

The helicopters are equipped with night vision technology, all-weather radar, a new PKV-8 autopilot system and a KNEI-8 avionics suite.

The sturdy choppers have been the mainstay of the Indian Air Force in a number of humanitarian assistance and

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Ram Nath Kovind, the 14th President of India, greets wellwishers as he arrives at Rashtrapati Bhavan in his royal traditional horse-drawn carriage. Photo: AP

disaster relief operations.

The choppers were also deployed during the 2008 Mumbai terror attack when it enabled commandos of the National Security Guard to rapel down to the Chabad House in Colaba where a few of the attackers were holed up. They are also said to have been pressed into service during the surgical strikes carried out on Pakistani terror launch pads across the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir in September 2016.

The chopper’s TV3-117BM turboshaft engines are rated at 1,900 hp each, giving it a greater service and hovering ceiling, and have proved efficient in the tough mountain terrain of the Himalayas.

Mikheev added that India and Russia are also discussing the modernisation of the Sukhoi SU-30MKI fighters.

“During a period of 15 years, we have fulfilled all our obligations to the Indian party, the HAL. We have supplied about 200 aircraft under the licence agreement and are offering the new developments of our design bureaus,” Mikheev said.

“Moreover, the Indian Air Force has some requirements for improvement of performance and operational characteristics, mainly with regard to avionics and electronic warfare systems, as well as updates of weapon systems by both Indian and Russian companies,” he added.

Asked about the S-400 Triumf long range air defence missile system, a contract for which was signed during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India last year, Mikheev said negotiations were on.

“As of today, we are carrying out technical consultations with the Indian party. We have already shown our equipment in both the field-testing, rangepractice conditions,” he said.

“Rosoboronexport is performing all the work aimed at signing of the contract as soon as possible, based on the feedback from the Indian party,” he said, adding: “I’d like to note that today the Indian party does not have any such systems as the S-400.”

The deal is estimated to be worth over $5 billion (over Rs 32,000 crore).

The missile system, which has been deployed in Syria, where Russia is targeting the Islamic State, can destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km and will prove to be a game changer for India, experts said.

Wipro sets up innovation centre in Silicon Valley

Global software major Wipro Ltd recently said it had opened an innovation centre in the US’ Silicon Valley to develop and showcase next-generation technologies and solutions for enterprises.

“Our Silicon Valley innovation centre at Mountain View in California will demonstrate enterprise applications based on disruptive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, Hyper Spectral Imaging, Machine Vision and Collaborative Robotics & Automation,” said the IT major in a statement.

Wipro said it has been investing in emerging technologies to make its clients future-ready in the digital era and solve

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real-world business challenges faced by enterprises.

The centre will also serve as a value creator for start-ups, small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurs, enabling them to integrate their capabilities with that of the company and participate in the larger innovation ecosystem.

The centre has incubated a ‘Digital Pod’ and features a ‘aRapid Proto Lab.’ The pod is built for the company’s digital strategy, design and engineering teams to work in a collaborative and adaptive workspace with clients.

The tech giant has 14 digital and design pods the world over, including in Bengaluru, Copenhagen, London, Madrid, Munich, New York, Oslo, Stockholm, Tel Aviv and Tokyo. “Clients will have access to immersive experiences and ability to experiment with futuristic technologies in the ‘aRapid Proto Lab’,” said Wipro.

The company hopes to enter into research partnerships with universities across the US during this fiscal.

“The centre will support our collaboration with start-ups in the Bay Area through our strategic investment arm Wipro Ventures, a $100-million fund that focuses on investing in early-to mid-stage start-ups,” said the statement.

Wipro Chief Executive Abidali Neemuchwala said that the centre was imbued with the culture, spirit and energy of the Valley, which is the cradle of technological innovation.

“The centre will design and deliver solutions for our clients. We are committed to work with start-ups, academia and tech firms in the Bay area to help our clients achieve digital transformation outcomes,” he said.

Indian-American laserist Manick Sorcar bags award in global film contest

Denver-based, Indian-American laserist and animator Manick Sorcar has won the prestigious Award of Merit from The Accolade Global Film Competition for his animation Beautiful Mess.

The Accolade recognises film, television,

videography and new media professionals who demonstrate exceptional achievement in craft and creativity, and those who produce standout entertainment or contribute to profound social change.

Sorcar, the eldest son of the legendary magician late PC Sorcar, said he was thrilled and gratified at the award, adding, “I take it as a recognition of the challenges I encountered in presenting the short, emotional story using laser as the animating medium and manipulating the strong beam of light as a harmless pencil to draw on a sketchbook.”

This is not the first laser animation of Sorcar that got international recognition.

He won the ILDA 2015 Artistic Award for Light Art in Shower Ocean in Innovative Application of Laser category from the International Laser Display Association.

Sorcar had also won the ILDA 2007 Artistic Award in Laser Photography category for his laser art Reflection and the ILDA Artistic Award for Best Use of Lasers in Live Stage Performance for his Enlightenment of Buddha.

According to the Accolade, in winning this award, Sorcar joins the ranks of other high-profile winners of this internationally respected award, including the Oscar winning production of The Lady in Number Six by Malcolm Clarke, the talented Dave Bossert of Disney for his short documentary, and The Tunes Behind The Toons.

Will not declare 39 missing Indians in Iraq dead without solid proof: Sushma

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has said she would not declare the 39 Indians missing in Iraq as dead till she has concrete evidence to that effect.

“I repeat, I will not declare them (the missing Indians) dead until we have concrete evidence to that effect,” she told Rajya Sabha.

The Minister said that she “never said in Parliament or outside that they are alive, as being claimed by some Congress MPs”.

There were some sharp exchanges between the Minister and Congress

members Pratap Singh Bajwa and Ambika Soni as the latter accused the government of “shifting goal posts” and demanded to know why she was not trusting the word of Harjit Masih, one of the 40 Indians captured by the Islamic State in Iraq in June 2014, who claimed that the rest of the group had been shot dead.

“Why would Harjit Masih tell a lie? What would he get out of it?” Bajwa asked.

“I have reasons to not trust Harjit Masih.

I was the first one to speak with him when he first contacted Indian authorities soon after the incident. I repeatedly asked him over phone as to how he survived when the rest were shot dead according to him. But he kept saying he did not know,” Sushma Swaraj said.

“Secondly, the family of Nishan Singh, one of the missing persons, says they spoke with him on June 17 (2014). How is this possible when Harjit claims they were killed on June 15?” she said.

Congress MPs Bajwa and Soni demanded to know what the Minister’s sources were on whose basis she was claiming that the missing persons may be alive.

Sushma Swaraj said she cannot disclose sources on the floor of the House as it may put their lives in danger.

“Bajwaji, if you have the nerve to tell the families of the missing persons that they are dead, you do it. I cannot do it.

I will keep searching for them until I get concrete proof that they are dead,” Sushma Swaraj said.

She said that according to the information that has been received, the group was caught at the Mosul airfield, and taken to a jail, after which they were put to construction work, and then farming, before being taken to Badush jail in 2016.

But after that there has been no contact.

The Minister said that all the information was culled from different sources and there was no evidence to support any of the claims.

Following reports in the media that the Badush jail building had been demolished, the Minister was blamed for misleading the nation on the 39 Indians.

IANS

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photography

Into the infinite Ladakh’s Moriri Lake photographed by Harshad Pandharipande

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first person

Our India adventure

Four weeks in India, and JUDY WILLIAMS and her friends can’t wait to be back

I

ndia, its people, history, colour, serenity, food and culture have long held a fascination for me and two other likeminded mature age Australian women.

In November 2016, we decided to make a trip and discover India for ourselves.

Planning began in December and we headed out on 25 February 2017 for nearly four weeks.

At first, we wanted to do the whole of India but suggestions and advice from a friend who has travelled there six times and an Indian work colleague changed our thoughts. After all, India is such a big country and you can’t cram everything in four weeks.

We booked our driver Gaurav Gahlot online, and were able to speak to him via the internet. We had some clear ideas of what we wanted to experience and Gaurav had clear ideas of what we should see.

Wherever possible, we wanted to stay in heritage properties and they were all booked

by Gaurav.

Our first stop was Delhi where we enjoyed high tea at Imperial Hotel, some belly dancing, and tours to beautiful gardens and temples, the most impressive being the Sikh temple.

We had been told that Delhi was oppressive with its traffic and pollution. We loved it. Yes, there was heavy traffic, but what big city doesn’t have traffic issues? The abundance of peaceful temples and gardens were a haven from the chaos. The colours, sounds, smiling people and the food were

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exciting and we were looking forward to the next three-and-a-half weeks.

From Delhi, we drove to Agra, where the majestic Taj Mahal left us spellbound.

Gaurav suggested that we visit just as the sun was about to set and take it all in, and then visit the inside early the next morning.

This was great advice. We were leaving the Taj as the hoards were arriving and it was getting warmer.

Gaurav had then suggested a safari for Ranthambore, which we did, and were fortunate to capture photos of a tiger and cub.

The drive from Agra and then onto Jaipur gave us a wonderful look at rural life in these areas. From overloaded trucks carrying feed and grass, to local market stalls, and beautiful sari-clad women, each sight was beautiful.

Accommodation in Jaipur was our first heritage experience. We loved it; it was just what we wanted to experience. Jaipur was exciting for shopping, the Amber fort, wind palace (Hawa Mahal) and water palace (Jal Mahal). On reflection, we could have spent more than two nights there.

Two single nights followed at Mandawa and Bikaner where we visited heritage havelis and the famed rat temple. A few deep breaths and we entered the temple barefoot, as is the custom, and got a great photo shoot to prove we were brave. On exiting, we noticed a tour group putting on feet covers or leaving socks on. Hey, come on!

When in India...!

From Bikaner, a long drive to Jaisalmer again gave us an amazing insight into rural and desert life. We came across what is best described as a pilgrimage to a temple.

Groups of people could walk four to five days to reach their destination, carrying a bag on their heads. Along the journey, local communities had marquees erected with free food, drinks, music and rest areas.

It was the most amazing insight into the strong culture and beliefs of the Indian people.

From Jaisalmer, we ventured into the Thar desert for stargazing and a camel safari. Because of a hailstorm, the first in six years, we spent the night back at the camp in tents, but were able to experience the camel ride both in the evening and morning. There was plenty of entertainment with locals encouraging us to join in dancing. Knew the Bollywood dancing lessons would come in handy! A colourful photo shoot for us was the local women carrying their water pots to the local well in their beautiful saris.

Next day from Jaisalmer, a young man took us to his village. We were able to experience pottery being made in a very labour-intensive way. We were invited into a grass hut where an elderly lady shared bread with us and we took photos with the local children. We enjoyed lunch with our guide’s family, where they displayed their dhurries, hand-made by the local women’s cooperative. In Jaisalmer itself, the fort and the mausoleum on the lake were wonderful

sights, and a foot massage at the end of our stay was most enjoyable.

From here, it was another long drive to Jodhpur, which is a pretty city sitting at the base of the stunning Mehrangarh Fort, especially at night. It towers over what is called the blue city, with architecture which could be described as half solid fortress and half delicate palace. There are lovely views of the blue city from the fort.

Udaipur was our next stop. Just one word: Wow. The accommodation was stunning.

On the lake, heritage, just gorgeous. They were gearing up for the colour festival (Holi), so we indulged and purchased white clothing, ready to get smashed with colour.

Locally, a pre-event was underway with a local talent quest and foreigners being invited to dance on stage. We didn’t get to show our style again, but were given fire crackers when let off sent streamers over the crowds. What a lot of fun. Great shopping and time for a henna tattoo each.

Sunset over the lake left us wanting more of this city.

We then flew south to Kerala where Gaurav had arranged another driver for three days. We stayed overnight in Kochi in a home stay, watching the local fishermen with their unique nets. Then it was a drive up to the tea plantations of Munnar. We had chosen to stay in a tree house one night and tent on the other. Both nights we shared with mice and rats, but hey, when you have the views from the mountain tops like that, we were happy to share.

www.indianlink.com.au

‘‘

We entered the (rat temple) barefoot, as is the custom, and got a great photo shoot to prove we were brave

‘‘

Elephant riding and a tour of a tea company was most interesting, and the sari colours against the green tea plantations were gorgeous. Again, so many photo opportunities!

Coming down from the hills, we stopped overnight in Thekkady for a backwater cruise, hot oil massage and two cultural shows.

Last three days we spent in Varkala by the beach for some R&R before we got home.

We did walks on the beach, shopping, pedicures, swimming and joined the local holy men on the beach for blessings.

All three of us are well travelled, but India for us, has left a lasting impression not experienced before. We loved every minute of every day. We fell in love with the handsome men, stunning women, their values, their food, just everything really.

Can’t wait to return and visit another area of India.

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mainstream

Migrants are stopping regional areas from shrinking For many regional areas, the overseas-born are the only source of population growth, writes EMILY LONGSTAFF

R

ather than being an unsettling force, international migrants are helping to provide stability to the regional Australian communities they settle in. A considerable number of new arrivals are also younger and have the potential to build families and work in these communities.

Research with the Regional Australia Institute, examining the latest 2016 Census data, found 151 regional local government areas were helping to offset declining population in regional areas by attracting international migrants.

We can see that, for many small towns, the overseas-born are the only source of population growth. A majority of these places rely on primary industry for economic viability. Although predominantly rural, these places are not in the most remote parts of Australia.

Of the 550 local government areas we reviewed, 175 regional areas increased their population, while 246 did not; 151 increased their overseas-born and decreased their Australian-born population. Only 20 areas increased in Australian-born population and decreased in overseas-born population.

We also found that 128 regional areas increased both Australian-born and overseas-born population. Another 116 regional areas decreased in both Australianborn and overseas-born population.

Darwin is one example of where international migration has helped counter population decline. At the 2011 Census, Darwin had 45,442 people recorded as born in Australia and 19,455 born elsewhere. By

2016, the number of Australian-born locals had reduced to 44,953 and the number of overseas-born had increased to 24,961.

Without this increase in overseas-born residents, the Darwin population would have decreased. The local economy would likely have suffered as a result.

The problem of shrinking regional towns

Ever since the influx of immigrants following the second world war, the settlement of international migrants has been overwhelmingly focused on large metropolitan centres. This has been especially evident for recently arrived immigrants and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Migrants perceive metropolitan areas as presenting a higher likelihood of finding compatriots and better access to employment, as well as education and health services. Large cities have therefore been considered the most appealing settlement locations, with Sydney and Melbourne the most popular.

If settlement of international migrants had been proportional to the overall population distribution in Australia, an additional 125,000 migrants would have settled in regional Australia between 2006 and 2011.

In a concerted effort to promote the social and economic viability of regional communities, in 2004 the federal government started a campaign to increase migrant settlement throughout different areas of the country.

Census data reliable, says ABS The 2016 Census was conducted with a new ‘digital first’ approach, that centred on the use of a recently established Address Register.

However, on census night, there was a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack from another country, shutting down the online forms for more than a day.

Then, an independent panel of eminent Australian and international statisticians, academics, and state government representatives was established to

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independently review and assure the quality of statistical outputs from the 2016 Census.

Overall, the panel found 2016 census data to be fit and having comparable quality to previous Australian Censuses and International Censuses. The panel concluded that 2016 census data can be used with confidence.

Australian Statistician David W Kalisch said, “The 2016 Census had a response rate of 95.1 per cent and a net undercount

Regional settlement of migrants has since been encouraged across levels of government as a “win-win scenario” for new arrivals and host communities alike.

What international migrants bring

In the past decade, there has been a particular focus on secondary migration to regional areas. That is, relocating international arrivals from metropolitan areas to regional ones.

Proactive community-business partnerships and local government initiatives have propelled this process.

For example, in the Victorian town of Nhill, the local arm of the poultry production company Luv-a-Duck worked with settlement service provider AMES Australia to help more than 160 Karen refugees find work in the area between 2010 and 2015.

In another town, Dalwallinu in Western Australia, the population was in decline and local infrastructure was deemed underused.

In response, the local council has worked closely with residents since 2010 to attract skilled migrants.

Notwithstanding the challenges involved in attraction and retention, international migrants remain a vital asset for building regional economies and communities. They help stem skilled labour shortages in these areas – for example, by filling much-needed doctor and nursing positions.

International migrants are also key contributors to the unskilled workforce, often filling positions that domestic

of 1.0 per cent, meaning the quality is comparable to both previous Australian Censuses and Censuses in other countries, such as New Zealand, Canada, and the United Kingdom.”

“Sixty-three per cent of people completed the Census online, embracing the digital-first approach and contributing to faster data processing and data quality improvements.

Kalisch said the Australian Bureau of Statistics undertook quality checks, including a thorough Post Enumeration Survey, to ensure the data can be trusted.

“These quality assurance measures, and

workers are unwilling to take on. For example, abattoirs and poultry plants are important businesses in regional Australia.

Many would be unable to operate without international migrants, as many local residents do not consider this kind of work “acceptable employment”.

As a consequence of the various efforts to spread the settlement of overseas arrivals, the number of international migrants living and working in non-metropolitan Australia has increased. Between 2006 and 2011, 187,000 international migrants settled outside the major capital cities.

Still, regional areas have remained underrepresented as a settlement location.

Despite regional Australia being home to about one-third of the population, less than one-fifth of all new arrivals between 2006 and 2011 settled in a regional area.

For regional areas to make the most of the many advantages migrants have to offer, there needs to be more focused policy that encourages and assists regional settlement across the country. This policy needs to be informed by the work in a growing number of regional communities (like Nhill and Dalwallinu) that already draw on international migration to combat population loss and persistent labour shortages. By encouraging more international migrants to call regional Australia “home”, we can start focusing on ensuring regional prosperity for the long term.

(This article originally appeared on The Conversation, Australia)

a range of other factors, were considered and verified by the Panel,” he said.

Speaking to members of multicultural media, Census General Manager Duncan Young and Census Director of Data Sue Taylor said that the ABS had compiled a huge amount of data over the course of the census. “Only a census can provide the information for the entire country, including small geographic areas and small population groups,” they said, and urged members of the public to find out interesting and easy-to-understand details about their suburb, city community on the website www.abs.com.au.

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books

Untold stories from the Raj

Three books reveal hidden facets about personalities from India’s independence movement

BY CHITRA SUDARSHAN

A Life in Shadow: The Secret Story of ACN Nambiar, A Forgotten Anti-Colonial Hero by Vappala Balachandran. 2017, Roli Books Mr and Mrs Jinnah: The Marriage That Shook India, by Sheela Reddy. 2017, Penguin/Viking Women at War: Subhas Chandra Bose and the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, by Vera Hildebrand. 2016, Harper Collins

Unsung hero

So many stories about India’s independence movement and partition still remain hidden, unsung and untold. So, it is with delight that I came upon three new books on that era that add so much to our rather limited and skewed understanding of what happened during those crucial decades before Independence.

ACN Nambiar’s story is one of them.

Haven’t heard of him? Neither had I until I read this remarkable biography of this unassuming man who was a journalist and freedom fighter, and a close associate of both Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhash Chandra Bose.

For most of his life, Kerala-born Nambiar lived in Europe. In the early and mid-1920s, he wrote columns for The Hindu - for which he had earlier apprenticed from Berlin. He helped raise awareness in India and Europe on colonial exploitation through his columns.

This quiet, unassuming journalist rubbed shoulders with Indian communists, Bose and the Indian National Army as well as Nehru and his daughter Indira: yet he led

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a life away from the public gaze, as a trusted but discreet friend of them all.

To British intelligence agencies he was, ironically, a ‘notorious communist’ or a Nazi collaborator, ‘a tool in the hands of the Nazis’, ‘Indian Renegade’, and turncoat.

Nambiar was imprisoned after the war for collaboration with the enemy.

He escaped to Switzerland and, against the wishes of Britain, was given an Indian passport by Nehru’s interim government. He then worked as a counsellor at the Indian Legation in Berne. After Independence, in 1951, Nambiar was appointed the first Indian ambassador to Germany.

Vappala Balanchandran, a former Indian intelligence officer and special secretary, met Nambiar in 1980. Balachandran was appointed to help an ageing Nambiar, on the orders of the then prime minister Indira Gandhi, who was concerned about the wellbeing of her father’s close friend.

Over the next few years, until Nambiar’s death in 1986, Balachandran spent time with him, caring for him and listening to the account of his life as a freedom fighter.

In A Life in Shadow, Balachandran recounts Nambiar’s life through the latter’s accounts as well as letters and interviews with those who knew him.

In 2014, when the British government declassified several documents under its 30year rule, it was discovered that they alleged that Nambiar was a Soviet spy during his time in Europe. Balachandran, who spent 13 years scouring through books and records, found no evidence anywhere that Nambiar was an active asset for any agency.

Nambiar was awarded the Padma

Bhushan in 1958 and finished his career as European correspondent of the Hindustan Times.

Two interesting conclusions jump out as significant in Balachandran’s biography of Nambiar: First, that contrary to popular conceptions, Nehru and Bose seem to have been on cordial and friendly terms.

Nehru never doubted Bose’s patriotism, nor did he harbour any hatred for him.

Bose, for his part, acknowledged Nehru’s standing in the freedom struggle.

Second, all the leaders who came in contact with Nambiar trusted him implicitly, because he never misused his proximity to people in power. He never once took advantage of his closeness to the towering figures of the Indian Independence struggle, nor did he drop their names in his newspaper columns.

Indira Gandhi remained in touch with him throughout her life; she felt very comfortable with him, as he had been the “uncle” who had taken care of her and her education, as well as Kamala Nehru’s health, in Switzerland. When Indira came back to power in 1980, she inducted Kao, the founder of RAW, as the Senior Intelligence Advisor on Nambiar’s advice (Balachandran has reproduced the letter in his book).

Did politics ruin Jinnah’s marriage?

Could Jinnah’s personal life - and his rather tumultuous marriage to a Parsi socialite Ruttie - impacted his political beliefs?

Could it have been partly responsible for Jinnah’s changing course during the freedom struggle? Senior journalist Sheela Reddy tries to answer this question in her book Mr and Mrs Jinnah: The Marriage That Shook India, (Delhi, 2017, Penguin/Viking).

Jinnah was 42 and Ruttie 18 when they married. The union of the reclusive and enigmatic Mohammad Ali Jinnah and the free-spirited Ruttie Petit, was not a match made in heaven. The unlikely relationship took 1918 Bombay by storm for Ruttie was the only daughter of Sir Dinshaw Petit, a wealthy Parsi friend of Jinnah, who married him against her father’s wishes. The marriage was much talked about, and took place in the heart of Bombay and became a scandal all over the country. Ruttie was taken to court and the marriage caused so much fury and agitation among the Parsis (she converted to Islam before marrying Jinnah) who declared a Parsi version of a fatwa against the couple.

This was followed by a Muslim vs Parsi newspaper controversy. What followed this was Ruttie’s social isolation from her community and family, and at the same time, increasing alienation from her much older husband Jinnah, who was becoming preoccupied with politics and the law.

Ruttie tried hard to make her marriage a success, but it was a struggle. Their marriage

www.indianlink.com.au

was a tragic love story. She was a high spirited, wealthy young girl falling in love with a public hero; her break with everyone and everything from her past; her crushing disappointments; her descent into darkness - their marriage turned sour as Ruttie was unhappy that her husband’s devotion to work left him little time for her.

By mid-1922, Jinnah was becoming involved in Indian politics, which made him even busier. She walked out of the marriage, and died a lonely death at the age of 29.

There’s speculation she may have died from an overdose of a drug she had been taking to combat a painful intestinal ailment.

Interestingly, the author quotes Indian diplomat MC Chagla’s belief that when Jinnah’s unmarried sister Fatima re-entered Jinnah’s life the day Ruttie died - never to leave his side again – it was the beginning of Jinnah’s transformation from a secular leader of Hindu-Muslim unity to an advocate of the two-nation theory. Reddy suggests that one reason could be found in his personal life.

What tempted Sheela Reddy to write the book was the dearth of information regarding Jinnah’s personal life and marriage.

The work draws from several letters written

by Ruttie and Sarojini Naidu that Reddy discovered during her research in Delhi (Nehru Library), Mumbai and Karachi.

There was a whole sheaf of letters from Ruttie, around a hundred pages, which dated back to when she was 15 and ended abruptly a year before her death in 1929. Reddy said she had Padmaja and Leilamani Naidu (Sarojini Naidu’s daughters) to thank for as they had preserved those letters for posterity.

There are some interesting that tell us a lot about Jinnah: such as Ruttie’s rousing

speech in the Ghatkopar Town Hall all in Mumbai, which didn’t go down well ell with Jinnah. Reddy claims that after that at speech, Ruttie took care to never make herself rself conspicuous in the political sphere.. Later, when his daughter Dina wanted to marry Neville Wadia, Jinnah did not wantt to have his only child marry a Parsii Christian - it would have been a serious rious political embarrassment. “He tried to dissuade her but finding her adamant, ant, Jinnah threatened to disown her.

Instead of relenting, she moved into her grandmother’s home, determined to go ahead with the marriage,” writes Reddy.

The author quotes Urdu writer Saadat Hasan Manto to show that Jinnah took Dina’s defiance nce very badly: “For two weeks, he would not ot receive visitors. He would just go on smoking king his cigars and pacing up and down in his room.

He must have walked hundreds of miles in those two weeks,” Manto wrote.

Bose’s warrior women

In 1943, Subhas Chandra Bose created the all-women’s Rani of Jhansi Regiment (RJR).

The RJR fought under the 50,000 strong Indian National Army (INA) formed with the help of the Japanese forces, to free India from colonial rule. The women of RJR called the Ranis - belonged to the Indian diaspora, mainly from Malaya, Singapore and Burma. Historians put the number of women in the regiment as high as 5,000.

Vera Hildebrand (Women at War: Subhas Chandra Bose and the Rani of Jhansi Regiment ) interviewed scores of women who served in the RJR while writing the book, including Captain Lakshmi, a leader and caretaker

of the RJR recruits, to gauge what motivated the women to join, and what their experiences were.

Her conclusion? That the motivations of the women who joined RJR were varied. Some were inspired by Bose’s nationalistic rhetoric; however, for most others from the Malay Peninsula, the reasons were somewhat different. They were swept by complicated emotions: ‘We worked together to do good’ said one; for most Ranis from Malaya and Singapore, the connections with India were much more tenuous. One said she joined the Ranis in order to become a nurse; others joined the RJR just in order to survive or earn a living or in order to get regular meals at a time when starvation was rife; or to escape forced marriages.

Many of the women who joined the Regiment from the large rubber estates in Malaya lived and worked under conditions that approached slavery. Sexual abuse by the mainly white estate managers was common.

The Rani of Jhansi Regiment offered an environment where for the first time, the young women found themselves respected and free of the social stigma of “coolie” status. Now with their heads held high, they experienced a level of egalitarianism in the company of their Rani comrades that they had not known before. As one Rasammah explained, “We became soldiers for India’s freedom as well as for our own liberty.”

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AUGUST

after hours

The speedway by the freeway

Y

ou’ve probably driven past the Speedway on more times than you realise.

And maybe even wondered what it was?

On the left hand side as you drive towards Sydney on the M4 just after James Ruse Drive, it looks like a cricket oval surrounded by a red dirt circle.

The fact is, cricket has hardly ever, if ever, been played there since 1978 when it was first built, but it’s a world famous oval nonetheless.

It’s Valvoline Raceway.

Or Parramatta Speedway. Or Sydney Speedway.

It’s been called many things over the years.

What it is though, is a place where families from all over the world (and over 80,000 each season) have gathered on warm summer Saturday nights to enjoy some of the best Speedway racing on the planet.

SO WHAT IS SPEEDWAY?

Speedway is the sport of high-powered cars racing around a dirt oval at high speed.

It’s a sport that is raced predominantly in America, New Zealand and of course Australia.

For around 30-35 nights of action per ‘season’ from September 30 until April 28, spectators come to the track for a combination of music, racing, dancing and fun.

On a typical night the gates open at 2.00pm and the racing is on track from 5.30pm.

Y

ou’ll see anywhere up to 30 races on the night from a variety of different types of racing cars.

The action is fast-paced, and the kids are

AUGUST

A great family night out, a sun Aussie sporting event. Now it's looking for an Indian champ, a Desi Daredevil.

WHERE IS IT?

21 Wentworth Street, Clyde

WHEN IS IT?

Every Saturday night between September 30, 2017 and April 28, 2018.

What about Christmas time?

December 26.

December 28.

December 30.

January 1.

HOW MUCH IS IT?

encouraged to get up and dance and scream and shout.

The smell of hot food, popcorn and racing fuel fills the air.

Aside from just Speedway though, there’s also Monster Trucks, Fireworks, Motorbikes, Jet Cars, Demolition Derbies and even a race where we smash up Caravans, Boats and Portable toilets.

It’s called “the Caravan, Boat and Dunny Derby.”

The facilities at the track include a large grassed Spectator hill where families spread their blankets and the kids play with their friends, a plastic seat grandstand, a Giant Video Screen, over twenty corporate boxes, fantastic food, coffee, drinks and a bar facility.

The Speedway has a curfew on race nights so we finish our events by 10.30pm.

This means that families can be home and tucked in bed before it’s too late.

There are many different cars that you can see on any given night.

The cars that you might first recognise are what we call Sprintcars.

These radical looking rocket ships have a ‘wing’ on top, and boast almost 1000hp in their incredibly expensive engines.

They reach speeds of around 150kph around our 460m track – and most of the way around they’re travelling sideways.

You can see up to 60-70 different Sprintcars each time they race, and that’s regularly the biggest field of cars anywhere in the world.

S

printcars are often called “the Formula One of dirt” and the combination of the horsepower and the lightweight nature of the cars mean that anything can and will happen!

They can sometimes crash and roll over many many times, and remarkably the drivers emerge unscathed due to the rigorous safety equipment they wear and the comprehensive safety features on the cars themselves.

On most nights of the season prices are: Adults $30 Pension $20 Juniors (13yrs-15yrs) Family Pass (2 adults and 2 Juniors) $70 Kids 12 and under, FREE. *Prices may vary on some nights of Speedway

WHAT TIME IS IT ON

Gates open 2pm Racing starts from 6pm Finish: 1030pm

IS THERE FOOD THERE?

Yes.The site is fully catered with a vast range of hot foods, salads, coffees, tea, soft drinks

IS IT FAMILY FRIENDLY?

Yes. Families are what we value the most! Our race night is tailor made to suit families of all ages, and all walks of life.

WHERE DO I FIND OUT MORE? www.valvolineraceway.com.au Facebook: Valvoline Raceway Facebook: Ultimate Sprintcar Championship

www.indianlink.com.au

Photo: Arnav Adhikari by Wade Aunger

‘

ARE YOU INDIAN LINK'S DESI DAREDEVIL? On Saturday November 11, we are hosting the Australian Demolition Derby Title and you could be in it!

We’ll provide the car and all your safety equipment.

All you need to bring is your sense of adventure and your courage! You might even win $1,500 if you win!

Tell us in 25 words or less (in Hindi or in English) why you’d make the best DESI DAREDEVIL and you might just be racing in front of thousands of people and be the envy of your friends and family!

Email to media@indianlink.com.au

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AUGUST

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AUGUST

www.indianlink.com.au

reflection

Queen of hearts An Indian spiritual leader reached out to Diana, Princess of Wales

BY GRAHAK CUNNINGHAM

‘‘

If Princess Diana had lived longer, her life would have become calm and quiet. Her life would have been one of dedicated service to humanity, and personal fulfilment on Sri Chinmoy every level

I

NATIONAL EDITION

‘‘

t has been twenty years since the tragic passing of Princess Diana. It was a loss of one of those rare humanitarian souls that perhaps the world is lacking at this particular moment, someone that the world truly loved.

Princess Diana had a very giving heart and a connection with India. Sri Chinmoy visited her in Kensington Palace in 1997 on 21 May just months before her passing. In his book on Princess Diana, Sri Chinmoy explains, “When we meditated together at the start of our meeting, I immediately felt this is the real Diana. She had so many spiritual qualities that were just beginning to bud and bloom in her life, the way her service life had already blossomed…”

During their meeting, Diana proudly showed Sri Chinmoy her beautiful crystal Ganesh statue which she had bought herself and kindly posed for a photograph next to it. Sri Chinmoy also presented her with a song he had composed about Princes William and Harry in Bengali and one of his beautiful abstract bird drawings of her two sons labelled with W and H. “She immediately recognised what the two letters stood for and said, ‘My boys! My boys! William and Harry!’ How much love she had for her sons.”

They corresponded regularly afterwards, Sri Chinmoy often collecting and sending her positive media articles from the international press to help encourage her in her charitable service, with Diana writing back regularly. “It is always interesting to read articles that are printed overseas,”

she wrote. And again, “Your letters are so enormously encouraging. It is through this encouragement I find the strength to continue with the fight against landmines, which is so vitally important for me.”

It was through this regular correspondence with Sri Chinmoy that Diana’s other immortal Indian connection happened, her meeting with Mother Teresa. When Sri Chinmoy came to learn from Princess Diana that she longed to meet Mother Teresa, he immediately phoned Mother Teresa who was travelling in Europe at the time. Mother Teresa was also extremely happy to meet with Princess Diana, whom she regarded as her daughter. Sri Chinmoy passed on Mother’s direct number at her request and acted as a devoted bridge between the two.

Their meeting took place just four weeks later on 18 June at Mother Teresa’s Sisters

Of their meetings, Mother Teresa said, “She helped me to help the poor and that is the most beautiful thing. She was very concerned about the poor… she was a very great friend in love with the poor, that is why she came close to me.”

Sri Chinmoy said recalling the meeting, “For many years I wanted to meet Princess Diana because I had the deepest admiration for her philanthropic and charitable works and I was deeply moved by her spontaneous compassion for the sick and the suffering humanity. Unfortunately this meeting of ours was to be our last. Just over three months later the world lost her, a most precious diamond. If Princess Diana had lived longer like Mother Teresa, her life would have become calm and quiet. Her life would have been one of dedicated service to humanity, and personal fulfilment on every level.” of Charity House in the Bronx.

“These two women,” said Sri Chinmoy, “Princess Diana and Mother Teresa, have given us one message: we have to think more about the rest of the world than of ourselves.”

Chinmoy Kumar Ghose, who became known as Sri Chinmoy, was an Indian spiritual leader who taught meditation in the West after moving to New York City in 1964.

AUGUST

INDIAN LINK

ILLEGAL DUMPING IS WRONG

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Individuals who are caught dumping illegally could be fined in excess of $2000.

Council can help you dispose of waste correctly: EE

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Council’s Community Recycling Centre in Rose Street, Liverpool is FREE for residents and accepts many household items including electronics, paint, batteries, gas bottles and motor oils.

If you are about to move, or just having a good clean, consider booking a Household Clean Up with Council. It’s FREE twice a year and Council will remove your bulky household waste, white goods and old mattresses.

Report incidents of illegal dumping immediately on 1300 36 2170 and provide detailed information to assist investigations.

www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au For more information on how to legally dispose of your waste, or to book a household clean up, call Council on 1300 36 2170.

AUGUST

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Saturday 12 August 2017

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AUGUST

afl

AFL’s nod to diversity T The 2017 Toyota AFL Multicultural Round Launched in Sydney. BELINDA KELSO writes

he AFL launched the 2017 Toyota AFL Multicultural Round at Lachlan’s Old Government House in Parramatta on 25 July.

AFL General Manager of Inclusion and Social Policy, Tanya Hosch, was joined at the launch by Gurpreet Grewal, the subject of the third film in a film series with Australia Post celebrating the cultural diversity within the game. Also in attendance were Australia Post AFL Multicultural Player Ambassador, Aliir Aliir, GWS GIANTS player, Tendai Mzungu and AFL NSW/ACT Female Football Ambassador, Mai Nguyen.

Hosch explained that the round was an important reminder to AFL fans and the wider Australian community about embracing cultural diversity within our migrant nation.

“We see more than ever that the community level and grassroots football is starting to reflect the cultural diversity within our country, and the work we do through our multicultural programs - with

AFL Multicultural Ambassador L-Fresh the Lion performs during the launch.

AFL General Manager, Social Policy and Inclusion, Tanya Hosch, with GIANTS foundation member Gurpreet Grewal and others

our community inclusion partner Australia Post - needs to be credited,” Hosch said.

“Whilst it will take time, we are firm in our commitment to have the elite game being truly representative of the cultural landscape of Australia,” she said.

“The Next Generation Academies are a tangible approach of this commitment and

will no doubt provide further opportunity and success to players of all backgrounds in the years to come.

“As we celebrate the sixth Toyota AFL Multicultural Round, we currently have 117 players in the men’s competition with multicultural backgrounds (14% overall), 21 of them having been born overseas,” Hosch

said. Seventeen of this year’s AFLW players also have multicultural backgrounds.

“Our iconic game provides a harmonious and safe platform for all to feel included in Australian society and to have various cultures and linguistics celebrated,” she said.

Western Sydney hip-hop artist, L-Fresh the Lion dazzled attendees by performing two songs, including his hit ‘One’ to open the morning.

Master of Ceremonies, Azmeena Hussain, joined keynote speaker Jamila Rizvi who spoke to the crowd of over 100 people about her family’s journey to Australia from India, telling her audience that ‘the future of the game is a Multicultural one.’

Earlier this year, AFL NSW/ACT announced a new four-year partnership with Multicultural NSW, which saw the agency become a key partner in the AFL’s Multicultural engagement strategy in New

South Wales.

The NSW Government is a supporter of the 2017 AFL Multicultural Festival presented by Australia Post, which was held during the 2017 Toyota AFL Multicultural Round on 29 July at Sydney Olympic Park.

NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Ray Williams said the NSW Government was proud to support inclusion and participation through sport.

“This is a big win for NSW and a great moment for the people of Western Sydney and sports-lovers across our state,” said Williams.

“The NSW government is proud to have secured the marquee game and festival of the national AFL Multicultural Round in Sydney’s multicultural and sporting calendar until 2021,” he said.

The cast of Miss Saigon as well as workshops, AFL clinics, food stalls and rides also kept the gathering entertained.

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food

Classic with a twist Roasted bell peppers add the magic touch to this tomato-and-mozzarella salad

BY DHANYA SAMUEL

W

e are blessed when it comes to the availability of fresh produce in Australia.

A visit to your local farmer’s market should be enough proof that this country takes its agricultural produce seriously. And when you have fresh

and seasonal ingredients in your shopping bag, even the simplest recipes can turn out to be a dream for the tastebuds.

This salad recipe has been inspired from the book The Food & Wine Lover’s Guide to Melbourne and Surroundings.

As the name suggests, this book is indeed a food lover’s guide to Victoria, the beautiful scenic locations and the amazing food and wine experiences that this state has to offer. It also features a few recipes from chefs, restaurants and food producers of different regions. This salad really stood out to me because of the combination of flavours. Tomato and mozzarella is a

classic combination but the addition of fire-roasted bell peppers, watercress and the mustard dressing takes it to a whole new level.

Fire roasting vegetables is not new to Indian cuisine; our much loved baingan bharta is the perfect example of it. The process lends a rustic, smoky flavour that is hard to replicate with any other method.

You could either roast the vegetables over charcoal (which is ideal) but a simple gas burner can do the job in a pinch. Roast just enough to char the outsides so that the flesh inside still has a bite to it.

What I loved most about this dish is that

it can be served as a salad or as a side dish to grilled fish, meat or perhaps some grilled paneer or tofu. It’s warm and so full of flavour that makes it a delight even during the colder months.

Since this salad is all about celebrating the freshness and quality of ingredients, make sure you use the best quality produce.

And using different varieties of tomatoes makes it all the more delicious. If you have a local deli nearby, then that’s probably the best place to get your hands on the buffalo mozzarella instead of a supermarket aisle.

Enough said! Let’s get on with the recipe….

Tomato and mozzarella salad Ingredients

Method

1 heirloom tomato, sliced 1 ox heart tomato, sliced 1 medium red bell pepper 1 medium yellow bell pepper 1 large mozzarella ball ½ cup picked watercress 1 tsp seeded mustard dressing Olive oil 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar Salt, to season Freshly milled black pepper, to season

Roast both the bell peppers over an open flame till nicely charred.

Cover with a cloth for a few minutes before peeling off the skin (this makes the process easier). Deseed the bell peppers and slice into thin strips.

Alternatively, oven roast the bell peppers and then do the same.

Cut the mozzarella ball into wedges and keep aside.

NATIONAL EDITION

In a bowl, add the sliced bell peppers, mustard dressing and watercress.

Heat olive oil in a pan and flash fry the sliced tomatoes for a few seconds. Season with salt.

Cool slightly and add the tomatoes to the bell peppers along with the mozzarella wedges.

Season with salt and pepper, drizzle balsamic vinegar and toss lightly.

Serve immediately.

AUGUST

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AUGUST 27.

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NATIONAL EDITION

AUGUST

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AUGUST

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TAROT

foretell AUG 2017 BY VANDANA The full kangaroo moon invites you to release your dreams and desires to the magical lunar rhythms of August. With two eclipses dotting the celestial path this month, the luminaries alternate in strength making significant change a certainty for us. Those that emerge from their self-designed comfort zones are the ones who will turn mystic moonshine into a path towards the beckoning stars.

ARIES March 21 - April 19

TAURUS April 20 - May 20

GEMINI May 21 - June 20

CANCER June 21 - July 20

Your work plans this month are ambitious but your Mars-ruled nature is not daunted by that. As decision-maker you will be quick, efficient and motivating - letting those around you know who’s in charge! The Emperor with the Ace of Cups allows you to reveal a softer side to your special someone. Towards the last week of August a happy event sees you adding a new dimension to your relationship. You turn fulfillment and fun into the perfect tango, Aries!

Quiet time by yourself is what you seek early this month. To be alone on a beach or in an isolated grove or an urge to travel may appeal to you - anything to find your calm and claim it! The card of the Hermit helps you go within and gain perspective. The end of the month has you out in a completely different social avatar. You discover new ways to treat your Venus-ruled self with a good round of pampering!

The card of Justice conjures for you thoughts of equality, fair-mindedness and redressal this month. Your sharp mercurial mind weaves innovative thoughts into pragmatic schemes. Is it a cause that moves you? You will attract helpful people who share your beliefs.

Likely you will win against someone in the courts. The flow is in your favour!

Now is the time to build your team. The Queen of Swords exhorts you to analyze and act. Go after what you want, Gemini!

Listen to your heart, Cancer… then add to your routine bit by bit the little things that give you joy. Save these changes and you have a happy crab at the end of August! You’re so giving but often, you forget to give to yourself. With the card of the Magician appearing with the Four of Wands, you are blessed to have the magic of moonshine as well as the gift of the magic wand. It’s over to you now!

LEO July 21 - Aug 22

VIRGO Aug 23 - Sep 22

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21

Life is wonderful for you, Sun-ruled Leo, for the card of The Sun is livening up things for you! The Two of Cups brings you romance and love of a special kind.

A kindred spirit seeks you out and you share memorable moments. Work looks good, too, as you persevere in a muchloved area of creativity. An art project or a dream scoop - you rock! This is your time of the year and you blaze a trail all your own.

A new purpose is brought to you by the card of Judgment, Virgo, and you thrive in the opportunity to do something you haven’t tried before - something amazing is happening around you and you’re at its centre! The Ace of Swords sharpens you for the task and you set forth with all your best organisational skills. You’ve learnt from the past and that’s behind you. You make the journey as important and worthwhile, as the destination for precision-tasking is your forte!

Success and change! The card of The Wheel moves you forward and things cannot be the same anymore. It is a happy and busy time with family and friends and you meet some loved ones after a considerable length of time. The Queen of Cups takes you into a more compassionate, loving environment as the month progresses. Remember to accept change with humility and be alert to opportunity. The happiness you have always brought others returns to warm your heart!

Your intuition is heightened with the card of The Moon herself guiding you to perceive all that unfolds around you. You will be able to instinctively gather that which lies below the surface - friends that may be faithful to fair weather, or those that may have secretly rooted for you from the sidelines. You have a chance to visit an art exhibit or a select performance at the end of the month which will provide the sustenance you need!

SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 - Dec 21

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 19

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18

PISCES Feb 19 - March 20

You love a challenge, Sagittarius, and August brings it to your doorstep! This is your chance to right things and shape a project with your own inimitable dash of panache. Workplace changes may do you the good deed of freeing you from corporate rigour. Your vision and capacity are legendary - you inspire others. Then the card of the Nine of Discs brings in the dough and you are able to move closer to a personal target you’d set yourself.

Charming and vivacious as you are, this month will see you scale a notch higher as the card of The Star shines benevolently on you. You will go out of your way to bring your light of kindness and hope to someone in need. And as you do, people realise your genuine worth and acknowledge you for it. The Six of Swords highlights your talent and makes your prowess visible and ‘out there’! The Star definitely brings you a wish fulfillment!

Accolades and awards! The Empress, radiant in her regalia, appears in your reading for August. It is a happy time with perhaps occasion for the family to gather in celebration. You are appreciated at work and at home but what pleases you most is when your significant other raises a toast to your sterling qualities. This is a moment worth capturing! The Five of Pentacles shows that as you receive, so you give and you are loved for your generosity.

The ability to empathise with all creatures great and small is your gift, Pisces, and you want to be able to reach out with this. You will find avenues to do this spectacularly well and inspire others to follow your lead. The strengthening of the will leads to accomplishment and banishes doubt. The Eight of Cups asks that you focus on garnering resources and preserve your inner resources for something special that you may be called to do for others.

NATIONAL EDITION

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fashion

Who's Got The Look IIFA 2017 saw many a celeb flaunt their sense of style, or the lack of it.

EMILY ITEE DEWAN plays fashion cop

Y E H T IT GOT 1 Tapsee Pannu Salmon pink is a colour that suits all skin tones, so a safe and a great choice there. The styling, the heels and the colour, all work well on the pretty actress. We also love the asymmetrical pleated top by designer duo Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna.

2 Bipasha Basu Bipasha always works the hourglass silhouettes. The statuesque dress by designer Gaurav Gupta is perfect for an awards night. Smokey eye, bold lips, hair slicked back in a ponytail, there’s nothing to fault here. Love, love, love.

3 Alia Bhatt In her Zuhair Murad strapless fit and flare gown, Alia looked every bit the pretty damsel.

The understated smokey eye and mid-parted hair, tied back in low ponytail, let the gown do all the talking. We love that she kept het look free of jewellery.

4 Sonakshi Sinha Sonakshi looked picture perfect in her La Bourjoisie red gown with diamantes.

Straight hair complemented the look and she too, like Bipashsa Basu, picked up just the right outfit that screamed award night.

5 Preity Zinta Classic and elegant in her black Gauri & Nainika gown, Preity picked diamond earrings to go along with the hair updo. It’s a look that isn’t new and we’ve seen this at many events both in Hollywood and Bollywood, but it never goes out of trend.

2 Kareena Kapoor Salmon pink works on every skin tone but it’s the ‘bathrobe’ vibe of this dress that did Kareena in. The H&M wrap dress isn’t very flattering and fit issues aside, it doesn’t do anything for the usually well turned-out actress.

3 Priyanka Chopra Pine green isn’t Priyanka’s colour. The Payal Khandelwal jumpsuit looks like a shirt dress in a fit and flare version, giving her a matronly look. Hair tied in a high bun could have added some charm to this drab outfit.

4 Nia Sharma Orchestra member gone AWOL…? Not only that top, but that belt and bag are cringeworthy too. This jacket, if worn unbuttoned with a white tee and black denims and paired with some sneakers, would probably have worked.

5 Aditya Narayan A suit with sneakers? A red suit with blue and green sneakers? There’s not a lot more to say, sadly. Aditya is giving us strong ‘Ranveer Singh’ vibes but not in a good way, unfortunately.

Y THE OT DID N

1 Shraddha Kapoor A shame that a beautiful girl like Shraddha had to wear this monstrosity. It’s ill-fitted, and that pink is a bit too much to take in when the shoe also screams the same colour. Nude/black shoes with a hint of pink would have worked better.

NATIONAL EDITION

AUGUST

entertainment

cineTALK BOLD BUT NOT BEAUTIFUL

LIPSTICK UNDER MY BURKHA

STARRING: Ratna Pathak Shah, Konkona Sen Sharma, Aahana Kumra, Plabita Borthakur DIRECTOR: Alankrita Shrivastava

HHHHH

Here is a film that deserves a rousing ovation for bringing out the sexual fantasies and other unspoken yearnings of four middleclass women in a nonmetropolitan milieu, each eking out an exciting existence from the hard brutal raw material of her inert life. But the film falls short of being genre-defining.

Shrivastava whose earlier and only film Turning 30 only hinted at the postfeminist explosion of Lipstick Under The Burkha, takes charge with an all-knowing confidence of four women from different walks of life, belonging to separate generations.

Perhaps to offset the mess that they make of their lives, the line-up of women is a little too tidy and symmetrical. Usha (Ratna Pathak Shah) is 50-plus, Shireen (Konkona Sen Sharma) is 30-plus,

Leela (Ahana Kumra) is in her 20s and Rehana (Plabita Borthakur), the baby of the empowering harem, is in her teens.

It all adds up with a tantalizing cohesiveness, leaving nothing to chance. Maths in place, I had seen the same galactic configuration of representational women in Leena Yadav’s fabulous Parched last year, except for the fact that Parched, though a celebration of feminism at the grassroots level, was a visually beautiful film thanks to its desertscape panorama which caught the women’s sexual candour in vivid colours.

Lipstick… revels in its deliriously designed dimensions of dinginess. This is Bhopal at its most basic strata. The film resolutely refuses to capture the city’s beauty, focusing instead on the crowded stifling lanes and gullies where furtive sex is undertaken in community toilets and where women have to toil over sewing machines and microwaves while fathers, husbands, boyfriends and lovers sow their wild oats and come home in time for the cornflakes.

The four women lead dual lives and

hide dark dirty secrets from the men in their lives.

The men of course are blinded by the floodlights of patriarchy. They are not allowed to show sensitivity.

To their credit, the vast cast has a blast, breaking one kind of gender stereotyping that such films break, and also dodging the trap that a film of this nature lays down for actors who have to talk about condoms casually.

Ratna Pathak Shah is expectedly outstanding as the repressed Bua who has phone-sex with her swimming instructor (Jagal Singh Solanki, excellent).

She manages to make the character’s inviolable coyness a cute cocoon awaiting metamorphosis. But the explicitness of her conversations with her sex-object (interesting reversal of traditional roles here) elicits more giggles than shock from us.

Konkona Sen Sharma has the most sympathetic and therefore most difficult role as an oppressed Muslim wife who gets raped every night before sleep. Yawn! While the actress is habitually competent here, I find Konkona relying excessively on stock expressions of wistful yearning.

Sushant Singh as her insensitive husband shines in a thankless role even when he has to utter banal lines like, “Biwi ho, shauhar ban-ne ki koshish mat karo.”

And I thought this line of spousal thought went out of fashion with Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam.

The youngest rebel of the quartet Rehana throws off her burkha, steals

Britney boots from malls and parties wildly with girls from homes far more privileged than hers and romances a drugged drummer (Shashank Arora, dutifully dazed). And when her mortifying secret life is discovered by her shamed father we are supposed to feel protective towards Rehana.

Sorry, not happening.

The most unsympathetic protagonist is Leela, played with persuasive gumption by Kriti Kumra. Leela has a perfect (read: boring) fiancé (Vaibhav Tatwawdi, excellent), a mother who leads a life of shame to bring up her daughter (the mom has been posing for nude paintings for years, she tells us and we are meant to sob), and yet all Leela wants to do is get intimate with her scummy photographer boyfriend (Vikrant Massey doing an incredible volte face from his virgin angel act in A Death In The Gunj).

What does Leela want? I can’t say. Neither can she. Kumra playing beautician, shares some excellent erotic screen-time with Konkona in a sequence where the former removes the latter’s hair in private places. Again this sequence has a direct echo in Parched where Tannishtha Chatterjee sponges the abused wife Radhika Apte’s breasts.

A pity Lipstick… couldn’t do to the post-feminist genre what Dunkirk has done to the war epic. It moves with seductive stealth through the lives of the four women but does not eventually evoke the memorable images from the great feminist and post-feminist films of Indian cinema including Parched.

Nonetheless this is a vital and in many ways, great film more remarkable for what it doesn’t say about women who long for sexual salvation than what it does say, so explicitly.

Subhash K. Jha

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name) does not know what that words means. It is this innocence regarding her destiny and her determination to do the right thing in life that makes Kirti so memorable as Indu Sarkar - a woman, a wife, a rebel and an underground activist who does what she does because, well, someone has to stand up and speak against injustice during the time of political gagging so massive that India became Indira.

That Indu stammers serves as a

desperately need to see her in more such epoch-defining parts.

Most of the way, Bhandarkar retains a tight hold over the proceedings. He goes easy on the periodicity using Lata Mangeshkar songs like Jhooth bole kauva kaate, Yeh samaa saama hai yeh pyar ka and Jaa re jaa ho harjayee to define the time-line. That apart, the telltale Dalda dabba on Indu’s kitchen shelf does the rest.

The film is shot by Japanese

MUST SEE, NOT JUST FOR KULHARI’S OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE

INDU SARKAR

STARRING: Kirti Kulhari, Tota Roy Choudhary, Neil Nitin MukeshGulshan Devaiah and Promila Pradhan DIRECTOR: Madhur Bhandarkar

HHHHH

Maybe it’s too early here to mention Kirti Kulhari’s indomitable brilliance in this grossly mis-reviewed film. But this

is as good a time as any to bring up her climactic court scene where she tells the spellbound judge how her life changed one day when she took the wrong turn and ended up watching the ravages caused by the Congress regime at Turkman Gate.

When Kirti speaks of serendipity, her character Indu (I will ignore the cheap thrills of ambiguity afforded by her full

befitting metaphor for a nation gone dumb with servility.

Happily Bhandarkar, who has so far made a career out of exposing the peccadilloes of the glamorous elite, moves into political territory with reasonable confidence. The way he builds up the dread and sometimes unintended humour of the Emergency, is remarkable.

The film’s politics, though at times simplistic and half-baked, and in spite of Neil Nitin Mukesh’s atrocious hamming as a Sanjay Gandhi doppelganger, works very well for the protagonist’s journey from the dutiful housewife to the beautiful rebel without a pause.

Kirti lives every moment of Indu’s journey. She breathes life even into potentially dead scenes like the one where she must tell her husband that it is her home as well, not just his. We

cinematographer Keiko Nakahara (of Mary Kom fame) in sharp sepia tones that suggest both nostalgia and decadence.

What stays with you are Kriti’s melancholic eyes taking in all the barbarism of a regime that lost control over its better judgment. Tota Roy Choudhury is also very effective as her husband except when he must act the MCP just because the script demands it. The film is dotted with memorable cameos by Sheeba Chadha, Ankur Vikal, Manav Vij (as a Skh cop with a conscience) and many others.

Indu Sarkar is not to be missed for Kirti’s performance. And also because it serves as ravishing reminder of the mistakes from the past that threaten to impinge on the present.

Subhash K Jha

STRONG PERFORMANCES UPLIFT THIS COMEDY MUBARAKAN

STARRING: Anil Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, Ileana D’Cruz, Athiya Shetty, Neha Sharma, Ratna Pathak Shah and Pavan Raj Malhotra DIRECTOR: Anees Bazmee

HHHHH

Nothing is implausible if it works in cinema. After all, it is a part of getting the job done, and hence one does not complain when it comes to Mubarakan as it entertains you wholeheartedly.

As the film opens, we are informed that twins Karan and Charan, both played by Arjun Kapoor, are separated at birth - not simply destined, but absolutely required to, by the bylaws of the Bollywood ‘Code of Cliches’.

With a predictable plot, this Anees Bazmee oeuvre with all tropes of comedy like his previous films, is based on personalities and dialogues. The audience is the target of the joke. When something funny happens, the actors don’t react; the film itself reacts by what it shows next.

Set in a Sikh family; the drama is obviously high strung. The characters are supposed to be intelligent, loud, familyoriented and yet they have the maturity of gnats.

Again by the Bollywood Code of Cliches, the twins both fall in love: Karan with Sweety (Ileana D’Cruz) and Charan

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with Nafisa (Neha Sharma). But they are expected to marry as per their foster parents’ wishes.

So, when a proposal comes from a close family friend, Mr. Sandhu’s daughter Binkle (Athiya Shetty), the duo are tongue tied. They simply cannot muster the courage to tell their respective foster parents about their love life.

Complications arise when the twin’s uncle Kartar Singh (Anil Kapoor) comes up with an “idea” to rescue his nephews, which leads to a big family fight. How they resolve the issues, forms the crux of the tale.

Though over the top, the actors are natural and very engaging. Real life uncle and nephew - Anil Kapoor and Arjun Kapoor shine in their respective roles.

Arjun shuttles between the shrewish Karan and the shy goody-goody Charan with aplomb. Anil Kapoor on the other hand offers nothing extraordinary that we have not seen him do in his earlier films.

Together, their camaraderie is palpable on screen.

The three heroines, Ileana D’Cruz as Sweety, Neha Sharma as Nafisa and Athiya Shetty as Binkle are outright perfunctory in their approach.

While the rest of the cast laudably essay their roles effectively, it is those in the side-lines who actually take centrestage.

What contributes to their performance,

is undoubtedly the well-etched characters. Prominent among them are Ratna Pathak Shah as Jeetu Bua and Karan’s foster mother and Pavan Raj Malhotra as Charan’s foster father Baljeet Singh, who create an impact.

While the story by Balwinder Singh Janjua and Rupinder Chahal is cliched, the dialogues with comic timings, crossreferences and community-jibes are noteworthy and entertaining.

The songs are an aberration to the narrative. It simply breaks the impact, especially the songs with the lyrics, Hawa hawaa and Tu Google pa ke nacha.

While the first half of the film is a breezy laugh-a-minute riot, the second half tends to be a bit melodramatic and preachy.

With ace production values, the film is a glossy and well-packaged entertainer.

Troy Ribeiro

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entertainment

the BUZZ UP-TO-DATE NEWS ON WHAT’S HOT AND HAPPENING IN BOLLYWOOD

ANIL KAPOOR

AKSHAY KUMAR: DUNNY ISSUES

WHEN ALIA WANTED TO BE IN KATRINA’S SHOES

I

t’s well-known that Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif share a genuinely warm bond.

Their social media posts often show them girl-crushing over each other. But it seems Alia’s admiration for Katrina goes back several years.

Alia says there was a time when she dreamt of being showstopper on fashion designer Manish Malhotra’s shows. This was way before Alia made it big with her first film, Karan Johar’s 2012 directorial Student of the Year.

“The first time I came out in public before Student of the Year released, was for Manish’s couture show in Delhi when Katrina was walking,” Alia told reporters recently. “As I sat in the audience, I looked at Katrina and thought, wow, one day, I want to be that person walking on the ramp.”

She was talking after closing Malhotra’s India Couture Week show in Delhi recently.

She has been walking for him since 2014.This time round, she returned to the fashion gala donning a long train dress that was decorated with floral designs.

She completed the bridal look with a bun under a veil and red lips.

“It does feel fantastic to walk for Manish. He is like family. He is so amazing and inspiring,” Alia said.

If she upped the beauty quotient, her Gully Boy co-star Ranveer Singh took the energy level to a great height when he hit the ramp in black and grey pants with layered kurta and a jacket.

Malhotra was also all praise for the young actors.

“Karan and I think Alia is family. Every step she takes, we are always proud, like older brothers,” the designer gushed.

Dare we use the dreaded N-word here? Nah, he’s just being sweet!

AUGUST

Akshay Kumar is on a mission to spread awareness about the importance of building toilets and putting an end to defecation in the open - a message he is giving out with his forthcoming film Toilet: Ek Prem Katha. He says it is very important for everyone, especially women, to have basic facilities of a safe and clean toilet.

He hopes the film changes people’s mindset about this “taboo topic in Indian society.”

“Talks on toilet are still taboo in India.

I had to say a line in the film which is, ‘Ab biwi ghar aaye na aaye, sundaas to laakar hi chhodunga is gaon mein,’ (whether my wife comes home or not, I will not rest before bringing a toilet in the village). There was some discussion whether I should say it or not. But I think it is necessary... I mean who does not go to the toilet?”

However, he is hopeful that things will change.

“Our youth is very strong minded.

They understand the necessity of (the underlying issue). Awareness has been created. See, it is also about the mindset. Some places I have visited, I have heard people saying, ‘We don’t do it (defecate) in the same house where we cook food.’ But how can they openly defecate on the field, from where the food is coming? Government is doing its part (by sanctioning public toilets), the people should also take a step.”

Whether it is Airlift, Rustom, Jolly LLB 2 and even Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, Akshay is acting in stories that project realism.

Asked if that is a strategy, the National Award-winning actor said, “I think being a successful actor, by the grace of God, if my association gives the film better mileage and if the story intrigues me, I do it. Statistics tell us that one child dies every five minutes in our country because of open defecation. Do you understand the intensity of the issue? That apart, if there’s any story that is interesting, I do it.”

Taking one more step forward, the makers of Toilet: Ek Prem Katha have created a co-branded social initiative ‘2 For Toilet’ with CleanMate, a brand of toilet cleaner liquid and home cleaning products by Future Consumer Limited.

The initiative aims at raising funds that will be used to improve sanitation facilities across the country.

Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, directed by Shree Narayan Singh, deals with the need for sanitisation in India and is based on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat campaign. It features Bhumi Pednekar and Anupam Kher and is releasing on 11 August.

BHANDARKAR, THE OPTIMIST

Madhur Bhandarkar’s latest controversial drama Indu Sarkar has registered earnings of over Rs 4 crore at the box office in its opening weekend and has received mixed reviews from critics. But the filmmaker says his spirit is neither dampened by the collections nor by the feedback.

He calls Indu Sarkar a “niche project made on a budget of Rs 6.5 crore to Rs 7 crore.”

While the audience and critics have praised lead actress Kirti Kulhari, some critics have called the film “a watered-down, bloodless version” of the Emergency period, a propaganda movie which offers “half-baked” politics.

Asked about the mixed reviews, Bhandarkar said, “The collection is decent and quite good considering the budget of the film. I am very happy with the response.”

While appreciating how small budget films like Indu Sarkar and Lipstick Under My Burkha are pushing boundaries at the box office, Bhandarkar said, “I am very happy for Lipstick.... It has done very well at the box office. I am very happy that these kind of movies are being appreciated by multiplex audiences and youngsters.”

AMITABH: SNOOZING ON SET

If you like catching 40 winks while at work, you’re in famous company.

Amitabh Bachchan, who is currently shooting for his upcoming film 102 Not Out, says sleeping on a film’s set is a gifted moment in the script for an actor.

“Sleep - that mechanism that has been a constant in us all, like taking in air to breathe and survive. And the opportunity of catching up with its loss, on set, is a gifted moment in the script, rare but so welcome,” Amitabh wrote on his blog recently.

Amitabh also shared a photograph of himself from a film’s set, where he was seen taking a nap. The 74-year-old actor is seen wearing a white kurta pyjama, socks and a monkey cap in the image.

“One actually goes to sleep, while the lighting and the action and the scene is being conducted. Such a delight. And my sleep was genuine, they actually

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AMITABH BACHCHAN

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AKSHAY KUMAR

AYUSHMANN KHURRANA

had to come and wake me up to tell me that it was over,” he added.

Amitabh will also be seen in Thugs of Hindostan, which also stars Aamir Khan, Katrina Kaif and “Dangal” fame Fatima Sana Sheikh.

With such a packed schedule even at his age, ek nap toh banta hai!

WORTH WAITING FOR? YOU DECIDE!

Farhan Akhtar plays a musician in the upcoming Lucknow Central. Hmm, you say, that sounds like a jail? You would be right. He’s a muso who gets sent to jail, where he ends up forming a band, and then escaping. The recently released trailer looks intense, gritty and intriguing.

Produced by Nikhil Advani and directed

by Ranjit Tiwari, the film is set to hit the theatres on 15 September.

Vidya Balan’s next is Tumhari Sulu, about which we know nothing as of yet, but that the up-for-anything Vidya does a Sridevi in it. The talented actress revealed recently that she pays a tribute to Sridevi in the film, with the song Hawa Hawai.

Ayushmann Khurrana’s next, Shubh Mangal Saavdhan dwells upon issues like erectile dysfunction and premarital sex. Well, we do expect Ayushmann to take up unusual topics, don’t we, Vicky Donor Dum Laga Ke Haisha… “These are quirky subjects. These films show a mirror to the society,” he said recently.

“I think I am meant for unconventional films, which is why I will be sceptical if choosing any conventional films. I think

we all have to carve our own niche in the cinema industry. And these kinds of films work for me.” The film releases on 1 September.

PRIYANKA TO PRODUCE SERIES ON MADHURI’S LIFE

She’s a pure juggler, this one. The multitalented Priyanka Chopra is reportedly executive producing a comedy series about Bollywood’s dancing diva Madhuri Dixit’s life for US network ABC. According an exclusive report by variety.com, Madhuri will also executive produce the project.

The story would follow how Madhuri settles down in the suburbs of the US with her bi-cultural family and tries to bring her colourful lifestyle to an otherwise dull town.

Madhuri had taken a break from showbiz when she married Sriram Nene, who was based in US back then and shifted to Denver to start a family. The mother of two sons returned to showbiz around five years ago.

TIGER’S ‘SLY’ DREAMS

Hollywood icon Sylvester Stallone has expressed confidence that Tiger Shroff will put his heart and soul into the Indian Rambo remake.

Your suppressed laughter/smirk is totally uncalled for.

Tiger, on his part, says it will be a “dream come true” if he gets to meet his idol during the process of making

WHO WORE IT BETTER? BELLA THORNE or MIRA KAPOOR in SELF PORTRAIT Share your views with us on our Facebook page /IndianLinkAustralia

NATIONAL EDITION

the desi version of the film.

It will follow the life of the last surviving member of an elite covert unit of the Indian armed forces who returns home to discover a war waging in his own land - and how he unleashes mayhem by becoming an unstoppable machine after tough training.

Let’s hope he doesn’t have to break into a dance while he’s at it.

Principal photography for the film is slated to start in February next year, with a release targeted for late 2018.

WHY ANIL KAPOOR NEVER TOOK A BREAK

While Bachchan Senior enjoyed a nap on the set, actor-producer Anil Kapoor says he never took a break in his 38-year-long journey in Bollywood as he was advised by megastar Amitabh Bachchan to never “commit such a mistake.”

“Amitji took a five-year break after doing Khuda Gawaah,” he said while appearing on a TV show. He had gone to New York to live a normal life. I had gone there while shooting for Meherbaan.

I mentioned to him that I was tired after working for 25 years in films, and wanted a break. He said, ‘Never commit such a mistake in life. Never take a break (from films).’ I went back and immediately signed two new films.”

What’s the chitchat between ALIA BHATT AND KATRINA KAIF? Send in your responses to win@indianlink.com.au and WIN A TICKET to a new Hindi film

LAST ISSUE CAPTION CONTEST WINNING ENTRY

WHAT TWEETY BIRD TOLD US THIS WEEK

Match the following tweets to the celebs that made them.

Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Anurag Basu, Anupam Kher Welcome to ‘Quantico’ Marlee Matlin.

We can’t wait to have you on board Jab Harry Met Sejal advance bookings have begun! Book your tickets now! #JHMSThisFriday Thank you so much for your love and appreciation for Jagga Jasoos. It’s like oxygen for me right now. Tight hugs...

And for those who disliked it, hugs for them too, coz your rejection paves the way for my next and I promise I’ll try not to disappoint you Small town people have ‘dreams’.

Big city people have ‘targets’. Here is teaser of @MyRanchiDiaries again

What’s the chitchat between VARUN, SAIF and KARAN? Hurrah for nepotism – the Word of the Year Anjana Shastri Belconnen ACT Anjana wins a ticket to the new Hindi film Jab Harry Met Sejal

AUGUST

backchat

Unlikely brotherhood Sworn enemies, but these two may have a lot in common

upto

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countries. Six months later, the report card is still near blank.

Similarly, chubby-cheeked Kim is ratcheting up his threat a notch higher with the launch of each missile to teach US a lesson. But no one expects him to press the nuclear button. All these acrobatics are to stabilise his position, get more aid from the West and drive the US forces from South Korea.

There are a few more similarities between the two. They both dispense with people close to them with the snap of a finger.

Trump fired FBI chief James Comey from his post and has threatened to remove a few more who dare question his dealings with

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Russia and/or his personal finances.

Kim does one better. He removes his ‘rivals’ from the face of the earth. He sent one of his senior military chiefs to permanent sleep for a minor misdemeanour of dozing off at one of his many rallies boasting his country’s military might. Short statured he may be, but his hands are alleged to have reached far off KL airport to get rid of his stepbrother.

Here’s another easily noticeable matching habit. You couldn’t miss their style of clapping their hands as they make an entry before any assembled audience. Thank God for their sort fingers; they can’t reach the red buttons on their nuclear control panels.

But the most visible and striking common feature between them is their unique hair style. Jong-un’s side-swiped mop top - now aped around the world - may look different from Trump’s forward-flowing awning-like coiffure. But they have the same origin.

If you google the Brazilian black capuchin, you will notice that some members of this primate species have on their crown a centrally-parted mop top while a few others have it combed forward.

It goes to prove that all of us humans, including this writer, have a common ancestor from whom we are said to have evolved.

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“D

oes this guy have anything better to do with his life?”

Even a casual reader of newspaper or viewer of TV news couldn’t have missed this gem of a line. It was part of US President Donald Trump’s tweet soon after the test of an inter-continental ballistic missile by North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, who claimed that it had the capacity to hit the US. Trump’s tweets are a daily feed not only to his American citizens but to the worldwide audience as well. One US commentator recently said that Donald’s digits are short. Too much tweeting may have worn out those stubby fingertips.

For the benefit of those who missed that tweet, I repeat it here. “North Korea has just launched another missile. Does this guy have anything better to do with his life? Hard to believe that South Korea and Japan will put up with this much longer.

‘‘

Both are lampooned as clowns, matching each other in their buffoonery, bombast, bluff, bluster and bravado

‘‘

BY LP AYER

Perhaps China will put a heavy move on North Korea and end this nonsense once and for all!”

Short and stubby, Kim is no slouch in giving back. He could have fired a missive, not a missile, in a tit-for-tat text: “Does this guy have anything better to do with his life other than tweeting? Hard to believe that the ‘fake news’ folks from CNN, NY Times, Washington Post and TV female presenter Mika Brezinski will put up with this much longer.”

Every time the jovial looking Kim fires a missile, it sends jitters around the world.

Political pundits predict the start of the next world war. However, Pyongyang’s fireworks need not panic anyone. I see the world is well-balanced at this point in time; in fact, better balanced than during the cold war days when the US and Russia were facing toe to toe.

And that’s because Trump and Jong-un have so much in common.

Both are lampooned as clowns, matching each other in their buffoonery, bombast, bluff, bluster and bravado. During his campaign and soon after swearingin, Trump trumpeted his three major strategies - scrapping Obamacare, building a wall along the Mexican border and stopping arrivals from six Middle-eastern

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