2017-10 Brisbane

INDIAN LINK

PUBLISHER

Pawan Luthra

EDITOR

Rajni Anand Luthra

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Harshad Pandharipande

MELBOURNE COORDINATOR

Preeti Jabbal

CONTRIBUTORS

Gaurav Masand, Manan Luthra, Sanam Sharma, Dhanya Samuel, Punita Udeshi, Chetana Ganatra, Tia Singh, Usha Ramanujam Arvind, Jyoti Shankar, Auntyji, Vandana G

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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

or a trickle?

BY PAWAN LUTHRA

The dictionary defines ‘confluence’ as a “flowing together.” In a literal sense, it’s about rivers. But it’s more often used to talk about coming together of factors or ideas, or of cultures in a diverse city.

strong diversity, but venues such as the Sydney Opera House and Federation Square were iconic centres for hosting the events. While these shows were well attended by Indian-Australians, they failed to attract mainstream Australians, missing out on the target audiences. The language barriers played a role in this, as it seemed that turned off the average Australian culture vulture. Poor marketing also accounted for lack of mainstream Australia attending Confluence 2016.

top states of Australia? And what is being done to market these shows to non-Indians to achieve the vision of Confluence?

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

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Nearly 12 months ago, writing about Confluence 1.0, I had concluded that though it was a journey well begun and the groundwork to engage the local Australian community had been laid, a vision for continuity had to be developed. The editorial then had emphasised that for India to develop its soft power in Australia, it had to build on what Confluence 1.0 had delivered, while understanding what it had failed to deliver.

One year on, Confluence 2.0 is here again, but rather than progressing on its strong achievements of last year, it seems to be actually going backwards. In 2016, not only did the program have

There is an appetite for traditional and contemporary things Indian to be shared with the local Australian audiences. Only recently, writer and orator Shashi Tharoor spoke to packed programs at Melbourne Writers Festival and at the Antidotes presentation at the Sydney Opera House. The annual Sydney Festival has hosted shows such as the Manganiyar Seduction and William Dalrymple’s Nine Lives to packed theatres over a number of nights. Tickets have sold out in record times for these shows. Yet at Confluence 2017, for a major cultural and commercial hubs such as Sydney, there are just a couple of shows; Melbourne, three shows. Is that all India can offer to arguably the

Nobel laureate Amartya Sen has said that the culture of modern India is a complex blend of its historical traditions and influences from the effects of colonialism over centuries and current Western culture - both collaterally and dialectically. So, Confluence needs to draw from the vast repertoire of professional options available in the performing arts, drama, theatre, music, painting, literature, martial arts etc to ensure a deeper engagement with Australia and Australians.

The Indian High Commissioner to Australia, Ajay Gondane, has articulated his vision for Confluence to “celebrating vitality, credibility and the ‘soft power’ of India’s culture, as passed down from one generation to another through an organic and live process. It is a credible effort to offer, to the discerning and appreciative audience in Australia, from among the best creativity emerging in present-day India.”

Perhaps more needs to be done to achieve this vision in future years, otherwise the confluence will slow down to a trickle.

YOUR SAY

MEET THE GIRL BEHIND THE HILARIOUS SHOPPING LIST!

Indian Link Radio anchor CHARUTA chatted with Era Golwalkar who created an organised (and funny!) veggie shopping list for her husband.

Era replied: Thanks for sharing!

Qismat Khan @qismatkhan13 tweeted: Hahaha! So sweet! All men wish to get smart wife like you! Great job.

Azmat Ali@Azmatalli tweeted: Our family enjoyed this story and your creative grocery list. Love from Pakistan.

Era replied: Thanks for your compliment. Am glad you liked it!

Marwati Suleiman@SuleimanMarwati tweeted: Good idea, must give the list to my hubby and kids too. Thanks for sharing Era.

Iqbal@Iqbalvtr tweeted: Really interesting. Smart.

Vidhya@aleenavm tweeted: Good idea. I can use this too.

Vinny Carrizzo@DaVinman421 tweeted: I give her props! My wife sends me to the store with a list and I STILL have to call her at least 5 times to make sure I get the right stuff.

Barbara McKinney@rennibug8529 tweeted: I love this list! My ex would have still come home with the wrong stuff.

Rhythmicons@Synthoholics tweeted: My wife takes too long in produce. It’s a running joke that she gets trapped there.

Ladymissmegan@gmail@ladymissmegan tweeted: Yes, this is awesome and useful. My ancé says he used to cook pro, but brought home a shallot instead of garlic!?!

RANVEERISMS!

Celebrity chef Ranveer Brar was in Sydney and spoke to RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA about what’s new and what’s old in the world of cuisine and the role of social media in contemporary food

Rajni Luthra @rajnil2 tweeted: What I learnt from @ranveerbrar Humility; gratitude; telling stories; doing what you love; loving what you do.

queenbee@ashadeof_red tweeted: The best #Ranveerism fact is ‘A good quality khichdi with desi ghee.’ There’s an instant connection when you nd you share the same love for comfort food - Khichdi

Ranveer reposted our Instagram post: And evening with Indian Link and India

Tourism Sydney

Ranveer also discussed food and politics with NSW MP Julie Owens over idlis, dhoklas and chutney. Ranveer posted the pic of him and Julie Owens having idlis. Julie quoted and retweeted him

Julie Owens MP@julieowensmp: What a pleasure that was. And now I know how to cook uf er idlis.

Shivani Tiwari@sunandasuklas tweeted: Julie Owens is looking nice in sari.

MADE IN INDIA, BUILT FOR AUSTRALIA

The rst train for Sydney’s $8.3 billion Metro Northwest metro line has arrived from India. They were assembled near Chennai.

Hitesh Patel wrote: Nice. Can’t wait for the ride.

KV Chaudhary wrote: Proudly ‘Make in India’ project.

Mukesh Dubey lamented: And the trains are getting derailed in India

SAY IT AGAIN

DANDI MARCH IN SYDNEY

On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, children re-enacted the Dandi March at UNSW in Sydney.

Rajni Luthra @rajnil2 tweeted: Wonderful reminder of a spirit that moved a nation.

CUTENESS OVERLOAD

Our Facebook post about children performing at the Bhutanese community’s annual event in Melton, Victoria got a lot of likes. People couldn’t stop gushing over their cuteness.

Ayse Salih wrote: Super gorgeous! Well done!

Usha Vazirani wrote: Wow, all the kids look awesome

Jenny Collier-Cullinger wrote: Beautiful.

Deepti Alurkar wrote: Our 3-year-old champion!

Supriya Agnihotri wrote: Cutest kanha ever!

Ankit Dang wrote: So cute!

At least 1.5 to 2% of the GDP has been sacri ced and at least 1.5 million jobs have been lost India’s ex- nance minister P Chidambaram, talking about effects of note ban and GST during a lecture at AII

I’m absolutely appalled by what is happening, because the impact (of climate change) on the Great Barrier Reef is now documented India’s former environ minister Jairam Ramesh, on Adani’s Carmichael Coal Mine

COLOUR PENCILS ON BLACK PAPER!

We’re loving the work of young Indian contemporary artist Shashikant Dhotre Indian Australian@theaussieindian tweeted: What a talent! Have seen some of the pictures before and been gobsmacked. Truly blessed by God, @ shashidhotre! More power to your pen(cil)!!

Aneeta Menon wrote: These are incredible.

Thangamani Periasamy wrote: Excellent paintings

Mahesh Berwal commented: Great talent!

Shweta Kaushal said: Amazing!

Roopa Mrudul wrote: Beautiful!

Katherine Tomlinson@Storyauthority tweeted: Vibrant!

LESSONS FROM THE LAMB AD

HARSHAD PANDHARIPANDE wrote on how the community handled the infamous lamb ad featuring Ganesha eating meat.

Haniour Sampangiramaiah Subbar wrote: In the Hindu community, we have both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Both vegetarians and nonvegetarians worship not only Ganesha but all gods. In Hindu communities also, there was, or in some cases still is, the practice of offering of animals and birds to certain gods during festivities. Of course, the government banned such offerings. Any way, these kind of advertisements should be objected to under laws formed by the local governments to uphold the community feelings. Even in India, mutton stalls and liquor shops are named after some deities. Such naming should be banned by the local licensing authorities in India.

KV Naga Lakshmi wrote: I have different view: Hindus eat lamb. Lord is in a lamb advertisement, I don’t see the offence, or ‘religious sentiments being hurt’.

Krish Na had a different concern altogether: I’m actually more offended by the abuse of apostrophes in that Change.org petition. Cringeworthy!

NSW: A DIWALI SHOWDOWN

Get all lit up and show NSW MPs Jodie McKay and Julia Finn how you celebrate the Festival of Lights.

Aneeta Menon wrote: Love it.

Punita Udeshi Ganwani wrote: Wow! Love their spirit! That’s amazing how they’ve got involved in Diwali and how nicely they are dressed up.

INDIA V AUST: KULDEEP’S STUNNING HAT-TRICK

India’s Kuldeep Yadav created history when he became the third Indian bowler to pick up a hat-trick in one-day international cricket. India won the series against Australia.

Krish Na wrote: Pretty ordinary cricket by the Aussies after a good job with the ball. At this rate, they’ll be mentally decimated by the Ashes series. On the other hand, India is now looking like the invincible teams of Aussies in the nineties and the noughties.

Lakshmipathi Chockalingam wrote: Too early to put India in Windies and Aussies league of 80s and 90s respectively. They have to dominate in away series which both Windies and Aussies did comfortably.

Xdulkar-Sydney @xdulkar tweeted: Australia’s last 12 ODIs away from home - L L L L L L L NR NR L L L

WHERE IN INDIA?

Sachin Wakhare answered: Stunning! Not sure but guessing Andaman & Nicobar Islands?

Poonam Chauhan wrote: Beautiful!

Kunal Singh@Kunalsatrah tweeted: Assam? Maybe Arunachal Pradesh?

Surely some North-Eastern state (He was almost there!)

Answer: This is the Umngot River in Meghalaya, possibly India’s cleanest river.

Even 1,000 Gandhis cannot ‘clean India’ without support of 125 crore Indians Indian PM Modi, on Gandhi Oct 2 birth anniversary

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Poor decision-making under pressure, that’s what I put it down to. Something we need to improve on because it’s not good enough

Aus captain Steve Smith, after 4-1 loss to India

#Adani is appalling Queensland, they cannot be trusted, Not on jobs, not on revenue, not on anything. Van Badham, Guardian writer, reacting to Four Corners show on Adani mine

THE WARMTH OF FAMILY Gaurav Masand

I’ve ‘upgraded’ from diyas to tealights ever since I moved to Oz! And while it may not be possible to have a favourite tealight, there can be such a thing as a special arrangement! Especially for me as a photographer. My favourite Diwali light arrangement snapshot is the main image of this page, from as recently as last year. My parents came visiting from Bhavnagar Gujarat, their rst visit down under, making it a very special Diwali for all of us. That’s Mum’s hand arranging the tealights.

Just shine

It’s beginning to feel a lot like… Diwali. The festival theme is creeping in when we catch up with friends or ring the family back in India. To get into the mood full on, what else can we do but bring out the diyas! We ask our friends here to pick their favourite diyas

COOL CANDLES Manan Luthra

I like candles of different shapes. Mum gets my sister and I to pick our own candles for Diwali. When we were young, we used to bring out the number candles left over from our birthday cakes. They became our ‘special’ Diwali candles. Then we started buying our own cool candles. Cupcake candle was always a favourite. We found animal candles, ice cream cone candles, watermelon candles and other fruit shaped ones, and car and truck candles. One year we picked really cool thong candles. But Mum said she didn’t want chappal candles for Diwali.

THE DIYA AS HERITAGE Sanam Sharma

There are days that are all about tradition, and Diwali is one of them. In these times of fancy LED lights, there is a soothing romance about lighting up your home with those traditional earthen diyas that icker long and slow through the jubilant Diwali night. Eight years ago, for our son Arjun’s rst Diwali, my wife Jasdeep and I bought this old-style, rustic, handmade diya It has since remained the centre piece of our Diwali decorations each year. An important part of passing on our cultural heritage to our kids in this adopted homeland is for them to understand the folklore associated with these festive occasions, and diyas are therefore an inherent part of Diwali celebrations in our households. This particular diya holds a special place for us for it has marked every single Diwali for us, since Arjun was born. This Diwali too, we shall wash it clean and ll it with sarson ka tel (mustard oil), dip a cotton wick deep into its sanctum, and let it sparkle our Diwali night.

LIGHT THAT DISPELS THE DARKNESS OF IGNORANCE Dhanya Samuel

The nilavilakku always ignites the fondest of memories for me. It takes me back to my childhood and my annual holiday visits to Kerala. Quite contrary to popular belief, the nilavilakku is not just signi cant to the Hindu religion, but also extends its signi cance to other religions. A strong and vivid memory is the huge lamp that adorns one of our ancient churches, the oil and wicks constantly replenished to ensure that the lamp is always lit, signifying the victory of good over evil always. I remember my aunt telling me about offering oil as a donation to the church, a practice by most believers who visit the church which helps keep the lamp constantly lit. And we would always collect a little oil from the base of the lamp to bring back home, as it is considered to be holy. My belief in the ritual has waned over the years. But every time I light the nilavilakku in my home, it’s not just fond memories but also the belief that light is like knowledge which dispels the darkness of ignorance.

THE MAGIC OF LIGHT Aparna Ananthuni

I don’t do diyas, but I do have a favourite diya in a work of art. In this watercolour portrait of a young girl dressed in a salmon-pink sari and shielding a richly painted, lit diya from the wind, we see the quiet, secret magic of light. It gilds the golden blouse of the subject, casts a warm, friendly glow over her sari and face, and seems to have its own personality. The portrait is highly skilled in its realism, and yet the direct gaze of the young girl (artist Haldankar’s third daughter Gita Uplekar, then aged just twelve) and the shadows blanketing the wall behind her, combine to create a sense of mystery and subtle happiness. ‘Glow of Hope’, nally, makes light both a beautiful and complicated thing.

SL Haldankar’s Glow of Hope (1945-46)

HOPE AND LIGHT Chetana Ganatra

Diwali symbolises hope, knowledge and the victory of light over darkness. Of the various rituals involved in the celebrations, the lighting of a terracotta oil lamp, or diya, is my favourite. The diya illuminates the whole house with its warm glow and is a delight to behold. On Diwali, every nook and corner of my house is lit with an oil-andcotton-wick diya - it brings a sense of enjoyment and celebration in my household. On one such ne occasion back in Mumbai 15 years ago, there was festivity in the air just before Diwali. For almost a week, I had been noticing a frail old lady, fondly called Aaji (grandmother), sitting in a dark and lonely corner of the local mall. Her handmade diyas were not exactly selling like hot cakes. But that didn’t sour the friendly smile with which she greeted passers-by. That she had not lost hope was endearing. When it was time for me to buy diyas, I decided to get them from Aaji rather than a fancy showroom. I didn’t need to light the diya for its light; I felt a glow inside when I bought it from Aaji and saw her face light up. The diya travelled with me across the ocean as a cherished possession. Aaji’s undying optimism - that’s what it reminds me of today.

NEVER JUDGE A GIFT BY ITS WRAPPER Punita Udeshi

I have a set of brass diyas that are very close to my heart. On our rst trip back to India as husband and wife, Gopal and I visited Pune. It was Diwali. Gopal had been to university there, and rented a at with a few other students. A retired couple, the Sardesais, were their neighbours and would invite them for meals from time to time. During our visit to Pune, they invited us newlyweds for dinner and showed us the fun side of their retired life. Uncle, a retired army of cer and Aunty, a social worker, made the most of this stage of their life.  As we took our leave, the Sardesais gave us warm blessings. To my utter bewilderment, Sardesai Aunty handed me a box of Bagpiper whisky. Times must have changed in India, I thought, if new brides are given alcohol instead of something traditional! Back home, I opened the pack - out came the parts to two beautiful brass diyas. I will never forget Aunty’s laugh when I described to her my (double) surprise, the next day. For 14 years since, the brass diyas have come out for Ganpati Pooja, Diwali and all other auspicious functions at our home. When it’s time to put them away, they are disassembled, and stored in the very same whisky box they came in! My diyas remind me of the gorgeous couple who gifted them to us - their blessings are always with us.

CANDLES WITH A CAUSE Tia Singh

I was raised in Australia, but there were a few times that I was lucky enough to celebrate Diwali in Delhi with my grandparents. I remember buying diyas from the Blind Relief Association’s annual Diwali Mela. This Mela has become quite an institution in Delhi over the past 30 years. It all started with a simple effort to teach visually impaired people a skill - making earthenware diyas and wax candles - as a means of earning a living. Today, their beautiful, handmade candles see people lining up at the stalls, and subsequently selling out. Although they themselves cannot see, their effort to spread a little bit of light is inspiring. I encourage all to embrace the spirit of Diwali by buying charitable candles to light up their homes with. There are plenty of places that sell the most wonderful candles for a variety of charitable causes – women, children, and animals in need. My favourite diya is a charity candle.

SL Haldankar’s Glow of Hope (1945-46)

Photo: Blind Relief Association

Let there be light

During the Hindu festival of Deepavali, the lamp has a profound meaning, full of symbolic overtones

The following invocation contains a few answers:

Asatoma sat gamaya

Tamasoma jyotir gamaya

BY USHA RAMANUJAM ARVIND

It’s that much-awaited time of the year, when Hindu homes come alive with festivities, reaching a crescendo with Deepavali.

Beyond the external trappings of fireworks and fanfare, Deepavali, as the name indicates, is a festival of lights. Why is Deepavali so important in the Hindu calendar, and even more fundamentally, why is the lighting of the lamp such an essential aspect of nitya karma (daily ritual)?

The day starts for a number of traditionalists with the lighting of the lamp, be it the conventional diya or its more contemporary avatars (including electric look-alikes). For many, it is a habit or a rigorously upheld custom; for others, it is a moment of reflection or even refreshing start to yet another day with all its ups and downs.

As with every other tradition in Hinduism, the lamp has a profound meaning, full of symbolic overtones.

Mrutyoma amritam gamaya (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad)

The verse is a prayer to lead mankind from illusion and ignorance to an understanding of truth, from darkness to light, and from fear and death to immortality. When this awareness dawns on man, he transcends his mere physical existence to perceive the Brahman or the Supreme Being.

During Deepavali, by lighting a myriad of lamps, every Hindu renews his prayers for an enlightened world.

Light, no doubt, is the basis of every civilization, ancient and modern, pagan and scientific. On a mundane level, it shows us the way to dispel darkness and carry on with our everyday life. On a symbolic level it banishes the inner darkness. By lighting the lamp, we hope to see clearly and strive for perfection both internal and external.

The diya (clay container) is believed to metaphorically represent vairaagya; the wick stands for concentration, and the matchstick symbolises tatva gnana or spiritual awareness. The oil used to fill the lamp represents inner purity and love. Only when

these four elements work in conjunction, can the lamp of wisdom be lit.

It is no less interesting to note that the flame of the lamp, no matter where it is located, is constantly directed upwards and thus also represents the path to wisdom, divinity and ultimately moksha or liberation.

Normally, the person who lights the lamp is the Griha Lakshmi or the woman of the house. She holds an important status for performing this daily ritual. With this simple act she starts the day, leading the way for other activities to follow.

Likewise in Hindu temples, the Garba graha (sanctum sanctorum) is small and dark, quite unlike the bright and lavish exterior. The deity is visible only when the aarti is performed. It probably denotes that man has to give up the external trappings and direct his mind inwards towards the garba griha of his heart, guided by the lamp of knowledge.

The camphor, which burns itself out in the process of lighting up represents our vasanas or desires. In doing so it gives forth the fragrance of love and service to mankind. During the aarti, we close our eyes, contemplate and bend down to look inwards at the Aatman within us. Self realisation comes with knowledge. The

jyoti denotes the Aatman (the self) and the aarti signifies that we (Aatma) are a part of God (ParamAatma) and we should always contemplate (Dhyaanam) on him.

Caught up in the worldly rat race, we often forget to stop and ponder over life’s broader significance. Possibly for this reason, the Hindu calendar is dotted with numerous but very meaningful festivals. The legends of Narakasura, the dark demon ruler of Praagjyotisha Puram (land of darkness) and Ravana, the mighty king of Lanka reinforce these concepts of ignorance and knowledge. The ignorant is always re-born (Punarapi jananam punarapi maranam). God who is immortal is worshipped as Gnana Jyothi or Light of Wisdom. When Narakasura was killed, all those who suffered under him were overjoyed. Having led a life of darkness till then, both internally and externally, they celebrated the occasion by lighting lamps. There is much significance in lighting lamps. The flame of one lamp can light an array of lamps. That one lamp symbolises the Paramjyothi (supreme effulgence). The others symbolise Jivana Jyothis (light in individual selves).

Year after year during Deepavali, we pray for the victory of good over evil and light over darkness.

During Deepavali, by lighting a myriad of lamps, every Hindu renews his prayers for an enlightened world

‘‘ ‘‘

WE’RE POWERING FORWARD MAKING ENERGY MORE AFFORDABLE

As Australia’s energy system transitions, the Australian Government is making energy more affordable. We’ve already secured agreements from retailers to offer consumers a better deal, and some households could save up to $1,500 per year on their power bills. We’re also ensuring there is enough gas for Australians before it’s shipped offshore. To find out more search ‘POWERING FORWARD’.

It’s actions like this today that are powering a more affordable energy future.

Understanding Australia’s new broadband

By replacing and upgrading parts of the existing phone and internet network, nbn is bringing more Australians access to fast and reliable broadband services.*

Most homes and businesses need to switch

As most existing landline phone and internet services will be disconnected, it’s important you switch a ected services before your disconnection date.^ nbn will notify you by mail once you can switch to a new plan over the nbn™ access network. You’ll then have up to 18 months before existing services are disconnected.^

nbn is a wholesaler

This means nbn does not sell to the public. nbn supplies phone and internet providers with wholesale services they combine with their own network services to deliver your new plan. So you’ll need to contact your preferred provider once you’re ready to switch.

You have a choice of speeds

nbn o ers three superfast wholesale speed tiers to providers - 25Mbps, 50Mbps and 100Mbps.* There’s also 12Mbps, which is not considered superfast broadband.* Talk to your phone and internet provider about speed tiers available in your area, as well as the actual speeds you can expect to experience on your new plan (particularly during peak times like the evening).

Factors a ecting your experience

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Safety-critical devices like medical alarms, fire alarms, monitored security alarms and lift emergency phones, may not be compatible with your new plan at all times.† To help minimise a loss in your services, check with your device provider that these will work on your new plan or whether you’ll need to find an alternative solution. It’s also important you register safety-critical devices with nbn by calling 1800 227 300 or visiting nbn.com.au/compatibility.

Contact a phone or internet provider

*Your experience, including the speeds actually achieved over the nbn™ broadband access network, depends on the technology over which services are delivered to your premises and some factors outside our control (like your equipment quality, software, signal quality, broadband plan and how your service provider designs its network). nbn is a provider of wholesale speeds to internet providers. nbn™ wholesale speed tiers available to your phone and internet provider vary depending on the access technology in your area. ^ Services o ered to phone and internet providers over the nbn™ broadband access network will be replacing phone and internet services provided over most of the existing landline networks, including copper and the majority of HFC networks within the fixed line footprint. Services provided over existing fibre networks (including in-building, health and education networks) and some special and business services may not be a ected. To find out if your services will be a ected, please contact your current phone or internet provider. For more information, visit nbn.com.au/ switcho or call 1800 687 626.† The rollout of the nbn™ broadband access network will involve new technologies, and some existing devices (including many medical alarms, autodiallers and emergency call buttons) may not be compatible with these at all times. You should contact your device provider to find out if your alarm or other device will work when connected to the nbn™ broadband access network and what alternative solutions are available. For more information, visit nbn.com.au/compatibility.

Lessons from the lamb ad

The community came together to protest the portrayal of Ganesha, but took the dismissal of complaints in its stride

count across the four mediums which this ad appears on: TV (137), internet (59), Facebook (19) and Pay TV (3).

communities whose deities and religious icons have been shown in the ad.

BY HARSHAD PANDHARIPANDE

he now-infamous Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) advertisement depicting Lord Ganesha once again proved the old marketing adage: There’s no such thing as bad publicity.

The jury may be out on whether the outrage the ad triggered was by design or merely incidental, but the promotion did create controversy, which is just the fuel anything needs to go viral in today’s likecomment-share times. The ad fed off the conversation it generated.

In coming out with an ad that was irreverent and flirting with boundaries of sensibilities as well as advertising ethics, MLA lived up to its reputation of ruffling more than a few feathers with its promotions. Cases in point: Its ad in January that angered Indigenous communities, and another promotion last year that vegans had, er, beef with (see accompanying box: MLA, a repeat offender).

There is clearly a pattern here. After MLA’s latest ad came out, a large section of Indians were outraged at the depiction of Lord Ganesha in the film that promotes lamb meat, and the Advertising Standards

Complaints were also sent out to Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.

The ad campaign has since ended.

The ASB seems to have taken a long and hard look at the ad and deliberated on it for a few days. In the end, however, it ruled that, contrary to allegations that the ad vilified the Hindu religion and offended its practitioners, it promoted religious tolerance and inclusiveness.

The advertisement did bring together the Indian-Australian community in Sydney and Melbourne and gave it a cause to fight for. To its credit, the community took the sensible and democratic route of approaching the industry umpire, launching an online petition, forming WhatsApp groups and discussing the issue threadbare on social media and in dinner conversations.

One commenter put it succinctly when they said, “We are not only fighting for dignity of our god but also respect for our faith and for us.”

Even after the ASB ruling, there was no kneejerk reaction. In fact, there was a growing sense within the community to move past the issue and get on with it. The tone of discussion in several social groups was that stretching it any further would prove to be counterproductive, and end up isolating the community, especially

Of course, there were some who wanted to fight it out. In online discussions, ideas were thrown around as to what the next step should be. Suggestions included contacting the reviewers to appeal the decision, appointing a lawyer and so on.

There were a few peaceful protestspeaceful being the operative word - in Melbourne and Sydney. However, with limited attendance, the protests did not gain momentum. There were some who said they would give up eating lamb meat, at least for a while.

Gurdeep Singh, President of Indian Australian Association of NSW, issued a bold statement. “A significant part of the community do not wish for this matter to be further aired in public for the reason that continued protest is actually giving boost to the ad itself, particularly when no other religious group is involved in the protest and are relaxed about the video.

“There may still be an attempt from some quarters to rake up the dying issue through taking out protest march etc. Any such activity is sheer politics, counterproductive and unnecessary under the prevailing situation,” Singh, who is the former Deputy Mayor of Hornsby Shire Council, said.

On social media too, there were as many, if not more, shrugged shoulders as there were raised fists.

“Hinduism is not a religion of the books or by the books,” said one commenter on

the Facebook group Indians In Sydney. “We really don’t have any doctrines in this religion. To be specific it’s a conglomeration of different faiths as Hinduism is more of a geographical identity than a religion. So a Hindu practice in the west is very different from the east of India. Same for south and north. So please don’t try to generalise Hinduism as that will undermine the diversity of the religion.”

Another commenter added, “I loved the advertisement for its concept and the fact that Ganesha was (adorable). I do not take it beyond the fact that this is an advert and is about driving a message which is for the Australian consumer. I will say, look at the larger point. Australian advertisements showing Indian god or Indian culture confirms that the country has accepted Indians as part of Aussie culture and way of life. We should look at it as a positive reaffirmation of the fact that ours is a community which is kept in mind while designing a nationwide campaign. Let’s not trivialise something as huge as a religion by getting hurt by something innocent as this. There was no malicious intent in the creation of the film. So all those who are non-vegetarians, enjoy your lamb and smile about the advert and say “The ad is funny and lamb is yummy.”’

Another member on the same thread took this even further. “It means, even an Aussie company relied on Ganesh ji to bless them to increase their sales. Ganesh

ji won’t mind if it helps them to increase top line and give Christmas bonuses to their staff and it brings cheers and happiness in those families.”

The ASB, on its part, gave an elaborate and patient explanation as to why the advertisement should be viewed as offensive.

“There is no express or implied connotation during the Advertisement that religion is not accepted or acceptable, or that the dietary requirements or preferences of any particular religion should not be respected - to the

contrary, the overriding message of the Advertisement is religious tolerance and inclusiveness,” the ASB said.

There was a lot of hue and cry over the fact that Lord Ganesha was shown in a meat-eating context. Addressing this, the ASB said, “The majority of the Board also considered that the depiction of Lord Ganesha in a meat eating context, when there is no depiction of him eating meat, is not of itself treatment that is likely to incite ridicule or to people of the Hindu faith. In the Board’s view the

depiction of Lord Ganesha in the context of this advertisement is not unfair or less favourable due to his religion and is not vilifying of the Hindu faith.”

The order added, “The Board noted that while many Hindus are vegetarian, vegetarianism is not a requirement of this faith. The majority of the Board considered that the depiction of Lord Ganesha is, as the advertiser suggests, symbolic of the Hindu faith and his inclusion is part of the message of an inclusive multi faith meal.”

‘‘

MLA, too, said it did research and took help from experts while creating the ad. “In creating the Advertisement, MLA undertook appropriate research and consulted with two external experts in the field of multi-faith religious studies from Australian Universities. Feedback from those experts was taken into account at various stages during the creative process and in finalising the Advertisement.”

“There is nothing in the Advertisement that reveals inequity, bigotry, intolerance towards or unfair treatment of any religious group. All of the guests at the table are depicted poking fun at each other in a manner consistent with what a group of friends might do at a social gathering, with no particular person being treated more or less favourably than a person with another religious belief.

“In MLA’s view, the Advertisement does quite the opposite to discrimination,” the advertiser stated, “and conveys a message of inclusiveness and acceptance of all religions.”

In its explanation, it even went on to add that the actor playing Lord Ganesha in the advertisement was a practising Hindu man!

After the complaints were dismissed, MLA sought to strike a conciliatory tone. While it did not mention the controversy surrounding Lord Ganesha directly, it addressed the issue obliquely.

“There was never an intention to offend, rather we wanted to ensure that we were as inclusive as possible. To this end, those religions that don’t typically eat red meat are not shown consuming Lamb in the advertisement, but are still invited to the table,” MLA said in a statement.

“MLA has received feedback from

across the community regarding the Spring Lamb campaign, the majority of which has been positive. However some community members have registered concerns and we acknowledge and respect that feedback,” it said.

“MLA develops all of its campaigns - including this latest Lamb campaignwith the positive intent of celebrating the diversity and inclusivity of Australia,” its statement said.

The Indian High Commission, perhaps gauging the initial mood of outrage within the community, had also lodged an official diplomatic protest to three government departments - Foreign Affairs, Communications and Agriculture. But again, it did not escalate the issue or blow it out of proportion.

Public representatives in Australia also conveyed the displeasure of IndianAustralians within their constituencies. These included Federal parliamentarians Michael Sukkar, Zed Seselja, Julian Leeser, Michelle Rowland, David Feeney and Peter Khalil; Victorian MPs Robin Scott, Tim Pallas and Inga Peulich, and NSW MPs Ray Williams, Luke Foley, Jodi McKay and Julia Finn.

If nothing else, this proved that IndianAustralians have come to become important constituents for our politicians.

Hari Harinath, Chair of Community Relations Commission, said, “I’m aware of the ad and that some sections of the community are offended. I facilitated a meeting between community members and the Minister for Multiculturalism. Following the meeting, the Minister wrote a letter of concern to the MLA and also to the federal minister, outlining community concerns.”

The ad was a second affront to a large number of Indian-Australians in quick succession. Earlier, on 15 August, SBS had posted a video in which the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir had been depicted as disputed. This had triggered an angry response from within the Indian community in Australia.

Again, public representatives spoke about the issue or wrote to SBS to take corrective steps. In the end, the community could claim a moral victory when the SBS had to change to graphic to show a more accurate representation of Jammu and Kashmir’s disputed status on the Pakistani and Chinese fronts.

While the two incidents have proved that Indian-Australians may have found their voice in the mainstream public discourse, it also served as a reminder for the community to pick its battles and also similarly direct its energies towards other - and decidedly bigger - issues such as domestic violence and elder abuse.

MLA: A REPEAT OFFENDER

Offensive or not, MLA has certainly lived up to its history of making ads that rub some sections of the society the wrong way. In January this year, its Australia Day lamb advert drew criticism from indigenous groups as it depicted indigenous actors ‘welcoming’ European settlers. Many groups said they were upset at the ‘whitewashing’ of Australia’s history in the ad.

Before that, in January last year, vegans were up in arms with another of MLA’s advertisement, called Operation Boomerang, featuring newsreader Lee Lin Chin. It includes a scene where a SWAT-style operation is staged and a

vegan is ‘rescued’ while his kale is blowtorched.

Both the advertisements prompted complaints to the Advertising Standards Bureau, with the Operation Boomerang one being the third most complained about advertisement of all time, with 376 complaints.

However, the ASB dismissed the complaints. “A depiction of torching of the vegan food is an exaggerated and humorous response to the food that is not lamb - a portrayal of the food being less preferable to the advertised product, and not inciting hatred towards people who are vegan,” the ASB had ruled.

COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE LATEST AD

Case Number 0406/17

* I’m a Hindu and I see this commercial degrading our religion not just for me but millions of people who believe and have faith in this religion.

* Ad shows Hindu god Lord Ganesha eating/promoting meat and drinking wine. This is totally out of line and is insensitive, misleading and hurts religious sentiments of all people from Hindu background. Lord Ganesha is not a meat eater or drinker and god from any religion/culture should not be shown to promote a product.

Case Number 0412/17

* Seeing someone like our Lord Ganesha being offered meat is highly offensive as it is considered a sin to offer meat to God. * This a crude and offensive ad in a great multicultural society like Australia which will strong implications in future ranging from kids to people of all age who are Hindus as they may be bullied and mocked by this ad.

ASB’S EAGLE EYE

The Advertising Standards Bureau has a huge workload of dealing with complaints related to advertisements. On average, it receives in excess of 5,000 complaints each year relating to ads.

In 2014 the ASB received 5,735 complaints, in 2015 4,430 complaints and in 2016 5,529 complaints. That’s a whopping 15,694 complaints over the last three years. So far this year the ASB has received over 4,000 complaints. In general between 10-15% of advertisements which are considered by the Board have complaints upheld.

* It is hurting our religious sentiments by showing the Hindu god Ganesha as a Meat eater and also making fun of the Hindu god. It is very offending.

Case Number 0413/17

* Lord Ganesha represents vegetarianism since he is a vegetarian. Most Hindus are vegetarians.

* Lord Ganesha is highly respected in Hinduism and he was meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines and not to be used in selling lamb meat for mercantile greed.

Case Number 0414/17

* As a devout Christian, I personally found the depiction and discussion of Jesus Christ highly offensive

* It is disgusting and shows a completely disrespectful attitude to all religious faithful in this country.

* It wasn’t funny. It wasn’t warm. It was just blasphemy.

ASB CEO Fiona Jolly said that the ASB takes every complaint it receives seriously and considers whether they raise issues under any of the Codes and Initiatives. “The Board reviews complaints about religious content in advertisements the same way they review advertisement which raises issues under this section of the code. The Board considers the Code, including in this case the de nitions of ‘discrimination’ and ‘vili cation’ set out in the Practice Note to the Code, along with the advertisement, the complaints and the advertiser’s response,” Jolly said.

Australian advertisements showing Indian god or Indian culture confirms that the country has accepted Indians as part of Aussie culture

Indians In Sydney FB group commenter

Diwalichya hardik shubhechha

KhusiDiwali

Nepali

Marathi

Deepavali shubhakankshalu Telugu

A linguist’s Happy

Deepavalira anek shubhechha

Oriya

Deepavalikidillimubarakhbaad

Deepavaliparbecheshubhashay

Deepavalihabbada

Urdu

Konkani

Kannada

shubhashayagalu

Diwalidiyanbohtboht

vadhaiyanPunjabi

Sanskrit

Deepavali shubhechaha

Diwali Happy Diwali

Deepavali

Diyareeajoon

nalvazhthukal

SubhoDeepabalirpreetiOsubechshaBengali

Diwalikishubhkaamnaayein

Hindi

Deepavali parbada shubhashya Tulu

Diwali ni hardik shubechao Gujarati

Deepavali aashamsagal

Deepawalikarnesubhokamnathakil

DiwalihunzhathhathMubarak

RamRamsaDiwalirajualdakarusa

Malayalam

Kashmiri

wadhayoon

Tamil

Sindhi

Marwari

Assamese

Top 10 Bollywood Diwali Songs

10

1

9

8

7

7

6

5

8

4

3

9

2

6 2 3 4 1 5

1 Happy Diwali (Home Delivery, 2005)

10

Kaise Diwali Manaye (Paigham, 1959)

Mele Hain Chiragon Ke (Nazrana, 1961)

Aaye Hai Abke Saal Diwali (Haqueeqat, 1964)

Shehar Ki Pariyon (Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander, 1992)

Deep Diwali Ke Jhuthe (Jugnu, 1973)

Lakhon Tare Aasman Mein Magar (Hariyali Aur Rasta, 1962)

Ayee Hai Diwali (Aamdani Atthanni Kharcha Rupaiya, 2001)

Pairon Mein Bandhan Hai (Mohabbatein, 2000)

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, 2001)

Diwali Quiz

Questions

1 Diwali is a national holiday in India. Name the other nations where it is also a national holiday (Hint: There are 10!)

2 Does Deepavali mean ‘row of lamps’ or ‘string of lanterns’?

3 How much does India spend each year at Diwali on reworks?

4 When is Diwali celebrated each year?

5 What other religious groups celebrate Diwali in India, apart from Hindus?

6 Which southern Indian town produces the bulk of the country’s recrackers for Diwali?

7 Playing cards during Diwali is part of celebrations in which Indian metropolis?

8 What type of oil is traditionally used in oil lamps lit during Diwali?

9 Why do Jains celebrate Diwali?

10 What special signi cance does Diwali have in the business world?

Deepavali means ‘row of lamps’. Deep

new accounting books on this day - traditionally, it is the start of the new nancial year.

What I know about Diwali

I’d never heard of Diwali until a friend asked me. Rather than admit my ignorance, I did some research and look forward to participating in the Festival if I get the chance.

Melissa Hiatt-Boyle

I have many friends of Indian background, including Hindu and Sikhs. I nd they love to wear lots of clothing with colour and they look especially happy. My understanding of Diwali celebrations is one full of a Festival of Lights. Somewhat similar to my Greek Orthodox religion, it signi es a time of sharing and giving. It signi es a time of empowering good over evil and bringing our God and Goddess back into our life and our homes with prayers and light from candles and lanterns that have been blessed.

Georgina Kritikos

I don’t know anything. It’s a festival?

Katelin Farnsworth

Diwali is all about colour, lights, and intricate patterns which form beautiful visual creations that can be admired. It is about paying respect to

Diwali is the Festival of Lights. All I know is it’s like Fireworks Night in the UK. All over the UK, reworks light up the night.

Barbara Taylor

When it comes to Diwali, more Australians need to see the light.

Carmel Shute

Diwali is a Hindu festival with lights, held in the period of October to November. It is particularly associated with Lakshmi, the Goddess of Prosperity.

Julian Burns

I must confess to having no knowledge of the Diwali festival!

Sheryl Zurzolo

is a very popular event that my partner and our friends celebrate. I love this event as people everywhere light candles, reworks, lanterns and bon res to illuminate this holiday. Everything lights up and looks beautiful!

Zlatko Varenina

Who wants to be a Hindi cricket commentator?

Think you have what it takes to call a match like Harsha Bhogle or Bill Lawry?

It’s time to put your skills to the test with Indian Link’s Who wants to be a Hindi cricket commentator? competition

Indian Link Media Group will be broadcasting live cricket commentary selected matches for the upcoming KFC BBL, KFC WBBL & ODI, AdelaideAustralia vs England

We are looking for commentators who:

> Have an in-depth knowledge of cricket

> Have fluency in commentating in Hindi

> Are able to travel to Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne on match days

> Are over 18 years of age

Entries close 25 November 2017. T&Cs available at indianlink.com.au

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO APPLY:

1. Go to www.indianlink.com.au and watch the 3-minute video clip on our YouTube channel Indian Link Australia, or Indian Link Australia Facebook page

2. Record yourself calling the match in Hindi. (Use your smartphone or any other device)

3. Send us your recording via Whatsapp (+61 410 578 146) or via a message on our Facebook page (facebook.com/IndianLinkAustralia). Please include your name, age, city, contact details and email id. Successful candidates will be invited for a live audition.

Let the light Shine

I’m sorry, Gemma. But we can’t live in the light all of the time. You have to take whatever light you can hold into the dark with you.

Libba

Bray,

A Great and Terrible Beauty

The sun will rise and set regardless. What we choose to do with the light while it’s here is up to us. Journey wisely.

Alexandra Elle

People are like stained-glass windows.  They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within.

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.

Luke 11:33

Sometimes just looking up and seeing the light is enough.

Terri Guillemets

Never fear shadows. They simply mean there’s a light shining somewhere nearby.

Ruth E. Renkel

Light gives of itself freely, lling all available space. It does not seek anything in return; it asks not whether you are friend or foe.  It gives of itself and is not thereby diminished.

Michael Strassfeld

Dare to reach out your hand into the darkness, to pull another hand into the light.

Norman B. Rice

We are each gifted in a unique and important way. It is our privilege and our adventure to discover our own special light.

Evelyn Dunbar

Sweet things in life

With Diwali just round the corner, get inspiration from GAURAV MASAND as he rustles up these divine delicacies in his kitchen

Chikki

Chikki/brittle can be made with sugar or jaggery or both. You could make this with peanuts, dry fruits, coconut, sesame seeds or bengal gram. The recipe presented here is simple and has readily available ingredients.

Ingredients

1 cup peanuts (without skin)

1/2 cup jaggery

1 tbsp ghee or clari ed butter

2-3 cardamoms powdered

Instructions

Pulse peanuts in a food processor very brie y, to get a roughly cut texture. You don’t want a powder. Dry-roast peanuts in a heavybottomed pan, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes. Take off the heat when the nuts start to get brown spots.

Khorak

This is a traditional Sindhi recipe, made with whole wheat our, dry fruits, ghee and poppy seeds (khus khus) during festivals, especially during Diwali.

Ingredients

¾ cup whole wheat our

½ cup ghee

½ cup water

¾ cup jaggery

¼ cup dry fruits (cashews, almonds, walnuts, raisins), chopped nely

2 tbsp poppy seeds

2 tbsp dessicated coconut

3-4 cardamom, seeds only

In another heavy-bottomed pan, add ghee and jaggery until they start to melt.

Keep stirring on a medium ame until the jaggery turns a deep brown and begins to bubble slightly.

To test if the jaggery is ready, take a few drops of the hot jaggery in a spoon and drop it in a small bowl of cold water. If the jaggery turns brittle immediately, the jaggery mix is ready. Add cardamom powder to it along with roasted peanuts and take it off the heat.

Pour the mix on to a greased plate/ baking sheet.

While it’s still hot and pliable, cover it with a baking sheet and roll it with a rolling pin so that it spreads evenly. Make square (or any other shape) incisions with a sharp knife before it cools down completely.

Let it cool down completely, at least an hour, then break it into the pieces. Store in a dry container.

Baklava

Baklava is a Mediterranean sweet with Turkish roots. It has a rich lling of dry fruits, sweetened with honey or sugar, between lo pastry sheets. This recipe is a Persian ‘Pakhlava’, made with dry fruits and rose water. You will need lo pastry sheets which are readily available in the freezer section of any supermarket.

Ingredients

For lling

1/3 cup almonds, peeled

1 cup walnuts

2 tbsp rose petals

1 tsp cardamom powder

1/4 cup sugar

Instructions

Heat water in a pan and add jaggery to it. Boil until it forms a sticky syrup. Keep aside.

Heat ghee in a pan. Add our and cook on medium ame, stirring continuously, until golden brown for 5-6 minutes. Add all other ingredients, except the jaggery mix, to the our. Mix well. Add the jaggery syrup to the our mixture.

Stir for 2 minutes on medium ame until jaggery syrup has been absorbed. Spread the mix in a tray lined with baking paper or greased with ghee. Garnish with extra dry fruit pieces. Let this set for 2-3 hours and cut into required shapes.

Stored in a cool, dark place. Will keep for 1-2 weeks.

For covering/pastry

20 lo pastry sheets

½ cup melted butter

For sugar syrup

1 cup sugar

½ cup water

¼ cup rose petals

Instructions

For the syrup

In a saucepan, boil water. Stir in sugar until it dissolves and then add rose petals. Keep aside.

For the lling

In a food processor, pulse walnuts, almonds, rose petals and sugar for 1 minute.

For making baklava

Preheat oven to 180 deg C. Grease a baking dish (18cm x 28cm and 3.5cm-deep) evenly with butter.

Lay 8 lo sheets in the baking dish one by one, brushing each sheet with butter.

Scatter half of the lling evenly over the buttered lo sheets. Cover mixture with 6 lo sheets one by one, brushing each with butter.

Scatter the remaining lling over. Cover with 6 sheets one by one, each brushed with butter. Brush the top with butter too. Refrigerate for 10 minutes. Make incisions into baklava, with a sharp knife, in desired shapes. Traditionally, it’s diamond-shaped.

Bake at 180 deg C for 35-40 mins or until golden brown. Pour rose petal syrup over the pieces. Let it cool. Remove from baking dish. Serve at room temperature.

MATRIMONIALS

SEEKING GROOMS

Seeking Gujarati match, either in Australia or abroad, with good family values, for a well settled accountant. Australian citizen, 42, 5’8”, divorced with no children. Vegetarian and non-smoker. Respond with photo and biodata to WhatsApp/Viber 0421 504 058 or email gujiaust@gmail.com

Brother based in Sydney seeks suitable match for 39-year-old Mumbai-born, never married Gujarati girl. 5’4”, well cultured medium built, B.Com and working for international shipping company in Dubai. Hindu grooms please. Contact on 0416475948 or komaldxb@gmail.com

Seeking a professionally quali ed, settled match for Sydney-based, never married Australian citizen. Hindu, Punjabi Khatri 44, 5’3” slim, fair, attractive girl. Postgraduate and working on a good position in government organisation. Please send details with photo indsyd2016@gmail.com

Suitable match for a soft spoken and intelligent IT professional 32-year-old girl. Must be healthy, clean-looking and preferably Canberra-based. Pl SMS your interest to 0415948567.

Looking for a professional, well-educated, cosmopolitan, tall, Hindu groom (Australian resident or citizen) for a 32-year-old Telugu divorcee with no kids working in Bangalore IT MNC. Please contact on persephones84@gmail.com or 0417 17 0487

Seeking professionally quali ed match for fair, slim, beautiful, family oriented Punjabi Khatri girl. 37/5’2”, well quali ed, working as IT Business Analyst in Sydney. Innocent divorcee having 11-year-old daughter. Caste no bar. Send biodata and pics to matrimonial4alliance@gmail.com or call on 0413820305

Sister based in Sydney seeks suitable match for 38-year-old/5’5’’ nevermarried Punjabi Khatri girl. Doctor by profession, vegetarian. Settled in India, but ne to move overseas. Currently in Sydney on holidays. Caste no bar. Email guruji2111@gmail.com or call on 0449785957

SEEKING BRIDES

Seeking alliance for my son, 32-year-old male, 6’, Haritasa gotram (Dhanishta 4th padam), Masters in Design from IIT Kanpur and MFDI & MEM from Sydney, working in QBE Sydney as UX Designer. Looking for a slim, Brahmin girl from Australia/NZ. Contact +919848994624 or vemramkri@ yahoo.com

A well-settled, clean-shaven 48-year-old (looks only 35) good looking, tall, slim. Senior manager with one of the four major Australian banks from a Jat Sikh family is seeking a lady with a view to marriage. Citizen of Australia and USA, good natured, sociable with a blend of Eastern and Western values. Caste and age no bar. Respond to param69@gmail.com

Seeking suitable match for Bengali boy, Australian citizen, 33 years old, 178cm, holding Masters degree, manager in a leading bank. Family wellsettled in Australia. Seeking well-educated Hindu girl, 25-31 years old. Australian citizen or PR. Please respond to matrimozind@gmail.com.

Manglik, handsome, vegetarian, slim, Australian citizen Punjabi Mittal boy 28, 5’9”. Well qualified, doing last subject of CPA working full time (Melbourne). Seeking beautiful, slim, vegetarian, professional girl. Any upper Hindu caste send full biodata with snaps. Contact +919888389431, 0468343708.

Seeking professional bride for Hindu Punjabi, US Green Card holder and Australian citizen. 35/6’2”, Masters in Computer Science, Consulting Manager in Houston. Schooling and university studies from Australia. Email biodata with recent picture to mgahir@gmail.com

Seeking a suitable bride for an Australian citizen Sikh boy, 42 years old (looks younger), 5’ 8½” with wheatish complexion. Whole family settled in Australia. Innocent divorcee after 1-month marriage. The girl should be 34-38 years old with family and cultural values. Caste/religion no bar. Please email biodata with recent full length photograph to pleasecommunica8@gmail.com

Jet Airways wishes you Happy Diwali

Festive Season Special Fares

Service to the nation

We look at vocations in which members of our community are involved. RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA talks to AMARJIT SINGH BHANDAL about his work in the Australian Defence Force

My job title

Weapons Electrical Engineer. I hold the rank of Lieutenant Commander

I have been in this job for Eleven years

My education

I came to Australia as a student aged 23. I’d completed an undergraduate degree in India, and was interested in studying Microelectronics Engineering.

RMIT in Melbourne had a good course and I felt Australia would offer me great opportunities to pursue my career ambitions. While at university I met and befriended a group of students from the Navy. They had a real sense of mateship, community and were able to share what life in the Navy was really like. I loved the sense of camaraderie that existed between them. I decided to join. I have a bit of family history of service; my grandfather had served in the Army.

Since joining the Navy, I have further completed a Masters in Systems Engineering, funded by the Navy. I am currently undertaking a Masters degree in Reliability Engineering, through the University of Maryland, funded by the Australian Defence Force.

What my job entails

I have been a Weapons Electrical Engineer in the Navy for the past 11 years. When I am out at sea, I have responsibility for the weapons, combat system, sensors and communications equipment on the warship. A career highlight to date has been acting as Head of Department for Weapons Electrical Engineering on a Major Fleet Unit, HMAS Ballarat, whilst on deployment.

I’ve also been part of exercises with the Singaporean and Malaysian Navies.

Three months deployment on Operation Sovereign Borders was hugely memorable, not only for protecting our nation’s borders and our maritime interests but also for the human element involved.

Life at sea can be challenging – you’re living in close proximity to lots of other people (180 on HMAS Ballarat, for instance), and the workload is intense, but it

is wonderfully rewarding at the end of the day.

When I am ashore, I am involved in various system engineering roles during my two-year posting tenures. Currently I am manager of AMPS (Asset Management and Planning Systems) Assurance Cell, maintaining systems and providing advice. My team ensures that AMPS is technically fit for use in the fleet. We are involved in training the users, ensuring that the system is used correctly, and provide advice on all aspects of AMPS to various stakeholders.

What’s hard about my job

As with everything else, the communications aspect is always a challenge, coordinating various stakeholders to deliver good and acceptable AMPS.

The positive aspects…

There’s a sense of accomplishment. I feel that the work I do makes a difference to the Navy’s operations. I love the technical aspects of the job – I enjoy playing with systems and presenting to those higher up, new and better ways to help our processes. Being in the Navy, I get to travel a fair bit. With two deployments in 2008-09 and 2012-14, I have seen South East Asia and New Zealand quite extensively. In 200809, I was in Tonga as part of the King’s coronation; that was memorable.

I’m also very proud of the sense of belonging that I’ve experienced. There are people from diverse backgrounds and we’re all made to feel at home. It’s a level playing field. I think the ADF is more accommodating of diversity than the civilian world. People are valued for their contributions and the work they do, not judged by their appearance or where they have come from.

There’s job security as well, and a sense of respect from the community. That’s particularly true of my own (Indian) community: there’s high regard for the job.

How the job has changed my life

The Navy is not just a job – it’s a way of life. This lifestyle has seeped into my personal life in a major way. Small things like being punctual and being organised, or

bigger things like helping others out, have made a big impact on my life.

In many ways, the Navy culture aligns with my own Sikh culture: both are about discipline, and the concept of ‘seva’ (helping others).

Advice for people who may want to get into this line of work

It’s a great career. There are wonderful opportunities to do things that you wouldn’t be able to do easily in civilian roles. You can progress your career well too.

My sustainable

BY  JYOTI SHANKAR

We all would love to live sustainably and save on energy and water bills which seem to head upwards as each quarter’s bills come in.

Those looking for inspiration to do so found it on 17 September, the Sustainable House Day. Every year on this day, many houses all over Australia open their doors to welcome people to have a sticky beak into their efforts at incorporating sustainability into their homes.

This event, organised by Alternative Technology Association (ATA) since 2001, has been steadily increasing in popularity. Over 180 homes had registered to open their doors and gardens this year.

After a few years of visiting other homes and being inspired, this Sustainable House Day, we opened our garden to demonstrate the possibility of converting waste to fuel through our backyard biogas system. We had over 70 interested people come to our place, including two busloads from North Sydney and Blacktown Councils.

The biogas system feeds on kitchen waste and, through an anerobic digestion process, converts organic waste to

methane, a fuel that can be used for cooking. The system produces up to two hours of cooking gas every day solely from food scraps or animal waste. It also produces liquid fertiliser for the garden. The process is not dissimilar to the way our bodies convert food into energy.

Methane is generated as food decomposes. It is over twenty times more potent that carbon dioxide with regards to its greenhouse effect and effect on global warming. However, when you can capture this potent gas and burn it as fuel, you save it from being released into the atmosphere.

This small home biogas system significantly reduces the damage caused by untreated organic waste through air pollution, water contamination and the use of fossil fuels for energy.

Biogas is not a new concept. Many villages in India have installed biogas systems, managing waste from domestic animals and providing a source for clean fuels to many households. However, a system such as the home biogas allows urban dwellers to assemble the system in backyards and make a significant dent in avoiding waste being sent to landfill.

These days, our red bin hardly needs to be put out. Food waste goes into the biogas system, worm farm and compost bins, recyclables go into the recycling bin and soft plastics are returned to supermarkets, of course while trying our best to avoid them in the first place.

On Sustainable House Day, you can also take a peek inside the home of native

bees. Three beehives were split at various times during the day. Splitting helps to exponentially grow bee populations and locate beehives in a greater number of areas, increasing the spread of biodiversity and better crop yields. Bees provide a valuable service to mankind through pollination. Our garden is also a practical demonstration of the sharing economy, the conviction that waste is a resource and that ‘one man’s trash is another’s treasure’. Most of the things that make up the garden have been sourced from stuff discarded by the kerbside, collected on collaborative consumption sites such as Freecycle, Gumtree, Zilch or upcycled at the end of their life.

A neighbour’s unwanted swing with a missing shade now has a new home in our backyard, with the base of an old trampoline providing the shade structure. A wooden pallet is now a vertical garden and an old hose pipe is rolled into a planter. Edgings, stones, garden chairs, tables and benches, plant stands and pots, are objects given a new lease of life. One might say that the end effect of this garden, assembled without a hurry, is an eclectic mix of colour and quirkiness, with a story behind each object.

We believe that recycling is a new concept but a very old idea. Our parents and grandparents always did it but there was no separate word to describe this. You can call it thrift, resourcefulness or jugaad It all means the same - you make the best use of available materials and repurpose it

instead of sending it to landfill.

As for plants, don’t be shy to ask for cuttings from neighbours and friends. Swap plants with friends. You will find that most gardeners are generous with seeds and cuttings. We often get plants from listings on Freecycle from people clearing their overgrown yards. Join your local Permaculture group. You can learn from other members at meetings, listen to interesting invited speakers and can swap or buy organic seeds from members for much cheaper prices than stores. Space is not a limitation, you are only limited by your imagination! A tiny balcony can easily become a plant haven.

Sustainable House Day is a valuable resource for anyone looking for practical information on home sustainability: what works, what doesn’t and how to move towards ‘greener’ living.

Through good home design, sustainable practices, and the help of technology in some cases, be inspired on how one can lead a simple but comfortable life, helping the environment at the same time.

The end e ect of this garden is an eclectic mix of colour and quirkiness, with a story behind each object

‘‘ ‘‘

A home biogas system and upcycled garden prove that even waste can be a resource

the BUZZ entertainment

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

THE TOM ALTER WE DIDN’T KNOW

He was the most different American India has ever seen. Actor Tom Alter, who passed away on 29 September, was an actor but also a cricket fan, teacher and a shayari exponent. He was 67 when he lost the battle against skin cancer.

Here are some facts about him you might not know:

* Born in 1950 in Mussourie, Tom Alter was the son of American missionary parents whose family moved to India from Ohio way back in 1916.

* As a child, Alter would be made to read the Bible in Urdu by his father, a priest. In later years, his love for the language inspired him to play such great Urdu literary gures as Ghalib, Sahir Ludhianvi and Bahadur Shah Zafar on stage.

* He was drawn to Bollywood after seeing Rajesh Khanna in Aradhana. Inspired by Khanna’s crazy stardom, he came to Mumbai to try his luck in acting. “I didn’t know who Rajesh Khanna was before Aradhana. But in just one week I saw that lm at least thrice,” Alter had said in an interview.

* He was also an avid cricket fan who did the rst ever TV interview of Sachin Tendulkar, and also gave commentary in a one-day match India played in

* He acted in Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada, Kumaoni, Marathi and Malayalam cinema.

* He was the only actor who appeared as two key gures spanning a momentous near-century of the country’s history - portraying both Bahadur Shah Zafar and Lord Mountbatten.

* He made his debut with Ramanand Sagar’s Charas (1976).

* He was also among the handful of actors who played both tyrant colonial of cers and gures from India’s freedom struggle. That’s right, he played Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Mahatma Gandhi.

* His last TV show was Rishton Ka Chakravyuh, and on the big screen, he was last seen in Sargoshiyan. He also shot for a short lm The Black Cat, in which he plays acclaimed author Ruskin Bond.

* He also worked with late actor Peter O’Toole and Ben Kingsley.

* He was conferred the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian honour, in 2008.

ANUSHKA SHARMA: DESIGNER

From acting to producing lms, spunky girl Anushka Sharma has now turned designer. She launched her new entrepreneurial venture this month, a clothing line called, what else, “Nush”. “This is something I had been planning for the past one and a half years,” she revealed at the launch, adding with the honesty so typical of her, “I am excited but at the same time, I am extremely nervous.”

Anushka is well-known for her willingness to go out on a limb to get what she wants, whether it is modelling, acting, producing. She likes starting out with a clean slate. Perhaps that’s why her production rm is called Clean Slate Films.

“I’ve always done what I love. I love wearing good cloths, so I present my venture, something very special to me, my own clothing line,” she said.

Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan and so many other celebrities now have their own fashion labels, that it is almost a rat race to announce your own line.

“I don’t see it is a rat-race as such; I think, the more the merrier!” the gutsy lady said. “It is a great thing that you have fashion available to you, like this. More brands, more designs, more styles, more choice and if I can enable and add value to that, I think that is a great thing.”

Well, if all else fails…

ASHA PAREKH: 75, NICE GIRL

Asha Parekh, who turned 75 on October 2 and doesn’t feel her age at all, is happy to share her birthday with Mahatma Gandhi.

But there is the downside too.

“Every birthday of mine is a dry day. So my friends never get to toast my health and wellbeing with a glass of wine...! Aah, never mind. I am happy to be alive, well, healthy and still not pushed into oblivion, as many of my colleagues are.”

Oblivion is far from Asha’s ambit of activity. In fact, 2017 has been a particularly eventful year for her.

“That’s right. My memoirs The Hit Girl came out. I was apprehensive that it may hurt some. But I was determined to tell the truth. Or else, no point in writing about your life.”

Asha boldly spoke about her relationship with lmmaker Nasir Hussain. Was there any negative impact on Nasir Saab’s family?

“None at all. I didn’t expect there would be. When I was so careful not to hurt his family during our relationship, why would I cause them any hurt now?

Nasir saab’s family has always been close to my heart. They all respect me. In fact, (Nasir Hussain’s nephew) Aamir (Khan) is always very respectful and affectionate.”

On the downside, the year saw her dream project, her hospital for the poor, shut down.

“My hospital will now be turned into a 5-star health facility. That means the facilities will no longer be available to the poor and the underprivileged. That’s why I ran this no-pro t hospital, for the poor. Alas, the dream has ended.”

Ever the optimist, though, Asha is thankful for what life has given her. “I am still around and healthy. I was called the ‘hit girl’ because of the success ratio of my lms. It was God’s blessings.”

“It’s sad to lose friends at my age, though. Watching them go one by one is a very scary experience. I just wish when I go, I go without pain. And that people will remember me as a nice girl.”

RANCHI DIARIES

Could you do the Ranchi accent? Well, here’s how actor Taaha Shah did it. You see, he plays a street food vendor in an upcoming lm called Ranchi Diaries, and spent a week there, watching the street banter and listening in closely, to get the dialect and mannerisms right.

As well, to nail the accent, he recorded his dialogues in director Sattwik Mohanty’s voice and heard them over a 100 times to get the accent right.

In his earlier lms like Luv Ka The End, Gippi and Baar Baar Dekho, Taaha played urban characters. “My new character Pinku is a small-town rugged boy,” he said. “I am happy to have experimented in this lm”.

The actor also revealed he got an amulet from a temple in Ranchi.

“I was at the shops one day and came across a boy who wore an amulet that caught my eye. He told me it was from a temple. I thought it would enhance Pinku’s look, so I went to the temple and got it,” he said.

The lm, produced by actor Anupam Kher, is set to release on 13 October.

ANUSHKA SHARMA

ANOTHER TOILET PREMKATHA

Filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra says the inspiration for his upcoming directorial Mere Pyare Prime Minister comes from Mahatma Gandhi, who was a warrior on sanitation issues.

Mehra spoke recently about the lm and the issue of sanitation, which he has been helping to tackle since the last four years via his association with an NGO.

“When it comes to cinema, it is entertainment rst as that’s what brings the people in. Purpose has to be built into the cinema, along with the entertainment. My next lm Mere Pyare Prime Minister is inspired by Mahatma Gandhi. Shot in Mumbai, our set is called Gandhinagar.”  He added, “Few people know that Mahatma Gandhi was a warrior on sanitation issues.”

Mehra has been associated with Yuva Unstoppable NGO, which has been working towards building toilets in slum areas and municipal schools.

BIOPIC ON JHULAN GOSWAMI

Former Indian women’s cricket team captain Jhulan Goswami revealed recently that a biopic will be made on her life. The working title is Chakdah Express, in homage to her hometown Jhulan, 34, will be the rst female cricketer on whom a biopic will be

CAPTION CONTEST

made. A biopic on former men’s team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been made while a docu-drama on batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar released earlier this year.

The biopic, to be made in Hindi, will be directed by Susanta Das.

“We have seen MS Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar’s biopics. But this will be the rst biopic set in women’s cricket,” Das said. “The focus will be her journey, the odds she overcame since she was 10. Hope it will inspire and motivate millions of youngsters. It’s about chasing your dream.”

What we want to know is, who plays Jhulan?

SAIF DISCOVERS HIS INNER CHEF

Saif Ali Khan meanwhile, went to a vestar kitchen for his version of method acting.

Raja Krishna Menon, director of the upcoming lm Chef has dished out details on actor Saif Ali Khan’s newfound cooking skills.

“When we started, Saif was very worried about my expectations from him in terms of being able to chop and cook like a masterchef. During the training that started with the basics and went all the way to plating Michelin star dishes, Saif began to really enjoy cooking,” Menon said in a statement.

WHO

IT BETTER?

BIBHU MOHAPATRA

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From cutting and chopping vegetables and kneading dough to actually rustling up dishes like pastas and rotzzas (the main food item sold on the food truck in the lm), Saif has managed to do it all.

The actor trained for close to four hours everyday, over a period of a month, with Chef Himanshu and his team at the JW Marriott kitchen in Mumbai.

By the end of it, Saif was able to chop not 50 or 100 but 200 onions and garlics, every day.

“Cooking has now become a part of who he is today. Saif discovered his inner chef through this lm. I was quite content to see his transformation from someone who has never cooked to that of a professional chef,” said Menon.

The lm is slated to release on 6 October.

If all else fails, Saif….

KRITI SANON: ENGINEER

No, no, this is not a new role. It is her actual calling.

The beautiful Kriti holds a BTech degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering. She was preparing for higher studies in the US when the lm offers began to pour in. She had already been modelling while at university.

“Yes, I got a pretty good score on my GMAT,” Kriti revealed, much to our surprise.

Well, if all else fails…

WHAT TWEETY BIRD TOLD US THIS WEEK

Match the following tweets to the celebs that made them.

Parineeti Chopra Priyanka Chopra, Twinkle Khanna

As two chubby nerds in bursting uniforms in Panchgani @karanjohar & I couldn’t have imagined being on the cover of Vogue together someday

Hearing about the shooting in Las Vegas is devastating. When will this stop? Violence isnt the answer. Condolences to the grieving and hurt What a memorable time in the spiritual heart of @Australia. Thank you #Uluru @AusOutbackNT

Can you guess what KANGANA IS trying to say to her B-town, er, friends?

Send in your responses to media@indianlink.com.au and WIN A TICKET to a new Hindi lm

LAST ISSUE CAPTION CONTEST WINNING ENTRY

What’s the chitchat between JUDI DENCH and ALI FAZAL here?

JUDI: Ali, maybe we should tell the world that we really are the reincarnations of Victoria and Abdul.

MEERA S ASHFIELD NSW

Meera wins a ticket to Simran

SAIF ALI KHAN

KRITI SANON

ASHA PAREKH

ASK AUNTYJI

Pre-marital counselling

DEAR AUNTYJI

I met a wonderful man 18 months ago and we are getting married shortly. Now Auntyji, I am surrounded by divorced people: two of my ve cousins are divorced; two of my uncles have separated from their wives; three of my best friends are in the process of divorcing. I am desperate for this not to happen to us. I have done a lot of self-assessment and so am conscious of my behaviour and what triggers me. I am determined to always treat my husband with respect. I will always show him affection and will be grateful for what he does. I will compliment him and be nice to his friends and family. I will not be quick to anger, and will always try to see his point of view, before I put mine forward. I will communicate with him in a productive manner so that we can resolve our arguments - when we have them. I will aim to give him my best self, and I’ll seek his support to ensure I remain a kind, loving and respectful wife. Is there anything else I should know? What sage counsel can you offer me? I will most de nitely invite you to the wedding!

AUNTYJI SAYS

Well, my dearest gulab jamun, I am so proud of you! You sound like such a cultured, level-headed young lady. How I wish your peers could learn from you. You have such a sensible head on your

shoulders that you couldn’t possibly go wrong. You have highlighted all the things that a loving, kind spouse does. If you have spent time analysing your behaviours and your thought patterns, then you can’t go wrong. If you continue to do this throughout your marriage, you will be sure to stay married. If I were to be so bold as to offer a suggestion to someone who already is a guru in this, it would be this. At the end of each day, ensure that there are at least three or four things that are left unsaid. The things that we don’t say are sometimes even more important than those things that spring forth from our muh. There will be many moments when you get angry or resentful. You will want to say things - which ultimately, a self-aware person like you will regret. So if you ensure you have the discipline to hold back on some things, and leave them unsaid, then you are way, way ahead in your quest. Keep in mind that we don’t want you to keep those things unsaid and have them simmer under the surface. We want you to control your zubaanwhich is like toothpaste, once it leaves the tube you can’t put it back in. So, with this key strategy in mind, many blessings for your married life. Will there be rasgullahs at your wedding? I have a particular fondness for these!

DEAR AUNTYJI

Oh my goodness! Have you seen all the tamasha about the Meat and Livestock Australia advertisement about lamband about our dear Lord Ganesha being portrayed as a meat eater? Auntyji, how outrageous! I have written to the MLA protesting this advertisement in the most vocal terms, because I believe the lamb ad is in poor taste and depicts Ganesha incorrectly. I am deeply offended. This is such a cheap gimmick and I don’t know what the ignorant and insensitive creatives were thinking. How could they come up with something so inaccurate, and did you see, even the Indian government has voiced its displeasure. As Hindus we should all stand united. We should all voice our disgust. What do you think, Auntyji, where do you stand on this important issue?

AUNTYJI SAYS

Arre you people! I felt VERY confronted when I saw my favourite bhagwan Ganesha so portrayed in the ad. Selling a meat product? Ram, ram! What an insult to my Indian-ness in this land far away from my Hindustan. I almost tweeted-sheeted my anger, but then I held back for a moment and decided to think. So I got off my twitterbox and put my facebook back on the bookshelf, made myself a cup of garam chai and calmed down. Ganesha came into my thoughts

and helped.  The key question to ask ourselves here is, what would Lord Ganesha say about all this? I think he would be delighted that he got to make the Australians aware of the pantheon of gods he represents – the representation of our gods has been a long time coming. Second, Ganesha would say, he has so many obstacles to overcome in the world that he would not care about a meaningless little ad on Australian TV, in fact he would totally ignore it. Perhaps, you my dear little lamb chop, you need to go and nd yourself a more meaningful issue over which to vent your spleen. Like Pawan bhai wrote in his editorial, how about we direct our passion and energies on more relevant issues like domestic violence or mental illness. The Ganesha I pray to, will not like this constant whinging and need to be outraged; he is too large-hearted a god to be affronted by some ignorant ad maker who does not appreciate the depth of what Ganesha stands for. If my bhagwan was here, he would have said, “Get over it. And get over yourselves. Don’t be as boring and as bland as an overcooked seekh kebab. Let’s go and do some real good and help those who need real help.” And as for the Indian government, seriously, they really do need to focus on more important and pressing domestic issues.

The need to be more culturally sensitive

TAROT foretell

Lights twinkle in an October that is especially devoted to festivity, food and family. Diwali sheen magically rejuvenates homes, people and relationships as though in resonance with the freshness of Nature; the unfolding of many-hued owers in Australia’s magni cent Spring serenade. May the festival of lights brighten and bring peace.

ARIES March 21 - April 19

Your faith in yourself is unshakeable, Aries, as it ought to be with Mars in your driver’s seat! The High Priestess asks you to look for that which might not be clearly visible - a secret you must unfold. Might that be your lyrical side? The Page of Cups urges you towards poetry, music and all things artistic as you are invited to balance intelligence with empathy. A visit to an art museum with young members of your family proves exciting!

LEO

July 21 - Aug 22

The Star with the Ace of Wands places you where the action is! Your imagination and inventive power propel you to make a foray into fresh avenues of business activity. Luck from above graces your intelligence and vivacious optimism, leading you to success. Like a benevolent ruler, you are mindful of those around you and your concern for others makes you well-loved. You’re a magnet for miracles, Leo! As you take a bow, keep the stardust on those regal shoulders!

SAGITTARIUS

Nov 22 - Dec 21

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20

Sunshine, you’re a blessing to be around this month! Lifting spirits, spreading cheer, lending a helping hand and a listening ear - you place others at the centre of your life’s sphere and you get back so much more. Love and harmony light up your family life! It’s a vibrant time and even though the Knight of Discs niggles at your purse strings a wee bit, you take that in your stride for you know together-times are eeting and most precious.

VIRGO

Aug 23 - Sep 22

The Fates smile on you this month, Virgo, as the Nine of Cups grants you a wish ful llment. Whether your wish is related to family, home, career or recovery from illness - a long-held goal will be brought to full fruition. Hold your success in your heart, though, for all may not be as a rst glance may reveal. A toss up may reveal fair-weather friends that you need to tuck away. Rely on your instinct and savour time with soulmates.

CAPRICORN

Dec 22 - Jan 19

Oh, Sagittarius, you’ve been dreaming a solitary dream of nding your own way. You’re innocent of worldly ways just like The Fool is, but is it deliberate? You feel you need this time to go within and explore; to discover where you view yourself a few years from now and then work out ways to get there. Rebuilding is always good with a dash of Sagittarian optimism. The Ace of Swords beckons you to go in the direction of your dreams.

GEMINI

May 21 - June 20

Mercurial wings lift you to great heights in the areas of communication, especially if writing and public speaking are your forté, Gemini. You may be invited to address a gathering to inspire young minds and you’ll be in your element. The Tower cautions you to do a bit of ground work as you may need a couple of aces up your sleeve. Certainly, with your charm and a bit of humour thrown in, you’ll own the mic and the day!

LIBRA

Sep 23 - Oct 22

Noble Libra, you balance your work and ideals for the greater good. You will be successful in realising your goals if you act after deliberation and weighing of the pros and cons. This may keep a few people around you guessing but so be it! The Magician card ensures you will not be swayed by lower energies. The Three of Cups brings you love and understanding. When you see love shining in your partner’s eyes, you’ll feel you’ve come home.

AQUARIUS

Jan 20 - Feb 18

Going somewhere, Capricorn? Your bags are packed and you’re on the ready says The Chariot! You’re enchanted by a mind-body-yoga kind of tour to a national park or remote spot that is appealing to you at several levels. Perhaps you feel a calling to conduct a session where the spirit is refreshed. The Page of Wands is de nitely outdoors and sporty and loves to learn. Happy times with young people around a camp re are de nitely your thing in October. Enjoy!

CANCER

June 21 - July 20

Emotions rule you and yet, in the mire of the daily toil, you crabs are the least likely to spend time with yourselves. With the Judgement card encouraging you to admit your own feelings to yourself, this is a priority now. Cancer, you must be gentle with yourself as you feel your thoughts. The Queen of Cups encourages you to open up to the possibilities there are for relationships and at work - for they hold a lot of promise!

SCORPIO

Oct 23 - Nov 21

The card of The World assures you of success! It lies just ahead. All the prework towards a presentation and the burnt oil of maddening midnights are about to bring you your heart’s desire. If you feel you’re losing steam, take power naps, recoup and get back in there! The Two of Swords will neither let you give up nor give in to suggestions that are not at par with your ideas. Stay as you are, Scorpio - top notch you!

PISCES

Feb 19 - March 20

You’ve been in a charmed space of late, Aquarius, which may have spoilt you for choice, says The Lovers card. Perhaps you need to connect with the real world. Art and aesthetics play a strong role in your life and you tend to gravitate towards the futuristic. The Two of Cups leads you on the persevering path so you come into contact with people who value your labour of love, be it prose, poetry or painting. Go for it, Aquarius!

You may welcome The Alchemist into your life as you work on small changes in your lifestyle - be it your diet or health routine or work hours. You will discover a new energy within yourself once you implement these changes. And it’s catching! Those around you will feel this, too. The Four of Cups brings you an enhanced experience of satisfaction at both the home and workplace. There will be memorable fun times that will exhilarate your gentle Piscean spirit!