2017-12 Sydney (2)

INDIAN LINK

PUBLISHER

Pawan Luthra

EDITOR

Rajni Anand Luthra

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Harshad Pandharipande

MELBOURNE COORDINATOR

Preeti Jabbal

CONTRIBUTORS

Sondarya Krishnan, Jyoti Shankar, Mohan Dhall, Yesha Joshi, Tarini Puri, Sydney Srinivas, Silvana Zerelli, Charuta Joshi, Sanam Sharma, Priyanka Tater, Avi Chandiok, Petra O’Neill, Ritam Mitra

ADVERTISING MANAGER

Vivek Trivedi 0410 578 146

ADVERTISING ASSISTANT Charuta Joshi 02 9279 2004

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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The year of citizen activism

BY RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA

Observing and reporting on the moods in our community, perhaps one of the most striking - and surprising - trends we’ve perceived this year has been collective action, as regular folk stepped up to ‘right’ what they saw as ‘wrongs’ committed by others.

Taking stock of the events in Australia’s Indian community this year, we’re concluding that 2017 was a year when citizen activism came to the fore.

Three issues got the community working together this year. These included the instance of an event promoter bringing in Pakistani artistes who had been vocal about their criticism of India over its role in Kashmir, the furore over the incorrect depiction by SBS of the map of India in the Kashmir region, and MLA’s lamb ad which portrayed the Hindu god Ganesha in a derogatory manner. All three of these issues irked

the community - or some claiming to represent the community - to no end. Invoking more than your average rant at the dinner-table, these events saw the community rally together and put pressure on the organisers and perpetuators of these activities to review their stance and, over time, have them withdraw or change or apologise for their action.

Citizen journalism allowed the exposure of these issues; and the community - adept at the use of social media and mobile technology - found easy ways to connect over these matters, a particular favourite being WhatsApp groups. These were more than enough to ensure that the rage was maintained.

The collective activity sought to effect change, and met with success on more than one occasion.

The very active online community has also been successful in coming together to help out when someone has been in an emergency and asked for help. Through funds, advice and simple acts of generosity, the community has shown that it can make a real difference in the real world.

In recent months, we’ve also seen a smaller subsection of our community protest against the alleged torture and ill-treatment of one of their own

in India, even making inroads into political circles here and having the issue raised in parliament.

It is true that sitting quiet will not help improve society, and that we should encourage such engagement, but such activism comes with its own problems, especially in our community. To keep the activity focussed and sustained can sometimes be an issue, leading to the question of the level of commitment that existed in the first place. It is easy for the groups to turn into relay points for current affairs programs from Indian TV on unrelated issues, or of jokes, or of endless festival greetings, even as requests and reprimands go out to stay on-point.

Yet, there’s no doubt that having tasted success through such platforms, these can be used again to fight the real battles: against family violence, or for seniors’ rights for instance, or, the dropping of the pledge to reform NSW’s racial vilification laws.

In coming time, one hopes these are the issues that the community takes up, harnessing people power for social change.

Looking forward to a 2018 with even greater citizen engagement. Meanwhile, we hope you have a rejuvenating holiday season.

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YOUR SAY

FRIENDS IN DEED

HARSHAD PANDHARIPANDE wrote about online communities helping migrants in real life.

Vikramjeet Singh, whose mum’s treatment was crowdfunded by the group members, wrote: Thanks to everyone for supporting me and sharing my problem with others. I really appreciate all IIS members. Thanks to group admin also who allowed me to raise fund from their page. Thanks once again to all of you

Gaurav Wadekar, who was also featured in the article, wrote: It is an honour to be featured along with Desi Referral Network in the cover story published by Indian Link. This is truly amazing in terms of the effort that you are putting in helping people.

Krish Na wrote: A heart-warming article. Great job, people!

Prateek Saxena wrote: So awesome!

Aashish Dube wrote: Feeling proud to be a part of this group!!

Our story on the same-sex marriage result - and the negative reaction to it from some quarters - spurred a reader into penning down her thoughts.

Reeti Trivedi wrote: “All things queer are also part of nature.”

This has been on my mind ever since Australia’s survey/debate to allow same-sex marriage was on. I suddenly realised many people around me had a problem with the idea that all queer things are also part of nature. And the sad part was they thought it’s unnatural. They thought the whole concept is modern, Western or sexual.

While the thought was fresh in my mind, I came across the rather regressive and clearly unscienti c views on homosexuality by some Indian spiritual and political leaders. Thankfully, these opinions were quickly countered - at least on Twitter, where the leaders faced quite a bit of criticism.

I also recently came across a piece of news about a woman in the US rejecting a gay photographer for her maternity photos because of the photographer’s sexual orientation. The woman texted the photographer saying that she did not want someone gay to take pictures. She added that she was against it and she did not want her ve-year-old child to think that being gay is okay. She said she did not want her child to be in uenced by people who think that such a lifestyle is ‘okay and acceptable.’ Hundreds of people wrote comments on the post, saying that just as the photographer chose to be homosexual, the woman reserved the right to pick a photographer she felt comfortable with. My point here is, do people understand that homosexuality is not a choice?

Before the marriage equality survey, I read on many forums and heard many people talk about what would happen if Australia did indeed legalise samesex marriage? Would it be then taught at schools? Would that then result in in uencing children?

This fear stems purely from lack of awareness and knowledge about the issue. It may be even pronounced in a large part of the Indian community since sexand sex education - is a taboo subject, not to be discussed with children. To make it simple, nobody can teach your child or in uence your child to be gay. It is not a choice they can make. It is natural. On the contrary, people would be well served to start teaching their children - and themselves - acceptance. I was happy when Australia nally came around to saying yes to marriage equality. And just when this took place, I nished reading the book Shikhandi by Devdutt Pattanaik. My Indian friends would know that Shikhandi was the eldest daughter of Drupada and the elder sister of Draupadi.

Drupada wanted a son so bad that he raised his daughter as a son and called her Shikhandi. So much so that she was given a wife, only to be discovered by the bride on the wedding night that her husband was a woman. A yaksha called Sthuna came to Shikhandi’s rescue. He lent her his manhood for one night. Shikhandi then performed his husbandly duties to the satisfaction of his new wife and returned the next day to give back the borrowed organ. Kubera, the king of yakshas, was so pleased with Shikhandi’s integrity that he allowed Shikhandi to use the yaksha’s manhood as long as he lived.

The book tells many stories such as Shikhandi’s. It talks of Mahadeva, who became a woman to deliver his devotee’s child; of Urvashi, who was born of no woman; of Arjuna, who was temporarily castrated for showing restraint; of Bhagirath, who was born of two women and so on. Some tales are touching, some playful and some disturbing - but these stories have been collected from far and wide.

YEH DOSTI, HUM NAHI CHHODENGE

We shared a video of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit Sarthak Kaushal wrote: Turnbull has no clue what Modi is talking, like he has no clue about people of Australia, lol!

Chandra Kishore wrote: Great dosti Our PM values his friendship with Modiji.

KRISHNA, THE DIVINE PRANKSTER

APARNA ANANTHUNI wrote whether Lord Krishna’s ‘divine love play’ just a euphemism for eve-teasing?

Keedi Tohu wrote: This is an allegory of the love between the soul and God. As Saint Meera Bai once said, all devotees are female lovers of the Divine God.

Mesopotamian, Greek, Chinese, Japanese, Egyptian, Persian, Judaism, Biblical… all these cultures and civilisations have copious references to homosexuality and queerness. Homosexuals, transgenders, transsexuals, crossdressers, ‘hijras’ and eunuchs have all been part of our society since eons. They have been part of every possible culture, period, civilisation and mythology.

The book only helped me understand the subject better and validate my thoughts on the issue. Actually, the thought is very simple: Love is love. Long live love.

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WHY WE LOVE SYDNEY

Why do we love January in Sydney? Well, there’s the cricket of course, but leaving that aside for a moment, January is the time when Sydney goes all cultural.

The Sydney Festival has been held since 1977, and attracts the very best the world has to offer in terms of performance and visual arts. This year, 134 events make up the program.

These will be held across 51 venues over 24 days, and will include music, theatre, dance, circus, visual arts, installations, talks, language classes, and free and family events.

Festival Director Wesley Enoch claims, “(At the Sydney Festival), you will find celebrations and provocations in equal measure… global discussions on conservation and consumption, equality,

adventure, new technologies and artistic excellence through a range of cultural explorations and platforms”. We have no doubt about that,

and are waiting to see which of the experiences this year will go on to become those we will talk about for a very long time.

No Indian presentation made the cut this year, although dancerchoreographer and local boy Raghav Handa will be bringing his brand of experimental dance in You Animal, You (see page 14 for more details).

1 TREE OF CODES

A unique contemporary ballet collaboration between choreographer Wayne McGregor, visual artist Olafur Eliasson and award-winning musician Jamie xx 6-10 January, Darling Harbour Theatre ICC Sydney

2 THE WIDER EARTH

This theatre puppet show brings to life Charles Darwin’s five-year journey across the planet exploring new species, featuring an award-winning cast by Queensland Theatre and masterfullybuilt puppets from Dead Puppet Society 17-27 January

3 AQUASONIC

The world’s first underwater band, exclusive to Sydney Festival, using custom-made instruments and techniques inside five giant aquariums 6-9 January, Carriageworks

4 BARBER SHOP CHRONICLES

The critically acclaimed play direct from London’s National Theatre exploring the role of the barber shop in the lives of African men 18-28 January, York Theatre

Seymour Centre

5 MODEL CITIZENS

Circus Oz’ new show featuring an allnew ensemble and artistic director Rob Tannion 2-28 Jan, Circus Oz Big Top, Prince Alfred Square Parramatta

6 RIOT

Acclaimed Irish variety show with an all-star cast including famed drag queen Panti Bliss, in a blend of dance, drag, circus, comedy and powerful spoken word 5-28 January Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent, Meriton Fest Village,

7 BRIEFS: CLOSE ENCOUNTERS

The boylesque stars return to Sydney Festival with a mix of theatre, circus, comedy and drag Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent, Meriton Festival Village, 6-28 January

8 THE TOWN HALL AFFAIR

The Australian premiere of the play which reimagines a raucous 1971 feminist debate featuring Maura Tierney as Germaine Greer, as the New York theatre company Wooster Group perform in Sydney for the first time 7-13 January, Drama Theatre

Sydney Opera House

9 JURASSIC PLASTIC

A large-scale plastic toy landscape by Japanese artist Hiroshi Fuji 6-28 January, Sydney Town Hall

10 VILLAGE SIDESHOW

This year Merriton Festival Village will contain a virtual reality Ghost Train, double-decker Karaoke Carousel, a dancing Glitterbox, swimming pools and more 5-28 January, Hyde Park North, Entry via Hyde Park Central Walkway – closed Mondays. Open 4:30pm till late

SYDNEY IN JAN

When thinking about my Top Ten, I’m thinking about the shows I want to take my family to during January. A mix of dance, circus, music… and a bit of naughty too! Sharing time with friends and family is what January is all about, so I want to go events with them that we can all enjoy and talk about after.

1 BACKBONE

Adelaide based circus company Gravity and Other Myths brings us their new show. Backbone is a tremendous example of Australia’s circus talent. This show has already been touring the world with its amazing daring and risk taking. Circus at its best.

2 MEOW MEOW’S PANDEMONIUM

Come spend the night with international sensation Meow Meow as she takes us into the Pandemonium of your dreams and fantasies. She joins the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House of hilarity and beautiful music.

3 YOU ANIMAL, YOU

Local dance company Force Majeure explores the animal instincts that lie under the surface of human beings. From birthing and bonding to smell and grieving emotions and our inner animal all play a role.

4 MY NAME IS JIMI

Jimi Bani is joined on stage by his mother, grandmother, brothers and his son, in a heart-warming play about telling stories through song, dance and language. Jimi plays a role in passing down his culture to the next generation.

5 MY URRWAI

This one-person show from Genoa Gela is a beautiful exploration of life and love.

6 BAYALA

Our Indigenous language program explores the words of the Sydney area that lay sleeping beneath the surface of our city. Come learn more about how to describe the places of Sydney.

7 BROKEN GLASS

This installation and performance explores Indigenous grieving rituals from history and today. Beautiful and haunting, this work gives you new ways of looking at a history and the practice of grief.

8 PUSSY RIOT THEATRE: RIOT DAYS

The rebel Russians visit Sydney with their amazing brand of storytelling and music. Jailed for their opposition to Putin and the Russian government, Pussy Riot tell us their story and give audiences insight into rebellion.

9 FOUR THOUSAND FISH

A free installation which invites people to explore a story about the early relationship between The Eora and the colonists. Come down and create a frozen fish and watch it melt back into the harbour.

10 EMEL MATHLOUTHI WITH RAHIM ALHAJ AND KARIM WASFI

This double bill brings together artists from the Middle East who use their music to talk about the world and how it might need to change.

Sydney Festival takes place across the city and Parramatta from 6-28 January. For more information see www.sydneyfestival.org.au

A mad cap mode l

Circus Oz's new production, Model Citizens, promises stunning acrobatics and biting satire

The always innovative Circus Oz will perform at Sydney Festival with its energetic and irreverent production, Model Citizens. This will be the first production for the company by new artistic director Rob Tannion, and it will explore what it means to be a ‘model citizen’ in Australia today through awesome physicality, biting satire and highly skilled, unpredictable acrobatics. With an impressive cast of mesmerising aerialists, cheeky characters, daredevil acrobats, cigar box juggling, hula hooping and backyard banter, Model Citizens subverts the suburban dream.

Model Citizens seamlessly blends the risk and beauty of breathtaking physical improbability with theatricality, choreography and Circus Oz’s distinct brand of Australian humour.

Over-sized, everyday objects are used as unexpected circus equipment that create an intriguing new playground for the all-human ensemble.

Set inside a model-kit world complete with giant scissors and cotton reels, peg springboards and hammock-sized undies on the line, the performers swing from knife-dodging to acrobattossing, contorting through huge steaming irons to tumbling off a house

of giant credit cards.

With a brand new ensemble of performers, a thumping live band and set design that challenges scale and perspective, the show brings a fresh sophistication to the troupe’s larrikin personality, delivering exhilarating family-friendly feats with poise and charm.

Stunningly lit and driven by a sensational live music soundtrack, Model Citizens challenges perspective, scale and concepts of normality.

Circus Oz was born in Melbourne in 1978. For over 35 years, the company has been putting up extraordinary shows and successfully touring them both nationally and internationally. From New York to South American rainforests, Madrid to outback Australia, Circus Oz has taken its selfcrafted performances of wit, grace and spectacle to 27 countries across five continents, to critical acclaim. They have represented Australia at scores of international festivals.

The Circus Oz show is a rock-n-roll, animal free circus that adults and children can enjoy together. Celebrating breathtaking stunts, irreverent humour, cracking live music and an all human ensemble, Circus Oz promotes the best of the Australian spirit: generosity, diversity, death-defying bravery, and a

fair go for all.

For many years the company has engaged in issues associated with social justice and a good time for all, including work each year with many charities, indigenous communities and the raising of over $392,000 in donations to support refugees and asylum seekers.

SHOW DETAILS

Genre: Circus

Where: Circus Oz Big Top, Prince Alfred Square, Circus City, Parramatta

When: 2-28 January

Ticket price: $45-$90

Link: www.sydneyfestival.org.au/

modelcitizens

Telephone: 1300 856 876

I feel we could have done a lot more in the improvement of economics and trade. I am not very happy with the progress there

Ind-Oz ties better but trade lags

As the community bids a fond farewell to Manika Jain, Consul General of India (Melbourne), she casts a look back at her experiences in Australia. Ms Jain will take up her new position as India’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia shortly.

BY PREETI JABBAL

PREETI JABBAL : What significant changes have you seen in IndiaAustralia engagement since taking up your position as Consul General?

MANIKA JAIN: The energy, security and renewable energy dialogues have been good and the relationships there are robust. The defence arrangement has further deepened and widened between the two nations and we now have more military exercises on naval vessels. Movement is also strong in strategic space and intelligence sharing. Solar alliances are another area where we have moved ahead. We are also forging mutual relationships in culture, education, agriculture and sports through ministerial visits, delegations and memoranda of understanding. Besides trade and economics, where progress may not be as visible as expected, the engagement is improving in almost all other sectors.

PJ: How much of your ‘to do’ list have you been able to accomplish? What was left unfinished?

MJ: Diplomacy by nature is not that quantitative and our goals are more intangible. I will be satisfied to say that as a team, we have been able to establish better accessibility at the Consulate. When I started, I was told that only a limited number of people approached the Consul or exchanged ideas and feedback, whereas now we engage with a large cross-section of people. The feedback and engagement helps us to understand the needs of the community and the wider community remains on our radar. Previously, the Indian cultural space was limited to the diaspora community. We have now been able to take the dialogue, performances etc. out to the mainstream. On the other hand, I feel we could have done a lot more in the improvement of economics and trade. I am not very happy with the progress there.

PJ: During your welcome interview in 2013, you pointed out that trade with India was 1/8th of the total trade in Victoria. How has that situation progressed over time?

MJ: The trade figures that I mentioned earlier were specifically related to trading in merchandise and they don’t seem

have progressed much. My stay here has made me understand that the potential is more for trade in services rather than merchandise. For example, the Education and Tourism sectors have progressed quite satisfactorily in Victoria. In 2016, the number of students from India was 34,347. The 2017, the figures are yet to be released but, according to guestimate, there has been a definite increase as enrolments are consistently rising in high numbers. In 2008-2010, when the graph was high, students were enrolling largely in vocational sectors but the current trend is of increased enrolments in all sectors in Victoria, especially in universities.

The enrolment is across the board and indicates that students have started seeing Australia as a serious destination for tertiary education. Similarly, in the last few years, various universities in Australia have engaged with Indian organisations through collaborations with research bringing talent at postdoctoral level. Cutting edge research is being conducted that involves Indian and Australian industries and we can see benefits of commercialisation of those researches very soon. This should increase further the trade, investment and two-way engagement between India and Australia. Tourist movement on both sides has also improved positively.

PJ: Regarding cultural engagement, Confluence 2017 does not seem to have the same fanfare or pull as last year.

MJ: Confluence 2016 was a mandate of the Indian Government as part of the commitment that Prime Minister Modi made during his visit to Australia. It was held under the aegis of Ministry of Culture, HCI, ICCR etc. It was fully supported and largely financed by the Indian Government as a one-time commitment. We were hoping to continue with the assistance of other players, supporters and major sponsors. This year’s Confluence was not possible on that grand scale. Subsequent festivals will depend on how the team can generate finances. Hopefully with partnerships, it will continue even if at a smaller scale.

PJ: What according to you is the biggest cultural difference between Australians and Indians?

MJ: This is not to criticise any particular type of system, however, I feel there is a difference in the work culture of the two places. Australians are very processdriven whereas in India we seem to have a different work culture. I like to think we are more outcomes-driven.

PJ: What can the diaspora do for India?

MJ: Indians everywhere are very entrepreneurial. links with India helps to strengthen the relationship. Many may intend to be involved further but the larger diaspora here is made up of relatively new migrants and our second generation has yet to reach its full potential. If they are able to connect to their roots or their parents’ roots, it will take this relationship forward.

The Indian Government also has initiatives like Know India Programme for diaspora engagement that helps Indian origin youth to enhance their awareness about India. In order to contribute, they need to know about the country’s progress from a destination for culture, heritage and art to an emerging powerful economy in the world.

PJ: One of the biggest issues we face within our community is fragmentation based on affiliations, regions or religion. Where do you think we are in terms of unity and strength in numbers?

MJ: Fragmentation of the Indian diaspora is not new. We have diversity within India that is reflected in the large variety of Indian organisations. It’s a great thing to group together and have a platform to celebrate festivals, languages, affinities and cultural identities. What does not help is to become insular in those identities as that does not benefit the Indian diaspora as a whole. I have tried to address this concern whilst engaging with various organisations. I find that they do understand that there is an issue with divisiveness. Hopefully, they will work towards more cohesion in future.

PJ: When you started, you also observed social issues with Indian migrant women and communicated the need

to address them through consultation, strategy and action. How have you been able to make a difference during your time here?

MJ: When I came in, lots of organisations of women met me and flagged issues of domestic violence and other social problems that women were facing here. I realised these were not issues unique to Indians but to the larger community as well. After the Rosie Batty incident, a Royal Commission was also conducted to address the scale and impact of this crime in Victoria. There are good legal and social structures in Victoria to address these issues and all women could get relief under that framework. The requirement, however, was to create the awareness of these legislative frameworks amongst Indians. We worked out a strategy in Delhi where we handed over booklets that guided people on how to seek help. We worked with the Indian Ministry to make this information available through whatever sources we could. I have always had candid interactions with ministers, diaspora and universities over this subject. At the Consulate, we have also assisted people in individual capacity if the community or organisations were unable to help.

There is still a lot to be done to reach out to women who are vulnerable, have language barriers, or limited access to information. The community and media can help us in dissemination of that information.

PJ: What lies ahead for you?

MJ: I am looking forward to Cambodia and excited about going back to the ASEAN area to do some diplomatic work. I have lived and worked in ASEAN countries and I quite like the region. The challenge would be to get into the groove. I am going from an open democratic society to a different society and the working style would be different.

On a personal note, I may be separated from my daughter for the first time as she completes her university education elsewhere. So I am going there with mixed feelings.

PJ: What will you miss most about Melbourne?

MJ: Even if at times I get irritated with it, I will miss the weather here. Where I am heading there will be no variation in the weather so I will miss the unpredictability associated with the four-seasons-in-oneday Melbourne weather. Clichéd it may be, but I will also miss the liveability of this beautiful city.

‘‘ ‘‘

Worth reading again

pickOurof fromstoriesthis year

A lion roars home

KIRA SPUCYS-TAHAR’s interview with Indian-born Australian Saroo Brierley whose incredible story inspired the film Lion

Pioneers in science and healthcare

Our series of articles highlighting the work of contemporary scientists, researchers and healthcare practitioners of Indian origin, including NANDITHA SURESH on Prof. Vijay Kumar, AM; RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA on Prof. Mark Khangure AM, Dr Ranjana Srivastava OAM, Dr P Sawrikar OAM; SARONI ROY on Dr Ashak Nathwani AM; USHA RAMANUJAM

ARVIND on Prof. Rajiv Khanna AO, and FARZANA AHMAD on Dr Mahomed Said Patel OAM

Welfare Warriors

Our series of articles highlighting the work of community members making a difference through volunteer and charity work, including PREETJI JABBAL on Philomena Docherty OAM; EMIE ROY on Dr VP Unnikrishnan OAM; RAJNI ANAND

LUTHRA on Guruswami Jayaraman OAM;

FRANKIE GERARD FERNANDES on John Francis D’Souza OAM

Decolonising our arts and minds

APARNA ANANTHUNI on why the Indian community should acknowledge First People’s ownership of the land

Uni Break

You think millennials are over-privileged, narcissistic, entitled and out-of-touch? Read what some of them did over their summer holidays

What a racist attack in Moscow taught me

KRISHNA NEELAMRAJU on whether to live in the ‘safe’ side of town, or mingle more freely

Give them wings

MOHAN DHALL on how parents should let go of expectations, allowing children to be themselves

Sunny side up

RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA’s interview with Lion star Sunny Pawar, fresh from his appearance at the Oscars

An Aussie tale of Indian film royalty

PREETI JABBAL on Melbourne’s Peter Diteze, whose family legacy is connected to Indian cinema’s pioneering days

Gender stereotypes continue to hold strong

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

Anger in community at changes to 18C

Ethnic minorities claimed in an Indian Link survey that they would change their votes based on 18C reform

Atrocious behaviour mars exhilarating cricket series

DARSHAK MEHTA on worries for the manner in which the game was being played, as India and Australia concluded their 2017 test series

Sounds sculpted by the sea

ASHWINI SASEEDARAN on Indian artist Harsha Durugadda’s Sculpture by the Sea top prize winning Column of Sound

Father Tomy forgives attackers

USHA RAMANUJAM ARVIND spoke to Indian priest Father Tomy Matthew, victim of a racially-motivated attack

Buying your first home

USHA RAMANUJAM ARVIND and KIRA SPUCYS-TAHAR on how Indian migrants work to make the Great Australian Dream come true

Leaving home… to go back home

JYOTI SHANKAR spoke with Ruchir Sodhani and Santana Khurana who moved back to India after living in Australia for 22 years

Clickbait dominates cricket media

RITAM MITRA on how the Australian sports media revelled in negative sensationalism throughout the IndiaAustralia test series

Editorials

PAWAN LUTHRA’s notes on contemporary issues such as the citizenship tests, same-sex marriage vote, the changing face of the Indian migrant, citizen activism, and the failure of Parramasala and Confluence festivals to engage

The serious business of being funny

PREETI JABBAL spoke to Indian comedians at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Resilience, rights and respectful relationships

DIPANJALI RAO and APARNA

ANANTHUNI on how to tackle the issue of family violence early on

In Mum’s sari

Daughters raided their mums’ wardrobes to create a unique Mother’s Day tribute Long ride on my motorbike

FRANKEY GERARD FERNANDES spoke to young couple Iyron and Sasha D’Souza, who took a motorbike ride from their home in Brisbane to their home in Goa

Starving on a full stomach

KRISHNA NEELAMRAJU’s satirical piece on what ails the Indian restaurant scene in Sydney

Over the fence: What do our neighbours look like in 2017?

ANEETA MENON on the increasing diversity on our TV screens as an Indian family arrives in Ramsay Street

Crafting silence out of words

RAKA SARKHEL on Sydney-based Indian origin writer Michelle Cahill’s book Letter to Pessoa which won the NSW Premier’s Literary Award for New Writing

Walking across the world

KIRA SPUCYS-TAHAR’s chat with Arjun Bhogal, who took five years to walk from his home in Cardiff, South Wales UK, to Cardiff, NSW Australia

Sydney and Melbourne Writers’ Festivals

Our series of reports on the Indian links this year, by RAKA SARKHEL, TIA SINGH, VIDUSHI TRIVEDI, DIPANJALI RAO and APARNA ANANTHUNI

Global Indian Rich List

Our feature on the 100 richest Indians across the world

Despite loss, Indian fans didn’t cross the LoC

HARSHAD PANDHARIPANDE on how India’s cricket devotees chose to look back in humour rather than anger following the Champion’s Trophy defeat

Making sense of the Census

RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA and HARSHAD PANDHARIPANDE on what the Indian community could take away from Census 2016

Why Djuki Mala likes Daler

Mehndi!

JYOTI SHANKAR unearthed some very new Indian links in far north Arnhem Land

Tomorrow’s leaders

SARGUN BHATIA’s unique perspective into what identity can mean in a globalised world

Scintillating Srikanth smashes it in Sydney

YOGENDRA BHATNAGAR on how

Kidambi Srikanth took the badminton title at the Australian Open Australia’s healthcare system…

… is fine until you get sick, wrote SUKRIT SABHLOK

When dreams crash

HARSHAD PANDHARIPANDE on the death of student Akanksha Kadam in a car crash

Community furore over SBS map

Outrage forced SBS to modify controversial Kashmir map, reported HARSHAD PANDHARIPANDE

Turning garbage to green energy

PAWAN LUTHRA on the Delhi-based Aussie company Elephant Energy, which turns landfill waste into energy

Speckled in stardust

PREETI JABAL on how IFFM celebrated Bollywood’s finest and most beautiful

Thoroughly Tharoor

British Raj atrocities in India; increasing polarisation; leadership deficit... and Twitter trolls. Shashi Tharoor was in conversation with PAWAN LUTHRA

Equality for all

ANEETA MENON on marriage equality

What it means to be an Indian gay dad

Alan Maurice’s heart-to-heart with KASHIF HARRISON on coming out to his ex-wife, bringing up two sons with her, and marriage equality

I never considered being upset by a YES vote

Equality campaigner ANEETA MENON, on what Western Sydney’s No vote could mean for multicultural communities

The fading stories of India’s Partition

The lived experience of 1947 will soon be lost unless we record from our own families, wrote SANAM SHARMA

Lessons from the lamb ad HARSHAD PANDHARIPANDE on how the community came together to protest against the portrayal of Ganesha, but took the dismissal of complaints in its stride

My sustainable backyard

On Sustainable House Day, 180 families across the country opened their homes to visitors and put on display their everyday sustainable practices. JYOTI SHANKAR’s home was one of them

Blacktown’s Diwali dazzle

HARSHAD PANDHARIPANDE on Blacktown Council’s ‘Light Up Your Homes for Diwali’ Competition

Are you free to disagree?

The real test of freedom is dissent without fear, not silence, wrote KRISHNA NEELAMRAJU

#LookAtMeSail

SAI NARAYAN and RAJNI ANAND

LUTHRA on an Indian all-female crew sailing around the world

Staying safe in the twilight years

TARINI PURI on what counts as elderly abuse, and where to go for help

Labour pains of adoption

RITAM MITRA on how a freeze on adoption from India is keeping Australian childless couples in limbo

Live and let live

Gay members of the Indian community spoke to HARSHAD PANDHARIPANDE as the result of the same-sex marriage vote was announced

Friends in deed

HARSHAD PANDHARIPANDE on how online groups have become dynamic communities helping fellow members

Brisbane monument honours

Indian origin soldiers

BIANCA ARCHER and SURENDRA

PRASAD on a community-led effort to install a memorial

Star-gazing at the ARIAs

KASHIF HARRISON on his debut redcarpet reporting gig

Why we need to sing about female desire

APARNA ANANTHUNI and DIPANJALI RAO on female sexuality in our musical traditions and its links to sexual repression

The dangers of citizen journalism

RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA on why we should be wary of what comes through our social media newsfeeds

The girl behind that hilarious shopping list

Indian Link Radio host CHARUTA JOSHI invited an old friend for an on-air chat - Era Golwalkar of veggie-shopping-list fame!

Little Vaani and Mr Craney Cool

8-year-old wins Name The Crane competition in Parramatta

BY SONDARYA KRISHNAN

Children often surprise us with their creativity, diligence and sense of responsibility to do something from start to finish.

Little Vaani Saraf showed how it’s done recently when she won a competition to create a drawing or a model of a crane to reflect the construction in Parramatta. The competition, called Name The Crane, was organised by Parramatta Public School & Parramatta High School and sponsored by Westpac. Vaani was awarded a gleaming Windows Surface Pro laptop for her effort.

Vaani, just eight years old, competed with not only primary school students, but high school students as well. The competition was open to Parramatta Public School and Arthur Phillip High School in Sydney’s west. More than 500

entries were submitted in the competition.

“I was wondering how I could possibly compete with and beat students more than double my age,” Vaani recalled.

When she woke up every morning, she was often greeted by the sounds of the construction site near her apartment building. The cranes worked away, men yelled across the site and machinery disturbed the morning air. Thinking nothing of it, she got ready for school and made her way out of her home. In fact, Vaani’s school is also slated to be demolished to make way for a new campus.

One day, on her way to school, Vaani and Roopal dropped off the recycling and happened to find a big box. This turned out to be the germ of an idea. The big box, it turned out, prompted her to think outside the box!

As soon as she saw the box, Vaani realised she could build a whole construction site. Why settle for a drawing or a model of a lonesome, boring crane when she could create a whole site?

“She decided she could make something

bigger, and she could stand out if she went beyond the guidelines,” Roopal said.

So, for the next 3-4 nights, Vaani made the model, with some help from mum. She cut out workers from a cardboard and went to the park to collect dirt for the project.

Once she finished building it, she realised the model was so big that she couldn’t take it to school! The only way was to send photos and videos of the project to the school principal. Losing hope and feeling that their chance of winning might be gone, Vaani and her mum sent off the photos. The name of her creation? Mr Craney Cool.

Some days later, Vaani sat with her mum in the school assembly, where there was a

representative from Westpac and one from a local construction company.

The woman from Westpac came on stage and announced the winner of the crane competition: ‘Mr. Craney Cool’. “I sat there in shock for a minute, thinking ‘did I really win’? Then, I realised that ‘Mr. Craney Cool’ was my project and ran up to the stage to collect my prize,” Vaani said. Finally, she could hold the laptop in her arms.

What Vaani learnt from this experience was the importance of having a clear vision and working hard towards it, and not being afraid of those factors seemingly working against her. After all that effort, she succeeded and made her parents proud.

Why settle for a drawing or a model of a lonesome, boring crane when she could create a whole construction site?

Every little drop

BY SONDARYA KRISHNAN

We all know that it rains from the sky and clean water is directed into the drainage system. But, can you explain how and where rain water is filtered and redirected back to our kitchen taps and bathroom showers?

If you feel unsure, perhaps a six-yearold could explain it to you. Many students aged 6-10 recently researched the journey of a water drop from dam to home and then presented a project on it.

The whole exercise was part of the FIRST ® LEGO ® League Jr (FLL Jr). FIRST® Robotics is an internationally acclaimed robotics program that inspires a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths in young people. Founded in the USA in 1989, FIRST® Australia was established at Macquarie University in 2006. Each August, a new real world inspired theme is published for students to explore and research. The theme this year is Water. Students from four schools - Parramatta East Public, Girraween Public, Metella Road Public and Oatlands Public - participated in the program. Chintan Shah of the Australian Academy of Robotics And STEM

Education, mentored students from the schools.

While FIRST® LEGO® League teams conduct research projects and design autonomous robots specifically to carry out missions relating to the topic, FIRST® LEGO® League Jr. teams conduct much smaller projects and makes models out of LEGO® elements to illustrate one part of the theme.

As part of the competition, students had to research the journey of a water drop, choose a problem related to water’s lifecycle and come up with ideas to solve that problem. Some of the challenges identified by this year’s teams are harvesting rainwater and water filtration. MP Julie Owens attended this year’s exhibition at Macquarie University on 2 December and showed her support through further encouraging students to learn STEM concepts.

“The next generation of professionals will be humanitarian engineers that will use technology to solve complex social, economic and political issues facing mankind. Programs such as FLL Jr are a great way to inspire young kids to follow this path,” Shah said.

To aid their research, the students and their parents went to Warragamba Dam in Western Sydney.

This field trip inspired team Water Bendors - comprising Kieran Hughes, Abdullah Farooq and Jude Khazaleh - to look at the way rainwater was wasted.

The solution that they found was to have a roboticised rain water harvesting system. They built a model out of LEGO® blocks and created a water tank that leads to a processing factory. Once the water is processed, it is suitable for drinking purposes. In their model, the Water Bendors created a factory door which was fully automated. Abdullah said, “The main lesson I learnt was to never waste water. I found out that my daily habits, even brushing teeth,

logic and LEGO® building skills. “I felt my creativity improved as a result of this experience,” he said.

Interestingly, although parents attended the field trip with the students, they consciously played a small role in the development of the solution and the LEGO® model. Students were encouraged to work as a team and learnt from asking questions of one another. None of the teams had a student leader and instead the

changed because of this program.”

Team Aqua Rangers featuring Akileish Ramesh, Amirthan Thiruarrenkan, Ansh Nayak, Liam Lai, Manuth Rupasinghe, and Sanvi Shah focused on the filtration aspect of water processing. They researched how water is captured, filtered and processed to be used in homes. Their model had six key stages of screening, fanning, filtration, chemical processing, reservoir storage and pumping to homes. Akileish said that he and his team were able to devise this rather insightful solution through their

focus was on delegating tasks fairly.

Shah, who acted as the head mentor, said, “It gives me a great sense of satisfaction when I see kids becoming more confident in expressing themselves to others, negotiating ideas and taking responsibility for their work. This is a tool that develops in children the abilities of problem-solving, dealing with failures and collaboration.”

Besides, the students also present a speech about the project - which they write themselves - giving them confidence while public-speaking as well.

Budding scientists build models about saving and recycling water as part of FIRST ® LEGO ® League Jr

The main lesson I learnt was to never waste water. I found out that my daily habits, even brushing teeth, changed because of this program Abdullah Farooq, student

Five years after Nirbhaya, is Delhi any safer for women?

Five years after 23-year-old Nirbhaya was brutally raped and murdered by five men on December 16, earning Delhi an epithet of “rape capital” of India, has the national capital become any safer for women? Crime data doesn’t suggest so and females who live and work in the city and its peripheries also don’t feel safer despite resolves by the centre and city governments to enhance women’s safety.

According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data for 2016-17, Delhi reported the highest crime rate (160.4) compared to the national average rate of 55.2. The capital reported nearly 40 per cent of rape cases (2,155 cases of rape, 669 cases of stalking and 41 cases of voyeurism) during the period.

IANS spoke to a few women, coming from different professional background about how safe they feel in the city.

Sumitra Girotra, a Haryana girl who works in Noida but lives in a hostel in Delhi, feels “palpably unsafe even in the socalled posh areas of the city.”

“It may be strange to read about women getting molested in the broad daylight but it is certainly not strange to be verbally molested or to get rape threats while walking down the roads in Delhi. I have been a victim many times,” Girotra said, recalling an incident when she asked a drunk man to stop staring at her near Mandi House, a few steps away from her hostel. It was 8.30 p.m.

“He was peeing and staring at me. When I objected, he turned towards me with his zip down and started abusing me with rape threats. I gave it back to him and tried fighting back, dragged him to the hostel and called the guard for help. He refused, saying it is dangerous to fight them. I called up the police but by the time they came, the guy had disappeared.

“Instead of looking for the guy, the police asked me to register a case, give my name and other credentials. I mean it gets more frustrating and worse after you suffer.

“The mindset is certainly universal

but the situation here in Delhi is just too bad. I have travelled to other parts of the country...but never felt so unsafe.”

Utkarsha Dixit, a 24-year-old Gurgaon based designer, said it was “indeed scary” for a woman to remain outside home after 9 pm, even if it is a public space.

“You never know which men standing next to you and looking at you can be a potential molester. And taking an auto or travelling in a cab is now even more of a nightmare. I personally never feel safe without my pepper spray, at least it’s an immediate option to protect myself. I cannot depend on police as most of the time their helpline number doesn’t work,” Dixit said.

Sukanya Ghosh, 28, an art designer at an advertising firm, echoed the apprehensions. She noted that strange fear of travelling alone is palpable even during the day time.

“I cannot even imagine of going out at night with only girls. I always prefer male friends to accompany me, just for the sake of safety.

“Even travelling in the general coaches in metro has often turned into a nightmare with terrifying incidents of being physically molested. So, I really don’t know where I can claim to be in the safe zone,” Ghosh noted.

Neha Nar, a medical practitioner from Mumbai who came to Delhi three years ago, said ironically it is a woman and her attire that is often blamed for her ordeal and that makes it worse.

“Questions have always been raised on dress code for a woman. I have been a victim of molestation even after wearing a so-called decent dress. A molester will anyway harass a woman no matter what she wears. But yes, now I have become conscious of what to wear,” she said.

Tiasha Dutta Gupta, a PR professional who shifted to the national capital five years ago, shared her experience of living in Delhi.

“After Nirbhaya incident, we had regained our faith that things will change. But little has happened. Police still have a laid back attitude, women are not comfortable to lodge a complaint, I still feel shivers down

my spine when at late nights a car passes by or comes close to me when I am standing alone.

“I still panic when the cabbie takes the lonely dark road. And, I can assure it’s not just me, but any other girl in the city would resonate,” she said.

Challenges for Rahul: Revamping party set-up, electoral battles before 2019 polls

Rahul Gandhi’s long-delayed elevation as Congress party chief is almost over as he was on 11 December elected Congress President at a time when the party is facing an “existential crisis.” His main challenge remains the revamping of party organisation, apart from electoral battles in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Gandhi took over the reins of the grand old party just a few days before the 18 December counting of votes for Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh assembly elections, the outcome of which could be a trendsetter ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha election.

Gandhi, 47, who took over from his mother Sonia Gandhi who had helmed the country’s oldest party for 19 long years, will be the sixth member of the Nehru-Gandhi family to take the top position of the 132-year-old party.

The outcome of the Gujarat polls would be interpreted in terms of Rahul Gandhi’s ability as a “campaigner and vote-getter”.

The next round of assembly polls in 2018 - first in Karnataka and later in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh - will be crucial for Gandhi in order to build the momentum to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Lok Sabha polls.

The state elections, with Bharatiya Janata Party as the key rival, will also be the first major polls directly under Rahul Gandhi’s charge as party chief. Assembly polls will also be held early next year in Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura.

The challenges for Rahul Gandhi include infusing fresh energy and life in Congress workers and evolving a proper strategy to

Women shop for festive hats ahead of Christmas at a market in Mumbai. Though Christians make up only about 2 per cent of India’s 1 billionplus population, Christmas is a national holiday celebrated with much fanfare. Photo: AP

galvanise the party, following a string of electoral losses since the 2014 Lok Sabha debacle.

Gandhi has to be decisive on forging a larger opposition alliance for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls under a “collective leadership” or even projecting himself as the alternative to Modi with the support of different parties.

Gandhi has always been perceived as a reluctant politician due to some of his longish trips abroad, which delayed his stepping into the role of party chief.

His action not to take up ministerial responsibility in two UPA governments and not properly following through some of the issues he raised drew strong criticism.

He has been able to counter those perceptions to some extent with his sharp and aggressive attacks on Modi and the BJP. His recent trip to the United States, where he held interactions with think tanks, has brought about a sea change to his overall image.

In Gujarat, where success will be a big morale-booster for the Congress, Gandhi has sought to create a broad social coalition and has forced Modi to react.

Reviving the Congress in Uttar Pradesh is going to be another major challenge for Rahul Gandhi - the state that sends the largest contingent of 80 members to the Lok Sabha.

The results of the local body polls in Amethi and Rae Bareli, the Lok Sabha constituencies of Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi respectively, have not given a fillip to Rahul Gandhi’s image.

Rahul Gandhi had been projected as a young leader who understands the language and pulse of the youth but Modi has been more successful in weaning away the section that has large electoral presence. The Congress also has to devise ways to woo the large middle class.

He needs to act smartly in his dealings with allies and other opposition parties, including the Communist Party of IndiaMarxist.

Within the party, Gandhi has to take several decisions, including whether to project chief ministerial candidates in pollbound Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan and who they are going to be.

To bring about unity in faction-ridden state units and striking the right the balance between the “old guard” and the younger aspirants will be his other challenges.

The Congress is ruling now in five states and a union territory only and a loss in Gujarat as well as in Karnataka next year will further put a squeeze on its chances of staging a comeback at the Centre in 2019.

Gandhi, who is into his third term as Lok Sabha MP, was made Congress Vice President in 2013 as a stepping stone to his eventual elevation to the top party post.

Since 2004, Rahul Gandhi has been the Lok Sabha member from Amethi in Uttar Pradesh. In 2007, he was named Congress General Secretary in charge of youth and student wings of the party.

India’s captain Rohit Sharma celebrates after scoring a double century during the second one-day international cricket match against Sri Lanka in Mohali, on 13 Dec. Sharma became the only cricketer to score three double centuries in ODIs.

He has attended St Stephen’s College, Delhi, Harvard College and Rollins College, Florida, from where he graduated with a Bachelors in Arts.

He received an M. Phil in Development Studies from Trinity College, Cambridge University. Thereafter, he joined the Monitor Group, a strategy consulting group, in London, where he worked for three years.

PM commissions India’s 1st indigenously-built Scorpene submarine

Heralding it as a significant new era to boost India’s defence and security, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 14 December commissioned the country’s first indigenously-built Scorpene-class submarine INS Kalvari into the Indian Navy.

It is named after the first Foxtort-class submarine - INS Kalvari - which was inducted into the Navy on December 8, 1967. This indigenous version comes days after the golden jubilee of the Navy’s submarine wing.

This is the first conventional submarine to be inducted into the Indian Navy. Kalvari means Tiger Shark.

Modi thanked France for its help and collaboration in developing the Scorpene submarines, which encompass superior stealth and combat capabilities.

“It signifies strengthening of the growing strategic ties between India and France,” Modi said.

The Scorpenes were being built by the Mazagaon Dockyard Ltd (MDL) here under Project 75 with transfer of technology from a foreign collaborator - DCNS of France.

He said the INS Kalvari will provide a significant boost and synergise the country’s defence, economic, technical and international powers, along with people power on the global arena.

It will play a crucial role in India’s security and regional stability, he added.

Modi said India was fully alert with regard to its global, strategic and economic interests in the Indian Ocean.

“India’s humanitarian commitment to national security and diplomacy makes us stand apart in the world. So, a safe and secure India is good not just for this country but for entire humanity.”

He said India was playing a crucial role in confronting “all challenges emanating from the high seas, be it terrorism, piracy, narcotics smuggling or illegal fishing” for the countries in the Indian Ocean rim.

INS Kalvari is manned by a team comprising of eight officers and 35 sailors with Captain S D Mehendale at the helm.

The second in the series of six submarines in this project, INS Khanderi is currently undergoing sea trials and all the submarines are due to be inducted gradually into the Indian Navy by 2020.

The state-of-the-art features of the Scorpenes include superior stealth and ability to launch crippling attacks with

precision-guided weapons.

The attacks can be carried out with torpedoes both while submerged or on the surface - in all war theatres including the tropics, giving it an unmatched invulnerability.

The submarine has an overall length of 67.5 metre and a height of about 12.3 metres. The hull form, fin and hydroplanes are specifically designed to produce minimum underwater resistance.

Home Ministry to set up panel for assessing Ockhi damage

The Union Home Ministry is constituting an inter-ministerial central committee for the spot assessment of damage and admissibility of claims of the states hit by Cyclone Ockhi, an official said.

The committee will visit the spot and submit a detailed report to the Ministry within certain period about the loss of property caused by Ockhi that hit Tamil Nadu and Kerala on November 30.

The Home Ministry official said that Tamil Nadu and Kerala were in the process of preparing memorandum of seeking central assistance.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on 13 Dec that his government has sought Rs 1,843 crore from the Central government to mitigate the damage caused by Cyclone Ockhi. Kerala has also demanded Rs 300 crore for immediate relief.

Cyclone Ockhi, which in Bengali means ‘eye’, went on make landfall in Lakshadweep on December 2 and caused extensive damages to houses, power lines and other infrastructure in the islands and coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

It dissipated near the south coast of Gujarat on December 6.

The Home Ministry official said that thousands of houses and large areas of standing crops were damaged due to the cyclone.

He also said over 2,391 people from Tamil Nadu and 8,566 from Kerala had been evacuated far while over 600 fishermen of both the states are still

missing after the cyclone rampaged through parts of south and western India.

As of now, 63 people have lost their lives in Kerala and 14 in Tamil Nadu during the cyclone.

In historic first, Sikh nominated to be attorney general of New Jersey

In a historic first, a distinguished Sikh public prosecutor “who has experienced hate and intolerance first-hand” has been nominated to be the next attorney general of the US state of New Jersey.

If Gurbir S Grewal’s nomination by Democrat Governor-elect Phil Murphy is approved by the State Senate early next year, he will be the first Sikh to assume the top state law enforcement position in the United States and the second IndianAmerican, after Kamala Harris, who held the position in California before her election to the US Senate.

Announcing the nomination in the state capital, Trenton, on Tuesday, Murphy said, “In light of all that is being thrown at us by the president, we need an attorney general unafraid to join our fellow states in using the law to protect all New Jersey residents.”

Grewal, 44, is the prosecutor of Bergen County, an important district across the river from New York. He was appointed by the current Republican Governor Chris Christie and that is likely to mute any opposition the senate.

Symbolic of the public acceptance of minorities despite scattered incidents of bigotry, two Sikhs were elected mayors last month, Ravi Bhalla in Hoboken, New Jersey, and Preet Didbal in Yuba City, California.

Vin Gopal, who became the first IndianAmerican to be elected to the New Jersey State Senate last month, said that Grewal is someone “not only eminently qualified, but who will bring a perspective to the office that is diverse and long-overdue.”

After Murphy made the announcement, Grewal said, “I wanted to give back to a country that has given us and other immigrant families like us so much.”

Turning to his three daughters, Kyrpa, Mayher and Mahek, who were with him, he said, “As someone who has experienced hate and intolerance first-hand throughout my life, I wanted to work to ensure we all live in and that the three of you grow up in a fair and just society.”

Grewal added, “I wanted to perhaps also show people that while I and others like me may look different or worship differently, that we, too, are committed to this country.”

Hailing Grewal’s nomination, Rajwant Singh, the co-founder of the National Sikh Campaign, said, “These are exactly the kind of role models our youngsters need to feel proud of being a Sikh and an American.”

“While America could be seen having a very polarized situation politically and yet there are some very shining moments to show that people of all backgrounds can aspire for top positions,” he added.

South Asian Bar Association President Rishi Bagga, said, “The decision to appoint a visible minority as the chief law enforcement officer for New Jersey reflects the diversity of the state and of the US, and is especially important in a time where minorities and immigrants have often felt targeted by law enforcement.”

Attorney General is a very powerful position New Jersey heading the Department of Law and Public Safety, which includes the state police.

Grewal has earlier served as an assistant federal prosecutor in New York and in New Jersey, where he was also the chief of the Economic Crimes Unit.

In the administration of former President Barack Obama, Indian Americans have held senior law positions. Neal Kumar Katyal was an Acting Solicitor General.

Sri Srinivasan, now a federal appeals court judge in Washington, did a stint as the Principal Deputy Solicitor General.

Vanita Gupta was the Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General and headed the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

US President Donald Trump has appointed Uttam Dhillon to be his special assistant and associate counsel.

IANS

Photo: AP

Whale of a time

Tourist’s photograph of a breaching whale wins accolades

BY JYOTI SHANKAR

Iremember my first whale watching trip off the Gold Coast – lots of retching and vomiting from sea-sickness, interspersed with shaky attempts to capture the huge beautiful animals on camera. Most of the shots captured had just a tiny bit of the whale’s tail in the frame. So when I saw Nitin Jayanand’s photo of a humpback whale, I couldn’t help but go “Wow!”

This picture of the breaching whale won the People’s Choice prize at the Nature Conservancy Australia’s 2017 photography competition. Around 4900

entries were submitted in this year’s competition. The Nature Conservancy is the world’s largest conservation organisation working around the globe to address pressing conservation threats by working collaboratively with local communities, governments, indigenous groups and businesses.

Nitin Jayanand, from Canberra, a mechanical designer by profession, describes himself as an amateur photographer.

“I attribute my shot to sheer luck,” he told Indian Link modestly. “On a holiday in Tasmania with my family, we took a whale-watching cruise at Eaglehawk Neck on the south-eastern coast of the island. A humpback whale suddenly breached.”

Breaching is a spectacular whaling behaviour where this massive animal leaps out of the water. Why they do this is

not known for sure but marine scientists have speculated that this may be a way of communicating with other whales about food, predators or mating.

After breaching, the whale usually lands on its side or back. A huge amount of water is displaced in the process, creating a massive splash.

“The action is spectacular and in the case of this whale, it was just once and I captured the moment just on time,” he revealed. Though he attributes much of the credit for this magnificent photograph to his Olympus camera and luck, one can’t deny that there is a level of skill required to capture such moments. Cameras are a thing of the past for most travellers these days, most of whom prefer to quickly capture memories on their mobile phones and take selfies. Nitin prefers taking pictures using manual settings. You need

to know your camera well and enough about what goes into a good exposure to get great shots. His other pictures here are evidence of his skill, much as he makes light of his accolade. A man of few words, Nitin’s pictures speak for him.

Photographer Nitin Jayanand

Pregnant pause

Fertility specialist Dr Chandrika Parmar on the controversial procedure of egg freezing and why same sex couples also have the right to have children

BY PREETI JABBAL

Modern lives are so hectic. Everything seems to revolve around beating the clock, including the biological one, as more women now choose the option of preserving their fertility by egg freezing.

Indian Link spoke to IVF and fertility specialist Dr Chandrika Parmar, one of the first women from an Indian background to practise as reproductive and endocrine specialist in Victoria, to shed some light on fertility preservation or egg freezing, a complex and ethically controversial treatment.

Also under discussion was the recently confirmed Yes vote for same-sex marriage and Australian LGBTQIs’ right to have the same opportunities for love, commitment and happiness as everyone else.

Chandrika currently has her consulting rooms at 380 Victoria Parade in East Melbourne. Encompassing a range of strategies and offering a wide spectrum of treatments, Chandrika helps people to start a family.

On her work

“Giving my patients the news of a successful outcome, seeing the joy on their face when they leave my practice pregnant and reading the birth notification cards with the newborn baby pictures are the best part of my profession,” she says.

As a fertility consultant with Melbourne IVF, Chandrika also holds a public appointment at The Women’s Hospital as reproductive and endocrine specialist. She specialises in infertility issues including recurrent miscarriage, egg freezing, donor egg and sperm, surrogacy, fertility surgery and in-vitro fertilisation (IVM).

Statistically, 1 in 6 couples needs fertility treatment. Not every woman has an unimpeded path to pregnancy. However, advances in medical science and assisted reproductive procedures have helped many realise their dreams of parenthood. This includes same sex couples.

The marriage equality vote may be recent but LGBTQI community have been parenting in Australia for many years.

According to the ABS, in 2016, there are around 48,000 gay couples with childrenabout 1 in 10 gay men and one-third of gay women.

“The role of science in our society is to improve the quality of life of all humans and to help people who are committed to having children together - regardless of their gender,” says Chandrika.

On gay parenting

Chandrika, who is a strong Yes supporter, sees many patients from the LGBTQI communities. “There is a really good and safe donor programme on offer and same-

sex couples come for donor sperm or sometimes they bring their own donors. In the last five years, they also have the option of surrogacy along with other assisted reproduction processes,” she says.

One of the reasons for opposing same sex marriage is a fear of breakdown in social fabric, and a loss of the emotional safety offered by tradition. Some opponents claim that children need a mother and a father to have role models. Some may use the sexual orientation of the parent to deny custody, adoption, visitation and foster care. Chandrika, however, disagrees.

“No study has conclusively found that children of gay couples are disadvantaged due to their parent’s sexual orientation,” says Chandrika with conviction, adding that the assisted reproduction process is not dependent on people’s commitment or their marriage status.

“There are currently people going through this treatment, whether or not they are in a committed relationship. There are many single women wanting to raise a child,” she adds.

“There will always be a divide between what people think is a conventional, traditional family, but if two women are raising a child, there’s two mothers to love and there is nothing wrong with that,” she points out.

She also thinks that the LGBTQI have a wider sense of community. They look out for each other and it’s often not just the sperm donor but the whole family that gets involved in the process.

On egg freezing

Chandrika is equally articulate on the topic of technological advances that allow the storage of a woman’s unfertilised eggs to allow her to conceive at a later date.

Demanding careers, inflexibility of academic calendars and absence of a suitable partner are some of the reasons women may wish to delay family building and explore fertility preservation.

If a woman wants a family in future but is unable to start one in her most fertile years, freezing her eggs when she is younger may allow her the possibility of having a biological child in future. The eggs are frozen unfertilised and can be thawed at a later date and fertilised with sperm, creating embryos that can be implanted in her uterus.

The quality of eggs tends to start declining for women as they age beyond 32; even more so in their 40s. This may mean that some women are unable to get pregnant as they get older. Or, if they do get pregnant, they are at an increased risk of miscarriage and having a baby with chromosomal defects like Down syndrome.

“Essentially, by using this option, women are securing themselves for some situation where things may go wrong. It’s like having insurance,” explains Chandrika. In 2014, Facebook and Apple offered to financially back female employees for elective egg freezing as the process comes with a hefty price tag.

Egg freezing does not guarantee a pregnancy, but storing 20-30 eggs before a woman turns 35 may give a good chance at a pregnancy. It’s also important to consider general health and other medical issues when embarking on freezing eggs or delaying conception.

“The ability to freeze eggs doesn’t mean one should postpone having children just because it’s possible. Although egg-freezing techniques are improving and pregnancy rates with thawed eggs are comparable to fresh eggs, there is still ongoing work and research needed in this field,” Chandrika says.

According to her, the awareness of this procedure is higher in Westerners in comparison to Indians. While some careeroriented young Indians and women with marriage breakdowns are utilising this process, social stigma remains attached to the new-age fertilisation process. The knowledge within our community is improving, albeit slowly.

(With inputs from Dr Chandrika Parmar’s article on egg freezing published by Bupa)

ALL ABOUT EGG FREEZING

How it works: A woman’s ovaries are hormonally stimulated for 10-14 days, which stimulates a group of eggs to mature. These are then extracted using a 15-minute surgical procedure. An average of 10-12 eggs are collected from each round. Eggs are then frozen with a special technique called vitrification. More than one cycle can be required to retrieve enough eggs for future use. What it costs: Each round can cost up to $9,000 or $10,000. Since it is an elective procedure, it is not covered under Medicare.

What’s the success rate: 80-90% of the eggs might survive being thawed, about 50-70% of the eggs may fertilise and create embryos and about 79-80% of the embryos may develop into good quality embryos. From the good quality embryos, a single embryo may have a 25-35% chance of developing into a pregnancy.

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WAYS GAY MARRIAGE WiLL IMPACT

Saying ‘yes’ to same-sex marriage means saying ‘no’ to parents’ rights.

2. IMPACT ON FREE SPEECH

Saying ‘yes’ to same-sex marriage means saying ‘no’ to freedom of speech.

3. IMPACT ON RELIGION

Saying ‘yes’ to same-sex marriage means saying ‘no’ to religious freedom.

IT’S OK TO VOTE NO

Authorised by L Shelton, 4 Campion Street, Deakin, ACT 2600 MC/17 C4M1026 coalitionformarriage.com.au

Finishing strong

BY MOHAN DHALL

The year’s end is rapidly approaching and families everywhere are looking forward to break. A time to rest and recuperate. Maybe even a time to recalibrate. Each year, there are predictable comments about how fast the year has flown, and how time, as it passes, condenses. For students, teachers and families, the beckoning break actually produces interesting challenges. Pervasive amongst these challenges is how we will finish the year. Will we limp towards a holiday or finish strong?

It is easy to commence a new year with the early fortitude that arises after a break and the making of resolutions. Promises made to the self are often kept strong early in the resolution period. Over time however, resolutions are tested.

In schools, the busy-ness of the year, the nature of intense learning and assessment cycles, coupled with the emotional sea that is childhood generally and adolescence particularly, characterises each academic year. So, in the distraction that is life, any order or idea of control is quickly challenged. A year then becomes a series of tested ideals, against a backdrop of compromise and the accommodation of reality. This

can make the academic year taxing. Teachers, they say, get long holidaysa truth which belies the emotional nature of the work. Students and families know that holidays are necessary punctuations to pause, gather rest and a deep breath for the journey ahead. Teachers do get long holidays - the national mandated standard leave is four weeks, whereas teachers get at least eleven or twelve weeks, and with national public holidays as much as thirteen or fourteen weeks per year. The emotionally complex nature of teaching means that frequent breaks are generally necessary.

After a period of intense activity, everyone requires some rest. As the academic year draws to its conclusion, it is easy to let the standards slip a little.

It is common for all the stakeholders in the student’s life to simply let things slide, finishing tired and frazzled, without energy to smile. Videos and other time wasters such as electronic quiz games can be leaned upon in classrooms as the mandated days are ticked off, closer and closer to the time when a fabled stranger engages in acts of break and enter globally, bizarrely to leave presents to those characterised as ‘good’. Under most circumstances, such a stranger would be arrested. Homework is left undone and also the usual home-based routines falter at this time of year.

Indeed, even after school year finishes, there can be an over-focus on ‘doing nothing’ at the cost of doing little, for the sake of balance.

priorities and even deadlines prior to the extended break. Parents can maintain their focus, their order and their expectations despite an adjustment to student routines.

Finishing strong means that parents and teachers can expect students to preserve their manners, keep rooms tidy, maintain politeness, get involved in both the preparation and cleaning up in end-ofyear class and at-home parties.

Parents too should know that it is okay to expect that children keep their rooms tidy, clean up after themselves and even do some daily housework as parents are working. In this way, rather than be totally self-absorbed in the idea of a holiday, children can be balanced - in the sense that responsibilities are

in reading. Finishing strongly can feature reading as a healthy part of winding down and relaxing.

Of course, disciplined planning will mean that time with friends is organised. Undoubtedly, a proportion of such time may be to watch DVDs or streamed movies, going out or in another form of leisure, for example at the beach.

In order to quell rebellion, appropriate time should be allocated to ‘smart’ devices on the proviso that the ‘lost in focus’ phenomenon not lead to snappiness, anger or unending hours in front of screens.

It is common to talk of ‘new year’ resolutions. However, finishing strongly has, at its core, end of year resolutions with an image of the best a person can be.

School holidays: Finding a balance between self-absorption and (shock horror!) routine activities

Protecting animal rights

a common risk among animal activists.

BY YESHA JOSHI

Most of us have fond memories of being told childhood stories of farmyard animals and singing the nursery rhyme Old MacDonald had a farm. These farms are happy places where ducks swim in a pond, little piggies roll around in the mud, cows and sheep graze on the lush green grass and chickens happily cluck away in the far distance, playing until the sun sets, only to wait for their next adventure.

I have certainly grown up being told of such a happy place, where animals of all shapes and sizes live a decent life, out of harm’s way. Through these stories we teach children to be respectful towards other beings and that most often stories will have a happily ever after ending.

Sadly, the reality of these animals tells a different tale - one that some might find too confronting to bear.

Animal welfare advocate Apoorva Madan knows the reality facing animals in animal industries too well. As a psychologist, she is clinically trained to provide assistance to those who suffer from compassion fatigue,

News about animal abuses in the dairy industry has begun to come in with increasing regularity. The confronting footage of bobby calves being taken away at just a day old, the forced pregnancies and the inevitable slaughter of cows that can no longer produce high quality milk is brought to the forefront of traditional and online media - courtesy of a handful of animal activists.

Speaking to Indian Link, Apoorva said:

“Over the recent years, there has been a large amount of footage collected from various farms around the country showing the immense fear and pain that these animals experience every day,” Apoorva said. “This is confronting work for animal activists who seek to capture and share what is happening to our animals in these industries so that people are better informed when making consumer decisions.”

She added, “The animal welfare standards in Australian meat, dairy, egg (and other animal use) industries are alarmingly poor. For example, to produce milk for human consumption, cows are forcibly impregnated almost yearly, which is an immense physical burden on the body.”

Voiceless, an organisation seeking to be a voice for the voiceless released ‘The Life of the Dairy Cow’ report in 2015. This report stated that around 800,000 dairy calves are considered ‘waste’ and are “either killed

on-farm or sent for commercial slaughter within just five days of life, often ending up as pet food or used by the pharmaceutical industry.”

The report disclosed that farmers can slaughter calves by “chemical euthanasia, the use of a firearm or stunning by a captive bolt.” It is even more distressing to know that “a newborn calf can also be killed by striking their head with a blunt instrument, such as a hammer.”

The lack of animal welfare laws across Australian jurisdictions means these practices are considered acceptable across other animal industries, as Apoorva explains. “In the egg industry, it is standard practice to kill male chicks in the millions, as they are considered ‘waste’ products to the industry. In the farming of pigs, it is legal for pregnant pigs to be kept in ‘sow stalls’ - which are metal enclosures so small that the mothers are barely able to stand, let alone move forward or backward. Mother pigs will stay in this condition during their pregnancy. It is also standard practice to cut the tails of piglets and remove their teeth without any pain relief.

“This is done so that pigs do not cannibalise each other, which often happens because pigs become so psychologically distressed in these conditions.”

The Australian Pork Limited announced that the use of sow stalls will be voluntarily phased out by the end of 2017.

commitment in most jurisdictions. Only the ACT and Tasmania have enforced legal restrictions on the use of sow stalls.

The light at the end of this sad tale is the existence of consumers who make informed decisions. They are the heroes of this story. As they vote with their wallet and demand improved animal welfare standards by purchasing free-range eggs or by making changes to their diet, the industries listen to the consumer dollar as Apoorva explains.

“Veganism is spreading rapidly, which makes sense - we are living in the age of social media where information is widely available. Industries can no longer hide behind their false advertisements convincing customers that animal products come from happy and willing animals. People are learning the truth about the lives of animals, and as a result, are making changes in their lifestyle choices. I am confident we will continue to see veganism grow.”

As consumers, the choices you make will decide the ending of this story.

Write to your local MP about seeking animal law reform in your state.

We need more animal welfare laws, argues Apoorva Madan

Soldier daddy

Sydney couple tastes success with first-ever home film production

years ago, with a vision to make contentdriven films.

BY TARINI PURI

When you are doing something meaningful, it just attracts good people who help to make it all happen, believes Ashish Sahasrabuddhe.

The first-time film-maker’s English feature film Just One More Day is currently on a winning spree across international film festivals, including those in Los Angeles and New York

The film, shot entirely in Sydney, narrates the story of a defence family, highlighting the psychological plight of families of soldiers, including children left behind by those duty-bound to be at the country’s borders with no guarantee of their return home.

It is produced by ThinkGrandFilms, a small production house which Ashish founded with his wife Poonam two

Filmed mainly in the Hills district, the entire cost of production was borne by the couple, who invested a chunk of their life savings into the project.

But it’s all turning out like a dream for the family, with the film - produced at a cost of $50,000 - garnering recognition and awards all around the globe, including the trophy of Best Young Actor at the Los Angeles Film Awards in November for their nine-year-old son Rishi who played the role of Nick in the film.

The 85-minute film features Australian and Indian actors, including Poonam. It took the team four months to film, most of which was done on weekends and in the evenings after work. Ashish, with his background in information technology, still continues to work full-time.

But we were passionate about bringing this film to life, Ashish tells Indian Link Poonam had worked for Indian television channels for about six years while they lived in India. Moving to Australia, their creative lives were put on hold temporarily

as they settled in, especially after the birth of their two children, whom Poonam was tending to full time.

Describing their motivation for breaking completely out of the mould, Ashish reveals, “We wanted to get out of our comfort zone and do something different. We didn’t want to grow old and have any regrets of what we could have achieved, if only we had made the first move”. But venturing into unknown territory naturally came with its challenges. “We were on a very tight budget, so tried to source everything from within the family and friends. A lot of people helped out.”

Incidentally, the entire background score of the film was also arranged by the couple themselves. “Initially, we were in talks with someone to do our music. But it didn’t work out. So, we thought of trying it ourselves and got everything arranged. Thankfully, it’s turned out well.”

The film is enriched with three songs which entertain as well as touch a deep chord.

The subject of the film itself is unconventional, and the couple ensured

they put in the required research before they finalised the screenplay, including interviewing defence personnel and sourcing out authentic information from the Department of Defence.

And while the film is shot in Australia, it does have its Indian links, such as a reference to Shivaji Maharaj, the famous Indian warrior king from Maharashtra, the state where the couple is originally from. They have, since, lived in the USA and Egypt before finally moving to Sydney a decade ago.

Having tasted success, their confidence and joy is at an all-time high, and the couple hopes to officially release the film commercially in April or May 2018.

“The response that the film has garnered is unbelievable. It’s a vindication of all our efforts and intention. We are passionate about films and performing arts, and we are going to continue pursuing this,” Ashish says.

Two screenplays are ready for future film projects, the duo let slip, of which one is about teenage life, which they hope to film in the Marathi language.

Lights, camera, dance!

End-of-year concert gives students a taste of the stage

BY SYDNEY SRINIVAS

Mayura Academy in Sydney has specialised in teaching Kuchipudi dance - one of the unique dance forms of India particularly popular in Andhra Pradeshsince 1990. It celebrated its Annual Day early this month at the Baha’i Centre, Silverwater where the students showcased their talent to the public.

Taking part were kids (some looked like they were in Primary School), young adults as well as adults. The kids merrily laid the steps to the beat and musicsome of them observing the other dancers

and hurriedly correcting their steps. Despite this, a smile on their face was not lacking. The not-so-young were eagerly singing as they danced, minding their step, of course, and putting conscious effort into their performance.

Most items were group performances, though there was a solo number as well. It was heartening to see the participation of a couple of young boys amidst the swarm of girls. Yet the one factor common across the entire range, was enthusiasm. The audience members eagerly awaited their kids’ performances and encouraged and appreciated each performer’s talent.

Dance, especially Indian dance, stresses on two aspects – abstract (nritya) and concrete (abhinaya). Almost every item rendered mixed these very effectively.

Manduka Shabdham, based on the popular story of Gajendra Moksha was enacted in

a very pleasing manner and was abhinayaintensive. At one point, there were three actions performed simultaneously.

Dashavataram depicted the ten incarnations of Vishnu at a fast tempo. In particular, in ‘Narasimha avathara’ where the half-man-half-lion Narsimha pierces the guts of the demon, it was roudra in action. Mahaganapathim by the mature students, was an intricate combo of abhinaya and jathis. The solo Bho Shiva Shambho by Meghna was a treat to watch.

Youngsters rendered Paluke Bagaramayana (in Ananda Bhairavi raga) which was a delight indeed. This was also true of Geetham in the same raga.

The recital had all the ingredients of a typical dance performance, starting with Vinayaka Kouthvam, Brahmanjali, Pushpanjali and continuing with Geetham, Tharangam, Jathiswaram and Thillana

All through, there was the rich vocal music with appropriate accompaniments, enhancing the appeal of the dance. Music was pre-recorded and had had Sangeetha Kala and Pasumarthi Seshu Babu rendering vocal, and Venkata Ramana, Kapa Srinivasa Rao giving Nattuvangam. Dr Jyothi Marri was the chief guest. The academy is the result of the untiring efforts of its illustrious founder Venkata Ramana. He deserves congratulations on his achievement. In addition, one should also praise the parents of these little kids who have determined to preserve this great form of dance, Kuchipudi.

Often times we feel as though Bollywood has drowned out our traditional dance and music. However, watching the students of the academy, we need to revise our opinion – our dance is safe in the hands of our youngsters.

Calm is a super power

A personal account of a yoga retreat in Rishikesh

BY SILVANA ZERELLA

In October this year I decided I would join a group led by Vani Shukla from Himalayan Yogis, to experience life in an ashram in India.

We arrived at Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama Ashram on 7 November all excited about our 10-day stay. On arrival I was a little taken aback especially as I realised that all meals were to be taken in silence. My mind suddenly went into

overdrive and I thought I could not handle this!! Our mornings would start with a bell ringing at 4.45am. From here our day would begin and not end until 9.00pm at night. I have to be truthful and say I really thought that the whole experience was going to be too much for me to handle, but then I decided to take a deep breath and see what the days would unfold. I am so glad I did this, as it all became so beautiful and calming and enlightening.

Everyone at the Ashram was calm and helpful and could not do enough to make our stay memorable. They tailored a program specifically for us and I learnt that yoga does not have to be so hard. Yoga in actual fact is all about soft movements that

stretch our body and calm the mind. We do not need to do strenuous stretches or impossible poses. From yoga we would then go into silent meditation for an hour - which once again I thought would be impossible - but what an experience this was to mediate with the Guru and his disciples. The aura in the room was amazing and so very calming.

We experienced chanting at night and joined in with cymbals.

We learnt what the Himalayan tradition of meditation and yoga is all about and we learnt how to put this into our everyday practice. We learnt an authentic way of experiencing ashram life and we learnt an authentic way of bringing this into our lives. We learnt all about mantras and how

important these are to our meditation and we learnt that life is beautiful no matter how rich or poor we are, and no matter where we live in the world.

Would I have gone had I known the extent of the restrictions in ashram life?

Most probably not…

Am I glad I went? Definitely so glad I went, and so glad I was able to experience such authenticity.

I am so grateful to Vani Shukla Himalayan Yogis for allowing me the experience of a lifetime.

Silvana travelled to India with Adelaide-based Vani Shukla’s company Yoga Begins, organiser of the Divya Darshana Yoga Retreat

Bowled over

The Big Bash League’s attractive packaging and fast-paced games are sure to hook the younger generation

it his life-long passion (and I am the one who usually preaches to his friends to not impose their dreams on their kids. Ah, whatever).

powerplay period ended.

BY SANAM SHARMA

Indian parents, traditionally, have had one clichéd expectation from their Australian-born kids - to excel at school and to make it to medical school.

Lately though, a second breed of Indian parents has been cropping upthose who dream of seeing their kids play cricket at the highest level for Australia. I belong to this new breed of cricket-tragic parents - I can (just about) live with my son not going to medical school, but the thought of my son not being a cricket lover is extremely sour.

Two years ago, as my son Arjun turned six, I thought it was time for him to wake up to the wonderful world of cricket and make

So I turned our modest driveway into a cricket pitch and began daily ‘coaching’ sessions for Arjun. Only a couple of days into our training drills, and we were both fed up of each other - Arjun, for having a dad who demanded the perfect straight drive from a six-year-old who had only held the bat for two days; and me, for Arjun’s lack of ability to do so. His mum intervened and the training sessions were abandoned (indefinitely).

So I moved on to contemplating other ideas to get Arjun hooked to cricket. I tried to get him to watch a Test match with me on TV. He was glued - for four minutes and thirty seven seconds.

I then lured him to a one-day game, hoping that the colourful outfits and the white ball would do the trick. This time, his attention span gave in after the first

I looked up to the heavens in despair, seeking a sign. The gods must have been listening, because something in me said, give it one more try.

The Big Bash League (BBL) was in full swing and I was able to score tickets for us to watch the Melbourne derby between the Renegades and the Stars.

It was the perfect introduction to cricket that I had been seeking for Arjun. A packed stadium brimming with colour and noise, and the entire razzmatazz of a T20 cricketing encounter had Arjun hooked at first sight. The fireworks that erupted after every boundary, the song and dance, and the cheers from the crowd had him spellbound as he warmed to a game that his dad so desperately wanted him to love.

And this is how Australia’s Big Bash League, promoting the shortest version of the game, has won the hearts of cricket lovers across the country.

The BBL offers hard-fought T20 encounters that are spectacular in design and delivery, appealing to adults and kids alike. It is slick, fast paced, and makes for a perfect family outing on bright summer evenings.

The fact that Cricket Australia promotes BBL as a family-friendly event, differentiates it from other T20 leagues around the globe. It is a clean event that dishes out high-quality T20 games played out in picturesque stadiums with a singular view of attracting young kids into the game. In a way, it is the most potent tool to tap into the real grassroots for future talent. In times when the future of Test cricket is being debated, the T20 format offers a far more attractive platform to grow the engagements of kids in the game.

So, just like I did, take your kids out to a game when this year’s BBL gets underway and let them experience this spectacle of cricket. You won’t be disappointed. I promise.

Hard K aur player

Harmanpreet Kaur, the 28-year-old all-rounder of the Indian women’s cricket team and recipient of the 2017 Arjuna Award, speaks to Indian Link Radio as she gears up for her second outing in the WBBL as a Sydney Thunder player

he happened to be in the same city. I had been asking to meet him for a long time, so I couldn’t believe my luck when I got the opportunity. He actually took out time, and waited for me, and we got to spend half an hour together.

CHARUTA JOSHI: How did your journey in cricket start off?

HARMANPREET KAUR: Dad used to play cricket and I used to enjoy playing with him as a child. Luckily for me, my parents did not stop me from pursuing this interest of mine. I kept getting opportunities and finally got the chance to represent the country.

CJ: Just like your dad, you played other sports as well. So what made you choose to pursue cricket at the professional level?

HK: Yes, Dad was into a lot of sports in his school days. There wasn’t much scope for cricket at that stage. Things are different now, so when my time came, my parents encouraged me a lot, and never stopped me from pursuing the game. I have played other sports too at the school level, but I’ve always loved cricket the most. Besides, Indians are big supporters of this sport, and so far, there has been maximum name and fame in cricket, so it’s all worked out for me.

CJ: Who would you say is your cricketing hero?

HK: My dad is obviously my first hero. He is the one who taught me how to hold the bat correctly and tackle the oncoming ball. At the professional level, my role model has been Virender Sehwag since the initial days. He has been a huge inspiration. It’s wonderful to hear the stories of his initial days of struggle. Now he is at another level, having represented India at the international platform for so many years. I first met him five or six years ago. We were scheduled to leave for England, and

CJ: Tell us about your debut match against Pakistan in which you performed so well with the ball (4 overs, 10 runs).

HK: I hadn’t slept the night before because not only was it my debut, it was a match against Pakistan! Now it feels good to play against so many different teams.

CJ: You led the team as captain in the 2012 Asia Cup. Tell us about that match, again against Pakistan?

HK: I got the opportunity to lead as both our seniors, Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami, were injured. But that also meant that there was a lot of pressure on me. It was a good match for me, eventually. The team performed well together and it turned into a memorable win for us.

CJ: Talk us through the last over of that match, when India bowled out the Pakistan team still short of 18 runs for victory?

HK: I had reserved the last over for medium pacer Niranjana Nagarajan as the Pakistan team were tackling spin well. The plan worked, and we managed to dismiss the team with five balls still left of the last over.

CJ: How do you handle pressure?

HK: Earlier, it was a big deal. Now, it’s become routine, so much so that I enjoy it. Playing against big teams on a daily basis, if one has to retain the team’s winning positon, you cannot afford to slip up on your schedule and discipline. Rather, the bigger the match, the greater should be your focus.

CJ: Tell us about your selection for the Women’s Big Bash League?

HK: It was last year that the Board

of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) allowed Indian players to participate in BBL and WBBL. Just the day after they granted the permission, I received the call with an offer to participate in the WBBL - I was thrilled! T20 cricket is one of my favourite formats of the game. The first call I made to share the news, was to my father. He had been upset about the permission being denied up until then, so he too was very happy that I had got the opportunity straight up. I had a good first year, and now I am back with a two-year contract, and really looking forward to it.

CJ: How did you get this opportunity?

HK: At the international level, it’s all about performing well. Luckily for me, I had been doing well against the Australian women’s team, and the selectors may have noticed that and followed my performance. Thankfully, I had a good season last year, and I hope to continue that form into this year as well.

CJ: What do you think about the audience’s response to WBBL?

HK: It’s fantastic! A huge number of people come to watch us play. The spectators enjoy the game, so they don’t care too much about whether it’s the men’s team or the women’s.

CJ: What do you think about the way cricket is played here?

HK: It’s aggressive and attacking on the field all the time, which is great because it gives me more energy and I enjoy this a lot more than having a defending approach to the game.

Here in the WBBL, you get a lot of privacy, freedom and the opportunity to just enjoy the game.

CJ: So what’s your team like?

HK: Besides Australian players, there are players from New Zealand and West Indies too in our team. Everyone is

friendly, and it feels good to have friends from across continents.

CJ: What changes have you seen in India regarding women’s cricket?

HK: Oh, there have been a lot of changes, especially after the World Cup earlier this year. We have got so much love and respect! Cricket lovers actually watch out for our matches now, and enjoy our game, so it feels great. It also makes us want to perform better and keeps us fit and going. Thankfully, a lot of sportswomen are doing well for India now, like in Badminton and Tennis, so these are good times. Earlier the adulation was just reserved for the men’s cricket team, so I wish for more power to Indian sportswomen.

CJ: What’s your message to youngsters looking to pursue their dreams, just like you?

HK: Whatever you do, do it from the heart, and enjoy it. The results are secondary. The idea should be to remain calm and focussed. Equally important, respect your elders.

CJ: And your message to parents?

HK: Support your children’s dreams, and give them freedom instead of pressurising them. It’s all about mutual trust.

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

Favourite sport (other than cricket): Football

Sportsperson you admire: Yuvraj Singh

Favourite food: Mum’s cooking

Favourite holiday spot: Maldives

How you unwind: By watching films

Last film you have seen: Firangi

Favourite team member: Jhulan Goswami

Most happy-go-lucky team member: Sushma Verma

One person/thing you are missing while away from home: My mum, actually!

CHARUTA JOSHI

SEEKING GROOMS

Match required for 40-year-old Christian Methodist female. Separated after brief marriage, no issues. Australian citizen, working as a teacher. 5’4”, wheatish complexion. Send bio data to rattan_16@yahoo.com

Brother based in Sydney seeks match for 39-year-old Mumbai-born, never married Gujarati girl. 5’4”, well-cultured, medium built, B.Com, working for international shipping company in Dubai. Hindu grooms please contact on 0416 475 948 or komaldxb@gmail.com

Seeking a professionally qualified, settled match for Sydney-based, never married Australian citizen. Hindu, Punjabi Khatri 45, 5’3” slim, fair, attractive girl. Postgraduate and working on a good position in government organisation. Send details with photo indsyd2016@gmail.com

Looking for a match for our very good looking daughter, New Zealand citizen, 32-year-old, never married. 5’2”, very slim and talented. Masters in Taxation and works as a project manager in Melbourne. Ours is an upper middle class Sikh Arora family settled in Auckland. Looking for a good-looking, well settled and qualified male preferably from Melbourne or New Zealand, from Indian good family background. Email shummirekhi@gmail.com with groom’s full details, photos and contact details

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SEEKING BRIDES

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Seeking a life partner of Indian origin, aged 25-35, for an Indian 54-year-old guy. Australian citizen, never married, living in Sydney, with engineering background. Contact Arun Tiku 0401 387 747 or email arun9tiku@yahoo.com.au

SOCIAL MEDIA

At your command

Christmas shopping?

Consider Google Home, but read this first

BY PRIYANKA TATER

When I asked a pre-schooler the meaning of the word “consequence”, he immediately came back with the most convenient answer: “Google it.” Of course, how could I not have seen that coming? In a world that is becoming more and more dependent on someone else for doing all the hard work, our brain is getting better and better with delegation - and becoming lazier and lazier in the bargain. It is ironical how the human mind is trying to create a competitor for itself in artificial intelligence (AI), hoping for the latter to win. And the more I see the creations I get a sense of relief, realising that we humans are still superior! The latest must-have gadget Google Home proves just that.

I am no IT specialist or gadget-guru, but I take full liberty of my rights as a consumer here to review this one from first-hand experience.

1 Do not expect it to work the same as the Google search engine.

2 It will not give all the possible search results like when you type in your search. So for example when you ask about the

Mesopotamian civilisation, don’t expect a full history lesson. Try it and you will know what I mean.

3 Not all music is available. Do not expect it to play every possible musical reference relating to your question – this is not Youtube. Be prepared to hear this: “Choosing songs is only available to Spotify premium subscribers”. And not just that, with a little hard work, you can upload your own library of up to 50,000 songs through Google music. But the good news is, it plays Indian Link Radio through TuneIn.

4 It may turn a deaf ear to your requests sometimes. Granted this feature can be similar to humans, but it can ignore your commands sometimes and not respond, making you feel like a total jerk as if you were speaking to nobody.

5 It is ‘Google to err”. It could be a sunny day outside but Google Home may get it totally wrong with forecasts of a shower and thunderstorms.

6 No news from India. Looks like there is no integration yet with the Indian media/ news groups.

But obviously the masterminds at Google did not work so hard for nothing! There are features that one can take advantage of to make life easier and ‘smarter’ with a simple voice command. Yes, this is the age of the ‘smart home’ and

with this newest member joining in, you know you are living in one. Let’s now look at some features that make it worth a try:

7 No prizes for guessing that it uses Google search to find answers and hence the possibility of a wider search range.

8 With Google Home, having Chromecast makes total sense, and that means you can cast anything to your TV through voice command.

9 Hurray, no more scribbled notes of ‘things to buy from the supermarket’ pushed under fridge magnets. You can now create and manage shopping lists through your Google assistant and keep adding or removing items to it. I personally love this feature.

10 You can find recipes and make them with step-by-step instructions from your

new sous chef, Google Home.

11 You can set reminders and sync your calendar, pretty much availing the luxury of a PA without a salary.

12 With a simple voice command you can control smart home devices using Google Home.

13 Final note: Be prepared to hear an apology every now and then. Not all your queries will be answered. It is not really the same ‘Google baba’ that we have been friends with on the net for all these years. You will often hear this one-liner: “Sorry, I don’t know how to help with that yet, I am still learning.”

A friend specializing in AI summed it up perfectly: “Google Home is a toy, an imperfect one”. No doubt the super brains at Google will work on perfecting it.

Conquering the Alps

BY AVI CHANDIOK

Walking 16-20 kilometres day after day with 1000-metre daily ascents is not everyone’s idea of fun. But, for me, it was a dream come true, a longing fulfilled and happiness to look back on.

Ever since the idea of trekking entered my head, it was the Tour du Mont Blanc I had wanted to experience because it is perhaps the oldest and most iconic of treks in the world.

Many do this trek on their own but I was in a guided group which comprised six women and me. The chances of such a skewed mix are small but lightning has definitely struck the same place twice for me: on a previous trek, I had been in a group of eight with me being the only male. Would my wife allow me to go on another trek, I wondered.

But those concerns apart, sharing meals, discomfort, long walks and pleasant exchanges easily creates an interesting cohesion that kept us going for the duration of the trek.

Our first day dawned with low clouds as we started the walk from Les Houches in France. The track zig-zagged steeply higher as the weather worsened. The fabled views were obscured as a cold, misty drizzle saw us all put on wet weather gear that must be carried at all times.

A curious feature was the tiny sheds in the gardens of houses in this area. As Alpine houses are typically built of timber, people use these sheds to store valuables that would remain safe in the event of fire destroying the house. There was a greater fear of fire than of theft in these trusting mountain communities.

Easily the hardest day for me was the second, with an ascent of 1200m over a 22km walk. A clear, sunny day saw us on a steady climb through beautiful woodlands before reaching a flat area of meadows and cattle pastures. Ahead, the mountain starts to show its grandeur and far, far below lay our starting point, now no bigger than a dot. Past the tree line, there were massive boulders lying around and soon we could see patches of snow amongst the serrated, bare fang-like peaks. As I brought up the rear of our party, I was glad to see our destination, the Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme at 2400m, as it came into view.

Our accommodation was a mix of hotels and, in isolated places, Refuges. In Refuges, almost every inch of space is given over to sleeping and eating arrangements. Bunk beds are crammed into the smaller rooms.

Larger unisex rooms have the interesting feature of a raised platform with narrow mattresses placed next to one another over a huge area. Ear plugs are recommended and if one gets up at night, it is helpful to remember the location of your spot! The dining rooms are all tables and chairs in a trestle style and at 2500m, I was impressed to be provided with a four-course meal.

Once below the tree line, the track wound its way through breathtaking alpine flowers. For me, these were probably the highlight of the trek. All possible colours as far as

The Tour du Mont Blanc trek is as spectacular as it is challenging

the eye could see. At lower levels, the flowers were no longer ground-cover but shrublike, still retaining their profusion of colour and shape. The Edelweiss flower, which is quite rare now, is protected and not to be plucked. Wild strawberries bursting with flavour were a real treat.

We crossed the border into Italy at a very windy Col de la Seigne (2516m), heading for Rifugio Elisabetta. The track changes constantly from shale to rock and follows a line of cairns. All through the walk, we encountered mountain streams. One or two had bridges, but mostly it was a case of stepping stones across fastflowing water. One false step could have had dire consequences but our ever alert guide often provided a helping hand, making for a safe crossing.

We were heading for our rest day in Courmayer, a stylish Italian town. The walk through Val Veni has views of eyecatching mountain peaks and glaciers. Walking along the valley floor, I saw marmots on guard scurrying off, before I could even reach for my camera. The descent into Courmayer was long and steep and I was thankful for all the training

I had put in, without which the walk would have been impossible.

Coming out of Courmayer, the climb is reputedly the toughest of the trek with endless zig-zags to reach the high point through a forest of trees and then eventually down to Rifugio Bonatti. After we crossed the Swiss border, sure enough, there was a sight of very pretty cows ringing their bells. Champex has a delightful lake and I recall my dinner of freshly caught trout and a pleasant walk back to the hotel in good company.

The views on this trek vary depending on where you are. We had seen the Rhone valley of France, looked at Swiss villages, seen Mont Blanc covered in snow, moraines and glaciers and barefaced mountains. Over time, walking was becoming a habit even though the backpack never seemed to get any lighter.

It had been many days since the start. We had been blessed with good weather. What was previously anticipation with some nerves, now turned into sheer pleasure and a sense of achievement. I said goodbye to my group and au revoir to delightful Chamonix.

Once below the tree line, the track wound its way through breathtaking alpine flowers. For me, these were probably the highlight of the trek. All possible colours as far as the eye could see

The best of Oz

BY PETRA O’NEILL

Over the past year, Australia received 8.7 million international visitors, the majority coming from China, New Zealand, the USA, UK, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and 277,100 from India.

But while international travellers generally visited to see Australia, only 35% of Indian visitors came here to travel, with 53% coming to see friends and family, while business, education and employment were given as other reasons. For those who visited to see friends and family, outings were generally day tours organised by their hosts, rather than venturing off to explore Australia independently or joining an organised tour.

As a tour guide based in Sydney, I get to meet many international travellers, mainly from the USA and UK, who prefer to join organised tours. During the short time I have with them, they tell me about their initial impressions of Australia.

Why do they choose to come here?

Surprisingly, they know little about Australia. They know that Nicole Kidman and Chris Hemsworth are Australian though many have an image that Australians are like the characters portrayed in the movie Crocodile Dundee from the outback ready to wrestle snakes and crocodiles. They think we are friendly and welcoming people and consider that it will be easy to travel around because we are English-speaking and live a comparable

lifestyle. Many say it was on their bucket list and that it’s unlikely they will be back as the distance is too great.

What are they expecting to see?

They show far more interest in the culture and heritage of Australian Aboriginals than in the voyages of discovery and subsequent European settlement from 1788. They want to see the Sydney Opera House, and engage with our wildlife - especially koalas and kangaroos - experience the outback, beaches and the Great Barrier Reef. Few are aware of the enormity of Australia, the size of our coastal cities or the sparseness of the interior that few get to see.

What do they like the most?

Aboriginal dreamtime stories, interacting with our native animals, the Sydney Opera House, and our beaches.

What observations do they make?

> Our cities are much larger than expected and very impressive.

> Sydney has too much infrastructure work in progress and too many red lights that create traffic congestion.

> We have a lot of cyclists.

> People dress much more casually, few wear suits or dress up even for the opera.

> Our architecture is unique with broad wraparound verandahs and Victorian era houses with the addition of wrought iron balconies. Cities are clean, lush and green; our native plants, birds and animals are interesting.

> There is a surprisingly high presence of international brands such as Starbucks, Aldi, McDonalds and KFC.

> People are self-reliant and this is a common cause for complaint as it relates to service. You have no choice but to do everything yourself - there are no porters to

Here’s what visitors love about Australia - or don’t - and what they must see and do

handle your luggage.

> Everything - but especially food - is very expensive and food portions are smaller.

> They are not aware that Australia is such a diverse multicultural country.

> They are interested in facts and figures that relate to real estate prices, the average wage, education system and cost of living especially petrol prices.

What they don’t do

They arrive unprepared for our climate - they don’t wear a hat or sunscreen and they don’t drink water. They ignore the flags designating patrolled sections on beaches. They don’t sample our incredible wine and fresh produce and they don’t try our robust coffee. They underestimate the time needed to see Australia and they don’t stay long enough.

The must-sees

If I had to narrow down the absolute must-sees of Australia, the places that allow you to feel a sense of connection to our land, I would recommend the following:

> Our beaches are the most stunning and pristine in the world. From the rugged coastline along the Great Ocean Road, to Ningaloo and the Great Barrier Reef, Lord Howe and Kangaroo Island. For that quintessential beach experience that represents our relaxed lifestyle, head for Noosa, Manly or Cottesloe.

> To experience the outback, I’d choose

the Ghan - love it! I’ve travelled on it 3 times. Also, the West MacDonnell Ranges near Alice Springs, Uluru, the Flinders Ranges and the Kimberley are all spectacular.

> For cities, my favourites are Melbourne for the gardens, quirky laneways and astonishingly good dining, Sydney for the world’s most stunning harbour and Adelaide, a low-key beautifully preserved historic city.

> To experience the best and freshest produce, head for the Adelaide Central Market in Adelaide and Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne. Visit the wineries of the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Hunter Valley, Margaret River, Barossa, Clare Valley and McLaren Vale.

> For the best walks, there are so many from the Red Centre’s Larapinta walk to the Bay of Fires in Tasmania. And for typical Australian food, sample vegemite, pavlova, lamingtons and something from the barbie. So when your friends and family next come to see you, you can start by saying what my friends at the Waradah Aboriginal Centre say to visitors - welcome to our country. And then show them around.

Clockwise from top left: Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, NT; Kangaroos; Bungle Bungles Purnululu National Park, The Kimberley, WA; Windmill at Flinders Ranges, SA; Hiking at Red Centre, NT; whale watching; Cockburn Range, The Kimberley, WA; wombat; Maria Island walk, TAS

(Visitors) show far more interest in the culture and heritage of Australian Aboriginals than in the voyages of discovery and subsequent European settlement from 1788

cine TALK

ENTERTAINING AND SLICK SEQUEL

FUKREY RETURNS

STARRING: Richa Chadha, Pulkit Samrat, Ali Fazal, Manjot Singh and Varun Sharma

DIRECTOR: Mrighdeep Singh Lamba HHHHH

There is a kind of quirky credibility in the way the characters of Fukrey have grown on us ever since they were seen in the first instalment of this film. It’s been nearly five years. But we haven’t forgotten Hunny, Choocha, Lali, Pandit and, last but not the least, the woman who won’t be put on a leash, Bholi Punjaban.

Please note, I make no mention of Zafar, played by Ali Fazal, as his character remains strangely sketchy, unfinished, incomplete. He is a Fukrey on the look-out for a more fleshed-out platform of expression.

Strange, because the other principal players in this prickly parody of Capital consumerism are so vividly etched, we feel we know them inside-out. Fukrey Returns acquaints us with the bang-gang even better than the first Fukrey film.

And boy, is the gang having fun!

Wait... no, not so much fun when they are hunted and chased down by a mob instigated by a wily, slimy politician.

It’s all done in the spirit of a festive if doomed farce, orchestrated and executed with a casual finesse that is easy to miss if you are used to haphazard slapstick comedies from Bollywood. Trust me, there is nothing haphazard or random in the way writer Vipul Vig and director Mrighdeep Lamba spin a destiny of disconcerting chaos around the characters.

The narrative is piled high with breathless action, a lot of it involving the characters running around the narrow lanes and over-bridges of Old Delhi. The cinematography (by Andres Menezes) is

constantly hunting down elusive dreams in crowded, bustling roads. For a large part of the film, the protagonists are either being chased or hunted down, even in their dreams. Wet or otherwise.

In the opening sequence the film’s hero Bholi Punjaban - played with lipsmacking relish by Richa Chadha - appears in Choocha’s dream as a snake. Richa’s ichhadhaari naagin act puts all her illustrious predecessors from Rekha to Sridevi to shame. It’s the fun that she seems have while spoofing cinematic conventions while playing a gender-proof gangster (with two Black African henchmen by her side) that makes Chadha the most unconventional hero seen in a mainstream film.

The boys seem to have a lot of fun being bossed around by Richa’s (anything but) Bholi Punjaban. Their camaraderie is parodic, yet so real in a Punju-Delhi way that we feel we’ve met these badass blokes at the traffic light.

Lamba directs the ensemble cast with verve and affection, punctuating their exquisitely colloquial quips with unexpected bouts of tenderness. While all the performances rate a big shout-

out of approval, Richa’s Bholi Punjaban is indeed the film’s hero. She attacks the role of the woman in command with the relish of a customer at a restaurant attacking a plate of succulent chicken legs.

I must confess Varun Sharma’s Choocha is my favourite Fukrey actor. Sharma invests his part with a lot of foot-in-the-mouth heart. His Choocha is a lovable loser, an incorrigible dreamer and a chronic disaster. Among the rest of the protagonists, Pulkit Samrat (very hero-material type but still not getting there), Pankaj Tiwari (always brilliant) and Navjot Singh (never out of character) play their characters with a mixture of gusto and desperation - just what the film requires.

Special mention must be made of Rajiv Gupta as the slimy politician with a sidekick whom he makes do the most unmentionable demeaning acts of servility, a genre-specific villain that Gupta plays with such restraint and relish it’s like the filmy neta being rejuvenated in ways that are at once exciting and amusing.

And then there is that striking cameo

of the river diver played by Ashok Pathak - an obvious homage to the late Ashraful Haque’s memorable cameo as the thief, Shakiya, in the first Fukrey film. When Choocha nearly drowns and Pathak must give him mouth-to-mouth to revive him, we nearly gag over the irony of the diver who goes down to fish for coins with his mouth in the river bed, putting his mouth to more urgent, if far less desirable, use.

Interestingly, this is not the only badbreath moment in this film. We come across one earlier on when Pulkit’s Hunny demands a “French kiss” (that’s what he calls a liplock) from girlfriend (Priya Anand) and she refuses since he’s non-veg.

Bad breath gets a bad name in Fukrey But it’s all in good taste. Circumscribing a world of chit funds, bodypart smuggling, animal poaching and French kissing, the wickedly anarchic world of Fukrey Returns is much smarter and far more intelligent than it outwardly seems. This is a world of rapidfire happenings where what goes around doesn’t necessarily come around.

At least, not in the way you expect it to.

Subhash K. Jha

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

NEHA DHUPIA: IF YOU’RE A VICTIM, SPEAK UP

Neha Dhupia feels #MeToo - an online campaign that raised awareness about the extent of sexual harassment - is not only valid for people associated with the entertainment industry, but for everyone. The actress says a victim should not hesitate to share one’s ordeal, and instead save innocents from facing same fate by talking about it.

Life is getting more and more gender neutral, Neha said, adding that there are still miles to go.

“Things are changing for women. They are getting a position of power, and professionally they are doing exceptionally well. They are getting roles with projects like Secret Superstar, Tumhari Sulu or Padmavati that are made around women, Neha said.

“It is getting better, but unfortunately there is always that question of #MeToo and there is a Harvey Weinstein that comes across.”

Neha was referring to the slew of sexual misconduct allegations levied against the Hollywood mogul. Numerous leading men from Hollywood like Ben Affleck, Brett Ratner, Charlie Sheen, Dustin Hoffman, James Toback and

Kevin Spacey, have been accused for sexually harassing people associated with showbiz.

The controversy has rocked the entertainment industry the world over.

Like many other actors, Neha too asserted that harassment is not restricted to showbiz.

“I promise you that is not just in this business. But it is about women across whatever profession they are in. This is happening to them at their home. Anybody could be a victim. My plea is that if you are a victim come out and talk about it because you are not only just protecting yourself but you are also putting a lot of other innocent women in danger.

“Talking about it doesn’t make you weak. It makes you brave, so be the braver one in this situation,” said the actress, who has never shied away from calling a spade a spade.

Neha Dhupia is not the first actor to speak on the issue. Swara Bhaskar recalled in November how she lost many roles because she refused sexual advances from producers or directors.

And Kalki Koechlin and Richa Chadha had said how an environment needed to

KANGANA PUTS HERSELF FIRST

The quintessential heroine - on and off screen - is not for actress Kangana Ranaut.

“I have myself as the priority always. I do not subscribe to the theory that good girls don’t think about themselves and they are all for sacrifice. My life is my life and I want to make the most of it,” Kangana said, when asked about the learnings that she wants girls to draw from her life.

“I want to utilise my potential and see who I am. It’s not just about my brother, son, husband or my mother. Somewhere, I do not subscribe to the quintessential heroine, who is an ultimate Indian woman who puts everyone before her and she comes in the end for herself,” added the threetime National Award winner.

“It was most definitely very challenging for me to come from a small town which anyway is not very tolerant to aspirational women, especially ambitious women. You are seen as a vamp if you are ambitious, if you want to make your own money or if you don’t want to be dependent.

“Women who make their choices and who fight for their rights will always be the ones who will be seen as rebels,” she said.

But she feels that “as long as you don’t think you are doing something wrong, it is absolutely fine.”

Talking about breaking the long societal norm that “girls don’t fight,” Kangana said: “A modern woman is not going to keep her mouth shut if she is taken for a ride or sexually harassed or if she is not given her salary. She is not going to keep quiet and that’s why these conventional forces, these old-school minds, these patriarchal or chauvinist people, are going to be bothered and hassled.”

Spoken like a champ, Kangana!

TIGER ZINDA HAI, BUT NOT IN PAKISTAN

Like all Salman Khan-starrers, Tiger Zinda Hai is a much anticipated release. But his fans in Pakistan will be disappointed. The film has been refused the No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for import by Pakistan’s Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage, because it portrays the nation in a bad light.

The Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif starrer is the sequel of thriller drama Ek Tha Tiger which too hadn’t released in the country.

Pakistan’s Central Board of Film Censor (CBFC) Chairman Mobasher Hasan was quoted as saying, “Tiger Zinda Hai has been refused the NOC, citing the same reason as the first instalment of the franchise. The image of Pakistan and its law enforcement

agencies has been compromised.”

Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar and produced by Yash Raj Films (YRF), the movie is about two spies - one Indian and the other Pakistani. It is slated to release in India on December 22. With this refusal, it seems there will be a, well, torrent of illegal downloads of the film in Pakistan.

SHAHID NAMED SEXIEST ASIAN MAN IN UK POLL

Shahid Kapoor has been named the ‘Sexiest Asian Man’ in a poll, dethroning singer Zayn Malik who has been winning the title for the past two years.

Shahid has topped Eastern Eye’s 2017 list of 50 Sexiest Asian Men in the world. Last year, he ranked seventh. Expressing surprise, the Udta Punjab star dedicated the title to his fans who voted for him.

“I would like to thank everyone who voted for me. I am humbled by the desirable tag. I believe sexy is not only to do with the physical, but as much to do with the mental perspective on life. This one is for all those fans who have loved and supported me,” Shahid said in a statement.

Actor Hrithik Roshan ranked second for the third year in a row, with Zayn Malik falling to number three.

SONAM AMUSED OVER NEPOTISM DEBATE

Sonam Kapoor always brings her A-Game on fashion and style. With opinions, it’s more often hit or miss. This time, she says she was ‘amused’ by the nepotism debate in Bollywood this past year. According to Sonam, if one goes by the meaning of ‘nepotism’ in the dictionary, it is something that happens everywhere. Here’s how Sonam, the daughter of veteran actor Anil Kapoor, broke down the meaning of nepotism, and shared her take on the controversy.

She said: “The whole industry has gotten involved in it and I’ve just laughed through the whole thing. Little knowledge like they say is very dangerous knowledge... So, through this whole thing, I was like should I just put out the meaning of it on Twitter and my mother was like ‘Stay away from the

KANGANA RANAUT

whole thing!’ I was like, ‘Mom how can people not know what it means?’”

So, Sonam enlightens us. “I would love to explain what that means. Nepotism means that any relationship, any job or any privilege that you get due to any relationship - it could be a relative, it could be a friend, it could be a friend’s friend. Anything that is not on merit is nepotism.

“So, whether you sleep with someone, whether you are someone’s girlfriend, whether you are someone’s friend, whether you are somebody’s family and you get a job, is nepotism.

“Now, obviously if you actually have the time to go and read a dictionary or go online and understand the meaning of it or if you have read in your life, you will understand the meaning of nepotism, so to use it so frivolously... It could be applied to each and every person in the film industry or any industry.”

Makes sense? You decide!

NARGIS DEBUTS WITH SNOOP DOGG

Nargis Fakhri, who has worked with American rapper Snoop Dogg in a new single Woofer, says she was “completely thrilled to sing with the iconic” artist.

Dr Zeus has come out with Woofer featuring Snoop Dogg rapping alongside UK-based Punjabi singer Zora Randhawa.

“I really enjoyed working with Dr Zeus and Zora and the entire BeingU team. This was a really awesome experience. For me, I grew up listening to Snoop Dogg so when this came my way, I was completely thrilled to give it a shot and sing with someone as iconic as him,” Nargis said in a statement. Just one question, Nargis. Do you sing as well as you act?

Shot in Los Angeles, the song has been produced by BeingU Music - a record label dedicated to push forward independent Indian music across the world through exciting collaborations with the focus on Punjabi artists.

SRK GETS A PAT FROM INDIA’S DEFENCE MINISTER

Shah Rukh Khan was happy to receive an appreciation note from India’s Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who lauded his effort in supporting the Armed Forces Flag Day awareness campaign.

Shah Rukh shared on his social media a snapshot of the note, which read, “We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to you for supporting the Armed Forces Flag Day awareness campaign and spreading the message to your widespread audience. Thank you best of luck for the future.”

The actor captioned it, “Thank you Ma’am for the opportunity. This is the least we can do for our Armed Forces. Will convey your message to the whole

WHO WORE IT BETTER?

RACHEL MCADAMS or YAMI GAUTAM in SELF PORTRAIT

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team. Jai Hind.”

The actor had earlier this month expressed his support by sharing a picture of his team and himself standing together and paying their respect to the Armed Forces. “Our soldiers give their tomorrow for our today. They deserve our respect and gratitude,” he had posted.

RIP, NEERAJ VORA

Bollywood’s multi-faceted talent Neeraj Vora, an actor, writer and director known for his humorous streak on and off screen, died on 14 Dec, months after being comatose.

Neeraj Vora wrote Rangeela, directed Phir Hera Pheri and acted in Bol Bachchan among several other projects.

Born in a Gujarati family, Vora came to be known in the film industry for the way he tackled humour through his acting, writing and directorial projects.

Neeraj had an acting stint on television with shows like Circus and Naya Nukkad, while on the film front, he made the audience laugh with roles in Daud: Fun on the Run, Hello Brother, Bol Bachchan and Welcome Back.

NEWTON OUT OF OSCAR RACE

India’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars 2018, Newton, is out of the race.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Thursday announced that nine features will advance to the next round of voting in the Foreign Language Film category for the 90th Academy Awards, according to the official website of the Oscars.

Newton, directed by Amit V. Masurkar and starring the stellar Rajkummar Rao in a story set against the backdrop of elections in the world’s largest democracy, was not a part of it.

The shortlisted films have been selected from 92 titles that had originally been considered in the category.

So far, Mother India, Salaam Bombay! and Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India are the only Indian films that made it to the top five in the Best Foreign Language Film category at the Academy Awards, but none have won the honour.

What’s the chitchat here between ANUSHKA SHARMA and VIRAT KOHLI?

What’s the chitchat here between MISS WORLD MANUSHI and PM MODI?

Aashray D: Modiji, don’t look so worried about Gujarat elections. Give us that winning smile of yours :p Congratulations, Aashray!

You win a movie ticket

SONAM KAPOOR

SHAHID KAPOOR

NARGIS FAKHRI

Twenty20 gossip

Some grapevine about the world’s most popular T20 leagues . Disclaimer: slight exaggeration likely

CARIBBEAN PREMIER LEAGUE

BY RITAM MITRA

There are more than half a dozen top-flight domestic T20 leagues around the world, jammed into the can of sardines that is the international cricket calendar. We’re not suggesting there’s ever such a thing as too much cricket - statements like that are naturally against the law in Australia - but it’s very easy to fall out of the loop. Luckily, our cricket boffins have kept their ears to the ground(s) to help you stay up to date with the latest developments in the T20 world.

BIG BASH LEAGUE

Arguably the most competitive league in the world due to the evenness of the contest between bat and ball and the quality of the domestic talent, the citybased BBL replaced the state-based KFC Twenty20 Big Bash in 2011-12. England and West Indies players form the bulk of international players available for selection for the BBL, which is now the second-most attended sporting league in the country.

> The goss: Brisbane Heat batsman Chris Lynn is reportedly in talks with Cricket Australia to establish his own BBL franchise, as part of CA’s broader plans to expand the BBL competition. As no player is actually worthy of playing under the Chris Lynn brand, the MCC is considering rule changes proposed by CA which will allow Lynn to bat 10 times and require opposition bowlers to bow to Lynn each time they approach the popping crease.

“CA has always put fans first. With such

insatiable demand for Chris, and a timely oversupply of cricket balls, we couldn’t hold this off any longer,” said a CA official. The ‘Lynnsanity’ Chris Lynners franchise will debut in the 2018-19 season.

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE

Money, money, money. Having bulldozed its way through countless scandals and conflicts, and having changed cricket forever, at the end of its first decade the IPL is already one of the most valuable sporting assets in the world, with the latest 5 year broadcast deal selling for over $3.3 billion.

> The goss: IPL officials have privately expressed dismay at the league’s failure to commercialise more elements of the game. Leaked minutes of an IPL Committee meeting reveal plans to allow sponsors to bid for choreography rights

to on-field player celebrations, as well as a suite of new naming rights.

“With so many events taking place within a game, we need to think beyond simply branding sixes in order to ensure that fans and sponsors continue engaging with the tournament,” said the IPL’s Chief Slogan Officer in response to the leaked document. “For instance, fans are sick of the unoriginal fist-pump or arms aloft celebrations by players when they reach milestones or take wickets. For this reason, we welcome bids by our commercial partners to choreograph the physical actions of players at these moments. We will also be releasing a range of new naming rights for catches, run-outs, fours, threes and twos. However, the IPL values tradition and will not be releasing naming rights to a batsman’s singles at this stage.”

Established in 2013, the short and sharp CPLT20 is quintessentially Caribbean entertainment, drawing in large crowds of rum-drinking, reggae-loving fans across the island nations, with some matches also held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The cricket is excellent, too, with the tournament earning a reputation for unearthing some seriously good, and endearingly raw domestic talent.

> The goss: Despite a successful 2017 CPLT20, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has announced an immediate end to the tournament, citing concerns that the CPLT20 has begun competing with the WICB in the entertainment market. “The WICB has been committed to entertainment for over 20 years,” said a WICB official on the condition of anonymity. “In fact, we have dissolved our entire governance and administration function to ensure we don’t stop delivering laughs to our biggest stakeholders - the fans. However, the CPLT20 has been grabbing greater market share in the entertainment market than was originally intended and is now cannibalising the WICB’s primary function. It is for this reason that we have made the decision to cancel the CPLT20.”

THE UP AND COMING

Other leagues too, have been carving out their place in the domestic circuit, with the fledgling Bangladesh Premier League and Pakistan Super League also attracting cricket’s most explosive hired mercenaries. Whether the market reaches a point of saturation remains to be seen, but tonight’s job is simple: watch the cricket and make sure you don’t spill your drink if the leather comes hurtling your way.bucks, Aldi, McDonalds and KFC.

Big Bash League Indian Premier League

Caribbean Premier League

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