2018-04 Sydney (2)

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PUBLISHER

Pawan Luthra EDITOR

Sandwich anyone?

BY PAWAN LUTHRA

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Indian Link is a fortnightly newspaper published in English. No material, including advertisements designed by Indian Link, may be reproduced in part or in whole without the written 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:

As you get towards the end of your 40s, life usually begins to ‘settle’ if you are lucky. Your career is consolidating; you’ve passed on your gene pool, and you’ve formed social relationships that are stable and rewarding.

And just as you start to think life may even be rosy, it starts to take an interesting turn.

You find yourself in the sandwich.

On the one side, you have kids flowering into adulthood, causing your relationship with them to change from authoritative to co-operative, bringing with it the fear of letting go. On the other, you have parents wilting into the sunset of their lives, causing your relationship to change from co-operative to supportive, bringing with it, again, the fear of letting go but in a more permanent sense.

In our own community here in Australia, many of us have family

relationships split across two continents: one, with seniors back in India, and two, with their young families here in Australia. (This, of course, excludes those that now have their elderly parents living with them here.)

Those with split families in two continents, experience the tyranny of distance. The advantage, often, is the strong n s su n s. There are solid community and family bonds that facilitate access and availability of assistance for the elders in the family. The challenge for the middle generation is to manage time, so as to be able to spend large periods with the elderly parents.

The advantage in the Australian s s m s m m n n u breaks and with longevity in a company, there are options of long service leave, etc., which can be availed. However at that stage of your professional lives, job responsibilities are such that it may be ffi u n s. professionally, there may be an option to manage the situation, another challenge arises from the next generation. Specific challenges can be faced such as in case it is an HSC year and the parent needs to be overseas on family duty.

u s ssu s n if the three generations are together in us . s n n travel, there is limited social support, and so there are demands on time to care for the parents.

In either case, there is no simple solution as the squeeze is felt; rather, the challenge is how to manage these responsibilities.

Sandwichers should consider this a stage of development with its own particular challenges. Recognise that there is no right way, and your unique circumstances will require you to tailor your own solutions to suit. Perhaps you can prepare yourself by developing, over the years, relationships with both generations that are nurturing and honest. There’s a lesson there for younger readers not yet feeling the squeeze.

And for those in the thick of things right now, a reminder: take time out to look after your own selves as you look after others. Ensure you have healthy eating and sleeping patterns. Adopt a flexible approach as you plan your daily schedules.

Treasure every moment with your loved ones.

Tarini Puri, Hamida Parkar, Mohan Dhall, Ritam Mitra, Abhilasha Sengupta, Petra O’Neill, Manan Luthra, Minal Khona

YOUR SAY

MARY KOM WINS HER FIRST CWG GOLD

We shared Mary Kom’s incredible maiden CWG win in boxing Chandra Kishore wrote: Congratulations lady! Next movie “Mary Kom strikes back”.

ALL DRESSED UP FOR THE EASTER SHOW

NANDHITA SURESH wrote about Shweta Bhargava’s painting

Bani Thani that made it to the Royal Easter Show

Dinesh Sharma wrote: Good job, Shweta. There is a dearth of Indian artists in Australia, and those who exist have either adapted to European or abstract art forms, or given up practising art by taking up part-time jobs. Australian-Indian community should do more to promote such artists and their artwork, so that the essence of Indian art form in Australia is alive and our children, who are growing up here, are aware of such wonderful storytelling art forms, its history, and ther craftsmanship behind them. I wish you all the best. Ashish Bhargava wrote: Awesome artwork, loved it.

WINS GOLD AT CWG 2018

INDIAN LINK tweeted about Vinesh Phogat’s gold win in freestyle wrestling. Col Irwin (Aussie Wrestler) wrote: Ironically I just watched Dangal the other day…

CWG 2018 MEDAL TALLY

We shared the CWG medal tally in which India stands at the third spot.

Deepika Bharti wrote: I hope our government, non-government agencies and communities start putting resources into sports from the beginning itself. So proud of everyone.

Roopa Mrudul wrote: Proud of both India and Australia

INDIAN LINK ON INSTAGRAM

This time’s entry is from @ lmergirl: So I’ve gone from reading the paper when I was a kid, to helping write a piece for it (on the Sikh Games no less). Living in a whole new reality #indianlink

Post a picture on Instagram of Indian Link at home, work or anywhere else in your life, using the hashtag #indianlink. We’ll select the best one and publish it here.

INDIAN LINK POLL

Would you pay to protect your personal data on social media?

Yes: 75% No: 19% Maybe: 6%

SAY IT AGAIN

INDIAN GRANDMA’S BOMB-AY JOURNEY

Our Facebook post about an Indian grandmother’s hellish journey received a record number of responses, mostly sympathetic.

Vani Shukla wrote: Sorry for poor grandmother…but it was de nitely a mistake.

Pawan Kumar wrote: If someone is carrying a bomb, they won’t write so on their luggage. Security of cials were being really silly.

FROM A GUITARIST TO A SITARIST

RAJNI MADAN interviewed Alan Posselt about how he fell in love with the Indian instrument.

Deen Parast wrote: It is indeed very sad that Indians are losing interest in their own classical music.

It beginsssss!! Meet my new friends!! Met them at the @ballaratwildlifepark near Melbourne. I think he liked my hat!

Parineeti Chopra on her visit to Melbourne

So con icted! Who to cheer for? A fellow Sidhu or a fellow Australian? Glad I can now congratulate both. Well done!!#GC2018

Harinder Sidhu, Australian High Commissioner to India, on CWG 2018 shooting event

Sports, stars and start-ups

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s India visit builds on existing narratives and attempts new pathways as well

In m n s n

Premier Gladys Berejiklian met with key players from various industries to cement vital partnerships. Her trip has set in motion a slew of new possibilities to strengthen the relationship between India and Australia. Here are some highlights.

Health: Australian tech to tackle diabetes in rural India

In an important move that will hopefully help people in rural India combat diabetes, Berejiklian on Day 3 of her visit ffi un s program for The George Institute for Global Health in New Delhi.

Part of The George Institute’s m

Diabetes will train female community health workers in the use of a smartphone app that provides wireless point-of-care diagnostics for the management of patients with, or at highrisk of, diabetes and associated health problems.

“In rural India alone, more than 25 million people have diabetes and the number is rising rapidly,” Berejiklian s . n ss evidence-based and quality-controlled healthcare is a real game changer for these communities and I am so pleased

to see our technology helping save lives across the world.”

s s n n s is going global and benefitting people who would otherwise miss out on the kind of lifesaving healthcare that we n n n added.

Start-Ups: $1.6mn partnership to boost NSW start-ups

India has in the past few years witnessed an exponential rise in start-ups across n us s. m s announcement of a collaboration between the State and India’s talent and knowledge seemed like a natural step ahead. n s um n

Tuesday, announced a two-year $1.58 million partnership to enhance the State’s start-up, technology and advanced manufacturing sectors. She made the announcement at accelerator Zone u s n s entrepreneurs and technology businesses access to new markets, talent and knowledge.

un s us s n

young entrepreneurs and start-ups to India to learn from the country’s best and brightest, to support commercial

nn ns n s u s n n

India and on fostering collaboration on advanced technology projects. s us s s u n technology capital and this partnership will ensure our industries grow alongside one of the world’s most dynamic technology markets,” Berejiklian said.

“Our state is home to 44 per cent of the nation’s start-up founders and 40 per cent of the Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) industry. This important partnership will allow us to learn from India’s best and brightest so that we can create the smart jobs of the u u . s us n ss s with incredible access to some of the best entrepreneurs and technology experts in the world.”

Sport: Kickstarting AFL in India

n s n n

Giants footballer Jess Dal Pos also visited um s n um where female school students are now learning to play Aussie Rules. The Premier said Australia’s homegrown game has increased its footprint into yet another nation, paving the way for a potential AFL match to be played in India. “It’s fantastic s n m su n

impact at a girls’ school here in India,” Berejiklian said.

“This is an incredible milestone and one that may lead to a professional game of AFL being played here in the future with n s.

Jess Dal Pos said it was amazing to see the female high school students embrace m n m n s s n n us . s s paced team sport that requires dedication, training and a lot of team work so I’m thrilled these young girls in India have the chance to play,” said Dal Pos.

“I hope it inspires them to see that women can compete at the highest levels n n n m m n n m one day.”

One of the first female schools to uss u s um s High School is the oldest girls’ school in um n s u m n achieving women, including India’s first female pilot.

The keen interest shown by students in recent introductory sessions has prompted plans to build up an inter-school women’s footy tournament in the future and to explore opportunities to field an Indian women’s team in the 2020 AFL International Cup.

Cinema: Engaging Indian talent in Australian film academy n m s n n nm n isn’t far behind. To that end, Berejiklian announced the launch of Asia International Engagement Program. s n s s

the annual AACTA Awards (Australia’s equivalent of the Oscars) for another two years to 2020. Berejiklian also encouraged

the prestigious acting prize.

The launch event was attended by some of India and Australia’s most influential screen professionals such as Indian actress and 2017 Best Asian Film Grand Jury member Shabana Azmi; National Film Award-winning actress Tannishtha Chatterjee; Filmfare Award-winning actresses Supriya Pathak and Salma Agha; National Film Award-winning director Onir; and Australian Consul General in

for this year’s AACTA Award for Best Asian Film are: Padmaavat, Golmaal Again and Tiger Zinda Hai, three of the top five highest grossing Indian films in Australia from the past 12 months; Indian Oscar entry for Best Foreign Language Film Newton; ground-breaking biopic Padman; Raj Kumar Hirani’s film on Sanjay Dutt; and critically-acclaimed drama Hickhi

The 2018 AACTA Award for Best Asian Film will be presented at the 8th AACTA Awards presented by Foxtel, to be held on n s m n n and telecast on Channel 7 for the fourth consecutive year, with encore screenings on Foxtel.

Upcoming collaborations between Australia and India include: Australianm n um

which was filmed in Australia and India; Australian and Indian-supported documentary The Run, based on Pat Farmer’s ‘Spirit of India’ run; and Sydneybased thriller Honour, which is the first Australian film to be completely funded by Indian private investment.

Besides Indian film stars like Shabana Azmi and Tannishtha Chatterjee, the Premier met cricket superstar Sachin Tendulkar who she described as “legendary, but incredibly humble”.

In Delhi, Berejiklian visited the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, one of the most prominent Sikh houses of worship in New Delhi, and enjoyed a meal at the Indian Accent restaurant, the only Indian s u n n u n s Best Restaurants list in 2017.

the Indian film and TV industries to film their productions in Australia.

“The AACTA Awards play a leading n n n s s n s creative industries capital of Australia, attracting major names like Nicole m n n n s n to help shine a global spotlight on our local screen industry,” Berejiklian said.

“Initiatives such as AACTA’s Asia International Engagement Program attract n n s m n n n celebrate excellence in Asian cinema.”

Berejiklian presented the 2017 AACTA Award for Best Lead Actor to budding Indian film star Sunny Pawar, whose debut performance in the Oscar-nominated Lion earned widespread critical acclaim and made him the youngest ever recipient of

um n u . s u s n n n m u ns s n more than 10 Indian productions have m n n n s m direct production expenditure of more than $14 million,” Berejiklian said.

“Upcoming projects like One Less God and The Run will no doubt be hoping to follow in the footsteps of the enormously successful Australia-India production Lion.”

In its inaugural year, the Program introduced the AACTA Award for Best Asian Film which was presented to recordn n n ffi Dangal at the 7th AACTA Awards presented by Foxtel.

Among the Indian films in competition

NSW has a proud history of working with Indian films, more than 10 productions since 2008

Of conversations & culinary twists

Manjit’s at The Wharf in Sydney plays a starring role at the launch of Mark Latham and Alan Jones’ new cookbook

BY BY KIRA SPUCYS-TAHAR

Is s m leader and colourful media identity m s n radio king Alan Jones to launch their new cookbook, Conversations in the Kitchen at premier Indian restaurant n s .

For the book’s production, all 80 recipes featured in the collection were n s un u n photographed at the family-owned Concord Function Centre. He also recreated some of the recipes alongside traditional Indian fare for guests at the launch.

“The one single recipe contributed by Alan, the scones, was the hardest recipe to m u m n s u n n u u s s. “It was the one we took several tries to

perfect. Varun had to redo the recipe over and over again until we were absolutely content with them. It took about seven or eight takes, but we got there in the end.” Indeed the pressure was on to deliver as the sultana scones are a family recipe passed down to Alan by his mother, Beth. Set on a table laden with fresh gardenias, the scones were served at the launch on delicate china plates, accompanied by generous amounts of thickened cream and strawberry jam.

Another culinary highlight was Varun’s n s un s .

kick of spice, and served dotted with lemon mayonnaise, the dish would make a simple but impressive entrée at a dinner party.

s u s n s s u dish is the butter chicken and Alan’s is the lamb cutlets or the prawns), the collaboration was a natural fit.

n n u s n n n s n m n 25 years and along with Latham and Jones, “They like the atmosphere and the welcome we give them here, as well as the food”.

“One day we all sat here and decided to work together. Someone had to make and present the food and we got involved,” Deep told Indian Link

For Varun, after Alan’s scones, among the several curry recipes, the butter chicken in the book was the hardest dish to recreate. “I was making somebody else’s recipe. This method was so foreign to me. The other items were quite easy m n n s living! But nothing in the book is overly complicated it’s good and easy for the average person cooking at home.” n s n n contest between friends has emerged into a simple, family-friendly recipe book, interspersed with conversations between n s n u s. s said at the launch, his working with Alan on a cookbook is “perhaps the most unorthodox pairing since (US rapper) Snoop Dogg joined (DIY personality) n n

“This book brings a new dimension to the notion of multiculturalism in

Australia,” Alan said. “One of the great benefits of multiculturalism is the culinary revolution it has created in this country.” Latham echoed these sentiments. n n n m s n other cuisines, cooking these meals for your children opens up conversations about other parts of the world, which is a wonderful bonding experience.”

For Deep Gujral, “The Indianinspired recipes are close, but not quite close enough! Those who want a true Indian flavour should come down to the restaurant and dine here.”

And the whole experience has inspired un un s n n s . n ss and the details will be announced at a later date,” Varun said. “It will be three n ns n n m style grandmother’s recipes; the Indian food that everyone knows from my dad’s generation - your butter chicken and rogan josh; and then my style of contemporary fusion and looking to the future. But that’s at least a year away.”

Top: Manjit’s Tandoori Fish Malai; below: Mark’s Tuna Patties; bottom: Tandoori Chicken Banjara

Vaisakhi in NSW Parliament

Turbans galore as Sikh community members felicitated

“Oh my god!” Stephen Bali exclaimed as he looked at his reflection. It was not a face he recognised, mainly because his head was wrapped in an orange turban. n n

n ns m himself into Stephen ‘Singh’ Bali for s n s s

Parliament marked this most significant of Punjabi dates. Other attendees at the event joined Bali in sporting Sikhism’s most identifiable symbol.

“No, it’s not heavy,” Bali said about his turban, and added laughingly, “Not as heavy as the mayoral chains anyway! But I’ve got to get used to the tightness. You do this yourself at home? On your own?”

Tejinder Singh from Sydney’s Sikh community tied the turban for Bali. As a devout Sikh, he was sharing a treasured part of his cultural heritage. For Bali himself, many of whose constituents are Sikh by background, it was a way not only of showing that new Australians are welcome and valued, but also an attempt to learn about another way of life. It turned out to be a welcome exercise in cultural sensitivity. And a great way to mark Vaisakhi in the mainstream. The date has cultural as well as religious significance for Sikhs: it marks the spring harvest festival in a traditionally agrarian society as well as the foundation day of the Sikh religious faith.

Besides the turban, the parliamentarians became acquainted with other aspects of Sikhism too: in the hour-long event, they heard hymns or shabad from the Sikh holy book,

the Guru Granth Sahib (as presented by n s u u saw some cultural presentations, and took away a box of Punjabi sweets.

As well on the occasion, organisers Punjabi Council of Australia also announced the Pride of Punjabi Awards. Honoured this year were Janmeja Johal of India for contribution to the Punjabi n u n n Adelaide for pioneering the Australian m s n s n for his contribution to Punjabi journalism and community services; sports commentator Darshan Bari of India, and the organising committee of the recently concluded 31st Australian Sikh Games in Sydney.

The Young Achiever Award was given to Shubh Bhangoo, who served in Afghanistan recently as a member of the Australian Armed Forces. Awards of Excellence were given to the not-for-profit Turbans 4 Australia, for helping to spread awareness nationwide about the turban n n n n s u n tying sewa. m n s n observing the Punjabi festival for 13 years now. It began with John Aquilina, former n. n u n m n ffi n n m was fascinated by the Golden Temple in m s n n n un Council and Blacktown Councillor, told Indian Link. “He showed me photos of

the Temple and of the samman (honour) given to him there. By coincidence, this was around Vaisakhi time, and it occurred to me that we should have our Parliament observe the day.”

“John agreed immediately and made arrangements to host. After he left Parliament, John Robertson, Leader of the s n n m n kept the tradition going. Today we are pleased to have Stephen Bali continue this for us.”

The state Parliament sets aside time to celebrate days of religious and cultural significance for many of the communities m . n s u u u sm ms n s n Luke Foley attended this year, alongside s u nn n u m m n s n s s representative from the Consulate General of India (Sydney).

“It is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the strengths of our mmun n n s . “This year alone, we had members from the spiritual, sporting, literary, cultural and business worlds; it filled me with pride.”

As for Bali, he has indicated that he will be wearing the turban again. And in the very near future too, at the nagar kirtan n n n s CBD, scheduled for 28 April.

Rajni Anand Luthra

India in Top 3 at CWG 2018

With 66 medals, India has definitely proven its mettle at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. The female athletes shone bright, clinching metal in table tennis, shooting and weightlifting, and breaking world records.

MC MARY KOM Gold, 45-48kg boxing

s s m s m

who not only led the Indian contingent at s n m n n but also won the gold medal that eluded her in the last Games. The 35-year-old fivetime world champion has been pursuing the s n n n was first added to the program and she didn’t make the cut. Even now, after winning gold against Northern Ireland’s Kristina O’Hara in a 5-0 match, Kom isn’t thinking of retiring; she has her sights trained on her next goal: The Olympic gold.

MIRABAI CHANU Gold, women’s 48-kg weightlifting

After a terrific start to the Games by nu n n s gold in the women’s 48kg weightlifting on 5 April, other sportsmen of team India su . n u us left the competition far behind by setting Games and Commonwealth records in the snatch, clean and jerk as well as the total. She registered 86 kg in the snatch and 110

kg in clean and jerk for a total of 196 kg. Chanu broke six records in each of her six attempts in the competition, obliterating the previous Games record of 175 kg set by Nigeria’s Augustina Nwaokolo at the 2010 edition by a considerable distance.

Despite a tough life, the 23-year-old from Imphal East district, has fought hard to achieve her current status. Inspired by India’s weightlifting icon Kunjarani Devi, who also hails from her native n u nu s n 2007 and has not looked back since. Her n s m n u

to demand a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) post for her so she could stay in the state. Chanu is currently employed by the Indian Railways.

u

SANJITA CHANU Gold, women’s 53kg weightlifting

Sanjita Chanu landed India its second gold medal in the 53kg weightlifting category. Hailing from remote Umathel Kakching village in Kakching district of n u n n n . u s s ffi u one as the 24-year-old was dogged by poverty and lack of facilities throughout her growing-up years. n

Sanjita’s parents were hard pressed to meet all her expenses from their meagre resources. Her mother Leima said she used to work hard from morning to night to meet Sanjita’s needs and also encouraged her to push harder during training.

“Being a poor family, we could hardly nu us s s .

perceived slight in the best way possible - winning more medals at domestic and international tournaments. And that’s n u s n second Commonwealth Games gold, . n s . n n s declared a cash prize of Rs. 15 lakh for Sanjita as well.

WOMEN’S TABLE TENNIS Gold, singles & doubles

The Indian women’s table tennis team was by far the best surprise since the m s n s . n Batra shocked the Singapore team that has never lost in the Commonwealth Games since the sport was inducted in the program way back in 2002. u s um s n u m s n ns defending champs of Singapore.

m n s n

un n n u u . s u n u .

He has declared a cash prize of Rs. 15 lakh for the lifter. m n s m

Singh said all Indians are proud of her performance. u n m nu . .

Kom was promoted to Superintendent of . s ns u sports complex in all districts... Being a poor state we gave sportspersons all we could with our limited resources.”

Time and again she asked me whether she should give up her first love of sports. But I always replied that she should continue doing the exercises. I ran from pillar to post to provide her food and other items for her exercise,” Leima said. s m ffi s

. n u nm n her the post of a police constable after she won gold in the women’s 48 kg category at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, but the family s s n n . m s she exhorted Sanjita to reply to the

HEENA SIDHU Gold, women’s 25m air pistol

On 11 April, Sidhu won gold in 25m pistol event to give India its 11th gold medal in the Games. Experienced Sidhu registered 234 points to make it 1-2 for India at the top of the podium. It was her first m . m debut in 2010 New Delhi edition. During the qualifications, Bhaker topped the qualification stage with a total of 388 points. Sidhu qualified at the second spot with 379 points.

Manu Bhaker wins the gold medal in the women’s 10m Air Pistol. Compatriot Sidhu Heena takes silver, and Australia’s Elena Galiabovitch, bronze.

MC Mary Kom against Northern Ireland’s Kristina O’Hara during the Women’s 45-48kg boxing bout at the 2018 Commonwealth Games

Saikhom Mirabai Chanu Gold medal 48kg weightlifting and Commonwealth Games record

MANU BHAKER

Gold, women’s 10m air pistol

Haryana’s 16-year-old Bhaker produced a spectacular performance, setting a new . n s in the final round on 8 April. Bhaker was n n m m n n m n appearance, having won 10m air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed event gold medals u s n .

“I am very happy... it is my first Commonwealth Games and I won with a qualification record also. The gap between me and the second competitor, that was a huge margin. So it was a pleasure winning this medal for India and I am very, very happy,” Bhaker said.

Bhaker’s father, Ram Kishan Bhaker said she has never returned empty-handed from any tournament. Delighted at the 16-year-old’s feat, the senior Bhaker said, “It is easy to boast after a win. But the truth is she never returned empty-handed from any tournament, whether it be the school or national level.”

He added that he had always encouraged the youngster to enjoy her game and play freely without bothering about the outcome.

“Before leaving for Gold Coast, I asked her to enjoy her game and not worry about su . nn n n s n any sport,” he said.

n n s un nu un any kind of pressure ahead of her debut in the Commonwealth Games on Sunday, Ram replied in the negative.

“She never takes pressure and always plays freely. She just focusses on each shot rather than the whole game. Her main us s n n n shot,” he said.

Opening up on his plans of celebrating m m s n ns n nu returns to her native in Goria, Haryana.”

PUNAM YADAV Gold, women’s 69kg weightlifting

Punam’s gold also meant that the country has five gold medals in an edition of the s m . lifted a total of 222 kg which included 100 kg in snatch and 122 kg in clean and jerk.

JITU RAI

Gold, men’s 10m air-pistol

The Nepal-born shooter, who was a 50m pistol gold medallist at the 2014 Glasgow

Manika

n n n the Games. He also made the final of the same event at the Rio Olympics where he finished eighth.

NEERAJ CHOPRA Gold, javelin throw

He became the first Indian javelin thrower to claim a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games.

Other gold medallists include Saina Nehwal (women’s singles in badminton),

s s n n n Batra (women’s singles table tennis), Vinesh Phogat (women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling), Gaurav Solanki (52kg boxing) weightlifter Venkat Rahul Ragala (men’s 85 kg category), Satish Kumar Sivalingam (men’s 77kg category), um m n s s wrestling), Sanjeev Rajput (50m rifle 3 position), Bajrang Punia (men’s 65kg freestyle wrestling), Tejaswini Sawant (women’s 50m rifle), Sushil Kumar (74kg wrestling), Rahul Aware (57kg wrestling), Anish Bhanwala (men’s 25 metres rapid fire pistol), Shreyasi Singh (women’s double trap), Indian men’s table tennis team and the Indian mixed team badminton claimed gold for the first time in the Games’ history.

PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal went up against each other winning a silver and gold, respectively

Manika Batra scored an outstanding victory over the Singapore team in the table tennis singles with a gold medal

Batra made history by defeating Singapore’s Mengyu Yu for the first time in CWG in table tennis

MEHULI GHOSH

Silver, 10m women’s air-rifle n u n silver medal in the women’s 10m airrifle event. This was the youngster’s s n s s moment for her.

However, coach and former Olympian shooter Joydeep Karmakar said he is not over the moon just yet. “It’s a happy moment for us. This was her maiden n n n n n n n n n s n s is creditable,” he said. “Still, I will go low about it and I would like to say, being a coach and a technical person, there is much scope for improvement.”

Karmakar added, “I had a talk with her and the thing is, she is only 17 so, there was lack of experience somewhere. These are the things you learn from. She is lucky enough to have exposure of this kind and these kind of events will give us enough experience.”

PARDEEP SINGH Silver, 105kg, men’s weightlifting

On April 9, Pardeep Singh claimed a silver medal in the 105kg men’s n n . n s as a teacher at a government school in his n un un n u gained momentum in the second attempt.

P GURURAJ Silver, men’s

56kg men’s weightlifting

u u n n s medal account on the first competition day, claiming silver in the men’s 56kg category.

KIDAMBI SRIKANTH Silver, men’s singles badminton

Srikanth conquered the top spot of the m n s m n n n men’s singles rankings to be confirmed as . s m m m

that won the country’s first mixed team gold medal at the Games, but had to settle for silver in the singles.

Other silver medallists include PV Sindhu (women’s singles, bandminton), Dipika Pallikal Karthik and Joshna Chinappa (women’s doubles, squash), Dipika Pallikal and Saurav Ghosal (mixed u s s u s n s us m n s 60kg boxing), Amit Panghal (men’s 46n n n um Das (women’s doubles, table tennis), n um u m n s m 3 positions), Pooja Dhanda (women’s s n us m m n s

97kg freestyle wrestling) Seema Punia (women’s discus throw), Babita Phogat (women’s 53kg freestyle wrestling), Tejaswini Sawant (50m prone finals, shooting).

RAVI KUMAR

Bronze, men’s 10m air rifle

Ravi’s bronze medal in the 10m air rifle event ensured that India bag its third medal on the opening day of the shooting competitions. He shot a total of 224.1 to finish behind Australian Dane Sampson (245) and Bangladesh’s Abdullah Hel Baki (244.7), who won the gold and silver, respectively at the Belmont Shooting Centre. He had taken bronze in this event at last month’s International Shooting n u n u s .

Games. Thakur registered a total of 351 kg which included 159 kg in snatch and 192 kg in clean and jerk. Thakur, who had taken silver in the 85 kg division at n s n registered some of his best lifts in international competition.

DEEPAK LATHER Bronze, men’s 69kg weightlifting

VIKAS

THAKUR

Bronze, men’s 94kg weightlifting

India’s Vikas Thakur took bronze in the men’s 94kg category of the weightlifting competition at the 21st Commonwealth

The 18-year-old from Haryana made news by becoming the youngest Indian weightlifter to claim a Commonwealth Games medal. This is the youngster’s first m . n s n trained as a diver at the Army Sports Institute but was coaxed into trying his hand at weightlifting by his coaches.

OM MITHARWAL Bronze, 50m

air-pistol u n n m s n a bronze medal. He finished first in the qualification round after shooting 584 points to equal the Commonwealth Games record. On 11 April, Om also won bronze in the men’s 50m pistol event.

Other bronze medallists include Apurvi Chandela (women’s 10m air-rifle), Navjeet Kaur Dhillon (women’s discus throw), Kiran Bishnoi (women’s 76kg wrestling), n u m n s u s n Sachin Chaudhary (men’s heavyweight category in para powerlifting), Naman n m n s n n and G. Sathiyan (mixed doubles table tennis), Sharath Kamal (men’s singles table tennis), Harmeet Desai and Sanil Shankar Shetty (men’s doubles table tennis), Ashwini Ponnappa and Sikki Reddy (women’s doubles badminton), Somveer (men’s 86kg s s n s m n s s n n um m n s n uss mu n mm m n s 55kg boxing) and Divya Kakran women’s 68kg freestyle wrestling).

IANS Photos AP

Neeraj Chopra became India’s first javelin thrower to win gold

Kidambi Srikanth was officially crowned World No 1

Paying a price for free speech

BY TARINI PURI

WIhat happens when the very advocates of freedom of speech are thrown into prison or worse, murdered? In a world that’s becoming increasingly intolerant of the freedom of the press, how safe are journalists?

Salil Tripathi, Chair of PEN n n n s s n s n Committee, was in Sydney recently to s uss us . s n s n mm n n n works on behalf of persecuted writers worldwide. It was established in 1960 in response to increasing attempts to silence voices of dissent by imprisoning writers and journalists.

The London-based writer was in conversation with Australian academic n ffi u nn Schultz about the corporatisation of media, and allowing free and unbiased journalism to thrive in India.

Speaking about the alarming rise of imprisonment of journalists and the impact on freedom of speech all around

the world, Tripathi highlighted the murder of Gauri Lankesh, journalist-turned-activist from Bangalore in India, who was shot dead outside her home in September 2017, allegedly by Hindutva extremists for her passionate writings. He stressed on the need to promote alternative media and not-for-profit news entities.

The award-winning journalist-author also expressed regret at the dearth of women in senior editorial roles in the Indian media, besides the general disconnect of the large media houses and journalists with the realities of the n u n. us s n controlled by large corporates, which are usually hand-in-glove with the powers that be, is a real challenge in India. This needs to stop, and one way is to encourage alternative media to prevent the twisting of news and journalism,” Tripathi said.

The mood of the two-hour programme was set by Tripathi who shared with the audience the challenges faced by journalists, writers and even bloggers in m n un s n u n m s nm n threats of physical harm and violence, as well as increasing trolling on social media.

According to statistical record maintained by PEN, globally there were 218 recorded cases of attacks on the freedom of expression in 2017.

The writer also shared his insights

into the socio-political environments in countries like the United States of America, United Kingdom, Pakistan, China and even Singapore and Vietnam, where he said journos, writers and poets are constantly stifled. “It’s a very grim picture, unfortunately. Violation of human rights of journalists is being purported by governments themselves in many countries under the guise of national security.”

“Journalists are facing threats of all n s m n s n n m n abuse of anti-terror laws, threats of physical violence, etc., besides many other ingenuous methods being used by governments to stifle the voices of writers and journalists. Ceaseless trolling on social media and threats of sexual violence are used as silencing mechanisms against women journalists, many of whom feel that it’s no longer worth the risk,” Tripathi said.

Continuing reliance on old, Draconian laws in countries like India is simply a way for government after government to stifle

One chair was symbolically kept unoccupied on the stage to mark writers and journalists who couldn’t attend as they are in prison or otherwise stifled

voices of rebellion, he pointed out. m n s n 900 cases across the globe each year. It mobilises the wider PEN community to take action through its Rapid Action Network alerts, targeted regional campaigns, and by utilising PEN’s consultative status with the UN to submit UPR country reports.

Tripathi fervently hopes that the current s s s m s . am an optimist, and I am hopeful that journalists would soon regain the liberties they have ceded. I am also sure that the newer generation of journalists will m s n . n n to step out of their comfort zones and write about real issues,” he concluded.

It’s a grim picture. Journalists are facing defamation, solitary confinement, abuse of anti-terror laws

Salil Tripathi says there’s an alarming rise in journalists being imprisoned , trolled or shot because of the stories they write

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST – NSW HEALTH Membership – Local Health District and Specialty Network Boards

The NSW Government is inviting applications from people interested in becoming a member of a Local Health District and Specialty Network Board.

The Boards are responsible for overseeing an effective governance and risk management framework for the district/network, setting strategic directions, ensuring high standards of professional and ethical conduct are maintained, involving providers and the community in decisions that affect them, monitoring service delivery and financial performance against targets and holding the district/network chief executive accountable for their performance.

As part of a mid-term appointment process, vacancies exist for positions on each Local Health District Board and the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network Board. Individuals should demonstrate the capacity to represent the interest of consumers of health services and the local community served by a district/network, and indicate any affiliations with universities, clinical schools or research centres, as well as skills and experience in one or more of the following areas:

• corporate governance;

• health management/health administration;

• business/financial management/public administration;

• clinical practice/provision of health services to patients;

• expertise, knowledge or experience in relation to Aboriginal health;

• understanding of local community issues;

• understanding of or experience in primary health care.

Those applicants not successful in this round of appointments will be included on the NSW Health Board Register, which provides a pool of interested persons available to fill ad hoc vacancies on Local Health District and Specialty Network Boards.

To apply, individuals need to complete an expression of interest indicating their skills and experience relevant to the role by Friday 25 May 2018.

For information and to obtain an Expression of Interest form visit: www.health.nsw.gov.au/eoiboards. For further information please call 1800 531 452.

BLZ139422

Internet existed during Mahabharata era: Tripura CM u n s um

Deb claimed that Internet and satellite communication existed in the days of .

“Internet and satellite communication had s n s . n (the charioteer of king Dhritarashtra) using the technology gave a detailed account and description to the blind king about the battle of Kurukshetra,” Deb said while inaugurating a two-day workshop on computerisation of Public Distribution System (PDS).

The BJP leader said: “The Europeans and the Americans may claim that it is their invention, but it is actually our technology. Internet and satellite system had existed during the lakhs of year ago.”

“How could Dhritarashtra see through Sanjay’s eyes? There was technology available at that time... Internet was there, satellite communication was there,” the 47-year-old chief minister said confidently and repeatedly.

Commonwealth wants Modi’s commitment to beat malaria n n s n n ns s contracting malaria and an unfortunate break in the “dramatic success” of the last m n s n s commitment at the Commonwealth summit in London to beat the disease is eagerly awaited, say experts.

“India is central to this achievement (eradication of malaria from Commonwealth un s . strategy India is working on to achieve its commitment of eliminating malaria

s n u s n ssu n

Commonwealth Heads of Government

s n to get political and financial commitments from the head of nations.

hear about the financing part of the Indian

s m n s . s n n n n n campaign on behalf of the global malaria mmun n s s s Elimination Trust in India.

According to government estimates, it will cost Rs 10,653 crore to eliminate malaria in India by 2030. India has the third largest burden of malaria incidence in the world after Congo and Nigeria. In India, Odisha is the biggest victim of malaria constituting close to 41 per cent of India’s malaria incidence as of 2016, the NGO said in a statement. n

2017, 60 per cent of global malaria deaths in 2016 occurred in eight Commonwealth countries and 90 per cent of the Commonwealth population (2.4 billion or two-third of global population) lives in m un s. m campaign has seen a dramatic success in the last 10-15 years both in India and globally,” s n n s n fall of 60 per cent in global malaria deaths since 2000 saving nearly seven million lives. India has achieved remarkable progress in its fight against malaria as it has reduced its malaria burden by nearly half from two million cases in 2000 to one million cases in 2016, and malaria related deaths have gone down by two-thirds during this period.

However, for the first time in 15 years, progress towards ending the disease s s . s m confirmed cases and deaths are no longer n . un m n people globally in 2016, an increase of five million cases over the previous year. s m n s u

nature of malaria, this fight can only go two ways: forwards or backwards. There is no s n n s . u n n edge - continue to battle the disease or risk an acute and deadly resurgence.”

BJP biggest protector of all fraudsters: Congress

The Congress this week demanded Union n n n s un n s n s us m n s n n s sun

quit their posts, if appearing as a lawyer for someone was a crime.

The party’s response came after the BJP claimed PNB fraud case accused u s n n of Congress President Rahul Gandhi and that is why H.S. Chandramauli, who represented Choksi in a criminal case in 2015, was given a Congress ticket in Karnataka.

“Some bhakt channels ran that Congress s n u s s and have committed a crime. The lawyer himself has clarified that he has nothing to u s . s m have represented him in a case long time back. But it is not a crime,” said Congress spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill.

He said that if becoming anyone’s lawyer is wrong, then BJP should seek the resignation of Jaitley, whose daughter s s m n s Sushma Swaraj, whose husband and daughter were lawyers for former IPL n sun u n n he was in London.

“But BJP is stooping to that level of questioning who is a lawyer of whom. The BJP brigade is the biggest spokesperson, protector and lawyer of all the absconders and fraudsters of the nation who have taken benefit of BJP’s ‘Udaan Scheme’ for scamsters who have taken away the money,” he added.

SC extends interim relief from arrest to Karti Chidambaram

The Supreme Court has extended, till July 3, the interim protection from arrest to Karti Chidambaram, son of senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram, by the ED in the m n un n s . The court extended the interim relief as it adjourned the hearing on the matter.

The top court extended till April 17 (Tuesday) the Delhi High Court’s interim n n m n Directorate (ED) not to take any coercive n ns m . u n us s

us . . n n us . . n u n n m m

while transferring to itself the cases pending before the Delhi High Court relating to adjudication of ED’s power to arrest an accused under Section 19 of the Prevention n un n .

It embarked on examining the issue as it noted that several high courts in the country have given conflicting views on its interpretation.

MP press ramps up note printing

m s un n s s s

in the country, the Dewas-based Bank Note Press accelerated printing of currency notes to meet the demand.

From Tuesday, work started in three shifts which was earlier done in two shifts, according to an informed source. The press here prints Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 denomination notes. s s n n m n s s s s s num s m s n day on Tuesday and long queues at those that still had cash.

Aadhaar data not an atom bomb, remove fear: UIDAI to SC

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has told the Supreme Court that the collection of biometric and demographic information under Aadhaar was not an atomic bomb as it sought to dismiss the hyper phobia the unique identity card’s critics have created around it.

“Collection of information under Aadhaar is not an atomic bomb. Please remove the fear and phobia created by the petitioners (opposing it). There is no question of leaking or sharing of information,” the UIDAI told a five-judge constitution bench us s .

But stressing the point, senior counsel Rakesh Dwivedi appearing for the UIDAI told the bench, also comprising Justice A.K. us . . n us . . Chandrachud and Justice Ashok Bhushan that the UIDAI has matching technology and not analysing technology which he described as learning algorithms.

Justice Chandrachud said: “The apprehension of the sharing of data is not symptomatic but real. The data available can us n u n ns. s n s n s n . m can survive where data is used to influence the electoral outcome...”

Having adverted to the apprehensions, Justice Chandrachud asked Dwivedi: “You must think of what are the nature of safeguards that can be introduced.” n n reality” because of your limitations, Justice Chandrachud said, since “we are going n u u generations.”

“How the requesting entities will use the data is a matter of concern,” said Justice Chandrachud pointing out to data being

A general view of a painted building at Sonagachi red light district in Kolkata. Many artists from different countries and the Durber Mahila Samannay Committe work together to paint different areas. Photo: AP

used for election, an apparent reference to the leak of data of a social media site during the US Presidential election.

The court said this as Dwivedi said that they have some limitation of technological knowledge coupled with a little bit of exaggeration and lamented the “Hyperbole being created by the petitioner”.

He said the information being collected under Aadhaar is not genetic information or genetic data but for simple identification and authentication.

Describing Aadhaar as a simple device for identification and authentication, Dwivedi s n n s . n surreptitiously obtained by any one. A lot of thought has gone into making the design and architecture of Aadhaar.”

Telling the court that there are forces working against Aadhaar and that search engine Google and smart card companies do not want it, Dwivedi tried to make light of the plea for an interim order citing authentication failure in six crore cases. m s . n ss do it we can’t win the trust of the people,” Dwivedi said pointing to challenges being thrown at the implementation of Aadhaar. s u s n n platform to private entities,” Justice Chandrachud asked as Dwivedi told the bench that the entire funding of the project is from the consolidate fund of India.

Dwivedi said in all major fields like aviation, defence, infrastructure there was public-private partnership, assuring the court that all the private entities were under their control and are “bound by law”.

The court was hearing a batch of petitions, including by former Karnataka High Court Judge K.S. Puttuswamy, s s n n m n s s n n n n social activists Aruna Roy, Nikhil De, Nachiket Udupa and others challenging the constitutional validity of the Aadhaar scheme on the touchstone of the fundamental right to privacy.

Goa BJP says CM responding well to treatment, slams media m n n s n

Parrikar was responding well to treatment abroad, the state BJP slammed the media for its repeated questions on his health.

BJP legislator and the party’s Goa unit Spokesperson Nilesh Cabral rejected the Congress demand for regular bulletins on the health of Parrikar, under treatment in the US for advanced pancreatic cancer. n s s n everybody knows it. He is being treated and is showing good recovery. And when he is fit to travel, as per the medical advice, he will fly back from the US,” Cabral said.

Parrikar was moved to a medical facility in New York last month, a few weeks after he was first hospitalised on February 15, when he experienced stomach pain.

Parrikar, who was hospitalised in Goa and um s n n ffi nearly two months. n u ns

medical professionals on the severity of Parrikar’s ailment, informal updates from n s s ffi m n n s su n m m n s .

Responding to criticism by the Congress over Parrikar’s decision to appoint a threen s mm un s n s absence, the BJP leader drew similarities between Goa and Tamil Nadu which were, he claimed, governed by committees of ministers in the absence of the Chief n s .

“A similar thing has happened in Tamil u n u s n n s s have been admitted to hospitals in India and abroad. Similar committees were formed and that state has functioned well,” Cabral said.

Delhiites may soon get money for unscheduled power cuts

Citizens would be compensated for unscheduled power cuts lasting longer than one hour if a policy approved by the Delhi government gets a green signal from Lt. Governor Anil Baijal. n s n the policy to provide compensation to users in case of “unscheduled power cuts by the private power distribution companies” and it was later sent to the Lt. Governor for approval.

“According to this new policy, in the case of an unscheduled power cut, the discoms (power distribution companies) will have to restore the electricity within one hour, and failure to do so shall result in a penalty of Rs 50 per hour per consumer for the first two hours and Rs 100 per hour per consumer u s n ffi s m n s .

The compensation would be provided to consumers in their monthly electricity bills.

“The Delhi government is confident that the LG will concur with the policy and endorse this pro-consumer step, which will become a model for other governments across the country to follow.”

In case of a power cut, a consumer has to file a “no current” complaint u m n m application or website and along with their name, Consumer Account (CA) number

and mobile number.

The power distribution company would then attend to the complaint and send a confirmation message to the consumer with power restoration date and time.

The respective compensation amount would be then credited to the CA number automatically and a message would be sent to the consumer. This amount would be then adjusted in the consumer’s monthly electricity bill.

Samsung most trusted brand in India, Patanjali tops FMCG

Samsung is the most trusted brand in India followed by Sony and LG, the TRAs Brand Trust Report 2018 said this week. Patanjali topped among the fast moving capital goods m n s.

“Samsung leads the list second year in a row to become India’s most trusted brand. Sony and LG follow to retain pole positions as India’s second and third most trusted brands,” the report said. n m n n s n n rankings, according to the report. The report also said that Tata rose a position higher and was ranked fourth among the brands while Apple slipped one position to the fifth position.

Honda topped in the auto sector, while lost a postion in the overall list to rank seventh this year. Google ranked 18th this year improving from the 40th rank it held in 2017, it said. Public sector State Bank of India was 21st in the list of most trusted brands in the country, but the most trusted in banking and financial service institutions. The study covered 2,488 consumerinfluencers across 16 cities in India, it said.

Unnao rape case: Sengar’s brother, associates sent to 4 days CBI custody

A special CBI court sent, to four days police custody, the five arrested accused in the Unnao minor rape case including prime us u n n s u n ffi s s . ffi s u s n

four day police custody of five arrested accused including Atul Sengar, Bauaa, Vineet, Sonu and Shalu earlier arrested in the case.”

n n ffi s n

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has brought the five arrested accused in the Unnao rape case to its Lucknow branch for further questioning.

n ffi s

Bangarmau legislator’s brother was arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Police on April 10, while his associates were arrested on April 9, after the victim’s father - whom they had brutally thrashed while in police custody - died.

The CBI action came in the wake of the four cases it registered in the rape case following a request to the Central government from the Uttar Pradesh government.

In the first FIR, the CBI named Sengar and Shashi Singh, a woman who allegedly took the rape victim to the Bharatiya Janata Party leader’s house. The CBI had arrested n u s n n n Saturday. A court has sent him to the sevenday CBI custody.

The second FIR is against four of Sengar’s accomplices -- Vineet, Baua, Shailu and Sonu -- on charges of rioting, criminal intimidation and voluntarily causing hurt.

The third one is a cross FIR filed by Atul Sengar, who claimed that he was attacked by the victim’s father. The CBI registered the fourth case against Shashi Singh’s son u m n n ffi s . s s n basis of a SIT preliminary report. He was sent to seven days CBI custody by a court. His aide, Shashi Singh, who is accused of taking the victim to the lawmaker, was also arrested last week and sent to four days police custody.

The victim tried to set herself ablaze u s n s n s residence on April 8, claiming inaction in the rape case that took place in 2017.

Later the same day, her father was picked up by the police and allegedly roughed up by Atul Sengar and his aides, following which he died.

IANS

An installation by artist Mallika Das Sutar made with bamboo display during an annual art show Language Of Space in Kolkata. The art village of Kolkata Ã’hander Haat organise the art installation. Photo: AP

The darkness of

Human avarice, and the way nature responds to it: Mysore-based artist NS Harsha makes a bold statement at the Sydney Biennale

BY HAMIDA PARKAR

There is no escaping the dramatic impact of 900 teak elephants stamping through NS Harsha’s stunning wall-mounted

installation, Reclaiming the inner space, 2018, on display at the Art Gallery of u s. According to Harsha, they are carrying the weight of today’s brutal times. It’s a continuation of sorts for them, having carried the human burden u s un n . decide to stampede all over it, “just like nature fixes human greed!”

Hand-carved in wasted wood by n s n s these

elephants are straddled against acrylic mirror and a layer of unfolded cardboard packaging, sourced from family, friends and recycling facilities. The colours of toothpaste, soaps, prayer materials, tools, medicine, food, clothing, condoms, perfumes and alcohol wraps are fused in harmony, reflecting inwardly in the mirror. Harsha uses the unprinted side to splash streaks of black acrylic paint. “It is thrown in order to capture the essence of nature’s

drama. Similar to the way cast nets are thrown into water to capture fish,” he says. The packaging also finds connect in cosmos and its aggregation of planets, stars, dust and gas. “I am deeply intrigued by the dark spaces supermarkets store under their bright lights. Racks and racks of darkness, n s ssum cosmos to be far away when it is just un us n n s s n s s. This thought led me to open cartons we use

consumerism

every day and expose their internal space.” n m n n s n n the creation which took five months to complete. The process of thought began two years ago, mostly to plan the installation and deinstallation process.

Linking global changes to local times in all his works, Harsha sees globalisation as very much deeply embedded inside all of us in our daily life and existence. “Flux is the only permanent thing for life and yet this piece is not about the loss but about the moments we experience in today’s world,” he muses.

The artist is renowned for his meticulous paintings, works on paper, wall and floor works, sculptures, site-specific installations

and public projects. Harsha’s domain and s s s u of a large creative space he has built for himself. Despite success, the artist remains rooted and relaxed. “I got lazy to move out,” he quips.

The city has seen the rise of supermarkets, n s n u u s. The artist wanders around grocery store aisles for inspiration. His works aim to evoke commentary on globalisation, cultural evolution and socioeconomic inequities from a local standpoint. Several other works are in the process with similar materials. thoughts? “Yes, many more. I will share through my future art works.”

WHAT’S ON

STAGE

Bharatanatyam

Fri 20 April (5.30pm onwards)

Indian Cultural Centre, Sydney invites you to Samarpanam,a traditional Bharathanatyam repertoire by Deeksha Sharma. Level 2, 265 Castlereagh St, Sydney, 2000. Please RSVP at library.sydney@mea.gov.in

Stay Tuned

Sat 5 May (7.00pm onwards)

Chinmaya Yuva Kendra (CHYK), the youth wing of Chinmaya Mission presents comedy drama Stay Tuned at UNSW Science Theatre. All proceeds to social outreach projects in Sri Lanka and India. Details Niyati 0425 262 103

SPIRITUAL

Free Public Talk by Paramahamsa

Prajnanananda: Yoga and Meditation

Thur 19 April (6:45 pm to 8:30 pm) Experience the divine presence of self-realised (enlightened) yogi Paramahamsa

Prajnanananda as he shares practical wisdom and naturally exudes pure love, compassion, peace and bliss. Marrickville Town Hall, 303 Marrickville Road, Marrickville NSW. Details 0422 334 573 or email nsw@kriya.org.au

Shankara Jayanthi

Sat 21 April (8.30am – 12

midday) Shri Shankara Seva

Samithi Sydney organises

Shankara Jayanthi at Shiva Mandir , 201 Eagleview Rd, Minto. Details

Narayana 0423 634 979

Shri Navadurga (nine forms of Durga) installation

Sat 28 April & Sun 29 April

Venue: Shri Shiva Mandir 201 Eagleview Road, Minto NSW.

Details Jagdish Chawla 0421 376384

Chinmaya Mission public talks

Sat 28 April to Fri 4 May

Chinmaya Mission Sydney presents Exceeding Excellence a series of public lectures based on the Hanuman Chalisa. Sri Durgadevi Devasthanam, 21 Rose Crescent, Regents Park NSW. Details 02 8850 7400, 0416 482 149

ENTERTAINMENT

Stand Up Comedy: Zakir Khan 22 April Bowman Hall, Main Street, Blacktown.

Kumar Sanu & Anuradha Paudwal

28 April Whitlam Leisure Centre, Liverpool.

Migration

To have your event listed, email media@indianlink.com.au

Vivacious Diva: Step up to express your style statement

28 April (6.00pm – 10.00pm)

Dezire Function Centre, 107 Main St. Blacktown.

Details 0431 611 348

B Jayashree

Sun 29 April Anivaasi Arts

Collective presents Rangotsava with Padmashri Dr B Jayashree, Kannada lm actor. Program features qand-a with Jayashree, a screening of her lm Koudhi followed by cultural presentation. Venue Bryan Brown Theatre, cnr Richard Rd and Chapel Rd, Bankstown.

Details Veena 0410 432 528

FUNDRAISER

Hindu Council of Australia is collecting donations for cyclone victims of Fiji, in cash and kind. Collection point in Sydney is at Karma Kitchen, C/O Café Gateway, 8 Wetherill Street South, Lidcombe, NSW. For cash deposit: A/c name: HCA Benevolent fund, BSB: 062 004, A/c no: 1044 7020. Details 0414 971 122, 0402 449 52, 0412 399 164.

LANGUAGES BSK/SVP CLASSES

A local initiative of VHP Australia, Bala Samskar Kendra (BSK) holds Sanskrit language lessons as well as a culture and heritage program on Saturdays at Oran Park School, 390 South Circuit, Oran Park. Details 0450 117 372

HINDI CLASSES

Saturdays (2:30pm - 4:30pm)

Located at the Indian Cultural Centre, Level 1, 265 Castlereagh St, Sydney. Hindi classes are $5 per one hour class or $40 for ten classes. Registration is essential. Details icc2.sydney@mea.gov.in

SENIORS

Free Tech Savvy Seniors

Workshop Learn basic computer skills at your local library  Liverpool Library (10.00am - 12 noon)

3 April Introduction to computers.

10 April Introduction to iPads

17 April Introduction to Internet

24 April Introduction to Email

H.J. Daley Library Campbelltown (10.00am to 12 noon)

1 May Introduction to Computer

8 May Introduction to Internet part 1

15 May Introduction to Internet part 2

22 May Introduction to Email  Parramatta Library (10.00 am – 12pm)

2 May Introduction to iPad 1

9 May Introduction to iPad 2

16 May Intro to Social Media part 1

23 May Intro to Social Media part 2

Denis Johnson Blacktown Library (10.00am – 12 noon)

6 June Introduction to Internet 1

13 June Introduction to Internet 2

20 June Introduction to Email

27 June Introduction to Social Media

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Blacktown City Council is offering workshops and activities such as gardening, tennis, cooking and swimming to keep your kids entertained these holidays. Details 02 9839 6000 or email council@ blacktown.nsw.gov.au

FESTIVAL

Ramadan dinner

Fri, 18 May (4:45pm – 7pm) 25th

Annual Ramadan Dinner hosted by the Islamic Charity Project Association. Venue: Al Amanah College Assembly Hall, 56 Nagle St Liverpool, NSW.

Details 9707 4842, 0413 914 189.

MISC

Community Recycling Centres are permanent drop-off facilities, open year round. Use them to safely dispose of selected common household problem wastes such as paint, gas bottles, re extinguishers, motor and cooking oils, car and household batteries, uorescent tubes and globes, and smoke detectors. Details call the Environment Line 131555

Australian Sikh Association and Turban Academy Australia welcome International Turban Coach Bhupinder Singh Thind to Sydney Gurdwara Sahib Glenwood, Dastar/Dumalla Competition and Gurudwara Sahib Revesby all this month. Details 0425 251 313 or 0430 021 812.

Here’s your chance to meet Wasim Akram and get an autographed cricket ball! Catch the former bowler on 20 April at 4:30pm at J. Sydney, 29 Hunter Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150.

Details 02 8849 0296

MAINSTREAM

Biennale of Sydney 2018: View the works of Indian-origin artists exhibiting as part of the ongoing Biennale Sydney 2018 this yearSimryn Gill, Tanya Goel, NS Harsha, Prabhavati Meppayil, Sosa Joseph and Khaled Sabsabi.

Details 02 8484 8700

Tales from the East: India and NSW

27 April - 26 Aug

Old Government House, Parramatta Park, Parramatta.

Details 02 9635 8149

Sydney Writers Festival

30 Apr – 6 May

A literary extravaganza that celebrates writers all over the world. The festival will also include Indianorigin writers Michelle Cahill, Shastra Deo, Ronojoy Ghosh, Roanna Gonsalves, Jamila Rizvi, Jeremy Fernandez, Zoya Patel, and Angela Saini. Details www.swf.org.au

Billion dollar baby

What will be the impact of the biggest change in 40 years in Australia’s cricket media landscape?

BY RITAM MITRA

This time last month, Cricket Australia was in crisis mode, reeling in the aftermath of the Cape Town ball-tampering fiasco that threatened to derail its negotiations for the next cycle of broadcasting rights to Australia’s most loved sport. Yet now, CA CEO James Sutherland and his board are instead breathing an enormous sigh of relief after agreeing with Foxtel and Seven the most lucrative and revolutionary media s n m s s . it means for the future of the sport will remain unclear for some time; if nothing else however, it has proven at least this: a month is a very long time in sport.

Under the new arrangements, Foxtel and Seven will together pay Cricket Australia $200 million a year to broadcast between themselves all forms of the game for the next six years. In comparison, CA’s most recent deal, with Nine and Ten, was worth $120 million a year. By any yardstick, the huge uplift reveals a significant gamble by Foxtel, the party responsible for paying the majority of the rights fee, and for broadcasting every single ball of the Australian summer of cricket (with Seven simulcasting Test matches and most BBL matches).

The key players

On its surface, the new deal is the most ffi n u m m n negotiating parties. Cricket Australia,

seemingly bereft of leverage following the Cape Town ball-tampering fiasco, managed to secure the billion dollar deal it so desperately needed to meet its generous revenue sharing arrangement with contracted players. Foxtel, fundamentally a pay TV operator seeking relevance in an unsettled media landscape, has paid handsomely to secure exclusively all digital rights to cricket, signalling its critical focus on its over the top (OTT) transmission. n n m n longer broadcast the Australian Open, has found the perfect way to plug the upcoming “gap” in its summer sports coverage.

For at least one of the outgoing incumbents too, there’s a silver lining. Nine, which was losing up to $40 million a year on its cricket coverage, has freed up significant capital, some of which it can now use to fine-tune its production of the Australian Open. Ten’s future in Australian sport, however, becomes more uncertain, as the now CBS-backed network finds itself sidelined from broadcasting the BBL which it helped transform into the cash cow it is today.

What it means for fans

n ns ss n ns regarding the new arrangements, with limited overs fixtures on home soil set to disappear from FTA television for the first time.

But it’s not all bad news. Firstly, it’s not going to be expensive. The era of fixed-term, high-cost subscriptions is all but over, and it’s likely Foxtel’s hand has already been forced; although OTT distributors such as Netflix and Amazon present a significant threat to traditional pay TV operators, embracing that same

model is ironically the only way for Foxtel to remain relevant. This means we can s m “league pass” style subscriptions to the cricket, for instance for access to a particular BBL team’s matches, or an online-only cricket pass targeted at younger audiences.

And in any case, we’re still much better n n n n m s n n n ss us m s n s cricket, and that too after a 13-year hiatus. Even so, most of the upcoming live FTA matches are domestic T20s; English viewers who wish to watch live home test matches or ODIs are forced to shell out at least $75 a month for at least 18 months.

What it means for cricket

Purists will be most satisfied with the new rights deal; in a first, all home and away test matches involving Australia will be available on FTA television, securing the immediate future of the game’s most important format, while promising a refresh to Nine’s increasingly tired and myopic coverage. At the other end lies the BBL, which is also far from doomed; the majority of the tournament is set to remain on FTA transmission. Administrators will also be aware that the format managed to thrive even when it was broadcast exclusively on pay TV in the previous rights cycle.

In the twilight zone, however, lies one day international cricket, the sport’s most threatened format, which will disappear from FTA airwaves altogether. Pessimists will point to the Hyundai A-League, which sits behind Foxtel’s paywall and has failed entirely to grow its viewership

or attendance at games. Fans can take comfort, however, in English cricket, which has not collapsed on itself despite its recent moratorium on all FTA live cricket. In short, despite the seemingly seismic upheaval, there’s plenty to look forward to; for cricket lovers, a refreshed broadcast and helping to secure the game’s future may well justify a small access fee.

WHERE CAN I WATCH MY CRICKET LIVE?

> TEST MATCHES

All Test matches involving Australia, home and away: Seven and Foxtel

The 2019 Ashes: Nine

> LIMITED OVERS MATCHES

All ODIs and T20Is involving Australia: exclusively live on Foxtel ICC CWC 2019 and 2020 World T20: live on Nine

> BIG BASH LEAGUE

43 BBL matches: live on Seven and Foxtel

Remaining 16 BBL matches: exclusively live on Foxtel

> WBBL

23 WBBL matches: live on Seven and Foxtel

Remaining 36 WBBL matches: live streamed through CA Live App and cricket.com.au

The bigger the bonfire, the greater the darkness

Former cop pens harrowing saga of a Delhi murder that shook a nation

The Tandoor Murder by Maxwell Pereira, Context 2018

Ahuman body chopped into pieces and thrown into a tandoor. A bonfire as the makeshift funeral pyre of a woman. A fire in a restaurant kitchen that metamorphosed into a murder investigation.

This seems straight out of a fictional thriller, but is a real-life incident. Crime stories surface every now and then, unsettling people - but they are very soon relegated to the background. However, some have not only instilled fear in our minds but have also been etched in the annals of the cruellest and most spinechilling crimes of India.

The Tandoor Murder recounts the incidents and the happenings around the Naina Sahni murder case of 1995 - right from the night of the killing till the verdict in the case was finally delivered, almost two decades later.

Congress worker Naina Sahni was murdered late on 2 July, 1995. Her husband and Congress leader Sushil Sharma shot her, chopped up her body n s s n n a restaurant.

A constable, Abdul Nazir Kunju, saw fire leaping from the Bagiya Barbeque restaurant in Ashok Yatri Niwas on Ashoka Road in central Delhi and discovered her body in the burning tandoor. ns n n n

the murder? How did the accused, Sushil

s twists and turns in the case? How did the investigation manage to stay the course?

mu s the then ruling Congress party?

Pereira gives an insider’s account of the events based on his personal notes and investigation reports. His book is a nailbiting read - mainly because of the hair-

raising series of events that are unveiled for the readers.

A page-turner of a book, Pereira has carefully delineated nuggets of information as he lets us witness how the policing and political systems work in our country. His depiction of the incidents transports the reader to that time.

Pereira emphasises that in the political arena, the murder was extensively exploited by the Opposition. The main accused in the case was a prominent figure of the ruling Congress party and it drew ire. The Opposition expressed its outrage n n u n ns attempts to “draw a pardah over the crime”.

The publicity the case garnered couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Congress. The general elections were nine months away and the Congress, predictably, lost.

In Pereira’s words, the “imbroglio in the wake of the Naina Sahni killing helped bring down India’s national government and humbled the country’s dominant political party”.

Sushil Sharma is undergoing a life term in Delhi’s Tihar Jail. The Supreme Court had commuted to life imprisonment the death penalty awarded to him by a trial court in 2003 and upheld by the Delhi High Court in 2007.

The Supreme Court, while reducing the death sentence, had said that “life imprisonment is for the whole of remaining life of Sharma, subject to remission granted

by the appropriate government under the Code of Criminal Procedure”. s s n n m n

Pereira said he had been approached earlier

by a publisher but didn’t want to write till the last word was said on the subjectwhich the Supreme Court did in 2013.

Ananya Das

The dangers of overparenting

BY MOHAN DHALL

There’s no doubt parents are the best advocates for their own children. However, advocacy, commitment, love and support should not become a career for parents that displaces personal growth, paid employment or defining oneself outside of the family. Let’s n nvocacy and unhealthy blending that stops both, parents and children from growing.

Healthy advocacy

Each year I meet dozens of hands-on, interested and engaged parents. They are vested in the success of their children. These parents are appropriately involved, curious about the children’s day, and spend time with their children in both play and more formal learning activities. They are close, but not their child’s only and best friend.

Parents are expected to advocate for their child. After all, not many others will - especially in a world where personal value is measured by externalities. These externalities take the form of certificates, ‘likes’, ‘shares’, ‘views’, ‘comments’ and other bubbles that burst on contact with air. Children however deserve better than self-centred, ‘esteem’ based, or debased, externalities.

Advocacy takes best form when parents are aligned with educators, sports coaches and other mentors. Advocacy helps a child be noticed when they are just another uniform in a sea of uniforms. In this regard, a teacher may need to be informed of a special need requiring remediation or extension, an interest, a transition, a personal family matter or other factor that can impact on learning or involvement.

Professional educators will not be afraid of an advocate and will not characterise them as “Tiger parents”. After all, professional educators know that parents are legitimately most vested to support their child who cannot speak for themselves.

Parents who need some separation

The other parents I meet each year are those lost in their role. Indeed so lost, that some are not separate from their child. Some members of this group of parents take their child’s utterances as

truth, are continually astounded by their child, and treat their child as an adult equal. These parents make their child

vulnerable, reduce their resilience and are unable to set limits. They are over-caring and overbearing. They cannot see that their lack of separation is actually culling their child’s growth. These parents do not trust educators and continually look for signs that their child is not being valued, included, recognised or acknowledged.

Tiger parents

Others in this group are Amy Chua’s “Tiger parents”. Their input goes so far beyond advocacy that it could be classified as abuse. To these parents, educators will say (but alas not out loud), “I never need to know upon greeting you, what school your child attends or what university course they are doing or what

they want to be when they ‘grow up’. Nothing could be less important to me. For what matters is that your child is safe and happy, not defined by brands or have a self-worth based on where they walk or how they talk, or what they have to be for you to value them.”

Parents needing a life, who try and live through their child

A third group of parents who need separation from their child are those that are too involved in the school, afterhours activities, and in every facet of their child’s life, year after year as they go through schooling. In primary schools, these parents volunteer to assist in-class, but really spy on their child, and compare their child to others. They get on the P&C ostensibly to contribute to the school, but really so that they can shape the school around the possibility of a future school leadership position for their child. The teacher’s ‘best friend’, these parents are reliving their childhood through their child, reconciling every hurt, every lost opportunity, every time they did not get noticed.

Unfortunately, in this approach their child essentially disappears.

Parents need their own identity

This last group of parents are so vested they can forget to think of their own needs. And this is the essential point. For time brings change, increasing independence, a partner, and, for children intent on growing, questions and re-definition.

Parents who live vicariously through their children must be asked this u s n u n u child leaves?” Years of sacrifice, of trying to reconcile a lost childhood, can mean that parents miss their own life yet again.

Parents need goals

All parents must have a set of personal goals that stand in the world outside of their child’s world. This can mean returning to paid employment, developing an interest, creating a business, engaging in further education or something else. This of itself will be a powerful model for children to follow. It will mean that any advocacy role will be balanced against the parent’s pursuit of personal growth. Parenting involves sacrifice, commitment and balance. Balance means being allowed a life, whilst giving the child their own unencumbered life at the same time.

All parents must have a set of personal goals that stand in the world outside of their child’s world

Overprotective parents stop their children as well as themselves from growing

Parks and recreation

BY PETRA O’NEILL

Barangaroo

Reclaiming a headland that was once buried beneath concrete and container wharves, Barangaroo is Sydney’s newest . u n s s s expansive grassed slopes with plantings of 80,000 native trees, shrubs, ferns, vines and grasses. Sandstone blocks form a seawall and pathways hug the harbour foreshore.

Historically significant, Barangaroo was the wife of Bennelong, an aboriginal who taught Australia’s first Governor, Governor Arthur Phillip about aboriginal culture and language. The park attempts to recreate the landscape when the Gadigal clan of the Eora nation lived here.

> What to do: View the many native plants, take in sweeping harbour views.

> Nearby: Visit Australia’s oldest pubs, s n n .

> Getting there: Ferry or short walk from The Rocks.

Observatory Hill

A stone’s throw from Barangaroo, Observatory Hill Park surrounds Sydney Observatory with its copper telescope m u n . s spectacular views of the harbour from the highest natural point in the city shaded m s n s. down onto rooftops of Victorian era

terrace houses towards the Harbour Bridge and across to Darling Harbour.

> What to do: Visit Sydney Observatory, now a museum, and take in the views.

> Getting there: A short walk from The Rocks

Tumbalong Park and Chinese Gardens

Once Sydney’s industrial heartland, Darling Harbour was an area where wharves, warehouses, factories and railway goods yards once stood. Today, it’s a recreational amenity with Tumbalong Park at its centre, a five-hectare park with a large grassed amphitheatre surrounded by native shrubs, trees and water features.

At the southern end the Chinese Gardens s n n s s behind high walls as you stroll beneath weeping willows past lakes with koi carp and pavilions with tiled dragon roofs.

> What to do: The park is ideal for families thanks to its well-equipped

playgrounds.

> Getting there: Ferry or pedestrian walkways from the city centre.

The Goods Line

Beyond the light rail line that skirts by Darling Harbour is the Goods Line. This elevated elongated park reclaims part of a railway freight corridor dating back to 1855 that transported wool, meat and wheat to Central Station with sections of the track embedded in the pathway. It’s landscaped with native grasses with rocks, picnic tables and a children’s play area. You’ll walk by the University of Technology’s architecturally stunning Business School designed by Frank Gehry until you reach the exit on George Street. From here, you can cross to Central Park.

Central Park and Chippendale Green

n s n s u backdoor suburb to Sydney University

with a mix of run down terrace houses and disused manufacturing. Urban renewal on a large scale saw it morph into Central Park, a mix of shops and apartments and the new civic space of Chippendale Green. The award-winning architecture is stunning with Central Park veiled in cascading vertical green gardens with plants hugging the façade. Sculptures, trees and water features enhance the open lawn that leads to the s s n contemporary Chinese artists.

> What to do s eat authentic Asian cuisine at Spice Alley.

> Getting there: Bus or train to Central Station

The

Royal Botanic Gardens and the Domain Sydney’s most beautiful park, the Royal Botanic Gardens is an oasis right in the heart of the city. Sited on Farm Cove, it was here that Australia’s first farm was

Sydney, more so than any other Australian city, is defined by its parks . Here are some favourites.

McKell Park

Barangaroo Government House

established, and the Botanic Gardens in 1816. Thousands of exotic plant species were collected on voyages from around the world and planted to cohabit with native plants. Soft grassy slopes and wandering paths connect gardens down to the harbour’s edge.

> What to do: Free guided tours depart regularly or pick up a map as you enter. If you would prefer not to walk, hop on board the trackless train.

> Getting there : Bus or train to city.

> Nearby: m m for a visit to Government House built in a Gothic Revival style by Edward

Park lies an ornamental lake with koi carp, a stone bridge and panoramic views of the harbour.

> Getting there: 311 bus or train to Kings Cross

Rushcutters Bay

Once known as Rush Cutting Bay because the swampy land was covered in rushes is where you’ll find boats bobbing in the bay, children’s playgrounds, cafes and walking paths where locals come to walk their dogs.

> Getting there: train to Kings Cross

Centennial Park

n n m

Henry Parkes dedicated Centennial Parklands as a 189-hectare open space. Hundreds of unemployed men were enlisted to turn swamps, scrubland and rocks into a grand park in the Victorian tradition with formal gardens, ponds, statues and grand avenues. On Jan 1, 1901, the nation focussed on the park as the site of the inauguration of the Australian Federation. Home to diverse flora and fauna and trees including figs, oaks and pines, the park has up to 140 n s s s habitats from wetlands to urban forest and open plains.

It is one of the most popular urban

Sydney Park

n mn s s

clay brick pits and kilns that operated from the 1890s to the late 1940s. Later the land was uses as a rubbish tip, for manufacturing and storage. Now the 44-hectare park has been replanted with native trees and shrubs, and there are grassed areas with landscaped gardens, pathways and viewing decks. Grassy hills with city skyline views cover the old clay pits and ponds create a wetlands habitat attracting animals and birds.

> What to do: Playgrounds, cycling and birdwatching

> Nearby: Newtown’s King Street is close

> Getting there: Bus 370 or 422 from the city or train to St Peters

Blore who built the British Houses of Parliament and worked on Buckingham n n s s . n formal garden with expansive views of the Opera House and harbour beyond.

Hyde Park

Australia’s oldest park named after the park in London dates back to 1792 when Australia’s first governor set the land aside for use as a common for grazing animals and collecting firewood. Later, it was used for horse racing and cricket matches before being dug up to make way for an underground railway line. Re-established in the 1930s, the Art Deco architecture is reflected in the Anzac memorial and Archibald fountain. The park is shaded by expansive native fig trees, their broad trunks providing an arching canopy along the central pathway.

> Getting there: Bus or train to city.

McElhone Park

Heading eastward will bring you to some hidden gems. Begin at Elizabeth Bay House, once the finest house in the n u n . s n

McKell Park

Continue onto Darling Point to discover a n m mm n s panoramic harbour views and manicured lawns built on the ruins of heritage listed Canonbury, the ruins that form the centrepiece of the park with grassed terraces stepped down to the harbour foreshore and ferry wharf.

> What to do: Bring a picnic

> Getting there: Ferry from Circular u s ns

Paddington Reservoir Gardens

Built in the 1860s, the reservoir was a holding tank for water from the Botany Bay pumping station until 1899. The park was created by incorporating the reservoir’s steel framework and aged brick arches to create a multi layered space of sunken gardens, grassed rooftops, and sunken pool with deck chairs are scattered for relaxation.

> What to do: Come on Saturday when n n s n

> Getting there us m

Chatswood, 380 or 333 from Circular Quay, 440 from Central

spaces in Australia ideal for BBQs and picnics alongside ponds and gardens.

> What to do: Cycling, playgrounds, birdwatching, horse riding.

> Getting there us m

Chatswood, 380 or 333 from Circular Quay, 440 from Central

Parramatta Park

Parramatta Park is the site of Australia’s first successful farm while Old Government House is the oldest public building in Australia. This vast park of s s n s loop, creeks, and native plants including paperbark and iron bark trees.

> Getting there: Train or Rivercat with a shuttle bus to the park.

> Nearby: Harris Park with its many spice shops and Indian restaurants

On a recent visit to Parramatta Park, I opened my picnic hamper and took out my sandwich. A kookaburra swooped in decisively and snatched it with his long beak, even as a blue-tongued lizard looked on from the safety of spiky native grasses. A fitting end really, for Sydney’s parks are shared with our native wildlife, many of which you will encounter.

Paddington Reservoir >

Centennial Park

Chinese Garden

Archibald Fountain, Hyde Park

Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour

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Kids in the kitchen

Turn your kids into mini master chefs these holidays with easy-peasy yummy recipes by ABHILASHA SENGUPTA

FRUIT CUP YOGHURT

Ingredients

1 cup avored yoghurt (your favourite avour)

1 tbsp dry muesli akes

1 banana cut into thin slices

3 strawberries thinly sliced

2 transparent plastic cups

FRUIT LOAF

Ingredients

200 gm fruit medley

1 ½ cups coconut (shredded or desiccated)

1 ½ cups raw sugar

2 cups wholemeal self-raising our Milk, about 1 cup.

Method Mix all the ingredients together until all dry ingredients are moistened. Place into two greased loaf tins. Bake in a moderate oven (180 degrees) for 45 to 60 minutes

WATERMELON MOCKTAIL

Ingredients

1 watermelon

1 large air-tight container

Method: Take all the pips out of the watermelon and juice it in your mixer. Pour juice into a large airtight container. Freeze until solid. To serve, scrape out frozen melon and put into cocktail glasses. Decorate with a fancy umbrella.

EGG AND TOAST CUPS

Ingredients

6 slices wholewheat bread

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 cup nely chopped tomato

6 large eggs

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled

1 tablespoon chopped fresh chive

Method Preheat oven to 375°. Flatten each bread slice with a rolling pin until very thin. Trim crusts off bread. Lightly brush both sides of bread slices with melted butter. Cut each bread slice in half diagonally.

EGG CAKES

Ingredients

4 slices of fresh bread

Butter

4 eggs

Ingredients

Mince meat

Onion

Carrot

Salt and pepper

Dried herbs

2 eggs

Method Take some minced meat. Add to it chopped onions and grated carrots, salt and pepper, and dried herbs. Then put in two eggs and put in some Hamburger Helper. Mix it all together and then you shape it to make a patty. Cook it on a pan and then put inside a nice big bun. Put some barbecue sauce on top, and some lettuce leaves if you like.

Method First pour yoghurt of your choice in a bowl. Mix in sliced bananas, strawberries and muesli. Pour into transparent cups and place one slice of strawberry on the top. Keep in fridge and enjoy chilled or serve right away.

VERY BERRY NICE

Ingredients

1 punnet strawberries

1 punnet blueberries

Castor sugar

Method Cut strawberries into halves. Mix in a bowl with blueberries. Sprinkle castor sugar on top. Mix well. That’s it!

Method Remove the crusts from the bread. Thickly butter the bread on one side only. Place the buttered side down in muf n or cupcake pans. Drop an uncooked egg (remove from shell) onto each piece of bread. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

With cut sides facing, place two bread halves in each of six muf n cups, making sure to cover bottom entirely and allowing bread corners to extend above rims. Bake at 375° for 5 minutes or until bread is slightly rm. Remove pan from oven; sprinkle two teaspoons shredded cheese into each cup. Top each cup with 2 teaspoons chopped tomato, crack an egg into each cup and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for another 18 minutes or until whites are set. Remove egg cups from pan; sprinkle evenly with bacon and chives, if you like.

JACKET POTATOES

Ingredients

2 large potatoes

2 tsp olive oil

1/3 cup cream

Salt and pepper

Method First preheat oven to 220 degrees. Wash potatoes well, then dry them with a towel. Rub olive oil all over. Rub some salt all

over too. Wrap each potato separately in aluminium foil. Put into oven for about 40-45 minutes.

To check if they are done, poke with a knife. It should be just tender. Take out and gently open the aluminium wrap. Cut a cross in the potato and push the esh out. Drizzle the cream over and put salt and pepper.

My favourite recipes

Have some fun in the kitchen these school holidays

BY MANAN LUTHRA

Ihave many hobbies but I think food is my favourite one. I like pizzas, butter chicken, meat and desserts. I don’t like soups, curries, dal and Indian subzis But in Indian food I like aloo rotis and burfis and kababs

At restaurants, I usually like to order seafood and steaks. Once we went out, I ordered steak tartare, but when it came it looked like steak finely chopped up. It had an egg yolk on top, and the whole thing was cold. I just stared at it, and then the nice waiter told me to pick up my

ROCKY ROAD

600g milk cooking chocolate, melted

3 tbsp desiccated coconut

2 x 55g Turkish delight bars, chopped

6 medium-sized shortbread biscuits

(like scotch ngers), broken into small pieces

100g marshmallows

Mix all of the above. Pour into a cake tin lined with aluminum foil or baking paper. Requires 30 minutes to set in refrigerator.

GREEN EGGS AND HAM

I would not eat them with a fox. I would not eat them in a box. I would not eat them here or there. I would not eat them anywhere.

I would not eat green eggs and ham. I do not like them, Sam-I-am. Dr Suess

How would you cook green eggs and ham, Cat-in-the Hat? Maybe use green food colouring. Colour some water green and dip the ham in it for a while. Or, put some dye in the eggs while beating them.

A good way is to use herbs to make your eggs green. Chop up your preferred herbs and put them in the blender with your eggs, some salt and pepper and a little milk, and cook as usual – omelette or scrambled!

fork and mix the yolk in with the meat. It was delicious. The next night, when we were watching MasterChef, one of the contestants cooked steak tartare – what a coincidence!

Yes, I like to watch MasterChef. George

and onions and celery, but I leave the celery out. I have also made pesto sauce in the blender, and I can make nice grilled cheese sandwiches. If my parents are busy I can cook myself a paratha – I take it out of the freezer and cook it on the pan.

I’d like to go again to a cooking course. No, I don’t think I want to learn to cook Indian – it looks too complicated, and I don’t know how to close the pressure cooker. When I grow up maybe I would like to

want to be video game developer. Hey, maybe I can develop a cooking or

Mum is free to watch over me, I make hamburgers from scratch. We have them for says to use carrots

FRUIT PUNCH

This is a drink I had at the poolside bar during a holiday in Goa, India. I liked it so much I asked the bartender for the recipe.

ganache and muffins.

CHOCOLATE CRACKLES

400g milk chocolate, chopped

2 rings pineapple

2 large slices mango

1 small orange

1/4 cup cream

Chop up pineapple and mango. Segment the orange, deseed and chop up roughly. Put into a blender and add the cream. Give it a good whizz. Pour into a tallish glass. Stick in a straw, and decorate with a cocktail umbrella. Yummmm.

60g copha, chopped

250g packet scotch nger biscuits, roughly chopped

1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows

80g Crunchie bar, nely chopped

Line an oven tray with small paper cupcake cases.

Boil a pan of water. Cover with a plate and place a heatproof bowl on the top. Put the copha and chocolate in the bowl. Heat, stirring constantly with a metal spoon, until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Mix biscuits, marshmallows and Crunchie bar in a large bowl. Pour over chocolate mixture. Stir until well combined. Put tablespoonfuls of mixture into paper cases. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until set

cine TALK

own heart pumping as I walked in that hospital lobby with Dan.

The sections of the lm where Dan befriends the comatose girl’s family vaguely resembled Kumail Nanjiani’s Big Sick. However, the resemblance is purely cosmetic. Deep down, October is a resolutely original exposition on love as de ned by the rites of mortality. The characters are vividly etched and the credit for their rsthand accessibility must partly go to the wonderful actors who come together to act out Sircar’s ode to the idea of love.

This is a deeply meditative, melancholic drama lled with resplendent visuals of trees shedding leaves and owers almost as if they were crying over the loss of love. The narrative is denuded of all elements of hysteria and melodrama. Studied and yet spontaneous, Sircar’s outstanding

AN OFFBEAT ODE TO LOVE

OCTOBER

STARRING Varun Dhawan, Banita Sandhu

DIRECTOR Shoojit Sircar

HHHHH

In a lm where everything can go wrong for the characters, there is almost nothing that the director does that can even remotely be considered wrong. Shoojit Sircar understands and empathises the pulse of the working class, their fears and anxieties, whether it’s about abundant sperm count

(Vicky Donor) or constipation (Piku). In October, it is death and mortality that bind the characters in a clasp of compassion, not in any obvious way, but in the way the universe conspires to keep their world from falling apart.

Juhi Chaturvedi’s writing is so lucid that I felt I knew rst-hand all the characters who populate her wondrous world of alchemized pain. The plot is about a seemingly obnoxious hotel-management trainee, played by Varun Dhawan, who decides that the shy colleague Shiuli (debutante Banita Sandhu) who has

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gone into a coma has some kind of a bond with him.

Unsure of that thing we call love, Dhawan’s Dan simply lives on the idea of love, extolling its idealism to a point where his existence is de ned by one casual three-worded question that Shiuli asked her colleagues before she slipped into a coma.

The scenes in the hospital that follow, the distress of Shiuli’s family of mother, sister, brother and an insensitive uncle, is so cogently mapped in the narrative I could almost hear the sound of my

grip over his narrative and characters is reinforced by the camerawork (Avik Mukhopadhyay) that celebrates the pulsating allure of nature and life while all around us, things fall apart and mortality seeps into our soul.

Dhawan’s deep understanding of what makes a character as seemingly overbearing as Dan brings out his sensitive side. His performance also navigates the lm’s simple yet elegant structure through a maze of life-transforming experiences which convey the unexpectedness of life as it suddenly swerves into death.

Subhash K Jha

BLACKMAIL

STARRING: Irrfan Khan, Kriti Kulhari, Arunoday Singh, Divya Dutta and Omi Vaid

DIRECTOR: Abhinay D

Designed as an edgy, noir drama, Blackmail uses relentless ingenuity to dig its hero into deeper and deeper holes until nally, when he seems defeated by the weight of his problems, he’s lifted out of it in an equally ingenious manner.

This is one of those plots where one thing leads to another, although it has an entirely different tone because the hero is a completely ordinary man we begin to care about.

After seven years of their marriage,

Dev Kaushal is a bored-to-death husband who spends much of his time in of ce. One day on the suggestion of one of his close colleagues, Anand Tripathi, he lands home to surprise his wife Reena. Instead, he is shocked by her in delity. She is in bed with her boyfriend, Rajit Arora.

Dev, despite imagining himself ying into a rage against them, prefers being a timid cuckold. He walks off from his home dejectedly, only to return later. The next day before leaving for of ce when his wife asks him to pay some essential bills, he hits upon an idea to blackmail his wife’s lover.

This sets the ball rolling to a series of blackmails that catapults this serious drama to an intentional comedy, both

RETURN OF THE PRODIGAL ARTIST

MISSING

STARRING Manoj Bajpai, Tabu, Annu Kapoor

DIRECTOR Mukul Abhyankar

HHHHH

That face is the map of the human heart. No one does it like Tabu. Not when she sets her heart to it. After seeing her mis t’s act in Golmaal Returns, what a blessed relief to see Tabu back in form in Missing

This time, she plays a distraught mother who on a visit to Mauritius ends up with her little daughter kidnapped. Nothing in Missing is as it seems. In pursuit of an ever-renewable suspense, Mukul Abhyankar’s writing lapses into the ludicrous.

The twists and turns in the plot are meant to startle in a very ‘boo’ kind of way. And some of Manoj Bajpai’s efforts are just not up to the mark. You see Manoj playing a sleazeball with a roving eye, for a large part of the lm he has to play a man trying to convince the cop

(Annu Kapoor, playing the Mauritian law enforcer with a remarkably researched rigour) that his lies are the truth.

In other words, a good actor doing a bad job of bad acting.... Complicated? But just the way Abhyankar wants the set-up. At every step he plants a red herring so red, one feels as though one is walking through a blood-soaked mine eld. Except that there is never an explosion.

In fact, the feeble writing and the unconvincing situations would have done the strained suspense in were it not for Tabu’s magni cent performance.

Playing a grieving mother whose emotions can’t be trusted, she brings a persuasive candour to her role. That face is lit up like a languorous lantern,

situational and slapstick.

Writer Parveez Sheikh is merciless in creating one dif culty after another for his characters who are eventually shown as mercenaries. Every character is well-written, and there are long, sustained sequences in each artist does his or her best. While the rst half is slow, the second half is better-paced. The curious thing is, the lm more or less deserves the build-up to pile on complications and dark coincidences. Nevertheless, one may complain that the latter developments are simply too implausible and tedious to sit through. Irrfan does have a strong and particular screen presence. He is impressive and relatable. He can play tender and he can play smart with a

poker face, two notes that he juggles well with. He moves around a lot seeming restless on screen.

Kirti Kulhari, as Dev’s unapologetic, cheating wife, gives a restrained but effective performance. But the actors who steal the show are Arunoday Singh and Divya Dutta. The husband-wife duo play an odd couple, she as the boisterous wife, Dolly Verma and he as the henpecked husband Rajit, who is literally treated like a dog in his house. Arunoday reminds one of big Moose from Archies comic and plays his part with his ‘duh’ expression to a tee. In fact, he shines with his performance and is de nitely one of the plus points of the lm.

The others in supporting cast who are brilliant as well include Prabha Ghatpandey as Anuja Sathe, Dev’s opportunistic colleague, and Pradhuman Singh as Dev’s con dante in his of ce.

Omi Vaidya as Dev’s boss marketing toilet paper in India is stereotyped and though he does offer some seriously funny moments, he lacks lustre.

Neelima Azeem in a guest appearance as Dolly mother is wasted. And Urmila Matondkar in a forgettable item number is an eyesore. Overall, with elegant production values the lm does rise over its absurdness and is worth a watch.

Troy Ribeiro

thanks to cinematographer Sudeep Chatterjee, who brings more life to Tabu’s face than all the aqueous shots of sun-soaked Mauritius put together.

The lm is worth a watch only because of her. Whether it’s the scene where she’s responding to the cop’s grilling questions or the one where she crumbles under the gaze of masculine

censure,

proves

is

nest talents of our times. Any times, really.

If you are a Tabu fan, chances are you’ll nd it easier to handle the incongruities that surface throughout the lm. If not, the going might get tough for you..

Subhash K Jha

the actor

she

among

The BUZZ

SALMAN TO ‘SHOOT’ ABROAD

Shooting a black buck two decades ago may have earned Salman Khan a sentence, but the excuse of shooting a lm has earned the superstar a bail. Khan, out on bail in a 1998 blackbuck poaching case, was on Tuesday granted permission to travel to the US, Canada and Nepal.

Judge Chandra Kumar Songara of the Sessions Court gave the permission soon after Salman submitted a plea. Salman’s case was presented by senior advocate Mahesh Bora after brief arguments by public prosecutor Pokar Ram.

Salman was granted bail in the poaching case on 7 April after being sentenced to a ve-year jail term. The actor spent two nights in jail following the court’s verdict, after which he was granted bail.

District and Sessions Court Judge Ravindra Kumar Joshi had asked the actor not to leave the country without the court’s permission. Salman was granted bail on a personal bond of Rs 50,000.

A GESTURE OF ELEPHANTINE PROPORTIONS

Actor Sidharth Malhotra has once again shown that he’s more than just a Bollywood actor. Recently, Sidharth extended his full support to elephant rescue efforts, after a visit to the rescue and rehabilitation centre run by Wildlife SOS.

A special guest at Save the Elephant Day celebrations at the centre, he expressed concern over the plight of Asian elephants.

ANURAG BRINGS OUT THE ‘BEST’ IN TAAPSEE

You know what they say: An actor might be a talented artist, but it takes a great director to bring out their best capabilities. And it seems Taapsee Pannu has found that director.

Taapsee says her Manmarziyan director Anurag Kashyap exudes such energy that it makes the “best happen” on the set of a lm.

Taapsee, who has been posting numerous updates from her movie’s sets on her Instagram account, has nished shooting for the lm, and shared a candid photograph of herself along with Kashyap on Tuesday.

“There are some directors who guide you through and some who exuberate such energy that you just cannot help but be your best, give your best and the best happens. You are the latter mister Anurag Kashyap, you are the wind beneath Rumi’s wings. Get well soon... because you have to ght with me more,” Taapsee tweeted.

The lm, presented by Aanand L. Rai, also stars Vicky Kaushal and Abhishek Bachchan. Taapsee had earlier said in an interview how Manmaziyan is a typical Anurag Kashyap style of love story, where there are no black and white characters.

Sidharth spent time with rescued elephants Laxmi, Maya and Phoolkali, feeding them fresh fruits. He also interacted with the veterinarians at the centre who provide treatment to the elephants.

The highlight of the visit however was his keen interest in Gajraj, the 70-year-old tusker rescued from Maharashtra’s Satara.

Used in temple processions for over 51 years, the elephant was, with advancing age, found to be suffering from several medical issues like foot abscess and partial blindness.

Gajraj is now under lifetime care and treatment at the centre, which is home to over 20 elephants that were rescued from critical situations and are under rehabilitation now.

Sidharth was deeply moved upon hearing the heart-breaking stories of these elephants.

“Save The Elephant Day is a great initiative and Wildlife SOS is doing some fabulous work by saving the endangered species. It’s extremely essential for each one of us to do our bit and help save our animals,” Sidharth said.

Amen to that!

AKKI’S HEARTY GESTURE FOR KIDS

It’d appear as if Akshay Kumar never stops working for a social cause. If it’s not raising money for Indian soldiers, it’s building a toilet in a city that suffers from a woeful lack of sanitation facilities. And what’s more, he says it makes him happy.

Akshay has come on board as the face of a Happy Heart India campaign by Asian Heart Institute and The Times of India. It aims to promote a healthy lifestyle for a healthy heart and happy life. As part of this, 200 underprivileged children will get free heart surgery.

“Seeing a child suffer an ailment and have little or no power to help them makes parents feel hurt. I am glad that this initiative will help 200 children and their families live a happy life. Helping a cause and reaching out to people for the same is what makes me happy,” Akshay said.

The actor has himself been a longterm advocate in spreading a word on the importance of a healthy lifestyle. “I have always wanted to be a part of something that spreads smiles and joy to people who need it the most. I personally believe that having a healthy heart guarantees a happier and longer life,” said Akshay, urging people to come forward and help in making sure that “a heart reaches the deprived”.

The campaign allows people to nominate patients from humble backgrounds, less than 12 years of age and in need of heart surgery. Godspeed, Akki!

I PLAN MY DAY ACCORDING TO LAKSSHYA’S: TUSSHAR KAPOOR

We always tend to think of celebrities as “special people” who are way different from us, and who live their life differently from ordinary people. The truth, however, is that they have the same challenges as ordinary people do. Take Tusshar Kapoor, for instance, who says he does experience parenting issues.

Actor Tusshar Kapoor says he plans his day according to his son Laksshya, who will turn 2 in two months. “My child is my focus and I plan my day according to his timetable,” Tusshar said on season 2 of the show ‘9 Months’.

The show is a complete parental

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

SIDHARTH MALHOTRA

guide, and welcomed Tusshar to share personal challenges, opinions, insights and more as a father, read a statement. “I am 41 now. At around 35, 37 I started getting paternal instincts for my pets. I also began to wonder then how would it feel like to hold your child,” he said.

Speaking about his decision of having a child through IVF, the actor said he was expecting a lot of different reactions. “I wanted to be a father and I wanted to start a family, so I did it. People then messaged me that I am inspiring them,” he said.

Calling himself a “hands-on parent”, the actor said, “I spend most of the day with my child and I don’t want to miss out on any experience with my child. For Golmaal shooting, I took him along with me since I didn’t want to stay away from him for long. He had fun on the sets,” he said.

Tusshar said he has learnt parenting skills along the way. “I feel it is not hard work, but rather just a lot of work that goes into raising a child. At the same time, I also read about healthy habits and the happy child book, which was really helpful.”

The 41-year-old says all parents have the same worries. “No matter you are a celebrity or not, it just depends on how involved you are,” he said, also revealing that “In the industry, Ajay Devgn spends a majority of his time with his kids. Aamir Khan also does the best of everything for his kids.”

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WE ARE BECOMING ANIMALS, SAYS BHUMI PEDNEKAR

Actress Bhumi Pednekar, who has featured in films laced with social messages, says incidents like the rape of an eight-year-old in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua show that people are moving towards animalistic and beastlike mentality.

“The kind of circumstances that our country is going through, I feel scared thinking about future generation. We are moving towards animalistic and beast-like mentality, which is really heartbreaking,” she said.

Bhumi added, “I feel justice must be served to the girl and many other victims like her who have experienced a shameful act like this, so that it doesn’t happen again. I am an optimistic person and I feel there will be stricter laws and punishment to zero down incidents like these and so that people will think twice before committing such crimes.”

Bhumi will be seen in Abhishek Chaubey’s Son Chiriya with Sushant Singh Rajput.

OMUNG KUMAR PROUD OF MARY KOM

Well, so is the entire country, you might say. However, for those of you who’ve watched the film Mary Kom, you know why director Omung Kumar is especially proud of the woman behind it. Kumar, who helmed a Bollywood biopic on star

WHO WORE IT BETTER?

BEYONCE or SHILPA SHETTY in JACQUEMUS?

Share your views with us on our Facebook page /IndianLinkAustralia

Indian boxer MC Mary Kom, is proud of her gold medal win in the women’s 48kg category at the 21st Commonwealth Games (CWG) in Gold Coast.

“It is unbelievable that each time you see Mary Kom in a different phase of life, you know that she is going to do it. I know her for a long time now because of the biopic I made on her,” said Kumar, who refers to her as a “young girl”.

“We call her a girl since she’s so petite but the power that she possesses is simply mind-blowing. When she goes into the ring, she is a tigress. We are so proud of her.”

WOULD LOVE TO DO A SPORTS-CENTRIC FILM: RANBIR KAPOOR

Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor, who is set to play a football match for a cause, says he would love to do a sports-centric film that tells the inspirational story of any Indian athlete.

When asked which sportsperson he’d want to play, he said, “It’s a tough question! We’ve a lot of athletes in the country and every story is worth listening to (and) will inspire others. I would personally love to do a sports-centric film sometime on any athlete who has made the nation proud.”

The actor is one of the 18 Bollywood celebrities from the All-Star Football Club (ASFC), including Abhishek Bachchan, Arjun Kapoor, Kartik Aaryan and Dino Morea, who will play a friendly match to support Magic Bus Foundation’s goal to help 2,000 underprivileged children.

ON TWITTER THIS WEEK

Match the following stars to the tweets below: Twinkle Khanna, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Varun Dhawan

Once people wore their bigotry on their sleeve now they just wrap it around their DP

it was lovely meeting you too Kriti...wish you all the success & happiness...

Some insane matches in the @IPL already! @mipaltan have been very unfortunate so far but they’ll turn the tide when it matters!

2 DaDS and one dada @karanjohar @ ShoojitSircar #DaViddhawan. Last night I was all nerves as my dad and Karan saw #October

What’s the chit-chat here between ARJUN KAPOOR and PARINEETI CHOPRA

Send your response to: media@indianlink.com.au TO WIN A MOVIE TICKET!!

LAST ISSUE CAPTION CONTEST WINNER

What’s the chit-chat between SUNIEL SHETTY and AKSHAY KUMAR? Mahesh Enjeti: AKSHAY: Ready for a face off? SUNIEL: You Cage, I Travolta? Congrats, Mahesh! You win a movie ticket!

Some other good ones: Leyla Singh: Do u think ppl think we’re related?

Shikha Chandra: Subh set hai bro :)

RANBIR KAPOOR

BHUMI PEDNEKAR

TUSSHAR KAPOOR

ASK AUNTYJI

Baby’s got blue eyes…

DEAR AUNTYJI

I have a hypothesis that I wanted to run past you before I started posting this on my blog. When I was in school, I paid attention during biology class when the teachers were teaching us about genetics. I remember this time well - it was during the mango season, and the trees outside the classroom were full of beautiful ripe mangoes. As I was a studious young lady, I paid attention during class. From time to time, I allowed my attention to drift during maths class and I would gaze at the lovely mangoes and wished that Manoj from 3B would climb the tree and pick mangoes for me. In any case, I was lately browsing Bollywood news, and I noticed that not only Taimur Ali Khan has blue eyes, so does his cousin Inaaya. Now we all know that Saif and Soha and Kunal and Kereena all have brown eyes. How come their babies are blue eyed? Biology classes taught me that brown eyes are recessive - so how come all these generationally brown eyed people are having blue eyed babies? And so many Bollywood stars are having blue eyed kids - from Twinkle’s son Aarav, to Sanjay Dutt’s young daughter. What’s going on auntyji, are we all mutating into blue eyed people? Or do you think these people have had

ancestors who got up to no good?  How is this possible? Do you think there is something in the food we are eating? Please advise post haste, I need to upload this to my blog on Tuesday please.

AUNTYJI SAYS

Arre budtehzeeb paapin! Do you not understand how genetics works? You really should not have been lusting after those mangoes otherwise you would have heard your teacher say that genetics are complicated, and that there are lots of factors that help present or suppress genes. I will give you this. All the Bollywood blue eyed babies are very very cute, and especially that Taimur. He is chooooo chweet, don’t you just want to pinch his chubby chubby cheeks and kiss him all over? Fortunately, us common folk don’t have access to the chhota nawab - so he is spared of our evil eyes. Anyway, back to your query. Genetics are complicated, and the expression of blue eyes or straight hair or tongue rolling ability have much more than just dominant recessive genes at play. If you are really keen to understand genetics, go read up on the subject, in the full knowledge that every day, new mysteries about genes are being unravelled. In the meantime, let Taimur and Inaaya be. Surely they are too cute and innocent to have paapins like you questioning their parentage, no?

Don’t judge me by the clothes I wear

DEAR AUNTYJI

Last week I left my Auntyji in charge of my three-year-old son while I ran an errand. When I came home, my lovely little Kunal was dressed in his cousin Sheena’s ghaghra choli with full face of makeup. He was singing and dancing while Sheena clapped her hands and shouted wah wah at him. Auntyji, I took one look at this tamasha, shrieked out a Hey Ram and fell to the zameen. I understand that was a bit melodramatic, but I was too shocked, and Mai aur kya karti, Ye paap mere samne ho raha tha! To maine Kunal ko grab kiya and left the house. I have not spoken to my aunt since, and I think she must hate me to do such a thing. I think she is trying to convert my son, and she must be listening to too many lefties and thinks it’s acceptable for that behuda harkat in my family. I am still bilkul pagal ki tarah traumatised. Do you think you could give my Mausi Pushpa a piece of your mind please? Can you do this for my bechara nadaan Kunal?

AUNTYJI SAYS

Arre, tum bhi ek budtehzeeb paapin ho. Tumhara hosh kaha hain? Apne deemag ka darwaza kholo, aur suno meri leftist leanings wali baatein Baachche log are innocent, nah? They probably saw an old rerun of choli ke peechche and they were just acting out what they saw on the screen. Isme boori baat kya hai? Or are you such a dayan that you think that all of these things are and now your poor Kunal will become something you can’t tolerate? Well, if so, you are a bigot, and there is no place in society for you. Kunal should be free to become whatever he wants to - unless it’s a serial killer in which case we will probably need to look no further than his bigoted mother to see why he turned out this way. Bachche log were just playing and having fun. You simply revealed yourself to be a close minded hate- lled bigot, who brought Ram into this. You really need to understand that we are who we are, and if Kunal chooses to wear clothes that he likes, then who are you to stand in his way. Duniya badal raha hai and you need to get with the times. And you owe your aunt an apology. She wasn’t doing anything other than allowing Kunal and Sheena to be happy. Un ke liye janaat intezar kar raha hai, while for you, the bhoots of narak are just waiting.

Understanding Australia’s new broadband

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

Most homes and businesses need to switch

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

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This means nbn does not sell to the public. nbn supplies phone and internet providers with wholesale services they combine with their own

network services to deliver your new plan. So you’ll need to contact your preferred provider once you’re ready to switch.

Factors a ecting your experience

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Contact a phone or internet provider

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

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