2018-05 Adelaide

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PUBLISHER Pawan Luthra EDITOR

Rajni Anand Luthra ASSISTANT EDITOR

Neha Malude

MELBOURNE

Preeti

Architects of the Asian century

BY

COORDINATOR

Jabbal

CONTRIBUTORS

Mital Parekh, Vinaya Rai, Mohan Dhall, LP Ayer, Chitra Sudarshan, Dhanya Samuel, Minal Khona

ADVERTISING MANAGER

Sukesh Thapliyal 0410 578 146

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Charuta Joshi 02 9279 2004

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

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While the eyes of the world were on the historic meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his South Korean counterpart President Moon Jae-in, an equally important meeting was taking place a few thousand kilometres away between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

A meeting such as this would have been inconceivable only a year ago, as the two nuclear nations faced a flashpoint at the Sino Bhutanese border. Yet in the rapidly changing world order, equations between friends and enemies can alter overnight. Whether this meeting was a ploy playing on the old adage of keep-your-friends-close-butyour-enemies-closer, only time will tell. But for the moment, it seems both leaders are content in resetting the gears to neutral.

Both have their reasons for doing so.

Prime Minister Modi has an election coming up in 2019 and while jingoism plays well to stir up nationalistic fervour,

an armed confrontation could raise questions about leadership. Economically, while India seems to be clicking away at a GDP growth of high 6 - low 7%, the country is still working through the hangover following demonetisation, and settling in the Goods and Services Tax introduced recently.

India needs time to consolidate its internal economy and move more rapidly towards industrialisation and infrastructure development. India has also been more reliant on its nonaligned policies, which historically have seen it balance its allegiances towards both the United States and Russia. But with Russia enjoying a good relationship with China, and with the US under President Trump becoming more unpredictable, India needs to forge its own way forward on its relationship with China. It has also been widely reported that China was taken aback at the aggression and resolve that India showed in its 72-day stando ith the hinese army at on Lang or Doklam. Experts have said that for the first time China shifted its focus from regarding Japan (after the US) to be its second most dangerous adversary.

Yin Guoming, a Chinese foreign a airs ana yst rote, hina needs to re-assess, re-examine, and reformulate its India strategy.”

Having an informal meeting with Prime Minister Modi was the Chinese President’s way of resetting the relationship dial back to baseline.

Besides, the matter of trade and commerce between the two countries is also strong, and it is in China’s interest to make it grow.

For example, bilateral trade between the two countries in 1988 was only $107.96 million; in 2017 the total trade reached $84.44 billion, rising 18.5% from $71.2 billion in 2016.

With major threats of a trade war coming from the US, China needs to keep its options for world markets open.

No doubt people of Indian origin watched the handshake between the two Korean leaders and wondered whether they would ever see such a thawing of relations with neighbouring Pakistan.

The two Koreas were born after World War II in 1945, just before the division of India took place. It has taken 73 years for the two Koreas to start reaching out. But perhaps the dynamics are di erent between India and Pakistan.

Religion, cross border terrorism and generations raised on a diet of hate-anddestroy propaganda - besides the deeply entrenched political opportunism - may make this a bridge too far.

BODY WORN CAMERAS: BOON OR BANE?

Victoria Police recently started trialling body worn cameras (BWC) to see if they improve the Victorian policing environment. The cameras will record video and audio evidence and ultimately, increase transparency in interactions between the police and the public.

The ip side to the new development is the obvious question of privacy of citizens. PREETI JABBAL asked Melbournians what they thought about BWCs.

Dipanjali Rao wrote: I think cameras are a good idea in terms of police accountability, especially in light of the recent incident with Melbourne police where they ill-treated a man with a disability. However, cameras and technology alone cannot be responsible for accountability. There has to be a structural support in place that independently investigates police behaviour. Police investigating their own, as it currently stands, compromises justice. Technology is a critical tool to ensure accountability, but it needs to be supported by cultural change and by independent bodies that investigate misdemeanour and abuse.

Amit Dutt wrote: Any new technology has its pros and cons. In this case, the advantages are that there would be complete transparency and a huge boost to public relations for Vic Police. But some doubts are bound to be raised, like loss of privacy and how the recorded information is subsequently used. The biggest advantage is the objectivity these cameras will ensure because they will take away any subjective interpretation. Still, one can’t be sure. The proof will be in the pudding and it all depends on how they implement these cameras.

Dr Ritesh Chugh wrote: It is a welcome move for collecting evidence. These devices can also potentially enhance the safety of police of cers and possibly deter potential offenders. In cases of police misconduct, the recordings from these devices can also be used to determine accountability. It is important though that all the appropriate information is communicated, in its entirety, to stakeholders.

Naishadh Gadani wrote: I am in favour of BWCs. They will enhance transparency and accountability. They’ll also help the community to learn what really goes on during police operations.

Rakesh Raizada wrote: I think it’s a great idea. Given the number of road accidents that occur nowadays, these cameras are a great tool for the cops while they undertake an alcohol or drug test, or even conduct vehicle stops. BWCs can be as credible a source of evidence as dash-cam videos, particularly in cases of family violence.

I do hope, though, that they don’t lead to misuse of power. Like, what if police deliberately don’t turn on their camera?

Storage of data and dealing with privacy issues should be thought through, however. Overall, I think it is great initiative and should prove to be a success.

Sam Goraya wrote: A fantastic initiative. This will promote trust, honesty and integrity in the system. Storage should be done in a central database controlled by an independent body.

SAY IT AGAIN

COMEDY FEST

PREETI JABBAL interviewed the comedians at the Indian All-Star Comedy Showcase at last month’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Rakesh Puri wrote: Sucks that this is not happening in Sydney. Melbourne mein Australian Open hota hai har saal, woh bas nahi hai kya?

INDIAN LINK ON INSTAGRAM

This time’s entry is from @ tell_you_a_story: What do you do when you’ve got a hankering for chips? Make healthy chips, of course! Love this month’s baked sweet potato chips recipe in @indianlink. No guilt, thank you!

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

#AustraliaforAsifa: Should child rapists get death penalty? Yes, absolutely: 68% No, it won’t solve the issue: 32%

LEST WE FORGET

We paid a tribute to brave soldiers on the occasion of Anzac Day. Betty Jager wrote: We in Australia honour all Anzacs, they will always be in our hearts.

If koalas mainly eat eucalyptus leaf, does that mean their breath is really fresh?

Comedian Aditi Mittal at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

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

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%

Multiculturalism is your culture as your strength, your language as your lifeline, and other cultures & languages as ways to understand things

Roanna Gonsalves, Winner NSW Premier’s Literary Award 2018

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.

Meet my new friends!! Met them at the @ballaratwildlifepark near Melbourne. I think he liked my hat! Parineeti Chopra on her visit to Melbourne

Indian Anzacs

Marching in memory of their forebears at Gallipoli, Indian veterans bring up the idea of a commemoration in India

BY RAJNI ANAND

Having participated in the ANZAC Day Parade for a few years now, many of those who march as part of the Indian contingent are beginning to feel that perhaps India should organise its own memorial event.

Indian involvement at Gallipoli in 1915 is now a well-recognised fact, with documentation including photographs and letters unearthed after many years. Some

1.3 million Indian soldiers served in World War I, and over 74,000 of them lost their lives, 1,400 of these at Gallipoli alone. Many were awarded the Victoria Cross honour.

Just the like the Aussies and New Zealanders, they fought a war in a strange land far from their own, and against an enemy they knew little about.

The Indian contingent at Gallipoli comprised the 7th Indian Mountain Artillery Brigade, 29th Indian Infantry Brigade, Indian Supply and Transport Corps, and the 108th Indian Field Ambulance, among others. They served there from late April 1915, through the st o ensive, nti the ina evac ation in December.

I stra ia and e ea and can o to Gallipoli every year to lay a wreath to the memory of their soldiers, why shouldn’t India?” asks Col Nilesh Bansal (Retd), who has been a proud ANZAC Day participant in Melbourne since 2013.

I ve spo en to Indian officia s a o t this, ansa revea s, and I am saddened to learn that apparently the Indian political system and bureaucracy do not recognise or honour conflicts that took place before 1947, considering the participants as ‘part of British forces’.”

Major General Ranjit Nadkarni (Retd), Vishisht Seva Medal, who led the 20-strong Indian contingent at Melbourne’s ANZAC Day parade again this year, feels that the annual ceremony

including the dawn service, parades and observances at RSL to honour our veterans, mean a lot to men in uniform. hese ceremonies ive respect to a armed forces personnel,” he tells Indian Link hey are made to ee a va ed section of the community. In India we don’t get such recognition, at least not to this extent.”

e adds, I o d i e to see somethin of this nature in India, definitely. We do have the Republic Day ceremony but it is a mi ed a air, ith vario s other services and states taking part.”

In fact, taking a cue from the Australian observance of ANZAC Day, he goes a step further and says perhaps India should set aside an annual day to celebrate the

Photos:

Anzac Day in Melbourne

Reception at Indian Consulate (Melb)

Brisbane march

nation’s military history.

I thin the rmed orces m st e iven d e reco nition or their e orts, and their service remembered. The 1971 conflict, for example, in which I myself participated, created international history, giving rise to the birth of a new nation Bangladesh. And over and above their roles in conflict and border protection, the Forces take on many challenges as part of their humanitarian duties such as during natural calamities. The nation owes the Armed Forces. We should set aside a day for military personnel alone, besides Republic Day.”

The Indian Consulate in Melbourne hosts a lunch every year to honour the Indian marchers, and both Bansal and Nadkarni have expressed the sense of pride they feel, as members of the community – both Indian and mainstream – come up and greet them as military

officers ho served their co ntry ith devotion.

co rse there are peop e ho recognise and value our service in India a so, ad arni revea s hen I o to the bank in India for instance, I am amazed at the regard shown to me simply because I am a soldier. But there’s no public forum for such acknowledgment. I think it can be done: the retired community will happily work alongside the serving community to make this happen. Such a move will do the

country proud, I feel.”

Gen Nadkarni served in the Indian rmy or years s an In antry officer he saw action in the 1971 war as a young major, and later in Kashmir fighting terrorists.

As part of his long career he also served as Chief Instructor of the Army at the presti io s e ence ervices ta o e e at Wellington, Tamil Nadu. I ta ht mi itary history and am y aware of the battles that took place in

a ipo i in , he o ers y brigade the 1st Battalion of the Sikh Regiment was particularly active there and this is a great source of pride for me. The Gurkhas and others from India did their bit equally valiantly and we are proud of their service and sacrifice.”

Having marched in the ANZAC Day parade for the 11th year this year, he says, I e t pro d to e Indian and an e army officer I e t pro d that there is some recognition for Indian soldiers.”

His words are echoed by Capt Johnny Joseph, who marched in Brisbane this year. here is no occasion in India to remember and honour the sacrifices our soldiers made in the two World Wars,” Joseph tells Indian Link nd that is why the ANZAC Day parade is significant to me. The Australians and the New Zealanders were in the forefront at this

If Australia and New Zealand can go to Gallipoli every year to lay a wreath to the memory of their soldiers, why shouldn’t India? Col Nilesh Bansal (Retd)

Dashmesh Band at Sydney

Marvin Bunting at Adelaide’s Dawn Service

historic military operation no doubt, but our countrymen were there too, besides others of course like the South Africans. The annual parade today is our way of honouring, respecting and giving recognition to the Indian soldiers who fought and died there. The authorities tell us they were part of ‘British’ forces, but they were our men.”

Brisbane’s Indian contingent marched only for the second year this year, organised by Capt Joseph, formerly of the 8 Kumaon Regiment in India.

That the general public comes out in the thousands to cheer the marchers on, many ho din the than yo p acards, is a partic ar y arm ta e a ay r contingent is one of the last, and yet the crowds stay on,” Gen Nadkarni says with awe.

he armed orces eep s sec re and the citizens come out in large numbers to hono r them, says apt oseph ven the Dawn Service I went to, at 4am, was crowded.”

He speaks warmly about the contingent of descendants - some of them little children - who carry their family members’ portraits in memory.

he character o the ay parade is di erent rom India s ep ic Day. It’s less structured, but the respect for the men and women in service comes through very strongly.”

Vickram Grewal marched for the first time as part of his RAAF unit in Canberra, here he serves as irector trate ic Communications Sustainment. But this was not his first ANZAC Day parade. He has been marching since 2007, when the first Sikh contingent was permitted in the Sydney parade. As part of the Sikh Council of Australia, Grewal was instrumental in liaising with the RSL to establish a case by putting forward accounts from history of

the Sikh participation in Gallipoli. hat i h e acy m st e remem ered and honoured,” he says with conviction. or et the po itica aspect o it, the history is there for all to see. The awareness must be raised in India as well.”

The Sydney contingent that he helped put together marched this year with nearly 50 participants.

The appearance of the Dashmesh Band, an all-Sikh bagpipes band from Malaysia, made it even more special. The spotless white costumes, blended ingenuously with the red tartan and topped o ith the ma estic pagris, created much allure for spectators and went a long way in showcasing the new diverse and inclusive nature of this quintessential Australian event. No other Indian contingent has been accompanied by a marching band. archin ehind a and ma es it even more special for us,” Bawa Singh Jagdev, who has participated in the parade for the past 11 years, tells Indian Link or the centenary year, we put in a request with the Indian High Commission to allow a band from the Sikh Regiments in India to accompany us in the parade. It would have been a wonderful acknowledgement of the Sikh participation in Gallipoli and would perhaps have helped in the bilateral relationship as well, but it was not to be.”

The Dashmesh Band has made two previous appearances at Sydney.

In Adelaide, Marvin Bunting has been paying his respects at the Dawn Service for 30 years, showing up in his Regiment Cap from 161 Medium Regiment (Basantar River), and wearing his medals. I come in hono r o the a en, and to say thanks for the peace and harmony we live in today that came about as a result of their sacrifice,” he tells Indian Link.

It a so a o s me to re ive the memories

of my past, and in a way, fly the flag for my country.”

He served in the Indian Army (artillery) for 12 years, and was posted in the J&K sector during the 1971 war. He left the Army in 1979. The Delhi-born Bunting is a third generation army man: his grandfather Tom Bunting went to India from Britain in 1900 as a soldier of the British Raj, and his father Trevor served in the Air Force. Returning to India only months ago on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his commission, he was reunited with his rmy co ea es It str c me then

not only that the nation should perhaps be treating its veterans a bit better, but the sacrifice of the fallen better remembered.”

(An Indian contingent has participated from Adelaide before, after having won a hard-fought battle to be allowed to, but were strangely absent this year.)

Much like Marvin Bunting, Melbourne’s Nilesh Bansal describes in some detail putting on his regimental cap and tie and pinning on his medal accoutrements in preparation for the parade I as pro d to e marchin as a representative of our veterans who participated at Gallipoli,” he says Having served in the Indian Army for 22 years, he counts his 12 years in Kashmir (including Siachen) in counter insurgency operations as his highpoints. He talks with pride about raising and commanding a Brahmos (surface to surface supersonic cruise missile) regiment, making it to the prestigious e ense ervices ta o rse and serving as part of the United Nations Peace Keeping Force in Ethiopia and Eritrea.

a in thro h the II cemetery in Ethiopia, I came across tombstones of many Indian so diers, he reca s hey lie there forgotten. If we don’t honour our soldiers, who else will? It’s good to see our current prime minister Narendra odi startin to ma e an e ort no

Many Indian Army regiments do so at their o n eve s, he points o t It is heartening to see that the old battles and sacrifices are still remembered at least at this level. I think that we as a nation should honour our soldiers; whichever banner they fought under, they were Indian at the end of the day.”

The authorities tell us they were part of ‘British’ forces, but they were our men Captain Johnny Joseph

Brisbane march

Vickram Grewal with his RAAF unit at Canberra

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Australian support for Asifa

The call for justice that has roared in India against the repeated rape and murder of eight-year-old child

Asifa Banu in the country has been echoed here in Australia this week.

A group of 102 academics, writers, musicians and performing artists have voiced their protest against the terrible incident – and the Indian government’s slow response to it – in letters submitted to the Indian Consulates in Sydney and Melbourne.

Writer and academic Roanna Gonsalves, who was one of the signatories, told Indian Link, o mi ht thin that it s easy or s to live outside of India and make a casual comment no and then a o t a airs there But we are connected by blood. India is our motherland and it is our duty to speak up.”

In the letter that was hand-delivered to Consulate Generals of India in Sydney and Melbourne on Monday, April 23, , they state, s concerned citi ens o Australia and India, we are deeply invested in the ongoing health of our democracies, the growing bilateral relationship between the two nations, and in drawing attention

to and addressing the damage being done to both under the current Indian government.”

Calling for ‘Zero Tolerance After Asifa’, they demanded immediate action in providing justice to Asifa and all other victims of sexual violence, to provide support and compensation to their families, and to restore the faith of citizens and the international community in Indian democracy by bringing the perpetrators to justice immediately.”

The letter reads:

April 23, 2018

To,

The High Commissioner of India in Australia

Subject: Petition with respect to Asifa Banu’s torturous rape and murder and to protest against the current climate of ongoing political atrocities towards Muslims and other minority communities in India

Sir, We are writing this letter, to express our deepest sorrow and shock at the abduction,

brutal and multiples rapes upon, and premeditated, cold-blooded murder of Asifa Banu, the eight-year old Indian girl from Kathua in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. r condo ences, e ated and ine ect a as they are, go out to her family: Words fail to even imagine their indescribable pain as their daughter was sexually tortured for seven days, killed and dumped in a forest, and then denied burial in the local graveyard in January 2018.

Through this letter we express our anger, distress, and mute hopelessness at the unjustifiable delay and coverups in the investigations to bring justice for a minor from the Muslim Bakerwal nomadic tribe, whose murder is not only reported to be a sexually-based crime, but also politicallymotivated by a campaign of deep hatred and ongoing discriminations against Muslims and other minorities in the current Hindu-majority government.

We are equally outraged at the protection being provided to the accused, who belong to the Hindu community in Jammu and Kashmir, and whose members conspired to commit this

horrific crime. This incident is one of the many heinous crimes being committed, reported and covered in domestic and international media, against members of the many minority communities of India on a regular basis ever since the current ruling government came to political power in 2014. The abuse of women and minors as fodder in these hate crimes, of using rape as a weapon of war against its own citizens, of engaging in overt and covert intimidation against those who dare to speak out, is the all-too-common face of the dastardly campaigns that seek to obliterate the existence of, and engage in a sustained drive against, Muslims and other minorities in India under the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government. We are a group of writers, artpractitioners, academics, and media professionals in Australia who are closely connected to India. As concerned citizens of Australia and India, we are deeply invested in the ongoing health of our democracies, the growing bilateral relationship between the two nations, and in drawing attention to and addressing

“India is our motherland and we are connected by blood. It is our duty to speak up,” Roanna Gonsalves tells RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA

the damage being done to both under the current Indian government.

We are appalled, outraged and ashamed at the way gender oppressions are appropriated, torture on minority groups are justified, and interventions into people’s daily lives, food habits and cultural practices are being committed with impunity in the name of Hinduism under the aegis of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, led by the Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi.

We are calling for ‘Zero Tolerance After Asifa’ and urging the Indian government, which you represent in Australia, to take immediate action in providing justice to Asifa and all other victims of sexual violence, to provide support and compensation to their families, and to restore the faith of citizens and the international community in Indian democracy by bringing the perpetrators to justice immediately.

Talking about how the idea came about, onsa ves said, It came rom a p ace o sorrow and love for our motherland. We are shocked and saddened at the ongoing o ences, partic ar y a ainst minority communities.”

It a started rom enera conversations. The topic kept coming up. We didn’t want an online petition like Change.org but something more direct to register our protest, as well as our condolences, sorrow and outrage. The cover-up was shocking: the incident happened in January and came to light only in April.”

onsa ves added, It is eca se o other people who spoke up in the past that we have the freedom to do so ourselves today. We’ve benefitted from other people’s activism, and now, it’s our turn to contribute.”

That the letter might be misconstrued as a step a ainst odi has crossed

onsa ves mind co rse, it s a h e risk; anti-Modi views are not taken lightly and many journalists are being silenced for voicing their opinions. But we have no connection with party politics, we are part of a growing number of people who are becoming concerned about the disturbing trends in India.”

Perhaps it’s this growing concern and furore that has resulted in an ordinance passed by India’s cabinet last week, accordin to hich o enders ho rape girls under the age of 12 may now be subject to death penalty. But Gonsalves remains nconvinced o the efficacy o the move.

eath pena ty ma es or a reat headline, but it will lead to more murders.

Until now, women and children were being raped, now they’ll be raped and murdered. Who’s going to let the child live to be able to speak up? The death penalty was a kneejerk populist reaction, and it will not

be a deterrent to crime. Education is the only solution,” she said.

Gonsalves is a well-known literary figure is Sydney, having arrived on the scene with her first book of short stories The Permanent Resident, that won the Multicultural NSW Award at the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards.

This isn’t the first time the writer has taken up activisim. Back in 2015, she had gathered along with members of the creative fraternity in India under the auspices of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2014 umbrella to also express their solidarity with persecuted Tamil novelist Perumal Murugan.

Gonsalves may be right about education being the only solution, but it’s one that will take years to implement. For now, it’s clear that the Indian diaspora has become more vocal about Indian issues and they are demanding that authorities sit up and take notice.

Death penalty will lead to more murders. Who’s going to let the child live to be able to speak up?

Roanna Gonsalves

Dungeons and dragons, anyone?

BY MITAL PAREKH

In his 2014 work Slow crawl into infinity, Roy Ananda had famously recreated the iconic text of the opening credits of the Star Wars films, “(A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away…”) into a sculpture of text standing on stilts.

The amazing piece had brought much joy then not only to fans of the science fiction franchise but to others as well.

The clever homage to an instance of popular culture, quite the signature style of this Adelaide artist, is seen again this year in the Adelaide Biennial Of Australian Art titled Divided Worlds. This time round, Ananda draws inspiration from a favourite childhood tabletop game Dungeons And Dragons, and turns it into a real life sculpture.

Titled Thin walls between dimensions, it elicits much awe from visitors to the Art Gallery of South Australia where it is displayed.

“My contribution to Divided Worlds is the latest in my series of monuments to pop-culture fandom, in this instance centering on the tabletop role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons,” Ananda tells Indian Link “The work has been specifically conceived as the first encounter as viewers descend the stairs to the

basement level of the Art Gallery of South Australia. For me, that journey has always called to mind the great mythological descents into the underworld: Orpheus attempting to rescue Eurydice from Hades, Dante’s exploration of the Inferno, and, as a lifelong Dungeons & Dragons enthusiast, the subterranean journeys into the lairs of evil wizards and long abandoned dwarven mines that are the settings for the game.”

The basis of the sculpture is an underground maze described in the game which has been transposed onto fortyeight, 1.2 metre square medium density fibreboard panels which incrementally unfold across the cavernous space at the base of the gallery stairs.

“The particular map I have utilised was included in the game’s introductory boxed set during the late 1970s and early 1980s and represents a notional space that has been traversed in the imaginations of literally tens of millions of people. As such, the work also considers how ‘real’ this imaginary space has since become, and how a sculptural extrapolation on it might bridge the gap between make-believe and a tangibly material outcome.”

Roy’s parents bought him his first Dungeons and Dragons rules set when he was ten years old.

“I have no doubt that a childhood and early adolescence spent devising and inhabiting imaginary spaces (castles, dungeons, forests etc.) laid important groundwork for my later sculptural endeavours,” Ananda reveals.

There’s no doubt that the rich media world that children enjoy, whether from TV or movies or from music and video games, has a profound influence on their views of themselves and the world around them.

Head of Drawing at Adelaide Central School Of Art, Roy’s work frequently draws inspiration from various aspects of popular culture such as films, literature,

comics and games rooted in the fantasy, science fiction and horror genres.

Besides the Star Wars-based piece shown at the Samstag Museum of Art in 2014, his body of work also pays homage to Warner Brothers cartoons and the horror fiction of H.P. Lovecraft.

The Adelaide Biennial is on until 4 June

The influence of popular culture continues to abound in artist Roy Ananda’s work

There’s no doubt that the rich media world that children enjoy has a profound influence on their views of themselves and the world around them Roy Ananda

I have no doubt that a childhood spent devising and inhabiting imaginary spaces laid important groundwork for my later endeavours Roy Ananda

DIALLING 1800-

mum

Amma,

In your eyes you cradle the world, the world you have made me brave enough to face, and audacious enough to change.

In your lips you hold pearls, pearls of wisdom and of strength, for when I cast doubt upon my own.

In your heart, Amma, that’s made of, gold, steel and stardust, you espouse empathy to the many truths of our fellow humans, and the tenacity to challenge our own ignorance, to surpass the meekness of the mundane to set forth and seek my own fate.

And, through it all, in your hand you hold mine, guiding me through the unknown, from my rst steps to my last, my Amma.

ALICIA on her mum

My mum has received some interesting phone calls from me over the years, and as usual, she always knows what to say, no matter what the situation is. A memorable phone call happened very recently when I asked my mum to send my laptop to my of ce via an Uber after I’d accidentally left it at home. Bless her! She put the laptop in two bags with multiple padlocks, and wouldn’t let the Uber driver leave till she sussed him out. If that’s not top level security, I don’t know what is. Thanks, Mum!

< MANAN on his mum

I’ve rung my mum in panic many times. Like when I left my sports gear at home. When I left my music instrument at home. When I left my homework at home. When I left my hat at home. When I left my lunch at home. When I left my blazer at home. When I left my English novel at home. Once, when I left my bag at home. This happened all the way through school, from Kindergarten to Year 12 (sorry, Mum!) Towards the end of school, when you thought I would be more independent, I still had to seek mum out when I had trouble with the corsage for my formal date: she wanted one with a real string tie, not an elastic, and I didn’t know how to tie it! Mum became my practice test. And yes, only recently, when I had too many beers at a party, I rang her to come pick me up. You know what they say… you can always count on mum!

Whether it’s recipe rescue or fashion faux pas, mums are just a speed dial away. Here’s a toast to those super-women in our lives on her

< AZAARA on her mum PREETHI PERAKATH

At times, it has felt like my life has been peppered by a series of little panics, but my mum has always come to the rescue. I had a slight wardrobe malfunction involving my saree while dancing at my cousin’s wedding. I was morti ed and needed emergency fashion services. As it so happened, it was nothing that my mum, armed with safety pins and needle and thread, couldn’t x! Mum is also a fantastic cook, which as a result has meant that I didn’t cook much at home. Over the summer, I moved to Melbourne to pursue a summer job at a law rm and decided one night that I wanted to make some Mexican food. I bought the ingredients but realised halfway through sautéing the chicken that I really wasn’t sure what to do next. I was even more apprehensive about ruining someone else’s kitchen with my culinary quest, so I immediately called Mum for help. She calmly talked me through what to do step-by-step and the dish was actually edible, thanks to her! Being able to dial “1800-MUM” is a much-needed lifeline, and one that I’m sure, even years from now, I’ll never stop needing.

RISHABH on his mum

I had my HSC exam on 28 October and my mate messaged me “Are you all set for tomorrow?” at 12:15am on 27 October. I thought he must be kidding and I told him the exam is day after and not tomorrow. He told me to check the date and without realising that it’s 12am, I just saw the date and freaked out and screamed “MUM!!” A few seconds later, I saw the time and realised he was factually correct but also got to know that when in trouble, the rst person you think about is your mother.

< RONIT on his mum PREETI JABBAL

I have called my mum so many times I have lost count. But the one that I remember recently was the rst day of school when I left my laptop at home. It was an emergency (aren’t they all?) because my class was about to start so she didn’t have time to dress and instead had to come in her PJs. Now if you don’t know my mum, she is incredibly fussy about wearing the right thing to the right place, so she was not in the least bit impressed. On top of that I missed her call when she arrived and she had to step out in her pajamas to hand the laptop to my classmate. And yes, I copped it that evening when I got home – not so much for forgetting my laptop but for making her commit a ‘wardrobe sin’. That’s so my mum! But I love her heaps.

on her mum

When my sister and I were in Year 7 we started taking the bus back home from school. Because the bus only came every 30 minutes, we decided in our in nite wisdom to take a bus from the opposite side because there were more buses with the same number. We thought it’d drop us near home but on the opposite side, you see. After half an hour of checking google maps, my sister and I began panicking because the bus was going in the opposite direction of where we needed to be. We called mum who calmly asked us to explain the situation to the bus driver. I could sense the panic in her voice as she instructed us not to get into another bus. Unbeknownst to us, mum had to leave work early and eventually she picked us up. Thank god for her! My sister and I were dreading explaining everything to her, but when she saw the two of us, scared and tired, all she did was laugh. Phew!

Holding ground

Bhuvi Rai and Rahul Ashokkumar take part in the Anzac Eve Youth Vigil

youth guard yields to a formal uniformed Catafalque Party, and the Dawn Service follows.

BY VINAYA RAI

The state RSL organises a youth vigil that commences at 6pm on 24th April and continues till the Dawn Service on Anzac Day. This year, representatives from 10 youth groups conducted this vigil. It was a pleasure to see the immense pride and discipline with which the youth stood vigil around the War Memorial on North Terrace. Every few minutes, they would move a space around the Memorial and when a new member joined the team, one o d o o o there ere a ays 10 young people standing around the Memorial keeping vigil for the heroes of bygone wars.

According to the Army and Air Force Cadets, the concept of the Vigil comes from the military tradition of ‘Holding Ground’ – whereby an advance party would occupy a strategic position, and hold that position in preparation for the arrival of their main force. This would often involve an all-night vigil by rostered pickets, soldiers keeping watch, alert to ensure that the site was secure and the others safe.

For the Anzac Vigil, the volunteer youth mount a formal ‘Holding Ground’ ceremony around the War Memorial from sunset until dawn. Just before dawn, the

The first Youth Vigil was held in Adelaide in 2001, and the concept has since spread to both metropolitan and regional communities. The Youth Vigil is now accepted in Australia as an integral part of the Anzac commemoration.

In Adelaide, the Vigil was attended by the Governor, the Premier and several dignitaries. The Governor inspected the Guard of Honour by the 10 youth groups and was given a beautiful tour around and into the War Memorial. This was followed by a few speeches and beautiful rendering of The Last Post.

A group of multicultural youth also paid their respects to our ANZAC heroes and represented their communities in doing so. Bhuvi Rai and Rahul Ashokkumar participated from the Indian community.

“When I received the invitation to take part in the Anzac youth vigil, I felt extremely lucky,” Rahul told Indian Link “There were a total of 25 communities invited. As each community lined up in alphabetical order, we were required to place a book or a bouquet to pay respect to the fallen soldiers. Bhuvi, my fellow Indian representative and I, dressed in traditional Indian clothes, walked down the aisle of soldiers to the steps, placed the book and paid our respects. It was a very humbling experience and I am proud to have been a part of it.”

The young people who carried out this solemn tradition were volunteers for

For the Anzac Vigil, the volunteer youth mount a formal ‘Holding Ground’ ceremony around the War Memorial from sunset until dawn

various community groups like CFS, SES, Red Cross, Scouts and Guides, etc.

I reflected that even though they did not o to ar o ands to protect o r

country, they did help keep us safe at home a e in crises and diffic t conditions, when life and limb were in dan er, they o ered their time and e ort, their co ra e and assistance It is a tradition to be proud of – not only the Vigil but the Volunteering as well.

ccordin to yin fficer a osen ei , ic airs omm nication fficer or o in AAFC, “The Anzac Vigil aims to provide young citizens with an opportunity to express, in a tangible way, the increasing interest shown in Anzac Day and other remembrance activities.”

As I watched our children on the steps of the Memorial, I was glad that they were learning the traditions of the land their parents had brought them to. To respect the people who laid down their lives in distant lands, and to show this respect in a real way.

To know that in war or peace, to keep your fellowmen safe and protected is your duty and to know that it is up to each one of us to do so.

Our youth are keeping the Anzac spirit alive.

Lest we forget.

Wins at Governor’s Multicultural Awards

training schedules.

Then, when SACA organised the Mile In2Cricket for Multicultural Kids, Deepak played a leading role once again. He recruited 78 children, boys as well as girls, rom many di erent comm nities inc din India. This program ran for ei ht weeks.

Another initiative by Bhardwaj was that when the English cricket team was in Adelaide for the Ashes, these young cricketers got an opportunity to go to the game, get on the ground at Adelaide Oval and also examine the pink ball which was used for the first time in Adelaide.

Dr Nayana Parange, Volunteer Category

Dr Nayana Parange, Associate Dean for Online education in the Division of Health Sciences at the University of South Australia, works in antenatal ultrasound. A particular passion for her has been improving pregnancy outcomes in remote Aboriginal communities. Her volunteering e orts inc de eadin traso nd o treach programs in developing countries such as India, Ghana, Indonesia, PNG, Samoa, and Cambodia in communities where there is no access to medical sonography.

Dr Parange, voluntarily, in her own time, developed a training model and delivers the training to upskill doctors, technicians, nurses and midwives in remote and regional areas. This has made a huge di erence in perinata morta ity rates in remote communities.

Nayana arrived in Adelaide as an international student from India. With a background in medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology and ultrasound, she became passionately involved in the health and wellbeing of mothers and babies and committed to improving pregnancy outcomes especially in Aboriginal communities. She also works tirelessly as a volunteer for several organisations contributing to many projects embracing cultural diversity and social responsibility. She is dedicated to her voluntary work providing training to health professionals in ultra-sound technology that has provided or helped professionals use lifesaving scanning skills in regional South Australia and the Northern Territory.

Dr Parange told Indian Link, “We don’t often realise that in remote areas, pregnant women and other patients have to travel long distances, sometimes up to t o days, to get an ultrasound. There is no funding for someone to care for their other children, so often they can’t go at all. This means that life-threatening conditions go undiagnosed, and in-utero conditions put a baby and mother’s life in grave danger.”

She explained that the training model she developed and delivers, trains health professionals in utilising ultrasound equipment so that they are able to use it without having to wait for the appointment of a qualified technician.

Dr Parange won the 2015 Regional Rural Remote Winnovation Award for developing an education and training model to help upskill midwives and GPs caring for Aboriginal women in remote locations. In 2016, the Australian Centre for Leadership of Women awarded her the National Diversity Award for Women’s leadership, empowerment and community engagement.

Since 2012, Dr Parange has been invited to Port Moresby PNG, annually to conduct workshops training medical students, doctors (ob gyn, remote medicine, emergency medicine) and midwives working in remote provinces to train them in point of care, life saving ob gyn ultrasound. She self-funds her travel and gives time freely and also applies for funds for purchase of equipment.

After o r years, in 2016, she inspired and led a team of ultrasound experts from Australia and New Zealand to volunteer in PNG so as to expand the original initiative under a formal ASUMISUOG outreach banner. She trains professionals in remote communities in India too and, at the same time, tries to educate doctors and community members to utilise ultrasound technology more for diagnostic purposes.

Dr Parange hopes to expand and extend the work she is doing which, she says, will be possible with more funding for this high need medical training in remote communities.

D ee p ak Bharadwaj, Community Service Category

“Deepak Bhardwaj established a multicultural sporting hub, which promotes integrating children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds into local AFL and cricket clubs,” reads the award citation.

But Bhardwaj is also a community worker who has helped several South Asian communities with health and other information and working with families and individuals in times of crisis. He richly deserves the Governor’s Award in the Community Service Category for the work he does as a community member and community worker.

Deepak got involved with footy when the Adelaide Crows wanted to popularise Aussie Rules Football among South Asian migrants. With new migrants not familiar with the game, Deepak was successful in his e orts in ettin chi dren rom diverse communities such as India, Nepal, Afghanistan, etc to take up the sport. While the children played, the parents got an opportunity to engage and connect with each other. They were encouraged to be volunteers on future programs and

He told Indian Link with much pride, “These kids have made such improvement that I’m sure, by the time they turn 15, at least one of them will be vying for a place in the Australian Junior team or at least the SA team!”

eepa s e orts in connectin communities through sport to promote multiculturalism has another advantage. In his words, it “introduces a healthy lifestyle, minus drugs and other distractions, and helps inculcate a positive fighting spirit, social justice and team work among the kids”

Deepak first started using his ‘fighting for social justice spirit’ years ago as President of the Taxi Drivers Association. He tried to make the work environment safer for taxi drivers by working closely with senior police to address violence in this sector.

“I realised then that community service was my passion and started volunteering for MCA, RASA, IAASA and other organisations.”

Deepak is also studying social work and is glad his study, work and volunteering are all intertwined.

Working as a Community Liaison fficer ith e ationships stra ia SA (RASA), Deepak has provided support in designing programs for the wider community and has done some incredible work in creatively tackling subjects considered taboo in many of our communities. Deepak has organised and presented many workshops dealing with HIV, Hepatitis, problem gambling, etc.

Dr Meera Goel Aged Care (Individual Category)

Dr Meera Goel won the award for her services to the Aged Care Sector. She impressed with the “cultural competency training she provides to her nursing and carin sta , and that she is passionate about understanding the cultural and religious needs of individuals at a time when they are vulnerable, physically limited, and trying to re-experience their original culture”

Vinaya Rai

Three c ommu nity m embers

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 oo at the di erence et een hea thy advocacy 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 i er 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

thers in this ro p are my h a s i er parents heir inp t oes 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 no pon reetin yo , 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 estion, ho i yo e hen yo r 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

Time travel

What do Dubai, Greece and Egypt have in common? Human ingenuity and craftsmanship, says LP AYER

For nearly four weeks my wife and I were on the road touring three countries with ancient civilizations that have gone under and a modern city that is rising from the desert with towers reaching dizzying heights.

The first three countries – Greece, Jordan and Egypt – are dotted with massive stone monuments in classical styles dating back to 2000BC whereas the city of Dubai has grown in the past 50 years from a hamlet to a stack of cloud-kissing glass towers projecting a ‘glassical’ image.

Separated by some 4,000 years, nothing on this planet could be more contrasting than these ancient and modern buildings and yet they stand tall figuratively and literally – as testimony to human ingenuity, imagination, creativity and craftsmanship. Those ancient Greco-Roman monuments with colossal stone columns and bulky lintels will make anyone wonder how on earth humans could build such humongous houses for their gods without any mechanical devices.

Sadly, many of the monuments are in ruins, showing the other side of human character – the destructive side. Most of the wreckages had been caused by invading armies and the spread of new religions leading to the wilful neglect of pagan gods’ domains. Greeks and Egyptians, like the Hindus, have had various gods until Christianity and Islam were established in Greece and Egypt, respectively.

Nature’s fury in the form of earthquakes also had a major role in knocking and burying them under mountains of dirt. Parthenon (Athens)

Olympic stadium (Olympia), where the first ever Olympics were held in 776 BC, Apollo and Zeus temples (Delphi) in Greece, Oval Plaza with over hundred columns in a semi-circle (Jerash in Jordan) and the grand temples in Luxor, Edfu and Philae (Egypt) today are just skeletal remains of what they were in their halcyon days. Yet, they draw millions of tourists a year. Thankfully, the Pyramids of Giza, the oldest of them all, still stand in their original glory.

As avid watchers of TV documentaries on human civilizations, my wife and I wanted to see all the ancient and modern wonders before we ourselves became ancient, with Parthenon, Petra and the Pyramids remaining on our bucket list.

Our original plan to visit Egypt, Jordan and Greece in that order was reversed by the tour company’s schedule which turned out a blessing. As we moved from one monument to the next, each one proved to be more spectacular than the previous one in grandeur and craftsmanship, particularly the Luxor temples where not a square inch is devoid of intricate carvings of birds, animals, hieroglyphics, pharaohs and their signature cartouches. Patches of original colours of paintings on the ceilings have outlasted the havoc of weather and time.

The colossal Abu Simbel statues were relocated in the 1960s – it was like dismantling Ayres Rock in several pieces and re-assembling it a mile away – to prevent them from being submerged in the proposed Aswan High Dam.

Without sounding like a tourist promotion officer, I daresay a visit to this

part of the globe opens your eyes to the creative and constructive capabilities of humans from times immemorial. Present day reality is exactly the opposite, unfortunately. If only a fraction of the

billions spent on civil wars could be used in restoring these irreplaceable monuments, what a great gift they would be to appreciate human creative capabilities.

The temples in Luxor and Edfu are just skeletal remains of what they were in their halcyon days

Not lost in translation

BY CHITRA

There is a vast ocean of literature in the vernacular languages of India, and each language has its own rich history and traditions. Alas, most of us have little or no idea of what they are. Unless these works are translated into another language or English, we don’t really get to enjoy or experience those fantastic literary works.

ten, hen readin oo s y a thors of Indian languages, I am struck by the sad fact that apart from their own language, they are likely to be more familiar with English language literature than towering writers in other Indian languages such as Valalthol in Malayalam, Kshetragya in Telugu and Bharati in Tamil, to name a few.

So we must thank Poonam Saxena for translating the late Rahi Masoom Raza’s searing Hindi-Urdu novella, Scene 75, written in 1977 (Harper Perennial, 2018) because for the first time, non-Hindi/ Urdu readers can finally get a taste of that author’s literary tour de force.

Raza skyrocketed to fame as the scriptwriter of B R Chopra’s TV serial Mahabharata in the 1980s, although he had worked on a range of ‘serious’ and ‘masala’ movies in Bollywood earlier. His considerable writing skills had been

recognised when he was awarded ‘Best Screenplay’ twice.

Lurking underneath the Bollywood banter, though, was a more serious author and social critic who had already written acclaimed books such as Aadha Gaon and Topi Shukla that pilloried hypocrisy and greed in modern India. When Abdul Hamid, an Indian soldier from Ghazipur, who won the highest honour for bravery, the Param Vir Chakra, for single-handedly destroying seven enemy tanks in the 1965 war, the then Defence Minister YB Chavan called upon Raza to write his biography.

Here was an author capable of digging deep into society and laying it bare in incisive prose while simultaneously making his way in the world of commercial Hindi cinema.

Although he had written screenplay for some memorable Bollywood movies, he often found himself quite repulsed by Bombay movie industry of the 1970s in many ways. This conflict between the commercial writer and social critic is what dominates the hero of this 1977 novel, Ali Amjad.

Amjad comes to Bombay from Benaras to write for films, but is stymied by the industry’s rank hypocrisy. In his description of it, Raza brings to the novel

insider’s

an insider’s understanding of Bombay and the Bollywood movie industry: ‘fixed’ film awards, manipulative heroes, promiscuous heroines and social climbers and scores of hangers on, who wait desperately for that first break in the movie industry.

It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that Scene 75 is largely autobiographical. Raza was born in Ghazipur in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and studied at Aligarh Muslim University, but developed a distaste for religion quite early on. His novella does not s irt the iss e o s im as the ther though. Indeed, this theme — the question of identity and Hindu-Muslim relationship — haunts most of Raza’s novels. He evokes the experience of being a Muslim in India better than most other writers.

Although written in the 1970s, Scene 75 retains its freshness and relevance, and does not feet one bit dated. The writer’s literary style is reminiscent of the famous Urdu writer, Saadat Hassan Manto in its candour and minimalism.

Saxena, who has earlier translated another Hindi classic, Gunahon ka Devta by Dharamvir Bharati, does a commendable job of retaining Raza’s voice, and avoids the temptation of superimposing hers on the original.

We now turn our attention to another recently translated work – this time considerably older than 1977! The famous play – Mricchakatikam: The Clay Toy-Cart, was written in Sanskrit 2500 years ago purportedly by Shudraka – and is of a slightly different genre than Kalidasa’s. Ever since it was rst translated into English in 1905 by Ryder, it has been adapted and performed on stage in the West many times.

The theme of the play has a certain universal appeal: the plot of two starcrossed lovers caught in a larger political intrigue that is being played out lends itself to adaptation into any culture or time. It has all the hallmarks of a thriller: Vasantasena, a nagarvadhu or rich courtesan, is pursued by a poor Brahman Charudatta, but their romance becomes intertwined with palace intrigues when the King’s brother-in-law covets Vasantasena as well.

That a play two and half millennia old can resonate among so may audiences worldwide is a testament to the genius of the author. The new translation is by Padmini Rajappa and although it is not quite as brilliant as Ryder’s, it is de nitely worth a read, especially if you have not read it at all in any of its translations.

he conflict etween the commerci l writer and social critic is what dominates the hero of the novel

Poonam Saxena manages to capture the essence of the original Hindi-Urdu novel in her rendition

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A spoonful of warmth

Ingredients

Khichdi, a quintessential winter dish from the Indian subcontinent that ironically, isn’t considered the perfect meal just for the cold season but every season. The reason is simple: it’s a comfort dish, and comfort is never season-dependent, is it?

A savoury, creamy, mish-mash of lentils and rice, tempered with spices and aromatics and a final drizzle of pure ghee.

While khichdi is a very popular dish in many parts of northern and north-eastern India, it is not so common down south where there are other rice and lentil dishes that are much sought after. It’s a fine example of ‘one man’s ordinary is another man’s exotic!’

At its heart, khichdi is an unassuming dish of rice and lentils cooked together, but it’s the temperin that ma es a the di erence It can be as simple or as complex as you want and in my opinion, the flavour profile of the khichdi depends on it.

This version of the khichdi is not the most traditional but neither a fusion. It

is perhaps an amalgamation of various styles based on flavours and spices that I like best.

Khichdi is an extremely healthy dish because of its powerful combination of carbs and proteins. Although usually prepared with just one type of lentils, this version has a mixture of lentils and pulses along with some sort of greens like spinach, fenugreek or even carrot greens. You can either make a mix of the lentils from what you have at home or pick up a packet of the soup mix that is easily available in all supermarkets. r se st one type o enti , it s p to you. When using a soup mix, it’s best to soak it overnight so that it cooks a lot faster. Carrot greens, which have recently garnered a lot of attention with the raw food movement, are often found as an ingredient in salads, pesto, etc. But I also love using it in my dal (lentil) preparations just the way I would use spinach. Beetroot leaves can also be used this way but need to be cooked more than the carrot greens.

Even though I pressure cook the lentils and rice for time constraints, I always slow cook for a good 15-20 minutes after adding the tempering. A bit of extra time only helps intensify the flavours which I really want from my plate of khichdi. And a final drizzle of hot ghee is an absolute must!

1 cup mixed lentils; washed and soaked overnight

½ cup medium grain white rice

Carrot greens (I used the greens from

4 small carrots); chopped

Salt, to season

Ghee/clari ed butter; for serving

2 tbsp coriander leaves; nely

chopped

For tempering

2 tbsp ghee/clari ed butter

2 tbsp vegetable oil

1 tsp mustard seeds

½ tsp cumin seeds

½ tsp caraway/shahi jeera seeds

2 dry red chilli

3 large shallots/small onion; nely

chopped

1 tbsp grated garlic

1 tbsp grated ginger

2 large ripe red tomatoes; nely

chopped

½ tsp turmeric powder

½ tsp Kashmiri chilli powder

½ tsp red chilli powder

A pinch of asafoetida

½ inch piece of jaggery or ½ tsp raw sugar

Method

Wash the soaked lentils and rice together. Add to a pressure cooker or deep bottom pan and cook well with

enough water (remember to season with a pinch of salt). The lentils and rice must be cooked enough to be able to mash well.

In another pan, heat ghee and oil; add the mustard seeds and allow to splutter.

Then add the cumin and caraway seeds; as they begin to crackle, add the dry chillies and shallots and sauté till softened._

Then add the garlic and ginger; sauté till the onions have turned light brown.

Next, add the tomatoes and cook on medium heat till the tomatoes have softened and turned mushy.

Add all the spices and jaggery; sauté till the whole masala comes together and oil starts appearing at the sides. Meanwhile, mash the lentils and rice using the back end of a ladle or a potato masher.

Add the chopped greens along with the masala to the lentils and mix well; season with salt if necessary. Add more water if necessary and cook on the low heat for 10-15 minutes.

Finish off with the chopped coriander leaves.

Serve warm with a drizzle of ghee on top. Tuck in!

BY

With winter round the corner, khichdi makes for a warm and nourishing meal

KHICHDI WITH CARROT GREENS

cine TALK

known better days.

Mr. Bachchan has great fun playing the 102-year-old fun father. He doesn’t hold back the emotional outpourings of a heart bursting with a paternal pride which won’t allow the son to snivel grovel plead and whine before his own son who has migrated to a foreign land leaving his father to pine for that one phone call every 3 months.

BUDDHA HOGA TERA BAAP

Rishi Kapoor plays the old emotional fool with a restrain that wouldn’t be a problem on stage. He makes his character’s transparent emotions swell up to crescendo and then pulls back just in time before it all gets excessively maudlin. As the masti-khor father Amitabh Bachchan is so clued to his character’s effervescence, it felt like he was oating on a substance that man has yet to produce.

102 NOT OUT

STARRING Amitabh Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor DIRECTOR Umesh Shukla HHHHH

If you overlook the deliberate staginess of the presentation, with just two characters aided by a third catalyst who is invited into the amboyant lial fold only to allow both the protagonists to have their say out loud, 102 Not Out is a deeply satisfying father-son story set in the heart of Mumbai.

No, make that in the heart, period.

The emotions that glide in and out of the extensively chatty plot initially offer some exasperating theatrics from

the two principal actors. But then you realise director Umesh Shukla favours the stagy avour with a ferocious fervour. There is no attempt to conceal the lm’s theatrical antecedents. For its 102-minute running time, 102 Not Out accesses that rare theatreon-celluloid mood which I thought had gone out of style with B.R. Chopra’s Kanoon. More recently Umesh Shukla had mined the theatrical tone most successfully in Oh My God and disastrously in All Iz Well

Here in this heartwarming tale of a never-say-die (and never-say-dye either) father and stuffy-grumpy-sullen son, Shukla brings to the table the undying spirit of an able fable. Credibly Arjun

lets father Bachchan and son Kapoor work out their own karmic graph, barely interfering with their ongoing domestic skirmishes witnessed by a bewildered/amused/disturbed/moved chemist’s assistant, played with reinedin hamminess by Jimit Trivedi that is at once inviting and annoying.

Cleverly Saumya Joshi’s story adapted to the screen by Vishal Patil builds the baap-beta bonding organically, relying on the two actors’ considerable emotional resources to bring to the screen a sense of imminent eruption.

Together Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor explore the father-son relationship with a gurgling gusto best described as a landmine that has

The two super-accomplished actors ensure the interest level never drops. On the contrary, the dynamics of the drama-on-screen are supremely controlled, allowing the characters to expand their emotional spectrum without losing the core of humanism that grips the morality tale. With resounding melodramatisation, this lm questions a son’s claim to his father’s affections and wealth, no matter how emotionally and geographically distanced the son may be from his familial home.

Don’t grovel before your child for that one tri-monthly phone call. It is meaningless. 102 Not Out teaches us to nd that one rare moment of truth that binds two people together even if they are not meant to be together for keeps.

Subhash K Jha

NEW TWIST ON OLD CLASSIC

DAAS DEV

STARRING Richa Chadha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Rahul Bhat, Saurabh Shukla, Vipin Sharma, Anurag Kashyap; DIRECTOR Sudhir Mishra

HHHHH

Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, the author of Devdas, must be cringing every time an adaptation of his simple romance novel hits the big screen.

This time, Sudhir Mishra, in his retelling of the classic novel, literally spins the title to offer us Daas Dev - a romantic triangle set in power dynamics in a small incongruous town of Jahana UP.

And going by the original text, we expect a revolutionary story of a brooding, self-destructive Dev who pines for Paro while being in the arms of Chandramukhi.

Here, Dev Pratap Chauhan (Rahul Bhat), the scion of a politically strong family is perennially knocked off his senses, either on drinks or drugs. But he is emotionally and utterly dependent on his childhood girlfriend Paro (Richa Chadda). So after a bad night out in Delhi, she coaxes him to return to their native Jahana, which he reluctantly agrees to.

In Jahana, he immerses in politics and she in social service. But fate tears them apart, when they fall prey to the political motives of Dev’s uncle Avdesh (Saurabh Shukla).

On the other hand, Chandni aka Chandramukhi is an unscrupulous political strategist who helps Dev build a strong political image. She inadvertently

0MERTA

STARRING Rajkummar Rao, Timothy Ryan Hickernell, Keval Arora, Sanjeev Chopra

DIRECTOR Hansal Mehta HHHHH

Hansal Mehta is an accomplished lmmaker, but his Omerta is not one that will shine as one among his best, simply because it offers nothing exceptional.

Cinema is always considered to be an art form to be admired, and Hansal leaves no stone unturned while mounting this evil crime drama.

DOWN THE TERROR TRAIL

Although astutely crafted and brilliantly mounted, the lm lacks soul.

Based on real life events, Omerta is the biography of Omar Saeed Sheikh, a British citizen of Pakistani descent, who had links to various Islamist militant organisations and was responsible for several terrorist activities in India and Pakistan.

The lm exposes state-sponsored terrorism and how it manipulates young minds into believing a sordid interpretation of struggle or ght against the enemies of one’s religion. This is not a lm about the rightness or wrongness

of Omar’s cause or the political situation that inspired it. It simply documents his cold-blooded journey.

In the process, the lm inadvertently glori es terrorism. Sans any entertainment, there are bloodcurdling moments that make you feel repulsed – right from the kidnapping of foreign tourists in Delhi to the scenes that involve the annihilation of the Wall Street journalist Daniel Pearl, in Pakistan.

Narrated in a non-linear manner, the lm is taut and engaging during the

rst act. The second act loses it sheen due to the poor editing that causes the confusion between place and period. And the third act with the inclusion of many news-media stock-footages, seems a tad tacky and a rushed job to wrap this non-conclusive narrative.

Rajkummar Rao delivers a brilliant performance as the emotionally inclined but brutally barbarous, “intelligent and well-educated member of the holy war. Timothy Ryan Hickernell who has a striking resemblance to Daniel Pearl offers an earnest portrayal. Keval Arora

falls in love with Dev, but Dev’s heart is all Paro’s.

Needless to say, the actual lm comes as a shock, for the off-kilter romance though meticulously constructed, is set in a convoluted plot where the centre-stage is retrograde politics. The romance is lost in the political maze. Also, the story seems to be set in some bygone era, for today’s rural India is not like how it is portrayed here. The characterisation too, seems forced and fabricated.

Also, the direction in some scenes appears amateurishly mounted. Case in point is witnessed when, Paro after being shot, lands in the driveway of the hospital wounded. There is no reaction from her co-actors.

On the performance front, Rahul Bhat offers a fairly decent portrayal of Dev but you fail to empathise with him, simply because of his poorly chalked out character graph and his equally weak onscreen chemistry with both the leading ladies. His performance uctuates from forceful to hamming, at regular intervals.

Richa Chadda as Paro, is equally lacklustre. Adding no nuances to her character, she walks through her role unenthusiastically. As Chandni, Aditi Rao Hydari does offer a bit of intrigue to her character, but her poorly etched role does not help her make the part memorable.

While the lm boasts of decent production values, overall it fails to engross you.

Troy Ribeiro

as Saeed Sheikh - Omar’s helpless and lost father is sincere.

The title Omerta which in Italian means a code of silence about criminal activity and a refusal to give evidence to the police, refers to the attitude of ordinary people who look the other way and don’t bring the criminals to book. It denotes the motivating factor of Omar’s strife.

However, at the end as you leave the theatre, you are bound to question the motive of this lm and its worth.

Troy Ribeiro

The BUZZ

ANUSHKA’S WORTHY BIRTHDAY RESOLUTION

Anushka Sharma, who turned 30 recently, wants to start the new decade of her life by building an animal shelter for homeless animals. The actress, who married cricketer Virat Kohli last year, penned a note to announce the project on her special day.

“On my birthday, in my own little way, I’m starting something that will give our fellow living beings equal rights, equal care and equal love. I’m building an animal shelter just outside Mumbai - a home for those animals that are stranded, left to fend for themselves, have to brave harsh surroundings. A home where they will be cared for, loved, protected and nurtured,” Anushka wrote on Twitter.

“This has been my calling for years now and my dream is nally coming true. I will seek your time, support and advice to make this home a place that looks after fellow living beings with utmost care and compassion - all in due course of time. Until then, I seek your blessings and your prayers,” she added.

SICK OF BEING FAT-SHAMED , SAYS SONAKSH I

She’s curvy and proud of it! And Sonakshi Sinha, who has often been body-shamed, says it is important for the audience to rise above looks and delve deeper into an artiste’s work.

Sonakshi is all for the fact that one’s work speaks for itself.

The actor, who walked the ramp recently at a recent fashion event, in an orange oor-sweepimg gown, says, “We should tell the audience and honestly that is something I have advocated since the starting of my career.”

“I have always been projecting a very strong body image. Being true to yourself... I have been bodyshamed quite a bit but moving ahead of that because that is what I have always believed in...That it’s not how you look but how you do and about how many people you reach out to,” she added.

While the media waited for a conversation with the Sonakshi, who had own in from Kuala Lumpur to be a part of the event, there was chatter about her weight loss and “sculpted body”.

Don’t such comments and questions on weight annoy her?

“I have been answering questions on my weight loss for so long that I have become indifferent to them. There are certain things that seem odd at the moment, but I am kind of used to it,” said Sonakshi.

“And it’s okay, it’s part of my profession. These are very basic things that people are interested in, which is why they ask. They are I guess, the most obvious questions,” she added.

I HAVE NO BACKING IN THE FILM INDUSTRY: ADITI RAO HYDARI

Actor Aditi Rao Hydari says she feels thrilled to get support from the folks in Bollywood as she has no backing in the lm industry.

Aditi, who has got rave reviews for her role in hit lm Padmaavat, said, “I have no backing in the lm industry. It is thrilling to be supported by people you love and respect. I just choose to keep doing my own thing, as long as I am not hurting anyone,” Aditi said. “If anyone wants to screw me over, it’s their problem,” she added.

The actor, who was born in Hyderabad and grew up in Delhi, says her maternal grandmother has been her greatest inspiration. “I dressed girly in kurtas, bindis and braids because I loved Bharatanatyam. But my nani would give me junk food, put me in shorts, let my ringlets free, and send me out in the mud to play.”

AUCTION OF UNIFORM NOT WRONG, SAYS AKSHAY KUMAR

Amid the controversy over the auction of the naval uniform that has been used in his lm Rustom, actor Akshay Kumar said the auction intends to support a good cause and he has not done “anything wrong”.

The National Award winning actor said: “I support my wife on that matter. My

wife and I are doing some work with good intention for a good cause. That was a costume that I used in the lm. It is going for (for auction) a good cause. I do not think we have done anything wrong.”

“If anyone nds it wrong then it is okay. I cannot do anything about that,” he added.

Akshay replied to the question raised by the media in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

On April 26, Akshay tweeted “Hi all, I’m thrilled to announce that you can bid to win the actual naval of cer uniform I wore in Rustom! Auction’s proceeds will support the cause of animal rescue and welfare.”

The controversy started when a person took to Facebook to express his opinion on why the ‘auction of a naval of cer’s uniform’ is wrong. That was further tweeted to Akshay’s wife Twinkle Khanna.

Responding to that, Twinkle said: “As a society, do we really think it’s all right to threaten a woman with bodily harm for trying to raise funds for a charity by auctioning a uniform used in a movie, a piece of lm memorabilia? I will not retaliate with violent threats but by taking legal action!”

The troller had said: “You touch our honour and we will give you a bloody nose.”

I AM WOMAN, HEAR ME ROAR: SUSHMITA SEN

Former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen says that being born as a woman is a huge award in itself.

At the I Am Woman Award 2018 ceremony in Mumbai, Sushmita said: “I think the fact that I am born as a woman itself is a huge award in my life. And then to have an organisation like Karan Gupta Education Foundation which holds prestigious and inspiring awards for women and recognising them from different elds... is really amazing.

“For them to give me an award, it just feels lovely because they have named it ‘I Am Woman’ and I am a big believer of the concept of ‘I Am’ so, it’s a lovely connect. I am very privileged and honoured that they thought of me.”

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

ANUSHKA SHARMA

On rising rape cases in India, Sushmita said: “I have stopped giving my opinions on these issues because what happens is that we talk and protest a lot for a certain period but we don’t come up with a concrete outcome on these issues.”

I’M PROUD OF MY EXOTIC BROWN COLOUR: DIANA HAYDEN

A day after Tripura CM Biplab Kumar

Deb questioned the beauty of Diana Hayden, the former Miss World has slammed the thought that ‘light skin is better’, and said she is proud of her exotic brown skin colour.

Deb reportedly said that he doesn’t understand the beauty of Diana and why she was ever crowned Miss World, to which Diana responded, “That’s some strong disapproval of me winning the Miss World title.”

“With regards to me winning Miss World, it’s a pity and shame, that when you win the biggest and most respected beauty pageant in the world, you get criticised and put down as opposed to being appreciated and respected for bringing more accolades back home and further appreciation of our Indian brown exotic beauty.”

Pointing out at the bigger issue, Diana said: “I’ve had to ght the ‘light skin is better’ issue in India. I felt so

CAPTION CONTEST

MOVIE TICKETS!

strongly about it that I turned down a fairness cream ad because it went against my belief. We are Indians and predominantly our skin colour is brown and we should be really proud of it and learn to appreciate it like it’s appreciated around the world.

“It’s obvious that our skin colour difference is on his mind as he is comparing me to Ash (Aishwarya) and not Priyanka (Priyanka Chopra) or Manushi (Manushi Chhillar) who currently holds the Miss World title, and very deservedly so.

“Shame on him as our beautiful, exotic brown colouring is to be proud of.

I sure am!”

Celebrities from the lm industry took a dig at Deb’s comment.

“Is Lara Dutta (Miss Universe 2000) an Indian beauty? (Just trying to confuse him),” tweeted lm editordirector Shirish Kunder.

MY NEXT SONG WILL MAKE YOU CRY: BADSHAH

Say ‘Badshah’ and what comes to mind is offbeat dance numbers that any party is incomplete without. But the rapper, who’s known for groovy tracks like Abhi toh party shuru hui hai, Mercy and Proper patola, says his next song will make people cry.

“My next song is going to be out next month. It features Aastha Gill and

WHO WORE IT BETTER?

DEEPIKA PADUKONE OR NINA ZILLI IN BURBERRY?

Share your views with us on our Facebook page /IndianLinkAustralia

the video has been directed by Gurickk G. Maan. We don’t know what’s it called but it’s so beautiful, you will cry. God bless us all,” Badshah, whose real name is Aditya Singh, tweeted recently.

This is not his rst collaboration with Aastha. The two had previously joined hands for songs like DJ waley babu, Kareja kareja and Dhup chik

Although we can’t say we will like a sad song from Badshah, it’s good to see that he’s branching out!

HIRANI IS THE BEST DIRECTOR FOR SANJU: ARJUN KAPOOR

Actor Arjun Kapoor praised lmmaker Rajkumar Hirani for his movie Sanju and said that no one could have done a better job.

The actor said, “When someone makes a lm on Sanjay Dutt’s life, he is under tremendous pressure. There could not have been a better director than Rajkumar Hirani who could have shouldered such a huge responsibility.”

“Looking at the teaser I can say that the lm will make you laugh and cry. The lm will tell everything that we have either read or heard about his life,” the actor said.

ON TWITTER THIS WEEK

Match the following stars to the right tweets: Abhishek Bachchan, Parineeti Chopra, Salman Khan, Arjun Kapoor

So I was at my grandmothers house for dinner today and the photographer s landed up when we were all exiting...I requested them to not click pictures out of just being impulsive and they even at the cost of their livelihood actually obliged...just wanted to say thank u to them..

Stunning white sand and vibrant blue waters best enjoyed with a relaxing picnic at Australia’s #1 beach

We do, as we should, celebrate him everyday!

The the greatest…. Happy Birthday @ sachin_rt

#Bharat .. welcomes u back home @ priyankachopra . See u soon .. By the way humari lm Hindi hai ;) .

What’s the chit-chat here between VARUN DHAWAN and ANUSHKA SHARMA

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

LAST

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

Parineeti: Chal hatt! There’s no place for fatsos in this industrytake my advice n shed some pounds!!

Another good one by PREETI JABBAL

Parineeti: I am having a ball in Melbourne, you please go to Brisbane and tell me if it’s as good.

SUSHMITA SEN

BADSHAH

ARJUN KAPOOR

My sister has a promising future

Aditi’s family wanted to know the Navy was a smart career choice. Now Aditi’s joined they’ve discovered her Navy engineering education and training is also recognised by many industries outside of the Australian Defence Force.

But that wasn’t the only thing they found out. In fact, the Navy is supportive of all backgrounds, cultures and beliefs.

Aditi works in one of many diverse roles, with great career advancement opportunities, offering her a rewarding career as a Marine Engineer Officer that makes her family proud.

Find out for yourself. Watch Aditi and Priya’s full story. defencejobs.gov.au/family

MAY 2018

BY MINAL KHONA

Minal Khona has been reading tarot cards for the last two decades. She uses her intuition and connect with the cards mostly to help people.

ARIES

March 21 - April 19

A fresh start, a new thought process and ideas are predicted. Some tension prevails at work, adding to your stress. Despite that, you might look for personal grati cation at work, to cover for lonely moments. Singles could nd a new love, while married ones could hit a rocky patch. But, frustrations can be overcome with determination and mental strength. A new direction in your career, or a creative pursuit is predicted. An Aquarian type of personality could in uence you.

LEO

July 21 - Aug 22

Despite frustrations tension and anxiety, you get on with things. Make adjustments in your thought processes and you will nd you get support –professionally and personally. Success through your own efforts is predicted. You could be edgy due to a bothersome situation as it is restrictive. Good news is on the way though as a nancial settlement is in the of ng. A hitherto lost cause works out in your favour and you bene t from helping others.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov 22 - Dec 21

TAROT

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20

Material prosperity is predicted, but it comes with spiritual poverty in the form of depression, disappointments and seeking depth in relationships. Don’t settle for less. You could travel for work reasons, and nances are a matter of concern. Health issues in the form of constipation and fatigue could plague you. Your emotional attachment to a non-productive situation ends and if you apply spiritual principles to daily life, you will move into a happier place. Success comes with ingenuity.

VIRGO Aug 23 - Sep 22

Destiny wills that you change – a habit or a pattern. A relationship could end, or you might release some counterproductive habits and reconstruct your lifestyle for the better. Forget the past, implement new ideas and your changed attitude will lead to inner growth. The divine order ends a negative situation forcing you to change – for which you have the gumption and what is needed. Let this higher power guide you and let go of people and situations that no longer suit your purpose.

CAPRICORN

Dec 22 - Jan 19

Moderation is the key word this month. Challenging situations cause uctuation. Material prosperity comes your way though your spiritual balance could be off. An ex could return to your life if only to bring closure. You can turn a negative situation into a positive one by redirecting your energies to what matters. A feeling of being taken for granted at work will intensify, and a previous health problem will make a comeback. Success is yours if you practice self-control in all situations.

GEMINI

May 21 - June 20

Not an easy month for Geminis as they have to clear the clutter in their head and come to terms with a dif cult situation. Though the worst of what was wrong in a relationship is over, the pain continues and you have to face unpalatable facts. Unexpected good luck could come your way though and your nancial problems could end. A relative could be in hospital. If you are in a one-sided relationship, it will end and you will have new perspective.

LIBRA

Sep 23 - Oct 22

Time to introspect, and focus on your efforts, self-protection and taking a break from responsibilities. Socialising with friends gives you pleasure but, between work and outings, don’t take on more than you can handle. Watch out for of ce politics, and you could have headaches as a result. You are at an advantage in your love life or your nances. People may not be what they appear to be, so be wary of whom you trust. Overcome hurdles with mental strength.

AQUARIUS

Jan 20 - Feb 18

A situation is nearing completion but do not overdo it at work. Wait for the right moment before you take any action. In a romance, you might have to make a choice between two people. A perceived enemy becomes a friend. Travel for work is successful. You might go to a spa or a meditation camp. Seek a second opinion for a medical condition as there are chances of a misdiagnosis. Good news in business, love and nance is predicted.

CANCER

June 21 - July 20

Impromptu trips, rest and recreation, and an unusual love affair are in the of ng for Cancerians. An old ame could return. A new idea will make work easier. Erratic eating and sleeping habits and mood swings can make you ill. The money situation is comfortable and support from all quarters is provided. A relaxing trip is on the horizon for some. A plan shelved causes disappointment. Re ect on your relationship with yourself and improve on your aws. Trust the universe.

SCORPIO

Oct 23 - Nov 21

A busy time for Scorpios with parties, charity galas mergers, weddings and social events occupying their time this month. You might indulge in home improvement. Take time out for simple pleasures and indulge in a makeover without feeling guilty. Do not over do anything – whether it is professing love for someone or taking on more than you can chew – going too close to the sun can burn, you know. For those planning a family, the stork could be paying you a visit.

PISCES

Feb 19 - March 20

Manifestation of an idea and foundation of a space for growth is predicted for Aquarians. Focus on maintaining the status quo and opportunities coming your way. You could make plans to get together with loved ones. Good luck follows you in nancial matters. Discussions, contractual agreements and work keeps you motivated. You might be tense about the future, nd peace in nature, short trips and creative pursuits. For women having relationship issues, get in touch with your feelings.

Revitalising business partnerships, or a corporate enterprise will keep you busy. You could make a new friend or start a new romance through someone you meet at work, at a clinic or even at a restaurant. Work from home gives you new ideas and creative satisfaction makes up for any emotional void. Avoid alcohol to stay healthy. Financial matters are successful and luck favours you. A change in consciousness leads to a happier you and you will get praised for your efforts.

MATRIMONIALS

SEEKING GROOMS

Match required for my sister, Aus citizen, Hindu Punjabi (non-veg) 5’0, slim/fair/beautiful, 1988-born, Masters of Professional Accounting, working in Melb. Aus Citizen/PR req. Email: melbournejodi@yahoo.com

Congrats?

BY

“And there it is,” said the doctor, adding a pregnant pause (pun intended), yo r a y s heart eat

The pulsating sound filled the silent room as all three of us – the doctor, my husband Chinmay and I – stared at the monitor.

o hat as hinmay, his voice visi y iverin hat as ama in

Meanwhile, I waited for the flood of emotions that, according to the gazillion English movies I’ve watched, should be rushing through my body. But there was nothing there. Zilch.

I could feel their eyes on me so out o sheer press re, I et o t a hoosh , hoping it sounded like I was too overwhelmed to respond like a normal woman who would otherwise be crying and clutching the hand of her also-crying partner.

We were quiet in the car on the way ac I t rned to him and as ed, o cried, didn’t you?”

I didn t cry, ok?” he snapped right ac I st teared p

t et s not ta a o t me et s ta about you.”

hat a o t me I as ed arded y

o no he said, I didn t even hear a sni e rom yo

I e p ine I didn t ee a thin , okay? I know I’m supposed to bawl when I hear my baby’s heart beating. I’m going to be a terrible mother.”

Truth was, I had been feeling that way for a long time. After all, I never wanted to be a mum. My son Vivaan is what I ca a h my od, ho did this happen baby. I remember taking about five

pregnancy tests before accepting that I was going to be a baby oven for the next nine months. I never cried for joy when I saw the two purple lines (10, in fact). I didn’t tear up when the sonogram showed the peanut-sized person growing inside me. I didn’t even smile when the baby kicked for the first time. In fact, it felt like something I had eaten had become alive and wanted to find a way out.

I finally admitted to myself: I had no materna instincts, aside rom st ffin my face like there was no tomorrow, over the next few months. Chinmay told me what co nt ess others a ready had e a , you’re going to be a great mum.”

Doubtful, I thought. What I didn’t know then was that the first few months after Vivaan’s birth would be equally ee in ess I o d e an a tomaton, perpetually sleepless, roused at godforsaken hours for the Milk-on-demand episodes, eating during waking hours and going back to sleep whenever I got a chance. Where did I have the time to be a mum who bonds with her baby?

When Vivaan turned five months old, though, things changed. I can still recall the day. I had just finished feeding him and as I put him down, he grabbed my finger and smiled, for the very first time. Something inside me stirred right then, and I felt like a mother for the first time. It was surreal.

But! Back to present day, for a moment. Chinmay and I were back home, watching a documentary about dogs on TV. He was smiling as dozens of puppies showed up, running helter skelter, falling over each other hen he heard a sni e He saw me crying like a child.

ppies, I so ed, ipin my eyes

To this day, I don’t know if it was anger or disgust (perhaps both) on my h s and s ace as he said to me, I You cry for this? For god’s sake, it’s dogs! And you can’t spare a tear for your own baby?”

Yep, like I said. Bad mum.

Seeking well educated, Aus Citizen/ PR match from professional/ business family for a fair, slim, 32 years old convent educated Hindu-Khatri girl, 5’3” post-graduate (never married). Willing to move to Australia. Currently in Melbourne (visitor visa). Whatsapp/call:  +61 466984747 email biodata with pictures matrimonial. kapr@gmail.com

Marriage proposal invited for a Nair girl, 24 years, BTech, Master of Business, working in Australia, from professionally quali ed and employed Nair/Menon boys (below 30 years) working in Australia. Contact sparavanoor@gmail.com or whatsapp +6745573365

Seeking professionally quali ed match for a 30-year-old Hindu Brahmin girl, Australian born, 5’2’’, slim and attractive. Holds a postgraduate degree. Working in accounting/ nance sector at a multinational company in Sydney, pursuing CA quali cation. Family well settled in Australia for more than four decades. Please reply with

details to sarvid87@yahoo.com.au

Suitable match for Aus citizen, Sydney-based, Sikh girl 1991 born, 170cm, quali ed Chartered Accountant, working for Australia’s leading bank. Parents highly educated and well-settled in Sydney. Please respond to hs52216a@gmail.com

Seeking an alliance for a Punjabi Brahmin 44 year, 5’2” never married girl. She is a professionally quali ed accountant and an Australian citizen, currently working in Australia. Please send your details with a photo at lucky.aus18@gmail.com

SEEKING BRIDES

Seeking suitable match for Kamboj Sikh turbaned Boy (student) born March 1992 height 5’8”, living in Australia (Melbourne) for the last 4years. Looking for a well-educated Australian PR, citizen or student girl (Sikh family) living in Australia.  Contact 0469 075 879 Email: singh. kamboj1992@gmail.com

Seeking professionally quali ed, well-settled match for Sydney based, never married Punjabi man with Aus citizenship. He is a handsome 40-year-old, height 5’7” working as senior IT software developer. Please send your details with photo to raminder026@gmail.com or call on 0416 087 192.

WHAT’S ON

COMMUNITY

Family & Friends fun day

Sun 20 May (11.00am – 3.00pm)

Indian Australian Association of South Australia (IAASA) presents a day of fun activities like cricket, tug of war, etc., at Colley Reserve, Glenelg, SA 5045.

Details 0414 377 430

Violin Duet

Sat 9 June (5.00pm onwards) A

Carnatic classical violin duet concert by The Mysore Brothers at The Parks Theatre 46 Cowan Street, Angle Park 5010. Details 0425 325 599/ 0401 093 153.

STAGE=--

Kashish in Adelaide

Sat 26 May (5.30pm onwards)

Saanjh, in collaboration with Aussiez Migration, presents an evening of ghazals by renowned singer Sudeep Banerjee. Also performing will be Sunny Thind, Sunaina,Sukhpreet, and Inderjeet. At Latvian Hall, 4 Clark St,

Wayville SA 5034. Details 0421 925 499/ 0433 579 165.

ENTERTAINMENT

Colorfest Adelaide

Sun 27 May (11.00am – 4.00pm)

Music, great food and fun rides for kids. At Morphettville Racecourse, 79 Morphett Road, Morphettville.

Details 1300 338 368.

The 3 Idiots Comedy Night

Sat 30 June (6.00pm – 10.00pm)

Featuring some of India’s best stand-up comics. Performances by Atul Khatri, Jeeveshu Ahluwalia, Vikramjit Singh. At 74 Woodville Road, Woodville Town Hall Woodville. Details 0425 77 55 65/ 0416 710 061.

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

Pregnant. But not feeling pregnant , like, at all.

If It Doesn’t Feel Right

Flag It

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But sometimes, threats can be detected within our border. So if you see something suspicious – or maybe something just doesn’t feel right – flag it with Border Watch and help the Australian Border Force keep our community safe.

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