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EDITORIAL

Architects of the Asian century

PUBLISHER Pawan Luthra EDITOR Rajni Anand Luthra ASSISTANT EDITOR Neha Malude

BY PAWAN LUTHRA

MELBOURNE COORDINATOR Preeti Jabbal CONTRIBUTORS Mohan Dhall, Jyoti Shankar, Chitra Sudarshan, Dhanya Samuel, Minal Khona, Auntyji ADVERTISING MANAGER Sukesh Thapliyal 0410 578 146

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ADVERTISING ASSISTANT Charuta Joshi 02 9279 2004

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

INDIAN LINK MEDIA GROUP Level 24/44 Market St, Sydney 2000 GPO Box 108, Sydney 2001 Ph: 02 9279-2004 Fax: 02 9279-2005 Email: info@indianlink.com.au

hile 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 standoff with the Chinese army at Dong 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 affairs analyst wrote, “China 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 different 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.

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YOUR SAY

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?

BODY WORN CAMERAS: BOON OR BANE?

INDIAN LINK ON INSTAGRAM

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 flip 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 officers 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 4 MAY 2018

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 conflicted! 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

www.indianlink.com.au

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

VINESH PHOGAT 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

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.

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 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 definitely a mistake.

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

INDIAN LINK ON INSTAGRAM

This time’s entry is from @filmergirl: 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

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

MAY 2018 5

MAINSTREAM

Indian Anzacs Marching in memory of their forebears at Gallipoli, Indian veterans bring up the idea of a commemoration in India BY RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA

H

aving 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 August offensive, until the final evacuation in December.

“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?” asks Col Nilesh Bansal (Retd), who has been a proud ANZAC Day participant in Melbourne since 2013.

“I’ve spoken to Indian officials about this,” Bansal reveals, “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.

“These ceremonies give respect to all armed forces personnel,” he tells Indian Link. “They are made to feel a valued section of the community. In India we don’t get such recognition, at least not to this extent.”

He adds, “I would like to see something of this nature in India, definitely. We do have the Republic Day ceremony but it is a mixed affair, with various 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

Reception at Indian Consulate (Melb)

Brisbane march

6 MAY 2018

www.indianlink.com.au

Photos:

Anzac Day in Melbourne

Dashmesh Band at Sydney

nation’s military history.

“I think the Armed Forces must be given due recognition for their efforts, 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

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) officers who served their country with devotion.

“Of course there are people who recognise and value our service in India also,” Nadkarni reveals. “When I go 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 Army for 38 years. As an Infantry 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 prestigious Defence Services Staff College at Wellington, Tamil Nadu.

“I taught military history and am fully aware of the battles that took place in

Gallipoli in 1914-15,” he offers. “My 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 felt proud to be Indian and an ex army officer. I felt proud that there is some recognition for Indian soldiers.”

His words are echoed by Capt Johnny Joseph, who marched in Brisbane this year.

“There is no occasion in India to remember and honour the sacrifices our soldiers made in the two World Wars,” Joseph tells Indian Link. “And that is why the ANZAC Day parade is significant to me. The Australians and the New Zealanders were in the forefront at this

Marvin Bunting at Adelaide’s Dawn Service

MAY 2018 7

MAINSTREAM

Brisbane march

The authorities tell us they were part of ‘British’ forces, but they were our men Captain Johnny Joseph 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 holding the “thank you” placards, is a particularly warm take-away. “Our contingent is one of the last, and yet the crowds stay on,” Gen Nadkarni says with awe.

“The armed forces keep us secure and the citizens come out in large numbers to honour them,” says Capt Joseph. “Even 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.

“The character of the ANZAC Day parade is different from India’s Republic 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, where he serves as Director Of Strategic 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

8 MAY 2018

the Sikh participation in Gallipoli.

“That Sikh legacy must be remembered and honoured,” he says with conviction.

“Forget the political aspect of 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 off with the majestic 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.

“Marching behind a band makes it even more special for us,” Bawa Singh Jagdev, who has participated in the parade for the past 11 years, tells Indian Link. “For 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 honour of the fallen, 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 also allows me to relive 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 Army colleagues. “It struck 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 was proud to be marching 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 Defense Services Staff Course and serving as part of the United Nations Peace Keeping Force in Ethiopia and Eritrea.

“Walking through the WWII cemetery in Ethiopia, I came across tombstones of many Indian soldiers,” he recalls. “They lie there forgotten. If we don’t honour our soldiers, who else will? It’s good to see our current prime minister Narendra Modi starting to make an effort now.”

Many Indian Army regiments do so at their own levels, he points out. “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.”

Vickram Grewal with his RAAF unit at Canberra

www.indianlink.com.au

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MAY 2018 9

SPECIAL REPORT

Australian support for Asifa

“India is our motherland and we are connected by blood.

It is our duty to speak up,” Roanna Gonsalves tells RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA

T

he 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, “You might think that it’s easy for us to live outside of India and make a casual comment now and then about affairs 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, 2018, they state, “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

10 MAY 2018

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.

Our condolences, belated and ineffectual 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

www.indianlink.com.au

Roanna Gonsalves

Death penalty will lead to more murders. Who’s going to let the child live to be able to speak up? 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, Gonsalves said, “It came from a place of sorrow and love for our motherland. We are shocked and saddened at the ongoing offences, particularly against minority communities.”

“It all started from general 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.”

Gonsalves added, “It is because of 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 “against Modi” has crossed

Gonsalves’ mind. “Of course, it’s a huge 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, according to which offenders who rape girls under the age of 12 may now be subject to death penalty. But Gonsalves remains unconvinced of the efficacy of the move.

“Death penalty makes for a great 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.

The Afternoon Adda Interesting conversations

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SCHOOL

The dangers of overparenting Overprotective parents stop their children as well as themselves from growing

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.”

BY MOHAN DHALL

T

here’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 look at the difference between healthy advocacy and unhealthy blending that stops both, parents and children from growing.

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.

Healthy advocacy

Each year I meet dozens of hands-on, interested and engaged parents. They are vested in the success of their children.

These parents are appropriately involved, curious about the children’s day, and spend time with their children in both play and more formal learning activities.

They are close, but not their child’s only and best friend.

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

Advocacy takes best form when parents are aligned with educators, sports coaches and other mentors. Advocacy helps a child be noticed when they are just another uniform in a sea of uniforms.

In this regard, a teacher may need to be informed of a special need requiring remediation or extension, an interest, a transition, a personal family matter or other factor that can impact on learning or involvement.

Professional educators will not be afraid of an advocate and will not characterise them as “Tiger parents”.

After all, professional educators know that parents are legitimately most vested to support their child who cannot speak for themselves.

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

Parents need their own identity

All parents must have a set of personal goals that stand in the world outside of their child’s world truth, are continually astounded by their child, and treat their child as an adult equal. These parents make their child

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

Tiger parents

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

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 question, “Who will you be when your 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.

MAY 2018 13

MOTHER’S DAY

DIALLING 1800-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

< APPURVA RAAJ on her mum KAYALVIZHI RAJASEKARAN 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 first steps to my last, my Amma.

ALICIA on her mum JYOTI VRAJLAL > 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 office 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 RAJNI LUTHRA 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!

14 MAY 2018

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< 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 mortified 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 fix! 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 firm 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 PARUL MALHOTRA > 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 first 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 first 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.

BHUVI on her mum VINAYA RAI > 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 infinite 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!

MAY 2018 15

MAINSTREAM

Having the last laugh Three of India’s top comics gave us a peek into their bag of laughs at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival BY PREETI JABBAL

L

aughter, they say, has no foreign accent. And among all the comics celebrating the universal appeal of humour at the 31st Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2018 were our very own Sorabh Pant, Aditi Mittal and Azeem Banatwalla.

Held from March 28-April 22, this was the third largest comedy festival in the world after Montreal’s Just for Laughs and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The line-up of laughter makers included some exciting names from India bringing their own experiences to mainstream comedy, to create a wider and a more inclusive reflection.

We spoke to the three stand-ups who enjoy an enormous fan following back home and surely made some new ones here in Australia.

Aditi tells us that as a first-time visitor to Australia cuddling a koala is her top priority. “One of my doubts in life is: if koalas only eat eucalyptus leaf all day, does that mean their breath stays really fresh?” she wonders. A good question, and one that we can’t admit has crossed our minds.

Since all three of them were on virgin territory as far as the Australian audience

16 MAY 2018

is concerned, did they have a specific plan of action? “I do not like playing on stereotypes,” says Azeem. “I prefer to report the truth of the matter. For instance, I could talk about how the Australian Government has a huge focus on cracking down on cigarette smoking in terms of price and taxes and it’s great to see them look at health at such a microscopic level.

“In India, however, we have different priorities, we are still trying to get toilets in people’s houses,” he adds.

Azeem quit his job as a travel writer in the end of 2013 to dedicate his creative juices to comedy. He thinks full time stand up is economically viable as a profession currently given its massive uptake in India.”

“Our generation of Indian comedians is lucky to have hopped on to this bandwagon at a time when comedy started booming,” observes Azeem. “We got onto our formative years fairly early on when there wasn’t a lot of competition, and we have also tried to help each other in growing off each other’s success. Starting out now would be a lot harder.”

He adds, “While there is no guaranteed income it allows a comfortable living.”

Aditi, who recently performed at the Edinburgh Comedy Festival, says Indian stereotypes are similar around the world.

“Comedy has helped me set my own position in a room full of foreigners,” she reveals. “I can easily joke on where I come from and still feel a sense of belonging that

reflects on my content. Our generation of comedians have this in common that we all are in love with where we come from and we are willing to make fun of it.”

Sorabh claims he would rather talk about his take on world politics and other subjects, including Trump, from the perspective of a modern, urban Indian who travels a lot. According to him Australians play hard but are essentially nice blokes who are very willing to take a joke and give it back, making it fun.

Citing the example of his observation of Australian behaviour, he thought former cricket captain Steve Waugh was an absolute tyrant on field, sledging and willing to do anything in order to win, but as soon as he stopped playing he turned out to be the nicest person around.

Sorabh says he is generally impressed

by Australian people and Australian talent and intends to watch a lot of Australian stand-up in between his hectic schedule.

Responding to how career progression looks like in the comedy industry, Aditi does not think there is any linear promotion; however, she wishes to live a long life and continue to do comedy till she is 80 and beyond. According to her,

comedy is all about living and processing life as one gets on stage.

Sorabh on the other hand thinks his progression was ‘ass backwards’. He was a TV writer and did not necessarily start off with Open Mics; he started dabbling with comedy initially with clichéd jokes and had never thought he would end up in this profession.

All three concur that social media exposure comes with its pros and cons as far as their comedy careers are concerned.

Azeem shares a recent experience in Melbourne where he walked into a Woolworths store and the attendant from an Indian background recognised him.

“No matter how big a show you do, word of mouth can only go so far. I have done shows of 5000 people and if the video of the show does well then it still reaches half a million people across the world, creating a huge audience,” he says.

“I keep reflecting on our self-esteem as a people and what power we speak from,” says Aditi. “Do we speak from utter helplessness, power or anger, and where do we come from emotionally? Social media is one of the reasons we are famous.

Sure, it is getting increasingly ugly and >

I do not like playing on stereotypes.

I prefer to report the truth of the matter Azeem Banatwalla www.indianlink.com.au

I got a lot of hate mail from Salman Khan fans Sorabh Pant

Sorabh Pant

Rahul Subramanian

MAY 2018 17

MAINSTREAM Aditi Mittal

> toxic, and we comedians do have to put up with a lot of flak on social media.”

Sorabh’s Rant of the Pant video series in 2017 garnered nearly 25 million views in a year and he has also done three Amazon prime media specials so he is certainly not complaining. “Everything gets exacerbated on social media. I got a lot of hate from Salman Khan fans for joking about his recent arrest. But I am not going to complain because most of our careers took off because of social media. You got to take the good with the bad,” he says.

One thing we tend to notice a lot these days among stand-ups is the use of expletives. Can comics be funny without using them? Sorabh claims he may have used the F-word a lot in the beginning, but not anymore, because it could subconsciously turn into a crutch.

Azeem, on the other hand, says it all depends on the emotion in that moment. “I do not add it consciously to my script but it can happen if I want to keep it natural.

Most people tend to use some sort of profanity in their normal conversations if they feel strongly about something.”

Aditi thinks one of the hallmarks of comedy is to say what is on your mind.

So if that means using an expletive now and then is fine. “If you use it to establish a connection in a normal conversation, that’s acceptable. But don’t use it as a filler,” she says.

Azeem Banatwalla

OUR TAKE

I

t was fun for the broadminded at the Indian All-Star Comedy Showcase hosted recently by the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF).

Integrating their niche experiences with the wider world, four Indian stand-up comedians prompted numerous laughs and a few guffaws over the hour-long show.

The spotlight was on religion, sex and the mundane, and the comedians deftly delivered their punches scoring comedic bullseyes.

Aditi Mittal as the host of the showcase cavorted about the stage telling her stories with unabashed glee. Yet the content of her show was nowhere as animated as her personality.

Aditi called out sexism and championed feminism with her jokes, and although there were hits as well as and misses, she revved up the crowd with every appearance.

Sorabh Pant delivered an assured combination of insightful punches and easy laughs. The overall energy was surprisingly low but his life observations helped him construct a polished 15-minute segment.

Rahul Subramanian ruled the comedic roost with his timing. His jokes were served deadpan, followed often by an imaginative pause that kept the audience suitably intrigued.

Masking his satirical sights under goofiness, Rahul jumped from one unrelated topic to another. Anecdotes of driving with his wife took up bulk of his entertaining segment.

A memorable bit was when Rahul got the men in the house to give him a cheer and the women in the house to give him a cheer. When they did, enthusiastically, he blamed them for ‘being sexist’ because why should women be in the house?

The last 15 minutes were taken up by Azeem Banatwalla as he touched interestingly on being a Muslim and provocatively tackled the idea of joking about his religion.

“If I said these things in India I would be bombed,” he claimed, as he remarked on the freedom of joking about Islam without raising bedlam, thanks to his broadminded audience.

The audience had more of a good chuckle than constant stitches and the hour passed too quickly.

18 MAY 2018

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RECOUNT

Desi encounters in the Orient Glimpses of India hidden across China are a tourist’s delight BY JYOTI SHANKAR

W

e often travel to take a break and escape from our usual lives, meet new people, bask in beautiful surroundings and experience exotic adventures. Our recent trip to China provided all these elements.

Shanghai, with its skyscrapers and magnetic levitational trains, seemed way more modern than Sydney.

The sceneries around Yangshuo’s mountains and those at Zhangjiajie, depicted in the movie Avatar, were picture perfect. Coming face to face with the rows of terracotta warriors in Xi’an transported us centuries back in time. I realised, though, that unconsciously I was longing for familiarity, when random Indian ‘encounters’ and links during our journeys became our trip highlights.

For starters, a group of 12-year-olds

accosted us on the streets of Yangshuo, asking us if we knew Aamir Khan. These young girls were looking to polish their English-speaking skills. They had seen Dangal, 3 Idiots and loved Secret Superstar.

Few people spoke or understood English in China, so it was wonderful to see their enthusiasm in communicating in English and their familiarity with Indian movies.

Of course, that’s not the last of Bollywood we encountered. Walking around the leafy, chic French Concession in Shanghai, we stopped in our tracks when the face of Salman Khan as Bajrangi Bhaijaan stared from a poster in Mandarin. Our Madarin was limited to Ni hao and xie xie (thank you) but we soon learnt that Induren meant Indian when we heard the word referring to us, many a time.

Visiting the Shanghai Urban Planning Museum was interesting to see how the city had evolved from the early 20th century to the present day modern metropolis. A street scene drawing of the early 1900s with the caption explaining how Sikh policemen once patrolled the streets of Shanghai, startled me. These

statuesque men in red turbans were brought into the Shanghai Municipal Police by the British. Unfortunately, none of their traces now remain except in museums and archives. Most were repatriated back to India in the 1930s, while others returned after the 1962 IndoChinese war.

We spotted Modi’s picture on the city wall of Xi’an, which was the city where he began his visit to China in 2015. Like us, Modi also visited the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi’an. It was originally built in 652AD to preserve the Buddhist sutras and relics brought to China from India along the Silk Route by the monk Xuanzang. Most of us know him as Hiuen Tsang from our history books at school.

This temple had an important role in the transmission of Buddhism.

Xuanzang travelled the length and breadth of India, keenly observing the social, religious and political conditions of the 7th century. His travel memoirs are valued for their truthful depiction of life in India during that time. The statue of Xuanzang now towers over the city of Xi’an, which was gaily decorated by

buntings and lanterns from the recent Chinese New Year. Strangely, Xuanzang’s temple and its murals took me back to India of the yesteryears.

A plaque with a message from exPresident Pratibha Patil welcomed us at a Buddhist temple built in the Indian Sanchi Stupa style at Luoyang. We were in this city eager to visit the Shaolin temple, fascinated by movies such as The 36th Chamber of Shaolin and Enter the Dragon.

Students from all over the world come here to train in Shaolin kung fu which combines Zen Buddhism with martial arts.

Another Indian link we learnt of here took us by surprise. It is believed that a monk called Bodhidharma founded Shaolin kung fu and Zen Buddhism. He is believed to be the third son of a Pallava king from South India. Some believe that kung fu originated from kalaripayattu, a martial art form still practised in Kerala today. Whatever its origins, the Shaolin Temple is still revered for its teachings and will no doubt continue to spur many more movies about its legends. China, too, with its fascinating history and surprising Indian links, will beckon us again for sure.

In Shanghai, we were surprised to see Salman Khan on a Bajrangi Bhaijaan poster in Mandarin MAY 2018 19

OPINION

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

Sandwich anyone?

Feeling the crush: Ageing parents on one side, growing kids on the other BY PAWAN LUTHRA

A

s you get towards the end of your 40s, life usually begins to ‘settle’ if you are lucky.

Your career is consolidating; you’ve passed on your gene pool, and you’ve formed social relationships that are stable and rewarding.

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

You find yourself in the sandwich.

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

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

Those with split families in two continents, experience the tyranny of distance. The advantage, often, is the strong network of social support that India offers. There are solid community and family bonds that facilitate access and availability of assistance for the elders in the family. The challenge for the middle generation is to manage time,

20 MAY 2018

so as to be able to spend large periods with the elderly parents.

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

Of course, the pressures are different if the three generations are together in Australia. While there is no need for travel, there is limited social support, and so there are demands on time to care for the parents.

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

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

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

Treasure every moment with your loved ones.

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 qualified and employed Nair/Menon boys (below 30 years) working in Australia.

Contact sparavanoor@gmail.com or whatsapp +6745573365 Seeking professionally qualified match for a 30-year-old Hindu Brahmin girl, Australian born, 5’2’’, slim and attractive. Holds a postgraduate degree. Working in accounting/finance sector at a multinational company in Sydney, pursuing CA qualification. 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, qualified 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 qualified 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 qualified, 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 Girmit Diwas 2018 Mon 14 May (6.00pm – 9.30pm) In the memory of the first Indian to arrive in Fiji, the event is a tribute to those heroic ancestors who left the shores of India for distant lands under the British rule. Come and observe Girmit Diwas at Queensland Multicultural Center 102 Main Street, Kangaroo Point 4169.

Details (07) 3392 3787.

Tara Puja Tue 22 May (10.30am -12.00pm) Tara, the mother of all the Buddhas, is a manifestation of enlightened activity. The puja is held at Close Langri Tangpa Centre 535 Old Cleveland Road, Camp Hill, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia 4152. By donation – suggested $10 (or $5 concession) OR an offering of food or flowers. Bookings not required. Details (07) 3398 3310.

Buddha’s Birthday Puja Tue 29 May (10.30am- 12.30pm) Saka Dawa, a ceremony celebrating

Lord Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and parinirvana. At Langri Tangpa Centre, 535 Old Cleveland J3 Road, Camp Hill, Brisbane, Queensland. No booking required.

Details (07) 3398 3310.

ENTERTAINMENT Gurdas Maan Live Sun 27 May (6.30pm – 10.00pm) Gurdas Maan live concert at Sleeman Sports Complex Old Cleveland Rd, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia 4155. Details 0478 877 222/ 0411 832 473.

Colorfest Sun 13 May (11:00am – 4.00pm) Live music, DJs, non-stop dance sessions and playing with colours. At Goburra St & Ipswich Road Rocklea QLD 4106. Details 1300 338 368.

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

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BOOKS

Not lost in translation Poonam Saxena manages to capture the essence of the original Hindi-Urdu novel in her rendition

BY CHITRA SUDARSHAN

T

here 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.

Often, when reading books by authors 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

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 skirt the issue of ‘Muslim as the Other’ 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.

The conflict between the commercial writer and social critic is what dominates the hero of the novel

A 2,500-YEAR-OLD CLASSIC LIVES ON 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 first 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 definitely worth a read, especially if you have not read it at all in any of its translations.

MAY 2018 21

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

Most homes and businesses need to switch As most existing landline phone and internet services will be disconnected, it’s important you switch affected services before your disconnection date.^ nbn will notify you by mail once you can switch to a new plan over the nbn™ access network. You’ll then have up to 18 months before existing services are disconnected.^ nbn is a wholesaler This means nbn does not sell to the public. nbn supplies phone and internet providers with wholesale services they combine with their own

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

Factors affecting your experience The nbn™ access network and your provider’s network are likely to slow down when more people are online at once (particularly during typical busy periods, like evenings). Maximum speeds will also vary based on your modem, Wi-Fi and other issues.* For more information on how your particular experience will be

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

affected, speak to your provider.

Contact a phone or internet provider *Your experience, including the speeds actually achieved over the nbn™ broadband access network, depends on the technology over which services are delivered to your premises and some factors outside our control (like your equipment quality, software, signal quality, broadband plan and how your service provider designs its network). nbn is a provider of wholesale speeds to internet providers. nbn™ wholesale speed tiers available to your phone and internet provider vary depending on the access technology in your area. ^ Services offered to phone and internet providers over the nbn™ broadband access network will be replacing phone and internet services provided over most of the existing landline networks, including copper and the majority of HFC networks within the fixed line footprint. Services provided over existing fibre networks (including in-building, health and education networks) and some special and business services may not be affected. To find out if your services will be affected, please contact your current phone or internet provider. For more information, visit nbn.com.au/ switchoff or call 1800 687 626.† The rollout of the nbn™ broadband access network will involve new technologies, and some existing devices (including many medical alarms, autodiallers and emergency call buttons) may not be compatible with these at all times. You should contact your device provider to find out if your alarm or other device will work when connected to the nbn™ broadband access network and what alternative solutions are available. For more information, visit nbn.com.au/compatibility. © 2018 nbn co ltd. ‘nbn’, ‘bring it on’, ‘Sky Muster’, ‘gen nbn’ and the Aurora device are trade marks of nbn co ltd | ABN 86 136 533 741.

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FOOD

A spoonful of warmth With winter round the corner, khichdi makes for a warm and nourishing meal

KHICHDI WITH CARROT GREENS

BY DHANYA SAMUEL

K

hichdi, 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 tempering that makes all the difference. 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.

Or use just one type of lentil, it’s up 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!

Ingredients

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/clarified butter; for serving 2 tbsp coriander leaves; finely chopped For tempering 2 tbsp ghee/clarified 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; finely chopped 1 tbsp grated garlic 1 tbsp grated ginger 2 large ripe red tomatoes; finely 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!

MAY 2018 23

ENTERTAINMENT

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.

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

BUDDHA HOGA TERA BAAP

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 flamboyant filial 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 flavour with a ferocious fervour. There is no attempt to conceal the film’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

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 floating on a substance that man has yet to produce.

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 film 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 find 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

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24 MAY 2018

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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

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

Needless to say, the actual film 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 fluctuates 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 film boasts of decent production values, overall it fails to engross you.

Troy Ribeiro

OMERTA

STARRING Rajkummar Rao, Timothy Ryan Hickernell, Keval Arora, Sanjeev Chopra DIRECTOR Hansal Mehta

HHHHH

Hansal Mehta is an accomplished filmmaker, 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 film 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 film exposes state-sponsored terrorism and how it manipulates young minds into believing a sordid interpretation of struggle or fight against the enemies of one’s religion. This is not a film 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 film inadvertently glorifies 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 film is taut and engaging during the

first 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

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 film and its worth.

Troy Ribeiro MAY 2018 25

ENTERTAINMENT

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

ANUSHKA SHARMA

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 finally 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 SONAKSHI

S

he’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 floor-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 flown 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.

26 MAY 2018

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 film industry.

Aditi, who has got rave reviews for her role in hit film Padmaavat, said, “I have no backing in the film 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 film 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 film. It is going for (for auction) a good cause. I do not think we have done anything wrong.”

“If anyone finds 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 officer 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 officer’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 film 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 fields... 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.”

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SUSHMITA SEN

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 fight the ‘light skin is better’ issue in India. I felt so

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 film industry took a dig at Deb’s comment.

“Is Lara Dutta (Miss Universe 2000) an Indian beauty? (Just trying to confuse him),” tweeted film 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 first 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 filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani for his movie Sanju and said that no one could have done a better job.

The actor said, “When someone makes a film 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 film will make you laugh and cry.

The film will tell everything that we have either read or heard about his life,” the actor said.

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 ISSUE CAPTION CONTEST WINNER

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 film Hindi hai ;) .

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.

MAY 2018 27

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.

TS0465P - Dee_360x250_v1.indd 1

28 MAY 2018

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

6/2/18 4:46 pm

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FORETELL

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.

TAROT

ARIES March 21 - April 19

TAURUS April 20 - May 20

GEMINI May 21 - June 20

CANCER June 21 - July 20

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 gratification at work, to cover for lonely moments. Singles could find 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 influence you.

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 finances 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.

Not an easy month for Geminis as they have to clear the clutter in their head and come to terms with a difficult 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 financial 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.

Impromptu trips, rest and recreation, and an unusual love affair are in the offing for Cancerians. An old flame 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. Reflect on your relationship with yourself and improve on your flaws. Trust the universe.

LEO July 21 - Aug 22

VIRGO Aug 23 - Sep 22

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21

Despite frustrations tension and anxiety, you get on with things. Make adjustments in your thought processes and you will find 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 financial settlement is in the offing. A hitherto lost cause works out in your favour and you benefit from helping others.

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.

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 office politics, and you could have headaches as a result. You are at an advantage in your love life or your finances. People may not be what they appear to be, so be wary of whom you trust. Overcome hurdles with mental strength.

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.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 - Dec 21

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 19

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18

PISCES Feb 19 - March 20

Moderation is the key word this month. Challenging situations cause fluctuation. 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. .

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 finance is predicted.

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 financial matters.

Discussions, contractual agreements and work keeps you motivated. You might be tense about the future, find 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.

MAY 2018 29

BACKCHAT

ASK AUNTYJI Baby’s got blue eyes…

DEAR AUNTYJI

I have a hypothesis that I wanted to run past you before I started posting this on my blog. When I was in school, I paid attention during biology class when the teachers were teaching us about genetics.

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

Or do you think these people have had

ancestors who got up to no good? How is this possible? Do you think there is something in the food we are eating?

Please advise post haste, I need to upload this to my blog on Tuesday please.

AUNTYJI SAYS

Arre budtehzeeb paapin! Do you not understand how genetics works? You really should not have been lusting after those mangoes otherwise you would have heard your teacher say that genetics are complicated, and that there are lots of factors that help present or suppress genes. I will give you this. All the Bollywood blue eyed babies are very very cute, and especially that Taimur. He is chooooo chweet, don’t you just want to pinch his chubby chubby cheeks and kiss him all over? Fortunately, us common folk don’t have access to the chhota nawab - so he is spared of our evil eyes.

Anyway, back to your query. Genetics are complicated, and the expression of blue eyes or straight hair or tongue rolling ability have much more than just dominant recessive genes at play. If you are really keen to understand genetics, go read up on the subject, in the full knowledge that every day, new mysteries about genes are being unravelled. In the meantime, let Taimur and Inaaya be.

Surely they are too cute and innocent to have paapins like you questioning their parentage, no?

Don’t judge me by the clothes I wear DEAR AUNTYJI

Last week I left my Auntyji in charge of my three-year-old son while I ran an errand. When I came home, my lovely little Kunal was dressed in his cousin Sheena’s ghaghra choli with full face of makeup. He was singing and dancing while Sheena clapped her hands and shouted wah wah at him.

Auntyji, I took one look at this tamasha, shrieked out a Hey Ram and fell to the zameen. I understand that was a bit melodramatic, but I was too shocked, and Mai aur kya karti, Ye paap mere samne ho raha tha! To maine Kunal ko grab kiya and left the house. I have not spoken to my aunt since, and I think she must hate me to do such a thing.

I think she is trying to convert my son, and she must be listening to too many lefties and thinks it’s acceptable for that behuda harkat in my family. I am still bilkul pagal ki tarah traumatised.

Do you think you could give my Mausi Pushpa a piece of your mind please?

Can you do this for my bechara nadaan Kunal?

AUNTYJI SAYS

Arre, tum bhi ek budtehzeeb paapin ho. Tumhara hosh kaha hain? Apne deemag ka darwaza kholo, aur suno meri leftist leanings wali baatein.

Baachche log are innocent, nah? They probably saw an old rerun of choli ke peechche and they were just acting out what they saw on the screen. Isme boori baat kya hai? Or are you such a dayan that you think that all of these things are and now your poor Kunal will become something you can’t tolerate?

Well, if so, you are a bigot, and there is no place in society for you. Kunal should be free to become whatever he wants to - unless it’s a serial killer in which case we will probably need to look no further than his bigoted mother to see why he turned out this way. Bachche log were just playing and having fun. You simply revealed yourself to be a close minded hate-filled bigot, who brought Ram into this. You really need to understand that we are who we are, and if Kunal chooses to wear clothes that he likes, then who are you to stand in his way.

Duniya badal raha hai and you need to get with the times. And you owe your aunt an apology. She wasn’t doing anything other than allowing Kunal and Sheena to be happy. Un ke liye janaat intezar kar raha hai, while for you, the bhoots of narak are just waiting.

Congrats?

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

BY NEHA MALUDE

“A

nd there it is,” said the doctor, adding a pregnant pause (pun intended), “your baby’s heartbeat.”

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

“Wow.” That was Chinmay, his voice visibly quivering. “That was amazing.”

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 of sheer pressure, I let out a “whoosh”, 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

30 MAY 2018

back. I turned to him and asked, “You cried, didn’t you?”

“I didn’t cry, ok?” he snapped right back. “I just teared up.”

“Pff.” “But let’s not talk about me. Let’s talk about you.”

“What about me?” I asked guardedly.

“You know…” he said, “I didn’t even hear a sniffle from you.”

I blew up. “Fine! I didn’t feel a thing, 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 call a “Oh my god, how 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 peanutsized 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 maternal instincts, aside from stuffing my face like there was no tomorrow, over the next few months. Chinmay told me what countless others already had. “Relax, 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 “feeling-less”. I would be an automaton, 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 when he heard a sniffle. He saw me crying like a child.

“Puppies,” I sobbed, wiping my eyes.

To this day, I don’t know if it was anger or disgust (perhaps both) on my husband’s face as he said to me, “THIS? 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.

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