2018-11 Melbourne

The story of Deepavali

PUBLISHER

Pawan Luthra

EDITOR

Rajni Anand Luthra

BY PAWAN LUTHRA

It’s thrilling to note the activity in the community at this time of the year.

With the festive season now in full flow, weekends are spent rushing from one celebration to another. The beauty is, they stretch across the length and breadth of the community, and based on your preference, you will find something to do and friends to enjoy it with.

For those in the party mode, the Garba evenings have been exhilarating.

Like the various Durga pooja festivities, this is a chance to dress up in your best clothes and grab a group of friends and make an evening out of it. With some of these fun evenings being attended by thousands of people, one suspects it will be but a matter of time before an enterprising organiser looks at booking out the SCG or the MCG or the Gabba!

How far have these festivities comewhen 20 years ago, getting 200 people

to a function was a major achievement.

Kudos to the hard-working entrepreneurs - professional as well as part-time - who have stuck with their passion through those times to see the massive gatherings of the clan today.

And kudos to all those who have worked hard to create the mandirs, the gurudwaras and all the various places of worship where the communities gather to mark the religious basis of our festivals. We should not take these places for granted, but rather, acknowledge the early settlers of our community who fund-raised for these monuments to come up, some of them even by mortgaging their own properties.

Let’s also doff our hats to community trailblazers who organise the mammoth melas we’ve all begun to enjoy. Whereas at one time, the Diwali gatherings were held for a few hours in the local school courtyard around the Diwali weekend, today the banks of the Swan River, or Federation Square, or the parklands of Parramatta, host up to 30,000 on a single day. Some organisers have taken the option of charging for entry, while others prefer to keep it free for the

crowds: either way, the zeal shown by the organisers must be supported and encouraged.

Perhaps one of the ways to do this is to bring a non-Indian friend along to these gatherings and acquaint them with Diwali festivities. Our politicians love to bring out the saris and sherwanis (anyone remembers the upturned jootis that Sam Dastyari rocked up in once?) Perhaps it’s time to introduce your friends or neighbours to an item or two of traditional Indian clothing. A short - or long - discussion on the philosophy behind Diwali could turn out to be interesting. And the mithai might be a welcome change from cheesecake and macaroons. If getting them to join you at the Garbas or Durga pooja or the mela is difficult, why not bring Diwali to them. Many of us probably already do this, in the form of a plate of mithai and sparklers taken round to the neighbours, and candles for colleagues at work. You are spreading the Light or awareness of Diwali your way.

From all of us at Indian Link to you and yours, khushhaali aur sammriddhi. Happiness and prosperity this Diwali.

YOUR SAY

25TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

PREETI JABBAL wrote this month about her work with Indian Link

Virosh Perera wrote: Preeti you connected us to the Indian community 20 years ago. Thank you so much for the friendship and growing.

Samina Naeem Ansari wrote: Wow Preeti your dedication towards your work really worked good job

Mira Mehra wrote: Well done, Preeti. The Indian diaspora should be proud to have a dedicated journalist in their midst. Indian Link too, I am sure, are proud of what you do and the news and views you disseminate. You are a true professional who is ably merged your passion with your profession.

Pushpinder Kaur wrote: Preeti well done and keep going. Kaam he pooja, pooja he kaam.

Ramandeep Kaur wrote: What a great projection of your passion. You do an amazing job. Keep up the excellent work.

Manisha Chaubal-Menon wrote: Wow!! 25 years and you still have so much passion towards what you do for Indian Link and for the Indian community here in Melbourne. Love your work and so proud of you.

Ashish Chawla wrote: Great work Preeti Jabbal , love your work, honesty and dedication towards your work at Indian Link

Ruby Ranjan wrote: Keep the spirit and passion going, Preeti. May you be always passionate and dedicated to your work, family and friends. Stay blessed!

Sujata Singh wrote: Preeti you’re such a committed, curious, intelligent, talented n lovely person n a great asset to the newspaper! Well done.

Sonia Jay wrote: Proud of you Preeti. Agree that when your passion becomes your work, there is no stopping... kudos to your efforts and passion.

Ritesh Chugh wrote: Great work Preeti Jabbal!! Well done.

Ajay Naidu wrote: Kyo Netflix ko band karane pe tuli hai aap. Indian Link will stand the test of time anyway.

FUNDRAISER

CARL BUHARIWALA reported on a charity concert organised by a Melbourne-based community association to raise awareness about Leukodystrophy Leukodystrophy Australia wrote: We are truly grateful to Shirdi Sai Sansthan for raising $10,000 for Leukodystrophy support and research

SAY IT AGAIN

CAPTION CONTEST

Looks like we all had great fun with the pic of Will Smith out and about in an autorickshaw in India.

Sujatha Sunil Kumar wrote: If there is a WILL there is a way.

Leyla Singh wrote: Midget mobile, so if we hit a bump I guess the horn will go off.

Jayanthi Vellore wrote: Love the tuktuk bro, I will travel around the world now.

Raman Bhatia wrote: India to USA nonstop.

Arix Bishnoi wrote: Long trips only.

Murali Venkatraman wrote: Where there is Will with a rickshaw, there is a way.

Saba Nabi wrote: Aaja meri gaadi mein baith ja, Aaja meri gaadi mein baith ja!

Mukesh Rai wrote: Sir, return fare lagega. Vapis khali ana padta hai. Shashank S Singh wrote: Borivali....borivali..borivali!

Raj Saneja wrote: What kind of cheap car is this?

Always grateful and impressed by how accessible doctors, including specialists, are in Mumbai. I have a minor wound that’s been challenging to heal. Was able to see surgeon and dermatologist straight away! Would’ve faced a very long wait indeed in Australia.

Sharell Cook, India-based Aussie travel writer

My years at Monash from 2000-2002 were the best three years of my life.

Raghav Sachar, Indian musician, during his recent visit to Melbourne

ELECTIONS 2018:

PREETI JABBAL talks to a few Indian-origin candidates in the upcoming state elections

Family violence. Lack of infrastructure. Migrant women’s empowerment. Family concerns. Passion for community work. A variety of issues have motivated members of our community to take the plunge into state politics.

What convinced you to join the party of your choice?

Tarang Chawla: I am an independent. I do not belong to one of the major parties. I am not affiliated with Labor, Liberal or the Greens. The reason I maintain political independence is because problem solving issues which impact on people’s lives is more significant than towing the party line. The structure of the major parties does not allow politicians to represent the best interests of the people. It demands they support the party line, to the detriment of the voting public. The voting public are not sheep, but the people who represent them lack vision. They are busy arguing with each other instead of doing the work.

I have campaigned to end violence against women since my sister Nikita was murdered in 2015. In the last three weeks, 11 women have been murdered in Australia. It will take courage and leadership from government to change this awful statistic, which affects our Indian community.

That leadership is missing and that is why I am running for public office.

One thing which sticks out is the lack of Indian-origin politicians. Although Indianorigin candidates sometimes run for one of the major parties, they are usually preselected in unwinnable seats. I am the first Indian-origin independent.

Arnav Sati: I am contesting as an independent candidate to stand against the neglect that Tarneit electorate faces by both sides of politics as it is a safe Labor seat. There is a strong need to make Tarneit marginal, so that we get adequate funding to address and resolve local infrastructure issues that are worsening into a major crisis. The electorate has also witnessed both a rorting MP and a parachuted candidate contesting from Labor party.

Nildhara Gadani: I have been working in the community for many years. My passion is working for women’s empowerment, especially in a migrant context. I met with many people who guided me through my journey. Jasvinder Sidhu, who is an active member of the Australian Labor Party encouraged me to set up a women’s association and invited me to various political forums. I really connected with Labor policies and in 2016 with encourage from Jasvinder and many others, I ran for City of Whitehorse council elections. I received lots of assistance and guidance from Labor in my community projects, and it was a gradual decision to join the ALP.

Pratibha Sharma: Being aware that the major political parties that represent the community are only seeking outcomes that are in the best interest of the party they are representing and not necessarily the people. I feel that by running as an independent, I can voice the concerns of

the community better and not feel pressured by party motives. An independent candidate like myself is representing the public and voicing their concerns at a higher level. Residents of Werribee need to have their issues heard loud and clear and together we want actions taken to address these concerns. The only agenda I have is to represent the Werribee community and make it the most liveable suburb.

Neelam Rai Dhingra: I joined the Liberal Party because I wanted to put my values into action. I want to advocate for real people in my community and am fighting to provide a good and honest government for all Victorians.

Why are you seeking public office? What are you trying to achieve?

Tarang Chawla: I am running for the Upper House so if elected I will represent a region, not just a local seat. As I am an Independent and not affiliated with either Labor or Liberal, my focus will be on specific policy issues and holding government accountable for what they say, rather than simply letting them make empty promises which seems to be their current speciality.

My primary focus will be on addressing community safety for the area and ending violence against women. I have publicly maintained from the outset of my announcement to run as an Independent that if I am elected to the upper house, then I will work with whichever party forms government to govern for the good of all Victorians. What I offer this community that no other candidate can offer, is that my foremost duty remains to the great people of this region. I am not bound by party lines. Our region is often considered an afterthought because Labor, Liberal and the Greens appear to assume we will just vote for one or them and not make an informed decision about all of our options at the ballot box. I think that is very unwise for the parties to look at us like that.

They take us for granted, only showing their faces to us at election time to throw money at us to buy our vote. We’re worth more than that. This is why people like me run for office - to give a genuine voice for our community and represent us. We are a smart group of people in the south east of Melbourne and we deserve to have a stronger voice in our Parliament. I will advocate for the people first and work with the government, whether Labor or Liberal, but never at the expense of the people in this area.

This area has the highest reported cases of violence against women for five years in a row. And yet neither party has a plan

for how to address this holistically. For example, the Labor plan to build 1000 public housing properties for victims fleeing violence, does not include any indication of providing resources in the south east where they are so desperately needed.

Liberals have suggested they will look at the “financial impost” of fulfilling the Royal Commission into Family Violence recommendations, but not given voters any

indication of what that means in a practical sense. They will look to cut costs, and history would point to them doing this if they are elected.

For the voting public, I will keep the issue of violence against women firmly on the political agenda so we do not see another murder on the front cover of our newspapers every few days. This shouldn’t happen on our watch and it does because the government is letting us all down.

Arnav Sati: I am seeking public office because I cannot trust any other politician to look after Tarneit electorate and its issues. I intend to win and make the electoral seat of Tarneit a marginal, so that we get the funding we deserve.

The infrastructure issues cannot be resolved without significant funding, and based on the current political landscape, only marginal seats are getting adequate funding. Hence, I am trying to make Tarneit marginal.

Moreover, as a resident I have had enough of false hope and fake promises with no time-frames given by our elected representatives. I encourage every resident to support me in taking away the safe-seat status from Tarneit electorate.

Nildhara Gadani: I have always aspired to serve the public - it does not matter in what role. Over the years I’ve seen a major gap in the representation of Indian-origin Australians in politics. There are many issues that otherwise get ignored due to a lack of cultural understanding among

In the last three weeks, 11 women have been murdered in Australia. It will take courage and leadership from government to change this awful statistic, which affects our Indian community Tarang Chawla

TARANG CHAWLA Independent Candidate, South East Metro Region (Legislative Council)

Some Indian links

existing policy makers. Above all, I am passionate about women and family-based issues. I want to reform social services and support for the elderly, children in foster care, and those from disadvantaged families studying in public school. This work overlaps between State and Federal governments and I will advocate for changes and improvements.

Pratibha Sharma: I have always wanted to serve the community and this is my way of giving back to the wonderful community of Werribee. Every person has a right to raise their family in a safe environment with access to facilities like education, good health and transportation. Being a single parent, I know the hardships the average

person faces on a daily basis, and I am standing for issues that I strongly believe in. As they say, “Never underestimate the power of the common man”.

Neelam Rai Dhingra: I want to protect, advocate and promote the interests of my constituency and highlight the issues that are important to them. The Government should work for the people, not work for itself, and invest in future generations. I want to foster the best in Victorians, care for those who need help, and help everyone in our community achieve their aspirations. These are the values of Liberalism which I hold so dear.

What strategy did you use to campaign for votes in the election?

Tarang Chawla: I did not dream of joining politics from a young age. I view it as a civic duty. Through years of community work and the recognition I have received along the way, such as being a Young Australian of the Year Finalist among other accolades, I have a social media

following. I use that to communicate directly with voters.

I do not have the big budgets of the major party candidates who receive donations. I have something more powerful – the community who are fed up with being taken for granted.

I have been attending many events across cultural communities with the message that we all have a responsibility to end violence against women – our biggest law and order issue which costs the economy $2.7 billion annually.

Campaigning is more than winning votes for an election.

I believe politicians have a duty to listen. I have been meeting residents of the south east daily and hearing firsthand what issues impact them. A vote for me is a vote for a better future for themselves and their family. Nothing beats personal engagement, but our politicians are afraid because they might get caught out lying. Telling the truth is much easier, so I enjoy meeting people.

Arnav Sati: I am a true independent who is a local resident and directly impacted by infrastructure issues. Being true to the local issues and advocate harder for fellow residents is the main strategy that I focus on.

Informing residents via social media

including Facebook and Youtube on rorting MPs, parachuted candidates, preferential funding to marginal seats, inadequate advocacy in parliament and empty promises.

Clear messaging through flyers and election signs (put outside residential properties) also helps to get local residents aware on issues that I stand for.

Nildhara Gadani: As an Upper House candidate the region is quite large and there are 11 Lower House seats. My strategy is to ask voters to support me based on the incredible work that the Daniel Andrews government has done in the last four years. There are many projects that are still incomplete and need one or more Andrews government terms. So I am asking voters to support Labor and support me.

Pratibha Sharma: My strategy is simple. I

ARNAV SATI Independent Candidate, Tarneit Electorate (Legislative Assembly)

I want to reform social services and support for the elderly, children in foster care, and those from disadvantaged families studying in public school Nildhara Gadani

The infrastructure issues cannot be resolved without significant funding, and based on the current political landscape, only marginal seats are getting adequate funding

Arnav Sati

NILDHARA GADANI ALP Candidate, Eastern Metro region (Legislative Council)

am advocating for local community issues. Besides going door-to-door to introduce myself to the residents of the community who don’t know me already, I am going to public events where I can meet a large number of people and discuss with them their concerns and the steps we need to take to make Werribee safer and ensure that their concerns are addressed. I have also resorted to social media to make people aware of issues that I am fighting for and representing the community about. Many residents of Werribee are already familiar with me as I have engaged with them in several community and social events. I am getting plenty of support and ideas. I request local residents to come forward and vote for me this time and elect me as their representative who will be there locally for them.

Neelam Rai Dhingra: In my campaign I have been listening to members of the community, and speaking out on issues that are important to them. Victorians are

sick of the crime, congestion and high cost of living in Victoria today. I’m doing everything I can to tell Victorians about the Liberals’ plans, to get back in control of these issues.

What are the three main changes you wish to make if you are to be elected?

Tarang Chawla: It starts with formal recognition that we have made great failings in keeping women and children safe. I will push for a formal apology to the women we have failed. This has generational impact on whole families and it cannot go on.

I will push for a more robust approach from government that prioritises a whole of community response. The prevention of violence is key, including the commitment of ongoing funding for the long-term, and active community engagement forms part of the solution to end violence against women.

The major parties are treating the voting public as fools. Women die as a result. Children die as a result. Families are torn apart as a result. Enough is enough.

I will ensure that government sees out the Royal Commission into Family Violence recommendations in full. If Government don’t do it, then it doesn’t cost them anything. Not one cent. But it costs our community dearly. If we fail the test, then innocent lives are at stake so it is crucial that this is done properly. I will see to it that it is implemented fully for the long-term to ensure that families are safe. For voters in the south east, when you vote for the upper house at the election on November 24, think of your loved ones and

their safety and it’s easy to know what to do. Vote for an independent who, like you, is part of the solution.

Arnav Sati: I will work to resolve local infrastructure issues by advocating for more police resources, expanding car parks, increasing bus routes with better frequency, more funding to health services and adequate number of schools in the electorate.

I will work to keep communities united and stand as one single entity for the betterment of our area to have a vibrant, safe and liveable electorate.

I will always be available and regularly meet with fellow residents to identify, discuss and resolve local issues. As we live in a safe Labor seat and our current MP rorted, we haven’t seen him in a long time. This will definitely change if I get the local support to get elected as the MP of Tarneit.

Nildhara Gadani: I’ve already answered this in your question above, about why I am in this race. Under improvements for most marginalised Victorians, I would like to add homelessness. In fact, my political mentor Jasvinder Sidhu works across all these areas so I am working with him, looking at various polices and plans to present motions in political platforms.

Pratibha Sharma: My first and foremost focus is to get better healthcare services, especially in paediatric care at the Werribee Mercy Hospital. Currently there is no paediatric facility and residents have to travel to Sunshine Hospital to get access to healthcare for their children. Secondly,

due to rapid growth over the past few years, the traffic and congestion has increased considerably and my aim is to expedite the expansion of roadworks and improve public transport services for the residents of Werribee. Another concern for Werribee residents is increased crime in the area. I intend to work closely towards more police presence and community projects that involve youth participation in order to help reduce violence.

Neelam Rai Dhingra: One, fix our school system, where education standards are falling behind the rest of the world and children with learning difficulties are falling through the cracks. Two, stop the wave of violent crimes, assaults and home invasions gripping Victorian suburbs. We need more police and harsher sentencing to keep our community safe from dangerous criminals. Three, get Victorians moving by investing in key infrastructure projects, new public transport links, and fixing congested intersections across Victoria.

Every person has a right to raise their family in a safe environment with access to facilities like education, good health and transportation

Pratibha Sharma

PRATIBHA SHARMA Independent Candidate, Werribee

NEELAM RAI DHINGRA Liberal Party Candidate, Northern Metropolitan Region (Legislative Council)

I want get Victorians moving by investing in key infrastructure projects, new public transport links, and fixing congested intersections across Victoria Neelam Rai Dhingra

regional migration concept is not new”

PAWAN LUTHRA in conversation with David Coleman , Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs

The newly appointed Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs David Coleman was emphatic in his support for a multicultural Australia when he dropped in at the Indian Link offices earlier this month.

Minister Coleman was elected to the seat of Banks in 2013, which itself is a very diverse seat with over 30% of its electorate from a Chinese background, a large Vietnamese population and now a growing Nepalese community. David won the seat for the Liberal Party for the first time since the seat of Banks was created in 1949.

Prior to entering politics, Coleman was worked in corporate roles with McKinsey & Co, LookSmart, dStore, PBL Media and the Nine Network and Yellow Brick Road Holdings Limited.

He discussed a number of wide ranging issues about his portfolio.

On the success of the Australia’s immigration program

The results speak for themselves. We are one of the most successful multicultural societies in the world. Our history and heritage is steeped in the successful integration of people coming to Australia.

In the post war period, we had successful migration from various parts of Europe - Greece, Italy etc. and now we have a number of migrants coming in from China, India, Vietnam and all of them contribute to our country. I want to emphasise on the positive impact of immigration in our society and our economy: there are over 1.4 million people employed in small businesses started by migrants. We need to be celebrating our successful migration program.

Even in my own electorate of Banks, I have some wonderful contributions made by Indian migrants. Sudha Natarajan from RAINS is such an inspiration, who wanted a place for the Indian elderly to meet and so she got the community together and was able to from the funds accumulated, buy a house on Forest Road which is now a great community centre. I am also aware of the work which Terry Sidhu and his team at the Revesby Gurudwara do, to make sure there is lots of interaction with the local community. And these are only two stories - there are many, many more.

On the issue of big Australia vs sustainable Australia, and the proposal for migrants to live outside big cities

It is not a matter of numbers but rather that the program should match our needs.

For example, South Australia is desperate to get 15,000 more migrants, as are places like Kalgoorlie in Western Australia, Cairns in Queensland, the Northern Territory and other places. In recent years, the gap in skilled migrants required in regional parts of Australia as compared to those settling in Sydney and Melbourne has widened. We believe that by better planning, we can match the needs of the regional communities with the needs of the migrants. For those who feel that we may lose some migrants to Canada or US where there is no restriction of where people might live, we feel that there is enough of a demand of people wanting to come to Australia. The regional concept is not a new concept, we just need to finetune it.

On infrastructure ‘bursting at its seams’ with new migrants

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has appointed a minister for Population and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge because he understands the importance of this issue. Minister Tudge is looking at ways in which the federal government can improve infrastructure and though the states have the responsibility, we can help as well.

On sending detainees at Nauru to New Zealand, where they have been offered refugee status

We cannot forget what happened under the previous Labor government, when we saw over 1,200 people drown at sea, and when 8,000 children were placed in detention. There were significant human tragedies, so we cannot allow people smugglers to go back to the market and say come to Australia. We have a special arrangement with the New Zealand government according to which their citizens can live and work in Australia. Even today we have some 700,000 New Zealanders living here. By sending detainees from Nauru to New Zealand, allows a back door entry into Australia and so the people smugglers can get back to their evil work.

On the issues of overhauling citizenship laws by increasing the general residence requirements from one year to four years, and on introducing a standalone English proficiency test

We need to make sure that there is a full understanding and appreciation of what Australian citizenship means. Prospective citizens need to understand that Australian values mean that we maintain the rule of law, the value of our

democracy, the acceptance of equality between men and women, and to accept people of who they are. We also believe that some level of English is appropriate so migrants can participate in normal daily life activities in Australia. Having that degree of English is necessary to be involved in Australian life.

On the blow up of the backlog for processing citizenship applications from 23,000 in 2014 to 210,000 in 2018 (the average processing time is now sixteen months)

Firstly, the number of applicants for citizenship has increased by 177% from 2010, so that means our resources are stretched. Also, there are still some boat arrivals who we are processing - they have limited documentation with them which means more time is being spent on their applications. And for overall security issues, we need to make sure we do the right diligence before we welcome anyone as an Australian citizen.

On the destabilising issues within the Liberal Party and why people should vote for it at the next election

The Liberal government has delivered great outcomes. In 2017, more jobs were created in Australia than ever before. Free trade agreements were signed with Japan, China and Korea, which is very beneficial to our farmers. Our party has invested in education and health and we have been very successful in managing our economy very well. We have kept Australia safe and along with our economic management, on national security, we have a very strong record.

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WHAT’S ON

FESTIVAL

Swaminarayan Mandir Diwali

Sat 3 Nov (3.00pm - 9.00pm) Diwali at Shree Swaminarayan Temple Melbourne 69 Wadhurst Drive, Wantirna South. Highlights include food and variety stalls, kids’ zone, stage performances. Details Atulbhai 0424 679 713.

Wyndham Diwali

Sat 3 Nov (Midday - 10.00pm) Presidents Park, Wyndham Vale. Details www.wyndhamdiwali.com

Diwali cruise

Sat 3 Nov, Sat 10 Nov (7.00pm - 11.30pm) Oorja Entertainment organises Diwali on a Victoria Star cruise. The cruise will depart from Dock 14, Central Pier, 161 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands. Highlights include music, food, photo shoot, separate kids’ area and entertainment. Details oorjaentertainment.com

Hume Diwali

Sat 3 Nov (1:00pm - 9:00pm)

Multicultural Festival Group organises Diwali at Anzac Park, Aitken Boulevard, Craigieburn. Highlights include carnival rides, market stalls, food stalls, henna tattoos, live DJ, stage performances and much more. Details email humediwali@gmail.com

Diwali & Bandi Chhor Divas

Celebrations

Sat 3 Nov (3.00pm - 11.00pm)

Hosted by Khalsa Education Society, this Diwali festival will be on at the Galada Community Centre, 10A Forum Way, Epping. Experience a whole showcase of Sikh culture, music and heritage. With free vegetarian food on offer, this will be served all day, and everyone is welcome to attend. Details khalsaeducation.com.au

AIII Diwali

Sun 4 Nov (11:30am - 9:30pm) Dr

RnB Entertainment organises the 17th

AIII Diwali at Springers Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough, 17th. Highlights include 10 hours of non-stop entertainment, DJ music, dance performance, singing, stand-up comedy, lucky draws with exciting prizes, camel ride, kids’

rides, food stalls, henna, jewellery, clothing & fashion stalls exclusive fashion show, fireworks at 8:30 pm. Details 0411 429 598 or email drrnbentertainment@gmail.com

Dandenong Diwali

Sun 4 Nov (10:00am - 4:00pm)

Foodie Trails presents Diwali at Dandenong Market, Dandenong. Highlights include dance performances by Kathak dance by Sanchita Abrol, Sri Lankan traditional and folk dancing by Vishver Rangayathanaya, Cathy Lee Danceworks, Bharathanatyanjali School of Dance, Bollydazzlers and Bhangra Regiment Melbourne. Also featuring free henna hand art and free sari wrapping. Details www. foodietrails.com.au

Cardinia Diwali Festival 2018

Sat 10 Nov (5.30pm - 10.00pm)

Indian Association Cardinia Casey presents Diwali at Gumbuya World, 2705 Princes Hwy, Tynong

Footscray Diwali

Sun 11 Nov (Midday - 9:00pm)

Indian Cultural Association of Victoria presents Diwali at Footscray Park. Highlights include Bollywood dancing, cultural performances, children’s entertainment, traditional Indian clothing and jewellery stalls and yummy food. Plus, a spectacular fireworks display to finish off. Details www.footscraydiwali.com.au

Diwali at Bunjil Place

Sun 11 Nov (12 midday - 9.00pm)

Foodie Trails presents Diwali at Bunjil Place, 2 Patrick NE Dr, Narre Warren. Highlights include performances by Ragas Institute, Bollydazzlers

Dancetroupe, Jana Garjana Dhol Pathak, Masala Bhangra, Shezwan SOS, Tiya Dance Troupe & Academy Melbourne, Ranjhe. Also featuring Indian handicrafts, henna, sari wrapping, and plenty of Diwali food. Details www.foodietrails.com.au

SPIRITUAL

Lecture series

Thu 1 Nov - Sat 4 Nov The Vedic Society of Victoria’s main event this year is a series of lectures by Sri Gopalavallidasar at the Scholastica

Centre in Bennetswood. Details Geeta Sarathy 0417 924 365.

MISC

Mental support group

Fri 2 Nov (2.00pm - 4.30pm) The Indian community mental health support carers group provides an opportunity for participants to connect with others who have similar experiences and gain strength and emotional support. At Yarra Plenty Regional Library, 394 Plenty Road, Mill Park. Details 1300 554 660.

Rockers Rajyotsava Cup

Celebration 2018

Sat 3 Nov (6.00pm - 10:30pm)

Rockers Cricket Club hosts Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations with cultural programs, food, kids’ games and many more fun filled events. Venue 37-53 Dolphin St, Aspendale. Details Yogesh 0432 725 743

Prapancha Telugu Sahithi

Sadassu

3-4 Nov Telugu Association of Australia Inc presents Telugu event at Glen Waverley Community Centre 700 Waverley Road Glen Waverley. Details Sreeni Katta 0413 398 940 or email president@taai.net.au

Seminar on Employment Rights

Sat 17 Nov (10:30am - 1:30pm)

Ever felt like your job pays less than it should? Ever been mistreated at work or told to do something that felt unsafe? Looking for work but don’t know what pay and conditions you should be offered? Find out what your workplace rights are at this seminar, organised by Shirdi Sai Sansthan Melbourne Inc. in collaboration with the Migrant Workers Centre. There will also be an immigration lawyer who will present on visa issues and pathways. Venue 32 Halley Avenue, Camberwell. Details shirdisai.net.au

Indian Professional in Victoria (IPV) A not-for-profit, membershipbased and member-owned association that aims to train and support Indian professionals and entrepreneurs through workshops, seminars, webinars and mentoring programs. Membership details www. ipv.org.au

Haadu Baa Kogile

Melbourne’s first ever Kannada musical event held every last Saturday of the month. All welcome. Organised by Ankura Music School. Details 0432 192 424 or haadubaakogile@gmail.com

ENTERTAINMENT

Nikhil Chinappa

2 Nov (9.30pm onwards)

DJ night with Nikhil Chinappa and Nawed Khan at Seven Club, 52 Albert Rd, South Melbourne. Details 0401 101 661

FUNDRAISER

The Great Australian Curry Challenge

The Great Australian Curry is Opportunity International’s annual fundraising campaign where families across Australia are invited to cook a curry, share it with friends and raise funds to help families journey out of poverty. Opportunity uses the funds to provide families in India, Indonesia and the Philippines with small loans to build businesses, earn regular incomes, educate their children and break the cycle of poverty in which their families have been trapped for generations. Opportunity’s microfinance lending partners are assisting 5.8 million families in predominantly rural and remote areas by providing financial inclusion and support, including loans of a few hundred dollars each, to work their way out of poverty.

To get involved, head to www.au.opportunity.org and set up a fund-raising page. Invite your friends, family or colleagues along to enjoy your curry and show their support by donating through your fundraising page. You can share a spice night at home, host a curry cook-off at work or let the professionals do their thing by heading out to enjoy a curry at a restaurant.

To

What I know about Diwali

The only thing I know is that it’s a Hindu festival. Natalie Moshegov, Sydney

Diwali seems like a beautiful festival with all those lights. I have never been to India, but if I ever had the chance to, I would love to be a part of the festival and experience the culture.

Karen

Wang, Sydney

Diwali is celebrated by decorating homes with lamps and candles, bursting of fireworks and sparklers. You eat plenty of sweets, pray to your gods and goddesses, wear new clothes, and send wishes to loved ones. Victor Chan, Melbourne

I don’t know very much about Diwali. I know that it’s a special celebration in Indian culture that goes for a number of days. People exchange gifts and eat lots of delicious food. It seems like a wonderful time to share with family and friends.  Kate Romeo, Sydney

Ok, I know nothing about it but my mum says “It’s an Indian festival, a celebration, but unfortunately I do not know what or how it is celebrated.” Maxine Feldman, Sydney

Diwali for me means a delicious feast of Indian cuisine. Diwali for you, probably means exchanging gifts with friends and family?

Daniel Chen,

Melbourne

For me Diwali is a spiritual celebration of what’s good in the world, appreciating the light within no matter what your creed or colour. My knowledge if it’s origins isn’t so great. I think it comes from lighting lamps upon Rama’s return from exile in the Forrest. An ancient celebration of happiness that is wonderful I’m is still going strong!  Grahak Cunningham, Perth

I believe it is a very traditional festival of India, and involves a lot of special activities with family and friends. It is so warm and welcoming with all those lights and colours and food and fun!

Mary Hammer, Adelaide

I know it is a very important Hindu cultural celebration. I googled it, and now I know why the family across the road have every light on in the house once a year.

Penny Pavlakis,

Sydney

I have heard of it. It is a Hindu Festival. Is it to do with colours? Lorraine Moolman, Perth

As far as I know it’s the Festival of Lights. In South Africa, Indians celebrating this would light little clay containers with oil and wick. There were also lots of tremendously tasty Indian sweets offered!

Janine Holgate, Sydney

I’ve been to a few Diwali celebrations, both in Australia and overseas and it’s been a magical and joyous experience every time! It’s a beautiful celebration of life and good over evil.

Lyndsey Stoney, Perth

I’ve heard of it, but not sure what it is or means.

Georgie Kyrikos, Sydney

Diwali signifies the victory of light over darkness – people celebrating will illuminate their homes with light. Ben Zhang, Melbourne

I love that I get to celebrate Diwali. It’s really nice that the Indian community is so open and inviting. I am looking forward to the food, music, dancing and colours. Donna Nygaard, Adelaide

Diwali is a celebration of life. However, you can say the same about all Indian holidays! Does Bahubali have something to do with this one?

Christopher Vanek, Brisbane

I believe Diwali celebrates religious customs, specifically the rituals and practices partaken to show gratitude and belief

Ben Jackson, Brisbane

I have always been fascinated by Indian celebrations as they are so vibrant and colourful. However until I got to know my Indian neighbours I had no understanding of their significance or true meaning. I now know that Diwali is the Hindu Festival of Lights and symbolises light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.

Kerren Lumsden, Sydney

Diwali is an opportunity for me to engage in the diversity and richness of the Indian culture.

Susie Wilke, Adelaide

It’s the Festival of Lights – similar to the Christian “Christmas” with a focus on family and sharing.  Love the yummy sweets and bright colours as it has a true Festival feel!

Antoinette Mullins, Sydney

COLOURS OF DIWALI

Ariba Omar 8

WINNER 8-12 Yash Mandowara 8

RUNNER-UP 8-12 Gauri Tripathi 9

Aarushi Patangay 8 Hashini Senthilkumar 9

Manoghna Ramagiri 12 Pavani Pathak 10

Ronen Gupta 8

Shirin Agarwal 8 Zalak Bhatt 9

What a fantastic effort by our younger readers! It’s been an overwhelming response to Indian Link’s annual Diwali art contest for kids. We loved each and every artwork that came in. Congratulations to our winners Yash Mandowara and Adwita Guru, who win book vouchers worth $75, and runners-up Gauri Tripathi and Maneet Brar, who win $50 vouchers each. Yash Mandowara’s design will be featured on Indian Link ’s 2018 Diwali card. We hope to see even more colourful designs next year! Wish you all a joyous Diwali.

WINNER 7 AND BELOW Adwita Guru 7

RUNNER-UP 7 AND BELOW Maneet Brar 7

Aisha Anand 7

Zia Bharuchi 7

Jaskeerat Kaur 7 Nikhil Matta 7 Saanvi Patnia 6

Vidhaat Jagadish 5 Saanvi Chaudhary 6 Shreya Vudayagiri 7

Lead Kindly Light

It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.

Aristotle

His high endeavours are an inward light That makes the path before him always bright.

William Wordsworth

See the light in others, and treat them as if that is all you see.

Wayne Dyer

We cannot hold a torch to light another’s path without brightening our own.

Ben Sweetland

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.

Albert Schweitzer

Nothing can dim the light that shines from within.

Maya Angelou

As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence actually liberates others.

Marianne Williamson

Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Photo: Bhumi Mehta

G ET LIT!

Nerdy Diwali: Fun facts about sparklers

Early man may have discovered sparklers by accident when some bamboo leaves may have got thrown into a fire and resulted in a sizzle or explosion.

Sparklers and fireworks were invented by the Chinese in the 6th century.

The skill of creating and setting off fireworks is called pyrotechnics. It’s from the Greek word pyro, “fire,” and techne, “art.”

The “classic” type of sparkler consists of a thin metal rod that has been dipped in a thick batter of slowburning combustible material and allowed to dry.

Chemistry: Sparklers are made from metallic fuel (including aluminium, magnesium, iron, titanium and ferrotitanium).

Sparkler burns can land you in hospital.

At first fireworks were only orange and white. In the Middle Ages new colours were achieved by adding different salts. For example, barium burns green, while calcium creates orange. Blue is known for being the most difficult colour to create, from copper. There still isn’t a full-proof chemistry to make bright blue. However, red, green, orange and white are very easy to produce.

A sparkler reaches a temperature of up to 2,000°C, which is 20 times the boiling point of water. To put that in context, iron out of the ground can melt at around 1510°C and steel often melts at around 1370°C.

Three sparklers burning together generate the same heat as a blow-torch

Sparklers remain too hot to touch for several minutes after they have gone out and will therefore still cause burns.

Light one at a time.

Put burnt sparklers in a bucket of water.

Fireworks came first, not weapons. Since gunpowder is linked with fireworks, many people may think fireworks were created from weapon ingredients, when actually it is the other way around.

Sparkler bombs are constructed by binding together as many as 300 sparklers with tape, leaving one extended to use as a fuse.

The resulting blast can approach the power of a stick of dynamite. These devices have caused deaths – they can also be ignited accidentally by heat or friction.

Many firework sounds are created on purpose. The sizzling, booms or screaming sounds that accompany certain fireworks are created using elements like organic salts, aluminum or titanium powder.

Sparklers can be used to make funny pictures. All you need is a totally dark setting, a sparkler to draw with and a camera recording a long exposure.

You can learn how to make your own sparklers from science websites.

A safer (better?) alternative could be to use glow sticks and glow necklaces which are non-toxic and can also last for up to 8 hours.

If sparklers can be dangerous, why do they use them on birthday cakes and at weddings?

FedUni students travel to India for knowledge sharing

Trip to northern India is eye-opener for engineering students

BY NEHA PANDEY

Students from Federation University Australia (FedUni) have received a grant to travel to India over the next two years as part of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Mobility Grants.

A sum of $55,000 has been provided for twenty students to undertake an educational experience there.

The first group of seven students travelled to two collaborative universities in Jaipur and Chandigarh in India, recently.

The FedUni students were accompanied by Dr Harpreet Singh Kandra from the University’s School of Science, Engineering and Information Technology. This is the first time that engineering students have travelled to India under a DFAT Mobility Grant.

“This was a fantastic experience for our students. The course is designed to help students sit under one roof to learn and share the knowledge and expertise available in the areas of water management,” Dr Kandra said.

The advanced engineering course on ‘Management of Water Resources’ at Amity University and Chitkara University involved site visits, guest lectures and group assessments to enhance knowledge sharing, according to the lecturer of Water Engineering.

“Both India and Australia struggle with the effects of climate change, such as floods and drought-like conditions, so it is important that we share the knowledge and experience between the two countries, which will have solutions to various environmental problems,” Dr Kandra added. He applied to DFAT on behalf of his students to ‘internationalise the curriculum’ so that students get to learn a different perspective and solution.

Hayden McArthur, a final year student at FedUni, said the grant enabled the students to experience the cultures and traditions of Delhi, Jaipur and Chandigarh and create friendship and networks with other universities.

“The university course we’re studying has brought together different technologies and approaches from two countries to highlight the good work that has already been done,” he added.

Dr Kandra came to Australia from Chandigarh in 2008, on securing a Fellowship. He completed his PhD in Water Management from Monash University in 2014 and has been associated with FedUni since.

Both Dr Kandra and his students believe that these educational trips must be encouraged. Apart from building a network with peers, these trips are an eye-opener. The students are shaken out of their comfort zones, and learn to appreciate what they already have.

“We do take a lot of things for granted in Australia,” Patrick Kennedy, another student who travelled to India, told Indian Link. “India has many water related problems like water pollution, little access to clean drinking water, and so on. That was a big learning for us.”

A big takeaway, he revealed, was the relevance of the topic in the Indian context.

He added that he was impressed with his Indian peers who were well aware of

the issues and had much to share about strategies for solutions.

Patrick felt this trip was a study of many contrasts. “For instance, the baseline knowledge of Indian students when it came to resolving say mathematical questions, was higher than ours. But they enjoyed the way our lecturers taught in a more collaborative way,” he informed.

The other major outcome for the students was the chance to increase intercultural understanding. Both groups developed soft skills to be able to communicate better with their peers. Being patient and accepting, understanding each other’s dialects and style of functioning, was a bonus for these students.

Visits to the markets, both in Jaipur and Chandigarh, will remain memorable, especially as it gave the students opportunities to shop and enjoy some spicy street food, as well as observe the society up close.

“There was a huge social contrast we observed in these cities. Both cities had huge slums on the one hand, and swanky shopping malls like the Chandstone Shopping Centre on the other, with brands like Marks & Spencer and Zara,” Patrick remarked.

He added that his group preferred bargaining at old city markets to shopping at the malls.

The Australian students also saw historical sites, temples, and cultural theme parks on their India trip.

Earlier this year, nine students studied a course on Hydraulics and Hydrology with Dr Kandra at the Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China. This was also funded by the DFAT New Colombo Plan.

“This program is a fantastic opportunity for our students to develop a greater understanding of international challenges and undertake collaborative learning with students studying equivalent topics in our partner universities,” Professor Steve Wilcox, Deputy Dean, School of Science, Engineering and Information Technology, said.

Under the 2019 round, DFAT is providing approximately $28.7 million to support 2019 student mobility projects, as per its website.

The New Colombo Plan Mobility Program provides funding to Australian universities and consortia to support Australian undergraduate students to participate in semester-based or short-term study, internships, mentorships, practicums and research in 40 host locations across the Indo-Pacific region. Undergraduates, usually aged 18 to 28, can travel for one week to two years in the host location, depending on the grant allowed. For instance, DFAT usually gives $2,500 per student for one week of travel.

The next batch of 13 students from FedUni will travel to India in OctoberNovember 2019.

At Chandigarh’s Chitkara University

Water structure at Jaipur

Interacting with Indian students

The cricketers have to wear white, but not us! So let us dazzle the crowds on Day 3 of every Test Match by turning out in our best saris, sherwanis and kurtas! The best dressed will win fantastic prizes!

Mirrors and angles

Flashes of brilliance at Kaleidoscope, a community theatre group workshop

BY PREETI JABBAL

The dynamic interaction between emotional experience and imaginative creativity was explored recently through Natyadarpan’s Kaleidoscope.

In their latest theatrical offer the Melbourne-based community artist group had invited the audience to fall in love all over again, and they did.

The collective presentation of freshers and experienced actors that was held at Kew Court House recently, delivered some dynamic storytelling and a rich theatre experience.

The actors were encouraged to utilise techniques that trigger, sculpt and layer the elements of their characters, finding new perspectives on scripted material, and they did not disappoint

Suman Chaudhary uniquely used the medium of traditional classical Indian dance Bharatanatyam to enact the short script for Vitamin D.

Expressive and nuanced, Suman’s body and voice lamented modern lifestyles where children and adult are no longer in tune with nature. She expressed her sadness at gizmos and gadgets taking over the simple pleasure of a walk or run outdoors.

Young Piyush Arora loudly gave voice to Ghutan, the suffocation of an artist, trapped, unable to liberate emotional, physical and creative blocks. Stuck in a rut he struggles to escape and give wings to his dreams.

Piyush wrote his own script while Minal Khairnar Burkule and Vipin chose to enact scripts written by Mandar Vaidya and Vipin Gaindhar titled Kashmakash, a virtual reality.

Hem Tiwary in Kalaakar ki ghutan (suffocation of an artist), Prajakta Kale’s Aaj ki Sita (modern day Sita) and Ankush Jindal and Anamika Sharma in Hamare

jaisi hi (One of us) addressed social issues in a constructive way.

The performances were a great blend of passion and process not just as a creative output but an educational experience. The artists’ attempt was to access and trigger truthful emotions quickly and the audience proved receptive to their craft.

The show continued with Seema Gupta’s hysterically charged act Mein Kahan Surakshit Hoon (Where should I feel safe?) followed by Anamika Sharma’s very confident performance on Also Ran. Both were adept at adding depth to their character and complexity to their performances.

Not all artists had the ability to hold a room on their own, however, they were able to invest in their passion and uplift their commitment to their craft.

According to Mandar Vaidya, the brain behind Naytadarpan, this community-based

organisation, through its activities, strives to project reflections of life experiences in a theatrical form.

Mandar, who is an alumnus of Mumbai’s Prithvi theatre, migrated to Melbourne in 2002. Since then he has acted and directed in over 30 plays in English, Hindi and Marathi languages.

As a not-for-profit organisation Natyadarpan conducts acting workshops and presents dramas regularly to Melbourne audiences.

This year’s Kaleidoscope was no bells and whistles. It was just simple storytelling capturing the essence and complexity of what it means to be humans.

With Kaleidoscope

Natyadarpan’s purpose of bringing diverse artist under the same roof to explore, educate and entertain was well and truly served.

The fruits of a lifelong pursuit of excellence and untiring discipline were on display at the Melbourne Theatre Company recently, where Padma Shri Madhavi Mudgal performed her first ever show in Melbourne.

Internationally acclaimed Odissi exponent, teacher and choreographer, Madhavi has exerted a profound influence in this Indian classical dance genre.

Numerous awards and honours have come her way, including the President of India’s award of Padma Shri, Central and the Orissa State Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, the Sanskriti Award, the Grande Medaille de la Ville by the city of Paris, Delhi State’s Parishad Samman, and the Nritya Choodamani among many.

Madhavi is the prime disciple of the great Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra who was revered for his great contribution and prominent role in the revival of Odissi dance.

Odissi dance dates back to the 2nd century

Passion and precision

Odissi doyenne in her first ever Melbourne performance

BC however after experiencing a peak in between the 12 and 16th centuries AD, it was revived again in the early 1950s. Odissi Indian classical dance is an artistically beautiful way to unfold the untold tales of ancient times. Traditional Odissi dancers find inspiration in myths that transcend ordinary human life. Madhavi’s choreography presented both richly narrative and purely technical aspects of the dance form through mellifluous gestures and strong footwork.

Weaving a story through rhythm and movement, the dancers captivated the audience with their characterisations. A pining Radha, a playful Krishna or a cupid spring was enacted with limpid gestural clarity.

The show, titled Arpan (‘offering’), was held over two days and the program included various items of the Odissi repertoire. The beautifully choreographed dances by Madhavi had the poetry of sculptural lines, lucidity and spiritual resonance.

On both days the recital kicked off with a slower paced and reverential piece, Mangalacharan, suitably setting the invocative tone for an auspicious beginning.

Solos and duos by Madhavi and her disciples Sam Goraya and Shalakha Rai dominated the second half of the show Shalakha who has been learning Odissi since she was 9 years old, displayed sculptural muscularity with a tranquillity that contrasted with the springy exuberance of her feet.

Sam Goraya, who was instrumental in bringing his guru Madhavi Mudgal to Australia, matched Shalakha with vigour and versatility.

Their performance was a fantastic showcase of what expert dancers can achieve with just a minute change in facial expression or a subtle shift in posture.

Sam who is a dedicated and passionate Odissi dancer always wanted Australians to experience the virtuosity of Madhavi’s art. Along with his partner Zlatko Varenina he

coordinated her visit and performances in Adelaide, Melbourne and New Zealand.

According to Sam, the proceeds from the shows will be utilised to help underprivileged artists in India and encourage artistic exchange between local and Indian artists.

According to special guest Srini Srinivasan, former Victorian Multicultural Commissioner, the collaboration between acclaimed Indian Odissi dancer and Australian artists not only promotes multiculturalism, it fosters harmony through dance.

VMC Commissioner Sam Almaliki and Labor Party member for St Albans MP Natalie Suleyman were among those present to support the talented artists.

The final piece of this special event was based on Moksha, the ultimate aim of human endeavour to merge with the absolute. It ended with a benedictory chant from the Vedas. Towards the end, the continuous applause from the mesmerised audience was well deserved.

Preeti Jabbal

Left: Madhavi Mudgal

Top: Sam Goraya and Shalakha Rai

Above: Madhavi and Shalakha

Photos: Ravinder Singh Jabbal

Thinkers and Linkers

PETRA O’NEILL

While dining at my favourite Indian restaurant in Sydney, I’d always read the latest issue of Indian Link that was delivered there. My daughter said to me one day “Mum, why don’t you write for Indian Link.” So I did.  I always wanted to be a travel writer and it was Rajni who gave me the opportunity to publish my work. Years later, back at the same restaurant, I watched as one of the customers slowly turned the pages of the new issue, taking it all in. It was with enormous pride that I saw him reach the article I’d written. He paused, then flicked the pages to the movie reviews.

Congratulations, Pawan and Rajni, for all that you do.  to keep writing.

and Indian Link was the outcome of a casual phone call by my husband to find out if I could write for them. All these years later, as a loyal Indian Linker, I continue to do just that. Not to mention, roping in every member of my family (including my visiting mother) to also contribute. Along the way, I have had the opportunity to delve into so many personal stories, encounter so many unique individuals and forge so many interesting connections. Always aspiring for perfection, Indian Link’s stellar achievement mirrors that of the community it proudly represents

PREETI JABBAL

My association with Indian Link is over 15 years old, and I am often asked: Why? Why do I want to stay up late in the night working on stories after a full-on day at my regular job, when I can get a healthy sleep instead? Why do I spend some weeknights and weekends attending events when I can relax and watch Netflix instead? Why do I continue to work for Indian Link when I already have a full-time job?

product that is designed to connect the Australian and Indian communities.

My years with Indian Link have been exciting, challenging and fulfilling and on their 25th anniversary I wish to thank them for the wonderful association that has enriched my life.

JYOTI SHANKAR

USHA ARVIND

Congratulations Rajni and Pawan. May you grow stronger and achieve many more milestones.

For me, it’s a relationship that began nearly two decades ago and one that has shaped my Australian identity. My association with Rajni, Pawan

SHAFEEN MUSTAQ

As a contributor to Indian Link for over a decade, I am in equal parts proud and inspired by the growth and journey of the Indian Link family and brand. Since my very first contribution, Rajni and Pawan have been supportive and encouraging of contributions that were diverse, thought provoking, funny and/or serious. In addition to providing my eclectic writing a platform, the Indian Link family also provided me opportunities – the most memorable of which was the chance to not only meet but also interview Rani Mukerji when she came to Sydney. Thank you Indian Link and congratulations on this significant milestone. I look forward to continuing this journey with you.

My response is, why not? Why should I not want to be associated with one of the most prestigious, multiple award winning Indian magazines in Australia? Why should I not attend events and learn so much with every experience, get quality updates on what’s going on within our Indian Australian community, get better entertained and connected? Why should I not work with the best team led by people like Rajni and Pawan who I respect enormously? They say the path to progress is when your passion becomes your work, and in this case it is an entire publication/media unit led, driven and fuelled by passion. People and professionals who are dedicated to the dissemination of news, views and analysis with creativity. A dynamic media that thrives on caring for and sharing with the diaspora. A quality

MOHAN DHALL

Being of part North Indian heritage I have always celebrated the best of Indian culture in my own life. Of relevance to my calling in education, scholarship is a valued part of Indian culture. That I contribute to Indian Link to the conversation around education, parenting, schooling and the like, makes me feel like I may be able to help families navigate the complexities of education as they raise their children. As scholarship is highly valued, sometimes we can forget about the child and focus too much on their performance or how well they achieve. Indian Link provides an opportunity to bring insight into how valuing effort over outcomes will achieve the same results without estranging our children from themselves.

In this way my association with Indian Link means that we can together discuss what we truly value in the pursuit of scholarship within our communities

Congratulations on your 25th anniversary, Indian Link! Great to be part of this publication that brings us closer to India and Australia. The professionalism and love that Rajni and Pawan impart to this free magazine’s publication is commendable. They work tirelessly each fortnight to get yet another issue out on time.

Being a writer for Indian Link has been an important part of my life in Australia. It gives me a voice to reach out to the community and tell stories of people I meet along my life journey – amazing stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things, as well as stories of amazing people visiting Sydney such as Vandana Shiva, Atul Gawande and Madhu Trehan. It feels nice to be introduced, “Meet Jyoti. She writes for Indian Link”.

Once an Indian Link writer, you never cease to disconnect from the mindset. Wherever in the world you travel, you see the Australian-Indian links everywhere. I email Rajni excitedly, “Can I write about this”? These chance ‘stories’,  triggered by such encounters are my favourite - an Australian who painted portraits of patients in a hospital in Kerala, a Salman Khan poster in Shanghai, a Daler Mehndi song in an Aboriginal performance in Sydney.

Telling stories, they say, is an art. And 25 years on, we can say without a doubt that our writers have created for us a canvas that’s as full of colour as it is of substance. This issue, our valued contributors weigh in on their long-standing association with the publication, and what it has meant to them.

VINAYA RAI

The year was 2001. A friend called me from Sydney to say she liked my poem in Indian Link. “What?!” I was flabbergasted. “What poem? I haven’t sent anything to Indian Link. It must be someone else’s.” “No, I’m sure it is yours,” she said. So off we went as soon as we could to get a copy of the paper, and lo and behold, there it was! A few poetic lines that were part of another bit of work! I called up the editor immediately, very indignant that they had published something without my permission. But Rajni Luthra was ever so nice saying they had actually been trying to locate me as they had liked my original work (in a multicultural radio play). They had hoped that this exact thing would happen. That they would ‘find’ me after I saw the issue. Rajni convinced me to start writing for Indian Link and I did. I stopped some time later due to lack of time, but started again a few years ago.

I feel very privileged to share my views - and Adelaide news - on Indian Link whenever I can. And very grateful to Rajni Luthra for encouraging and pushing me to keep writing.

Congratulations on the occasion of your Silver Jubilee. It is no mean achievement to run a news magazine covering the interests of a wide-ranging community, more so in a foreign country. In a span of 25 years you have already stacked your trophy cupboard with a number of awards. I wish you another 25 successful years.

SANDIP HOR

Congratulations to Indian Link for its 25 years of continued existence, linking the Indian diaspora in Australia with a variety of local and international news and features, ranging from politics, current affairs, business, finance and community matters to sports, food, cinema, entertainment and travel.

ANEETA MENON

Being part of the Indian Link family means having the privilege to write for a truly independent news outlet. This is something that young journos both yearn for and find near impossible in Australia’s extraordinarily concentrated media landscape. The success of Indian Link is surely credited to the quality of its content and the integrity of its editors in their pursuit to report, represent and celebrate the world around us.

RITAM MITRA

My involvement with Indian Link began in 2009 - to capture, in the furtherance of my own self-interest more than anything, the emotion of my last days at high school. But it quickly became clear that this was not to be a brief dalliance.

Over the years, it is the variety and calibre of people I’ve been fortunate to meet that has made my time with the paper truly remarkable. From interviewing sporting royalty in my first year as a member of the accredited cricket media, to speaking with prominent chefs, inventors, an aspiring astronaut and internationally renowned photographers, my experience has been a wealth of diversity at every stage.

In many ways, diversity is what makes Indian Link so special; its focus on quality content, creative storytelling and its willingness to embrace new media sets it apart from other community papers.

In fact, the high editorial standards – and the team’s innate sixth sense of what will make a good story – has seen the paper edge out even mainstream media outlets at marquee awards functions. Having been part of the family for nearly a decade now, I have no doubt there will be decades more. Happy 25th to us!

As a travel writer, I feel extremely proud to be part of this successful team. My journey began in 2010 when a travel feature of mine on Dubai -›The World in a City›hit the printer for the August-2 edition. Since then I have been regularly contributing to this award-winning fortnightly and hope to continue until my pen dries. My writings here connect me with the Indian diaspora in Australia. It’s a big joy for me when I meet someone for the first time, and they say they know me through my writings in the Indian Link

During my time I have witnessed many changes with the publication and surely all for the better, such as print version frequency changing to fortnightly, digital platform expanding, social media strengthening, content becoming trendier, format remaining consistent, paper quality improving and much more. All of this has been possible because of a strong and talented professional team behind the scene which works tirelessly to bring out every edition on time.

publications of Australia. I was losing hope of ever getting printed and it was a massive shock since I had enjoyed significant success as a freelance writer before migrating to the lucky country. Indian Link gave me a chance to write again and lifted me when I was almost giving up. My confidence in my abilities as a writer was restored, and with the publication of that first article on sun safety, it became a part of my life that I will always treasure. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed immense support from Rajni and the rest of the team. I’ve covered varied topics in my articles, interviewed some interesting characters and felt the adrenaline as I met tight deadlines. Even though I’ve embarked on a new journey recently, Indian Link is never far from my heart and I always look forward to writing a piece or two as soon as I get the opportunity. Thank you Indian Link, for being my literary family to whom I will always be connected, and to whom I’m forever indebted. Power to you and success!

some of those over-the-top ideas. But no matter what the answer is, it is always fair and perfectly aligned to the team’s vision. I believe it is this clarity of her vision that keeps Indian Link a champion in its field. Over these years, I have developed a strong sense of bonding with her. Of late, Rajni made a passing comment, “I know how your mind works”. Such a profound comment, it refuses to leave my thoughts even after a few weeks’ time. An editor with the ability to read the mind of the writer – isn’t that the best thing to ever happen in a media house? I wish you never lose this adeptness. March on, Indian Link, to a future well above and beyond these 25 years!

FARZANA AHMAD

Indian Link will always hold a very special place in my heart. I joined the list of contributors in 2007 after having a sour experience with one of the biggest national

EMIE ROY

Of all these 25 long years Indian Link has been active amongst the Indian-Australians, my association is rather short yet most fulfilling. I am just a 5-year-old Indian Linker with only 31 articles behind me. However, what these five years and a few thousands of printed words have taught me, is way beyond these numbers. I have observed the team pioneering a dream –bringing the Indian community in Australia together, while fostering its assimilation with the mainstream society. The second generation is always welcome to join the party too - several innovative initiatives await them.

On a personal level, the team at Indian Link empowered me to voice my opinions. The space and comfort my editor, Rajni Luthra, provides me is ineffable. Always open to new ideas, she has given ears to many of my late evening calls. It may not always be ‘yes’ to

YOGENDRA BHATNAGAR

Congratulations to the Indian Link for completing 25 years of success in providing yeoman’s service to the vast Indian community in Australia! Only a dedicated team bonded with passion and devotion, can cross such a long journey and continue to outshine others in business and become the number one Indian newspaper in Australia.

Indian Link has become a shining example for serving the community with unbiased, quality, selfless and dedicated services. With your commitment and sincerity, you have time and again proved your worth and have been decorated with much-deserved accolades, awards and fame.

I take pride in saying that I was one of those fortunate people to have been with this great institution since its inception. Indian Link has worked against all the odds that occurred in these 25 years to make what seemed impossible, possible!  I extend my heartiest felicitations to the team for reaching this Silver Jubilee milestone.

May you continue to reach greater heights in the years to come and continue to strengthen the bond between the two truly great democratic and multicultural nations of the world.

LP AYER

MATRIMONIALS

SEEKING GROOMS

Australian-born Indian, resembles Deepika Padukone, seeks handsome tall Indian Christian boy with good job and character. She works as teacher with a six-figure salary in Sydney. Email pauline.phillips@liquorandgaming.nsw. gov.au

Seeking professionally qualified match for Brahmin, vegetarian girl born in 1985, and working as a doctor in Sydney. The family are well settled in Sydney and prefer boy with Australian citizenship or PR. Please contact aussyd08@gmail.com

SEEKING BRIDES

Indian Christian Protestant parents, seek a suitable match for their 38-yearold son, software engineer, born and brought up in Australia. Seeking protestant girl between 28-34 years. Email: sammy5073@gmail.com Mob: 0403 836 360

Seeking 25-30-yr-old Hindu/Punjabi girl from Australia for our 31 year old Specialist Doctor son 5’9”, born and brought up in Sydney. Please respond gupta_rsr@hotmail. com or call 0414 282 510.Match for boy aged 26, Telugu Brahmin family. Master’s degree IT, 5’10”. Working in Sydney, parents well educated and

settled in Sydney. Seeking Indian girl brought up in Australia aged 22-25 degree, qualified, fair, slim and at least 5’3”, working, able to drive. Call 0425 224 614 or email umarajaj.matrimony@ gmail.com

Seeking professionally qualified settled match for Sydney based, never married Australian Citizen, Hindu, Punjabi Khatri 44, 6’, athletic built boy. He is project manager with engineering background and is working in a private organisation.  Please send details with photo - Indsyd2016@gmail.com

Professional match for North Indian boy, 33, 5’11”, Chartered Accountant, Australian citizen & working as a Manager with an MNC bank in Sydney. Family settled in Sydney for 25 years. Girl should be Hindu, 25 to 31, Australian citizen, and Sydney based. Please send photos & details to: sanjdeep6@gmail.com

A 43-year-old, issueless divorcee, 5’5”, PR holder, non-smoker, non-drinker, spiritual, Bihari, Hindu, Srivastava Kayastha working in one of the biggest IT companies of world, seeks an Indian girl willing to relocate to Sydney. Caste, language, state no bar. Ph 0415 063 532

Australian citizen, university educated Indian man, early 50s, working in a government organisation. Contact 0406 688 262, email tamavu@hotmail.com.au

Guilt-free Diwali

Indulge your sweet tooth, but with these oats-based recipes by GAURAV MASAND for a healthier Diwali this year

OATS LADDOO

Atta ke laddoo or pinnis are rich and tasty sweet treats. They are one of the easiest of preparations when you want something sweet yet healthy. Oats laddoo is our Aussie take on it.

Ingredients

2 cup oats, powdered using a mixer

½ cup ghee

¾ cup nuts

3/4 cup desiccated coconut

3/4 cup powdered sugar

Method

Heat a pan and dry roast oatmeal for 10 mins on low flame or until rawness disappears.

OATS DHOKLA

Ingredients

1 cup oats

½ cup semolina

½ cup yogurt

½ cup water

1 tbsp ginger-chilli paste

1-1/4 tsp eno fruit salt

½ tsp sugar

Salt as per taste

For tempering

2 tbsp oil

1 tsp mustard seeds

1-2 slit green chillies

Handful of curry leaves

Keep stirring to avoid burning. Then add ghee along with nuts and desiccated coconut.

Mix well for a few minutes, then turn off the heat.

Add powdered sugar and mix it all well.

Make equal sized laddoos or balls out of it before the mixture cools off. Store in an airtight container.

OATS CHIKKI

Chikki or brittle is a traditional Indian recipe which is an essential at Diwali. It is made in many variants with coconut, peanuts and even with chana dal (split bengal gram). Here we make it with oats, nuts and dried berries. You can also make a vegan version by using olive oil. For best results, cook the jaggery until it turns brittle as mentioned below in the recipe.

Ingredients

1 cup oats

½ cup nuts (almonds, walnuts), chopped

¼ cup dry berries (eg blueberry, goji berry)

1 ¼ cup jaggery

1 tbsp ghee or clarified butter

1 tsp cardamom powde

Method

Dry roast oats for 10 mins on low flame, then keep aside. In a pan, add ghee and jaggery; mix on low flame and stir for 10 mins.

In bowl of water, add a drop of hot jaggery to check if it is brittle. If not, cook further for a few minutes and retry the same process.

Add cardamom, oats, nuts and mix well. Switch off flame, add the berries. Spread mix on baking paper or a greased tray. Press evenly using a rolling pin.

Draw desired incisions using a knife. Allow to cool, and then break along the incisions. Store in an air tight dry jar.

Method

Dry roast oats for 10-15 mins on a low flame and then grind into a coarse powder, keep aside.

Dry roast semolina for 10 mins on low flame, keep aside.

Mix all ingredients into a smooth batter except eno fruit salt.

Grease a dhokla pan (or bowl) with oil.

Add eno fruit salt to batter and mix well.

Pour the batter into thegreased bowl.

Steam for 15-20 mins or until cooked.

Allow to cool, cut into pieces.

Tempering

Heat oil and add mustard seeds, curry leaves and chillies.

Spread this mixture on the steamed dhokla

Serve hot with chutney.

cineTALK

Section 18C

A protection we cannot afford to lose

BAAZAAR

DIRECTOR: Gauravv K. Chawla

STARRING: Saif Ali Khan, Rohan Mehra, Radhika Apte, Chitrangda Singh

I can’t recall a single notable (or even non-notable) Indian film based on the plunging dips and giddying highs of the stock market. Do you remember Harshad Mehta? How could you forget the podgy stockbroker who made thousands of Indians rich overnight and then it all ended in a financial mess in no time at all?

Saif Ali Khan’s Shakun Kothari’s destiny run on the same lines. Except that Saif as the wily ruthless

Machiavellian stockbroker is everything that Harshad Mehta would have wanted to be. This is Saif’s most gloriously written and performed part, meaty witty and wicked. He chews into it exposing a sacred hunger that I didn’t notice in his last over-hyped outing.

Saif as Shakun is a true-blue Gujju who won’t let neo-affluence corrupt his cultural integrity. He slips into Gujjufications with the unrehearsed cuteness of tycoon, who has long ceased to be cute to everyone, including his own wife and children.

When debutant Rohan Mehra enters the plot as Rizwan there is no Shakun Kothari around. We know Rizwan idolizes Shakun and wants to be like

PLAYING THE MARKET

Australians value freedom of expression but laws against hate

A flourishing society also requires more than just freedom of speech; it requires security, stability, a just legal system and a vibrant economy.

the mentor and the protegee together. Saif and the very fine and confident debutant Rohan Mehra just don’t have enough scenes together. In fact Rohan builds a better bond with Saif’s screenwife Chitrangda Singh in just one scene where the teary-eyed protegee tells his mentor’s wife that sometimes you just need to give the one you love a tight slap. The written word seldom gets to be conveyed with such unvarnished directness in commercial Hindi cinema where everyone either talks florid or over-casual.

That is why freedom of speech is not absolute. In this country, it is criminal to disclose secrets which risk the lives of Australian soldiers. It is likewise a crime for a corporate executive to disclose market sensitive information to his mates. The law protects us from slander and protects privileged comments made to our lawyers.

In Baazaar the emotions are tightly reined-in as caustic vitriolic conversations are let loose with not a care about who’s eavesdropping.

However, the treatment of the Aboriginal peoples in this country stands as a chilling reminder that tolerance has not always been embraced. The Cronulla riots similarly reminds us how quickly what we have achieved can be put at risk.

The proposed amendments to Racial Discrimination Act were put forward on the basis that the current wording of Section 18C inappropriately constrains our freedom of speech.

him - a very dangerous ambition to have. And who knows this better than Rizwan’s wife Chitrangda Singh, who in a role severely conscripted by the plot’s bristling sinewiness, manages to find her redemptive moment in the grand finale.

There is no redemption for Shakun. He is showman a ball of fire hurling down an abyss, and enjoying every moment of it. The film takes great pride in being clued into the inside workings of the stock market. Yet it never lets the tone of know-all self-congratulation come in the way of telling us the story of ‘When Shakun Met Rohan’.

That section makes it unlawful to do an act in public which “is reasonably likely… to offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate another person or a group of people” if “the act is done because of the race, colour or national or ethnic origin of the other person”.

My quibble with the rivetting script (Nikhil Advani, Parvez Sheikh, Aseem Arora) is that it takes its time in bringing

There is no doubt that freedom of speech is important but it is important because of the role it plays in our democracy. Freedom of speech ensures that when you or I go to the ballot box we can make an informed decision about who to vote for.

As a society, we recognise that these restrictions do not hurt our democracy or way of life. Indeed, we understand that they are necessary to maintain it. And laws against hate speech are no less necessary, because racism and bigotry tear at the heart of our social fabric.

My favourite line, and the one that says it all about Shakun Kothari, is the one in the run-down Gujarati bhojanalaiya. “You think I come here because I love the food? No, the food is terrible! But it helps me never forget where I came from.”

The brilliance of the line is never forgotten in a morality tale that never pushes its righteousness into our face. In fact I suspect the very assured debutant director Gauravv K. Chawla actually enjoys his grey protagonist’s amorality.

Saif’s blustering warmth keeps Shakun Kothari from falling apart even when the stakes are heavily weighed against him.

Racism and bigotry leave people feeling exiled in their own home. They do not improve the quality of public debate nor do they assist the wise completion of a ballot paper. They are insidious because they attack a person because of their identity; their heritage. They imply that a person is inferior because of who they are. They are hurtful, divisive and can lead to individuals and entire communities feeling unwanted, unvalued and second-class.

While some of the other supporting performances just don’t match upthe ever-brilliant Manish Choudhary struggles in an underwritten role; Radhika Apte as Rizwan’s go-getting colleague makes space for herself. In a way she tokenizes the film’s morality. In today’s times you have to push your way into attention.

As a society, we recognise that restrictions on free speech do not hurt our democracy or way of life. Indeed, we understand they are necessary to maintain it. And laws against hate speech are no less necessary, because racism and bigotry tear at the heart of our social fabric

Know Thyself as Soul

Comments today can also revive memories of past wrongs. Unfortunately, few ethnic groups have been spared the pain of racially justified persecution. Examples such as slavery in the United States and the Holocaust are well known. In recent times, the world has seen genocides in Rwanda and Bosnia, while today in North Korea persecution is justified by racial supremacy.

You are a soul of a permanent unchangeable nature, and if you would live as a soul, you would never be affected or changed by outer changes.

Freedom of speech is necessary so that as a community, we can debate political ideas and so that individuals can have a say on decisions that affect them.

Section 18C ensures that everyone has a role to play in that debate.

-Sant Baljit Singh

Nurture your spiritual life through meditation on the inner Light (Jyoti) and Sound (Naad) and realise your true self. All events are free. for further information 1800 462 193 www.knowthyself.org

Together, we have built a vibrant, rich and diverse society. A society not focused on the differences between us, but founded on the strengths our differences afford us. Section 18C stands, not as a threat to freedom of speech, but as a protector of the purposes which that freedom serves, and as a guard to an achievement exceptional in this time and rare in times before.

Matt Kean is the Member for Hornsby and Parliamentary Secretary for Communities.

Sant Baljit Singh

A flourishing society requires more than just freedom of speech; it requires security, stability, a just legal system and a vibrant economy

Subhash K. Jha

NOVEMBER 2018 BY MINAL KHONA

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

ARIES

March 21 - April 19

The key is balance: this month, you should learn to balance material and spiritual prosperity, as one without the other can make life difficult. A destiny card drawn for you indicates that if issues regarding old friends, health, money, business or habits resurface, it is time to test you and check your growth. You will be able to turn a negative situation around, even though there could be anxiety or confusion. Stress can cause an old health issue to surface again.

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20

TAROT

GEMINI

May 21 - June 20

A new beginning, mostly creative, is on the anvil. You might decide to use a hitherto untapped skill or talent to monetise a hobby. A financially rewarding trip lifts up your spirits, and resolving of conflicts in a relationship is foretold: you might even take it to the next level. A cleansing detox will improve your health and productivity on all fronts. Success comes through innovative ideas and revival of a business or property. Do something different and act on alternatives.

VIRGO Aug 23 - Sep 22

Media, arts, communication, money, new projects and a person with a Gemini type of temperament make up this month for Leos. An impasse in romance is annoying. You might associate with some influential and powerful people who will help you. Paperwork keeps you occupied and travel for business is successful. In demand as always at work, you impress your seniors. Health improves and financial transactions are very successful. A new project based on your past work is likely to come up.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov 22 - Dec 21

A new love could sweep you off your feet though this month has many anxious stressful moments. Strong emotions rule and a marriage could go on the rocks. Good news on the career front is indicated and delayed payments add to the stress. But, the situation is temporary and there is light at the end of the tunnel. Think with your head and not your heart for any challenge. Have faith in your capabilities and persevere towards achieving your goal.

This month calls for sacrifice from Virgos, and along with letting go, letting it be might be an option till things improve. If in a relationship, pent up resentment can create feelings of alienation or make matters worse. You might have to give up on a much desired outcome in your personal life, but business will be good. Take care of your eyes. Finances are tight, so be prudent with expenses. The future worries you but you will overcome all challenges.

CAPRICORN

Dec 22 - Jan 19

If you are at the start of a romance, chances are it will fizzle out even though it has come into your life quite unexpectedly. Some news that will shed new light on your present outlook or financial status will come as a relief. Finances increase, and conditions improve. Avoid being too rigid about anything - you might even look at a new line of work. Minor health issues might arise: is a dentist visit due, or a regular health scan?

LIBRA

Sep 23 - Oct 22

A Taurean personality trait like stubbornness could overshadow your usual easy going demeanour. You might want to break away from a painful relationship but you are hoping things will improve. Be patient, because they will. Don’t let emotional problems impact your work. Creative projects bring satisfaction and might even bring a new start on the work front. Success comes through hard work, gradual development and a few lucky breaks that can turn precarious events into new potential.

AQUARIUS

Jan 20 - Feb 18

November calls for adjustments in thought and attitude. You might experience anxiety or frustration due to circumstances. Someone younger might try to win your affection. Cooperation on the personal and professional front is on the cards. Success is assured, especially on the work front and matters of financial settlements. Take a much needed break and do something you enjoy. Even a workshop that enhances skills will help you succeed. Negative conditions come to an end as a renewal is round the corner.

A busy month where you focus on work, spiritual ideas and the desire to expand your horizons. A happy surprise is in the offing. As self-protection, you might put on the façade of being indifferent, but your heart longs for a meaningful connection. A new approach to work makes it lucrative. Health will need attention, and stop worrying about money as gains are indicated. Change is in the air and pursue intellectual hobbies till things settle down. Let things be for a while.

CANCER

June 21 - July 20

A pause in your progress causes anxiety and you re-evaluate your life’s goals. Disappointment in love convinces you to go it alone. Your attitude of indifference stems from a deep rooted depression and a feeling of hopelessness. Anxiety and nervous exhaustion could make you visit the doctor if you are not careful. Things might look bad but they are actually going to improve. You might buy something expensive for yourself. You have what it takes, just be patient

SCORPIO

Oct 23 - Nov 21

A month of abundance as you are presented with promising enterprises or investment potential. To seek help from someone difficult, try diplomacy instead of intimidation. Travel for work is indicated. You are in a positive upbeat mood so make the most of it. An attitude of gratitude brings more of the good stuff into your life. Debts get cleared and money comes in from multiple sources. The key to solving problems sometimes, is to stop thinking about them.

PISCES

Feb 19 - March 20

Pay attention to your work front and focus on improving yourself or your image. A loner might attract you but be careful, it could be someone who is already married. A chance encounter brings unexpected gains and promotion or success at work increases your determination to do better. An estranged ex might try to win you back. Profits increase for the self-employed and a new business idea is in the offing. Don’t sell yourself short if you are not convinced, however. Proceed methodically.

The BUZZ

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

CALLING YOUNG SCRIPTWRITERS

If you’ve got a film script you’ve been nurturing quietly while you work away in the week as an accountant/marketing consultant/IT nerd, here’s your chance.

Celebrated filmmaker and screenplay writers Raju Hirani, Juhi Chaturvedi and Anjum Rajabali have invited young scriptwriters to be a part of a ‘Cinestaan India’s Storytellers Script Contest’.

This will be the second edition of the contest announced by Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan.

“Last year when we announced the Cinestaan India’s storytellers script contest, it was an attempt to give an opportunity to budding writers. We hope that through this contest, we are able to reach out to all those who want an opportunity to write a film script,” said Aamir Khan.

The contest follows a transparent process of accepting only those entries that are registered either with the Screen Writers Association (SWA) or with any other organisation where registration is considered valid.

Rajabali, who is also the jury chairperson, said, “We are currently shortlisting the scripts from the first edition. The winners will be announced before the year-end.”

The Sanju filmmaker, while sharing the details of the contest said, “This is a wonderful opportunity for writers and I am happy to be a part of the second edition of the contest.”

Think you have what it takes?

MIRZAPUR SET TO SEE A GLORIOUS BLOODBATH

From the look of its trailer, Mirzapur - Amazon’s new bust-or-boom series - promises a fusillade of flamboyant fights and bloodshed.

First things first. It feels reassuring and comforting to see the very gifted Pankaj Tripathi finally taking centrestage. He was plainly riveting as the Shakespearean mafia don in Shankar Raman’s Gurgaon. He returns to play a restless crime lord with a problematic son in Mirzapur

It’s a world that perhaps Francis Ford Coppola or Martin Scorcese would approve of. There is sly deceit and tormenting treachery as Tripathy’s Kaleen Bhai (he deals in carpets) tries to control his wild son, played by that extraordinarily credible actor Divyendu Sharma, last seen stealing every scene from Shahid Kapoor in Batti Gul Meter Chalu

Divyendu is the Sonny Corleone of this sanguine saga of internecine wars. The dollops of aggression and trippy retribution are served up with a dash of humorous relish.

Ali Fazal has bulked up and trimmed his hair to look menacing, and the super-talented Vikrant Massey looks positively mousy as his sibling. These two brothers promise to turn the rugged terrain of Mirzapur into an area of a subverted Mahabharat.

The series is splattered with superb actors. Rasika Dugal turns up as Pankaj Tripathi’s sex-starved wife reminding him that he always leaves her unfulfilled.

Well, we won’t come away from the series with that feeling.

SHORTER CONTENT: YAY OR NAY?

A gradual increase in demand for shorter content, on digital platforms, seems to be creeping in. So says director Tariq Naved Siddiqui, who has just released his short film The Playboy Mr. Sawhney

“Audiences these days have smaller attention spans so the consumption of shorter content has increased over the last few years, especially, among the younger generation,” he said.

The film debuted at the Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films in late October. The 25-minute project boasts a huge star cast, including Jackie Shroff in the lead role, Arjan Bajwa, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Divya Dutta, Neetu Chandra, Manjari Fadnis, Pitobash, Samir Kochhar and Sudhir Mishra.

Perhaps that’s why Siddiqui calls it the “Sholay of short films”.

Or is it because the long form continues to exert its magic, despite what the film-makers say?

“I haven’t seen a short film till now which has such a huge star cast. We have also shot it like a feature film.” Point proven! “Star cast” and “shooting like a feature film” still define the worth of a film till it hits the screens.

But Siddiqui makes a quick comeback. “It doesn’t matter what’s the duration of your film. Now what matters is the subject of your film and how it will impact the audience.” O-kay….

TAKE A KAAGAZ KI KASHTI IN NOV

No prizes for guessing who this upcoming film is based on. Kaagaz Ki Kashti which traces the life of legendary ghazal singer and composer late Jagjit Singh, will release on 2 November.

Born Jagmohan Singh in Rajasthan and belonging to a Punjabi Sikh family, Jagjit Singh left an indelible mark in the world of music with his treasury of ghazals, many of them sung jointly with his wife Chitra Singh.

The duo, credited with the revival of and popularising ghazals, also composed music for several Bollywood films including Arth, Saath Saath, Sajda and Prem Geet

During his musical career starting 1961 till his demise, Jagjit Singh released some 80 ghazal albums which are popular to this day. He passed away on October 10, 2011.

Kaagaz Ki Kashti is an evocative film of not just Jagjit Singh’s life, but also of the monumental legacy he has left behind. The film includes in-depth conversations with friends, family, colleagues and archival footage.

RICHA CHADHA, BELLY DANCER

Actress Richa Chadha is working on her belly dancing skills for a special promotional song for a biopic on south Indian glamour actress Shakeela.

Richa plays the titular role in the movie, directed by Indrajit Lankesh. She is training under the guidance of Mumbai-based belly dancing instructor Shaina Lebana.

Richa has been taking lessons from

SUREKHA SIKRI

Shaina for the past three weeks and will be training for some more weeks. “I have always loved learning newer forms of dance,” Richa said in a statement. “Belly dancing is not only very attractive and graceful but is also a very tough dance form to learn.”

This is not the first time Richa has attempted the dance form. She took lessons three years ago, so she seems to be drawn to it somehow.

AAMIR KHAN IN CHINA

You know how they love him in China. Now Aamir Khan wants to make movies there.

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan met a top official from China’s film regulator in Beijing recently to discuss cooperation between India and China in making films.

Khan said that he would like to share his filmmaking experiences with industry colleagues from China, seek inspiration and create more excellent works.

His sentiment was echoed by the professionals he met, who hoped that China and India could strengthen cultural exchanges and cooperation, share excellent films, carry out indepth cooperation in making films and encourage filmmakers of both sides to produce more quality films.

Can’t wait to see what comes out of this.

NEW ROLES FOR OLDER WOMEN

Older women are invisible in the entertainment industry? Think again. Surekha Sikri is enjoying her time in the spotlight all over again, at 73.

Even after some 40 years, the sprightly Surekha has no plan to slow down, and says she has no desire to retire either.

And why should she?

She is currently seeing much love coming her way after her portrayal of the nagging grandma in the surprise hit Badhaai Ho

She chuckles when asked about retirement. “Retirement? Hello, I don’t even know that word. What does it mean?”

She adds, “That’s a very oldfashioned English concept, that you do something and then you retireand mostly it applies to government servants. Fortunately, I am a freelancer; I can just go on and on.”

Surekha made her debut in 1978 with political drama Kissa Kursi Ka, and created a name for herself by working in films, theatre and television.

She is credited for projects like Tamas, Mammo, Sarfarosh, Zubeidaa, Jo Bole So Nihaal and Humko Deewana Kar Gaye

But of course she is best known as

KANGANA

The National Film Award-winning actress says there are interesting roles being written for senior actors these days.

“The whole (scene) has changed. You could never think of making a full movie with older characters like Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor in 102 Not Out. They were the main characters of the film. I think there are far more chances for people like me who belong to a certain category, image wise.”

Here, she praised director Amit Ravindernath for taking an unusual subject with Badhaai Ho a film about a man whose mother becomes pregnant.

“There’s a whole heap of interesting directors and interesting script-writers in present-day Bollywood. They are tackling all kinds of subjects and I think it is a very exciting time for any actor to be in the industry right now,” she added.

After Badhaai Ho, Surekha has several projects lined up.

ON TWITTER THIS WEEK

Match the following stars to the tweet they made:

Twinkle Khanna, Aamir Khan, Deepika, Kajol

1,200 weeks and still running! Thank you all for all the love that you have been showering on ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ for so many years! It was, it is and will always be an incredibly special film for all of us.

We thank you for all the love you have showered upon us over the years and seek your blessings as we embark on this incredible journey of love, loyalty, friendship and togetherness

‘Once we hit forty, women only have about four taste buds left: one for vodka, one for wine, one for cheese, and one for chocolate.’

Here come the Thugs! It’s a big day for all of us. Missing Yash ji. Wish he was here with us. I hope that TOH will make your Diwali a fun and enjoyable ride!

Dadisa from Balika Vadhu

JAGJIT SINGH

AAMIR KHAN

RICHA CHADHA

It’s beginning to look a lot like Diwali

Exams, jacaranda rangolis… and macaroons for mithai: Diwali traditions at MALLIKA MATHUR’s place

It’s jacaranda season. The purple flowers are sprouting, and they look just beautiful from afar. Up close and on the ground, they crumple and crinkle and get stuck on the soles of my shoes, and stress me out somewhat.

Then again, perhaps the stress comes from the fact that exams are looming, at this time of the year. The old wives’ tale at my university is that “if you haven’t begun studying by the time the jacarandas are blooming, you’re in trouble!”

The jacarandas also remind me of another thing: that Diwali is round the corner.

So I celebrate the Festival of Light under my desk lamp bulb.

Because we have a giant jacaranda tree in our backyard, the purple beauty used to feature in our family rangolis a

lot. This rangoli would be made with flowers gathered from the garden (ours, as well as a few that spilled over the fence from the neighbours). It was outlined with leaves from the garden, only the ones that had fallen on the ground, though.

Since the admission of a fourlegged furry family member, we have been unable to do rangoli successfully. The dog sees rangoli as a garden that has been brought in purely for her leisure.

“Beta (my child),” mum says to her, “I love you very much but if you eat and walk through my flower rangoli again I will eat and walk through your bed… how would you like that?”

Even with this floral reminder that Diwali is upon us, my parents will remain acutely unaware of the fact that they

have traditionally forgotten to organise their social plans until the festive day is less than two sleeps away.

“Oh gosh, is it really on Friday? Work has been crazy this week.... Call the Kumars and see if they want to come over.”

“No, they organised their Diwali plans months ago. Let’s see if the Singhs are free.”

“We can’t call them, they are not talking to the Jains.”

“Let’s call the Jains then?”

“The Jains are going to the Kumars’ event.”

When the day does arrive, mum will spend “three hours of the day” cleaning and setting up her makeshift temple on the long telephone table. Our puja (worship) needs to be done at a height, so as to avoid the dog walking all over it.

So this means mum will clear the table of the phones, phone chargers, keys, opal cards, receipts, important mail and all other functional household items, and put them away safely where no one will be able to locate them for two weeks after.

Diwali at my place means we are going to lose our library cards, documents and USBs, which have made way for framed effigies and silver statuettes whose foreheads are defaced by years’ worth of vermillon.

Yet there could be many not-so-traditional twists during Diwali at my place. One year we swapped mithai for western fare.

Ganesh got a bite of chocolate macaroon, Lakshmi enjoyed a bite of raspberry macaroon and Vishnu was lucky enough to score a bite of pistachio and

Exam time: Desk lamp Diwali

lemon macaroon.

When we were kids we used to preserve the number candles from our birthday cakes, to light at Diwali as ‘our special candles’. I think now though, that that was because there could be no other use for a partly used 7 or 8 shaped candle. One year we also got to buy our own novelty candles from the bargain shops: the parents were not impressed when my brother brought out his skull candle and thong candle.

I am looking forward to this year’s Diwali though. It will be the first in many years where I do not have exams to keep me away from the celebrations.

I am almost as excited as the creators of those WhatsApp greeting pictures that will soon cause the world’s internet to come to a standstill.

Artist’s Impression

Artist’s Impression

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