2019-02 Brisbane

Vikram Madan,

PUBLISHER

Pawan Luthra

EDITOR

Rajni Anand Luthra

SOCIAL MEDIA

Neha Malude

MELBOURNE COORDINATOR

Preeti Jabbal

CONTRIBUTORS

Jyoti

The honour code and beyond

BY PAWAN LUTHRA

An entrepreneur I admire a lot is marketing expert Seth Godin.

In a recent post, Seth wrote about the honour code:

released their findings which indicated their view that there is no honour in financial services. They have tabled 76 recommendations which will challenge key aspects of banking, superannuation and financial advice.

That the industry had failed to selfregulate and had to be dragged kicking and screaming to confront facts, was clear to all.

Talk to friends, talk to professionals, form an investment club and discuss Telstra shares over your tandoori chicken (or your samosas) – learn about it all so you are informed enough to take a rational decision. In today’s world of technology and access to information, it’s not really that hard, as long as there is an open mind.

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Does introducing an honour code presume that the people involved have honour, or is it designed to create a space where honour can develop?

An honour code: The simple expectation that we trust you, that you call your own fouls, that you act honourably even if you think no one is watching…

As we think about implementing this, we need to decide between, “people are so dishonourable, it makes no sense to trust them” and, “the only way to help people become more honourable is to trust them.”

To trust people, to raise the bar, to insist on people finding their best selves.

Because that’s the best way to make things better.

The Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry recently

The inquiry into the misconduct in the financial services also highlighted the exploitation of the vulnerable by those in position of power. Now, it is up to the authorities to implement the recommendations, while being mindful that there are a vast number of professionals who do create value for clients on a professional basis.

But how does this all affect you?

When the spotlight is on financial management, it is also an opportune time to analyse your approach to planning your own finances. It may be worth spending some time to initially educate yourself on the various financial issues which you come across on a regular basis - superannuation, how the tax system works, what is negative gearing, what are the different forms of investments, what are various costs involved in investing etc.

More importantly, ensure that both partners are involved in this education so there is a person to bounce ideas off. Over time, even the younger generation can be involved in these family discussions.

As migrants to a new country, our journey is always going to be precarious as we establish ourselves professionally and personally. The demands on cash flow can be strong as assets need to be created and family responsibilities need to be met. Habits need to be formed to establish strategies enroute to creating wealth for your future.

While the Royal Commission report will spank those who are abusing their power, the ultimate responsibility is upon us ourselves, to ensure that we do not become vulnerable: rather we should aim to become financially literate. With awareness comes power.

Shankar, Uma Nair, Usha Ramanujam Arvind, Vinaya Rai, Gaurav Masand, Minal Khona, Nury Vittachi

YOUR SAY

AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS

Kiran Jassal wrote: Congratulations Jas, truly deserving of this honour Mythili Iyer wrote: Congratulations Dr. Sundar and wishing you all the best for many more awards in future.

Sadu Nambiar wrote: Pleased to read about the Australia Day Honours to members of our community. Among them is Dr Menon Parameswaran from Shepparton VIC. We were good friends for years when he was a post graduate student at the University of Adelaide and later, but we lost touch with time. I’ll send him a nice letter, perhaps a pleasant surprise for him.

Natasha Jha Bhaskar wrote: Saw your Australia Day Honours issue - thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Great work.

WATER WOES

MADELEINE LOVELLE wrote about India’s new role in building a dam in Afghanistan, and how this may affect India’s relationship with Pakistan.

GregS78 wrote: I am very pleased with India in helping Afghanistan hasten its development. Afghanistan needs irrigation. Industrial hemp could be a great cash crop for Afghanistan. It has many uses from food, fabrics, bioplastics, building materials, fodder for livestock, paper, and biofuels. They can run a green economy, 100% sustainable if they learn to process the materials into end products.

INDIAN LINK ON INSTAGRAM

Our stories on Chef’s Hat winning restaurants Manjit’s @ the Wharf and Urban Tadka were shared by Australia Good Food Guide

SPICE ADVENTURES

We are so proud of Indian Link writer Dhanya Samuel, who for the fourth year in a row, was named Aus Good Food Guide’s Top 10 Bloggers in 2019. Check out her award-winning blog ‘The Spice Adventuress’

Rajni Anand Luthra wrote: Congrats Dhanya, so proud!

Neha Malude wrote: Always love your innovative recipes and the beautiful pictures, Dhanya.

SAY IT AGAIN

It's Australia Day and Republic Day in India. The former celebrates the Brits arriving, the latter, finally getting rid of them.

Dan Snow, host of Britain’s Dan Snow's History Hit, on 26 January

Farm loan waivers in India are bad economics and poor politics

Amitendu Palit, Indian economist, speaking at Australia India Institute

Melbourne

MEAT-LACED CURRENCY

We featured a Hindu group’s protest about animal fat being used to make Australian money

Saurabh Mehta wrote: Have nothing better to do?

Varun Goyal wrote: Why would anyone need beef to make currency notes, seriously?

Kapil Vatsa wrote: And if you purchase beef with it, it would it be a beef-to-beef transaction?

Dipanjali Rao wrote: How about respecting cows and not consuming dairy, dear NRI Hindus?

Anu Krishnan wrote: Dear NRI (Universal Society of Hinduism) Member, let’s start by respecting all animals: say no to leather seats in cars, leather furniture at home, leather clothing, shoes and sundry items, goose feather quilts, unethically sourced soap, and most important, let’s stop feeding cows all types of human food in the interest of improving personal fortune.

Vijay Bongale wrote: Are you for real? Doesn’t humanity come before religious beliefs?

Al Saran wrote: (This is) pure lunacy.

WHERE IN AUSTRALIA

We shared a pic of this unusual natural formation. Readers Yogesh Kasnia, Betty Jager, Amritpal Singh, Saba Nabi and Deepak Vincent correctly identified it as Wave Rock, Western Australia

Words which constantly crop up in Indian newspapers to my constant surprise and delight: rascal, tiff, hitherto, tizzy, jibe, chit… Stephen Dziedzic, Foriegn Affairs reporter for the ABC

CAPTION CONTEST

What’s the chitchat between Narendra Modi and Ranveer Singh here?

Vaarun Malhotra wrote: Ab ki baar fir Modi sarkar.

Jatiner Pal wrote: Aadat se majboor.

Haniyur Sampangiramaiah Subbaramaiah wrote: Two of the most talented actors of the modern era.

Vijesh Khanna wrote: Ab ki baar Modi sarkar? Bhau, tell me something I don’t know.

Samantha Gray wrote: Together we are salt and pepper.

Rahul Bhasin wrote: Hum dono key achche din khatam.

Yagnesh Rajendran wrote: How’s the josh? Bhau….

Ulhas Bhovar wrote: Election nazdee khain, ab to gadhon ko bhi gale lagana padh raha hai.

Kavita PatelH wrote: Namoveer.

Rajesh Kumar wrote: Modiwood.

Sachin Sharma wrote: We give the best bear’ed hugs.

Khyati Raval wrote: Real life Simba with reel life Simba.

Chitra Iyer wrote: Achche din aa gaye.

WHO WORE IT BETTER?

Alia 71% Tiffany 29%

Why are Indian mums so deeply invested in their children’s education? Because they want their kids to be better than their husbands!

Prof. R Vaidyanathan, Indian Institute of Management Bangalore

I have never been out of Australia. We went to India, Italy and Hong Kong. India was amazing. We had an amazing time in that country. We went to Bengaluru and Delhi. It was so beautiful.

Julie Goodwin, Australian celebrity chef

AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS

STRUGGLE, SUCCESS AND SUCCESSION

Sydney’s PEEYUSH GUPTA, AM

For significant service to business, and to the community, through governance and philanthropic roles

The first things that strike you about Peeyush Gupta are his youthful looks and humility. A few minutes into the conversation, it becomes clear that he is also an excellent listener, his ability to ask strategic questions showing a very intelligent and curious mind at work.

These among other qualities led Peeyush, along with four other partners, to build a well-respected financial advisory and research firm IPAC, and subsequently sell it to AXA for an estimated $200 million.

Along the way, Gupta won industry awards, and served the community in his role as director or trustee of a number of professional, educational and philanthropic institutions, ranging from NAB, LINK, MLC, AMP, SBS, icare, Murdoch Books, Western Sydney University, UNSW Business School and Ascham School.

Here, this extraordinary Indian-Australian tells us about his eventful journey.

Coming to Australia

Dad was in the Indian Foreign Service, so our family lived around the world, moving every three years. We arrived in Canberra on Dec 13, 1975. I completed Years 11 and 12, and was one year through my first university degree when Dad was posted again. I stayed on to finish my degree, and then obtained PR. My brother also came back a few years later to do his uni studies. Dad and Mum returned to Australia to live permanently some 20 years later after Dad had retired.

Due to the nature of Dad’s job, I went to six schools (in London, Kathmandu, Belgrade, Jaipur, Delhi and Canberra) before I graduated from high school. I wanted to be a doctor initially, and got into Medicine at Sydney University, but could not afford to move from Canberra to Sydney as an overseas student (Canberra did not have a medical degree in those days). So I did a degree in Computing Studies instead initially. After one year of work, I went on to do an MBA in finance at UNSW. Later in life, I did senior executive programs at Harvard and London Business Schools. Where

it all started

For some reason, I thought no one would give me a job, so thought I’d have to

start my own firm, which I did with some partners whilst I was doing my MBA. We called the firm IPAC - Investment Planning and Advisory Company. Two of my partners were Sri Lankan by heritage, although one had lived most his life in Australia, the other a lot of his in England.

Our biggest impediment initially was not so much our ethnicity as our youth: the four partners were all in their mid-20s at the time, and inexperienced. However, the quality of our research attracted large corporate clients (eg. the banks and life insurance firms), and we quickly gained a reputation for being thought leaders in the emerging wealth management industry. The credibility of having some of Australia’s largest financial firms as clients of our research, in turn, gave us credibility with other clients, which helped build the business.

Success was not overnight, it took a patient 20 years to build the firm! By luck rather than design, the partners had complementary skills (sales, marketing, operations), similar values, and mutual respect, so the partnership prospered over time.

We sold the business when I was in my early 40s, so I did not need to work for money thereafter. Nonetheless, as IPAC’s journey was not finished, I worked on for another seven years for the multinational firm AXA to whom we had sold our business. When I turned 50, I transitioned from a CEO role to a ‘portfolio’ role, consisting of governance roles.

The challenges and rewards of being on various Boards

Generally, I accept directorships with firms whose mission I am passionate about. Eg, SBS as I believe the role of quality public broadcasters to be fundamental to the sound operation of democracies; Western Sydney University as I believe education is a key pathway for people, especially migrants, to succeed in life, and of course my various roles in the banking and financial services sector, as the effective creation of credit and deployment of investment underpins the economic success of any country.

All jobs have periods which can be

frustrating, and being a Director is no different; however, if you believe in the underlying mission, it gives you the strength to persevere through the difficult times.

Being on the Australia Day Honours List

I felt honoured and grateful. Life is in three phases: Struggle, Success and Succession (or legacy). Being in the legacy phase of my life, I feel the honour recognises the contributions I have made and am seeking to make to the issues which I am passionate about, including the finance industry, education and proper governance and stewardship.

On future plans

My parenting responsibilities are not yet over, and my children are still in high school or university, so supporting them to complete their education and get settled into careers remains an outstanding duty. Professionally, I would like to support each of the firms on whose boards I serve to continue to fulfil their mission and grow.

This includes one of the leading firms in quantum cybersecurity, where I would like to see world-leading Australian technology being successfully commercialised.

Advice to new migrants

Success generally derives from attitude, capability and hard work. Most migrants have the will and the drive to succeed as they have no other fall-back. To that, you need to add some skills or capabilities (generally, but not always, through education). And then hard work, over a period of time. Having integrity, good values, and humility also helps (as luck is often important in success too!). Australia is a wonderful country to live in, and provides the opportunity for all who are prepared to put in to succeed. I believe it is important for all people to make some contribution to whatever community they live in, so I would encourage all migrants to give back in whatever way they can to causes and communities that are important to them.

Pawan Luthra

Pianist, musicologist and record executive Cyrus Meher-Homji has carved a niche for himself in the classical music scene in Australia. He has made outstanding contributions to the record industry and to the advancement of classical music, especially with his own record label Eloquence. He talks to us here about his life in music

What drew you to music, classical in particular?

Growing up in Pune, I was surrounded by classical music. Both my parents enjoyed it and my paternal grandfather had an enviable record collection. He also played the violin (and dealt with the buying and selling of instruments) in his spare time. He was a dentist - staring into people’s mouths wasn’t a profession I was remotely interested in pursuing! – and as an amateur violinist also a very good friend of Mehli Mehta (Zubin’s father). Zubin, although based in Mumbai, would take theory lessons from an Italian violinist, Oddone Savini, who had rented premises on my grandparents’ property in Pune, so classical music had always been in the air. I was passionate about it, even obsessive, and started piano lessons at the age of five. I collected and listened to whatever records I could get my hands on and still vividly remember various aunts who encouraged me and gave me records to listen to. I always knew that classical music had to be a career path, but realising it was, at the time, another thing…

Tell us about your work at Universal Music Australia, and about Eloquence, your record company.

I am General Manager of the Classics & Jazz division at Universal Music Australia. I work extensively with artists and repertoire. I work with my team to market and publicise recordings released by our parent companies – Decca, Deutsche Grammophon, Verve, Blue Note, ABC Classics. I sign artists to the Australian label. Touring artists is a new and growing part of our business.

Eloquence was launched in 1999 to make great classical recordings from the rich archives of Decca and Deutsche Grammophon available to the wider public at reasonable prices. As the label has developed, it has explored the farthest recesses of recording history, unearthing recordings previously only on vinyl (or even shellac) and making them available on CD, and of course, digitally, on download and streaming platforms - many for the first time, internationally. Over 2000 titles have been issued. I’d previously launched a classical music magazine, Soundscapes, in 1993, shortly after graduation. It lasted six

MR ELOQUENCE

Sydney’s CYRUS MEHER-HOMJI, OAM

For service to the performing arts, particularly through music

years, aged me a good twelve (entering the shark-infested waters of publishing, having trained as a pianist and musicologist was another experience!); it became a victim of publishers’ whims, and when it folded, I needed something like it that I could nurture, and Eloquence provided the perfect replacement.

You’ve been a presenter on radio and TV, a teacher, producer, writer and critic. Which role have you enjoyed the most?

I think all these roles feed into each other. At the heart of it is my passion for music and my great will to communicate this to as wide a public as possible. On radio, and now on TV/online with my program Good Listening (SBS and Foxtel) I introduce new classical recordings to the public. My lecturing days at universities in Western Australia, were yet another outlet to share this wonderful world - likewise critically assessing it when I wrote for The Australian and for specialist international magazines. As producer, I want to harness great, new, exciting, different and creative talent - again - so it could be experienced to its fullest. I’m sure that all these activities are linked - the essence of all being communicating the joy and wonderment, the discovery and rediscovery of music. I trained as a pianist, and the discipline that demanded is something that’s been rechannelled into my activities as a record executive today; my lecturing prepared me for public speaking and presentation, essential in my current role; my research and writing helped me develop techniques to delve into the Aladdin’s Cave of recordings from the past and to help revive them and write about them.

How would you advise young Indian-origin Australians regarding a career in the arts? Is it easier now than when you began?

Find your passion and create your own niche. I never went for a traditional job in my career. I started a magazine because there was a gap in the market and it was the perfect way of harnessing the wonderful world I was involved in. That brought me in touch with recording companies around the world, as Soundscapes enjoyed international circulation. You know, there was a wonderful man who was responsible for bringing me to Australia as an eighteenyear-old: Sir Frank Callaway, one of the great men of music in this country.

I remember my parents - like all doting parents, wondering what kind of a living I would earn having chosen a, shall we say, untraditional path - asking him where

he thought I’d end up in order to earn a crust. And he said to them that they needn’t worry. That I’d find my own path and my own channels and somehow turn them into a profession. He was probably right. But you need these guardian angels in your life, someone to guide you and encourage you.

Sir Frank, his successor at the University of Western Australia David Tunley, my piano teacher in Sydney Elizabeth Powell, my loving parents, and presently, our company President George Ash, have all been seminal to the development and evolution of my career. They’ve given me wings and encouraged me to fly - sometimes I might fly too close to the sun, but better that than staying dormant.

Is it more difficult today than it was in my own time? Yes, there is a great deal more competition today, but that’s because there are more platforms and in turn, more opportunity.

Are you involved with the music scene in India at all?

I do know about the wonderful work the Mehli Mehta Foundation under Mehroo Jeejeebhoy does in bringing musicians, orchestras, great artists to India. As a child, we regularly went to recitals (and occasionally orchestral concerts), and it was seminal to my development. I’m glad the tradition has been kept alive. One of my closest musical friends, Roxane Anklesaria, is now one of India’s leading piano teachers. Pianists like Pervez Mody (we shared a piano teacher, Farida Dubash) have carved a wonderful career for themselves. And then, of course, there’s the doyen of all Indian-born classical musicians, Zubin Mehta, whom I regard as a friend, and the reissue of whose magnificent recordings for Decca was one of the first projects I undertook when launching the Eloquence label.

But, of course, the scene has expanded greatly. One of the newest forms of classical music is ‘neo-classical’, blending alternative music with classical, and led by

such composers/performers as Ludovico Einaudi, Joep Beving, Max Richter and Peter Gregson. I think a lot of traditional instrumental Indian classical music could morph or cross-fertilise into this area and it’s something I’d really like to explore. This new genre/movement enjoys links with health, meditation, relaxation, and I can just hear how beautifully Indian instruments could be integrated into this soundworld. Given that so much music discovery is led by mood, this would work perfectly. More traditionally, Anoushka Shankar and Norah Jones, both children of the great Ravi Shankar, are signed to us as part of the Universal Music Group.

What do you hope to achieve with your OAM honour?

When I tell people that I’ve been working for Universal Music Group for nearly 21 years they often gasp in surprise. How can anyone last so long in such a rapidlychanging environment? The answer is that you’re never the same two months ago as you are today. You can’t afford to be. Every month or week, even day, is a new experience for me. New platforms are embracing the styles of music I care about, making it so much more accessible and discoverable. We have moved into the roles of presenters, so that we’re not just making, marketing and distributing records, but also giving the public to see these artists in concert; regional touring in Australia is a very important part of our gambit, as it allows us to take our musicians into areas sometimes bereft of this line of entertainment. We’ve started a classical publishing division to bring composers, new and old, into our family. We’re producing more and more content to demystify, defrost classical music. I am humbled to have been honoured in this way, and hope it might further assist my efforts to completely remove the sometimes self-imposed shackles that western art music finds itself bound by.

Rajni Anand Luthra

Photo: Universal Music Australia

AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS

A FAUJI FERVOUR TO COMMUNITY WORK

Adelaide’s VIKRAM MADAN, OAM

For service to multicultural affairs

Major General Vikram Madan (Retd) has won major awards in his distinguished military career in India, including the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) not once but twice.

However, he says being awarded the OAM in his adopted country feels like an even greater achievement, as it is for his voluntary work in the community.

Vikram Madan had been coming to Australia occasionally to visit his sisters who are settled here. On one such visit in 2006, he met Veena. Within a few months, he had decided that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, and they got married the following year.

Settling down in Adelaide, Vikram closely observed the Indian community around him. It was a time when the Indian community was growing very quickly and there were challenges arising from this. Coming from a

service background in a leadership capacity, and having a passion for community work, Vikram Madan jumped in to become Vice President of the Indian Australian Association of SA (IAASA) in 2008.

He went on to become President. During this time there was a lot of conflict in the wider community due to the sudden, huge influx of migrants and students from India. Unfortunately, there were some violent incidents towards international students and taxi drivers.

In his role as IAASA President, Vikram did some outstanding work to help and support the victims and their families and advocate for quick resolution of the issues.

Seeing his commitment and leadership, the Government appointed him to the Board of SAMEAC (South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission).

As a SAMEAC member for the last eight

years, Vikram has advocated on behalf of all ethnic communities and says he has learnt about the “needs and aspirations of all our multicultural communities, and assisted them as well as Indian organisations to find pathways to settlement.”

Vikram is involved in many other organisations and committees including Multicultural Aged Care where he is the Chairman, Passenger Transport Standards Committee, OzAsia to name only a few. But one of his major achievements, he says are the fundraiser he organised for the Nepal Earthquake where they raised $43,000.

Another achievement he speaks of with much pride, is his success in securing for

Indian defence veterans the right to march in the ANZAC Day Parade in South Australia.

In India, Madan gave 41 years of his life to the Indian Army. In his career he saw action in the Bangladesh war, in Sri Lanka, and during the insurgency operations in India’s north-east. He served eleven years in high altitude postings including Kargil at the India-Pakistan border, and commanded a Division in Punjab/J&K, fighting militancy.

“Community work in a foreign land is full of challenges,” Madan told Indian Link “I could not have done this without the support and encouragement of Veena and my family.”

Vinaya Rai

CARING FOR OUR SENIORS Adelaide’s VIVEK PADMANABHAN, OAM For service to aged welfare

Say the word ‘Padman’ in South Australia, and the thought that comes to mind is Aged Care. And Viv Padman, who started the business, is highly regarded not only for establishing some of the best aged care facilities in the country but also for his involvement in the Aged Care industry at state and national levels.

Viv has been associated with the Australian Aged Care Association continuously since 1983, being a Board Member for many years and then Chairman.

He has also been on several Ministerappointed committees involved in the development of policies and guidelines.

Viv Padmanabhan established Padman Health Care in 1984 with a small facility in Henley Beach. “It was an opportunity to own our own business,” he told Indian Link, “as I felt there were plenty of opportunities for growth.”

And grow they did, not only in size but in quality of care and concern for the welfare of the elderly. Vivek says they wanted to improve standards and “provide the care that we would want for our parents.”

Vivek’s parents moved to East Africa from Kerala as teachers. Following political upheaval in Uganda, the family moved to Adelaide in

1973 when Vivek was 15 years old.

The family got involved in the small Indian community and Vivek’s father became President of the Indian Australian Association of SA (IAASA). It was a great introduction to young Vivek in community work, himself working with association as a young adult. He also supported the Adelaide Malayalee Association (AMMA) too especially in its early years.

He was a regular broadcaster on Indian Community Radio on 103.1FM too.

In the wider community, Vivek was a member on several boards and committees. “All these were in a voluntary capacity,” he says, “which helped me contribute to the needs of the Aged Care Industry to a much greater extent.”

Even though he sounds proud when he speaks of some of the “exciting” facilities he has built, his humility shines when asked what he considers his greatest accomplishment.

“I think to have made a difference to the quality of life of our residents in the last years of their lives, that is what is most important to me.”

“There is a lot of emotion involved when a person has to leave their home. They are quite fragile. We try to make the transition as seamless as possible with exceptional care and comfort.”

Viv Padmanabhan credits his success to his wife Florence’s role in the business. She is Executive Director of Nursing. “Florence was a big part of the business,” he says, “and all credit goes to her for making it so successful.”

Vivek has started a luxury aged care service called Premier Health Care in which his daughters, Reena, a lawyer and Sunita, an oncologist, are also involved.

Vivek’s passion for his work comes through loud and clear when he talks about it.

This latest honour “is very humbling”, he says, “because it is recognition for doing something constructive for the community. This was also my late father’s passion, which he carried out in India, Uganda & Australia.”

Vinaya Rai

THE PRODUCTIVITY OF OUR LANDSCAPES

Shepparton’s MENON PARAMESWARAN, OAM

For service to primary industry

Having just returned from his native Kerala, Dr Menon Parameswaran, agricultural scientist, cannot stop talking about the state of affairs there especially after the devastating floods of August last year.

“Climate change is an important issue to consider in India,” he said to Indian Link. “Floods and drought are increasing in frequency, and the untimely arrival of the monsoon is causing confusion about cropping etc.”

Education is the key, he stressed. “People should be educated about the ramifications of climate change and the conservation of natural resources. The carrot and stick approach should work well in my opinion: give incentives to people, or be strict with polluters.”

“I’m very fond of India,” he hastened to add, “and if I had the power and authority, these are the thigs I would like to do.”

For nearly 50 years in Australia, environmental studies have been Dr Parameswaran’s life.

A top-ranking student at the University of Kerala and Pantnagar University in Nainital, India, he came to Australia in 1971 with a PhD fellowship at the University of Adelaide. His doctoral work on wheat agronomy set new benchmarks in the wheat industry and not only won him much acclaim, but also boosted state yield by 20%.

He then spent many years in research and training in natural resource management at

the University of Melbourne, his skills and expertise leading to contributions in the field of primary industry.

“Notable amongst my contributions was my research with the Jerusalem Artichoke, a tuberous root vegetable like the tapiocca,” Dr Parameswaran described. “I used it to create a fermentable substrate to produce ethanol, to be blended with petrol for use in automotives. It received wide acclaim.”

As well, his research on land and water salinity, irrigation and drainage, and strategies to conserve water (“such a precious resource”) have been published extensively in scientific journals.

So how would he advise India?

“India must step up its use of scientific technology in its primary industry,” he observed. “For instance breed new varieties suited to the environment, instead of using the same varieties everywhere – this will enhance crop yield and productivity. Tamil Nadu seems to be doing this to some extent but in Kerala, my observation is that commercial agriculture is dying out. They seem to be focussed on promoting tourism, while buying food from other states.”

And what could Australia be doing better?

“We need to encourage STEM education. We need more people to take up STEM careers – perhaps from the Indian community, because we come for a land of eminent mathematicians, and so must continue the tradition to the betterment of our adopted country. We must encourage

women especially – I believe in cultural and gender equality. The participation by women in STEM is much lower than expected and this has to change. As regards the quality of maths and science education in this country, the system seems to be geared towards achieving a high score rather than actual learning. And the lack of good teachers is a concern too.”

Having now retired from his academic career, Dr Parameswaran continues to lead an active life with involvement in the community. He sits on the boards of hospitals as well as educational and business institutions such as Shepparton’s Community Health Service, Australian Institute of Agriculture Science and Technology, Australian Institute of Community Practice, Victorian Multicultural Business Advisory Council, and the Adult, Community and Further Education Board. He’s also a great proponent of multiculturalism. “Shepparton is a great

centre for government settlement programs for migrants so there are Afghani, Pakistani, Iranian communities here. I enjoy mingling with them and attending their events, and encourage fellow board members to welcome these people as well.”

It is no wonder that The Sun Herald recently ran a cartoon of him as a ‘man with many ideas’.

About his OAM, Dr Parameswaran remains deeply humble. “It is a great honour. We shouldn’t be working for awardscommit yourself to work of the community, that itself is the award. But without doubt my OAM will be a catalyst to do much in future. Perhaps it is God’s message that other people are looking at my life!”

This Australia Day, Dr Parameswaran will be celebrating not just the OAM honour but another one as well: the Shepparton Australia Day Committee has named him the Citizen of the Year.

Rajni Anand Luthra

TAKING MEDICINE TO THOSE WHO NEED IT MOST

OAM

Respiratory medicine specialist Dr. Maharaj Kishore Tandon took his MBBS (1961) and MD degrees in Agra, India, and then moved to the UK where he underwent specialist MRCP examinations in London and Glasgow. He then came to Melbourne as a guest of the Veteran Affairs Department, where he worked as a respiratory physician, before moving to Perth with his family in 1969. He worked in the Repatriation Hospital until 1994.

Dr Tandon has received an OAM honour this Australia Day, for his community service, particularly those which help provide medical aid to those who are disadvantaged. His professional links have extended across a wide spectrum of institutions in his long career, including Red Cross Australia, Notre Dame University, OXFAM, The Fred Hollows Foundation, Caritas, Wheelchairs for Kids, St Vincent de Paul, World Vision, Doctors Without Borders and Australasian Palliative Link International.

“One of my favourite activities in this regard

was conducting Equal Health medical camps in Tamil Nadu, India for 9 years (20022011), but unfortunately could not continue following a stroke,” Dr Tandon told Indian Link.

He then continued with his passion for serving the underprivileged, by working with Indigenous Australians from rural and remote Australia.

Dr Tandon’s strong humanitarian considerations have led him to believe that the cost of medical care should never be a barrier for those who could benefit from his treatment. Dr Tandon uses Medicare’s bulk-billing as much as possible, which is particularly commendable for a specialist of his calibre and level of expertise.

Dr Tandon is a much loved and regarded member of the Indian community in Perth. He was a founding member of the Indian Society of WA (ISWA) in 1972 before becoming secretary, and has been a patron since 2008. He is currently President of the Catholic Doctor’s Association, and is Chair

for Charity Affairs of the Australian Indian Medical Doctor’s Association which has been growing in influence in recent years.

“I am very honoured to receive this recognition and see it as encouragement and enablement for me to continue serving more deserving members of society,” Dr Tandon said about his latest honour.

His advice to new migrants?

“Do the best you can and you will be rewarded in time.”

Uma Nair

AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS

BEATING PANCREATIC CANCER

Sydney’s JASWINDER SINGH SAMRA, OAM

For service to medicine as a pancreatic specialist

One of Australia’s most experienced pancreatic surgeons Jaswinder Samra has been recognised with Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to medicine. With extensive academic, clinical and research interests in the field of pancreatic cancer, Professor Samra has been associated with Royal North Shore Hospital, North Shore Private, The Mater and Macquarie University Hospitals.

Pancreatic cancer, the tenth most common cancer in adults, is often too advanced at diagnosis and complex to manage clinically, requiring an aggressive multi-disciplinary approach.

His cutting edge work at Royal North Shore’s internationally renowned pancreatic surgery unit has led to some of the highest success rates in NSW.

Additionally, he co-founded the Australian

Pancreatic Centre, combining breadth of knowledge and depth of experience for best possible patient outcomes.

A key collaborator at the Australian Pancreatic Cancer Genome Initiative, Prof Samra is also a member of the Australia and New Zealand Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Association.

“This award pays tribute to the dedication, hard work and insight of the team at the Pancreatic Cancer Centre. I’ve also been blessed in working with esteemed doctors at the Royal North Shore hospital,” Dr Samra told Indian Link

Born in the UK, Dr Samra spent his formative years in Punjab, before returning to UK to complete his schooling and went on to attend Manchester and Oxford Universities.

“My life has taken me across the globe

RETAIL TO RANGBHOOMI

from UK, India and now Australia for the past 22 years,” he fondly reminisced.

“My affiliation to Australia is heartfelt and strong. Both personally and professionally my life in this country has been richly rewarded. I met my wife Brijinder Randhawa here,” he stated.

“Indians in Australia are a small yet dynamic and robust community. I take pride in the contributions we make in all walks of life as Australians,” he added.

Dedicating the award to his late mother Sukhvir Kaur, a remarkable woman who has left a lasting imprint on his life, he believes his upbringing has given him a unique perspective on what it means to be Indian, British and Australian. “I love many things

Melbourne’s MANDAR MADHUSUDAN VAIDYA, OAM

For service to the performing arts

and community,” said Mandar who feels ‘absolutely blessed and honoured’ to receive the OAM for his lifelong passion.

Mandar’s love for theatre began at the age of seven when he started accompanying his mother to her drama rehearsals. He was fascinated by the vibrancy of the sets and started replicating it in his primary school years by creating kids’ versions of the professional plays he saw.

The acting bug continued throughout his school and university days as he frequently produced, acted or directed plays. He considered himself very fortunate to have trained under the renowned Vikram Watve during his formative theatrical years.

began work as a data analyst for Retail.

It was time to get back to his creative pursuits. For nearly a decade he continued to act, direct, sing and dance in many programs with the local Maharashtra Mandal groups.

“It was hard to dedicate so much time consistently; especially directing full length plays,” said Mandar sharing his theatrical journey.

“A play with a run time of 2-3 hours can take on an average 3 months of rehearsals, taking up every weekend from 9 am-5 pm. Dedicating that time to my art, however, offered me great satisfaction. Theatre thus became ‘a part time job’ for my soul,” said Mandar.

about Australia, not least its egalitarian, humour-filled zest for living. I am also proud to be Punjabi. My father Surinder Singh embodies all that I admire of my Sikh heritage,” he noted.

Speaking about his enduring passion in the management of pancreatic cancer patients, Dr Samra acknowledged that the task is enormous.

“It gives me tremendous satisfaction that I have been a part of national and international collaborations to diminish the burden of this disease. There is much more work to be done and I feel immensely privileged to work with outstanding colleagues in this endeavour,” he concluded. Usha

Ramanujam Arvind

Melbourne based retailer and artist Mandar Madhusudan Vaidya has added another accolade to his list of achievements, being awarded with this year’s OAM for service to the performing arts.

Making the rich tradition of Marathi theatre ‘accessible and enjoyable’ to Melbourne audience has been a joyful cultural experience for this performance artist.

“Theatre to me is living in a meditative state of life. It helps to pause and rest my mind within my daily routine of work, family

During his last year in university in 1994, he formed Reaction, a theatre group along with some like-minded artists. Together they produced plays such as Bumbai Ke Kauvve (Hindi), Pratibimba (Hindi and Marathi), Amhi Latike Na Bolu (Marathi).

According to Mandar his group performed 250 plus shows, mainly at the iconic Prithvi Theatre. They did several performances at the Tata National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) theatre and toured Maharashtra and Delhi.

Finishing university with an MBA in Marketing, Mandar migrated to Australia in 2000. In 2002 Mandar took a postgraduate diploma in IT from Swinburne University and

In 2012 he founded the not-for-profit Kalavishkar, where he directed Hindi plays and conducted acting workshops. His wife Manasi and daughter Soumya continued to support him in his endeavours.

In 2015 other theatre enthusiasts joined him and they formed the Natyadarpan Indian Theatre Academy (NITA). Collaboratively they developed their artistic and acting muscles.

Natyadarpan is a community organisation that aims to bring diverse artists under the same roof to project reflections of life experiences in a theatrical form. They conduct acting workshops and present dramas regularly to Melbourne audiences.

“We help developing actors, directors, writers, translators, singers, background music

providers, stage light and sound specialists, promoters and set designers, covering almost every aspect of theatre,” said Mandar.

“I dedicate my award to the 100-plus members of Natyadarpan who have supported our endeavours, volunteered and worked tirelessly to take our theatrical activities to another level,” said Mandar.

“Theatre adds to the rich value system and culture of India and sharing it on one common platform aligns to the Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam or world family,” he continued.

Building a bridge between a community of artists and the broader community, Mandar continues to commit himself to creating theatre that goes beyond our everyday lives.

Preeti Jabbal

PATIENTS, FIRST AND FOREMOST

Sydney’s SUJON KUMAR PURKAYASTHA, OAM

For service to medicine as an obstetrician and gynaecologist

Order of Australia Medal (OAM) recipient, Dr Sujon Kumar Purkayastha’s 40-year stint as an obstetrician and gynaecologist has been demanding and rewarding in equal measure.

“It’s those sacrifices that make receiving this award so satisfying. It means more than what I could adequately express to everyone who has been part of my life, none more so than my wife Aruna, son Shimanto and daughter-in-law Shivangi,” he told Indian Link.

“I am proud, humbled and honoured to be a recipient of OAM. It’s an incredible feeling to be recognised for contribution to their community and country at large. I have lived here for 42 years and three generations of my family are blessed to call this wonderful and beautiful country home. The OAM is a testament to the fact that Australia recognises dedication and honesty,” he added.

Serving the rural communities of Hunter and Goulburn in both public and

private settings, the Shillong-born medical professional, who was trained in India, Australia and the UK, was warmly welcomed by the people of Australia when he first arrived in seventies. He reciprocated by making “a concerted and conscious effort to return to the community, especially in terms of participation and consideration”. Honesty, commitment and dedication have been the cornerstones of his successful medical practice.

He is grateful to the people of Goulburn as well as colleagues and staff at Goulburn Base Hospital for giving him an opportunity to serve them and more importantly for the friendship, fostering a deep sense of belonging. “And of course, all my patients that I had the pleasure of getting to know over the many years I spent in that wonderful part of Australia. Many have expressed pride and happiness and I am glad they can enjoy the award with me,” he continued.

Looking after the individual needs of every patient entrusted to his care to the very best

PRACTISING COMPASSION

"Iwas ecstatic,” Dr. Sundar tells Indian Link, about being informed that he was to be honoured with OAM this year. “I came here as a young practitioner in 1974 - that’s 40 years ago - and worked hard to be where I am today. So it feels absolutely fantastic to receive this recognition.”

Dr. Sundar, 75, was born and raised in Ooty (India), and completed his education in Pondicherry and Delhi. “I was working in Delhi University, researching on cirrhosis of the liver in children. At the time, an Australian professor, Prof McDonald saw my work and invited me to be a resident in Perth’s Princess Margaret Hospital and learn more about the disease in Australia’s Aboriginal as well as other communities.”

Two years later, he moved to Newcastle Hospital and worked as a registrar in paediatrics. Over the years, after having worked across the country - Campbelltown, Liverpool, Kiama and more - Dr. Sundar now practices at Toongabbie at Dr Sundar Family Medical Practice. But how did the change from paediatrics to general practitioner happen? “I wanted to expand my repertoire and I thought I’d get to work with people of all ages, right from birth to old age.”

Dr. Sundar, now a GP for 40 years, also talks about treating diabetes, the most highlyprevalent disease among Indians in Australia.

of his ability has been the key dictum of his professional journey. “It is doubly important that we contribute to the betterment of our country so our grandchildren are the beneficiaries of our efforts,” he concluded.

Dr Purkayastha retired from full time

During his time with Australian Indian Medical Graduate Association (AIMGA), Sundaram worked relentlessly every year to treat members of the Indian community. “I noticed that Indians had high levels of blood sugar, obesity and hypertension. In one case that’s particularly astounding, I found a 9-yearold boy with Type-1 diabetes. That spurred me on to conduct check-ups in different communities every year. I began working with Indians, and then Filipinos.”

He would even sit at the local shopping centre now and then for an hour and offer to do medical check-ups free of cost. “Of course, I didn’t know then that I would receive an award for it,” he laughs. “At the time, I just wanted to do something for the community.”

Dr. Sundar has been part of numerous associations through which he has actively contributed to the society, such as Australia India Medical Graduate Association, the AASHA Foundation, Blacktown Medical Practitioners Association, NSW Indian Welfare Association, United Indian Association and Tamil Manram.

Of these, the UIA and Tamil Manram are especially close to his heart. “As part of Tamil Manram, my wife (Rani) and I started sponsoring the Tamil school. That was 27 years ago and it had only one student. Today we’ve got 300 students. I’m so proud that we were able to sponsor them back then.”

work in 2017 to enjoy the company of his granddaughter Shanaya. He is therefore particularly delighted to share this happiness with her in the years to come.

Usha Ramanujam Arvind

He says about UIA, “It houses so many multicultural groups where people can get together, celebrate festivals together. Our children grow up together, those things are so important.”

So what does the future hold for Dr. Sundar?

“I want to continue my work in diabetes for Indians here. I’d also like to get more involved in counselling for elderly parents who are victims of domestic violence. Another cause that I feel very strongly about is children being exposed to violence through films. It’s very disconcerting to me when I see parents bringing toddlers and young kids to violent movies. I’d like to do something about it.”

Dr. Sundar adds with a smile, “I won’t be retiring. Not any time soon.”

Neha Malude

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I’m a now

JASMIN DAVE

Quakers Hill East Public School, Quakers Hill NSW

“I’m going to make new friends”

ATHARV SINGH

Kororoit Creek Primary School, Caroline Springs VIC

"I love it here Mumma, I don’t want to go home"

ZOE MULLINS

Warrawee Public School, Warrawee NSW

“Mummy, when it’s weekend, am I done with big school?”

AUM

SOLANKI

Seven Hill West Public School, Seven Hills NSW

“My brother and I will go to school together.”

SHANAYA SARDANA

St. Joseph’s Primary School,

AARYAN POULOS

Lady of the Rosary School, Kensington NSW

“I’m going to my sister Kristelle’s school.”

PRIYAL TONGIA

School, Parramatta NSW Sings a song from Playgroup: "Look at me, I am going to school soon!"

Glenelg SA

“I loooove school, I like colouring, my friends and Miss Mason”

SARADHA ASHOKKUMAR

Whitefriars Primary School, Woodville Park SA

“There are two play kitchens in my classroom.”

ANAHAT MARHALA

North Balwyn Primary School, Balwyn North VIC “My veerji (brother) is in the same school.”

HRIDHAAN PRATAP

Harvest Home Primary School, Epping VIC “I’ll see my brother at break time”

SAANVI SHARMA

Quakers Hill Public School, Quakers Hill NSW “I’ll eat all my lunch, Mummy.”

HELI BHATT

Harrisdale Primary School, Harrisdale WA “Mummy picks me up and my

AARYA DALWADI

The Pines Primary School, Parafield Gardens SA “I have my own desk with drawer.”

Sanctuary Lakes VIC “I helped my mum pack my lunch box.”

NAVNEET KAUR

Parklea Public School, Glenwood NSW “I love Parklea Public School.”

PRABHNOOR SINGH

Parklea Public School, Glenwood NSW “I like playing on the swing.”

PESAL CHIDANAND

Lucas Heights Community School, Barden Ridge NSW “I’m a big boy like my brother.”

Westbourne Grammar,

Jennifer Star OAM

Changing lives one child at a time

Two inspirational young women won OAMs this Australia Day for their work in India.

JYOTI SHANKAR reports

Accolades are not new to Jennifer Star. She graduated with First Class Honours from Macquarie University, represented Australia in Judo and achieved a bronze medal in the 2005 Youth Olympics, was named one of Australia’s 100 Brightest Young Minds in 2007 and won the 2012 NSW Young Australian of the Year.

This year she was declared a winner of Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). This last award, bestowed on Australia Day 2019, was given for her contributions to education.

Jennifer’s OAM citation commends her decade and over of work in the education sector supporting teachers to improve the quality of education for children in India, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

Never would have Jennifer imagined when she travelled to India that one day her life would be so involved with education.

She was studying to become an archaeologist, and though her father was a teacher, she herself was not inclined towards teaching. Until India happened. The reality of life in India changed her world view. Simple resources like classrooms, desks and books, taken for granted by students in Australia, were non-existent. Jennifer was appalled at the difference in the educational facilities but realised the exponential impact a single teacher could make on many lives. She returned home to Australia from her travels and decided to train to be a teacher.

Jennifer started Tara Ed in 2008 to improve the quality of education in India by training teachers. Starting with one school, 12 teachers and 400 children, Tara Ed aimed to improve the prospects of 20,000 children, 200 teachers and 20 schools by 2020. Now ten years on, this innovative organisation has trained over 600 teachers across the three countries of India, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, and impacted the lives of 18,200 children.And counting.

Jennifer returned to India after training as a teacher and has been living in New Delhi for the past nine years. She is very much at home in India now, comfortably navigating the cultural diversity of the country.

“I think I am more comfortable in India than Australia!” she declares.

While Tara Ed works predominantly in Maharashtra and Karnataka, Jennifer has also worked in schools in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Delhi.

“As I am based in Delhi, I speak passable Hindi and have a few words of Marathi,

Training teachers in India Jennifer Star, OAM

Bengali and Kannada,” says Jennifer, at ease in the Indian saree and salwar-kameez attire too.

Though a 100% volunteer-based organisation, Tara Ed has been successful because of the passion of volunteer teachers who have over the years put in over 35,000 hours in training local teachers. Its programs bring Australian teachers and pre-service teachers to India on a four-week immersion program in an Indian school. Jennifer explains that over the four-week period, each Australian teacher is paired with an Indian teacher. They collaborate with each other to complete an action research project.

“The collaborative nature of the program means there is great learning for both the Indian and Australian teacher, and the friendship often continues after the actual

program finishes,” Jennifer observes.

“In fact, the Tara.Ed Teacher Tour program often starts a relationship with India that continues throughout their career. Australian teachers have returned to India to travel or volunteer, they teach their students in Australia about India and generally have become great advocates for India and its people,” she adds.

This mentoring model has worked so well that Tara.Ed has now created an online platform to train, support and empower returned refugees in Afghanistan to provide education for the next generation and help rebuild communities. While Australian teachers cannot physically travel to these conflict zones, they volunteer their time online to mentor an Afghani teacher over a period of 6 months. Jennifer is excited about this newest project empowering teachers in war-torn Afghanistan to implement microteaching innovations in the classroom. “So far we have trained 46 teachers, who have gone on to teach 5650 students in Afghanistan who otherwise wouldn't have access to education,” she says with justifiable pride.

Teaching is now the subject of Jennifer’s

PhD, investigating how teacher training and professional learning programs can be improved to develop high quality teachers that can cater to diverse classrooms. “Much of what I learn through my research is channelled back into Tara Ed's teacher training programs to ensure that everything we do is evidence based, best practice,” she says.

Jennifer Star is an inspiration to all around her. Doing good for others on one’s chosen scale, whether it is for one person or for many people thousands of miles away, gives one a contentment that only comes with giving. For Jennifer this has become her life’s mission. Shesays, “There are always challenges that come with running a volunteer organisation, but seeing the kids who benefit makes it worth it!”

Besides education, Judo has been a large part of Jennifer’s life. She retired from international competition in 2012 but says “Judo has followed me wherever I go. I always wanted to find a way to give back to the sport and jumped at the opportunity to teach girls in Delhi. It is often the highlight of my week but I am currently on maternity leave and really miss this aspect of my life.”

Ten years on, Jennifer Star’s Tara Ed has trained over 600 teachers across the three countries of India, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, and impacted the lives of 18,200 children

F"or service to international relations through educational and business initiatives”, reads Hayley Bolding’s citation on being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). This service is rendered through Atma, an organisation that Hayley founded when she was only 22. Reminiscing on her early days, she says, “I went to India to volunteer and see the world. It was meant to be for 6 months and ended up being 9 years.”

Hayley observed the stark realities of schools in Mumbai trying to proffer an education to vulnerable sections of society with little resources. However, instead of being overwhelmed, Hayley used her anger and anguish to channelise her energies to set about creating Atma, an organisation that supports those who support others, namely the educational institutions working at grassroots, to deliver quality education. She saw an urgent need for capacity building across such organisations and instead of reinventing the wheel she decided to be the oil in the wheel that helps it run smoothly over bumpy paths.

Atma’s programs have since supported thousands of children and young adults through school, health and nutrition programs, night schools and kindergartens and a skills centre in Dharavi, Mumbai’s biggest slum. All this and more has been achieved by partnering with over sixty NGOs who impact the lives of over 16,00,000 children. Over 400 volunteers from more than 25 countries have been a part of the Atma Volunteer Program, helping NGOs and enterprises in Mumbai and Pune to grow and achieve more than they could have by themselves alone.

Hayley understands that systemic challenges that face the educational NGOs cannot be dealt with overnight or single-handedly. She surmised that with proper support, these educators could widen their outreach and their impact.

“After all, they are educators, not strategic planners or fund raisers,” says Hayley.

She describes Atma as an “education accelerator”; hastening and multiplying the impacts that educators alone could possibly have on those who need them most.

“I was so humbled by the people who work so tirelessly on the ground, and these were

Helping Indian NGOs to grow Hayley Bolding, OAM

usually women,” says Hayley, recollecting the genesis of Atma.

The mission of accelerating the goals of Atma itself meant that Hayley has to often travel back and forth between India and Australia. Over the past 12 years, Atma has grown manifold. Besides a physical presence in Mumbai and Pune, it has now expanded to reach across multiple states within India, and across countries, with its online open source resources and virtual support offering.

“The more we help others, the more we know how to help better,” says Hayley happily.

How does the Atma model actually work?

Atma helps organisations evaluate where they are at and make a plan moving forward. This evaluation model covers areas relating to the organisation’s governance, how they

communicate their work externally, and a range of other key factors that could take them to the next level of service.

“The difference is Atma’s hands-on relationship with organisations and this could be from a minimum of one year to up to three years,” explains Hayley. “We want to help organisations grow at a pace they want to but we want to also push them towards excellence, to reach out and do more”.

A team of professionals now run the organisation in India. “My work is now leading Atma Australia. I work to raise awareness and to raise funds to support Atma’s work in India,” says Hayley who balances this with her job as Executive Director Programs for Practera, delivering experiential learning programs.

A recent grant from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to run a pilot for employability skills technology in India means another opportunity to visit India. Hayley looks forward to such opportunities to engage with and visit India.

“My involvement with the Australia India Youth Dialogue since many years helps me connect to India even back here in Australia,” says Hayley, whose second home is now India.

When asked if she has ever felt overwhelmed by the scale of issues or doubted the extent of impact Atma could make, Hayley admits, “It can feel like that often in India.” Without romanticising her ideas or glorifying her contribution, she conveys the extent of Atma’s impact over the years with a passion, “Atma may be a drop in the ocean but it is a good drop. By not worrying about failure but making sure things that you do are of a high quality and standard, I believe we can cause a ripple. We had no idea how big Atma would grow but it is the proof that if you start small, it will grow as long the intention is genuine and authentic at the core, and you surround yourself with people who have high standards.”

Hayley says that Atma’s phenomenal growth

from small beginnings has been organic. It is her passion for her beliefs that has created ripple effects and has brought people to work with Atma tirelessly to achieve their goals. However, there is no resting on laurels for this young lady. Humbled by the acknowledgement of her work through the OAM, she is also starkly aware of the unfinished work ahead. “There is always more to do,” says Hayley ready to take on more challenges.

Atma’s programs have supported thousands of children and young adults through school, health and nutrition programs, night schools and kindergartens and a skills centre in Dharavi, Mumbai’s biggest slum.

Lunch box treats

Looking for healthy snacks that appeal taste-wise? Try these treats by GAURAV MASAND for a nutritious lunch box

HUMMUS

Hummus is a silky smooth versatile dip which is both vegan and gluten-free. You can be pair it with pita bread, carrot and celery sticks or just whole wheat bread rolls.

Ingredients

1 can chickpeas / 2 cup boiled chickpeas

2 cloves garlic, grilled

1 red capsicum, grilled

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tbsp sesame powder (avoid in case of nut allergies)

2-3 tbsp lemon juice

Salt to taste

Method

Mix all ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Add some more olive oil/lemon juice if required. Sieve to get a smooth texture.

Store in a dry jar in the refrigerator.

Pack in lunch box with cherry tomatoes, carrot, celery sticks, nacho chips or pita bread.

BUTTER COOKIES

This is a very simple recipe that is made with a mix of five different flours.

Ingredients

200 gm unsalted butter at room temperature

1/2 cup castor sugar

1/2 cup + 2tbsp wholewheat flour

1/2 cup + 2tbsp plain flour

1/2 cup + 2tbsp oats powder

1/2 cup + 2tbsp rice flour

1/2 cup + 2tbsp flax seeds

Method

Grind the flax seeds and keep aside. Dry roast the oats in a pan for 10 minutes, grind to a fine powder and keep aside. Beat butter in an electric mixer with castor sugar until it turns pale and creamy. Mix all remaining ingredients and until it comes together as a dough. Wrap the cookie dough in a cling film and refrigerate for 30 mins. When the dough is cold, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1cm thick. Using a round cookie cutter cut as many rounds as you can from the dough and line them onto a baking tray lined with baking paper.

Bake for 18 to 20 minutes in a pre-heated oven at 160 C, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.

CHOC-CHIP COOKIES

These are melt-in-the-mouth biscuits which make the world go mmmmm! Why feed the kids store-bought cookies when you can bake these easily at home?

Baking cookies at home ensures you have a healthier variety as you know what goes into it all.

Ingredients

150-gm soft unsalted butter at room temperature

2/3 cup brown sugar

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup plain flour

½ cup flax seeds

1 1/4 cup water

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp baking powder

1 cup chocolate chips

Method

Grind the flax seeds and add to 1 1/4 cup of water. Keep aside.

Dry roast the oats in a pan for 10 minutes and grind to a fine powder. Keep aside

Beat the butter with sugar in a stand mixer or hand mixer until pale.

Slowly add all the ingredients except the chocolate chips.

Once mixed, introduce the chocolate chips.

Scoop 2 tbsp of mix in a baking tray or cookie tray, 3 cm apart. Press down slightly. Decorate with extra choc bits

In a pre-heated oven, bake for 25-30 mins at 160 C. Allow to rest for 10 minutes, then store in an air tight container.

February 2019 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

Strong bonds, concerns regarding worldly matters and some negative conditions might take up space in your head this month. Things might seem like they are going wrong on all fronts and it is not the time to push for results. You might feel like you are overworked, underpaid and under-appreciated. If recently separated from a significant other, attempts to reconcile will not succeed. But a marriage going through a rough patch will not break and singles could get hitched too.

LEO July 21 - Aug 22

The unexpected dominates this month, and a successful business or financial transaction will leave you pleasantly surprised. Travel for work or personal reasons is successful. Business is in flourish mode and practical help will be offered. An excellent time to say yes to that persistent suitor if you’re single. The health of a family member concerns you, but you need to rest it out. Listen to your heart in moments of doubt and luck is on your side.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov 22 - Dec 21

TAROT

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20

Tarot indicates the presence of a person with a Virgo kind of temperament. Or, Taureans might find themselves being extra finicky in their work. You might consider a new line of work. A relationship coming apart is likely to end; going with the flow will make it easier on you. Some unhappy or upsetting news from the family is predicted. Relinquish your ego and let the universe do its thing. Trust in the divine plan and do the right thing.

VIRGO

Aug 23 - Sep 22

A busy month for Virgos with a lot of comings and goings, get togethers, short trips and what not. A happy time as you will be much sought after personally and professionally this month. A new job or project will give your spirits a much needed boost to lift them out of the mundane. Yet, the busy time can make you tired or irritable, so make sure you get enough rest. Self-employed people could make more money than they anticipated.

CAPRICORN

Dec 22 - Jan 19

Any decision Sagittarians make this month should be taken after weighing pros and cons. New relationships, business ventures and improved conditions are round the corner. A short trip will prove beneficial. Change in consciousness through spiritual evolvement and selfimprovement will add meaning and depth to your work. Someone you care for deeply could have a heart attack or you will have health problems due to stress. Accept what is coming your way from the universe; it could change your life.

If things have not been going well lately, it is time to confront some hard facts about yourself and come to terms with your situation. Travel brings good luck and positive changes. You might quit or lose your job. Family needs attention as not every situation is hunky dory. Money problems will come to an end though it might not seem like it right now. Don’t give up on yourself or loved ones and move away from selfdestructive patterns.

GEMINI

May 21 - June 20

A period of action, movement and perhaps even struggle that includes some anxious moments, is foretold for Geminis this month. A new relationship could be in the offing. If married, the relationship could be on the rocks but a new approach could stabilise matters. Stress and tension add to your woes but you will take remedial measures to not let it affect your health. Have faith though, and tensions will ease off, and you will experience improved conditions all around.

LIBRA

Sep 23 - Oct 22

You will want to devote time and attention to interpersonal relationships, short or long trips and a quest for enlightenment. Unpleasant scenarios at home leave you feeling victimised. A marriage or romantic relationship too could see friction this month. Try and control your temper this month as you might be tempted to fly off the handle. Irritability, aches and pains besiege you. Income will come in chunks rather than small amounts. Do your best regardless of what others think.

AQUARIUS

Jan 20 - Feb 18

A major Arcana indicates an important event or month. This time it is about the appearance of someone that changes the status quo or will present an opportunity for a new relationship, partnership or lifestyle. There will be unexpected progress, especially in financial matters. Health concerns bother you – that of your own or of a loved one. Teeth need attention, if experiencing problems in love, may want to seek help. You will choose to move on from a failed relationship.

CANCER

June 21 - July 20

Activities centered around home improvement, financial independence and seeking an ideal relationship occupy the minds of Cancerians this month. A changed outlook, the arrival of a lover or a new job offer is likely to come by. You might even move to a new home. Watch out for over indulgence and avoid binge eating. Money will come from a business or a new venture operated out of home. Success comes through personal integrity. Have faith in what is to come.

SCORPIO

Oct 23 - Nov 21

A positive time for romance and a significant love affair – one that will take you by surprise. Travel for work or pleasure or a trip back home is on the anvil. Good luck is on your side in business or at your job. You will be in a positive state of mind and sudden activity and movement keep your spirits up. Improvement in financial matters is foretold. Delays in all matters end; plans for the future will be set in motion.

PISCES

Feb 19 - March 20

Everything you thought was in control seems to be coming apart and testing your resolve. Seek spiritual guidance to find solutions to your problems. Maintain a fine balance in everything you do; avoid going overboard if indulging in some retail therapy. Trips get postponed but that is for the better. The desire for change is intense and it brings the very thing you want in your career. A previous health issue could resurface. Confront your demons and work on yourself.

cineTALK

A POST-377 WAKE-UP CALL

actually just the opposite. The resonance of the drama that we call life is to be heard throughout this charming brew of light and dark. While on the surface the narrative remains splendidly sunny, with the Punjabi town of Moga coming alive to the sounds of R.D. Burman's immortal tune Ek ladki ko dekha under the hustle and bustle of provincial preoccupations, under the bubble and the banter, the film secretes a sombre truth about gender biases and sexual preferences.

Normal is what we crave to be. But what, pray tell, is 'normal'? For the film's quiet and lovely protagonist Sweety, normal is to love another person of her own gender. But how can she share this secret with her well-adjusted, warm and hospitable father Balbir, played with genuineness by Anil Kapoor. Needless to say, the father-daughter sequences ring a hundred and ten per cent true. How could they not, when the two players are not playing?

Debutante director Shelly Chopra Dhar effectively conveys the mutual love between Kapoor and Ahuja, and yet when we realise how little this dad knows about his daughter, we never hold that against him.

EK LADKI KO DEKHA TOH AISA LAGA

STARRING: Anil Kapoor, Sonam K. Ahuja, Juhi Chawla, Rajkummar Rao

DIRECTOR: Shelley Chopra Dhar

HHHH

At the end of this tender and supple saga of segregation and acceptance I was surprised to see an end-credit line that declared the film to be inspired by a P.G.

Wodehouse novel.

Finally it all makes sense. The chaos of diverse viewpoints coalesces in what looks like a manufactured finale, but is

I mean, have you seen Anil Kapoor's smile? Sonam plays the sexually disoriented small-town girl with the effective blend of bewilderment and resignation. She never gives way to exhibitionist grief. I wish the script gave her more space to mourn, to celebrate her solitude. Rather, Sweety is constantly crowded with attention. It's almost like the gods have somehow conspired to make sure she never wallows in her dark secret.

It all comes apart by mid-point and then together again when a play is staged by the affable Sahil Mirza (Rajkummar Rao, investing that extra something into his character to make it special) where Sweety's secret gets a public platform.

Rao's Sahil is the catalyst we all need in our lives when we are stuck for a solution. A very charming Mr Fix-it, he won't let his father's affluence corrupt him.

Anil Kapoor's "acceptance" speech had me in tears. When his character opens its arms to his daughter's homosexuality, he also acknowledges his own suffocation at not being able to do what he liked best in life. Cook.

The film cooks up a small storm in a large tea cup. To put the theme of social acceptance of homosexuality on a small town stage, is a stroke of genius. All the societal and gender prejudices are addressed in a light effervescent manner where nobody gets offended, at least not in the audience down here from where I was watching.

Ek Ladki Ko Dekha… is a timely post377 wake-up call for mainstream Indian cinema to look beyond the stereotypical relationships, and into the abyss where many kinds of unexplored relationships languish. This is not a "mind-shattering" experience (a term Juhi Chawala's loud over-the-top Punjabi character loves to throw around). But it’s a heart-warming story filled with music, sunshine and compassion. Anil Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao and Sonam K. Ahuja are splendidly joined at the hip by a script that bleeds empathy but never pleads for sympathy.

Feel this tender tale unfold as if in the silken rustle of a beautifully threaded quilt gently pushed aside as the early-morning sun beams into the room through the slit in the curtains.

Brave and beautiful, this film should embolden other bolder explorations of alternate sexuality in our cinema. This one does seem a little chaste: the closest the same-sex lovers come to physical intimacy is a clinical embrace. Nonetheless, it is a big leap ahead for our cinema as far as matters beyond the heart are concerned.

Subhash K. Jha

FLAWED BUT FABULOUS

MANIKARNIKA: THE QUEEN OF JHANSI

STARRING: Kangana Ranaut, plus stalwarts reduced to junior artistes

DIRECTOR: Kangana Ranaut & Krish HHH

There is plenty that is openly wrong with this beleaguered aspiring epic. Its rhythm of storytelling feels all wrong. One minute we are looking at Kangana Ranaut playing herself - wide - eyed, tight-lipped, defiant, stubborn and sinister - the next minute she forgets herself and immerses herself in her character. Much like the warriorQueen herself who never could decide whether she wanted to be a wife, mother, warrior or rebel, and ended up being an amalgamation of all these roles.

But country always came first. Oh yes, Rani Laxmibai was a desh bhakt and she made no bones about it. It is when Ranaut speaks about putting country above all else that her eyes light up. And so do the frames. When Rani ticked off the British General - goosebumps.

The film is never short of visual luminosity. The co-directors together create a fairly impressive imitation of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's style without seeming slavishly devoted to the notion of glitter.

The battle scenes that take up plenty of the lengthy narrative are heavily influenced by Bhansali's Bajirao Mastani. But Ranaut manages the horse-riding and sword-fencing with impressive self-assuredness. I wouldn't agree with Mr Manoj Kumar when he says Kangana was born to play Rani Laxmibai. But she certainly gives the complex character a kind of cutting edge that makes the Rani empowered and powerful. The

NO HIDING THE BLATANT CHAUVINISM

THACKERAY

STARRING: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Amrita Rao

DIRECTOR: Abhijeet Panse

HH

Bal Thackeray - sorry Balasaheb Thackeray (an unsuspecting character in the film gets slapped by a Shiv Sena cadre for uttering the Demi God's name without the reverential suffix) - played the chauvinistic card with a masterminded focus. He knew how to tap the Marathi manoos' latent pride and also how to harness it into a violent outpouring.

Many of his opponents, including the unfortunate Morarji Desai (unfortunate, as he is played by Rajesh Khera) thought of his campaign to cleanse Maharashtra to be almost a ratification of Hitler's Nazism.

The film certainly does not squander the opportunity to portray the man as infinitely intolerant of migrants. That he was, was a well-known fact. But did anyone ever think that his blatant chauvinism and his politics of ethnic cleansing would one day be so unabashedly celebrated on celluloid?

Writer-director Abhijeet Panse celebrates Balasaheb's spirit of separateness with a straight forwardness that we immediately recognise as a sign of traditional entitlement which sanctions certain behaviour among males as "normal".

For outsiders - and who is not an outsider these days - the normalising of cultural marginalisation may seem like a celebration of a culture of anarchy and despotism.

Sanctioning bloodbaths is not something we associate with charismatic national leaders.

Siddiqui plays Balasaheb as an impatient, intolerant man of many words and even more action. At the start we see him quit his job as a cartoonist to start his own Marathi paper. In Panse's Maharashtra in the 1950s

there are migrants everywhere - jostling, pushing and bullying Marathis on the streets and out of their jobs. Something has to be done, and who better equipped to tap into Marathi pride with a hammer?

Apparently the inflammatory speeches are all used in the film just as the Great Man made them. Balasaheb had a hypnotic hold over the audience. Nawaz seems to think he has a similar sway. In his last film he recited Saddat Haasan Manto's revolutionary thoughts with a fervent lucidity that gave the actor a sense of ownership over the words. Here the Balasaheb speeches sound deeply ironic, coming from an actor has been marginalised on many levels in different stages of his life.

Nawaz and the film's director choose to overlook the irony of an ethnic leader saying the nation always comes first to him.

"I always say Jai Hind first, and then Jai Maharashtra," Nawazuddin's Balasaheb proudly tells Avantika Akerkar's Indira Gandhi.

Mrs G's arched eyebrow at that declaration is truly a chart-topping moment in a film that legitimises hooliganism and elevates extra-constitutional muscle power to the summits of validation. There are some interesting unknown actors playing Balasaheb's devotees - I loved the veteran who plays his father and mocks the ‘Saheb' in his son's name in a way no one else would dare.

Nawazuddin plays Thackeray with the crafty casualness of an over-confident actor who is rightly arrogant about his skills. The other actors walk by in the gallery of bhakt sanointing and celebrating the cult of Thackerayism with a religious fervour, the violence and bloodshed notwithstanding.

supporting cast is largely wasted, barring Jishu Sen gupta as the Rani's husband, somewhat delicate.

More than the politics of invasion and acquisition I like the petticoat politics of the film, the friendship between Rani Laxmibai and the uncommonly valorous commoner Jhalkaribai (played with spirited affection by Ankita Lokhande).

In fact, the way all the women of Jhansi come out of their kitchens to battle it out on the preying field, is one of the great charms of this flawed but fabulous fable, as are Prasoon Joshi's dialogues which suggest a kind of deep-rooted empathy between history and girl power.

The British, as per the demands of all colonial dramas in Indian cinema, are portrayed as sadistic buffoons. One particularly distasteful sequence has a nasty British General hanging a young girl by a tree after he gets to know she is named after his pet peeve Laxmi.

Manikarnika could have easily avoided these violent bouts, concentrated more on creating a drama of disambiguation that destroyed the Indian kingdoms during the British Raj. I am sure there was more to Rani Laxmibai than the expensive saree and jewellery, the mystery and the dancing eyes. But what we see is what get in this film. And that is quite a lot.

All said and done, Manikarnika moves us, though not in ways it should have. There is too much going on at any given time to focus on the heart and thoughts of a woman who defeated the British with a child in her lap. Did the child ever wet the Rani's costly silk sarees? We would never know. The characters of this film are not prone to human frailties. Subhash K. Jha

Subhash K. Jha

But hey, there is also redemption. After a brutal communal riot we see Balasheb bring a Muslim family to his home. He even allows the man to do his namaaz in his living room.

The BUZZ

REMIX? AGAIN?

Sure, they were fun when it started. It was nice, nostalgic even, to hear our favourite old songs being remixed into new, foot-tapping numbers with snazzy videos, but now, it’s gotten old. So old. Karan Johar certainly seems to think so.

"Oh God, another remix?" Johar rightfully asks in the reboot version of Aankh Marey in Sara Ali Khan and Ranveer Singh starrer Simmba. It’s as though there’s no originality anymore, he laments. Some of these “new” songs include Tere bin, Chamma chamma, Paisa yeh paisa and the latest Mungda starring Sonakshi Sinha.

Interestingly, some musicians believe they are like tributes to legendary composers. "The 1970s' and 1980s' music was so legendary that our new generation is rediscovering it in their own way and recreating it. The current generation is dancing to those tunes and paying tribute to those legendary composers and singers," says Subhro J Ganguly, who’s sung Paisa yeh paisa and Mungda.

Yeah, right.

Arshad, who also featured in the remixed version of his own song Aankh Marey from the film Tere Mere Sapne, finds the viral trend fun. "I personally feel there is no harm in recreating songs. I did Aankh Mareyin 1996 or 1997. A whole generation did not know about the song, but today everyone knows it because they all went back and Googled it. It's fine, and something that is nice for people to go back and see, and for the new generation to seeing it too," he says.

FALGUNI AT GRAMMYS 2019

Look out for the US-based Indian singer Falguni Shah at this year’s Grammys: her album Falu’s Bazaar has been nominated in the Best Children's Music category.

Growing up in India, Falguni (aka Falu) was trained in the Jaipur musical tradition and the Benaras style of Thumri. She moved to New York in 2010, and worked with several internationally celebrated musicians like Wyclef Jean, Philip Glass, Ricky Martin, Blues Traveler, Yo-Yo Ma and A.R. Rahman.

Known for an “Indie Hindi” sound (even though you can identify five

different South Asain languages in her work), Falguni’s music blends Indian classical and folk western pop, rock and electronic styles.

"I am honoured to be representing not only India at the Grammys, but also the millions of immigrants who have travelled to the US to achieve success," Falguni said.

She also hopes to use the platform to "motivate others to dream big and achieve their goals, whether it's through music or any aspect of life".

The 61st Grammy Awards will take place on 11 Feb in Los Angeles.

Singer Arjun Kanungo says he’s really tired of remixes. But are music directors to blame? He doesn’t seem to think so. "I think it is nothing to do with singers or composers. It has to do with record labels who are pushing out their old catalogues... because they can see a business opportunity. Ten years down the line, the record labels won't have anything to recreate. If you keep recreating a song again and again and make no new content, then you are really not thinking about the future very much."

Wiser words were never said. What do you think?

CHADHA’S TRIBUTE TO MANDELA

Confused? We would be too. After all, whatever does Richa Chadha have in common with Nelson Mandela. Well, she’s full of surprises. Seems that Richa has penned a handwritten tribute to late Nelson Mandela which will feature in The House of Commons Book of Tribute.

The book, as you’d guess, is a

collection of handwritten notes by prominent people like Barack Obama, Paul McCartney, Russell Crowe and Will Smith, compiled by NicCareem.

“His struggle as a world renowned leader to fight for the rights of downtrodden people of his race has made him a legendary inspiring figure,” Richa said. The actor is happy to be part of "this tribute the proceeds of which will be given towards a campaign to end poverty".

‘DEEP’ OF RANVEER’S LIFE

Ok so that was a bad pun, but the sentiment is right there. Of course we are referring to Deepika Padukone, who in hubby Ranveer’s words is “the light of my life”. And how did he say it? In a letter! Recently, when Deepika launched her website, Ranveer posted the letter on it that praised the actress to no end.

"I find it particularly challenging to articulate all my feelings about her, and even though I find language to be a limiting means to express myself, I shall try. I can safely say I'm the closest person to her in this world. I know her deeply as a person and I've collaborated closely with her as a professional," he said.

He added that her discipline and “commitment is unparalleled”, so much so that the woman “commands respect”.

"She inspires me to be the best man I can possibly be. She makes my life worth living. She is true light of my life," he added.

Sigh, these two are relationship goals, huh? Nickyanka? Who’s that?

TIME TO KILL CENSORSHIP: ADOOR GOPALAKRISHNAN

Dadasaheb Phalke awardee Adoor Gopalakrishnan, whose oeuvre prominently placed Malayalam cinema on the world map, feels it is time for India to completely do away with censorship in films as that would help the art form thrive.

“Censorship is a big mistake - and one that has been perpetuated by the commercial cinema of Mumbai because

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

DEEPIKA PADUKONE

they want the censor board's certificate as a shield against any litigation filed by other parties, both inside and outside the industry,” he said recently

"I feel abolishing censorship would certainly help cinema to thrive as an art form. Nobody should be allowed to interfere in filmmaking, not even the government. They are no specialists in this, so how can they interfere? The government often uses its authority in a wrong way," contended Gopalakrishnan, considered one of the greatest filmmakers of India and a pioneer of the New Cinema movement in Kerala.

Referring to a 1979-committee that he, Shyam Benegal and Bengali filmmaker Mrinal Sen were part of, Gopalakrishnan said they decided to recommend that censorship be abolished from Indian cinema but faced strong resistance from a number of director-producers of commercial cinema.

"When the time for the final decision came, there was a strong plea from both Ramanand Sagar and B.R. Chopra against it. They said censorship gives protection from unnecessary legal battles over films. So the recommendation couldn't be made," he reminisced.

Gopalakrishnan, who has often highlighted the socio-political issues through his use of symbolism in films, said talking openly about the loopholes in the Censor Board and the government's

malpractices against films that question institutions, have turned him into "an enemy of the administration".

Asked about the protests and violence over a number of recent films, including Padmavat, The Accidental Prime Minister and Manikarnika, Gopalakrishnan said the trend of resorting to protests even before a film releases, is propaganda.

"People have their right to protest as long as they first see the film. We cannot stop that. But if people or groups are protesting even before they have seen the film, it must be some sort of a propaganda," he added.

HAS THE KHAN TRIUMVIRATE LOST ITS HOLD?

2018 was definitely not the year for the three Khan superstars in Bollywood. While Shah Rukh Khan delivered a box office debacle in Zero, his Khan fellowsuperstar Aamir Khan too came up with one of the biggest duds of his career, The Thugs Of Hindostan

Earlier during the year, Salman Khan's Race 3 underperformed abysmally at the box office.

Is the Khan triumvirate losing its touch?

Says trade analyst Amod Mehra, "The writing is very clear on the wall. It is time all three Khan superstars switched to more mature roles, or else they would no longer be superstars."

However, film and trade analyst Girish Johar doesn't see the setbacks of 2018 as detrimental to the Khans' careers. "The three Khans are superstars: a film here or there doesn't matter. Their fan following does not decrease, nor does their stardom get affected. Yes, all three failing together in one year does raise eyebrows but I am sure they are bound to bounce back with their next outings. Also yes, they have to be much more careful now as audiences are growing, their taste patterns are changing. So what they bring to the table has to be extraordinary, as anything below neither suits their stature nor is it any longer expected from them."

Warns critic Raja Sen, "Their films may have underperformed this time, but each of the three Khans is just one hit away from being on top of the heap again. Any obituaries or celebrations by gleeful rivals would be premature."

What’s next for the Khans?

While Salman Khan has the eagerlyawaited Eid release Bharat which spans the life story of one man from India's independence in 1947 to present day, Aamir Khan is taking a sabbatical from the big screen to do a web series based on the Mahabharat. Shah Rukh Khan is not committed to any new project.

All three Khan superstars need to do some serious career thinking and revamping. Their fan-following remains intact. Only their selection of roles needs to change.

ON TWITTER THIS WEEK

Match the following stars to the tweets that appear below:

Neha Dhupia, Anil Kapoor, Sonali Bendre

Being back on a set after a major sabbatical - one that has been testing in many ways on so many levels - is a surreal feeling.

I don't owe anyone an explanation because fat-shaming like this doesn't bother me one bit. But I do want to address this as a larger problem because fat-shaming needs to stop for EVERYONE and not just celebs.

Never have I been so proud of you @ sonamakapoor. It has been my honour sharing the screen with you beta.

LAST ISSUE CAPTION CONTEST WINNER

RICHA CHADDA

SARA ALI KHAN

SONAKSHI SINHA

Rock star accountants

The waiting, the screaming, the crying, the fainting… it’s one helluva ride

BY NURY VITTACHI

Amiddle-aged man in a boring grey suit walks on to the stage and waves his calculator. "Are you READY TO ROCK?" he shouts. The audience goes wild.

Apparently, accountants are the new rock stars, according to a spate of news reports.

"I'm a rock star now" was the headline on a feature on accountancy in The Washington Post. An almost identical report in The Wall Street Journal was titled: "The tax law makes Chartered Public Accountants interesting for now." The Mercury News said: "Tax bill turns America's accountants into rock stars."

In Asia there have been waves of identical headlines several times, the most recent case being the occasion when the Indian government made a surprise decision to get rid of almost all physical banknotes, apparently after taking financial advice from YouTube pranksters. ("Cancel all the banknotes! Everyone will have a good laugh! What could go wrong?")

Indian accountants become rock-star popular. Even in remote, rural parts,

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accountancy fees rose from a chicken to a medium-sized bullock, which is probably what

B-list Indipop rock stars get paid these days.

Major changes in finance laws anywhere cause accountants to instantly become superstars in the eyes of the media.

But here's the thing. I was reading that particular Washington Post edition in a radio studio where several deejays had met actual rock stars. Realistic?

"Yeah, right," sneered the morning show

host. "If accountants are being treated like rock gods, that means crowds of people are chasing after them, screaming and fainting and crying."

I told him that that was a pretty accurate description of the business people I know trying to get the attention of tax advisers as reporting season approaches.

In India, people desperate for financial advice camped outside the offices of accountants - classic groupie behaviour.

In the United States, accountants are turning their secretaries into booking agents. "Tax adviser Mr. Rodinksi will visit you Tuesday morning. He requires a private dressing room with white roses, a bowl of M&Ms and a chalice of virgin's blood."

You don't see this happening in Asia, where people avoid blood as it is high in saturated

Also, 99 per cent of rock musicians in Asia earn less than accountants.

I guess Mick Jagger is the most famous example of someone who started as an accountant and became an actual rock god. (Incidentally, did you read that a letter by the flirtatious Mr. Jagger was sold at an auction?

Given his advanced age, I wonder if it said "Dear Wilma Flintstone...").

Much more interesting to me is Duff McKagan, who went the other way. He was one of the wildest rock gods (he used to drink 10 bottles of wine a day - not a misprint - as the bassist of Guns 'n' Roses). Then he changed careers and became an accountant. His firm specialises in giving finance advice for rock stars and he writes a money column called Duffernomics.

Which career does he prefer? The one with all the crying and screaming and hysterical tears.

Yes, there's something about tax bills that makes people emotional.

Anyway, the final triumph of accountants proves the truth of that ancient holy scripture which talks about "the revenge of the nerds". Wait. Maybe that was a movie? Whatever. It's still true.

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Major changes in finance laws anywhere cause accountants to instantly become superstars in the eyes of the media.

Photo: teespring

My sister has a promising future

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

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

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

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