2019-03/04 Brisbane

The balance of duality

BY PAWAN LUTHRA

There is much truth to the notion that as human beings, we are all defined by many dualities. We can be good Australians, while still keeping our love for India. We can be good husbands and fathers at the same time. We can be good sportspeople and still enjoy music. In fact, the more dual we are, the more balanced we become. It has been said, “Life is created from a balanced interaction of opposite and competing forces. Yet these forces are not just opposites; they are complementary”.

It was this very balance that was disturbed in the recent barbaric act in Christchurch, an act that wasn't catalysed by our DNA or by geographical borders, but by man himself.

Politicians have been complicit in creating divisions and rifts amongst people and rather than celebrating duality, in actually exploiting it for their political gains.

President Trump is a master at this. Immediately after the Christchurch

shootings he offered his “warmest sympathy" to and “solidarity” with the victims and their families. He moved on soon after to the threats of the “immigrant invaders” in the US and to attacking Fox News (a network well known for its extreme views) for suspending a host for Islamophobic remarks. No offer of sympathy or love for Muslim communities, as NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern suggested to him in the aftermath of the white supremacist attack.

Closer home, our own politicians have not exactly covered themselves with glory in recent times either. (It now appears that the Christchurch terrorist attack is becoming a gamechanger in the upcoming elections in NSW and will probably effect the Federal elections later this year.)

The dog whistling by the Liberal/ Coalition party about the invasion of refugees, and the ‘us vs them’ ideology, have played out before. Remember “We will decide who comes to this country and the circumstances in which they come”? Remember “stopping the boats”? At times, these have been referred to as ‘stealing sound bites from the One Nation party’. Even the Labor party is not immune to building on division to win a few votes, the recent example being the outing of NSW Labor leader Michael Daley’s

comments in the ‘Asians are taking our jobs’ saga. No cry denouncing this intelligence blackout from Federal Labor. And note that this editorial has not made one comment on a particular senator’s utterly despicable remarks following the Christchurch ambush.

Politicians do tend to build on the theme that migrants are “taking over” the country, especially during election times when national security seems to be higher on the agenda. So much so that people in Western countries overestimate their current Muslim population.

In a recent perception vs reality survey by The Guardian, respondents answered the question “Out of every 100 people in your country, about how many do you think are Muslim?” The Australians said 12, the Americans 16. The reality for Australia is 2, for America 1.

What is important to note is that most migrants will continue to retain the good from their country of migration and adapt it to the good in their new home. The values they bring with them will complement those that they take on, not replace them.

This duality is to be celebrated, not condemned. It makes for a greater diversity in world views, and creates a better balance in our social narrative.

YOUR SAY

TOXIC ENTITLEMENT CLAIMS ANOTHER VICTIM

ANEETA MENON wrote a strong opinion piece on Sydney dentist Preethi Reddy, who was reportedly murdered by her ex-boyfriend.

Literate Lipstick wrote: Men don’t own women. Women should be able to say goodbye to partners they no longer consider safe or loving enough to be around and be safe after they’ve left. Men don’t own women.

Sivee wrote: Thanks for once again pointing to the age-old issue of "no means no". As a community we need to stand up. Also, it is hard to believe how we don't want to leave the derogatory practices behind despite adapting to everything called "modern", which should be the priority. Unfortunately, often seen as part of our culture and tradition, this distinction between a boy and a girl was never a part of age-old Vedic teachings of our culture.

Nouman wrote: It’s so easy to blame third world countries that are not providing protection to women. But incidents like this have taken place (in all countries) and continue to take place.

Indian Link received a barrage of responses to Aneeta’s article on Facebook. However, in the interest of protecting the family’s privacy and out of respect, we have since deleted those comments, and have not included them on this forum.

KINDY KIDS

At the start of the new school year, we ran a photo feature of young kids from our community who started ‘big school’. Preet Singla wrote: Your page on the little kids who started school this year, was pleasant to read. It brought it all back to me, having been through it as a stay-at-home mum with three kids, who are now all grown up and in the work force. I wish the ‘kindy mums’ all the best and hope they will enjoy their children’s school years.

An observation, if I may. The children have such fascinating -and different - Hindustani names! I suppose it is the trend these days, but am I to assume Anil, Sunil, Rakesh, Praveen, Ajay, Vijay (names from my generation) are now dead, never to be resuscitated? Couldn’t help noticing also, the overabundance of names starting with A: Aaryan, Aarya, Ayushman, Ayaan, Anahat, Aum, Atharv. (Surely that last one would be a difficult name in an Australian setting.) Makes me wonder what names my as-yet unborn grandkids will have!

Nimisha Modi wrote: Year after year it is the same feeling on their first day when the little ones go back to school. All parents must feel proud to see them. I see a little me in my child when I drop off now outside the gate, and he walks in with his school bag.

WHERE IN OZ

Take a look at this a-maze-ing picture – can you guess where in Australia this is? Reader Dr. Saba Nabi guessed the right answer: Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Garden, Shoreham, Victoria.

SAY IT AGAIN

New Zealand’s prime minister is emerging as the progressive antithesis to right-wing strongmen like Trump, Orban and Modi, whose careers thrive on liberal, anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant rhetoric.

William Dalrymple, writer and historian

WHERE IN INDIA

The interior of this structure is covered completely in glass and mirror work. #WhereinIndia is this?

Mythili Iyer wrote: Is it Shish Mahal in Agra? Or Kanch Mandir in Indore?

Sam Kay wrote: Vrindavan.

My_Rebel 1 wrote: Indore.

The correct answer is Kanch Mandir, Indore. Well done, Mythili.

I really want a leader who makes us feel comfortable. Who is very flexible and yet restrained where needed. Who gives us space. Who is popular with both men and women. Indian and yet adaptable to the modern. Who is wide at the top… and narrow at the bottom. #MainBhiCHURIDAR

Vir Das, stand-up comic

CRUSHING IT

NEHA MALUDE spoke to Leela Varghese about winning big at Tropfest 2019, the world’s biggest short film festival, with her film Crush.

Neil Monteith wrote: There’s no way you are 27 already! Congrats on the well-deserved acclaim. You’re a natural storyteller and entertainer with the rare gift of endless positivity. Andrew Tresidder wrote: I really enjoyed this film from start to finish; fantastic direction and brilliant storyline.

Annamma Varghese wrote: Congrats Leela on your film, we are so proud.

Brendan Pinches wrote: Crushed it!

Mateuse Pingol wrote: What a great honest write-up, Leela! Love it and loved the film.

CAPTION CONTEST

What’s Vicky Kaushal thinking here?

Arix Bishnoi wrote: After recent events, (he’s thinking) Kyun! Chok gaye na!

Shikha Chandra wrote: Make love not war.

Raghu Rules wrote: Uri wasn’t enough; bigger one coming soon, don’t go by my poker face.

Meenakshi Sharma Kalia wrote: My favourite mangoes… ek peti to le hi leta hun.

Yukti Arya wrote: You, the viewer, are just so gorgeous. I can't help but bite my chocolate covered lips and undress you with my eyes. Prashant Brahmbhatt wrote: I don’t have the energy to pretend to like you today.

Megha Vaghela Parmar wrote: How’s the josh?

Taran Bedi wrote: Kyun? Ho gayena surprised? Kya sirf Khans hi 100 crores ki hit film de sakte hain?

Divya Palsodkar wrote: Uri ke bad ab Pulwama ki tayari karni padegi. Agastya Bhardwaj wrote: Why does Kohli leave in the middle of every series?

Bhavana Bhatia Masand wrote: Bachna eh haseeno... lo main aa gaya.

Rachna Gupta wrote: Which way should I swing… engineering or acting?

Shefali Arora Suman wrote: Watch out folks, here I come!

Shikha Hemant Sedha wrote: Raman or Raghav?

Pearl Chaudhary wrote: What’s the one thing you can get in shape without exercising? Eyebrows!

Tushar Choudhary wrote: (Looking at himself in the mirror) Aaj mast lag rahoon main.

Geetika Sethi Arora wrote: Khan is old school; I’m the new King.

WHO WORE IT BETTER?

ALIA

AIR INDIA MARKS INT’L WOMEN’S DAY

India’s national carrier flew an all-women crew into Sydney for the third year in a row on 8 March.

Naresh Singh wrote: Proud of Indian airlines and our Indian women.

Poonam Mehra wrote: Congrats, well done. So proud of you wonderful, hardworking ladies.

Payel Ray wrote: Why did the men have to hold the knife or rather the women’s hands as the cake was cut? Aren’t our women expert enough to cut the celebratory women’s day cake? Domination at every level! I notice that the men were not initially keen to cut the cake but photographers and videographers wanted them to be part of the celebration so they followed suit. I guess in situations like this we as readers and viewers need to point out where we draw the line and what we are really celebrating here. I see patriarchy and domination writ large in this moment of celebration!

A huge shout-out to all the women before me and are currently in this space. I could not have done this without them paving the path, it's awesome, an Indian Canadian woman gets her own NBC show!

Lilly Singh, YouTuber

BHATT OR GIGI HADID IN RED MOSCHINO?

Alia 78%

Gigi Hadid 22%

Today 49 years ago, sitting in a posh Hotel in Mysore India. Had the whole dining room exclusively to ourselves celebrating my 16th birthday. Nearly died after eating a hidden HOT chilly, no amount of water helped the pain. Things we never forget.

Gus Pegel, Australian writer

I love how the kids are striking and egging and making s**t happen. Keep going kids, you’re doing great.

Michelle Law, writer

Parents visiting from India? 20 things you need to know

BY HARSHAD PANDHARIPANDE

1. My parents have been granted tourist visa and I’m about to book their tickets for Australia. Do I need to book their return tickets now itself?

Sure, you could if you’re getting a good deal, but there is no requirement of a return ticket for a person entering Australia on a tourist or visitor visa.

Expert view: At the immigration counters, I have not seen any officers checking whether the traveller is holding a return ticket or not. As evidence for whether a person intends to depart at the end of their stay or not, I am not sure what value such a ticket will offer to the inspecting officer as despite holding a return ticket, the traveller may decide to not leave Australia. In any case, immigration

checks are also being gradually automated. Therefore, buying a return ticket to India at the point of buying a ticket to Australia is a cost-driven decision.

2. My parents had applied for a one-year stay visa but they have been granted only a three-month stay visa. Should they reapply? They could reapply but there are some ifs and buts involved.

Expert view: Reapplying may be possible if the ‘no further stay’ condition is not attached to their visas. Generally, parents old enough to qualify to receive the age pension in Australia will receive the ‘no further stay’ condition. The condition can be removed in some situations. You may need to speak to a qualified MARA agent to study the case.

3. Can you explain the various tourist visa conditions?

There are many types of tourist visa. Each visa may have different conditions attached to it.

Expert view: The tourist visa conditions are:

8101 - No work: The visa holder cannot work in Australia.

8201 - Maximum 3 Months Study: While in Australia, the holder must not engage, for more than three months, in any studies or training.

8501 - Health cover: The visa holder must maintain adequate arrangements for health insurance during their stay in Australia.

8503 - No further stay: The visa holder will not, after entering Australia, be entitled to be granted a substantive visa, other than a protection visa, while they remain in Australia.

8531 - Must leave before visa expiry: The holder must not remain in Australia after the end of the period of stay permitted by the visa.

8558 - Non Resident: Cannot stay for more than 12 months in any 18 month period.

4. My parents are with me in Australia and

want to extend their three-month stay visitor visa to a longer duration. What are the options and what is the procedure?

There may be times when your parents might need to extend their stay in Australia for health issues, to help you out with a new baby or any other reason. Fortunately, even though they may have entered Australia on a visa with no more than a three-month continuous stay, they can apply for an extension of their stay duration.

Expert view: An online application can be submitted as long as conditions on the current visa are not precluded. Generally medical tests for tourist visas are not required. However, if one seeks to stay in Australia for more than six months, they may be asked to undergo a chest x-ray and/ or a medical examination. Additionally, visitor visa (subclass 600) applicants who are over the age of 75 are required to complete a medical examination.

So, you’re excited that mum and dad are planning a trip Down Under, but you have some doubts and queries. How long can they stay? Will they get assistance during travel? Can they bring home-made laddoos? We answer some frequently asked questions here.

5. My parents have been granted tourist visa but their passports have less than six months’ validity. Will they face any issues?

Many airlines do not allow passengers to travel internationally if their passports are due to expire in less than six months.

Most people advise that it’s safest to travel internationally with more than six months of validity left on your passport.

Expert view: The six-month passport validity rule is enforced because nations do not want to risk having travellers and tourists overstaying their passport validity. Six months is now the standard validity requirement for many countries. As far as my knowledge goes, currently Australia does not mandate the six-month passport validity.

6. My parents do not speak fluent English. What should they do at airports while changing flights or at the immigration counter after they land in Australia? Lack of English proficiency may sometimes limit communication during international travel, but it certainly isn’t the end of the world. As long as the travellers know basic English, they should be fine.

Expert view: Most Indians do have at least some knowledge of English, so they can travel without too much trouble. Besides, at airports there are plenty of signs to help those who can read and understand English but might not be able to speak it fluently. There are co-passengers from all backgrounds and more often than not, there would be some Indians on the flight. Nowadays, the airline staff is also multicultural or multilingual, so that might help too. However, if travellers have any

serious concerns, they should share them with the airlines.

7. This is my parents’ first international travel and they are nervous about changing terminals at the airport. What can I do to make sure they don’t get lost?

International travel or long flights can be unnerving for some people. However, staff at the airport and in the airplane are usually helpful and friendly. Soothing words aside, there actually is something you can do to make the travel easy for your parents.

Expert view: The parents can request assistance at the departing airport. Assistance can also be requested at the time the tickets are booked. Depending on the type of assistance required, airlines are generally able to assist passengers free of charge. The instruction is forwarded to the transit airports as well.

8. My parents have difficulty walking. What can I do to make their travel smoother? Many senior citizens have mobility issues. If the travel involves changing terminals, long walks may be involved. This can be physically demanding for many elderly people. But again, help is at hand.

Expert view: Wheelchair access can be requested starting from the immigration counter where the first boarding pass is picked up from all the way to the end of journey.

9. Is it safe to ask someone from a Facebook group to accompany my parents during their travel?

In the ever-widening desi communities of Facebook, this is one question that keeps

recurring. No doubt concerned about their parents’ wellbeing, many people ask on the group if anyone else is travelling to Australia on the same flight as their parents’ and give them company. The parents may face any number of issues - from limited mobility to lack of English/Hindi fluency or even nervousness because of flying. In such a scenario, many people are even okay with moving their parents’ travel dates around to suit anyone who agrees to escort or accompany them through their journey. While most people - and their parents - are open and even eager to do this, it is not entirely risk-free. Expert view: Unless the person is known personally this should be avoided, even though airports are high security zones.

10. My parents can’t stay for more than three months at a stretch in Australia. Is it okay for them to travel to New Zealand, Fiji or any other nearby country and return a few days later so they can again stay in Australia for another three months? This workaround is not uncommon for those who want to extend their parents’ stay. If visitors have a three-month maximum duration stay and a multiple entry visa, at the end of their three-month stay, they can simply fly to a nearby country and then return to Australia for another three-month stay. There’s nothing illegal in doing this. Ramneek: Yes, this can be done as long as it does not violate any other condition on the visa.

11. Can I apply for my parents’ tourist visa from Australia?

Many desis - the loving kids that they are

- want to save their parents the hassle of applying for a visitor visa on their own. The good news is that they can apply online for their parents’ visa.

Expert view: Yes, this is possible provided the ‘no further stay’ condition is not attached to the visa. Tourist visas are granted for stays of 3, 6 or 12 months. Eligible parents of Australian citizens could be granted a longer validity period.

12. My parents don’t have a good bank balance and their tourist visa may get rejected. What options do I have to enable them to visit me in Australia?

Bank statements are an important supporting document while applying for a visitor visa. They are used in proving that the applicant can support their expenses during their stay in Australia. However, due to some unfortunate reasons, some senior parents such as retirees may not have a large bank balance due to which their visa application could be weak. However, if the children of such parents are Australian residents or citizens with decent bank balance, the parents can still apply for the visa.

Expert view: If a permanent resident or Australian citizen is sufficiently resourced, their parents can still apply for a visitor visa. Even a normal non-sponsored category is fine. While there are no specific guidelines on this, the decision-maker for the visa grant will need to be satisfied that the traveller will be able to support themselves while in Australia. Another thing to remember is that the visitors have no work rights. An Australian citizen or PR child in a stable employment with some bank balance is good enough.

13. What food or other items can my parents bring with them? What precautions should they take?

Australia has very strict biosecurity laws and bringing in food and other items that is not permitted will almost always result in its confiscation and/or fine. The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources website says, “Australia has strict laws relating to the importation of certain goods. This ensures that the biosecurity risk to Australia’s agricultural industries and unique environment is minimised. You must declare certain food, plant material and animal products. When you declare these goods they will be checked by a Department of Agriculture and Water Resources biosecurity officer who will determine whether they are allowed into Australia. Some products may require treatment to make them safe. Other goods may be restricted due to pest and disease risks.”

Some of the more unusual items not allowed include soil or mud on your shoes, fruits (including frozen fruits), vegetables (including frozen vegetables), meat (fresh, dried, frozen, cooked, smoked, salted and preserved), eggs (whole, dried or powdered), products that contain more than 10 percent egg (like mayonnaise), all dairy products, all mammals, birds' eggs, birds' nests, fish, reptiles, amphibians, insects, all plants, cuttings, roots and bulbs, cereals, popping corn, nuts, chestnuts, pine cones, bird seed, commercially packaged seeds and pet food.

There are also plenty of things that are technically allowed into Australia, but that you have to declare first and have them checked or even treated. These include noodles, rice, all snacks, biscuits, herbs, spices, feathers, bones, horns, tusks, skins, hides, furs, stuffed animals, shells, coral, used animal equipment, wooden things, anything made from plant material, like mats, bags and clothes, straw products, coconut shells, Christmas decorations, flowers, camping equipment or sporting equipment. Of course, this is not an exhaustive list and there may be more items in the restricted category. Therefore, a final piece of caution below.

Expert view: If not sure of a food or any other item, travellers should declare them and walk through the red channel or simply discard the items at the airport.

14. What medicines can my parents bring with them? Can they buy medication in Australia using prescriptions of their doctors in India?

Many visiting seniors are on some sort of regular medication but always worry if they can carry several months’ worth of pills with them. Short answer? Yes.

Expert view: Three months’ worth of medicines are permitted – with prescription. Again travellers should check with customs for any exclusions or updates to rules before travelling. Equivalent brands are likely to be available in Australia. A better approach is to that people living here and who know their parents’ health conditions should discuss them with any GP here at least a month before the parents arrive and then arrange medicines accordingly.

15. I want to bring my parents to stay with me for an extended period of time. What are my options? How long is the wait? What are the expenses?

Parents are able to apply for a visitor visa (subclass 600) to visit Australia for a

longer period. Multiple entry visas with a maximum stay of 12 months are considered on a case-by-case basis with maximum validity periods of up to:

n Five years for parents outside Australia and in the Parent Visa (subclass 103) queue;

n Three years for parents outside Australia who have:

l had a previous Australian visa and complied with the conditions; and

l have not applied for a Parent visa; or

l have applied for a parent visa but are not yet in the Parent Visa (subclass103) queue;

n 18 months for parents who have:

l not previously travelled to Australia; and

l have not applied for a Parent visa; or

l have applied for a Parent visa but are not yet in the Parent visa (subclass103) queue.

Longer visitor visas above are also considered for step-parents and eligible New Zealand citizens. Visitor visas are not intended for maintaining ongoing residence in Australia. Accordingly, longer visitor visas will not be considered for parents who are already in Australia or have already spent 12 months in Australia in the last 18 months.

If a parent has recently stayed in Australia for an extended period, they will generally not be considered for a longer tourist visa until they have spent a minimum of six months outside Australia in the last 18 months at the time their new visitor visa application is lodged.

16. My parents want to move to Australia to live with me. What are my options? How long is the wait? What are the expenses? There is a new sponsored category visa for parents with a maximum stay of five years at a time. They cost between $5,000

cover this or you may need to pay upfront. Make sure you read all insurance-related documents carefully and consider your parents’ pre-existing health conditions before choosing the right insurance for them.

Bupa and Alliance seem to offer the most competitive options, but get the quotes and make sure you are aware of the exclusions and coverage of the selected insurance policy.

18. What are some good mobile plans for my parents while they’re here?

High international roaming rates can burn a hole in your pocket and you might want to consider buying a SIM card for your parents while they’re here. While most of us have wifi at home (which means the parents’ WhatsApp group chats are sorted), they might need to make calls back home. Many carriers offer unlimited free calling to India and a decent amount of data from about $30 a month.

19. How do I look after my parents’ social needs while they are here? What are some good seniors’ groups where my parents can socialise?

At the outset your parents will be happy to be with the family, learning all about then life you have built for yourself and your family. You might find your mum will adjust to her new surroundings better than your dad, as she gets busy with household chores, especially cooking you your favourite meals from your childhood. She might also help more with the kids’ daily routines, while your dad might stick to transporting the kids to and from school.

Overall, though, the isolation will kick in at some stage – what are they to do when they are alone in the day? You might have Indian TV all sorted for them, or you

preferred devices.

But pay attention to their social needs as well. This could be difficult if you and your spouse both work full-time, but luckily there are some wonderful weekend events that you could manage. These are organised by volunteer-run community associations, some of which have become well regarded for their care of our seniors. They organise regular meetings at which elders mingle and engage in group activities such as yoga and mild exercises, entertainment activities such as bingo and cultural presentations, information-based activities such as health and finance-based sessions, and have a light meal. Festivals and personal milestone dates such as birthday and anniversaries are marked, and lately, grandparents’ days have become a regular occurrence.

20. My parents love watching TV serials back home. How can they watch them here?

Like it or not, the routines of many seniors and retirees revolve around TV serials. There's no need for them to miss out on the latest episodes of their favourite serials while they are in Australia. There are many set-top box services that offer regular Hindi channels as well as a good selection of regional channels. Most of the TV boxes work on monthly or yearly subscriptions while some come with a onetime payment. They also need a fast and reliable internet connection to work. Some of these services even have apps through which the programs can be watched on the phone or tablet. Services such as Yupp TV, Worldmax, Real TV and Jadoo TV are quite popular currently. Yupp TV has monthly subscription schemes, Worldmax has a one-time payment rather than an

Far-right extremism and social media: A match made in hell

RITAM MITRA explains why the rise of far-right extremism is the greatest ideological

faced by society today

The Christchurch terror attack –which at the time of writing, had claimed 50 innocent lives and ruined hundreds of others – was just the latest in a long series of massacres by far-right extremists. Many sections of the media would not have coined it an act of terrorism had the 28-year-old Australian perpetrator not himself described it as such in a rambling 87-page manifesto which revealed months, if not years, of planning. The role played by social media in the tragedy highlighted the fundamental challenges in limiting the spread of extreme ideologies: it is easier than ever for extremists to connect, everyone has a platform, and authorities and organisations alike are either unable or unwilling to intervene.

In the moments before he walked into two Christchurch mosques during Friday jumu’ah prayer, Brenton Tarrant posted his manifesto, along with a link to the horrific live stream of his shooting, on 8chan, an internet message board which, unlike the unaffiliated and more renowned 4chan, is not moderated by administrators. The responses were largely celebratory; some posted Nazi memes, others encouraged Tarrant and wished him well. In the immediate aftermath of the attack too, many supported the mass murder on social media, including in the comments sections of posts by mainstream media outlets.

It is difficult to imagine that, in the absence of alt-right echo chambers like 8chan, attacks like these would be as prevalent as they are today. The anonymity of the internet allows those with traditionally unacceptable ideologies to connect, to validate each others’ dangerous views, and to convince themselves that they are anything but fringe-dwellers in a society which rejects their violent subcultures. Facebook is no different, with its algorithms set up to show users the content they are most likely to engage and agree with. After all, as a listed company, Facebook’s primary motivation is to keep users on the site for as many hours a day as possible.

In the past, far-right extremists wore hooded cloaks to hide their identities;

today, they hide behind fake and, alarmingly, real Facebook profiles. One thing that has not changed is that they are, in the majority, disaffected white men. In open society, these men are, or perceive themselves to be, rejected outcasts. But on internet message boards, in private Facebook groups, and increasingly, on more mainstream, public forums, they are celebrated as heroes. As validation rolls in, even if in as subtle a form as a Facebook like, their ideologies grow more extreme, spurred on by the support and the sense of belonging no doubt missing from their real lives. The effect is even more profound when those with higher profiles, such as conservative commentator Andrew Bolt and Queensland Senator Fraser Anning, lend

their names and voices to the cause.

Revealingly, data from the US ADL Center on Extremism shows that, since September 11, 2001, white supremacists and other far-right extremists have killed far more people on American soil than any other categories of domestic extremist. In fact, 71% of extremist-related fatalities in the US between 2008 and 2017 were committed by far-right and white supremacist movements. By comparison, Islamist extremism accounted for 26%, and left-wing extremism just 11%.

Authorities often trawl through underground message boards, including on the dark web, but even controlling and prosecuting rampant paedophilia and blatant drug trafficking is an impossible task. Identifying the perpetrators of possible lone wolf terrorist attacks amidst a sea of right-wing trolls is even more impossible; the internet, and the movement, is simply too vast.

The most concerning aspect of the staggering rise of far-right extremism is that it creates a vicious cycle of revenge attacks, xenophobia, fear and suffering, and there is no circuit breaker in sight. In the past, conflicting ideologies on this scale have led to war. Without intervention and condemnation from those that matter, we may well be doomed to repeat history, despite all the lessons it has taught us.

threat

71% of extremist-related fatalities in the US between 2008 and 2017 were committed by far-right and white supremacist movements. By comparison, Islamist extremism accounted for 26%, and left-wing extremism just 11%.

Mourners at the Botanical Gardens in Christchurch, New Zealand, pay tribute to the 50 people slain by a gunman at two mosques in the city. (Photo: AP)

#BalanceForBetter

GOPIO Gold Coast marks Women’s Day

Women from the Gold Coast Indian community gathered together at a grand high tea to mark International Women’s Day this month.

Organised by the local chapter of the Gold Coast, the event was held at Pearls Bar, Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort.

A thought-provoking panel discussion on the theme for Women’s Day, Balance for Better, was the highlight of the event. Guest of honour Dr. Sonu Nigam (Gold Coast University Hospital’s Medical Director Anatomical Pathology) shared the panel with Dr. Pooja Sanghi and Mrs. Vahini Panda, picked from the audience.

Seema Chauhan, GOPIO executive member and convenor of the event, quizzed them on their views on the balance inwomen’s social, political and economic lives. They gave their perspectives and told their own stories.

Audience members also got an opportunity to share their insights and discussed how everyone can help to create that balance.

Seema Chauhan told Indian Link, “Participants came from all walks of life –health professionals, entrepreneurs, young mums. I’m confident everyone was able to take much away from the event.”

Prizes worth $1000 were given away.

GOPIO Gold Coast has in recent months seen an upsurge in its activities and is hoping to provide a more valuable platform for members of the Indian community. Its last event, a joint celebration of India’s Republic Day and Australia Day on 26 Jan saw enthusiastic attendance. Next up, a business networking event in May at Seaworld Resort.

Panellists (from right to left) Vahini Panda, Sonu Nigam, Pooja Sanghi and moderator Seema Chauhan

Uni students fundraise for Pulwama UQISC sets a noble agenda for 2019

BY RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA

When 19-year-old Brisbane student Sahil Singh read about the terrorist attacks on CRPF personnel in Pulwama in midFebruary, he knew he had to do something.

He discussed it with his friends at uni, and suggested fundraising for the bereaved.

“You can understand the effect it had on us: the paramilitary troopers were regular working people just doing their job… 46 families are now deeply affected,” Sahil told Indian Link.

Soon a plan was put it into place, and the University of Queensland Indian Students Club (UQISC), of which Sahil is Treasurer, was talking to Event Cinemas.

Days later, the students were watching the Hindi film Uri in a 300-seat theatre, filled to capacity.

Proceeds from the screening, nearly $2000, have now been donated to the Government of India’s Bharat Ke Veer (India’s Bravehearts) program, via their website.

“The response was overwhelming,” a beaming Sahil, third year law and commerce student, revealed. “Not only students, but also members of the wider Indian community, rocked up to support us. Attendees lit candles in tribute to the fallen.”

He added, “It’s a great achievement for us as students to have pulled off such a large event.”

Siddharth Sree, President UQISC and third year electrical engineering and IT student, said, “The horrific incident touched our hearts. We felt it was - not so much our patriotic duty but our humanitarian duty - to extend help to the affected families.”

The Indian students association at UQ began the year with a vision: to fundraise for worthwhile causes in the community, both in India as well as here in our own backyard.

Film screenings at affordable prices looks set to become their modus operandi.

Sahil explained, “We’ve negotiated a nonstandard agreement whereby we are able to bulk purchase movie tickets at a lower cost. What this means, is that while normally a standard movie ticket for a new movie may be $20, we are able to offer a $6.95 early entry ticket and still have proceeds to pass on to a cause. Our power to bargain with Event Cinemas regarding cost is linked to how many people are able to support us at screenings.”

Aside from the fundraising, the intention is to pick meaningful films that have powerful messages. With their first screening, they were able to retell the story of the 2016 Uri attack, and the sacrifice of the soldiers involved there.

Their next event, a screening of the

Akshay Kumar starrer Kesari, will raise funds for mental health programs here in Australia.

If you wish to support UQISC as a studentled non-profit association, head to their Facebook page www.facebook.com/ UQISC/

UQISC executive

What Sonu did in Melbourne

PREETI JABBAL catches up with an old friend from uni

It was quite a special Valentine’s Day this time round, catching up with my college time friend Sonu Sood who was in town.

Nearly a quarter century later the Bollywood star seemed fit as a fiddle and looked younger than ever.

His elegant wife Sonali accompanied him and we did what we do for all our overseas visitors: shopping, and then a tour of our local wineries and fresh Yarra Valley produce.

Sonu is a teetotaller but was happy to come along to spend time with us. On the way we spoke non-stop, covering his life, my life, how we'd changed, what we wanted for ourselves and our children, and of course, his acting career.

I first met Sonu in my hometown in Nagpur, India. We had advertised for an audition for models for a fashion show that I was putting together as choreographer.

Sonu, who hails from Moga in Punjab, was studying Engineering in Nagpur at that time and he accompanied a friend who was auditioning.

Tall and very handsome, I spotted him straight away and was rather disappointed that he did not audition. After the event I asked him if he would like to be part of my show.

He agreed, albeit reluctantly, as he had not done any modelling before. I said to him, “Trust me, you will rock.” He did, taking to the stage like duck to water.

The lead up to the show is always more fun than the event itself, and we have some wonderful memories of early morning rehearsals, selecting the music, coordinating our routines and choosing the outfits.

During student days we have very little financially, but the experiences are so rich we treasure them forever. I remember Sonu and his friends would visit my home to enjoy homemade cooking - my mum was always happy to oblige.

He taught me how to ride a bike, I taught him how to catwalk. Ever the gentleman, he brought us flowers and made us laugh till our sides ached.

He continued to work with me on two more shows, gaining in confidence and chutzpah with each show. He was chosen to be the best model out of 24 in the second show.

Sonu, however, went on to win better than the best when he met Sonali in one of the shows. She was, and still is, absolutely gorgeous, and for him it was love at first sight.

Sonali was studying Mass Communications in the same University as my bestie Niti and I. Sonu would be there everyday rain or shine, wanting to meet his ladylove, and we happily got to play chaperone to the couple.

Life moved on, and so did we in different directions, with our careers and marriages. We lost touch in between and then reconnected years later on Facebook and Whatsapp.

In that time I had migrated to Australia and Sonu was pursuing his acting career, going from strength to strength. I followed the trajectory of his career with great pride, watching every movie and TV appearance possible.

Sonu may not be in leading roles in every film, however his choice of roles ensures he has good screen space with his co-stars.

Chedi in Dabangg, Durva Ranade Bhau in Simbaa, king in Singh is King, Kung Fu Yoga with Jackie Chan saw him in impactful roles.

A dedicated fitness freak, he endorses multiple renowned fashion and sports brands and is currently making a mark in South Indian films even learning to speak Tamil.

When I found out he was coming to Melbourne we reconnected and it was like old times again. We drove around Melbourne, shopped till we dropped, ate at nondescript food courts and had a blast.

When prompted he shared anecdotes on his filmi friends, attending Deepika and Ranveer Singh’s reception, Shahrukh and Salman Khan’s playful banter about his impressive physique, turning up at an event wearing the same designer jacket as Karan Johar, and his worldwide travels. He

confessed he loves shopping, particularly shoes – revealing he easily owns hundreds of pairs. He wanted to explore every shoe shop in Melbourne’s Bourke Street and Chadstone from Rubi Shoes to Armani.

He may have turned into a celebrity (with no less than 2.5 million followers on Insta), but he was as easy going as he was in our youth. The two days spent with him were most fun as he made us pose ‘Shahrukh style’, hugged us spontaneously, did side squats on streets and swung down escalators.

He was not fazed when we did not get a table at a local restaurant that was very busy. He happily sat with us sipping non-alcoholic drinks on the bar waiting for a table. To put it in context, this would be near impossible in India, where his fame precedes him and he gets VVIP treatment wherever he goes.

Sonali was delighted to spend quality time together without being hassled by mobs of fans or paparazzi. Both seemed to enjoy the ‘normality’ while we enjoyed their being normal.

Having said that he was equally at ease posing for selfies with people who recognised him. It was quite amusing to see how peoples’ faces lit up when they recognised him;some approached us to confirm it was ‘Sonu Sood’, and then got into a flurry to grab their phones to record their brush with celebrity. One couple even ignored their wailing newborn in a pram to get a photo with the popular actor.

No starry hang-ups, no diva-like tantrums, Sonu Sood was a cool celebrity, down to earth and full of fun.

Tall and very handsome, I spotted him straight away and was rather disappointed that he did not audition.

Photos: Ravinder Singh Jabbal

BY YESHA JOSHI

It was over ten years ago that I marched alongside other young people to demand action on climate change. It was a windy day, and I held a huge banner in one hand and a megaphone in the other whilst chanting the words “What do we want? Climate Action! When do we want it? Now!”

The sore arms at the end of the march seemed worth it.

There were many rallies organised by the environmental movement that I attended as a student studying Environmental Management at University. We were taught about the effects of increased greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, the need to transition towards a greener more sustainable economy and the challenges of inaction.

We were calling for fifty per cent carbon emissions reduction in Australia by 2020; a date that, at the time, seemed far into the future. I had thought that there would be sufficient time to turn this ship around.

Sadly, it seems that a decade on, the next generation arestill having to pick up megaphones and strike for climate action. But is there hope? Will their voices be heard?

March 15, 2019 saw thousands of young people send a clear message tothe Government that they won’t stand for inaction on climate change. They called on the Government to reject the proposed Adani coal mine in the Galilee Basin located in Central Queensland, reject any new fossil fuel projects and shift the economy towards 100% renewable energy by 2030.

Jagveer Singh, 17, organised the school strike for climate rally in Melbourne. He spoke to Indian Link about why students took to the streets.

“Students in all the major cities and towns walked out of their classrooms to send a clear message to our leaders that they must act on climate change,” he said.

“It was extraordinary to march through the CBD. People came out of their offices to back us, cars beeped in support and we chanted that students united will not be divided,” he

Youth for climate

justice

poster at the rally which said ‘you didn’t care when we had Monday off for the horse race’, but our leaders seem to take an issue with usjoining a strike to fight for our future.”

“We didn’t create the problem, but we will be part of the solution,” she concluded.

The unprecedented world-wide youth effort garnered mixed reactions from the adults, but the passion did not go by unnoticed. Craig Wilkins, CEO of Conservation Council SA said, “Emergency action on climate change is required and no area of government, be that federal, state or local seems to grasp quite how much work is required. Some of the effects of climate change is locked in so we need to prepare our systems to cope with such pressures. It was fascinating to see the signs on placards focused on key issues such as protecting the Great Australian Bight and renewable energy. The rally was incredibly passionate and upbeat.”

So, I am hopeful. If there is a lesson we can take from students like Ananya, Jagveer or even Greta Thunberg who inspired hundreds of students in over 70 countries to strike for climate action, it is that young leaders are rising to the challenge many of us have sought to address.

Climate change is a global issue, but as one of the highest-ranking countries of carbon emissions per capita in the world, we all need to do our fair share to reduce our footprint.

As Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

described.

He added, “The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report indicates that we have less than 11 years to curb the dangerous effects from fossil fuels. It’s about being on the right side of history, and students turning out in record numbers across the world are marching for their future. My parents have always taught me to do the right thing, and speaking out for our environment is the right thing to do.If politicians want us to remain in the classrooms then they must listen to the science and take action.”

“As migrants we must participate actively in our democracy and I encourage people to contact their local MP and make their voice heard,” he urged.

Ananya Dasgupta, 15, joined the student

strike in Adelaide and is hopeful that young people continuing to raise their voices collectively will bring about change.

“I have always cared about the environment. Issues such as pollution, litter on our streets, plastic in our oceans, the damage to our marine life, and decline of coral reefs is of concern to young people just like me, so what we do now matters,” she told Indian Link. She described, “When I heard about the student strike action on climate change, I was really excited about getting involved. We put posters up in our school to let other students know.”

And what did her parents think about skipping school? “My parents are really supportive of me, they have similar views and also care about climate change. I saw this one

Young leaders are rising to the challenge many of us have sought to address

Melbourne’s Jagveer Singh: “It’s about being on the right side of history.”

Adelaide’s Ananya Dasgupta: “We didn’t create the problem, but we will be part of the solution.”

BY BHUVI RAI

On a seemingly unassuming Friday – a regular school day – the steps of the South Australian Parliament were flooded with a mass of school students. We came from all over; primary school students, high school students, university students, as well as the youth, the elderly, and families.

Over 5,000 of us stood united for a common cause; the climate crisis. Inspired by Swedish teenager and climate change activist, Greta Thunberg, who held the first school strike for climate, the rest of us took to the streets. This movement had to happen, we didn’t have a choice.

Enough was enough, we decided. And so, Australia, and the world, witnessed the activist force of thousands of school students fighting for climateaction and justice.

It had been building up for over weeks. Plans carefully made, parents convinced, and schools contacted. But still, it was a happy surprise to turn up to the strike and see the enormous turnout that occurred in Adelaide. It exceeded every expectation. People cared. It was not only the students who had come out to protest, but also the generations before us, who rocked up to show their support. It was hot and sweaty. I could feel myself sweating through my uniform, my bag heavy on my back. Everybody could feel the heat, standing between throngs of people. As we marched, and shouted, and protested, as the speeches rivalled the scorching sun with their tremendous passion, the heat became a constant reminder why wewere here.

Because what good did it do to sit in air-conditioned classrooms learning for a future that we were being stripped of? What good did it do to learn science in class when our own politicians ignored

be in school if you did your job”

Why one Adelaide student joined the school strike for climate action

no trivial goal. The Adani coal mine would ravage our land, killing, polluting, destroying.

Carbon pollution from burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas is changing our climate and warming our planet.It’s simple: the more carbon pollution in the air, the more the sun’s energy gets trapped as heat. Which means things keep getting hotter. In fact, the world has already gotten nearly 1°C warmer since 1880.

Warmer temperatures have real consequences for all of us - not just for polar bears. Sea levels around the world have risen nearly 20cm since 1901, swallowing entire islands and creeping closer to populated areas of great coastal cities like New York, Melbourne and Dakar. Plus, extreme weather events like hurricanes, floods and droughts are becoming more frequent and intense.

So why then, was no action being taken to stop this? Why was this burden being placed on the shoulders of schoolchildren?

the facts? What good did it do to sit on chairs all day while our planet and our civilisation were being sacrificed for the greed of a very small number of people?

We wanted the Adani coal mine stopped. It was only a small stepping stone towards a better future, yet, it was

Because profit once again was being prioritised over people; being prioritised over the future of my generation.

Big polluters like oil and coal companies aren’t going down without a fight. After all, they’re making billions from dirty energy while the rest of us pay to clean up their mess. That’s why

they’ve spent decades running wellfunded campaigns to mislead and deceive the public about what’s really happening to the planet.

For years, as we grew up, we watched as the climate debate happen before our very eyes; on television, on the news, in the newspapers, and evenin our classrooms. We sat back and we watched, and we listened. We decided to trust the people in power to make the right decisions. After all, this was our future, our lives, that they were debating - but they were dismissing and ignoring and sweeping under the rug.

And today, there is no debate. Climate change is real and happening now and is most definitely a crisis.

The lapse in what climate experts are saying and in the actions that are being taken in society have such a drastic difference that we have decided to take matters into our own hands.

The only power we had over the Government was that they wanted us in schools. So, we took that away.We marched for not only stopping Adani, but for keeping the fossil fuels in the ground, for reducing carbon emissions as per the Paris Agreement, for necessary policies on global warming.

And we will continue to strike, protest, and act, until our objectives are achieved. Because if we don’t take action now, there will be no future generations.

As Greta Thunberg so succinctly put it, “We have had thirty years of pep talking and selling positive ideas. But it doesn’t work.We do not need your hope, we need your action.”

Bhuvi, 17, is a Year 12 student at Glenunga International High School

“We’d

Greta Thunberg; (above) Students gather at the steps of the SA Parliament

This movement had to happen, we didn’t have a choice.

Doing more for WA and for you That’s the power of membership

The history of Ind V Aus

Sydney-based historian Kersi Meher-Homji on the highlights, as well as the less documented moments, of a 70-year relationship

BY RITAM MITRA

As India and Australia conclude yet another bilateral series – just a mere two months after the end of India’s historic tour Down Under – it’s easy to forget that the countries have not always been such familiar foes.

From Bradman to Kohli, the latest book penned by renowned cricket historian Kersi Meher-Homji, explores the vagaries of the relationship between perhaps the two most dominant forces in world cricket over the last 20 years, recounting in detail the most memorable (and some forgotten) moments in what has recently become, but has by no means always been, cricket’s premier rivalry.

India and Australia did not play their first Test match against each other until 1947, with India’s 1932 emergence as a Test nation halted throughout World War II. It was an enormous mismatch; India, in every respect a juvenile in world cricket, was roundly thrashed by an innings and 226 runs in Brisbane as Bradman’s Australians, who would later that year be anointed as the Invincibles in a legendary tour of England, ran rampant. Much like Warne’s unremarkable figures of 1-150 in his debut Test against India in 1992, so too was India’s introduction to Australia less than promising.

From Bradman to Kohli is perhaps the most complete record of the Test matches played between the two nations since that 1947-48 tour, a contest which has since 1996 been known as, and has been played for, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Most cricket fans today - age permitting - will remember the more recent contests chronicled in the book, particularly those played in the digital information age. But it is those less documented moments recounted by Meher-Homji, which unfolded before the advent of not only television, but well before transistor radios, which particularly capture the imagination and evoke nostalgic intrigue.

The majority of cricket followers are familiar with one of cricket’s most debated rules, officially known in the MCC laws as “Non-striker leaving the crease early”, but in every other context, referred to as the ‘Mankad rule’, after Indian bowler Vinoo Mankad infamously ran out Australia’s Bill Brown in this manner at the SCG during India’s debut tour of Australia. What is not as widely recalled about that incident was it was the fourth time on the tour that Brown had either been warned or actually run out by Mankad in this manner. In a previous tour game at the SCG, Mankad had warned and subsequently run Brown out at the non-

striker’s end, while in the next tour match against Queensland, Mankad had once again warned Brown when he strayed too far from the crease.

Mankading is still seen as an unsportsmanlike act today, despite being encoded in the laws of the game. Yet as Meher-Homji notes, at the time, many, including Bradman, suggested that Brown should have learned from his earlier mistakes. Meher-Homji quotes Bradman’s comments in his 1950 autobiography

Farewell to Cricket: “Mankad was an ideal type, and he was so scrupulously fair that he first of all warned Brown before taking any action. There was absolutely no feeling in the matter as far as we were concerned, for we considered it quite a legitimate part of the game”.

Often lost too, to the annals of history, are the intricacies of touring life that are no longer part of today’s game, whether for better or for worse. In 1935-36 and 1945, for instance, Australia sent a number of “unofficial” Australian representative sides to India, including a mixture of retired ex-players well into their 40s as well as emerging talents. Forgotten too, given the current trends of entering Test series

with barely a warm-up match in sight, is that in the pre-Packer days, touring teams would play all states before their first Test, as did India in its maiden tour of 1947-48. On the other side of the coin, it’s only in the second half of India’s relationship with Australia that Australian players stopped dreading tours of the subcontinent. Until the 1970s, touring India meant the very real risk of gastroenteritis, sub-standard accommodation and inhospitable conditions. In fact, some Australian players even came close to dying from their afflictions – just ask Gordon Rorke, who fell so ill in 1959-60, he never played another Test, but would have felt lucky just to survive.

More than anything though, MeherHomji’s book is a reminder of the rich and storied history of India-Australia Test cricket, and how far both countries have come since they first faced off some 70 years ago. Although it is India’s identity in particular that has changed most markedly, it is not too far a stretch to say that the valiant efforts of the likes of Hazare, Tiger Pataudi, Bedi and Gavaskar, played no small role in paving the way to India’s historic triumph in Australia this summer.

From Bradman to Kohli is perhaps the most complete record of the Test matches played between the two nations since the first tour in 1947-48

US-based Indian-origin writer Sohaila Abdulali talks about personal experience, her research and her professional experience at a rape crisis centre

BY APARNA ANANTHUNI

We need to talk about rape. Or rather, what rape is, and what it is not. This is what struck me most, listening to Sohaila Abdulali speak at Melbourne’s Wheeler Centre about her new book, What We Talk About When We Talk About Rape – what she called her “manifesto for living”. Abdulali was confident, humorous, and strident as she spoke about rape, as a survivor, as someone who has gone on to have a “great life”, and as someone who also decided she still had more to say, some thirty years later.

I walked away from her with the most unexpected feeling: lightness.

Because what we normally do is circle rape, warily. We treat it like a rare, poisonous flower. We treat it like a spectre. We treat it like shame so intense it should kill you. We treat it like Lord Voldemort: He Who Must Not Be Named.

Abdulali, instead, got right up in rape’s face, and said ‘I know you, I know what you are.’

So, ladies and gentleman – well, mostly gentleman, let’s be honest – let me tell you a few things about rape…

Rape is not sex, but we have to talk about sex when we talk about rape

Why do those who have been raped so often feel shame at being raped, something that can’t really be said of any other crime?

“I think it’s partly…the confusion of rape and sex,” Abdulali said. “As people and society we have a lot of shame about sex.” As a sexual act, then, rape makes us “ashamed and weirded out and uncomfortable.”

So, sex education is absolutely key. “If we’re teaching sex education or sex ethics to boys and girls in such a way that they come to regard sex as something men can take, and men can enjoy, and women, it’s really for them to just put up with …then we’re

really encouraging rape.”

Rape is a choice, not a character trait

There’s a short, clear answer to the question of ‘what causes rape’ and Abdulali gave it unapologetically: “Men!”

And it’s completely, undeniably true – it’s almost always men who are the perpetrators of rape.

But no, it’s not a ‘certain type’ of man, as so many of us would like to believe.

Because the terrifying, sobering fact is that men who rape aren’t the ogres from fairytales, or the monsters under the bed. They are as human as you or I. They make

a choice. As Abdulali quipped in response to those who worry about the demonisation of ‘poor innocent men’ through movements like #MeToo: “I don’t know where these innocent men are!”

“Who are these men? They’re regular guys, they’re regular husbands and fathers,” she said. “I wish I could say, ‘these men are different’. I think it’s a potential in everyone, a choice everyone could make. And many don’t.”

Rape is like any other crime and yet it’s not Rape is complicated. “It’s a crime like any other crime, and yet it’s not; it’s unique - every

crime is unique,” Abdulali mused. “Rape is not more unique than other unique crimes.” The difference is that rape is forcibly entangled with so many other things: “It’s so tied up in our minds with honour and shame and blah and sex and being spoilt,” Abdulali said. It’s also, as she pointed out, “the one crime that we judge according to how the victim reacts.”

Rape shouldn’t be put in a separate box to other traumatic physical crimes. “By bringing it into the realm of terrible traumas like other terrible traumas you’re not diminishing it or say it’s less; you’re just saying, it’s as manageable or not as other things.”

To stop rape, you need to dismantle patriarchy

Rape is entrenched in behaviours and attitudes: it’s not outside society, it’s right in the thick of it.

“What are we talking about, with rape?” Abdulali asked. “We’re talking about an entire culture of a way that men treat women, and then we all treat each other.”

Rape will continue as long as we are, as she so nicely put it, “mesmerised by patriarchy.”

Talking about rape INDIAN LINK

“You could go out and be marching in the streets and demonstrating against rape, but if you come in and you give your son the first helping, it’s cancelling everything you’ve done.”

cineTALK

IRRESISTIBLE PIECE ON PEACE

Political turmoil and separatist violence have now become synonymous with Kashmir. It wasn't always that way. Once known as heaven on earth, the paradisiacal importance of the violent valley is celebrated in muted shades of innocence and redemption in this gentle saga of love, trust and belief during times of acute strife.

This is a film that Majid Majidi could have made. The blend of blood and innocence is the hallmark of the Iranian auteur's filmmaking style.

Director Aijaz Khan has adapted Majidi's style wholesale and then given it his own striking yet unostentatious twist.

This is a Kashmir shrouded in militancy and yet salvaged by redemptive twists of fate which perhaps would stump even God.

Standing tall in this slender parable of strife and humanism is little Hamid, played with an instinctive gravity and artless wisdom by Talha Alshad Reshi.

Casting him is half the battle won. As little Hamid converses on his missing father's cell phone with 'God' (who turns out to be a troubled CRPF trooper with a Bihari accent) the plot puts forward a sturdy yet subtle argument for dialogue, albeit on an artless "poetic" level, which for all practical purposes serves no purpose in the real world of stone pelters and human bombs.

And yet in spite of the film blissfully burying its head in the clouds, there is a burning yearning for peace underlining the treacherous tranquility of the film's surface.

HAMID

In fact, the director doesn't seem to be very comfortable with the bursts of violence that punctuate little Hamid's dialogues with 'God'.

The film's only unconvincing moments are those that show the characters losing their equilibrium.

Hamid's desperate desire for the

return of his missing father, his unlikely phone-friendship with the trooper Abhay, and his eventual realisation that the father he so anxiously awaits will never return, are mapped in a labyrinth displaying the pathway of pain and suffering into the human heart.

Adapting this poetic political parable to the large screen, director Aijaz Khan forfeits none of Kashmir's scenic outdoor beauty, nor at the same time, does the film's frames look like touristic brochure.

As the story of little Hamid unfolds in a tapestry of pain and self-realisation, we are taken on a subtle tender yet revealing voyage into the valley of violence.

While the little boy Talha Alshad Reshi with his big questioning eyes is a natural-born scene stealer, Rasika Duggal as an impoverished single parent struggling to come to terms with the immensity of her loss, is the portrait of supreme conviction and credibility.

Curiously the film daintily steers away from getting into the murkier aspects of the mother's singlehood in a state ridden with predatory aggression.

For better or for worse, this gem of a film wants to steer its boat away from the violence that stares little Hamid and his mother in the face.

Rounding out this resonant raga of hope, the narrative concludes with little Hamid receiving some expensive paint to colour the boat the boy builds by embracing his father's craft of carpentry.

Red is the colour of blood and bloodshed. But in this film it is also the colour of hope and positivity. It's time to paint the Green Valley into postcardperfect shades again. Hamid brings hope. It's an irresistible piece on peace, and one that every Indian must see.

Subhash K. Jha

STARRING: Talha Alshad Reshi, Vikas Kumar, Rasika Duggal

DIRECTOR: Aijaz Khan

H H H H

UNPALATABLE TRUTHS

handled crime drama, superior to some of the real-life crime dramas on television (some of which are not bad at all) mainly for the level of performance director Mehta gets out of the cast especially Shefali Shah.

But it doesn't achieve that level of emotional impact that I expected from the product considering the fine talent that's gone into it.

There are two reasons why Delhi Crime stops short of being a masterpiece on real-life crime. For one, it holds back way too much of the angst probably to appeal to a global audience. The attempt to subdue the sheer insanity of the crime is admirable but eventually a fatal error of judgment.

DELHI CRIME (Netflix)

STARRING: Shefali Shah, Rasika Dugal

DIRECTOR: Richie Mehta HHHH

It isn't easy being on the right side of the law when all you get for your efforts is brickbats and insults from fence sitters.

To say that this disturbing but finally redundant real-life crime drama whitewashes the khaki uniform, would be frivolous and irresponsible to the extreme. What it does do, is to humanise the police force by showing a cluster of fiercely committed police

KESARI

STARRING: Akshay Kumar, Parineeti Chopra

DIRECTOR: Anurag Singh

HHHH

Twenty one soldiers holding off thousands of invaders… sounds filmy? But here is the thing. Life's lessons learnt from history prove that truth can indeed be stranger than fiction. And why just stranger? Truth is far more stimulating and enriching too. Kesari proves it, digging out a little-known, uncelebrated chunk of unbelievable bravery, in the Battle of Saragarhi. Unlike the imposters that stalk the silver screen with their phoney nationalism and exasperating jingoism Kesari puts its money where its mouth is. The actors playing the 21 incredibly courageous Sardarjis who took on the Afghani invasion, speak of the pride for their country with no effort to create an impression. These soldiers mean business. When pitched against

officers (women, in this story) driving themselves over the edge to nap the perpetrators of the crime. Did the cops on the case really show this level of commitment? Does it matter? Heroism on a level where it heals society is unquestionable.

Recreating in vivid vicious colours the events before, during and after the life-changing ‘Nirbhaya’ gang rape in Delhi, this seven-part series spares us the brutality of watching the rape but protects from none of the trauma and horrific aftermath of a crime that shook the conscience of the nation.

As we hear our drama's hero

Vartika Chaturvedi say, this crime was different, the savagery was unprecedented. She got it right.

I will never forget the sequence where the ravaged girl is rolled into the hospital bloodied, brutalised beyond all human explanation, in pain beyond all endurance, and yet tells her father, "I will be fine".

We do that all the time. We keep saying things will be fine when we know they will only get worse.

Director Richie Mehta negotiates with powerful hands the many hurdles that a crime investigation so complex must face. This is a very professionally

LAST STAND

A more immediate crisis of efficacy emerges from the fact that Delhi Crime resembles a very recent Netflix film Soni which was in every way a superior work. The domestic disarray in the life of the female cops and the professional dynamics between two female officers in Soni is echoed here in the rapport that grows between the two cops played by Shefali Shah and Rasika Dugal, both in fine form, imbuing the contours of crime with an implosive reined-in anger at a system that fosters inequality and brutality.

Shefali Shah is especially powerful. She is compelling because her anger is internalised, palpable. She not only anchors the series with her persuasive presence, she also diminishes and decimates the rather disturbing feeling we get that this sort of stark recreation of India's most well-known sex crime serves no purpose except to remind us that the change we hoped to see in the number of rapes in our country, never happened.

Nirbhaya lives, and dies, again. Long live Nirbhaya.

Subhash K. Jha

meliority to this pointedly masculine film.

the worst odds, they know they are destined to die. And yet they fight to their last breath. Why? Because there is a country to be protected. Kesari doesn't valorise death. But it certainly throws the idea of patriotic pride at us at a pitch we've never seen or heard before. And I don't just

mean Raju Singh's background music which unnecessarily compounds the intrinsically dramatic action scenes. That's not the only irrelevant augmentation that this film suffers: Parineeti Chopra as Havildar Ishar Singh's phantom-wife serves no purpose except to add a touch of

Kesari is an astonishing achievement. Like Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat, the second-half of the nerve-wracking drama is devoted entirely to the battle between the Sikh soldiers and thethousands of Islamic invaders who are shot like crawling insects in aerial shots that turn the turgidity of war into a sharply aesthetic celebration of war sentiments. This is not a film for the pacifists. Kesari tells us, when you got to fight you've got to give it your best shot even when you know the outcome. No amount of praise is sufficient for the cast. Every actor playing the 21 Sikh soldiers seems to own his part in the way the girls in Shah Rukh Khan's hockey team owned their parts in Chak De.

As for Akshay Kumar, the restrained passion is evident in his transformed body language that he brings to Ishar Singh's part, and his propensity to state the truth without demur.

Subhash K. Jha

BY PREETI JABBAL

Ghirija Jayarraj’s perspective comes in part from being an Australian filmmaker, and in part being an Indian classical dancer. For the most part, though, it comes from being an eternal optimist.

All three elements went into the making of her award-winning short film Touch (2017). Based on asylum seekers, the film continues to resonate nearly two years after it was made, having just come off yet another round of screenings at Perth and at Melbourne.

In between, it travelled the world, winning the Best Short Film award at Calcutta International Cult Film Festival 2016, the Best Actress award for lead actress Kani Kusruti at the Creation International Film Festival 2016, and screening at the Global Cinema Film Festival of Boston 2017.

According to Ghirija, she is essentially an artist not an activist, however it was important for her to tell the story of asylum seekers from a humanitarian angle. “Cinema is an influential medium that enables people to understand the gravity of the situation,” she told Indian Link. “My film is not an attack on anyone or anything; it just tells a story honestly.”

She continued, “Asylum seekers deserve a chance just like you and me. They are people with human emotions and have gone through so many traumas where they come from and when they come here they still don’t get a chance to live. We need to have empathy for them, we need people to be aware of this topic and we need to find ways to improve the situation.”

Sharing her experience on the making of Touch Ghirija revealed she wrote the script in two days flat.

“I tend to jump into things without thinking!” she laughed. “All I knew was that I had a story to tell. Having written it, I sat on it for some time and then rehashed it. At that time there was a threat of Ebola Virus going around. My friends warned me not to travel but I jumped on a plane nevertheless and flew to Kerala in India to shoot the 22-minute film. It’s amazing how similar Kerala’s culture is to Sri Lanka and I was more comfortable shooting there.”

It took another year for the final product to take shape.

Touchy subject

It’s another round of screenings for Ghirija Jayarraj’s short film on asylum seekers

Cinematographer Pradeep Kalipuraya is also the director of Strange, a 40-minute movie that has screened alongside Touch as part of the recent ‘Perspective’events. (Featuring Malayalee Actors Roshan Mathews and Freddy Koi Karan Strange explores a peculiar characteristic that we humans possess through a light yet thought provoking narrative.)

Creative, mindful and articulate, ‘story telling’ is Ghirija Jayarraj’s passion and filmmaking is in her DNA. In 1977 her father released a film in Sri Lanka called Kathirupen Unnakaga and her mother’s uncle S. M Nayagam was a pioneer of Sinhala cinema.

Ghirija - Bharatanatyam dancer, dance teacher, theatre producer and curator - stumbled upon film making quite by accident. In 1999 while helping her parents with their community theatre show in Western Australia, she filmed what could be considered one of the first Tamil short films in Australia called Paddikal. (Stepping Stone).

That became her stepping-stone to more short films and documentaries under Rajsha Productions. She studied film at Curtin University, specialising in directing and producing. She also started a U-Tube channel known as Shastram.

Then came an opportunity to work with asylum seekers that sowed the seeds for Touch With nearly $20-25K spent on the film, the economic viability of such projects comes under question. Is the multicultural art scene in Australia striving or thriving?

Gjirija was quick to reply that to her, the term multicultural artist seems a bit marginalised. “We are creating work that does not cater to any particular community. It is for overall consumption. I am influenced by cinema from across the globe including India, Britain and Sri Lanka but I am an Australian artist, born and brought up here. I learnt my craft in Australia. My work is Australian and I do not like to be labelled as multicultural.”

“Artists from any country find the initial years of establishing their careers challenging. I would love to be a full time artist, however, it is my career as an auditor with a multinational company that sustains me financially. A lot of my projects have been self-funded but my work is now slowly getting recognised and I look forward to my next commercial venture,” said Ghirija candidly.

“Everyone who heard the story came on board to help, and I managed to collaborate with some of the best cinematic talent

Ghirija’s goal is to make 10 short films before making a proper feature film and she is well on her way to achieve that dream.

including Kani Kusruti and Jack Prabhu from India and Melinda Di Natale and Subi Slater from Australia,” said Ghirija.

“We are creating work that does not cater to any particular community. It is for overall consumption. I am an Australian artist, born and brought up here. I learnt my craft in Australia. My work is Australian and I do not like to be labelled as multicultural.”

First-time film-maker Leela Varghese wins big at Tropfest 2019

Crushing it

BY NEHA MALUDE

'It's the biggest highlight of my film career,” Leela Varghese tells Indian Link

The 27-year-old (with the maturity of a 22-year-old, she insists) Bundaberg-born film-maker is talking about being one of the 16 finalists in Tropfest 2019, the world’s largest short film festival.

Started in 1993 by Australian film-maker John Polson, it’s one of Australia’s most iconic cultural events that creates platforms for filmmakers to generate new content and share their stories. These ‘stories’ are short films that must be less than seven minutes long and have to feature that year’s Tropfest Signature Item (TSI).

This year, Leela’s film Crush was the only entry by an Indian-origin film-maker. It won three awards – Best Actor for lead Shabana Azeez, Best Editing for Pip Hart and Best

Screenplay for Leela.

For Leela, it’s all been a ‘really big deal’. Interestingly, her plan to enter Tropfest was… well, unplanned. “I had just finished working on a kids TV show Totally Wild as a presenterproducer,” she recounts. “It was the first time I was totally free – no job, nothing. After always having worked, it felt strange and so I wanted to fill the void and do something productive. I wanted to make something that would launch my career as a writer-director. It was totally spontaneous and last minute. The deadline was super close so I hustled around and got a crew of 20-odd together. We shot the entire film in one day!”

For Leela, everything fell into place so well that “it just felt like it was meant to happen”.

Crush is the story of Lizzy, who’s obsessed with novelty candles. But the truth is her “burning” desire isn’t just for candles - it’s for the girl selling them. The story follows her as the question remains: will she work up the courage to ask her out or will she just buy out the whole store?

(Note that this year’s TSI was ‘candle’).

You can’t miss the fact that the protagonist is from an ethnic background and queer. But Leela is quick to clarify that her story isn’t about “being queer” or “ethnically diverse”, rather it’s just a love story. She did, however, in a subtle way want to challenge stereotypes. “We make assumptions and generalisations – like a person from an ethnically diverse background doesn’t generally play the lead, or that a gay person is supposed to look a certain way. With Crush, I wanted to thrash those stereotypes out.”

But for Leela, whose father is Indian and mum Lebanese, it wasn’t easy to go through with the film, not at first at any rate. “I thought

about going with a boy-girl story first, even though the original idea involved two girls,” she reveals. “I think I was scared. Add to that the fact that I come from a multicultural background. Even when this interview with Indian Link was scheduled, I wondered, ‘Hmm… is an Indian newspaper going to be willing to write about a film about queer people? Is an Indian audience going to be okay reading it?’” she laughed.

Eventually, she says, the film felt unauthentic and she decided to stick to the original idea. “It just wouldn’t have had the same impact,” she says, “more so because of the ending which I obviously can’t give away right now. When you see the film, you’ll get it.”

As for her parents’ reaction to the film, Leela laughs yet again. “You know, I think they didn’t actually get it. But that’s okay. They’re very proud of me, but dad didn’t even know what Tropfest was. Having said that, Crush really isn’t a film for parents, it’s made for a younger demographic. And that’s okay.”

And for her target audience, Leela had hoped the film “makes them laugh”, which it did. “I’m not trying to make some groundbreaking political statement. I am just trying to surprise people. That it might make them think about other issues, is a bonus.”

Leela, who’s already scored a funding for a new web series pilot starting this year, says mediums like web series and short films are perfect for the new generation. “Viewers today have shorter attention spans. They want something snippy, engaging and easy to watch. It’s why new platforms like these are so popular now. Bear in mind, though, you can tell a lot in seven minutes.”

A second later, she adds with a smile, “And of course, it doesn’t cost as much as a feature film!”

“Viewers today have shorter attention spans. They want something snippy, engaging and easy to watch. Bear in mind, though, you can tell a lot in seven minutes.”

The FAQs that make us love our Facebook community groups Indians in Oz

Need to know where to get the best dosa batter in Sydney? Or want to buy/sell furniture? Diagnose those strange looking rashes on your baby’s tummy? Or maybe need a job?

From food and moving houses to job leads and dadi ma ke nuskhe, Indian community Facebook groups have you covered.

Here are some FAQs that have us in splits and some that just have us go “Huh?”

INDIANS IN PERTH

n Can I do my own cleaning at end-oflease?

n Know any good cleaning service?

n Looking for cleaner for end-of-lease cleaning.

n Anybody travelling from Ahmedabad? I need some medication.

n Anyone travelling from Chandigarh –let me know so I can book my parents’ tickets on the same day.

n My folks are visiting – what do I do for health insurance? (Buy one?)

n Looking for any kind of job – cooking, cleaning, ironing babysitting – no job since I arrived here five months ago.

INDIANS IN MELBOURNE

n Looking for accommodation – I’m a single girl arriving in Melbourne on Friday (Most common query after job hunt)

n Anyone have a cheap car for sale?

n Furniture removal service, please recommend?

n Seeking room for rent

n Have an apartment for rent (25 pics attached)

n How do I apply for post study work visa?

n Looking for landscaping company.

n Looking for Indian style jet toilet

n Looking for job: Oracle database professional, SQL, AWS and Qlik view BI.

n We are hiring: seeking Oracle database professionals, SQL, AWS and Qlikview BI.

n Toyota Camry for sale. Only 15 years old. (And it was second-hand when we bought it too)

n Which solar system is good? (Er, the one we live in?)

n Studying XX course. Want to change to YY. Pls advise. (Lucky if you get one legit response)

n Anybody install curtains?

n Any good dosa caterers?

n Any online sites to watch live cricket?(Cue a flood of posts/ads promoting local operators who provide live feed of Indian TV channels)

INDIAN MUMS IN MELBOURNE/SYDNEY/ BRISBANE

n I want to buy this product (XYZ shapewear), any recommendations?

MATRIMONIALS

SEEKING GROOMS

Seeking a suitable match for a 33-year-old girl, 5’6”, Melbourne based CPA working as a consultant. The boy should be well qualified, professionally settled in Australia, with a minimum height of 5’9”. Contact n.bhandari085@gmail.com or call + 61433391881.

Suitable match for an Australian citizen Hindu girl, highly qualified IT professional. Parents highly educated and well settled in Sydney. Should be well qualified and working professional, Australian citizen or Permanent Resident. Please respond to rukrghrmn@gmail.com

Looking for a match for professionally qualified Sikh girl from Melbourne, working in education, 25 years old, 5’10”. Seeking Sikh groom, well-educated/professional, settled in Australia. Contact pklkaur18@gmail. com

Christian parents looking for Christian groom, fair/wheatish, height 5’8” - 6’, good looking, well settled, IT professional, banker, engineer for their daughter, 1987 born, fair, 5’4”, working as a psychologist in Sydney. Please contact 0450513263 or email bournmum@gmail.com

Parents of 33-year-old highly qualified vegetarian Hindu girl working and well settled in good locality in Sydney, seeking an educated, teetotaller and good family background boy. Prefer Australian citizen or PR. Please contact ausshubham123@gmail.com

Seeking a well settled, professional match for 28-year-old vegetarian Punjabi girl. She is an Australian citizen. Her complexion is wheatish. She has completed a BA and BEd in Primary Education. She is soft spoken and gentle. Currently working as a Purchasing Officer in a private company. PR or citizen only. Email: meena.khepar@hotmail.com or contact

(170 replies)

n I want to buy this product (ABC kitchenware), any recommendations? (200 replies)

n I want to buy Rotimatic – reasonable price – any suggestions? (‘reasonable’ is Indian-speak for cheapest possible) (150 replies)

n Where can I buy kurtis/velvet sari blouse/lehenga/Indian outfits for my kids (50 replies – all spruiking their own home-based business that they run after hours or on weekends)

n Does anyone else feel good when you get home and unhook your bra? (800 replies, plenty of emojis)

n Anonymous post: I’m having such-andsuch problem with my husband. (200 replies: 100 saying ‘He’s an ass**le you need to get out of the marriage call me I’m a counsellor’, 100 saying ‘Don’t be so ungrateful learn to support him think of your kids’)

n Look, I made this paneer dish for dinner.(500 likes, some asking for recipe)

n My lovelies, I wrote this poem today. (Attach senseless drivel) (900 likes, a lot of GIFs, some replies that are also poems)

n My baby has a skin rash (attach sickening pic), someone tell me what to do. (Er, maybe take him to doctor?) 50 replies (apply cucumber juice; wash with chandan; put multanimitti; say this mantra 25 times)

n In-laws are visiting: which Indian TV should I subscribe to? (so they won’t pester me)

n Looking for caterers for dinner party – reasonable price (Translation: I want cheap food that tastes like Michelin star level food)

n Good lady doctor in Westmead/ Blacktown/Harris Park/Quakers Hill/Altona/Point Cook/Truganina/ Wyndham

n Want to start kitty group in Westmead/ Blacktown/Harris Park/Quakers Hill/Altona/Point Cook/Truganina/ Wyndham

n Does anyone else miss Hindi TV soaps? (200 replies, many discussing plots)

n Birthday party ideas for 5-year-old?

n Eggless cake/halal cake??

n Please help with this problem in today’s maths homework, Year 5.

BUT SERIOUSLY, Facebook communities, thank you for doing such a great job. Please don’t block us because we wrote this. How else will we know how to make home-made dahi like back home in India, see your pics of autumn leaves (which you like to call “fall”), discuss options for our kids’ schooling, and hear your opinion on why Abhinandan’s moustache is such a big hit?

With contributions from Indian Linkers in Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide

0401680297 after 6pm.

Seeking a suitable match for a 29-yearold, height 5’10” girl from a well-settled family. She has done B.Com., Masters in SocialWork and is working in Emirates Airways as cabin crew, Dubai UAE. Only elder sister settled in Luxembourg, parents leading retired life in Vadodara. Please contact on +919826836130, mehta.hemant2@gmail.com

SEEKING BRIDES

Seeking 25-30-year-old Hindu/Punjabi girl from Australia for our 32-yearold specialist doctor son, 5'9", born and brought up in Sydney. Please respond: gupta_rsr@hotmail.com or ph 0414282510

Alliance invited for well-educated, divorced, 5' 9", 1975-born Sikh Khatri boy. Working and self-employed earning 100k per year. Looking for compatible Sikh girl from Australia. Early marriage. Phone: 0422102242 or

email: ghai07@yahoo.com

Australian Melbourne resident (born South Africa/Hindi), 32-year-old professional, outgoing and welltravelled man, seeking Indian or Sri Lankan lady with similar interests for marriage. Please e-mail details with photo to father ranjitha@slingshot. co.nz

Indian Christian Protestant parents, seeking a suitable match for their 38-year-old son, a software engineer, born and brought up in Australia. Seeking Protestant girl between 28-34 years. Email: sammy5073@gmail.com, Mob: 0403836360

Seeking well educated girl, 26-33 years, Australian citizen or PR for Hindu boy, Australian citizen, 34years, senior manager in a leading bank. Family is well educated and well settled in Australia. Please respond to matrimozind@gmail.com.

Honeywood Wandi

The most vibrant community south of Perth

Honeywood Estate is a wonderful community to build friendships and bring up children while using the amazing 25 planned parks, playgrounds, walking trails and wetlands that surround this beautiful masterplanned estate.

Land from just $207,000 225m2 – 690m2 lots available

• Honeywood Primary School now open

• District Playing Fields now open

• Farmers Markets every Sunday morning

• Twilight Hawkers markets monthly

• Aubin Grove Train Station just 4km away

• 20 minutes drive to Perth CBD

• 20 minutes drive to Fremantle

• Aubin Grove Medical Centre just 1 minute away

• Cockburn Gateway Shopping Centre less than 10 minutes away with Coles, Woolworths, Big W, Target and more than 150 food, fashion and specialty stores.

Make sure you like our Facebook page at facebook.com/honeywood.estate.wandi/

For information on land for sale, contact Andrew Antonas on 08 6117 3094 or email honeywood.sales@satterley.com.au

TALKS

FOOD

MUSIC BLESSINGS MEDITATION

AUSTRALIAN TOUR

BRISBANE & SUNSHINE COAST

25-28 April 2019

Brisbane — 25 April

Eatons Hill Hotel, 646 South Pine Rd, Eatons Hill

FREE Public Programs 25 Apr 10am & 7:30pm

Sunshine Coast — 28 April

Noosa Leisure Centre, 9 Wallace St, Noosaville

FREE Public Program 28 Apr 7pm Devi Bhava (World Peace Program)

Retreat 26-28 April (by pre-registration only)

ammaaustralia.org.au

" Amma is the embodiment of pure love. Her presence heals." Deepak Chopra