2019-04 Melbourne

PUBLISHER

Pawan Luthra

EDITOR

Rajni Anand Luthra

SOCIAL MEDIA

Neha Malude

MELBOURNE COORDINATOR

Preeti Jabbal

CONTRIBUTORS

Harshad Pandharipande, Aparna Ananthuni, Ritam Mitra, Minal Khona, Carl Buhariwala

ADVERTISING MANAGER

Shriti Sinha 0410 578 146

ADVERTISING ASSISTANT

Charuta Joshi 02 9279 2004

Indian Link is a monthly newspaper published in English. No material, including advertisements designed by Indian Link, may be reproduced in part or in whole without the written consent of the editor. Opinions carried in Indian Link are those of the writers and not necessarily endorsed by Indian Link. All correspondence should be addressed to:

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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.

JASON

$500,000 for a Gurudwara, Pakenham

$500,000 for new Multicultural Centre, Berwick

$340,000 for a Gurudwara, O cer

$10 M for Bunjil Place, Narre Warren

$120,000 for International Australian Sikh Games

JASON

$350,000 for Multicultural Hub design,Pakenham M FEDERAL MEMBER FOR LA TROBE

Authorised by Jason Wood, Liberal Party of Australia, 3/16 Langmore Lane, Berwick VIC 3806.

jason wood delivered

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. Expert view: 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

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.

ideological threat faced by society

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)

Hundreds of people joined in a day of fun and festivity at the 5th annual 2019 Spirit Harmony Multicultural Festival (SMFH) held at the Clayton Community Centre recently. As part of Cultural Diversity Week the event engaged audiences with a range of activities, non-stop performances and promotional stalls.

The variety on offer at the SMFH 2019 Holi Festival of Mind Colours was huge, keeping everyone involved as many cultures came together to celebrate diversity on a common platform.

The family friendly, free event offered a multicultural smorgasbord with performances lined up from Macedonia, Thailand, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, Serbia, Spain and other backgrounds.

Positive vibes flew fast with spiritual talks, art workshops, yoga, well-being and meditation sessions kicking off the first half of the day. Dotted around the hall were multiple stalls with plenty to browse through along with interactive activities and select eateries. Psychics and palmists were available for consultation adding to the ‘market’ feel.

The celebrations paused a bit to acknowledge important issues affecting the global community and a minute’s silence was observed in prayers for those who lost their lives in the New Zealand Terror attack on 15 March. Coinciding with theNational Day of Action against Bullying and Violence, Bully Zero’s ambassador Preeti Daga took the opportunity to advocate the Foundation’s vision.

The more we play together

the happier

Multicultural festival presents mind boggling variety

The cultural fusion event was organised by Festival Director Nawal Moudgil under the aegis of SKGA Inc. (Sangam Kala Group Australia) in association with VMC Victorian Multicultural Commission, City of Monash and State Government of Victoria.

“With 150 plus teams of performers, volunteers presenting 12 plus cultures and over 1000 people attending from all, ages, backgrounds and abilities, Victorians were invited to retain and express their social identity and cultural inheritance, through these family-related community and cultural engagements,” said Moudgil.

“During this season, our teams collaborated and celebrated cultural diversity and Holi festivities with many other clubs, groups, schools and other associations,” he continued. “This included popular music, dances, dramas, instrumentals, folk, Bollywood, spiritual and classical presentations representing diverse regions, religions and cultures within Victoria.”

The atmosphere was dynamic as hundreds of participants geared up to give their best on stage. The bulk of the afternoon was taken up with an eclectic mix of cross-cultural entertainment. Music and dance performances dominated the agenda with Taekwondo demonstrations and Bollywood workshops also on offer for the movers and shakers.

There were regulars from pervious events but many were performing in this event for the first time. For young amateur singers like Ria and her proud parents Bubby and Jatinder Kumar it was an opportunity to showcase her talent to a large audience providing the much-needed encouragement for her talent to flourish.

“This is the whole idea,” said Moudgil enthusiastically. “We want this to be an inclusive event that is open to all and over the years the demand and participation has increased considerably. I have received good feedback for this year’s event but there is always room for improvement. With the support of the community and the backing of multicultural services, local councils and the Victorian Government, we intend to keep going from strength to strength.”

Simmi Singh

…

we’ll be.

Walking for Mum

Melbourne siblings fundraise for Lymphoma Australia

BY PREETI JABBAL

For Melbourne-based siblings Rohit Sawhney and Priya Dias, the process of healing - following the loss of their mum Anjali Sawhney to lymphoma last year - included a positive ritual to share with family and friends.

While many choose to release butterflies, hold prayer ceremonies, write poems or offer flowers in memory of their loved ones, Rohit and Priya invited people to join them for a charity walk to support those currently fighting lymphoma.

The group raised over $12,000 for Lymphoma Australia to support lymphoma care nurses around the country.

Making every step count, nearly 300 people participated in the Legs Out For Lymphoma event held at Princes Park in Carlton North recently. The 5-km walk was suitable for all abilities including strollers and wheelchairs. Sharing details of the fundraiser with Indian Link, Lymphoma Australia CEO Sharon Winton OAM said, “It was an amazing event. We are very appreciative of the people who came and helped create awareness of lymphoma, and the lime colour made it so much fun.”

According to Sharon the total sum raised was $27,000: this will go towards the dedicated lymphoma care nurses who support patients through their diagnosis and treatment.

Legs Out For Lymphoma is a national event raising awareness of this complex cancer, the sixth most common form of cancer in Australia.

According to statistics provided by Lymphoma Australia, over 6000 people are diagnosed with lymphoma and around 1500 deaths are attributed to it each year in Australia.

The Legs Out an announcement by Health Minister Greg Hunt to spend $19 million to list Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL) medicines Adcetrics on the PBS list, with patients able to access them for $40.30 per script or $6.50

with a concession card from April 2019.

Rohit and Priya chose this event to express their gratitude to the many family and friends who supported them and their mother Anjali through her painful journey that ended on 18 July 2018. Her legacy, however, continues, living on in the hearts of many people that she touched.

“Mum was our everyday hero,” Priya said emotionally. “She lived her life doing good things for others and we wish to continue that tradition by giving back, by supporting Lymphoma Australia in their wonderful work. We miss her tremendously but we also are assured with the knowledge that she would Rohit voiced similar sentiments as he balanced his super cute toddler on his shoulders and manoeuvred her pram around the park. Little Rhian, all of 20 months old, happily sported the lime-coloured theme and was among the youngest members at the event.

“We are very grateful to all for their support and the many kind donations to this same charity at the time of Mum's funeral,” Rohit said.“She was not just our mum, she was dadi, chachi, bua, aunty, friend and confidante for different people and it’s great to see so many join us to honour her memory,” he said.

“This is the ideal way to celebrate the life of our Aunt -she had great appreciation for the comfort and compassion provided by the nurses who helped her

through her treatment in hospital,” said Simmi Singh, Anjali’s niece, who was also at the event. “In her last days, her close circle of family and friends were with her day and night, and witnessed the sensitivity with which most of the nurses conducted their noble profession. I am glad the donations will support these wonderful angels in scrubs.”

Amongst the participants were people who had lost their loved ones to the cancer, some in remission, some getting treatment, some survivors and many supporters. Besides the walk there was food, drinks, fundraising merchandise, music and positive vibes galore for the fundraisers.

Emily Somers from Bravery Co demonstrated an interesting headwear technique of tying a turban that was inspired by African women. Based on her own experience of battling Hodgkin Lymphoma twice, Emily started Bravery Co by sourcing headscarves from around the world for cancer patients. 10% of all the profits from Bravery Co go to the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation.

The scenic green of the park was uplifted with the lime green clothing as well as the delighted smile of the man who won the bestdressed prize for decorating himself and his wheelchair in the zesty colour.

For those involved, it was either a fitness opportunity, help raise much needed funds, or plain socialise and have fun. Whatever their motivation, they were moved enough to move for charity.

The total sum raised was $27,000: this will go towards the dedicated lymphoma care nurses who support patients through their diagnosis and treatment.

Ravinder Singh Jabbal

For immigration and regional development

IT entrepreneur Sunny Chandra, a candidate for the Senate in the upcoming Federal Elections, talks to PREETI JABBAL

With a keen focus on regional growth, renewable energy and immigration matters, Victorian Sunny Pratap Chandra’s mission is to participate fully in the process of making new laws and debating public policy in Australia.

He considers his politics to be centrist and has spent considerable time in constructing and articulating the framework of the policies that he would like to implement.

Speaking with Indian Link, he outlined his promise of building a stronger regional Victoria and explains why he chose to nominate himself as an Independent candidate for the Victorian Senate in the upcoming Federal Elections.

Why are you seeking a seat in the Senate? And why as an Independent, instead of affiliating with a major party?

The Federal parliament runs on two levels,the Lower House with around 150 members and upper level with about 64 members. The old constitution was so set up that the senate wasto represent the people and the Lower House was to represent the political party.

I am not inany political party so I did not want to stand for a seat in the Lower House. The Upper House is like an elder brother that checksonthe legislations that they are trying to pass and ensures that they are workable.

My passion is immigration and regional development, and immigration is a Federal affair. All the bills are sent to Senate and it has powers like Senate enquiry, Senate Estimate Committee, Testaments committee etc. The Senate cancall any minister and quiz them on their policies. For example there were so many issues for Minister Peter Dutton during his attempts to change citizenship rules. Finally it failed in the Senate. I want to be in the Senate, where the action is.

While I have friends in both major parties I feel that both have fringe elements that are extreme. Liberals form alliances with the far right including Pauline Hanson who are trying to cut back immigration. On the other hand Labor has affiliations with people like the Greens who are only thinking of a limited number of people on Manus Island and focussed on saving them whereas in the middle there are more than 2.2 million people living on temporary resident visas and 40,000 people on bridging visas stuck in the pipeline. What is going to happen to those people? Nobody is debating about them. The wait

has stretched out for these people. The queues for processing are getting longer. I want to talk about these issues, get the laws changed and have a proper debate on immigration and address this issue in Parliament and through the media.

Nobody seems to be talking about the fact that we are giving 30-35,000 student visas every month. If you calculate that over a year, that’s around 360,000 student visas, so what is this talk about restricting migration to 160,000? It is fake news. Last year the limit was 190,000 but only 63,473 visas were handed out. They can’t cut back on partners, parents and families, but they can cut back only on the skilled percentage. How will that work?

Scott Morrison is saying that the total immigration intake will remain the same as last year but we will give more visas in the regional areas and less in the city and I agree with that.

There is much discussion about infrastructure in major cities not keeping up with the growth. Your thoughts?

Infrastructure in and around Melbourne was planned ata time that did not take into account the number of students and migrants that are coming in. Around a third of the 30,000 students, I mentioned earlier, come to Melbourne. They are coming to Melbourne because they need to study in CRICOS (approved colleges) and majority of these are in Melbourne. They come to these CRICOS colleges as that is a pathway to get permanent visas.

This may sound revolutionary but my policy would be that all CRICOS certifications should only be given in regional areas. The argument will be why should people come there? $33 billion come to Australia from education out of which Victoria contributes $10 billion. With CRICOS colleges only operating from regional areas, that will spread the intake. Generally a vast majority of students come with the intent to gain Permanent Residency. They need around 65 points for that so if we change the rules and offer 20 points instead of the existing 5 points towards their PR, then they will come.

Do regional areas have the capacity to handle the growth you are talking about, and will there be employment?

This is a chicken and egg situation. I have great faith in immigrantsthat come

to this country. They are out there, they have initiative, youth and the desire to do well. They will create jobs and add to the economy. Billions of dollars of injection into the regional areas will work and new infrastructure can be built. This is better than having the $1 billion fill the pockets of some education providers who are driving Ferraris and becoming instant millionaires. Why should this be allowed?

Students generally come with fees for one semester and then need a job and I agree there aren’t many in regional areas. I live in Keyneton where I can’t get an Uber, and there is only one Indian restaurant. I wanted a plumber’s services for a small issue, and he was booked out for the next two and a half months. This indicates there is demand there and when we open these colleges, the local people will get appointments as teachers and there will be more transparency. The locals will provide quality education unlike the practise now in some of these colleges.

What are your views on renewable energy?

Renewable energy is absolutely necessary to grow the region. If we have coal-fired power stations there is a lot of cost in movingthat electricity, and in the process some energy is leaked, it uses a lot of land and they are totally inefficient in terms of transferring coal into electricity. Instead we should have windmills; one or two windmills in India generates electricity for many villages.The demand is less in comparison to Australia but based on that example if we were to put those windmills dotted across Victoria we could have the transmission quickly and it can harness solar power. We don’t

harness it much at the moment because of the coal lobby and the number of people working in coal and mining. The amount of money invested in R&D in solar is also tiny compared to money spent on huge projects like Adani mines.

As a Senator it would be my objective to get more money for R&D on renewable energy and put in business plans for distributed electricity across Australia, not centralised base loads. People need to look into the future; a renewables future is feasible with technologies like wind turbines and concentrating solar power among others.

What strategy are you using to campaign for votes in the election?

I am relying heavily on the support of my ethnic South Asian community; there are 169,000 people in Victoria that are born in India according to ABS statistics. I am relying on them but my reach to them is something I am working on at the moment. I haven’t had much headway as people are shy of politics and tend to avoid it at social and religious gatherings like at temples and musical events etc. I feel disappointed if I don’t get the opportunity to discuss this with the larger community.

People need to know that I am not here to make money. I am 77 years old; I don’t need to do this for money. I have been in Australia 44 years and I have a stellar career with not a single mark on it. My wife is third generation Australian and I have a wonderful family of children and grandchildren. I am doing this to get better immigration outcomes because I am passionate about this subject.

Educating for change

Khyashie

BY CARL

As a young girl who moved to Bendigo at the age of 4, Khayshie Tilak Ramesh has a fond connection with her home in rural Victoria. So, when our conversation in Melbourne’s CBD was coming to an end, I asked her: Bendigo or Melbourne?

Her response took me by surprise.

She said, “I wish to bring knowledge from Melbourne to Bendigo.”

It made complete sense, given the conversation we had just had about her background, life experiences, achievements, public commitments and her goals.

Khayshie has recently been appointed to the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) as its Youth Commissioner, and is also Mayor of the newly established Bendigo Youth Council.

On her agenda for Bendigo, is to tackle issues on graduate retention, building opportunities, supporting local businesses to hire employees and helping Bendigo attract people to the area. The causes in relation to youths that she is passionate about include refugees, unemployment, career development and advocacy.

“I believe it is imperative that those fortunate in society make the effort to do things which will improve the overall community,” she said with conviction.

Growing up in Bendigo has helped shape Khayshie become the woman she is today. She attributes much of her interest in social issues to her experiences living there.

In 2015, Khayshie started the platform

Australia about refugees.

“Many people questioned why I was supporting refugees,” she explained. “I would receive negative feedback on social media and in person, which made me wonder why people did not appreciate refugees. My vision is to make people less fearful of refugees. My solution was to educate people with reasons why their

From organising community events to starting a social enterprise, Khayshie helped the community value the inclusion of refugees. This experience taught her about the power of one’s

She recounted her early experiences in Bendigo where, stereotyped on a regular basis, she struggled with her sense of identity and belonging. It was only her recent participation in the 2018 Joan Kirner

Young and Emerging Leaders Program that helped her understand how people can make a difference in society no matter where they come from or what experiences they have.

“The program helped me to connect with others and understand the role that I want to fill in society,” she remarked.

“As Youth Commissioner at the VMC, I want to be a role-model for youths growing up in rural Victoria,” she declared. Khayshie explained how she wants to represent Bendigo, reassure the community that their voice can be heard and encourage other members from rural Victoria to take leadership positions.

“I am even encouraging the entire Commission to pay a visit to Bendigo and show its presence,” she added. Her dedication to making things happen is remarkable. As an accredited mediator who understands the importance of achieving a win-win outcome, Khayshie takes part in social issues to help navigate people through the fears they have. A theme which permeated throughout her story, was taking the initiative to teach people something they did not know.

“Often, it is the fear someone has about a particular issue which hurts the community,” she explained. “Educating people on issues that makes them angry or upset, can change their view for the better.”

Whether it is helping the community understand more about refugees or reassuring her local community in Bendigo that the VMC is aware of the need to explore multicultural issues in rural Victoria, Khayshie helps ensure that people, especially the youth, have a space to voice their opinions and feel that they are seen as credible sources of information in society regardless of who they are.

“We need to stop worrying about failing or making mistakes. It might not be your job to fix something, but at least make the effort to do something positive,” she said.

In relation to the final question I asked Khayshie, she might not know what knowledge to bring back to Bendigo. She is, however, taking steps to position herself into roles that will help her make valuable change to the community.

It is clear she has practised what she now preaches: “Overcome your fears, learn something new, and be adaptable to differences.”

Ramesh, VMC’s Youth Commissioner, has a plan for increasing tolerance and promoting acceptance

BUHARIWALA

“Educating people on issues that makes them angry or upset, can change their view for the better.”

“My vision is to make people less fearful of refugees. My solution is to educate people with reasons why their beliefs were inaccurate.”

WHAT’S ON

SPIRITUAL

Chinmaya Mission Melbourne

29 April – 2 May The Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, His Holiness Pujya Swami Swaroopananda is making his annual tour to Australia and New Zealand from 24th March to 2nd May, visiting 5 key cities, with his last stop over in Melbourne. He will be imparting a 4-evening session of free public talks in English, entitled ‘Blast your sorrows away with Sankat Mochan’. Venue: Doncaster Secondary College, 123 Church Rd, Doncaster. Details www.facebook. com/ChinmayaMMelbourne/

FESTIVAL

Vaisakhi Mela

Sat 20 April (6:30 pm onwards)

Gary Sandhu Live in Melbourne, at Springers Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham Rd Keysborough. Details Deepak Sharma 0450 687 786

Vaisakhi at Federation Square

Sat 27 April (12 noon – 6.00pm) An opportunity for people of Sikh heritage to connect with their history, raise Sikh Community profile, contribute to Melbourne’s cultural diversity and foster cultural understanding. Program includes Shabadkirtan (spiritual music), langar (food), turban tying, folk music, stage plays, martial arts, children’s activities, and much more.

Details sikhheritagemonth.com.au

STAGE

SHAAM-e-ISHQ

Sat 6 April (7:00pm - 10:00pm)

Canadian-born Tahir Hussain Faridi Qawwal presents Sufi Qawwali. Venue: Coburg Town Hall, 90 Bell St, Coburg Vengayam by Nithya Iyer

Sun 7 April (4:00 pm – 6:00 pm)

Vengayam- meaning ‘onion’ in Tamil - is a performance installation that investigates the constructs of identity as traced through the signifiers of citizenship, migration and nationalism. Exploring transnational sources of ideology that govern the dictates of ‘Indian-ness’ against the expectations of the assimilated model minority, the work aims to articulate how individual identity is susceptible to the dictates of political and cultural hegemony.

Venue: Bus Projects, 25–31 Rokeby St Collingwood.

Sartaaj: Ecstasy Tour

Sun 28 April (5:00 pm onwards)

Melbourne Recital Centre 31 Sturt St. Southbank. Details

Guruvir Singh 0433 337 500

Melbourne International

Comedy Festival

Until 21 April Check out the Indian acts including Rahul Subramanian, India’s Improv Dream Team, Indian All Star Comedy Showcase, Kanan Gill, Ruven Govender, Neel Kolhatkar and others. Details www.comedyfestival. com.au

EXHIBITION

Visions of Paradise

Till 26 April (10.00am - 5.00pm)

The exhibition features a selection

of works from a major 1980 Felton Bequest acquisition of over 270 paintings that document the princely lifestyles of the Rajput courts of Bikaner, Marwar (Jodhpur), Jaipur, Kotar and Mewar (Udaipur). At NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road. Details www.ngv.vic.gov.au

MUSIC

Haadu Baa Kogile

Melbourne’s first ever Kannada musical event held every last Saturday of the month. All welcome. Organised by Ankura Music School.

Details 0432 192 424

The Indian Music Collective

Melbourne

The Indian Music Collective

Melbourne provides space for practice/jamming in a friendly environment for musicians to meet and practice. Anyone who plays a Hindustani classical music instrument or can sing Hindustani classical music at any ability/level is welcome at St John’s Catholic Primary School, 77 Queens Parade, Clifton Hill. Listeners are also welcome. Gold coin to contribute towards tea/coffee/snack costs. Contact Harjinder Bhogal at oldmanindia@gmail.com

SEMINAR

Australia India Institute’s Drop in Chai

First Friday of every month (2.00pm - 3.00pm)

Come chat to other South Asia enthusiasts over samosa and chai and catch up on what different people are doing in relation to India (feel free to bring announcements or new publications!).The chai and conversation is free and open to students, staff, faculty, and members of the public at Upstairs Seminar Room, Australia India Institute 147149 Barry St, Carlton. Details 03 9035 8047 or visit www.aii.unimelb. edu.au

Group rights and gender justice

Wed 10 April (5:00 pm – 6:30 pm)

Indian-born British Bangladeshi social economist, president elect of the International Association for Feminist Economics, Prof. Naila Kabeer presents a talk on ‘Group rights versus gender justice: exploring their tensions within an indigenous community in rural India’. Venue: Deakin Downtown, 727 Collins St, #tower 2 level 12, Melbourne.

SHE ROARS: Muslim Women: My Art, My Activism

Sun 14 April (2:00 pm - 3:00 pm)

Muslim Collective presents its second annual SHE ROARS event, bringing together three Muslim women - writer Hanifa Deen, artist Saffaa and designer Asia - to delve into questions about female expression and art, and women's voices in Muslim and other spaces.

Venue: Deakin Edge, Federation Square, Flinders St, Melbourne

How can fast growing cities ease urban congestion?

Wed 17 April (5:30pm - 6:30pm)

Australia India Institute’s Question Marks Seminar will focus on India’s large cities, asking what solutions are being found to ease congestion and what lessons does India have for other fast-growing cities around the world. Speakers include Prof. Sanjay Gupta (Professor of Transport Planning and Head CASS/GIS Centre at School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi), Dr. John Stone (Senior Lecturer in Transport Planning, Melbourne School of Design), Prof. Graham Currie, Public Transport Research Group, Monash University), and Dr. Raghu Rama Swamy, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, Melbourne School of Design.

Venue: 219 Theatrette, Kwong Lee Dow Building, 234 Queensberry St, The University of Melbourne.

COMMUNITY

Indian Professionals in Victoria (IPV)

A not-for-profit, membership-based and member-owned association that aims to train and support Indian professionals and entrepreneurs through workshops, seminars, webinars and mentoring programs. Membership details www.ipv.org.au

Indian Community Mental Health Support Group

For families and carers both who are experiencing mental health concerns. Every First Friday of the month. From 2.00pm-4.30pm. At Yarra Plenty Reginal Library (Mill Park Library), 394 Plenty Rd, Mill Park. Details Carer helpline 1300 554 660 or email carers@mindaustralia.org.au

Indian Women's Support Group

Mon 15 April (11:30am - 1:30pm)

Mental Health Foundation Australia organises a regular support group for social interaction and to combat isolation. Venue: Penrose Community Centre, 83 Penrose Promenade, Tarneit

Indian Young Women’s Group

Fridays 12.30pm-2.30pm

The Indian Young Women’s Group is organised free by Wyndham Community and Education Centre (Wyndham CEC) every Friday afternoon at the Wyndham Park Primary School, Community Hub Room, Kookaburra Avenue, Werribee. Contact the Wyndham Community and Education Centre, 3 Princes Highway Werribee, wyndhamcec.org. au or call 03 9742 4013

Let’s Feed

A volunteer-driven campaign and fundraising group working to organise activities, source food and deliver it to different agencies and also assist family violence victims with food related needs. Let’s Feed fills foodrelated gaps in existing services using micro donations. Let’s Feed collects non-perishable food from local groups at temples, participating grocery stores and delivers to Youth Resource Centre, Asylum Seekers Resource Centre and other agencies. Visit: letsfeed.org or email: jasvinder.sidhu@

letsfeed.org

LANGUAGE

Gurukul Hindi Classes

Saturdays 11.00am-12.00 noon

Connections@Craigieburn, 59 Craigieburn Road, Craigieburn VIC 3064. These weekly classes are taught by Manisha Gard and Bhupinder Kahlon. Contact Narinder Garg 0431 123 045 or infothegurukul@gmail.com

Let’s Talk: Conversational English

Saturdays 10.00am-11.30am

Practice and develop your English speaking skills in a relaxed small group that has a warm and friendly atmosphere. Meet every Saturday at Werribee Church of Christ, 200 Tarneit Road, Werribee. This is for people who want to gain confidence and practice their English. All are welcome to attend, morning tea is provided and it’s free. Contact 03 9741 6051 or visit werribeechurchofchrist.org

Pronunciation Workshop

1st Sunday of the month 12.00 noon – 3.00pm

Are you learning English as a second language and are interested in working on your pronunciation? Join Kaled – a friendly ESL (English as a Second Language) expert who will help you work on your English language skills for free at the Library at The Dock, Activities Room, 107 Victoria Harbour Promenade, Docklands.

MISC

Women: Get Active

Every Wednesday from 2pm to 3pm, AFLW North Melbourne Captain, Emma Kearney hosts a free sporting class for multicultural women in Ascot Vale. The class, hosted at Wingate Avenue Community Centre, is a chance for women to come together and get active.

This year, Emma and the class are encouraging women and families of all ages, backgrounds and fitness levels to take part in the Premier’s Active April campaign. The Active April campaign is a Victorian Government initiative that encourages Victorians to sign up and take part in 30 minutes of exercise per day for the month.

Registration is free, and everyone who signs up has access to a host of freebies in their local area. Details www.activeapril.vic.gov.au/

Thermomix Flavours of India:

Demonstration-style cooking class

Fri 5 April (7:30pm – 9:30pm)

Learn how to cook traditional and contemporary Indian cuisine in your Thermomix. Venue: Arrabri Community House, 42 Allambanan Drive, Bayswater

Details Sarah Boer0408 330 093

School Holiday Activity

Tue 16 April (10:30am - 11:30am)

Bollywood dance class, suitable for children aged 5-12 years. Venue: Northcote Library, 32-38 Separation St Northcote. Bookings essential. Details Darebin Libraries 1300 655 355.

Turning data into dollars

How to use smart strategy driven by data to scale up your

As businesses grapple with the magnitude of information available through market data, author Sameer Babbar has determined some practical applications that will help them to grow. In his recent book Retail Reframe he shares ideas, tools and proven methods that will help scale up your business.

In the book Sameer maintains that organisations that are prepared to rethink the way they do business can occupy the competitive high ground of the future. According to him, to do this they must take advantage of the opportunities created in the space of strategic data analytics.

He guides you to envision success within a retail or online operation by utilising tools that help to evaluate the business, customers, location and competition. He offers succinct tips through chapters that cover different focus points on the retail environment including

creating monopoly, choosing right location, business decisions and cannibalisation.

“What I found was the best decisions in business were made when we combined

telecommunication organisations, transportation, custom services, national and state governments, regional councils, small and large businesses.

business

from Melbourne Business School, Graduate Institute of Company Directors, Sameer is also a fellow at the Australian Institute of Management.

Both of Sameer’s grandfathers were deeply passionate and highly successful businessmen. Following in their footsteps, he continues to help businesses generate higher value for the efforts being put in.

This book is written to help businesses to move beyond the intuitive approach to market, or reasoning by historical analogy, towards smart strategy driven by data and clear metrics. It focuses on how to put accumulated data to optimal use and how smart retailers are turning data into dollars.

Its simple, uncomplicated style does not bamboozle people with management jargon. It’s not a detailed guide but articulated in a common sense, practical manner. Sameer dedicates the book to all those who want to leverage creativity, information and passion to make their mark in business.

Preeti Jabbal

$340,000 grant to Officer Gurudwara

MP Jason Wood provides welcome boost for south-eastern Sikh community

Jason Wood, Federal MP for Latrobe recently announced $340,000 dollars for Siri Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple in Officer.

This Federal funding is to be invested in community-focussed projects that will include a kids’ language school, play area, organic farming and rainwater harvesting. The funding was in response to a proposal from the Temple that was supported by a petition from 665 community members.

Jason Wood said that the proposal was professionally presented and he was confident that these projects would promote community harmony and social cohesion.

He also commended the Officer Gurudwara community for forging relationships with the larger community by promoting Sikh values and through collaborations with local organisations.

The announcement was made at a special event that was held inside the newly built Gurudwara premises. The Minister was accompanied by many dignitaries including Brad Battin, State MP Gembrook; Mayor Graeme Moore, Cardinia Shire Council; Mayor Amanda Stapledon, Casey Council and Cr Damien Rosario, Casey Council.

Since its official opening in January 2019 the Gurudwara has catered to the Sikh community in the south eastern suburbs. A special congregation is held on Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings to offer prayers, meditate and partake of free langar (community meal). The Gurudwara is open to all and has the capacity to seat around 200.

According to Harpreet Kandra, one of the

active volunteers at the temple, this recent funding as well as a generous donation of $170,000 by Jatinder Singh Uppal adds up to $510,000 dollars that would be utilised towards Gurudwara facilities, projects, community events and collaborations.

Harpreet, who recently received the Cardinia Council Citizen of the Year award, spoke about the various initiatives that the Officer Gurudwara community has been involved with since its inception.

“The unique thing about this Gurudwara is that we have no committee and no designations, everybody is equally a sevadar (service volunteer)” he said.

According to Harpreet the Temple recently held special prayer sessions for victims of recent tragedies including the bushfires in Bunyip, martyrdom of Indian soldiers in Kashmir and the Christchurch mosque shootings.

He said that the Temple is also involved in projects like plantation drives, clothes bin collection for the needy and donation of bales for farmers facing drought in Victoria. The Temple also provided langar (meals) for Blaze Aid a volunteer based organisation that has been working with families in Bunyip after the recent bushfires.

Harpreet invoked the concept of Dasvand

- literally “a tenth part” - which refers to the act of donating ten percent of one’s harvest, both financial and in the form of time and service such as seva to the Gurdwaraor anywhere else.

According to him this custom, outlined in the manual of Sikh conducts, has been adopted by the Officer Gurudwara and as a result 10% of the total amount collected through temple offerings is allocated towards the community.

The recent Federal funding will go a long way in helping the Gurudwara to reach, interact and engage with the community.

Preeti Jabbal

Talking about rape

US-based Indian-origin writer Sohaila Abdulali talks about personal

her

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

and her professional experience at a rape crisis centre

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.”

“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.”

experience,

research

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

Constantly tired? You could be anaemic

About a medical condition widespread in women of Indian ethnicity

So, how much iron do you need?

BY JYOTHSNA R RAO

When Popeye the Sailor Man sang “I’m strong to the finich, ‘cause I eat me spinach” he was definitely on the right track. Iron (also found in spinach) is an essential micronutrient for the body as it helps to transport oxygen, fight disease and keep our brain and muscles functioning well.

Constant tiredness, a result of low oxygen supply to the vital organs

The majority of iron in the body is present in the protein haemoglobin, which transports oxygen around the body. Low haemoglobin from lack of iron leads to low supply of oxygen to important organs such as the lungs, causing extreme fatigue or tiredness, dizziness and shortness of breath. Lack of iron also causes substantial hair fall and in the extreme, a craving to eat non-food items such as dirt and ice. This is anaemia, a condition caused due to iron deficiency.

Anaemia is hugely prevalent in those of Indian ethnicity, more common in teenage girls and women of child-bearing age. In fact, 1 in every 2 Indian women is anaemic, an alarming statistic. The significant prevalence of anaemia led the Government of India to launch a public health campaign in 2018 titled “Anaemia Mukt Bharat”, which aims to reduce its pervasiveness by 30% by 2022.

How is anaemia diagnosed?

Usually, symptoms of tiredness and shortness of breath leads us to the GP clinic, where a routine full blood test picks up anaemia. More excitingly, scientists from the department of biomedical engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University, Atlanta, have developed a new Smartphone app which promises to do away with invasive blood tests and, instead aims to use photos and an image-based algorithm to detect anaemia (see Figure 2). This development shows promise, especially from an Indian perspective, as it is mobile and can be used to detect anaemia in interior India where the prevalence of anaemia is high.

Can you improve haemoglobin levels from food?

Of course, you can! A common cause of anaemia, other than blood loss due to heavy periods in women and adolescent girls, is an inadequate diet or a daily diet low in iron-rich foods.Ensure that the food you eat has sufficient iron levels. Red meat, chicken and fish are all important sources of easily absorbable iron, a form known as heme iron. Generally, these foods help, but what about vegetarians? There is a common misconception that vegetarians are unable

to reach adequate iron levels, compared to non-vegetarians, due to not eating meat; this is completely false! Plant-based foods also contain iron in a form known as non-heme iron, found in kale, spinach, pomegranate, plums, figs and broccoli. Legumes such as rajma, chana, lobia and grains such as brown rice are also rich sources of iron. Add them to your meals!

Enhance your absorption of iron:

Eat a ‘clever food combination’ Iron from foods needs to be well absorbed in the gut to raise haemoglobin levels. Some foods such as oranges, capsicum and tomatoes enhance the absorption of iron because they are rich in Vitamin C.

So, a ‘clever food combination’ is rajma cooked in a tomato-based gravy. Beta-carotene found in pumpkin also helps to enhance iron absorption, adding roasted pumpkins to a brown rice salad is good.

Are there any foods that block iron absorption?

Unfortunately, yes. Foods that block absorption of iron are *insert drumroll* coffee and chai, favourite Indian lifelines! These contain tannins which inhibit the efficient absorption of iron. More depressingly, the more kadak the less your iron absorption. But there is a way to enjoy your cuppa: drink it a couple of hours after your meal!

Calcium, an important micronutrient

for bones and teeth, found in dairy is also an inhibitor of iron absorption. In fact, calcium prevents absorption of both heme (meat-based) and non-heme (plant-based) iron. However, the good news is that your body understands its needs well and this inhibition is more applicable when calcium

Iron needs depends on the age, stage and gender. For example, growing infants, toddlers, and teenagers require more iron than their grandparents. Similarly, pregnant women need more iron and so do menstruating girls and women. (See table for recommended dietary intake).

What if iron-rich foods don’t work?

There are other ways to increase iron, through iron supplements which are commonly recommended by clinicians during pregnancy. In extreme cases, regular iron injections are given; sometimes a one-time iron infusion is suggested. These have to be under the advice of a registered medical practitioner. Dr Sanjivi Jayasinghe, a busy south-east Melbourne GP, sees a large number of Indian women with anaemia. She prefers an iron infusion and says, “We generally don’t do iron injections now, because if not done correctly, they can stain the skin and this can last for years. Infusions are better and given into a vein. The effectiveness, otherwise, is the same and lasts for about 18 months, though each woman is different.”

A word of caution!

Do not self-diagnose an iron deficiency; it needs to be diagnosed by a registered medical practitioner. Yes, we are all unique with personal nutrition needs, and general information sourced online does not address these. Seek guidance for diet modifications from a university-qualified professional, not Dr Google!

Dr Jyothsna R Rao is a university-qualified nutritionist with a background and expertise in human physiology, who has studied and lived in Australia for 19 years.

Recommended dietary intake (RDI) for iron

AGE IN YEARS RDI

4-8 10mg/day

14-18 Boys 11mg/day

14-18 Girls 15mg/day

19->70 Men 8mg/day

19-50 Women 18mg/day e.g. 1 cup rajma = 3.1mg (https://www.nrv.gov.au/nutrients/iron)

Some practical tips to improve your iron intake if you are vegetarian

n Keep pepitas, dried figs and apricots, fresh fruit such as peeled pomegranate at work to munch in between.

n Drink your chai 2 hours after a meal

n Eat a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetable in a day

n Swap white rice for brown rice

n Combine legumes such as rajma and chana with tomatoes, tamarind and lemon (‘clever’ food combinations!)

n Make hummus with tahini to pack an iron punch, team it with carrot sticks for another ‘clever’ food combination.

Kerala cuisine passes the pub test

Flavours from southern India flood

Fitzroy pub

Fitzroy’s street pubs run the gamut from local boozers to whiskey specialists; however, making a unique statement amid the many pubs on Johnston Street is the Rochester Hotel. Specialising in creative fusion of flavours drawn from Kerala in southern India, the menu is a far cry from the chicken tikkas and butter chicken flogged as western-friendly ‘Indian’.

Don’t expect pub staples like the Chicken Parmigiana; instead savour the ghee roast chicken with tamarind and Kashmiri chilli. Better still, if you can withstand the heat, order the traditional Nadan fish curry and mop it up with the flaky, layered parotta. Warning: you may be tempted to lick the bowl clean.

I managed to overcome the temptation to do that but couldn’t resist the eggplant achar (pickles) served with mint and poppadum. But I am jumping ahead. Let me start from

the beginning. Ever since I heard about a Melbourne pub serving Malayali food, I’ve been curious about it. So I cancelled my diet, yet again, and headed out in search of a delightful culinary experience.

Finding The Rochey and parking nearby was easy on a Wednesday. Exposed brick walls, dimly lit interiors, funky posters and a massive bar area met the eye as we walked in. A stage for music, a DJ platform and an outdoor garden completed the contemporary pub look and feel.

We were whisked to our table of simple wood, unadorned except the dishes and cutlery for dining. The menu was interesting and a rather tough pick not because of the number of dishes but the promise of tongue tingling piquancy.

We decided to leave it to the chef who presented us with a meal that

miraculously sussed out our spice tolerance quotient. The egg bonda with boiled egg, onion masala and sourdough batter came with no frills and was delicious right from the first bite. I’d go back just for the mussels in curry sauce.

For drinks we chose lager and cider even though we were tempted with the variety of alcohol on offer that go well with the cuisine. It was by no means an exhaustive list but covered enough ground from cocktails to light beverages.

The main course comprised of the aforementioned Fish Nadan, a rewarding experience for any spice lover, accompanied by the vegetarian Girija’s Thoran. The cabbage stir-fry with coconut and curry leaves offered a perfect balance to the spicy fish. For accompaniments there was a fresh salad, brown rice, yoghurt and flaky parotta.

The dishes prepared in coconut and various spices gave a zesty flavour that was further heightened with a hint of tamarind. The cuisine of Kerala is shaped by thousands of years of spice trade, influenced by Nayar Hindus, Syrian Christians, Islamic and other communities.

According to Rochey’s Chef Mischa Tropp, his interest in Kerala’s food started when he visited his mother’s ancestral land. He spent time exploring and learning the techniques, and tried different recipes. His inspiration came from the women of India, the mothers who bring warmth and love to food.

“I try to create food that may look different but is close to the taste and flavours that are authentic to Kerala, but at the same time give me the freedom to experiment,” said Mischa while happily sharing his story with us after the meal. He was very excited about having presented his work at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival 2019 held in March. He collaborated with Harry Mangat (Biji Dining) the chef from Baba Ji, Horn Please and the team from ISH to celebrate the revolutionising of Indian food and beverage scene in Melbourne. Indian producers Avani, Domaine Simha and Nazaarey Estate Wineries also joined them for the special event.

“We wish to take Indian cuisine to the next level and present the diversity of Indian produce, food and beverage in Melbourne,” said Mischa. “We want to present the quality and variety of the food to mainstream and change perceptions about typical ‘Indian’ food.”

Despite claiming to have no room left after finishing the well-balanced meal we still managed to squeeze in a delicate dessert of pineapple in coconut cream. I must say that during my first visit I struggled to find fault with the pub. The service was

April 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

The card drawn for you stands for the sign of Virgo, so the usually impulsive Arians might display analytical, practical traits, surprising themselves. If a marriage is in the courts, divorce is likely. Change, in-depth thinking and the desire to venture into new territory, is imminent. Heartbreaks are painful but healing will come from within. Short trips are on the anvil. While you wait for new ideas to come, find satisfaction in all that you can do on your own.

LEO

July 21 - Aug 22

A Libran might play the influencer for Leos this month, which might make the usually decisive Lions a bit cautious. Inner and outer conflicts plague your mind, but new friends, mended relationships with old friends and pending matters will get sorted out due to a sudden burst of clear thinking. Drive carefully; watch for sudden mishaps on a trip while travelling. Tension in money matters is predicted. Success in legal matters is assured. See things from others’ perspective for best results.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov 22 - Dec 21

TAROT

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20

The practical Taureans might display Scorpio-like intensity this month. They should avoid feelings of martyrdom; and instead, focus on research, effective communication and dealing with disputes. The single might meet someone interesting. A trip could get postponed. Work gives you an opportunity to venture into new areas. Emotional strain or sudden weight loss needs medical attention. Money and favours come your way in heaps. Spiritual healing will increase your intuitive abilities.

VIRGO

Aug 23 - Sep 22

Virgos can brace themselves for a fresh start, clarity and problem solving this month. Though there is pressure, tension and anxiety, using your mind to solve every problem is the only way. A new love can sweep the single off their feet. A marriage could go through a rocky phase. Working with new ideas can be enjoyable. Tension in money matters is possible due to delayed payments. A new career direction and good luck can come through a friend.

CAPRICORN

Dec 22 - Jan 19

This could be a stressful month for Sagittarians as there is discord, blocked progress, ill health or hospitalisation of a loved one. A separation in a relationship is temporary; the worst is over. A bit of soul searching will help bring clarity. Fears in a romantic situation are baseless. Those who have just had a break-up could go through bouts of depression. Money though, is especially good and a new project, deal or settlement brings in the finances from multiple sources.

A reconciliation or reunion is on the cards, as is a lot of planning before making a move. You direct your energy towards self-improvement and improving your social image. A position of power at work improves your attitude and determination. An estranged ex tries to win you back. You could even reconcile with a family member. Profits at business increase. Eat healthier food to increase energy levels. Proceed in a systematic manner and do only that which is required.

GEMINI

May 21 - June 20

You focus on learning, assimilation and spiritual growth. A short trip for work is possible though a long holiday might get cancelled. Female Geminis need to see a doctor in case of gynaecological problems, however minor. Business might be slow but it will pick up and fortunes increase. Avoid being secretive in relationships. Once you make a decision regarding something of importance, stick with it. Help will come when needed and the outcome might be quite different, but in a good way.

LIBRA

Sep 23 - Oct 22

The always balanced Librans will display an extra dose of practicality because of the influence of Taurus-like qualities. Unexpected developments in personal relationships are predicted, resulting in workable ideas and further growth. Don’t let emotional problems affect your work. Control your emotions; maintain a cool and detached attitude. Watch out for dental problems or muscle sprains. Success comes through studied effort, gradual growth and unexpected opportunities.

AQUARIUS

Jan 20 - Feb 18

The usually blunt Aquarians will be even more outspoken and forthright this month. You may even show a sudden affinity for the outdoors due to the influence of Sagittarius. Your analytical abilities come to the fore as you want things to change with a loved one, or break free from a restrictive situation at work. A new approach to work proves to be more lucrative. A health condition needs to be looked at by a doctor. Success comes through social connections and business associates.

CANCER

June 21 - July 20

Your persevering nature and practical, conservative side is even more evident this month due to the influence of a Capricorn type of personality. Work and professional endeavours are your focus. Relationship-wise, basic incompatibility will foster a divorce; if seeing someone, the same reason will keep you apart. Health issues with the throat, back and stomach indicate suppressed emotions. Money is slow but unexpected financial gains are foretold. If something is meant to be, it will come on its own.

SCORPIO

Oct 23 - Nov 21

Important events, mostly pre-destined, could shake up your life this month. Being unexpected, they could be devastating and could be about business, money or relationships. A lie or infidelity breaks up a relationship. Drive carefully as sudden accidents could occur. Medical expenses could shoot up too. What looks dismal is not the final outcome and a resurrection is predicted. If something has reached its nadir, let it go as things get better from now on.It is time to remain calm.

PISCES

Feb 19 - March 20

All aces denote new beginnings but the ace of wands denotes new bouts of creativity; which is a bonus for Pisceans who are born creative. A desire for romance is underlined by wanting a full-time partner, not a parttime one. Travel for work proves to be financially rewarding. Creative activities give you satisfaction as they are lucrative too. Get productive and work on your new ideas. Being busy proves to be a blessing. A new start or way of life is predicted.

UNPALATABLE TRUTHS

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 officers (women, in this story) driving themselves over the edge to nap the

THE LEAST OF THESE

STARRING: Sharman Joshi, Stephen Baldwin

DIRECTOR: Aneesh Daniels

HHH

From the outset of this profoundly moving though flawed recreation of the ghastly Graham Staines murder, director Aneesh Daniels and writer Andrew Matthews, make it very clear to us whose side they are on.

And that's perfectly fine by me. A work of art is most welcome to take sides if it knows the truth. And truth in this case was this: Odishabased Australian missionary Graham Staines did not indulge in conversion of the locals. He was cleared of all malafide intentions by an investigative committee after he and his two little sons were burnt to death by goons with suspicious political affiliation. Nobody is suggesting saffron in the blood. This has gone far beyond mere suggestion.

It is interesting how the director has chosen Sharman Joshi's character of the out-of-luck desperate journalist with a pregnant wife to support, to create an arc from cynicism about Staines' work of faith to a resounding

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 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

THE GRAHAM STAINES STORY

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

missionaries to take on impossible odds?

That's the question I wanted to ask as Stephen Baldwin's altruistic role of the Christian missionary filled up the screen with a sunlit dazzle.

Shooting the film in rural Odisha is just about the best way the director could have chosen to not allow the wild improbabilities of the plot (a newspaper editor hell-bent on proving Staines' conversion scheme turns out to be a leper's son). The characters and their environment exude the stifling air of a social condition that breeds inequality and disharmony.

ratification of his intentions.

Sharman is as usual, a portrait of earnest brilliance.

The Least Of These takes a very dangerous stand on the issue of conversion by whittling down the religious issue to a far deeper spiritual crisis.

At the end of the film the journalist speaks to us and draws a contrast between religious conversion and conversion from "nothingness to significance". There is a moment that can easily be seen as an attempt

to glorify Christian evangelism and manipulate our emotions into submission, when Staines' wife is informed of the ghastly tragedy.

"I forgive those who have done this," Gladys Staines says when informed she has just lost her husband and two children.

Such a far-reaching level of forgiveness is hard to achieve in the human context. We can dismiss it as pamphleteering. And yet this is exactly how the real Mrs Staines had reacted. What sort of a passion drives the

Rural Odisha is captured by cinematographer Jayakrishna Gummadi with a striking lack of selfcongratulations. In this week's other release Notebook it is Kashmir and Kerala in Junglee. Is our cinema going back to its roots? But it's not where the story unfolds that matters in The Least Of These. It's the sheer barbarism of a religious order that championed tolerance that bothers us while watching this moving but dissatisfying film.

How many more Graham Staines to prove how dedicated we are to preserving our religious sanctity?

Subhash K. Jha

The BUZZ

AND NOW, 'INTIMACY SUPERVISORS' ON SETS

Actress Celina Jaitly is calling for ‘intimacy supervisors’ in the film industry.

"In my humble opinion, this is just a first step towards implementation of (safeguards against) sexual harassment,” she said.

"Neutral communication and vigilance, and strict monitoring of the workplace are the most important duties of an intimacy supervisor."

Celina agrees that under normal circumstances, it is the director's job to ensure no limits of decency are crossed on the sets, but adds, “I have seen and experienced personally that… people in power are more likely to wrongly perceive that subordinates are sexually interested in them or available to harass.”

“Intimate scenes can be a breeding ground of sexual misconduct, to draw a fine line between misconduct and acting is treading on thin ice. This is a beginning towards the laying of foundations to fight sexual misconduct at work. Manisha Basu, our intimacy supervisor, was very effective on the sets of Seasons Greetings- she was an impartial and sensible bridge between the actors and the director."

Celina's advice to improve the work environment is to champion a zerotolerance policy on acts of discrimination and harassment in the workplace.

GOOD ON YA, LILLY SINGH!

We thought it would never happen. A person of colour, an Indian woman, hosting a late night chat show on American TV.

Well, here we are. The winner isLilly Singh aka Superwoman, who has just landed a big-time gig on a major broadcast network.

The Canadian-born YouTube sensation will replace Carson Daly as the host of NBC's late night talk show. The show will be re-titled A Little Late with Lilly Singh and will launch in September, making her the only woman to host a late night talk show on one of the big networks.

A Little Late will feature Singh, who first became famous as a YouTube star, conducting in-studio interviews, as well as feature pre-taped comedy sketches and other “signature elements”.

Lilly made the announcement on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and was joined by the other late night show host of the network, Seth Myers, who walked in wielding three glasses of champagne.

"An Indian-Canadian woman with her own late night show? Now that is a

dream come true. I'm thrilled to bring it to life on NBC, and I hope my parents consider this to be as exciting as a grandchild," Lilly said.

It’s clear the Parent LOLs will continue on A Little Late!

Meanwhile, the congratulatory notes have been pouring in, of course from her besties Dwayne, Selina and Priyanka (er, that’s Johnson, Gomes and Chopra respectively), even Canadian PM Justin Trudeau.

Singh will be farewelling the show Last Call with Carson Daly, which ran for 17 years.

Some 20 million people follow her on social media – but the question that has been raised is whether her time slot is relevant to her demographic, the 18-34 age bracket.

The clever Ms Singh will no doubt have a super-smart reply to that one, poor questioners.

All we can say is, the honour is well deserved, even if –‘a little late’. Drumroll, ha ha!

(Any chance you’re looking for new writers, Lilly?)

"Cine guilds should enlist professionals to train staff at all levels about the risk of harassment and warn them about the consequences should standards not be adhered to. This will lay the foundation for regular awareness generation, accountable and transparent tackling processes."

Celina feels that such preventive measures on the sets could have averted the Tanushree Dutta incident.

We agree, Celina, and hope the initiative catches on.

‘WORKSHOPPING’ INTIMATE SCENES

National award-winning actress Kalki Koechlin says workshops ahead of performing any intimate scenes are becoming important after the upsurge of the #MeToo movement.

"Like every dance and action sequence is previously choreographed and each actor knows every movement of the performance, an intimate scene must also be choreographed. It is not improvised on the spot," she said.

Citing an example, she said, "Right after the #MeToo movement took off, I was doing a play where my director was a male, and he sent two pages writeup on how we all should behave at the rehearsal space."

She had an "intimacy rehearsal" where she interacted with her co-actors and

asked for permission on "how we will touch each other in an intimate scene".

Things are finally changing in tinsel town…

'MUMBAICHI MULGI' URMILA MATONDKAR ELECTRIFIES CONGRESS IN MUMBAI NORTH

Soon after being named the Congress candidate for Mumbai North Lok Sabha seat was announced, Bollywood actress Urmila Matondkar appeared to consciously shed her image as a glamour doll in shorts and slipped into comfortable but eye-catching saris and loose-sleeved blouses.

These would be her gladrags for the rough and dusty poll campaign in the blistering summer heat during the poll season.

In the past few days, she has already drawn attention by her 'politically correct, mature comments' on various issues concerning the commoners, middle-classes and the elite alike.

Virtually mobbed by the paparazzi at the Mumbai North Congress Party office after being names the candidate, she graciously took all queries from the media in the presence of a beaming District President Ashok Sutrale and other highlycharged leaders and workers.

Marathis and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sympathisers alike cocked their ears when she invoked the teachings of the legendary 20th century social reformer of Maharashtra, Pandurang Sadashiv Sane, famous as Sane Guruji, instantly endearing her to the locals.

Always smiling, she retorted boldly, questioning the ruling dispensation's policies vis-a-vis religion, freedom of choice, patriotism and the like, setting the tone for her campaign, which promises to be mean and challenging.

Interestingly, Mumbai North - with 17.83 lakh voters - comprises a majority of nearly 40 percent Gujaratis, followed by Maharashtrians, North Indians and the minorities like Muslims and Christians, Jains and Parsis. Urmila’s entry is intended to take care of the Marathis.

But the local BJP is unfazed by

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

CELINA

Matondkar's charm and dismissively claimed she is "no challenge" at all to the incumbent Gopal Shetty, who speaks fluent Gujarati and is familiar to the locals.

Despite the criticism, the Congress appears buoyed by Matondkar's nomination and is supremely optimistic that the seat - once considered a BJP bastion - would return to the party.

A downright 'Mumbaichi Mulgi', Matondkar was born in a small rural hospital in her (maternal) native region of Sindhudurg, to Shrikant and Sunita. Her father Shrikant is a retired officer of the erstwhile Grindlays Bank and her mother Sunita is a retired state government employee.

She was educated at the prestigious century-old King George High Shool, Dadar, which is now renamed as Raje Shivaji Vidyalaya, and then joined the Ruparel College, but couldn't complete her graduation as she got a big break in Bollywood.

With a successful film career behind her, Urmila married a Kashmiri businessman, M.A. Mir and regularly visits her in-laws in the Valley.

"She loves social issues, reading, and has read all major literary works, especially the pennings of Sane Guruji who has influenced her deeply. Urmila is always dedicated and committed in any venture she undertakes, whether

acting or social work or politics," her proud father Shrikant told IANS.

KIRRON KHER TO REPRISE OLD ROLE?

The quintessential 'Mummyji' of Bollywood movies is donning her motherly avatar as she has begun her over two-month long electoral campaign to retain the Chandigarh Lok Sabha seat.

Having been elected from there in the 2014 general election by a margin of nearly 70,000 votes and defeating fourtime Member of Parliament (MP) and former Union Railways minister Pawan Kumar Bansal, actor-turned-politician Kirron Kher did well for her first political outing as the BJP candidate.

Hailing from Chandigarh, the 63-year-old Kirron not only faces a tough challenge from the Congress but also from within the local unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Chandigarh BJP President Sanjay Tandon and former MP from the Union Territory, Satya Pal Jain, are breathing down her neck as claimants for the BJP ticket. Both were ticket aspirants last time also but Kirron managed to beat them down.

Taking a cue from the popular TV chat show Kofee with Karan (with celebrity host Karan Johar), Kirron has launched her own localised version in

Chandigarh with '#CofeeWithKirron'.

None of the local top leaders, it is being claimed, have so far been seen campaigning with her. Till the ticket is decided, she can’t be projected as the candidate even though she is the sitting MP.

Kher is campaigning at her own level - meeting advocates, industrialists, housewives, youth, children, businessmen and several others.

We wish her all the best, come 18 May.

REMIXES GREAT, BUT WE NEED ORIGINAL MUSIC: RANVEER

Actor Ranveer Singh, who has come out with his independent music record label - IncInk, says the remix culture has to co-exist with original music.

Ranveer has teamed up with filmmaker Navzar Eranee to launch the label.

"This is my way of giving back. As an outsider, I always wanted to support new and outstanding talent that deserves to be heard and deserves to be seen," Ranveer said.

"There are so many talented kids in our country who just need a platform. This is something which Navzar and I discussed in 2016 before Gully Boy and this is something we always wanted to do. I have always been into alternative, underground, electronic and hip-hop music," he added.

He has collaborated with rappers Kaam Bhaari, Slow Cheeta and Spitfire for the music venture.

The actor said that he will promote new talent in the industry.

"Through this initiative, we are promoting new talent. We are nurturing them and endorsing them. We are bringing them forward."

Ranveer said the remix culture has to co-exist with original music.

“There is nothing wrong with remix culture. One of my biggest songs is a remix song (Aankhmarey from Simmba). Remixes are great but they have to co-exist with original music. I mean, fifty years from now, we need something to remix. So, it's important to encourage artistes who have an original voice and who have something to say."

Okay, you got us, Ranveer.

LAST ISSUE CAPTION CONTEST WINNER

CELINA JAITLY

KALKI KOECHLIN

KIRRON KHER

URMILA MATONDKAR

Indians in Oz

The FAQs that make us love our Facebook community groups

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-of-lease?

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?

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 professional, settled in Australia with a minimum height of 5’9”. Contact n.bhandari085@gmail.com or + 61 433 391 881.

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, 25-year-old, 5’10”,Sikh girl from Melbourneworking in education. Seeking Sikh groom, well-educated professional, settled in Australia. Contact pklkaur18@ gmail.com

Christian parents looking for Christian groom, fair/wheatish, height 5’8”to 6’, good looking, well settled, IT professional/

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),

banker/engineer for their daughter, 1987 born, fair, 5’4”, working as a psychologist in Sydney. Please contact 0450 513 263 or email bournmum@gmail.com

SEEKING BRIDES

Seeking 25-30-year-old Hindu/Punjabi girl from Australia for our 32-year-old specialist doctor son, 5'9", born and brought up in Sydney. Please respond: gupta_rsr@hotmail. com or ph 0414 282 510 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: 0422 102 242 or email: ghai07@yahoo.com

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

Australian citizen, male, professional, working for Government department, owns house in Sydney, huge assets. Seeking suitable match for marriage. Contact sydneyboy293@yahoo. com or 0438 029 833

any recommendations? (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 homebased 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-and-such 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

TALKS

FOOD

MUSIC BLESSINGS MEDITATION

AUSTRALIAN TOUR MELBOURNE

16-20 April 2019

Ladbrokes Park (Sandown)

591-659 Princes Hwy, Springvale

FREE Public Programs

16 April 11am-5pm

17 April 10am & 7.30pm 20 April 7pm Devi Bhava

(World Peace Program)

Retreat 18-20 April (by pre-registration only)

“The sense of being welcomed and loved, despite being a complete stranger, was amazing. ”

BBC News

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