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Winita Hardikar, AM

Shashi Kant Kochhar, OAM

Arun Kumar Sharma, AM

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EDITORIAL PUBLISHER Pawan Luthra EDITOR Rajni Anand Luthra DEPUTY EDITOR Sneha Khale

The intersection of Indian politics and Twitter

SOCIAL MEDIA Suruchi Sehgal

BY PAWAN LUTHRA

MELBOURNE COORDINATOR Preeti Jabbal CONTRIBUTORS Usha Ramanujam Arvind, Janani Karthik, Vinaya Rai, Salma Shah, Grahak Cunningham, Neha Malude ADVERTISING MANAGER Shriti Sinha 0410 578 146 ADVERTISING ASSISTANT Charuta Joshi 02 9279 2004 FOR PERTH ADVERTISEMENTS RAM NAIDU - 0435 581 571 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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f recent trends are any indication, the messaging system of Twitter could well shape the way forward for Indian politics for the next decade. PM Modi himself has aced his Twitter game for a while and now his government has recognised this trend and is positioning itself to take advantage of the growing number of users in India and amongst the Indian diaspora globally.

A well-known social commentator recently wrote, “We spend all day communicating, and we’ve invented a myriad of ways to do it. You can buy a stamp, press a button, rent a room or use a microphone. Choose wisely. Find the appropriate medium.”

Twitter allows you to do that in 280 characters or less. Trolls notwithstanding, it allows the sender to control the narrative.

India’s Prime Minister Modi is good at this – he is adept at getting his message across through rallies and gatherings

rather than in-depth interviews with unbiased journalists. Twitter plays out well for him in this story, and he has mastered the art of working through this social media platform.

Just over 10 years since he joined the medium, he has now over 48 million followers - the highest for an Indian, with entertainment stars a fair way behind (Shah Rukh Khan is currently at 38 million and Amitabh Bachchan and Salman Khan are at 37 million each). Modi is fast closing in on Donald Trump’s 61 million followers but is still way behind Barack Obama’s 106 million.

With Indian mobile phone users tipped to be heading towards 829 million by 2022, it is but a matter of time before Modi seriously challenges Obama’s twitter following.

Where PM Modi has been strategic over President Trump is that he has followed over 2,000 accounts compared to Trump’s less than 500. Modi has followed the accounts of world leaders as well as everyday folk, though these are largely his bhakts. This has not only energised his supporters, knowing that the Prime Minister is following them, it also has been an incentive for others to bombard Twitter with all things

laudatory about the BJP and the PM so that they can be included in the tribe.

These ‘reward follows’ are a way of building up loyalty. The challenge, of course, is to be sure not to be linked with those who break the barriers of decency.

Recognising the power of Twitter, India’s new Cabinet is being encouraged to tweet more often. And with Twitter now becoming multilingual - Hindi, Tamil for instance - the direct connect with constituents is even more attractive.

The debate however, about whether it is healthy for a democracy to be controlled by Twitter, is valid. Policies and visions delivered in 280 characters do not open them up to scrutiny, as many following Donald Trump have noted.

But social media messaging, through WhatsApp and memes and such, are fast taking charge of the conversation. While the top Twitter handle of musician Katy Perry - with 108 million followers - is largely based around entertainment, politicians and world leaders controlling policy conversation directly before such massive numbers online, seems a tad ominous. Could this be the dawn of a technologically super-savvy political era or the harbinger of doom?

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JUNE-JULY 2019 3

YOUR SAY

ADS ON INDIAN TV Calling all ‘90s kids! This painting has 40 of the most memorable Indian ads hidden in it, including all the classics. We asked if you could spot any. Hints to get you started:1. Wah! 2. Jalebi 3. Sabki Pasand (Photo Courtesy Vaibhav Vishal) Among many responses, one is worth reproducing here.

Sarang Agarwal wrote: The advertisements are: 1. Amul 2. Brooke Bond Taj Mahal Chai 3. Cadbury Dairy Milk 4. Dhara Oil 5. Liril 6. Nirma 7. Hamara Bajaj 8. Lijjat Papad 9. Fevi Kwik 10. Fevicol 11. VIP Frenchie 12. Britannia Glucose D (Gabbar on Tank) 13. Palmolive (kapil dev shaving) 14. ECE Bulb 15. Onida 16. MRF Zigma Tyres

17. Vicks 18. Surf (Lalita Ji) 19. Happy Dent 20. Nike (Man Bowling on Bus) 21. Maruti 22. 5 Star (Ramesh Suresh sitting on bench) 23. Coca Cola (Aamir khan ad) 24. Hutch (Child and pug on bridge) 25. Idea (Save the tree) 26. Google Partition ad 27. Vodafone ZooZoo 28. Bournvita 29. Center Shock (Electric barber) / Balbir Pasha ko

AIDS hoga kya (awareness ad) 30. Lifebuoy (Help a child reach 5) 31. Pepsi (Dhoni helicopter shot) 32. Colgate (Suraksha Chakra) 33. Pepsi (Shahrukh pepsi ad) 34. Surf Excel (Daag Acche hai) 35. Airtel Internet (all people on bus) 36. Ariel (Share the load) 37. Madhya Pradesh Tourism 38. Whisper 39. Gillette 40. Asian Paint

#EXCUSES We asked, what's your excuse for skipping work on the Monday after the Ind V Pak match?

Santoshi Iyer wrote: The Indian team are my brothers form another mother and I need to support them.

Jayakripa wrote: Like PM Modi, I believe in 'nation first' policy and my nation needs me now.

Swati Ramesh wrote: Have actually got a ticket to England from my politician uncle, so will be seeing the match live. Don’t forget to catch me on television.

CJ Prabhakar wrote: Severe stomach upset…

Nirali Oza wrote: My English boss is cricket fanatic and an Indian cricket team fan too so while I still have to rock up to work, I’ll spend lots of time discussing the match with him.

Shivani M Patel wrote: I forgot what day of the week it was.

Rupali Janbandhu wrote: I can only attend this meeting on Monday if it rains in Manchester

INDIAN LINK POLL Baba Ramdev asserted that to curb population, the third child should not be allowed to vote or enjoy facilities provided by the government. Do you agree?

No. These are just disincentives which will not make any difference. (69%) Yes. These punitive measures would prevent people from giving birth to more children. (31%)

SAY IT AGAIN 4 JUNE-JULY 2019

WHERE IN INDIA?

The Great Wall of India is the second longest continuous wall on the planet.

Readers Rani RJ, Rajiv Gupta, Vipul Chaudhary, JP Oberoi and Rishabha Chitalia Nayak identified it correctly as Kumbhalgarh Fort in Mewar, Rajasthan.

Real actions and meaningful words from people of genuine authority can change behaviour instantly and India's cricket captain Virat Kohli did both of that.

AFL insider Damian Barrett

We both are from INDIA and in this case, AAMCHI MUMBAI as well. So heads I win, tails you lose!

Sachin Tendulkar in response to ICC’s tweet “Sachin in 2003 or Rohit in 2019: who did it better?”

www.indianlink.com.au

IND V PAK AT WESTFIELD BLACKTOWN SHIKHA CHANDRA wrote to us about an unusual cricket experience Watching the Ind V Pak match of the ICC World Cup will be an experience I will remember for a long time. No, I wasn’t at Old Trafford Manchester but at Westpoint Blacktown, where the match was live streamed at Hoyts until the wee hours of the morning.

What an adventure - cinemas full up, sold out, despite the weatherman’s warning that there could be rain, and despite the fact that a work day morning was to follow.

Of course supporters of BOTH teams were there, so the atmosphere was simply electric, with plenty of woohoos and chants going up every so often… yes, matching those of the crowds at the real thing thousands of miles away.

Rohit Sharma’s 140 off 113 balls, Virat Kohli’s expert batting, the bowling warnings to Pakistan and their sloppy fielding, as opposed to the Indian team’s professionalism – yes, even I as a cricket novice marvelled at each of these.

The staff at Hoyts were very supportive. They graciously allowed the screening to go for longer thanks to the rain delays. Well done, you guys, for keeping the RSA bar open till 1:30am as well as the food service candy bar.

In between when there was a bit of dead air, they actually put on for us a recent Ajay Devgn release De De Pyar De. Bet the mostly male crowd enjoyed the eye candy on screen: they were all bored playing with their phones but once the movie came on I think relieved that they weren't having to keep themselves busy.

Every hour the patronage dropped, even though the demand was high as a few cinemas at Westpoint were running the telecast. Interestingly, people were free to go from cinema to cinema if they wanted. Oh also, a few people caught up the zzzz’s in between!

I was in the last wave to leave at 3.15am, and yet in the morning, as I got the kids ready for school, I caught up on YouTube the bits that we had missed.

CAPTION CONTEST What’s the chitchat here between Sonam Kapoor and cousin Janhvi Kapoor?

Shivani M Patel wrote: Look how you can reuse your old bedsheets to make evening gowns.

Rani RJ wrote: I have enough in my train, if you want a cover for your top.

Samir Joshi wrote: Short shorts? What’s that?

Saba Nabi wrote: Forget about gym shorts; don’t we look pretty in everything we wear?

Sanjay Khanna wrote: Kapoor(s) & sisters Anurag Singh wrote: Badi illaichi, choti illaichi Sonu Sodhi wrote: Jahnvi: Didi, yeh kuch zyada nahi ho gaya?

Sonam: Let them go green with envy Naveen Rana wrote: Farji Shubasree Iyer wrote: Bold and beautiful Amit Soni wrote: Twinkle stars Dina Shah wrote: Dazzling damsels!

Raghu Rules wrote: Ka 'poor' dress sense Chirag Sharma wrote: Nepotism Kala Raghunath wrote: Aur koi pose suggest karo… kya hamesha kamar pe hath aur taang bahar? A tang is a tang is a tang - tumhari ho ya Jolie ji ki.

Rachna Gupta wrote: Come what may we are there for each other. Blood IS thicker than water #familygoals Raj Saneja wrote: You are not a little girl anymore, Janhvi. Stop counting on fingers and start counting on legs.

Urvashi Arora wrote: Fashionista x 2 Reena Koak wrote: Stop chasing poor Alia Bhatt. We both are awesome examples of nepotism, born to be Bollywood babes. Are you listening, Karan Johar and Kangna Ranaut?

WHO WORE IT BETTER? PRIYANKA CHOPRA OR GUILIA GAUDINO IN ERMANNO SCERVINO?

WHERE IN OZ? Which Aussie town has chemicals for street names?

Readers Chitra Iyer and Jillian Abery correctly identified it as Broken Hill NSW.

Last wise words on how to juggle family & business life: “Marry the right person.”

Twitter user @ContentQueenOz quoting Indra Nooyi in Australia

36% Priyanka Chopra 64% Giulia Gaudino

After a dramatic lead-up, India v Pakistan is just another game of cricket.

Opinion writer Geoff Lamon in abc.net.au JUNE-JULY 2019 5

COVER STORY

U O N O H Y A D ’ B S ’ N E E U Q FROM ORGAN TRANSPLANTS TO CULTURAL TRANSPLANTATION

PROFESSOR

Winita Hardikar, AM For significant service to medicine, particularly to paediatric liver disease and transplantation

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s a junior doctor interested in gastroenterology and liver disease many years ago in Melbourne, Winita Hardikar found a young family in her care. Their baby suffered from biliary atresia, a rare disease of the liver and bile ducts that occurs in infants. Today most such babies would undergo a liver transplant, but back in the early ‘80s, they would simply be put in palliative care, as the doctors had nothing to offer. Most babies survived to two years.

“I was pregnant with my own first child then,” Prof. Hardikar recounted to Indian Link. “The young mum knitted some booties and a hat for my baby. I felt helpless in my inability to do anything for her. When liver transplants began in 1985, I knew I had to get involved.”

Today, Winita Hardikar, one of the country’s leading liver transplant specialists, attends the birthday parties of early patients as they turn into young adults.

In a career spanning 30 years, which has seen multiple transplants, she has won many Special Commendation and Innovation awards, and has produced a treasure trove of research literature. An eponymous syndrome has been named after her: the Hardikar Syndrome is a very rare multiple congenital malformation syndrome characterised by obstructive liver and kidney disease.

She is also credited, along with her colleague Dr Katie Allen, for having performed the first liver cell transplant in Australia. (Less risky than a full transplant, in a liver cell transplant there are no surgical incisions, with liver cells from a donor liver distributed through the liver by blood cells.)

“I’m happy my work has been appreciated, with this AM honour,” Dr Hardikar said. “Yet there’s a lot more to do. Going forward, I hope also to be able to play a more significant role in advocacy with government bodies.”

The Pune-born doctor moved to Australia as a young child and did her

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paediatric training at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne before taking a PhD at the University of Melbourne. Then, as a Fulbright scholar, she spent three years at Yale.

She has been Head of Liver and Intestinal Transplantation at the Royal Children’s Hospital since 2013; Director, Gastroenterology and Clinical Nutrition since 2016, and Head of Hepatology since 2003.

What does she feel about the recent reports on racism and sexism in the medical fraternity?

“I’ve never encountered racism; in fact I would say I have been well supported throughout. But sexism, that’s another story. As an intern at Melb Uni I topped

my year in surgery and was keen to get into that field. But a senior surgeon told me straight out, I don’t think women should become surgeons. I didn’t - perhaps because of my cultural background then where we were taught to respect authority.

Some of my women friends did get into surgery though. Still, I get to go to theatre a lot in my work!”

Prof. Hardikar has her own words of advice for young people out there who may be considering a career in medicine.

“Do it if you really love it,” she maintained. “It is an all-consuming career: it infringes on your nights, weekends, family life, social life. You take the mental burdens home with you. Don’t do it just because you got the marks for it. And this

is particularly important for parents in our community: don’t push your kids into medicine for prestige - your own, or theirs.

Give greater importance to all careers.”

There’s similar counsel for the Indian community in general.

“I agree we come from a rich culture and have so much to offer but we should lose some of the things we were brought up with, such as rote learning, not thinking for ourselves, or saying ‘that’s fate’. I think we should also integrate with others, and not restrict ourselves to our own kind. See another culture, be part of it. There’s a much richer life here that we should make the most of, and contribute to in as many different ways as we can.”

Rajni Anand Luthra

www.indianlink.com.au

UR S MAKING WOMEN’S MENTAL HEALTH A PRIORITY PROFESSOR

Jayashri Kulkarni, AM For significant service to medicine in the field of psychiatry

P

rofessor Jayashri Kulkarni says she is ‘honoured, thrilled and excited’ to receive the Queen’s Birthday honour this year for her work in mental health.

“This award is given to me personally but I see it as a tick of approval for women’s mental health research,” Prof. Kulkarni told Indian Link. “This recognition is also for the team of people that has worked with me in the field. I hope that this recognition will help promote the need for women’s mental health research and attract the funds required to further it.”

Prof. Kulkarni is the founding director of the Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc) and is currently a Professor of Psychiatry.

She was instrumental in the opening of the women-only wing at The Alfred Hospital Psychiatry Unit, to prevent sexual assault and violent attacks against women in psychiatric wards.

A proud Monash University alumni, she has also been the Director of Monash Partners Academic Health Science Centre, Neurosciences & Mental Health Stream.

Early in her career, Prof. Kulkarni established the Dandenong Psychiatric Research Centre, Dandenong hospital.

In 2015, she founded the Australian Consortium for Women's Mental Health.

Prof. Kulkarni strongly feels that women’s mental health should be a national priority, including mental health in pregnancy.

In her own research, she pioneered the use of estrogen as a new treatment in schizophrenia and is considered a leader in the field of reproductive hormones and the critical role they play in women’s mental health.

“Improving women’s mental health is intimately tied to improving their wellbeing and productivity, the next generation’s outcome and the mental health of their family and community," Prof. Kulkarni said.

What are some of the issues in women’s mental health that are cause for concern currently?

“Interpersonal violence, particularly violence in early life, and repercussions from brain development that can be impacted adversely and expressed as depression, anxiety and other disorders,” Prof. Kulkarni replied. “Further into the field, women are struggling with second class citizen status and facing disparate

power dynamics and/or poverty that is impacting mental health. In Melbourne, we are campaigning that women experience mental health differently and should be treated differently. There are many areas of women’s mental health crying out for more research.”

Sexual harassment and workplace bullying has also come to the fore in a major way in recent years, she added.

“As immediate past President of the International Association of Women’s Mental Health, I observed the progress of the MeToomovement globally.When it first started I must admit I thought 'this is very wealthy women of Hollywood complaining' but then I looked closely into it and found that this is very serious.

The movement has now spread to all parts of the world. The calling out of sexual harassment and bullying in the workplace applies to hospital or factory floors just as much as it does to Hollywood elite. Well done to the Hollywood stars who leveraged their communication skills and public traction to push start a very important process of calling out of practises that are unacceptable.”

Jayashri migrated to Australia with her parents in 1961. Her parents quickly integrated into the Australian community, offering a nurturing upbringing by picking

and choosing from both cultures.

She met her husband Ernie Butler at medical school: today he is Head of Neurology at Peninsula Health. They have two daughters – Rani, a medical defence lawyer, and Surina a Monash University medical student.

Jayashri also likes to maintain connections with her extended family in India and travels often to different parts of the country.

“I find there is an interesting change in thinking in the big cities of India that does not necessarily transfer, in a short space of time, to our migration population here,” she remarked.

According to her there is an overrepresentation of women in the Indian community who experience mental illness.

“A lot of migrant families are raising kids in the beliefs of the culture as it was when they left 35 or 40 years ago from their country of origin,” she observed. “They are frozen in time and this is causing a real schism for the second and third generation kids that need to navigate with the family beliefs and the external western influences surrounding them. This can cause disharmony within the individual and we do see them grappling with depression, anxiety and eating disorders as an expression of this. There are many

fabulous things within our culture like the sense of family, enjoyment and bonding within the community. Also the food, colours, passion, and enthusiasm… but for women, there is still some work to be done.”

As a mentor to many young women researchers and clinicians, Prof. Kulkarni strongly feels that it is important for senior women executives to take on mentorship roles.

“There are many diverse leadership styles for young men to emulate, but there are fewer choices for women as there are not enough senior women in executive positions in certain fields.”

“I often like to say to young women, you do not have to be an honorary man to be a leader,” she said with a smile.

As a Club Melbourne Ambassador, Kulkarni is also looking forward to Melbourne hosting the Women’s Congress for Mental Health in 2021. “Academic tourism is critical to exchange ideas with the world, sharing the state’s expertise, boosting the economy and bringing thought leadership here."

This exceptional leader, mentor and speaker is doing an inspirational job spearheading the advancement of research in women’s mental health.

Preeti Jabbal JUNE-JULY 2019 7

COVER STORY

R U O N O H Y A D ’ B S ’ N E E QU INVESTING MORE IN SCIENCE AND TECH DISTINGUISHED PROF

Dharmendra Prakash Sharma, AM For significant service to higher education, and to computer science

A

few minutes into the conversation with Distinguished Prof.

Dharmendra Prakash Sharma, and you know you’re going to learn a lot.

Not just about the man himself, who’s the recipient of an AM in this year’s Queen’s Birthday honours, but also about AI, computer science and higher education.

His reaction to receiving the AM surprise, humility and a dash of excitement for the future. “I’m trying to pinch myself to see if this is real,” was the only ordinary thing this extraordinary gentleman uttered.

“I didn’t realise at first this would be such a huge deal,” he said. “I’m more than surprised by this honour. It’s the perfect shot of oxygen for me to keep pushing at what I do, and to contribute to make the world a better place.”

So how does the Chair of the Academic Board at the University of Canberra and a Hind Rattan Award winner, make the world a better place? The answer is simple: (a) with his actual work and (b) with his attitude towards science, education and humanity.

Born in Fiji after his forefathers moved there 140 years ago, Prof Sharma is a fourth generation Fijian-Indian and exceptionally proud of his Indian heritage.

He’s also equally proud of what Australia has done for him. “I draw a lot of energy from the diversity that Australia offers. I come from a very humble background. I moved to Australia for my post-graduation.

The country has allowed me to serve in the education sector for 40 years, provide leadership to my team and contribute to the world around me by making international connections to others in the field,” he said.

That field is computer science, and his key research interests include distributed AI and the applications of AI to human centered modelling and problem solving.

Put simply, Prof Sharma’s work involves solving complex, real-world problems with data. He’s not bogged down by alarming reports suggesting 40% of jobs will be lost by 2025. Like all visionaries, he’s cautiously optimistic about the future of AI. “There is some merit to this thought.

But the undiscovered potential of AI is vast. The rise of AI doesn’t mean all jobs will be wiped out, it just means that new, more creative jobs will come up.

We humans have the power to build this narrative the way we want, as long as we understand where technology is taking us.

Understanding that will make humanity more empowered; society will be more technologically savvy and we’ll be able to solve some very difficult problems.”

Take climate change, for instance. With climate deniers refusing to accept scientific evidence, Prof. Sharma realises that the pressure is even more on the scientific community to use data science to address concerns from naysayers. “There will always be deniers,” he observed. “We have to convince them with education.

For climate change, political support is needed, but political solutions might not be the answers. Science and education are.

I encourage my students to use science to strengthen their arguments.”

In his role as an educator at multiple universities worldwide (UC; University of South Pacific, Fiji; University of Fiji; Fiji National University), as the founding President and Fellow of the South Pacific and the Australian Computer Societies respectively, as a Fulbright ambassador since 2016 and as the senior member of various institutions and think-tanks, Prof. Sharma has always stressed on the importance of education and of students challenging themselves. He’s especially passionate about the STEM fields, saying, “Worldwide, we’re not investing as much

as we should in science and technology.

STEM should have a lot more focus early on in school. But I see the students who come to me, from all over the world, and I’m filled with hope.”

What’s next for Prof Sharma? “This award is just a stepping stone. I’ll continue to be a professor - connect with international colleagues and universities (including many Indian ones) to solve difficult problems, use data science to make the world a better place. I still haven’t achieved everything that I want to.

There’s lots to do still, and I’m very excited about the future.”

Sneha Khale

establish the Carnatic music scene as there were only a few Indians here. Also, I was juggling between my Telstra job, family life and music at that time. Slowly but steadily, I made the Telstra job a parttime one and Carnatic music became my full-time career, so that I could give my 100 percent to this art. Our school, which has hundreds of students now, started with just four to five kids. Over a period of time, with many dedicated musical performances across Australia, we were able to inspire many children to learn Carnatic music. We also created avenues to help kids display their talent on stage. From the initial baby steps to now watching our school students perform at three-day concerts, truly it has been a rewarding experience so far.

Despite western music taking centrestage, we have managed to inculcate the love of Carnatic music in our young children. My wish is that out of 100 students, at least 20 consider Carnatic music vocals as their professional career to keep this beautiful art alive in the coming years.”

To help youngsters to understand Carnatic music, Jayashree has been performing thematic concerts, which according to her are being well received by the audiences. About the conceptbased musical performances, she said, “In these thematic presentations, I explain the concept of the song in English and then render songs based on that theme. I have plans to do more such lecture-based musical concerts as they reach out to a wider audience, especially youngsters,

MUSIC KNOWS NO BOUNDARIES Jayashree Ramachandran, OAM Recognised for service to the performing arts through Indian music and dance

J

ayashree Ramachandran, a Carnatic music vocalist, believes that her OAM recognition would motivate her to reach many more milestones in the field of

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Carnatic music. Thrilled by the OAM honour, Jayashree told Indian Link, “Any award will propel you to work harder and this honour has instilled an all-new confidence in me. Ever since I landed here in Australia I have been working in the field of Carnatic music by performing and teaching the art. I’m indeed happy by this recognition.”

Jayshree, who is the Vice-President of the Federation of Indian Music and Dance (FIMDV) since 2013, is also the founder of Sapthaswara School of Carnatic Music.

The school, which was started with just a handful of students in 1992, is now one of the finest music schools in Melbourne.

About this musical journey, Jayashree said, “Thirty years ago, the environment in Australia was challenging for me to

www.indianlink.com.au

RS SMART STRATEGY PROFESSOR

Arun Kumar Sharma, AM For significant service to computer science and information technology

A

look at the career highlights of Prof. Arun Kumar Sharma makes one wonder why his Australian Government honour did not come sooner.

The Queensland University of Technology’s Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation) has made many noteworthy contributions in a wide range of areas, as he straddles the worlds of university, research and industry.

“Yes I have tried to (be broad-based),” Prof Sharma told Indian Link. “I’m pleased that this recognition has come my way, and grateful that my contributions are acknowledged.”

In his own area of expertise, ICT, Prof Sharma’s work has significantly impacted Australia’s research and innovation policy. In the early 2000s, as UNSW’s head of the School of Computer Science and Engineering, he co-founded the Cooperative Research Centre for Smart Internet Technology, a seven-year project that linked universities, industry and federal and state governments in the research and development of high-end Internet technologies. The research expertise that arose from the program has paved the way in areas such as ad hoc networks, agent technology, artificial intelligence and data mining.

Also in the early 2000s, Prof. Sharma co-founded and became inaugural Director of National ICT Australia (known then as

NICTA but now a part of CSIRO Data61).

The organisation’s role was to pursue potentially significant ICT-related research for the Australian economy.

“To establish cooperative research centres in technology has been rewarding and fulfilling,” Prof. Sharma said.

Taking up his current position at QUT in 2004, Prof. Sharma has focussed on building the university’s research capabilities very successfully. “Our research income has tripled,” he revealed, adding, “We have also increased our research ranking substantially.

Particularly satisfying for me has been the expansion of our research and innovation activities in regional areas.”

Sharma has been actively involved in Bluebox (QUT’s innovation, venture and investment company), and in cooperative research centres in a variety of sectors such as diagnostics, construction innovation and integrated engineering asset management.

He also sits on the boards of a number of institutes, again showing a breadth of interest and expertise: children’s medical research, Gallipoli research, sugar research, and has also been on the board

of the Adani Abbot Point Terminal ever since they acquired it in 2011.

About Adani, Prof. Sharma noted, “They want to address the energy needs of India.

I hope (the project) will go ahead. They are doing their bit for renewable energy too. I think we need to create a balance in how we look at climate change and economic opportunities.”

Sharma’s particular passion for fostering Australia-India links has been longstanding. He served as national chair of the Australia India Business Council (20112012) and as President of its Queensland chapter (2005-2011).

In 2011, when his university conferred an honorary doctorate on Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, Prof. Sharma may have inadvertently played a role in breaking bilateral tension.

In the wake of the strained relations between India and Australia following the student attacks of 2009-10, Amitabh Bachchan had rejected a university honour from Australia. His acceptance of the QUT honour, engineered by Prof. Sharma, may have helped in its own way to bring

the balance back in the Indian public’s perception of Australia.

Sharma was born in Bihar and studied in Assam and in New Delhi. He took his undergraduate degree at the prestigious BITS Pilani, then a PhD from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a postdoc from MIT. He moved to Australia in 1991 to work at UNSW. The move from research and teaching to administration helped him tick off many items on his wish list. “I felt I was able to make a greater contribution by helping build institutions; the impact that I had (as an administrator) was far greater… and it’s been a role I’ve enjoyed.”

What’s in the future for Prof. Sharma?

His brilliant mind is brimming with ideas.

“I hope to undertake projects in renewable energy, going forward. I’m also writing – on the future of tech, and the future of work. I’m also keen to look at more bilateral projects in the IndiaAustralia space.”

Rajni Anand Luthra

who get to know more about their tradition. Currently, I’m doing a lot of research on various topics for these thematic presentations.”

She added, “Right now Carnatic music has been restricted only to the Indian community. I would like to take this artform to the mainstream audience in Australia as music has no boundaries. We have also been performing orchestral ensembles just to reach out to the local audience. My students and I have been performing in many street festivals and cross-culture music festivals to create awareness in the mainstream about the rich cultural heritage of Indian classical music.”

Janani Karthik

JUNE-JULY 2019 9

COVER STORY

R U O N O H Y A D ’ B S ’ N E E QU WORKING FOR THE CITIZENS OF TOMORROW Shashi Kant Kochhar, OAM For service to the community through charitable initiatives

"R

espect the people, places and laws of the country you choose to call your home. Try to improve on what’s there, but don’t try to create your old home at your new home.”

These golden words of advice from his father have stayed with Melbourne’s Shashi Kochhar ever since he migrated to Australia from Indiain 1978.

Receiving an OAM in this year’s Queen’s Birthday honours is a huge privilege, according to him.

“It makes me feel humbled, privileged and further motivated to continue doing my community service,” Shashi told Indian Link.

“Each day I wake up more energised to see how my dream of giving back to the community is being fulfilled,” said the septuagenarian.

Shashi laughingly shared how his friends often tell him ‘he is different’.

Some acquaintances even joke about ‘forgetting their wallets at home’; in case Shashi has yet another cause which needs some contribution.

He takes it all in his stride with good humour, because he is on an ongoing mission.

He wants to ensure that the future generation is happy and for that he is

prepared to clean up parks of waste and rubbish, walk miles to raise funds, plant trees, donate blood and stand on streets collecting tin box donations.

As the founder of Friends of Children Foundation, Shashi has helped raise millions of dollars for Monash Children Hospital and Royal Children Hospitals in Melbourne.

Established in 1998, this not-for-profit works with organisations that provide better health and education for the citizens of tomorrow.

Shashi laments the damage caused by parents of his generation, for not teaching their children about looking after the environment.

“We may be living in the lucky country, but we need to look after it and help maintain it. We need to give more to this country that has supported and rewarded us,” he emphasised.

He believes that for communities to prosper and sustain, all young people should be valued, engaged and supported.

He strongly encourages people to volunteer in various ways and involve young children to inspire them as good role models.

He walks the talk by leading a cleaning campaign for Clean Up Australia Day every year and organising 24-km charity walks since 2012. He has donated blood over 145 times and delivered bread to aged care, asylum centres and other needy places for years.

With his appointment as Justice of Peace he has plenty of opportunities to contribute by volunteering his services to provide an integral link in the judicial system. As a JP he has signed over 30,000 documents for people till date.

Shashi believes in one god but feels that faith has, somewhere along the years, overpowered cultures.

As current chairperson of the Monash Interfaith gathering he supports collaborative relationships with various faiths and beliefs committed to working towards understanding, respect, peace and dignity.

His passion for community work has been recognised by various awards and recommendations including Sir John Monash Award (Multicultural Champion Category, City of Monash, 2018) and Sir John Monash Community Service Award (City of Monash, 2007).

Abiding by his father’s parting words, Shashi has spent most of his working and retired life ‘paying back’ and showing respect to the society he lives in. The impact of this amazing volunteer is extraordinarily positive: with his compassion, unselfish caring and unconditional love for his fellow human beings, Shashi has gone on to become one of the most loved personalities in Melbourne’s Indian community. The world definitely needs need more of his tribe.

Preeti Jabbal

in Geology from Bimavaram College, and then gained entry to the prestigious IIT Roorkee for a Master’s degree. Krishna worked as a lecturer in Bimavaram College and later as a scientist in Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR).

Continuing in his efforts to do “better”, Dr Krishna did another Masters in Land Ecology from the Netherlands and a PhD in Geoscience from Andhra University.

Dr Nadimpalli moved to Australia in 2000. And if his story so far sounds like the achievement of a determined, selfmade man, then what he has achieved in Australia in less than 20 years, is just as extraordinary.

As an environmental scientist at the

University of Canberra he has worked in the field of disaster management, climate change adaptation, risk assessment and urban planning. But his passion for social inclusion and empowering communities was a constant motivator.

He has actively participated and served the Indian community as well as the multicultural community in Canberra.

As President of the Telugu Association, Dr Krishna founded the Federation of Telugu Associations in Australia. He also founded the Telugu School (Telugu Badi) in Canberra and, following up on his love of his mother tongue, has now got National (NAATI) Accreditation for the Telugu language.

Currently he is Chairman of the Canberra Hindu Mandir and Secretary

SERVING FOR EMPOWERMENT Dr Krishna Dhana Nadimpalli, OAM For service to multiculturalism in the Australian Capital Territory

S

peak to Dr Krishna Nadimpalli, and you’ll agree that what stands out most about him are his humility and his connection

10 JUNE-JULY 2019

to his Indian roots and values. But as this OAM recipient talks about himself, you’ll be amazed at his fascinating life story.

Dr Krishna was born in a remote village in Andhra Pradesh called Gummampadu in West Godavari District. There was no electricity, or even roads, at his village. Yet he overcame the odds and became the first person in his village to complete Year 10. The local school had classes only till Year 5, so he had to walk to a neighbouring village to continue schooling. “In monsoon and in winter, I would take an extra pair of clothes with me to change into, in case I slipped and fell in the mud!”

He failed Year 12 due to lack of guidance and opportunities. But he tried again and passed. He obtained a degree

www.indianlink.com.au

RS BUILDING CITIES AND COMMUNITIES PROFESSOR

Mahalingam Sinnathamby, AM For significant service to the building and construction sector, and to the community

I

n the early nineties, an enterprising property developer purchased 2860 hectares of bushland near Brisbane that had been beset by planning problems. He set about transforming it into Australia’s largest fully master-planned city, the only other since Canberra. The multi-award winning city is projected to have a population of 138,000 by 2030.

Lobbying various governmental departments over the last three decades to make this vision a reality, Greater Springfield is Malaysia-born and UNSW-trained civil engineer, MahalingamSinnathamby’s dream come true. As a major economic driver, it is also a vision of Australia’s urban future, boasting combined health, education, technology and transport precincts.

Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull rightly described it as a national and nation building project.

“This is not my recognition alone. It has been a twenty six-year journey with eleven schools, three thousand teachers and forty one thousand individuals. When it went to the parliament for approval, eighty-nine members voted unanimously for it. The credit goes to every single person along the way who helped to achieve this vision,” Sinnathamby, who will turn eighty this year, told Indian Link.

As Chairman of the Springfield City Group, he has overseen the single largest planned city built by individuals. The project was awarded World’s Best Master Planned Community by International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) and Australia’s Best Master Planned Community by Urban Development Institute of Australia. It also won Urban Development Institute of Australia’s National President’s Award as well as Property Council of Australia’s Best Master Planned Community besides numerous state level recognitions.

By creating a master-planned community where people can live, learn, work and play in a city, while fully supported by high quality infrastructure, commercially viable and sustainable development, his goal is to enrich society and make a difference at an individual level.

Outlining the substantial legacy he has helped shape, Sinnathambysaid with great humility,“I owe it to my wife, my business partner and our families. If anything needs recognition, it is the breadth of opportunities this great country offers.

With 1.8% of India’s population spread across a country that is two and a half times bigger, Australians have unlimited natural resources, beautiful weather and a stable democratic system, where everyone is equal. What else can we ask for? Seize the opportunity, rise up and aspire for better.”

Despite very humble beginnings, his relentless work ethic and indomitable resilience have seen Sinnathamby stave off failures to become one of the wealthiest people in Australia. A recent publication Stop Not Till Goal Is Reached unpacks his philosophy in life, drawing inspiration from the legendary Swami Vivekanada.

He values education above anything else, reiterating its importance at every occasion. “Education is the currency of the future. It is one thing that can be cashed anywhere and at any time. No one can take

it away from you.”

As patron of the Singapore Business Council, former president of Australian Malaysia Business Council and former member, Australia India Business Council, he has lent his business acumen to support emerging entrepreneurs.

He is also a patron of the Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland and Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (Queensland branch).

Inspired by the philosophy of Sri Ramakrishna and Mahatma Gandhi, he believes in giving. Philanthropy has been a big part of his life, be it to his alma mater, where a number of equity scholarships have been established, or to community groups and cultural organisations. He is a patron of the Vedanta Centre Sydney and a founding patron of its Brisbane chapter.

Exuding positivity at all times, Sinnathamby is an inspirational speaker who believes life’s challenges make one’s destiny. Always emulating simplicity, he is a firm believer that adversity and hardship have ingrained mental toughness in him.

Prior to the Order of Australia recognition, has been conferred with many accolades, including an honorary doctorate from the University of Southern Queensland, Centenary Medal for contribution to Regional Development; 2003 Ernst and Young Master Entrepreneur of the Year (Northern Region), Paul Harris Fellowship from Rotary International, Australian Institute of Management Medal for Management Innovation and the GOPIO International Renowned Entrepreneur Excellence Award.

Usha Ramanujam Arvind

of the Canberra Interfaith Forum, thus not only contributing to his Hindu faith, but making a mark among people of other faiths too. As Chair of the Hindu Mandir, he has successfully lobbied the ACT Government for a larger temple and is in the process of fund-raising for this project.

In addition, Dr Nadimpalli has also been active in the International Mother Language Movement. Cricket, his other love, continues to feature in his life in Australia, such as in organising multicultural cricket tournaments.

What would he say is his proudest achievement?

“I would say, the introduction of the Art of Living Foundation’s PrisonSmart program for the rehabilitation of prisoners in Canberra. My motto is ‘Serving for Empowerment’, and this is what I really

want to do.”

He is grateful to his wife Lakshmi, who supports him fully in all his activities.

He has two sons and is soon to be a grandfather.

Talking about his OAM, Dr Krihna chose characteristically to downplay it: I am happy, he said, sounding content.

True humility, one could not help thinking.

Then he said, “It actually inspires me to do more. I have decided to retire and devote my life to community service. First there is the temple to build. But then, my dream is to have Wellness Centres across Australia that deal with mental health issues, cancer and other terminal illnesses, and drug and alcohol addiction. I would like to see a drug-free Australia.”

Vinaya Rai

JUNE-JULY 2019 11

BOOKS

Women in surgery I

A reflection on the sexism in the surgical community

f we were to look back over the last decade, we would agree that globally, a collective awakening took place. This awakening prompted introspection, a revisiting of the status quo and most crucially, the emergence of voices that said – it was not right then, and it is still wrong now. This spotlight – including the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements – shone a light into the darkest recesses of the behaviours of men towards women, on an institutional and individual level, from Bill Cosby and Harvey Weinstein in the entertainment industry, to Gamergate and the tech industry, to name a few.

Strong voices, growing stronger – previously unheard or silenced – sounded the clarion call for bad behaviour. In our own part of the world, we hear the voice of Dr Joan Arakkal, an Indian-born surgeon specialising in orthopaedics. In her book Slice Girls, Dr Arakkal outlines her love for medicine – from her training in India to her hope filled journey to Australia.

Dr Arakkal provides a compelling account of her experience within the hyper-masculine world of Australian orthopaedics where a boys’ club keeps outsiders out in the cruellest ways possible

– by denying them the opportunity to fulfil their medical aspirations and civic minded goals of helping patients.

Slice Girls casts light on the obstacles and prejudices faced

by Dr Arakkal at the hands of a select few – mostly privileged white males. This work recounts the story of a talented doctor who faced discrimination and sexism – and at first read provides a perspective of a hopeless situation where one person’s ambitions were quashed, resulting in a life of unfulfilled ambitions.

However, when this mirror is held up to the zeitgeist, the narrative of today presents a compelling picture of contrasting optimism. We know that unprofessional conduct and counter productive workplace behaviours that are

not inclusive and collaborative are being scrutinised in great detail. None of these practices will remain in the dark for long, nor will they last. We don’t need to wait for the next generation to bring in change: it is happening now, as we speak.

That we had to wait a while for this to happen was necessary – the world had to be ready for this awakening. And today, we know that with the examination of workplaces and a desire to make things better, it is only a matter of time before perspectives experienced by Dr Arakkal will be an ugly vestige of a bigoted past.

Slice Girls is a thought-provoking account of a different world, a dark world of shadows where selfish, greedy and ignorant behaviours were the norm. The voices speaking out against this world – like Dr Arakkal – are like the sun shedding light on unacceptable behaviours and mindsets, and then using the intensity of heat to burn the old, for the new to emerge.

Salma Shah

1983, 2011 and more

C

elebrated cricket broadcaster Ashis Ray has come out with a new book titled Cricket World Cup: The Indian Challenge, where he has penned down the journey of Indian cricket at the World Cups since the inaugural edition in 1975.

The book traces India’s World Cup journey ever since West Indies won the 60-over World Cup held in England in 1975. It reviews all tournaments from 1975 to 2015 and also previews the ongoing 2019 World Cup in England and Wales. All matches of India, since the inaugural World Cup 44 years ago, are recorded as well as every semi-final and

12 JUNE-JULY 2019

final regardless of whether India featured in them or not.

It also details the story of India's turning point in ODI cricket in Guyana when Kapil Dev's team defeated the previously unassailable West Indies in their own backyard in March 1983. Particularly readable is the story of how MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh planned India's road to ultimate glory in the 2011 World Cup at home.

It was after all the best gift Tendulkar could have asked for as he played in the showpiece event one last time.

Also featured are some of India’s

cricket controversies including Greg Chappell's controversial tenure as Indian coach and the corruption scandal which shook the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The book ends with an analysis of India's chances at the 2019 edition of the showpiece event. Arguably the world's senior-most active cricket broadcaster, Ray made his debut as a Test match commentator on All India Radio in 1975 at the age of 24. He holds the distinction of being the world's youngest Test match commentator.

He was the only Asian ball-by-ball commentator on BBC's coverage of the 1983 edition of the World Cup which India won by defeating then cricket giants West Indies at Lords.

Aakash Kumar

www.indianlink.com.au

COMMUNITY LIFESTYLE APARTMENTS IN PERTH Resort-style facilities Jeevan Saath embracing Indian Culture for people aged 55 & over

Why downsize your Life ….when you can Right size it!

www.jeevansaath.com.au JUNE-JULY 2019 13

ART Photo: AGNSW/Jenni Carter

14 JUNE-JULY 2019

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Photo: Josie Withers

Photo: Josie Withers

Grace and elegance Adelaide’s Anant Kaur Sandhu becomes Mrs Singh in artist Tsering Hannaford’s Archibald portrait BY RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA

A

s she sits, regally, in her beautiful blue green costume with gold motifs, her AM honour proudly pinned to her shawl, Anant Kaur Sandhu is a picture of grace and elegance, accomplishment and distinction.

Who is this eminent lady, a member of a tour group asks.

“She’s a well-known restaurateur in Adelaide,” the tour guide replies. “Everyone knows her simply as Mrs Singh. At 88, she’s still active, visiting her kitchens twice a week to oversee the functioning.”

Murmurs of appreciation are heard from the group.

Gazing upon Mrs Singh, artist Tsering Hannaford’s arresting portrait at this year’s Archibald Prize Exhibition, is like a dream come true for me. Having followed Australia’s most prestigious art exhibition for nearly 30 years now, the thought has crossed my mind often about possible Indian links at this annual event.

“The Archibalds are a beautiful celebration of people, in subject, and include a wide range of different styles.”

Tsering Hannaford

While there have been Indian-origin artists - the Mumbai-born Nafisa Naomi won the Packer Room Prize in 2010 for her portrait of journalist and commentator Glenn A Baker, and this year Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran presents Hindu iconography in his Multilimbed Self Portrait – we’ve never had an Indian sitter. Flaunting their Indian identity.

Mrs Singh is paving the way yet again.

She’s come a long way since 1980, when she launched her restaurant Jasmin, putting her family recipes to use. Today it is an institution, frequently called ‘Australia’s best Indian restaurant’, its refined take on Indian cuisine having attracted pop stars, politicians and prime ministers.

Equally, as a devout Sikh, Mrs Singh is known for her seva (religious service) to homeless people: her restaurant has been preparing and serving hot and nutritious meals for socially disadvantaged people for nearly twenty years now.

For her service to the restaurant and catering industry and for her philanthropic activities, Mrs Singh was given the AM honour by the Australian government in 2018.

“Everyone in Adelaide knows Mrs Singh,” Tsering Hannaford said when asked why she picked Mrs Singh’s portrait as her Archibald entry.

The portrait was commissioned by Mrs Singh’s son Amrik, as an 87th birthday present last year.

“She was reluctant at first,” Amrik revealed. “But after the first sitting, she got right into it! I have no doubt it was because of Tsering and her whole attitude to it – the two got along famously and now often ring each other just to chat.”

The portrait was unveiled on 18 June 2018, Mrs Singh’s birthday, as the extended Singh-Sandhu family gathered to celebrate the matriarch.

“There were plenty of oohs and aahs,” Amrik recounted. “Tsering has done a wonderful job; she’s captured the essence beautifully of the persona that is Mum.” Mrs Singh has given Tsering her fifth consecutive appearance in the Archibalds

“I felt proud and happy for Tsering when I heard about the Archibalds. It was her work.”

Mrs Singh as a finalist. (And that’s no mean feat for a young artist who only became professional in 2012. In 2015, she was a finalist alongside her dad, acclaimed artist Robert Hannaford, in what was the first time ever that a father and daughter duo made it to the Archibalds.)

“Mrs Singh is one of my best portraits from last year,” Tsering observed.

Describing the process, she said, “We had eight sittings at my West Hindmarsh studios in Adelaide. Mrs Singh would come in and stay for three hours. We would do three poses, break for tea, and then do three more poses.”

Did the sessions involve an Indian meal?

“No,” laughed Tsering, “but she’d always bring me something, like short bread biscuits she’d baked, or pickings from her garden.”

Interestingly, Mrs Singh lent Tsering her salwar kameez, so she would be able to get the pattern just right.

“Tsering paid attention to every stroke,” Mrs Singh revealed. “She was very precise, and would remember every little detail, like the rings I had worn on my fingers at the last sitting. What impressed me also was the calm and patience with which she worked. I admire her for her patience: she was soft and gentle, and took her time. She was caring too: she’d ask often if I was tired, and if I would like a break.”

She loved the final work when she got to see it. She said with characteristic humility, “Initially I thought why are the kids making such a big deal about a portrait? But at the

end, I was impressed with Tsering’s work – it came out good, don’t you agree?”

How did she feel when she heard the portrait was to be hung at the Archibalds?

She replied without hesitation, “I felt proud and happy for Tsering. It was her work.”

Mrs Singh is keen to travel to Sydney to see the portrait at the Art Gallery of NSW. “We get it back only after August next year, after it tours the country.”

Tsering Hannaford claims portraits are the most cherished part of her practice, even though she is also known for her still life and landscape works. “I feel privileged to meet such an array of interesting people. As I paint from life I take the time to get to know them, their stories and their lives. Mrs Singh has been a lovely lady to meet.”

Perhaps that’s why she loves the Archibalds. “They are a beautiful celebration of people, in subject, and include a wide range of different styles.”

She agreed that the event this year is particularly diverse, thanks to the hijab (Angus McDonald’s Mariam Veiszadeh), the Buddhist robe (winner Tony Costa’s Lindy Lee), to list a few. “In recent times, the Archibalds are becoming a true reflection of our society.”

Here’s to an even more diverse Archibald Prize Exhibition from here on: we look forward to more salwar kameezes, multiple arms, hijabs, and more body paint.

The Archibald Prize Exhibition is on at the Art Gallery of NSW until 8 Sept.

JUNE-JULY 2019 15

FESTIVAL

Borderless Eid

E

Indian and Pakistani communities come together at Adelaide Eid

id is the festival of brotherhood and friendship. This year, the hand of friendship was extended by the Indian Australian Association of South Australia (IAASA) and Pakistani Australian Association of South Australia (PAASA) to each other at Eid, and gladly accepted from both sides.

Eidwas celebrated by both Associations in its traditional spirit, and in the midst of all the drama of the Ind V Pak match at the ICC World Cup which followed shortly after.

IAASA celebrated Eid in a small way for only the second year in a row. Eid has not been on its calendar for years and after celebrating it last year for the first time in years, this year, the President of the Pakistani Association was invited to the function. Not only the President, but a few more members and their families came along and it was a warm, happy celebration with memories and reminiscences, music and food.

This was an incredibly special event, said PAASA President, AdeelSadiq, as it was the first time PAASA had been invited to an IAASA event. In his speech

Narayana Rai of IAASA and Adeel Sadiq of PAASA

as chief guest, he gave several examples of language, food, customs etc that Pakistanis and Indians have in common and how we can focus on these similarities and work

cooperatively towards common goals.

Except in international cricket of course!

At PAASA’s Eid event, which is their main event of the year, a number of ethnic

associations and community organisations had been invited and were all individually acknowledged and welcomed by the President. For the first time, the Indian Association’s President, Narayana Rai was also invited. He was accorded a particularly warm welcome and a rousing applause by the audience.

It was also particularly heart-warming to see some very senior members of the community, who were founding members of PAASA honoured on the night. Some of them had been close relations with the Indian community too and were from the Bangladesh region. These elders were given a standing ovation with genuine love and respect.

Thus has been started a new era in the relationship between the two subcontinental neighbours… right here in Adelaide! The hand of friendship has been extended and firmly grasped by both organisations. We are sure there will be plenty of occasions in the future to bring the two communities closer together. Best wishes to them!

Vinaya Rai

INDIAN LINK SOCIAL MEDIA 16 JUNE-JULY 2019

www.indianlink.com.au

SCIENCE

Highly Koalafied How land clearance is stressing out koalas BY NEHA MALUDE

F

or Dr Edward Narayan, Senior Lecturer of Animal Science at Western Sydney University,the seed of interest had been sowed when he was young. But not even the 35-year-old could have predicted the trajectory his passion for animals would take him on.

Edward, who leads the Stress Lab at the uni’s Hawkesbury Campus, has been in the news recently for his ground-breaking study on physiological stress in wild rescued koalas. Simply put, Edward and his team proved that the psychological state of wild koalas and the location they are rescued from, can have significant impacts on their chances of recovery and rehabilitation.

This study, the first of its kind in the world, assessed stress levels from faeces samples rather than blood samples, and paved the way for a non-invasive technique of analysing hormones.

But the journey to making this notable discovery was a long and challenging one.

“As a student in Fiji, I got a scholarship for aPhD in Biology at the University of South Pacific: I studied a rare, highly endangered frog species,” Edward tells Indian Link. “I used to travel to the Pacific Islands once a month on a boat and spend a night studying the frogs, their eggs and their physiology. My mother used to pack a tiffin for the islanders, the indigenous people there.”

The existing methodology to assess hormone levels involved drawing blood samples. This was cumbersome as well as stressful for the animal.

“When you hold down animals to draw blood, it can be very traumatic for them,” Edward describes. “As a result, it’s impossible to get a clean blood sample.

That’s where my research first came in handy: I found a way to use urine samples.”

Word spread about his non-invasive method of analysing hormones in animals and Edward was asked to speak at events and conferences. At one such conference in Perth in 2009, he was invited by the director of Griffith University, Queensland to apply for Vice-Chancellor's postdoctoral fellowship. He followed it up with extensive postdoctoral research fellowship training in institutions in four countries - New Zealand Australia India and Canada.

A chance meeting with Al Mucci, director of Dreamworld Wildlife Foundation, led to the current koala study, explains Edward. “It’s easy to get faeces samples in koalas. You process the samples in the lab and note down the readings. Our group was the first in the

This study, the first of its kind in the world, assessed stress levels from faeces samples rather than blood samples, and paved the way for a non-invasive technique of analysing hormones.

Edward Narayan

world do this.From there on, I went on to study the bilby, tree kangaroos.”

On why he started with koalas, he says, “I have always loved koalas. Koalas are to Australia what Opera House is to Sydney.

How would it feel not to have either?”

Edward’s study is the first in the world to conclusively prove that land clearance is directly related to stress in koalas.

“We hardly find animals in the city, but they’ve been adjusting to humans since the beginning of time. Wild animals are aware of humans, and by living around humans they’re learning to coexist with us. It’s important to provide them with green landscapes that can allow this coexistence to flourish. The study is an

indicator that animals are showing signs of resilience to change, but we need to help them adapt.”

He adds, “There are corridors through which these animals have started entering the city limits. Human-induced environmental changes in rural areas are also causing this shift – you’ve got mining, deforestation, industrialisation, agriculture. Koalas are one of the most resilient animals in this country with physiological adaptations that are astounding.”

As for the effect it has had, Edward says, “I can’t believe how much this research study has added to the debate.

People came up to me, called and emailed me to ask, ‘You can really measure hormones through koala’s faeces?’”

And what about action from the decision makers, the policy enforcers?

“Good urban planning is the answer.

We’ve touched the nerve of the problem.

The science has provided the first evidence and has kickstarted positive dialogue. Policy change won’t happen overnight.”

With his work currently supported by one of the world’s leading conservation organisations, International Fund for Animal Welfare, Edward has been talking about this issue on bigger platforms.

Next on his agenda is increased engagement in India, the land from where his grandparents migrated to Fiji. “I’ve applied for a research grant in partnership with Cochin Institute of Technology in Kerala. We’re trying to gain a deeper understanding of the effect of marine pollution on stress in marine life in the coastal areas of NSW and India. Western Sydney University has signed an MoU with Kerala Agricultural Uni. It’s exciting because I’m playing a part in increasing the collaboration between Australia and India.”

JUNE-JULY 2019 17

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PEOPLE

Melb lad’s AR Rahman tribute Fan says Rahman’s music motivates him every day

BY JANANI KARTHIK

M

elbourne-based Chander Ram, an ardent fan of Indian music director AR Rahman has inscribed the maestro's name on the number plate of his brand new BMW Z4, which he says is his dream car.

When Chander tagged AR Rahman to a tweet featuring the picture of the car, which reads 'I Love ARR', there came a surprise! Rahman replied to his tweet saying,'Drive safely'.

Well, that was it – Chander went viral.

"800 friend requests on Facebook and some hundred requests on Instagram, many followers on Twitter,” Chander told Indian Link. “I certainly didn't expect any of this my intent was not to become famous!"

About the novel choice for the number plate of his dream car, he revealed, "It was purely to show my love and respect for Rahman. I tagged him to tell him that I'm one of his biggest fans; I have not missed even a single track of his ever since Roja. My day begins and ends with his songs. I wanted to have a memorable number plate to cherish all my life, and obviously, I was listening to Rahman's songs when I thought about the number plate. That's when I decided that I should have his name on the car. I tried to have his full name on the plate but due to space constraint, I chose 'I love ARR'."

He added, “It was overwhelming to see his reply on Twitter. Actually, I was heading to a marathon on the Great Ocean Road when lots of people congratulated me on Twitter after Rahman's message. It gave me all new positive energy to kickstart a marathon."

Chander, an IT professional from Bangalore, is also an avid fitness enthusiast.

He runs marathons and competes in all the major events in Sydney and Melbourne. No prizes for guessing what music he listens to while running!

“An electrifying song like Chale Chalo from Lagaan for example, keeps me motivated all through."

The songs of Chekka Chivantha Vaanam and Kandukondein Kandukondein title track are his favourite tracks. But it is Khwaja

Mere Khwaja from Jodha Akbar that he considers ‘life-changing’.

“It has been a ritual to listen to Khwaja before I head to important meetings and crucial job interviews. I believe that this song is magical."

Chander has met his beloved idol once, at a concert in Delhi for which he had travelled all the way from Melbourne. “When I met him, I told him that I want to be his bodyguard and just listen to his songs all day. He just smiled and replied, 'You will be bored after two days'. Not only his songs but the way he made me feel comfortable, also touched my heart.

There is much to learn from him."

Chander's tribute to his icon is not going to end with this fancy number plate: he revealed he has other plans as well.

“Rahman helps many underprivileged kids learn music through his music school KM Conservatory. I have plans to contribute something to this school in the future as yet another tribute to my maestro."

AR Rahman: The Quiz Chander Ram (nearly) aces Indian Link Radio’s quiz on ARR, live on air with RJ MANOJ What’s AR Rahman’s daughter’s name?

Khatija

What’s Rahman’s first composition?

Roja, but he had an unofficial composition called Set me free before that.

No! It was a Malayalam film, but Roja did catapult him to fame. Rahman was called Dileep then.

His music academy’s name?

KM Conservatory.

Correct, he launched it in 2008.

You obviously know Rahman’s birthday.

Of course, I do. He invites his fans to his place and celebrates his birthday with them with cake etc. Two of my friends work as assistants for Rahman, which

works great for me.

It’s 6 Jan 1967.

Rahman shares his birthday with someone very close to him. Who? You put me on the spot! I don’t know the answer.

Rahman’s son, who was also born on 6 Jan in 2003.

There’s a specific window of time when Rahman composes his music.

When’s that?

Only at night. He also has the habit of lighting the candle when he composes.

I’ve tried doing it myself when stressed and have had to concentrate for work. It does help!

Correct answer! The only time Rahman made an exception was when he was composing/recording with Lata Mangeshkar.

“It has been a ritual to listen to Khwaja before I head to important meetings and crucial job interviews.

I believe that this song is magical."

JUNE-JULY 2019 19

STREET ART

Pillars of the community Four Indian-origin artists commissioned by Dandenong Council (Melbourne) transform utility poles into bright creative artworks

Kantha Totem

by Natasha Narain

Peace and Love

by Sohail Yamin

The brightly coloured motifs, symbols and slogans are inspired by popular truck art in India.

20 JUNE-JULY 2019

Natasha acknowledges that the pole was once a tree and wishes to reactivate latent energies within it. Her design is linked to the heritage of the Bengali Kantha, and her concept is of a tree in a garden filled with sunshine, care and flowers. www.indianlink.com.au

Prakriti (Nature)

by Rashmi Gore

Inspired by indigenous Warli art from Western India which dates back to Neolithic times, the intricate geometric patterns show the relationship of humans with nature, particularly respectful exchange and cultural economic sustainability.

Thoonu (Pillar)

by Yoge Biju

Pillars are a key architectural element and design aesthetic of Indian monuments and structures.

All of the artworks play an important role in the continuation of the City of Greater Dandenong’s ongoing street art program in the Indian Cultural Precinct. The art project was initiated in 2015 with four large scale murals on Mason St, followed by shop front improvements and veranda decorations. Melbourne’s south-east region is home to more than 52,000 people of Indian origin. Approximately 12,400 first generation Indian residents currently call the City of Greater Dandenong home.

JUNE-JULY 2019 21

TRIBUTE

A daring intellectual

How an early Girish Karnad encounter led to a lifelong interest in the arts BY VINAYA RAI

I

remember Girish Karnad as a colossus of the theatre and film worlds, a doyen of parallel cinema of the ‘70s and ‘80s and a true intellectual.

Doordarshan would, in those days, broadcast ‘art movies’ on Sunday afternoons. They were mostly black and white. Or was it our TV that was black and white…

I’m not too sure. But

watch Hayavadana, one of Karnad’s plays.

Again I don’t remember much of the play and I don’t think I understood much of it, but just the glamour of having gone to a Karnad play was enough to keep me on a cloud for days!!

Writer Vir Sanghvi said in his Twitter tribute, “Can you think of anyone else who could become President of the Oxford Union, could then come back & write brilliant plays in Kannada, could direct art films and also act in Salman Khan movies?”

Can you?!! Karnad went to Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. He studied mathematics and economics, but chose arts and literature as his career. He wrote in Kannada, which he called his “acquired mother tongue”. Still at Oxford, he wrote the play Yayati (in 1961) at the age of 23. It was still being staged in Bangalore in 2012 /13, and probably still is.

Karnad himself translated it into English in 2007, I believe.

His plays are mostly based on mythology or history but he would relate it to contemporary issues and ideas. However, Odakalu Bimba, it is said, was about the choice of language for writers and how it affected their world view. This was also the first play in which Karnad did not draw from mythology or history.

Karnad straddled many spheres: he was a film maker, director, actor, activist, administrator and many other things. But I will always remember him as a playwright and director.

And the image that will stay with me forever is the image of him - with oxygen tubes attached - protesting on the streets of Bangalore when journalist Gauri Lankesh was killed.

Not only was he an intellectual, he was a daring intellectual.

As a BBC journalist said, and I quote, the curtain has come down, but the rehearsals will go on. Karnad's words and images will stay.

MEMORIES

Girish Karnad (19 May 1938 – 10 June 2019)

that’s how I got hooked into watching some of the best movies of our times.

My father said I should watch Kannada movies like Samskara and Vamsha Vriksha.

Mum and he had read the books on which these movies were based, and often discussed them. I looked out for the movies to be rereleased or broadcast and watched them.

Vamsha Vriksha, which Girish Karnad codirected and acted in, really impressed me.

At 16 or 17, I was asked if I wanted to be part of an experimental play. Of course, I said yes. It is that age at which you want to savour every new experience, right?!

Today I can’t even remember the name of the play but what I do remember is that a newcomer had written it and was the main actor. Directing it, was none other than Girish Karnad. Karnad was probably the writer’s mentor as the play was based on the Ramayana but had a different take on it. Very Karnad-esque!

I rememberthe vibrancy and energy during rehearsals, the exchange of ideas, and experimenting with different ways of doing things on stage. And Karnad’s impressive personality.

Since I had a miniscule part, I had plenty of time to sit around at rehearsals and observe Karnad giving direction and suggestions. He had supreme confidence and very definite ideas, but would still listen to others. In fact, his theatre friends would come to rehearsals and they would freely offer their suggestions.

It was wonderful to see and hear the opinions of people like Girish Kasaravalli and B Jayashree, even B.V. Karanth came once.

These were huge names in the Kannada theatre world and little me just sat there agog watching them at work, critiquing everything from stage décor to lighting to the direction. I, who had no connection to theatre until then, was suddenly revolving in the same firmament that they were in!

Around the same time, Dad took me to

22 JUNE-JULY 2019

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ENTERTAINMENT

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

BIG B LAUNCHES EYE CARE CAMPAIGN TO FIGHT BLINDNESS Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has launched a ‘See Now’ campaign centred in his home state of UP, to help end avoidable blindness.

The campaign will deploy creative content via radio, television, print, social media, WhatsApp and SMS to provide information on eye health, local services and how to access them.

The actor, himself a proud wearer of glasses for years, hopes this will encourage others to wear glasses without any stigma.

“Vision problems are extremely common in India. The basic lack of understanding and awareness of how eye health works, leads to stigma around simple and easy treatments. People are often not aware of availability in their area of quality eye care services. It really is simple to avoid a lot of different sorts of blindness by preventative care,”Bachchan said in a statement.

The campaign, primarily funded by The Fred Hollows Foundation and in part by Essilor Vision Foundation, is working in partnership with Sightsavers India and Vision2020 India among others.

SAIF, ALAIA START SHOOTING FOR JAWAANI JAANEMAN

GET READY FOR SRK

E

verybody’s favourite Bollywood personality Shah Rukh Khan will soon be heading our way.

He is the chief guest at this year’s International Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), to be held 8-17 August.

Not much is known yet about other guests, but you can make a safe bet regular culprits Simi Grewal and Malaika Arora (no longer Khan) will be around. How about Karan Johar, SRK’s bestie?

Looks like some changes have had to be made to the usual program this time round.

It all kicks off with the IFFM Awards this year – the gala party that has traditionally closed the official part of the festival. Shah Rukh will be attending of course, on 8 August, and then launching the festival itself the following day.

What, you’re not staying around for flag hoisting at Fed Square, Shah Rukh??

As we await further news - of the films to be screened, celebrity guests,

24 JUNE-JULY 2019

masterclasses and special interviews we know as of now that the other festival mainstay, the Bollywood dance contest, is back again, to be held on 10 Aug. Mitu Bhowmick Lange, the director of the festival has also announced that the theme this year is Courage. Well chosen, we say, in times when freedom of expression is a hot topic not only in India but the world at large.

Shah Rukh himself said, “I’m particularly pleased with the theme of the festival this year which is Courage, an emotion that resonates with storytellers who really have the might to change society and the world.”

(Now how does this sound: a retrospective of Girish Karnad? He certainly fits the theme, and it will be a wonderful tribute.)

Shah Rukh also added, “I have had great memories of shooting for Chak De India in Melbourne and look forward to being back again, this time to celebrate Indian cinema.”

The festival is marking its tenth year this year.

Actress Pooja Bedi’s daughter Alaia F and actor Saif Ali Khan have started filming for the new movie Jawaani Jaanemanin the UK. Bedi tweeted a photograph of Saif and Alaia from India’s winning match against Pakistan at the ICC World Cup recently.

She captioned the image: “My daughter Alaia with Saif Ali Khan. Perfect start to their shoot together for her debut film #jawaanijaaneman. He plays her dad…and this was shot on Father's Day. Best of luck for beautiful new beginnings.”

Jawaani Jaaneman marks Alaia’s Bollywood debut. Directed by Nitin Kakkar, the movie is a romantic dramedy (comedy + drama) also starring Tabu.

Excited about her big debut, Alaia left for London a week in advance in order to “get into the skin of (her) character and study the script better.” She’d also commented on how she “loves to overprepare for her character”.

“I’m working with established artistes who I admire, so I’m understandably nervous. To ease those nerves, Nitin sir thought it would be appropriate for me to observe things on set before I have to go in front of the cameras,” the newbie said in a statement. Say what you will about nepotism, the excitement of your first paying gig is universal!

Produced by Jackky Bhagnani’s Pooja Entertainment in association with Saif’s Black Knight Films and Jay

Shewakramani’s Northern Lights Films, the movie will release on 29 November.

SRK ON DUBBING 'THE LION KING' WITH SON Shah Rukh Khan is stoked about dubbing for The Lion King with his "own Simba" Aryan, saying this makes it even more special.

Shah Rukh and Aryan will be lending their voices for King Mufasa and his son Simba, respectively, in the Hindi version of Disney's upcoming live-action film The Lion King.

Shah Rukh says his whole family loves the story. "It holds a very special place in our hearts. As a father, I can totally relate with Mufasa and the endearing relationship he shares with his son Simba," Shah Rukh said in a statement.

"The legacy of Lion King is timeless; and being a part of this iconic reimagining with my son Aryan makes it extra special for me. We are most excited that AbRam is going to watch this," he said.

The announcement comes a day after Shah Rukh took to Twitter to share a photograph of him and his son sporting blue cricket jerseys with their backs towards the camera. The star's jersey read "Mufasa" and Aryan's read "Simba".

Directed by The Jungle Book fame director Jon Favreau, The Lion King is one of the most-anticipated films of recent times.

The original film, considered an animation masterpiece, was released on 15 June 1994. It was not just widely lauded critically, but received commercial success as well.

ALAIA F

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us on our Facebook page /IndianLinkAustralia Favreau has stayed true to the classic story of Simba and used pioneering filmmaking techniques to bring the iconic characters to the big screen in a whole new way.

The Lion King will be released in India on 19 July in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.

'LEILA’ HAS BEEN LIBERATING: HUMA QURESHI It’s a role that’s causing much discussion recently. As Shalini, who sets out on an arduous 16-year-long search for her missing daughter born out of a 'mixed' marriage in the latest dystopian show Leila, actress Huma Qureshi says she felt challenged to push her boundaries and play the role with full justice and honesty.

"It has been a gratifying journey for me. It have never played such a strong character before this show. With this character, I have pushed myself as an artiste. I really had to go deep into the story.

The gritty six-episode Netflix series also delves into the issues of authoritarian rule, class and religious

divide and environmental crisis, apart from depicting a mother's search for her daughter.

While talking about the societal and political issues prevailing in real life, Huma said "Leila" is quite relevant to present times.

"I really believe in the story. Every day, we read so much on Twitter or in newspapers that this happened, that happened...but we move on and ignore it. We hardly do anything about it.

But when we get stuck in a particular situation and that situation starts affecting us, then we do something about it.

Huma considers Leila a role of a lifetime, one that has felt liberating.

"Our women are changing the game,” she said. “For the first time in my life, I got the opportunity to play such strong character where 'she' is the main lead and hero of the story.”

She added, “There is a long way to go, though. We need more stories about women for women and from women.”

WORTH WAITING FOR? YOU DECIDE! Veteran actress Zeenat Aman has

joined the cast of Ashutosh Gowariker’s magnum opus Panipat for a cameo.

She will make a special guest appearance in the film as a feisty character named Sakina Begum, which sounds like it’s right in Aman’s wheelhouse! Sakina led the province of Hoshiyarganj and lived within the confines of her kingdom, away from the politics of the region. She played an important part in the Third Battle of Panipat, one of the most epic wars in Indian history, when the Peshwas turned to her for help.

For Gowarikar, it is an “honour and a fan moment” to be directing Aman.

“There are many of her films that I have loved and especially her work in them. What is most fascinating about her, is her humility despite all the stardom,” he said in a statement.

Gowarikar had earlier worked with Aman when they both acted in Anant Balani’s 1989 mystery film Gawaahi.

The film also stars Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Kapoor and KritiSanon in pivotal roles, and is produced by Sunita Gowarikar under the Gowarikars’ home banner AGPPL. The film is scheduled to release on 6 December.

What’s the chitchat here between Saurav Ganguly and Ranveer Singh?

Send your response to: media@indianlink.com.au TO WIN A MOVIE TICKET!

LAST ISSUE CAPTION CONTEST

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AMITABH BACHCHAN

What’s the chitchat between Sonam Kapoor and Janhvi Kapoor here?

Short shorts?

What’s that?

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JUNE-JULY 2019 25

BACKCHAT

Sharaab, scotch and finally shiraz A study on the evolution of the desi drinker

BY PAWAN LUTHRA

The softer taste of the Pinot Noir, or the fuller feel of the Cabernet Sauvignon…?

I

n the hallowed columns of your favourite Indian newspaper, I am now going to reveal the results of some very serious research I have been conducting for years. While I have submitted the scientific report to various journals of social anthropology, I choose to divulge the results first to you, my fellow-IndianAustralians.

The said research is based on the drinking habits of Indian-origin Australians, and is a longitudinal study tracing the evolution of the desi drinker.

It takes years to reach the comfortable, well-settled (read alcohol-savvy) levels of assimilation in an alien environment, but the desi specimen does get there eventually.

At the very beginning, the male of the Indian-Australian species upon landing in this great southern land (can you feel the Richard Attenborough tone here), is keen to try out the Australian beer, of which he has heard so much. After all, while America is the land of milk and honey, Australia is the land of beer and … er, more beer. So Carlton, VB and the like are all dutifully tried out, in an initiation ceremony if you will. Comparisons are made with Kingfishers and other Indian brands, and detailed comparative analyses are conducted such as about relative bitterness, the can vs the bottle issue, etc. Meanwhile, new indices of evaluation, such as ‘head’, are learned and put to use (sometimes only to impress).

On rare occasions in the new migrant experience, when the urge for a harder

brew is greater, then rum is the preferred choice, with Old Monk being evaluated as more favourable than the Bundy available here. Scotch, if ever, will only be from Mr Walker’s distillery.

The female of the species (brought out here from her native lands as a bride), evolves fairly quickly. The fewer restrictions, and the sudden exposure to freedom, are causative factors in the launch of this steep learning curve. White wine is the preferred beverage, consumed daintily as her partner watches over her indulgently.

Usually fairly intelligent and always quick to adapt, the move to the next level - gin and tonic, though with some vodka experimentation along the way - comes quickly.

The male meanwhile is entering phase two himself, where the preferred drink is

whisky. Not being racially discriminative, Black Label of the Mr Walker variety is the usual choice, or else Chivas Regal.

However, the cardinal sin of mixing plenty of water/soda with 12-15 year matured whisky is a definite indicator of still being a new arrival here.

It is not until the next stage of development that the Indian-Australian becomes aware that diluting high-quality scotch is a definite no-no. Sure, an ice cube or a spoon of water (warm at best) is fine, just like the Scotsman likes it. And he should know, just as the Indian knows that rice and sambhar are best eaten with the fingers.

The female of the species is now happily experimenting with Baileys, after having favourably tried out red wine in its many forms. She has also been devouring any

information she can get her hands on regarding the finer qualities of wine appreciation, and can sometimes teach her partner a thing or two herself – such as when and how to decant wine for a more flavoursome experience. For his part, he listens adoringly and tells her she’s very clever, but not that he already knew everything she’s just told him (he learnt of them from Aussie mates at work).

The final stage of maturity is eventually reached when the male of the species has evolved to the wine club. Whereas wine tasted like vinegar in the early days, now the subtlety of the drink is starting to dawn on our friend. Soon, there are full scale discussions on the softer taste of Pinot Noir compared to the fuller feel of the Cabernet Sauvignon. Trips to the wine-growing regions have no doubt helped, and the hoarding of bottles has begun. By this time, the weekend parties usually kick off with beer, followed by a quick nip of Glenfiddich and then, on to the wine – a good quality tipple, of course.

While attending the weekend gettogether, our subject enjoys elegant cocktails from the well-stocked bar of his equally evolved host, researched and prepared with much care with his own (spirit-aware) partner.

The female of the species now chooses gin and tonic to start off with, knows which wine will enhance the flavours of the main course, and politely picks for an expensive sticky to go with her MasterChef - inspired dessert.

Dinner-time conversation is all about which wine-fridge to buy, while the ultimate aim, everyone agrees, is to buy the home with the inbuilt wine cellar…

Thankfully, the offspring are now old enough to drive the parents home.

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JUNE-JULY 2019 27

My sister has a promising future Aditi’s family wanted to know the Navy was a smart career choice.

Now Aditi’s joined they’ve discovered her Navy engineering education and training is also recognised by many industries outside of the Australian Defence Force.

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

28 JUNE-JULY 2019

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

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

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