2020-11 Melbourne

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NATIONAL EDITION

NOVEMBER 2020 3

4 NOVEMBER 2020

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EDITORIAL

• PUBLISHER Pawan Luthra EDITOR Rajni Anand Luthra SOCIAL MEDIA Suruchi Sehgal MELBOURNE COORDINATOR Preeti Jabbal CONTRIBUTORS Bageshri Savyasachi, Rhea L Nath, Shania O'Brien, Suruchi Sehgal, Ritam Mitra, Gaurav Masand, Minal Khona, Farzana Ahmad SALES Charuta Joshi

Indian Unk is a monthly newspaper published in

English. No material, including advertisements designed by Indian Unk, may be reproduced m part or in whole without the written consent of the editor. Opinions carried in Indian Link are those of the wnters and not necessarily endorsed by lnd1an Link. All correspondence should be addressed to:

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NATIONAL EDITION

BY

PAWAN LUTHRA n Australian classic by well­ known historian Geoffrey Blainey uses the phrase "the tyranny of distance'' 10 describe how distance and isolation have shaped Australia's history and its national identity.

For most migrants from India, especially those who have arrived on these shores in the last decade, the distance between lhe two countries bas not been a major issue. The tyranny of distance has been conquered by fast internet, WhalsApp, Facebook, and flights from a multitude of airlines with reasonable prices. Granted lhe 12-18hour flight back home is long, but most take it as Phase One of lheir holiday.

It is around this time each year that the annual pilgrimage to India begins. Airlines, knowing the demand will be heavy, hike up their fares, and the challenge is to get away before this price increase. Time is allocated between various family members,

holiday itineraries in India are planned, shopping is done for family and friends, and shopping lists are prepared for 1J1dia. There is a sense of freedom in the air as one heads towards Diwali and the planned holiday.

01 this lime. This will be a Diwali unlike any other. The local Indian community has by this time of year usually been lo an overload of Diwali parties and n1elas. The fairs organised by various community organisations around Australia have been seeing growing numbers in attendance every year. It is believed rhat to the weekend leading to Diwali, up to 100,000 Indian Australians will have attended one fair or the olher nationally. And this does not include those going to the various temples to offer their prayers, or those tens of thousands going to the garba-dandiya dance nights. The community is buzzing and alive with the festivity of Diwali.

This year, with social restrictions in place, the celebrations will be more personal. Small gatherings at home, restricted numbers at function places, social protocol at places of worship. The theme of this coronavirus pandemic has been to bring families closer together, as people worked from home, and students

home-schooled. This will extend to Diwali celebrations too, as people spend more time in quasi-isolation.

What wiU be more difficult is the inability lo travel Lo India to spend the festival season with family, especially the ciders. To most Indian-Australians, having spent the last eight months locked up in this island continent, the inability to travel will start to hit home.

Chances are, our travel restrictions may apply well into the next year, and the circuit breaker will be the discovery and mass rollout of a vaccine.

For those with families and strong support networks in Australia, this too will pass; but to lhose here by themselves, especially students, the next few weeks can be challenging.

Marking festive occasions on one's own can be gloomy, and a virtual Diwali, lhougb the order of the day, is no substitute for physical proximity and the laughter, fun and frolic of a traditional Diwali.

Perhapsil's time for the settled community members to open their homes up to these students this Diwali.

After all, isn't Diwali a time when Lord Ram was welcomed home? Time for us to do so now, for those in need in 2020.

NOVEMBER 2020 5

SPECIAL FEATURES HERITAGE Australia's first Sikh temple gets heritage status

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TRADITION Ancient Indian board games

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SPECIAL FEATURE Steve Waugh's India, in a new book of photos

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DIWALI

Kids' Diwali art contest: Winners

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CRICKET #AusVlnd: Bring it on!

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6 NOVEMBER 2020

RELISHING A COVID DIWALI

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What you'll miss most, PLUS, fun and quirky new ideas for a Diwali in a strange year

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NATIONAL EDITION

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YOUR SAY

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THE ARCHIBALDS

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RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA reported on the Sydney artist Claus Stangl's portrait of L-FRESH The LION at this year's Archibald Prize exhibition.

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Phlllp Stassi wrote: "An

interesting Australian..." indeed. The artist deserves high praise for these words and this approach. The portrait is beautiful and arresting. He made a noble picture of a noble-looking man.

HarJas Doabla wrote: So good to see L-FRESH at the Archies. He's popped up this year in so many places, on ABC's Q and A and in one of your own video series. And now at the AGNSW in a giant painting. Also loved your piece on Ramesh Mario's self-portrait at the Archibald Prize. Both men of course will soon be seen in Archie Plus, an Archibald offshoot at the Gallery, involving portraits of other kinds such as in sculpture, music and dance.

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ON THAT TANISHQ AD...

Readers weighed in on the controversy surrounding the jewellery ad in India that was forced to be withdrawn for its liberal leanings.

Dhanya Samuel wrote: From a secular democratic India, we have become a fascist, non-secular country.

Shweta Deshpande wrote: What is wrong with this ad? It is a wonderful inclusive work.

Gino Rikhye wrote: Hate is easier to propagate than love.

Renu Datta wrote: This is a one-sided view, respect the other view too. Only demand is next time, the secular picture be reversed, with a Hindu groom and Muslim bride. It will be the best example to show secularism and tolerance.

Smritl Jalswal wrote: Nothing wrong with this ad. Growing up in India, I had many friends that were Muslims. Never did it occur to me what religion they were. Love jihad is a ridiculous idea. People can choose whichever religion they want to marry, that's their human right. Also, if this ad had the roles reversed, I still would like it. Because hate is not the point. I think many would agree we love peacefully in India with freedom to follow any religion -mosques and temples side by side.enjoying Ramzan and Diwali one after the other.

Religion unites us, not divides us.

Ananya Hazra wrote: What's the problem in this ad? One religion is celebrating the other religion's rituals, what's the issue in that?Does the Hindu not celebrate Christmas by cutting cake and decorating Santa? No one protests for that, then why are people protesting for this? Rituals are only for self-satisfaction and for society show-offs. So, be it Hindu, Muslim or Christian ritual.what's the problem in celebrating any rituals by any individual? What is religion, by the way - when we were born we didn't come with any special mark for our religion. All of us are human; anyone can celebrate any ritual, how does it matter? Why do people differentiate?

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MAKING MEN OUT OF OUR BOYS

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• • In the wake of the Shore • • School's year 12 muck­ • • •• • AUSTRALIA'S FIRST SIKH TEMPLE up day saga, academic • • ., • • •• RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA reported on Gurdwara Sahib at Woolgoolga NSW being leader MOHAN DHALL • • •• .,• granted heritage status. wrote about the shift •• • • Renu Datta wrote: Always the memorable stoppage while driving between we need in our boys' •• • • ••• NSW and QLD, now to the side. education ••• •• •• TJ Singh wrote: May we keep excelling. May we always stand together.

Glen M wrote: I like the •• •• • Amblka Glrglanl wrote: I've always loved going to this Gurudwara. way this gives solutions.

• • • • • • • • • Geetha R wrote: • Andrea Stewart wrote:I read with interest your article about the heritage listing • • • •• • • I you of the first Sikh temple in the latest issue of the paper.

• • thought might be "Impact of impulsivity on • • • • • • • • • a • life".

I 1968 that interested in personal photo of the first committee in liked this you might not have • •• • • • • • • seen. My father Bert Stewart was the publican mentioned in the article. line a lot ••••••••••••• •• • • • • ••••••••••••••• • • •• ••• ••••••••••••• •••• ••••••••••••••••• ••• • •••••••• • •••••••••••••••••••••••••••• • • •••••••••••••••••••••••••• ••••••••• • •••• • •• • • ••••••••••• • •

SAYIT AGAIN

Can someone just text me what we're outraged about today - I don't have time to go through everyone's tweets

Whitney Cummings,

comedian 8 NOVEMBER 2020

Some of you have never ordered a chai latte from Starbucks in front of your immigrant mother and seen the pain in her eyes and it shows Ashml, Twitter user

Rahul Dravid is an amazing person, he's lowkey and humble. And Mukesh Ambani - I'd like to know how he's been so successful. He has a great influencer over people. He can really make a difference in people's lives.

Steve Waugh, on Indian celebrities he admires most

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NOTARY PUBLIC VS JUSTICE OF PEACE

The Consulate General of India (Sydney) recently announced new rules according to which certain documents will now need to be certified by a Notary Public rather than a Justice of Peace (JP). The move was met by complaints, given it cost the local community hundreds of dollars in documentation Amrtt Jagota wrote: Price is one factor in getting docs done from Notary Public. Access to Notary Public is the second factor. Rather, why not let us make self-attestations, a practice which is highly promoted and used in India.

Aartl Agarwal wrote: The new rule only came in due to rorts by some people. It is a cost indeed, but how else can we assure the authorities that documents are genuine.

Amrtt Jagota again: The new rule is not triggered by non-genuine documents. It is mainly from the interpretation that JP certification in NSW is not appropriate, when in factit has been always been the practice.

Pradeep Dhavallkar wrote: As a JP myself, I contacted the NSW Department of Justice about the new Consulate rule regarding certification of copies. They have clarified that JPs are authorised to certify the copies of any documents as far as they sight the original. I'm forwarding to you the response from them. (Dear Mr Dhavalikar, JPs for NSW can certify a true copy of any document no matter where it comes from, as long as the document is an original. However different countries, organisations and Departments have their own regulations and Guidelines as what they will accept. Kind regards, John Kurmann, Department of Communities and Justice). It would be greatly appreciated if Indian Link takes this forward with Indian Consulate for clarification and confirmation.

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Join the conversation with Indian Link. Use our social media channels on Facebook, Twitter, lnstagram or Linkedln. Or email us on editor@indianlink.com.au

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TEACHING PEACE

You liked our feature on Melbourne educator Margaret Hepworth's experiments with Gandhian methodology.

Margaret Hepworth wrote: You capture the essence of my work, I sincerely appreciate this. I received a beautiful message from Dr Ela Gandhi - Gandhi's granddaughter - yesterday. She says "Let us together achieve a peaceful and better world. Together we can achieve a lot." I believe we are all working on this together and it is a special blessing when the media chooses to support movements that are finding our way towards world peace.

Arunoday Basak wrote: Fascinating to see Gandhi at work in this manner.

Around Gandhiji's birthday in October every year, the media presents many articles on the 'relevance' of the man in contemporary times. Your piece shows a practical application that seems to be successful.

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�-------I � John A Citizen §

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MY INSTA

Send us a photo (or lnstagram one) of Indian Link in your daily life, and we'll pick one to feature here.

Reader Riya. I sent us this pie: Sneaking in a read between assignments.

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Halloween is a day when white people finally get asked "What are you?"

Harl Kondabolu,

comedian

NATIONAL EDITION

I've been celebrating "donut day" every day since 1997, and that has nothing to do with the virus Byron Kaye, Reuters journalist

I saw baby ducks on my walk this morning! I swear, with Melbourne lockdown easing, the world Just seems like a brighter, happier place. So grateful.

Zoe Simmons, writer

I used to retweet a lot because it was easy and used very little energy to click once. But now it's TWO clicks, and that's too much energy. What am I? A triathlete?

Andre Borges, journalist

After 2 weeks of multiple health screens and asking everyone to quarantine, I surprised my closest inner circle with a trip to Woolworths Bridle Jabour, writer NOVEMBER 2020 9

Over $2000 in prizes for lighting u p you r home!

It's the year to get those Diwali lights out big time!

WorldRemit and Indian Link invite families across Australia to decorate the exterior of their homes with lights to celebrate Diwali.

The competition is for everyone, including non-Indians - you can just keep the lights up until Christmas!

10 NOVEMBER 2020

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Step 1

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WI N

Register

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Send Us

your Diwali pies

Present

FIRST PLACE $1501

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By email to

Those shortlisted will give u s a tour

Winners announced Diwali Eve 1 3/1 1

11-12 November 2020

Drawn 1 3 November 2020

diwall.indianllnk@gmall.com to express your interest

dlwali.indianlink@gmail.com or Whatsapp 0410 578 146 Last Date 1 1 November 2020

NATIONAL EDITION

for judging

via Zoom

Second Place $501

on Indian Link Radio

NOVEMBER 2020 11

C O V E R STO RY

Diwali during a global pandemic is probably something you never saw coming. You know usually how during this season, there's a strong urge to avoid over-zealous relos and just muck around with mates? Maybe that urge eroded away these past few months, and you might just do whatever it takes to feel like you're living in a pre-COVID world. Well, you're not the only one.

If you thought this year's Diwali would be a downer, you're highly mistaken. Knowing that there are people out there who share your feelings, can be comforting. Here are some eccentric excerpts that might help your Diwali withdrawal and renew your faith in the festive season. From spiked sharbat to pompous parties, folks tell us here what they love, hate or miss about the Festival of Light.

BY BAGESHRI SAVYASACHI

ugh , a\i tho oiw thing. A d ba a URU is ir \uck S g th� bling n m t!,i ', a g . on . that fun a ught endoUS t s si m a re a w t cc \ ve e o As a chi\d eop\e ha ed for th nis . n a ' rcle rg ditio P tra ' ties o is s ocial ci par ' g g n l\ nts in b bl e m ga par gam . uring es in mY rie ndly f ti t n u a a , e d st1t t\m an b s su . , the unc\es at thi ace by f t o a n�1 k�P l ut in b p , e sent t r on u e diti w wing Gro htY tra . we kids s the stick tch . Indu\ge In this nau g a m ausing c x s, e '\ v1 e bo did less t of m atch eth\ng ts m at don' un o h s t o h rs m e wit a k e o l y e a holes mon t of sm rly; a nd at's a rds th a , c m e prope ying Hm gam a " pl k e . n th thi buY ers:;nd roba:iy p und o t e p1\e . en s th er ev o t p t s ee n ' ck shopk atchsti . g the m then, \ did ck g n a di B d . " a s er tin d n ol ht u o keep \ig as \ was t bHity - c si did d le �f e s r a p n t st ea � dow e gr igg t a a b � s �: with the \ just �ht \ was given y r e u p o e ract,ca th th I p , , e s nd a urs e w o e g Of c ticks. In th so winnin s , tch am re a m -c Ice o ne to number of ry e v e d e ks treat matchstic . ... tun times . s1ng like \o

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12 NOVEMBER 2020

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Ran!Jofi rivalry AASH· IYER

Growing up, the only time I'd be excited to get up early in the morning, was during Oeepavali.

All because I was entrusted with the major responsibility of making rangoli in front of the house. (Rangoli is essentially the first impression people have of the level of festivity in your family.) "What masterpiece will I produce today'?" I would ask myself, eyeing from the corner of my eye the aunty next door stepping out to make her rangoli. She'd start by making a flower mandala. I 'd go a step further and make two mandalas. She'd be almost done with her design while I 'd be meticulously working on my colour combinations. She'd add a finishing flourish by placing a lit dlya in the centre of her rangoli, so of course I'd loot my garden for flowers and shred their petals to my design, simply to go one up on her. (By now, you know I don't take my rangoli lightly.) If your design lasted the whole day and no one stepped in it, you'd won. If your guests asked, "Who made the rangoli in the front?", that was it, you'd made it you'd be doing next year's rangoli as well.

Donf � e &b y, �eta

SOMESH BHA ERAO

Sometimes I do regret being a nautanki in front of my parents, my degree in performing arts notwithstanding.. Every single time guests came visiting during Diwali, my mum would go, "Why don't you show uncle and aunty your performance from this year?" As I'd sit squirming, trying to resist, Dad would follow it up with "He's so talented, audience toh puri khadi hoke taa/iyan bajaa rah/ th/!"

It was cute when I was 7, but even now? I'm almost 20 and I rarely step out of my room when guests are over, so when I do harmlessly waltz into the hall to socialise like a good beta, Mum never fails to embarrass me. How do I explain to her that I am an artist, not a puppet! I need ambience, yaar, I can't just start dancing at the parents' whim. Thankfully, this COVIO-Diwali, at least my dignity will remain Intact.

Mebendi rni&cbief Al A GOYAL

At Oiwali every year, my father Invites the henna aunties to come and apply mehendi on the hands of all our family members and friends, and every year, I am disappointed in them. They do the world's most intricate design on my palm, and then stop at my wrist. WHY?? "Keep going," I say to them, because I want my entire forearm covered in design, not just my palm. They reply tactfully, "We'll finish with everyone else and then come back to you". No, no, no, I scream internally, the mehendi will dry In two different stages and the shades won't match. So, every year, I take matters Into my own hands. You can see, later, a clear difference between the traditional designs and the henna jalebis I create on my forearm.

It does bother me a little, but not as much as having the beautiful decorations end sadly at my wrist. This year, I ' m worried about being responsible for my own designs. I miss you, henna aunties.

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Back in India, watching the fireworks while slightly tipsy from spiked sharbat was the bomb. All the conservative family members would be inside chatting, some uncles would stand in circle in the parking lot smoking, teenagers would finally have a reason to talk to their crushes by wishing them "Happy Diwali", and kids would run around engaging in fire hazards, it was a simpler time. You'd be people-watching, perhaps from the terrace of the building or your apartment balcony, and a warm feeling would overcome you. As someone who doesn't properly fit into the adult category or the kids' category, I would take myself and my friends to the theka, buy a quart of Old Monk and slyly add it to the sharbat. Watching the night sky with a glass full of poison while vibrant colours lit up the darkness, was a great feeling. Isn't that what Diwali is all about? Driving away darkness and enjoying the maahaul (vibes)?

+

Cash �iffs tJ. UP�IYA MISHR

Buttering up all the elders during pooja for Diwali money is a skill. Statements like "Dadajl, what receding hairline? I've never seen such luscious hair," and "Unclejl, where did you find that sherwani? Looking like just like Shahrukh in K3G", will definitely get you across the $20 mark. Dads are usually harder to convince, since they know you better and don't fall for petty compliments. I usually reserve my grand trick for my old man, "You know what, Dad? This year I 'm going to put my Diwali money in the bank and not spend any of it." He falls for it every year. Another big challenge Is Bhai Dooj. How to solve a problem like brothers? They are cheeky and always give you a measly $1 coin until Mum shouts at them and makes them pull out some more cash. Unfortunately, this year, all my targets can rest easy and my Diwali nest egg will be empty.

f't!4rry Di wafi AXMI R J N

I still reminisce about our first Dlwali with Scooby. It was a big effort to salvage our festivities. He was only six months old but was the canine embodiment of a hurricane! Our house has two floors, so we were lucky enough to be able to move all the important stuff like lights, lamps, pooja items and our temple, upstairs, in the no-Scooby zone. All our personal things would take a back seat and Diwali prep would be prioritised.

Important possessions would undoubtedly get misplaced. Opal cards, library cards, garage keys, all would need to be cancelled and re-ordered by the time the celebrations were over. However, as the years go by, sweet Scoobs gets more and more used to a Diwali household and respects our traditions and rituals as much as we do.

www.1n · d1anlink.co m.au

To wish or nof fo wish l(QMAI AHU�A

Every Diwali M um and Dad rack their brains trying to come up with th e perfe ct party guest list. You could say ou r parties are somewhat exclusive, we only invite about 50 of ou r closest friends and family. Unfo rtunately, like Santa Claus during Christmas, we too judge whether you 've been good or bad throughout th e year. There are multiple thing s to consider that cou�d �re�ent you from rece iving a highly coveted 1nv1tat1on to th e Ahuja Di wali soiree.

If your family didn 't invite ou r fam ily on at least 2 outings in th e year; if you'v e had a spat with any of my parents' friends and it hasn 't been resolved befo re November; if you didn't complim ent M um 's hydrangeas when sh e posted them on he r lnstagram; and finally, if you're someone who says "I'm not a political person", forget about being invited. This Diwali, it's just going to be us and ou r neighbours th e Pate ls, if Patel Aunty cedes he r secret thepla re cipe to Mum .

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Ah, what's that in the air? It's a whiff of the incoming festive forwards on WhatsApp. The superb stylings of baby graphic designers who incorporate cheesy text into a Diwali background are about to dominate your WhatsApp storage, just like last year. Prepare yourselves, people. Turn off auto-download, mute the tam group chat, and get ready to look at blurred previews of images and say "Thank you! Same to you!".

Please know, WhatsApp forwarders, that my generation considers your messages as the worst, simply because they are impersonal.

But then again, fellow receivers of these forwards, let us acknowledge that that the senders are actually thinking of us during this busy time. So, ultimately, It Is personal.

In fact, it's a kind act that spreads good energy and vibes via a simple message, even if it makes us cringe.

It means that this Oiwali, we're not alone, or that we're a little less alone.

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NATION AL EDITIO N

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NOVEMBER 2020 15

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Giving your Diwali traditions a twist with these fun and quirky adaptations

BY

SHANIA O' BRIEN t's been an unexpected year of navigating lhrough many firsts, and no\v, our first 'virtual' Diwali has arrived. In a happy coincidence - albeit a rare one for the disaster that 2020 has been - Diwali falls on a Saturday this year, 14 ovember. H's time to party, to bring out your saris and kurtas and puja thalis. and of course, your electronic devices because an unprecedented year requires unprecedented methods of celebration! \Vith these quirky ideas for a fun and COVlD-safe Diwali, we're hoping to give you another reason to smile this festive season.

Songbola: Musical bingo What do you get \vhen you mix the nostalgia of Tambola or Housie with alJ the latest hit songs? lt's Songbola - a 1nusicaJ game that replaces numbers with songs. l n \Vhat's sure to become the latest craze in desi culture, creator Songbola by DJ Hitesh lets people book private sessions and send i11 their own playlists too. It's an excellent \Vay to show off your music knowledge... and a fun ex.pose on ho\V many SRK songs live rent-free in your head. (Guilty!)

Songbola has gone down like a house on fire at Diwali parties, weddings, birthdays, and anniversa1·ies. lt can be played entirely over Zoom, making this party invitation open to your gang anywhere in the world.

Masaledar mocktails

16 NOVEMBER 2020

If you take pride in your drink-making ski!Js, we've got a Utt.le challenge for you can you create a drink with a cheeky desi twist? This Diwali, we dare you to peek into the masafa dabba in the pantry, pick the one ingredient you could never imagine in a drink, and hero it! Will il be cardamom?

Saffron? Turmeric? It's up to you!

This challenge is done best in tandem with a partner, so go give your family a much-needed break from their laptops and start making up your recipes no\v! Don't forget to use the hashtag #MyMasaledarMocktail and tag us on social media. Will your special recipe be the star of the Diwali party this year?

Techy taash It's that time of year again to hedge your bets and let your competitive streak fly.

Online websites like Arkadium offer every card gan1e imaginable and apps like Zynga Poker offer multipJayer options. (Yes, we know - not even a pandemic can keep us a\vay from our taash parties!) With a simple WhatsApp invitation and a little bit of planning, you're all set lo enjoy Diwali just like any year, from the comfort of your living roon1. Besides, wouldn't it be so much easier to only put on a kurta top and sit in front of a laptop anyway?

Radiant rangolis There's something undeniably homely about making rangolis as a family, whether it's designing one yourself, using handy rangoli-1naking tools and stencils, or let's face it, peeking into Sharma aunty's front yard (or lnstagram post!) to 'borrow' her design.

Why should this year be any different?

Bring your laptop outside, pull your harem

pants up, and get on a Zoom call with yow· £amity, wherever they may be. An interesting game would be to pick out a design together and let each individua I choose their own colours and ingredients - will your cousin pick the same red petals as you? Or would she rather use rose petals? If you Like a little competition, try tin1ing the activity to see who can finish first. We've even got your present sorted: a customised, COVlD-themed Diwali giftpack! Read on for more ...

COVID Diwali gift packs Gifts and gift packs are an evergreen Diwali tradHion, so why not blend tradition with necessity? With our suggested COVID-themed gift packs, you can show your family and friends how much you value them, and how much you have done to keep them safe. Feel frec to expand on this list, but our suggestions include: hand sanitiser, DiwaU-themed handmade facemasks, kadha (a traditional immunity­ boosting spice mix for chai), a mla berry po\vder, turmeric latte mix, mini jars of honey, and green tea sachets an1ong classic elen1ents like ,nithai and nuts. Of course, we haven't mentioned organic candles, or buying them fro1n charity-based operations, because you're so woke you've already organised those....

Virtual puja So you're away from home and feel like doing a traditional Diwali puja this year.

Get virtual, baby! Get together with family, or friends, and set a tin1e when you'll all tune in. Get the most puja-aware person i n the group to organise, and follow their lead. They can become Head Pujari, and send out lists of what to include in your

rnakesliift ten1ple, or you can alJ throw in your ideas beforehand.

Antakshari antics H's an age-old game of singing BoUywood songs, competing to see who has the best kno\vledge of music, and it doesn't have to stop this year! Grab some mates, form your teams, and get the ball rolling with Virtual Antakshari. You'd need a good host to keep track of scores and mute/unmute teams when it's their turn... and if they're generous, the host could share screen and put on the lyrics too! This Antakshari might be virtual, but the excitement and con1petitiveness will be as real as it gets.

Fashion show Don't you just hate it \Vben you dress up and there's no one around to see it? Well, this year's Diwali fashion sho\v will make sure that's not going to be a problem. Put on your best festive attire, create a great playlist, and let the party begin! Strut along the runway (living room or bedroon1, your pick!) and show off your kurtas and leliengas to your friends and family on video call, and get them to join in too. lt 'U get us all out of our lazy sweatpants at last and you never know, your aunties might have moves you'd have never seen coming!

At the end of the day, there is nothing better than the joy and togetherness puja season brings. There's no reason you should put off celebrating this year - who's to say a virtual Diwali party won't be the best one you've ever thrown?

We at lndiau Link hope you have a dha111aakedaar Diivafi and send best wishes from our hon1es to yours.

www.indianlink.com.au

H E R I TA G E

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Gurdwa ra Sahib Woolgoo lga N SW, an early Sikh site in this cou ntry, is now recognised, celebrated and protected .

BY RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA ay back in the 1960s, three Australians in Woolgoolga NSW got together to help the growing Sikh community find a safe space for themselves to be able to practice their culture.

They did not know that half a century later, their grassroots efforts would become a heritage site.

Australia's first Gurdwara (Sikh temple) at Woolgoolga near Coffs Harbour was this month listed on the SW governn1ent's State Heritage Register.

"The Temple is of great significance to the cultural history of NSW as it demonstrates the migration and permanent settlement of the Sikh comn1unity in our stale," the NSW Minister for Heritage Don Harwin said while making the announcen1ent.

"It is a wonderful achievement by the Sikh community in our state and country," tbe Temple committee's Public Officer Amandeep Singh Sidhu told lndia11 Link.

The heritage listing was sought for the original building that was built in 1968, called The First Sikh Temple. The new gurdwara currently in use ca1ne up adjacent to it in 2019. In a first however, heritage status was granted to the entire block, including the new construction.

"This is quite significant, as it highlights tbe site's importance in the state's cultural history," Sidhu observed.

It was in 2013 that the process for heritage listing commenced. ''We put the 18 NOVEMBER 2020

FIRST SIKH TEMPLE I N AUSTRALIA

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TN M MlMi IS TAU \

Reader Andrea Stewart sent us this pie of the first temple committee in 1968, which included her father Bert, the publican mentioned in this story.

application in, and from then on it was a meticulous process for the authorities as they studied the history, the relevance to community, relationship to the n1ainstrean1, and made physical site assessments. Jt was a staged process, with the local council involved first."

Ultimately the assessing authorities \Vere convinced the site has "strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group in SW for social, cultural or spiritual reasons," and "is important in the course or pattern of the cultural or natural history of NSW." Member for Coifs Harbour Gurmesh Singh, Australia's first Sikh men1ber of Parliament, said his electorate is a diverse and thriving region.

"Receiving heritage Iisting for the temple is very significant for our region, and a proud 1noment for Australia's Sikh community," he said.

The striking white structure with ornate onion domes and scalloped arches stands out from a distance. Up close, it impresses

with its fabric-covered flagpole which holds aloft the triangular Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag), and the sculptures of horse-back protectors.

Tracing the history of the temple, Sidhu outlined, "The community began to build up here in the 1940s and '50s. Just like back home in Punjab, many of the settlers were farmers. They would get together once a month for prayers, and a fe\V times a year they would drive up in buses to Bangalao\V 250 kms from here, to Baba Ran1 Singh's farm. He had brought the Guru Granth Sahib out from India and would host communal prayers around it. This went on for 25 years. By the time he passed on, the community had grown larger, weddings were beginning to take place, and the need was felt for a place of worship with a larger hall for spiritual and social activities. The Woolgoolga Gurdwara thus took shape."

He added, "The first committee was made up of lhree White Australians - the principal of a local prin1ary school, a lin1ber mill owner, and a publican. That committee

stayed for a long time. Quite charitably, Lbey were concerned about the emotional wellbeing of the Sikhs that lived around them and worked for them on the farms and mills. You need a place where you can gather and share your experiences and your culture, they said."

Today, some 2000-3000 visitors pass through the gates of the g-urdwara annually.

Sidhu revealed that there are about 80-100 regulars but others come from all over the country.

"Many visit from the mainstream con1munity locally because we are listed as a heritage site. Groups of students come for excursions Crom schools in the area within a radius of 200 kms. Aged care facilities also bring their residents out to us for day trips."

The Sikh community in Australia have made a mark for themselves with their seva (service) to their fellow citizens in the mainstream, particularly in recent limes of bushfires, floods and COVJ D c- aused isolation.

The gurdwara at Woolgoolga has been giving back with its own initiatives such as Australia's Biggest J\llorning Tea (the Cancer Council's annual fundraiser), music lessons for interested musicians, and other social-cultural programs.

"We are proud Sikhs, proud Indians, and proud Australians," Sidhu concluded.

The gurdwara is the second Sikh site in Australia to be granted heritage status.

The other is the Australian Sikh Heritage Trail in Riverton WA, a monument commemorating the history of Sikhs in this country.

Visit the Gurdwara Sahib at I - 13 River St, Woolgoolga NSW

www.indianlink.com.au

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NATIONAL EDITION

NOVEMBER 2020 19

H I STO RY

:Johann Zoffany's 1786 painting Colonel Blair with his Family and an Indian Ayah

An Indian ayah at Edinburgh

Ayahs in a photo album from the 1880s

An ayah's boarding house in Hackney, London

•

A new p roject aims to collect the experiences of I ndian women who worked as ayahs d uring colonisation, Austra lia i ncluded BY RHEA L NATH n tracing the relationships between Indians and their colonisers, there's often one interesting figure that stands out - the Indian ayah. She cared for Lhe children, worked as a lady's maid, and helped in the running of the household.

The best ayahs even travelled with the families, finding themselves in England, Australia, and other colonies.

A new project now aio1s to collect the histories and experiences of these travelling Indian ayahs.

Newcastle University's Prof. Victoria Haskins, who is leading the project, told Indian Link, "History is fu II of human experiences that have shaped us. Most countries' histories, including Australia, tends to be bland, focusing on boring outlines of prominent British men or faceless masses. l'n1 more interested in the marginalised, and their lesser known stories."

Joined by Dr Claire Lowrie from the University of Wollongong and Prof. Swapna Banerjee of the City University of ew York, Prof. Haskins· project is titled Ayahs

and Amahs: Transcolonial Servants in Australia and Britain 1780-1945. It looks at domesticity and childcare, things we often take for granted.

"It's not well valued, even though it's fundamental to any civilization. Childcare and rajsing children maintains the social fabric. Even prominent women in history often had others to help raise their kids," Prof. Haskins said.

20 NOVEMBER 2020

The fascination for her stems fron1 the idea that the children "grew up loving the very people they were oppressing."

"I'm constantly amazed at the idea of lookmg at the people you have colorused and saying, 'right, now take care of our children'," she laughed.

Her interest in this field of research began from anecdotes about her great­ grand1nother's grandmother, Maggie Hobbs. Maggie was born in India, orphaned, and sent to Scotland to live with family before running away to Australia.

Over the years, she had shared many tales of the fearsome ayah from her childhood.

Of course, Maggie is but one of many old links between lndia and Australia. Victoria points out another link in Jessie Street, one of Australia's earliest feminists and advocate for women's and Aboriginal rights, who came from West Bengal with an ayah.

"We often see two images of the ayah," Prof. Haskins reveaJed. "On one hand, they're a threat because they're an outside presence in the house. But they're also part of the fan1ily, even though they're not kin. In Australia, people really aren't very comfortable with the history of domestic servants."

The term 'ayah' dates back to the 1850s and draws its roots from the Portuguese language. A synonymous term 'amah' was used for domestic help fron1 Hong Kong

Prof. Victoria Haskins

and Singapore of Chinese origin.

The project aims to comb through colonial immigration records in Australia, England's India office records, archives of newspapers, court cases, and some personal records to find the stories of ayahs, but as Prof. Haskins puts it, it's often "a needle in a haystack."

"The ayahs spoke English, but they were often illiterate and didn't leave records. How can ,ve hear their stories then?" she asked.

''I'm constantly amazed at the idea of looki ng at the people you have colonised and saying, 'right, now take care of our children''

There are hints that the ayahs had a semi­ organised net,vork, including boarding houses when they were bet,veen jobs.

Although they didn't have special legal rights, there's a feeling they looked out for each other. Some even took their legal action against their employers.

"There was the practice of a 'loss of caste payment' when an ayah moved a,vay and left the country. One early account talks about an ayah who took her employer to court when she didn't receive a payment, and the employer argued that the ayah was Muslin1 so there wasn't any argument of caste," Prof. Haskins shared.

Another common practice was getting reference letters from previous employers for their services.

Still, there isn't a great deal of information available, which makes this project even more important.

"Not a lot is known about many Indian families who came to Australia before the White Australia Policy, although there's some scattered n,entions in history," Prof.

Haskins admitted.

She highlights an old reference of Indian women working in clothing factories in Redfern, Syd Dey in the 19th century, and figures like Henry Princep, known as Western Australia's first Chief Protector of Aborigines, who was raised in India and England before comjng to Australia.

"Everyone has a story. J often tell my students 'everything happened in history", so what is it that we choose to remember?"

Prof. Haskins wondered aloud.

For those interested in sharing their family stories about their ancestors in Australia, especially about ayahs, amahs, and domestic service, you can reach out to the project at victoria.haskins@ncwscastle.edu .au.

www.indianlink.com.au

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INDIAN NEWS A hornbi/1 feeds on banana at the Pobitora wildlife sanctuary in Morigaon district ofAssam, India.

Photo: AP

14-yr-old scientist Anika Chebrolu wins $25K prize

Indian women diagnosed with breast cancer at younger age

In a n1ajor US study, researchers bave found that Indian and Pakistani won1en are diagnosed with breast cancer, including n1ore aggressive forms of the disease, at a younger age.

The study, published in the l11ternatio11al Journal of Cancer, examined the characteristics of breast cancer in Indian­ and Pakistani-An1erican and non-Hispanic white women in the US. "Our resuJts provide an insight into breast cancer in Indian and Pakistani women, suggesting severaJ hypotheses to guide future scientific studies to better understand the risk factors," said study author Jaya M Satagopan from Rutgers University in the US. The researchers revie\ved incidence data among Indian and Pakistani won1en bet,veen 1990 and 2014. They also reviewed disease characteristics, treatment and survival data between 2000 and 2016 for 4,900 Indian and Pakistani \VOmen and 482,250 non-Hispanic white women wilh breast cancer.

They found that the occurrence in Indian and Pakistani women was lower than in non-Hispanic while women; however, the number of Indian and Pakistani won1en diagnosed with this form of cancer increased over the years.

Indian and Pakistani women wHh breast

cancer ,vere more likely Lo be diagnosed at a younger age and at more advanced stages of tbe disease.

In addition, they received more subcutaneous or total mastectomies than non-Hispanic white women.

While the researchers found that Indian and Pakistani women were less likely to die of breast cancer than their non-Hispanic white counterparts, their health was tracked for a shorter time.

Prior cancer research has shown that fewer Indian and Pakistani women participate in scientific studies and that several socio-cultural factors may delay their seeking health care.

Research also has shown poor n1amrnogram screening rates in Indian and Pakistani women, which is linked to a lack of family support, beliefs that cancer is divine punishment for past deeds, having lived in the US for less than 10 years, low English proficiency and a lack of faith in the health system.

The study indicated that there are important differences in this population that justify further studies to better understand biological, sociocuJtural, and systeni-level factors such as interactions with the heaJth system, affecting breast cancer screening patterns.

•As the South Asian population grows, it is imperative that we work to promote health equity in cancer prevention, screening, early diagnosis and treatment through community

engage1uent and a team science approach," said study author Anita Kinney.

Women's names on house plaques in North Indian districts

As a n1ark of respect to the girl child, several bon1es in the Indian district of Muzaffarnagar which is known for its strong patriarchal system, have put up nameplates with their daughters' names written on them.

"More than 200 nameplates with names of daughters were put up on the doors of the houses in various villages in the last fe,v days. The campaign is still on,• said district probation officer Mohd Mustaqeen1.

The initiative is a result of a #BetiBachaoBetiPadhao can1paign launched by the Department of Women and Child Developn1ent.

"Families with no daughters were told to put the nan1es of their women members,' ' he said.

Officials have toured scores of villages to encourage people to adopt this practice and a majority of Lhem have happily accepted the proposal.

A similar drive regarding women's names on house plaques bad evoked an encouraging response in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana, which have dismal gender ratios. ow Uttar Pradesh has adopted the campaign to stem rising cases of crin1e agai11st women.

lndian-American teenager Anika Chebrolu has \VOn a $25,000 prize for her wo.rk on a potential Covid-I 9 treatment.

14-year-old Anika has also been conferred the title of "America's Top Young Scientist" for winning this year's 3M Young Scientist Challenge, a middle school science competition in the US. Her invention uses in-silica methodology for drug discovery to find a molecule that can selectively bind to the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in an atten1pt to find a cure for Covid-19.

Anika, who comes from Frisco, Texas, said lhat she entered the competition as she has "always been amazed by science experiments."

She said she was originally drawn towards finding effective cures for influe112a after a severe bout of tbe infection last year.

But because of the widespread in1pact of the Covid-19 panden1ic, she changed directions to target SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for Covid-19, sbe told C Anika Chebrolu said she \Vould like to learn more from 3M scientists to pursue her drug development and that she wouJd like to conduct in-vitro and i11-vivo testing of her lead drug candidate.

The young scientist who finds internet to be the most exciting invention of the past 100 years, hopes to become a medical researcher and professor in the next 15 years.

Indian student wins Pioneer Alumni of the Year award in UK

Indian student leader Riddi Viswanathan, a graduate from the University of Manchester, has been awarded GlobaJ international Education Award 2020 for her contributions towards diverse student communities. She's being particularly recognised for her vital role in addressing hate crime in UK universities.

Riddi has held leadership positions in the UK as the former diversity officer and the First fuU-time International Students' Officer at lhe University of Manchester Students' Union.

She has also been elected as the Overseas Representative 2019-20 for the ational Union of Students (NUS) UK, \Vbere she

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A man repairs the grove of his mother in Hyderabad, Indio, ahead ofAll Souls' Doy on 2 Nov 2020. The day honours the deported as friends and families gather to pray at the resting places of loved ones

Photo: AP

has been the first Lndian to represent over 400,000 overseas students from over 192 countries in the UK. Riddi, a native of Puducherry, shared the 'Pioneer Alumni of the Year' award with Thomson Ch'ng from Curtin University, AustraJja_ The Pioneer awards are the only global awards that celebrate innovation and achievement across the international education world. This year's the awards had a total of 18 categories.

•1 am truly grateful to the University of Manchester, my students' u.nion, my family and friends for always encouraging me. This is definitely a great n101nent for me as we celebrate international education but the challenges faced by the n:ugrant students across the globe due to the pandemic spread bas somehow faded the celebration. We can truly celebrate international education when all students, regardless of the colour of their passports can access education equatly, globally," Riddi said.

Over 65% MNCs view India as top choice for future investments

lndia will emerge as one of the top three choices for overseas investments in the next 2-3 years, according to a survey by Chartered Insurance Institute (Cll) and EY. More than two-thirds of the MNC respondents indicated lndia is the first choice for future investments.

The survey also showed that 25 per cent of the respondents, who represent non­ Indian HQ M Cs, view India as the first choice for future investments.

"More than 80 per cent of all the respondents and 71 per cent of the non­ Indian headquartered respondents plan to make investments globaUy in the next 2-3 years," the report said.

•About 30 per cent of companies are planning to invest n1ore than $500 million.

About 50 per cent of the respondents see India among the top three economies or leading manufacturing destinations of the world by 2025," it added.

The respondents have picked ma1·ket potential, skilled workforce and political stability as the top three reasons to make India their favoured destination.

Other key factors which contribute to the attractiveness of India as an investment destination include cheap Labour availability, policy reforms, and availability of raw materials.

"Recent reforms in the country such as corporate tax cuts, ease of doing business measures, simplification of labour laws, FDl reforms, and focus on human capitaJ have emerged as the top drivers for fresh investn1ents,• the report said.

• on-Indian HQ MNCs have also opined that major investment in infrastructure and 100 Smart cities as well as financial sector reforms will also help establishing lndia as a favourable destination for FOi." In addition, the survey brought out some key recommendations sought by the respondents.

NATIONAL EDITION

As per the report "Infrastructure development, faster clearances, and proper implementation of the improved labour laws and labour availability as the top three issues that the companies ,vant the government to focus on, followed by R&D and innovation, and tax reforn1s.

"In terms of trade policy reforn1s, investors would like to see a faster turnaround time for exports and imports, improved cargo handling, and trade facilitation n1easures to be in place."

Indians biggest beneficiaries as Canada to admit 401,000 new immigrants

Canada will admit a record 401,000 new immigrants in 2021, against the usual annual intake of 350,000.

The figures wiJI rise to 411,000 in 2022 and 421,000 in 2023 to make up for the shortfall of 2020 due to the Covid-induced restrictions.

It is cheering news for Indians as they account for the bulk of immigrations into Canada.

In fact, Indian immigration into Canada has jumped exponentiatJy in the last three to four yea1·s. While 39,340 Indian inunigrants were ad1nitted in 2016, the figures jumped to 85,000 in 2019- a rise of 105 per cent.

Restrictive US policies and shortage of IT and healthcare professionals are two of the many factors behind the rapid rise of Indian immigration into Canada.

Si1nilarly, the nu1nber of Indian students going to Canada has jumped fron1 76,075 in 2016 to 219,855 in 2019, shov,iing a rise of almost 300 per cent.

Thanks to lhe record number of students and newco1ners, Indians have become one of the fastest growing communities in Canada, with their numbers crossing 1.6 million in a country of over 37 million.

As Canada's birth rate declines, new immigrants account for 82 per cent of its population growth. Moreover, newcomers also b1ing billions of dollars into Canada each year.

Sectors such as healthcare, IT and farming cannot survive without new immigrants.

Since nearly 60 per cent immigrants come under the econon:uc category, they support the economy by starting new businesses.

Government statistics say that more than 3 3 per cent of businesses are owned by newcomers because the Canadian

ecosystem encourages people to becon1e entrepreneurs, not job seekers.

Immigration Minfater Marco Mendjcino said while announcing the new immigration targets, "NewconJers are playing an outsized role in our hospitaJs and care homes, and helping us to keep food on the table. As we look to recovery, newcomers create jobs not just by giving our businesses the skills they need to thrive, but also by starting businesses themselves."

'Higher marriage age provides women with socio­ economic benefits'

Higher marriage age is expected to provide enorn1ous socio-economic benefits for women, a State Bank of India economics report (SBI Ecowrap) said this month.

The report comes after Prime Minister arendra Modi announced that in his Independence Day address that the govern1nent will soon take a decision to raise the minimum age when a woman can be married. The minimum age is currently set at 1 8 years.

"Still, 35 per cent of females in India are married before the age of 2 1 years.

The situation is grave in some states.

Surprisingly, the situation in West Bengal is the worst across all states with the mean marriage age only 20.9 years and almost 47 per cent of females getting married before the age of 2 1 years, even worse than Bihar and Rajasthan," the report said.

The report said that this will lead also to social benefits like lowering the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MM R) as well as an improvement in nutrition levels while on the financial front, opportunities will be opened up for women to pursue higher education and careers and become financially empowered, "thus resulting in a more egalitarian society in thinking".

Increasing lhe legal age bas the potential to reduce India's MMR significantly from 1 1 3 (2018). It will also lead to increased education levels thus improving the abysmal female labour force participation ratio.

8 lndo-Canadians elected MLAs in British Columbia polls

Eight lndo-Canadians have been elected to the 87-mcmber Assembly of Canada's British Columbia province.

There were 27 lndian-origin candidates in

the fray in the elections held in late October.

AU eight winners belong to the ruling New Democratic Party which secured an absolute 1najority with 55 seats in the 87-menJber House.

Three of the winners are women.

Noted human rights lawyer Aman Singh became the first turbaned Sikh MLA in British Columbia even though the province was the first to elect a Punjabi (Moe Sihota) as an MLA in 1986 and a Sikh (Ujjal Dosanjh) as Premier in 2001.

Singh caused a major upset by beating former journalist }as Johal of the opposition Liberal Party in Richmond-Queensborough.

Most of lndo-Canadian victories came in the Indian-dominated city of Surrey on the outskirts of Vancouver.

Prominent winners include Labour Minister Hany Bains, Deputy Speaker Raj Chouhan, former minister Jinny Sims and parliamentary secretaries Jagrup Brar and Ravi Kahlon.

Bains retained bis seat of Surrey- ewton by beating fellow Punjabi Paul Boparai of the Liberal Party.

Bains, who comes from Hardaspur village near jalandhar, has won this seat since 2005.

Deputy Speaker Raj Chouhan also retained bis seat of Burnaby-Edmonds by beating Tript Atwal of the Liberal Party and Iqbal Parekh of the Green Party. Chouhan came to Canada from Punjab as a student in 1973.

Jagrup Brar of the ruling party also retained hls seat of Surrey-Fleetwood by trouncing feUow Punjabi Garry Thind of the Liberal Party.

A former Indian basketball player, Brar has now won this seat five times since 2004.

The fifth lndo-Canadian man to win is Ravi Kablon of the ruling DP who beat Almora­ born NeernaManral of the Green Party and Jet Sunner (Jatinder) of the Liberal Party.

Among the \Vomen winners, Jinny Sims (Joginder Kaur) beat fellow Punjabi Dr Gulzar Cbeema in the Surrey-Panorama constituency.

Born at Pabwan village near Jalandhar, Sims came to Canada at the age of nine.

Rachna Singh of the ruling party retained her Surrey-Green Timbers seat by beating Dilraj Atwal of the Liberal Party.

Nikki Sharma of the ruling DP won in Vancouver-Hastings.

Indian-origins make up about 10 per cent of the British Columbia population of five million.

IANS

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Chess, playing cards, Snakes and Ladders, Ludo.

We're still playing them more or less like they did in ancient India BY SURUCHI SEHGAL hen you force your kids to ditch the Playstation/Xbox and play a simple game or Snakes and Ladders or Ludo, are you aware tbat you are carrying on a 5000-year-old Indian legacy?

In these tiJnes of video games and gadgets, the very creative and wise ancient Indian games are slowly being forgotten. Several familiar na111es like Cbess, Snakes & Ladders, Cards, Ludo, Polo, Judo & Karate, Hopscotch and Carrom owe their genesis to India.

Be it Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati playing Pachisi, the Pandavas losing Draupadi over a gan,e of dice, or the Mughals enjoying an afternoon or chess - board games have always played an important role in the history and mythology of lndia.

Berore some of these vanish into the sands of time, let's strive to revive then,, in their authentic Indian form, and what better time Lhan now, amidst COVID lockdo\vn?

Chess (Chaturanga)

Finding a mention in the famous epic Mahabharata, Chaturanga is the origin of the modern game of chess.

Chess in its original Indian form was called Ashtapada - Sanskrit for spider ('eight­ legged'}. It was played with dice on an 8x8 checkered board sans white or black colou1·s.

Other Indian boards included the 10,.10 Dasapada and the 9x9 Saturankain.

Later, this game evolved into \vhat is known as Chaturanga, meaning 'quadripartite' (divided into fou1· parts). The two-handed chaturanga was the earliest known form of chess, divided into 4 branches like the army.

Like ancient Indian armies, the pieces \Vere called elephants, chariots, horses, and foot soldiers, and played to devise war strategies.

The game was played on a cloth surface by 2, 3, or 4 players. Unlike modern chess, Chaturanga combined the strategy of chess \Vith the randomness of a dice roll. It was a battle simulation game that rendered the lndian militru·y strategy of the time.

The account of Persians berng introduced to this game is an interesting one. Persian poet Firdousi writes in his historical poem, 26 NOVEMBER 2020

the Shahnarna, about ambassadors from Hind who approached King Chosroes l Anushirwan ,vith a chessboard asked him to solve the secrets of the game and pay tribute. The king asked for seven days of grace, during which wise men vainly tried to discover the secrel. Finally, the king's minister took the pieces home and unravelJed the secret in a day and a night.

They named it Shatranj: the tem1 'checkmate' comes fro1n the Persian 'shah­ mat' meanrng 'the king is dead.'

Cards (Krida Patram)

the lord of divinities; Asrapati, lord of genii; Vanapati, the king of the forest, and Ahipati, lord of snakes, etc.

The Mughal Ganjifa sets had representations of diverse trades Like akkash parnter, Mujallid bookbinder, Rangrez dyer, etc., In addition, there were also the Padishah-i-Qimash, king of the manufacturers and Padishah-izar-i-Safid, king of silver, etc.

Later, cards carne to be played by all levels of society. Different shapes of cards were in play, most common being circular ones. The art of handmade, hand-painted cards survived for hundreds ofyears before it was taken over by printed paper cards by the Europeans in the 17-18th centuries.

Pallanguli (Pallankuzhi)

the game finds its mention in the .Mahabharat.

The infamous bet in Mahabharat that was played between cousins Pandavas and Kauravas, was a game of Chaupad. This epic was dated around 800 to 1000 BC. Historians point out that there is a depiction of this game in the caves of Ajanta Ellora in Maharashtra, showing that the game was quite popular in the Medieval era. It was also enjoyed by Mughal emperors like Akbar.

The British later modified the game to use a cubic dice with a dice cup and patented it as 'Ludo' in 1896 in England.

Chausar or Pachisi involves two to four players who use cowry shells and wooden pawns to strategise and plan their manoeuvres and win the game.

Each player's objective is to move all four of their pieces completely around the board, counter-.clockwise, before their opponents do.

The pieces start and finish on the Charkoni.

Snakes & Ladders (Moksha Patam)

Abul Fazal, Emperor Akbar's courtier, wrote in his book Ain-e-Akbari, which is a mirror of the life of that tin1e, about a game played with cards.

Ancient Indian playing cards were called Krida Patram. They were made of cloth pieces and showcased ancient themes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

The largest number of such cards are to be found in Orrisa. Fabric painters from Orissa have represented vasious illustrations like the Navagunjara, a mythical bird-human­ animal, the form assumed by Sri Krishna to test Arjuna's fidelity. Ulustrations fro1n the Dashavatara of Vishnu are also portrayed.

The cards were made of cloth, and to obtain the required thickness a nu1nber of sheets of cloth were glued together. The outlines of the rim were painted in black and then the figures were filled in with colour.

In n1edieval India, they were called Ganifa/ ganjifa cards and were played in the royal courts of Rajputana, Kash1nir (then Kashyapa Meru), Odisha (then Utkal), the Deccan area as well as Nepal. obility and royalty had their cards made from ivory, tortoiseshell, mother of pearl, inlaid, or enamelled with precious n,ctals.

The pack usually consisted of 4 sets of 12 cards each. One set had as its highest rating card the Ashvapati - lord of the horses.

The second highest was Senapati (general) followed by ten other cards. Another set of cards had Gajapati (lord of elephants), Senapati and ten others. Another pack had arpati (king with power over infantry) and other cards like Dhanpati, the lord of treasures; Dalpati the lord of the squadron; avapati, the lord of the navy; Surapati,

The cliildbood favottrite Snakes and Ladders, Have you ever played Brainvita? It holds a vague similarity to an ancient game from South India. Variations of the gan1e are called Kuzhipara in Malayalam, Ali Guli Mane in Kannada and Yamana Guntalu in Telugu.

Pallankuli developed skill and quick thinking. Two players competed on a board with 14 cups set out with six seeds in each cup. The players distributed these seeds into the other cups until there were no seeds left.

The person who reached two consecutive cups ,vithout seeds had to bow out of the game. The player with the 1naximum number of seeds in the end became the winner.

It was very popular among women and required good memory and alertness, as they had to count and remember the number of seeds accumulated by the opponent.

Ludo (Pachisi)

Before Ludo went online, it used to be a board game. And before it was called Ludo, it was a 4th-century Indian game called Chaupar/Chausar. Made out of cloth or jute,

has its origin in lndia and was called Gyan Chaupar, Mokshapat, Moksha Patamu, or Para1na Padam. It was used to teach Hindu values to children.

The game was created by the 13th-century poet saint Gyandev. The ladders in the game represented virtues and the snakes indicated vices. The gan1e was played with cowrie shells and dices. The illustrated squares had a God or one of the heavens (kailasa, vaikuntha, brahmaloka) depicted on the top of a ladder and the bottom described a good quality.

Conversely, each snake's head was a negative quality or an asura (demon). As the game progressed, the various karma and samskara, good deeds and bad took you up and do,vn the board. Interspersed were plants, people, and anin1als.

The ethics of this concept was a Life lesson itself. The good deeds/Lraits acted like ladders to achieve heaven, whereas the 1netaphosical evil snake of sins and vices pushed you back into a cycle of re-births.

The British took the game to England in 1892 and named it Snakes and Ladders, and changed it to reflect Victorian values.

www.indianlink.com.au

A D V E RTO R I A L

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Woolworths helps customers celebrate Diwa li with expa nded South Asian product range needs covered this Diwali.

Special prices are offered on key household ingredients such as Daawat Basmati rice, Aashirvaad Whole Wheal Atta Flour, Amul Ghee, Kaloomba Ginger & Garlic and Ohara Sunflower Oil, used in everyday cooking.

Woolworths General Manager for Grocery Food Ewan Shearer said, "We understand Diwali is an important time for family gathering, celebration and feasting. Our teams have been working hard to expand our South Asian product range and ensure custon1ers have all the ingredients and products they need to celebrate."

He added, "We have the right variety of local and international products offering great value to help our customers during their busy preparations leading inlo the Diwali festivities. On behalf of Woohvorths, I would like to wish the entire com1nunity a very happy .Diwali."

For more information on Woolworths stores that stock the Diwali range, visit \Vww.woolworths.com.au/d i\vali.

iwali preparations are now made easier and n1ore convenient with special South Asian products available in selected Woolworths stores across the country.

Diwali occupies an unparalleled place in Lbe hearts of Indian-origin people, and on this auspicious occasion, Woolworths has en1braced the in1portance of the role food plays during this festival. It is now offering tailored products for Lhe South Asian community, available in over 200 stores nationally and also online.

The range of products includes snacks, spices, rice, atta flour and other cooking ingredients to help create 0avourfu I special dishes during the festive period.

These specially sourced products not only offer popular food items, but also provide great convenience to the South Asian community in Australia to help them prepare for the Diwali celebrations.

Popular snacks such as Parle G biscuits and Parle rusk, as well as much loved Chings oodles are also available, providing the opportunity to easily enjoy these little treats for Diwali.

Accompanied by popular beverages such as Red Label lea, Bru coffee, Kushi juices and MTR Badam drink cans, Woolworths has customers' meal, snack and gifting

The Dhvali product range varies fro111 store to store and the Diwali Sale is available frotn 110111 until Tuesday 17th ovember 2020, unless sold out earlier.

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KONTI ENTAL (ROSSLINK NOVEMBER 2020 27

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PAWAN LUTHRA tal ks to Austra l ian cricket g reat Steve Waugh a bout his decades-long love affair with India, and about his new book of photog raphs from there

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always wanted to get into the alleyways, the back streets, in the mountains, in the desert, the beaches; just see people playing cricket and take photographs," Australian cricket great Steve \Vaugh told l11dia11 Link, surrounded by hjs shots of cricket in India.

He spent 1 7 days travelling around India earlier this year, n1ost of these spent with a camera, aimed at everything cricket • cricketers, cricket crowds, cricket parapherna1ia.

He brought back with hlm 20,000 images.

They form the basis of his new book The Spirit ofCricket - India, and some are currently on display at a Sydney gallery.

"It took me a couple of ,veeks to sort through the shots to get to about 500," revealed Lhe forn1er cricketer who is much loved in lndia. "ln the book, there are 220."

India through Steve Waugh's lens Steve reveals hls favourite images come from cricket as part of daily life in India. One that has fascinated hlm no et1d, involves physically challenged cricketers.

"I've never seen anything like that," he described. "They just leapt up in the air like ninja ,vardors. Missing part of a limb with polio, they use a bamboo stick as a crutch. One of them had it under hls arms - he landed on top of the crutch, pole vaulted and bo,vled the 28 NOVEMBER 2020

ball! I was totally blown away by that. It was son1ething out of this world, so I love that shot."

Of course as a photographer, Steve was able to hone in on his special insights as a cricketer.

•1 sort of knev, that maybe this guy was going to get bowled in a minute and I wanted

to capture some of the stumps flying out of the g,·ound with the dust everywhere. There were so many times I actually got the ball hitting the stumps and the stumps coming out of the ground, which is not easy to get," he expressed.

Another favourite shotcan,e from a

cricket factory, as he watched a worker handcraft a ball.

"I'm really proud of that one because it captures the precision of the ball maker's hands stitching cricket balls," he described.

"They make eight per day. The guy \vho's niakjng it, you see hjs hand is pretty weathered and old, he's about 80. 1 love that lhe photograph shows the movement in one hand and the precision in the other."

He added, "As a player., you take it for granted • the really good bats, gloves and the balls. You don't really know where they come from. But seeing them being handmade and hand-stitched, gave me an emotional connection to it all."

His favourite photo, in ,vhich a game of cricket is played in front of the icoruc Taj Mahal, became the cover shot.

"Capturing that image was a challenge," Steve recalled. ''The day we were scheduled to see the Taj, we drove five hours from Delhi, only to find that it was fogged in. So we thought ok, we'll wail, but it didn't lift.

Ten-hour round trip, no photos of the Taj. Had to go back the next day! It was 18 hours of driving to get that shot, but I think it \Vas worth it."

Steve received special instruction from Trent Parke, an ex-cricketer and professional photographer who travelled \Vith bim. They spent 12-14 hours at work each day, usually Starting at the crack of dawn.

www.indianlink.com.au

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How India changed Steve Waugh Steve was 21 \vhen he fil·st loured India with tbe Australian team in 1986. As a naive young man from lhe Western suburbs of Sydney, setting foot in the largest democracy in the world, his first reaction was, "This is chaos".

"I remen1ber getting on tbe bus and just being a1naz.ed," Steve recalled, laughing. ''The traffic was zig-zag, no one was staying in their lanes, and no one stopped for the red lights. I thought, well, this is interesting, this is different to Australia! Everyone on the streets just S\Varming around with a variety of animals, cats, dogs, monkeys and all sorts of things going on al the same time. It was like being on a different planet, literally."

There have been n1any life-changing moments in India, but Steve speaks particularly fondly about meeting Mother Teresa in Kolkata.

•1 was lucky enough to meet her briefly and that reaJJy set me on a pathway of being involved in philanthtopic activities. I wanted to do something in a small way that she'd done her whole life. That opportunity came on the next trip to India at Udayan, a rehabilitation centre for kids who either have leprosy or have parents with leprosy. From that, the Steve Waugh Foundation really evolved in Australia," he said.

Back in the day, an inquisitive and curious Steve carried his camera and sat at the front of the team bus, utterly fascinated by what was happening outside.

34 years later, he still felt the same chaos on his photography trip lo the country, but observed that this time round, it was a bit more organised.

Al\vays the one being photographed, Steve lamented about never being able to stop to take pictures when he played in India.

"When you're an international player, you bop off the bus and you're surrounded by thousands of people, so it's in1possible," he revealed.

Cricket is a religion and cricketers, gods The one thing lhat has stood out in Steve's decades-long relationship with India, is its people, and their love of cricket.

"People scen1 very welcon1ing in lndia,"hc remarked."

NATIONAL EDITION

And if you have a link to cricket, then straight a\vay you've got that connection."

The manner in which cricket has captured the imagination of Lndia's people, also comes in for some analysis.

"Cricket means a lot to the people. I think it's because it's a simple game, aJJ you need is imagination, enthusiasm and a bat and ball, that's all you need to do to play cricket. That's the case in India, you can find a bat and ball anywhere, you can make the stumps from bricks, or fences or rocks or stones or whatever is available, and you can have a game of cricket."

He mused, "There are 800 million people living under the poverty line and cricket brings them together. It gives them something to be proud of because it's something bigger than themselves and they feel as if they're connected and a part of it. I think that's why it's a religion in India, because it gives a lot of people bope and happiness and they feel proud to be associated with cricket."

Steve also narrates an incident in Kolkata that n1ay depict how cricketers are elevated on a pedestal in India and are seen as gods.

"Taking photographs outside the Victoria Monument in Kolkata, there was a big open playing field behlnd us where the army was doing some training exercises.

All of a sudden, one guy came running towards me. He see1ned pretty agitated and he was yelling 'you can't take photos here, we're training!'. As soon as he got within 6 feet, he reaJised it was 111e and said, 'Oh, l'1n very sorry... can you please take a picture with us?'. lt instantly changed from 'no photographs 10 'please can we have a photo together'".

Given he understands the country so well, we're tempted to ask, how do you solve a challenge like India?

"Patience and persistence. And you've got 10 build relationships, 1 think in business, you can't be successful if you're doing it by ernail or phone calls, you've got to be there in person, getting to know that person and letting them get to know you. It takes time".

Order the book The Spirit of Cricket - India at stevewaugh.com.au A selection of photos Crom the book are exhibited at The Playbox, 2 1 Oxford St, Paddington till Jan 1 1, 2021

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH STEVE WAUGH How many times have you been to India?

40 odd.

A place which you always go to or try to go when in India?

Udayan in Kolkata, the rehabilitation centre I've supported.

Baked beans, butt.er chicken, or bhindi?

Bhindi Cook anything Indian?

I cook basic curries at home, I like fish curries.

Your admiration for Mother Teresa is well known. Two other Indian personalities that fascinate?

Rahul Dravid, he's low-key and humble. I think he's incredible.

And Mukesh Ambani J'd just like to know how he got so big and successful; he can really make a difference in people's Iives.

Brett Lee has acted in a Bollywood movie. Have you been ever approached for a role?

I have and it was a pretty quick 'no'. I know my limilations cricket and photography. Get Brett Lee, he's better than me.

Seen a Bollywood movie?

It's not a Bollywood movie, but I like Slu,ndog Millionaire. I also like the Australian movie Lion, I thought it was fantastic.

Picked up a bit of the lingo?

The basics, dlta11yvaad, 11a111askaar and natnaste. It's nice \Vhen you n1eet people, it straight away brings a smile on their face and breaks down that barrier of different languages. ln which one of these two instances would your heart beat faster - facing Curdy Ambrose on a bouncy pitch in Trinidad, or that moment when you check your camera to see if you got that perfect shot?

Probably Curly Ambrose because with photography you're not getting injured but facing Curly Ambrose you can get physically hurt.

Why should India be on everybody's bucket list?

I thlnk it's just unique, it's like no other place. You're never bored, there's always something going on. The people are friendly, the food is good and it has dillerent landscapes. lt makes you feel alive.

NOVEMBER 2020 29

D I WA L I A RT C O N T E S T

' )

•

WINNER (8-12) AARAV PANICKER 8

RIVA KHANDELWAL 10

ANIKA AGARWAL, 11 '_/

RUNNER UP (8-12) SAANVI CHAUDHARY, 8

APARNA JAIN, 9

KAAYA GOYAL, 10

)

KIMAYA KAPOOR, 10

30 NOVEMBER 2020

ZALAK BHATT, 11

AAYUSHI MAHAPATRA, 8

YASH MANDOWARA, 11

www.indianlink.com.au

7

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Well done, kjddos!

J An amazing effort from our youngest readers yet again in this year's Indian Lin� Diwali k!ids Art competition.

Congratulations to our winners �al'iav Panicker (8-12 years category) and �kshara Srinivasan :_/ ...:/ -_/ (upto 7 years category). .,.. Aarav and Akshara win book vouchers worth $75 eacti . .,._ Congratulations also to Runners-Up Saanvi Chaudhary �8-12 years category) and Devanshi Mandowara (upto 7 years category) who win book vouchers worth $50 each.

Aarav's design will feature as Indian Link's official Diwa l i card for 2020.

--�

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( WINNER (UPTO 7 YEARS) AKSHARA SRINIVASAN 6

RUNNER UP (UPTO 7 YEARS) DEVANSHI MANDOWARA 7

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ANAV DARAK, 7

ALISHA AGARWAL, 6

ADITHI PRIVA, 7

KUSHAGRA AHUJA, 6

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KASHVI GODBOLE, 5

VASHVI SHAH, 6

VEDANTIKA KUHALURI, 6

MANYA PURI, 6

) NATIONAL EDITION

NOVEMBER 2020 31

WO M E N

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AIBC launches Victoria chapter of Australia I ndia Women i n Business Leadership Diversity Officer Tata Consultancy Services.

This was foilowed by brief addresses from Reet Phulwani (Director Medsurge Pharmaceulicals), Sadhna Smiles (CEO Real Estate Industry Parlners) and Mi1·a Dsilva (Co-­ Founder Delivery Centric).

AU the speakers were unanin1ous in their drive to elevate women and conquer barriers to gender equality.

"It is Lmperative that we regroup post-COVlD to figure out how we will move forward, contribute to entrepreneurship ambitions and continue the crusade for gender parity. I think the AJBC Women's chapter has been created at an opportune tia1e and I wLU be interested in seeing how it grows," said Meenakshi ShahJ, one of the online participants.

Given that COVID has hit women harder than men professionally, there's an important role for platforms such as this in re-invigorating support for women employees as well as entrepreneurs.

Ravneet Pawha, AIBC Victoria President wrapped up the \veil -coordinated event \Vith an official vote of thanks.

BY PREETI JABBAL otivating speeches from a panel of won1en change-n1akers marked the launch of AIBC's Australia India Women in Business Victoria chapter, recently.

With a blend of sociaJ purpose and business acumen, these women have n1ade their n1ark in the field of entrepreneurship, activism, and leadership.

Grit and passion were evident as the paneUJsts shared their resilience strategies during the challenges of COVIO-19 and discussed post-pandemic opportunities for econon1ic recovery.

The Australia India Business Council is a membership-based group that was for111ed in 1986 to foster bilateral relationships between India and Australia.

Their newly formed Women in Business Chapter not onJy recognises the economic case for gender equality, it also aims to support its members to promote their brands, expand their referral network and catapult their business.

According to chairperson Reel Phulwani, the Victorian chapter will involve a variety of discussions, special speakers, resources, and fun activities. The intent is to cteate a community of ILke-minded and passionate \vomen in business.

"At AlBC we have collectively come to the conclusion that by strengthening visibility, collective voice and representation, the Australian Indian Won1en in Business can be our most promising area of investn1ent," said Reetduring the webinar.

Moderated by Sheba Nandkeolyar, National Chair AJBC \.Vomen in Business, the webinar started with an opening address from Linda Dessau AC Governor of Victoria.

The Governor also formally launched the Victodan chapter of Australia India Women in Business.

She expressed her pleasure at attending the event as it celebrated and further enhanced the very warm relationship between Victoria and Lndia and it recognised the absolute crucial role of \VOmen in that relationship and skills and

experience they bring to the table in terms of business activities between Australia and India.

According to Sheba when she formed the Women in Business National chapter, she had a stTong vision to try gender diversity in a bilateral business space. Her objective was to facilitate a 50/50 proportion of wo1nen's participation in this space, be it as an entrepreneur, a business owner or a woman leader leading a professional company.

Sheba went on to invite the audience to hear about the best practices observed by the powerful panel of speakers as they shared their experience on how they navigated the COVID-19 disruptions.

The audience heard from Jaala Pulford, Minister for Employment, Minister for Innovation Medical Research and the Digital Economy as well as Minister for Small Busines, Kaushalya Vaghela MP, Member of Legislative Council for Western Metro region and Michelle Wade, Commissioner to South Asia, State Government of Victoria.

Strong entrepreneurial presence and inspirational words of encouragement were provided by Jahnabi Phookan (National President FLO), Meghan Speers (Partner, Deloitte) and Or. Ritu Anand, Chief

LIBERAL

Given that COVID has hit women harder than men professionally, there's an important role for platforms such as this in re-invigorating support for women employees as well as entrepreneurs.

32 NOVEMBER 2020

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NATIONAL EDITION

NOVEMBER 2020 33

I N DOPH I LE

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Melinda Parker says COV I D has further challenged a n a l ready fragile system BY BAGESHRI SAVYASACHI s an 8-year-old, Melinda Parker read Ploughed Under by Amy Carmichael, a story that began her affair with India. " I read about a British single woman who rescued girls who had been abandoned. She had a large children's home in India. 1-ler life of service \Vas inspiring to me," Melinda told

Indian Link.

The Sydney-based lndophlle and social \vorker helps run an English medium communiry school for local children in Keshnand village near Pune inf ndia.

Quality education comes at a price Gyanankur Public School is an GO that serves seven villages. Gyanankur, which is Hindi for "seedlings of knowledge", educates kids fron1 disadvantaged backgrounds.

"We do our best to nurture every precious seedling that comes to ou1· school," Melinda revealed. "We have many families that can pay our fairly low fees and many who can pay half or none, and we adapt accordingly."

34 NOVEMBER 2020

Describing the process of implen1enting a system of quality education, she said, "Our staffare local or come in buses from Pune city. We have very strong core values that we endeavour to implen1ent in aU everything ,ve do - values of joy, transparency, dignity and service. Things like honouring our local struggling farmers in our school culture, honouring the ladies who do cleaning work in the school, 1naking classes and learning a joyful experience for our students."

The chaUenges, however, include functioning within a system of education which is "rife with corruption".

"We work especially hard to do our work without engaging in bribing," Melinda stated.

"A trustworthy board manages our accounts and this board in no ,vay benefits fro1n the school's income; instead, they see it as a privilege to serve."

Adapting to the COVID-19 lockdown The pandemic has posed an entirely new set of challenges. As soon as COVfD-19 hit, Gyanankur had to shut its doors. Melinda narrated the wretched ramifications of the COVlD-19 lockdown on the students, their families, the teachers, the funding, and functioning of the school.

"Many of our parents have lost their jobs.

We have kept all our staffon but have had to give only half salaries since March, which I find heartbreaking. Innation is fairly high in India and food for a family of four is close to Rs 2000."

She added, "The staff are struggling to pay their rent and paying for data to work fron1 home. We are doing our best to help the staff especially those facing difficult landlords.

Even our school premises are rented from two brothers - one is much more supportive than the other. The staff who have mortgages now have had the mortgage moratorium stopped. Many of our school parents also lost work, and not to mention, health costs are high."

Some of the students do not have the luxu1·y of electricity at home and others do not have mobile phones. Moreover, most of the teachers at Gyanankur do not have laptops.

They have had to upskill themselves and Leach online using their phones.

"Our staff also have faced a lot of challenges to connect to parents with constantly changing numbers, internet outages, power outages etc. However, I would say our staff have a solid connection to 80% of our students."

The school is also helping in other ways.

"We also collected funds in Pune to buy grocery parcels for some of our staff and

n1any local families. We have always worked at being the 'Gyanankur family' rather than just a place to work," Melinda explained.

It is evident Melinda has developed an intricate understanding of the socio-political system in which she continues to work.

"Underneath my simple answers to you, there are a lot of complexities about dependency and charity, government and politics, systems and corruption, the right to education of every child and \Vhy public schools aren't meeting the need," she revealed.

A life of service

When Melinda Parker was 29, she was invited to run an adult education program in India.

Since rote learning was the prevalent method of instruction, the popular style had not allowed these people as children to perform well in school.

The adult learners she interacted with were not straight-A students, but gradually, she noticed that they possessed an idle reservoir of important cognitive skills.

"The program was based on enquiry and asking questions and I learnt during that time about the impacl of the rote learning approach left by the British," Melinda described. " I loved seeing adults who often didn't do well in school realise how smart Lhey were and develop critical thinking skills."

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Parker at work

Besides having found a fulfilling purpose, Melinda Parker also n1et. her husband, a fellow educator, in India. The pair shared similar values and passions of social work and volunteering, which led to them staying back to work in the country. Towards the end of her work in India, Melinda's journey took her to the steps of Gyanankur, a rural school set up by the father of a friend.

"I got into the school because a dear Indian friend whose dad started it, asked for help.

My experience at traditional lndian schools made me very passionate about the untapped potential of many young people, especially those from lower-incon1e backgrounds ·who didn't get an opportunity for quality education."

It was with a sense of satisfaction that she re1narked, «1 always want to do something to fight poverty, invest in people's potential,

and develop communities. At Gyanankur, 1 see alJ the time the tren1endous potential of the rural kids."

Currently, Melinda lives in Sydney as a part-time social worker and is a mother to two young aduJts. She explained that she finds it hard to help nearly as much as she would like.

"I kno\v there is a lot more that can be done as our staff are all working very hard and I fear that the stress of doing all this from ho1ne, n1any on phones only, will wear them down. I also reaUy want to stress our team in India are wonderful and are doing so n1uch problen1 solving and creative thinking. I am a very sn1all part of the team and I so want to honour each of them for the incredible work they do \Vhilst facing their own chalJenges," she said.

To donate to Gyanankur and help Melinda continue her work, go to www.gyanankur.com

''I always want to do something to fight poverty, i nvest in people's potential, and develop communities.

At Gyanankur, I see a l l the time the tremendous potential of the rura l kids."

NATIONAL EDITION

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T H EAT R E

• •

orly five amateur artists pulled off a thealrical coup of sorts \Vith Bouquet, a 9-play acl, held online recently.

Even as COVID-caused lockdown persisted, the Melbourne-based theatre academy Natyadarpan embraced the virtual medium lo ensure their work continued to reach audiences, albeit on a screen of their choice.

With over two months of regular engage1nent, those involved were incredibly busy despite the lockdowns, keeping lhe111selves occupied in pursuit of their creativity and passion.

They performed live from 3 3 hotnes to an audience situated across 14 time zones in ten countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Vietnaol, Singapore, India, Pakistan, UAE, UK, USA and Za1ubia.

Nearly 700 tickets, sold at $5 per head, helped raise funds for the Friends of the Children Foundation for their ongoing community building projects.

True to its nan1e, Bouquet offered a diversity of flavours and genres with nine short plays, their then1es ranging fron1 comedy, crime, thriUer, social to dark, most of them original and experimental.

Seven of these productions were

based on scripts written il'lhouse. Visual backdrops, painstakingly created, ,vere successfully able to transport audiences inside a train compartn1ent, a court roon1, a jungle, even a motor car in drive.

Two plays were creative adaptations of cult-making productions like 1Vatsa1nrat, based on the original play by V.V Shirwadkar, and Trapped written by Yogcsh So1nan.

Prior to each act Mukund and Ashwini Deshpande as the MCs, explained the context of the play and introduced the artists.

Dressed in traditional Maharashtrian

outfits they dedicated the event to the 140th anniversary of India's first musical play Sangeet Shakuntal. The first show of this iconic play was held in Pune on 31 October 1880.

An invocation song dedicated to Lord atraj, the God of Perforn1ing Arts, was also recreated by Dr Subhash Sharma and sung by Prachi Gaindbar and Saurabh Mishra. The song was a unique collaboration with music provided by India on musical equipment used in the original play in the 1880s.

Creating the circun1stances behind the plays were interesting digital backdrops and theme-relevant background music.

Despite varied skills, the collaborative spirit of the play elevated its delivery.

The emotional impact was equally heightened as it would have been during a live performance, as the actors nailed their dialogues with varying degrees of competence.

"Being a part of this unique event was extremely satisfying," said Mander Vaidya, the founder of atyadarpan. "We had something to be proud of at several levels.

This was among the first nine-act plays to be held online, reaching nearly 2000 people around the world and dedicated to a good cause. 1t was worth every minute of the gruelling hours that we put in as con1munity group."

Preetl Jabbal

•

''

lease switch off your cameras, your phones and put yourself on speaker view, not gallery view," announced Arjun Raina, sutradhaar (narrator) of Zoom play Straight Fro111 a Horse's lleart.

During the pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns, this theatre crew looked at adversity in the face and adapted.

Tickets to this unique play arrived in the form of a link to a Zoom meeting, ,vhere the audience has allowed the host to take the ,vheel.

Straight Fro,n a Horse's lleart: A Zoom play features eccentric and kooky characters that entertain you from the very beginning. Set in regional Victoria, the play takes place in a healing centre run by Victoria Shaw, a wealthy and narcissistic woman. She has e111ployed Paro, a robotic nurse, to run the centre and take care of lhe residents.

Addressing the elephant in the room, Paro seems like a 1nodcrn robotic version of Paro from Devdas, ,.,,here a woman nurses an addict back to good health. lo actuality, the name is stereotypically Punjabi, a reference to the army of migrant nurses working in the aged care sector who are of that background.

NATIONAL EDITION

Guilt, deception, and illegal immigration - you identify each of these and more in Straight Fronz a Horse's fleart all ,vhile holding back your peals of laughter.

You would think that these would be revealed 'straight from the horse's mouth', but it is a dressage-obsessed patient, holding some pretty dark secrets, that brings home the n1essage in this play.

From a nutty cancer patient to a drunken ridder of rabbits, from a scheming property-developer son to a couple of funeral cover insurance jokers, the story brings together an assortment of characters with different backgrounds and

motivations. The many dyna1nics and more than one plot line might seen, confusing, but you must trust the ending.

The contemporary political and social references in the script, provide much value-add.

The play was written in 2013 but never performed. While it does not mention the pandemic, the parallel issues of separation and aged care are unmistakable. Featuring characters living in a holistic healing centre, the play does lhe work of letting you empathise with the patients.

Actors include Dipanjali Rao as Paro, Scott Welsh as Andy, Cherian Jacob as

Mr X, Alison Richards as Victoria Shaw, La,vrie O'Dwyer as Jon Sha\¥, Peter Fernon as the Rabbit-ridder, and Team Henderson and Michael Camplin as detectives. l n the best way, Straight from a Horse's 1-Jeart is lhat insightful, comedic and amusing distraction from the realities of a COVlD-ridden \Vorld.

Arjun Raina, writer, director and producer (and alumnus of New Delhi's National School of Drama) disclosed to Indian link that the plan was to practice during lockdown and perform at venues once the lockdown lifted. A Zoom play was the last thing on his mind. "By the second lockdown, we realised we would have to go digital". The motivation behind the play, he revealed, came from open readings conducted over Zoom that garnered positive response from viewers i n lndia and Australia.

Staging a 70-minute drama where you only see the actors from chest up and with no physical interaction, sounds limiting.

Yet this production, ,¥ith its live music, sound effects, appropriate exits and entries, immersive acting and a friendly narrator Lo take you through it all, does it effectively.

Bageshrl Savyasachl

NOVEMBER 2020 37

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What l ies ahead in an unprecedented summer of cricket BY RITAM MITRA s you read this piece, we are ,veil into the T20 World Cup, the most glamorous of international cricket lournan1ents, being held in Australia for the first time. Record crowds have been flooding through the gates across the country, kicking off perhaps the most anticipated sumn,er in Australian cricket history. For even thougb tbe explosive tournament seems like it was made for prin1etit11e television, it is merely a curtain raiser. Ahead lies Afghanistan's first Test against Australia in Perth in late ovember, followed by the Border­ Gavaskar Trophy, which ,viU pit Kohli's lndia against a resurgent Australian side enjoying the return of David Warner and Steve Smith, the duo who missed the previous edition during their ball­ tan1pering suspensions.

Of course, that is the paragraph with ,vhich this piece ,vould have begun had 2020 unfolded as expected. As it stands though, COVlD-19 has ,vreaked havoc on the Australian summer of cricket, the immediate consequences being that Australia wi_ll not host the T20 World Cup until 2022 and Afghanistan will no longer be touring Australia. All that remains is the jewel in the crown of Cricket Australia's summer, by no coincidence the most valuable commodity in the game, a touring Indian team.

After several months of deliberation, navigating no shortage of logistical challenges, Cricket Australia recently announced that India would play three ODls, three T20ls and the four-Test Border Gavaskar Tropby, in a tour reportedly worth son,e $300 million to Cricket Australia. Sydney will benefit most fro1n the heavily re-jigged tour, with the ground staled lo host l\vo ODls and lwo T20s as welJ as the traditional ew Year's Test match, which for once, is guaranteed to be a live rubber.

For many reasons, this ,viii be a tour like no other. There will be none of the usual fanfare that typically accon1panies i.nternational cricketers. On match days, it's unlikely that stadiums will operate at greater than 50% capacity, 38 NOVEMBER 2020

a strange scenario for athletes used to limitless adulation. The Indian players in particular, long accustomed to the hordes of supporters who wait outside the team hotel, a veritable army of fans standing patiently by the training nets, and the throngs of supporters clan,ouring by the team bus, will be forced to find comfort in a silence that could be both ,velcome and unsettling. No selfies, no autographs, just cricket.

The critical question is \Vhat impact these seismic environmental shifts will have on the players and the quality of the cricket they are able to produce. l n some ways, the COVID-19 restrictions are a blessing for the Indian team; while the limited fan interaction may reduce the pressure that no doubt seeps in fro1n being constantly revered as pseudo­ religious idols, half-capacity crowds and dholis at stadiums will still be around to get their adrenaline going ,vhen it is needed 1nost.

Even beyond the new COVID-safe playing conditions, new experiences await the Indian contingent compared to its 2018/19 tour. The first Test, in Adelaide, will be a Day/Night Test - India's first in Australia, and only its second overall (by contrast, Australia has played seven and remains undefeated in the format). Meanwhile, the Gabba, traditionally the first Test of the Australian summer (even though it has been eschewed for Indian tours in years gone by), will now play host to the last Test, after quarantine issues in Queensland forced the visitors south of the border.

Then there is the weight of heightened expectation for the visitors. For the first time ever, J ndia will tour Australia absent the wounds of defeat, with Kohli's charges having won the 2018-19 edition 2-1, a scoreline that flattered the home side and handed India its first ever Test series win on Australian soil. In fact,

The Indian team, long accustomed to the hordes of supporters, will be forced to find comfort in a silence that could be both welcome and unsettling. No selfies, no autographs, just cricket.

The Indian players won't get the same reception they're accustomed to this time a round.

India have won three of their previous four Test series against Australia, a staggering record. But if there is anything more dangerous than an Australian team at home, it is an Australian side that is not only atop the ICC Test rankings, but hell-bent on revenge (though the players refuse to use the word).

And lastly, perhaps the greatest challenge of all. By the tin1e the first ball is bowled in Adelaide on 17 Deceinber, neither r ndia nor Australia will have played a Test match in the preceding 1 0 months. Many players will have played only T20 cricket in that time, though the Australians enjoy the advantage here, with the Sheffield Shield first-class competition currently proceeding in full swing.

Kohli and Co will arrive on Australian soil armed with a blueprint for success; but if 2020 has proved anything, it is that even the best laid plans often go awry.

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Though a cricket match is played between 22 players, there is no understating the talismanic role that Kohli and Smith each serve for their sides and for their fans

•

The battles within the battle for the u pcoming Aus Vs Ind Test series head of India's history-making tour of Australia t,vo years ago, expectations ,vere high.

While India was at the time in the ascendancy, sitting atop the ICC Test rankings, the home team were nothing short of a shan,bles, ,vith their two best batsmen ,nissing through ball-tampering suspensions and the side con,ing off consecutive and convincing series losses to Pakistan and South Africa.

As this year's series looms closer however, it is the Australian team that is at the top of the rankings, boosted not only by the return of Messrs Sn,ith and Warner, but the rapid emergence of Marnus Labuschagne. Against the backdrop of a global pandemic, a vastly different series a\vaits, and the various battles within the ,var promise to form fascinating subplots.

The GOAT debate

This year's Border-Gavaskar Trophy was supposed to pit Virat Kohli and Steve Sn,ith against each other at the height of their powers; Koh Ii ,viii be 36 in four years' time and S1nith 35, by which ti,ne their talents may be waning. Though a cricket match is played between 22 players, there is no understating the talismanic role that Kohli and Smith each NATIONAL EDITION

serve for their sides and for their fans.

The two front-runners for the best batsmen in their generation, each has plenty to prove. Kohli will be hungry to demonstrate that he can come out on top against a fuJl-strength Ausu·alian side, while Smith will be searching quite simply for redemption - and potentially the dangled carrot of an opportunity to once more lead his country again.

Pace battery

The Australian and Indian teams each possess the best pace attack in their own hon,e conditions. The Australian pace battery of Stare, Hazlewood and Cu1nmins is unchanged from the last edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, in which the Indian batsmen, led by veritable batting machine Cheteshwar Pujara, made 1nerry, first blunting and then excoriating the Aussie quicks. The Indian bowlers, led by spearhead Jasprit Bun1rah, were then left free to blo\v away the inexperienced and tired Australian batsmen.

With so n,any of the same suspects involved, it would be easy but misguided to expect the same outcome lo unfold this time around. For one, Smith, Warner and Labuschagne are an entirely different prospect to Harris, Head and Handscomb,

meaning more recovery tin1e for the Australian attack.

Also of relevance is whether Bum rah remains as effective a bowler as he was before sustaining stress fractures in bis back 1 2 months ago. I n three one-day internationals against ew Zealand in February, Bumrah conceded 167 runs and took no wickets, while his Test wickets in that tour came at a significant price. On flatter pitches in Australia, Bumrah will need to rediscover the form that saw him lead India to a historic series win in 2018.

The question of the keeper

Auslralian captain/keeper Tim Paine and electric Indian keeper Rishabh Pant may have become viral sensations for lheir banter behind the stumps, but it was Pant who had the last laugh on the field in the previous edition, with the explosive left• hander racking up a blistering 159* in the last Test at the SCG. But Pant has suffered an under whelming second half to his fledgling career, returning n1eagre numbers against the West Indies and New Zealand. With part-time keeper KL Rabul having strong­ armed his way back into lndia's squad, and India's best keeper Wriddhin1an Saha also named in the squad, Pant's spot looks less

secure than it did 12 months ago.

Leaving out Pant and relying on KL Rahul will allo,v Kohli to play an additional batsman; you can only expect that the Indian captain ,viii already be Licking his lips.

A day/night delight

The first Test of the series ,viii be played as a day/night match at the Adelaide Oval, the first time the BCCI has agreed to play a day­ night Test outside lndia. It promises lo be a momentous occasion, one in which India are short odds blink first, given Australia's formidable undefeated record in the seven day/night test matches it has played.

How quickly India adjusts to the vagaries of the pink Kookaburra ball at what has been a traditionaUy happy hunting ground, will go a long way to setting the tone for the series. It's a challenge not only for the batsn1en, but for the captains too, given the strategic shifts that accompany day/night Tests.

Regardless of the outcotne, watching the famed Indian batting line-up face a fiery spell fro1n Starcand Co under lights against the magical blood-red Adelaide sunset is a sight for cricket-starved eyes; there's no doubt that we have earned it this year.

Rltam Mitra NOVEMBER 2020 39

FOOD

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Since we've all been making hea lthfu l ch oices this yea r, GAURAV MASAN D leads us to a healthy Diwali • • • • • • • • • • ••

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Homemade energy bars

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • I love energy bars - whether as a quick bite for breakfast, or a great snack in between meetings. Flavourful and filled with nutrients, they do have a Diwali connect. Surprised? Look up varo, a dry fruit chikki which is a traditional Sindhi Diwali S\Veetmeat.

Prep time: 10 mins, Cook time: 45 mins

INGREDIENTS ■ 1 cup rolled oats ■ 1/3 cup nuts of choice (almonds,

walnuts) ■ 1/3 cup seeds of choice (sunflower, pumpkin, sesame) ■ 1/3 cup honey ■ 1/4 cup raisins/dried berries ■ 2-3 tbsp butter/vegan butter/oil ■ 6-7 dates chopped.

INSTRUCTIONS ■ Dry roast seeds and nuts separately

for 10 minutes each, keep aside.

Chop nuts up when cool.

■ Dry roast oats for 10 minutes, keep aside.

■ Heat oil/butter in a non-stick pan, add dates and cook for a few minutes.

■ Add honey and bring to a boil.

■ Add all the other ingredients and mix with a spatula.

■ Turn off the heat and shift the contents to a tray lined with baking paper ■ Make incisions in the shape o f bars.

■ Allow to set and then cut in pieces.

■ Pack them all individually, to keep them from sticking to each other.

■ Store a box at room temperature.

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Gluten-free Guiab :Jamun

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ••••••••••••••••••••• Ok, so you shun them all year round, but come Diwali, you give in. Such is the allure of Guiab jan1uns, those syrupy decadent donuts sometimes known as the king of Indian sweets. This recipe is a gluten-free version, n1ade with an unlikely ingredient, sweet potato. Those of you who are gluten-free by choice or compulsion, you can now indulge!

Prep time: 20 mins, Cook time: 40 mins

FOR SUGAR SYRUP ■ 1.5 cup sugar ■ 1.5 cup water ■ 3-4 drops of lemon juice ■ 5-6 saffron strands INSTRUCTIONS ■ Bring all ingredients to a boil.

■ Keep it hot by moving to a very low

flame or keeping it over a water bath (on top of a vessel that is boiling water)

FOR GULAB JAMUN ■ 1 cup sweet potato boiled and grated ■ 1.75 to 2 cups milk powder ■ 1 tbsp hot ghee ■ Oil for deep frying

INSTRUCTIONS ■ Boil and grate sweet potato .

■ Add milk powder to it with 1 tbsp hot

ghee.

■ Knead the dough, add more milk powder if required.

■ Shape into balls.

■ Heat oil in a kadhai on low flame.

■ Fry the balls on low flame.

■ Use a spoon to keep moving them around slowly in the oil.

■ Once they turn dark brown, take them out with a slotted spoon and introduce them to the sugar syrup.

■ Let them sit soaking in the syrup, for a few hours. Try not to move them around so the shape is maintained.

■ Serve chilled or at room temperature.

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Baked ve gan samosa

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •••• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Indian high tea? You gotta have the samosas to balance the Gulab jan1uns! But chill, 'cos ,ve're baking them here, in our new-world way. Sure, you can get your ready-to-bakes these days, but they're nothing like these ones, made entirely from scratch. Bake and serve bot with mint and tamarind chutney.

Good old tomato sauce works fine too.

semi-hard dough.

Add extra flour as needed to keep from sticking to hands and board Place the dough in a well-oiled vessel and cover with a cloth/plastic wrap for 15 minutes.

Prep time: 30 mins, Cook time: 30 mins

peas ■ 1 tbsp oil ■ ½ tsp garam masala or curry powder ■ 1/4 tsp dry mango powder or 1 tsp lemon juice ■ 1 tsp ginger and chili paste ■ Salt and pepper to taste Heat oil in pan, add ginger/chilies Add the boiled veggies.

Saute for 5 minutes, add spices, salt and pepper

FOR SAMOSA PASTRY

■ 2 1/2 cup plain flour ■ 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup water ■ 1/3 cup oil ■ 1 tsp carom/ajwain seeds ■ Salt to taste Mix the flour with salt, carom seeds (ajwain), oil and rice flour.

Knead the dough with water to get a

40 NOVEMBER 2020

FOR STUFFING ■ 2 cup boiled veggies potato and

TO MAKE SAMOSAS

Take a small portion o f dough and roll into a small disc.

Cut it in two equal halves, make a cone by stickjng the edges with water.

Fill the stuffing and close the cone with water. Seal the edges with a fork Line up the samosa in a baking tray.

Bake in a preheated oven(fan-forced) at 180 degrees C for 15 minutes Brush/spray with oil and bake further for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown in colour.

Allow to cool on the rack. Serve warm.

Note: If you want to bake with

wholemeal, ensure you use half plain flour and half wholemeal. Beware however, as this pastry is a Httle softer.

www.indianlink.com.au

8ee the � in ollu!i£, and treat them �-- (b �

NATIONAL EDITION

NOVEMBER 2020 41

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: A SUITABLE BOY

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STARRING: Tabu, lshaan Khatter,

Tanya Maniktala, Rasika Dugal, Ranvir Shorey, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Vinay Pathak, Randeep Hooda DIRECTOR: Mira Nair

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The trouble with A Suitable Boy is I despite so much story to tell, the I narrative tends to flag. It is a script drawn from one of the most eventful I phases of Indian history - the early fifties when a newly independent nation I was discovering sovereignty - and yet it I struggles to capture that essence.

I One of two things happen when I Mira Nair tries making an Indian film I in India. She crafts a story that is beautifully authentic and inspired by ( an India that is (think Salaam Bombay!

1 or Monsoon Wedding), or, she tries I recreating an India that was, in which case the outcome is beautifully plastic I (think Kama Sutra).

I This show diligently tries to belong to the former lot, but tends to gravitate to I

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Maybe it was the challenge of adapting Vikram Seth's book of the same name. A massive work of fiction comprising nearly 600,000 words would seem difficult to capture in six episodes.

Or maybe, just as it was blatant in the case of Kama Sutra, Nair was out making an Indian film in India for the West (you could say that idea defines all her India-centric works, but at least Salaam Bombay! or Monsoon Wedding managed to fall into an engaging storytelling rhythm).

The screen writing is by Welsh veteran Andrew Davies, who seemed so much in comfort zone adapting Pride And Prejudice, Vanity Fair, Bleak House or Sense And Sensibility and, not to forget, co-writing House Of Cards. Yet, an element of laziness seems to take over the storytelling as Davies attempts to craft an Indian story.

A major problem is also the language.

Based on an English novel and adapted by a British writer, the primary language of the dialogues is English.

It seems okay watching upper crust

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I and outside - even Tabu's exquisitely I executed courtesan Saeeda Bai looks I passable mouthing English dialogues.

On the other hand, watching A I Suitable Boy in Hindi throws up a I different glitch. Since it has been shot in I English, there is naturally no coherence between lip movement and the uttered I words. Seen with Hindi dialogues, the I ironically Indian story looks like a product of messed-up sound engineering, to the I point of being ludicrous.

I Davies' story based on Seth's novel I starts off on a bright note. We meet I Lata (Tanya Maniktala), a student of

literature who is strong-willed, intelligent, and free-spirited. Her mother insists it is time for her to get married, though she can't help falling in love with Muslim boy Kabir Durrani (Danesh Razvi), a history student in the University. Lata's problems in life are quite removed from those of Maan (lshaan Khatter), youngest son of revenue minister Mahesh Kapoor (Ram Kapoor). Maan sees the statuesque Saeeda Bai (Tabu) perform at a family function, and falls head over heels for her.

These stories of love run in tandem with a socio-political portrait of India the narrative tries drawing up. Mahesh Kapoor canvasses for a law that will render the Zamindari system obsolete.

The year is 1951, and the embers of Hindu-Muslim tension that started during Partition are still very much alive.

The episodes unfold rolling out these and other subplots, as sundry characters join in. Despite so many characters and narrative threads, you soon begin to realise the storytelling lacks life. There is very little that happens in Lata's and Maan's lives that can be deemed surprising.

A Suitable Boy works because

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of its production merits and acting.

Besides, for all flaws you may spot in the script, Mira Nair delivers the minimum quality you may expect from a cinematic product tagged with her name. This is a good-looking show all through, and Nair's eye for detail while setting up the specifics of a societal milieu is always commendable - right from her days of Salaam Bombay! and Mississippi Masala.

Nair has assorted an interesting cast, and her ensemble of actors do brilliantly to bring the characters alive, toplined by a majestic performance by Tabu as Saeeda and lshaan Khatter's spirited rendering of Maan Kapoor.

The fact is established long before the first episode ends that Tanya Maniktala has a dazzling smile. Only, she needn't have flashed it at every half a chance - her screen presence looks promising enough. The advantage of having a talented cast in almost every frame has some nuanced turn of acting on display.

Actors like Ram Kapoor, Rasika Dugal, Namit Das, Mahira Kakkar, Shahana Goswami, Aamir Bashir or Manoj Pahwadon't have to try too hard to convince in any role. The show hugely benefits from that fact.

Then there are the likes of Randeep Hooda, Ranveer Shorey, Vinay Pathak, Vijay Varma, Kulbhushan Kharbanda and Vivaan Shah, adding appeal with limited but soundly effective footage.

Despite these stellar performances, you realise the evident truth as the episodes roll. A Suitable Boy struggles to be a story that holds your attention.

The series seems overwhelmed by the odds it might have scaled, and merely manages to showcase India in a way numerous other western filmmakers have already done.

Vinayak Chakravorty

MAT R I M O N IAL$

. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ♦ • • ♦ . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ♦ ♦ I • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ♦ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ♦ • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

SEEKING GROOMS

Seeking a professionally qualified match, teetotaller, of good family background, preferably Australian citizen or PR holder, for highly qualified career-oriented Brahmin girl 35, 5'2", vegetarian, of good family background, working and well settled in Sydney. Please contact Aussyd08@gmail.com Seeking a professionally qualified match for a well-educated 32-year-old Hindu Punjabi girl. She is a qualified dental specialist. Born and brought up in Sydney, she comes from a close-knit and highly educated family. She is fair and has a slim build. Looking for an Australian citizen only. Please email 88matrimonial@gmail.com.

42 NOVEMBER 2020

Seeking a match for Australian citizen, Sydney-based Brahmin girl, born 1997, 168cm, with good family values, pharmacist, working for a leading pharmacy, parents highly educated and well settled in Sydney. Please respond to: connection.1971@gmail.com Match for '88-born, 5"3", Hindu Punjabi girl, divorced (short marriage, issueless).

Full time government job in Sydney.

Pref Radha Soami follower/teetotaller.

Must have Aus PR. Email: matrimonial.ml@gmail.com.

SEEKING BRIDES

Seeking match for educated, divorced, 5'9", 1975 born Sikh Boy, self-employed, on bridging visa with full work rights.

Looking for PR/citizen match from Australia. Phone: 0422 812 939 or email: jas_ghai01@hotmail.com Seeking match for a well-settled professional boy, 36, 5'9", slim, Australian citizen grown up in Sydney.

Girl must have grown up in Australia, preferably living in Sydney.

Contact 0404 920 822.

Seeking alliance for Australian citizen boy, born and brought up in Australia, '91 born, 5'5", Hindu Arora, Bachelor of Medical Science, Bachelor of Laws, working in Manager position. Sydney­ based. ID - 20009. Please contact: Preeti Kothari 0404 316 288 or Heena Kajaria 0416 787 526

www.indianlink.com.au

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I and hunger for revenge, while Guddu is attracted to Shabnam (Shernavas I Jijina). All this, even as Kaleen I Bhaiya's reign continues.

Among the new additions, Vijay I

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I I 1 M I RZAPU R 2

I (Amazo Prime) I STARRING: Pankaj Tripathi, Shweta Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Divyendu Sharma, I Rasika Dugal I CREATED: Puneet Krishna

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I I Lots of guns and blood, drama, hint of I I sleaze, cuss and explosive dialogues, I I and a cast in good form with a few I exciting new additions.

If you are happy I I to see a lot more of what we already I sampled in season one, then Mirzapur I

I 2 works just fine. But if you wanted it I to scale another level, it doesn't quite

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happen over 10 episodes.

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ended, it was obvious that gunning for vengeance would be Guddu (Ali Fazal) and Golu's (Shweta Tripathi) sole motive, after they lost their loved ones to the brutality of Munna Tripathi (Divyendu Sharma). The storyline, however, incorporates several other subtexts of retribution.

Beena (Rasika Dugal), wife of Mirzapur's towering Bahubali Akhandanand Tripathi, or Kaleen Bhaiya (Pankaj Tripathi), emerges as one of the most intriguing characters in the new season, with her personal revenge agenda. Various other minor characters, including Kaleen Bhaiya's right hand man Maqbool (Shaji Chaudhary) and the politician's

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I STARRING: Pulkit Samrat, Jim Sarbh, I Harshvardhan Rane, Kriti Kharbanda, Ankur Rathee, Zoa Morani 1 DIRECTOR: Bejoy Nambiar

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I Taish banks on a very basic formula I of honour and revenge that even the I most commercial of Bollywood makers I stopped peddling a while back, though Bejoy Nambiar serves it with polish. The I story unfolds against the backdrop of

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I good-looking London and nearby locales. I I I For some novelty, you get a choice in formats - you could watch Taish as a sixI episode series, or as a feature film.

I The option in format isn't the only I experimentation about Taish. Nambiar and co-screenwriters (Anjali Nair, Karlik I R. Iyer and Nicola Louise Taylor) adopt I a non-linear approach in storytelling, I which makes the narrative seem more interesting than it actually is.

I The operative mood of murderous I rage is established in the opening I sequence, with a bloody showdown in a posh pub in London between I young Sunny (Pulkit Samrat) and I the gangster Kuljinder (Abhimanyu

moll Zarina (Anangsha Biswas) find reasons to seek vengeance as the episodes rolls.

Essentially, storytelling in Mirzapur 2 is mostly about outlining what course the individual lives of the protagonists take, as well as introducing a few new characters.

The season opens with Guddu, Golu and Guddu's sister Dimpy (Harshita Gaur) on the run. Guddu is still gravely injured. Golu, toughened by circumstances, is learning to live by the gun.

As the episodes roll, Dimpy will eventually fall for the smooth-talking Robin (Priyanshu Painyuli). Golu is torn between her emotional angst

Varma enters the series as Bharat Tyagi, scion of a family of Bihari strongmen, and very much here to stay. lsha Talvar as chief minister Yadav's daughter Madhuri seems interestingly positioned in the plot.

Unfortunately, a big problem with many web series is that the cumulative runtime is far more than what the story deserves. Mirzapur 2 could have been wrapped up within seven or eight episodes. Instead, unnecessary minutes are wasted on melodrama, item dances and random shots at romance and violence alike.

Mirzapur 2 depicts thematic stereotypes we have seen many times before, including in season one of this show, and it gets the boost of impressive production value. The pace and storytelling are efficient till the point where the story builds up, but tends to ebb in some of the latter episodes.

The show is redeemed by its cast.

Every actor, perfectly handpicked, does a fabulous job, especially the primary female cast. Rasika Dugal, lsha Talvar and Shweta Tripathi are flawless.

The series ends on a similar note as season one, with a big shoot-out, though the impact is not half as exciting. For those who love post­ credit scenes, hang around till the end. Here, it'llleave an important character with an interesting twist.

Also, it reassures fans that season three is on way.

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Singh). The encounter leaves Kulj inder in a vegetative state, and soon the gangster's younger brother Paali (Harshvardhan Rane) and gang are baying for Sunny's blood.

Things get complicated because Sunny is in town to attend a wedding.

Krish (Ankur Rathee), the younger scion of the affluent Kalra family, is getting married to Mahi (Zoa Marani), and Sunny is like family. All hell breaks loose when Pali and gang arrive at

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I I the venue and declare they will find I and nail the assailant, or ensure no I wedding takes place.

The narrative moves into flashbacks I to trace the reason for Sunny's I violence, and also sums up the plot.

I Nambiar is subtle in the way he introduces important characters I Krish's elder brother Rohan (Jim Sarbh) I or Rohan's Pakistani fiancee Aarfa (Kriti Kharbanda) - as well as vital plot spins. I Yet Taish lacks an innate ability I

to connect. You don't feel for the protagonists or their misery, for the simple reason their emotional dilemmas are not altogether original, or convincing.

As the story moves into its last episode, it's almost as if Nambiar and team were in a rush to wrap up their tale with a sleekly executed chase sequence and some filmi melodrama.

A major hitch for many will be the elaborate use of Punjabi dialogues you feel at times as though you have logged into a Punjabi gangster movie without subtitles.

The show hinges on Pulkit Samrat, Harshvardhan Rane and Jim Sarbh, who make the most of interesting characters that the big screen hardly accords.

Taish has a strong idea overshadowed sadly by poor storytelling. The cast is brilliant, and yet the characters have to often go through contrived situations to simply carry the story forward. It's a labour of ironies.

Vlnayak Chakravorty

NOVEMBER 2020 43

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www.indianlink.com.au

F O R ET E L L

November 2020

BY M l AL KH O NA Mina I Khona has been reading tarot cards for the last two decades. She uses her intuition and connect with the cards mostly to help people.

--------------------------------------I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I A sudden change of events makes I You feel like breaking out and I changing your career, resolving I you feel everything has lost its problems and ending restrictions. meaning. Have faith because this I If looking to sell your house, it will I destiny card is trying to teach you I get sold. Take a break from work if I something. You may have to let go of I things get too much. Be careful while I an issue you have been holding on to for long; let the divine step in and driving, and with sharp objects at I home. Money issues will ease up with I take care of it. An unexpected chance I time. Let go of your urge to control your I at making more money is a welcome spouse and the relationship will change respite. Your emotional life could see I for the better. Resolve your problems I some turbulence this month. Stay I with mental strength. A new business I away from those who drain I venture is foretold.

I your energy.

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I It is a month of learning to let go, Virgos will indulge in some spring I sacrificing, and gaining a new I cleaning this month - in their homes and I perspective due to a person or a I their lives. As you plan the way forward, I situation. While your career may start I tie up loose ends at work and don't start an upward graph, there could be a loss anything new till you complete older I of a relationship in your personal life I projects. Additional responsibilities at I whether it is a friend or a lover. Take care I home will add to your workload, making of your eyes to prevent any infections. you feel exhausted. A loss of income I Expenses are high this month so spend I could occur but a new opportunity, In a I Judiciously. Worries about the future I different line of work may come along.

I are unproductive; instead, change your I Walk away from a relationship that reactions to glad acceptance. seems to be going nowhere.

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I I I I I I I I I This is perhaps the end stage of a I lot of struggle so be prepared for things to get tougher. Beware of I office politics or someone trying to I cheat you. Travel related plans could I have hurdles. Be thorough with any paperwork you do or have to sign I on. Avoid stress because you are I overburdened wi th the current situation.

Aches and pains could add to it. A I sudden financial windfall could come I your way. Keep things in perspective; 1 everything will get better.

I I I I I I I I I I A situation is causing you anxiety and I while work is frustrating as you wish I to make more money, it could be a I romantic involvement that makes you tense. You prefer to be alone than I unhappy with someone. Someone will I unexpectedly help you in completing a project or an idea taking of. Your anxiety I could be underlying depression and you I may need to see a doctor. Money seems I tight but the situation will ease up soon.

Have patience with new projects.

I 1 - - - - - - - - 1 I I I I I I I I The dreamy Aquarian pulls the Taurus I card this month so they may be more grounded than usual. An ex could I return and things could change for the I better. Your emotional problems could I impact your work and you may not be able to complete a project. A visit to a I dentist could be on the anvil. Money I issues need resolving. A fresh start on the spiritual plane gives you the I encouragement you need. Friends and I family are supportive in every way.

I I I I I I I I I A feeling of wanting change may I occur this month but you will continue to go with the flow. You I receive appreciation at work and I colleagues continue to be supportive. A 1 positive feeling keeps you buoyant all month. Healing of a physical I ailment or an emotional issue will I take place. Be careful of minor accidents around the house, though.

I Finances are good and any money I owed to you will be paid. A business I partnership could come to an end.

I I I I I I I I I I Even if circumstances indicate otherwise, I keep up your goal of fulfilment in your I personal and professional life, and trust that the universe will make it happen.

I An unexpected financial gain due to a I serendipitous meeting is expected. Work I may see highs and lows but the outcome will be positive. Don't let self-doubt bog you I down. Your emotional swings could cause I sleepless nights. If your wish manifests I differently, accept it as it will be better. The universe never makes a mistake.

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The circle of life renews itself and you have divine protection on your side.

Work and family goals don't leave you any time for romance this month. A pet could need shots or a family member could fall ill. Money could be blocked or come In spurts. You could have a misunderstanding with your boss or a friend. Success will come through friends or family and first impressions. A cycle of events ends; a new beginning is on the horizon.

NATIONAL EDITION

1 I I I I I I I I You draw the number 7 this month.

I All sevens are a sign of spiritual growth. As your life plateaus out, I you realise there's more to life than I what your reality is right now. You I may even walk away from an unpleasant situation at work or in your personal I life. Slow down if you are rushed or I your body will make you do so.

Outstanding debts will be cleared. If you I change how you react, you can change I your world.

I I I I I I I I I A tough month as you get Into problems I with loved ones and at work; self-doubt and loss ensue. You could end up in a I clandestine love affair. Someone close I could need hospitalization, or you could I need medical help yoursetf. Difficult colleagues could cause an unpleasant I time at work that may lead to financial I loss. You may let go of an unfulfilling relationship or paradigm that doesn't I work for you. Lean on your spiritual I guidance for support to see you through.

NOVEMBER 2020 45

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

BAC KC H AT

Lai Karathong, Thailand

Kobe Luminarie, :Japan

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Because the human race has a lways held a mystical fascination for light symbol or hope, faith and divinity since the beginning of tin1e, light has been elaborately incorporated into various religious, cultural and traditional celebrations around the world.

As a tribute to Di\vali - one of the best-known festivals of light -we've compiled here a list of ten festivals that emulate its tradition of lighting up the world.

Kwanzaa are the unity cup, a candle stick holder, seven candles, a mat, the Kwanzaa flag and a poster with seven Kwanzaa principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, co­ operative economics, purpose, creativity and earth. The celebration has been observed fron1 26 December to 1 January every year since 1966.

10. St. Martin's Day, Netherlands

3. Hanukkah The Jewish festival or Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of the month of Kislev and ends on the 2nd day of Tevet on the Hebrew calendar. It is known as the Festival of Lights as it celebrates the historic event of the liberating of the Temple and the miracle of a lamp that burned for eight days, even though it had oil for only one. A new candle is lit on each of the eight nights of the festival to mark the miracle. Special food is prepared and gifts given to children.

Celebrated in remembrance of Saint Martin, the patron of the poor, this event takes on a new n1eaning in the etherlands \Vhere it is comme1norated with lights. As the day of feasting draws to a close on 1 1 November each year, the night is lit up with children heading out carrying lanterns and singing songs in praise of 'Sint­ Maarten.' Their door knocking is rewarded with candy and other sweet treats from neighbours and friends.

9. Kobe Luminarie, :Japan

The city of Kobe in Japan observes an annual illumination festival in December in memory of the victin1s of the Great Hanshin EarLhquake of 1995. The devastating event left 6000 dead and many without electricity and food. Using lights to express hope and recovery for the victims has continued as a tradition ever since. The festival features hundreds of thousands of lights and hand painted lanterns, and is viewed by millions.

8. Umbanda, Brazil The people of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil head to Copacabana, lpanema and Leblon beaches to honour lhe African Goddess lemanja as the clock strikes midnight on 31 December.

The beaches are speckled with lighted candles, and gifts of flowers and perfumes arc thrown in the sea as offerings. lemanja is revered as the Goddess of the Sea and Carnal Pleasures by the (oUowers of the Umbanda religion, but other festival loving Brazilians join in the dancing that continues through until dawn.

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7. Lantern Festival, China

The Lantern Festival is celebrated in China ,vith much pon1p and show to indicate an official end to the Lunar New Year celebrations. It is a festival of great significance in the Chinese calendar marked with a spectacle of lights and fireworks. Magnificent paper lanterns (usually red in colour for good luck) are set free at night to symbolise letting go of the past and ushering in new beginnings.

Children head lo the temples carrying lighted lanterns while solving riddles \Vrilten on them.

6. Santa Lucia Day, Scandinavia Saint Lucia's Day is celebrated in many Scandinavian countries on 1 3 Dece,nber to mark the winter solstice and the beginning of the Christmas season. In S,veden, the day is celebrated with lights, parades, candles and girls dressing up as Saint Lucia. TraditionaUy, the eldest daughter of the family rises early in the 01orning on the day, dresses in white, wears a crown

2. Christmas of lighted candles and serves coffee and special buns to the rest of the family. The name Lucia is associated with light.

5. Loi Karathong, Thailand Held in the 12th lunar month, Loi Karathong is the Thai festival of lights paying homage to the water spirits. The event is observed by locals creating beautiful floating arrangements consisting of incense sticks and a candle. On the night of the fuU moon, people launch these arrangements in the sea, rivers, canals or ponds, making wishes as they do so. Aln1ost all waterways in the country present a spectacular sight on the night with little bobbing lights as far as the eye can see.

4. Kwanzaa, USA

This week-long holiday is celebrated in honour of the culture and traditions of African descendants in America. During the festivities, candles are lit every day, gifts exchanged and a feast shared. The ritual includes the pouring of a drink as an offering to God. The main symbols of

Christians celebrate the birlh of Jesus Christ with a n1assive show of lights on 25 Decen1ber every year. An explosion of lights is on display as houses, gardens and streets are illuminated with strings of lights, Christmas trees are decorated with fairy lights and candles, and log fires adorn the interiors of European hon1es. Festive foods, gifts and cards help spread good cheer and make this celebration complete.

1. Diwali Diwali, or Deepavali, falls on the 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartik. It is one of the major religious festivals of the world and is celebrated in October or oven1ber every year. Devotees commemorate the victory of good over evil by decorating their houses with clay oil lamps and candles, sharing sweets, buying new clothes and visiting family and friends.

Although mainly a Hindu festival, it is also considered auspicious by Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains. In l ndia today, people of all faiths join in the five-day fatnily festivities.

Farzana Ahmad

www.indianlink.com.au

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