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NATIONAL EDITION

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EDITORIAL

India's vaccine rollout aces tou:h battles

PUBLISHER Pawan Luthra EDITOR Rajni Anand Luthra CONTRIBUTORS Rhea L Nath, Bageshri Savyasachi, Sandip Hor, Petra O'Neill, Ritam Mitra, Edmond Roy, Mohan Dhall, Jyoti Shankar, Nidhi Joshi, Gaurav Masand, Minal Khona, Auntyji SALES Charuta Joshi

Indian Link is a monthly newspaper published in

English. No material, including advertisements designed by Indian Link, may be reproduced in part or in whole without the written consent of the editor. Opinions carried in Indian Link are those of the writers and not necessarily endorsed by Indian Link. All correspondence should be addressed to: INDIAN LINK MEDIA GROUP Level 24/44 Market St, Sydney 2000 GPO Box 108, Sydney 2001 Ph: 02 9279-2004 Email: info@indianlink.com.au

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BY PAWAN LUTHRA

am terrified about my 80-year­ old parents in Pune," a friend revealed recently. It is a sentiment shared by a large number of Indian-Australians as reports of surging COVID-19 cases in India dominate the headlines. With restricted options to travel, should there be an emergency, many live in dread of receiving that message urging them to come home.

It is alarming to see this state of affairs in a country that proclaims its world dominance economically. Private hospitals are running out of beds and ventilators, and in public hospitals patients are now sharing beds. NewZealand recently shut its borders to India, concerned by the spread of the virus there.

The picture in India is markedly different as compared to the United States, even as both nations lead the world in COVID-19 infection rates. Both would no doubt have had a vaccine strategy in place when the pandemic was confirmed by WHO in March 2020. Yet, about a year in, they seem to be headed into opposite directions.

In the US, all adults were assured a

deadline of 1 May to be eligible to receive the vaccine. This has been brought forward by two weeks to 17 April. In India, on the other hand, the vaccine rollout seems to be faltering. The United States have 21 per cent of their population vaccinated, India is still at 0.83 per cent.

One of the reasons for the success in the US was the establishment of a partnership between the government and private enterprise, aptly named Operation Warp Speed. Set up in in March 2020, Operation Warp Speed worked to research, trial, approve and manufacture a vaccine, in a US $11 billion project. With Pfizer, the US government placed an order to buy 100 million doses of the vaccine, with an option to buy an additional 500 million, a total of 600 million doses. The government not only funded the research and helped upgrade manufacturing facilities but also became a buyer of the vaccine.

In India, the Serum Institute of India (Sil) took the initiative and under licence from AstraZeneca, negotiated a deal to manufacture 1 billion doses in 12 months. No funding ca1ne from the Indian government. In fact, SIi had a deal to supply the first 100 million vaccines at a price of Rs 200 ($4) and subsequent doses at higher prices. But till Jan 2021, the Indian government had not confirmed how many vaccines would be needed and

when. When it did, it ordered only 11 million doses.

While India has administered 100 million doses to date, it is just not good enough for a country needing over 2.5 billion doses, as each individual has to get two shots.

Whereas other governments globally have invested in manufacturing facilities to ramp up production, the Indian side has been swamped with red tape and lack of support by the government. The companies which could well have allowed India to get on top of the vaccine rollouts, needed to be encouraged, as in the United States, rather than be kept in suspense about their future.

Added to the current state of affairs, has been poor messaging on social distancing and good hygiene. States like Delhi and Maharashtra are facing new bouts of the pandemic with lockdowns now being enforced. Yet mass congregations (rallies/ religious gatherings) continue despite the spread.

While these can be stop gap measures, the only way to stop the spread will be through vaccinations. The quicker the health officials in the country can work through a strategy of not only sourcing but implementing the vaccinations, the quicker will India come out on the other side of COVID-19.

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YOUR SAY

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All things Indian. In Australia.

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SYDNEY I MARCH 2021 I Vol. 28 No. 6 I FREE

#LetUsBackToAus

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International students staring down an unce r t ain future

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A full year after Australia's borders shut, RHEA L NATH reached out to students stuck in India to ask: does Australia care more about their fees than their futures?

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Sarah Macdonald wrote: Sick of being treated like cash cows, Indian

students are keen to get their education. And they are going elsewhere if we don't act soon. gossiping for no reason wrote: RIP Australian universities. International students are already finding their way to UK/ USA/ Canada. presti CH wrote: Plenty of Australians who still haven't managed to return home. Plenty of Australians who have family overseas they haven't seen for years - personally I haven't seen my grandparents in Europe for 2.5 years (had booked to go last year), but it's not really fair for me to steal someone else's quarantine position who is more needy of it. Until the above problems are solved, international students are on the back burner. frangelica wrote: I support the gradual return of international students, but it needs to be way more carefully managed. Improperly managed hotel quarantine has led to outbreaks in multiple states, and that was in government supervised hotels, so there's no way they're going to let student accommodation be used. Doing it in regional Australia is not a good idea either. Our regional communities would be way more vulnerable in the event of a potential outbreak. They just don't have the same access to medical care and resources that we do in the city. I doubt a regional hospital even has more than a couple of ventilators. nameless9123 wrote: Sad to say, I doubt the Australian border will be open for international travellers by July. With the rate of the vaccination programme, 2022 seems more likely.

Yashvi Brahmbhatt wrote: Every international student onshore or offshore has immensely suffered due to the border closure for more than a year now.

We are hoping for a recovery that makes up for the losses made in monetary, timeline and growth prospects for all those impacted. We chose Australia for a reason and I hope they choose to see us too. Thank you for covering my story and articulating it so well.

Manjukta Bhakta wrote: It's time international students get the same opportunities as local students.

SB wrote: Thank you Indian Link, hope (NSW Premier) Gladys Berejiklian sees this. Hope this article helps us and gets us back to Aus by July.

Hex 0000PIII wrote: Oh no, the same international students who don't pull their weight in group projects are not allowed back because of COVID, noooo. recurecur wrote: Oh no, universities have to do research and learn how to properly adapt without supplanting all this overseas student income. Is it time for UTS to pull itself up by its bootstraps and stop hobbling degrees for international students? Cry me a river, preferably the Murray Darling. 1) More research and development. 2) University incubators. 3) University should have used the massive amounts of money from internationals to gain assets to offset the need for so many internationals.

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NOT GUILTY VERDICT

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A tragic case ends after Ku/winder Singh was found not guilty of murdering his wife Parwinder Kaur by lighting her on fire in 2013.

Rochelle Fernandez wrote: Seriously? He abused her, threatened her, hit her

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with a heavy object, poured petrol on her, and he didn't mean to kill her? What IS HARRIS PARK SYDNEY'S 'LITTLE INDIA'? will it take to believe a victim?

When the City of Parramatta asked for feedback on promoting Harris Park as Navneet Singh Kalra wrote: 12 jurors have listened and seen all the facts 'Little India', readers weighed in. before giving their verdict. The Justice system has worked and if one reads Pravesh Babhoota wrote: Absolutely, but with one condition that the local • all the forensic facts and other aspects, they will know the truth as well. Half business association takes on the responsibility of operating under Australian Law. •• ••• •• • information is more dangerous than anything, so please go through all facts Deepak Vincent wrote: It comes with a responsibility too, representing India • • • • • •• which are eye opening. and Indians in every way.

• • • •• Narin Bairns wrote: What a joke. Judicial system failed again.

Khalsa Geo wrote: Absolutely. We must feel proud of our heritage and ••• •• ••• Jass Singh wrote: If anything, people have failed again by stereotyping men. ancient civilisations.

• •• • Chris Bhiki wrote: Justice is served here. The facts clearly indicate innocence.

Satinder Preet Singh wrote: Soon there will be little China, little Turkey, little •• ••• •• Mishi Christine wrote: Unbelievable. How many more women have to die!

Afghanistan, little Lebanon.

•• •• • Dharmishta Sharma wrote: Imagine what a dangerous world we women are Rakesh SahgaJ wrote: It is good that we are considering a name 'Little India' •• •• •• •• living in! Where ALL the heinous acts of domestic violence are being justified in Sydney. Practically every major city in the world has a 'China Town' but few •• •• with flimsy excuses. Disgusting. cities have 'Little India' while our population is almost the same.

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SAYIT AGAIN

8 APRIL 2021

INDIAN NEWS HEADLINES ON PRINCE PHILIP

Prince Philip: Three royal visits and a tiger controversy

Prince Philip: The foreigner consort, whose ancestry spanned all of royal Europe

Press Trust of India

Indian Express

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FROM BLOGGER TO MENTOR

JYOTI SHANKAR shared the story of Melbourne's Vinesh Ba/an, who is

helping new migrants and students navigate their job search, one meet-up at a time.

Vinesh Balan wrote: Sharing your story will help (people) not to repeat the mistakes you did (unless you want them to suffer the same way you did).

That's how I started documenting my journey three years ago. I did it for my own mental sanity though - to escape from the horrendous job search that I was having. Little did I know the impact it would have. Today, I'm so proud to see someone else narrating my story! A huge shout out to Jyoti Shankar for the beautiful write-up.

Varun Rao wrote: Great article, Vinesh Balan! I struggled in my job search as well like many others, applying for over 1000 jobs before I got my first breakthrough. But in all of this I never gave up and always believed that "I need to chase my dreams and not the competition". The days where I would knock on every employer's door, speaking with people to build connections, trying different strategies (i.e. suggesting to employers, try before you buy) are still fresh to me. Also one needs to keep asking oneself the question, "How badly do I want this?"

Vlgnesh Jayakumar wrote: These stories are not limited to migrants in Australia alone, but to all who leave their own country to study and work in other countries. Sometimes people get demotivated, or depressed. Hopefully these stories will motivate them to start afresh in their search of a better life.

Jal Praful Ved wrote: Long journey summarized well by Jyoti Shankar, as she brings to the fore the basic need of networking to build relations.

Tarzon Budhathokl wrote: You really are doing great work Vinesh, you inspire to share. As a job seeker immigrant in Australia myself, I believe that the way you are empowering fellow migrants to push themselves and get out there to connect with real people, is amazing. You started your journey with Zero, learned the way, and now you are passing the learning to others so that they could learn more than just from the books at uni.

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•• •• •• ••• •• • 3 •• z •• • .s z ••• 0 • • 15 .c •• a.. • • •• •• YOU DESERVED SO MUCH BETTER, AISHWARYA •• •• The seven-year-old from Perth passed away over the Easter Jong weekend after •• waiting two hours to see a doctor, raising calls for an inquiry into the functioning •• •• of emergency departments.

•• Lisa Collins wrote: I'm a Queenslander living in Adelaide. The WA Health •• •• minister is blaming COVID, which is an absolute cop out! I think it doesn't • • matter what state you live in, these long wait times happen. At Ipswich • •• Hospital QLD, I had to wait 6 hours to be seen - finally at 4am. At the Women • • • and Children's Hospital Adelaide, where my GP told me to take my t w o -year­ •• • old son, we waited the whole night into the early hours of the morning! The ••• nurses said there was no chance he would get seen due to staff shortages, ••• so we ended up having to take him home and come back later the next day.

•• •• Appalling! Luckily my son ended up being ok. Such a sub-par system. The ••• doctors and nurses are under so much stress due to staff shortages.

• John De Graff wrote: This is the reality of free Medicare in Australia.

••• •• Tax-payers paying huge taxes for having our kids murdered in emergency •• situations. This is a murder and LNP should answer this.

•• •• Kaur Mandeep wrote: At public hospitals, everything from parking to wait • times, is horrific. They don't want to pay medical staff well, and nobody wants •• • to overwork for very little pay.

• •• •• Sri Bhargavl Peesapatl wrote: The medical system in this country seems •• to be downgrading these days, don't know why. I'm hearing the words •• •• "understaffed" and "negligence" very often, especially during holidays or long •• weekends. If staff is on holiday, they need to either replace temporary/back up • •• staff immediately or recruit more staff. First of all, they shouldn't allow more •• •• number of staff nurses or doctors to take leave during long weekends. We treat •• doctors and nurses as gods as they save lives. I'm hearing (about) newborn •• deaths too in Australia. Seriously, action needs to be taken immediately as not •• to happen again in future. This is scary and disheartening. Can't even imagine the pain this little one's parents are going through. Feeling very sad.

Chandra Klshore wrote: This happening in Australia is JUST not on.

Daniel Satheesh wrote: Why are emergency departments like this, not •• considering you until you are bleeding heavily?

•• •• Padma Jatoth wrote: My prayers for the grieving family. Unimaginable loss.

•• I hope the hospital addresses the triage system and delay in treatment to •• • prevent recurrence.

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On the occasion of Holi, we asked: which north Indian town has an annual In the spirit of colour, we asked you where you can find this pink lake in Holi ritual of beating the menfolk with sticks, while they protect themselves Australia. Readers Deepak Vincent, Subha, and Saurabh Anand got the • with shields? Readers Ambika Girglani, Alok Chaudhary, Neha Mittal, correct answer Lake Hillier, WA. The pink colour comes from the micro algae • • • • and Ruchika Mangla got it right: Laathmaar Holi in Barsana, near Mathura. called Dunaliella salina.

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Prince Philip: The strength behind the crown Hindustan Times

NATIONAL EDITION

Did you know Prince Philip was born on a kitchen table?

Deccan Herald

Prince Philip was no saint, but he was the Queen's rock Deccan Herald

Prince Philip was the gruff figure at heart of Britain's monarchy

The Tribune

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•Proceed with prudence' i s the genera l advice fol lowi ng the a n n o u n cement of the tra n s -Ta s m a n travel b u bble half-price fares to 13 destinations with in While making the announcen1ent Australia.

Prin1e Minister Arden cautioned travellers that their travel plans could 11111 11'1:' However, Sayan and Monalisa, a young •• "I ,., C-PRtv ''"' BY be disrupted at short notice if a case is couple from Melbourne will love to travel SANDIP HOR detected or an outbreak has emerged in • , internationally.

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"We will board the plane for sure .,,. , despite some risks," they say, being very t was sheer jubilation at the Tailor The bubble will continue if the � detected case is linked to a quarantine ot keen to dust off their passports and visit household in Sydney when New Zealand border worker who has been contained New Zealand, where they have been Priine Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the long-awaited two-way trans-Tasman quickly. However, chances rema in high twice earlier. They now look forward .., ,. to other international destinations on bubble. This allows, from 19 April for the bubble to be paused if there ••• • theil' bucket list if allowed. onwards,Australian travellers to enter New is a localised outbreak that leads to a • t;:• "The cond itions don't worry us; it's short lockdown, like the recent one in Zealand without mandatory hotel quarantine. i:::·• .._ • .,,..

Brisbane. Further, the NZ government may the new way of travel in a pandemic," It's been a year since Bharat and Asha ... suspend the bubble te1nporarily if there they add.

Tailor saw their son Paras who lives in New � Sovon Thakur from Tata Consultancy Zealand. Paras could have travelled to are a number of community cases with Australia any time after October last year an unknown source. This NZ approach and currently not waiti ng for the results Services (TCS) express simila1· views. Based in Sydney, he is Head of Operations for New when Australia made it quarantine-free for mirrors that of Australia, which paused of a COYlD-19 test taken in the past 14 days.

In addition, travellers need to spend the 14 Zealand. Since the pandemic began he has New Zealanders, but the mandatory 14 days the travel arrangement te1nporarily during outbreaks in Auckland. days before departure in either Australia or been depending mostly on video calls to of hotel quarantine on return stopped him Also, to become eligible for a quarantineNew Zeala nd. manage many multi-million dollar accounts fron1 doing so.

Not anymore. Paras has already booked his The flights across the Tasman won't come free flight, a nu1nber of conditions need to be across the Tasman. flight to Sydney to meet the fa1nily. met, like not having had a positive COVID-19 cheap either. According to the Qantas "Now it's the time to personally shake --hands with clie nts and cheer up my NZ The Tailor fainiJy are not the only ones test in the 1 4 days betore website, it will cost a family of four team", he comtnents while planning to book around $3,000 from Sydney to rejoicing. Similar joy is shared by around departure, �:::�����������;; � � �==:: --Queens town and back during the his flights to Auckland soon.

600,000 New Zealanders Living in z.ea\and eVil N Australia and 75,000 Austral ians The success of this bubble depends on June school holidays, Queenstown _ to tS gh f\\ 0 in New Zealand. All are looking g00\( in wi nter being a favourite for many factors. An important one is how forward to n1eeting families separated Aussie ski lovers. With Jetstar the strongly the established health, transport and isolation protocols are enforced in both for more than a year because of the fare will be marginally cheaper.

Considering the above some countries. The other factor of significance pande1nic. may prefer to travel domestic, is the successful rollout of the vaccination, However, will this quarantine-free travel inspire many Aussies and Kiwis particularly because of the which has been rather slow in both countries, to make holiday plans again? though it's not essential for passengers to get jabbed before travel.

"Perhaps not," says Phillip Boniface 11 Once travel arrangements across the fron1 Helloworld Travel in Carlingford, Tasman prove effective, opportunities will NSW. open upto expand the concept to other "Surely our phones are ringing with enquiries, but potential leisure travellers are countries like Singapore, Japan, South Korea thoughtful about the associated risks and and other Pacific nations.

The New Zealand travel bubble, to conditions of travel and the cost." paraphrase Prime Minister Morrison, is but He added, "This arrangement will strongly the first step. appeal to the friends-and-relatives sector and to son1e business travellers, but leisure travellers are not 100% confident to travel Travelling to New Zealand? Check out Petra offshore just yet."

0'Neill's 10-day itinerary overleaf

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Surely our phones are ringing with enquiries, but potential leisure travellers are thoughtful about the associated risks and conditions of travel and the cost."

Phillip Boniface, Travel agent

NATIONAL EDITION

APRIL 2021 11

COVER STORY Let's get started

Go to newzealand.con1 for a wealth of information, including themed itineraries to get inspiration from. Consider what your interests are - from adventure, wildlife, snow-capped n1ountains, a beautiful coastline and pristine wilderness, as New Zealand has it all.

Once you've decided where to go, choose how you'll get around. Hiring a car is the 1nost convenient, though you'll need an international driver's licence, and road conditions are different to here. There are few expressways; n1any roads are single lane and hilly. NewZealand also has an extensive bus network as well as ferries and scenic rail journeys including the Northern Explorer, Trans Alpine and Coastal Pacific. Check timetables since not all services operate daily.

Cost wise, you'll be paying sin1ilar prices to here, though the AUD is worth slightly n1ore. For accon1rnodation, backpacker acco,nmodation is generally of a high standard and is widely available. YHA and BBH have hostels across NewZealand.

The largest hotel chain is Accor, with the Ibis, Mercure, Novotel and Sofitel brands also well represented. B&Bs are widespread and Luxury Lodges are exclusive and highly renowned. Hiring a motorhon1e is popular and convenient.

If you would rather an adventurous stay, Life's an Adventure and Heritage Expeditions offer guided hiking trips.

Your adventure begins on the flight across the Tasn,an, as clouds part to reveal the n1ajestic peaks of New Zealand's South Island, or to the black sand beaches along the west coast of the North Island.

Qantas, Jets tar and Air New Zealand are all offering flights and Virgin Australia will be resun1ing later. Airfat·e prices ,nay drop after the initial surge in den1and so sign up for e1nail alerts and to suit your itinerary, consider flying into one city and flying out fron1 another.

Itinerary for 10 nights

If this is your first visit, I'd suggest travelling fron1 Auckland to Christchurch to experience a bit of everything, with the option of diversions or longer stays.

Auckland

A friendly, vibrant and culturally diverse city wedged between two harbours, Auckland offers so n1uch to discover with neat timber houses, boutiques, restaurants and many attractions,including the Sky Tower that provides panora1nic views of the city from the observation deck.

Known as the city of sails for its stunning harbour dotted with boats, head for Viaduct Harbour, the streets near Queen Street including High Street, and the inner city neighbourhoods of Parnell and Ponsonby. The Auckland Museum is also a highlight, with displays on Maori culture a must see and if tiine allows, catch a ferry to Waiheke Island with its rolling hills, stunning coastline and 30 wineries.

Auckland - Coromandel Peninsula - Maunganui

From Auckland follow the coastline to Coromandel, where you'll find craft shops, hiking trails and Kauri pine forests. Drive by the beach settlements of Whangapoua, Matarangi and Kuaotunuto Whitianga. The road continues to Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove, two n1ust see attractions, and along to Whangamata, one of New 12 APRIL 2021

Zealand's most attractive surf towns.

On arrival in Maunganui, a popular holiday destination, with a relaxed vibe and beautiful beaches, look out for dolphins as you follow the base track around Mount Maunganui.

Maunganuito Rotorua

Neighbouring Tauranga has manicured gardens and heritage mansions, including the Elms Mission House. From here it's a short drive past Kiwi fruit orchards to Rotorua where you can spend the day exploring the 1nany geothermal attractions.

From bubbling mud pools to erupting geysers and craters, the earth is alive with volcanic activity as well as offering walking trails to view waterfalls and lush native forests. I reco,nmend both Wai-O Tapu and Waimangu. End the day with a hot soak in the thermal pools or by i111mersing yourself in Maori culture at Te Puia.

Rotorua to Napier

Napier is fan1ous for its distinctive Art Deco styled architecture, after an earthquake levelled the city and it was rebuilt in 1931.

Beyond the city, Hawke's Bay is a region of vineyards, orchards, beaches, stunning landscapes and a gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers.

Napier to Wellington

The drive fron1 Napier to Wellington is VI ,_ lined with stunning forests, rivers and mountain ranges.

N Nestled between the harbour and the z VI hills, Wellington is ideal for exploring on 0 ...., foot. Delve into the many museums and .c Marlborough Sounds galleries, sample local craft beers and experience the lively cafes, restaurants and culture of New Zealand's capital city.

Renowned attractions include the historic BY parliament buildings and the Beehive, PETRA O'NEILL Museun1 of New Zealand, a bustling waterfront, cable car and Botanic Gardens. home, they stayed on and A karoa still Wellington to Nelson retains a French influence.

The Inter-islander ferry provides spectacular scenery as it passes the More jewels coastline, waterways and islands of While this itinerary provides a good Marlborough Sounds. On arrival at the overview, it misses out on some of my South Island, continue to picturesque favourite destinations including the Bay Nelson and spend a day to explore the Abel of Islands, Mount Cook, Milford Sound and Dunedin. If you have time, I would Tasman National Park. definitely include Dunedin, a city with the Nelson to Christchurch steepest street in the world and a strong Drive along the windswept, rugged Scottish heritage showcased in striking coastline to the mountainous coastal town cathedrals, gracious terraces and even of Kaikoura, known for its rich marine a castle. Dunedin also boasts incredible life including spen11 whales and dolphins, wildlife including fur seals, penguins before continuing onto Christchurch. and sea lions and has been awarded with having the world's best beer.

With a heritage of manicured parks, If you enjoy adventure you could also Gothic style university, sprawling villas and punting on the Avon River, post the end your trip in Queenstown. Surrounded devastating earthquake, a creativity has by mountains, Queenstown is New emerged of art galleries and high-tech Zealand's adventure capital, urban design,lively cafes, bars and bistros.

Spend a day exploring the scenic lush countryside of the Banks Peninsula and the pretty seaside town of Akaroa, with brightly painted timber cottages, craft shops, cafes and art galleries and the quirky Giant's House. In 1840, a ship carrying 60 French settlers arrived to establish a colony only to find the British had beaten them. Too far from

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It's time to dust off thE easy to travel aroL with skiing, thrilling jet boat rides through the rapids, and bungy jumping all on offer.

More relaxing are the many hiking trails, a gondola ride for fantastic views, a cruise on Lake Wakatipu and ending the day enjoying the lively arts and dining scene followed by a soak in an onsen hot tub.

Travel Notebook

It's cold in the South Island during winter so dress appropriately with layers, jackets, hats and gloves. Public transport in cities is excellent and hop on hop buses are also available.

Australia and New Zealand have reciprocal healthcare so take your Medicare card. Your Seniors card will also be accepted. Credit cards are widely used. Check the airline, car hire company and hotels to ensure they offer flexible cancellation policies.

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Auckland by night

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NATIONAL EDITION

APRIL 2021 13

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Melb becomes second hub after Perth to secure an Indian Community Centre The Australian Indian Community Centre was inaugurated at Rowvi l le late i n March BY

RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA hen Yasan Srinivasan pottered around at Melbourne's new Indian con,munity centre at Rowville on the weekend, he observed con,patriots stop in their cars to check out the building.

Some even took photographs.

"It was a wonderful feeling," Srinivasan beamed as he spoke with Indian Link.

As the driving force behind tbe new Australian Indian Community Centre that was launched late in March, it must have been satisfying to see that the word had got around so quickly, and had piqued interest in the con1n1unity.

Co1nmunity centres have been a pipedrea1n for way too long, and now Melbourne becomes the second hub after Perth to have 'a place to caU home', as Srinivasan refers to it.

An idea that was floated way back in 2012, it took much lobbying with the governn1ent and within the community to finally see it to fruition.

Alan Tudge, Minister for Education and Youth, acknowledged this when he said at the inauguration, "This has been the culmination of a big vision and hundreds of hours of work by community leaders."

The Federal Government made a $2.5 million grant for the project.

The Co1n1nunity Centre at Kingsley Close in Rowville will have hospitality and function centre facilities, and will also host cultural and sporting activities, seniors' activities and educational programs for the young.

The premises, fonnerly owned by Salvation Army, include on the ground floor a main hall and a 1nini hall that can accommodate 250 and 120 people respectively; offices, toilets and showers, and out the back, a sport centre which NATIONAL EDITION

could convert into a 350-seat dining hall.

Upstairs is home to the Museum of India, now relocated from its temporary home at Dandenong. Filled with artefacts donated by the Parekh fan1ily, it will be an added attraction. So1ne of the collections include nearly 500 coins (some dating back to 600 BC), nearly a million sta1nps, a large collection of Gandhi memorabilia, no less than 600 paintings, and many sculptures and books.

Outli11ing the journey of tbe Australian Indian Comn1unity Centre, Srinivasan described, "Son,e 28 Indian organisations came together as an Indian federation to see this project through. These included local organisations of people hailing from KashJnir to Kerala. While individual organisations continued to carry on their activities, a small group from across the board formed a core con1mittee for major infrastructure projects to service the co1nmunity at large. This core group, the Australian Indian Community Charitable Trust (AICCT), was made up of like-minded people who would support the projects physically, financially and morally."

A list of five major projects were

drawn up - an ethno-specific aged care facility, a museum of Indian art, an Indian community centre, a retirement village for Indian-origin people, and a school.

"We've delivered on three of these," Srinivasan declared. "The ethno-specific aged care is a 108-bed facility in Noble Park that MiCare will construct and manage.

Planning is approved, and construction is due to begin shortly, as COYID played spoilsport. lt will have language-based staff and volunteers, prayer rooms and a 300-capacity community hall."

Museum India was launched in 2014 with collections donated by art collector and connoisseur Dr Dinesh Parekh, who passed only weeks ago.

The Indian Community Centre is currently awaiting Council approval, Srinivasan revealed. "The premises were used previously as a place of training and assembly but ceased operating thus two years ago. We are waiting on Council to reinstate permits for these purposes again; we're hoping they'll come through in the next six weeks."

A website for the community centre is in development: it will enable people to book

facilities online, register for events, and also see the Museum in 3D. "We would love to celebrate Independence Day here, but are aiming most certainly for a Gandhi Week in October, with Museum activities and a leetu re series," Srinivasan an nou need.

It was exactly two years ago the Indian community in Perth secured its India centre, thanks to the Indian Society of Western Australia (ISWA). It was a project on which Srinivasan had advised. " I worked together with a very committed ISWA team under then President Surya Ambati, to negotiate with the federal government," Srinivasan recalled. "We were able to secure grants of $2.5 million each.

They're hoping to inaugurate this August too. Of course they've had to construct, but we were able to purchase existing premises, even though we'll have to spend $250,000 for upgrades."

What about an Indian centre in NSW, we ask Srinivasan.

All he'll say in reply is, "We are disappointed that the NSW community is not coming together to achieve what we have."

APRIL 2021 15

I N DOPH I LE

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Colours, open plans, joyful designs: A Syd ney-based n ot-for- pro

BY RHEA L NATH

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nganwadis, or rural childcare centres, have existed in lndia C co since the '70s, but they haven't ..c 0 always been associated with � beauty or co1nfort. Despite their noble purpose, they can be badly lit, hot, and many times neglected.

For over a decade, a group of Australian architects have been working on changing "O 0 that notion, one school at a tii11e. a::: 0 "We decided to start with small +' interventions in Ahmedabad anganwadis, _g like improving ventilation," explained Jane & Rothschild, co-founder and project director en 0 of The Anganwadi Project. "Eventually, 0 we decided to go bigger. We recruited o.. ______ volunteers fron1 Australia and New Sarah Schaffel (left) and :Jane Rothschild (right) with children in the anganwadi.

Zealand to work on a project on-ground in India. For 6 months, from the planning she told Indian Link. open spaces and thoughtful plans around phase to the final result, they really work The Anganwadi Project grew out of community needs have really sparked joy."

Jane's chance encounter with a young Indeed, a look at their projects in with the com111unity to understand their Ahmedabad, Gujarat and Anantapur, needs and deliver their vision."

India-based designer through Architects Jane describes an anganwadi, of which Without Frontiers. Since 2007, the not­ Andhra Pradesh reveal bright, colourful, there are some 1.3 million nationwide, as for-profit has become much larger than welcoming spaces that are bound to more than just a pre-school. they could have in1agined, with around 40 get creative juices flowing. From well­ "It's generally considered an early architects contributing till date. ventilated bamboo interiors and generous learning centre and a source of meals for "The reception has been really great," greenery to latticed metalwork and mosaic floors, the new buildings bring a n1odern children between two and five years old, Jane shared."Everyone is thrilled that but it goes beyond that. I t becomes a hub these anganwadis can be more than just an aesthetic to rural constructions. for the women and children of the village," "Each anganwadi costs anywhere ordinary concrete building. The colours, 16 APRIL 2021

between $10,000 to $20,000 to build. Our ethos is to recycle, reuse, and repurpose local materials. Creating mosaics of free broken tiles, taking in old gates and windows, incorporating local art and mudwork, we're making the most of what is available around us," Jane elaborated.

Working in collaboration with lndia­ based NGOs Manav Sadhna and the Rural Development Trust (ROT), The Anganwadi Project aims to prove that co1nmunity­ based designs are successful designs.

Changing lives on-ground

"There's lots to be gaLned by closer ties between India and Australia. It's an amazing country of contrast with big cities alongside traditional, rural areas," said Sarah Schaffel, board n1ember and architect with The Anganwadi Project.

In 2019, she helped design their first anganwadi in Andhra Pradesh in Bondalawada, Anantpur.

"The anganwadi was given the name Harivillu which means 'rainbow' in Telegu.

It was chosen by the community," she told Indian Link with a smile.

Developing Harivillu started with two weeks of pre-design, spending tLme with the teachers, children, and co111munity to understand their lifestyle and needs. The architects then came back with colourful, graphic plans that would be easy for all stakeholders to understand. By the end of the first month, they were on-site every day ("with a good pair of boots and plenty

www.indianlink.com.au

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of water", Sarah chuckled) to supervise construction.

Years later, she's still in touch with the Bondalawada community. "l think we built some very close relationships with the teachers and mothers.

For them, it seeined an empowering experience to give inputs on the design of the anganwadi that would directly affect them. I still speak with Lakshmi (one of the teachers) every 10 days or so," Sarah said fondly. "When we completed the project, so1ne of the children were still in preschool.

Now we see them all grown up... it's certainly a rewarding experience."

She recalls how the children can1e fro1n poor, lower caste backgrounds, making the

NATIONAL EDITION

anganwadi a necessary safe space for them to study and socialise without taunts or ridicule.

"As Australians, you might not agree with these structures, but you want to be respectful," she offered.

The way ahead

Last year, the pandemic forced

construction to cease and most of the volunteers had to 1nake their way back to Australia. Still, there was a silver lining: they managed to co1nplete the construction of one anganwadi, Harivillu 2, in Ammavaripeta, Andhra Pradesh.

"COYI0-19 definitely impacted our work, but we learnt to continue our efforts

The Anganwadi Project combines modernity with sustainability to help disadvantaged commun ities

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remotely," Jane explained. "Our partner organisations also worked during this titne on helping migrant workers who had lost their jobs during lockdown."

Like many of the volunteers, she looks forward to visiting the sites and communities once again when the situation improves.

"I've always had a deep love and appreciation for the country. I first travelled to India when I was 25, it's always felt Like my second home. I'm keen to visit again when I can," she said.

Read more about The Anganwadi Project and how to get involved at www.anganwadiproject.com

APRIL 2021 17

F U N □ RA I S E R

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How paintings became a pathway for Ratna Sarma to immerse herself in other cultures BY RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA s a new visitor to Australia not so long ago, Ratna Sanna found herself drawn to Indigenous art.

It reminded her of Gond art, one of lndia's own folk art traditions that is currently experiencing a resurgence of interest, and which she as an artist herself, has been following. "l was inspired to make n1y own painting, based on elements from streams of thought in indigenous Indian and Australian art," Ratna told Indian Link.

The resulting triptych is entitled 'Wisdo1n'. With its warn1 earthy colours and raw magnetism, it evokes a sense of connectedness with nature, and is a hark back to a time of simplicity in this era of screen overload and vil·tual connectivity.

The painting found itself at the centre of a bidding war a few months ago, picked to be auctioned off tor bushfire relief.

"I was pleasantly surprised when local organisation lWiN (Initiatives for Women in Need) approached me with the request," Ratna revealed. "It was a painting 1 made

18 APRIL 2021

for leisure, but when asked for it to help a worthy cause, 1 agreed without hesitation."

(The Canberra-based not-for-profit was launched by Dr Madhumita Iyengar in 2013, to support women and children in India and AustraIia.) Funds raised by the sale of Ratna Sarina's painting went to an Indigenous community particularly affected by the bushfires of late 2019 and early 2020.

Given COVID struck around the same time and lockdown can1e into effect, the characteristic back-to-nature aesthetic of Ratna's work quickly came to the fore.

With plenty of ti1ne on hand, she began to paint prolifically. Her subject tnatter was almost always nature - landscapes, the hills behind her home, birds and ti·ees.

"I'd go for short walks (thankfully in Canberra this was allowed), take photos, and paint off them."

Confined indoors, it's clear she was driven by the need for a reconnect with the natural

world outdoors.

A self-taught artist who has been painting since childhood, Ratna's body of work encompasses oils, acrylic pastels, chalk pastels and sketching. She sharpened her innate skills at New Delhi's famed Triveni Kala Sangam, under the supervision of leading Indian visual artist Rameshwar Broota.

Her perspectives broadened with her travels outside of India with her diplomat husband Gitesh Sarma, currently India's High Commissioner to Australia.

"I took in impressions from all the countries l have lived in, learning from other cultures - silk paintings in Belarus, Russian techniques, Chinese methods, Uzbek works."

She also found opportunity to exhibit her work at each of these postings, frequently offering demonstrations of WorLi art, and of course, visiting museums and galleries. lo Australia, she claims to be particularly partial to the Art Gallery of NSW and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney, and the National Gallery and Portrait Gallery in Canberra.

"I do like the early colonial and federation era works such as Arthur Streeton, but it is Indigenous art that has always beckoned," Ratna admitted. "They ai-e much more

rudimentary than our own Gond or Worli, but that's what I love. The works are inforn1ed by the artists' own Dreaming, and the specific places they come fron1, so they are very much expressions of their specific culture, handed down from generations."

She added, "l would love dearly to see an exhibition in which Indian and Australian Indigenous art are presented together!"

As her husband's tenure in Canberra comes to a close, Ratna says she is going to miss Canberra and Australia.

"Every new posting starts as a blank canvas for me, which I fill in with impressions. As our last posting Australia is a special place. I'll miss the bluest sky 1 have ever seen, and the most fascinating flora and fauna. As regards people, I must say it has been the easiest place to get along with people. 1 go back with very good feelings about Australia."

How would Ratna advise other temporary resident wives/partners like her?

"Hone your skills - art, craft, cooking, anything. Make friends; it's the best way to learn about other cultures. Learn about the culture of the host country. Try to be helpful wherever and whenever you can: I've been blown away at how charitable the Indian community in Australia has been during the bushfil·es and during COVlD."

www.indianlink.com.au

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A painting a day for 100 days: Julia Raath's latest exhibition is in aid of Benga l a rtisans When Julia heard of the devastation caused

by Cyclone Amphan in West Bengal last year, over and above the impacts of the pandemic, she knew she had to help. These were villages she visited regularly on her tours.

"During COVID-19 lockdowns in Australia, l painted every day to keep myself creatively occupied. I shared my work on social media and received much positive feedback and messages of support. When I heard that my friends in India had started a fundraiser, I decided to sell prints of the paintings l had created, with all the proceeds going to cyclone affected areas. I was blown away by the response, as we raised $3000 within two weeks."

Julia's love and deep appreciation for India and its people has allowed her to truly experience the country like a local. "There is sotnething about lndia - it gets under your skin. It is not an easy country to travel in and there can be many challenges, but when l an1 there, I feel alive, alert and excited, and the challenges pale in con1parison to the delights."

Julia also set a goal to paint one original still life painting per day, for one hundred days during COVID-19. The collection is titled "A still life for a still life" and is being exhibited at The Boroughs Store in Melbourne. The exhibition will run until 14 April 2021.

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BY BYNIDHI JOSHI extile students who went on JuHa Raath's first tour to India remember as it the "Oh my God" tour - the exclamation that came out of their mouths every place they visited.

They visited large-scale textile factories as well as traditional artisans in the villages.

They also got to try their hand at creating printed textiles, natural dyeing, and embroidery.

"This kind of exposure to such a wide variety of textile practices simply does not exist in Australia," Julia told Indian Link.

"It was a life -changing trip for many of the students."

That was way back in 2015.

Since then, the Melbourne-based textile designer, teacher and artist has led over a dozen tours to India, acquainting Australians with its rich traditions and diverse culture, through the lens of textiles and food.

"For a teacher of textiles, India is heaven," Julia described. "The n1arkets in Kolkata and Delhi have every type of textile you can imagine; complex patterned silk brocades from Varanasi, Pashn1ina woollen shawls from Kashmir, tiny knotted Bandhani sca1·ves and embroideries from Gujarat, fine cotton muslin Jmndani from West Bengal and more."

Julia's love affair with India began over two decades ago in 1998, when she visited for a textile and fashion conference. Her deep knowledge and interest in textiles have NATIONAL EDITION

since provided her with opportunjties not only to lead n1any guided tours across India for Australian textile design students and tourists, but also to teach at the National Institute of Fashion & Textiles (NIFT) in Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Hyderabad.

"I now have friends and students all over India that still keep in touch," she revealed.

"They are all so generous and welcomjng, and we have a shared passion for art and textiles."

Julia is no longer a full-tin1e textile design teacher, but she continues to take tourists fro1n Australia to West Bengal through her company 'Surfaced'. She usually takes sn1all group tours for fifteen days, with a focus on textiles and crafts there.

"I noticed that there were son1e fantastic tours already operating out of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Dellu, but not as many showcasing the best of Kolkata and West Bengal," she said. " l have always enjoyed teaching and wanted to assist first time travellers to get their bearings in India and give them the same kjnd of guided introduction that I had on my first trip. My tours allow participants to learn a new skjll, spend tiine with locals and really understand and appreciate another culture."

The tours have been halted lately due to COVID-19, and the impact of this is not lost on Julia.

"The tours provide a great source of income for s1nall village artisans. This year we had plans to work with won1en from Shantiniketan in West Bengal, to expand their businesses to provide n1eals for my tour groups, as well as create a comprehensive craft skills programme."

APRIL 2021 19

Resi n tabletop?

No, it's Cape Schanck in VIC

Image by RITAM MITRA lnstagram: @rit.mit Drone photography (OJI Mavic Mini)

OPINION

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Austral ia needs to lead in response to climate change or iind itself become a g lobal sym bol for inaction, writes EDMOND ROY n the late 1980s, while I was a reporter covering one of the mega-cyclones to hit Bangladesh, a government official in Dhaka confided in me that he was fed up with seeing his nation only make the global headlines as a result of the disasters that befell it.

Australia is fast catching up in that regard.

In the past 18 months, the driest continent on the planet has 1nade global news for unprecedented bushfi.res that left 33 people dead and more than 17 million hectares in ash. This was followed by the great floods of 2020, which left hundreds homeless and drenched the eastern part of the country with more than 700 n1illilnetres of water in a week.

Co1ne March of 2021 and Australia is in the global headlines yet again. The descriptions are as similar as they are familiar.

Worst floods in decades. One-in-a-hundred­ year event. Greatest concern. News reporters and politicians appear to have run out of adjectives, recycling the satne phrases used in previous disasters. Gone are the days when Australia was famous across the world for stories of cuddly koalas, boxing kangaroos or surfers versus sharks. Australia is now well and truly at the forefront of the climate crisis.

Compounding this challenge is a view of a government out of step with the world to act in response.

It was not always thus. Consider the case of the hole in the ozone layer, when after its discovery in 1985, Australia played an outstanding role in the creation of the Montreal Protocol, which became known as the "world's most successful environmental agreement".

That success only makes for a 1nore striking contrast with Australia's conte1nporary international reputation for the approach it 22 APRIL 2021

The author at the causeway on the road to home. Kera/a-born Edmond's home in northern NSW has seen three major natural disasters in the past 18 months. bas adopted to climate change, particularly under the Liberal-National Coalition government in power since 2013. People are regularly reminded that Prime Minister Scott Morrison once brandished a lump of coal in the country's parliament, that the Coalition dis1nantled the carbon tax and struggled over a renewable energy target, and bas consistently ignored the pleas of business groups, environmental organisations and climate scientists for firm action.

Notions of isolation and relative safety have long been a n1ainstay for global views of Australia. In 2021, it may well be the reverse.

It's not that Australia has been without recomn1endations. The Garnaut Climate Change Review, for example, commissioned in 2007 by then-Labor leader Kevin Rudd, argued that it was in Australia's national

interest to seek an international agreement for holding carbon dioxide equivalent concentrations at 450 parts per million (ppm) or lower, and for Australia to offer in advance to play its full propo1·tionate part in such an agreen1ent. The report also said the cost of action to the Australian economy of tackling clin1ate change was far less than the cost of inaction. But today the Garnaut report is hardly mentioned and has all but disappeared from public discourse.

Instead Australia appears trapped in a turgid political contest where critics are dismissed as "woke inner-city greenies" and the attempts to discuss the cause of regular crises are deflected as "not the right time".

AU of this can't help but be noted around the world as the country first burned and then drowned. Even former finance minister Mattias Cormann's can1paign to becon1e chief of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development was dogged by criticism of Australia's climate stance, and while this did not prevent him winning the gig, will such questions continue to mount and in future hold Australia back?

As I write this from home the rain has been steadily falling for the past week.

So far, in the small hamlet of Marlee, on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, we have received 820 millimetres of rain.

The creeks around our property have inundated paddocks, created rivers out of streams and uprooted 30-metre-tall gum trees. The roads into our area have been wiped out, causeways and bridges destroyed. Landslides block access to many properties, livestock washed downstream and drowned, communication systen1s are down, electricity and water supplies cut.

Supplies are running low, and with every passing hour the ground is getting more

sodden. The State Emergency Service and the Rural Fire Service, both voluntary organisations, have been run off their feet.

Evacuation centres are swelling, roads are closed, and flood waters continue to rise.

We've been through all of this before.

Australia is a land of extremes. We all know that. And we also know the national storylines of a people who are resilient and stoic and tough. But that reputation is at risk of being overwhelmed without the leadership to act.

In 1957, Nevil Shute wrote his nightmarish vision of waiting to die in a nuclear catastrophe, On the Beach. He set it in Australia, the last place on earth to receive the radioactive fallout that would wipe out life on earth. That notion of isolation and relative safety has long been a mainstay for global views of Australia.

In 2021, it may well be the reverse. It's in Australia where it all begins - the bellwether of inaction on climate change.

This article first appeared in The Interpreter, published by the Lowy Institute.

www.indianlink.com.au

SCHOOL

easure oo e ec 1veness •

Why schools should compile and pu blish Net Promoter Scores (N PS) BY

MOHAN DHALL

he tiresome gloating by schools about the proportion of their students who get top ATAR bands, can easily be remedied by having schools publicly report their Net Promoter Scores. lf you haven't heal'd of it before, Net Promoter Score or NPS is a metric used in customer experience progra1ns. It measures the loyalty of customers to a company, based on their responses to one simple question:

How likely is it that you would recommend (Organisation X/Product ¥/Service Z) to a friend or colleague?

First used in 2003, the NPS is now implemented by millions of institutions and businesses to monitor how they are perceived by their customers.

We are suggesting here that schools should ask their leaving cohort the question: How likely are you to recommend

this school and its services to a friend or colleague?

This would provide balance to promotions about a school's top ATAR bands by using a statistic inclusive of the whole school instead of those few most publicly valued and lauded.

Calculating the NPS Net Promoter Score uses a 1-10 ranking scale.

Scores of 9 or 10 are pro1noters NATIONAL EDITION

Schools routi nely gloat about the proportion of their students scoring in the top ATAR bands. Perhaps a high N PS score would be better to gloat about - it would be inclusive of the whole school instead of those few most publ icly val ued and lauded.

Scores of 7 and 8 are passives or neutral and are discarded Scores of 1, 2 3, 4, 5 and 6 are detractors To calculate the NPS, the percentage of detractors is deducted from the percentage of pro1noters. This means that if 10% of all respondents are promoters and 20% are detractors (with 70% being neutral) then the NPS can actually be negative. Across privately run educational enterprises the score is said to vary between about 30% and 70%. However, this is not the metric for mainstream schools. Survey Monkey determined the global benchmark across 1 50,000 organisations to be +32%. Schools do not have any NPS benchmark against which to assess them.

Why schools should measure their NPS Used in mainstream education, this metric could be extren1ely useful for several reasons. Firstly, simply compiling this metric

requires that schools reach out to each and every student, and also the student's family.

Since some students and their families are virtually invfaible, this alone would be an important first step in more fully engaging with the school community.

Related to this is something that every single teacher knows. When you have had contact with a student's parent or guardian, the awareness of that student in the class is heightened. This is the first step in improving student outcomes if students have been unnoticed.

A third reason as to why the NPS should be compiled is it gives evidence about community sentiment. Rather than school leaders and teachers assuming that students and families are happy on the basis of selectively reported ATAR results, the NPS would be a metric that could add important insight into what the leaving cohort really feels. 1£ schools are serious about evidence-

based interventions - this is a simple fonn of evidence that could be extre1nely useful.

A fourth reason as to why the annual NPS score should be measured is that it would indicate what those NOT achieving the highest marks and bands think. That is, whether they feel supported, guided and valued as much as those who are publicly badged as representative of school success.

This aspect is crucial, as in any system or institution, when viewed from the eyes of those most vulnerable or 1narginalised there is always capacity to improve and make meaningful differences.

Why school NPS data should be

publicly reported If schools are serious about supporting ALL students, then I believe they should welcome the opportunity to use NPS scores, or some version of the same.

However, as NPS data for regular schools is fairly scant, we cannot yet know what a 'good score' is (and what is not) in mainstream education. This fact should alarm parents who seek to make informed decisions about their child's education.

It should also concern educational bureaucrats who could use this data as evidence in part to help detennine how best to support those students most disaffected in schools.

However, once NPS scores are measured and reported - as publicly as schools promote the highest achievers - we will have a broader basis for meaning accountability.

APRIL 2021 23

YOUTH

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Shaken by the rising incidence of sexual violence in India, Sydney's Manjula Rao is doing her bit to help BY

JYOTI SHANKAR he 2012 Nirbhaya rape case in Delhi shook the world with its brutality and callousness of its perpetrators. News of such incidents n,ake us angry and sad, but rarely does the con1mon man feel empowered to do anything about the situation.

Not so for Sydneysider Manjula Rao. "The Nirbhaya case shook n1e to n1y core, and l felt l had to do what I could," she told Indian Link.

1-Ier two school-aged girls happened to be learning Taekwondo at that time and this planted the seed in Manjula's 1nind.

"For n1y girls, it was just a regular sport, but l started to consider Taekwondo for its potential as a self-defense tool," Manjula said.

She decided to teach children in India to defend themselves and to protect others.

Manjula chose to start her tnission in Bhama village of Madhya Pradesh, not far fro1n her ancestral ho1ue."It took us some time to find a teacher. I then spoke to the sarpanch of the village who gave us two rooms in a school, and we started training," she explained.

The project started with one village in 2014 and soon a second village joined in.

Through the NGO she set up with her husband Sudhindra Rao, called Luxmy Samiti, Manjula ensured every child who entered the course got a new unifonu with all the safety gear required such as helmets and guards for elbow, knee and chest. Today every Sunday for three hours, over a hundred children gather for self-defense classes.

Manjula confesses that the journey wasn't as smooth as this sounds. "Initially 24 APRIL 2021

I had to speak to the villagers to convince them about rape being on the rise, about the importance of self-defense."

In 2019, the National Cri1nes Record Bureau (NCRB) reported over 32,000 cases of rape in India, which amounts to over 88 cases per day.

When asked how theii- children could protect themselves, the villagers' standard response was 'Bhagwan ke bharose' (we leave it to the Aln1ighty). To that, Manjula countered, "Yes, we are always under the guidance of the Lord, but there are some things we've got to do ourselves!"

Visiting the villages, often four to five times a year before COYID struck, speaking in Hindi and dressing in lndian outfits, Manjula has subtly gained the trust and established a rapport with the village folk.

The number of enrolments increased graduaUy. "Girls are afraid no more, and the boys learn how to respect girls. In a society where there is no place a boy can talk to a girl without a stigma attached to it, we have open classes where the girls and boys train together."

Little touches such as teaching the children to groom better, further added to theii- confidence. Manjula observed a change in body language as well.

"Before training they walked with their heads bent and shoulders stooped, but the confidence gained from learning martial arts has made these child1·en sophisticated in themselves," she reported with pride.

Two of their girl students have already won medals at Taekwondo competitions.

However, Manjula asserts that that medals and fame are not what she encourages.

"Gold medals work for you individuaUy, not for society. I want oui- students to be confident and be an example for others. Competition deviates from actual training. They must train to protect themselves and protect others."

What makes her happy is to see her children get their black belts, which four girls and three boys have achieved already.

She sees the fruits of her efforts in more ways than one. "If the girls see a boy harassing someone now, they speak out.

People in the village have come to know the Taekwondo children and respect them."

The course is so popular now that girls

from other villages ask Manjula when she will start lessons for them. Unfortunately, the project is limited by resources, and she hopes for more like-minded people in Australia to join her in this mission.

Her NGO Luxmy Samiti would love more volunteers and financial patrons who wouJd like to sponsor children and enable the organisation to go out to more villages.

"My work will not stop, but this n1ission could do with a bit 1nore speed, more momentum," Manjula said.

Inculcating the tenets of Taekwondo - courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self­ control and indomitable spirit - in each child, is what the project aims to achieve.

Today, Manjula has managed to enter the tight inner circles of the villages and laid the foundation for this societal change, but it was a difficult and long journey. She wants to take this further to ensure stronger en1powerment of women in rural India.

While it is true that education is the way to make far-reaching changes in society, perhaps empowering individuals through self-defense classes is one crucial step towards giving them control over their own safety.

www.indianlink.com.au

WO M E N

Why d o we keep policing women's clothing?

An Indian politician's abrasive comments spark the conversation once again •

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RHEA L NATH ndian politicians have been known to publicly share some bizarre opinions over the years, but won1en across the country were stu1nped by the latest iteration last week: that ripped jeans somehow pave the way for 'societal breakdown'.

Merely weeks into his new office, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat raised eyebrows with his peculiar stance, suggesting ripped jeans imply loose morals and were a bad influence on the youth.

Within hours the hashtag #RippedJeans was trending on social media, embracing the association of denim with self-expression that has pervaded since the 1950s.

Rawat has since clarified he meant to en1phasise respect for Indian culture and traditions over Western traditions, but his co1nments were enough to rub 111any people the wrong way. For too long, both men and women in our society have felt the need to pass unsolicited comments on a woman's body and clothing. The rise of social media has made it even easier to leave a rude comment with no second thought on the consequences.

It's time for this to stop.

Starting as early as our school days, girls are taught to dress in a way that doesn't draw attention or 'distract'.

Many school dress codes draw on these odd principles, going out of their way to NATIONAL EDITION

cover girls up without applying similar rules for the n1ale population. How many girls can recall being pulled up for their short skirts? Or shirts that 111ight show a hint of unintended cleavage? ln high society fashion, it's perfectly fine for crop tops to be paired with lehengas. But when 1natched with jeans, however, they're an example of 'Westernised' women showing off their 1nidriff. In such instances, many Indian families will have leaped in with a rebuke or a jacket in an innocent-enough gesture to protect their girls.

Unfortunately, it all boils down to a culture of policing women's bodies to avoid temptation, as if men have no self­ control to an exposed knee or a stray bra strap. It affects the way we interact with each other and go about our days, and ultimately, the way institutions are structured.

For those who think that this culture exists only in India - we're seeing its implications in workplaces, and in the government house, here in Australia.

Across the globe, women are tired of being told what to do with their bodies.

It seen1s all advertising is geared to improving us in so1ne way, to make us thinner or thicker, fairer or tanned ... anything but what we already are.

So while it's easy to chuckle at the n1inister's comments, there's a larger story to be considered. Swati Maliwal, Chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women, stirred feathers when she suggested these kinds of comments advocate rape culture - but is she wrong? I n the last decade, thousands of women have rallied together for

'Slut Walks' around the world to fight the notion that a woman's appearance or clothing has anything to do with their sexual assault. (In the first ever Slut Walk organised in Melbourne in 2 0 1 1 , no less than 2,500 women participated.)

We all stand to learn something by biting our tongue the next time we're tempted to comment on a woman's appearance.

My exposed knees and I sure would appreciate it.

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APRIL 2021 25

WORK

see me complain about my classes .

• •

How COVID-19 has affected my work

I've been fortunate because I actually have added more classes post COVID. The three months of lockdown were difficult but since June 2020, it has now gone back to normal. Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best!

•

Positive aspects of my work

H ow OM KAR DHAMAL went from being jaadya (podgy) to a fa bulous fitness trainer

The best reward is the happy vibes I get from the members - it just lifts n1y mood. A great benefit also is that I stay fit while working.

How my job has changed my life

My job title

Working in the fitness industry has given me the confidence to be who I am. I love instructing so much that there is not a single day in the week when I'm not at the gym, taking a class.

I've been in this job for

Advice for others who want to pursue a career in fitness

My primary job is related to the IT industry, whereas my passion and secondary job is being a group fitness instructor.

Three years.

How I became a fitness instructor

"Jaadya" is a Marathi word for someone who is obese/chubby. [ lived all n1y teenage life hearing this word, and the humiliating re1narks truly hurt me.

Just after J completed my Bachelor's degree, J had six 1nonths of free time before starting at a university in Sydney.

That's when l got into fitness. The gym [ joined also conducted a Zumba fitness class and my curious 1nind wanted to try it, but J was afraid of what people would think of me.

Very soon l was dancing my heart out and enjoying every second! l began feeling motivated and confident in my own skin, and it's one of the best feelings I've ever had.

One 1nonth in, the instructor asked me, "Why don't you become an instructor?" It was an instant YES from me. J registered for a training course (though it wasn't easy convincing my conservative parents).

After I con1pleted the course, my instructor asked me to cover for her one day. There were 12 people in the class and I was super nervous, sweating even before we started. But l think I did well, as I was asked to come back again!

What the job entails

90 per cent of 1ny job is preparation for what I will be teaching. You might spot me dancing and creating choreographies while waiting at traffic lights!

26 APRIL 2021

Over the years J've undertaken training for different formats. Today l teach Zun1ba, Strong Nation, Step Aerobics and Bollywood Dance Fitness classes, and l hope to add other types very soon.

On a usual day of class, J walk into the studio with a big smile, greet the group and chat for a while. This makes them feel more con1fortable and know that we are all there to have fun, enjoy the music, and sweat! Classes are an hour long, and in a typical Zu1nba session, we end up dancing to 16 songs. l know that feels like a lot but once you are in the class, tin1e just flies.

One of my n1embers used to bring me home-cooked food every lesson, and yes, there have been instances where my members have tried to hook me up with their gay friends.

What is hard about my job

I am doing something I love, you will never

Be kind, be polite and be hu1nble.

Regardless of your knowledge and training, you must be willing to learn from your members. You'll learn 1nore from hands-on practice than textbooks and articles. Always remember, communication is the most in1portant training tool you have.

Also, don't have high expectations.

Depending on the location (whether it's at a big box gym or co1nmunity gyn1), building a committed client base will take time and effort.

And last but not the least, be yourself, try not to copy son1eone else's style.

As told to Bageshri Savyasachi

Challenges regarding my sexuality or Indian background at work

NO J UDGEMENTS! This is the tagline of the Fitness Club l work for. Neither the management nor my members have ever shown any discrimination for n1e being Indian or gay.

The situation would've been very different if I was in India. People in Australia are considerate; I feel happy that I moved to this beautiful country.

www.indianlink.com.au

B O O KS

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When Anni and BY RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA nnie could hear Bh.ag1,11an Singh's wagon before she could see it. It jingled and jangled with its pots and pans as it came down the track.

The early Sikh history of Australia, unearthed in the last decade or so, has fascinated us endlessly.

Now there's a children's picture book about it.

Written by Adelaide-based author Jane Jolly and illustrated by Di Wu, Star of Anise was released by the National Library of Australia in February this year.

In it, little Annie and her brother Arthur are enthralled by a Sikh trader who comes by frequently with his wagon filled with wondrous wares.

Watching Bhagwan Singh cook his dinner, they learn about a secret spice star anise.

"Smell," instructed Bh.agwan.

Annie held it to her nose and sniffed. It smelt of liquorice and bark and faraway lands.

Warm and fuzzy, the book draws you in to the kids' enchantment as they take in the new experiences.

"I had read about the hawkers, cameleers and Sikh traders n1istaken for Afghans, and thought there's a book in this," writer Jane Jolly told Indian Link.

"It's a bit of our history that few people know about."

She sent off a 1nanuscript to the National Library, and they liked it.

"The book is for many and varied age NATIONAL EDITION

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groups," Jane revealed. "There's a non­ fiction bit at the end about the Indian hawkers of the 1800s and about Sikhisn,.

It is from National Library archives, so it pro1notes their collection too."

As a teacher Jane has a special interest in all religions and has read of Sikhis1n. She took great pains to n1ake the Sikh aspects of her story as true and correct as possible, such as in the greeting Sat Sri Akal.

"I researched Sikh names and attire of that era and had it all fact checked by local Sikh associations," she revealed. "I love the greeting Sat Sri Akal, and at the launch I signed copies with the message Chardi ka/a."

(Chardi kala is a Sikh teaching that prescribes a positive, buoyant and optimistic attitude to life.)

For illustrator Di Wu as well, the book offered a chance to look closely at another culture. An award-winning artist, the Chinese-born Di has travelled to India multiple times, following his studies in Tibetan Buddhist art.

His well-thought illustrations in soft pastels render the book wonderfully wholesome, transporting you successfully into the kids' world of intrigue at the novelty of it all, and into the world of the travelling shopkeepers.

"I made initial sketches based on books and old photos that Jane sent to me," Di described. "Then, with advice, I put in details of the time, such as in the style of hats etc."

Di is particularly partial to the turbans.

"I love the Sikh turban," he related.

"I think it makes the men look so handsome."

I n the book, Bhagwan changes his turban, and Annie takes his dusty one to her mum to wash.

"Quite a few people have told me since the book came out that they have memories of their mums washing the turbans for the hawkers!" Jane laughed.

Why star anise as the spice of choice?

"Because I think it is a beautiful spice that has a lovely flavour and smell, and particularly for kids, a fascinating shape."

Star ofAnise is Jane's tenth picture book, and the third published by the National Library. Her body of work, encompassing children's stories set in Vietnamese, lranian and Indigenous cultures as well as special children, reveals she is drawn to otherness.

"I am drawn to otherness," Jane agreed. " I love learning about other people. I love other cultures and learning about them, joining in their festivals."

Clearly, this is an attitude Jane wants to pass on to her readers and to her students.

The life lessons from Star ofAnise are significant, perhaps more important today than they were in the late 1800s: embrace

different traditions, be open to diverse world views.

"I'd like little readers to learn that their world is not the only version of life - to step out of their own lives and look at how others live," Jane concluded.

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The multid isciplinary a rtist's latest project exhibits paintings and i nsta l l ations emphasizing the historical and violent erasures of women BY BAGESHRI SAVYASACHI orn and raised in Kolkata, Rakini Devi has spent most of her artistic journey engaging with fe111inist issues, be it dowry deaths in India or rampant fe,nicide in Central and South America.

Her newest Sydney exhibition 'Inhabiting Erasures' is inspired by Hindu goddesses, and displays never-before-seen journal paintings, light projections, meaningful perforn1ances and deeply informed statistics relating to the oppression of women.

"Besides the ephemeral nature of my art, there is a more sinister aspect of all the research I have done about misogyny and the erasure of women all over the world," Rakini Devi told Indian Link. "The violence against women doesn't seen1 to be abating anywhere, it only seen1s to have intensified.

My drawings are iinpern1anent; they're just washed away and wiped away during my performances. I create things and then they disappear. It's the whole concept of erasure."

Rakini Devi's performance with sound artist Cat Hope on opening night was a sombre yet empowering depiction of femininity.

She used chalk and paint to write and draw, n1aterials prone to fading, perhaps depicting how society tends to ignore/ normalise violence against women.

With Hope's sunken and reflective guitar 28 APRIL 2021

strums in the background, Devi creates live art dressed in black flowy fabric with white face paint and an1plified makeup, literally e1nbodying goddess-like aesthetics.

The audience witnesses the en1ergence and rise of a goddess before their very eyes. " I suppose 2020 gave me plenty of time to myself at ho1ne, just painting a lot.

Because lockdown was still ongoing, I found myself alone. I would have liked to work with a filmmaker, but my preferred artist couldn't ,nake it. I was on 1ny own, so I just started playing," Devi said.

'Inhabiting Erasures: Embodying Traces Of The Feminine' was a result of Create NSW's Quick Response grant Rakini Devi received last year. She used the funding to develop her exhibition idea in the Rex

Cramphorn Studio at Sydney University's Department of Theatre and Performance.

"I bad a residency at the Rex Cramphorn Studio where I wanted to try out this blueprint for my exhibition idea. I envisaged it as a multidisciplinary exhibition, where I'd be able to transport, transfonn, and evolve ideas and present then1 in different spaces.

Not only traditional galleries but challenging environments like huge warehouse-style studios or historic buildings," she said.

Rakini Devi has roots in the East and the West. She comes from an Anglo­ Indian and Burmese background and is trained in Indian classical dance forms Bharatnatyam and Odissi.

The veteran artist has always found herself engaging with religious female iconography,

from portrayals of Durga and Kali to integrating pandal-like canopies 1nade from traditional Indian fabrics in her exhibits.

"For years and years, I've been fascinated with canopies which ren1ind me of the pandals in India. From a very young age, l used to love going to the Durga pujas and Kali pujas. You would rush to the park and different localities to check out all the pandals. So, the canopy idea kept growing, especially when it ca1ne to live art. I wanted to create an environment displaying my own aesthetic and framing myself within these canopies which then l imprinted with n1y own meanings."

She added, "In this particular exhibition I've used the canopy as an object onto which I'm projecting incarnations of various performance personas of mine," Rakini Devi stated.

For her doctorate in Creative Arts fron1 the University of Wollongong in 2017, Rakini produced a thesis titled 'Urban Kali, From Sacred Dance to Secular Performance'. She described the four years she spent on the doctorate as a period of uncovering "depressing research about statistics of misogyny, female infanticide, dowry deaths, and gendercide."

Her profound awareness of global atrocities against women across all classes of society, coupled with a passion for religious female iconography, has transformed her into an art activist well-equipped to comment on the issue through a divine lens.

www.indianlink.com.au

I N T E RV I EW

RASO DE M E ICO N THA -41

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A chat with Yashraj Mukhate, music composer and breakout social media sta r BY BAGESHRI SAVYASACHI n the year of lockdowns, Indian social 111edia saw a flood of humorous, ridiculous, and n1emorable me1nes.

But there's one thing that viral videos 'Pawri hori hai', 'Rasode mein kaun tha', and 'Biggini shoot' have in con1n1on.

For India's youth, it's Yashraj Mukhate, a Maharashtra-based composer who has been keeping them entertained while they're stuck at home. (So entertained, in fact, that he's garnered over 2 million followers on Instagram in less than a year.)

An engineer- tu1·ned -musician, Yasbraj's catchy remixes and mashups have been inspired by pop culture like teleserials, Rak.hi Sawant rants, and Bollywood. 1-le sits down with Indian Link to discuss bis n1eteoric rise to fame, musical inspirations, and what we can expect next.

How does it feel to have more than 4 million subscribers on YouTube?

It's amazing. l did not expect it! This time last year I was at 6000 or 7000 subscribers, it's 4.5 million now. I'm hoping to reach the 5 million mark by the end of this month. It feels great. And also a little weird that so many people know n1e. It's something that hasn't sunk in yet fully. Out on the street in my town Aurangabad, people actually recognize me, even with my n1ask on. Sometimes they look at me and just stare... Not used to it!

Let's start at the very beginning. I believe your father gave you a keyboard when you were only three.

Yes, that's true. He was a singer. I used to NATIONAL EDITION

go to rehearsals with hi111. I loved to listen to him sing and observe the other musicians.

In one particular show, a Kargil fundraiser l recall, I fell asleep backstage. I woke up with a start and saw him on stage, singing.

I just walked up to hin1 and started singing with hin1. He knew then that J had this ear for tnusic. That was when he bought me the keyboai-d, n1y first ever instrument. Dad also played the keyboard, so I learnt from him. By just watching him, believe it or not. Then he began bringing me 01ore keyboards.

Regardless, it has not exactly been an overnight journey to fame for you. You've been uploading videos for the last nine years.

What drove you to keep producing content without knowing that one day you'U be appreciated for it?

Initially, J 111ade covers, like all musicians.

Luckily for me, every time I put a piece out, it brought me good feedback. It was Facebook at first, and then lnstagram. People began to share, and then I was on to YouTube. Of course, with YouTube then, I never got much traction. J'd get like 200-300 views on my videos. But that didn't worry me, you know.

Plus 1ny family was supportive, so that was a huge comfort! (Mum was like, just finish your university well, then you can go do whatever you want!) l found I really enjoyed the process, irrespective of the kind of response l was getting. l was just happy to replicate other people's music with my own production skills. It is only now when I have something to lose, that it has started to concern me. Now I have subscribers that might leave if l put out something really bad!

How did your parents react to your videos?

Do they have favourites?

They're n1y biggest fans. My mother's favourite is Rashi bahu. I remember when I put out the video, I left work and went to see her. The

first thing she said was your new video is really good - she'd already seen it and I had just put it out! As for Dad, he likes everything I make - even my worst ever content. He shares my work on his WhatsApp groups and on Facebook. Then he'll say, you should do a story on this one, it's crossed 50 million views, l'IJ send you a screen shot ...

What would you say to people who are trying to become famous on YouTube like you?

Do what you like. Yeah, just keep doing what you really like. And don't worry about the numbers. Numbers will become important later when the brands sta1·t knocking on your door. But starting off, you just want to build an audience. Even with 100 subscribers or 2000, if you have a loyal audience base, who really like what you do, then that's fine. The scenario has changed from a few years ago when the creator community was pyramid­ shaped - you know, the top level had a small number of very good creators, then you had the mid-level creators, and then other YouTube users. It's not like that now. The shape is now a globe. Everyone has their own audience. And everyone is big in their own sense. So even a creator with 10,000 subscribers will have his own audience. And that is how you grow, you find your niche and just keep on hitting that. So don't go for trends, I say. Cater to your audience even if it is a sn1all number.

That's good advice. Is there a specific way that you pick your content? Like for example, Rasode Mein Kaun Tha. Do you actually watch daily soaps?

Yeah, we watch Marathi soaps, but you know, that one I'd never seen. I t was totally random.

I stumbled upon that scene on Facebook and just got the idea for that video. So not n1uch thought went into it. I realised after that, the strategy should be to look for something

funny or something that has sarcasm; people like connecting with that kind of thing.

Which musicians inspire you?

Amit Trivedi and AR Rahman. You'll find AR Rahman in the top five composers for any 1nusician in India! These two are my idols - l follow their music, their ideology, their sound. l have been following Amit Trivedi from before he came into films, when he was n1aking jingles.

Working with Rekha and Vishal Bhardwaj has also been amazing. Vishal Bhardwaj saw one of my videos and commented on it. After our first chat, we came up with an idea, a cover of their song from Talwaar, making it acapella.

Ever considered releasing your own album?

Oh, yes. l'm working on a Gujarati film currently and have been approached for a Marathi number. Hindi not yet, but I'm in talks with some new directors. And yes, the ultimate goal is to make good original 1nusic.

Dialogue mash up is great, but original music will have more durability. So yes, I'm working on some originals too.

At the moment I'm into short content.

Because of my videos going viral, the kind of work I'm getting currently is related to this; every brand wants something short. That's made me realise I have to put out content that will indicate that I can con1pose, and can make original stuff as well. So that is the next immediate goal. Long term goal of course is to keep making good original content.

Hover your camera over the code to bear Yashraj chat with Bagesbri

APRIL 2021 29

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STREAMING RUK KYUN GAYE! 30 APRIL 2021

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radio www.indianlink.com.au

FOOD

BY

GAURAV MASAND

e are in the n1idst of Chaitra Navratri (13-21 April), a Hindu festivaJ of prayer and fast. As a cook, I relate this tirne to the out-of�the­ ordinary dishes that are prepared this time of year. Most people eat once a day, choosing vegetarian and gluten-free meals. Here are some easy Navratri recipes for tikkis (patties) - they could go down well as a meal during a busy week.

If you're not fussed about gluten, you could use these recipes for your veggie burgers.

Tip: For best results, make the patties on a heavy cast-iron pan.

Buckwheat Patties

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l remember buckwheat tikkis or kuttu ki tikki as a great after-school snack. A great source of iron, protein and an1ino acids, buckwheat continues to be a favourite staple in n1y vegetarian family.

INGREDIENTS ■

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½ cup buckwheat or kuttu 2 medium sized potatoes, boiled a nd peeled 1-inch piece ginger, grated 1-2 green chillies, chopped ¼ cup mint leaves, finely chopped ½ tbsp dried ma ngo powder or amchur Oil for cooking Salt to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Soa k buckwheat in water a nd boil it with enough water until soft. Drain excess water.

■ Mix cooked buckwheat with boiled potatoes.spices and mint.

■ Make sm all patties out of the mixture.

■ Heat oil in a pa n.

• Cook patties on low/medium flame until light brown on both sides.

■ Serve hot with mint or date chutney.

■

s tie Pat ana Green Ban

• • ••• • • • • • • • •• • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • •. .• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • you're on a health tt1p,

. ch"ips, but if �1 f great are s banana Typically, green better option. these patties might be the

INGREDIENTS

• 2 raw ba na nas ndpeeled • 1 large potato, boiled a er/ amchur powd • ½ tbsp dried m ango d • 1 green chilli choppe ated • 1-inch piece ginger, gr • Salt to taste • Oil for cooking soft. Peel when cool. until or s minute a for 10-15 • Steam the raw �ana� or for 30 seconds. process od O f a 1n • Pulse all ingredients of the mix.

• M ake small patties out botto� pan. on both sides. brown • Heat oil in a heavy light I ti un me dium fla • Cook patties on low/me ate chutney. d or mint with hot • Serve

INSTRUCTIONS

Date Chutney •••

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Date chutney is an easy dip to go with patties, sa,nosas and pakoras. It is an easy condiment to make and can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week. Since dates are a good source of iron, date chutney can be a healthy swap for to1nato sauce.

NATIONAL EDITION

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INGREDIENTS ■ ■ ■ ■

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½ cup pitted dates 1 cup water 1 tsp salt 2 tbsp tamarind pulp or 2 tsp dried mango powder (amchur) ½ tsp sugar/jaggery ½ tsp chaat masala (optional) ½ tsp red chilli powder (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

• Chop dates into small pieces.

■ Bring water to boil on a saucepan and add dates and salt.

■ Stir repeatedly till you see it forming a sticky mixture with dense consistency. You can add some water if you find it too gooey.

■ Add dried mango powder, chaat ma sala a nd let cool.

■ Blend it to make a smooth puree. Strain if required.

■ Store in a dry bottle in the refrigerator.

APRIL 2021 31

T R AV E L

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0 Soldier's Point

32 APRIL 2021

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Sea, sand and surrounding nature at Port Stephens

BY SANDIP HOR s we continue to seek out holiday spots close to ho111e in these pandemic tiiues, this issue we explore a gem destination in our own backyard, Port Stephens in NSW. Located 2.5-hour drive north of Sydney, this patch of paradise has al111ost everything to attract modern-day holiday makers of all ages - loved-up couples, young families,older travellers. The offerings include high-quality accommodation outlets, trendy restaurants and cafes, boutique shopping and a host of things to see and do.

At the very outset though, let's get one thing straight - Port Stephens is the name not of a town or a single seaside spot; it is actually a shire embracing 1nany closely knit sea front neighbourhoods.

While Nelson Bay is its exciting hub, others of visitor importance are A1u1a Bay, Shoal Bay, Fingal Bay, Soldiers Point and Salamander Bay. Key attractions of this region are the sea, sand and surrounding nature.

With 26 beaches, a bay twice the size of Sydney Harbour, two lakes and a myriad of rivers, creeks and estuaries, the 98,000-hectare Port Stephens Great Lakes Marine Park is something to behold. While the adjoining waters present a sanctuary for the local marine life such as dolphins, the turquoise blue bays and glistening beaches welcome visitors to surf, swim, sunbathe, jet boat, paddle in the rock pools or humbly walk along the coastline. Shoal Bay and Fingal Bay are ideal venues for these.

While in Port Stephens, one of the most popular activity is to cruise the

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neighbouring waters to spot ludo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins throughout the year.

For the adventure-minded it's even possible to swi1n alongside the dolphins described by 111any as an experience of a lifetime.

The big humpback whales though, can be seen between May and October, when they migrate in large numbers fro1n their cold hideouts in Antarctica to warm, shallower waters for calving and mating. Nelson Bay has a thriving marina from where the cruise boats depart daily at regular intervals, some having an itinerary to drop anchor at some pristine isolated islands to give visitors the true escape from a busy urban life.

Alongside sea obviously comes the sand, but not 1nany know that Port Stephens is home to the monumental Stockton Bight

Sand Dunes - the largest of their kind in Southern Hemisphere. Stretching over 32 kn1 along the coastline with some dunes reaching a height of 30 metres with slopes up to 60 degrees, they offer a range of bucket-list-worthy experiences fro111 sandboarding and quad biking to bashing over the sandy mountains on a four-wheel drive. An adrenaline-charging adventure is to move along the sandy slopes on a camel like Lawrence of Arabia, and to enjoy a spectacular vista particularly during sunrise and sunset. Anna Bay is the place to visit for these sandy encounters. While exploring the dunes it's possible to come across many sites of cultural and historical significance for the indigenous Worimi people to whom the land belongs since time immemorial.

Nature's wonder doesn't cease with sea and sand, but extends into stunning greenery of coastal bushlands and forests. Tomaree National Park provides many exciting walking trails and hiking opportunities. For an lnsta-worthy vista of the entire region, many visitors don't mind the 2km one-way trek to Tomaree Head Sum111it at Shoal Bay. The 360-degree view from the top is regarded as one of the top ten scenic encounters in Australia.

If hiking is an issue, a nice panora111a can be captured from Gan Gan lookout near Nelson Bay, easily accessible by car.

Many Sydney siders go to Port Stephens for the day. However, a day trip doesn't do total justice to the destination as it offers many other interesting attractions beyond the sea and sand to keep visitors leisurely busy for a few days. This includes a relaxing ferry ride up the Myall Lake to Tea Gardens, learning n1ore about the sea giants at the lrukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, and visiting Koala Sanctuaryto see sick and injured koalas rescued by the locals and being cared for with love. While the favourite for the kids are foot-golfing, go-carting and fun at the water park, keen golfers always make time to go through the greens at one of the many golfing arenas. Some by choice don't do anything other than simply relaxing. During the day they 1nay go for an easy stroll or possibly sit in the balcony of their seafront hotel room, read a book or aimlessly watch the rolling waves while sipping a cocktail. After sundown locals and visitors alike dive into the lively dining scene. Port Stephens boasts of many top­ rated restaurants and cafes serving the best of local produces.

"After all, life is all about collecting moments not things," states the visitor guide brochure on Port Stephens.

I am sure visitors will agree wholeheartedly.

www.indianlink.com.au

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TRAVEL NOTEBOOK Port Stephens

• Getting There By road from Sydney, 207km; from Brisbane, 778 km.

• Stay No shortage of accommodations to suit style and budget. The Mantra Nelson Bay, close to the restaurants, cafes, foreshore and the marina is a good choice.

• Recommended Restaurants All located within easy distance from the centre of Nelson Bay: Sandpipers Restaurant; The Point Restaurant Soldiers Point; The Nelson Resort & Little Nel Cafe; Shoal Bay Country Club; Taj Tandoori Indian Restaurant.

• Recommended Tour Operators Moonshadow TQC Cruises for dolphin and whale watching; Port Stephens 4WD Tours for Sandboarding, Beach & Dune explorations; Oakfield Ranch for camel rides across the sand dunes • More Info Check www.portstephens.org.au

NATIONAL EDITION

APRIL 2021 33

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E N T E RTA I N M E N T

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

: THE SERPENT {Netflix) I I I I I

I I 1 I I 1 I I I I

I I I 1 I I The Serpent starts off with vim and 1 venom, and slithers through the I middle episodes with frenetic energy before making a scrappy surge through I the mire of its final episodes. The I story of Charles Sobhraj had enough I bite to leave its mark with a far more engaging piece had it not been for a I convoluted tangle of flashbacks and I flash-forwards.

I Perhaps eight episodes were too I many for the story that director Tom STARRING: Tahar Rahim, Jenna Coleman, Billy Howle, Ellie Bamber, Amesh Edireweera, Tim Mclnnerny, Mathilde Warnier, Aly Khan, Pravesh Rana, Darshan Jariwala DIRECTOR: Tom Shankland

***

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Shankland had. The outcome is a I plot that stops intriguing by the time I episode five has played out. It could I be a flaw in writing, or Shankland's execution, but after a point Sobhraj's I story remains a mere monotonous I chain of misdemeanours and little else.

I If, despite the shortcoming, The Serpent manages to grab attention at I least to a point, it is because of two I reasons. First, the combination of true I crime, exotic locales and people (for the core Western audience at least) I and a period set-up never ceases to I strike a chord. Secondly, the show is highlighted by a fine cast - particularly Tahar Rahim, French actor who bears an uncanny likeness to a young Sobhraj and who brings alive the protagonist with chilling restraint.

The story of Charles Sobhraj is only

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too well known for a routine narration of the crimes he has been convicted of. Screen writers Richard Warlow and Toby Finlay, however, chose to stick to a familiar narrative that we may have seen in sundry documentaries or earlier fictional efforts based on the subject. More than realism, Warlow and Finlay's focus seems more on using the rich material at hand to create drama.

Purely from the perspective of storytelling, the approach is sufficient to set up an adequate entertainer, more so for a target generation for whom this show might be their first initiation into the story of Charles Sobhraj.

The series starts off in the mid­ seventies. Sobhraj is in Bangkok, under the alias of Alain Gautier, with his girlfriend Monique (Jenna Coleman), whose actual name is Marie-Andree, and his accomplice Ajay (Amesh Edireweera). They go around drugging, robbing and killing young backpackers from the US and Europe on the hippie trail. They steal their victims'money and valuables, as well as passports to set up fake identities.

A Dutch diplomat named Herman Knippenberg (Billie Howle), is out tracking the disappearance of a young boy and a girl of his country, and the suspicion trail leads to Sobhraj.

Writers Warlow and Finlay try using high drama to balance the grim array of crimes on display. Sobhraj's revelation to Marie-Andree in an early sequence as to how, from the age of 15 there was no one and nothing that wanted him. "Everything I ever wanted, I had to take," he asserts in the scene that would come closest to underlining what shaped his mindset in the years

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

I I I I I I to come. Another scenebrutally lays bare how Sobhraj's mother hated him I because he reminded her of his father.

I Despite Rahim's excellent essaying I of Sobhraj, you spot a basic oversight.

For all his alleged killing spree, he was I also known to be a glibtalker with a I fine sense of humour. Charles Sobhraj I is reputed to have been a ladies' man who never had to try too hard. While I Rahim gets the suave personality right, I the screenplay denies him scope to I imagine how Sobhraj's lighter side might have been.

I Sobhraj moved from Thailand to I Nepal to Pakistan and India, and the I narrative reserves the India stretch to conclude the story, before he flees to I Nepal where he is arrested. As is true for I any biopic, The Serpent adds its quota I of fiction for the sake of entertainment.

Rahim does well to balance fact and I fiction while living out the nuances of I Sobhraj that sustains his story.

I You spot three homegrown actors in the international cast - Aly Khan as I Inspector Tuli, who handles the case I in Delhi, Pravesh Rana as the Nepal I Police chief who nabs Sobhraj, and Darshan Jariwala as a Kathmandu hotel I manager. These are aptly-cast roles, I well-acted out despite limited footage.

I Rahim apart, Coleman as Monique, Billy Howle as Herman Knippenberg I and Mathilde Warnier as Nadine Gires I (the woman who played a vital role in I getting evidence against Sobhraj and gang) are impressive in their roles.

I The Serpent is watchable stuff, but I better storytelling would surely have added to the impact. Also, the makers I could have zeroed in on aspects of I Sobhraj's life that have not already I been narrated many times before.

Vinayak Chakravorty I

Dandenong and Springvale

www.indianlink.com.au

E N T E RTA I N M E N T I I I I I I Pothan's film underplays that bit, and I consequence in Bincy's equation I I gives the titular protagonist (played by with Joji.

The idea lets Pothan craft a I Faasil) the persona of a weakling, ridden narrative that stays single-minded in its I I I focus on Joji's mind games. by inferiority complex.

I I Faasil's Joji is clearly the weakest in I That approach is also the reason this I I every way among the three sons of rich film has done away with the symbolism I that renders Macbeth much of its textual I plantation owner Kuttappan (Sunny PN).

I I richness. Parallels to blood on the hands, I Screenwriter Syam Pushkaran draws I up Joji, youngest of the brothers, as a I supernatural apparitions, the Three I loser. He is an engineering dropout and I Witches, or the Birnham Wood coming to I I Dunsinane are either negligibly touched I while he dreams of being a wealthy I upon or done away with, in sync with the NRI he has no clue how to go about I I it. Twist in the story comes when I frills-free cinematic treatment of Joji.

I I Kuttappan, on returning home after a The biggest departure, of course, is I Fahadh Faasil's reorganised Macbeth. As I I stroke, clearly refuses to give Joji any I the low-key Joji, he strikes an antithesis inheritance whatsoever. Angered, Joji I I quietly changes his father's medication, I of the heartless killer the protagonist will I I which leads to the latter's death. As the I eventually turn out to be, executing the I narrative moves ahead, a paranoid Jaji role with impeccable restraint.

I Faasil gets ample support from sets on a frantic bid to cover his tracks, I I I only complicating his situation further. I the prop cast. Baburaj as the eldest I Pothan and Pushkaran have tried brother Jomon, an alcoholic divorcee I I I I interesting departures from what defines I and single father, is aptly cast, as is the Macbeth story line. Among the most Joji Mundakayam as Jaison, the mildI I pertinent re-jigs is Lady Macbeth, imagined I mannered second brother.

I strikes subtly as it delivers impact, here as Bincy, played with cold precision Joji I I I through Shyju Khalid's impersonal 1 JOJI (Amazon Prime)

by Unnimaya Prasad. Bincy, wife of the I director Dileesh Pothan retains the 1 second son Jaison (Joji Mundakayam), I cinematography that almost functions basic outline of human avarice and slant I I STARRING: Fahadh Faasil, Baburaj, I at violence, but sheds the grandeur of I is an accomplice more by chance than I as a discreet onlooker in a household of I Unnimaya Prasad, Joji Mundakayam, I I the original in favour of restraint as it I design. Her role is restricted to playing I disquiet, and through Justin Varghese's Sunny PN, Alister Alex I builds up the crime drama. along, because she sees possible soft background score that leaves a I DIRECTOR: Dileesh Pothan I I subsequent advantage that she could I note of menace.

Macbeth and its innumerable I I ***"" I retellings (including Vishal Bhardwaj's I draw out of Joji's nefarious plan of action. I Filmed in COYID times, this is an I I Just when you'd think another fresh magnificent Maqbool) have traditionally Unlike Macbeth and its exquisite Macbeth where the characters I I I I banked on a singular tragic flaw interpretations, the Lady Macbeth wear masks not just literally, but also I take on William Shakespeare's Macbeth I while spelling doom for the towering I track here is restricted to greed. There I metaphorically. couldn't possibly be done, comes Joji.

I I I Vlnayak Chakravorty I Shakespearean antihero - his ambition. I is no sexual or marital subtext of any Fahadh Faasil's collaboration with I I I I I he might be "ready to give up". It is a fine I I THE I LLEGAL I I sequence, deftly executed, rendering a I I STARRING: Suraj Sharma, Shweta Tripathi, S U R A J S H A R M A personal touch to the way the protagonist Adil Hussain, Neelima Azim, Iqbal Theba, I I is imagined. The screenplay sustains that I FRO , \C. \ D \ Y \ h C I � E OF P I I Hannah Masi, Jay Ali I I intimacy as it follows Hassan to America.

I I DIRECTOR: Danish Renzu Before entering films, Renzustudied *H"' I I I I electrical engineering at UCLA, and also I I holds a UCLA Writers' Program certification in I Ip I You'd think you have seen this before. A D A I S II R I 7. U I I screen writing. Thematically, he would have I I young boy from middle-class India lands in America chasing a dream, and his struggle drawn from real instances during that stint I I I I for sustenance becomes a portrait of the as a student. It allowed him to create Hassan Tl It A,\\£1\ICAN OR( AM I I with greater assuredness.

I I grind that almost every immigrant must AT \.\/1tAT (O�T? I I Hassan's existence in America becomes I I endure.

If Danish Renzu's film is outstanding a picture of irony. His plans to live with his I I I I despite the note of familiarity, it is because of maternal uncle come to nought,there is I I I the sheer authenticity with which the writer- I trouble back home financially owing to a I I downturn in his father's health, and he must I I director tells his tale. The film is unflinching in tone, yet sensitive enough while dissecting take up the job of a waiter.

I I I I the reality it presents. Renzu uses his crisp Yet, he does well at film school.

I I Renzu uses Hassan's dual life well to I I runtime of 86 minutes wellin his nuanced I I portray two sides of immigrant life. On one I I storytelling.

Unlike most films pertaining to the subject, hand, he is impressively learning his ropes I I in the world of American cinema, which has I I The Illegal is not about immigrants who I I lately seen great relish about inclusivity. Yet, I I enter the US unlawfully. It is about people I I I waiting at tabales at an Indian restaurant I who come in with legitimate papers, yet are forced by circumstances to survive as if their throws up a dreary, diametrically opposite I I I I presence is illegal. picture of exploitation. The essence of the I I I Life Of Pi actor Su raj Sharma plays Hassan I film lies in that dichotomy.

I I I Ahmed, who is one such character. Hassan's I This is Suraj Sharma's film all through, passion for film making is destined to take and the actor does impressively to bring I I him from Purani Di Iii to Los Angeles. He gets I alive Hassan, although you would spot a few I I I winning performances among the prop cast, I I admission at film school in the US, so his I I I father (Adil Hussain) takes a loan to fund his I too. Iqbal Theba leaves an impact as the dream. restaurant supervisor fondly called Babaji by I I his colleagues. Adil Hussain, Shweta Tripathi I I Renzu sets an endearing picture of the I I and Neelima Azim get minimal footage but I I family in the opening minutes, as Hassan I I leave a mark.

I I records a few parting words from his father, mother (Neelima Azim) and sister Mahi The Illegal is well-scripted, executed and I I acted out. It is a small film that scores big.

I I (Shweta Tripathi). He needs such a clip, he I I Vinayak Chakravorty I tells them, as a pep pill for the days when I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

MACBETH IN THE TIME OF MASKS

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NATIONAL EDITION

APRIL 2021 35

C U LT U R E D I A R I E S

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•

A list of Indian Link's cu rrent favourites

LISTEN Try your breakfast with EKTA and SWATI on Indian Link Radio's Good Morning Australia, weekdays. If morning sunshine had a voice, it would be that of these two chirpy chidiyas.

With their bubbly, light-hearted humour and positivity-filled banter, they love to make others laugh, Bollywood running through their veins like the chai they're probably drinking! For power-packed mornings with news, views and interviews, plus fun segments like Dhun Pehchaano and Dialogue Baazi, join Ekta and Swati for kamaal baatein, dhamaal music!

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READ Check out this MeToo-inspired voice for Sita from Ramayana. Sini Panicker's Sita: Now You Know Me is a study of a woman whose life was filled with isolation and loneliness, no thanks to thirteen years of banishment in the jungle, a year of captivity and misery, and then motherhood in estrangement. The pandemic inspiration is obvious, but it is the MeToo interpretation of her husband's decree at the end of her life, and of her agony and resentment, that makes this reimagining such a success.

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WATCH Can't get enough of the big fat Indian wedding and so-called ·wedding porn' of social media? Love the glamorous gowns, scrumptious feasts, and breathtaking decor?

Netflix's The Big Day is back to satiate your hunger with its second instalment, this time looking at cross-cultural marriages and the biggest fad of the wedding industry this century: the 'destination wedding'. It's a guilty-pleasure watch at best and cringe­ worthy display of wealth at worst, but there's a reason The Big Day has been a hot topic at dinner parties!

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CRUELTY-FREE ETHICAL CRUELTY-FREE PREMIUM ETHICAL PREMIUM

DRINK You can now buy cow's milk produced via a completely cruelty-free process at the Mother Cow Dairy. The Canberra-based enterprise is inspired by the Hare Krishna movement and the Hindu ethos of Ahimsa (non-violence). Cow and calf stay together on the farm which is slaughter-free; there's no artificial insemination and free-range grazing is the norm. All profits go towards protection and maintenance of the herd. Head to www.mothercowdairy.com.au to see where in your city you can buy your ethical milk.

With contributions by Rajni Anand Luthra, Rhea L Nath, Bageshri Savyasachi

36 APRIL 2021

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F O R ET E L L

April 2021

BY M I NAL 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 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 A feeling of discontent lingers even I The sign of Cancer drawn for Aries I Upheavals this month may not be a I Work related pressure and personal I as you struggle to communicate this I bad thing though you seek spiritual I this month focuses on home-related I I commitments can bog you down. release from a problem. Surrender is You seek clarity and commitment in activities, or even work from home. month. Get in touch with your feelings I and trust your instincts. Upper back I You may travel or change residence.

I I the best option even as you question I a relationship. Unexpected problems I your relationships and work. Finances I issues can be resolved with a bit of rest. I I Contracts and negotiations progress I could occur in your family life or some of you may start your improve though you remain anxious Expressing your true intentions and business. You feel confident and I I smoothly; I I I own business. Emotional eating and about the future. In a relationship, you productive this month. Do not take on thoughts can reduce the self-induced I drinking should be avoided. Negative I I more work than you can handle. News I might feel like you are the one making I stress. Those wanting to get pregnant I situations come to an end and success I or a decision made will end stress I I will succeed. Stay passive and Just be I all the sacrifices. Take more rest and avoid those who drain your energy. A putting you in a more positive mental comes through your principled approach. instead of doing too much. At work, do I reversal of your thought process leaves I what is needed and don't postpone I What you seek will come to you on its I I state. Money owed will come to you; I you happier. Conditions improve overall I errands. Money may be blocked for the I I own. Do not compromise on what really I stay true to what you believe in for I matters to you. Trust in the universe.

I 1 and troubled times come to an end.

1 self-employed but it is on its way.

I success in all spheres.

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 You wish to change the line of A long-term condition can change and a You might feel that nothing is going right You struggle to understand your I new love affair could alter your life. Good I this month. A setback could actually I problems or situation and letting go is the I work you are in and may even say I I news about your career can be expected. I turn out to be a lucky break. Avoid I best option right now. Negative or pent- I no to a job offer. Sale of property I is indicated. A trip that benefits you up issues in your relationship can cause I Someone will help you achieve prominence I confrontations on the home front. A trip I I I more misunderstandings; you may even financially could be on the anvil. at work and improve your finances with a may get postponed. Your work seems to be I new business. You may hear of an illness I a dead-end one and your potential wasted. I end it for good. Someone new enters I Negative situations make you feel I I or death of an acquaintance. Unresolved I Depressive thoughts could bog you down. I your work or personal life and things I trapped but you can walk away. Be I careful of accidents with gizmos at home problems may bog you down. Success Insomnia could cause health issues so change for the better. Watch out for eye I at work or business is indicated. A good I make sure you get enough rest. Financial I infections. Financial problems come to I or with the car. Money hassles come I I time for new projects in all fields I an end; a court case too could go in your I to an end. You will have a change of I I losses could occur but you will bounce in a relationship. Learn from every I spiritual or emotional. Don't give up; go I back in the near future. Be grateful for the I favour. Meditate and go with the flow of I heart I experience that comes your way. after your dreams. lessons tough times teach you. current events. Trust in the higher power.

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

A sudden reunion with an old friend or lover is indicated; a new admirer may also enter your life. Your hands are full with work, home and other schedules.

Beware of office politics or deceitful people. Muscle aches are indicated; women in their 40s should have their breasts checked. Financial gains are indicated. Disputes at work get resolved to everyone's satisfaction. Stay balanced and don't let your heart or head rule over the other. See things as they really are.

NATIONAL EDITION

I I I I I I I I I The lockdown and other restrictions I could frustrate you even as you are itching to start a new way of life. Singles I may get attracted to someone younger.

I Family, friends and colleagues are I supportive. You could plan a short trip.

A break from work to do something I creative gets good results. A trapped I feeling makes you irritable. A decision resolves inner conflict or a problem at I work or in love. Something you had given I up on will work out i n your favour.

I I I I I I

I ---� I I I I I I I I A mixed bag of experiences awaits- trips, I relationship issues and spiritual quests.

An old friend or lover could return. If there I are disagreements at work, refrain from I reacting. Unexpected problems make you I question whether your relationship is an

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

I

I

I Unforeseen events that change your I plans and an idea that seems timely, are the focus this month. An ex could I come back into your life. You may be I even considering moving house. You will I make an important decision regarding your career. A family member could honest one. Stress leads to aches and I need surgery or a friend could end I pains and an unsatisfactory sex life. A I relationship will continue despite plans to I up in hospital. Avoid binge eating and suppressing your feelings. Finances worry end it. Do your best in every situation this I you but stay calm. A new cycle will start I month; don't worry what others think of I

and a difficult time will end.

you. Don't quit; the only way out is through.

APRIL 2021 37

BAC KCHAT Do you have a question for Auntyji?

Email: info@indianlink.com.au

-------------------------------Put it o ut fo r good

---

Someti mes you just need to know?

DEARAUNTYJI One of my neighbours has been irritating me for the last five years and I really need your help in addressing this problem. Steve has a good job and has a wife and kids. I have known him for six years. Now the thing is Auntyji. for the last five years, whenever I go outside my house to have a cigarette, and Steve is in the park with his kids. h e runs over to me to bum a cigarette off me. I find this a very irritating habit. and I think he is ...what do the Australians say. a grub or a scab. Even a bludger. Of course. I do the polite thing and give him a cigarette. and even light it up for him. but more and more. kanjoos Steve is beginning to get up my nose. He has ajob and lives in a fashionable suburb. why can't he buy his own cigarettes? And why does he smoke in front of his kids anyway? I am so irritated by Steve that I am even considering giving up cigarettes. or buying a really cheap variety just to give to Steve. That's what he deserves - a low budget cigarette because he is a low budget man. So tell me Auntyji, what do I do to get rid of Steve?

AUNTYJI SAYS

Hey Bhagwaanl Mai ek hi boar ye kahoongi, so listen carefully, you budtehzeeb

ignoramus. Know who's getting up my nose? You. Of all the people who piss me off daily. at the top of my list are smokers. This is a disgusting, gandi aadat that only uneducated gawars indulge in. The fact that you have been smoking foriive years and have the nerve to judge poor kanjoos Steve is beyond me. Here you are. judging Steve for smoking in front of his kids. but what example are you setting? You sound like someone who probably tosses the cigarette butt on the ground after you have abused your body with toxins from the cigarette, right?

Now I suspect that the reason Steve bums a dart off you is because h e is not a smoker, or is trying to give up, and each time he sees you light up, his willpower goes out the window. So not only are you destroying your own health, you selfish man. but you are contributing to Steve's problems, as well as society's problems when you get emphysema and you need health care - healthcare that should be allocated to unfortunate people who looked after themselves but had the misfortune of falling sick.

How do you get rid of Steve? Well, just wait a couple of years and h e might get lung cancer and die because you gave him cigarettes. His poor children will be left fatherless and it will be your fault. So put that in your pipe and smoke it.

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DEARAUNTYJI Last week I was talking to my work mates about some of our colleagues and we were idly speculating about this and that Mind you. I have known my colleagues for 7 years so you can say we know each other pretty well. So we were talking about how much everyone in our company earns and I then posed a hypothetical question to the group. I asked what each of us would do if we mistakenly received an excel spreadsheet from HR that had everyone's salaries listed. Would we open the spreadsheet and look at it. or would wejust delete it. And why. The conversation became interesting and while others said that they would delete the email because they didn't want to know about others. I said that I would open the email to see what other people earned. I said it would be good information to have for performance review time because I know I work harder than everyone else. By the way, we work at a large Telco in Sydney. Now my colleagues are judging me and they have made one or two snide remarks about me wanting to know people's private affairs. I am getting very angry and I want to go to HR to complain. What are your thoughts?

AUNTYJI SAYS Oh. you paapin! Such a kalmouhi you are. What kind of Raavan ki bahen are you that you feel there is nothing to be lost and everything to be gained by knowing about other people's private matters? Did you seriously think that you could reveal this information, this zehrili boat about yourself and have no one look at you with tajjub?

OK, let's dissect this fazoo/ ki boat. First. if you knew about people's salaries, don't you think that you would then immediately become unhappy at how much more other people earn than you, especially if in your chhota so dimaag you think you work harder than most? Don't you think that you would go round and round in circles in your mind about the unfairness of it all? And listen up, Dayan, I will say this only ek boar. No good would ever come from knowing how much your colleagues earn. Just the unfairness of a system that decides a person's salary would eat you up.

Oh and also. your colleagues seem like they are much smarter than you. They have more aka!. while the darwaza to your intelligence has been bund for ever.

And about you complaining to HR. Forget about it. You will look like a pagal nagin who wants to dus her colleagues because you were bewakuf enough to reveal your diabolical plans to them. Kaam pe dhiyaan rakhna seekho, behenji.

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