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EDITORIAL •

PUBLISHER Pawan Luthra EDITOR Rajni Anand Luthra CONTRIBUTORS Rhea Nath, Bageshri Savyasachi, Sagar Mehrotra, Rohina Joshi, Smita Nashikkar, Nidhi Joshi, Shafeen Mustaq, Sydney Srinivas, Evangeline Mantzioris, Ritam Mitra, Uma S Kambhampati, Melissa Domingo Rawat, Petra O'Neill, Minal Khona, Auntyji SALES Anshika Maini

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

sense o BY PAWAN LUTHRA he recent visuals from India, gut-wrenching, paint a picture of the despondency and despair currently being experienced by the citizens.

Headlines such as "India gasping for oxygen" tell the story of the health and social systems struggling to battle the pandemic.

With over 400,000 daily infections and over 250,000 deaths to date and counting, the tragedy that has befallen India is in plain sight.

Seeing images of overcrowded hospitals, mortuaries with bodies, and make-shift funeral pyres on rooftops, the world at large is feeling the pain and anguish of India's people, and responding with both prayers and action.

To the Australian government, thank you for your material aid towards medical facilities in India. These are in dire need and will help save lives.

Thank you for commencing repatriation flights from India after assessing the health risks. The 9,000 plus

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Australians stuck there must have the opportunity to come home.

To the media, the lawyers, the human rights activists and the many community groups who raised their voices at the unjust penalties of prison tenns and fines, thank you for your support.

To all the states of Australia, especially Victoria, Queensland and NSW who have agreed to take additional repatriation flights, thank you for your compassion.

I am beholden to the everyday Australian who has been sensitive to the pain that their Indian Australian colleagues and friends are going through. I have grappled to come to terms with the ever-narrowing circle of those we are losing in India: a few weeks ago, it was a friend of a friend, now it is someone I have spent time with, laughing and sharing a meal on one of my many trips to India. I wake in the morning to scroll through WhatsApp notices of yet another death in the extended family, or school community, or university cohort.

For most Indian Australians, what is most difficult at this time is the inability to be physically close to our loved ones as they experience their bereavement, in some cases multiple

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times in the same family.

Lately, the messages of support from Aussie friends have been comforting as they reach out to offer their wishes and prayers to me and to those going through these tough times. Phone calls even from distant Aussie acquaintances who saw India in the news and thought of me and my family. Strangers stopping me in the supermarkets and confirming my Indian heritage, and sharing their concerns and wishes for India. To these people, my profound gratitude.

To the wider community here, who have dug deep and helped many charitable organisations caring for people in India, our gratefulness. These are individuals who have set up GoFundMe pages; small groups of people requesting donations; small businesses collecting funds to assist comn1unities in India.

There are those organising vigils in support of healthcare workers in India, and others who are ready to offer their professional time towards telehealth services directly to people in the small towns and villages.

To all these selfless volunteers, a heartfelt thank you.

The challenges in India are ongoing, and prayers for the many suffering, will help.

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MAY 2021 5

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KIDS Where to go fruit picking with the family

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#BRINGTHEMHOME

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After Australia announced a temporary travel ban on returnees from India amid the country's devastating new COVID wave, readers had mixed responses about the decision.

• • • • AUSSIE ARCHITECTS IN INDIA Emilie wrote: We need to find a way to bring back citizens and we also need • • • • • • RHEA L NATH reported on The Anganwadi Project, a Sydneybased not for profit to ensure our COVID frontline health response people and their families aren't • •• • •• •• put at greater risk. These are the heroes who work the frontline every day in that has been building schools for free in Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh since 2007.

• •• • kids Ramu Marikanti wrote: Excellent work done by everyone involved.

These quarantine protecting Australia.

• •• • • •• Nikki wrote: What's happening in India is tragic. Their government is failing need their important childhood years to be spent in our beautiful anganwadis • •• ••• their people. The vaccine also needs to be open-sourced so countries like India or childcare centres. Loving their beautiful and innocent smiles here.

• ••• ••• Vlnod Kumar wrote: Good initiative. May be expanded to eastern UP. can produce their own.

••• ••• Bruce Adams wrote: It's definitely one of the Morrison government's most Ben Dickson wrote: Very proud of my mum's work building anganwadis •• •• significant fails to date. However watch the back flip, it will be a 10 out of 10 in in Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh, alongside Manav Sadhna and Rural •• •• •• •• the Olympics gymnastics.

Development Trust.

•• •• Naveed Bagadla wrote: This is awesome! They look so good, especially Mitramandal Downunder wrote: Thanks to all who stood against such •• • • discriminatory policy of banning flights from India, when COVID numbers per given the money required to turn them around is less than $20,000.

••• ••• • • million in India are still less than many other countries.

Grassroots impact.

• • • • • • Barry O'Farrell wrote: Their projects in Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh have Jodi McKay MP wrote: Agree with Indian Link and Mohit Kumar - the ban •• •• •• •• on Indian Australians is wrong and the NSW Government should have done successfully combined modernity with sustainability to assist disadvantaged •• ••• more to help bring stranded Australians home. A jail sentence and hefty fine is communities.

• • • terribly unfair.

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•• •• •• Rltesh Adalja wrote: Have you contacted all the politicians (liberal •• • ...........11v....,...., .. �--•• and Labor, State and Federal) who queue up at Indian events for ...-, • •• #ScottyFromPhotoOps to reverse this racist decision on large fine/ban asap, ,..

• and double the flights to help stranded Australians? Government needs to • ,.. ........, ___.....

• .,.._,,._...,N.._..,_.__,.

• apologise.

• • •• • Tanveer Ahmed wrote: The Indian variant is likely to be widespread throughout •• •• • •• Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal... are they next to be targeted in this ban?

•• •• •• Nlshadh Rego wrote: India is asphyxiating and burning at the same time. Let •• •• •• •• us not forget many of the thousands of Indian-Australians with family in India •• •• who are *not* Australian citizens, and cannot leave, and that India as a whole •• • • • needs help.

• • • • •• • Krishna Neelamraju wrote: They should have announced a plan before they • • • • •• announced the ban. They just took desi-Aussies for granted. The Division of ••• • Mitchell looks a lot different these days than what Alex Hawke was used to. Mr ••• ••• •• Hawke, of all, should be aware that people saw through the double standard.

• • •• •• Glad he's reaching out now.

• •• ••• Joydeep Mondal wrote: In such matters, I have seen Australia simply copying •• •• •• the policies of either the UK or the USA, it doesn't have its own position. This •• •• •• time it was UK after they added India into their red list. When the pandemic •• • • • • was at the peak in the UK and the USA, did they suspend flights from those • • • • • A KIDS' BOOK ON EARLY INDIAN SETTLERS countries? If not, why the differential treatment for India?

•• • • • Prithivi Raj Nkv wrote: I partially agree with what you say. They were given • RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA reviewed new children's picture book Star of Anise, • • • • • • based on the early Indian hawkers in Australia. one year's time to return home, it was their own choice/ luxury to entertain • • • • •• N Navneet Maharaj wrote: Looking forward to reading this.

• themselves. Those travellers are like a time bomb now, why don't they just • •• ••• Sujeet Dhanji wrote: Love the children's book on early history of Sikh traders quarantine and stay safe where they are? Think of the risk to citizens living •• •• here. Why don't you have the guts to influence on Indian side to reduce COVID in Australia; beautifully illustrated, particularly the turbans.

•• ••• •• spread and stop blaming someone who is trying to protect his circle.

Barry O'Farrell wrote: 'Star of Anise', written by Jane Jolly and illustrated by •• •• • Reghu Balaraman wrote: A government banning its citizens from entering Di Wu, highlights the deep connections between our people.

•• •• •• •• Sidharth Bhatia wrote: This sounds fascinating. So little is known about that the country because it is inefficient and incapable to manage quarantine, is a •• •• history. Will the book be available here in India?

• violation of human rights.

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SAYIT AGAIN MAY 2021

Hot tip for the federal government: you can't hope to entice migrants for the purpose of economic recovery if you also keep migrants separated from family. Migration is directly linked to safe, reliable cross-border travel - which requires safe, reliable quarantine. Get on it.

Dr Neela Janakiramanan, Melbourne-based surgeon

A kind morning. No sad news in from my family and friends in India today.

Sara S, Twitter user

www.indianlink.com.au

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PAWAN LUTH RA ON ABC'S THE DRUM

His multiple appearances discussed the seriousness of the new wave in India and the Australian government's harsh response of closing borders to its own stranded citizens.

Norelle Feehan wrote: You were terrific - so clear. We are all in horrible shock about India's situation.

Sanjay Bery wrote: Well spoken, Pawan. Hope Australian government "brings back" their citizens .

Sarah Macdonald wrote: Terrifying and devastating news from India.

Thanks to Pawan Luthra for the insights.

Padmlnl SunderaJ wrote: Very good points made. Including the fact that US has stopped sending raw materials to India. Something we don't hear here.

Meg wrote: Pawan Luthra seems to be able to answer questions directly and with facts.

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PAINTING AUSTRALIA

RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA on the art of Ratna Sarma, the wife of diplomat Gitesh Sarma, who learnt to love a new country through painting.

Natasha Jha Bhaskar wrote: 'Every new posting starts as a blank canvas for me, which I fill in with impression.' Very engaging and inspiring write up.

Eugene Relnboth wrote: Lovely to read of the melding of cultures through the visual arts.

Barry O'Farrell wrote: Drawing inspiration from Indigenous Indian and Australian art, the Indian High Commissioner Gitesh Sarma's wife has been making paintings during her time in Australia.

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TONE-DEAF INDIAN GOVT FANS FLAMES OF COVID CRISIS

A comment piece by RITAM MITRA on why India's COVID-19 crisis is of global concern Darshak Mehta wrote: Courageous and entirely accurate article. The least we can all do right now is express our opinions without being trolled. Kudos to Indian Link for publishing this and affording a forum for honest introspection.

The Modi Govt has been an unmitigated disaster and no amount of PR or "alternate facts" can disguise that.

Khushaal Vyas wrote: Brilliant article as always Ritam.

Slmran Kaur wrote: Great article. Cannot agree more!

Betty Jager wrote: You have one of the world's most spiritual and beautiful countries, please do not allow whoever to destroy what you have.

Vanl Shukla wrote: It's time to unite, not to blame whosoever is responsible.

Right now India needs support especially from NRls, unfortunate to see our own people defaming and shaming India. Did we see any article on Trump when COVID hit USA? Vlrat Nehru wrote: This is a very well written piece. Great job, Ritam.

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WHERE IN INDIA

We asked you to identify this "Fish Building". Our readers Rohina Joshi,

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WHERE IN OZ

We asked you, in which Australian city will you find this picturesque walk and Ruth Griffiths, Sreeni Paladi, Raghu Rules, Meenaz Bhimani, what is it called? Readers Srinivas Boyapalli, Naresh, Neha Mittal, and Sushma Dhomal, Ambarish SN, Raj Ajay Singh, Vishal Mangal, Vikas Mitramandal Downunder got it right: it's the Grand Arbour in the South • Lal, Shruti Lal, Srinivas Boyapalli, and Barry O'Farrell had the correct Bank Parklands in Brisbane.

• • • • answer: National Fisheries Development Board near Hyderabad.

• Photo: Tatters / Flickr ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Heart breaking moment in my tutorial today - this kid says "Excuse me Dr Hunter, would you mind if I left 15 minutes early, my family has a zoom call with my granddad in hospital in India and I don't want to miss it - he has COVID." I said of course, then asked if he needed to talk about it with someone. He looked up at me and said, "Yeah, kinda."

David Hunter, Lecturer in Medical Ethics, Uni of Adelaide

Treatment achcha mil jata, to main bhi bach jaata.

(I could have been saved had I received proper treatment).

Indian YouTube star Rahul Vohra, 35, in his last Facebook post before succumbing to COVlD-19.

MAY 2021 9

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Nidhi Upadhyay, Sydney

This year n1arked a solen1n Mother's Day for tne, having lost my 1nother-in­ law last year and 1ny mother this past week to COVID. My mother had gotten her first dose of the vaccine. But she fell sick nonetheless and spent almost two weeks in the hospital. However, we weren't too concerned because she was stable, eating nonnally, and seeming fine. Eventually, she was even discharged fro1n the COVID ward to join the other patients.

Within 24 hours, her condition deteriorated and she passed away. It was a shock, to say the least. None of the fan1ily could attend the funeral, and my 60-year-old father sat with n1y n1other's body for five hours at the crematorium, waiting to say goodbye.

It's terrifying in circumstances like this to see how you can have money, but no resources when it n1atters. I feel helpless sitting here.

The family continues to be worried

as my brother, 32, now fights COVID in the hospital. His pregnant wife, expecting their second child, is understandably shaken. It's taken me over a week to be able to talk about any of this out loud.

People got complacent in India and it's 1nore important than ever now to stay at home, take precautions, and get both doses of the vaccine. Leadership declared victory far too early and fatal decisions were made. It's heart­ breaking.

Smriti Bagga, Melbourne

It's been a horror week. We've seen six deaths in our family in Delhi, all in the span of one week.

One of these has been an elderly aunt, and the rest have been of n1iddle age.

My aunt had been fine, although she reported feeling lethargic. She's had weak lungs though for a while. Took a COVID test as a precaution. It came back positive. She showed no fever

or any other symptoms, and simply collapsed on the third day.

As for my cousins, they had all been relatively unwell. They each coped at home for a while, and then went through the struggle of finding a hospital in panic. For some it was too late, and they could not even get to hospital.

Madhu Vajpayee, Melbourne

It's a sad time in my family. I've lost both my sisters to COVID. My older sister died last year, she was 74. She spent four days in hospital. We lost n1y second sister this week, she was 69.

She was in hospital for twelve days.

Both never came home from hospital.

If we were caught unawares the first time round, why didn't we prepare for the second wave?

The concern is now for my brother's family, all of them currently down with COVlD. They are being cared for at home.

Rhea Nath, Rajnl Anand Luthra

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10 MAY 2021

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How a callous delay by the government cha nged AGAR M EHROTRA's l ife forever y application for exemption to travel to India, rejected on two occasions, finally catne through on the third attempt.

It was too late.

As 1 scurried to make travel arrangements, 1 received a note saying my exe1nption had been revoked, because India was in the grip of a second wave and it would be a crin1inaJ offence if I tried to get back into the country after leaving it.

Days later, l watched on Facetime as a random stranger cre1nated n1y Dad. I had to pay him, to perforn1 the spiritual duty of a first-born, my spiritual duty and responsibility.

In February this year 1 asked to travel to India to care for my father, 71, who had had a heart attack. He lived alone with my mu1n, also 71, in Lucknow.

As part of n1y application, I included hospital documentation, doctor's notes, photographs, and sought travel on compassionate grounds.

I was told there were no con1passionate

I was told there were no compassionate grounds i n my application grounds here.

At a loss to understand what is meant by the tern1 'co,npassionate grounds', I found there was no one to tw·n to. So I got on to the Facebook group Travel Exemption Australia. Reapply, was the advice I got.

I did, this titue with documentation to prove that my parents lived by themselves, my younger brother a US citizen.

No con1passionate grounds, I was told again.

When I applied a third time, Dad was back in hospital, this time with COVID. I attached the doctor's note suggesting that the patient should be allowed to see his immediate family.

As I waited for the reply, I spent an entire day on the phone, trying to source that

elusive oxygen cylinder. Found one finally for an exorbitant price, needless to say.

Breathed a bit easier, until I was notified that 1 would not be able to travel.

Meanwhile, I read news of a man who was allowed to travel to India for his wedding, and get back into the country weeks later.

How was he granted permission, while I was refused?

Six days after being admitted to hospital, Dad left us, his lungs not able to support him anymore. I watched helplessly on video call as he took his last laboured breath. If only I could reach out and hold his hand, or kiss his forehead ... or support my mum's sagging shoulders as her world slipped from right under her feet.

It was with that same wretched helplessness that 1 bade my dear Dad a final goodbye later that day, the flames carrying him away from us.

Perfonning the last rites for my brother and 1, was a total stranger. A hospital attendant? A random passer-by? A good Samaritan? A daily wager eking out his living? We'll never know.

But right now, I don't have time to mourn.

I have to turn my attention to Mum, locked up alone at home at a tin1e when our culture recommends that she be surrounded by fa1nily, friends, and neighbours. Grief shared is grief halved.

It was an absolutely callous delay by the government that has changed 1ny family's life forever. If my exemption had come through at the first go, I would have been beside my Dad through his illness. I would have identified the symptoms early on, and taken the necessary actions.

And if COVID would still have won, I would have been there, right beside him, holding my Mum as the final curtain fell.

MAY 2021 11

C O V I D -1 9

If the leading powers fai l to d o eve ryth ing they can to help out, Ind ia's c risis w i l l become E a world crisis in ...., short o rder, writes ...., E UMA S KAMBHAMPATI

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• he second wave of the pandemic has struck India with a devastating in1pact. With over 300,000 new cases and 3,000 deaths across the country each day at present, the total nun1ber of deaths has just passed the 200,000* mark - that's about one in 16 of all COVI D deaths across the world. It is also evident that the India statistics are significant underestin1ates.

The virulence of the second wave in India seems to be related to a confluence of factors: govern1nent co1nplacency, driven by poor data colJection and being in denial about the reality of the data; a new variant with a hockey-stick shaped growth curve; and sotne very large and unregulated religious and political events.

It is clear that there is now a humanitarian crisis of significant proportions. India is a country of 1.4 billion people and makes up a sixth of the world's population. Here are some ways in which it is also going to affect the world econo1ny:

1. A lost year for India?

India is itself the fifth largest economy in the world and contributes significantly to world economic growth. With relatively high growth rates (of between 4% and 8%) and its large size, it has a significant impact on the world economy.

Even in early 2020, before the pandemic took hold, the IMF had cited India's indifferent output as the main reason for sluggish world growth figures in 2018 and 2019. The IMF downgraded its 2020 forecast to 5.8% partly because it expected more of the same from the subcontinent. Now it looks as if world growth for 2020 was down by around 4%, with India down 10%.

Everyone has been expecting a great rebound in 2021 from both India and the world, but that now looks seriously doubtful. For instance, Sonal Varma, India chief econon1ist at the investment group Nomura, predicts that India's GDP will shrink around 1.5% in the current quarter.

12 MAY 2021

I ndia produces 70% of the world's vaccines.

Serum Institute of India (SIi) has been given the rights to produce the AstraZeneca vaccine for 64 low-income countries in the WHO's Covax progamme. These exports have now been postponed or called off.

Coupled with significant pandemic-related problems also in Brazil and South Africa, we might expect the in1pact on world growth to be considerable - even before taking any knock-on effects into account.

2. International restrictions

In terms of knock-on effects, the scale of the crisis in India is likely to mean that international restrictions remain in place for longer than hoped. In the words of Soumya Swaminatban, the chief scientist of the World Health Organization (WHO): "The virus doesn't respect borders, or nationalities, or age, or sex or religion."

As others have asked rhetorically, can a coU11try of this size be isolated?

On a recent flight from New Delhi to Hong Kong, for instance, 52 passengers tested positive for COVID. We also know that the Indian variant is already in the UK (while some of India's second wave, notably in the Punjab, bas been caused by the UK variant).

Preventing this spread from India requires strict quarantines and travel restrictions.

This is bad news for airlines, airports and

the businesses that depend on them, so this too will have a large dampening effect on global economic growth.

3. Pharma problems

The pharmaceutical industry in India is the third largest in the world in tern1s of volume and 11th Largest in terms of value.

It contributes 3.5% of the total drugs and medicines exported globally and about 20% of the global exports of generic drugs. If these exports are in doubt, there will be all sorts of consequences for healthcare aroU11d the world, which will again feed through to global growth.

Above all, in the cu1Tent situation, India produces 70% of the world's vaccines.

Serum Institute of India (SIi) has been given the rights to produce the Astra Zeneca vaccine for 64 low-income countries in the WHO's Covax progamme, as well as 5 n1illion doses destined for the UK. The crisis in India bas already meant that these exports of the vaccine have been postponed or called off, leaving many countries vulnerable to fresh waves of the virus and probably delaying their efforts to return to business as usual. If India is unable

to provide vaccine supplies to the rest of the world, we can expect spilJover effects in the form of recurrent lockdowns, increased need for social-distancing measures, and a significant decrease in economic activity.

4. Services not rendered

India provides back-office staff for many activities in western Europe and the US, especially in the health and financial sectors.

With these services now in jeopardy, the US Chamber of Commerce, for one, is concerned that the Indian economy could create "a drag for the global economy".

For the UK, too, trade links with lndia are especially important in the aftennath of Brexit. This is demonstrated by Prime Minister Boris Johnson's two attempts to visit in 2021 - both cancelled at the last minute because of the pandenuc.

Given all these issues, and the huma11itarian crisis unfolding, it has become imperative for the world to act quickly to help lndia whether such help is requested or not. We are seeing signs of this coming through, albeit after a short delay, from the UK (oxygen concentrators, ventilators); the US (vaccine raw materials, drugs, rapid tests and ventilators); and Germany (oxygen and medical aid).

Whatever is provided is likely to be a drop in the ocean of India's require1nents, but at least it demonstrates a recognition that we are in this together. The Indian government may have been ineffective in the current crisis, but failing to recognise how it will affect the world would amount to an equivalent level of complacency. If the leading powers fail to do everything they can to help out, India's crisis will become a world crisis in short order, not only for health but also for the economy.

Uma S Kambhampati is Professor of Economics, Head of School, University of Reading, England. * These numbers were accurate when this piece was first published on 29 April 2021 in The Conversation.

www.indianlink.com.au

•

A tec h - based start- u p is p roviding c ritic a l i n - h o m e c a re a n d saving lives d u ring I n d ia's d evastating second COVI D -19 wave BY

RITAM MITRA uch has been said and written about the shortage of hospital beds and oxygen as India continues its devastating battle with a relentless second wave of COVlD-19.

Less discussed is the growing importance of in-ho1ne care, in a society where hospitals have traditionally been accessible only to the wealthy (putting aside the levelling effects of COVID-19). Now, as COVJD- 19 decin1ates India's fragile hospital system, access to in-ho1ne care for the elderly has beco1ne an increasingly scarce luxury, and a source of unabating concern particularly for those overseas. But even in such challenging circumstances, innovative in-ho1ne care start­ ups such as Emoha Elder Care are still finding ways to provide care where others have failed - and in doing so, providing invaluable peace of mind for relatives near and far.

India's young population is well docu111ented: there are 600 million people under the age of 25 in the country. But India's youth and its elderly are inextricably linked, recent studies showing that 68% of daughters-in-law and 51 % of sons provide son1e forn1 of physical care to their elderly in-laws. These responsibilities have historically traversed international borders even as newer generations have 1nigrated away from India, but as borders have shut in recent months, so too have these responsibilities become harder to fulfil.

Emoha is a technology-powered con1munity platforn1 which responds to these challenges. lt connects elders with caregivers, doctors, family and friends, with subscription-based membership 1nodels that provide for 24/7 emergency responses, regular tele-consults for COVID-positive patients, support for household errands and online emotional wellbeing activities and events. E1noha claims to have saved more than 120 lives during COVID-19 - now at a rate of 5 to 7 lives per night - including having carried out more than 100,000 "care calls" to its community of elderly patients.

E1noha was co-founded two years ago

by Saumyajit Roy, now also its CEO, after he identified a gap in the market for elder services. In an interview with Indian Link, Roy la1nents the perception that aging means being "sick, alone and helpless". "I

knew then, and now we all see, that the new generation of elders are all very educated, alert, have loads of self-respect and an innate sense of independence," he says.

Even though Roy may have anticipated the surge in demand for more holistic elder care services, it is clear that Emoha's work is now ploughing ahead at a furious pace that even he could not have predicted, particularly as otherwise helpless NRis seek support and assistance for their elderly relatives.

Roy tells story after story of Emoha's recent efforts to assist NRis and provide them with some semblance of comfort, even in the darkest moments. He speaks for instance of siblings in the United States and Australia who were unable to travel to India to care for their COVID-19 positive father. Emoha cared for him throughout his

COVID-19 battle, from navigating various emergencies and even, sadly, performing his last rites.

Then there is the daughter based in the United States, whose elderly father's dipping blood oxygen levels were initially cause for concern, but ultimately managed successfully through Emoha's access to rapid laboratory testing facilities and other clinical support. Or the son whose COVID-19 positive parents Emoha ferried by ambulance all night to various hospitals, ultimately returning them hon1e with oxygen support in the early hours of the morning.

Emoha's online services, including access to information and events, and tele­ consults by doctors, are available across India - all that is required is a tablet, PC or smartphone with a reliable internet connection. Emoha also offers in-home services in Delhi, such as doctor visits, physical responders, and "care angels".

These higher-end services include facilitating access to hospitals, ICU care, oxygen, vaccinations and, more recently, cremations.

It plans to expand these services to other areas in the coming months, beginning with Maharashtra and Pune.

Even during COVI D -19, "healthcare is not the only need that these elders have," says Roy. "This is where Emoha co1nes in - we bring in the care, the love, and the touch of what a son and daughter would do for their parents," he concludes.

Further information for NRis about Emoha's elder care services is available at https://emoha.com/empower-covid-care 1 / or by calling + 1 888 866 0486.

MAY 2021 13

•

STREAMING RUK GAYE! 14 MAY 2021

•

radio www.indianlink.com.au

C OV I D - 1 9

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How Indian medical �raduates in Australia can help COVID-ravaged India Seeking doctors to p rovide sta ndardised telehea lth services to patients requ i ring home-based care

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BY ROHi NA JOSHI ndia is experiencing an overwhelming second wave of COVID-19, with over 19 1nillion reported cases and over 219,000 deaths. In the past week alone, 350,000 new infections are being reported every day on average. It's nothing short of heart­ breaking to see the scenes at cremation grounds, hear the cries for oxygen supplies, medicines, and hospital beds that are plastered on our television screens.

Health care facilities are at full capacity, and the health workforce is going above and beyond their calling. They are stretched physically, mentally, and emotionally. Many have succumbed to the virus (744 by the first week of February, according to the Indian Medical Association) and the morale in the medjcal community is low.

In an addjtional blow, the virus is now moving to smaller towns and rural India where health facilities are less equipped, and populations have limited access to doctors. I n these parts, 30% of India's

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doctors support 70% of the population.

It is frightening to see how things have escalated over the last few weeks. As Indian medical graduates based in Australia, many of us have felt disheartened, and are now driven to do something to help. Many have been supporting family and friends in Indja by providing medical advice over phone or video calls.

India needs more such initiatives to provide standardised telehealth services to patients requiring ho1ne-based care to take away the pressure from hospitals. We

_

also need to support health professionals in India - especially the young graduates who need guidance and mentoring.

With such initiatives slowly gaining momentum in the UK, USA, and Canada, Indian medical graduates in South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria are joining hands to provide their collective support to colleagues in India. The aim of these groups is to • support indjviduals requiring home­ based care • support the health workforce through

peer-peer clinical support, and • build the morale of young health professionals and recent graduates We believe that providing peer to peer support might be of immense value to boost their morale as well as support thern in their clirucal duties.

We plan to seek permissions, provide standardised training, and guidelines/ protocols for home-based management without prescriptions. Individual phone numbers will not be sent out and we will not deal with linking people to resources such as oxygen and medicine. We will link in with the available telehealth platforms in India.

If any Indian Medical Graduate in Australia is interested to volunteer their time and support this initiative, please contact us on covidinruatelemed@gmail.com.

Robina Joshi is an IMG from CMC Ludhiana and completed her Masters in Public Health from Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute, Kera/a and PhD from University of Sydney. Rohina is the Head of the Global Health Workforce at The George Institute for Global Health and Scientia Associate Professor at the University ofNew South Wales. She is a Senior Manager at The George Institute, India.

MAY 2021 15

NSW

6.25M grant for

an I ndian aged care facility in NSW

ulticultural NSW is seeking expressions of interest for an aged care facility in the state's Indian con11nunity.

Jt has earn1arked $6,250,000 to support the construction or refurbishment of a multicultural aged care facility for the Indian con1munity in NSW. Culture-specific aged care has been a con11nunity pipedrea1n for many years and will beco,ne a growing need in the short term future. Numbers in the age group an1ong Australia's Indian co1n1nunity are steadily increasing, and a need has been identified for an aged care facility that will cater to diet and care concerns to which our seniors are accuston1ed.

On behalf of the NSW Governn1ent, Multicultural NSW is seeking interested parties from the NSW Indian co1n1nunity who are looking to undertake a capital works building project to increase aged care

support for Indian and ,nulticultural seniors in NSW. The earn1arked an10W1t is to be made available over two years.

In Victoria, concerns raised fro1n the con11nunity at election time had elicited a promise from Dan Andrews to set aside $14.5 n1illion to purchase land for two Indian-specific aged care facilities. An ethno-specific aged care is now about to con11nence construction at Noble Park. To be constructed and managed by MiCare, the 108-bed facility will have language-based staff and volunteers, prayer roo1ns and a 300-capacity con1n1unity hall.

In NSW, the governn1ent has allocated a similar $7 million fund to the Maronite con11nunity to help with an aged care project specific to the needs of their seniors.

To find out more and submit a proposal head to https://multiculturalnsw. s1nartygrants.com.au/indianagedcare

Grants to support

Indian-Australian

commu nity in NSW

rganisations providing support to the Australian-Indian con1munity in NSW can now apply for funding to deliver projects and events across the State.

Minister for Multiculturalism Geoff Lee said grants of up to $ 1 0,000 for events and up to $40,000 for projects are available as part of the Stronger Together Grants Program.

"Our Australian-Lndian community has been indispensable in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and supporting those most vulnerable in our society," Mr Lee said.

"This grants program will ensure volunteer-run organisations are supported in providing invaluable help and care to our community."

Funded projects could include

migrant support groups, community a1·t and sports programs, English and job readiness training and support, and programs supporting the participation of won1en and young people from migrant backgrounds.

Funded events could include interfaith and multicultural events that bring our community together in a COVID-Safe manner.

"These grants will break barriers, combat social isolation and ensure every men1ber of our society has access to the same opportunities no matter where they are from, or what language they speak," Mr Lee said.

Grant applications are now open and can close Spn, Thursday 20 May 2021.

For more information see: https://multicultural.nsw.gov.au/

•

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An ovarian cancer diagnosis changed the life of Srividya Iyer and her young family, pushing them to spread awa reness.

18 MAY 2021

www.indianlink.com.au

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BY

BAGESHRI SAVYASACHI t took all but four weeks for Srivdya and Ravi Iyer's fundraising ca1npaign to reach its goal of $200,000.

The large sun1 of 1noney was needed to fund Srividya's treatn1ent for ovarian cancer - 111aintenance therapy to be 111ore precise; she now has a large network of family, friends and well-wishers to thank tor this.

Shock diagnosis

In January last year, Dr Srividya Iyer left her ho1netown Perth to pursue a postgraduate degree in dentistry at Melbourne University.

At the peak of Melbourne's second COVID outbreak in August, she was placed at the Peter MacCallun1 Cancer Institute.

While at work one day, Srividya began experiencing unusual bloating. Soon she went from a size 8 to a size 12 in just one week. A build-up of groin pain forced her to check into the hospital's emergency depart1nent where she waited for a diagnosis.

"I'd never thought that I would hear that C word, really," Srividya told Indian Link.

"Because I have n1edica1 literacy, l could ask what tests were required. I told them they would have to do a CT scan for a conclusive diagnosis. When the results came in, a 13cm tun1our was found on my right ovary, and it had already spread into 1ny abdomen.

That's when it really hit big time, that this was ovarian cancer."

Srividya was by herself when she received her diagnosis of stage-3 advanced ovarian cancer. Extensive COVID restrictions 1neant Ravi and their 3 y- ear-old daughter Raima had to stay home.

Regular health check-ups and having bloodwork in order was something Srividya had always followed religiously. Yet none of it showed any indication of cancer until the disease had progressed significantly.

"I don't think I can quantify what the emotional and psychological in1pact of the diagnosis was," Srividya revealed.

At the Royal Women's Hospital, six and a haU: litres of fluid were drained from Srividya's abdomen just to keep her conlfortable. She could not walk 10 meters without huffing and puffing.

"It was pretty much like being seven months pregnant," Srividya recalled. "It was one of the hardest things, worse than childbirth."

Ravi remarked, "You hear the word 'cancer' and you never associate it with your immediate family. The shock of hearing the news and adjusting to it took a little while.

But I think we are both quite practical people, so we were able to process it. Since then, the emotional support from all OUT family, and extended family and friends, has obviously been very big for us."

Smiling through the pain

Some 60 - 70% of ovaTian cancer diagnoses only happen at stage thTee. Called the deadliest gynaecological cancer, it has no early detection test, its vague symptoms making it harder to diagnose.

Symptoms like frequent mination and back pain could be easily ignored, and even bloating is common during periods.

Srividya's menstruation cycle was so regulai­ that she didn't have reason to suspect anything was out of the ordinary.

Nevertheless, Srividya truly emerged as an iron woman.

Throughout her cancer treatment, she continued working at her job, specialising in special needs dentistry where she looked

after patients with intellectual disabilities and those classified as medically complex.

"Working at the Cancer Institute gave me a broad outlook," Srividya observed.

"Whenever I met someone young battling cancer and unable to cope, I would tell them my story."

Impressively, Srividya managed to complete all her clinics and sat her exams before her major surgery. She finished the first year of her master's degree with flying colou1·s. ln oncology, a tumour marker is used to depict how active a cancer is. Below the 3 5 mark is considered normal. Srividya's tumour marker on the day of her diagnosis was 6700.

But Srividya responded well to chemotherapy treatn1ent. After the first cycle of chemo, her tumour marker dropped to 3000.

"After the third cycle, CT scan revealed that my tumour had shrunk enough for them to comfortably operate and get everything out," she stated.

On 13 November, two surgeons performed a six-hour surgery to extract all the cancer from Srividya's body. She lost a lot of blood.

"It was one of the scariest days of my life," she revealed. "After that the last three cycles of chemo were basically like vacuuming, getting rid of any microscopic evidence of the disease. My tumour markers by the fifth cycle came down to 31, and around cycle six it was at 21."

Funding maintenance therapy

Just when it seemed like the worst was over, Srividya was informed that the maintenance therapy required to keep her cancer from returning would not be covered by Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

"WhiJe l was in a good position, I was hit with another big setback where [ was told because I don't have the BRCA mutation n1y treatment options would be limited."

Only cancer patients with BRCA mutations (about 15%) qualify for n1edication subsidised by the government.

This n1eant that Srividya's 1naintenance therapy would cost about $7,000-$7,500 a month instead of $40 a month.

"The majority of patients don't have BRCA mutation," Srividya said. "Even in terms of trials in Australia, only females with the mutation have been included.

The government even said the 1nedication works better for those with the mutation.

Countries like USA and UK have been on the forefront where regardless of your mutation, you're put on maintenance therapy. Many studies there have shown that it actually gives BRCA-negative females also a cha11ce of longer progression-free survival periods or potentially a cure as well."

Her husband considered selling their home in Perth to pay tor the treatment, but the thought of it broke Srividya's heart; it was where they had begun their journey and where their daughter was born.

Meanwhile, Srividya's oncologist suggested they start a fundraising campaign through the non-profit Rare Cancers Australia.

It was also a way for the family to put pressure on the government and other agencies, while at the same time raising awareness about the harrowing factors surrounding ovarian cancer.

"Anyone who goes through cancer should be given that opportunity to live, and to explore the option of any maintenance drug which can keep their cancer at bay," Srividya concluded. "Females like me also deserve a chance to live."

MAY 2021 19

V I EW F I N D E R

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•. 4

COOG EE BEAC H NSW

Image by SMITA NASHIKKAR lnstagram: smitan photo Drone photography (OJI Mavic Mini)

20 MAY 2021

www.indianlink.com.au

MAY 2021 21

A note o n Mother's Day a bo u t -fi n d i ng t h e n ew normal a s you n g m u m s -.. .............. .. ◄----·•............. .......

NIDHI JOSHI

BY

his year on Mother's Day, some of us were able to give mum a hug in person - a gesture we wiU never again take for granted. Mothers have always had to juggle niany responsibilities, but in the past year the struggle has truJy amplified with lockdowns, home schooling and the whole fa1nily being hoLne, aU the time. New mothers in particular have had a tough time navigating the eal'ly stages of their child's life, isolated from extended family and with limited social interaction with friends and other mums.

J had n1y second baby right before the pandenuc hit in January 2020. The reality of that first year could not be more different to what I bad imagined. Going into lockdown with a newborn and toddler to look after was not what I had planned, and those first few weeks were intense to say the least.

I soon realised I would need some coping mechanisms to be able to navigate this unexpected change in lifestyle. Now, having lived through a whole year with an ongoing global pandemic, countless mothers including 111yself have found our new normal and learned how to carve out some peace and sanity during these crazy times.

22 MAY 2021

Make time for yourself

Daily walks became a godsend during lockdown and have now becon1e ingrained into 1ny routine. Being able to get half an hour to 1uyself in the fresh air allowed n1e space to re­ energise, think about my goals and to just enjoy some music or podcasts. Everyone's idea of self-care is different but what is certain is that it is vital for 1nental health, especially when anxiety and uncertainty are at an aU-time high.

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Take advantage of technology

While we have been socially distant from family and friends, technology has allowed us to feel connected.

"When I gave birth, only my partner and I were allowed at the hospital,"says Priyanka, who gave birth to a baby girl in Sydney in October 2020. "We would facetime our families every day, especiaUy my mother who was so in1portant for emotional support in those early days. Jt was definitely a surreal experience and not something 1 ever imagined would happen."

She adds, "ln hindsight it was actuaUy a nice way for us to connect as a family, with just the three of us at the hospital for the duration of our stay. We made daily vlogs to summarise events of the day, which we shared with our extended fanilly".

Mothers' groups moved online, regular Zoom catch ups with friends helped us socialise and being able to attend online parties to celebrate major milestones was a bonus considering most new mothers are homebound anyway. Nothing can replace meeting people in real life, but technology certainly played a big part this year in connecting new mothers with the outside world.

Outsource, Outsource, Outsource

Having the whole family at home for weeks on end meant an outrageous amount of housework and ad111in. It is tempting to try to do it all and call yourself "supermun1", but we all know it comes at a cost. During the course of this pandemic, many mothers have learned to outsource tasks and use online services to get admin done efficiently. "1 did all my shopping online, whether it be Coles, Bunnings or K-mart,"says Neeru, mother of an 18-month­ old girl fro1n Sydney. "A Jot of service-based organisations were also conveniently online, such as my local yoga studio, so I couJd do my classes in the comfort of my own home." These conveniences have allowed mothers to keep their bead above water, and when in survival mode, anything goes! ; ' -·------------------------------------

Mother's Day turned out to be an opportunity for us to take a step back and think about bow far we have come and all the things we have learnt, acknowledging the sacrifices we have had to make; especially those made by our loving and caring mothers. While the pandemic is far from over, what we can do is be grateful for the freedoms that we have and if we are lucky enough to be with our mothers in person, to hold them a little closer and appreciate all they have done for us during this roller coaster of a year.

www.indianlink.com.au

• Indian Link Radio's M other's Day talent q uest ydney mum Smita Nashikkar has claimed the top prize in Indian Link Radio's Mother's Day talent contest Main Bhi Kalakaar (Season 2), for her photographic works.

Hirai Adhyaru, also of Sydney, took the Highly Commended prize for her YouTube poetry recitations.

A skilled photographer, S111ita's photos are seen often on co1n1nunity social media, and increasingly on that of ABC. Breathtaking in their beauty, they are almost always of landscapes - mountains, oceans, sunsets and sunrises.

Hiral's presentations of poetry and prose in Hindi are reaching a large YouTube audience and are often heard on Indian Link Radio.

Snuta and Hiral's entries were picked from 38 entries nationwide tlus year. Unlike Season 1 of this contest in 2019 which was restricted to song and dance, tlus year's talent quest

opened up to a variety of skill genres. Besides photography and poetry, the participants showcased their talent in fields as varied as painting, mandala dot paintings, Worli art, mehendi art, sketching, crochet, knitting, travel videography, dance, singing, handmade paper crafts, decoupage, doll making, ceramics, keyboard playing, cooking, baking, jewellery making and fancy dress making for kids.

Smita's work in photography, including her recent interest in drone photography shone through as an outstanding entry.

Check out her piece in the Viewfinder column this very issue (page 20). Hiral's clear diction, choice of literary works and personable style of delivery also suitably impressed the judges.

The contest Main Bhi Kalakaar (I'm an artiste too), designed by Indian Link Radio's Station Manager Ekta Shar1na, ran for nearly three weeks. Kids nominated their 1nums,

but self-nominations were welcome too.

The winners were announced live on air on presenter Meenakshi Kalia's evening show Sunday Sunset on Mother's Day 9 May. Both winners dropped by in the studios the following day to accept their awards live on air with presenter Ekta Sharma on the show Good Morning Australia. The ladies accepted their prizes from Indian Link CEO Pawan Luthra.

"I couldn't believe it," Smita said later. "It felt great to have won."

She revealed on the show that in fact it was her role as a mum that got her into photography. " l still call kids' photography my favou1·ite kind of photography. I love creating portraits of kids and newborns, the more candid, tbe better!"

Hirai opened up about her other creative endeavours in mandala art.

Both mums spoke about bow their side

passions over and above full-time work and family responsibilities have touched their children. i-:liral's sons, 1 1 and 9, have begun to share her passions and follow in her footsteps.

"I do believe that our kids do as we do, not as we say," she mused. "I love the precious hours I spend with my boys doing mandala art - we get to share our thoughts and feelings as we paint and it binds us closer, in a whole new dimension."

Smita revealed that her biggest fan is her 1 1 -year-old daughter, who urges her on to produce more. "She is herself not interested in photography though, her passion lies in tech at the moment. I'm willing to allow her to explore her own passions."

The intent behind the Mother's Day contest was to present to our young families that our mums are more than care-givers and bread-winners, that they are individuals with their own particular passions and loves, and that we must acknowledge and highlight these even as they nourish the very same 1n us.

"Main Bhi Kalakaar Season 2 was just as special aa the first season," Ekta Shanna reflected later. "Every mum is a kalakaar.

We just need to give them a little cheer and energy to come up and show their flairs!

Radio is a powerful medium to showcase the same,as we celebrate and honour the maternal figures in our lives. Thanks to all the mun1s who sent in their kalakaaris."

Given the immense response, Ekta believes the third season has to be even bigger now. Start getting crafty, mums!

Rajni Anand Luthra

Check out Smita Nashikkar's work on Page 20

Find Indian Link Radio in your app store, and on Facebook at IndianLinkRadio

MAY 2021 23

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SHAFEEN M USTAQ wrote this late o n e night i n the week her -fi rst child was born Dear body,

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

I a,n writing this in case I forget with the passage of tin1e. In case I begin to overlook and undermine you again.

Because this week you showed me just how wonderful and capable you are and l hope never ever to forget.

Thfa week was one of the 1nost, no, TJ-lE most intense experience of t11y life. 1t called on you as my body to step up and provide for not one, but two people as you have been doing for the last few 1nonths but in warp speed.

You got me through the shock of finding out about the imminent delivery, through prepping for a c-section, through the operation itself which as everyone kept reminding 1ne, is major abdominal surgery!

Through the after-effects of surgery,

through the adrenalin rush post op to pee, poop, get up and see my baby.

Through the pain and post trauma as baby stayed in NlCU and you pushed yourself to absorb all the medication, food and nutrients not only to keep me going but to start expressing for baby.

And even as 1 write this you continue to labour. To heal the cut that brought my baby into the world.

To process all the medication I'm pushing in and making sure it's going where it's needed. To turn food into nutrition for baby and 1, to keep us n1entally and physically fit.

You do all this just for me and have the bumps, bruises and scars to prove it, the discoloration, the stretch marks, the extra skin... l was learning to live with it all but now l respect and love it!

I understand you as my body are a gift

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MAY 2021

I will speak kindly to you and send you positive energy.

I will never take you for granted again.

Dandenong and Springvale

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BY

SYDNEY SRINIVAS fter watching Bharatanatyam dancer Ankitha Shashidhar present her arangetram (debut), one couldn't help but ponder over the serendipity of her name. It is Sanskrit for 'marked for prominence'.

Take for instance her Varnam, or the centrepiece of the recital, Mathe, Malayadhvaja Sanjathe. A well-known krithi in raga Kamach, many singers have sung it and brought out its grandeur. Interestingly though, this nun1ber holds itnmense potential for a dancer - 1nagnificent diction, chittaiswaras, jathis and fluent sancharas, apart fron1 1nany other characteristics.

It was heartening and pleasing to watch the winso1ne Ankitha bring out brilliantly the various shades and depths of this masterpiece.

A dancer' s abilities are said to be tested during a Varnan1, a mix of Nritya (pure abstract dance) and Abhinaya (acting). Ankitha shone through with flying colours, as an avalanche of mridanga beats, jathis and swaras ca1ne at her. She matched each, quite skilfulJy, with her beautiful and intricate movements.

Arms, hands, wrists, legs, ankle, feet, eyes, lips, all perfonned in unison to heighten the experience. Sparkling with glee, she covered the entire stage with her rhythnuc footwork.

Mathe essentialJy speaks of goddess Meenakshi and brings out various aspects of her personality. Accordingly, in the Abhinaya segments for this item, the tales and legends of the deity were enacted by Ankitha.

Meenakshi could be Shakodari, Shankari, Chamundeswari, chandrakaladhari, iliaye, Gowri. She is sometin1es a lover, occasionally a caring mother, and at tin1es, she is the very destroyer. I vividly recolJect Ankitha cha1melling Chamundeswari tearing up the demon's body, roudra oozing out of her face.

Yet, in the end, she stood as Shukapani (one who holds a pan·ot in each hand). After all, she is Sakala Bhuavana Sarvabhoume, isn't she!

Ankitha is a disciple of the acclaimed dance teacher Sashi Bala at the Natyadarshan School of Dance in Sydney. A graduate in Media (Public Relations and Advertising) fro1n the University of NSW, she is the daughter of Atutha and Shashidha1· of Sydney. lf Mathe was the highlight of the show, another item that stood out was the Padam Bho Sha,nbho, a con1position of Swanu Dayananda Saraswathi in raga Revathi. lt addresses Lord Shiva, who is the redeemer and purifier of human beings. This number started slow in pace and built up as the swaras and jathis joined in. Atilitha's dance converged with the 1nelodious voice of Namrata, tl1e great flute and violin background, mridanga beats, the outstanding lyricism of tl1e composition, and the pervading raga, in creating a sublime experience.

The spellbound audience could feel the iinpact of the item when Ankitha danced to nija guhanihitanit Anta ananta ananda atishaya ak Sayalinga. It reached a grand climax to finish off.

The performance had other items as well.

It started with Pushpanjali when Ankitha danced to Sri Vignarajam Bhaje, followed

by Natesha Kavithvam and Jathiswaram in Ragrunalika. It was a treat to watch Ankiilia

, •

dance to the pw·e notes - Sa ni sa ri saa ni da pa da ni, da pa ,na gaa, ,na pa da nisaa. ln Baro Krishnayya, one saw an enactment of the episodes of Bali, Vidura and Muchkunda. The item reached its peak with the reverberating words Dasa ninna pada dasa. The padam Kadai Kann

,

Parve, also ended dramatically. Ankitha's repertoire also included Srinivasa and Thillana, both in raga Hamsanandi.

All through the performance, the accompanists provided lively support to the dance. There were entertaining dialogues between the vocalists and flute, violin and Mridangam. Namrata remarkably rendered Thamburi /\1.eetidava, an interlude between items.

Lakshnu Narendra and Namratha Pulpaka gave vocal support while guru Sashi Bala delivered the nattuvangam. An essential accompaniment to dance, mridanga support came from Sumukha Jagadeesh. It was a feat to watch him play, sometimes with two instruments. Lakshmi also provided veena support while Jathusen Jayarasa played

Ankitha Shashidhar wraps up her Bharatanatyam arangetram with finesse

the flute. Kranthi Kiran Mudigonda gave the violin accompaniment. Kavitha Sathiaku,nar and Anagba Cbaudhari acted as MCs. Watching youngsters such as Atilitha on stage gives us hope tl1at the ancient classical art of Bharatanatyam will live on forever. Indeed, her very name says it all.

MAY 2021 25

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From pharmacy to food: MasterChef Australia's Depinder Chhibber

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BY

RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA t was my biggest nightmare ever," says Depinder Chhibber, as she relives a mo1nent from the current series of MasterChef

Australia.

She had just cooked a complex dish, with a very difficuJt ingredient, wasabi. Most viewers probably only know of wasabi as a pungent Japanese spice eaten with sushi, but here Depinder had turned it into - wait for it - an ice crean1.

And yet, as she presented her inventive concoction, judge Jock Zonfrillo took one look and said, "I hate wasabi."

This ca1ne just after fellow judge Melissa Leong had warned Depinder that "a millimetre this way or that" could ruin her dish entirely.

"This is a great start, l told 1nyself, as I stood at the judges' table," Depinder recalls.

"I thought I'd pulled off a great experiment!"

In the end of course, she did pull it off, and with flying colours to boot. Her dish, Bombe Alaska with Wasabi Ice Cream and Lemon Curd, proved to be a sensation.

"I'd never cooked with fresh wasabi before, but I took the challenge. I tasted and tasted before I put it in that ice cream churner - must have used up 50 spoons!"

As expected of a typical MasterChef contestant, Depinder has learnt not to be intimidated by unfamiliar ingredients.

"The key is to keep tasting and 26

MAY 2021

readjusting," she observes. "l grated the wasabi, played around with it for a bit, and figu red out what I would like to do."

So far, she reveals, that dish has been her biggest chalJenge, although another highlight has been her signature dish for which she took the white apron: Rajasthani Ghevar with Malai Rabri and Carrot Sorbet, another complex dish.

"J was asked why I chose an Indian dessert for this initial segment, given that they are not the best representation of Indian cuisine. But I figured ghevar is different, and I added 1ny own twist, so it paid off!"

And perhaps some will claim she struck it lucky in the immunity challenge with her pick of ingredients - mango and chilli. But when Melissa did a little dance as she tasted Depinder's Fried Chicken with Mango Chilli Glaze, you knew this would be a winner.

She took home the immunity pin for her good looking dish which used the mango and chilli brief not once but twice (that scrumptious side salad included).

Early starter

It's clear by now that the 29-year-old ''Pinder" or "Pindo"as the other contestants have started calling her, is a gifted and adventurous cook as she works away in the MasterChef kitchen. But as anyone who's following the 13th season of the hit show will tell you, her appeal lies in her good-natured girl-next-door charm, and warm and affable personality.

Depinder was born in Delhi. She says of her childhood, "Growing up, I was surrounded by food, but of the home-made variety. I'd hang out with Mum and the

help, the aunties and the cousins, constantly asking questions. An early memory is making a simple northern Indian salad for my grandmother when I was seven or eight - she was so impressed she gave me a present."

Soon she was hooked on to Sanjeev Kapoor, India's best known celebrity chef, and began to follow Ranveer Brar. But her all-time favourite remains Tarla DaJal. Depinder moved to Australia with her family as a preteen. She grew up in Newcastle and now works as a pharmacist in Sydney.

As a young migrant who came here in 2002, she found popular culture unfamiliar.

On TV, nothing appealed except the cooking shows; she has fond memories of watching Iain Hewitson on his shows Huey's Kitchen and Huey's Cooking Adventures.

Then she found MasterChef

MasterChef Season 13

Having thought for three years about entering the world's best-known food competition, she finally took the plunge last year.

'1 always asked myself if I would actually be good at this," she admits, adding, "I cooked a lot during last year's lockdown, just like all the other contestants, and so finally worked up the confidence. The audition was a two-month process, application and interviews until the final judges' audition stage."

Was the show anything like she expected?

"I didn't know what to expect," she reveals.

"I've never been on TV or filmed anything before. I come from a simple household, and even now have a simple lifestyle. So it was a different world. I'm just there to cook my heart out! And also to help and support others."

The pressure is high, she ad111its.

"Ct's hard to think up what you're going to make. But for me the stress starts when I finish the cook!"

Depinder brings to the show, besides her calm and collected demeanour, extensive experience in cooking.

"I like cooking desserts and am constantly baking. My husband bought me an ice cream machine so that experience came in handy. I'n1 very fond of French cuisine. It's aJmost a polar opposite to Indian, which comes naturally to me. One is rustic and the other sophisticated."

Post 1'vlasterChef, Depinder hopes to continue in the food industry. "I'd like to write a book about food from regional India, simplifying it and making it accessible to all."

She's also considering an outlet of her own, but after gaining more experience in the field.

So does that mean pharmacy will become a thing of the past?

"I don't think I'll ever give up pharmacy!

I'll continue working with my pharmacist dad. But it might take a little bit of backseat initially."

What advice does she have for wannabe MasterChef contestants?

"If you have a dream in food, then go for it. There's never a right time. Trust yourself, your instinct, and your food. AJso, be open to learning, and to taking feedback. Think of it as an advanced class in cooking, or a highly accelerated cooking school. And don't be afraid of new ingredients."

So... who's inspired to make wasabi ice cream?

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F I RST P E R S O N

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Confronted with a pricey quote for her daughter's birthday cake, self-taught baker MELISSA DOMINGO RAWAT decided to have a go herself

A cake for a petrolhead...

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To annk,

or eat?

A cake that light s up

K.__0ONUNGA H I LL SHIR AZ CABE l�NET

...and one for a mango

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coconut oil cake

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Melissa puts finishing touches on a wedding cake, with each tier in a different flavour

I u se my Electrical Engineering deg ree to steadily redefi ne people's approach to cake, while still slaving over creating mu ltiple moist, delicate layers of cake and icing.

MAY 2021 29

WELLN ESS

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iron

... and what to avoid. Worth th i n king a bout if you r iron leve ls are low, writes VA l:i drink with your breakfast, lunch or dinJ1er can make your meal 1nore enjoyable. But have you considered whether your drink of choice may affect the way your body absorbs the nutrients in your food?

Dietary factors that can increase the uptake of other nutrients are called enhancers, while those that can reduce the uptake of other nutrients are called inhibitors, or anti-nutrients.

One of the most co1111non nutrient deficiencies worldwide is iron, and can result in a condition called iron deficiency anae111ia.

So if you're looking to increase your iron levels, it's worth thinking not just about what you're eating- but what you're drinking too.

A bit about iron

Iron deficiency can develop when we don't get enough iron, or don't absorb iron to the extent our body needs. It's 1nore com111on in women, and can cause weakness and fatigue, among other symptoms.

Jf you're worried you may be iron deficient, you can get a blood test from your general practitioner.

There are two fonns of iron in ow· diets; haem iron and non-haem iron. Haem is an iron-containing protein that forms part of the haemoglobin, a protein in your red blood cells that transports oxygen around your body.

Haem iron is found in animal sources of food, like 1neat, and is 1nore easily absorbed into the body.

30 MAY 2021

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Non-haem iron is found in plant foods, like grains, beans and nuts, and is less easily absorbed.

Choosing a drink that contains vitamin C - such as orange, tomato or grapefruit juice a1·ound the time of your meal will increase the amount of the non-haem iron you can absorb.

In one study, 100mg of vita1nin C increased iron absorption four-fold. This is roughly equivalent to what you'd get from one glass of orange juice.

Keeping this in mind is particularly in1portant for people who don't eat meat, as all of their dietary iron will be non-haem iron.

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Tea is a popular drink with meals and is often enjoyed with Asian cuisine. But tea contains a bioactive compound called tannin, which is an inhibitor of non-haen1 iron absorption.

Tannin is classed as an organic compound called a polyphenol. It's also found in many foods including cocoa, almonds, grapes, berries, pomegranates, and spices (for example, vanilla and cinnamon}, which 1nay find their way into d1·inks like smoothies.

Kombucha, a popular fermented tea drink, still contains some tannins.

Unfortunately the news is no better for coffee di·inkers - coffee contains tannins too.

And the chlorogenic acid in coffee is also an iinportant inhibitor of iron absorption.

Tea and coffee are considered the strongest inhibitors of iron. A cup of tea reduces iron absorption by about 75%-80%, and a cup of

Beer increases iron absorption. But that doesn't mean you should have it with every meal. coffee by about 60%. The stronger you make them, the greater the effect will be.

So it's best to avoid tea and coffee while eating and for two hours before and after the meal. This is roughly the length of time food and drinks sit in your stomach before they're fully absorbed.

This includes breakfast, a meal at which many people most commonly consume tea and coffee. For most of us breakfast normally consists of cereal and/or bread.

Both of these naturally contain significant levels of iron and sometimes these products have iron added.

So if you're iron deficient, it may be time to consider opting for a small glass of orange juice at breakfast, or preferably the whole orange (as you get fibre with it too), and saving the tea or coffee for a little later.

A little from column A, little fro ol nn B

There has always been speculation dairy may inhibit iron absorption, but to date the evidence seems to suggest it has no effect.

However, plant-based milks, such as soy milk, contain phytates, a compound that stores phosphorus in plants, which inhibit iron absorption.

Meanwhile, alcohol increases the absorption of iron, so a beer would be classed as an enhancer.

If you favour a glass of wine, you should select a white over a red. Red wine contains more tannins and other polyphenols, so overall red wine inhibits iron absorption.

But as we know drinking alcohol increases ilie risk of cancer and is linked to other health concerns, you shouldn't start drinking alcohol to increase iron absorption.

So what•s the take-home mess� ?

The bioactives I've mentioned also provide many nutritional and health benefits, and they're all found in plant products. It would be virtually impossible to avoid tannins in your diet and still be consuming the healthy number of serves of fruit and vegetables.

This advice is mostly relevant if you've been diagnosed as iron deficient or with iron deficiency anaemia. And even if this is the case, you can still enjoy these drinks outside of meal times.

If your iron levels are within tile normal range, there's no need to be concerned as your body is absorbing enough to meet your needs with what you're drinking and eating.

Evangeline Mantzioris is the Program Director of Nutrition and Food Sciences at the University of South Australia.

The article first appeared in The Conversation.

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Four spots in and around Sydney where the kids can learn where fruit comes from BY NIDHI JOSHI

CANOELANDS ORCHARD

Located about an hour north of Sydney, Canoelands Orchard n1akes for the perfect autun1n day trip. The orchard is set an1ongst a family run farm, so along with fruit and vegetable picking, children can also see fann animals such as chickens, pigs, horses, goats, and ducks.

No visit to Canoelands is complete without a stopover at Glenorie bakery.

This fat11ily run business is a traditional bakery with a rustic feel, serving breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea

s the weather cools down, we long for crisp autumn adventures out in the wilderness. The change in season also brings with it fresh new produce, perfect for unleashing

the MasterChef within you. Lucky for us, there are many working farms and orchards right on our doorstep, providing a great opportunity for a fun day out in nature with the whole family. Teach the kids about farn1

to table freshness and take home some delicious goodies to inspire you to get back into the kitchen. See our round-up below of the best places to go fruit picking near Sydney in the next few weeks and months.

(Dot1't miss the apple turnover!). It is a fantastic spot to relax with a great outdoor children's play area.

Address: 27 Canoelands Road, Canoelands, New South Wales 2157 Booking: Bookings via the website Distance Crom Sydney: approx. l h1· Entrance fee: Adults $5, Children under 5 $3 Opening times: Weekends 10am - 3pm Fruit/vegetables currently in season: To1natoes, Eggplant, Oranges, Mandarins.

Photo: www.canoelandsorchard.con1

FORDS FARM

Fords Farm is a citrus orchard specialising in mandarins.

They grow four varieties of mandarins as well as various varieties of oranges, lemons, and limes. You can also pick up some fresh homemade jams, chutneys, butters, oils, and honey to stock up for your autumn/winter cooking adventures. Nestled on the banks of the Hawkesbury river, the farm is an idyllic picnic spot to enjoy your loot!

BILPIN FRUIT BOWL

BiJpin has a plethora of orchards best known for apple picking. Bilpin Fruit Bowl, however, has a variety of fruits and vegetables harvesting up until the end of May. The website and Facebook page are updated weekly to inform customers of produce that wiU be available for picking that weekend. Currently you can sample the last of the apples, black & green olives, and figs.

Once you've done your share of fruit picking, head over to the nearby Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens for a picnic with a sublime view of the Blue Mountains. lf you prefer

Address: 1275 Singleton

Road, Laughtondale (via Wisemans Perry), NSW 2775 Booking: Book via the website.

Distance from Sydney: approx.

1 hr 30 mins Entrance fee: $ 1 0 per car (up to 6 people per car) Opening times: Weekends 8an1 - 3pm Fruit currently in season:

Mandarins, Oranges, Lemons and Limes Photo: fordsfann.com.au

your lunch to be cooked for you, then we highly recommend Hillbilly Cider, just a 5-minute drive from BiJpin Fruit Bowl for the most delicious ciders paired with woodfired pizza and a gorgeous outdoor seating area. A winning combination in our eyes!

Address: 2093 Bells Line of Road, Bilpin NSW Booking: Not required Distance from Sydney: approx. 1hr 15min Entrance fee: Adults $5, Children over 3 $3 Opening times: Weekends 10am - 4pm Fruit currently in season: Apples, Figs, Black & Green Olives Photo: bilpinfruitbowl.com.au

RICARDOES TOMATOES & STRAWBERRIES

If you are in the mood for a longer road trip, then Ricardoes, just outside Port Macquarie is a great option. There are two acres of greenhouses that produce hydroponically grown tomatoes and strawberries all year round.

There is a cafe onsite, and you can also purchase freshly made strawberry conserve, tomato relish and rich tomato pasta sauce along

with other local delicacies. Worth a stopover as part of a weekend getaway.

Address: 221 Blackmans Point Road, Port Macquarie, NSW Booking: Not required Distance from Sydney:

approx. 4 hours Entrance fee: FREE Opening times: 7 days a week 7am - 5pm Fruit currently in season: Tomatoes and strawberries all year round

MAY 2021 31

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A vibrant cu ltured city, this southern gem has a compact size that's ideal for discovering on foot BY

PETRA O'NEILL t's n1id-afternoon and 1ny exploration of Hobart has been paused while I indulge in chocolate hour, held daily at Tesoro's 1nodern Italian restaurant, with a tray of chocolates and a chocolate cocktail to enjoy.

Hobart is Australia's second oldest city having been established in 1803, 15 years after Sydney, with a seafaring past of n1erchants, whalers and shipwrights, and while its historic Georgian architecture, and picturesque setting on the Derwent River are renowned, it's the vibrant bar and dining scene that's also attracting visitors from the mainland.

The best way to discover Hobart's many attractions is to combine walking with dining stops along the way. First head to Salamanca Place, a long row of sandstone warehouses dating back to the 1830s, with bars, restaurants, and galleries. Time

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your visit for Saturday for the Salamanca Markets, when more than 200 stall holders offer handicrafts, hand spun woollens and homen1ade chutneys, jams, cheeses, bread and pastries for sale.

From here, proceed up the steep flight of Kelly's steps to Battery Point, to view quaint cottages, antique shops, bakeries, and cafes, many with inviting cosy wood fires. A Hobart must try is the cheese toastie, with arguably the best found on Hampden Road.

Much of the life of Hobart centres on the water and at Constitution Dock, while the whaling boats that once docked here are long gone, you'll find fishing boats. You can sa111ple the catch of the day from one of the floating take away seafood stalls. Continue onto Hunter Street lined with Georgian warehouses, before looping back to Macquarie and Davey Streets to view

the churches, cathedrals and grand civic buildings including the Town Hall and Customs House. At the Maritime Museum, Hobart's seafaring past is retold and at the History Museum you'll learn about the Tasmanian aboriginals that once lived here.

Wander back in the evening and you'll hear live music being played at the sea front bars.

There's no shortage of great coffee shops in town such as Bury me Standing on Criterion Street and along Elizabeth Street in North Hobart. On Sunday, there is a farm gate farmer's market on Melville Street. Many restaurants are small and hard to find, tucked down the end of carriageways or in arcades such as the Cat and Fiddle. Here you'll find Korean, Japanese, Indian, Thai and Vietnamese restaurants, reflecting a diversity of Hobart's residents with 29% born overseas.

Hobart has a convict past and to learn more about the 13,500 female convicts that were

transported to Tasmania, visit the Cascades Female Factory in South Hobart, ending your visit at the Cascade Brewery that produces some of Australia's best beer. Hobart has many pleasant walks including the 2.7 km Rivulet track that will lead you here.

Another scenic walk is the 4km Domain walk to the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens passing Government House, native bushland and providing sweeping views of the Derwent River. The Botanical Gardens has a variety of gardens including a Japanese garden, conifer garden and veggie patch.

Since MONA threw open its doors in 2011, plenty of buzz has been generated by those who have visited the underground art gallery of eclectic art. You can visit by taking a scenic 30 minute journey by catamaran from Constitution Dock.

Further Afield

The best vantage point to view the full sweep of the city is fron1 the top of Mount

•• •• Elizabeth and Macquarie Streets

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Salamanca Markets

PortArthur

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Wellington, though tilne your visit since it's often shrouded in mist, and while it's possible to hike there along bush tracks, at an elevation of 1270m, most visitors drive.

Bonorong, wineries and Richmond

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is where you'll see Tas1nanian devils and other Australian wildlife including wombats, quolls, potoroos and koalas. The sanctuary is a short drive from Hobart, nearby a wine growing region. Tasn1anian wines have a long tradition dating back

to the early nineteenth century with boutique vineyards offering onsite tasting rooms. Take time to also stop for freshly grown produce straight from the farm.

Rich111ond is one of Tasinania's oldest settlements, founded in the 1830s. It is Australia's finest Georgian viJlage with the courthouse, churches, including the oldest Catholic Church in Australia, gaol, com1nercial bu ildings, and cottages built from stone cut by convicts. Retaining much of its charm it now offers boutiques, rose gardens, antique shops, and tea houses.

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Port Arthur

Almost 80,000 convicts were transported to Tasmania. You can relive their stories at Port Arthur, a haunting, n1elancholy, and beautiful place. Join a guided tour, visit the museun1 where the stories of the crimes they committed are compellingly retold, and spend time strolling through the gardens. This is one of Australia's most significant historic sites.

Bruny Island and the Huon Valley

For wine, fresh berries, fudge and oysters take the 45-minute drive south then the ferry across to Bruny Island, with a stop e n r- oute in the Huon Valley for fresh apples. You can also experience the Tahune forest air walk, the world's longest treetop walk, or take a river cruise along the Huon River.

MAY 2021 33

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Six Indian shows and movies to watch in the m onth of May I MILESTONE {Netflix) I Starring Lakshvir Saran and Suvinder Vicky, this

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film is about the struggles of a truck driver, facing emotional and physical challenges as he navigates life. It's got great feedback from the film festival circuit, promises to be quite the moving drama.

Set to release on 7 May.

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LAVA KA DHAAVA {Netflix) Were you a fan of Takeshi's Castle? Javed Jaffrey is back with his hilarious commentary Lava Ka Dhaava, a Hindi adaptation of Netflix's popular show The Floor Is Lava. Watch contestants trip, stumble, and sometimes fall face-first in a game of hilarious hurdles.

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HUM BHI AKELE, TUM BHI AKELE

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: (Disney+Hotstar)

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1 ALMA MATTERS (Netflix)

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A road trip movie about an openly gay woman and a closeted gay man on a road trip, Hum Bhi Akele, Tum Bhi Akele is a much-anticipated release on the platform. It's already done the film festival circuit and won Best Film - Audience Choice at the HBO South Asian International Film Festival in New York. Is it on your list yet?

------------------------------------------Begins streaming on 5 May.

I Ever wondered what it takes to be an IITian? In

I this three-part docuseries, learn all about what

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I I RADHE (ZeeS) I As is his tradition on Eid, Salman Khan is back with a I

new release. Directed by Prabhu Deva, Radhe looks to be your tried-and-tested Bollywood formula of an angry hero cop seeking revenge. The film also stars Randeep Hooda, Disha Patani, and Jackie Shroff in supporting roles.

Begins streaming on 13 May.

goes into becoming a student of one of India's most reputed education institutions from its own alumni, who share their experiences in a range of interviews. Fun fact: they've also roped in a famous alum, Indian comedian Biswa Kalyan Rath.

Releases on 14 May.

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34 MAY 2021

In her directorial debut, Kaashvie Nair leads a talented case of Arjun Kapoor, Neena Gupta, Rakul Preet Singh, Soni Razdan, John Abraham and Aditi Rao Hydari in this drama. Sardar Ka Grandson is about the much-awaited return of the USreturned prodigal grandson, who hopes to fulfil his grandmother's unconventional last wishes.

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Releases on 9 May.

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Looking for a well settled boy in Business or Professional from respectable family.

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E N T E RTAIN M E N T 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

MAIIAl'HI TAUCIIS MUMl•I ALM NSTIVAL ,011

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I I I PHOTO PREM (Marathi I film on Amazon Prime) I STARRING: Neena Kulkarni, Arnita I Khopkar, Vikas Hande, Chaitrali Rode, Pradnya Jawle-Edke, Sameer I Dharmadhikari DIRECTOR: Gayatri Patil and Aditya Rathi I I Fifty-something Maee hates being I clicked. Which in turn leads to a I peculiar problem. She realises there's I no decent photograph of her in the house. That's no petty issue if you I consider your primary source of remembrance, when you're no more, will I be the picture that hangs in the living I room. So, Maee decides she must fix I the situation.

Debutant duo Gayatri Patil and Aditya I Rathi's Marathi film is a bittersweet I comedy crafted out of middle-class 1 quirks and the deeper question of identity, without getting too heavy about I it. Rathi's script maintains a feel-good I rhythm all along, and ends with a spot I of black humour.

I The storytelling derives its major impetus from the cast, led by a I flawless Neena Kulkarni. She is the 1 quintessential lady-next-door, coy and

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gives her a character arch that moves subtly, as her protagonist Maee plays out a very unlikely coming of age drama.

There are two aspects to the narrative, as Maee sets out to find a way to get the perfect image to frame for posterity. First, the film is a plain and enjoyable adventure of a woman, who has been a homemaker all her life, in her quest to find a perfect photo-op.

Her interest in the idea is stirred as she starts observing photographs at funerals, and feels most images of the departed seem far from perfect - not at least in the way she would hope to appear on the walls of her home. Patil and Rathi execute this aspect of the narrative with assuredness.

The other aspect that drives the story is Maee's internal journey, unfolding as the film's subtext. Patil and Rathi go for humour-laced simplicity as Maee makes an important realisation right at the end, about what really defines memories - a moment's perfect pose before a camera or a lifetime's impression that one may leave behind.

Simply photographed (Kedar Phadke) and adequately edited (B. Mahanteshwar and Rohan Sarode), Photo Prem is one of those films that leave a message even as they entertain, without forcing you to think too hard about what it has to say.

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withdrawn in her own world. The story

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Vlnayak Chakravorty

TH E DISCIPLE (Netfllx)

STARRING: Aditya Modak, Arun Dravid, Sumitra Shave, Deepika Bhide Bhagwat DIRECTOR: Chaitanya Tamhane

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I Chaitanya Tamhane's new film The I Disciple intricately weaves diverse threads. It talks of the state of I Hindustani classical music and its I 'Guru-Shishya parampara'. There is I adequate reference to the blatant commercialising of music, as well I as how myths are created around I icons in the world of art. Importantly, I in a sublime final scene, the film leaves a lingering question. What I really is the mark of purity in art: I does it lie in rigorous learning, or I is it about simplistic rendition that communicates to all with sincerity?

I Tamhane's new film, which boasts I of Oscar-winner Alfonso Cuaron as I an executive producer, is exceptional for the way it reiterates the value of I the musical as a cinematic genre.

I Richly laced with remarkable classical I recitals, the narrative uses its music quotient to do more than merely move I the story forward. Here, music is a I character in the plot.

I The Disciple marks Tamhane's return to direction after his globally I acclaimed 2014 debut directorial I feature Court. While his new film I has similar nuanced portrayal of characters and a keen introspection I of reality, the varied plot lends to a I different approach in storytelling.

Court unfolded as caustic satire, using I

an unflinching gaze at judiciary and caste discrimination. While the film conveyed quiet anger over societal imbalance and corruption in the system, Tamhane's new effort looks within, into the protagonist's psyche in search of angst. The Disciple is a difficult coming-of-age saga, tracing a journey from youth to resignation, and encompassing elements of doubt and confusion in its wake.

Tamhane's triumph here is not just about brilliant writing and execution.

A large part of the authenticity is because of the perfect casting.

The protagonist Sharad Nerulkar is essayed by Aditya Modak, a trained classical singer. As Sharad's guru Pandit Vinayak Pradhan, Tamhane casts Arun Dravid, a classical exponent and Kishori Amonkar's disciple.

The narrative begins in Sharad's

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twenties, and shifts time frames between his past as a child, with a focus on his father who was also a classical singer, and then to his thirties.

Sharad of the mid-twenties is devoted to his pursuit of excellence.

He fails to win at a classical music competition somewhere around the start of the story, and accepts with fact betraying no sadness. It is a J temperament he maintains through much of what unfolds. Sharad's I anguish is more private: he is racked I by a streak of self-doubt that, among I other things, often hampers his ability to perform on stage. Much later, he I is plagued by a sense of confusion I and disillusionment when he realises I certain truths about ideals.

An important aspect of the story is I Sharad's relationship with his guru, I Pandit Vinayak. Sharad worships

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Vinayak who, in turn, was a disciple of his mother, or Maai. We never see Maai in the narrative, but Sharad's silent deifying of his mother is conveyed in the narrative by the way he values the audio tapes she left behind, of lectures on music and the musician's code (voiced impressively

by Sumitra Shave).

The Disciple celebrates the craft of film making as few films do. It is a harmony of cinematic excellence in every department. Tamhane's vision as writer, director and editor, is brought to life by the entire cast, and also gets exquisite expression in the cinematography of Michal Sobocinski and the efforts of the music team, led by Aneesh Pradhan and Naren Chandavarkar. The film demands your interest if you truly value the aesthetics of cinema.

Vinayak Chakravorty

MAY 2021 35

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36 MAY 2021

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F O R ET E L L

May 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 You can expect some destiny-related I events to occur this month. Group activities like spiritual meet-ups or a I trip could be on the anvil. Something I could be bothering you but you can't put your finger on it yet. Introspect I to see what it is you want, or need. A I longing for a meaningful relationship I could be on your mind. Those of you looking to change Jobs might want I something that is more soul-satisfying I and creative. Listen to your heart while I making decisions.

I I I I I I I I I I You could be on the horns of a dilemma I this month or torn between two tempting I options. This could be across any aspect I of your life. If your relationship is rocky, you could separate for now. Rejections at I work could lead to newer opportunities.

I Family members could experience problems with health or money. Money I comes through a loan being repaid or I rent. You will be in a mood to socialise I this month. A negative experience will end up as a blessing in disguise.

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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 I I I I I I I I I I I The earthy Taureans draw the card for I The Seven of Swords drawn this month I You will want to shine at work and I polish your self-image this month.

I I Pisces so could be creative or romantic I indicates the final stages of activity You will also want to go within for instead of their usual practical side. before completion. It also indicates a I I A relationship is moving along slower I lot of thought because swords stand for I some spiritual soul-searching. The Sun I I the mind. Be careful of deceitful people I card drawn for you will keep you I than you would like. In work and life, wish for everything to fall into place this month and stay away from office busy with home improvement, health I I I I you and will examine what you can do to issues or a pointless trip. There could politics. Travel plans are stressful so I be an engagement in the family; or I I avoid travelling if you can. No matter I make it so. Emotional overload and I how tempting, you will not compromise I those engaged could call it off.

I I problems with your feet could cause Finances are upbeat this month. issues. Money flows smoothly and your stand just to be with someone.

I Aches and pains could bog you down.

I I You will have good luck in legal I you will have enough for your needs.

I I Keeping things in perspective will help I matters. For any problem in your life I A long-standing problem receives an 1 right now, keep an open mind.

I 1 you solve problems.

I answer from the universe.

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 have divine protection this month A Major Arcana indicates the work of There could be a delay or a pause in your I when it comes to finances even though I I destiny at play this month so go with the I career chart and that could frustrate I flow. Introspection will lead to spiritual I you. Don't focus on your problems alone. I money may be blocked or come in I phases. Everyday life keeps you too busy I growth and letting go of unnecessary I Singles will prefer to be on their own than I to look for romance. If you have been I baggage. Matters related to the sale or compromise. Someone will help you undo I purchase of property will take a sudden I a negative situation and get a posi tive I low, an event or occurrence will lift your I I turn. Don't let your negative emotions I outcome. Watch out for depression as I spirits. A pet or a relative may need I to see a doctor. Work on yourself and it can leave you anxious and exhausted overpower your rational side. Slow down if I you want to avoid falling ill. Money owed I besides making you indifferent towards I with friends and family for new ideas.

I I will be paid to you. Despite obstacles, I loved ones. Finances will improve in the I Discard any paradigms that no longer I work to your advantage. A new cycle is I stay on course for future success. Things I near future. Everything takes time so be I beginning.

I will work out better than you expect. patient before you see results.

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Sevens in a reading indicate a spell of going slow and introspecting. Especially if everything around you is falling apart.

Destiny may knock you down but the worst is over and things will improve. A relationship could break due to infidelity or deceit. There could be upheavals which have your emotions all over the place.

Drive carefully to avoid accidents. Medical expenses could go up. Things could go wrong a lot this month but you will overcome everything eventually.

I I I I I I I I I This month may find the January and I late December born up against a wall; be brave no matter what the situation.

I You may even work from home this I month and ace multi-tasking. If making I a decision about a relationship with your heart instead of your head, some I sacrifice will be needed. Don't take on I more than you can handle or you could fall sick. Friends are supportive and an I old pal may show up. A decision made I clears up unresolved issues.

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I A busy month for Aquarians as meetings, I short trips and plans of expansion at work take centerstage. For the singles, a I new love affair is on the anvil. Travel for I work is indicated. Sudden progress and I improvement in your finances at work is foretold though the self-employed could I lose money. Health is good and you are I in a happy place mentally too as negative emotions wither away. Delays in all I projects going slow come to an end and I everything moves ahead.

I The card indicates new possibilities in I I the realm of love and career. Multiple I trips for business are indicated. You I will be in demand socially and at work.

I I Writers and those in creative fields could I I get recognised for their work. Family get- I togethers are predicted but watch out for I fatigue and depression, healthwise. More I I money than you expected to earn could I come your way this month. An ex could also I reappear. Overall, everything will work out I I better than you thought possible.

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MAY 2021 37

BAC KCHAT DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION FOR AUNTYJI? EMAIL INFO@INDIANLINK.COM.AU

-------------------------------M eat o r veg?

DEAR AUNTYJI I am a 45-year- old man who has been a meat eater for 20 years. except for that one time in 2006 when I tried to be a vegetarian for 10 months. Lately though I have been eating less and less meat, like my wife who is a strict vegetarian. But every now and again, I get a hankering for pork belly. Last weekend, by chance, I didn't manage my day well enough, and decided at 2pm that I really wanted Chinese food. I ordered sweet and sour pork from a restaurant. I didn't see their message that they had cancelled my order. So in desperation, I ordered a chicken burger from a local cafe. and when it was delivered late, it was at best lukewarm. I wolfed it down to almost immediate regret. I have been unwell ever since. My wife tells me this is self­ inflicted. Do you have any sympathy for me, Auntyji? A man has gotta eat, nah?

AUNTYJI SAYS Arre, listen up, you petu, I will say this sirf ek boar. Have you learnt nothing over the last two decades of your life, you wacky bhediya? Has COVID not taught you anything? What about SARS, AIDS, bird flu. swine flu. mad cow disease?

38 MAY 2021

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Posting kids' pies Ofi)lirae Well, I will take a deep saans before I tell you what I think. All of these strange and crazy diseases us people Jog are suffering from, have an animal origin - and this is because we eat these animals, or we drive them out of their natural habitats, or we live too close to them. So of course we are going to get these diseases.

Our people from the Indus Valley gave the world vegetarianism - and we have shown that an entire continent of people can be fed on a tasty, wholesome and wholly nutritious plant-based diet. Then you come along, having learnt nothing on your penthalis saaJ on this planet, wanting to eat the flesh of the swine.

Oh you shameless paapi. Tumhare mouh me kida pade. We all know we are what we eat. so by this logic, you are a janwar. Actually, you are lower than a janwar - because at least some janwars like cow and sheep, don't go around eating us insaan.

I'm pleased that chicken burger exacted its revenge on you. I hope this continues for another week at least. And as you sit upon the throne you deserve, mere kwahish hai ki you seriously contemplate going fully veg - you hopeless khali (empty) box.

DEAR AUNTYJI I love reading your columns, Auntyji, you provide such good guidance and you always make me laugh. You are just too good, yaar, too good! To suno mera conundrum. I am a Punjabi man, and my wife is Chinese from Beijing. She is very beautiful and some people have told me that I too am very attractive. But this is nothing new nah, everyone knows ki Punjabi mundeyas are top notch. So anyway, we now have a two-year-old sundari, Shana Aravi. And I know I am biased, but she really is very attractive.

When we post her pictures on Facebook, we get lots of comments. Boat yeh hai, Auntyji, ki when we are out in pub lic, minding our own business, we notice people staring at Shana Aravi. My wife thinks it's because no one has ever seen a Punjabi Chinese girl before. Aapki rai

kya hai?

AUNTYJI SAYS Oh my goodness. kahan se shuru

karoon? PehJi boat to ye hai ki main totally agree karti hoon ki Punjabi mundeyas are such chicknas. Many summers ago I met this Punjab ka naujawan named Kulwant. Oh. he was

such a sher. He stood 6 feet 4 inches and had a deep and booming voice and sometimes, he would sing....wait I am getting distracted. Achcha Jo, main hash me ooh gayi. Ok, let's just assume that people are looking at Shana Aravi because she is exotically beautiful. Also, she is a toddler so all toddlers are cute, except Pushpa bahen's granddaughter Roopa - who is as ugly as a grain of mung dal left in the sun too long and who is now a walking talking example of having the most mismatc hed name ever... Anyway, my behas with you is that you are posting pictures of your baby on Facebook. Kisne tumhe permission di ki bacche ke foto you upload to Facebook?

I have been saying for at least a decade now that FB is not a good place - but jahiJs like you boat hi nahi mante. You can put your own pictures on there because you are a narcissist, that we all get. But our little gulab jamun Shana Aravi neto permission nahi diya nah?

And you wonder about randoms staring at your baby in the raasta and gali but you don't worry about the eyeballs and comments on FB? Well, at least you are good looking- because when it came to aka/, you drew the short straw. nah?

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