2022-02 Sydney

All things Indian. In Australia.

SYDNEY I FEBRUARY 2022 I Vol. 29 No. 5 I FREE

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BY

PAWAN LUTHRA rumpy is the mood that most of Australia is in at the moment. Grumpy about the ongoing challenges with the COVID-19 virus. Grumpy about the uncertainty in going out with friends and family. Grumpy about the ongoing necessity to work from home. Grumpy about struggling to make ends meet as business owners, with no Jobkeeper or Jobsaver to depend upon. Grumpy about stalled family reunion visits.

Grumpy at having to stick a swab up your nostril to check for the virus.

(Even grumpier to have to do this for school-going children at least twice a week.)

Yes, this grouchiness could translate into a vote of no confidence against the incumbent Coalition govern1nent at the next election, due before May this year.

The opening up of international borders to all vaccinated travellers

EDITORIAL

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over

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seems to be a sign of a crawl back to 'regular' life. This may or may not impact you immediately, but as tourist cash begins to flow through to other sectors of the economy, the boost it will provide will be very welcome. The intangible effect of confidence in the system that will then ensue is what the government is hoping for.

At this juncture, a stronger push is also needed to bring more international students back. This will add further to the kickstart of the economy that tourists will provide, as well as help battle labour shortages of the past 18-24 1nonths. In NSW alone, it is stated that international students were adding over $30 million a day to the local economy before the pandemic struck.

Nations and organisations that can create opportunities for themselves in these tough times of COVID­ caused disruption will boom in the post-pandemic world. Australia has been haemorrhaging students to countries such as the UK, Canada, and Singapore. It now needs to add incentives such as subsidised travel,

housing, and pathways to migration, to hasten the return of students onshore. In stark contrast to April 2020, when Prime Minister Scott Morrison told visitors and international students that it was 'time to go home', luring them back now will be an interesting challenge.

India could well play a pivotal role in a post-Covid Australia. With a young population that continues to grow, and with internal education options struggling to keep up with demand, Australia is high in the eyes of India's youth - either for further education or to move here as economic migrants.

At the same time, there is pent-up demand for international travel in the aspirational and affluent sections of Indian society, and Australia is a favoured destination for its natural and cultural attractions.

As Fortress Australia opens up to travel and higher education and these tides of grouchiness hopefully wash away, expect India and Indians to play a strong role in helping revive the economy.

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FEBRUARY 2022 3

YOUR SAY

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KASHMIRI PANDIT EXODUS

On the anniversary of the Kashmir exodus in January 1990, Sydney's VIJAY HANDOO shared a personal account of the events leading up to her family's flight by night that year.

Akhil Jhingran wrote: It is so sad what happened to the Pundits in their

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homeland Kashmir. Hardly ever any criticism from the Western media. Hats off to the present-day government to take some bold steps and restore their pride and create an environment for their return. Jai Hind.

Yash ShaTai wrote: This is very important, as what has happened to this community is rarely ever published. The Kashmiri Pandit genocide has been neglected and wiped from history. The media should reinstate the facts of this genocide and call it for what it was.

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"WHY IS IT OKAY TO BEND THE RULES?"

Or is it really, okay? Where does the buck stop? A note by reader PREETHI MALCOLM of Melbourne.

Like many other times during the pandemic, I recently found myself wondering about human nature and the strange, rebellious streak of rule breakers. I looked inward at our community and noticed that we only tend to do the right things out of fear of being caught by the law, especially when the hard-earned plastic notes that we so lovingly and carefully save for our future generations are taken away in the name of "penalties."

I remember reading somewhere that integrity meant doing the right thing even when no one was watching, and that struck a chord with me. But who decides what's right and what's wrong? When it comes to the pandemic, it's not about playing the role of "moral police". I feel people should instead apply some mindfulness and another factor that is becoming such a rarity these days: common sense.

Walking out of the cinemas recently after watching the film '83, I listened to this nearby family of uncles and grandparents tell their kids all about cricket and passion, but never heard a mention of picking up the empty Coke bottles or popcorn packets that they left on the seats. It was heart breaking. Is it because there is no penalty for such actions or just the lack of mindfulness?

Similarly, a father encouraging his teenager with a learner's license to exceed the speed limit because there were no speed cameras, or parents tweaking their kids' driving hours in the race to get a P-Plate before their friends' children... what are we really teaching here?

Even faking declarations at Customs to bring in some spices may sound trivial but take a moment to consider the long-term repercussions and the lessons we are giving the next generation - that it is ok to lie.

In my mind, it's like telling friends you're on a diet but eating junk food when no one is watching. Who are we really fooling here?

COVID or COVID-free, it's probably time to make mindfulness a part of our daily life.

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VIVE LA REPUBLIQUE

KRISHNA NEELAMRAJU, a newly elected NSW Branch member, writes why he joined the Australian Republican Movement.

Sriram Balakrishnan wrote: Personally, my view is that Dominion/

Commonwealth is a redundant concept and every country independent of the Crown must choose its own Head of State. I wonder when such a movement will take shape in Canada or NZ. Uncle Chop Chop on Worimi Land wrote: Inspiring and true.

Frank Sutherland Davidson wrote: Fallacious argument - a common misconception of the function and position of the monarch in a constitutional monarchy.

Ray Summerscales wrote: Two questions nobody seems to be prepared to answer about becoming a republic. What will be the material benefit to the average Australian and how much will it cost to change? If it ain't broke......

Pallavi Kumar wrote: Lovely pie, and an equally great write up.

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SAY IT AGAIN FEBRUARY 2022

India has lost its voice.

Vice President Venkiah Naidu on

the death of Lata Mangeshkar

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RIP Lata Mangeshkar, I grew up in the Caribbean listening to your timeless music...your music shall live on!!!

Daren Ganga, West Indies cricketer

Meri awaaz hi pehchaan hai (My voice is my identity) Poignant lyrics of an iconic Lataji number forwarded incessantly this week

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A PASSAGE TO INDIA

From changing flight dates to miscommunication at the airport, JAZ/8 FAR/D's recent trip to India was not without its challenges.

Vandana Mathur wrote: I travelled Qantas so far one way. No issues if you have the right paperwork in Sydney, but the flight was packed to the rafters.

Not one seat free!!!

Rajni Luthra wrote: Some ordeal! Must have been a relief to get on that last flight back home. Makes me wonder how much time you spent, during the holiday, on the phone to the airlines.... But at the very least, you got to meet the family.

Jazib Farid wrote: Thank you Indian Link for sharing my travel experience.

Surely a trip to remember for a long time for many of us. Truly appreciate the community's support and efforts in helping one another with the constantly evolving travel information and ground reality, which let me take this trip onboard.

Nitin Khanna wrote: Thanks a lot for sharing your ordeal, Jazib Farid, I'm sure this will help many unfortunate passengers who have booked with Thai airways recently, while my heart goes out to the ones who were denied boarding at the gates for no fault of theirs. Appreciate you being so patient with all these queries over the past month, and kudos to you and others for helping hundreds like me planning alternate arrangements. Wish you and us all better travel experiences in future!

Pavneet Kaur wrote: Amazingly articulated ... appreciate you taking the time to painstakingly share your travel experience. Travel these days can be a nightmare and I am sure your post will help reduce the travel anxiety of many people. And also, thanks to Indian Link for the wider reach to the community.

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DARSHAK MEHTA on 17-year-old Sydney cricketer Harjas Singh's recent achievement, which puts him in the same league as some of Australia's top talents.

Harsha Bhogle wrote: Next gen Indian origin cricketers starting to make a mark in Australia.

Andrew Wu wrote: Interesting piece from Darshak Mehta. Neil D'Costa, Marnus's batting coach and former mentor of Michael Clarke and the late Phillip Hughes, might have unearthed another good one.

Makarand Waingankar wrote: Nice piece by Sydney-based friend Darshak Mehta who played for CCI in the '80s. Teen cricketer Harjas Singh has what it takes to play for Australia.

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INDIAN LINK POLL

Are you comfortable sending your kids to school in this COVID environment?

40% Yes, it's about time they return to classrooms and schools are taking necessary precautions.

60% No, the pandemic is still raging.

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HARJAS SINGH: ONE TO WATCH

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WHEREINOZ

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We asked you to identify this collection of bird cages and its significance.

Readers Anu Shree, Devika Chaudhary, and Australian High WHERE IN INDIA Commissioner to India Barry O'Farrell had the correct answer: Angel •• This popular tourist destination has been called a "Mini Switzerland". Where Place, Sydney CBD. In this sound sculpture, the cages represent birds of •• • is it? Readers Vandana Saini Sandhu, Tripti Joshi, Chakshu, and the region that are now extinct due to over development or pushed to the •• •• Vandana Gulati guessed right: Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh. fringes of the city.

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If we play her songs one after another, we could hear her for an entire month and never hear the same song again Kajol, actor

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These once-in-two-year #U19CWC always give me a feeling of eating at an unlimited Gujarati Thali restaurant. Like we've just about begun to savour the likes of Shivam Mavi & Kamlesh Nagarkoti & they've already left two tempting bowls of Ravi Kumar & Raj Bawa on the table.

Bharat Sundaresan, cricket writer, on India's U19 World Cup win

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FEBRUARY 2022 5

SPECIAL FEATURES ACCOLADES

Australia Day Honour: Deepak­ Raj Gupta OAM

INSTAGRAM

Sanjana Ganesh of Brown Girl Gang

COVID

Home cooked meals for isolating families

ADVOCACY

Dwayne Fernandes: A champion at work and play

TRIBUTE

India's voice: Lata Mangeshkar

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RELATIONSHIP CENTRE

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FEBRUARY 2022 7

COVER STORY

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The class of 2021 ta l k COVID and

(high school) tests

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DHRUV HARIHARAN (HSC)

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ATAR: 99.95 Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Maths Extension 1, Maths Extension 2, English Advanced, German

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Results/Special Awards: Tuckwell Scholarship at ANU, Bronze Medal in the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO), NSW State Debating Team

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GURBANI M I N HAS (VCE) ATAR: 97.65

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Uni Course: Bachelor of Philosophy Science (Honours), ANU

Subjects: Mathematical Methods, Biology, Chemistry, English Language, Latin, Chinese Second Language University Course: Bachelor of Science, University of Melbourne School: Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School, Melbourne

School: Knox Grammar School, Sydney ,.........

BY

MANAN LUTHRA With your Year 1 2 now behind you, you've probably had opportunity to look back at it all with some wisdom .

What did you learn about yourself in the year 2021?

Dhruv Hariharan: I was surprised how much I could push through when it came down to it, since l hadn't been faced with the same level of stress before. At the san1e time, I got to understand 111y limits, and when I needed to stop and take a step back fron1 studies. lt also gave 1ne a sense of direction with what I wanted to do in the future, which is science research.

Daniel Jesudason: 2021 was a learning experience unlike any other I have had during my schooling. The challenge of completing Year 1 1 and Year 1 2 sin1ultaneously ( I was studying four Year 1 1 subjects and four Year 1 2 subjects under the SACE curriculum) meant that my workload was significant. However, I learned that with hard work comes rewards. My ambitious goal of achieving a 99+ ATAR as a Year 1 1 student was quite extreme. People thought I was insane; but just because other people have an opinion,

8 FEBRUARY 2022

doesn't mean they are always right. The most successful people can block out others and focus on achieving their goals.

Charan Kanwal Singh: I learnt that with effort and perseverance, your hard work will be rewarded. Even though you might want to procrastinate, when you receive your results in the end, you realise it is worth the effort.

Satvik Gupta: I understood more about how l learn best. Unlike the majority of my friends, 1 preferred studying earlier in the morning before school instead of staying up at night. I also learnt that I perfonned better in my exams when there was some fortn of pressure that I placed on myself such as deadlines. This helped me remain organised and balance my time between subjects so that nothing was left to the last second.

Karan Partap Singh: A key learning from this year is that resilience triumphs all.

There were times when 1 thought that 1 had under performed, due to a poor SAC mark or a poor practice exa1n, but it was important to keep myself level-headed and trust my preparation. This doesn't mean that I didn't feel frustrated or upset but 1 knew that the best way forward was to pick myself up, brush 1nyself off, and try again.

Hussain Hardwarewala: Throughout Year 12, I learnt that 1 work well under pressure when deadlines are approaching.

I also learnt that I enjoy learning as l was genuinely interested in my chosen subjects.

Abhinav Rajan: To not underestimate myself when l'n1 doing something I have never seen before.

Gurbani Minhas: Looking back at what perhaps may have been the most stressful period of my life yet, I cannot confidently say that J have no regrets. There are many things l wish I could have done differently, however all those decisions l made enabled me to reflect on my choices and further cultivate a new skill. I learned that I am a reflective person, further enabling me to discern my proclivity towards persistence and tenacity.

The past two years have caused a lot of uncertainty for students . How did you go about your studies while adapting to a changing health environment?

Karan: 1 think it would be fair to say that the last two years have been nothing short of chaos. However, in order to keep on top of my studies, it was really helpful to have an end goal in mind, which was getting into my desired course. But most importantly, the most help came from my supportive family. They have always been extremely encouraging and have motivated me to try my best in all aspects of life. It's something I will carry forward with me.

Satvik: It was difficult, and (we saw) increasing amounts of uncertainty.

However my ability to focus on what I could control positively in1pacted 1ny results. r chose not to worry about the number of daily COYID cases or new restrictions. I knew I did not have the power to change our health environment, and so I shifted my energy towards my study goals and performing to the best I could. This allowed me to remain focused and motivated.

Dhruv: With the uncertainty around when exams were likely to be held, the key was to pace myself to keep up my motivation.

There isn't one single way to study finding son1ething that works and sticking with it was essential. I'm a big advocate for the Pomodoro technique of studying harder for shorter intervals, broken up by short breaks.

Hussain: l was lucky enough to not be impacted for the majority of the last two years as I only missed out a week or so of teaching. 1-lowever, l stayed true to my revision and study process even with lockdowns and isolations which helped me stay disciplined and somewhat on top of my studies.

Daniel: In a constantly changing environment, the best way to approach life is to prepare what you can but be 1nindful that anything could change at any moment.

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to my friends that lived elsewhere or was tutoring online, I would use Zoom.

Microsoft Teams tends to be used more for office and school purposes.

Karan: Team Zoom, for sure!

Daniel: Team Zoon1. 100%.

Gurbani: Team Google Meet all the way!

Satvik: Without a doubt, Team Zoo1n!

KARAN PARTAP SINGH

(VCE)

ATAR: Prefer not to say Subjects: English, Biology, Chemistry,

PE, Accounting and Maths Methods Results/Special Awards: School

Captain

School/University Course: Bachelor

of Medical Science/Doctor of Medicine, Monash Universi ty

School: Suzanne Cory High School,

Melbourne

I utilised the less busy beginning of the year to complete high yield assess1nent tasks in advance, being fully aware that the latter stages of the year may be significantly disrupted. The rewards of this early 'grindset' were evident early; in June f was ad1nitted to hospital with health concerns but l was able to stay uptodate with my peers as I had put in the work earlier. This meant that, despite n1issing two weeks of school, I was equally (and often 111ore) prepared than all 1ny classmates.

Gurbani: Learning in such an adverse environment provided me with a n1ultiplicity of challenges. J had to keep up with the acaden1ic aspect of my life and sin1ultaneously maintain my physical and mental well-being.

I found that taking time out of n1y day to talk to my friends and fa1nily, and working out regularly, aided in mitigating the stress and pressure I'd been feeling.

Abhinav: 1 played a lot of basketball and badminton at school and watched a lot of anime to help 1ne pass some tiine.

Kanwal: Living in WA, we have thankfully not been too affected by pandemic-imposed lockdowns. There were a few short periods of lockdown, but we transitioned to distance learning pretty efficiently.

Young people are becoming increasingly aware of news and political affairs. What were your main

news sources throughout the year?

Satvik: I used a mixture of traditional media (The Daily Telegraph) and social media accounts. On lnstagram, @dailyaus and @guardianaustralia were constant, reliable sources of information.

I also read the AFR weekly to keep up­ to-date with 1najor global economic and business news which helped my study of econon1ics at school.

Dhruv: Honestly, I was far less socially conscious this year than l would have liked, mostly since I was focusing on studies, but partially to avoid the seemingly endless stream of bad news.

I still try to get n1y news fron1 a range traditional media like Michael West, The Conversation, and news.coin.au. The 1 1 A M daily conference by the Premier also beca1ne a staple.

Karan: My main sources were The Age and ABC News on the TV. I also obsessed about Victoria's vaccination rates during our race to 90% double dose and to keep up with this, 1 followed @thedailyaus on lnstagran1.

Gurbani: I did constantly try to keep up with the news, whether it was through television or Instagram, both of which I used quite often.

Hussain: Channel 7 news on the TV and on lnstagram were my two main sources.

The ABC News app on my phone was also

used quite a bit.

Kanwal: Having n1oved from overseas in the middle of the acaden,ic year, I had a heavy workload to catch up on in Year 11 and was fairly occupied during Year 12 too. I didn't want to read the news as l felt it might distract n1e.

Daniel: Social media such as Twitter and I nstagram. Whether political, sporting or health-based news, these outlets were influential to my understanding of the world around me.

Abhinav: My main sources of news were the news programs on TV but sometimes I would get information through other social media accounts.

After online classes, are you Team Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Hangout or other?

Abhinav: Having used Microsoft Teams the n1ost 1 would pick it, but Zoom is probably easier to use.

Hussain: I prefer Microsoft Teams as documents and videos can be stored, while having the ability to connect with a range of different people through video calls.

Dhruv: As much as I hate to follow the crowd, Zoom has been my go-to for the past year. Changing the background is a great way to break up the monotony!

Kanwal: It depends. l f I wanted to speak

What extra-curricular activities, bobbies, or TV shows helped you through the past two years?

Daniel: Music played a big role in offsetting 111y heavy and somewhat intensive academic workload. I was in several musical groups including orchestras and bands, and played the saxophone, clarinet and piano through various parts of the year. Sport also played a 1nassive role in helping n1e to relax; watching Rishabh Pant's 1natch­ winning innings at the Gabba was a fantastic way to start the year.

In 2021 I also managed to keep busy through philanthropical work. I participated in fundraising events for my non-profit of choice, UNICEF. This led to me being elected as a UNICEF Ambassador, and U N ICEF Young Ambassador for South Australia. In this role I have been encouraged to consider the problems faced by young people around the country and internationally, and am endeavouring to make a positive contribution to the world.

My latest UNICEF project is the Red Zone Crisis Appeal, aiming to raise funds for disadvantaged youth in less-economically developed nations, particularly those facing hunger crises and malnourishment. More information about my fundraising efforts and an opportunity to donate can be found on my UNICEF Australia fundraising profile. (https:// fund raise. unicef.org.au/da n iel-jesuda son) Karan: For the majority of my school journey, I've loved taking on leadership positions and getting involved in as many sports teams as possible. I was House Sport Captain in Year 1 1 and School Captain in Year 12 which were both extremely rewarding experiences that provided me with the opportunity to continualJy grow as a person.

Hussain: Tennis, cricket, playing the saxophone, and watching YB shows such as The Office and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, were great escapes from the pressures of school and assignments.

Gurbani: Reading definitely helped

FEBRUARY 2022 9

COVER STORY ABHINAV RAJAN {VCE)

..

L

•

ATAR: 94.05 Subjects: General English (A+), Physics (A-), Sport Science (A-), Biology (B+) University Course: Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Radiation Therapy) School: Christian Brothers College, Melbourne

DANIEL SANJIVAN JESUDASON (SACE) ATAR: 99.25 Subjects: Biology, Mathematical Methods, Psychology, Research Project School: St Peter's College, Adelaide

me throughout. It provided a form of intellectual release, considering I did many science-based subjects. And of course, TV shows were always the perfect stress relief to get n1y n1ind off things for a while. Whenever l was feeling a bit dejected, I often turned to 1ny favourite feel-good show Friends.

Kanwal: I was the vice-captain of chess at my school and would often spend time during lunch playing chess. Sport was also a nice way to relax and unwind. I watched YouTube videos rather than TV shows. Be careful not to fall into the rabbit hole of social media, where you keep on clicking on recommended videos; that wastes lots of time!

Satvik: Despite continuous restrictions and lockdowns, I was able to maintain my passion for cricket and soccer. l'1n a strong advocate of maintaining physical activity while studying for the HSC. l also tried to be involved in extracurricular activities at school as a School Prefect and participated in the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award which helped n1e ren1ain connected with my peers. I also loved watching TV shows such as Brooklyn, Nine Nine, Suits and Money Heist.

Dhruv: I've loved debating throughout 1ny tin1e at school, and luckily, I could continue that through lockdown online. Other than

10

FEBRUARY 2022

that, my go-tos are normally Seinfeld and Brooklyn Nine Nine on Netflix.

Do you think nerds rule the world?

Gurbani: Speaking from a completely objective perspective, DEFINITELY! Hussain: Yes, we're all nerds about so1nething or the other.

Satvik Gupta: I don't think anyone can rule the world. It would be much too difficult!

Abhinav: No. Anyone can.

Dhruv: They definitely rule the business world (looking at you, Bezos, Elon Musk and Bill Gates!) but they still need to enter politics.

Karan: Absolutely not. I strongly believe that those that have excellent people skills and an obsessive work ethic/discipline rule the world.

Kanwal: l think nerds have been negatively stereotyped and poorly defined.

If you have passed through Year 12, there would have been periods of time where you would have felt like a nerd and that's alright. Everyone has been a nerd once upon a time. I feel they do rule the world.

Daniel: The word 'nerd' has somewhat of a negative connotation. One of my classmates was publicly called out for being a nerd ... but it made me think. This

person is a talented musician, athlete and debater, and one of the most genuine, kindest human beings I've ever known.

No amount of academic brilliance can take that away. While nerds may not rule the world, those that are kind, and those that work hard, most certainly will.

\Vhat moments from 2021 do you remember most fondly?

Kanwal: The fondest memory for me has to have been the day my WACE exams finished. I felt very relieved once I knew I had finished school. Results day was pretty fulfilling too; it felt great to see that years of hard work had paid off. During school, some of my biggest achievements include getting the role of Chess Vice­ Captain and joining the Student Council.

Karan: There were a few standouts, like returning to face-to-face learning right before exams, as this was such a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with friends and teachers. Year 12 valedictory was another highlight because this allowed us students to reflect on the past few years, celebrating how far we've come and grown.

Satvik: A few of my last moments at school stick out: our Year 12 camp where we went to the beach at sunrise, and our formal and graduation ceremony which was held in

person. Another fond moment would be my team winning our school's annual futsal (indoor soccer) competition with all my friends in the crowd jumping onto us.

Dhruv: My favourite mon,ent was meeting my n1ates in person after almost 4 months in lockdown . .HSC wise, I don't think I could ever forget the sense of relief after finishing paper 2 of English Advanced (my least favourite subject). Of course, l 'd be remiss to not mention Day 5 of the Fourth AUSvlND Test at the Gabba!

Daniel: The feeling of relief after my end-of­ year Physics exam is one that will resonate with me forever. Having completed six exams over the previous couple of weeks, l was mentally and physically drained. Aside from this, spending time with friends was fulfilling. The contribution of n1y friends and fan1ily to my academic development cannot be understated. For that, l am perpetually grateful.

Abhinav: Spending Formal with my friends and the bonds I formed with them.

Gurbani: Spending tin1e with my friends at school during the short periods we were out of lockdown are moments that I will likely never forget. Seeing each other after lengthened periods of time made us appreciate being together all the more.

Hussain: Year 1 2 Retreat, Year 12

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HUSSAIN HARDWAREWALA (SACE) ATAR: 98.15 Subjects: Chemistry, Mathematical Methods, Psychology,

Integrated Learning, General English, Research Project, Music Solo Performance, Music Ensemble Performance University/Course: Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences,

James Cook University

School: Rostrevor College, Adelaide ,............... .

SATVIK GUPTA (HSC) ATAR: 99.90 Subjects: Maths Extension 1, Mathematics Extension 2, Physics,

Chemistry, English Advanced, Economics

Results/Special Awards: Band 6 in Maths Extension 1, Mathematics

Extension 2, Physics, Chemistry, English Advanced, Economics

University/Course: Bachelor of Actuarial Studies (Co-Op Program),

UNSW

School: Baulkham Hills High School, Sydney

Graduation, Year 12 Formal, and most of all the banter amongst teachers and students i n the classroom.

What would your advice to future final year students be?

Hussain: Enjoy it! Don't stress too 1nuch about assignments and tests. They will work then1selves out, but you might n1iss out on the best schooling year if you are too focused on grades, ATAR and uni admission. Balance is key.

Abhinav: Cherish it. Don't spend your whole time studying but also don't slack off completely.

Satvik: Remember it is not the number of hours you study that 1natters, but how efficiently you spend your time. Place distractions like your phone in a different roon1 when studying and ren1ind yourself that aimlessly scrolling through TikTok and Instagra,n is not worth it. Prioritise completing past papers and other revision questions in the weeks leading up to your exams so you can pinpoint exact areas of in1provement. Apart fro1n that, have fun and enjoy your last year of high school!

Karan: Take it as it comes. I think it's very important to not shy away from the fact that it is a very difficult year; however if you break it down into smaller

·-----------------------------···-CHARAN KANWAL SINGH (WACE) ATAR: 98.70 Subjects: English, Chemistry, Mathematics: Methods, Mathematics: Specialist,

Business Management & Enterprise, Economics, Punjabi (interstate)

Results/Special Awards: Certificate of Distinction, Subject Certificate of Excellence:

Business Management & Enterprise (top 0.5% in WA)

University Information: University of Western Australia - Bachelor of Philosophy

(Honours) with Majors in Business Management and Economics School: Scotch College Perth

pieces, YCE becomes a lot less daunting.

Moreover, it's essential that you enjoy the grind. There will be ti1nes when you are studying for hours on end despite not feeling very n1otivated. But on the flip side it's imperative that you make the most of your final year of school and immerse yourself within the school co1nmunity to make those lifelong n1emories.

Dhruv: It's easy to get caught up in the everyday chaos of Year 12, so never lose sight of what you want to achieve.

Take the time to stop and ask yourself why you're doing what you are. Don't underestimate the need to take time and to enjoy yourself during the year. Studies

are important, but so are breaks!

Daniel: The best students are those who enter Year 1 2 prepared. Before your first day of school, make sure that you know your course inside-out. Know the structure and what is expected. Don't be afraid to talk to past students to seek advice and ask questions. Make the most of your teachers; positive, meaningful relationships with them can support you, fostering a community of academic success.

Gurbani: While it is important to work hard and be uptodate with your studies, I'd recommend regularly spending time doing things outside of your academic life in order to prevent a burnout, and enjoy a

balanced YCE journey.

Kanwal: Enjoy it. Work hard. Simple.

Favourite quote from a teacher?

Satvik: " Hospitals need cleaners as much as they need doctors."

Dhruv: "The HSC is a marathon, not a sprint" Daniel: "The future belongs to those who prepa re for it."

Gurbani: " Practice makes perfect." I know it's a cliche, but it's a saying which I will forever hold to heart.

Hussain: "Nooo!!!!" - on many sentences of my English drafts.

Karan: "There's nothing more you can do other than try your best." Best teacher in the world: Mrs Ruddick.

Describe your final year in three words.

Dhruv: l ntense. Insightful. Insane.

Hussain: Fun. Stress. Memories Karan: Challenging. Rewarding.

Unforgettable.

Kanwal: Busy but enjoyable.

Abhinav: Exciting. Fun. Eventful Satvik: Demanding. Unpredictable.

Rewarding.

Gurbani: Challenging. Engaging.

Rewarding.

Daniel: To be continued ...

FEBRUARY 2022 11

YOUTH

Young

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Melbourne's Devika Chaud hary is Brimba n k Council's Young Citizen of the Yea r 2022 BY CARL BUHARIWALA or Brimbank City Council's Young Citizen of the Year 2022 Devika Chaudhary, all it takes is a small gesture to make a difference in the lives of others.

When we think about helping others, we question what in1pact our efforts will have on then1. We may worry about not being able to do enough, perhaps because we believe we might not be sufficiently skilled, resourced or experienced. Or, we might not have the confidence to help others in need.

22-year-old Devika Chaudhary never questions her ability to help others. "We all have something to offer," she says. "We just need to find it and do it!"

With her positive, outgoing and proactive attitude in life, Devika is the proud co­ recipient of the Brimban.k City Council's Young Citizen of the Year award for 2022, for her comn1unity work across a wide range of groups and projects.

Children, youth and women fro1n diverse backgrounds form the crux of Devika's work so far.

Among her vast volunteering con1mitment is her work as an advisory men1ber for the Brunbank Co1nmunity Fund for the past two years, finding ways to help the Fund with activities to benefit local youth.

Her work also includes stints as an Advisor to State Library Focus Group (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse People) in 2020; as a member of Council's 12

FEBRUARY 2022

Homework Club in 2020; as part of Council's Mentor Progra1n m 2020-2021, and as a Kids Activity organiser for the McKay Garden Festival 2019-2020.

Born in Delhi, Devi.ka 1nigrated to Victoria with her fan1ily at the age of 6.

There were difficulties experienced in those early years of adjustmg to a new culture. As a young adult, she recognised the challenges that new migrant families typically face, juggling endless priorities and activities. "l recall seeing families migrate from overseas and not understand some of the processes that we now know and take for granted," she explains. Sharing her experiences and msights with other children and their parents on schooling, culture and family life, she has helped many families feel comfortable as they transition to life in Australia.

Devika's passion to volunteer comes from her own family. With her mother now the President of the Women of Brimbank, a 1nu1ticu1tura1 wo1nen's support group, Devika continues to play an important role

in helping local won1en build confidence and lead a happy life. As a men1ber of this organisation herself now, she has helped organise COVID-safe events for local women to keep them connected and supported durmg isolation.

As an lPC Health Youth Ambassador of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, Devika has worked to publicise the harm that gambling can cause to youth.

Her activities include school outreach projects to make students aware of gambling harm, so that they do not fall mto the trap of gambling.

At the age of 15, Devika joined the Australian Air Force cadet program. "I am fascinated by aviation - my grandfather served in the Indian a1·med forces," she describes."During the cadet program, I developed fundamental skills like teamwork, leadership, motivation and confidence.

I volunteered across three squadrons to participate in various activities that helped me develop essential skills."

Towards the end of her 5-year

commitment, she progressed to being responsible for teaching between 80-90 new recruits and worked her way to the rank of sergeant.

Currently, Devika is in her final year of a joint Educatjon and Law degree at Victoria University. "l hope to implement the learnings from both streams u1 my volunteering work. Law and education are disciplines that will allow me to guide others on a path to a better future."

Despite the impact of COVID on university life, it is not surprising that Devika found further outlets for her particular passions. Through Victoria University's Volunteermg Program, she wrote countless letters to residents in aged care homes, bringing them comfort and giving them a contact with the outside world.

Through volunteering, Devika claims she has been able to uncover what she is passionate about, and this has contributed to shapmg her career trajectory.

"Volunteering not only helps others but allows you to identify and develop your own skills and passions too," says Devika with wisdom. "You do not have to volunteer all of your time to help someone. All you need to do is offer as much or as little as you can to 1nake a difference. Speaking for myself, I feel I have a lot more to offer."

With various s1nall (and so1ne large!) gestures, Devika has shown that it does not take much to give back to others, even with a busy schedule.

It is clear she is part of a new breed of youngsters who care deeply about supporting their local community and n1aking it better.

www.indianlink.com.au

A C C O LA D E S

COM M U NITY, BUSI D E E PAK- RAJ GU PTA, OAM For service to the community of Canberra eepak-Raj Gupta was felicitated on Australia Day this year with the OAM, for service to the con1munity of Canberra.

"I feel honoured and privileged," Gupta told Indian Link. "It reflects well on our con1munity, to be felicitated based on our professional contributions."

Gupta served in the ACT Legislative Assen1bly in 2019 - 2020, as a Labor Party representative for the Yerrabi constituency.

He becan1e the first India-born person to be elected, and as a practising Hindu, took his oath on the Bhagawad Gita.

In the Assen1bly, he took on roles in the fields of justice and com1nunity safety, economic developn1ent, water efficiency, clin1ate strategy, and tourism.

Before this, a long list of contributions adorned his CV, in a checkered career in the business sphere: he was part of ACT trade and business delegations to India in 2015 and 2019.

Within the Indian cornmunity in Canberra, Gupta is well-known. He founded the Canberra India Council; was President of the India Australia Association of Canberra, and was founding president of the ACT Chapter of the Australia India Business Council for ten years (he continues to be a member of the AIBC at the national level). " l ca1ne here 32 years ago, with almost nothing in n1y hands," Deepak-Raj Gupta said, describing his journey. "As a young international student in Melbourne, I never dreamt 1ny contributions would be recognised in this manner."

The Agra-born Siinla-educated Gupta is grateful for the opportunities in those early days, doing odd jobs such as washing cars and in hospitality. "That start put me directly in touch with the co1nmon people, and allowed n1e to become part of the local co,nmunity. I found people to be friendly and welcoming."

Getting into the work force, Gupta took a job as project manager in a federal government department in Canberra.

Outside of his work hours, he threw himself into con,munity work.

"In 2004 I started Holi and Diwali celebration melas. With that experience, l thought our co1nmunity deserved more exposure at the annual National Multicultural Festival in Canberra. A week­ long event, it had only a 1 5-minute slot for Indian n1igrants. I got behind it and asked for more. Today it is a day-long event, one of the most sought-after in the entire festival."

Buoyed by his experience and success in large-scale events, and with growing business networks, Gupta then launched

Deepak-

the World Curry Festival in Canberra.

With professional interests as diverse as this, it is no wonder his colleagues in the Legislative Assembly referred to him as an "Indian Forrest Gump".

Ask hiln about his career highlight, and he wilJ pick his short stint in the Legislative Assen1bly.

"I'm quite proud of that achievement.

It shows others in our co1nmunity that we can fulfil our dreams in this new land, with hard work. Equally, it shows the rest of the country that Indian migrants can serve the wider community as people's representatives - and not just as medicos and IT professionals. I'm also conscious that efforts such as mine can inspire the second generation of migrants - I'm quite thrilled with the interest I'm seeing in the take up of politics; many of our young folk are taking the baton and are keen to be in the place where decisions are made for the

people of Australia."

In a significant contribution while he was in the Assembly, Gupta located the grave of Walter Burley Griffin in Lucknow.

The Chicago-born architect who designed the city of Canberra, died in the northern Indian city in 1937. As Gupta paid obeisance, he said famously that he was able to 'feel a connection'.

Advising new migrants in their adopted ho1ne, Gupta said simply, "Do the hard yakka; don't take shortcuts; give your 100% and the results will come."

He is well-aware that recent migrants have been importing old divisions from India.

"We are not united as a community, and that is not a good reflection of us. Worse, the political parties will take advantage of it. It is entirely our fault though, and we must check these tendencies before they bring us down. We must leave our disputes

back in India. This is our home now, and we must treat it as such. This is very important."

What drew him to Labor when he decided to take up politics? " I knew very little about Australia when .I was growing up in India. The two personalities that impressed me most were Bob Hawke, and Richie Benaud (laughs).

Hawke was PM when I arrived. I found then that the values of the Labor Party resonated with n1e. As 1ny own career in business advanced and I interacted with politicians, I began to speak up for more diversity in our boards and in policy-making. They encouraged me to get into politics to see the changes I wanted, implemented in real life. Labor gave me great support, allowing me to seek preselection on my own terms. 1 got the preselection in 2016 by one vote - it was that tough."

A trail blazer in a comn1unity that is now increasing its political presence especially at the local council level, Gupta's life experience can be a source of inspiration to many keen to follow this path.

Rajni Anand Luthra

Our heartiest congratulations also to Professor Prithvipall Singh Bhathal of Melbourne, who received the AM honour for significant service to pathology, to education and mentoring, and to medical research.

FEBRUARY 2022 13

14 FEBRUARY 2022

www.indianlink.com.au

I N S TA G R A M

•

How lnstagram took Syd ney girl Sanjana Nagesh to the Forbes 30 U nder 30 list

•

Sanjana and Nikita at lnstagram headquarters at LA

BY RITAM MITRA ollowing your passions is a simple adage that is wrought with complexity for young South Asians. For one, it is never sufficient to simply follow; you are expected to excel, to lead, to win. But more significantly, passions are fine to follow - as long as they Lie within the bounds of convention: medicine, law, finance, engineering.

But Sanjana Nagesh, the 25-year-old founder and CEO of social media community Brown Girl Gang, is breaking the mould.

Sanjana's journey in "accidentally" starting a global sisterhood has seen her start to rack up accolades, including being honoured on the Forbes 30 Under 30 List in the category of Media, Marketing and Advertising. In an interview with Indian Link. Sanjana describes her journey as "surreal", and one she hopes can motivate others.

It was in 2017 that the Sydney-based Sanjana found herself scrolling through Instagram, drawing inspiration from a wide range of South Asian women across a variety of diverse careers. Surprised to discover that there was no community or "girl gang" collating these women and their stories, Sanjana created - on a whim - the lnstagram handle @browngirlgang and began that curation.

"The process (of curating stories) was initially meant to be a personal mood board.

Growing up desi, 1 didn't really know about the different careers available to me. So, I thought I could learn from these other people," says Sanjana. "A key reason I chose Brown Girl Gang as a name is that the Asian diaspora con1e from so many different cow1tries, so content by most 'brown creators' is inherently relatable to an extremely wide audience. So, brown is just shorthand to reflect my identity.

Brown means to embrace my ancestry and heritage and merge it with my daily life, whether it's speaking multiple languages at home, watching Bollywood movies or eating different cuisines," she continues.

Initially, Sanjana's pet project involved posting content primarily during her daily commutes to university and work. But Brown Girl Gang took on a life of its own, and now boasts nearly 140,000 followers on lnstagram alone, and counts amongst its followers celebrities like Never Have I Ever creator Mindy Kaling. For a while, Sanjana also juggled the responsibility of collating, producing and researching content for Brown Girl Gang along with her part-time job at venture capital fund Air Tree.

-

Given that "working" in social media is a relatively new phenomenon, at tin1es Sanjana was unsure whether Brown Girl Gang could support a sustainable career.

Having rarely seen role 1nodels that looked like her in the media space, Sanjana was detern1ined to find South Asian women and featuring their stories on her Instagram, and in doing so, has developed for herself - and others - a strong sense of community.

Fittingly, Brown Girl Gang also has an unofficial micro brown girl gang behind it; Sanjana's older sister Nikita, who herself has extensive experience in working with technology and start-ups, and by Sanjana's own admission has a fantastic knack for spotting opportunities, also devotes whatever time she can to help Sanjana with the arduous task of maintaining and growing the community. "It's been amazing seeing Sanju's journey as a lesson in how far passion can take you," says Nikita. "All the opportunities that have con1e her way are quite organic, which just goes to show how engaged her community is. One of my favourite experiences was flying over to America together to meet the Head of Product at lnstagram. I am so excited to see what's ahead for Brown Girl Gang."

With plans to now scale Brown Girl Gang up across more platforms, with a wider variety and volume of content, Sanjana's workload isn't about to get any quieter.

Finding inspiration to do so wasn't hard Sanjana notes that she receives daily messages and comments from followers - including across a wide spectrun1 of genders and ethnicities - who credit Brown GirJ Gang with helping them feel comfortable in their own skin, motivating them to follow their passions, or allowing them to embrace their cultu1·es.

It's interactions Like these that ground Sanjana in reality when it comes to the dark side of social media: trolls. "Getting negative comments is part of content creation, and Like every job, there are pros and cons," admits Sanjana. "But the bad is very much outweighed by the good, and in the mon1ents when l feel overwhelmed, I try to focus on all the amazing DMs I've received instead and take a break from the online world."

And having used the platform to run successful social campaigns Like raising almost $5,000 dollars for COVID-19 relief in India, there's a sense that there is much more good to come for and from Brown Girl Gang.

Sanjana's advice to creators, entrepreneurs and influencers is simple: "Create things you wish existed - whatever you're going through, you may feel isolated, but someone else is feeling it in the world. There's no such thing as a niche anymore. If you can find the targeted thing that you care about, you'll have an incredibly engaged audience."

FEBRUARY 2022 15

YOUTH

• Teen cricketer Harjas Singh has what it ta kes to play for Australia BY

DARSHAK MEHTA t was with a 1nixture of pride and curiosity that I drove to meet Harjas Singh at NeiJ O'Costa's Star Cricket Academy in Hornsby. Harjas is a young man of who1n much is expected. He becan1e the 8th youngest teenager, at 16, to score a hundred in Sydney's (First) Premier Grade Cricket Competition, for his team Blacktown, against St George.

In doing this he joined son1e very illustrious na1nes, including Steve Smith, Usn1an Khawaja, Nie Maddinson and Kurtis Patterson - all contemporary Australian Test cricketers.

In fact, at a younger age than them!

The distinguished group of teenagers who have pe1fonned the same feat in generations past, includes forn1er Australian captains Arthur Morris, Ian Craig and Bobby Situpson.

Folks, we are not talking of cheap runs here. The level and quality of cricket of the top club teams in Sydney's First Grade is reminiscent of many middle-rung Ranji Trophy teams in India.

So, there is a reason for my hype.

In Neil O'Costa's words, "This boy is special. He is capable of playing Test cricket for Australia."

Coming from the coach of Michael 16 FEBRUARY 2022

Clarke, Phil Hughes and Marnus Labuschagne, this is hardly a mentor pluggit1g his pupil. This is a respected Dronacharya who has personally discovered, mentored and finessed more Australian cricketers than anyone else.

D'Costa is particularly proud of his Indian heritage and he believes that 1-larjas is the goods. "He is cool, confident and unflappable, and has developed the pleasing habit of scoring big hundreds," he affirmed.

"It is early days yet, but 1 an1 confident he has the talent, ambition and temperament to play at the highest levels."

A Year 12 student at Westfield Sports High School, Fairfield, Harjas was unfussed

answering questions in an hour-long chat. His parents chipped in every now and then, when asked. Blessed with good sporting genes (father lnderjit was a Punjab state boxing champion and mum Avinder, a state-level long jumper) Harjas was cannily motivated by a grandfather who gave him cash "baksheesh" every time he scored over 50. Granddad might have to scale it back or lift the criteria, the way he is going!

Harjas is a natural right-hander in aln1ost everything he does, EXCEPT batting. The reason?

"As a young kid batting right-handed in the backyard, I was in danger of breaking the glass windows which were close-by, on the leg-side," he revealed. "So, I started batting

left-handed, to avoid that potential crisis. And I've stuck to it! I bowl right-arm medium pacers, though, and throw right-handed."

The youngster has come through the ranks in cricket and announced himself by scoring 161 batting at No. 3, for the Bankstown Under 12s against Fairfield­ Liverpool. That led to hin1 being selected for the NSW Academy Under 13s.

"That's when I felt I really belonged, and developed heaps of self-belief," Harjas said.

At just 17, D'Costa feels Harjas "is ahead of where he should be" and in the off-season this year, plans to focus on a few aspects which will further hone his ability.

Harjas is not a boring, uniditnensional bloke either - he has played the harn1oniu1n since he was 6 years old and has even picked up the tabla in the past few years. His parents credit this to the kirtans he attends and plays at regularly at the Revesby Gurudwara.

He also loves the Sikh martial art of "Gatka", a style of stick fighting, and proudly dons a "patka".

He's fond of cooking too, he revealed.

"I'm a vegetarian, and pasta is my favourite dish."

He in1pressed as a well-grounded, n1ature young man whose doting parents are justifiably proud of his kind-hearted, relaxed and friendly nature. Despite having encountered unsavoury, discrin1inatory experiences as a young boy, Harjas is well and truly over those challenging times and bears no resentment of those who ignored or sidelined him in his younger playing days.

Sydney grade cricket is not for the faint­ hearted. Vigorous verbal exchanges (a.k.a. sledging) are commonplace. Previously, though he never inhiated any verbals, Harjas would not take a backward step. He is a Sikh after all! However, he bas heeded his coach Neil D'Costa's advice and these days rarely dignifies the opposition's "banter" or bait with a response - just a smile. NeiJ's suggestion was simple: Stay Quiet. Also, Stay Hun1ble.

Asked about Neil, the pupil says, "He can be quick to criticise and slow to praise, but never goes over the top, regardless of a good or bad performance."

There's obvious respect and admiration there.

D'Costa can be acerbic, i.t is known, but has a heart of gold and supports his boys passionately. He is determined to produce and see a cricketer of Indian heritage in Australia's Test team in the next 3 to 5 years and he feels this will inspire scores of others. He has a few good prospects currently, including buddmg quick bowler, Hunar Yern1a.

If his coach is right, Harjas, who has himself been inspired by Usman Khawaja, might well be the inspiration for hundreds of young South Asian boys and girls, aspiring to play for their country of birth, Australia.

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FEBRUARY 2022 17

COVID RELIEF

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Grassroots community organisations RAI N, Sakhis a n d Hea rt of Love Fou ndation rise to the occasion BY BAGESHRI SAVYASACHI s Sydneysiders grapple with the O1nicron wave, Kogarah resident Ekta Sharma found hersell' in a 10-day isolation situation after she and her husband tested positive.

The family of three found it hard to cope with the harsh sympto1ns of the virus (fever, cough, ru11ny nose, headaches and diarrhoea) while also caring for their 6-year­ old son.

With no time to buy groceries, the

Sharmas had no food or supplies at ho1ne.

It was then that a friend of Ekta's on a Kogarah community WhatsApp group 'Sakbis' poi11ted her in the direction of wann ho1ne-cooked relief.

"We could've relied on Swiggy or Uber Eats but when a friend told me about a community service organisation providing home-cooked food, l quickly booked meals with them," Ekta Sharma told Indian Link.

"1t was not just soul satisfying but also great for my child."

Jt all started during the Sydney lockdown of 2021 when Manisha Shi1·odkar, a member of RAJN (Resourceful Australian Indian Network) who also managed Sakhis (a 256-member group), noticed that many

Indian community members who were isolating were in dire need of a reliable source of nutritious food.

However, RAlN's food collection point in Penshurst proved too far for some isolating households in the South Sydney suburb.

As more messages poured in from other Kogarah residents who needed the tiffin service, Manisha Shirodkar requested a bulk delivery to the Kogarah India Bazaar.

Manisha Shirodkar is a cricket club secretary at the Kingsgrove Cricket Club in south Sydney, which hosts about 200 players.

"There were pregnant women with none of the usual family support, and people recovering fron1 ailments who had babies to

look after. They all required healthy home­ cooked food," Manisha said.

"At $8 per tiffin, it's very cheap and more than enough food for one person. You get amazing ghar ka khaana and the proceeds go to support an NGO," she added.

Madhu Aunty from the Kogarah India Bazaar was instrumental in helping the local con1munity, Manisha shared. She cleared shelves at the well-known grocery store to make room for RAIN's food deliveries.

"When Ekta was impacted, my son picked up tifftns fro1n the store and dropped them off at her house," Manisha revealed. "And when he himself fell sick halfway through her isolation, another lady from the group, Charanya, took over to make deliveries at sick people's doorsteps.

The people in our group find ways to help each other."

The initiative taken by the volunteer and mother of three has led to 25 fa1nilies in Kogarah regularly receiving healthy home­ cooked meals. Close to a thousand tiffins have been delivered to residents in isolation since Septen1ber last year.

Me1nbers at RAIN Penshurst begin cooking at 7 a1n so that meals can be delivered or picked up before 1 l :30 am, well ahead of lunchtime.

"We have 7 staff and around 20 volunteers, some come in on a regular basis," RAIN General Manager Parag Shah said. "We would love more volunteers but due to COVID social distancing guidelines we cannot afford to put anyone at risk; it's a catch-22."

He went on, "We are here to serve.

We love to serve the con,munity. Though we started this NGO in 2014 for seniors, through Manisha's group many young mums and expectant mums have also been given 1nuch-needed relief."

Those in need of meals can place orders two days in advance by contacting Ritaben on 0422 897 665, Gitaben on 0450 150 808, or Paragon 0409 748 832. *** The Sydney-based Heart of Love Foundation has also been providing COVJD relief in the form of meals to sick families.

Sri and Naveen Yelamanchili launched the foundation two years ago, to provide meals to homeless people. But COVID has added a whole new dimension to their agenda.

Volunteers now cook and deliver food boxes and provisions all across the city. Their message has gone out to the

Food packs donated by volunteers ofHeart ofLove Foundation

18 FEBRUARY 2022

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RAIN / Sakhis

If you are in need, place orders two days in advance by contacting Ritaben on 0422 897 665, Gitaben on 0450 150 808, or Parag on 0409 748 832.

Manisha Shirodkar •

con1munity via Facebook and WhatsApp groups.

Sri YelamanchJJi told Indian Link, "Our food is vegetarian, sattvic and home­ cooked. It's usually dal, vegetable curries, n1aybe paneer, plenty of salads, rice and rotis, and son1etimes fruit. We ask our volunteer cooks to use minirnal oil, and not to include nuts."

As an allied health professional himself, Naveen is very particular about the kind of food that must be sent out to those currently convalescing.

Son,e 60 fan,iJies have been benefitting in the last few weeks. 43 volunteers are currently serving - either preparing the meals or delivering then1, often taking on both responsibilities.

"The nun1ber of people offering to help is going up every day," Sri revealed. "We express our thanks to all our volunteers, especially Savita, Pushpa, Ashok, Priya and Prathilna."

Yet an operation such as this requil'es more volunteers and so the call is out contact Naveen on 0488 725 753 if you would like to help. Contact Sri on 0434 620 092 if you are in need.

"The ain1 of our free co1nn1unity service is to help provide food to COVlD-infected people and abet their fast recovery," Sri re1narked. "But our underlying aim and goal is to utilise this service as a medium to express our love towards our fellow compatriots, and in that process to love ourselves."

"While there are many forms of service towards mankind, we believe that food service nourishes the stomachs of the receivers while nourishing the hearts of the givers," she added.

With RaJni Anand Luthra

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Volunteers at RAIN have been preparing regular meals for affected community members

Heart of Love Foundation

Contact Sri on 0434 620 092 if you are in need.

Contact Naveen on 0488 725 753 if you would like to help cook and/ or deliver.

FEBRUARY 2022 19

V I EW F I N D E R

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20 FEBRUARY 2022

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We have learned so much ... there still remains much to learn. We are not going in circles, we are going up­ wards. The path is a spiral; we have already climbed many steps.

Hermann Hesse, Siddhartha (1922) Image by SM ITA NASHIKKAR lnstagram: smitanphoto Sydney Olympic Park Drone photography (OJI Mavic Mini)

FEBRUARY 2022 21

B O O KS

''

urder is a crime. Describing murder is not. Sex is not a crime. Describing sex is," American cultural critic Gershon Legn1an said in 1949, decrying the official attitude that allowed cultural depictions of graphic violence but not sex.

As the 1960s began, however, two high­ profile trials in the UK ('The Lady Chatterley' case) and the US saw rulings that sex in literary works could not be penalised on grounds of obscenity, and the erotic ele1uent became quite mainstrean1.

Sex has figured in literature, right from ancient times, but saw a 111ajor fillip - and got differentiated fron1 pornography - as the novel developed in the 18th centu1y, with John Cleland's Fanny Hill ( 1748), or actually Memoirs ofa Wo,nan of Pleasure, possibly being the first erotic novel.

The geru·e really hit its stride in the 20th century, as even established writers espoused it. Josephine Mutzenbacher or The Sto,y ofa Viennese Whore, as Told by T-Jerself (1906) was published anony1nously, but is now attributed to Felix Salten, otherwise known for the children's classic Ba,nbi.

Hern.y Miller's Tropic ofCancer ( 1934) and Tropic ofCapricorn (1939), Anais Nin's The Delta of Venus (fron1 the t 940s, but published 1977), Pauline Reage's The Story of O (1954), Emmanuelle Arsan's En1manuelle (1959), and Terry Southern's spoof Blue Movie ( 1970) are son1e notable ones.

Furthermore, sex scenes became common in other genres too - take Harold Robbins, Jackie Collins, and even in thrillers, say, Sidney Sheldon, IJ·ving Wal.lace, the 'Modesty Blaise' series. A notable outlier was Alistair Maclean, who when asked about the absence of sex in his works, said it got in the way of the action.

With society becoming n1ore liberal (mostly) and new forms of media en1erging, the trend has beco111e comn1on. As the success of Sex in the City, 50 Shades of Gray and their ilk shows, the erotic in fiction, or even erotic fiction, is no longer seen as prurient, as the preserve of dodgy publishers, or hidden away in bookstore corners (mdian readers of a certain generation would recall coining across Nancy Friday and Letters to Penthouse and being chased away by bookshop owners/parents). And like other media (cinen1a/OTI especially), it no longer has to be apologetic, though challenges fron1 "moral guardians" still persist. l11dians have a long tradition of erotic literature down the ages. The Kaina Sutra, the Ananga Ranga, Kalidasa and his vivid descriptions (one about Shakuntala got its Bl"itish translator all worked up), Jaydeva's Gita Govinda (though some dee1n it to be a religious allegory), Vallabhadeva's Subhashitavali, Bihari's Satasai, Telugu poetess Muddupalani's Radhika-santvana,n (The Appeasing of Radhika), and many others show that our forebears were not shy about the topic.

0 2 Closer to our times, we've had =s "bold" writers like Isn1at Chughtai, 0 :: Krishna Sobti, Khushwant Singh • never averse to pulling his punches on this count - and Shobhaa De. And now, authors don't even need that label, as the range of anthologies, web stories, and the Indian imprint of the Mills & Boon series shows.

Before listing some contemporary examples, it is important to note that the quality of the writing is m1portant.

(Many Indian-Origin writers have been short listed for The Literary Review's 'Bad Sex in Fiction Award',

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Depiction of sex should "evoke a feeling and root for the character, not make it creepy, dirty, or derogato1y to any gender," says Madhuri Banerjee, whose oeuvre, relevant here, includes Losing My Virginity And Other Du,nb Ideas (2011 ), Mistakes Like Love And Sex (2012), Scandalous Houseivives (2014) and Forbidden Desires (2016) as well as the screenplay for Hindi film Hate Story 2.

Kiran Manral's versatile as well as prodigious output, spanning frothy ron1ance

(All Aboard, 2015, and Saving Maya, 2108) to l-limalaya11 Nair (The Face at The Window, 2016), to darker jou1·neys into mental never lands, as in Missing Presurned Dead (2018) ru1d More Things in Heaven and Earth (2021), always qualifies on this score.

She says she is "generally not very explicit and detailed, I tend to leave a lot to the imagination. My aim is not to titillate but to put the reader in a scene, so they go with the moment."

She notes, "One doesn't really add a sex scene thinking, okay, let's add a sex scene here.

For me, ilie process is organic; if the 1noment is progressing in a way that one needs to write it out so the reader will experience what the protagonist is going through, then one does so.

If it would seen1 gratuitous, then I desist. I feel it is the characters who drive what I write, and it is they who tell me when they are going to have sex, and whether I need to wTite it out or merely allude to it and move on."

Kiran also admits that "sex scenes are perhaps the most difficult scenes to write, after htunour".

Some others to see include Abha Dawesar's Babyji (2005), a coming-0f-age story of a rather precocious teenage girl student in the early 1990s - a tumultuous time for JJ1dian youth, career and otherwise - as she explores her own sexuality and navigates complex relationships, including with her classmates and adults.

Ananth's Play With Me (2014) may seem a fantasy but also provides food tor thought on the intensity and durability of relationships, longing, and emotional support.

In short stories, Apurv Nagpal's Eighteen Plus: Bedtime Stories For Grown-Ups (2013) uses various forms, including the transcript of a texting exchange, to explore sexuality in urban India. The uproarious 'At the Big Fat Indian Wedding' set in a resort where the bridegroom is having second thoughts and his friend has a series of encounters, stands out.

In Eighteen Plus Duets (2016), Nagpal collaborates with 18 women writers to fashion another range of sex-themed stories, including 'A Day of Desh Seva' (along with Jo March), a satirical look at Indian politicians and bureaucrats in the course of a day.

A Pleasant Kind of fleavy and Other Erotic Stories (2013) by Aranyani also expands the gem·e's scope, especially in its first story when a post-lunch massage le,1ds to all sorts of things.

Then, two anthologies deserve mention f - Electric Feather: The Tranquebar Book O Erotic Stories (edited by Ruchir Joshi, 2009) and The Pleasure Principle: The Amaryllis Boole ofErotic Stories (edited by G. Sarnpath, 2016).

There are many more, but it's tin1e to ask what do we make of sex in books?

Just passing it off as a way to titillate readers, the litera1y equivalent of the Hollywood "item song", would not be ve1y valid, for it does provide insights into emotions, personal and gender relations, social mores, nonns, the state of society itself - and desires and aspirations.

While for Kiran, 1nak:ing her female protagonists sexually active "has been this need to show agency and fen1ale desire", Madhw·i says, "I write about wo1nen empowerment.

And one facet of that en1powerment is sexual liberation. I add a scene when the character has a desire and has been denied or repressed tor a long time as 1 did in Scandalous Housewives, where each character was scorned for some reason but fow1d happiness in a new way."

That we can relate to.

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22 FEBRUARY 2022

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SCHOOL

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At the start of th is school yea r, a sig niiicant proportion of the most i m portant stakeholders - parents and teachers - have many concerns BY

MOHAN DHALL he start of the school year commences with rnost adults weary and wary. Whilst the large rises and subsequent declines in O111icron cases have given son1e hope that case nun1bers will continue to fall, parents, educators and students remain concerned.

A conflation of issues

A few issues have combined to create a very uncertain start to the acadentlc year. Disruptions appear inevitable, but accommodation for this possibility has been patchy. Considerations include the effect of disruption on students and their parents if students fall ill; concerns about a sn1aller number of teachers in schools; and the effect of high Omicron caseloads on teachers, parents, and systems once routine, given that high volume move1nent and close contact is the norm.

Student illness

It may be predicted that despite moderate but rising vaccine numbers amongst school-aged children, there will be more coronavirus cases affecting young people.

This will lead to school disruptions and will directly impact on students. For individual students affected, there will be the inevitable isolation and convalescence - which may be

quick, but for others far longer. This alone will impact on student confidence and could also bring a social stign1a from irnmatu1·e peers. The public staten1ents have been about the need for school to contmue as normal - but whether it is wanted or not, onlir1e learning n1ust still be readied.

Educators, parents, and children are generally weary of online learnmg and so this possibility can lead to resistance and undermine or nullify its effect. Moreover, teachers have not been given extra time to plan for this again. After all, say systems, they should by now be ready, notwithstanding the preparation for face-to­ face teaching and learnmg.

Consequently, should there be high caseloads everything will be predictably re-active rather than pre-readied should issues arise.

Parents are wary. They are uncertain about what will transpire - hopeful but weary. Summer holidays, as an extension of last year, were n1uted. Parents worry for their children. They wonder how quickly things will return to something 'normal' and so they can finally relax. An additional worry is that parents may not have any accumulated leave to look after their own ill child(ren) and 111ay feel work vulnerable.

Vaccines and vaccine concerns

As the rollout includes children of younger ages, the number of concerned parents rises. They see that, although vaccines may a1neliorate serious illness, they do not appear to reduce the transntlssibility of the Ontlcron

variant. More than one concerned parent has stated to me that they do not want their pre-adolescent children to have the vaccine for fear of what the long-term effects might be. These are not anti-vaxxers, having had all the requisite doses themselves. They are simply concerned and wary parents, responsibly thinking of their children.

Fewer teachers

Unvaccinated teachers have been forced out of schools. This has led to a decline in the number of teachers in school and the rise of unvaccinated teachers becoming tutors. The staff problem is compounded as the pipeline for new teachers bas been disrupted. This is because the practical experience of trainee teachers was unable to be effectively completed last year and thus fewer trainees are classroom-ready.

Given that 20-30% of different workplaces suffered from staff sickness, before and after Christmas, there is likelihood that high levels of staff sickness will be the norm in Terms 1 and 2. This is a serious issue with fewer teachers available. How will learning be affected by this?

Older teachers

1 know of older teachers in schools concerned that there has been no accommodation to timetables to allow them to work online for this tern1. They are simply expected to work as "new usual" with face masks on, physical distance, the shield of their vaccines and twice weekly RATs. However, Omicron numbers are high

across all age groups and with older people most vulnerable. Many teachers have elderly parents and these teachers have not heard from schools how their extended interests are being taken into account. In short, teachers are wary.

Weary

Whether we like it or not, the past two years have taken an emotional toll. Teaching is tiring when there is not the added en1otional overlap of worry about self and fa111i1y.

Though there has been a break, the holiday was characterised for many as a time of worry for fanilly and friends due to the high case nu1nbers. Teachers are weary and so are school administrators.

Not enough psychologists in schools

Pre-pandemic there were not enough counsellors and psychologists in schools.

At this time n1ore are needed than prior to the pandemic. However, there are fewer available, and the emotional support required, in the absence of systemic support, is now even more necessary. The effect of this is that teachers and students need to rely more on their own resources.

Whilst we all want to celebrate the start of a new year and a fresh beginning, for a while parents and educators need to be disciplined, careful and considered.

At the start of this educational year, a significant proportion of the most important stakeholders are weary and wary.

FEBRUARY 2022 23

WORK

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I n this column, we look at the interesting vocations in which our community mem bers a re involved. This issue, Syd ney's GURPREET SINGH tells us a bout his work with Corrective Services N SW, on National Corrections Day My job title Deputy Superintendent Classifications and Place1nent, at the Silverwater Correctional Co1nplex

I have been in this field for 27 years

What my job entails My job involves deciding where inmates should be placed so that they have the best chance at turning their lives around.

When an inmate first con1es in, we do a detailed risk assessment before building a case plan for the length of their stay. This involves looking at their age, whether they are a first­ tin1e offender, health issues including mental health, educational and en1ployment levels, identifying whether there are akohoVdrug/ violence/gan grelated issues, etc. Based on this we chart out a comprehensive plan for their rehabilitation. Depending on the program we reco1nmend, we decide where they should be placed, ie, which facility will provide them with the program they need for rehabilitation.

It is a long jow·ney for inmates - so our assessment and placement can be crucial. In 24 FEBRUARY 2022

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so1ne cases their own safety can be affected.

But n1ore importantly, if we place an inmate at a location without a suitable program for them, they're just going to sit arow1d and do nothing, which 1night encou1·age them to offend again.

The positive aspects of my work I'm directly involved in helping someone turn their life around. The decisions that my team and I take, have a significant bearing on the future of the offender. This could be in their health or mental health, behaviour issues, as well as work. hnportantly, we see that they get appropriate skill sets, training them in 111eaningful work. Long-tenn inmates are encouraged towards education via open university if they are keen to do so.

Most often, we've observed that they take really well to our intervention programs. Of course, there are those who don't - you can take a horse to water, but you can't 111ake it drink.

Overall, my work is fulfilling and rewarding.

There have been occasions when I'm out and about after hours, and someone walks up to me and says, Hello Mr Singh how are you. It'll be a forn1er inmate who still remembers.

rison o cer •

The challenges Yes there are challenges, like in every job.

In the rare case where we are not able to place an inmate in the best possible program for them due to whatever reason, it can be frustrating. It is not deliberate, as might be believed; we'd like you to know that plenty of work takes place in the background before we decide to go down to the next best placement.

It can also be a challenge son1etimes to establish rapport and trust, but I've leaTnt that communication is the key. l'n1 often asked about safety of staff in this work environment. Yes, staff have to deal with issues like self-harm, skirmishes and riots, but we are trained to deal with these situations. Confronted with these conditions, we act according to set professional guidelines to quickly diffuse.

How COVID-19 has changed my work practice I'm working from home a lot When I do visit the sites, it's always after testing, because we are concerned about the health and safety of staff as well as inmates. Like in other industries we're also facing staff shortages,

and ongoing uncertainty. We do however have good support from Command Post, who manage staff and look after testing.

Regarding the inmates, monitoring social distancing and mask-wearing has become an added responsibility. Visits have been an issue obviously. But technology has helped we've been able to organise video visits.

How my job has changed my life I've gained a lot of life experience (laughs). l was very naive when I started! But seriously, I've developed great skills in dealing with people. Effective communication is vital. I've learned how to be firm but fair - it's the 1nost appropriate way to treat the inmates with dignity, and to do the right thing by the111.

I'm also pleased at how I've learned to communicate with my staff.

Over and above these changes, l've begun to feel that my work is sewa, the act of selfless service. Sewa is at the core of my Sikhism. It's something I've learnt from my family and have taught it on to my own children. We all do sewa in the gurudwara frequently, but 1 think sewa must be reflected in everyday life. I see my job as sewa, directly helping better people's lives.

Seeing my job as sewa also helps me to do it better.

Advice for people who are looking to get into this profession Yes, many new migrants from India have shown an interest. It is challenging, but you're trained for it. There's been an increase in financial stability, and there are many opportw1ities for growth. You can diversify according to your area of interest - industry, psychology, civilian or custodial roles.

Gurpreet Singh spoke to Rajni Anand Luthra

www.indianlink.com.au

A D V O CACY I

• Melbourne's Jerusha Mather is cal ling on p latforms like Bumble and Tinder to help create safe spaces for people with disabilities

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BY

RHEA L NATH avigating the world of online dating can be a daunting experience, facing awkward encounters and confusing conversations in the search for love.

Unfortunately, it's much more complicated than that for more than 4 million Australians living with a disability.

"When people see n1e for the first time, some of them make false assun1ptions," shared Jerusha Mather, a disability advocate, poet, and n1otivational speaker living with cerebral palsy.

"We should just see disabiJity as a norn,al part of diversity and not 1nake it a big deal.

People with disabilities are capable of so much and can have a high quality of life just like anyone else."

Tired of the misconceptions and lack of support, the 27-year-old is calling on dating apps like Bumble, Tinder, and e-Harmony to make their platforms more inclusive of people with disabilities (PWD).

"There should be more specialised coaching/mentoring programs and alternative options for people who'd prefer not to use dating apps, like a free 1natchmaking progra1n and free speed dating events aimed at increasing inclusion," Jerusha told Indian Link.

"Recent research has found that PWD have similar wants when it comes to dating yet support, inclusivity and lack of equal opportunities were the main preventers in them having meaningful dating experiences." importantly, she highlights the need for improved safety norms and support on such apps for people with disabilities.According to the Australian Lnstitute of Health and Welfare, around 43 per cent of adults with disability have experienced sexual harassment, compared to 37 per cent of Australians without disability.

Her Change.erg petition has already received 1nore than 2,500 signatures.

"Everyone has the right to find their special someone. And those of us who have disabilities are not different. It just takes a little of understanding, compassion and conlillunication," wrote one supporter.

"It is hard enough to put yourself out

there... and this won't affect able bodied persons. It does, however, allow contact between disabled and able bodied, by 1nutual decision and disclosure," added another user.

Normalising such relationships remains an important cause for Jerusha.

"Some people have this biased view that people with disabilities should only date people with disabilities," she elaborated. "This is an unacceptable false assumption. We should be able to date a diverse range of people, and this should be the norm. We should be looked upon as potential partners and partners. We should be looked upon as contributing equally to the relationship."

Having n1oved to Australia fro1n Sri Lanka at the age of two, she's particularly passionate about dispelling such misconceptions within the South Asian community.

"The perception of people with disabilities can be particularly negative within the South Asian comn1unity. This has got to change and is thankfully slowly changing. l think the focus should be on progression rather than perfection. Particularly in these cultures, you have the assumption that people with disabilities should only marry people with disabilities, which is just unacceptable."

As her Change.org petition continues to gain traction, she shares son,e exciting news: two weeks ago, representatives fron1 Bumble Australia reached out, promising to pass on these ideas to their internal team for consideration.

"We often try to fix the disability thinking it is a problem, rather than fixing the environn1ent," Jerusha lamented. "We should create changes to n,ake society more accessible and inclusive and transfonn mindsets."

It's certainly a message that has do1ninated headlines recently after Paralympian and follow disabiHty advocate Dylan Alcott was na1ned Australian of the Year 2022. (Notably, the first time in the award's 62-year history that it went to a person with a visible disability.) What was her reaction to the news? "l was overjoyed and excited for Dylan," Jerusha said."He's an amazing and genuine advocate for people with disabilities and l know he'U do great works as the Australian of the Year. He's a true champion with a powerful and influential voice and has a passionate heart for 1naking things accessible for people with disabilities." As she continues her PhD in neuroscience with the goal of becoming a rehabilitation physician, she's making crucial strides of her own. In 2020, she joined the Australian Academy of Science's group of twelve STEM Women Changemakers.

"I loved learning biology and psychology at high school and wanted to make a difference in people's life so that became 1ny life's purpose and mission. I also wanted to utilise my lived experiences to create a more empathetic and compassionate medical environn1ent."

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FEBRUARY 2022 25

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How a double amputee and world record-holding tower climber, came to lau nch a ga ming platform for kids with autism BY BAGESHRI SAVYASACHI n 2008, 22-year-old Dwayne Fernandes was working as a consultancy accountant in the MLC Centre in Sydney's CBD. His work view encon1passed the city skyline including a particular towering landmark, Centrepoint Tower, or Sydney Tower Eye as it's now known. It was then that a colleague approached Dwayne with an invitation to join them in running up the tower.

"None of these people knew I had false legs. I wore long pants and forn1al shoes, so no one could tell that I am a double leg a1nputee," Dwayne told Indian Link. "I phoned the organising com1nittee of the tower climbing event and asked them, 'Hey, have you ever had anybody with false legs run up Centrepoint tower?'. The person said they would make some enquiries and call back. 'No. We've never had anybody with false legs do this run,' they said. 'Please come, there'll be 111edia and you'd be setting a world first! "' "Who am I to say no to a world first?"

Dwayne thought.

Starting at 1 504 ste:. s

At this point, Dwayne had never imagined running up stairs, or towers for that matter. He wasn't in the best shape either.

However, during the weeks before the tower-run Dwayne sought out stairs 26 FEBRUARY 2022

everywhere. He would practice running up every staircase he ca1ne across, because he knew that if he could make it all the way to the top, that would be a world first.

"1 just needed to get up to the top of 1,504 stairs because nobody like me had ever done that," he said.

Working on some basic n1aths and music, Dwayne figured that if he managed to do at least one step a second, (which is preventively slow, according to hitn) he would reach the top in 20-ish minutes.

"I plugged in a playlist that was about 20 minutes long, and 1 started," Dwayne said. ''lt was the 1nost horrible thing that one can ever do."

"It's unlike any other race," he described.

"In a marathon, there are crowds on the streets cbeermg and hopmg you win. In stair climbmg. it is just you, the sound of your echoillg breath, and the sound ofyour foot on the metal steps.

No views at all until you get to the top."

After several steps and self-affirmations, Dwayne became the first double amputee to ever run up the Sydney Tower Eye. He did it m 23 minutes and 12 seconds. Two years later, he returned to m1prove his time and finished the climb ill 20 minutes and 14 seconds.

• "You should put the logo on my shirt and send me to New York to run up the Empire State Building," Dwayne jokingly said to one of the partners of his firm the Friday after bis first race.

"Draft up a memo... and we will speak on Monday," they responded.

On a snowy February day in 2009, Dwayne climbed 86 storeys of the Empire State Building in a record time of 26 minutes and 12 seconds. He is the first and fastest double amputee to do it.

After his stint m NYC, Dwayne soon found himself flymg out on weekends to different cities, climbing towers, and returning to work on Monday.

"When most people were spending their weekends on PlayStations and talkmg about games, I was ill Singapore or Vietnam, just settmg world records for other people to break," Dwayne said.

Dwayne also holds world records in 100m and 200m races at the Retro Running (also known as backwards runnmg) World Championships (2016) that took place in Essen, Germany.

Though he is pleased that his records still

For his next adventure, Dwayne wants to be the first double amputee in space.

So far, only four people with disabilities have been to space.

stand, he is prouder to be the first one to set them. For Dwayne, tower clitnbing was about drivmg equity and awareness.

"I was one of the few people running up towers with business cards in my pockets," Dwayne said.

-

Dwayne Fernandes, 36, was born ill Bombay (as be remembers it), but his family 1noved from India to New Zealand where he finished school before movmg to Australia irt 1999.

Due to a severe bone defect, Dwayne was born without fibulas, causing him to have problems with balance. Belore he was three, he had already undergone five surgeries, and at age 11, he made a courageous choice to replace both his legs with prosthetic limbs.

"We understand bow the quality and the value of life is irt these different countries, don't we? There's a low quality of life if you have a billion plus people," Dwayne shared. "When I was born ill India as a person with disability (PwD), my mu1n knew that we had to leave so that I could have a better life."

Dwayne's mother was shocked to find out they had been accepted into New Zealand. She double checked with visa officers to make sure they knew her son had a disability. She found comfort in theit- response: "You son is not unable to do everything, it's just a few things he won't be able to do."

Dwayne commends New Zealand's schooling system, which didn't segregate between PwD and others, and provided a physical disability unit available for use on every campus. He reveals this rnclusive

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approach did something very important for the kids: "making them realise that society is diverse, and is made up of a variety of different people".

Dwayne witnessed first-hand the different attitudes in these countries and knows what inclusivity feels like.

When he worked with Transport NSW, he noticed that "his people" (PwD), weren't being promoted.

"After I gave that feedback, I grew the network at the organization fro1n 50 people to over 300. It becan1e the largest disability employrnent network in the public sector in the year 2020," he said.

Now he works as a Diversity and Inclusion partner at the NSW Department of Planning, Industry, and Envirorunent, helping to n1ake 1nore and 1nore spaces inclusive.

Dwayne lives in Sydney with his wife Olivia and two daughters, Esrne and Enola. He says NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) has helped him improve his physical quality of life so that he can be a good father and husband, and be more useful around the house.

"It's a lengthy process now, because each different disability is a co1nplex step. It is a great systetn; it just gets a bit politicised sornetitnes," he said.

•

In addition to hfa daytin1e job, Dwayne Fernandes is also the co-founder of Minds At Play, a platform where people on the spectrutn play Dungeons and Dragons and Minecraft in a safe space, to learn social and communication skills.

Dwayne had akeady been playing video games as an outlet for stress for a few years, but with the desire to connect with his godchild who has autisn1, he transformed the hobby into a gaming platforn, for PwD. Dwayne and his business partners Dan Papallo and Jeff Ozog launched Minds At Play in 2019. In their first online session in June 2020, they had no idea starting this side business in the middle of a pandemic would be such a success.

"The support coordinator had never seen such engagement frorn her class or fron, her clients before. She'd never seen these boys, socialise and come together and want to hang out and also make contact with each other," Dwayne shared.

With the help of the Luke Priddis Foundation and digital gaming developer Bouncyrock's support, Minds At Play currently host 151 players in their online gaming sessions.

What would Dwayne say to someone like hin1 who wishes to set world records and change tl,e world? "lf you want to do sornething that has never been done before, I say, 'Go for it!' and most of these things can be practiced," he said.

"By looking to do things that people have never done before, you end up iinproving the place, itnproving the technology, and engagen1ent in that way."

For his next adventure, Dwayne wants to be the first double amputee in space. So far, only four people witl1 disabilities have been to space. The n1ost recent astronaut was 30-year-0ld Hayley Arceneaux on Space X's lnspii:ation4 flight.

"There's plenty of value ii1 having people with disabilities going up there and making it more inclusive for everybody else," Dwayne remarked.

But 1nore importantly, he says: "If you have a goal iliat big, you end up domg a whole bunch of other smaller things that are pretty itnpressive."

In 2019, Dwayne launched Minds At Play, a platform where people on the spectrum play Dungeons and Dragons and Minecraft in a safe space, to learn social and communication skills.

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Dwayne in Singapore for the Stanford Hotel Vertical Marathon

FEBRUARY 2022 27

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TRI BUTE

••,

•

Lilting l u l l abies, love songs, leg-shakers, to hot, high­ paced, haunting and heavenly. QUAID NAJ MI pays a tribute n a music career spannjng over seven decades, Lata Mangeshkar has bequeathed a rich treasure trove of imn1ortaJ songs that are ingrained in the 1njnds of as many generations of music lovers.

Starting in the black-and-white era when 6101 songs were often recorded in congested studios or even in the open at the dead of night, to the modern-day 'auto-tuners', Lata blazed a glitzy comet-like traiJ that will dazzJe for 1nany millennia.

Her singing legacy comprises lilting lulJabies, love songs, love-lorn numbers, leg­ shakers, haunting, heavenly, high-paced, both solos and duets, classical and com1nercial, in multiple languages, rendered with ease.

She developed an unprecedented style of singing - moulding her voice to suit the particular heroine on whon1 it would be shot on the screen - like her male cou11terpart, the equalJy legendary Mohammed Rafi did with aplon1b, and wbo remains evergreen 41 years after his death in July 1980, aged 55.

Like all inspirational stories, Lataji's early struggle to establish herself in the 1940s is one that we cannot ever forget. In those days, she would take a BEST bus and travel from her south Mumbai home regularly to 1neet Naushad Ali at his Khar West bungalow or in the studios, hoping for a 'singing break' w1der the legendary music maker's baton.

In tbe vicious Mumbai 1nonsoon, sbe would come to Naushad's home, wea1·ing her trademark sari, carrying an umbrella but totally drenched, shivering and barely able to speak, let alone sing. The music director would offer her piping hot tea and cookies to soothe her, but no songs ... yet. "l felt her voice was not yet 'ripe' for my style of music," said Naushad, the perfectiorust, in a conversation with this writer. He was trying to justify not giving her an early break. "To improve her diction and control over words, I advised her to learn and practice Urdu, which she did ... and finally, she was ready to record for me."

The first choices of Naushad were the reigrung stalwarts - Noorjehan, Suraiya, Sha1nshad Begum, Zahra Ambalewali, to name a few.

With time, trained by her father, Dinanath Mangeshkar, Lataji grasped the maestro's advice and got her first n1ajor hit - Uthaye

Ja Unke Sitam

(Andaz

1949) composed by her mentor Naushad.

With it, she 'arrived' in the filt11 industry.

Thereafter, top music directors of the era wooed her, and they included Sachin Dev Burn1an, Husan Lal-Bhagat Ram (brothers), Ghulam Haider, Sardar Malik, Ghulam Mohamn1ed, Jaidev, Salil Chowdhary, C. Ramchandra, Shankar-Jaikishan (partners), Roshan, Madan Mohan, M. Zahur Khayyam, Kalyanji-Anandji (brothers), Laxmikant­ Pyarelal (partners), Sonik-Omi (uncle­ nephew), Ravi Kumar Sharma or 'Ravi', Sudhlr Pbadke, Sajjad Hussain, Usha Khanna, and even A.R. Rahman, Anu Malik, Rajesh Roshan, Anand-Milind and jatin-Lalit, among the younger crop of baton wielders.

After the ex.it of Noorjehan from Indja and tbe fading away of other stalwart female singers, by the late 1950s/early 1960s, Lataji was firmly perched on tbe top of the heap.

Producers and directors vied for Lataji's unique voice and style for their top heroines, especially because she could 'mould' her voice to suit most heroines. Without doubt, she bad become tbe first among women singers, a position that Mohammed Rafi enjoyed among the men.

As Lataji's singing style matured under master music directors, her voice helped heroines who acted or danced to her

tunes catapult to stardom, such as Madhubala, Meena Ku1nari, Nargis, Ameeta, Beena Rai, Waheeda Rehman, Vyjayanthimala Bali, Tanuja, Sharmila Tago1·e, Asha Parekh, Nutan, SairaBano, Sadhana Shjvdasani, Babita Kapoor, Zeenat Aman, Parveen Babi, Hema MaJini, Rekha, Sridevi, Neetu Singh, Madhuri Dixit, and many others in tbe post-1980s, right down to the youngsters, notably, Kajol, Rani Mukherjee and Karisma Kapoor.

SimuJtaneously, she sang in different Indian languages with aplomb, non-film songs, with her range encompassing classical, tragic, melodious, erotic, melancholic, light, mischievous, depending on the composer, or the heroine, or tbe song situation. She never failed to astound her listeners with tbe seemingly "undying" power and youthfulness of her golden voice.

'Iypically, sbe brooked no nonsense from anyone - producers, directors, composers, siblings or contemporaries - attempting to clamber anywhere close to her roost.

Bollywood is full of stories of how Lataji ring-fenced her position till the very end,

often raising the hackles of her temale peers, although male singers, such as Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh, Kishore Kun1ar, Mahendra Kapoor and Manna Dey chose to maintain a professional rapport with her.

Nevertheless, there were tales of how Rafi once bore the brunt of her "other side", or certain composers quivering as she gently declined to sing for them after they allegedly dared to commission other singers, for whatever reason.

Lataji's rise to this position was a far cry from her humble beginrungs.

Born on September 28, 1929, as the oldest child of a musically inclined family in Indore (Madhya Pradesh) - comprising father Dinanath, Lataji, Meena (Khadilkar), Asha (Bhosale), Usha and sole brother HJ·idaynath - she was tutored by her dad from the age of five and also acted in his musical stage plays, till bis death in 1942.

Over the decades, sbe was decorated with a multitude of rewards and honours - three Padma awards, five Filmfare Awards, the Dadasabeb Phalke Award - capped by the Bharat Ratna in 2001. More than that, state governments named awards and institutions after her.

Lataji sang at prestigious live concerts or charitable events, enthralling global audiences, picked up more overseas accolades, such as France's highest civilian honour, Officer of the Legion of Honour, in 2007, briefly dabbled in hjgh-end merchandise, such as signature jewellery and perfumes, launched a production and 1nusic house, and entered into international music collaborations.

Death has only removed her physically.

Tbe legacies she leaves behind will outlive her for decades.

FEBRUARY 2022 29

T R AV E L

With Queenslana t>oraers now open, it's worth planning a trip to capital Brisbane to hear some interesting stories

BY

SANDIP HOR o a passionate trave!Jer, exploring Brisbane, the capital of 'Sunshine State' Queensland can be unfolding many i11teresting stories while digging into the settle1nent's 19th century colonial history.

For exa1nple, not many know Edinglassie was the city's first na1ne created by the Scottish settlers as a blend of Edinburgh and Glasgow - the two key cities in Scotland.

In fact, many suburbs in the city are named after places in Scotland, or after Scottish fa1nily names like Brisbane.

Edinglassie became Brisbane in 1824 when it beca1ne a penal colony for British convicts sent from Sydney. It was then attached to New South Wales and the new nan1e was derived fro1n the then Governor, Sir Thomas Brisbane. ln 1838 it was transformed into a free settlement considering its suitability for farming, fishing and agriculture.

In 1859, Queensland separated from New South Wales and became an independent British Colony and maintained this status until 1901, when it was included as one of the six founding states of the Commonwealth of Australia, with Brisbane as the state capital.

The city's present-day CBD is where the historically 1ninded trundle to find among a crowd of glean1ing skyscrapers some architecturally astute sandstone buildings that stand as 1nemoirs to the city's colonial

·-

...

. ,...

past. Among many, City Hall, Treasury Building, Parlian1ent House, and Old Government House draw attention.

While at Old Government House, another interesting story unfolds. Not many know this venue as the birthplace of Lamington, the nation's famous cake-dish named after Lord Lamington who was the governor of Queensland between 1896-1901. While there are many stories around the birth of Lamington, the one 1 was told says that at a dinner party hosted by the Governor, the dessert iten1 fell short and there was no ingredient left in the kitchen to quickly prepare something new, other than some pieces of sponge cake. A quick-thinking maid dipped the pieces of cake into molten chocolate, covered them with desiccated coconut to avoid messy fingers and served them up as another dessert.

.

The guests loved it, and it went on to beco1ne a culinary sensation in Australia.

Tucked between the open sea and the greenery of the botanical garden, Brisbane today is a bustling riverfront settlement.

Currently, it is going through a massive makeshift to emerge as the continent's new global city, where cutting edge modernism shakes hands with the land's rich legacy and culture.

Besides colonial heritage, the city has many more things and experiences to delight visitors.

Here are some of the more popular ones.

Cruising the river

Taking a cruise along the winding Brisbane River is a spectacular way of catching a glimpse of the city's high-rise punctuated waterfront silhouette, particularly in the

TRRUEL

30 FEBRUARY 2022

www.indianlink.com.au

Old Parliament House

•

----

•

of Brisbane ........!!:::::Wheel =:a---� -

St. Stephens Cha

evenings when the lights on the panorama bestow a fairy-tale appearance.

Spinning on a wheel

Rising to 60111 above ground level, a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane offers a breathtaking 360-degree vista of the surrounding cityscape frotn the safety and comfort of a fully enclosed, air-conditioned gondola.

Hiking to the top of a bridge

A landmark of the city, the Story Bridge is a heritage-listed, steel cantilever, 770111-long road bridge, spanning across the Brisbane River. It reminds 1ne of Kolkata's land1nark - the Howrah Bridge on the Hooghly River.

One of only three bridge climbs in the world, an adventurous hike to its top almost 80 111etres above the water level not only offers adrenaline rushing thrills but also unmatched 360-degree views spanning Moreton Bay in the east, the Glasshouse Mountains in the north and hinterland views to the west.

Exploring art and culture

Located on the southern banks of the river, the culturally thriving South Bank is famous for world­ class museums, galleries, theatres, Libraries and centres of performing arts. The 17-hectare area is home to Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art, Queensland Maritime Museum, Queensland ok Vincent a/bro Performing Arts Centre, some Cryst the Big B at 90 restaurants, cafes and bars, and a host of other entertainment, the recently revitalised Howard recreation and leisure activities all of which Sn1ith Wharves offers an extraordinary a1·e within walking distance of each other. experience. Inspired by celebrated Hundreds of events of different kinds are Australian painter Vincent Fantauzzo, this held here every year.

166-room luxury property provides guests with an artistic indulgence. The artist's creations, 500 of them, are splattered Sleeping in an art house Though the city offers several hotels to throughout the hotel, evoking an impression choose from, staying at the Crystalbrook of sleeping in an art gallery. A portrait of Vincent (formerly The Fantauzzo) beneath Amitabh Bachchan in the lobby drew my first attention. the iconic Story Bridge and overlooking

Food and wine

Because of its pleasant climate and abundance of fresh produce, food and drink are taken seriously in Brisbane, whether it's coffee at the Stanton Cafe & Bar in Queen Street, lunch at the Greek tavern Greca at the new Howard Smith Wharves precinct, a cocktail at Mr Percival's overwater bar while watching the sunset, or fine dining at the Polpetta for a taste of real [taly

Spending a fun-filled day

World famous for fun-tilled then1e parks like Sea World and Movie World, Australia's Gold Coast, only an hour away, is also an ideal destination for spending a day with the sun, sea and sand at one of the many beachside locations. Surfers Paradise continues to be the most popular Gold Coast destination.

Visit www.visitbrisbane.com.au for more information

TRRUEL

FEBRUARY 2022 31

O U T D O O RS

BY

r1en •

an

7 low-maintena nce ideas for pool landscaping

pool and have various levels, then a Mediterranean plant mix will provide a silvery foliage effect and attract pollinators.

Trees Olive tree (Olea europaea), Pencil pine (Cupressus sempervirens 'Glauca') Low level shrubs Blue chalksticks (Seneico serpens) and French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)

GOPIKA SAMBANTHAM he swimming pool is a welco1ning sight on a summer's day, and provides tranquility and lushness du1·ing other seasons. A careful planting design will transform your pool surrounds into a secluded backyard haven.

Planting design around the swi1runing pool needs considerable consideration, involving time and research. Adding any plant that you like the look of, n1ight siJnply not cut it if you want a lush, secluded and safe backyard.

You n1ay love your tropical pool-side holidays, and idyllic iiuages from lnstagram about swimming pool havens, but remember not all plants thrive well near the pool.

Choosing plants suitable to the local cfuuatic conditions and your location is also vital.

You n1ust take it into consideration factors like: • Will the plants shed leaves and clog your pool filter?

• Are the roots invasive? Will they damage/crack the pool su1-roW1ds, pool walls or plumbing system?

• Are the plants chosen safe for swhnmers, with no thorny or spiky bits?

To avoid these pitfalls for your pool - side, below are seven plant con1binations that you could consider. These plants thrive near pools as they are salt and drought tolerant, are low maintenance, and safe to use around pools.

EXOTIC PLANTING

Loved the beach resort last holidays? If you would like a beach resort look for 32 FEBRUARY 2022

01ces •

ROPICAL FEEL

If all you want is lushness and greenery around the pool, then a tropical oasis look can be achieved using the below plants.

Suitable for full sun to part shade Shrubs Sandankwa Viburnum (Viburnu1n Suspensum), Frangipani (Plumeria) Low level shrubs Fern (Blechnu1n gibbum), Cycas revoluta (Sago palm)

RESORT LOOKS

your swimming pool surrounds, then these plant combinations will not disappoint you.

Suitable for full sun to part shade locations.

Shrubs Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae), Chinese Wind1nill Paln1 (Trachycarpus fot1unei) Low level shrubs Zebra Grass (Miscanthus sinens is 'Zebrinus'), Hebe.

NATIVE COMBO

If you want to give Australian natives a go, to transform your pool side to a countryside billabong, then this plant combo will give that effect. Suitable for full SW1 to light shade.

Trees Blueberry Ash (Eleocarpus reticulates), Swamp Banksia (Banksia robur)

Groundcover Prostrate Grevillea (Grevillea juniperina 'Molongolo') and Ice plant (Carpobrotus glaucescens)

SCULP URED LOOK

If your aim is to get a neat, clean, green look, then succulents and structured shrubs will help to enhance the walls near the pool and the reflection on the water. Suitable for full sun to part shade locations.

Shrub Yucca, Reed feather grass (Calan1agrostis x acutiflora Karl forester).

Groundcover Aeonium, Echeveria.

MEDITERRANEAN COMBO

If you have a large area to plant around the

Always wanted your resort holidays to last longer? Then why not bring a piece of that staycation effect to your home by planting the below plants around the pool. Suitable for full sun to part shade area.

Trees Magnolia, Alexander Palin (Ptychosperma elegans) Groundcover Giant Lilyturf (Ophiopogon jaburan), Star Jasmine (Trachelospernium jasminoides)

SMALL SPACE

If the space around the pool is less, then opt for container planting of some of the plants mentioned here. Plunge poolsare all the rage these days; it is easy to incorporate theseinto your landscape with a thoughtful design that suits the style of your home.

www.indianlink.com.au

SCREEN

Latest role is �a me-chan er

or Ka I r •

ravel, they say, can change your life. Psychologists have now actually confirmed this, by showing that it leads to increased self-concept clarity. This was certainly true in popular n1ystery thriller The Tourist (Netflix) in which the lead character, the tourist (actor Jamie Dornan), finds hiinself in outback Australia suffering a1nnesia.

For Sydney actor Kabir Sii,gh, the series has brought self-concept clarity in real Life.

Although h_is was but a s1nall role, Kabir says it was pivotal, and in more ways than one.

At one point early in the series, you're transported to a bustling Indian bazaar.

You go past overcrowded shops, fihn posters, vegetable hawkers, raidis (open carts), sari-clad women, even a cow crossing the street lazily, before you get to Kabir's character, a taxi stand operator.

Where in India, you want to know.

"Adelaide JaiJ, actually," Kabir reveals, laughing. "Took then, four days to construct the set! Which surprised me, given it was but a small role."

Involving a whole range of characters African, Middle Eastern, Indian, Greek, [ndigenous -The Tourist is refreshing in its diverse appeal.

"For n,e it is particularly significant, as I'm finally treated and respected as an actor," Kabir notes.

The role came fourteen years after he first started out, fresh from the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Fil1n institute in New York.

Of course he hasn't exactly been idle in the interiin, even picking up two AACTA no111inations (for independent fiJn1s One Less God and Aiyai: Wrathful Souls).

But the big breaks refused to come.

• or 1nany Indian-Australians, the past year was a difficult one made worse by a problematic travel ban that stopped them from returning to their own country. But for many in the community who grew up here ii1 AustraJia, these unconuortable feefu1gs are nothing new.

It's an issue that 23-year-old fihnmaker Abhishek Parasher tackled in his latest work.

"Growing up in Melbourne, I saw little illCidents all around me, like disputes at school, when immigrants Sill1ply concede instead of ruffling feathers," he told Indian Link. "There's a mentality that we're 'lucky' to be here that impedes up from standing up for ourselves."

His short film Across Borders narrates an Indian-Australian family's uncomfortable experience with an unruly, racist neighbour who moves in next door. The irnnligrant father, Akash, is a family man who tries to avoid any trouble. To protect his family, he is forced to confront the neighbour - and finds himself worse-off when he does.

"Just because someone might not be a

With The Tourist, though, things are finally beginning to look up.

The 30-year-old was drawn to acting as a young child growing up in Delhi. A prin1ary student at DPS, he took to the stage instinctively, perhaps influenced by his mum Lucky Singh, herself an actor and n1odel. He finished school in Sydney with Dran1a as a Year 12 subject, and knew he wanted to be an actor.

or

'full resident' doesn't mean that someone born and raised here is above them. I'd like anyone who watches the film to use the opportunity to iliink about themes of justice, inferiority, and where they think they fit into this world," Abhishek elaborated.

Across Borders premiered at Flickerfest Film Festival 2022 as one of the nominees for Best Australian Short Film. It has also

"Sure, I was discouraged, urged to take on a 'real' job. But for me there only was a Plan A. I'm an all-in kind of guy, no roon, for Plans B, C or D!" Two years ago, he fell seriously ill with a rare blood disorder Thron,botic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), spending five months in hospital.

"It caused a major shlft in my life. I've recovered now, but have to go in for monthly blood tests."

Through chemo, as he reassessed his priorities, he decided to give up on acting.

"So much rejection and unhappiness, it's not worth it, I said to myself. You're never treated with the respect you deserve."

Following a diagnosis of depression, Plan B came into the picture.

"Finding myself in a deep dark hole one day, I got a craving for mum's jeera aloo jaffles. My roommate went out and got a sandwich grill from Marketplace for $10, and we made jeera aloo jaffles. They were so good 1 thought l should be selling them!"

Shortly thereafter, he had bought a food truck and his side business Pocket Rocketz was born. lt helped that he had worked as a chef.

As he drove around to community hotspots ill Sydney, he began to see success.

With significant improvement ill his own mental health, he became passionate about talking to other young people about it, particularly ill his own community where it is still a taboo of sorts.

"I figured that I must return to acting,

u

as this can be my platforn, to speak about mental health."

To lift himself up from the feelings of insecurity, he worked out a strategy.

"At audition, my attitude was, I don't care if I get the role or not. These 15 minutes of audition are what l have control over. I'll do n1y best, and then I'll let it go."

It worked.

"I got ad after ad - for Blue Bet, Hard Yakka, American Express, brands keen to make Australia look like Australia by casting diverse characters."

He scored the lead role in multicultural project The Abandoned.

He was at work on it when he got the audition and subsequent callbacks for The Tourist.

MeanwhiJe, Bollywood has come calling too. WhiJe some of the projects there are currently on hold due to COVID, aU he'll reveal is some select names - Madhavan, Jimmy Shergill, Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

"You'll see me in something soon," he smiles.

RaJni Anand Luthra

m ma

been doing the rounds of international filin festivals like the Mosaic International South Asian Film Festival (MISAFF) in Canada and Amdabad Film Festival ill Gujarat.

"The feedback has been an1azillg so fa1-,'' Abhi grinned. ''I've received a lot of messages about how much people relate to the issue at hand. Racism exists, but we should feel confident to stand up for ouTselves when we aren't in the wrong."

The project was crowdfunded with the support of family and friends through a GoFundMe page, with the crew pitching

ill for the rest. It was the final project of the Indian-origin filmmaker as part of his Bachelor of Film at SAE Institute.

For Abhishek, whose famiJy haiJs frotn Punjab, Across Borders addresses crucial conversations around visa status that are finally receiving attention in the Australian maillStream.

"The film is about more than just Indian­ Australians - it's about anyone who finds themselves in a new country, and how they deserve to be respected," he stated.

Rhea L Nath FEBRUARY 2022 33

E N T E RTA I N M E N T

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I INDIA SWEETS 1 AND SPICES I

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DIRECTOR: Geeta Malik CAST: Sophia Ali, Manisha Koirala,

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Rish Shah, Adil Hussain

Films about the South Asian diaspora in countries like Canada, the US, Australia, and the UK aren't particularly new. In fact, with memorable hits like Mississippi Masala (1991), Bend It Like Beckham (2002) and more recently The Big Sick (2017) and Never Have I Ever (2020-), it's a category that is seeing some serious competition.

While some have managed to share the diaspora story particularly well, there are dozens of others that fall victim to certain tropes, such as battling the immigrant parent's impossibly high expectations or the difficulties of falling in love with someone outside their community. Thankfully, new offering India Sweets and Spices steers (mostly) clear of these. Instead, it addresses the Log kya kahenge? (What will people say?) mentality within the migrant community

I I I I American Alia Kapur who is home for I the summer from her freshmen year of I 1 college in California. She's back in her I I affluent suburban community in New I I Jersey, one where elaborate house I that many will sympathise with.

India Sweets and Spices, written 1 and directed by Geeta Malik, is I the story of first generation Indian-

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parties are hosted every Saturday, the local Indian store is a staple social spot, and everyone knows everyone (perhaps a little too well.)

For the first 40 minutes, we see charming and equally biting snapshots of the upper-middle class diaspora life. Alia's mother, queen bee Sheila (Manisha Koirala) is the epitome of grace and elegance at parties and expects the same perfection from her rebellious daughter. So Alia is forced to sneak in her sips of beer in a hidden corner, away from all the judgemental aunties. Someone even plays the Bollywood hit "Beedi" that causes all the drunk uncles to, unsurprisingly, bust a move. These little scenes do pander to certain stereotypes, but they're honest, and earnest, enough to evoke a little

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chuckle at ourselves. (It's worth noting here that the film does come from the producer of another hugely successful Asian hit, Crazy Rich Asians.)

However, Alia goes on to stir this already simmering pot when she invites the Duttas, the new family to take over the local grocery store, to one of these opulent gatherings.

Suddenly, we are reminded of the class differences that can exist between old and new migrants.

Bhairavi Dutta (the formidable Deepti

Gupta) arrives in a beautiful but simple sari and immediately feels out of place among the Sabyasachi and Manish Malhotra-adorned aunties.

As the Duttas wander the party shyly, one recalls the sacrifices that humble migrants must make in the initial years to set themselves up for a life of comfort and success.

Eyebrows are raised when humble Bhairavi recognises queen bee Sheila from their college days at Delhi University. Alia can't help but wonder: why is her mother so secretive about her past? Without giving too much away, shocking revelations are made, and Alia is forced to confront the fact that her parents are far from perfect.

Unfortunately, it's somewhere in this crucial discussion that India Sweets and Spices begins to lose its edge.

The tone shifts from playful to preachy while commenting on the patriarchal structures that haunt Indian women even after they leave the country and the unnecessary judgement and pressure that members of the diaspora place on one another (hence the tagline: "let the aunties talk.")

Adapted from the director's 2016 script Dinner With Friends that won the Academy Nicholl Fellowships in screen­ writing, India Sweets and Spices is a well-intentioned although somewhat predictable comedy. We're even offered a little love triangle and some caricature teen rivals for additional drama. The film may not provide the freshest take on the diaspora experience unlike the more well­ rounded films that came before, but it is executed well by a talented cast alongside slick visuals and a catchy soundtrack. Check it out for the mirror it throws up to our own community, questioning what we could, and probably should, be doing differently to evolve collectively.

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Rhea L Nath

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SEEKING BRIDES 45-year-old Sikh Khatri man seeks suitable match. Divorced, no child, self-employed, on bridging Visa. Preferred Australian PR/ citizen girl. Contact 0422812939 or emailjas_ghai01@hotmail.com

Seeking qualified match (working professional, not self-employed) from Australia for '88 born 5"3" Hindu Punjabi girl (divorced, issueless), working with a government organisation in Sydney. Must have Aus PR; preference to Radha Soami follower, teetotaler.

Email: matrimonial.ml@gmail.com

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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 I I I I I I I

E N T E RTA I N M E N T •

or?

Wa l

What's on o u r screens this February

MURDERVILLE (Netfllx) What happens when an eccentric detective (Will Arnett) teams up with celebrities Conan O'Brien, Kumail Nanjiani, Annie Murphy and Sharon Stone? Honestly, they don't know themselves - because it's entirely unscripted! Have we caught your attention yet?

This improvisational crime comedy hits your screens on 3 February.

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ONE CUT TWO CUT (Amazon Prime) I Upcoming comedy adventure One Cut Two Cut stars comedian Danish Sait as an arts and crafts teacher who - get this - must save the school after i t has been taken hostage by social media activists. It is one of three movies from PRK Productions and has been dedicated to the late actor-producer Puneeth Rajkumar, who passed away late last year.

One Cut Two Cut begins streaming on 3 February.

I I I I I I I I I I I

--------------I THE GREAT INDIAN MURDER

1 (Disney+Hotstar) I I I

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ec1 e!

Helmed by Pratik Gandhi and Richa Chadha, this film is an adaptation of the 2016 novel Six Suspects by retired IFS officer Vikas Swarup. (Fun fact: he also wrote the book that was adapted into Slumdog Millionaire). In this one, detectives Suraj Yadhav and Sudha Bharadwaj investigate the murder of a politician's playboy son at his own party.

The Great Indian Murder begins streaming on 4 February.

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LOOOP LAPETA (Netflix) In this remake of the 1998 cult classic Run Lola Run, Savi (played by Taapsee Pannu) is in a race against time to save her boyfriend Satya (Tahir Raj Bhasin) after he loses a mobster's money. The science fiction thriller is directed by Aakash Bhatia and stars Shreya Dhanwanthary, Rajendra Chawla, Dibyendu Bhattacharya in supporting roles.

The film releases worldwide on 4 February.

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------�-------ROCKET BOYS (SonyLIV) This biographical series follows the lives of nuclear physicists Vikram Sarabhai and Homi J Bhabha. The roles are essayed by the talented lshwak Singh and Jim Sarbh respectively as they share the impressive accomplishments and discoveries of these two Indian scientists. Astronomy and science lovers, are you excited for this one?

Rocket Boys drops on 4 February.

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I BESTSELLER (Amazon Prime) I Veteran Bollywood actor Mithun Chakraborty is all I set to make his digital debut in this psychological thriller. He is joined by Shruti Haasan, Arjan Bajwa I and Gauhar Khan. In Bestseller, the lives of two I strangers collide, causing a domino effect on the lives of those around them. What happens when I every action has multiple consequences?

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Bestseller begins streaming on 18 February.

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I I GEHRAIYAAN (Amazon Prime) I Caught in the monotony of her life, Alisha Khanna I (Deepika Padukone) finds herself in a complicated I situation when she is visited by her cousin Tia (Ananya

Panday) and Tia's fiance Zain (Siddhant Chaturvedi), with whom she shares a troubled past. Will she be able to confront the skeletons in her closet? You'll have to watch to find out.

The much-awaited Gehraiyaan releases on 11 February.

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--------------1 THE FAME GAME (Netflix)

I I Mithun Chakravorty isn't the only Bollywood star making his digital debut this month! In The Fame I Game, Madhuri Dixit Nene plays a famous actress I who goes missing, leading to a police investigation that unravels the many hidden truths of her seemingly I perfect life. It comes from Baar Baar Dekho writer Sri I Rao and features Karan Johar as one of the producers.

BADHAAI DO (Theatrical release) This upcoming comedy drama is the spiritual sequel to 2018's Badhaai Ho. Starring Rajkummar Rao and Bhumi Pednedkar as Shardul and Suman, it shares the story of a couple who enter a marriage of convenience, but face complications when Suman's girlfriend comes to visit.

Badhaai Do releases in cinemas on 11 February.

I I I I I I The series begins streaming on 25 February.

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1 GANGUBAI KATHIAWADI 1 (Theatrical release) I I I I I I

Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming film, based on the 2011 non-fiction novel Mafia Queens of Mumbai, stars Alia Bhatt as the titular character who goes on to become a brothel madame in Mumbai's red-light district. It also stars Vijay Raaz, Seema Pahwa, and features cameos from Ajay Devgn and Emraan Hashmi.

Gangubai Kathiawadi hits screens on 25 February.

FEBRUARY 2022 35

FOOD

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H ealthy home-made snacks for your next chai brea k

AIR FRIED METHI MATHAI

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Mathri (or n1atthi) is that savoury flaky biscuit that always conjures up childhood men1ories of afternoon teas, both sun1111er and wintertime. When Mum served it with a tangy achaar and hot chai, it was a simple, earthy pleasure! It is typically deep-fried but I've learnt how to use the air fryer for a healthier version - the results are pretty close to the original.

INGREDIENTS

■ ¾ cup maida / plain flour ■ ¼ cup oat flour (or plain flour or wholemeal flouratta) ■ 1 tsp salt ■ ½ cup water to knead ■ ½ cup fresh methi (fenugreek) leaves, finely chopped ■ 2 tbsp oil

METHOD ■ Add the oil to plain flour, oat flour and salt. Mix well

to combine.

■ Knead a medium tight dough by adding all ingredients.

■ Take a small amount of dough and roll it into a big flatbread using a rolling pin. Use a cookie cutter to cut out circles or any desired shape.

■ Preheat the air fryer for 10 mins at 170 deg C. ■ Place the mathri in the basket. Cook for 12-13 mins at 170 deg C. Spray oil once and flip so that it is cooked evenly on all sides and is golden brown.

■ Cool and store in a clean dry jar.

AIR FRIED CHANA DAL

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Air Fried Chana Dal is a great way to have lentils on the go.

It is low in calories, and perfect for TV tin1e. Okay so it's not exactly popcorn, but it is a great accompaninlent for chai or other beverage!

AIR FRIED CHICKPEAS

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INGREDIENTS ■ ½ cup chana dal ■ 1-1.5 teaspoon oil or ghee ■ Salt to taste ■ 1 tsp chat masala powder

Air Fried Chickpeas are perfect for tea-time. A low­ calorie h i g hp- rotein snack, these are great to nibble on while at work too.

METHOD

INGREDI ENTS

■ Soak chana dal for 2-3 hours.

■ Add dal to boiling water. Let it cook until it comes to

a boil again, and sieve.

■ Preheat the air fryer at 200 deg C for 10 mins.

■ Spread the dal on a crisping tray/parchment paper and cook for 2 mins.

■ Add oil and mix.

■ Cook for 8-10 mins at 200 deg C, stirring once or twice in between.

■ Once done, put into a bowl and add chat masala and salt if you like.

■ Cool and store in airtight container.

36 FEBRUARY 2022

■ 1 cup chickpeas boiled/canned ■ 1 tsp oil ■ ½ tsp chaat masala ■ Sa It to taste

METHOD

■ Air fry the chickpeas for 7-8 mins at

200 degree C. ■ Take them out and gently toss them in oil ■ Air fry for a further 5-6 minutes until they are cnsp.

■ Mix spices as per taste. Store in a clean dry jar.

www.indianlink.com.au

F O R ET E L L

February 2022

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

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I I I I I I I I I The card representing Sagittarius makes Arians even more outspoken I and driven. They may find themselves I busy with work and spiritual activities.

Insecurities besiege some of you who I are in a relationship. That is because I it currently lacks depth. If unwell, you will need to visit a doctor. Finances are I improving. You will no longer settle for I less than you deserve. New ideas and repeat orders bring success to the self- I employed. You may move closer to the I home where you grew up.

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I I E I I D JU 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I Singles who are dating may have to If you are expecting a certain outcome, I You are in the final stages of a chances are it will not materialize.

I cycle of destiny so you may find I take a call about whether they yourself completing projects, or old want to make a commitment or end If in a relationship, even if you feel I I friends or exes re-entering your life. A things. Some of you may even get shut out, persevere and keep the communication going. There could I more energized lifestyle awaits. If you I married. A new business proposal be tense situations at work. If unwell, I are planning to sell your home, it will I or deal will be profitable. Travel for work will yield good results. The self­ you may need to visit a doctor; don't sell. You make money through your I work as past efforts are rewarded.

I employed will do well. Taking regular ignore chronic issues either. Financial worries are temporary. Turn to I breaks will be beneficial for your health.

I Any existing health issues will get Focus on your goals and you will find sorted. Singles may find they are still meditation if stress is getting to you; I that the universe sends people who I not able to find what they seek. A though stressful situations will end soon. Others will support you in key I help you achieve them. Let go of any I rocky relationship though will start to matters. Take plenty of rest.

I fears that hold you back.

I improve.

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22

Expect setbacks and disappointments in relationships. This is especially so for Leo women. Some of you may even end a relationship if it is not giving you the happiness you seek. Watch out for over­ exertion at work. Take a break or a short holiday to recharge. A friend or loved one could need hospitalization. If negotiating a raise or a better deal, speak up for yourself to make the money you deserve. Look within and nourish your soul with self-love to avoid heartbreak.

I I I I I I If you are single, you could get involved I with someone in an unusual manner.

I You want to break out of the monotony I of routine chores and might just take a short relaxing holiday to do so. A new I idea or software could make life easier I for the self-employed. Some singles could get married or receive a proposal. Avoid I irregular eating hours. Some of you may I have a hectic social life with celebrations I thrown in. Trust the universe in areas where you seek clarity.

I

I I I I I I The ace of hearts card signifies a period I of healing, engagements and weddings or I even the announcement of a pregnancy.

I Some of you may buy a new house. A trip will include a lucky break in terms of I finding something you wanted. You will get I recognised for your ideas at work. Your health remains good all month long. Despite I your concerns regarding money, you will I start a new business if self-employed.

I Strained relationships will see a lessening of tension and better times to come.

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

A card of abundance and an overall feeling of well-being gives Scorpios the boost they need. You have to take time out to relax though travel for work is foretold. A relationship still lacks the depth you seek. Be careful as you could have minor accidents at home or suffer from food poisoning. Money owed to you is still held up but it comes in from other projects. A new paradigm or way of working will bring you success.

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

1 - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - 1 I I I I I I .-----=-=-=--=---=:-:-:--:--:-=------. 1 .----- -=-=� -=-=,- -===-�---, l .---� F==-:-=--:--:-:- =-=,..,...,... -=- =,--� 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 External factors could be the reason for I The card implies that there could be a An existing situation in your personal or work life could change overnight. Singles I any upsetting events. Someone you know I reconciliation of sorts (in relationship could meet someone they connect with may need hospitalization. Self-doubt will or legal matters), and money will come I I at a deeper level instantly. An idea will keep you from making confident decisions to you sooner than you expected even materialise even before you have expressed I in your work or personal life. Singles won't I though you may be in a tight spot right it fully at work. Stress due to unresolved I be getting serious anytime soon. For those I now. Some of you may move to a new issues will diminish as you sort everything in problematic marriages, the unhappiness home and may even sell the current I one. A new cycle is beginning for I is due to physical compatibility or the out. Someone in the family could fall ill suddenly. Certain payments may get held I absence of open communication. Money I many Aquarians though don't expect emotional happiness as something vital will come despite hurdles but watch out for up but money comes in from elsewhere. Let I I a poverty of spirit. Focus on what you have, is still not available. A visit to the dentist the universe guide you into making the right choices and resolve matters.

I not what you lack. Start a spiritual practice. I may be required.

I I I I I I I I I I

I I The card representing Gemini appears, promising many ideas for creative Pisceans. I A relationship appears stuck for now; let I ti be and keep a rational mind about it.

Creative endeavours preoccupy you with I the arts, writing etc taking centrestage. Your I past successes could lead you to new work I coming your way. Moneywise you prosper, whether you are working or self-employed.

I You could meet some influential folks who I may be instrumental in resolving a rift with a loved one or give your career a boost.

I FEBRUARY 2022 37

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

-------------------------------Questio n a b l e L�nics DEAR AUNTYJI

There's been much chatter this month about actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu's dance to the song Oa Antava. It's a song supposed to call men out for sleazy behaviour, but is so raunchy that it might as well be encouraging that behaviour. Bollywood songs have some peculiar lyrics. Even the songs from the '50s and '60s have lyrics that in my mind are questionable. For example,

Motiyon ki ladi hoon mai. sundarpari hu main a song from the old film Loafer.

This song is just one example of the many songs where the girl sings about her beauty. I don't know any girl who talks in this manner, let along sing like this. And I will admit that when a song is beautiful, a man can sing it to a girl in real life. My husband used to sing Chaundvin ka chand to me in college and it was totally natural. But I certainly didn't sing Husn hai suhana to him.

Why do we have such odd Bollywood songs where a girl blatantly sings about her charms?

AUNTYJI SAYS

Arre meri gulabo. meri chumchum. meri jalebi. what a wonderful thought you have had. I'm delighted that you chose

to share this with me. There are two things that I want to tell you today. So, here is the reason why we have such weirdness in Bollywood lyrics - where the girl sings about herself in the third person and highlights her charms in a particularly jarring manner. It's because nearly all of Bollywood lyricists are men, and it's therefore the male gaze that's being translated into lyrics that's then perversely voiced by the female.

Let me break it down. The male lyricist looks at the girl and thinks, Motiyon ki

ladi, sundarpari. roop, jawaani. husn se bhari, etc etc and then makes it

into a song, and then has the girl sing it. Could there be anything more perverted?

The solution to this is to have more female lyricists, or educate our male lyricists not to objectify women the way they do.

The second thing I wanted to say is this. So your hubby sang Chaudhvin ka chand to you. What else did he sing?

And are you sure you didn't feel the need to respond with some feisty song in return? The one song you could have sung in return. just to even things out. could have been Hungama hogaya from Anhonee.

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

I I I

I I

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Single a nd readM fa nm1i m g l e DEAR AUNTYJI

AUNTYJI SAYS

I occasionally read your column for the fun of it - and I thought I would submit my problem to get your thoughts. I'm 34 and work as an executive assistant at a small firm.

People tell me I'm good-looking but I still haven't found a man to marry.

All I want in this life is to get married to a man who loves me. stay at home and raise kids and live happily ever after. Is this such a bad dream to have? I have met many men, but none of them turns out to be my forever guy. I want to have a spark with my future husband. and when I meet these potential suitors. if I don't get a spark straight away, I tend to reject them. I am tired of doing everything on my own. Auntyji, life is so hard. I just wish I had a husband who could help me. Are you able to offer me some advice? I would like a tall, handsome husband who has a really good job and is well settled and would be happy with a stay- at­ home wife. And I want him to love me and for us to have that special spark. Where can I find such a husband?

Are you for real, bekaar aurat?

You leave me speechless with your demands. So you want a husband who is handsome and loving and rich - but what are you bringing to the relationship other than giving him au/ad? You say you expect an immediate spark.

Is your future husband supposed to be an electron that would spark in the mere presence of your highness? I am at a loss for what advice to give a jahil like you. You are single probably because you think that none of the nice men you meet are good enough for you. You are placing impossible demands on prospective suitors.

Marriage is more than all that - and so you actually don't deserve to be married. You are single because that's what you get for being so picky. Good you rejected all those guys. because none of them deserved a budtehzeeb like you for a wife. Here's my advice to you.

Update your perspective of what marriage means. Understand first what you bring into a relationship, and learn how to be a good partner.

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38 FEBRUARY 2022

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SYDNEY EDITION