2022-03 Melbourne

Shane Warne's Indian links

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PUBLISHER

Pawan Luthra

EDITOR

Rajni AnandLuthra

CONTRIBUTORS

Rhea LNath,

BY PAWAN LUTHRA

will havecertaintyabout who-in what proportionandin the most tax-friendly way-inherits yourassetsincase ofdeath.

SALES AND MARKETING CharuVij

Indian Link is a monthly newspaper published in English. No material, including advertisements designed by Indian Link, may be reproduced in partorinwholewithoutthewrttenconsentofthe editor.Opinions carriedinIndian Link arethoseof thewritersandnot necessarilyendorsedbyIndian Link. Allcorrespondenceshouldbeaddressedto:

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akingup onSaturday 5 Marchto the news of Shane Warne's untimely death was a shock tousall.Aswe followedhiscricketcareerforAustralia, fortheRajasthanRoyals in theIPL, andin thecommentary box,he became apermanentfixture in ourcricketing experiencefor 35years.Allthis, of course, withouthis otherwell-known adventuresaway from thecricketing world. His deathatjust 52comes afterthe shockdemise ofanothercricketing hero DeanJones,also 1nuchloved inIndia-he diedin Mumbai attheageof59in 2020.

The untimely deathsofthe twomen areawake-upcallforus to bemore carefulaboutourhealth. While there will be muchchatteraboutlifestyle issues, perhapsone areawhich Indian migrants inAustralianeedto be mindfulof,is to gettheirwillsand estateplanning in order. Having thepaperwork sorted to handle all yourassets andliabilities ensures that you

Whileindividualneeds will be different, let us lookat threedifferent scenarios: ayoung family,say with children below 12years; afamilywithchildren whoare teenagerstoyoung adults, andfinally thosein their 60sor older.

Whileassets suchasproperty (residentialandinvestinent)andshares arecreatedin theearly stage of the migrant's working life hereinAustralia, their biggestassetwill be thelifeinsurance in theirsuperannuation.

Inthecase ofayoung family,thewills needto specify who would1nanagethese assetsandtakecareof theyoungchildren should thecouple not bearoundanymore: willthechildrenandinvestmentsmove back to India to thecareof extended family,orwilllocalfriends stepin? As one is aware, theAustralianlegalsystem isrightfully protective ofall1ninors,and itcantakeconsiderable timeindeciding who will be thebestprovidersofcare should theparentspassaway. Clearcut instructions in alegaldocument canmake this difficult time moremanageable.

Those migrants with teenagechildren

whohave spent mostof theiryounger yearsinAustraliawillhavea more challenging time. The children willhave established social networks andstructures inAustraliaandtouproot themand relocatethe1n to extendedfamily overseas couldbea challenge. Notonly willthe childrenbecoming to terms with their personalloss, they willalso face the challengesof anewsocialenvironment. Thelegalsystem canfurther bogthe processdowniftheparentshave not expressed their wishes as to what should happen to theirchildren andassets.

In thecase ofmigrants withadult children, they need to makesure their assets arepassed onin asensible wayto theirfamily members. Assun1ingwealth assetshave beencreated,aproper estateplancanclarifyhow these must be distributedinatax friendlyand responsible manner. Otherissuesof protecting thewealthfromspendthrift family members canalso beconsidered. A simplewill byaqualified professional cancost acoupleof thousand dollars,but can savealot morein thefuture, withless uncertaintyand confusion atatime of grief. Youcancount on thecertainty this willprovide, in thoseuncertaintimes.

Goingthroughaseparation?Havingtroublemanagingadifficult relationship? Broadmeadows Family Relationship Centre can help At Broadmeadows FamilyRelationshipCentre we support separated familiesto establish parenting, financial and property agreements. Mediation facilitated bya neutral and accredited practitionercanhelp families deal with separation, manage relationships, improve communicationand support children to thrive after separation.

We welcome families from all cultural andlinguistic backgroundsand provide interpretersand support workers to help families from diverse backgrounds through thischallengingphasein their lives.

For more information on how we can help you, please contact:

O Level 1, Building2, 1100PascoeValeRoad, Broadmeadows, VIC, 3047

e (03)9351 3100

0 info@broadmeadowsfrc.org.au

mackilloporgau/FRC

Bageshri Savyasachi, Ritam Mitra, AjayNaidu, Venkat Bharatwaj, Aneri Upadhyay, Petra O'Neill,GopikaSambantham, MinalKhona, Auntyji

.. �.Ji.ii�. An Australian GovernmentInitiative ����

YOUR SAY

MAKING DATING APPS MORE INCLUSIVE

RHEALNATHreportedonMelbourne-basedJerushaMather'sChange.org petitiontomakeBumble,Tinder,andotherdatingappsmoreinclusiveof peoplewithdisabilities.

Must-have-coffee (Reddituser)wrote:Iambehindyou100%.Isigned!I hopeotherswilltoo.

Mstrlrlshpub (Reddituser)wrote:Yearsago,beforeIgaveupmysearch, Itooke-Harmony'sstupid(compatibility)testasthemanIamnowandgot themessage"Sorry,wehavenomatchesforyou".Iwentbackanddidtheir testasthemanIwasbeforemydisabilitystartedtakingatollonmylife, andIendedupwithawholelotofpossiblematches. Nowgranted,Iammucholderthanmost(61,willbe62inacoupleof months)butafterlosingmygirlfriendof9yearstoherdiseasebackin 2009,Itooksometimebeforestartingtolook.Iwenttomanydifferent datingsitesandwroteatleast100messagesandgot60percentreplies. Ofcourse,Itoldallwomenaboutmydisabilityonceweseemedtobegoing someplace.Mostsimplydisappearedandstoppedwriting.Onthetwo occasionsameetingwasplanned,andIstoodwithmycrutchtogreetthem asagentlemanshould,bothwomenlookedatme,whisperedtheold"I'm sorry"andleft.

Iwillsaythis,menarejustasbad.Peoplesee"disabled"andtheythink,"I willeventuallyhavetotakecareofthisperson."Being61,thewomanIseek wouldbeover45,butwomenthatagewanttodothings.Theywanttogo out,maybetravel.Theydidtheircaregivingraisingtheirchildren.Butthe problemis,notallofusneedtobetakencareof.Ihavelivedalonesince 2009andtakencareofmyselfthatentiretime,yetIcouldn'tevenyetthe chancetotalktosomeonewholovesthesamethingsIdo.Ihavetalkedto afewdisabledwomenovertheyearswiththesamekindofstoriesasmine. Untilsocietygetsridofthisstereotype,whatyoutalkaboutinthearticle willneverhappen.Maybefordisabledpeopletomeetanddate,thatishow Imetmylategirlfriend.NowIhavegivenupanychanceoffindingsomeone tosharemylifewith.Anyway,forthoseofyouwhoreadthis,don'tgiveup likeIhave.Theyoungergenerationhasachancetochangeallthis.Please changeit.

SAY IT AGAIN

HOW NOT TO PICK A UNI DEGREE

Asafirst-generationAustralian,ANERIUPADHYAYletsocietalexpectations dictatehercareerpath.Here'swhatshelearned

Rob Dunderdalewrote:Agreatarticle,Aneri.Thanksforallthatyoudoforthefirm KnrtlJoshi wrote:Inspirational.

Sangeeta Khanwrote:Sosotrue

Anerl Upadhyay wrote:ThankyousomuchIndianLinkforsharingmycareer journey.Istronglybelievethatitwasimportantformetosharethiswithinthe SouthAsiancommunity.Likemany,Ifeltaninternalpressuretochoosea professionthatwouldmakemyparentsproudandensuretheireffortstowards buildingalifeformeinAustraliawasnotwasted.Itishumblingtosharethe failuresandsuccessesofbuildingacareer.Bysharingmystory,Ihopeto representcareersthatwerenotpreviouslyrepresentedinmycommunity.

CELEBRATING PLEASURE AND OUR BODIES

RHEALNATHon

is it OK to ignore that your grandparents are homophobic? (since they're old)

Igot,.,;.q\N•t.ton}'flterdcryondIh,.,,..l�hh.....

Likedbybeing_in_bodyandothers browngirl.sexologyqueerkidsdon't havetheluxuryofbeing'ok'with queerphobicfamily

isitOKtoignorethatyour

Readthatarticleaboutgender-basedviolence.Talkaboutthese issueswithyourmates.Strivetobebetter.InternationalWomen's Dayisn'ta"cause"menneedtoswoopinandrescue.Thisis somethingwe'vebeenquietaboutfortoolong.

Tarang Chawla, Lawyer,activist

lnstagram'sbrowngirl. sexology,asafespace foryoungSouthAsians todiscussallthings sex-related

Rajni Luthra wrote: Wonderfultoseethe nextgenstepupinso manydifferentfieldsof work.Whilethisone'sall aboutourcommunity's youngadultwomen,nice toseethatdutyofcare towardsouryoungmen too,attheendofthe piece.

Dr Myralini Santhira Thesan wrote:Soproud ofyou.

Arth Patel wrote:It isamazingtoseeyou bringyourimportant perspectives.Thanksfor sharingthiscontent.

On#IWD2022I'malsothinkingofwomenseekingasyluminAustralia, black & brownwomeninimmigrationdetentionorincommunityoften withnorighttowork,Medicareorincomesupportplacingthemat extremeriskofabuse & exploitation.WomenthePMwillnevermention. Kon Karapanagiotidis, Lawyer,writer,socialworker

CHANNELLING YOUR INNER SHAKTI

RHEA L NATH shared the story of Shakti, a non-profit organisation in Melbourne that's encouraging young South Asians to open up about their mental healthjourneys

YuvaAustralia wrote:GreatinitiativebyandfortheyoungSouthAsiancommunity Rajiv Panchal wrote: Mytwin brothersaredriving mentalhealthchangein ourcultural communities. I'mso proud!

WORDLE WHIZ

Sydney grandmother Mythili Iyer spoke to RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA about how Wordle is changing her life

Mallika Sathl wrote: My super star mum!Always amazed atyour curiosity to keep learning newthings andinspirethe nextgeneration!

Chachi Ayyamanl wrote:Trooper!

Subha Chari Harlnath wrote:WonderfulMythiliAunty isalwaysup for achallenge. Multitalentedalso withsinging, painting, Sanskrit.Such an inspiration.

Devi Ravi wrote:Whata bundle of talents! Wantto belikeherwhen Igetto her age

Swathy Prlthlvl wrote: Whata bosslady.

Radhlka Prlthlvl wrote: Proud thatshe'smyaunt. Always inspiringand being awonderfulrole modelto allherniecesin differentpartsoftheworld

Sanskrit is abug to havebitten theaunts in our family acrosscontinents and Mythimaisa torchbearer!

Sangeetha Ayyar wrote:A powerhouse oftalentsand an enterprising person who Iadoresomuch.

Gayathrl Kalasaball wrote: Mythili isa role model.

Narmadha Ramamurthy wrote:Amazing and inspiring.

AparnaSudhakar wrote: Superproudtoknowyou, MythiliChiti.Keepitgoing.

Vanltha Venkatraman wrote: Rightfully captured! Looking tohearmore of herothermanyaccomplishments-Carnatic music, Sanskritscholar, phenomenalcookand green thumb gardener!

Ramesh Swaminathan wrote:Amazing attitudeandzestfor life.

Rohln Iyer wrote: Whata greatwaytokeep yourmindactive and enjoylife.

Nandlni Iyer wrote: Goodonyou Mythili,goafter whatever makesyouhappy.

Chronos 2016 (Reddituser) wrote: Hellyeah! Nanijisrock.

MAN'S BEST FRIEND NOT LEFT BEHIND

We followed the storyof Indian engineering student RISHAB KAUSHIK who refused to evacuate Ukraine without his beloved pet Maliboo.

Shabu Thomas wrote: It ishischoice. But if (the) petdog takes ahuman's place,thatisnotcool. Betterhe waitforendof evacuation whenseatsfor bothhim andthepetareavailable

June3052 wrote: Thisisso sad! I wonderhow I can helphim andthe puppy (Rishabhasnowcrossed overto Hungary withMalibooand nineotherfriends.)

WHERE IN INDIA

On the occasion of ShivajiJayanti, we askedyou to identifythe location of this iconic statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Readers Anu Shree, Sweta Shah, Nivedita Kunder, William Stanton, and Puneet Pathange guessed right:South Mumbai.

Firstforeignershave already joined International Legion, Ukraine's volunteer militaryforce, andare fighting outside of Kyiv. (Theycome)from the U.S., U.K., Sweden, Lithuania, Mexico, and India.

The Kyiv Independent

WHERE

IN OZ

Wilderness, luxury, or abitof both?WhereinAustraliacan you find thisluxury resortsetinthe wilderness?Readers Petra O'Neill, Vimisha Jani, Anu Shree, and Rohit Ganesh hadthe rightanswer: thisisSouthern Ocean Lodge in Kangaroo Island,SouthAustralia.

LivedthroughafewmonsoonseasonsinIndiabuthave neverseen anythinglike theextremeandsustainedrainofthepastfortnightin NewSouthWalesandQueensland.Once inacentury weatherevents happening everyfew years.ABC radioasinvaluableasever.

Nick Bryant, Writer, broadcaster

Getthebestof Indian Linkstraightinyour inbox.ScantheQR codetosignuptoour weeklyenewsletter

King of spin, master of analysis, courter of controversy:

Farewelling cricket's modern-day Colossus

Warne tookupa sportsscholarshipto

BY RITAM MITRA

ikeso1nanyothers, Igrewup idolisingthe enigmathatwas,and now foreverwill be, Shane Warne.

Self-evidentlyawizardwith thebaU in hand, he alson1astered the psychological side ofcricketatalevelthatfew-if anyhavesince. Manyofhissledgesarealready cricketingfolklore;butantithetically, the powerofWarne'spresenceat the bowling creasewasfundamentaUyaboutwhat wasunsaid. The smile, the stare intothe batsn1an'seyes, the lickof the lips,thefact that even afterhe washit fora boundary, there wasa sensethatitwasallpartofthe plan- anditahnostalwayswas.

Warne'ssudden death ofa suspected heartattackinahotel roo1n inThailandat just52yearsofageis not onlydevastating, butforsuch acolossusofthegame, unbefitting. ItfoUowscloselythepassing of anotherbelovedAustraliansporting idol,fonnerTestwicketkeeperRodMarsh, cappingoffa horrorweek notjust for Australiancricket, butthegame at large.

Like 1nanysportinggreats,inhis early days,Warnereceivedasports scholarshipin histeenageyears;butitwas notforcricket. Despitebeingshortand chubbyinstature,

Mentone GrammarSchool forAustralian rules footbaUattheageof 15,andwasa talentedenough full-forwa1·dtoearna trial contractwiththe St Kilda Under-19sside. Yet his talentwiththe cricketbaUsoon becametoo difficult toignore,anddespite a difficultstarttohisinternational career, it didn't takelongforWarnetocapture the world'simaginationandattention in awaythatfewhavesince. His craft - legspin - inherentlylentitselfto111ysteryand beguilen1ent,butitwasthetotalpackage thatsetWarneapart. Thezincslathered acrosshisnose, thestrikingblond hair, theleisurelystroUinto thecrease before avicious snap of the wristandflickof the fingers,anaction thatmiUionshavesought to emulateat leastoncein theirlife.

In Englandand India -Warne'stwo greatestopponentson the field - hewas as respectedandadmiredoffthe fieldas hewasfearedonit.Thatmuchisevident fromtheglowingtributes thathave poured insincehispassing,includingfrom Sachin Tendulkar,with whomWarnesharedsome ofcricket's mostmemorableand cherished battles,Sharjahand Chennaiin 1998 being foremosta111ongstthose.

Warne took 708Testwickets,the second-mostofalltime behindSriLankan off-spinnerMuttiahMuralitharan,whotook 800. Despitethe cleargap,soexceptional wasWarnethat thereisan almostuniversal

recognition (atleastoutsideSri Lanka) that hewasthe superiorbowler. Leg-spin isahardertrade,Warneplayedmostofhis careeron the relativelyunfriendlytracksof AustraliaandEngland,andunequivocally Warnewasthemore feared bowler for batsmen standingacross22 yards.

Offthe field,ifitwasalwayswritten that hewasdestined foronly52years, Warne certainly lived likeit.

Hewasunapologeticallyafanofthe guiltierpleasuresinlife: fastfood,alcohol, drugs, sex. InWarne'sownwords,"Iliked loudmusic,smoked,I drank,and bowled a bit of legspin. Idon'thaveanyregrets." Closefriendshavedescribedhis life as revolvingaroundTinder, beers, darts, gamblingandcricket. He wasaregular ontheWorld Seriesof Pokertour, played

golf -andquitewellatthat -atsome ofthe mostexclusivecoursesin theworld,andit has been whisperedin presscirclesthat he hasonoccasion been foundasleep behind acouch,whendueonair foracommentary stint.

Inshort,Warnelivedthe hedonistic lifestyle thatmanycan onlydrean1of.

In recentyears,itis fairto saythatlove forWarne had dwindledsomewhat.There wasan on-fieldstoushwiili Marlon Samuels, the one-sided bickeringinWarne'sdecadeslongfeudwithformerAustraliancaptain Steve Waugh,and more recentlyilie childish insults thathe hurledatformerTestbowler ChaddSayers. Warnealso1nockedTest batsman Marnus Labuschagnein a hot-mic gaffe,labelledjournalist WaleedAlyan "arrogantcretin" forreferencingan audit of the now-defunct Shane Warne Foundation, andevenclaimedthat humans evolved from aliens.

Butitwould be fickletosaythatthese episodesin anywaydiminish Warne's legacy. Rather, theyevidence that Warne's longest inningswasplayedexactlyhow heplayedthegame:unflinchinglyhonest, combativeandcaptivating. Inan erawhere PRfirmsarerapidlyengagedto handle even the mostminorofcrises,Warnewasnever onetoretreatorbackpedal.

CricketispoorerwithoutShaneWarne, buthegavesomuchthatitwasunfairofus to haveexpected more.

AJAY NAIDU's tribute to a cricket star who shared great rapport with Indian players and also commanded love and respect from Indian fans

ntheend,heseen1edtohavereservedhis finalgoogly-asbeautifullydeceptiveas manyofhisdeliverieswithacricketbalJinthewayhebidfarewelltotheworld.It wasjustthat,unlikethejoyouscelebrations heengineeredinthestandsandinthe drawingroomseveryti1nehefoxedabatter, thesuddennessofitleftpeoplestunnedinto disbelief.ShaneKeithWarneprobablyplayed theshortestformatinlite,leavingwhenhewas just52yearsyoung.

Andyet,helivedmanylivesonandoff the6eld.MuchlikeDonBradn1anandViv Richards,orhisgoodfriendsandrivals SachinTendulkarandBrianLara,heseduced fansacrosstheworldtofillthestadiu1ns.A packedstadiu1nwithfrenzyinthestands washistheatre.AndWarnesettheadrenalin flowingeverytin1ehehadtheballinhishand. Hisdeliveriesseemedtodefybothgeon1etry andscience,blessedwithsuchanartatthe bowlingcreasethattherewas'nologic,only magic'ashewentabouthisbusinesswith passionandfire. Jnhispo1np,hewasmuch likeaGrand111asterplayingchesswiththe schoolboys;hejustdidn'tdis1nissthebatters, hedestroyedthempsychologically.

interestinglyenough,ShaneWarne'sarrival ininternationalcricketatPerthwasagainst IndiawhereopenerRaviShastriandSachin Tendulkartookhi.tutothecleaners.However, Shastri-whoscoredadoublehundred-openly acknowledgedthatthelegspinnerwasblessed withrareskillsandwillsoonhavebisplace underthesun.I-lowpropheticthosewords were!

Asyearsrolledby,Warne'sloveforlife beyondtheboundarymadenewstoo;his larger-than-lifepersonawasalwaysunderthe microscope.Hiscallforbakedbeansand

spaghettionhisfirsttou1·ofIndia,supposedly becausehewasn'tcomfortablewithspicy Indianfood,grabbedheadlines.

"EveryonethinksallIlivedoninIndiafor 12weeksonthe 1998tour,wasbakedbeans. False,incorrect,"herevealedlater.

Apparently,havingeatenspicyIndian foodforacoupleofmonths,atbreakfastone morningWarnesawteamcoachGeoffMarsh openatinofspaghettiandbakedbeans.He andso1neotherplayersaskediftheycould havesometoo.WithindaysCricketAustralia hadsentoveraparcel.Orconsignment.

"Sowegettothedockswherethebaked beansandspaghettihavebeendelivered,and there's3tonnesofit,"Warnerecountedin aninterview."Onbothsidesofthisbigcrate (werethewords)'ShaneWarne,India'.There wereotherplayerswhowantedtllespaghetti andbeans,butitwasjustaddressedto 111e!

Andthat'showthemythwasborn."

Givenhisgreatcricketingacumenitis anironyoffatethatWarnewillgodownin historyasthebestcaptainAustralianeverhad. However,attheageof41,hedemonstrated hisleadershipskillsinIndiawhenheinspired ayoung,inexperiencedteamlikeRajasthan Royalstobecomechampionsintheinaugural editionoftheIndianPremiereLeaguein 2008.Hetlu·ewhisboysintothedeep,asking tllemtoovercomethefearoffailtu·e.Players likeRavindraJadejaandYusufPathanamong otllersmadethemostofWarne'swealtllof experience,andgavehin1creditformaking themconfidentandaggressivecricketers.

Onlyadayafterhisdeath,hisprotege RavindraJadeja,whohechristenedwiththe nicknan1eRockstar,broughtuphissecondtest hundred(anunbeaten 175),playingagainst Sri.LankaatMohali.

Incongratulations,RajasthanRoyals tweeted,"100*off160. RockstarJadeja.You've madehimproud."

SpeakingtoJadejaafterplay,broadcaster HarshaBhoglesaidonair,"Warnielovedyou, Jaddu."

Onlyhoursbefore,theRajasthan Royals hadpaidrichtributetoWarne.

"ShaneWarne:Thenamestandsformagic. OurfirstRoyal;amanwhomadeusbelieve tllatimpossibleisjustamyth.Warnie,youare forevergoingtobeourcaptain."

SachinTendulkarhadoncesaidfamously, "WarneisGod'sgifttocricket".There couldn'thavebeenabettertributefroma greaterbatsman.Thetwosharedagreat rapportandtheirlovetorfoodandfastcarsis welJknown.

IndeedoneimportantthingthatWarne didn'tlearnfromhisgoodfriendTendulkar wastokeephisfeetontheground. Besides, forallhissuccessagainstthebestof batsn1enacrosstheworld,son1ehowWarne couldn'thavehiswayagainstan Indian teamthatbadgreatsLikeSachinTendulkar, RahulDravidandWSLaxman. Navjot Sidhu toowouldgivethesideagreat starttakingonWarnebeforetheothers consolidatedandcutloose.

Yet,thatdidn'tdilutetherespecthe commandedamongtheIndiangreats.Over theyears,people in Indiatoodeveloped greatadmirationforWarne. Infact,as thisisbeingwritten,IndianlegendSunil Gavaskarisfendingoffthebrickbatsfor suggestingthatMuttiahMuralitharanmay havebeenabetterspinner.

Amanwholivedlifetothefulland entertainedfansacross theglobehas111ade anunexpectedexit.

Shane Warnecelebrateshis 700th wicket:Melbourne Dec262006, 4thAshestest

(Photo: AP)

Peak Shane Warne: VENKAT BHARATWAJ picks -five

haneWarnewasanimpactplayer -inthemouldofgreatsfron1other fieldsofsport-likeMuham,nad Ali,MichaelSchu,nacher,Tiger Woodsand LanceArn1strong. Likethese sportsn1en,hisflan1boyanceandpersonality attractednewfollowerstothegame.Again, likethe,n,hewasnotwithouthisfaults-if anything,theyjustaddedtohispersona.

Warnestartedhiscareeraroundatin1e whenthewinningforn,ulaincricketwasadiet ofhostilefastbowling.Hisflippersweretoleg spin,whatreverseswingwastoswingbowling. Hedidnotjusthavestrongself:belief-he seen1edtoensureitpercolatedtotheentire team.Fa1nouslycalled"thebestplayernever tohavecaptainedAustralia",hedemonstrated hiscaptaincyskiJJsintheinauguraleditionof theIPLbyleadinganalmostragtagteamof inexperiencedyoungsterstoani1nprobable tournan1entvictoryin2008.

However,itwashison-fieldperfonnance thatsawhi1nnan1ed asoneofthefive WisdenCricketersoftheCentury,theonly specialistbowlerselectedinthequintet,and theonlyonestillplayingatthetime.

H.ere'smypickofhistopfiveperformances. inchronologicalorder.Muchhasbeenalready writtenabouthis'BaUoftheCentury'with whichheoutwittedEnglandbatterMike GatlingatOldTraffordinManchesterin 1993, hisfirsteverdeliveryagainstEngland.lchoose herefro1ntheothersofhis708wicketsin 145 Testsand293in 194ODls.

1992: Colombo

Australiahadbeguntoe1nergefromtheir horrificforminthe'80s,asaforcetobe reckonedwith. However,theiroverseas trackrecord,especiallyinthesubcontinent', wasstillpoor. ltwasagainstthisbackdrop thattheywenttoSri Lankain 1992.

SriLankagotintothefourthinnings needingapaltry 181 runstowinthematch. Theywereexpectedtowininacanterwith abattinglineupthatboastedofthelikesof Mahanama,deSilva,RanatungaandAtapattu.

AspiritedperformancebytheAussies gotthechasetothewireat 147-6. However, GregMatthews,whokepttheAussiesin thehuntwastiringandthefastbowlers werenoteffective.Therewerenotenough runstoplaywithandSriLankawasstillthe favouritestowin.

AlanBorder,inastrokeofluck/genius tossedtheballtoShaneWarne. Incidentally, Warne'stestaverageatthatpointintime was 1 for350+,includingane,nbarrassing 0- 107inthefirstinnings.

Whatfollowedwastooquicktodetail. Warnewrappedupthelastthreewickets beforetheblinkofaneyeandheraldedan Aussievictory,whichwasthebeginningofa decadeofdo1ninanceonallsu1·faces.

Warne'sfiguresattheendofthesecond inningsread5.1-3-11-3.

Astarwasborn.

1996: World Cup Semi

Final, Mohali

ThemightyWestIndieswasahugeforceto bereckoned with,especiallyintheshorter

format.Thesemi-finalthreatenedtofinish veryearlywiththeAussiesreducedto 15-4inlessthan 10overs.Somehow,they cobbledtogetheranapologyofatotal,207, onatruewicket.

Withhardlyatotaltodefend,thebest Australiacoulddowasberestrictivebut eventhattacticwasnotworking.TheWest Indiescruisedto 165-2andwith 10overs remaining,lessthan50runstogetanda decentbattingline-upstilltocon1e,looked settoenterthefinal.

However, Mark Taylor,theAussie captainhadsomethinguphissleeve. He had reservedthebulkofWarne's 10-over quotaforthebusinessendoftheinnings. Itwasunnaturalinthosedaysforaspinner tobowlatthedeath. SuchwasTaylor's confidenceinWarne,thathehadkepthis weaponofmassdestructionunderwrapsfor mostofthefirst40overs.

Betweenthe44thand 48thovers, Warneranamuck.Aidedbyanumpire whounderstoodspinbowling(therewas noDRSthen),Warneletit rip.Gibson wasout,lookingforthecutandcon1pletely misreadingtheflipper;Adamsdesperately triedtosweepafullandfastdeliveryonly totraptheballwith histoeandbeplumbin frontofthewicket. Bishopletthepressure getthebetterofhim:Warne'sdeliveries alwayspickeduppaceAFTERpitching,and Bishopwasjustnotgoodenoughtobring thebatdownsoonenough,beforetheball thuddedintohispads.

ln 5overs,Warneclaimed3 wicketsand whatlookedlikecertaindefeatbeganto appearasashockupset.Australiapulledoff anilnprobab1evictory.

1999 : World Cup Semi

Final Birmingham IftheMohaliencounterwasconsidered close,thenthenexteditionoftheWorld Cupsen1i-finalwasevenmoretheatrical.

Australia'scan1paignthreatenedtoend prematurelywithindifferentperformances earlyon. However,buoyedbysomeinspired performancesbyGlenn McGrathand SteveWaugh,Australian1anagedtoreach thesemi-finalafteranear-deathencounter againstSouthAfricaintheplayoffs.

SouthAfricaandAustraliawerethetwo bestteamsandthefactthattheyweregoing toclashagaininthese1ni-finals,n1eantthat ahighvoltageencounterwasonthecards.

Battingfirst,thefabledAustralianline-up couldnotholdacandletoamotivatedand hostileSouthAfricanattack.

Notabletolast 50overs,Australiasetup apaltrytargetof214.

SouthAfricahadabusiness-likestart, rattlingupnearly50runsinthefirst 10 overs.214waslookingridiculouslyeasy.

Wicketswereneeded-andquickly. WaughhadnochoicebuttoturntoWarne.

ThechemistrybetweenWarneand Waughwaslikeoilandwater-therewasno connect.However,thestakesherewerenot personal.ThiswastheWorldCup.

Betweenovers 12and 15,Warneconjured upamagicthatistalkedabouttothisday.

HebowledtoGibbs,aballthatru·ifted andpitchedoutsidethe legstump. It grabbedthefootmarksandsuddenlymoved onsteroids,turningprodigiouslyand clippingtheoffstump.Gibbsinitiallydid notleave,refusingtoacknowledgethathe wasbowled(muchlike MikeGattingseveral yearsearlier).

Nextwasalefthander,GaryKirsten. Warnebowledasimilarballthathaddone Gibbsin. Kirstentriedtosweep,completely missedtheturnandpace,andsawhisoff stuLnpgone.

NextcameCronje.Theba!Jpitchedup nearthetoes.Cronje,attemptingtoturn itontotheonside,edgedtotheglue-like handsofMarkWaugh.

3wicketsin8balls.

Warnehadgivenhisteammorethanjust asnifffromacon1pletelyhopelessposition.

Hegalvanised therestoftheteamtoa pointwherethegreatAussiefightingspirit surfaced. Itwasstillnotgoodenoughfor outrightvictorythough, thematchending inatie.

ButWarne'sbeliefturnedthe match aroundonitshead.

TheSouthAfricansearnedthe"chokers" tagafterthismatch.Thepressureputoutby Warnewasjusttoomuch.

2005: Ashes Series

The2005Ashesseriesisconsideredthe greatestever.Englandmanagedtoreverse thetrendofbeingatthewrongendofa sledgehammerformore thana decade. TheydiditbybluntingsomeofAustralia's sharpestweapons-Gilcru·ist,Gillespie, HaydenandtoanextentPonting. With somanyweaponsrenderedinnocuous, EnglandshouldhavewontheAshes5-0; instead,theywon2-1,innosmallmeasure duetoWarne.

Warnewasjustcomingoffavery publicandmessydivorce,andthegeneral feelingwasthathispreoccupationwith personalmatterswouldimpacthis performance.Maybeitdid - ifhedid not havetohandlethedivorceduringthis series,whoknows,hemayhavetaken another20wicketsandAustraliamaynot havelosttheAshesafterall.

Warnedemonstratedatthlstime,an abilitytocompletelyswitchofffromhis personalissueswhileupagainsthisold enemy.

Hecaptured40wicketsatanaverageof lessthan20apiece.Betweenhimandthe nextbowlerontheleaguetable(oneither side),therewasdaylight. Flintoff,thenext highestwickettaker,tallied24.

Itwasapitythatforonce,therestofthe teamcouldnotriseuptoWarne'sheroics, butcrickettragicsweretreatedtoacrick festthattheystilltalkabout.

2006: 2nd Test, Ashes, Adelaide Itisnevertoolateforanencore. Bynow, Warne'scareerwasstoriedandenvied.But onetaskstillremained.TheAshesurnwas nolongerinAustralia.

The2005Ashesdefeatprobablyspurred Warne(andperhapssomeothers)tostick aroundlongersoastobringtheurnback DownUnder. However,justavictorywas notgoingtobesufficient.TheAussies hadtheirsightsona5-0whitewashsince onlythatkindofaresultwouldbeafitting enoughresponsetotheunexpecteddefeat in2005.

Everythingwasgoingaccordingtoplan intheGabbatestwhichtheAussieswon comfortably.

However, the Englishteamwasnota pushoverbyanystretchoftheimagination. InthesecondtestatAdelaide,theystarted verystronglypostingamammoth 500plus totalinthefirstinnings.Asiftorubsaltto thewounds,theydeclared theirfirstinnings at551,castingdoubtsabouttheabilityof theageingAussieattacktodismissthen1 twiceinatest.

SinceAdelaidehastraditionallybeena flatbattingwicket,theAussies responded wellandnotcheduptheirown500plus total-whichnevertheless,wasnotgood enough tooverhaul England'stotal.

Warnehadbeensavagedfor 1 for 167 inthefirstinnings. Kevin Pieterson, his oldbuddy,wasparticularlyruthlessashe helpedhimselftoafirstinningsscoreof 158.

However, toomuchtimehadelapsed duringthesides'firstinnings.Suchahigh scoringmatch n1eantthatEnglandentered day5 at59-1 andonthebackofasmall leadof40orso.Tbematchwasexpected topeterouttoadrawandwiththreetests stillremainingtogo,theAshesserieswas thoughttobeverymuchalive.

Warne hadotherideas.Theold showman,whohadalreadyannounced hisretirement,provedthatit'sneverover tillit'sover.WithEnglandwobbling aftertwoearlysetbacks,he revertedto hisattackinglinefromoverthewicket andbowledPietersenroundthelegswith aprodigiousfirst-balllegbreakthatpitched intheroughandexplodedontothe offstump. ltwasa seminalmoment, andEngland'sresolvecrumblediiian instant.

Pietersenhadgonefor2,Englandhad lostthreewickets forfourrunsinthree overs,andtheyhadabsolutelynoplaceto turn. Warnetook4-27 inanunbroken26overspellandhadahandinthedismissalof AndrewStraussandlanBellaswell. Inasinglesession,theentirematchwas turnedonitsheadandaseeminglydull drawendedinanexcitingclunax.

Warnealwayslookedforawaytowin, irrespectiveoftheposition.Indoingso,he glamorisedagamewhichhasalwaysneeded tolookatwaystoreinventitselfandkeep viewershipinterested.

WhileWarnie'srecordwillspeakfor itself,hiscontributiontothegamewill bemorethanmerestatistics.Hebrought flamboyancetoagameplayedover5 dayswhicheventoday,1norethanhalftheworld findsdifficulttounderstandorempathise.

ofthe cricket great's best

NewDelhi'sUkrainiancommunity taketothestreetsinsupport ofUkraineon6March2022,as theIndiangovernmentchooses neutralityintheongoing Russia-Ukraineconflict.

crIsIs:

uman1 mus

remain se ara e

Convergence between individual and political reactions to Russia's invasion of Ukraine is dangerous.

BY RITAM MITRA

ssanctionscontinuetorain downonRussiainresponseto itshorrificinvasionofUkraine, theworld'sgeopoliticalclin1ate hassuddenlychangedinawaynotseensince 9/11.Now,asthen,transnatio11alloyaltiesare beingrapidlyflushedoutacrosstheworld, withRussiabeco,ningincreasinglyisolatedat ascaleonwhichperhapsonlyNorthKorea cancompare.

Whilemanycountrieshaveopenly condemned Russia'sactions,some-notably includingChinaandIndia-havere,nained neutral,reflectingthecomplexandmultifacetedconsiderationsunderpiluung internationalpolitics.

Butconcerningly,politicsisalso influencinghowindividualsarereactingto theKremlin'satrocities.Thatistheopposite ofhowrepresentativegovernmentis supposedtowork,andfromahu111anitarian perspective,therecanbenojustification whenitcomestothestate-sanctioned murderofinnocentcivilians.

Onthepoliticalfront,theworld'sattention hasbeendrawntoIndiaandChina,the largestnationstoabstainfromvotingto condemnRussiainarecentUnitedNations SecurityCouncilResolution.China's"no linuts"partnershipwithRussiaiswelldocumentedandisastrategicno-brainerfor theautocraticAsiancountry,butIndiafinds

itselfinatrickierdiplomaticquagnlirewhere Russiaisconcerned.

lndia'srelationshipswithitsWesternallies re1nainoffunda1nentalstrategicimportance, particularlygiventhedismalstateofrelations withChinaandPakistanandthethreatof growingunrestonthoseborders.Theseareby nomeansaone-wayfriendship:theWesttoo, viewsIndiaasacriticaldemocraticlynchpinin theAsia-Pacificregion.ThinktheQuadalliance betweenIndia,Australia,theUnitedStatesand Japan,andthefocusonChinainlastyear'sG7 swnnutilltheUnitedKii1gdom(towhichlndia wasalsoinvited).

Ontheotherhand,Indiaisheavily dependentonRussiafro1nadefence perspective.Itisestinlatedthatupto85%of India'smilitarytechnologyhasRussianorigins. Between2000and2020alone,Indiaspent some$47billiononanusiinporsfromRussia, andinrecentyears,IndiahasbeenRussia's largestanuspurchaser.Thisisnotacaseof 'buyandforget';thesignificantinvestmentby IndiaalsorequiresongoingRussiansupportm theformofspareparts,maintenance,software andhardwareupgrades.Thesearenoteasily abandoned.

India'sunderstandableneutralityon

Ukrainehasbeenvigorouslysupported bymanyIndiancitizens. Buttherehas alsobeenstrongsupportforRussiaitself, withthehashtags#IstandwithPutinand #lstandwithRussiacontinuingtotrendon TuritterinIndia.

Openhostilityagainstasovereignnationisa strangethingforcitizensoftheworld'slargest democracytobepatrioticabout,butitcanbe attributedtothreekeycauses.

Ffrst,andp1imarily-thehypernationalisationofIndiaunderPMNarendra Modi.Youareeither"withhim"oneveryissue, oryouarenot.Thereisnoscopeforgrey. WhiletheIndiangovernmenthasnecessarily walkedafinelinebetweenitsWesternallies ononehandandRussiaontheother,many Indiannationalsappeartohaveseenthatas aninvitationtonotonlypromoteneutrality, buttoopenlyadvocateforRussia'sinvasion,a staggeringleap.

Secondly,whataboutism:manysupporters ofPutin'sregime,includinginIndia,citethe UnitedStates'dismalrecordonoccupying countriesassomekindoftwistedjustification forRussia'spotentialoccupationofUkraine. Butobviously,tocriticiseRussia'satrocitiesis nottoignorethosecommittedbytheUnited

States,includingillSyria,IraqandAfghanistan. Thereisabroaderconversationtobehad abouttheroleoftheUnitedStatesinthoseand otherforeigntroopil1cursions-andthedouble standardsinhowtheworldrespondstothose events-butnotinthecontextofjustifying ongoingcrm1esagainstUkramians.

Thfrdly,thewidely-reportedmstancesof Indiannationals-priinarilystudents-beil1g heldbackfromexitingUkraine,amidstalleged racismbyofficersintheUkramianarmy.For manyonsocialn1ediaandeveninn1ainstream media,thisjustifiesRussia'smilitaryeffortsto "de-nazify"Ukraine.Butthatreflectsafailureto recognisethat,justlikeinanyotherpartofthe world,thereisgoodandbadinUkraine.Racism isascotu-ge,butpocketsofracismdurmgthe humanitariandisasterofwardonotwarrant afull-scalemilitarymvasion-ifthatwerethe case,nocountryontheplanetwouldbesafe. Warisnotblackandwhitefromaforeignaffairs perspective,butasmdividuals,toopposethe atrocitiesofwarshouldbetheeasiestdecision wecanevermake.ToparaphraseMartin Niemoller'swell-knownconfessionalprose,to supportorstaysilentonthepurgingofcivilian groupsistoacceptthatoneday,therewillbeno onelefttospeakoutforyou.

Open hostilityagainsta sovereign nation isa strangething forcitizens oftheworld's largestdemocracyto be patrioticabout, but itcan be attributed tothree keycauses.

a our 1an nee

hen Rahul Bajaj arrivedinAustralia as an internationalstudentin 2009, hefoundit was achallengetoidentify servicesthatfulfilled his Indianneeds,agoodtiffin serviceor immigrationlawyer.

A chat with fellow MBA studentatthe University of Melbourne, Vineet Singh, sowedthe seedforastart-up: a mobileappthatwould provide thisvery infonnation.

Tenyearslater,wellintotheircareers asn1anagementconsultants,Vineet and Rahullaunched DesiPedia, aplatfonn thatprovides informationabout Indian servicesatyourlocationin AustraJia.

"There's noother consolidatedplatform that tieseverything Indian here in Australia,"Vineet Singh told Indian Link."Ouraimisto provide a sin1ple,sn1artandeasyto-usetool that lets you quickly find •orpost-any Indianservice you 1night need."

Yourfirst stopatDesiPedia mightbesearching forbusinesses orservicesin grocery orrestaurantsorplaces ofworship,orcommunity groupsorIndian events, or perhaps renting orbuying property, oreven findingjobs.

"The coreofitis to buildupon theinherent trust thatexists within theIndian community, with aview towards mutual promotionin business, oratleast1nutual

networking," Vineetdescribed.

He added, "DesiPediais agreatopportunity particularly forhome-based businesses,a sectorwhichwe haveseen rise impressively in recentyears-caterers,producegrowers, photographers,party planners, fasruonproviders,art classes,foodtrucks. Findthese businessesonourapp, orifyou area provider, thenco1nelistyourself. Withour credible,trustworthyreviews, we hope tobe providingthe usersavaluableservice, asweUas help these independent, individualenterprisestoget theword out aboutthe1nselves."

Businessesandservice providerswhochoosetolist, willown thedata theirlisting generates, andwill manageit themselves.

DesiPedia'spush notifications are anotheruseful feature."Ifa particularcommunity association hasan upcomingeventfor exan1ple, we will be able tosendout a notificationto thoseinterested."

Theuserbaseoftheappisjustover 5000atthemo1nent,con1inginlargelyvia its social mediahandles. "We're also reachingoutvia comn1unity associations,interestgroups,localbusinesses, andsmall business,offeringthemvisibility,"Vineetrevealed. In thepipelineareservicesforinternational studentsorientation services, assistancewith settingupetc. "We're hopingtoreachoutto themeven beforetheyarrivein Australia."

or

Long-term plansinclude extendingtheappto New ZealandandSingapore.

While DesiPediaiscurrently focusedon making Indian servicesvisible andeasy to find, theplatform ain1s tokeep evolving,with significantplanstoadd more and more value to the community.

Interestedcollaborators, partners andinvestorsare invitedtoconnect via email: vineet.singh@desipedia.com.au

VineetSingh(left)andRahulBajaj

BY RHEA L NATH

hetherit'sreportingon internationalstudent

n1enta1health,thefinancial in1plicationsofRobodebton Australia'syoungpeople,orthei1npactof COVIDontheproperty1narket,Shalailah Medhorahascertainlyn1adeherpresence feltintheAustralian111edialandscape.She's afatniliarnan1eonTwitterforherinsightful conunentaryinthe#auspolarena,andfor manyyoungAustralians,abylinethey've con1etotrustoveratTriple/Hack.

In2020,Shalailahwasnotablythefirst personofSouthAsianorigintobeinvitedto Insiders,ABC'sflagshippoliticaldiscussion program.Itwasasignificantexperiencefor thousandsofIndian-Australianstoseethat kindofrepresentationontheirtelevision screens.

"Journalism,to1ne,ismakingsenseof theworld,"ShalailahtellsIndianLinkwith asmile."Growingup,welivedinFiji,then wemovedtoNewZealand,thensettled inAustralia.Theseexperiencesofmoving aroundonlymade1nen1orecuriousabout theworld,news,andcurrentevents."

Addingthatjournalistsare"thefirst docun1entersofhistory",hercareerhas interestinglycomefulJcircle,havingbegun inco1n1nunityradioforsevenyearsthrough heruniversitydays.("It'singrainedinour co1111nunitytogetasmuchworkexperience asyoucan,"shechuckles.)

Fromthere,herconsiderableportfoliohas includedwritingforTheGuardianAustralia andSBSinthePressGalleryoftheParlia1nent Houseforadecade.It'sclearshesunkher teethintoonline,television,andradioin AustraJiawithrapidstrides-andwasrecently recognisedforitinapotentialshortlistof candidatespublishedbyTheSydneyMorning HeraldtotakeoverLeighSales'chairat7:30. Shewasnan1edalongsideheavyweightslike LauraTingle,StanGrant,VirginiaTrioli,and DavidSpeers.

"lsawthearticle,itwasabighonou1·to beincluded,"shesays."ButI'llbecandid,1 haven'tgottenthetapontheshoulderyeti"

OntheoccasionofInternational Women'sDay,itseemedonlyfittingto pickShalailah'sbrainonawiderangeof topicsincludingwomen'sissues,theIndiaAustraliarelationship,andthepushtowards thediversificationofAustraliann1edia.

On #BreakingTheBias

Inthelasttwoyears,there'sbeenamuchneeded1novementtowardschangingthe country'sperception,andtreatinent,of women.Shalailah'snotsurprisedthatitis advocateslikeGraceTameandBrittany Higginswhoareleadingthecharge.Itmerges naturallyintothethe1neofInternational Women'sDay2022:#BreakTheBias.

"MsTameandMsHigginsareeloquent advocatesforthevoicelessandiinportantly, theydon'tplaybytraditionalrules,"she notes."Workinginyouthmediamyself,Isee amarkeddifferenceillthenewgeneration's

approachtowon1en'sissues.Theywon't takecrapanymore.They'vebeenableto leapfrogofftheilnportantworkbywomen beforethemtosay'enoughisenough'."

She'salsounsurprisedbythefiercepush backthishasreceivedfron1somemenin thecountry:"There'sanentiregeneration of1nen,especiallywhiten1eninpower,who arethreatenedbythisrefusaltoplaybythe traditionalrules.Foryears,there'sbeenan unspokencontractthattheworldworksin acertainway,andit'ssuddenlychanging forthem."

Still,it'sapparentthatit'stheground breakers,especiallyinthisageofsocialmedia, whocontinuetoreceivethemosthate.Most recently,MsTame'spublicrefusaltosmileil1a photowithPrimeMinisterScottMorrison,and herrevelationintlleNationalPressClubofa threateningphonecalllastyearfromasenior memberofagovernment-fundedorganisation, resultedintlleresw·facingofanoldphoto fro1n2014ofathen19-year-oldTamesittingon acouchwitl1abongonherlap.Thepurpose waslikelytodisparagetlle2021Australianof theYear,butdozensofpeople,includingsome ii1publicoffice,can1etoherdefence.

"ThesewomenwerepushedilltOthis publicpositionandthey'ren1akingthemost ofit,butitdoesco111eatapersonalcost," observesShalailah."Ibelievethey'vemade aniinpactbecausethey'vetappedintoa deepsenseofangeril1women,andit'snot justyoungwomen."

On15Marchlastyear,shewasamong thousandsoffrustratedAustraliansin CanberrawhojomedtheMarch4Justice ralliestakingplaceacrossthecountry, callingformeaningfulparliamentaryreform andasaferAustraliaforwomen.

"Therewasacross-sectionofwomen attheMarch4Justice.Theywereofall agesandbackgrounds,somecan1ewith theirfa111ilieswhileotherswerecorporate andworkingwomen,"shedescribes. "Perpetratorspreviouslycountedonsilence, butasthemarchshowed,womenwillno longerbeshamed."

HerwordsechoMsHiggins'powerful speechoutsidetheParliamentHouse, ahnostayeartotheday:"Speakup.Share yourtruthandknowthatyouhavea generationofwomenready,willingandable tosupportyou."

Withover10yearsunderherbeltreporting onfederalpolitics,Shalailahhaspersonally seenadran1aticshiftillthewaytllemedia nowaddresseswomen'sissues,illcluding sexualassaultanddomesticviolence.

"Acoupleofyearsago,lwasin conversationwiththesenioreditorofa mediaorganisationattllePressGallery, discussingtopicsI'dliketocover.When1 mentioneddomesticviolence,hesaidtome, 'Yes,it'sanimportantissue,butit'snottop tier',"sherecalls."ThenRosieBattybecame AustralianoftheYearandeveryoneinthe mediawantedtocovertheissue.Sheproved itwas,infact,toptier."

Australiansstillshudderattliememoryof thathorrificcasethatresultedinthedeath ofeleven-year-oldLukeatthehandsofhis fatller.ItspurredhismotherRosieBattyto takeupadvocacyilltllefieldofdomestic violence,andherworkwasconsideredso laudablethatshewasconferredwiththat nationalhonow·m2015.

Shalailahadds,"Peopledowanttoread andhearabouttlleseimportantissues, butitcanbeatrickyspacetooperateasa

journalist.Ultiinately,itispersonalstories thatcutthroughthenoiseandthatcomes withthetollofreachingouttofamilyand friendsduringtheirdifficulttimes.Thankfully, tllere'salotmoresensitivitytotheissuesnow. We'rebecomingwarierofthelanguagewe useandthewayweapproachthesetopics."

On political engagement

Accordingtorecentfigures,IndianAustraliansarethesecond-largestmigrant groupinthecountryandareexpectedto outnumberChinese-bornAustraliansover thenext10years.Withthis,they'vecome upasarealpoliticalpowerinAustralia.

"Thismightbeweirdlysignificant,but I'vebeenseeingalotofSouthAsianfa111ilies inmainstreamadvertising.It'sasignofthe capital,politicallyandculturally,thatthe com1nunitynowholds,"Shalailah,whose ParsifamilyemigratedfromIndia,elaborates.

"It'snoaccidentthatweseecurry nightsbythePrin1eMinisteronsocial media.Politicalpartiesonbothsidesof thespectrumviewtheIndiandiasporaas anaturalvotingconstituency,madeup ofsmallbusinessownersandpeopleon workingvisashopingtosettledownhere."

TheAustralia-Indiarelationship meanwhileismakingsubstantialprogress, withstrongstridesinsecurityintherecent pastfollowingsteadyriseintheeducation sector.It'slikelyoneofthereasonsAustralia hasyettocommentonIndia'swishy-washy stanceontheUkraineinvasion,including fourabstentionsattheUnitedNations.

"It'squitetellingthatnooneinthe politicalsphereistalkingaboutthis.There arecleareconomicbenefitstoAustraliaIndiarelations,andthePrimeMinisters haveacloserelationship,butit'sashaine thatwecan'tcallthisout,alliesornot. Australia'snostrangertoitsownhu1nan rightsabuseseither.Weshouldbeableto say,'wedeservebetter',"Shalailahnotes.

MediacoverageabouttheUkraine invasionhasbeenequallydivisive mternationa!Jy.Lastweek,CBSNews seniorforeigncorrespondentCharlie D'Agatabecamethelatestmediaperson todrawsharpcriticismforhiscomments, describingUkraineasa"relativelycivilized, relativelyEuropean"place,unlikeIraqor Afghanistan.

''I'mshockedatthisnarrative.Ihopethe peoplewritingthesethingsgetcalledout," Shalailahsays."Iwanttoseepushbackand it'sunfortunatethatthebruntofpointing outthisproblematiccommentaryultimately fallsondiversejournalists."

Asarolemodelfor1nanyyoungpeople hereinAustralia,herimpactfulwork continuestobewatchedcloselybyanew cohortofjournohopefuls.What'sher advicetothem,forputtingthemselvesout there?

"Earlyoninmyworkopportunities, Imadeitapointtoilltroducemyself todifferentdepartments,"Shalailah explains."Inthisindustry,gettingyourfoot il1thedoorcanoftenbethehardestpart.I knowthere'softenamigrantmentalityto avoiddrawingtoomuchattentiontoyourself, butillthiscareer,you'vegotto111akeyourself known."

new re

BY BAGESHRI SAVYASACHI

teamofscientistsfron1the Australian NuclearScience andTechnologyOrganisation (ANSTO)andtheUniversityof NewSouthWales(UNSW)hascollaborated onresearchthatwilltransformfiresafety th1·oughthediscoveryofanewlightweight fire-retardant1J1aterial - chemicalcompound MXene(pronouncedmax-een)mixedwith Chitosan(foundinprawnshells).

Amajoradvantageoffire-retardant materialsisthattheycanself-extinguishif theyignite.

ReseaJ"chledbyDrGuanHengYeoh ofUNSWfocusedonTitaniu1nCarbide materialcalled MXene,whichshowed exceptionalpropertiesoffireretardancy.Dr JitendraMata,aseniorinstrumentscientist atANSTOwasinvitedtocontributetothe understandingofthis1naterial'sbehaviour atthenano1netrelevel.

Hen1entioned thatsuchcollaborative projectsrelyheavilyontheknowledgeof materialsatnanoandn1icroscales.

"The [con1positematerial's]performance and applicationdepend onthisknowledge andI amaworldexpertwhenitcomesto understandingcon1plex1naterialsatnano andmicronlengthscalesusingneutron scattering,"DrMatatoldIndianLink.

"Humanhairisroughly75 micron1etres andthelengthscalewe studiedinthis projectisatleast25000timessmallerthan thethicknessofhumanhair,"hesaid.

TheAustralianCentreforNeutron Scattering(ACNS) atANSTOhousesstateof theartneutronscatteringinsh·uments.These instrumentshavethecapabilitytostudy structuresatthemolecularandato1niclevels.

ThecolJecteddataatANSTO revealedthelayeredstructureof MXene.Theseresultshelpedthe tean1ofscientiststoprovetheir hypothesisaboutMXene'sthermal behaviourandsubsequently itsapplicationsinfire-fighting materials.

"MXene,duetoitslayered (lan1ellar)structureisextremely lightandcaneasilybemadeinthe formulationwhichthencanbeused tocreateverythinlayers.

"Thisthencanapplyascoating orevenas'paint'onvarious surfacesandmaterialsto1nake themfireretardant;onedoesnot havetoproducespecialmaterial forfirefightingseparately.

"Inourlabtesting,wehave noticedthatitonlyincreasesthe weightofthematerialby5%, howeveritimprovesthefire retardancyby60to70%,"he added.

Whatelsecanthisresearchcontributeto?

"Variouscomposite1naterialshavebeen formedbycombiningMXenewithother smallmolecules.Thesecompositematerials haveshownsignificantelectricaland thermalproperties".

"This makesthen1idealcandidatesfor electronics,battery,hydi·ogenstorage,and otherthermalspecificapplicationmaterials. Ourresearchwillalsohavesignificant impactintheseareas,"hesaid.

Researchwasconductedon Bilby,an instrumentsimilartoQuokka.

AsidefromhiscontributiontoMXene testing,DrMatahasbeenengagedin researchinghydrogels(highlyabsorbent gelsthatdonotdissolveinwater)andtheir biomedicalapplicationsforthelastfiveyears.

HailingfromSurat,Gujarat, DrMata

MXenecanbe

hesecured the firstrankwhich led himtobe honouredwithgold medalsfrom thelate DrA PJ AbdulKalam,whowas President ofIndiaatthetime.

AftercompletinghisPhD fromVNSG, DrMatamoved toAustraliain2006 topursue aprestigious post-doctoral fellowshippositionatthe Australian National University (ANU).

"Australiawasandstillisat theforefrontofresearchand development. ltwasaneasy choicefor111etomoveherefor myfuture research," DrMata said.

Sincehisschooldays, Dr Mata alwayshadanaffinityfor chemistry,especiallyphysical andmaterialchemistry. He attributesthisfascinationtothe

onvarioussurfaces andmaterialsto makethemfireretardant

completedhisbachelor'sandmaster's degreesinsciencefromVeerNarn1adSouth GujaratUniversity(VNSGUniversity), apublicinstitutionrecognisedbythe UniversityGrantsCommission(UGC).

Inthefinalyearofhisgraduatedegree,

smallestunjtofmatterthatcan beclassifiedasachemicalelement- aton1s. "ltwasmesmerisingtothinkthatall the thingsI seearound1nearemadefromjust afewtypesofatoms,"hesaid."Duringmy PhD 1wasluckyenoughtospendsignificant time attheBhabhaAtomicResearch Centre(BARC) andlearnedmoreaboutthe applicationofnucleaTscienceinvarious areasofresearch."

"Byapplyingnuclearsciencein1ny researchnotonlydid I publishhighimpact science,butIwasalsoabletounlockso manyn1ysteries."

Withmorethanahundredpeered-reviewed articlestohisname,someofDrMata's notableprojectsincludeunderstandingthe in1pactofnanoandmicroplasticsonhumans andstudyingcolloidalbehaviourinspace. "Forme,itisabouthowmyknowledgecan improvethelivesofothers,"hesaid.

"O _a, a. a. ::J V) (Topfromleft)AnthonyChunYinYuen a, a> GuanHeng, Yeoh, TimothyBoYuanChen

Dr:JitendraMata,senior � instrumentscientistatANSTO

DrJitendraMata, a senior instrument scientist, is part ofa team that is hoping to revolutionise -fire safety

ro E (bottomfromleft)AndrewWhittenand:JitendraMata ..

appliedascoating orevenas'paint'

lnventin new technolo

Dr Ruhani Singh of the CSIRO has developed a breakthrough technology for affordable and equitable access to vaccines across the world

BY BAGESHRI SAVYASACHI

smodernvaccinesrelyheavily onbeingstoredin refrigerated conditions,atleast 50percent ofvaccinesarewastedglobally eachyearbecauseofalackoffacilities and temperaturecontrol, accordingto theWorld HealthOrganisation. Butthis couldsoonbeaproblemofthepastwith researchcomingoutofAustralia'snational science agencyCSIRO,whichlooksat newtechnologythatdoesnotinvolve refrigerationofvaccines.

Theresearchpaperpublishedin scientificjournalActaBio,naterialia reportedtheworkofresearcherswho wrappedlivevirusvaccineswitha dissolvablecrystalline n1aterialcalled MOFs(metalorganicframeworks). It wasfound thatthese MOFsprotectedthe integrityofthevaccinesforupto2 months and inte1nperaturesashighas37 degrees Celsius.

Withoutrefrigerationthevaccines would otherwiselastonlyafewdays.

Theleadauthoroftheinnovative study isCSIROresearcherandpost-doctoral fellowDrRuhaniSingh.Herresearch interestsinadvancedmaterialsfor biologicalandmedicalapplicationsled her tojoinseniorscientist

Dr.Cara Doherty'slab,wherethe new technologywasbeingdevelopedtoprotect proteins.

"Thechallengeofvaccinedistribution andcoldchainislongknown,and a universalsolutionis muchneeded," Dr SinghtoldIndianLink. "Keentoextend thistechnologyandsolvereal-world problems,I workedincollaborationwith Dr.Laytonfrotnthe diseaseprevention anddetection teamtoencapsulate and protectawhole 1nicroorganism -alive viralvaccine."

Sheexplainedthenewtechnologyusing theanalogyofaseaurchin - ahard shell outsideprotectsthesoftandfragileorgans inside.

Whyhasn'tthisbeendonebefore,you ask?The 1nostcommonstrategiestodate havebeenthe additionofstabilisingagents orengineeringmorecomplexvaccines to n1ake themmore resistanttobeat.

"Weapplied these advanced materials to vaccinesforthe firsttime," DrSinghsaid.

Overthelastthreeyears,theteam hadsn1allwinsthatmotivatedthemand numerous failureswhichpushed their resilience.

"When l sawthat (our) technologycould protectliveviralvaccinesmuch better thanotheradditivesalone, l wasthrilJed. Icheckedandre-analysedmydataafew times toensure it was true!"

Hailingfrom ChandigarhinIndia, Dr Singh attended Panjab Universitywhere shestudied Biotechnology Engineering. Followingherunder-graduatedegree, she migrated toAustraliaandexperienced "world-classeducation".

Aftera Master'sin Engineeringatthe UniversityofMelbourne,shecompleted a PhD inChemistryand Pharmacology from the UniversityofWesternAustralia. DrSinghjoined CSIRO asapost-doctoral fellowin December2017, where the adventure with MOFsandlive-viral vaccinesbegan.

The MOFsresearchfocusedontwo differenttypesoflive virusesasproofs ofconcept,a Newcastle Diseasevaccine designedtoprotectpoultryand astrain ofInfluenzaA,butcanalsobeappliedto COVID-19vaccines.

"Weareonpathtotranslate this technologytoCOVlD-19vaccinesandthe initialresultslookpronusing," DrSingh revealed.

Communitiesthatliveinremote areaswhereefficientrefrigerationis notavailable,face limitedvaccination opportunities.

DrSinghbelievesthatsuchlocations ineverycountrywouldbenefitimmensely fromMOF-vaccineformulations.

Theresearchalsoindicates thatMOFs are amuchsimplerandcheaperalternative torefrigeration. Could theyreplace refrigeratedstoragefacilitiesaltogether?

"Yes,ourproof-of-concept studies doindicatethisprospect," DrSingh said."However,itisalongroadahead. We arecurrentlyworkingtowardsestablishing commercialpartnershipstoperformpreclinicalstudies."

Newcastle Disease Vaccine

abies Ruaan Khanna and Rudra Modiaregoingtohave togetused topeople's reactionseveryti1ne theyputdown their dateofbirth. Theywere bothborn on22.2.22.

Rudra arrived at Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital at 1.32 an1, while Ruaancamea fewhourslater at 9.15am overat Brisbane's Mater Mothers' Hospital.

Muchwasmadeoftheirextraordinarydate ofbirth22.02.2022, apalindrome aswell as anainbigram,ie,readingthesan1eforwa1·ds and backwardsandupsidedown. The term "twos-day"wasalsobandied about, sincethe unusualdatefellon aTuesday.

Ruaan's parents Kshitij andAlisha thoughtitwasoutlandish when friends casuallysuggested the forthcomingbirth should be induced, forthebabyto a1-rive on this rare date.

"Well,wedidn'thavetodothat,"

Kshitij laughedashespokewith Indian Link."Therewassomechatterthatthe hospitalswouldbecrowdedwith people wantingC-sections orinduced birthson this day. But no,wedidn'tplan this!"

Clearly Ruaandid- givenhewasn't actuallydueuntilthreedays lateron 25 February.

Rudra's parents Bhaveshkun1arand Kinjaladmittedthatthe thoughtdid vaguely cross theirminds, that theirbabyshould arriveon 22.02.2022.

Bhavesh said, "Kinjal suffered from gestational diabetes and soourdoctor suggestedweshould induce the birthat 39 weeks. We agreed,and the date 21 Febwas picked. We did thinkthatperhapsbecould havepickedthe nextday, 22 Feb,but itwas justa fleetingthought.We trustourdoctor, andhave alwaysgone byherexpertadvice.

Kinjalwas induced at 7.30pmon the night

ofthe21st, and the babyarrivedat 1.32 am on the 22nd."

While the numbers2 and22 are considered luckyin theChinese culture, both Kshitij and Bhaveshadmitted theydid notknowofanysuch significance in their own Indian culture.

"We'll have to askourparentsand grandparents," Kshitij smiled. "We'rejust happyourbabyarrived safe and healthy. And I'm relieved mumisdoingfine."

Bbavesh agreed. "Yes, the date is interestingbutitdoesnotmatterin the end - everythingwent smoothly.Therewas COVID pressure in thehospitalandall aroundus, and we didn'twant tomakea fuss."

Willbothfamiliesalter theirbabies' namesto reflectsomething"two-sy"?A middle name perhaps?

"We'd alreadypicked Ruaan," Kshitij said

sin1ply. "The name means softandgentle inour native tongue H'indi - butapparently it also means'God'sperfect creation' in Latin."

Bhavesh replied,"Westi!J have a fewdays toregisterour baby'sname, but fornowwe are callinghi1n Rudra, after Shiva, because hecame to ussoclose to Shivratri."

Withthe men1orable way in which the numbersare arranged in theirdateofbirth, perhapslittle Ruaanand little Rudrawillgo on toshowa love ofnu1nbers. For Ruaan, hisparents'professionsmight alsoweigh in - dad is achartered accountantand mum is adataofficerwith OLD Health. Rudra mightconsider hisparents' profession too-both are in nursing, andaccording to Chinese culture the number2 represents twinningand suggests that 'good things come inpairs'.

Rajni Anand Luthra

AlishaandKshitijKhannawithbabyRuaan

TheModifamilywithbabyRudra

BY RHEA L NATH

ith lockdowns,sickness,war, and floods,it'sbeen atrying fewyears forusaU. Anon-profit organisation in Melbourne, drawingitsnamefron1the Hindiword for strength,hopestoturn thesestrugglesinto so111ethingmeaningful.

"Wewanttobringapositiveconnotationto talkingaboutmental health,"explainedShakti Mental HealthfounderJageshPanchal."When Istarted Shaktiin2018, l wantedtofillthe gapintheconversationsinourcomtnunity aboutthingslikeanxietyordepression and createpositivespacesto bringitup."

From Pakistani-Australiann1usician EmkewtoLiverpoolCityCouncillor Charislu11a Kaliyanda,plentyofyow1gSouth AsianAustralianshaveansweredthiscall. "Bysharingpeople'sperspectivesonour

socialmedia,we'reworkingtowardsbreaking thestigmaassociatedwith mentalhealthin ourcomn1unity. It'satopic thatlargelygoes unnoticed forseveralreasonslikecultural normsandintergenerationaltrauma,"Jagesh told IndianLink.

The28-year-oldru11stheorganisationwith hisbrotherDevian. Duetothepandemic, muchoftheirworkinrecenttin1eshas been online. Nowthatthingsarelookingbetter though, Shakti planstohostin-personevents suchasapanelonSouthAsiann1en'smental health.

Jageshelaborated,"Inourcommunity, menaresomehowseenas'weak'for openingupabouttheirmentalhealth.We inadvertentlyseethisinou1·Instagram perspectivestoo,thatare la1·gelysentin bywomen. HopefuUypanelslikethiswill empowertomenspeakupabouttheir strugglesandexperiences."

Ofthe4.8millionAustralianswholive witha mentalorbehaviouralcondition, youngpeoplebetween 15to24account

forthehighestproportionat26percent. InamovetohelptheseyoungAustralians, aninterestingprojectin theworksisthe Shakti Fund. It'sacrowdfundingendeavour tohelppayfortherapy.Afterall,Medicare isn'talwaysaccessibletoallresidentsin the country,includinginternationalstudentsand temporaryresidents.

"We'realsoworkingonbuildinga directoryofSouthAsiantherapistsand culturallyinformedtherapistsinAustralia," Jageshadded.

"We'vefound there'saneedformore therapiststargeted towardsthe multicultural communityand1 thinkitgoesbackto universitystudiesandtraining.Thecurrent modelhassomewhatofaCaucasian focus, butyoushouldn'tneedto beapersonof colourto beable tohelpapersonofcolour."

Basedin Melbourne,Jageshstill recalls thedifficultyofseeminglyendlessweeksin lockdownin2020andpartsof2021,and noteshowitwasparticularlydifficultforsome youngSouthAsians.

"Wedefinitelyheardfromsomeyoung womenwhofeltconh·olJedandstifled being athomeduring lockdown,orspendingn1ore time thai1 before withtheirfamilies,"he observed.

Headdsthatwordslike'depression'and 'anxiety' can behardtotranslateinmany South Asian languages, makingitdifficult toevenbringtheseupwithsomefamily members.

So what'shisadvice?"Ifyou'dLiketo startadiscussion,I'd recomn,endasking a trustedthird party likeafanillyfriendor trustedacquaintancetobepresentasakind ofmediator. Thisway, parentswill likelybe morereceptiveratherthancorneringthem." Addressingtheseconcernsbecomecrucial onacommunitylevel,Jageshadds.

"Mentalhealthisseenasanindividual issuebutreally,it'sacommunityissue when itimpactsthosearoundyou,"hestated. "Our main message istoencourageyoungSouth Asianstospeakup. Moreconversationscan meanmoresolutions."

Devian{left)and:Jag_eshPanchal

Young South Asian Australians are finally speaking up about their mental health journeys

thereoro quite a tew toxicand unhealthy

living between a culturewhichemphasises behaviourswhich Impact mental health that ore normalised In theSouth Asian community - this is thesame across all communities ••

dutytofamilyandcommunityandone whichemphasises individualism andself. be h 11 discoveryC<Jn • e-x ousting

Wordslike 'depression'and 'anxiety'canbe hardtotranslatein manySouthAsian languages,makingit difficulttoevenbring theseupwithsome familymembers.

rown sexo o

About celebrating pleasure and our bodies

BY RHEA L NATH

t'sasin1plen1essageofself-loveand pleasurethatNatashaLan1ahopesto sharewiththeworld,butfor1nanyyoung SouthAsians,it'sboundtostira much deeperchord.

Inthesehouseholds,evenwiththebest ofintentions,conversationsai·oundsexand sexuaJ healthcanbetricky.

"GrowingupinanIndianfamilyin Malaysia,IneverfeltlikeIcouJdask questionsaboutthesethings,"Natashatells IndianLink. "WhenIdiscoveredpornata youngage,Ihadnoonetotalktoaboutit.I foltlike lwasexploringthisentirespaceof sexualhealthstun1blingaroundinthedark."

HopingtoensureotheryoungSouth Asianscanhaveadifferentexperience,the 24-year-oldstartedbrowngirl.sexologyon Instagramlastyear. UsingcolourfuJimages, herownselfies,andusefulinfographics, shewasdeterminedtotackleallthingssexrelated,head-on.

"Themissionistocelebratepleasure,our bodies,andallthingssexualhealth,through mylensasayoungMalaysian-Indianin Australia,"shesmiles.

Browngirl.sexologyisindeedafascinating pagetoexplore.Debunkingmythsaround virginityandcontraception,fielding questionsonconsent,sextoys,andperiod shame,anddoingitwithnosha111eorfear,it seemsthere'snosubjecttootaboo.

"I alwaysknewIwantedtogetintothe healthspace,"Natashashares. "Ifirstcame toAustraliain2016formyundergraduate studiesinpsychology.ThenItookabreak toexplorewhatI'mreallypassionateabout

tostudyfurther.Ultimately,Ilandedona MastersofPublicHealth(SexualHealth)at theUniversityofMelbourne."

AccordingtoNatasha,themostfrequently askedquestionsonherpageareabout masturbationandsexuallytransmitted infections.

"Iencouragethesequestionsthatcon1e fromhealthycuriosity. Peopleoftenaskme iftheirhabitsare'norn1al'or'okay'andI havetosay, 1hateusingtheword'normal' becausethere'ssomuchvarietyinthehuman experience.What'snormalformemightnot benorn1alforsomeoneelse.There'snoright orwrongwaytoexploreyoursexuality."

Sheextendsthisneedfornuanceand understandingtoconversationsaroundsex workandporn.

"Pornisn'tinherentlybadandenjoying porndoesn'tmakeyouabadfenlinist-it's abouthowwetreattheperformersand howit'sdistributed.Youngpeoplewill inadvertentlydiscoverpornontheInternet. Shouldn'twecreatespacestoaskquestions aboutit?"shewonders.

"Afterall,pornisaformof entertainment,it'snotasliceoflife. It's notwhatactualinteractionswithyourown partnerwilllooklike. I thinkweneedto ensureyoungpeoplelearnthesethingsby beingabletotalkaboutit."

Unfortunately, Instagramcanbeatricky platformtovocalisetheseissues.While somebashtagslike#letstalkaboutsexhave over 105,000posts,otherslike#sexpositive and #sexeducationarelimitedtomeet Instagram'scommunityguidelines. Itforces sexualwellnessadvocatesandinfluencers likeNatashatousewordslike'seggs'and 'p0rn'intheirpostsinstead.

"It'saln1ostamusingthatI'masexpositiveadvocatetryingtogetpeopleto learnandusethecorrectterminologyfor ourbodies,butI'musingdifferentwords myselftoavoidgettingflagged,"shelaughs.

Still,mostfeedbackonbrowngirl. sexology,whichbasaround2,500followers sofar,hasbeenfantastic.

"There'sadeepsenseofprideandjoy fromdoingthis. I'mreallyhappytobe

carvingthissafespace forourcommunity and it'sgreattohearthesamefromfamily andfriends. Mybrotherisoneof111ybiggest supporters. Son1etimesmyparentshave theirconcerns,but I'vealwaysbeentheir stubborndaughterwhowilldowhatshe likes," Natashasays.

Andaswithallthingssocialmedia,she isn'twithoutherfairshareoftrolls.

"Itwasachallengeatfirst,butI learned nottotakethingspersonally. It'sa projectionofhowtheyfeeland notreally aboutme,"sheobserves. "Mymessage topeoplewhodon'tappreciate thistype ofcontentis: l'msorryyoudidn't feel comfortabledoingortalkingaboutthese thingsatmyage,butl encourageyou tositwith thatfeelingandunpackyour discomfort. Often,you'llfindthatthecrux ofitallisshame."

Thisisperhapseasiersaidthandone. It canbealong,potentiallyuncon1fortable experience,butNatashainsiststheend resultisworthit.

"Don'tbesoharshwithyourself.There's somuchjoyinembracingwhatbringsyou pleasure,and Ifinditbleedsintoother aspectsofyourlife,likeallowingyourselfto restorenjoyfoodsimplybecauseitmakes youhappy.Thisisnota linearprocess, but it'ssorewarding."

Infact,shehighlightspositiveresultsin herownrelationshipingivingherpartner thespaceandfreedomtoexplorewhat beingsexyandcomfortablemeansforthem.

"Runningbrowngirl.sexologymakesme reflectonmyownrelationshipandhowmy partnerdoesn'tneedtobesome'macho man'forme.Youngbrownn1endeserve tendernessandcaretoo.It'sallaboutgiving ourselvesthefreedomandgracetofind whatworksforeachoneofus," shesays.

NatashaLama -1:2::....

Pramukh Swami Maharai: Epitome of Compassion

His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921-2016) was Bhagwan Swaminarayan's fifth spiritual successor and the President ofthe BAPS SwaminarayanSansthaforover 60 years. Bochasanwasi ShriAkshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a socio-spiritualHinduorganisationwithitsrootsintheVedas.

Thisyearmarks Pramukh SwamiMaharaj's centennialbirthcelebration; therefore, we aim to paytribute to him through this article series. We will explore Pramukh Swami Maharaj'slife and workthat inspired millions acrossthe world to maintain moral and spirituallifestyles.

COMPASSION: A NECESSITY IN SOCIETY Iftheentirenationweretotakeacuefrom him and live bythose standards, it would solveallofourproblems."PramukhSwami Maharaj was one of the rare individuals who actually practised this credo while encouragingotherstodothesame.

Withoutcompassion,societydevolves into astateofchaosandbrutality,asevidenced through multiple genocides and atrocities throughout human history. Although we seem tobesurroundedbypeopleinvested intheirownagendas,thecompassionthat still exists in the souls ofmany, provides ushopeinmakingtheworldabetterplace. Perhaps the biggest test of this boundless On his firstvisit to Akshardham after the compassion was when Swaminarayan Ak- attack he went to the locations where Pramukh Swami Maharaj's compassion shardhaminGa�dhinagai:, India,fellvictim shooti�gs had occurred. He asked togo to was not due to a life-changing or tragic toabrutalterro�s�attackin2002.Intheaf- wheretheterroristshadbeenshot.Thevol­ incident�nhislife.Hislovin?andgenuinely ter�ath ofthe 1nc1dent, people throughout unteersweredismissiveoftherequest. He compassionatenaturewasinnate. Indiawereveryhurtandangry,andthe insisted and said, "Though they attacked He lived for the joy of others, for the progress of others and for the good of others.

IN THE JOY OF OTHERS•••

"Inthejoyofothers,liesourown. Intheprogressofothers,restsourown. Inthegoodofothers,existsourown."

Thesewordsarenotmerelyataglinegiven by Pramukh Swami Maharaj; they were hislifestyle.Thismantraalsobecamethe guidingprincipleforhisfollowers. Itwas not enough to just tolerate and forgive, to merely wish well for others; it was imperativetocontributetotheirsuccess.

This was the message delivered by Pramukh Swami Maharaj at the United Nations Millennium World Peace Summiton29August2000. Hisremarks were applauded by world and religious leaders alike. When asked why this was remarkable, one religious leader said, "Pramukh Swami Maharaj's life is an extraordinary example oflove and harmony.

COMPASSION BEYOND COMPREHENSION

SwarninarayanAkshardhan1-Gandhinagar,India public's instinct for retaliation reared its head. However, Pramukh Swami Maharaj madeaheartfeltpublicappealforpeaceand stabilitythatechoedaroundthecountryand theworld.

usandtheinnocentpilgrims, wemust not allowtheirhatetoovercomeourlove.Take methere. I wanttoprayforthepeace and redemption of their souls as well." The profundity of Pramukh Swami Maharaj's innate forgiving and loving nature istruly unfathomable.

Many have been inspired to imbibe these virtuesintheirlives. Ifpractisedsincerely, theytransformlives.

COMPASSION THAT INSPIRES OTHERS

ThedepthandbreadthofPramukhSwami Maharaj's selfless love and compassion span decades and vast geographic distances. Pramukh Swami Maharaj has created a communityofpeople who strive tobringjoytoothers.

He is the inspiration for a young gynaecologist in Bryan, Texas, treating uninsured expecting mothers for free so that they can have access to quality PramukhSwami Maharaj's responseto this healthcare. He is the inspiration for a terrorist attack has been studied as an ex- professional musician and travel agent in emplary case ofpeacekeeping and dubbed Chino Hills, California, donating all ofhis as'TheAkshardhamResponse'. incomeasamusiciantohumanitarianand spiritual charities through BAPS for the past20years. Thelistofthoseinspiredby him to think and act with compassion for othersisendless.

EPILOGUE

May all be happy. May all be free from illness.Mayallseewhatisauspicious.May noonesuffer.

The above is aprayer ofcompassionfrom theUpanishads; PramukhSwamiMaharaj wastrulythe epitome ofsuch compassion - henotonlyprayedbutpersevereduntil his last breath to bring each word ofthat prayertolife.

To learn more about Pramukh Swami Maharaj'slifeandwork,pleasevisit:

PramukhSwamiMaharaj SpirihtalHeadofBAPS(1971 -2016)

Pran1ukhSwamiMaharajaddressingtheUNMillenniumWorldPeaceSummit-29thAugust2000

STEP 1.REVISEIiREINFORCEKEYCONCEPTSIiTOPICS

Speciallydesigned textbooks willbeprovidedDAILY.

nn1ycareerinCa1upus Recruitmentfor KPMG, I representoneofAustralia's largestprofessionalservicesatuniversities, engagiJ,gwithstudents, raisingawareness ofjobopportunitiesatcareerfaiTs,and conductinguniversitypresentations.

Ineveryfacetofthejob, Igetto useskills thatcome naturallyton1e-publicspeaking, eventnJanagement,andusingn1ypeople skillstohelpothersmeettheircareergoals.

I lovewhat I doand dowhat Ilove. Butit wasn'talwayslike this.

Wouldyouimaginethatyearsago,I was stuckbehindadesk, readingoldcourtcases foradegreeIstruggled in?Thenpivoted toanaccountingcadetshipthat Iequally disliked?

Everystepoftheway, I'dlistenedtoevery othervoicebutn1yown. lwassoscaredof failurethatI neversteppedoutofthebox.

Now l spendn,ydaysmakingsureyoung graduatesdon'tmake the samemistakes.

"Whatdoyou wanttobewhenyou growup?"

We've allbeen askedthisquestion. Ata youngageweare often pressuredtostart thinkingaboutwhatour futureisgoing tolook like. Unfo1tunately,for1nanythat thoughtislimited tothe profession theyare goingtochooseandthetypeoflifethatis goingtoenable the1ntohave.

We forgettoaskourselvesthemore in,portantquestionssuch as "Doesthis futurelooksustainable?"or "Willit n1ake1ne happy?"

lnhighschool, I wasnotparticularly incUned towardsoneprofessionoranother, butwhat 1 knew forsurewasthat 1 neededto make then1ostoftheopportunity1nymigrant parentshadworkedsohaTdtoprovide n1e. 1beUevedI wouldbringprestigeto1ny fantllyifl wastobecomeadoctor,engineer, accountant,orlawyer.

Decidingonwhichone ofthese professions 1wouldbebestsuitedfor,was difficult. I beUevedthatmygoodgradesin business studiesandn1athen1aticswereasign ofproficiency,so l should lean towardsa careerIDaccountingorfinancialadvisory.

I endedup selectingaBachelorof Co1nn1erce.

However,asingledegreeappearedto beverybasic. I beUevedthiswouldnot be comparabletostudyingmedicineor engineering,soI decidedtodoubleupmy degreeandenroliJ1aBachelorofLawas well.

On reflection, 1nydecisionmakingwas poor.l didnotconsidern1yown strengths andpassions,butratherfocusedon workingtowardsaprofessionthatwouldbe 'respected'by1nycommunity.

Atuni,I begantonoticethatI wasnot

performington1yability,andmygrades reflectedthis. I wasnotenjoyingLaw: researchingandreadingwerefundamental ingettinggoodgrades,and I didnotenjoy eitherendeavour.Thisledtomyn1arks dropping,and I couldnot figure outwhy, given I wasputtinginthe sameeffortas always. Aconfidence-dropfollowed,anda toll on 1nymental health.

Asaneasyfix, Istarted tofocuson AccountingandCommerceratherthan Law.

Amidstallofthis, I 1nanagedtosecure acadetshipina1nid-tieraccountingfirm.I spenttwoyearsworkingthere,andmthis time, I realisedthatIcouldnotsee myself workingintheprofessionlongterm. I was shattered.

I hadspentyearspursuingtwodegrees thatI didnotlike,accumulatedalarge HECS debt,andwasstill lostwhenitcametomy career.

Workingandpursuingstudiesinfields

Iwasnotpassionateaboutshowedupon mytranscriptandinmyworkethic. It took melongertofinish mydegree,itledtome beingunabletoconvertmycadetshipinto agi-aduate role. l feltlikeafailureanda disappointment.

Butwhenyouhitrockbottom, the onJy waytogoisup.

And so J got rightdown tothebasics,and analysedmyownstrengthsandpassions. Ihadalwaysenjoyedpublicspeaking. l hadprovenskillsinevent management. Mypeople skills wereconsiderable. I decidedon developingacareerwhere I would utilise theseinherenttalents.

Throughsome trial anderror,andthe supportof1nyfamilyandboyfriend(now husband), Ihavebuiltupmycurrentcareer in CampusRecruitment.

There'saspringinmystepaslgettowork everyn1ormng. ***

Today,myownca1·eertrajectoryisconstantly in mymmdas l goaboutmydailyjob.

Asthenextgenerationco1netruough university,itisiJnportant forthem to understand thatpassions,interests,and prioritieswillchangeastheygrowolder.

Itisjustasin1portantfortheolder generationtounderstandthatlarge organisationsareplacingJessemphasison degrees,andthatstudentsshouldnolonger beparticipatingblindlyIDaratrace.

MypersonalgoalwhilstonCampusis toengage with studentsand help them understandandunraveltheir ownstrengths. Tohelpstudents realise theirpassions,I makesuretostartconversationsbyasking themtheinevitableand(inmycase,dreaded) question:

"Whatdoyouwanttobewhenyougrow up,and why?"

As a first generation Australian, ANERI UPADHYAY let social expectations dictate her career path. Here's what she learned.

Aftera deep dive into myown strengths and passions, I decided on developing a careerwhere I would utilise myinherenttalents.

(I

youtofillin.(Thete1nptationwasstrongin thisparticularpieceaswell, andforgeda debateaboutwhetherweshouldbuckthe -----Oops,wedidn't).

WhydoyouthinkWordleissopopular, weaskher.

"Itbringspeopletogetherespecially inthesepandemictimes,"sheoffers. "Whateverthereasonis,theworldhas becomeWordle-crazy."

Have therebeenanyexasperating experiences?

"Ohyes-whenthewordoftheday coniesinAmericanspelling.I can'tstand it!"

WordlehasspurredMythiliontoother spinoffs,suchasNerdle,adailynumbers gameinwhichyouguessa numberin sixatten1pts,witheachguessbeinga calculation.

"I'mgettingthehangofitnow," Mythiii reveals. "Ittookn1eawhile,asI didnotget the thrillofit. Butwithdailypractice,['m gettingthere. Mydaughterlovesit."

WethinkMythiliwilJbeparticularlygood atWorldle (whereyouguessthecountryof theday),butperhapsshe'llbeputoffwith Absurdle, Squirdle,Squable,anddefinitely Sweardleand Lewdle(where,um,youguess therudewordoftheday).

Butshemightnotwanttogothere,given shehasbeenindulgingevenmorenew passionslately,likepainting.

<ti havejuststartedpaintingwithwater colours,"shetellsus."I attendonline workshops,andordermypaintson Amazon."

Classical Indianmusichasbeenalifelong passion (herpiecesonlocalCarnatic musiceventshavefeaturedinthisvery publication).

"CurrentlyI'minvolvedwiththestage productionKannagi, forwhich Iwasone oftheAustralia-basedmusicianswho composedthescore. Itisonat Riverside Theatres laterthismonth. Mypiece,a padam, isbasedonthreedifferentragas."

BY RAJNIANAND LUTHRA

ythili Iyerhasalwaysbeen a word nerd. Gamessuchas

ScrabbleandWordscapes havealwaysheldaspecial fascination,andsoitisnotsurprisingto knowshehastakentoWordiebigtime.

Butadjustingherdailyroutinetofitin thewell-knownwordgame'sdailypuzzle, doescomeson1ewhatasasurprise.

TheSydney-basedgrandmotherwakesat 4everymorningtodoherWordie.

"ItislikeIhaveanautomaticalarm," Mythililaughs. "I amupat4,andreachfor n1yWordle."

Ifyouarenotacrossthisword-based sensationyet,Wordleisanonlinegame inwhichyouhave6atten1ptstoidentifya 5-letterword.Therearepromptsasyougo along,tellingyouthattheletteryouhave pickedisnotintheword,orinadifferent spotthantheoneyouhaveallocated,or inthespotyouhaveallocated.There'sno tin1elimit.There'sonlyoneworddaily,and everybodyelseisplayingtoidentifythisone word.Youcanshareyourresultsonsocial media,butonlythepathyoutooktoget thecorrectanswer,notthecorrectanswer itself.

DescribingherWordlejourneyto

IndianLink, Mythili says,"You could say I'mhooked! lwasintroducedtoitbymy niecewholivesintheUS.Thefirsttimel playedit,Igotascoreof3/6,andsowas motivated. Icouldn'twaitforthenextday, todoitagain. Iwaslikealittlekid!"

Twomonthson,shestillcan'twaitfor 24hours,onceherdailyritualiscompleted successfully."I trytoholdbackfromrising at4,tellingmyselfthatlshouldwaitforthe daytobeginbeforegettingontoWordle, butit'snouse,mymindisfullyactive."

Shepostsherscoreonlineeveryday, oftenwithacomn1entsuchas"Difficult wordtoday,notcommonlyinuse"whenthe targetwordwas-famously- CAULK. MythililovestotalkaboutWordie

strategies,happilydescribinghersand askingyouforyours.

Shealsolovestotalkaboutthegameand itsorigins,particularlyitsIndianlink.The NewYork-basedsoftwaredevelope1·Josh WardlecreateditforhispartnerPalakShah, she'lldescribe."Shehelpedhimwith the earlytaskofsortingthrough some 13,000 words,"she'llelaborateadmiringly.

SheenjoysreadingaboutWordlein thenews-suchaswhenawomanknew somethingwaswrongwithherelderlymum becauseshehadn'tpostedherdailyWordie.

We'resureshegetsathrillfromarticles aboutWordleinwhichallthe5-letterwords arewrittenoutincapitals,orwhensome ofthemarewrittenwith5en1ptyspacesfor

Alreadyaspeakeroffourlanguages, MythiliisnowlearningSanskrit. Thereseemstobenoendto Mythili's interests.

"l aimtokeepthosebraincellsworking," she laughs. "Idolove interactingwith peopleyoungerthanme. Ifind Ilearnalot fromtheirworld. lthelpsmestayyoung too."

Shemightbeontosomethingthere withWordle,givenexpertshaveclaimed itstimulatesthecentresofthebrain thatprocessbothlanguageandlogical reasoning,fosterssocialengagement,gives usadopaminehitfollowingasenseof personalachievement,andisaritualthat servesaroleindailylife,likeprayer.

This Indian senior wakes at 4 am every day. To do her Wardle.

AuthorisedbytheAustralian Government, Canberra.

A Holi favourite, and three ways to do it

BY RAJNIANAND LUTHRA

tisnotquitetheweatherforthandaiat HoliinAustralia.Asasu1nmerdrinkof milkandcoolingspices,itispopularat HoliinIndiaassun1111erisjustsetting in.AtHoliinAustralia,weareheadinginto winter.

Yetitisnicetore1ne1nberthetradition, andoftenyoucanstillgetareallywarm

■ 1/2cupalmonds

■ 11/2cupsmilk

■ 4tbspsugar

■ 1tbspfennelseeds

■ 2tbsppoppyseeds

■ 4greencardamom

■ 2tbsprosewater(optional)

■ Afewstrandssaffron

■ 2cupswater,orasneeded

dayonHoli,soitisnotexactlylikehaving n1ulledwineatanAustralianChristmas.

Plus,ifyou'rehavingabunchoffriends over,whetherforabitofasplash-aroundin thebackyard,orjustforadryHoli,thandai isso111ethingthat'lln1akethemgo"Wow!" almostin1n1ediately.

Goon,getthoseearthernwareturnblersout!

Wehaveforyoutb1·eedifferentrecipes here-theauthenticversion,forthose diehardMasterChefkindofhomecooks; aquickjhatpatversionsenttomebymy friendNeelamVasudevan,andofcourse,a cheat'sversion.

Thandai

enoughwater.Youmightfindyouhave tokeepstoppingtoaddmorewater.

Whenthepasteissmooth,introduce thegroundspicemix,andabouthalfa cupofwater.Blendagaintillsmooth.

Strainthemixthroughafinestrainer orcheesecloth.Retaintheliquid.

Heatmilkwithsugaruntilsugar dissolvescompletely.Putinsaffron strandsandkeepasidetocool.

Drygrindfennelseeds,poppyseeds andcardamomtoasfineapowderas youcanget.

Soakalmondsforabout10minutes, thengivethemawhirlinthemicrowave foraboutaminuteorso.Drain,andrub inatea-toweltoremovepeel.Blend thealmondsintoapaste,addingjust

Easy Thandai

■ Fewstrandsofsaffron

■ 3tspfennelseeds

■ 1tspblackpepper

■ 12almonds

■ 12cardamom

■ 1cupsugar

Puttheresiduebackintothe blender,addanotherhalfcupwater andblendagain.Strainagaintoextract theliquid.

Dothisoncemoreifyoufeelthereis lifeleftintheresidue,orelsediscard. Pouralmondextractintocoldmilk, addrosewaterifusing,andchill.

Toserve,pourovercrushedice.

(I'veheardofallkindsofnutsused, magaz(melonseeds),pumpkinseeds, sunflowerseeds,blackandwhite peppercorns,freshordriedrosepetals, evengulkand,rosepetalpreserve).

Mixallthedryitemsandgrinduntil fine.Transferthispowderintoa blender.Addsugarand¼cupmilk andblendtillpasty.Addtheremaining milk, roseessenceandblendfor30 seconds.Strainandpourintoglass. Servechilled

■ 2dropsrose

■ 2glasseschiq

■ ro1ntacklinglogisticalfailuresto __ embracingsmalljoys,travelling alonehelpsn1akeyoun1oreselfreliantandconfident. Butit'snot alwaysasmoothride,sohereare1nytipsto helpinspireyoutogosolo.

Best fit

Beingadventurousisbestdone progressively,onetripatatime.Choose destinationswithinyourcomfortzone. AtripwithinAustraliaisagoodplaceto start,oranoverseasdestinationthatissafe, hasslefreeandwelcon1ingtotourists,like Singapore,Fiji,NewZealand,orJapan.

Do our re arch

Planeachday'sitinerary,soyouknow whereyouneedtobe, andhowyou'regoing togetthere.Youcanstillgowiththeflow, withfreedomtodetour,butyouritinerary willbetheretoguideyouwhenyouneedit. Researchtheareasyou'llbevisiting,always plantoarrivebeforenightfall,andwork outhowyouwillgetfromtheai1·port,bus ortrainstation,toyouracco1n111odation. Knowthecity'slayout,alwayschoosinga central location inasafearea.Workouta fewdinjngoptionsandclosestsupermarket, andplanyoursightseeingbycheckingpubHc transport,hoursofopening,andhowto getthere. Beawareofallborderentry/exit forn1alities,andcheckregularlyforupdates.

Have k

Ifyourflight,trainorbusgetscancelled, haveabackupplanthatyoucanputin place. Ifthereisaproblemwithyour accommodation,haveafewotherslisted thatarecloseby. Havealistofemergency contactsandleavedetailsofyouritinerary withaclosefriendorfamilymember.

Alw y trust 1-�..Whenyousensesomethingisn'tright,it's oftenforgoodreason.Askthehotelstaff aboutareasthatarebestavoided,andifyou go so1newhereanditdoesn'tfeelright,turn back. Whenthetaxidrivertakesyousome placewhereyoudidn'tasktogoto(such asadiversiontoashoppingemporium,or differenthoteltotheoneyou'vebooked) firmlyrefusetogetout.

Youwilln1eetpeoplealongtheway,that's partoftheenrichingexperienceoftravel, butbeaware.lfyou'reexploringonfootand someoneappearsalongsideandstrikesupa conversation,recognisethatit'smostlikelya sca1n.Don'ttellpeopleyou'vejustmetwhere you'restaying,no1natterhownicetheyseeni,

PetrainthePhilippines

anddon'tgooutwiththen1foradrink.

There'sonlyyoutoensureyourbelongings aresafe. Icarryalightweightbagandwhen usingarestroom,itcomesalong.When flying,itgoesaboveme,andl keepn1y handbagslungacrossmeatalltimes. On trains, lpadlockmybagtotheoverhead luggagerack. Intaxis,mybagsitsalongside. Iavoidlongdistancebusessincebagsgo underneath,outofsight,andyoucan'tbe sureyourbagwon'tbepilferedortaken whenstopsarernade. OncewhenIdozed

onabus, Ifeltahandtryingtoopenmy handbag. Iusea PacSafehandbagfitted withwiremeshandalockthatl takewith mewhenI'mafteranextralayerofsecurity.

Ifyou findyourselflost,trytoremain confident.Whenithappenstome, Igo insideashoptocollectmythoughts, andworkoutmybearings. Iflfeel uncomfortable,suchasasensethat I'm beingfollowed,Iwaitfortouriststopassby, andwalkalongsidethem,gooutadifferent exit,orwalkbackoutandfacethemuntil

theygoaway.

Ha an I er 0 [fyoudoreceiveunwantedattention,it's time foryourdefensiveselftocometothe rescue. Ifsomeoneunknowntoyouasks ifyou'retravellingalone,sayno,you're onyourwaytomeetyourfriend. 1 always wearaweddingringandsayI'mwithmy "husband."

h Itr

Takeavisualnoteofwhatlocalswear atthecountryyou'revisitu1g,andpack accordingly,soyou'llblendin.Clothlngthat

pat, In

covers your legs, arms and shoulders, and a scarf, will be appropriate in so many places, and 1nore coverage is preferable to not enough. Where adherence to tradition is still strong, how you dress will impact how you are treated. So no 1natter how hot, consign shorts and tank tops to those destinations where they are accepted.

Going alone vs an e o d r

Ifyou'd prefer everything to be taken care offor you, consider an escorted tour, freeing up 1nore time for you to enjoy your

trip. Escorted tours are also best suited to travelling to remote, inaccessible places that you would not be able to get to otherwise, where you would encounter logistical proble1ns ifyou went alone, or where you would find it challenging to n1eet with local people. A knowledgeable tour guide can provide this bridge so that you can connect with local people and their way of life in a way that wouldn't be possible on yourown.

Lisa Pagotto, Founder and Di1·ector of Crooked Co,npass offers tours to some of the world's most remote destinations.

"We partner with local guides and

choose to have female guides for many of our female focussed tours," she says. "We want our female travellers to feel inspired, safe and empowered when being educated and led th1·ough some of the world's most remote reaches, to truly get under the skin ofa culture or destination."

I I

To avoid feeling lonelywhile travelling, I look at ways to connect. l often stay at boutique sized accommodation, or hostels that provide a shared kitchen and lounge, l seek out activities tojoin in places I'm visiting,

such as guided walking tours, a lecture at a museum, concert, or cooking class.

i g O V I

There have been places I've travelled to that were unexpectedly challenging and left me feeUng overwhelmed. But I've learnt from that, on what I can do better next time. The best part about solo travelling for 1ne is the freedom to move through the world on my own when and how I want to go, and now that the world is slowly opening up once more, I've planned my way back. So let's get out there, and let us know where you went.

:Jordan

Traintrip withinAustralia

SriLanka

Identifying the tree on your property and how to include it in your landscape design

BY GOPIKA SAMBANTHAM

very hon1e,itissaid, needs a tree. We love treesi11 sun1merfortheir shade andtheir breeze, in spring fortheir loveof life,in autumn for theirshowdown, andin winter fortheir bare beauty.

Treesare adistinguishingfactorinwellestablisheda11dsought-aftersuburbs,whether fortheway they linethestreetsorfortheway theyadd1naturity andcharactertohomes.

If you happento buyyourdrea1n hon1ein onesuchsuburb, then this articlewillhelp you understandhow to designarounda well-establishedtree.

DESIGNING WITH MATURE TREES: PRO AND CONS

Amature tree can behindranceoranasset, dependingonyourn1indsetandthetypeof treewithwhlchyou aredealing.

Pros

■ They addcharactertothegarden.

■ Thebare trunk willgivea sculpted look, andwhen highlighted can add atouchof dra111a.

■ You canunderplant (ifyouaddfree n1ulchtothegarden bedthenyou won't havetopull outthe weeds)

■ They'llkeepyour surroundingscool duringsummer.

Cons

■ A mature treewillhavequite an extensive rootsysten1underneath;you must be carefulnotto damage thetreeif youdecideto use the spaceunderneath.

■ Anarboristwillhelpyou toidentifythe issuesandhowto rectifywithoutchopping thewholetree. Itis anexpenseworth spendingifyou wanttoretainthetree.

■ Localcouncilapprovalisrequiredto remove mature trees.

HARDSCAPE DESIGN FEATURES UNDERNEATH YOUR TREE

Thereare nun1erous hardscapefeatuTes that can beadded underneaththe trees as longascareistakennotto damage the rootsystemof theexisting1nature treeand enoughspaceis leftforthe treetoacquire required nutrients.

■ Adda stone benchor wallforseating.

■ Addadeck.

■ Addapaved areaforseatinganddining.

■ Addahangingchairorswingifthe branchisstrong.

DESIGNING WITH EVERGREEN TREES

Ifyou happentohave anevergreentree in youryard, dependingonthevariety and theshadetheycast,thedesignideasbelow can be implementedwhenredesigning

yourya1·d.

■ Chooseshade-tolerantplantsforunder planting, like ferns.

■ Thesoilunderneathpinetreesisacidic, soacid-lovingplantslikehyd1·angea, azaleaand liriopeaTe agoodidea.

■ Becauseevergreentreesprovideshade throughouttheyear, someseating underneathcouldbeworthconsidering.

DESIGNING WITH DECIDUOUS REES

Deciduous trees are appealinginany garden becauseofthe all-year-roundinterest they provide.Ifyournew property has deciduous trees, thenyou n1ustmaximize theirbeauty inyourrenovationor landscapingdesigns.

■ Choose part-shade plantsfor under planting.

■ Highlight asfeature tree,and then design theotheraspectsof thegarden.

■ Highlightwithlightsatduskfor immediategardenenhancement.

DESIGNING WITH PALM TREES

Palm treeshave shallow rootsystems, so care shouldbetakenonhowyou treat the space underneaththem.

■ Highlight by designinga block wall or stone wallaroundyourpalm tree fora stand-out effect.

■ Layeritwithothervarieties ofplants to soften the landscape, as palmtrees give a structured look.

■ Addotherpalmvarieties to bringin a tropicallook.

Spendsome timetoleaTnaboutthetrees in thegardenofyournewhon1eorproperty. Thereare heapsofonlinegroupsyoucould join,andprofessionalwebsitestotry. Be guided by natureinyourrenovationorgarden redesignplans. Rememberthatoldadage, someoneissittingintheshadetoday because someoneplanted atreea longtimeago. Onceyou'vegrownto truly love yourtree, you could learnhowyourtreecouldhelp addvalue toyourproperty.

Haveyou beenthinking about building a brand new home?Then it's time tovisit HomeWorld.

V Firststep-gotohomeworld.com.au

V Seewhathomesareondisplayacross5locations.

V Makealistofbuildersandhomesyouwouldliketovisit.

Therereallyisnoeasierwaytofindtheperfectnewhomedesign foryourlifestyle,andtogetideas,inspirationandinformation. DesignsondisplayincludeSingleStorey,DoubleStorey, GrannyFlats,Duplex,SlopingBlock,Customdesignandso muchmore.

What's on our screens this March

I RRR (Theatre release)

I I ThisSSRajamoulifilmwillfinallyseethelightofday,followingmultiple postponementsthankstoCOVID. TheTelugu-languageperiodfilmisafictional 1 storyabouttwoIndianrevolutionaries,AlluriSitaramaRaju(RamCharan)and KomaramBheem(NTRamaRaoJr),whofoughtagainsttheBritishandtheNizam I ofHyderabadrespectively.AjayDevgnandAliaBhattmakecameoappearances. I Samuthirakani,AlisonDoody,RayStevenson,OliviaMorrisandShriyaSaranplay supportingroles.MadeonabudgetofINR400crore(US$53million), RRR was I initiallyscheduledfortheatricalreleaseon30July2020.

I I RRR releases on 25 March.

THE KASHMIR FILES (Theatre release)

The Kashmir Files tellsthestoryoftheexodusofKashmiriHindusintheearly 1990sduetotheinsurgencyinthestate.Followingthesuccessof The Tashkent Files, filmmakerVivekAgnihotriwrotethisfilmafterextensiveresearch,including interviewsofthosewhofled.Someofthesevideointerviewsmadeitintothefinal cut.AnupamKherandMithunChakrabortystar.

The film is scheduled to release on 11 March 2022.

ETERNALLYCONFUSED ANDEAGER FOR LOVE

RUDRA: THE EDGE OF DARKNESS (Disney+Hotstar)

Ifyoulovepsychologicalcrimethrillersthenthisone'sforyou.ChannellingIdrisElba intheBritishTVshow Luther, AjayDevgnplayssupercopRudraveerSingh,outto tamethecrime-riddenstreetsofMumbaianditsmazeofpsychopathicminds.Esha DeolandRaashiKhannaalsostar. Rudrastarts streaming on 4 March.

I ETERNALLY CONFUSED AND EAGER TO LOVE {Netflix)

I Sowe'veallheardthisbefore: You're 25 now, we have tothinkaboutyourfuture. AndJustdon'tsay anythingstupid, ok.Fromtheparentsofcourse,whoelse.Check I outhowyoungRay(VihaanSamrat)traversesthepathoffindinglove,withhisallI knowingandalways-admonishingparentslookingon.JimSarbhandRahulBosealso starinthisZoyaAkhtarandFarhanAkhtarproduction.

I Be popcorn ready on 18 March.

JALSA {Amazon Prime Video)

A life-alteringincident bringstogethertwowomen fromopposite endsof societyatcrossroads withthemselves:one seeksredemption,while theothernurturesa vengeful hatred Starring here,aretwoofthemost powerful performersin contemporarytimes,Vidya Balan asaTVjournalist, and ShefaliShah as her cook.SureshTriveni of TumhariSulu famedirects. Promisestobeatreat.

Jalsa releases on 18 March.

MAARAN

Dhanush stars as Maaran, an investigativejournalist, in thisactionthriller. He is introublebecause he'sjust publishedan articleexposingbitter truths abouta corrupt politician. Malavika Mohanan playsfellow journalistand love interestinthis Karthik Naren directedfilm. Maaran isreleasingin fourlanguages-Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada. The film releases on 11 March.

JHUND (Theatre release)

Yetanothersports biopic,thistime based onthelifeof VijayBarse,thefounderofan NGOcalledSlumSoccer. Asports coach byprofession, Barse investedtime and moneytotrain underprivileged kids infootball, tokeepthem awayfromdrugsand crimesseeded in Nagpur's underbelly. Equally,the backdrop isperfect fordeliberation on a varietyofsocietal ills: castedivide, women'sissues, poverty.Thatthe legendaryAmitabh Bachchan takesonthe main role, isadded attraction in thisfilm written and directed byNagraj Manjule. Jhundissetfora 4 March release.

TOOLSIDAS JUNIOR (Theatre release)

Anothersport-basedfilm,thistime fromtheworldofsnooker. Little ToolsidasJunior(Varun Buddhadev) learnsto playthegamefromthe agingMohammad Salaam (Sanjay Dutt), in ordertofulfilthedream of hisfatherToolsidas(RajivKapoor) who is nowno more.The big baddy inthe midstofallthisisthe legend ofthe game, thewesternisedand arrogantJimmyTandon (Dalip Tahil). ThisAshutoshGowariker film isbound todrawa bitof attention,given itisthe lastrole ofactorRajivKapoorwho passed awayin Feb2021.

ToolsidasJuniorhits the screens on 4 March.

1 BACHCHHAN I PANDEY (Theatre I release)

I Action-comedyisa popular I genre in India, especiallyif Akshay Kumarisstarring.This I film isaboutan upcoming I filmmakerwho is researching adreadedgangsterfora I story. Buthissecretattempts I failwhen hegetscaught forsnooping. Kriti Sanon, I Jacqueline Fernandezand I Arshad Warsi alsofeature inthis remake ofTamilfilm I Jigarthanda (2014)itselfa I remakeofSouth Koreanfilm A Dirty Carnival (2006). I Lookoutforthisoneon18March.

I SUTLIYAN (Zee 5) I

I AdultsiblingsreturntotheparentalhomeforDiwali, reunitingafteryears.Theybringwiththemtheir emotionalbaggage-thwarted ambition, challenging 1 current-dayresponsibilities and unresolved

disputeswitheachother. Navigatingthecomplex I multi-threadingoftheirrelationships,theyrelivethe cherished momentsofgrowinguptogether. Sutliyan releases on 4 March.

BRIDGERTON SEASON 2 (Netflix)

Wecan'twaittogo backto1814,to getourfixofRegencyEnglandand its empire-waistdresses,gossiprags, and societal codesthatpassed onto India. Thistimeofcoursethere'sadded interest,asweseetheIndian-origin KateSharma (SimoneAshley)bring "consummaterake"AnthonyBridgerton (Jonathan Bailey)toheel. The series drops on 25 March.

2 (Sony-Liv)

I Undekhi 2 revolvesaround a crimethattakesplaceone

I nightin picturesqueManali,andthecatand mouse chasethatensues postthatbetweenthe perpetrators I andtheonesseekingjustice.Agrippingtaleofpower, I revenge,and love,itfeaturesHarsh Chhaya, Surya Sharma, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, AnchalSingh, I ApekshaPorwal,and AnkurRathee, amongothers. I Undekhi2 will premiere on March 4.

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MINAL KHONA

MinaI Khona has been readingtarotcardsfor the lasttwodecades. She uses herintuition and connectwith the cards mostlyto helppeople.

Ifyou already have doubts, it is I possiblethat your partner is cheating

on you. The Moon card is indicative ofa clandestine affair ordeception.

Those in the midstof a financial I negotiation should guard against being I led up the garden path. A planned trip ends up with more hurdlesthan happy memories. You will letgoofemotional baggage and grudgesofthe past.

Sticktothe middle path for peace and balance. Acceptthe changes coming your wayfor positive results.

Taureansmaybeonthe horns ofa dilemma intheirpersonal or professional lives with equallytempting options.A recentbreak-up may hurt morethan expected. Ifbusiness is slow, you should lookatotheravenues formoreprofit. Financesarestable and incomethrough multiplesources isforetold. Someofyou may be attractedto an olderperson even ifyou are in a relationship.What looks like a complete write-offmayjustbethe strokeofluckyou need.

I A difficult month for Gemini as I problems could occur on all I fronts - financial, personal or marital. Those in a relationshipmayend it I because of lack oftrustoran unfaithful I partner. Travel carefullyasyou could have an accident. Businesscould slow I down, butsome new opportunities I will comeyourway. Grabthem. A rocky marriage may head forthe I divorce courts. All the upheaval is I the end ofa negative cycle and better 1 times lie ahead.

I An existingcondition in yourlifewill I change soon. You maygeta chanceto travel orchangejobswhich will help I reduce loneliness ifany. Colleagues and I seniors are supportive atwork.The selfI employed could see new partnerships. A positive mindset keeps you in good I spirits. Health problems will reduce. I Moneycomesyourwaythrough a stroke I ofluck. Look outforopportunitiesthat can leadyouto untraveled pathswhich I are beneficial. Trustyourgut instincts I forall decisions.

You maybe unsureofthefuture butyou I ThefinickyVirgos mayfind themselves will moveforward in workand in love. beinga bitindecisive duetothecard Expectstress in travel butanyproblem I they have picked which standsforLibra.

I An idealisticmindsetseekingthehigher good dominatesLibrans.Someofyou could actually be a blessing in disguise. I Expectdilemmas in your mind and I Atwork, ifyou executea newidea, itwill heart, newfriends, and lettinggo ofpast

I maygoon aspiritual quest.Thoseof you who havestartedseeingsomeone recently, may betornbetween making a commitmentand waitinga bitlonger. bewell-received. Disagreementswith I baggage. Self-doubtcontinuesto bog I familywill end. Moneyproblemswill I you down at work. A mild infection can disappeargradually.A lotoffearsyou betaken care ofwith supplements. A haveare unfoundedsosilenceyourmind I negative mindset will addto yourwoes when in doubtwhile makingimportant I butfeelings of loneliness and alienation decisions. Unexpected meetings leadto I are goingto end. Be objective while newopportunities. makingdecisions. I

I Think before makinga decision inyour personal and professional lives. Ifa I relationshipdoesn'thelpyou grow,you I mightwanttoend it.Moneyduetoyou I will be paid.Trustyourintuitionwhen in doubt.Attachmentsto outcomeswill end. I

Anewphase isaboutto begin inthe I form ofa paradigmshift, a new line of I workor new romance. The lattermay I even cause a lotof upheaval inyour life. Yourwork attracts attention fromthe I rightquarters. A marriage howevercould I hitatroubled patch. Family members areall understresssotread gentlyto I avoid confrontations. Adetermined I efforttochangeyour lifestylewill make I you healthier. Delays in money matters continueto frustrate. I

OutdoorlovingSagittariansmaydelve withinforclarity. Especialyiftheywant toknowwhatitistheywantintheir relationships.Someofyoumayeven decidetoremainfriendsonly.Your ambitionsatworkwill makeyouseek widerhorizons. Goforit. Familyfall-outs will be healed.Yourbestsuccesscomes through doingwhatyouare passionate about; a long-standingfinancial problem getssorted outamicably. Letthe universe knowwhatyouwantand letitgo.

Thosegettingovera break-up will be I open to new romance. Theself-employed could getan unexpected business I opportunity. New ideasorpartnerships

I could be onthe anvil.Those ina I relationship might consider livingtogether orgettingmarried.Avoid bingeingon

I foodtosolveemotional problems.A

I newbusinesswillsubstantiallyaddto

I your income. Be bold intakingdecisions aboutyourfuture, and promoteyourself

I aggressivelyatwork.

I DreamyAquarians drawthe cardfor I Cancerimplyingtheycould be more

I Singlescouldmeetsomeonesignificant I throughwork,socialservice,oreven I emotionalthan practical in March. Singles willwantto mingle butwork I mightgetin theway. Be clearwhile I atasocialevent. Keepanopen mind. Workfrom homekeepssomeofyou busy

I forlonghours.Someofyoumayeven

I negotiating, toavoid problems with I takeonextraworktomakesomemore payments later. Financial independence money.Separation duetologisticsora I isyourgoal and you will acton it.Those I disagreementistemporaryforthose in I in a relationship maywantto end itifit I a relationship.Avoidover-consumption I isabusive. Gratitudefor blessings and I ofalcohol. Financesareon anupswing thefaith thatwhatyou wantwill cometo now. Half-heartedeffortswillfacehurdles I you, seesyouthroughthe month. I whetheritisloveorwork.

I I I I I I I I I

I

The weekly call to ril'ill!Jrilil

DEARAUNTYJI

I ama littlehesitantaboutbringing youmyproblem.butIhavestruggled withitforthelastsixmonthswithno solutionsofmyown (Iameagertohear yoursolution atthesametimethatI amconcernedyouwillscoldme.)Iam agrownmanwithafamilyofmyown and Iamgenerallyveryhappybecause Ihavemanyblessingsinmylife.Ihada veryhappychildhoodalso Mymumis nowinherlate70sandhereiswheremy problemsare Sheiswidowedanddoes notlivewithus.Iloveherverymuch andmakeapointofcallingheroncea week ButeachtimeIcall,shespends theentirehourtalkingaboutthemost boringofthings Shecomplainsabout herneighbourstealing herlemonsfrom hergarden Shecomplainsaboutmy cousinwhochosetomarryagora. She complainsaboutherarthritis, hergout. thetasteofhermangopickles.climate change,lackofrespectforelders,the listgoesonandon.Auntyji,itistiring listeningtoher Whattodo?Itrytosteer hertoneutraltopicsbutnoluck

AUNTYJISAYS

ArreA*$%*@, sharamnahiaati?Didyou wantyourmothertobeaBollywood

filmwhoistheretoentertainyou? Did youwanthertobeajigsawpuzzlethat youneedtosolve?Didyourmother complainwhenyouwere4yearsold andlearningtotalkandshehadtolisten toyougoonandonaboutthemost boringofthings?Didshecomplain whenyouaskedherfivethousand questionsevenwhenshewasprobably reallytired-possiblyofraisinga kumbukhtlikeyou?Yourmothergave youahappychildhood.Nowthatshe isinhertwilightyearsandprobably haslessthanadecadeleft,thevery leastyoucandoistojustlistentoher. Stopjudgingher-shehasdoneherbit byraisingahuman beingwhoisnota serialkiller.Sojuststop,openyourears. zipyourmouhandlistentoher.There aremanypeoplereadingthisrightnow whowishtheycouldheartheirmother's voiceonemoretime.andhereyouare. sayingthatyouarebored.Yourmother hasearnedtherighttoboreyoutotears becausegodknows,youprobablydid thesametoherforthefirst20yearsof yourlife.Ifstimetopayherbackwith loveand respect.Justlistentoher. andcherishthemoment.Itwon'tlast foreveranditwillendsoonerthanyou expect.

Whoputricotta im

DEARAUNTYJI

Mywifeisafabulouscook.andshe makessimpledishesverytastyand nutritious Butshecanbeabitofa puristifyoulike:shewouldratherdip herhandin urad batterandfryitin hotoilthantochangeherdishesfrom thetraditionalways Forexample,she willonlyusegheefortemperingthe do/-shewon'tuseasubstitute She willnever.ever.addapricotsorgrapes toherchickencurry.orfishsauceto addumamiftavourtoherpalakpaneer. Sotheproblemisthis.AnAussiefriend Samfrequentlyasksforrecipesfrommy wife,andthenwhenhemakesthedish. heimprovises.Thiswouldbeok.ifnot forthefactthathethenoffersatasting plattertomywifeforheropinion My wifeisapoliteperson,butshesimmers likea sambaarwhenshetriesthese mangledofferings Iwanttospareher thistorture Doyouhaveasuggestion?

AUNTYJISAYS

Whatiswrongwiththeseamateur cookswhothinktheycantakeadish thathasbeeneatenforgenerations. fromoneoftheworld'soldest civilisations. andthenimproviseit? Arethesepeoplesoignorantabout

howoffensivetheyarebeing?The solutionhere. my aloo baingan, isfor youtobethemanand notthemouse you'vebeensofar.Thisisallyourfault forindulgingyourbesharam friend. Sothenexttimehetakesarecipe andthenoffersatastingplatterofan improvised morsel,pleasestepup. Withgreatceremony,Iwantyouto tastethefoodandthenmakeaface asthoughyouhavebeenoffered mitti laddoo. Removethefoodimmediately -withgreatdisgust-fromyour mouthandlookaghastatyourfriend asthoughhehasjusttriedtopoison you.Then,summonallyouroutrage andask."WTFSam.whathaveyou donetothisdeliciousdish?"And ifhe looksbefuddledandtriestoexplain thatheaddedfishsauceorgrapesor ricottacheeseorwhatevertothedish -interrupthimimmediatelyandsay, "Thisisadish mypeoplehavebeen eatingforgenerationsandwehave followedatime-honouredrecipe."Then stareathimthoughtfullyandaskin aquietertone."Isitbecauseyouare Whitethatyouthinkyouknowbetter thanus?"Thenwalktothefridgeand lookinsideforacanofbeerwhilehe wonderswhatthehelljusthappened.

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MATRIMONIALS

SEEKING GROOMS

Seekinga professionallyqualified match, teetotaller, ofgood familybackground, preferablyAustralian citizen orPR holder, forhighlyqualified career-oriented Brahmin girl 35, 5'2", vegetarian, ofgood family background, workingand well settled in Sydney. Please contactaussyd08@gmail.com

SEEKING BRIDES

31-year-old Hindu male of Indian heritage (never married, Australian citizen, vegetarian, qualified engineer, workingin publicservice) seeks educated, employed Hindu bride (Australian citizen) between

24-28years. He is 165cm tall, ofathletic build,and valuestrust, spirituality, socialisingand the outdoors. His family has been settled in Sydneyforthe past 17 years. Please email bke24c@gmail.com or call 0404484 766.

M,c�N•ST20 ORLD CUP"'!usrRALIA 2022